James Leffel
1806 - 1866
Springfield's "first inventor", born in Virginia, brings a genius previously unparalleled in the history of our community. His passion for the use of the abundant water supply in the area accelerates Springfield into the early beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. Leffel's first invention, the "Buckeye stove", drastically improves upon the conventional oven of its day. But the construction of the then controversial 1½ mile long Mill Race, powering twelve factories on the city's north side near the Buck Creek, opens the door for his most well-known invention, the double turbine water wheel. The first industrial complex is the result of Leffel's combined efforts with the Barnett brothers using this innovative water wheel. Springfield prospers at the hand of James Leffel as he becomes the nation's leader in water turbine manufacturing.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 39° 56.206′ N, 83° 49.29′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Ohio, in Clark County. Marker is in Section E of Ferncliff Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 West McCreight Avenue, Springfield OH 45504, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers
Also see . . .
1. James Leffel. Prabook website entry (Submitted on June 21, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. James Leffel & Co. Vintage Machinery website entry (Submitted on June 21, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. The James Leffel & Company. Company website homepage (Submitted on March 25, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. The James Leffel & Company Manuscript Collection. Wright State University website entry (Submitted on March 25, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 761 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 25, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on June 21, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 25, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.