Ernest Loosley
Ernest Alfred Loosley (born December 1862 in Marylebone, London, England; died February 22, 1895 in West End) was a bicycle repairman, ventriloquist and merchant.
Loosley married the former Isabel Thompson in Carlisle, Cumbria in December 1887. He worked at a bicycle shop there. They emigrated to the United States in 1890 or 1891 and settled in Birmingham along with Isabel's sister, Elizabeth Thompson.
Loosley was employed to supervise the expanded bicycle repair department of the Birmingham Arms & Cycle Co. in 1893.
With a group of investors, he incorporated the Loosley Cycle Co. on May 3, 1894, taking on the role of manager of the company. The shop performed repairs and custom modifications, with a focus on competitive cycling. The shop was recognized as the "official" repairers for the Alabama Division, League of American Wheelmen, and sponsored local races
Loosley developed specialized wheels, such as the "Birmingham Scorcher" used by Ed Warren, and also sold the customized "Birmingham Bicycle" for $40.00 and built a custom miniature bicycle for Mary Munger when she was learning to ride at the age of 2. Loosley also submitted patent applications for a chain guard and crank drawer, but neither were granted before his death.
The Loosley Cycle Co. survived the death of its manager and namesake for at least a few years.
Loosley was buried with his wife at Oak Hill Cemetery. Though his headstone still marks the site there, his remains were moved to Elmwood Cemetery in 1906.
References
- "Cyclist's Corner" (June 10, 1894) The Birmingham News, p. 7
- "Smallest Rider in the World" (July 6, 1897) The Birmingham News, p. 2
External links
- Ernest Loosley at Findagrave.com