Anson Mills
1834–1924Anson Mills improved cartridge belts, expanded production for the Spanish–American War, then secured British orders after aiding Canadian troops.
Particulars
Anson Mills began after the Civil War to improve the regulation cartridge belt by attempting to weave the whole belt in one piece without sewing; the improved belt was adopted by the U.S. Army, though the frontier army required only small numbers.
At the commencement of the Spanish–American War Mills and his associates expanded their factory to produce a thousand belts a day, but the war’s quick conclusion left Mills practically bankrupt; after giving belts to Canadian troops headed for the Boer War, Mills soon received orders from the British government, his success was assured, and by 1905 he had made a small fortune and sold his interest.
Compiled from Wikipedia. Automated record.