Onesimus Ustonson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Onesimus Ustonson (April 1736 – after 1783) was an English manufacturer of fishing tackle. He invented the multiplying reel, and supplied fishing tackle to the naturalist Joseph Banks for the second voyage of James Cook, 1772–1775. The firm of Ustonson went on to become Royal Warrant holders to three successive British monarchs.
Career
In 1749, Ustonson was apprenticed for seven years to John Herro, a fishing tackle maker and owner of the Fish and Crown at 48 Bell Yard, Temple Bar, a narrow street between Carey Street and Fleet Street. He took over the business in 1760[1] and opened his shop in 1761. The firm remained a market leader for the next century.[2]
In 1770, Ustonson invented the first multiplying reel, and supplied fishing tackle to the naturalist Joseph Banks for the second voyage of James Cook, 1772–1775.[3] In 1783, he was made master of the Worshipful Company of Turners, one of the oldest Livery Companies in the City of London. His son John was master in 1818.[1]
