George Willard Coy

George Willard Coy (November 13, 1836 – January 15 or 23, 1915) was an American mechanic, inventor and entrepreneur. He ran the first commercial telephone exchange in 1878 and was involved in the production of the first telephone directory.

Coy in the Bell Telephone Magazine

Early life

Coy was born on November 13, 1836, in Freedom, Maine.[1] He was a first sergeant in Company D, 56th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry of the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Career

On January 28, 1878, the first telephone switchboard went into operation in New Haven, Connecticut. It was set up by Coy, Herrick P. Frost, and Walter Lewis and with an investment of $600; the switching equipment was developed and built by Coy. The company was named District Telephone Company of New Haven. Coy took over the switching operation and thus became the world's first operator, Frost the first salaried operator.[2] Eight telephone lines were available to the company's initial 21 customers.[3] After Lewis left, Coy and Frost sold a blocking minority to the investor as capital requirements increased. The Southern New England Telephone Company was formed from the company in 1882.[4]

Coy was involved in the publication of the world's first telephone directory on February 21, 1878. It consisted of a single sheet of paper and contained 50 names. It was produced by Coy and the District Telephone Company financiers.[4]

Death and legacy

Coy died on January 15 or 23, 1915, in Revere, Massachusetts.

References
  1. McDonald, William. "George Willard Coy: Carriage Bolts and teapot handles become First Telephone Switchboard". Milford Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2020-10-26.
  2. Kane, Joseph; Anzovin, Steven; Podell, Janet (1997). Famous First Facts: A Record of First Happenings, Discoveries, and Inventions in American History. H.H.Wilson. pp. 591–600. ISBN 9780824209308. AT&T's Telephone Almanac cited without resolving the contradiction that Frost on the one hand was employed and on the other hand co-founder and seller of the telephone company.
  3. Buckley, Tom. "January/February 2003 Page 5SBC SNET Celebrating 125th Anniversary" (PDF). CECA Newsletter. Connecticut Educators Computer Association (PDF). Retrieved 2020-10-25. On January 28th, SBC SNET will be 125 years old.Back in 1878, George Willard Coy established the first commercial telephone exchange in the world -interconnecting 21 telephones on 8 lines! {{cite web}}: Check |archiveurl= value (help)
  4. "Southern New England Telephone Company: The First Fifty Years, 1878-1928". Archives and Special Collections. University of Connecticut Libraries. Retrieved 2020-10-25. {{cite web}}: Check |archiveurl= value (help)
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