Edwin Rutenber achieved his destinction in the desinging and manufacturing of the first-four cylinder engine. Edwin was born in Sadorus, Illinois on August 10, 1876 to Darwin and Zelia Rutenber. He passed away in September 1962 at Greenville, Michigan.
Edwin made a study of mechanics, learning the trade and in 1892 or thereabouts, invented a single cylinder motor. In 1898 he produced his first four cylinder gasoline motor. Come June of 1902 Edwin moved the Rutenber Manufacturing Company from Chicago, Illinois to Logansport, Indiana.
The name of the company was later changed to The Western Motor Company.
"The 1907 Logansport City directory states The Western Motor Company employed 300-400 men and shipped all over the country".
Since July of 1912, the name of the company has been The Rutenber Motor Company. At the last mentioned date, Mr Rutenber disposed of his holding in the corporation and in September of 1912 The Rutenber Electric Co. "RECO" was Incorporated and manufactured electric appliances.
Early in 1916 Edwin expanded his operations to Marion, Indiana. Since becoming a resident of Logansport, Indiana Mr. Rutenber took a leading part in the industrial activiities of the City.
Wallace Spencer Huffman compiled information on Indiana Built Automobiles and states "Rutenber Mfg. Company produced a car in 1902". This was fifteen years before the ReVere Motor Car Company. However, no other cars were built and Edwin continued to produce Car engines.
