in 1856, the sewing machine combination was formed, consisting of singer, howe, wheeler, wilson, grover and baker. these four companies pooled their patents, with the result that all other manufacturers had to obtain a license and pay $15 per machine. this lasted until 1877, when the last patent expired. james edward allen gibbs (1829–1902), a farmer from raphine in rockbridge county, virginia patented the first chain stitch single-thread sewing machine on june 2, 1857. in partnership with james willcox, gibbs became a principal partner in willcox &amp; gibbs sewing machine company.