The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Hoe, Robert (inventor)
HOE, Robert, American inventor: b.
Leicestershire, England, 1784; d. 1833.  He came to
the United States in 1803, was for a time a
joiner, and later entered partnership with his
brothers-in-law, Matthew and Peter Smith, for
the sale of a hand printing-press, the invention
of the latter. He took over the business in
1823. He retired in 1832. The original Hoe
printing-press was designed and built by him.
He is believed to be the earliest American
machinist who utilized steam as a motive power in
his plant.