Burt & Bailey (1853-1855) - The first mention of the firm Burt & Bailey is in the September 6, 1853 issue of the Detroit Advertiser "Messrs Burt & Bailey, 3 doors down below the Advertiser office have opened a factory for making and repairing mathematical instruments. They are engaged in making Burt's Patent Solar Compasses." It was not until December 9, 1854 that John Aylesworth Bailey, William Burt and John Burt (sons of William Austin Burt, the inventor of the solar compass) signed an article of Co-partnership: "To carry on the business of manufacturing and selling mathematical instruments of brass or other metal, and in repairing the same, and all things to said business belonging, to be carried on in said city of Detroit." Bailey put into the firm tools of his trade and stock to the value of fourteen hundred dollars and William Burt and John Burt each seven hundred dollars in tools and stock in trade. Bailey was to continue to be the instrument maker and to be paid 800 dollars per year: "And it is hereby mutually agreed between said co-partners that said Bailey is to manage and carry on said business, except as hereinafter mentioned, and employ himself as a mechanic in the manufacturing part thereof, and to hire and pay, out of the assets, moneys and effects of said firm, such men under him, as he shall deem for the best interest of said business, and shall have as compassion for said services, over and above shi share of the profits of said co-partnership and shall be paid therefore by said co-partnership, at the rate of eight hundred dollars per year, for the time so employed by him in the actual management and direction of said business -- and also that neither said William Burt nor John Burt shall be required to devote his time or services in the management of said business -- but should both or either of them desire and offer to be employed or occupied in the management or direction of the affairs and business of said co-partnership, they shall have the right to be so employed." There is no evidence that either John or William Burt worked as instrument makers. Neither is listed in the Detroit Directories of 1853 or 1855 as residents of the city (there is no 1854 directory). On November 17, 1855 John Bailey chose to end the co-partnership as noted in an agreement dated February 13, 1856: "And whereas said Bailey is desirous of withdrawing from said firm and engaging in other business, and to assign to said William Burt and John Burt all his interest in said business....They mutually agree that the co-partnership between them formed under said articles, be dissolved to take effect from and after the seventeenth day of November last past...." John Bailey was not present and the document was signed by "Chas. Crosman his Attorney in fact."