On December 11, 1900, Ronald F. McFeely received U.S. Patent No. 663,777 on a Pulling-Over Machine:

This invention related to a machine for pulling boot or shoe uppers over the last preparatory to the lasting operation, and in McFeely’s own words, “it is the first practicable machine of this character. The patent was assigned to the United Shoe Machinery Company of Boston, Massachusetts.

McFeely was a prolific inventor for United Shoe Machinery, patenting improved Pulling-Over Machines on March 1, 1910, (US Patent No. 950701), June 11, 1912 (U.S. Patent No. 1029387), June 25, 1912 (U.S. Patent No. 1030522), on March 17, 1914 (U.S. Patent No. 1090220), and on April 13, 1915 (U.S. Patent No. 1135954); a Nail Feeding Machine on September 5, 1911, (U.S. Patent No. 1002421); a Pounding-Up Machine on March 5, 1912 (U.S. Patent No. US1019067); a Jack for Shoe-Machines on June 25, 1912 (U.S. Patent No. 1030827); a Gripper on May 31, 1910 (U.S. Patent No. 959874), and on January 16, 1912, (U.S. Patent No. 1014835); a Work-Support on August 3, 1909,(U.S. Patent No. 929869); a Machine for Working Uppers Over Lasts on April 4, 1911, (U.S. Patent No. 988582); a Machine for Use in the Manufacture of Boots and Shoes on August 1, 1911, (U.S. Patent No. 999327), and on April 13, 1915 (U.S. Patent Nos. 1135949 and 1135950); a Nail-Separating Mechanism on September 5, 1911, (U.S. Patent No. 1002422); an Apparatus Employed for Fastening Shoe-Uppers by Means of Wire on September 19, 1911, (U.S. Patent No. 1003484); a Method of Making Shoes on April 13, 1915 (U.S. Patent No. 1135951); a Tack Feeding Mechanism on June 25, 1912, (U.S. Patent No. 1030315); and many more.

McFeely’s last patent, U.S. Patent No. 1558737A, issued October 17, 1925, eight years after his death in 1917, at the age of 58. Little remembered today, his inventions sped the production of shoes, making them far more affordable.