Ignaz Schwinn

Ignaz Schwinn (April 1, 1860 – August 31, 1948) was a German-American bicycle designer, who co-founded, and eventually owned, the Schwinn Bicycle Company.

He was born in the town of Hardheim, Grand Duchy of Baden, in 1860. In his early years, he completed a mechanical apprenticeship, then he became an itinerant bicycle repairman. Schwinn reportedly had a dispute with an early partner in Germany over brake designs and sought his fortune abroad. He arrived in Chicago in 1891 and, by 1895 had teamed with German immigrant Adolph Arnold to found Arnold, Schwinn, and Company. In 1908, Schwinn bought Arnold's interest, becoming sole owner.

Ignaz Schwinn died of a stroke in Chicago on August 31, 1948, and was buried at Rosehill Cemetery.