Burgess Battery Company

During the war Burgess collaborated with the US Army Signal Corps to develop quality batteries for radio communication equipment.

Using the trade name “Northern Lights,” NCEL made and sold some dry batteries to Madison Gas and Electric.

On December 15, 1925, in Freeport, Illinois, Burgess purchased a large manufacturing building, which commenced battery production on July 1, 1926.

Also in 1926, the University of Wisconsin awarded Charles Burgess an honorary degree of Doctor of Science.

[2] At the outbreak of WWII, Burgess Battery Company sold primarily to universities, colleges, schools, private scientific laboratories and all facets of civilian governments large and small—aided by Dr. Burgess’ background in academia and the scientific community.

In 1944, Burgess received an honorary doctor's degree in engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

[6] In 1967 Servel was merged into Clevite Corporation (a major maker of internal combustion engine bearings).