History has given Bowser credit for inventing the gas pump, but what Bowser tried to invent was a better way to pump water from a well. His invention wasn’t strong enough to draw water from such a depth, but when applied to shorter distances it was a success. Bowser applied his principles to small pumps that were badly needed in country stores and anywhere that kerosene was sold. This was during a time when very little gasoline was being used, as the automobile had still not been invented. The 1892 introduction of the Durea automobile and the growing popularity of automobiles brought changes to the pump industry. As gasoline sales increased following the turn of the century, Bowser built a gas pump for general stores. Bowser grew rapidly and became a very large corporation with branches all over the world. Bowser also diversified, making hundreds of products besides gas pumps. At the end of World War II, Bowser found itself in financial trouble and began offering gas pumps at lower prices.