1902 Patent
 

I was really surprised to come across this patent diagram while searching for information on other bike related topics.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3...cumbentzv4.jpg

I thought it looked not all that different to some modern recumbent bikes that I've seen around.

You are correct, and there are other 'turn of the century' models that are comfortable ie. recumbent styles also.
peace