History of Elkhart County, Indiana; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history: portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 65

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, C. C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 1192

USA > Indiana > Elkhart County > History of Elkhart County, Indiana; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history: portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 65

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THE EXCELSIOR STARCH WORKS.

The Excelsior Starch Manufacturing Co, was organized in June, 1873, with an authorized capital of $30,000. S. S. Strong was elected president, J. L. Brodrick, treasurer, and C. B. Brodrick,

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

secretary, and but one change in officials has since occurred, Ed. R. Kersetter becoming secretary six years ago. P. Hill is superin- tendent, and the Brodrick Bros. and himself originated the enter- prise, which soon after came under the management of the stock company.

The factory or works are located upon the hydraulics, and com- prise a brick building 110x150 feet, four floors. Running full, the force employed numbers from 60 to 70, and the average daily con- sumption of corn is 800 bushels. When the business was begun the capacity of the works, or at least the production, was but 40 bushels per day, and this marked increase shows how prosperous the enterprise has been, the value of its annual products being now about $125,000. The power is obtained from the hydraulics.

All kinds of starch are made, and the factory is one of the few in the country which manufactures by the same chemical process as the more famous Duryea Co. Indeed, absolute purity-chemical purity-is the standard of excellence. All manner of packages are prepared, from the impalpable powder for use in preparing del- icate dishes for the table, to laundry and other grades, some in bulk, others in packages of any desired weight.

The progress of this important branch of the city industries may be noticed. In 1873 the number of hands employed did not ex- ceed 10; in 1875 the number increased to 25, and now, in 1880, 10 less than 60 are employed in the manufacture of starch alone. Again, in 1873 the value of products did not exceed $40,000; in 1875 they reached $75,000, and in 1880, $125,000. The cost of the building is $40,000, and the present value of machinery is set down at $30,000. The officers of the company are: P. Hill, presi- dent; J. W. Ellis, secretary, and Justus L. Brodrick, treasurer.

THE ELKHART STARCH FACTORY.

The Elkhart Starch Factory, now operated by the firm of Muzzy & Sage Bros., was the first venture of the kind in this part of the State. It was originally started by Mr. A. L. Muzzy, in 1870, but it was a small concern; the factory itself was not more than 40 feet square, and its total consumption of corn did not exceed 20 bushels per day; from that time until this the product of the factory has gradually increased, nntil in 1878 it exceeded 250 bushels of corn per diem.

This starch factory was destroyed by fire June 11, 1878. The loss summed up 850,000. The action of the fire department saved

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

the Excelsior Mill from a similar fate. Within seven days a new company, comprising Messrs. Asa L. Muzzy, Norman Sage, M. G. Sage, A. R. Beardsley, H. E. Bucklen, J. McNaughton, D. S. Simon- ton, W. J. Meader, George E. Compton, Frank R. Sleeper and Frank E. Muzzy, was formed and preparation made for the rebuilding of the mill. Now, instead of the old 40 feet square structure, the works have assumed proportions in keeping with the growth of trade The main building is now 50x110 feet, four floors, besides another 30x40 feet for storage and the manufacture of boxes. Since the Messrs. Sage Bros. became interested in the business it has at no time lacked capital with which to realize all the benefits accruing from an increase in business. Mr. Muzzy is a practical starch manufacturer, and exercises superintendence at the factory, while Messrs. Sage attend to the finances, correspondence, etc.

The firm does not transact a general trade, all of the starch made being shipped to New York and Chicago jobbers.

As regards the quality of goods manufactured it is needless to speak. Tested by countless thousands of people in all parts of the country during the past 10 years, and known far and wide for purity and general excellence, they have been their own best recommenda- tion.

THE ELKHART PAPER MILLS.

The establishments of Beardsley, Davenport & Cook are most extensive, and the trade which connects with them, already large, is increasing daily. One of the mills of this company is situated on the Christiana creek, and the other on the hydraulic canal. The principal manufactures of these hives of busy industry are printing and wrapping papers. The quality of paper compares favorably with that produced by the oldest factories of the country, so that a busi- ness, at once large and prosperous, has been built up which takes a leading part in adding to the importance of the city.

ELKHART PULP MILLS,

established in June, 1875, by J. O. Gregg, for the manufacture exclusively of ground wood pnlp by machinery and process invented by him and controlled by three letters patent, issued in 1874, 1875 and 1876. In January, 1879, the Combination Board Company was organized to succeed the Wood Pulp Co., and to engage in the manufacture of a straw board lined with wood pulp, the manu-

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

facture of this article being secured to them by two letters patent issued to J. O. Gregg in February and April, 1879, and in Canada in 1880.

The present officers of the company are: Pres., J. M. Minnick; Sec., Jas. Cupp; Treas., Abram Upp; Agt., J. O. Gregg.

The special machinery used in the manufacture of the combina- tion board, invented expressly for this purpose, and protected by letters patent, is very complete, almost reaching perfection itself. It performs at one operation and without hand work the entire manufacture of a lined board; the lining being thrown into the machine in sticks like stove wood, comes out a complete straw board with a white wood lining ready for market.

A press reviewer said, when speaking of this factory in 1876, that the Wood Pulp Co., of Elkhart, are not manufacturers of paper bnt of pulp. On the St. Jo. hydraulic stands a detached frame building that has nothing in its externals to mark it as a place of peculiar interest, and the visitor who penetrates to the interior of the building will find little exposed to view to excite his curiosity. He will hear a peculiar grinding noise, will hear the rush of water, will note the trickling of a small stream of a milk-and-water-look- ing fluid, will see a pile of fragments of wood denuded of bark. Descending to the basement he will see a machine similar to a paper machine, though of smaller dimensions, and he will note thickish sheets of a nondescript material issuing from it. These sheets are wood pulp. The pieces of wood we note on the floor above are fragments of aspen or white poplar. Held by a self-adjusting weight against a mammoth stone revolving with great rapidity, and constantly moistened with water, these blocks of wood, ground to a pulp and converted into sheets, are afterward used by paper manu- facturers in every part of the country. The Wood Pulp Co. of this city supplies the home mills in part; their product also goes to Cleveland, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and to other points, and now that another pulp engine has just been put in place, the capacity of the mill lias been increased to two car-loads of pulp per week. The change has indeed been gratifying. The number of men employed at the beginning did not exceed four; now, in 1880, no less than 25 men are employed, and the annual sales have crept up from $15,000 to $60,000. In 1875 the cost of buildings and machinery was $5,000, and five years later, in 1880, they are valued at $35,- 000.

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

ST. JOSEPH VALLEY MILLS.

The " St. Joe Valley Mills," located on the St. Joseph Hydraulic Co.'s power, were established in 1873 by Geo. W. Erwin, J. C. Erwin, A. Upp and S. A. Burrows, all of Middletown, O., the style of the firm being Erwin, Upp & Co. In 1875 Mr. Upp disposed of his interest to Clark Lane, of Hamilton, O., who subsequently transferred part of the same to his son, J. C. Lane. Geo. W. Erwin having died in May, 1878, his interest is now carried by his heirs and executors, F. B. and J. C. Erwin. Erwin, Lane & Co. has been the style of the firm since 1875.

The main buildings are three in number; the one containing the rag assortingand bleaching departments, also the engine room, is 40 by 110 teet; another, in which is located the dry lofts, finishing room and shipping department, is 40x100 feet; each four stories in height; they stand parallel, fronting the St. Joseph river, and are connected by the machine and size-room building, which is 30x108, two stories. They are all heavy brick and stone structures and iron roofed. In addition to the main buildings there is a boiler-house, one rag dusting and one rag warehouse, the three having a super- ficial floor space of 10,000 square feet. The six buildings cost about $40,000. The machinery, which is of the best makes and most modern patterns, and driven by seven large turbine wheels, is valued at $50,000, and docs not differ materially from that employed in all writing-paper mills. When the mill was first put in operation it gave employment to nearly 100 hands, and produced a little less than 500,000 pounds of paper the first year, valued at about $100,000. This year (1880) it will average between 145 and 150 hands, and will produce over 1,200,000 pounds of paper, valued at over $200,- 000. The price has declined considerable since 1873-'4.

The specialties are first-class, fine and superfine white and colored writing papers, and bristol boards. The soft, pure water of the St. Joc river enables them to give their papers a peculiarly bright, handsome, clear color, which cannot be excelled. if equaled, by any mill in the country.

The general products of the St. Joseph Valley Mills include hard-sized paper in all colors. Commercial note, foolscap, legal, flat- cap, and the numerous sizes and styles are made, and no effort is spared to make the production the best in the market. The sales are largely made to jobbers in Chicago, St. Louis, Cincin- nati, Louisville, with more or less Eastern trade.

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

About two-thirds of the employes of the mill are females, and the enterprise thus affords remunerative employment to a large class that would otherwise be non-producers.

The enterprise is more than a representative-it is a leading one, and the prestige it has attained has been earned on the score of merit.

ELKHART TISSUE-PAPER MILL.

Toward the close of 1876 a few gentlemen of Elkhart organized themselves under the style and title of the "Elkhart Tissue-Paper Co." The building purchased by them was known as the old Woolen Mill. This has proven a most favorable location, pros- perity has attended the establishment since its inauguration, and though the number of employes at the present (25 ) shows no increase on the number employed in 1876, there is every reason to believe that a fair progress has been made, and that the acquisition of improved machinery explains the fact of there being no addi- tion to the hands first employed.

MAXON, PARMATER & CO.

The firm of Maxon, Parmater & Co. has been in existence about 10 years. The co-partners are Strafford Maxon, P. J. Parmater and Eber Darling. The specialties of the firm are the lumber trade and the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, and molding, besides which a general planing-mill business is done. All of the co-part - ners give the business their personal attention, Mr. Maxon superin - tending the manufacturing department, Mr. Parinater attending to the sales department at the yard, and Mr. Darling officiating in the office. The office and yard are on East Jackson street, a central location, and the premises include an area of about five acres. In stock the amount of lumber usually carried will average a half mil- lion feet or more, and every facility exists for supplying builders with needed articles in this line.

At the mill, which is located on the hydraulic, a force numbering from 15 to 20 hands is usually employed, and thiongh the business of the mill and yard is chiefly the supplying of a local demand, it has assnmed large proportions. The members of the firm have worked faithfully and well toward the npbuilding of this business, and they have deserved credit for what they have accomplished.

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

THE PHOENIX PLANING MILL.

Along the hydraulic are grouped the most important of the man- ufacturing industries of the city, and as one of the " brotherhood of producers " we name the Phoenix Planing Mill and sash, door and blind factory. The "Phoenix" is appropriately christened, too, for, like the fabled bird of mythology, it arose from its own ashes, the mill, or its predecessor, rather, having been burned.

The business was established in 1869 by the firm of Gore & Van- derlip; in 1873 the firm became Gore & Wright, which was suc- ceeded by Gore & Wright Bros .; and the 1st of January the present firm style was assumed, the co-partners being James K. Gore and F. W. Wright.

Mr. Gore came here in 1856 from Cold Springs, N. Y. He was a machinist by trade, and now for 10 years has been actively con- nected with our manufacturing industries. Mr. Wright is also a New Yorker by birth-from Whitehall. Both gentlemen are " workers," and the success that has followed their efforts is attribu- table directly to themselves rather than to extraneous circumstan- ces.

The market for their wares is largely local, but the trade has developed very much. Since the fire new machinery throughout has been placed in the mill, and it is now one of the most com- pletely equipped establishments of its kind in this portion of the State. Running full, the force employed usually numbers from 12 to 15, and the general business done is the best evidence of the pop- nlarity of the proprietors, and the genuine character of workman- ship.

ELKHART STEAM MARBLE WORKS.

Fourteen years ago N. P. Doty happened in Elkhart. He believed he saw an opening in the marble business, telegraphed his brother, D. M. Doty, to " come on," and soon after the firm of Doty Bros. was formed. These gentlemen were young men; they had had, at that time, 10 years or more experience as practical marble cutters, and they believed in themselves. They had no competing firms in the city.

The evidences they gave of their skill attracted attention; their business grew, and in 1870 they found it necessary to introduce steam-power for the cutting of marble for slabs and shafts, and for

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

shaping pedestals. Although the only dealers here they have had to contend against competition from all the surrounding country, by no means having a monopoly ; every particle of success they have attained has been won by hard work and close endeavor.

The visitor to Grace Lawn Cemetery will note, among other exquisite evidences of the firmn's skill, the handsome monuments erected over the graves of Mr. Joy, of Dr. Henry and of little Katie Tucker, as well as almost innumerable others, and throughout Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan they have marked many a grave with tokens more or less costly.

FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP.

The early history of this foundry is obscure indeed; the concern passed through a number of changes in proprietorship, but the present firm, composed of Harvey Little and Wm. Forward, has been operating it for three years. Mr. Little came here from Mish- awaka 17 years ago; there and at South Bend he had been con- nected with a similar line of manufactures; for 40 years he has been engaged in the business, 26 years as a proprietor. Mr. Forward has been here about the same number of years; he, like Mr. Little, is a practical molder and has had a life-time experience; both gen- tlemen are workers, devoting their whole time to the interests of the factory.

The specialty of the foundry is architectural work of all kinds, such as fronts for buildings, columns, etc. Their work has gone to nearly every town in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, and every contract that has been filled has but added to the repu- tation of their works. A specialty is also made of repairs of all kinds, and also of the construction of mill work; the firm completed the new machinery for the pulp mill here. Beautifully designed and executed iron fences and railings also form another specialty ; indeed a general range of work is done, and the shops comprise an interest that we could illy spare from Elkhart. A force ranging from 10 men upward is employed, and under careful management the enterprise accomplishes its part toward still further developing the manufacturing interests of the city.

THE THOMPSON AUTOMATIC WINDMILLS.

The firm of Thompson & Davenport was established June 1st, 1880, as the successor of the Elkhart Windmill Co. The mann-

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

factory gives employment to four artisans, two mill-constructors, and 20 traveling salesmen. The value of manufactured goods from the date of establishment to the close of the year may be set down at $10,000, but a much larger trade is anticipated for 1881 on' account of new mill, patented Sept. 23, 1880, by Mr. Thomp- son, and known as "The Thompson Automatic." This will donbt- less supersede all the old contrivances in this connection, and together with creating a new era in the manufacture of windmills, will also tend to increase the trade of the firm.

THE EAGLE KNITTING FACTORY

was established in 1877 by Messrs. Quaife & Thompson. In Feb- ruary, 1878, the firm was incorporated as a limited liability company under the laws of the State, with W. H. Quaife as presi- dent, and L. A. Thompson as secretary and treasurer. The capital stock was then fixed at $10,000; but being reorganized in February, 1880, the capital stock was increased to $30,000, and J. M. Hughes appointed treasurer, L. A. Thompson secretary, and W. H. Quaife president. The value of machinery is over $10,000. The factory entered upon its career with a force of 10 hands; after the first reorganization in 1878, 35 were employed, and toward the close of the year 1880 the work engaged no less than 200 hands. The valne of goods manufactured during the first 12 months of its existence was $18,000, and that of sales effected during the year ending Octo- ber, 1880, equaled $125,000. The power used is steam, and the machinery specially adapted to the work; automatic measuring at- tachments and all the improved mechanisms known for producing the best and most uniform goods have been requisitioned. A steam finishing machine, constructed specially for the company, gives to the goods a superior finish and gloss, and contributes much to in- sure a full patronage. The factory is well organized, order is observed in every department, and the employes are treated in a hnmane manner. In a word, it is a credit to the city and its pro- jectors.

THE ELKHART KNITTING FACTORY

is situated at the northwest corner of Pigeon and Main streets. Like its competitor, it gives employment to a large number of hands; but being a more modern institution does not approach it in trade or organization. Among its projectors were Messrs. S. S. Strong and Jacob Mandler. There is room enough in the city for

Al Wright

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

these industrial establishments. The good they may accomplish in a commercial sense is incalculable; but there remains a moral good to be brought round, and this rests entirely upon the thorough discipline of the persons employed during the hours of labor, and the establishment of well-ordered reading and recreation rooms wherein the girls may spend their leisure hours. The first duty pertains to proprietors, the second to the citizens.

WINCHESTER & TIEDEMANN'S CIGAR FACTORY.

In February, 1876, E. E. Tiedemann and E. M. Winchester asso- ciated themselves together under the name of the W. & T. Cigar Company and began the manufacture of eigars and tobacco. It was a new enterprise in the city-at least no similar establishment of any magnitude had ever been conducted here, but from the out- set its success has been assured. The co-partners were workers; they had an ambition to build up a large and remunerative busi- ness, and they have gone, at it in the right way. Mr. Tiedemann is a practical eigar manufacturer and has general charge of the factory proper, while Mr. Winchester attends to the buying of stock and the sales department. He is familiar with the business, having been connected with it a long time; buys his wrappers direct from tobacco growers in Connecticut, with many of the more prominent of which he is well acquainted; is equally careful as to all the stock purchased, and the result is that the company is putting upon the market a line of cigars that are, in point of excellence and price, un- surpassed.

FOSTER, GORDON & CO'S CARRIAGE FACTORY.

The business of the factory was established 11 years ago by Mr. E. D. Foster, a native of New York, who came here from Ohio 17 years ago. He has been variously employed since then; a part of the time he was engaged in blacksmithing, but for the past 11 years carriage-making has occupied his time. The present firm was formed six years ago last Marel, succeeding to E. D. Foster & Son.

The increase in business late years may be well illustrated by the following statement of fact: Eleven years ago Mr. Foster's cash capital did not exceed $50; with that beggarly amount he entered what has sinee proved to be competition with the leading carriage factories of the country. Instead of the small shops and limited facilities of then we find the firm now occupying roomy and con-

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HISTORY OF ELKIIART COUNTY.

venient shops, the main building being two floors, brick and stone, 90x21 feet. Two other buildings are also used, each about 20x30 feet, one having varnish and finishing departments above and re- pository below, the other a repository for unfinished work and for. storage of lumber. When running full the factory employs from 20 to 25 men. For the past few years the business has doubled its proportions every year, and the trade, while to a great extent local, reaches to points as far away as Missouri, Minnesota and Iowa.

F. B. PRATT & CO.

The members of this firm have gained a high position in the world of mannfactures. For a number of years thay have been ex- tensively engaged in the construction of vehicles, and now employ from 60 to 80 men. Their carriages and buggies are well built, and deserve the large patronage which has been accorded the company.

THE ARISMAN SAW-MILL

may be considered a relic of the past. A portion of it comprises the old mill of the village of Pulaski, and if a continuance of the present prosperous condition of its trade can be hoped for the old mill-wheels may turn on forever.

THE BOSS BRICK FACTORY.

The factory now operated by J. K. Boss was established in 1871. The owner is a native of Switzerland, but coming here direct en- tered one of the old brick yards, and worked his way upward from an employe to the proprietorship of a great industry. In 1871 he employed 10 men, but since he has added valuable machinery and steam-power, valued at $3,000, employs 15 men, and thus ren- dered his factory capable of producing 3,000,000 brick per half year. The perforated brick made by J. W. Penfell's brick and tile ma- chine, have brought the name of the maker under public notice, and insure for the factory a growing patronage.

WEATHERSTACKS BOX FACTORY,

established in the fall of 1880, has in the course of a few months built up an extensive trade, and gives promise of taking an impor- tant place among the industrial establishments of the city.

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

THE STRAW-BOARD PAPER FACTORY

is another product of these busy times. The company was organ- ized in 1878-'79, and since the establishment of their works a steady trade has been maintained.

THE PRESS OF ELKHART CITY.

Reference has been made to the Review in the history of the county; but since it is the design of township history to treat local industries fully, a further notice of C. H. Chase's literary and busi- ness enterprise will be in place, particularly because it is so intimately associated with Concord township and the progressive city of Elkhart.

The Elkhart Weekly Review is solely the work of the present editor of the only daily journal in the county. Over 20 years ago, 1859, Mr. Chase sent on one of his friends, John S. Weller, to project a paper, with instructions to style it the Review, in perpet- uation of the name of a journal with which he was formerly connected at Cleveland, Ohio. The directions of the principal were faithfully carried out, so that within a few months, whenhe had closed a course of honorable labor in the East, he came to Elkhart city, took possession of the editorial chair, and through a long course of years held it with honor to himself and profit, indirect but certain, to the community with whom he cast his fortunes. Dur- ing the first year of its publication Mr. Weller retired from the paper, and until 1865 it was conducted solely by its projector, when Mr. B. Mattingly became part proprietor and remained so nutil the fall of 1866. He was succeeded by Geo. S. Chase, a brother of the first, who remained with him until 1871, when Mr. A. P. Kent bought his interest and has since been continuously proprietor with Mr. Chase, the firm being known as Chase & Kent. In 1872 these gentlemen entered upon the publication of the Elkhart Even- ing Review, and from that period to the present the journal, its patrons and the city grew up together, until now they are so closely allied to each other that when one of the three branches moves forward the other two follow, and thus march steadily onward to the goal of prosperity. The office of this journal is situated on West Jackson street, over the postoffice. It is replete in all its de- partments. The editorial room may be considered by many a little too limited in extent, but for convenience it is admirably adapted. The newspaper composing room occupies a large, well-lighted

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History of Elkhart County, Indiana; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history: portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 65

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, C. C. Chapman & co. Number of Pages: 1192

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, C. C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 1192