History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 56

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060

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assistance, and in 1855. Mr. James S. Toner. brother of Thomas, was employed as book- keeper, after which. the latter was enabled to devote more time to the general business. 1

few weeks after T. R. Tonner came here, in 1852. Mr. Aultman bought out Fonser's one. sixth interest, and turned it over to Tonner, thus laying the foundation of the handsome fortune he amassed before his death. For the harvest of 1853, they built twenty-tive Hussey Reap- ers, and also twenty-five of the Bell Machines, the latter intended for both mower and reaper. In 1853, having abandoned the idea of making a combined machine, they turned their atten- tion to the work of devising a practical single mower. In that summer, the Ketcham machine, having achieved some measure of snecess, a committee of three, consisting of Ball, Ault- man and Lewis Miller, were appointed to get up a mower. Ball was a pattern-maker by trade, and made the patterns for the concern. The committee put their heads together, and as the result of protracted consultation, study and experiment, they constructed in the same year, a mower, a light, small affair, and sub- jected it to a practical test, but it did not prove a snecess for all kinds of grass. They kept busily at work. nevertheless, and originated another one-wheeled machine, somewhat differ- ent from the first, and it seemed, on the in- itiative trial, to be entirely satisfactory. Ac- cordingly, they built eight or ten of this pattern, and sold six or eight of them in 1853. But their fortune was not yet assured. for the machines were found too weak ; they all broke down. and were returned as worthless. Some of the company got discouraged. but Mir.

ascertained that the machines were an absolute Aultman said, "try again." Before it was

failure, the harvest of 1853 was over. The committee was continned, and during that fall, Mr. Aultman made a drawing for a two- wheeled machine. the first attempt ever made to devise such a mower.

submitted to Ball and Miller, who made some This drawing was

suggestions as to modifications therein, and from that drawing, after some months of patient etfort, was at length evolved what was known as Ball's Ohio Mower. The first machine of this style was built in the summer of 185-1. Mr. Ball was the pattern-maker, and Mr. Ault. man, the superintendent. The model was made and the patents applied for in the fall of 1854

Interference was eventually declared between Ball's application and one made by Jonathan Ilaines, of Pekin, 11., which was contested. Haines proving priority on some of his claims

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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.

as presented at the Patent Office, a patent was granted to Imm, in August, 1854. Thereupon, Mr. Aultman went to Pekin, and bought of Haines the right to manufacture for the State of Ohio.

In the spring of 1855, Ball, Aultman & Co. commenced to build some twenty-five of the Ohio machines, and had everything ready to ereet, when, on the 5th of May following, fire destroyed their main buildings and contents, including all the machines. Just as the com- pany were in a fair way to establish a flourish- ing business, this disaster not only robbed the firm of their all, but left left them deeply in debt. Right here. the firm realized the advan- tage of taking care of their credit, and of promptly meeting their obligations previously. Having good credit, fortified by a reputation for strict integrity, they progressed with the buildings, and by the 1st of August, in less than three months after the fire occurred, the new works were completed, the machinery was set up, and everything in readiness for a fresh start. While the shops were being rebuilt, they put wood benches into a shed that had escaped the conflagration, and by dint of hard work, they turned out, by hand, five mowers , and twelve Hussey reapers for the harvest of 1855. On the 1st of August, they started up the works, and ran night and day. Fortunately for them, the harvest of that year was an abundant one, and consequently, the demand for machines was active. Farmers were so anxious to secure them that they would come in and engage machines not yet constructed, and pay for them in advance. This proved quite a godsend to the struggling firm, as it aided them materially in tiding over their existing financial stress. After starting up, they built some twenty threshers before the season was over, and could have disposed of a much larger number. The next winter, they went cour- ageously to work, and constructed 500 Ohio Mowers, fifty Hussey reapers, and fifty l'itts threshers, for the harvest of 1856. Aultman and Miller, desiring to get up a more simple machine than the Ohio, went to work, and devised the first Buckeye Mower (called origin- ally the Aultman & Miller machine), a two- wheeled rear-eut implement, and in June, 1856, secured a patent on a double-rule hinge, which allowed the finger-bar to be raised vertically, thus facilitating transportation to and from the

field. Only one of the rear-cut machines was built, and in the fall of 1856, it was changed to a front-cut, an approved principle that has ever since been adhered to. For the harvest of 1857, they built 1,000 Ohio machines, some six or seven of the new Buckeye, 100 threshers, and fifty Hussey reapers. In July of that year, both the Buckeye and the Ohio were practically tested in a competitive field-trial, at Hamilton, Ohio, and the Buckeye came out ahead. En- couraged by this success, one of each, of the Buckeye and Ohio machines, were taken to the famous field-trial at Syracuse, in the same month, held under the auspices of the United States Agricultural Society. When the trial came off, every spectator was greatly elated with the easy, neat work of the Buckeye, and the judgment was in its favor, corroborated by the award thereto of the highest prize, the grand gold medal. In February, 1858, Ball sold his interest in the firm, and then went to work and put up his own buildings, in the same year. In 1859, he placed the Ohio Mower on the market, in competition with the Buckeye, continuing to build it up to about 1865. When Mr. Ball retired from the firm of Ball, Aultman & Co., the style of the house changed to C. Aultman & Co., under which it has won its enviable honors the world over, and this title has continued ever since. In the fall of 1857, they had enlarged their works 40 by 120 feet, a three story brick structure, thus doub- ling their capacity, so that they were well pre- pared to take advantage of the " boomn" they felt sure they were to experience, by reason of the splendid success of the Buckeye at the fairs of that season.

For the season of 1858, Messrs. Aultman & Co. built not far from 1,500 Buckeye mowers and 150 threshers. In this year, they commenced to make a practical success of the combined machine, with reaper attachment. In the fall of 1858, this machine was exhibited very gen- erally all over the country, and also participat- ed in almost innumerable field trials, sometimes at three or four at the same time in different sections, and it almost invariably took the first premiums.

In June, 1858, patents were granted on the front-cut Buckeye, application having been made therefor in the fall of 1857. This was a trans- fer from rear to front-cut, requiring a radical change in the organization of the machine ; the

John Shafer

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CANTON TOWNSHIP.

most important feature of improvement inher- ing in the folding of the cutter over the front of the frame, allowing it to lie flat, securing un- equaled convenience in transportation, and giv- ing the Buckeye the pronounced lead over all competing harvesting machines. " It shut right up like a jack-knife," and was propelled on the road as easily as a two-wheeled cart. Ault- man & Co. retained control of this valuable im- provement, and no other make of machine could adopt it.

They continued to sedulously experiment, making improvements from year to year in minor details, upon which they secured patents, taking out some twenty different patents, ex- clusive of those granted in 1858. For the sea- son of 1859 they turned out 1,800 Buckeye mowers and reapers and 150 threshers, which number would have been considerably increased had it not been for the killing frosts in June of that year. They had licensed to build the Buekeye for certain territory. Running out of machines at Canton, they bought a number from the licensers and sold them in their terri- tory. They invented an attachment to the Buckeye whereby the binding of grain was done by two men riding on the machine, of which they built but a few and only for that season. Their machines continued to be exhibited at fairs and tested at field trials, coming off vieto- rious in every honorable contest. This extraor- dinary success greatly stimulated popular de- mand, and for the harvest of 1860 they con- structed about 2.300 of the Buckeye and over 200 threshers. For 1861 they turned out 2,600 Buckeye machines and some 260 threshers. Notwithstanding the augmented production and the breaking out of the war. the demand was in excess of the supply, as the crops of that season were excellent. The means of the firm accumulated, so that they were now able to pay cash for their materials. For the har- vest of 1862 they built over 3,000 of the Bnekeye and upward of 300 threshers. Their trade now extended over a large territory. even to California, and into all parts of the Union, except that portion of the South which the war shut out from our commerce. In 1863. they constructed no less than 3.600 mowers and reapers and nearly 400 threshers. This was to them a very busy season, for they again greatly enlarged their works. In the fall and winter of 1862 63. their present commodious office

building was erected, and during the summer of 1863 the capacity of their blacksmith shop was doubled, and a large molding shop, more than three times the size of the former one, was built. They also put in a fine 125 horse-power engine and a full complement of improved ma- chinery. The demand for their agricultural ma- chines had increased so rapidly, and their ship- ping facilities at Canton were so poor (fortunate- ly. this drawback will not exist much longer). that they recognized the necessity of " branch- ing out," and having carefully looked over the ground they finally determined to locate a branch establishment at Akron, that point seem- ing to afford the requisite additional advantages for their manufacturing purposes. Accordingly. in the fall of 1863 they commenced putting up their buildings in that city, and got out there 500 machines for the harvest of 1864. Lewis Miller removed to Akron and became superin- tendent of the establishment there. These works have since been materially enlarged and improved, until they now turn out from 11,000 to 12,000 machines per year, employing at the present time nearly 500 mechanics.

In 1861, the firm built about 1,500 mowers and reapers and 425 threshers, and in 1865. they built both at Canton and Akron about 8,000 Buckeye machines and 500 threshers. In March of that year, Mr. Thomas R. Tonner, one of the partners, died. He became an invalid in 1859, and was not able thereafter to confine himself closely to business. The decedent had constructed a will making liberal bequests to relatives, and turning over the residue of his estate to Mr. Aultman for management.

In the fall of 1865, for the better organiza- tion of their immense business, both concerns were incorporated separately, under the State laws. The, incorporators at Canton were (. Aultman, Lewis Miller, Jacob Miller and George Cook ; and those at Akron were C. Aultman, Lewis Miller, John R. Buchtel and George W. Crouse. The original capital of the corporation at Canton, which was continued under the style of (. Aultman & Co., was $150,000, which in 1870 was increased to $1,000,000, and about three years ago to $1,500,000. The first officers of the corporation of C. Aultman & Co. were ; 6. Aultman. President ; John Tonner. Secre- tary : James S. Tonner. Treasurer ; Jacob Mil- fer, Superintendent. The original capital of the Akron concern was $300,000, and about three

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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.

years ago it was angmented to $1,000,000. This establishment was incorporated under the style of Aultman, Miller & Co .. with the following officers : John R. Buchtel, President ; George W. Crouse, Secretary and Treasurer ; Lewis Miller, Superintendent.

About the year 1871, they commeneed to ex- port machines to European countries, and the foreign demand for the world-famed products of this establishment have since largely in- creased. They have won many honors at ex- hibitions and field trials abroad, and the " Buck- eye " reaper and mower, " Sweepstakes " threslı- er and Canton Monitor engine are coming to be approximately as well known and highly appreciated across the Atlantic and Pacific as they are at home.

At the present time, no part of the original buildings of C. Aultman & Co. is remaining, as at different times they have been rebuilt. In ' 1868, a considerable portion of the present ! colossal structures was put up, and from time to time they have continued replacing the old with the new, making extensive enlargements and modern improvements, until now they are entitled to the credit of having the largest ag- ricultural machine manufactory in the world. A brief summing-up of the merits and advan- tages and most notable triumphs of the several | Buckeye machines, followed by a sketch of the works of C. Aultman & Co., fitly concludes this article.

Ever since the famous national field trial of mowing machines at Syracuse, N. Y., in July, 1857, when the " Buckeye " was awarded the highest prize, the grand gold medal, over all competing machines, its onward march in pop- ular world-wide favor has been marked by a succession of brilliant triumphs in numerous competitive field trials with all other makes of mowers, not only on this continent, but in for- eign countries as well-winning the laurels of victory in every fair and honorable contest.

The frame of the Buckeye mower is made of cast iron. in one piece, braced with wrought iron. It is strong, stiff, and not at all liable to get out of line. The gearing is still constructed on the same admirable plan that was originally adopted for this machine. The system, one set of bevel gears to give the first and slower mo- tion, and the spur gears to give the last and ac- celerated speed, is universally conceded to be the best, simplest, safest and most durable and

perfect ever devised. Rival manufacturers have long cudgeled their brains in desperate efforts to bring forth a system of gearing or some ori- ginal motion which would approach the Buck- eye in simplicity and efficiency, but they have been compelled to give up in despair. The summing up of the principal advantages of the Buckeye comprehends its scientific simplicity and perfection of construction, superior strength and durability, thoroughness of work, lightness of draft, facility of operation and immunity from danger of serious accident to the driver. The new automatic side-delivery reaper is one of the greatest inventions of the age, and is built and sold only in connection with the Buck- eye mower. The pronounced superiority of this apparatus, as compared with the so-called " reel-rake," is clearly manifest in its admir- able operation. It will cut nearly 14 per cent, or about one-seventh, more grain per day, than any reel-rake having the same length cutter-bar, the horses walking at the same rate. Moreover, the Buckeye is guaranteed to have no equal in lodged and tangled grain, as is proven by the testimony of many practical, reliable farmers who have thoroughly tested its admirable quali- ties under the most adverse circumstances.

The Buckeye dropper is a prime favorite with the farmers who do not. raise very large crops. because it is the simplest form of reaper ; the easiest to handle and operate ; its work is equal to the best, and it is the least expensive. With the Buckeye as a dropper, the driver is enabled to drop the gavel at the proper time. which obviates scattering the grain, and being a front-cut machine, the platform is immediately under the driver's eye, thus relieving him of the straining and wearisome effort of constantly looking behind to ascertain the size of the gavel, while his attention should be upon the team and watching for obstructions. Taken in con- nection with the Buckeye, this is unquestionably the safest, simplest, most economical and reli- able harvesting machine ever produced.

The Buckeye Harvester is on every hand ac- knowledged to be the leading light-draft har- vester in the field. In cutting with this ma- chine, the cut grain falls directly upon a travel- ing endless apron, transmitting it to the double canvas elevator, which deposits it all upon the binding table. Two men bind the sheaves, lay- ing the bundles upon a slatted table, until half a shock is gathered, when all is dropped ready

CANTON TOWNSHIP.

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for shocking. It is claimed that with regard to perfect proportions, superior material and work- manship, simplicity and strength, ease of man- agement, excellent finish and great capacity, the Buckeye harvester stands without a peer. These harvesters are so made that a self-binding attachment can readily be affixed subsequently, should it be desired. The many advantageous conveniences of this popular machine need only be seen to be appreciated.

The Buckeye self-hinder machine did not enter the competitive field as early as some others. but in the few seasons that it has been in the market, its success has been such as to win the highest encomiums of praise from all who have given it a fair trial. Messrs. Ault- man & Co. promise for the harvest of 1881 a self-binder with important improvements, plac- ing it as to intrinsic merit in advance of any- thing in this line ever brought before the publie. In construction, it is singularly sim- ple, and therefore not at all liable to get out of order, while in all its working parts the most ingenious devices are adopted to secure the most satisfactory results from its use. It is a wonderful labor-saver, requires but little atten- tion in operation, and is destined to triumph over all competition. It uses less wire than any other binder : the tightness of the band is regulated by a tension, speedily adjusted, and this tightness is limited only by the strength of the wire. The grain saved by the binder will pay for the wire consumed. A host of those who have used this admirable device tes- tify that it proves all that is claimed for it in every deseription of grain.

For the long period of twenty-nine years the incomparable Sweepstakes thresher has been manufactured by Messrs. C. Aultman & Co., and they have spared neither effort nor expense to bring it to a state of absolute perfection. The practical record of the Sweepstakes ex- hibits a series of magnificent successes that is altogether without a parallel. and it is such as to afford the purchaser the most emphatic guarantee of entire satisfaction in its use. Great improvements have been made from year to year, and sufficient time has elapsed to thoroughly test the threshers, as now built, in all conditions of grain, as well as in flax, timo- thy, clover and rice. No other thresher has been so severely tested, and the grand result fully justifies its manufacturers in claiming for

the Sweepstakes the championship of the thresh- er family in America.

The needs of threshermen for a better engine than had ever been built had long been pressed upon the attention of the manufacturers of the Buckeye machines. Foreed by these require- ments upon them. in the centennial year they commenced the construction of the "Monitor " engine. The best skilled advice and the ripest experience of the most practical threshers and mechanies were brought into requisition to aid them in making the portable engine which would be pronounced nearest perfect. After fully consulting every plan presented, they made choice of the vertical engine and boiler. of the model upon which the Monitor is built. It was exactly adapted to a special field of op- erations, and the satisfaction rendered by it has been so perfect that it cannot be overstated. and its decided advantages over other engines are attested by the emphatic and unsolicited approbation of all who have used it. Every year, so far. the number required of them has been greatly in excess of the manufacturing capacity of the works, and this has compelled them to make a large addition to their shops, which will double their facilities for turning out these universally approved engines.

Parties who have experimentally tested the Canton Monitor Traction Engine, and those who have had it in use during the last two years. speak in unqualified terms of its extraordinary working qualities, pronouncing it a perfect suc- cess in all respects. For propelling, threshing and machinery operating purposes it stands without a rival. A farmer who has thoroughly tested it says : " It has so far answered every call upon its resources, and is always ready for use. I have a Taylor & Chandler muley side. cut saw-mill, and your 10-horse engine drives it at the rate of 400 to 500 strokes per minute. and the thing works like a charm. I am now running a full line of flax machinery, consist- ing of a roller gang break, beater, picker, etc .. and have abundant power. I prefer the Mon- itor because the number of fues gives a great- er heating surface. The boiler being perpen- ticular, the action of the fire comes directly upon the heating surface. It requires less fuel and also a shorter time to raise steam. The cylinder, placed between the steam chest and the heater, is protected from the cold atmos- phere-therefore there is less condensing in

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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY.

the cylinder and less bilging ; and being per- pendicular, it is not liable to become untrue through the wear of the weight of the machin- ery, as is the case in a horizontal engine. As a traction or locomotive engine, I consider it superior." The compound or " jack-in-the-box " gear is a very ingenious device, whereby one wheel may be made to revolve independent of the other, so that in turning, the wheel going the faster receives the greater power. thus en- abling the engine to be headed in any desired direction with great facility. No other porta- ble engine has this admirable feature. The independent steam pump for supplying and emptying the boiler, which can be run with or without the main engine, is also a most advan- tageous adjunct. A massive sprocket chain running over sprocket wheels communicates the power from the fly-wheel to the counter- shaft, which is much stronger, more direct and reliable than the bevel gearing ordinarily used. Among the latest improvements is the link motion, similar to that of the locomotive, whereby the engine can be propelled forward or backward without stopping. The speed on the road is regulated by a governor. while the starting and stopping, reversing and steering. are under perfect control of the engineer with- out leaving his seat. It is fitted up with all necessary steam engine connections, and the gear is encased in order to exclude all dust and dirt. The whole engine rests on rubber springs, preventing concussion, and all in all it is the most complete and successful traction engine ever invented.

This colossal establishment took its start in Canton in the year 1851, with a working eapi- tal not exceeding $4.500. The original propri- etors were Cornelius Aultman, Lewis Miller. Jacob Miller and George Cook, the latter now deceased. They and their associates were the original inventors and patentees of all the Buckeye harvesting machines. The more re- cent additions to their list of successful man- ufactures are the Buckeye Self-Binding Ilar- Vester, the Canton Monitor Engine, and the Traction Road Engine, all of which are well calculated to conserve the exalted reputation of this house for producing the most celebrat- ed and efficient agricultural machines in the world. The works embrace the following named structures : Building for threshing and wood-working machinery, briek. 400 by 50 feet,

four floors. Reaper warehouse, brick, 181 by 60 feet, four floors. Iron machinery building, brick, 147 by 60 feet, four floors. Iron finish- ing building, brick, 70 by 60 feet, three floors. Core. pattern and engine house, brick, 150 by 60 feet, two floors. Engine shop, brick, 302 by 50 feet. two floors. Mokling room, brick, 125 by 75 feet, one floor. Blacksmith shop and iron room, briek, 313 by 41 feet, one floor. Five acres of wooden structures, comprising wagon shop, boiler works, testing house, paint shops, store-rooms for thresher and engines, etc. These structures have a total floor area of 459,528 square feet, or upward of ten and a half aeres, being some three and a half acres larger than the next largest agricultural imple- ment works in existence. This mammoth es- tablishment has eleven distinct departments, giv- ing employment to an aggregate of 350 skilled workmen, the monthly pay-roll amounting to $25,000. The motive power comprises two en- gines each of 120-horse power, and one engine of 50-horse. Their products find a ready and expanding market in both hemispheres. While at the works, we noticed a shipment of their world-celebrated machines to Algiers, Africa. They have branch offices and supply depots at Paris, France, London, England, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, and other leading distrib- uting points, while they also have general and local agents in all the agricultural sections.

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 56

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1060

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060