Untitled Document

Peter's Pump Company.

About 1888 Peter Wistrand begun the manufacture of a hand pump, using the firm name of Peter's Pump Company. He continued to manufacture these pumps which have gained a very wide popularity, and in 1890 Mr. Frederick Guenther bought an interest in the company. During that year a two-story machine shop and foundry building was erected; in 1892 the manufacture of a corn planter was started, as well as a general line of pumps.

In 1893 a warehouse, fifty-two by one hundred and seventy feet was erected, and since that time a blacksmith shop and dipping room, a pattern house, and a two-story addition to the office have been built. Work is now under way on a forty by eighty foot, two-story warehouse.

In 1904 Mr. Wistrand sold his interest in the company, and the latter is now a co-partnership of three officers, who are: president, Frederick Guenther; secretary, William Guenther; treasurer, Frank Guenther.

The plant covers approximately two acres of ground, and the company manufactures twenty styles of pumps, the "Kewanee" corn planter, and the Guenther Hot Water Heater, all of which are meeting with constantly increasing sales. About fifty men are employed. The company does not give out figures as to its business, but it is known that the business is increasing from year to year under extremely conservative management, and it is one of the subtantial manufacturing interests of Kewanee.

History of Henry County

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©Wini Caudell and Contributors

Illinois Ancestors

030507

History of Henry County

Submitted by the Webmaster

Illinois Ancestors

030507