THE SYLVAN STEEL MILLS

The Sylvan Steel Mills have been in operation on Sylvan Island since 1894. The stockholders, consisting of tri-city capitalists, named Col. G. Watsou French of Davenport, president; J. W. Atkinson, treasurer, and John D. Cady, secretary. G. H. Tatnal was the first superintendent. Those who were in control the first few years were members of the Deere factory family.

The original mills were for rolling of eight, ten and sixteen-inch iron and steel. A large scrap and open hearth furnace was operated. The entire output was utilized locally. In 1898 the Republic Iron and Steel Company of Chicago carried out Its scheme of consolidation of the smaller steel mills and the Sylvan plant was included. With its advent in the local field, the rolling of sixteen-incli steel was discontinued and twelve-inch rails were put out instead.

Charles E. White was superintendent and he saw to it that changes were made according to the demand of trade for steel and iron finished products. He was a superintendent unsurpassed and the company was sorry to part with him in 1904 when he went to the Deere and Mansur Company. He was succeeded by Louis Thiele, who had been chief clerk. Mr. Thiele was succeeded by Joseph J. Worker, and he further improved the plant. He resigned to go with the Calumet Steel Company in Chicago Heights.

Harry J. Steinbreder succeeded him and continued the installation of improved processes and policies. He was transferred to an eastern plant of the company and was succeeded by G. S. Stevens. C. T. Dabney came in 1910 and his work has marked another era of prosperity for this branch of the organization. Product of the plant is shipped to points south as far as Texas, north to Alberta, Canada, and throughout the West. Bessemer, open hearth and rerolled rail steel in standard bars and sec­tions is manufactured. The mill holds the week and month record for production of twelve-inch steel in the world. The company prides itself in the work of William A. Smith and R. J. Raylon, heads of rolling departments, men who are said to have no superiors in their field of work. J. E. N. Olson has been with the company since 1899 and is now chief clerk.

 

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