MANUFACTORIES.

The Alexis Stoneware Manufacturing Co. was incorporated August 12, 1892, by Perry Anderson, Edward Blayney and others, with a capital stock of $20,000. A fine plant for manufacturing stoneware was erected, and a good business was carried on until June, 1895, when because of differences among the stockholders the plant was shut down. January 31, 1896, the plant was sold at public auction and bought by D. J. Shaw, of Alexis, for $3,725.00. The company was then reorganized under the name of the Alexis Pottery Company, which was incorporated February 25, 1896, and the pottery
started operations under the new management April following. W. S. Weir, the Monmouth manufacturer, was one of the controlling interests in the new company until July,when he sold his stock and establishedthe Weir Pottery at Monmouth. The pottery was entirely destroyed by fire September 13,with a loss of about $25,000, and insurance of $18,000. The plant has never been rebuilt

Another institution of which Alexis is proud is the Alexis tile and brick works, owned by Thomas Townsley. The works were established in the spring of 1879, by George Bruington, deceased, and the present owner, Bruington selling out two years later. Mr. Townsley em ploys from twelve to twenty men, and turnsout from 300,000 to 1,000,000 brick a year. He has seven acres of ground in the yard, andburns in five kilns. Little tile has been made for several years on account of the dry seasons.

 

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

Submitted by W. Caudell

 

 ©Wini Caudell and Contributors

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Illinois Ancestors

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