Untitled Document

MANUFACTURES

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. N. C. Thompson began business at this place in 1859. His principal manufactures are: "Badger" hay rake, "Corning's" hay press; "John P. Manny" self-rake, reaper and mower; "Gorham" sulky and walking cultivator; the "Diamond" plows, of all sizes; "Sears' sulky and gang plows; "Richardson's" attachment for naaling at will, a sulky out of an ordinary plow; cornstalk cutters, and "Thompson's" string binder for harvesters, that for the last four seasons has been well received. His sales are principally in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. He employs 175 men, and his productions are favorably known in the localities mentioned above.

Briggs & Enoch, Plowmakers. This firm was established some years ago by a Mr. Skinner, the first patentee of the sulky plow, under the name of Skinner, Briggs & Mead. Mr. Mead having sold out to Mr. Enoch in 1866 or 1867, and, Mr. Skinner dying in 1872, the business' has .been . sustained by the above named gentlemen. Their principal productions are plows, of all kinds and sizes—riding, walking, gang. and breaking. Their sales are made west of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. They employ sixty men. and. average about fifty plows per day.

Emerson, Talcott & Co., manufacturers of agricultural implements. J. H. Manny invented the combined reaper and mower, and in 1852 formed a partnership with Wait Talcott, for their manufacture. In 1856 or 1857, Ralph Emerson came in as a partner, and Mr. Manny died. soon after. The firm has changed somewhat since their first organization, and recently became a stock company, with the above caption. They make hand and horse corn-planters ., "Ceres," "Star," and "Standard" corn cultivators; riding, walling and combined "Standard" broadcast seeder, four sizes; "Economist" sell .raking reaper; new "Manny" combined self-rake reaper and mower; "Acme" mower; besides a variet y of smaller articles of iron, among which are brackets. hitching posts, etc. Their trade extends east as far as New York, west to California and the Sandwich Islands, and south to Texas, the greater proportion being in the Northwest. They employ from one to two hundred men. Officers of the company: Ralph Emerson, President; Daniel Goodlander, Vice President; Wm. A. Talcott, Secretar y and Treasurer; J. Herva Jones, Superintendent.

Wm. A. Knowlton, farm machinery; began business here in 1872. He makes "Knowlton's" combined and single reaper; "Paddock's" sulky hay rake, as well as one of his own pattern; "Eclipse" riding and walking cultivators; "Dexter," and "Dexter. Jr.," walking cultivators; besides doing general machine and foundry work. His business, from $60.000 to $75,000 per annum, is well scattered over the Northwest. His manufactory, on Race street, furnishes labor for seventy men. .

Bertrand & Sames began the manufacture of their "Riding Corn Cultivator" at this place in 1860. Their business, of from $15,000 to $30,000 per year, extends all over the corn growing states.

John P. Manny, manufacturer of reapers and mowers. In 1848, J. H. Manny and his father made the first "header," and in the succeeding year manufactured them quite largely, but lost money, the machines being too cumbersome and costly for general use. In 1850, J. H. Manny invented the combined reaper and mower, which, in after years, brought about the law suit with C. H. McCormick..upon which Abraham Lincoln and Edwin M. Stanton were employed. It resulted in Mr.Manny's favor. This year, defective sickles caused the failure of the machines. J. H. Manny and his father becoming bankrupt; J. P. Manny then began their manufacture, and in 1852 he made the sickles. The machines were a complete success this year, receiving at Geneva, N. Y. (the first public trial when reaping and mowing machines were demonstrated to be economically useful to the general farmer). the first prize as mowers and second prize as reapers. Mr. J. H. Manny. then upon flattering representations of the Water Power Co. at Rockford, settled in this city and continued the making of reapers with Mr. Talcott, J. P. Manny havinc, the contract to furnish the sickles. This he continued to do until Mr. J. -11. Manny's death. the last of January. or first of February. 1556. when he began manufacturinc, for himself, the two-wheeled combined reaper and mower. which. he had just patented. A few years afterward he contracted with N. C. Thompson, for their manufacture, the territory west of the Mississippi reverting to him in 1866. and Illinois and Wisconsin in 1877. He makes from 500 to 1.000 machines per annum.

Mr. F. H. Manny began business in this place in 1859, manufacturing the "J.H. Manny" reaper, and a fanning mill. Shortly afterward he introduced the "Manny" seeder, and then a riding corn cultivator. He employs about seventy-five men for ten months in the year. His shop is on Race street.

Pumps.—Wells of from fifty to one hundred twenty-five feet in depth are common in this country, and necessitated a well-constructed pump. W. D. Trahern began this branch of industry in this city in 1862. He makes pumps of all kinds at his shops on the corner of Wyman and Mill streets. He employs thirty-five men, and distributes his work mostly in the Northwest.

A. W. Woodward also makes pumps for the wholesale trade. He began here in December, 1872. A water-wheel governor is also one of his leading articles.

PAPER MILLS.--Building paper is, in an economical point of view, assuming considerable importance. The Kenny Brothers began this industry at Rockford in 1872. They supply largely several paper box makers in New York, Boston and Philadelphia, with straw board. They have eighteen men, and their mill on Race street has a capacity of from four to five tons daily.

The Rockford Paper Company, of Messrs. Rhoads & Utter, established here in 1865, make fine and coarse wrapping papers, which, besides their local trade, are sold in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin. They employ thirty men.

FLOUR AND GRIST MILLS.—Of these, there are four. T. Derwent & Son, on the West Side, employ seven men, and produce flour in large quantities at their mill on Mill street. They have eight run of stone, and the necessary machinery, including that used in making the "New Process flour.

On the East Side, the Forest City Mills of J. Cox & Son, and the Reaper City Mills of J. G. Chick, were controlled by the firm of Chick & Cox, beginning business here in November, 1871. August 16, 1877. the separated. The Forest City Mills employ ten men, producing about 100 barrels of flour per day, which is principally sold to the citizens of Rockford and vicinity. The Reaper City Mills have a capacity of 400 barrels per day, and, at present, a force of fourteen men. Their sales are principally in the Northwest.

The grist-mill of Joseph Rodd was a saw mill in 1844, owned by Willard Wheeler. It became a grist-mill in 1856, when Mr. Rodd purchased it, and for a long time was the only mill doing custom work in this part of the county. It employs three men, and is managed by T. G. Lawler.

ROCKFORD BOLT WORKS.—This firm became a stock company last July, having begun business here in 1866. Their sales are local—to the agricultural implement manufacturers here. Their works are on Race street, and furnish labor for thirty-five employees.

KNITTING FACTORY.—This is indeed a curiosity. Here are machines that knit the whole sock, toe, heel, and all; when one is completed, drop it into a receptacle below, and, without stopping, begin another. The proprietors, Messrs. Burson & Nelson, are pioneers in this department, having invented and perfected the first successful machine of this kind in the United States. They began in 1868, and now employ seventy-five hands, who turn out 100 dozen socks per day of all grades. Their business extends from Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio, to Denver, Colorado. They are also makers of the seamless sock knitting machine.

W. S. Stearns also manufactures hosiery, in the Masonic Block, as well as the cotton mill.

SCROLL SAWS.—One of the enterprises that started from small beginnings in 1870, is the scroll saw shop of Messrs. W. F. & John Barns. They make a number of kinds of foot power saws for amateurs, as well as shop work. They have received orders from most of the civilized countries of the globe. Their shops in the Emerson building give employment to twenty-five men.

EXTENSION RULES.--A new industry was originated, November, 1876. Mr. E. D. Waterbury, who had patented an extension rule, a very useful article, formed a partnership with Mr. E. Smith, for its manufacture. The machinery for making was yet to be made—it could not be bought—but the inventive minds of the firm were equal to the occasion, and have succeeded in this as well, the machine that rivets on the pins that hold the brass sides being quite a novelty. Recently Mr. Smith has bought out the others. and now controls the business. He employs fifteen men at his shop in the Emerson building,.

BRUSHES.—The Rockford Brush Company make everything in this line, from a small sash tool to a seven or eight-inch kalsomining brush, including scrubbing, horse, shoe, and clothes brushes. The company was organized in April, 1877, but enjoy quite a trade.

BARRELS.-0. A. Crandall began the makin g of this important adjunct to the flour producing interests here, in 1865. He employs ten men, who turn out annually 45,000 barrels, mostly used here. In this same shop, also, Messrs. Crandall & Durham make the "Seamen's Washer," employing four men, who complete about 1,500 of these useful articles yearly, which find a sale in the neighboring States.

STEAM BAKERY.— The Rockford Steam Bakery was operated for some years as a bread making establishment, but in 1872 began the exclusive manufacture of crackers, of which they produce about 100 barrels per day of all varieties. These are distributed on a parallel west from Rockford to Yankton, Dakota. They employ twenty-five men.

WOOLEN MILLS.—Dyson & Van Wie own the only woolen mill in the place. This mill began to be used for this purpose in 1864. At present, the firm employ twelve men, who make cassimeres, flannels, yarn, etc. Their goods are sold in the Northwest.

PATTERN MAKING.—In a manufacturing centre like Rockford. pattern and model makers are not only desirable, but necessary. For the last Year there have been about 60 applications to the patent office of the United States for patents from citizens of this county. This is indicative of the business of model makers here. Messrs. Savage & Love began this class of work in June, 1874. Their shop on Mill street furnishes employment for three workmen. They are also general millwrights.

Wm. Jent also is engaged in the making of models, and pays special attention to the building of wood working, machinery. He employs twelve men in his shop on Mill street. One of his specialties is a machine for making barbs for fence wire.

WIRE WORKS.—Messrs. Lockwood & Lyman are interested in the weaving of wire cloth, beginning here in a small way about four years ago. They make screen wire of all kinds, with a power loom, said to be the only one in the United States, paper-makers' wire cloth being their specialty. Their annual sales of $30,000 are principally made in the Northwest and South. They employ twenty men in their shop on Wyman street.

Spafford, Parmele & Co. are on the East Side, at the corner of North First and Market streets, and are engaged in the same occupation, making wire goods of all descriptions. Their sales average about $30,000 annually, and are made in California and the Northwest. They employ twenty-seven men.

FOUNDRIES, IRON WORKS, ETC.—The Utter Manufacturing Company, successors to Clark and Utter, do a general jobbing business in iron work, making a specialty of mill machinery. They also make the "Gorham" Broad Cast Seeder and Cultivator, as well as a corn cultivator. Their works on Race street are the oldest on the water power. They work sixty-five men.

Mr. F. Ward established himself here as a foundry/Tian in 1874. He employs fifteen men at his shop, on Wyman and Main streets, making the "Boss" Corn Planter as a specialty, the- greater part of his work being for local trade.

ROOKFORD MALLEABLE IRON WORKS.Until a few years ago, it was thought that any implement or part of a machine that ought to have extra strength must be hammered out of wrought iron. Now malleable iron is cast like cast iron, with the exception that the castings are annealed for some length of time before they are fit for service. Messrs. D. Forbes Son, who had established a foundry here in 1854, began this branch of the business in 1864, when there were none like it west of Cincinnati . This industry has grown into considerable importance. This firm. under the name of Rockford Malleable Iron Works, employ fifty men and make plow attachments of all descriptions, and other implements of like character.

ROCKFORD WATCH COMPANY.--This company was organized March 4. 1874, with a capital that was shortly afterward increased to $165,000. Their factory on South Main street , East Rockford , manufactures twenty grades of the "Quick Train" watch. They employ 120 operatives, with a monthly pay roll of $6,000. The building is heated by steam and derives its power from the same source. Officers of the company: Levi Rhodes. president; H. W. Price, vice president; H. P. Holland, secretary and treasurer.

BOOTS AND SHOES

R. Anglemyer manufactures boots and shoes of the heavy grades. His shop, near State street, has a capacity of 100 pairs of men's, women's, misses' and children's shoes, as well as twenty-four pairs of boots, per day. He employs at the present time twelve men.

FURNITURE

The Rockford Union Furniture Company was organized as a co-operative association of twenty-five members, Feb. 15, 1876 . Their capital, $40,000, is divided among twenty-four members at the present time, one of their number having sold out. They employ thirty-five men, and make bedsteads, bureaus, center and dining tables, and bookcases, which are sold in the Northwest. Officers: John Erlander, president; John Pearson, vice president; P. A. Pederson, secretary; Joseph Peters, treasurer; Jonas Peters, superintendent.

Forest City Furniture Company.—Gilbert Woodruff, president: C. H. Keith, secretary and treasurer; A. C. Johnson, superintendent. This company was organized in October, 1875. They have a capital of $50.000, and employ seventy-five men. They make bedsteads, chamber suits and tables. Their works and office are at the corner of Seventh and Rail Road avenues.

C. G. Burnap, at the water power on Main street , makes a specialty of bookcases, as well as finishing offices, churches, etc. He employs five men, and began this branch a year ago last April.

BREWERS

The Rockford Brewery, J. Peacock proprietor, was established in 1S49. At present it furnishes labor for five men, but with a double force, can make 5.000 barrels of ale and beer annually. Location. North Main street , East Rockford .

Fisher's Brewery began work in 1868. It employs four or five men, and averages sixteen barrels per day.

John W. Diamond, 822 South Main street, and the Oak Grove Brewery, Beloit Road. are also engaged in this occupation.

COTTON MILLS.—Graham & Company, manufacturers of grain bags, batting, twine, hosiery, etc., began business in this city in 1865. They employ 150 operatives. Their sales last year, which aggregated $250,000, were principally made in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.

OAT MEAL MILLS—This industry was organized Sept. 11,1872, by A. M. Johnston & Co. They manufacture from 25,000 to 30,000 barrels of oat meal yearly, which is sold in all the larger cities of the United States, with an occasional shipment to Great Britain. They have fourteen hands.

PLANING MILLS.—Of these, there are three principal ones—T. J. Derwent, who also makes sash, doors and blinds, and J. F. Landus (estate), next to Briggs & Enoch; both on the water power. Geo. Bradley, 303 and 305 South Main street, who uses steam.

TANNERIES.—Messrs. Munthe & Haegg, tanners of buckskins, furs, and string leather; also manufacturers of gloves, mittens, etc. They began operations here in October, 1875. They employ five men, and have recently moved into the building owned byll. W. Price.

Hess & Stone are also tanners of harness. calf kip and upper leather This establishment was built by Geo. D. Edson, in 1859, and was owned and operated by several parties for a number of years as a chemical tannery, until the present firm adopted the old fashion oak process. They employ six men, and make their sales in the Northwest.

WAGONS AND CARRIAGES—Anton Netmiister, No. 119 North Main street, East Rockford.

August Neuraister, No. 212 and 214 East State street.

John Thoreson, No. 320 and 322 South Main street.

Ford & Fellows, No. 113, 115 and 117 North Main street.

Reeves & Dunphy, No. 513 West State street.

Childs & Merrick, South Main street; and several others.

PAPER BOX MANUFACTURERS.--Shurer & Cammond, No. 327 East State street.

LIME KILN. —R. A. Shepherd, No. 920 Horsman street.

DISTILLERY.—Freeman Graham, No. 1310 South Main street, East Rockford.

CIGARS.—E. A. Gardner, No. 414 East State street.

E. C. Byers, No. 213 West State street.

ELECTRO VAPOR BATHS. —Dr. G. W. Brown, No. 111 West State street.

MISCELLANEOUS—West's Enamel Carriage Top Dressing has become quite popular. Mr. L. M. West, inventor, began the business in 1863. and now does a wholesale trade principally, malting 100 gallons daily, at $4.50 per gallon.

G. A. Shoudy, soap and candles, bought out, in 1869, J. H. Morrill, who opened this business here in 1857. Mr. Shoudy has increased the capacity of the works until they are worth $15,000. He makes hard, soft, and toilet soaps, employing from ten to twelve men for the purpose.

ROCKFORD GAS-LIGHT AND COKE Co.—Mr. T. Butterworth bought out this company in 1856 or 7, and has continued the business ever since. He makes 10,000,000 feet per year; 8.000,000 to private consumers, and 2,000.000 for the street lamps, of which there are 161.

ROCKFORD INSURANCE COMPANY—Orginized December 22, 1866. Began work January 1, 1867. Capital, $100,000. Insures dwellings and farm property only. Its business is confined to the Northwest. They employ fifteen persons in their office, in the Second National Bank building. Officers of the company—S. M. Church, President; Wm. Watson, Sec'y.

FOREST CITY INSURANCE COMPANY.—Organized August 13, 1874. Chartered capital, $500,000. This company also insures dwellings and farm property onl y. Business in the Northwest. Officers of the company—Gilbert Woodruff, President; C. W. Sheldon, Seely.

ROCKFORD MUSEUM.—Dr. E: C. Dunn is proprietor of this collection. It contains a variety of instructive objects of interest, being especially rich in coins, guns, and works of Chinese art. It also has the tablet taken from a mound near here, an engraving of which appears elsewhere in these pages.

Past and Present of Winnebago County

Illinois Ancestors