Maury County TN Archives History - Books .....Industrial 1906 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tn/tnfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com September 23, 2005, 12:55 am Book Title: Century Review Industrial. While Columbia cannot fully be classed as a manufacturing city, this book will show that it is not devoid of industries. It has a large cotton factory, wood-manufacturing concerns, several mills, tannery and leather works, tobacco plant, repair shops, bottling and other houses; but there is room for numerous industries mentioned in our SUMMARY, some of which will doubtless be added in the near future, with profit to the projectors and lasting benefit to the county. The very noted industrial evolution under way in the South will find a foothold in Maury Co., as this section, with its numerous natural advantages, must come to the front. This is the best agricultural and residential county in the State; and with its superior educational advantages, many more manufacturers can be induced to locate here. The tide of immigration is toward the South. For years the farmer, the mechanic, the prospector and investor went West. At present the best field for all these classes is in the South. Tennessee has not been exploited as much as it deserves. Too much of the stream of settlers has passed on to Ala., Miss., and Ga. Some of the wideawake sections of this State have attracted men and capital into their bounds, and prosperous conditions exist. In other parts little or nothing has been done to secure settlers. Certain conditions will attract men and money. Good sites for business, cheap material and cheap power, cordial support and assistance make progress. In this day and time we get nothing unless we go after it. If Maury Co. wishes to keep pace with the progress of other sections of the State, she must let the world know where she is and what she has to offer. There is much, to offer. Get the facts before the public. Let investors and settlers know that there is such a place. Meet all prospectors and prospective settlers with a hearty welcome, and try to get them to remain in our midst. An organization should be effected that has for its chief business to encourage the establishment of manufactories .here, to receive propositions from companies seeking locations, and to give answers —in other words, some one whose business it is to act as the county's agent. Let the merchants and business men of all classes work for the common good of the county, and observe the advantage to individual business that will follow. That which helps one helps all. Let everybody take part in this matter. Admit enterprising farmers to membership. Help every laudable enterprise. Let no concern languish for lack of support, and give all proper encouragement to industries now in operation here. Columbia Cotton Mill Co. This plant is the largest industrial enterprise in Columbia, giving employment to about 160 hands. It produces annually in sheeting and seamless bags $150,000 to $200,000, and uses about 2,000 bales of cotton at a cost of $100,000. The company was chartered Feb. 9, 1884, by J. P. Street, W. C. Jones, J. M. Mayes, A. W. Stockell, Geo. Childress, and G. T. Hughes; capital, $100,000. The factory was built in L shape, 100x300 ft., to which $25,000 improvements were added some five years ago. Six acres was purchased for factory purposes, and the buildings made one story to insure the safety of operatives among the inflammable material. The plant is substantial, with the most approved machinery throughout, but is not in shape to illustrate by halftone process. The directors purchased 20 acres of adjoining land, upon which cottages have been erected for operatives; and in 1904 $18,325 additional stock was issued by the company, that the interest might be undivided. Although textile concerns generally have suffered greatly within the past few years from fluctuations in cotton, the Columbia Cotton Mill has held its own and been .operated continuously, excepting for short intervals of repairs. The plant contains 8,500 spindles, 172 cloth looms, and 24 bag looms. It is kept in perfect working order throughout, and its pay roll is a very important factor in Columbia's continued prosperity; while those who grow cotton in Maury Co. get the full market price at home. The officers are: J. P. Street, Pres.; Meade Frierson, Gen. Mgr.; W. F. Embry, Sec & Treas. The directors are: J. W. and Meade Frierson, C. A. Parker, and Eugene Anderson. Columbia Mill & Elevator Co. The milling business is of great importance to Maury Co., as it makes a home market for the surplus grain and saves freight to the flour and feed merchants. The Tennessee Milling Co., started in 1889, subsequently became the Bucks Milling Co.; and after the death of H. A. McLemore, the plant was sold in Chancery Court. The purchasers were R. L. McKinney, who had been connected with the industry for several years, and W. A. Dale, both natives of Columbia and graduates of her schools. These, with others, Oct., 1896, formed the Columbia Mill & Elevator Co.; capital, $40,000. The original plant had cost $60,000, but, to settle the estate, had been sold at a sacrifice. The new company erected a corn-shelling plant, with capacity of 1,000 bu. per day, and added a second 50,000 bu. capacity warehouse. The elevator holds 150,000 bu. of grain, and the modernly equipped mill can turn out 400 bbls. of flour daily and 1,000 bu. of meal. The plant gives employment to from 50 to 75 men, and does an annual business from one-half to three-fourths of a million dollars. When the wheat crop is short in Maury Co., shipments are made from the Northwest to keep business moving; and when crops are good here, it furnishes a market for home-grown wheat. W. A. Dale is Pres.; J. L. Hutton, V. P.; R. L. McKinney, Sec. & Treas. The management of the Mill & Elevator Co. is progressive, and the plant adds greatly to Columbia's permanent prosperity. The "Blue Seal" is one of the leading brands of flour, much of which is consumed within a radius of 100 miles froin Columbia; but the product of the mill also largely goes to Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Florida. City Grain & Feed Co. This plant was started in 1883 by E. E. McLemore, and burned out Dec. 11, 1904, at a loss of $40,000 for buildings and over $30,000 for stored grain. This was largely covered by insurance. The mill was rebuilt at once, and in May the new mill was opened. The magnitude of operations can only be partially comprehended when we report that this company handles over 2,000 car loads of products yearly. The pay roll amounts to $25,000 annually, and adds largely to the prosperity of this county. E. E. McLemore, Pres.; C. N. McLemore, V. P.; J. C. Ellington, Secretary. Ashton Mills. A mill was erected at the Ashton site, one mile N. E. from Columbia, by Rev. Wm. Horsley, in 1826. About 1845 he sold to Davis & Kittrell, and in 59 Hammond bought Kittrell's share, making the firm Davis & Hammond. This was burned in war time; and J. H. Ashton, an Englishman, who had located here in 44, purchased the site and erected a mill in 66. He died two years later; and his son, J. B. Ashton, continued the business under lease up to 74, when an unprecedented flood took out the entire plant. With commendable energy, Mr. Ashton bought the site from the estate and erected the present four-story structure, which, with modern equipments, has a capacity for 150 bbls. of flour daily and 1,250 bu. of meal. For ten years S. F. Ashton was a partner with his brother, but with 1905 J. B. became sole proprietor again. He has not sought official position, but for educational advancement has served some ten years on the Columbia School Board, and 1896-7 consented to serve as Alderman. The Ashton Mills has good water power the year round, and in its operations contributes to the material advancement of this section, as water-mill flour is highly appreciated by old-time customers. Harris & Cole Bros. are extensive manufacturers and shippers of rough and planed lumber and every variety of house finishings. Formerly the Columbia branch was largely engaged in making pump logs; but the constantly increasing price of poplar, for finishing lumber, and other demands of that kind has gradually changed the trade, until the output is now largely house finishings. The plant was started here in 1884, and continues under the same management. It was incorporated Oct., 1902; capital, $300,000. The officers are: E. W. Harris, Pres. & Treas.; M. E. Harris, Sec. General offices, factory, and plant at Cedar Falls, Ia.; an extensive plant at Metropolis, Ill.; sawmill and factory along L. & N. R. R. at Columbia, with lumber yard of several acres at head of Embargo St. The company are not contractors, but make for builders everything in the lumber and house finishing line. When the Columbia plant was erected, J. W. Bishop, an expert foreman, of Cedar Falls, was sent to take charge here; and his more than 20 years of management shows that no mistake was made in his promotion. A five-story planing mill and warehouse were burned here in 1899, entailing a loss of $65,000, only partly insured, since which a new mill and other adjuncts have been built; but having plenty of ground, the machinery has been divided and extended in order to be safer from total loss by fire in a compact plant. The timber used here is largely secured from Maury and adjacent counties. Mar. 1, 1905, a branch house was established at Kansas City for a distributing center. W. W. Wood, a native Columbian, has been foreman here for 17 years past. Vaughn Mfg. Co. A planing mill started by N. Vaught, 1856, was bought, in 61, with Confederate money, by J. R. Lamb, who added extensive improvements soon after the war. Later it was owned by F. H. Smith and others, but subsequently reverted to Mr. Lamb, who in Feb., 1904. sold to the above company. The mill burned Aug., 1904, and has since been entirely rebuilt and fitted with modern machinery. It is 55x170 ft, two floors; and the lot, 235x160 ft, gives room, for lumber and future expansion. The firm does contract and building work, from start to finish, having this year erected storerooms and office at Ninth and Garden on land leased for a term of years from Mrs. Towler. This building is two stories in the rear, giving room for glass, paints, paper, sash, doors, and finishings, office and decoration materials. The company purchases lumber direct from the mills of Maury and adjacent counties. It has recently erected a dry kiln with capacity to season 16,000 ft of lumber every four days. The capital is $50,000; N. P. Vaughn, Pres.; J. A. Titcomb, V. P.; G. P. Frierson, Sec. & Treas. A good illustration of the plant is shown herewith. The company is progressive, and its business adds to Columbia's important industries. Riverside Planing Mills. This business had its incipiency with the firm of Lamb & Boyd just after the war, making several changes prior to W. J. Oakes becoming sole proprietor in 1882. Mr. Oakes' 25 years of experience in this line has familiarized him with every detail of house finishing and contract work; but realizing the advantage of younger blood and modern methods, in keeping fully abreast of the times, he turned his plant in for stock in the new Riverside Planing Mills, which was chartered Feb. 1, 1905, becoming President; while J. R. Alford, Vice Pres., and J. B. Borum, Sec. & Treas., added additional working capital. Mr. Alford is a contractor of wide experience, having erected many of Columbia's best houses; while Mr. Borum has been bookkeeper and assistant manager, for 13 years past, with the extensive firm of Harris & Cole Bros. The two former officers are natives of this county; while Mr. Borum was born in Arkansas, has resided in Maury Co. from childhood, and for 18 years past has been connected with the lumber and house furnishing line. The company's lot, 100x200 ft., is fully covered with the plant and additional space leased on adjoining lots for lumber. The Riverside Planing Mills is prepared to fill any contract in the building or finishing line, and will be numbered with Columbia's pushers in wood-working concerns. Tennessee Cooperage Co. This State abounds in elm and oak, so necessary in the barrel business, and has attracted manufacturers from various sections. In 1900 the White-house & Dyer Stave & Heading Co. was organized by J. H. / Whitehouse and W. W. Dyer, both formerly from Wisconsin. Mills were operated in Lawrence and Lewis Counties under charge of W. L. Bachelder; the Whitehouse Barrel Co., established at 464 Chestnut St., Nashville, illustrated herewith, and has a machinery capacity of 5,000 barrels daily; the Maury Barrel Co., established in Columbia, where the head offices were in charge of W. W. Dyer. Mar., 1903, the above interests were merged, and the Tennessee Cooperage Co. incorporated, $30,000 capital; J. L. Hutton, Pres.; J. H. Whitehouse, V. P.; W. W. Dyer, Sec. & Treas.; W. L. Bachelder, Supt. of Factories. Mr. Hutton is president of the Phoenix Natl. Bank, while the other officers are all experienced timbermen and at home in their present line. R. O. Dyer, formerly of New York State, for some years past in Columbia, is also a director in the concern; and C. H. Barnum, of Western N. Y., has been bookkeeper here for four years past. Whitehouse & Dyer, as a separate firm, are manufacturers of shaved hoops, having interests in Tenn., Ala., Ky., Ind., Ill., and holding office for sale of products at Eleventh and School Sts., Columbia, with the Tennessee Cooperage Co. M'Clannahan Harness & Collar Co. A tannery was started at Eighth and Glade Sts. by Merideth Helm about 1820, who continued the business until his death, 1872. A Mr. Orton succeeded; and Jas. H. Gregory followed, 1880, selling to W. T. McClannahan & Bro., 1894. The McClannahans had for several years prior been in the business at Centerville, in Hickman Co., and at once increased the facilities here. The plant burned in 1902; and the present company was formed, $14,500 having been paid in prior to Jan., 1905, when the company entered into a five-year contract to furnish to one party $60,000 worth, of collars per annum, and the stock was increased to $30,000 in order to supply additional machinery and material. The stock was quickly taken by astute Columbia citizens. The additions were promptly made; and the plant is now readily turning out $5,000 worth of collars per month, giving employment to an average of 40 hands. Ernest Lovan, who contracted with the above company for $60,000 worth of collars annually, was former partner in Lovan Saddlery Co., at Springfield, Mo., and has had a wide experience in the manufacture and sale of horse goods. Under the new management the company is assured of a market for its products, and its steady operations here will dispense a large amount of money for wages and raw material. We present a line drawing, from photographs, showing the plant. Columbia Canning Factory. The benefits of a canning factory in giving employment to labor and furnishing a certain market to farmers' products—tomatoes, berries, etc.—were discussed here in 1904, and early in 1905 a bonus of $2,000 was raised for its encouragement. An eligible site was secured along the L. & N., opposite the Columbia Mill & Elevator, on lands owned by Horace Rainey; and upon this a two-story factory building, 60x100 ft., was erected. This has been fully quipped with machinery, originally costing $5,000, for producing .20,-000 3-pound cans of tomatoes daily. A warehouse 40x60 ft. was erected and a 1,000-bbl. storage tank installed, which is supplied with pure spring water from Rainey Hill. The plant has an 80-gallon porcelain-lined preserving kettle, a 60-bbl. air-tight sweet potato cooker, an engine of suitable capacity, and all necessary facilities for canning corn, asparagus, beans, and vegetables. For 1905 tomatoes were made the specialty, the company raising 80 acres and neighboring farmers 70 acres, under contract of 20 cts. per bushel. With proper culture the lands produce from 300 to 600 bushels per acre, thus giving a good remuneration to the raisers. Everything is systematized about the cannery, from the dumping of tomatoes into the scalding hopper to the full cans neatly labeled and packed, and already there is a much greater demand from jobbers than the Columbia Cannery can fill; but with the additional growth of diversified raw material, it is hoped that the establishment will be able to keep in full operation the entire year and, as one of Columbia's permanent industries, materially assist in Maury Co. progress. Horace Rainey, president and largest stockholder of the company, born in Columbia Apr;, 1850, owns several turnpikes, and is largely interested in fruit culture, having orchards of apples aggregating 240 acres, 30 acres in cherries, 40 in berries, 10 in pears, his holdings aggregating nearly 500 acres, of which 40 acres adjoining the corporation on the S. W. are platted into 128 lots. He is an up-to-date, all-round hustler, employing many hands and disbursing a large amount of funds. J. J. Wilson, Jr., manager of the factory, was born in this county in 1863, his father, J. J., Sr., having been born in 1830, son of Robert Wilson, who came with Zion colony to Maury Co. in 1807. Mr. Wilson has followed agricultural pursuits, and is an indefatigable worker. Horace Rainey is a son of the late W. S. Rainey, who was born near Columbia in 1818, admitted to the bar in the early 40's, and practiced here for 40 years. Mr. Rainey's mother was Mary Minter, who, with Mrs. I. M. Barnett, were the first graduating class from Columbia Institute. Mr. Rainey owns the picturesque knob, south of the homestead, used as a Confederate fort by Genl. Wheeler. The summit of this hill would make an ideal place for a sanitarium or pleasure resort. His handsome brick residence, shown herewith, was erected in 1900 at a cost of $7,000; is surrounded with Norway spruce and other dense foliage, making an elegant home. He owns the Columbia & Spring Hill Pike, Columbia & Sante Fe, Columbia & Pulaski, Columbia & Bear Creek, aggregating 44 miles, besides being interested in others and holding a controlling interest in the cannery. On the whole, he is a very busy man; and his numerous enterprises largely assist in Maury Co. development. Simpson's Brickyard. Among Columbia's diversified industries is the above. Thomas Simpson was born in England, has been brick making in America from boyhood, and in Columbia for 12 years. He was subcontractor far the Arsenal brick work, and the present year on the new C. H. and Grain & Feed Co. mill. The plant has a capacity of 20,000 brick per day, and employs 10 to 15 hands. Rainey's Asparagus Garden.—This illustration only partly shows the beauty of an asparagus field. Mr. Rainey has 30 acres growing along the railroad between the cannery and his home, from which, the present season, his net profit was $2,475, an average of $82.50 per acre. It is doubtful if any farm crop can be made more profitable with a like amount of labor, and it is worthy of more general introduction here. Chattanooga Brewing Co. A Columbia branch of the above house was established in 1900, beer coming in refrigerator cars, and from this center is distributed to customers throughout Middle Tennessee. O. H. Higgins, manager here, was born in Franklin Co., 1866; for some years in business at Fayetteville; and has been in charge of the Chattanooga Brewing Co. business at Columbia from its start, establishing a good trade. F. C. Dunnington about the middle of the past century was a law partner in Columbia with A. O. P. Nicholson. Mr. Dunnington was elected to the General Assembly in 1854; and while at Nashville, became a partner and editor of the Nashville American, taking the office South with the Confederate Army. He returned to Nashville after the war, and was clerk of the Supreme Court at the time of his death in 1871. His daughter is the wife of U. S. Senator E. W. Carmack, and spends a portion of the time with her mother in the above handsome home. Brittain Marble Works. Early in the eighties S. P. Payne started marble works at Embargo and Sixth Sts. This was purchased May, 1898, by T. C. Brittain, who has added extensive improvements. A. H. Abbott secured a working interest in 1900, and in 1902 Mr. Brittain became sole proprietor. The plant turns out a high class of marble and granite work, buying the rough in car lots and delivering monuments or other marble and granite work to the order of customers in Maury and adjacent counties. Two salesmen look after the demands of the trade. Brittain Tobacco Works. T. C. Brittain established a tobacco factory at Holt's Corners in 1884; and the plant was transferred to Columbia, near the Fair Grounds, where it burned in 1902, when a lot was secured at School and Tenth Sts. and a new plant erected. This contained packers, presses, steam granulators, etc., producing about 75,000 pounds for 1904; but the popularity of Brittain's "Gilt Edge," "Old Tennessee Royal," and other brands from the fine Brazil leaf of this section soon outgrew the capacity of the factory erected in 1903. The plant is being rebuilt and its capacity doubled. The raw material is raised by about 100 farmers of an adjoining county, who realize $60 to $120 per acre. Recently the Brittain company has purchased the Ogilvie factory, of College Grove, Mr. Ogilvie taking stock in the Columbia concern and serving as purchaser of the raw material. Brittain Tobacco Works was incorporated in 1904, with capital of $30,000; J. L. Hutton, Pres.; E. E. McLemore, 1st V. P.; W. A. Dale, 2d V. P.; W. B. Turner, Sec & Treas.; C. F. Brittain, Gen. Mgr. Mr. Brittain has been in this business from boyhood, and understands every detail. Star Laundry.—As laundry work gives employment to labor and is necessary to modern social customs, it is a great convenience to have good laundries. The Star was started in 1899 by J. L. Wiley and J. Lawrie, a building erected and machinery installed, at 62 S. Garden, worth $4,000. Mr. Wiley was born in Maury Co., served as County Court Clerk in 1890-8; while Mr. Lawrie was formerly a conductor on the L. & N. They employ about a dozen persons. The Maury Steam Laundry, operated by Ed. Voss. is similar to the Star. Repair Shops.—E. W. Jones at 53 S. High and Roberts Machine & Implement Co. on East Seventh are well fitted for extensive repair work. There are also two gunsmiths, a half dozen blacksmith and wagon repair .shops, several contractors, and other industrial matters which will have mention on later pages or be found in our directory. Gartner's Carriage Shop.—J. H. Gartner, born in Columbia in 1860, of German ancestry, learned carriage work in boyhood, served as hotel clerk and in the manufacture of ice, but about 20 years since opened in his present line. He has been at 17 N. Main for 15 years past, and makes a specialty of delivery wagons and general repair work. Inventive Genius. Columbia not only has a fair share of industrial enterprises and room for more, but many good mechanics and a few of real inventive genius. Among the latter is J. T. Wright, born in Giles Co. and a resident of Maury Co. since 1867. In his youth he was farming, and becoming impressed with the necessity of a good corn drill, succeeded in bringing out a superior one some ten years ago, of which some 10,000 are now in use, mostly in Middle Tennessee. Mr. Wright has secured four different patents on this machine, and recently has invented a very practical hay press, of which sample machines are now in use. His corn drill is mounted upon a plow stock, with adjustable blades, which opens a furrow, drops the seed, and covers it with a double furrow—all in a single continuous operation. It is arranged with two hoppers, and will drop corn, peas, or beans, in alternate hills, in the same row, if so desired, any distance apart or any number of seed, according to adjustment. It is also arranged to plant cotton seed, and is much simpler and superior to the old style of drilling machines; while the price is but $12, with both earn and cotton attachments. There is strong talk of a company being organized to manufacture Mr. Wright's very useful patents in Columbia. See illustration in our directory pages. Additional Comments: From: CENTURY REVIEW 1805 - 1905 MAURY COUNTY, TENNESSEE A Condensation of the Most Important Events of the Past One Hundred Years, and Descriptive Sketches of the Cities and Villages File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/tn/maury/history/1906/centuryr/industri26gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/tnfiles/ File size: 24.9 Kb