Jefferson County, West Virginia THE JEFFERSON GLASS COMPANY This file was submitted by Valerie Crook, E-mail address: The submitter does not have a connection to the subject of this sketch. This file may be freely copied by individuals and non-profit organizations for their private use. All other rights reserved. Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other means requires the written approval of the file's author. This file is part of the WVGenWeb Archives. If you arrived here inside a frame or from a link from somewhere else, our front door is at http://www.usgwarchives.net/wv/wvfiles.htm The History of West Virginia, Old and New Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, Volume III, pg. 464-465 Jefferson THE JEFFERSON GLASS COMPANY. Prominent among the thriving industries of Follansbee, one that has enjoyed a rapid and healthy growth is the Jefferson Glass Com- pany, now a leading factor in the industrial prestige of this part of the state. The Jefferson Glass Company had its origin at Steuben- ville, Ohio, where it was chartered in 1900, but in 1908 came to Follansbee because of the attraction offered by the possibility of gas facilities in the operation of the plant. When the buildings were first erected they cov- ered approximately two and one-half acres of ground, but since that time the size of the plant has been doubled, now occupying some five acres, while the working force of sixty-five men has increased proportionately, and the annual pay-roll now amounts to about $250,000. This concern's product consists principally of illuminating glassware and automobile specialties, lenses, flashlight lenses, etc. The product of this plant is to be found in 90 per cent of all automobiles now in operation. Dur- ing the World war the company made Government naval glass for the United States Navy, etc., and operated on about an 80 per cent war production basis. Dorman J. Sinclair, of Steubenville, was the former owner of the company, but sold out in May, 1910, and the Jefferson Glass Company is now an incorporation, with C. H. Blum- enauer, president and manager. Mr. Blumenauer devotes all his attention to this company, a large amount Of the success of which can be accredited to his ability and in- dustry. Recently gas has been sent out of the state in such great quantities that it was found in the winter months sufficient natural gas was not available, and in order to make up the deficit this company installed gas producing machines at a heavy expense, thus supplying the demand. This makes the company largely independent in the matter of operating power. In connection with the above company, but in a sep- arate building, is the Jefferson Company, manufacturers of high grade electric lights, table lamps, etc. It is an independent company, with J. E. Austin, a practical lamp man, as president, and there are fifty men on the pay- roll, which approximates $50,000 annually. Mr. Blum- enauer is treasurer of this concern and C. B. Roberts, man- ager, and the output, sold to jobbers and department stores, is used in every civilized country in the world. C. H. Blumenauer was born in Cumberland, Maryland, and in 1889 became a buyer for a Chicago jobbing house, remaining in that capacity until 1893. From then until 1910 he was identified with the Macbeth-Evans Glass Man- ufacturing Company, being in charge of their Chicago of- fice, which was the western department of that company, and then came to his present positions. He has been wholly devoted to glass manufacturing since 1910, and prior to that had experience along the same line, so that he is one of the best informed men in his field of activity in the state. Energetic and progressive, he has utilized his opportunities as they have appeared, and in so doing has risen to a place of recognized importance in the busi- ness world. Mr. Blumenauer is a Mason of high standing, belonging to all the Masonic bodies. His home is at Wheeling, where he holds membership in a number of leading clubs, and also belongs to several civic bodies. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States and the National Association of Manufac- turers. Mr. Blumenauer married Miss Larue E. Martin, of Iowa, and to this union there have been born three children: Bertha Mary, the wife of L. O. Griffith, secretary of the Jefferson Glass Company, and a resident of Steubenville, Ohio. He served as a lieutenant in the late war. Gertrude is the wife of Carl D. Roberts, director and manager of the Jefferson Company, and a resident of Steubenville. He held the rank of captain during the World war, and served in a replacement camp at the front in France. Edna is unmarried and resides with her parents.