Page:Historical and Biographical Annals of Columbia and Montour Counties, Pennsylvania, Containing a Concise History of the Two Counties and a Genealogical and Biographical Record of Representative Families.pdf/578

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COLUMBIA AXD MONTOUR COUNTIES

son o f Jacob F. and Josephine (RaubcUy) Richard. ^ Jacob F. Kichard was a native o f France, bom about one hundred miles from Havre, He learned the trade o f machinist in his own land, and came to America in 1849, landing at Ncw Y ork City. H is first location here was at Paterson, N. J. . where he followed his trade until 1854, in that year going to Scranton. P a., and finding employment in the Dclaware, Ijickaw anna & Western shops. Thence hc removed to W aterbury, Conn., where he did well, and remained until his death, in 1892. H is widow has since resided in N ew Y ork City, making her home with her daughter. F ou r sons and one daughter were bom to M r. and Mrs. Jaco b F. R ich ard : Frederick J ., Elizabeth (who married E . Hosbach. o f Woodhavcn. .S'. Y .), Henry J ., George J. and Jaco b J. , Frederick J. Ricliard grew up in N ew Y o rk City and received his education in the public schools. He inherited mechanical ability and love fo r mechanics, ami early in life begged his father to allow him to choose the trade o f machinist for his life occupation. His father would not consent until he had trie<l other lines o f work, and met with disappointment, when he was finally allowed to enter the employ o f Bliss & W illiam s, at Brooklyn. H e scri-ed an apprenticeship o f live years, during which time he liccame thoroughly acquainted with the trade and w as qualified to undertake the duties of the next position offered him, that o f foreman of the Manhattan Brass Company. A s his work proved very satisfactory iic w as soon after appointed supcrintcndent. L ater he took c h a i ^ of the brass lulic works o f Holmes. Booth & Hayden, o f W aterbury, Conn,, which is known fa r and wide as Uie “ Brass C ity ," and held that position fo r three years. F o r the following two years he w as superintendent fo r Randolph & Clauss, manufacturers o f seamless brass and copper tubing. In 1891 M r. Richard removed to the thriving town u f Bloom sbuig and, in association with J . L . Richardson, built the plant of the Brass & Copper Company, m anufacturers o f seamless brass and copper tubing, a two-story brick structure. 17 5 by 75 feet, and fitted throughout with machinery of the company’s own manufacture. Mr. Richard w as made manager and superintendent and under his careful guidance the venture w as eminently successful. In 1892 the Bloomsburg Brass & Copper Company was formed, and he was made superintendent. In 1893 he built the

plant of the Shickshinny Tube Company, of which he w as a director and stockholder. He was also a director o f and a stockholder in the liloomsburg Elevator Company, builders and makers o f machinery. In 1893, in partnership with J. L Richardson, he built the BloomsburgM anufacturing Company’s plant, a building 60 by 40 feel, with boiler room 30 by 30 feet, both o f brick. The company manufacturcd a large variety o f articles, cuspidors, oil cans, currycombs, etc. In 1894 a stock company was formed with the foUowing o ^ 'e r s : F. J. Kichard. president; George L. Richard. vice president; and L. E. W aller, director. A s the growth of the business had been so rapid it was found necessary lo enlarge the building. Another story was added to it, the length increased to n o feet, and an L. 50 by 25 feet, added. Machinery was put in for the manufacture o f carpet looms fo r the Ktoomsburg Carpet M anufactory, and also six cutting and stamping machines. . average o f fifty competent workmen were employed regularly, the concern being then as now a strong business factor o f Bloom sburg. and the output w as the finc.st on the m arket, finding a ready sale in the laiger cities, In 1900 the present organization, know-n as the Richard M anufacturing Company, was formed, with F. J. Richard, president and general m anager; J. L. Richardson, treasu rer; and Dr. Charles F. .Mtmillcr, secretary. The company is incorporated under the law s of IVnnsylvania with a capital stock o f $75,000. The plant, which is located on Ninth street, between Catherine and Iron streets, has been enlarged and developed until it consists o f a group uf buildings o f substantial m odem consiruction. the main one 40 by 220 feet in dimensions, the foundry and erecting building 40 by 150 feet, and the blacksmith shop 30 bv 40 feet, T he equipment is complete, incfuding the latest and best make.s o f machinery required, lathes, planers, drills, gear cutlers, etc. T he concern is one of the busiest in central Pennsylvania, and the output has become more and more important as the expcricncc and success of the owners have enabled them to undertake responsible work, the company now giving attention to the ntanufacturc o f special machinery and g ra y iron castings. T hey make machinery for bronze, copper, brass and steel rod and tube d raw in g; wire (bronze, copper, brass) drawing and covcrin g; any kind o f sheet mctal work, following designs furnished or making same thcmselves; also manufacture and build presses and grinding machinery. The fact that many