The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-11-16
TIE STEEL AND IRON WORKERS OF ROCK
ISLAND.

the amount of capital they represent serves
to give them great prominence in the eyes
of the public, there are other establishments
in the steel and iron line, not the less de-
serving of mention. In this stage of our
city's history, we should not look so much to
the present magnitude of business enterpris-
es, as to the basis which they may form ior
an importance to be gathered with time, and
to fully eliminate in the future.
In former article VIC noted the fact that
the only carpet and coverlet factory west of
Philadelphia is located in Rock Island. 1t
seems tb-s our enterprizing city is also ahead
of ias slower competitors in another particu-
lar. We have the only saw factory in the
west, with the exception of two at st. Louis.
Chicago, we believe, boasts repair shop in
this line, but otherwise is just as far behind
our city as the remainder of the so-called
metropolis, which depends upon arrogant New
England for everything their citizens WELD
or wear. We have reference to the estab.
lishment of Donaldson & Kyle, located on
took occasion to call there yesterday morn
ing, and by the kindness of the proprietors
were shown about the premises, and fully
enlightened in regard to their present opera
tons. In the year 1857, Mr.. David Donald
son opened saw repair shop next to the
building now occupied by the Wooden Mills
His capital was small, and much the greater
portion of it consisted in hardy muscle, prac-
teal experience in his business, and that
indomltable perseverance which is the pre-
| cursor of success in any calling. He had
scarcely commenced business. however, be-
fore the financial crash of that memorable
year came on and seemed to sweep away ev-
cry possible chance of favorable issue.
Those who had been long established at that
time, and who yet barely survived the storm,
can form some idea of the situation he found
himself in. By coming down to first princi.
pies, however, and doing the entire work of
the concern himself, he struggled through
the time that tried mems souls. By invest
ing his profits in additional facilities, and
serving his patrons in a manner that could
admit of no complaint, he eventually found
himself at the head of promising business
In the spring of 1866, he erected the build
ing he now occupies, and sold a half inter
est in the concern to B. F. Kyle, with the in
tention of attempting something in the man
| ufacturing line. For this he was well quail
fed, having worked at the business for TWEEN
ty years or more. At the age of fourteen,
he entered the Flint Works, at Rochester, n
Z, the largest in the country, a n ~pr.-~--
tice, and after serving the required time, Wis
tied England, and gained additional knowl-
edge of his calling at one of the heaviest
manufactures of Sheffield. By this it will
be seen that his experience has been CON
siderable and valuable.
The new firm had no sooner been formed.
than they purchased L horse power engine,
used until then in keen's Machine Shop,
and added all the necessary machinery and
equipments for the manufacture of every
style of saws. Perhaps no business is more
difficult TO set IN motion than this. Proper
workmen are very difficult to be found, and
until a reputation has been gained, the sale
of the articles manufactured is exceedingly
slow and uncertain. Lumbermen, in equip
ping their mills, have no time to try expert
ments. When they purchase saws, they
want those they can depend upon from the
outset, without doubt or question. As.may
be presumed therefore, the new firm expert
enced great difficulty in even getting the
quality of their wares tested. The suspicion
with which early manufactures are regard
ed, and the unwarranted prejudice existing
against their work, was stronger than usual
| in this case. The enterprise seemed destined
to fail without even the satisfaction Of having
an unfavorable Judgment passed upon the
articles turned out. By dint of energy and i'm
portunity, however, q few of our lumbermen
were prevailed upon to give the Rock Island
saws a trial. This was equivalent to success.
They were found to be of more than usual
merit, well made, carefully tempered, and
offered at lower rates than eastern work,
they quickly won their way in spite of every
opposition. At this time they can be found
in every mill in Rock Island, Moline, and vi
entity Nor is this all Donaldson Kyle
have secured perfect monopoly at home,
with business circle constantly and rapid
ly widening. For the want of commensu-
rate facilities, they have never made the
slightest efforts to enlarge the boundary OF
their trade. At present they are furnish
ing all the mills in Davenport and other
towns of Iowa are shipping to important
points throughout our own state and Wis
consin, and to all the growing towns between
this city and st. Paul. Last spring they
made a number of shipments TO Colorado,
and few days ago commenced the receipt
of orders from Montana. In fact, they are
pushed to the utmost to fill their orders. A
more complete success could not have been
desired and in fact, the half of it was not
anticipated With commendable enterprise,
they will next spring purchase larger en-
| CINE, increase their machinery and other
wise greatly enlarge their facilities; but the
full details of their improvements have not
yet been decided upon. This hurried
sketch will illustrate how profitable
manufacturing can be made in almost any
line, and in a short space of time.
The building now occupied is 20 feet by
l25 in size, but is far too small for the re