The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-05-19
A visit .tocthe Pendleton Factory.

the Pendleton Factory, we got aboard the regu-
lar train of the Blue Ridge Railroad on last
Thursday evening, and after short and pleas
ant ride, alighted at the platform within a
stones throw Of Mr.. VIM. PERRY's residence
We met with, a hospitable reception from the
family, and in short time was conducted to
the business Office of Dir. E. G. ROBERTS, the
general agent He received us with cordiality,
and as our stay was limited, proceeded to give
us an opportunity of inspecting themachinery,
Water power, &c. y....-..... -.: --..-..
Asis well known throughout this section of
the State, the Pendleton Factory is situated on
Three and Twenty Mile Creek, within three
miles of Pendleton, and about ten miles north
of Anderson. The stream already named pur-
sues devious course for some distance above
the factory building, and although the water to
run the machinery is conducted only short
distance from the dam-not over three hundred
yards-the creek requires at least double that
number of yards to make the same descent.
The dam is substantially built, and furnishes
enough water to run twice the amount of ma
chinery now propelled by it. Near the old
mill-house, solid and durable bridge is being
erected across the creek, of course under the
direction of the County Commissioners. The
work is done, however, at its actual cost by Mra
PERRY, who recognizes the Importance and ne
cessity of securing good crossing at that point
in every emergency.
After an examination of the surroundings,
including glance at the neat and commodious
tenement-houses on the opposite side OF the
creek, we were conducted to the building con-
tanning the wool carding machines, cotton gins,
&c. The wool cards have recently been taken
from the main building, to make room fer other
machinery used in the manufacture of cotton
yarn. Everything is in readiness, however, to
perform the work allotted to thewool machines.
Two cotton gins of the most approved pattern
occupy another portion of the building, also IN
the second story, and almost beneath these gins
is revolving cotton press, by which the Heecy
staple is ginned and packed within the space of
few feet, and in the most economical manner,
as the water drives the gins and only two hands
are required to pack the cotton. ~ ~
This brings us to the main factory building.
1t is two-story brick structure, about one hum
dred feet long and forty feet wide. Seventy
five operatives are now employed in the manu-
facture of cotton yarn. These operatives are
reliable and competent, and are principally ma
tiyes of the country around-altogether white
families, some of whom have been employed
for many years in this business. We were
shown the process of manufacturing yarn, from
the machine used in picking the notes from the
cotton to the press where the yarn is baled for
shipment. 1t is an interesting scene, and Is
carried on with the regularity of clock-work.
The machinery is in perfect order, and the most
thorough and systematic arrangements are evi-
dent in the conduct of the establishment. For
the information of the public, we obtained a
few facts concerning the recent history OF the
Factory Mr.. PERRY took charge of it on the
1st of January, 1866. Repairs were needed,
and after six months of unremitting labor and
considerable expense, the production for the
month of July following was 1852 punches OF
yarn, equal to daily average of 81 punches.
In July, 1867, the daily average reached llS,
and in April, 1870, the daily average was 266
or more than trebled in less than four years.
Of course, new machinery has been added to
make this extraordinary increase, but it has
been scarcely more than doubled in the past
three years. In addition to thorough knowl-
edge of the business with over thirty years ex-
perience in manufacturing, Mr.. PERRY has
evinced an unusual energy and perseverance,
and placed the Factory upon permanent and
remunerative basis. The figures already given
furnish abundant proof of his industry and
skill.
The present owners of the Factory are or
ganized into a company, composed of few
individuals. All the profits have been e1pen-
ded in the purchase of new machinery and
other property, and hence there has been no
dividend declared upon the original invest
ment The company has recently purchased
an additional tract of land, and now own over
500 acres, with two water powers. Besides the
factory building, there are two mills, q brick
building used as a store with Office attached,
and tenement houses to accommodate 100 ope-
ratives. The store is kept supplied with every
thing usually found in miscellaneous stock of
dry goods, groceries, &C., and the employees
are enabled to buy whatever is necessary for
their comfort at reasonable figures. 1t is un-
der the supervision of Mr.. A. N. ALEXANDER,
to whom we are indebted for many courtesies
during our brief visit
1t is the intention of the present company to
re-organize under an Act of the Legislature,
passed December 10th, 1869, regulating the
formation of corporations. Under this act
private property is not liable for the company's