The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1874-11-07
HOME MATTERS,
Important Change.


A change has occurred in one Of our business
firms which de:ercs more than passing notice
Mr.. j. E. Porter for long time one Of the ener-
getic proprietors Of the Eagle Agricultural
Works, has disposed OF his interest and good
will to Ezra Melvin and f. f. Iamer.
In the change we are glad. to announce that
naught but ill-health was the cause of the re-
tiremcnt of Mr.. Porter. We welcome the new
members to our city and give Mr. Porter's views
of our manufacturing advantages ycrJatim as he
gave them 20 US.
Hearing the report on the street that Mr.. FOR
ter had sold out his interest "Korn" interviewed
him with the following result:
Rep.-Mr Porter, it is reported YOU have sold
out?
P.-Yes. ] have sold my entire interest in the
Eagle Works to Ezra Melvin, one Of the largest
farmers in Kendall Co., and f. f. Homer capt.
talist of Tonica Melvin is the inventor Of the
new harvej tcr that attracted so much attention
at the Chicago Exposition and at the State Fair
in Peoria
| Rep.-Arc you MOI satisfied with the manu!ac
turing business?
! P-Yes. never was in better or more proI-
table business, but owing to the loss OF my voice
and hcaltly could not give it the attention ii
requires to ne successful manufacturer. You
must hold the reins and drive day and night.
| Rep.-And you think there is money made 10y
the manufacturers Of Ottawa?
| P-Sir, if you doubt it look and see the pros
pcrty of the manufacturers of every kind in oul
city. Only few years ago the leading manu-
81, Ia in bn IN
they now are masters and leaders of. Cast your
eve on our bluffs, see the residences that loom
up and then tell me it is not good business.
/ Rcp.-Do you think Ottawa would support
more factories than she now has?
P-To be sure three times the number that
we now have, and this would make the city {
liye place, and Chen We would prosper. Take
away from us what We have and then see where
YOUR business would be. There is no better 10
cation in the northwest for manufacturers thar
Ottawa, and if our capitalists would only take Al
interest in new enterprises and lend hclpin!
j. hand and join energetic manufacturers and MS
sist with means and their counsel, ! think i
would be as well tor them, and much better 10
the city at large, instead Of buying up worthless
stock at biz discount and shaving notes in thei
back offices, letting money for 10 per cent, and
per cent. commissions as they term il.
Rcp--Are you going to leave us?
P.-No. ! am interested in a fewncw inventions
] am getting up, and if regain my health vii
engage in the business again and ! know NJ
town that has superior advantages to Ottawa
| hope to live here long enough to see the soutl
side become the Saratoga OF the west.
We regret that his health has SO far failed hin
AS to compel his retirement for he has been on'
of our leading business men and always WORKED
with a will for Ottawa's prosperity. 1t is to hin
more than any other man that We are indebted
for our arteslan wells. His many customers ant
friends will regret his retiring from business, an'
We hope he may soon regain his health and forme
vgor for We need more men Of his style rathc
than those that set back in their easy chairs an
are not willing to take dollars risk for the pros
Ipcrity of our city.
That with Mr.. Porter and his energy as L lcade
the Mineral Springs will be one Of the note
watering places we do not doubt We wish bot
/, Mr.. Porter and his new associates unbeundc
q. success in all their undertakings