Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1884-05-08
The r. ]. Bags & Sons Lumber Co.

Some of onr readers may have noticed
in a recent issue an announcement OF
the incorporation of stock company
bearing the above title. Although the
firm of R. J. Baggs i Sons is widely
known, not only in the county nd state,
but wherever their business relations as
buyers or sellers have extended; vet
there are not many persons who know
much, if anything, OF the history and
progress D. this enterprIsing firm.
We, therefore, venture to recall a few
points of business history marked by
such energy and perseverance As has
been manifested by these gentlemen.
R. }. Baggs. the senior member of the
firm, after long experience in contract
ing and building, in 1854 commenced in
West Bridgeport to make doors, sash,
blinds, &c, by hand, his sons assisting
him.
The Oldes', who had always shown a
tondness tor mechanical work. bad served
well with the father from hoybood. The
Younger son, when the days work was
done, spent his evenings in business col
| lege, and completed the course.
About this time the father accepted a
ness, during which tlme the other busi-
ness was still carried onsby the sons and
increased SO rapidly that hand work be.
came entirely too slow.
In the year 1856 the partnership of
father and sons was formed, the shop
lenlarged and some necessary machinery
purchased and placed therein.
The town, or rather the incorporated
village of Bridgeport, was then small
compared with its present proportions
and business men generally invested in
merchandising rather than in manufac-
turing establishments, SO that this move
on the part of r. j. Baggs & Sous was
considered doubtful enterprise, and
met with very little encouragement from
the business men of the town.
Notwithstanding all this added TO
lsck of capital, the enterprise was pushed
through. Orders increased and work
became so pressing that the mill was
kept running until late at night in order
to meet the demands for their work.
Their knowledge of the carpenter bu-
siness together with the readiness and
ingenuity of ]. P. Baggs, enc of the sons,
in acquiring the use and application of
machinery, became capital that has
made their business a success.
Little by little new machinery was
added, and in short time it became
necessary to still further increase the
facilities for doing business. so that, in
the year 1862 the present site was pur
CHASED and a new mill erected, and a
lumber yard added. Since then, new
buildings-such as dry house. lumber
sheds, engine room, boiler house, Office,
&C., have been added, more ground made
and purchased, and everything possible
done to facilitate business.
AS the result of all this, the business
has assumed proportions undreamed of
by any member of the firm, and their
enterprising spirit being ahead of their
capital, has determined them in increas
ing their facilities in order to keep pace
with the. increasing demands of trade.
To this end The new company has been
formed, and now gives the enterprising
public chance of embarking in busi
ness which has been firmly established,
by many years of patience, perseverance
and toll, and which has been thoroughly
tested. Stock in the r. j. Baggs &
Sons Lumber Co. whose advertisement
for stock subscriptions appears elsewhere
IN these columns. ought to be good in
veStment.