Evening journal., 1898-03-21

any figures, but it is known that he re-
ceived a liberal price tor his holdings
and for the holdings of Mrs. Mary
Tord.
THE FORD PLANT.
The first factory Of the now great
plant was built August Is, 1886. The
company was organized by Peter J..
Ford, and Thomas Ford, his brother,
a former sheriff of New Castle county,
now deceased. The building of the
factory at Silverbrook, was looked
upon by many as an unwise venture,
but Mr.. Fords thorough business tact,
enterprise and energy prevailed, and
before many months the factory was
on a good working basis, and it's pro-
\ duct was accepted in all stores Of the
East. In April, 1895, the company was
| reorganized with a capital stock of
| $500 000, when w. A. Stetson and sew
| eral banking men of Boston, went into
| the company. The place was enlarged
| and to-day the factory is made up OF
/ seven distinct departments, covering
an area Of four blocks. 1t reaches from
| Second street and Greenhill avenue to
| Fifth street and Greenhill avenue, TO
Webb street, thence back to Third street
The factory has a capacity OF from 800
| to 1000 dozen skins a day. There are
between 600 and 500 hands employed
/ about 100 Of whom are women. The
/ total value of the plant and stock Is
81, ,118,0 900. 1t is one of the best equip
ped plants in the country. The de
| partments, especially that for the wO-
men, are the best that can be found IN
any workshop. The company sends its
leather all over the world, and mostly
| to England and Vienna, of the foreign
| countries. It manufactures a leather
called ''Vassar Kid" that has no equal
for finish and durability. The present
| complete system of running the factory
| was inaugurated by Peter J. Ford.
HE GOT HIS PRICE.
A Journal man interviewed Mr.
| Ford at his residence at Fifth
and Rodney streets. He was not in
cined to discuss the details of The
deal, but said he got a good price fol
his share in the factory, and that he
| grasped the opportunity Of selling He
held the majority Of the stock, and as
| the syndicate was willing to buy, Mr.
Ford was willing to sell.
The new management will immedi
ately assume control. James !. FOrt
will remain in the capacity as secre
| tary and treasurer of the company
while II. f. Dougherty, the present su
porintendent, will also remain. It i
stated however, that the new mana
gers may bring a general manage.
from Boston and place him In charg,
of the shops.
The retiremeit of Mr.. Ford was ais,
O surprise to the employees, and wher
hei informed them of the sale and IN
troduced Mr.. StetsOn there were many
affecting scenes.
WHAT HE WILL DO.
Mr.. Ford, James Nfegary, II. II. Ward
Peter "A. Horty, DR. ]. A. Ellie
good, David Lindsay and John p. All
mand have purchased the effects ant
rights of the Economic Life Insur
ance Company, which was ORGANIZED
here several years ago by Ezra Eel
and William H. Weeks The company
will be reorganized and put on a firm
footing. Branches will be established
throughout the country Peter A
liorty has been elected secretary ant
| treasurer of the concern.
Mr.. Ford will take a prolonged tril
20 Europe, after his business affair
are arranged. He is one of the best
known men in Delaware, and has beer
identified with local and state Demo
cratic politics for a number OF years
/ lie was the choice of New Castle
county at the last Democratic Stat,
Convention for governor. Mr.. Fore
has performed many charitable acts
and he gives largely to the unfortu
| nate