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Allis, Edward Phelps (1824 - 1889) : Edward P. Allis Steel Engraved Portrait with Facsimile Signature

C. N. Caspar Company

Circa 1900, sized 6 x 9.5 inches, on heavy plate paper, generally very clean and bright. The author, b. Cazenovia, New York, May 12, 1824, was a manufacturer and politician. He graduated from Union College, Schenectady, New York, in 1845, and in 1846 moved to Milwaukee where he joined William Allen in the leather business. In 1851, Allis and several members of the Allen family launched the Wisconsin Leather Company, and their tannery at Two Rivers supplied the Milwaukee retail outlet. Allis sold his interest in the leather business about 1856 and engaged in real estate and railroad investment. In 1861, he purchased the Reliance Iron Works which after 1863 was known as Edward P. Allis and Company. During the Civil War the firm's business grew rapidly, fostered by the demand for millstones and milling equipment. Allis relocated the plant in 1867, and in 1869 he acquired the Bay State Iron Manufacturing Company. In 1871, Allis constructed a pipe foundry which enabled him to underbid eastern producers for the municipal waterworks contract, and in 1874 he installed the pumping engines for the system. Although forced into bankruptcy in 1876, Allis quickly recouped his fortunes and retained control of the company. In the 1880's, through the introduction of new products and the utilization of talented associates, Allis built his business into one of the largest in the state. In 1889 the company did an annual business of $3,000,000 and employed approximately 1500 people. Although the company had some labor difficulties, particularly in the city-wide strike of 1886, Allis was generally known for fairness in dealing with his employees, and was one of the first manufacturers to organize a form of industrial insurance, the Allis Mutual Aid Society. Ordinarily a protectionist Republican, Allis' financial difficulties led him to embrace the Greenback movement in 1875, and he was twice the party's unsuccessful candidate for governor, in 1877, and 1881. Allis was sole owner of his company and raised capital by heavy borrowing. He plowed profits back into the company, and protected his risk with large sums of life insurance. Much of his fortune was channeled into philanthropic activities through his wife, Margaret Watson Allis. After his death, Allis heirs incorporated as the Edward P. Allis Company, 1890, and in 1901 the Allis - Chalmers Company was formed.. Print. Book Condition: VG. Binding: No Binding

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