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Hardcase · January 18, 2011, 05:41 PM

Back and forth in time we go. In 1829, my great-great-great-great grandfather had been in the US for about 12 years. He had left Wales for Baltimore because the ironworking opportunities in the old country had dried up. He found work at a foundry there, then moved around a bit, finally settling in Wheeling, Virginia (West Virginia was still some time in the future).

I don't know if you could say that he had a successful career as an ironworker - eventually, he moved the family to Houses Springs, Missouri, which may actually be part of St. Louis now.

At any rate, one of his friends, a Mr. Reeders, who lived in Jeffersonville, Kentucky discovered a fine business opportunity and attempted to persuade Christopher to join him. As far as I know, nothing came of it, probably because Christopher never had much money.

21 June 1829 - Jeffersonville

C. Cooper,
Dear Sir,

A prospect appearing at length to open for you to make your fortune without the intolerable bodily labor that you at present perform, and I should be heartily glad to take a wing of it with you.

The following advertisement has just appeared in the Public Advertiser.

The Louisville Foundry
Will be rented by private contract, and pssession given on the 1st day of Aug for a term of seven years in the following manner: The whole will be rented till the first day of May 1831, five sixths till the first day of Jan'y 1833, and two thirds till the first day of Aug 1836. the whole to be rented for a certain time, and the same proportion of rent to be paid till the expiration of the lease. It contains a Cupola that will melt as much Iron as will make a casting of 26 Cwt. The Steam Engine that blows the bellows has lately undergone a thorough repair, and is now in excellent order. A new and commodious black-smith's shop has been put up on the premises this spring; and there are also two pattern shops with an extensive assortment of valuable patterns. The superior advantage which this old Establishment possesses, are so well known that it is not necessary to make any comment. It is sufficient to say that it is well worthy the attention of any man of talent, who wishes to embark in this business.

Either of the subscribers will be at all times ready to show the premises, and to receive offers from those willing to rent.

Jacob Kesser
Jos. Middleton, Guardian of Arek, Geo and Wm. Prentice

The business having been very profitable in the hands of the late David Prentice, and Doctor Middleton, his son in law, a very just and reasonable man, I think that prospect a very fair one, and that you ought to come down and view the property without loss of time; especially as there is no opposition nor likely to be any for some time. The situation of the Foundry is good - as it fronts the river a little below the Steam boat landing place.

Hoping to see you very soon, with the respects of my Parents and self to you and Mrs. Cooper. I remain

Ever, Dear Sir,

Yours,

E. Reeders

NB I observe in the advertisement some omissions; particularly a turning & boaring lathe.

The letter was addressed to:

Mr. Christopher Cooper
Iron Founder
Wheeling
Vg.

As an interesting aside, the Louisville Foundry produced the first steam engine ever made in Louisville. It was made for a cotton mill.

January 18, 2011, 05:41 PM	#39
Hardcase Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2009 Location: Sunny Southern Idaho Posts: 1,909	Back and forth in time we go. In 1829, my great-great-great-great grandfather had been in the US for about 12 years. He had left Wales for Baltimore because the ironworking opportunities in the old country had dried up. He found work at a foundry there, then moved around a bit, finally settling in Wheeling, Virginia (West Virginia was still some time in the future). I don't know if you could say that he had a successful career as an ironworker - eventually, he moved the family to Houses Springs, Missouri, which may actually be part of St. Louis now. At any rate, one of his friends, a Mr. Reeders, who lived in Jeffersonville, Kentucky discovered a fine business opportunity and attempted to persuade Christopher to join him. As far as I know, nothing came of it, probably because Christopher never had much money. 21 June 1829 - Jeffersonville C. Cooper, Dear Sir, A prospect appearing at length to open for you to make your fortune without the intolerable bodily labor that you at present perform, and I should be heartily glad to take a wing of it with you. The following advertisement has just appeared in the Public Advertiser. The Louisville Foundry Will be rented by private contract, and pssession given on the 1st day of Aug for a term of seven years in the following manner: The whole will be rented till the first day of May 1831, five sixths till the first day of Jan'y 1833, and two thirds till the first day of Aug 1836. the whole to be rented for a certain time, and the same proportion of rent to be paid till the expiration of the lease. It contains a Cupola that will melt as much Iron as will make a casting of 26 Cwt. The Steam Engine that blows the bellows has lately undergone a thorough repair, and is now in excellent order. A new and commodious black-smith's shop has been put up on the premises this spring; and there are also two pattern shops with an extensive assortment of valuable patterns. The superior advantage which this old Establishment possesses, are so well known that it is not necessary to make any comment. It is sufficient to say that it is well worthy the attention of any man of talent, who wishes to embark in this business. Either of the subscribers will be at all times ready to show the premises, and to receive offers from those willing to rent. Jacob Kesser Jos. Middleton, Guardian of Arek, Geo and Wm. Prentice The business having been very profitable in the hands of the late David Prentice, and Doctor Middleton, his son in law, a very just and reasonable man, I think that prospect a very fair one, and that you ought to come down and view the property without loss of time; especially as there is no opposition nor likely to be any for some time. The situation of the Foundry is good - as it fronts the river a little below the Steam boat landing place. Hoping to see you very soon, with the respects of my Parents and self to you and Mrs. Cooper. I remain Ever, Dear Sir, Yours, E. Reeders NB I observe in the advertisement some omissions; particularly a turning & boaring lathe. The letter was addressed to: Mr. Christopher Cooper Iron Founder Wheeling Vg. As an interesting aside, the Louisville Foundry produced the first steam engine ever made in Louisville. It was made for a cotton mill.