Ellis-Smith Manufacturing Co. was created in 1916 in Buffalo, N. Y., when the Rub-On Manufacturing Co., Inc. was renamed. The owners were William Ellis, M. S. Ellis, and S. M. Smith. Ellis-Smith is of interest to us because, beginning shortly after this name change, they manufactured power hacksaws.

From April 1917 Hardware Dealers' Magazine

The company had a brief but eventful history. Initially located at 216 Niagara Street in Buffalo, they were making power hacksaws by early 1917. In late 1918 they moved their general offices to Elmira. By mid-1920 the company was forced into bankruptcy. According to a report of the creditors' committee, the company had focused too much on its foundry business and had neglected their successful automotive accessories business, which consisted of jacks, tire stands, valve reseaters, towing dollies, etc. The creditors sold off the company assets. The "E. & S." product line was acquired by J. B. S. Manufacturing Co. of Elmira, who continued production, at least for a time. We do not know if J. B. S. resumed manufacture of the power hacksaw.

Information Sources

• 1913-02-06 The Automobile, in a list of automobile-related incorporations.

  Buffalo, N. Y. — Rub-On Manufacturing Company, Inc.; capital, $5,000; to manufacture automobile specialties. Incorporators: Otis Bower, W. A, Faxon, W. H. Faxon.

• January 1913 Automobile Dealer and Repairer has a display ad for "Rub-R-Tite Auto-Top Waterproof Gum-Surfacing" from Rub-On Manufacturing Company of Buffalo.
• October 1914 Motor.

  A Combination Towing and Turn Jack
  The Rub-On Manufacturing Co., of 91 Brayton St., Buffalo, N. Y., are making a combination jack which, in addition to filling the ordinary functions of such a device, acts as a turntable and may also be used in towing a damaged car to its destination. In our illustration the jack is shown reversed and clamped in that position to the car axle. The wheels have three-inch faces and run in Hyatt roller bearings on a removable case-hardened steel axle. In addition to the ordinary handle an extra heavy telescopic one for towing purposes is furnished.

• December 1914 The Live Wire, published by the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, in a list of new members.

  Rub-On Manufacturing Co., Charles F. Benzing, Secretary Treasurer, 87-97 Brayton Street.

• 1915-03-10 The Automobile Journal.

  Run-On Display Cabinet
  The Rub-On Manufacturing Company, Buffalo, N. Y., Is continuing to offer to dealers and garages a handsome selling cabinet for displaying its products. This., company manufactures the Rub-On auto top, dressings and dyes. Sta-Fix radiator mend, the auto turn jack and other widely advertised automobile specialties. This cabinet is designed for displaying the company's varnishes, dyes, etc., and is considered an excellent business producer by the firms that are using it.

• 1916-02-01 The Gas Age.

  Tool for Reseating Valves
  The usual method of grinding in the valves of a gas engine is a long, tedious operation; and if the valves are in a poor condition the result may not be satisfactory. The Rub-On Manufacturing Co., Inc., Buffalo, N. Y., is manufacturing the Crone valve dresser and reseating tool to overcome this difficulty. It is designed to cut the valve true with a minimum loss of material and in the shortest possible time.

  The valve dresser will handle valves from 1 to 3 inches in diameter and with stems from ¼ to 9/16 inch in diameter. The outfit, it is stated, is sold at a moderate price complete with valve dresser head, brace bit, follower, various sized reseaters and pilots, and a spanner wrench. The whole is packed in an oak case, special fixtures being provided to hold each tool in place. Full details about the appliance may be had by writing to the manufacturers.

• July 1916 The Accessory and Garage Journal.

  Buffalo, N. Y.: Ellis-Smith Manufacturing Company; $50,000; to make hardware supplies and automobile specialties; William Ellis, M. S. Ellis, S. M. Smith.

• September 1916 The Accessory and Garage Journal.

  The Rub-On Manufacturing Company, Inc., Buffalo, N. Y., has changed its name to the Ellis-Smith Manufacturing Company, Inc. The management and the sales policy will remain as before. This change is made owing to the fact that the name no longer applies to the products now manufactured, which consist of auto turntable jacks, towing trucks and valve reseating tools.

• 1917 issues of Automobile World carry ads for auto jacks from Ellis-Smith Mfg Co., Inc., 218 Niagara Street, Buffalo.
• March 1917 Hardware Dealers' Magazine lists "Ellis-Smith Mfg. Co., Inc., 220 Niagara St., Buffalo, N. Y." as makers of power hack saws.
• 1917-12-29 Automobile Topics has an article on a tire holder for displaying tires. Manufacturer was Ellis-Smith Manufacturing Co., 216 Niagara street, Buffalo, N. Y.
• 1918-01-24 Motor Age

  Ellis-Smith
  The Ellis-Smith combination jack is so constructed that not only is the front or rear end of a car raised but can be swung around in any direction. The jack has 10-in. wheel, 3-in. threads and is fitted with roller bearings. There is a 5½-ft. curved handle. The screw lift jack is designed to do the same work as the garage jack but is so constructed that it will handle cars having low bumpers or overhanging parts. Ellis-Smith Mfg. Co., Buffalo, N. Y.

• December 1918 American Garage & Auto Dealer

  Ellis-Smith Firm Moves General Offices to Elmira
  The Ellis-Smith Mfg. Co., formerly located in Buffalo, N. Y., has moved its factory to Monroeton, Pa., and its general offices to the Merchants National Bank Building of Elmira. This firm has built up a very substantial business, in the behalf of its combination jack, which is a garage jack and turntable.

  H. L. Smith, who is the general manager, will be very glad to confer with interested owners of garages, repair shops, and service stations, and upon request will be pleased to send descriptive literature giving further particulars, if the AMERICAN GARAGE & AUTO DEALER is mentioned.

• 1919-04-17 Motor Age has an short article on this company's products. A towing "truck" is a sort of trailer for towing a damaged vehicle. A portable hoisting crane is intended for repair-shop use. A valve dresser and reseater is driven by an ordinary brace.
• 1919-06-10 The Rubber Age and Tire News has an article on "a new power hack saw" from Ellis-Smith of Buffalo. See the "Images" tab, above.
• 1920-07-01 Automotive Industries.

  Ellis-Smith Creditors to Close Out Foundry
  ELMIRA, N. Y., June. 29—The committee of three appointed by the creditors of the Ellis-Smith Mfg. Co. to investigate its affairs and present a plan to realize from the assets to the best interests of all concerned has submitted a preliminary report. It is suggested that the buildings, land and foundry equipment be sold and it is believed enough can be realized from this source to take care of the bonds. The committee advises that the machinery, equipment and patents used in the manufacture of garage accessories be retained as the most valuable assets.

  With the assets held as a nucleus, it is suggested that a new company be organized composed of the creditors of the present company in the hope that a business can be built up which would be profitable to the creditors. To protect the interests of creditors as stockholders, preferred stock would be issued to them.

  The committee finds the financial difficulties of the Ellis-Smith company were largely due to its handling of the foundry proper and neglect of the garage accessory business. If more time had been devoted to the latter, it is believed, much better results would have been accomplished.

• 1920-08-19 Automotive Industries.

  Ellis-Smith Under Hammer
  Elmira, N. Y., Aug. 16—John J. Crowley, trustee in bankruptcy for the Ellis-Smith Mfg. Co., has been directed to sell the real estate, buildings and personal property of the company, at auction on Aug. 21 at the plant in this city. The claims filed against the property amount to $89,000, but the trustee and the court do not concede the liens claimed.

• 1920-12-30 Automotive Industries.

  J. B. S. Mfg. Co., Elmira, N. Y., has purchased the business of the Ellis Smith Mfg. Co., and the entire line of E. & S. products are now in production in its plant.

• 1920 Chilton Automobile Directory lists "Ellis-Smith Mfg. Co., Inc., 900 Church St., Elmira, N. Y."
• July 1920 Automobile Trade Directory lists "Ellis-Smith Mfg Co., Miller and Erie Sts., Elmira, N. Y." as users of the "E. & S." brand and makers of the following: tire holders for Fords, wheels and casters for towing damaged cars, lifting jacks, tire saving jacks (jack stands), portable cranes, engine repair stands, trailers, grey iron castings, pedal extensions for Fords, metal racks for tools or tires, and brake shoes for Fords.
• 1921-08-01 The Foundry.

  Purchase Elmira Plant
  The Kennedy Valve Mfg. Co., Elmira, N. Y., has purchased the plant of the Ellis Smith Mfg. Co., Elmira, consisting of foundry and machine shop buildings with a total floor space of about 68,000 square feet. The property includes 113 acres of the main line of the Erie railroad, with sidings running into the plant. The Kennedy Valve Mfg. Co., will employ the Ellis Smith plant entirely for malleable iron castings. The plant at present has a total melting capacity of 30 tons daily.

• 1922 Engineering Directory lists "E&S" as a brand name for Ellis-Smith Mfg. Co., Inc., of Buffalo.
• 1922 The American Bar lists Martin Clark of Buffalo as counsel for Ellis-Smith Mfg. Co.