This firm manufactured a post drill that was patented in 1897.
"Peter Broadbooks was born in Alsace, France, (now Germany,) in 1840. He came to America in 1854, settled at Rome, N. Y., and learned his trade. He remained there about four years, when he came to Attica, working at his trade three years, and thence removed to Pine Hill (Elba), where he lived for three years. He finally removed to Batavia, where he has been in business for 12 years as a carriage ironer. He is a mechanical genius, and has invented shears for cutting iron, a metal punching machine, nippers and pliers, and a tire shrinker, all of which are placed on royalty. He has been located at 37 and 39 Ellicott street for 10 years, and owns his property. Mr. Broadbooks has manufactured carriages, but now devotes his time to general repairing, and has succeeded to the business of the Batavia Iron Co." (Quote from 1890.)
Information Sources
- Gazetteer and Biographical Record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890, 1890, pg. 263