Townsend & Bach - History | VintageMachinery.org

Manufacturers Index - Townsend & Bach

Townsend & Bach
Rochester, NY, U.S.A.
Manufacturer Class: Wood Working Machinery

History

Last Modified: Feb 18 2018 8:03PM by Jeff_Joslin
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In about 1879, machinists William Townsend and George Bach created a partnership, Townsend & Bach, to take over the business of Townsend & Wiseman (William Townsend and Albine Wiseman), which had succeeded G. G. Townsend, makers of shoemaking tools. By early 1880, Townsend & Bach were also manufacturing a scroll saw and "lathes for turning croquet balls". Unfortunately their partnership was dissolved by the middle of that year. Albine Wiseman, meanwhile, had struck out on his own and continued to make shoemakers' tools and machinery.

Information Sources

1870 The Rochester Directory lists "Townsend G. G. shoemakers' tool manufacturer, 123 Mill, house 10 Mortimer". Also listed is "Townsend William G. machinist, 123 Mill, house 31 Mt. Hope avenue", and "Bach George, machinist, 123 Mill, house 61 Herman".
1871 The Rochester Directory lists "Townsend Gilbert G. shoemakers' tool manufacturer, 123 Mill, house 10 Mortimer". Also listed is "Townsend William, machinist, 123 Mill, house 15 Mt. Hope avenue", and "Bach George, machinist, 123 Mill, house 61 Herman".
1875 The Rochester Directory lists "Townsend Gilbert G. shoemakers' tool manufacturer, 123 Mill, house 74 Frank". Also listed is "Townsend William machinist, 123 Mill, house 41 St. Joseph"; "Bach George, toolmaker, 123 Mill, h. 62 Herman".
1877 The Rochester Directory lists "Townsend Gilbert G. house 74 Frank". Also listed is "Townsend William (Townsend & Weisman), h. 3 Evergreen pk"; "Townsend & Wiseman (W. Townsend and A. Wiseman), shoemakers' tools, Andrews cor. N. Water., machinist, 12 Mill, house 15 Mt. Hope avenue", and "Bach George, toolmaker, Stewart's building, house 62 Herman".
1878 The Rochester Directory lists "Townsend Gilbert G. house 74 Frank". Also listed is "Townsend William (Townsend & Wiseman), h. 17 Emmett"; "Townsend & Wiseman (W. Townsend and A. Wiseman), shoemakers' tools, Andrews cor. N. Water."; "Wiseman Albine (Townsend & Wiseman), Andrews c. N. Water, h. 239 N. St. Paul", and "Bach George, toolmaker, Stewart's building, h. 62 Herman".
Ad in 1879 The Rochester Directory: "Townsend & Bach (Wm. Townsend and Geo. Bach), machinists, boot and shoe tools, 145 N. Water."
1879 The Rochester Directory lists "Townsend Gilbert G. deceased July 1, 1878". Also listed is "Townsend Wm. (Townsend & Bach), house 221 N. St. Paul"; "Townsend & Bach (Wm. Townsend and Geo. Bach), machinists, boot and shoe tools, 145 N. Water."; "Wiseman Albine, boot and shoemakers' tools and machinery, Andrews c. N. Water, h. 239 N. St. Paul", and "Bach George (Townsend & Bach), 145 N. Water, house 62 Herman".
Ad in 1880-01-01 Shoe and Leather Reporter.
Townsend & Bach, (Successors to G. G. Townsend,) Manufacturers of Shoemakers' Tools. Counter Peg Floats, Revolving Lasts and Stands, etc. Kit Cutting a Specialty. Send for Catalogue. 145 N. Water St., Rochester, N. Y.
Ad in 1880 Western New York Business Directory & Gazetteer.
From 1880-06-09 Bradstreet's, in a listing of business changes in New York State: "Townsend & Bach, mfrs. shoemakers' tools, Dissolved.
1884 The Rochester Directory lists ""Wiseman Albine, boot and shoemakers' tools and machinery, 175 N. Water, h. 557 North St. Paul".
1891 The Rochester Directory lists "Townsend Wm. house 511 East Main", and "Wiseman Albine, shoe tools and machinery, 175 N. Water, h. 557 N. St. Paul".