Image courtesy of Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society - Nathaniel Dyke Museum
Founded in 1861 by Duncan McEwen who died in 1864. The firm was them run by his widow until 1868 when their two sons, John and W. R., took over. The factory was burned to the ground in 1876 and subsequently rebuilt.
From an ad in the 1872 edition of "Boyd's New York State Business Directory and Gazeteer". "McEwen Brothers, manufacturers of engines, circular saw mills, horse powers, mill gearing, iron and brass castings, tannery castings, store fronts, &c. Wellsville, N. Y."
An 1875 Wellsville city directory lists William R. McEwen and John McEwen, founders and machinists, Main St.
A page at http://www.rootsweb.com/ on the history of Wellsville quotes "The Friendhsip Chronicle", Vol. I, No. 11, April 21, 1880: "McEwen Brothers are running full blast. They are employing more workmen than ever before, and still they cannot begin to fill their orders."
Information Sources
- American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 page 153
- History of Allegany County, 1806-1879,1879, pg. 347