An 1851 article in Scientific American describes an iron bridge designed by Benjamin Severson and built by Clute Brothers of Schenectady, NY. An 1861 article in the same journal mentions that the guns and turrets of a new iron-clad warship were made by Clute Brothers. An 1862 article describes an iron-bridge design patented by George Heath and manufactured by the Clute Brothers.
An 1864 article on the Schenectady manufacturers says that Clute Brothers occupied a building used as a windmill in earlier days. They were then engaged in the manufacture of iron warships.
An 1866 ad in Scientific American lists their products, including "gate and circular saw-mills; circular and drag cross-cut steam sawing machines".
An 1870 Schenectady city directory lists "Clute Brothers (John B., Colden C., and Jethrow W.) boiler and iron works, 47 Liberty". An 1870 New York State directory lists "Clute Bros. & Co. 49 & 51 Liberty, Schenectady".
1873-74 catalog of 44 pages.
W. T. L. Sanders has been appointed receiver for the Clute Bros. & Co., Jan. 1882.
"Cadwallader Colder Clute, eldest son of Peter I. Clute, was born in the City of Schenectady, October 18, 1814. Becoming associated in early life with his father (afterward of the firm of Clute & Bailey) in the general foundry business, he laid the foundation for those strict methodical business habits which were so characteristic of him through life. Dissolving this connection, be started in trade for himself, conducting successfully for a number of years a hardware store, located on the block between the canal and railroad crossing on State street, Schenectady. During this time, and about the year 1841, he associated with one or two others, and took a contract for building sections 19 and 28 on the Western Railroad. In 1842 he purchased the interest of Joel C. Bailey, of the
firm of Clute & Bailey, and the firm of P. I. Clute & Sons was organized, continuing until the year 1849, when it was merged in the firm of Clute Brothers, P. I. Clute retiring. His connection with this firm, subsequently changed to that of Clute Brothers & Co., remained up to the day of his death." (Quote from 1886.)
Information Sources
- American Steam Engine Builders: 1800-1900 by Kenneth L. Cope, 2006 page 56
- Steam Power on the American Farm by Reynold M. Wik, 1953 page 252
- Bradstreet's Weekly: A Business Digest, Volume 5, 28 Jan., 1882, pg. 61
- Bi-centennial history of Albany; History of the county of Albany, N. Y., 1886, pg. 152