This manufacturer was in business from 1871, if not earlier, and survived until at least 1884. It was a manufacturing arm of the machinery retailers G. S. Wormer & Sons, which had retail operations in both Detroit and Chicago. Rochester Machinery's product line included Woodworth planers. but otherwise we have little information on them.

Information Sources

• The Inter-state Exposition Souvenir: Containing a Historical Sketch of Chicago; Also a Record of the Great Inter-state Exposition of 1873, from Its Inception to Its Close; Names of Exhibitors, and Description of Articles Exhibited, 1873. p. 302-303. Rochester Machinery Manufacturing Co., 38 and 40 South Canal street, Chicago—H. G. Wormer, Treasurer and Manager. Wood and Iron Working Machinery. A large and interesting display was made by this popular Company, prominent among which may be noticed the Woodworth planers. These surfacing machines are well adapted for shop work—for carpenters, box makers, and cabinet maker,s or any kind of light planing. The frame is made of cast iron, heavy and substantial. The cutter cylinder is sold cast steel, and the rollers are weighted in a very convenient manner, and will plane stuff to 3 1/2 inches thick and 24 inches wide. The tight and loose pulleys are 12 inches in diameter, 6 inch face, and should make 800 revolutions per minute. These machines have the benefit of Burley's (Burleigh's, patent 14,272) patent expansion feed gears. Also, improved weighted feed rolls. The rolls are weighted so that the lumber passes through before it reaches the cutter head, giving at all times an equal pressure in all inequalities of the lumber, which cannot be obtained by rubber springs. These machines are built under the immediate care and supervision of the Company, in the most thorough manner, from the best of stock."
• The Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago for 1876 lists

  Rochester Machinery Manufacturing Co. H. G. Wormer, manager, 38 S. Canal.

  Wormer Henry G., manager Rochester machinery mnfg. co. bds. St. Caroline's ct.

• >Catalogue of Additions to the Library of the U.S. Patent Office, May 1, 1878, lists the following:

  Rochester machinery manufacturing co, Improved portable friction drum or reversible link motion hoisting engines, single or double cylinders, with or without boilers and fixtures complete; with or without dock wheel of foot brakes, etc. Chicago, n. d. pp. 16.

• American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-Made Men of the State of Michigan, 1878, has a biography of Grover S. Wormer. It says, "General Wormer has also engaged in various manufacturing enterprises, has been President of the Rochester Machine Manufacturing Company, of Rochester, since 1871..."
• J. A. Berly's Universal Electrical Directory and Advertiser, 1884, lists the following:

  Rochester Machinery Manufacturing Co. (G. S. Wormer & Sons, props.), 38 & 40 S Canal st. Chicago, Ills.

• History of Chicago, Volume 3, by A. T. Andreas, 1886, has the following history of this firm.

  G. S. Wormer & Sons.—This firm is among the oldest machinery houses in Chicago, and is located at Nos. 38-40 South Canal Street. It was established here in 1868, as a branch of the main house at Detroit, Mich. In 1853, G. S. Wormer, founder of the house now bearing his name, located in Detroit, in the manufacture of engines, boilers, wood-working and mining machinery, etc., and a few years later he conceived the idea of opening a general machinery store, and of keeping in stock all kinds of machines, supplies, etc. This he did, and, so far as is known, to him belongs the credit of establishing the first house of the kind mentioned in the West. The new venture proved so successful, and the idea so popular, that others hastened to adopt it, and soon quite a revolution was effected in the manner in which goods of this class were handled. The advantages of the plan were many and obvious. Heretofore, a man wanting machinery had been either compelled to make a trip to the East, where the factories and machine shops were mostly located, or else buy from a travelling agent, and trust to his representation for getting the kind of goods, and of the quality, desired. Now, he can go to the dealer in machinery, and by a personal examination of his stock select that which suits him in price and is best adapted to his needs. In 1868, as has already been mentioned, Mr. Wormer established the present house in this city, placing it in the hands of his son, H. G. Wormer, who conducted its affairs until his death, which occurred some four years ago. Since then, F. F. Wormer, another brother, has taken full control, he having, for some time previous to his brother's death, associated with him in the management of the business here.