This company began as Reuben Daniels in 1830. In 1850 it became Daniels & Raymond. In 1864 fire destroyed the shops, after which the business reorganized as the Daniels Machine Co.. Daniels died in 1876 but the business continued without him until 1879 when it was sold to Wales N. Johnson and Isaiah Benson, who continued it until at least 1883.

Reuben Daniels was brother to Thomas E. Daniels, inventor of the Daniels planer. Although Thomas had the most famous invention between the two of them, that was his only patent. Between 1830 and 1872, Reuben was granted about two dozen patents, and several of his patented inventions achieved commercial success.

Information Sources

• The 1874 work, Wiley's American iron trade manual of the leading iron industries of the United States, lists this firm: "R. DANIELS MACHINE CO. -- Rag, rope, and straw cutting machinery, agricultural implements, etc." It also lists R. Daniels, Edwards, Stephens & Co.
• An 1879 New England business directory listed this company.
• Gazetteer and Business Directory of Windsor County, Vt., for 1883-84.

  The Daniels Machine Co.'s works, located at West Woodstock, were established by Reuben Daniels, in 1830. He manufactured woolen jacks, wool pickers, cards and cloth sheares exclusively until about 1850, when the firm title became Daniels & Raymond, and the manufacture of hay, rag and rope cutters was added. December 24, 1864, the shops were destroyed by fire. A little later the Daniels Machine Co. was organized, and in November, 1879, Wales N. Johnson purchased the property, forming, immediately after, an equal partnership with Isaiah Benson, and these gentlemen have since successfully carried on the business.

• A great-grandson of Thomas E. reports that Reuben died in 1876 and is buried in Woodstock; his probate record has a detailed inventory of the items and stock at his machine shop.