The History of The Foster Stove Company in Ironton, Ohio, was taken from various newspaper articles I found while researching the company. The company changed names throughout the years by making stoves and progressed to pots, pans, and other materials.
During the Vietnam War, it was commissioned to make barbed wire for the military in Vietnam.
Although I cannot say when The Foster Stove Company in Ironton was created, the first mention I find is on 4 August 1886. As I continue to find additional information, I will add it to this file, so please check back from time to time. The following newspaper articles are arraigned in chronological order.-mjmk
- In 1848, William Clark Davis invented cooking stoves made from iron ore and began selling them at his business W. C. Davis in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- In 1869, he obtained a patent on it, and over the years, kept redesigning and applying for additional patents for cooking stoves, heating stoves, and other inventions.
- In 1872, Mr. Davis’ sales were booming and he was able to sell partial ownership to William King Boal, and in 1880 they formed a new company and named it The Favorite Stove Company. Eight years later, contracts were signed, and the factory was named Favorite Stove and Range Company in Piqua, Ohio.
News-Herald, Hillsboro, Ohio 4 Aug 1886
A. & F. Rockhold have purchased, of the Foster Stove Co., of Ironton, O., a full line of their most excellent cook and heating stoves, made from pure charcoal iron.
At the organization of the Foster Stove Works last week, Lewis E. Marting, who was formerly in the grocery business in East Ironton, was elected Secretary and Treasurer, in place of H. A. Marting. The other officers were re-elected. Mr. Marting has been at Gephart St., on the M. & C. for the last year or two. He will move to Ironton at once and go into the office of the company.
Ironton Register, Jan. 28, 1892
Lima, Ohio News 28 Jan 1892
Columbus, Ohio Jan. 28-The following articles of incorporation were filed in the office of the Secretary of State yesterday:…The Foster Stove company Ironton, increase of capital stock from $40,000 to $60,000.
Lima Ohio News 28 Dec. 1893
Just arrived and in active operation at No. 60 northeast corner of Public Square, in room formerly occupied by the American Clothing Co., the only successful crude oil heating stove in existence. It is a marvel in cheapness, simplicity and the intense heat it is capable of producing. No odor, no danger. We do not ask you to purchase one, but would be pleased to have you call and inspect the working of the stove. The same principle will be applied to cookstoves in a few weeks.
Will dispose of town or county right.
Very Respectfully,
The Foster Stove Company
Ironton, Ohio
Piqua Daily Call 15 June 1897
DISCHARGED MAN SUICIDES. He Goes to His Home and Puts a Bullet in His Brain. IRONTON, O., June 15. — James Alexander, a popular politician traveling salesman for the Foster Stove company of this city, shot and instantly killed himself at 9 o’clock yesterday morning. The suicide had gone to the stove foundry and was informed that he had been discharged. He returned to his residence and in the presence of his wife and two little children placed a revolver to the right temple and fired. The ball lodged in the brain and death was instantaneous. Deceased was deputy postmaster of this city during Harrison’s term.
Cincinnati Enquirer 7 Sept. 1898
The answer by the defendants to the patent suit of Felix Kahn et al vs. the Foster Stove Company was filed yesterday in the Circuit Court. The answer denies all of the material allegations in the complainants’ bill.
Piqua Daily Call 11 Oct. 1898
Stove Mounters Strike at Ironton – Ironton, Ohio-Oct. 11-The mounters at the Foster Stove Company Works are on a strike for twenty percent increase. They were reduced that amount in wages about two years ago, and ask for its restoration. The plant is temporarily idle.
Lima News 8 Feb. 1904
Mr. H. B. Halladay, who has been an employee at the store of F. E. Harman for a number of years, has severed his connection with that institution and will start on the road tonight. Mr. Halladay has taken service with the Foster Stove Co., of Ironton, Ohio as a traveling salesman.
Portsmouth Daily Times 5 Jan. 1910
Stricken with Apoplexy
Word reached Portsmouth on Wednesday that George Beeker, a Waverly man, well known here, who travels for the Foster Stove Com., of Ironton, was stricken with apoplexy at the C&O station at Ashland, KY on Tuesday afternoon.
The word came to L.E. Marting, superintendent at the Ohio Stove Foundry, formerly connected with the same Ironton firm and stated that his condition was very grave.
Portsmouth Daily Times 14 June 1910
The Ironton Register says of the death of Mrs. Mary B. Clark, the beloved wife of W. W. Clark, the well known stove molder at the Foster Stove works, died Monday morning at 3:15 in her home near Ninth and Chestnut streets….
Portsmouth Daily Times 24 June 1910
Dora? Carrington was arrested at Ironton Friday by Deputy Sheriff Eckhart for contempt of court because of neglect to pay alimony to his divorced wife. He had been working at the Foster Stove Works at Ironton. He was arraigned late Friday.
Portsmouth Daily Times 19 Dec. 1910
William H. Grimshaw, the well and favorably known stove moulder employed for a number of years in the Foster Stove foundry gave notice of his resignation to the company Saturday on account of ill health.
Mr. Grimshaw has been bothered with rheumatism and his aches and pains have reached such a state that he had decided to take a rest. He will leave in the near future for an extended visit out in Illinois.
Mr. Grimshaw has been connected with the Foster foundry for a number of years and the company were loath to lose his valuable service.
Cincinnati Enquirer 4 April 1911
Infringement not Proved – A final entry approved by the Judge Hollister was made yesterday in the Circuit Court in the case of Felix Kahn, Lazard Kahn and Samuel Kahn vs. the Foster Stove Company, in which it is held that the allegation of infringement contained in the bill of complaint, and that the defendant’s device is not an infringement of the claims of the patent sued on, and therefore it is decreed that the bill be dismissed at complainant’s costs. A patent on a stove was involved.
Portsmouth Daily Times 30 Nov. 1911
Wednesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gibbons of Hanging Rock was quietly celebrated the marriage of their charming daughter, Miss Betty Irene? and Mr. Howard Kaiser of Ironton. The bride was attired in a white serge gown trimmed in bands of —aline and silk fringe and carried a shower bouquet of brides roses. After a short wedding trip the happy couple will reside at Ironton, where the groom holds a responsible position as bookkeeper for the Foster Stove & Range Works.
Marion Star 28 Jan. 1914
Ohio Incorporations
The Foster Stove Company, Ironton, increased $100,000 to $200,000.
Marysville Journal-Tribune 27 July 1914
BODY FOUND IN RIVER Prominent Capitalist Believed to Have Committed Suicide – Ironton, 0hio July 27. The body of Louis E. Marting, one of the most prominent residents of Ironton, was found in the river, near Coal Grove. His abandoned automobile was nearby. Ill health and business worries are believed to have prompted him to end his life. For many years Mr. Marting was secretary and treasurer of the Foster Stove company, of which a relative Colonel H. A. Marting is president. He was also a stockholder in the Sciotoville Milling company. He was forty-eight years old and was understood to be quite wealthy.
Portsmouth Daily Times 23 Dec. 1919
Frank Bushman, one of Ironton’s pioneer residents, passed away yesterday morning at his home on South Eighth Street.
The deceased was born at Madison Furnace, Vinton county on 3 Dec. 1861. He came here from Pine Grove about sixteen years ago and has since that time made his home in the city. Mr. Bushman was formerly an employee at the Foster Stove Foundry-Irontonian
Portsmouth Daily Times 11 March 1921
Charles Webb, well known resident of Hanging Rock and for years employee of the Foster Stove Foundry of Ironton, died Wednesday evening at his home after a brief illness. Mr. Webb was about 40 years of age. The deceased was a member of the F.O.E. and the funeral will be conducted under the auspices of the order. A wife and several children survive-Irontonian
Portsmouth Daily Times 11 March 1921
Edward Sesher of Eighth and Heplar streets, died Wednesday evening at his home after an illness extending over a period of three years. Mr. Sesher was 56 years, 6 months and 27 days old, being born January 16, 1864? at Hanging Rock where he was reared. The deceased was for years an employee of the Foster Stove Company, of this city, was well and favorably known and one of the city’s most highly esteemed and respected citizens. Besides the wife, three children survive, Margaret, Raymond and Irvin, one sister, Mrs. C. C. Farmer of Hanging Rock and three brothers, Charles of Columbus, George of Kansas City, Kansas and Henry of Buffalo.-Irontonian
Portsmouth Daily Times 4 Feb. 1924
Plant Resumes
Ironton Feb. 4-The Foster Stove Foundry is now in full operation, with about 220 men employed. Of these 220 men, 8 are moulders.
The year ending December 31, 1923 was probably the most successful in the history of the company, their sales amounting to approximately $662,000. On the first of January practically every employee in the Foster Stove Foundry received a wage increase of 10 percent.
Portsmouth Daily Times 25 Oct 1926
Today Mr. J.D. Foster is celebrating his eight-seventh birthday anniversary, with his entire family with him at their old home on Front street. Mr. Foster is one of the wealthiest men in Greenup and Lawrence counties, owning considerable real estate, and is one of the big stockholders in the Foster Stove Foundry of Ironton and the Crystal Ice Company, besides other interests.
Portsmouth Daily Times 26 May 1927
Stove Builders Meet Here
Stove manufacturers of Portsmouth were hosts Wednesday at a successful get together of store makers of the tri state region. Special guests included stove manufacturers and producers of stove parts in various sections of Ohio…
Those in attendance were: Guests Charles Marting; E. D. Simon of the Foster Stove Co; L.K. Cooper, Carl Froelich of the Ironton Stove and Manufacturing Co., Ironton….
Portsmouth Daily Times 26 Oct. 1927
Ernest Horshel, 84, pioneer resident and widely known businessman, died at his home Tuesday afternoon about 4:00, following and illness of about two months. His death resulted from infirmities.
Mr. Horshel was well favorably known throughout the entire Tri-state region, and his death will come as a shock to his many friends and business associates. The deceased was a director in the First National Bank and was interested in the Marting Iron & Steel Company, Foster Stove Foundry and the Citizens National Bank.
Mr. Ernest Horshel was born in Germany, June 16, 1844. He came to this county and settled in Ironton at the age of 20. He entered the meat market business and was quite successful in this enterprise. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Frocin, June 18, 1869? at the home of the bride’s parents in Scioto county. She was the daughter of the late Frederick Froncin.
Surviving are his widow and the following children” Ernest F., manager of the Ironton Auto Garage Co.,, Henry, Jacob, Frederick F., secretary of the Star Building & Loan Company and Miss Ernestine Horshel, at home.
Marysville Journal-Tribune 6 Sept. 1930
Ironton, Ohio Sept. 6 The Foster Stove Co. Foundry here is to reopen Monday after a layoff of several months.
Cincinnati Enquirer 6 March 1931
Explosion Rocks Plant at Ironton, Ohio – Trouble with Workers Cause, is Belief
Ironton, Ohio, March 5-The plant of the Foster Stove Company on the South Side, was rocked by a dynamite explosion early this morning. Windows in the foundry were shattered, but damage otherwise was light.
The Foster company started operating on a non-union basis recently and it is believed last night’s blasting was an attempt to intimidate non-union workers.
A stick of dynamite, with cap and fuse was found on the porch of a company residence used by workers recently.
Cincinnati Enquirer 11 Aug. 1931
Alleges Contract Breach
Damages in the sum of &270,000 for alleged breach of contract are sought in a suit filed in United States District Court by John H. Lucas, Birmingham, Ala., vs. the Foster Stove Company, Ironton, Ohio.
In his petition Lucas says that in April he and the defendant entered into a contract under which the defendant would produce a line of hardware known as “hollow ware,” consisting of skillets, Dutch ovens, waffle irons, griddles, etc., in a quantity sufficient to fill the orders of the plaintiff, who was to receive a commission of 5% based on the defendant’s prices and to have exclusive right to sell all of the defendant’s output of hollow ware.
It is alleged that, relying upon the contract with the defendant, the plaintiff aided in arranging and equipping the defendant’s plant at Ironton for the manufacture of this hardware and arranged to take orders to the amount of $486,063 upon which he would have been entitled to commissions totaling $135,000. He charges the defendant has failed and refused to carry out its contract with him to his damage in the sums he seeks to recover, together with interests and costs.
Portsmouth Daily Times 24 May 1933
The Foster Stove Co., of Ironton, Ohio is planning to enlarge its plant and will ask council to close a street near its plant. This is one of the oldest manufacturing concerns in Ironton.
Portsmouth Daily Times 20 Sept. 1935
Local Foundry to be Operated
Ironton Firm Obtains Use of East End Stove Plant
Idle for five years, the foundry department of the Portsmouth Stove & Range Co., Gallia street and Campbell avenue will be placed in operation the fist of the week by the Foster Stove Co., of Ironton….
Portsmouth Daily Times Portsmouth, Ohio 29 Jan. 1936
Emerson Marting of the Foster Stove Co. in Ironton has returned home after transacting business matters in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Daily Times Portsmouth, Ohio 31 Aug 1936
Three Face Charges in Strike at Ironton Accused of Firing on Foster Stove Co. Pickets
IRONTON, Aug. 31–Some 48 persons are involved in criminal transcripts which were filed with the Clerk of Lawrence county Common Pleas Court by Magistrate Peter A. Burke, binding the defendants over to the Grand Jury. Three transcripts grew out a disturbance in connection with the Foster Stove Co. strike, and another is a first-degree murder charge.
Leo McClain. Ned Miller and Glen Barber were arrested Saturday afternoon on charges of shooting with intent to kill and bound over to the Grand Jury under of $300 each. They are charged with shooting at Foster strikers last Thursday night. A number of shots were reported fired on pickets from a point near the factory.
Mrs. Opal Lake of Chesapeake is charged with murder in connection with the death of Ira Lake, former Chesapeake policeman, who died of bullet wounds on June 27, 1936. A coroner’s verdict had termed the death a suicide.
A group of Foster strikers was ordered to appear in Common Pleas Court today to answer contempt charges. They were members of a group of 95 against whom the Foster Stove Co. obtained an injunction last week. The injunction prohibited interference with company property and the parties ordered into court are charged with violating the injunction.
Portsmouth Daily Times Portsmouth, Ohio 12 May 1940
Benefits to be Paid
100 Foster Stove Employees to get State Aid Sums
Columbus, May 11-One hundred employees made idle by the shutdown of the Foster Stove plant at Ironton are eligible for unemployment benefits, under a ruling by the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. The Bureau held the shutdown involved a labor dispute, not a strike.
Portsmouth Daily Times 7 Aug. 1941
Ironton Contract
Washington, Aug. 7-Among new war department contracts awarded today was one for 40,000 grates to be manufactured at Ironton for $16,800.
Portsmouth Daily Times 30 Aug. 1941
Cleveland-Dr. John C. Marting, 88, who retired a year ago after 45 years service as Treasurer of Baldwin Wallace College at Berea, died last night. Dr. Marting was President of the Foster Stove Co., of Ironton, Ohio for several years.
Portsmouth Daily Times 22 Jan. 1942
Stove Firm Elects
J.W. Watters Heads Manufacturing Industry in Ironton
Ironton, Jan. 22-In the annual election of the Foster Stove Co., Dr. W.F. Marting, M.E. Marting, J.W. Watters, V.S. Alstott, Clyde Rambacher, Fred Horschel, all of Ironton and Dr. A.L. Marting of Berea, Ohio were named Directors.
J.W. Watters was elected as President and General Manager and DR. W.F. Marting as Vice President.
Portsmouth Daily Times 26 Jan. 1942
To Make 120,000 Grates
Foster Stove Co., of Ironton Receives Government Order
Ironton, Jan. 25-The Foster Stove Co. has received an order for 120,000 grates of a special design for the government. They will be used to help heat cantonments in various sections of the country and are to be completed by April 1.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazette 22 May 1946
Furnace Plant Closed
Ironton, Ohio-The Foster Stove Repair Co., a subsidiary of the Armstrong Furnace Co., employing 300 workers, was shut down because of a walkout yesterday. Union spokesmen attributed the stoppage to withdrawal of patterns on which tests had been run to determine production and pay but on which no report had been made to the union. The company declined comment.
Columbus Evening Dispatch 2 April 1947
Newspaper Ad-Gray Iron Castings
Foundry capacity available for volume squeezer and cope and drag castings up to approximately 60 lbs. Foster Stove Repair Company, Ironton, Ohio
Cincinnati Enquirer 4 April 1947
Union Contract Signed
Ironton, Ohio, April 3-Officials of the Foster Stove Repair Co., subsidiary of the Armstrong Furnace Co., of Columbus, today signed a new contract with the International Moulders and Foundry Worker Local Union 330, AFL, under which members will receive a wage increase of from 13 to 20 cents an hour. The increase is retroactive to Feb. 1 of this year. The contract also provides for a union shop and vacations with pay.
Cincinnati Enquirer 24 April 1949
For Sale A Bargain in Industrial Property
We are offering for sale the land and building of one of our affiliated companies. Operated as a foundry during the past five years, this property formerly owned by the Foster Stove Company and Continental Stove Company, can be used ideally for manufacturing or warehouse purposes….
It is high, one-story brick and steel construction with concrete floors throughout the ground floor area. Location-Ironton, Ohio Please address communications to Lewis Moore, Jr. Care of Lennox Furnace Company, Columbus Ohio.
Dayton Daily News 10 Nov. 1954
Malleable Aluminum Will Move
The Dayton Malleable Iron Co., will move its aluminum castings operations to Ironton….Dayton Malleable established a malleable iron plant at Ironton in 1916. Transfer of the aluminum casting operations to the Ohio river city was made possible by the acquisition of the plant of the former Foster Stove Co., in Ironton.
The Evening Independent Massillon, Ohio 29 June 1959
Ironton – A fire early Sunday destroyed a section of the old Foster Stove Co building here, causing damage estimated at $175,000. The blaze, out of control for more than two hours, was accompanied by several explosions. Cause of the fire was not know. No one was injured.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazette 27 Jan 1966
$5.4.Million Wire Factory To Be Built At Ironton
IRONTON, Ohio (UPI) – A $5.4 million plant will be built here to manufacture barbed wire for use by the military in Vietnam. The Clark Wire Corp., Cleveland, received a Defense Department contract Wednesday and will use the plant at the site of the old Foster Stove Repair Co. Production was expected to begin within five or six months and about 150 to 200 persons will be employed, a company spokesman said. The plant will produce 500, coils of the concertina wire under a one-year contract that carries an option for renewal. Clark received a special bonus for locating the plant in an Appalachia area, getting two- thirds of the total wire ordered by the department.
Thank you, Chris!
Interesting that it spun off a part of the business which started The Favorite Stove Company. Great work gathering all this information!
Thank you for your efforts in the research and information about this company.
I have a wall Ironton continental stove wall natural gas heater going to put it up for sale.
I would guess by timeline in the history built in late 1940’s.
I can’t find another to compare prices online and I am not a professional collector or appraiser.
I would probably put it up for $225 I’m thinking..
It would be nice to see pictures of the Foster Stove Companies products before they get nonexistent.
Not to spin it off as a selling site but just to display the works of this company in appreciation.
Send me a link maybe this could be started and I can send pictures.
Linda Nowick