This history was compiled by Westclox in the 1970's. It is shown here in its entirety, divided into sections for convenience.
I've made some additions for historical accuracy, particularly for 1885 - 1888. My additions are in italics like this note here.
Bill
December 23, 1885 United Clock Company was incorporated
Stahlberg - FIRST MANAGER of United Clock Company - originally from Waterbury Connecticut, Inventor of original clock, predecessor of the clock "America"
Dolph - Waterbury, Connecticut
Davis - Waterbury, Connecticut
R. Patton, Sr. - Waterbury, Connecticut
Cartwright
Schiller
Klein - (First employee from LaSalle-Peru area - started 10/1884
Senfleben - Clock Machinist - later Hairspring Department
The above were the first employees of United Clock Company, and actually consisted of the entire force.
United Clock Company first started producing clocks in the back of Brylski's Department Store, until a three-story brick building was completed in 1885.
First produced one clock per day, then 3 or 4/day; later 10-15 day, 20/day was considered a great day.
It was customary for one man to do Buffing, Plating, Assembling, and Packing.
Clocks were first sold through local merchants, brought to them by pushcart.
Clocks were also given as premiums, by local merchants, with $10.00 of merchandise.
Plant Engineer - Joe Bowers - Job consisted of Watchman, taking care of Engines, fired boilers to produce steam, Chief Electrician and did all the pipe fitting in the factory.
May 14, 1887 The Western Clock Company was incorporated
purchased by F. W. Matthiessen, Sr. (Mgr. and Pres. of Zinc Company in LaSalle).
from United Clock Company to Western Clock Company
Mr. Willet
Frank Holsinger (later was Foreman of the Automatic Screw Dept.)
July 7, 1888 The Western Clock Mfg. Company was incorporated (the Western Clock Company having declared bankruptcy)
F. Roth appointed General Manager (Thirty-four years later he was appointed President of the Company.) (should be E. Roth here and below)
A. Neurether - started - Later employed as Engineer (was the only individual in Engineering Department).
F. W. Matthiessen, Sr.
F. Roth
Captain George Blow
81
380 Complete Units
12,400 square feet, first addition . Small wing at the west end of the original plant.
H. E. Hackman - started in the office - Office force numbered less than five employees at this time.
Clock order was received from Mr. Williams, manufacturer of "NINE O'CLOCK" washing powder. . . . . .
The letters - NINE O'CLOCK TEA - used on the dial instead of numbers, signifying advertising of washing powder designed to have clothes washed and on the line in time for house-wives to have their tea at 9 A.M..
To meet schedule, the entire force worked until 9 P.M. daily.
America
Ironclad (F.W.) - (first models called F.W. after Mr. Matthiessen)
Framed Clock
Listed below are some of the employees of Western Clock Company at this time -
H. Ohl (started 11/29/1893) - Casting Department; Chas. Cornish
(st. 3/9/1896) 4" finishing - later Foreman of Department;
Wm Mauitzen (st. 8/1/1896) Big Ben Assembly; and --------------
Bishop, Willmer, Andrews, Schiller, Bentley, Hanson, Webster, Reeves, Holsinger, Keefrey, Hanry, Klaeber, Just, Strohm, Klein, Keeley, Zimmerman, Shulmock, Keenan, Dornensch, Nelson, Bauer, Senfleben, Halm, O'Bryne, Frizol, Hudak, Paton, Wolfe, Tesche, Hoenscheid, Ludwig, Swanson, Merrick, Strobel, King, O'Brein, Franks, McKenna, Owitzke, Cosgrove, Martin, Hoffman, Hanley, Bryne, Hollman, Tobler, Weir, Bornac, Kreuger - etc............
(These names were put in, since many are familiar yet today, as their descendants are still employed at Westclox.)
One story addition to plant was built