The first officers were Peter Frantz, Clarence W. Lahman, W.K. Palmer and L.C. Thorne. Peter Frantz had become well known as a machine designer, having worked for the Reynolds Wire Company inDixon, Lawrence Brother and the Northwestern Barbwire Co. Lahman was an important financial backer and had been associated with Frantz in Mt. Morris. Lahman was never active in the operations, though he was a director and was certainly an important part of the policy making group. W.K. Palmer was the first sales manager. Hehad previously been with Natl. Mfg.

L.C. Thorne was a well known railroad man in this community, having been appointed to the position of general agent in charge of Rock Falls Branch in 1838. He later became president of the First Natl. Bank of Sterling. Thorne was one of hte principal financial backers of the company. In 1914 the company had outgrown its quartes and construction was completed on a new building. The late Joseph W. Wentsel became secretary and sales manager of the firm on Oct. 23, 1919, succeeding Palmer who had retired. Frantz retired in 1925 due to ill health when William D. Ferris came to the company from Ohio to take over the duty of plant manager.

Thorne became president in 1925. C.W. Lahman became president in 1936.

Illinois - "Our Way"