None of the local industries has added more to Hamilton's reputation as a great manufacturing center, than The Long and Allstatter Co., manufacturers of power punching and shearing manchinery and agricultural implements. . . At present the plant extends over a great area of territory on High Street, the north side of the street being used for the big machine shops and foundry, while on the property owned by the company on the south side, one of the most modern and up to date power plans has been built.

The history of the concern is a history of progress.  In 1855, John M. Long, Robert Allstatter, with Peter Black, joined their interests and began business in Hamilton, using the shop which Mr. Black had used to carry on his business at the corner of what was then Water and Market Streets, beginning business there in 1856.  A general line of smithing business with some machine work gave the little firm plenty of work and it prospered.
 
 

In 1867 the firm found that there was a demand for reapers and as a result of the combined efforts of the three men, the "Iron Harvester," as it was known in those days, became one of the important products of the company.  In 1871, Mr. Black retired from the business and the firm became known as Long and Allstatter. About 1873 the concern found it was rapidly outgrowing its quarters and required more room so that the business was moved from the location now used by the Hamilton police station to its present site at the corner of Fourth and High Streets.

In 1874, C.E. Macbeth and Herman B. Snider became interested in and actively engaged in the management of the business.  In 1878 the firm was incorporated and was henceforth known as the Long and Allstatter Company. . .

The products of the concern are known the world over.  The heavy punching and shearing machinery, trip hammers, tire welders, drop hammers, and other similar products have made the concern world famous. . . The agricultural implement features of the company's activity has been progressing yearly.  Cultivators, disc harrows, moldboard and disc plows are now being manufactured and are being distributed in every state of the union. . .

 © 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society