File-making was a very early industry in Cumru and Robeson townships, but no factory for the production of files was carried on at Reading until 1866.
Frees Factory - John E Frees removed from near Mohnton to Reading in 1885, and then began manufacturing all kinds of files and rasps. He employs 2 hands, and his annual production amounts to $1500. His trade is mostly local for supplying the shops, though he fills orders from distant places in Pennsylvania. His factory is on Bingamon street above Eighth. It is the only one of its kind in Reading.
NOTE: John E FREES was son of George D FREES and Mary Etta FISHER of Robeson, and grandson of John FREES and Catharina WICKLEIN also of Robeson Twp. He was married to Sarah R STROCK of Cumru Twp.
Source: History of Reading, Morton Montgomery, pub. 1898, p. 180.
Submitted by Diana.
Last Modified Thursday, 16-Oct-2008 21:07:41 EDT
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