THE ASHLAND FURNACE.

This magnificent structure, the largest and best appointed west of

the mountains, for the smelting of iron with bituminous coal, was fired on

the 27th of August, and the blast put on the 30th at 9 A. M.  The first cast

was made Tuesday, the 31st - eight tons.  The burden has not been put on

fully, and after four days run 20 tons in 24 hours is realized of good dark

grey mill iron.  We gave a description of this furnace several weeks since,

but will repeat that the stack is 60 feet high with 15 feet 1 1/2 inches

bosh, and uses Player's celebrated hot-blast - 3 stoves.  At present but one

stove is in use.  She has four batteries of boilers, each separate from the

other, so that any one, two or three may be used at the same time.  At

present but two are used, leaving two for change.  The hoisting apparatus

and water pumps all work well, as does the engine and doctor.  The

construction of the whole has been under the personal supervision of Mr. J.

E. Montgomery, of Youngstown, Ohio, who certainly has cause to feel proud of

so grand a structure.

The furnace starts out with the best of prospects, and has already

from 10,000 to 12,000 tons of ores on hand, mostly from the adjacent hills.

The Ashland coal (bituminous) only is used, and works to a charm, making a

bountiful supply of gas for the boilers and hot-blast.

So soon as the furnace gets fully under way Mr. Benj. Griffith will

have full charge of the founder's department.  Mr. Douglas I. Putnam is the

general manager; Frank Coles, Esq., clerk; Casper Castner first, and Wm.

Nicholson second engineers; head keepers Wm. Kessinger and John Stewart.

It is expected that she will, under full burden, average 40 tons per

day.  The furnace is the property of the Ashland Railroad & Coal Company,

and will soon have a large rolling mill and nail works added.

Ironton Journal, Wednesday, September 8, 1869

Transcribed by Jean Griesan

[email protected]

Colorado