Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 6 January 2005

The History of Warren County Ohio
Part IV Township Histories
Franklin Township by W. C. Reeder
(Chicago, IL: W. H. Beers Co, 1882; reprint, Mt. Vernon, IN: Windmill Publications, 1992)

Page
512

. At a very early date, the manufacture of leather was carried on by Mr. Eden Burrowes, who had his tanyard in what is now a field on the farm of Mrs. Ruth Schenck, north of the lower road from Franklin to Springboro. Mr. Burrowes after several years removed his tannery to the Burrowes farm, about one mile north of Franklin.

Two miles north of town were the Vanderveer grist and saw mills, which were the center of a little colony, and whose patrons came from miles to get their grist ground, their lumber sawed, or to sell their surplus grain.

As corn was obtained in large quantities, and with but little labor, from so rich a soil, the supply became greater than the demand, and many farmers erected small distilleries in which they manufactured the surplus into whisky.

A very large distillery was erected south of Franklin, which, for many years, relieved the farmers of their corn and wood, and which was run until September, 1865, when it was completely destroyed by fire.

The manufacture of drain tile was commenced several years ago by Mr. L. S. Rue on his farm south of town, and has grown to an astonishing business in his hands. A ready market is found both at home and abroad.

Brooms in large quantities are made by Mr. James McLean on his farm, about three miles southeast of Franklin.

Other manufactures will be given in the history of the town of Franklin, as all such are now within the corporate limits.