Bound Volumes, Hometown History

August 15, 2024

135 YEARS AGO

The Oneonta Phosphate Company uses material which has heretofore gone to waste. It is located about one mile east of the village. The superintendent of this company, Mr. A.B. Coffin, began the manufacture of phosphate about five years ago in the village of Middlefield. He gradually enlarged his works there til he was able to send out 240 tons a year. But the lack of railway facilities hampered him. Accordingly he came to Oneonta less than a year ago and organized the present company, of which N.I. Ford is president and which has a nominal capital of $12,000 though twice that amount is employed in the business. The company was incorporated in January and the first products of the factory were put on the market April 17th. Only about 150 tons were made, the company preferring to spend the present summer in preparation. The company manufactures three varieties of fertilizers – potato phosphate, the domestic brand and superphosphate. These vary principally in the quantities of nitrogen and ammonia contained. Another product is the domestic egg food, a mixture of granulated bone, oyster shells and glass. No other company manufactures this and the demand is practically unlimited. Mr. Coffin has already made and sold over 75 tons, and 300 tons more will be made at once. Among other marketable products of the fertilizer works are neat’s-foot oil, of which they have a barrel each day, soap grease in large quantities, horns, hoofs and hides.

August 1889