Brothers Start a Business

Stine was very satisfied with this new trowel, as were other masons of the time. They were all quick to recognize the advantages of such a tool. Additional orders were quick to follow.

To meet this initial demand, the Williams brothers opened their own machine shop and set out to produce additional trowels for the marketplace.

It was not until twelve years later, however, that business really began to flourish. Previously, the boys had concentrated on the manufacturing aspects of their business and devoted only "leftover" time to the selling aspects. But in 1905, Al Higgin, a master salesman and promoter, bought an interest in the company. Through his funding and numerous contacts, Higgin spread the Marshalltown name throughout the country.

Previously produced by "Williams Brothers, Machinists" the trowels were now a product of the "Marshalltown Trowel Company."

1909 Sales Campaign