Golden State and Miners Iron Works

Reference / Locomotive Builders / Golden State and Miners Iron Works

History

The Golden State and Miner's Iron Works was a San Francisco Company formed by the merger of two smaller firms. In 1860 the Miners' Foundry was formed as a partnership between William H. Howland, Horace B. Angell, and Ervin T. King. The Foundry built and supplied all sorts of machinery for Western mines. The key products were the Howland Patent Rotary Quartz Mill and the Knox Amalgamator. The amalgamator was patented by Israel W. Knox. The proprietor was a man named Cyrus Palmer and the employees included molders, pattern makers, and machinists. The firm was located on First Street between Howard and Folsom.

In 1861 Wales L. Palmer, along with partners, opened the Golden State Foundry. The chief product of this firm was mantel grates, however they also advertised the Knox Amalgamator. The firm was located on Battery street near Market then moved the following year to First Street just south of Market. Both firms prospered supplying machinery to the mines of California and Nevada and the growing mechanical and steam power needs of the West.

As the years go on the partnerships changed and by 1876 Horace B. Angell and Cyrus Palmer are partners in the Miners' Foundry while Wales L. Palmer and Israel W. Knox are partners in the Golden State Iron Works. Then in August 1877 the Golden State and Miners' Iron Works incorporates to manufacture and deal in machinery and iron. The Directors are Horace B. Angell, Wales L. Palmer, R. F. Knox, Cyrus Palmer and C. F. Moulthrop. Wales L. Palmer is President and Israel W. Knox is the Secretary. The company is located on First Street in an expansion of the the original Miners' Foundry between Howard Street and Folsom Street. The 1881 Circular describing the business lists twenty-three categories of equipment supplied by the firm including: castings; steam engines; boilers; water wheels; machines; pumps; mining machinery; wood cutting machinery; hoists; tools; etc. The firm continued supplying foundry and machining needs into the 1930s.

It is not known how many railroad locomotives were produced by this firm. Only one has been confirmed; the Arcata & Mad River Railroad's North Fork, a 45 1/4" gauge 0-4-4 locomotive built in 1883.

<reference />

1881 Circular of the Golden State and Miners' Iron Works

Reference / Locomotive Builders / Golden State and Miners Iron Works