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While it is universally conceded that America offers almost unlimited possibilities in human accomplishments, it is equally true that there are
comparatively few who rise to the special prominence and distinction as leaders in the advance and development of our industrial and manufacturing
resources. The subject of our present sketch furnishes a fit illustration of this limited class of men, showing as it does what can be accomplished
by a single individual, unaided by the wealth or influence of others. Mr. James Boyce, the senior member and founder of this establishment, was
born in Ireland. When 21 years of age he left his native land without means to even pay his passage across the Atlantic, but this obstacle was
overcome by shipping on board as a common sailor before the mast. Landing in the New World, he was not only destitute of means as soon found himself $80 in debt, without any visible means of relief. He subsequently found employment in the skutching of flax, a branch of industry of which he
had some practical knowledge, acquired in his native land. Although the most simple and crude methods were then employed, it undoubtedly served as
the basis for Mr. Boyce's future success as one of our most prominent manufacturers. To his ingenuity is largely due to the improvements in rapid
progress made in the department of industry, the brakes now being manufactured by him being acknowledged far superior to all others now in use. In
1879 Mr. Boyce had secured some means, and coming to this city, commenced business with a capital of $10,000 which invested chiefly in an establishment devoted to the manufacture of flax tow. He subsequently introduced the necessary machinery for the manufacture of bagging, and in consequence of the difficulties experienced from the limited amount of flax produced he found it necessary to resort best substitute known for his supply. This
is supplied by a fibrous plant produced in India, known as jute, which is largely brought to this country by vessels as ballast. This article being
free of duty, has almost entirely superseded flax for the manufacture of bagging. When his this business was first started by Mr. Boyce he used but two looms, producing about 500 yards of bagging per day, but availing himself of every facility for meeting the requirements of the business he subsequently introduced the newest improved machinery. In 1876 he purchased at the Centennial Exposition, at Philadelphia, the best machinery for this
purpose there exhibited, being of English manufacture, subject to an ad valorem duty of $.45, yet only obtainable from that source. At the present time this establishment occupies a main building two stories in height covering a ground space of 60 x 155 feet, a machine shop 30 X 70 feet and a boiler and engine room 35 X 52 feet. The water room space is 40 x 250 feet, and nearly all of these buildings are substantially constructed of brick. 18 looms are employed, with a daily capacity of 10,800 yards, showing an increase of over 100%, over the facilities employed for the first few years and while these works still rank the fifth in size in the United States, they stand today the first in point of an outfit and perfection of machinery utilized. An average force of 150 hands are employed in the various departments, the products of the bagging works being usually in large demand in the cotton growing states. As showing some of the difficulties with which Mr. Boyce has had to contend, it may be noted that twice have his works have been burned, but with unflagging energy and enterprise they were immediately rebuilt on an enlarged scale. In connection with these works is conducted a handle factory, the building of which covers a ground space of 30 X 90 feet, power being supplied from the main engine of 150 horsepower. These works turn out from 30,000 to 40,000 spade handles annually, which are chiefly shipped to various points east. Through the enterprise of Mr. Boyce the manufacture of bagging was introduced into this section of the country. From the growth and rapid development of this enterprise has sprung other extensive and important manufacturing interests, exerting its beneficial effects in a marked degree upon the city and its surroundings. The summer of 1884 will witness the commencement of another extensive manufacturing enterprise, with Mr. Boyce as its founder. This, like its predecessor, is a new branch of industry for Indiana or the West. It is the manufacture of the best grade of harvesting twine, used by harvesting machines in the binding of grain, made from manila. Combined with this enterprise will be conducted a spoke factory. The buildings for these new industriesare now being erected and when completed, will add another substantial brick building 50 X 20 feet, with its complete machinery for successful execution of work. Mr. Boyce also holds a controlling interest in other enterprises here, among which we may mention the firm of Boyce & Bufkin, dealers and agricultural machinery. He also holds valuable real estate in various parts of the city and owns one of the finest business blocks in the city. The annual transactions of his establishment in the manufacturing and commercial interests comprise an aggregated sum equaled by few in Eastern Indiana. Unassuming in manners and yet prominent in the promotion of every enterprise which promises to conduce to the public welfare, Mr. Boyce has doubtless contributed more to the well-being and business interests of this city than any other individual, and while his success is a matter of self congratulation, his record forms a lesson for the rising generation which cannot fail to have a beneficial effect in stimulating industry, frugality and rectitude. A. J.
Meeks, his associate and partner in business, is a young man of good business qualifications, well and favorably known in business circles.
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