Baker Barb Wire vs. Knights of Labor
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George C. Baker of Polk City, Iowa, invented Baker Barbed Wire, manufactured it in Des Moines, and before too long it was the world’s largest manufacturer of barbed wire.
Barbed wire was a significant revolution for farmers. Prior to the use of barbed wire, fences were made from hand split oak rails or by trimming an Osage Orange hedge. But certainly the contribution of barbed wire to American agriculture is most noticeable in the open prairie ranges of the west.The lifestyle of the cowboy was ended by barbed wire.
The Baker Wire Company covered the whole square block from First and Second and from Vine to Market. The company operated 20 barbing machines for 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. They paid the laborers $1.50 a day. The first real labor dispute in Des Moines occurred at the Baker Wire plant.
In the 1870’s the concept of labor unions were spreading around the country. One such union was the Knights of Labor. Baker Wire let the employees know that this was something they were not to become involved with. However, they did, and when they showed up for work on Monday morning after a meeting they were fired.
The Knights of Labor rose to the defense of the workers, solicited the support of the farmers' Grange, and created a boycott of Baker wire. After a couple of months the dealers of Baker Wire started shipping the barbed wire back because no one would buy it. The company reconsidered its position, restored the men to their jobs, and business resumed. Baker Wire Company was eventually sold and moved out of the state.
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Baker Wire Co.
Sanborn map image of Baker Wire Co. Text: Baker Wire Co. Heat: Steam. 1 stove in off.Wood work'g rm. Fuel: coalShavings. Lights: Gas2 Water tanks 2d/20' hose.Water B'B'LS. 1 HyD1 Night & Sunday Watchman40 Wire Mach'sBuild'g supported by tiers of wood posts.Wire Reel Mak'g 2dAreas drawn:2 OffWire StoragePitching WirePitch Kettle 2dBoiler PumpCoalShav'g Vault | Source: Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. | Date: 1884-03
Baker Barb Wire Co.: The Knights of Labor Pay Attention to the Institution.
For the past few days there has been trouble between the Baker Barb Wire Works and the Knights of Labor organization, which has finally culminated In serious trouble for the workmen and some inconvenience and expense for the company. Both sides are reticent as to facts and seem loath to have the matter thoroughly ventilated In the press. Enough, however, was learned by a Register reporter last night to warrant the following statement from each side. Mr. D. M. Childress, President of an Assembly, on being called out from a special meeting last night which was considering the matter, said in substance: “There are fifty-eight men out of employment. It Is not a question of wage, but of belonging to the organization of Knights of Labor. At the completion of business of the District Convention Just held at Angus, the State Executive Committee came on to Des Moines, and the following members of the committee visited Messrs Hedges & Noble of the barb wire works at 5 o'clock last evening to talk the matter over with those gentlemen: Messrs, Wright and Perry, of Oskaloosa; DcFord, of Stuart; Sovereign, of Atlantic; and myself. We got a decisive answer from them that no man belonging to the Knights of Labor could work in their shops, hereafter." "What do the Knights propose to do, Mr. Childress?" was asked, "Do they intend to boycott the works'.' Well, we cannot say that yet. That is a matter for discussion and thought. The men have agreed to sign a contract, if necessary, with the company to work for twelve months at $1.50 per day. But they do not seem to want that. The company insist on their throwing up their membership in the K. of L. organization, and they can then return to work at old rates. What they may conclude to do is a matter for after publication." As this was all that could be ascertained from Mr. Childress, the reporter sought the manager of the works, and succeeded In arousing Mr. II. A. Noble by telephone, who said, In answer to questions : "We pay our men every Saturday night good wages, better than any similar company, and all we ask Is to be allowed to run our own business without dictation from outside parties. This we concluded to do, if we have to be boycotted. The trouble was mainly among our men themselves, those belonging to the labor organization were always interfering with and trying to coerce those who did not. We claim to have the right to run our business in our own way. There is no lack of men who are will-to work at our wages, and we had about twenty-five applicants yesterday for the places vacated by our old force. There Is no lockout, but merely an order against any workman employed here belonging to the Knights of Labor organization.'' Thus the matter stands between employer and employes, at a late hour last night, with no apparent chance for a settlement, at least for some time to come. | Source: Iowa State Register via newspapers.com | Date: 1886-01-16
Fence-Barb and Barbed Wire
Patent NO. 273n219 | Source: Google Patents | Date: 1883-02-27
Baker Wire Company Bill of Sale
Bill of sale. Hand written text illegible. At top: Our responsibility ends when goods are delivered in good order to Railway Company. We pay no Exchange or Express Charges. Image of factory on left with text below: All Bills subject to sight draft if not paid when due. / Terms, 60 days; 2 percent off cash 10 days. On right: Bought of Geo. C. Baker, Pres / H. A. Noble, Secy. / H. B. Hedge, Treas / Baker Wire Company / Manufacturers and / Jobbers of / Barb Fence Wire. / And Steel Staples / "Perfect" Barb. | Source: Historic Tour #1: Des Moines: Confluence of People and Resources. Des Moines Public Library, 1982. | Date: Unknown