Early Farm Implements

When the farmers first arrived in Lawrence County in the early 1800s, their farm implements were generally made and repaired by blacksmiths.

In 1878 Sumner was acknowledged as having the largest agricultural implement seller in the county. (S J Eckenrode and Co.).  A newspaper article noted that a railroad car of farm wagons had been delivered to Sumner for sale. Additionally, there were vigorous competitions between representatives of various reaping machines and self-binding harvesters for wheat. Leading machines sold were McCormick, Marsh, Osborne, and Champion. Trials were held on various farms for demonstration purposes. One was held at R Clements 1 ¾ mile northwest of Sumner.

These two photos were not taken in the 1800s but are meant to represent the farming implements that would have been used.

In view of the overwhelming crops of grain grown in Lawrence County in 1880, farm implements were being sold in great quantities.  If you were a farmer on the east side of the county, you might have purchased your farm implements from Wm Heber Hardware of Vincennes. If you lived on the west side, T L Jones and Son had just erected a large building adjoining their storeroom in Sumner in which to display machinery and farming implements.

September 1880 Weekly Western Sun Vincennes

Usually a steam engine used in the threshing process was too expensive for one farmer alone, so partnerships would be formed to purchase one. Custom contract work would then be performed in the neighborhood.

To see our restored corn drill stop by the History Center on the Square (call 908-208-2372 for an appointment).