Spearman Furnaces


		*Spearman Furnaces*
		Spearman Furnaces, owned and operated by the Spearman Iron Company, were built in 1872. There are two stacks, each sixty-three feet high and having fourteen foot bosh. No. 1 was blown in January 15, 1873, and No. 2, September 20, 1875. They were remodeled in 1882 and 1885, respectively. Three Whitwell hot-blast stoves are in use. The fuel consists of coke, and the product is foundry pig iron, made from Lake Superior ore. J. J. Spearman, of Sharon, organized the company, and superintended the erection of the furnaces, and has ever since been the general manager. History of Mercer County, 1888, page 195 The Spearman furnaces (two stacks) were built in Sharpsville in 1870 by J. J. Spearman, Joseph Forker, B. H. Henderson, John Phillips and Walter Pierce, who sold out to Shenango Furnace Co. Twentieth Century History of Mercer County, 1909, page 357	Spearman Furnace No. 1 Click to enlarge Spearman Furnace No. 2 Click to enlarge
			Biography of John J. Spearman Biography of Joseph Forker

		Spearman Furnaces: Built and operated by Spearman Iron Company which was organized by J. J. Spearman who also superintended the erection of the furnaces. They were built in 1872. No. 1 was blown in January 15, 1873, No. 2, September 15, 1875. W. P. Snyder of Pittsburgh bought all three of them [Douglas, Mabel and Spearman furnaces] and later incorporated the Shenango Furnace Company in 1906. Stack No. 1, which had been on the site of the Douglas, was torn down in 1970. Stack No. 4 was torn down in 1924. Stack No. 3 stands [in 1974] on the site of the old Spearman Furnace. At this moment it is doubtful if No. 3 will ever operate again. For the first time in over 125 years, Sharpsville will be without an operable blast furnace. Sharpsville Centennial Commemorative Booklet, 1974, page 28


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