The History of Woodworking Tools in US

William McNiece, Saw Manufacturer - Philadelphia, PA

  

 

The Excelsior Saw Works, of Philadelphia, located at No. 515 Cherry Street was founded by Mr. William McNiece, one of the pioneer saw makers of this country.  Mr. McNiece came to the United States from Ireland when a boy and indentured himself to Mr. Jesse Bakewell, one of the first saw makers in this country.

After finishing his apprenticeship, Mr. McNiece embarked in business for himself, and his progressive methods and attention to detail soon established a name among users of saws and an enviable reputation for honest business dealings.

His product was high in grade and superior in quality, the excellency of the tempering in the saws being especially notable.

In 1888 Mr. Edward B. McNiece, a son of the founder, who had previously been instructed in all the various methods of conducting the business, was admitted to partnership, and the high standard of excellency has been maintained since.

In addition to the manufacture of saws, Mr. McNiece has an enviable reputation for making various articles in the construction of which saw steel figures and is especially sought after by manufacturers and others when difficult problems in tempering arise.

Commemorative publication for “225th Anniversary of Founding of Philadelphia” – William W. Matos, 1908

The information compiled here was made possible by contribution of several friends.

I am grateful to Philip W. Baker, Carl Bopp, Roger K. Smith, and Frank Brickhouse for their help and enthusiasm in gathering and sharing bits and pieces of information.  These bits and pieces were instrumental in reconstructing history of William McNiece - Philadelphia Sawmaker.

The City of Philadelphia - Leading Merchants and Manufacturers, published in 1886 by the Historical Publishing Company provides short, but important vignette on business of William McNiece:

William McNiece, Excelsior Saw Works, No. 515 Cherry Street.

Mr. McNiece is one of our self-made business men, and his career in this city bears evidence of his industry, energy and sound, well-balanced principles.

He was born in the County Galway, Ireland, and came to America when a boy in 1844. He located first in New York, and learned his trade with Mr. Jesse Bakewell, who carried on business in Elm Street in that city.

He subsequently came to Philadelphia, and in 1863 succeeded Chas. H. Lame, who had established this business in 1851.  Mr. McNiece has built up a large and prosperous trade, by strict attention coupled with a straightforward system of honorable dealing.

He occupies spacious and well-arranged premises, which are equipped with all the necessary tools and machinery for the execution of orders.  Mr. McNiece has for many years employed twenty hands regularly.

He carries on hand a large and well-assorted stock of saws, knives, etc., which for durability, finish and workmanship are unexcelled.  He also makes to order, and repairs saws of every description, and grinds bookbinders' and planning knives.  His facilities are of a strictly first-class character, enabling him to offer special advantages to customers and to execute all orders in the promptest and most satisfactory manner.  Personally, he is a genial, courteous gentleman, honorable, liberal and fair in all transactions, and well deserving of the success he has achieved.
 

Signature of William McNiece
from the "Articles of Copartnership" with Charles H. Lame
November 1, 1863

  
   
  Revision-12/01/2008

 
 

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