Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 October 1907 — FOWLER MITTEN FACTORY “KERFLUNKS.” [ARTICLE]

FOWLER MITTEN FACTORY “KERFLUNKS.”

Fowler’s only factory is no more. It wae a glove nad mitten factory and employed 30 to 35 hands, nearly all girls. If we remember correctly the people there gave a email subsidy to get the -factory, which ■moved from Otterbein. John W. Hirzel, the secretary’, treasurer and general manager and salesman of the concern, is said to be missing. Grant Hall of Fowler has been appointed receiver on application of creditors, by the federal court. The plant was closed down last week ostensibly to let the girls attend the carnival and has since remained closed. The visible assets are reported to be only about SSOO in value while the liabilities will probably exceed $50,000, $27,600 of whieh is in the form of notes to the Bank of Benton County. As the bank’s capital stock is but $25,000 it is said the state department will investigate its affair, and is criticising it for loaning so large a sum to one party. These notes are purported to be signed by Herman Kramer and Mrs. Elizabeth Mills, relatives of Hirzel, who reside in Round Grove tp., White county, but they deny having signed them, it is alleged. The failure has an ugly look, if reports are to be relied upon.