Anyone from Peru Illinois know anything about Peru Plow and Wheel Company?

Question

I am interested in antique farm equipment. I recently purchased an antique farm wagon with steel wheels.

The only writing I have found is "Peru" written on the wheels.

I have found that there was at one time a company called Peru plow and wheel company, but I have found almost no other info on the web.

Maybe somebody's grandparent worked there?

I would like to know roughly how old my wagon is.

If I at least knew what years the company was in business, I would have an idea.

Thanks in advance for any info you can share.

Answer 1

Thank you for your question.  I love doing research on odd topics like this.

The Peru Plow and Wheel Company operated for 90 years, from 1851 to 1941.  They made a number of products, including farm wagons like yours.  They apparently also made engines for :"powered" farm wagons.  These engines were used by the Hercules company, with which Peru Plow and Wagon seems to have had a long relationship.   Hercules and Peru were both eventually taken over by J. I. Case.  

There is a book about the company, called "The Peru Plow Works : Ninety years of farm machinery in Peru, Illinois, 1851-1941," by Chad Elmore.  It was published in 1966.   Not surprisingly, the book is owned by the Peru, Ilinois public library, among others.  

http://216.125.140.44/uhtbin/cgisirsi/oa...

Since most libraries will get you any book you want via Interlibrary Loan, you might ask  your local public library if they can do that for you.  

I hope this helps.   Good luck!!