S. Howes Co., Inc.

The S. Howes Company was founded in 1856 by Simeon Howes and his associates Alpheus Babcock and Carlos Ewell for the purpose of manufacturing grain cleaning machinery. The company which still bears the same name, began its manufacturing in a plant the size of a small house in Silver Creek, New York. Forty grain cleaning machines were made during the first year and were enthusiastically received by the millers who purchased them.

After the death of Simeon Howes in 1892, whom had become the sole owner, the business was purchased by Louis Barbeau and remained family controlled for four generations until 1967, during which time the product lines were increased and the plant expanded to a total of 100,000 feet.