Washington Iron Works

Established in 1876, Washington Iron Works has operated for over five generations and is one of Sherman's oldest businesses. The company operates from two facilities and offers services to businesses in the oil, natural gas, wind energy, mining, agri-business, forestry, maritime, aviation, and air compression industries.

In 1875, Solon Totten (1847-1932) made the long horseback trip from Quincy, Illinois, to Texas, looking for "better conditions for his family Blacksmith business." ^.1 Totten found an opportunity with stage companies located in Sherman that required Blacksmith services. After persuading his father, Joseph (1821-1906), to move to Sherman, Solon and his brother Levi Totten (1844-1915) opened 'Totten Bros. Blacksmith' on Cherry Street. As businesses opened and industries flourished, the Totten Bros found success producing "wheels for freight wagons and stagecoaches and repaired vehicles." ^.2 The original stockholders of the business were Levi and Solon Totten, Noah Swain, Adolph, and Max Seisfield, and L.L. Roussell.

In 1881, Totten Bros. Blacksmith changed its name to 'Washington Iron Works' and relocated in 1890 to its current location on East Lamar Street. In 1888, the company had a capital stock of "$20,000." ^.3 By 1893, Solon, Levi, and Joseph had "gained full ownership"^.1 of Washington Iron Works, and it remained in the family for generations.

Solon Totten had two sons named Harry (1877-1964) and Jesse (1880-1946) with his wife, Ida Mae Wells. Solon, Harry, and Jesse operated the company by 1904 until Solon "retired in 1922". While Harry and Jesse were in ownership, they made "gun barrel molds"^.2 during World War II.  After Jesse Solon's death in 1946, his brother Harry operated the company with his son Harold Totten (1900-1969).

Today, the "state-of-the-art"^.4 facility has expanded to include turbine engines, petrochemical plants, power generation, gas processing, and compressors. On Sep 15th, 2015, the 'Washington Iron Works' was purchased by The PROS Co. based in Lubbock, Texas. The legendary brand continues to operate under the name Washington Iron Works despite its purchase.

• ^1. Washington Iron Works, “About Us”, 2016, http://www.washingtonironworks.com/about.html
• ^2. Washington Iron Works, Inc., Marker [122], http://www.co.grayson.tx.us/upload/common/Historical/Markers/Mark122.htm
• ^3. Fort Worth daily gazette., March 25, 1888, Page 6, Image 6
• ^4. SEDCO, “The PROS Co. Acquires Historic Washington Iron Works”, Sep, 15. 2015, https://sedco.org/pros-co-acquires-historic-washington-iron-works/