Keck-Gonnerman Co.

The Keck-Gonnerman Company was an American manufacturer of steam traction engines, threshing machines, kerosene and gasoline tractors, and other agricultural and industrial equipment based in Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Founded in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1901,^[1] the company grew into one of the largest industrial manufacturers in southern Indiana before closing in the mid-20th century.^[2]

The firm was established in 1873 by John and Winfield Woody, originating as a foundry. In 1877, after the death of Winfield, John Keck, a German immigrant and John Woody's brother-in-law, purchased Winfield's shares in the firm, and it was renamed Woody & Keck.^[1][3]

Three years later, in 1880, John Woody retired due to illness, leaving John Keck to manage the firm. In 1883, John Onk bought Woody's share in the firm, and it was again renamed to Keck & Onk.^[1]

Onk's involvement was short-lived, however; upon his departure back to his home in Louisville, KY, William Gonnerman, also a German immigrant and a mechanical engineer of Purdue University,^[4] and Henry Kuebler joined the firm with ⅓ share each. The firm was renamed Keck, Gonnerman & Company. In 1884, the firm began production of engines, threshing machines, and portable sawmills.^[1]

Louis Keck (John Keck's brother) purchased Kuebler's share in the firm in 1885, and in 1901, the business was incorporated as the Keck-Gonnerman Company. In 1904, coal mining equipment was added to the product line.^[1]

The Keck-Gonnerman Co. began production of gasoline tractors in 1917.^[5] In 1921, the company opened a branch in St. Louis, MO.^[6] As of 1926, they also had a branch in Peoria, IL^[7] (date opened unknown).