http://www.daytonhistorybooks.com/page/page/3432383.htmIn 1830 or 1831, Henry Strickler and Jacob Wilt formed a partnership for the purpose of manufacturing gun barrels. The firm was increased in numbers in 1835, by the addition of George Rhodes, and the name became Strickler, Wilt & Company. They were located originally on the north side of the river, near " Steele's mill," or near where the Stilwell & Bierce Manufacturing Company is now located. The business was carried on in a small way for several years, but as it increased more room and better facilities were required, and the firm moved to the corner of Fifth Street and the canal, where they erected a building, which was three stories high and 100x40 feet in size. The capital stock of the frm was ten thousand dollars, and they employed from ten to twelve hands. When their business was most prosperous they turned out about eight gun barrels per day. These barrels were turned out smooth bores and rifled by the gunsmiths, to whom they were sold. A market was found for them all over the Western States. One of the peculiar features of the establishment was Mr. Wilt's method of straightening the barrels, which was of his own invention, as was also his method of grinding the barrels to the octagonal form.
The firm of Strickler, Wilt & Company was dissolved, and the business was continued by Jacob Wilt and his brother, Jeremiah, under the firm name of Jacob Wilt & Company. This firm moved to the upper (page 403) in 1854, and after continuing for some years was succeeded by Wilt & Harrington. About this time the demand for gun barrels began to diminish, and it finally ceased altogether. The firm, therefore, turned their attention to the manufacture of cotton batting. Still later another change occurred, the firm becoming Wilt & Rasner. This firm gained a wide reputation for the manufacture of mill picks. It was dissolved in 1874, and Mr. Wilt died in 1881.
