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Description |
"RAMSAY & FORD -- Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in Harness Saddlery, Saddlery Hardware, Saddle Trees, Collars, Leather, Etc.; Main Plaza. Political economists, in classifying mercantile pursuits, give the highest rank to those branches which exercise the widest range of auxiliary influence upon general occupations; and we know of none that meet this requirement to a greater degree than the manufacturers of horse furniture. Every branch of business seems to be, in some particular, dependent for its accomplishments on the services of the horse. When the making of harness, saddles, etc., first began, is wrapt in obscurity. The horse appears harnessed to the war chariot, in sculpture, on ancient Egyptian monuments, of which, or by whom built, we have not even tradition. The Assyrians 2000 B.C., used cavalry in their armies, and with them the saddle appears to have originated. The early saddlers, unacquainted with the use of dextrous tools, must have made but clumsy work, and in no line have there been made more marked improvements than in the saddle and harness. In this country the most advanced strides have been made, and in this state especial particularity is bestowed on horse furniture -- horsemen valuing the apparel of their horse in full proportion to the estimate they place upon their steed; and in no section under the sun is the horse more useful to man or more highly appreciated. In the preparation of this work, which is designed to convey to the reader some idea of the business capabilities, industrial resources and commercial relations of the city, it is our aim to present, for the consideration of the public, such firms and establishments as may be justly regarded active factors in advancing the general prosperity and reputation of the city of San Antonio; and in no branch of trade can this be better shown than in her saddlery establishments. Among the most prominent of these is that of Ramsay & Ford, No. 14 Main Plaza, one of the principal business localities in the city. This establishment was founded in 1876, by F. W. Sibert, the present firm consisting of J. S. Ramsay and N. H. Ford, succeeding in 1881. These gentlemen brought to the business, on the part of each, a practical experience of many years; Mr. Ramsay having been connected with it for eighteen years, and Mr. Ford has been literally raised in it; and since their first apprenticeship to it, they have studiously watched all improvements and profited by those which proved meritorious. In modern times, the ingenuity of man has kept pace with the greater capabilities of use for which the horse has proven to be fitted to permit the performance of the work required, with ease to the animal. In this style of manufacture Messrs. Ramsay & Ford excel, having an established reputation through Texas, New Mexico and in Mexico, for beauty, fine workmanship and finish, for lightness and durability, and the use of the very best materials and the employment of skilled workmen; exercising personally over all that intelligent supervision, attained by their many years of practical acquaintance with every detail of the trade. They manufacture all varieties of fine and ordinary saddles, single and double harness for all purposes, bridles; in short, all articles of horse furniture. Nine skilled hands are constantly employed. Their business premises are commodious and convenient, being two stories in height; their factory department is equipped with the best modern machinery and mechanical appliances, for doing first-class work rapidly and thoroughly. They carry a full and complete stock. They have gained an enviable reputation wherever known, for reliability and promptitude in executing orders, and giving perfect satisfaction to all who have availed themselves of their services." |
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Source |
Historical and Descriptive Review of The Industries of San Antonio Texas, Commerce, Trade and Manufactures, Manufacturing Advantages, Business and Transportation Facilities, Together with Sketches of the Representative Business Houses and Manufacturing Establishments in the "ALAMO CITY." (San Antonio: Land & Thompson, 1885, reprinted by Norman Block, 1977), 92-93. |
