My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT LOUDON, steam-fitting, Bloomington. In all cities of the size of Bloomington, there is always room for one first-class plumbing and steam-fitting establishment; this want has been supplied by Mr. Robert Loudon, who is a native of Ayrshire, Scotland; he was born March 22, 1832, and at the age of 25, emigrated to the United States; though before leaving his native country he had learned the trade of a machinist, and had received a good education, upon his arrival in the United States, he located at Alton, Ill., where he entered the employ of the Terre Haute & Alton Railroad; he was there one year, when the company moved their shops to Litchfield, he and one other man being the only ones retained out of forty men; he was with the Railroad Company until 1859, when he went to Jacksonville and started a machine shop; the firm was Ellis, Shields & Loudon; he was there but a short time, when he again went back to the Railroad Company’s employ, remaining with them until 1862; then went to Cairo, where he was employed in the United States Navy Yard for one year; in 1863, he came to this city and accepted a position as foreman in the C. & A. R. R. shops; this position he held for some time; then took charge of Mr. Ollis’ foundry; he remained with Mr. Ollis about six years, when he concluded to engage in business for himself; his business, though on a small scale when he began, has since grown to such proportions as to be a credit to himself and the city; he is not only engaged in plumbing and steam-fitting, but also in the manufacturing of engines, and in fact everything pertaining to plumbing and steam-fitting; a more complete conception of his business may be gained by referring to his card, which is found in our classified directory; his establishment is known as the Eagle Machine Works, and is located at 620 and 622 N. Main street, and 607and 609 N. Center street. Mr. L. is a thoroughly educated business man, and is well known to the citizens and business men of Bloomington. He has fitted up his works with $12,000 worth of machinery; his manufacture of engines and boilers may be seen at the Pantograph office and at the tile-works, where they have given good satisfaction.