In the machine man’s history of Jefferson, the story is incomplete
without the mention of what is now the Jefferson Foundry and Machine
Shop, a descendant of one of the community’s enterprises, now owned and
operated by E. B. McDonald.
The original machine shop was Miles and Co., and its beginning about
1870. Morris and McKeoun followed as the new steps in the ladder of the
Foundry’s ownership.
M. Bower acquired Morris’ interest in the business and the name became
McKeoun and Bower, later McKeoun and Lione and finally McKeoun became
sole owner.
The foundry burned in 1890 and the same year the McDonald Shop started
its career. G. B. McDonald, father of E. B., John and George started the
business with the help of his three sons, all of whom became noted
machinists in East Texas.
Mr. McDonald came to Jefferson, Texas, in 1886 and operated a flour mill
and later had charge of the City gas system.
When the boys were old enough and trained as machinists, Mr. McDonald
went into the machine shop and foundry and together they built a
business which is considered one of the most complete machine shops in
East Texas.
The present owner, E. B. McDonald is considered an authority on much of
Jefferson and Marion County history. He is a hobbyist of note and
collects authentic markers of the country’s history.
His ability is accepted with a note of finality on any mechanical
questions.