Whenever natural gas was mentioned the brow of the coal and wood dealers became clouded, but this could not remove the difficulty.
About this time J. W. Davis & Co., one of the oldest house and safe moving firms in the city, desired to retire from business, and here the light began to shine.
The opportunity was presented and accepted to purchase the outfit of tools and appliances commonly used in that branch of business.
The outfit as stated together with the good will and name of the firm were purchased for $1,000. The company at that time consisted of C. A. Webb, Walter Jameson and Samuel Smith. The firm as such did not have a dollar to start with. Mr. Webb, who had been long in business, and had broad acquaintance, assumed the debt and according to contract, within eighteen months after the firm began under the name of Webb, Jameson & Co., they were able to settle the debt besides living off the net earnings of the business at the same time.
Messrs. Jameson and Smith were practical movers, having worked at the business for the same firm whom they united in buying out. Mr. Jameson having been employed in the capacity of foreman.
In the organization of the firm, Mr. Webb had charge of all financial matters and the making of contracts; Mr. Jameson general superintendent of the work and Mr. Smith assistant.
The firm proceeded in this way, declaring weekly dividends from May 28, 1889, the time of its organization, until May 1, 1892.
The business increased so from the start that it was considered unnecessary to use the name of the old firm in operating the business.
By judicious advertising and skilful management, the firm under the name of Webb, Jameson & Co. became well known at home and throughout the State.
The reputation of the firm having been established for their reliability, honesty and responsibility, always fulfilling their contracts to the letter, was often able to secure better prices than other contractors.
The business having increased to such an extent during the first three years, it was decided to increase the capital stock and incorporate the company. Accordingly the corporation was formed May 1, 1892, under the name of The Webb-Jameson Co. The capital stock was $3,000, fully paid. The stockholders consisted of C. A. Webb, Walter Jameson, Samuel Smith and Mrs. Ida M. Bryant. At the first meeting of the stockholders, officers were elected as follows: C. A. Webb, President; Walter Jameson, Vice-President; Samuel Smith, Superintendent, and Mrs. I. M. Bryant, Secretary and Treasurer, with the same officers as directors. The business has gone on adjusting itself to the conditions of the times, but never losing ground, not even in the trying times of 1893-4, from which the country has not even yet fully recovered.