Built by Adam Hovis in 1858, Hovis’ Blacksmith shop sat on the corner of East 3rd and Chestnut streets in the Borough of Waterford. Adam’s son, Horace, was also a blacksmith and owned the shop after his father passed; thereafter, it was passed on to his son, Will, who operated the shop until 1920.
The blacksmith shop also served as a machine shop. The shop, which was fitted with stalls that could accommodate 14 horses, also repaired farm and mill machinery, while offering the tradition service of shoeing horses. Among other services were emery grinding, saw gumming, wood turning and sawing. The shop also carried machinery supplies, and pipes, cut and fit to one’s order.
Adam Hovis was born on February 27, 1821, in Venango County, Pennsylvania. Adam’s father, Ernest Hovis, was also was a native of Pennsylvania, and a soldier of the war of 1812; Ernest Hovis died in 1866.
Adam married, in 1843, Polly Suttly, together they had four children: Horace D., Emma J., Margret, and Mary E.
Adam came to Erie County in 1859 with his family where three years later he enlisted on October 01, 1862, in the 159th regiment, 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company One. While serving in the Army of Western Virginia he was captured by Mosely’s guerrillas at Bolivar’s Heights on June 29, 1863, and was held prisoner for four months in Libby Prison. During his service he acted as company blacksmith and was honorably discharged on October 01, 1865, after having served three years.
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| Hovis & Son Blacksmith Shop. |
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| The Interior of Hovis & Son’s Machine Shop. |
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| The Interior of Hovis & Son’s Blacksmith Shop. |
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| The Interior of Hovis & Son’s Blacksmith Shop. |