The Fisher Story | 7
1910s
1910 Sales reach $60,000.
A 2-inch Type 1 pump governor with iron body and
bronze trim sells for $27.50.
1913 George Beebe becomes president, again.
1916 Martha Fisher, William’s widow,
becomes president when Harriet Beebe
resigns.
First sales representative is established in Cleveland,
Ohio (Tomlinson Steam Specialty Company).
Catalog grows to 32 pages; includes the Type 12
reducing valve and Type 14 relief valve.
1914 Sales representative is established in
Indianapolis, Indiana.
1918 Draftsmen complete the first detailed
product drawings.
1915 Harriet Beebe becomes president when her
husband, George, passes away.
1919 Sales representative is established in
Salt Lake City, Utah.
Jasper Fisher, third from left, and employees
artha Fisher and Harriet
Beebe each “represented
the holdings of her late
husband” in the Fisher Governor
Company for several years,
although little was documented
about their activities or
decisions as company
shareholders and members of
the board. It’s fair and accurate
to describe these women as
remarkable and pioneering, if
only for reaching beyond their
traditional roles.
Martha Ann (Loucks) Fisher
(1840 to 1923) or Aunty Fisher
was known throughout
Marshalltown for her sharp
mind, love of quilting and varied
interests in community affairs.
Mother of three, Martha also
reared her infant grandson,
Clarence Bates, who became a
process control engineer.
Harriet (Read) Beebe (1850
to 1929) came to Marshalltown
in 1879 from Ohio. She had five
children from a previous
marriage when she wed local
machinist, George Beebe. Like
Martha, she was a devoted
mother, church member and
community volunteer.
Two women, small in stature
but strong of character,
influenced the direction of the
Fisher Governor Company and
earned a place in this history
book. In an era when few
women had wage-earning jobs,
two women in Marshalltown,
Iowa, led a company.
Madam President
M