KEITH MORTIMORE, age 59, of Pontiac, Michigan, died April 26, 1981 after suffering a heart attack. Keith had only recently participated in the organization and had been elected to the office of vice president of the newly-formed Oakland Antique Engine and Tractor Club and this was typical of his interest in old engines. He exhibited regularly at shows in and around Michigan and his friends and fellow club members will miss his friendship and quiet helpfulness.
Submitted by John Swigart, P.O. Box 4412, Auburn Heights, Michigan 48057.
On March 23, 1981, Rev. J. Henry Fisher, one of the last pioneers in the manufacture of farm machinery passed on at the age of 79. At an early age he affiliated himself with the Reformed Mennonite Church; at age 24 he was called to the ministry and was later made a Bishop. He was also a collector of gasoline engines. The Lauson, and of course, the New Holland, were his favorites.
This partial list of his accomplishments is impressive:
1918 Was employed by Frick Co., Waynesboro, PA.
1919 Went to Hertzler & Zook, Belleville, PA.
1926 Manager of Mountville Machine Co., Lancaster, PA.
1933 Was invited to manage Dellinger Machine Co., Lancaster, PA.
1937 Ed Nolt built the first automatic tie baler in his garage which was to have a bearing on Henry Fisher.
1938 Five automatic balers were built in the shops of the Arthur S. Young Co., Kinzer, PA.
1940 Henry Fisher, in conjunction with George, Delp, Irl Daffin, and Raymond Buck walter purchased the near defunct New Holland Machine Co. (Gas engine era near the end) and at the same time purchased the services of Ed Nolt and his baler. The New Holland Machine Co. was completely reorganized.
1942 New Holland purchased the Mountville Machine Co., Hertzler and Zook and in 1948 acquired the Dillinger Machine Company.
1947 Sperry Corp. acquired the New Holland Company, including the Belleville and Mountville plants.
1966 Henry Fisher ended his active association with the Sperry Corporation.
With all his numerous activities he found time to serve his church, and was an example of its conservative teachings, since he never accepted a title in either the New Holland or Sperry Corporations, but was known modestly as ‘consultant.’
The editor of the Lancaster New Era said it best as follows: ‘Any person who accomplishes many things in diverse areas and accumulates wealth finds rumors attaching themselves to his life. One persistent rumor has been verified by several persons: Henry Fisher was a generous man, anonymously helping many in this community. For that generosity and for his contribution to the manufacture of farm machinery he will be remembered.
Submitted by W. J. Eshleman, 722 East End Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17602.
