The Antietam Woolen Manufacturing Company was formed in June 1814 and dissolved in April 1816. The company leased a factory in Funkstown, Maryland and operated a domestic store in Hagerstown. A fulling mill was added in 1815. It was typical of the many small textile mills that were established when imports were cut off by the War of 1812, and which quickly collapsed when British competition resumed. The company's twelve shareholders were probably all local farmers and landowners who needed to process their own wool. They lacked prior manufacturing experience. Henry Shafer, the former president, and Gerhart Stonebreaker purchased the property from the other partners in 1816. Subsequently, disputes arose over settlement of the accounts, and Daniel Sprigg, cashier of the Hagerstown Bank, and, Thomas Harbaugh were appointed referees in 1828. The company's affairs were not finally closed until 1843.
From the description of Records 1814-1843 (bulk 1814-1816). (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 122385135
