West and Front Wing

In 1864, The National Watch Company would receive its first license.  The idea of opening a watch factory in Elgin was the idea of  J. C. Adams.  After visiting The Waltham Watch Company (in Massachusetts) Adams realized that there was no city  in the Midwest that employed a similar trade.  He approached ex-mayor Chicago Mayor Benjamin W. Raymond, about investing start-up money.  Through the help of Governor John P. Altgeldt and the people of Elgin, plans were underway.  

A location on the Dexter farm south of the city at The Fox River was selected as the site for the factory. Silvanus Wilcox, Walter L. Pease, Henry Sherman and Benjamin Raymond (nicked-named "The Four Immortals") would purchase the 171-acre site for $50 an acre. They convinced 7 experienced watchmakers from Waltham (nick-named "The Seven Stars") to oversee their new business venture.  They were promised a five-year contract at five thousand dollars a year, a five thousand dollar bonus and an acre of land.