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Your Natchez History Minute is brought to you by Natchez National Historical Park.
Maurice Lisle was born in Delaware in 1823 and was described as a young machinist who
acquired the Natchez Foundry and Gin Factory in 1845. The Foundry was regarded as one of
the most complete establishments of its type in the Southwest, employing twenty-five to
thirty laborers and producing steam engines, sawmills, draining machines, iron screws for
cotton presses, and gearing for gins, gristmills, and sawmills. Lisle also performed considerable
repair work on steamboats during the slack season.
In the early 1850s, the Natchez Foundry operated three forges and eleven lathes. It annually
consumed 250 tons of pig iron from Pittsburgh and 3,000 barrels of coal. In the late 1850s,
Lisle expanded his business to include the installation of gas pipes for residences and
businesses and produced cistern covers and gutter grates that are still common in Natchez.
In 1858, Lisle sold his business and devoted his time and attention to the profession of
gas fitter. Maurice Lisle built an imposing house in Natchez, today known as the Shields Townhouse
My name is Vincent Carter, I am a freshman at Adams County Christian School and this
has been your Natchez History Minute.