Schaeffer Oil history

There’s an old ball peen hammer, the only company item to survive the great St Louis fire of 1849.

Look in the display case in the lobby of Schaeffer Manufacturing Co.: there’s the prayer book of the company’s founder, German immigrant Nicholas Schaeffer, dating from 1858.

By 1862, sales reach over $1M annually, and the company markets and sells goods across the country.

Now, the company’s “new” building, at 102 Barton Street between the Arch and Anheuser-Busch, dates to 1870.

In 1880, Jacob Schaeffer becomes president of the company following the death of his father, Nicholas Schaeffer.

Upstart Thomas Edison figured out a way to light the way without candles, and the 1904 World’s Fair dazzled people with electric lights.

When Jacob Schaeffer’s son-in-law, William Shields, becomes president of the company in 1917, oil and grease represent 20 percent of sales.

His sons, Gwynne and Tom Shields, took over in 1947, manufacturing the grease and oil that lubricated postwar machinery.

In 1951, Marty Schwab joins the company and is quickly promoted to sales manager.

In 1986, Lubes ‘n Greases Magazine recognizes Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. as one of the leaders in the use of molybdenum disulfide as a friction modifier.

St Louis Post Dispatch, January 16, 1989

In 1999, Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. earns ISO Quality Certification.

Shields’ son, Jay Schaeffer Shields, represents the fifth generation of the company and has served as its president since 2006.

St Louis Post Dispatch, November 18, 2008

In 2010, the company purchases a 60,000 square foot manufacturing plant, bringing the company’s total workspace to almost 200,000 square feet.

In 2014, Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. celebrates its 175th anniversary and honors company founder Nicholas Schaeffer’s 200th birthday.

He was the company’s board chairman until he died in 2016, a few days before his 91st birthday.