Rex File Co., Rex File & Saw Co.

Photo by Gary S.

Rex File & Saw Co. began under another name. It was incorporated in early 1906 as Jamestown File Works, of Jamestown, NY, making Rex brand files. David D. Lewis, its president, had been in the hardware business in Pittsburgh, PA. Their factory proved too small, and rather than enlarge it, they relocated later in 1906 to Newcomerstown, Ohio, and re-incorporated with twice the capital, $100,000. The plant opened about August 1, 1906. David D. Lewis remained president, and other officers changed to M. Yingling, Will A. Beers, and S.B. Mulvane. Rex adopted a second brand name, Black King. In January, 1907, the company announced a plant expansion.

Rex File & Saw Co. advertisement 1912

The United Mine Workers Journal, Vol 28, 1917

Despite its being brick construction, the Rex file works was completely destroyed by fire on April 11, 1917. Elias Heller of Heller Brothers bought the Rex site, rebuilt the file factory, and rehired the workers. Initially the new plant was called Rex File Co., with Alfred Heller as General Manger. A 1943 Coshocton (Ohio) Tribune article says, "In 1928 the Rex File Co., the Vixen Tool Co. and the Heller Tool Co. at Newcomerstown were consolidated into the Heller Brothers Co. of Ohio." It's possible that Heller continued to sell files with the Rex brand after that date, as on these boxes. 

Rex File Co. Black King label

Rex File Co. box

Safety Engineering Vol. XXXIII, 1917