James Cox Saddlery began in 1945 when James D. Cox was the manager of Comer and Jordan
Livestock Company in Springdale, Ohio. James traveled extensively buying and selling livestock all
over the country for that auction and eventually ventured into harness. The sale barn was struck
by a fire and never re-built and at that time, James started going to London, Kentucky almost every
week. He bought and sold livestock and harness and tack. His sons, Charles and Delbert got into
the business and they started a retail and wholesale operation and eventually started a contract
manufacturing business for many of their products. Debbie Cox, Delbert's daughter joined the
company and worked in the retail operation and did much of the accounting and replaced her
mother from doing so, since she was busy with raising her son, Jimmy. Eventually Jimmy, joined the
company in 1987 and James Cox Saddlery ventured into manufacturing its own products in 1991.
They started manufacturing saddle pads. They developed many saddle brands such as Circle 'C'
and resurrected the Big 'W' Western Saddlery Brand, Buford Saddlery, and Monterrey Makers
Brand. Jimmy, goes by James today and in about 1997 he started a small leather operation called
Western Hide and Tanning Company. Mainly to tan deer hides and buy and sell job lots, etc. He
started working closely with Caldwell/Moser and bought harness and latigo from them, and
distributed much of this leather. Large quantities of leather was sold in Tennessee to many of the
saddle companies that he was already doing business with. James was in a unique position as he
could trade leather for finished products, and run them through the distribution business, as well as
auctions that the company participated in. Auctions were a whole new venue of clients to sell to,
besides stores. In those days you could get more money at auctions, than you could regularly
wholesale something directly to dealers at the saddle shops. Eventually James took the wholesale
and manufacturing business, and split from the retail operation in 2002. This is when
Caldwell/Moser shut down, and James bought the trade name and recipes for Moser, as well as
some of the equipment and chemicals, etc. The new Moser set up shop with some existing
tanneries here in the states to custom tan for them, as well as some tanneries in Mexico that
tanned on U.S. hides provided by James. The first tannery that was used did not work out, but
eventually a tannery was found, that worked out pretty well. Extra large Bulls and Steers were the
niche that Moser has filled. This extra large leather was used for harness reins, as well as harness
making leather itself, which many clients really enjoy. 9/11 happened right before the Moser deal
was made, and no one realized the after affects that this would have on the economy. The future
of the business itself changed drastically over the years as our government's policies have affected
the trade and the economy in general. Our governments stance on helping other nations, at the
expense of our American Manufacturers and our American Jobs, took a toll on the new Moser
venture, and we sold our building after 3 years and downsized quite a bit into a much smaller
building. We formed an alliance with Wickett and Craig during this time, as well as Auburn Leather,
which has worked out pretty well. We still offer our niche lines of leather. The only thing that was
basically replaced, was our domestic regular sized skirting leather, which we switched to Wickett.
We still do our extra large hides, as well as specialty leathers. We sold off many of our brands, but
now with the economy getting better, we have brought back many of our products, under new
names. We are focusing on our best sellers, and venturing into new markets. Sometimes it is good
to change it up, and you never seem to take the time to do this, until you are forced. I still feel our
government can do better to help manufacturers stay in the United States. Perhaps tax incentives
to companies that keep at least 51% of their manufacturing base here in the United States, would
be a good way to start.
Stay tuned for our web site to see what develops. I think you will be happy with our prices and
selection. These are things that you can sell. We have weeded out through our own experience
those items that don't sell, and came up with a great selection of items that will work for you. This
will help your current operation, stay profitable. Our line of belts is very nice, and we are making
some in our shop. We have found that in order to keep your prices competitive, it is a good idea
for you to have some things that you buy and sell and you can make some money on. If you
custom make everything that is great, but usually you have to get so much out of an item, that you
eventually price out the average person. Why not have something for everyone as long as you are
not compromising quality ? You can buy some parts for your bridles and saddles and save yourself
time to focus on what makes you money. This same philosophy is what I believe is good for
companies to do, to some extent. It would not be such a bad thing to import some parts, etc. to use
in production of your products, but when you move your complete manufacturing out of this country
for the sake of making a big profit then this is wrong. I have said this in articles for Tack-n-Togs
and others that a country that does not produce anything, is weak. Pretty soon no one will
remember how to make anything, and that is a bad thing. Also, when manufacturing leaves, then
higher wages leave with it. Then all of us have to buy from discounters because we have no
money to spend on better products. It is a catch 22! Supplementing your wages with some
imported items is not bad, if it is done responsibly. It does allow us to afford to pay our existing
American workers the wages they need. When you are a corporation that imports it all, for the
sake of money, then greed has taken over. Pretty soon no one can see the forest for the trees and
that has happened here in the United States. Our lawmakers have sold us out to all the special
interests that have money, whether it be corporations, or whomever. I am a moderate Republican
with a heart, and I have seen better times. I hope that our government will wake up, and start
working for the people again, instead of themselves. It seem that people forget about the ones that
made them great, and just keep stuffing the money back in their wallet. They need to be helping
others out. These big companies that pay people to endorse their products, could start a program
to give back a percentage of their profits to help the needy. Most of the time, these companies that
are doing these things, are totally importing everything. The funny thing is that they are still
charging the same prices, as if they were manufacturing it here in the United States. That is
probably why they can afford to pay for these huge endorsements. It is pretty much the same thing
that our government is doing - running amuck! Common sense needs to prevail here. Let's shift
most of the manufacturing back to the good ole United States of America, and watch our problems
lessen. I believe in Capitalism but if you do not share what you have, then pretty soon you have no
body to sell to! It is time to focus on helping America, and its people.
This is my opinion of course, but I hope nothing but the best of business for everyone. Good luck,
and hope to hear from you soon - James C. Cox - 1-800-874-1167
Also please read the auction caption about what we can do for you in the way of making old
obsolete, seconds, or overruns go away.
Please take the tannery tour for inside pictures. We have explained both the tannery processes,
and also part of what happened to bring the tannery to its current state in that section of the tour.
We also have a link on the Home page that actually shows a 'YouTube' movie on tanning. This is
really interesting and shows the hard work, that goes into producing leather. The Tannery Tour is a
pictorial view of the old tannery buildings in New Albany, as they are today. Part of the tan yard
buildings have collapsed due to a fire and heavy snow. They will not be re-built, because of future
development plans. We have included all these pictures in the site, as a tribute to all the people
who have worked at the tannery over the years and made the name 'Moser Leather' what it is
today. The site is presently being considered for development for Loft Condominiums by A.W.
Goodman and Associates, who purchased the property when the New Albany site shut down. Al
wants to preserve the 3 story part of the building, because of its unique architecture design, and
for what it brings to the community. The history and story, that it has to tell. Other uses for the site,
have been a walking path/trail through the natural wetlands habitat. There is 47 acres by the river,
that was developed in cooperation with Al Goodman and a conservation group. This is called the
'Wetlands'. Other ideas are under development, so stay posted. Please hit the Back Button on
your Browser to Return. to your last page.
Livestock Company in Springdale, Ohio. James traveled extensively buying and selling livestock all
over the country for that auction and eventually ventured into harness. The sale barn was struck
by a fire and never re-built and at that time, James started going to London, Kentucky almost every
week. He bought and sold livestock and harness and tack. His sons, Charles and Delbert got into
the business and they started a retail and wholesale operation and eventually started a contract
manufacturing business for many of their products. Debbie Cox, Delbert's daughter joined the
company and worked in the retail operation and did much of the accounting and replaced her
mother from doing so, since she was busy with raising her son, Jimmy. Eventually Jimmy, joined the
company in 1987 and James Cox Saddlery ventured into manufacturing its own products in 1991.
They started manufacturing saddle pads. They developed many saddle brands such as Circle 'C'
and resurrected the Big 'W' Western Saddlery Brand, Buford Saddlery, and Monterrey Makers
Brand. Jimmy, goes by James today and in about 1997 he started a small leather operation called
Western Hide and Tanning Company. Mainly to tan deer hides and buy and sell job lots, etc. He
started working closely with Caldwell/Moser and bought harness and latigo from them, and
distributed much of this leather. Large quantities of leather was sold in Tennessee to many of the
saddle companies that he was already doing business with. James was in a unique position as he
could trade leather for finished products, and run them through the distribution business, as well as
auctions that the company participated in. Auctions were a whole new venue of clients to sell to,
besides stores. In those days you could get more money at auctions, than you could regularly
wholesale something directly to dealers at the saddle shops. Eventually James took the wholesale
and manufacturing business, and split from the retail operation in 2002. This is when
Caldwell/Moser shut down, and James bought the trade name and recipes for Moser, as well as
some of the equipment and chemicals, etc. The new Moser set up shop with some existing
tanneries here in the states to custom tan for them, as well as some tanneries in Mexico that
tanned on U.S. hides provided by James. The first tannery that was used did not work out, but
eventually a tannery was found, that worked out pretty well. Extra large Bulls and Steers were the
niche that Moser has filled. This extra large leather was used for harness reins, as well as harness
making leather itself, which many clients really enjoy. 9/11 happened right before the Moser deal
was made, and no one realized the after affects that this would have on the economy. The future
of the business itself changed drastically over the years as our government's policies have affected
the trade and the economy in general. Our governments stance on helping other nations, at the
expense of our American Manufacturers and our American Jobs, took a toll on the new Moser
venture, and we sold our building after 3 years and downsized quite a bit into a much smaller
building. We formed an alliance with Wickett and Craig during this time, as well as Auburn Leather,
which has worked out pretty well. We still offer our niche lines of leather. The only thing that was
basically replaced, was our domestic regular sized skirting leather, which we switched to Wickett.
We still do our extra large hides, as well as specialty leathers. We sold off many of our brands, but
now with the economy getting better, we have brought back many of our products, under new
names. We are focusing on our best sellers, and venturing into new markets. Sometimes it is good
to change it up, and you never seem to take the time to do this, until you are forced. I still feel our
government can do better to help manufacturers stay in the United States. Perhaps tax incentives
to companies that keep at least 51% of their manufacturing base here in the United States, would
be a good way to start.
Stay tuned for our web site to see what develops. I think you will be happy with our prices and
selection. These are things that you can sell. We have weeded out through our own experience
those items that don't sell, and came up with a great selection of items that will work for you. This
will help your current operation, stay profitable. Our line of belts is very nice, and we are making
some in our shop. We have found that in order to keep your prices competitive, it is a good idea
for you to have some things that you buy and sell and you can make some money on. If you
custom make everything that is great, but usually you have to get so much out of an item, that you
eventually price out the average person. Why not have something for everyone as long as you are
not compromising quality ? You can buy some parts for your bridles and saddles and save yourself
time to focus on what makes you money. This same philosophy is what I believe is good for
companies to do, to some extent. It would not be such a bad thing to import some parts, etc. to use
in production of your products, but when you move your complete manufacturing out of this country
for the sake of making a big profit then this is wrong. I have said this in articles for Tack-n-Togs
and others that a country that does not produce anything, is weak. Pretty soon no one will
remember how to make anything, and that is a bad thing. Also, when manufacturing leaves, then
higher wages leave with it. Then all of us have to buy from discounters because we have no
money to spend on better products. It is a catch 22! Supplementing your wages with some
imported items is not bad, if it is done responsibly. It does allow us to afford to pay our existing
American workers the wages they need. When you are a corporation that imports it all, for the
sake of money, then greed has taken over. Pretty soon no one can see the forest for the trees and
that has happened here in the United States. Our lawmakers have sold us out to all the special
interests that have money, whether it be corporations, or whomever. I am a moderate Republican
with a heart, and I have seen better times. I hope that our government will wake up, and start
working for the people again, instead of themselves. It seem that people forget about the ones that
made them great, and just keep stuffing the money back in their wallet. They need to be helping
others out. These big companies that pay people to endorse their products, could start a program
to give back a percentage of their profits to help the needy. Most of the time, these companies that
are doing these things, are totally importing everything. The funny thing is that they are still
charging the same prices, as if they were manufacturing it here in the United States. That is
probably why they can afford to pay for these huge endorsements. It is pretty much the same thing
that our government is doing - running amuck! Common sense needs to prevail here. Let's shift
most of the manufacturing back to the good ole United States of America, and watch our problems
lessen. I believe in Capitalism but if you do not share what you have, then pretty soon you have no
body to sell to! It is time to focus on helping America, and its people.
This is my opinion of course, but I hope nothing but the best of business for everyone. Good luck,
and hope to hear from you soon - James C. Cox - 1-800-874-1167
Also please read the auction caption about what we can do for you in the way of making old
obsolete, seconds, or overruns go away.
Please take the tannery tour for inside pictures. We have explained both the tannery processes,
and also part of what happened to bring the tannery to its current state in that section of the tour.
We also have a link on the Home page that actually shows a 'YouTube' movie on tanning. This is
really interesting and shows the hard work, that goes into producing leather. The Tannery Tour is a
pictorial view of the old tannery buildings in New Albany, as they are today. Part of the tan yard
buildings have collapsed due to a fire and heavy snow. They will not be re-built, because of future
development plans. We have included all these pictures in the site, as a tribute to all the people
who have worked at the tannery over the years and made the name 'Moser Leather' what it is
today. The site is presently being considered for development for Loft Condominiums by A.W.
Goodman and Associates, who purchased the property when the New Albany site shut down. Al
wants to preserve the 3 story part of the building, because of its unique architecture design, and
for what it brings to the community. The history and story, that it has to tell. Other uses for the site,
have been a walking path/trail through the natural wetlands habitat. There is 47 acres by the river,
that was developed in cooperation with Al Goodman and a conservation group. This is called the
'Wetlands'. Other ideas are under development, so stay posted. Please hit the Back Button on
your Browser to Return. to your last page.
Brief History of
Moser Leather -
Moser was
founded in
1878 by
George Moser
who immigrated
to the United
States from
Germany
sometime in the
1860's. He
came to New
Albany, Indiana
and stayed with
his brother who
ran a tailoring
business there
and went to
work for August
Barth who
owned Barth's
Tannery on
East Tenth
Street which is
just down the
river from the
current tannery
location. Barth
was established
in 1864. After
working for
Barth for 10
years, Moser
purchased the
Lockwood
Brothers
tannery at
272-278 East
Eight Street in
1878. He
enlarged and
improved it and
went into
business for
himself. In July
of 1891 John M.
Moser came
into the firm as
a partner, he
was George's
nephew and
they changed
the name to
George Moser
& Company. By
1902 the
company
employed 35
men and sold
its products to
jobbers across
the country and
was handling
about 15,000
medium weight
hides per year.
Moser
specialized in
high grade
leather for
harness and
collar makers,
the company
marketed its
product as
Hemlock Collar
Leather. In
1900 Charles E.
Moser assumed
his brother
John's interest
in George
Moser &
Company. In
1905 George
opened an
additional plant,
which he name
the Indiana
Leather
Company, on
Silver Street,
south of the PA
Railroad. Fire
destroyed the
East Eighth
Street tannery
in 1914.
George died
the same year,
and his heirs
renamed the
remaining
Indiana Leather
Company the
George Moser
Leather
Company.
Eventually
George's son's
- George Jr,
Julius, and Karl
joined the
company, but it
was George's
partner (and
nephew),
Charles Moser
who assumed
presidency. By
1936 the
company
covered nearly
eight acres and
employed
approx. 100
workers and
was a wholesale
leather
manufacturer,
tanning hides
purchased by
the carload and
converting them
into leather for
shoes, belts, or
saddles. In the
1980's the
company
bought Caldwell
Leather Co. of
Auburn, Ky
which was
founded in
1863 by
George
Washington
Caldwell and
became
Caldwell/Moser
Leather Co. -
Caldwell a Shoe
Lace Tanner
and part of
Brown Group of
St. Louis had
just shut down
their tannery
and Moser
bought them
out. Some info
courtesy of
Historical article
internet blog
Moser Leather -
Moser was
founded in
1878 by
George Moser
who immigrated
to the United
States from
Germany
sometime in the
1860's. He
came to New
Albany, Indiana
and stayed with
his brother who
ran a tailoring
business there
and went to
work for August
Barth who
owned Barth's
Tannery on
East Tenth
Street which is
just down the
river from the
current tannery
location. Barth
was established
in 1864. After
working for
Barth for 10
years, Moser
purchased the
Lockwood
Brothers
tannery at
272-278 East
Eight Street in
1878. He
enlarged and
improved it and
went into
business for
himself. In July
of 1891 John M.
Moser came
into the firm as
a partner, he
was George's
nephew and
they changed
the name to
George Moser
& Company. By
1902 the
company
employed 35
men and sold
its products to
jobbers across
the country and
was handling
about 15,000
medium weight
hides per year.
Moser
specialized in
high grade
leather for
harness and
collar makers,
the company
marketed its
product as
Hemlock Collar
Leather. In
1900 Charles E.
Moser assumed
his brother
John's interest
in George
Moser &
Company. In
1905 George
opened an
additional plant,
which he name
the Indiana
Leather
Company, on
Silver Street,
south of the PA
Railroad. Fire
destroyed the
East Eighth
Street tannery
in 1914.
George died
the same year,
and his heirs
renamed the
remaining
Indiana Leather
Company the
George Moser
Leather
Company.
Eventually
George's son's
- George Jr,
Julius, and Karl
joined the
company, but it
was George's
partner (and
nephew),
Charles Moser
who assumed
presidency. By
1936 the
company
covered nearly
eight acres and
employed
approx. 100
workers and
was a wholesale
leather
manufacturer,
tanning hides
purchased by
the carload and
converting them
into leather for
shoes, belts, or
saddles. In the
1980's the
company
bought Caldwell
Leather Co. of
Auburn, Ky
which was
founded in
1863 by
George
Washington
Caldwell and
became
Caldwell/Moser
Leather Co. -
Caldwell a Shoe
Lace Tanner
and part of
Brown Group of
St. Louis had
just shut down
their tannery
and Moser
bought them
out. Some info
courtesy of
Historical article
internet blog