The Fort Recovery Stirrup Company was founded in 1895 by Edward Koch and was intially known for manufacturing bent wood stirrups. It rapidly became the world’s largest producer of such stirrups. It is worth noting that cavalry units were still used in the early stages of the first World War, and stirrups would have been a standard part of their equipment. According to Joyce Alig’s research, the Fort Recovery Stirrup Co. supplied a large number of stirrups to the U.S. Cavalry during World War I.

The Fort Recovery Stirrup Company was purchased by George Jetter of Cincinnati in 1945. He was already the owner of Fort Recovery Industries. After this, the company expanded into metal castings. Many of the wooden stirrups were then used as lamp stands, just like the one pictured here. Saddle trees were also produced, and were designed to have an aluminum horn for roping and wrangling cattle. Fort Recovery’s stirrup production halted in 1972 and the factory was sold the same year. Production was moved to Alabama where it continued for a few more years.

George Jetter and his wife Esther were highly respected members of the Fort Recovery community. They were very active in their church and civic organization, and they were very charitable. Today, the Jetter family is active in the Nazarene Church’s missionary projects throughout the world in many countries.

The Mercer County Historical Society is in possession of at least two stirrups made at the Fort Recovery Stirrup, not including the stirrup that has been made into a lamp! If you are interested in seeing them, please visit us at 130 East Market Street between 9a and 5p on a Monday or Tuesday. Admission is free.