Some 26 years ago, the late William Atchison, who for 15 years or so previously had been a prominent contractor in Cornwall and vicinity, found his business increasing so rapidly that he decided to build a saw mill and sash and door factory on East Second Street. This mill was enlarged in 1884 and after the death of Mr. Atchison, when the business was being carried on by his son J. B. Atchison, a large new building was erected. This, along with the old structure, was destroyed by fire on the night of June 24, 1904. On the site of the old mills J. B. Atchison has erected one of the finest sash and door factories and planing mills in Eastern Ontario. There are three buildings two stories high of solid brick and tasty design. The planing mill is 50 x 70 feet, the saw mill 30 x 84 and the boiler house 34 x 54. The entire factory is fitted up with the very latest and up-to-date machinery and is turning out work second to none in Canada. It gives employment to about 40 hands, most of whom are skilled mechanics. The products of this establishment consist largely of doors, sashes, frames, inside and outside venetian shutters, flooring, siding, moulding, etc., in short, everything in the line of building material.
      The present proprietor, J. B. Atchison, was associated in business with his father from the establishment of the mill until the death of the latter, since which time he has been sole proprietor. About 15 years ago the firm went extensively into the lumber and shingle business, and in 1897 Mr. Atchison bought the large saw-mill, in the First Concession of Roxborough, near Old Monkland, which had been operated by the Langevin Bros. This mill, Mr. Atchison operates every winter, and in it from 25 to 30 hands find employment. A great deal of their product is consumed by the Cornwall Furniture Co.
      Like his father, J. B. Atchison gives a great deal of attention to contract work, and among the places erected by them may be mentioned the Cornwall Public School, Kirkpatrick Block, Turner Block, McRae Block, Gregor Block, Vankoughnet Block. The late Mr. Atchison served the people of Cornwall as Councillor and Reeve, then as Collector. J. B. Atchison has also served some two or three terms in the Town Council. He is looked upon as one of Cornwall's most sterling business men.