Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters etc. etc. etc.
Tracing the roots of A. P. Ordway & Company
30 December 2014
Now that we have completed posts for the Dr. B. H. Kauffman Stomach Bitters and Kaufman’s Celebrated Blue Jacket Bitters, it seems reasonable to look at the range of Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters. They are all related but split up in the Ring & Ham Bitters Bottles books. Some information may need to be revised.
The bottle examples in this post represent the labeled Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters, Dr. Kaufman’s Bitters, Kaufmann’s Bitters and Sulphur Bitters. Have you ever smelled Sulphur? Smells like rotten eggs or cut cheese if you know what I mean. Who in the world would take Sulphur Bitters? Well, many people did.
Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters – A. P. Ordway & Company, NYC
The first example we will look at is this fully labeled Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters with a 22.30% alcohol content. This example is from Dan Cowman and I took and cropped the picture from the 2012 Houston Antique Bottle Show. Notice the abundance of copy and neck label. The product was made by A. P. Ordway & Company in New York, New York. The example listed in Ring & Ham is earlier as it has the Boston, A.P. Ordway & Co. address.
Around 1906
Probably a 1906 or later labeled example of a Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters. Sold by A. P. Ordway & Company, Manufacturing Chemists, New York, New York *This needs to be a variation of the K 15 L listing as the bottle is later and from New York instead of Boston.
The Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles for the Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters is as follows:
K 15 L … Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters
A. P. Ordway & Co., Chemists, Boston, Mass, U.S.A *also with New York City Address *Use Manufacturing Chemist in NYC
8 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 1 3/4 (6 1/4)
Oval, Aqua, NSC, Cork with metal loop for easy removal
A revised listing by Bill Ham for the forthcoming Bitters Bottles Supplement 2:
K 15 L … Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters
8 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 1 3/4 (6 1/4)
A.P. Ordway & Co., Chemists, Boston, Mass, U.S.A.
A.P. Orway & Co., Mfg. Chemists, New York, U.S.A.
Oval, Aqua, NSC, Cork with metal loop for easy removal
Label: Pre-1906 completely encircles the bottle with almost solid printing. Also has a neck label adopted October 1, 1881.
Oval, Aqua, NSC, Cork with metal loop for easy removal
Label: Pre-1906 completely encircles the bottle with almost solid printing. Also has a neck label adopted October 1, 1881.
Cures, merits, directions, such as: is never used without immediate benefit…most effective known remedy….Sulphur Bitters unlike other medicines…A proper care in the selection of food and a free use of Sulphur Bitters never fails to effect a cure…Greatest Discovery…Sulphur Bitters shows its marvelous power at once.
Center panel gives history of Dr. Kaufmann, discoverer of Extremely of Sulphur. Born 1812 and entered Berlin University at age of sixteen.
Works quickly and effectively in curing the most aggravated cases of loss of appetite, dyspepsia, indigestion, dropsy, nausea, that tired and all gone feeling, gout, habitual costiveness, pimples and humor of the face and body, sick headache, scrofula, colds, jaundice, ulcers, catarrh, coughs, colic, piles, kidney complaint, rheumatism, female weakness, biliousness, neuralgia, tape, pin and other worms, dysentery, boils, sore eyes, liver complaint, fever and ague, general debility, faintness of stomach, erysipelas etc.
Boston Directory: 1840 Ordway, Aron, 1860: Ordway, Aron weigher & gauger; 1875 Ordway Bros & Co. 1885 A. P. Ordway & Co. Chemists
Copyright 1878, No. 1473, Aaron P. Ordway, Lawrence Mass.
See Sulphur Bitters
Can you imagine going into a drug store, maybe feeling a little embarrassed, as your left little toe itches. Not common but surely you think there must be a medicinal cure for it. The druggists points you to Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters and you read with amazement, that the product will cure just about everything under the sun including pimples, sore eyes and tape worms. Imagine the disappointment, after reading the label, of finding out that it is not a remedy for toe itch!
Works quickly and effectively in curing the most aggravated cases of loss of appetite, dyspepsia, indigestion, dropsy, nausea, that tired and all gone feeling, gout, habitual costiveness, pimples and humor of the face and body, sick headache, scrofula, colds, jaundice, ulcers, catarrh, coughs, colic, piles, kidney complaint, rheumatism, female weakness, biliousness, neuralgia, tape, pin and other worms, dysentery, boils, sore eyes, liver complaint, fever and ague, general debility, faintness of stomach, erysipelas etc. (but not toe itch!)
Dr. Kaufmann’s Bitters – A. P. Ordway & Company, NYC
Around 1908
Here is another great example of a fully labeled Dr. Kaufmann’s Bitters containing 22.30% alcohol. There is also the box it came with. The important thing here is seeing on the label “Formerly Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters” and “Label adopted June 1, 1908”. The brand was still put out by A. P. Ordway & Company in New York City. This would be 1908 opposed to 1906.
Dr. Kaufmann’s Bitters labeled bottle and original box (Formerly Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters) – Label adopted June 1, 1908
Reverse, Dr. Kaufmann’s Bitters labeled bottle and original box (Formerly Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters) – Label Adopted June 1, 1908
A. P. Ordway & Co. base embossing, Dr. Kaufmann’s Bitters (Formerly Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters) – Label Adopted June 1, 1908
Neck label and cork seal, Dr. Kaufmann’s Bitters (Formerly Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters) – Label Adopted June 1, 1908
Dr. Kaufmann’s Bitters book published by A. P. Ordway & Co., Manufacturing Chemists, New York. Probably 1908 or later.
Kaufmann’s Bitters – A. P. Ordway & Company – NYC
In this example pictured below of a fully labeled Kaufmann’s Bitters. Note that “Dr” has been dropped from the product name. There is also the box with the A. P. Ordway Co. signature in bright red. This brand is still coming out of New York City. This may be a botanic product variation made specifically for stomach ailments as “A Bitter Stomachic” is prominently printed on the front of the label. Notice that it is 22.3% alcohol by volume again. Notice that the box says, “For Over 50 Years”.
Probably Around 1910
Box and labeled Kaufmann’s Bitters. Notice the absence of “Dr.” – eBay
Sulphur Bitters – A. P. Ordway & Company, Lawrence, Mass
The Sulphur Bitters ephemera below predate the bottles above because they have the A. P. Ordway & Company, Chemists, Sole Proprietors and use the Lawrence, Massachusetts address. Some cards say, “The Great German Remedy”.
Probably 1870 – 1880
The Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles is as follows:
S 219 SULPHUR BITTERS
N&Q, TMS 397
New York City Directory 1896 A. P. Ordway and Co. 517-523 W. 45th St. New York *suggest expanding this area
New Hampshire Sentinel February 27, 1889
See: Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters
Trade Cards Available: The Great German Remedy
Is Your Tongue Coated with a yellow sticky substance? Is your breath foul and offensive” Your stomach is out of order. Use SULPHUR BITTERS immediately! Is your Urine thick, ropy, cloudy or high-colored? IT IS Dangerous!
I love this stuff. I bet Sulphur Bitters made your tongue sticky with a yellow coating!
Sulphur Bitters advertising trade card. A. P. Ordway & Co., Lawrence, Mass. (front, reverse below) – Joe Gourd Collection
Sulphur Bitters advertising trade card. A. P. Ordway & Co., Lawrence, Mass. (reverse, front above) – Joe Gourd Collection
Sulphur Bitters advertising trade card, A. P. Ordway & Co., Lawrence, Mass. (front, reverse above) – Joe Gourd Collection
Use Sulphur Bitters For All Diseases of the Blood, Liver and Kidneys advertising trade card. A. P. Ordway & Co., Lawrence, Mass. – Joe Gourd Collection
Use Sulphur Bitters For All Diseases of the Blood, Liver and Kidneys advertising trade card. A. P. Ordway & Co., Lawrence, Mass. – Joe Gourd Collection
Use Sulphur Bitters For All Diseases of the Blood, Liver and Kidneys advertising trade card. A. P. Ordway & Co., Lawrence, Mass. – Joe Gourd Collection
Use Sulphur Bitters For All Diseases of the Blood, Liver and Kidneys advertising trade card. A. P. Ordway & Co., Lawrence, Mass. – Joe Gourd Collection
Use Sulphur Bitters For All Diseases of the Blood, Liver and Kidneys advertising trade card. A. P. Ordway & Co., Lawrence, Mass. – Joe Gourd Collection
Grand Larceny of a Good Name advertisement – Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters, A. P. Ordway & Co., Lawrence, Mass. – The Boston Weekly Globe, Tuesday, April 15, 1879
Sulphur Bitters – A. P. Ordway & Company, Boston Mass.
I can not date the Sulphur Bitters Almanac with an A. P Ordway & Co. Boston address below but it would be after A.P. Ordway & Company was in Lawrence, Massachusetts and before they moved to New York City.
From 1881 – 1894
1890 Sulphur Bitters advertising trade card calendar (front – see reverse below) – Joe Gourd Collection
1890 Sulphur Bitters advertising trade card calendar (back – front above), A. P. Ordway & Co., Boston – Joe Gourd Collection
1890 Sulphur Bitters Advertising trade card (front – back is below) A. P. Ordway & Co., Boston – Joe Gourd Collection
1890 Sulphur Bitters Advertising trade card calendar (back – front is above) A. P. Ordway & Co., Boston – Joe Gourd Collection
Sulphur Bitters Almanac cover. A. P. Ordway & Co., Boston, Mass.
Mrs. Grover Cleveland, Use Sulphur Bitters advertising trade card front, A. P. Ordway & Co., Boston – Joe Gourd Collection
Mrs. Grover Cleveland, Use Sulphur Bitters advertising trade card reverse, A. P. Ordway & Co., Boston – Joe Gourd Collection
The Ladies Delight Cookbook (front) – Sulphur Bitters, A. P. Ordway & Co., Boston, circa 1886 – Joe Gourd Collection
The Ladies Delight Cookbook (back cover) – Sulphur Bitters, A. P. Ordway & Co., Boston, circa 1886 – Joe Gourd Collection
(Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters or “Old Dr. Kaufmann’s”)
This is an imagined, phantom bitters that would have been put out by Dr. Carl Ernst Kaufmann. Some references were found suggesting that the original brand was called “Old Dr. Kaufmann’s”. He was born in 1812 and entered the Berlin University at the age of sixteen. Aaron P. and Frank L. Ordway probably came across the product in Lawrence, Massachusetts and rebranded with the A. P. Ordway & Co., Chemists name. The product probably came from Germany in the 1830s or so. Remember, some of the early trade cards said, “The Great German Remedy”.
Probably 1850 – 1860
Original Formula of Old Dr. Kaufmann
Aaron Ordway
Aaron Ordway
The story begins here with Aaron Ordway who was born in Hebron, New Hampshire on May 4, 1814. His parents were Stephen Ordway and Mary Brown. His first wife was Mary Mooney Kelley and they had five children.
In 1839, Ordway was living in Springfield, Massachusetts. With a common education, he went into the mercantile business for a few years and also practiced medicine. In 1843 he was living in Rumney, New Hampshire where his son Aaron Paterson Ordway (see next sketch) was born. Next Ordway attended Harvard Medical School graduating in 1846. He moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1847 and established himself as a physician and ran an apothecary. He stayed in Lawrence for about 24 years until he handed over the reigns to his sons Aaron Paterson and Frank Leslie Ordway (future A. P. Ordway & Company). Aaron Senior then went on and practiced for eight years until he retired and became president and a principal owner and director in Brown’s Lumber Company of Whitefield, New Hampshire. He also became president of the Whitefield & Jefferson Railroad Company. His father was one of the early settlers of Hebron and his uncle, John Ordway, was a clerk and historian of the Lewis and Clark U.S. Exploring Expedition. Dr. Ordway passed away in 1890 in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Aaron Paterson Ordway
Aaron Paterson Ordway was the name behind the business of A. P. Ordway & Company. Aaron was born on 6 August 1846 in Rumney, New Hampshire. Already in Lawrence, Massachusetts with his family and at the ripe age of 15 years old he enlisted on 12 September 1861 and served in the Civil War as a Drummer Boy in both the 4th New Hampshire and 6th Massachusetts regiments. He was discharged on 2 April, 1863.
After the war, he homesteaded unsuccessfully in Iowa and fished on the Grand Banks of Gloucester Massachusetts for a year. He joined his brother Frank Leslie Ordway in the formation of the A. P. Ordway & Company, Chemists. In 1875, they are listed as Apothecaries at 99 and 539 Essex in Lawrence. By 1880 he is 32 years old and still listed as a druggist. From the 1880’s up until 1920, A. P. Ordway & Company prospers on a global basis. The company then moves to Boston, Massachusetts around 1881 and stays until about 1896 when A. P. Ordway & Co. expands and moves to New York City.
Aaron P. Ordway was also the owner of the Boston Post for a short time. He was interested in boxing and was well-known in the New York and London boxing circles as “Doc Ordway”. At one point he moved to London and he was the American representative of the National Sporting Club of London. He had been arranging back-room prize fights for years starting in Lawrence, Mass. Aaron P. Ordway committed suicide in New York in 1920 (see notice further below).
Select Listings:
1812: Carl Ernst Kaufmann, born 1812 in Berlin.
1814: Aaron Ordway born in Hebron, New Hampshire.
1828: Carl Ernst Kaufmann entered Berlin University at age of sixteen.
1846: Aaron Paterson Ordway born 6 August 1846 in Rumney, New Hampshire. Father Aaron, born in New Hampshire about 1814, Mother Mary born in Maine.
1861: Aaron P. Ordway, age 15, residence Lawrence, Mass. Enlists on September 12, 1861; musters in September 18, 1861, as Musician; Discharged April 2, 1863 – Revised Register of the Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire in the War of the Rebellion. 1861-1866
1875: A. P. Ordway & Co. (Frank L. Ordway), apothecaries, 99 and 539 Essex, house 180 Broadway – Lawrence, Massachusetts City Directory
*Frank Leslie Ordway (1854 – 1908) brother of Aaron Paterson Ordway
1878: Copyright 1878, No. 1473, Aaron P. Ordway, Lawrence Mass. Also Trademarks for Dr. Ordway’s Sulphur Sarsaparilla (1,436), Dr. Ordway’s Sulphur Medical Discovery (1,437) and Dr. Ordways Sulphur Blood Purifier (1,438)
1879: Grand Larceny of a Good Name advertisement (see further above) – Dr. Kaufmann’s Sulphur Bitters – The Boston Weekly Globe, Tuesday, April 15, 1879
1880: Aaron P. Ordway, age 32, druggist, Lawrence, Essex, Massachusetts – United States Federal Census
1881-1886: Book (see below), Kaufmann on Disease: Its Causes and Home Cure by Carl Ernst Kaufmann, A. P. Ordway & Co. (5 editions published between 1881 and 1886)
1882: Oil Can Patent, Aaron P. Ordway
Be it known that we, AARON P. ORDWAY and ARTHUR F. RYDER, of Lawrence, of the county of Essex and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Oil-Can Educts and we do hereby declare the same to be described in the following specification and represented in the accompanying drawings, of which Figure l is a vertical and longitudinal section of our improved educt as applied to the lower portion of an oil-can. Fig. 2 is a top The nature of our invention is defined in the claims hereinafter presented.
1883: Carl Ernst Kaufmann in Germany – Boston Massachusetts City Directory
1884: Book, Sulphur Bitters, A. P. Ordway & Co
1887: A rich, retired doctor (Dr. Aaron Ordway) used his clout to bring a world title fight to a blacksmith’s shop in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
1890: Sulphur Bitters 1890 Calendar advertising trade cards, compliments A. P. Ordway & Company, Boston, Mass. (see further above)
1892 – 1893: Aaron P. Ordway & Company (Frank L. Ordway), manufacturer of patent medicines, 11 Elliott – Boston Massachusetts City Directory
1892: Sulphur Bitters advertisement (see below) – Weekly Oregon Statesman, Friday, December 2, 1892
Sulphur Bitters advertisement (see below) – Weekly Oregon Statesman, Friday, December 2, 1892
1894: Sulphur Bitters advertisement (see below). Boston, Mass. – The Argus, June 1, 1894
Sulphur Bitters advertisement. Boston, Mass. – The Argus, June 1, 1894
1902: Dr. A. P. Ordway, American representative of the National Sporting Club of London (see below) – New York Tribune, Wednesday, January 8, 1902
Dr. A. P. Ordway, American representative of the National Sporting Club of London – New York Tribune, Wednesday, January 8, 1902
1903: A. P. Ordway & Company, Chemists, 519 W. 45th – New York, New York, City Directory
1906: Wanted Labeller to label bottles at A.P. Ordway & Co., 517 W. 45th, New York City – The World, Friday, May 29, 1896
1910: Aaron P. Ordway, age 64, Manhattan Ward 12, New York, New York – United States Federal Census
1910-1917: A. P. Ordway & Company (see below), (Aaron P. Ordway), chemists, 343 w 37th, New York, New York – Trows General Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx City of New York
1920: “Aaron P. Ordway A Suicide” in New York City (see below) on August 16, 1920
Aaron P. Ordway A Suicide in New York City on August 16, 1920 – New York Times, August 17, 1920
