The Litchfield Car and Machine Company was formed in 1876 by David Orr Settlemire as a reorganization of the Litchfield Car Manufacturing Company and the machine shops and foundry of H.H. Beach and Company, which had consolidated in 1875. Located near the corner of Jackson and Edwards Streets, it manufactured coaches, cars, steam engines, and locomotives, and could make six freight cars in a day. It was especially noted for its engines used in flour mills, saw mills, and mines. The company was later moved to Mt. Vernon after Settlemire became angry when he lost the 1888 mayoral election to Henry Tuttle, proprietor of the Parlor Shoe Store. Settlemire reportedly said, "If Litchfield don't need me for mayor, they don't need my shops and elevator. I hope to see weeds growing to a great height before I die." By the time of his death, the site where the car shops had stood was vacant and completely overgrown in weeds.