In the Fall of 1869, A. Gaar & Co. won "Best Portable Farm Steam Engine" and "Best Eight Horse Power" at the 17th Illinois State Fair, for which it won two Silver Medal prizes. It merged with the M. Rumley Co. in 1911 during a purchasing frenzy that put the later firm into insolvency.
In autumn 1869, A. Gaar & Co. secured "Top Portable Farm Steam Engine" and "Eight Horse Power" accolades at the 17th Illinois State Fair, earning two Silver Medal prizes. It merged with M. Rumley Co. in 1911 during a buying spree that led to the latter company's insolvency.