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.
A. Gaar & Co. emerged victorious at the 17th Illinois State Fair in 1869, claiming top prizes for its portable farm steam engine and eight-horsepower capabilities. Unfortunately, this success was short-lived, as the company merged with M. Rumley Co. in 1911 during a period of frenzied buying that ultimately led to the latter firm's financial collapse.