As the 20th Century opened, iron ore deposits of the Mesabi Range largely superseded local ore deposits, and local furnaces like those in Bellefonte became obsolete and unable to compete against large steel plants. The prospects for the Bellefonte furnaces were further dimmed by the sudden death of Wes Gephart in 1905. He was replaced as general superintendent by his son, Wallace H. Gephart. Clement resigned the presidency in 1909; he was succeeded by Wallace Gephart, and the post of general superintendent was abolished.