"Jacob Blattner was born in Berne, Switzerland in 1812 and died in St. Louis, Missouri 1888.  He arrived in St. Louis around 1839 by way of the port of New Orleans.  It is probable that he made instruments in Switzerland before coming to America as he brought, in addition to his own family, his foreman and foreman's family.  He was in business from circa 1840 to 1872.  Upon his retirement in 1872 the business was carried on by his son Henry and his son-in-law Frank Adam, under the firm name of Blattner & Adam."

Reference:   Smart, Charles E.   The Makers of Surveying Instruments In America Since 1700   Troy, New York:  Regal Art Press.   1962