sanger was one of the principal proprietors of the paris furnace company, the first manufacturing operation in the sauquoit valley. the forge and foundry, which went into operation in 1801, made iron products such as axes, hoes, scythes, plows, kettles commonly used at the time for making soap or potash, and hollow ware. products were sold throughout the state and to neighboring states. he hired gardner avery to supervise the construction and operation of the furnace after witnessing avery make a perilous crossing of the hudson river, covered in thin ice, when a banker offered $100 to anyone that could deliver a package to the other side.