CANNING, WI: The Story of Wisconsin's Great Canning Industryby Fred A Stare. 1949. The canning industry in Wisconsin has a storied history that began in the early 19th century, influenced by pioneers like Nicolas Appert and William Underwood. Underwoods introduction of canning methods in the 1820s laid the groundwork for the industry, which saw significant advancements with inventions like the closed kettle or retort in 1874 by a key figure in tomato canning, revolutionizing food preservation. Challenges faced