USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 72
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85
with meat, but it waslong ere he was able to raise from the soil the other neces- saries of life. The ground was thiekly covered with an undergrowth known as pea-vines, which prevented the use of the plow. Often this was lifted with the hand aod eorn planted under it, when the vines were replaced to cover the grain. The process was tedious, hut the labor was generally rewarded with a good erop. The inconvenicuees of the situation were endured with as much cheerfulness as possible ; and the acres of timher which fell before his well-plied strokes, justi- fied the hopes which sprang up in the heart of this new occupant of the land of a brighter future when the forest would give place to fertile fields. His hopes were well grounded, and the years of industry spent by him have brought him a rich reward.
The next settlers were Moses Ratledge and his sons, William and Moses. They settled on the farm now owned by the grandson of the former, and, by their energy and fortitude, proved themselves worthy members of the community among whom they cast their lot.
Elijah Reddinghouse eame in the same summer (1840), and, after a number of years of toil with the usual good results, he sold his property and removed to one of the Western States.
John Friedline came from Carroll County, Ohio, and located on his present farm, in October, 1840. This tract of 160 acres was entered hy him in June, 1838. This he eleared and improved, and, with the proceeds of bis farm, pur- ebased other land amounting to 400 acres. He is now a man upon whom the effect of age is telling, and has been an interested observer of the rapid advance- ment made by his township.
His next neighbor was Hugh Anderson, who came from Obio in January, 1841, and settled on the adjoining traet of land. He was a good farmer and an industrious man, and continued to be identified with the interests of bis township until his decease, which occurred a few years ago.
Samuel Clem came in February, 1841, and settled on Section 28. He was an enterprising man, and, during his life, did much for the advancement of the township. John Stephenson eame in the spring of 1841, and settled on Seetion 4, where he still resides. James Savage and Peter Barnhart settled near the present site of Monroeville, in the same year (1841). Mr. Savage subsequently removed to Fort Wayne, where he died. Mr. Barnhart died at his home in this township.
After 1841, immigration increased rapidly, and a great number of families eanie to join those of the pioneers already established, and whose names have heen mentioned. The work of inaugurating civilization in this township had then been accomplished, and its settlement and improvement were established. Those who enque later assisted in the accomplishment of these purposes, and the increased number of " elearings " indicated the determination with which each new settler entered upon the work hefore him.
Time brought rewards, and added to the prosperity of the township, and the younger men have completed the good work begun by their sires.
EARLY EVENTS.
The first road was located in 1841, beginning at a point on Seetion 33, and running to the north line of the township, where it intersected the Sugar Ridge road. The first marriage was celebrated in 1842, at the house of Asa Dillon, on which occasion his daughter gave her hand to Eli Bauserman. The ceremony was performed by Noah Clem, Justice of the Peace.
The first death was that of Mrs. Peter Schlemmer, who died in 1843. She was huried on the farm of her husband, on Section 21. Several other deceased residents of the township were interred on the same farin in later years, but the land was never actually set apart for cemetery purposes.
The first school was taught in the winter of 1843, in a log building erected for the purpose on the farm of Joseph Rabbit. It was a subscription school, as
MLAD OF
2
HOAGLAND.
Bry
A Devilbiss
J. Riley
ENGLISH
ST
ST
ORIGINALE
13
DEYILBISS
2 A Store Pot
P LUA T
ADD.
THIRD
FIRST
TOWNSHIP
T.29 N. , R.15 E .
E
F. Burgert F. Fehl.
Ditch
80
80
Dit
J.T.
Ginther
H.A.Stutts 89
son .40
40
+ 40
.
60
40
40
H.Fisher
Jno Hough
MEATgo
Trentman
Delano
30
Kufine
80
D.Sheehan
40 20
Minea Higley 4.40
40
Stephenson Ditch
N
Parker
N. Parker 121121
M. EATgo 80
80
.P. Bruck R. H. Hatt
80
J.D.
80
Wmn
160
160
160
Krick
36
40
40
80
33
ST.
2
1
31
30
29
10
56 78
26
27
GEORGE
ST
25
14
24
15
23
16
EAST LIBERTY
40
40 40
120
40
.
ChaSA5
D
Foglespn
Geo.
40
40
115
75
Webster
J.T
L.&.A
Bowers
Wm Viserrt 911
20
J.H.
W.
F.Poole
Ben
-ter
40
40
180
-PO
60
VL
Siteuman 1967
80
A.Long
40.
40
40
.40
20
J.Shaffer
Howard
80
40
Ridenous
19
J.Scar 15:
Slattery
S. F. Baker
d.Howard
80
30
hai Luther
+
30
A
15
33
30
2
7
37
30
13
6
29
به
15
ELM
7
16
776
17
575
18
L. RideNour
J. J. Clem
150
150
.
10
baker
40
2.7
R
IC.
K.
120
Ashworth
J. Need
40
10
0
Deo.
P
. 120
WIFI
J.C.
I
150
ASCruthe
40
40
40
WmLower
80
W. B.
Wherry Shi
Barkley
160
imam Bows
Magner
J. ClenL
+0. 40
MASSILON.
ROBINSON
4
VERMONT
ROAD
80
80
80
A.C.
150
Szemozł
J.R.&E.V.
M.R.
160
J Paul
Touse
J. H. Reuinze
J.B.Davis!
140
ME.Argo
Dickerson 80
A Brandobury
inoufoury
G.Pancake
D.H.Crabell
V.Myton
ephenson
50
40
·s.ClemJr.
D.Martin
J.B.Bogert
.P.Grap
d.Schmictt
J.&C.
Baker
T.
Daughlin
J.R.Strau.ghn
16038
80
M. Martin 80
Y.Clem
J.M.Tryon
38
040 80
McDonald
J. Hart. 160
150
O
80
80
S.
160
40
80
90
Z.
·
A.S.
J.Gibbons
Freediey
S. Has s
80
40
WinTaylor
80
Donald
25
PLIISBURGA
Griffith
Scott
J. Salway
Keeter
80
Di Robinson
S
AR. Styaughn
M
.
75
Chas Wittern
J.
days
Ange Ditch
40
80
40
0 80
4
0
. 80
80
30
80
80
80
First M&t Bank
J.
Fisher
T.
Jones
Lima Ohio 120 Assotill
Ballker
350 Mitle a 829
ED Nº3
*7
02 19
ec.Cor
21 30 29 28
Joy Bowers .
C
AV. R.
Schaffe Schlein- -TILET
O 80
A.Sh7
S.M.Long
40
150
V. &W. Rutledge
45 J PraL.25
Fr Mr M
W.R.
60
150
Bl Piedline
GWWzekwire
S
201
80
TPHCM
Graham
J.Friectine
Berger
4160
FEAST.
.
LIBERTY
20
Britene r
Fentun
Ditch
OWitch
50
H Anderson
Wickwire
75.
J. Shaffer
AmShaffer
J. Hales
J.
G. W.
26 67
800
30
20
DAK
ST.
Depc
R. A.
WABASH
WOODBURN
ST.
ST.
ST
ST
J. Lomitler
SEBaker
WmJ.Craig
79 50
7
1 -55
Friedttino
79.+5
40
ST.
.
Berger @ Nº%
Brow
1020
C.Ehling
0
L.Crabill
80
80
50
5
Ridenour JH Brown
-112€ 5,75
99.50
BTOWTL
D. Clem
Jão
R.Seigel
L.
Co well
40
40
Macher
A.Scar
Jno.
90
40
Wm.Fleming RO 80
.
160
80
SStairhime
SJ. Toole
durand
KOSTEL CHICAGO
-40
Rutinage,
DAJ.Clem
A
Rutledge
40
Bm wi.Lewis
J.D.Friedline
Carpen
Scar Quinlan
Wm.Griffith
J. Foster
Nº+ Wm. Clem
Staettery. D.G.DeVore
Whittern 80
JA720
56.75
40 %
S. B.Bova
.
40
W.T.Hunterf
4
00
80
40
J. Sheats
ARRidenoir
30
100
80
80
G.W.
160
2
istoworth P. Mart z
Cowen H.R.Bose
30
7. CTem
-
C.Miller
80
80
1.02
S.
M
76 93
W
J.Cline Magnet
Barrone
Bower
W.H.Gordoni Ander- 80
155
+
Sheenay
20
C. Youse
N.Ctem
J.Sheehan
Daque Bras.
80
80
40
J. D]Stephenson 80
WJ. D.S. .
Dickerson
J.W.
J.B.
Rout Worden
E. Krick 50
Jno Baker
randebury
15
WEDonough
30
40
T. Jones
Hays
Jas
H. Minear
40
.
Salway
W.G.glas &son 211030
WAYNE
.
4
120,0 00
Barnes
1.1
T.B.
Bonchen Barnhart
Muller
RP.Cochran
S.y.Baker
TRBush
HESSEN CASSEL
STJOSEPH
26
13
22 21 20 19 18 17
J.Strothers Beardshear
Bauserman
C.Moyet
Brandosher
80
Ditch
Daten
80
J. D. Stephenson 36,934
W.
40
80 Giullier
MONROE
Boots
Brom Fac
FOURTH ST.
UNION
SYCAMORE
LINWOOD
Whitfight
Rabbitt
Johnson
Win.J. Croutg
.
ASH
25
M.Row
Davis
Stephenson ogan
32
16
J.Barnhart
SA Marynart
Devis & Al : Donuough
7
1.22
6
P.Bouta
Shaffer C Wiebke
A. ZolleFs
0
1157 56155
70 7 72 73
.5%
R.Lont
29 36 27
BARNHART
37 36 35 34
₹3
ST.
2"
M.F.CHO
0
5
10
9
10
J. Barnhart
30.73
.
Il Mondore
s. Dagre
C.whittern
J.Dugue
&Dagite
Stair Works
PITTSBURGH
A
LA)
2
1
O
RI
ST
:3
Depor
88 29
NA
21
C.Whillern
SOUTH
8 19
ST.
7
1
J C.Johuston
1
3/ 30
2928
940
1 26
25
44143
55
46
56
47
OTank
ST.
2
11
1¢
63
2
1
9
3
ST.
7
294
S T.
ADD
7
POOLS
ADD
ARGOS
ADD.ª
ST.
8
OAK
15
19
7
14
7
8
20
13
3
12
9.60
11
JESec bene ---- ST.
Chapel
1
4
3
2
10
3
7
15
17
ENGLES
18
20
22
MONROE
25
27
19
7
5
ELM
Beretheimer
A.S.Wright
Barhe's
Poo7
NORTH
1
ST.
/12/11/70
2
ME
3
School
Raven
Ven Buskein
H.Craven
4 . Anderson
MY DONALD
cath. com.
BrickKiln
W. Wright
d. Steel
5
S.Pool
W. T. Wilson
E. G. Coverdale
J. Robinson
5
1
1
2412
G
20
19
vy
ST.
CooperShop
FY WAYNE
30 31 32
23
1
Marty.
22 23
38
CHICAGO
.. 9
L
12.92
A
40 41 12 43
T
52
33
24
Tactic
51
48
58
59
13
60
61
A Murphey 7
T.Shufter .43
ques .J. L. Da nhu m
Favery
C.Maryhurt
C. Barnhart
20
M.E. Argo
ADD.
V. Y.
J.Dague
C.Sherrer
-f --- --
22
17
-
16
111 24
12
10
9
8
7
11
24
26 27 28 29
34
ST.
7.50
G.Brothers Pwn.Luth.
DONALD
A D D.
4
I II II IV
8
9
FRANCES
Cemetery
5
7
6
J. H.Shell
MONROEVILLE
Mary O'Brien
.flicks
63, 51169966 675069
BARM HARTS
54 53 52 51 50 19 48 47 À D D.
4
polation
1
S T.
14
5/24 07
18 1
: 21
9
LINCOLN
27
8
7
15 15
067
T'W
3
S. Reifsnider
OLI
RAIL ROAD
ADD. 116 :17
5
· INDIANA -
17
1
16
Inou M'r
-WASHINGTON
WEBSTERS
CASSADYS ADD
33 34 35
P
5
A
50
51
R. R
42
SHORT
43 44 45 46 47
-Corporation-Line-
PILGRIM & ROWLANDS
5
POOL S
ARGO'S
3.31
5
Section
MILL
30 31 \32
A. Scar
ADD.
2
SUMMIT
Dogget
D.
A.J.
C.Nichols
G.
AVanBuskirk w A Connolles
ST.
J. Hayes
E. TTron
Center of 18
MULBERRY
EL 2NPA D D.
5
5 .
E.Loun Asst.
-
FOREST | Choctun
ST.
5
33
- -- -
fous
54
i11 stave works
WEST
D D
36
71 Set _ Line
17
ST.
P. FL.W. & C.R.B.Co.
6
5
22
Barnhart
Heller
ST.
26
BARNHARTS
ADD.
VarWorks
Tust IRON
DICKERSON ·S
NORTH
-
G.Luce
15 :5 17
36 39
161
MONROE TOWNSHIP.
were all of its successors until 1854. The free-sebool system was inaugurated in that year, when the first free- school building was erected. There are now mine distriet sebools in the township, with a total enrollment of 293 scholars.
The first religious quecting was held at the bouse of John Friedline, in 1845, by Rev. Exline, of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Exline was a resident of Van Wert County, Ohio, and, after his first visit, made frequent calls to this neighbor- hood, conducting services according to the forms of this denomination.
The first mill was put in operation by Hugh Anderson in 1844 It was known as a horse-mill, from the fact that its motive power was furnished by horses attached to its machinery. It ground corn and wheat, and, in a small way, relieved the settlers of some inconvenience, as, prior to this time, they were com. pelled to take their grain to Wines' mill, on the Maumee, or Rudisill's, on the St. Joseph; tbese journeys often consuming a period of six or seven days. The horse-quill was appreciated and well patronized until the erection of Muldoon's mill, on St. Mary's River. This mill was complete in all its appointments, and received a liberal patronage.
The first store was kept by Martin Kemp, at East Liberty, soon after the founding of that village. He had a stock of liquors, and a few articles of mer- cbandise; but his store was not a profitable institution, and after a short resi- dence, he removed to another locality. After bis removal, Judge Reynolds and James Patterson opened, at East Liberty, a stock of general merchandise, and conducted a successful business for several years. They finally sold to Peter Whipky and David Studebaker, by whom the business was conducted until the decline of the village, cousequent upon the trade being diverted from this eenter to Monroeville.
The first post office was established at East Liberty in 1851, three years after the founding of that village. It was subsequently removed to the house of John Friedline, upon his appointment as Postmaster. Mr. Friedline kept the office at his shop for several years, until failiug health caused his resignation. It was then returned to East Liberty, where it was kept until its final abandou- ment.
The first election was held at the bouse of William Ratledge, on the first Monday in April, 1841. Noah Clem and William Black were the opposing can- didates for the office of Justice of the Peace. There were but thirteen voters, and one of this number, Peter Schlemmer, was challenged on the ground that be was not a naturalized citizen. There was a tie, and, after some dispute, it was decided to accept his vote, after be had declared the legality of the same. By this means Noah Clem was elected Justice of the Peacc.
CHURCHES.
Bethlehem United Brethren Church .- In 1845, Rev. John Hill, a circuit preacher of this denomination, held services at the barn of Samuel Clem, and at that meeting the first United Brethren Church in this township was organized, with seven constituent members. After organization, Rev. Hill came at irregular intervals to couduct the services and preach to the class thus formued. Rev, Sei- berry was the first circuit preacher who was placed in charge of the class, and for a period of one year be conducted regular services at the homes of its respective members.
Several years later, this denomination joined hands with the Methodists in the erection of a log church, in which meetings were held in common until 1873. In that year the United Brethren erected their present house of worship at East Liberty. The building is 34x46 feet, and cost $1,600. It was dedieated by Bishop J. J. Grosbrenner.
The following named gentlemen have served the church iu a pastoral rela- tion :
Revs. James N. Lea, John Freisinger, James Spray, Michael M. Jobnson, Louis Farber, William Kendall, H. S. Thomas, J. L. Luttrell, John Wesley Hill, Jobn Hill, C. B. Whitley, George Holden, D. F. Thomas, John W. Wagner, J. Marker, D. J. Scbenek, H. D. Beber, J. L. Luttrell (present Pastor).
The Church membership at one time was more than fifty, but, owing to deaths and removals, it is now reduced to thirty-four.
A Sunday school is conducted during the summer, but discontinued buring the winter. At the last session there was an attendance of ninety sebolars.
Monroeville Methodist Episcopal Church .- In 1847. Rev. John Palmer, with fourteen adherents of this denomination, met at the house of Jobn Barnbart, where the Monroc class was organized. Meetings thereafter were held at the the house of Mr. Barnhart, and other members of the class, until the use of the schoolbouse was secured, when that was adopted as the place of meeting. In 1864, they erected their present house of worship at Monroeville, during the pas- torate of Rev. A. C. Curry. The building is a frarue structure, 32x48 feet, and was erected at a cost of $1,800. It was dedicated by Rev. John Hill, of Fort Wayne, and now has a membership of eighty-six. Rev. C. H. Brown is the present Pastor.
The Sunday school is in a prosperous condition, with 120 scholars enrolled. M. B. Knouse is the present Superintendent.
Shiloh Methodist Episcopal Church .- In the winter of 1877, Rev. C. H. Brown conducted a series of protracted meetings in the United Brethren Church at East Liberty, which resulted in a large accession to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a class was at once organized with forty members, of whom all but ten were new converts.
From the officers of the United Brethren Church, they obtained permission to hold their meeting in that house. In the spring of 1879, they began the erection of a brick church, 32x40 feet, about a half mile north of East Liberty. which is not yet completed.
Rev. C. H. Brown, the organiz r of the congregation, is still the Pastor in charge.
During the summer, a Sunday school is conducted in connection with the Church, but, discontinued during the winter. At the last session (summer of 1879), the average attendance was seventy-five scholars.
Evangelical Lutheran Church .- The first Lutheran Society was organized in 1864, and two years later Alpheus Swift donated a lot, upon which (in 1866), they erected their present house of worship. This is a frame building, 35x60 feet, and was erected at a cost of $2,250. In the interval between the date of organization and the erection of the church, they held their meetings in Samuel Pool's hall. Rev. E. W. Erick was the first Pastor, and remained in charge of the congregation until several years after the church was completed. He was succeeded by Rev. M. H. Morrison, who remained two years. The next Pastor was Rev. John Miller, who retained two and one-half years, and was succeeded by Rev. Andrew Burns. Mr. Burns remained one year, and since bis retirement the Church has been without a regular Pastor. Preaching has been continued, however, by supplies, at regular intervals. The present number of members is forty-two.
Christian Church .- For several years prior to 1867, serviecs were occasionally conducted by ministers of this denomination, in the upper story of a building owned by Samuel Poole, but there was no organization. The society was first organized by Rev. E. W. Hammou in 1867, and continued to hold meetings at Pool's Hall until 1877. Early in that year, they began the erection of a neat brick church, which was completed toward the close of the same year, at a cost of $3,500, and dedicated by Rev. L. L. Carpenter. Rev. T. P. Sutton was the Pas- tor in charge at the time of its completion, and remained one year after its dedica- tion. He was succeeded by Rev. John Ellis, who remained one year. The Church now has no Pastor, and preaching is had at irregular intervals only. Meeting are conducted cvery first day, however, by members of the Church.
SOCIETIES.
Monroeville Lodge, No. 283, I. O. O. F., is now working under charter granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, bearing date May 22, 1867. Grand Officers : W. T. Mckean, D. D. G. M .; G. Carrel, V. G. ; P. J. Wise, Secretary ; W. H. Brooks, G. M. There were five charter members, viz., G. C. Nill, A. F. Brown, E. W. Erick, J. W. Rout, A. A. Baker. The following is a list of Noble Grands from the date of organization to the present time: G. C. Nill, E. W. Erick, James Weiler, A. C. Crawford, Jacob Dague, William W. Mc- Kennon, George Randell, M. B. Knouse, J. F. Meeks, James Weiler, Henry Smith, Morris Strass, J. W. Meeks, David Aliger, Peter Lantz, Hiram Roberts, Adam Steinman, J. F. Meeks, J. R. Parker, M. B. Knousc.
The Lodge is in good working order, and free from debt, with property valued at $767.29. The present unmber of members is thirty, of whom eight are Past Grands. The present officers are : Valentine Rausch, N. G. ; E. G. Cov- erdale, V. G. : Henry Deiwerd, R. S .; J. H. Delavan, P. S .; D. Buvelheimer, Treasurer ; M. Strass, A. Steinman, V. L. Shaffer. Trustecs.
Monroeville Lodye, No. 293. A., F. : A. M., was organized December 30, 1862, with the following Master Masons as charter members: Jabez Shaffer, James Weiler, Peter Eckley, J. G. . Marriotte, M. E. Argo, J. W. Miller, Williamn B. Rabbit, S. T. Rice, John Shaffer, A. Engle, J. L. Robinson, Jacob Cassady, and J. L. Younker. On the 6th day of February, 1863, the Lodge received a dispensation, aud appointed the following officers: Jabez Shaffer, W. M .; Jobn Shaffer, S. W .; Juues Weiler, J.W A charter was received June 3, 1863, and the following officers were elected : Jabez Shaffer, W. M ; John Shaffer, S. W .; James Weiler, J. W. ; J. L Younker, Secretary; John Wilson. Treasurer ; M. E. Argo, S. D .; W. P. Lewis, J. D .; Jacob Cissady, Tiler ; J. W. Miller, Chap- lain ; E. G. Coverdale, W. E. Rowland, Stewards.
The Lodge has continued to prosper frout its inception, and now has a mem- bership of sixty- three, with property valued at $300. Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month. The following named gen- tlenien have served in the capacity of Worshipful Master : 1864, Jabez Sbaffer ; 1865, Jabez Shaffer; 1866, M. E. Argo; 1867, M. E. Argo; 1868, M. E. Argo; 1869, M. E. Argo; 1870, M. E. Argo; 1871, Jacob Cassady; 1872, George Webster; 1873, M. E. Argo; 1874, Jacob Sweeney; 1875, Jacob Swee- ney ; 1876, W. T. Wilson ; 1877, M. E. Argo; 1878, Henry Smith.
Present officers (1879): William Dickerson, W. M .; J. B. Davis, S. W .; A. S. Robinson, J. W. ; C. A. Nill, Secretary : D. A. Row, Treasurer; S. C. Marts, S. D. ; William Magner, J. D .; W. T. Wilson, Tiler.
EAST LIBERTY.
In 1848, John Burger laid out the village of East Liberty, on Section 29. It was a prosperous town for several years, but it was remote from the railroad, and could not long hold out against its rival, Monroeville. Business gradually drifted to the latter point, and East Liberty sank into obscurity. It is now a quiet bam- let, and nothing remains to indicate a once prosperous town.
MONROEVILLE.
'This is perhaps the most enterprising town in the county, with the exception of Fort Wayne. Its original proprietor, John Barnhart, made what may be termed® " a happy hit " when he founded a town so near the center of the town- ship, in 18at. For a number of years, it was only a mail station on the Pitts- burgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, and seems to have awakened very sud- denly to the business activity by which it is now characterized, and which stamps it as the second important trade center of the county. It was incorporated as a town in July, 1866, in response to a petition presented and signed by a majority of its citizens.
162
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA.
Among the business houses of the town, two are especially worthy of indi- vidual notice, from their extensive stock and the systematie manner in which they are conducted. The first is the hardware establishment of J. B. Niezer & Co., Mi connection with which a large trade is carried on in sash, doors and manufac- tured lumber. The second is the general inerehandise establishment of D. S. Redelsheimer & Co. The front room of this establishment is filled with a stock of dry goods, drugs, etc., and the upper story with boots and shoes. Other branches of business in the town are represented by the following firms : Thomas S. Heller, W. D. Baker, M. Cary & Co., Samuel Pool, dry goods and groceries ; C. W. Rollins, drugs ; D. A. Row. Thomas Wilson, boot and shoe manufacturers and dealers ; C. W. Rollins, John L. Dunham, bakeries and restaurants ; Strass & Smith, furniture dealers and undertakers : Misses Digue & Donard, Miss Smith, muilliners; M. Strauss, Postruaster and dealer in books and stationcry ; M. B. Knonse, watches, clocks, jewelry, etc .; J. T. Poul, attorney at law ; J. W. Jones, E. G. Coverdale, Justices of the Peace; Drs. W. A. Connolly, C. A. Leiter, E. 1'. Wilder, Jones, E. Sclick, W. D. Rockafellow, physicians; J. H. Delavan, gent Singer sewing machine; M. Rundel, agent Howe sewing machine ; A. C. Webster, agent American sewing machine ; Virgil Coomer, harness maker ; T. H. Conroy, barber ; H. D. Pool, meat market; Valentine Rausch, tailor; G. L. Bobilya, proprietor of Indiana House, and livery and feed stable; A. C. Craw- ford, proprietor of Pacific Housc.
LOCAL INDUSTRIES.
Monroeville Flouring- Mill .- Tbis enterprise was inaugurated by C. H. Schick in 1865. The main building is thirty-six feet square, three stories and basement. The mill has three runs of buhrs, with a manufacturing capacity of one hundred barrels of flour per day. It is a first- class mill, and enjoys an exten- sive trade, both at home and abroad. Mr. Schick was its proprietor for about one year, at the end of which time he sold it to Alphcus Swift & Bro., by whom it was conducted four years. It was then purchased by J. Dague & Bros., nnder which firm name it is now operated. Six years later, Daniel Shank, one of the present firm, purchased a half-interest in the establishment, but the firm name was not changed. In addition to the home trade, large quantities of flour from this mill are sold at Pittsburgh and Baltimore. The shipment of grain, from September 22 to October 22, 1879, was 8,000 bushels.
STAVE AND HEADING FACTORIES.
Rout, Webster & Co .- Iu 1864, John W. Rout embarked in the manu" facture of oil- barrel staves and heading, and, early in 1865, associated with him George Webster and James Weiler, under the firm name of Rout, Webster & Co. In that year, they erected a building 40x60 feet, in the west part of Mon- roeville and south of the railroad, where, in addition to the manufacture of staves, they conducted an extensive trade in dressed lumber. Three years later, J. W. Rout retired from the firm and embarked independently in the same business, in which he continued until 1872. He theu removed to Decatur, Ind., and beeatuc identified with the Citizens' Bank of that city. After his with- drawal. Messrs. Webster & Weiler increased their manufacturing facilities by adding a large cooper-shop, dry-house and other buildings, and, at the same time, established a brauch factory at Benton, Paulding Co., Ohio. They continued to operate hoth factories until the latter part of 1877, when they closed out and retired from the business.
Hemphill & Ashworth .- In 1864, this firm erected a building at the east end of the side-track, 40x50 feet, for the manufacture of oil and slack barrel staves, heading, etc., and, in connection with this, established a similar factory at Decatur, Ind. The business was continued under this firm name until the early part of 18GG, when Mr. Ashworth died. It was then conducted by the surviv- ing member of the firm, Mr. Hemphill. until his decease in February, 1877. He resided at Allegheny City, Penn., and, for eleven years prior to 1878, the business was managed by M. E. Argo, Esq. During this time, there was a flat- tering increase in the business, and the shipment of staves averaged one ear load per day. In one year, the firm paid $29.000 for freight alone. The average number of men employed was twenty-five. At the time of Mr. Hemphill's decease, the stock invoiced $48,000. The business was continued by his widow until June, 1879.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.