20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 42

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Clark County > Springfield > 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 42

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).

The second floor of this building at one time was devoted to offices. Before it was remodeled Ed. S. Wallace, James Willis, and other attorneys had their offices there. Afterwards George Rawlins and George Arthur occupied the rooms fronting on Main Street. The lower floor is now oc- cupied by T. H. Sullivan dry goods store. The upper rooms are occupied by Chase Stewart, Earle Stewart, W. G. Campbell and Harry Brenner, attorneys, and others.

GOTWALD,

In 1892 the Gotwalds erected the build- ing now located on the southeast corner of Main and Limestone Streets, on the site of the old King Building, Mrs. Gotwald having been n King and daughter of the person who erected the former building. This building is occupied, on the corner, by the Springfield Savings Bank, then the Merchants & Mechanies Building & Loan Association on Limestone Street, and by David Herr, undertaker. In the upper floors are Drs. Smith, Lupfer, and Min- nich, dentists, and Dr. Gotwald; John L. Plummer, Frank Krapp, George A. Beard, Ollie Miller, and E. S. Houck; Thomas McCormick and James P. Good- win being in the adjoining Zimmerman Building.

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KING.

In the same year, 1892, the Kings erect- ed the King Building, on the west side of Fountain Avenue. In the old brick build- ing demolished Wm. H. Pretzman con- ducted a bakery for many years. The lower floors of this building are occupied by F. Desormoux & Co., plumbers, and "The Famous" millinery store.

BUSHNELL.

In 1893 Governor Bushnell erected the Bushnell Building, which is perhaps the most substantial building that has been erected in Springfield at any time. In 1903 he completed the "Annex" leading over on Fountain Avenue. The lower floor of this building is occupied by the First National Bank and by Kinnane's dry goods store. On the other floors are a number of attorneys, namely : Oscar T. Martin, Paul C. Martin, J. F. MeGrew, W. Y. Mahar, James G. Stewart, A. I. Zimmerman, John B. MeGrew, James B. Malone, H. W. Stafford, E. L. Arthur, Wm. M. Rockel, Edward J. Lynch, Walter Weaver, Forest Kitchen, George C. Raw- lins, Clem Collins, Judge F. M. Hagan, E. O. Hagan, and H. L. Touhnin, patent attorney.

WREX'S DEPARTMENT STORE.

In 1903 the first department store was erected in Springfield, principally by Rob- ert Johnson, To make way for the new building some old buildings were demol- ished. In the rear was a large livery sta- ble that for many years was conducted by Benjamin Holloway and son Christy, and no time bas there been any action on the

afterward by John E. Swords. On High Street, Toppy Troupe for a long time con- ducted a cigar store. This entire building is now occupied by the Wren Department Store.

FAIRBANKS.

In 1906 there was commenced the erec- tion of Springfield's first sky-scraper -- the Fairbanks Building. This building is in process of erection at the present time; it will be nine stories high and promises to mark the beginning of a new era in the erection of public buildings in this city. Including the 8th and 9th stories, it will furnish 200 office rooms.

DIALA.

In 1870 Judge E. G. Dial and Columbus Hauk erected the Dial Building, imme- diately north of the Bookwalter Hotel. Judge Dial's son George now controls the building, having his law office therein. The third floor is devoted to lodge pur- poses.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

The last quarter of a century has wit- nessed quite a growth in our financial in- stitutions. Springfield in its earlier days was not a wealthy town. It was not until the results of the various industries began to be counted in dollars and cents that our financial institutions began to assume the importance that they now possess. At this time perhaps no city in the state can boast of sounder or better managed finan- cial institutions than can Springfield, At

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part of any of them that would shake the National Bank notes outstanding $100,- confidence of the most critical depositor. 000; individual deposits subject to check $536,221.79. They are all conducted with ability and, so far as an observer can say, carefully and honestly.

MAD RIVER NATIONAL BANK.

The first bank of Springfield was or- ganized in 1846 and was incorporated as the Mad River Valley Bank of the State of Ohio. This bank was located on the north side of Main Street, the second door east from where its successor is still trans- acting business. It began with a capital of $100,000. Its first president was Levi Rinehurt and its first cashier James Clay- pool.

This bank was succeeded by the present Mad River National Bank, which was in- corporated on Jan. 11, 1865, with a cap- ital of $200,000. The first officers were John Bacon, president, Thomas F. Mc- Grew, cashier, and Samnel F. MeGrew, teller. The directors were John Bacon, John W. Baldwin, William Berry, Charles M. Clark, and James S. Goode. The cap- ital was afterwards, on April 1st, 1878, in- creased $100,000 and in 1869 the building now occupied by the institution, imme- diately east of the Bushnell Building, was Dr. John Ludlow continued president until his death when he was succeeded by his son-in-law, Asa S. Bushnell. C. A. erected. James S. Goode, John H. Thomas, and Thomas F. MeGrew have been presidents. At present, William S. Phelps remained cashier until ill health Thomas is president and Samuel F. Me- Grew is cashier, the directors being James Carson, W. S. Thomas, Frank J. Webb, Ed. N. Lupfer, and S. F. McGrew.

In its last statement (Sept., 1907) its assets and resources were $1,229,168.65; capital stock being $300,000; surplus fund $60,000 and undivided profits $54,955.92; Troupe, Edward C. Gwyn, John L. Bush-

It will be observed that S. F. MeGrew has been with this institution for over forty-three years continuously.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK.

In July, 1851, a state bank was organ- ized under the free banking laws of Ohio, which was called the Springfield Bank. It was located on the east side of Main Street, across the alley immediately north of the Commercial Building. Oliver Clark was president of this bank and William MeMeen, cashier. Dr. John Ludlow, Will- iam Rodgers, R. D. Harrison and Oliver Clark were directors. It had a capital of $75,000, which in 1855 was increased to $150,000. In 1853 Oliver Clark died and Dr. John Ludlow succeeded him as presi- dent. In 1856 Mr. MeMeen resigned as eashier and the late C. A. Phelps assumed that position. In 1864 the institution was reorganized as a national bank with a capital of $200,000 under the name of the First National Bank, and with the same officers as had been at the head of Spring- field bauk.

compelled him to resign about 1900, when A. R. Cohaugh succeeded him. He re- mained in that position for a short time when his health gave way and he was suc- cemled by the present cashier, Geo. W. Winger. Oscar T. Martin is now presi- dent, and Richard H. Rodgers, Theodore

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nell, Oscar T. Martin, and J. S. Crowell, Elder. The last statement of this bank constitute the board of directors.

At its last statement its resources and liabilities were $2,115,669.35; its capital stock paid in $400,000; surplus fund, $225,000; undivided profits $33,628.71; na- tional bank notes outstanding $225,000; individual deposits subject to check, $995,- . 275.31.

In 1894 the bank was moved from Lime- stone Street to its present commodious quarters in the Bushnell Building.

CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK.

In 1859 William Foos and Gustavus Foos established a private banking honse under the firm of Foos and Brother in the Fisher Building, at the southwest corner of Main and Limestone Streets. This bank was absorbed when the Second National Bank was organized in Decem- her, 1863. William Foos was president of the reorganized bank and G. S. Foos was cashier, the directors being William Foos, G. S. Foos, HI. O. Williamson. H. M. Sheppard, T. R. Norton, John Foos and Charles Rabhitts. Foos afterwards retired to a large extent from the manage- ment of this bank and Amos Whiteley be- came president, with J. G. Benallaek, cashier. The stockholders in 1898 con- cluded to go into liquidation, thereupon the Citizens Bank was organized with Ed- ward I. Buchwalter as president and Mr. Benallack as cashier. Mr. Benallack died in 1906 and was succeeded as cashier by Frank F. Hosterman. the present incum- bent. The present directory consists of Edward L. Buchwalter, P. E. Montanus, Chas. S. Kay, Edward S. Houck, D. F. Snyder, F. M. Bookwalter, and D. N. for a time.

(Sept. 1, 1907), shows the resources and liabilities to be $768,561.23; capital stock $100,000; surpins fund $36,000; undivided profits $7,705.03; national bank notes ont- standing $50,000; individual deposits $446,475.41.

The bank has occupied its present quarters in the Zimmerman Building on Limestone Street since its organization. There was a private bank in the Murray House (Cherry) corner conducted by R D. Harrison, Daniel Hertzler and others under the name of Hertzler, Harrison & Co., in 1854, which continned for about four years.

LAGONDA NATIONAL BANK.

In 1870 Frye, McMillen & Co., operated a private bank called the Commercial Bank. This institution was succeeded by the Lagonda National Bank, which was chartered April 15, 1873, with General Keifer as president, Christopher Thomas, vice-president, and D. P. Jeffries, cashier. The directors at that time were General Keifer, John Howell, George Spence, E. T. Weakley. Michael Shaffer, and D. P. Jeffries. The bank commenced business in the building which was then part of the old Republic Building next the alley on the north side of Main Street and now occupied by the Bushnell Building.

In 1881 the corner northeast of Main Street and Fountain Avenue, known as the old Moore corner, was purchased for $10,000 and the present bank building con- structed. During the time that General Keifer was in Congress in his first period prior to 1884, John Howell was president.

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In 1906 D. P. Jeffries died, and Frank 000; surplus fund $25,000; undivided W. Harford, who had been connected with profits $7,512; national bank notes out- standing $97,700; individual deposits $275.125.49 the bank for many years, succeeded him us cashier. The present directory is comt- posed of General Keifer, C. H. Pierce, Robert Johnson, W. H. Bitner and J. J. SMANGFIELD SAVINGS BANK. lloppes.

The last statement (Sept., 1907) of this bank shows its resources and liabilities to be $777,595 41; capital stock $100,000; surplus fund $60,000; undivided profits $30,646.32; national bank notes outstand- ing $98,350; individual deposits $364 .- 639.14.

SPRINGFIELD NATIONAL. BANK.

The Springfield National Bank was or- ganized Dec. 29, 1881, with P. P. Mast as president, Jolin Foos, vice-president, and C. A. Harris, cashier; the directorate ho- ing John Foos, E. G. Dial, F. W. Foos, Conrad Nagle and P. P. Mast.

This bank was nt first located on the north side of Main Street, second door east of Center, and continued there nutil the completion of the Gotwald Building. on the southeast corner of Main and Lime- stone, when they moved into their present commodions quarters in that building. P. P. Mast continued to be the moving spirit in this bank until his death, when he was succeeded by C. R. Crain, and he was sne- ceeded by Win. F. Foos, the present in- emnbent. C. A. Harris was succeeded as cashier by F. S. Penfield and he in turn by William S. Rabbitts: the present directorate being Wm. F. Foos, Conrad Nagle, W. H. Schans, George S. Dial and W. S. Rabbitts. The last statement of this bank shows its resources and linbil- ities to be $558.922.68; capital stock $100,-

This institution was incorporated Janu- ury 4, 1873, under a special law of Ohio, and began business in a room on the south side of Main Street, the second or third door west of Fountain Avenne. It after- wards moved into a room in the old Re- public Building, located where the Bush- nell Building now stands, and about 1883 or '84 purchased the ground now occupied by the Springfield Building and Loan As- sociation, nud built the building thereon. lu the year 1889 this bank purchased the ground on which its present building is lo- cated, on E. Main Street, for $20,000, and erected thereon its present commodious building. It is undoubtedly one of the saf- est and soundest financial institutions in Ohio. The law under which it is organ- ized is such that its money can only be loaned on first mortgage and then to the extent of only one-half of the ground val- ue. Its first president was B. H. Warder, Jolin H. Thomas was vice-president, and the trustees were Marshfield Steele, Will- imm Thompson, E. W. Mulligan, A. C. Black, William Conklin, Thomas Corcora, and Conrad Nagle.

W. S. Fields was for a long time presi- dent, and he was succeeded by the present incumbent, W. S. Wilson, who had been acting for some time previous as cashier. Upon his promotion Edward Harford was maade treasurer and cashier. W. H. Blee is at present vice-president. The Board of Trustees are John W. Parsons, Joseph

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B. Cartmell, Charles L. Bauer, T. W. sen as secretary. Mr. Clingerman served Ludlow, Geo. Krapp, Sr., and Frank C. in this capacity until 1888, when Charles Johnson. The vacancy caused by the Stont was elected secretary and still con- death of Amaziah Winger remains un- tinnes in that position, Mr. Pierce also be- filled.

The last statement, July 1, 1907, shows resources and liabilities to be $2,792,576 .- 06. of which amount there is due depos- itors $2,644,913.79; surplus $125,000; un- divided profits $22,662.27.

SPRINGFIELD BUILDING & LOAN ASSOCIA- TION.

Prior to the organization of this com- pany there had been operated building and loan associations in the City of Springfield on what was called the ter- minable plan. The plan was not a very satisfactory one, and besides there had been some irregularities in management, that made the establishment of a building and loan association here a matter of con- siderable difficulty.

The "Springfield" is entitled to be called the "Pioneer" in this city of the modern building and loan associations. It was organized in June, 1884, with a cap- ital stock of $500,000. The first board of directors were P. J. Cole, H. C. Lnybourn, Andrew Burnett, D. L. Corner, J. M. Win- ger, C. Il. Pierce and William M. Rockel. This board organized by selecting Will- iam M. Rockel as president, Andrew Bur- nett vice-president, John M. Winger treasurer, and C. M. King secretary and attorney. For some time the growth of the association was not very rapid. Mr. King died in 1885 and at the following election William M. Rockel retired from the presidency and C. H. Pierce was elect- ed, John B. Clingerman having been cho-

ing president at this time.

The present board of directors are J. C. Kellar, and John T. Ricks, B. F. Prince, Robert Johnson, Theodore Troupe. Harry Burleigh aud C. H. Pierce. Frank Har- ford has remained its treasurer since abont 1888.

Later this association increased its capital stock to $1,000,000 and then $5,000,000.

The last statement (July, 1907) showed resources and liabilities to be $1,314.360 .- 22; surplus fund of $54,889.54.

This association commeneed doing busi- ness first in a back room upstairs over Fried's Jewelry Store. From here it was moved to the rooms upstairs on Fountain Avenne over Lenty's ment store, and from there across the street to a room down- stairs, immediately north of the alley, where it remained until 1901, when the old savings bank building was purchased on E. Main Street. The association moved into their own building in April of 1901.

MERCHANTS AND MECHANICS BUILDING & LOAN ASSOCIATION.

This association was organized in 1892 and E. C. Gwyn* chosen as its first presi- dent, H. S. Bradley being its secretary; the board of directors consisting of E. C. Gwyn, M. M. MeConkey, D. H. Olds, P. M. Cartmell, Wellen Warder, Am. Win- ger, George H. Brain, A. J. Beckley, W A. Martin, Meyer Weixelbaum, John C. Clippinger and 'T. J. Kirkpatrick.

Soon after the organization of this in-

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stitution they leased the building vacated Loan Association. The directors gave by the First National Bank, situated im- medintely north of the first alley on the west side of Limestone Street, opposite to their present quarters in the Gotwald Building.

The last statement (July, 1907) shows this institution to have ns resources and liabilities $1,220,678.46, with surphis of $38,622.20. E. C. Gwyn* is the present president ; Edgar A. Fay, secretary ; board of directors being F. C. Gwyn', W. A. Clarke, George K. Sharpe, J. H. Rab- bitts, Rodney Moffet, Willard Brain, J. B. North.

Martin, George W. Netts, Oliver C. of loss to depositors was not very large.

OTHER ASSOCIATIONS.

The Clark County Building and Sav- ings Society has an office in Room 8. Got- wald Building. It was incorporated Sep- tember 28, 1900, with a capital of $400,000. David F. Snyder is president, J. M. Good, vice-president, F. E. Hosterman, treas- urer, and T. J. McCormick secretary and attorney. The office is not opened daily, but only on Thursdays of each week. While not a large institution, it is doing very well.

The Springfield Co-operative Building Association has its office in Room 3, Got- wald Building .. It was incorporated in November, 1904, with a capital stock of $25,000. James T .. Harris is president, Marshall Jackson, vice-president, S. E. Huffmau, secretary, and William Johnson cashier. Meets Tuesdny and Saturday evenings.

About 1887 or '88 an association was organized called the Citizens Bnilling &

the management of affairs very largely to Charles E. Morris, who was attorney of the association and at one time police judge of the city. Mr. Morris appro- priated a considerable amount of the funds to his own use and afterwards served a term in the penitentiary for the same, The association went into liquida- tion and the assets were purchased or taken over by the Springfield Building & Loan Association. So the actual amount

About 1903. a branch of the Indemnity Building & Loan Association was estab- lished in this city, doing business on Market Street, on the east side about mid- way between High and Main Streets. It seems that the management of branch in- stitutions in building and loan associa- tions has not been generally a snecess, and the head institution which is located nt Cleveland beenme involved and went into liquidation. It was finally taken over by some other association and the business wound up. E. G. Banta of Urbana was manager largely of this institution.

Other loan associations have at times transacted business in this county, some snecessfully and others unsnecessfully. It would seem that people having money to deposit should place the same in the care of those whom they know, and as- sociations managed by local people ought to afford more security than those man- aged elsewhere.

AMERICAN TRUST & SAVINGS COMPANY.

This institution is the most recent of a financial character to be organized in the city of Springfield and was first

.Now dereased.

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opened for business on Jannary 5, 1907, with a capital stock of $200,000, and sur- plus of $50,000. The last statement (Sept., 1907) showed deposits of $369,- 299. the assets and linbilities of this concern at this time being $626,861. It is located in the new Fairbanks Building on the northwest corner of Main Street and Farther up, at what now is the suburb of Lagonda, the water-power of this stream again played an important part in the establishment of the manufacturing industries of the city. Here Simon Ken- ton, in the beginning of the century, con- structed his rude mill. Others followed, until in 1830 the entire then existing vil- Fountain Avenne. N. H. Fairbanks is president and H. E. Freeman, secretary and treasurer. The following constitute the board of directors: Stacy B. Rankin, Chase Stewart, Lee B. Corry, Edward P. Holenun, H. S. Kissell, P. E. O'Brien, Paul A. Staley, N. H. Fairbanks, Louis M. Levy, George C. Lynch, Dr. Charles G. lage was purchased by Mr. Jeremiah War- Heckert, Jacob Koblegard, M. L. Milligan, der, the father of Benjamin and William and W. H. MeCord.

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

In the chapter on mills we have noted the large number of industries that were established on Mad River, Buck Creek and Mill Run. At the time these mills were put into operation the age of steam had not arrived, water-power furuishing the necessary force to propel machinery. To the excellent water-power supplied by these streams is no doubt attributable the fact of Springfield's later growth as a great manufacturing center.

It was the water-power of Buck Creek that induced the building of the Barnett Mill, and the oil mills that were erected in its vicinity. These other mills brought to our town men of a manufacturing spirit. It was the water.power of Buck Creek no doubt that indneed Pitts in 1842 to locate in Springfield and manufacture his afterward celebrated Pitts Threshing Machine.

The growing industry of manufactur- ing oil from flax seed induced John Foos to purchase mills previously erected on this creek, and it was the water supplied by Buck Creek that induced John H. Thomas and P. P. Mast in 1856 to lay the foundation of the P. P. Mast Co.

Warder, who were afterwards prominent in the industrial affairs of Springfield. As time went on, the demands of the peo- ple for manufactured prodnets changed, and the progress of agriculture created a desire und a demand for machinery in the agricultural field. While there were es- tablishments along other lines that have remained to this day, yet the manufac- ture of agricultural implements has seemed at all times to be the leading in- dustry. It was in the decade from '55 to '65, or thereabouts, that the manufacture of these implements took on a wonderful impetus in our city. Previons to this, in 1837. David West, who died about 1904, commenced the manufacture of buggies, and for a half century continued in that business, and finally erected what is known as the West Block, immediately north of the market-house.

In 1840 William Whiteley, an old time resident of this county, began the manu- farturing of the celebrated Whiteley plow. which for along time was considered the

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best on the market. Mr. Whiteley was the menced manufacturing various kinds of unele of Amos and William N. Whiteley, afterwards prominent in the industrial af- fairs of our city. Ile died abont 1890.

About the same time that William Whiteley commenced manufacturing his the Buckeye Mower, Marsh Harvester,

plows James Leffel entered upon his in- dustrial career in the City of Springfield. Previous to this he had erected the Hertz- ler Mills. In 1840 he built his foundry be- tween the National Road and the Big Four Railway near Buck Creek, west of the city. Afterwards, having invented the celebrat- ed Letfel Water Wheel, he and his son- in-law, John W. Bookwalter, became the owners of the old shop located where the Grand Opera llonse now stands, and on the ground north of the railroad.

Mr. Leffel died in the prime of life in 1866. In 1845 Mr. Leffel and William Blakeley erected a brick foundry on the north side of Buck Creek, a little east of Limestone Street. There they afterwards made the Buckeye Cooking Stoves. Mr. Leffel was no doubt the most distin- guished manufacturer of his time, he hav- ing been connected in other manufactur- ing enterprises.

In 1847 James Driscoll began the manu- facture of carriages and established a business in that line that was second to none. For a long time the business of this firm was carried on in a building on the north side of Main street, sitnated about half way between the First Pres- byterian Church and Factory Street. His sons and successors afterwards built the main part of the building located on the north-east corner of Center and Columbia Streets, now used as a place for the mann- facture of grave vaults, ete.

In 1850 Mr. Benjamin Warder com-

machines and in 1856 Ross Mitchell be- came associated with him in the manufac- ture of Ketchum Mowers, Densmore Self- raker, New York Reaper, Ohio Harvester, etc.

The Marsh Harvester was the reaping machine that was first used in elevating the grain. It was provided with a plat- form upon which two men stood, who tied the wheat as it was elevated up to them.

In 1855 Mr. William N. Whiteley made the first successful "Champion machine." In the next year he associated with him Mr. Jerome Fassler and in the following year Mr. O. S. Kelly. This firm was the precursor of the great industry that after- wards followed in the manufacturing of Champion machines. So great had be- come the popularity of and the demand for the Champion machines, that in 1868 the firm of Warder, Mitchell & Co. abau- doned the manufacture of all other ma- chines and under an arrangement with Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly manufactured thereafter only the Champion. In the pre- vious year. 1867, the "Champion Machine Company" was formed for the express purpose of manufacturing the Champion machine for the Southern and Western territories. In the establishment of this last company, Amos Whiteley, Robert Johnson, W. W. Wilson and others en- tered the mamifacturing field, so up un- til 1887 and '88 we had these three large establishments manufacturing the Cham- pion machines, So far did this industry take precedence over all others in our city that the town itself received the sobriquet of the "Champion City."

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20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 42

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993