USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > Century review of Marietta, Ohio. Early history, natural advantages, schools, churches commercial, professional and other interests > Part 10
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
The U. S. Express, commenced business in 1854 and came into Marietta, May 1877. The U. S. operates 30,000 miles of Ry & steam lines. R. K. Moore, Marietta Agt. has been in charge for three years past.
100
re th
re
Je fro tio L.
Western Union Telegraph .- Prof. Morse secured a patent for the electric tel- egraph in 1839, but the first practical working line was opened Mav 27. '44. The Western Union was formed in '56 by the consolidation of three companies then do- ing business in the U S. It now owns or controls 200,000 miles of poles with three times as great a length of wire, and two cables connecting Great Britain and the United States. There are about 10,500 regular and as many railroad offices, Fifty million messages are annually transmitted, the handling of which requires 22,000 operators, about half of whom are also in railroad employ. The magnetic tele- graph first began to deliver messages at Marietta late in the forties. Capt. W. G. Fuller, now of Gallipolis, was first operator here. J. M. Williams, manager of the line, has been in charge at Marietta for seven years. At first needing only two messenger boys, he now requires two assistant operators and a book keeper.
The Central District and Printing Telegraph Co .- A score of years has shown a marvelous development in electrical science and perhaps for commercial use none has equalled the telephone. This instrument only brought to practical use March, 1876, has spread with wonderful alacrity and become a necessity in every civilized community. The general offices of the above company are at Pittsburg but a branch office, was located at Marietta in 1886, which through the long dis- tance phone gives connection to any part of the U. S. A system of conduits has re- cently been placed which will give facilities for service to 2,500 or more subscribers and these will connect the central exchange with its more than 600 Marietta sub- scribers. All the necessary switch boards and latest electrical appliances are found at the exchange, 177 Front st. in charge of Manager C. Collins of New York, a tele- phone man of several years experience who informs us that the company has pur- chased a lot on Putnam st. bet. 3d and 4th, where the erection of a handsome and substantial office building will at once be commenced.
Post Office .- Notably to assist business and transportation comes a good pos- tal service. Prior to 1794, Marietta's only communication with the east was by pri- vate messengers. In the spring of that year a route was established between Pitts- burg and Cincinnati and an office opened here with R. J. Meigs, Jr. as first P. M. The post came by this place every two weeks. In '98 the first route was established between Marietta and Zanesville the trip requiring two to four days. Four years later a route was made to Cincinnati via Athens. By 1825 the service had vastly improved but weekly mail was yet considered up-to-date. The Post Masters here for 20 years past have been S. L. Grosvenor appointed 1882; E. S. Nye, '86; E. R. Al- derman, '90; Henry Roeser '94; and M. M. Rose '98, Mr. Rose was chairman of the Republican Co. Committee prior to his appointment and favorably known in Mariet- ta. The present salary is $2,700 About a ton of mail now passes through this office each day. The employes are A. D McCoy, Ass't P. M .; C B. Rose, mailing clerk; David Dow,' night clerk, Edward Best, gen'l delivery clerk; C. H. Davis and J. F. Stewart, stampers. Ten carriers are required in the free delivery service. A con- tract has been made to place the office in the New St. Clair building, shown on page 111 and it will probably go to its new quarters soon after this book is in print. The receipts for Marietta, year ending July 1, 1900, were $27,392, a gain of $4,672 over the preceeding year which shows decided progress.
Entertainment Interests.
The good reputation and general prosperity of a city are greatly enhanced by good hotel accommodations, for prospectors and sharp business men will not long remain where they are shabily treated. Marietta has a half dozen good hotels and numerous boarding houses furnish entertainment to transients.
The St James is among the landmarks of Marietta, a hotel having been kept on this spot for fifty years. C. F. Biszantz was an early landlord here and for many years attended to the comforts of strangers. The St. James has been remodeled from time to time and in 1889 the large three story addition shown in our illustra- tion was built, bringing the number of sleeping rooms up to over thirty. Mine Host L. J. Cutter, was a landlord for many years at Cumberland, O , and three years ago purchased the St. James making several improvements and continuing the popular price of $1 a day, which considering that it is in the business center is very low for the accommodations afforded. See cut page 103.
101
0
78
THE ST. CLOUD HOTEL.
cots, during the Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F., with a show and other transients, Mr. Pierpoint lodged 125 persons in the St. Cloud, without great inconvenience.
NOR WOOD.
NOR WO IT
THE NORWOOD.
ing. of about $50,000, and has practically held a full house ever since. J. R. Wal- ters, of Athens, who has had ten years experience in hotel work serves as clerk.
The St. Cloud Ho- tel - It is notable how many oil men are engag- ed in the hotel trade here and how well they seem to recognize the needs of transient men. J. S. Pierpoint, "mine host" at the St. Cloud is a native of W. Va. for the last five years resid- ing in Marietta and is president of the Pier- point Oil and Gas Co. He had charge of one of Marietta's leading ho- tels for two years before leasing the St. Cloud, in 1898, for a term of five years and is thoroughly acquainted with the needs of the city. The St. Cloud, picture of which is shown herewith is a handsome four story, mansard roof structure, with 70 rooms for guests and, with large halls and
The Nowood-
is on the site of the old National House, which was erected some forty years ago, and a hotel has been run here ever since under divers names. In July of last year the place was pur- chased by Hyatt and Clark, who rebuilt the same, converting it into a handsome four story modern ho- tel throughout, with 65 guest chambers. Jerome Hyatt, the landlord, is an old ho. tel man and his part- ner, E. Clark, Jr., is recognized as a push- er in business. The Norwood was opened in Feb. 1900, at a cost with lot and furnish-
102
.
The Bellevue cut here-
with represents one of the city's prominent hotels. It was erected by a number of our leading citizens, incorpor- ated as the Marietta Hotel Co., nine years ago. In 1895 it was purchased by Pierpoint and Smith. later M. J & D. C. Davis and J. A. McCormick be-
came owners. In '99 J. C. Holdren purchased a } inter- est, making the firm name Davis, McCormick and Hold- ren, all of whom are exten- sively interested in the oil business. Davis and Holdren are the managers, while Phil. A. Lins, a hotel man of ten years experience, is the chief clerk and Owen Stowe the ef- ficent night clerk. The loca- tion of the Bellevue is second to none in the state, being in the business district, on the cor. of Front and Greene, ov- erlooking the beautiful scen- ery of the Ohio River, which always affords a cool breeze. The house is four stories in height and is equipped with
THE BELLEVUE.
modern improvements, fast running elevator, hot and cold baths, etc. It enjoys a large patronage of the traveling public.
THE ST JAMES.
ST. JAMES HOTEL.
The Wakefield .- The constant growth of Marietta, and particularly the grav- itation of business to the City Hall, C. H. and new site of the P. O., as well as the
103
THE WAKEFIELD HOTEL.
many superb office buildings within a distance of two squares, mikes the site of Third and Putnam sts. an excellent one for additional hotel accommodations. Mrs. Dye has for a number of years kept a boarding house at this place and her son Chas. H. Ward, who for ten years past has been engaged in the newspaper business of Wisconsin. has returned to his native city, torn down the old homestead and erect- ed a new three-story brick hotel. This has about forty sleeping apartments and is newly furnished throughout With its luxuriant shade trees it makes an ideal place and the Wakefield is at once commanding its full share of patronage from the transient public, at rate of $1 to $1.25 per day.
Financial Institutions.
The banking facilities of a city are of great importance to both its industrial and commercial progress and the men at the head of the Marietta banks may confi- dently be classed as reliable, conservative and enterprising officials. This condition of affairs adds greatly to our commercial stability and failures of any important en- terprise in this city have been of rare occurrence.
The First National Bank was chartered in 1863 and was rechartered in '83. Each succeeding statement shows a healthy growth in its affairs, indicative of the general prosperity of the city. The condition on Sept. 5, 1900, recorded loans and discounts of $1,104,378, U S. and other bonds $235,875, real estate, cash, and de- posits with other banks, $293,449; which with other assetts makes a grand total of $1,684,785. Its liabilities are for capital and surplus $311,241 circulation $150,000, and deposits $1,223,543, which makes a showing of which even a metropolitan bank need not be ashamed.
Wm. W. Mills, Pres. is a lifelong Mariettian and largely identified with its upbuilding; Col, T. W. Moore is a capitalist, an old resident of the city, Jos S. Goe- bel, Cashier and G. C. Best, Assistant, are both natives here. The directors are John Mills, T. W. Moore, W, W. Mills, S. B. Kirby and Charles Penrose all men of high standing in the community.
104
S
ONIO
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
FIRST NATIONAL BANK CORNER.
The Dime Savings So.
ciety was incorporated in 1871, J. L. Mills serving as presi- dent to 1884, Jewett Palmer to '90, and Thos. Ewart to '93, since which time W. G. Way, attorney, has presided. W. H. Styer, druggist, is vice president while Chas. H New- ton, a native Mariettian, has officiated as treasuer since 1877 excepting two years 1879-80. The sworn statement of the Society's standing, Oct. 1, 1900 shows loans, principally on real estate, $219,162 stocks and bonds$314,610; currency, specie furniture, etc. $121,297; undi- vided profits $12,973. The de- posits which stood at $39,647. in 1882, has increased until they now stand at $642,106 A large share of this increase has been within the past decade, giving evidence that Marietta citizens not only have confi- dence in the stability of this institution but have made money and acquired the ha- bit of saving. The trustees of the concern are H. B. Ship-
DIME SAVINGS SOCIETY.
THE DIME SAVINGS SOCIETY.
105
man, M. F. Noll, Chas. W. Otto, M. R. Andrews, Wm. H. Lord, G. B. Sunderland, E. G. Brigham, A. W. Tompkins. Jacob Seyler, A. J. Richards, J. E. VanDervoort, Henry Wendelken, all men of integrity and good business standing. The building used has no ostentatious exterior, but is well fitted for banking purposes, containing one of the best automatic locking safes, private deposit boxes for rent to customers and other conveniences.
Citizens National Bank .- The start of active progress here, some [ten years ago, made additional banking facilities desirable and the above bank was or- ganized in 1889, present capital of $100,000 and has an accumulation of surplus and undivided profits above $40,000. In 1893 this bank moved into the handsome struc- ture that it now owns corner of Putnam and Second sts., which is thoroughly fitted with modern banking facilities. Upon the death of Mr. A. T. Nye, some two years since, E M. Booth succeeded to the presidency; D. B. Torpy vice president is active in Marietta manufactories; T. M. Sheets, cashier, has been in the bank since its or- ganization; C. L. Booth, assistant cashier, commenced in 1890 as book keeper for this bank. The directors are D. B. Torpy, B F. Strecker, Jacob Wittlig, Frank Weber and E. M. Booth all solid citizens of Marietta. The statement of the Citizens National, Sept. 5th, showed loans $354.721, bonds etc. $39,493, real estate, deposits, with other banks, etc. $151,612, specie, etc. 53,674; capital stock , surplus and profits $137,167, deposits, $462.334.
----
---
-
MANK.
CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK .- Putnam and Second Sts.
German National Bank. - The fourth bank of this city was organized Aug. 1, 1899, with a capital of $100,000 and commenced business in the new Wittlig build- ing as soon as that handsome business block was finished. The banking room, at 212 Front st., is exceptionally well furnished and has the best modern applianc- es for convenient and safe banking. The German National opening was celebrated as an important financial event and largely attended by Marietta financiers. The bank is officered as follows: Wm. H. Ebinger, Pres .; J. S. H. Torner, V. Pres .; S. L Angle, Cashier. The board of directors besides the president and vice president are A. L Gracey, Wm. E Detlor. John Kaiser, J. A. McCormick, Wmn. J. Speer, M. L. Travis, all prominent business men of this city and Wm. Wendell of Lowell,
106
Ohio. The Cashier, before coming to Marietta had for many years been con- nected with banking business in Buffalo, N. Y. The statement of this bank Sept. 5th, 1900, showed loans $335,682, capital and surplus $105,277, deposits $218.318, which is a very gratifying start for an in- stitution in business but 13 months.
BUILDING & LOAN .- These associ- ations when honestly conducted, as is usu- ally the case with local societies are a great blessing to the community as they enable the frugal poor man to become the owner of a home by weekly or monthly savings, scarcely more than rent.
The Washington County Savings, Loan and Building Co. of Marietta is the oldest now in business here. It was organ- ized in 1890 and has an authorized capital of $1,000,000. Its assets July 1, 1900, was $364,964 an increase of $25,050 for half of this year. Its reserve fund at that date showed $7,546, and all its affairs in a healthy condition. Marietta citizens hold over $225 000 of its paid up stock which is carried as investments. Its officers are D R. Rood. former probate judge, Pres .; J. W. Athey former recorder, V. P .; G. J. Lund ex-county treasurer, treasurer; J. P. Ward ex-recorder, attorney. S. C. Wil- helm, for 30 years in Marietta, officiates as secretary giving bis entire time to this bus- iness. The office is at rooms 4 & 5, Law. Building It has about 3,000 members.
-
GERMAN NATIONAL BANK.
The Pioneer City Building & Loan Co. was organized in Aug. 1893, with an authorized capital of $250.000 which was later doubled and has since been increased to one million. It loans money at 12 cts. per $100, per week, upon approved real es- tate security and by paying 25 cents per week 13 cents is credited to the principal. As the principal is gradually reduced the interest becomes less, and with earnings enables the members to pay out in about ten years. J. S. Simpson, the president of this company, is in the wholesale grocery business; J. S. H. Torner, V. P., is mentioned under numerous enterprises; J. C. Brenan, Atty. is prosecuting attorney, and O. P. Hyde Sec -Treas., a native of Tompkins Co, N. Y. having come to Mari- etta several years ago. The organization has been able to regularly declare 3 to 3} per cent semi-annual dividends and its paid up stock is much sought for, as divid- ends are declared for whatever time the money has been in use. As the attorney secures his pay from the borrowers, there is but one man, the Sec .- Treas., who is on salary and it is worthy of note that of the nine busy business men who are directors, enough have been present at every weekly meeting for seven years to make a quor- um. The official statement for the year ending June 1898, showed receipts of $77.782.93, while that of June 1899 was $140,326.67, and the one just closed shows transactions aggregating $248,804.63 Assets July 1, 1900, $285,122.58, Although the youngest of Marietta's B & L Cos., it has made a commendable progress and bids fair to take rank with the foremost. Its membership is now 867, an increase of 312 for the last official year, a new member for every business day in the year.
German Savings Building and Loan Co. was originally organized in 1870, and rechartered several times, last in 1894, having at present about 1,200 members and
107
authorized to issue stock to the extent of $600.000. Its officers are Jacob Rech, Pres ; John Lenz, V. P .; John Bickert, Treas .; Fred Blume, Sec The directors are Jacob Rech, John Lenz Henry Blume, Jacob Gephart, Wm Geyer, Peter Grub, John Oesterle, Chas. Rech. Its last statement showed $188,440 assets Its man- agement is very conservative, as during all these years no mortgage has been fore- closed nor a dollar lost to the share holders on bad debts. No direct attempt is be- ing made to advertise the business, but to use it for a local safe means of saving and promoting the building of homes, among the citizens of Marietta and its vicinity.
Commercial Enterprises.
Wholesale £ Groceries. - It
will be fitting to commence the mention of strictly wholesale houses with
THE PENROSE & SIMPSON CO The Penrose & Simpson Co. which was established Jan. 1, 1891. The building is at 157 Front st., a HOLES three-story brick 24x180, which is literally packed with everything found necessary in the wholesale grocery trade. A hydraulic eleva- tor transports the goods from floor to floor and provides the means for handling this large stock of staple and fancy groceries, of foreign and domestic manufacture. The trade of this house extends well over a radius of 100 miles. The Penrose & Simpson Co. was incorporated in 1897, with capital of $80,000, the present officers being Charles Pen- THE PENROSE & SIMPSON CO. rose, Pres ; J. S Simpson, V. P .; R. G. Simpson, Sec. The company also has a large ware house on Post st. filled with reserve stock. The proprietors of the Penrose & Simpson Co. are connected with various enterprises in the city's upbuilding and the magnitude of its opera- tions assists in advertising Marietta abroad.
The C. L. Bailey Grocery Co .- In 1892 the above company was incorporated with $50,000 capital, J. M. Harper, Pres ; C. L. Bailey. V. P .: C. F. Strecker, Sec .; J. A. Davis, Treas. The building is 22x100 ft. three stories and the company keeps a complete stock in the line of wholesale groceries.
Otto Brothers .- Among the self- made commercial men of Marietta per- haps none have gained a more rapid prom- inence than Otto Brothers. They com- menced the dry-goods trade in the spring of 1886 and in '93 erected their present quarters Nos. 110-12 Putnam st. 41x100 ft. three stories and occupied throughout by their very complete line of dry goods, no- tions, and ladies ready made wear, in which they do quite an extensive jobbing trade as well as enjoy a large retail busi- ness. Needing additional room for their goods, in 1899 they erected the adjoining building of which they occupy the 3d floor. Some 20 persons find employment with this concern which adds to Marietta's commercial importance.
108
OTTO BROTHERS.
The Worrall Grocery Co.
Marietta's rapid increase as an industaial and commercial cen- tre has made it feasible to estab- lish additional wholesale houses and the Worrall Grocery Co. which was incorporated May, 1900, with $50,000 capital, com- menced business Aug. 15 in the uncompleted four-story and -- basement, Peddinghaus building 215 Second st., occupying all of one side and two top floors of the WORRALL other. This building is 46x100 and has been fitted with modern elevator and other requisites for GROCERY CO. - - - the successful prosecution of the business The officers are J. S Pierpoint, proprietor of St.Cloud Hotel and extensive oil operator, president; Geo. Worrall, for ten years past with the Penrose & Simpson house, treasurer: M. E. Coffman, of Coffman Bros .. secre- tary; P, W. Leedom of Butler, THE WORRALL GROCERY CO. Pa. vice. president and Chas. Pape, also a stockholder in the concern, with P. W. Leedom and M. E. Coffman make up the traveling force. Officered as above and with the business tact connected herewith, there is no doubt that the Worrall Grocery Co. will rapidly secure its share of trade in this and adjacent states.
E. J. Thorniley & Bro. - As Marietta is surrounded by a region favorable to the growth of strawberries and early vegetables as well as a large producer of ap- ples, peaches, etc. in favorable years, the handling of fruit and produce at whole- sale becomes an important feature of trade. E. J. Thorniley started the business some 16 years ago on Greene and in 1896 moved to 121 Putnam st. shown in the Citi- zen's Bank row, and the name was changed to Thorniley Bros. Some 12,000 to 15,- 000 bushels of berries are annually handled, 30 to 40 car loads of early tomatoes and cucumbers, and also large quantities of apples in good seasons, early potatoes and cabbage are shipped to some extent and these products imported, for local use, of the later varieties £ The firm also handles feed. The business is a great conveni- ence to raisers, dealers and shippers and fills its place in the city's industries.
C. R. Harper .- Among the rising young brokers of this place is the above, who has worked up a trade that runs into hundreds of thousands annually. Mr. Harper graduated from the Marietta Academy in 1895, and after traveling for the C. L. Bailey Grocery Co. a year commenced brokerage. He represents a large num- ber of first-class houses and holds his office at No. 3 Tiber Way, illustrated elsewhere.
The Marietta Brokerage Co. - This business was started in 1896, and purchas- ed by E. C. Linger, July '98. The line handled is particularly hay, straw and grain, which are bought and sold at wholesale, the transactions largely covering Ohio and W. Va. The office is at Front and Putnam sts. Mr. Linger refers to the Citizen's National Bank of Marietta and Dun's and Bradstreet's commercial agencies.
Dry Goods, etc. on pages 108-110.
Turner, Ebinger & Co -S. R. Turner, who died Nov. 1897, commenced busi- ness here in 1848, later the sons and Ebingers becoming partners, making above style of firm. For nearly 30 years the store has occupied its present quarters, and keeps a very complete line in dry goods. Some 25 persons are employed and the store compares favorably with many metropolitan store houses.
109
HUTCHISON'S BARGAIN STORE ..
CLOTHINGA
Hutchison's Bargain Store.
from leaving this place for metropolitan cities, thereby keeping the money and trade at home which naturally belongs here.
Hutchison's Bargain Store. -This department house at 169 171 Front st. has become a fam- iliar word in Marietta, A. W. Hutchison having started busi- ness here in 1889, and has con- tinued to add one line of goods after another until he now has a full department store; covering dry goods and notions, ladies' and children's wraps and ready made wear, hosiery and under- wear, gents furnishings. clocks and jewelry, groceries and con- fections, queensware, glassware, hardware, tinware, etc., carpets, oil-cloths, portiers, curtains, wall-paper, shades, etc., medi- cines, sewing machines, books, and stationery, musical instru- ments, picture frames to order, baskets and Japanese ware, and many other things for sale at re- tail or wholesale. The store gives employment to over thirty people and covers annual sales of about $100,000. Each commer- cial house of large proportions adds to Marietta's completeness and assists in preventing trade
Peter Kunz, Jr. commenced the dry goods trade in Marietta, Apr. 1, 1881, and Dec. 1, '85, remov- ed to 162 Front st., his present quarters, which be purchased three years since. The building is 20x130 ft., two-stories, and the proprietor contemplates in the near future of erecting a new front and making many other improvements. The store is stocked with a complete line of dry goods, and notions, and other articles usually found in connection with the dry goods line. Mr. Kunz although of German parentage, is a native Mariettian.
Chas. Jones & Son .- In 1869 Chas. Jones commenced the dry- goods trade farther up Front st. and in 1885 bought the present location at 172 Front st. which is two stories 22×180 ft. and devoted strictly to dry goods and notions. The son J. T. Jones became a partner in the
PETER KUNZ, JR.
concern 1897. The location is opposite the P. O. near the business centre, and the house is well stocked with a complete line of dress goods, domestics, notions, etc. and prepared to do its share of trade.
110
It
8 b
The St. Clair Building. - The superb office building illustrated below is 50x180 ft. four-stories and basement, and fitted in metropolitan office style, with fast run- ning elevator. sanitary plumbing and all the usual office conveniences. It cost about $75,000 and is one of Marietta's 1900 enterprises. The rear part is occupied by the county offices. The front is being fitted for the post-office.
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.