History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 67

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034

USA > Ohio > Crawford County > History of Crawford County and Ohio > Part 67

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to the time of the charter election, are given below with as much accuracy as is possible.

Joel Todd, 1840, Daniel Hoover, 1846 (Mr. Hoover resigned one year after election, to take the post office under President Polk); Alpheus Atwood, unknown; George Downer, unknown; Andrew Poe, 1858; W. C. Parsons, 1860 and 1862; Charles Quigley, 1864; Peter Cress, 1866; M. V. Payne, 1868; O. T. Hart, 1870; M. Burns, 1872 (resigned, and Samuel Myers elected to finish the term); Jacob Meu- ser, 1874 (resigned, and Wilson Armstrong elected to serve out the term); W. I. Goshorn, 1876; Abraham Underwood, 1878; charter election was in 1879, and J. R. Homer elected first Mayor of the city. Part of the time while Galion was a borough, the term of office for mayor was two years, the balance of the time being but for one year.

The assessed valuation of Galion was, in 1860, $374,757; in 1870, 8759,578; in 1879, it was $1,500,330, and in ISSO, about $2,120,- 000.

There was no separate census of Galion prior to 1860, at which time the population was 1,965. In 1870, the population had in- creased to 3,523. At the present census (1880) there is a population of 5,634. Since 1874, the population has increased over 2,000, and the valuation has increased about $1,250,- 000. In 1874, the city and school debt of Galion was $74,792. In October, 1880, the debt is about $17,000, and provisions are made for liquidating the last cent of indebt- edness in 1873. By that time, Galion will be ready for new enterprises and projects for advancement toward her destiny.

Of the various industries of the city of Galion, we may mention "The Galion Machine Works" as entitled to notice, as they deserve a much greater consideration than is generally accorded them. The immense railroad-shops in the near vicinity overshade them in impor-

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tance, but, when we examine into the business of these works, it will be discovered that good work has been done. They were established in 1854, and at the time of starting, the works consisted of one frame building, which was devoted to the casting of small articles used mostly by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In 1856, the foundry was destroyed by fire, but by the energy of the proprietors, Messrs Squier & Homer, it was soon rebuilt, and in one month from the fire was at work in the new quarters. In 1858, the machine shop was added by a Mr. Holms, who was the owner of the same for eight years, at the expiration of which time he was succeeded by J. B. Mc- Clinton, who shortly afterward associated his brother with him as a partner, under the firm name of McClinton & Brother. This was the style for three years, when the firm was known as McClinton & Co., and remained as such until July, 1875, when the present owners (the latter going into the firm in 1867) took sole charge of the machine shop. The machine shop and main building is a two story brick, 30x50 feet; the engine-room, 20x25 feet; the foundry-room, 40x60 feet; core-room, 12x20 feet. There are, in addition to these different departments, a paint and blacksmith shop and a pattern and storage room. All of these buildings occupy on the ground a surface of 132x150 feet. Constant employment is given to fifteen men, all of whom are experts in the different departments wherein they work. The engine has a power of twenty-five horse, and the machinery is of the best and most approved patterns and fully adequate to the purposes intended. Both members of the firm are prac- tical molders and have worked for wages. They are the kind of men that lead in their trades, and whose word and integrity are un- questioned. The senior member of the firm had charge of Woodruff & Beach's machine shop, at Hartford, Conn., for a number of

years. J. R. Homer has held the office of United States Ganger for the Eighteenth Dis- trict; he has also been member of the Board of Education. Mr. Homer landed in Galion with 50 cents in his pocket. This, with his honorable character and integrity, has made him one of the most respected citizens in the city. He was elected Mayor (although a Re- publican in principle) in a largely Democratic city, at the first charter elected in Galion. His 50 cents, with the other requisites, have brought him a fine residence, with other real estate, and a good paying business. His part- ner, Mr. A. C. Squier, is also a man of in- domitable will and perseverance. He is a master mechanic, and was connected with the machine works of Welch, Gray & Co., Bristol, Conn. This firm is manufacturing largely portable and stationary steam engines, Star feed cutters, saw-mills, wood-saws, etc. They also do all kinds of foundry work, and are prepared to repair engines, threshers, mowers and farming implements. The shops are lo- cated on Washington street, east of Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Rail- road Freight Office.

One of the most important considerations in the advantages of a city is its banking facili- ties. Much of the prosperity of a city may depend upon the integrity of these institu- tions. Like all other powers, with capabili- ties of working good, they may, when misused, be the instrument of great harm. When badly managed or dishonestly conducted, they may plunge a city into distress, paralyze man- ufactures, and bring disaster and ruin to almost every industry. During the last financial panic, when neighboring cities were so sud denly plunged into debt and bankruptcy, and the whole county suffered so severely, the banks of Galion stood firm and true to the interests of all trusts reposed in them. There are now in operation two national banks.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Their career, from the first beginning to the present, has been one of prosperity. They both enjoy the confidence of the community, and their credit is enviable. So it has ever been in the whole history of the banking busi- ness of Galion. Not one cent has ever been lost to a depositor, nor has any one ever suf- fered from bad credit. The first bank estab- lished in Galion was a private institution, owned and conducted by John S. Davis and John U. Bloomer. They commenced opera- tions in the year 1852. It was not a bank of issue, nor has there ever been such a one in Galion. This bank was located in the room now occupied by C. Fox as a clothing store, on East Main street. For seven or eight years, these gentlemen conducted their busi- ness with profit to themselves and convenience to the people.

On the 22d day of February, 1864, the First National Bank was organized. It ab- sorbed within itself the private bank of Davis & Bloomer, these gentlemen entering prom- inently into the new organization. The First National Bank of Galion has a capital stock of $50,000, divided into 500 shares of $100 each. The first President of the concern was C. S. Crimm; J. U. Bloomer was Cashier, and Miles Hosford, Teller. Crimm remains Presi- dent; O. L. Hays is Cashier, and W. P. Stentz, Assistant Cashier. The banking-rooms . are conveniently and pleasantly located in the First National Bank Building, on the north- west corner of the public square.

at the same time the capital stock being in- creased to $60,000. About the year 1872, the association bought ground on the southeast corner of the square, and erected a brick block, and removed the bank to this place. The President is I. H. Pennock; Vice President, A. Long; Cashier, J. H. Green, and Assistant Cashier, Austin Lowe.

The Citizens' Building Association, of Gal- ion, was organized the 3d of August, 1872. The authority upon which this association is founded is as follows:

We, the undersigned residents and citizens of the incorporated village of Galion, Ohio, to wit, James H. Green, J. G. Meuser, S. G. Cummings, Henry Nau and C. Ernst Klopp, desiring to organize a company for the purpose of raising moneys to be loaned among the members of such company for use in buying lots, or houses, or building or repairing houses, agree to be- come a body corporate, under the act of the Legisla- ture of the State of Ohio, passed May 5, 1868, and the amendments thereto, and upon the terms and con- ditions following, to wit: The name and style of the company shall be "The Citizens' Building Association of Galion, Ohio," and its place of doing business at Galion, in Crawford County. The capital stock of the company shall be three hundred thousand dollars, divided into fifteen hundred shares of two hundred dollars each. In testimony whereof, the parties afore- said have hereunto subscribed their names and affixed their seals this 3d day of August, A. D. 1872.

J. H. GREEN,

J. G. MEUSER,

S. G. CUMMINGS,

H. NAU, C. ERNST KLOPP.

The officers, at the time of organization, were David Mackey, President; J. G. Meuser, Secretary; Citizens National Bank, Treasurer. Directors-David Mackey, S. G. Cummings, C. Ernst Klopp, A. M. Brown, F. A. Keen, James Marshman, J. Jacob Schaefer. The shares have been reduced to about 1,000, the limit being between 500 and 1,500. This association is a solid concern, and is of real

The Citizens' Bank was organized July 25, 1866. There was invested a capital stock of $20,000. The first officers were John Beatty, President, and J. H. Green, Cashier. The bank was conducted under the above title for about six years. The rooms were in the building on South Market street, now owned by Dr. C. S. Coyle. On the 2d day of June 1872, it was incorporated as a national bank, | benefit in assisting worthy persons to build,

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buy or repair homes for themselves. The terms upon which its members receive assist- ance are easy and just. The association is doing a good, safe and prosperous business.

The mercantile business of Galion is similar to that of cities generally of the same size. There is some considerable jobbing of hard- ware, oils, etc. There are the usual number and quality of stores, and in no wise does Galion differ from other towns in dry goods, grocer- ies, hardware, furniture, clothing, etc. Proper advantage has not been taken of all the facili- ties for trade as should have been done. Every enterprise in Galion, and every business that has been well and properly conducted, has suc- ceeded, and this argues well that the railroad facilities might well be utilized in building up more than one good trade. A good woolen mill was once in operation in the city, but did not survive its trial. There is no doubt but this, as well as many other enterprises, will, within a few years, be in successful oper- ation.

The character of a city is known by its hotels, and in this respect Galion presents a good showing. The Capitol Hotel was first opened by John Tracey in 1853. He did not run it long before he was succeeded by Terry Harding. Mr. Harding was succeeded by Oliver Ruck, who, in 1870, was succeeded by C. E. Pratt, now of the Miltenberger House of Bellefontaine. Mr. Pratt enlarged, improved and refurnished the building. J. F. Mohen bought out Mr. Pratt, and ran the hotel the month of October, 1880, when it was bought by H. H. Elliot, of the Simms House, Bucyrus, and Will J. Ryan, of Galion. Fred Ticknor, of Bucyrus, and formerly of Weddel Strubur- ger's House, of Cleveland, will represent Mr. Elliot. There are fifty rooms furnished in a superior and comfortable style. The hotel is located at Nos. 107, 109 and 111 East Main street, and has a frontage of 99 feet, while it

extends back 198 feet. It is a handsome three-story brick structure, with some show of Gothic in its architecture, while a Mansard roof surmounts the building. Its capacity is for seventy-five persons, and the dining-room will seat fifty people. It is well conducted and is excellent in all its appointments.

The Central House was built by Joel and David Riblet in 1851. They occupied it as a dry goods store and dwelling. At this time, the little hotel opposite, where Jacob Ruhl had kept tavern, was occupied by Michael Matthius. David and Joel Riblet had kept the same hotel in 1848. In 1852, Brown & McMillan opened a hotel in the brick build- ing, and called it the Western. It was ex- tended back by the Riblets, but the third story was added after it left their possession. It has changed hands, and now several parties have an interest in the building. One of the present proprietors took possession of the hotel (now called Central) in 1874, by virtue of having purchased the interest of Mr. W. W. Reed; October 9, 1878, George H. String- ham became a full partner. The house is centrally located, as regards the business and residences of the city. It has a frontage of 99 feet on Main street, and extends back 198 feet. There are sixty-six sleeping rooms, three large sample rooms and a dining-room with a capacity of sixty seats. There are thirteen servants employed.

The Galion House is situated on South Market street, just over the Ohio & Pennsyl- vania depot. This hotel has, within a year, been repaired and refurnished by J. Garver. It is convenient to the depot and shops. It is a frame building without any pretentious look, but it is popular among the railroad men and enjoys its full share of patronage.

A large number of the houses in Galion have boarders. Every building, every room, is utilized. The number of mechanics makes

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

it necessary to have these boarding-houses or more taverns.

Five times the votes of any district gen- erally amounts to the same as the popula- tion. But five times the number of voters in Galion would give us a population of nearly 7,000. Thus it can be seen that there is quite an excess of unmarried men, for the popula- tion is actually only 5,300 in round numbers.

Nothing so accurately measures the social condition of a community as the amount and kind of literary matter that is read. The newspaper business commenced early in the history of Galion. The changes in politics and names of proprietors of newspapers, and the names of the papers themselves, would constitute a lengthy sketch of itself. A full history of the press of Galion can be found in another chapter of this work, devoted to the press of the county, and hence will not be repeated here.

The National Mills, one of the solid con- cerns of Galion, were established by David & Parson over twenty years ago. They have passed through various hands, were successively improved, until purchased by C. & F. Nachtrieb, twelve or fourteen years ago, from Snyder & Brothers. When the Nach- triebs took hold of these mills their capacity was not very great. They put in a new boiler and machinery and enlarged the building. About one year after the new boiler had been put in, it exploded, and caused a damage of $3,000 to $4,000. In 1877, the mills were overhauled again, and machinery put in of a later pattern. Later, other improvements were made. These mills have a capacity for 100 barrels of flour per day. They do both cus- tom and merchant work. Their trade is mostly in Pennsylvania and New York. The com- pany are manufacturing their own barrels, and employ eight to ten men night and day ; a switch running to the mills connects with

the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & In- dianapolis Railroad. Charles and Frederick Nachtrieb, the proprietors, are both natives of Germany.

In 1865, F. W. Johnson and William Patrick entered into the lumber and coal business. This forms a very important in- terest in this part of Ohio. Much capital has been invested by the present firm, Johnson, Linsley & Co., and the business requires con- siderable skill in keeping up with the trade and studying the new demands constantly made. The firm has two branch lumber- yards in other towns, which will show at once their ability in building up such a trade. They carry a stock of 1,250,000 feet of lum- ber, and do an annual business of over $150,- 000. On the pay-rolls there are forty names. There are two foremen, and T. H. Linsley acts as book-keeper.

In 1854, John Kraft erected a brewery, west of Galion. He is a German, and early learned the practical part of the business of brewing. He was succeeded in the business 'by his son, John Kraft, Jr., in 1866, who en- larged and improved the business. The main building is brick, 40x60 feet, and three stories high. The capacity of this brewery is 8,000 barrels per annum. Galion consumes of this product about 2,400 barrels. The brewery is now conducted by Daniel Roth.

The Tyler Organ Company was established in April, 1879, with its place of business on the northeast corner of the square, in the old brick. In June of the same year, the com- pany was re-organized and the name changed to that of the "Empire Organ Company." The quarters were removed to the old planing- mill on South Market street, near Pennsyl- vania & Ohio Railroad depot. This building was remodeled to meet the requirements of the company, and a dry-kiln erected on the grounds, by means of which they are assured

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

of the perfect seasoning of the lumber used. Two gentlemen of this company, Mr. Tyler and Mr. Whitney, have been employed as master mechanics in many of the largest es- tablishments in the United States. They have agents throughout Ohio and adjoining States. The company employs constantly about fifteen men, and sales have progressed steadily from one organ per week up to seven. They are at this time putting in nearly $1,000 worth of new machinery, and intend enlarging the capacity of the building. The amount of sales, when compared with the length of time the works have been established, is sufficient evidence of the quality of their wares. Mr. Tyler has added to these organs certain im- provements of his own invention. Mr. Whit- ney and Mr. Tyler are both fine musicians, and their personal supervision over the whole establishment, and their inspection of each piece in detail, as well as of the instruments complete, makes a double guarantee of their perfection.

It was in the year 1824 that Galion received a post office. As stated in the preceding chapter, it was at the old Corners, and Horace Hosford, a brother of Asa Hosford, was the first Postmaster. It can easily be imagined that the duties pertaining to postal matters were not arduous. Mr. Hosford relates that an average of one letter per day, as long as he was the public functionary, was consid- ered evidence of a flourishing condition of that department. Letters could be sent with- out prepayment of postage. If a young man in Galion corresponded with his ladylove, and she resided over 500 miles from him, it cost him 50 cents a month to pay for her letters and his own, providing each wrote once a month. This was a fearful drain on the pocket of a lover, and the flame would neces- sarily be warm and ardent when it consumed such precious fuel. The amount of postage

at that time was regulated by the distance the mail matter was carried. The mail came by stage from Bucyrus and Mansfield, and was carried by the Ohio stage line, running originally from Pittsburgh to Mansfield. The line was extended afterward to Bucyrus, and mail was taken every Wednesday to the latter place. As the county settled up, the stages were increased and the number of post offices multiplied. The stages were the old style rockaway, on strap springs, painted a wine and bright red color. They were generally drawn by four horses in winter, and when the roads were good in summer they got along with two horses. There were two boots on the stage, one behind and one in front under the driver's feet. These stages were intended to carry fifteen persons, twelve in- side and three outside, including the driver. There was a seat at each end, and a double one in the middle, each seat capable of hold- ing three persons. Straps were placed across the stage in front of each seat, on which the passenger leaned or held on with his hands. But for these protecting straps, the lurching and swaying of the stage in chuck-holes would throw the passengers about indiscriminately. The horses, and generally the driver, were changed at Riblet's hotel. There was a stage arrival every day, one from Mansfield, and the next day its return from Bucyrus. Among the drivers of this old set of Jehus were Eri Hosford, Samuel Casey, Joel Riblet, John Snyder, Benjamin Hoover, John Hoover, Joe Hoover, and, occasionally, Dunk Mitchell. At a later day, Thomas Holton and Peter Acker- man. Once William Hoover, in driving from Galion to Riblet's Corners, became a little anx- ious about not seeing some feature of the gen- eral muster which was then going on in the fields near the hotel. On the way, a linch-pin was lost from a hind axle, and in going down a hill the wheel ran off and upset the coach. No

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

one was hurt, and all the passengers took the back track to search for the linch-pin, which was found after an hour's delay, half a mile back. Mr. Riblet gave up the tavern business to his son-in-law, Mr. Samuel Shunk, and then built for himself a fine brick residence on East Main street, and removed to Galion in the year 1854. Under Pierce's administra- tion, Mr. Riblet was made Postmaster of Gal- ion, and served up to the administration of President Lincoln. Mr. Riblet occupied a prominent position, and was identified with many of the interests of Galion after his re- moval. He had been a Justice of the Peace for eighteen years. He was elected to serve as State Representative for two terms-from 1840 to 1844. He was also, in 1852, elected a member of the State Senate. He died in 1865, and was buried in the cemetery that he donated and named. The Postmasters of Galion, as far as is known, were Horace Hos- ford, who, in 1824, kept the office in connection with his store at the old Corners; Jonathan Ayers was Postmaster, but for how long a time or where he kept the office we have been unable to ascertain; Solomon Nave kept the office in a small frame building near the square, where Anthony Long now lives; Ran Hoover, as Postmaster, occupied a hewed-log building on the lot opposite the Capitol House, where he carried on the business of wheel- wright and chair-making; Mr. Hoover was Postmaster for four years; Jacob Bryfugle kept the office on the Anthony Long property, where Solomon Nave had occupied; John S. Davis, in Davis & Bloomer's brick block, where the latter carried on the business of dry goods; Dan Riblet first kept the office in the dry goods store of Joel and Jacob Riblet, where George Snyder's grocery now is; afterward, Mr. Riblet erected a small frame building for the purpose, where Burgest & Deitrich's tin and stove store now is, and back of the

Central Hotel. Mr. Carhert was appointed Postmaster at the beginning of President Lin- coln's administration. His brother, E. Y. Smith, was deputized to conduct the business of the office. As soon as Mr. Smith had pos- session, he removed the office to a frame building where Kesselmier's Block now stands. During the service of E. Y. Smith, which was sixteen years and nine months, the office was located in quite a number of different places. Once it was where Mackey's Block now stands; for a time in Howard's Block; once on North Market street, and the last time in Keene's Block; Robert Cowden became Postmaster January 29, 1878, and is still in the office. Mr. Cowden removed the office to the north part of the First National Bank building, where it has remained ever since. Galion Post Office became a money-order office while Mr. Smith was acting as Postmaster, on the 21st day of July, 1871.

As the city and township business increased, the authorities began to agitate the question of building a public edifice for the use of officers, court-room, etc. In 1873, the authori- ties of Polk Township and the corporation of Galion entered into an agreement to erect jointly a building for the above purpose. It was agreed that the township should pay one- third and own an undivided interest of one- third the building, and the corporation to pay two-thirds and own a two-thirds interest. There was much discussion in regard to the location of the building. Long remonstrances were signed and presented to the Council, and, before the site was selected, this question be- came an issue in the elections. Eventually, a part of Lot 48, original plat of Galion, was selected. The size of the building was to be 66x75 feet, three stories high, to be built of brick and stone. Plans and specifications were agreed upon, and the contract awarded to George Wimmie in 1875, and it was fin-

John Trimble

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

ished the following year. At the time the plan was completed, Sam Myers was Mayor; M. Doty, clerk of corporation, and J. G. Men- ser, clerk of township. The lower story of the building has one storeroom, two election rooms (one for city and one for township), one room for Star steamer and hose cart. and one jail-room. The second story has six rooms, Mayor's and Justice's court-room, Council room, firemen's room, one room to be used temporarily as infirmary. and one that is open for rent. In the third story is the opera hall, a good room with stage complete, and twenty- six changes of scenery. It is so arranged that the township receives two-thirds of all rents from opera house, and one-third from the rents below. The ground upon which the building stands was purchased at a cost of $3,500. The building cost $26,336.22, and is a good one and well worth the money ex- pended upon it; yet many of the citizens re- main dissatisfied with the location. Especially is this the case as regards the opera hall.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 67

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034