USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 20
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The visitor was a man from the east, desiring to collect a claim held against one who was teaching school not far away, and who was the owner of forty acres of land.
Mr. Goit drew up the necessary papers, the man collected his claim by taking the land, the teacher left the place, and Goit was employed to teach the remainder of his term of school.
Business brightened up, clients came, and he abandoned the idea of leaving the place, and went to board with Wm. Taylor, who was keeping tavern.
Mrs. Taylor's sister, Miss Jane Patterson, and her brother had come from Pennsylvania, making the trip on horseback, and took up their residence with Mr. Taylor. Mr. Goit and Miss Patterson were married in 1835. .
No man in the county did more to develop its resources, and to assist the struggling community in its efforts towards wealth and prosperty. He engaged extensively in mercan- tile business in Findley, Bluffton, Gilboa and Ottowa. He was engaged in almost every public enterprise in town and country.
He was a man of unbounded generosity, and had great confidence in his fellow men. He was seldom appealed to in vain. But like all men of his kind, he became the vic- tim of misplaced confidence, He indorsed notes, and went bail for almost every one who requested him to do so, and the usual result followed-embarrassment, importunity of creditors-and failure. But he neither made an assignment or went into bankruptcy, but took off his coat, went to work
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Edson Goit, sr.
and assured his creditors that they should not loose a penny by him, but that if life was spared him, he would pay every dollar he owed. Life was spared, and he nobly redeemed his promise.
As an Attorney, Mr. Goit was a successful practitioner. He was Treasurer of the County, and also Prosecuting At- torney. Whetever faults Mr. Goit may have had, and he no doubt had some-for who has not-dishonesty was not one of them. His reputation for honesty was never questioned, even in his darkest hour. One of the great comforts to him in his last sickness, was the fact that he should die square with the world, as he expressed it,
Mr. Goit's social qualities always insured him a ready welcome in society. He died in October, 1880, at Bowling Green, Ohio, of which place he had been a resident for sev- eral years.
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History of Hancock County.
INDUSTRIES OF FINDLEY.
FINDLEY LINSEED OIL MILL.
In August 1865, James T. Adams, William Anderson and Calvin A. Cronninger purchased the frame building on the north side of Crawford street, originally the Presbyterian Church, but recently the Findley Woolen Mills, and placed in it the necessary machinery for the manufacture of Lin- seed Oil. The first year in which it was in operation, not more than three thousand bushels of seed were used. The proprietors loaned to farmers for sowing, about three hun- dred bushels.
In February 1868, Mr. Cronninger sold his interest to his partners, and retired from the business.
In 1873, the proprietors built a fine two story brick fire proof warehouse, or seed house in front of the frame build- ing, and flush with the street. In this building, in addition to storage, is the office of the company, consisting of two rooms, paved with flagging, heated by a grate, and supplied with desks, safes and other office conveniences.
In August, 1877, Mr. Anderson sold his interest to Mr. Adams and Milton Taylor, of Toledo, and he, too, retired from the business.
In 1880 the old frame part was torn down and a fine brick structure took its place. This new building is occu- pied by machinery, and storage in second story, and it is fitted up with all the latest conveniences. The building and
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Findley Woolen Mills.
machinery are valued at $24,000. The annual consumption of seed is thirty-five thousand bushels. About three-fourths of this seed is produced in Hancock County, and the balance is brought from the west.
The oil is marketed at home and in Boston. The oil cake is sold in Philadelphia, for Pennsylvania. For the last twelve years C. H. Cummings, of Philadelphia, has pur- chased all the oil cake made at this mill.
FINDLEY WOOLEN MILL.
William Anderson and John D. Mckibben purchased the old Presbyterian Church building on Crawford street in 1858, and after remodeling and fitting it up, put in four looms and two hundred spindles, together with the other necessary machinery, and commenced the manufacture of woolen goods.
In 1862 Mr. Mckibben sold his interest to Mr. Ander- son.
In 1865 Mr. Anderson sold the old building, and erected the present large buildings on Main Cross slreet, east of Eagle Creek. The building is of brick, forty feet wide by eighty feet long, and three stories in heighth. The rooms are large and well lighted. There is a one story brick addition or wing, twenty by forty-five feet, occupied as an office and sales-room. There is also a large Dye House and other necessary buildings, all of brick. The buildings cost about nine thousand dollars, and the machinery about sixteen thousand dollars.
There are eight looms, four hundred spindles, twe setts cards, and such other of the most approved machinery as belongs to an establishment of this kind. The capacity of the mill is 50,000 pounds of wool per annum. Cassimeres
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History of Hancock County.
Sattinetts, Blankets, Flannels and yarns are manufactured. The market for the goods is in the county.
FINDLEY FOUNDRY AND MACHINE WORKS.
In 1857 Augustus Sheffield erected a brick building, thirty by one hundred feet, on the south side of west Main Cross street, into which he put the necessary machinery for carrying on a foundry and repair of machinery.
In 1859 Jesse Wolf and Simon Willhelm purchased the entire property, having previously carried on the old Jack- son Foundry, and operated under the name of Wolf & Will- helm until 1864. In 1863 William France took an interest in the business, which he retained until 1864.
In the latter year, R. S. Mungen became a partner by the retirement of Mr. Willhelm, and the firm name was changed to R. S. Mungen & Co.
In 1865 Louis purchased on interest, and the firm name became Adams, Mungen & Wolf.
Jesse Wolf sold out to Mungen and Adams in 1866, but after being out about a year returned. During this time the business was carried on under the name of Adams & Mungen.
Mr. Wolf retired finally from the establishment in 1868, by disposing of his interest to Vincent H. Coons, and Adams sold his interest to Cyrus Vail. The firm name was now Mungen, Coons & Vail.
In 1868 Vail resold his interest to Adams, and Mungen also sold to Adams, and Adams & Coons carried on the business until 1872, when Adams retired and John W. Davis, Wm. L. Davis, Jas. T. Adams, and Newton M. Adams became interested, since which time the firm name has been Coons, Adams & Co.
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Findley Flax Mill.
In 1880 William L. Davis having died, the others partners bought of the heirs his interest.
In 1873 an addition of brick, forty by one hundred feet, two stories high, was built, facing on Main Cross street, also an engine house.
This company have buildings valued at ten thousand dol- lars, and machinery valued at eight thousand dollars. They manufacture stationary and portable engines, saw mills, and mill machinery, and all kinds of castings. They employ twenty hands.
Vincent H. Coons, John W. Davis, James T. Adams and Newton M. Adams now compose the company.
FINDLEY FLAX MILL.
In 1870 the Delaware Bagging Company put up a frame building on east Main Cross street, east of Eagle Creek, into which they put machinery for the purpose of manufac - turing tow from flax straw. The linseed oil mill having created a market for flax-seed, the cultivation of flax had become quite general.
In June 1872, J. T. Adams and William Anderson pur- chased the mill, and in 1877 Mr. Anderson, by the purchase of the interest of Adams, became sole owner.
The buildings are valued at three thousand dollars, and the machinery at two thousand dollars. About seven hun- dred tons of straw is worked up annually. Until the last year, the market for the tow, has been at St. Louis, Mo., and Louisville, Ky. The entire product of last year was sold in Lima, O.
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History of Hancock County.
A. W. RAY-CARRIAGE SHOP.
In 1860 Karr & Sprau came to the place and at once commenced wagon making and blacksmithing on a small scale, on the south side of Main Cross street, west of the Court House. After remaining here about two years, they disposed of the business to John M. Fergeson. Not long afterwards P. B. Morrison purchased an interest, and the business was carried on in the name of Fergeson & Morri- son.
In 1866 Morrison disposed of his interest to S. C. Moore, and he after a year sold to George Heck. This firm of Fergeson & Heck put up a two story frame building thirty by sixty feet, fronting on Main Cross street, which was and is now used as a sales room below, and paint shop above.
In 1870 Mr. Fergeson retired, and was succeeded by J. L. Linnville, and the business was carried on by Heck & Linnville, until Mr. Heck sold to William Biggs, who in turn sold to Charles Fritcher, and he shortly after disposed of his interest to A. W. & J. K. Ray, and L. Fitzpatrick, and the new firm assumed the name of Linnville, Ray & Co. Two years later, Mr. Linnville retired, and Ray, Fitzpatrick & Ray become the firm.
In 1877 J. K. Ray died, and a few months afterwards A. W. Ray bought the entire establishment, and the business has ever since been conducted in his name.
Carriages and wagons of all styles are manufactured and are unsurpassed in material and workmanship. The busi- ness amounts to not less than $12,000 annually. Twelve hands are employed in the different shops, and the business of Mr. Ray is steadily increasing.
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Rake Factory-Carriage Shop.
FINDLEY RAKE FACTORY.
In May, 1873, Andrew Bushon, Horace M. Vance and C. E. Seymour built a frame building, thirty by fifty feet, and two stories high, on the west side of Main street, in North Findley. This was the first Rake Factory, and all kinds of handles were also made. The firm was Bushon & Seymour. In December, 1873, an addition of fifteen by fifty feet was built.
Mr. Bushon retired from the firm in 1874, and the busi- ness was carried on under the name of Vance & Seymour until 1876, when Vance sold out to P. J. Sours, the firm then being Sours & Seymour until July, 1878, at which time Mr. Seymour became sole proprietor by the purchase of the interest of Mr. Sours.
On the 21st of May, 1880, the. building was burned, to- gether with the machinery and stock, at a loss of about nine thousand dollars.
In June, 1880, Mr. Seymour commenced the erection of a brick building, on the north side of Crawford street, on the site of the old Jackson Foundry, and completed it in November. The building is two stories in heighth, fifty by sixty-eight feet. It is supplied with the latest and most approved machinery, valued at six thousand dollars, the building being worth three thousand.
This establishment manufactures nothing but hand rakes. It gives employment to twenty-five hands, and make 15,000 dozen of rakes annually.
CARRIAGE SHOP-BUCK, REIMUND & SEYEANG.
In 1859 Daniel Buck built a small frame building on the north side of west Main Cross street, which he occupied as a wagon and blacksmith shop. About two years later, he
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History of Hancock County.
took in a partner, Stephen Seyfang, a practical blacksmith. The business was carried on by the two, until 1866, when Adam Reimund, a wood worker purchased an interest, and the business was carried on under the name of D. Buck & Co. This firm in 1868 erected a frame building on the same ground, which was used as a wood and paint shop.
In 1875, having previously purchased ground on the south side of Main Cross street, running south to Putnam street, the old buildings were removed to the new location, and a fine two story brick building, thirty-five feet wide and eighty-five feet long, facing the street, was erected. The first floor was finished up for and is used as an office and sales room, and the second floor as a paint shop. The building presents an imposing appearance, and is commodi- ous in its arrangements.
The company manufacture wagons and carriages of the most approved styles, and all of first class materials. They employ twenty-five hands in the various departments, and their annual sales amount to not less than $25,000. The buildings and machinery is valued at $10,000. The mem- bers of the firm are Daniel Buck, Adam Reimund and Stephen Seyfang.
FINDLEY CARRIAGE BENT WORKS.
In November, 1879, Y. Bickham and Charles Wright leased the large two story brick building on west Crawford street, known as the Novelty Works, and with a capital of $10,000, under the management of Mr. Wright, commenced the manufacture of Carriage Bent Goods, such as shafts, poles, bows, felloes and sawed stock for carriages and wag- ons, under "Wright's Hot Form Process." The business was conducted for about one year in this way, when in Jan-
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Furniture-Stave and Handle Factory.
uary, 1881, Mr. Bickham retired from the firm, Mr. Wright purchasing his interest.
The concern is now known as the Findley Carriage Bent Works, C. Wright, Proprietor. The timber used is ash, oak and hickory, of which about two hundred thousand feet are used annually. The buildings occupied by the works are valued at $7,000, and machinery at $6,000. Twenty-five employees are required to operate the premises.
DIETSCH'S FURNITURE ESTABLISHMENT.
The firm of A. Dietsch & Co. in 1860 erected a frame building on west Main Cross street, one and a half stories high, and commenced the manufacture of furniture. In 1875 and 1876 they put up a two story brick building thirty feet wide and one hundred and thirty long. Such has been their increase in business, that during the last year it ex- ceeded $16,000, more than half of which was of their own make.
All kinds of furniture is made, and all sales are by retail only. The firm consists of Charles Dietsch and his two sons, Edward and Anthony.
FINDLEY STAVE AND HANDLE FACTORY.
In 18.2 D. C. Fisher, John K. Wise, A. Bushon, H. F. Winders, John M. Hamlin and Samuel C. Moore formed a partnership for the purpose of manufacturing barrel staves and farm tool handles, and at once commenced operations near the railroad, on west Sandusky street. In December of the same year, Mr. Fisher disposed of his interest to the remaining members of the firm and retired. Mr. Wise died in 1873, and his interest was purchased by the firm.
Mr. Bushon sold his interest to Messrs. Hamlin & Win-
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History of Hancock County.
ders of the firm, in February, 1873. Soon after this, the establishment was destroyed by fire, at a great loss to the owners, but with commendable pluck and energy, and the assistance of friends, they immediately rebuilt, and enlarged the capacity of their establishment.
In 1875 Mr. Moore disposed of his interest to Henry Hellenkamp, and in 1878 Mr. H. sold to Hamlin & Winders who have since been the sole owners.
The machinery and grounds are worth $8,000, and oak staves, headings and all kinds of farm tool handles are made, for which a market is found throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. The business is constantly increasing, and now the demands for their work exceeds the capacity of the establishment. The present proprietors are John M. Hamlin and Henry F. Winders.
FINDLEY GAS LIGHT COMPANY.
This company was incorporated July 7th, 1871, by virtue of the laws of the State. The incorporators were William Anderson, William L. Davis, Samuel D. Frey, J. J. Wheeler and Chas. E. Niles. On the 26th day of August, 1874, the village council passed an ordinance granting the Gas Light Company the privilege of using streets and alleys, and of erecting suitable works.
In September of the same year, the company assigned all their privileges, benefits and franchises to R. T. Coverdale, who at once erected works, laid down mains, and in Decem- ber the town was lighted.
In 1865 Mr. Coverdale sold to the Findley Gas Light Company, composed mainly of resident stockholders, who elected S. D. Frey, President, J. J. Childs, Secretary, Geo. W. Myers, Charles E. Niles and R. T. Coverdale, Directors.
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Saddlery Establishment.
The works were sold to the new organization for $28,000, and were under the management of R. T. Coverdale until January, 1877, when they passed into the control of Y. Bickham. thence into the hands of the present company, composed of J. G. Hull, C. E. Niles, S. D. Frey, W. Ander- son, G. W. Myers, Jennie E. Bickham and Y. Bickham. The officers are J. G. Hull, President and Treasurer, Y. Bickham, Secretary, E. B. Phillips, Superintendent.
The company have laid over seven miles of pipe, and one hundred and twelve street lamps, and about three hundred private consumers are supplied with gas. The business of the company is generally increasing, and a good article of gas is produced.
RUHL'S SADDLERY ESTABLISHMENT.
In 1876 John S. and George W. Ruhl purchased the two story brick building on the east side of Main and north of Sandusky street, and removed the saddlery shop of George W. Ruhl into the same. They at once commenced business in their line on a large scale, manufacturing all kinds of harness, and especially collars.
In 1880 they patented and improved a pad, called the "Ohio Team Pad," a very valuable improvment in the con- struction of harness.
The Messrs. Ruhl are now doing an extensive wholesale business in all kinds of saddlery goods, and are manufac- turing largely. They have already sold over two thousand pairs of their team pad. One of the firm is on the road nearly all the time, making sales and looking after the inter- est of their establishment.
They employ twenty-four workmen, and they estimate their business at $50,000 a year. They have a building
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History of Hancock County.
worth $5,000, and a large stock on hands, with a steadily increasing business.
EAGLE FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP.
In 1871 W. K. Marvin removed the two story frame building, corner of Main Cross street and Mechanics alley, to the south side of east front street, and fitted it up for a foundry. The business was carried on for ten years, when the old building was torn down, and there is now in process of erection on the site, a brick building one hundred feet long and thirty feet wide, with an eight foot basement, and a eleven foot story above, with a large moulding room. Into this Mr. Marvin is placing all the necessary machinery for carrying on his business. He is largely engaged in the manufacture of portable engines, and all kinds of mill gear- ing, as well as making all kinds of castings.
His building and machinery are worth not less than $10,000. The members of the firm are W. K. Marvin and his sons, Russell and Demy.
RUMMEL'S CABINET AND CHAIR FACTORY.
This establishment is situated on the south side of east Crawford street. The building, which is a large two story frame, was built by Moses Bullock, in 1855, and occupiod by him as a furniture manufactory, until September, 1856, when the business of Porch & Wheeler, in the same line, was consolidated with Mr. Bullock's, and carried on under the firm name of Porch, Bullock & Co., until the spring of 1858. Mr. Wheeler then retired, and David Rummell became a partner.
The new firm of Bullock & Co. continued until the fall of 1859, when Mr. Porch withdrew, and Bullock & Rummell
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Chair Factory-Planing Mill.
carried on the business, until the latter part of the year 1862, when Rummell sold his interest to Mr. Bullock, and retired.
In the fall of 1875 Mr. Rummell purchased the entire stock of furniture from Mr. Bullock, and since that time has been sole proprietor.
The business of this establishment has steadily increased year by year, and notably so since Mr. Rummell's owner- ship, until it is now a first class institution. All work done is of the best quality. Mr. R. being a practical and intelli- gent workman himself, uses the knowledge gained by his long experience in the business, in the selection of all ma- terials used by him, and all finished work which he handles. He keeps his sales-rooms filled with an assortment of goods in his line, from the cheapest to the very finest and richest of articles in his trade. His workmen are skilled mechan- ics, and this establishment is now regarded as one of the permanent and valuable industries of the town.
FINDLEY PLANING MILL:
In 1864 D. C. Fisher and W. H. Wheeler purchased the four lots on west Crawford streets, known as the old ashery lots, and put up a two story frame building, and completed it for the purpose of manufacturing sash, blinds and doors, and dressing lumber, and removed to it the business of D. C. Fisher from East Findley. The building cost about three thousand dollars. The firm was Fisher & Wheeler.
Whilst this firm was in existence, C. E. Seymour pur- chased a third interest and became a partner, the firm name was D. C. Fisher & Co. Wheeler soon afterwards sold his interest to John Shull, and without change in name, this firm existed until 1867, when Fisher disposed of his inter-
22
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History of Hancock County.
est to William Anderson, and retired from the business. Under the new arrangement, the firm was John Shull & Co.
In 1869 Anderson and Seymour sold to G. W. Myers and S. D. Frey the John Shull manufacturing company was in- corpated.
This company carried on the business until 1877, when D. C. Fisher and John Shull purchased the interest of My- ers and Frey, since which time the firm is known as Shull & Fisher.
During all these years, and amid all these changes, the property has been greatly improved, and the business con- stantly increasing. The building now has an iron roof, a brick shaving room, and the most improved machinery has been introduced. The building is worth $4,000, and the machinery about $10,000. There is also quite an extensive lumber yard connected with the establishment, and the amount of lumber handled will amount to 2,000,000 feet annually. The manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, and finishing of all kinds of wood building materials exceeds $60,000 in value. Twenty men are employed in the differ- ent departments. The members of the firm are John Shull and D. C. Fisher.
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Methodist Church.
CHURCHES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
The Rev. Elam Day formed the first class in Findley in January, 1833. The first members were Catharine Swapp-now Mrs. H. M. Mosier-Sarah Carlin, wife of Parlee Carlin, Sarah Carlin, wife of Squire Carlin, William Dewitt and others.
The Rev. Thomas Thompson and Rev. Elanthan Gavitt were the first regular preachers. When Findley was made a mission circuit Elam Day was preacher in charge and B. Allen, assistant, and were appointed by the Ohio Conference. In 1833 they reported three hundred and eight members. The meetings were held in the school house and court house.
The first church building was erected in 1835 on the east end of Main Cross street, Whitman and Brecken- ridge then being the pastors. The building was a frame, and cost Fourteen Hundred Dollars. The membership was only Fifty.
This house was used continually until 1851 when a brick building, much larger and more substantial than the old frame, and at a cost of seven thousand dollars, was erected. The Sabbath school numbered one hundred and eighty-five, and the membership one hundred and eighty. The Rev. W. S. Lunt, pastor. The next year
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History of Hancock County.
Findley was made a station and Rev. Lunt was returned.
The present church edifice on west Sandusky street was erected in 1867-68 at a cost of $38000, including par- sonage. It is a fine brick building with stained windows, slate roof, and a spire one hundred and eighty feet in height. The first story, or basement, more properly speaking, is used as lecture room, Sunday school and class rooms. The audience room on second floor, has a seating capacity of about seven hundred, with a gallery at one end. The desks, seats for choir and organ room are at the north end of the room, The organ is a good one, purchased at a cost of $2,000. The Rev. Isaac New- ton was in charge of the station at the time of the build- ing of the church, and was very active and efficient in his work. The Rev. Francis Davies is now in charge, with a membership of three hundred, and a Sabbath school of two hundred and eighty-five, under the superintendency of H. F. Winders.
Those pioneers of Methodism, Bigelow, Gurley, Run- nells, Allen, Breckenridge, Heustis, Biggs, Wilson, Pope, Gavitt, Hill, Whiteman and others equally eminent, have traveled the wilds of this and adjoining counties pro- claiming the truths of the gospel, with eloquence and zeal.
THE ENGLISH LUTHERN CHURCH.
In the fall of 1838 the Rev. M. Cortex, a German, was sent as a missionary to Hancock County and preached in Findley for about two years. In 1840 the Rev. Charles Wisler came, and remained until the latter part of 1841. He was followed in 1842 by the Rev. Barney Huffman, who labored here for three or four years, holding services in the court house.
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