USA > Ohio > Henry County > History of Henry and Fulton counties, Ohio : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 20
USA > Ohio > Fulton County > History of Henry and Fulton counties, Ohio : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 20
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Thiesen & Hildred's Planing-mills. The name applied to this important branch of Napoleon's industries is adopted simply for convenience, and is but poorly expressive of the character or extent of business done by the firm. To be sure, they have an extensive planing-mill, but in addition to that feature of the business, they are manufacturers of doors, sash, blinds, mouldings, and deal- ers in lumber, lath, shingles, lime, cement and plastering hair The works are situate on the south side of Front street, and west of Perry street, in the center of the extensive manufacturing area of the village; the firm also have an extensive lumber yard on the north side of the canal, some distance from
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the factory, and one of less extent near that building. The plant was founded in the year 1864, by John Thiesen and William Shepard, by whom the first business was done. After about a year Shepard sold his interest to Levi Wells, the latter replacing the former in the firm, which then became Thiesen & Wells. Some years later Wells sold to Frederick Aller, and the firm name was changed to Thiesen & Aller. Again, after a lapse of about seven years, the senior partner sold his interest to Daniel Richards, and at the same time Mr. Hildred went into the firm which became Aller, Richards & Co., Mr. Hil- dred being the company. In 1877, September I, Mr. Thiesen bought in, taking Richards's interest, and again the firm name changed to Aller, Hil- dred & Co. In 1881, Thiesen and Hildred, with J. D. Norton, purchased the Aller interest and changed the firm name to Thiesen, Hildred & Co. The last change was made in May, 1887, when Thiesen and Hildred bought the other interest, and the present firm of Thiesen & Hildred was established. Notwithstanding the frequent changes made in this firm establishment, the business has always been successfully conducted and proved a fairly profitable investment of means. To be sure, in times of stagnation in trade and business circles, the firm have felt the general depression, but at no time can the busi- ness be said to have been conducted at a loss.
Napoleon Foundry. This industry was established by T. J. Clay, in the year 1858, or thereabouts, but after operating some time was sold to A. B. Scribner. The latter subsequently sold a half interest to R. M. Bedeau, and business was managed under the firm style of Scribner & Bedeau. In 1874 the Bedeau interest was sold to Ephraim James and the firm name changed to Scribner & James ; one year later Mr. James became sole owner and proprie- tor, and with some changes of no strong account has so continued to the pres- ent time. The works are located on the street first east of Perry, and a short distance north of Front, but when first started were on a common some dis- tance further east. At the foundry is manufactured all kinds of iron and brass castings, particularly light castings.
Tile and Brick works. In the year 1869 the firm of H. A. Myerholtz & Brothers established a plant for the manufacture of drain tile and building brick. The works are situate on Washington street, east. No tile was made by them, however, until the year 1876, since which it has ranked equal with their other branch of manufacture. The manufacture of tile is governed largely by the demand for it through the agricultural districts, as much of the land, through this county at least, requires draining before it can be made profitable for farm- ing purposes. The annual production of brick by this firm reaches about one and one-half millions. In the year 1886 they manufactured about four hun- dred thousand feet of drain tile of all sizes. At their works there is a visible future supply of clay to run about three more years, but when that is ex- hausted they have an abundant supply elsewhere and within convenient dis- tance.
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Miller's Carriage Works. This branch of trade and manufacture under this name was started by John and Florence Miller in the year 1870, and so continued until 1877, when John Miller sold his interest to Joseph and Conrad Miller, the firm still retaining the original style of Miller Brothers. In 1883 the firm changed and M. R. Rummell and John Miller succeeding. The build- ing occupied by them is a substantial three story brick, situate on Perry street, south of and near the canal. As indicated by the heading, the firm manufac- ture carriages and wagons of all descriptions, and also do general repair work.
Shaff's Carriage Works. About the year 1870 Mr. Shaff, the proprietor, commenced in a small way the manufacture of carriages and wagons in Napo- leon. Four years later he erected the present commodious brick factory build- ing on East Washington street. Here, since that time, he has been engaged in the business above mentioned, in connection with which is a general black- smith and repair shop ; also he holds the agency for the Champion mower, reaper and binder.
Napoleon Machine Works. In the year 1878 Charles F., Alfred, and James Beard commenced business in establishing a machine shop and repair works on Front street, west of Perry, under the firm name of Beard Brothers. Sub- sequently, and in connection with this business, was started a brass and iron foundry. About the year 1882 Charles F. Beard became sole proprietor of the entire business. At these works are made steam engines, shafting, hangers, pulleys and wood-sawing machines, also all kinds of iron and brass castings.
Napoleon Boat Oar Factory. Although this is a comparatively new in- dustry to the town it is by no means new to its proprietor, Mason Britton, who started the business at Ashtabula, O., thirty-five years ago. He was the in- ventor of the machinery now in use at a similar factory at Wauseon, and was for some years interested in the business at that place. In March, 1887, Mr. Britton erected works and commenced business on Front street, near Saygers's mill in this village.
It is a known fact that the United States supplies the foreign and domestic trade with the best quality of boat oars, and for their manufacture there are nine regular factories in this country, besides five others that make this produc- tion auxiliary to some other. A ready market is found at all seaport towns, but this factory ships mainly to San Francisco.
Shoemaker & Zaenger's Cigar Factory was started in Napoleon on the 4th day of May, 1887, and is therefore the youngest of the town's industries. The members of the firm are George C. Shoemaker and John C. Zaenger. They employ at present but six workmen and produce about one thousand cigars daily. The factory is located on the east side of Perry street in the main busi- ness part of the town.
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HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES.
THE VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
There appears to have been no well conducted effort looking to the organ- ization of this important adjunct of the municipality until the early part of the year 1870, and the agitation the subject received was brought about by a most disastrous and sweeping conflagration that occurred during the year preced- ing, 1869, by which an entire square of business blocks and dwellings, with small exceptions, was destroyed. Prior to this time the village possessed no fire apparatus whatever, not even so much as a " bucket brigade ;" nor was there in existence any organization, volunteer or other, for the prevention or extinguishment of fires. To be sure, at the first alarm of fire the whole people stood ready to render such assistance as lay in their power, and volunteers, with a plentiful supply of pails and buckets, were always on hand, but the serious fire losses in the town showed the inefficiency of this kind of service and protection. It was, therefore, after the extensive destruction by fire of prop- erty, during the year 1869, that the subject became so seriously discussed that the complete organization of a fire department was determined upon and event- ually effected.
The municipal authorities took the matter in hand, and by an ordinance of the council, passed January 10, 1870, the proposition was submitted to the
. electors of the village, whether a fire department should be organized and nec- essary and complete apparatus procured. On the 3d day of February, of that year, the election was held, and the proposition carried.
Then followed much discussion as to the kind of apparatus that should be secured, some favoring the purchase of a hand engine and the procuring of ladders to be built " at home," while others believed in purchasing a complete set of apparatus, including steamer, hose cart and truck (hook and ladder) of approved patterns To a certain extent both were successful, although it was not until some time later that the excellent fire apparatus, now in use, was secured.
At the time of the election a tax of five mills was voted for the purpose of organizing the department and procuring fire apparatus.
On February 14th the council appointed members Barnes and Vocke a committee to enquire concerning the necessary apparatus and supplies.
The council subsequently, March 14, voted on the question whether a hand engine or a steam engine should be procured for the department, upon which vote the result showed four members in favor of a hand engine and but one favoring a steamer, whereupon a committee, consisting of members J. M. Haag, O. E. Barnes, and J. L. Vocke, was chosen to contract for and purchase a hand engine.
It seems that this resolution to purchase for the village a hand engine was never carried out, although it had been voted, and O. E. Barnes had been
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selected to proceed to Adrian and examine an engine that was offered for sale at that place.
About this time too, the question of introducing the Holly system of wa- ter-works was being discussed somewhat, and owing to the great diversity of opinion, and conflict of sentiment, matters were at a standstill. The hand engine scheme seems to have been abandoned. The town of Defiance had procured a steamer from the Clapp & Jones works of Hudson, N. Y., and upon being tested, so fully met the approval of all interested that, on the Ist of Oc- tober, 1872, the Mayor and J. L. Robertson were directed to close a contract with the representative of Clapp & Jones for the purchase of a steamer, jumper, and three hundred feet of rubber hose, at the agreed price of $4,600, which was done. In the mean time a lot and building was secured for the uses of the department, situate on Washington street, not far from the present location of Norton & Bruns's store.
The building here was destroyed by fire, after which the department ap- paratus was stored in convenient places until the new building on Washing- ton street, east of Perry, was completed.
This building was erected during the year 1875, by George Lightheiser. It is a plain, but substantial three story brick building. The lower floor is used by the department for storing their apparatus; also in the rear are rooms fitted for purposes of a city lock-up. The second floor is arranged for the corporation use, in part for council room and mayor's office, firemen's meeting room, and additional room for confining offenders. The upper floor contains a hall for general assemblage uses. The total cost of the building, according to the bid of George Lightheiser, was $8,900.
The apparatus now in use by the village fire department consists of one Clapp & Jones's piston steamer, one jumper, one four-wheeled hose cart, and one hook and ladder truck.
The department was first organized and managed in the same manner as the departments of many other towns and villages throughout the State, but in 1881, by an ordinance passed October 3, the whole underwent a material change. By this ordinance it was provided that the council should appoint a resident freeholder to enlist not less than fifteen, nor more than twenty-five men to act as hose-men; not less than twenty-five and not more than forty men as engine-men ; not less than twenty nor more than forty men to act as hook and ladder-men ; also providing for the election, for each company, of one foreman, one first assistant, and one second assistant foreman.
This ordinance met with some considerable opposition from the " fire lad- dies," and was modified somewhat to meet their wishes. The first engineer of the steamer was J. B. Reno, but he was soon succeeded by George Flenner, Next was Joseph Wheeler, who served until 1878, when James Shay was elected and has served to the present time. The first chief of the department
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was Oscar E. Barnes. The present officers of the Napoleon fire department are as follows: Chief engineer, Josiah Kohler ; first assistant, Jacob Brown ; second assistant, B. F. Pontius ; secretary, Joseph Kopp ; treasurer, J. M. Mar- tin ; engineer of steamer, James Shay.
EDUCATION IN NAPOLEON.
In matters pertaining to education, and educational institutions, the town and subsequent village of Napoleon can furnish a record, which, for advance- ment and prosperity, has kept even step with the other of her institutions, from the founding of the town to the present day. The beginning, like that of the other branches, was, of course humble, but from it has grown an institu- tion that stands, not only an ornament, but an honor to the village and its resi- dents as well. The first place for the education of the youth of the town was a little log building, not, however, built for school purposes, that stood quite near Craig's old tavern. School was held here as early as 1837, and, for a time, was under the charge of Miss Mary Whipple. There is still living in Napo- leon, at least one person who attended Miss Whipple's school, at the age, then, of four years.
This building, of course, was illy arranged for school use, but it was a be- ginning, and served the purpose until the building of a frame school-house that stood not far from the present court house location. This is said to have been a one-story frame structure, not large, but sufficient for the times. A number of the older residents of the town went during their younger days to school there, among them Judge James G. Haly, and his wife, or she whom he after- ward married. Samuel Powell also attended this school. The teacher, about 1838, was a young man named Watson. He came from New York State.
Then again, during the "fifties," another school was built in rear of what is now Bitzer's block, about where Mr. Bitzer's residence stands. This also was a one-story frame building, but in later years was changed materially, an ad- dition built two stories high, and a bell was provided to be placed in a belfry on its top, and "rung" with a rope. This building was destroyed in the ex- tensive fire that took place in the early part of November, 1869. From that time down to 1871, or until the completion of the present elegant Union School building, the board of education hired several rooms in different places in the town.
Prior to the year 1858 the town of Napoleon, or what then was known as the town, with surrounding territory, within prescribed limits, formed a part of school district number one of the township of Napoleon, and its schools were under the control and direction of the school directors of that township. On the 9th day of August, 1858, upon the petition of T. S. C. Morrison, James G. Haly, J. A. Stout, John Powell, William Dodd and Justin H. Tyler, an elec- tion was held by which the question was submited to the electors whether a
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union school district should be created in the territory that had formerly formed a part of district number one of the township.
The law authorizing this action was passed by the Legislature of Ohio, Feb- ruary 21, 1849, and was amended at the next session by a further act passed March 13, 1850, but it was not until the year 1858 that the people of Na- poleon availed themselves of its provisions. The vote upon the question resulted in forty-three ballots for, and three against the adoption of the pro- visions of the law, and the subsequent organization of the town into a union school district.
On the 20th day of August following the electors again met for the pur- pose of chosing six school directors, which resulted in the election of the fol- lowing persons : William Dodd, John Powell, J. A. Stout, W. J. Jackson, H. McHenry and Justin H. Tyler. These constituted the board of education. They met for organization and election of officers on the 21st day of August, at which meeting Justin H. Tyler was made president, John Powell, secretary, and W. J. Jackson, treasurer. They employed G. V. Bailey as teacher of the High School, at a salary of fifty dollars per month, and Misses S. S. Powell and H. E. Reynolds, also employed as teachers of the primary department at a salary of eighteen dollars per month each.
The next year, 1859, S. L. Adams was employed as principal at a salary of forty dollars per month ; Miss Powell for the second department, at a salary of eighteen dollars per month, and Miss E. A. Craig for the third department, at a salary of sixteen dollars per month.
In the year 1860 the board materially increased the school facilities by the erection of a new building and enlarging the old.
At a meeting of the board held March 7, 1865, it was unanimously agreed to purchase a certain tract of ground "lying south of the Methodist church, and joining the canal," and authorized J. E. Cowdrick to negotiate with Henry Yeager, the owner, for the purchase of the same at the price of four thousand dollars.
By the incorporation of the village in 1863, the limits of Napoleon, proper, were defined ; but by subsequent extensions of those limits, much more terri- tory was brought to the town, and as frequently as these changes have been made, just so frequently have the limits of the Union School district been en- larged, and they now run co-extensive with the village limits with some ex- ceptions, noticeably on the south side of the river, but it is hardly within the province of this brief sketch to pursue them in detail.
By an extensive conflagration that occurred in November, 1869, the school- building of Napoleon was entirely destroyed. Upon the following day the board held a meeting, and engaged the house of Mrs. McCann, Craig's Hall, and rooms over Wilson's store for school use until another school-house could be provided. In December, following, it was ordered that the board petition
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the Legislature for permission to issue bonds, upon the credit of the village, to the extent not exceeding the sum of fifty thousand dollars, for the purpose of building a union school. This law was passed, whereupon the board entered into a contract with George Platfoot, of Toledo, for the erection proposed, to be built on the lands that, in 1865, had been purchased from Henry Yeager. In September, 1871, the building was completed and occupied. It was dedi- cated with appropriate ceremonies, the address upon that occasion being deliv- ered by Hon. John M. Haag, of Napoleon.
The Napoleon Union School is a three story brick building, three stories high, and with a mansard story and basement. Its interior is well arranged for its purpose, having four primary department rooms, including German, on the lower floor ; three intermediate school-rooms, and one " C" grammar de- partment on the second floor ; the " A " and "B" grammar rooms, with reci- tation rooms, on the third floor, while the large hall is arranged to be used for the high school department.
The building stands on a desirable and large piece of land in the west part of the village. It is a large and substantial appearing structure, entirely suffi- cient for the present wants of the place. The board of education, with con- mendable zeal, have succeeded in reducing the bonded indebtedness to about six thousand dollars, an amount that will be entirely paid within the next few years.
This school is under the care of the following instructors: W. W. Weaver, superintendent ; J. F. Smith, principal ; Miss Fanny Godman, assistant princi- pal ; Mary E. Fanning, teacher of " A " grammar department ; Alta Suydam, "B" grammar department; Nettie Hibbard, "C" grammar department ; Lalah Hague, " A " intermediate department ; Hannah Peterson, " B" inter- mediate department ; Mary Ketring, "C" intermediate department ; Lena Miller, third primary ; Jennie Fouke, second primary ; Belle King, first pri- mary ; Mr. C. F. Clement, teacher of German, which is limited to the fourth grade.
By an extension of the village limits, a considerable tract of land was acquired on the south side of the Maumee River, and which locality is now designated as South Napoleon. Its lands of course came within the jurisdic- tion of the board of education of the village ; but in 1879, upon a petition duly presented to them, the lands embraced within sections twenty-five, twenty-six, thirty-five and thirty-six, were released to the jurisdiction, for school purposes, of the school directors of the township of Napoleon.
The South Napoleon brick school-house was erected by the board of edu- cation, in the year 1884, at a total cost of $2,540. It has accommodations for nearly one hundred scholars ; contains two school-rooms, each 24 by 28 feet in size, with a hall-way ten feet wide. The rooms for the school are situate- one on the first, and one on the second floor. The teachers are Miss Mary E. Barnes and Miss Blanche Leonard.
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This furnishes a record, substantially, of the schools, past and present, of Napoleon, except the parochial school connected with St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, and its society, an account of which will be found in connec- tion with the sketch of that society.
Much of the information upon which is written the sketch of the early schools of Napoleon, is derived from recollections of old residents of the town and vicinity, and it is possible that some inaccuracies in statement may be found; on the whole, however, the record may be regarded as substantially correct.
CHURCHES OF NAPOLEON.
St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church and Parochial School. In the year 1856 Bishop Rappe visited this place, and found about eight Catholic families, whom he encouraged to build a little church. They were mostly poor people, who had large families to support by their daily labor, and could spend but lit- tle of their hard earnings in the cause of religion. However, a liberal-hearted Frenchman, Augustine Pilliod, took the matter in hand and, assisted by James Brennan, and with what little help he could get from the other families and some outside the church, put up a small frame building 24 by 30 feet in size, but for want of funds the church was not plastered until about 1858. When finished the church cost about $500, and Mr. Pilliod named it St. Augustine's Church, after his Christian name.
The mission was then attended at certain times by the priest in charge at Defiance, in 1858, by Rev. F. Westerholt, and from 1859 to 1861 by Rev. A. J. Hæffel. The care of it was then given to the priest of Providence, being attended from 1861 until July, 1863, by Rev. James P. Maloney, and from July, 1863, until September, 1864, by Rev. J. M. Pietz. In November, 1864, the congregation had considerably increased, and it received, in that year, its first resident pastor, Rev. P. J. Carroll, who had charge until 1868. Under his administration an addition, 24 by 25 feet, was built to the church, and also a tower erected in front, the latter being paid for by John H. Vocke ; he also built a little frame school-house, 26 by 36 feet in size. In 1865 he organized a Catholic school, which he placed in charge of his sister, Ellen Carroll, and since that time Napoleon has not been without a parochial school. Father Carroll was succeeded, in November, 1868, by Rev. N. A. Moes. Under his pastorate the Napoleon and Providence congregations, which for nine years had been attended by one priest, were separated, and each received a resident pastor. In October, 1870, Father Moes was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Michael Pietz, who found the church encumbered with a debt of about $1,100, about two-thirds of the value of its entire property. Under his min- istry the debt was paid and about $1,000 worth of furniture purchased. In the latter part of 1875 Father Pietz purchased the lot on which the present
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church stands, at a cost of $4,000, and which was paid for in three years. In 1878 a new school-house was built on the lot, and also a new house for the sisters. For more satisfactory educational facilities the school was placed in charge of the sisters of Notre Dame, Cleveland.
In the year 1880 the congregation with the sanction of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour of Cleveland, took the first steps toward the erection of the new and elegant church edifice. The committee chosen to share this labor and respon- sibility with the pastor, were H. H. Vocke, Fred F. Shoner, Michael Wirth, Fred'k Fisher and Otto Honeck. According to their original intention the edi- fice was to cost not exceeding $15,000, but its actual cost reached something over $21,000. The work of building was let to various persons for the dif- ferent classes of work to be performed. The Gothic style of architecture was adopted, and the building was faithfully done, reflecting much credit on all engaged in the work. The corner-stone was laid June 19, 1881, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour, assisted by Rev. N. A. Moes, Rev. J. B. Lung, Rev. James Christophany, Rev. Edward Hannin and the pastor. The church was formally dedicated with appropriate and impressive ceremonies, on the 17th of June, 1883. The interior compares favorably with the exterior in design and finish. It is well furnished and carpeted, and supplied with a fine pipe organ. The extreme height from the ground to the top of the cross is one hundred and seventy-five feet.
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