History of Lorain County, Ohio, Part 30

Author:
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia, Williams brothers
Number of Pages: 626

USA > Ohio > Lorain County > History of Lorain County, Ohio > Part 30

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).

Since 1863, a class has graduated from a four years' course of study in the high school each year, except 1866 and 18tt. The whole number of pupils who have graduated is eighty-eight, with a class of fifteen to graduate in 1849. making one hundred and three.

The advantages flowing from an efficient system of schools, in a place like Eryria, are not to be estimated by the number of graduates from the high school. Many young people have taken a portion of the course of study to prepare themselves for admission to higher institutions of learning. Many more have left school after completing half of the high school course of study to enter various callings. These have become much more.successful in business and useful as citi- zens on account of the training received in the last two years of their course. Many pupils have left the lower grades of school to enter upon lives of idleness and crime. But when pupils have spent two years in the high school, they have formed habits of indus- try and application to their work which they carry with them into their life-work.

Graduates from the Elyria high school are filling positions of responsibility and trust in large mann- facturing and business establishments, are practicing snecessfully the various professions, and are the light and life of many home circles.

120

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.

We have already shown the Elyria of "lang syne." We will now take a turn among its present manufac- tories. Just below the depot of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern railway, and connected with this railway by a spur track, stand the extensive brick buildings owned and occupied by the Messrs. TOPLIFF & ELY, in the manufacture of special carriage hard- ware. These gentlemen, in the year 1865, erected a wooden building near the site of their present manu- factory, and investing fifteen thousand dollars, began the making of hubs. spokes, ete. This branch of the business was abandoned in 18:4. In the year 1874, they began the manufacture of tubular bow sockets for carriage bows, in a small room on Broad street. The rapidly-increasing business rendered additional room necessary, and in 1822 they completed the first of the brick buildings they now occupy. This was 24 x 64 feet in dimension, and two stories high. In 1874, another small building was added, but these were soon found wholly inadequate to accommodate the business, and in 1847 extensive enlargements were begun, which are just completed-showing a frontage of three hundred and forty feet, by an average depth of sixty-five feet. They have now invested in the business one hundred thousand dollars. They employ on an average forty workmen, with a monthly pay- roll of eighteen hundred dollars. The yearly sales aggregate one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The steel tubular bow socket is the principal article manufactured. It was patented in 1870 by I. N. Topliff, a brother of the senior partner of the present firm. This is the only manufactory of these goods in the world, and they find a market not only in the United States, where they have an immense sale, but in England, France, South America, Aus- tralia, etc. These buildings have their foundation npon the solid rock, which at this point crops out and forms the bank of Black river. The propelling power is derived from the waters of that stream, and from steam as a reserve. Their elegant engine is from the manufactory of C. Il. Brown & Co., at Fitchburg, Mass., and is of one hundred horse power. One hundred and fifty sets of these sockets are made each day, or a complete set for a buggy every four minutes.

TIIE CLEVELAND SCREW AND TAP FACTORY.

This company was organized and commeneed busi- ness in Cleveland in October, 1813. On the 23d of October, 1874, the works were shut down, and, as soon as practicable, the machinery was transferred to the commodious briek building, which had been erected in Elyria, this point offering superior facilities in many respects. The citizens of this town con- tributed liberally towards the erection of the building and to aid the company in other respects. This build- ing is fifty by one hundred and fifty feet in size and four stories high. It is located near the crossing of

the L. S. & M. S. and the C., T. V. & W. railroads. The cost of the building was thirty-one thousand dol- lars; machinery, tools, etc., forty-seven thousand nine hundred and fifty-eight dollars. New articles of in- corporation were issued on the 20th of November, 1874. The following officers were elected under the new charter: S. II. Matthews, president; F. B. Hine, vice-president ; C. HI. Morgan, superintendent; W. F. Hulburt, secretary and treasurer. The above officers, with E. W. Phelps and R. C. DeWitt, constituted the board of directors. The present officers are F. B. Iline, president and treasurer; R. C. DeWitt, vice- president; M. H. Levagood, secretary and superin- tendent. The average number of hands employed is thirty-three; average monthly pay-roll, twelve hun- dred dollars: average yearly sales, twenty-eight thon- sand dollars.

The engine which drives the numerous ingenious machines of this establishment, is of on ) hundred and fifty horse power. In addition to the manufactures implied by that name, are set and cup screws, hand and machine taps, cylinder studs, finished and ease- hardened nuts, etc.

Since the foregoing was written, we regret to add that, owing to losses resulting from many of its cus- tomers having gone into bankruptey, the general depression of the iron interests of the country, and bad management. the company has been compelled to make an assignment. M. H. Levagood, the assig- nee, still carries on the business. The stockholders will, doubtless, lose their entire stock, and the pro- perty will pass into the hands of the bond holders, who, it is hoped, will reorganize and carry on the business successfully.

THE ELYRIA SHEAR COMPANY

which occupies a portion of the screw and tap com- pany's building, was incorporated on the 7th day of March, 1818, with an authorized capital of ten thou- sand dollars, which was paid in soon after the articles of incorporation were received. The first and present officers are: T. L. Nelson, president; W. P. Hatch, vice-president; M. A. Mihills, secretary; and John Clauso, treasurer. This industry alone furnishes em- ployment for thirty-four workmen, who receive an aggregate of one thousand dollars, at the end of each month's labor. The monthly sales average thirty-five hundred dollars, and are steadily increasing. They manufacture shears and scissors of every description, and of a superior quality. The company are general agents for the union knife company's entlery, and intend soon commencing the manufacture of this class of goods.

PLANING MILLS.

DICKINSON, WILLIAMS & FAXON .- In 1852, Alex- ander Smith came from the east, formed a partner- ship with John W. Bullock, bought a lot north of the L. S. & M. S. Ry. depot, and erected thereon a building, which was titted up with the machinery

121

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

requisite for the manufacture of agricultural imple- ments. In the year 1854, Mr. Bullock retired from the firm. Henry Thurston purchased his interest, and put in a planer and matcher, surface planer and machinery for making sash, doors, and blinds. In September, 1856, the building and contents were de- stroyed by fire. Messrs. Franklin and Levi A. Dickin- son joined with Mr. Thurston, purchased the site, and erected a large, two-story building, and in the spring of 1857, began the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, etc., in connection with general planing mill work. They also engaged extensively in general jobbing and building. Clayton Johnson having become a mem- ber of the firm. the business was continued under the firm name of Dickinson, Johnson & Co., until Feb- ruary, 1865, when Franklin Diekinson, (in conse- quence of failing health, ) sold his interest to the two remaining partners. The business had grown to such magnitude that, from twelve to fifteen workmen were kept in constant employment. In 1871, exten- sive additions were made to the buildings, and im- proved machinery added. In 1825, Mr. Johnson sold his interest to George D. Williams and Theodore Faxon, and the business has been continued under the firm name of Dickinson, Williams and Faxon until the present time. The entire capital invested is fifteen thousand dollars. Average number of work- men employed. fifteen. Average monthly pay roll, seven hundred dollars. Engine, forty horse power. They also manufacture specialties in furniture.

The planing mill owned by John W. Hart is situ- ated on Broad street, It was erected several years since, but of its early history we are unable to obtain details. Mr. Hart purchased the property in 1813, and has thoroughly refitted it with machinery of the latest and most approved pattern. The engine is of forty horse power. There is a force of eighteen workmen employed, who receive on the average eight hundred dollars pay monthly. Mr. Hart has invested in the business the snug sum of fifty thousand dollars, He does a general planing mill work, including sash, doors, blinds, etc. He is also extensively engaged in the stone trade.

C. Parsch's planing mill is located on Mill street, near the L. S. & M. S. railway. He has five thousand dollars invested, and employs nine workmen. His engine is of twenty-five horse power. He also deals in shingles, lath, etc.

JAMES HOLLIS' FOUNDRY & MACHINE SHOP .- Mr. Hollis has been engaged in this line of business in Elyria for about thirty years. He began work in his present building, on Maple street, in 1874, with a capital of five thousand five hundred dollars. HIe manufactures engines, horse powers, and does gene- ral repairs, foundry and machine work.

E. F. Bronson manufactures (also on Maple street) the centennial lap board, and also specialties in fine furniture. The business, which was established in November, 1877, already represents a capital of six thousand dollars, and may be claimed among the

growing industries of Elyria. Employment is fur- nished for six workmen. Average monthly sales, six hundred dollars.

ELYRIA VARIETY WORKS.

This business was established in the year 1862, by its present proprietor, Mr. James A. Tite. The manufactures are of a general nature-lawn mowers, feed cutters, etc. The specialty is of making light- ning rod tips. Engine is of fourteen horse power, The average number of workmen employed is nine.

CARRIAGE MANUFACTORY.

That of Crisp & Hensen is the only exclusive manufactory of fine carriages in Elyria. These gentlemen commenced business in April, 1872, in- vesting three thousand dollars. They employ an average of ten workmen. This establishment turns out a fine line of carriages, wagons, sleighs, etc.

FLOURING MILLS.

We have already given the pioneer grist and saw mills, which were situated on or near the site of the present mills.

Undoubtedly, the oldest flouring mill now in opera- tion in Elyria is the one at the foot of Broad street, on the east branch of Black river, near the bridge. The present proprietor is Mr. Garret Reublin, who has recently purchased the property, investing ten thousand five hundred dollars. This mill has four run of stones, and is in fine condition. It does both custom and merchant milling. The principal pro- pelling power is water, though there is a forty horse power engine, which is used in seasons when the water is low. The saw-mill adjoining, owned by the same gentleman, is of more recent construction.

The tlouring mill owned by I. S. Metcalf is located on Broad street, between West and Middle avenues, and was erected by Messrs. Chapman & Gibson. Mr. Metcalf purchased the property in 1814, paying therefor ten thousand dollars. It is driven by a forty horse power steam engine. There are two run of stones, and both custom and merchant milling are done

ASHERY AND SOAP MANUFACTORY.

The former was put in operation in the fall of 1843, by N. B. Gates, and is still owned and operated by him, At the time it was established, large quan- tities of ashes could be procured from the settlers, who were clearing lands and burning log heaps. Black salts were also brought in in large quantities, which Mr. Gates converted into pearlash. Now the ashes are collected from the citizens, made from wood consumed in their dwellings. The location is on the west branch of the river near the railroad bridge. The making of pot and pearl ashes is still continued. The soap works were built in 1862, by Messrs. Clark & Catheart. Mr. Gates purchased them in Septem- ber, 1869, and manufactured chemical erasive soap,

122

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

turning out ten tons per year, and an equal quantity of pot and pearl ashes. He has four thousand two hundred dollars invested, and employs four workmen.

ELYRIA LIBRARY.

This enduring monument lo the memory of its generous founder was first opened on the 10th day of June, 1870. It came into being as follows:

To the will of the lamented Charles Arthur Ely, executed March 19, 1856, was added a codicil, Decom- ber 1, 1852, containing a bequest, by the provisions of which the executor was directed to convey to five well-known gentlemen (named in the will), trustees. the site of the present Library Block, and the build- ing then standing thereon. The executor was also directed to pay to said trustees the sum of five thon- sand dollars, to be invested in books for immediate nse, and the further sum of ten thousand dollars to be invested as a permanent fund, the income only of which was applicable to the use of the library. Mr. Ely died on the 30th of September, 1864; and the provisions of the wilt above mentioned were carried into effect by his administrator.

The trustees named in the will were: Dr. Norton S. Townshend, Heman Ely, Harwood M. Redington. George Ohnstead and Prof. James Monroe, of Ober- lin. Mr. Monroe declining to act, Hon. John C. Hale was appointed to fill the vacancy. They immediately entered upon their labors; the building above referred to was fitted up; two thousand volumes were pur- chased, and on April 1, 1870. the present very able librarian, Miss Nettie E. Wheeler, began the labor of arranging the books and preparing a catalogue; and on the 10th of the following June, the library was formally opened for the use of the public. The exer- vises were conducted at the court house, and consisted of an address by the llon. Norton S. Townshend, and such other ceremonies as are usual on occasions of this kind.

In the disastrous fire which occurred on the 13th day of March, 1873, the building and library were con- sumed. Only three hundred and seventy-five books, out of four thousand volumes then in the library, were saved. There was a thousand dollars of insur- ance on the building, and from the avails of this and a small amount additional the present elegant build- ing was erected. This was completed. and first occu- pied on May 11, 1874. It was not opened to the publie until the 25th of July following. There is at the present time a very choice collection of books, numbering six thousand volumes.

BANKING INTERESTS.

Pursuant to an act "to incorporate the State Bank of Ohio and other banking companies," passed Feb- ruary 24, 1845, the Lorain Bank, in Elyria, (the first in the county), was established on the 25th day of May, 1847, with a capital stock of one hundred thou- sand dollars. This was divided into one thousand shares of one hundred dollars each. On June 23,

1811, a meeting of the stockholders convened; Heman Ely was appointed chairman and Elijah De Witt sec- retary. The next business was the election of a board of directors. This was done by ballot, and the fol- lowing gentlemen were elected: Heman Ely, Elijah De Witt, Enoch Clark, Artemas Beebe. Amasa Chap- man, Conrad Reid, John B. Wilbor, Aaron Root and Teman Ely, Jr. The following officers were then elected: Heman Ely, president: Artemas Becbe, vice- president; Elijah De Witt, secretary: W. A. Adair, cashier, and Levi Burnell, teller and book-keeper.

Having effected an organization, a banking house was opened in Room No. 3 of the Beebe House Block (now occupied by h. Taylor as a crockery store), and in this the business of the bank was transacted until January 1, 18:5. when it was re- moved to its elegant rooms in the Ely Block (first floor of the library building). Mr. Ely resigned his position as president April 24, 1849, and Artemas Beebe was elected his successor. but declined the acceptance of the office, whereupon Elijah De Witt was elected to the position, and is still the able in- eumbent of that office. On the date above given, the office of vice-president was discontinned.

The board of directors has suffered few changes, and remains substantially as at first organized. Mr. Adair resigned his position as cashier, December 4, 1849, which was accepted, and, on January 1. 1850, John R. Finn was elected to succeed him. Mr. Finn was elected vice-president of the State Bank of Ohio in 1855, and he resigned his position as cashier. Heman Ely was appointed cashier pro tem., and served until January 2. 1856, when the present incum- bent of the office, Mr. John W. Hulburt, was elected. The bank eontinned to do a highly prosperous busi- ness until the year 1864, when, on April 2d, a meeting of the citizens was held, under the act of Congress to provide for a national currency. approved February 25, 1863, to take the preliminary steps toward organ- izing the First National Bank of Elyria. The sub- seribers to the stock of the new organization at this time were as follows:

Artemas Beebe 151 shares of 100 dollars each, $ 15,400

Seymour W. Baldwin

163

16,300

Heman Ely

14,200

George R. Starr.

1-43

14,300

Henry E. Mussey

145

14,500

Geo. G. Washburn

144

14,400

Elijah De Witt.

109

10,900

1,000

$100,000

The certificate of authorization was issued May 25, 1864. Subsequently directors were elected as follows: Artemas Beche, Elijah De Witt, George (. Washburn, Henry E. Mussey, Seymour W. Baldwin, and George R. Starr. Elijah De Witt was elected president and John W. Hulburt, cashier. In 1876 the office of vice president was created and Heman Ely was elected to till the position. The directors for 1878, are Arte- mas Beebe, S. W. Baldwin, William Jones, II. E. Mussey, George R. Starr, James M. Chapman, Elijah DeWitt, George G. Washburn, and Heman Ely. This bank has been conducted in the interest of the !

RESIDENCE OF GEO. G. WASHBURN, ESQ., 34 WASHINGTON AVENUE. ELYRIA OHIO

ICHARLES SPITZENBERG.

UNION HALL CLOTHING HOUSE.

PROPERTY OF CHARLES SPITZENBERG

ELYRIA, LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO .

123

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

people and not in the interest of a ring or individuals. It has, from its inception, done an honorable and prudent business. The Bank Examiner speaks in terms highly commendatory of its management.

THE SAVINGS DEPOSIT BANK OF ELYRIA, began business in November, 1873, with T. L. Nelson, pres- ident; J. (. Hill, cashier; Hon, Sidney S. Warner, HIon. John C. Hale, Hon. R. A. Horr, C. W. Horr, S. R. Lanndon, Hon. W. W. Boynton, William A. Braman, John W. Hart, I. S. Metcalf, and Lorenzo Clark, directors. The board of investment, T. L. Nelson. J. C. Hill, William A. Braman, John C. Hale, and W. W. Boynton. The responsibility of this bank aggregates five hundred thousand dollars which is pledged and liable for the payment of all debts and obligations of the bank. The business is of a general nature. The savings department is designed to afford those who desire to save their money the means of employing it to advantage without incurring any risk of losing it, as is often the case when loaned to indi- viduals.

MERCANTILE HISTORY OF ELYRIA.

Edmund West opened the first store in Elyria, Ile- man Ely (the founder of the township) was his part- ner, though he took no active part in conducting the business. Theodore W. Ely, from West Springfield. Mass., became a partner of Mr. West, June 1, 1825. Theodore W. Ely died May 2, 1826, at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. West died July 15, 1825, at the age of twenty-nine years. lle was succeeded by Norris O. Stow, who associated with him Theodore W. Ely whose early death is above stated. Mr. Stow conducted the business until his death, which occurred on the 12th of April, 1830. Tle was succeeded by AAddison Tracy and Phineas Johnson under the firm name of Tracy and Johnson, who conducted the business until 1832, when they became members of the Lorain Iron Company, and their stock of goods was removed to the company's store as part of its stock in trade. When the Lorain Iron Company suspended business, Isaac M. Johnson purchased their stock of goods, and continued in business but a year or two when he sold out to Thomas Wilcox and William M. Beebe, under the firm-name of Wilcox and Beebe. They in turn sold, in 1840, to Baldwin & Company. At an early period in the history of Elyria, probably in 1823 or 224, Stanton Sholes established a store in the building now occupied by Mr. Monroe, on the north side of Broad street, between Middle and East avenues. In two or three years he sold out to Thomp- son Miles, who soon after built a brick store at the northwest corner of Broad street and East avenue, where he transacted business until 1832, when, having secured a competence, he retired from business. About the year 1827, two brothers, Sheldon and C. B. Guthrie, established a store in a frame building on the north side of Broad street, about midway between Middle and East avenues. They continued in busi- ness for about three years. Sheldon Guthrie is now

living in New Orleans. His brother, C. B. Guthrie, died recently in Washington City. Raymond Starr commenced trade in Elyria in 1828, and continued in business until 1835, when he retired. The brick building adjoining the one now occupied by the Elyria Republican printing office, was erected by him and occupied for several years as a store.

HORACE K. KENDALL. - This gentleman deserves more than a passing notice, for he revolutionized trade not only in Elyria, but to a great extent throughout Northern Ohio. He came from Sutfield, Connecticut, to Elyria in the spring of 1832, and opened a store in the brick building erected by Cap- tain Sylvanus Parmely, on the corner where the present Beebe House stands. The merchants of Elyria having been accustomed to sell goods to the farmers on eredit, and as they expected to lose from thirty to fifty per cent., marked their prices on that basis. Mr. Kendall sold his goods only for cash, and fixed his prices very much lower than they had ever before been offered in this market. He soon had a rush of customers, and in a year or two built the large brick store on the north side of Broad street, now occupied by Hannan & Obits. He purchased all kinds of farmers' produce, paying cash; but most of it was left in the store in payment for goods. Soon trade flocked in, not only from the extreme parts of this county. but from Medina, Wayne and Cuyahoga counties, and Elyria became a center of trade.

Ile possessed a great deal of dash and enterprise, and was not afraid of the liberal use of printer's ink. Ile, for a considerable time, published a monthly paper filled mostly with his advertisements, but con- taining in addition a great deal of miscellaneous and entertaining reading matter. This was distributed gratuitously, and eagerly sought for. His advertise- ments were striking, ingenious and amusing.

In the spring of 1842, Henry E. Mussey, who had long been his confidential clerk, became associated with him in the business. Mr. Kendall had been for many years an active and influential member of the Baptist church, and contributed liberally towards the erection of their fine brick church building, which stands on the corner of Second street and Middle avenue.

Mr. Kendall died on the 4th of June, 1850, at the early age of forty-one years. He left a handsome fortune. In his death, Elyria and Lorain county sustained a great loss. After his death, Mr. Mussey, who associated with himself Hiram Fuller, conducted the business successfully until 1858, when they sold out to Seymour W. Baldwin, T. W. Laundon and T. 1. Nelson, under the firm name of Baldwin, Laun- lon & Nelson. Mr. Mussey retired from mercantile business. Mr. Fuller removed to Akron, where he now resides.

OZIAS LONG .- This gentleman obtained the con- tract to build the court house, in 1828, and started a store principally, it is believed, for the payment of his workinen. After completing his contract, he

124

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

continued mercantile business successfully for several years. In 1833 or 1834, John M. Gillett, S. R. Darling and S. B. Wolcott, under the firm name of Gillett, Darling & Wolcott, became his successors, Mr. Long was for six years one of the associate judges of the court of common pleas for Lorain county, and afterwards served as postmaster for the term of four years. He died February 21, 1859, aged sixty years. Gillett, Darling & Wolcott were his successors, and conducted the business for two or three years, when they sold out to William F. Church. After a year or two, Mr. Church removed his goods to Sullivan, when our present mayor, Nahum B. Gates, put in a stock of goods. He sold out at the end of a year to Messrs. Castle & King, of Medina, and the goods were removed to that place.

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.

History of Lorain County, Ohio, Part 30

Author: Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Philadelphia, Williams brothers Number of Pages: 626

Author:
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia, Williams brothers
Number of Pages: 626