History of Richland County, Ohio : (including the original boundaries) ; its past and present, containing a condensed comprehensive history of Ohio, including an outline history of the Northwest, a complete history of Richland county miscellaneous matter, map of the county, biographies and histories of the most prominent families, &c., &c., Part 72

Author: Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Mansfield, O. : A. A. Graham & co.
Number of Pages: 968

USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio : (including the original boundaries) ; its past and present, containing a condensed comprehensive history of Ohio, including an outline history of the Northwest, a complete history of Richland county miscellaneous matter, map of the county, biographies and histories of the most prominent families, &c., &c. > Part 72

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).

1. The two propelling-wheels are mechanically the most perfect we have ever seen, and their height is such as to recommend them over any in market, and their location for sustaining the weight of the engine and securing freedom of motion in bad roads has never, to our knowledge, been equaled.

2. The lugs rolled into the tire of these wheels by a process secured to The Aultman & Taylor Company by letters patent, is far in advance of the pins usually used, and will be found a great daily convenience in moving from place to place, especially over bridges, where the objection to pins is so apparent.

3. In The Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine the pro- pelling power is communicated directly from the main shaft to the rear axle, thus entirely doing away with the supplemental shaft and complicated gearing of the same, in use on all the traction engines we are ac- quainted with. How great this advantage is will at once be understood by all who know anything practi. cally about traction engines ; to others we would say, in this respect The Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine has

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

509

several distinct advantages : (a) in simplicity ; (b) economy in power ; (c) economy in fuel ; (d) increased durability ; (e) decreased weight ; (f) ease of manage- ment ; (g) decreased liability to delays from breakage. We should think these advantages would add at least $100 to the value of The Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine.

4. The Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine has what all others lack, and what every traction engine should have, and that is a simple, easily managed arrange- ment for reversing the motion and propelling the en- gine backward as well as forward. In bad roads, and especially when the roads are full of mud-holes, this really is a prime necessity, and it is a feature we cannot praise too highly, as many men will now feel free to buy traction engines who have always refused to buy them because they feared in heavy roads they might get " stuck in the mud," and, being unable to get any purchase by backing, would be greatly annoyed and delayed.

The points named by us, taken in connection with the general excellence of The Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine, are so important as to lead us to say that, un- questionably, in our opinion, this engine is worth to any purchaser more than any traction engine in the market ; and as it meets and overcomes all the objec- tions ever made to traction engines, it must find a very general and, we cannot help but feel, an enormous de- mand.

'AULTMAN-TAYLOR" TRACTION ENGINE

POMPANYE

MANSF HL

THE AULT MAN & TAYLOR COMPANY. MANSFIELD OHIO.

THE AULTMAN - TAYLOR SELF - PROPELLING ENGINE.

This view of the traction engine shows its motion on the road. The team is used only to guide the engine-it runs itself.

Other views of various attachments are also annexed, showing the modes of saving labor in the nineteenth century-a contrast with pioneer days, vivid indeed, and one that cannot fail to teach a lesson regarding the path of progress in little more than half a century.

The best evidence of any machine's useful- ness is a practical test. In order to show the solid construction of The Aultman & Taylor Thresher the annexed letter fully explains itself. It is from Mr. N. R. Darling, of Fredricktown, Knox Co., Ohio, and is dated June 20, 1876. The Aultman & Taylor Company, Mansfield, Ohio :

GENTLEMEN - In answer to your wish to know how I like my machine, and what I think of its durability, I am happy to say, I bought the first Aultman & Taylor Thresher ever built; I bought it in 1868, and this will be the ninth season ; I have run it each season, doing a very large business in wheat, oats, barley, flax and timothy, and while worn a good deal, I believe it will last a number of years yet. I can't answer you how long it will last, but I believe it will be running when all the endless-apron or Pitts' Threshers sold this year will have broken down, worn out and played out. Not a single endless-apron machine sold in my section the year I got my Aultman & Taylor, or the year after (1869), is now of any account, all of them being worn out altogether, or so much racked that they can't do any fair amount of work. Your machine saves the farmers' grain so well, and cleans it so nice, that I have every season had from one-third to one-half more, and sometimes double the work, for my old machine that any endless-apron thresher could get. So, you see, an Aultman & Taylor Thresher, if you count the num- ber of bushels threshed, will outlast three or four end- less-apron or Pitts' Threshers. I am well acquainted with the R- , S- , P --- , and C- Threshers, and do not hesitate to say that I think my old Aultman & Taylor has more life in it yet than a new machine of either of these makes.

I don't think that any of the machines just named, or any other endless-apron machine, will be sold here this season, for all our best farmers say they waste such a terrible amount of grain that they will not have any of them do a bushel's threshing, if they can help it ;

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

and I don't think anybody down this way is fool enough now to buy one, for so many of the farmers get mad now when a man says endless-apron thresher to them, that they get only a small amount of work, and that the poorest pay, generally ; and, besides this, the repairs for their machines is an awful big item. When I first got my machine from you, the farmers wouldn't believe how much I could save them ; but now, if I want to make any of them swear, I can do it by saying I intend threshing with an endless-apron machine next year. If you want any more information about my thresher, let me know. Considering the time I have run my ma- chine, and the amount of grain I have threshed, I don't think it has cost me more than one-half as much for repairs as other kinds, perhaps not over one-third as much.

Three years later, Mr. Darling reiterates his sentiments. He also states he has purchased an Allona's Clover-hulling Attachment, an engine, and other improvements, with all of which he is equally well pleased, and all of which, he says, " add hundreds of value to the thresher, and to the profits yearly made by its work."

Letters like his could be continued indefi- nitely, but space forbids their insertion.

The Mansfield Machine Works is one of the oldest manufacturing establishments in the city, having been established about 1840 by Hall & Allen, afterward HIall & Simmons. These gentlemen conducted the business about twenty-five years in the old building on North Main street, manufacturing engines, mill ma- chinery, ete .; in later years, their principal business was the manufacture of the famous Buckeye Reaper and Mower. The quality of their goods gave the works a good reputation, which has not only been maintained but largely added to. The old Buckeye was, in its day, considered one of the best, if not the best, ma- chine of its kind in the country. It had an extensive reputation and sale, the Mansfield Machine Works turning out, at one time, about 1,000 or more annually. More improved and probably better machinery has since taken its płace.

In the latter part of July, 1865, Messrs. H. Colby, A. L. Grimes, E. H. Rees, M. Day, Jr., and E. Sturges, Sr., organized a stock company, with a eash capital of $50,000, purchased the works, at that time owned by Hall & Simmons, and gave them the name of " Mansfield Ma- chine Works," and engaged in the manufac- ture of foundry castings, steam engines, circu- lar and muley saw-mills, plows, turbine water- wheels, ete .; also continued the manufacture of reapers and mowers. E. H. Reece was Super- intendent. This company did an extensive business, and purchased the Blymyer, Day & Co. Works, on East Diamond street.

At a meeting of the stockholders, January 5, 1874, A. B. Beverstock, Z. S. Stocking, D. Struble, E. P. Sturges, A. L. Grimes, N. Abbott and J. H. Cook were elected Direetors. Z. S. Stocking was made President, and A. L. Grimes Secretary. Soon afterward, Mr. Abbott was ehosen Superintendent, and under his efficient and energetic management the works were pushed to their utmost capacity, and soon ne- cessitated removing from the old works on Main street to the more commodious building which they now occupy on East Diamond. This change occurred in 1877. These works had been erected by Blymyer, Day & Co., and were for some years used for the manufacture of Cook's Evaporator and other machinery. The building is imposing in appearance, and the works and grounds quite extensive. They are nearer to the railroad, and therefore more convenient for shipping purposes than the other works.

At their last election, the old Directors were re-elected, with the exception of Mr. Stocking, and the former officers re-elected, with the exception that Willis M. Sturges was made Treasurer, and A. A. Peck Secretary.

From reports submitted, it is apparent that the business, especially during the last two years, has been highly prosperous and remu- nerative. The company has had an extensive

XIX

PAINT

BLACKSMITH SHOP

FOUNDRY

PORTABLE & STATIONARY ENGINES

MANSFIELD MACHINE WORKS.

512

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

experience in the manufacture of portable en- gines, which is their specialty ; also stationary engines and mill machinery ; and, even were there no other testimony to that effect. the fact that their business has been continually grow- ing and extending is sufficient evidence of the quality of their work.

The orders for their machinery accumu- lated so rapidly during the latter part of 1879, that they have been unable. even with their great facilities and large force of work- men, to fill them as promptly as they could wish. There is little doubt that their engines are unsurpassed in the country for durability, strength, efficiency and style of workmanship.

In 1872, an establishment for the manufact- ure of crackers was established by H. H. Colby, on Bloom street. Colby failed in about a year, and the concern was purchased by Messrs. Crawford & Zellers, of Richmond, Ind., in September, 1874. Not long afterward, it was destroyed by fire, and the firm immediately erected the present substantial brick, which is 56x100 feet. An engine of thirty-horse power was put in by the Mansfield Machine Works, and the works are capable of turning out 700 barrels of crackers every twenty-four hours. Their goods are not excelled in quality by any in the State. It is largely due to this fact that the firm have been enabled to build up a trade of $150,000 per annum, and become per- manent in the city.

A box factory was established in 1877, by W. J. Richart, on North Main street. He em- ploys about fifteen hands, and manufactures cigar, paper, and all other boxes the trade de- mands.

The Western Suspender Company was estab- lished in 1871, by B. O. Foster and J. R. Pol- lock. In a short time, Mr. Pollock purchased the interest of Foster, and, in January, 1873, took in J. P. Rummel as partner. This firm con- ducted the business successfully until August 5, 1879, when Mr. Rummel purchased the entire

establishment, and is now conducting it on Fourth street. Twenty-eight hands are em- ployed, beside three regular traveling sales- men, and the business has been extended into the adjoining States.

The Buckeye Suspender Company was estab- lished in 1873, by J. Detwiler & Sons, under whose management it still continues. This firm employs twenty hands, beside three traveling salesmen, and have extended their business into several States. It is located on Main street.

A trunk factory was established in 1876, by F. S. Lahm & Co., wholesale and retail dealers in hats, caps, etc.

Wine-making receives the attention of Mr. E. Clapp, who owns a vineyard on Kelley's Island. He keeps the purest and best of wines in his 30x60 cellar on Fourth street.

The Mansfield Steam Soap Works are located on Fourth street, near the spring, and are ope- rated by T. C. Carey & Co. This business orig- inated with Gregory, Bliss & Co. in 1870. Four or five men are employed, and the factory has a capacity of about 50,000 pounds of soap per month.

The vinegar establishment of J. B. Netscher has been in operation several years, and is a permanent institution. He employs twenty- five or thirty men, and does a large local and shipping business. Peter Ott is also conduct- ing a similar business.

The Mansfield Woolen Mill is located at the the foot of Mulberry street. The original building was erected many years ago for a tan- nery. In 1870, a Mr. Gladhill purchased the building, enlarged it and converted it into a woolen-mill. It has since been greatly en- larged and is now 130x40 feet, and four stories in height. In 1873, it was sold to an incor- porated company, of which J. H. Reed was President, and James J. Hedges, Superintend- ent and Treasurer. New and improved ma- chinery was added, but it failed to pay during

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

the hard times following the panic of 1873, and its doors were closed for several years. In 1876, John Wood, who had previously a large interest in the mill, purchased the entire con- cern, and, in 1879, in company with Mr. John Gilliland, again started the spindles. Since that, the mill has been in successful operation. Twenty to thirty hands are employed ; the en- gine is fifty-horse power, and machinery first- class. They manufacture cashmeres, flannels and yarn. The management is careful, and there is every prospect of permanent success.

The Mansfield Lumber and Building Com- pany was for many years located on Main street, near the City Mill. In 1872, they erected a fine brick building on two acres of ground, on Elm street, near the gas-works. The building is 50x90 feet, and three stories in height. The engine is a "Corliss," sixty-five- horse power. William Sherman was connected with this institution for many years before his death. John Wood is now President and S. N. Ford, Secretary. It does a large business in the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds, and is a reliable and permanent concern.

The Mansfield Paper Company was organ- ized in 1873. The incorporators were H. Colby, J. H. Reed, E. Hade, H. L. Reed and J. Hade ; capital, $60,000. They took possession of the old paper-mill, east of town, near the Pitts- burgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, which had been purchased by Mr. Hade, in 1871, for $20,000. It did not, however, survive the panie of 1873, and since that time has been in possession of Mr. Hade. Attempts have occa- sionally been made to revive the business, and it is now running with fair prospects of success.

In addition to the manufacturing business mentioned in the preceding pages, many smaller establishments are in operation, work- ing from half a dozen to a hundred hands each ; probably the latter figure is reached or ex- ceeded in the cigar,business.

There are several old and substantial furni- ture manufacturing establishments, a broom factory or two, and, in John's Addition, a churn factory, C. Blust & Co.'s, that has been in operation many years. Benskin & Zellner and E. M. Wolff & Co. are engaged in the man- ufacture of gravestones, the latter establish- ment employing steam power and twenty-two workmen. An old citizen, John Rickets, still continues the manufacture of shooting imple- ments on Main street, and there are half a dozen harness-makers, employing several hands each.

On Walnut street is located the carriage manufacturing establishment of Messrs. Pat- terson & Creigh. They employ more than twenty-four men, and turn out between 300 and 400 carriages per annum. Their trade is mostly local, their work substantial and beau- tiful in style and finish, and their reputation for quality of work excellent.

Mr. G. W. Forney, of Cincinnati, established a carriage manufactory in the old buildings on Main street, during the winter of 1879-80. The works proved a profitable investment, but owing to the lack of capital on the part of the proprietor, were obliged to suspend early in April, 1880. Mr. Sharp Bird was appointed assignee, who controlled the works until about the 1st of May. when they were sold to Mr. J. C. Kintner, who now owns and operates them.

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

CHAPTER LI.

HISTORY OF MANSFIELD, CONCLUDED.

FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WATER WORKS-THE MAYORS OF THE CITY-FIRST COUNCIL-FIRST RAILROAD-POP- ULATION AND BUSINESS IN 1857-GAS WORKS-RAILROADS-MARKET HOUSE-MANSFIELD MADE A CITY -ERECTION OF BUILDINGS-THE " FLUSHI TIMES " FOLLOWING THE WAR-THE WHOLESALE TRADE-THE BUSINESS OF THIE MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS-INCOMES-BUSINESS OF THE CITY ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTORY FOR 1869-LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION -THE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION-BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION-THE COLDWATER RAILROAD-THE "COLLAPSE" OF '73 -PROSPERITY IN 1879-GENERAL REVIEW OF BUSINESS.

A BOUT 1829, the village of Mansfield had made such headway that a fire depart- ment was thought of. There was no way of rais- ing funds for such a purpose at that time, but by subscription, and accordingly Dr. William Bush- nell carried around a paper, and obtained a sub- seription of $150, with which a small hand- engine was purchased. It was a queer machine, the water being forced through a hose by turn- ing two cranks, one on each side of the engine. This was the first fire engine, and Dr. Bushnell, Dr. Miller, Jacob Lindley (at that time Mayor), Hugh MeFall, James Smart, Nathaniel Bryan, Henry Huffman, a Mr. Canfield and some others, constituted the first fire company. Jacob Lind- ley was foreman. On the occasion of a fire, they would range themselves in a row extend- ing from the engine to some convenient well or cistern, or to the big spring, and pass buckets of water along the line to keep the engine supplied. Dr. Bushnell says it was a very good engine, and was in use about fifteen years or more, be- fore the village felt able to invest in a better one. It was kept in Lindley's cabinet-shop on the site of the present Baptist Church. In 1846, a new engine was thought of-one with more power and effectiveness. The subject was pre- sented in the Council on the 10th of April, 1846, and S. J. Kirkwood appointed by that body to obtain information with a view of purchasing.

In July of the same year, as a result of this in- quiry, Isaac J. Allen was directed to contract with Messrs. Borden & Craw, of Newark, N. J., for a fire engine, to cost not over $600. This was done. At the same time the Council took the precaution of stipulating that the engine should be forwarded to Mansfield, free of expense to the town, where it would first receive a fair trial, and, if found satisfactory, it was to be purchased at a stipulated price ; otherwise, to be returned to the makers. It was not until May, 1847, that this engine made its appearance. It was duly weighed in the balance. found want- ing, and the Mayor directed Mr. Allen to return it to the manufacturers. It was accordingly returned in June. Meanwhile, in the fall of 1846, while the new engine was in process of construction, it was thought best to devise some means for a water supply, and, for this purpose, it was deeided to make a number of cis- terns, which should hold from three to five hun- dred barrels, to be built in different parts of the village, most convenient in case of fire. For the construction of these cisterns, the Council advertised for bids, and Jacob Scholl, being the lowest bidder, received the contract. Three cis- terns were to be built, to be walled with stone, to hold five hundred barrels each, and to cost $92 each. These cisterns seem to have been sufficient for the fire department until 1853,

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HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

when the Council advertised for bids for the building of eight more. The contract was awarded to H. D. Sheffler, at $52 each. These cisterns were not completed until 1854, and the village was compelled to borrow money to pay for them, and to meet the increased wants of the department. The number of these cisterns increased, from time to time, as the growth of the city demanded until (at the time of the erec- tion of the water works) there were seventeen of them in different parts of the city. They were kept full of water by various means, some- times by conductors from the adjoining houses, but generally by laying hose and pumping the water from the creek, or the spring on Fourth street. This was very laborious work for the fire department until the arrival of the steam engine. Since the construction of the water works, these cisterns are being neglected ; they are no longer of any particular benefit to the city, and will never be again used unless some acci- dent should happen to the works during a con- flagration.

In 1847, the Recorder was authorized to correspond with parties in Mount Vernon, who, it seems, had procured an engine that did sat- isfactory work, and were directed to L. Button & Co., of Waterford, N. Y. This, however, came to naught, and late in the fall a corre- spondence was opened with a manufacturer of engines and hose in Cincinnati. It was not until February, 1848, however, that the Conn- cil authorized P. P. Hull to purchase an engine and six hundred feet of hose. Thus the town was nearly two years negotiating for its first acceptable hand-engine of importance. This engine, which seems to have been a good one, cost $1,000 ; hose and coupling, $441; trans- portation, $69.58; total, $1,510.58. These were purchased of D. L. Farman & Co., Cincin- nati. At the same time, the Council authorized the following persons, and such others as they chose to associate with them, to organize a fire company, viz .: Levi Zimmerman, A. L. Grimes,

R. C. Smith, S. J. Kirkwood, H. L. Baker, Peter Arbaugh, Samuel Au, Michael Linder, Thomas C. McEwen, John Rickets, Adam Heldman, Abraham Emminger, P. P. Hull, Alexander McIlvain, David Bushey and James A. Cook. They were to have the use of this new engine "Ohio," hose, etc. The same date, a commit- tee was appointed to procure a hose cart, and a proper place to keep the engine, and P. P. Hull was appointed the First Engineer by the Council. A shelter for the engine, etc., was rented of C. L. Avery.

After getting the engine, the Council recog- nized the importance of having a place to put it ; they therefore negotiated with Gen. James Hedges for the purchase of Lot No. 184, being the one which the English Lutheran Church now occupies. This lot cost $600, which was to be paid for in yearly installments of $100. This was in December, 1849, and in the same month a plan was reported for the new engine- house. It was to cost $1,500, and the contract was taken by B. McCaren and Henry D. Sheffler in March, 1850. In the following Jan- uary it was so far finished that the keys were delivered to the Council. The lower part of this building was used for the engine-room, and the upper part for a council-room and a town hall.

In July, 1852, a second fire company was organized. It was called " Torrent No. 2." Its engine was purchased by subscription, the Council authorizing the same, and agreeing to refund to each subscriber, the amount of his subscription ; taking it gradually from his amount of tax for corporation purposes. The following names comprise the charter member's of the company : George F. Carpenter, Eckles McCoy, Barnabas Burns, M. L. Miller, Ephraim McFall, T. B. Dodd, J. H. Cook, H. R. Smith, G. McFall, John H. Wiler, I. C. Fair, J. Christofel, James Dickson, John Y. Glessner, John C. Ritter, D. C. Connell. James Hoy and Stephen B. Sturges. The engine was purchased at Seneca Falls, N. Y.

518

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Subsequently, other companies were organ- ized, from time to time, much machinery and apparatus purchased, and the fire depart- ment became an institution of mueh interest and importance. In 1854, an Assistant En- gineer was appointed by the Council for each organization ; the old engine and apparatus of No. 1 was turned over to the Young America Fire Company, No. 3, and Mr. MeIlvain went to Boston and purchased a new engine for No, 1. It was called the " Deluge " and cost about $1,500.

Isaae Gass was appointed Chief Engineer ; E. McCoy, First Assistant ; M. Day, Jr., Second Assistant ; William Mellvain, Third Assistant, and David Bruck, Fourth Assistant. Mr. Gass continued to be Chief Engineer, two years, when J. H. Cook was appointed, with H. C. Hedges as First Assistant, and Samuel Caroth- ers, Second. The third and fourth seems to have been dispensed with.

In 1857, John A. Lee was Chief, and David McCulloch and P. Bigelow, First and Second Assistants, Mr. Lee continued as Chief En- gineer several years. He was followed by B. S. Runyon, E. MeCoy, Henry Lemon, James Emminger, Robert MeCrory and George Knof- flock. In 1867, a steam engine was purchased for the department, at a cost to the city of $5,500. It was a valuable addition, and greatly reduced the labor of the fireman. It is still in possession of the city, together with two hand- engines, all of which are kept ready for instant use, in case the water-works should fail, dur- ing a fire.

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Author: Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848- Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Mansfield, O. : A. A. Graham & co. Number of Pages: 968

Author: Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Mansfield, O. : A. A. Graham & co.
Number of Pages: 968