USA > Ohio > Columbiana County > Salem in Columbiana County > History of Salem and the immediate vicinity : Columbiana County, Ohio > Part 8
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"There being but few gummed label plants of this
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
kind and the demand for them general, it makes the business wide-spread so that labels from Salem are sent not only to all parts of the United States, but to Canada, Central and South America, and to the islands of the seas. In addition to druggists' labels, there are millions of lamp chimney, tack, hardware, ammunition, broom, and miscellaneous labels being sent from this city continually."
Another establishment of this character is that of Thomas J. Walton. This is equal in capacity and variety to the aforesaid. "The specialty of this house is cut and gummed labels, in which it does an immense business, the orders coming from every city and town in the union, and even outside the asylum for the oppressed of all nations."
" This house, in addition to label work, does every description of fine book and job printing in a very superior style. A large number of the most expert and experienced workmen are employed, and the trade extends over the whole country, and into the Canadas."
The A. K. Tatem Label Co. was incorporated in 1891, succeeding A. K. Tatem & Co., and Tatem & Park. In 1883 this concern bought the drug label business of T. J. Walton. Gummed labels are its leading product, but general job printing is also done by them.
After selling The Salem Era office, and its interest, E. F. Rukenbrod commenced a job office for fine com- mercial, society and color printing. In this he still continues, and appears to be achieving some success. R. W. Sharpnack, M. S. Schwartz, and the Lyle Brothers, each have small offices for every variety of job work, needed in the place or neighborhood. Sale bills and letter heads are executed by them in a style good enough for any reasonable customers.
CHAPTER XIII.
MANUFACTURERS.
ANUFACTURING was here first attempted + in the year 1814. A joint stock com- pany organized in the early part of that year with the title of "The Manufacturing Company of Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio, to be conducted according to certain articles of agree- ment, " of which the first was: "The capital stock of said manufacturing company shall consist of fifty thousand dollars, to be divided into shares of ten dollars each, which shall be paid in gold or silver coin, or bank notes equivalent thereto, or labor or materials (at the discretion of the directors) in the following manner: One-fourth on each share the first of June next, and one-fourth more in sixty days from the first installment. Then, afterwards, the remainder of said shares to be fully paid in when the directors shall order by giving not less than sixty days public notice. "
The object of the establishment was-"For man- ufacturing cotton, wool, ironware, and for the mer- chandizing." There were nineteen articles in the constitution; the last of which was-"There shall be no dealing or trading in spirituous liquors." It is supposed that there was some kind of a store con- nected with the concern.
John Street, Nathan Hunt, Jacob Gaunt, Samuel Davis, David Gaskill, Israel Gaskill, and Richard Fawcett were the first board of directors. They expected to have the concern in operation in the ensu- ing month of June.
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
A brick building was erected for this establish- ment; but the enterprise was a failure. The build- ing and lot were then sold to Isaac Wilson; who used the materials of it, and the lot for building the Western Hotel and his store that stood on the site of the large block built in 1897, at the corner formed by East Main and South Lundy streets.
It was some years after this that John Stanley built and set into operation a woolen factory where the Picket House now is. This he conducted with some success till sometime in the year 1827, when it was burnt. It was soon rebuilt where the Baptist church now stands. Here, besides machinery for carding, spinning, and weaving woolen fabrics, there was a saw mill. This soon went into disuse, because timber was becoming scarce, especially near the town. In 1830 Robert Campbell bought this establishment and carried it on till 1838, when he sold it to Zadok Street, who engaged Thomas Pinkham for manager. Thus it was worked till about 1849, when the build- ing was pulled down.
A similar stablishment was carried on a few years by James Brown, in the western part of the town. In 1840 this factory was built. There wool was carded. then spun and woven into blankets, shawls, etc. Kentucky jeans were also manufactured there.
Some time in the twenties Amos Kimberly estab- lished a carding machine on the west side of what is now Ellsworth street, on the site of the house marked No. 29. The motive power of it was a tramp wheel, about twenty feet in diameter, fixed on an inclined shaft. Two or three oxen were placed on one side of it, and fastened by their heads; then, by a contin- uotis walk, they kept the wheel in motion. Motive
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power of this kind was very common before steam engines were so readily made as in these latter days.
In 1832 Mordecai Morlan bought this establishment and carried it on till about the year 1839; when the whole thing went out of use. He also manufactured hat bodies. Making hats was then a considerable business. William Chaney, Israel Beans, and John Whinnery were then the principal persons engaged in hat-making. The body of the hat was made in a conical shape in such an establishment as Mr. Mor- lan's, and then finished by the regular hat-maker. In those days hats were to be had only from the hatter shops. Since those days hat-making has become a business of syndicates; and this has made business for hat and clothing stores.
Tanning was a considerable business in the early times of Salem. John Street was the principal per- son engaged in this business. His establishment filled nearly one-half of the square on the south west from his store, bounded by what are now Depot, Dry, and Howard streets. There was here a large number of tan vats, and a house for dressing the hides when taken from the vats, and finishing them into various kinds of leather. There was also a mill for grinding tan bark.
John Street sold leather for cash when he could get it. For hides and tan bark he exchanged store goods, except when the want of them was very great. Joseph Saxon, and Isaac Wilson had tanneries on a smaller scale. The former was the first to engage in the work of supplying the town people with fresh mneat.
Furniture-making or cabinet-making was, in for- mer days, an important business in this place, and so
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
it was in all towns of its size. Charles Jobes carried on chair-making during several years in a shop on Main street. Levi Fawcett was the principal cabi- net-maker. Tables, stands, bureaus and bedsteads were the chief articles of his work. He was, for many years, undertaker for the town and vicinity. It was not till some time in the fifties or sixties that ready-made coffins (or caskets) were kept by profes- sional undertakers in this place. There were car- penters and furniture-makers, in those days, who could make coffins; and they often used a common carriage or wagon for a hearse. Levi Fawcett's hearse was much in the shape of a coffin. Thomas Y. French succeeded him, and he was the first one to make undertaking a specialty.
"Thomas Sharp, a son of Joel Sharp, Sr., one of the early settlers in Salem, learned the trade of a carpenter and millwright, worked at his trade in Salem and Cleveland, and, in 1842, returned to Salem, his native place," and established the business of making steam engines. "The first engine con- structed in the town for sale was made by Mr. Sharp in 1842." The castings for his first machinery were brought from Cleveland in wagons. And a shop was occupied on what was for some known as Foundry Hill.
"Subsequent to this he purchased land on West Main street, where the building and repairing of engines and machines, castings, etc., has been carried on successfully. The firm name has been changed a number of times, but the work has been prosecuted continuously, employing a number of men and pro- ducing a valuable output. " This plant was burnt in April, 1894. And now the ruins remain as a mon- ument of what it has been.
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The first foundry was near the crossing of Penn and Dry streets. This part of the town was then called Foundry Hill. A man named Nicholas John- son was the manager. Zadok Street bought the establishment and conducted it in a small way. Then the business passed through several changes until in 1847 it was purchased by Snyder & Woodruff. Here they commenced casting stoves, and they continued at it successfully till the fall of 1856, when the estab- lishment was burnt. They very soon purchased other grounds and rebuilt. This was on the lower part of Depot street. There they continued the business till 1870, when the partnership was dissolved. Since which time the business has been conducted by James Woodruff & Son. About fifty men are now by them employed.
The Victor Stove Company was organized in 1869. Their establishment joins that of Woodruff & Son. They produce stoves and ranges of various patterns. Wm. H. Koll has been their manager for several years. About seventy-five operatives are employed by them.
In 1876 J. B. McNabb established a canning factory on Depot street. Green corn, pumpkins, and some vegetables are here prepared and put into cans for preserving. The vessels for this purpose are also manufactured, and cans for maple molasses too are here made. Connected with the establishment is also apparatus for the manufacture of ice. This is fur- nished to customers in the summer season. From ten to twenty-five operatives are here employed.
The Salem Wire Nail Mill Company was incor- porated in August, 1885, with a capital of $300, 000, since increased to $500,000. The works were started
.
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
on the last day of that year. In it wire nails of all sizes are made. About three hundred and fifty men are here employed, and about 2600 kegs of nails are produced daily. Most of the time the works are kept going by day and night, with two sets of workmen. Another plant of the same capacity, at Findlay, Ohio, was bought by this company in 1889. Work is here done with much system and precision.
"Purdy, Baird & Co., manufacturers of plain and rock face building blocks, drain tile, etc. R. S. and J. Baird, relatives of the present Mr. Baird, estab- lished these works in 1862, but R. S. Baird died shortly afterwards, and, in 1865, the plant passed into the hands of Clemmer & Deming, who sold to Purdy & Baird in 1874. This firm continued the manufacture of stoneware and a number of specialties, including drain tile, down to 1883, when the present Mr. Purdy was admitted to the firm and the name changed to Purdy, Baird & Co. With these changes the manufacture of drain tile, sewer pipe and build- ing blocks were made specialties, while other goods were made only to supply the local trade. The fol- lowing is a list of the goods they manufacture: Sewer pipe, building blocks, farm drain tile, fire brick, stoneware, chimney tops, chimney pipes and rock faced blocks."
The Grove Chewing Gum Company was estab- lished in 1891. Of the company owning and manag- ing this establishment S. Grove, Sr., is president; and E. Grove, secretary and treasurer. In it pepsin, Jersey fruit, and fruit flavors are also made. Nearly two hundred operatives are employed, and the pro- ductions amount to about half a million dollars annu- ally.
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MANUFACTURERS.
In 1875 William J. Clark & Company established a factory for making novelty oil tanks, shipping cans, elevator buckets, hose couplings, and general plate and sheet metal works. From twenty-five to forty operatives are employed. And their trade extends to all parts of the United States, and considerably to foreign countries. In their shop hardware and wooden-ware business, which was added about the year 1885, they have an established profitable trade which has grown very rapidly, making it necessary to put up more buildings and make use of more machin- ery in order to meet the demands in their screen door and window trade. "
"This firm has been offered ground and buildings to an extent, and cash subscription to shares in their company as an inducement to move their works to another city, but they say the solid character of the fuel supply at Salem, together with other advantages that might be named for bids."
"The Wirsching Church Organ Company was established in 1887 with the following officers: Chas. C. Snyder, president; Philip Wirsching, vice-presi- dent and general manager; Warren W. Hole, secre- tary, and Sheldon Park, treasurer."
"Mr. Philip Wirsching, vice-president and general manager, was, for years, employed in building church organs in Wurzburg, Bavaria; Prague, Austria; Stettin, Prussia, and in the world renowned manu- factory of Friedrich Ladegast in Weissenfels, Sax- ony."
"The Wirsching organs are not only par excellence n grandeur and inspirational sweetness of tone, but in the matter of appearance as well. They excel in constructive art, adding that degree of sacred beauty
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
and awe so attractive and desirable in the house of worship."
"The Deming Company is one of the leading and solid manufacturing establishments of Salem. The business was originally started in 1854, by Levi A. Dole, and Albert R. Silver; a part of a little shop on High street and the first alley east of Lundy street being used by them. The business had a small begin- ning, but during the forty or more years of its exist- ence, it has had a steady and vigorous growth." In 1856 Mr. John Deming bought a third interest in the establishment, which, by that time, had grown to the point of possessing a home of its own. After the death of Mr. Dole in 1866 the firm conducted the business under the name of Silver & Deming. Vari- ous changes were made in the articles manufactured, and locations, out of all of which grew the splendid and successful establishment that is to-day known far and wide as the Deming Company. This company is now engaged extensively in the manufacture of a great variety of pumps. Special agencies have been established in London, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Omaha, and Philadelphia,"
The Buckeye Engine Company was first estab- lished by Milton Davis, Joel S. Bonsall, Joel and Simeon Sharp, in 1851. They first made only the ordinary throttling engines. On the 27th of April, 1865, the establishment was burnt; the loss being between $50,000 and $75,000, and no insurance. In about a month the work of building was commenced. And business was resumed in less than a year Important additions have been made since that time. The company was re-organized in 1871 with Joel Sharp as president; T. C. Boone as secretary ard
JOEL SHARP.
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MANUFACTURERS.
treasurer; M. Davis as vice-president; J. S. Bonsall, superintendent, and S. Sharp, assistant superintend- ent.
"During all these years this establishment has been the most important industry of Salem. At this time their works occupy about four acres, and are made up of numerous buildings. They have a capi- tal stock of $300,000, all paid in. More than two hundred men are employed in their works. They manufacture the celebrated Buckeye automatic cut- off engines, of which 2500 are in use, making engines of various sizes from ten horse to a thousand horse power. They also manufacture saw mills, planing mill engines, self - acting shingle machines, lath machines, and various other machines and engines, and ship them to every state and territory in this country, and some foreign shipments have been made. The total annual output of engines, boilers and other machinery, probably exceeds in value $500,000."
"The Pelzer Art Works is another highly inter- esting industry recently established in this thriving city, which has rapidly gained popularity and trade in the great cities of the country. The plant is splendidly equipped with the best improved machin- ery adapted to this line of work. It is lighted by its own electric dynamo, heated by steam, and has a complete dry kiln for seasoning hard wood lumber. In short, it is the best equipped plant for artistic wood working in the country, and already ranks first-class in this line of trade."
"Specialties manufactured: Church altars, stat- uary, pulpits, railings, confessionals, pews and other church furniture and finishings; fine hotel and office furniture; interior furnishings, and finish for resi- dences, of plain and carved wood."
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
"The best designers, the best draughtsmen, the best workmen in every department, that can be pro- cured, skillfully design, carve, polish and combine into objects of art and beauty here, that which will attest the degree of taste and elegance demanded by the people of our times." 1
Albert R. Silver, having retired from the firm of Silver & Deming, in 1890 erected a new building in which were manufactured carriage and wagon-mak- ers' tools, butchers' tools and machines, cutters and carriers for fodder and ensilage, horse powers, bor- ing machines, etc. This establishment employs a large number of workmen.
Barnaby, Rank & Co., for a few years, carried on an establishment for the manufacture of farm imple- ments of various kinds. This was some time in the sixties.
"W. H. Mullins, manufacturer of sheet metal stat- uary, cornice and ornaments. 3 This business was established in the spring of 1872 by Messrs Kittredge and Clark, under the firm name of Kittredge, Clark & Co., and continued until about January 1st, 1875, when the entire plant of the National Ornament Com- pany, of Toledo, Ohio. was purchased and removed to Salem. A joint stock company was then formed and incorporated under the name of The Kittredge Cornice & Ornament Co., who continued the business until April, 1878. They were succeeded by Thomp- son, Boyle & Co., and they, in turn, by Thompson & Bakewell, who carried on the business until February, 1882. At which time Mr. W. H. Mullins purchased the interest of Mr. Thompson, and the firm became that of Bakewell & Mullins. The business was car- ried on by these gentlemen until February 1st, 1890,
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MANUFACTURERS.
when Mr. Mullins purchased Mr. Bakewell's interest; since which time it has been very much extended and the capacity of the plant enlarged."
" They have furnished slate roof and ornamental work for hundreds of court houses, and public build- ings throughout the United States and Canada. They have also quite an extended trade through Mexico, South America and the Sandwich Islands." "Eagle Foundry. This establishment was begun by H. Kidd and G. Allison as a foundry. It passed through several changes prior to 1864, when it passed into the possession of R. H. Garrigues. From a mere foundry it became a machine shop, where horse pow- ers and threshing machines were manufactured in considerable quantities." After his death the busi- ness was carried on by his son Norman B. Garrigues, and was confined chiefly to machine work and jobbing. The building for this establishment is on Ellsworth street. And now it is occupied by the Sheehan Man- ufacturing Co. Their specialty is leather riveting machines. These are represented to be "something for the farmer, the machinist, the teamster, the har- ness-maker, and the liveryman. They all want it. It is a ready help in case of need. It saves time and expense, for, in a minute, you can splice a trace, mend a belt, or strengthen a threatened break. "
CHAPTER XIV.
THE MERCANTILE BUSINESS.
ITH the advancement of settlements, and the increase of population came a demand for manufactured goods and a need of market for home products. Money, not being very plenty, much of mercantile business was done by exchanging farm produce for imported goods. John Street opened the first store. His place of business was at the center of town. The house still remains, but it is much altered. He was followed by David Scholfield at the east end. His career was short. David Gaskill was next. He waspermanent in the business till he became too old for active work. Isaac Wilson came while these two men were thus actively engaged in trade. And by each of them a fair amount of business was done. All stores might then be reckoned of the vari- ety order. Dry goods, hardware, queensware, gro- ceries and some drugs and liquors were sold in all of them. Liquor was sometimes kept on the counter, and buvers would get a treat, sometimes in advance of the purchase. Goods were often exchanged for grain or other country produce; that of the dairy or even fresh meat was often taken in exchange for goods brought from the east. The merchants sometimes had three prices for goods, viz: 1st. For cash on delivery. 2nd. For country produce. 3rd. On credit with a book account.
John Street, in his time, did the most business, and the greatest variety of it. His standing in the Soci-
ZADOK STREET.
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THE MERCANTILE BUSINESS.
ety of Friends, and his prim little saleswoman, Ellen Butler, helped him much. Besides his store he owned and managed a tan yard. Every winter he bought a large amount of pork. This was cut up and salted; and in the spring it was smoked and sent to eastern markets; it was there exchanged for cash or new goods. Jacob Heaton and Jehu Fawcett also did a considerable business in this kind of trade. Before railroad times all goods were brought to this place in wagons; hence prices were higher, and teaming was then a great business.
During some years John Street, David Gaskill, and Isaac Wilson monopolized the mercantile business of this place. John Street, in his old age, was suc- ceeded by his sons, Zadok and John. The former became an active business man in some other enter- prises, and then retired from the store.
Zadok Street, in his time, was one of the most active business men of Salem. Besides selling goods, he was actively engaged in several manufacturing establishments. And he was an active promoter of the railroad that has been such a great help to our city. That railroad owes more to him for its success than to any other person in our city.
In 1832 Isaac Wilson erected a frame building (very handsome for those days) where the Greiner-Brain- erd hotel now stands. In this he commenced business, while his son, William G., continued in the old stand. There he continued till his death in 1838. Thomas and Hiddleson, and, perhaps some other parties, sold goods here till the whole of the building was made a hotel called The Wilson House.
David Gaskill continued in business at the west end till near the time of his death in 1847. In 1833
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HISTORY OF SALEM.
E. Wright Williams married his daughter and became one of his household, and salesman in his store. In this position Mr. Williams continued till about 1838, when he built the block at the north-west corner of Main and Ellsworth streets. There he conducted business some years; but trusting some persons for purchased goods, and bailing others, he became so involved that he was obliged to sell out. Then he moved westward. He dealt much in drugs and med- icines. Some of the latter he invented. and sent out agents to sell them.
In 1831 Jacob Heaton came to Salem. He first worked at carpentry; then he kept a term of school; and next engaged for a while in Wm. G. Wilson's store. There he rendered valuable service, and showed for what business he was best adapted. His talents were observed and appreciated by Albert G. Richardson, of Wellsville, who furnished capital and set him up in business on Main street. There his genial manners and his proficiency in the German language made him a formidable rival to the older merchants.
After a few years of great success in selling goods Jacob Heaton went to Waynesburgh, Stark county, and there had a store. But our Salem seemed to be a better place for him. Wherefore he returned and entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Emmor Weaver. . Their career was very success- ful for some years. On Mr. Weaver's retiring, Mr. Heaton continued some longer selling goods, and then engaged in the insurance business. He entered heartily into the anti-slavery and other moral reforms. He encountered some losses; but during his time he was one of the most useful citizens of the town.
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THE MERCANTILE BUSINESS.
Samuel C. Trescott was the first person to con- ceive the idea of establishing a grocery here. He and his sons, Isaac and Clark, were, for some years, employed in John Street's tannery. This business declined. Then he started a small grocery on what is now Howard street, a little north of Dry street. Here he kept some goods of this line. This was in 1834. He frequently went to Cleveland with a two horse wagon, taking some farm produce from this place and there trading it for some kind of goods that would find a ready sale here. And whenever the aforesaid goods from this place would command money, he took it. This business he continued some years with a varied experience. In his old age he quit it and betook himself to shoemaking.
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