History of Sandusky County, Ohio : with portraits and biographies of prominent citizens and pioneers, Part 96

Author: Everett, Homer, 1813-1887
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Ohio : H.Z. Williams
Number of Pages: 1040

USA > Ohio > Sandusky County > History of Sandusky County, Ohio : with portraits and biographies of prominent citizens and pioneers > Part 96

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In July, 1852, Lyman Miller fell in with the growing spirit of founding a town, and remembering the prophesy of his step- father, Samuel Pogue, laid out a large tract west of the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati track, which is recorded as Miller's "Addition to the town of Centre- ville," but the papers were dated "Clyde," which shows that the name had been

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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

changed, probably about the time the sur- vey was made.

A public meeting was held for the pur- pose of naming the infant town, there being much difference of opinion. A number of names were proposed, but the three most favored were Centreville, Hamersville, and Clyde. The last was the proposal of Dr. Treadway, whose personal popularity had perhaps as much weight with the assembled citizens as the beauty and brevity of the name. It is in the tra- ditional history of the town that a few of the older heads were slightly sore because of the treatment their suggestions had re- ceived in the town meeting. Clyde had a large majority and was the name known in the records of the county, post office department, and railroad offices thereaf- ter.

The next addition was made by George R. Brown, in September, 1852, Adjacent lands have since, from time to time, been added, as growing industries have in- creased the population.

A notable feature of the plat of this vil- lage is the irregularity of streets and lots. This condition of things is produced by following the direction of the railroads, which cross at an angle of about seventy degrees. The street system is still fur- ther complicated by the angling roads, which were laid out before the existence of the town. The streets in Miller's ad- dition are parallel with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad; those of Brown's addition run with the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati railroad. The streets of Ames' addition follow the county road leading north, and those of Hamer's addition are laid off with reference to the pike. This irregularity in the system of streets detracts somewhat from the simple beauty the place might have, but the lux- uriant shading more than supplies the loss. The sidewalk of every avenue is

hidden from the burning sun by the foli- age of thrifty maples and elms.

Clyde was incorporated a separate and independent borough under the laws of Ohio March 8, 1866, and a village govern- ment organized soon after that time-in April - with John M. Lemmon, mayor. Succeeding mayors have been: Joseph Zepernich, to June, 1871; S. W. Reed, till April, 1872; Z. Perin, till April, 1880; since which time J. B. Bush has filled the office.

TAVERNS AND HOTELS.

It is reliably stated that at one time there were eight public houses of enter- tainment between Clyde and Fremont. This was during the days of the mud road from Bellevue to Perrysburg.

A line of stages was early established to Sandusky over the north sand ridge, intersecting the State road at the site of the cemetery. This crossing became a popular place for taverns. The first tavern- keeper of note and prominence was Wil- liam Hamer, whose name the place bore for more than a quarter of a century. Mr. Hamer begun to keep tavern on the Cor- ners about 1826. The building was a double log structure, with the cracks well filled and a sawed board floor, and withal quite comfortable. In this respect it con- trasted favorably with the two first taverns in the township, Benton's and Baker's, which were built six or seven years before, when boards were not to be obtained at any price. William McPherson's black- smith shop, and in a short time a small store, gave the Corners a village appear- ance, and the residents bestowed upon it the name Hamer's Corners. This, how- ever, is not the name by which the outside world knew the place. Bang All was the more common designation. The landlord of the corners is not to be held account- able for the condition of things which gave origin to this disagreeable pseudo name.

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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

Hamer, like all good hosts, sold whiskey, but for that reason is not to be blamed for the unfortunate reputation the place in early times acquired for drunken rows and general banging of eyes. Mr. Hamer's kind hospitality is remembered by some of the guests of his house. Old men are not few who regret that the good . log tavern days have passed away. What- ever else may be said of the benefits con- ferred by industrial and social develop- ments, it must be admitted that the homely hospitality of the days of slab benches and cheap whiskey has been lost. There was a romance about the old tavern which clings to the memory of old men and fires the imagination of generations born since the decay of pioneer institutions.

It was the practice of the period for travellers to attend to their own horses. Generally the log barn was of sufficient size to accommodate all, but in busy seasons it was not uncommon to hitch to the hind end of the wagon. The first business of the traveller was to water, wash, and feed the horses, while the female portion of the caravan took care of the babies and engaged lodgings. The men having tended their teams made straight- way for the bar, where all bodily aches and pains were banished by a full glass. No time was lost in establishing an acquain- tanceship, either among the women who formed a cheerful circle around a large log fire-place or among the men who were drinking each other's health in the bar- room. The supper bell brought all to- gether around a table bearing steaming corn-bread, well roasted venison or pork, and other staple articles of food. Supper over, the more sober and orderly retired early to their beds, while some of the gay and festive spent the early evening in cracking jokes and spinning yarns between drinks, winding up sometimes, though not frequently, in a drunken row. The rising

sun generally found travellers on their journey. Horses were fed by the break of day, and after partaking of a corn- bread breakfast the travellers repaired to their wagons and began the day's travel which, in muddy seasons, was sometimes not further than the next tavern. These taverns were everywhere much alike. We have applied these remarks to Hamer's only because it was the main point be- tween Bellevue and Lower Sandusky.

The first frame tavern was built by Mr. Smith and afterwards owned by Wesley Anderson. After the railroad was built the Junction House, the oldest tavern in the present village of Clyde, was built by Lyman Miller.

In 1867 Henry Nichols, seeing the need of a comfortable hotel for the accommo- dation of the general public, and at the same time an opportunity for a profitable investment, began the erection of the Nichols House, which is now the only hotel, properly speaking, in the village. In 1871 this property passed into the hands of Josiah Barnet. After several changes William H. Kauffman became proprietor in 1873, and in 1875 purchased the property. He brought with him the experience necessary to the successful management of a hotel. He was for a number of years connected with hotels in Columbus and Indianapolis, and was afterwards, until coming to Clyde, proprie- tor of the Murray House, Springfield, Ohio, of which town he is a native.

MERCHANDISING.

It is not easy to say who opened the first store at the Corners, nor is it of any consequence. The Corners has been a trading point for fifty years. A man named Turk opened a store at an early day. Previous to 1845 stores were kept by Wesley Anderson, William Hamer, Mr. Bohl, Fred Vandercook, and E. M. Cook. Darwin E. Harkness began busi-

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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

ness in 1840, in a small room on the pike. He had previously been doing cabinet work.

One of the busiest places in the little village was William McPherson's black- smith shop. This forge drew to the Cor- ners considerable trade, for had it been presided over by one less skilled, farmers would have gone to Bellevue or Fremont more frequently than they did. The largest store at the Corners was opened by P. B. Beery, in 1851. Mr. Beery was a trained merchant and a man of tact. He had been in business in Sandusky and Fremont as a clerk previous to coming to Green Creek. One of Mr. Beery's clerks, Mr. William H. Bacon, has since been a successful merchant in Clyde.

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The building now occupied by Norton Russel as a residence was used in 1848 by Mr. E. Ames for a store. Jonathan Ames soon after purchased the stock and removed the business to a small room on the opposite side of the street.

Mr. Beery sold his business in 1857 to Curtis, Bacon & Co. In 1859 W. H. and B. R. Bacon began business on the south side of the Lake Shore & Michi- gan Southern railroad, and in the follow- ing spring removed to the first brick busi- ness block in the village, which had just been completed -- the three story block nearly opposite the post office-where they engaged in trade till 1866, when Powers & Joseph succeeded. B. R. Bacon removed to Kansas City ; William H. the following year opened a store on the south end of Main street. From 1873 to 1878 he engaged in farming; since the last named date he has been in the dry goods trade.

D. E. Harkness, the oldest merchant in Clyde, is a son of Dr. William G. Hark- ness, who is mentioned under another head. He has never pushed an extensive trade, but has always been successful.

His store at the Corners, from 1840 to 1857, had a substantial patronage. In 1857 he removed to the new business centre, and maintained a steady trade till 1876, when E. M. Harkness purchased the store and succeeded to the business, which he still conducts. In 1878 the vet- eran merchant, not content with 'rest, again opened a store at the north end of Main street.

Powers & Joseph continued trade till about 1874, when Powers died. Joseph has been a successful merchant. The largest store ever opened in Clyde was established by Taylor & Richards, in 1872. After the fire of 1873 they occupied a double room in the new block now occu- pied by W. H. Bacon. Their stock was equal in quality and variety to any store in Northern Ohio, outside of Cleveland and Toledo. For the past few years Mr. Richards has been the sole proprietor, but on a smaller scale.

There are at present four dry goods stores. W. K. Bartlett was the pioneer in the hardware business. His store was in a little room in a frame building, which stood on the corner of Main and Buckeye streets, about 1858. Subsequent dealers were James Vandercook, S. B. Mann, William Wicks, W. C. Andrews, and Frank Rader.

The first drug store was opened by Dr. Eaton, on the pike. William Miller pur- chased the stock, and about 1860 removed to Main street. He died in 1865. Dr. Luse engaged in the trade a short time, and after him it passed through various hands, till it ceased to exist. H. H. Rabe has been in the drug trade on Main street since 1862. Rushton & Moll opened a store a few years later, which has for a number of years been owned by H. B. Tiffany. M. A. T. Pope completes the list of present druggists in Clyde.

In boots and shoes, groceries, and other

Jis Cynthia Je Pherson.

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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

branches of trade there is fair and honorable competition between a number of creditable stores in each department.

The Clyde Banking association was or- ganized October 1, 1870, B. Kline, D. E. Harkness, A. Richards, and F. W. Park- hurst being the partners. Mr. Kline has since retired.

MILLS AND MANUFACTURING.

Clyde stone mill, the oldest mill in the village, was built by a stock company in 1863. It is now owned by Lawrence & McConnell.

Hunter & Miles built the Star mill in 1870. C. Hunter is now the exclusive proprietor.

An edge tool factory was established by- Hunter & Brigham in 1869. Ten men are employed throughout the year.

W. A. Hunter established a bath in 1874 with complete modern furniture. A well-used bathing establishment contrib- utes more to the beauty and health of a town than is commonly supposed.

Clyde, during the last five years, has be- come an important point for the manufact- ure of brackets and other similar novel- ties. Wilbur Finch and George Super began the business in the summer of 1876 by making, on a small scale, work-baskets and paper-holders. Mr. Super continues the business. He employs three hands.

Hutchins & Brother began the manu- facture of toilet brackets. Their patent double-frame bracket and glass has an ex- tensive sale and employs ten hands in its manufacture.

D. F. Beck fitted out an establishment with suitable machinery and began making toilet brackets in the fall of 1876. He makes thirteen different styles, and has machinery which enables him to work up common walnut cord wood into the most handsome chamber decorations. "

John W. Wolcott employs twelve hands in the manufacture of slat work novelties.

His patent work-basket, particularly, com- mands a ready sale. He has just patented, and is preparing to manufacture on an ex- tensive scale, a kitchen table which com- bines many features valuable to the house- wife. Mr. Wolcott came to Clyde in the spring of 1868 and started a sash and blind factory which he operated one year, and then engaged in the lumber business until the manufacture of novelties received his attention.

The Mefford Fruit Company was estab- lished in 1878 with a capital of three hun- dred thousand dollars, which includes the Mefford patent for drying fruit. D. M. Mefford was elected president of the com- pany and has had general charge of the business. The establishment at Clyde has a capacity of three to five hundred bushels of green fruit per day. Establishments of this kind are of greater consequence to a town than at first glance might be sup- posed. It creates an active market for all kinds of staple fruit, and not only benefits the producers, but brings to the town a large trade which would otherwise be lost. If public patronage is the proper ground on which to estimate merit, the success of the Mefford process has already been es- tablished beyond contradiction.

SMALLER INDUSTRIES.

There are in Clyde two carriage shops, two planing mills, a number of blacksmith shops, cabinet shops, etc. The first black- smith was William McPherson, who car- ried on the trade until failing health neces- sitated his retirement. The first cabinet- maker was Amos Fenn; he "picked up" the trade, but became an efficient work- man. Darwin Harkness did a prosperous business in this line for some time.

A veteran tradesman of the present time is Oliver M. Mallernee. He was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1836. Having learned the blacksmithing trade, he came to Clyde in 1857. In 1861 he enlisted

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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY

as army blacksmith in the Third Ohio cavalry, and served till 1864. After the war he again worked at his trade in Clyde for a period. He then turned his atten- tion to farming. He is now in the marble and monument trade in Clyde. Mr. Mal- lernee married, in 1866, Mrs. Elijah West, whose maiden name was Mary Blake.

POST OFFICE.

William McPherson was the first com- missioned postmaster in the township, the name of the office then being Hamer's Corners. He was followed by D. E. Harkness, who gave the villagers the ben- efit of a free delivery. Taking the mail in his hat, he would walk around to the taverns and stores on a distributing tour. There were at this time two mail lines, one along the pike, the other on the north ridge road to Sandusky. Succeeding post- masters have been Jacob McCleary, D. E. Harkness, J. W. Wales, W. H. Reynolds, J. B. Bush, J. P. Fish, J. B. Fellows, R. B. McPherson, and Mrs. Z. Perin.

FRATERNITIES.

Five of the leading orders in the United States have flourishing lodges at Clyde. They are all fortunate in having a large and enthusiastic membership.

MASONIC .*

Monticello Lodge No. 244 was char- tered October 18, 1854, with the following members: William M. Harrison, Charles G. Eaton, Jacob McCleary, Willian, S. Rupell, William Hamer, James W. Forster, Henry Burdick, John N. Rupell, and George R. Brown. A dispensation had been granted by the Grand Lodge of the State December 3, 1853, authorizing Wil- liam M. Harrison, worshipful master ; Charles F. Eaton, senior warden, and Jacob McCleary, junior warden, to assem- ble and work as a lodge of Master Masons. The first election under the charter, in

1854, resulted in the choice of W. M. Har- rison, W. M .; C. G. Eaton, S. W .; Jacob McCleary, J. W .; W. S. Rupell, secretary ; William Hamer, treasurer; P. B. Beery, S. D .; William Hinton, J. D .; Robert Clapp, tyler.

The succession of worshipful masters has been; W. M. Harrison, C. G. Eaton, WV. M. Harrison, William E. Lay, J. B. Stark, William E. Lay, A. B. French, J. W. Forster, E. T. Gettings, R. F. Patrick, A. B. French, F. M. Ginn.

The following Clyde Masons have re- ceived the Knight Templar degree: Wil- liam E. Lay, Frank Rader, Tiffin com- mandery; W. H. Kauffman, Springfield; and W. M. Harrison, Orlin W. Harrison, and Eli Miller, Sandusky.

Acadia Lodge, No. 42, Free and Ac- cepted Masons (colored), received a dis- pensation and was organized June 21, 1870, with the following officers: T. G. Reese, W. M .; G. R. Taylor, S. W .; D. Whitsell, J. W .; H. Winsor, treasurer; Edward Simpson, secretary; S. Manby, S. D .; C. Wood, J. D .; Peter Points, tyler. The lodge was instituted December 10, 1872. This was the most notable occa- sion of the kind which has ever taken place in the town. Colored Masons were present from Toledo, Cleveland, and other surrounding towns and cities. The lodge disbanded July 13, 1875, at which time there were twenty-four members.

ODD FELLOWS.

A charter was granted to Clyde Lodge, No. 380, May 10, 1866. The lodge was instituted August 3, 1866, by Right Worthy Grand Master Daniel Fitchen. The charter members were: Matthias Benner, George B. Fuller, Richard F. Pat rick, S. M. Reynolds, George T. Bell, W. W. Stilson, B. R. Bacon, George Smith, Peter Upp, N. K. Taylor, Joseph Barnett, John McMartin, James McMartin, A. T. Smith, G. R. Brown, and W. W. Whitton.

* Information furnished by W. M. Harrison.

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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

The past noble grands of this lodge are : Matthias Benner, George B. Fuller, R. F. Patrick, W. W. Stilson, E. T. Gettings, Henry Baker, E. F. Drake, Albert Stark, Charles Wright, B. F. Rodgers, G. P. Humphrey, N. H. Taylor, N. B. Mason, John Malcolm, George H. Brace, J. G. Bruncker, Henry Bobst, George Carlton, · G. W. Dwight, S. B. Taylor, W. S. Vale, John Gazly.

The hall in which the lodge was insti- tuted was burned March 9, 1874. In this fire was lost all the furniture, one set of new regalia, and all the emblems. Meet- ings were held on the west side of the street until after the completion of the Lemmon block, which the lodge has since used. The largest number of members at one time was one hundred and fifteen. The lodge has at present seventy - five members and eleven hundred dollars in the treasury.

Earl Encampment No. 105 was insti. tuted June 12, 1868, with M. Benner, E- T. Gettings, Henry Baker, Henry Gra- back, George T. Bell, E. F. Drake, Peter Copsey, and G. B. Fuller as charter mem- bers.

Charity Degree Lodge No. 18, Daugh- ters of Rebekah, was chartered May 12, 1870. The charter members were: Hen- ry Baker and wife, N. H. Taylor and wife, M. Benner, R. F. Patrick, H. F. Barnum, E. Gettings, and wife, H. V. Nichols and wife, G. S. Rhodes and wife, J .. W. Forster, and J. J. Nichols.

KNIGHTS OF HONOR.

Clyde Lodge, No. 989, was instituted March 9, 1879. The charter members were E. T. Gettings, John Surbeck. ". Griffin, B. F. Rodgers. George Carlton, Louis Hoch. M. B. Lemmon, W. J Payne, S. I). West, W. A. S. Ward, T. J. Carlton, J. F. Harris, N W. Bush. H B Tiffany, W. H. Kauffman, John Billmin. and C. H. McCleary The present mem.

bership of this lodge is one hundred and seven. Since organization one death loss has been paid. There is in the treasury a balance of fourteen hundred dollars. At the date of organization M. B. Lem- mon was chosen past-dictator, and E. T. Gettings, dictator. He served three terms and has been succeeded by B. F. Rodgers, A. B. Chapman, and H. M. Howard.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

Clyde Lodge, No. 126, Knights of Pythias, was instituted January 13, 1881, by Deputy Grand Chancellor D. M. Laz- erus. B. F. Rogers was elected past- chancellor and E. T. Gettings, chancellor commander. The lodge was chartered with twenty-nine members, which number has been increased to forty-two.

AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR.

Clyde Council, No. 298, of this order was organized September 13, 1880. C. H. McCleary was elected past-commander, and W. C. Andrews commander. The other officers elected were: George W. Lawrence, vice-commander ; J. H. Rhodes, orator; O. W. Harrison, secretary ; P. W. Parkhurst, treasurer; C. K. Harnden. medical examiner ; George P. Huntley, chaplain; A. B. Chapman, guide; J. H. Davenport, warden; John Baker, sentry; H. B. Tiffany, Louis Hoche and Giles Dewey, trustees.

PERSONAL.

Mrs. Lydia Slocum is held in grate- ful remembrance by the people of this community on account of her inherent excellence of character. Lydia Norton was born at New Canaan, Massachusetts, in 1777. In her twenty first year she married John Russel. Four years later they removed to Ontario county, New Vork. Mi. Russel died in 1813. leaving a family of five children, three of whom inail settled in this county - Norton,

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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.

William S., and Cynthia McPherson. A few years after Mrs. Russel married James Chase, but after a short period was again left a widow. She came to this township in 1828 and engaged in school-teaching for a period of seven years. She was a competent teacher. This cannot be truth- fully said of many of the teachers of the time, when the profession was not appre- ciated as it is at present. In 1840 Mrs. Chase married Isaac Slocum and removed to Bellevue. After the death of her hus- band she returned to Clyde and made her home with Mrs. McPherson until two years before her death, when she joined the family of her son, Norton Russel. Mrs. Slobum died October 4, 1876, aged ninety-nine years, six months and seven days. Mrs. Slocum was a lady of rare in- telligence and Christian character. Dur- ing seventy-eight years of her long life she was a zealous church member. Her full life was jeweled to the end with good works.

U. B. Lemmon, the subject of this sketch, was born in Livonia, Livingston county, New York, March 16, 1808; came to Ohio with his father's family in 1827. When a young man he learned the car- penter and joiner's trade, at which he worked for some six years. On the 14th of August, 1834, he was married to Miss Emily McIntyre, of Ithaca, New York. For some thirty years subsequent to his marriage he was engaged in farming. In 1864 he removed to Clyde, his present res- idence. He has been blessed with a family of six sons and four daughters. Four sons and three daughters are heads of families. He had four sons in the la e war. two in the Seventy-second Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, and two in the One Hun- dred and Sixty ninth National Guards.

That William M. Harrison is an enthu- siastic Mason will be seen by glancing at the paragraph relating to that sub- ject in a previous part of this chapter

He is a son of James Harrison, a native of New Jersey, but during most of his life a resident of New York. William Marks was born in 1807. In 1837 he married Adaline M. Wright. In 1845 he came to Sandusky county, and settled in Green Creek township. He served as deputy sheriff of the county for a number of years.

Darwin E. Harkness, son of Dr. William G. Harkness, was born in 1814 in Spring- port, New York. The family settled at Hamer's Corners in 1833. Darwin E. worked at cabinet making until about 1838, when he engaged in the grocery business, and has since been engaged in trade of various kinds. Mr. Harkness married Mary De Zang, of Seneca county, New York. They have had a family of three children, two of whom are living. Emmons D. is in business in Clyde ; Nettie L. Davenport resides in Missouri. McFall, the oldest child, died of disease contracted in the army.

Moses O. Nichols was born July 17, 1818, at Deerfield, New Hampshire. At the age of sixteen he engaged in business at Haverhill, Massachusetts; in less than a year he engaged in the manufacture of shoes on his own account, but a taste for music induced him to give all his spare time to experimenting on musical instru- ments. He invented the first pipe key melodeon. In 1843 he began the manu- facture of organs, at Brattleborough, Ver- mont, making the first box swell used in the reed organ. From Vermont Mr. Nichols removed to Boston, where he manufactured organs for ten years, He afterwards had a factory at Syracuse, New York, which employed one hundred men. From 1860 till 1879 Mr. Nichols en- gaged in newspaper publishing and in the sale of musical instruments, for the greater part of the time in Indiana. In 1879 he settled in Clyde. His last invention is the grand dynamicon.

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History of Sandusky County, Ohio : with portraits and biographies of prominent citizens and pioneers, Part 96

Author: Everett, Homer, 1813-1887 Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Cleveland, Ohio : H.Z. Williams Number of Pages: 1040

Author: Everett, Homer, 1813-1887
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Ohio : H.Z. Williams
Number of Pages: 1040