USA > Ohio > Seneca County > History of Seneca County, Ohio; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Vo. I > Part 39
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Just at this time, about fifteen minutes after the fire was dis- covered, word went around like magie that four barns were in flames, a few rods in the rear, and a little north of Ogle's store. So intently was the attention of everyone directed to the first build-
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ing on fire and saving those near, that these barns were not discov- ered until every part of them was on fire. and the flames were shooting up nearly one hundred feet. This changed the whole face of everything ; it was found that the buildings on fire and those near had to be left to their fate, and attention turned to the saving of the property ahead of the fire. All became dire confusion among those most likely to suffer immediately from the flames. Attempts were made to save the buildings with buckets of water. and the re- moval of furniture began. Women and children were crying with fright, and the owners of property with pale faces and compressed lips saw the impossibility of saving their houses.
Scarcely had the fire in the barns above mentioned been dis- covered, when flames were seen leaping from LeBaron's stave factory, sixty rods or more distant. This burned fiercely and, from a gale the wind became almost a hurricane. Burning shingles, boards, coals and sparks flew in every direction, and ignited every- thing they touched. Fires were kindled in every direction; at this time twenty-five minutes after the first alarm, upwards of fifty buildings were blazing furiously.
The flames leaped from building to building, dense volumes of smoke covered the doomed ground. and it seemed nothing but an interposition of Providence could stay the destruction. In thirty-eight minutes after the fire started the roof of the house of Mr. Singer, on the east side of Washington street was nearly burnt off, while everything inflammable between that and McNeal's corner was in flames. It was impossible to keep track of the buildings as they caught fire, for the fire seemed to start in every direction, with the regularity of the ticking of the clock.
At Sneath's warehouse, Kaup's planing factory and depot, the desperate fight of the day was made. The fire was making fearful ravages and rapidly approaching these buildings, which were divided from the burnt district by the railroad. Had the fire got into these large buildings, the Ohio Stove Works, over forty residences, and Cunningham's mill would have been burnt, and the fire would have crossed the river and the business portion of the town would have been doomed.
The two steamers were put to work at this point, and a large number of citizens took hold and worked with the firemen. Ben- ner's house and barn, and Bartell's saloon, directly opposite Sneath's warehouse, were burning fiercely. The waterhouse and the sheds of the railroad, with large piles of wood opposite, the plan- ing factory and the depot were burning terribly.
The warehouse of Smoyer & Brothers had 50,000 bushels of wheat, and 20,000 bushels of oats. The oats were in the upper story under the roof, and the precaution of bringing in pails there Vol. I-24
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had been taken. Six men were on the oats to watch the sparks which were blown under the shingles. As these sparks fell they would throw water on them and extinguish them.
On the outside men were on the roof with pails and the fire company threw water onto the front, together with fighting the Benner and Bartell fires. The same work was done on the planing mill and depot. both of which were on fire both inside and out. At one time the depot was in flames and it was thought that it was doomed. The freight was partially removed. However, hose was got onto the roof, and the building was deluged and saved.
A very important key to the safety of the city was the saving of the house of Mrs. Glick. at the corner of Miami and Monroe. That, with the Holt house. was the only property saved on that square. A number of young men took hold there, and with buckets of water, kept the fire away from it, or rather extinguished it wherever it burst out. The heat was so intense that those working had to cover their faces with wet cloths. It was saved after a deter- mined fight, and after it was on fire several times.
Directly opposite was an old dwelling that would have gone; next to that a frame, and so on, building after building. until the Cunningham Warehouse was reached; all of which would have burnt, and the end would have been the destruction of all the fac- tories and business portion of Tiffin.
The fire companies, as organizations and individually. did all it was possible for them to do. They were promptly on hand. and when the labor of the citizens was done. they kept at work. worn out as they were, till late on Sunday. They hung to their work faithfully and well.
About forty-five minutes after the fire started the entire property destroyed was in flames. The fire from Singer's house passed the intervening buildings and ignited the pump shop of Fishbingh and two houses, all of which were burnt. In the mean- time fighting fire on all buildings was done in that section.
The fire crossed the river and started Smith's brewery to burning, and the woods, trees, and fences beyond for one and one- half miles from the starting of the place of the conflagration, but little damage was done.
On the square first burnt. the furniture, the bedding, etc., in many cases were removed to streets adjoining and left, as was supposed, in safety, but when looked for were found burnt up or on fire.
The city council telegraphed to Sandusky for help, and in- formed Sandusky that the fire was approaching the railroad bridge. Then the track was cleared by telegraph, and the engine reached Tiffin in forty minutes from the time she started, and threw water in less than one hour from the time she left Sandusky. After
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working one-half hour she collapsed a flue. She was well handled up to that time, and Sandusky deserved Tiffin's compliments.
M. L. Scannel is president and treasurer of the water work, with office at No. 37 East Market street, corner Monroe; pumping station on Sandusky river.
The plant was established here in 1870 and in all the years of its activity has abundantly supplied the city with an adequate amount of pure, fresh water for both domestic use and fire protec- tion. The system is what is known as the direct-pumping system, the best in existence. The capacity of the pumping station is 8,- 000,000 gallons every twenty-four hours. There is a never-failing water supply taken from wells and the Sandusky river. This has been lately augmented by the building of a cement reservoir 80 feet wide, 110 feet long and 16 feet deep, which has a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons. The fire losses of the city in the past ten years are probably less than any city of its size in the United States, owing largely to an efficient fire department as well as the plenti- ful supply of water furnished by the Tiffin Water Works. The company keeps pace with all improvements and extends its mains wherever possible.
Mr. Scannel, head of the works. has been a resident of Tiffin since 1863, and has been connected with the water works ever since they were installed here. His long years of service tells its own tale of efficient management and the respect and esteem in which he is held, not alone by his company but by all citizens.
The citizens of Tiffin feel a commendable pride in their public library, which was founded in 1880, by an association of prominent citizens. It was sustained until 1896 by donations and subserip- tions. The library owns the building it occupies, which is a large two story brick, on the corner of Jefferson and Market streets.
There are 9,516 volumes in circulation, and the library is open from 1 to 5 p. m., and from 6:30 to 9 p. m., except Sunday's and holidays.
Officers-President, Florence Cronise; secretary and treas- urer, E. E. Hershberger; librarians, Miss Louise Fast and Miss Jessie Herchiser.
At the creation of the library in 1880 a room was fitted up in the market house for its occupaney, and the following persons were the officers at that time: President. R. W. Shawhan ; vice president, Mrs. W. P. Noble and Mrs. John D. Loomis; secretary, C. HI. Cramer; treasurer, J. W. Chamberlain; trustees. W. P. Noble, Francis Wagner, George G. Harriman, Miss Florence Cronise, Mrs. Samuel B. Sneath and Mrs. Laura G. Bunn.
There was a public opening of the library on the 12th of May, 1880.
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There is no more unfailing barometer of the spirit of progress and enterprise prevailing in any community than the bank, sus- taining as it does such close and important relations to all interests, both mercantile, industrial and agricultural, as well as financial. In this regard the city of Tiffin keeps well abreast of the times.
The first bank in the county was on West Perry street. Tiffin. It was opened November 13, 1847, with Benjamin Tomb, president. and R. G. Pennington, cashier. William E. Chittenden was elected cashier the same year, and in February, 1848, Abel Rawson was chosen president.
The Bank of Tiffin was organized in the fall of 1858, by Evan Dorsey and A. G. Sneath. In the fall of 1859, R. W. Shawhan bought the interest of Mr. Dorsey, and the bank was continued by the same name until it merged into the National Exchange Bank in 1865.
The National Exchange Bank of Tiffin was organized in 1865. The following named gentlemen were the incorporators, viz: John D. Loomis, R. W. Shawhan, A. G. Sneath, J. M. Naylor, S. B. Sneath, W. W. Naylor, H. A. Buskirk, S. M. Ogden. Abel Rawson, A. B. Hovey, J. H. Good, Levi Davis, John Swigart, J. H. Pittenger, Robert Smith, E. T. Stickney and J. A. MeFarland.
The Tiffin Savings Bank was incorporated March 3d, 1873. under an act entitled "An act to incorporate savings and loan as- sociations," passed February 26. 1873. John G. Gross was the president, and D. D. Dildine cashier. The institution was kept up about four years, and after the death of Mr. Huss it closed it busi- ness, and a majority of the stock holders joined in the Commercial Bank.
The Commercial Bank purchased the First National bank building, and opened for business on the 23rd day of June, 1876. It organized under a charter of May 18, 1876, with a capital of $100,000. It has a constant surplus of over $7,000. Officers : W. P. Noble, president; J. A. McFarland, vice president; S. B. Sneath, cashier ; J. A. Blair. assistant cashier.
The City National Bank, northeast corner of South Washing- ton and Perry streets. Officers: G. H. Baker, president ; George E. Schroth, vice president ; E. E. Hershberger, cashier ; F. R. Mann, assistant cashier. Although this is one of our youngest national banks it is by no means the least important.
Tiffin Savings Bank, No. 102 East Perry street. Officers : Thomas J. Kintz, president; A. A. Cunningham, vice president ; Oliver O. Runkle, cashier; William H. Boganwright, assistant cashier. The Tiffin Savings Bank is one of the strongest and most prosperous financial institutions in this city.
The Commercial National Bank, corner Washington and Court streets. Officers : R. D. Sneath, president; W. W. Keller, cashier ; H. L. Troxel, assistant cashier.
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The City National Bank, northeast corner Washington and Perry streets. Officers : G. II. Baker, president ; George E. Schroth, vice president ; E. E. Hershberger, cashier; A. Dunn, assistant cashier.
In 1852 Arnold & Tomb (Sylvanus Arnold and Benjamin Tomb), established a private banking house which lasted two years, when it changed into the hands of Tomb, Huss & Co. The busi- ness was conducted in this name until 1865, when the company organized as the "First National Bank of Tiffin," with Benjamin Tomb, president, and John T. Huss, cashier. For eleven years this bank did an immense business, but during the last year of its existence people questioned its soundness and looked upon the institution with misgivings. Mr. Huss, the cashier, was a native `of Tiffin, and a young man of excellent business qualifications. He was highly esteemed, and enjoyed the general confidence for honor and integrity. Nn one was willing to believe him guilty of any wrong.
On the afternoon of October 15, 1875, several depositors with- drew their accounts. The money in the bank had run down to a few hundred dollars. The clerks in the bank felt gloomy. Some of the directors consulted as to the propriety of borrowing some money for a few days. Huss was at his home, where he had been for several days, not feeling well, as he said. A gentleman came from Cincinnati that afternoon with a view of seeing Mr. Huss about a large draft that was not just as it should have been. It was half- past four in the afternoon. The bank had closed and for the last time. Mr. Huss was in bed. The family had gone into the dining room for supper. A shot was heard in the direction of Mr. Huss' room. A ball had passed through his heart, from a revolver which he still held in his hand. He was dead.
Tiffin is not what is known as a manufacturing town. Seneca county, on account of the richness of its soil, is so well adapted to agricultural purposes that it was years before much interest was paid to manufacturing.
The very first industry in Tiffin was the manufacture of bricks for building purposes. One of the first brick buildings in the place was a Catholic church, on the south side near the east end of Madison street. The first brick hotel in the town was built with brick from these yards. The Methodist Episcopal church on Market street and a few other brick buildings soon followed. One of these brick yards was in Fort Ball, and the other was near the east end of Tiffin street.
About this time a saw mill was built near Rocky creek and the
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SENECA DRIVING PARK, TIFFIN.
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mill race, some thirty rods southeast of the point where Circular street intersects East Market. The dam was close by the saw mill -in fact, the water ran from the dam directly into the mill without a head race, and. after passing through the wheel, emptied into the creek again, so that the mill had neither head nor tail-race. A race, however, was constructed from this dam to the city mill. This mill was built in 1826, and was run night and day to supply the great demand that was made upon it for lumber with which to build frame houses and for other purposes.
A grist mill was built shortly after the saw mill. Then as the town increased in population other industries soon followed, among which we note the woolen mills, a brewery, stove works, agricultural works, a foundry, a carriage factory, churn factory, another flouring mill, bent works, water works, gas light plant, carriage and wagon works, and other useful and important manu- factories too numerous to mention.
Among the industries of the present day we note the National Machinery Company. designers and builders of bolt-nut and rivet machinery, upsetting and forging machines and wire nail machinery. Officers: M. Frost, president; II. N. Reynolds, vice president; W. L. Hertzer, treasurer and registrar; E. R. Frost, secretary and general manager. This business was established in Cleveland in 1872, and was moved to Tiffin in 1883. It is one of our most prominent manufacturing concerns, and is far reaching in its trade relations, which extend to all parts of the world. Forty per cent of the whole output is exported to foreign countries, and our citizens take great pride in having an institution of such an international reputation.
The plant is comprised in a number of brick buildings which are of the most modern construction and architecture. One main building is 100x540 feet in dimensions, and the entire group has about 120,000 square feet of floor space, fitted with machinery of the most accurate and expensive kind and labor-saving devices that are marvelous in their workings. A detailed description of these works would perhaps weary the reader, as several columns could be used in the telling ; suffice it to say that the output is of a character necessitating the most skilled labor obtainable; two hun- dred and fifty operatives find steady employment and the company is a large factor in the employment of the city's labor.
The machines made by this house are of the highest mechanical construction and they have been so long identified with the trade that the name of the National Machinery Company is a synonyn for superiority of manufacture in all its specialties. The growth and prosperity of this large concern presents a forcible illustration of the enterprise and ingenuity of American manufacturers and in- ventors, and the summit of its usefulness is still far in the future.
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The Sterling Emery Wheel Company located on Broad avenue are manufacturers of grinding machinery, lawn vases, grey iron castings, etc. George E. Schroth is president; Gratton H. Baker. vice president ; N. Schriener, secretary; George S. Tillotson, treas- urer and general manager. The company employs about seventy- five skilled workmen and it is in close touch with the city's advance- ment and prosperity.
The officers are prominent in financial and legal circles. Mr. Gratton H. Baker is president of the City National Bank. Mr. George E. Schroth was judge of the court of common pleas and is vice president of the City National Bank. Mr. Tillotson, treasurer and manager of the company, is a native of Massachusetts, who has resided here ever since the company has been in operation in Tiffin.
The Tiffin Manufacturing Company manufacturers of church furniture, etc., is at 70 Melmore street ; J. W. Hoffman, president, and H. Scheiber, secretary, treasurer and general manager. The business was established in 1875 by Jacob Scheiber, uncle of H. Scheiber. In 1887 the present company was incorporated and
assumed full control of the plant. The success of the house has been marked by enterprise and a full knowledge of the wants of customers. Starting as a planning mill it soon became necessary to widen its scope of operations and take up the manufacture of church furniture, such as pews, altars, confessionals, communion railings, pulpits, baptismals, prie dieus, statues, etc.
The factory facilities of the company are embraced in a plant of five large buildings with connections. It is equipped with all the labor-saving machinery known to the trade and the manage- ment always insists upon first class workmanship in all the pro- cesses of manufacture. The result has been that wherever a church has been fitted by this company it has commanded the confidence of the church officials and the clergy generally, and has been the means of securing other contracts. All parts of the United States are visited on special contracts and the reputation of the house is such that they generally receive the commission to install their furniture. Messrs. J. W. Hoffman, and H. Scheiber are kept busy visiting the large cities of the country in securing contracts. Plans and specifications are furnished and their past endeavors are a guarantee of a fulfillment to the letter of all agreements. J. W. Hoffman, president of the company, is a native of Ohio, and a gen- tleman who takes a deep interest in educational affairs.
The plant of the Sterling Lumber & Supply Company, dealers in a fine grade of lumber, is located at Adams street and Big Four railroad F. L. Niswender, manager. The remarkable growth of the lumber trade in this section has been demonstrated in many ways, more particularly in the rapid growth of the Laurens Hull Lumber Company, which has been changed to the Sterling Lumber
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& Supply Company. . It was established about five years ago, and has had a steady increase in business.
The Tiffin Lime & Stone Company, manufacturers of a superior grade of lime and crushed stone contractors, is installed at the cor- ner of Shawhan and First avenues ; Frank Weot, president. This business was originally established by Frank Morcher, who was succeeded by Weot Bros. The present company was incorporated in July, 1909. It owns sixteen acres in the Highland addition to the city, where a practically inexhaustible supply of No. 1 lime- stone is deposited. It recently built on the premises some new structures, including lime sheds and stone bins. The company is well equipped with machinery and apparatus, consisting of the big steam rock drills and other implements for excavating a large amount of stone. The output in round numbers is 150 yards per day of crushed stone and 1,400 bushels of lime.
The Tiffin Electric Company, successors to the Consolidated Gas & Light Company, and also the Tiffin Edison Illuminating Company have offices at No. 65 East Perry street; Frank Epsy, Manager. Tiffin has experienced a remarkable expansion in manu- facturing and building the last few years and much of it is due to the progressiveness of her citizens. It has, therefore. become necessary for many of the older institutions of the city to enlarge their facilities in order to take care of their share of this expansion, and the readiness with which they have responded has contributed greatly to the growth of the newer industries. This is especially true of the Electric Company, as by assuming the management of the two old companies under one great head and one management they will be enabled to give Tiffin an electric light and power ser- vice that cannot be excelled anywhere in the country.
The Sneath & Cunningham Company are proprietors of the elevators bearing that name located on the Big Four and Pennsyl- vania Railroad lines. with sidetracks in the elevator and also in close proximity. Ralph D. Sneath and Arthur A. Cunningham are proprietors. Mr. Cunningham is president, Mr. Sneath vice president and treasurer and Courtney Cunningham, secretary. Mr. Ralph D. Sneath is also the president of the Commercial National Bank of Tiffin, and A. A. Cunningham, vice president.
Lease & Collier, manufacturers of hardwood lumber and dealers in plain and quartered oak, yellow pine, building material, oak and cedar posts, square timbers, switch ties and piling have office and yards on South Sandusky street, Big Four railroad; C. D. Lease and Earl J. Collier, proprietors.
Tiffin Malleable Iron & Chain Company, manufacturers of elevating and conveying machinery, sprocket chains, etc., has it plant west of the Pennsylvania railroad; H. L. Waterbury is president and general manager; T. K. Webster, vice president; T.
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K. Webster. Jr., treasurer; A. W. Bass. secretary; II. E. Epley, superintendent. This firm is a branch of the Webster Manufactur- ing Company, Chicago. The parent company, finding their busi- ness rapidly expanding and being unable to meet the situation in the quarters then occupied. took under consideration the removal of its plant to some place nearer its basis of supplies, and where sufficient room would be afforded for its future needs. Tiffin sufficed. A compressed air system has been installed which con- veys air to all parts of the plant. By its use such operations as riveting, drilling. chiseling, grinding, polishing, oiling, painting, furnishing of air to workmen under special conditions, supplying draft for forges, etc., are rapidly and effectively handled, and when the new office building is erected this same air system will be ex- tended throughout the plant. The product covers a wide range, and is well represented throughout the country, as well as in many foreign countries.
THE WEBSTER MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
Through the efforts of the Commercial Club a $40,000 subserip- tion was raised to induce the Webster Manufacturing Company. of Chicago, to locate their large plant at Tiffin. Although local parties also subscribed $300,000 in bonds. this action was not really necessary in order to bring the works to that city. It is expected the buildings (covering a floor space of 200.000 square feet) will be completed by May. 1911. and that the business will employ seven hundred people.
The Ohio Lantern Company manufacturers of the famous Baron Lanterns, (C. S. Baron, general manager.) has quite a remarkable history, which can be briefly stated by saying that the goods were first manufactured by Thomas G. Baron in 1838, improved by Baron Brothers in 1865. and further improvements made by the Baron Manufacturing Company in 1870. From 1881 to the present date "Baron" goods have attained their highest developments. For sixty-eight years this company has been in the lead in the manufacture of the most perfect lantern. and they never rest in the matter of improvement. Jobbers and dealers throughout this country handle these goods with the assurance and knowledge that they are purchasing the most scientifically constructed goods. and lanterns with the most perfect combustion known. The factory is eligibly located and is in close proximity to all three frieght depots, and the sidetrack in the factory vard connects with the Baltimore and Ohio, Big Four and Pennsylvania railroads. thus making shipping facilities of the most advantageous character. The plant is embraced in a series of two-story brick buildings; the equipment of machinery and motive power is all of the most modern
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