USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 51
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 51
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Number of members in 1880. 45.
Officers of the present year. 1880; John Myers, H. P .; John Zug. K .; Ira P. Shissler, S. ; L. Meredith. C. H. ; I. D Clark, P. S. ; Henry But- ter, Rac .; L. Patterson, M. I. V .; D. P. Donathan, M. 2 V. ; Samuel Neill, M. 3 V .; O. D. Swartout, Sec .; C. W. Lown, Treas .; W. L. Scott, G.
Meetings are held on the Ist Tuesday of each month.
These two Masonic bodies meet in the Masonic Hall, ou the corner of Main and Washington streets, in Van Wert.
Independent Order of Odd Fellowes.
Van Wert Lodge, No. 251, was established in Van Wert, Ohio, by the R. W. Grand Lodge of Ohio, which granted a charter February 23. 1451, to the following brethren, viz: J. B. Collin, L. B. McGowan, E. L. Jacobs,
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
F. T. Coffin, J. Slater, G. MeConahay, D. S. Miller, T. Propt, W. C. Gallagher, D. Majors, L. B. Fletcher, J. Shaw, R. Conn, and J. C. Park- inson.
The names of the Grand Officers attached to the charter are R. W. W. G. Neilson, G. M .; R. W. W. F. Curtis, G. W .; R. W. W. F. Slater, Gr. Treas .; R. W. J. S. MeGiunis, D. G. M .; R. W. A. E. Glenn, G. Sec.
The lodge was constituted May 18, 1854, by Bro. John A. Lee, and the following brethren installed into office: J. B. Coffin, N. G .; L. B. Me- Gowan, V. G .; G. L. Jacob, Sec .; John Shaw, Treas.
" It has a membership of 132, who are devotedly attached to their prin- ciples.
The lodge hell their first meetings after organization in the third story of the Van Wert Hotel, but at the present time in MeCurdy's block, corner of Main and Washington streets.
Meetings are beld regularly on Wednesday evening of each week.
The present officers ( October, 1880) are: W. G. Edward, N. G .; H. Billman, V. G .; A. J. Poster, Sec .; HI. C. Glenn, Treas .; F. S. Blake, Permanent Secretary.
The Past Grands of Lodge 251 are: I. N. Alexander, Joseph Castle, D. Newcomer, J. A. Gleason, A. J. Gleason, J. W. Penn, F. J. Bone- witz, G. W. Meltz, Dr. Win. Smith, L. C. Cono, 1. Conant, M. L. Pur- mort, J. S. Hardsock, H. C. Glenn, T. Murphy, P. H. Miller, C. A. Mel- shimer, Jacob Fox, J. D. Foutz, J. S. Brumbeck, D. P. Young, J. B. Brodnix, IL. Updegrove, Silas Smith, J. W. Baker, John Strandler, R. N .: Skelly, L. B. McGowan, G. W. Day, H. Campbell, HI. N. Croninger, C. A. Hutchinson, John Titus, L. Evers, S. S. Shoemaker, C. Link, C. Neff, C. W. Cowan, H. Robinson, A. G. Howell, J. H. Mount, E. Mullen, W. H. Dennison, John Cling, S. B. Hertz, W. Highwood, J. Bookwalter, T. W. Gaston, D. Harnley, E. L. Wilkinson, W. R. Cook, S. R. Mone- smith, and J. L. Stoddard.
Marion Encampment, No. 61, I. O. O. F.
When first instituted met at Delphos ; the charter granted March 30, 1854, by the Grand Encampment of Ohio; the following being the Grand Officers of the State: M. W. Payson Coats, G. S. W .; M. W. A. J. Young, G. S. W .; M. W. Samuel Ross, Gr. Treas .; M. W. Addison Pronsin, G. H. P .; M. W. A. R. Foote, Gr. Sec. ; M. W. Nathan Stew- art, G. J. W.
The charter members were L. B. Wilson, C. II. MeCluney, M. P. Clark, Win. Cust, J. R. Murphy, H. Fisher, and C. H. Hoover.
It was constituted by G. W. Cowan, who installed the following officers: II. Fisher, C. P .; L. B. Woolsan, IL. P .; C. H. McCune, S. W .; J. R. Murphy, Sec. ; Win. Crist, J. W .; C. H. Hoover, Treas.
Past Patriarchs of No. 61: 1. N. Mexander, A. W. Baker, F. J. Bo- nantz, I. S. Brunbeet, H. Campbell, J. Castle, L. C. Conu, W. G. Ed- wards, Jacob Fox, A. J. Gleason, J. A. Gleason, HI. C. Glenn, Win. Hop- wood, C. Melshimer, P. H. Miller, G. W. Moltz, J. W. Mount, T. Murphy, D. Newcomer, M. L. Purmont, Wm. Smith, U. S. Wise, H. Billman, Ab. Dennison, HI. II. Updegrove, and W. R. Cook. ,
Liberty Grange, No. 322,
Of the Patrons of Husbandry, was organized at Van Wert, December 29, 1873. L. B. Shaffer was elected Master, and C. H. Koogle, Secretary. Deputy District Grand Master Robbins, of Mercer County, installed the officers. The order holds regular meetings every Friday evening. The number of members at its organization was thirty; but at the present time, March, 1881, it numbers one hundred and thirty-four. It has a good financial basis, handling about eight thousand dollars' worth of goods per year.
The following is a list of officers since its organization : Masters-L. B. Shaffer, H. C. Williams, E P. Weagley, and W. H. Witten. Secre- taries-C. H. Koogle, John Koogle, E. Elkhart, and Alfred MeElwan.
Improved Order of Red Men, Aberaki Tribe, No. 77.
The dispensation to organize this benevolent association is dated the 23d of the Flower Moon, G. S. D., 352, and signed by W. A. Brands, Grand Sachem of the Grand Council of Ohio, and attested by C. S. Bells,
Chief of Records, which body was subsequently organized by the Grand Council of the United States, April 7, 1852.
Its motto is Friendship, Freedom, and Charity. The constitution provides that if a member be disabled by sickness or injury to his person the weekly sum of $3 shall be paid out of the funds of the Order. To this end there is a relief committee, whose duty it is to attend to all such cases. The Order also provides by assessment for a widow and orphans of deceased members.
The Abewaki Tribe, No. 77, of Van Wert, was organized by dispen a. tion, and meets every Thursday evening in their hall, in the third story of the corner of Main and Washington Streets. The hall is finished in Indian style, with bows and arrows, tomahawks, knives, war clubs and canoes, in fine every thing characteristic of the Indian character.
Dr. John W. Underhill is one of the representatives of the Grand Council of Ohio to the Grand Council of the United States,
W. II. Hester is the representative of No. 77 to the Grand Council of Ohio.
Van Wert Division, No. 290, of the Sons of Temperance.
A petition for a Dispensation was presented to A. W. Collins, S. D. G. W. P., on April 1, 1872, for the institution of Van Wert Division, No. 290, composed of one hundred and six persons, who signed the applica- tion, but only sixty-eight were present at the organization.
At its organization the following members were elected to their re- spective offices, viz .:
1. Mary Elcock, P. W. P .; 2. Sarah R. P. Moon, W. P .; 3. Sarah E. Roebuck, W. A .; 4. George W. Mowry, R. S .; 5. Georgia Glenn, 1. R. S .; 6. Silas Smith, F. S .; T. G. A. K. Young, Treasurer ; 8. Rev. Thomas Elcock, W. Chaplain; 9 E. C. Wilson, W. Conductor; 10. Rachel Lit- tle, W. C. Conductor; 11. EHa Ketchison, W. G. S .; 12. C. R. Alberry, W. O. S .; 13. O. L. Neff, D. G. W. P.
Bro. A. M. Collius, State D. G. W. P., installed the officers in ample and regular form, and pronounced the Division in good working order under dispensation. On April 6, the charter was granted with full powers to proceed.
April 8. The following Board of Trustees were elected: Bro. W. Un- derhill, for one year ; Bro. Silas Smith, two years, and C. E. Clark, three years. Miss Rachel Little was appointed organist, and C. S. Crossman, Chorister.
The Trustees were instructed to negotiate a lease for Mr. Swineford's hall, and at the next subsequent meeting reported they had rented it for one year at $75, with the privilege of three, live, or ten years.
April 15. O. D. Neff, Mary, Eleock, and Georgie Gleason were ap- pointed the first Literary Committee.
The object of this committee was to have performances of a literary character every alternate meeting.
An organ for the use of the Division was purchased.
June 24, 1972, a regular election held, and up to this time the member- ship of the Division was 112.
The Division had festivals, literary exercises, dramatic performances.
The following members have filled the office of W. P. since the organ- ization of Division No. 290: R P. Moon, J. W. Underhill, E. W. Man- field, J. T. Cumming, Z. Houpt, Henry A. Pease, Rev. Thomas Elcock, J. W. Shultz, M. E. Bowser, G. M. Saltzgaber, O. L. Neff, I. D. Clark, James A. Mcconahay, E. T. Woods, George W. Maltz, C. B. Church, Sarah E. Roebuck, E. C. Wilcox, A. L. Sweet, George E. Wells, D. P. Donaklson, John Parnell, J. R. Beary, George Glenn, and Lee Cashill. Number of persons initiated 445; number of members -.
It is eminently due to state that the Rev. Thomas Elcock in all the labors of the Division, besides attending to his arduous ministerial duties in the Presbyterian Church, and, notwithstanding his advanced age, has filled the office of Worthy Chaplain for twenty-five full terms.
The election of the Sons of Temperance, for the ensuing quarter, was held Monday evening, March 28. 1881. Below is a list of officers chosen: W. P., J. H. Foster; W. A., Kate Evers; P. W. P., Rev. S. M. Bowser; R. S., Arthur B. Whitmer; A. R. S., Cora Graham; F. S., Asa Molta; Chaplain, Oliver Eagy ; Con., S. W. Long; A. Con., Kittie Cassel; I. S., Myrtle Graves; O. S., Lec Cassel; L. A., Ist, Ella Howe; 2d, Mary
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
Lowery; 3d, Nettie Rhodes; Organist, Ellis Melsheimer ; Chorister, Dr. D. L. Corbin.
VAN WERT'S FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Preceding the year 1872 the only evidence for combating the ravages of " the devouring element," fire, consisted simply of a " bucket brigade," which involuntarily sprang out to relief at the dread alarm of any in- cipient conflagration. About the beginning of the year 1872 some of the enterprising citizens, under the lead of J. H. Foster, deeming it of vital importance to have more efficient agencies in subduing fires, pro- ceeded to the organization of a systematic fire department. A consti- tution and by-laws were adopted and officers elected, and a hand-engine, " Van Wert, No. 1," with two trucks, reels, and hose were purchased by the town Council. This was considered a sufficient protection to the town until 1877, when the city purchased one of Ahren's famous steam engines, and a new era for protection dawned. Both engines are under the control of one company -- " Van Wert Fire Company, No. 1." The department is conducted on the volunteer plan, although the engineer is allowed a compensation for constant attendance. The last annual report of the company showed the apparatus to be in condition, and to consist of steamer, one hand-engine, four hose-carriages and reels, and 2000 feet of hose, all under experienced officers and in first-class working order. The officers from the beginning of the organization to the present time are as follows :- .
!
Jan. 30, 1872. J. II. Foster, Foreman ; Geo. H. Mowry, Ist Assistant Foreman ; C. F. Bickford, 2d Assistant Foreman; D. A. Clark, Seere- tary ; George W. Clark, Treasurer.
Nov. 12, 1872. J. H. Foster, Foreman; Jos. Fandrill, Ist Assistant Foreman ; C. F. Bickford, 2d Assistant Foreman ; D. A. Clark, Secre- tary; P. C. Conn, Treasurer.
1873. J. H. Foster, Foreman ; T. J. Saltzgaber, Ist Assistant Fore- man ; C. F. Bickford, 2d Assistant Foreman; D. A. Clark, Secretary ; P. C. Conn, Treasurer.
. 1874. J. II. Foster, Foreman; Get. Todd, Ist Assistant Foreman ; C. F. Bickford, 2d Assistant Foreman ; John Rison, Secretary ; P. H. Miller, Treasurer.
1875. J. HI. Foster, Foreman ; P. H. Miller, Ist Assistant Foreman ; C. F. Bickford, 2d Assistant Foreman ; Jolin Rison, Secretary ; P. H. Miller, Treasurer.
1876. J. H. Foster, Foreman ; U. H. Hester, Ist Assistant Foreman; E. C. Wilcox, 2d Assistant Foreman ; Wilson Hires, Treasurer.
1877. J. H. Foster, Foreinan; Al. Brown, Ist Assistant Foreman ; U. H. Hester, 24 Assistant Foreman ; John Rison, Secretary; Wilson Hires, Treasurer.
1878. J. H. Foster, Foreman ; Al. Brown, Ist Assistant Foreman; U. HI. Hester, 2d Assistant Foreman ; Robert Kear, Secretary ; Wilson Hires, Treasurer.
1879. J. H. Foster, Foreman; Al. Brown, Ist Assistant Foreman; U. II. Hester, 2d Assistant Foreman; Scott Johnson, Secretary ; Wilson Ilires, Treasurer.
1880. J. II. Foster, Foreman ; Al. Brown, Ist Assistant Foreman and Engineer; U. H. Hester, 2d Assistant Foreman; J. W. Sherrick, Secretary; D. A. Clark, Treasurer. Directors: F. M. Shaffer, J. G. McCoy, Charles Webster, JJohn Troup, and John Mathys.
1882. J. H. Foster, President : Al. Brown, Ist Assistant Foreman ; John J. Shoemaker, Foreman Hose; Thomas Noble, Assistant Foreman Hose. Dircetors: A. Jackson, Thomas Redrup, Daniel Mullen, A. C. Walters, and A. Grandstan.
Buckeye Hook-and- Ladder Company.
About the time of the organization of the Fire Department in 1872, O. J. Comer became the leading spirit in organizing an independent hook-and-ladder company. The company was organized and named the " Buckeye," and elected O. J. Comer Foreman, and A. W. Clark Secretary, with a complement of about fifty men. With their own money the company purebased a hook-and-ladder truck and the necessary apparatus. Several years afterwards the company soll their property
to the city at the original cost price. It now maintains its organization on the volunteer plan, with an active membership of forty-one men, otfi- cered as follows : George Clippinger, Foreman; John Shoop, Assistant Foreman ; Ed. Montgomery, Secretary ; George Clippinger, Treasurer. Directors: Frank Shoop, Harry Darnell, and George Moebus.
Van Wert Fire Company, No. 1.
This is to certify that on the 20th day of February, A. D. 1872, at a regular meeting of the members of the fire company hereinafter named, held at the engine house in Van Wert, County of Van Wert and State of Ohio, and which is the usual place of holding the meetings for said company, a majority of the members were present, and the following proceedings were had, as shown by the minutes of said meeting, to wit:
VAN WERT, OHIO, February 20, 1872.
This being the regular meeting of the members of the fire company, held at the engine house, in Van Wert, Ohio. There were present J. II. Foster, presiding officer, and a majority of members.
It being in order to select a name for said company, it was unani- mously agreed that the corporate name adopted by said company, and by which it shall be known, shall be " The Wert Fire Company, No. 1." and whereupon, it being in order, an election of directors for said com- pany was proceeded with, when James E. Morrison, George F. Pier, George F. Todd, David L. - , and Joseph Rose were duly elected said directors and trustees, to serve for the period of one year, and until their successors are elected and qualified. It was further resolved that these proceedings be furnished the Recorder of Van Wert County, Ohio, for record, to make this body an aggregate corporation under the law of Ohio.
Signed, D. A. CLARK, Secretary.
The Van Wert Gas Company.
The Van Wert Gas Company was organized February 14, 1881, by J. II. Miller, C. R. Miller, A. B. MeCurdy, H. C. Glenn, and O. C. McCurdy, with capital stock of $25,000, the building having been erected the pre- vious year by J. H. and C. R. Miller.
The works consist of a fire-proof brick building, 60 by 70 feet, with all the modern improvements for making illuminating gas.
By the use of the gas the city was illuminated for the first time on the 10th of January, 1891.
Directors: John Van Liew, O. C. MeCurdy, Perry Zimmerman, G. M. Saltzgaber, and H. C. Glenn.
The Board organized Jan. 1, 1882, by electing the following officers: President, H. C. Glenn; Secretary, O. C. MeCurdy; Treasurer, John Van Liew.
MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS.
Van Wert Stave Company.
The charter for this company was procured by D. H. Pennypacker, R. Sheppard, George Sibbelt, Samuel Neel, and JJosiah Sibley.
They purchased ten acres of land within the corporation, and on the line of the P., Ft. W. and C. R. R., between West Main Street and Kear's addition.
Flour and sugar barrel staves, finished heading, and flat and patent hoops form the line of manufacture. The establishment represents a capital of $70,000, and employs eighty workmen. Two engines are operated, one of sixty and the other of eighty horse power.
Stave capacity, 20,000 per day ; heading from 1500 to 2000.
A specialty is made of the manufacture of stock barrels for flour, salt, glass, and lime.
Officers: President, W. G. Pennypacker; Vice- President, W. S. Craig : Secretary and Treasurer, I. H. Eldridge. Directors: George Holton, John II. Grove.
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VAN WERT BULLETIN
& OFFICE
VAN WERT BULLETIN OFFICE , SOUTH WASHINGTON STREET, J. H. FOSTER EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
RES. OF WM. SMITH . M. D. WEST MAIN ST. VAN WERT, OHIO.
RES. OF COL.I. N. ALEXANDER , MIDDLE STREET , VAN WERT , OHIO
13
HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
People's Milling Association.
This company was incorporated April 15, 1872. The charter mem- bers were L. Meredith, M. Mumaugh. Samuel Neet, C. P. Edson, Samuel Collins, D. W. Bart, Alexander Le Rue, J. S. Brumback, A. W. Baker, I. N. Alexander, and I. D. Clark.
On April 18, the following Board of Directors was elected: Levi Mere- dith, Samuel Collins, Samuel Neel, A. W. Baker, D. W. Burt, Alexander Le Rue, and P. De Pay. The board then elected the following officers: D. W. Burt, President ; A. W. Baker, Secretary, and Samuel Neel, Treas- urer. Levi Meredith was appointed Superintendent.
The charter provides for the annual election of officers on the Ist day of January, at which time dividends are to be declared. The capital stock was $20,000, divided into 400 shares of $50 each. A brick mill was erected, 40 by 60 feet, the basement seven feet deep; first floor 12 feet high, and the second story 14 feet high. The cost of the building was $15,245.66. Cost of lot $300.
E. W. Wilson, architect and builder. Capacity of mill, 30 bushels of wheat and 20 bushels of corn or chop per hour.
Officers: President, A. J. Gleason; Secretary, Ed. Burt; Treasurer, HI. G. Richie. Directors: M. F. Richie, F. J. Gleason, S. Kohn, J. W. Clark.
C'ty Mills.
These mills were built by W. A. Clark and Charles Mahan in 1874. The building is 24 by 52 feet, engine-room 20 by 30 feet, and the office 12 by 32 feet. The mill has three run of burrs, with a capacity of fifteen bushels per hour. The mill occupies lot No. 14 West Jackson Street. Their specialty is custom and merchants' work. The building was erected at a cost of $5000, and the lot purchased for $1000. J. W. Boss, of Fort Wayne, proprietor; W. A. Clark and Chas. Mahan, Managers.
Union Mills Flouring Company.
This company was chartered Feb. 27, 1871, the incorporators being F. J. Bonewitz, S. Swineford, John A. Conn, T. S. Gilliland, and Jacob Fox. The mill is situated on the corner of Crawford and Walnut streets. The building is frame, 65 feet square, and furnished with a 70 horse-power engine, four run of burrs, with a capacity of 400 bushels per day. The building is three stories high, and the whole building and machinery represent an investment of $16,000. Present directors: D. R. Bonewitz, O. P. Bonewitz, S. Swineford, W. L. Scott, and O. D. Swartout. W. L. Scott has acted as superintendent from the first, and being a practical miller and reliable business man, is eminently qualitied to discharge the duties of his position.
President, L. G. Schumm; Vice-President, B. C. Swineford ; Secretary, O. D. Swartout; Treasurer, L. R. Swineford ; Superintendent, W. L. Scott.
Banking Institutions -- First National Bank.
A moneyed institution, being chiefly a bank of deposit, exchange, and discount, existed in the early business history of Van Wert, and was under control of Dr. C. Emerson and E. R. Wells-but eventually passed under the sole ownership and control of Dr. Emerson. In 1864, the First National Bank of Van Wert, succeeding this old and well-conducted pri- vate bank, was established with a capital of $60,000, and now has a sur- plus of $14,000. The present directors of the bank are Dr. C. Emerson, A. Conant, S. Swineford, W. A. Buckingham, and Col. John M. C. Mar- ble -- J. M. C. Marble, President; G. A. Sahilquist, Cashier, and John A. Conn, Assistant Cashier. That this bank rests upon sure foundations, the public have ample assurance in the fact of the large wealth of the owners, and their high character-they being among the most substan- tial business men of Northwestern Ohio, and their credit thoroughly established in all the important financial centres of the country.
First National Bank of Van Wert.
Report May 1, 1881. United States bonds, $67.000 ; real estate, etc., $13,000 ; expenses and taxes, 82774.92 : bills, discounts, $92,922 ; over drafts, 86;0.01; due from other banks, 864,535.76; cash on hand, $23,-
713.22; with United States Treasury. Washington, $3000; cash items. $766.92; total, $268,681 97. Capital and surplus, 874,000; undivided profits, 8%164.32; circulation, $60,000; deposits, $128,220.65; Total, $268,681.97. Charles Emerson, President; A. S. Bart, Cashier.
The Van Wert National Bank.
Dr. Charles Emerson and Edw. Wells established the first bank in this vicinity in 1856, as Emerson & Wells. Soon thereafter Dr. Emer- son succeeded to the business, and conducted it very successfully until February, 1>64, when, in connection with many of the leading citizens of the place, he established the First National Bank of Van Wert, Ohio.
Col. J. M. C. Marble, long identified with the leading business inter- ests of Delphos and the founder of the First National Bank and Savings Bank of that place, became interested in the First National Bank of Van Wert in 1871, and that bank remained under the control of Messrs. Emerson & Marble and their associates until 1579, when they solt their stock in the same, and the following year, associating with them William II. Pennell, established the banking-house of Emerson, Marble & Co.
This banking-house from its first opening was awarded by the public a very considerable and valuable business, and soon became the largest loaning institution of the county, and on March 21, 1882, merged its business into that of the bank that heads this article, " The Van Wert National," which opened business with a capital of $100,000, and nume- rous wealthy and successful shareholding interest.
The board of shareholders, comprising Dr. A. N. Krout, J. S. Zook. A. A. Bronson, D. Shepard, Joseph May, Dr. B. F. Leslie. Jonas Stuckey. Levi Meredith, John Atchison, A. R. Merrick, J. B. Fronefiekl, Marvin Woodruff, Stewart Lippman, Ira P. Shissler, Philip Seaer, Jr., Dr. Win. Smith, Dennis C. Zook, Miss Julia Putnam, Major E. C. Dawes, Prof. C. S. Crossman, John E. MeGettigan, Mrs. M. F. Dawes, Dr. Charles Emerson, Col. J. M. C. Marble, Lester Patterson, I. II. Eldridge. A. B. MeCurdy, Henry Butler, Dr. IL. C. MeGavren, Benjamin Olney, William HI. Pennell, Union Mutual Life Insurance Company of Maine, and Guil- ford S. Marble.
The shareholders designated from these numbers as directors and officers are Daniel Shepard, Lester Patterson, Dr. Chas. Emerson, I. II. Eldridge, J. S. Zook, Joseph May, Henry Butler, Dr. H. C. MeGavren. Benj. Olney. Win. H. Pennell, Cashier ; J. M. C. Marble, President : A. B. McCurdy.
Van Wert Book and News Company.
Incorporated Jan. 1, 1881 ; capital, $10,000. President. Mrs. S. E. Roebuck ; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Leila Zimmerman. An ex- tensive stock of books, periodicals, weekly and daily newspaper -. sta- tionery, pictures, and wall-paper is constantly carried. The whole stock is well selected, and the business conducted with systematic skill.
The Court-house.
The present court-house is a magnificent structure, which reflects great credit upon both the town and county. It is situated in a public part of the town, and is finished with great skill and taste both outside and within. The offices are all commodious, well lighted, heated, and far- nished. The court-room is large, well arranged, and elaborately finished. The original contract was awarded for $78,100 ; contract for finish, $10 .- 125 ; extra work on foundation, $3535.55; extra work on foundation. $617.46 ; cornice in hall, 8798.18; flooring. 1116,96; ceiling. $1151.12: lining for stairs, $29.04; concreto, $2137.20; painting, $363.5%: painting. $609.30 ; marble tile, 81447.42; steam apparatus. 87597.93; clock. 82000. The whole building is complete in all details, and is in many respects a model of architectural design and construction.
Thorp's Artificial Stone.
The manufacture of this stone was established here by Matthias Springer. At the factory may be found sperimens of this stone, which is a chemical combination, said to be both frost and fire-proof. It is highly recommended for window-caps and sills, plain or ornamental, steps, ranges, chimney-tops, and pavements. The stone has already been tested in different manners, and has proved satisfactory.
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
Tile Fartory.
Edward Germann is engaged in the manufacture of tile of all sizes, having facilities for the manufacture of 25.000 rods per aunum, for which he finds a ready sale.
Waverly Hall.
This hall is on the second floor of a large brick building on South Washington Street. It is 10 by 100 feet in dimensions, and is provided with a good stage and full scenery. The building was erected in 1876 by Swineford Brothers & Co. at a cost of $11,000.
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