USA > Ohio > Gallia County > Illustrated historical and business review of Meigs and Gallia counties, Ohio, for the year 1891. > Part 12
USA > Ohio > Meigs County > Illustrated historical and business review of Meigs and Gallia counties, Ohio, for the year 1891. > Part 12
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L. W. Johnson, Grocer.
LOCATED on Mulberry street we found a neat little grocery store, where is carried a line of choice gro- ceries, tobaccos and cigars. One year ago Mr. Johnson first engaged in this business and has built up a good bus-
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iness among down town citizens. He can compete both in quality and prices with any of the larger concerns of the city. He also carries a neat line of notions and hosiery. Down town citizens will find his place a first class one to establish business relations with. He is a native of Mason Co., W. Va., and has been a resident of this city eighteen years.
Edward Lark, Harness, Collar and Belt Factory, Second Street, Middlenort, Ohio.
THE gentleman's name which heads this sketch is well worthy an ex- tended notice in this business review. Mr. Lark is a native of England and came to this country thirty years ago, locating in the State of Tennessee, where he was engaged in the whole- sale and retail grocery business. He went to Cincinnati in 1864, and com- menced learning the harness business, and came here and opened up business for himself in 1869, and has been in business ever since. He today enjoys a trade second to none in Southern Ohio. He manufactures all kinds of harness and collars and makes a special effort to supply the smaller dealers at wholesale all kinds of goods pertaining to this business. He car- ries a big line of belting, lace leather, rivets and burs, leather and shoe find- ings. To the harness and shoe maker we will say you will always find any- thing you need in your line at Mr. Lark's, as cheap as any other place in the country. Farmers, you will find it to your interest to call and see him
when you want anything in harness, collars, saddles, etc. Mr. Lark has in the adjoining room to his wholesale
and retail harness store a bazaar. which is operated by his wife, one of the most business like ladies we ever inet. This stock consists of dry goods, notions, groceries, queensware, and five and ten cent goods of a variety that cannot be excelled by any store of the kind in the county, making one of the most complete and novel stores we ever had the pleasure of visiting, where you will always find them ready to sell you anything in their line at bottom prices. All we will ask of the people of Meigs and Gallia counties is to give these worthy establishments a call and see if our picture is over- drawn.
Samuel Lewis, Barber and Hair Dresser, Second Street.
NONE of our professional and bus- - iness pursuits have proven more essential in aiding the art of dress of today than that of the tonsorial artist. Among the more prominent artists engaged in this line, we notice Mr. Lewis, whose reputation as a neat and skillful workman has won favor for him among his many patrons. His parlor is located on Second street, and anyone wanting a nice, clean and easy shave, hair cut or anything per- taining to this branch will find that he is the man they are looking for. Mr. Lewis is a native of West Virginia, and was born in 1855, and has been a barber 21 years. He occupies a nice room, 20x40 feet in dimensions and employs two assistants.
P. H. McCracken, Sample, Pool and Lunch Room, Second St., Middleport, 0.
AS one of the neatest and most pop-
ular sample rooms in the city, we are pleased to notice that conducted by Mr. P. H. McCracken, and located on north side of second street, the room occupied is 25x50 feet in dimen- sions and is well fitted, having the in- candscent electric light, and a pool ta- ble for the lovers of that game. The bar fixtures are of the most modern
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design, being of cherry wood and the side board of the same, French plate mirrors, and a first class lunch coun- ter for the hungry. Mr. McCracken, the genial proprietor of this resort was born and raised in Pennsylvania, his first business was that of the lumber business in Michigan, afterwards mov- ing to St. Albans, W. Va. and starting a first class livery and sale stable, and last February retired from that busi- ness and came to Middleport, and on March first opened the handsome place he now runs. Mr. McCracken was one of the noble men of this country who responded to the President's call and enlisted and went to fight for his coun- try. He enlisted in CompanyK.50th reg. P. V. I. June, 1861, and was dischar- ged July, 1865. He was one of the fortunate ones to get through the many battles without injury. Call and see him and you will find him always ready to supply you with anythin to be found in a first class sample room.
Adam McLain, The Popular Third St., Grocer
TWENTY-SEVEN years ago this enterprise had its inception in a very small way, and through all these years of contraction and inflation, panics and prosperous times has kept steadily on, and is still among the en- terprising and reliable grocery houses of the city. Mr. McLain carries a full line of groceries and provisions inclu- ding choice green and roasted coffees, fine sugars, and spices, teas, canned and bottled goods, provisions, fresh country produce, and a full line of gro- cers' sundries, in great variety, fruit and vegetables in season, and in fact you can find the cream of everything that goes to make up the home and ta- ble supplies. On this line of trade the civilized race depends for their exist- ance, and at no store in the city can cheaper or better goods be found. Mr. Adam McLain is a Scotchman by birth, born in 1826, and has been a resident of America forty three years. On com- ing to America he engaged in the min- ing business and followed that for sev-
enteen years. Getting injured in the mines he engaged in his present enter- prise, and through energy, persever- ance, and ever mindful of his custom- ers' best interests, has made a success of the business, and is the owner of his own business room and considera- ble property in the city. He is a shrewd buyer, and large sales at small profits is the secret of his success.
D. C. McCracken, Tonsorial Artist, Mill St.
IN walking down Mill St., the writer
called at the tonsorial parlors of Mr. D. C. McCracken, a Scoth-Irish- man by descent, but born in this country in the Keystone State in the year 1849. He, as is the case with most persons, has lived at various places during his life, coming from Maplewood, Shelby County, O., to this city about three years ago. He embarked in his present line, which he has followed in all ten years. His is one of the finest parlors in the city and the trade second to none, utilizing two chairs and has his full share of the city's trade. He was al- so one of the "boys in blue", volunteer- ing at the age of sixteen years, in Co. E. 188th Ohio, Feb. 21, 1865 and was mustered out Sept. 23, 1865. For a nice clean shave or anything pertain- ing to the art there is no better place in the city to call.
Meigs County Republican, J. W. Dumble, Ed. and Prop'r.
m EIGS COUNTY REPUBLICAN is the title of a sprightly and in- fluential weekly published here by Mr. J. W. Dumble. It is a 36x39 four page eight column sheet, devoted to the interests of the Republican party, issued on Wednesdays. It was first is- sued by D. D. W. Davis, on Wednes- day Nov. 1, 1865, and was then called the Middleport Weekly Gazette. Since that time it has changed hands sever- al times, coming into the hands of the present editor and proprietor March
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15, 1876, and has by him been issued ever since. The paper in all of its is- sues is devoted to general intelligence, local and general news and to the in- terests of Meigs county and the city of Middleport. The mechanical depart- ment embraces newest appliances in presses, types, etc., and enjoys ample facilities for the prompt and efficient execution of every description of legal, commercial and job printing. Mr. Dumble is a native of Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Pa. In the year 1839, he went to Marion, O., at the age of nine years, and it was there he learned his trade. Subsequently he issued the Marion Independent for three years, and then went to Ironton and was fore- man and local writer of the Ironton Register from 1857 to 1864. He then went to Marietta and was a partner in the Marietta Register from 1864 to 1876. He then came to Middleport and took charge of the Meigs County Re- publican which he has issued ever since.
Griff Michael, Dry Goods, Notions, and General Store, Corner Second and Walnut Sts., Middleport, O.
THIS is an old and established house, having its inception a num- ber of years ago. The proprietor, Mr. Michael, was born in Wales, but came to this country when but four years of age, with his parents and located here in Middleport in the year 1848, and has been a resident of this place for thirty-three years, nearly all of which time he has been engaged in important business enterprises. The room occupied by this store is one of two elegant store rooms 65x25 feet, in a corner building, two stories in height owned by Mr. Michael. He has a corps of clerks as is required by the differ- ent departments. This store is a prominent one and enjoys a large, steady and reliable trade. The stock embraces an unrivalled assortment of foreign and domestic, fancy and sta- ple dry goods, comprising all that is late, new, stylish and modern in dress
fabrics, from the muslin and plain gingham prints, calicos, domestic cot- ton goods, flannels, etc., up to the more beautiful and costly silks, cash- imers, cloths, satins and velvets; no- tions and an almost endless variety of goods, novel, staple and fancy, insep- arable in the make up of a first-class dry goods house. To the trade the house presents attractions and induce- ments worthy of special recognition, in prices, variety and quality of goods. The house offers inducements that will compare favorably with leading met- ropolitan establishments. You will also find a large and handsome line of carpets, rugs, etc. As a leading dry goods house the establishment of Griff Michael is specially prominent.
J. E. Meloy, Wholesale Manufact- urer of Stogies and Cigars, Mid- dleport, 0.
OF all the different enterprises that Middleport now enjoys, the man- ufacturing interests are most promi- nent. We must speak of the cigar factory just added to the town. Mr. J. E. Meloy, the proprietor, was born in Washington County, Pa., in the year 1864. He opened his factory in Middleport April 15th, 1891. Having been in business in Hockingport, Athens County, O., he found that on account of his increasing trade he would have to go to some other city to better his shipping facilities. He has a large and commodious room here and has it stocked full of choice sto- gies and cigars. He makes as special- ties the Buckeye and May Blossom stogies and the Keystone cigar. To the merchants and dealers of Meigs and Gallia counties, we ask you to give Mr. Meloy a trial order, and we are satisfied he will then get your trade, as the goods he manufactures are sec- ond to none in the country. Remem- ber the name, J. E. Meloy, Second Street, near the corner of Walnut, Middleport, O,
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Middleport National Bank, Bank Building, Cor. Second and Coal Streets.
A MONG the solid institutions of this county and State, the Middle- port National Bank, maintains a po- sition of undoubted consideration. The bank was established and char- tered according to National Banking Laws, since which time its operations have been marked by that conserva- tive, yet liberal policy, which has se- cured the highest public confidence. This institution embraces among its list of depositors and certificate hold ers, many of our best citizens and bus- iness men, as well as farmers and cap- italists of various sections of the sur- rounding country. It does a general banking business in the purchase of reliable commercial paper, in loans, discounts, collections, deposits and ex- change, with correspondents in prin- cipal metropolitan cities. It is officer- ed as follows : F. C. Russell, Pres. ; R. D. McManigal, Vice Pres. ; E. C. Fox, Cashier. Directors : S. M. Hysell, F. C. Russell, R. D. McManigal, E. C. Fox, A. S. Kerr. The capital stock is $50.000. The bank is centrally loca- ted, and nicely furnished, and all the gentlemen connected with it are men with whom it is a pleasure to do bus- iness.
Middleport Marble Works, Val. Drummond, Prop.
THE veneration and esteem which leads to a desire to mark the last resting place of departed friends and loved ones with a suitable stone or monument, has developed a high artis- tic skill in sculptured art, and in original and beautiful designs, and made our cemeteries ornaments to all
communities, and places of reverent resort and attraction. As dealers in foreign and American marble and granite, and as designers and artists in this department, the Middleport Marble Works have exhibited that skill and perfection which justify the most liberal consideration. These works were established by Mr. G. W. Wolf, some ten or twelve years since, who continued the business until join- ed by Mr. Val. Drummond, the pres- ent proprietor, some four years ago. They continued the business for two years, when Mr. Drummond became sole proprietor, and it is here we find him today. Mr. Drummond is a na- tive of Virginia, born in the year 1858, and has resided in Middleport since 1880. His is among the best monu- mental works in southern Ohio, ex- hibiting the loveliest designs, the most artistic workmanship, and the very lowest prices. All kinds of cemetery work is done, and if you desire any- thing in his line you can not call on a better firm.
F. B. Murphy, Grocer, Cor, Second and High Streets.
m R. MURPHY, the subject of our sketch, is a native of the city, born in 1859. He first learned the trade of machinist and followed that trade up to six years ago, when he engaged in the grocery trade. He is nicely located on Second street, and occupies a neat little room 15×30 feet, and has a dwelling attached. He carries in stock a full line of the choicest family groceries, provisions. flour, and all articles pertaining to a first-class grocery store. Also a full line of glassware and queensware is kept for the accommodation of his many customers. This business, from a very small beginning, has been steadily on the increase and he will soon have to enlarge his business to accommodate his many customers. Mr. Murphy is a thoroughly reliable business man, and enjoys intimate re- lations with prominent wholesale houses, and buying for cash enables
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him to offer the best inducements to all his customers. The low prices that prevail in all departments have secured him an extensive trade in the city and country.
The "New Era" Restaurant and Sample Room, Mrs. W. M. Mc- Master, Proprietress, John McMaster, Manager.
IN passing along Second street the observer notices just below Coal street the "New Era" restaurant and sample room, one of the most com- plete in the entire city. Here is the resort of many of the best citizens of Middleport, and is one of the most quiet and orderly places in the city, at all times. A restaurant is conduct- ed in connection, where may be ob- tained a first class lunch or meal. The bar is fully stocked with those choice liquors and beverages found only in first class places. Mr. Mc- Master, the manager, is a native of this city, and is one of those "hale fellows well met" always ready to give a stranger an audience. When you wish a good article in any kind of a drink. remember the "New Era" is among the finest.
W. B. Pennington, Dealer in Dry Goods and Groceries, Middleport, Ohio.
"SPECIALLY prominent . among E the leading mercantile business houses of this city we notice the neat and well stocked establishment of W. B. Pennington. The building occu- pied has a frontage on Third street of 18 feet and extends back 45 feet, with warerooms in the rear. The stock carried embraces, dry goods, notions, groceries, provisions, etc. In the dry goods department will be found dress fabrics in latest styles and patterns, from both American and foreign looms, ladies' and gentle- men's furnishing goods, domestic goods for home and personal use. In the grocery department is to be found
a well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries, bottled and canned goods, provisions and fresh country produce, grocers' sundries generally, with supplies complete for the home and table. Mr. Pennington is a na- tive of Indiana, born in 1815, and came to Meigs county forty-nine years ago, and has resided in this city forty years. He engaged in the boating business and followed that line of trade on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers several years. In 1865 he quit the river trade and engaged in the mercantile business. During the panic of '73, when every business in Mid- dleport with the exception of two went to the wall, he was one that stood the storm ; though sustaining severe losses he came through all right. Mr. Pen- nington enjoys the respect of all who know him, and the honorable business methods that have always character- ized the transactions of the house, have secured the firm a large and lucrative trade extending over a wide scope of surrounding country.
L. A. Pfirrman, Proprietor Sample Room and Lunch Counter.
m R. PFIRRMAN, one of Middle- port's live business men, June 20 1890, located his present business here on Third Street, and has demonstrated his ability to keep a first-class and or- derly establishment. His bar and room are fitted up in first-class style. He also serves soft drinks, such as lager beer, ale, porter, etc. Also car- ries a full line of tobacco and cigars, and makes a specialty of a first-class lunch counter, where lunch is fur- nished at all hours. He has just put in a fine refrigerator, where he keeps his beer fresh and cool. When in need of anything in this line call and see if we know whereof we write.
J. E. Powell, Bakery and Confect- ionery, Mill St.
NEXT to the miller comes the re- liable baker, who takes the pulver- ized cereal, and by his skill converts
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it into a thousand and one tempting forms so essential to the table, and the value of a first-class bakery to a city cannot be over-estimated. An insti- tution of this magnitude is that of Mr. J. E. Powell, on Mill Street. Mr. Pow- ell is a native of this city, and has been in his present line in Middleport for the past two years. Few people
have any adequate conception of the importance of this branch of industry. The farmer, when he needs a plow to plow his fields, does not go to his work bench and make it himself, but goes to some reliable dealer and buys the same, because he can get a much better article than he could construct, and it brings better results in the end. This applies with marked force and equally the same to the baker's products. The baker is fully equipped for uniform and even baking, having an oven so constructed as to uniform- ly hold heat, and thus turn out a wholesome article. The wise and ju- dicious housewife at this day and date uses the baker's products because she has learned that no stove will uniform- ly bake; it requires an oven, and be- sides the expense all counted is not nearly so great and the article much more wholesome. The leading bakery of this city is that on Mill Street, owned and operated by Mr. J. E. Pow- ell. His is simply one of the finest bakeries on the river in this section of the country, and any one will find his products second to none in every in- stance. He also keeps a fine line of confectionery, canned and bottled goods, foreign and domestic fruits, etc., and is recognized as the leader in Middleport. .
W. B. Probst & Son, Dealer in all Kinds of Furniture, No. 15 Sec- ond Street, Middleport, Ohio.
THE advance steps of manufacture and civilization are in no depart- ment more marked than in this branch of trade, within the past century. American genius and enterprise have secured improved machinery for the rapid manufacture of the most beau- tiful designs and has resulted in plac- ing within the reach of all economical
households neat, and even elegant, useful and ornamental articles in this line. Mr. Probst, who has been active- ly engaged in this business here, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1828, and located and commenced business here in 1852. As an indication of the facilities he enjoys in this business, we notice that they occupy two stor- ries of a large building 20x78 feet in dimensions, besides wareroom in the rear. They carry in stock a compre- hensive variety of common, medium, and finest designs of household and cabinet furniture in large variety, in- cluding fine upholstered and marble top goods, parlor, chamber and dining room suits, spring beds and mattresses, picture frames, mirrors, etc. On the opening of the war of the rebellion, Mr. Probst responded to the call, and enlisted in the 4th West Virginia Vol- unteer Infantry, and enrolled as a first-class musician, in which he served with credit to himself and honor to the nation. Mr. Probst is ably assisted by his son Earl, who is partner in the business, and anyone wishing any- thing in this line will do well to call and see them.
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Henry Rayford, Tonsorial Artist, Mill Street.
ONE of the most popular tonsor- ial parlors of this place is that of Mr. Henry Rayford, who is a native of Virginia, born in 1838, and located in Middleport in 1866. He has been in his present business twenty-five years in this city. Mr. Rayford is among the most popular of our Ton- sorial artists, and among his patrons are found many of the best and most fashionable citizens of the city. He makes a specialty of shampooing and dressing ladies' and children's hair. He runs four chairs and employs none but the most skilled assistants. He has in connection a finely fitted up bath room, the only one in the city, and anyone needing anything done will do well to call and see Henry.
G. J. Rice, Dealer in Wines, Liquors, Cigars, Tobacco, Etc.
AS one among the neatest and most popular sample rooms in the city, we notice that conducted by Mr. G. J. Rice, who is a native of Middleport, where he first saw the light of day in 1845, and has been in business seven years. He occupies a fine busi- ness room, 20x45 feet in dimen- sions, and furnished inside with the necessary equipments for a room of this kind, including cherry bar and side board, decorated with a large French plate mirror and a fine cherry refrigerator. His stock consists of all the finest brands of liquors, foreign and domestic wines, ale, gin, beer, and all popular soft drinks; also handles Cincinnati bottled beer, foreign and domestic cigars, tobaccos, etc. He has also in connection a lunch counter for the hungry and a pool table for the lovers of the cue, and employs two assistants in his business. When the war of the rebellion broke out Mr. Rice responded to the call and enlist- ed on the 25th of September, 1861, in Co. K, 18th, O. V. I., and was dis- charged Nov. 9th, 1864, and did credit to himself and honor to the nation.
R. F. Reeves, General Passenger and Baggage Transfer, Middle- port, Ohio.
Stand Back!
AND LET US
YELL!
WITHOUT a short sketch of R. F.
Reeves, the well known and pop- ular hackman, the history of this city would be incomplete. He is a native of this county, and was born in the year 1857. He has a number of hacks, the finest in the county, and a num- ber of transfer wagons and he makes a specialty of meeting all trains. Per- sons desiring to be conveyed to either one of the towns or depots, can leave orders at any of the hotels or ticket offices, and will be promptly attended. Besides conveying passengers and bag- gage to and from depots and hotels, his fine hacks can be hired for funer- als. Mr. Reeves also delivers all ex- press goods for the United States and Adams Express Companies. He is considered one of Meigs County's best and most respected citizens, and has an unbounded acquaintance in this
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and adjoining counties. He was en- gaged in running hack and carrying the United States Mail in this and other counties for a number of years before starting the first-class transfer line he now operates. All we ask is to give Mr. Reeves a trial and you will find him and his number of assistants, courteous and accommodating gentle- men, always ready to furnish you with any information or accommodation you may ask. We will say in conclus- ion of this worthy notice, to try him and see if our picture has been over- drawn.
Mrs. J. A. Rumsey, Millinery, Second St.
TO the millinery trade, this house has for the past twenty-five years demonstrated its ability to compete with any similar establishment in the State, or in our Eastern cities. The premises occupied embrace a fine bus- iness room, 20x50 feet in dimensions, while the stock carried comprises new- est styles in pattern hats and bonnets for Ladies and Misses, Flowers, Feath- ers, Plumes, Ornaments and Trim- mings, Ladies' furnishing goods, fancy work material, notions, etc., while a leading specialty is made of trimmed hats, and kid gloves. Mrs. Rumsey is widely and favorably known in town and country, and the style and gener- al good taste displayed in the trim- ming department have given her a large business. She is in receipt of newest forms and fashions in trimmings as rapidly as they make their appearance in our eastern cities. Mrs. Rumsey has three assistants and any body in need of the above articles will do well to call and see her.
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