USA > Ohio > Gallia County > Illustrated historical and business review of Meigs and Gallia counties, Ohio, for the year 1891. > Part 14
USA > Ohio > Meigs County > Illustrated historical and business review of Meigs and Gallia counties, Ohio, for the year 1891. > Part 14
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BUSINESS REVIEW OF
Wertheimer Bros., Clothiers, Mer- chant Tailors, Gents' Furnishing Goods, Hats, Caps, Etc., Second St., Middleport, O.
ONE of the largest and most prom- inent business establishments of Southern Ohio, is the Great Eastern Clothing House, of which Mr. S. H. and L. B. Wertheimer are proprietors These clothing parlors have been es- tablished under this firm name since 1878, and in that time have secured an enduring hold on public favor and confidence. The premises, which have an area of 60x100 feet, are very hand- somely and attractively fitted up in modern style and provided with elec- tric lights and every convenience, all the surroundings being in perfect keeping with the character of the bus- iness. The stock of goods is one of the largest to be found in Southern Ohio, and no pains have been spared by this firm to make it complete and unapproachable in extent and charac- ter. All the goods are new and fresh, and in perfect accord with the pre- vailing fashionable ideas, and perfect in every respect. The assortment of clothing for men, boys and children, is full and complete, and comprises everything seasonable, fashionable and desirable in all the new fabrics, cut and made in the best manner and perfect as regards fit and style. In the line of hats and caps, the firm also has a full and complete assortment including stiff and flexible hats, and caps of all kinds. In the furnishing goods department a splendid display is made of rich, elegant neckwear which is shown in great variety, this house having the reputation of being the largest dealers in this line of goods. They can offer a larger and greater variety than any other firm in the city. Fine white shirts, hosiery, gloves, un- derware and all the novelities belong- ing to the business, will be found here in profusion, including umbrellas, canes, etc. In the merchant tailor- ing department can always be found
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a choice line of cloths to select from, and they are accurately cut by one of the most fashionable cutters in the country, and made in the most artis- tic style. All we have to say to any one in need of anything in their line, you will be "strictly in it" by giving them a call.
J. J. Williams, Dealer in Groceries and Provisions.
AMONG the reliable grocers of
'Middleport, we found the estab- lishment of Mr. Williams, worthy of - special mention in this review. He located here five years ago. He is a native of Wales, and came to America in 1840. He was a resident of Coal- port, and when trade came to Middle- port he came along. He carries in stock a full line of choice groceries and provisions, including all those ar- ticles that go to make up a first-class grocery. His line includes coffees, teas, sugars, rice, canned goods, pro- visions, flour, and a full line of tobac- cos and cigars, and a choice line of confectionery and notions. He is pro- prietor, manager in chief, clerk, book- keeper, and has no rent to pay and can meet any competition in the city. The best goods for the lowest cash prices, is his motto. Call and see if we know whereof we write. He is one of the old reliable business men of the county.
Wittmer's Famous Shoe Store, Sec- ond St., Middleport, 0.
THE popular shoe house of Mr. - George Wittmer ranks among the foremost of the prominent firms of the city, and merits liberal mention in the business review of Middleport. The popularity of the firm is due to the liberal policy and prompt business habits of the proprietor and the cour- teous and cordial manner in which every one visiting the establishment is received, both by the proprietor and assistants, as well as the general ex- cellence of the stock, which is selected
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MEIGS COUNTY.
with all the care that long years of experience can furnish. The room oc- cupied is situated on Second street near the corner of Walnut, and is very neatly arranged. He carries in stock the best hand-made and machine work fine and coarse boots and shoes, for men, women, boys or misses, and a fine line of ladies' slippers. Give him a call and see if what we have said is true.
The German Furniture Co., Manu- facturers of Furniture, Third and Fourth Streets.
THIS business, which under the present management has grown to proportions of great magnitude, was originally founded in 1872 by Mr. S. Engelhard, Sr. In 1876 it was incor- porated as the German Furniture Fact- ory, and in 1877 was re-incorporated as The German Furniture Co. The fol- lowing gentlemen, well known in finan- cial and nanufacturing circles are of- ficers : Peter Gloeckner, president; S. Engelhard, Jr. vice president; O. N. Marihugh, secretary ; S. Engelhard, Sr. treasurer; W. C. Keckeler, sales- man. By close attention to supplying every want of the trade, and by rea- son of their equitable mercantile pol- icy during the intervening period, their house is placed in a leading posi- tion, and numbers among their custo- mers the first-class trade of Ohio, extending as far west as California and as far south as Key West, Flori:la and going into every state of the Un- ion. Their factory is located on Third Street and extends back to Fourth the entire plant and lumber yards cov- ering an area of three acres. The manufacturing department embraces two buildings 75x45 feet, and 105x40 feet, and three stories high, all fitted up with the latest improved machin- ery and appliances. Seventy-five hands, all skilled in this line of trade, are given employment. Thus render- ing them one of the chief industrial factors conducing to the city's pros-
perity. A fifty horse power engine is used for driving the machinery ; sys- tem and order prevail in all depart- ments, and the works are types of what the modern industrial establish- ments should be. Here is manufac- tured the finest furniture in all the popular and original styles; from im- ported mahogany, walnut, cherry, American mahogany, antique oak and ash. Their office, warehouse, packing house, and showrooms are accommo- dated in the handsome three story brick structure, fronting on Third Street, 40x80 feet in dimensions, and a model of what such a comprehen- sive establishment should be. Their show room contains a magnificent dis- play in side boards, and bedroom fur- niture in a bewildering variety of styles from ornate and richly decora- tive down to plain and simple, put sub- stantial and reliable, goods. It has always been this firms laudable ambi- tion to excel and from their many beautiful and harmonious designs in furniture the taste of the most fasti- dious can be satisfied. It is generally recognized that their immense stock of fine cabinet and art furniture is the largest and best assortment in South- ern Ohio. And for beauty and orig- ionality of design, superior and elabor- ate finish, durability, and general ex- cellence The German Furniture Co's. stock stands unrivaled to-day and they confidently invite apersonal inspection of their new and elegant stock of fur- niture, comprising as it does, every style manufactured, in all desirable woods. Mr. Gleockner the President, is a native of Pomeroy and resides at that place and is engaged in business there. Mr. S. Engelhard Sr., the Treasurer of the Co., is a native of Germany, was born in 1832. He came to America when he was 14 years old and was en- gaged in the boot & shoe business some eighteen years ago. He was the origi- nal instigator of this enterprise and by his indomitable perseverance and push, has made this Company famous throughout the Union. S. Engelhard, Jr., vice president, is a native of Pom- eroy, was born in 1870, and was
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BUSINESS REVIEW OF
brought up in business and is thor- oughly conversant with every detail of this enterprise. O. N. Marihugh, secretary, is a native of Defiance, O. was born in 1861, and was engaged in clerking and railroading until 1884, when he came to this city, and in 1887 became a member of this firm and is filling the responsible position of sec- retary. The great majority of this firm's styles of furniture cannot be duplicated elsewhere, and they are
ever on the alert to introduce new de- signs and new effects. In mercantile circles this firm has the highest standing. Its great success, coupled with the best class of trade in the United States is due entirely to their enterprise and energy, and square dealing with the public, of which no better evidence could be afforded than the positive and permanent success they have achieved.
Manufacturers of and Dealers in
FANCY FLOUR
OF ALL KINDS.
The Extensive Milling Plant of the Middleport Flour Company, Merchant and Custom Millers and Manufacturers of the Leading Brands "Harvest Home", "Little Duchess" and "Roller A,"
THE milling industry of the county is one of the most prosperous factors in our industrial prosperity, and the improvements and changes a dozen years have effected in processes and system of production are more marked than in any other line of effort. Every important city in the country has now one or more finely equipped milling plants, yet few places of the size of Mid- dleport have a more extensive or more modern equipped plant than that of the Middleport Flour Company, which is in all respects the largest in southern Ohio, and enjoys in reputation of product a position second to none. The mill building proper is a substantial four story building, equipped with a full complement of the latest improved roller process and gradual reduction ma- chinery. It is in interior arrangement and conveniences a model plant, con- ducted on the modern system of producing the largest quantity of the best grades of flour in the shortest time. The individual members of the firm are Charles Grant, who is president of the company, is a native of Meigs county, born in 1843, and is located in Ellenwood, Kansas, where he has been engaged in the milling business ever since 1875. Mr. S. J. Grant is general manager, secretary and treasurer, and is a native of Meigs county, born 1838, and has
been in the milling business thirty-seven years. The Middleport Flour Com- pany are merchant and custom millers and manufacturers of several brands which it has introduced, not only in local trade, but in distant points. They also manufacture "Little Duchess," and "Roller A", fancy choice grades for bakers and family use. The leading brand, "Harvest Home", is a high-grade, carefully milled flour, unexcelled for bread making purposes, and is in steady
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MEIGS COUNTY.
demand and enjoys a favorable reputation with the trade and consumers. These mills are the largest and most prominent representative fixtures in southern Ohio, and the success they have attained is solely due to a policy that is liberal, equitable and enterprising. They also deal extensively in all kinds of grain and mill feed. On the whole the plant is well equipped in every respect and utilizes nine double sets of the latest improved rollers and has a capacity of two hundred and twenty-five barrels per day and employs fourteen assistants.
RACINE.
R ACINE claims the title of the "Paris" of Meigs county, and it is in_ deed a handsome village and may well aspire to that title. It is quite unfortunate however, that a large portion of the place is not beyond the reach of high water, and consequently the larger portion becomes submerg- ed during the time of floods. The upper part of town however, which is situat- ed on the second rise of ground, occupies an exalted and commanding eminence, and is beyond reach of the liquid elements. The people of this thriving village are remarkable for their taste and neatness. Few towns of its size in the State, comprise as many enterprising, go-ahead, thorough business men, and we do not know of any town in this section in proportion to the population, that can exhibit so much prosperity. The manufacturing interests comprise three large and flourishing establishments, two of which are flouring mills, and the other a factory of woolen goods. One of the former is the property of Mr. J. M. Rhoades, and the other of B. Kay & Son. Both are well equipped and in good condition. Messrs. Mallory & McElroy are the proprietors of the woolen mill, which employs about twenty hands and has an excellent reputa- tion for producing a good quality of goods. The leading mercantile firm of the place is Waid Cross, engaged in selling dry goods and general merchan- dise. He carries a very large stock and is known and patronized from far and near. The principal of the other business firms are D. Murdock, carriage manufacturer; J. C. Hayman, hardware and tinware; O. P. Pickens, photog- rapher; S. Curtis, undertaker; J. L. W. Bell & Son, and E. S. Mayes, shoe_ makers; R. B. Mallory and W. Blackmore, blacksmiths, and George Smith and Bell Bros., skiff builders. The traveling community have choice of either of the two hotels, Cooper House or Racine Hotel; Miss Hattie Amsdem, millinery and dressmaking. L. W. Philson. Mayor; Jas. M. Weldon, post- master. Dr. J. R. Philson is a resident practicing physician.
The first settler here was George Wolff, and the first postmaster, Andrew Donnally, but in what year the latter was appointed we are not informed. The settlement here was originally called 'Graham Station, but afterwards
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MEIGS COUNTY.
changed to Racine by act of Legislature. The only churches within the cor- poration are a Baptist and a Methodist. A good system of graded schools is also sustained. As regards the land in the immediate vicinity it is quite fer- tile and well adapted to agriculture, and there are a large number of farmer's in a prosperous condition.
The village of Racine was laid out as Graham Station, January 30th, 1837, by P. Laliance, A. Lallance and John Wolf, and consisted of seventy lots in the original plat. Name changed to Racine in the year 1852. The country is all underlaid with a five foot vein of a very fine quality of coal. It is promi- nent for boat building and small fruit raising interests. Racine, at the time the county seat was changed to Pomeroy, raised $4500 for building the Court House, and stood a fair show, but was sold out. The location is beautiful, and we found the most live business men in the county.
CITY GOVERNMENT.
Mayor, L. W. Philson ; City Clerk, Charles Jay ; Council, Ephriam Aumil- ler; J. R. Philson, Frank Weaver, M. V. Lasher, C. L. Bell, John N. Reed ; Street Commissioner, Elihu Reed; City Marshal, Chas Sarber.
SECRET ORDERS.
I. O. O. F .- RACINE LODGE, No. 580 .- Number members, 90. Chartered, 1874 .- J. D. Shannon, N. G .; Willard Flesher, V. G .; Henry Bentz, Sec'y ; T. M. Pickens, Treas.
A. O. U. W .- RACINE No. 2 .- A. M. Carson, M. W .; C. L. Bell, Foreman ; Abner Curtis, Overseer; L. W. Philson, Recorder; Waid Cross, Financier ; J. R. Philson, Receiver; Dor DeWolf, Guide; Reuben Miller, Inner Watch- man ; Sylvester Curtis, Outer Watchman. Chartered, April 1872. Number members, 14.
F. & A. M .- CHARTERED-Present Officers : Master, L. W. Philson ; L. A. Weaver, S. W .; Frank Weaver, J. W .; H. K. Coe, S. D .; Vicca Morrison, J. D; Chas. Cross, Sec'y : G. R. Wolf, Tyler ; J. C. Hayman, Treas.
Racine's Most Enterprising Citi- zens and Business Men.
Miss H. E. Amsden, Artistic Milliner.
A MONG those establishments which reflect credit upon our city and hold business here, which would other- wise be diverted to other centres of trade, we notice the millinery house of Miss Amsden, located on Second St. She has been engaged in the present business in this town for the past four- teen years. The trimming depart- ment is under her special supervision. She is a native of this county, and is well and favorably known. Her store room is 18x20 feet in dimensions with trimming department in the rear. She carries an attractive display of popular designs in hats and bonnets, flowers, feathers, ribbons, and novel- ties in trimmings. Newest styles are received promptly on their first ap- pearance in metropolitan cities, and special pains is taken to insure the highest taste to meet the requirements of patrons in the trimming depart- ment. A leading feature is made of millinery in all branches.
T. E. Baker, Huckster,
ANY enterprise that brings money into the county or town, and scat- ters it among producers is of great benefit to any community. In this
connection we make special mention of Mr. Baker. Two years ago he en- gaged in the huckster business. He buys all kinds of country produce, but- ter, eggs, calves and all kinds of poul- try. He keeps one team constantly on the road buying the produce from the farmers and producers, and always pays cash. Large sums of money are annually paid out to producers. He has established business relations with prominent firms in large cities, and with low freight rates via river trans- portation, enables him to pay higher prices than any competition can af- ford. Mr. Baker is a native of the vil- lage, born in 1873. Two years ago he engaged in his present business. He iş a young man of rare business tact and energy, and has that push and get up that is bound to succeed if a thorough business knowledge and sufficient cap- ital is of any avail.
A. D. Butler, Lumber & Tie Dealer.
AS one of the enterprises of this village we notice that in which Mr. Butler is engaged. This enterprise dates its inception to 1884, when he first engaged in this business. He has control of extensive timber lands, and is making a specialty of furnishing manufacturers and dealers hand wood lumber of all kinds, including oak, poplar, walnut, hickory, and rail road
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ties. He is fully prepared to do quar- ter sawing and will fill all orders in this line. He has two saw mills con- stantly employed in the timber lands and has every appliance for the prompt execution of all orders. He employs sixteen hands and five teams, and has a capacity of 50,000 feet per week. Since the inception of this business Mr. Butler has always been at its head, and by reason of energy and en- terprise shown in its management has attained a foremost position among the substantial business concerns of the town. He keeps on hand a full stock of hickory, oak, poplar, walnut, and cherry lumber, and is prepared to fill all orders promptly. The business of this house extends all along the Ohio River, and he handles many mil- ions of feet of lumber annually. He is a young man of rare business quali- ties, as a thorough going business man and is held in high esteem. Corres- pondence solicited with manufactur- ers and dealers in lumber. Quotations sent on application.
H. K. Coe, Manufacturer of and Dealer in Harness, Saddles Etc.
AS one of the most popular and largely patronized harness shops in the county we note that of Mr. Coe located at the corner of Main and Sec- ond streets. He occupies a fine busi- ness room 18x36 feet in dimensions, and carries a large and valuable as- sortment of harness, including fine and medium grades, both, double and single, and for track purposes in all the various kinds of mountings used for that purpose, together with robes, blankets, fly-nets, whips, bridles, col- lars, saddles, brushes, and horse equip- ments and paraphernalia generally. In the manufacturing department he em- ploys two men who are especially en- gaged in order work and repairing. He has been engaged in this line for the last six years, and is one of the largest dealers in harness in the coun- ty. He is a native of West Virginia, born in 1859. He controls a large
trade and enjoys a first-class reputa- tion as the manufacturer of hand made goods, which coupled with his own personal energy and popularity, assures his future success. He is one of Racine's highly respected citizens.
Cooper House, Mrs. A. Cooper, Proprietress.
THE COOPER HOUSE is the prin- - cipal hotel in the village, and a most popular resort for all travelers on business or pleasure. It was found- ed twenty-five years ago by the hus- band of the present proprietress. At her husband's death, seventeen years ago, she assumed control. The build- ing is a two story frame structure on corner of Pearl and Third streets, fronting 50 feet on Pearl, with a depth of seventy-five. It contains seventeen well ventilated sleeping apartments, all nicely furnished and kept in the most cleanly conditions, while the cul- inary department is under her person- al supervision, and no one could de- sire to sit down to a better or more bountiful table than is to be found at this hostlery. The rate for guests is one dollar and a half per day, while reduced rates are given regular board- ers. Board can be had by the day, week or meal. First-class sample rooms furnished commercial travelers. When in Racine stop at the Cooper House.
The Extensive House of Waid Cross, Dealer in All Kinds of General Merchandise, Pearl and Water Streets.
THIS, one of the largest and most successful of our active business enterprises, had its inception here forty-four ago, by Mr. L. Cross, father of the present proprietor. This business continued up to 1860, when the house changed to L. & W. Cross. Under this firm name the business was so conducted as to merit and receive a large share of public patronage. In 1869 Mr. L. Cross sold out to Mr. Chas.
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BUSINESS REVIEW OF
McElroy and the firm changed to Cross & McElroy. In 1871 Mr. Mc- Elroy died, when Mr. W. Cross pur- chased his interest and took full con- trol. From time to time the business has been enlarged and one department after another has been added until at present he controls every article in the merchandising line except drugs and liquors. First we note his dry goods department, which comprises the new- est fabrics in foreign and American products, embracing not only the med- ium and lower grades and varieties, of ladies' dress goods but the newest designs in new and stylish mixtures, plaids, stripes, camels hair, cashmeres. silks and silk mixed suitings, black goods, etc. The notions and fancy goods department comprises ladies' and gentlemen's furnishing goods and novelties in endless variety. His carpet department forms one of the attract- ions of his stock, embracing not only the common and medium grades of hemp, but also new and stylish Ken- sington art squares, tapestry, and body brussels, draperies and window shades and lace curtains. The wool-
bargains
en domestic goods department com- prises every discription of domestic goods pertaining to this department of trade. His clothing department embraces a full fleged clothing store. All the qualities and styles are carried in stock, embracing a full line of suits pants, vest and overcoats, in all the latest styles for men, boys and child- ren, which are sold at prices that can-
not be duplicated in the county. The grocery trade stands pre-eminently at the head of all mercantile pursuits. Here the civilized world looks for its daily supply. In this important in- dustry Racine is well represented in the house of Mr. Cross, which ranks among the best of its class in the county. The stock embraces a full line of staple and fancy groceries, American and foreign fruits, fresh country produce, provisions, farm and daily products, and supplies for the home and table of every description. The hardware and farm implement de- partment is complete and embraces self binders, mowers, hay rakes, plows, cultivators, harrows, and a full line of carpenters' and builders' hardware. A specialty is made of the Osborn self binder, mower and reapers, Syracuse chilled, Princess and Malta plows. He· occupies a fine brick business block, situated on Front street, overlooking the beautiful Ohio River, which has a frontage of 30 feet and is 50 deep and three stories in height, all packed from cellar to garret with goods of ev- ery description, just opposite on Pearl street he has erected a fine wooden structure for hardware and farm im- plements and machinery. Wr. Waid Cross is a native of this county, born in 1835, obtained his education at the public schools, and engaged in farm- ing for a few years. Thirty-one years ago he engaged in business, and dur- ing all these years, by fair and honor- able dealing, and being a shrewd buy- er and enjoying intimate relations with prominent manufacturers, has gained an enviable reputation, and built up a large and remunerative trade, showing what energy and strict- ly honest business methods will ac- complish.
S. Curtis, Undertaker and Em- balmer.
IN the front rank among those com-
mercial houses which give charac- ter to, as well as secure the permanent prosperity of the trade of Racine, is that of the house of S. Curtis. This
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business was established twenty-five years ago by the present proprietor. He is a native of Meigs county, born in Chester township, in 1829, and has been a resident of Racine thirty-six years. He first learned the trade of millwright and followed that line of business twenty years,and twenty-five years ago engaged in the undertaking business. In those days it was cus- tomary to manufacture all burial cas- kets and coffins by hand, but machin- ery in this line as well as all others has superseded the hand-made work. The premises occupied comprise a two story frame building 20x40 feet in di- mensions. He carries a full line of coffins, caskets and burial cases, shrouds, robes and decorations, and is prepared to take entire charge of funerals. He has a fine hearse and will attend funerals in town or coun- try at reasonable rates. He also makes a specialty of taking charge of bodies, embalming and preparing them for burial. He attends all funerals in person and courteous treatment is as- sured to all who favor this house with a call.
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