USA > Ohio > Gallia County > Illustrated historical and business review of Meigs and Gallia counties, Ohio, for the year 1891. > Part 20
USA > Ohio > Meigs County > Illustrated historical and business review of Meigs and Gallia counties, Ohio, for the year 1891. > Part 20
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Adam's Mills is but a small village in the north-east part of the township and contains a post-office, store, and a saw and grist mill. It derived its name from John Adams, an early settler. Bashan is a small collection of houses, and contains a post-office. In 1880 Chester township contained a population of 1,656 inhabitants.
The village of Chester was laid out in 1821 by S. Steadman and at present has a population of 150. It has an Academy and a fine system of public schools, and two secret societies, viz; Russell Post, G. A. R. No. 258, with a member- ship of 75, and Shade River Lodge, No. 453 F. and A. M., with a membership of 65.
Chester's Most Active Business Men.
J. E. Roecher, Manufacturer of Harness, and Undertaker.
m R. ROECHER, the subject of our write, up is a native of Alleghney City, Pa., born in 1839. He learned the trade of harness maker and has followed that business for many years and came to this county in 1859 and worked seven years in the foundry. He came to this village some time since and opened his place of business. He keeps a full line of harness in heavy and light in double and in sin- gle sets, and all kinds of trimmings, collars, bridles, saddles, whips, nets and does all kinds of repairing in a neat manner. He has in connection the undertaking business and keeps on
hand a full line of caskets, coffins, robes and trimmings, and is prepared to take full charge of funerals and can guarantee satisfaction to all patrons who may be called on to part with their loved ones. Hislong experience in the business gives him a knowledge of all the delicate duties belonging to the business, a command of all the facilities and conveniences for efficient service, an intelligent regard for the requirements of the business combine to make the position of Mr. Roecher a valuable and important one. He has a fine hearse and the require- ment to take full charge of funerals. He is now holding the office of town- ship clerk which position, he has held two years.
174
BUSINESS REVIEW OF
A. E. Hecox, General Merchandise and Prop. Chester Hotel.
IN compiling a review of Meigs county's industrial enterprises it fell our lot to visit the old county seat, Chester. Here we find the hum of business in full blast and prominent among those engaged in business marts we found Mr. Hecox. This en- terprise was first established here three years ago, under the firm name of Smith & Hecox. This partnership continued one year when the firm changed to Ruth & Hecox. Business was done by this firm for one year, when Mr. Hecox purchased the entire business. He carries a full line of dry goods, groceries, notions, queens- ware, hardware, tinware, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps and all articles usually found in a general store. His stock is one of the largest in Chester and is complete in every detail, em- bracing as it does a full and general stock of merchandise. Each depart- ment is kept constantly replenished with everything new and desirable. Having favorable business connec- tions with reliable manufacturers and wholesale dealers, the trade is assum- ing greater proportions. He is also extensively engaged in the produce business and keeps one wagon on the road gathering produce. Mr. Hecox gives the business his personal atten- tion. All goods purchased from the best and most reliable sources and sold at the lowest prices. Mr. Hecox has in connection with his business the Chester Hotel, the most popular resort for travelers in the village. It contains eight well ventilated and fur- nished rooms, fitted up with good clean beds. The dining room is al-" ways made an inviting feature of the place, the table always being supplied with the substantials and delicacies of the season. The hotel is under the immediate supervision of Mr. Hecox and everything is done for the plea- sure and comfort of guests. Mr. Hecox is a native of this county, born in 1849. Prior to engaging in busi- ness he was connected with agricul- tural pursuits.
W. D. Johnson, Barber, Groceries, Hardware, Fancy Notions, Etc.
IN every village, town or city, a bar- ber is an indispensable adjunct. Mr. Johnson has one chair and all neces- sary appliances for the successful prosecution of the art. He has had thirteen years parctical experience.
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FANCY
AND
STAPLE
REVISIONS.
He learned the trade in Fairfield, Ill. Three years ago he commenced busi- ness in this village, he is a first class artist in his trade, and all wanting an easy shave, nice hair cut or shampoo should call in and see him. He car- ries in connection a full line of notions, hardware, jewelry and a variety goods, and all are sold at bargains. He oc- cupies a room 24x40 feet. He is a shrewd buyer and is always on the out look for bargains. By patronizing this house you can get more for your money than at any other place in the village.
J. B. Smith, Dealer in General Merchandise.
A thoroughly representative and re- liable house in its line of trade in this village is that conducted by Mr. Smith. The premises occupied is a fine two story frame structure 22x50 feet in dimensions and two stories high. Mr. Smith assumed control of this business three years ago, and the house has already assumed a promi- nent place among the reliable business
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MEIGS COUNTY.
houses of the county. This house oc- cupies more than an ordinary position, being the largest in the village. The stock embraces a full line of dry goods groceries, hats, caps, boots, shoes, hardware, queensware, drugs and pro- prietary medicines. His dry goods de- partment embraces a full line of sta- ple and fancy goods for home and per- sonal use, ladies' dress goods in all qualities, notions in great variety, The boot and shoe department em- braces a full line from the manufact- urers and jobbers. Buying for cash enables this house to compete with any house in the county. In groceries he keeps all the finest and best goods found on the market, including cof- fees, sugars, teas, pure spices and a full line of grocer's sundries. He aims to keep the cream of all goods in this line. He is an extensive dealer in produce and handles large quantities of farm and dairy products. The drug department contains a full line of pure drugs and medicines. Mr. Smith is a registered pharmacist. All family recipes and physician's prescriptions carefully filled from the purest drugs with great care. Mr. Smith is a native of this county, and since engaging in business has built up a large and prof- itable trade. He is a live and ener- getic business man, and his patrons are always treated in a courteous man- ner and are fairly and honorably dealt with.
J. M. Titus, M. D. Physician.
DR. TITUS, the subject of our sketch is a native of Gallia coun- ty, Ohio. After obtaining a fair liter- ary education at the public schools and a partial collegiate course, he chose the medical profession as the
one of his choice. He read medicine under the instruction of Dr. Lowell R. Fletcher, of Porter, Gallia Co. He then attended the Starling Medical College of Columbus during the terms of 1888 '89, and '90. He then came to the vil- lage of Chester, and opened an office and has already built up a large prac- tice. We notice one especial good pro- vision of the office, viz : that he com- pounds all his own medicines, and all prescriptions are made up in his own laboratory, thus avoiding errors, or the use of inferior drugs in compounding. The doctor is recognized as one of our most successful and accomplished physicians, and one of those plain every day sort of men, who have a fac- ulty of ingratiating themselves into the esteem and good will of everybody, which is perfectly natural with him. He has his share of practice and is content.
E. S. Weldon, Tailor.
THIS gentleman has been working at his trade forty years, and has been very successful in catering to the tastes of this community in his special line of trade. He keeps a full line of samples and can procure on short no- tice anything manufactured by either foreign or American looms. Mr. Wel- don gives his special attention to all details of the business, and is consid- ered one of the most correct and styl- ish cutters in the county. Perfect satisfaction is not only guaranteed, but is invariably given. Mr. Weldon is a native of the village, born in 1828, and his long and practical experience makes him an expert in his line. He is the oldest resident of Chester, and is well and favorably known and high- ly respected in social and business circles.
176
BUSINESS REVIEW OF
DYESVILLE,
ITUATED twenty miles north of the county seat, on the K. & M. rail Sroad, was laid out by J. S. Dye, November 28, 1882, and was named in honor of the same. The mercantile interests are well looked after by Messrs. Price Bros. and D. R. Misner.
They have a fine flouring mill, known as the Dyesville Milling Co., where the farmers find a ready sale for all grain produced. The surrounding county is a good grain raising district and is one of the best adapted in the State for small fruit raising, and is also well adapted to all fruits, such as apple, peach, and grape, and in fact all kinds of fruits do well here. and we predict that ere many years roll around these hills will be covered with vineyards, orchards and many broad fields of delicious strawberries and raspberries. The village has one church, Methodist Protestant, which is in a very prosperous condition and the best interests of the community are in general looked after.
Dyesville's Live Business Men.
Dyesville Milling Co., Proprietors Dyesville Roller Mills,
OF all manufacturing operations in
which the enterprise of man has engaged, that of making flour holds a position of paramount importance. Of all human necessities, the food supply outweighs the balance, and, as a natu- ral consequence its production and distribution are of vital importance. The conversion of grain into flour dates from the earliest periods of his- tory, as indicated in the remains of utensils discovered in Pompeii and in this country, found as relics of the mound builders, articles for pounding and grinding, so crude as to merit ad- miration for their antiquity. For centuries little progress was made, and we pass to the invention of Oliver Evans of Pennsylvania about the year 1776, which comprehended the Buhr Mill system and subsequently the pur- ifiers from which there was another step taken about 1860, known as the roller system, or gradual reduction process, which would seem to have reached the highest point of excellence. This leads us to notice the Dyesville Milling Co., which had its inception in
1888 by Mr. Nathan Vale. January 15, 1891, the above named company was formed and the following well known gentlemen were taken into the busi- ness. John Holiday, J. R. Ogden and O. W. Castor. All men who never take a back seat in any enterprise in which they become interested. The building, exclusive of engine room, is three stories and basement, and 30x40 feet in dimensions. The engine room is 18x30 feet. In all departments the mill is equipped with the latest im- proved appliances for the speedy and efficient manufacture of the highest standard grades of bakers' and family flour. The mill is equipped with a full roller system, or what is known as the gradual reduction process, pur- ifiers, scalpers, bran dusters, packers, and every needed appliance. The mill being propelled by a fifty-horse power engine and boilers. The staple brands produced are Standard, their patent grade, Little Victor, straight grade and Extra, low grade. These brands bear a high standard grade in all markets in which they have been in- troduced and enjoy a high degree of popularity with dealers, and are eager- ly sought after by bakers and families Their trade extends all along the K. &
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MEIGS COUNTY.
M. railroad, principally south and be- ing situated on the line of road have good connection with the same. They also manufacture granulated meal by the roller process, which wherever in- troduced has proven a great favorite. The mill is under the able manage- ment of Mr. Nathan Vale, and is grad- ually drawing a large trade. They transact merchant and custom grind- ing, and farmers exchange and deal in grain, flour and mill feed.
D. R. Misner, Dealer in General Merchandise.
70 Mr. Misner, this place has been indebted for years for its mercantile vitality. He is a native of this county and has been engaged in the mercantile business at Langsville. Three years ago he located his busi- ness here. He occupies a neat little store 18x30 feet in dimensions, and the stock carried embraces dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hats, caps, queensware, tinware, etc. His dry goods department embraces a full line of domestic goods, in all patterns and styles. His grocery department con- tains coffees, teas, sugar, pure spices and a full line of tobacco and cigars. The boot and shoe department con- tains a line of the best quality, and, considering material, workmanship, style and prices, cannot be surpassed in any of our larger towns. Mr. Mis- ner's long experience enables him to buy at bottom figures and he is pre- pared to offer inducements to cash customers. He is also an extensive dealer in country produce and buys everything in this line. He owns his own property, has no rents to'pay and does his own work and can offer big inducements to all his patrons. Call and examine his goods and prices and see if our statements are not correct. Mr. Misner has in connection with his business a hotel, where travelers
can find entertainment; when in the place stop and see. A good meal and bed is their specialty.
Price Bros., Dealers in General Merchandise.
AMONG the various commercial pursuits which characterize the active business operations of a pro- gressive community there are none whose vitality and enterprise justify more liberal mention than those of our general mercantile establishments. Occupying a conspicuous position in this department of trade, we notice the lately established house of Price Bros., which dates its inception to November 1890. The Price Bros., are natives of this county, and prior to engaging in this enterprise were en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. They occupy a finely fitted up room, 16×40 feet in dimensions. They carry a full line of general merchandise embrac- ing dry goods, notions, groceries, queensware, hardware, tinware, boots, shoes, hats, and caps. In dry goods they carry a full line of domestic goods, dress goods, muslins, ladies' and gents furnishing goods. The boot and shoe department embraces a full line for men, women and children, and by buying principally'from manu- facturers they are enabled to offer in- ducements to patrons not surpassed by the more pretentious concerns in our larger cities. In the grocery de- partment is to be found a full line of staple and fancy groceries, coffees, sugar, teas, pure spice and a full line of groceries' sundries, tobacco and ci- gars. They also buy and sell all kinds of country produce. This firm is building up a fine trade and are hon- orable and fair to all their patrons. To the influence of this house we are indebted for much trade drawn to this place, which would otherwise have. sought other trade centers.
178
BUSINESS REVIEW OF
ANTIQUITY.
HE town of Antiquity is located on the Ohio river one mile above Ra- cine. In 1880 it contained a population of one hundred and forty-one inhabitants. The name, Antiquity, is supposed to have been derived from the rocks, or cliffs, back of the village, which have an antiquated and picturesque appearance similar to those back of Pomeroy. Henry Harpold was the first settler, and a post office was established here in 1877. There are two churches, Methodist and Baptist, the former having been built in 1870, and the latter in 1872. The church membership of each probably numbers about fifty. There is a lumbering establishment employing about twenty hands.
The wealthiest individual in the town is Wm. M. Shannon, but the two individuals who have done most to advance its interests, are believed to be Mr. Henry Harpold and Mr. A. J. Flesher. As a general thing the people of the town and farmers of the vicinity are prosperous.
Antiquity's Business Men.
David Burger & Son, General Store.
THE individual members of this firm are Mr. David Burger and his son Rev. D. W. Burger, They have had charge of this business but two months, having purchased it from Mr. Winters, in the spring of 1891. The premises occupied is an ample room neatly and conveniently arranged, in which is kept an excellent stock of groceries, notions, stone ware, tinware, glassware, etc. In the grocery depart- ment all the freshest and best home and table supplies the market can af- ford are kept constantly on hand, among which we notice the best grades of coffees, teas, meats, syrups, vine- gars, spices, sugars, canned and bot- tled goods, flour, confectioneries, etc. In fact everything properly belonging to a first-class general grocery. Mr. David Burger is a native of Botetourt county, W. Va., where he was born in
1813. He has been engaged in farm- ing all his life, and for one of his age is unusually healthy and active. Rev. D. W. Burger was born in Botetourt county, W. Va., in 1858. He attended school while young at Lincoln Court House, W. Va., and then returned to his native county and attended school at Holland Institute, from which he graduated in 1863. He then entered the ministry for the Missionary Bap- tist denomination, in which he is still engaged. As a business man he is honest and upright in all his dealings and quiet and unassuming in his de- meanor, treating everyone with due re- spect, and enjoys the esteem and con- fidence of all who know him.
Note -- Since writing the above sketch the senior member of this firm Mr. D. Burger, died quite suddenly and was interred at Plant's cemetery, near this village. Such is the uncertainty of life.
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MEIGS COUNTY.
Flesher, Sayre & Flesher, River Side Mills.
THIS mill was built here in 1875 by The Antiquity Mill Co., but was bought by the present management in 1884. The plant is a large frame structure 30x135 feet in dimensions and two stories high, with large sheds in addition for stowing away lumber. It has a capacity for turning out twen- ty thousand feet per day. The lum- ber manufactured by this firm consists of all kinds, but a specialty is made of boat lumber, embracing oak, poplar, white pine, hemlock, etc., cut in all lengths and sizes suitable for any part of a boat or building of any kind. They keep constantly on hand large quantities of flooring, ceiling joisting, siding, steam boat decking, etc. This lumber is always shipped in the best possible condition to any point and in any quantity desired. They are pre- pared to build boats of all kinds, and as a sample of their work in that line they refer the public to the large wharf boat at Huntington, which is 150x42 feet in dimensions, and is a model structure in every particular. Being equipped as they are for doing all of their own sawing, dressing, etc., they can compete successfully with any similar firm on the Ohio River. The individual members of the firm are Messrs. B. T. Flesher, M. V. Sayre, and M. F. Flesher. The Flesher Bros. are natives of Ravenswood in W. Va., born 1855 and 1849 respectively. Mr. P. Flesher followed the river until eight years ago and B. T. was engaged in the mercantile business at Murrays- ville, W. Va,, until 1885. Mr. Sayre is a native of Mason county, W. Va., born in 1840. He moved to Meigs county with his parents when quite small. The early part of his life was devoted to farming. He afterwards learned the trade of ship corker, which he followed for ten years and the re- mainder of his life has been spent in the lumber business. This firm has established a large trade along the
,
Ohio, which has increased each year. They have recently placed new ma- chinery in their mill, and are prepared to do a larger business than ever. They give employment to a number of men, and in every respect are consid- ered in the lead in their line of busi- ness in the Ohio Valley. Those desir- ing anything in their line would do well to communicate with them at An- tiquity, Ohio.
D. M. Willis, General Grocer.
m R. D. M. WILLIS, is a native of
Meigs county, Ohio, born near Letart in February 1846. He has lived in this county all his life excepting seven years spent in Parkersburg W. Va. Mr. Willis is a cooper by trade, at which he worked since he was a boy, until 1884. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C of the 140th O. V. I. and was discharged the same year, his service being no longer needed. In 1891 he received the appointment of Post-master of this village taking charge of the office in January, which responsible position he has filled to the entire satisfaction of every one, regardless of political affiliations. He conducts a general grocery in con- nection with the Post-office, in which he keeps a general line of home and table supplies, consisting of groceries, provisions, tinware, glassware, queens- ware, stoneware, notions, etc. He keeps constantly on hands a fresh sup- ply of pure garden grown teas, coffees, sugars, syrups, vinegars, canned and bottled goods, notions, confections all of which are the best the market can afford, and sold at prices astonishing- ly low. The advantages enjoyed by having a good grocery in every village can hardly be estimated, as they bring excellent table supplies right to our doors, and sell them for less money than we would pay in our large towns and cities. This is one of the most useful and beneficial establishments of our neighborhood and one that enjoys liberal patronage.
180
BUSINESS REVIEW OF
DEXTER.
4
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HE little village of Dexter is situated on the K. & M. R. R. twelve miles north west of Middleport, and was laid out in 1883. The land was own- ed by John Longstreth. It was first known by the name of Martins- burgh for C. M. Martin, its first merchant. It has a population of fifty souls, a good school, with an enrollment of 100 pupils and is in the center of a straw- berry region.
Dexter's Business Enterprises.
J. F. Bowles, General Store.
AS one of the leading establish- ments of this section of Meigs county, we are pleased to give liberal mention to the above named firm. This firm traces its existence back over the past eight years, when it was founded by Mr. E. A. Nelson. It was purchased in 1888 by the present pro- prietor, who immediately increased the stock of goods largely. He carries a full line of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, hardware, queensware, glassware, stoneware, clothing, under- wear, farming implements etc. He brings into requisition not only a thorough knowledge of the business, acquired through long experience, but a wide acquaintance with the peo- ple, by which he is enabled to know their wants and hence is prepared to supply them. He carries not only the common and staple articles belonging to the different lines with which his store is stocked, but all the finer quali- ties carried by our city merchants, and is determined that no house in the country shall surpass him in the excellence of goods or in prices, and has adopted for his guide the motto, "Large sales and small profits." He has built up a good trade since start- ing here, each year increasing over the previous, and the main secret of his wonderful success lies in the fol- lowing facts viz : He pays ready cash
for all of his goods and by so doing has all bills discounted. He sells for cash or its equivalent, hence, he adds no per cent to the bill of honest peo- ple to make up for bad debts. He buys in large quantities directly from the leading houses of the country and re- ceives special rates. He is not com- pelled to bear the burdens of high rates of taxation, high rent and other heavy expenses connected with city life, all of which have to be paid indi- rectly out of the pockets of the con- sumer. He contemplates building a fine new store room in the near future on his lot adjoining the depot, and , add several additional lines to his al- ready comprehensive stock, which will enable him to offer inducements equal to if not surpassing any house in this or adjoining counties. Mr. Bowles is a native of this township, born in 1866. He attended the district school, and by close application to his books was able to procure a teacher's certificate at the early age of sixteen. He fol- lowed the profession of teaching for five years in which he was unusually successful. He then went into the mercantile business at Langsville, Meigs county, where he remained two years. He then came here and took charge of this store. He is endowed with business qualities which are sure to raise him to the top. He is already regarded as one of our most prosper- ous and energetic business men.
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MEIGS COUNTY.
C. M. Martin, General Store.
THE pleasant little village of Dex- ter can boast of one of the best general stores in Meigs county. We refer to the large establishment of Mr. C. M. Martin. The premises occu- pied by this firm is a large and com- modious room 20x50 feet in dimen- sions, with large ware room in the rear. These rooms together with the basement are all utilized in stowing away merchandise. The stock of goods embraces almost everything necessary to make life comfortable and happy, consisting of dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, hats, caps, hard- ware, queensware, glassware, stone- ware, tinware, groceries, oils, paints and varnishes, jewelry, stoves, clocks, etc. Space will not admit of further specification but everything properly belonging to a first class establish- ment of this kind may be found here. In the dry goods department is found not only the common and staple arti- cles of ladies' and misses' dress goods, but all the latest designs and novelties in popular and fancy fabrics from both foreign and domestic looms. Each department is complete within itself, embracing not only the ordina- ry commodities of the home and farm. but the luxuries as well. The days are past when it was necessary to make long journeys to our larger towns and cities when we wish anything fine or
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