USA > Ohio > Gallia County > Illustrated historical and business review of Meigs and Gallia counties, Ohio, for the year 1891. > Part 5
USA > Ohio > Meigs County > Illustrated historical and business review of Meigs and Gallia counties, Ohio, for the year 1891. > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
This city has its full share of secret societies and all seemingly in a pros- perous and thrifty condition.
50
HISTORY OF
FREE MASONRY.
Freemasonry is probably the most universally diffused society in the world. Whatever may be said for or against it, it is evident it has great elements of strength. These have enabled it to outlive all sorts of revolutions in human governments and come up smiling, its organizations intact and offering a level ground on which all may meet. Where it prospers it is safe to say society is benefitted by it though it works silently.
POMEROY LODGE, No. 164, F. & A. M .- Instituted April 3, 1848. Election December 14, 1891. Officers: D. Lark, W. M .; H. C. Fish, S. W .; S. L. Par- sons, J. W .; John McQuigg, Treas .; D. C. Davis, Sec'y ; F. E. Bolton, S. D .; L. H. Chapman, J. D .; L. H. Lee, Tyler; L. H. Lee, E. F. Feiger, Stewards.
POMEROY CHAPTER, No. 80, R. A. M .- Instituted April 21, 1858. Election December 17, 1891. Officers : F. E. Bolton, H. P .; A. F. Chapman, K .; James Crosbie, S .; W. A. Race, C. H .; H. H. Davis, P. S .; David Lark, R. A. C .; W. L. Downie, Treas .; G. W. Plantz, Sec'y; A. P. Ashworth, M. 3 V .; S. L. Par- sons, M. 2 V .; E. T. Rees, M. 1 V .; R. P. Skinner, Guard.
BOSWORTH COUNCIL, No. 46. R. & S. M .- Instituted February 1st, 1867. Election November 13, 1891. Officers : L. H. Lee, T. I M .; L. O. Cooper, D. M .; C. C. Williams, P. Con. W .; N. Barnes, Treas .; Alex Short, Recorder ; J. S. Boggess, C. of Guard; Ed Lark, Con. of C .; Louis Haag, Steward; Jos. H. Corben, Sentinel.
OHIO VALLEY COMMANDERY No. 24, K. T .- Instituted March 3, 1870. Election November 12, 1891. Officers: E. F. Feiger, E. C .; John McQuigg, G .; L. O. Cooper, C. G .; L. H. Lee, P .; Edward Davis, S. W .; Christ. Hile, J. W .; W. A. Race, Tr .; W. L. Downie, Rec .; F. Besserer, St. Bearer; J. J. L. McElhinny, Sd. B .; Ed Lark, Warder; R. P. Skinner, Sentinel; H. H. Davis, 1st Guard; Sid Coe, 2d Guard; G. W. Plantz, 3d Guard.
FINANCE COMMITTEE .- Geo. W. Plantz, E. M. Nye and F. M. Bolton.
GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE .- E. F. Feiger, A. F. Chapman, L. M. Harvey, S. L. Parsons and A. P. Ashworth.
VISITATION COMMITTEE .- L. H. Lee, A. P. Ashworth, Ed Rees and D. L. Thomas.
ODD FELLOWSHIP.
If the Masonic fraternity can claim greater antiquity than the Odd Fel- lows, they can in turn claim greater numbers in the United States than any other benevolent social organization. There are four orders in the city, viz. : Pomeroy Encampment, Rhine Lodge, Naomi Lodge and Mineral Lodge.
POMEROY ENCAMPMENT, No. 68. Instituted September 14, 1865. Officers : L. L. Hayman, C. P .; A. Reid, S. W .; A. Houk, J. W .; D. Findling, H. P,; T. T. Williams, Sec .; M. Blattner, Treas.
MINERAL LODGE .- Instituted April 26, 1854. Officers: I. Parker, N. G .; Thos. Wintell, V. G .; F. Lyman, Rec. Sec .; W. L. Downie, Per. Sec .; W. A. Race, Treas.
POMEROY LODGE, No. 389, I. O. G. T .- Instituted September, 1889. Offi- cers : Prof. Morris Bowers, C. T .; J. J. Speaker, P. C. T .; Miss Etta Brad- field, V. T .; W. Stroers, Chap .; Jas. Smith, Treas .; Mrs. Jas, Hundley, Fin.
51
MEIGS COUNTY.
Sec .; Miss Rilla Vincent, Sec .; Jas. Hundley, Mar .; Miss Emma Waterman, Guard; Sq. A. P. Ashworth, L. D. Meets every Friday night in G. A. R. Hall. Number of members, 100.
KNIGHTS OF LABOR .- Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers. Organized 1890. Wm. Miller, Pres .; John Smith, Treas. D. W. Jones, Sec. ELECTRIC LIGHTS.
The city has a fine electric plant and her citizens at night walk in a "new light."
LANDINGS.
There have at different times been many improvements made in the land- ings, until to-day Pomeroy has good landings and first class accommodations in water transportation.
MANUFACTORIES.
In manufactories, Pomeroy is rapidly gaining distinction among the manufacturing cities of the State. She offers an unsurpassed field for the best results in return for capital invested in this respect. The city presents a record of ever increasing activity, old manufacturing establishments show- ing enchanced facilities and augmented out-put, and new ones constantly adding to the importance of the city as a productive centre. Manufacturers have made Pomeroy prosperous by supplementing her natural advantages, with all the aids of modern progress and enlightened methods. This subject is treated more fully in following chapters. Few cities in the Union of the same population, can make a more creditable showing than Pomeroy, and, what is more gratifying, each succeeding year witnesses the number of manufactories steadily increasing, and the out-put of products rapidly augmenting.
WHOLESALE, JOBBING AND RETAIL INTERESTS.
In none of the other departments of industry is a more gratifying exhibit made, than in the wholesale, jobbing and retail interests of the city. From the earliest period of our written history, the city has been known as a "trad- ing centre." The merchants, keen and active in competition for trade, sup- ply not only a large home demand through the medium of her retail houses; but an extensive outside trade, which focuses here from the entire southeast- ern portion of Ohio.
Indeed many of our larger cities are invaded by her army of traveling salesmen, and a profitable trade is steadily reverting to her business houses and factories from such localities. The main factor that enables Pomeroy merchants and manufacturers to undersell most other localities, is the advant- ages emanating from the city's desirable location for both shipping and receiv- ing goods, supplemented by her unrivaled facilities, for almost all departments of manufacture and commerce are represented and all doing a good business.
RECAPITULATION.
A brief summary of the forgoing statements will show the manufacturing and jobbing interests of Pomeroy combined, and will amount to $5,000,000; these figures representing less instead of more than the actual business of the city.
The classification of the different enterprises is as follows :
52
HISTORY OF
Manufacturing establishments, 24; wholesale houses 1; retail houses 88; miscellaneous 54; grand total, 167.
To give an idea of the diversity of her interests, we annex a table giving an analysis of the trade and business interests of Pomeroy at the present time. Agricultural Implements, 2 Furniture, 4
Art Stores,
1 Hardware
4
Attorneys,
10
Harness,
2
Bakers,
3 Hats and Caps, Gents' Furnishings,
2
Banks,
2 Hotels and Restaurants,
-
4
Barbers,
4 Ice Manufactories,
-
1
Blacksmiths, 2 Insurance, 5
Bookstores,
2 Jewelers 3
Boot and Shoes,
6 Liquors, Wholesale,
1
Bottling Works,
1 Liquors, Retail,
12
Breweries,
1 Livery,
2
Brick Manufactories,
1 Marble Works,
1
Carriage Mfr's and supplies,
1
Meat Markets,
2
China, Etc.,
2 Merchant Tailors,
4
Cigar Manufactories,
1 Millinery. 3
Clothing and Furnishing,
2 Musical Merchandise,
1
Coal Dealers,
2
Newspapers,
3
Confections and Fruits,
3 Notions,
2
Contractors and Builders,
3
Photographers,
2
Dentists,
2
Physicians
4
Dress Makers,
3 Planing Mills,
2
Drugs,
3 Pork Packers,
1
Dry Goods,
9 Printers and Publishers.
3
Electric Light Co.,
1 Sewing Machines,
2
Express Companies,
2 Tinware,
1
Flour and Feed,
2 Transfer Companies, 1
Flouring Mills,
2 Wagon Manufactories,
3
Funeral Directors,
1 Total 167
-
-
1
Pomeroy's Most Enterprising Citizen's and Wide-Awake Business Men.
W. A. Aicher, Jeweler, Front St.
AS a historical item relating to this department of art, we notice the fact that the first watches were made in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1477 and for centuries a watch was a luxu- ry, none but the wealthy could afford. Even down to the opening of the pre- sent century they were still too ex- pensive to be owned by persons in modern circumstances. Thanks to American skill and genius, and the progressive spirit of the age, that state of affairs has passed, not only with regard to watches and clocks, but in a large measure with diamonds, pre- cious stones and useful and ornament- al jewelry and silverware. As an evi- dence of this fact the reader has only to step into the attractive jewelry house of Mr. W. A. Aicher, on Front St., who is not only recognized as a
leader in this line in the city, but is among the best in Southern Ohio. He is a deft worker in watches and jewelry, having worked in this line from childhood up. He has been in business in this city since the year 1857, and in his present quarters since 1859. His native home is in the city of Eastern Pennsylvaina. The show cases exhibit a large line of the best diamond goods, watches and cases, jewelry and gold pens manufactured in the land. Also all other goods common to a first class jewelry house. A large and complete stock of fancy silverware in various designs, and op- tical goods in spectacles, opera glasses, etc. Also, musical instruments, pre- cious stones, diamonds, etc. Mr. Aicher is among the most reliable workmen of the city, and one of her most enterprising citizens, and has served the city as one of its council- men for ten years.
F. C. ARD, M. D., PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON,
Formerly Resident Physician Bay View Hospital, Baltimore, md.
Cor. Court and Front Streets, - - - Pomeroy, Ohio.
54
BUSINESS REVIEW OF
A. P. Ashworth, Dealer in Hardware, Farm Machinery, Fertilizer and Wagons. Second St.
THE general hardware trade is one of the most important branches of com- mercial enterprise, associated with our leading centres of trade. In this connection, we are justified in the full and extensive notice accorded to Mr. Ashworth, whose complete facilities for meeting the requirements of this department, are unsurpassed in this section of the state. He is a thoroughly practical and reliable business man of many years' experience. In order to give some conception of the facilities enjoyed, we notice the premises occupied, which embrace a two story structure, 60x75 feet in dimensions. He carries in
BUCKEYE
PLATFORM
PLATFORM BINDER
DINDER
FAULTMK
BANTON
OHIO!
AS. WILSON,SONNY
stock a complete line of general hardware, embracing farmers' and mechanics' tools, table and pocket cutlery, blacksmiths', painters' and builders' supplies. He is the most extensive dealer in farm machinery of all kinds, in the County. He makes a specialty of the Buckeye Self binders, reapers, and mowers. He has a full line of hay rakes, including the famous Buckeye cultivators, plows, Keystone harrows and Buckeye drills. Every implement needed by a farmer can be found in his stock. A full line of wagons is kept. He has es- tablished business relations with some of the best manufacturers of these goods and can compete with any contemporaneous concern in this line. He carries in stock a complete line of fertilizers from the Cleveland Dryer Company, and the Londenback Company. His great specialty is made on all the principal grades manufactured by the Cleveland Company. He is prepared to quote the very lowest prices on this article. Mr. Ashworth is a native of this county, born Angust 21, 1851. He is at present holding the responsible office of Jus- tice of the Peace, which position he has held during the last six years. He is a wide-awake and enterprising young man, full of energy and is very popular with all classes. By his straightforward methods of fair and honorable deal- ing, he has won the confidence of our most prominent business men and citi- zens, and the large and flourishing patronage he commands is the natural re- sult of fair, honorable dealing, combined with the highest qualities for the low- est price.
55
MEIGS COUNTY.
B. F. Biggs, Furnishing Undertaker, And Dealer in Sash, Doors, Shing- les, Lath, Nails, Glass, Paints, Oils, Varnishes and General Hardware.
THE annually increasing impor- tance of the business of the State of Ohio, and the marvelous advances that have been made during the past quar- ter century, leads to a more than or- dinary interest in all those enterprises which are identified with manufactur- ing industries and resources. The progressive features of American trade manufacture and ingenuity, are mat- ters of surprise to other nations in many respects, and bring into requsi- tion methods of operation both novel and effective. Among those whose facilities are the result of comprehen- sive ideas and intelligent enterprise, and embrace special advantages in the several departments of trade, charac- terizing it, is the house of Mr. B. F. Biggs, on Front St., furnishing under- taker and manufacturer of coffins and caskets, and dealer in sash, doors, shingles, lath, nails, glass, paints, oils, varnishes, and general hardware. Mr. B. F. Biggs is a native of Cape May County, N. J., born on the 9th day of December, 1833. He came to this city at the age of twenty-four years, or in the year 1857. His first effort at en- terprise was as contractor and build- er, which he followed up to seven years ago, or twenty-seven years in all and during these years, many of the houses in Pomeroy were built by him. Thus the town grew at his hands year after year. During twenty-one years of this period, he was also one of the most extensive lumber dealers in the county. For twenty-six years past he has been engaged in manufacturing coffins and caskets, and it is in this line we find his one of the most repres- entative houses in the State. Here are manufactured all grades of burial caskets, from the cheapest to the very best, with the largest stock of under- takers' supplies in Southern Ohio.
The house has three fine hearses, and are at all times prepared to take en- tire charge of funerals in the most de- corous and appropriate manner, pre- paring the body for burial, and man- aging the minutest details of "the last sad rites," relieving the family and friends from all unpleasant re- sponsibilities in the hour of their af- fliction. The business of the house has increased so wonderfully in the past, that instead of having the ap- pearance of a furnishing undertaking establishment, it seems to the casual observer, as the establishment of a job- "ber in these goods, so large, fine and comprehensive is the stock. They are beyond any doubt, the most skillful and experienced embalmers in this section of the State, doing a large bus- iness in this line, over a radius of fif- teen or twenty miles of the adjacent country, among a population of about forty thousand people. There is no stronger or more representative house in the country in all its lines. You can obtain anything in builders, ma- terial, sash, doors, blinds, shingles, lath, nails, glass, etc. Also, anything in the general hardware line. The premises occupied embrace a fine three story building 28x65 feet, and outside of this a ware-house 25x106 feet in di- mensions. Mr. Biggs is among the oldest business men of the city, hav- ing been one of its most active and energetic factors for the past thirty- five years. His life has been one of marked business activity, and Meigs county has no more successful enter- prises, nor none that are more widely known or more favorably looked upon than the house of the subject of this sketch.
Ed. Byrne, Veterinary Surgeon and Dealer in Groceries and Liquors, Union Avenue.
THE horse, like mankind, is subject to many ills in this world, and hav- ing proven himself of such wonderful utility, it early becomes necessary for mankind to be able to treat the horse
56
BUSINESS REVIEW OF
scientifically. As a result, we to-day, have a corps of competent veterinary surgeons, scattered throughout the country, that make the disease of the horse a specialty. In this capacity we notice the subject of this sketch, Ed. Byrne. For years he has been called here and there, treating the horse with the utmost skill and marked suc- cess, and has won a wide reputation for his successes with the horse. He is a native of this county, born and raised about three miles northeast of this city. For the past seven years he has conducted one of the finest groc- ery and liquor houses in the city, lo- cated at the head of Union Avenue. He keeps in stock all those articles common to a first-class grocery house, and also, the finest of drinks, his place being the resort of many of our leading citizens.
Miss M. H. Collet, Milliner and Dressmaker.
IN millinery the attractions to be found in this city are scarcely sur- passed in our metropolitan centers, and among these establishments whose stock and taste displayed in the trim- ming department, secures the patron- age of many of the leading ladies of this city and surrounding country, we notice especially that of Miss M. H. Collet. She carries in stock the newest pattern hats and bonnets, or- naments and trimmings and takes special pains to meet the pleasure of patrons in the trimming department. She has in connection a dress making establishment. She uses the best known system of cutting to insure neat and perfect fits, and exercises a cultivated and aesthetic taste in the adjustment of trimming and draping, while her prices will always be found reasonable. Miss Collet is a native of Mason City, W. Va., and has been in business here ten years and has two assistants, skilled artists in this line of business.
L. O. Cooper, Auditor of Meigs County.
m R. COOPER, the subject of our sketch is a native of Meigs coun- ty, Ohio, born in 1844, and is a resi- dent of Middleport, this county. In 1861 when our country was assailed- responding to the call, he enlisted July 18th, 1861, under Capt. D. A. Russell, Co. E, 4th, West Virginia Infantry, and went to the front, serving in this regiment until June 2nd, 1864. At this time he re-enlisted in the 20th, West Virginia infantry, serving in this regiment until the close of the war May 2nd, 1865, he received his honorable discharge. Returning to his native town he engaged as book- keeper and followed that profession up to the time he was elected to this office. He was elected to his present position in November, 1889, and as- sumed charge of the office Sept. 8th, 1890. He obtained his education at the public schools, which was very limited. No office associated with the administration of county affairs entails as great a trust and responsi- bility as that of auditor of the county. Although but lately installed into the office he gives promise of one of the best administrations the county has ever had and we venture the assertion, that the office could not have fallen into better hands.
Jas, Crosbie & Son, Merchant Tai- lors, Court Street.
TRADITION has not handed down to the inhabitants of the present age an account of the origin or locali- ty of the primitive tailor, but certain it is that the art and science of the manufacture of clothing had its incep- tion several centuries previous to the Christian Era. But its origin is of little importance, as we only have to deal with the present. Identified with this branch of the trade we are pleased to mention more especially the establishment conducted by Messrs.
57
MEIGS COUNTY.
James Crosbie & Son. Mr. Jas.
Crosbie, the senior member of this firm, is a native of Scotland; he was born in 1830, and came to Ameri- ca in 1849, coming direct to this city. Forty years ago he engaged in the tailoring business and has been fol- lowing this trade ever since. He was a member of the Pomeroy Merchant tailoring company. Three years ago the present firm became their succes- sors. They carry in stock a nice line of piece goods, and have samples of all the latest and most fashionable fa- brics of both foreign and American looms, and in all weights and colors. For a handsome dress or business suit of the best style and make, at the low- est price for good material and skilled workmanship one can do no better than to call at this establishment.
Mary M. Cutler, M. D., Physician and Surgeon. Office on Mulberry Street.
HALF a century ago there was little disposition shown by the male sex to favor the opening of avenues of ed- ucation and culture to any great extent to the female sex, and especially were our medical colleges barred againts the admission of woman to its sacred precincts, and it has remained for the past quarter of a century in the growth of civilization and intelligence to find practically demonstrated the sphere of woman in literature, science and art. The opening of our progressive col- leges of medicine to women has proven a wise and beneficial step, fully justi- fied by the able and successful prac- titioners in medicine and surgery in many of the leading cities. Doctress Mary M. Cutler, after receiving the benefits of a liberal literary education, engaged in the study of her chosen profession, and subsequently graduat- ed from the Michigan University at Ann Harbor in the department of med- icine and surgery, in the class of 1888. She was intern at the University Hos- pital one year. She then came to this city and located, where she brings
into requisition those accomplish- ments which justify the promise of ex- cellent success in her chosen voca- tion.
Adam Darling, Merchant Tailor, Cor. Second and Mechanics St's.
TO dress well may not be the chief Jend of man, but the character of his attire certainly has a great influ- ence on his career in life. It affects not only the opinion of others, but in a large degree his own self respect. One of the leading merchant tailoring establishments devoted to masculine attire in the city, we notice that of Mr. Adam Darling, located on the corner of Second and Mechanics streets. Mr. Darling has been engaged in this line of business for the last twenty-five years, and now employs on an average five experienced hands. He has a complete line of samples of the newest styles of piece goods, and suitings adapted to the season, from both foreign and American looms, and can guarantee to patrons neat and perfect fits, and first-class workmanship in all cases. Mr. Darling is a Scotchman by birth ; was born in 1832, and came to this country in 1852. He has formed a wide circle of social and business acquaintances, and is well and favor- able known as one of Pomeroy's best citizens.
The Extensive Plant of the Pomeroy Planing Mill and Sash Factory. Jno. S. Davies & Son, Prop'rs.
THE contents of this work being designed to convey to the reader some idea of the business capabilities, industrial resources and commercial relations of this city, it has been our aim to present to the public only such establishments as may be justly re- garded active elements in advancing the general prosperity of Pomeroy. It is, therefore, our privilege and pleas- ure to present a concern, which, in strength and enterprise, is fully de-
58
BUSINES REVIEW OF
serving of the warmest enconiums. We refer to the above named institu- tion, producers of building materials and dealers in lumber, lath, shingles, pickets, doors, sash, blinds, stair work, and all builders' materials. The in- stitution dates its establishment prior to the war, and each year of its past existence has steadily increased it in volume and influence. It is owned and operated by Messrs. John S. Davies and son. John S. Davies, the senior member, is a native of Wales, and has been connected with the business in- terests of Pomeroy for many years, but is no longer active in the business. Mr. W. H. Davies, the junior member, is a native of this city, and it is upon him most of the business of the plant devolves, and to him much of its suc- cess may be attributed. The mills are abundantly provided with the newest and best machinery in use, the motor being an engine of eighty-horse power. Forty expert hands are given constant employment. The range of manufac- ture embraces sash, doors, blinds, and an extended line of wood work, the character of which is familiar to those in interest, including, as it does, all the standard articles demanded by the carpenter, contractor, builder, and others. These are produced in great quantity and variety, the best selected materials utilized in all cases, and only reliable and first-class goods turned out. The lumber yards are in close proximity, and cover an area of one and a half acres. An immense stock of lumber of all descriptions, lath, and shingles is carried, a good assortment of all dimensions and grades being on hand at all times. The extraordinary facilities and resources of the concern enable it to place its goods on the mar- ket at lower prices than could be af- forded by establishments less favor- ably situated, and when to this is added the prompt and reliable man- ner in which orders are filled, and the solicitude manifested by the officers in maintaining its name and trade, we have the true secret of the rapid rise of an establishment, the record of whose growth is an interesting chap-
ter in the commercial history of Pom-
eroy's greatest institutions. From thirty to thirty-five hands are given employment at the plant and the best of work is turned out at all times.
A. B. Donnally, Mayor,
HE present efficient mayor of Pom- eroy is a native and life-long resi- dent of this county ; was born Jan. 5th 1827. After he attained his years of manhood, he engaged in the mercan- tile business, and then turned his at- tention to agricultural interests for a few years. In 1862 he was elected to the office of Clerk of Meigs county Courts. His popularity and faithful discharge of his duties of this office is attested by the fact that he was elect- ed and re-elected and held the office for thirteen years. This office he filled to the entire satisfaction of the public interest, as is attested by the fact that the citizens of the city of Pomeroy nominated and elected him Mayor of this city in 1887, and re-elected him in 1889, and at the recent election (April, 1891, ) he was elected the third time to this responsible office. He has always been fair toward his polit- ical opponents, and enjoys the full confidence of all parties, and has al- ways discharged the duties of his of- fice with impartiality to all. He is one of Pomeroy's highly respected and honored citizens. He is also connected with some of the best insurance com- panies of the country, among them is the Dwelling House Insurance Co., of Boston, Mass., cash capital $300,000, and the Cleveland Ohio Mutual Live Stock Insurance Association, protect- ing certificate holders against fire, lightning, accident, diseases, cyclones, and tornadoes. Give him a call.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.