The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc, Part 76

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Leggett, Conaway
Number of Pages: 1072


USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc > Part 76


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REV. JOHN W. SENSENY, V. D. M., was born in Carroll County, Md., May 12, 1818. He is a son of Christian and Ann (Appler) Senseny, his mother being one of the legal heirs to the Hyde Park estate, valued at $14,000,000. The father is a native of Germany, the mother of Frederick County, Md. Their four children are Alexander H., John W., Angeline (wife of David Heltibridle), and Col. William T., now of Parkersburg, West Va. The father died March 1, 1833; the mother March 5, 1853. John W., our subject, was educated in the common schools of Maryland, and while a


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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.


youth learned the carpenter's trade, which he engaged in till his removal to this county, in 1844. He engaged for a time in manufacturing wagons, buggies and farming implements, and then opened up the second dry goods store in Upper Sandusky, on Sandusky avenue, following this occupa- tion ten years. He settled on his present farm in 1860; he owns thirty acres of good land, and is at present engaged in hatching chickens by in- cubation -- patent process. At the organization of this county Mr. Senseny was elected the first Justice of Crane Township, and from all decisions ren- dered by him, but two appeals were made to higher courts, and in these his decisions were not reversed. He has solemnized many marriages and been a'n active worker in the cause of morality. In 1852 he labored as a local minister in Marion and Wyandot Counties, and subsequently engaged in ministerial work in various places, building a number of Beihels and organ- izing a number of societies of the Church of God. Mr. Senseny is a mem- ber of the F. & A. M., and was one of the leading workers in the order of Sons of Temperance. He was married at Fort Seneca, Ohio, October 17, 1841, to Ann R. Bell, daughter of Vincent and Rachel Bell, a native of Berks County, Penn., born October 14, 1818. She died July 26, 1864. Mr. Sensney was again married, February 28, 1869, to Lovina Coltrin, widow of John Coltrin, a native of Lincoln County, Me., born September 13, 1811, and now is laboring in the holy evangelistic work for the salvation of men and the sanctification of believers.


JOHN SHEALEY, of the firm of Stoll & Co., manufacturers of sash, doors, blinds, etc., was born in Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio, December 27, 1833; son of Philip A. and Elizabeth (Bry) Shealy, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America about 1830, and settled in Crawford County, where they both died, the mother in 1833, aged about twenty-eight years, the father in 1874, aged eighty-six. They were the parents of four children, three now living-Mary, Christopher and John. The latter re- mained at home, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until twenty years of age, at which time he began the carpenters' trade in Bucyrus with Stoll Broth- ers, with whom he has since operated either as emplove or partner. In 1868, he established himself in Upper Sandusky, the present firm of Stoll & Co., comprised of J. Shealev and J. J. Stoll, being formed in 1881. Mr. Shealey was married at Sulphur Springs, Crawford County, April 4, 1861, to Lena Hiley, her father a native of Germany and her mother of Pennsyl- vania. Eight children have been born to them, namely : Frank, born March 1, 1862; Charles F., February 19, 1864; William, September 23, 1866; John Edward, June 18, 1869; Emma E., February 13, 1872; Christian O., Sep- tember 22, 1874; George A., October 20, 1877, and Mary E., February 4, 1880. William died November 16, 1868; Emma E. passed away March 29, 1876; and the death of George A. occurred March 8, 1882. Mr. Shealey is an independent voter, and with his family is associated with the German Lutheran Church.


HENRY SHULTZ was born in Perry County, Penn., April 4, 1840. His parents were Henry and Mary (Meck) Shultz, of German parentage. They had six children, four now living-Levi, George, Henry and Catha- rine. The parents died in Perry County, Penn. Henry Shultz resided with his parents till twenty-three years of age, and then engaged in bridge building and general carpenter work till 1868. He then began in agriculture, which occupation he has since followed. He purchased his present farm in September, 1879, and has made much improvement on the same, now valuing it at $75 per acre. He was married November 29, 1868, to Joanna Crane,


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CRANE TOWNSHIP.


daughter of James and Electa (Southwick) Crane, natives of Northumber- land, England, of English and German ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Crane were the parents of five children-Joanna, Medora, John and Mary. The de. ceased was Arnold, born January 22, 1858, died January 12, 1881. Mrs. Shultz was born October 31, 1847, in the old tavern stand on "Battle Island," on the Killburn road. She was the first white child born in Crane Township. Mr. and Mrs. Shultz are both members of the Church of God.


ALLEN SMALLEY was born in Ashland County, Ohio, December 26, 1841. He is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Smith) Smalley, also natives of this State. His father was the parent of twenty children, seventeen by his first marriage. Of this family those still living are Allen; Katie, now Mrs. Emmerson; Nancy A., widow of William R. Bliss; Matthias A .; Lily, wife of Robert Rosendale; Mary, Tracy and Benjamin F. By a second marriage, Jacob W. and William were born. Elizabeth, the mother of our subject, died in September, 1870; his father still survives and resides on his farm in Crawford Township. Allen Smalley obtained a good education in the district schools, finishing his studies in the Ohio Wesleyan University. March 3, 1862, he enlisted.in Company D, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, and participated in some of the most spirited skirmishes of the times, but was discharged by special order at Nashville, Tenn,, on account of temporary disability. He subsequently returned home, taught a term of school, and in the spring of 1864 enlisted in the Signal Corps, United States Army, and continued therein till the close of the war. He was one of the number who participated in the exploits of Admiral Farragut, and Capt. Leroy, Commander of the gunboat " Ossipe," running the gautlet between the confederate strongholds of Fort Gaines and Ft. Morgan. He partici- pated in the capture of the rebel ram "Tennessee," and the reduction of Forts Powell, Gaines and Morgan. He was discharged by special order at New Orleans, in November, 1865. In 1866, Mr. Smalley began the study of law at the University of Michigan, and in 1868, graduated at that insti - tution, being admitted to the bar soon after at Olney, Ill., where he opened a law office and did business till 1870. He then went to the South and en- gaged in the wood and lumber trade one year, and after teaching a winter school in Posey County, Ind., removed to Upper Sandusky. He superin- tended the schools of the latter place one year, and subsequently taught two terms at Little Sandusky. In 1874, he was elected Justice of the Peace of Crane Township, at Upper Sandusky, and in 1876, was re-elected, serving with credit and ability. Mr. Smalley was married September 23, 1868, to Ellen Burke, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Burke, early settlers of this county. Of nine children which have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smalley, but four are living, namely: Lily G., born December 29, 1869; Isaac, De. cember 28, 1870; Lulu, January 9, 1874, and Edwin M., January 26, 1879. Mr. Smalley takes an active part in politics, being an enthusiastic Demo- crat. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M., the K. of H., Royal Arcanum, and G. A. R., being Chaplain of the latter order. He is a Secretary of the Agricultural Society and one of its most active members. He is favorably known as a man of enterprise and public spirit and is held in high esteem by the citizens of the community. He is rapidly advancing in proficiency as a lawyer, and is destined to take a place among the first of his profession in the near future.


JACOB W. SMALLEY, M. D., retired physician, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 30, 1822. He is the son of Richard and Catharine (Emmons) Smalley, natives of New Jersey, and of Holland descent.


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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.


They were the parents of thirteen children, all attaining their majority- five living at the present time, viz., Benjamin, Richard, Isaac, Abraham and Jacob W. They removed to Wayne County in 1816, Mr. Smalley having entered 320 acres of land one year previous, where they resided until his death in April, 1845, aged seventy-seven years. Mrs. Smalley died in 1861, aged eighty-six years. Dr. Smalley, the subject of this sketch, was brought up on the farm, and shared such advantages of education as the district schools afforded. He remained at home with his parents until twenty one years of age, at which time he entered college at Ashland, Ohio, taking a preparatory course, and beginning the study of medicine at the age of twenty-four, under the instruction of Drs. Cook & Maxwell, at Berlin, Holmes Co., Ohio. He graduated at the Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, and began the practice of his profession at Shanesville, Tusca- rawas County, forming a partnership with Dr. Strese. He removed to Fred- ericksburg, Wayne County, in 1848, and in 1862 to Upper Sandusky, where he formed a partnership with R. A. Henderson. In 1869, Mr. Smalley withdrew from the partnership, and resumed his practice independently, continuing the same until 1878, when he retired from the profession. Dr. Smalley was married in Fredericksburg, April 15, 1856, to Margaret C. Armstrong, nee Porter, daughter of William and Mary (McNeal) Porter, early settlers of Holmes County. Mr. Porter was at one time Representa- tive of Holmes County; he died about 1839. Mrs. Porter still survives, in her eighty-second year, and resides at Peru, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Smalley are the parents of seven children, four now living-William P., born June 8, 1860; Walter Mc., January 19, 1862; Charles E., February 21, 1864; Richard E., May 10, 1871. The deceased are: Mary C., born March 13, 1857, died April 6, 1861; Anna E., September 5, 1858, died March 21, 1861; Rolla, June 25, 1867, died September 30, 1868. Mrs. Smalley was born June 8, 1832. Mr. Smalley has been a member of the F. & A. M. since 1847, and was a member of the Upper Sandusky School Board nine consecutive years. In politics, he is a strong Republican.


JAMES SMALLEY was born in Ashland County, Ohio, February 23, 1823, son of Isaac and Priscilla (Scott) Sinalley, natives of New Jersey and Ohio respectively. They were the parents of ten children, three now living -James, Richard and Henry. The parents both died in Ashland County -the father in 1859, aged about one hundred years; the mother in 1874, at an advanced age. James Smalley, the subject of this notice, resided at the old homestead in Ashland County till his twenty-first year, locating in this county in 1843. He engaged in daily labor a number of years, pur- chasing his present homestead of eighty acres in 1846, since adding 163 acres, now valued at $85 per acre. The first tract was purchased for $3.50 per acre, and with money earned by days' labor at 50 cents per day. Mr. Smalley was married, in Eden Township March, 1847, to Catharine Ulrich, daughter of Peter C. and Cutharine (Bowsher) Ulrich, natives of Maryland, and of English and German ancestry. She was born September 5, 1828. This marriage was followed by six children, five of whom are living-John W., born March 24, 1852; Catharine A., December 28, 1855; James S., May 15, 1860; Dencie A., January 29, 1865; and Harriet I., December 2, 1866. The deceased was Amanda, born May 11, 1849, died February 23, 1871. Mr. Smalley votes in the interest of Democracy, and is well esteemed as a citizen.


JESSE SMALLEY, farmer, was born in Crane Township, this county, October 24, 1846, son of Isaac and Margaret (Snyder) Smalley, both deceased,


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CRANE TOWNSHIP.


the former dying in 1848, the latter in 1862. They were the parents of three children-Jesse, Isaac and Sarah J., who died in 1860. Jesse, our subject, was reared on the farm, and educated in the district schools of his neighborhood. After the death of his father, he took up his residence with James B. Alden, with whom he remained till his eighteenth year, at which time he enlisted in Company A, Fourteenth Regiment Ohio National Guards, and entered the war. He participated in a spirited skirmish with Morgan's cavalry at Berryville, though his company was stationed most of the time of its service at Raleigh on guard duty. He enlisted May 2, and was dis- charged September 4, 1864. He was married, in Upper Sandusky, to Ruth Cordray, daughter of Andrew and Rachel (Franklin) Cordray, December 29, 1870, and two children have been born to them -- Robert Mc., born October 8, 1871, and Joel G., November 7, 1877. Mrs. Smalley was born in Salem Township July 30, 1849. Mr. Smalley has always engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now owns eighty acres of land, valued at $75 per acre. In politics, he favors the Republican school.


JOSEPH M. SMITH, one of the most prominent farmers of this town- ship, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, December 28, 1832. He is a so.1 of Daniel and Mary (Duddleson) Smith, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of Fairfield County, Ohio. They came to this locality in 1822, and resided here the remainder of their lives. There were nine children in the family, of whom but four are now living, namely, John, Henry H., Antoinette (wife of Robert Gier) and Joseph M. Mr. Smith was one of the leading stock-dealers and farmers of the county during his life, at one time controlling over 3,000 acres of land. He died in 1865, his wife sur- viving till 1882. Joseph M., the subject of this notice, was engaged on the farm with his father till 1859, spending five years as a " cowboy," herd- ing cattle on the open land. He was then tendered 400 acres of land, which he has since cultivated and improved, having cleared nearly 300 acres "from the sprout." He has dealt extensively in stock, and also conducted a large agricultural business, harvesting as many as 2,000 bushels of wheat in one season. He takes an active interest in agricultural matters, general- ly exhibiting stock at the county fairs, and keeping improved grades, with some thoroughbreds. He now owns 525 acres of excellent land, valued at $75 to $100 per acre, on which in 1876-77 he erected an elegant brick mansion at a cost of $12,000. It is provided with all the modern improve- ments-pantries, closets, hot and cold water, baths, etc .; is excellently planned, and, without doubt, one of the finest farm houses in the county. Mr. Smith was married, November 6, 1860, to Miss Sallie M. Straw, who was born in this county July 4, 1839. She is the daughter of Samuel C. and Christina (Staily) Straw, her father being a native of Vermont, her mother of Pickaway County, Ohio. They had eleven children, six of whom are now living, namely, David, Malachi, Martin, Samuel, Eunice and Sallie M. Her parents located in this county about 1830, and resided here till their respective deaths, November 22, 1856, and August 11, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have nine children, all living, namely: William S., born Au- gust 13, 1861; Nettie M., August 16, 1863; Anna V., August 10, 1865; Eunice E., October 16, 1867; David S., April 15, 1870; Mary C., August 5, 1873; Sallie M., November 24, 1876; Joseph M., March 16, 1880; George R., September 29, 1882. Mr. Smith is not a politician, but favors Repub- licanism. He is known throughout the county as one of its most substantial and successful farmers, and is highly esteemed, both as a citizen and busi- ness man.


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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.


LANDLINE SMITH is a native of Richland County, Ohio, and was born May 21, 1845. He is a son of John and Teresa (Coler) Smith, who are na- tives of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1832 -- before their mar- riage-and were among the first settlers of Richland County, Ohio; resid- ing there till 1867, when they moved to this county, and located in Carey, where they resided about twelve years. In 1879, they located in Upper Sandusky, where they have since resided. Their children were Frank P., John A., Teressa, Landline and Louisa, now living; and Mathias, Peter and Mary, deceased. Landline Smith, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and attended the district schools, abandoning his studies and the " paternal roof " at the age of sixteen to engage in agricultural pursuits, to which he devoted his attention two years. He then embarked in the produce and poultry trade, which occupation he has, at intervals, since continued. In the fall of 1878, he was elected to the office of County Auditor, and in 1881 he was re-elected to the same position, which he still retains. Mr. Smith enlisted May 2, 1864, in Company D, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio National Guard, and entered the service. He participated in several skirmishes, and was also in the battle of Berryville, where two other com- panies and a number of his own were captured. He was discharged at Columbus, Ohio, September 2, 1864. He was married, June 18, 1874, to Elzina A. Boucher, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 27, 1855, and two children have been born to them-Harry H., born February 18, 1876; and Bernice, May 29, 1879.


Mr. Smith is a member of the K. of P., the I. O. O. F., Royal Arcanum, and though a Republican in politics in this county so largely Democratic, he has been twice elected to his pres- ent position, the duties of which he has honorably and efficiently discharged.


JESSE SNYDER, one of the old pioneers of this county, was born in Chester County, Penn., September 17, 1799, son of Henry and Margaret (Irey) Snyder, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. They had nine children, our subject being the only one living; the deceased were Benjamin, Samuel, Thomas, Henry, Mary, Sarah, Hannah and John. Their parents removed to Wayne County, where the mother died about 1836; the father then moved to Indiana, where he died. Jesse Snyder was educated in the common schools of Chester County, Penn., where he en- gaged in farming and wagon making for several years. He removed to Wayne County in 1830 or 1831, and purchased 160 acres of land, on which he resided thirteen years. He removed to this county in 1843, settling among the Indians, at one time occupying one end of a cabin while an In- dian family dwelt in the other -living in this way two months. He was


familiar with many of the chiefs, and after the Indians' departure in 1843, he purchased 560 acres of land at Government prices. He now owns 322 acres, valued at $75 per acre, and much other property gained by hard labor and good management. He was married in Chester County, Penn., to Sarah Mills, who was born in 1798, and died August -, 1874. They had twelve children, four now living-Eliza A., born November 7, 1824; Isabella, wife of Robert McKelly, born January 31, 1830; Jesse, born Oc- tober 5, 1833; and Sarah A., September 27, 1840. In politics, Mr. Snyder votes for the best man; in religion, he associates with the United Brethren Church. He has always been a liberal contributor to the churches, hav- ing subscribed $2,700 to the erection of the Church. He is notable for his public spirit, always being ready to assist in meritorious en- terprises. He came to this county a poor man, but, by his pluck, energy, perseverance and business sagacity, he has wrought out an enviable fortune.


Samuel Ewing Su


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CRANE TOWNSHIP.


From the poor wagon-maker, by the work of his own hands-the sweat of his own brow-he has risen to the wealthy landholder; and in the brilliant success of his ripened years bears the same spirit of kindness and gener osity toward his fellow-men that characterized his less fortunate days.


GEORGE J. STECHER is a native of Ellhofen, Oberamt Weinsberg, Königreich Würtemberg, Germany, and was born October 29, 1807. He is a son of Peter and Christiana (Schmalzhoff) Stecher, who were natives of the same locality, his father born March 31, 1779, his mother November 17, 1788. His father was an office-holder in his county most of his life, and died in 1861. His mother's death occurred in 1842. Mr. Stecher resided on the farm with his parents till about thirty-five years of age, being chiefly engaged in vineyard culture and horticulture. He was educated in the Ger- man schools, and attended quietly to his pursuits till emigrating to Amer- ica, in 1854. He reached Upper Sandusky April 28, and since that time has been a resident of the place. For many years he was engaged in horti- cultural pursuits, but has now retired from active labor and business, having obtained a comfortable home as the result of his labors. Mr. Stecher was married in Germany, November 25, 1844, to Miss Christina Nollenberger, who was born in Ottmarsheim, Oberamt Marabach, Königreich Würtemburg, October 2, 1822. She was a daughter of John C. and Christina (Long) Nollenberger, her parents being natives of the same place, her father born in 1786, her mother in 1790. Her father was eleven years in the war under Napoleon, with whom he made the famous march to Moscow, being one of thirty-six survivors of a company of 300 soldiers from his locality During the last few years of his service, he was a commissioned officer. Mr. and Mrs. Stecher have eight children, namely: Hannah, born June 27, 1846, now the wife of Michael Burckhardt; Charles F., born January 26, 1848; Christian J., June 24, 1850; Frederick C., March 29, 1852; Gottlob C., March 25, 1854; George J., May 29, 1857; Caroline F., born September 14, 1859, now the wife of J. H. Kinley; Mary C., October 10, 1864. Of these children, the four eldest were born in Germany, the fifth on the ocean during their voyage to America, and the three latter in Upper Sandusky. Mr. Stecher is a member of the Evangelical Association, and a devoted Christian, always having borne an excellent character.


MICHAEL STERNER, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania, born August 7, 1820, son of Daniel and Esther (Smith) Sterner. He settled in this county with his parents in 1849, residing in Upper Sandusky until his death, which occurred April 3, 1882. He was engaged in agricultural pur- suits and teaming, and was well respected as a citizen. May 2, 1871, he had the misfortune to lose his left limb. He was married, November 20, 1854, to Mary A. Hale, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Donor) Hale, and their union was blessed by nine children, seven living, namely : Cyrus W., born January 26, 1856; John D., November 27, 1857; Libbie S., February 27, 1861; Margaret E, March 1, 1865; Emmet S., December 9, 1867; George B., August 17, 1870; Ira H., born July 12, 1872. The deceased were Mary J., born September 9, 1359, died August 28, 1864, and David H., born November 23, 1863, died July 24, 1865. Mrs. Sterner was born in Cumberland County, Penn., September 17, 1828.


JOHN D. STERNER, of the firm of Hale & Sterner, manufacturers of wagons, carriages, etc., Upper Sandusky, was born in the before-named city November 27, 1857. He is a son of Michael and Mary A. (Hale) Sterner, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. The parents came to this county before their marriage. They had nine children, seven still


26


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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.


living-Cyrus W., John D., Sarah E., Elma M., Samuel E., George B. and Ira H. The deceased are Mary J. and David H. The father departed this life April 3, 1882, aged sixty-one years, seven months and twenty-six days, the mother still surviving, a resident of Upper Sandusky, in her fifty-sixth year. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in the above- named city, and now resides with his mother in the house in which he was born. He acquired his trade in the shop of Hale & Freet, with whom he was employed five years, purchasing Mr. Freet's interest and entering into a partnership with Mr. Hale in August, 1882. This partnership still exists, the firm doing a thriving business, employing twelve to fourteen workmen constantly.


GEORGE B. STEVENSON, the founder of the Stevenson Engine Works, of Upper Sandusky, was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 25, 1840. He is a son of James M. and Susan (Hite) Stevenson, natives of Westmore- land County, Penn. His parents came to Ohio before their marriage and subsequently reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are still liv- ing, namely: Aaron B., Sarah E., George B., Candis V., Rand L., Irene M., Roe M. The deceased are Ada F., and John M. His father moved to Upper Sandusky in 1866, and here his mother died in 1867, aged fifty-three years. His father survived until December 20, 1880, and died, aged seventy. George B. Stevenson obtained but a limited education in the district schools of Stark County. At the age of sixteen, he engaged as tow-path boy on the Ohio & Erie Canal. Two years later, he became an apprentice in the machine shop of C. Aultman & Co., of Canton, Ohio, serving three years, remaining with the firm till 1863. During this time he was married to Sarah Pearson, daughter of Andrew and Abigail Pearson, and by this marriage five children resulted, of whom but three are living-Mamie A., born September 13, 1865; George B., Sep- tember 11, 1870; Blanch M., October 25, 1874. Florence I. was born Oc. tober 28, 1863, died July 15, 1864; Nellie I., born January 7, 1868, died May 1, 1871. Mrs. Stevenson is a native of Stark County and was born November 15, 1842. Her marriage to Mr. Stevenson occurred August 15, 1861. In 1863, our subject went to Galion in the employ of the " Bee Line " Railroad Company as engineer and machinist, remaining in their employ until April, 1865, when he returned to Aultman & Co., with whom he was engaged until November, the same year, then locating in Upper Sandusky. He purchased a small concern of John Carns, the building being located on the ground now occupied by the well-known Stevenson Engine Works, which he himself founded. In 1866, he invented the celebrated "Wyandot Chief " circular saw mill, which has found a sale in nearly every State of the Union. In 1868, Mr. Stevenson erected a two-story brick shop build- ing, 36x100 feet in dimension, main building, and in 1870, the foundry building was erected; the latter also a brick structure 36x75 feet. The firm was first established as Stevenson & Gump; two years later Mr. Gump retired and Mr. Stevenson continued the business as sole proprietor until 1870, when Cyrus Sears was admitted. The firm of Stevenson & Sears con- tinued till 1872, when the latter's interest was purchased by J. K. Mc- Cracken, Wesley Hedges, Jacob Juvinall, John R. Layton and D. S. Miller, the business being conducted from that time till April, 1874, under the firm name of George Stevenson & Co. Mr. Stevenson then became sole proprietor and continued as such till 1881, when the present firm was established, with the following members: George B. Stevenson, George W. Bury, Sr., Roe M. Stevenson, John Agerter. The institution represents a capital of $32, -




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