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 80
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Goodbread & Son, druggists of considerable prominence, are located on the west side of Main street, north of railroad. The establishment was first opened as a branch store by Joseph A. Maxwell, of Upper Sandusky, with Lewis Nichols as salesman. Mr. Nichols afterward purchased the stock, and still later consolidated his store with that of Dr. Jones, the firm doing business for some time under the title of Nichols & Jones. In 1871, Mr. Goodbread purchased Mr. Nichols' interest, and the business was con- ducted till 1879 by Goodbread & Jones, J. N. Goodbread purchasing Mr. Jones' interest at that date. The firm has since been known as Goodbread & Son. They carry a full stock of goods of all kinds peculiar to the trade, and do a large and profitable business. William F. Goodbread, as will be seen by the preceding pages, was one of the pioneer merchants of the town, and has always been more or less prominently identified with its business interest.
D. B. Wolf established himself in his present business at his present place in September, 1872. He occupies the storeroom originally used by Cook & Goodbread in 1853. It is located just south of railroad, east side of Main street, and was sold by the last-named firm to G. W. Balliet, Mr. Goodbread becoming a partner of Mr. Balliet one year later. The next change was effected by Mr. Goodbread purchasing the whole stock. He was succeeded by Dumbaugh & Huffman, and they by H. H. Welsh, who admitted D. B. Wolf, as stated above. The firm was known as Welsh & Co. till 1877, when Mr. Wolf purchased Welsh's interest, since which time he has conducted the business independently. His stock is estimated at about $4,000, and he enjoys a fine trade. His line is dry goods, notions, groceries, boots, shoes and queensware.
C. Pfisterer, the only merchant tailor of Nevada, first began business in the town in April, 1869. He opened up an establishment in a frame build- ing which occupied the site of the present storeroom of Cook & Morris. In 1876, he removed to the building now occupied by D. B. Wolf, and in 1879 to his present place of business, the Pease building. Mr. Pfisterer has always been sole proprietor of his establishment. He carries the largest stock of cloths and cassimeres in the county, and does a large business. His stock of ready-made clothing is also quite complete, the whole valued at $5,000.
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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
Stewart & Hall, prominent hardware dealers, are located on Main street, east side, just north of railroad. The original firm was known as Stewart & Wallace, and was founded in 1869, in the staves and heading and hardware business, at Edenville. In 1882, Mr. Hall purchased Wallace's hardware, and the firm has since been known as Stewart & Hall. They carry a stock valued at $10,000, and do an immense business, their annual sales estimated at $30,000 per year. Their present storeroom is 20x186 feet, and is well filled with a well-selected stock of hardware, tinware, agricultural imple- ments, etc. The building was erected by M. R. Hull in 1876-77, and was purchased by Stewart & Wallace in the spring of 1878, Mr. Hull having made an assignment.
E. R. Williams, a popular druggist of Nevada, became identified with the business interests of the place in 1882. The store was first put in operation in 1879 by R. M. Stewart, J. A. Stewart and William B. Wool- sey, who conducted the establishment under the firm name of Stewart & Co. until the sale of J. A. Stewart's interest, after which the firm was known as R. M. Stewart & Co. till September, 1882, when the stock was purchased by A. N. Williams & Son. The death of the father in September, 1883, left the stock in the hands of the son, E. R. Williams, who now has charge of the business. His stock is complete, consisting of a full line of fine drugs, patent medicines, books, wall-paper, paints, oils, varnishes, etc., and his business is carefully managed. His store is located on Main street, east side, north of the railroad.
W. M. Maskey, grocer. This firm began business in 1881, as Morris & Maskey, the latter member of the firm having purchased the interest of J. W. Morris, of the firm of Morris & Son, who established the business in 1880. He now carries a stock valued at $1,500 to $2,000, and has a fine trade, located one door north of Cook & Morris' dry goods store.
Gregg & Co. This firm was established in 1877, the members being G. W. Gregg and Andrew Flickinger. Their stock consisted of clothing, hats, caps, boots, shoes and gent's furnishing goods. April 1, 1884, William Scott purchased the stock, and soon after turned the clothing over to the Cook Bros., who are now doing business in a brick building opposite the Kerr House, purchased of W. Myers.
T. P. Miller, groceries and provisions. Mr. Miller began business on the corner of Morrison (Main) and Center streets in 1879. In April, 1884, he purchased and moved into his present building, a few doors north of the old establishment. The building he now occupies was built by Perry Hopp in 1868-69, and is a two-story frame structure, 18x45 feet in dimensions. He carries a stock valued at $1,000 to $1,200, and enjoys a fair trade.
B. Hopp, dealer in furniture, and undertaker. The firm was first known as Hopp & Benedict, their stock of furniture being purchased of William Windish in 1873. The stock was burned May 15, 1875, and Mr. Hopp revived the business soon after, and has since conducted it. He established the first undertaking in the town, and does a thriving business. His new store-room is large and comfortable, brick, with two stories and a cellar.
B. B. Myers & Co., hardware, stove and tinware merchants. The firm was established in 1875 as S. Myers & Son. In 1879, B. B. Myers purchased his father's interest, and has since been sole proprietor. He occupies two rooms, each 20x60 feet, located just south of railroad, on west side of Main street. His new brick building was erected in 1883. He carries a full line of shelf hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements, and enjoys a flourishing trade.
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J. Koerber & Co. This firm began business in Nevada February 7, 1883, operating on a cash system from the start. The store is located on Morri- son (Main) street, in the Balliet room, twenty by ninety feet in dimension. The stock is valued at $8,000, and is well selected, consisting of dry goods, notions, groceries, etc. The firm is doing an excellent business, and thus proving beyond question both the possibility and feasibility of the cash system.
A. N. Sawyer, furniture and undertaking, Main street. This establish- ment was opened up in July, 1882, in a new frame building, 18x60 feet, erected in the same year at a cost of $1,000. The building was erected by T. D. Keller, and purchased by Mr. Sawyer a few months later. He car- ries a stock of goods valued at $800 to $1,000, and does a fair business.
Franklin James establisbed himself in the grocery and provision business in December, 1879, at the place known as Williams' Corner, and in the old building erected by S. P. Shaw about 1864. He carries a stock of groceries, provisions and notions, valued at $1,500, and enjoys a fair trade.
William Balliet, groceries, confectionery and bar. This establishment began business in 1879, in a frame building, which was destroyed by fire February 12, 1883. The present brick building occupies the same site, and was erected immediately after the destruction of the frame structure. Mr. Balliet was first engaged seven years in the hardware business; the same length of time in the livery business, and has been engaged five years in his present vocation. He has a flourishing trade.
E. R. Irmer, bakery, confectionery and provisions. Mr. Irmer began business in Nevada in November, 1875, in partnership with Philip Ruhl- man. They purchased their stock of groceries of John Good, and continued their partnership till January, 1876, when Mr. Irmer purchased his partner's interest, since which time he has conducted the business alone. He owns and occupies a brick building 21x75 feet, situated on Main street, second door north of railroad, east side, and has an excellent trade.
W. P. Morris has the only jewelry shop and store in town, He has been engaged at the trade several years, but put in his stock in January, 1884. He carries a small but well-selected stock of goods, and does a fair business. He does all kinds of jewelers' work-engraving, clock and watch repairing, etc., and is located at present in the post office building.
J. M. Klingler conducts an old-fashioned shoe shop on South Main street. He began work in 1860, and for many years did a thriving business. The extensive use of factory goods has of late reduced the demand for home- made work. He makes all kinds of coarse and fine boots and shoes, and does mending neatly and promptly. He is one of the oldest bench workmen in the town.
E. Lidle, manufacturer of and dealer in harness, saddles, etc., west side Main street, north of Commercial Hotel. Mr. Lidle began business in Nevada in 1867, and has built up a large and lucrative trade. He is the owner of his building, a two-story brick, 20x80 feet, and has the leading harness emporium of the city. He keeps a full stock of harness, saddles, trunks, valises and furnishing goods, and enjoys a liberal patronage. He learned his trade in Germany.
L. Wilson, saddler and harness manufacturer, is located on east side of Main street, one door north of Sawyer's furniture store. He began business in Nevada in 1873, moving to his present room in 1882. His stock-all his own work-is valued at $600. He is an excellent workman and deserves a liberal patronage.
HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
Mrs. S. M. Wilcox established her millinery business in Nevada in 1871. In 1874, she erected her present business room, brick, 20x25 feet, located on Main street, east side, south of railroad, where she keeps a full line of millinery goods valued at about $1,000. She enjoys a good trade.
Mrs. Marie Steiner conducts a millinery business on Main street, east side, north of the new livery. She keeps a well-selected stock and is well patronized.
A. G. Carr, proprietor of livery and feed stable, began operations in January, 1884. He occupies the new barn erected by James Welch in 1882. It is a fine building 38x90 feet, with neat office, and cost about $2,000, in- cluding lot, wind pump, etc. The stock owned by A. G. Carr is valued at $2,800. It is the only livery of the village and does a good business. The first livery was established by Curt. Hoxten, of Marion. He sold out two years later. A. N. Sawyer next started the enterprise in 1867, and in 1868, erected the first livery barn in the place. He sold out three years later to Balliet & Welch and established a second stable, conducting the business up to 1882, two years excepted. The Balliet firm continued with various changes till 1875. A third stable was subsequently erected by Ben - jamin Balliet, and four livery barns of Nevada have been destroyed by fire; one in 1875, one in 1877 and two in 1883.
Myers & Lidle are now the proprietors of the Nevada meat market. The business was established in 1863. In 1869, Mr. Myers opened a shop in partnership with V. O. Tuttle, which connection existed till 1871, when the firm became Myers & Son. One year later Mr. Keltner was admitted to the firm, which was known afterward as Myers & Keltner till the spring of 1884, when E. Lidle purchased a half interest in the business, since which time the firm has been known as Myers & Lidle. They have the only shop in town and do a good business.
HOTELS.
The Commercial Hotel was built by B. Hopp in 1862. It is located just north of the railroad, on Main street, west side, the main building being 36x40 feet with a kitchen 30x30 feet in the rear. The house is a frame structure, two stories, with a roofed balcony, and contains eighteen rooms. Thomas J. Hinkle was the first landlord and he was succeeded by Mr. De Jean, to whom he sold the property. Jesse Ritz purchased the house of De Jean and subsequently sold it to Robert Kerr, who disposed of it to William Montee in 1879, who in 1884 disposed of the property and took charge of the Kerr House.
The Kerr House at Nevada was erected by Robert Kerr in 1882, at a cost, when furnished, of $18,000. It is a fine brick structure, containing twenty- five good rooms, well lighted and ventilated. The building was opened for business in 1883, under the management of H. S. Slough, who in 1884 gave way to William Montee. It is by far the finest hotel property in the county, and, with the present efficient management, will have an excellent patronage. The house is well furnished, is in a desirable location-one door north of post office, west side Main street-and will be a lasting testi- monial of the enterprise of its founder. Besides the spacious parlors and elegant sleeping apartments, the house is also provided with an excellent bathroom for the accommodation of its guests.
MILLS AND OTHER INDUSTRIES.
Nevada Grist Mill .- The first and only grist mill of Nevada was erected by a stock company in 1861, H. W. Williams being the principal
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stockholder, chief instigator and millwright. The other members of the company were W. F. Goodbread, J. L. Cook, James McLaughlin and Sam- uel Junck. The cost of the institution was about $10,500. Two run of buhrs were at first used, two more being subsequently added, making the capacity of the mill 100 barrels per day. In 1884, under the management of L. G. Russell, who is present owner of the mill, the roller system was introduced, and the capacity is now 125 barrels per day. In 1864, the mill was purchased by Williams & Gregg, and in 1866, Mr. T. Daily purchased Mr. Gregg's interest, the firm being known as Williams & Daily, until 1866. In the latter year Mr. A. B. Benedict purchased Mr. Williams' in- terest, and this firm existed till 1872, when the property became the posses- sion of Messrs. Daily, Russell & Williams. In 1883, the interests of the other members of the firm were purchased by Mr. L. G. Russell, who is now sole proprietor.
Planing Mill, Door and Sash Factory .- The first planing mill es- tablished in Nevada was built in 1863. It, like the grist mill referred to above, was erected by a stock company-capital, $6,000. The original stockholders were Homer and Nelson King, who put in a patent bee-hive at a large figure, James Anderson, C. P. Hopp and R. Dixon. The company was organized for the purpose of manufacturing the patent bee-hive referred to, and was denominated the American Bee-hive Company. A saw mill was subsequently added, and for some time quite an extensive business was done, though during the whole existence of the institution the enterprise at intervals languished and the stock depreciated. By degrees the shares were sold out, and J. L. Cook became the chief stockholder, and afterward sold his interest to G. W. Leith. The establishment was next purchased by A. Lance, and while in his possession was destroyed by fire in 1872. In the same year, S. Beaver purchased the lot made vacant by the destruction of fire, and erected his present mill and factory. For the first nine months the firm was known as Beaver & Tucker, the latter owning a one-third inter- est. In 1878, a saw mill was added and has since been continued. The establishment does an extensive business both in the sawing of lumber and the manufacture of doors, sash, window-frames, store-fronts, etc. The main building is 58x65 feet, with iron roof; the office and storage room, 20x70 feet, and the blacksmith and storage room is 26x40 feet-all two stories. The total value of buildings and machinery is about $6,000. Five to ten workmen are usually employed, and the mill was formerly operated day and night.
Brick and Tile Factory .- This industry was begun in 1873 by the pres- ent proprietor, John Russell. He first began the manufacture of brick only, and continued this about five years, bringing the horse-power machine into general use. In 1878, he began the manufacture of tile of various diameters, and has conducted the business on an extensive and gradually increasing scale since that date. He employs from eight to sixteen work- men during the working season.
Blacksmith Shops .- McDermot & Schwartzkopf represent this inter- est in a very able manner, their shop being located just north of the Advent Church, Main street. The business was begun by McDermot in 1879, and Schwartzkopf was admitted as a partner in 1881. They occupy a substantial brick building, erected by them at a cost of $500, and do all kinds of re- pairing, horse-shoeing, etc., neatly and promptly. Plow work is made a specialty. Their annual receipts amount to about $2,000.
Henry G. Lea began work at blacksmithing when quite young, and also
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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
spent some time at the jeweler's trade. He began the former work in Ne- vada in 1863, and has since engaged in that vocation. He does all kinds of repairing peculiar to the trade, his work giving general satisfaction.
Carriage and Wagon Works .- J. F. Knapp is now the only representa- tive of this industry in Nevada. He erected his shop, a frame building, two- stories, 26x46 feet, in 1866, and has since been engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of wagons, carriages, buggies, etc. He also does general re- pairing, having the entire trade of the vicinity in that line. He formerly did a profitable business in manufacturing, but of late years his trade has been crippled by the extensive use of factory work. His building cost about $1,000.
A similar enterprise was established by John Harter in 1866, and after ten or twelve years operation was sold to George Schwartzkopf, soon after which it was destroyed by fire. It was located south of the railroad, east side Main street.
Nevada Elevator .-- This enterprise was established by William F. Goodbread, Henry Welsh and others-a joint stock company-who erected the building in 1873, and in 1874 sold the same to S. H. Hunt, of Upper Sandusky. The building is a substantial frame structure with a receiving capacity of 3,000 bushels per day, and a storage capacity of 20,000 bushels. After a successful operation for some time, Mr. Hunt sold the elevator to William Blair and O. C. Ewart, who subsequently sold it to the present owners.
Nevada Hook and Ladder Company .- This protective institution was organized April 8, 1872, the following officers being elected at that date: J. A. Brown, Foreman; F. Mollenkopf, Assistant Foreman; J. N. Goodbread, Secretary; D. E. Jefferson, Treasurer; O. S. Camp- bell, William Price and Stephen Kerr, Trustees. The company began operations with an outfit consisting of a chemical engine, hook and ladder trucks and fifty rubber buckets; but the engine was discarded in 1876, and has not since been in use. The company has been engaged in several important fires at home, and has done excellent work. It is also well known throughout this section of the State as a sporting company, having taken part in many of the tournaments, and in each instance carried off a fair share of the honors. In 1878, it won the second prize at the Bu- cyrus Tournament against the Norwalk Company, which holds the cham- pionship of the United States. The company has also participated in many other contests of the same nature, and has acquired a State reputa- tion for its skill and fleetness. The original number of members was about fifteen, but has now reached sixty, including retired members. The present officers are as follows: J. A. Brown, Foreman; Levi Wilson, Assistant Foreman; W. A. Wolf, Secretary; W. M. Maskey, Treasurer; E. R. Irmer, George Schwartzkopf and A. Cronice, Trustees.
Weaving Loom. - James Anderson is now the sole representative of this craft in Nevada. Although owning a good farm, he spends considerable time in carpet weaving, at which business he is quite an expert. He oper- ates one of the old-fashioned looms, which is almost a curiosity to the present generation. The shuttle slides through and then slides back, fol- lowed up by the "bumper " che-whack, che-whack; and ere one has woven a twenty-pound pack he is weak in the knees and lame in the back.
Nevada Deposit Bank .- This institution was incorporated April 10, 1873, with W. L. Blair, President, W. F. Goodbread, Vice President, and J. K. Agnew, Cashier; and began business May 5, 1873, with a capital stock
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of $52,000. At its organization the principal stockholders were Robert Kerr and W. L. Blair, whose shares numbered 200 and 120 respectively. Other stockholders were G. W. Leith, W. F. Goodbread, J. L. Cook, Ben- jamin Ulrich, C. W. Burke, J. N. Goodbread, Michael Lambright, J. H. Hershberger, J. S. Leith, G. W. Balliet, and J. K. Agnew, with shares ranging in numbers from two to eighty.
Soon after beginning operations, the stock of the lesser holders began to be bought in by the principals, and on September 2, 1878, the entire stock was represented by Robert Kerr, W. L. Blair and O. C. Ewart, who still conduct the business. In February, 1878, the charter under which the bank was established, according to the State law, was surrendered, and the corporation was re-organized into a co-partnership represented mainly by the above firm, and on this plan the business has since been carried for- ward. The bank was first opened in the "old bank building" east side of Main street, south of the railroad, but, in 1879, was removed to the new brick bank building which was erected in 1878-79, and which is the finest structure used for the purpose in the county. It is regarded as one of the most substantial institutions of the kind in this section of the State; it is strongly secured by real estate; is well managed; does an excellent business, and has the entire confidence of the public. The present officers are W. L. Blair, President; Robert Kerr, Vice President; O. C. Ewart, Cashier; and J. A. Williams, Assistant Cashier.
CHURCHES.
Evangelical Lutheran Church .- The first meeting of this society was held in a schoolhouse one mile south of Nevada, Rev. A. B. Kirtland, offi- ciating. In the same year and at the same place by the same minister, the church was organized with thirty members, David Kreichbaum, Daniel Rex and James Gillam being remembered as among the number. The first church building was erected in April, 1859. It was a frame structure, and cost $1,175. Rev. A. B. Kirtland was the first pastor, and he was suc- ceeded in 1861 by Rev. Hammer. Rev. Hamilton was engaged from 1862 to 1868; Rev. D. A. Kuhn from 1869 to 1877; Rev. H. Nodle, the present incumbent. There are now sixty members in the society. The present offi- cers are Conrad Lohr, Samuel Bell, Mathias Maskey, Tilghman Balliet and Daniel Kreichbaum.
United Brethren Church .- The few original members of this organiza- tion held their first meeting in James McLaughlin's barn in May, 1857, Rev. Tabler officiating on that occasion. In 1860, an organization was effected through the efforts of Rev. D. W. Downey. the meeting being held for that purpose in Clave's hall. Twenty-eight members were listed at that time, James Hilborne acting as leader and Samuel Miller as Class Steward. In 1875, the society erected their first and present church building on an out- lot of Cook's Addition to Nevada. It is a frame structure of 50x35 feet in dimensions, and was dedicated by Bishop J. Weaver. The cost of the building was $700. Rev. J. Paul was engaged on this work one year; Rev. J. P. Lea, two years; Rev. W. Nevill, one year; Rev. Easterbrook, one year; Rev. W. R. Leaword, one year, and Rev. George Bender to the present time. The present officers are J. Burnside, George Rinehart, Isaac Kemp and H. G. Lea, Trustees; H. G. Lea, leader, and Mrs. M. Fraize, Class Steward. The society now numbers ten members.
Methodist Episcopal Church. - As early as 1859, meetings were held by this society one-half mile north of Nevada, where perhaps the organization
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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
was effected. In 1867, they erected their present church building, which is a brick structure 40x70 feet, and which cost $1,200. It is located on Lot No. 9, McLaughlin's Addition, and is rather a fine building. The list of pastors with the years they were engaged on this charge is as follows: Rev. Jacob Monsinger, one year; James Albright, one year; W. H. Painter, two years; B. A. Disney, two years; D. M. Conant, two years; G. L. Hanna- walt, two years; C. H. Baldwin, two years; George A. Marshal, one year; Charles Galimore, one year; C. M. Gay, one year; Charles Crawford, one year. The present pastor is Rev. George Zeigler. The society now num- bers eighty-nine members. The present officers are L. A. Pease; J. C. Rose- grant, W. A. White, Goodwin Hall and J. E. Funk.
Presbyterian Church .- This society was organized by Rev. J. P. Loyd, Rev. George Graham and Mr. John Black at the residence of. James An- derson April 26, 1859. The organization then consisted of ten members, as follows: John Todd, Francis Todd, James L. Armstrong, Jane Arm- strong, Joshua Cook, Elizabeth Cook, James Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson, Henry Aten and John Aten. The society erected their present brick build- ing which is 30x110 feet in 1876, at a cost of $4,000. Rev. Thomas Wal- lace was first placed in this charge, and served about two years; Rev. J. P. Lower, eighteen months; Rev. S. A. Hummer, eighteen months; Rev. S. Cook, five years; Rev. R. J. Laughlin, one year; Rev. Matur (?), one year; Rev. O. C. Colmerry, one year. The present church officers are James An- derson, Joshua Cook and W. H. Gay, Ruling Elders; Henry Aten, W. H. Cook and J. Gillam, Trustees. The society has Sabbath school in opera- tion, which is in a flourishing condition.
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