USA > Ohio > Champaign County > The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc > Part 41
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A steam fire-engine was purchased in 1866, and was for several years operated by volunteers, who became tired, and horses were purchased and some paid men employed, viz., engineer, driver and fireman "Molunkee " was the name given the steamer, after an Indian killed on King's Creek, as "tradi- tion " has it. In 1873, a paid fire department was organized. The steamer has not been in use since the building of the Holly Water Works. There are now seventy-three hydrants in the corporation, and the fire department con- sists mainly of hose reels. There are two engine-houses other than those of the Young America and Hercules companies referred to above, namely, one in the First Ward, situated in the city hall building, and the other in the Third Ward, situated on Russell street, near Gwynne street. In the former is kept
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the steamer and one hose reel, and in the latter one hose reel, each a one-horse reel. Ten men are employed, five at each house, one driver and four hosemen to each reel. One of the number sleeps at each house. They have now about. two thousand five hundred feet of serviceable hose. The cisterns are kept full, and the engine in reserve. Aaron Wiley is chief of the fire department; S. J. Dixon, driver of hose reel, and D. H. Brown, E. A. Hill, J. H. Pratt and Jack Cavenaugh, hosemen in the First Ward, and in the Second Ward, William McAnnally, driver, Thomas Berry, Mat Whalon, Walter Groves and James McAnnally, hosemen. The other companies are volunteer.
URBANA WATER WORKS.
The subject of water works was brought prominently before the citizens. early in 1877, and the matter finally took shape by the organization and incor- poration of the Urbana Water Works Company April 7, 1877, with a capital stock of $100,000, by Messrs. Matt Weaver, R. R. Colwell, James Taylor, John H. P. Stone, Henry Fox, Dr. J. H. Ayers, F. Houston, C. H. Ganson and G. M. Eichelberger.
On Monday, May 21, 1877, the City Council concluded a contract with H. P. Clough and T. J. McGowan, as H. P. Clough & Co., wherein the city agreed to furnish the right of way for ten years and protect the same by ordi- nance, and to pay annually the sum of $6,000, one-half payable April 1, and the second payment October 1, beginning in 1878, for sixty hydrants, and $75 per annum for each hydrant above the number of sixty, and other provi- sions. Clough & Co. were to build a power house and well, and furnish the necessary machinery, etc. The work to be commenced in May, 1877, and completed by November 1, 1878, and to sell the works to the city at any time for the sum of $75,000.
A special election was ordered by the Council for a vote of the citizens to confirm or reject the proposed enterprise, to be held Monday, June 25, 1877. The vote stood-yeas, 822; nays, 35; total vote, 857. At a meeting of the City Council, held Monday evening, July 2, 1877, the plans and specifications were agreed upon ; but, on July 31, 1877, a new contract was entered into for the reason that the laws of the State (Burns law) forbid a municipal corpora- tion to enter into binding contracts for a period of ten years. The new con- tract provided for the erection of a power house, to be supplied by triplicate machinery, to furnish 1,500,000 gallons of water in twenty-four hours ; seven miles of pipe; sixty hydrants at $100 each per annum, and such additional hydrants as the city should require, at $75 each per annum ; one hydrant at. the U. S. Rolling Stock Company's yards and the public buildings to be sup- plied free; the cost to private individuals not to exceed that charged in Cincinnati in 1876, and a provision that the city might at any time purchase the works for $85,000, or for such sum as might be agreed upon by arbi- trators.
The work of laying pipes and mains was commenced August 14, 1877, but had not proceeded far before operations were brought to a sudden stop by the insolvency of the McGowan Pump Company, of Middletown, Ohio, and they were forced to abandon the contract. We quote from the Citizen and Gazette newspaper :
" Under this state of affairs the prospects were slim indeed. But just then there arrived on the ground Mr. T. T. Flagler, President of the Holly Manu-
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facturing Company, of Lockport, N. Y., who stepped into the place of Mr. McGowan. There immediately followed a re-organization of the Urbana Water Works, with T. T. Flagler, President ; J. H. Ayers, Vice President; H. P. Clough, Secretary ; L. C. Hovey, Treasurer ; Messrs. Flagler, Clough, Ayers, James Taylor and Joel Read, Directors ; E. G. Wiley and Joel Read, Trustees."
A contract, supplementary to the first, with the City Council, which pro- vided for the substitution of the Holly machinery for that of McGowan. Under this new arrangement, work was resumed, and went forward rapidly, and the time for the completion of the works extended to January 21, 1878. They were done at the time agreed. The power buildings, well and reservoir- are located in the southwest of the city, within the corporate limits, and are all as complete, substantial and handsome as could be desired.
A final test of the works was made under the direction of the city authori- ties, January 29, 1878, and, at the next meeting of the council, the works were formally accepted on behalf of the city, and plans entered into for a grand Water Works opening and jubilee on the 22d of February following. With their usual vim and hearty good will, the citizens prepared for the occasion. The officials and prominent citizens of neighboring towns and cities were invited and every preparation made for a thorough test of the works, and a day of rejoicing that should exceed anything ever before held in the city. When the day arrived, many of the invited guests came, and the city put on its holiday attire. A street parade began at 1 o'clock P. M., in the midst of a lively shower, and was composed of military and fire companies, bands of music, civic societies, officials, etc., and paraded the principal streets. This was followed by a display of the powers of the water works that elicited the greatest praise and admiration of all. An evening entertainment was held in the city hall. J. H. Young opened with an excellent speech, and was followed by George W. Wilson, Senator of this District; Thomas A. Cowgill, D. W. Todd, W. R. Warnock, G. Ellis, J. F. Gowey, O. E. Lewis, President of City Council, and S. D. Clayton. Excellent music by the bands, and a select choir of singers were interspersed. Thus closed the rejoicing of Urbana's citizens over one of their best improvements and most useful and permanent enterprises.
THE OLD STAGE COMPANY.
Among the earliest enterprises in which the citizens of Urbana took stock, was what is called, at this day, the " Old Urbana Stage Company," organized about the year 1833. Urbana was practically "in the woods," and connected with the outside world with indifferent mail facilities. It was proposed to organize a stage company or daily line of coaches, for the transportation of mail and passengers from Cincinnati to Sandusky, and a very considerable number of the citizens of the town took stock in the venture. For a time, all went swimmingly. Substantial and elegant coaches, each drawn by four superb horses at least, gave an air of business and prosperity. The driver cracked his whip and blew his horn with all the importance of the old time "king of the footboard."
In an unlucky moment, it was concluded to extend the line from Spring- field to Wheeling. The same reckless spirit of management attended this branch as had been made part of the other, and in the enterprise the company became competitors of an old, well established and skilled company, known as Neil, Moore & Co. Competition was strong, business good, management bad,
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expenses enormous, and, in a short time, the bottom dollar on the subscription- roll had been reached, with a big debt accumulating. It was a day when the limited-liability clause was not inserted in contracts and partnerships ; and when the company collapsed, and the stockholders found themselves individu- ally responsible, to the extent of their means, for the entire indebtedness, prop- erty suddenly and mysteriously changed hands. Long and troublesome law- suits followed. Many, who had not learned the tricks of worldly wisdom, paid the penalty of their simplicity; and some, who thought themselves pretty " well-to-do" in the world, still found it necessary to peg away at the last or hammer on the anvil.
The mischief resulting from the failure of the stage company was undoubt- edly long continued. The direct pecuniary losses might be repaired, but the failure and its consequences aroused a spirit of suspicion, broke down a confi- dence in worthy enterprises, and is still made to give point to the adage, "Look before you leap."
OHIO MUTUAL RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
This organization was the result of an accidental meeting of a number of the citizens in Urbana, in the fall of 1872. The question of life assurance happened in the course of common conversation. During the hour, the expense of the ordinary modes of life insurance, and the uncertainty of the issue in schemes of speculation to which large accumulations of money are invited, and into which the strongest and best-managed life companies are drawn, were canvassed with careful scrutiny. The statistics and published tables of the leading insurance companies gave sufficient data on which to form conclusions. The actual cost of insurance for a series of years, weighed by the estimated risks, as shown by the bills of mortality, plainly showed that the insured who lived long were heavily taxed, and it was proposed that a new plan of relief be presented to the public.
Other meetings were held ; plans and suggestions considered, which resulted in the following general features: First, the membership to be divided into two general divisions, of which the first contain those who should obligate to pay each $1 into the treasury, for the use and benefit of the representatives of a deceased member of the division ; and second, those who should pay $5 each for the same purpose and class.
These divisions were further subdivided into three classes, entitled A, B and C, the acceptance of a member into a class being determined by the age of the applicant.
Every member has the assurance that, in the event of his death, his family or legal representative if he were a member of the first class, will receive from the association the multiple of $1 by the number of members in the first class, and of $5 for the number of members in the second class.
Terms of membership were: In the first division, the payment of $3 admit- tance fee ; $2 annual dues, and $2 into the relief fund. In the second divis- ion, the amount required was fixed at $25, in advance, to be divided among the several funds of the association, in the same ratio.
In the payment of current expenses in the first division, each member pays $2 annually, and, in addition to the sum taxable on the death of a member, an additional assessment of 25 cents. In the second division, the annual dues are $10 per year, and 50 cents additional assessment on the death of a member.
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
The association has been eminently successful in its business. Among those who have taken an active interest in its affairs are P. B. Ross, J. H. Pat- rick, H. H. Thompson, J. F. Shumate, Dr. J. H. Ayres, Dr. D. M. Vance, S. L. P. Stone, Dr. B. A. Rose and John S. Leedom.
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY GRANGE MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION.
In May, 1877, the "grangers " of the county organized, under what is called the "Granger law," under the above title, to insure against loss of farm property by fire and lightning. The form of policy issued was substan- tially the same as other fire insurance companies, but limited to farm property, excluding churches, schoolhouses and Grange halls ; confined exclusively to Champaign County, but admitting all farmers, whether members of the Grange or not ; policies to continue five years ; cost of membership, $2; liability, & pro rata assessment on all policies for payment of losses.
The incorporators were Simeon Taylor, John Richardson, E. J. Garrett, John W. Ogden, Isaac Bull, Darius Taylor, P. L. Stickley, Lemuel Hoak, L. D. Johnson, John M. Niles. Simeon Taylor was elected President; J. W. Ogden, Secretary; and William Thomas, T. B. Price and E. J. Garrett, Di- rectors.
As this "institution " is not covered by a patent-right, has nothing of clap-trap or humbug belonging to it, demands only a nominal fee for member- ship, and is not "run " for the purpose of private speculation, the probability is that before the time fixed for the first policy to expire, the books will be closed and the organization wound up.
URBANA PLOW WORKS.
Among the important manufacturing industries of Urbana is the plow works of Messrs. Henry Borger & Co., situated on West Court street, near the depot.
The works were established in 1874, by Borger & Rauch, as a manufactory of plows, and after about two years they added to their business the manufact- ure of spring wagons, farm wagons, harrows, wrought-iron fencing, etc., increasing their facilities and machinery to meet the growing demand for their work. In 1879, Mr. Rauch retired from the firm, and the business was con- tinued at the old stand by the firm of Borger & Co. This is the largest and only manufactory of the kind in this county. Their Eureka plows, Little Giant shovel plows and Scotch harrows have earned for this firm a wide- spread reputation, and they sell extensively to dealers in western and northern Ohio and Pennsylvania. Their machinery is varied and extensive, and runs by steam power. The firm own the buildings they occupy, and represent a capital of some $8,000, with a business prospect that is flattering to their supe- rior work and excellent management.
THE UNITED STATES ROLLING STOCK COMPANY.
This company was chartered in the State of New York, in the year 1871, and was formed for the purpose of manufacturing, selling and leasing loco- motives, freight, box and flat cars, etc. The general offices are located at Nos. 27 and 29 Pine street, New York City ; works and storage yards, in Chicago,
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
Ill., and Urbana, Ohio. A. Hegewisch is President and General Manager ; D. M. Monsso, Treasurer and Secretary, and C. F. Jauriet, General Master Mechanic.
In May, 1875, Messrs. J. W. Hodgskin, President of the company, with Mr. C. F. Jauriet, Master Mechanic, came to Urbana in search of a suitable location for their branch shops, and broached the subject to prominent citizens, who, ever ready to take up with an enterprise so beneficial to their city, at once favored the project. These gentlemen, with a committee of three prominent citizens, held a meeting at the Exchange Hotel, where the matter was duly discussed, and resulted in selecting a committee, consisting of Messrs. John H. Young, James Taylor, R. H. Cheetham, Lemuel Weaver, John B. Smith, H. T. Niles, E. W. Stafford, J. H. Patrick, John Kirby, H. H. Thompson, H. N. Benjamin, W. R. Warnock, Matt Weaver, J. S. Leedom, C. G. Smith, H. McDonald, Edward Jennings and Dr. J. H. Ayres, who united in calling a meeting of the citizens at city hall on Tuesday evening, May 25, 1875. At this meeting, the matter was duly discussed and the propositions of the visiting gentlemen considered ; whereupon a committee of fifteen prominent citizens was chosen " to see the citizens of this city, and learn what they are willing to give toward this enterprise." The latter committee held a meeting on Wednesday evening, May 26, and started a subscription for shares of stock, also a subscription for donations. This proved a success, and the necessary funds were readily secured and the enterprise started in a manner that assured success.
On Tuesday, June 15, 1875, the subscribers held a meeting at the law office of Warnock & Eichelberger, and elected as Trustees E. W. Stafford, C. G. Smith and Matt Weaver, who collected and managed the subscribed funds, and began negotiations for suitable grounds upon which to locate the works.
Several tracts of land were considered, and were examined by Messrs. Jau- riet and Thompson, who finally selected a tract of forty-seven and one-half acres, known as the Ross and Hagenbuch land, lying west of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad track, east of North Main street. The tract consisted of a square lot of ten acres, on the east side of North Main street, and adjoin- ing the north corporation line, and thirty-seven and one-half acres lying in a strip east of the said ten-acre lot, and extending south to the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad tracks. This property was duly purchased by the Trustees for about $12,000, with the understanding that when certain conditions were complied with, the same was to be deeded to the United States Rolling Stock Company.
On Monday, August 16, 1875, the company broke ground here and began the work of construction, and pushed their buildings to completion in compli- ance with contract. We need scarcely add that this was satisfactorily accom- plished, and the property duly conveyed to the company as a donation from the enterprising citizens of Urbana.
The present buildings of the company consist of two sheds, each thirty feet wide by 750 feet long, and one shed 60 feet wide by 750 feet long, used as workshops ; one repair shop, 30 feet wide by 800 feet long; blacksmith-shop, 40x150 feet ; storehouse, 30x150 feet, with an office and minor structures.
There are about eight miles of track laid in these yards, of which about one and one-fourth miles are under roof.
Mr. C. F. Jauriet, the General Master Mechanic of the company, has super- vision of the works, and Mr. B. F. Leonard acts as Foreman, with other fore- men and managers in the various branches of the business.
Jours Truly R.R. M.laughlin MAD RIVER TOWNSHIP
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
The company employs here an average of 175 men the year through, having at present a force of 260 men engaged in the various departments, styled re- spectively the wood-working shops, machine-shops and paint-shops.
The principal work done in this great establishment has been the repairing of all kinds of railroad rolling stock ; but in the past year about 150 freight cars have been turned out in addition.
For the past year, ending June 30, 1880, some $68,000 had been paid for labor, and about $135,000 worth of material used in the business.
ASSOCIATIONS.
The city is prolific of associations, having for their object social intercourse and improvement or pecuniary advantage, and, in some cases, both social and pecuniary benefits. Among these may be mentioned several of the so-called secret orders, making the payment of a fixed sum to sick or disabled members, the care of the sick, payment of certain amount of funeral expenses, and life assurance the substantial basis of their operations.
Among the former may be mentioned two organizations in the Roman Catholic Church, or perhaps more properly of members of that church ; one composed of married, the other of unmarried women, and which are known as " the Sodality; " the essential features of which are understood to be the culti- vation of sociability and mental improvement.
The same church organization has also a Temperance Society, and a social and benevolent association called the " Hibernia Society." These societies con- template care for the sick and funeral expenses.
Among the associations of the city, of a purely monetary character, are the loan and building companies, having for their objects the character of savings banks, and the purchase of property to be paid for by small installments of money. These companies have been popular, and have accomplished a good work. The following may be specially mentioned :
The Industry Loan and Building Association, was organized March 1, 1875, and by the terms of the charter, will expire March 1, 1883. The capital stock of $250,000 is divided into 1,250 shares of $200 each. Subscribers pay into the treasury 25 cents weekly on each share of stock subscribed. In the loan of funds collected, the borrower bids a certain premium for precedence in taking a loan. This premium is deducted from the face of the stock, and the balance is paid in cash as an advanced loan, on which the borrower pays inter- est at the rate of 6 per cent in weekly installments. The loan is further secured by mortgage on real estate. This organization will close at the expiration of eight years from date of incorporation, unless loans are made on all shares paid up prior to that date. Of this society, P. B. Ross is President, and T. D. Crow, Secretary.
The City Loan and Building Association, J. F. Brand, President, and H. D. Crow, Secretary. Incorporated February 19, 1878, with capital stock of $150,000, divided into shares of $200 each. Conducted on the eight years' plan, same as similar associations, except for first three years a limitation is fixed on the premium. For first year, the limitation is $96; for second year, $90; and for third year, $86. When two or more borrowers bid the maximum premium, precedence is determined by lot.
The Perpetual Savings and Building Association, Joel Read, President ; and John M. Russell, Secretary. Organized in 1879, capital stock $400,000,
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divided into 2,000 shares of $200 each. Premiums for loans are limited. Business conducted on the same plan and by same methods as similar organiza- tions, but differ from others in having no period designated for its final closing. Subscriptions may be taken at any time, and entire amount of stock subscribed by one may be received.
The Urbana Loan and Building Association, J. H. Patrick President ; George M. Eichelberger, Secretary. Substantially the same as the foregoing, and conducted on the eight years' plan. Has been successful in its manage- ment, and, having been the advance association, contributed materially to the building up of other organizations having the same objects in view. This asso- ciation will close by articles of agreement in 1881.
The Golden Rule Aid Company .- This company was incorporated, under the statutes of Ohio providing for loan companies, July 20, 1880. The plan of the organization is secured by copyright, granted to A. G. Richards by the Librarian of Congress, in January, 1879. The right for Champaign County was purchased July 27, 1880, by A. J. Imhoff, J. E. Clark and C. F. Powell. The leading object of the company, is to enable persons to purchase property and pay for it in small payments, on long time, at low rates of interest; espe- cially to assist them to purchase homes. and pay for them with the same money with which they pay rent, and to liquidate oppressive mortgages.
The money of this company is procured by the payment of dues or loan shares, and is loaned to the shareholders at 3 per cent per annum. The bor- rowed money, principal and interest, is paid in 125 equal monthly payments. As each borrower has always 125 months time given him from the date of his loan share certificate, the organization is perpetual in its character, and be- comes one of the permanent institutions of the county. A. J. Imhoff, Presi- dent; C. F. Powell, Secretary ; J. E. Clarke, Treasurer ; D. E. Sullivan, E. V. Rhoads and H. C. Pearce, Directors.
Other organizations have been effected, having partially a social character, but whose main object is in the nature of a life insurance.
The Royal Arcanum was organized in 1877, and proposes " to give moral and material aid to its members, and those dependent on them," and, out of a " widow's and orphan's fund," to pay a sum, not exceeding $3,000, as the member may direct. This society is national in its operations, and numbers 20,000 members. The local organization, besides its proportionate tax in main- tenance of the general fund, also has a separate fund for the uses and benefit of the home society, kept up by annual dues, and distributed in weekly sums to sick and disabled members. Membership is restricted to persons between the ages of twenty-one and sixty, and the assessment for " widows' and orphans'" fund is graded with the age of the member at the time of becoming a member.
The Knights of Honor .- This society is similar in character and purposes to that of the Royal Arcanum, which it claims is an offshoot and imitator. It is also national in its workings, and in its beneficiary operations numbers 100,- 000 members. This society, in its national capacity, is specially entitled to commendation for the beneficent work it accomplished during the plague of the yellow fever, during recent years, in the Southern States.
Knights of Pythias .- This society, founded on the well-known legend of Damon and Pythias, has for its purposes a fraternal interest and the advan- tages which result from pecuniary relief and care of the sick and disabled. The association was first instituted by J. H. Rathbone, of Washington City, D. C., who still lives. The Urbana Lodge numbers sixty members, who, with black
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