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 42
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
cloth uniforms and the paraphernalia of the ancient knights errant, present a graceful appearance on parade. The Urbana lodge was established June 14, 1877, with twenty charter members, namely, W. A. Brand, George M. Eichel- berger, James F. Shumate, J. F. Gowey, John Mayse, C. A. Ross, R. C. Horr, C. W. Clarke, C. L. Stough, A. P. Ross, H. D. Crow, H. W. Crow, G. T. Seibert, J. J. Blose, Frank Chance, G. W. Hitt, T. T. Brand, J. F. Brand, J. C. Brand and J. C. Roof.
GRAIN WAREHOUSES.
Champaign County is essentially an agricultural county, and has, conse- quently, always produced more than was necessary for home consumption. The surplus was, as is stated elsewhere, hauled to distant markets by wagon,, the teamster bringing back, in exchange for his grain, groceries and other articles of household consumption. The construction of the railway leading to San- dusky in 1848, and the Little Miami to Cincinnati about 1847, encouraged the erection of elevators or grain warehouses in Urbana, for the storage, purchase and shipment of grain. The advantages over the old mode were so many and great that the elevator was not long in securing popular favor. The amount of grain received and shipped necessarily fluctuates, but is estimated to be, annu- ally, from one hundred thousand to one hundred and fifty thousand bushels of wheat, and an equal amount of corn. Shipments were made mainly to the East- ern markets. Grain received in store, for six months, without charge; when to be closed out at the market price, or chargable at the rate of one cent per bushel a month. Grades of wheat and corn have not been established. In other words, purchases are or have been made of all as third-class grade, sub- stantially offering a premium on dirt, as there is no inducement for the farmer to put his grain in first-class order, when the slovenly dealer receives as much pay per bushel for his badly cleaned seed as is received for the prime article. The inequality of the system is curing itself, and more recently a graded valua- tion, based on a threefold classification, is governing the local market. The shipped products of the county find depots for the receiving of grain at all the stations on the several lines of railways ; St. Paris and Mechanicsburg, more particularly, being considerable grain centers.
Urbana contains three grain warehouses, which are amply sufficient for the requirements of the grain trade which naturally tends to this market. Two houses were opened at about the same time, in 1848, on the line of the then Mad River & Lake Erie Railway (now called the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad), at the mouth of Miami street; one by Erastus Sheldon ; the other by A. & L. H. Magrew. The Sheldon house soon changed hands to John A. Mosgrove, William Wiley and S. A. Winslow (Mosgrove, Winslow & Wiley). The death of Winslow changed the style and firm to Mosgrove & Wiley, who conducted the business many years, and a few years since disposed of their interest to Irving Blose and John Edmonson, under the firm name of Blose & Edmonson. This concern wanted "ballast " and did not continue any con- siderable time and were succeeded by Messrs. Woodcock & Co., which firm, after a year's work. changed into the hands of E. T. Woodcock, by whom the business is now conducted.
The house of Magrew, in 1854, changed proprietors and became Magrew & Sons (Matthew, Lemuel and Merrill Magrew). In 1861, the firm name was L. H. and M. Magrew and S. B. Payne. In 1868, M. Magrew having died, the firm became Eichholtz, Payne & Magrew, by whom the business is still carried on.
378
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
The third house erected within the past twelve years, on the line of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, and usually known as the " elevator," though strictly the work in all the warehouses is performed on the plan of the elevators, was built by Messrs. E. M. Bennett & Co. The firm changed to Ross, Bennett & Co. Afterward to Blose, Bennett & Co., and to-day is con- ducted by E. M. Bennett.
On the grounds attached to this elevator, about the same time, was opened a cattle and stock-yard, for the monthly sale of stock. Much expense was incurred, and every possible facility offered to make the enterprise a success. The business opened prosperously, and for a time was well patronized, but after a faithful trial for about a year, the support received growing continually less, the scheme was abandoned. The explanation of the failure is not difficult. A similar organization in an adjoining county had proved a success for years, and took precedence, and the raising of cattle in Champaign County had been gradually changing, from being largely a special pursuit into other departments of agriculture. To which may be added, farmers as a class, are tenacious of running in the old ruts, and are not in favor of any " new-fangled notions," or speculative theories until they have been demonstrated by those who are able to run the chances of success or loss, the reason for which is plain. Agricul- ture is slow work, and the annual returns do not justify unnecessary risks.
MANUFACTURES.
The village, like all other towns and villages of the country, was largely composed of artisans who had for the most part served an indentured appren- ticeship and traveled as journeymen mechanics to perfect themselves in their trades. Cabinet-makers, carpenters, hatters, shoemakers, masons, blacksmiths, weavers, potters, brick-makers and all the mechanical pursuits were represented long before the town had reached half its present population. In proportion to the population, there was the same tendency to engage in the so-called " lib- eral professions " then as now, the schoolroom being usually made the medium to the law, medicine and theology. In the settlement of the country we are impressed with the fact that the early pioneers almost without exception, were skilled in some mechanical trade. It not unfrequently happened that there were several of the same name who were distinguished one from the other by their employment, thus Mason Downs, Carpenter Downs, Nailer Bell, Weaver Bell, Teacher Bell, Lawyer Bell, etc. Each man plied his trade with little or no help from machinery, save such as he made himself. Machinery now has largely taken the place of the skilled artisan, and " trades," with few exceptions are no longer taught. While the invention of machinery has, perhaps, increased the demand for labor and diminished the cost of the product made, it has turned out a more finished article, but at the personal skill and independence of the workman.
Projects have been entertained at various times for the erection of factories and machine-shops, some of which have been carried into operation, and some of which have been sad failures. The shops which were opened from time to time, maintained by the industry of the proprietor and the few hands with him as apprentices, gave stability, attraction and reasonable prosperity to the grow- ing village. But as time ran on, invention and labor-saving machinery, de- manding capital and enterprise, began to make inroads on manual labor.
There have never been wanting men in Urbana who have had the sagacity to see that by effort and concert of action the town might be made a prominent
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
mechanical center. The incredulous are apt to question this from the lack of water-power and the absence of the two great elements of civilization, coal and iron. But, on the other hand, other manufacturing districts have been built. up under equal disadvantages. Transportation facilities abound, and the won- derful fertility of her lands, with a superabundance of cheap food, presents a prime factor in the result. At an early day, a project was advocated to make a canal from Mad River to and beyond the town as a tangible mode of securing ample water-power for all conceivable purposes. The only feasible route was from the northwest, beginning at a point some miles above town. The general scheme and plans were extensive and complicated, and now unnecessary to be detailed. Mr. John H. James, who was understood to have fathered the plan, gave the matter much thought and advocacy. The question was one which demanded legislative intervention and sanction. In connection with this is a bit of unwritten political history not commonly known. Charles Anthony, of Clarke, John H. James and Abram R. Colwell, of Champaign, were candi- dates for the Legislature. For the three to remain in the field was equivalent to the election of Anthony and the consequent defeat of the contemplated
improvement. With either of the two candidates from Champaign, Anthony could be defeated. Israel Hamilion and William Patrick, discussing the situa- tion, agreed to call upon the candidates from Champaign and urge the with- drawal of either from the contest. They went at once to Mr. Colwell, who saw the certain defeat in a triangular fight, but said he would leave the- matter to Mr. James to say which of the two should withdraw. The commit- tee then called on Mr. James and stated the condition in which all parties were. placed, when Mr. James promptly surrendered in favor of Mr. Colwell. The result was, Colwell was elected to represent the district, and the canal project from some cause was lost. Unfortunately, there will always be found men in every community who are " wiser than ten men who can give a reason," " who. saw a " cat in the meal." " It would ruin Mad River ; " "it would make the country unhealthy ;" " it would make Mr. James very rich !" This latter, it was asserted, was the chief source that dried up the canal. That somebody should make money out of it was an enormity not to be overlooked. There- were those stupid enough to believe, or stupid enough to act on the supposition that men would give their time, talents and means to promote a great public- enterprise for the simple glory of it, ignoring the universal fact that all men work for the "almighty dollar," and that all public enterprises everywhere- have this same complexion. Somebody will make the larger pile ; the whole community are permanently benefited. Mad River still pursues its winding channel, with but a single mill in the distance of many miles.
In 1879, an organization of the citizens of town was effected for the pur- pose of inducing capitalists, in connection with mills and factories in search of a location for business, to settle here.
The want of space forbids any lengthy account of enterprises which were- begun and failed, and of others which have been a success. A simple notice- or two may be sufficient. About 1850, D. and T. M. Gwynne started a stave. factory, and, after a few years' operation, transferred their means to a machine actory. Both concerns closed doors, mainly, it is believed, from a want of ex- perience in the economical management of such establishments. The stave, factory was resumed under the auspices of David Hovey and Royal Winder, with a like result. About the same time, Allen and Jacob Minturn began the manufacture of the Huzzy reaper in the southeastern part of town. Lacking
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
capital, they associated with them, in 1856, Jacob Kauffman and James A. Nelson. The machine was of excessive draft, requiring four horses. After many experiments and considerable expense, the reaper was vastly improved, and the enterprise bid fair to be a permanent success, when some one claimed a patent right .on the machine superior to claims which had been bought. The " capital " of the concern saw no money in the enterprise with an annoying. lawsuit, though successful in the issue, and closed the factory. Not many years after, the Hurd brothers opened a spoke and hub factory in the northwestern part of the city. The works were prosecuted with vigor and success for some time, but the "hard times " and general stagnation of business prompted a temporary closing of the works, which promised to be permanent. We else- where refer to the Urbana Machine Shops. Greatly embarrassed for a time by the depressed condition of the country, and still further damaged by the want of experience, under the return of general prosperity and a broad experience, it has, perhaps, laid the foundation for an extensive establishment. Down on Miami street, where the " town branch " crosses the street, on the north side, many years ago an iron foundry was erected. During the decade of 1830, it was successfully managed by David Parry, then by Gordon, afterward by Messrs. Morris and Crane, and now by Marcus Crane. Stoves of many vari- eties, patterns and purposes, and light castings, constitute its general manufac- ture, and the " foundry " may be considered one of the fixed institutions of the town. On the southeastern portion of the city, the " woolen-factory " always catches the eye of the stranger. As early as 1814, John Reynolds and Elisha C. Berry built a flouring-mill hard by, which was soon after enlarged and changed into a carding and woolen factory. In the sixty-six years which have elapsed, the establishment has passed through a number of hands, successful in its purpose when managed by experience and skill. It is now the property of and managed by Messrs. Henry Fox & Co., who are turning out cloths which compete with the boasted mills of the country, and which, brought in competition at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia in 1876, won for Mr. Fox the prize medal. The " factory," too, may be considered one of the permanent fixtures of the city. Within the last few years, two establishments have been built for the manufacture of corn-brooms, both near the mouth of North Main street, one by Messrs. David Perry & Bros., the other by J. J. Robinson & Sons. The two establishments work from thirty to forty hands, turning out sixty to one hundred dozen brooms a day, which are shipped to Pennsylvania, Western and Northern Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Dugan Prairie has a reputation for raising an unsurpassed quality of broom-corn-J. W. Og- den, David Carey, David Perry, Mark Higbee, Freyhoff, Dalhousie and per- haps others living on the prairie making a specialty of the crop and illustrat- ing the first principles of commercial prosperity-the bringing of the producer and manufacturer side by side.
The enterprises thus begun on the returning tide of prosperity, conducted within control and under the hand of experience, bid fair to become manufac- tories of magnitude and importance.
Of other enterprises, we make more special mention.
Messrs. C. G. Smith & Co.'s Tannery .- On South Main street, where the town branch crosses the street, will be found this establishment, which, in a small way, was begun by John and William Glenn in the early settlement of the town. The abundance of raw-hides and tanbark made the tanning and dressing of hides a profitable occupation. The Messrs. Glenn were quiet men,
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
took no part in politics, never wanted an office, attended to their own business and prospered, and under their hand the tannery became a "fixture." In later life, Mr. John Glenn, on a summer day, might be seen in front of the little brick adjoining the tannery building, then his residence, and have a kind word for every boy who passed, and generally offer his snuff-box to cement the good- will. The establishment has been greatly enlarged and improved, and the pro- prietors no longer look exclusively to Champaign, either for hides or bark. They have also connected with the tannery and finishing-house, an extensive harness manufactory. Few persons know of the extent and capacity of this establishment, in its various appointments, which may also be put down as one of the permanent manufactories of the country.
The Urbana Machine Works .- This company was organized in 1870, by about thirty citizens of Urbana, on the stock plan, with a view to manufactur- ing the Dougherty water-wheel, the Excelsior steel plow and the Excelsior grain drill. The water-wheel, being found insufficient to stand the test to which it was subjected, was abandoned, and shortly afterward began the manufacture of Small's turbine wheel, designed and patented by E. S. Small, of Urbana. The Excelsior plow was soon known as a valuable pattern, and steadily grew in pop- ular favor. In 1872 and 1873, less than 200 were manfactured. In the next year, 900, and in the year following, 1,400 were made. The company also un- dertook the manufacture of the Burn's corn-planter, a sulky breaking-plow, and mill gearing, shafting and pulleys, and, in connection with their shops, had a foundry for the casting of the machinery used in their manufactures.
The recent commercial panic and financial depression affected this estab- lishment, as it did hundreds of other houses throughout the country. The company also suffered from the want of experience, which too frequently at- tends enterprises of this character, and which losses and time alone can remedy. The resumption of specie payment by the Government, and the returning tide of prosperity to all departments of industry, will be equally felt by this factory in its continuance of work.
The Saunders' Glue Factory .- In the southwestern quarter, just within the city limits, stands the glue factory of Mr. Robert Saunders. This estab- lishment was begun about twenty years ago, on a small scale, but with indiffer- ent success. William F. Mosgrove, David Hovey, William B. Moore and Newton Ambrose each, in turn, being interested in the business with Mr. Saun- ders; but not proving as profitable as probably had been anticipated, they disposed of their interests, the whole concern ultimately falling into the hands and manage- ment of Mr. Saunders. Through the years of national financial troubles, he "stuck" to his business, and, with returning general prosperity, there is a great probability that the works will be equally prosperous. The factory turns out 500 pounds of glue daily, which is shipped to Chicago, Cincinnati, St. Louis or Cleveland, and the material used brought partly from distant markets, but supplied to a considerable extent by the tannery of Messrs. C. G. Smith & Co., of Urbana. In connection with the establishment is also a soap factory, which manufact- ures several qualities of soap for laundries and wool factories. These are partly molded into bars, as are found at the stores, but mainly in barrels, for shipment to factories.
We hope to see Mr. Saunders, at no distant day, connect with the above the manufacture of a commercial fertilizer. Tons of crude materials are sold at nominal cost, by the cord, which, chemically " doctored " by the admixture of sand and clay or other cheap material, sells readily at from $30 to $40 a
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
ton. This factory having maintained itself for so many years, in times of great financial depression, we may readily conclude that it may be set down as one of the permanent industries of this locality.
BANKS.
In the year 1814, an association was formed in Urbana for the purpose of carrying on a banking business. It was chartered in 1816, and was known as the Urbana Banking Company. The building in which this, the first bank was opened, was situated on Miami street, a little west of the present site of the Weaver House. John Reynolds was its first President and William Neil its- first Cashier. This bank was in operation until about the year 1841, when it. broke, never to be repaired.
At about this time, the Mutual Insurance Company was engaged in the banking business.
In 1857 or 1858, the first private bank of Urbana was organized. Its proprietors were William Wiley, James Clark, S. A. Winslow, Thomas M. Gwynne, David Gwynne and J. M. Mosgrove. Its Cashier was James Clark. It was known as the Farmers' Bank, and was opened on the south side of Monument Square, and afterward moved to North Main street. It was suc- ceeded by Armstrong's Bank, which was succeeded by the Citizen's National Bank, now in operation. The latter is located on the northeast corner of Mon- ument Square and North Main street. It was organized in 1865; chartered February 14 of that year. Its first President was Amos Whitely; Cashier, E. G. Wiley; Directors, Abner Whitely, David Blose, William Wiley, John H. Blose and Edward Jennings. On the resignation of Mr. Whitely, as Presi- dent, soon after its organization, J. B. Armstrong became President, whose res- ignation was tendered in February, 1874, at which time Oliver Taylor was elected President, who is now in office. W. W. Wilson is its present Cashier, and John Mayse, Assistant Cashier. Oliver Taylor, I. B. Thomas, J. M. Mosgrove, S. L. Robinson, Allen Loudenback, James Taylor, Orville Noble, C. F. Colwell and John S. Kirby, Directors. This bank withstood the panic of 1873, did not suspend payment, is in good condition, having a capital of $100,- 000, with a surplus of $10,000.
There are two other national banks in Urbana-the Champaign National Bank, formerly the Champaign County Bank, and the Third National Bank. The former was organized and received its charter in the spring of 1865, and is located on North Main street, near Monument Square. Its officers are as follows : President, P. B. Ross ; Cashier, H. P. Espy; Directors, J. A. McLain, Lemuel Weaver, J. M. Patrick and H. P. Espy. It has a capital of $100,000; surplus, $20,000.
The Third National Bank was chartered in 1873. It is situated on North Main street, No. 22, between Monument Square and Court street. John H. Young was its first President; J. Hill, Vice President; E. J. Wiley, Cashier ; A. F. Vance, Jr., Assistant Cashier ; Directors, Joseph Hill, William Wiley, C. W. Marshall, David Loudenback, J. C. Coulson and Frank Chance. There has been no change in officers since its organization. Was not affected by the panic of 1873. Has a capital of $100,000.
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
LODGES AND ASSOCIATIONS.
Urbana Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F .- Charter granted August 2, 1845, charter members being Erastus Sheldon, John Crim, John A. Mosgrove, Francis M. Wright and Samuel H. Robinson, of whom Mr. Mosgrove alone survives. This lodge first met in an upper room in a brick building on the corner of Monument Square and Miami street, which now forms part of the " Weaver House." When the house was remodeled, the lodge removed to the third-story room of Anderson's drug store, on the corner of Monument Square and Scioto street. Being cramped for room, and financially prosperous, they purchased the lot on South Main street, and removed one of the old landmarks of the city, a frame building, occupied many years by Daniel Harr as a tavern, known, to a later generation as the " Ohio House," kept by Mr. Scott. On this lot the present house, known as the Odd Fellows' Building, was built at a cost of about $20,000, and contains the post office, Young Men's Christian Associ- ation and general audience-room. Total membership, 243.
Harmony Lodge, No. 8, A., F. § A. M., Urbana, is more particularly mentioned in the general county notes.
The Champaign Encampment, No. 29, I. O. O. F .- Charter granted September 2, 1848; instituted October 22, 1848, by John D. Harrison ; charter members, John A. Mosgrove, J. H. Patrick, W. F. Slater, F. D. Bon- ham, Samuel H. Robinson and Hiram S. Camp. Membership, 120.
Goff Lodge, A., F. § A. M .- Is composed of colored citizens organized by David Jenkins, D. G. M., and Grand Master of the State, March 26, 1866, and has a membership of forty-five.
Benjamin Lodge, G. U. O. O. F .- Lodge of Odd Fellows, is composed of colored citizens, and was organized by B. W. Arnet, September 15, 1876; is made of good material and doing a good work. Membership, fifty-five.
Improved Order of Red Men .- This organization is of American origin, and claims to have been instituted in the latter part of the last century. Its purposes are social and beneficial, and, in its jurisdiction, it comprises lodges in all the States. The division is into councils and tribes. The unit of organiza- tion is called a tribe. The several tribes within the boundaries of a State con- stitute a State Council, and the several State Councils constitute the Great Council. The following-named persons, in the organization of Mineola Tribe, No. 37, at Urbana, March 4, 1868, were charter members, viz., George W. Collins, Joseph S. Carter, J. C. Jones, S. M. Perry, L. Shyrigh, W. A. Brand, D. W. Happersett, C. W. Roof, C. H. Ward, S. S. P. Stone, J. D. Kirkpatrick, George Satterthwaite, R. J. Winder, Hiram Norris, George Sollers, James K. Landis, F. M. Ambrose, John Emerson and John Gump. This lodge has rapidly increased in membership, numbering 120, and occupies the commodious and finely frescoed room in the upper story of Weaver's Block, corner of Scioto and Monument Square.
Other associations exist, of which it is unnecessary to make any extended notice, among which are the medical profession, the bar, Young Men's Chris- tion Association and the Urbana Library. The Y. M. C. A. has a reading- room in the I. O. O. F. building, which is open every night to all who wish to use it. The association is doing a good work, but does not receive the encour- agement and support it deserves. The town in 1830 had a circulating library, which was kept in the court house, in the public square. On the removal of that building the books were scattered and lost. The present library is kept in
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