The history of Hardin county, Ohio, Part 60

Author: Warner Beers & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : Warner Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1076

USA > Ohio > Hardin County > The history of Hardin county, Ohio > Part 60

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About 1848 or 1849, Day Pugh started a blacksmith shop on the south side of Columbus street, between Detroit and Market, and soon afterward, Francis Meyers erected a two-storied frame building, adjoining. for a wagon shop. In a short time, Pugh bought the factory of Meyers, and for about four years continued the manufacture of carriages and wagons, then aban- doned the business, and C. C. Drake carried it on for a short time in this shop.

In the spring of 1853, Isaac Bolenbaugh began the manufacture of wagons, etc., on the east side of North Detroit street. He carried on the business for six years, turning out from two to three wagons per week and employing seven hands. He sold out to his brother Daniel, who ran the factory for two years, when, on account of the great amount of work that about that time began to be shipped in from the larger factories, the busi- ness became unprofitable and the shop was closed.

Elias Collins opened a small shop, in 1859, on the southwest corner of Ohio and Detroit streets. His business gradually assumed larger propor- tions, and, in 1873, he erected a two-story brick building, 26x60 feet, wherein he manufactured buggies, wagons, etc., his annual sales running up to $12,000. Across the street from his shop was a two-storied frame show- room, the second story being also used for a workshop. In the past few years, he has almost abandoned putting up new work, and now keeps a general repair shop.

Henry Kaiser began business in 1864, on North Main street, but, in 1873, he removed to his present location on the northeast corner of Colum- bus and Wayne streets, where he has since been engaged in the manufac- ture of the better class of buggies and light carriages. His factory is 84x84 feet, partially brick and frame, wherein twelve hands find employ- ment, the annual sales amounting to about $10,000.

In 1871, Theodore Schrador and R. K. Gravell started a carriage shop on the corner of Ohio and Main streets, which was operated until 1874, when the firm failed and the partnership was dissolved. In 1875, O. E. Gravell opened a shop on Wayne street, between Franklin and Columbus, but, in 1876, he retired in favor of C. S. Gravell, who ran the business un- til 1879, when R. K. Gravell became sole proprietor. In 1880, he erected his present fine two-story brick factory, 50x60 feet, on the old site, where twelve hands find employment in turning out all classes of buggies, car- riages and wagons, his sales averaging $15,000 per annum.

J. J. Magly and John Parkinson opened a wagon shop on East Colum- bus street, in 1867, but subsequently Samuel Magly and Conrad Euler bought out Mr. Parkinson. In 1874, the Magly Brothers removed to their present shop on Cherry street, where they have since carried on business.

Joseph Dever & Son started a general machine, wagon and repair shop on South Detroit street in March, 1870. They carried on the business for more than thirteen years, and, in the fall of 1882, erected the large two-

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

story frame building now occupied as the factory. In July, 1883, the shop was purchased by B. F. Roberts and J. M. Cramer, practical boiler makers, who have added that branch of trade to the business. Ten men find employ- ment in this shop, which promises to be one of the leading manufacturing establishments of the town.

Peter Houser began business in the spring of 1877, on South Main street, his present location. He has since continued to manufacture all classes of wagons. His shop is a two-story frame, wherein seven men find employment, his sales averaging $7,000 per annum, a large portion of his trade being horse-shoeing and repairing.

Kenton Marble Works .- These works were established, in 1850, by J. D. - White, on East Franklin street, and was the first marble shop opened in Kenton. He carried it on, alone, for some years, when John Howe became a partner under the firm name of White & Howe. Subsequently, C. W. Woodward was connected with the business, followed by Henry Price, who soon became associated with John Howe. After Price & Howe, came John Howe & Co. Finally, Dorr White and J. W. Brown, in 1873, purchased the works, the firm being White & Brown, and after four or five years they sold out to Holmes Wilson. In 1879, Dorr and Hance White bought out Wilson, and in April, 1880, removed to their present location on the west side of Main street, between Franklin and Ohio. The firm of D. White & Bro. employ seven hands besides themselves, and their annual sales amount to about $15,000.

In February, 1880, J. W. Brown and G. W. Steinhaur started a marble works on the east side of North Detroit street, and, in April, 1881, M. D. Cunningham obtained an interest, the firm being since known as Brown, Steinhaur & Co. In the meantime, the works were removed a short dis- tance north of their former site, and, in 1882, Mr. Brown erected the present two-story brick building now occupied by the firm. The show-room is 20x50 feet, and the work shop 20x30. Their sales amount to $5,000 per annum, and, being practical workmen, they have so far managed to do all their own work.

Kenton Pork Packing House .-- In 1874, Asher Letson and Alonzo Teeters erected buildings south of the Scioto River, on the site of the paper mill, and established a house for packing pork. From 6,000 to 10,000 hogs were slaughtered annually at this house, and the business proved a great benefit to the farmers of Hardin County, as it furnished them with a home market for their hogs. The enterprise was also looked upon with general favor by the business men of Kenton. After the death of Mr. Teeters, the business was carried on by Mr. Letson, who assumed sole own- ership, but subsequently George H. Harris became a partner and the firm of Letson & Harris continued to pack pork during the proper season until the fall of 1882, when they sold the property to the Scioto Straw Board Company and retired from the business.

Kenton Planing and Scroll Mill .- In 1862, Alonzo, Augustus and Ed- ward Bogardus put in operation a small planing mill on North Detroit street. The mill was first run by horse-power, but steam has subsequently been introduced. In 1870, George R. Moore, David Thomson, H. N. Wheeler and Alonzo and Augustus Bogardus established an incorporated stock company under the title of the " Kenton Manufacturing & Machine Company." The factory was removed to North street, west of the Indian- apolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad, where it has since been operated in connection with a lumber yard. From time to time, other parties became

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

stockholders, but in May, 1883, the whole concern was purchased by Joseph Timmons, who adopted the name now borne by the factory. The buildings are two-storied frame structures, fitted up with machinery for getting out all classes of building material. Twenty hands are employed, among whom is Alonzo Bogardus, one of the founders of the mill, and the annual sales average $30,000.

Michigan Lumber Yard .- In 1867, Luther Furney erected a frame planing mill on the northeast corner of Ohio and Market streets, which he operated until May, 1875, when he sold out to John. Callam. In connec- tion with the mill, Mr. Furney managed a lumber yard for Edward Perry, of Saginaw, Mich., which was bought by Mr. Callam in 1874. Early in 1876, Mr. Callam erected a portion of the present buildings, viz., the two- storied wing on the east, 45x50 feet, and, in 1878, built the main three- storied building, 50x65 feet, together with a two-story engine room, 24x45 feet, and a one-story drying room, 20x60 feet. The mill is the finest struct ure of the sort in Kenton, and is furnished throughout with the most im- proved machinery. The lumber yard is immediately west of the mill, be- tween Market street and the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Rail- road. Mr. Callam handles all classes of building material, also coal, em- ploys thirty-five hands, and his yearly sales average $180,000.

Young Bros.' Lumber Yard .- In 1869, William H. and James Young, under the firm name of Young Brothers, purchased an old saw-mill, erected and operated by William Sheppard, which stood on the north bank of the Scioto River, west of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad. They ran this mill for a short time, then tore it down and erected their present mill, which, in connection with a hardwood lumber yard, they have since operated. This firm handles about 6,000,000 feet of lumber annu- ally, purchasing in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee, while their selling market, though principally in Ohio, extends to all the larger cities from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Their vard is located on Franklin street, west of the railroad. Twenty-five men find employment in the business, and their annual sales average $150,000.

N. H. Walker's Saw, Planing and Scroll Mills were established in the fall of 1873, by C. A. Walker, on the south bank of the Scioto River, be- tween Detroit and Main streets. He ran the business until his death, and was succeeded by N. H. Walker. All classes of hardwood building mater- ial are furnished by this mill, the yard covering the whole space included between the old and new beds of the river, and extending from Detroit to Main street. The firm employs thirty-five hands, and their sales amount to about $75,000 per annum. All of their woods are purchased in Hardin County, and their principal markets are in the Eastern cities.

Scroll Factory .- In 1873, Jacob and Peter Forbing erected a frame building on Mill street, south of Franklin, and established a " scroll fac- tory," which was destroyed by fire in 1876. The following year, Jacob Forb- ing erected the present structure on Leighton street, also south of Franklin. It is a brick building, 30x50 feet, two stories high, with a one-story brick engine room attached. Mr. Forbing has since operated these works, em- ploying from fifteen to twenty hands, and doing yearly a business of about $55,000. He buys lumber in the rough, consuming about 600,000 feet per annum, which he saws and ships to the Eastern cities. His machinery is principally intended for getting out chair stock, and his success in this business has been attained by shrewd, careful management in buying and selling. This factory was the first of the kind established in Kenton, and its growth and prosperity is unquestionably due to its energetic founder.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

Tanneries. - Edward Smith came from Marion, Ohio, to Kenton in the fall of 1840, and, the following spring, opened a tannery on the northwest corner of Main and North streets. His shop was a small frame structure, and he operated twenty vats in the tanyard. Mr. Smith carried on business until the fall of 1866. when he ceased operations and retired from the trade in Kenton, subsequently removing to the West. In 1867, Dr. W. M. Chesney built a two-story frame tannery on Market street, near the Scioto River. Chesney, Ballentine & Co. began business therein, and carried it on for two years. They were then succeeded by Chesney & McVitty, who ran it about one year, but Dr. Chesney being the capitalist, and finding that he had already lost several thousand dollars in the enterprise, disposed of the- tannery to Charles Brumm, in the spring of 1870. Mr. Brumm did a successful business for more than three years, and then sold the building for a foundry and machine shop.

In 1877, Frederick Machetanz erected his present tannery across the Scioto River on South Main street. He employs a force of three or four hands, and has the reputation of manufacturing a first-class grade of leather. His tannery, though small, is the only one in Kenton, and therefore deserves mention in this article.

Ohio Wrought Iron Fence Company .- In 1872, Timothy Rogers and B. G. Devoe, being the patentees of an iron fence, interested William Moore, L. T. Hunt, Robert M. Moore, J. S. Robinson and A. W. Miller in the enterprise. These seven organized the "Ohio Wrought Iron Fence Company," which was incorporated December 28, 1872, with a capital stock of $20,000, and purchased the tannery then operated by Charles Brumm, at the foot of Market street, wherein they began business. In a short time Rogers & Devoe sold out to Moore & Hunt, who had become sole own- ers and divided the property then owned by the company, Mr. Moore ob- taining, as his share, the foundry and machine works. He soon after sold an interest to W. J. Althauser, and the firm subsequently added to the foundry the manufacture of stoves and hollow ware. John Pfeiffer bought Althauser's interest and turned it over to his sons, John and Lewis Pfeiffer, while Mr. Moore gave his to his sons, William J. and G. B. Moore. Will- iam Bales having obtained an interest, the firm became Pfeiffer, Bales & Co., who carried on a "foundry and machine repair works," until the fall of 1880, when the shop was closed, and has not since been in operation.

Champion Iron Fence Company .- In 1874, William L. Walker pur- chased of Timothy Rogers and B. G. Devoe an interest in a patent for an iron fence, but after making some experiments, found it absolutely worth- less. Messrs. Walker and Devoe then went to work and improved the fence, got patents issued to Walker & Devoe, and established a factory on Franklin street, west of the railroad. In 1875, Devoe sold an interest to William H. and James Young, and subsequently Henry Price obtained an interest. On the 5th of January, 1876, William L. Walker, James Young, William H. Young, B. G. Devoe and Henry Price incorporated the "Champion Fence Company," with a capital stock of $100,000. During this year, Mr. Wal- ker sold out his interest, and Edward Crawford, of Pittsburgh, Penn., pur- chased a one-quarter interest in the concern. Early in 1877, the works were removed to Pittsburgh, Penn., but the riots of that year so demoralized trade that business became dull and almost suspended, so that, early in 1878, the company brought back the works to their former location in Ken- ton. On the 13th of February, 1878, James Young, William H. Young, B. G. Devoe, Henry Price and Edward Crawford obtained a second incor-

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poration under the title of the " Champion Iron Fence Company, " the capital stock being the same as that of the old company. The officers were Edward Crawford, President: William H. Young, Vice President; Henry Price, Secre- tary; James Young, Treasurer. In 1879, Edward A. Parrott, of Dayton, Ohio, succeeded Mr. Crawford as President, and he in turn was succeeded by William H. Young, in 1880, Frank C. Dougherty being chosen as Vice President to suc- ceed Mr. Young. The old frame building which the works occupied in 1878, is 24x130 feet. In 1879, the company erected a two story brick machine shop, 40x 132 feet, and, in 1881,bought the Brunson property adjoining, wheron they built a brick foundry, 45x100 feet. Their business has grown rapidly from year to year, until now their annual sales reach nearly $200,000. Seventy employees find work in this factory, while their agents are scattered all over the coun try wherever the demands of business justifies their presence. The officers are William H. Young, President; Frank C. Dougherty, Vice President; Henry Price, Secretary; James Young, Treasurer.

Scioto Straw Board Company .-- During the summer of 1882, James Young, Nathan Ahlefeld, G. H. Harris, Asher Letson, James M. White and William H. Young incorporated this company, with a capital stock of $60,000, which has since been increased to $80,000. The officers first elected and who are yet serving, are James Young, President; G. H. Har- ris, Secretary; Nathan Ahlefeld, Treasurer. The company purchased the property previously occupied by Letson & Harris as a pork packing house, and, tearing down the old buildings, erected on their site, in the fall of 1882, the present paper mill. The mill consists of two main brick build- ings with iron roofs. The machine-room is a one-story structure, 114 feet in length; the engine room is two stories high and forty-two feet square; the boiler room is fifty two-feet square and two stories high, the stock room, 33x35 feet, one story high; the beater room, 40x98 feet, also one story; the rotary room, 40x63 feet, three stories in height, and the straw room is a one story structure, 24x40 feet. There are two powerful engines and four large boilers, while a large brick smokestack towers above the mill to a height of 115 feet, the whole forming a first-class manufacturing establish- ment. The mill is furnished with the latest improved straw-board machin ery, which, together with the buildings, etc., cost $80,000. A switch of the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad affords good shipping facilities, and the enterprise, so far, has proven a success, the capacity of the mill being twelve tons of strawboard per day. The company employs fifty hands, whose labor and earnings have added much to the wealth and prosperity of the city.

Kenton Gas Company .- The gas works located on the southwest corner of Main and Walnut streets, were built in 1871 by Peter Marr, who subse- quently failed. The works were then sold at Sheriff's sale and bought by the Bank of Exchange. In 1874, Asher Letson, George H. Harris, James M. White and Henry Dickson got control of the works, with James M. White President and Treasurer; Asher Letson, Vice President; George H. Harris, Secretary. On the 15th of May. 1880, the company was incorporated by James M. White, Diana White, Asher Letson, George H. Harris and Francis S. Letson, the capital stock being $50,000. The same officers, pre- viously mentioned, were chosen, and have served up to the present. The capacity of the gas tank is 30,000 cubic feet; there are 121 lamp posts, 114 of which belong to the city and seven to private individuals, companies or corporations, while about seven miles of gas mains stretch throughout Kenton, running in every direction.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

Kenton Water Works Company .- On the 22d of June, 1881, Lewis Merriman, James M. White, William H. Young, Thomas Espy and W. F. Damon were incorporated as the above company, with a capital stock of $60,000. Subsequently, Asher Letson was chosen President; James Young, Vice President and Treasurer; Thomas Espy, Secretary. The works were constructed on the " Holly System " by Truman Cowell and have a pumping capacity of 1,500,000 gallons every twenty-four hours. The buildings are located south of the Scioto River, between Detroit street and the In- dianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad, and consist of a substantial brick structure, containing a handsome set of machinery such as are usually found connected with the Holly works. Four miles of water mains and forty fire plugs are scattered over the city, and the works up to the present have cost the full amount of the capital stock. In November, 1882, Thomas Espy was elected President; Joseph Timmons, Secretary; Lewis Merriman, Treasurer.

DICKSON'S GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

About 1858-59, Jeremiah Crowley, Sr., and Henry Dickson erected a three- story brick building on the northeast corner of Main and Franklin streets, and fitted up a hall in the third story, which was the first of the sort built in Kenton. This was used for public entertainments, until 1863, when Crow- ley and Dickson, Steiner and Meyers erected the present structure on the southwest corner of the same streets, and the third story became the opera house. Mr. Dickson subsequently became sole owner and, in 1879, remod- eled the interior of the theatre at an expense of about $12,000. In April, 1882, he again remodeled the opera house, adding fifty feet to the building, making it 70x130 feet. The upper floor was dropped to the first story, and it is now one of the finest opera houses in this portion of Ohio, being equal to many of the metropolitan theatres. It will seat 1,200, and the exits are so ample that the house can be emptied within three minutes. The fire department have accepted the house as perfectly safe in every respect. The parquette and parquette circles are seated with Andrews' celebrated folding opera chairs; the balcony is seated with cushioned chairs; everything handsomely upholstered, and there are four elegantly furnished private boxes. The stage is 42x70 feet; proscenium, 34x70; height of flats, eigh- teen feet and of rigging loft, thirty-four feet. The stage is furnished com- plete, and has everything requisite for any combination on the road. There are very fine red and green carpets, with large square Brussels rug for parlor scene, and a fine set of parlor furniture. There are thirteen nicely furnished dressing rooms, with every convenience, all heated by steam. The scenery is from the pencil of W. P. Davis, of the Grand Opera House, Chicago, Ill., and consists of the following pieces: Wood scene, landscape, garden, streethouse, fancy chamber, plain chamber, kitchen, prison, pal- ace, street, horizon, rocky paths, set houses, two sets of waters, one set of rocks across the stage, rustic bridge, tormentor wings, doors and draperies, garden wall, balustrade and set tree. The decorations and frescoe work were done by Cincinnati's famous Italian artist, F. Pedretti, and the whole was under the immediate supervision of the well-known architect, Wallace Hume. The outlay on this second remodeling was about $44,000, and the gratitude of the citizens of Kenton is unquestionably due to Mr. Dickson for his enterprise and public spirit in furnishing the city with such a handsome opera house, which is excelled by none in any town of like pop- ulation in the State.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

BANKS.

The first bank started in Hardin County was opened by Guild Cope- land, about 1850, in a rear room on the second story of the frame building erected by him on the southeast corner of Detroit and Franklin streets, and now occupied by Archie Davis as a grocery store. In a short time, he re- moved to a room on Franklin street, east of his former place of business, and opened up under the name of " The Hardin County Bank." He was succeeded by his brother, Howard Copeland, who managed the bank until 1855-56, when he closed his business and removed from the town.

The next bank to begin operations in Kenton was organized by Will- iam Cary, David Thomson and Joseph Kinnear, late in 1853 or early in the following year. Mr. Kinnear soon retired from the firm, and Cary & Thomson continued to carry on the bank, until 1866, when Mr. Thomson be- came interested in another banking institution. Mr. Cary still carried on the business, but began to pay such high interest for the purpose of obtaining deposits, that he gradually lost money, became involved and failed in 1875.

Bank of Exchange and Deposit. - In 1866, Joseph Kinnear, B. F. Kinnear, John F. Henkle and David Thomson organized this bank, and be- gan business on the west side of the square, subsequently erecting the building now occupied by the Kenton Savings Bank, which was known as the "Bank Block." B. F. Kinnear sold his interest after the bank had been running about a year, and a few years afterward Joseph Kinnear followed his example, his place in the firm being taken by Portius and H. N. Wheeler. On the death of Mr. Henkle, Mr. Thomson and the Wheelers became sole owners and the bank ran along until 1874, when it failed the following year, from the same cause that produced the failure of William Cary, viz., paying higher interest than money was worth or their business would justify.

Williams' Bank .- In 1867, Isaac G. and Granville S. Williams, under the title of I. G. Williams & Son, opened a bank on the southeast corner of Detroit and Franklin streets, which they operated until the death of the father, in September, 1868. The following month, Granville S. formed a partnership with Thomas Espy and Joseph Paulucci, but the bank contin- ued under the old name. They soon removed to a room on the west side of the square, and, after about another year had passed away, occupied the brick building erected by them on the southeast corner of Main and Frank- lin streets. In three or four years, Williams & Esp, became sole owners of the bank; but, in 1874, Henry M. Shingle obtained a partnership, and thus the firm remained until May, 1875, when they sold out to the Hardin Savings Bank.

Citizens' Bank .- In May, 1874, Lewis Merriman, J. S. Robinson, Thomas Espy, James M. White, Asher Letson and Edmund Cary purchased the Bank of Exchange and Deposit, and organized the Citizens' Bank, with Lewis Merriman, President; J. S. Robinson, Vice President; Augus- tus Traeger, Cashier. In 1875, Mr. Merriman became sole owner, and, in January, 1876, disposed of the concern to the Kenton Savings Bank, of which he was one of the incorporators and principal stockholders since its organization.

Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank .- This bank was established, February 12, 1875, by J. C. Stevens, President; R. L. Miller, Cashier. It began business on the northeast corner of Main and Columbus streets, but, in April, 1882, removed to its present location on the south side of West Franklin street. In February, 1883, C. J. Stevens, who had been Assistant

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The history of Hardin county, Ohio, Part 60

Author: Warner Beers & co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago : Warner Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1076

Author: Warner Beers & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : Warner Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1076