District - Directors	Boys	Girls	Total
1—Abraham Myers, Samuel A. Magers, John Anderson 6—Samuel Norton, James C. Steen, James McCracken. 7–David Saylor, Peter Worst Nicholas Failor 8—John Davis, John A Gormly George Sinn Total pupils	41 32 51 37 161	41 19 56 38 154	82 51 107 75 315

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 405 At that time the total number of school children in Bucyrus township was 529, which left 214 in the township outside of Bucyrus. Of these 108 were boys and 106 were girls. In 1839 a larger schoolhouse was built ; it was a frame building, and on the lot donated by Mr. Norton; it was 30 by jo feet, two stories high, with a tower. The building is still in use, being the front of the present Park House. In front it had five \windows on the second floor with four on the first floor with the door in the centre. There were two rooms on each floor, a hall running east and west on both floors separating the rooms. The furniture was made by the workmen of the village, and was mostly of walnut, and for that day the interior as well as the building itself was one of the finest village schoolhouses in the State. At the rear and on the north were oak and walnut trees. The house was painted white, with green shutters. In the belfry a bell was placed, the first schoolhouse bell in Bucyrus. The first school was opened in October, 1840. There were five teachers. In these days boys and girls were in separate rooms. S. Fry taught the more advanced boys, and J. B. Squier, afterwards one of the leading physicians of the county at Sulphur Springs, taught the smaller boys. Miss Marshall taught the more advanced girls, and the smaller girls were taught by Miss Cary and Miss Espy. Owing to boys being needed at home, there were many more girls than boys in attendance, and two teachers were needed for the younger girls, both being in the same room. Only the common branches were taught, the highest instruction reached being grammar and natural philosophy. During the winter of 1847, Joseph R. Whitum taught the higher branches in a private school. Be was a graduate of Jefferson College, Pa. The session of his school commenced on Nov. 15, and was to continue for five months, his prices for the tern being $6 for the lower English branches, including geography, arithmetic and the lower English branches: $8 for natural philosophy. chemistry, history, &c. : and $10 for the Latin and Greek languages, including algebra, geometry and surveying. E. G. Chambers the next year had a private school for the higher branches. In 1849 the Legislature passed a law for the better regulation of schools in cities, towns and villages which permitted the organization of graded or union schools. Prior to this among the early teachers were William Blowers, 1822, James Martin, Moses Arden, John Blowers, Zalinon Rowse, Jonas Scott, Dr. Samuel Horton, Joseph Newell, John Davis, William Y. McGill, Horace Rowse, Abraham Myers, jr., Abraham Holm, jr., William White, S. Fry, J. B. Squier, John D. Sears, J. S. Plant, Joseph R. Whitum, E. G. Chambers, Jacob Hofman, and Messrs. Camp, Everson, Kiskaden, Lee, McMullen, Needham, Wallace and Yost, date of teaching unknown. The lady teachers were Alta Kent, 1823; Sarah Cary and her sister, Sallie Davis and her sister, Emily Rowse, Margaretta \Villiams, Mrs. Espy and her two daughters Maggie and Elmira. Miss Marshall, Ann McCracken, and Hannah J. Dunn. Bucyrus determined to take advantage of this new system, and the question was submitted to the voters of the village in April, 1849, and it was voted down. Jacob Scroggs in a history of the schools written by him in 1876, says the friends of the new system were Josiah Scott, Lawrence W. Hall, Dr. Willis Merriman, Aaron Cary, Dr. Jacob Augustein, Rev. John Pettitt, J. B. Larwill, John Anderson, John Moderwell, M. P. Bean, editor of the Forum, (the only paper in the village.) Col. Zalinon Rowse, and others. Mr. Scroggs, speaking of the opposition says The most serious and obstinate opposition came from a few men of wealth, who had no children to educate, or who cared little for any education beyond what was necessary to compute interest at 12 per cent." The friends of the system had a special election called on July of 1849, three months after its defeat, and this time they succeeded in carrying it. The citizens shortly after assembled and elected the first board of education in Bucyrus; Rev. John Pettitt, John Anderson, Aaron Cary, Dr. Jacob Augustein, Dr. Willis Merriman, and John Moderwell, all active and zealous friends of the new school system. The first board organized by electing Dr. Willis Merriman, president: Aaron Cary, secretary: Dr. Jacob Augustein. treasurer. The first school opened on the first Monday in May, 1850, with Israel Booth as superintendent at 406 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY a salary of $600 per year; Miss Diana Taylor of Syracuse, N. Y., was the first high school teacher, her salary being $25 a month; T. C. Bowles of Ashland taught the senior grammar at $25 per month ; N. P. Tarr taught the junior grammar at $20 per month, but before the term expired he was compelled to resign on account of ill health and Jacob Scroggs succeeded him. Miss Ann McCracken and Miss Myra Fitzsimmons had charge of the secondary and primary departments at $13 per month. The board levied a special tax, which in addition to the sum allowed by the State under the new law, would be sufficient to maintain the schools. The board adopted rules to govern the schools, eight to .guide the superintendent, nine for the teachers, and six special and twenty-five general rules for the pupils. Here are some of the rules: " School week five and one-half days; five days one week, six days the next." " Use of tobacco prohibited in the schools." " Teachers will be admonished, reproved, or expelled for drinking intoxicating liquors or using profane language." "A chapter from the Bible must be read once a day." "Teachers will be sustained in opening school with prayer, and with a reasonable time devoted to devotional exercises." "Teachers must be at their room at the ringing of the first bell. In winter they must see that their rooms are heated and swept before the pupils arrive." The text books were McGuffey's readers and spelling book; Ray's arithmetic with Colburn's mental; Mitchell's geography, Pineo's grammar, and such others as the board selects. The frame schoolhouse could not contain all the departments, so the high school, taught by Mr. Booth, was in the third story of the Anderson building, opposite the present office of the Journal and Telegraph. Before the schools started the people saw the benefits of the new system, as on March 15, 1850, an election was held to levy a tax of $4,000 for the purpose of building a new schoolhouse. The proposition carried by a vote of 146 to 71. This building was erected on the west half of the lots now occupied by the central building, and was a two-story brick with a cupola, and when completed the entire second floor was occupied by the high school, with two small rooms at the rear for the school library and for recitation rooms. The two rooms on the lower floor were the grammar departments, the old frame being used for the intermediate and primary departments. Prof. Booth remained as superintendent for two years, and was devoted to his work, and as the first superintendent did much to place the schools on a substantial basis. He was probably like many literary men a trifle absent minded. He was married while teaching at Bucyrus. The lady of his choice lived at Norwalk and a day being set by her for the wedding he obtained permission of the board to dismiss the high school on the day of the wedding. The permission was readily granted, but at noon on the day set for the wedding, one of the school board met the Professor and expressed his astonishment at seeing him. The Professor failed to see why there need be any astonishment at his attending to his duties. " No reason at all," said the man, "but I thought it was today we had given you a day off to go to Norwalk and get married." The Professor turned pale. He had a date to get married at two o'clock, and his bride was at Norwalk over thirty miles away. There was no railroad to Norwalk, and no telegraph in those days. Mr. Booth never waited to tell his pupils there would be no school that afternoon; he hurried to the livery stable, secured the best team available and started on his long journey across the country; a rain came up, and through the wet and mud he urged the team, and at midnight reached Norwalk. In the meantime. while he was driving frantically across the country the friends had assembled at the bride's residence, the time passed, and the bride dressed for the ceremony waited in her room for her expected husband, at first patiently and then impatiently; the people waited in the room below and the minister waited, and still the time wore on, until satisfied it was useless to wait any longer, about six o'clock the people left. The evening passed away and still no word from the groom, and the bride and her family were justly indignant that no message had been sent by hirn explaining the delay, and all retired. About midnight there was a terrific pounding at the door and the girl's father responded and found at the doorway his AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 407 prospective son-in-law covered with mud from head to foot. The interview did not start harmoniously, but Mr. Booth finally succeeded in explaining how he had forgotten the day, which made the old man madder than ever, but later he listened to the earnest protestations of the young man, began to see the humor of the situation, and agreed to let him make his explanations to his daughter, if she would consent to see him. Then came another hitch; she wouldn't. Finally, she consented, and Mr. Booth again explained the matter, but the young lady filled with the disappointment of her postponed ceremony, expressed her opinion in a way not very complimentary to her unfortunate lover. He explained and entreated, and finally as Tennyson puts it, "Like torrents from a mountain source They rushed into each other's arms," The next morning the minister was sent for; there was a quiet, private wedding, and Mr. Booth brought his bride to Bucyrus. When Mr. Booth left here he went to Sullivan, Ind., where he died in the fall of 1860. Succeeding Mr. Booth as superintendent, was H. S. Martin in the spring of 1852, with a salary of $500, but he remained but one term and was succeeded by M. Hill on Nov. 8, 1852, the salary being $600. The new school building was now completed, the last term of the high school having been held in the Methodist church. In the fall of 1853 David Kerr was superintendent and remained two years at $600 a year. In the fall of 1855 J. K. Mason became superintendent at the same salary, but only remained six months, and on Monday April 14, John Hopley became superintendent with a salary of $boo. The schools now had seven teachers. In December of 1856, the Bucyrus Journal published an account of a spelling school written by Dr. W. R. S. Clark in which So pupils took part, divided into two sides, and spelling and defining the words in McGuffey's Fourth Reader. The article says: "After three hours, twelve of the two contending parties retained their position on the floor, having neither spelled nor defined a single word incorrectly, although 600 had been given to them. The finale was exceedingly spirited. One young lady maintained her position against an opposition of ten, spelling down in success all nine of them, when the exercises were closed from the simple fact that the book had been exhausted." The young lady who spelled down the nine was Miss Virginia Swingly, still living, the wife of James B. Gormly. The tenth who retained the floor for the other side, was her sister Miss Marcella Swingly, later superintendent of the schools, and afterward marrying Major E. C. Moderwell. The next December another spelling school was held with a crowded house, and the report of this gives the names of those who spelled through a book of a thousand words without an error several of whom are still living: "In the High School, Misses Mary E. Moderwell, Georgianna Merriman, Elizabeth Moderwell, Amanda Kimmel, Jane Sims, Melinda Lightner, Ophelia Didie, Elizabeth Rexroth, Sarah Rexroth, and Master Hiram Moderwell; in the Senior Grammar School, Misses Helen Van Tyne, Fidelia Howenstein, Mary Gormly, Lydia Rexroth, Elizabeth Rowse, Margaret Fulton, Anna T. Fulton, Elizabeth Bradley, Masters Albert Van Tyne, David Hall, John Moderwell, Eugene Sims, Daniel Kanzleiter, Rufus Kuhn and Leroy Henthorn. Miss Emma Shaw from the junior grammar school, retained her place on the floor during the pronunciation of over 900 words, Miss Mary Howenstein, from the same department, kept up until after 800 words had been spelled and defined." Of those mentioned two are still living in Bucyrus, Miss Sarah Rexroth, the widow of Rev. T. J. Monnett. and Eugene Sims. Of the others, nearly all have descendants whose homes are in and around Bucyrus. Mr. Hopley remained for two years, and tinder him the schools were developed into system, and graded schools were for the first time really started, and have continued ever since. He was succeeded in the spring of 1858 by Alexander Miller, who had charge for three years at a salary of $800. The pupils increased in such numbers that additional room was needed, and at different times the M. E. Church, the old Baptist Church on Walnut street, and the Congregational Church had to be used for school purposes. In September, 1861, B. B. McVey became superintendent at a salary of $800, and remained three years, and in September, 1864 was succeeded by S. J. Kirkwood, the salary being increased to $1,- 408 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 000. He only remained one year and in Septeniber, 1865, J. C. Harper became superintendent and remained five years, his salary being several times increased until his last year it was $1,600. Under Mr. Harper the grading was still further systematized, the new schoolhouse was built and the first class was graduated. The crowded condition of the schools was such that in 1863 the board took the first steps toward securing better accommodations. On May 18, 1863, three propositions were submitted to the people: 1—For the sale of the old schoolhouse. This resulted, Yes 83; No 1. 2—For the purchase of the Gormly grove; Yes 84; No 0. 3—For a tax to improve said lot, Yes 84, No 0. Everybody appeared to favor the proposition so a light vote was cast. The Gormly grove a little over two acres adjoining the school building on the east was purchased for $1,600. In Jtine they voted unanimously, but only 27 votes were cast, to build an addition to the brick schoolhouse, and to levy a tax of $9,000 for that purpose. Nothing was done about building the addition, and two years later the Congregational Church was bought for $3,000, and fitted up into school rooms : the old frame schoolhouse on Nest Warren was now a part of the Bucyrus School district, and here the senior grammar had quarters. 'there was a wave throughout the state for large school buildings, and on Feb. 24, 1866, a proposition was submitted to the people to levy a tax of $40,000 to build a handsome new structure. The vote was yes 160, no 275, a majority of 106 against a large building. More room was absolutely necessary and the hoard submitted another proposition on April 13, 1867, asking for $10,000 or $20,000 for a new building. The vote resulted, For a $20,000 levy, 102 ; for a $10,000 levy, 7; against any levy 44. The $20,000 proposition carried, and with this as a starter the board commenced the present building. A. Koehler of Cleveland was the architect who drew the designs, and when he presented them to the board, they were all so pleased that they later let the contract to the Bucyrus Machine Works to construct the building for $46,900. In the fall of 1867 the work commenced, and in April r868. the old building was torn down, and the corner stone of the new one laid by the Masonic fraternity on July 30, 1868, in the presence of 5,000 people. Rev. Joshua Crouse and John R. Clymer, editor of the Forum, delivering addresses in English, and Rev. Jacob Graessle, in German. The foundation was completed and the walls were up, when money ran short, and an additional $20,000 was asked for. Many were indignant at the manner in which so large a structure nad been contracted for against their wishes, yet the people had such a pride in the handsome structure, that the levy was authorized, the vote standing for the tax 195 against 144. From April 1, 1868, until Jan. 1, 1869, schools were discontinued to save money to complete the building. It was useless to ask for more money ; the Congregational Church was sold to the Baptists for $2,750 and everything salable was turned into cash, and by Feb. 1, 1869, the building was under roof. On Jan. 1, 1869 the schools had started, the high school in the Blair Hall, the senior grammar in the District schoolhouse on Warren street, and the Intermediate and Primaries in the old frame. On Sept. 18, 1869 the building was dedicated, Chapel Hall being crowded, and many unable to gain admittance A dedicatory poem written by William Hubbard was read by John R. Clymer; addresses were delivered by State School Commissioner D. W. Hinkle, Rev. A. S. Millholland, C. W. Butterfield Prof. J. C. Hartzler of the Galion schools, Miss Sarah Franz and others, and the affair closed with a Glance. The board was heavily in debt, and $12,000 was asked for. An accounting was demanded. The board made a complete statement. showing the two levies voted had brought in $40,000; from the sale of old buildings. &c., they had raised $5,000. The amount paid the Bucyrus Machine Company on their contract was $50,415.69: the furniture, heating outbuildings and other necessary expenses amounted to $25,000 more. AVith receipts from the regular school levies and the bond sales the board had spent $120,000 in the past four years in running the schools and on the building. The report showed that while there were some expenses that might have been avoided, there was nothing dishonest and nothing to reflect on the business integrity of any mcinher of the board. Yet the people were AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 409 indignant at the manner in which an expensive building had been forced upon them against their wishes, several times expressed by their vote, and the money was refused, the vote standing, Yes 151; No, 292. The debts had to be paid and a friendly Legislature was appealed to and they authorized the Board of Education to make the levy, and it was done. The people, however, at the first election voted out of office every member of the board when he came up for reelection. Yet inside of ten years all took such a just and natural pride in what was then the largest and handsomest school building of any town in the state, that opinion changed, and they gave credit to the men who, exercising their own judgment against the wishes of the people, had seen fit to build the handsome structure believing that the people would later recognize they were acting for the best interests of Bucyrus and its school children, and while not one of the members of that board is alive today, every one lived long enough to see his act approved by the large majority of his fellow citizen :. The board who built the present schoolhouse was made up as follows: i)r. C. Fulton, president; John R. Clymer, secretary; John Franz, treasurer; Judge James Clements, George Donnenwirth, and Samuel Hoyt. In the summer of 1870, Miss Marcella Sw ingly became superintendent of the schools with a salary of $1,100; she was succeeded three years later by F. M. Hamilton, who served the longest term of any superintendent. He commenced in 1873, his salary being $1,7oo. After 22 years he was succeeded in 1895, by J. J. Bliss, who remained 12 years, and in September, 1907, W. N. Beetham became the superintendent. When the new building was first used as a schoolhouse in 1870, the enrollment was 785; of these 38 were in the High School, 182 in the four grammar schools, 266 in the five intermediate, and 299 in the four primary. In 1887 the enrollment had increased to 1,065 , and across the river, were several hundred people, and more school accommodations being necessary, the North Side schoolhouse was built: and as the occasion demanded other school buildings were erected, the West Side building in 1895, when the enrollment showed 1,325, and the East Side building in 1903, and the South Side building in 1912, and arrangements are being made for the building of a Central High School building. The High School, which in 1870 had an enrollment of 38 and occupied one room ill the new building today has an enrollment of 295, and occupies the entire third floor and a part of the second of the large Central building, tile one teacher then has increased to a principal with nine instructors of the various branches. The total school force is now 41, the superintendent, 38 teachers, and two special instructors. The veteran teachers of the past were Mrs. Caroline P. Wiley, widow of George Wiley, who was the second probate judge of the county, elected in 1854, and died in August, 1855. In 1857 Mrs. Wiley commenced teaching in the public schools, and resigned in 1892, after a service of 35 years, filling her position in the primary grade under seven superintendents. The other veteran teacher was Miss Sarah Sheckler, who commenced in 1865, and taught in various departments until 1897, a period of 32 years. Of the present teachers, Miss Emily Sheckler began in 1873 and Miss Lizzie Stauffer in 1874. The first class was graduated in 1870, and numbered six, all young ladies, Sarah Franz, Mary Ho~venstein, Anna Sears, Sallie Sins, Emma Summers and Kate Swingley. The next class had but three and the class of '72 had nine, when the first young men were graduated, Thomas P. Hopley and Charles Picking, the former being the first president of the Alumni Association, which was organized in 1878. The youngest graduate was Charles J. Scroggs, who completed the school course before he had reached his fourteenth birthday. He was a member of the class of '77. In 1860 the Ohio State Normal School was organized at Bucyrus with Martain Deal as president, the first term started on Aug. 13 of that year; the rooms were in the third story of the Quinby Block and over each window in large letters was painted the name of the institution. There were 24 windows in the building, and the singularity was the name allowed a letter over each window with a window intervening between each word. Isaac F. Bangs was the principal of the school, with Miss Harriet M. Angel as assistant. The first term had an enrollment of 54. This was in- 410 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY creased the next year to jo, but war times came on, limiting the attendance, and on Feb. 13, 1863 the school was discontinued. The first teachers' institute was held in 1850, commencing on March 18, and continuing one week, and there was an attendance of 30. A second was held in October of the same year with 3 present, and the third in April, 1861. In the early days nearly all business was done by exchange of commodities, what one man had he exchanged with his neighbor for what he night want that the neighbor had. And even merchants purchased their supplies more with an exchange. of commodities than with cash. The farmer brought in his is dozen eggs or more, and exchanged them for a yard of calico or less. If any man accumulated too much money, he secreted it about the house, or buried it in his yard. That is, if it was real money, gold or silver. For the money in those early days was mostly paper issued by banks in the larger cities. If he had these, he promptly paid them out for more land or something tangible, as they were of such fluctuating value that their purchasing power varied from nothing up to few cents below par. No man was so wise, but lie frequently found his stock disposed of for currency which had little or no value. Leading merchants had a bank detector which they received weekly which gave the value of all notes issued by the different banks in the United States, so they might know the value of all currency, and also keep posted on the counterfeit notes in circulation, for the money was cheaply printed and easily imitated. Business men kept their own money, and in 1848 Dr. R. T. Johnston had a drug store, and one night was aroused by the cry of "fire," and hurried to the scene and found that his own store was in danger. He knew that in his desk was a wallet containing a large sum of money. The building was filled with smoke, but he found his way to his desk which he unlocked, took out the wallet and made his exit by the back door, and here half suffocated, be staggered into purer air and falling, dropped the pocket book among the debris in the backyard. There was no time for further search and he was compelled to abandon the wallet. The next morning after a two hours' search he found the wallet in the ruins at the back of the building with several hundred dollars safe inside. The town was increasing in business, and in 1849 William W. Miller and Paul I. Hetich started a broker's office in the Hetich Block, now 119 South Sandusky. Mr. Miller came to Bucyrus with his father Peter Miller in 1835, and their first work was to haul dirt from over the river to fill up the Public Square, which was under water about half the year. With his father, in December of that year, they purchased the Moderwell building where the Hotel Royal now stands for $850 and started a store. The firm was Peter Miller & Son uutil the father died in 1839, when Mr. Miller conducted the business alone, until the building was destroyed by the fire in 1848, which burned a dozen buildings on the southwest corner of the Square. Mr. Miller had propered. Paul I. Hetich came from Pennsylvania in 1837, was interested in a saw mill at Olentangy, and he too had prospered. So they started the first bank in Bucyrus. They put out a sign with only the words "Hetich & Miller, Exchange Brokers." Their business was the exchanging of the notes of different States; a merchant going east, went to the office, and exchanged what western bank notes he had for notes. on eastern banks, as western notes were only taken in the east at a very heavy discount. Similarly people coming from the east, had their money exchanged for western notes, a per cent being charged for the exchange. Another line was the buying of uncurrent funds,"—the notes of broken or badly demoralized banks. Still another was the lending of the money, the interest being only limited by the emergency of the borrower and what he would stand. In the thirties, E. B. Merriman had need of money as he had a bargain in some cattle to take east. Money was not to be had in Bucyrus, so he rode across the country to Norwalk and secured of John Gardiner who ran a hank there. $i,000, bought his cattle, took them east and sold them. After the sale he discovered a bargain in a large line of mercantile goods and he purchased the entire lot which he brought to Bucyrus, and when pay day came he had plenty of merchandise, but no money; Gardiner wrote. and Merriman explained the situation and stated that when the goods were sold, he would AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 411 meet the note; time passed until three years rolled by, when Mr. Merriman wrote that at te next payment of the Indians of their anuties allowed by the Government he would we the money ready. Gardiner drove across ith his wagon; the Government paid the Indians in silver, and as fast as they were paid off they paid the accounts they owed Mr. Merman, and when Mr. Gardiner returned he ok with him over $2,700 in silver, the interest wing been 40 per cent compounded annually. he Gardiner Bank is still running, and is now the Norwalk National, with John Gardiner as president, over 90 years of age, and at the office nearly every day. Hetich & Miller were probably more modest in their interest charges, it still their only limit was what the customer ould stand. The exchange office was so successful, that one of the proprietors was known as the "rich filler." On April i8, they started the Bucyrus Bank, with a capital stock of $20,000. It as located in the old Ward building, then the Miller Block, where the Flohr shoe store now. The owners of the bank were Paul I. Hetich, William W. Miller, George Quinby, ranklin Adams of Bucyrus; David Anderson of DeKalb, R. W. Musgrave of Sulphur Springs, Abraham Momnett of Crawford County, John Sherman, James Purdy and William S. Granger of Mansfield. Paul I. Hetich was president and David Anderson, jr., shier. In 1856 the bank reorganized, Hetich, Miller, Adams and Musgrave becoming the proprietors. Paul I. Hetich was president, with George Quinby as cashier, succeeded by Gerard Reynolds and later in 1856 by Frank Patterson who held the position until January 1, 1861, when he was succeeded by David Fullerton, and on July 1, 1861, the bank scontinued business. On Monday, April 21, 1856, the Exchange Bank commenced business in a frame building the west end of the Quinby Block, with gorge Quinby as president and Gerard Reynolds as cashier. James B. Gormly had just mpleted a business course at the Cincinnati Commercial College, and entered the bank as her. Mr. Quinby was at that time treasurer the Ohio and Indiana road and the bank was depository for the railroad funds. The stock the road was very low, and the bank frequently bought up the road's certificates at 5 cents on the dollar. The bank once bought of James McLean $2,000 of stock for $100. Later that same year the road was consolidated with the Ohio and Pennsylvania, and stock went up rapidly. The bank removed to No. 2 Quinby Block until Mr. Quinby could erect the three western rooms of his building and when these were completed the bank returned to the old corner. The bank discontinued business in the spring of 1861, Mr. Quinby went into other business and Mr. Reynolds entered the army, became major in the cavalry service and was killed while leading a charge at the battle of Roanoke, on June 25, 1864. The Peoples Deposit Bank commenced business on Aug. 1, 1859, and has been in business ever since, the oldest bank in Bucyrus. It was organized by John A. Gormly and his son James B. Their room was the west room of the Rowse Block. John A. Gormly was president and James B. Gormly, cashier. One important affair occurred in this room. One day in cashing up they found the funds an even one thousand dollars short. There was no way to account for the loss except from an overpayment; there was but one transaction in which they believed the error could possibly have occurred; the man was seen, but he assured them there was no overpayment in the transaction. There was no proof and the bank fathered the loss. The father and son were both satisfied as to who had the money, but like the bankers they were, the soul of honor and integrity, they never hinted the name to any one, and the identity of the guilty person is known to but one man, the present president of the bank, who has carried the secret for over 50 years. In 1860 Tames P. Bowman built his block at the corner of Sandusky and Rensselear; the north room was fitted up expressly for the bank, and here it was moved to its new quarters in August, 1861. In August, 1862, the bank had $20,000 in gold, and the war had sent gold to a premium. Starting at a small per cent it had gone up to 6 and 8, and was constantly advancing. Finally the president wrote to a personal friend, the president of the Nassau Bank. in New York, asking advice, and he said they had better sell as "he did not see how it could possibly go any higher." In August of that year it had reached 14 per cent 412 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY premium, and Mr. John A. GorMly went east to personally look over the situation, and while there sold at 15 per cent, premium, clearing $3,000. (Later gold reached $3.85.) On may 28, 1864, the bank was reorganized as the First National Bank with a capital stock of $100,000, its number being 443. There were a thousand shares of $100 each, and there were 34 stockholders, and of these but two are still living, James B. Gormly and Benjamin Sears. They inet on April 18, 1864, to organize. and a committee of three consisting of John A. Gormly, James P. Bowman, and William M. Reid were appointed to report the names of seven directors. when the committee retired, Mr. Gormly regretted being on the committee as he expected to be one of the new directors ; Mr. Bowman expressed a similar view, Mr. Reid said they certainly ought to be on, and wrote the names of the seven directors, naming everyone himself ; they were reported to the stockholders and promptly elected. These first directors were John A. Gormly, James P. Bowman, James S. Kerr, John Kaler, Horace Rowse, Benjamin Sears and John Monnett, Mr. Sears being the only one still living. The directors organized by electing John A. Gormly president. and James B. Gormly cashier. By Jan. 2, 1865, there was another accumulation of gold, amounting to $1,500, and this was sold at $2.25 amounting to $3,375. In June, 1864, George C. Gorinly entered the hank as assistant cashier. On May 8, 1868, John A. Gormly died and James B. Gormly became president with George C. Gormly as cashier. The charter was renewed in 1884 and again in 1904. In 1893, the bank was officered by the Gormlys, James B. Gormly being president: his brother George C., vice-president ; John Clark Gormly, son of the vice-president, cashier, and James P., jr., son of the president, assistant cashier. Clark Gormly went into business at Cleveland, and was succeeded as cashier by James B. Gormly, jr., and on his death H. E. Valentine was cashier with Edwin G. Beal as assistant cashier. On the retiring of Mr. Valentine, Edwin G. Beal was elected cashier. while Mr. James B. Gormly is president the active duties of the office are cared for by his son-in-law, W. H. Picking, one of the vice-presidents. In 1867, John Scott, J. N. Biddle and R. W. Musgrave, organized the banking house of Scott Biddle & Co., their bank being what is now the south room of the Deal House, the present office of the Bucyrus and Marion electric. May 18, 1868, on the death of Mr. Musgrave, his interest was transferred to Franklin Adams as trustee. In 1873 the bank was re-organized as the Scott & Adams Bank and so continued until Jan. 1, 1819, when the bank was discontinued, Mr. Scott going to Cleveland. On Dec. 12, 1881, the Monnett Bank was organized, with a capital stock of $50.000, the following being the organizers: E. B., J. T., A. E., M. H., and M. W. Monnett, J. H. Malcolm, J. C. Tobias, L. H. Ross, and George Donnenwirth, every one being a son or son-in-law of Abraham Monnett, excepting Mr. Donnenwirth. The bank was opened in the Miller Block, now the Flohr shoe stole, and its first officers were E. R. Monnett, president: George Donnenwirth vice-president : M. W . Monnett cashier, W. A. Blicke assistant cashier. In 1892 it was reorganized as the Bucyrus City Bank with a capital stock of $60,000. By degrees the Monnetts all disposed of their stock with the exception of J. C. Tobias. and George Donnenwirth became president, J. H. Robinson, cashier, and W. A. Blicke as assistant cashier, In 1897 they bought the corner they now occupy and built the three-story brick. Mr. Donnenwirth has remained as president ever since his first election. Mr. Robinson became vice-president and W. A. Blicke, cashier. It is the only private bank in the city, and has resources of over a million dollars. On Jan. 1, 1878, the Crawford County bank commenced business in the old Boenvan Block, which stood where the present Second National Bank building is located. It was organized with a capital stock of $50,000 by Abraham Monnett, George W. Hull, L. W. Hull, E. Blair, and Lovell B. Harris of Upper Sandusky. Abraham Monnett was president: G. W. Hull, vice-president: L. W. Hull, cashier, and M. W. Monnett, assistant cashier. On March 19, 1881, Abraham Monnett died, and George W. Hull became president. On Jan. 1, 1885 it was reorganized as the Second National Bank, with G. W. Hull as president, M. J. Monnett, vice-president: J. C. F. Hull as cashier; W. P. Rowland, assistant cashier; J. H. Robinson, teller. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 413 On the death of G. w. Hull In 1890, M. J. monnett became president, filling the position until he went west when E. Blair became president, a position he held until his death in June of this year, when G. K. Zeigler was elected. J. C. F. Hull continued as cashier until he joined his brother-in-law Al. J. Monnett, in the west, in 1907, when A. G. Stoltz became cashier. The Farmers and Citizens Banking and Savings Company was organized as a State bank on Oct. 5, 1907. the first board of directors was C. R. Rowe, R. O. Perrott, F. C. Heinlen, Fred Schiefer, D. B. Eichelberger, Henry H. Heiser, Samuel Fouser, James Decker, Jacob Bach, W. H. Angene, A. S. Leuthold. The directors organized by electing G. W. Miller, president; Amos Keller and T. M. Kennedy, vice-presidents; H. E. Kiess, cashier, They opened in the Lake room in the Quinby Block on Jan. 6. 1908, and removed to their present room on May 9 of the same year. Bucyrus has also two flourishing Building and Loan Associations which have been in existence twenty years. The Bucyrus Building and Loan Association, with James w. Miller as secretary, and the People's Savings, Loan and Building Company, A. J. Richards, secretary. CHAPTER XXV CITY OF GALION. First House in Galion—Pioneers of Galion—Arrival of Asa Hosford—His Enterprise—The Part Played by Col. Kilbourne in Locating Site of Galion—Various Names of thr Early Settlement —Agreement Between Samuel Brown and John Ruhl—The Two Galions—First Business Industry—Post Office Established—Postmasters—Coming of the Railroad and Subsequent Prosperity—Visit of Kossuth—The Part Played by German Settlers in Galion's Upbuilding— John Kraft—Population--Incorporation as a City -Public Buildings—Opera House—First Theatrical Entertainment—Religious Development—Schools—Societies—Graveyards and Cemeteries—Fire Department—Lightinn( System—Street and Sewer Improvements— Banks—Building and Loan Associations -Hotels—Public Library—Police Department—Telephone Service—Honor to Galion Founders. Who'll press for gold this crowded street, A hundred years to come? Who'll tread you church with willing feet, A hundred years to come? —ANONYMOUS The first known house erected on the present site of Galion was on the south bank of the Whetstone on Union street. It was of poles and bark and was built by the Indians, they having a village on that stream, and a few of their houses and wigwams were there when the first pioneers arrived. The first settlers came in 1817, and were Benjamin Leveridge and his two sons, Nathaniel and James. At that time there were a number of springs southwest of where the large central school building is, and here Benjamin Leveridge and his sons cut down the trees and built a small log cabin, with one window and no floor, and as soon as it was under cover, another was built for James a short distance south, on what is now Grove avenue. The third was built for Nathaniel on what is now the public square, and he dug the first well. He had selected the high ground, and was compelled to carry his water at the start from the springs near his father's place: water was easily obtainable at a very little depth so he put in a well of his own. The next year saw several more arrivals, David Gill and his brother-in-law, George Wood, John Sturgis, John Williamson, Nathaniel and Nehemiah Story, and John Kitteridge. In erecting a cabin for John Williamson, southeast of the square, while raising one of the logs into position, John Leveridge was killed, an unmarried son of Benjamin Leveridge. He was buried on the northeast corner of his father's land, where Boston street joins Main, and the first graveyard was started. Gill and Wood entered land north of the Whetstone, where they built their cabins. Sturgis built a small log cabin west of the Whetstone and north of the Galion road. When young Leveridge was killed, Williamson left his cabin unfinished, returned to the Williamson settlement east of Galion, and later came back and built a new cabin. The Storys and John Kitteridge arrived late in the year, and took possession of the abandoned Williamson cabin, which they completed and here they spent the winter, the next spring building a cabin, on the east bank of the Whetstone where the Galion road now crosses the river, Benjamin Sharrock came the same year, built a cabin near the Storys, where his family made their home to til lie could huild on his - 414 - AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 415 land further down the river, and when his log cabin was completed moved there with his family. Benjamin Leveridge was the headquarters of the little settlement. The year 1820 saw the arrival of William Hosford, and his two sons, Asa and Horace; also, John Atwood, John Bashford, James Dickerson, Samuel Brown, Samuel Doney, John Dunmeier. Of these Brown, Dunmeier and Doney entered land outside of what is now Galion. Settlers at a distance were now speaking of the settlement as Leveridge's, although it was only half a dozen log houses scattered over three or four square miles. Of these first settlers the Storys and Kitteridge devoted their time to hunting and trapping; George Woodand David Gill was a man of good education, but as there was as yet no use to which he could put his knowledge, he assisted his brother-in-law at carpentering. James Kilbourne had surveyed a road from Columbus to Lake Erie known as the Columbus and Portland road, and when the survey reached what is now Galion he made overtures to the Leveridges to run the road over their land and lay out a town, but Leveridge did not take kindly to the giving of half the receipts for the sale of the lots to Kilbourne, and besides he objected to cutting up his good farm land. Kilbourne stopped with Benjamin Leveridge for several days while surveying the road, and there was a dispute over the prices charged, so when the road was finally laid out it passed west of Benjamin Leveridge's land, along the east bank of the Whetstone, where the ground was low, and overflowed in the spring. It was the idea of Col. Kilbourne to lay out a town half way between Columbus and the Lakes, and the ideal spot he found was on the high ground on the Leveridge land. Being unable to make any arrangement with Leveridge, he continued north with his survey and he met Asa and Horace Hosford, who had come from the east and were looking for a location. He told them of an excellent site for a town, where the land was good, and if a part of the Leveridge land could be secured the town would be laid out there; if not the road would be changed so as to pass just west of that land. Asa Hosford was at that time a young man of 20, and already showed signs of that strong force of character and shrewd business ability which were his predominating characteristics later in life. He and his brother went to the Leveridge settlement to look over the location. It was on Saturday, Sept. 19, 1819, that Asa Hosford and his brother Horace walked into what is now Galion, and went direct to the cabin of Benjamin Leveridge. Here they spent Sunday, and while Leveridge urged the young men to settle in that locality, he absolutely refused to give up any of his own land, but showed them other available sites. The Hosfords returned to Norwalk and spent the winter writing their gather of the location they had selected, and in the spring of 1820 William Hosford, with his family, joined his two sons at Norwalk and they settled on the half section west of Leveridge, where later the Portland road was located, as stated it would be by Col. Kilbournc. What is now Main street, Galion was a half section line, and where this line crosses the Portland road it was originally an old Indian trail that led to the Indian village at Upper Sandusky. This trail was developing into a road by being used by settlers going west to the new lands. At the junction of the Portland road and this pioneer road the Hosfords settled. William Hosford erected a double log cabin on the south side of the road a few rods east of the crossing, which he used for a dwelling and also for the entertainment of travelers. Horace, one of the sons of William, erected a blacksmith shop on the southeast corner of the crossing just east of his father's, where he followed his trade. George Wood established a wagon and cabinet-maker's shop on the northeast corner; John Kitteridge a shoe shop and tannery on the northwest corner, and a little later William Hosford started a general store on the southwest corner. When William Hosford sold his double log cabin to his son Asa. he built another log cabin on the east side of the Portland road, just south of the crossing, and in this he lived until he built his store at the crossing, which was known by the various names of "Moccasin," "Horseshoe." "Hard Scrabble," "Spang Town," "Hosfords" and "Goshen." It was called "The Corners" from its location at the 416 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY crossing of the two roads; "Hosford's Settlement," as there were three Hosfords there in business. These names were the popular names among the residents in that section. "Moccasin" and "Horseshoe" were names given it by the Indians, and referred to John Kitteridge's shoe shop and Horace Hosford's blacksmith shop, both largely patronized by the Indians. Slang Town and Hard Scrabble were names bestow ed upon it by the residents of the settlement, or those who had land near the Leveridges, half a mile east, and were jealous of the town. The Leveridge settlement referred to it as a place where it was hard scrabbling to make a living, while those proud of the little cluster of houses spoke of it as a spang town in which to live. The name Goshen was given it by William Hosford in honor of his native village, which was Goshen, Litchfield county, Conn. As the adjoining lands were entered and settled upon by the early pioneers, and the surrounding country became more thickly inhabited, the necessity of a post office became more and more apparent. Accordingly a petition was signed by the citizens in 1824, and forwarded to the Post Office Department at Washington requesting that a post office be established at the "Corners," and that it he named Goshen, and that Horace Hosford he appointed postmaster. John McLean of Cincinnati was postmaster general, and when he took that office in 1823 the department was in a very disordered and inefficient condition, and under him it was reduced to some system. In the early days post offices were always established near some section where there were a number of settlers, and long before a town or village was started. and the post office was given the name of the township in which it was located. In this county, the offices of Auburn. Chatfield, Lykens, and Whetstone were started for the convenience of settlers living in the neighborhood, and were named after the township in which they were located. At the time the request was made for the name of Goshen. there were already six townships of that name in the state, and a post office of the same name in Clermont county. So the postmaster general wrote theta it would only add to the confusion existing by establishing another Goshen and suggested the name of Galion. And on June 24, 1825, the Galion post office was established with Horace Hosford as postmaster. Just as the settlement was known by several names, so was the post office given several spellings, and in the files of the paper; the records of the court house, and even the gazetteers prior to 1840, it is spelled sometimes with an "e'' and sometimes with a double "1." but these spellings were all erroneous, as the post office department states the name ha, always been carried on their records as Galion, the same spelling as today. Where the Postmaster General found the name, it is impossible to say; he objected to Goshen, on the ground of duplication, and now nearly a century has passed since he gave it its name, and nowhere in the United States is there a town of the same name ; the nearest approach to it is a place called Galleon, about twenty miles from Paris. France. Even in the early days it was impossible to find a reason for the name, John Kilbourne, who published the first gazeteers in the State, and tried to give the origin of all names, in his Gazetteer of 1831. published the following: "Galion—the name of a post office in Richland county, supposed to be that in Sandusky township. It is one of that numerous class of worse than useless and insignificant names, which confound the nomenclature of towns and post offices in the western country.'' The permanent arrival of Asa Hosford with his father and brother, in 1820 was the commencement of Galion, and for more than sixty years practically every interest and every improvement in that city found as its warmest supporter, and its recognized head, Asa Hosford. In times of emergency, and in times of depression all looked to him, and lie responded with all his vigor and his genius, and practically all that Galion is today it owes to Asa Hosford. And when the time comes, as cone it will, that the city lie budded lays out some park, it would he only a just and fitting tribute to the memory of Galion's most progressive citizens that it should be called Hasford. In the next few years there was quite a settlement in that section: John Cracroft and Jacob Miller came in 1821 : Rev. Tames Dnnlap. William Murray. John Eysman. John AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 417 Hauck, John Jeffrey, Wm. Murray, Alexander McGrew and Rev. John Rhinehart in 1822; Owen Tuttle in 1813; James Auten and Nathan Merriman in 1824; William Neal, George Row, James Reeves, and John Schawber in 1825 ; John Ashcroft, Jonathan Ayres, Thomas Harding, Phares Jackson, and John Sedous in 1826; Francis Clymer and Rev. John Smith in 1828 and Samuel Gerbrecht in 1829. Many of these settled at the corners; others in the Leveridge part, and still others on farms near the two settlements. When Asa Hosford, at the suggestion of Col. Kilbourne, endeavored to secure a part of the Leveridge land, a friendship was formed between the two which existed through life. Hosford had confidence the section was a site for a thriving town, but like Kilbourne he was satisfied the place was on the higher ground. But Hosford had no money, and Col. Kilbourne had surveyed a new road from Columbus to Sandusky, eleven miles further west, and had laid out the town of Bucyrus. Hosford in the meantime assisted his brother in the blacksmith shop, and helped Wood at the carpentering business, and turned his attention to whatever odd jobs he could secure. His father's double log cabin at the Corners was the largest building, and here travelers were given meals and lodging, but William Hosford had no desire to run a tavern, only caring for travelers as an accommodation, and in 1824, Asa Hosford took charge of the tavern, and his father built and opened a store. Asa Hosford ran a regular tavern, and being single his sister assisted him as the landlady. In 1825 he secured a permanent landlady by marrying Miss Alta Kent of Bucyrus, and he ran the tavern for several years. In the meantime he had saved $100, and with this he bought 43 acres on the higher ground to the east, on the advice of Col. Kilbourne. as both agreed this was the proper place for the town. He built a frame barn at the Corners. and later the first frame house in Galion, on the northeast corner of the Square. He did fairly well with his hotel, and in 1829 entered into negotiations with Samuel Brown to join with him and lay out a town. In 1830 John Ruhl arrived with his family, a wife and five sons, Michael. Jacob. Levy. Henry and Peter, and a daughter Rebecca. who later married Isaac Criley. When they arrived the Ruhls made their home at the Corners in a log cabin without a floor. John Ruhl carne from York county, Pa., where he had prospered, and for those days was wealthy. He was a man of good judgment and the strictest business integrity. He had the means, and purchased much of the land where the city of Galion now stands. The centre of section 31 is two blocks west of the Square, at the junction of Boston and Main street. The northeast quarter of this section lie sold to his son Jacob, and the southeast quarter of the same section he sold to his son Michael. This land extended from Boston street east to South street. Year this land was the 43 acres owned by Asa Hosford. The northeast quarter was bought from Samuel Brown, and the contract between Ruhl and Brown for this quarter section is interesting: "Article of Agreement, made an entered into this first day of August, A. D. 1831, between Samuel Brown, of Sandusky Township, Richland County, Ohio, yeoman, of the one part, and John Ruhl, of Sandusky Township, and Crawford County and State aforesaid, yeoman, of the other part "Witnesseth, That the said Samuel Brown, for the consideration hereinafter mentioned, cloth grant, bargain and sell unto the said John Ruhl, a certain tract of land, with all thereonto belonging (excepting one acre in the southeast* corner of it, which being sold for a churchyard), situated in Sandusky Township, Richland County, aforesaid, being the northeast quarter of Section 31, Township 20, Range 20, and containing—acres, and adjoining the public road leading from Mansfield to Bucyrus, Frederick Dickson and others, for which the said John Ruhl is to pay unto the said Samuel Brown, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, in the manner following, viz : Eight hundred dollars in hand on the first day of September next, and seven hundred dollars on the first day of September, in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty-three. The said John Ruhl is to have six geese, six hens and one rooster, to be delivered till to the said Ruhl when said Brown gives full possession, and the said Ruhl is to have *This should he southwest. The graveyard was in the southwest corner of section 31. 418 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY liberty to cut timber, dig, etc., on said land from the date hereof, and the said Brown is to give the said Ruhl a good right and title for said tract of land when he pays the hand money. But the said Brown is to have the crops now on the ground, and have privilege to live on the said land until the first day of April next; then he is to deliver up all onto the said John Ruhl, excepting the house now on the State road (now occupied as a schoolhouse), which, in case said Brown would not move on the first day of April next, he is to have the privilege of living in two months after, and Sarah Brown is to have stuff for a new frock when she signs the writing.* The said Brown is to have the privilege of sugar camp next to the house, and all the pasture on the farm, excepting the six-acre meadow. But Ruhl is to have privilege to plow the fields. For the true performance of the above agreement, both parties bind themselves, their heirs, executors or administrators, one to each other, in the sung of thirty hundred dollars. In witness whereof, both have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and the year first above written. "Witnesses SAMUEL BROWN. (seal) "JOHN RUHL. (seal) "ASA HOSFORD, "BENJ. GROVE. This sale of land by Brown to John Ruhl was an astonishment to Mr. Hosford, when he was called upon to witness the agreement, as it prevented the carrying out of his e~tpectations of laying otit a town in partnership with Mr. Brown. It appears the Ruhls also had an idea that the high ground was the proper place for the town, and Jacob and Michael Ruhl who now owned the east half of section thirty-one, went to Hosford and asked what price he would take for his land. Mr. Hosford saw that it Was useless to attempt to lay out a town in competition with the Ruhls, and to have at least some compensation for his disappointment he asked what was then quite a high price, which the Ruhls paid cheerfully and without demur. In fact, it can be said of the Ruh1s, father and sons, that while they were shrewd business men they *In early days it was a frequent habit that the wife should receive some present for signing a deed. paid the very highest price for any land they wanted. Having now secured the land they sent for the surveyor of Richland county, the land being then in Sandusky township of that county, and on September 10, 1831, the present town of Galion was laid out by Michael and Jacob Ruhl. The original plat commenced at the alley, half way between Liberty and Columbus streets, and extended west to the alley, half way between Union and Boston streets. The only east and west street was Main, the north and south streets were Columbus, Market and Union. There were but thirty-five lots, and every one fronted on Main street, eighteen on the south side of the street and seventeen on the north. About the centre was the public square. In 1833 the Ruhls laid out a second edition, east of their original plat, extending to South street, including where the Big Four station now is. These lots were still all on Main street, with the exception of eight lots south of their original plat, five on the west side of Market street and three on the east. Two of these lots on the west side were south of Walnut street, and the town now had two east and west streets. John Kraft became the owner of lots i and 3 of the original plat, the extreme eastern lots of the original plat on the south side of Main street. An ancient tax receipt shows these two lots were valued at $14, and were taxed at $1.40. The receipt further shows taxes of $1.51 for chattel property, making Mr. Kraft's entire taxes $3.97. It was now a rivalry between the Galion at the Corners and the Galion laid out by the Ruhls: When they had bought out Hosford, Jacob Ruhl started a hotel in the building on the northeast corner of the square originally erected by Hosford. On the south side they built a frame building in which Michael Ruhl started a store, carrying goods of all descriptions necessary for the settlers in those early days. In connection with this general assortment, he carried quite a stock of medicine and although he was not a physician he advised and prescribed for the settlers. The town grew slowly. It was the recognized site for a village, but it was discouraging to look half a mile to the west, and there on the low and sickly ground to see the busy cross roads set- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 419 tlement with teams passing and repassing on the two roads, and the half dozen little shops patronized by the neighboring settlers. Even the store of William Hosford at the Corners did double the business of the store of Michael Ruhl, which carried twice the stock, but as time went on a gradual change took place, and the little shops drifted from the Corners to the new town, and soon afterwards the post office was removed, and from that time on the Corners became less and less, and today there is not a house on any one of the four corners, which was once the centre of business for that section and a hive of industry, but it has the honor of being the first start of Galion, the place where the present city originated. And now the Corners will undergo another change, for the land around the cross-roads which for more than forty years has been bare of buildings was laid out into town lots in 1911, and will become one of the residence sections of the city, the improved sewerage system of Galion making this once unhealthy site a desirable residence section. Near this section on the south side of West Main street, there still stands the first brick house ever erected in Galion, known as the Clymer residence which was built over seventy years ago, by Jacob Ruhl, and is still used as a residence and is in a fair state of preservation. The first business industry ever established in Galion was a distillery. It was built near the springs-between Atwood and Cherry street by Nathan Merriman, in 1824. Here the settlers disposed of their surplus grain and were enabled to buy whiskey for from i8 to 25 cents per gallon. Owing to the pureness of the water, Merriman made a very good brand of whiskey. Prior to the establishment of the distillery John Hibner had a grist-mill, but this was a mile east of Galion. James Nail also had a grist-mill southwest of Galion, on the Whetstone, and still further down the stream was the Benjamin Sharrock mill. Another mill was the Snyder mill near Middletown, and at one of these the early settlers went to have their grain ground into flour, for in those early days what is now Galion was farming land, and on this land the settlers raised their crops, which they must use to exchange for necessaries. Mr. Dunlap thus speaks of the condition of that section in the early days: "in 1825 we had a manufacturing establishment in Galion erected by Nathan Merriman, of Bucyrus, to make whiskey of our spare corn and rye. About the same time there was a horse-mill put up by Mr. Snyder at Middletown, where we could get grinding done. The farmers for miles around would put a bag of corn or wheat on a horse, with harness on, take another, if he had it, and go to the mill. if his turn came before night all right, if not, he would hitch up in the night and keep himself awake by traveling around after his horse, and thus grinding his own grain, if it were wheat he could turn a crank attached to a bolting cloth, and get his flour bolted by hand, and when his flour was ground would come home whistling and singing as happy as a lark." The Nail and Sharrock mills were run by water power, large mill races having been constructed. When Nail built his mill about 1823 he contracted with Albigence Bucklin at Bucyrus to make the mill stones, and when they were completed went to Bucyrus with an ox team and hauled the stones back to Galion. When Asa Hosford disposed of his property to the Ruhls he purchased land on the Whetstone a half mile west of Galion and here he erected a water-mill, which is still standing. It was built in 1832. The buhrs were made in the east and were shipped by water to Sandusky and he drove to that place and brought them overland, and they are still in use in the mill. While some things about the original mill have been changed, the original leather belts are still in use to convey the flour in the elevator cups to be bolted and sacked. Some of the large logs are of walnut and poplar, the heavier ones being nearly two feet square, and are as solid, and substantial today as when first put in. The liberal use of walnut in the construction of the mill can easily be seen. In the early days more flour was made than the local trade could consume and this excess had to be hauled for forty miles over the old Portland road to Sandusky where it was either sold or shipped to the east. Upon one of the posts in the mill is an inscription which was written shortly after the news came of the election of William Henry Harrison as president, in 1840, and the language 420 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY indicates it was written by a friend of Van Buren, the defeated candidate. The words are "Look out for a storm—llarrison is elected president of the United States of America." Another inscription is the rallying cry of the Whigs in that campaign ""l ippecanoe and Tyler too." Notwithstanding the fact that Hosford was a miller with his business a short distance from Galion he was yet the active man in all important affairs relating to that place. Isaac Criley, who married John Kuhl's daughter, lived on a farm which is now the southeast portion of the city. The west line of his farm was what is now South street. On his land he built the second brick residence at the corner of Wain and Pierce streets. The first brick business block was on the northeast corner of the square where the Commercial Savings Bank now is. The brick was made by Dr. Beard, who had a brick yard just west of the Big Four station. When completed the building was occupied as a store by Davis & Bloomer. Isaac Criley had a carding-machine and fulling-mill and for a time did a good business. The machinery was run by steam and his was the first steam engine ever introduced into Galion. In 1836 Jacob Ruhl started a saw-mill on the \Vlhetstone on North Market street, and this old mill was used for picnic parties and Fourth of July celebrations, at which large crowds were present from the surrounding country, people sitting on the logs to listen to the reading of the Declaration of Independence, and the logs being of further use as tables, on which to serve the meals which the patriotic citizens brought with them. When the first post office was established on June 4, 1825, Horace Hosford was appointed postmaster, and the office was in his blacksmith shop at the Corners. He was succeeded on May 2, 1829 by Calvin T. Dorwin, the office still hein at the Corners. Put when the town of Galion was laid out by the Ruhls in 1831, it so rapidly increased in business that on January 12, 1837, Michael Ruhl was appointed postmaster with the office in his store on the south side of the square. When Hosford was postmaster, in his four years of service the letters received at the office during his entire time did not amount to more than one a day. Letters at that time were delivered by the mail carrier coming on horse back and some times on foot from Mansfield. In those days letters did not need to be prepaid, and it tell upon the recipient to raise the money or go without the letter. Postage at that time was 25 cents per letter. It was about 1834 that a line of stages which had been running from Pittsburgh to Mansfield was continued through Galion to Bucyrus. Jenkins' Gazeteer of 1841 thus speaks of Galion : "The name of a post office and town in Sandusky township, Richland county, about sixty miles northeasterly from Columbus and on the state road leading from Mansfield to Bucyrus, fifteen miles from the former and eleven from the latter place. It contains about 23 dwelling houses, three stores, two taverns, seven mechanics shops, etc. The first buildings were erected here in 1831. The post office is supplied by a tri-weekly mail in two horse coaches running from Wouster to Bucyrus." In had weather it took four horses to draw the coach. Michael Ruhl was postmaster for two years and was succeeded on Nov. 5, 1839, by Solomon P. Nave, and the office was east of the square on the south side of Main street, near the corner of Columbus street. He held the office for nine years, and on Feb. 3, 1848, Daniel Hoover was appointed. He was a cabinet maker and wheelwright, and had a little shop built of hewed logs, on the south side of east Main street, west of the Big Four Road, and the post office was removed to this building. Here it remained nearly a year, when, on Sept. 5, 1849, Jacob Bryfogle was appointed postmaster and the office was taken back to the room it formerly occupied under Nave. On June 21, 1853, John S. Davis was appointed postmaster, and the office was in the Davis & Bloomer store on the northeast corner of the Square. Daniel Riblet became postmaster on Jan. 15, 1855, and the office was in the Riblet dry goods store the frame building west of the First National Bank, now occupied by the grocery store of Frank Snyder. During his term of office Mr. Riblet erected a small frame building across the street, just west of the Central Hotel. On April 22, 1861, H. C. Carhart was appointed postmaster. Ile was a lawyer and one of the leading workers in the new Republican AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 421 party at Galion, and secured the office, and then placed his brother, Elmore Y. Smith, in charge as deputy, and on Nov. 16, 1864, Mr. Smith received the appointment of postmaster, serving for i3 years. During Mr. Smith's sixteen and a half years in charge of the office he started in in the Kesselmeier building, half as block east of the square, then to the Mackey block on South Market, and the Howard block and finally to a little frame on Market street, half a block north of the Square. On Nov. 29, 1877, Robert A. Cow den was appointed and there being a mistake in the name by the accidental insertion of the initial "A," a new appointment was made on Jan. 29, 1878, this time the commission being made out correctly for Robert Cowden, and the post office was removed to the northeast corner of the Square, north of the Commercial Savings Bank, the same site it occupies today. Following Robert Cowden were T. C. Davis, Feb. 6, 1882; William H. Raymond, April 6, 1886; Morris Burns, March 29, 1890; John W. Alsop, April 17, 1894; John W. Cupp, Feb. 16, 1898; George W. Nickels, June 14, 1905. It is a singular fact that the post office records at Washington give the post office as Galion, Richland county, up to 1845, when the eastern four miles of this county was transferred from Richland to Crawford; yet when the post office was at the Corners it was in Crawford county, the dividing line between Richland and Crawford being about 200 feet east of the Portland road. For a number of years much of the trade of Polk township followed the line of the Columbus and Sandusky City road, the farmers using that highway to the Lake markets and bringing back with them such produce as they needed, such as groceries, salt, etc. ; but the stores mostly brought their stock over the mountains from Philadelphia and Baltimore, freight being $5 to $6 a hundred pounds. A strap railroad being built in 1840 from Sandusky to Monroeville, over which the cars were drawn by horses, the farmers after that year took their produce to Monroeville, as they thus saved three or four days of tinge, and secured a better price. After the construction of the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark road as far as Mansfield and Shelby, the latter places became the principal market for the township, and continued to be so until the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad was brought to Galion. This ended the era of taverns on the old highway. The building of this latter road was a great stimulus both to Galion and to the township outside of it, the population increased until in a few years it exceeded that of Bucyrus and its township. I he interests of the township, outside of the city, have always remained agricultural, aside from the stone quarries, tile works, and the saw and grist mills of early days. Notwithstanding the success which attended the efforts of the founders of Galion, and their immediate helpers and successors, and the healthy growth which the place put on, it remained up to 1850 merely a country village—a convenient center for agricultural interests. There were no mines or valuable water privileges to stimulate it to a more rapid growth, and there was no railroad. Galion and Polk township went abroad with their products in search of a market, selling their produce at Mansfield and Shelby, both of which were on the railroad. But a change was now, at hand. The project of a railroad through the township and city began to be agitated and Asa Hosford was entrusted with the responsibility of putting it through during the winter legislative session of 1844-45. As first proposed, it was to end on the south at Columbus and strike the old Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark Railroad at some point near Shelby. Mr. Hosford had to encounter, however, both opposition and indifference. The Richland county people were well aware that with the construction through Galion, Mansfield people would lose much of the trade which they derived from this section, and they had brilliant and able men to protect their interests in the courts and in the Legislature—such men as Gov. Bartley, Thomas Ford, Judge Brinkerhoof, Judge Stuart, Barnabas Burns and others. The people at Bucyrus, also, were not much in sympathy with the proposition, as they were engaged in a desperate contest with Galion to secure the county seat. At that time Thomas Bartley, the president of the Senate, was from Richland. Mr. Hosford succeeded in shelving the county seat question for two years, though it is said that Galion came within one vote of securing the location. The represen- 422 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY tatives of the two north and south extremes of the State were for some time indifferent about the road, as they could not see that the interests of their constituents were affected; but suddenly Cleveland and Cincinnati conceived the idea of extending the road so as to directly unite their respective cities, thus throwing a steel highway across the State from the Lake to the Ohio river. This changed the attitude of their representatives on the question from one of indifference to one of active co-operation with Mr. Hosford. On March 15, 1845, they exhumed an old charter granted for some similar project in 1836, and armed with this went to work. The road was completed in 1851 and was known as the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad. No greater good fortune could have happened to Galion. The road gave her a highway to the markets of the world; she was now herself a market and others came to her to trade. The prosperity of the place was immediately advanced, new buildings were erected, of a more modern type, new interests arose, many of the citizens engaged in new and more promising occupations, and from a country town Galion rapidly assumed the habits and manners of a railroad center. Previous to 1852 there were no houses on Market street south of Walnut, and where the Erie depot now stands was where the citizens took a Sunday stroll when they wanted to take a walk into the country. In 1840 Galion became a borough and elected Joel Todd as the first mayor. The population at this time must have been small, as nine years later it was only 379. In 1859 the Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad, which had secured a charter in February, 1848, completed its road and it was consolidated with the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis Railroad, forming the Indianapolis Division of the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad. Some strips of land had been donated to the company by Alpheus Atwood. The Bellefontaine & Indianapolis shops were finished in 1854. In 1863 the Atlantic & Great Western was finished through Galion and shops were built shortly after. In 1871-72 large brick shops were erected, and these important works, with the large number of men which came in, gave an additional stimulus to the growth of the city. On the 6th of January, r88o, the Atlantic & Great Western road as as Auld by the foreclosure of mortgages and passed into the hands of the Ohio & Pennsylvania Company. This company carried out some important improvements, one of which was the narrowing of the gauge to the standard width. This work was accomplished on June 22, 1880, and all preparations having been carefully made beforehand, clown to the smallest detail, was accomplished in less than half a day. The work of narrowing the trucks of engines and rolling stock took longer to complete and was more expensive, the work on the engines costing on an average about $1,600 each, nearly all of this work being done at Galion. The shops were enlarged from time to time and new machinery put in. On August 14, 1899, the first car of the Ohio Central Traction line was run between Galion and Seccaium park. The construction of the road was commenced in Galion in the early spring of 1899 and pushed rapidly, and two weeks after running to the park the servlve was extended to Bucyrus. Two years later the line was extended eastward to Crestnne. A rival line started to build into Crestline, also, which resulted in the new company buying out the Ohio Central holdings. The line was later extended to Mansfield, and is now a part of the Cleveland, Southwestern & Columbus system. This traction line, besides giving service to Cleveland and Columbus and intermediate points on its own line and their numerous ramifications, gives Galion easy connection with the Pensnylvania lines and the B. & O. at Mansfield, the Pennsylvania at Crestline. the T. & O. C. and the Short Line at Bucyrus, and the Hocking Valley at Marion. Several other traction lines are being proposed; ultimately some of these, at least, will be built, and when this is done it can only add to the material advantage of Galion and her prestige as a railroad center. In January, 1852, Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian patriot, passed through Galion, the first prominent man to pass through the county on a railroad, and J. A. Crever, of the Journal, thus describes the event: "Learning that Kossuth would pass down the railroad from Cleveland to Columbus on Wednesday, February 4th. we with a goodly number of our citizens from Bucyrus went to AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 423 Galion to catch a glimpse of him. We found assembled several hundred persons, who were anxious to see the great man of the age. The cars arrived some minutes after one o’clock with the great Magyar on board. He made his appearance on the platform of the car and was greeted with enthusiastic cheers of those assembled. He did not attempt to make a speech, but talked to those around hint. The cars stopped but a few minutes, but we believe that all present saw Kossuth. He appeared very much worn down. He was asleep when the cars stopped, but was awakened by some of his suite." The editor then writes of the town : "The village of Galion, near the eastern border, is advancing with rapid strides. Many fine buildings have been erected during the past year, and quite a number of business houses and private residences are in course of construction. At this place the Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad unites with the C. C. & C., which passes along the eastern side of the town." Much credit is due to the early German settlers in and around Galion for the part they took in building up the community. Most of them came to this locality direct from Germany, and came with money to buy their land. There was, indeed, little else to buy at the time, but they settled down to hard work, and today many of their descendants, inheriting the sturdy virtues and thrift of their fathers and grandfathers, are among the most prosperous and respected residents of the city and its environs Among them may be mentioned the Rensches, the Sebers, the Eichorns, the Zimmermans, the Cronenwetts, the Bohls, the Krafts, the Rickers, and others. Most of these Germans arrived from 1832 to 1835. Daniel Eichorn, a widower, with four sons and three daughters, arrived in 1835. He possessed considerable wealth and bought a farm south of Galion. John Kraft, Sr., came to the country in 1833, landing at Baltimore, where he worked at his trade of cooper until the next year, when he walked to Ohio, working a short time at Gambier, and then came to Galion. He erected a one-room log cabin, the present site of the city building, which he used as a residence and cooper shop. He made buckets, Pubs, barrels, butter-tubs, etc. One of his receipts shows prices in those days: "Sept. 3, 1835—Received of John Kraft "Six wooden buckets at 62 ½ c ................$3 75 Two wooden buckets at 5oc ................ 1 00 $4 75 "To be sold or returned & paid for when sold. - - "MICHAEL RUHL." In 1836, John Kraft. married Margarethe Eichorn, and from this union there were eight children, and of these the five older were born on what is now the city hall lot, the others on the southwest corner of Columbus and Main. It is a singular fact that four of these children are still living, all daughters: Mrs. Sophia Remy, Fremont, aged 74. Mrs. Catherine Euler, Washington, D. C., 73; Mrs. Lena Hofstetter, Galion, 72; Mrs. Mary Franks, Mansfield, 70. In 1837 Kraft erected a larger shop on the same lot, and in 1845 he bought a tavern from Jacob Bryfogle, which was on the southeast corner of Main and Columbus streets. This he conducted until he erected a brewery on east Main street, where later was the block owned by Henry Row. In 1852 he started a brickyard on his farm just west of Galion, and here made the brick from which the present brewery was erected, the old part of which is still standing, with the new addition added. Here also was made the brick for the old "Bee Line" round house and shops, and he shipped the bricks for the shops at Marion. He continued in the brewery business until 1868, when he retired living on Church street, Galion, where he died in February, 1888, in his 80th year, his wife dying February 13, 1891. In 1840 Galion had a population of nearly 200 people. A line of stages passed through the city, and they had two taverns, three stores and several small shops, and the enterprising citizens decided they were large enough to become a village. In 1840 they elected Joel Todd as mayor, and he was succeeded by George Downer in 1845, Daniel Hoover in 1847, Andrew Poe in 1858, W. C. Parsons in 1860, Charles Quigley in 1864, Peter Cress in 1866, M. V. Crane in 1868, O. T. Hart in 1870, M. Burns in 1872, who resigned and was succeeded by Samuel Myers; Jacob Meuser in 1874. who resigned, having been elected to the 424 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY legislature, and was succeeded by Wilson Armstrong; Abraham Underwood ni 1878. The town had grown and was now on the high road to prosperity; railroads and manufactories had added to the population. The little village of less than 200 under its first mayor tv as about 400 when William C. Parsons became its fourth mayor, and then came the first railroad, and it was followed by another, and in 1860 it was a busy place v ith a population of 1,966 people; another road and still more factories followed, and in 1870 it had nearly doubled its population, and had 3,523, passing Bucyrus, and becoming the largest place in the county, a position it held for forty years. After 1870 its marvelous growth continued, and by 1878 the citizens decided that they had the 5,000 people necessary to incorporate as a city. A census was taken, showing more than the requisite number, and the city of Galion was incorporated, divided into four wards, and in 1879 James R. Homer was elected the first mayor; he was followed by Abraham Underwood, 1881 ; Robert W. Johnston, 1883 ; Charles B. Shumaker, 1885 ; Hugh Ross, 1887; A. C. Squier, 1889; Albe Moe, 1893 ; C. H. Briggs, 1895; J. R. Homer, 1899; D. O. Castle, 1903: W. J. Geer, 1906; W. H. Hartman, 1908 and 1910. The United States census in 1880 showed Galion was a city, as it gave the population as 5.635; in 1890 this was increased to 6,326, and in 1900 to 7,282. The next census was taken in May of 1910, and was not reported until the following January; it gave Galion a population of 7,214. This return was so apparently erroneous that a new enumeration was requested by Galion, but the request was not granted. It was difficult to locate the error until the enumeration by wards was published later, when it was found the serious error had occurred in the first ward, where only 985 names had been returned, the ward having over 1,500 people. The city council in the spring of 1911 ordered an enumeration of the entire city, and the official report to the council showed a population of 8,175 an enumeration officially recognized by the state but not by the government census. The first ward, as anticipated, showed that errors had occurred somewhere or somehow amounting to over 500. In 1873 it was agreed by the authorities of Polk township and those of the corporation of Galion to erect a building for a court room and other public offices, and, after much discussion in regard to the location, lot 48 of Michael and Jacob Ruhl's second addition to Galion was selected. The building was to be 66 x 75 feet in ground dimensions, three stories in height, and to be built of brick and stone. In 1815 the contract was awarded to George Wimmie and in the following year the building was completed. The lower story contained one storeroom, two election rooms (one for city and one for township), one room for Star steamer and hose-cart and one jail room. The second story had six rooms, among them being the mayor's and justice's court room, the council room, fireman's room, and a room to be used temporarily as an infirmary. In the third story was the opera hall, with stage and other accessories. It was arranged that the township should receive two-thirds from opera house and one-third from the rents below. The site of the building cost $3,500 and the cost of the building was $26,336.22, which was generally considered a reasonable price. Many of the citizens, however, remained dissatisfied with the location, especially with that of the opera house, and about 1880 Dr. H. R. Kelly, Davis Stout and John Riblet fitted tip for stage purposes the hall in the upper story of the Sponhauer block, enlarging the stage and providing new scenery. The first theatrical performance given in public in Galion was about i84o by a barnstorming company in the dining-room of the old tavern run by John Kraft. The dining-room was cleared, and planks resting at the ends and middle on chairs, were used for seats. The children bad to sit on the floor in front, owing to the scarcity of seats. The play given was "The Babes in the Wood." The City Hall Opera House was the principal place for entertainments and public meetings for thirty years, when the opera hall was condemned by the state board, so that now the building is used exclusively for city purposes. and for the township offices. The first religious services of which there is any record in Galion, were held at the cabin of Benjamin Leveridge, on Sunday. September 20, 1820. Asa and Horace Hosford had come from Norwalk the day before to see about lo- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 425 cating in that section, and there being no hotel, Mr. Leveridge's was the stopping place for all travelers. The Leveridge cabin was the largest of the three or four that had been built, and on the Sunday morning the Hosfords were there ten or twelve then and a few women came to the cabin and took their seats, and Asa Hosford talked with their concerning the locality and advisability of locating in that section. Finally a tall, raw-boned man appeared, sun-browned and hardy in appearance. He was dressed in a Linsey-Woolsey shirt, wore a belt, and leather pantaloons, had moccasins on his feet, and over his shoulder a powder horn and bullet pouch. In the belt around his waist was a large hunting knife, while across his arm he carried a rifle. The tall man entered and without a word or nod of recognition to anybody, deposited his accoutrements in one corner and took a seat. All sat silent for a few moments, when the hunter arose and sang an old hymn, the audience joining in. Then he knelt and prayed, all kneeling with him. After the prayer he talked for over half an hour, delivered a sermon and the servives were over. Then he talked with those present and they soon departed for their homes, the man remaining to dinner. This preacher was Benjamin Sharrock, who lived about a mile or two southwest, where he later ran a saw-mill, and this was the first meeting between Asa Ilosford and Benjamin Sharrock, both of whom slid so much for the developing of that section, Sharrock in the country and Hosford in the city. He was a Methodist but not an ordained minister, but in the early days expounded the gospel to his neighbors. As settlers arrived services were held in the cabins whenever any traveling missionary passed that way. A year or two after the Hosfords arrived, George Wood and Asa Hosford built a frame barn near the Corners and this, being the largest building, was frequently used as the place for holding services. One of the early traveling preachers here was Russell Bigelow, who traveled this circuit for the Methodists, and for a time was located on a farm near Galion ; also Mr. Matthews. a Presbyterian, who was the first man to receive any pay for his services, the Presbyterians in that section raising a subscription of fifteen dollars a year to reimburse him for his expenses in making Galion one of the points on his rounds. Rev. Sohn Rhinehard came in 1822 and also preached in the barn. Later a log school house was built on West Main street and here services were held, and in other barns when they were first erected. These buildings were used until the settlement was large enough to erect churches. In summer services were frequently held in the open air, the principal places being the grove northwest of the square and also another grove south of the square. here, in the open air, camp meetings were held, and at one of these Bishop Harris, when a young man, was in attendance and became converted. He later became a professor at Delaware liniversity an ordained minister, and eventually the celebrated and prominent Bishop Harris, of the M. E. church. For fifty years Rev. F. J. Ruth was one of the prominent ministers of the Lutheran church, not only in Galion but all over the county. He was licensed to preach by the Lutheran Synod of Maryland in 1830, and came to Galion in 1831 ; in 1835 he organized the church at Bucyrus, caring for charges at Sulphur Springs and Galion at the same time. In 1831 he left Mansfield, and reaching Shelby inquired the way to Galion, but no one there knew of any such place. He continued his journey south and at West Liberty was informed the place they thought he wished to reach was called Horse Shoe. He continued his trip through Leesville and eventually reached the Corners. It was late and he put up at a hotel, which was then on the north side of Main street about two blocks west of the square. Here he found a rough crowd, who gave him to understand there was no opening for a German Lutheran minister in that section, and the next morning, discouraged, he returned to Mansfield. A few days later the Ruhls heard that a German Lutheran minister had been in the village and they went to Mansfield to hear him preach and prevailed upon him to return to Galion. The 1quhls were zealous and earnest Lutherans and the first church of that faith was on land donated by Jacob Ruhl. The first Sunday-school was started by Mrs. Sarah Ruhl and Mrs. Dr. Johnson. Revs. John Stough, Francis Clymer. Ludwig Gerth and John Smith were active in early religious work. 426 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY The Evangelical Lutheran church of Galion was organized by Rev. John Stough in 1831, and the early meetings were held in the cabins of the settlers and in the school houses. Shortly after the church was organized the Sunday-school was started by Mrs. Sarah Ruhl and Mrs. Dr. Johnson, but it was undenominational and largely attended. It was held in the old schoolhouse on North Market street. In 1840 a. brick church was built at the corner of Union and Church streets, being very prettily located in a handsome grove. The corner stone was laid by Rev. F. J. Ruth, and Rev. John Stough was the first pastor. Both English and German Lutherans used the church at the start, but the Germans withdrew in 1843. They were so strong numerically that their withdrawal weakened the English part of the congregation, but under Mr. Ruth and others they finally prospered. In 1867 they moved to their present site on South Market street. The German Evangelical Lutherans were much strengthened by the arrival of so many of their denomination among the Germans, and although they assisted in building the first Lutheran church, in 1843, they sold their interest to the English-speaking members, and united with the German Reform in building a church on South Market street, where services were held in their own language. There was no union of the two churches. It was a joint ownership of the building, both denominations using it and both adhering strictly to their own doctrines. The Lutherans finally bought out the Reformers and in 18i4 enlarged the church by erecting a handsome new addition at the front. The German Reformed church started prior to 1840 with services in the houses, and in 1843 united with the German Lutherans in the building of a brick church which was used in common, until in 1858 the Lutherans bought out their interests, and they in turn bought an acre of ground on West Main street, just west of the old burying ground, and here they remained until r868, when they removed further west on Main near Boston street. One of their ministers was Rev. Abraham Keller, who died of cholera in Bucyrus in 1852. About 1827 Galion was placed on the Methodist circuit, and Rev. Russell Bigelow was the first minister to visit the Methodists, Services were held in whatever new barn had been erected, and in the cabins. Their first building was a small frame on West Main street and donated by Jonathan Fellows. It was land originally owned by Benjamin Leveridge, the first settler in Galion. Here they remained until in 1859 they moved to their present location on the corner of Walnut and Columbus. Prior to 1840, Christian Nast, later one of the most prominent men in the German M. E. church, visited Galion and sowed the seed for a German church. He preached in the old log school house, and later Rev. Nuhfer, who followed Mr. Nast, organized the church, and the first regular minister was Rev. John Bier. They held meetings in the school house and in the other churches, and when the English Methodist church was built in i86o they held services in the basement of that church and finally bought the old frame building erected by the Methodists, and here they remained until 1873, when they sold the building, and it was transformed into a residence, and they erected a fine large brick at the corner of Atwood and Market. It was in 1851, at the time of the coming of the railroad, that the first steps were taken toward the organization of a Presbyterian church at Galion. For several years meetings and occasional services were held at the home of John McClelland, and occasional services in one of the sister churches, and in 1860 a site was secured on South Market street, but the breaking out of the war, and the weakness numerically of the members made the building of the church very slow, but it was finally finished in 1863, and the congregation heavily in debt, after many discouragements, but ever faithful and hopeful, had the satisfaction of wiping out the debt, and placing the church on a solid foundation. The Baptist church was organized in January, 1859. In the spring of 1862 they began the erection of their building on Walnut street, west of Market, and in its erection Elder J. B. Sutton, the pastor, as soon as the foundation was laid, worked as a mason in the laying of the brick until the walls were completed. The building was dedicated August 3, 1862, by Rev. T. W. Oshorn. of Mansfield. For two AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 427 years the Rev. Mr. Sutton filled the pulpit of the church his own hands had assisted in erecting. The United Brethren in Christ commenced the holding of services early in the 4os, the first sermon being preached by the Rev. Francis Clymer in the German Lutheran church at the corner of Union and Church streets. Other early preachers were Rev. W. R. Rhinehart and Rev. Peter Flack. This church held several camp meetings in which there were many conversions. The church was finally organized in 1852, and their church erected on the corner of Walnut and Market streets, and this was the first church erected after the completion of the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati road, and was then on the edge of town. The coming of the railroad brought with it a number of Catholics, and in 1854 they were organized into a congregation by Rev. Matthias Kreusch. Services were first held in the home of Mr. Rudiger, near the C. C. & C. depot, and in 1855 they built a small frame on Main street, east of the railroad track. This they used until they bought the property and erected a church north of the Union School building in 1865, and at the same time started a parochial school. The priest in charge at the time was Rev. John P. Pitts and a part of his parochial duties was the teaching of the school. The membership of the congregation was German and Irish and in 1867 the two separated and both had parochial schools. In 1873 St. Patrick's church was erected at the corner of Washington street and Payne avenue and in 1877 St. Joseph church bought three lots on the corner of Liberty and Church streets. On these lots was the first brick school house built in Galion, and this was remodeled and used by the church until they built their present structtire. In 1869 Rev. George S. Davis visited Galion for the purpose of forming an Episcopal church, and in December of that year an organization was perfected, known as Grace Episcopal church. Mr. Davis remained with the church about six months and was followed by other ministers, efforts being made to have services at least as often as every alternate Sunday. the Baptist church being used. But the church was not yet strong enough and although the organization was kept tip services were discontinued. In 1873 the work was resumed by Rev. Mr. Hilyar, and the hall of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers secured for their meetings. In 1874 they purchased a site on South Union street. Here a very neat chapel was built and the first sermon was delivered in it on December 19, 1875. The congregation was in debt $1,000, but 100 was paid through the work of the ladies of the church and the other $30o was assumed by T. A. Phillips, division superintendent of the A. & G. W., and the church was dedicated on Ascension Day, May 25, 1876. Among those who filled the pulpit in Grace church was Rev. William M. Brown, who after leaving Galion served as archdeacon at Cleveland, and later became the Rt. Rev. Bishop Brown of Arkansas. He has written several valuable works on the history of the church. The Church of Christ first held services in the old frame church on West Main street, and later bought their present site on East Payne avenue, where they erected their present church about 1901. The Christian Scientist church are organized and hold regular services at their rooms in the First National Bank building. The Free Methodists have established a church and hold services in the extreme eastern part of the city on Second avenue. The first schoolhouse erected in Galion was in 1822. George Wood was the carpenter, and on the day selected the settlers all attended and united in the erection of the building. It was of round logs with a clapboard roof. This roof and the sides of the building were stuffed with moss and plastered with clay to keep out the rain. It was built on West Main street, where the Crim residence now stands. It was a well lighted building for those days as three windows were placed in it, and wood being a carpenter and desiring to show what he really could do, when the logs were cut out for the windows, placed window frames in the building. The seats were split logs with the flat sides up, and were made by the settlers themselves. David Gill was the first school teacher. Other early teachers in Galion were Phares Jackson, John Morrison, Joel Todd and James Dunlap. In the early days schools were taught by subscription, the teacher securing what pupils he could at a certain amount per month. 428 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY Of course, the more pupils lie secured the higher his wages, but it was seldom in those sparsely settled regions a teacher could secure enough pupils to make his salary more than eight or ten dollars a month. Many settlers had large fanmilies, so large in fact that only one or two of the children could be sent to school, the parents being unable to pay the tuition fees for all. It occasionally happened that some child who was attending school was sick, or detained at home for some cause. This matter was easily adjusted as the parents sent one of the other children to take the absentee's place. The rule was he had paid for a certain number of days' schooling and he was entitled to that number of days for whatever children he might send and sometimes each child was given a week alternately. It was not until 1847 that a regular school system was introduced in Gallon. Preparing for this new system the officers of school district No. 9, which was the Galion district, made some improvements in their schoolhouse. The contract was with George Rensch, and he was to nuke 15 seats and 15 desks four feet long. The desks were to be r8 inches wide and the seats ten inches broad. He was to make a double desk and two seats eight feet long. He was to build a platform four feet square, raised six inches from the floor, with a desk on it four feet long and 18 inches wide, and build a seat behind the desk. He was also to build a door, put glass in the windows, patch the plastering and furnish all the material. The contract was made on October 20, 1846, and the work was to be completed in a good and workmanlike manner by November 15, and for all this work he was to receive 20 dollars. The old grave-yard was selected as the site of the second schoolhouse, but this building was destroyed by fire in 1834 and was never rebuilt. The third schoolhouse was built of hewn logs on the east side of Market street. the first block north of the square. It was provided with slab seats and "Tim" Mason was one of the teachers. W. C. Parsons taught a school in a room of the Bickler house, across the street from the above schoolhouse. Ludwig Gerth also taught German school in the old log building on the site of St. Joseph's church. It was used as a primary department after the first brick building was erected. School was also held in the United Brethren church on Walnut street, also in the old M. E. church frame building on West Main street. The first brick school was erected in 1847 on the corner of Church and Liberty, and was used as a school house until the erection of the large central building in 1868, when it was used as a woolen mill, and in 1877 purchased by St. Joseph church, who remodeled it and used it as a church, and today it is the parochial school. It was in this brick public schools were first taught. At the start the tax levy failed to keep the schools running more than a few months, and subscriptions were made to continue the schools the balance of the year. There were four schools in the building, No. 1, the primary, was so crowded that it had two teachers, Mrs Crim and Mrs. Hackadorn; No. 2 was taught by Hugh Williams: No. 3 by John R. Clymer, who afterward became county clerk and editor of the Bucyrus Forum ; No. 4 by David Kerr, who was the first superintendent of the Galion schools. Between 1830 and 1840 a wave swept over the state for the laying out of towns. A generation had passed and another wave swept the state which was the erection of large, handsome, central school houses. Galion was not behind her sister towns, and in 1867 it was decided to build a spacious and commodious central building. Prof. J. C. Hartzler was superintendent of the schools, and the Board of Education was composed of P. W. Weber, president: F. A. Keen, secretary; Samuel Shunk. treasurer; Dr. N. E. Hackedorn, Jacob Rihlet and Charles Quigley. The site selected was the north half of the block that extended from Walnut to Atwood, and from Union to Boston streets. It contained four full lots, and cost $9.000. The architect was J. W. Thomas. and the principal contractors were Bird & Woodward, of Mt. Gilead, whose bid was $31.000. The cornerstone was laid on June 19, 1868, but the building was slow in completion, owing to many changes made in the original plans as it progressed, and also the lack of funds. More bonds had to be issued, tmtil finally an investigation was demanded on January, 1872, and T. G. Meuser and S. G. Cummings were appointed to investigate and report. They found that tm to that time the cost had reached $87,571. The building has a frontage AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 429 of 144 feet and a depth of 70 feet. It is three stories in height, the first and second measuring 13 feet and the third 16 feet. The whole is surmounted by two handsome towers, the height from the basement to the top of the towers being 101 ft. 3 in. On the the first floor are five schoolrooms and an office for the superintendent; on the second floor six rooms, and on the third floor four rooms and the assembly hall, with a seating capacity of 600. Prof. I. C. Guinther has been the superintendent for the past 15 years; the high school is in charge of Prof. Frank C. Honnold with a corps of eight teachers, while in the other departments there are twenty-eight teachers. Out of a school enumeration of 1910 there is an attendance of 1,495. The first class was graduated in 1871, and numbered two. Willis Stentz, who became a banker in Galion, and Samuel S. Pague, who later was appointed a cadet at Nest Point, and became an officer in the army. The graduating class today frequently numbers fifty, and a standard oratorio is the feature generally given each year. The growth of the population has far exceeded the capacities of the handsome central building, and ward schools have been erected as needed, the first being made necessary as early as 1879. The city of Galion is provided with the usual number of fraternal and secret societies. The Odd Fellows were the first in the field, the charter of Galion Lodge, No. 215, L O. O. F. being dated March 9, 1853. None of its charter members are known to be living today. This lodge met in various rooms until it leased the third floor of the Hofstetter block, situated near the public square. Here it stayed until it built the third floor of the Kesselmeier block, where it has since maintained its quarters. To-day the lodge is in a prosperous condition, owning its own hall and its room being richly and invitingly furnished. A German lodge of Odd Fellows was at one time organized and continued for some years, but finally the charter was surrendered and the members joined Galion Lodge. No. 215. Lebonah Encampment of Odd Fellows was formed here a number of years ago and is still in existence, while the ladies' auxiliary, known as Cassandra Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, instituted many years ago, is also in a flourishing condition. Masonry attained a permanent footing in Galion when Fidelity Lodge, No. 327, F. & A. M. was granted a charter on October 17. 1860. On October 1, 1868, a second Blue Lodge was instituted and was known as Galion Lodge, No. 414, many of the original members of which are still living. Fidelity Lodge—of whom the only living charter member is Peter W. Weber, met on the third floor of the Hackedorn block, while Galion Lodge occupied the third floor of the Mackey block. A few years ago the two lodges were merged under the name of Galion Lodge, No. 414. They have commodious quarters in the Mackey block, but plans are on foot whereby they will soon own their own building and hall. The Royal Arch Masons received their charter October 11, 1878, as Crawford Chapter, No. 142. The ladies are represented by membership in Naomi Chapter, No. 47, Order of the Eastern Star. A lodge of Red Men was at one time organized in Galion but has long since ceased to exist. The Masons and Odd Fellows held sway for a number of years until Galion Lodge, No. 186, Knights of Pythias, was instituted. It was composed mainly of young men and many of its original members are still living. It first met in Howard's Hall, but some years ago leased the entire third floor of the Hackedorn block, which was remodeled into lodge and banquet rooms and richly furnished. This organization is prospering and is increasing its membership. In 1908 the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks organized Galion Lodge, No. 1191. and two years ago they purchased their own building on East Main street. Other orders are Galion Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, No. 630, who meet at the Eagles Home, west Main street: Galion Nest. No. 1154. Order of Owls. 130 East Main Street: Galion Lodge, No. 303, Loval Order of Moose, who meet in the Howard Block. The first of the so-called insurance fraternities was the railway men's organization known as Division No. 16. Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, which first met in a part of the third floor now occupied by the armory. This lodge is still in existence and continues to prosper. Later on the Order of Railway Conductors, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, and the Brotherhood of Railway Train- 430 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY men, all fraternal railway organizations, were organized and continue to exist, wielding much power for the good of their members, as well as the national organizations. Auxiliaries to these organizations are the Grand International Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Eclipse Favorite, Ladies' Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, and Pride of 35 Lodge 79, Ladies' Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen. In addition to the above fraternities, the Royal Arcanum is represented by Crawford Council, No. 20. The Independent Order of Foresters has three lodges—Court Galion, 136o, Court Daisy, 74 and Court Mohawk, 4755. The Royal Foresters, No. 102, also maintain an organization here and all Forester Courts meet in the Howard Block. Camp N o. 3766, Modern Woodmen of America; Galion Tent, No. 407; Knights of the Maccabees; Galion Hive, No. 230, Ladies of the Maccabees; Peace Home, No. 14, and Galion Home, No. 178, Home Guards of America, are some of the insurance lodges which are doing an active and progressive work in this city and its environs. The first patriotic organization in this city, having its origin in the Civil war, was Dick Morris Post, No. 130, Grand Army of the Republic, which today has about 6o members. Its Ladies' Auxiliary is known as Dick Morris Corps. Star Council, No. 106, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, has been in existence for 21 years and has the third floor of the Dennig block under long lease, sub-renting its handsomely appointed lodge rooms to other lodges. Hope Council, Daughters of Liberty and Bell of Liberty Council, Daughters of America, are ladies' lodges of a patriotic character, the latter being closely allied with the Junior Order and the former with the order of United American Mechanics, which has no lodge here at present. There are several fraternal organizations in Galion fostered by the Roman Catholic church, all of a beneficiary character. The Catholic Knights of America were the first to organize a branch here, but the members afterward became affiliated with the Catholic Knights of Ohio, maintaining St. Joseph's branch, No. 7, and Branch No. 92. St. Francis Council, No. 1234, Knights of Columbus, was organized about four years ago and is a flourishing institution. The Catholic Ladies of Columbia maintain a strong organization. Other fraternal organizations are Galion Council, No. 476, United Commercial Travelers; Galion Tribe of Ben Hur, Knights of Honor, D. K. U. V., and Galion Lodge, No. 1226, National Protective Legion. The first burial ground in what is now the city limits of Galion, was there long before the first settlers had set a foot in this hunting region of the Indians. On the south bank of the Whetstone, west of Market street, was an Indian village occupied by members of the \Vyandot tribe, while across the river was an Indian burial ground. Many interments had been made there long prior to the arrival of the first settlers, but with the incoming of the white man the Indian village was abandoned and the graveyard was seldom if ever used. The graves were generally quite shallow, and whether it was their aversion to work or an Indian custom, when one of their number died in winter, the bodies were placed on posts driven into the ground, and properly protected left to remain there until spring, when a very shallow grave was dug and the Indian buried. After the Indians left many of the graves were opened by the younger men among the settlers in the hope of finding something of value, but in no case was anything found beyond the weapons of some warrier. Still the desecration of these graves enabled some of the early physicians to secure skeletons, which they transferred to their offices. After the pioneers arrived it was the custom there, as all over the country, for the settlers to bury their dead in some favorable and pretty locality on their-own land, but John Williamson and James Nail conceived the idea of establishing a graveyard in some central locality. The site selected was in the northeast quarter of section 31. on the north side of Main street just east of where the German Reformed church stood 20 years ago. This land belonged to Samuel Brown. It was a dense forest covered with sugar trees and underbrush and they bought one acre for $5.00. The cash was paid AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 431 and Mr. Nail states that a deed was made out in the name of John Williamson and others, dedicating the site for burial purposes, but the deed was never recorded. After securing the ground, a man by the name of Frederick Sedorus was employed for $14.00 to chop down a number of the trees, clear away the underbrush, and make the ground fit for use. This was probably in 1825, several years before Galion was laid out. Nail states that in every transfer of the farm from that day to this the acre was consecrated to the dead. The first or second grave dug in this ground was for a child of James Nail, and he has eight members of his family buried there; two wives, and six children. The last burial was that of John Williamson. The graveyard had long since been abandoned, but he desired to be buried by the rest of his family. During all of Mr. Nail's life the ground was kept in repair by him and his last payment for that purpose was in 1866, when a payment of $25.00 was made to H. C. Carhart and James W. Gill for the last fence that was ever placed around the lot. At the time the graveyard was started, just south of it were several graves that had been dug on the Leveridge farm, the first burial there being that of John Leveridge, who was killed by a falling log while erecting the Williamson cabin in 1819; this was undoubtedly the first hurial in Polk township. Several of the Leveridges were buried on this site, which is now Main street. The ruthless march of time made the ground where this first graveyard was located too valuable and the remains of the dead were carefully taken up and removed to Union Green Cemetery, one block north, which many years previous had been laid out as the cemetery of the city of Galion. In this cemetery rests Disberry Johnston, the pioneer who came to this county in 1817 with a wife and 17 children. The Union Green cemetery was located on land donated by Jacob Ruhl. Prior to this the Nail-Williamson cemetery was used. Just north of this cemetery is the Catholic cemetery. After the Lutheran church was built near the cemetery in 1840 that church added more land, and in 1861 a final addition was made to it on the south side by Daniel Riblet. This addition brought the cemetery ground up to Church street and made it a block in size, about five acres. The rapid growth of the town after 1850 led to several propositions for a new and larger cemetery, but it was not until thirty years later that definite action was taken, and the site of the present Fairview Cemetery secured, a tract of 80 acres near the northeastern part of the city. It was appropriately named Fairview, being on high ground, overlooking the city. It was laid out in fine drives, additional trees planted, and Galion's city of the dead demonstrates the taste and progress of that enterprising city, and reflects credit on the management of the Fairview Cemetery Association. As in the early history of most towns, Galion had no regular fire department. When a fire broke out it was extinguished—if, indeed, it was extinguished before it had burned itself out—by the voluntary efforts of all the able bodied citizens who could handle a pail, two lines being formed and the full pails or buckets of water being passed along one line to be emptied onto the fire, and then returned along the other line to be refilled. This plan, however, was adopted and a regular brigade formed only after the futility of unconcerted action had been several times demonstrated. Later a crude engine came into use, which consisted of small rectangular boxes supplied with pumps. The boxes held from one to three barrels of water and were set on low trucks. From four to six men could work at the levers. There was no suction and the lid of the box had to be kept shut while pumping. It was soon discovered, however, that it was just as effective to throw the water on the fire directly from the pails as to use this clumsy apparatus, and therefore it was soon abandoned and finished its career as a garden sprinkler. It had cost the village $zoo, the money being lent by Jacob Riblet. This inefficient machine was named the "Protection," which at this day seems rather humorous. About 1853 the council purchased a more efficient apparatus in the Phoenix hand-engine —that is, it was more efficient whenever a fire happened to break out in the immediate vicinity of where it happened to be located, for being low built and tremendously heavy it was not an uncommon thing to see it hopelessly stuck in the mud, with the foreman and crew making desperate efforts to extricate it, while the exul- 432 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY tant fire fiend was making havoc with property, perhaps only a block or two distant. This machine had been built for use on the better streets of Cleveland, but as steam fire-engines were just then coming into vogue, that city did not want it, and Galion secured it at a bargain. The engine could throw a considerable volume of water to a good height. Jacob Riblet, however, had opposed the purchase of the Phoenix engine, on account of its heaviness, thereby proving himself to be a man of considerable perspicacity, and after it had been purchased in the face of his opposition, he bet the company a keg of beer that the engine could not throw a stream of water to the top of Wimmie's block, and on the occasion of the trial ascended to the roof of the building ,o that he might be in a suitable position to render an accurate judgment. But apparently having some latent consciousness that he might have made a rash bet, he took the precaution to provide himself with an umbrella. In so doing he again justified his reputation for sagacity, as he had abundant occasion to use his weapon of defense against the copious stream that the triumphant fire fighters hurled over the building, paying particular attention to the spot where he stood in vain defiance. Even the umbrella was no protection, and he was compelled to seek safety in flight. The deluge of water was promptly succeeded by a deluge of beer, Mr. Riblet doubtless participating in the festivities. Thus was the honor of the Phoenix vindicated. But such triumphs were not exactly of the sort for which the city had purchased the engine, so in the year 18,56, the Phoenix was traded to Button & Blake of Cincinnati, for the "Niagara," the authorities paying to the Cincinnati firm $800, as the difference in value between the two engines. The new machine was housed in a new and substantial brick building, which had been built the year previous on Atwood street, a tax of 6 mills being levied. A dozen cisterns were also built. As one hose-cart was found inadequate to carry all the hose needed, a second was purchased. In October, 1872, the corporation purchased the Star steam fire engine of Ahrens & Co. Cincinnati, at a cost of $4, i99. Another hose-cart was also purchased at Akron, Ohio. This engine and hose-cart were housed in the City Hall building. The fire alarm system is used, twenty-four signal boxes being erected throughout the city. The department now has an abundance of hose, hook and ladder trucks, and the water supply is ample. Previous to the year 1859 Galion was without any system of illumination, which, taken with the intolerably bad condition of the streets, made getting around town after dark a decidedly hazardous undertaking. Lanterns were necessarily used to a large extent, but at best could only prove a very imperfect substitute for a good lighting plant. About the year mentioned a gas manufactory was established near the railroad on Main street, the works being constructed by William Stephenson. About two miles of wooden pipe were down and answered their purpose for about twelve years. Among the principal stockholders of the company were Dr. John Reisinger. William, Hays, Martin Sponhauer, Joel David and Jacob Riblet and others. Assesments were frequent but no dividend was evcl declared, and the stockholders lost all they put into it, but they had the satisfaction of having the first gas in the county for illuminating purposes. The old factory was sold at sheriff's sale and bid in by Win. Hays, who sold to Miller & Kuhn, of Pennsylvania. They enlarged the works, replaced the wooden pipe with iron, and put down considerable more pipes. In 1872 they changed the location of the plant, building new works on East Church street. A few years later the concern was made a stock company, Miller & Kuhn, however, retaining a controlling interest. The city is today lit by electric lights. One of the greatest drawbacks of Galion in its earlier history was the lack of paved streets and good sidewalks. The roads in the vicinity were as bad as they could be and during mild winters and in the spring were in a semi-liquid condition. About the first sidewalk put down, of which there is any record, consisted of a double row of logs, slightly raised from the ground, which extended around the square, the upper surfaces of the logs being hewn flat. As the town spread out board walks were put down and an occasional brick, but little done AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 433 with the streets. In the spring of 1880 a petition, signed by a majority of the resident property holders, was sent to the city council, demanding that Main and Market streets be graded and paved in some manner. Plans were drawn up under the direction of F. L. Krause who had been elected city engineer, and it was decided to pike both streets, the improvements on Main street to extend from about one and a half blocks west of the square, over the C., C., C. & I. Railroad on the east, and those on Market street from the square on the south to the depot on that street. The cost was estimated at $30,000 and the contract was awarded to Gray & Co., of Cleveland. Thus was inaugurated a much needed improvement, which has since been extended to other streets. The following report of City Civil Engineer A. O. Theobald, published last year, shows Galion's present condition with respect to the important question of public improvements "Gallon has invested $153,632.00 in public improvements in the last year and expended $69,164.00 for similar purposes in the two years prior. This grand total of $222,000.00 invested by the city of Galion and its tax payers to better the condition of our city is a record of which perhaps no town of equal size can boast. It naturally follows how and where have these improvements been made. In the years 1908 and 1909 Galion was roused from her comatose condition by the paving of West Main street, and the taking of the first and greatest step the city has even taken in the path of modern sanitation. The Trunk Line sewer or out-fall sewer was constructed, giving the city an outlet for all future sanitary sewer construction for the cast and vest extremes of the city, as well as the north and south sides. The three miles of out-fall sewer constructed at the cost of approximately $22,000, carries the sewage of the entire city to a point approximately one mile west of the city, where it will be purified and disposed of in one of the most modern of Sewage Disposal Plants, the construction of which is now nearing completion. "Following the paving of West Main street and the construction of the Trunk Line Sewer came the improvement of South Columbus street, an improvement that adds much to the beauty of that thoroughfare. "The question of a disposal site for the anticipated sewage and the necessary sewer laterals now confronted the authorities. The site was purchased and the work was started on the construction of the Sewage Disposal Plant in the month of May, 1910. "In the following months plans were prepared for districting the city, and districts Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11, covering almost the entire city, were prepared by the engineering department. In the fall of the same year actual work was started on the laying of all the mentioned district sewers, aggregating 17 3/10 miles of pipe. "In the spring of the year 1911 all laterals under construction were finished and again the authorities followed the wishes of the citizens, and the spirit of public improvement was not allowed to become idle. The city having been provided with the proper sanitations and safeguarded, our attention was again turned to the matter of street improvements. East Main and North Market, Atwood and Railroad streets being prepared and the former two streets are at the present time under construction. With the above named streets improved the city of Galion can boast of a record of three and a half miles of paved streets in three years. "The city is being rapidly provided with storm sewers and at the present time the Eleventh District relief sewer is being constructed at a cost approximating $7,000. "This unparalleled record of public improvement during the past few years has transformed the city of Galion. But a few years ago she had only a meager amount of public improvements, whereas today, with her rapid strides forward during the past few years, she stands head and shoulders above her sister cities and today she can justly point with pride to the wonderful progress made. The result of this forward movement is already reaping a harvest, for on every side may be seen the construction of fine modern homes and the erection of substantial business blocks. With her excellent improved streets, her efficient sewerage system and fine water supply, Galion is rapidly becoming a city of beautiful homes, as well as marching forward in mercantile and industrial lines." The first bank in Galion was a private institution conducted by John S. Davis and John 434 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY U. Bloomer. This was established in 1852, their office being the first block east of the square, and the bank was successful from the start. It was reorganized in 1863 and moved to the northwest corner of the Square and Main street, Davis and Bloomer both remaining as members of the new bank. On February 22, 1864, it became the First National Bank, with a capital stock of $50,000, C. S. Crim being president and J. U. Bloomer, cashier. E. M. Freese is president and H. L. Bodley cashier at the present time. The Citizens' Bank was organized in 1866 by Mt. Gilead and Galion parties, Gen. John Beatty being the first president and J. H. Green cashier. Their office was on South Market street, but in 1875 they bought their present location on the corner of the square and South Market street. In 1872, they became the Citizens National, with a capital stock of $6o,000. In 1878 J. H. Green became president, and A. H. Lowe cashier, a position he has held ever since; D. Bachelder succeeded J. H. Green as president in 1895. Another bank was the Hays bank, started by Galion capital, with William Hays as presiclent, and O. L. Hays as cashier. It became The Galion National, and O. L. Hays succeeded his father as president, and some years ago it was compelled to suspend. The bank was located at the northeast corner of the Square and Main street. On May 15, 1905, the Commercial Savings Bank Co. was organized with Mark Cook as president, and J. W. Cupp, as cashier. The capital stock was $50,000. On February 1, 1907, A. H. Laughbaum succeeded J. W. Cupp as cashier. Their bank has always been at their present site, northeast corner of the Square and Main street. The Citizens' Building Association of Galion was organized August 2, 1872, with David Mackey, president; J. G. Meuser. secretary: Citizens National Bank, treasurer, and with David Mackey, C. E. Klopp, F. A. Keen, S. G. Cummings. A. M. Brown, James Marshmann and J. J. Schaefer as directors. The present building and loan companies are the Home Savings and Loan Co., of which A. W. Monroe is secretary, and the Galion Bttilding and Loan Association, J. W. Geer, secretary. Travelers were first cared for as early as 1817 by Benjamin Leveridge in his little log cabin, and then followed V illlam Hostord with his double log cabin, and finally in 1824 this was run as a regular tavern by Asa Hosford. Later Jacob kuhl had his tavern on the Square and John Kroft a tavern a block east of the Square, about where the road to Mansfield bore to the north, afterward abandoned, and the road run straight east as it is at present, The Jacob Ruhl tavern later passed into the hands of Michael Matthias, and in 1848 it way run by David and Joel Riblet, the latter having been a driver on the stage line between Mangy field and Bucyrus. In 1851, David and Joe Riblet put up a brick building on the southwest corner of the Square and Main street, an here they started a store, but the next year tin building was rented by Brown & McMillan and they started the Western House, and it has been run as a hotel ever since, the nan being changed later to the Central Hotel while Brown & McMillan were in charge, an addition was built by the Riblets, and in 1856 Smith Ferris took charge of it, and a third story was added. The Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati railroad having their depot on east Main street, John Tracy built a hotel there in 1850 which was called the American House, and in 1854 he sold out to A. Reeve who refitted and refurnished it throughout. It passed into various hands, became the brick structure that was destroyed by fire a dozen years ago, since which time it has no longer been used as a hotel, but the eastern part of the building is the large restaurant of Bland and Irwin, whic has a state reputation as "The Big Store." On East Main street a hotel was starte years ago. It came into the hands of Guy Keen, who ran it as a regular hotel; it under went many changes under the hands of different managers, and the present brick building was erected, and it is today the Phoenix Hotel. On Main street, east of the Big Four tracks is the Stevens Hotel, named after the proprietor, John Stevens. To the ladies of Galion is due the present public library. The Current News Club on of the Women's Clubs of Galion, began to agitate the subject of establishing a public library and their efforts met with a hearty AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 435 approval by a large number of citizens who were in sympathy with the enterprise. The club started a library fund, which was contributed to by other clubs and associations until several hundred dollars were gathered for the purpose. In 1898 a state law was passed whereby it was made mandatory upon boards of education in cities the size of Gallon to make a tax levy to support public libraries under certain conditions. With the assurance of support as guaranteed by this law, the ladies of the Current News Club, on March 26, 1901, incorporated the Galion Public Library Association, with the declared purpose of building and maintaining a public library free to all the citizens of the Galion public school district. The organization being perfected, a demand in accordance with the law was made upon the Board of Education of the city for the necessary tax levy, which was cheerfully granted by the board, and the new library association started upon its career with bright prospects of making a success of its undertaking. As a first step in their establishment of a public library the association, then composed of ladies only, purchased In-lot No. 56, on the east side of North Market street for a consideration of $2,850. This lot had an old log residence on it, one of the oldest buildings in the city, and was one of the early school houses half a century previous. This was converted into a comfortable library and reading room and promised to become the pride and glory of the infant library association, if not the fullest satisfaction of the city's ambition in the direction of library building. But no sooner had the library taken form and the public began to lend its influence and support, than a new and higher ambition took possession of the members of the association and they began to aspire to better and more permanent library buildings and facilities. Andrew Carnegie was helping other libraries ; would he not also help them to secure a better library home? An application was made to Mr. Carnegie in August, 1901, for a building fund, but as nothing came of this effort, the association sent a committee of two citizens to New York, in February of 1902, to present the matter personally. The committee was successful and in March of that year Mr. Carnegie made an appropriation of $15,000, conditioned upon his customary demand of a guarantee of an annual support for the library of not less than ten per cent of that amount. The Association then asked the city council to give Mr. Carnegie the required guarantee of support, which was done by resolution passed April 18, 1902. The fund for a library building being now secured, the plans of the present building were approved, and the contract for the building was let for the sum of $13,578, and with the heating and other appliances, together with the walks and curbs, brought the total cost of the improvement, exclusive of books and furnishings, up to $16,559.50. To these improvements should be added the cost of the lot, which makes an aggregate cost for the library, exclusive of contents, of $19,409.50. The Galion Public Library was formally dedicated Thursday evening, April 28, 1904. Following the exercises, which were held at the City Opera House, a considerable sum of money was raised to meet the cost of the building. At the present time (July 25, 1912) the library contains 5,014 books for circulation, exclusive of about 700 government documents. Miss Estella Coyle is librarian and Miss Doris John, assistant librarian. The Board of Directors is composed exclusively of ladies, as follows: Mrs. M. R. Crim, president; Mrs. Elmer Stout, vice president; Mrs. David G. Bryfogle, secretary; Mrs. H. A. House, treasurer: Mrs. A. W. Lewis, Mrs. A. W. Monroe, Mrs. H. E. Smith, Mrs. J. j Schaefer and Miss Nettie Kinsey. The Police Department is under charge of L. E. Christian, who is now serving in his third year as chief. Under him are Capt. C. D. Riblet and five patrolmen. The department holds communications through its own telephone system, which is independent of the city exchange, there being 14 box or patrol phones. The jail is immediately hack of the station, in the same building, and contains four cells, strongly constructed. while upstairs there is a hospital room, which is used also for female prisoners. The Logan Natural Gas and Fuel Company, operating in Bucyrus and Galion. installed their system in both towns at about the same 436 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY time, Galion being slightly in advance in getting supply, which was turned on December 2, 1902. The telephone company was started by George Ristine about 1885, and today the public are served by the Central Union Telephone Company and the Galion Telephone Company. As nearly as can be estimated, the population of Galion in i85o was about 421, so in those early days, outside of little stores and small shops, there were no important industries. Robert Cowden writes that as late as 1848-9 he has seen as many as a hundred covered wagons a day passing north from Morrow county along the Portland road to Sandusky and Milan. But now, after more than half a century has passed, Galion no longer looks with jealous eye at the abandoned crossing, but points with pride to the prosperous city with its many shops and factories giving employment to hundreds of men ; its handsome residences and improved streets its advanced schools and stately churches; its important railroads and solid financial institutions; and its citizens enjoying all the advantages of every modern public improvement. And taking a just pride in all this, the citizens should sometimes recall the names of those early pioneers who went through the hardships necessary to level the forest into a settlement, have a kindly remembrance for Michael and Jacob Ruhl, who from that settlement founded a village, and drop an occasional flower on the grave of Asa Hosford, whose energy and perseverance transformed that village and made possible the city of today. CHAPTER XXVI MANUFACTURES Introductory—The Eagle Machine Works—The American Clay Machinery Co.—The Carroll Foundry and Bucyrus Steel Castings Co.—The Hall Gas Engine Co. and Ohio Locomotive Crane Co.—The Shunk Plow Works—The Bucyrus Machine Works—The Bucyrus Knitting Machine Co.—The Vollrath Planing Mill—A. M. Jones & Co.—The C. Roehr Co.—The Deal Smutter Factory—The Pinyerd Bros. Mill—The Dostal Brewery—The Main St. Mills—The Van Loozen Multi-Colored Press Co.—The Blair Pig Ring Factory—The Bucyrus Husking Glove Co.—The Soanner Motor Co.—The Craig Foundry Co.—The Kelly Manufacturing Co.—The Ryder Brass Foundry—D. Picking & Co.—The Crooks-Uhl Mfg. Co.—The Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works— The Keel Monument Works—The Colter Mill—The Brokensword Stone Co.—Wine Manufacture—Patterson Mfg. Co.—The Ruhl Carriage Works—Other Bucyrus Enterprises -Galion—The Tyler Organ Co.—The Kunkel Carriage Works—The Galion Buggy Co.—The Sandusky Cooperage and Lumber Co.—The Buckeye Wheel Co.—The Weaver Bending Co.—The Plack Carriage Works—The Galion Lumber Co.—The Gledhill Lumber Yards and Mill—The New York Racket Store—The Ohio Mausoleum Co.—The Detweiler Mfg. Co.—The Galion Iron Works Co.—The Galion Handle & Mfg. Co.—The Galion Metallic Grave Vault Co.—The American Steel Grave Vault Co.—E. M. Freese & Co.—The Galion Brewing Co.—The Longstreth Monument Works—The Sponhauer Boiler & Machine Works—The Perfection Road Machinery Co.—The Cleveland-Galion Motor Truck Co.—The Telephone Improvement Co.—The Market St. Mills —The Galion Monument Co.—The Galion Machine Works—The Farmers' Mfg. & Milling Co.—The Burch Plow Works—Phoenix Milling Co.—Gledhill & Kivae Lumber Co.—The Weaver Bros. Co.—H. E. Bormuth Cement Block Co.—The Holcker Bros. Buggy Co.—The Schill Bros. Co.—New Washington—The New Washington Flouring Mill—The New Washington Lumber & Mfg. Co.—Seitter & Brown's Brick & Tile Works—The Kibler Tannery—The Crawford County Nursery. Clang! clang! the massive anvils ring; Clang! clang! a hundred hammers swing; Like the thunder-rattle of a tropic sky, The mighty blows still multiply,— Clang! clang! Say, brothers of the dusky brow, What are your, strong arms forging now? -ANONYMOUS. In this progressive age the general intelligence of a people may be gauged by the extent ind variety of their manufactures. Agriculure, though in modern times elevated to the lignity of a science, makes no extraordinary lemands upon the intellect. Its methods, depending on Nature's laws, are essentially the same as those which were pursued when the Pyramids were building, and it owes a large part of the enhanced dignity to which it has attained in comparatively recent years to the improved implements and machinery that are the direct product of inventive brains working out through the channels of manufacturing enterprise. Manufactures represent, therefore, the activity and power of the human mind when applied to practical subjects—to those things, aside from food, with which humanity is daily and directly concerned. They have to do with almost everything that we use or - 437 - 438 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY handle. Perhaps no other branch of human activity covers so wide a field, and each individual product in all the wondrous variety represents in high or low degree, the victory of mind over matter—the ultimate fruition of a thought. In this department of human enterprise the United States occupies a leading place among the nations of the world. From the wooden nutmeg of the enterprising Connecticut Yankee to the latest type of aeroplane, American products are known the world over and all the world pays tribute to American brain and enterprise; and among the states that have helped to win this renown there are few that hold a higher rank than Ohio. As an integral part of this commonwealth Crawford county can hold her own in business and manufacturing enterprise. In the early history of the middle west man was engaged in the task of subduing the wilderness and rendering it fit for human habitation. The work was chiefly one of laborious application, the axe, the saw and the plow being almost the only tools employed. But with the advent of settlers other demands arose. Man must have bread, and so corn and wheat must be ground into flour. He must, or will as soon as practicable, have comfortable dwellings, to erect which he requires lumber. Hence in the early saw and grist mills of pioneer days we behold the beginnings of that manufacturing enterprise which forms so conspicuous a feature of our life today. Such initial enterprises as they relate to Crawford county, may be found touched on in other chapters of this volume dealing with the various townships and villages, and need not be recapitulated here. As in every community of people belonging to the great Caucasian race, improvement was the daily motto and perfection the ultimate goal for which our pioneer manufacturers strove. Thus they could hardly help but make progress. Spurred on by necessity, in no few instances they struck out original lines of thought, which bore fruition in various improved and labor-saving devices calculated to lighten the work of the farmer, the merchant, the mechanic, or the busy housewife: and later on. in the times in which we live, this same intellectual energy, has produced yet greater results in many wonderful invesntions that our forefathers never dreamed of, but which we of to-day could hardly do without. To illustrate this marvelous enterprise as connected with the growth and prosperity of Crawford county, it is only necessary to glance briefly at the principal business and manufacturing enterprises which are now flourishing in the county, or which have existed therein in former days. The first business enterprise established in Bucyrus was Abel Cary's grist-mill, which was erected in 1822, or perhaps earlier, on the river bank, just west of the north end of Main street. A dam was constructed across the river at this point. Subsequently, however, the machinery and mill were removed to the north end of Walnut street, and it was operated there for some years, until it was destroyed by fire. Its proprietor, James Kelly, erected another mill on the same site in 1844, and this latter mill was in operation for twenty-six years, during the greater part of this period being the property of James McLean. This mill also was burned, on April 9, 1870. In 1822 Lewis Cary started a tannery, which afterwards, passed into the hands of his son, Aaron, by whom it was sold to Richard Plummer, about 1855. In the following year Plummer sold it to Christian Shonert, who had learned the trade under Aaron Cary. David Holm and Henry llinich also had tanneries about 1831, and several other small industries were then carried on in or near the village, among which was a pottery conducted by Elias Slagle, who also, after 1830, ran an oil-mill. with a large circular tramp wheel on the same lot, near the site of the old Cary mill. Jesse Quaintance also put tip a mill on the river bank, southwest of the village after 1830. Several carding-mills were also established at this early day in Bucyrus. One of these, operated by tramp-wheel power, was conducted by Jourdan Jones, and afterward sold to Mr. Lautenheiser, who furnished it with a steam engine. Another carding-mill was run by Mr. Kirk. The latter was bought out bw Dr. A. M. Jones, who established Samuel Clapper in the business, which was conducted for several years near the southwest corner of Walnut and Perry streets, by the firm of Jones & Clapper. In 1843 a steam-engine was installed and the mill was run night and day AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 439 on account of the great increase in the business. This engine is said to have been the second one introduced into Crawford county, the first having been used in the old flouring mill run by James Kelly. The Eagle Machine Works—Sometime in the early fifties a small machine shop was started in Bucyrus, which subsequently obtained considerable local importance as a manufacturing enterprise. The concern was purchased in 1862 by two of the workmen therein employed—Messrs. Frey & Sheckler, who continued and improved the business. In 1867 the entire works were destroyed by fire, but in the following year the two proprietors took in as a third partner Mr. George Ouinby, and the works were rebuilt on a much larger scale and furnished with improved machinery. Subsequent to 1872 other buildings were added until the plant included a foundry, machine shops, blacksmith shops, engine-house, coke and sand-house, office and patternroom, etc. By 1880 there were eighteen or more hands employed and among the firm's products were engines, horse-powers, saw-mills, brick machines, etc. The Eagle Portable Engine was especially noted, and their brick machines were among the best in the country and were sold as far west as Wyoming and Indian Territory. Mr. Sheckler retired in 1875, and in 1877 William Hoover purchased an interest, but later Mr. Sheckler reentered the firm, which then became Frey, Sheckler & Hoover, and was so conducted for a number of years when Mr. Sheckler again retired and the Frey Sheckler Company was incorporated tinder the management of Col. W. C. Lemert and so continued until 1896 when the Frey-Sheckler Company was combined with J. W. Penfield & Son Company of Willoughhy and the company incorporated under the name of The American Clay Working Machinery Company, with principal offices at Bucyrus. Ohio, though the Willoughby plant was and is still run by the company. In 1906 the company name was changed to The American Clay Machinery Company and it is the largest plant manufacturing clay working machinery in the world. R. C. Penfield is the head of the company. In 1909 the American Equipment Company was organized by Mr. Penfield with general offices at Bucyrus but their operations are entirely in Chicago. In 1888 George Campbell started the Campbell Frog Works, to manufacture an improved railroad frog. The business moved along slowly and soon Mr. Campbell included foundry work, doing a large business in foundry jobbing. In 1891 Mr. Campbell died and in December of 1891 P. J. Carroll purchased the business of the Campbell heirs and operated the business on East Warren street. Under his management the business grew from one employing half a dozen men to one with probably fifty, when Mr. Carroll deemed it advisable to enlarge his facilities. In 1897 Bucyrus voted to issue bonds to establish the McGibery Radiator Works in the northern part of the city, but the venture did not prove a success and the city had an empty building on its hands. P. J. Carroll acquired this and moved his foundry to the old Radiator building in 1899, calling his plant the Carroll Foundry and Machine Works. Here the business developed to great proportions and the present plant is very extensive, employing several hundred men. In 1906 Mr. Carroll organized the Bucyrus Steel Castings Company, and immense new buildings were erected and business started in 1907. This business has also grown until now hundreds of men are employed. The Hall Gas Engine Co. and the Ohio Locomotive Crane Co. are both Bucyrus companies, closely allied with the Carroll plants and both doing splendid business and with excellent prospects. The Shunk Plow Works—This concern had its origin a few years previous to the Civil War, when A. Shunk, Sr., began the making of plows on a small scale, employing but four men and doing all the work by hand. His factory was known as the Bucyrus Plow Works. As the years went by the business increased, steam power was introduced and several large buildings erected. In May, 1870 a firm was formed consisting of A. Shunk, Jr., F. R. and N. T. Shunk, all brothers. Later some changes took place and the firm became A. Shank Sr., alone. By 1880 the works had a capacity of 1,000 plows per year, of nine different varieties, they being sold chiefly in 440 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY Ohio and the Western states. Further changes caused the ownership to become vested in Nelson F., John Q. and Isaac Shunk, of whom the two first mentioned are now proprietors, Isaac having died about ten years ago. The business has branched out in other directions, and plows are no longer among the chief product of the factory, which now include steel plow parts, mould boards and cutting edges for wheeled road scrapers, and steel wheel farm wagons. About Soo tons of plate steel are used per year. The plows are sold chiefly in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, while the other products are shipped to all parts of the country. In recent years some improved heavy machinery has been installed. About 35 men are now employed. The Bucyrus Machine Works, at one time an important Bucyrus industry, originated previous to 1861, when William Burkhart, James Throupe and J. Moultrop commenced work together in a little blacksmith shop, and made a few "Excelsior" machines. Mr. Burkhart invented the Bucyrus Machine, and about 1861 the concern became known as the Bucyrus Machine Works. In January, 1869, the firm became a stock company, with a capital stock of $100,000, B. B. McDonald being superintendent and W. T. McDonald, treasurer. A fire in May of the following year caused a loss of about $21,000, but these parts of the plant that had been destroyed were rebuilt and the entire plant improved. About ioo men were employed and as high as boo machines in one year were manufactured. A large part of their output went to the western states, where the Bucyrus machine was very popular. At one time preparations were made for the building of railway cars and a switch was built from the works to the railroad, but about this time the business began to decline and the concern subsequently passed into the hands of J. N. Biddle. In a few years another assignment was made, A. Monnett & Co., becoming the proprietors. After operating the plant for a time they leased it to Stuckey & Diller, who carried on the business for a number of years. In 1868 William Franz and Dr. William Pope began to perfect a knitting machine for both domestic and manufacturing purposes. They succeeded) and obtained) a patent, and subsequently patented eight improvements besides purchasing six others, malting fourteen improvements, in addition to the original patent. A company was formed in 1870 called the Bucyrus Knitting Machine Company, and commenced operations. It was disbanded, however, in 1871 and a joint stock compan}formed composed of Dr. William Pope, Dr. C. Fulton, James Clements, John Franz, Thomas Beer, George Quinby, George Donnenwirth and William Franz. George Quimby was president, William Franz secretary and Dr. W. Pope general agent. The style of the company was changed to The Franz & . Pope Knitting Machine Company. The machine was capable of producing a large variety of work, being adapted to all manner of crocheting, making tidies or afghans, as well as common hosiery. It knit a stocking, heel and toe combined in seven minutes, with but little hand finishing required. In 1878 a hosiery department was added to the establishment, in which about thirty girls were employed. In 1851 Gottlieb Vollrath started a planing-mill in Bucyrus under the firm name of G. Vollrath & Co., the firm comprising Mr. Vollrath and two sons—Albert and Charles. In 1867 William, another son, bought out his father and the firm became Vollrath Brothers. In 1868 a large brick building was erected, three stories high, with ground dimensions of 78x45 feet; also a boiler and engine-room measuring 19x54 feet. This building was installed with the most up-to-date machinery for the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, moldings, etc., and a large business was done, giving employment to from fifteen to twenty inen. A large business was also done in dressed and undressed lumber. In 1870 the Vollrath Brothers fitted up a part of their planing-mill building for the purpose of a flour mill and commenced this line of industry. In 1872 this part of the business was bought by F. A. Vollrath, another brother, who subsequently conducted it. The Buckeye State Wood Works were established in 1866 by A. M. Jones & Company for the purpose of manufacturing spokes. hubs, and bent work. The members of the firm were A. M. Tones. W. C. Lemert, Lyman Parcher and John Jones. Nicolas Reehl was AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 441 afterward admitted and shortly after John Jones and Lyman Parcher sold out to the other three partners, the firm still being known as A. M. Jones & Co. About thirty men were employed. The business was quite pretentious and would have grown to still greater proportions but that other interests of the owners made it seem advisable to close up the old Wood WVorks, which was done. In 1859 a planing-mill was erected by heller, Stoll & Co. The firm later became Stoll & Brother, and in 1869 the style was changed to Stoll Brothers & Company. The main building was 70x40 feet, with engine room 40x18 feet and the establishment was supplied with the best machinery. Subsequently Charles Roehr became a member of the firm. A large number of men were employed and an extensive business done in the line of sash, doors, blinds and in lumber, rough and dressed of all kinds. Under the management of Charles Roehr the company developed a great business. The C. Roehr Company was organized being owned by Mr. Roehr and his three sons, Edward C. William and Carl F. Extensive contracts were obtained, the firm being especially successful in interior trim for large buildings in all parts of the country. Some of the early big contracts were the complete interior trim for large office buildings in Pittsburgh. Later they had the contracts for the Pope Buildings at Hartford, Conn., and in Boston. Their work included the complete finishing of the Philadelphia Mint, the Chicago Post Office, a modern building at the Annapolis Naval Academy, office buildings in New York and other great cities. All three of the sons died, and following this his own health failed, so that Charles Roehr retired from business and the company was re-organized under the name of the New Roehr Company, of which A. S. Leuthold is president and Samuel Leuthold secretary. The Smutter Factory of M. Deal originated in 1868, when Mr. Deal began the manufacture of the "California Smutter," a machine for taking smut out of wheat, a most valuable invention for wheat growers and dealers. Mr. Deal subsequently made a number of improvements to the original patent and manufactured the machine in 36 different styles. The factory employed some 25 men and had a capacity of 500 machines per year. Over 600 local agencies were established in the United States, Canada, South America, and England, and from $6o,000 to $75,000 worth of machines were shipped annually. In 1860 S. A. Bowers and J. W. Delaney erected flour mills near the site of the Deardorf steam saw-mill, and they were known as the Sandusky Valley Mills. Mr. Delaney retired in 1861 and the mills were carried on by Mr. Bowers until 1872, when he sold out to C. T. Miller. The latter failing shortly after, Mr. Bowers took them back, and being subsequently joined by Mr. Delaney, the old firm of Bowers & Delancy, continued their operation for many years. Mr. Delaney managed the mill after Mr. Bowers had retired but later sold out and the plant is at present owned and operated by Pinyerd Brothers. The Dostal Brothers' Brewery was originally established in 1858 by Henry Anthony. In the following spring G. Donnenwirth, Jr., became a partner, and in the fall the firm became G. Donnenwirth & Son, his father taking an interest in the business with him. The business subsequently passed into the hands of Frank Dick, and was bought in September, 1902 by the Dostal Brothers—John M. and George A. Dostal—who have made the business a prosperous one, introducing new methods and installing modern machinery. The present plant covers about six acres and the output amounts to about 20,000 barrels annually, which is all sold in Ohio. The Main Street Mills, a prominent industry of Bucyrus, were established by Zeigler, Gross & Co., and in October, 1871, the firm of F. & J. Gross was formed, succeeding the old one. The present mills were built in the following May. In 1876 Mr. Zeigler, who had returned to Bucyrus after an absence of several years, became the proprietor of these mills. He has made improvements in the property from time to time, installing the most modern machinery and the plant is now thoroughly up-to-date and turns out about 150 barrels of flour per day. Since 1877 these mills have been one of the standard industries of the city. The Van Loozen Multi-Colored Press Company was incorporated in April, 1909 with a 442 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY capital of $10,000, and in the fall of that year a large modern building was erected at the corner of East Warren and Failor streets, 40x120 feet. The press manufactured by this company is the invention of Mr. Fred H. Van Loozen and is designed to print six or seven different colors simultaneously. It is radically different in construction from any other printing press, possessing many points of superiority, and the press has bright prospects for the future. The officers are Fred H. Van Loozen, president; M. A. Van Loozen, vice president; M. C. Harhaus, secretary, and W. H. Picking, treasurer. The Blair Pig Ring Factory—The useful contrivances which form the product of this factory were invented many years ago by Elias Blair and consist of the hog anti-rooter device and the hog snout ring. The business has always been a prosperous one and the Blair devices fill a place that has not been usurped by any other article on the market. The Bucyrus Husking Glove Company, of Bucyrus, whose place of business is near the southeast corner of the Public Square, was started by Mr. H. S. Blair, about twenty-five years ago, on the third floor of the E. Blair Block, on Sandusky street. The business was later moved to the old German Lutheran church (afterward used as an Armory), and still later—about twelve years ago—removal was made to the present location. The concern is engaged in the manufacture of husking gloves, husking pins, hook huskers, mittens, wrist supporters, motorman's palms, etc., and is the oldest firm making husking gloves today. The product is sold to jobbers from New York to the Pacific coast. From 25 to 75 people are employed. Mr. Blair is still proprietor of the business. The Sommer Motor Company, engaged in the manufacture of motors for trucks of pleas-tire auto-cars, was incorporated in 1907, at Aurora, Ill., by L. A. Sommer, W. N. Baker, Albert Russom and W. H. Reedy, who are its present officers. Through the efforts of the Bucyrus Industrial Association, the concern was induced to move to Bucyrus, coming here in December, rgio. They have a seven-acre site in the eastern part of the city, on the line of the Pennsylvania tracks. Their factory building is a large modern structure, 200x100 feet, and is thoroughly equipped with the noise modern machinery. The company is doing are excellent business—all, in fact, that they can Handle—and is turning out from 1800 to 2000 motors a year. As they are adding to their equipment, they will have an increased output next year. They employ from 70 to 75 men and have been working overtime since January 1st, to the present time (July, 1912) . The Craig Foundry Company of Bucyrus was incorporated in 1911 by W. H. Craig and Walter Kline, with a capital of $30,000. This concern is engaged in the manufacture of light and heavy castings, cold air faces, wall registers, automobile castings, etc. They have an up-to-date plant, covering three acres of ground in the southern part of the city, wit good railroad facilities. They also have large plating plant—probably the most complete in the state—for nickel, silver and othe plating, and turn out fine oxidized coppe work. About fifty men on an average ar given employment. Mr. W. H. Craig is president of the company, with Walter Kline, secretary and treasurer, and the board directors includes also Mr. A. T. Dennis. The Kelly Manufacturing Coi,Tpafly. lr cated in the south end of Bucyrus on Galion street, was established about three years a by T. F. Kelly, its present proprietor, and engaged in the manufacture of pneumatic water supply systems for irrigation or house hold purposes, steel burial cases and all kinds of sheet iron work, their product being sold all over the United States. About twelve me are usually employed and the firm is doing prosperous business. The Ryder Brass Foundry Company was established in July, 1910, and was incorporated in October of the same year at $10,000. The concern is engaged in the manufacture of brass, bronze and aluminum castings, manganese bronze, phosphor bronze and special a toys, turning out castings for all purpose The president is W. H. Whitmore, of Akron, Ohio; Elizabeth W. Ryder is vice president and P. H. Ryder, secretary, treasurer and manager. The company's factory is located in the northern end of the town just east of North Sandusky street. D. Picking & Co.—This firm engaged in the manufacture of copper kettles, was estab- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 443 lished in 1874 by ll. Picking, who is now deceased. The business is now carried on by his sons, C. F. and W. H. Picking, and is in a prosperous condition. From 3000 to 4000 kettles a year are manufactured. The Crooks-Uhle Manufacturing Company, located at No. 113 E. Charles street, Bucyrus, was founded in 19o8, the partners being Frederick E. Uhle and his son-in-law, Earl G. Crooks. They are general machinists and are specially engaged in the manufacture of children's folding sulkeys, the "go-cart runner" being an invention of Mr. Crooks. The business is increasingly prosperous, a large demand having been created for the firers special product. The Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works—This industry was practically started in 1873, when Jacob Geiger and Daniel Picking, then engaged in the hardware business, began the manufacture of copper kettles for boiling apple butter, an important industry in those days. Later Mr. Geiger sold his hardware interests to Mr. Picking and in partnership with Phillip E. Bush established a manufactory on the corner of N. Railroad and Lane streets. Subsequent improvements have given this factory dimensions of 85x90 feet. The business was conducted under the style of Geiger & Bush from 1889 until the death of Mr. Bush in 1907, since which time Mr. Geiger has been sole proprietor. The plant is well equipped and the business is in a flourishing condition. The Monument and Marble Works of William H. Keel were started by him at No. 220 So. Walnut street, Bucyrus, in 1878, and at one tithe, before the introduction of machinery, he was able to give steady employment to 24 people. He is a skillful workman in marble and granite and makes his own designs. His business is one of the old established ones of Bucyrus. Colter & Co.—In 1902 Mr. Jacob Colter came to Bucyrus and started a saw-mill: a planing-mill was added to this in 1906 and a large business has since been built up in all kinds of house and building material. Since 1905 Mr. Peter Conkle has been a partner in the concern. The plant of this firm covers nine acres of land, and an average of 400,000 feet of lumber is kept on hand. The Brokensword Stone Company, capitalized at $10,000, is engaged in quarrying stone six miles northwest of Bucyrus, and has an office in the city. About sixty-five men are employed. Dr. John A. Chesney is president of the company, P. J. Carroll, vice president and general manager; and William H. Pickerington, treasurer. Charles Arnold is engaged in the manufacture of native wines in Bucyrus, having been engaged in this business since about 1895. His specialties are Delaware, Catawba and Claret and he has specially constructed cellars for the storing of his product. He has built up a prosperous business. The Patterson Manufacturing Company is a recently established concern engaged in the manufacture of fire-escapes and structural steel work and bids fair to become one of the city's important industries. The Ruhl Carriage Works, located at No. 428 E. Mansfield street, are engaged in the manufacture of buggies, carriages, wagons and the "Ruhl" storm-tops. George S. Ruhl is the proprietor. The Seegar Brothers have carriage shops at No. 425-427 S. Walnut street. In addition to the industries already mentioned, Charles Breisinger & Son have a brick manufacturing plant on Jump street; C. F. Bonebrake is engaged in the manufacture of cement blocks on South Jones street. The Bucyrus Hydraulic Cement Block Company, manufacturers of cement blocks, have office and works on E. Middletown street; The Chatfield Bending Works are located south of the town, and are engaged in the manufacture of wheels, rims and other bent wood stock: The New York Blower Company, manufacturers of heating, ventilating and drying apparatus, blowers, fans, etc., are located on W. Warren street. The Tyler Organ Company was established in Galion in 1879, its location being on the northwest corner of the Square. It was subsequently removed to the old planing-mill on So. Market street, near the P. & O. Railroad depot. The proprietors were Messrs. Tyler and W 'hitney, both fine musicians. The company did a fairly good business for some years. The Kunkel Carriage Works, of Galion, were established many years ago, by L. K. Kunkel. Subsequently—about 1876—the firm 444 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY became Kunkel, Schupp & Helfrich, and so remained up to 1884. Mr. Kunkel died in 1893, and the business is now controlled by the heirs, with W. H. Kunkel as general manager. It was removed to its present location on No. Market street in 1886. The Kunkel Carriage Works are specialty builders of custom-made vehicles, and vehicles requiring special construction, manufacturing also buggies, carriages, wagons, ambulances, pall buggies, casket wagons, etc. They are doing a prosperous business and are among the leading business enterprises of Galion. The Galion Buggy Company, a large and prosperous concern, was established by Mr. A. Howard, in November, 1885, at a location on So. Market street, near the Public Square. Four additional buildings were erected about 1889 on Church street—all up-to-date and one being especially large. The company manufactures all kinds of buggies, phaetons, carriages, surreys, etc., and has a large wholesale trade throughout Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and other western states. About 2500 to 3500 jobs are turned out yearly and the average number of employees is about ninety. The old factory on So. Market street is still made use of and the office is situated at the same location. The Sandusky Cooperage and Lumber Company was established in Galion in January, 1909, by H. R. Huntington. The plant is located on a 9 1-2 acre site in the southern part of the city, near the Erie tracks, and includes four modern buildings with up-to-date equipment. When working full force about 50 men are employed. This company has twenty-one cooper shops distributed through the different states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Virginia, the principal part of the business being the manufacture of barrels. No barrels are made in the Galion plant, the local operations being limited chiefly to staves and hoops. The works have a capacity of 10,000,000 barrel staves and 15,000.000 hoops a year. The Buckeye Wheel Company of Galion was incorporated December 21. 1904, with a capital stock of $150,000. The organizers and original officers were J. W. White, of Ft. Wayne, president; I. S. Morris, of Ft. Wayne, vice president; E. Flickinger of Galion, secretary and general manager; Jacob Keene, treasurer; and Frank Flickinger, superintendent. The few changes made in the official board are as follows: Frank Flickinger is now secretary and manager, in place of E. Flickinger; Edward Flickinger is treasurer and George Scheib, superintendent. The product of the company consists of buggy, carriage and light wagon wheels, and light automobile wheels. The output averages about 250 sets per day of wheels for horse-drawn vehicles, and zoo sets of automobile wheels. The plant of this concern is located on East Main street, close to the Big Four tracks, the site covering four acres, while the buildings have about 200,000 square feet of floor space. The product is sold mostly to manufacturers in Ohio, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri. The Weaver Bending Company was incorporated in 1892 by Charles Ness, John Weaver, Abe Jenkinson and H. E. Smith, with a capital stock of $i 5,000. After the first year Mr. Smith bought out the other members of the company and has since remained the sole proprietor. The plant covers two acres, the buildings having 10,000 feet of floor space, and are located in the south end of Galion, near the Erie depot and on a siding of the Big Four Railroad. The concern manufacturers bent ielloes, spokes, and hardwood lumber. The product is sold by wholesale, in carload lots. About 4o men are usually employed. The Plack Carriage Works was established about 1892, by Andrew Plack, in a location just off Main street. He retired in 1898, the business being purchased by his son, H. L. Plack, who is now the sole proprietor. A change of location was made to the Central Livery barn, hut, after continuing there for some time, the works were burned, about eight years ago, and the factory was then established in its present location on East Atwood street, with a repository on South Market street. A large part of the business consists of repairing, and custom work is carried on in addition, the concern manufacturing any kind of horse-drawn vehicle to order. The principal specialty is the manufacture of storm tops, of which a large number are made yearly. The Galion Lumber Company—The business carried on by this company had its origin in r865, when F. W. Johnson and William AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 445 Patrick entered into the lumber and coal business. Subsequently the firm of Johnson Linsley & Co., became proprietors and in 1881 were doing a business of $150,000 annually and employing forty men. They were succeeded by Armstrong, Daily & Co., who conducted the plant for a while. Then the Galion Lumber Company, a partnership, was formed, consisting of D. Mackey, P. M. Daily and G. A. Daily, Mr. C. C. Coyle buying out the Dailys in 1897. The company was incorporated under its present style in 19o2, being capitalized at $20,000, with $30,000 surplus. They are engaged in general lumber and mill work and in the manufacture of bank and store fixtures. They are also contractors on building work and are engaged in the erection of the buildings for the Telephone-Improvement plant, a mammoth concern now being established in Galion. The plant of the Galion Lumber Company covers about eight acres. The vice president is H. Pounder, with C. C. Coyle, secretary and treasurer. The Gledhill Lumber Yards and Mill, located on Bloomer street, Galion, near the Big Four tracks, cover about two and a half acres of ground and give employment usually to twelve or more men. This concern was founded about 40 years ago by Joseph King, who conducted the business for many years. It was purchased in 1906 by A. C. Gledhill, who is now sole proprietor, who is engaged in the manufacture of lumber, sash, doors, and in general mill work. Lately an additional factory has been built for the manufacture of concrete blocks. About twelve men are employed. Mr. Gledhill has also recently—July 10, 1911—leased a plant in Crestline for the manufacture of lumber and mill work, which employs about eight men. The Ohio Mausoleum Company, the main office of which was established in Galion, O., in March, 1912, was organized in Shelby, Ohio, in 1910, to exploit the patents of Grover C. Hunter on mortuary chapels and compartment mausoleums. These sanitary mausoleums contain from 50 to 1000 or more compartments, or small rooms, designed for the final occupancy of the members of several different families in a community. The rooms or compartments are arranged in tiers, one above another, with a corridor and chapel, and means provided for abundance of light and ventilation. Funeral services can be conducted within the mausoleum, those taking part being protected from the inclemency of the weather. The entire plan has many interesting features and obvious advantages. The company controls the Hunter patents, which have been indorsed by noted health authorities and boards of health throughout the country, and license others to construct and erect these community mausoleums or above-ground tombs. The enterprise is one of great possibilities, and, while the cost of such interment is less than ground burial, it offers a wide margin of profit, attractive to investors. The officers and board of directors are as follows: G. C. Hunter, president; O. J. Zeigler, of Richwood, O., vice president; John K. Weiser, of Shelby, secretary. The board of directors consists of the above officers together with Messrs. J. W. McCarron, B. E. Place and J. W. Weiser. The Detweiler Manufacturing Company, engaged in the manufacture of automobile stearing gears, was incorporated in 1909 by H. B. Detweiler, F. S. Wistertnan, H. Gottdiener, A. W. Monroe and L. M. Liggett. The capital stock was $50,000, which was increased to $100,000 in September, 1911. L. M. Liggett is president and treasurer; A. W. Monroe, secretary and W. E. Dunston, general manager. The company's factory is located on Primrose street near the Big Four tracks, and the business is in a prosperous condition. The Galion Iron Works Company, an extensive concern engaged in the manufacture of culvert pipe, road machinery, contractors' and road makers' supplies, was incorporated in February, 1907 with a capital stock of $100,000, which was increased in 1912 to $250,000. The company started with a small building, ioox6o feet, which was enlarged the second year by an addition of 80 feet more. The third year another addition of ioo feet was added, and this was followed in 1911 by an extension of 108 feet, these buildings being all two stories high, with fire-proof out-shops for oils, paints, etc. Another larger building is now used for a pattern storage house. Among the other products of the company is an improved culvert or sluice-pipe device, the invention of Mr. D. C. Boyd, secretary and general manager of the company, who has also in- 446 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY vented and patented other useful contrivances. The company's road machines are sold all over America. About 200 people are employed, with ten salaried men on the road, and there are branch offices at Pittsburg, Pa., Memphis, Tenn., and Atlanta, Ga. The other officers of the company are H. Gottdiener, president; Frank W. Faber, vice president, and G. L. Steefel, treasurer. The Galion Handle and Manufacturing Company was established at Galion in 1907. It is an incorporated concern capitalized at $15,000, its officers being Anton Kahn, president; Allen Miller, J. S. Winerniller, secretary, treasurer and general manager, and M. A. Miller, with a board of five directors. The company is engaged in the manufacture of handles and woodwork, and the output of farm tool handles—about three car loads a month—are sold in England and Germany. Employment is given to about thirty people. The Golden Metallic Grave Vault Company, of Galion, was incorporated in January, 1905, with a capital stock of $25,000, which in January, 1909, was increased to $100,000. The original officers were: J. W. Cupp, president; W. F. L. Block, vice president; A. W. Monroe, secretary and treasurer; A. A. Arnold, general manager, and T. F. Kelley, superintendent. The works of this concern are located in the northeastern part of Galion, near the Big Four tracks. This company is engaged in the manufacture of steel grave vaults and shipping cases and was the first company to construct an open end grave vault. The vaults range in size from that required for a child's body to the "Mammoth," weighing as much as 500 pounds. About fifty people are employed and sales are pushed all over the country. The present officers are: L. M. Leggett, president; W. F. L. Block, vice president; A. W. Monroe, secretary and treasurer, and A. A. Arnold, superintendent. E. P. Monroe is sales manager and the company has an office on the southwest corner of the Public Square. The American Steel Grave Vault Company of Galion was incorporated in April, 1908, by F. Unckrich, Jos. King, M. A. Curtiss and J. Petri, being capitalized at $25,000, which was increased two years ago to $50,000, since which time the volume of business has been doubled. The concern manufactures the burglar, water and vermin-proof "American Vault," for burial purposes, the product being sold to undertakers all over the United States. The works are located on Bloomer street, close to the Big Four freight depot, the main building being 75x100 feet. Another building, 40x80 feet, has just been erected. The present board of directors consists of the officers previously mentioned, with the addition of Messrs. B. Place and C. Bittner. About thirty men are employed, and the company is doing a good business, with bright prospects for the future. E. M. Freese & Co., of Galion, O., manufacturers of clay working machinery. This business was established at Plymouth, Ohio, in 1881 and has had a steady and substantial growth since that time. An increase in their facilities was rendered necessary by the expansion of their trade and in the fall of 1891 the works were removed to their present quarters in Galion. From time to time new buildings have been erected to provide additional space. These works are among the finest, most extensive and best equipped for the manufacture of this class of machinery. The buildings are of brick, elegant in appearance and of substantial construction, containing more than 46,000 feet of floor space, are equipped with improved machinery, and lighted, warmed and ventilated in accordance with the most modern practice. A few years ago the company thought it advisable to make their own castings, and so took over the old Homer foundry, adjacent to their factory buildings. This is now operated as one department of the business and turns out several tons of castings every day, which are tised in making the various clay-working machines. A railway siding runs into the grounds, from which the raw material is unloaded and the finished product loaded on cars direct. The machinery built by E. M. Freese & Co. is found in all parts of this country, from California to New Brunswick and from British Columbia to Florida, and also in some foreign countries. It is used in a large proportion of the most extensive and progressive works for the manufacture of building, paving and firebrick, hollow ware, fireproofing, drain tile, etc. The office of these works is equipped with AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 447 the most modern office appliances and is divided into several departments, conducted tinder a well organized system. From this office a large amount of correspondence and advertising is sent out to all parts of the world. The manager and sole owner of the business is Mr. E. M. Freese, who has been intimately connected with it from the beginning. He is a practical mechanic of many years' experience and has invented and designed all of the variety of improved and patented machinery that the works manufacture, and also made the plans from which the present works were erected. Beginning this business on a very small scale, his struggle for success was long and severe, but persistent effort and careful attention to the wants of the trade, have established it on a permanent foundation. The Galion Brewing Company represents the development of a business that was established just west of the city as far back as 1854 by John Kraft, a German, who conducted the business for some time with fair success. He was succeeded in 1866 by his son, John Kraft, Jr., who enlarged and improved the plant, but was unsuccessful in making the business pay. It subsequently passed through other hands, for a time—about 1880—being conducted by Daniel Roth. It was purchased in 1896 by Henry Alstaetter, who operated the brewery until his death in May, 1900. He made many improvements and under his management the enterprise proved a lucrative business concern. In igoi the plant was purchased by the Galion Brewing Company and is now owned by Mr. Frederick K. Berry, his wife, and a sister of the latter, Miss Emma Altstaetter, of Waynesville, N. C. A large force of men are employed and the output amounts to about 15,000 barrels a year. One of the best known among the smaller manufacturing industries of Galion are the monument works of Thomas W. Longstreth. who has carried on the business at his present quarters, No. 134 West Main street, for the last 43 years, commencing in 1869. In 1880 Mr. Longstreth introduced the first granite monuments into Galion and he is a man who has always kept up with the demands of his trade. His stand is one of the landmarks of the city. The Henry C. Sponhauer Boiler and Machine Works, located at No. 316 E. Main street, were established in 1882 by Henry C. Sponhauer, who carried on the business successfully for almost thirty years, during this period frequently expanding and improving the works. In 1911 he retired in favor of his son William, who is the present manager of the business. In addition to boiler and machine manufacturing, a general tinning business is carried on, and about a dozen skilled workmen are employed. The Perfection Road Machinery Company, one of the successful industries of Galion, was organized in January, 1898, being incorporated with a capitalization of $200,000. The officers were Ernest Klopp, president; J. A. Petrie, vice president; W. T. Resch, treasurer, and E. G. Hartle, general manager and secretary, all Galion business men. The concern is engaged in the manufacture of road-working machinery including three styles of road scrapers, seven styles of roof drags and several styles of road dump boxes and land pulverisers. Mr. Hartle is the draughtsman and chief engineer of all the machines of this company. Employment is given to about 30 people, and the business is in a prosperous and flourishing condition. The Cleveland-Galion Motor Truck Company, recently established in Galion, controls an important industry in the manufacture of the Dynamic Motor Truck, the invention of John McGeorge, chief engineer of Cleveland. This truck is a powerful warehouse truck, intended for general use in railway freight houses, express depots, warehouses, terminals, factories, foundries, mines, stores, mail service, etc., and is manufactured only by this company. The company is a merger of the Howard Motor Company, of Galion and the Cleveland Motor Truck Manufacturing Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, the present company buying the business of the other two. It was incorporated under the laws of Ohio in the present year, 1912, with a capitalization of $100,000, and took up its present quarters on Primrose street, Galion in May, 1912. The company owns fourteen acres in the southwest part of Galion, near the Big Four and Erie tracks and will soon begin the erection of a modern plant there. Their factory on Primrose street, near the Big Four tracks has been 448 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY put in good condition for present use, several improvements having been made. The prospects of this company are exceedingly bright and they expect to build 1000 warehouse trucks by July, 1913. The company has offices at Cleveland, Ohio. The following are its officers: H. V. Woodward, president; A. W. Johnston, vice president; H. Gottdiener, vice president; W. H. Hager, secretary and treasurer, and F. W. Biehl, assistant secretary. J. W. Wilson is production manager and H. B. Greig, superintendent, in Galion. This truck is built in general, after the style of the present hand-power express truck, with a low loading platform, for heavy or light loads, and is power-driven. It may be run in either direction, and the mechanism permits of steering either front or rear wheels—or both—at the will of the operator, enabling him to control the truck absolutely in any position, no matter how closely confined the space, since either pair of wheels may be set at a sixty-degree angle. The truck may be driven, fully loaded, up a steep platform grade right into a car and to any point in that car. The company appears to have in their hands an enterprise bound to achieve success. The Telephone Improvement Company, soon to be established in Galion, Ohio, is a corporation organized in 1910 under the laws of the State of New York and capitalized at $3,000,000, the stock being divided as follows: First preferred, $500,000; second preferred, $550,000; common, $1,950,000. The president is F. C. Stevens, of Washington, D. C.; vice president, Merton E. Lewis; secretary, V. B. Deyber, of Washington, D. C. This company, the establishment of which in Galion is one of the best advertisements the city could receive, is organized for the purpose of absorbing, taking over and developing various companies engaged in the manufacture of telephones, call-meters, switchboards, automatic and semiautomatic equipment and all other appliances incident to the telephone business. The company has up to the present time taken over and absorbed the following companies: The North Electric Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, capitalized at $2,250,000; The Telechronometer Company, of Rochester, N. Y., capitalized at $600,000, and The National Engineering Company, of Baltimore, Md., previously taken over by the North Electric Company. This merger is effected for the purpose of economy by centralizing the output in the establishment of one large manufacturing plant. The Telephone-Improvement Company owns the patents covering the Automanual System, which system is a wide departure from its predecessors and possesses advantages in AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 449 economical operation and service quality that have been heretofore unattainable in telephone operation. This system received the official stamp of approval of The Bell Telephone Company, which stamp was placed only after a most exhaustive examination upon the part of their most competent engineers, and negotiations between the two companies resulted in the Bell Company paying the Telephone-Improvement Company a consideration of many hundreds of thousands of dollars for a non-exclusive license to use the Automanual System, the possibility of any future patent-interference war being thus obviated beforehand. The Telephone-Improvement Company has a license to use all patents and patent applications owned by The Western Electric Company, which is the manufacturing plant of the Bell Telephone Company. The Telephone-Improvement Company contemplates the immediate erection of a most modern manufacturing building, having 30,000 square feet of floor space, and when running at its full capacity. will employ from 300 to goo hands. It will also give employment to young men, desirous of fitting themselves for a mechanical or technical career and also to students from the commercial department of the public schools. It is estimated from past business and prospects in view that the company will do not less than one and one-half million dollars gross business per annum and that within from six months to one year it will be found necessary to build additions to and enlarge the capacity of the plant. The location of this plant in Galion will stimulate industry in various directions and will bring visitors to the city from all parts of the world representing telephone interests, to investigate and inspect the Automanual system, thus advertising the city in a manner that cannot but redound to its future benefit. The Market Street 'Mills, Galion, were established about sixteen years ago, and are doing a general milling business in the manufacture of flour and feed, etc. For the last six or seven years they have been conducted by C. H. Evans, a practical miller, who keeps his plant up-to-date and turns out a first-class product, with the result that he is doing a prosperous business. This is a modern steam mill and turns out about 65 barrels of flour per day. In addition to the industries already mentioned as existing in Galion, and aside from stores and the ordinary commercial houses, of which there are a large number, there are some others doing a prosperous business, among which we may mention the following: The Galion Monument Company, conducted by Gwinner & Sons, with location at 203 So. Columbus street, are manufacturers of and dealers in artistic monumental work. The Galion Cement Block Company, Henry Monat, proprietor, is located on the Hosford road, southwest of the city. The Galion Creamery Company, makers of creamery butter, is conducted by Hugh Lisse, with location on W. Church street. The Peoples' Pure Ice Company, ice manufacturers; W. H. Bessinger, 125 So. Market and F. Kuhn, 217 So. Market, harness manufacturing; J. W. Dukeman, buggies and carriages; The Weavers Bros. Company, drain tile; the H. F. Kile Mills, on So. Market street; and the Unckrich Knife Company, makers of knives to order and also engaged in general repairing business. An important industry of Galion for many years were the Galion Machine Works, which were established in 1854, on a small scale, the original factory consisting of one frame building, which was devoted to the casting of small articles used by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. The building was destroyed by fire in 1856, but the proprietors, Messrs. Squier & Homer, soon rebuilt. In 1858 another machine shop was erected continuous to the works, of which William Holmes was proprietor for eight years, being succeeded by J. B. McClinton, and later, on the latter's brother becoming a partner in the concern, the style was changed to McClinton & Co. Afterwards this shop, with the original plant, was conducted as one institution by Squier & Homer. Henry Lanius was connected with the plant for a time, running the machine shop established by Mr. Holmes, but he later removed his plant to South Market street. Squier & Homer continued the original business for many years, until Mr. Squier's death, which took place about seven years ago. The factory was then continued by Mr. Homer until two or three - 349 - Heman Rowse, a brother of Zalmon, set-