516 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

CHAPTER LI.

HISTORY OF MANSFIELD, CONCLUDED.

FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WATER WORKS-THE MAYORS OF THE CITY-FIRST COUNCIL-FIRST RAILROAD-POPULATION AND BUSINESS IN 1857-GAS WORKS - RAILROADS - MARKET HOUSE-MANSFIELD MADE A CITY -ERECTION OF BUILDINGS- THE "FLUSH TIMES" FOLLOWING THE WAR-THE WHOLESALE TRADE-THE BUSINESS OF THE MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS-INCOMES- BUSINESS OF THE CITY ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTORY FOR 1869-LIBRARY ASSOCIATION-YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION-THE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION-BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION -THE COLDWATER RAILROAD-THE "COLLAPSE" OF '73 -PROSPERITY IN 1879-GENERAL REVIEW OF BUSINESS.

ABOUT 1829, the village of Mansfield had made such headway that a fire department was thought of. There was no way of raising funds for such a purpose at that time, but by subscription, and accordingly Dr. William Bushnell carried around a paper, and obtained a subscription of $150, with which a small hand engine was purchased. It was a queer machine, the water being forced through a hose by turning two cranks, one on each side of the engine. This was the first fire engine, and Dr. Bushnell, Dr. Miller, Jacob Lindley (at that time Mayor), Hugh McFall, James Smart, Nathaniel Bryan, Henry Huffman, a Mr. Canfield and some others, constituted the first fire company. Jacob Lindley was foreman. On the occasion of a fire, they would range themselves in a row extending from the engine to some convenient well or cistern, or to the big spring, and pass buckets of water along the line to keep the engine supplied. Dr. Bushnell says it was u very good engine, and was in use about fifteen years or more, before the village felt able to invest in a better one. It was kept in Lindley's cabinet-shop on the site of the present Baptist Church. In 1846, a new engine was thought of one with more power and effectiveness. The subject was presented in the Council on the 10th of April, 1846, and S. J. Kirkwood appointed by that body to obtain information with a view of purchasing.

In July of the same year, as a result of this inquiry, Isaac J. Allen was directed to contract with Messrs. Borden & Craw, of Newark, N. J., for a fire engine, to cost not over $600. This was done. At the same time the Council took the precaution of stipulating that the engine should be forwarded to Mansfield, free of expense to the town where it would first receive a fair trial, and, if found satisfactory, it was to be purchased at a stipulated price; otherwise to be returned to the makers. It was not until May, 1847, that this engine made its appearance. It was duly weighed in the balance, found wanting, and the Mayor directed Mr. Allen to return it to the manufacturers. It was accordingly returned in June. Meanwhile, in the fall of 1846, while the new engine was in process of construction, it was thought best to devise some means for a water supply, and, for this purpose, it was deckled to make a number of cisterns, which should hold from three to five hundred barrels, to be built in different parts of the village, most convenient in case of fire. For the construction of these cisterns, the Council advertised for bids. and Jacob Scholl, being the lowest bidder, received the contract. Three cisterns were to be built, to be walled with stone, to hold five hundred barrels each, and to cost $92 each. These cisterns seem to have been sufficient for the fire department until 1853,

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 517

when the Council advertised for bids for the building of eight more. The contract was awarded to H. D. Sheffler, at $52 each. These cisterns were not completed until 1854, and the village was compelled to borrow money to pay for them, and to meet the increased wants of the department. The number of these cisterns increased, from time to time, as the growth of the city demanded until (at the time of the erection of the water works) there were seventeen of them in different parts of the city. They were kept full of water by various means, sometimes by conductors from the adjoining houses, but generally by laying hose and pumping the water from the creek, or the spring on Fourth street. This was very laborious work for the fire department until the arrival of the steam engine. Since the construction of the water works, these cisterns are being neglected ; they are no longer of any particular benefit to the city. and will never be again used unless some accident should happen to the works during a conflagration.

In 1847, the Recorder was authorized to correspond with parties in Mount Vernon, who it seems, had procured an engine that did satisfactory work, and were directed to L. Button & Co., of Waterford, N. Y. This. however, came to naught, and late in the fall a correspondence was opened with a manufacturer of engines and hose in Cincinnati. It was not until February, 1848, however, that the Council authorized P. P. Hull to purchase an engine and six hundred feet of hose. Thus the town was nearly two years negotiating for its first acceptable hand-engine of importance. This engine, which seems to have been a good one, cost $1,000 ; hose and coupling; $441 ; transportation, $69.58; total, $1,510.58. These were purchased of D. L. Farman & Co., Cincinnati. At the same time, the Council authorized the following persons, and such others as they chose to associate with them, to organize a fire company, viz.: Levi Zimmerman, A. L. Grimes, R. C. Smith. S. J. Kirkwood, H. L. Baker, Peter Arbaugh, Samuel Au, Michael Linder, Thomas C. McEwen. John Rickets, Adam Heldman, Abraham Emminger, P. P. Hull. Alexander Mcllvain, David Bushey and James A. Cook. They were to have the use of this new engine "Ohio," hose, etc. The same date, a committee was appointed to procure a hose cart, and a proper place to keep the engine, and P. P. Hull was appointed the First Engineer by the Council. A shelter for the engine, etc., was rented of C. L. Avery.

After getting the engine, the Council recognized the importance of having a place to put it; they therefore negotiated with Gen. James Hedges for the purchase of Lot No. 184, being the one which the English Lutheran Church now occupies. This lot cost $600, which was to be paid for in yearly installments of $100. This was in December, 1849, and in the same month a plan was reported for the new engine house. It was to cost $1,500, and the contract was taken by B. McCaren and Henry D. Sheffler in March. 1850. In the following January it was so far finished that the keys were delivered to the Council. The lower part of this building was used for the engine-room, and the upper part for a council-room and a town hall.

In July, 1852, a second fire company was organized. It was called "Torrent No. 2." Its engine was purchased by subscription, the Council authorizing the same, and agreeing to refund to each subscriber, the amount of his subscription ; taking it gradually from his amount of tax for corporation purposes. The following names comprise the charter members of the company: George F. Carpenter. Eckles McCoy, Barnabas Burns. M. L. Miller, Ephraim McFall. T. B. Dodd, J. H. Cook, H. R. Smith, G. McFall, John H. Wiler, I. C. Fair, J. Christofel, James Dickson, John Y. Glessner, John C. Ritter, D. C. Connell. James Hoy and Stephen B. Sturges. The engine was purchased at Seneca Falls, N. Y.

518 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Subsequently, other companies were organized, from time to time, much machinery and apparatus purchased, and the fire department became an institution of much interest and importance. In 1854, an Assistant Engineer was appointed by the Council for each organization; the old engine and apparatus of No. 1 was turned over to the Young America Fire Company, No. 3, and Mr. McIlvain went to Boston and purchased a new engine for No, 1. It was called the "Deluge " and cost about $1,500.

Isaac Gass was appointed Chief Engineer; E. McCoy, First Assistant; M. Day, Jr., Second Assistant; William McIlvain, Third Assistant, and David Bruck, Fourth Assistant. Mr. Gass continued to be Chief Engineer, two years, when J. H. Cook was appointed, with H. C. Hedges as First Assistant, and Samuel Carothers, Second. The third and fourth seems to have been dispensed with.

In 1857, John A. Lee was Chief, and David McCulloch and P. Bigelow, First and Second Assistants, Mr. Lee continued as Chief Engineer several years. He was followed by B. S. Runyon, E. McCoy, Henry Lemon, James Emminger, Robert McCrory and George Knofflock. In 1867, a steam engine was purchased for the department, at a cost to the city of $5,500. It was a valuable addition, and greatly reduced the labor of the fireman. It is still in possession of the city, together with two hand-engines, all of which are kept ready for instant use, in case the water-works should fail, during a fire.

The subject of building water-works for the city was first discussed in the City Council, in 1848. The first official action in the matter was taken by the Council June 5 of that year, when a committee was appointed to examine the springs northeast of the city and report as to the advisability of bringing in the water.

Again in July, 1848, a Mr. Bartle petitioned for certain privileges, for the purpose of furnishing the city with water from these springs. The matter was referred to a committee to report at an adjourned meeting. Mr. A. L. Grimes made a favorable report, and the matter was again referred to a committee to make a contract. For some reason, however, the project failed. In December of the same year, a Mr. Maize petitioned for aid to erect water-works. The matter was favorably considered by the Council, but with no practical results. For twenty years, there was only an occasional spasmodic effort in the direction of water-works, but in 1870, it began to be talked up in earnest, and the first decisive action was had at the April election of 1871, when the people decided by a large majority, that a long-felt want should be supplied. The matter having been decided, the Council in May, 1871, ordered an election for Water Works Trustees, which resulted in the selection of Messrs. H. R. Smith, A. C. Cummings and S. B. Sturges. These gentlemen were given great discretionary powers, and executed the trusts confided to them with fidelity and ability. They first visited various places to study the workings of different systems of water-works, and came " to the unanimous conclusion that the Holly system of pumping direct through the mains, was the best and cheapest." Whatever the merits of other systems, the Holly was considered best for Mansfield on account of the high elevation of the city above the water to be used-some 220 feet, at the highest point. The works consist simply of apparatus of sufficient strength, and sufficient steam power, to force the necessary quantity of water through iron pipes to this height, and as much higher as might be necessary in case of fire.

Ground was first broken May 15, 1871, and the work carried rapidly forward ; the city advancing $500 to meet immediate expenses, the City Council voting the issue of bonds to the amount of $175,000. E. McCoy was employed by the trustees, as foreman in the preliminary work. The water was taken out of

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 519

Rocky Fork; 450 feet above the works. As this creek is formed entirely of spring-water-the spring at Spring Mill contributing largely it was thought sufficient for all purposes of the water-works. The first issue of bonds was dated October 1, 1871, and the contract for the building, October ti ; the contract for laying the pipes to the works having been made the previous August. Six acres of ground were purchased, where the works were erected, at a cost of $3,000, and an engine purchased of the Holly Manufacturing Company, of Lock port, N. Y., at a cost of $32,000. The entire cost of construction and material amounted to $154,420.70.

The work was pushed with such energy that, on the 20th of August, 1872, they were ready for operation, the machinery put in motion and since that time have been working with entire satisfaction. After a few years' experience, much complaint being made regarding the quality of the water, which, although answering every requisite of the Fire Department, was not good enough for domestic purposes, it was determined, in 1879, to Like the water from two very fine springs, within easy reach of the works. Accordingly, the Johns' Spring, half a mile up the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad track, and the Laird Spring, a half-mile beyond, were purchased at a cost of $5,250. The right of way having been secured pipes were laid from these springs directly to the works. A reservoir was formed around the Johns Spring, with a capacity of about 1,000,000 gallons, the Laird Spring emptying its waters into this reservoir, and the Johns Spring welling up at its bottom. The pump draws the water directly from the reservoir, and, on the 1st of November, 1879, the city was supplied with pure spring water. The additional cost to the city, including the purchase of the springs, the right of way, laying of pipes, etc., was about $17,000. More than fifteen miles of pipe have been laid through the city. All the material used in construction was thoroughly tested before being placed in position, all the pipes being required to with stand a pressure of 300 pounds to the square inch, a pressure about three times more than they will ordinarily be called upon to bear in actual service. It is thought these springs will furnish water for a city of 20,000 people. The engine is of sufficient power to furnish 2,000,000 gallons in twenty-four hours, and to throw water over the highest building in the most elevated and distant part of the city. The construction of these works was commenced when times were good and money plenty; since that, the city has passed through a panic, and the debt has been felt to be somewhat burdensome. The yearly cost to the city, including interest on the bonds and running expenses, is about $13,000, but this will continually decrease as the bonds are paid off and the sale of water increases, and it is felt that, even with this expense, a large saying is yearly made in the decreased rates of insurance and the security of property from the ravages of fire. Since the construction of the works no fire of consequence has occurred.

Mansfield toiled along through the woods, the war of 1812, the mud and slush. the stumps and logs of a backwoods hamlet, the ups and downs incident to every new settlement, for twenty years before any notice was taken of it by the outside world, and then the Legislature came to the rescue and made it a town. It was made an incorporated village, by an act of the General Assembly, in February, 1828. It had passed through a long period of incubation, but was finally "borned," and started on its career of future usefulness, greatness and glory under the guidance of its first Mayor, a Mr. Jacob Lindley. Unfortunately, the early town records have become misplaced or lost,

520 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

and a complete list of the Mayors who followed Lindley, with their terms of service, cannot be found; such as can be found are given below. The list commences with 1846; from 1828 up to that time the records are lost, but some of the distinguished gentlemen who were called to the helm during those years were, besides Lindley, Joseph Hildreth, Henry Huffman and Simeon Bowman.

Joseph Lindley.............................................. 1846

T. H. Ford ................................................... 1846

Frederick Cook ............................................1847

S. J. Kirkwood .............................................1848

P. P. Hull ..................................................... 1849

Hubbard Colby............................................. 1850

N. D. McMillen............................................. 1861

Perkins Bigelow.......................................... ..1852

Perkins Bigelow.............................................1863

Andrew Poe.................................. ................1854

Isaac Gass..................................................... 1855

George F. Carpenter ..................................... 1856

Stephen B. Sturges......................................... 1857

Wilson M. Patterson....................................... 1857

Isaac W. Littler ............................................. 1858

William A. Moore ......................................... 1860

B. S. Runyon................................................ 1861

James Cobean................................................ 1862

Darius Dirlam ............................................... 1864

Abner Slutz*..... ........................................... 1866

A. C. Cummings ........................................... 1870

John B. Netacher*......................................... 1872

Isaac Gass (t).................................................1875

J. R. Richardson*.................................. ........ 1875

James G. Craighead........................................ 1879

Dr. Bushnell and Charles T. Sherman were members of the first Council, and almost the first act of that body was the passing of a resolution, introduced by Dr. Bushnell, that the members of the Council should accept no pay for their services. Mansfield did not exhibit any marked signs of future greatness until the Mansfield & Sandusky Railroad came, in 1846. This gave a start to the development of its almost limitless resources. It began to be a grain market, a wood market and a market for

*Two terms.

(T) Died while in office.

everything that the soil could produce. Sturges & Tracy built the warehouse at the foot of Walnut street, about this time.

The Mansfield herald says, of the city ten years later (1857): "The population is nearly 6,000 ; the annual exports exceed $1,000,000. There are twenty merchants in the city; three hardware establishment selling an aggregate of $80,000 per annum; six manufactories; three fire companies; twenty-seven lawyers ; ten doctors ; two banks; seven hotels; eleven churches, and gas works about completed." The Herald is mistaken about the 6,000, but there was something over 5,000, for this year an enumeration was taken, and Mansfield made a city of the second class.

At a called meeting of the Council, June, 1855. H. P. Platt, of Cleveland. asked, for himself and associates, the right of way. for twenty years; to lay gas pipes. The Council granted the right, upon certain specified terms; this was the first positive action regarding gas. Two years were given the contractors in which to finish the work, but the company was slow, and finally failed to complete their work within the specified time. Mr. James Purdy says that he, with others, " advanced the money to establish gas works, and when the contractors failed, he, with seven others, paid the debts due, organized a gas-light company, laid main pipes, put up lamp posts, and lighted the streets." This was in 1857, and the price of gas was $3 per thousand feet. About 1849, the town received another "boost" toward her present greatness, by the arrival of cars on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway. These railways receive full attention in another chapter. In 1856, ground was broken for the Atlantic & Great Western Railway. Mansfield subscribed $100,000. Ground was first broken by John Wiler, followed by Jabez Cook and Robert Carter. Judge Bartley delivered the address. This road was finally declared finished, at 3:15 P. M.. December 27,

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 521

1863-the finishing point being eight miles east of Ashland.

In 1853, the town had attained to the dignity of a street commissioner, and Alexander McIlvain was the first to hold that office, and was appointed by the Council.

In 1855, the Council began talking about a public hall and market-house, and a committee was appointed to select a site. This committee was finally ordered to purchase part of the Bowland Block, that part on the corner of West Market and Walnut streets, at a price not to exceed $1,500. They borrowed $1,000 of Hugh McFall to make the first payment. Jacob Brinkerhoff was a member of the Council at that time, and resigned his position, alleging as a reason that the duties of councilmen were incompatible with those of Supreme Judge of Ohio, which office he then held. He was paid $33.33 for the good he had done, and let off. Roeliff Brinkerhoff was appointed in his place. The corner-stone of the market-house was laid with much ceremony June 24, 1858. In the stone were deposited a gold keystone (a Masonic emblem), a programme of the proceedings, a copy of each of the city papers of latest date, containing a brief history of the city, together with several other articles, such as current coins, etc. All were put in a glass jar, which was placed in a cavity made for the purpose in a solid stone in the northeast corner of the building, immediately beneath the corner-stone. This building went rapidly forward to completion. October 3, 1856, Alexander McIlvain was directed by the Council to take an enumeration of the inhabitants of the village, and, January 5, 1857, Mr. McIlvain stated, over his signature, that the number was 5,121; thereupon a resolution was passed asking the Governor of the State to declare Mansfield a city. Accordingly, February 4, 1857, Gov. Salmon P. Chase issued a proclamation to that effect, and the city of Mansfield sprang into existence. The city was immediately divided by the Council into four wards; the line east and west following the center of Third street, and the line north and south following the center of Main street. The first election in the new city was held April 6, 1857, and resulted in the choice of Stephen B. Sturges for Mayor; Hubbard Colby and R. C. Smith, Councilmen from First Ward ; J. L. Simmons and J. H. Cook from the Second Ward; William McIlvain and B. Burns from the Fourth Ward, and F. H. Wise and W. L. Higgins from the Third Ward. Hubbard Colby was elected President of the Council, and Henry P. Davis, Clerk. The office of City Solicitor came into existence with the city, and L. B. Matson (deceased) was the first to hold that office.

The three railroads centering in Mansfield from different points of the compass, stimulated business and building, and caused the city to take a long step forward. Miller's Hall was erected in 1858 ; the brick block on the corner of West Market and the square; where Black's store is, in 1863, and the same year, H. H. Sturges erected the brick building on the corner where the first cabin was located. Opera House Block was erected by H. R. Smith in 1869. Many other buildings of more or less importance were erected during these years of prosperity. The war came in '61 with its all absorbing issues, which, however, only checked for a year or two the growth and development of the city ; and with the flush times immediately succeeding the war, Mansfield sprang forward with renewed energy and life. No period in her history can compare in interest (and the same may, perhaps, be said of almost every other city in the country), to that embraced between the years 1865 and 1873. Mansfield went wild with success, and ran up that ladder, so to speak, to such a height !, that she, in common with the rest of the country grew dizzy and fell. The history of the "flush times "immediately preceding the panic of '73 need not be written here; it is written on the memory of most people; everybody

522 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

understands it, and its causes and effects; and, if they do not forget it, will profit by it. It affected Mansfield in common with the rest of the world; in common with the rest of the world, she has passed that period, experienced her " ups and downs," and remembers that the "ups" were very high, and the "downs " very low. Business was wonderfully stimulated; wholesale houses, factories and machine-shops sprang into existence; more retail houses started than could live; many of her citizens waded into the stream of debt over their heads; built fine houses; found the current of that stream too rapid for them ; were swept into the whirlpool, and have generally repented in "sack-cloth and ashes." There may be consolation however, in knowing that they had plenty of company. Mansfield went on a "bum," to use an expressive word over the good things the great victory brought; she has since "sobered off;" seen the folly of so doing, and is now walking carefully and cautiously on solid ground, after the manner of a man who has been in a scrape and learned by experience.

The wholesale grocers were the pioneers of the wholesale trade of Mansfield. Fortunately for the city, three great trunk lines of railroad, connecting the largest cities in the country East and West, converge and diverge at this point. Men were not slow to perceive the excellent shipping facilities thus presented ; the advantage of competition in freights from the East, and the opportunity for easy distribution of goods. Until 1865, no exclusively wholesale house existed in Mansfield. Several houses were doing a wholesale and retail business together, but none had the nerve to branch out into wholesaling exclusively. A Mr. Davis had for some years been wholesaling groceries in a small way, and Mr. E. Clapp (now living on Fourth street, having retired from active business) kept quite a large retail grocery and candy manufacturing establishment on the corner of Fourth and Main, and did some wholesaling. No effort, however, was made to wholesale; if purchasers came from the country and wanted to buy in quantities they were waited upon, but no traveling men were out drumming up the trade as in later times. Col. Hiram Miller was amoral the first who attempted to sell goods on the road from Mansfield. He traveled a short time for Mr. Davis, before he engaged with Tracy & Avery, with whom , he remained many years. When he first went on the road, he would take orders from the country merchants, carry them about in his pocket until his return, before filling them. He only traveled a day or two out of a week or a, week or two out of a month. In 1864, he was employed by Tracy & Avery, who kept a wholesale and retail establishment on the northwest corner of the public square (where it still remains), and who were probably the first to keep a traveling man continually on the road. About the 1st of December, 1865, Messrs. Peter Remy, James A. Hedges and A. C. Cummins formed a partnership, purchased the establishment of E. Clapp and began an exclusive wholesale business. The nest year, 1866, Tracy & Avery closed up their retail business, and began wholesaling exclusively, and have continued

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 523

in that business to the present time. Sturges, Wood & Witter began jobbing dry goods in this year (1866) in connection with their retail business. In a year. their wholesale business had increased to such an extent that they also closed up their retail business. The stock and business of this firm continually increased until the latter reached about $800.000 per annum. They were then occupying the block on the Sturges corner but upon the completion of the Hedges Block, corner of East Diamond and the Public Square in 1873, they transferred their stock to that block. This firm was also engaged in the wholesale crockery and queensware business until 1870, when they sold out to Markward & Harroun. In 1869 the wholesale grocery firm of E. P. Sturges & Co. came into existence, and soon established a large business. Reed, Jones & Co. (now H. M. Weaver & Co.) also came in 1869 and started a wholesale boot and shoe store in the Opera Building. This firm also moved into Hedges' Block in 1873. This was the second establishment of this kind then in the city, John G. Spencer having been engaged in wholesaling boot, shoes, hats and caps for several years. In addition to these were J. H. Reed & Brother, doing a large wholesale book, paper and notion business; F. S. Lahm & Co., wholesale hats, caps, trunks. etc.; Custer & Brother, wholesale hardware, and various other establishments were wholesaling and retailing.

The amount of sales by wholesale houses in Mansfield for the year ending April 30, 1869, is thus stated by the Herald. The list comprises only those whose sales are over $50,000 per annum

Sturgis, Wood & Witter, $582,523 ; Tracy, Avery & Sturges, $440,370 ; Remy, Hedges & Walter, $195,921 ; Strong; Son & Co. (produce), $120,559; J. H. Reed & Bro., $92,724.64 ; John G. Spencer; $90,441; Sturges, McVay & Allison (lumber), $89,234; M. & J. H. Black (dry goods), $79,761: L. J. Tracy & Co. (produce). 79,390; T. B. Orr (hardware). $71,817 Blymyer & Bro. (stoves and tinware). $59,383: Reed, Jones & Co. (three months' sales). $24,735.40. The writer adds: "Five years ago. we could boast of no wholesale trade of consequence; there was no exclusively wholesale house in Mansfield. Now we have twelve houses whose sales are above $50.000 per annum."

In the height of its prosperity, the wholesale trade of Mansfield must have exceeded $2,500,000 per annum exclusive of The Aultman and Taylor Manufacturing Company, and other machine works and factories. To give a fair idea of the business of the factories. the Mansfield Herald of February 22, 1872, is responsible for the following statement:

NAMES Capital Men

Employed. Employed..

The Aultman & Taylor Co .......... $353,000 125

Mansfield Machine Works............. 750,000 200

Crackers and Bread....................... 43,000 18

Lumber......................................... 234,000 54

Furniture....................................... 46,000 27

Flour and Feed............................... 60,000 6

Paper Mill...................................... 74,000 10

Tin and Sheet Iron.......................... 49,000 25

Carriages and Wagons..................... 17,000 12

Breweries ....................................... 60,000 22

Millinery Goods.............................. 45,000 50

Boiler Works.................................. 18,000 7

Foundry and Machinery.................. 38,000 22

Tanning......................................... 20,000 6

Boots and Shoes............................ 65,000 85

Flax Mill........................................ 45,000 7

Soaps............................................. 32,000 9

Clothing........................................ 133,000 100

Brick............................................ 40,000 42

Woolen Mill.................................. 150,000 30

Sundries ....................................... 40,000 42

Total ............ ....................... . $2,312,000 899

As another indication of the immensity of the tidal wave of prosperity in those days, it is found that the total amount of incomes returned for taxation in 1868 was over $300,000. A few of the largest were: C. Aultman, $102, 230 ; H. H. Sturges, $10,969 ; H. Colby, $9,379;

524 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

S. B. Sturges. $8,504; S. B. Witter. $7,921 Dr. J. A. Jones. $7,350; John Wood. $7,343 A. L. Grimes. $6,427: E. Sturges. Sr., $6,126 E. H. Reese, $5,469; John S. Blymyer. $4,908; D. Sturges, $4,555, and many others from $1,000 to $4,000.

The following summary is taken from the Mansfield Business Directory for 1869, and gives a correct idea of the business of the city at that date : There were fourteen churches three banks: four Masonic and three Odd Fellows' lodges: a Young Men's Christian Association: a Philharmonic Society: a gas company ; a cemetery association; six public buildings and halls: three manufacturers of agricultural implements: twenty attorneys at law : five bakers ; five barbers : three billiard saloons; six blacksmiths : nineteen boardinghouses ; three dealers in books and stationer, one wholesale : one book-bindery: two wholesale boot and shoe houses : twelve hoot and shoe manufacturers and dealers: three breweries: eight brick-makers : one candy manufacturer: twelve carpenters and builders : one carpet store : four carriage manufacturers : one importer of china, glass and queensware : two cigar-makers : four dealers in clothing: three dealers in coal and wood : four confectioneries five coopers : five dentists : five dressmakers five druggists : one wholesale dry goods and notions: eight dry goods. wholesale and retail two dry goods. groceries and general merchandise : one dyer and renovator : one eating saloon: one egg-packer: one manufacturer of engines and boilers; two dealers in fancy goods one flouring-mill : one dealer in flour and feed one dealer in furnishing goods : two foundries four furniture dealers : one furrier : three wholesale groceries ; twenty-five retail groceries : one gun-maker : two hardware stores, wholesale and retail: two wholesale hats. caps and furs: four retail ; eight hotels : one hoop-skirt factory; four insurance agents: one dealer in leather and findings : six livery-stables: two dealers in lumber: one machine-shop: two marble-works: seven butchers: five merchant tailors : three dealers in millinery goods. two wholesale: five milliners: two dealers in musical instruments : two news-depots : two newspapers and printing offices: thirteen notaries public : one wholesale notion house: two nurseries: one manufacturer of blacking: four painter, : one wholesale paper house : one paper-mill. three photographers : twenty-one physicians : two planing-mills : two plow manufacturers : two produce and commission dealers five restaurants : three dealers in saddles and harness one dealer in, saddlery and coach trimmings : twenty-two saloons : two saw-mills one sash. blind and door manufacturer, five dealers in sewing machine; : one silver-plater; one spring-bed maker : one stencil-cutter: for dealers in stoves and tinware: three tanners and curriers : one dealer in tobacco and cigars one trunk-maker: one umbrella maker : four wagon-makers: four dealers in watches and jewelry : two dealers in wall-paper : one dealer in wines. liquors and cigars : one wood-turner three dealers in wool : one dealer in worsted

The directory also names fifty streets.

Among other public enterprises during these prosperous years was the organization of a library association. which occurred November 1865. Hon. John Sherman forwarded a large collection of looks and public documents for that purpose. The first meeting was held in Vance & Daily s office. and the temporary officers were Rev. J. W. Osborn. Chairman. and L. D. Myers, Secretary. The committee to obtain lecturers were L. B. Matson, M. Wordon and O. H. Booth. The Committee on Permanent Organization were L. B. Matson, J. H. Reed, W. S. Hickox, J. P. Vance and J. M. Jolly. The permanent officers elected were H. Colby, President : Rev. T. E. Davis. Vice President : L. D. Myers. Recording Secretary, O. H. Booth, Corresponding Secretary : J. H.

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Reed, Treasurer; W. S. Hickox; L. B. Matson and J. M. Jolly, Executive Committee. The powers of the association are vested in its officers, acting as a Board of Directors, who are elected annually. For a few years, while. the library was under the care and management of Mr. J. E. Wharton it grew and prospered ; a room was procured in the court house which was soon filled with books, relics. etc. After Mr. Wharton left the city, it was neglected, and is still neglected. There is in it, at present, about one thousand eight hundred volumes, besides magazines and other matter, a nucleus around which Mansfield people may, in the future, build up a much-needed library. A lyceum has been connected with it since August 15, 1871. It still exists, but is not well sustained at present.

A Young Men's Christian Association was organized December 30, 1867, the first meetings being held in the Baptist Church. Its first officers were: R. Brinkerhoff, President; L. J. Bonar and E. J. Davis, Vice President; Mr. Allison, Recording Secretary ; Mr. Hilliar, Corresponding Secretary, and J. H. Reed, Treasurer. During the, first year of its existence, nearly $800 were collected and expended in books, periodicals, furnishing room, etc. It continued many years with much interest, but is no longer in existence. Its books are preserved in the public library.

The Mansfield Cemetery Association was formed in 1865, and added to the old cemetery, southeast of the city (about a mile from the public square), thirty-eight acres. The Board of Managers are J. H. Cook, P. Bigelow, Abner Wright, N. S. Reed and E. McCoy. The grounds have been laid out in lots, walks and drives ; it is well kept, and one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the State ; the grounds, for the most part, being high and dry; the soil generally sandy. Improvements are continually made, and the location and lay of the ground is unsurpassed for the purposes of a cemetery. William Hyde is Superintendent.

A building and loan association was formed in 1867, which has been well managed. has grown and prospered; and to-day is one of the permanent institutions of the city. Reed Carpenter is President; S. A. Jennings. Secretary, and John Wood, Treasurer.

June 8, 1871, ground was broken for the Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railroad; the work was pushed so rapidly that the last rail was laid December 16, 1872, and the next day a party of railway officials passed over the road on the first train over the entire route.

Having briefly glanced at the history of Mansfield, during her most prosperous years, it only remains to speak briefly of the collapse and consequent depression. The city might be compared to a huge balloon, taking in gas for its aerial flight. It grew large rapidly, a thing of beauty, but, alas! not a joy forever. It became too highly inflated. Its collapse may be compared, in suddenness, to that of a punctured balloon in mid air, and almost as fatal in its consequences. If the people were not killed outright, their feelings may be compared to those of the man who, after being kicked down four pair of stairs, said he felt " shuck up like." Whatever headway the city had made during these years, seemed to have been suddenly lost. The breaking of the First National Bank was the first clap of thunder, that seemed to come from a clear sky, but, in reality, came from the blackest cloud that ever hung over Mansfield. Following this in quick succession, came crash after crash, and the terrible financial storm swept over the city, leaving it in ruins, in more ways than one. This storm came from the east, and like other eastern storms, was very hard and long-continued, and during its continuance, nearly all the smaller craft, and many of the larger, went under. A few of the larger ships-whose

526 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

masters always keep one eye on the financial barometer, their sails trimmed, and plenty sea room-weathered the storm in safety.

It is not pretended that Mansfield has been followed closely, in her journey from her birth in the forest to her present proud position among the cities of the State. It was a long, weary journey, and full of quagmires and winding ways, that would be wearisome to follow ; but it is hoped enough has been given to stamp the; picture of her growth and development on the mind of the reader. For five years she floundered among the ruins of financial disaster and hard times, but in 1878, began again to see daylight, and travel the solid, open, macadamized road to prosperity. Resumption and good times have given her a new lease of life; and during the year 1879, she has been again taking immense strides in growth and prosperity, and it may be safe to say that hundreds of new dwellings and business houses, many of them elegant and costly, have been erected. The old frame buildings, on the east side of Main, between the Park and Third street, have been torn down, during the last summer, and an elegant brick and stone block erected by Messrs. Swigart, Jenner & Scattergood ; and Main street now, for the first time, presents an unbroken front of brick and stone, on both sides, from Fourth street to the North American.

The new directory, for 1880, just issued, gives a good idea of the present condition of the business of the city. The directory for 1867 contained 1,715 names; that of 1876, about 2,700 and that of 1880, 3,500. There are forty-one attorneys at law; ten barber-shops ; nine drug stores (of which that of P. Bigelow is the oldest, and it is safe to place this gentleman among the oldest, if not the oldest man in continuous business in the city, without failure) nine dry-goods houses. six bakers; three banks of which the Farmers' is the oldest; five billiard rooms ; eleven blacksmith-shops; sixteen advertised boarding-houses ; one boiler works one book-bindery ; three book stores, all retail-the wholesale house of J. H. Reed & Bro. having failed and gone out of existence : one wholesale boot and shoe house. that of H. M. Weaver & Co.. John G. Spencer haying gone into the retail business; six retail boot and shoe stores: fourteen boot and shoe manufactories : one box-maker ; one brass foundry ; two breweries: two brickyards: one broom-shop ; one butter and egg, packer nine cabinet and furniture stores; two candy factories; ten carpenters awl builders; five carpet weavers nine carriage and wagon works ten cigar manufactories and tobacconists; nine clothiers and merchant tailors, none exclusively wholesale; six coal dealers: four coopers: one cracker bakery, which receives notice in another chapter ; two crockery stores. one retail and one (Harroun & Hammond) wholesale and retail. This firm came into existence in 1873, purchasing the stock of Markward & Harroun. The business had been established by Sturges. Wood & Witter, in connection with their dry-goods business. Harroun & Hammond transferred the stock to Hedges Block. corner of East Diamond street and the Public Square in 1873, where they yet remain. They employ

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 527

two traveling salesmen, and sell about $100,000 per annum. There are five dentists; two engine-manufacturing establishments, which receive notice in another chapter; four express agencies; three founders and machinists; two marble works; two wholesale grocers, and one wholesale dealer in liquors and tobacco. This business has found a profitable level. Tracy & Avery employ three traveling salesmen, and do a large and safe business. Bissman, Sealts & Miller opened a wholesale grocery in January, 1878, making, at that time, four regular wholesale groceries in the city. E. Sturges, Sr., dying in September, 1878, that firm closed up its business affairs and went out of business; shortly afterward, Mr. Hedges dying, Remy, Hedges & Walters also closed up their business. This left but two wholesale groceries. Col. Hiram Miller dying in 1878, the business was continued by Bissman & Sealts. Mr. Frederick Walters, of the old firm of Remy, Hedges & Walters, continued the liquor business, which had been established by the old firm. There are twenty-five retail groceries; four hardware stores, all retail; six harness-shops ; two hat and cap stores, one of which, F. Lahm & Co., wholesale, in addition to their retail business; eight hotels, which are elsewhere mentioned ; six insurance agents ; one iron-roof factory ; two leather stores ; six livery stables; eight meat markets; two mills, which are mentioned in another chapter; one wholesale, and four retail millinery stores ; five newspapers, elsewhere mentioned; one normal college, also mentioned in the chapter on schools ; two wholesale notion stores, that of J. R. Brown & Sons, and Reed, Ink & Lewis-the former doing business in Hedges' new block, on the east side of the square, carrying a large stock, and running, two wagons with their goods. Reed, Ink & Lewis are on the "Sturges Comer," and have lately added a retail store in the same block.

There are three photograph galleries; nineteen physicians; two planing-mills-McVay & Allison and the Mansfield Lumber and Building Company; ten restaurants; thirty-six saloons ; one shirt factory, which is kept by J. H. Knisely, in the Krause Block. This business was established in 1876, by its present owner and proprietor, and has become firmly and permanently established. There are also two soap, and two suspender factories, elsewhere noticed; six stove stores ; five tailor shops; one tanyard ; one toy store; one trunk factory; six jewelry stores; one woolen mill, elsewhere noticed; one wire-works, and a host of lesser industries, employing from one to twenty hands each. The directory also gives the names of ninety-one streets.

Much valuable and interesting history, mostly relating to the citizens of Mansfield and vicinity, will be found elsewhere, in the biographical department.