Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 26: Manufactures, 1912

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 Skunk 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 Sommer 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 & Kime 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.

gence of a people may be gauged by the extent enterprise. Manufactures represent, thereand variety of their manufactures. Agricul- fore, the activity and power of the human mind 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 inventions that our forefathers never dreamed of, but which we of today could hardly do without. To illustrate this marvellous 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 Minich also had tanneries about 1 83 1, 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 up 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 by 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 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 Quinby, 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 fai- 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 under 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 Willoughby 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 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. Shunk Sr., alone. By 1880 the works had a capacity of 1,000 plows per year, of nine different varieties, they being sold chiefly in

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 500 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 AV. 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 100 men were employed and as high as 700 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, making 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 company formed composed of Dr. William Pope, Dr. C. Fulton, James Clements, John Franz, Thomas Beer, George Quinby, George Donnenwirth and William Franz. George Quinby 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 iSss Gottlieb Vollrath started a planingmill 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 men. 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 \A-as 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. Jones, W. C. Lemert, Lyman Parcher and John Jones. Nicholas Reehl was 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 Works, which was done.

In 1859 a planing-mill was erected by Keller, 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 $60,000 to $75,000 worth of machines were shipped annually.

In i860 S. A. Bowers and J. W. Delancy erected flour mills near the site of the Deardorf steam saw-mill, and they were known as the Sandusky Valley Mills. Mr. Delancy retired in 1 86 1 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. Delancy, the old firm of Bowers & Delancy, continued their operation for many years.

Mr. Delancy 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.

capital of $150,000, 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 ofificers 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 buskers, 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 pleasure auto-cars, was incorporated in 1907, at Aurora, 111., 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, 19 10. 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 most modern machinery. The company is doing an 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, 19 12).

The Craig Foundry Company of Buc)a-us was incorporated in 191 1 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, with good railroad facilities. They also have a large plating plant - probably the most complete in the state - for nickel, silver and other plating, and turn out fine oxidized copper work. About fifty men on an average are given employment. Mr. W. H. Craig is president of the company, with Walter Kline, secretary and treasurer, and the board of directors includes also Mr. A. T. Dennis.

The Kelly Manufacturing Company, located in the south end of Bucyrus, on Gallon street, was established about three years ago by T. F. Kelly, its present proprietor, and is engaged in the manufacture of pneumatic water supply systems for irrigation or household purposes, steel burial cases and all kinds of sheet iron work, their product being sold all over the United States. About twelve men are usually employed and the firm is doing a prosperous business.

The Ryder Brass Foundry Company was established in July, 19 10, 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 alloys, turning out castings for all purposes. 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.

lished in 1874 by D. 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 1908, 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 firm's 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 time, 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.

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 Gallon 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 Whitney, both fine musicians. The company did a fairly good business for some years.

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 Gallon.

The Gallon 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 Gallon 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 Gallon 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 Gallon 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 ; J. S. Morris, of Ft. Wayne, vice president; E. Flickinger of Gallon, 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 Schelb, 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 100 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 $15,000. 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 Gallon, near the Erie depot and on a siding of the Big Four Railroad. The concern manufacturers bent felloes, spokes, and hardwood lumber. The product is sold by wholesale, in carload lots. About. 40 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, but, after continuing there for some time, the works were burned, about eight years ago, and the factory was then established m 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 horsedrawn vehicle to order. The principal specialty is the manufacture of storm tops, of which a large number are made yearly.

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 1902, 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, 191 1 - 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, 19 12, 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 dififerent 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. Wisterman, H. Gottdiener, A. W. Monroe and L. M. Liggett. The capital stock was $50,000, which was increased to $100,000 in September, 191 1. 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, 100x60 feet, which was enlarged the second year by an addition of 50 feet more. The third year another addition of 100 feet was added, and this was followed in 191 1 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- vented and patented other useful contrivances. 1 he 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 Gallon Handle and Manufacturing Company was established at Gallon in 1907. It is an incorporated concern capitalized at $15,000, its officers being Anton Kahn, president; Allen Miller, J. S. Winemiller, secretary, treasurer and general manager, and M. A. Miller, with a board of fitve 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 Gallon, 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 Gallon, 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 Gallon 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 Gallon, O., manufacturers of clay working machinery. This business was established at Plymouth, Ohio, in 1 88 1 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 Gallon. 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 used 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 the most modern office appliances and is divided into several departments, conducted under 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 efifort and careful attention to the wants of the trade, have established it on a permanent foundation.

The Gallon 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 jDay. 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 irriprovements and under his management the enterprise proved a lucrative business concern. In 1 90 1 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 191 1 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-Gallon 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, 19 12, with a capitalization of $100,000, and took up its present quarters on Primrose street, Galion in May, 19 12. 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 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 looo warehouse trucks by July, 1913. The company has offices at Cleveland, Ohio. The following are its officers: H. W. 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 Gallon.

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 Gallon 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 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 sixtydegree 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.

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 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 o,f thousands of dollars for a non-exclusive license to use the Automanual System, the possibility of any future patentinterference 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 modem manufacturing building, having 30,000 square feet of floor space, and when running at its full capacity, will employ from 300. to 500 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 Gallon 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, Gallon, were es-' tablished 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

In addition to the industries already mentioned as existing in Gallon, 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 Gabon 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 years ago,. when it was taken over by the E. M. Freese & Co., as an adjunct to their Clay Working Machinery plant. .Mr. Homer died in May of the present year (1912).

The Farmers Manufacturing and Milling Company, of Crestline, is the outcome of a milling industry which was established in 1856-57 by Matthew Reed, and which was originally known as the Continental Mills. After a number of improvements they finally came to be regarded as one of the best in the state. In June, 1880 they were burned to the ground, the proprietors, L. G. Russell & Co. losing heavily. They were rebuilt by Sam Robinson and subsequently passed through several other hands, for about ten years being conducted as an incorporated concern, among the officials at that time being J. W. Pond and son and F. D. Lewis. In 1903 Messrs. Musselman, Brandt, C. R. Coon and R. M. Taylor organized the present company, which is a co-partnership concern, the business being owned by farmer-s in Crestline and vicinity, among whom are some Richland county residents. Carl L. Otto, a practical miller, formerly of Michigan, has general charge of the plant, which gives employment to about six men. A general milling business is carried on, the special products "Sweet Home" flour, which has attained a wide reputation for quality. Under its present management the concern has been very successful.

The large and flourishing Crestline industry known as the Burch Plow Works is the outcome of a business established many years ago by Nicholas Burch, who sold to the Burch Plow Company in December, 1897. The concern was then incorporated with a capitalization of $50,000, the original officers being Jacob Babst, president; C. P. Frank, vice president; J. M. Carlisle, secretary, and Charles E. Stine, treasurer. Since that time but one change has been made in the official board, J. L. Morrow being now secretary. In 1907 the capitalization of the company was increased to $75,000 and in 1910 to $100,000. Since the original invention by Nicholas Burch, the Burch plows have been improved from time to time and today rank among the best in the market, and to this cause may be ascribed their wide popularity. As shown by the company's catalogue, they are made in various styles, including the New Burch Sulky and wood and steel beam walking plows. They also manufacture several styles of harrows, pulverizers and crushers, and the New Burch Steel Roller, the New Burch All Steel Cultivator, in several styles ; single and double shovel plows, etc. Another important branch of the business is the manufacture of sewer inlets, of which they make a large variety, together with manhole covers, and the Burch Expansion Cast Iron Culvert Pipe. About 40 men are employed in this industry and the plant is large and thoroughly up-to-date.

The Phoenix Milling Company, of Crestline, was established about a year ago, by W. H. Heath, of Shelby. The mill is located at the corner of Bucyrus and Pierce streets. A general milling business is done in flour, feed and grain.

The Gledhill and Kime Lumber Company of Crestline, is engaged in the production of lumber and building material. The present company purchased the business three or four years ago from John W. Ross, its founder. The office and yards are located at 215 Pierce street.

The Weaver Bros. Company, dealers in hay, grain and stock, was incorporated in 1900 with a capitalization of $100,000, and with officers as follows: Charles Kindinger, president; William H. Weaver, secretary, treasurer and manager ; and Peter Hutt, vice president. The main plant of the company is located at Crestline, and they have also two others - one of good size at Gallon, with J. J. Patterson as manager, and one - the original plant - at Vernon, which is managed by John B. Weaver. The company does a large business, their buying extending over both Crawford and Richland counties.

The Crestline Manufacturing Company now known as the Crestline Pump Works, was incorporated about seven or eight years ago by George A. Musselman, Jacob Flowers, R. M. Taylor, C. E. Stetter, and Jacob Babst, with a capital stock of $62,000. It is engaged chiefly in the manufacture of pumps, making as many as 250 different kinds for all sorts of purposes. Judge Daniel Babst is president of the company, the other officials being James Sowash, mgr., John Warden, secy. ; and Jacob Babst, treasurer and managing director. The

A few years ago H. E. Bonnuth estab- Hshed himself in business in Crestline as a manufacturer of cement blocks and as general cement contractor, and dealer in building material. His business has gradually increased and is now in a prosperous condition, with good prospects for the future. His location is on So. Pierce street, near the Pennsylvania tracks.

The Holcker Bros. Buggy Company, of Crestline, one of that city's most important and prosperous business enterprises, had its origin many years ago, when Lewis Holcker established a factory at New Washington, this county. He was later joined by his two brothers, Charles and Jacob, who came here from Germany, and the three brothers became associated together in the enterprise. In 1873 the concern removed to Crestline, starting here in a small way. The business gradually increased and it was soon found necessary to enlarge and improve the plant, the original frame building being replaced by a substantial one of brick. In September, 1902, they incorporated as The Holcker Buggy Company, with a capital stock of $50,000, and since that time the capacity of their plant has been doubled, their present plant on Seltzer street comprising half a block of brick buildings, thoroughly equipped with all modern appliances. They turn out about 1200 jobs a year in buggies and carriages, and give employment to about 65 people. Their product, the quality of which has always been kept up to the highest degree of perfection, is sold all over the country, their largest trade being in the states of Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania, with large sales throughout the South and West. The present officers are : Charles Holcker, president and treasurer; Jacob Holcker, vice president; William Monteith, secretary, and B. C. Vogler, superintendent.

The Schill Bros. Company, of Crestline, manufacturers of ranges, stoves, heaters and laundry stoves, was established in 1892, as a partnership concern, the partners being John, Joseph and Peter Schill. In 1900 they incorporated with a capital stock of $250,000. The business has grown to large proportions, the plant now covering five and a quarter acres, and about 150 men are employed on an average. The business done per year amounts to $200,000. Starting with the "New Idea," they have advanced until they now make six different styles of furnace, besides quite a large variety of ranges, heaters and laundry stoves. The officers of the company are as follows: William H. Weaver, president; Frank Miller, vice-pres. and treasurer; W. D. Cover, secretary and manager; E. E. Meister, assistant secretary, and C. A. Simonton, superintendent. The directors are C. F. Frank, John Schill, W. H. Weaver, C. A. Simonton, J. M. Martin, J. A. McCallum and Frank Miller.

The New Washington Flouring Mill, at New Washington, now owned and operated by George Siefert, is the outcome of an old established industry. The mill was erected in 1859 by Johnston & Crouder, who subsequently sold it to Joseph Galancie. The latter, after running it awhile, sold to Robert Hillborne and J. H. Miller. Later Mr. Hillborne sold his interest to A. W. Dennis, the firm taking the style of Miller & Dennis. In the fall of 1873 new machinery was installed, and in the following year Mr. Dennis sold to T. B. Endslow, the firm becoming Miller & Endslow. Two years later Mr. Miller retired and Mr. Endslow managed the business alone until 1879, then taking as partner C. K. Hebler. Subsequently Endslow & Hebler sold to John Scott of Cleveland, and the latter rented the property to Rhinehart & Meyers for two years, after which the mill stood idle for a year. Mr. Endslow then returned to the business and purchasing the mill of Mr. Scott, remodeled it in 1890, and conducted it till March 11, 1911, at which time it was purchased by Mr. Siefert. This mill turns out a high grade of flour and has a capacity of 60 barrels a day.

The New Washington Lumber & Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of and dealers in lumber and mill work, was organized in 1905, the original founder having been A. G. Eckstein. The officers of the company are : S. J. Kibler, president ; J. W. Derr, vice president; J. H. Sheetz, treasurer; J. H. Donaldson, secretary and general manager. The board of directors, in addition to the above officials, include J. W. Kibler, Jefferson Marquart and Frank Derr. Twelve people are employed, all the men being residents of New Washington.

The firm of Seitter & Brown of New Washington, manufacturers of brick and tile, building blocks, etc., was established in March, 1907, by C. T. Seitter and H. L. Brown. A twostory building, 40x130 feet, was erected, and in 1909 an additional two-story building, 30X 50 feet was built. The entire plant covers about eight acres of ground. The value of the yearly output amounts to about $10,000, and employment is given to from four to six men. A specialty is made of drain tile, which is made in various sizes.

The Kibler Tannery, New Washington - This concern was originally about 1834, when Robert Robinson, a shoemaker and tanner, began the manufacture of shoes here. He prepared his own leather, and for this purpose sunk five or six vats, making more leather than he required for his own use, sold the surplus in Bucyrus. His tannery was purchased about 1845 t>y Matthias Kibler, who had started in the same business about ten years before in a small log building a mile or two south of New Washington, where he had sunk four vats. Mr. Kibler was a first class tanner and gradually enlarged his business into an important enterprise. His leather was of the best quality and commanded a ready market in Bucyrus and other places. The old tannery was subsequently torn down and removed to its present site in the southeast part of the town corporation, between the Northern Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad tracks. S. J. Kibler, who succeeded Matthias later took in J. W. Kibler as partner, the firm then becoming S. J. Kibler & Brother, and it was thus conducted until May 2, 1902, when the style was changed to S. J. Kibler, Bro. & Co. It was then incorporated with a capitalization of $5,000, all paid in, the officers being: S. J. Kibler, president; A. G. Kibler, secretary; L. M. Kibler, treasurer. The tannery consists of four buildings, 160x100 feet, 60x45 feet, Sox 50 and 45x30 feet. Twelve men are employed in the tannery, and seven traveling salesmen, with a bookkeeper and stenographer in the office. In 1902 Mr. J. W. Kibler retired from active service with the company.

The concern now deals also in hides, tallow and sheep, skins, wool and furs, wholesale. The company owns 90 per cent of the Lake Erie Hide and Leather Co., of Sandusky, O. Their annual sales ending in May, 1912, amounted to $2,000,000.

The Crawford County Nursery, at New Washington, is an infant industry which gives promise to develop into one of the county's most important commercial enterprises. The prime mover in its establishment is Mr. W. H. McCormick, who has devoted the greater part of his life to the study of horticulture. This nursery, although covering only 5 3-4 acres of ground contains no less than 32,000 young apple trees, 16,500 plum trees, 4,000 cherry, 1,000 pear, 15,000 strawberry plants, 1,000,- 000 catalpa. 4.000 peach, 4,000 currant, and 4,000 gooseberry plants, besides 1260 evergreens. The soil of this nursery is ideal and the greatest care is exercised in planting and caring for the young trees, shrubs and plants. No person is allowed to buy more than $25 worth of stock in the company, the directors wishing to distribute the stock widely among fruit growers. The official board and directorate are as follows: E. F. Ulmer, presiident ; John Donnersbach, vice president ; H. L. Hammer, secretary; W. H. McCormick, manager. Directors - A. P. Miller, secretary, G. H. Kichline, secretary, John Willacker, W. J. Harris, J. E. Wells and I. P. Spillette.