Pickaway County, Ohio - Chapter 3: The City and Township of Circleville, 1906 (part 2 of 3)

Circleville Postoffice

Circleville had mail facilities at a very early day, soon after the town was organized and became the county seat.| The first mails were carried between Columbus and_ Chillicothe, which provided the city with a regular mail service. Caleb Atwater, one of the earliest postmasters, was succeeded in January, 1822, by George Wolfley; he in turn was succeeded, in the fall of 1824, by William B. Thrall, who held office until 1831, when John Ludwig became postmaster, continuing until 1845. W. C. Taylor, who was postmaster during Polk's administration, was succeeded, about 1849, by J. Thomas Knox. 'The postmasters since Knox have been the following: Jason Case, who served from 1853 to 1861, C. B. Mason, W. H. P. Denny, B. I. Thomas, who died in office and was succeeded by William Foresman; Samuel Marfield, who took the office April 1, 1876; Harry E. Lutz, Dr. G. A. Wilder, who received his appointment in August, 1885, and served to 1889; Harry E. Lutz, who succeeded Wilder and served until September, 1890, when he resigned; John L. Kent, who held the office from 1890 to 1893, when he resigned; Charles McLean, who held the office from 1893 to 1897; W. R. Duvall, who served from 1897 to March 1, 1902; F. M. Shulze who followed Duvall and served until his resignation, II months later; and Charles C. Chappelear, the present incumbent, who received his appointment on January 19, 1903, and took charge of the office on February Ist.

The office is ranked as second class and the salary of the postmaster is $2,300. W. J. Graham, assistant postmaster, whose salary is $1,100, received his appointment on December 22, 1902. John A. Fissell, money order clerk, was appointed August 28, 1897, on which day Mrs. Anna Van Ness, general delivery clerk, also received her appointment. Edward H. Blum, stamper, was appointed December 8, 1902. There are four city carriers - Charles Will, Charles H. Gusman, Homer H. Troutman, Harry T. McMahon; and one substitute - Harry G. Stevenson. The pay of a mail carrier is $850. Frank V. Lewis is the mail messenger.

The volume of business transacted at the postoffice in 1905 amounted to almost $13,000, which sum included stamps and stamped paper, but did not include the money order business. Circleville has had free delivery of mail since November 1, 1897. The postoffice has been located in the Pythian Castle since March, 1894.

postoffice was established in 1901 with one carrier, John W. Lewis. On March 1, 1902, six more carriers were added, namely: Horatio A. Brown, George H. May, Samuel Kindler, George H. Fissell, George H. Henderson and William B. Watts. Guy Culp was added to the force in 1905. All the eight rural carriers named above are still in the service except John W. Lewis, who was succeeded by I'rank T. Gearhart. Each carrier gets $720 per year and the eight cover a territory of about 200 square miles. The substitutes are: Mrs. Electa Gearhart, J. C. Rigg, J. W. Mackey, James W. Trimmer and Noah Culp.

In the early history of Circleville, as was the case in other towns of that period, hotels were much better patronized than they are now. People traveled in coaches and in all kinds of vehicles, as well as on horseback, and they generally lodged, took their meals and had their horses fed at the hotels on their route. There were but few turnpikes and the common roads were impassable for vehicles in winter and spring consequently the leading farmers and traders in live-stock came to town on horseback and put up at the hotels. Now, with good turnpikes reaching every section and with excellent rail communication, either on steam or electric road, a large portion of the country people come to the city, transact their business and return home ina half day; and those that stay all day leave their horses and buggies at livery stables and take their meals at restaurants.

The first tavern in Circleville was kept by John Ludwig in a log house, which was the first built within the circle, in 1810. The first license for keeping a tavern in Circleville was issued by the Court of Common Pleas to Charles Bodkin, on July 25, 1810. The village tavern, in 1819, was kept by Olney Payne. In 1824 William Henry conducted the Bentley Tavern, which had other landlords previous to this date. It was a brick building.

building on East Main street known as the Harsha house. tain who were the first proprietors and landlords or when the hotel was established. It is known, however, that it was in operation before 1837, in which year the landlord was Jacob Gossler, a clever and sociable Pennsylvania German, who set an excellent table. Isaac Douthirt, who at a later date was landlord of the Mansion House, kept the Circleville House in the early '40's, being succeeded, about 1844, by Henry Heffner, who ran it for two and a half years. The property at this time was owned by George Riegel, Heffner's father-in-law. It is thought that Heffner was the last landlord.

The Ohio House, alse known as Morgan's Tavern, which was kept by Gen. John E. Morgan, was a small tavern near the corner of North Court and Watt streets, on the site later occupied by William Bauder's carriage shop and near where the depot of the Scioto Valley Traction Company is now situated. It was in operation as early as 1836, when G. F. Wittich, located in Circleville, and as late as the memorable presidential campaign of 1840, when Gen, William Henry Harrison stopped at it as a guest. The tavern was discontinued soon afterward.

The Valley House, originally known as the Red Lion Tavern, situated on the east side of South Court street, between Union and Mill streets, was one of the oldest hotels in Circleville. Joseph Adamson was one of the first landlords. George Try, a Pennsylvania German, was an early proprietor. The house was patronized by the laboring class and the small farmers, to whom he furnished square meals of plain, substantial and well-cooked food and common whiskey, such as they were accustomed to. He made some money and paid for the hotel property, but made a bad investment when he traded it to Dr. Edson B. Olds for the National House property, agreeing to give about $7,750 difference. He did not succeed in this venture as he had expected, and lost the property through foreclosure proceedings. He afterward kept a boarding-house for many years. J. H. Carper next purchased the

Valley House and ran it as a hotel. It never made him any money. It was finally sold at sheriff's sale to N. J. Turney and was an elephant on his hands as long as he lived. His widow had the old building torn down and taken away.

Another old hotel of the city was the American House, which stood where the New American Hotel is now located. It was a two-story frame and brick building and as a hotel rated a little higher than the Valley House. John

. Rodgers, well advanced in years, was proprietor of this house in the early '50's. He was succeeded by his son, Philo W. Rodgers, who repaired and enlarged the house and made it the best hotel in the city. In his youth he was a fine specimen of physical development, but he later grew "fat and jolly" and died in the prime of life. He was very popular as a landlord. His wife conducted the hotel for many years, finally selling the property to the Roth brothers, who disposed of the old buildings and in their stead erected a brick building, which constitutes the New American Hotel of to-day. Mrs. Rodgers afterward kept the Pickaway House for a period.

The National House, a two-story frame structure, located on the east side of Court street in the block north of Franklin, was established at a very early day. Henry Darst, who located at Circleville in 1835 or 1836, ran the house for three years and then moved: upon a farm in Muhlenberg township. In 1845, according to O. E. Niles, who came to the city in that year, John and Jacob Sweyer were landlords. In the spring of 1850, the large stable in the rear belonging to the hotel was set on fire by an incendiary and burned to the ground, 22 valuable horses, nearly all owned by guests, perishing in the flames. Jonathan Boyd, the next landlord, was well qualified for the business, popular with all and would have made money if he had allowed jor a sufficient margin of profit. He died in indigent circumstances. William Eckhardt succeeded Boyd. During the period he conducted the hotel, a three-story brick addition on East Franklin street was built. The first story of this building was used for a dining- room, the second was partitioned off into bedrooms and the third story formed a hall room, known as Eagle Hall, where entertainments were held. At this time the National House was the leading hotel and many dances were held in this hall. Mr. Niles, in referring to the cavalcades of pleasure seekers that came to and departed from this hostelry, says that the young men and ladies came to the dance on horseback, often in parties of 30 or 40, each lady carrying on the right horn of her saddle a long carpet-bag, which contained her fancy ball dress. Eckhardt was succeeded as landlord by George Try who, as mentioned before, purchased the property of Dr. Edson B. Olds, who had come into possession of it through litigation. The property was long since cut up and is now owned by various parties. The old building on West Main street and the canal, now occupied by the Colonial Carriage Company, was built as a hotel about 1836 by Andrew Cradlebaugh, who conducted it several years. It was known as the Canal Hotel and was a popular hostelry in its day, being especially patronized by the travelers on the Ohio Canal. In 1845 this hotel, then known as the Mansion House, was owned and conducted by Isaac Douthirt, who was a noted hotel man in his day. The property a few years later ceased being a hotel. In 1850 Bright & Bierce took possession of the property and converted it into a machine shop. The Pickaway House also has a very extended history, dating back, at least, to the "30's. and for many years was known as the Henry House. It was later owned by James Carlisle, under whose regime it was known as the Carlisle House. After Carlisle, came Jonathan Boyd, who later ran the National House. R.

building raised two stories and the name changed to the Pickaway House, which it has ever since borne. About 1850, when H. M. Sweyer was the landlord, it was the leading hotel of the city. It was the stopping place for the stage-coaches which ran on the line between Columbus and Portsmouth and also had a large number of régular boarders - busi- ness men of the city. Robert T. and Thomas Coverdale were here in the early *60's and as late as 1868. Shortly after the Civil War. the property came into the possession of a stock company, of whom the principal members were William Doane and John Groce, which company made extensive improvements and additions.

The following are the more recent landlords of the Pickaway House: Newman, Jonathan Boyd (who was landlord a short time, about 1870), C. D. French, Adam McCrea (who ran it from April, 1874 to 1882), Mrs. Philo W. Rodgers (who had previously conducted the American House), Robert H. Taggart, Pontius & Anderson, Rev. J. R. Hall, Alexander Lemon and Henry Seyfried, the present proprietor and landlord who has had the hotel since 1898.

In 1880 William Roth and his brother George purchased the old American House: property of Mrs. Rodgers and in 1882 tore down the old structure, rebuilding it with a modern one, containing 65 rooms, which was named the New American Hotel. It was first conducted by Harry Sheridan, who was landlord for eight or ten years until his death, after which his widow ran the place for a short time. Then Mrs. Rodgers & Son ran the place: the son died here. The hotel was next conducted by D. F. Millet, who died after one year as landlord. Edward I. Leveen ran the place for eight years and was succeeded by Samuel W. Morgan, who was landlord for nearly three years. The next landlord was Henry Seyfried, proprietor of the Pickaway House, who conducted it for 18 months, during which period he was landlord of the two leading hotels of the city. The hotel, which is now conducted by T. H. McNamee, has been recently refitted and put in first class shape. New tile' floors have been laid in the office,. hall, bar-room and closets and new plumbing and new bath-rooms have been put in.

The Hotel Tremont, which was established about 50 years ago, was rebuilt in 1880 by William Heffner and J. J. Egan. Mr. Egan ran the hotel for some five years. Since then it has had several tenants. The property is

The Florence Hotel was originally put up for tenements and offices. One room on the ground floor was used by Mrs. Ellen Nightengale for a millinery store for a number of years. In 1894 Mrs. Nightengale converted the building into a hotel and as such it has since been exclusively used. The property came into Mrs. O. H. Dunton's possession in 1904 by inheritance; she still owns and operates it.

The Bank of Circleville, the first banking institution of the city, was organized in the fall of 1834, under a special act of the Legislature, passed on March 3rd of that year. The commissioners, Joseph Olds, Samuel Rogers, Noah S. Gregg, Andrew Huston, William Renick, Sr., William Renick, Jr., Elias Florence and Samuel Lybrand, opened the books for subscriptions to the stock on the first Monday in June, 1834. The capital of the bank was $200,000. During the 20 years it did business, it had three presidents, viz.: Joseph 'Olds, Noah S. Gregg and Joel Franklin; and two cashiers, of whom Hoel Lawrence was the first and his son, Hoel K. Lawrence, the second. The bank was under able direction during the first 17 years of its existence and it prospered to a high degree. At length in 1853, the elder Lawrence died, which event was soon followed by the resignation of the president, Noah S. Gregg. In 1854 the bank failed.

The second bank of the city, also known as the Bank of Circleville, although commonly referred to as the ''old"' Bank of Circleville, had its real beginning on August 16, 1839, when John Barr, Jacob Shoemaker and Jonathan Renick, three of the 12 commissioners, opened books for subscriptions to the stock of the bank, whose act of incorporation reached back to January 14, 1818. The authorized capital was $300,000, and the bank was given the right to engage in business when $150,000 was subscribed and 15 per cent. thereof paid in, and the Governor's certificate secured. There does not appear to have been much readiness on the part of many citizens of the county to become shareholders, and the organization was only perfected when non-residents of the county and State entered their names for the deficient sum. Mr. Brown, a resident of Nov. York, was elected president and a Charles Cornwell, cashier. The Governor of Ohio, however, declined to certify that the bank had complied with the provisions of the statutes. It was deemed important, therefore, that this official declaration by the bank should have a verification by dis-interested parties, and the board appointed Dr. E. B. Olds and P. N. White to make examination of the books and count the funds. While these examiners found that' the institution had in its possession $23,000 in gold and silver, a sum $500 in excess of the 15 per cent. necessary to have before operations could be begun legally, it is more than likely that these funds represented a loan that was of short duration. On April 6, 1840, the bank opened its doors for business. Before a year had elapsed Seymour G. Renick became president and William McCulloch, cashier, succeeding the first officers. But even this move did not improve matters. At length an hour of paralysis came and on April 14, 1842, the bank expired. -For a long period thereafter, amounting in all to 29 years, the bank's affairs were a matter of controversy in the courts. SE aS

Shortly after the failure of the Bank of Circleville (the second of the name), which occurred_April 14, 1842, a banking institution, known as the Pickaway County Savings Institute, was organized, with a capital stock of $25,000, of which Dr. Marcus Brown was made president and Otis Ballard, Jr., cashier. From this organization finally sprang what is now known as the First National Bank of Circleville. In 1851, not long after the Pickaway County Savings Institute was organized, it was merged into the Pickaway County Bank, a corporation organized under an act of the Legislature to authorize free banking, with capital stock of $200,000. The board of

"On October 10, 1863, the Pickaway County Bank was reorganized as the First National Bank of Circleville, under the national banking laws. The capital was increased from $200,000 to $260,000. The original board of directors. consisted of Noah S. Gregg, Samuel Rogers, Samuel H. Ruggles, James E. Rice, Hanson Rock and Dr. Marcus Brown. - Dr. Brown was elected president and continued to fill the position until his death, January 6, 1882. He was succeeded by J. A. Hawkes, who filled the office until his death on December 12, 1895. About a month after Mr. Hawkes' death, at a meeting of the stockholders, held on January "14, 1896, there developed a contest for the control of the institution, which resulted in the election of an entire new board of directors, viz.: L. H. Sweetman, Charles E. Groce, Alexander Renick, Gottlieb Hartmeyer, B. F. Benford and George J. Mc- Mullen. The resignations of the officers of the company were accepted and L. H. Sweetman was elected vice-president. Shortly afterward a full list of officers was elected, Mr.

Sweetman being chosen president, which office he held several years, until his death, when B. F. Benford, the present head of the institution, succeeded him. Otis Ballard, Jr., the cashier of the first organization known as the Pickaway County Savings Institute, continued as cashier when the institute became the Pickaway County Bank and afterwards was cashier of the First National Bank until the reorganization of the company in 1896, when he was succeeded by William B. Drum, who a few years later was succeeded by the present cashier, George G. Stouch. On July 8, 1896, soon after the new management took charge, it was decided to reduce the capital stock from $260,000 to $130,000.

The present directors are: Charles E. Groce, Clarence Curtain, Alexander Renick, George J. McMullen, Gottlieb Hartmeyer and B. F. Benford. At the close of business September 4, 1906, the First National Bank had $60,000 in its surplus fund and $12,413.43 in undivided profits. The individual deposits at this time were $363,363.61. The resources totaled $704,786.25, chiefly represented in the following items: Loans and discounts, $335,- 143.83; United States bonds to secure circulation, $130,000; cash and sight exchange, $117,205.21; and _ bonds, securities, etc., $96,510.

The People's Bank, later known as Marfield's Bank, was a private bank started in 1848 by Samuel Marfield. It lasted until May, 1877, a period of 29 years.

The Scioto Valley Bank was another private banking institution of Circleville. It was started in the early '50's and was owned and conducted by W. W. Bierce and Col. Samuel A. Moore, the latter being the cashier. The bank sailed a fairly smooth course until the failure of the Scioto Machine Works, owned by Bierce, in November or December, 1863, when it also foundered on the rocks. At this time Bierce was the sole owner of the bank,

About 1854 or 1855, soon after he had ceased his connection with the Bank of Circleville, Noah S. Gregg started the Exchange Bank, a private banking institution, of which he was president ard Henry N. Hedges, Jr., cashier. This institution continued until 1862, when it was reorganized as the Second National Bank of Circleville.

The Second National Bank of Circleville opened its doors for*business in January, 1882, with capital stock of $125,000. The first president was Noah S. Gregg, and Henry N. Hedges, Jr., the first cashier. The first board of' direetors was made up of the following capitalists: Noah S. Gregg, Samuel H. Ruggles, Dr. Marcus Brown, Otis Ballard, Jr., J. A. Hawkes and Henry N. Hedges, Jr.

The present cashier, Gustavus A. Schleyer, was elected on January 10, 1902. This bank has had but three presidents and three cashiers since its organization. The present board of directors is constituted as follows: S. T. Ruggles, William Foresman, John Wardell, Willitm S. Reber and Gustavus A. Schleyer. The bank has a surplus fund and undivided profits amounting to $54,000, and deposits amounting to $580,000. This institution has never failed to pay a dividend every six months since its organization; these dividends, according to the government report, have amounted to the sum of $490,000.

The Third National Bank of Circleville was established September 2, 1882, with capital stock of $100,000 and the following officers: Cyrus Benford, president; William J. Weaver, vice-president; and Samuel Morris, cashier. The first board of directors was made up of the following named gentlemen: Henry F. Page, Cyrus Benford, Dr. N. E. Jones, Joseph P. Smith, Alexander Smith, Alexander C. Bell and William J. Weaver. The bank opened its doors for business at the northwest corner of Main and Scioto streets.

William J. Weaver followed Cyrus Benford as president, Alexander Smith becoming vice-president. Later, Cyrus Benford was elected president and William J. Weaver, vicepresident. After the death of Mr. Benford, Mr. Weaver served as president until the following January, when John Groce became president and William J. Weaver again became vice-president. On the death of Mr. Groce, Samuel Morris, who up to this time had been cashier, became president, Mr. Weaver still remaining vice-president and W. G. Jacob becoming cashier. On the death of Mr. Morris, William J. Weaver,again became president and George Bennett was elected vicepresident. Subsequently, Mr. Weaver resigned his position at the head of the bank in order to president. W. G. Jacob has been cashier ever since Samuel Morris became president. The present officers are: Alexander C. Bell, president; Georee Bennett. vice-president; W. G.

Jacob, cashier; and Charles Shulze, assistant cashier. The board of directors is composed of Alexander C. Bell, George Bennett, W. G. Jacob, James I. Smith, Milton Morris, George H. Pontius and Wayne Caldwell. According to a statement of the bank's condition at the close of business September 4, 1906, the Third National Bank had deposits of $414,306.08; its surplus fund and undivided profits amounted to $37,500.62. The resources at this time totaled $591,123.26, of which amount $409,- 712.69 was represented in loans and discounts. The bank is now located at No. 138 West Main street.

The history of building and loan companies in Circleville dates back to the year 1868, when the first companies were organized. These early concerns were very successful in their work and accomplished a great amount of good. The first company in the field was the Circleville Building and Loan Association, which was organized. by leading Germans of the city on January 20, 1868, when the following officers were elected: William Van Heyde, president; William Gilley, vice-president; C. F. Krimmel, secretary; and George M. Van Heyde, treasurer. Of the original organizers of this concern, only two are now living.

On the 17th of February, 1868, the Enterprise Building and Loan Association elected their first officers which were as follows: John A. Lutz, president ; John Bayer, vice-president ; Alfred Williams, secretary; E. P. Garaghty, treasurer; John A. Lutz, solicitor.

In the newspaper files of January, 1870, we find, in addition to the two companies mentioned above, two new concerns known as the Pickaway Building and Loan Association and the Home Building and Loan Association. In 1872 there were two more companies in the field - the Mechanics' and the Scioto building and loan associations. ,All of the associations named above were created for a definite period and were successfully terminated. We also find early mention of the Golden Rule, German and other building and loan associations.

Failure Of The Three Building And Loan

The city of Circleville was stirred to its very depths in the first week of January, 1903, when it became known that State examiners had found discrepancies in the accounts of the three building and loan companies then doing business here. The failures were attributed to G. C. Bayer, who held the office of secretary in each of the organizations. Upon the first intimation of trouble, he disappeared and was next heard from in Honduras, Central America, where he is reported to have died a year or two later. The total embezzlements or deficiencies, as later found, amounted to about $165,000.

When the discrepancies, indicating wholesale embezzlements, were found on January 6, 1903, immediate proceedings were instituted looking to the placing of the companies in the hands of receivers. An action was brought in the Court of Common Pleas for this county by S. C. Gamble, trustee for Jane Popejoy, who asked for the appointment of a receiver and for a winding up of the business of the Circleville Building, Savings and Loan Association Company. On the 19th of February the company dissolved and joined with the petitioner in the action for the appointment of a receiver, and on the following day Charles H. May was appointed. In the meantime a suit against the Germania Building and Loan Company was brought by Jennie McGath, a depositor. S. L. Grigsby and J. P. Winstead were appointed receivers on Iebruary 19th. A suit was also brought against the New Citizens' Building and Loan Company by Frederick Dunn, an infant, by his next friend, Samuel W. Courtright. Henry P. Folsom and Barton Walters were appointed receivers on February 19, 1903..

The oldest of these companies, the Germania Building and Loan Company, was incorporated March 28, 1881, and on April 2nd a temporary organization was effected, with the following officers: -James Harsha, president; G. C. Bayer, secretary; George_M. Van Heyde, treasurer; and S. L. Grigsby, solicitor.

On May 13, 1881, the following permanent officers were chosen: T. K. Brunner, president; W. E. Bolin, vice-president ; G. C. Bayer, secretary; George M. Van Heyde, treasurer; and S. L. Grigsby, solicitor. The officers at the time of the collapse were: H. B. Clemons, president; Christopher Wefler, vice-president ; G. C. Bayer, secretary; William Chaney, treasurer; and S. L. Grigsby, solicitor. The liabilities of this company were found to be $46,- 224.66, while the assets were only $27,907.77, leaving a deficiency of about $18,000. Since the failure, the receivers have paid dividends amounting to 50 per cent. and it is thought will pay from 25 to 30 per cent. more.

The New Citizens' Building and Loan Company was organized in July, 1882, the original stockholders being: Simon Bayer, G. C. Bayer, E. E. Bock, Andrew R. Bolin, S. L. Grigsby, A. J. Grigsby, Henry R. Heffner, William Hefiner, B. H. Moore, W. T. Price, James Reichelderfer, Joseph P. Smith, Edward Smith, George M. Van Heyde and William Vieth. The company was capitalized at $12,500. 'The first officers were: Joseph P. Smith, president; William Heffner, vice-president; G. C. Bayer, secretary; George M. Van Heyde, treasurer; and Bolin & Grigsby, solicitors. The last officers of the company were as follows: Joseph P. Smith, president; H. S. Heffner, vice-president; G. C. Bayer, secretary; E. E. Bock, treasurer; and S. L. Grigsby, solicitor. George M. Van Heyde was treasurer of this company from its organization in 1882 until 1894, when he was succeeded by E. E. Bock. As near as can be found, the liabilities of this concern amounted to about $178,935, while the assets were about $80,500, leaving a deficiency of nearly $98,500.

'The Circleville Building, Savings and Loan Association Company was incorporated September 28, 1894, with a capital of $10,000, the incorporators being: Samuel Rindsfoos, G. C. Bayer, Percy A. Walling, Gustavus A. Schleyer and Joseph P. Smith. The other original stockholders were: E. E. Winship, Sr., Minnie Smith, T. K. Brunner, Charles A. Smith, Matilda Bayer, Samuel Morris and Edward Smith. The first officers were: Joseph

P. Smith, president; T. K. Brunner, vicepresident; G. C. Bayer, secretary; Charles A. Smith, treasurer; and Percy A. Walling, solicitor. At the time of the collapse, this company had the following officers: Joseph P. Smith, president; George W. Bauder, vice-president ; G. C. Bayer, secretary; Charles A. Smith, treasurer; and Percy A. Walling, solicitor. The total amount embezzled from this company was about $50,000. Charles H. May, the receiver, has since paid 50 per cent. in dividends and it is expected that the remaining assets will realize from 20 to 25 per cent. more.

New Home Building And Loan Company

On April 6, 1903, shortly after the failure of the three building and loan companies in Circleville, a new concern, the New Home Building and Loan Company, was organized with a capital stock of $450,000. The board of directors and officers were the same at the organization of the company as they are at the present, namely: George W. Bauder, president; S. M. Lewis, vice-president; George F. Grand-Girard, treasurer; R. C. Weldon, secretary; S. C. Gamble, attorney and George J. McMullen, F. B. Brunner, John C. Goeller and E. S. Neuding. The company is in a flourishing condition.

Public Service Corporations

Circleville Light & Power Company. - As far back as 1859, Coverdale & Bierce established a coal gas plant in Circleville and began furnishing gas in January, 1860. In 1863 Col. Samuel A. Moore became sole proprietor. The original capital was $26,000. Colonel Moore turned the plant over to his son Edward, who held it until his death, in 1885, when it was purchased by the Circleville Gas Light & Coke Company, organized for this purpose. The first officers of this company were: Dr. Howard Jones, president; Frank C. Hubbard, vice-president ; Charles J. Delaplane, secretary and treasurer; and J. L. Stribling, superintendent. In 1887 the plants and business of this company and of the Edison Incandescent

Company were combined, and the following became the officers of the combined concerns : Joseph P. Smith, president ; Dr. Howard Jones, vice-president; J. H. Sweetman, secretary and treasurer; and J. L. Stribling, manager. In 1891 the Circleville Light & Power Company was organized with the following officers: Dr. Howard Jones, president; Frank C. Hubbard, vice-president ; Charles J. Delaplane, secretary and treasurer; and J. L. Stribling, superintendent. In that year they established the are light plant, which went into operation in [*ebruary, 1892. The following March the company purchased the plant of the Edison Incandescent Company, and the following September moved that plant to their present location on West Mound street. The present officers are: Dr. Howard Jones, president; l*rank C. Hubbard, vice-president ; Howard B. Moore, secretary and treasurer; and J. L. Stribling, manager. The plant is operated by two Hamilton-Corliss engines of 150 and 250 horsepower, respectively, one Ball engine of 4o horse-power, two Babcock boilers and one Sterling boiler. There are three arc light generators and six Edison incandescent light generators. The employes number about ro on an average. The company supplies the city with 133 arc lights and can furnish current for about 2,500 incandescent lights. The gas tank has a capacity of 30,000 cubic feet. The company has about nine miles of gas mains. The Buckeye Natural Gas Company furnishes the natural gas consumed in Circleville, which is piped here from the Sugar Grove field. The company, whose headquarters are at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in

The Circleville Water Supply Company was incorporated by Eastern capitalists in 1886 and the plant established and put in operation the following year. The pumping station and stand-pipe are located on the west side of the river on the Niles farm. The pumping capacity of the plant is 3,000,000 gallons daily; the feet high and 24 feet in diameter. Fourteen and a half miles of mains are in operation. George R. Haswell is superintendent and T. D. Krinn, clerk.

The Central Union Telephone Company, familiarly known as the Bell company, has had telephone lines in operation in Circleville and the county since 1886. The company has two exchanges in the county: Ashville and Circleville, the former with three operators and the latter with ten. Three trouble men are employed. -There are 24 toll stations in this district: Ashville, Atlanta, Bell's Siding, Bazore's Mills, Clarksburg, County Line, Darbyville, Deer Creek, Fox, Elmwood, Kinderhook, Hayesville, New Holland, Meade, Oakland, Union Chapel, Stoutsville, Spunkeytown, South Bloomfield, Tarlton, Thatcher, Williamsport, Woodlyn and Ryan's Crossing. The company has 810 subscribers. H. S. Grant is local manager.

The Citizens' Telephone Company was organized in the fall of 1901, with capital stock of $200,000. The first officers were: Edward E. Smith, president; Henry P. Folsom, vicepresident ; Germain Joseph, secretary ; and Gustavus A. Schleyer, treasurer.. These officers with L. M. Long and Frederick J. Schleyer composed the board of directors. The company has the same directors and officers at the present time. The company has four exchanges: Ashville, with four operators; Williamsport, with three; Laurelville, with two; and Circleville with 18 operators and six trouble men. The manager is E. W. Lutz. There are 1,600 subscribers and 28 toll stations, namely: Stoutsville, East Ringgold, Thatcher, Leistville, Stringtown, Haynes, South Perry, Hayesville, Nash, Yellowbud, Tarlton, Adelphi, South Bloomfield, Kinderhook, Woodlyn, Deer Creek, St. Paul, Duvall, Commercial Point, Carrie, Clarksburg, Atlanta, Pherson, South Bloomfield, Nebraska, Matville, Cedar Hill and Meade.

The Canning Industry

Cyrus E. Sears came to this city from Groveland, Livingston County, New York, and started putting up corn from a farm of 300 acres. The corn, which was a variety known as "Excelsior," was dried in pans and put upon the market under that name. This was the first plant of its kind west of the Alleghanies. In 1876 Evans, Day & Company, of Baltimore, Maryland, came here and put their canning apparatus mto one of the drying houses, Sears & Company furnishing the corn and Evans, Day & Company doing the packing. The process first used for putting up corn in cans was one that was invented or rather discovered by John Winslow Jones, of Maine, to whom the canners had to pay. large royalties. Finally the heating process was invented, which did away with the old method, in which tartaric acid was the preserving agent. From that time to this, the progress of the sweet corn canning industry has been rapid. The year of largest production was 1904, when 867,000 cases were packed in Circleville. This was the banner year for the industry so far as amount of production was concerned; but when the goods were put upon the market, it was soon found that there had been an over-production, which resulted in the canning companies selling their product at cost or less than cost. The experience was a wholesome one to the packers, for they got together and agreed to curtail production 40 per cent. in 1906.

The canning industry has been.a most beneficial one for this section and especially for the city of Circleville, where many important companies have either their headquarters or their factories. The industry also brings good returns to the farmers. It is said that 15,000 acres of sweet corn are necessary for the factories controlled from: Circleville. The price paid to farmers in 1904 amounted to about a third of a million dollars. The cost of the tin cans was nearly as much and other expenses such as labor in field and in factory, packing boxes, solder, labels, sugar and salt brought the total amount paid out to almost a million dollars.

pany back in 1873, prospered for a number of years, until the canning process became perfected and popular, when the demand for the evaporated product fell away. At the present time the demand is supplied by Mrs. Annie S. Sears, widow of Cyrus E. Sears, who conducts a small evaporating plant and gets out quite a number of packages of dried corn, which is put up in one-pound cartons.

At the present time there are six canning companies located in Circleville, as follows: C. E. Sears & Company, Esmeralda Canning Company, Pressing & Orr Company, Scioto Canning Company, New Circleville Canning Company and Central Ohio Canning Company.

The canning plant of C. E. Sears & Company, as stated above, was the pioneer one west of the Alleghany Mountains. It was conducted as a canning plant by Cyrus E. Sears from 1876 until his death in 1893. Mrs. Sears then operated it for three years, after which it passed into the hands of J. M. Dun- Jap, Festus Walters and R. G. McCoy. It was purchased later by the Crites brothers and McCoy, and in 1903 Mr. McCoy disposed of his interest to H. M. Crites. Mr. Crites then sold a half interest to Sears & Nichols, of Chillicothe, who with James Reichelderfer and H. M. Crites now own the plant. The fancy brands of this concern are: 'Excelsior,' **Sears' Cream," "'Faultless," "Sears' Choice," "Pride of Ohio" and "Progressive." The standard brands are: "Riverside," "Pickaway," "Scioto Valley," "Snow White," "Blue Bell' and "Cupid." The company has several third grade brands, namely: "Swiss," "Egyptian," "Island" and "Myrtle." The plant has five lines, with a capacity of putting up 4,000 cans an hour. In 1904 the company packed 300,000 cases. The same year the company also packed 40,000 cases of tomatoes at their Laurelville plant. ;

Esmeralda Canning Company. - In 1899 Smith Brothers started a tomato packing and preserving plant, which was merged into a new concern known as the Esmeralda Canning Company, which was incorporated for $100,- 000 in 1904. The directors are R. G. McCoy, Boyd Trout, James I., Edward E. and Joseph

S. Smith and Miss Elizabeth Renick. 'The officers are: R. G. McCoy, president; James I. Smith, secretary; and Edward E. Smith, treasurer. The factory occupies five acres of ground and has three lines for corn and one for tomatoes. Its annual capacity is 150,000 cases. The company uses the calcium system, and is the only company that seals its cans with the hem cap. Sprague machinery is used throughout the plant. All cans used are purchased from the American Can Company. The company packs two fancy brands - '*Esmeralda" and 'Columbia; and two standard brands - "Our Country" and "Circle City."

Pressing & Orr Company. - In 1go1 the Winorr Canning: Company was established by Messrs. Winters and Prophet, of Mount Morris, New York, and Pressing and Orr, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The company changed hands January I, 1904, and the name was changed to the present style. Messrs. Pressing and Orr are sole owners. The tactory was put in'one combination with the canneries at Norwalk, Ohio, and capitalized at $150,000, paid up. 'The officers of the company are: S. M. Orr (residing in Circleville), president; W. C. Pressing (who lives at Norwalk), secretary and treasurer; and C. D. Hess (a resident of Circleville), superintendent. The pack of the Pressing & Orr Company at Circleville consists of green lima beans, peas, stringless beans, beets, spinach, tomatoes and "Winorr kernelled corn"' - "The corn without hulls," which is their specialty. At Norwalk the company packs all kinds of fruit and also sour kraut, peas, green lima beans and manufactures catsup. This factory is in operation the year round, putting up baked beans, salad dressing and condiments of all kinds. In the spring of 1906 the Pressing & Orr Company purchased the Scioto Canning Company's tomato canning plant at New Holland, where they have packed tomatoes during the past summer. Many improvements have been made in the last named plant, among which has been the erection of a fireproof warehouse, 30 by 80 feet in dimensions, built of concrete and tile. In its busy season the company employs upwards of 600 hands; its pay roll in Circleville amounts to about $25,000 a year. Last year the company packed 40,000 cases of kernelled corn. The Circleville plant occupies over four acres. The kernelled corn is put up in wrappers of royal colors: Red, blue and gold. The regular corn is put up under the names of "Rainbow," "Omega," "Vesper" and "Wilton."

The Scioto Canning Company, whose plant is located at Ashville? was incorporated in 1899 for $100,000, under the laws of Ohio, the incorporators being Festus Walters, James Reichelderfer, Wayne Caldwell, John L. Krimmel and H.C. Allen. The present officers are: Festus Walters, president ; Milton Morris, vicepresident; S. P. Deeds, secretary; and Wayne Caldwell, treasurer. The plant, which covers an area of 7% acres, is described in the sketch of Ashville, appearing elsewhere in this work. The fancy corn is put up under the brands of "Logan Elm" and "Scioto;' while the standard brands are, "Zenith" and 'Prize." Sprague machinery is used throughout the plant. During the season of 1906. the company has put up corn without hulls under an entirely new process. Last year can-making machinery was added to the plant and the company is now able to manufacture its own cans at the rate of 50,000 a day.

The New Circleville Canning Company was originally established by I. N. Abernethy, Ira Busic and George W. Inskeep, who built a plant in Circleville for the canning of tomatoes. The New Circleville Canning Company was incorporated in 1901, with a capital stock of $10,000, and purchased the plant above named, the incorporators being: Samuel W. Courtright, Irwin Boggs, Julius H. Helwagen, W.-T. Bell, -W. G. Jacob and: John P. Given. In November, 1904, the capital stock was increased to $50,000 and a corn-canning plant of two lines was built at Washington Court House, with a capacity of 100,000 cans daily." Both corn and 'tomatoes are put up under the same brands. The fancy brands are: "Just Out" and "The Colonel; while the standard brands are, "Pride of Circleville," "Alpha," "Royal Imperial," "Sweet Morsel," 'The Baron" and "Washington Belle." The officers of the com- 'pany are: Samuel W. Courtright, president;

On June 20, 1904, the Central Ohio Canning Company was incorporated with capital stock of $20,000, paid up. The incorporators were: Marion Corwin, Louis W. Berry, Herman Shade, Charles i Boyer, Irvin lk. Snyder and John L. Krimmel. The present officers are: Irvin I'. Snyder, president ; William Heffner, vice-president; Charles L. Boyer, secretary; Louis W. Beery, treasurer; and Herman Shade, manager. The office of the company is located at Circleville, while the factory is situated at Canal Winchester and occupies three acres of ground. Corn is packed in fancy brands under the names of "Little Queen" and "Sweetheart ;' the standard brands are, "Sweet Clover" and Winchester." The cannery is a one-line affair; Sprague machinery is used and corn is put up under the calcium system. lYorty thousand cases of corn were packed in 1905.

KR. G. McCoy, the president of the Esmeralda Canning Company, is also interested in a canning company at Urbana, in which he holds a controlling interest.

Tie Ohio Cereal Company

Is the result of a combination of the business and plants of the Smith Mill Company and Crites Brothers & Company. The Smith Mill Company was established in 1888 for the manufacture of meal and feed stuff, being the successor of the milling firm of J. S. Smith & Brothers. In 1893 flour-milling machinery was put into the plant, and from this date the business rapidly increased in volume. In the meantime the mill of Crites Brothers & Company on Canal street had been growing in importance and establishing a reputation for the quality of its products.. In 1900, the Ohio Cereal Company was incorporated under the laws of Maine, with capital stock of $260,000 and the plants of the Smith Mili Company and Crites Brothers & Company were combine under the one management. In the course of a few years, H. M. Crites disposed of his interests in the Ohio Cereal Company.

the Ohio Cereal Company are as follows: Joseph S. Smith, president; Edward E. Smith, vice-president; James I. Smith, secretary and treasurer; C. J. Barbeau, head miller; Lee S. Simison, assistant miller; Richard Northam, assistant engineer; Matthew Smith, manager of the Grites mill; and Boyd Trout, bookkeeper. The yearly pay-roll of the hands employed in the mills amounts to $20,000. About 80,000 barrels of flour and 160,000 barrels of meal and feed are produced annually, which requires about 1,000 car-loads of corn and wheat. The flour for export is put up in barrels and the meal in Osnaburg sacks. The Ohio Cereal Company's brands of flour are "Paradigm," ''Needa" and "Diamond Dust." For the Southern trade there are two brands of flour, "Monogram" and '"'Crown." In the early years of the business the flour was exported almost exclusively, but of late years it has been introduced in this city and in Columbus and has met with popular favor. There are only two larger milling concerns in the State than the Ohio Cereal Company.

The Heffner Milling Company

One of the most important of Circleville's successful manufacturing concerns, engaged in the preparation of corn-meal and other corn products, was incorporated in March, 1905, for $175,000, by Henry R., William, Harvey S. and W. Frank Heffner and Wade H. Cook, the first two incorporators being old, experienced grain men of many years standing. For a period of nearly 40 years, Henry R. Heffner has been engaged in the grain and milling business in Circleville. The present officers of the company are: Henry R. Heffner, president; William Heffner, vice-president; Harvey S. Heffner, secretary and treasurer; and W. Frank Heffner, manager.

The Heffner mill occupies 25,000 square feet of space and is divided into three mills - for white meal, yellow meal and feed. Its capacity is 1,500 barrels of kiln-dried meal and 100 tons of corn feed daily. Employment is given to 27 men in the mill and elevator, besides 30 coopers, who can turn out 500 barrels daily, if necessary. The company ships annually 667 car-loads of food stuffs for domestic use and exports 575 car-loads, all the goods manufactured being shipped in car-load lots. Three-fourths of the meal is packed in Osnaburg bags, on account of the increased cost of cooperage stock. The capacity of the elevator is 45,000 bushels. The plant has every modern equipment for the expeditious loading and unloading of cars. The mill shells goo bushels of corn in an hour and in the same period 1,400 bushels of wheat can be elevated. The products of the corn mill consists of bolted and unbolted, white and yellow, kilndried corn-meal, feed chop, cracked corn, corn chop, feed meal, corn bran and corn and oats chop. The corn-meal of the Heffner Milling Company is put upon the market under the "Sagamore" and "Dixie" brands. While the Southern States and Atlantic Coast are large consumers, great shipments are made to the West Indies, Canada, South America, Europe and Africa. The mill covers two acres of ground, has its own electric light plant and uses its own power to move the cars on the company's sidings. The annual business amounts to about $1,000,000. The amount paid to employes yearly is about $25,000. The Heffners also control elevators at Jasper and Woodlyn.

American Strawboard Company

are located at Circleville and are owned by the American Strawboard Company, of Chicago. The works in Circleville were originally built (in 1884) and owned by the Portage:

The company was attracted to Circleville as being the center of the richest valley in the State,. where the raw material needed for the strawboard business could be secured to the best advantage. The citizens subscribedsome $35,000 bonus and secured the land on which the buildings stand, located west of the N. & W. tracks, north of Ohio street. The value of the plant. is placed at a round million dollars.

ployment is given to 200 men and the weekly pay-roll amounts to $2,000. The plant has been of advantage not only to the city of Circleville, but also to the farmers in the surrounding country, who are able to dispose of the surplus straw they would otherwise burn.

The plant is known as a four-machine mill and is run night and day. There are 11 rotary steam cookers in the mill, which use up 100 tons of straw daily. Besides the loose straw hauled in from the country by the company's own teams, four cars of bailed straw are daily shipped to the factory. Besides acid, a carload of lime is used daily to decompose the straw. The finished product amounts to 65 tons a day. The strawboard is used for building purposes, for making~ strawboard boxes and cartridges and for many other purposes. The engines in the mill have 1,600 horse-power and four car-loads of coal are daily required. The mill has its own fire department and water power and two dynamos furnish light for 400 incandescent lamps. The company owns its own tracks and occupies 30 acres, 10 of which are occupied by the buildings alone. The officers in control at Circleville are as follows: Frederic Gerdue, mill manager; C. L. Moeller, cashier; Benjamin Bolender, shipping clerk; and J. G. Davis, bookkeeper.

Does a business of $200,000 annually, and is the largest establishment of its kind in the State of Ohio. In 1866 a small broom-making shop, with a weekly output of 25 dozen brooms, was started here by M. G. Goeller, employment being given to three men. This was the beginning of the present extensive business. Shipments of the finished product are sent to all sections of the Union, while orders for Canada, Honduras, Cuba and even Ireland, are frequently filled.

After the death of the founder, in 1886, the business wgs continued by John C. Goeller, his son, who, in 1891, purchased the old woolen mill on Canal street, where a steam plant and machinery were introduced and preparations made for a large extension of the output. On July 3, 1892, the building was burned, Mr. Goeller thereby losing plant, machinery and stock and finding himself in debt after the insurance was paid. He immediately rented the old Gregg mill, which he occupied for three years and then moved to the glass factory, where he employed 22 hands. From this building he moved in 1898 to his present location, the Half lounge factory, which was later purchased. In 1898 he admitted his two brothers, Charles and William to partnership, and the present firm name, M. G. Goeller's Sons, was adopted. The capacity of the plant at this time was increased to 600 dozen weekly.

The annual purchase of broom corn is 100 car-loads, a large part of which is used in the factory, the remainder being sold to other dealers. The firm is also a jobber in broom handles and wire. The brooms are put out under the brands of "Blue Room," "Empire," "Luxury" and "Jim Dandy."

The Eagle Cooperage Works

Back in the '60's and '7o's there were a number of prosperous cooperage concerns in Circleville. In 1875 Lewis Atkinson, Gideon Rife, James and George Sapp, John Maiden, Jacob Burgett and Conrad Richards did a thriving business in this line. The coopers were one by one driven out of business on account of the rise in cooperage stock and outside competition. Conrad Richards was engaged in this business here'for a great many years. - In 1899 his shop on Canal street was purchased by F. M. Fritsch, of Cincinnati, who moved his plant here and established the Eagle Cooperage Works. The concern was _first founded in Cincinnati in 1871 by Nicholas Fritsch, father of the present proprietor. In August, 1904, five years after the business was established here, the manufacture of slack cooperage was discontinued and in its stead a specialty was made of the manufacture of mop-wringers, 100 dozen being made the first year. The following year 3,000 dozen were made and it is expected that the present year will see a doubling of this figure, for the Eagle mop-wringer has become a very popular article, although there are many other designs on the market. The wringer was patented by Mr. Fritsch and is considered as the most original and successful mop-wringer ever manufactured. The daily capacity of the plant is 100 mop-wringers. The bucket is made of white cedar and the metal parts of steel. The mop- _ wringers are made in three sizes. A little over a year ago Mr. Fritsch started in to manufacture the Ohio detachable floor mop, 'of which his daily output is now 5,000. Dish mops to the extent of 50,000 daily are also made. The business from a few thousand dollars in 1901 has increased to $50,000 annually. Shipments are made to many sections of the United States and even to foreign countries. Twelve hands are employed in the plant.

Haswell Steel Range & Furnace Company

About 1840 the firm of Bright & Bierce established a foundry, which, after the failure of W. W. Bierce late in 1863, came into the possession of Haswell, Wright & Company, who conducted the foundry business and also a house-furnishing store, of which an important feature was a tinshop. This firm was succeeded by Haswell & Company, which in 1885 became W. B. Haswell & Company. In 1904 the present style was adopted, the owner of the business being W. B. Haswell. The business of the company is entirely a manufacturing one, the following articles being made in the company's extensive plant, namely: Haswell steel ranges, steel furnaces, steel or iron smokestacks, breeching and all kinds of heavy steel and iron work; coke, soft coat or hard coal radiator furnaces, furnace pipe and fittings; and Haswell's galvanized steel tanks.

Carriage Manufacturing

The Colonial Carriage Company, which owns one of the largest light vehicle factories in Ohio, is a successful business enterprise of Circleville, which has been built up in the past seven years, and now has a pay-roll of $700 weekly, 75 men being employed.

This company was incorporated in 1899, with a capital of $20,000. Its original stockholders were: William Schleyer, Joseph P. Smith, Charles A. Smith, Benton T. Hedges, | G. Christy Bayer and H. C. Martell. The present officers of the company are: W. G. Jacob, president; Benton T. Hedges, vicepresident; and H. C. Martell, secretary and general manager. The board of directors is thus constituted: W. G. Jacob, James I. Smith, Germain Joseph, Benton T. Hedges, Frank Hamilton and H. C. Martell.

The company manufactures light vehicles and medium-priced phaeton buggies, runabouts and "bike" wagons, with either steel or rubber tires. The plant is located with favorable railroad facilities and occupies 40,000 square feet of space. Rapidly increasing business make the securing of additional quarters a matter of almost immediate necessity. The first year's output was 225 jobs; that for 1906 will run far above 2,000, while the output for 1907 is expected to reach 3,000 jobs. On forced orders, 20 buggies can be turned out daily. A business of about $150,000 will be done this year. Benton T. Hedges, vice-president of the company, is manager of the sales department and: has as his special field the State of Ohio.

J. A. McLaughlin & Brother - Ahbout 1866 William McLaughlin established in Circleville a plant for the manufacture of wagons and carriages. In 1888 J. A. McLaughlin became a partner. The present concern, J. A. McLaughlin & Brother, was established in 1892. The firm occupies a brick building, two stories in height and two frame' buildings, which are used for storage purposes. From 6. to 12 hands are employed and a full line of buggies, carriages and delivery and transfer wagons is manufactured. About $10,000 is invested in the business.

Cigar Manufacturing And Representative Citizens 69

lished in 1880 in a modest way by D. Strahm, father of John P. Strahm. They employ six expert cigarmakers and their principal brands are "Plantation" and "D. S."

L. M, Long & Company. This business was established in 1894 by L. M. Long, who is the sole owner. The business is manufacturing and jobbing. Employment is given 10 individuals, in the factory and on the road. The factory is a building of three stories and basement. The leading brands are: ''Pickaway," "Esmeralda," "Old Trusty" and "Florida."

'Circleville Cigar Company. - The plant of this company: was first established here in October, 1902, and was operated for about three years. After closing down for about eight months, it was reopened again on September 24, 1906. The factory, which is located in the Ruggles building on High street that was formerly used as a pork packing house, is under the management of J. F. Cherry of Newark, Ohio, where the company owns and operates a large jobbing house. It is expected that this factory will be run with a full force if the necessary help can be obtained. It is its intention to have a working force of about 150 hands.

The Circleville Sealing Wax Company

Is the largest manufacturer of sealing wax in the United States or Canada, the output amounting, in 1905, to three-quarters of a million pounds. This company was established in 1884. The factory is located on East Franklin street, where excellent facilities for the business are enjoyed. The Circleville officers are; Emanuel S. Neuding, secretary: and treasurer; and Irvin F. Snyder, legal adviser.

The trade mark, under which the product of the company is put out, is the '""Red Virgin," although the wax is made in any color.* It is guaranteed to be free from all minerals. In 1905 the firm used more than 1,000 barrels of rosin, which came from the pine woods of the South, with which paraffine and special oils are so blended that the finished product has 'no equal for cohesive qualities. It adheres readily to almost any surface and can be profitably used wherever any article of the kind is needed. Unlike many products, age increases the value of the wax and it will keep intact in any climate, not being affected by moisture. For about seven months of the year the factory is a very busy place. A large force of girls attend to the wrapping and packing of the product.

Scioto Machine Works

In numbering the early business enterprises of Circleville, which have been continued to the present time, few can claim greater age than that now owned and operated by John McEwing, under the name of the Scioto Machine Works, which. were established as early as 1850 by Bright & Bierce and embraced a machine shop and foundry. The first iron was melted in August, 1851. Bierce sold out his. interest in 1852 to Bright, who took in as partner Hoel J. Lawrence under the firm name of Bright & Company. Later George West took Mr. Lawrence's place in the firm, which continued under the same name as before. This. firm failed in 1855. Several parties rented the property and carried on the business from 1855 to 1858, when W. W. Bierce purchased it for $9,000. He carried it on until his failure in November or December, 1863. During this. period of the plant's operation a specialty was made of the manufacture of steam engines, threshing machines and stoves. In 1864 the property passed into the hands of Haswell, Wright & Company, who owned it until August, 1878, when the plant was sold to the Scioto Machine Company, which was incorporated August 12, 1878, with a capital of $30,000 and the following officers: T. S. Wallace, president; J. Q. A. Oliver, secretary and treasurer; and A. R. Dumm, superintendent. Is 1886 the present proprietor, John McEwing, came into possession of the works. He conducts a very successful business, employing four hands. The works were formerly located on the corner of Main street and the Ohio Canal but are now situated north of the Norfolk & Western tracks, west of South Court street.

The Hosler Packing Company

The business conducted by this company was established at Circleville, in 1886, by W. R. Hosler. The company has a well-equipped slaughter house on Hargus Creek in the northeast part of the city, owns its own electric light plant, makes its own ice and has the reputation of giving superior meats to the public. The company conducts two retail markets at Circleville and gives employment to 25 men.

Other Industries

Grain Elevators - C. M. Rife leases and operates the Jackson elevator, which was established shortly after the canal was opened. In its early history the elevator passed through many hands, some of its first owners being Oscar Ormsby, Ormsby & Bradford and then W.E. Delaplane. The elevator was purchased in 1880 by Florence, Delaplane & Williams. Then Williams leased the building and operated it about three years, when it was leased by H. A. Jackson, who finally purchased it and, in 1887, rebuilt it. After his death, his widow leased it to J.-F. Bales for a few years. The elevator was then operated by H- D. Jackson, son of H. A. Jackson, until 1906 when it was leased to its present operator, C. M. Rife. The capacity of the elevator is 10,000 bushels. Coal is also dealt in.

The elevator of J. F. Bales & Son, which is situated on the C. & M. V. R. R. in the eastern part of the city just outside the corporation limits, was built in 1901 by Bales & Ashbrook. On October 1, 1904, Bales bought out Ashbrook's interest and six months Iater took in his son, Robert R. Bales, as partner. The capacity of the elevator is 30,000 bushels. The firm also handles grain, wool, coal and fence posts and manufactures cornmeal.

Creamery. - Bentley & Son, are proprietors of a large creamery and cold storage plant, situated on West Water street, are progressive business men of Circleville. This business was established in 1886 by the firm of Bentley & purchased the interest of Mr. Julian. Mr. Bentley continued in the business alone until 1891, when he admitted his son, George H. Bentley, to a partnership.

The creamery building was erected in 1886 and is well equipped with up-to-date machinery. The cold storage plant was erected in 1890. The firm manufactures fine creamery butter, obtaining their milk supply from Pickaway and adjoining counties. They deal in poultry and eggs and also handle hand separators.

Bakeries - The Fritz Steam Bakery, on East Main street, which is owned and operated by H. Fritz, is a thoroughly modern institution. The business was located at this stand, in 1892, by George Blank. The bakery was then known as the Busy Bee. In 1894 Mr. Fritz purchased the plant and immediately introduced improved machinery of latest design, including a patent oven. The average daily product is 1,800 loaves of bread, the capacity of the oven being 5,000 loaves. In addition, Mr. Fritz turns out large quantities of fine cakes and pies. He runs three wagons and has seven well-trained employes.

The Washington Bakery, on West Main street, was established by I. S. Cyre and later was conducted by Hartley R. Clarke. From Clarke the business was purchased by H. C. Tootle, the present proprietor, in 1904. The daily output of this bakery is 700 loaves. Two wagons are run and four men given employment. A restaurant is also conducted in connection with the bakery.

Frank Resch & Company operate a firstclass bakery on South Pickaway street, which has an output of 275 loaves of bread a day. This business was established in 1904 by Frank Resch at the present stand. He conducted it alone until the summer of 1906, when George ~ Blank became a partner and the firm name of Frank Resch & Company was adopted.

Circleville Ice Company. - In 1862 J. H. Bennett established an ice business, of which his son, H. J. Bennett, took charge in 1870. The latter conducted it until three years ago, when the plant was purchased by a company and incorporated with a capital stock of $10,000. The first officers were: John L.

Krimmel, president; George Bennett, vicepresident; Irvin F. Snyder, secretary; and W. C. Morris, treasurer. The present officers are: George Bennett, president; Milton Morris, vice-president; Irvin F. Snyder, secretary, and W. C. Morris, treasurer. The board of directors includes the four officers just named and Emanuel S. Neuding. In 1895 Mr. Bennett built new ice houses on the west side of the river, which were destroyed by fire the following year. He then purchased a tract of land on the Island road, where the present company's plant is now located. The buildings were again destroyed by fire in the summer of 1906. The company is now erecting large and better structures on the same site.

Circleville Mineral Water Company. - The business of bottling carbonated water was established here in 1882 by John D: Kernan and was conducted under his name and the name of Kernan & Company until 1904, when he sold out to Lynch & Dodd. The new firm operated the concern for two years, assuming the trade name of the Circleville Mineral Water Company. At the termination of this time, Frank A. Lynch, the present proprietor, bought his partner's interest.

Laundries. - Circleville has two laundries - the Union Steam Laundry and the Sam Sing Chinese Laundry, of which Tom J. Pong is proprietor. The Union Steam Laundry, conducted -by J. T. Tompkins, is located on West Main street. It was established in 1897 by B. M. Holcomb, who sold it to May C. Bush; the latter conducted it until July, 1903, when it was purchased by its present owner, J. T. Tompkins. Five hands are eimployed and modern methods and machinery are used.

Florist- - J. J. Brehmer, who has been established at Circleville as a florist. for the past 20 years, conducted a florist and nursery business for four years on the east side of the town, from which locality he moved, in 1890, to the Folsom place, on the old Fair Grounds, where he continued in business for 13 years. In 1902, he purchased his present property on the Columbus turnpike, where he has a fine nursery and well-equipped greenhouses, having 12,000 square feet under glass.

Blacksmiths - The oldest blacksmith in Circleville in point of continuous service is J. H. Hedges. Moses Moyst was engaged in blacksmithing here for possibly 50 years, being succeeded by his son, Wilson H. Moyst, and he by Philip Peacock, who is conducting the shop at the present time. Charles Schwarz is the proprietor of a blacksmith business that was established over 50 years ago. For many years an important part of the business was the manufacture of plows. The following named parties also conduct blacksmith shops here: John Thatcher, Elisha Hazlewood, John Enck, W. F. Tolbert, Charles Eaton, Harry Whittington, Henry Blum, Charles Denman, Henry Williams, W. F. Valentine, Mr. Shaeffer, Jerome Smith & Son, Milton E. Jones, H. S. Miller &-Son and A. T. Anderson. Jerome Smith & Son also have a well appointed machine shop. Milton E. Jones, H. S. Miller & Son and A. T. Anderson are also engaged in carriage and wagon repairing.

Brickmaking. - S. M. Lewis began the manufacture of brick in Circleville as early as 1878. He is also a manufacturer of brick and cement blocks at a plant he owns and operates at Ashville.

The Standard Brick and Tile plant, owned and operated by Emor Larrick, was established in 1892 by John Heiser, who conducted it until February, 1906, when it was purchased by its present owner.

Repair Shops - C. D. Buchwalter and W. H. Palm conduct small machine shops for the repair of light machinery. The former also makes stencils and rubber stamps, while the latter is a worker in tin and sheet metal. G. W. Kinney makes a specialty of the repair of sewing machines, in which he also deals.

Job Printing. - There are four establishments of this nature here - those conducted by George M. Fitzpatrick, Reuben P. Dresbach, the Circleville Herald and the Circleville Union-Herald.

The Principal Mercantile Establish Ments

tablished in 1854 by S. Jacobson, in the room now occupied by Krimmel & Hamilton's drugstore, which at that time was a two-story building 20 by 50 feet in dimensions. At the breaking out of the Civil War, William Jacobson, a brother of S. Jacobson, came to Circleville had been a clerk in the establishment; he continued with the new firm and in 1865 was admitted to partnership, the firm style then becoming W. & S. Jacobson & Company. In 1859 Charles S. Siesel, a nephew of the Jacobsons, came here as a clerk and he was admitted as a partner in 1867, the firm name remaining, however, the same. In 1870 the business had so expanded that removal was necessary and they secured quarters at their present location in the Olds Block. In 1877 S. Rindsfoos and Charles S. Siesel purchased the interests of the two Jacobsons, and the firm became Siesel & Rindsfoos and so remained until 1896, when Mr. Siesel retired. The name then became S. Rindsfoos. In 1901 Mr. Rindsfoos associated with him his son, William J., and the firm name became S. Rindsfoos & Son. In 1905 the firm was incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, when the firm name became The S. Rindsfoos & Son Company. The business has been developed into large proportions. The firm occupies the entire building on the northwest corner of Main and Court streets, fronting 45 feet on West Main and 150 feet on North Court street. The building is a commodious and attractive one, with three stories and basement. When the incorporation took place, the concern became a department store and now complete lines of dry goods, carpets, rugs, floor coverings, shoes, china, -bric-a-brac and silverware are carried. They employ 25 salespeople. The capital involved in this large enterprise is $100,000. S. Rindsfoos is president; Mrs. S. Rindsfoos, vice-president ; and W. J. Rindsfoos, secretary and treasurer. The directors are: S. Rindsfoos, Mrs. S. Rindsfoos, and W. J., Elizabeth and Mary Rindsfoos (son and daughters).

The business now conducted by Crist & Mason was established many years ago by Wallace & Brother, on West Main street. The business was later conducted by Joseph Wallace, the present firm coming into possession in 1893. In 1896 removal was made to the handsome new structure on North Court street that had just been completed by the senior member of the firm, William E. Crist. The firm occupies two floors and basement, the dimensions of the building being 30 by 150 feet. Since coming to the present quarters, the firm has greatly enlarged the business. They carry complete lines of dry goods, shoes, carpets, rugs, floor coverings, china and _ bric-abrac, silverware, wall-paper, millinery and house furnishing goods and employ 15 salespeople.

The dry goods and carpet business conducted by Moeller & Schleyer was established Four years later he took in J. F. Schleyer as partner. The firm occupies two floors, with dimensions of 25 by 40 feet. The carpet department is on the second floor. Ten salespeople are employed.

the Town Pump Store, by D. Pierce and John Ray. Mr. Ray soon sold his interest to Mr. Pierce, who continued alone until 1888, having moved to the Masonic Temple in 1876. After: the death of Mr. Pierce, the firm of Finkel, Henderson & Hinkle came into pos- when Mr. Hinkle sold his interest to his partners and the name became Finkel & Henderson. After two years more, Mr. Henderson sold his interest to Oscar Howard, and the firm became Finkel & Howard. In 1900 Mr. Finkel bought Howard's interest and at the same time consolidated with Schleyer & Henderson, then merchants on Main street, and the firm became Finkel, Schleyer & Henderson, the business being at the same place as at present, in the Masonic Temple on South Court street. After three years, I. U. Finkel and his son Charles bought out Messrs. Schleyer and Henderson and the firm became I. U. Finkel & Son. Al- though the junior member of the firm died on May 26, 1905, the senior member retains thessame firm name as before. Mr. Finkel has been associated with all the firms named above, either as clerk or partner, since the founding of the business in 1870.

- Friedman's Bazaar, located at Nos. 121-123 West Main street, was established by Benjamin Friedman, in 1888. He started his business where Katz Brothers are now located, but two years later removed to the Parrett Building. In 1895 Mr. Friedman moved to his present location. He carries a large and varied stock and gives employment to 22 salespeople.

Wilkes' Cash Store, located on West Main street, was established in 1883 by Wilkes & Meeker, who continued the business for seven years, when Mr. Wilkes -purchased his partner's interest and carried on the business under the name of A. C. Wilkes until 1897, when he adopted the trade title of Wilkes' Cash Store. The store building which he purchased in 1900, is commodious, being three stories in height in the front and one in the rear, the ground dimensions being 50 by 115 feet. Twelve salespeople are employed. ;

Drugs - The oldest drug-store in Circleville is that conducted under the name of George H. Fickardt & Son, on West Main street, which was established in 1830 by Dr. Erastus Webb. In 1839 George H. Fickardt engaged as a clerk in Dr. Webb's store and shortly afterward became a partner. At a subsequent date, Dr. Webb's interest was purchased by J. A. Troup, and the firm became Troup & Fickardt. After some years, Dr. Marcus Brown bought Mr. Troup's interest and the firm then became George H. Fickardt & Company. Thus it continued until the death of Dr. Brown, in 1882, when Mr. Fickardt became sole proprietor, remaining such until 1886, when he admitted his son, F. L. Fickardt, as a partner, when the firm became. George H. Fickardt & Son. The senior member of the firm died in 1896 and F. L. Fickardt became sole proprietor, but has retained the old name in honor of his father.

Ballard, under the firm name of Griswold & Ballard, established the Pickaway Drug Store. Dr. Griswold retired from the firm in 1865, and from that year, until his death, September 21, 1882, Ballard conducted the business. E. D. Bryant & Company (E. D. Moore being the ""Company") then had the store for a short time until the death of Mr. Bryant, when it was disposed of, in 1885, to William JWeaver, from whom the present proprietor, who had learned the business under W. W. Ballard, purchased it two years later.

Krimmel & Hamilton, pharmacists, are proprietors of a first-class drug-store. William L. Krimmel learned the drug business and then purchased the interest of the late John L. Krimmel, and is now in partnership with Frank Hamilton. The business at the present stand, Main and Court streets, was established by Evans & Krimmel.

George F. Grand-Girard has been in the drug business here since October 1, 1883, when he purchased his brother's store, which at an early date had been conducted by Chester A. Olds.

J. R. Noecker conducts his drug business on North Court street, where he has been located since January, 1901. He established the business in May, 1896.

Jewelry - The oldest established jewelry firm in Circleville is that of T. K. Brunner & Son, which was established in 1852 by Thomas K. Brunner, who purchased the business of David McHenry in that year. The first place of business was on West Main street, on the site of Darst's printing office. Mr. Brunner remained alone in the business until 1889, when he admitted his son, Fred B., to partnership. The senior member of the firm died in 1899, but the old firm style is retained. The location of the business has been several times changed. Its first removal was to the-present site of Germain Joseph's clothing establishment, where it was continued until a new building was erected there, when Mr. Brunner removed to the Odd Fellows' Block and occupied No. 105 East Main street for about 25 years. In 1905 removal was made to the present commodtous and well-appointed quarters.

their present location since 1889. The business was established by L. C. Butch, on the present site of Wilkes' Cash Store, in 1883. Mr. Butch continued alone in the business until 1895, when he admitted his son, Leonard M., to a partnership. The founder of the house died in 1902, but the old name is still retained.

E. Sensenbrenner established his jewelry business in 1894 at his home on Clinton street. Later he was located at other points in the city, finally removing to his present fine quarters on West Main street in April, 1906.

Clothing - Germain Joseph, who is one of the best known clothing dealers of Circleville, engaged in business here in 1892 and has been located at the same stand on West Main street ever since. He keeps a full line of men's readyto-wear apparel.

Mack Parrett conducts the oldest established clothing store in the city. The business was founded in 1868 by Frank Bloom. In 1870, it was moved from its original location, in the Curl Block, on East Main street, to where it is now situated - on West Main - Mr. Parrett becoming manager soon after the removal. In 1887 he purchased the business; he has owned the building since 1878.

Katz Brothers, clothiers, conduct a large business in men's clothing and furhishings, which was established in 1904. They are located at Court and Main streets.

Simon Brown is the proprietor of a clothing, boot and shoe business, which he established in 1891. He has been at his present stand on East Main street since Igor.

Hats and Furnishings - The firm of J. Miller & Son conducts an extensive business in hats and men's furnishings. A hat business was established at the present stand, in 1849, by Miller & Burns, which subsequently became Miller & Wentworth, then Miller & Schultz and still later, Miller & Clark. In 1866, Willjam W. Miller, son of John Miller, was taken in as a partner, and the firm name has since then been J. Miller & Son, although the senior member died in 1877. At his father's death, William W. Miller came into full possession and to the original line of hats he added the feature of men's furnishings. He also enenlarged and modernized the building, which had been purchased by Miller & Burns in 1849, by constructing an addition of 30 feet in the rear, and putting in a complete new front. The father of the present proprietor was a practical hatter and in the early days the manufacture of hats was carried on. From the inception of the business, the house has dealt in raw skins, buying them from local hunters and forwarding them to New York. Formerly this was a very important branch of the business.

Boots and Shoes - Among the oldest boot and shoe houses is that of John S. Ritt, whose business was established on East Main street, in 1864, by George Van Houten, who conducted it until 1891, when it was sold to George W. Inskeep. Mr. Ritt entered into partnership and the firm became Inskeep & Ritt, which continued until April 1, 1896, when Mr. Inskeep sold his interest to Mr. Ritt, who has since continued alone. ie

In 1871 the late Joseph B. Ambler established a shoe business on West Main street, which is now owned and conducted by C. K. Howard. After Mr. Ambler died, his widow continued the business until she disposed of it to Atkinson & Hedges. Mr. Hedges died and Mr.- Atkinson carried on the business alone for 13 years. Mr. Howard acted as his manager for six years and, on the death of Mr. Atkinson, in 1899, hé purchased the business, which he has successfully conducted ever since.

The boot and shoe business owned by A. D. Schumm was established by C. A. Helwagen, who sold out to George Bowers, who was succeeded by Christian Roof and he by Charles Kemmler. In 1876 Mr. Schumm came into possession.

In 1904 the shoe business of.'J. F. Mader was established on East Main street by the present proprietor, who has been very successful. There are other smaller firms, but the ones mentioned control the bulk of the trade. _ ;

Books and Stationery - Hiram Cook first engaged in his present line of business in 1873, when he established a news stand. In 1876 he opened a regular book store and since 1902 he has been at his present place of business on West Main street.

well-appointed book and stationery store, located on South Court street. The business was established in 1892 by Ludwig & Weldon. Mr. Weldon became sole proprietor in 1894 and has been at his present stand since 1893.

Hamilton's Five and Ten Cent Store - A five and ten cent store, established by a man named Wilbarger, came into the possession of Aaron Hamilton in 1888. Mr. Hamilton continued to conduct the business at the old stand for about six years, and then opened up a store of the same kind, at No. 110 West Main street, continuing the operation of both stores up to the time of his death, in 1903. The business responsibilities were then assumed by his widow and son, William, who combined the two stores, retaining the stand at No. 110 West Main

Notions. - Charles Steinberger has conducted a general notion store since 1892, when he established the business. He carries a complete line of notions, cutlery, queensware, etc., and occupies a store room 20 by 70 feet in dimensions.

Millinery. - The millinery business of Rea Brown was established in 1903 at the present place of business on West Main street. A line of Singer sewing machines is also carried.

Spectacles and Eye Glasses - H. P. Lorbach, scientific optician, was graduated at Cleveland, Ohio, under Dr. Julius King in 1888. He established his business in 1886 and for the two years preceding his graduation did prescription work. He has a complete outfit for grinding all kinds of glasses and receives work from adjoining States.

Sporting Goods. - C. M. Titus, whose store is located at No. 156 West Main street, has been in business here for the last five years and carries a very complete line of sporting goods, guns, ammunition, bicycles, etc.

engaged in this business seven years ago. He is located in the Odd Fellows' Block on East Main street, where he carries a well-selected line of crockery, queensware, glassware, cut glass and silverware.

Confectionery. - In the manufacture of confectionery, Circleville has several houses which have kept the standard of goods very high and for years have been household names. This is particularly the case with the confectionery owned and conducted by G. F. Wittich, who, since he established the business in 1839, has been the leader in the manufacture of ice cream and candies. This business was commenced on North Court street, where Mr. Wittich, in partnership with his brother, F. F. Wittich, conducted a fancy bakery. In 1842 they removed to the circle and there continued in business until 1857, when the business was established in the present quarters at No. 105 West Main street, where Mr. Wittich has an establishment thoroughly equipped for every line of his business.

J. P. Antill, who conducts an ice cream factory on East Franklin street, established his business here in 1899 and commands a large and very satisfactory trade. He supplies a large part of Circleville and also has the bulk of the trade at Ashville, Williamsport, New Holland, Stoutsville, Yellow Bud and other nearby points. He has an average daily sale of 50 gallons of ice cream. During the winter seasons he is engaged mainly in the manufacture and jobbing of choice candies. The house has an established reputation for the purity of its goods. A retail store is conducted in the City Building. ;

The Circleville Candy Kitchen was established at its present stand, in 1901, by its present proprietors, Maniskas Brothers, who manufacture all.the ice cream and candies they sell. Their business is in a flourishing condition.

Groceries - Emanuel S. Neuding, who jis one of the leading grocers of Circleville, was trained in the grocery business for Io years prior to 1870, when he formed a partnership with William B. Christy, under the firm name of Neuding' & Christy. After two years of

Herman M. Goldfredrick became his father's partner in the grocery business immediately after leaving school. His father, C. R. Goldfredrick, established the present house in 1862, and continued to deal in staple and fancy groceries here until 1900, since which year Herman M. Goldfredrick has been sole proprietor.

Jerome Sapp, an extensive dealer in staple and fancy groceries, embarked in the business for himself in 1891. In 1894 he located at his present stand in the Pythian Castle.

Jacob Merz, whose grocery business has always been located at the corner of Watt and Pickaway streets, enjoys a large and profitable patronage. For two years he was trained in the store of C. R. Goldfredrick.

Noah A. Warner, one of the representative grocers of Circleville, has been at the same location for the past 18 years. The business was established by Elias Rife, who carried it on for about 15 years. After several business changes, it came into the possession of Pontious & Morris, from whom Mr, Warner purchased it.

Frank X. Lynch, who conducts a successful grocery business on West Main street, came into the possession of the business in 1904, upon the death of his father, J. H. Lech, who had established it in 1874.

Duffy Brothers, an enterprising grocery firm, made up of C. G. and L. G. Duffy, established their present business on West Main street, in March, 1895. They employ three clerks and run one delivery wagon.

Roth Brothers operate the Cash Grocery, located on West Main street. This business was founded by H. E. Langdon & Company ; later, an interest. was purchased by L. L. Creasey, when the firm became a stock company, known as the Langdon-Creasey Company. The business was taken over by the court, in 1904, and was purchased by Roth Brothers, of Cincinnati. Charles Hall is the manager.

Among the other retail houses may be mentioned: George F. Presler, Thomas & Stout, C. & E. Wolf, Albert Dodd, George Smith, E. E. Root, Samuel Holdren, W. E. Hampp, Robert Pickens & Son, George W. Snyder, Charles E. Stocklen, P. M. Presler, W. H. Kinney, Daniel Dumm, T. N. Caskey, E. A. Sells and J. F. Jeffries. Of these, Albert Dodd enjoys what is, perhaps, the largest trade in the city.

Wholesale Grocery. - The wholesale grocery business conducted at Circleville by the firm of W. J. Weaver & Son was established July 1, 1886, by William J. Weaver and F. M. Shulze. They conducted the business as a partnership until January 1, 1899, when Mr. Weaver purchased Mr. Shulze's interest and at the same time took his son into partnership, the firm becoming as it is at present. The son had been, prior to this, the bookkeeper of the firm. This business has been expanded to large proportions and the territory covered is Pickaway and adjoining counties. Experienced traveling men represent the house and a capable force is kept at headquarters. The firm took possession of its new building, consisting of two stories and basement, 40 by 130 feet in dimensions, on May 1, 1904.

Meat Markets - - While meats are dealt in at quite a number of the groceries of the city, the following are considered the leading meat dealers: Beck Brothers; Joseph Wolf, Amos C. Wilson, George W. Limebaugh and the Hosler Packing Company, which conducts two retail markets.

Fruits - Fred H. Fissel has been proprietor of the fruit store at No. 135 West Main street, under the Second National Bank, since 1900. For some years prior to this, Mr. Stephens conducted the business and from him Mr. Fissel purchased it.

Al. Cook, the proprietor of the fruit store in the Odd Fellows'_ Block, purchased the business, in September, 1906, of William E. Caskey, of Parkersburg, West Virginia. The

Furniture - Among the old furniture houses here may be named the Cincinnati Furniture House, on West Main street, which is under the proprietorship of O. S. Howard. This house is now and has been for years in the lead in the business. As nearly as can be recalled it has been managed by these proprietors: George Myers, B. K. Kathe, Maddy & Probst, W. A. Maddy, Crist & Howard, E. L. Howard, E. L. Howard & Brother and O. S. Howard. This business was established over 40 years ago.

was established by D. C. Throckmorton, who sold it in 1899 to Charles and D. Edward Mason. These progressive, enterprising business men have made it one of the leading furniture houses in Pickaway County. Five salesmen are employed and the business is in a prosperous condition. - At No. 127 East Main street, White Brothers conduct a furniture store, which they purchased of William Sells, in 1903. It was established by J. R. Murray, who was sutceeded by Harry Albright and he by William Sells.

Hardware - The oldest established hardware house in Circleville is that owned and conducted by B. F. Benford, under the firm -name of C. Benford & Son. The business was established in 1845. The late Cyrus Benford became proprietor in the '60's and in 1870 admitted his son, B.-F. Benford as partner, when the present firm name was adopted.

Another large hardware house, that of Schleyer & Barrere. has been in existence for the past 40 years, having been established by Battael H. Moore. In 1890 E. Barrere purchased an interest and for the following four years the firm name was B. H. Moore & Company. In 1894 William Schleyer bought Mr. Moore's interest, and since that time the firm name has been Schleyer & Barrere. Mr. Schleyer died in 1904, but his widow still retains an interest.

hardware interests here; stoves, tinware and household utensils are their specialties. The house was founded in 1872 by Hoffman & McMullen, which firm continued in control until 1889, at which time the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Hoffman continuing alone until 1891, when he admitted Mr. Brown and Mr. Wilson, and the firm became as at present. Mr. Hoffman owns the property where the business has always been conducted. Employment is given to from 6 to 12 men, according to the season.

George J. McMullen & Son is one of the old hardware firms of Circleville. In the early "70's George J. McMullen formed a partnership with Mr. Hoffman, which continued until 1889 under the firm name of Hoffman & Mc- Mullen. The partnership was then dissolved and the McMullen Hardware Company was formed, the store being established at the present place of business. Later, W. M. Murray, a nephew of Mr. McMullen, was a member of the firm for five years. In 1899, Roy Mc- Mullen, a son of George J., was taken into partnership and the style of the firm became George J. McMullen & Son. The firm deals in all kinds of hardware, house furnishing goods and mantels, and also does expert plumbing and gas-fitting.

The hardware business conducted by Crist Brothers on West Main street was founded in 1880 by Henry Hirt. Henry Crist purchased the business in 1886 and conducted it until December 21, 1898, when he sold it to his two sons, Harry and Harvard Crist, who have since continued the business under the firm name of Crist Brothers. Since this business was established a specialty has been made of stoves and tin-work. At the present time tin and slate roofing is one of the main features of the business.

J. M. Morris has been at the head of an extensive hardware business since 1900. The firm of W. A. Ainsworth & Company preceded him. Both members of this firm - W. A. Ainsworth and Capt. John N. Brunner - dying in 1899, the business was then purchased by Mr. Morris.

Bauder, whose carriage repository is located on East Franklin street, was admitted to partnership in 1874, by his father, William Bauder, who had established the business, a carriage manufacturing business in Circleville in the "30's. In 1884 the son bought the father's interest and has conducted the business alone ever since, handling buggies, carriages, harness, implements, etc.

M. F. Reiche, Jr., an extensive dealer in hardware, buggies, agricultural implements and farm seeds, is an experienced man in this line, having been in the business here for almost a quarter of a century. The present business was established by his father-in-law, William A. Wardell.

John J. Patton established his implement business in 1898, in association with N. Dumm. In 1902 Mr. Patton and Mr. Dumm divided their interests; both occupy the same building, but handle different lines of goods.

Wagoner & Leist established their carriage repository on West Main street in 1903; they deal extensively in hardware, wagons, buggies, implements and harness.

Harness. - William H. Moyst has resided all his life in Circleville, where his birth occurred in 1844. He learned the. business of harnessmaking, with George E. Wolfley. In 1870 he established his present business, with H. Strayer, under the firm name of Moyst & Strayer, but in the following year he bought his partner's interest and has been alone ever since. He carried on the business on West Main street until 1883, when he: moved to his present quarters at No. 639 North Court street.

The harness business of T. W. Stofer & Son is conducted at No. 154 West Main street, where a large and varied assortment of harness and horse equipments are carried. This business was established in 1876 by T. W. Stofer. His son, Charles B., became a partner in 1901.

The harness business of H. B. Clemons was established here in 1875. The stand has been on East Main street since 1880. The firm carries a small but carefully selected stock of all kinds of goods pertaining to their line.

Hoffman came to Circleville in 1900 and bought his present: plant, which was operated many years ago by C. B. Tyler. Mr. Hoffman newly equipped the planing-mill and has a large lumber-yard. I. B. Barnes has a lumberyard in connection with his sawmill.

Coal. - The following are dealers in coal: O. E. Niles, Henry Schleyer, Samuel C. Grant and John Kochensparger. O. E. Niles also deals in lime, plaster and cement. C. M. Rife operating the Jackson elevator and J. F. Bales & Son are also dealers in coal.

Other Business Interests

There are two undertaking firms at Circleville, Henry & Lehman and W. H. Albaugh. John Henry engaged in this business in 1891, when he purchased the undertaking business of Acker King, who had been in this business in Circleville since 1863. Acker King, who died February 19, 1905, was preceded by George Hammel, deceased about 1862, who for some years conducted a pioneer undertaking business here. In 1893 Mr. Henry admitted C. F. Lehman to partnership, and the present style of the firm was adopted.

The undertaking business conducted by W. H. Albaugh was established about 1873 by his father, W. H. Albaugh and Rollin Fletcher, under the firm name of Fletcher & Albaugh. This firm was succeeded by Harrison & Albaugh, after which Lanum & Albaugh came into possission. W. H. Albaugh, Sr., died about 1901, 'and his place in the firm was taken by his son, W. H. Albaugh. In 1902 Mack