Sandusky County, Ohio - Chapter 24: Fremont, the County Seat, 1909 (part 2 of 2)

The Moore Carriage and Wagon Factory. One of the oldest manufacturing concerns in the city is the Moore Carriage and Wagon Works, corner of Garrison and Water Streets. In 1848 John P. Moore, its founder, worked at the trade of blacksmithing. In 1850 he went to Woodville where he established a small business in that line. In 1851 he returned to Fremont and in connection with his brothers, founded the business of manufacturing carriages and wagons on the site of the present factory.

Since 1857 until about four years ago, a period of nearly half a century, he conducted the business alone, except as assisted by his sons Theodore and Albert. He manufactured highgrade vehicles of all kinds ranging from the lightest buggy through all the varieties of road and delivery wagons to the heaviest trucks. The Moore vehicles had a high reputation throughout the country, and he did a large business for many years. About four years ago, owing to advancing age he retired, and the business is now conducted by his son, Theo-

The Herbrand Company was organized in 1881 by Jacob Herbrand, Charles Thompson and J. B. Van Doren. It took its name from Mr. Herbrand, who was the 'inventor and patentee of the Herbrand Fifth Wheel and Gear Iron. Mr. Herbrand died in 1884. The company began the manufacture of these Fifth Wheels and Gear Irons in a small way, gradually increasing the line, until the Herbrand Carriage Forgings are known by the carriage trade over the entire country. They now employ over 100 men, and have a large and finely equipped plant. turning out a diversified product that is recognized as the best of its kind. Their line now includes a variety of highgrade Carriage Forgings, Bicycle and Automobile Wrenches and Herbrand Safety Razors. Charles Thompson is the president and general manager, and Gilbert E. Hall secretary and treasurer.

The Jackson Shear and Razor Company. This organization has a history. It was formerly brought to Fremont from Buchanan, Michigan, and known there as The Michigan Cutlery Company. After being purchased and machinery and tools brought to Fremont, a handsome three-story building was erected on West State Street, and a company organized under the name of The Jackson Knife and Shear Company. This company continued in business until December, 1906, when it was re-organized and new officers and directors were elected, the name of the new and present company being the Jackson Shear and Razor Company. The officers of the company are as follows: President and treasurer, A. H. Jackson; vice-president, A. V. Baumann; secretary and manager, J. J. Anderson.

This company occupies a three-story brick building covering a floor space of 37,426 feet. They employ from 100 to 150 people and are at the present time enjoying a very successful business.

The Lincoln Stove and Range Company was founded seven years ago, by several local capitalists. A small, one-story frame building was erected for a plant, which soon proved inadequate for the business that was developed.

With increased capital a larger acreage was obtained and a modern, brick plant, covering approximately four acres of ground, has replaced the, first quarters.

This. company now ranks as one of the prominent business enterprises of this section and as one of the largest stove manufacturing concerns in the country. <A high grade line of ranges and heating stoves are manufactured and the products are distributed to almost every section of the United States.

The company selected the name of Lincoln as a trade mark for their product, which typifes the high quality and superior construction of the stoves manufactured. The plant gives employment to about 350 skilled mechanics, and each year the volume of sales is largely increasing. The company maintains its own pattern shops, foundries, mounting floors, and warehouses, and has a capacity of 100 stoves of various types, daily.

The Jackson Cement Industry. Elmer E. Jackson undertook to demonstrate the value of cement as a substitute for stone in sidewalks, and. built one at his residence. Attention was thus attracted, and others patronized him for walks, and the business grew. In 1903 he constructed two immense cisterns for the Continental Sugar Company, which proved satisfactory, and in 1905 another was built for this company, with a capacity of 6,000 barrels, the largest in the country, which is giving good'satisfaction. He has since constructed culverts and large bridges and has added 'to his industry: that of manufacturing concrete blocks for building purposes, which are being extensively used. He is the inventor of a concrete mixer, for which he has obtained letters patent.

'The Unsinger Razor Blade Company commenced business in a small way in July, 1905, under a partnership basis, the firm consisting of Peter Unsinger and Philip H. Unsinger. On

January 17, 1908, the business was incorporated under the name of The Unsinger Razor Blade Company, with an authorized capital stock of $10,000, which was, on the 15th day of September, 1908, increased to $35,000, its present capital stock.

The company was incorporated by Peter Unsinger, Philip H. Unsinger, M. F. Engler, J. E. Druckenmiller and B. O. Kreilick for the purpose of the manufacture and sale of razor blades, razors, cutlery, razor blade machinery and screw machine products incidental thereto. The business is substantial and growing and the company employs about thirty five people.

The Fremont Yaryan Company was organized in 1902 for the purpose of furnishing electric light and power service, and hot water heating service from a central station. The original capital of the company was $100,- 000.00, which has since been increased to $200,000.00. Its plant is a very complete and modern one in every respect, and covers the territory fully. Its equipment and service are both much superior to that found in similar cities of the size of Fremont. Its officers are, T. H. Jungk, president; E. S. Thomas, vicepresident; J. W.: Forsythe, secretary; B. J. Shockley, superintendent.

The capacity of the plant is ample to take care of any increase in business for some years to come. Its service is satisfactory, its financial condition is good, and its facilities ample to meet all demands upon it. The company employs an average of twenty-two persons the year around.

The Fremont Metal & Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of metal specialties, flat kitchen cutlery, safety razors, razor blades and other blades, stroppers, bread, paring and cooking knives, forks, cake turners, spatulas, scrapers, can openers, stitch rippers, desk knives, corn razors, etc. It has a fine plant with special automatic machinery of their own design, adapted to the manufacture of articles in large quantities. It has been in existence many years and has extensive domestic and foreign export business, employing thirty or more people constantly. Among the articles manufactured are the "Witch," "Wizard" and "Magic" safety razors and known as the "Crescent'' goods.

The Thomson-Houston Electrical Company, of Lynn, Massachusetts, acquired the land and business known as the old Harvester Works in 1887 and immediately installed it with machinery for making carbons for electric lighting. Mr. Philo Moses was the first superintendent; Mr. W. R. Caulkins was the first manager, who was later succeeded by Mr. C. T. Richmond as president and manager up to 1893. In 1890 the capacity of the works was more than doubled. In November, 1891, the plant was almost entirely destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt and running again by the beginning of 1893. In 1905 a large addition was made by the erection of a four-story, fire-proof, modern building for making electric batteries, and since then the work at this factory has been largely devoted to that branch of the industry.

The Lake Shore Electric Railway Power Plant. The Fremont Power Plant furnishes power to operate the West End, from Norwalk to Toledo of the Lake Shore Electric Railway, also furnishes power to operate the Sandusky, Norwalk and Mansfield Railway out of Norwalk, and power for operating the Toledo, Fostoria and Findlay Railway. Number of employes in Fremont Power Plant, 17; daily output, 30,000 K. W.; total capacity,. 40,000 K. W.; 2700 horse power in the boilers in use in the plant.

Number of employes in the shop and storeroom, 40; number of men employed by the transportation department on the Toledo division, 60; acreage of the power house plant, 16. _ FREMONT BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF 1850.

Some Old Buildings In Lower Sandusky

The first frame building in Lower Sandusky was near the corner of Front and Croghan Streets, on the site of Dorr's and Hamilton's store rooms. It was built by Israel Harrington and used as a tavern. It was erected in 1815. Col. R. M. Johnson and other Kentucky soldiers stopped here on their way home from the Battle of the Thames, October 5, 1813. It was kept for a time by Gen. Otho Hinton, the stage line proprietor.

_The second frame building in the village was the store of Olmstead Brothers, erected in 1817 near the present Price Lumber Company office. It was two stories high, with 60 feet front-on the river. Dormer windows jutted out above, with pulleys and tackle for raising goods. After the store was built quite a pile of jumber was left, which Judge Olmstead gave away from time to time to make coffins.

.:The 'early. Presbyterian services were held on the east side of the river, where the Herbrand works now stand; in a house built by the Prior brothers, and by them contributed for church purposes.

The residence of Christopher Smith on North Justice Street was built by J. S. Olmstead, the first merchant, on the present site of Buchman's store. It was moved: when the old Opera Hoyée Block was erected.

In 1818 Jeremiah Everett, one of the earliest settlers, built a log house at the northeast corner of Arch and Ewing Streets. One of the first frame houses on South Arch Street was built in 1839 by Andrew Morehouse, where the Wm. B. Sheldon residence now stands.

The original part of Dr. Robert Rice's residence was built by Elder Skinner, minister of the Baptist congregation, whose church stood about where the Jackson Underwear Factory is now. The site was long occupied by the residence of Theo. Clapp.

In 1837 three brick residences were begun, those of Dr. D. Brainard, where now stands the Croghan Bank; the Rawson house on State Street; and the Macklin house (American House) opposite. Dr. Brainard's house, finished in 1840, was opened with a housewarming, one of the society events of the early days. The whole town was invited, and a great collation served. This house was the finest in the place, four stories high, with beautiful walnut furnishings, colonial stairways and mantels.

Street was moved in 1831 to the northeast corner of Front and Croghan Streets, by Thomas Ogle, and converted into a tavern kept by Isaac Knapp. In 1839 the front parlor was fitted up as a storeroom by J. P. Haynes. In 1854 O. L. Nims wished to build a brick block on that corner, and gave the old building to Thos. L. Hawkins, who moved it to Water Street south of Garrison, where it stood till 1900 as part of J. P. Moore's carriage shop.

In 1820 William Andrews built a tavern on a little wharf at the foot of Garrison Street. In its third story was the first Masonic Lodge in this town. This building and one built by

Nicholas Whitinger about the same time, were the only two listed in 1820, as worth one thousand dollars. Whitinger's house was the original part of the famous corner tavern, known as the Ohio Mansion House, later as Kessler's, where the Wheeling station now stands. As early as 1822, Thos. L. Hawkins converted the upper story into a theatre. In the early 40's, board and lodging at this tavern were $2.50 per week.

'The Western House, built in 1830 on the site of the old Buckland Block, was in its day the leading hotel of Northwestern Ohio. It was a frame building with a great two-story piazza with large pillars. Its old barn long remained, being demolished for the building of the Christy Knife Works.

The present Hotel Fremont, long the Croghan House, was erected as a store by an Englishman named Weiler, who lived in the big brick house on Croghansville hill.

On the east side of the river, Morris A: Nee man kept a tavern in very early times. On the site of the late Tell House was Harpster's tavern, famous as Democratic headquarters. The Goose House, with a wild goose sign, was the big frame building still standing on the north side of East State Street' Capt. Samuel

- Thompson kept a famous hostelry on the present Thompson property where was held the notable Democratic meeting during the campaign of 1840.

The old Dickinson House, corner Arch and State Streets, now the site of the Opera House, was built by Morris A. Newman on the hill east of the river, and about 1828 it was moved by yokes of oxen as teams. It got stuck on the bridge, then an open one, and a hole had to be cut through the house to allow teams and passengers to cross. It was in this house where the' first court was held in Croghansville.

The Fort Stephenson Celebration

The celebration of 1839 was the first formal recognition made of the anniversary of the battle, and was entered into by all classes of citizens with a spirit and an energy which indicated the deepest interest in the chief local event of the town. Action looking thereto was inaugurated by a preliminary meeting of citizens, held at the Court House on the even-

Frank Williams it was resolved to take measures for the celebration of the then approaching anniversary, when a committee of arrangements therefor was appointed, to consist of the

The exercises were duly held on August 2, 1839, according to a programme, which had been prepared by the committee of arrangements; and as mentioned in the newspapers of the day the occasion was one of great interest.

After dinner the company adjourned to the old fort, a few relics of which still remained, where Hon. Eleutheros Cooke, of Sandusky, from the steps of the residence of Gen. John Patterson, (which was the wooden building lately removed from the center of Fort Stephenson) delivered an able, eloquent and appropriate address, which was published at the time. Letters were received from a large number of persons invited, including Colonel Croghan, Gen. W. H. Harrison, Henry Clay, Col. R. M. Johnson (then vice president), Gov. Shannon, Hon. Thomas Ewing, Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, John A. Bryan (auditor of state), Hon. John W. Allen, Gen. Jas. Allen and Dr. John G. Miller of Columbus. Besides the "regulars" volunteer toasts were offered by Gen. John Patterson, B. J. Bartlett, William B. Craighill, Josiah Roop, Dr. Niles, Henry Spohn, Sidney Smiith (subsequently by special legislative act Sidney Sea), Col. E. D. Bradley, Dr. 7, ed Brown, Clark Waggoner, Capt. Samuel Thompson, Pitt Cooke and John N. Sloan of Sandusky.

Masonic

tion granted May 12, 1852. Charter granted October 19, 1852. Fees for degrees, $2. Admission on dimit, $1. Annual dues, $2, payable on or before the first meeting in September, each year.

Brainard Lodge, No. 336, F. and A. M. Instituted under dispensation February 16, 1861. Fees for degrees, (Entered Apprentice, $10; Fellow Craft, $10; Master Mason, $10) $30. Annual dues, $3. Admission on dimit,

Fremont Chapter, No. 133, O. E. S Instituted December 10, 1900. Initiation fee, $2. Annual dues, $1. Payable in advance on or before October 1.

Odd Fellows

Eugene Rawson Post, No. 32, G. A. R. Among the first G. A. R. posts, "Eugene Rawson" organized in Ohio was known as Post No. 2 organized in 1866. 7

In 1879 a change was made in the constitution permitting the use of the name of some one of their deceased comrades who had performed some act or deed worthy of commemoration and the name of Eugene Rawson was | selected. Post No. 2 was organized with seventeen members. _

Eugene Rawson Post No. 32, originally known as Post No. 2 was organized May 24, 1880, with 51 members and the following offcers were elected:

The Post was reorganized April 20, 1881, and the following officers elected: Commander, A. F. Price; Senior Vice Commander, T. F. Hessner; Junior Vice Commander, John Schoedler; Adjutant, B. F. Evans; Surgeon, J. B. Rice; Chaplain, George E. Smith; Officer of the Day, James A. Dickinson ; Officer of the Guard, J. R. Rollins; Sergeant Major, Henry Hunsinger; Guard, M. E. Tyler.

The following are the officers for the year lg09g: Commander, Peter Winters; Senior Vice Commander, C. A. Hampsher; Junior Vice Commander, Israel Walburn; Adjutant, George W. Beery; Quartermaster, Joseph Schwartz; Surgeon, I. H. Burgoon; Chaplain, Daniel S. Moses; Officer of the Day, R. B. Hineline; Officer of the Guard, Isaac N. Fisher ; Sergeant Major, James W. Short; Q. M. Sergeant, John W. Palmer; Guard, Jos. Hemsinger; Patriotic Instructor, I. H. Burgoon.

Eugene Rawson Post has had many comrades of prominence and influence in its ranks, among whom were such men as General R. B. Hayes, General R. P. Buckland, Judge E. F. Dickinson, Dr. J. B. Rice, Judge John L. Greene, Captain A. F. Price, Captain Anthony Young, Captain Lorenzo Dick, Captain Josiah Chance, Captain M. E. Tyler, and many others living and dead.

32, G. A. R.. was organized September 4, 1890, by Mrs. Lovina Welch of Bellevue, instituting and installing officer for the Sixth District Ohio, W. R. C., with thirty charter members. The first officers were president, Mrs. Zoe A. F. Long; senior vice president, Anna M. Hineline; junior vice president, Emelie Dillenschneider ; secretary, Anna Rose Green Baumann; treasurer, Ella Hauck; chaplain, Emma Hampsher; guard, Amelia Schoedler; conductor, Jennie Doniher. To the original number of members have been added, by initiation and transfer 155, lost by death 12, by withdrawal and removal 75, leaving a membership of 98.

The objects of the Woman's Relief Corps are to assist the post in caring for aged and infirm comrades and their families, to find homes for the orphans and widows of deceased soldiers, to inculcate lessons of patriotism and love of country, and to assist in the sacred observance of memorial day.

Each year, this corps sends a donation of cash to the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home at Xenia, to be used by a committee of G. A. R. comrades and W. R. C. ladies, purchase gifts at Christmas time for each of the goo children who are cared for ir that institution. Also a donation to the Ohic Soldiers' and Sailors' Home.at Sandusky, Ohio, of canned fruits, jellies and other delicacies, not provided by the State, to be used in the hospitals. This corps meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at G. A. R. hall.

The officers of this corps for this year, 1909, are: President, Mrs. Julia Hunsinger, who succeeds Mrs. Ella Webster (removed to New Mexico) ; senior vice president, Florence Williams; junior vice president, Mis. Serena Marvin; secretary, Mrs. Catherine F. Ryan; treasurer, Mrs. Zoe A. Long; chaplain, Isabel Rich; guard, Lovina Shawl; conductor, Estella Carnicon; assistant guard, Nettie Melching; assistant conductor, Olive Eisenhour; color bearers, Gertrude Clark, Anna Truman, Mary Freeh, Pauline Baxter.

Colonel George Croghan Chapter, No. 523, D. A. R., was organized November 17, 1900, by Miss Julia M. Haynes, a member of the National Society, and organizing Regent for Fremont. The charter is dated February 2, 1gor.

The tablet suspended from the gun carriage of "Old Betsy," is of iron, to match the gun, was put in place in 1902, by the Col. George Croghan chapter, D. A. R., and reads as follows:

In 1903, on the goth anniversary of the battle, the Col. George Croghan chapter of the D. A. R. unveiled a bronze tablet, faced in a boulder, on the northwest angle of the fort. Mrs. Fairbanks, National Regent of the D. A. R., was present, as were Senator Fairbanks, Charles R. Williams, of Indianapolis and other distinguished guests. This inscription is as follows:

Fort Stephenson Most gallantly defended by Major George Croghan with but 160 men Against 1,300 British and Indians Under General Proctor and Tecumseh. August 2d, 1813. This tablet was erected by Col. George Croghan Chapter, - Daughters of the American Revolution.

Also the following benevolent orders and societies: The B. P. O. Elks; Maccabees, the Dickinson Tent and Michigan Hive; Home Guards of America; Eagles; Modern Woodmen of America; Woodmen of the World; Protected Home Circle; Catholic Mutual Benefit Association; Catholic Knights of America; Catholic Knights of Ohio; Knights of Columbus; German Mutual Aid Society; Knights of Pythias; National Protective Legion; Pathfinders; Red Men; Knights of Honor; Royal Arcanum; Royal Neighbors of America; Protected Home Circle; Fraternal Mystic Circle.

The Circle Of Mercy

In the autumn of 1895 about a dozen of Fremont's charitable women, seeing the need of systematic charitable work, not covered by other benevolent societies, organized a society for the assistance of worthy and needy families, regardless of creed or nationality. This society is regularly chartered and is called "The Circle of Mercy."

These women found many families, who, by reason of illness, lack of employment or other misfortune, were unable to furnish proper food and clothing necessary to keep the children in school or comfortably provide, in some instances, for aged parents who were members of their households; and who, owning, as some of them did, their little homes, did not like to appeal to the authorized channels of city or county charity.

These families they helped by distributing clothing, shoes, school books, etc., (donated by friends to the circle,) and delicacies for the sick and comforts for the aged ones, purchased by cash donations. Charging no membership fees, the circle was entirely without funds except what came to them as a result of entertainments, and donations by kind friends.

The first officers were, president, Mrs. J. L. Rawson; vice-presidents, Mrs. J. L. Winters, Mrs. V. Kelly, Mrs. William Baker ; treasurer, Mrs. Mary Mowry; secretary, Mrs. Zoe A. Long. Mrs. Rawson held the office of president for several years, until failing health compelled her to give up the work entirely. The present officers are, president, Mrs. J. J. Keefe;. vice-president, Mrs. Ed Schwartz; secretary, Mrs. S. J. Ryan; treasurer, Mrs. Zoe A. Long.

The Ladies' Relief Society was organized in 1855. Its first president was Mrs. James Vallette; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. John M. Smith; relief committee, Mesdames D. W. Gould, George Grant, O. L. Nims, J. Krider, B..Amsden and J. Quinn.

Mrs. L. Q. Rawson, Mrs. Amsden, Mrs. Grant and Mrs. W. E. Haynes subsequently filled the "presidential chair," with Mrs. A. B. Taylor and Mrs. Lydia Mitchner as vice-presidents and Mrs. F. I. Norton and Mrs. R. W. B. McLellan secretaries, who also took charge of the finances. All of these ladies have passed away, but this work remains and has been kept up by others. Mrs. A. H. Miller, who is living, also served as president for several years.

The society had a large list of members; the only requirement for eligibility being the payment of an annual membership fee of one dollar. As the population of the city increased, the calls for aid became frequent, and the ladies began giving, each year, an entertainment in the way of a supper which was called 'The Poor Supper" and which was liberally' patronized.

At the death of Mr. Sardis Birchard in 1874, the society received by his will a liberal bequest, the interest of which, together with the interest of a fund bequeathed by Mr. Robert Brayton and a lesser amount by the Misses M. J. and I. Stevenson, makes a pretty good-sized bank account to draw on in time of need.

In the fall of 1894, the Wrigley Brothers, proprietors of the Fremont Daily News, gave the ladies of this society the use of their office and the gross amount of all receipts from the sale of papers and advertising "for one day only," stipulating that the paper be edited and managed in all its departments by such committee of women as the officers of the society might select. The ladies accepted this offer, and with Mrs. Zoe Long as editor in chief, and a corps of able assistants, the venture proved a success and netted the sum of over three hundred and fifty dollars.

The society is still in existence and is doing much good. Its present officers are, president, Miss Sarah J. Grant; vice-president, Mrs. J. L. Winters; secretary, Miss Rose Ames; treasurer, Mrs. E. A. Bristol; with committees of three for each ward of the city.