Stark County, Ohio - Chapter 10, 1881 (part 1 of 2)

THE war of 1812 greatly interfered with immigration Westward, and the tide did not set in again with much vigor until some years after it was o\'er. Still, (juite a number of families, many of whose descendants are still residing here, came in after the war, and before the year 1.S20. Among these may be enumerated the Buckius, the Dunbar, the Rex, the Saxton, the Myers, the Sherrick, the Dannor, the Kitzmiller, the Hanes, the Trump, the Hippy, the White, the Sprankle, the Smith, the Bueher, the Webb and the Whipple families, with others whose names have not been learned. When immigration commenced again, Canton had the steady and gradual growth eharaetoristic of most other Western towns at the time. One of the greatest hindrances in the way of progress was the lack of facilities for carr>'ing to market the surplus products of the surrounding country. At that time there were no railroads, there was no canal, and the ordinary roads in poor condition and impas.sal)le for heavily-loaded teams a great part of the year. Consequently, such articles as butter and eggs brought only a nominal price, and even wheat, oats and corn were extremely low. The ordinary prices of these things were before 1830 as follows : Eggs, 4 cents a dozen ; butter, 6 cents a pound ; wheat from 25 to 30 cents a bushel, and corn and oats from 12 to 15 cents, and that not in cash, but in trade. Of course every navigable stream was regarded as an inestimable feature of the country through which it pass-ed ; Canton, in the forks of Nimishillen Creek, was at the head of navigation. Boats, called pirogues, capable of carrj'ing a ton, were in common use for ordinary transportation, and flat-boats for flour, bacon and whisky. The.se started just below town, and their usual destination was New Orleans. In the earlier days, before the country was cleared up, the usual stage of I water in the Nimishillen and Tuscarawas was much higher than after, and this made navigation, at least part of the year, possible for light craft ; but at the best it was difficult, and attended with much risk to property. The pirogue and flat-boat furnished a partial relief but by no means all that the wants of a rapidly developing country called for. The completion of the Ohio Canal, in 1830, gave a new impetus to general business .and the farming interest of the country far and wide, but it was a severe blow to the commercial interests of Canton. The Ohio Canal was eight miles distant, and on its bank a new and rival town sprang up, and soon became the center of trade for fifty or sixty miles around. Massillon's prosperity and rapid growth worked great disadvantage to the interests of Canton for many years, and excited a jealousy between the two towns which was not removed for a great while. To oflTset the .advantage of the canal to Massillon, a number of enterprising citizens of Canton projected the Nimishillen and Sandy Slackwater Navigation Company, for the purpose of building a canal along the Nimishillen Creek to connect with the Sandy and Beaver. Work was commenced and considerable was done toward constructing this branch canal, in anticipation of the great impetus it would give again to business ; there was a teraporarj' revival, and in view of immense profits to insure siieedily, much pro})erty at high prices, changed hands : but, alas ! for human hopes and expectations. A panic followed, when work had Init rightly commenced, and the enterprise was abandoned : those who had bought property at high figures a short time before suffered loss. The failure of this project put even a greater damper on the prospects of Canton. For twenty years there was but little improvement, if there was not indeed an actual retrogression. Massillon became noted as the wheat citv. and went rapidly forward, and Canton stood still. So it continued until the j-ear 1851, when the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad was located just south of the town, as it was at that day ; tliis road went into operation in the early part of 1852, as far west as Massilloii. The railroad company did not alwaj-s act in the most favorable way toward Canton, nor did they assist an}- by offering specitd facilities in building up her interests : it is even claimed by some that there was a constant disposition to discriminate against her, until when, within a very few j'ears, the opening up of the Valley Railroad to Cleveland gave a new outlet East and West to Canton industries. In view of the early completion of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, nevertheless, Bull, Aultman & Co., determined to remove their works from Greentown to Canton to avail themselves of the advantages of the new railroad, secured lots on the line of the road, erected their buildings, and. in the latter part of 1851, they brought their tools and fixtures from Greentown to Canton, and a brighter day began at once to dawn upon this city ; the gloom and depression of many \'ears graduallj- removed, and Canton again entered upon the march of progress, which has gone on steadily forward ever since, with but little interruption, and that hut temporary. As the removal of this business to Canton is the date of a new era, it will, undoubtedl}'. be of great service to the younger portion of our citizens, and to after generations of Canton's children, as well as eminently just to the memory of the honored members of the firm, to put in permanent form a complete history of the rise and progress of these works in Canton, as we find it in the Chicago Commercial Adcertlser, of February 2G, 1880, which is acknowledged as accurate and satisfactory, as follows :

When it is considered that within the brief period of a quarter of a century the wonderfully etfective mowing-machine of to-day has been brought to its present stage of i)erfeclion by the pre-eminent genius and skill of American inventors, the mind dwells upon the fact with unstinted admiration, heightened by tlie tliought of how completely this marvellous aid to the husbandman has revolutionized the methods of agricultural pursuits. Tlie model and progressive farmer of the present day may well look back a couple of decades and wonder how he possibly could have accomplished his harvesting by the tedious processes then commonly employed - how he ever could have garnered his crops with the old-fashioned scythe, sickle and grain cradle. Certain it is that were it not for our labor-saving agricultural machines, this country would not now enjoy her proud position of being the principal grain-producing and world-feeding nation, whereby her wealth is augmented by hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The mechanical facilities thus supplied have within a few years given a surprising impetus to the development of our agricultural resources, and by their great economy in gathering the crops, have enableil us to beat the w(jrld in producing cheap breadstufls, as our gratifying export statictics plainly indicate. The invention and perfection of American harvesting machiner}-, then, may rightly be regarded as one of the chief promoters of our country's rapid development antl remarkable prosperity ; and in the light of this fact, it seems almost incredible that the original introduction into use of these now indispensable auxiliaries to the successful cultivation of the soil was attended with verj' serious obstacles, not the least of which was the strong prejudice and opposition manifested by farmers and farm laborers to the employment of these "new tangled" devices. Deeming that a concise and accurate history of the mowing machine and kindred farm apparatus would prove of interest to many people, and in view of the fact that the city of Canton is the recognized headquarters in this line of production, we have devoted considerable lime to collating information upon this interesting subject.

The opening of this historical sketch takes us back to the year 1848, when in the little rural borough of Greentown, a village of some 300 souls, situate about nine miles north of Canton, Mr. Cornelius Aultmau, who had learned the machinist's trade, made the patterns and built on his own account five of the old Hussey Reapers - the first machines of the kind ever made in Ohio, with the exception of a few made at Martin's Ferry, opposite Wheeling, in the year previous. Mr. Michael Dillman, a progressive farmer with ample means, living near Greensburg, Summit Co., had purchased and used one of these machines during the season, and was .so well pleased with its work that he proposed joining Mr. Aultman in his new un-

1849, they both removed to Plainfield, Will Co., 111., where they constructed these machines for two seasons - some thirtj'-seven in all - and the neighlioring larmers came to their shop and bought them readilj'. The Hussey was a onewheeled machine, adapted only for reaping purposes. In the spring of 1850, Mr. Husse3', of Baltimore, Md., the inventor of this machine, but who had done very little toward manufacturing and introducing it, learning that it was being successfullj' produced in the West, concluded that it was worth looking after, joui-- neyed to Illinois and informed the makers that he held patents on the machine, and claimed royalty on all that had been turned out. The}- finally settled the matter by paying him ^?15 on each machine.

1850, Mr. Aultman sold out his Interest at Plainfield, and returned to Greentown in December of that year. The manufacture of the Hussey machine was continued at Plainfield for a time, and the business was sul)seiiuently removed to Joliet, 111., where the same machine was manufactured for a number of years, and afterward the Bell machine, until about 1858, when the proprietors there secured a license to build liic Buckeye m:icliiiies. After Mr. .\ultmans return to ( iicciituwn. .Mr. Ephraini Ball, manilestingmuch CDnliilenee in him, wanted him to l)uy an interest in the foundry located there, then run in the name of Wise & Ball. Mr. Aultman had contemplated returning again to the West, but said if Mr, Ball would consent to move the establishment, within three years, to a more eligible locality, he would take an interest therein. This was agreed to, and he thereupon, about March 1, 1851. purchased the one-third interest of Michael Wise, and a like interest of Lewis Acker, in the foundry. Shortly afterward, Mr. Aultman transferred a one-sixth interest to his brother-in-law, David Fouser, onesixth to Ueorge Cook, who was a wagon-maker by trade, and one-sixth to his stcpluDtlicr, Lewis Miller, leaving Mr. Aultman one-sixth interest, and Mr. Ball one-third. The firm now became Ball, Aultman & Co., and they at once proceeded to enlarge their l)usiness. For the season of 1S51. tiiey turned out twelve Hussey machines and six threshers, all of which were sold to farmers in the vicinity. But the firm did not have absolute " plain sailing" indisposing of their machines, inasmuch as there was a strong feeling of prejudice existing in the minds of farmers and farm hands against the radical " innovation." In this connection, many things occurred that were positively amusing, while other situations were equally perplexing. But these prejudices and hard feelings gradually wore away, and after two or three years had elapsed, and the farming community generally had begun to properly appreciate the valuable aid furnished by harvesting machinery, the bitter contest well nigh ceased. The Hussej- machine, as we have said, worked well as a reaper, but could not be used as a mower. A demand sprung up for a device that would meet this want, and in answer thereto, the Ketcham Mower was invented, and placed on the market, in 1851, and in 1852, quite a number of these machines were put into use. About the same time, the Allen Mower, made in the \'icinity of New York Citj-, was introduced. Both of these were onewheeled machines, and did not meet with marked su(;cess.

After the harvest of 1851. the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and Chicago Railway, having then been graded, and soon ready to be opened to Canton, Messrs. Ball and Aultman came to the latter j)lace, and looked over the sromicl, with the view to securing better manufacturing and shipping facilities. They selected three lots on the line of the new railway, each 45x40 feet, being a part of the present site of their works, returned and reported to their associates what they could do. and there\ipon, they unanimously decided to remove to Canton. The committee immediately came here and consummated the purchase. Mr. xVultman, who was recognized as manager, moved to Canton, on the Kith of Septeml)er following, and put up brick buildings - wood-shop, 40x60 feet ; finishing-shop, 55x40 feet ; and molding-shop, 65x40 feet, tlie former two, of two stories, the last, of one. In December. 1851. they transported their tools and fixtures from (rreentown to (lanton, and commenced operations. A stock com|)any was then formed, each partner putting in what he could, and sharing the profits in ratio thereto. At this juncture, Mr. Jacob Miller, farmer, and brother of Lewis Miller, became a copartner, contributing to the capital the sum of $1,000. An inventory of the tools, etc., was taken, and each of the five copartners (Ephraim Ball, Cornelius Aultman, rieorgc Cook, Lewis Miller and Jacol) Miller) was credited with his proportionate interest. The total capital of the coinpan)', when they started in (Janton. including material, property at (Jreentown. and estimated value of -'good will," was §4..">(l(). For the harvest of 1852. they built twenty-five Hussey Machines, with six-foot iron finger-bars, to be used as mowers, being intended for combined machines. They worked satisfactoril}' as reapers, but. for several reasons, they failed as practical mowers. In the fall of 1852, up to which time Mr. Aultman had done the bu3'ing and selling, and keeping books for the concern, he went to Illinois, and there made the accjuaintance of Thomas R. Tonner. who was known as a good book-keeper, and being favorably impressed, prevailed upon him to come to Canton, and keep their books. When Tonner arrived here he had just a dime in his pocket. He proved a valuable man, as he was very systematic, and regulated things generalh'. He was made the Cashier, and the partners had to go to him when tluiv wanted money. Before that, they were in the habit of helping themselves, when there was cash in the till, each one charging himself with whatever sura he appropriated. When clerking in Pennsjlvania, Tonner had got accustoraeil to the ways of that region, one of whieh was a trifle unl)usiness-like. to wit. when a note fell due, it was not considered as a comi)romise of credit to allow it to go unhonored for a week or so. He started out in Canton with this notion clinging to him. but Aultman sai<l they must take care of their notes, iti order to maintain their credit, to his mind a very important matter. Tonner soon saw this in the same light, and looked well after the notes, even if by so doing, the firm were obliged to do without pocket-money for a time. To this wellestablished credit, they attribute their successful weathering of the panic of 1857, as. had it not been for their reputation for commercial honor, they could not have passed through that trying ordeal unscathed. The business of the company so rapidly increased, that it was found necessary to procure additional clerical assistance, and in 1855. Mr. James S. Tonner, l»rother of Thomas, was employini as bookkeeper, after which, the latter was enabled to devote more time to the general business. A few weeks after T. li. Tonner came here, in 1852, Mr. Aultman bought out Fouscr's onesixth inteiest. and turned it over to Tonner. thus laying the foundation of the handsome fortune he amassed before his death. For the har\est of 1853. they built twent^'-fivc Hussey Reapers, and also twenty-five of the Bell Machines, the latter intended for both mower and reaper. In 1853. having abandonecl the idea of making a combined machine, tliej' turned their attention to the work of devising a practical single mower. In that summer, the Ketcham machine, having achieved some measure of success, a committee of three, consisting of Ball, Aultman and Lewis Miller, were appointed to get up a mower. Ball was a pattern-nuiker by trade, and made the patterns for the concern. The committee put their heads together, and as the result of protracted consultation, study and experiment, they constructed in the same year, a mower, a light, small aflfair. and subjected it to a practical test, but it did not prove a success for all kinds of grass. They kept busily- at work, nevertheless, and originated another one-wheeled machine, somewhat different from the first, and it seemed, on the initiative trial, to be entirely satisfactory. Accordingl3-, they built eight or ten of this pattern, and sold six or eight of them in 185.3. But their fortune was not yet assured, for the machines were found too weak ; they all broke down, and were returned as worthless. Some of the company got discouraged, but Mr. Aultman said, -' try again." Before it was ascertained that the machines were an absolute failure, the harvest of 1853 was over. The committee was continued, and liuring that fall, Mr. Aultman made a drawing for a twowheeled machine, the first attempt ever made to devise such a mower. This drawing was submitted to Ball and Miller, who made some suggestions as to modifications therein, and from that drawing, after some months of patient effort, was at length evolved what was knijwn as Ball's Ohio Mower. The first machine of this style was built in the summer of 1854. Mr. Ball was the pattern-maker, and .Mr. .Vultman, thi! superintendent. The model was made and the patents applied for in the fall of 1854. Interference was eventually declared between Ball's application and one made by Jonathan Haines, of Fekin, 111., which was contested. Haines proving priority on some of his claims as presented at the Patent Office, a patent was granted to hun, in August, 1854. Thereupon, Mr. Aultman went to Fekin, and bought of Haines the right to manufacture for the State of Ohio.

In tlie spring of 1855, Ball, Aultman & Co. commenced to build some twenty-five of the Ohio machines, and had everything ready to erect, when, on the 5th of May following, fire destroyed their main buildings and contents, including all the machines. Just as the company were in a fair way to establish a flourishing business, this disaster not only robbed the firm of their all, but left left them deeply in debt. Right here, the firm realized the advantage of taking care of their credit, and of promptly meeting their obligations previously. Having good credit, fortified by a reputation for strict integrity, they progressed with the buildings, and by the 1st of August, in less than three months after the fire occurred, the new w(jrics were completed, the machiner}' was set up, and everything in readiness for a fresh start. While the shops were being rebuilt, they put wood benches into a shed that had escaped the conflagration, and by dint of hard work, they turned out, by hand, five mowers and twelve Hussey reapers for the harvest of 1855. On the 1st of August, theN' started up the works, and ran night and day. Fortunately for them, the harvest of that year was an abundant one, and consequently, the demand for machines was active. Farmers were so anxious to .secure them that they would come in and engage machines not yet constructed, and pay for them in advance. This proved quite a godsend to the struggling firm, as it aided them materially in tiding over their existing financial stress. After starting up, they built some twenty threshers before the season was over, and could have disposed of a much larger number. The next winter, they went courageously to work, and constructed 500 Ohio ^lowers, fifty Hussey reapers, and fifty Pitts threshers, for the harvest of 1856. Aultman and Miller, desiring to get up a more simple machine than the Ohio, went to work, and devised the first Bucke^'e Mower (called originally the Aultman & Miller machine), a twowheeled rear-cut implement, and in June, 1856, secured a patent on a double-rule hinge, which allowed the finger-bar to be raised vertically, thus facilitating transportation to and from the field. Only one of the rear-cut machines was built, and in the fall of 1856, it was changed to a front-cut, an approved principle that has ev»r since been adhered to. For the harvest of 1857, they built 1,000 Ohio machines, some six or seven of the new Buckeye, 100 threshers, and fifty Hussey reapers. In July of that year, both the Buckeye and the Ohio were practically tested in a competitive field-trial, at Hamilton, Ohio, and the Buckeye came out ahead. Kncouraged by this success, one of each, of the Bucke3e and Ohio machines, were taken to the famous field-trial at Syracuse, in the same month, held under the auspices of the United States Agricultural Society. When the trial came ofl', ever}- spectator was . greatly elated with the ea.sy, neat work of the Buckeye, and the judgment was in its favor, corroborated by the award thereto of the highest prize, the grand gold medal. In Fei)ruary, 1S58, Ball sold his interest in the firm, and then went to work and put up his own buildings, in the samej'ear. In 1850, he placed the Oluo Mower on the market, in competition with the Buckeye, continuing to build it up to about 1865. When Mr. Ball retired from the firm of Ball, ^Vultman & Co., the style of the house changed to C. Aultman & Co., under which it has won its enviable honors the world over, and this title has continued ever since. In the fall of 1857, they had enlarged their works 40 by 120 feet, a three storj- brick structure, thus doubling their capacity, so that they were well prepared to take advantage of the boom " they felt sure they were to experience, by reason of the splendid success of the Buckeye at the fairs of that season.

For the season of 1858, Messrs. Aultman & Co. built not far from 1,500 Bucke3-e mowers and 150 threshers. In this year, they commenced to make a practical success of the combined machine, with reaper attachment. In the fall of 1858, this machine was exhibited very generally all over the country, and also participated in almost innumerable field trials, sometimes at three or four at the same time in different sections, and it almost invariably took the first premiums.

In June, 1858, patents were granted on the front-cut Buckeye, application having been made therefor in the fall of 1857. This was a transfer from rear to front-cut, requiring a radical change in the organization of the machine ; the most important feature of improvement inhering in tlie folding of the cutter over the front of the frame, allowing it to lie Hat, securing unequaled convenience in transportation, and giving the Buckeye the pronounced lead over all competing harvesting machines. -' It shut right up like a jack-knife," and was propelled on the road as easily as a two-wheeled cart. Aultman <& Co. retained control of this valuable improvement, and no other make of machine could adopt it.

They continued to sedulously experiment, making improvements from year to year in minor details, upon which they secured patents, taking out some twentj- difl'erent patents, exclusive of those granted in 1858. For the season of 1859 they turned out 1,800 Buckeye mowers and reapers and 150 threshers, which number would have been consideratily increased had it not been for the killing frosts in June of that 3-ear. They had licensed to build the Buckeye for certain territory. Running out of machines at Canton, the}- bought a number from the licensers and sold them in their territor}-. They invented an attachment to the Buckeye whereljy the binding of grain was done by two men riding on the machine, of which thej- built but a few and only for that season. Their machines continued to be exhibited at fairs and tested at field trials, coming off victorious in every honorable contest. This extraordinary success greath' stimulated popular demand, and for the harvest of 1860 they constructed about 2.800 of the Buckeye and over 200 threshers. For 1861 they turned out 2.600 Buckeye machines and some 260 threshers. Notwithstanding the augmented production and the breaking out of the war. the demand was In excess of the supply, as the crops of that season were excellent. The means of the firm accumulated, so that they were now able to paj' cash for their materials. For the harvest of 1862 they built over 3.000 of the Buckeye and upward of 300 threshers. Their trade now extended over a large territory, even to California, and into all parts of the Union, except that portion of the Smith which the war shut out from our commerce. In 1863. they constructed no less than 3. GOO mowers and reapers and nearly 400 threshers. This was to them a very bus}' season, forthe}' again greatly enlarged their works. In the fall and winter of 1862-63, their present commodious office building was erected, and during the summer of 1863 the capacity of their blacksmith shop was doubled, and a larg(> molding shop, more than three times the size of the former one, was built. They also put in a fine 125 horse-power engine and a full complement of improved machlner}'. The demand for their agricultural machines had Increased so rapidh'. and their shipping facilities at Canton were so poor (fortunately, this drawliack will not exist much longer), that they recognized the necessity of " branching out," and having carefully looked over the ground they finally- determined to locate a branch establishment at Akron, that point seeming to aflibrd the requisite additional advantages for their manufacturing purposes. Accordingly, in the fall of 1863 they commenced putting up their buildings in tliat city, and got out there 500 machines for the harvest of 1864. Lewis Miller removed to Akron and became superintendent of the establishment there. These works have since l)een materially enlarged and improved, until they now turn out from 11.000 to 12,000 machines per year, employing at the present time nearly 500 mechanics.

In 1864, the firm built about 4,500 mowers and reapers and 425 threshers, and in 1865, the}' built both at Canton and Akron about 8,000 Buckeye machines and 500 threshers. In March of that year, Mr. Thomas K. Tonner, one of the partners, died. He became an Invalid in 1850. and was not able thereafter to confine himself closely to business. The decedent had constructed a will making liberal bequests to relatives, and turning over the residue of his estate to Mr. Aultman for management.

In the fall of 1865, for the better organization of their immense business, both concerns were incorporated separately, under the State laws. The, incorporators at Canton were C. Aultman, Lewis .Miller, Jacob Miller and George Cook ;,and those at Akron were C. .Vultman, Lewis AMiller, John II. Buchtel and (Jcorge W. Crousc. The original capital of the corporation at Clinton, which was continued under the style of C. Aultman & Co., was ;!450,000, which In 1870 was Increased to $1,000,000. and about three years ago to $1 ,500,000. The first officers of the corporation of C. Aultman & Co. were : C. Aultman. l^resident ; John Tonner. Secretary ; James S. Tonner, Treasurer ; Jacob Miller, Superintendent. The original capital of the Akron concern was $300,000. and about three j-ears ago it was augmented to $1 ,000,01)0. This establishment wa.s incorporated under the style of Aultman, Miller & Co., witii the following otflcers : John R. Biichtel, President ; George W. Crouse, Secretary and Treasurer ; Lewis Miller, Superintendent.

About the year 1871, they commenced to export machines to p]uropean countries, and the foreign demand for the world-famed products of this establishment have since largely increased. They have won man^' honors at exhibitions and field trials abroad, and the " Buckeye " reaper and mower, " Sweepstakes " thresher and Canton Monitor engine are coming to lie approximately as well known and highly appreciated across the Atlantic and Pacific as they are at home.

At the present time, no part of the original buildings of C. Aultman & Co. is remaining, as at different times they have been rebuilt. In 1868, a considerable portion of the present colossal structures was put up, and from time to time they have continued replacing the old with the new, making extensive enlargements and modern improvements, until now thej' are entitled to the credit of having the largest agricultural machine manufactory in the world. A brief summing-up of the merits and advantages and most notable triumphs of the several Buckej-e machines, followed by a sketch of the works of C. Aultman & Co., fitly concludes this article.

Ever since the famous national field trial of mowing machines at Syracuse, N. Y., in July, 1857, when the " Buckej-e " was awarded the highest prize, the grand gold medal, over all competing machines, its onward march in popular world-wide fiivor has been marked by a succession of brilliant triumphs in numerous competitive field trials with all other makes of mowers, not only on this continent, but in foreign countries as well - winning the laurels of victor}' in every fair and honorable contest.

The frame of the Buckeye mower is made of cast iron, in one piece, braced with wrought iron. It is strong, stiff, and not at all liable to get out of line. The gearing is still constructed on the .same admirable plan that was originally adopted for this machine. The system, one set of bevel gears to give the first and slower motion, and the spur gears to give the last and accelerated speed, is universally conceded to be the best, simplest, safest and most durable and perfect ever devised. Rival manufacturers have long cudgeled their brains in desperate eflbrts to bring forth a system of gearing or some original motion which would approacli the Buckeye in simplicity and efficiency, but they have been compelled to give up in despair. The summing up of the principal advantages of the Buckeye comprehends its scientific simplicity and perfection of construction, superior strength and durability, thoroughness of work, lightness of draft, fixcility of operation and immunity from danger of serious accident to the driver. The new automatic side-delivery reaper is one of the greatest inventions of the age, and is built and sold only in connection with the Buckeye mower. The pronounced superioritj- of this apparatus, as compared with the so-called " reel-rake," is clearly manifest in its admirable operation. It will cut nearly 14 per cent, or about one-seventh, more grain per da}', than any reel-rake having the same length cutter-bar, the horses walking at the same rate. Moreover, the Buckeye is guaranteed to have no equal in lodged and tangled grain, as is proven by the testimony of many practical, reliable farmers who have thoroughly tested its admirable qualities under the most adverse circumstances.

The Buckeye dropper is a prime favorite with the farmers who do not. raise very large crops, because it is the simplest form of reaper ; the easiest to handle and operate ; its work is equal to the best, and it is the least expensive. With the Buckeye as a dropper, the driver is enabled to drop the gavel at the proper time, which obviates scattering the grain, and being a front-cut machine, the platform is immediately under the driver's eye, thus relieving him of the straining and wearisome effort of constantly looking behind to ascertain the size of the gavel, while his attention should be upon the team and watching for obstructions. Taken in connection with the Buckeye, this is unquestionably the safest, simplest, most economical and reliable harvesting machine ever produced.

The Buckeye Harvester is on every hand acknowledged to be the leading light-draft harvester in the field. In cutting with this machine, the cut grain falls directly upon a traveling endless apron, transmitting it to the double canvas elevator, which deposits it all upon the l)inding table. Two men bind the sheaves, laying the bundles upon a slatted table, until half a shock is gathered, when all is dropped ready for shocking. It is claimed that with regard to perfect proportions, superior material and workmanship, simplicity and strength, case of management, excellent finish and great capacity, the Buckeye harvester stands without a peer. These liarvesters are so made that a self-binding attachment can readily be affixed subsequently, should it be desired. The many advantageous conveniences of this popular machine need only be seen to be appreciated.

The Buckeye self-binder machine did not enter the competitive field as early as some others, but in the few seasons that it has been in the market, its success has been such as to win the highest encomiums of praise from all who have given it a fair trial. Messrs. Aultman & Co. promise for the harvest of 1881 a self-binder with important improvements, placing it as to intrinsic merit in advance of anything in this line ever brought before the public. In construction, it is singularly- simple, and therefore not at all liable to get out of order, while in all its working parts the most ingenious devices are adopted to secure the most satisfactory results from its use. It is a wonderful labor-saver, requires but little attention in operation, and is destined to triumph over all competition. It uses less wire than any other binder ; the tightness of the band is regulated by a tension, speedily adju.sted, and this tightness is limited only by the strength of the wire. The grain saved by the binder will pay for the wire consumed. A host of those who have used this admirable device testify that it proves all that is claimed for it in every description of grain.

For the long period of twenty-nine years the incomparable Sweepstakes thresher has been manufactured by Messrs. C. Aultman & Co., and tiiey have spared neither cflbrt nor expense to bring it to a state of absolute perfection. Tlie practical record of the Sweepstakes exhibits a series of magnificent successes that is altogether without a parallel, and it is such as to iifford the purchaser the most emphatic guarantee of entire satisfaction in its use. Great improvements have been made from year to year, and sufficient time has elapsed to thoroughly test the threshers, as now built, in ail conditions of grain, as well as in fiax, tiuiotliy, clover and rice. No other thresher has been so severelj- tested, and the grand result fully justifies its manufacturers in claiming for

The needs of threshcrmcn for a better engine than had ever been built had long been pressc'd upon the attention of the inanulacturers of tlie Buckeje machines. Forced I)}- these requirements upon them, in the centennial year they commenced the construction of the -'Monitor" engine. The best skilled advice and the ripest experience of the most practical threshers and mechanics were brought into requisition to aid them in making the portable engine which would be pronounced nearest perfect. After fully consulting every plan presented, they made choice of the vertical engine and boiler, of the model upon which the Monitor is built. It was exactly adapted to a special field of operations, and the satisfaction rendered by it has been so perfect that it cannot be overstated, and its decided advantages over other engines are attested by the emphatic and unsolicited approbation of all who have used it. Everjyear, so far, the number required of them has been greatly- in excess of the manufacturing capacity of the works, and this has compelled them to make a large addition to their shops, which will double their facilities for turning out these universally approved engines.

Parties who have experimentallj' tested the Canton Monitor Traction Engine, and those who have had it in use during the last two years, speak in unqualified terms of its extraordinary working qualities, pronouncing it a perfect success in all respects. For propelling, threshing and machinery operating purposes it stands without a rival. A farmer who has thoroughly tested it says : " It has so far answered every call upon its resources, and is always ready for use. I have a Taylor & Chandler muley sidecut saw-mill, and your Kl-liorse engine drives it at the rate of 4(1(1 to 5(10 strokes per minute, and the thing works like a charm. I am now running a full line of fiax machinerj', consisting of a roller gang break, beater, picker, etc.. and have abundant power. I prefer the Monitor because tlie number of flues gives a greater heating surface. The boiler being perpendicular, the action of the fire comes directly upon the lieating surface. It requires less fuel and also a shorter time to raise steam. The cylinder, placed between the steam chest and tiie heater, is protected from the cold atmosphere - therefore there is less condensing in the cylinder and less bilging ; and being perpendicnlar, it is not liable to become untrue through the wear of the weight of the machinery, as is the case in a horizontal engine. As a traction or locomotive engine, I consider it superior." The compound or -'jack-in-the-box " gear is a very ingenious device, whereby one wheel may be made to revolve independent of the other, so that in turning, the wheel going the faster receives the greater power, thus enabling the engine to be headed in any desired direction with great facility. N(3 other portable engine has this admirable feature. The independent steam pump for supj^lying and emptying the boiler, which can be run with or without ^iie main engine, is also a most advantageous adjunct. A massive sprocket chain running over sprocket wheels communicates the power from the fly-wheel to the countershaft, which is much stronger, more direct and reliable than the lievel gearing ordinarily used. Among the latest improvements is the link motion, similar to that of the locomotive, whereby the engine can be propelled forward or backward without stopping. The speed on the road is regulated by a governor, while the starting and stopping, reversing and steering, are under perfect control of the engineer without leaving his seat. It is fitted up with all necessary' steam engine connections, and the gear is encased in order to exclude all dust and dirt. The whole engine rests on rubber springs, preventing concussion, and all in all it is the most complete and successful traction engiue ever invented.

Tiiis colossal establishment took its start in Canton in the year 1851, with a working capital not exceeding §4,500. The original proprietors were Cornelius Aultman, Lewis Miller, Jacob Miller and George Cook, the latter now deceased. Thej' and their associates were the original inventors and patentees of all the Buckeye harvesting machines. The more recent additions to their list of successful manufactures are the Buckeye Self-Binding Har- \ester, the Canton Monitor Engine, and the Traction lload Engine, all of which are well calculated to conserve the exalted reputation of this house for producing the most celebrated and efficient agricultural machines in the world. The works embrace the following named structures : Building for threshing and wood-working machinery, brick, 400 by 50 feet, four floors. Reaper warehouse, brick, 181 bj- 60 feet, four floors. Iron machinerj- building, brick, 147 Ijy GO feet, four floors. Iron finishiug building, brick, 70 by GO feet, three floors. Core, pattern and engine liouse, brick, 150 by 60 feet, two floors. Engine shop, brick, 302 by 50 feet, two floors. Moiiling room, brick, 125 by 75 feet, one floor. Blacksmith shop and iron room, brick, 313 by 41 feet, one floor. Five acres of wooden structures, comprising wagon shop, boiler works, testing house, paint shops, store-rooms for thresher and engines, etc. These structures have a total floor area of 459,528 square feet, or upward of ten and a half acres, being some three and a half acres larger than the next largest agricultural implement works in existence. This mammoth establishmenthas eleven distinct departments, giving employment to an aggregate of 550 skilled workmen, the monthly pay-roll amounting to $25,000. The motive power comprises two engines each of 120-horse power, and one engine of 50-horse. Their products find a ready and expanding market in both hemispheres. While at the works, we noticed a shipment of their world-celebrated machines to Algiers, Africa. They have branch offices and supply depots at Paris, France, London, England, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, and other leading distributing points, while they. also have general and local agents in all the agricultural sections.

Agricultural machinery has revolutionized the pursuits of the farmer throughout the civilized world, and Canton may justly- be proud of the pre-eminence which the success of C. Aultman & Co.'s works have achieved for her. Their growth and development have been coincident with her own, and in the past histor}' of Canton thej' have been a \'ery great part of that growth. But, in addition to the above described works, and the brief history of the Ball works included therein, the citizens of Canton are equally proud of her other manufacturing interests that within the past fewyears have assumed such large proportions. The history and description of those that follow we glean from the same source as that which precedes. And first we call attention to the Peerless Reaper and Mower, which was invented and originally brought out by Mr. W. K. Miller in the year 1857, and put on the market by Russell & Co., of Massillon, Ohio. It was the third successful two-wheeled mowinoihL^ machine with flexible finger-bar, being preceded in its introduction b}- onl}^ Ball's Ohio and the Buckeye. The distinctive and patentable feature in the Peerless was the manner of connecting the finger-bar and cutters to the main frame. Tlie original patents were issued to Mr. Miller, the inventor, in 1857. The Peerless was the first successful two-wheeled reaper, in this, that it was the initial introduction of a practical!}- operative flexible reel. Formerh', the two-wheeled machine had carried the raker on the main truck, who reeled in the grain by hand and discharged the sheaf on gavel in the rear of the platform ; or placed him on the platform, so that the gavel was discharged with a hay fork - both of which plans were objectionable. But in the Peerless the reel was made to conform to the inequalities of the ground, as did likewise the flnger-bar - these parts acting independently in their up and down movements of the main truck, while in their progressive course they were controlled by the truck upon which the raker was seated, who discharged the gavels at one side of the platform, with an ordinary hand rake, leaving room for the machine on its return cut. The Peerless was the first maciiine to adopt the valuable device whereby the finger-bar could be successfully folded and carried in a perj)eiidicular position, thus facilitating transportation. In the 3'ear 1871, commodious brick buildings were erected in Canton b} the new firm of C. Russell & Co., and the manufacture of the Peerless machine was thereupon transferred from Massillon to this city. Tlie Canton firm comprised the following members ; Clement Russell, N. S. Russell, Joseph K. Russell, Thomas H. Russell, George Ij. Russell, James S. Tonner and W. K. Miller, who continued to improve and manufacture the Peerless up to and including the year 1878, at which time the machine was thoroughly re-formed in all its parts, except in the devices used and manner of arrangement for giving motion to the cutters, whicli in previous protracted use had proved practically perfect and all that was required, Tliis last re-organization was effected, not so much because of defects in the mechanism, but only to modi!}- the machine to existing requirements demanded by the modern popular fashion. .\ large request hail been made for smaller and lighter machines which should possess the features of gi-eater simplicitj-, reduction in number of parts, superior convenience, accessibility and durability. Hence, with a view to satisfyingthese demands of progressive farmers, the new Peerless was invented and introduced to the public for the harvest of 187!', embracing all its old, long-tested and well-established characteristics, with the addition of a newlyorganized sweep-rake, patented by W. K, Miller. This highly approved rake differs from tliat upon the old Peerless in these important particulars : It is divested of about one-half its former weight of material ; is located near to the cutters and i)oint of vibration ; requires no adjustment for different kinds, qualities or conditions of crops - harvesting witli equal ease and perfection the siiortest barley or tlie tallest rye. This greatly' improved rake is entirely" under the facile control of the driver, who can make the sheaves as frequently as desired, accommodating its operation to any condition of gi'ain. wlietlier light or heavy ; or it ma}- readily be arranged to work automatically altogether. The cutting apparatus with rake and platform attached are also under easy control of the driver, wlio can raise or depress the cutters and rake, for the purpose of gathering up short, tangled or fallen grain, thus preventing all waste.

The Peerless Reaper Company, successore to the firm of C. Russell & Co., was organized December 1, 1879, having been duly incorporated under the State laws thirty days before. Officers : Isaac Harter. President ; W. A. Creech. Treasurer ; W. K. .Miller (inventor of the Peerless Reaper and Mower). Superintendent. Their works in Canton are finely located, directly on the line of the Pittsburgli. Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, and in all their arrangements they are specially adapteil to the peculiar business carried on tliereiti. Tiie main building, a substantial brick slate-roof structure of four floors, including basement, measures 225x50 feet, with an -- L ' (50x210 feet, a part with two floors and a part (the foundry), one floor and a center spur 40x150 feet, one floor, containing the engine room and smith-shop. The engine is of 80-horse power, and the battery of two tubular boilers, 120-horse. The works have a fine equipment of modern improved machinery and every needed lacility for systematic and economical production. Their present annual capacity is 5,000 machines, employing 200 hands. The Peerless Mowers and Reapers

The Canton establishment of the noted corporation known as the Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Co. is a branch of the Akron and Syracuse houses, and was put in operation in November, 1878, in the works formerly occupied by Ballard, Fast & Co. Mr. George A. Barnes is the efficient Superintendent. Here are manufactured for the local harvesting machine companies superior mower and reaper knives and sickles, the works turning out some 50.000 sections " per month, and 3,500 knives. Tlie power is supplied by a fine OO-horse power engine. Forty hands are employed, to whom the sum of $1,300 is disbursed monthly for wages. The premises have a frontage of 320 feet on Walnut street, 200 feet on the railroad, a depth of 138 feet, and a rear measurement of 170 feet.

Officers of the Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Co.: George Barnes, President; A. L. Conger, Vice President ; George E. Dana. Secretary; I. C. Alden, Treasurer; W. W. Cox, Assistant Treasurer. The excellence of the goods produced by the vast corporation under notice has secured for them the patronage of the largest and most reputable mower and reaper manufecturers, both in America and Europe. In their several establishments, they employ a total of 400 skilled workmen, while their aggregate annual production, which is steadily increasing, already reaches the sum of

Tlie Torrent Light- Power Boiler Feed-Pump, manufactured 1.13' E. E. Miller & Co. is attracting much attention among engineers, experts and the class of manufacturers who have occasion to usesteam-iiumiis. Iiy reason of its novel and ingenious mechanism, and its practical efficiency, wonderful convenience and uneqiialed economy in service. This model pump is the result of long and patient study on the jiart of its inventors. E. E. and C. M. Jliller. of this this city, and they are entitled to great credit for their signal success in devising and perfecting so useful an adjunct to the steam engine, and which has been accorded the highest encomiums of commendation by the many who have put it into practical use. This pump supplies a want long felt by those emploving light steam power ; and it is especially designed and adapted for use in connection with threshing, traction, sawing, portable and small stationary engines, as it combines all the requisites which go to constitute a successful independent boiler-feeder, that can be run irrespective of whether the main engine is in motion or not. Being entirely independent of the engine, as it takes the steam direct from the boiler, it can be located at auj- convenient and advantageous point in the boiler or engine room. It can be run fast, slow, or stopped entirely, as desired, thus relieving the engine proper from the constant friction and wear of an attached pump which must be kept in operation while the engine is running, whether needed or not. It will work perfectly under any given pressure of steam, requiring not tiie least regulating or attention.

The lifting power of the " Torrent" is greater than that of any inspirator or injector, and it can easil}' be run b^- hand with the same power when there is uo steam. Using the expansive steam, it effects a material saving of steam over all pumps without fl3-wheels, and the so-called injectors, etc. It is impossible to burst the feed- water pipes, when b}- carelessness or otherwise the water is shut off between the pump and boiler, as by the excessive pressure on the plunger the Torrent will .ha immediatel}' stopped.

Mr. C. M. Miller, one of the inventors of the Torrent pump, is also the inventor of the celebrated " Canton Monitor Engine " and " Traction Engine," manufactured I)y C. Aultman & Co., of whose engine and boiler departments he is the efficient general superintendent. The Torrent independent pump is used on both these engines, with the best results. The fact tiiat it is adopted by the above-named firm is a first-class indorsement of its merits. Although in the market but a short time, it is rapidly superseding the ordinary attached pumps and injectors long before the public, which is sufficient evidence of its excellent work. There is not a State in the Union where this pump has not been introduced, while in Chicago and the Northwest, it has already had a large sale, and where it is in constantly increasing demand.

The success of the firm of Joseph Dick & Bro. is something noteworthy. Thej' commenced liusiness here some five years ago, in the manufacture of haj-, straw and corn-stalk cutters, splitters and crushers, small horse- powers, etc. The first j-ear they made just seven cutters, while last season the number lurnet) out was over 400, and this was considerablj' less than the number ordered. This remarkable increase is indicative of the fact that the}' have been fortunate enough to hit upon the most practical and effective device for the given purpose ever contrived - the ingenious invention of Mr. Joseph Dick. These approved machines have been shipped to all parts of the Union, as well as to Australia, and wherever introduced and operated the}- give complete satisfaction, on account of their strong and simple mechanism, easy and rapid working, and perfection in cutting, splitting and crushing. These machines are made of ditl'erent sizes, the largest having a capacity for cutting from 3,000 to 5.000 pounds per hour, according to material and length of cut. They are suited for either steam or horse power, and so arranged as to cut on both sides of the main shaft, thus cutting from two boxes instead of one. The shear-plates are made adjustible, and are independent of the working parts. All the working parts are encased. The advantages claimed for this apparatus are that it will cut hay, straw, etc., in a superior manner : also that it will cut, split and crush eorn-,stalks with or without the ears on ; that the splitting and crushing device will not destroy the tender parts of the stalks, while reducing the coarse portion to a proper grade of fineness ; besides other meritorious features previouslv enumerated,

Messrs, Dick & Bro,'s one to six horsepowers are in extensive use for dri\ing their feed cutters, etc., with or without a belt or jack. Their band-jacks, of two sizes, are similar to the ordinary jack used for threshing purposes, with the exception of being arranged to hitch the coupling on either shaft, so that the line-shaft can be attached direct onto the pulle3-shaft if desired, and a slower speed attained than if the line-shaft is attached to bevel gear wheel shaft. This firm likewise manufacture Joseph Dick. Jr.'s. patent combined hand and foot power attachment, .Mr, I'ick has devotett much time and .study to devising a plan whereby the hand-crank can be combined with an oscillating foot-treadle so as to obtain a power from both devices simultaneously by one operator. He lias succeeded in perfecting this valuable improvement, by which greatly increased power can be obtained over the ordinary vibrating treadle. This admirable arrangement can be applied to a great variety of hand-power machinery, and needs only a trial to be highl}- appreciated. All the aforenamed appliances are meeting with splendid success,

A look through the extensive and finelyequipped Red Jacket Plow Works of A, Ball & Co, presents a scene of great activity and industry, affording the beholder an idea that something is made here which is in popular request. This is found to be the famous Jacket" Plow - an implement whicii has gained wide renown over a large portion of the Western countrj'. This plow is indeed '- a thing of beauty," iis well as utilit}-, economy, strength and durability. The beam is made of the best quality of wrought angle iron, by means of a novel and ingenious device invented and patented by Jlr, Ball, which forms and perfects the beam at a single operation, and without the use of which this peculiar beam could not be constructed. It is the only beam ever contrived that forms a direct attachment and support to every part of the plow, while its curved shape insures the greatest strength and rigidit}-, certainly superior to any wood or or cast beam. Its unapproached lightness, finnness and durability, as well as adaptability to various conditions of soil, combine to render the '- Red Jacket " a most desirable, economical and easy working plow. That it is in high favor with the farming community is demonstrated by the fact that the demand therefor is constantly in excess of the supply, thus necessitating a large addition to the works this season, whereby their producing capacity will be increased fully one-third. No traveling men are employed, as these superior implements sell readily on their merits.

While Messrs. Ball & Co, make the Red Jacket Plow tiieir leading specialty, they also manufacture some fifteen other kinds and styles of plows, to suit different soils and conditions, including the favorite -' Tornado " brand, all of whicli find appreciative patrons in the various sections of country, to the requirements of which they are best adapted.

Tiie Red Jacket Plow Works are as well and substantiallj' built shops as any in the State. The main building is of brick, two stories, with dimensions of 70x100 feet ; the blacksmith and molding shop, 100x40 feet : the grinding and finishing department. 36x50 feet : the engine room. 36x20 feet ; the warehouse 30x140 feet. These works are ver}- conveniently arranged, and supplied with every modem mechanical device calculated to facilitate and economize the manufacture of the several styles of plows here produced. The number of hands given regular employment is thirty, and the total value of implements turned out in 1879 was 150.000. which aggregate will be considerably exceeded this year. The Red Jacket aiid other plows made irt this establishment are weU known and in extensive use throughout the States of Ohio. Indiana. Michigan. Wisconsin and Western Pennsylvania, and the demand therefor is steadih" augmenting. Messrs. A. Ball & Co. have been proprietors of these works some three years, and by superior skill, indefatigable efforts and excellent management, they have carried this industry forward to a condition of substantial prosperity.

Bueher. Gibbs & Co. also manufacture plows on a large scale, at their extensive works on East Tuscarawas street, which have a widespread and well-deserved reputation. They are an old c-ompany. well situated, and their work is well done and well known over a large extent of country. They have done much to build up and establish the building of Canton on a firm foundation. They employ between seventy and eighty hands, and turn out about $120,000 of work annually.

The Chieftain Hay Rakes are also mannfact ured in Canton in great numbers, and are widely and favorably known, never failing to give satisfaction where they have been introfluce<l. and that is in every direction, both far and near. They are always in demand, and meet with a ready sale. The business was carried on by Mrs. J. B. WUson. admirably and successfully, for several years after the death of her husband, who started the business many years ago. Her father. Adam Koontz. deceased, was an excellent business man, and she seems to have inherited much of his business ability. There was probably no business in Canton carried on more systematically, energetically or successfully than hers. A short time, about a year. ago. she disposed of the business to several parties, who, under the title of the Chieftain Hay Rake Company, have since carried it on.

The inventor of Ney"s Patent Lever Hay Elevator and Conveyer, having for years been engaged in building and putting up hay elevators, found that most of tliose in use did not properly perform their work, and failed of giving satisfaction to the farmers employing them. He therefore set at work to invent an elevator that would embody all the advantages and avoid the defects of those heretofore in use ; one that would give entire satisfaction. This he claims to have done in the invention which we describe in this article.

This invention, as set forth in the inventor's application for letters patent, relates to the controlling of the carriage and the operation of the elevating-head in that class of elevators in which the load is elevated by means of a head or block operated by a rope and pulleys, to a carriage or frame which travels back and forth on an elevated track, and carries the load held by the head to any desired point within the limits of the track : and it has for its objects to simultaneously lock the elevating-head and release the carriage when the load has been elevated, and to simultaneously release the elevating-head and lock the carriage when it is returned after the load has been deposited, both of which operations are performed automatically, to prevent any accidental movement of the de\ices by which, the locking and releasing are obtained, and to guide and operate the elevating-head so as to insure its engagement with the locking de\-iees and attachments to the carriage or frame : and its nature consists in pro\iding a stationary' disk having a concave face, and locked at one end of the track, and arranged to engage with a locking lever, or arm. and hold the carriage or frame while the load is being elevatetl. and release the elevating-head when the carriage is returned, for which purpose the lever, or arm. is provided with a projection, which ensrages the concave face of the disk ; in providing a spring located on the locking lever, or arm. for preventing any accidental movement of the arm ; in providing a hook or latch pi%- oted or connected to the arm, or lever, so that the movement of the arm. or lever, will operate the hook or latch as required, for engagement with or disengagement from the elevating- head ; in providing a bell-shaped guide, located on the carriage or frame beneath the engaging hook or latf;h, and having an oi^ening into which the point or latch projects, through v> hich opening

AXTriV TOWNS HI Pa slatted point on the elevating-Lto engage the locking arm. or lever, uiid - >j^".-rate the lever to throw the latch or hook into engagement with the elevating-head.

The attachment of the lifting rope is such that it cannot twist and even if it did it would be all right before the lifting-head had reached the locking arm or lever.

However formidable max seem the descri{>- tion of this new invention, it is but proper to remark that its operation is simple and perfect. In short- as a labor sa\-ing device, it is a pronounced success. These elevators are manufactured bv Messrs. Ney &; Kiunev. at Canton. Ohio.

The great corporation, known as the Diel»oki Safe & Lock Company. o{)erates the seci>nd lai^est industrial establishment in Canton, and has accomplished much in the direction of disseminating and conserving the fair fame of this city's products for positive excellence in style, quality, finish and durability. The business, of which this vast concern is the outgrowth, was originally established many years ago in Cincinnati by the firm of Diebold. Bahman & Co.. who were succeeded by Diebold & Kienzle. Their business so rapidly increased that in the course of time their manufacturing facilities proved inadequate to meet the augmenting demand for their superior safes, and consequently they concluded to seek another site for the erection of new and greatly enlarged works. Finding in Canton an eligible location for this enterprise, they determineil to remove their establishment from Cincinnati to this city, which change was eifectetl in the year 1 872. To accommrtlate their expanding op>erations, they had erected extensive brick workshops. esi>ecially designed and adapted for the requirements of this particular industry, and in its admirable plan of arrangement, convenience in every department, and facility and economy of manufacturing operations, the firm brought to l>ear their combineil skill and experience, thus developing and completing the model safe works of the world. This is the only safe manufactory on the continent specially built and arrangeil for the purpose to which it is devoted, and unquestionably its facilities for the rapid production of safes, if equaled, are unsurpassed.

objects in this liiriving iodusuiai cuy. Tire main building is of brick, with slate roof. 50 feet in width. ha\ing a frontage of 4<> ' '" " : Mulberry street : 250 feet on the lin- Pittsburgh. Fort Wayne & Chicago T.^ and 150 feet sooth on the alley. This series oi mammoth buildings forming three sides of a hollow square. !- ' -' ries. The':' "r tachments or ^ one story. - buildings are heateti Laruugiivui by su:am. Each department is supplied with a foil equipment of improved machinery and appliances requisite to the expeditious performance of the work in its several stages, and there is no device or convenience which the t^t of science and experienc-e could commend as advantageous which has not U-eu adopted by this enterprising and progressive concern. Their arrangements for receiving materials and shipping finished product are all that need be desired. A siding from the Pittsburgh Fort Wa\-ne & Chic-ago Railroad r:: - _' ' ' - of can be unloaded just where tiic-y are wauted. and the ponderous safes, which are shipped to all parts of the country, are - skidded "" directly on to the cars for transportation, without expense for handling or drayage. The present capacitv of the works is thirty complete safes per day.

In the year 1S74. the style of the firm changed to Diebold. Norris &: Co.. and in 1S76. a joint stock company was or^amzed and incorporated, under the name of the Diebold Safe & Lock Company, and the Juisiness has since been conducted by '.' '-

Branch stores and warerooms of tiie coinpan}' are established at 57 State street, Chicago, under the management of Mr. John W. Norris, Vice President; at 312 California street, San Francisco ; 27 Canal street, New Orleans ; 103 Superior street, Cleveland ; 291 Broadway-, New York ; 5G Sudbury street, Boston ; 89 Main street, Houston, Texas. At all these distributing depots a full line of these safes is carried. There is no occasion for hesitancy in stating that the manufactures of this establishment, which are to be found in almost every place of any importance on this broad continent, have withstood the severest tests from fire, and the desperate attempts of burglars, with more uniform success than any other make of safes on the market.

The great fire in Chicago fully demonstrated their splendid heat-repelling qualities. No less than 878 of the Diebold safes were subjected to that terribly trying ordeal, and the record shows that they preserved their contents intact and uninjured. Had they never been thus tested in any othei' instance, this single striking fact would be amply sufficient to convince every one of their strictly fire-proof qualities ; but in thousands of cases have they been tried with equal severity, and with equall}- successful results. Hence there is now no question rai.sed on this score. Quite as important, however, is the assurance of a safe being absolutel}' burglar-proof That this can justly be claimed for the safe under notice is evidenced by brief reference to its approved scientific principle of construction. The entire surface is of solid steel of a quality and temper best capable of resistance to hammering and drilling. The improved tenon and groove employed renders these safes air-tight and prevents the introduction of wedges or explosive compounds ; while l)y the use of the Burton cutoff spindle, which this companj' exclusively controls, angular connection is made with the lock, thus obviating direct entrance. The lock itself is thoroughly protected by alternate layers of iron and steel, which are perfect protection against both powder and drill. Thus is this usuall}' most vulneralile part of the safe rendered absolutely impeneti-able. Another of the notable improvements adopted by this compan}' is a patent round-cornered door, of which the}- are the sole manufacturers, protected liy patent issued in 1877, whereby the strength and inaccessibility of their safes are greatly promoted. All in all, it can advisedl}- be claimed that for reliability, durability and mechanical perfection, the Diebold Safe & Lock Co.'s safes are without an equal in the market.

Their line of manufacture comprises liank, store, office and house safes, safe-deposit vaults and vault doors, express boxes and railroad safes, jail and other wrought-iron work wherein superior strength and safety are factors.

A safe-deposit vault for the German-American Bank, St. Paul, Minn., has recently been completed by this company. This burglarproof work has outer walls of solid metal two and a half inches thick, constructed of one slab of the Chrome Steel Co.'s five-ply metal, one of Park Bros. & Co.'s five-ply, one of Anderson & Co.'s five pi}-, a fourth of Park Bros. & Co.'s three-ply. and one layer of charcoal iron inside. The corners are perfectly solid - the steel being specially angled for the purpose, so that the would-be burglar has no advantage from a corner seam or joint to start with.

The method employed for making the metal for safe walls may be briefly described as follows : If for five-ply, then three pieces of iron are set in the ingot mold at the proper distance apart, and the intervening spaces filled with molten steel. The ingot is then rolled into slabs, and is ready for the safe-maker'.s use. When three-ply is to be made, the same process is followed, except that only one piece of iron is set into the mold. This company make all the locks for their safes and vaults of the combination pattern, and they arc pronounced unexcelled in point of safety, it being actually impossible to pick them, or to throw back the bolts without knowing the combination.

Their largest piece of work was the San Francisco Safe Deposit Company's vaults. The vault of this magnificent safe has dimensions of twenty-seven feet in width, thirty-two feet in length, and fourteen feet in height. Its walls are of the best welded wrought iron and steel, three inches in thickness, and compactly knitted together by double rows of conical bolts. The sides, floor and top are overlaid with nine inches of fire-proof cement, with an outer layer of iron - the whole adjusted in heavy masonry. The vault is provided with double doors at either end, the outer ones being six inches tiiick, each made inaccessible to the unauthorized by two of the Diebold Safe & Lock Co.'s Peerless Burghir-proot' Locks. The interior of tlie vault has 4, GOO compartments, varying in dimensions. 3,000 of which are furnished with key locks, separately and distinctly operative, and the remaining 1 .GOO have superior coml)ination locks. This wonderful product of mechanical ingenuity and skill was awarded to the Diebold Company, in competition with about a dozen bidders, and was coml)leted to the entire satisfaction of the parties for whom it was constructed, at an expenditure of $100,000. Some idea of the magnitude of this contract may be formed when it is stated that no less than fort3'-seven ears were required to transport these colossal vaults in sections across the continent. The manufacture of this monster specimen of mechanic art maj' well be denominated one of the signal achievements of American skill and enterprise.

The Mercliants' Safe Deposit Vaults, owned and controlled b\' the Jlerchants' National Bank of Chicago, are probablj', next to the San Francisco vault, the largest in the country-, and were constructed bj- the Diebold Co. This magnificent vault is one of Chicago's objects of interest, and is inspected by visitors with many expressions of coufitlence in its impregnabilit}-, and the utility and convenience of the safe depositories. These vaults have a capacity for over 4,000 safe deposit boxes. A large majority of the banks and corporations of Chicago use the Diebold safes, as do also the American and United States Express Companies, the North- Western and other railroads, and the leading merchants, prominent among which are P'leld. Leiter & Co.; C. M. Henderson & Co.; Hll)l)ard, Spencer i Co.; W. W. Kimball, and hundreds of others. The Palmer House has a strong and at the same time beautiful and unique safe, made especially for Mr. Palmer, upon plans fnrnisiied by the company. But it would be impossible to give a list of all the patrons of this corapanj-. Sutlice It to sa}-, that where contracts are awarded on the opinions of disinterested experts, the Diel)old safe generally gets the preference, for then all the strong points receive due consideration.

The numerous new uses to which steel is now being put. as Is indicated b}- the rapidlyincreasing demand for this metal, go to prove that we have already crossed the threshold of the " steel age." Stimulated by this augmenting demand on every hand for fine grades of steel for almost innumerable purposes, the enterprising and progressive steel manufacturers of this countr}' have of late years perfected and introduced new and improved productive processes, whereby they are enabled to make a far better quality of steel than they were capable of producing ten, or even five, years ago. . So great has been this improvement, ment, that latterlj- the finest grades of the output of American steel works have received the unqualified Indorsement of the most experienced antl exacting users of this metal in their industrial operations - those who, a few years since, had really believed it to be impossible for our home manufacturers to make such a quality of this article as would compare favorably with the fine Shetheld and other long-time famous foreign steels. But what is the situation in this regard at present ? The answer is a most gratifying one. To-daj- our manufacturers of saws, tools, cutlery, and man^- other products re(iulring the highest grade of material, are employing exclusively steel of American make, as it proves fully equal to the best foreign product, and, consequeutlj', has almost entirely supplanted the latter in the domestic market.

Canton enjoys the credit of having one of the most complete manufactories of steel in the country - the Canton Steel M'orks - of which Messrs. Bolton, Bulley it Co. are the proprietors. The premises occupied by these works have an area of about two and a half acres, very conveniently situated on the line of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, with switch-track connection with both that and the Vallc}' Railway, and will have direct connection with all the railroads now under construction t<j this city, thus affording them first-class receiving and shipping advantages in every din^ctlon. Their liulldlngs comprise an iron-clad rolling-mill, sixty-four by two hundred and seventy feet, with an addition sixteen by one hundred and fifty feet, used as a boiler room. The open-hearth melting-shop is thirt}- by eighty feet, crucible shop thirty by sixtj-- five feet, and warehouse thirty-six by eightyfive feet ; open-hearth shop twenty-nine by seventy-one feet, machine-shop, laboratory and other adjuncts admirably adapted for the successful pro.sccution of this industry. The mo- tive power is supplied by four steam engines, with combined capacity of 700 liorse. Ttie meclianical equipment is of a superior order, embracini; all the modern improved appliances needful for the expedite and economic production of the finest steel. There are two mills, one twenty-inch and the other twelve- inch, with a solid foundation composed of 165,000 brick under the twenty-inch mills and engines. Three steam hammers, one and one-half,- onehalf and one-fourth tons, are employed, together with many ingenious and expensive tools and devices for the varied processes required in the several stages of manufacture. Among these is a Pratt '& Whitney (Flartford) Hollaway's machine for cutting shafting to exactly uniform lengths - a very valuable apparatus. One of the notable conveniences of this model establishment is a system of tramways traversing in all directions the mills and yard, upon which the raw material, product in process of manufacture and finished goods are transported with great facility. The capacity- of the meltingshops is fourteen tons ever}- twenty-four hours, double turn. There is a well-appointed machine-shop for performing necessary repairs, and in every department a scene of tiie most intense activitj- is presented. Tlie reporter took a tour of inspection through the shops, and was impressed with the perfect convenience of arrangement apparent on every hand, and the thorough sj'stem established throughout the works - important factors in the successful management of so extensive an nidustry as is here carried on. The fine laboratory of this concern is under the immediate charge of Mr. R. H. BuUey, one of the firm, who is an expert chemist, and possesses an intimate knowledge of the science of steel working. They have the most approved appliances for making both crucible and open-hearth steel, but are at present producing only the latter, as by this process the)- are enabled to manufacture a quality of steel which excels the crucil)le iu every particular.

Mr. Ogden Bolton, of this firm, has secured letters-patent upon an important improvement in the manufacture of steel b}' the open-hearth process, the same consisting iu first charging the carbon on the bottom of the open hearth, and charging the blooms or soft steel or any part of them on top of the carbonaceous matter previous to fusion, so that the iron maj- melt on the surface of the carbon and become carburized as it percolates through it. By this process the carbon is packed in boxes or canisters and charged on the bottom of the open hearth, and then the blooms or soft steel thereon. When the mass is melted, after or at the time molten metal is tapped from the furnace, ferro-manganese or spiegeleisen is added. Bj' this new method is attained the production of high grades of steel, suitable for tools, etc., for which the more expensive crucible steel has heretofore lieen exclusivel}- employed. It is a carburizing, not a decarburizing, process, whereby a grade of steel is produced equal in qualit_v to the best English tool-steel. Messrs. Bolton, Bulle^' & Co. manufiicture the various descriptions of the fine east-steel, including patent rolled machinery steel, oil and water tempered spring steel, round and square edged tire steel, gun-barrel and set-screw steel, and tool steel, making the latter a specialty, as also patent polished machinery steel of superior quality and finish. All these goods have achieved an enviable reputation wherever the}' have been used, and are in constantly increasing demand. This firm produce several grades of steel, uniformly tempered for special purposes, designated by colored labels. The " Canton " brand (yellow label) is best suited for the hardware trade, answering for machinists, blacksmiths, etc. The " Canton Soft '' (blue label) is adapted for oil-well jars, and tools subject to constant concussions. The " Canton Hard ' (dark red label) is only required for taps, dies, reamers, lathe tools, and other work necessitating a strong, hard edge. The '- Canton Extra Hard " and " Canton Choice " are designed for specific purposes. Their warehouse is pronounced to liave the most convenient and advantageous stoi'age facilities of any similar concern in the countrj". There is a sj-steraatic arrangement and classification of the different grades and brands produced, so tliat they are enabled to suppl}' orders with perfect aceuracj' and great dispatch. Here they keep in stock some 150 to 200 tons of well assorted finished product. The present capacity of these works is 3,000 net tons per year, giving occupation to 140 skilled mechanics. Their annual output on present basis of operations reaches ^-100,000 in value. They have an extensive trade in all sections of the country, especially in the West, selling a large amountof goods in Chicago. Theirsuperior spring steel is used by four ol'tlie largest manufacturers of springs in the West. A warehouse list of their varied product, containing full directions as to ordering any required descriptions of steel, is furnished at reiiuest.

The Canton Wrought Iron Bridge Company, a large and successful establishment, was originalh' put in operation about fifteen years ago, and was a partnership concern up to 1871, when it was incorporated under the State laws, with a capital of $10(3.000. This conipan\' have built more highway bridges since they started than any other works in the country. They have erected about 3,300 spans, varying iu length from 20 to 301 feet, and in width from (i to 120 feet, aggregating over 33 miles in length. This work has been erected in twent3--fi\e different States and the Dominion of Canada, and includes nearly all forms of truss, arch, swing and plate bridge and iron piers. The material they use iu the construction of bridges is specially manufactured for them under the most rigid specifications, as to tensile strength and fiuality, and is critically tested on its arrival at the shops. Their bridges are built on scientific principles, approved b3' long and thorough experience, and the utmost caution is exercised in their erection. In all the work they have executed, there has not been a single case of failure or accident, under protracted usage for road travel or excessively trying tests. Such an exceptional record is certainlj- worthy of consideration.

Their facilities for accurate and reliable work are unequaled by those of anv similar establishment, and enal)le them to complete contracts with great dispatch. The skilled working force of the Canton Wrought Iron Bridge Company average 150 men, and their product last year aggregated §500,000. Olticers : I). Hammond, President ; J. Abbott.Vice President and Chief Engineer ; C. H. Jackson, Treasurer and Secretary.

Mr. P. P. Bush, proprietor of the wellknown Novelt}' Iron Works, is a practical machinist of long experience, and was formerly established in business in New Haven, Conn. In 1871, concluding to locate at a point easy of access to the great Western markets, he fixed upon Canton as an advantageous place for the prosecution of his industrj-, and in that year removed his tools and fixtures to this city, taking the shops forraerlv occupied l)v the Canton iMalleal)le Iron Works, where he has ever since transacted a successful business. At these works are constructed in the most faithful and scientific manner, several styles of stationary engines, mill machinery, and architectural iron work, for which the shops have admirable facilities and appliances. In these lines they supply chiefly- the local trade, selling largely to the towns and cities in Stark and adjoining counties. Mr. Bush owns the largest stock of patterns in Northern Ohio, and hence his peculiar advantages for executing with dispatch every class of work in the stated departments. He is now putting iron fronts into two new buildings in Canton, and is kept quite busy on first-class contracts, giving enii)loyment to an average of thirty-five skilled mechanics. His product in 1879 amounted to $65,000. The fouiKhy has a measurement of COxlGO feet, and the machine shop 60x60 feet. These buildings are situated in close proximity to the railroads, thus affording unsurpassed shipping facilities. The most widely-known of Mr. Bush's manufactures is the -- Imperial " job printing press, which possesses some important features of advantage over any other press in the market. Its peculiarities of construction and mechanism are : All the working parts are built upon horizontal steel bars, capable of sustaining a tensile test of fifty tons each, without liability to fracture. The impression is made with a powerful toggle, giving a dead dwell on the impression, while the entire force of the impression is exerted upon these steel bars. No springing of the platen or bed is possible, and a stpiare. uniform impression is insured, the power being applied directl}' hrhind the bed, thus obviating all slurring. The tension of the rollers is easily regulated by a single nut on the spring, so that the pressman can adapt the pressure to any sized form. The press runs easily and smoothly, and can be speeded according to the dexterity of the feeder. Its superior simplicity, strength, power, ease and economy of running, and facility of making-ready, are recommendations which eveiy practical job printer will appreciate. A novel feature about this press is that there is not a cam in the entire mechanism ; the first and onlj- jobber ever made on this principle. The device for giving motion to the inking-rollers is also new. All the moihL, tions are direct, there are no springs, nothing likely to get out of order, and the press is the acme of simplicits'. The fraternity will do well to correspond with Mr. Bush regarding this wonderful and most successful invention. The proprietors of the Canton Spring Works, Messrs. D. Cobaugh and H. L. Kuhns, have met with signal success during the past two years in the manufacture of carriage, wagon and seat springs of unsurpassed iiuality and finish. They succeeded to the spring liusiness of Ballard, Fast & Co., and by dint of incessant perseverance, practical skill and good management, have built up a trade of which they have reason to be proud, and which redounds to the credit^ this thriving, industrial city. They employ only the best quality of material, with thoroughly experienced workmen in every department, and every requisite mechanical device to secure the most economical and perfect production of their uniformly excellent goods. The importance of the proper strength and safety of vehicle springs is generally appreciated, and in this connection we have to say that the Canton Spring Company practically and criticallj- tests every spring before it leaves the shops, thus making sure that no faulty or defective goods are ever placed on the market by them. The Canton springs have attained an extended celebrity, and are in such active demand that it is found difficult to keep up therewith, rendering it necessary to increase the producing capacity of the establishment in order to supply the rapidly growing wants of their patrons, who are located as far AVest as California, east to Baltimore, throughout Ohio, and in all parts of the Northwest and Southwest. Everywhere that these goods have been introduced and put into practical use, there is only one expression in regard to them - that they possess great tensile strength, elasticity and durability, and are equal to the best in regard to quality, style and workmanship. These works emploj- eighty skilled artisans, and produced last year springs to the amount of 135,- 000, which at current prices would foot up to about $200,000. In 1879, they used between 1,300 and 1,400 tons of steel, a large portion of which was made in this city, it being of unsurpassed quality for this purpose. Tiie main building has dimensions equivalent to 300 by 40 feet, and there is a switch track running into the yard, afR)rding first class facilities for receiving materials and shipping product to all parts of the couutrj^

In a long time we have not seen a more convenient and useful contrivance than the patent revolving book-case manufactured of different styles and patterns by Mr. John Danner, of this city. During the last five jears he has made these cases, and so highly appreciated and popular have they become that a large and flnel}- appointed establisiiment is required to produce them in sutlicient quantities to suppl}' the ever increasing demand from all parts of the continent and even foreign countries. Already over C,000 of these serviceable and beautiful -articles have been sold, and are in constant use by lawyers, clergymen, phj'sicians, business men, public and private libraries, courts, public institutions, reading rooms, literary and musical societies, public offices, etc. These revolving book-cases are far more convenient than the ordinary bookease, occupy but little space, and hold more books than an3- other receptacle of equal proportions ever devised. The books on either of the four sides arc readily accessible to anj- one sitting at a table, or before the fire, without moving his chair or rising. These cases revolve on an entirely new principle, whereby a slight pressure of the liand will bring either side to view. The mechanism is so simple and durable tiiat it is not at all liable to get out of oi'der, while the case is so substantially constructed that it will last a lifetime. These artistically finished cases are made in the most faithful and workmanlike manner, r)f the best selected Western ash and black walnut, and are an ornament to an^- library or parlor. The cases are made of any desired size and style of finish, with wood or marble top. Mr. Danner exhibited one of his elegant revolving cases at the Paris International Exhibition in 1878. On the top of the case was a large model of an American schoolhouse. The exhibit was made under the auspices of the National Bureau of Education, and nothing in this department was so much admired for its beauty and utility. Its appreciation is shown by the fact that it was honored with the award of a gold medal.

For a long period of twent3'-one years the reputable firm of H. W. Werts & Co. have been engaged in the manufiicture of fine carriages in this city. For this purpose they occupy two spacious buildings - a neat and substantial brick structure, corner of Seventh and Poplar streets, of three stories above the basement, with (liineiisions of forty-five b^- one hundred antl fifteen feet, and the wooil department, of two stories, frame, thirty-live b^- seventy-five feet. These works are fitted up with all the modern eonveniences and mechanical devices calculated to facilitate manufacturing operations on an extensive scale. The basement of the main building is used for storing finished work. On the street floor is a tastefully fitted up business office, leading off from which is a commodious repository, where may be seen on exhibition a fine stock of light carriages of graceful proportions and elegant finish. In the rear part is tlie smith shop, and on the ne.vt floor above is the trimming department and a large storage wareroom. The third story is occupied for painting and finishing purposes. In all their work they use only the most carefully selected materials, consulting especially the requisites to that degree of lightness, which is compatible with proper strength and great durability. With this desirable end in view, they employ steel axles, steel tires, the best stock for wheels, Knglish and French upholstering cloths that will not fade, and never anv split leather. All their trimmings are first-class, and the paint and varnish used are the best and most durable the market atlbrds. It is not sufficient for them to turn out goods that look well on the surface ; Init the work all through, even to the smallest particular, is performed in the most painstaking manner, with the greatest care that nothing shall tsnter into the construction of their vehicles which shall prove in service otherwise than the finest and best. By this means Messrs, Werts & Co, have succeeded in establishing a reputation of the highest order, whicli they are assiduous in permanentlj* maintaining. They give employment to some twentyfive workmen, most of whom are thoroughly experienced in their respective trades, so that while all the material used is of the best ([uality the workmanship is correspondingly excellent. Their average annual production of fine carriages is about 130, valued at $30,000,

The well known concern, the Canton Cutlery Company, is busily at work turning out the fine cutler}- for the production of which it is deservedly so widely noted. The line of goods here made embraces a great variety of pocket cutlery of approved styles and the most perfect finish. While so many other establishments have retrograded in the quality of their product and flooded the market with cheap and well-nigh worthless goods, the com|>any under notice have strictly adhered tf) their original standard (piality, using only the best Jessup's steel and employing the most skillful workmen. Hence they can safely warrant all their goods to be of uniform and superior ([uality. These works have been in operation since 1872. and are now producing about $35,000 worth of goods annually, employing thirty five hands and three traveling salesmen.

One of the prominent and thriving industries of ('anion is tlie manufacture of .soap, which business is prosecuted on a large scale by Mr, Joseph Biechele, successor to the firm of C, Hiechele & Bro. This establishment was founded liy C, Biechele, in 1847, and the business was carried on in a small wa>' until 1858, Meanwhile, the reputation of the fine quality of Biechele's soaps had rapidly spread, and the steadily increasing demand therefor necessitated the enlargement of the works and the improvement of their manufacturing facilities. Consequently, in 1858, a larger factory was erected, modern appliances were introduced, and at the same time the present proprietor became a partner in the concei'n. The works were successfully operated for about ten years by C. Biechele & Bro., when, in 1868, Joseph bought out the interest of his brother, thus becoming sole proprietor. The constantl}' growing popularity' and sale of his product called for another enlargement of the works, which was accomplished in the year following. New kettles, steam boilers and all other approved conveniences were adoptetl, having in view the rapid and economical production of the several famous brands of soap made here. By this means, Mr. Biechele found himself able to successfully compete, in regard to both quality and price. wit;h the largest soap manufacturers of Chicago, Cincinnati, Butlalo. New- York and I'hiladelphia, and his trade expanded steadily over a wide area of territory, both Kast and West. It has been his undeviating aim and purpose to make the best soap that can be produced by the exercise of constant care, skill and long practical experience, and hence he uses only the best selected materials to be obtained, employs thoroughly trained workmen, and conducts every manufacturing operation under painstaking personal su|)er- vision. Herein lies the secret of his marked snccess. Mr. Biechele is not content with having established a far-reaching reputation for the excellence of his goods, and then, as is too often the ease, graduallj' deteriorating the quality, witlj the vain expectation that former fame will serve in lieu of present merit ; but, on the contrary, his laudable endeavor is to produce better soap to-daj' than it was possible for him to make jesterday, and thus to maintain for all time the credit his goods have so honorably achieved.

Mr. Biechele is now manufacturing some twenty different brands of laundry soaps, the leading of which are the California, Pure White, White Laundry, Pearl, Best Family and Banner. These well-known brands find ready sale throughout the country, and, indeed, the demand so rapidly increases as to render the present capacity of the works too small to meet it. This being the situation, arrangements are making to enlarge the factory next spring, whereby its producing capacity will be materially increased. The present dimensions of the building are 150 by 52 feet, and it will be enlarged to 175 by 100 feet, two stories high. Biechele's Pure White Soap is strictly pure, and manufactured chiefly fi'om vegetable oils, giving it medicinal properties. It is excellent for both toilet and laundry purposes. His Magic Soap is highly commended, and will do its work well without the use of a washboard, if directions are followed. The toilet soaps made at this establishment are noted for their fine quality and delicate [lerfLime. Among these are the Palm, Domestic Wliite and Mottled Castile, Magnolia, White Lily, Turkish Bath, Glycerine, etc. Four traveling agents are constantly employed in selling Biechele's soaps, which have become the favorite of every good housekeeper over a vast area of territory.

Canton bjasts, also, of two woolen mills, which, though not so pretentious as some of the larger mills in the East, do a domestic business quite as important for people in this part of the country. The Canton City Woolen Factory of L. Alexander & Son is one of these. They manufacture cassimeres, satinets, cloths, jeans, flannels, Ijlankets, stocking yarn and all kinds of woolen goods. The^- use a thirty horsepower engine in propelling their machinery- ; ten hands are regularly employed at a weekly expense of $100. Their trade, alread\' large.

is constantly on the increase, and is derived mainly from Stark and the adjoining counties. The other is the Eagle Woolen Mill of Bobbins Brothers, which furnisiics employment to some twenty persons, whoso agtirrgate wages is about $300 per month. This firm works two sets of machinery, and use the self-acting spinning mules. They manufacture goods about like the other mill, and, besides a large home trade, they find good sale for their goods in the West, to which part of the countr\- they ship a good many of them.