Delaware Township (part 2 of 3)

Perhaps no man ever lived in Findley who enjoyed a greater share of tlie respect and confidence of the people than did Mr. B. Ilis honesty was proverbial, and his dealings were all characterized by courtesy and fairness. He held the office of Justice of the Peace for fifteen years, and ^' Blackford's Decisions " were regarded as almost infalliable. lie was a member of the Baptist Church for more than thirty years, lie had a family of six children, three of whom are living. Aaron and Jason are both practicing attorneys in Findley, and Albert is in business in Clinton, Mo. Mr. Blackford died in 1851, at the age of forty-eight years, and universally lamented.

Squire Carlin

Mr. Carlin was the second of eight children, and was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., December 25th, 1801. His .parents came to Ohio when he was about six years old, and located at the mouth of Huron River, in Huron County, there being but one other white family in the county. Here his father commenced farming, but after a residence of about a year at this place, he removed to Michigan, near the site of the present tow^n of Monroe. Here he remained but a few months, when he returned to Ohio, and located on the Maumee River, at the present tow^n of Maumee City. Mr. Carlin's father being a blacksmith, he was employed by .the Government to work for the Indians.

farm, until the war of 1812 broke out. After Hull's surrender, the family went to Urbana for safety. They travelled through the wilderness country of Wood, Hancock^ Hardin and Logan Counties. All the goods that Mr. Carlin was able to save in his flight, were packed on two> horses, and with these, and his wife and four children, he^ made the perilous journey. When the family passed Fiudley, the Fort was occupied by soldiers.

After about two years, and before the close of the war, the elder Mr. Carlin and Squire returned to the Maumee. When the war closed the family returned to their old home. Mr. C. was employed about the farm, and in 1821 was married to Sarah Wolcott. He had made numerous trips to Findley, buying furs and stock, or whatever was for sale, and in 1826, with his wife and oldest child, William D,,. who was about four years old, he took up his residence here permanently. When Mr. C. first came, there was but one white family in the place.

Mr. Carlin's ancestors were Welsh, and were always, noted for strong constitutions, and great powers of endurance, and Mr. C. himself has been a man of iron constitution, and has endured innumerable hardships and privations.

He followed trading with Indians, and made many excursions to their camps in the wilderness, sleeping on the ground, travelling in all kinds of weather, laying under the trees in winter, obliged to shake the snow from his blankets to prevent being entirely snowed under. Mr. Carlin built the first frame house, and also the first brick house in Findley, both on the lot on which he now resides. In 182o he opened a dry goods store, and in 18:^8 his brother, Parlee,, became connected with him. This partnership existed be-

In 1849 Mr. Carlin was carried oflf by the California fever, and was one of the first who crossed the plains to that El Dorado, and endured the hardships of that long and severe trip equally well with the younger members of the company. The journey occupied about six mouths. After a residence of three years in California, without a day's sickness, he returned and continued in the dry goods trade until 1852. Mr. C.'s wife died in 1850, whilst he was yet in California.

Mr. Carlin was elected Treasurer of the county in 1830, and by successive elections served eight years. He was a voter at the first election held in the county for county officers. Mr. Carlin was also Post Master for nineteen years. Of an active energetic disposition he delighted to be out The brothers w'ere for years the proprietors of a flouring and saw mill. Mr. C. united with the Methodist Church in 1814:, and has been a member ever since.

He has been extensively engaged in farming and railroading since he quit the mercantile business. He has lived here long enough to witness the rise and fall of many business firms. He has outlived nearly all his cotemporaries, and is about the sole link between the past and present. In 1854 Mr. C. married Mrs. D. B. Gardner, with whom he still lives. He was the father of thirteen children, ten by his first, and three by his last wife. Of the first there are but two, Elliott and Mrs. G. W. Myers, and of his second, Fred, who lives in Fiudley. Dr. W. D. Carlin, son of Mr. C, died at Vicksburg as Surgeon of the 57th Regiment.

Mr. Lamb's ancestors were of German descent, and he was born in Fairfield Co., O., August IGtii, 1807, and remained in that county until 1830. He was the oldest of nine children, and was occupied as farm hand. In 1830 he -came to Findley, then but a very small village, and commenced clearing up the farm now owned by William Steven- ;son, just north of the Strother farm, in this township. Just previous to his emigration to this town, and in the same year, he was married to Mary Petler, who still lives to cheer his old age. During the first seven years of Mr. Lamb's residence in the county, he lived north of town in the country.

In J 837 he moved into the village, and engaged in the dry goods business, in which he continued for about five years. In 1840 he bought of John McCurdy the frame hotel building on the south-west corner of Main and Sandusky streets, known as " White Hall," and kept '' tavern " there until 1849, when the building was burned down. Mr. Lamb then returned to farming, but subsequently engaged for a number of years wuth his son, Jacob, in the grocery business.

Mr. Lamb is the father of six children, five of whom are yet living, and all reside here except one. No man in the town, perhaps, has experienced so many changes in business life, as has Mr. Lamb. He has passed through all the ups and downs of pioneer life, and has seen many and great wrought in our county. Nearly all his early assovciates are gone.

John H. Morrison

with his parents whilst quite young. At the age of fifteen years he lost his right arm by an accident. Mr. M. had a good common school education. He was a lawyer by profession, having studied with Philemon Beecher, at Lancaster, Ohio. He first commenced the practice in Bucyrus.. Ohio.

In 183G he moved to Findley, and at once offered his professional services to those of the new' settlements who were so unfortunate as to have serious disagreements with: their neighbors. Mr. Morrison soon gained a wide reputation as an active and fearless practitioner, and had his full share of clients. He was indefatigable in the interests of his clients, and left nothing undone to gain success. He was aggressive in his conduct of a case, and showed nO' mercy to opposing counsel. Fluent of speech, often eloquent, always sarcastic in his criticisms of counsel and witnesses, he had a powerful influence with juries.

Many of his professional acts were marked with an eccentricity that would scarcely be tolerated by courts of this day. His presentations of a case to a jury, and his comments on the evidence of witnesses was presented with a bluntness which often bordered on rudeness, and his treatment of courts was sometimes of an impetuous kind.

Yet Mr. Morrison was a kind-hearted man, social in his: feelings, warm in his friendships, and honest in all his dealings. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and in his day stood high as a lawyer, never deserting a client,, never refusing to aid any one who appealed to him for counsel or advice. He had as compeers in his profession at the bar here, such men as J. H. Godman, C. W. O'Neal. Edsoa Goit, A. F. Parker, Jude Hall, W. M. Patterson, A. H. Big-

Was the son of James Wilson, and the third son of five children, and was born in York Co., Pa., where he resided until August, 1832, when he came to Findley. On the next day after his arrival here he bought the lots on which the Commercial House now stands, together with an unfinished two-story frame building thereon, for the sum of seven hundred dollars. This same frame building afterwards became the celebrated " Western Caravansary " tavern, and was the immediate predecessor of the Commercial House.

For about a year after Mr. W. came here he worked at the carpenter trade; he then engaged as clerk in the dry goods store of S. & P. Carlin. After an experience of eighteen months in this line, he put up a frame building on the present site of the Carnahan Block, having exchanged his first purchase for these corner lots, and went into the mercantile business on his own account, in which he remained for eighteen years. In the meantime, in 1848, he put up a large three story brick building - the largest building then in the town, except the Court House - and known as the Melodeon Building, which has just been torn down and removed, to give place to the magnificent block of T. & W. R. Carnahan. In this building were two store rooms on first floor, offices on second floor, and a public hall on third floor. In this building Mr. Wilson had his business room until he retired from the trade.

many years engaged iu rarniiug, and looking al'ter his real estate interests, owning quite an amount of valuable lands. In 1847 Mr. Wilson laid out into lots, an eighty acre tract of land on the east side of Eagle Creek, which he called East Findley. The entire plat of the eighty acres, except five lots, has been sold, and nearly all the lots built upon.

Mr. Wilson, whilst engaged in the dry goods business made many trips to New York City for goods. The travel was made iu wagons to the lake at Sandusky City; thence to Buffalo by lake, by stage to Lockport, by canal to Albany, and by the Hudson to New York City, occupying from nine to twelve days each way. Goods shipped at New York would arrive in Findley in from two to four weeks, if there was no delay en route.

When Mr. Wilson came to Findley, there were about a dozen white families here, amongst whom were Squire and Parlee Carlin, Dr. llawson, Frederick Henderson, Jonathan Parker, William Taylor, W. L. Henderson, Mathew Reighly, Wilson Vance, Christian Barnd and John W. Baldwin. In 1840, Mr. W. married Susan E. Hutchison, who deceased July 8, 1880.

Mr. Wilson has for the past sixteen years been connected with the First National Bank, of Findley, as a stock-holder and director, and has practically retired from business. For many yea.is after he came to the county, his business was such as to extend his acquaintance, and he perhaps knew every grown person iu the county.

Mr. Wilson united with the Seceder Church when about fifteen years of age, and is still a member of that organization, which is now known as the United Presbyterians. After his removal to Findley. there being no society of his church here, he united with the church at Cannonsburg, of

Henry Byal

Is the oldest son of John Byal, and was born in Stark County, Ohio, on the 23d of March, 1817, His father's family were of French descent, and his maternal grandfather, Conrad Newstetter, was a Hessian, and was one of Oen. Burgoyne's life guards. Mr. Byal came to this county in 1832, his father was a miller and farmer, and on his emigration to this county, settled on lands adjoining the present Infirmary Farm. Mr. B.'s father erected a saw mill on the Blanchard in 1832, and in this mill Henry worked for seven years. When not water enough to run the mill, he worked on the farm. He had only a common school education, and taught school one term.

In 1842 Mr. Byal was married to Doratha Comer, daughter of the late Isaac Comer, and immediately removed to the farm now owned by Conrad Renninger, and commenced life in the woods. In a few years, by the untiring industry of himself and wife, he had cleared up a large tract of land, and had an elegant new farm. After five years residence here he rented his farm, and in company with the late Edson Goit, he removed to Ottowa, in Putnam County, and engaged in the dry goods business. In this business he remained seven years, in the towns of Ottowa, Gilboa, and Pendleton, all in Putnam Co., 0 He returned to Findley in 1853, and went into the store of the late Edson Goit,

In the spring of 1854 he was elected a Justice of the Peace in Findley township, and held the office for three consecutive terms. Mr. B., although still living in Findley, claims to be a farmer. He is dealing quite extensively in

In 1866 Mr. Byal united with the Presbyterian Church in Findley, of which he has ever since been a member, and is at present a ruling elder. lie is the father of four children, only one of whom - Mrs. S. D. Houpt - is now living.

William L. Henderson

Mr. Henderson was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1797, and with his parents came to this country, and settled at Mt. Eaton, Ohio. He had the advantages of a good education for his day. He came to Findley in 1829, and at once assumed a prominent place amongst the early settlers. In 1838 he was elected Auditor of the county, which office he held for four years, and then resigned. In 1842 he was appointed Clerk of the Common Pleas Court, which office he held for six years. In 1830 he was appointed Surveyor of the County, which office he held for eight years. Thus for eighteen consecutive years he filled a county office, and always acceptably to the people.

He was a man of strong constitution, and robust health. He had most decided convictions, and was not slow in defending any opinion he may have formed. He was not easily swerved from any course hs had marked out. After a long and active residence here, he went to Kansas, where he died in 1861, at the age of sixty-four years.

Dr. David Patton

?twenty-oue years of age, began the study of medicine. He was a man of more than average ability, and had in addition a very fair English education, all of which enabled him to direct Ms energies to the best advantage.

After finishing his medical course, he practiced in Carrolltown, Carroll Co., 0., for several years. In 1837 he came to Findley, and at once opened up an office, and announced himself as ready to render his professional services to any who might need them. Dr. Patton was a man well read in his profession, and soon succeeded to a fair practice, which increased as time went on. After a number of years practice here, he removed to Tiffin, but remained there only a short time, when he returned to Findley. and again went into practice.

Some years later he went to Iowa, where he remained, however, but a few years, when he returned to Ohio, and located near Cleveland, where he died in 1878. The Dr. was of Irish descent, a whole-souled, brusque sort of a man. Social, good-natured and jovial, he always had hosts of friends. He was somewhat literary in his tastes, and for a time was editor and proprietor of the Western Herald. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian.

Hugh Newell

Was the youngest of thirteen children, of Hugh and Margaret Newell, and was born in Washington Co., Pa,, April the 8th, 1801. His father was a farmer, in which business young Hugh was reared. The elder Mr. Newell was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Such was his hatred of the tories, that he would not permit his children to associate with their children. No wonder then that with the teachings of such a 'father, that his son Hugh was in all his life, the firm friend of freedom, and always loyal to the government, and a lover of his country. In 1814^ Mr. Newell came to Ohio and located at Mt. Vernon, in Knox County. He was engaged in selling goods, and in manufacturing fanning mills. In December, ] 826, he was married to Sallie Thrift, and came to Findley ten years later.

Upon his arrival in Findley, he went into the store of Green & Reed, and remained with them for about a year. He and Frederick Henderson then were engaged in the manufacture of bedsteads. In 1838 he went into the mercantile business on his own account, and was engaged in that occupation for about eighteen years, a portion of that time in partnership with the late Frederick Henderson. By industry, economy and fair dealing, he always controlled a large trade, and was enabled to accumulate quite a large property.

Mr. Newell made quite a number of trips to New York for goods in that early day. Such a trip meant hard travel for two or three weeks, by wagon, lake, canal and river; no palace cars, no restaurants, no comfortable hotel rooms. When goods were shipped at New York they were expected at Findley in about three weeks.

Mr. N. has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for about forty-six years, and his life has always been consistent, and his example has been worthy of imitation. He has always been a leading member in the church. He is the father of three children, all living. Hannah is the wife of Henry Brown, Esq., of Findley, and Margaret is the wife of Rev. Samuel Mower, a travelling Methodist minister, and his son Starling resides in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Frederick Henderson

Was a native of Muskingum County, 0., and came to this town with his wife and Jonathan Parker, in Octpber, 1831. Mr. H. was a tall fine looking man, very courteous in his manner, and affable in conversation, and considerate of the feelings and opinions of others.

He was a cabinet maker by trade, and carried on that business for a number of years. In 1840 he and Mr. Newell formed a co-partnership in the dry goods trade, and occupied the room on the corner of Main and Main Cross streets, now occupied by Frank Karst. Jhis partnership lasted for six years. Mr. Henderson then withdrew from the firm, and went into business alone. He occupied a frame building on the site of the present room of W. S. Hall, on Main street.

Mr. H. was one amongst the earliest members of the Presbyterian Church in Findley, and in 1837 he was chosen one of the elders. He remained a member until his death. He was a very successful business man, and accumulated a large property. Dying he left a wife and four children.

Judge David J. Cory

Is a native of Warren County, Ohio, and was born April 17, 1801. His parents were of Dutch descent, and came to Ohio, the JS'ortli-West Territory, in 1796, and settled eight miles above Cincinnati, Mr. Cory's father was a farmer and stock raiser, and also a large land dealer. Indeed the Judge says that his father invested all his money in lands, for the reason as he said, that water would not drown it, and fire would not burn it, hence it was safer than

In 1803 the family moved to Honey Creek, in the vicinity of Dayton, in which locality they remained until 1834. The Judge was married in April, 1827, to Mrs. Martha Meek, and with her he removed to Williams County, in what is now a part of Henry County, on the Maumee River, about eighteen miles above Perrysburg. Here he remained until November, 1848, when he came to Findley. He had passed through this county in ISIG, with a drove of cattle, and had slept in the old Fort. When the Judge's family removed from Dayton to the Maumee, they did so with teams, passing through on Hull's Trail, au<l were fifteen days on the road, or rather in the woods, as there was not much that could be called a road on the entire route.

When Mr. C. came to Findley, he engaged in farming and real estate transactions, his father having been one of the proprietors of the town, left a valuable landed estate to look after. The Judge was also a large stockholder in, and President of the Baiik of F'indley, the first institution of the kind organized here. He was also one of the leading spirits in the projection, location, and building of what is now the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, and was for many 3^ears a Director in that organization. Indeed there were but few public enterprises that he was not prominently identified with, and took the lead in. Liberal, just, honorable and far-seeing, he was always a safe leader.

He signed the petition to the Legislature praying for the formation of the new county of Henry, and helped to organize the same, and was appointed one of the first Judges of the Common Pleas Court of that county. His associates were Pierre Evans and Waite, a brother of the pres- ent Chief Justice of the United States. On his emigration to the Maumee, he found but very few families in the present bounds of Henry County, but during his fourteen years residence there, much of the county was improved, roads opened and numerous settlements made all over the county, and especially along the river.

He had only the advantages of a common school education, but being a man of more than ordinary natural ability and good judgment, he has been a most successful business man, and has added largely to the fortune left him by his father. He is, perhaps, the largest laud owner in the county, holding twenty-three hundred acres of land in this and Wood County, together with quite a considerable valuable town property. The Judge's public benefactions to churches and schools and charitable objects, amounts to thousands of dollars. His liberality in gifts to all worthy objects is proverbial.

He is now and has been ever since 1842, a member of the Methodist Church, to the support of which he has contributed more than any other man in the county.

Mrs. Martha Cory died February 26th, 1868, and in September 1869, the Judge married Miss x\nn M. Wright, of Urbana. He is now in his declining years, quietly looking after his business interests, and enjoying life pleasantly.

William Taylor

Was born in Mifflin County, Pa., May 12th, 1798. His early life was spent on a farm, and his chances for obtaining an education w^ere very limited, and his want of education was a defect which he deplored, and in after life, by a patient application, he to some extent overcome. On the 25th day of April, 1826, he was married to Margaret Pat- terson, in Bedford County, Pa., and in the same year came to Richland County, Ohio, and located about eight miles from Mansfield, and followed farming. In 1828 he came to Findley, the county having just been organized, and the town having been designated as the seat of Justice.

Here he at once entered into mercantile pursuits, keeping on hand a general assortment of such goods as were the most in demand in a new settlement. He was also quite extensively engaged in the fur trade with the Indians and trappers, who were numerous. This trade was a i)rofitable one. Many of my readers will remember the small frame building which stood just south of and adjoining Davis' Opera House, long known as Mefferd's Shop, and afterwards occupied by Dr. Detwiler as a residence. That building Mr. Taylor put up, and occupied as a dry goods store, tavern and family residence.

Mr. Taylor was naturally energetic and industrious, with good judgment and great discernment, of pleasing manner, and with these qualities, he soon commanded a good business, and accumulated quite a fortune, becoming the owner of much valuable property in both town and country. He took an active part in the early life of the county, being called upon to fill the important offices of County Surveyor, School Examiner, Commissioner and Postmaster of Findley; also Bank Director. In all tliese positions he ever acquitted himself with honor, discharging every duty with fidelity.

He united with the Presbyterian church at Perrysville, 0., before his emigration to this county, and in December, 1831, assisted in the organization of the society in this place, and soon after was elected a ruling elder, which office he held at the time of his death.

Mr. Taylor was the father of five children, four of whom are living. Patterson makes his home in Missouri, Charlotte, wife of Milton Gray, and Minerva, wife of J. S. Patterson, reside in Findley, and Milton is in business in Toledo, Ohio.

Was born in Oswego County, State of New York, in 1808, and whilst yet in his infancy, lost his father, and during his boyhood he had but little time or opportunity to improve his mind, but such as he had he made the best possible use of, and by the time he was twenty years old, he taught a district school, and soon thereafter started for the western country. Ohio then, without railroads or canals, and but few wagon roads, was a long journey from New York, and the first appearance of young Goit after he left his native state with his bundle of raiment tied up in a handkerchief, was at Tiffin, in Seneca County.

He taught school in Tiffin and Fremont, then unpretentious villages, and in the mean time pursued the study of law with Abel T. Rawson. In due time, he was admitted to practice, and in looking around for a location, selected Findley, then but a village, but a new county seat, as the scene of his future efforts. Mr. Goit made the journey from Tiffin to Findley on foot, staying the first night with a farmer near the present town of Fostoria, and on the second night at the present site of Van Buren, and on the third day reached Findley. He made his home in the family of the late L. Q, Rawson, and waited patiently for six months for a client, but none came.

and disheartened at his lack of business, he announced at the breakfast table, that he would leave the place. But while yet at the table, a rap was heard at the door, and the inquiry was made : " Does a young lawyer board here? "

The visitor was a man from the east, desiring to collect a claim held against one who was teaching school not far away, and who was the owner of forty acres of land.

Mr. Goit drew up the necessary papers, the man collected his claim by taking the land, the teacher left the place, and Goit was employed to teach the remainder of his term of school.

Business brightened up, clients came, and he abandoned the idea of leaving the place, and went to board with Wm. Taylor, who was keeping tavern.

Mrs. Taylor's sister, Miss Jane Patterson, and her brother had come from Pennsylvania, making the trip on horseback, and took up their residence with Mr. Taylor. Mr. Goit and Miss Patterson were married in 1835.

No man in the county did more to develop its resources, - and to assist the struggling community in its efforts towards wealth and prosperty. He engaged extensively in mercantile business in Findley, Bluffton, Gilboa and Ottowa. He was engaged in almost every public enterprise in town ai;d country.

He was a man of unbounded generosity, and had great confidence in his fellow men. He was seldom appealed to in vain. But like all men of his kind, he became the victim of misplaced confidence. He indorsed notes, and went bail for almost every one who requested him to do so, and the usual result followed - embarrassment, importunity of creditors - and failure. But he neither made an assignment or went into bankruptcy, but took off his coat, went to work and assured his creditors that they should not loose a penny by him, but that if life was spared him, he would pay every dollar he owed. Life was spared, and he nobly redeemed his promise.

As an Attorney, Mr. Goit was a successful practitioner. He was Treasurer of the County, and also Prosecuting Attorney. Whetever faults Mr. Goit may have had, and he no doubt had some - for who has not - dishonesty was not one of them. His reputation for honesty was never questioned, even in his darkest hour. One of the great comforts to him in his last sickness, was the fact that he should die square with the world, as he expressed it,

Mr. Goit's social qualities always insured him a ready welcome in society. He died in October, 1880, at Bowling Green, Ohio, of which place he had been a resident for several years.

Industries Of Findley Findley Linseed Oil Mill

In August 1865, James T. Adams, William xlnderson and Calvin A. Cronninger purchased the frame building on the north side of Crawford street, originally the Presbyterian Church, but recently the Findley Woolen Mills, and placed in it the necessary machinery for the manufacture of Linseed Oil. The first year in which it was in operation, not more than three thousand bushels of seed were used. The proprietors loaned to farmers for sowing, about three hundred bushels.

In 1873, the proprietors built a fine two story brick fire proof warehouse, or seed house in front of the frame building, and flush with the street. In this building, in addition to storage, is the oflice of the company, consisting of two rooms, paved with flagging, heated by a gi-ate, and supplied with desks, safes and other office conveniences.

In 1880 the old frame part was torn down and a fine brick structure took its place. This new building is occupied by machinery, and storage in second story, and it is fitted up with all the latest conveniences. The building and machinery are valued at $24,000. The annual consumption of seed is thirty-five thousand bushels. About three-fourths of this seed is produced in Hancock County, and the balance is brought from the west.

The oil is marketed at home and in Boston. The oil cake is sold in Philadelphia, for Pennsylvania. For the last twelve years C. H. Cummings, of Philadelphia, has purchased all the oil cake made at this mill.

Findley Woolen Mill

William Anderson and John D. McKibben purchased the old Presbyterian Church building on Crawford street in 1858, and after remodeling and fitting it up, put in four looms and two hundred spindles, together with the other necessary machinery, and commenced the manufacture of woolen goods.

In 1865 Mr. Anderson sold the old building, and erected the present large buildings on Main Cross slreet, east of Eagle Creek. The building is of brick, forty feet wide by eighty feet long, and three stories in heighth. The rooms are large and well lighted. There is a one story brick addition or wing, twenty by forty-five feet, occupied as an office and sales-room. There is also a large Dye House and other necessary buildings, all of brick. The buildings cost about nine thousand dollars, and the machinery about sixteen thousand dollars.

There are eight looms, four hundred spindles, twe setts cards, and such other of the most approved machinery as belongs to an establishment of this kind. The capacity of the mill is 50,000 pounds of wool per annum. Cassimeres

Findley Foundry And Machine Works

In 1857 Augustus Sheffield erected a brick building, thirty by one hundred feet, on the south side of west Main Cross street, into which he put the necessary machinery for carrying on a foundry and repair of machinery.

In 1859 Jesse Wolf and Simon Willhelm purchased the entire property, having previously carried on the old Jackson Foundry, and operated under the name of Wolf & Willhelm until 1864. In 1863 William France took an interest in the business, which he retained until 1864.

Jesse Wolf sold out to Mungen and Adams in 1866, but after being out about a year returned. During this time the business was carried on under the name of Adams & Mungen.

Mr. Wolf retired finally from the establishment in 1868, by disposing of his interest to Vincent H. Coons, and Adams sold his interest to Cyrus Vail. The firm name was now Mungen, Coons & Vail.

In 1868 Vail resold his interest to Adams, and Mungen also sold to Adams, and Adams & Coons carried on the business until 1872, when iVdams retired and John WDavis, Wm. L. Davis, Jas. T. Adams, and Newton M. Adams became interested, since which time the firm name has been Coons, xA.dams & Co.

This company have buildings valued at ten thousand dollars, and machinery valued at eight thousand dollars. They manufacture stationary and portable engines, saw mills, and mill machinery, and all kinds of castings. They employ twenty hands.

Findlev Flax Mill

In 1870 the Delaware Bagging Company put up a frame building on east Main Cross street, east of Eagle Creek, into which they put machinery for the purpose of manufacturing tow from flax straw. The linseed oil mill having created a market for flax-seed, the cultivation of flax had become quite general.

In June 1872, J. T. Adams and William Anderson purchased the mill, and in 1877 Mr. Anderson, by the purchase of the interest of Adams, became sole owner.

The buildings are valued at three thousand dollars, and the machinery at two thousand dollars. About seven hundred tons of straw is worked up annually. Until the last year, the market for the tow, has been at St. Louis, Mo., and Louisville, Ky. The entire product of last year was sold in Lima, 0.

A. W. Ray Carriage Shop

In 1860 KaiT & Spraii came to the place and at once commenced wagon making and blacksmithing on a small scale, on the south side of Main Cross street, west of the Court House. After remaining here about two yeais, they disposed of the business to John M. Fergeson. Not long afterwards P. B. Morrison purchased an interest, and the business was carried on in the name of Fergeson & Morrison.

In 1866 Morrison disposed of his interest to S. C. Moore, and he after a year sold to George Heck. This firm of Fergeson k Heck put up a two story frame building thirty by sixty feet, fronting on Main Cross street, which was and is now used as a sales room below, and paint shop above.

In 1870 Mr. Fergeson retired, and was succeeded by J. L. Linnville, and the business was carried on by Heck & Linnville, until Mr. Heck sold to William Biggs, who in turn sold to Charles Fritcher, and he shortly after disposed of his interest to A. W. & J. K. Ray, and L. Fitzpatrick, and the new firm assumed the name of Linnville, Ray & Co. Two years later, Mr. Linnville retired, and Ray, Fitzpatrick & Ray become the firm.

In 1877 J. K, Ray died, and a few months afterwards A. W. Ray bought the entire establishment, and the business has ever since been conducted in his name.

Carriages and wagons of all styles are manufactured and are unsurpassed in material and workmanship. The business amounts to not less than $12,000 annually. Twelve hands are employed in the different shops, and the business of Mr. Ray is steadily increasing.

Findley Rake Factory

lu May, 1873, Andrew Bushon, Horace M, Vance and C, E. Seymour built a frame building, thirty by fifty i^ei, and two stories high, on the west side of Main street, in North Findley. This was the first Rake Factory, and all kinds of handles were also made. The firm was Bushon & Seymour. In December, 1873, an addition of fifteen by fifty feet was built.

Mr. Bushon retired from the firm in 1874, and the business was carried on under the name of Vance & Seymour until 1876, when Vance sold out to P. J. Sours, the firm then being Sours ^^ Seymour until July, 1878, at which time Mr. Seymour became sole proprietor by the purchase of the interest of Mr. Sours.

In June, 1880, Mr. Seymour commenced the erection of a brick building, on the north side of Crawford street, on the site of the old Jackson Foundry, and completed it in November. The building is two stories in heighth, fifty by sixty-eight feet. It is supplied with the latest and most approved machinery, valued at six thousand dollars, the building being worth three thousand.

Carriage Shop Buck, Reimund & Seyeang

In 1859 Daniel Buck built a small frame building on the north side of west Main Cross street, which he occupied as a wagon and blacksmith shop. About two years later, he took in a partner, Stephen Seyfang, a practical blacksmith. The business was carried on by the two, until 1866, when Adam Reimund, a wood worker purchased an interest, and the business was carried on undei the name of D. Buck & Co. This firm in ] 868 erected a frame building on the same ground, which was used as a wood and paint shop.

In 1875, having previously purchased ground on the south side of Main Cross street, running south to Putnam street^ the old buildings were removed to the new location, and a fine two story brick building, thirty-five feet wide and eighty-five feet long, facing the street, was erected. The first floor was finished up for and is used as an office and sales room, and the second floor as a paint shop. The building presents an imposing appearance, and is commodious in its arrangements.

The company manufacture wagons and carriages of the most approved styles, and all of first class materials. They employ twenty-five hands in the various departments, and their annual sales amount to not less than $25,000. The buildings and machinery is valued at $10,000. The members of the firm are Daniel Buck, Adam Reimund and Stephen Seyfang.

Findlev Carriage Bent Works

In November, 1879, Y. Bickham and Charles Wright leased the large two story brick building on west Crawford street, known as the Novelty Works^ and with a capital of $10,000, under the management of Mr. Wright, commenced the manufacture of Carriage Bent Goods, such as shafts^ poles, bows, felloes and sawed stock for carriages and wagons, under "Wright's Hot Form Process." The business was conducted tor about one year in this way, when in Jan-

The concern is now known as the Findley Carriage Bent Works, C. Wright, Proprietor. The timber used is ash, oak and hickory, of which about two hundred thousand feet are used annually. The buildings occupied by the works are valued at $7,000, and machinery at $6,000. Twenty-five employees are required to operate the premises.

The firm of A. Dietsch & Co. in 1860 erected a frame building on west Main Cross street, one and a half stories high, and commenced the manufacture of furniture. In 1875 and 1876 they put up a two story brick building thirty feet wide and one hundred and thirty long. Such has been their increase in business, that during the last year it exceeded $16,000, more than half of which was of their own make.

All kinds of furniture is made, and all sales are by retail only. The firm consists of Charles Dietsch and his two sons, Edward and Anthony.

Findley Stave And Handle Factorv

in 1872 D. C. Fisher, John K. Wise, A. Bushon, H. F. Winders, John M. Hamlin and Samuel C. Moore formed a partnership for the purpose of manufacturing barrel staves and farm tool handles, and at once commenced operations near the railroad, on west Sandusky street. In December ol the same year, Mr. Fisher disposed of his interest to the remaining members of the firm and retired. Mr. Wise died in 1873, and his interest was purchased by the firm.

ders of the firm, in February, 1873. Soon after ttiis, tiie establisliment was destroyed by fire, at a great loss to the owners, but with commendable pluck and energy, and the assistance of friends, they immediately rebuilt, and enlarged the capacity of their establishment.

In J 875 Mr. Moore disposed of his interest to Henry Hellenkamp, and in 1878 Mr. H. sold to Hamlin & Winders who have since been the sole owners.

The machinery and grounds are worth $8,000, and oak staves, headings and all kinds of farm tool handles are made, for which a market is four.d throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. The business is constantly increasing, and now the demands for their work exceeds the capacity of the establishment. The present proprietors are John M. Hamlin and Henry F. Winders.

Findley Gas Light Company

This company was incorporated July 7th, 1871, by virtue of the laws of the State. The incorporators were William Anderson, William L. Davis, Samuel D. Frey, J. J. Wheeler and Chas. E. Niles. On the 26th day of August, 1874, the village council passed an ordinance granting the Gas Light Company the privilege of using streets and alleys, and of erecting suitable works.

In September of the same year, the company assigned all their privileges, benefits and franchises to R. T. Coverdale, who at once erected works, laid down mains, and in December the town was lighted.

In 1865 Mr. Coverdale sold to the Findley Gas Light Company, composed mainly of resident stockholders, who elected S. D. Frey, President, J. J. Childs, Secretary, Geo. W. Myers, Charles E. Niles and R. T. Coverdale, Directors.

The works were sold to the new organization for $28,000, and were under the management of R. T. Coverdale until January, 1877, when they passed into the control of Y. Bickham. thence into the hands of the present company, composed of J. G. Hull, C. E. Niles, S. D. Frey, W. Anderson, G. W. Myers, Jennie E. Bickham and Y. Bickham. The officers are J. G. Hull, President and Treasurer, Y. Bickham, Secretary, E. B. Phillips, Superintendent.

The company have laid over seven miles of pipe, and one hundred and twelve street lamps, and about three hundred private consumers are supplied with gas. The business ol' the company is generally increasing, and a good article of gas is produced.

In 1876 John S. and George W. Ruhl purchased the two story brick building on the east side of Main and north of Sandusky street, and removed the saddlery shop of George W. Ruhl into the same. They at once commenced business in their line on a large scale, manufacturing all kinds of harness, and especially collars.

The Messrs. Ruhl are now doing an extensive wholesale business in all kinds of saddlery goods, and are manufacturing largely. They have already sold over two thousand pairs of their team pad. One of the firm is on the road nearly all the time, making sales and looking after the interest of their establishment.

Eagle Foundry And Machine Shop

In 1871 W. K. Marvin removed the two story frame building, corner of Main Cross street and Mechanics alley, to the south side of east front street, and fitted it up for a foundry. The business was carried on for ten years, when the old building was torn down, and there is now in process of erection on the site, a brick l)uilding one hundred feet long and thirty feet wide, with an eight foot basement, and a eleven foot story above, with a large moulding room. Into this Mr. Marvin is placing all the necessary machinery for carrying on his business. He is largely engaged in the manufacture of portable engines, and all kinds of mill gearing, as well as making all kinds of castings.

This establishment is situated on the south side of east Crawford street. The building, which is a large two story fi-ame, was built by Moses Bullock, in 1855, and occupied by him as a furniture manufactory, until September, 1856, when the business of Porch & Wheeler, in the same line, was consolidated with Mr. Bullock's, and carried on under the firm name of Porch, Bullock tfe Co., until the spring of 1858. Mr. Wheeler then retired, and David Rummell became a partner.

The business of this establishment has steadily increased year by year, and notably so since Mr. Rummell's ownership, until it is now a first class institution. All work done is of the best quality. Mr. R. being a practical and intelligent workman himself, uses the knowledge gained by his long experience in the business, in the selection of all materials used by him, and all finished work which he handles. He keeps his sales-rooms filled with an assortment of goods in his line, from the cheapest to the very finest and richest -of articles in his trade. His workmen are skilled mechanics, and this establishment is now regarded as one of the permanent and valuable industries of the town.

Findley Planing Mill

la 1864 D. C. Fisher and W. H. Wheeler purchased the four lots on west Crawford streets, known as the old ashery lots, and put up a two story frame building, and completed it for the purpose of manufacturing sash, blinds and doors, and dressing lumber, and removed to it the business of D. C. Fisher from East Findley. The building cost about three thousand dollars. The firm was Fisher & Wheeler.

Whilst this firm was in existence, C. E. Seymour purchased a third interest and became a partner, the firm name was D. C. Fisher & Co. Wheeler soon afterwards sold his interest to John Shull, and without change in name, this firm existed until 1867, when Fisher disposed of his inter-

This company carried on the business until 1877, when D. C. Fisher and John Shull purchased the interest of Myers and Frey, since which time the tirm is known as Shull & Fisher.

During all these years, and amid all these changes, the property has been greatly improved, and the business constantly increasing. The building now has an iron roof, a brick shaving room, and the most improved machinery has been introduced. The building is worth $4,000, and the machinery about $10,000. There is also quite an extensive lumber yard connected with the establishment, and the amount of lumber handled will amount to 2,000,000 feet annually. The manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, and finishing of all kinds of wood building materials exceeds $60,000 in value. Twenty men are employed in the different departments. The members of the firm are John Shull and D. C. Fisher.

Methodist Episcopal

The Rev. Elam Day formed the first class in Findley in January, 1833. The first members were Catharine Swapp - now Mrs. H. M. Hosier - Sarah Carlin, wife of Parlee Carlin, Sarah Carlin, wife of Squire Carlin, William Dewitt and others.

The Rev, Thomas Thompson and Rev. Elanthan Gavitt were the first regular preachers. When Findley was made a mission circuit Elam Day was preacher in charge and B. Allen, assistant, and were appointed by the Ohio Conference. In 1833 they reported three hundred and eight members. The meetings were held in the school house and court house.

The first church building was erected in 1835 on the east end of Main Cross street, Whitman and Breckenridge then being the pastors. The building was a frame, and cost Fourteen Hundred Dollars. The membership was only Fifty.

This house was used continually until 1851 when a brick building, much larger and more substantial than the old frame, and at a cost of seven thousand dollars, wa& erected. The Sabbath school numbered one hundred and eighty-five, and the membership one hundred and eighty. The Rev. W. S. Lunt, pastor. The next year

The present church edifice on west Sandusky street Avas erected in 18(»7-68 at a cost of $38000, including parsonage. It is a fine brick building with stained windows, slate roof, and a spire one hundred and eighty feet in height. The first story, or basement, more properly speaking, is used as lecture room, Sunday school and class rooms. The audience room on second floor, has a seating capacity of about seven hwidred^ with a galleiy at one end The desks, seats for choir and organ room are at the north end of the room. The organ is a good one, purchased at a cost of $2,000. The Rev. Isaac Newton was in chai'ge of the station at the time of the building of the church, and was very active and efficient in his woi-k. The Rev. Francis Davies is now in charge, with a membership of three hundred, and a Sabbath school of two hundred and eighty-five, under the superintendeucy of II. F. Winders.

Those pioneers of Methodism, Bigelow, Gurley, Runnells, Allen, Breckenridge, Heustis, Biggs, Wilson, Pope, Gavitt, Hill, Whiteman aud otliers equally eminent, have traveled the wilds of this and adjoining counties proclaiming the truths of the gospel, with eloquence and zeal.

The English Luthern Church

In the fall of 1838 the Rev. M. Cortex, a German, was sent as a missionary to Hancock County and preached in Findley for about two years. In 184:0 the Rev. Charles Wisler came, and remained until the latter part of 1841. He was followed in 1812 by the Rev. Barney Huffman, who labored here for three or four years, holding services -.in the court house.

In August, 18-16, a meeting was held and preliminary steps taken to organize a society. On the 19th of September, 1846, another meeting was held at which Isaac Teatsorth j)resided, and the organization was perfected by choosing Samuel Snyder, George Welker and Samuel Reber trustees, and the organization was named "The English Lutheran Church of Findley, Ohio."

The church building on Putnam street was erected in 1847. The pastor, Rev. Hammer, with his own hands, made and carried much of the mortar used in plastering the building. The North Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church held its session in this building in 1849, it being then the best church building in the town.

In 1871 the congregation purchased two lots on the south-east corner of Main and Lincoln streets, and soon after built thereon a frame parsonage building. There is now in course of construction on these two lots a fine brick building for church purposes, which, when completed, will cost not less than $15,000, and will be a handsome structure, with a seating capacity of five hundreds The successiv^e pastors of this church were the Revs. Geo. Hammer, J, Livengood, Thomas Officer, A. J. Im-^ Lofif, S. A. Ort, H. B. Belmer, Rev. Kinsel, P. S. Hooper, G. W. Miller, C. S. Sprecher, and J. W. Goodlin, the present one.

*'The Presbyterian Church of Findley was organized December 21,1831, by Rev. P. Monfort, at that time acting as a missionary in North Western Ohio. The first meeting was held at the residence of Wilson Vance. The names of the members as they appear on the records are : William Taylor, Margaret Taylor, Phebe Henderson, Asa Lake, Chloe Lake, Ebenezer Wilson, William Coen, Sarah Coen, Mary Gibson, Wilson Vance and Saiah Vance. Ebenezer Wilson and William Coen were elected and ordained ruling elders.

During the first year or two after the organization services were occasionally held at the residences of some of tlie members, but afterwards were held quite regularly in the court house until the year 1830, when the first house of woi-ship was erected.

The old church building, the first erected, was but recently toi'n down, it having been used for some years by J. T. Adams Sz Co. as a linseed oil mill.

The present church edifice was erected in 1857, and was dedicated December 27, 1857, the Rev. W. T. Finley, of Springfield, Ohio, preaching the sermon. The cost of the building was $8,888.88, as reported by the building committee.

First Cong Reg Atioxal Ciurch

On the 21st day of October, 1865, a number of persons met in Gage's Hall in Findley for the purpose of oraanizino; a Conorre2:ational Church. Rev. Robert McCune, of Kelly's Island, presided, and J, A. Bope acted as clerk. A society was organized and officers elected as follows: Deacons, Paul Sours, John Eckles, James Davidson, Aaron Hall. Treasurer, James S. Ballentine. Clerk, James A. Bope. And Rev. J. A. Meeks was elected pastor.

In March, 1866, ground was purchased on the west side of the Public Square, on which to erect a Church building, and in June, 1867, the building was commenced, and under the superintendency of Paul Sours, assisted by J. P. Kerr, Jessie Guise and J. C. Powell, was completed in the Dec^ember following. The building is of brick, covered with slate and surmounted by a tower. The size is forty-five by ninety feet, with ])rojection in front for tower, and a recess in rear for organ. The cost of the building and furnishing was $18,000.

Of those who were members at the organization are the names of John Eckles and wife, Aaron Hall and wife, G. W. Neeley and wife, Paul Sours and wife, J. S. Ballentine and wife, C. J. Eckles and wife, J. A. Bope and wife, Rev. J. A. Meeks and wife.

German Lutheran

Grouse, Valentine Wagner, and a few other members of this denomination met at the court house, and under the direction of Rev. M. During, organized a society and a Sunday school. The congregation met once in two weeks at the court house, and were under the ministrations of Rev. During.

The society feeling the want of a house of worship of their own, bought a lot on West Front street for three hundred dollars, and in 1862 erected thereon a brick building thirty-five feet wide and sixty feet long, at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars. The building committee was Charles Deitsch, Charles Ilahn and Henry Lannert. The church building w^as dedicated on Whit- Sunday in 1863, by Revs. During, Lang and Crownenwitt. The building has been greatly improved since by the putting up of a fine tjell, the purchase of an organ and the laying down of carpets. The congregation has also purchased parsonage property for which they paid nineteen hundred dollars, so that the property belonging to the church is worth not less than six thousand dollars.

The present membership is one hundred and forty. There is a flourishing Sunday school of about eighty-five scholars connected with the church. The ministers employed since the organization of the church were Rev. M. During, Rev. M. Buerkle, Rev. J. T Groath and Rev. J. B. Webber, the present incumbent. The present officers are Wm. Tribolet, Christian Schmidt and Daniel Buck, Trustees; C. Ritter and Fred Groath, Elders. C. Ritter is also superintendent of the Sunday school.

May, 1870, in the town of Findley and vicinity was taken up as an English mission and consisted of the following appointments: Findley, Fellers, Porters and Union Chapel on the Tiffin road, and the Rev. E. B. Grouse was appointed to the mission, with Rev. E. Peer as colleague, but the health of the latter failing the whole charge of the mission was left to Rev. Ciouse. The sei-vices at this time were held in the United Bi-ethren and Church of God buildings.

On the 11th of July, 1870, the society in Findley met to consult together on the propriety of building a house of worship. It was decided to build. A lot was ])urchased on east Sandusky street, extending back to Ci-awford street, and a brick building 38 feet by 62 feet was erected at a cost of about six thousand five hundred dollars. The building is neatly finished and furnished. It is surmounted l)y a tower, in which a good bell has been placed. The congregation deserves much credit for pioviding themselves with so comfortable a house. It was indeed a great undertaking for so weak a society, but the untiring energy and industry of the Rev. E. B. Crouse made it a success.

Amongst the eai-ly membership we find the names of John Powell and wife, John Crites and wife, George Jacobs and wife, Elizabeth Bolauder, Rev. L. W. Hankey, Rebecca Miller, Sarah Miller, Paul Kornorer and wife. The ministers have been Rev. E. B. Crouse, Rev. W. Whitington, Rev. W. A. Shesler, Rev. S. Cocklin, Rev. James Hensel,Rev. C. L. Crowthei's and Rev. C. E. Di-csbach. There is a flourishing Sabbath school conned ed with the church.

This society was first organized iu January, 1858, by Elder G. M. Harn. The meeting was held in the old Presbyterian church. Tlie first members were J. C. Sherrick and wife, George M. Graul and wife, Jacob Grose and wife, John T. Grose and wife, Amanda Geyer and Elizabeth Cunningham, now Mrs. H. Shuler. Prayer meetings were held at private houses, with occasionally a sermon, until 1861, R. H. Bolton was appointed to Findley circuit. The meetings were then held in the North Findley school house until 1863. W. P. Small was appointea to succeed Rev. Bolton, and in 1863 to 1866 the meetings were held in the United Brethren church.

The society resolved to build a house of worship, and commenced work in April, 1866, and finished and dedicated the same in December of the same year. It is a brick structui-e forty feet by fifty feet, and cost about four thousand dollars. The building is conveniently located on the south side of west Front street. It is plainly but comfortably finished. The number of members is one hundred and thirty. From the first organization to the present time one hundred and forty-five persons have been l)aptized.

United . Brethren

This society was organized in 1854. Amongst tlie first members we find the names of Joel Pendleton, Jacob Powell, Robert Owens, John Hibbitt, Solomon Moore, and Nicholas Weaver. Prior to the erection of a church building the society met in the brick school house on Front street. In 1854 the society purchased a lot on west Crawford, and erected thereon a house of worship. The house is of brick and neatly finished.

The society is in a flourishing condition and its present membership is one hundred and six. The Sabbath school numbers sixty, and much interest is manifested by teachers and jAipils.

The following named ministers have supplied the church since the organization : Chester Briggs, M. Long, William Mathers, J. French, L. Moore, R. French, Wm. Glancey, T. J. Harbaugh, James Long, T. D. Ingle, Alvin Rose, A. W. Holden, I. Crouse, G. P. Macklin and E. A. Starkey.

The first Catholic society oi-ganized here was in 1845' and met at the residence of John S. Julian. In 1850 the congregation erected a frame church building on west Hardin street, in which they worshipped until the winter of 1855-56, when it was burned down. They sold the lot and bought property on the west end of Main Cross street, and immediately commenced the erection of another house. The building is of brick, plainly furnished and cost $6,000. The present membership is about ^ve hundred souls. At the first organization of the society the meetings were held but once a month,

This society numbers among its members some of our best business men and most esteemed citizens. The following named persons have officiated in the capacity of priests to this congregation : Father Raetzer, Father Burns, Father Vattman, Father Deachan, Father Flemming, Father Pitts, Father Young, Father Rudolph and Father Doesner.

Schools Of Findley Union School

Until as late as 1854, the village of Findley was divided into four sub-districts for school purposes. In 1840 the four districts conjointly built a large two story frame building, with four rooms - one for each district - on the corner of Crawford and East streets. This same building is now . known as the west end school building. In addition to this, each district had a smaller building for the use of the younger pupils.

In 1854 the Legislature passed what is generally known as the Union School Law, which authorized villages or separate school districts to organize as independent or special school districts. The matter of the formation of such special districts was considered by the people of the village, and three of the village districts availed themselves of its provisions, but the fourth refused, and subsequently was organized under the amendment to the Akron School Law, and has ever since been known as District No. Nine. The school building, by agreement became the property of the Union District, and schools were taught there for years.

In 1865 it was removed to the west end of Crawford street, on grounds purchased for school purposes, and has been so used to the present time.

August 10th, 1865, the Board of Education decided "that in their opinion it is necessary to purchase a site and erect a school building thereon." A meeting of the citizens of the district was called for September 2d, 1865, to whom was submitted the question of levying a tax of $18,000 for building. At that election, there were two hundred and nineteen votes cast, of which one hundred and fifty -six were for the tax. At a meeting of the Board May 4thy 1866, H. P. Gage, Isaac Davis and E. P. Jones proposed to sell to them the tract of land lying between the C. S. & C. Depot grounds and Sandusky street, lor the sum of $2,000, which proposition was accepted by the Board.

In September of the same year, the Board made contracts for material and labor in the erection of the building. The building was originally intended to be two stories in heighth, but in August, 1867, it was changed to a three story building.

The building being completed, September 7th, 1868, was fixed upon as the time for its formal opening, at which time the patrons of the school assembled in Columbia Hall, as the hall in the building was named, and quite an interesting programme was carried out with much ceremony.

The wants of the town increased with its growth, and more school room was needed, and the Board of Education in January, 1877, ordered that the Clerk advertise accordin to law, for a meeting of the qualified voters on Monday, February 12th, 1877, to vote upon the proposition to authorize a levy of $5,000, for the purpose of building a school house in North^Findley. At that election there were three hundred and fiv;e votes cast, all of which were in favor of the tax except thirty-nine.

On the 16th of March, 1877, bids were opened, and the contract for the building let to S. H. Kramer, for $5,547.41. This building is forty-four feet wide and sixty-five feet long, two stories in height, with basement and mansard roof, surmounted by a tower. There are two rooms on each iloor, separated by a wide airy hall. The rooms are completed in the latest style, and will accommodate about fifty pupils each.

The Board have now under contract, the erection of a new building at the west end of Crawford street. The structure will be sixty-five feet wide, and eighty -fiiie feet long, two stories in height, with a basement, and when finished, will be an imposing building, and add much to the beauty of the town. The contract has been awarded to Joseph Fleming, of Toledo, 0., at the price of $13,012, and to be completed by the 1st of January, 1882.

Although organized under the Union School Law, the system of graded schools was not introduced until 1808, under Superintendency of Ephriam Miller, and not perfected until W. S. Wood had succeeded him. Prof Wood was succeeded by C. E. Palmer, of Columbus, and he by the present Superintendent, J. W. Zeller.

District No. Nine

This District includes the territory included within the boundary, commencing at the Old White Corner on Main street, running thence west to West street, thence south to the old corporation line, thence east to Main street, and has an enumeration of about two hundred children. It includes

For many years they occupied the Jonathan Parker building on Sandusky street, on lot now known as Patterson's corner. A lot was afterwards bought on west Hardin street, on which was erected a comfortable brick school building.

In 1865 the Directors purchased an acre of ground on west Lincoln street, then almost out of town, upon which they erected a building, the construction, re-modeling and furnishing of which cost about twenty thousand dollars. The district has a line two story building above the basement, surmonted by towers and mansard roof Their grounds are ornamented with numerous shade trees, which give them an inviting appearance, and the whole is surrounded by a neat fenee.

The schools, four in number, are graded, and the higher branches are taught, and diplomas awarded to graduates from the High School Department. The schools are well conducted by an ellicient corps of teachers, and pupils make such progress, and become possessed of such an education as is acquired at other graded schools. This Dirtrict was one of the four districts into which the town was originally divided, and at the formation of the Union School District, it refused to join the other three, and has ever since, whether wisely or unwisely, been an independent district.

Benevolent Societies Odd Fellows

Hancock Lodge, No. 73 I. 0. 0. F., was instituted August 17, 1846, with Abraham Younkiu, Jacob Carr, Edson Goit, Abel F. Parker and James H. Barr as charter members. The Lodge has always been in a flourishing condition, and its finances have been well managed. Its relief fund has been liberally, but judiciously expended.

In 1872 the Lodge erected a fine three story brick, metal roof, building, on their lot, on east side of Main, between Sandusky and Crawford streets. The building was put up under the direction of a committee of five members of the Lodge, to-wit : William M. Detwiler, James T. Adams, G. C. Barud, Charier E. Niles and Jacob C. Powell. The cost of the ground on which it stands was $1,600, and of the building $9,000. The first floor is occupied as a book store by D. C. Connell, the second floor by the Public Library, and the third floor as a Lodge room. The present membership is one hundred and fifty-nine.

On the 21st day of June, 1866, Golden Rule Encampment was instituted under a charter granted to L. G. Thrall, Charles E. Niles, Sylvester M. Geyer, William McKinnis, Charles J. Krause, William L. Glessner, Henry B. Green and George W. Neeley. The Encampment hold their meetings in the Lodge room, and now have a membership of ninety-nine.

Findlev Lodge, Xo. 227 F. & A. M.

In the mouth of January, 1852, a Dispensation \Yas granted by the Grand Master of the State, for the organizing of a Lodge of Masons at Findley, and on the 16th day oi the same mouth the organization took place, and continued under Dispensation until October of same year.

On the 22d day of October, 1852, the Grand Lodge of Ohio, then in session at Chillicothe, granted a charter to Abraham Younkin, Abel F. Parker, Edwin Parker, David Patton, J. M. Cofiinberry, George Arnold, Adolphus Morse, E. S. Reed and 0. B. Wilson as charter members, with Abraham Younkin as \V. M.; J. M. Coffinberry, S. W.; and Geo. Arnold, J. W. On the 29th day of November, 1852, James A. Kellum, as Proxy of the Grand Master of the State, duly instituted the Lodge and installed the first officers as follows: Abraham Younkiu, W. M.; George W. Springer, S. W.; W. L. Henderson, J. W., E. S. Reed, Treasurer; David Patton, Secretary; Thomas McKee, S. D.; J. E. Rosette, J. D., George Arnold, Tyler.

The meetings were for a number of years held in the second story of a frame bnilding on the north side of Sandusky street, now occupied by Patterson's dry goods house. The Lodge subsequently removed to the third story of the building now known as " Old White Corner," just south of the Public Square, where the raeeetings were held until 1863, at which time removal w^as made to a room in third story of the present "Joy House Block," on Sandusky street, which was prepared and occupied by the Lodge until 1878, at which time an arrangement was made with G. W. Kimmell, who was remodelling his building on Main street, by

In this building the fraternity have a Lodge room, and four other smaller rooms - the Lodge room being twentyseven feet wide and fifty-two feet long - all finished and furnished at a cost of more than sixteen hiindred dollars, making one of the most beautiful and convenient Lodge rooms in northern Ohio. The present membership is about one hundred and thirty.

Findley Chapter, No. 58 R. A. M.

Abraham Younkin, James A. Kellum, William L. Henderson, Ben Metcalf, S. T. Heffner and George Arnold obtained a charter from the Grand Chapter of the State, at their session in Chillicothe, October 16th, 1854, empowering them to open a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, in the town of Findley, which was done with James A. Kellum as High Priest; Abraham Younkin, King; and W, L. Henderson, Scribe. The Chapter has always held its meetings in same room with the Lodge. Its membership is now about forty.

Findley Council, No. 50 R. & S. M.

A charter was granted October 12th, 1862, by the Grand Council of Ohio, in session at Cincinnati, to James Wilson,, H. D. Ballard, B. F. Kimmons, W. E. Snyder, D. B. Beardsley, J. M. Muber, William Anderson, M. B. Patterson and Isaac Bonham authorizing them to form a Council of Royal and Select Masters. The late Dr. B. S. Brown,, with R. T.. Cook, C. M. Isichols and J. A. Aull, all of Bellefontaine, by direction of Grand Council, instituted the new Council under the name of Findley Council ; James Wilson, Firbt Illustrious Master; H. D. Ballard, Dep'ty Master; and B. F..

Knights Of Honor

On the 11th day of September, 1878, the Supreme Council of Knights of Honor, in session at Wooster, Ohio, granted a charter to D. C. Connell, H. B. Green, F. W. Entrekin, Ernst Bacherer, W. H. Shuler, H. W. Bleecher, J. M. Beelman, G. II. Wheeler, E. G. DeWolfe, Wm. Edwards, J. C. Bushan and Tim Fellers to open a Lodge at Findley The Lodge was instituted accordingly. The meetings are held on the second and fourth Fridays of each month, in their hall on the south-east corner of Main and Crawford streets. The membership is twenty-one, and one death, that of Geo. H. Wheeler, has occurred since their organization.

Royal Arcanum

P. L. Teeple, as Deputy Supreme Regent, instituted a Council of this order in November, 1878, with thirty-four charter members. Hancock Council, Xo. 187, hold their meetings in Knights of Honor Hall, on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Two members have died, Capt. John Wescott and Dr. T. C. Ballard. The present membership is forty, and the numbers are increasing. The present officers are D. B. Beardsley, Regent; B. F. Kimmons, Vice Regent; J. W. Zeller, Orator; F. B. Lay, Secretary; X. A. Dillinger, Treasurer; and Wm. Edwards, Collector.

American Legion Of Honor

A Council of this order was organized in May, 1881, by T. C. Garrison, Deputy Supreme Commander, with a membership of twenty-two. Present membership about thirty. The Council holds its meeting on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, at Knights of Honor Hall, There have been no deaths since its orsianization. The otticers are J. M. Huber, Commander; Dr. T. G. Barnhill, Vice Commander; D. B. Beardsley, Past Commander; Dr. T. F. Woodworth, Orator; C. E. Seymour, Secretary; B. F. Kimmons, Treasurer; and C. M. Ilumasou, Collector.

This society was organized in , and has now twentyeight members. It is connected with St. Michael's Catholic Church, and its members must be members of that church, males between the ages of twenty-one and sixty years only being eligible. Members are entitled to care, attention and assistance when sick or disabled, and also a stated sum of money as weekly benefits. The society, though small in numbers, has expended quite a sum in sick benefits, and is in a prosperous condition. Frank Karst, sr,, has been President of the society ever since its organization.

Hancock Courier

The Democratic Courier was established November 10th 183(), by Jacob Rosenberg, and edited and published by him wntil January 17th, 1839. The paper was then 18x26 inches in size.

Mr. Rosenberg was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, October 13th, 1811, and was raised and reiceved a good common school education at that place. At an early age he went to Millersburg, Ohio, where he learned the printing business in the office of the Farmer. He came to Findley on the 29th day of September, 1836, and started the paper shortly afterwards. He was a very strict party man, and very popular with tiie masses, and was at one time elected Sheriff.

A discussion arose in the Democratic party in 1810, as to the best method of making nominations of candidates, one faction in favor of the delegate system, and the other in favor of nominating by popular vote. Mr. Rosenberg started a paper in the interest of the delegate system, which he called the Hancock Farmer. So great was the feeling that in 1841 there were two Democratic tickets put in the field, and by this division, the Whigs were enabled to elect some of the officers.

him from what he believed to be right. He died iu Fiiidley in 1844, and was buried iu the old grave yard, but his remains have since been removed to Maple Grove Cemetery.

On the 24th of January, 1839, Mr. Henry Bishop purchased the Courier 'Aw^ published it until July 1st, 1845. We can ascertain but little about the private life of Mr. Bishop. He was born and raised in Franklin County, Ohio. He received a good English education, and was a man of sound practical common sense. He was rather an eccentric character, and when he went to take his seat as a member of the Ohio Legislature, to which he was elected in 1851, he wore a hunting shirt and leggins. He was not a remarkable writer, his productions being rather illogical. After disposing of the office in 1845, he removed to his farm in Eagle township, and was drowned in Eagle Creek, June 18th, 1855.

On the 1st of July, 1845, Mr. William Mungen purchased the Courier^ and conducted it until November, 1849, when he rented it to W. M. Case, (better known as *'Mood Case,") for one year. But as Mr. Case was one of those good-natured, worthless fellows, Mr. Mungen was obliged to do most of the writing during that time. Mr. Mungen, then after control of the paper for a short time, rented it to B. F. Rosenberg, and in the spring of 1851, sold one half to Henry Brown, »nd shortly after sold the remaining half to A. Blackford.

Mr. Mungen was born in Baltimore, Md., May 12th, 1821, came to Ohio in 1830, received a common school education, and studied Latin and German and physical sciences to some extent at home. Studied and practiced law, was elected Auditor of Hancock County for two terms, and to the Senate of Ohio in 1851. Entered the Union Army in

1861 as Colonel of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. During the time he has resided in Ohio he^ has held several local offices. He was elected to the 40th and 41st Congresses of the United States. Mr. Mungen was a clear, forcible, logical writer. He is at present practicing law in Findley.

Henry Brown entered into partnership with Mr. Mungen in the publication of the Courier in the spring of 1851. On the 1st day of January, 1851, Aaron Blackford purchased Mungen's interest, and continued until the fall of 1854, when Mr, Brown sold to Blackford, and at the end of one year Mr. Brown assumed the entire control of the paper, and edited it until January 1857.

Henry Brown was born in Albion, Orleans County, N. Y., and was educated at the Albion Seminary. He came to Ohio when about seventeen years of age, and taught school for several years. He then read law with W. P. Noble, at Tiffin, 0. He was elected Auditor of Hancock County in 1851. He is a nervous, excitable man, and a hard worker. He was a prolific writer, and carried conviction at his pen's point. He has held the office of Prosecuting Attorney several terms, and is now practicing law in Findley.

In January, 1857, Benjamin Franklin Rosenberg purchased the Courier, and conducted it successfully until July 18th, 1861. Mr. Rdfeenberg was born in Bedford, Pa., and at the age of two years came with his parents to this place, where his father, Jacob Rosenberg, established the Courier m l'$)r>Q. In 1847 "Frank" commenced an apprenticeship to the art of printing with H. K. Knapp, in the office of the Kalida Venture, in Putnam County. Mr. Knapp sold the Yenture. and established the Standard at Ashland. "Frank" went with him. From there he went into the office of the Seneca Advertiser, published by John G. Breslin, in Tiffin, 0. In the same office was W. W. Armstrong, now one of the editors of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Finishing his trade he returned to Findley and was engaged with Mr. S. A. Spear, on the Home Companion, in the capacity of foreman. In 1854 when A. M. Hollabaugh started the JS^orth- West at Napoleon, Ohio, "Frank" went with him. Sometime afterwards he established the Sentinel at Ottakee, the pioneer paper of Fulton County. He then went into the office of the Shelby County Democrat, which Mr. Hollabaugh had just purchased. He succeeded Mr. Brown in the ownership and management of the Courier, which he sold to Mr. Hollabaugh in 1857. Mr. Rosenberg died in Findley, October 4th, 1869.

xA.lpheus M. Hollabaugh was born in Frederick County, Md., October 16th, 1832, and came to Findley in 1837, where he received a good common school education. He learned his trade as printer with John G. Breslin. Tiffin, 0. Before his connection with the Courier, he had edited and published the JSTorth- West, at Napoleon, and the Shelby County Democrat at Sidney, Ohio, and in 18()5 was connected with a paper in Galli polls, Ohio, and also at Van Wert. He was a good printer, and possessed some ability as an editor, but wss more windv than logical. He died in Findley of consumption on the 4th day of February, 1871.

tember 1st, 1811, aud when six years old moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, aud settled in the woods, where he remained at farm work. He learned his trade in New Lisbon, and removed to Delaw^are, 0., in 1833. He came to Findley in the spring of 1861. He in connection with his son, W. L. Glessner, published the Courier until January 1st, 1863, when he sold out, and removed to Newark, 0., where he took charge of the Newark Advocate^ w^hich he purchased. In May, 1866, he again took control of the Courier.

W. L. Glessner was born at Delaware, 0., September 27th, 1840, and at the age of eighteen entered the office of the Shield and Banner at Mansfield, Ohio. In 1861, in company with his father, L. Glessner, he entered into the business of editing and publishing the Courier. In 1865, he took entire control of the paper, which he held until May 1866. Shortly after disposing of the Courier, he purchased the Toledo Record, but failing in this, he went to the Wheeling ( Va.) Register, and finally to New York City. In 1868, in company with C. C. Stone, he purchased the Clinton {III.) Register, and is yet publishing that paper.

In May, 1866, Mr. L. Glessner again took charge of the Courier, which he continued until his death, March 13th, 1869, since M'hich time the Courier has been published by his widow, Mrs. Georgiana Glessner, under the editorial control of F. H. Glessner.

Mr. L. Glessner was a strong partisan, a most estimable and genial gentleman, a fine writer, a correct business man, and scrupulously honest in all his dealings.

the paper was enlarged to a thirty-six column, a Campbell Power Press put in the office, to which, in a short time, steam was added. Just previous to his death, Mr. G. had finished a fine block on east Sandusky street, into a part of w^hich he had removed the office, and the paper has now in connection with the newspaper press, ample job rooms, w^here all kinds of plain and fancy job work is done neatly. The present circulation of the Courier is about seventeen hundred copies weekly.

(The foregoing facts are extracts from an article by F. H. Glessner, at their anniversary, ten years ago, with the addition of more recent facts by the Author.)

Western Herald

On the 1st day of January, 1845, John T. Ford issued the first number of this journal, of which he was editor and proprietor. In politics the Herald was devoted to the interests of the Whig party. The office of the Herald was in the second story of the frame building on the south-east corner of Main and Sandusky streets, now occupied by L. A. Baldwin, as a produce store. Under Mr. Ford's management the Herald obtained a circulation of four hundred. This was doing pretty well in a county where the Democracy had a majority of more than a thousand votes in a voting population of not much exceeding three thousand voters. The Herald was a weekly journal, and was a rather spicy sheet.

The paper was under Mr. Ford's control until November, 1845, at which time he sold one half interest to James M. Coffinberry, of Maumee City, under the condition that Mr. Ford should be the publisher, and Mr. Coffinberry should take editorial charge. In the spring of 1846 Mr. Ford dis- posed of his entire interest in the Herald to Mr. Coffinberry. Whilst Mr. Ford was connected with the paper, William F. Gilkeson and Gideon R. Nio^htingale did the composition and press-work, and William L. Howell and Pat G. Duncan, son of Gen. Andrew Duncan, were the first boys employed in the office.

Mr. Ford was long a resident of Hancock County, but never engaged in the newspaper business after he disposed of the Herald. Mr. Ford assisted Engineer Weedeu in locating the Branch Railroad; he also assisted the Contractor Beach in its construction. A track-layer from the main line by the name of French, ironed seven miles of the road, and under the direction of Engineer Swigart, Mr. Ford completed that part of the work, and drove the last spike on its completion. He was five years clerk in the depot at Findley, and eleven years conductor on the road, succeeding N. E. Childs, who was the first who held that position. The travelling public remember Mr. Ford as the patient, good-natured, accommodating conductor on the old " strap iron " road. He is now residing on a farm near Chillicothe, Mo., enjoying the peaceful life of a farmer.

In November, 1845, J. M. Colfinberry became part owner of the Herald, and the name was changed to Findley Herald about a year later. Mr. Coffinberry purchased the interest of Mr. Ford, and conducted the paper for about three years, when he in turn sold to Dr. David Patton. The circulation at this time was about five hundred copies. Judge Coffinberry says that at the time he purchased the paper, and whilst Mr. Ford was connected with it, it was printed on an old wooden Ramage press, but that he subsequently purchased a second hand press of John C. Gilkeson, of Mansfield.

Judge Cotiiuberry was borii at Mansfield, Ohio, iu 1818. He studied law with his father, the old " Count," who at the time was located at Perrysburg, and on his admission to the bar, practiced law with his father in Maumee City. He was and served as Prosecuting Attorney of Lucas County. After he severed his connection with the Herald, Jae resumed the practice of law in Findley.

In 1855 he took up his residence in Cleveland, where he at once took a front rank at the bar, and such was his reputation for legal ability, that in 1861 he was elected one of the Common Pleas Judges of that city, which office he filled with credit to himself, and to the entire satisfaction of his constituency.

As a writer and editor, he was clear, comprehensive, and incisive, as a lawyer, he was learned, eloquent and logical, as a Judge, he was upright, clear and forcible in his rulings and decisions. As a citizen, he is held in the highest esteem, and as a business man, he has been entirely successful.

This paper changed proprietors and name very often, and we are only enabled to give the names, without vouching for the accuracy of the order in which they are given. Dr. Patton was succeeded in his proprietorship by W. P. Reszner ; then came Robert Coulter, who changed the name of the paper to the Journal. A man by the name of Lyon - his initials I do not remember - became owner, and the paper was then called the HoTue Companion, and was a literary newspaper. Mr. Samuel A. Spear became proprietor, and during his ownership the name was changed to the Jeffersonian.

them. D. R. Locke became proprietor, and whilst conducting the paper here, commenced writing the "Nasby Letters," which have made him so famous. The paper passed into the hands of L. G. Thrall, who disposed of it to Locke's - C. N. & 0. T. - and L S. Chamberlain. Chamberlain retired and W. G. Blymire succeeded him. This firm sold out to W. P. Miller & Co. - the Company being E. G. DeWolfe, present Post Master and one of the publishers of the Republican. During the time that the Lockes' published the paper it was called the Hancock Jeffersonian, but Mr. DeWolfe changed it to the Findley Jefersonian. Mr, Miller sold out to 0. J. DeWolfe, and the paper was conducted by DeWolfe Bro.'s, until they in 1877 sold out to A. H. Balsley, the present publisher.

Thk Daily Jeffersonian

On November loth, 1880, the initial number of the ^^ Findley Dally Jeffersonian'" was issued by the proprietor of the Weekly Jeffersonian, without however any fixed idea of making it a permanent publication, but rather as an experiment. The interest with which it was received and the success with which it was met, determined the proprietor to continue it, and it has now completed its first year, with a promise of long continuance.

Its present circulation is six hundred copies, about four hundred of which are circulated in the city, and nearly all of the balance at the various Post Offices in the county. The paper is a spirited little sheet, and gives a large amount of local news, as well as a synopsis of the latest telegraphic dispatches.

that city, acquired a thorough knowledge of the art of printing, and his first practical experience as an editor was in a subordinate position. His first venture for himself was as editor and proprietor of the Grand Rivei^ Record., at Painesville, 0. He then became editor of the St. Clairsville Independent. Afterwards for thirteen years he published the Plymouth Advertiser.

After disposing of this, he in 1868 went to Fremont, 0., and became proprietor of the Fremont Journal. This paper he sold in the fall of 1875, and in May 1876, he purchased and took charge of the Findley Jeffersonian^ to w^hich he added the Daily Jejfersonian. Besides these tW'O papers Mr. Balsley is interested in the publication of the Milan Advertiser, and the Carey Times.

The Findley Republican

The first copy of the Rejnihlican was issued as a seven column folio, February 5th, 1879, by J. M. Beelmon and J E. Griswold, editors and proprietors. On the 18th of July, 1879, Griswold retired from the firm, disposing of his interest to J. M. Beelmon, who enlarged the paper to an eight column folio. On the 1st of January, 1881, a partnership was formed by and between J. M. Beelmon, E. G. DeWolfe, formerly of the t/eJfei'sonio7i, and Jason Blackford, and an improved 32x50 inch Campbell Press, and other material purchased, making it one of the best equipped newspaper and job offices in the county, and the paper was issued as a nine column folio.

of his interest to his partners, who are the present proprietors. The paper is Republican in politics, and is fast winning its way to public lavor, by its fearless independence in local, as well as in State and National politics. As an advertising medium it is already recognized. Its circulation is increasing, and it bids fair to prove a successful newspaper venture.

Eli G. De Wolfe, editor of the Republican, was born in Centerville, Butler Co., Pa. In 1850, he commenced to learn the printing business in the office of the Butler Whig., and completed his trade in the office of the Prospect Record, at Prospect, in the same county. Owing to poor health he was compelled to relinquish the business until 1862, when he became editor of the Pilce County Republican, published at Waverly, Ohio. He, however, sold that office to accept the position of foreman in the Ohio State Journal office at Columbus, 0., in 1866, and in September, 1868, he assumed editorial control of the Findley Jeffersonian.

He disposed of the Jeffersonian office in 1868, and was appointed Post Master at Findley by President Grant, and was re-appointed by President Hayes in 1880. In 1881 he assumed the editorship of the Findley Rejnihlican. As a political writer Mr. DeWolfe is bold and aggressive, freely criticising the acts of officials, and pointing out any defects in their conduct of public afiairs. His articles on all subjects are fairly written, and in ability compare with the best efforts of the average newspaper man.

There were several other newspaper ventures in the town, amongst which was a German paper by Zwanzie, but it only lived about a year, and was then removed to Lima. The Barnd Bros, engaged in the newspaper business, independent at first, but afterwards espoused the cause of the Granger movement. This however failed, and the paper became an advertising medium, under different names, such as Reporter^ Property Journal, etc., and has finally been removed to Fostoria,

Joy House

This hotel occupies the two south first floor rooms, and the entire second and third stories of the building on the south-west corner of Main and Sandusky streets. The building was built by a joint stock company, and when finished, two rooms on first floor, and a part of the second and third stories was opened up by the late S. T. Heffner, as a hotel, called the "Dixon House." Indeed the entire block covering a square, of two hundred feet each way was called the " Dixon House Block."

There were four business rooms on the first floor facing on Main street, which with the two occupied as hotel, made six ground floor rooms. Heffner was succeeded as landlord by Dick Ellis, and he by John Fisher. Stewart Sprague leased the house and conducted it for many years. Finally A. & D. Joy, of the Gault House, at Carey, purchased the two south rooms of H. P. Gage, in whose hands it was, and opened up the " Joy House." They have very materially enlarged its capacity as a hotel, by the addition of quite a number of parlors and sleeping apartments. It is a first class hotel in every sense of the word, and merits and receives a full share of patronage.

Commercial House

This is a three story brick building, fifty feet wide, and twohundred feet long, situated on the south-east corner of Main and Main Cross streets, on the site of the old " Findley Caravansary, by John Reed," and the present building was formerly the " Reed House."

This hotel is in one of the most eligible and convenient locations in the city, being directly opposite the Court House, and in the immediate vicinity of many business houses. With the additions lately made to it, it has become one of the largest and most imposing buildings in the town. After the death of Eli S. Reed, the builder, the property passed into the hands of Samuel Renninger, who, after conducting it for some years, leased it to Henry Guntner and Truman Wood worth, who were succeeded by E. B. Belding^ and he by Jasper Constable. Mr. Renninger then sold the premises to Henry C. Deitsch, the present proprietor.

Mr. Deitsch has made many valuable improvements, themost considerable one being an addition on the east alons: Main Cross street, one hundred feet long, and thirty feet wide. The first floor, facing on Main Cross street, will be occupied as business rooms, and sleeping apartments will be arranged in the second and third stories. When entirely completed, it will be one of the best arranged and convenient hotels in the country. Mr. D. is getting a full share of the traveling public.

Sherman House

This is the building known as the " Schwab House," in ye olden ti7n.es. It is a three story brick, situate at southeast corner of Main and Front streets. It has chanaed hands several times since the death of Mr. Schwab, and is now owned by T. J. Stackhouse, who, after occupying it for several years, leased it to a Mr. Edmunds, the present landlord.

The hotel has always had the reputation of being a good stopping place for the hungry, who desired a good square meal. It is very extensively patronized by the country people, and is a good stopping place for any class of people.

The First National Bank Of Findley

This Bank was organized in the spring of i860, and it capital stock - fifty thousand dollars - was all subscribed for and invested in bonds of the United States. This was prior to the decisive battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg were fought, and at a time when many of the shrewd and careful capitalists of the State were timid, fearing the final results of the war, and hesitated in taking National Bank Stock, knowing that the same would be invested in United States securites.

E. P. Jones, the President, and Chas. E. Niles, the Cashier of the Bank, were original subscribers to the stock, and have held the offices named, ever since its organization. During, and for several years succeeding the war, this bank was the designated depository, and Commercial Agent of the United States, for the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, and as such received and disbursed millions of dollars of government money, without the loss of a cent to the government or the bank.

The bank has ever enjoyed the reputation of strength and solidity, having never in all its career suspended for one moment the payment of its deposits, not even in the panicky times of 1873. It has loaned hundreds of thousands of dollars, to our stock dealers, grain merchants, business men and farmers, and has thus aided materially in the great commercial interests of our town and countv.

The present Directors of the bauk, are E. P. Jones, C. E. Niles, J. H. Wilson, J. F. Burket and G. W. Kimrael, names which should be a sufficient guarantee that the business of the bank will continue to be carefully and safely managed.