Jefferson Township (part 7 of 7)

In 1878, The Aultman & Taylor Company was among the largest producers of threshing machinery in the world, and sold all the goods it built, with the exception of less than $9,000 worth of odd-sized machinery, and during the season was compelled to add to and increase its production several times. Even then, by working early and late with an increased force on extra time, it was unable to fill its orders. The Aultman & Taylor Company is the only large thresher concern in America which can truthfully make the above statement; and it is only proper to say that nearly every other large year building more machines than he has sold. and has been enabled to keep up the reputation of being a large builder. by haying scores of unsold machines at his place of manufacture and in nearly every State in the Union, while dozens stand at railroad stations exposed to the weather. This is overproduction, and intending buyers can draw their own conclusions, as to whether it will pay them to buy machines for which the demand is steadily and surely falling off. But it was not only in 1878 that The Aultman & Taylor Company could not fill its orders for Aultman-Taylor goods - in only one year of its entire history has this Company been able to fully supply the demand for its goods, and though each year straining every effort to turn out goods enough, and though it has, by new buildings and new machinery and increased mechanical force, enlarged its production, yet the supply of Aultman-Taylor goods has ever been below the demand. In other words, while other builders haye failed to sell what they built, this Company has not been able to build and in a. language which all can understand ; and while the Company have, by the erection of new works, and by every other means in their power, arranged to build heavier than ever before for the season of 1880, they must warn all parties intending to buy either threshers, horsepowers, clover-hullers or engines, that the only way to make sure of getting the best is to order early, for while the stock of Aultman-Taylor threshing machinery may last until the season's demand is over, yet it is quite likely that they will be unable to fill late orders.

Although, in 1868, they started out with large works and occupying over seven acres of land, the increasing volume of the business of The Aultman & Taylor Company has compelled extension after extension, here a little. there a little, until they now occupy, with their shops, warehouses, offices, lumber-yards, ete., between thirty and forty acres of land; and while they employed, in 1868, only $150,000, they have been compelled to put in fresh capital and add to and increase their means from time to time, in order to accommodate the demand for their goods, until, in 1878, they employed over $1,400,000; and as a little index of what such a business as theirs is, they would say that from using less than $200 worth of postage stamps in 1868, their expenses for postage alone, in 1880, will be over $5,000.

The warehouse was built in 1869, and is probably the largest frame building having three or more floors in America. Itis 252 feet long, 90 feet broad and 4 stories high, and contains 90,720 square feet of storage capacity - but this enormous warehouse is insufficient to accommodate their business, and it bursts out into sheds and other improvised storage, in every direction. Travelers will probably remember this huge warehouse, with its "starved rooster" painted on each end, but will hardly be prepared to suppose that a line drawn from the head of said rooster to his farthest extremity would not be far from one hundred feet in length. It will repay a visit to Mansfield to look through this warehouse and see its giant elevator, which hoists a threshing machine from the ground to the top floor as easily as a man would lift a baby.

From what insurance men, other manufacturers, and reporters for the great city papers write, the Company must have an unusual lumber-yard, as its size and what every one calls their stupendous stock of lumber, seems to excite wonder among all who visit it. Undoubtedly they do carry an unusually large stock of lumber, and it has always been known that their qualities are very much better and more costly than most manufacturers think it worth while to work up into threshing machines; but the Company believe they have made money by their course in this respect, as to-day their reputation as the builders of the most durable threshing machines on the continent is largely due to their using such grades of lumber as are usually only found in furniture and other fine work. By carrying the enormous stock they secure the driest lumber which open-air drying can furnish, and, besides this, they have their own patented steam-drying apparatus, by which they can take out even the little dampness which attaches to all lumber dried exclusively in the open air. The coming season, a large proportion of the ash and pine they use in the most important parts of their goods will be over four and a part of it over five years old, and therefore about as dry as a bone. They are now increasing their stock of lumber constantly and very largely, and, before many months are past will have a supply of lumber, such as has never before been dreamed of by thresher builders. They are often asked, " Does it pay? Do not interest, insurance and taxes make it very costly lumber by the time you use it?" They answer that it does pay, and they believe other manufacturers besides themselves would find it pays. It pays in increased reputation for their goods, in an enlarged demand, and only this last summer they have found a new profit in it. As is well known, the climate in some parts of the Far West Territories is so very dry and trying, that lumber in machinery which will stand the climate east of the Rocky Mountains sold a number of machines there last year, and the unusual way in which the lumber in their goods withstood exposure there seems to have excited almost as much wonder as satisfaction. They repeat, "It does pay." It always pays to have the best thing in the market. They would say to all, they are always in market for choice lumber, and when any particularly nice ash, hickory, poplar, rock-elm, oak, or pine is for sale, write them, giving lowest cash price, delivered free on board cars at Mansfield. But it must be strictly first-class in every way, free of knots, heart, sap and checks, or if not free, will have to be measured free, as they cannot pay for or use any lumber not strictly up to standard.

be needed. They were immediately erected. Until some one builds better ones, which, in such an enterprising land as America, will not, perhaps, be many years, The Aultman-Taylor Engine Shops will be not only the most complete, but really the model engine-shops of the country. very process connected with turning an engine out, from the bending of the boiler-plates to the painting of the finished engine, is here done under one roof, and by a system of division of labor, aided by the newest and latest machinery, and the whole facilitated by small railroad tracks and cars, all carried on under one roof. Visitors engaged in various lines of manufacture go away saying they never saw so complete a shop, even on paper, before. It will be surprising if, with these new shops | and their wonderful machinery and many con- | veniences, the Company will not be able to in- | crease their present reputation as the builders of the leading farm engines inthe American market. |

Those who have visited Mansfield have often spoken about the Company's -old oftice - of its | inconvenience, crowded condition - and won- | dered how they ever carried on so large a busi- | ness in such cramped and hampered-up quarters; and, indeed, they have often wondered at | it themselves, and now, when they have left it for new quarters, their wonder is increased.

on the hill opposite their old office, across Main street and main track and switches of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. This house will be remembered by many old Ohio people as the McCombs place, having been built many years ago by Mr. McCombs, a brother-in-law of Secretary Sherman. Others who were at Mansfield during and since the war, will remember it as the Hickox place, having been the property of } Mr. Hickox during the years that he was President of the First National Bank of Mansfield. This old place, built substantially in the oldstyle ante-war days, of brick and stone, they have changed and fitted up in a suitable manner for the general offices of the Aultman & Taylor Company, and they will be glad to show their visiting friends through them. They are now able to have their different departments separated from each other, in roomy offices conveniently adjoining each other; while they have built such fire-proof vaults and provided such safes as give them a security against fire and theft 'such as they, of course, never had before.

They. are, from their size and arrangement (being divided into four distinct departments, upon two separate floors), an object of interest. Their size is also something worth recording, as in this respect they are not, it is believed, equaled by those of the Bank of Montreal, or those of the National Bank of Commerce. in New York.

Commencing, as the Company did in 1868, on so modest a scale of manufacture, and possessing no remarkable or unusual business ability in these particulars, only aiming to hold their own among the general average of business men, their business has, nevertheless, grown to its present enormous proportions by a steady in¢rease from season to season, and from a small concern in 1868, using but a moderate quantity of materials, their cash purchases now each year probably exceed those of any other threshing-machine factory in the land.

To give an idea of how many goods The | Aultman & Taylor Company buy, and the | amount of material they use a year in building "Aultman-Taylor" Threshing Machines, a mention of the quantities of a few leading articles | which they buy for one year, in addition to the | more or less large amounts of each of the same | kind of goods which they haye on hand asa | surplus stock of material, will not be out of | place. It is here appended in the form of a table :

The Aultman-Taylor Threshers are well supplied with the various attachments, for thresh- | ing clover, timothy and flaxseed, cleaning it | thoroughly, and saving all expenses in the line | of extra mills, making the grain ready for the | buyer as soon as it leaves the machine.

A very valuable adjunct to their thresher is | the self-propelling engine, which they have | lately perfected. It is known as The Aultman- | Taylor Traction Engine, and was first made after | they had been making and using regular farm- | engines.

The traction engine is distinguished by the | same excellence of material and finish, and hy | the same nice attention to details, which has given their standard farm engine such a reputation and distinction, as the safest, best, most | economical in the use of fuel and water, as well as the most durable ; but the feature which will. of course, attract the most attention, is the | traction or propelling arrangement. This seems to be perfect, as far as experts can tell, and at any rate is so much in advance of other engines

These engines prove very taking when examined by all, as they are very attractive in appearance, and the locomotive or traction principle cannot help but please.

saves the buyer at least $200, and generally fully $300, which results in making the traction engine actually cheaper by from $50 to $150 than the standard.

the four horses dispensed with, the saving of the care of them, and that the thresherman has four sets of harness less to buy, it really makes the traction engine far cheaper than the standard, the real difference in price being not much, if any, less than $300 in favor of the traction engine.

Aurora, Ind.; Edward Smith, of La Gro, Ind.; Oscar Adams, of Parkman, Ohio; Daniel Harmon, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; C. F. Adams, of Parkman, Ohio, and R. R. Blair, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Those familiar with the traction engine trade will recognize these gentlemen as being the best authority upon traction engines in this country ; at any rate, seven men knowing as much about traction engines could hardly be got together in America.

Before this committee the Company gave an 'engine a severe test in every way, and then asked them to record their opinion. As this is | the opinion of men peculiarly fitted to judge of the merits of traction engines, it is likely to have more weight with the buying public than anything which could be written, and it is | therefore presented herewith in full:

The undersigned have each had a very wide and at thesame time intimate acquaintance with traction or selfpropelling engines in market; have each of us sold them and operated them and are practically familiar with them and can,without claiming any unreasonable amount of shrewdness, say we are competent to give an intelligent opinion on the subject, and think it will be safe for all parties who intend buying traction or self-propelling engines, or who intend to sell traction engines to others, to accept our judgment in the matter. While we wish cordially to admit the merits of other traction engines, and while we do not criticise any other make, nevertheless it is our unanimous opinion the Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine is to-day the most perfect and desirable in the American market. In every point and feature.

the Aultman-Taylor is at least abreast of the best, | while in general workmanship, neatness in detail and perfection in finish, we have never seen its equal, and | in some very important points it is absolutely without a rival: 1. The two propelling-wheels are mechanically the most perfect we have ever seen, and their height is such as to recommend them over any in market, and their location for sustaining the weight of the engine and securing freedom of motion in bad roads has never, to | our knowledge, been equaled.

2. The lugs rolled into the tire of these wheels by a process secured to The Aultman & Taylor Company by letters patent, is far in advance of the pins usually used, and will be found a great daily convenience in moving | from place to place, especially over bridges, where the objection to pins is so apparent.

3. In The Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine the pro- | pelling power is communicated directly from the main shaft to the rear axle, thus entirely doing away with the supplemental shaft and complicated gearing of the same, in use on all the traction engines we are acquainted with. How great this advantage is will at once be understood by all who know anything practi_ cally about traction engines ; to others we would say, in this respect The Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine has several distinct advantages: (a) in simplicity; (b) economy in power; (c) economy in fuel; (d) increased durability; (e) decreased weight; (/) ease of management; (g) decreased liability to delays from breakage. We should think these advantages would add at least $100 to the value of The Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine.

4. The Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine has what all others lack, and what every traction engine should have, and that is a simple, easily managed arrangement for reversing the motion and propelling the engine backward as well as forward. In bad roads, and especially when the roads are full of mud-holes, this really is aprime necessity, and itis a feature we cannot praise too highly, as many men will now feel free to buy traction engines who have always refused to buy them because they feared in heavy roads they might get ''stuck in the mud," and, being unable to get any purchase by backing, would be greatly annoyed and delayed.

The points named by us, taken in connection with the general excellence of The Aultman-Taylor Traction Engine, are so important as to lead us to say that, unquestionably, in our opinion, this engine is worth to any purchaser more than any traction engine in the market; and as it meets and overcomes all the objections ever made to traction engines, it must find a very general and, we cannot help but feel, an enormous demand.

The Aultman -Taylor Self-Propelling Engine

Other views of various attachments are also: annexed, showing the modes of saving labor in the nineteenth century - a contrast with pioneer days, vivid indeed, and one that cannot fail to teach a lesson regarding the path of progress in little more than half a century.

The best evidence of any machine's usefulness is a practical test. In order to show the solid construction of The Aultman & Taylor Thresher the annexed letter fully explains itself. It is from Mr. N. R. Darling, of Fredricktown, Knox Co., Ohio, and is dated June 20, 1876.

The Aultman & Taylor Company, Mansfield, Ohio : GENTLEMEN - In answer to your wish to know how I like my machine, and what I think of its durability, I am happy to say, I bought the first Aultman & Taylor Thresher ever built; I bought it in 1868, and this will be the ninth season; I have run it each season, doing avery large business in wheat, oats, barley, flax and timothy, and while worn a good deal, I believe it will last a number of years yet. I can't answer you how long it. will last, but I believe it will be running when all the endless-apron or Pitts' Threshers sold this year will have broken down, worn out and played out. Not a single endless-apron machine sold in my section the year I got my Aultman & Taylor, or the year after (1869), is now of any account, all of them being worn out altogether, or so much racked that they can't do any fair amount of work. Your machine saves the farmers' grain so well, and cleans it so nice, that I have every season had from one-third to one-half more, and sometimes double the work, for my old machine that any endless-apron thresher could get. So, you see, an Aultman & Taylor Thresher, if you count the number of bushels threshed, will outlast three or four endless-apron or Pitts' Threshers. Jam well acquainted with the R nS ae , and C - -

I don't think that any of the machines just named, or any other endless-apron machine, will be sold here this season, for all our best farmers say they waste such a terrible amount of grain that they will not have any of them do a bushel's threshing, if they can help it; and I don't think anybody down this way is fool enough now to buy one, for so many of the farmers get mad now when 4 man says endless-apron thresher to them, that they get only a small amount of work, and that the poorest pay, generally; and, besides this, the repairs for their machines is an awful big item. When I first got my machine from you, the farmers wouldn't believe chow much I could save them; but now, if I want to make any of them swear, I can do it by saying I intend threshing with an endless-apron machine next year. If you want any more information about my thresher, let me know. Considering the time I have run my machine, and the amount of grain I have threshed, I don't think it has cost me more than one-half as much for repairs as other kinds, perhaps not over one-third as much.

Three years later, Mr. Darling reiterates his sentiments. He also states he has purchased an Allona's Clover-hulling Attachment, an engine, and other improvements, with all of which he is equally well pleased, and all of which, he says, "add hundreds of value to the thresher, and to the profits yearly made by its work."

The Mansfield Machine Works is one of the oldest manufacturing establishments in the city, having been established about 1840 by | Hall & Allen, afterward Hall & Simmons. These gentlemen conducted the business about twenty-five years in the old building on North Main street, manufacturing engines, mill machinery, etc.; in later years, their principal

Buckeye Reaper and Mower. The quality of their goods gave the works a good reputation, which has not only been maintained but largely added to. The old Buckeye was, in its day, considered one of the best, if not the best, machine of its kind in the country. It had an extensive reputation and sale, the Mansfield Machine Works turning out, at one time, about 1,000 or more annually. More improved and probably better machinery has since taken its place.

In the latter part of July, 1865, Messrs. H. Colby, A. L. Grimes, E. H. Rees, M. Day, Jr., and _E. Sturges, Sr., organized a stock company, with a cash capital of $50,000, purchased the works, at that time owned by Hall & Simmons, and gave them the name of "Mansfield Machine Works," and engaged in the manufacture of foundry castings, steam engines, circular and muley saw-mills, plows, turbine waterwheels, etc.; also continued the manufacture of reapers and mowers. KE. H. Reece was Superintendent. This company did an extensive business, and purchased the Blymyer, Day & Co. Works, on East Diamond street.

Ata meeting of the stockholders, January 5, 1874, A. B. Bevérstock, Z. 8. Stocking, D. Struble, E. P. Sturges, A. L. Grimes, N. Abbott and J. H. Cook were elected Directors. Z. S. Stocking was made President, and A. L. Grimes Secretary. Soon afterward, Mr. Abbott was chosen Superintendent, and under his efficient and energetic management the works were pushed to their utmost capacity, and soon necessitated removing from the old works on Main street to the more commodious building which they now occupy on East Diamond. This change occurred in 1877. These works had been erected by Blymyer, Day & Co., and were for some years used for the manufacture of Cook's Evaporator and other machinery. The building is imposing in appearance, and the works and grounds quite extensive. They are nearer to the railroad, and therefore more convenient for shipping purposes than the other works.

At their last election, the old Directors were re-elected, with the exception of Mr. Stocking, and the former officers re-elected, with the exception that Willis M. Sturges was made Treasurer, and A. A. Peck Secretary.

From reports submitted, it is apparent that the business, especially during the last two years, has been highly prosperous and remu- The company has had an extensive experience in the manufacture of portable engines, which is their specialty ; also stationary engines and mill machinery ; and, even were there no other testimony to that effect, the fact

The orders for their machinery accumulated so rapidly during the latter part of 1879, that they have been unable, even with their great facilities and large force of workmen, to fill them as promptly as they could wish. There is little doubt that their engines are unsurpassed ii the country for durability, | strength, efficiency and style of workmanship.

erected the present substantial brick, which is 56x100 feet. | was put in by the Mansfield Machine Works, and the works are capable of turning out 700 barrels of crackers every twenty-four hours. Their goods are not excelled in quality by any in the State. It is largely due to this fact that the firm have been enabled to build up a trade of $150,000 per annum, and become permanent in the city.

The Western Suspender Company was established in 1871, by B. O. Foster and J. R. Pol- | lock. Ina short time, Mr. Pollock purchased | the interest of Foster, and, in January, 1873, took in J. P. Rummelas partner. This firm conducted the business successfully until August 5, 1879, when Mr. Rummel purchased the entire establishment, and is now conducting it on Fourth street. Twenty-eight hands are employed, beside three regular traveling salesmen, and the business has been extended into the adjoining States.

The Buckeye Suspender Company was established in 1873, by J. Detwiler & Sons, under whose management it still continues. This firm employs twenty hands, beside three traveling salesmen, and have extended their business into several States. It is located on Main street.

permanent institution. He employs twentyfive or thirty men, and does a large local and shipping business. Peter Ott is also conducting a similar business.

The Mansfield Woolen Mill is located at the the foot of Mulberry street. The original building was erected many years ago for a tannery. In 1870, a Mr. Gladhill purchased the building, enlarged it and converted it into a woolen-mill. It has since been greatly enlarged and is now 130x40 feet, and four stories in height. In 1873, it was sold to an incorporated company, of which J. H. Reed was President, and James J. Hedges, Superintendent and Treasurer. New and improved machinery was added, but it failed to pay during the hard times following the panic of 1873, and its doors were closed for several years. In 1876, John Wood, who had previously a large interest in the mill, purchased the entire concern, and, in 1879, in company with Mr. John Gilliland, again started the spindles. Since that, the mill has been in successful operation. Twenty to thirty hands are employed ; the engine is fifty-horse power, and machinery firstclass. They manufacture cashmeres, flannels and yarn. The management is careful, and there is every prospect of permanent success.

The Mansfield Lumber and Building Company was for many years located on Main street, near the City Mill. In -1872, they erected a fine brick building on two acres of ground, on Elm street, near the gas-works. The building is 50x90 feet, and three stories in height. The engine is a " Corliss," sixty-fivehorse power. William Sherman was connected with this institution for many years before his death. John Wood is now President and §. N. Ford, Secretary. It does a large business in the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds, and - is a reliable and permanent concern.

The Mansfield Paper Company was organized in 1873. The incorporators were H. Colby, J. H. Reed, E. Hade, H. L. Reed and J. Hade; capital, $60,000. They took possession of the old paper-mill, east of town, near the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, which had been purchased by Mr. Hade, in 1871, for $20,000. It did not, however, survive the panic of 1873, and since that time has been in possession of Mr. Hade. Attempts have occasionally beén made to revive the business, and it is now running with fair prospects of success.

In addition to the manufacturing business mentioned in the preceding pages, many smaller establishments are in operation, working from half a dozen to a hundred hands each; probably the latter figure is reached or exceeded in the cigar business.

There are several old and substantial furniture manufacturing establishments, a broom factory or two, and, in John's Addition, a churn factory, C. Blust & Co.'s, that has been Benskin & Zellner and E. M. Wolff & Co. are engaged in the manufacture of gravestones, the latter establishment employing steam power and twenty-two workmen. An old citizen, John Rickets, still continues the manufacture of shooting implements on Main street, and there are half a dozen harness-makers, employing several hands each.

On Walnut street is located the carriage manufacturing establishment of Messrs. Patterson & Creigh. They employ more than twenty-four men, and turn out between 300 and 400 carriages per annum. Their trade is mostly local, their work substantial and beautiful in style and finish, and their reputation for quality of work excellent.

Mr. G. W. Forney, of Cincinnati, established a carriage manufactory in the old buildings on Main street, during the winter of 1879-80. The works proved a profitable investment, but owing to the lack of capital on the part of the proprietor, were obliged to suspend early in April, 1880. Mr. Sharp Bird was appointed assignee, who controlled the works until about the 1st of May, when they were sold to Mr. J. C. Kintner, who now owns and operates them.

BOUT 1829, the village of Mansfield had made such headway that a fire department was thought of. There was no way of raising funds for such a purpose at that time, but by subscription, and accordingly Dr. William Bushnell carried around a paper, and obtained a subscription of $150, with which a small handengine was purchased. It was a queer machine, the water being forced through a hose by turning two cranks, one on each side of the engine. This was the first fire engine, and Dr. Bushnell, Dr. Miller, Jacob Lindley: (at that time Mayor), Hugh McFall, James Smart, Nathaniel Bryan, | Henry Huffman, a Mr. Canfield and some others, constituted the first firecompany. Jacob Lindley was foreman. On the occasion of a fire, they would range themselves in a row extending from the engine to some convenient well or cistern, or to the big spring, and pass buckets of water along the line to keep the engine supplied. Dr. Bushnell says it was a very good engine, and was in use about fifteen years or more, before the village felt able to invest in a better one. It was kept in Lindley's cabinet-shop on the site of the present Baptist Church. In 1846, a new engine was thought of - one with more power and effectiveness. The subject was presented in the Council on the 10th of April, 1846, | and §. J. Kirkwood appointed by that body to obtain information with a view of purchasing.

Chapter Li

Fire DEPARTMENT AND Water Works - Tue Mayors or rue Ciry - First Counciz - First Rarroap - Popr- ULATION AND Business in 1857 - Gas Works - RAtILRoAps - MARKET Hovse - MAnsFIELD MAabE A CITY - Erecrion or Buiwpinas - Tue ' FrusH Times'' FoLbowine tHE WAR - TuHE WHOLESALE TRADE - THE Business OF THE MANUFACTURING EsTABLISHMENTS - INCOMES - BUSINESS OF THE CITY ACCORDING TO THE Directory ror 1869 - Lisrary AssociaTion - Youna Men's CurisTIAN AssocriaTION - THE CSMETERY AssocrATION - Buitpineg AND LoAN AssociaTION - THE CoLDWATER RAILROAD - THE ''CoLLaPsE"' or '73 - ProsPeRity IN 1879 - GenerRAL Review oF Bustngss.

In July of the same year, as a result of this inquiry, Isaac J. Allen. was directed to contract with Messrs. Borden & Craw, of Newark, N. J., for a fire engine, to cost not over $600. This was done. At the same time the Council took the precaution of stipulating that the engine should be forwarded to Mansfield, free of expense to the town, where it would first receive a fair trial,-and, if found satisfactory, it was to be purchased at a stipulated price ; otherwise, to be returned to the makers. It was not until May, 1847, that this engine made its appearance. It was duly weighed in the balance, found wanting, and the Mayor directed Mr. Allen to return it to the manufacturers. It was accordingly returned in June. Meanwhile, in the fall of 1846, while the new engine was in process of construction, it was thought best to devise some means for a water supply, and, for this purpose, it was decided to make a number of cisterns, which should hold from three to five hundred barrels, to be built in different parts of the village, most convenient in case of fire. For the construction of these cisterns, the Council advertised for bids, and Jacob Scholl, being the lowest bidder, receivéd the contract. Three cisterns were to be built, to be walled with stone, to hold five hundred barrels each, and to cost $92 each. These cisterns seem to have been sufficient for the fire department until 1853, when the Council advertised for bids for the building of eight more. The contract was awarded to'H. D. Sheffler, at $52 each. These cisterns were not completed until 1854, and the village was compelled to borrow money to pay for them, and to meet the increased wants of the department. The number of these cisterns increased, from time to time, as the growth of the city demanded until (at the time of the erection of the water works) there were seventeen of them in different parts of the city. They were kept full of water by various means, sometimes by conductors from the adjoining houses, but generally by laying hose and pumping the water from the creek, or the spring on Fourth street. This was very laborious work for the fire department until the arrival of the steam engine. Since the construction of the water works, these cisterns are being neglected ; they are no longer of any particular benefit to the city, and will never be again used unless some accident should happen to the works during a conflagration.

In 1847, the Recorder was authorized to correspond with parties in Mount Vernon, who, it seems, had procured an engine that did satisfactory work, and were directed to L. Button & Co., of Waterford, N. Y. This, however, came to naught, and late in the fall a correspondence was opened with a manufacturer of engines and hose in Cincinnati. It was not until February, 1848, however, that the Council authorized P. P. Hull to purchase an engine and six hundred feet of hose. Thus the town was nearly two years negotiating for its first acceptable hand-engine of importance. This engine, which seems to have been a good one, cost $1,000; hose and coupling, $441; transportation, $69.58; total, $1,510.58. These were purchased of D. L. Farman & Co., Cincinnati. At the same time, the Council authorized the following persons, and such others as they chose to associate with them, to organize a fire [ies Sal viz.: Levi Zimmerman, A. L. Grimes,

R. C. Smith, 8. J. Kirkwood, H. L. Baker, Peter Arbaugh, Samuel Au, Michael Linder, Thomas C. McEwen, John Rickets, Adam Heldman, Abraham Emminger, P. P. Hull, Alexander Mcllvain, David Bushey and James A. Cook. They were to have the use of this new engine "Ohio," hose, ete. The same date, a committee was appointed to procure a hose cart, and a proper place to keep the engine, and P. P. Hull was appointed the First Engineer by the Council. A shelter for the engine, etc., was rented of ©. L. Avery.

After getting the engine, the Council recognized the importance of having a place to put it; they therefore negotiated with Gen. James Hedges for the purchase of Lot No. 184, being the one which the English Lutheran Church now occupies. This lot cost $600, which was to be paid for in yearly installments of $100. This was in December, 1849, and in the same month a plan was reported for the new enginehouse. It was to cost $1,500, and the contract was taken by B. McCaren and Henry D. Sheffler in March, 1850. In the following January it was so far finished that the keys were delivered to the Council. The lower part of this building was used for the engine-room, and the upper part for a council-room and a town hall.

In July, 1852, a second fire company was organized. It was called " Torrent No. 2." Its engine was purchased by subscription, the Council authorizing the same, and agreeing to refund to each subscriber, the amount of his subscription; taking it gradually from his amount of tax for corporation purposes. following names comprise the charter members of the company: George F. Carpenter, Eckles McCoy, Barnabas Burns, M. L. Miller, Ephraim McFall, T. B. Dodd, J. H. Cook, H. R. Smith, G. McFall, John H. Wiler, I. C. Fair, J. Christofel, James Dickson, John Y. Glessner, John C. Ritter, D.C. Connell, James Hoy and Stephen B. Sturges. The engine was purchased at Seneca Falls, N. Y.

Subsequently, other companies were organized, from time to time, much machinery and apparatus purchased, and the fire department became an institution of much interest and importance. In 1854, an Assistant Kngineer was appointed by the Council for each organization ; the old engine and apparatus of No. 1 was turned over to the Young America Fire Company, No. 3, and Mr. Mcllvain went to Boston and purchased a new engine for No, 1. It was called the " Deluge" and cost about $1,500.

Isaac Gass was appointed Chief Hngineer ; E. McCoy, First Assistant ; M. Day, Jr., Second Assistant; William Mcllvain, Third Assistant, and David Bruck, Fourth Assistant. Mr. Gass continued to be Chief Engineer, two years, when J. H. Cook was appointed, with H. C. Hedges as First Assistant, and Samuel Carothers, Second. The third and fourth seems to have been dispensed with.

In 1857, John A. Lee was Chief, and David McCulloch and P. Bigelow, First and Second Assistants, Mr. Lee continued as Chief Engineer several years. He was followed by B. S. Runyon, EK. McCoy, Henry Lemon, James Emminger, Robert McCrory and George Knofflock. In 1867, a steam engine was purchased for the department, at a cost to the city of $5,500. It was a valuable addition, and greatly reduced the labor of the fireman. It is still in possession of the city, together with two handengines, all of which are kept ready for instant use, in case the water-works should fail, during a fire.

The subject of building water-works for the city was first discussed in the City Council, in 1848. The first official action in the matter was taken by the Council June 5 of that year, when a committee was appointed to examine the springs northeast of the city and report as to the advisability of bringing in the water.

Again in July, 1848, a Mr. Bartle petitioned for certain privileges, for the purpose of furnishing the city with water from these springs. The matter was referred to a committee to report at an adjourned meeting. Mr. A. L. Grimes made a favorable report, and the matter was again referred to a committee to make a contract. For some reason, however, the project failed. In December of the same year, a Mr. Maize petitioned for aid to erect water-works. The matter was favorably considered by the Council, but with no practical results. For twenty years, there was only an occasional spasmodic effort in the direction of water-works, but in 1870, it began to be talked up in earnest, and the first decisive action was had at the April election of 1871, when the people decided by a large majority, that a long-felt want should be supplied. The matter having been decided, the Council in May, 1871, ordered an election for Water Works Trustees, which resulted in the selection of Messrs. H. R. Smith, A. C. Cummings and §. B. Sturges. These gentlemen were given great discretionary powers, and executed the trusts confided to them with fidelity and ability. They first visited various places to study the workings of different systems of water-works, and came " to the unanimous conclusion that the Holly system of pumping direct through the mains, was the best and cheapest." Whatever the merits of other systems, the Holly was considered best for Mansfield on account of the high elevation of the city above the water to be used - some 220 feet, at the highest point. The works consist simply of apparatus of sufficient strength, and sufficient steam power, to force the necessary quantity of water through iron pipes to this height, and as much higher as might be necessary in case of fire. Ground was first broken May 15, 1871, and the work carried rapidly forward ; the city advancing $500 to meet immediate expenses, the City Council voting the issue of bonds to the amount of $175,000. HE. McCoy was employed by the trustees, as foreman in the preliminary work. The water was taken out of

Rocky Fork, 450 feet above the works. As this creek is formed entirely of spring-water - the spring at Spring Mill contributing largely: it was thought sufficient for all purposes of the water-works. The first issue of bonds ($100,- 000) was dated October 1, 1871, and the contract for the building, October 6 ; the contract for laying the pipes to the works having been made the previous August. Six acres of ground were purchased, where the works were erected, the Holly Manufacturing Company, of Lockport, N. Y., at a cost of $32,000. The entire cost of construction and material amounted to $154,420.70.

The work was pushed with such energy that, on the 20th of August, 1872, they were ready for operation, the machinery put in motion, and since that time have been working with entire satisfaction. After a few years' experience, much complaint being made regarding the quality of the water, which, although answering every requisite of the Fire Department, was not good enough for domestic purposes, it was determined, in 1879, to take the water from two very fine springs, within easy réach of the works. Accordingly, the Johns' Spring, half a mile up the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad track, and the Laird Spring, a half-mile beyond, were purchased at a cost of $5,250. The right of way having been secured, pipes were laid from these springs directly to the works. A reservoir was formed around the Johns Spring,with a capacity of about 1,000,000 gallons, the Laird Spring emptying its waters into this reservoir, and the Johns Spring welling up at its bottom. The pump draws the water directly from the reservoir, and, on the Ist of November, 1879, the city was supplied with pure spring water. The additional cost to the city, including the purchase of the springs, the right of way, laying of pipes, etc., was about $17,000. More than fifteen miles of pipe have been laid through the city. All the material used in construction was thoroughly tested before being placed in position, all the pipes being required to withstand a pressure of 300 pounds to the square inch, a pressure about three times more than they will ordinarily be called upon to bear in actual service. It is thought these springs will furnish water for a city of 20,000 people. The engine is of sufficient power to furnish 2,000,000 gallons in twenty-four hours, and to throw water over the highest building in the most elevated and distant part of the city. The construction of these works was commenced when times were good and money plenty ; since that, the city has passed through a panic, and the debt has been felt to be somewhat burdensome. The yearly cost to the city, including interest on the bonds and running expenses, is about $13,000, but this will continually decrease as the bonds are paid off and the sale of water increases, and it is felt that, even with this expense, a large saving is yearly made in the decreased rates of insurance and the security of property from the ravages of fire. Since the construction of the works, no fire of consequence has occurred.

Mansfield toiled along through the woods, the war of 1812, the mud and slush, the stumps and logs of a backwoods hamlet, the ups and downs incident to every new settlement, for twenty years before any notice was taken of it by the outside world, and then the Legislature came to the rescue and made it atown. It was made an incorporated village, by an act of the General Assembly, in February, 1828. It had passed through a long period of incubation, but was finally "borned," and started on its career of future usefulness, greatness and glory under the guidance of its first Mayor, a Mr. Jacob Lindley. Unfortunately, the early town records have become misplaced or lost,

The Mansfield Herald says, of the city ten years later (1857): "The population is nearly 6;000 ; the annual exports exceed $1,000,000. There are twenty merchants in the city; three hardware establishment selling an aggregate six manufactories ; twenty-seven lawyers ;

| churches, and gas works about completed." The Herald is mistaken about the 6,000, but there was something over 5,000, for this year / an enumeration was taken, and Mansfield made

1855, H. P. Platt, of Cleveland, asked, for | himself and associates, the right of way, for | twenty years, to lay gas pipes. cil granted the right, upon certain speci-

) company, laid main pipes, put up lamp posts, Dr. Bushnell and Charles T. Sherman were | | members of the first Council. and almost the | | About 1849, the town received another "boost" | resolution, introduced by Dr. Bushnell, that the | toward her present greatness, by the arrival of cars on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway. These railways receive full attention in another chapter. In 1856, ground was broken for the Atlantic & Great Western Railway. Mansfield subscribed $100,000. Ground was first broken by John Wiler, followed by Jabez Cook and Robert Carter. Judge Bartley delivered the address. This road was fianlly

In 1853, the town had attained to the dignity of a street commissioner, and Alexander Mc- Ilvain was the first to hold that office, and was appointed by the Council.

. In 1855, the Council began talking about a public hall and market-house, and a committee was appointed to select a site. This committee was finally ordered to purchase part of the Bowland Block, that part on the corner of West Market and Walnut streets, at a price not to exceed $1,500. They borrowed $1,000 of Hugh McFall to make the first payment. Jacob Brinkerhoff was a member of the Council at that time, and resigned his position, alleging as a reason that the duties of councilmen were incompatible with those of Supreme Judge of Ohio, which office he then held.. He was paid

Roeliff Brinkerhoff was appointed in his place. The corner-stone of the market-house was laid with much ceremony June 24, 1858. In the stone were deposited a gold keystone (a Masonic emblem), a programme of the proceedings, a copy of each of the city papers of latest date, containing a brief history of the city, together with several other articles, such as current coins, etc. All were put in a glass jar, which was placed in a cavity made for the purpose ina solid stone, in the northeast corner of the building, immediately beneath thecorner-stone. This building went rapidly forward to completion. October 3, 1856, Alexander Mcllvain was directed by the Council to take an enumeration of the inhabitants of the village, and, January 5, 1857, Mr. Mcllvain stated, over his signature, that the number was 5,121; thereupon a resolution was passed asking the Governor of the State to declare Mansfield a city. Accordingly, February 4, 1857, Gov. Salmon P. Chase issued a proclamation to that effect, and the city of Mansfield sprang into existence. The into four wards, the line east and west following the center of Third street, and the line north dnd south following the center of Main street. The first election in the new city was held April 6, 1857, and resulted in the choice of Stephen B. Sturges for Mayor; Hubbard Colby and R. C. Smith, Councilmen from First Ward ; J. L. Simmons and J. H. Cook from the Second Ward; William MclIlvain and B. Burns from the Fourth Ward, and F. H. Wise and W. L. Higgins from the Third Ward. Hubbard Colby was elected President of the Council, and Henry P. Davis, Clerk. The office of City Solicitor came into existence with the city, and L. B. Matson (deceased) was the first to hold that office.

The three railroads centering in Mansfield from different points of the compass, stimulated business and building, and caused the city to take a.long step forward. Miller's Hall was erected in 1858 ; the brick block on the corner of West Market and the square, where Black's store is, in 1863, and the same year, H. H. Sturges erected the brick building on the corner where the first cabin was located. Opera House Block was erected by H. R. Smith in1869. Many other buildings of more or less importance were erected during these years of prosperity. The war came in 61 with its all absorbing issues, which, however, only checked for a year or two the growth and development of the city ; and with the flush times immediately succeeding the war, Mansfield sprang forward with renewed energy and life. No period in her history can |' compare in interest (and the same may, perhaps, be said of almost every other city in the country), to that embraced between the years 1865 and 1873. Mansfield went wild with success, and ran up that ladder, so to speak, to such a height that she, in common with the rest of the country. grew dizzy and fell. The history of the "flush times" immediately preceding the panic of "73 need not be written here; it is written on the memory of most people; everybody understands it, and its causes and effects; and, if they do not forgetit, will profitby it. It affected Mansfield in common with the rest of the world; in common with the rest of the world, she has passed that period, experienced her "ups and downs,' and remembers that the "ups" were very high, and the "downs" very low. Business was wonderfully stimulated; wholesale houses, factories and machine-shops sprang into existence; more retail houses started than could live; many of her citizens waded into the stream of debt over their heads ; built fine houses; found the current were doing a wholesale and retail business together, but none had the nerve to branch out into wholesaling exclusively. A Mr. Davis had for some years been wholesaling groceries in a small way, and Mr. HE. Clapp (now living on Fourth street, having retired from active business) kept quite a large retail grocery and candy manufacturing establishment on the corner of Fourth and Main, and did some wholesaling. No effort, however, was made to wholesale ; if purchasers came from the country and wanted to buy in quantities, they were waited of that stream too rapid for them ; were swept into the whirlpool, and - have generally repented in "sackcloth and ashes." There may be consolation, however, in knowing that they had plenty of company. Mansfield went on a "bum," to use an expressive word, over the good things the great victory brought ; she has since "sobered off;" seen the folly of so doing, and is now walking carefully and cautiously on solid ground, after the were out drumming up the trade as in later times. Col. Hiram Miller was among the first who attempted to sell goods on the road from Mansfield. He traveled a short time for Mr. Davis, before he engaged with Tracy & Avery, with whom he remained many years. When he first went on the road, he would take orders from the country merchants, carry them about in his pocket until his return, before filling them. He only traveled a day or two out

The wholesale grocers were the pioneers of the wholesale trade of Mansfield. Fortunately for the city, three great trunk lines of railroad, connecting the largest cities in the country East

'and West, converge and diverge at this point. Men were not slow to perceive the excellent shipping facilities thus presented ; the advantage of competition in freights from the East, and the opportunity for easy distribution of goods. Until 1865, no exclusively wholesale house existed in Mansfield. Several houses of a week, or a week or two out ofa month. In 1864, he was employed by Tracy & Avery, who kept a wholesale and retail establishment on the northwest corner of the public square (where it still remains), and who were probably the first to keep a traveling man continually on the road. About the 1st of December, 1865, Messrs. Peter Remy, James A. Hedges and A. C. Cummins formed a partnership, purchased the establishment of E. Clapp and began an exclusive wholesale business. The next year, 1866, Tracy & Avery closed up their retail business, and began wholesaling exclusively, and have continued in that business to the present time. Sturges, Wood & Witter began jobbing dry goods in this year (1866) in connection with their retail business. In a year, their wholesale business had increased to such an extent that they also closed up their retail business. The stock and business of this firm continually increased until the latter reached about $800,000 per annum. They were then occupying the block on the Sturges corner, but upon the completion of the Hedges Block, corner of East Diamond and the Public Square, in 1873, they transferred their stock to that block. This firm was also engaged in the wholesale crockery and queensware business until 1870, when they sold out to Markward & Harroun. In 1869, the wholesale grocery firm of E. P. Sturges & Co. came into existence, and soon established a large business. Reed, Jones & Co. (now H. M. Weaver & Co.) also came in 1869, and started a wholesale boot and shoe store in the Opera Building. This firm also moved into Hedges' Block in 1873. - This was the second establishment of this kind then in the city, John G. Spencer having been engaged in wholesaling boot, shoes, hats and caps for several years. In addition to these were J. H. Reed & Brother, doing a large wholesale book, paper and notion business; F. S. Lahm & Co., wholesale hats, caps, trunks, ete. ; Custer & Brother, wholesale hardware, and various other establishments were wholesaling and retailing.

The amount of sales by wholesale houses in Mansfield for the year ending April 30, 1869, is thus stated by the Herald. The list comprises only those whose sales are over $50,000

Reed, Jones & Co. (three months' sales), $24, 735.40. The writer adds: "Five years ago, we could boast of no wholesale trade of consequence; there was no exclusively wholesale house in Mansfield. Now we have twelve houses pees sales are above $50,000 per annum.'

In the height of its prosperity, the wholesale trade of Mansfield must have exceeded $2,500,- 000 per annum, exclusive of The Aultman and Taylor Manarveuiae Company, and other machine works and factories. To give a fair idea of the business of the factories, the Mansfield Herald of February 22, 1872, is responsible for the following statement :

.As another indication of the immensity of the tidal wave of prosperity in those days, it is found that the total amount of incomes returned for taxation in 1868 was over $300,000. A few of the largest were: C. Aultman, $102,- 230; H. H. Sturges, $10,969 ; H. Colby, $9,379 ;

The following summary is taken from the Mansfield Business Directory for 1869, and gives a correct idea of the business of the city at that date: There were fourteen churches ; three banks ; four Masonic and three Odd Fellows' lodges; a Young Men's Christian Association; a Philharmonic Society: a gas company ; a cemetery association: six public buildings and halls: three manufacturers of agricultural implements: twenty attorneys at law ; five bakers ; five barbers: three billiard saloons ; six blacksmiths; nineteen boardinghouses ; three dealers in books and stationery, one wholesale ; one book-bindery ; two wholesale boot and shoe houses; twelye boot and shoe manufacturers and dealers: three breweries ; eight brickmakers: one candy manufacturer ; twelve carpenters and builders ; one carpet store ; four carriage manufacturers ; one importer of china, glass and queensware ; two cigar-makers ; four dealers in clothing: three dealers in coal and wood ; four confectioneries : five coopers ; five dentists: five dressmakers ; five druggists; one wholesale dry goods and notions ; eight dry goods, wholesale and retail ; two dry goods, groceries and general merchandise ; one dyer and renovator; one eating saloon ; one egg-packer ; one manufacturer of engines and boilers ; two dealers in fancy goods ; one flouring-mill ; one dealer in flour and feed ; one dealer in furnishing goods ; two foundries ; four furniture dealers ; one furrier ; three wholesale groceries ; twenty-five retail groceries ; one gunmaker; two hardware stores, wholesale and retail ; two wholesale hats. caps and furs, four retail; eight hotels; one hoop-skirt factory; four insurance agents; one dealer in leather and findings; six livery-stables; two papers and printing offices: thirteen notaries public ; one wholesale notion house : two nurseries: one manufacturer of blacking: four painters: one wholesale paper house; one papermill; three photographers : twenty-one physicians ; two planing-mills ; two plow manufacturers:; two produce and commission dealers : five restaurants : three dealers in saddles and harness; one dealer in, saddlery and coachtrimmings : twenty-two saloons : two saw-mills : one sash. blind and door manufacturer; five dealers in sewing machines : one silver-plater ; one spring-bed maker ; one stencil-cutter ; four dealers in stoves and tinware; three tanners and curriers : one dealer in tobacco and cigars : one trunk-maker; one umbrella-maker: four wagon-makers: four dealers in watches and jewelry : two dealers in wall-paper ; one-dealer in wines, liquors and cigars ; one wood-turner ; three dealers in wool: one dealer in worsted goods.

Among other public enterprises during these prosperous years, was the organization of a library association, which occurred November 3. 1865. Hon. John Sherman forwarded a large collection of books and public documents for that purpose. The first meeting was held in Vance & Daily's office. and the temporary officers were Rey. J. W. Osborn, Chairman. and L. D. Myers, Secretary. The committee to obtain lecturers were L. B. Matson. M. Wordon and O. H. Booth. The Committee on Permanent Organization were L. B. Matson. J. H. Reed, W. S. Hickox. J. P. Vance and J. M. Jolly. The permanent officers elected were : H. Colby. President; Rev. T. K. Davis. Vice President: L. D. Myers. Recording Secretary, O. H. Booth. Corresponding Secretary; J. H.

Reed, Treasurer; W. S. Hickox, L. B. Matson and J. M. Jolly, Executive Committee. The powers of the association are vested in its officers, acting as a Board of Directors, who are elected annually. For a few years, while the library was under the care and management of Mr. J. E. Wharton, it grew and prospered; a room was procured in the court house, which was soon filled with books, relics, ete. After Mr. Wharton left the city, it was neglected, and and is still neglected. There is in it, at present, about one thousand eight hundred volumes, besides magazines and other matter, a nucleus around which Mansfield people may, in the future, build up a much-needed library. A lyceum has been connected with it since August 15, 1871. It still exists, but is not well sustained at present.

A Young Men's Christian Association was organized December 30, 1867, the first meetings being held in the Baptist Church. Its first officers were: R. Brinkerhoff, President; L. J. Bonar and E. J. Davis, Vice President; Mr. Allison, Recording Secretary ; Mr. Hilliar, Corresponding Secretary, and J. H. Reed, Treasurer. During the first year of its existence, nearly $800 were collected and expended in books, periodicals, furnishing room, ete. It continued many years with much interest, but is no longer in existence. Its books are preserved in the public library.

The Mansfield Cemetery Association was formed in 1865, and added to the old cemetery, southeast of the city (about a mile from the public square), thirty-eight acres. The Board of Managers are J. H. Cook, P. Bigelow, Abner Wright, N. S. Reed and E. McCoy. The grounds have been laid out in lots, walks and drives; it is well kept, and one of the most beautiful cémeteries in the State ; the grounds, for the most part, being high and dry; the soil generally sandy. Improvements are continually made, and the location and lay of the ground is unsurpassed for the purposes of

A building and loan association was formed in 1867, which has been well managed, has grown and prospered, and to-day is one of the permanent institutions of the city. Reed Carpenter is President; S. A. Jennings, Secretary, and John Wood, Treasurer.

June 8, 1871, ground was broken for the Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railroad; the work was pushed so rapidly that the last rail was laid December 16, 1872, and the next day a party of railway officials passed over the road on the first train over the entire route.

Having briefly glanced at the history of Mansfield, during her most prosperous years, it only remains to speak briefly of the collapse and consequent depression. The city might be compared to a huge balloon, taking in gas for its aerial flight. It grew large rapidly, a thing of beauty, but, alas! not a joy forever. It became too highly inflated. Its collapse may be compared, in suddenness, to that of a punctured balloon in mid air, and almost as fatal in its consequences. If the people were not killed outright, their feelings may be compared to those of the man who, after being kicked down four pair of stairs, said he felt "shuck up like." Whatever headway the city had made during these years, seemed to have been suddenly lost. The breaking of the First National Bank was the first clap of thunder, that seemed to come from a clear sky, but, in reality, came from the blackest cloud that ever hung over Mansfield. Following this in quick succession, came crash after crash, and the terrible financial storm swept over the city, leaving it in ruins, in more ways than one. This storm came from the east, and like other eastern storms, was very hard and long-continued, and during its continuance, nearly all the smaller craft, and many of the larger, went under. A few of the larger ships - whose

It is not pretended that Mansfield has been followed closely, in her journey from her birth in the forest to her present proud position among the cities of the State. It was a long, weary journey, and full of quagmires and winding ways, that would be wearisome to follow ; but it is hoped enough torneys at law; ten barber-shops ; nine drug stores (of which that of P. Bigelow is the oldest, and it is safe to place this gentleman among the oldest, if not the oldest man in continuous business in the city, without failure) ; nine dry-goods houses, six bakers ; three banks, of which the Farmers' is the oldest; five billiard rooms; eleven blacksmith-shops ; sixteen advertised boarding-houses ; one boiler works ; one book-bindery ; three bookhas been given to stamp the picture of her growth and development on the mind of the reader. For five years she floundered among the ruins of financial disaster and hard times, but in 1878, began again to see daylight, and travel the solid, open, macadamized road to prosperity. Resumption and good times have given her a new lease of life, and during the year 1879, she has been again taking immense strides in growth and prosperity, and it may be safe to say that hundreds of new dwellings and business houses, many of them elegant and costly, have been erected. The old frame buildstores, all retail - the wholesale house of J. H. Reed & Bro. having failed and gone out of existence ; one wholesale boot and shoe house, that of H. M. Weaver & Co., John G. Spencer having gone into the retail business ; six retail boot and shoe stores; fourteen boot and shoe manufactories; one boxmaker ; one brass foundry ; two breweries; two brickyards ; one broom-shop; one butter and egg packer; nine cabinet and furniture stores ; two candy factories; ten carpenters and builders ; five carpet weavers ; nine carriage and wagon works ; ten cigar manufactories and tobacconists ; nine clothiers street, have been torn down, during the last summer, and an elegant brick and stone block erected by Messrs. Swigart, Jenner & Scattergood ; and Main street now, for the first time, presents an unbroken front of brick and stone, on both 'sides, from Fourth street to the North American. The new directory, for 1880, just issued, gives a good idea of the present condition of the busi- "ness of the city. The directory for 1867 contained 1,715 names; that of 1876, about 2,700, and that 6F 1880, 3,500. There are forty-one atdealers; four coopers; one cracker bakery, which receives notice in another chapter ; two crockery stores, one retail and one (Harroun & Hammond) wholesale and retail. This firm came into existence in 1873, purchasing the stock of Markward & Harroun. The business had been established by Sturges, Wood '& Witter, in connection with their drygoods business. Harroun & Hammond transferred the stock to Hedges Block, corner of East Diamond street and the Public Square, in two traveling salesmen, and sell about $100,000 perannum. There are five dentists ; two enginemanufacturing establishments, which receive notice in another chapter; four express agencies ; three founders and machinists ; two marble works; two wholesale grocers, and one wholesale dealer in liquors and tobacco. This business has found a profitable level. Tracy & Avery employ three traveling salesmen, and do a large and safe business. Bissman, Sealts & Miller opened a wholesale grocery in January, 1878, making, at that time, four regular wholesale groceries in thecity. H. Sturges, Sr., dying in September, 1878, that firm closed up its business affairs and went out of business ; shortly afterward, Mr. Hedges dying, Remy, Hedges & Walters also closed up their business. This left but two wholesale groceries. Col. Hiram Miller dying in 1878, the business

Frederick Walters, of the old firm of Remy, Hedges & Walters, continued the liquor business, which had been established by the old firm. There are twenty-five retail groceries; four hardware stores, all retail; six harness-shops ; two hat and cap stores, one of which, F. Lahm & Co., wholesale, in addition to their retail business ; eight hotels, which are elsewhere mentioned ; six insurance agents; one iron-roof factory ; two leather stores ; six livery stables; eight meat markets ; two mills, which are mentioned in another chapter ; one wholesale, and four retail millinery stores; five newspapers, elsewhere mentioned ; one normal college, also mentioned in the chapter on schools; two wholesale notion stores, that of J. R. Brown & Sons, and Reed, Ink & Lewis - the former doing business in Hedges' new block, on the east side of the square, carrying a large stock, and running two wagons with their goods. Reed, Ink & Lewis are on the "Sturges Corner," and have lately added a retail store in the same block.

saloons ; one shirt factory, which is kept by J. H. Knisely, in the Krause Block. This business was established in 1876, by its present owner and proprietor, and has become firmly and permanently established. There are also two soap, and two suspender factories, elsewhere noticed; six stove stores; five tailorshops; one tanyard; one toy store; one trunk factory ; six jewelry stores; one woolenmill, elsewhere noticed ; one wire-works, and a host of lesser industries, employing from one to twenty hands each. The directory also gives the names of ninety-one streets.

Much valuable and interesting history, mostly relating to the citizens of Mansfield and vicinity, will be found elsewhere, in the biographical department.

Source changes here: from History of Richland County Ohio, by A.j. Baughman, published 1908; 2,195 words in this source stream.

Jefferson Township

The second settlement within the present borders of Richland county was made on the Clearfork, where Bellville now stands, and was called the McCluer settlement.

James McCluer came to that locality in 1808, and was so favorably impressed with the Clearfork country that he entered land, after which he returned to Pickaway county, where he had temporarily settled. and gave such glowing accounts of the Clearfork part of the "New Purchase" that he induced his kinsmen, Samuel and Thomas McCluer. and Jonathan Oldfield to join him upon his return, and a cabin was put up. the first in that part of the county. James McCluer then returned to his family for the winter, leaving his three comrades to keep "bachelors' hall" in the cabin. They had laid in breadstuff, and they could supply themselves with meat by kiling game which abounded in the forest. James McCluer brought his family to the cabin in the spring of 1809. which date is usually given as the time the first settlement was made.

The founding of Bellville. its growth and history, with mentions of its people - past and present - will be given in another chapter. This sketch deals with the township and its people.

The first election district. named Jefferson, was organized August 9, 1814, and was eighteen miles long and twelve miles wide, embracing six congressional townships, namely, Jefferson. Perry, Congress. North Blooming Grove, Troy and Washington. On September 3. 1816. Jefferson township as it is today, was organized with an area of six miles square and containing thirty-six sections.

Jefferson township has a diversified topography. The water courses are generally from the northwest to the southeast, making a succession of ridges and valleys. The principal stream of water is the Clearfork of the Mohican, which enters the township near its northwest corner and leaves it about the center along the east line. While the land of Jefferson township as a whole is fertile and productive, the soil along the clearfork is acknowledged to be as good as there is in the country, and the ridges that border the valley form a landscape picture exceeding in beauty any creation of an artist's fancy.

Honey creek gathers its waters from the west-central part of the township and empties them into the Clearfork, a short distance above the old Greenwood mills at Wintergreen hill. This stream also courses through a rich valley - a country of historic associations and of restful beauty.

Another stream, a branch of the Owl creek, waters the southern part of the township. Its source is up in the Bangorville region, flows to the southeast and leaves the township where the railroad enters Knox county.

Deadman's run comes down from the hills of the northern part of the township and empties into the Clearfork at Bellville. Along this stream is the gold region, where gold was discovered in 1853 by Dr. James C. Lee, who had been a miner in California. Considerable gold has been taken out there, but has never been found in paying quantities.

A furious tornado swept over Jefferson in 1808, entering the township near its southwest corner and sweeping diagonally to the southeast, cutting a swath through the forest and felling every tree on Chestnut ridge. This ridge has an elevation of 1,059 feet above the lake. Young chestnut trees grew up in time end made the ridge a beautiful background for a landscape picture.

Just south of this ridge is where Bushong killed his wife on the morning of October 4, 1840 - one of the worst murders in the criminal history of the county. Physicians testified that Bushong was a monomaniac and he went clear on the plea of insanity.

John Fox was shot and killed on the evening of March 8, 1883, two miles south of Bellville. on the road leading east from the Honey creek school house and within a half mile of his own home. This crime is one of the several murder mysteries of the county.

Bangorville, although now but a small country settlement, possesses an interesting history, and back in the "forties" had bright prospects and a promising outlook of future greatness. The reason of its rise and decline will be given in another chapter.

The Red House, one mile south of Bellville, was one of the most popular taverns on the state road in the old stage days, and of all the places of public entertainment on the route between Columbus and the lake, none surpassed in general favor this Red House tavern. The wood fire in the big fireplace in the winter not only warmed the spacious room, but also illuminated it. The words of an Irish comic song seem to be applicable to the spirit that pervaded the place:

For. in addition to its patronage by the traveling public, it was a favorite place for balls and other public functions. A rival was started across the wav - * Morrow's Inn'' - but there was patronage enough for both until the railroad was built through Bellville. in 1850. and the stage and stage taverns were relegated to the past.

Thackery wrote that one of the delights of stage traveling in England was the opportumity it afforded to laugh with the jolly hostess at the bar and to chuck the pretty waiter girls under the chin. 'Squire James E. Howard, sitting upon the porch of. his suburban home, can look down the old race track near the Red House tavern of the long ago and recall sporting scenes of other vears. It was over that track that the young man who assumed to be an unsophisticated Yankee lad won the stakes, thanked the crowd for the fun he had with them, then rode away.

Of the popular stage drivers Thomas, James and Alex Huston - three brothers - whose home was in Honey creek valley, deserves special mention. They held the ribbons, blew the horn and cracked the whip for a number

The Rev. John Moody was a pioneer preacher of the Disciple Church. He built a grist mill at Bellville in 1831. The story of his good deeds during" the period of the threatened famine has been told and retold, and should be repeated in the years to come as a memorial to him. Providence rewarded his generosity, for giving to the poor did not impoverish him, for the crops upon his farm yielded more plentiful than before. He was blessed in the giving as the poor were receiving his assistance. Captain Miller Moody, son of the benefactor, gave his life for his country upon the bloody field of Antietam.

On account of their kinship the Leedy and Garber families are often mentioned as one people. John Leedy came to Richland county from Pennsylvania in 1811, and Samuel Garber came from the same state in 1821, and married a daughter of John Leedy. The Leedys and Garbers are both numerous and prosperous. They are helpful to one another, and the maxim "live and let live" has been a rule of their lives. Their annual reunions are attended by hundreds of their friends.

The Gatton brothers, at Gattons' Rocks, have one of the largest and best fruit orchards in Ohio. Their hospitable homes are always open to their friends, and for an after-dinner talk "Cy" can entertain his guests with coon and fish stories that would read like tales of fiction. The Gattons came to Richland county in 1819 and are people of property. 'As rich as Gatton" is a familiar phrase and shows their financial standing as a people.

John Robinson was born in Ireland, came to America, settled in Pennsylvania, then came to Ohio and settled in Jefferson township in 1815, on section 11, east of Bellville. His descendants are well-to-do farmers. The Robinsons are industrious people, whose endeavors are directed more in the line of good citizenship and home comforts than in the pursuit of fame.

A half mile below Bellville there was a saw mill and a carding mill owned bv John LeFevre, one of the pioneers of the township. These mills were successfully operated for many vears. Mrs. LeFevre. whose maiden name was Huston, came to Bellville with her parents in 1813, when there were but four buildings in the town and one of those a block house. She was then six years old. Mr. and Mrs. LeFevre were the parents of Mrs. M. M. Sheidley, of Chicago, Ohio, and of J. M. LeFevre, of Garrett. Indiana. and of Samuel LeFevre, who lives on the old homestead. These have other brothers and sisters living, of whom mention would be made did space permit.

A Mr. Cornell built a saw mill on Honey creek, a half mile east of the Old State road, in 1821, and a pottery was operated in the same vicinity for some time, but both have long since been numbered with the things of the past.

These old mill seats are interesting from an historical point of view. although the generation of today know them not. The race of the old Samuel Heron mill is still discernible on the south side of Honey creek. where it crosses the New State road between John Robinson's and John Baughman's. Mr. Heron afterward owned the Marshall saw mill further up the stream.

Of the early romances of Jefferson township that of Katy Ebersole was the most pathetic. Katy's parents were honest, honorable people of high respectability and owned a large tract of land in the Owl creek valley between Fredericktown and Palmyra, and also owned a half-section in Richland just north of the Knox-Richland line, on the New State road. This Richland tract was Miss Katy's inheritance, and after the death of her parents she made her home upon her own farm - a portion of her land having been cleared and a cabin built close to and upon the west side of the road, along which the stages then passed. Prior to this, however, occurred the events that constitute the first chapter of her heart history - the first act in the sad drama of her life. Varied stories of Katy's love affair and blighted hopes have been told, but the following true version is from facts furnished by Frank Caywood, who was born and reared in the Ebersole neighborhood. Katy Ebersole was engaged to be married to Taylor Willits, an estimable young man of the same vicinity. The Willits were Quakers, and they said it would never do for a member of the Society of Friends to marry a "worldly" person, as they called those who were not of their faith. Jacob Ebersole, Katy's father, also forbade the bans, saying that the Dutch and Quakers had never got along well together and never would. Katy was a girl of high character and nobility of womanhood. and one of the strong points of her nature was reverence for her father and obedience to his word. Taylor and Katy each aecepted and obeved the parental injunctions and thus their ways parted - Taylor's leading to a premature grave and Katy's to the life of recluse. Taylor Willits had not the strength and courage to sustain him in the disappointment he felt in having his cherished plans for the future thwarted and blighted, and being predisposed to consumption, went into a decline and died, pleading to the last to see his "Katy." He was buried in the Friends' cemetery, southwest of Palmyra. JKaty lived on for, as we are told, "Life may long be borne, ere sorrow breaks its chain." She did not attempt to enter upon a "career," but was content to live unostentatiously and in seclusion, bearing her sorrow in silence. Her semi-hermit life extended over a period of perhaps thirty-five years - from 1840 until a short time before her death, when she was taken to the residence of a relative and was tenderly eared for until the death angel came and took her home.

The student of history takes interest in studying race lines and clanish groupings, and how the peculiarities and idiosyneracies of the early settlers leave their influence and impressions upon future generations.

Some of the prominent early settlers of Jefferson township were from Maine, which gave a Yankee impress to many things, especially in educational lines, upon which the people of that township have always been well advanced.

The Moore, the Drew, the Howard, the Walker, the Cross, the Greeley, the Gurney, the Ordway, the Alexander, the Bean, the Whitten, the French, and the Cutting families came from Maine; Evarts and Sweet from Vermont. The Gatton, the Strong, the Armstrong, the Bell, the Mahagan, the Thrilkill, the Gibson and other families came from Maryland. The Laffertys, the

In this sketch a number of names are omitted - omitted so that the pleasure of writing about Jefferson township can be again enjoyed to mention those not given in this chapter.

The early settlers of Jefferson, as well as those of other townships in the county, were men of brain and brawn. There may have been no decadence, but where are the men of this generation who could be considered favorably with such pioneers as were Major Samuel Poppleton, Major Morrow, Captain Joseph Johnson, Squire John Young, Squire Reuben Everts and others who might be named?