Page:History of Richland County, Ohio.djvu/526

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��HISTORY OF HIGHLAND COUNTY.

��experience in the manufacture of portaWe en- gines, which is their specialty; also stationary engines and mill machinery; and, even were there no other testimom* to that effect, the fact that their business has been continuall}' grow- ing and extending is sufficient evidence of the quality of their work.

The orders for their machinery accumu- lated so rapidly during the latter part of 1879, that they have been unable, even with their great facilities and large force of work- men, to fill them as promptly as the}' could wish. There is little doubt that their engines are unsurpassed in the country for durability, strength, efficiency and style of workmanship.

In 1872, an estalilishment for the manufact- ure of crackers was established by H. H. Colb}', on Bloom street. Colby failed in about a 3'ear, and the concern was purchased b}' Messrs. Ci'awford & Zellers, of Richmond, Ind., in September, 1874. Not long afterward, it was destroyed by fire, and the firm immediately erected the present substantial brick, which is 56x100 feet. An engine of thirty-horse power was put in by the Mansfield Machine Works, and the works are capable of turning out 700 barrels of crackers every twent^'-four hours. Their goods are not excelled in qualitj- b}' any in the State. It is largelj' due to this fact that the firm have been enabled to build up a trade of $150,000 per annum, and become per- manent in the city.

A box factory was established in 1877, b}' W. J. Richart, on North Main street. He em- plo3'S about fifteen hands, and manufactures cigar, paper, and all other boxes the trade de- mands.

The Western Suspender Company was estab- lished in 1871, by B. 0. Foster and J. R. Pol- lock. In a short time, Mr. Pollock purchased the interest of Foster, and, in January, 1873, took in J. P. Rummel as partner. This firm con- ducted the business successfull}^ until August 5, 1879, when Mr. Rummel purchased the entire

��establishment, and is now conducting it on Fourth street. Twenty-eight hands are em- ployed, beside three regular traveling sales- men, and the business has been extended into the adjoining States.

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

A trunk factory was established in 1876, by F. S. Lahm & Co., wholesale and retail dealers in hats, caps, etc.

Wine-making receives the attention of Mr. E. Clapp, who owns a vineyard on Kelle3''s Island. He keeps the purest and best of wines in his 30x60 cellar on Fourth street.

The^Iansfield Steam Soap Works are located on Fourth street, near the spring, and are ope- rated bj' T. C. Carey & Co. This business orig- inated with Gregory, Bliss & Co. in 1870. Four or five men are employed, and the factory has a capacity of about 50,000 pounds of soap per month.

The vinegar establishment of J. B. Netscher has been in operation several years, and is a permanent institution. He employs twenty- five or thirty men, and does a large local and shipping business. Peter Ott is also conduct- ing a similar business.

The Mansfield AVoolen Mill is located at the the foot of Mulbeny street. The original building was erected man}' years ago for a tan- nery. In 1870, a Mr. Griadhill purchased the building, enlarged it and converted it into a woolen-mill. It has since been greatly en- larged and is now 130x40 feet, and four stories in height. In 1873, it was sold to an incor- porated company, of which J. H. Reed was President, and James J. Hedges, Superintend- ent and Treasurer. New and improved ma- chinery was added, but it failed to pay during

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