Page:History of Richland County, Ohio.djvu/660

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��HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY

��town was situated at Reisinger's Corners, but buildings were rapidly erected upon higher ground to the eastward, where the new town had been laid out by the Ruhls. The public square became the favorite spot, and the best buildings at the Corners were removed thither. In 1832, Asa Hosford erected upon this square the first frame house in the township. He also erected the first frame barn on what is known as the I. R. Clymer property, west of town, where he had kept the first tavern.

At this time, Jacob Ruhl kept a tavern where the Sponhauer Block stands, and his brother Michael kept the village store in a double log cabin on the Central Hotel corner. The first saw-mill in the township was erected by Jacob Ruhl in 1836, on North Market street, near the bridge.

In the log schoolhouse on Joel Riblet's lot, was organized the first Sabbath school in Gallon by Mrs. Sarah Ruhl and Mrs. Dr. Johnson. They were Lutherans, and the first religious services of the Lutherans were held in this building.

In 1839, the first brick block was erected by Davis & Bloomer, in which they carried on the dry-goods business for many years. The build- ing is yet standing on the northeast corner of the public square.

The old red brick church, that stood many years on the corner of North Union and West Church streets,*was erected in 1840, by the Lutheran and Glerman Reformed congregations. The Lutherans afterward purchased the Re- formed interest. This was the first church, and the Rev. F. J. Ruth, yet living and preaching, officiated at the laying of the corner-stone. The first Pastor was Rev. John Stough.

The same year work was commenced upon the old Methodist Church, yet standing on West Main street, and it was the first fully completed and read}' for worship. The gi'ound upon which it stands was donated by Father Fellows, who was an active worker in the church for many j^ears.

��Rev. Francis Clymer held the first United Brethren services in 1851, in the old Lutheran Church.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church on East Main street, though no longer used for worship, was erected in 1851. Rev. Peter Kreush of the Shelby settlement was the visiting Pastor.

There are at present, eleven churches in Gal- lon, viz.: the Methodist Episcopal, corner of Columbus and Walnut streets ; United Breth- ren, Walnut street, between South Market and Columbus streets ; English Lutheran, Colum- bus street, between Main and Walnut ; Baptist, Walnut street, between South Market and Union ; Presbyterian, South Market street ; Gex'man Reformed, West Main street ; German Lutheran, South Market street ; German Meth- odist, corner of South Market and Atwood streets ; Episcopal, Union street, between At- wood and Walnut ; St. Patricks Catholic, North Liberty street, and St. Joseph's Catholic, North Washington street.

Gallon became an incorporated village about the year 1840. Joel Tod was the first Mayor.

Between 1850 and 1854, two railroads, the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis, and the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati, were completed to Gallon. These were afterward consolidated, and have been for years under one manage- ment. Their shops were located at Gallon, and these, employing a large number of hands, have materially added to the wealth of the place. The Atlantic & Great Western Railroad put in an appearance at Gallon in 1863. These three roads with their immense business and shops constitute the life and vitality of the town, which has made some might}' strides since they were completed. Sixty-five per cent of its population, of over five thousand, are rail- road emploj-es, and the average monthly sum paid out by these roads, to these employes, is over $40,000.

Many large, fine brick residences, churches and business blocks have been erected in Gal-

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