Gallipolis Businesses in 1876
Transcribed by Henny Evans

     It will be seen by the following notices of business houses and men, which we gathered from the best sources that almost all the wants of man can be procured in this city.  We do not pretend to give a list of all, but such only as we came across.  We do not deem it necessary to classify as we have no doubt the whole list will be read by all our patrons.  (Below follows a sampling of what was found and if the response to this article is good, we will post more in the next newsletter.)

    The Dufour House is the largest Hotel in Gallipolis, situated immediately on the river bank, makes it a convenient and pleasant stopping place for travelers.  It is a good house and well patronized, 1,765 guests have registered at this house from Jan 1 to June 1 1876 .  Mr. John Dunn is the Proprietor, and W.E. Dunn, his son, clerk.

    E.H. Neal, of the firm of H.H. & E.H. Neal, and Mr. G.W. Clark, are associated together in the raising and selling of the justly celebrated breed of hogs known as the Yorkshires.  These hogs the gentlemen inform us, have been known to weigh 550 lbs., at one year old making the marvelous growth or gain of 1-½ lbs. per day from their birth.  They are a pure white without spots, and perfect beauties.  The best authority on the pig, Harris, says, “No animal of the pig species carries so great a proportion of flesh to the quantity of bone, or flesh of as fine a quality as the small Yorkshire , or can be raised at so small cost per pound.  These gentlemen keep these pigs for sale, renewing their stock from time to time from the Importers, and are perfectly satisfied that there is no other breed that can successfully compete with them.

    H.H. and E.H. Neal’s Flouring Mill is the oldest establishment of the kind in the city.  They have earned a general reputation at home and abroad as manufacturers of excellent brands of Flour, which they always sell at lowest rates.  They pay the highest prices for wheat that can be afforded, and do an extensive business.

    Mr. A.R. Chase on Second Street above the Public Square has the finest Tin and Stove store in the city.  Tinware is here manufactured in almost endless variety.  By purchasing of Mr. Chase, you get from first hands and save the second profit; this is an item.  He also does out-door work, such as roofing and spouting &c., at short notice in a workman-like manner, and as cheap as the cheapest.

    Mr. Henry Morgan of the firm of J.E. Pitrat, informs us that their firm has disposed of 135 Home Shuttle and Domestic Sewing Machines, in the last year.  These are large sales.  They also keep an extensive assortment of frames and mouldings, and are prepared to frame Oil paintings, Chromos, Steel Engravings, Photographs &c, also a complete assortment of all kinds of Machine needles and attachments, lower than ever before.

    Isaiah Wadkins is where he has been for the last four years, on State Street near the Dufour House.  He is an excellent Barber, and cuts hair, dyes whiskers and mustaches, shaves and shampoos, in an artistic manner.  In connection with barbering, he carries on the laundry business.  Soiled apparel cleansed and done up at the shortest notice, and satisfaction guaranteed.

     Mr. Thos. McCafferty, Proprietor of the “Old Reliable Custom Shop” located on the upper side of the Public Square is still turning out the best of work in the way of Boots and Shoes for Ladies and Gentlemen.  He has the general deserved reputation of giving the most perfect satisfaction to his customers and is one of our most respected and consistent citizens.

     J.L. Hayward; Everybody knows “Lew,” he it was, that was for so many years chief prescriptionist with Messrs. Bailey & Maguet in the Drug business, and afterwards one of the Proprietors of the firm of Bailey and Hayward.  He is sailing in his own ship now, on the corner of Second and Pine Streets.  The putting up of Prescriptions is still his specialty, although he has a fine stock of Drugs and Patent Medicines, Lead, Oils and colored Paints and the “Triumph” lamp chimney that never breaks, for 15 cents. 

A.R. Weaver, will raise Cabbage Plants.  He has 500,000 late Plants for sale, at his residence on Second Street , at 20cts. per hundred.

     Go to T.G. Herns, for Brick Moulds.

     J.T. Muenz, on Pine Street , near the Cemetery, makes and irons Wagons, Shoes horses and does all kinds of Blacksmithing well, promptly and at the lowest rates.  Theodore is a good fellow.  Give him a call. 

Mr. W. Williams, on Pine Street , near Hayward ’s, has a full stock of general merchandise at bottom prices.  He also has 500,000 Sweet Potato Plants for sale, and a big crop of Peaches coming on, all raised on the Gallipolis Island , and procured fresh every day in their season.

     T.P. Williams opposite the Island , does Brick-laying and all kinds of Brick-masonry in the very best style “at live and let live” prices.  He is a first-class workman, and deserves patronage.  Remember him.

Mr. J.N. Irwin, corner Pine and 3d Streets, keeps a general assortment of family groceries and other merchandise, and actually sells Aleshire’s XXX flour at 75 cents per sack.  He has sold fifty-five barrels of this flour in the last in the last six or seven weeks.  It is worth while to go some distance now-a-days to save a quarter.  Suppose you go up and see him.

     Moses! Moses!! Moses!!!  It was Moses that led the children out of Egyptian bondage, but it is our Gallipolis Moses that proposes to sell to every man a suit of clothes cheaper than he can buy it anywhere else. A little money goes a great way with Moses.  Don’t spend your money until you’ve tried Moses.  Call on Moses and be convinced of the truth of this statement.

     Mr. Bayliss Persinger close to Mollohan’s on Spruce Street , is the man who rings his bell early and late for those who want fresh Bread and Cakes.  Bayliss excels in his line, is scrupulously clean, works hard and wants to win.  Hold up your hand and stop his wagon.  He claims the customer saves 50 per cent. by buying of him direct.

     Mr. Phillip Weimar on the corner near the Court-house, keeps a choice selection of family groceries, candies and other confections.  Cakes, Pies and Bread, fresh and nice, always on hand.  Call on him.

The lovers of good Ice Cream will not forget Mrs. Robinson’s Saloon.  “Tis the white sign on the Public Square . She also furnishes families, parties, &c., on short notice.

     Mr. Moses Moch, on 2d Street , near the Court House, is head-quarters for Butter, Eggs and most all kinds of country produce.  His wagon is constantly on the move, scouring the hills and valleys of old Gallia for the products of the field, dairy and hennery, and he is hardly ever out of these articles.  Whenever Moch is out of butter, eggs, and such, be sure they are awful scarce. He sells cheap, too.  Mr. Moch shipped a few days since, a lot of butter and eggs for which he received $465.

     T.J. Blackburn is a clever young man who has opened a shop on 2d Street , one door below Moch’s.  He makes and repairs Boots, Shoes, Harness, &c., and is anxious for business and desires to please.  Take him a job.

     Messrs. Basil Beall & Co., on the corner of 2d and Pine Streets, have a large and commodious store-room with a carefully selected stock of Groceries and other merchandise.  They are selling Dry Goods, at cost for cash, and other things at a very small profit.  They have the trade of some very superior butter-makers and you can always find a choice roll at their establishment.  They keep corn constantly on hand for retail purposes, which is a great convenience to families who have a pig, horse, or cow to feed and buy only in a small way.  Remember the place.

     Mrs. E. Thompson is still on the corned of 2d and Pine Streets, where late husband S. C. Thompson did business for so many years, and will be happy to have all of her old friends remember her in their purchases.

     Mr. G. M. Clendenin, nearly opposite the upper Woolen Mills, on 2d Street , is the sole agent in this State for Shank’s Biscuit-board, a most necessary article in the culinary department of every family.  He has county rights for sale.  He also offers for sale 2 houses and lots with one store room and stock of goods, horses and buggies, &c., on easy terms.

      M. Molohan has the most extensive assortment of general merchandise of any establishment in the city.  You will find him directly opposite the new Woolen Mills on the corner.  His stock was selected to particularly meet the wants of the farmers in this land and surrounding country.  His store is generally known as the Farmer’s store, but in looking over his establishment and noting the various lines of merchandise it is difficult to conceive of anything that could be called for by any one that he could not supply.  We would have named it “People’s Store,” for you can’t keep the “people” out of such an establishment as this.  They will go there.  The goods suit, the prices suit and “Morg.” suits and there is a suiting all around that makes things lively and busy about that establishment.  He always takes produce at liberal rates in exchange for goods at the lowest possible prices, and invites the attention and custom of the whole population.

     Mr. Charles Baxter was busily engaged last Friday morning painting the woodwork of the Dufour House…He informed us that he was a paper hanger and glazier, as well as painter, and acknowledged no superior in this vicinity, and that he always guaranteed satisfaction to those who favored him with a call.  Try Charley.

     Mr. S.T. Langley is one of the oldest merchants in the city.  He is still goods on Second Street , and he is never without a customer.  His Store is not a large one, but is like a small farm well tilled.  The spirit of accommodation and a desire to please and serve, go farther oftentimes then immense stocks of goods with the public.  Call on him.

     Mr. Lewis Lear, is a friendly German who keeps a Tailor Shop on State Street near A. Newton’s Meat Shop, where he may always be found ready to make or repair gentlemen’s suits at short notice on reasonable terms. Mr. Lear is deserving the patronage of the public, in consideration of his wooden leg, and his family depending on him.  We respectfully ask the public to give Lewis a call.

     Mr. Z. Allen, the well-known barber, has his Tonsorial Saloon, one door below J.J. Pool’s Livery and Sale Stable.  Mr. Allen is one of the oldest and best barbers in the place, and endeavors to give satifsfaction to all who visit him.  Hair-cutting, whisker-dying and shaving done in the best style, and at the lowest rates.

     Mr. A. Newton, on the upper side of the Public Square near the river, is a great lover of fine fowls and the like.  We saw some of the finest White-faced Black Spanish Chickens there the other day, that can be found anywhere.  He makes a specialty of this breed, and offers their eggs for sale at $1.00 per dozen.  He has no fowls to sell now, but will have in the fall.  He also has a few dozen eggs of the White Guinea fowl at $2.00 per dozen.  If you can’t call on him, drop him a line.

     Mr. Z. Denney, on the corner of Pine and Fourth Streets, is the first store coming in and the last store going out of town, verifying the Scriptures which say, the first shall be last and the last shall be first.  He keeps a good assortment of merchandise, selected with a view to the wants of his special customers.  He always makes his own bacon and lard, which bear a most excellent reputation, and find ready sale wherever known.  Go and see for yourself.

June 28, 1876 Gallipolis Bulletin

This is a continuation of the articles on Gallia Businesses. This one is taken from the June 28, 1876 Gallipolis Bulletin.

     McHale Bros., on Front and Cedar Streets, are known to the Public as extensive manufacturers of Brooms. Their Factory is now the largest establishment of the kind, we have ever had. They began this enterprise here in 1866, in a small way, but the excellent quality of their Brooms, soon gave them great favor with the Public, the House of Henking, Allemong & Co., taking for a long time, all they could turn out. They now sell to the trade direct, and find large customers for their Brooms, all over West Virginia, along the C. & O. R. R., up the Kanawha, and down the Ohio, as far as Ironton, and up the river at Pomeroy, Parkersburg, Wheeling, and have a large trade with Pittsburg. This certainly is very flattering to Messrs. McHale, as well as to our City generally. They inform us, that they feel fully prepared to compete with any Factory in the United States, as to quality and prices. Their No. 1 Hurl, and Extra Carpet Broom, they will put against the work of any manufacturer, North, South, East or West. They are selling an ordinary good broom, as low as $1.50, and a fine No. 1 Hurl at $2.25 per dozen. We cannot refrain from saying one word to our farmers. Why don’t you raise more broom corn? Here is the Factory of Messrs. McHale, that will take all you can raise, and pay you the Cash, making a market—at your own doors for you, and you are letting them go to Circleville, Tennessee, and St. Louis, for their corn. We are informed that most of their corn used, is purchased at St. Louis, now is it not plain, that if they can pay freights and other expenses, in addition to St. Louis prices, that they could pay you profitable prices here at home? most certainly they could, would. A factory, manufacturing from five to six hundred dozen Brooms, monthly, with a trade that will probably be soon using double the amount of corn necessary to manufacture these, ought not be compelled to go abroad for it’s straw. Let us bring the whole proceeds of this enterprise to Gallia County, and be double benefited thereby.
     Mr. Charles Carel is Proprietor and Artist of the oldest Art Gallery in the city. He is located a few doors below the Public Square, on Second Street, and is second to none in this region of country, in knowledge of his business and in facilities for taking the best of pictures. This Gallery was established over twenty years ago, and well and favorably known, from the fact that no picture of work is allowed to ever go out, without the most rigid scrutiny; hence his work wherever seen, is a testimonial at once to the credit of the Gallery, and it’s Artist. Although Mr. Carel takes all kinds of pictures of modern types and styles, and enlarges and copies, he makes a specialty of Photography. This particular branch is his delight and study, and we must say, we have not seen finer work anywhere, than he exhibited to us.
Jos. Blickle, is the Proprietor of the New Tannery, recently constructed at the foot of town, and whose office is two doors below the Old Tannery of Mr. Peter Dages, deceased, on Vine Street. It is a mammoth concern, built in the most approved style. All the modern improvements, that have proved useful and necessary in the successful prosecution of this trade, will here be put into requisition in manufacturing Harness, Upper, Kip and Calf Leather, of the best quality. Mr. Blickle buys Hides and Bark, in any quantity, at all times. The mountains of Bark and piles of Hides on his grounds, indicate that his is to be no small business, but one of the foremost in our city.
     L.P. Maguet & Son’s Drug Store, on Second Street, fronting the Square, is widely known, it being one of the few establishments of the city, that have stood over from the last generation, to the present, still vigorous and active, with business prospering. This Drug Store was first founded by Dr. Edward Naret, in 1834 or 1835, Mr. Maguet becoming a partner in 1839. This partnership continued for about five years when Mr. Maguet became the sole proprietor. After the elapse of another five years, Dr. Naret again became a partner, and continued as such, for two years, when Mr. Maguet entered into the sole proprietorship, and the House stood without change, until the year 1852, when Dr. S.C. Bailey, a practicing Physician of great popularity retired from his profession, and became a partner. The establishment was then known under the firm name of Bailey and Maguet, until the year 1869, when Mr. Maguet again became the sole owner, Dr. Bailey moving to Columbus, Ohio, and engaging in the manufacture of Furniture in the Penitentiary. On March 1st, 1874, Mr. L.F. Maguet, son of L.P. Maguet, and one of the present proprietors, became a partner. He is a young man will qualified for the position, having attended the best schools in the country, and most thoroughly prepared himself for the responsible duties of a Druggist. The House keeps everything belonging to the Drug line, and does a large Wholesale and Retail business, fills Prescriptions at all hours of the day or night, and is every way worthy of all patronage the public can bestow.
     McBride’s Music Store on State Street, two doors west of the Post Office, is an establishment we desire to call particular attention to, as it is the only complete Store of this kind, in the city. There can be found here at all times, Sheet Music, Musical Books, the best grades of Violin and Guitar strings, and Musical Goods of every description. In addition to the above, it will be remembered that Mr. McBride, is a Tuner and Repairer of Pianos and Organs, and making it a specialty, and having a perfect mechanical knowledge of the instruments, parties are safe in entrusting them to his hands. We would also call particular notice to the fact, that he is sole agent for Mason and Hamlin’s Organs, a musical instrument of world-wide celebrity that has taken nearly all the highest awards at the Industrial Expositions in America and Europe, and the excellence of which, is endorsed by the most talented and accomplished musicians of the age. The Manufacturers of these Instruments give a written certificate of warranty with each Instrument, signed by the Company, guaranteeing them for the term of five years to the purchaser. He is also the exclusive agent for the popular Burdett Organs, and several first-class Pianos. Now we have not time nor space to enumerate the many reasons why the purchasers of these articles should buy of Mr. McBride rather than abroad. But it must be self-evident, that it is always generally speaking, to the customer’s advantage, to purchase of responsible parties at home, rather than at a distance. In the first place, Mr. McBride gives you the Company’s guarantee, the same as you would get at their office; Secondly, he binds himself to keep in tune and tone all Instruments purchased of him for one year, free of charge. Thirdly, he is a natural and cultivated Musician, having been a teacher of Vocal Music in our midst, of more than ordinary science and attainments; it is his peculiar and special business, and if any Instrument should by any possibility fail, he is convenient to you, to make all satisfactory. Lastly, it patronizes your local enterprise and city, and keeps your money at home, where it will, through one channel or another, return to you.
     Mr. Henry R. Bell, on Court Street, is a manufacturer of Saddles and Harness, and keeps for sale all other goods in this line of business such as Collars, Brushes, Hames, Trace-chains, Harness, oil, &c., This business was established here in 1832, by Mr. Robt. Black, Mr. Bell afterward becoming a partner in the business and so continuing until about 1852, when Mr. Black embarked in the manufacturing of paper, since which time Mr. Bell has carried it on alone, to the satisfaction of the public and his own pecuniary success. He is a gentleman much esteemed by all who know him for his personal worth, and those desiring anything in his line need not go farther to obtain the most perfect satisfaction.
     Dr. C. D. Wall, opposite the Courthouse, has been turning his attention for the last two years more particularly to the manufacture of Tobacco and Cigars. His factory is now in successful operation, but he intends preparing shortly to manufacture Stogies on an extended scale. He makes a specialty of “pure un-pressed twist,” that meets with great favor and of which he makes large sales. He has on hand a large lot of this twist at this time, also, a lot of good Navys, some fine Tips-seed-leaf, a very good Stogie. Country merchants can obtain bargains for the cash. The Doctor is an East Virginian and knows all about Tobacco and the Tobacco business, and we hope he will push this enterprise to the utmost. Manufacturers of all kinds are what we want to make Gallipolis an important city.
     Mr. Chas. W. Calohan, in Fenner’s building, up stairs, fronting the Public Square, has a Photograph Galley. He is a young man, who has thoroughly qualified himself under the “Masters” in this profession, and does not hesitate to offer his services to the public, fully confident that he can in all cases guarantee satisfaction. The numerous specimens adorning the walls of his gallery, of well known citizens, are handsomely executed and display the skill of a competent Artist. He, also, pays particular attention to the enlarging and copying of pictures. We take pleasure in recommending him to all who wish “to secure the shadow ere the substance fade.”
     Mr. A. L. Baldwin is well known to our community, having been a resident among us for the last twelve of fifteen years. He was first known as the foreman in the manufacturing department of John Dages’ Boot and Shoe house, on Court Street, where he continued for two years. Next as the foreman of Bailey & Ridenour’s establishment, where he served for five years, then with J.J. Maxon, and Maxon and Aleshire as foreman for four years, giving each of these houses credit and winning fame for himself as a maker and fitter for the best trade of the city. His place of business is now on Second Street, a few doors below the Public Square.
J. W. Smith’s City Barber Shop is just below Court, on Second Street. This gentleman understands his business, and his customers do not hesitate to declare he is the best Barber in this city or any other city. In fact Smith says himself he yields the palm to no living man. Give him a call.
     Dr. J.C. Rathburn on Court Street between 2nd, and 3rd, keeps the Eagle Drug Store. This is a handsome establishment fitted up in fine style and the Doctor is one of those gentlemen it is a pleasure to have dealings with. He is well-known to our citizens having been a successful practicing Physician in this county for many years. He moved into his present establishment last January from Priestley’s corner and keeps the usual stock pertaining to the Drug business such as Patent medicines Lead, Paints, Dye Stuffs, notions, Perfumeries, Tobacco, Cigars, Liquors and Wines for Medical purposes and an Ice Cold Soda Fountain for the thirsty. He calls particular attention of the ruptured to his line of Trusses. Physician’s prescriptions and Family Receipts prepared out of the purest drugs and best materials. Remember the place, one door west of John Dages establishment.
     Kling, Shober & Co., Second Street, below the Public Square, are the proprietors of Eagle Foundry and Machine Shop. This is an enterprising firm, that Gallipolis and surrounding country would find hard to dispense with. They manufacture and deal in Plows, Points, Cane Mills, Stoves, Hollow-ware, Brass and Iron Fittings, Gas Pipe, &c. They are now making Plow Points, which prove to be superior to Pittsburg points. This speaks highly for our city, and this Foundry. Their Cook Stoves are unusually heavy, made of the best of metal, and smooth and nicely finished as those of any other establishment. By buying your stove and other articles of them, you are relieved of all trouble and delay in procuring repairs, besides getting in all probability a better article. These are the kind of establishments that help along a town, by employing labor, and the country, by making a market for their products; and they deserve the patronage of the people, and we like to see them get it.
     Mr. H.B. Gentry, is an accomplished Tailor, having is place of business in Deletombe’s Block, on Second Street below the Square. Mr. Gentry is well-known, as a stylish, fashionable Cutter, Fitter and Maker of Gentlemen’s Suits, guaranteeing satisfaction to the most fastidious. He is not ashamed to have his Suits appear on the thoroughfare of any city in the Union. Call on him.
     Basil Beal, & Co., on Second and Pine Streets, have a splendid crop of Potatoes on the same lot on which their Store is situated. When a customer calls for potatoes, they go out and dig him what he wants, and he gets them in a fresh and healthy condition, and gets nice ones too. If you want to be that customer you know the place.
     Mr. H. L. Miller, at the old stand of Wm.C. Miller, on Court Street is now sole proprietor of that mammoth establishment, having recently purchased the interest of his brother-in-law, Mr. W.B. Trump. Mr. Miller, has been brought up in a Dry Goods Store, and has certainly all the knowledge requisite for the successful transaction of the business. His motto is: “The best Goods at lowest prices.” We know he has every facility for favoring his customers with good bargains. There is no end scarcely, to his stock of Staple, Fancy Goods and Groceries, and he informs us that he will give extra inducements to those who may favor him with a call. He invites the ladies especially, to examine his stock of Silks, Embroideries and White Goods, claiming their equal is not to be found in this city. He also desires the public to bear in mind that he gives the same weights, gauges, taxes, &c., to his customers that he gets himself, and warrants all Goods as represented.