Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-09-03
ApHls SnteIIigeItt.
Old Mercantile Establishments.

We think there are few towns of the size of
Warren, in which so large a proportion of its
merchants have been so long in the lusiness.-
Although there are in this town over fifty stOr S
and shops in which goods, which are not manu-
featured there. are sold; there are only eight which
can properly be called Dry Goods Stores. And
each one of tlese sell some few articles not strictly
in the dry gools line
The oldest OF these, is that Of M,ssrs. Smiths
& MeCombs. Messrs. Henry and Charles Smith
commenced business in the year 1898, and al
though they have had different partners at diff
ferent times, still their establishment, with one
or both of these men at its head, has been open
nearly every day, except Sundays, since its
commencement, a period of some thirty-three
years. These gentlemen havealways, latter the
frst few years) done a large business for a coun-
try town, in the way of selling goods, and also
dealing extensively in produce. Mr.. Charles
Smith retired from the concern a year or more
since, his son, VIM. d. Smith taking his place.
Mr.. MeCombs has been connected in business,
with one or both of the Messrs. Smiths, for more
than twenty years.
The second on the list, is that of Messrs. E. &.
Hoyt d Co., owned by Edward E., James and
Lewis Hoyt. The first named gentleman CON-
menced business in 1893. Some three or four
wears after, the other brothers went in, Mr.. Ed
ward E. going out but in the course of two
years re-entered the establishment. Since that
time, the business has been u~ninterruptedly car
ried on by the present firm. They too, have sold
largely, dealt less in produce, but occasionally op-
Grated largely in cattle.
The third, is that of Measrs. Iddings d Nor
and with the exception of two years. has, with
different partners, been selling goods to the pres
ent time. Mr.. Morgan has been in business
some fifteen years. This firm has also had a
large trade, most of the time dealing extensively
in produce, especially in cheese.
The fourth, is that of Messrs. 3. Stiles & Son.
Mr.. Stiles, senior, commenced in 1887, in COM
pany with Mr.. George Mygatt, Mr.. S. doing the
business, Mr.. Mygatt residing elsewhere. A few
years since, Mr.. Mygatt retired and Mr.. I. NJ.
Stiles became a partner. This firm has went
on the even tenor of its way, quietly doing a
good business, dealing considerably in produce
generally, and largely in butter and wool
The two first named firms have each been
burned out once; and that of Iddings d Morgan.
twice; but undeterred by these ealamities, each
have, re-erected their establishments, and each
time on a larger scale They are now ornaments
20 the town, and a credit to their owners.
The Messrs. Mosers, Tor one of the present
firm has been some twelve years in business, do
ing a general business, oper.ting largelyin fax
seed.
Messrs. Parks & Wentz, about ten years, sell
ling principally dry goods, and making large
sales, and dealing in produce generally, especial
" in wool.
Each of the above mentioned concerns, are
firmly established, of strong capital, undoubted
credit, and unblemished reputation. The title
of an old merchant, is an honorable one, for the
very fact that through a long ssries of years,
complicated business transaction, have been
made, between the same buyers and sellers, and
in the same locality, is a sure guarantee that
those Transactions has been both honest and prof
table to both parties, or they would not have
continued.
In speaking thus of the old, we mean no dis
credit to young merchants. 1t is no crime to be
Young, in life or in business. Warren has rea-
son to be proud other merchants.