This information is from Bill Gunder’s notes and is copyrighted as the AWTHS, Inc. archives.
John Surber, Builder. There will be numerous residences erected in Monrow Township, Darke County,
Ohio in 1881. John Surber, contractor refers those contemplating building to the following persons who
have had buildings put up by him:……Benj. Ozias (Greenville Democrat, Wednesday, March 9, 1881)
Jess Smith has bought Mrs. Ozias’ residence and will in future reside there. Mrs. Ozias will move to
Dayton. (Greenville Journal April 17, 1890, Arcanum Items April 14, 1890)
Jess Smith has put another story on his kitchen. (Greenville Journal, Dec. 3, 1890, Arcanum Items Oct. 5,
1891)
J.C. Smith has moved to Dayton and Dr. Hawes now occupies his residence on Main street. (Greenville
Journal Oct. 28, 1897)
Dr. Hawes is constructing a fine concrete porch to his residence on Main street. (Arcanum Timas May 21,
1908)
“Pepered by Morris and Thomas Undertakers and Paperhangers, Oct.19, 1891.” That’s what Dick Kincaid
discovered on the plaster walls in one of the bedrooms of the house he recently purchased from Dr. P.H.
Mulder on Main street, next to the Kincaid Kleener plant. On the opposite wall a fancy sketch proclaimed
“J.C. Smith Dealer in Grain.” Dick and his helpers had removed many layers of wallpaper accumulated in
the years since 1891 during the occupancy of the first owner, Ben Ozias who sold the home to Jess Smith
who in turn sold to Dr. Ira Hawes. After Dr. Hawes’death the property along with the Doctor’’ practice was
sold to Dr. P.H. Mulder who owned the home until recently when it was sold to the Kincaids. The inquiry
about the property brought out many interesting sidelights. For instance, Ben Ozias was the agent for the old D and U. Railroad and after his death, the job became John H. Smith’’ who was not a relative to Smith’’ mercantile family of Arcanum, but was the father of the late Fred Smith, one of Arcanum’s finest and best known house painters. Smith was better known to Arcanians as “Station Agent Smith.”
The home on the corner of Main and South streets and next door to the Kincaid property was built also by Ben Ozias and is now owned and occupied by Joe smith and his sister, Mrs. Mildred Pleasant of the John Smith Co.
Across the street, the home which housed the “Smitty’s Restaurant” was built by William Smith, father of Jess Smith. Forthcoming post on Smitty’s Restaurant.
The home across the street to the south of Troutwine’s garage was built by Doug Smith. The
building occupied by Troutwine’s garage was the hme of John Smith founder of the Smith enterprises in
Arcanum more than one hundred years ago. These were eventually divided into the Smith Department Store and the John Smith Grain Co. John Smith was the father of three sons, Lon, Douglas and Milton who was the father of Joe and Mildred, now with the department store and the late Howard, husband of Ada, who is also associated with the department store. John W. was a brother of Jess Smith. Milton Smith’s son was Carl M. Smith who was the father of Harold Smith, now owner of Smith Grain Co. (Arcanum Times
July 9, 1859) More Smith blogs to come. The brothers of John Smith of the general store.
As you can see, the newspapers play a role in helping to build a time line and tell a story about our Arcanum homes and families. Along with the “story on the wall” in the former Kincaid’s home. Of course, the deeds and tax records help to complete the story and time line. And through Bill Gunder’s notes, it is recorded, and now shared.
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