Simon Herr Harness Shop
1870 – 1903

At the age of 19, Simon Herr began the harness-making trade in Bluffton. The shop was first located where the Stager Grocery store stands. (In 2017 this is the site of the Bluffton Laundromat on Main and Jefferson).

A photo of Mr. Herr is at the bottom of this story.

He later moved his business to the Western Auto Supply building. (In 2017 this is the location of Diller Flooring and Interior, 119 N. Main St.)

Mr. Herr employed about six men. He kept expanding his operation until all kinds of farm goods and equipment were sold.

People from Lima and Findlay were customers because of the kind merchandise that he offered. He was one of the outstanding businessmen of Bluffton at the time.

Herr was also president of First National Bank, Bluffton. It was opened in November 1900 with capital of $25,000.

This bank no longer exists, however you can see its name above the doorway of Bluffton Karate Center, 125 N. Main St.

In 1904 bank officers were L.S. Dukes, vice president and John Bixel, cashier. Board of directors were A.A. Geiger, Henry Gratz.

Mr. Herr also built an opera house (part of The Black Lab on Vine Street) and owned many other buildings in Bluffton.

Reference: Mrs. Francis Basinger
Interviewers: Charles Hostetler and Robert E. Steiner