Ohler and Buchanan Livery Stable Records (MS-9)

The three record books of the Ohler & Buchanan Livery Stable, (1834-1901), reflects the sales, expenses, services, and customers of the local Wapakoneta - St. Mary's business. The oldest records begin with a February 8, 1834 entry detailing debts incurred and noting their payment. The narrative entries are sparse until August, 1837, when the consecutive daily reports increase for longer periods of time, until 1852, providing a typical view of daily transactions for this period. The back of the book includes several recipes for varnishes.

Two additional account books recall a later era in the livery's history including the change of the title and ownership to Ohler and Elliott in 1893. Account books typically provide an alphabetical listing of regular customers and indexes their purchases and use of credit. This record covers the period from May 16, 1893 to August, 1901.

The Team Book records the lease of work teams beginning at the Stable's relocation in St. Mary's in November, 1896, until February, 1900. This document is perhaps the most comprehensible, providing a clearer view of the primary clientele, scope of services delivered, locations serviced, and incomes generated.

In addition to the limited data available to support a study of contrasting periods of the livery business, the records do include lists of local residents and contemporary businesses in Auglaize County which may be helpful to the researcher.