Scio business block sketch from the 1875 Caldwell Atlas. Information from Biographical Record Harrison, Ohio J.H. Beers & Co. 1891. “Businesses at the corner of Main Street and Church Street, Scio, Ohio. L-R: G.A. Weight Carriage and Wagon Factory; Joseph R. Stephenson, manufacturer of and dealer in harness, saddle, collars, bridles, whips, robes, blankets, brushes, combs, trunks, valises, etc.; Weight & Canaga, Dealers in dry goods, lotions, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, hardware, farm implements, etc. Country Produce a Specialty.”
George A Weight was born in Germany on November 25, 1823 (died 1891). He was eight years old when he came to America with his widowed mother. They settled in Scio in 1842. George had only nine months of education. When he was 12 years old, he was apprenticed to wagon-making, serving six years. He married Biddy Gordon (B1821 – D1888) of Archer Twp. in 1844. George Weight’s daughter Minerva (1846-1932) married Joseph R. Stephenson (1837-1918) in 1864. George Weight’s daughter Elizabeth (1848-1920) married Silas W. Canaga (1845-1925). Joseph R. Stephenson was born in Steubenville on December 29, 1837. He came to Scio in 1854 and learned his trade as a harness maker under the guidance of John Plunkett. Joseph’s father, W.H.H. Stephenson, bought the shop from Plunkett, and Joseph carried on the business for his father. It was the only shop of its kind in Scio. Silas and Elizabeth Canaga were the parents of George O. Canaga, who served as judge of the Harrison County Court of Common Pleas from 1927 until his death in 1836.