A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume I, Part 77

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1262

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CHAPTER LXIII.

SOME CLEVELAND SCIENTISTS.

There have been some notable contributions to science and some important inventions made by Cleveland men.

The first scientific association in Cleveland was the Cleveland Academy of Natural Science, organized in 1845 at the suggestion of Dr. Kirtland. The first meeting was held November 24, 1845, when Dr. Kirtland was elected pres- ident ; Sherlock J. Andrews, first vice president; Charles W. Heard, second vice president; William D. Beattie, third vice president. The curators were William Case, Hamilton L. Smith, Samuel St. John, Henry C. Kingsley, Rufus K. Winslow, Jared P. Kirtland, J. Lang Cassells, Charles Whittlesey. A cred- itable collection of geological, zoological and botanical specimens was gathered, which was at first stored in the Medical College, where the Academy met. For a number of years during the winter public lectures were given by members of the Academy. Among the many published contributions to science made by the members may be mentioned : "Description of New Varieties of Fish"; "The Classi- fication of Diurnal lepidoptera of Northern and Middle Ohio"; "Classification of Fossil Coal Plants," by Dr. Newberry ; "A Description of the Mosses Found in the Vicinity of Cleveland," by Professor Cassells; numerous observations of fishes, by Dr. Garlick; studies among the coal measures and the drift, by Dr. Newberry ; a description of the mounted birds in the museum, by Dr. Kirtland. It was reorganized in 1869 into the Kirtland Society of Natural Science, which in 1870 became identified with the Cleveland Library Association. A few years later its collections were given to Case School of Applied Science.

Connected with these early societies are the names of four men, who were pioneers in scientific work. The first of these is Dr. Jared P. Kirtland, a dis- tinguished naturalist, teacher and physician. He was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, in 1795, and came to Poland, Trumbull county, on horseback, when he was fifteen years old. His father was the general agent of the Con- necticut Land Company at that place. After studying medicine in Dr. Rush's noted school in Philadelphia, he practiced in Trumbull county for nearly twenty years and was several times elected to the legislature. In 1838 he was ap- pointed naturalist of the first Ohio geological survey. He lectured one year in the Cincinnati Medical College and at the close of the year 1838, accepted a professorship in the newly organized Cleveland Medical College. Soon there- after he bought an estate near Rocky river and this became a noted experimental farm, where were originated many new varieties of fruits, including several varieties of cherries and the well known Kirtland strawberry. Here the aged naturalist had a remarkable collection of trees and shrubs, and his flower garden was known throughout the state. Dr. Kirtland also made important dis- coveries in zoology. His first original contribution to science was on the clas- sification of fresh water mollusks, while he was still a young physician in Poland. From his farm the doctor drove daily to his classes in the city until within a few years before his death, which occurred December 10, 1877. Tradi-

DR. JARED P. KIRTLAND

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tion has handed down many beautiful and quaint stories concerning his simple habits and delightful personality.

Dr. Theodore Datus Garlick was another of the early group of Cleveland's sciensists, who founded the Academy of Natural Science. He was born in Middle- bury, Vermont, March 30, 1805, came to Cleveland in 1819, was engaged for a time as a stone cutter, became a physician, practicing for some years in Youngs- town, and returning to Cleveland in 1853 to practice medicine. He was an authority on the artificial propagation of fish and his book published on that subject in 1854, remained the standard for many years. He urged upon the government the artificial propagation of brook trout and other fish, but met with rude rebuff and brutal treatment from government officials. He was also a widely known botanist, and possessed great skill as a modeler in clay, his anatomi- cal models being widely used. In the collections of the Historical Society are a number of specimens of his handicraft, among them a bust of his devoted friend, Dr. Kirtland.

Another of this distinguished group and the one most widely known for his original contributions to science was Dr. J. S. Newberry. He was born in Cuyahoga Falls, graduated from Western Reserve college in 1846, and from the Cleveland Medical college in 1848. He practiced medicine but a few years. He was appointed assistant surgeon and geologist of the party sent by the war department in 1855 to explore the regions between the Columbia river and the Pacific ocean. This was the beginning of a brilliant scientific career. He became state geologist of Ohio and of the United States geological survey and professor of geology in the School of Mines in Columbia university. His studies covered every phase of geological research, but he will be longest remembered for his work in paleontology.

The fourth member of this interesting group was Col. Charles C. Whittle- sey. He was a geologist, mining engineer and archaeologist of great distinction. He was born in 1808, lived in Cleveland nearly all his life and died here in 1886. His little white cottage on Euclid avenue, near the present East 65th street, surrounded by clusters of choice shrubs, will be remembered by the older members of the community. He was a member of the first geological survey of Ohio, a pioneer in American archæology, and a civil engineer of many achievements. He was likewise the historian of our early Cleveland life, a writer of many tracts in the Historical Society series, and a voluminous contributor to scientific journals, including the Smithsonian Contributions, and founder of the Cleveland Academy of Natural Science, the Kirtland Society of Natural History, and the Western Reserve Historical Society.

To this group may be added the name of Dr. Elisha Sterling, who was born in New York state August 15, 1825, and died in Cleveland December 29, 1890. He came to Cleveland in 1827, graduated from the Cleveland Medical College, studied in Paris, where his skill attracted attention. He traveled over the continent, going over twenty-five hundred miles on foot studying natural science, and observ- ing the people, their customs and manners. Through the friendship of Dr. New- berry, Dr. Sterling was appointed naturalist of the government expedition to California and Oregon. He was an adept taxidermist, an expert on fish culture, a contributor to scientific journals, one of the founders of the Kirtland Society,

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and an "Arkite." He gained eminence in surgery, and was one of the cultured public-spirited men of his generation.

Dr. John Lang Cassels was prominent in scientific work, and associated with Dr. Kirtland on the faculty of the Medical College in 1843. He was professor of chemistry, and did pioneer work in the mineralogy of the Lake Superior mineral regions, which he visited in 1846. He made the journey to the interior of the peninsula by canoe under the guidance of an Indian. His prophecies concerning the riches of that region were received with smiles, but many Cleve- landers reaped a golden harvest from his pioneer work.

The later scientific work done in our city has centered about the laboratories of Case School of Applied Science and Western Reserve University. Among the distinguished scientists of America, Professor William E. Morley takes first rank as a chemist. Professor Morley was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1838, became professor of chemistry in Western Reserve College at Hudson in 1869, and when that institution was moved to Cleveland became also professor of chemistry in the Medical College. In 1906 he resigned these positions and moved to West Hartford, Connecticut, where he is engaged in research work. Professor Morley's special research was in determining the atomic weight of oxygen, and his work on that subject was published by the Smithsonian insti- tution in 1895. Professor Morley has conducted many other notable researches, is a member of the learned societies of America and Europe, and an extensive con- tributor to scientific journals, and has been decorated by several European societies. Associated with him for many years was Professor Michelson, the distinguished physicist, who was professor of physics in Case School of Applied Science from 1883 to 1889, and is now a member of the faculty of the Univer- sity of Chicago. These two distinguished scholars conducted researches in light and other subjects of physical science.

Professor C. F. Mabery, professor of chemistry in Case School, has for many years been prominent as an investigator in the composition of petroleum and the constituents of lubricating oils.

Professor Dayton C. Miller, professor of physics in Cast School, has con- ducted notable experiments in the nature of sound and sound waves and other important work in experimental physics.

Cleveland being the center of great manufacturing interests, there have been a number of scientific discoveries of a practical nature. The Cowles brothers in 1884 laid the foundation for electric smelting. A good deal of practical work has also been done in the chemistry of steel and steel castings. Of mechanical inven- tions, there have been great multitudes. The most renowned invention made in Cleveland was that of the electric arc light by Charles F. Brush in 1876. Mr Brush was born at Euclid, Ohio, March 7, 1849, and graduated from the En- gineering Department of the University of Michigan in 1869. He was the founder of the Brush Electric Company, has made many inventions for the practical ap- plication of electricity to the needs of society, was decorated by the French gov- ernment in 1881 for achievements in electrical science, and in 1899 received the Rumford medal.

Many scientific instruments of great interest and importance have been made in the manufactory of Warner & Swasey. Both members of this firm are dis-

-- -

Dr. J. S. Newberry

Theodatus Garlick

HOME OF COL. CHARLES WHITTLESEY

This cottage stood on the north side of Euclid Avenne nearly opposite Dunham Avenue (East 66th) and not far east of the old toll gate, the old landmark of Colonel Whittlesey's day.

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tinguished for their scientific work. They excel in all branches of telescope building and the making of instruments of precision, including range finders, gun sights, field telescopes, etc. Among others of their notable achievements, must be included the building of the thirty-six inch Lick telescope, the twenty-six inch telescope of the Naval Observatory at Washington, and the forty inch telescope of the Yerkes Observatory for Chicago University. Many new inventions have been recorded by both Mr. Warner and Mr. Swasey. This fortunate partnership was entered into in 1880.

William Chisholm, Sr., has contributed a long list of successful industrial in- ventions. Mr. Chisholm was born in Scotland, August 12, 1835, came to Cleve- land in 1852, became manager for the Cleveland Rolling Mills, and invented many processes for the manufacture of Bessemer steel into screws, spades, etc., and devised new steam hoisting and pumping engines and conveying machinery.

Alexander E. Brown has secured several hundred patents on hoisting machin- ery. He is president of the Brown Hoisting Machine Company, is a distinguished engineer, a member of the learned engineering societies of America and Europe and a writer upon technical subjects. The machinery made in his establishment is used in every part of the world.

Cady Staley, president of Case School of Applied Science from 1886 to 1902, was one of the engineers in the building of the Central Pacific Railroad and is the author of several works on engineering. He was born December 12, 1840, near Minaville, New York, and graduated from Union college in 1865.

Two astronomers of distinction must be mentioned, Professor Charles S. Howe and Professor John N. Stockwell. Professor Howe, before becoming president of Case School of Applied Science, was professor of astronomy in that institution. He has contributed to astronomical and mathematical journals, has presided over several of the learned societies, and is a leader in the movement for industrial and technical education in America. Since he has been president of Case School of Applied Science he has been compelled to give up a great deal of his active scientific work.

Professor John N. Stockwell was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, April 10, 1832. He came to Brecksville in his youth and good fortune led him into an acquaintanceship with William Case. Their mutual love for astronomy and math- ematics soon ripened the acquaintance into intimacy. Professor Stockwell secured the proper instruments for observation and began a series of original investiga- tions that rank him among the foremost astronomers of the times. He is the author of many works on astronomy, a contributor to the 'American and foreign scientific journals and to the Smithsonian Contributions.

DIVISION IX. FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL.

From original in Western Reserve Historical Society Amzi Atwater Died in 1851

Joel Scranton 1793-1858

A. W. Walworth 1790-1844 General Store

Nathan Perry 1786-1865 General Store

Peter M. Weddell 1788-1847 General Store PIONEER MERCHANTS

Richard Hilliard 1797-1856 Dry Goods

CHAPTER LXIV.

EARLY TRADE AND MERCANTILE DEVELOPMENT-THE GROWTH OF THE CITY.

A small log hut, as headquarters, was built by the traders in 1786, near the spring at the foot of Main street.1 Harvey Rice states that "In 1797 Edward Paine opened the first dry goods store in Cleveland." 2 The straggling popula- tion of the village needed but few supplies. Judge Barr leaves a picture of mercantile Cleveland in 1803: "Bryant's log distillery, of course, attracted the attention of such Senecas, Hurons, Chippewas and Delawares as had a weakness for firewater. Alexander Campbell, who was doubtless a Scotchman, saw that here was a good place to traffic with the stoics of the woods. He built a rude store a little further up the hill near the spring but more toward the junction of Union and Mandrake lanes. * * * In this cluster of log shanties, the principal traffic of Cleveland was transacted. Here the red men became supremely happy over a very small quantity of raw whiskey, for which he paid the proceeds of many a hunt. If anything remained of his stock of skins after paying for his whiskey, the beads, ribbons and trinkets of Mr. Campbell's store absorbed the entire stock. Here squaws bartered and coquetted with the trader, who in their eyes was the most important personage in the country. Here the wild hunter in his dirty blanket made the woods ring with his savage howls, when exhilarated with drink. He shone forth for a moment in his native barbarity, ferocious alike against friend and foe." 3

"Previous to the war, the principal business on the lakes was the transpor- tation of salt and furs In 1811 one hundred and twenty thousand dollars worth of the latter was taken by Captain Dobbins in the schooner "Salina," from Mackinaw; eighteen thousand barrels destined for the Pittsburg market ar- rived at Erie in a single season. Flour, pork, whiskey, high wines, intended

1 Whittlesey's "Early History," p. 365.

2 "Pioneers of Western Reserve," p. 61.

8 Whittlesey's "Early History of Cleveland," p. 390.

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for the Indian trade, and the markets of Detroit and Mackinaw, came from Pittsburg and served as an offset to the fur trade of the former. From 1796 to 1802, what few emigrants and merchandise found their way into Ohio from the Atlantic settlements were conveyed hither mostly by Schenectady boats, following the routes of the original surveys. From 1802 to 1812, goods were brought from Albany to Black Rock by wagons; the merchants starting to New York in July. These goods were frequently detained on the way until the spring of the ensuing year."4

In 1808 Nathan Perry, whom Judge Griswold called "Cleveland's first great merchant," joined the group of traders and built a store and dwelling on the corner of Superior and Water streets. Within a decade he supplanted this with a brick building, the third brick building in Cleveland, where he carried on an extensive business. Nathan Perry possessed the genius of a trader. He had learned the dialects of the Indians and made the foundation of his for- tune in fur trading. Perry was the first merchant in northern Ohio to do more than supply the scant local needs of his community. His mercantile enterprises extended over the Reserve and he soon became a rich man, in- vesting his funds in real estate and leaving one of the largest estates in the city. He died June 24, 1865. Perry street was named for him.

In 1810 Harvey and Elias Murray built a frame store on Superior street near the Forest City block, and occupied it until Hull's surrender of Detroit, when it was used as a hospital for the soldiers. After the war it was again Ased for mercantile purposes. In 1855 it was torn down.

In 1809 Major Carter built a log warehouse near Union lane and in 18II the Murrays built one near the mouth of the river. These served for storing the merchandise that was brought by schooner on the lake from Buffalo, or by laborious teams in "Pennsylvania wagons" or by packhorse, from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, thence to Cleveland.

In 1814, J. A. and Irad Kelley built the first brick building in the town, a store on Superior street. In 1815 Noble H. Merwin came to Cleveland and built a log warehouse on the corner of Superior and Merwin streets. The next year he brought his family from Connecticut and purchased the "tavern stand" of George Wallace on the corner of Superior street and Vineyard lane. His house was known as "Merwin's tavern" and later as the "Mansion House." Merwin became one of the leading business men of the village, engaging in the provision trade and in forwarding. James Kingsbury kept a store in 1816. In 1817 the first frame warehouse was built by Leonard Case and Captain Wil- liam Gaylord on the river north of St. Clair street. This was soon followed by one built by Dr. David Long and Levi Johnson, and still a third by John Blair. These latter were both below Gaylord's.

In 1818 Orlando Cutter arrived with twenty thousand dollars worth of merchandise, an enormous stock for those days. He sold it the following year to Merrit Seeley. In 1820 Peter M. Weddell establish a mercantile business here that developed into one of the largest in northern Ohio.

In 1821 mercantile Cleveland clustered around "Perry's Corners," Superior and Water street, where stood Perry's "little white store" and the Kelleys'

+ "National Magazine," December, 1845.

George Worthington Hardware

A. Cobb Druggist

William Bingham Hardware

E. I. Baldwin Dry Goods

G. N. Abbey Crockery

N. E. Crittenden Jeweler

P. H. Babcock Wholesale Grocer

J. P. Robison Packing and Provisions PIONEER MERCHANTS

Benjamin Rose Packing and Provisions

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"big brick store," also Major Carter's "red tavern," built of logs and veneered with clapboards. In the marshes on the river were the scattered warehouses, small log or frame buildings. Those wishing to cross to the west side were ferried over from the foot of Superior street by "old Uncle Kit Gunn," in a primitive flat boat. Where the Weddell House later stood, "Uncle" Abraham Hickox had his blacksmith shop, with its noted sign "Uncle Abraham works here." From his shop to the lake was pasture land, enclosed with an old worm rail fence. The flats were a tangle of grape vines and forest, affording good hunting. From Erie street to "Doan's Corners" was woods. Curtis' tannery stood where A. P. Winslow later built his splendid home (Giddings avenue). On Erie street there was a clearing of about four acres, enclosed by a rail fence. A log house stood where the Cleveland Trust building now stands. From there to the Square which was "covered with bushes and stumps," there were no houses.5

In 1825, with a population of about five hundred, Cleveland began its real growth with the opening of the Ohio canal. With this development of popula- tion came a great many mercantile enterprises. The first city directory, 1837, when the town had about five thousand population, gives an opportunity for analyzing the occupations and industries of the city. There were seventy-one grocery stores, twenty-five dry goods and clothing stores, seven millinery stores, five hardware stores, four boot and shoe stores, supplying the town and its out- lying farms. These were all small stores, confining their trade to one line of goods, excepting a few, which had combinations of "dry goods and hardware," "dry goods and groceries," "dry goods and shoes." Several wholesale grocers and wholesale dry goods stores had begun the distributing business which within fifty years developed into large proportions. Twenty-five forwarding and com- mission merchants indicate the principal mercantile industry of the town. The lone log warehouse of Carter had multiplied many fold with the advent of canal and steamboat. Ship chandlery also began to be a leading industry. The re- tail business was confined to lower Superior street, Water street, River street, with a few grocery stores and some millinery and tailor shops on St. Clair, Pittsburg, Prospect and Michigan streets. North of Superior street was the fine residence portion of the town. The wholesale and warehouse business was confined to River street and the wharf district.

This was still the day of the artisan. Here are some of the trades enumer- ated in the first Directory : sawyer, lath joiner, coach maker, agriculturist, laun- dress, joiner, millwright, shingle maker, turner, soap boiler, fancy dyer, hair dresser, watchmaker and jeweler, draper and tailor, tailoress, drover, house mover, upholsterer, rope maker, tallow chandler, chair maker, coach and gig trimmer, peddler, carter, hosier, shoemakers and locksmith. This catalogue of homely in- dustries indicates a village that has not yet been turned over to the machine age.

BARTER AND TRADE.

In those years trade was by barter, money was scarce, and bank notes were of dubious value. Whiskey made in the rude distilleries, of the corn grown

5 See "Annals Early Settlers Association," No. 9, p. 34.

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among the stumps passed as a medium of exchange at twenty cents the gallon in 1820. "In 1817-18, small change was very scarce, and the trustees of the village, to relieve the wants of the people, after consulting with the business men, concluded best to issue corporation scrip, called by the people 'Corporation Shinplasters,' to the amount of one hundred dollars, in denominations from six and a quarter cents to fifty cents. * * A silver dollar was divided into nine pieces, each passing for a shilling, and a pistareen, worth eighteen and three-quarter cents, went for a shilling also."6

In 1818 Leonard Case advertised ninety acres for sale in Warrensville "which he will sell cheap for cash and salt, flour, whiskey, wheat or rye."7 In the same issue a merchant advertises that highest prices will be paid for oats "in salt or cash." In 1819 Nathan Perry announces his new brick store and that "he will receive in payment furs, pot and pearl ashes and good clean rye. * * * N. B. He wishes to purchase a quantity of pork, for which he will give five dollars per hundred for hogs weighing one hundred and eighty and upward, part of which will be paid in cash ; a liberal discount will be made on goods for eastern money." 8 A competitor, E. Taylor, in the same issue says he will receive in payment for goods purchased "pork, whiskey, rye, corn, tallow, butter and some first quality flour."

Another merchant has, "Now landing from the schooner Neptune three hundred barrels salt to be sold for cash or most kinds of country produce," and others advertise for cattle "for which they will pay a liberal price, either in salt or goods, or in what is termed money in the state of Ohio."9 Hubbard & Parson, "tin and sheet iron manufactory" let it be known that "all articles com- monly taken at eastern factories, will be received in payment at a fair price : as rags, pewter, brass, copper, feathers, bristles, beeswax, furs, ginseng, dried peaches and apples, cash, etc." 10 This seems an omnibus provision. Even the ladies were privileged to barter. In 1827 Mrs. Coolidge opened a millinery store opposite the Franklin House. "She has on hand an assortment of hats, caps, head dresses, etc., of the latest fashions. * Most kinds of country produce will be received in exchange for the above articles, viz .: Butter, cheese, dried apples and peaches, etc." 11 Those were good old days !

In 1825 a dealer asks for "thirty barrels of pickles," also for "pork, whiskey, hickory nuts, ashes, lye, potash, dried peaches and apples, rags, pork, barrels." 12 It was the custom for merchants to advertise the arrival of a cargo or con- signment of goods in the hope of making quick sales.

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A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume I, Part 77

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1262

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1262