History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 136

Author: Waggoner, Clark, 1820-1903
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: New York and Toledo : Munsell & Company
Number of Pages: 1408

USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio > Part 136

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Frank Collins, City Proseentor of Toledo, died Jannary 17, 1871. He was born in Livings- ton County, N. Y .. in 1836; was admitted to the Bar in 1861, and soon enlisted in the 104th New York Regiment and was promoted to a Captaincy ; he came to Toledo in 1865, and in 1867 became City Prosecutor by appointment,

654

HISTORY OF 'IOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

being elected to that position in 1869. He was highly esteemed and left a wife and child. He was a brother of Judge W. A. Collins.

Andrew Shurtz died at Toledo, September 29, 1871, aged 52 years. He came to Toledo in 1843, and throughout his residence there be maintained an honorable and useful position, holding different offices of public trust, inelnd- ing Councilman, Street Commissioner, and membership of the Board of Improvements. He was carpenter and joiner by trade, and contractor and builder of many fine buildings.

Alex. Bruce Brownlee died at Toledo, March 17, 1872, aged 66. He was born in Falkirk, Scotland, in 1806; came to the United States in 1832, locating at Manmee City, and en- gaging in the Grocery and Provision trade as partner in the firm of Pratt & Brownlee. In 1847, the firm of Brownlee & Pendleton com- menced business in the Canal Elevators, then just built on the River, foot of Madison Street, Toledo, since and now owned by C. A. King & Co. That was the first Steam Elevator Warehouse on the River, if not the pioneer of the Lakes. After varying experience in trade, Mr. Brownlee retired, and in 1857 was chosen as Mayor of Toledo by a remarkable majority ; was re-elected in 1859; and resigned during that term, to become the Secretary of the Fire and Marine Insurance Company, which position he held at the time of his death. He always sustained the character of an honest man, and enjoyed in full measure the confi- dence of his fellow-citizens. He left a wife, two sons and two daughters.

Lyman Casey died at Toledo, November 14, 1872. He was born at Pittsfield, Mass., Feb. 7,1793. In 1814, he went to York, Livingston Connty, New York, and engaged in farming, remaining there until his removal to Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1853, whence he came to Toledo in 1857. Thoughout an active, as well as a long life, he had enjoyed remarkably good health, and won in unusual degree, the confi- dence and esteem of a large circle of acquaint- ances. He left five children-Mrs. C. D. Crook, Adrian, Mich .; Mrs. John N. Stevens, and Mrs. M. D. Carrington (deceased) Toledo; Mr. T. B. Casey, Minneapolis, Minn .; and Mr. Lyman R. Casey, Detroit.

Daniel R. Stebbins died at Toledo, Septem- ber 6, 1874, aged 68 years. He was born at Ft. Edward, New York, October 4, 1806. His youth was spent at Sacketts Harbor, New York, and he came to Maumee in 1835, whence he removed to Toledo about 1860. For many years he acted as engineer on several different Lake Steamers. In 1847 the Steamer G. P. Griffith was built at Maumee, chiefly under his superintendence, he becoming the Chief Engineer. The burning of this craft, June 17, 1850, a few miles below Cleveland, was an

event of great affliction and sadness. She was a total loss, with her cargo. But the most serious feature of the event was the loss of life, which amounted to about 300, of 331 on board. Included in these were the Captain, C. C. Roby, wife and daughter; Mrs. Wilkison, mother of Mrs. Roby; and a Mr. Palmer of Toledo. The origin of the disaster was not clear. It was re- lated by an eye-witness, that when hope of suppressing the flames was gone, Captain Roby gathered about him his family, and the last words uttered by him were : " Dear wife, pre- pare to meet the worst." Then clasping her in his arms convulsively, and kissing her, as quick as thought he whirled her over the railing and into the Lake. He then seized his wife's mother and threw her overboard, then his little daughter, and closed the sad scene by jumping after them, all to take their chances of life, which were against them. The event always followed Mr. Stebbins with most depressing in- fluence, while the physical injury sustained was permanent. For some time after coming to Toledo he acted as Engineer at the Wabash Grain Elevators. In 1837, he was married with Miss Mary Palmer, who with one dangh- ter, Mrs. Joseph Paige, yet reside in Toledo. Mr. Stebbins was a man of uprightness and honor in all his intercourse with others.

Drowned near Presque Isle, Maumee River, August 30, 1866, Everett G., son of W. S. Isher- wood, aged 15; Georgiana, daughter of Joel Reed, deceased, aged 14; Fanny Underwood, aged 13; and Florence, daughter of Isaac Rhodes, aged 11. They were attending a pic- nic of Clinton Park Sunday School, and were drowned while crossing the River in a small boat.

John Sinclair died at Oakland, California, March 3, 1875. He was a native of Ireland, and was born in 1825. Coming to the United States in 1826, the family settled at Monroe, Michigan. In 1847 he came to Toledo, and be- came the book-keeper of Alonzo Godard. Sub- sequently, he was engaged in Commission business with G. R. Williams, and subsequently with Matthew Brown, the latter partnership terminating in 1874. In his business relations, Mr. Sinclair ever maintained an honorable position and displayed exceptional ability. It was in the public offices filled by him, that he gained his chief prominence. In the City Council from 1859 to 1863, and again from 1867 to 1873, he was a leading member of that body, most of the time acting as President of the same. In 1867-8, he served a term as Repre- sentative of Lucas County in the Ohio Legis- lature. Ile was actively identified with the Board of Trade, of which he was at one time the President; and also with the Toledo Library Association. In 1852 Mr. Sinclair was married with Miss Anna Perigo, of Toledo, who, with two of five children, yet survive

685

PERSONAL MENTION.

him, as also do fonr sisters-Mrs. John Berdan, Mrs. John Cummings. Mrs. Dr. Gilbert Chad- dock, and Miss Emma Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair's remains were buried in Toledo, when special recognition of his memory was made by the Board of Trade, the City Council and the Trustees of the Public Library.

Thomas Southard died at Toledo, June 24, 1875, in his 72d year. Born in England, he came to this conntry and to Toledo in 1833, where he continued until his death. He left a wife and three children-Thomas, Jr., Mrs. Richard Hallaran, and Mrs. Sanford Sullivan.

John E. Carpenter died at Toledo, November 29, 1875. He had acted as Paymaster of the Toledo and Wabash Railway for about 20 years, covering most of the time after that Road went into operation. His death was caused by the collision of a freight train with his pay-car, some inonths previous to his death. He was 49 years of age.

Mrs. Ann (Woodiwiss) Corlett, wife of Thos. Corlett, died at Vienna, Michigan, April S, 1876. She was born in Essex, England, Janu- ary 22, 1814; came to this country with her parents in 1824 ; was married in 1833; came to Toledo in 1834, which was her home until 1872, when, with her husband, she went to Vienna. Of her 12 children, four survive her- Frank, John, William and Sophia. She was buried at Toledo, the services being held at Westminster Church, of which she was a member.

Mrs. Sarah O., wife of Thomas Hamilton, Sen., died in Toledo, June 28, 1872. She was the daughter of George Standart, and was born at New Hartford, Oneida County, New York, May 18, 1814 The family removed to Auburn in 1819. In July, 1836, deceased was married and came to Milan, Ohio, where she remained until 1861, when, with her husband, she came to Toledo, remaining here until her death.

Thomas Hamilton, Sen .. died at Toledo, Sep- tember 16, 1876. He was born at Granville, Washington County, New York, in May, 1810; came from Buffalo to Milan, Ohio, in 1832, and soon became a member of the prominent firm of Standart, Hamilton & Co. (an elder brother, Daniel Hamilton and Needham M. Standart being partners). In connection with that firm. and much more in his personal efforts, the deceased contributed largely to the remarkable advance made by Milan, both in improvements and growth and in general in- fluence. His exceptional intelligence and pub- lic spirit enabled him to accomplish much, in all departments of activity. A man of the strietest views and habits, his example as well as precept were ever on the side of sound prin- ciples in morals and business. His services were almost constantly in requsition in local affairs. He was elected State Senator in 1847,

for the Counties of Erie and Huron, and do- clined a re-election. Ho camo to Toledo in 1861. He left seven children, all of whom are now living-Thomas, Jr., of Denver, Colorado : J. Kent, of Toledo ; Robert W., Frederick, Charles and Mary, of San Diego, California ; and Mrs. Lucy Durfee, of Decatur, Illinois.

Daniel Segur died at Toledo, September 5, 1876. He was born in Herkimer County, New York, in 1812. In 1815, the family removed to Oneida County, same State, the father engaging in milling. In 1827, the father died, when Daniel went to Utica for employment, as clerk in a hotel. Thence he went to Buffalo, for like employment, and in 1832, he and a brother became proprietors of the Mansion llouse at Cleveland. A year later (1833), he came to Toledo and opened the Mansion House, on Summit Street, between Locust and Lagrange. Not long thereafter he became proprietor of the American Hotel, corner of Summit and Elm Streets (burned in 1861). Much of Mr. Segur's life was spent in public positions of various kinds. In 1838 he was elected to the City Council, and his connection with the City Government, with brief intervals, was con- tinued to the year of his death. In 1845 he was appointed Collector of Canal tolls ; and in 1858, Deputy Collector of Customs. He acted with the Whig party until 1855, from which time he was identified with the Democrats, in both of which relations he was active and in- fluential. He left a wife (Mrs. Rosa L. Segur), a son (Daniel, Jr.) and a daughter, Fannie, Mrs. George W. Foster, now manager of the Erie Telegraph and Telephone Exchange at Dallas, Texas.

Rev. Samuel M. Beatty was born at Hagers- town, Maryland, December 8, 1804. With only a meagre education, he learned the trade of a coppersmith, which he followed until 1840, when he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and came to Northern Ohio, where he spent the balance of his life in pro- fessional service. For several years he acted as Pastor to the Seamen's Friend Society at Cleveland, and for a long time was in the itin- erancy. In 1868, he came to Toledo to take charge of the Bethel work, including Seamen and Railroad employes, which was his work until his death, November 22, 1876. The occa- sion was marked by very general expression of respect for his memory, especially on the part of the clergy of the City and the Produco Ex- change. He left a wife and one daughter.

Colonel Daniel Chase, U. S. A., died in To- ledo, June 24, 1877, aged 76 years. He came to the Maumee River in 1834, and purchased about 12,000 acres of land, a considerable por- tion of which is now within the City of Toledo. With special taste for the military, he early be- came actively identified with the State Militia, and was appointed a Major General. He raised

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

a Company of Volunteers for the Mexican War in 1846, which he commanded, being wounded at the storming of Chapultepec. At the close of that war, upon recommendation of General Winfield Scott, he was appointed as Colonel in the Regular Army, and was serving as such under the Rebel General Twiggs, when that officer's command was broken up by his trea- On his way North Colonel Chase partic- ipated in the battle of Wilson's Creek, and was near General Lyon at the time he fell. After- wards he was appointed Major, and served in the Vicksburg campaign on the staff of General McPherson, and commanded a Regiment in the assault on that stronghold, when he was again wounded. At the close of the War he was placed on the retired list, with rank of Colonel, being then 64 years old. He never was mar- ried. He was a brother of Dr. James L. Chase of Toledo.

son.

David Burgert died in Toledo, March 30, 1877, aged 81 years. Born in Pennsylvania, with the family he came to Canton, Ohio, in 1812. In 1820 he was married with Miss Eleanor Huet. Subsequently he lived in Paris, Stark County, in Coshocton County and in Cuyahoga County, whence, in 1867, he came to Toledo, living with his youngest daughter, Mrs. George W. Hart, until his death. Mrs. Burgert died in 1840, leaving six sons (inelnd- ing Adam Burgert) and six daughters. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Edwin Avery, Sen., died at Toledo, July' 24, 1878. Born in New London, Connecticut, he went to Rochester. New York, whence he came to Toledo in 1842. The next year he estab- lished a line of Boats on the Wabash and Erie Canal, between Toledo and Lafayette, his Boat, " Harry of the West," making the first passage through the Eastern Division of the Canal. In 1848 he established an Express between Toledo and Adrian, being the first business of the kind done on a Western Railroad. He was among the California " '49-ers," making the passage overland in 1849, and remaining there until 1858. He is said to have started the first drays used in Toledo. For nine years he was Grain Inspector at the Wabash Elevators, continuing as such until incapacitated by the failure of his eyesight. Mrs. Avery, with seven children, still survive him-the latter being Elias, Edwin and John G., of Toledo; Fred., of Adrian ; Mrs. Andrew Shurtz, Mrs. James Canneff and Mrs. Scott Hitchens, of Toledo. Mr. Avery was a man of unusual energy and enterprise, and ever was held in high respect by his acquaintances.

William H. Merritt was born in Brunswick County, Virginia, and with his parents came to Columbus, Ohio. When 18 years of age, he settled at Maumee City, and subsequently opened a Barber Shop at that point, which was the first, or among the first of the kind estab-

lished there. About 1853, he removed to Toledo, where for many years he pursued the same business, until his death in 1879. His shop (59} Summit Street), for many years was the favorite resort of those seeking tonsorial service, while Mr. Merritt maintained a credit- able position with all classes of citizens, and one of influence with his own race. At the May Term of Lucas County Common Pleas, 187-, he served as Juryman, being, as believed, the first colored citizen serving in that eapacity in Ohio. His memory is held in high respect by a large circle of acquaintances.

Salter Cleveland was born in Massachusetts in 1798. Coming West, he first made his home at Tecumseh, Michigan, where he kept a Livery Stable for several years. He was in that busi- ness during the " Toledo War " (1835), and was employed to bring Governor Mason, Judge Ross Wilkins of the United States Court, and General Joseph W. Brown to Toledo, at the time the Michigan forces visited that place. In 1844, Mr. Cleveland came to Toledo, and estab- lished the first distinct Livery Stable in the City, at the barn of the old American Hotel, then kept by Colonel John McKenster, corner of Summit and Elm Streets, soon removing to the vicinity of the Indiana House, corner of Summit and Perry. He was in the business for several years. In 1847 he ran the Indiana House, at which time he employed the first Omnibus used in Toledo. Mr. Cleveland, at the advanced age of 88 years, died in Toledo, in June, 1887. He had been for a long period of time an active and earnest advocate of sound moral and religious principles.

CHARLES AUGUSTUS CRANE was born in Boardman, Trumbull County, Ohio, June 11,1817. His father, Joseph Harmon Crane, was of the old Connecticut stock, and was born September 24, 1793, and died in July, 1849. The subject of this sketch attended the Dis- triet Schools of Boardman, from the time he was old enough until he was 15 years of age, meanwhile working on his father's farm. In 1832, the family removed to Port Lawrence (Toledo), when Charles, fancying the Sailor's life, secured a position on a Lake Vessel, and continued there for two years. Satisfied with such experience, in 1834 he was employed in a store in Toledo. Remaining there for two years, he entered the service of the Warehouse and Transportation Company, continuing with it until 1839. Then, with the late Lyman Wheel- er, he formed the firm of Wheeler & Crane, Recti- fiers and Grocers, whose store was on Monroe Street. In 1841, selling his interest to Mr. Wheeler, he returned to the Transportation business, continuing therein until 1845. For two years thereafter he was in the Banking House of Prentice, Dow & Co. In 1847, he engaged as Clerk with Thomas Watkins & Co., Commis-

Elias Bassett

B. Abraço

6.57

PERSONAL MENTION.

sion and Transportation Agents. Remaining there until 1853, he then removed to the East side of the River, and for 10 years was there engaged in farming, subsequently dealing in real estate. For many years he was managing Director of the Lucas County Infirmary. He was for a long time a Director in the First Na- tional Bank of Toledo. His residence continued in East Toledo until his death, May 25, 1884. Originally, Mr. Crane, in politics, was a Dem- ocrat; but from the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion, he was actively identified with the Republican party. The funeral was attended by many of his old friends. As a mark of special respect, Ford Post, Grand Army of the Republic, was represented by 40 members in a body. The pall-bearers were V. H. Ketebam, Dera Tracy, David Howe, Asa W. Maddocks, H. J. Hayes, and J. D. Chamberlin. The servi- ces were conducted by Rev. J. B. Schaff, Pastor of East Toledo Baptist Church, of which Mr. Crane was a member; who made just recog- nition of the honorable and nseful life of the deceased. The remains were accompanied by a large procession to Willow Cemetery, to the purchase and improvement of which Mr. Crane contributed liberally. It was said of him, that no child ever met him who did not receive kind recognition in word, smile or caress ; as did adults corresponding kindly greet- ing. Two brothers -George R. and William Crane-survive him. He was twice mar- ried-first, in June, 1840, with Miss Lorain, daughter of Dr. Fassett, who died in 1841; second, October 12, 1847, with Miss Mary A. Hill, daughter of Ellis Hill, of Jefferson County, New York, who survives him, and re- sides in East Toledo. No children were born to him. Mr. Crane was a man of fixed and positive opinions, and throughout an active life commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens in an eminent degree. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church, East Toledo, and was much esteemed for his quiet, consistent religious life.

ELIAS FASSETT. The ancestors of Elias Fassett, of Toledo, were of Scottish nativity, and settled in Massachusetts in 1715. His great-grandfather lived in Bennington, Ver- mont, and served in the French and Indian Wars. His grandfather was a Captain in the Revolutionary War, and served under General Montgomery. For his meritorious and gallant service during this war he was granted by Con- gress the entire Township of Cambridge, Ver- mont. He was afterwards made Associate Judge of the Supreme Court, and was recog- nized as one of the leading public men of his State. The father of Elias Fassett (John Fas- sett) was born in Bennington, Vermont, De- cember 17, 1769, but after the Revolution moved with his parents to Cambridge, where the sub- ject of this sketch was born, January 17, 1827,

the youngest of seven children-four boys and three girls. His mother's maidon name was Martha Thomas. Mr. Fassett's father was a Physician, and followed the practice of his pro- fession at Cambridge until in 1832, when in June of that year he came to Port Lawrenco and bought the section of land which is known as Fassett's First and Second Additions, located in what now is the Sixth Ward of Toledo. The following fall he brought his family to Port Lawrence, where for the succeeding fivo years he practiced his profession in addition to his labor in clearing his farm. At the end of this period he moved upon the farm, where he continued to reside until his death, May 26, 1853. Elias remained with his parents, assist- ing in the labors of tho farm until his 17th year. His School education was limited to the meager advantages afforded in this section at that early period, and consisted of three months' attend- ance during the year at the log School-house in the neighborhood of his father's farm, and one year's attendance at a Select School, then located on Lagrange Street, Toledo, in 1836.

Mr. Fassett became a clerk in the Dry Goods and General Store in which an elder brother was part proprietor, under the firm name of Raymond & Fassett. Here he remained for three years, after which he returned to his father's farm and remained there until his father's death. For one year after this event, he was Cheek Clerk in the Toledo office of the Cleve- land and Toledo Railroad, now a part of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad. For two years following he filled a similar po- sition in the office of the Wabash Railroad, and for three years was Freight Foreman for the same Road. The latter period of service ter- minated Mr. Fassett's connection with Rail- roading, since which date he has lived upon a portion of the original purchase of his father in 1832, and has devoted his time to tarming and dealing in real estate. The rapid growth of the City of Toledo has greatly enhanced the value of Mr. Fassett's property, a large portion of which has been converted into City building lots. Atthe time of its purchase it was an unend- tivated tract, covered with woods, upon which for many years stood a log-house, the home of Dr. Fassett and family.

Mr. Fassett's father and an eller brother were the proprietors of the first Tavern erected in the Fall of 1832, on the West side of Summit Street, near Locust Street, a portion of the City at that time known as Vistula. Upon the same site was afterwards erected a hotel, known as the Mansion House, and later as the Franklin House. James Irvine Browne, the publisher of the first newspaper in Toledo, hoarded with Mr. Fassett's father in 1834. The first edition of his paper published during that year was de- livered by young Fassett, who has a distinct recollection of its appearance and the primitive manner in which it was printed. "To Mr.

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Browne," says Mr. Fassett, "is due the credit of first suggesting the name for the present City of Toledo."

Mr. Fassett was married May 7, 1857, to Mary Elizabeth Wales, daughter of Philander Wales, an early settler in this section. Three children have been born to them-Mary Alena, born March 22, 1858; Mabel, born October 29, 1868, and John Elias, born November 4, 1862, who died in infancy.

Mr. Fassett is a Democrat, but has never taken an active part in politics. For six years he was a member of the Board of Equalization, an appointment conferred upon him for his con- ceded fitness for the position, and without solicitation on his part. The duties of this office he performed with entire satisfaction. By nature the excitement and turmoil of political life are distasteful to him, while attention to his private business has engrossed his time and form more congenial pursuits. Mr. Fassett has led a quiet life befitting his natural taste, and has found his greatest pleasure around the do- mestie circle, where he is revered and loved. His business life has been marked by the exercise of the strictest regard for right and justice. In all the relations of life, he has proved himself both honorable and manly, and has secured the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

CALVIN HERRICK, one of the oldest liv- ing Lake Captains in this section, is a son of James S. and Martha (Sharpsteen) Herrick, and was born in Richmond, Ontario County, New York, January 19, 1819. In 1823 bis par- ents came to Ohio and settled at Maumee. Here his father carried on his trade (black- smithing). Shortly after they moved to Water- ville, but while the subject of this sketch was a lad his parents returned to New York, and settled in Livingston County. Here young Herrick remained until 16 years of age, when he came to Perrysburg, and assisted his brother Elijah in transporting merchandise by team from that place to Providence. In 1837 he commeneed his career in Lake navigation, by entering the employ of Captain Curtis Perry, on the Schooner Caroline, with whom he sailed until 1845 -- the last two years as Mate. In 1845 he was made Captain of the Schooner Kentucky, owned by D. B. Smith of Maumee, a position he held for a year and a half. For two years following he was Mate of the Pro- peller Globe, commanded by Captain Henry Whitmore. He was the Captain of the Schooner Alvan Bronson ten years. In 1852 he became Captain of the Henry A. Kent, which he successfully commanded until she was destroyed by fire May 18, 1854. Fol- lowing this date he commanded the Scioto for two years. In 1856 the Marine In- surance Companies along the Lakes formed a Board of Lake Underwriters for mutual pro-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 136

Author: Waggoner, Clark, 1820-1903 Publication date: 1888 Publisher: New York and Toledo : Munsell & Company Number of Pages: 1408

Author: Waggoner, Clark, 1820-1903
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: New York and Toledo : Munsell & Company
Number of Pages: 1408