USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio > Part 142
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FREDERICK PRENTICE was born in Port Lawrence, December 22, 1822, in the first frame house erected in what is now Toledo. It stood within what are now (old numbers) 33, 35, 31 and 39 Summit Street. His father, Joseph Prentice, with his family. came from Brooklyn, New York, in 1814, and first settled in Ashtabula County, Ohio, whence he soon came, by sledges on the ice, to the Maumee. Upon the commencement of operations by the Cincinnati parties, for starting a Town here, in 1817, Mr. Prentice was employed by them, and erected the building already referred to and the old Warehouse shown on page 466. It is said that the name Port Lawrence was given that Town, at his suggestion. Frederick is believ- ed to have been the first white child born in Port Lawrence. About 1825 the family re- moved to the East side of the River. where the father died May 6, 1845, aged 64 years. The widow ( Eleanor) survived him about 10 years. The son's early advantages were slim, indeed. With no Schools nearer than Fort Wayne or the River Raisin, his educational privileges were meager enough. When he was 15 years old, the father became helpless,throwing the care of the family largely on Frederick, with very limited means for such serions responsibility. Through intimate relations with the Indians, he acquired a knowledge of their tongue, and became interpreter for Indian agents and
Truly yours Israel Hull
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SOIL PRODUCTS.
traders, by which means, and attention to hunt- ing and fishing, he was enabled to maintain the family in comparative comfort-meantime greatly aided by an industrious, intelligent. and prudent mother. His best hunting ground was within what is now the Fifth Ward. the deer being most abundant where now stands the Oliver House. Southeast corner of Broad- way and Ottawa Street. At 18 Frederick engaged in furnishing the Town and Steam- boats with wood, and also in the supply of ship-timber for New York. At length he be- gan to deal in wild lands, buying in large quantities and selling to settlers, in which he was successful. In 1847, a portion of his lands on the East side of the River were devoted to a Nursery. in which A. W. Maddocks and C. E. Perigo were associated with him. The estab- lishment was an important advance in any- thing of the kind then known in this region. He continued in that business for several years. About 1857 he became interested in Lake Superior property at what is now Ash- land. At the very outset of the Oil ( Petroleum) movement, Mr. Prentice took an active part in the same. The financial collapse of 1857 proving too much for him, he was com- pelled to close up his business. While casting about for other engagements, his attention was accidently called to the then recent success of Col. Drake, in boring for oil near Titusville, Penn., by which 60 barrels of oil a day was pro- duced, then worth $1.00 per gallon. The story was generally discredited, as absurd, but Mr. Prentice visited that locality, for investiga- tion. He there soon found proof of the cor- reetness of the report. Deciding to begin op-
erations on his own account, he employed an old salt-well borer, who had a " divining-rod," by which reliable indications of the presence of water had been given, and which, as the owner believed, would serve equally in the case of oil. Proceeding to Franklin, 20 miles from Titusville, he there found that a man named Evans had that day " struck oil," and he and his daughters were found busy in dipping oil from the well, each two-gallon bucket counting $2,00 to him. Mr. Prentice proposed to buy Evans's well for $40,000, but the owner would not sell as he could " dip that amount out of his well in a month." Wells continued to be bored, and to such extent that in a short time, crude oil was sold at cight cents per barrel. in- stead of $1.00 per gallon. Suffice it here to state, that Mr. Prentice soon organized a com- pany for operations in oil and off lands. and with such success that, with improved facilities for refining and a sudden market demand, oil became again valuable, so much so, that in 1864, he sold 8,000 barrels for the sum of $112,000 cash, or $14.00 per barrel. He sold one lot at $18.00 per barrel, cash. The vicissi- tudes of the business ere long made it undesir- able, and with large profits accumulated, Mr. Prentice disposed of his interests there. Sub- sequently he engaged in an enterprise for boring for oil in South America, which did not meet his expectations. Of late years his busi- ness operations have been largely in New York, which is now his headquarters. Few men have shown more enterprise and energy with equal contrasts in success and disappoint- ment.
CHAPTER II.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AND TRI-STATE FAIR ASSOCIATION.
T a meeting of citizens of Lucas County, A held at Swanton, November 15, 1849, a County Agricultural Society was organized, with the following officers: President-San- ford L. Collins; Vice President -Wm. Trow- bridge; Secretary-John G. Klinck; Treas- urer-W. G. Dewey; Managers-A. H. Stone, of Spencer; C. W. Hill, of Port Lawrence (Toledo) ; A. Butler, Chesterfield (now in Ful- ton County) ; George Taft, York (now in Ful- ton County).
The Lucas and Fulton Agricultural Society, representing the counties of Lucas and Fulton (the latter then recently created and largely of the territory of the former), held its first fair at Toledo, October 16 and 17, 1850. The prem- jums consisted mainly of supscriptions to the Ohio Cultivator, Albany Cultivator, Hinds' Far- riery, and other publications and books, and diplomas. A few cash premiums were given, the highest of which was $3.00 (for best bull). The best farm of 40 aeres received $2.00, and a diploma and a copy of Stevens' Book of the Farm; best three acres of wheat, Stevens' Book; best 10 lbs. butter, $1.00 and Miss Beecher's Domestic Economy, etc. The Awarding Committees included the following persons:
Toledo-Levereft Bissell, Mr. and Mrs. Salter Cleveland, Chas. O'Hara, R. C. Daniels, Samuel S. Read, S. B. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bissell, Mrs. Dr. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. M. R. Waite, Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Mason, R. H. Bell, C. B. Phillips, Henry Bennett, B. F. Stiekney, Chas. E. Perigo, Mavor Brigham, Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Smith, Benj. Farley, Mrs. P. F. Berdan, Mrs. D. O. Morton, Mrs. James Myers, Mrs. R. W. Titus. Fred Bissell, L. T. Thayer. Sylvania-Mr. and Mrs. Benj. Joy, Mrs. Wmn. F. Dewey, John U. Pease, James White, Mr. and Mrs. II. D. Warren, Erastus Moore. Springfield-Ilarvey Kellogg. Maumee City-Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Young, J. W. Smith, J H. Jerome, J. M. Felt, Jona. Neeley, Chester Cook, Capt. Perry, P. H. Boyd, W. Dewey, Elisha Mack, Mrs. Geo. W. Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Scott, Mrs. F. L. Nieh- ols, Mrs. O. D. Ranney, J. C. Allen, E. S. Frost, Chas. A. Lamb, J. E. Hunt, D. P. Brown. Adrian-J. W. Scott, B. F. Strong. Washington-N. A. Whitney, Sands Ketcham, Thos. P. Whitney, Lyman Haugh- ton, James S. Whitney, P. I. Phillips, J. W. Collins. Waterville-Mr. and Mrs. John Van Fleet, L. L. Morehouse, Henry Reed, Sen., Thos. Shoemaker. Oregon- Oliver Stevens, E. H. Fassett. Chesterfield --- \V. E. Parmelee, David Lee, Harlow Butler. Spen- eer -- Wm. Taylor, Chas. Courser. Richfield-Pliny Lathrop, John G. Klinek. Palmyra-Mr. and Mrs. Volney Spaulding. Perrysburg-John Bates, Eber Wilson. Providence-S. G. Roach.
At the annual meeting of the Lucas and Ful- ton District Agricultural Society, October 14, 1852, the following officers were chosen:
President -- Nehemiah Allen; Vice President -- Ilenry Reed, Sr .. Secretary -- Chas. E. Perigo; Treas- urer -- Thos. C. Mayhew; Managers -- Mati. Johnson, of Toledo; J. Austin Scott, of Manmee; L. B. Lathrop. of Sylvania; Harvey Kellogg, of Springfield: and John Van Fleet, of Waterville.
In October, 1854, the following officers of the Lucas County Agricultural Society were elected:
President -Joel W. Kelsey; Vice President- Charles E. Perigo; Secretary -- Thos. M. Cooley; Treasurer -- Matthew Johnson; Managers -- J. Austin Scott. L. B. Lathrop, Edward Bissell, Sen., O. C. Wilson and Henry Breed.
At the annual Fair of this Society for 1854, premiums were awarded to the following named persons:
Domestic Animals -- Edward Bissell, Sen .. Marvin Haughton, A. Eddy, James Conlisk, E. B. Doty, S. Tillofson, A. J. Niehols, Pefer Latshaw. Wm. Blaney, E. C. Blodgett, James Young, Garret Chase, P. C. Lewis, Warren Colburn, Gershom Crabb, Horace Kellogg, J. B. Murphy, Ira R. Grosvenor (Monroe). Poultry -- C. W. Hill, W. W. Howe, R. W. Titus. Fred H. Brown, S. L. Bailey, Sidney Bissell. Farm implements-J. W. Kelsey, I. Jessup, J. T. MeClas- key. Crops and Grain-S. Bristol, S. Tillotson. Butter, Cheese and Bread-Maria Haughton, A. J. Niehols, Mrs. A. D. Pelton. Domestie Manufactures -- JIrs. J. Willey, Mrs. A. Stephan, S. Bristol. Needle Work-Mrs. S. Demmon, Mrs. H. Demmon, Miss Julia Brown. Mrs. H. E. Eagle, Miss Mary Swift, Miss M. Young, Miss Emma Halsey, Julia A. Sloan, Mrs. A. Stephan, Ilannah Bates, Mrs. O. Mather, and Isaac De Bruine. Plants and Flowers -Toledo Nur- sery Association, Miss M. Young, Mr. Arnold. Fruits-Toledo Nursery Association, J. Austin Scott, Henry Reed, Sr. Vegetables -- S. Bristol. A. D. Pel- ton, (. W. Hili, Horace Kellogg, F. Leonardson. Carriages, &c -- A. B. White (3). Saddles, Harness. ke .-- J. A. and W. M. Unthank. Chairs and Cabinet Work -- A. N. Cole, J. R. Smith (Adrian). Daguerreo- types, Drawings, ke .-- 11. S. Dunshee, A. B. Weeks. Augusta Titus, W. H. Machen. Miscellaneous-An- drews & Jaeger, P. W. Piper, Bivins & Hall. Farms -- Free Leonardson, W. M. White. Sweepstakes -- Cattle, Sheep, Horses, and Fruit -- Ira R. Grosvenor, Latshaw & Johnson, John Fay, A. Eddy, Peter Lat- shaw, J. C. Lewis, Gershom Crabb, Win. Sutton. Toledo Nursery Association.
A Lueus County Agricultural Society was organized in 1857, and held its first fair in 1858. The cash premiums on that occasion amounted to $140 only, the list consisting chiefly of dipo-
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AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
mas, the Ohio Farmer, the Ohio Cultivator, the Scientific American, the American Veterinary Journal, the Country Gentleman, the Rural New Yorker, the Albany Cultivator, and the Michi- gan Farmer. Five premiums of $5 each werc awarded, the other eash premiums being $3, $2 and $1. The first premiums of the second classes were as follows :
1. J. R. Knight, Short-Horn Bull ; 2. A. C. Harris. Devon Cow; 3. S. Sonthard, Grade Bull; 4. F. L. Nichols, Native Cow ; 5. A. J. Nichols, Oxen ; 6. A. Reed, Horse ( Morgan Messenger); 8. S. G. Crabb, Buck (Long Wool); 9. R. C. Thompson, Buck (Merino); 10. W. W. Howe, Boar; 11. J. W. Kel- sey, Pheasant Chickens; 12. A. C. Harris, Sod Plow ; 13. David Trappe, Wagon ; 14. Whitaker & Phillips, Cook Stoves; 15. L. J. Bush, Churns; 16. Mrs. Crampton, Rag Carpet ; 17. Mrs. Demond, Needle Work : 18. Mrs. F. L. Nichols, Rolls of Butier; 19. Miss Eliza Whitney, Bread ; 20. Moore & Pugh, Coach Harness ; 21. Glidden & Parker, Marble Mantels ; 22. Read & Cummings, Furniture; 23. Toledo Blade Bindery, Blank Books; 24. J. M. Wagar, Men's Clothes ; 25. Mrs. Moses Colby, Dahlias; 26. Avery S. Hill, Landscape Drawing; 27. F. Leonardson, Wheat; 28. N. A. Whitney, Potatoes ; 29. Amasa Bishop, Apples; 30. C. D. Woodruff, Eave-trough Fastenings.
Officers were subsequently chosen for 1858-9, as follows :
President, J. Austin Scott ; Vice President, Thos. Shoemaker; Secretary, A. C. Harris ; Treasurer, J. W. Kelsey ; Directors, F. L. Nichols, C. A. Crane, W. W. Howe, C. D. Woodruff, Jas. Gilbert, Jas. Mc- Cabe, A. B. Mead, Wm. Taylor, Pliny Lathrop, E. Gordinier, Philo B. Scott, Geo. Allen, Edmund Lees, S. L. Collins. Delegate to State Society, D. E. Gard- ner.
In 1859, this Society held its second fair at Toledo.
In 1860, officers were elected as follows :
President, Russell C. Daniels; Vice-President, J. C. Messer ; Treasurer, Galen Norton ; Secretary, Wm. C. Earl ; Directors, T. S. Merrell. Carey ; Hiram Wiltse, Springfield ; Luther Whitmore, Oregon ; Jona. Lundy, Manhattan; G. Crabb, Washington ; R. C. Thompson, Sylvania ; Pliny Lathrop, Richfield ; Wm. Taylor, Spencer; J. Gilbert, Maumee ; J. C. Wales, Swanton ; John Wilson, Providence ; Thos. Shoe- maker, Waterville; John Weible, Monclova ; D. E. Gardner, Toledo.
1873-President, Ed. Upton ; Vice President, J. C. Messer ; Treasurer, E. W. Lenderson ; Secretary, Anson Trowbridge; Directors (for two years), W. G. Norton, Adams; L. C. Gibbs, Richfield ; Jolin Weible, Monclova ; Thos. Secor, Washington ; Chas. Vanfleet, Waterville; T. S. Merrell, Maumee ; A. B. Waite, Toledo. At this meeting it was resolved to invite officers of Agricultural Societies and other friends of Agriculture in Northwestern Ohio, South- ern Michigan and Northern Indiana to meet the officers of this Society, for the purpose of taking into consideration the organization of a Society and estab- lishing a District Fair near Toledo. The receipts of the Society for 1873 amounted to $1,669.26 ; expendi- tures, $1,627.38. Number of members, 289.
1875-President, R. C. Thompson ; Vice President, G. W. Norton ; Treasurer, E. W. Lenderson ; Secre- tary, Anson Trowbridge; Directors, S. W. Cass, Adams; Charles B. Howard, Richfield ; John Weible, Monclova ; A. Van Wormer, Washington ; T. S. Mer-
rell, Maumee ; I. C. Messer, Oregon; A. B. Waite, Toledo. An excursion by Steanier to Detroit occurred in August, which notted the Society $294.45. An addition of 23 aeres to the Society grounds was made this year at a cost of $30,500, which was paid for by the County, under special act of the Legislature, The receipts of the year amounted to $2,271.53, and expenditures to $2,521. No. entries at fair, 1,072.
1877. President, S. S. Ketcham ; Vice President. Wmn. Vanfleet; Secretary, Chas. A. Webb ; Treas- nrer. E. W. Lenderson ; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. J. M. Gloyd; Directors, S. W. Cass, Adams ; J. S. Clark, Richfield ; Cornelius Van Fleet, Monclova ; Thomas Secor, Washington ; O. W. Ballon, Waterville ; D. W. Maginnis, Oregon ; J. W. Kelsey, Toledo.
In July, 1877, the Board of Directors made an arrangement with the Tri-State Fair Asso- ciation of Toledo, under which the grounds of the Society were turned over to uses of thai Association, and the annual fairs of the Society were indefinitely suspended, which arrange- ment has continued to this time (1888).
At the annual meeting of the Society in 1881, the fair grounds were re-leased to the Tri-State Fair Association for the period of 10 years.
1887. President, S. S. Keteham; Vice President, Wm. Van Fleet ; Secretary, E. W. Lenderson. Di- reetors-G. W. Norton, Adams; Wallace Ford, Rich- field ; J. W. Kerr, Monclova; Thomas Secor, Wash- ingion ; O. W. Ballon, Waterville ; I. E. Wilcox, Waynesfield ; J. C. Messer, Oregon ; J. W. Kelsey, Toledo.
The Lucas and Erie Counties Agricultural Societies had a joint festival at Put-in Bay, August 16, 1871. Representing the former, were R. C. Thompson, President ; Ed. Upton, Vice President ; J. C. Messer and G. W. Nor- ton, of the Executive Committee ; and T. S. Merrell, Harvey Kellogg and S. S. Ketcham, in charge of the excursion. The Erie Society was represented by Calvin Caswell, President ; A. J. Mowry, Vice President; S. M. White, Jr., Secretary ; A. W. Prout, Jr., Treasurer; and most of the Directors. Colonel D. C. Rich- mond, of the State Board, was present. From Lucas was a large delegation of citizens, while some 1,500 persons were present from Erie County. The time at the Island was spent socially and informally.
At the Ohio State Fair of 1868, premiums were awarded to competitors from Lucas County, as follows :
Gates, Skidmore & Co., Iland Rakes : Whitaker, Phillips & Co., Hay and Straw Forks; Heckman & Gerber, Polybladed Knife ; Russell & Thayer, Iron Column for building; Ballard & Rood, Galvanized Cornice and Brackets; R. W. Rigby & Co., Bed-room Furniture ; E. Erb, same; Trowbridge Brothers, Coopering Material and Work; West & Truax, Orna- mental Window Glass ; Henry L. Phelps, Display of Cake; Bronson & Messinger, Fine-cut Tobacco ; Moore & Cole, Horse Drapery; J. Cooper Price, Gents' Shirts and Goods; T. H. Hongh & Co., House Furnishing Goods ; Mrs. M. Dixon, Napper Bed-spread; J. A. Granger & Co., Cotton Batting ; C. Schansenbach & Co., Dry Goods; Mrs. M. C. Thatcher, Agricultural Wreath; Eaton & Backus, Dry Goods; T. J. Brown, Books; North & Oswald,
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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
Photographs ; C. H. Stark, Graining ; E. W. E. Koch. Ornamental Rock Work; W. W. Whitney, Melo- deon (two sets of reeds).
During the Fall of 1865, 17,129 barrels of Apples were purchased at and shipped from Toledo, by about 12 dealers. Richards & Brown handled 3,531 bbls. ; Nelson & Holt, 3,025; J. Lyon, 2,788; Bivins & Flynn, 2,000 ; J. P. Wallace, 1,360 ; Bolles & Gar- rett, 850. The aggregate was equivalent to 51,387 bushels. The prices ranged from $1.00 to $1.30 per bushel, the average being about $1.12}, or $3.37} per barrel, and the aggregate $57,812.50. The ship- ments were mainly for the Eastern States, where the crop was light.
As a means for protection from petty thievery, the farmers and gardeners living out Dorr Street, from Toledo, in 1878, organized what was known as the Swan Creek Mutual Protee- tion Society, with the following members:
Harvey Kellogg, T. S. Merrell, E. Mulford, J. G. Cass, Wm. M. Demott, Ellison Demott, Thos. Watts, S. D. Wilcox, Riehard Dustin, Perry Wood, F. Y. Hall, John Wood, C. B. Holloway, Edmund Lees, Dennis Sage, E. L. Wood, Ezra Holt, Josiah Albon, Hiram Wiltse, Samuel Coble, Harry Gunn, David Tripp, Josiah Clark, Jere. Reynolds, A. D. Jones, Levi Manly, John Shaner, Silas J. Cothrell, Geo. W. Norton, llenry Driver, J. E. Wilcox, A. B. Bradley, Samnel Wagner, Predom Martin, H. W. Cass, Clark B. Gunn, Wm. Bates, J. B. Griffin, Thos. Sage.
The officers of the Society were: President, S. D. Wilcox ; Secretary, C. B. Holloway ; Treasurer, J. E. Wilcox ; Captain, Perry Wood ; Lieutenants, A. D. Jones, H. W. Cass, J. B. Griffin.
TRI-STATE FAIR ASSOCIATION.
The Tri-State Fair-general in its seope, but from Toledo's geographical situation, special as to Northwestern Ohio, Southeastern Michigan and Northeastern Indiana-had its origin in the failure of the Ohio State Board of Agricul- ture to carry out the engagement to bold a series of State Fairs at Toledo, to begin in 1877. Such engagement, on the part of that Board, was understood to have been induced by the fact, that for the three years preceding that date, its Fair (held at Columbus) had not been successful. It seems, that in June, 1887, a Committee of the State Board met a called meeting of citizens of Toledo, when they made statement of the situation, and stated that, upon providing suitable grounds, etc., Toledo eould have the Fair. The outlay involved was $10,000. Steps were at once taken by the meeting, which resulted in the early provision of the requisite means, when a Committee of citizens visited Columbus to close the arrange- ment with the State Board. Meantime, it seems, the citizens of Columbus had been moved by passing events, to steps which induced the State Board to disregard its virtual engage- ment with Toledo, and to continue at the for- mer City.
Not willing to abandon the movement for a Fair, at Toledo, the local Committee turned its attention to the plan of organizing a perma-
nent Association, and with such success, that on the 5th of July, a meeting of subscribers to the fund was held, when a Board of Directors was chosen, consisting of L. S. Baumgardner, David Robison, Jr., S. S. Keteham, Fred. Eaton and T. P. Brown. On the day following the Directors met, decided upon the title, " Tri- State Fair Association," and engaged for its headquarters, rooms in the Hall Block, North - east corner of Jefferson and St. Clair Streets. The offer of the Lucas County Agricultural Society to turn over to the Association its grounds, was accepted. An election of officers was then had, as follows :
President, L. S. Banmgardner ; Vice President, T. P. Brown ; Treasurer, C. A. King ; Secretary, E. W. E. Koch.
Executive Committee-L. S. Baumgardner, T. P. Brown, C. A. King, Fred. Eaton, S. S. Ketcham, Henry Brand and D. Robison, Jr.
So vigorous was the action of the young Association, that its first annual Fair was held in September following, and proved successful beyond expectation. The result was the per- manence of the arrangement, with yearly im- provement and enlargement.
In 1878, James H. Maples became the Sec- retary, and in 1879 was sueceeded by the late Colonel Albert Moore, who was succeeded in 1880, by John Farley. Meantime, John Cum- mings became the Vice President, and George W. Davis the Treasurer. In January, 1884, Mr. Baumgardner, who had, with special efficiency and success, acted as President to that time, tendered his resignation, and was succeeded by T. S. Merrell. Mr. Farley at the same time resigning, Charles Reed became the Secretary. The officers for 1888, are as follows :
President, Fred. Eaton ; Vice President, G. G. Had- ley; Treasurer, Geo. W. Davis; Secretary, John Farley.
Board of Directors-Geo. W. Davis, John Com- mings, Fred. Eaton, S. S. Ketcham, T. J. Charles- worth, J. C. Messer, T. S. Merrell, Ed. Upton, James Dority, David Robison, Jr., Frank I. Young, George R. Hudson, Wm. Kline, M. J. Enright, G. G. Hadley.
The Tri-State Fair Grounds are located on Dorr Street, about 23 miles from the center of the City, and are readily accessible by steam and horse ears. They contain about 50 acres of ground admirably suited for the purposes of a Fair. The annual expenditure for Pre- miums, &c., is about $25,000. The financial success of the enterprise, as is common with sneh, has been largely dependent upon seasons and the conditions of the weather at the time of exposition ; but it may be stated, that few of. its class have been more fortunate in that re- speet; while the general character of its exhi- bitions has been such as to give to the Associa- tion a strong and increasing hold upon the public interest.
PART XII. SOCIAL.
CHAPTER I.
THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE IN LUCAS COUNTY. - REFORM ASSOCIATIONS.
L UCAS County was not far behind its neigh- bors in steps looking to the promotion of sobriety and abstinence from the use of alco- holic drinks. The aim here is not to attempt anything like detailed record of what has been done in that connection-which would be impracticable-but only to present something of the earlier action in that respect.
The first record of this sort now at hand, is that of a public meeting held at Waterville, May 1, 1837, with Dr. Paris Pray as Chairman, and A. P. Jones as Secretary. Resolutions were adopted, declaring " the most sure and effectual means for preventing drunkenness in the country, to be by imposing a heavy duty on the importation of all foreign spirits, and a like duty on the manufacture of domestic spirits."
Mr. Jones, in presenting the resolutions, said :
Such policy would "would place beyond the reach of most men all ardent spirits, as a beverage. Should any one crave his glass to such degree that he would sacrifice his property for it, there was a greater probability of bis running the length of his life be- fore his constitution would be irreparably destroyed, than if the article could be obtained for one-tenth the same money. By the imposition of a heavy tax, ardent spirits would be placed beyond the reach of men in ordinary circumstances, and if rich men could procure them, who would envy them their privilege? While the article is among us, and cheap, depend upon it, its effects will he discernible-drunkenness will prevail. Abolish the means-abolish the crime -and save the country. Therefore, let the watch- word be. ' United and uncompromising opposition to intoxicating drinks, till they are expelled from the land.' "
On motion of Henry Reed, Sr., a Committee to consist of A. P. Jones, H. J. Curtis and Mr. Tucker, were appointed to draft memorials to the Legislature and to Congress, on the sub- ject of these resolutions.
On the 22d of August, 1837, a large meeting of contractors on the Wabash and Erie Canal was held, of which Hiram Steele, of Manmee, was Chairman, and Tim. Griffith, Secretary. On motion of Mr. Sackett, it was resolved "to pay $16 for each 26 days of work performed by laborers from September 1st to October 31st and no more-rainy weather and loss of time at the risk of laborers, with board." Mr. Grif- fifth submitted a preamble and resolution in regard to the use of intoxicating liquors by laborers, which were unanimonsly adopted. They were as follows :
WHEREAS, In the opinion of this meeting, the nse of ardent spirits is inconsistent with the constitution
of man ; that it is alike injurious to the system and the mental faculties ; and that in furnishing such as a beverage to those in our employ, we not only com- mit a breach on our knowledge of right and wrong, but a manifest recklessness of all its evil tendencies ; and
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