History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 151

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

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PART XIII.

TRADE AND MANUFACTURES.

CHAPTER I.

TRADERS AND MERCHANTS.

THE earliest persons engaged in commerce in this part of the Maumee Valley were Indian traders. Such were the Ewings at the Rapids; John Hollister, at Perrysburg ; Robert A. For- syth, General Ilunt and others, at Maumee, from 1816 to 1833.

The first goods offered for sale to white and red men alike, in what is now Toledo, were by John Baldwin and Cyrus Fisher, in 1823, at the old log Warehouse, built in 1817, at the mouth of Swan Creek, near the foot of Monroe Street (South side). From 1828 to 1831, John and Marquis Baldwin carried on like trade at the same place.

The next Store opened in Toledo, was that of Lewis Godard, under charge of Sanford L. Collins, in 1831, as elsewhere stated.

The first building erected in Toledo for strictly mercantile purposes, was that built at the corner of Summit and Lagrange Streets, in the Summer of 1832, by Sanford L. Collins, for Lewis Godard and Elkanah Briggs (firm of Godard & Briggs), which was supplied with a stock of Goods that Fall, and conducted by Messrs. Collins and Briggs until 1833, when Mr. Collins, as agent for Godard, sold the latter's interest to Mr. Briggs.

The third Store was opened in 1832, by Ebenezer Fisher, on the old Turnpike (now Detroit Avenue), at what was soon atter called Tremainesville. Mr. Fisher built a sort of bloek-house there, in which he kept his Store and the first Port Lawrence Postoffice, of which he was Postmaster.

The fourth store was opened at Tremaines- ville a short time after Mr. Fisher's in the same year, by Calvin Tremaine (after whom the Village was named), who succeeded Mr. Fisher in the Postoffice, and in 1834 sold out to Dr. Sutphen.

The fifth was also at Tremainesville, built by Sanford L. Collins, in connection with a small dwelling, which he occupied for his residence, in 1833, and occupied that Fall with a stock of Goods, which he brought by water from New York. In 1834, Mr. Collins took in as partners, his brothers, John W. and Morgan L. Collins, the firm being S. L. Collins & Co., and so con- tinuing to 1837, when they sold out to Horace Thacher and M. T. Whitney. Mr. Collins succeeded Mr. Tremaine in the Postoffice, which, in 1833, had been changed in name to Tremainesville, upon the establishment of Port Lawrence Postoffice at Port Lawrence.

W. J. Daniel & Co. began business as mer- chants in 1835, in a store adjoining the Toledo House, on Summit Street.

Daniels & Goettel (Munson H. Daniels and Henry Goettel) began and carried on a large mercantile business on the corner of Perry and Swan Streets. In 1836, they put up two three- story brick stores on the corner of Monroe and Summit Streets, and in the Fall of that year, moved into the corner one. These stores were burned October 16, 1860.

A. Palmer & Co. began trade abont the same time in a frame store, which was torn down in 1859 to make room for the block belonging to V. H. Ketcham.

Samuel B. Scott and Worden N. Richardson (firm of Scott & Richardson) were among the merchants in 1836; their store was on Summit Street, near Walnut.

In 1836, Clark & Bennett occupied a two- story frame store on the Southeast corner of Summit and Lagrange Streets. This old store was afterwards ocenpied by Ketcham & Snell, and afterwards by Elijah S> Hanks, until it was burned in 1845.

Four stores were built on the corner of Sum- mit and Monroe Streets in 1843. In the Spring of 1844, the corner store was opened by A. Ralston & Co. ( Alexander Ralston and Solo- mon Linsley) as a Drug Store ; the firm after- wards became Linsley & Co., which was suc- cecded by West & Truax and West & Van- stone. Another one of the stores was leased by Charles O'Hara, for a Wholesale Grocery. Afterwards it was taken by V. II. Ketcham & Co., and was continued for some years by their successors, Secor, Berdan & Co.

It would not be profitable here to occupy space with an attempt at detailed statement of succeeding dealers in merchandise. For such information, it will be sufficient to refer the readers to the record found on pages 480 and 487, inclusive, where will be found the names of large numbers of individuals and firms in trade from 1835 to 1887.

THE GROCERY TRADE.

It is not entirely certain who in Toledo was the first dealer in Groceries; but the first record of the kind found, is the advertisement in the Gazette of March 12, 1835, of A. K. Gib- son & Co., Groceries and Provisions, " on the Wharf, next door to A. Palmer & Co." (Sum- mit Street, between Monroe and Perry.) Gro-

[757]

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

ceries were then usually included in a general stock of merchandise.

In 1837, appear, in the same line, G. B. Spicer, Douglass & Jennings, Wm. Anderson, S. B. Worden, Comstock & Erwin and George HI. Rich.

In the year 1836, Valentine H. Ketcham commenced business in this City, in general merchandising, and continued the same, part of the time in connection with a brother (S. S. Ketcham, now of Washington Township), until 1840, when he was joined by Joseph K. Secor, as a Clerk, but who ere long became a partner, the firm name being Ketcham & Secor. Their business was general, including most classes of goods, and adapted to jobbing in a moderate way. They also dealt to some extent in pro- duce. In 1854, Mr. Ketcham retired from the business, and was sneceeded by Peter F. Ber- dan, when the new firm of Secor, Berdan & Co. was formed, with George Secor, a former em- ploye of the house, as a partner. During the year 1856, the latter gentleman withdrew, and the business was continued under the same firm name. January 1, 1858, lames Secor, Maro Wheeler and John B. Ketcham, former Sales- men of the house, were admitted as partners. In the Winter of 1860-61, it was determined to confine the trade to Groceries, exclusively. This change proved to be very satisfactory in results, the business increasing very rapidly, and soon attaining to $500,000 per year, against one-half that amount previously. January 1, 1864, John B. Ketcham retired from the firm ; and one year from that date, J. K. Secor, after an active connection of 25 years with the house, also withdrew. During this year (1865) John Berdan, for several years the Cashier of the Banking-house of Ketcham, Berdan & Co. and of the First National Bank of Toledo, was ad- mitted to the firm. For 12 years thereafter, no change occurred in the proprietorship, the business, meantime, steadily increasing in vol- ume and profit. On the 1st of January, 1877, Peter F. Berdan, having then been 23 years an active partner, retired, and Norman Waite, for several years a Salesmau of the house, was ad- mitted to the firm. Maro Wheeler, after some 25 years' aetive connection, withdrew January 1, 1880, when Arthur F. Secor, son of J. K. Secor, became a partner. At this time (1887) the firm is composed of the following persons, viz .: James Secor, John Berdan, Norman Waite and Arthur F. Secor. Mr. Ketcham commenced business in 1836, on St. Clair Street, North west corner of Alley, opposite head of Perry Street, where he remained for one year, when he re- moved to No. 32 Summit Street, between Perry and Monroe. The next year (1838) he went to the corner of Summit and Lagrange Streets, suc- ceeding Dr. Jacob Clark and Philo Bennett in trade. In 1841, the establishment returned to No. 32 Summit Street; whence it went to Morris Block, corner Summit and Jefferson,

Here it remained until it occupied the large store built by J. K. Secor, 116-118 Summit Street, in 1861. Continuing at that place for 23 years, the establishment in 1884 was re- moved to its present capacious and convenient quarters in the Hall Block, Northeast corner of St. Clair and Jefferson Streets. Thus, for over 50 years, has this house and its predeces- sors maintained a continuous business, with increasing success, until it has come to be one of the largest and most successful establish - ments of its kind in the West.

December 3, 1847, first appeared the an- nouncement of the new firm of Bell & Deveau, as dealers in Dry Goods and Groceries, which were sold "exclusively at wholesale," the firm consisted of Robert H. Belland James Deveau. The trade of the house was so flattering, that during the first year it reached $55,000,-an amount then regarded as immense. This firm continued until 1853, when W. S. B. Hubbell became a member, and the name was changed to Bell, Deveau & Co. Three years later Win. Bolles became a partner,and the firm name was Bolles, Bell & Hubbell. In 1858 the business of the house was divided - Bell, Holcomb & Co. tak- ing the Groceries, and Messrs. Bolles and Hub- bell (Wm. Bolles & Co.) the Dry Goods. In 1864, George Emerson purchased the interest of Horace Holcomb in the Grocery House, when the name of the firm became Bell, Emer- son & Co. Mr. Bell retired in 1871, since which time the firm name has been Emerson & Co., Mr. Emerson's partners now (1887) being Pliny Watson and Zebulon C. Pheatt. The trade of the house has steadily increased in volume, until it has reached the annual aggre- gate of $1,500,000, with every prospect of future advance. It is recognized as not only one of the most honorable and substantial houses of Toledo, but of the West, its trade extending over several States.

Of the partners above mentioned, Messrs. Deveau and Hubbell have died. Mr. Bolles resides at Hartford, Conu .; and the others are in Toledo .*

PETER FREDERICK BERDAN was born in Brunswick, Medina County, Ohio, October 23, 1824. He was a son of John and Pamela (Freese) Berdan. The father was born in New York City, December 16, 1798. The mother was born in Lee, Massachusetts, February 4, 1802. The father was a merchant and Justice ot' the Peace at Brunswick, and otherwise prominent in business, as in social and religious circles. The country thereabouts was then pretty much a wilderness, and the Village little more than a Hamlet. Hence, the traffic of the Store made very moderate return in profits.

* After the foregoing was written Mr. Emerson also died.

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TRADERS AND MERCHANTS.

In September, 1835, the family removed to Toledo, arriving there amid the most intense of the excitement connected with the boundary dispute or the "Toledo War." Mr. Berdan soon engaged in the Forwarding and Com- mission business, with B. II. Peckham (the firm name being Peckham & Co.), whose ware- house was at the foot of Lagrange Street. This firm did most of the business of the kind in Toledo, the Steamboats generally stopping at their dock. As elsewhere stated, upon the organization of a City Government for Toledo, in 1837, Mr. Berdan was chosen as its first Mayor, serving as such for a term of two years. In 1839, he was elected by the State Legisla- ture as Associate Judge for Lucas County, which position he filled with special credit until his death, October 11, 1841. No name is borne in the memory of the early settlers of Toledo with more respect, than is that of John Berdan, who throughout his residence there, as through- out his life, manifested conscientious regard for the rights of his fellowmen, while, in all ways open to him, contributing to their well-being. Peter's educational privileges, aside from the careful attention of his parents, were meagre. At Brunswick he attended for a short time a School taught by a female teacher, who accom- panied the family to Toledo. Ile had no male School teacher save while for one year at Gam- bier Seminary, which term closed when he was 12 years of age. He entered upon his business life when 13 years old, as clerk in the Store of Titus & Co., Toledo, at a salary of $75 per year (without board). At that time $500 was the highest salary paid to any clerk. He remained with Titus & Co., and with Gid. W. Weed, successor to that firm, until 1845, when he engaged in the same capacity with the firm of Ketcham & Secor ( V. H. Ketcham and Joseph K. Secor), remaining there for three years. In 1848 Mr. Berdan and Salmon H. Keeler or- ganized the firm of Berdan & Keeler, dealers in general merchandise, the partners contributing, respectively, to the capital stock of the firm, the sums of $156 and 8132, their savings from clerkships. They were associated in successful trade for six years, and until the firm of Secor, Berdan & Co. was organized in 1854, with which Mr. Berdan was connected until his retirement from active business, in Jannary, 1877. Such change was largely the result of impaired health, cansed in great measure by long years of incessant business cares, rarely interrupted by any cause. Few men in Toledo or elsewhere have passed an equal period of time in like unremitting devotion to the demands of trade-made the more imperative by the steady increase and extension of its volume. Mr. Berdan's withdrawal from rou- tine cares of trade, did not take him from the circles of business. While judicionsly con- sulting health in comparative relaxation, he was not without interests furnishing exercise

for his mind. He was for many years a stock- holder and long a Director in the Second National Bank; was a stockholder and for seven or eight years a Director in the Toledo Gas Light and Coke Company; was a heavy stockholder and for an equal period a Director in the Wabash Elevator Company; and was among those who organized and put in ope- ration the Maumee Rolling Mill, in which Company he was from the first and until his death a Director. In these various channels, both his capital and his superior business capacity were made effective to the common prosperity. In no sphere of action did Mr. Berdan more fully manifest his appreciation of the claims of his fellow-citizens upon bis attention and aid, than in his long and prominent connection with the Fire Depart- ment of Toledo. Entering such volunteer service of the City as soon as old enough to warrant that relation, he maintained the same, with special success, won by personal sacrifice known to few of the present generation in Toledo. "Old No. One Engine Company," of which for years he was Foreman, was largely indebted to his untiring devotion, for the high position to which it attained, and which it held so long as the system of which it was a promi- ment part was in existence. Mr. Berdan was actively identified with the prosperity of First Congregational Church, Toledo, with which his father and family and his own family were con- nected throughout a period of over 50 years. He was long connected with the Middle Bass (Put-in Bay) Association, at which place with his family for many seasons previous to his death, he spent much ofhis time, and was greatly benefited thereby. He was eminently a man of domestic attachments, whose chief happiness always was found within the charmed circle of his home. Mr. Berdan was married October 21, 1852, with Maria Waite, only daughter of Judge H. M. Waite, of Connecticut, and sister of Chief Justice M. R. Waite and Richard Waite, of Toledo. She died in Toledo, Septem- ber 3, 1864, aged 33 years. She lett five daughters-Mary B., wife of Walter Shepard, of Buffalo, New York; Ida MI., wife of E. C. Bodman, now of New York City; Alice A. (de- ceased), wife of Arthur E. Baker, of Toledo; Julia, wife of Oliver Rodgers, of Toledo; and Pamela, of Toledo. Mr. Berdan was married in New York June 21, 1866, with Mary Eliza- beth Ketcham, who with three children-Anna Secor, Frederick and John Milton-survives him. Mr. Berdan had one brother-John Ber- dan, so long associated with him in trade, and yet in the same business; and two sisters- Rachel A., widow of the late V. H. Ketcham ; and Mary M. (deceased), wife of Dr. E. M. Bucking- ham, of Springfield, Ohio. Not least of the many conditions contributing to the happy domestic circle of Mr. Berdan, has been the part borne therein by his venerable mother, throughout a

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

widowhood now near a half-century in duration. Rarely, indeed, has a family been blessed with such presence and support; and even more rarely, bas such blessing been attended by like precious results.

JOHN WILLIAM MAY was born at Hartford, Connecticut, August 30, 1808. His parents, Ralph and Mary ( Hall) May, were representatives of two families conspicuous in the annals of literature, commerce and public lite. John May, a lineal ancestor of the sub- ject of this sketch, came from England in 1740, with his two sons, John and Samuel, and settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where many of his descendants yet reside. Mr. May's father was born at Wethersfield, Con- necticut, in 1780, and died at New York, in 1819, while on his way to Boston from Savannah, where he had become a snecess- ful Cotton Broker, even at that early period, being interested with his wife's brothers, so long known in commercial circles, in large Cotton operations, with headquarters at Bos- ton and Savannah. Soon after the death of Mr. May, his entire property at Savannah was destroyed by fire, without benefit of insurance, leaving his wife and six children (then at Hartford, Connecticut), without means for support. From the mother's side Mr. May largely received his taste for literary work, which ever was with bim a marked characteristic, as it was with his ancestors, many of whom gained wide reputations as authors of historical and scientific works. Until his 15th year, Mr. May resided at Hart- ford, attending the superior Schools of that City, whereby he acquired not only the best rudimentary education, but became versed in different languages, which acquirements in after years were made proficient by travel and study. The eldest child of a family deprived of a father's care, at the age named he began his commercial career by entering the office of the Cottou Broker house of his uncle, Henry Ifall, in Boston, remaining there three years. He then went to Savannah, and there entered the branch office at that place. His health soon failing, he was compelled to seek outdoor employment, when he shipped on a Whaling Vessel for a cruise to the North Seas, which occupied over three years. On his return he came West, stopping at Detroit until 1834, when he came to the young and struggling City of Toledo, stopping at a hotel near the present site of the American Hotel (St. Clair Street, head of Perry). The prospect to him was not specially inviting, and he soon decided to locate on a farm, now near the City of Mon - roe, Michigan. In the following Fall he taught School in Monroe, and in the Spring began the cultivation of his farm. For some ten years he pursued such work, meantime, in the different ways open to a man of his temperament and

acquirements, made himself useful to his neighbors. Having early in life become im- pressed by the terrible effects of intemperate use of alcoholic drinks, he made it a special object, by both example and precept, to warn his fellow-citizens against that eurse, in which work his special gift of ready expression was highly effective. In 1844, Mr. May opened a Commission House in Monroe in connection with Carlos Colton (afterwards of Toledo), and Mr. Bronson, of Buffalo. In 1845 he opened a like honse at Hillsdale, Michigan, where he soon gained a prominent position. He was for a time the Postmaster at that place, resign- ing the office in 1853, when he removed to Toledo, where, with I. N. Hathaway, was established the Commission House of May & Hathaway, at the corner of Monroe and Water Streets. Soon thereafter, with Alonzo H. Hathaway, he opened the first exclusively Wholesale Grocery House in Toledo, in the Morris Block, Southeast corner of Summit and Jefferson Streets. With that establishment Mr. May was actively identified until his with- drawal from business in 1870. For some years he devoted considerable attention to Stock Brokerage in New York, where he spent con- siderable of his time. In 1871 he made an extended tour through Great Britain and Con- tinental Europe, and revisited the same in 1873, whereby he added much of information, while greatly enjoying his travels. Politically, Mr. May was originally a Whig, subsequently acting with the Republican party when the same was organized, to the principles of which he was strongly attached. During the War of the Rebellion, he was a steadfast supporter of the Government in its defense of the Union. He had neither ambition nor taste for public or official prominence, but was content faithfully to meet the obligations of a private citizen. For a long time he suffered severely from a disorder of the heart, causing much pain and inconvenience, all of which he met with patience. He died August 29, 1877, which event was an occasion of general sorrow in the community, and especially on the part of those who best knew him. A peculiar trait, and one which greatly promoted his success in life, was his indomitable firmness. This quality was shown while he was Postmaster in Hillsdale. It seems that his endorsement was demanded by the party in power for a particular measure connected with the Slavery agitation, when he promptly wrote across the back of the paper, in distinct letters, the word "Never." Con- trary to his expectation, and to the assurance of his neighbors, he never again heard of the matter. An important element in Mr. May's business career consisted in his rule of living within his means. Socially, Mr. May's chief delight was with the little coterie of trne friends, where he was much admired. His humor was ever pleasant and happy.

I. W. May

٩٠

George Emerson

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TRADERS AND MERCHANTS.

Naturally a student, he was ever ready with his store of information for the enter- tainment and profit of listeners; while his private virtues gave special value to his mental attainments. Without ostentations display, his aetive sympathy for the needy was well known among his acquaintances. He was an attendant at the First Congregational Church, Toledo, of which his family were members. It was within the sacred precincts of the domestie circle, that his true character was more fully revealed and most highly ap- preciated. It was there that his kindness of heart was most clearly seen and loved. Mr. May was married in 1835 with Lueretia Com- stock, who was born in the State of New York, May 6, 1816. Five children-two sons and three daughters-were born to them. The sons died while young. George Henry (aged 13) being drowned at Hillsdale. The daugh- ters are, Mary Elizabeth, wife of Henry A. Stevens, of Cleveland ; Harriet Georgiana, widow of the late Anthony W. Barlow, Toledo; and Gertrude, wife of William P. Ileston, of Toledo.

GEORGE EMERSON was born in Plymouth, Richland County, Ohio, February 9th, 1820, and died at Toledo, July 28, 1887. He was a son of Avery Emerson, a native of Keene, New Hampshire, whose father, John Emerson, serv- ed in the Army of the Colonies throughout the Revolutionary War. George's parents were married in Auburn, New York, the mother's maiden name being Sophronia Allen. They eame West in 1819, locating in Plymouth on a tract of wild land, to the improvement of which Mr. Emerson's efforts were at once direeted, with such success that ere long it was brought under good cultivation, and was productive of the crops common in the West. The experi- ences of Mr. Emerson and family were not different essentially from those of the great body of Western pioneers. Iueessant toil, limited resources, scanty facilities, sickness and laek of educational, religions and social ad- vantages, made up the sum of life with them, through all which they made the heroic strug- gle which alone can win success in such a battle. Nine children were born to the par- ents-five sons and four daughters, of whom George was the eldest. Such relation devolved upon him ata very early period responsibilities and labors which taxed his activity. In 1837, finding his farm too small for the prospective needs of his family, Mr. Emerson removed to Steuben County, Indiana, where he purchased 600 acres of Government land. They were the very earliest family in the Township in which they settled. Here they were called to trials even more severe than those met in Ohio ; but the indomitable will and energy of the parents and older children soon made their mark upon the wilderness, and in due time they rejoiced

in the possession of one of the best farms in that section. The nearest Grist and Saw Mills were in Lagrange County, 15 miles distant, and were reached only through the forests, by very imperfect roads. George attended the Distriet School for a few winters while in Plymouth, such advantages being shortened by the burning of the only School House within reach. After arriving in Steuben he attended a School for one term. He remained at home, assisting his father until he was 21 years old. When 22 years of age, he had been able to pick up enough of education to qualify him to teach School. Having an ambition for trade, he en - gaged with a merchant in Fremont, Steuben County, remaining there about one year, when he returned to the farm, and soon commenced business on his own account, by purchasing his father's crop of wheat, which he took to Fort Wayne, the transaction netting a small balanee. When 26 years of age, he found himself with a cash capital of $500, most of which had been saved from wages at $12.00 per month, or about $100 per year out of $144. Ile was chosen County Assessor, for which service he received $2.00 per day. In partnership with John Thompson, a wealthy man, who desired a store at Thompson's Mills (now Flint), he commenced merchandising at that place. In 1846 he went to New York for his first stock of goods, which included the usnal range of country stores, and amounted to $2,800. His route East was via Hillsdale, Monroe and Tole- do; thenee by Steamer to Buffalo; by Canal and Railway to Albany ; and by River to New York. He was gone four weeks. He was two weeks in making his selection. His purchases were on six months' time, with the privilege of a year. The times seemed to be favorable for his enterprise. Besides a success- fnl store trade, he purchased considerable wheat at 50 cents and sold it for $1.00 ; and at the end of his first year,he had made $1,600, on his cap- ital of $500. In 1849 he removed to Orland, same County, where he continued trade, as senior partner of the firm of Emerson & Jack- son. Mr. C. L. Luce, late of Toledo, deceased, was then in trade at that place. In 1852 Mr. Emerson was elected Treasurer of Steuben County, notwithstanding the party of which he was the nominee was in a minority in the County. Sneh result was due to the effective support given him by Mr. Luce, who, a few days before the election, had started East with a drove of cattle; but on reaching Maumee, Lucas County, Ohio, he beeame so apprehen- sive of Mr. Emerson's defeat, that he left his drove, made haste home, arriving just in time for effective work for his friend at the polls. In 1854 Mr. Emerson was re-elected Treasurer, meantime having removed to Angola, the County-Seat. In 1856 he purchased a Dry Goods Store at Angola, in which he was suc- cessful. lle remained there until 1864 Ile

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History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 151

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