History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 154

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

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at the same time losing many votes, in conse- quence of his known earnest and consistent record in opposition to what was known as the saloon or liquor interest. In 1880, he was a prominent candidate for nomination as the Re- publican candidate for Congress, J. M. Ritchie being the nominee. After the organization of the Citizens' Electric Light Company, and the embarrassed condition of the same, Mr. Baum- gardner was called to its management as Pres- ident, and succeeded in securing a combination of the United States, Brush and Thompson- Houston Companies under one organization, with a capital stock of $150,000, of which he became and still is the President. This Com- pany, at the present writing, is a competitor for a contract for lighting the City of Toledo, with reasonable certainty, that if not successful in that purpose, it will at least serve the people of Toledo in securing very material reduction in the cost of gas. Mr. Baumgardner is a Di- rector in the Great Western Pin Company at Toledo, which he helped to organize; and Presi- dent and Treasurer of the Toledo Cot and Wring- er Co., which is doing a large business in its line. He is largely interested in the develop- ment of valuable real estate within the City. Asa member of the Board of Equalization, he has done much toward the establishment of more just and equitable rules and standards for the taxable valuation of City property. He is a member of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, and of the Vestry of the same, and also President of Trinity Library Association, a helpful aid in the proseention of the work of that Church. For several years past he has been an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Le- gion of Honor, and Royal Arcanum. April 25, 1858, Mr. Baumgardner was married with Miss Matilda E. Miller, daughter of David Miller, of Akron, Ohio. Mrs. Baumgardner has ever borne a leading and most useful part in not only the religious work of her Church, but in the dispensation of true charity and aid to the needy of the community, especially in the management of the Protestant Orphans' Home and of the Protestant Hospital.

BOOKS AND STATIONERY.

The first store for the sale of Books and Stationery, of which record is found, is that of Erastus Roys & Co. in 1838. Previously a few School books, with paper, quills and ink, had been kept by merchants. The stock of the firm named would make a poor showing in the presence of a Book and Stationery establishment of the present day. In early times most of the quills used were obtained directly from the goose, while much of the ink was a decoction of barks of trees.

In 1840 H. N. Wadsworth had a Book Store in " Lower Town," and in 1841 Fairbanks &

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Blanchard (Publishers of the Blade) were to some extent in the trade. For many years, beginning about 1843, Decius Wadsworth was the most prominent dealer in this line. After- wards came D. IF. Nye, Nye & Johnson, Nye Brothers, R. Chadwick, Anderson & Fuller, Edwin Jackson, N. M. Landis, W. S. Dodd, and others.

In June, 1858, a young man from Newark, New Jersey, reached Toledo, in search of a location for his business life. After careful examination, he concluded to make his venture here; and with a cousin, then a Telegraph Operator at Mansfield, Ohio, it was arranged that a "News Depot" for the sale of news- papers, periodicals and stationery, be establish- ed, the first of the kind in the City. Where- upon, was formed the firm of Brown & Bald- win, the partners being Theodore J. Brown and George W. Baldwin. By the terms of their contract, they were to contribute, in cash or goods, equally to the capital stock; it being provided that in consideration that Mr. Brown " personally superintend the store," he be allowed $4.00 per week for such service-both, at the same time, agreeing "to go into no speculation whatever, without the consent of the other." The premises occupied were in what was long known as " California Row " -- consisting of small wooden buildings on the North side of Summit Street, and extending East from Adams. The building was of one story, and about 12x15 feet in size, the new firm occupying one-half the same, for which was paid a weekly rent of $2.00. Thus arranged, business was commenced July 1, 1858, with Mr. Brown as " managing partner." Even then, the acquaintances made had given encouragement to the proprietors to hope for a favorable reception. From the start, a care- ful record of business affairs was kept. From this, it is shown that the firm started out with capital stock as follows : From Mr. Brown, in goods, $14.78; and in cash, $8.78. From Mr. Baldwin, mainly in goods, 857.96-total, 881.52. The first week's trade amounted to $4.75; the second week, to $1636; the third week, to $15.55; and the fourth, to $18.54-making a total of $55.31 for July. In August, this was increased to $84.05; the total for the first six months amounting to 8711.66. After a few weeks, the owner of the premises became so impressed with the success of his tenants, that he concluded to oust them and establish himself there in the same business, when they purchased of J. W. Walterhouse a frame build- ing, about 16x16 feet in size, then standing on Water Street, and formerly the ticket office of the Michigan Southern (now Lake Shore) Railroad, for which $25.00 was paid in install- ments. This was removed to 219 Summit Street (now White's Hall), where it remained until 1860, when it was removed to a place

a few feet East of their original location, on grounds belonging to Rev. Dr. H. B. Wal- bridge. About this time Mr. Baldwin, who still resided at Mansfield, disposed of his interest to Mr. J. F. Patton, who held the same until November, 1861, when Mr. Brown became sole proprietor. The business continuing to ex- tend, more ample accommodations were requir- ed, and the store was removed to 213 Summit Street, using one-half the room. In 1863, an- other removal took place-to 167 Summit Street, a new building erected by H. S. Wal- bridge. In 1869, Mr. Brown purchased the store building, 165 Summit Street, which after- wards was enlarged and improved, including the addition of two stories, with basement. About this time, Mr. George B. Hull, for several years employed in the store, was given a partnership, the firm becoming T. J. Brown & Co. In 1873, Mr. Wm. H. Eager, formerly of Bailey & Eager, Booksellers, became a partner. the firm then becoming T. J. Brown, Eager & Co., and subsequently, as now, Brown, Eager & Hull. The trade of the house soon demanded more ample quarters, and in 1882 an arrange- ment was made with V. II. Ketcham and Mars Nearing for the erection of the four-story brick building, 40x114 feet, 197 and 199 Summit Street, including the identical spot to which Mr. Brown removed his little frame structure in 1860. This building was planned with special reference to the demands of the trade, and in all its appointments, is a model in ele- gance and convenience, the first floor being de- voted to retail business ; the second to jobbing books and stationery ; and the third and fourth to wall paper, storage, etc. From the first, the business of the establishment, had a growth of rare healthfulness and uniformity, as the fol- lowing statement of sales for the periods named will show: 1858 (6 months), 8711.66; 1860, 86,436.09 ; 1865, 836,556.26; 1870, 869,- 881.72; 1875, 8117,810.49 ; 1880, $183,061.40; 1887, 8300,000. For the first three months the " managing partner " was able, not only to perform the entire inside work of the estab- lishment, but to saw the wood and care for the fires, and also to deliver daily papers to sub- scribers on regular routes. Besides the three partners, there are now 30 employes, not far from 100 persons receiving their support from the establishment. In extent of trade, it is not exceeded by any other house in the State, while its financial standing and its reputation with customers are second to none. To a great degree, the Bookseller is a public educator, reaching all classes of readers. It is but just to say, that the responsibility thus devolved has never been lost sight of in the conscientious management of this house. The degree of' watchful vigilance shown against the flood- tide of vicious literature, constitutes a fea- ture of its trade entitled to special recogni-

Theocon & Brown.

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TRADERS AND MERCHANTS.

tion, and worthy the emulation of the trade in general.

THEODORE J. BROWN was born at New- ark, New Jersey, February 5, 1837, and is a son of Daniel B. and Elizabeth Brown. His father was a manufacturer of patent leather. He died when the son was 12 years old. The latter remembers assisting in the factory. ITis educational advantages were very limited, he having been compelled at the age of 14 years to take eare of himself, then entering upon a seven-years apprenticeship at the Jeweler's trade, extending until his majority, his wages being 82.25 per week, with an allowance of $25.00 per year for clothing. On such income he was able to pay his board, clothe himself and accumulate a capital of $300, for the busi- ness which he established at Toledo. Upon the elose of his apprenticeship, it was found that from the consideration of health, it would be necessary for him to have more physical exercise than the Jeweler's trade would allow. At the time, this was felt to be severe, but he now regards the value of industry and disci pline thus secured, a's a rich reward for all such labor. With this, he had the aid of parental religious instruction and examples in childhood, leading to an early acceptance of the Chris- tian faith. He attributes his business success largely to economy in expenditure, buying no more than he could expect to pay for when bills became due, and to hard, persistent work, and carefully watching his business in all its details-especially in the so-called " little things." Ilis mother was with him for two years from 1863, then returning to Newark, where she died suddenly in October, 1887, in her 78th year, and after a widowhood of 38 years, much of which period was spent in the support and care of her children, of whom, beside the subject of this sketch, a brother, Josiah ; and a sister, Cornelia, are now living. With all his incessant business cares, Mr. Brown has never forgotten the common obli- gations of men to their fellows. Whatever has concerned the moral or material welfare of his neighbors, has received his attention and aid. Whether in religious, social, political or business affairs, he has always had a voice and a hand in support of the right. From his youth a Republi- can in politics, he has been among the most active in support of that party's organization, but never an office-holder or an office-seeker. Uniting in youth with the Presbyterian Church, at Newark, he transferred such connection to First Congregational Church, on coming to Toledo, retaining the same until the organiza- tion of Westminster Presbyterian Church, in 1865, of which he was one of the original members. Not long after the institution of that Church, he was chosen as one of its Ruling Elders, which office he yet holds. In 1865 Mr. Brown was married at Toledo,

with Miss Eliza L., youngest daughter of the late Dr. Geo. L. Weed, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

TAILORING.

As in the cases of all other communities, pro- vision for the clothing of the male portion of settlers was not overlooked at the mouth of Swan Creck, although, from the nature of the case, demands in that direction were at first not large. Among the very earliest workers in that line in the Maumee Valley ( the Squaws of the aborigines excepted), was Mrs. John T. Baldwin, who worked at tailoring at Orleans (Fort Meigs) as early as 1818, her prices, as elsewhere shown, having been, for making woolen pants, 81.50; for linen or tow pants, $0.50; for fine shirts, 81.00 each. The extent of her business in this line is not stated ; but it could not have been large in a field so small. It is not understood, that, upon the return of the family and settlement at Port Lawrence, in 1823, Mrs. Baldwin paid much attention to such employment, which soon passed into the hands of the sex more specially interested there- in ; but it is doubtful if better work was done by her successors, whatever may be said of its advance a la mode.

The first record found of a Tailorshop in Lucas County, is that of " Sinclair & Wilkeson, directly over the store of S. L. & M. L. Collins, Tremainesville," under date of March 12, 1835. At that time Toledo may have had a Tailor, but the Gazette's advertising columns record none, save the shop named. In 1837, however, we find Snell & Cornell, in St. Clair Street, " Upper Toledo," and E. Jacobs, Sum- mit Street, " Lower Toledo," in that line, with F. Lyon & Co.'s Clothing Store, Monroe Street, "Upper Toledo,"and V. H. Ketcham's Clothing Store, St. Clair Street, "Lower Toledo." This showed a marked advance for the young City. In 1838, V. H. Ketcham and Levi Snell were in the business, being suc- ceeded in 1839 by S. S. & V. H. Ketcham, Mr. Snell opening a separate shop. In 1844 Thomas & Schwartz appear with Ready-made Clothing, with others, from year to year, dropping in and dropping out. In 1849 the firm of Granger & Brother entered the field, which has not yet been surrendered. In 1860 were B. J. Gitsky and Moses Gitsky (yet in business or repre- sented), Jacob and Lehman Kraus, Jacob Roemer, Henry Thorner, A. Tuey & Co., Gustav. Goldsmith, Louis Wachenheimer and Theo Wegener, and Christ. Woehler. In 1861 came Chauncey H. Buck, who is yet in trade. In [870 there were 17 Tailoring establishments, including Kraus & Daiber, A. Machen & Co .. Richards & Salisbury, J. Stutz, John Mc- Kenna, Buck & Bliss, C. B. Eells, and V. W. Granger & Co. and others. The Directory of 1887 notes 18 Tailors and 20 Clothing estab- lishments-38 in all.

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

VOLENTINE WHITMAN GRANGER. The subject of this sketch has long been recognized as the leading Merchant Tailor, not only of Toledo, but of North western Ohio, a position his knowledge of the business and high mercan- tile qualifications justly entitle him to. Mr. Granger was born in Coventry, Portage County, Ohio, February 25th, 1826. Ilis elementary education was received at the Common Schools of Middlebury, near Akron, Ohio. Until his twelfth year, he remained with his parents, after which he commenced to learn the Tailor's trade under the directions of an elder brother, with whom he was connected about five years. In 1845, to further perfect his knowledge ot the various branches of his calling, he went to New York City. Such purpose accomplished, he removed to Akron, Ohio. and in connec- tion with his brother, assisted by friends who had every confidence in his ability to succeed, he established himself in business, in connec- tion with a brother, Joseph A. Granger. In the spring of 1849, shortly after his marriage, they removed to Toledo, and began business under the firm name of Granger & Brother. This partnership, after a successful period of 13 years, was dissolved in 1862, when the sub- ject of this sketch purchased his brother's interest in the business, and has since con- ducted it alone with marked success. Few Tailors in the State stand as high in his line as does Mr. Granger, while he is recognized by those who know him as possessing all the quali- ties which distinguish a useful citizen and an enterprising, reliable merchant. During the Rebellion he was ever a firm friend of the Union canse, and took an active interest in all that pertained to the preservation of the National Government, as with equal devotion to liberty and love of country his ancestors fought dur- ing the Revolution. Politically, Mr. Granger was originally a Whig, but is now a Republi- can and a firm believer in the principles and an ardent admirer of the record of that party on all questions of National significance. Upon general issues, he gives it his best and strongest support ; but in local matters he believes in honest and economical government, and inva- riably supports such men and measures as promise to secure it, regardless of party lines or political affiliations. In all that pertains to Toledo's prosperity, Mr. Granger is a ready assistant. He believes in the coming great- ness of her commercial interests. Ilere the accumulations of his judicious business career are invested, and with the City's ad- vancement he is thoroughly identified. Socially, he is an affable and pleasant gentleman, and enjoys the respect and esteem of Toledo's best citizens. In private life he is the courteons and cultivated gentleman of refined, cordial and unassuming manners. Mr. Granger was married in 1849 with Emeline F. Dodge, daughter of Nathan Brown Dodge, of Akron,

Ohio. The issue of this union has been two danghtersand one son-Mary E., born July 13, 1850, married with J. B. Ketcham 2d, January 8. 1874, and died September 23, 1876; Clara Rathbone, born August 25, 1852, married with Rowland Starr, January 12, 1876; and Volen- tine W. Jr., born September 30, 1855, married October 25, 1881, with Miss Lottie Tracy.

LUMBER TRADE.

The first Saw-Mill within the present limits of Toledo, was built in 1831, by Ezra Goodale and Oliver Stevens, and located on Swan Creek, at the point where the Maumee and Monroe road (now Detroit Avenue) crossed that stream. At one time the Geauga Furnace Company constructed a lock in the dam connected with the Mill, for the passage of boats loaded with iron ore, to be brought from mines further np the Creek, but which never was found in quantities anticipated. The Mill was of ma- terial service to the scattered settlers at that time.

In 1834 Edward Bissell built a Saw-Mill to be run by Steam. It was located on Summit Street, between Elm and Chestnut.

About 1836, Charles V. Jennison, yet living in East Toledo, built a Steam Saw-Mill in Oregon, ou land now owned by Luther Whit- more, and ran it for a number of years. At this mill was furnished the sawed lumber for the first bridge across the River at Maumee.

About 1838. Frederick Prentice built a Steam Saw-Mill on the East side of the River, below what is now Bridge Street, which, with his other enterprises, he operated for several years.

In January, 1851, H. B. Hall and David Smith established a Saw-Mill and lumber yard on the East side of the River at Toledo, where it remained for several years, when it was re- moved to the West side, near Cherry Street, the present site of the establishment. Mr. Hall withdrew from the firm in 1865, Mr. Smith, with different partners, continuing the business until his death in 1876, since which time it has been managed by his sons, Wm. Il. H. and Howard M. Smith.

The earliest advertisement found of a Lum- her Dealer in Toledo, is that of Coleman I. Keeler, in March, 1835. Others followed. In November, 1840, Joel W. Kelsey advertised " a large quantity of seasoned Pine Lumber of all kinds, on the wharf, just above A. Palmer & Co.'s Warehouse, Upper Toledo." For par- ticulars, enquiry was to be made of Richard Mott or John P. Freeman.

The first City Directory (for 1858) contained the names of nine honses dealing in Lumber, viz .: T. J. Bodley, Curtis & Thomas, Kelsey & Lawton, J. N. Halliday, Wm. B. Judson, Č. H. Walbridge & Co., Nathan Reeve, and Wal- terhouse, Moulton &Co.

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TRADERS AND MERCHANTS.

In 1887, there were 28 Lumber Dealers.viz. :

R. E. Adams, Barbour & Starr, Bowman & Lap- man, Clarke & Terhune, Curtis & Brainard, HI. Il. Gibson, Goulet Manufacturing Co., G. W. Hubbard, R. M. Hubbard, Edwin Jacoby, J. B. Kelley, Kelsey & Freeman, Lawton Bros., J. R. MeGlone, Maclaren & Sprague, James Mason, Mitchell & Rowland Lum- ber Co., Wm. Peter, J. V. Santleet, W. H. H. Smith & Co., Napoleon Stamant H. C. Wason & Co., West- ern Manufacturing Co., Whitney & Tracy, Witker Manufacturing Co., Woodruff & Norton, Young & Miller.

In the winter of 1865-6, Jethro Mitchell and Thomas C. Rowland, of Cincinnati, purchased 40 acres of land on the River above the Lake Shore Railroad bridge, with 2,500 feet of water front, for the purpose of locating a Lumber Yard and Saw Mills. The Company was in. corporated March 8, 1867, with Jethro Mitchell as President ; J. G. Mitehell.as Secretary ; and Thomas C. Rowland as Treasurer. The offi- vers for 1887 were: President, T. C. Row- land ; Treasurer, Jethro G. Mitchell; Secre- tary, Edward Mitehell. Their first Mill was ereeted in 1867, and was subsequently destroyed by fire. The Company have erected three different Mills on their premises, and during the 20 years in which they have been engaged in business, have built up one of the largest and most prosperous lumber establish- ments in Northwestern Ohio. Their pay roll is exceeded by only one other establishment in Toledo-the Milburn Wagon Works. The Lumber Yard and Mills of this Company are located between the Railroads and the River (foot of Sumner Street).

AARON L. KELSEY was born in Guilford, Maine, July 12, 1823. He comes of New Eng- land stock and Irish ancestry. His grand- father (Joseph Kelsey) emigrated from Ireland when a young man and settled in Massachu- setts. He carried a musket in the Federal Army seven years during the American Revo- lution, and at the close of that war followed the pursuits of a husbandman in the Town of Shirley, Massachusetts, until his death. One of his sons (Joseph) moved to the State of Maine about the year 1800, and up to 1812 was largely engaged in shipping. During the war of 1812-15, British cruisers captured his Ves- sels. To recuperate his fortune, he penetrated the interior of the State to Guilford and became a hardy pioneer. He cleared a farmi, rapidly regained his wealth, and soon rose to prominence in that locality. For fully 30 years he occupied a seat in the Maine Legis- lature and assisted in framing the State Con- stitution of 1820. He died in Guilford, Maine, in 1861. Of his nine children three are now living. Two of the sons are Aaron L. and Joel W. of Toledo. Aaron received a thorough education, and having perfected himself in the

study of surveying was appointed (at the age of 19) a Government Surveyor, and in 1843 was sent out to assist in running the National boundary line established under the Webster- Ashburton treaty. He remained in the wil- derness on that mission for three years, and had an experience full of adventure and inter- est. In 1850 he concluded to remove to the West, and in June, 1850, became a citizen of Toledo. For six years he was identified with the interests of Lake navigation, and in 1856, in partnership with Nathan Reeve, established himself in the Lumber business in Toledo. He was one of the earliest Lumber merchants there, finding in the trade but three firms, Cur- tis & Thomas, Hathaway & Raymond, and HI. B. Hall & Co. From 1856 to 1886, he steadily held to the same pursuit and through all the gradations and changes in Toledo's Lumber interests, from one of trifling importance to the present large proportions. Thirty years in active labor, earned him the right to rest, and in 1886 he retired to private life, leaving his son (H. Reeve Kelsey) as his business successor. Mr. Kelsey has been among the foremost citizens in public spirit, ready to co-operate in whatever promised the public welfare. He is a Director in the Mer- chants National Bank, and in such capacity has been associated with that institution from its foundation. Ile was married in November, 1854, with Helen M. Lawton, of Cape Vincent, New York.

GARRETT W. HAGENBERG was born in Woodville, Sandusky County, Ohio, October 22, 1839. Ile is a son of Philip and Angeline (Rohtard) Hagenberg, and i of German parentage, his father and mother having been born in Germany. His father, a miller by trade, came to America in 1835 and settled in Buffalo, New York. Shortly after he removed to Woodville, where he remained for several years, after which he came to Toledo. During his residence here, he was engaged in contract- ing in the improvement of Streets. The father died in Toledo in 1855, the widow, at an advanced age, still living at Woodville. The earlier years of the son were passed at the place of his birth, he receiving only the meagre educational advantages to be obtained in the District School. Being the only son in a family of eight children, he was early obliged to begin life's battle. He secured a position in the Sash, Door and Blind Factory, where he re- mained for 18 months. He then obtained employment in the Planing department of Field & Wilmington's Car Shops, where the Bolt and Nut Works now are, on Field Ave- nue. After three years' service, he began work in the Sash, Door and Blind Factory of Judson Brothers (afterwards Hall & Hitchcock), re- maining with the establishment until 1867. At the last named date, he became a member

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

of the firm of C. H. Schroeder & Co., and com- menced the manufacture of Sash, Doors and Blinds on Erie Street, adjoining the Gas Works. In 1875 he withdrew from that firm to assume the superintendency of the similar establishment of Wm. Peter, the successor of llitehcock & Walbridge. Mr. Hagenberg has ever since been prominently identified with this large concern, in the arduous capacity of a successful business manager. In February, 1883, Mr. Peter's establishment was destroyed by fire, and was rebuilt under direction of Mr. Hagenberg, as that of C. H. Schroeder & Co., after a fire in 1870. In 1862 he joined the Na- tional Guards of Obio, Company C, and was honorably discharged after the expiration of his period of enlistment. A Democrat in political faith, he is not a strong partisan, but aims to sup- port the best man, regardless of party affiliation. During the late civil war he was by voice and vote, an ardent supporter of the Union cause. Thoroughly master of every detail of his busi- ness, with nousnal executive ability in the management of a large force of men, added to native energy and singleness of purpose, explain the high degree of snecess which has attended his management of the extensive enterprise with which he has so long been en- trusted. His whole time and attention are given to the advancement of his work. A member of no religious denomination, he is an upholder and promoter of all that is good in every sect and creed Mr. Hagenberg com- menced the battle of life without assistance, and without early School advantages. What he has attained, has been the result of patient toil, self-sacrifice and a conscientious desire honestly and faithfully to discharge his whole duty in whatever station he was placed. In 1884 he was appointed by Mayor Romeis, and confirmed by the Common Council, as a men- ber of the Manual Training School Board, a body composed of 12 members, of which the Mayor is ex officio President. In the establish- ment of this new and important branch of education in the Publie Schools, he has taken warm interest and greatly assisted the Board by his practical knowledge of mechanics. He was appointed for a term of five years. Mr. Hagenberg was married with Susan Metzger, at Toledo, in 1860. They have two children- Lizzie, born Max 3, 1861, the wife of Lewis Schomburg, of Toledo ; and Mary, horn March 19, 1865.

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History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 154

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