History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 156

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

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7776

TRADERS AND MERCHANTS.

In 1874-75. Judge E. D. Potter of Toledo, then a member of the Ohio Senate, introduced into that body a bill for the protection and propagation of Fish in the State, for which purpose the sum of $10,000 was appropriated. This was the first effective step in that direc- tion. Under that aet, Robert Cummings, John C. Fisher and J. H. Klippart were ap- pointed Fish Commissioners, and E. D. Potter, Superintendent. In the Fall of 1875, Fish Hatcheries were established at Toledo, Cleve- land, Castalia and Kelley's Island, with 600,000 White Fish eggs in the first named establish- ment. These were successfully hatched, but the experiments at the other points, owing to too high temperature of the water, did not succeed. Large numbers of Salmon were hatched and put in the Lake. very few of which were heard from.

The policy of protection and propagation has continued until this time, when some 80.000,000 of young White Fish are annually put into the Lake and streams of the State; with about as many of Wall-Eyed Pike-those two being the only species now propagated. In 1881, Judge Potter obtained at Washington some 700 of German Carp, which were distributed in the streams of Ohio, and which are producing with much satisfaction.

The policy of protection of Fish from un- seasonable and improper means of capture. has been maintained with increasing efficiency since 1875, with beneficial results, as have means for like protection of Game in the State. The Commissioners in charge of this interest are now (1888) C. V. Osborn, of Dayton ; A. C. Williams, Chagrin Falls; John Hofer, of Belle- aire; J. H. Laws, of Cincinnati; and E. D. Pot- ter, of Toledo.

DANIEL Y. HOWELL was born August 24, 1822, at Palmyra, Wayne County, New York, and died at Toledo, February 19, 1886. He was a son of George W. Howell, and second of a family of eight children. The father was a farmer, and Daniel remained with him, working on the farm until 21 years of age. He then came West, with a capital of $7.00, saved from his earnings. To Buffalo be came by an Erie Canal Packet, whence he took deck passage to Detroit on board a Steamboat. Passing on to Ann Arbor, Michigan, he there engaged to cut eord-wood for a time, and subsequently learned the trade of masonry and building. He then returned to Wayne County, staying there for

one year. In the Spring of 1845, he came to Toledo, and soon engaged with Loren Blodgett, a Builder. In the Winter of 1845-46 he taught a District School in Springfield Township, and the following Winter in Whiteford Township, Michigan. During the Summers of 1847 and '48 he worked at his trade in Michigan. Returning to Toledo in 1849, he made that City his home un- til his death. He constructed several prominent public and private buildings, including the Third and Fourth Ward School Houses, in 1850; the Wabash Round-Honse and large Elevators of the Michigan Southern (now Lake Shore) Rail- road. In 1859. Mr. Howell took charge of the Adams Street Ferry across the Manmee River, and continued the same until 1863. Subse- quently he engaged in contracts for buildings, and in 1865 he commenced the Fish business, which he conducted with special success until his death (a period of 22 years), his trade being the largest of the kind in fresh waters. He was succeeded in the business by his son, Arthur D., who yet conducts it. Mr. Howell was a mem- ber of the Toledo City Council from the Third Ward in 1858, and served for six years from 1870 as member of the Toledo Board of Educa- tion from the Seventh Ward, being Treasurer of the same for three years. In 1880 he was appointed by Governor Foster as Superintend- ent of the State Fish Hatchery at Toledo, in the management of which for several years, he was specially successful. He became a member of Toledo Lodge, No. 144, F. and A. M., in 1854, and served repeatedly as its Grand Master. Mr. Howell was a man unpretentious in his habits and intercourse, but of clear sense of right and justice, and firm and earnest in the pursuit of his convictions. Every trust committed to his hands- whether of business or of official nature -was conscientiously considered and scrupu- lously guarded. His life was marked by much energy and industry, and was specially promo- tive of the material growth of the City. He was married October 31, 1846, at Williamson, Wayne County, New York, with Miss Catharine M. Sumner, who was born in Williamson, Sep- tember 24, 1820, being the only daughter of Benjamin and Eliza Sumner. Her father was born in Washington County, and her mother in Orange County, New York, the latter having been the daughter of Daniel Papineau, a prom- inent man in the early history of Wayne County. Mr. Howell's only child, Arthur D., was born at Toledo, December 2, 1850, and was married October 16, 1879, with Miss Ettie, daughter of George Douglass, of Toledo.

CHAPTER II.

MANUFACTURES. - LABOR ASSOCIATIONS. - STATISTICS. - STRIKES.

IN common with all places whose main de- pendence for prosperity and growth bas been assumed advantages for local trade and commercial traffic, Toledo for the first 25 years of its existence relied chiefly upon the same, and more especially the latter source, for strength. Its exceptional geographical position, with reference to the great producing empire of the Northwest, together with its early posses- sion of superior Canal and Railway facilities, was well calculated to induce such reliance. To that consideration was added the fact, that for the period named, the matter of mannfac- tures, as a source of local growth, was hardly thought of at the West, for the reason that under the prevailing policy of the Government, the main dependence of the country for such supplies, was upon foreign markets ; while the West, looking almost wholly to agriculture for development, recognized the Eastern States as the only section in which manufactures could be successfully prosecuted. Such, substantially, was the condition as to that department of industry at the West, until the emergency from War by the rebellion of Southern States, in 1861, forced a state of things entirely new, with necessities for new recourses never before contemplated. The sudden and extraordinary demands of the Government for military sup- plies, largely consisting of clothing, made nec- essary a home supply of these. To promote this, the Tariff was radically changed and made liberally protective in its provisions as to home manufactures. Such guaranty of protection from competition of foreign capital and cheaper labor, added to the large demands of the Gov- ernment, at once stimulated manufacturing industry to unwonted activity ; and the result was, that while the resources of labor were so largely drawn upon by the Army and Navy, the home demand for manufactures was, to an extent greater than ever before, met by a home supply. While the increase in product was great at the East, the West felt the new stim- ulus, and manufacturing in various depart- ments was developed throughout that section. Thus, born of the emergency of War, that great industrial interest not only did not sub- side with the cause of its development, but continued its activity and growth throughout the West.

Toledo would have been more prompt to avail herself of the favorable condition refer- red to, but for unabated confidence in what were known as its " local " or " natural advan-

tages" as a commercial point. These, so valu- able on many accounts, in time came to be found delusive and disappointing, from the fact that the revolution in the modes of hand- ling property in transit gradually reduced the proportionate demand for labor, until the in- crease in traffic brought little or no increase in the number of persons required for its dispo- sal. The result was, that dependence upon that source for permanent growth had to be surrendered and another found.

Fortunately, the emergency thus recognized was coincident with the development of Tole- do's relations to the great mineral resources of Central Ohio and Lake Superior regions, and more especially the former. As these were improved by new Railway facilities, the im- portance of Toledo as a manufacturing point was gradually made known and gradually im- proved, until the City has come to prominence and success as a manufacturing point. In such advance, it has been greatly favored, in that the extraordinary channels of trade possessed, have conferred advantages in the distribution of local manufactures enjoyed by very few points in the entire country. It will not be practicable, within the limits allowed in this volume, to undertake anything like a full show- ing of the variety or the extent of the manu- facturing interests of Toledo. It must suffice here, to give of facts and details sufficient to indicate something of the progress already at- tained and of the prospect for the future. We shall begin by giving some account of the early manufacturing interests of the City.

TOLEDO CAR MANUFACTORY .- Railway Cars were manufactured in Toledo for several years, the quality of which stood high in the market. The first work of the kind, was in 1851, by Wason & Co., who brought the several parts of cars partially completed, and here perfected them and put up and finished the same. The first Car Works, for the entire manufacture of Cars, was that of A. J. Field and Wm. Wil- mington, who commenced operations in 1853, and continued the same until the death of Major Field, in 1858. The business was then assumed by the Toledo Car Company, composed of Mr. Wilmington, John Il. Whitaker and C. B. Phillips. That Company prosecuted the work actively until 1872, when operations were sus- pended.

WILMINGTON'S GRAIN MACHINE. - In July, 1859, trial was made of a Harvesting Machine,

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

invented and built by William Wilmington, of Toledo, which, at the same operation, cut and threshed Grain, dropping the filled bags from the rear end of the machine as it passed through the field. It was capable of entting eight acres per day of Wheat averaging 25 bushels to the acre, at au expense of $11.25, or $2.00 per acre less than the ordinary Machine. Afterwards, Mr. Wilmington exhibited and tested his invention in Porter County, Indiana, where it operated again with entire satisfaction. With such practical success, however, it was not, as Mr. Wilmington had apprehended might be the case, adapted to this climate, where Grain cannot be taken direct from the field and bulked, without liability to injury. In California and the Western portion of South America it would no doubt have been a suc- cess in application, as it certainly was in op- eration.

TOBACCO MANUFACTURE .- In 1836, Calvin Bronson commenced the manufacture of Fine- Cut Chewing Tobacco at Centerville, St. Joseph County, Michigan. At that time, and for uearly 10 years thereafter, his was the only establishment of the kind in Michigan, outside of Detroit. It was a "small beginning" he made, at that carly day, with limited capital and facilities of the simplest sort, his power be- ing limited to " one horse," whose steady circuit moved the rude cutting-machine in nse. What was lacking in material and resources, however, Mr. Bronson made up in skill and push; and it was not long ere he had wide reputation for his manufacture, and corresponding trade, which called for increased facilities and en- larged market. Hence, it was, that in 1851, he removed to Toledo, which City then fairly was recognized as an important commercial point. Ilere he established what came to be known as the Bronson Tobacco Works. His success was mainly due to the superior qualities of what was known as bis "Bright Fine-Cut Tobacco," which soon became especially popular. His trade ex- tended gradually, until in 1865, be paid on his sales a Government tax of $250,322.89-the value of the goods then sold having been 8560,400. The leading product at that time was the " Bright Chewing," beside which "C. Brouson's Indian Brand" was prominent. At first his sales were made mainly through sales- men and peddlers, who traveled with wagons ; but such means in time were largely supplant- ed by the more modern facilities of " Traveling Men " and Railway transportation. Mr. Bron- son was not a little aided by a native tact and skill in mechanics, which naturally helped to new methods and means in cutting and hand- ling Tobaccos. His first factory in Toledo was on Water Street, foot of Lagrange, where he remained until 1856, when he removed to 118- 128 Summit Street, where he occupied a build- ing with a frontage of 80 feet and depth of 150

feet and five stories high. Subsequently he erected a large building at the corner of Sum- mit and Lynn Streets, to which, in 1873, the establishment was removed. It contained 11 first-class Cutting-Machines, with a daily capac- ity of 11,000 pounds of Chewing, or 18,000 pounds of Smoking Tobacco, all operated by a single engine of about 20-horse power. January 1, 1866, Mr. Bronson retired from active business. The establishment passed into the hands of David Bronson, a brother, and Charles R. Mes- singer, a son-in-law, both whom had become practically familiar with the business. The firm of Bronson & Messinger continued until 1873, when Mr. Messinger became sole pro- prietor. He continued the business until 1886, when he was succeeded by Wm. HI. Harrison, the present proprietor.

In October, 1862, Henry J. Chase and Frank P. Isherwood engaged in the manufacture of Fine-Cut, Plug and Smoking Tobacco, at 182 and 184 Summit Street. In the following No- vember Wilson S. Isherwood became a partner. and in February, 1863, Leander Burdick was added, and the firm of Chase, Isherwood & Co. formed. In January, 1866, the establishment was removed to the new quarters meantime built for its use at 14 Broadway, opposite the Oliver House, which continues in use. In 1873, W. S. Isherwood retired from the firm; and January 1, 1880, Walter J. Chase succeeded Henry J. Chase, as partner. This arrangement. continued until January 1, 1887, when Mr. Burdick withdrew, leaving the business in the hands of F. P. Isherwood and W. J. Chase. When the business of the establishment had been prosecuted for some time, the manufac- ture of Plug was given up. Operations are now confined to Fine-Cnt Chewing and Sinok- ing, and Grannlated Smoking. The latter is a new variety, prepared by a machine originating with the house. The supplies of stock for Chewing come from Kentucky and Southern Ohio, and those for Smoking from the same sections and North Carolina. The amount of Tobacco manufactured has been about the same for the past 16 or 18 years, the chief variation being in prices, which have been controlled by the Internal Revenue tax, which has undergone several changes. The highest was 40 cents per pound on Fine-ent and 30 on Smoking. It is now uniform at eight cents. The largest amount of tax paid by this house in one year was that of 1870, when it reached 8268,753.92. The highest prices for its manu- factures were-70 cents per pound for Smoking and 81.35 for Chewing. The establishment now has 80 employes. Its trade is carried on almost wholly through traveling salesmen.

CALVIN BRONSON was born in Suffield, Connecticut, December 17, 1806. ITis ances- tors were among the earlier settlers in that sec- tion. ITis facilities for obtaining an education,

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MANUFACTURES.

were limited to the advantages supplied by the Public Schools of the Town. When he was 17 years of age, he became anxious for the advent of the active business life which was his chier ambition. Ile accordingly left home and made his way to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he entered a leading mercantile house, as a Clerk, his wages being his board. At the close of one year of apprenticeship there, he went to New York City, and thence to Augusta, Georgia. Here he remained for 18 months, at the end of which time he returned to the North, satisfied that in that section lay more certainly the field adapted to his ideas and sympathies. During these changes, he had studiously improved opportunities for obtain- ing practical knowledge of correct business principles and methods, meanwhile making friends among those with whom he came in contact. Hle early learned the invaluable lesson of self-reliance, industry, integrity and economy, to which, in subsequent years, he was mainly indebted for whatever of success at- tended him. Coming to the West in 1830, he located at Avon, Lorain County, Ohio, and there engaged in general merchandise trade, remaining until 1836, when he removed to t'enterville, St. Joseph County, Michigan, and resumed mercantile trade, which he continued for two years. In 1847, Mr. Bronson made the change, which, more than anything else, gave success to his business life. At that early day, in an obscure Western Village, with limited knowledge of the business and more limited facilities, he commenced the manufacture of Tobacco. Ilis simple machinery, driven by horse-power, was in striking contrast with that which subsequent invention provided. Ilis was the pioneer establishment West of Detroit for the manufacture of fine-cut Chow- ing Tobacco, the old articles of hard-pressed plug and twist then being almost universal and difficult to supplant with the new kind. Ilis product at first, could be sold only by ped- dlers, traveling from place to place with wagons. His trade, however, soon extended gradually, and he continued operations at Centerville until 1851, when, desirous of a more adequate point for the sale of his manufacture, he re- moved to Toledo, and resumed operations on an enlarged scale. There his trade, from the start, was encouraging, and rapidly extended, more than meeting his expectations. His lim- ited resources for capital were soon supple- mented by liberal gains from trade, and his facilities were enlarged accordingly. Erc long his factory gave employment to 150 to 175 hands, with no less than 11 cutting-machines in constant use. Meantime, the name of " Bronson's "Tobacco," became familiar through- out the Western States, and everywhere with the favor which acceptable trade alone can secure. In 1866, with the fruits of a business activity far beyond the average of man, he

turned his large establishment and trade over to younger hands, by whom it has been con- tinued for several years. Few men havo made their way through a life of equal activity and devotion to business, with that of Mr. Bronson ; and still less of his cotemporaries have been able to reach the close of their four- score years of life with the vigor of mind and body which he yet enjoys. For such posses- sion, he is indebted to a sound constitution and the practice throughout of physical activity and habits of care and prudence. Since retiring from the Tobacco trade, he has turned his attention chiefly to the improvement of real estate judiciously purchased, including the erection of different substantial and valuable business blocks. He has also invested liberally in the promotion of manufacturing enterprises in the City. Mr. Bronson was married with Miss Lucretia C. Sutphen, at Centerville, Michi- gan, June 26, 1837. Mrs. Bronson was born January 18, 1811, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.

TOLEDO GAS LIGHT AND COKE COMPANY .- The first step toward the manufacture of Gas in Toledo, was taken on the 25th of September, 1853, when the Toledo Gas-Light and Coke Company was organized, the corporators being V. H. Ketcham, James Deveau, Matt. Johnson, Thomas II. Hough and D. B. Smith. February 20, 1854, books for subscription of stock were opened at the office of M. R. Waite, the capital being $100,000. April 4th following, Directors were chosen, as follows: M. R. Waite, Matt. Johnson, Wm. Baker, John H. Whitaker and D. B. Smith, who organized by electing Matt. Johnson as President; J. H. Whitaker, Treas- urer; and D. B. Smith, as Secretary. Mr. Waite served as Director until his appointment as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, in January, 1874. Mr. Whitaker re- mained in the directory until his death, in 1882. Mr. Baker was succeeded in 1856 by George Spencer, who remained as such until his death in 1882. J. W. May, as Secretary, succeeded Mr. Smith in February, 1857. Since that time, the general officers have been as follows :

President-George Spencer, 1856-66; Truman H. Hoag, 1866-70; S. M. Young, 1870-88, Vice Presi- dent-J. H. Whitaker, 1866-70; George Spencer, 1870-82; H. S. Walbridge, 1882-8S. Secretary J. W. May, 1857-65 ; C. N. Yeager, 1865-71 ; Richard Day, 1871-88.

The works of the Company were constructed by Lemuel H. Davis, who also laid mains, in 1851. No record is found of the extent of the business during the first years of the l'ompany, but it was small, and not very remunerative until the growth of the City made it so. In 1880 it was found necessary to rebuild the purifying-house, to enlarge the retort-house and to enlarge and extend the main pipes; for which purpose the capital stock was increased to $500,000.

782

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

THE MANHATTAN IRON COMPANY .- Early in 1864, a Company was formed, under the name of the Manhattan Iron Company, for the purpose of manufacturing Charcoal Iron, selecting for location 10 acres on the East side of the River, and nearly opposite Manhattan. The furnace was 22x28 feet and 40 feet high. Near were four kilns, 50x15 feet, for burning coal, each to burn 80 cords of wood, the opera- tion occupying some 10 days of time. D. Y. Howell constructed the furnace and kilns. The wood was obtained on Crane Creek and about three miles East of the Furnace, and was brought in on a private railway provided for the purpose. Operations were commenced in Angust, under the management of Mr. Tilden. About 25 men were employed, and 10 tons of Iron produced per day. Lake Superior ore was used. The establishment was in ope- ration more or less for about five years, but, as the result largely of inexperience in its management, the enterprise was not a success. The owners were residents of Southern Ohio.

THE TOLEDO MOWER AND REAPER COMPANY. -In 1869, John J. Barker, A. D. Pelton and John S. Davis, formed a partnership, for the manufacture in Toledo of Agricultural ma- chines, and more specially the " Sulky Mower and Reaper," an invention of Mr. Davis, at that time a resident of Tiffin. For such purpose grounds and buildings were provided. The work of perfeeting their machine was pros- ecuted for several years, with varying results, such operation involving the expenditure of large sums of money, beside years of severe toil. The machine they sat out to produce was a success : but the early appearance of the rake attachment, which they were unable to meet with an acceptable appliance of the same kind to their machine, was too much for them ; and after several changes in management, the busi- ness was closed out. In 1875, the establish- ment passed into the bands of the Toledo Mower and Reaper Company, of which J. B. Baldy was the President ; Leander Burdick, Vice Presi- dent; and Wm. E. Parmelee, Jr., Secretary and Treasurer. The paid-up capital stock, then 850,000, has been increased to 8144,000. In 1880, Reed V. Boice became the President, and Wm. Baker Vice President. In 1884, Bernard Meilink was chosen President, Fred. Eaton Vice President, and John Farley Secretary and Treasurer, who still hold such positions. Start- ing with the single machine (the Sulky Mower and Reaper), the trade has been extended to a full line of Mowers, Reapers and Binders. Operations by this establishment have ecased.

BAKERS .-- The earliest record found of a Baker in Toledo, is that of John Pontius, whose adver- tisement appears in 1837 and 1838. His succes- sors were too numerous here to be stated. Promi- nent among them was Charles Mertz, for

several years dealer in general merchandise, as well as Baker. Among those now in business are-Fred. Gradolph, Lloyd & Worts, L. H. Meinert, Mrs. C. W. Pond, Seyfang & Schener- mann, George Tait, Mrs. E. A. Turley, Worts, Kirk & Bigelow.

GEORGE WORTS was born in London, England, September 8, 1828, his parents being Mannistee C. and Hannah (Smyth) Worts, na- tives of England. The father was a Baker. In 1830, the family came to the United States, landing at New York, December 30th. Stop- ping for a short time, he worked at his trade there, when he went to Newark, New Jersey. In 1835 they came West, stopping at Detroit, where he soon was warned out for military service for Michigan in the " Toledo War," then in progress. They returned East in 1836, stop- ping at Oswego, New York. There they re- mained until 1853, the father, meantime, being in the Baking business. At the latter date they came to Toledo, where he resumed business. George's School days were spent at Oswego, with the privileges of the Dis- triet School. While yet very young, he began work in a Bakery, his main service for a time consisting of stamping and panning crackers, which then were made wholly by hand, no machinery being employed in the business. In the Fall of 1844, he was for a time Steward on board the Propeller Vandalia, running between Oswego and Chicago, when he returned to the Bakery, and continued there until the Winter of 1849-50, at which time he shipped from New London, Connecticut, on board a Whaler for a voyage to Davis Straits, being gone about seven months. Leaving Oswego for the West, he reached Toledo, September 6, 1851. There he established a Bakerr on the Packet Dock, North side of Swan Creek, be- tween Monroe and Washington Streets. Upon the arrival of his father in 1853, the firm of Worts & Son was established, when they erected a Bakery at 140-142 St. Clair Street, with sales- room at 67 Summit. The limited delivery of sales necessary was made with a wheelbarrow. Subsequently they bought out Milo Bashare, successor to Charles Mertz. The establishment was burned out in 1861, and was rebuilt. In October, 1861, George enlisted in Company I, Sixty-Seventh Ohio Infantry, being commis- sioned as Second Lieutenant, and serving until June, 1862, when he resigned. With Albert Kirk, be built a Bakery in rear of the Store at 237 Summit Street. In 1866, the firm of Worts & Co. was constituted of George Worts, Albert Kirk, Henry W. Bigelow and Henry S. Waite, who built the large building at 441 ( new num- ber) St. Clair Street. For a time they manu- factured Aerated Bread, and until their Cracker trade fully engrossed their attention. Their business is now confined to Crackers, Cakesand Confectionery. They employ constantly two

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History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 156

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