History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 157

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

USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio > Part 157

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MANUFACTURES.

delivery wagons in the City and four traveling men. Their trade has steadily increased and is now by all odds larger than that of any other establishment in Northwestern Ohio. All op- erations in baking are now performed with ma- chinery. Mr. Waite died April 16, 1873, the business since that time being continued by the other partners. Mr. Worts united with the order of Odd Fellows while in Oswego, and with Wapaukonica Lodge after coming to To- ledo, which connection he still holds. He was elected a member of the Board of Aldermen from the Eighth Ward, Toledo, in April, 1881, and served in that body two years. Mr. Worts was married at Sterling Center, Cayuga County, New York, with Miss Louisa A. Lake, January 5, 1851, she dying December 19, 1852, leaving a son, George F. Worts, who was born at To- ledo, and now resides there. Mr. Worts was again married March 18, 1855, with Miss Emily 1. Howard, of Stone Mills, Jefferson County, New York. They have had four children, of whom two are living-Mrs. Walter C. Lloyd and Chivington Worts, both of Toledo.

HENRY WAITE BIGELOW was born at Colchester, Connectient, February 1, 1838, where his father, a farmer, continued to reside until his death, in 1869, and where the mother yet resides. The ancestors of the parents were among the earliest settlers of New England, the original branch coming from England early in the 17th century. The family have given to Connectient some of its most distinguished cit- izens. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, served during the Revolutionary War as Commissary General's Clerk ; while his father (Colonel Guy Bigelow), born in 1785, was a prominent officer in the State Militia of Connecticut. He was also an active member of the Masonic order. His mother (Sarah A. Waite) was of a family specially distinguished in judicial history. Chief Justice Henry MI. Waite, of Connectiont, the father of Chief Jus- tice Morrison R. Waite, of the United States Supreme Court, was her brother. The boy- hood of the subject of this sketch was not essentially different from that of the average of New England farmers' sons. He waseducated at Bacon Academy, Colchester. At the age of 16, he entered the store of Colonel D. R. Noyes, at Lyme, as clerk, remaining there two years. In 1856 he came to Toledo and engaged in like capacity in the Wholesale Grocery establish- ment of Secor, Berdan & Co. He remained with that firm until the Rebellion, when (Au- gust 15, 1861) he enlisted for three years in the Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, and was with his Company throughout its notable service-at Wild Cat, Chickamauga, Jonesboro, the Atlanta campaign and the "March to the Sea." In March, 1862, he was promoted from First Sergeant Company (, to Second Lieutenant Company I; in October, 1863, was advanced to First Lieu-

tenant; and in December, 1864, to a Captainey. At the battle of Chickamauga he was severely wounded in the thigh, and being incapacitated for service was granted a furlough ; but rejoined his command at Chattanooga December 30, 1863. From that time until May, 1864, he served on Court Martial duty. Preceding the battle of Jonesboro, he stood fourteenth in rank in the Regiment. Two days thereafter, as the result of loss of officers in that engagement and the muster-out of non-veteran organizations, he be- came second in rank, and thenceforward he acted as Major, serving in that capacity in the March to the Sea and in the Carolina campaign, as also in the Grand Review at. Washington, May, 1865. He was in command of the Regi- ment during its mnster-out at Louisville. While in service, Captain Bigelow several times declined staff appointment, and through- out his connection with the Army, he bore the just character of a brave, faithful and useful Soldier, commanding the confidence and re- spect, alike, of superior officers and enlisted men. For six months after being mustered out, he was detained in Connecticut by sickness contracted in the service. In February, 1866, he returned to Toledo, and in May, following, with George Worts, Albert Kirk, and Henry S. Waite, organized the firm of Worts & Co., for the manufacture of Crackers at 311 (old num- ber) St. Clair Street. From that date until the death of Mr. Waite, in 1873, Captain Bigelow traveled for the house ; he then taking charge of its financial affairs. The firm-name was soon changed to Worts, Kirk & Bigelow, as it yet remains. To the exceptional success of the establishment, he has largely contributed by his close attention and sound judgment. Cap- tain Bigelow was for many years a member of Forsyth Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and is now a member of Toledo Post, recently organized. He is also a member of Ohio Com- mandery, Loyal Legion ; of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, and ot the Four- teenth Regiment. In the Masonic order, he has for many years held a high position. Join- ing Rubicon Lodge, No. 237, Toledo, in Feb- ruary, 1859, he has since received all degrees of recognized Masonry, including the thirty- third and last degree. Politically, Captain Bigelow has always been a Republican in prin- ciple, yet directing his action by considerations of public policy, as these would be suggested to his judgment. Of a retiring disposition, he has sought a life of quiet, in the conscientious discharge of duty as the same was made known to him.

UNION MANUFACTURING COMPANY. - This Company was incorporated in 1872, with a capi- tal stock of $100,000, and went into operation January 1, 1873. The officers of the Company at that time were: R. S. Janney, President; R. F. Lyttle, Secretary and Treasurer; Charles

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

H. Warren, Superintendent; William M. Bond, Purchasing Agent. The latter had taken the place in the Company of Mr. Rood, who retired before the conversion of the firm into a joint stock Company.

In 1881, the Company connected with their other business the manufacture of the Union Sewing Machine, and increased their capital stock to 8300,000; and in 1885 this was in- creased to $1,000,000. Before the fire which destroyed their shops in the old File factory, the Company had purchased land and erected a Warehouse where their present works are (corner Hamilton and Bismarck streets), which they had filled with goods, and which were sub- stantially all that were saved to them out of the fire. With that much for a new start, they moved into a small building which had been used as a Stave Factory, set up an engine and went to work. In 1873 they built two brick factories, each 50x100 feet, and two stories high, and jomed them by an engine-room (also of brick) one story in height. They afterwards erected machine shops, barn, and other build- ings; and in 1881 added the fine building for the Sewing Machine department. This build- ing is of brick, 40x200 feet, three stories, with a wing of the same height 24x80 feet. To these structures have been added a shop and fuel-house 30x75 feet. The Company are now building a brick foundry, 112x120, for the manufacture of light castings. The works are on a side track of the Lake Shore Railroad, convenient for shipping. Mr. I. N. Poe has been President since 1881. Mr. R. S. Janney became Vice President upon the election of Mr. Poe to the Presidency, and was succeeded in 1888 by W. S. Walbridge. W. O. Pakin was elected Secretary in 1881, in place of Mr. Lyttle, who then became Traveling Agent. Mr. Dakin was succeeded by S. C. Walbridge in 1887.

ROBERT SIMPSON JANNEY was born in Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles from Philadel- phia, June 2, 1829. He is a son of Jacob and Esther (Betts) Janney, who were of English nativity, their ancestors being among the original band of Friends (or Quakers), who, with William Penn, settled in that section during the latter part ofthe 17th century. Thomas Janney, the pioneer of the family in America, settled on the farm where the father ot the subject of this sketch was born, and where his lineal descendants still reside. Robert spent the first 12 years of his life on his father's farm, with educational privileges limited to the District School of an agricultural region. In 1841 the family removed to Montgomery County, Mary- land, Remaining there for two years, they then returned to Bucks County, but soon located on a farm in the adjoining County of Montgomery. For two winters the son at-

tended Loller Academy, Early in 1845, the family removed to Michigan, settling on a farm in Monroe County. The father died in 1867. Robert had so far improved his limited advantages, that during the winter of 1845-46, be taught a District School near the farm of his father; and with the exception of one winter in attendance at the Sylvania (Ohio) Academy, under Dr. Taylor, he taught school for 11 winters in Monroe and adjoining Coun- ties in Michigan and Ohio, " boarding around " among the families represented in his Schools, as was then the practice with teachers. Mean- time, he spent the Summers in labor on the farm. Relieved of farm work in the Fall of 1865, by a brother then returned from the Army, Mr. Janney came to Toledo and secured employment as Book-keeper for Worts, Kirk & Seyfang, Bakers. In the Spring of 1866, in partnership with C. R. Baldwin, under the firm name of Baldwin & Janney, was opened a Grocery store on Monroe Street, such engage- ment lasting for 18 months. In the fall of 1869, Mr. Janney purchased the Union Manufac- turing Company's business, which had recently been established by H. S. Walbridge and Matt. Shoemaker, for the manufacture of Domestic Wooden-Ware. The establishment was located in the second story of Gates & Skidmore's Rake factory, on Erie Street. Soon thereafter E. A. Rood and LaFayette Lyttle became partners in the business, which proved a success, largely due to the capacity and in- dustry of Mr. Janney. In 1873, a corporation (Union Manufacturing Company) was organ- ized with Mr. Janney as its President, which position he held continuously (with the excep- tion of one year), until his retirement from active management of the business, in 1883. When he assumed control of the establishment, but 30 operatives were employed; whereas, at the time of his withdrawal, a trade had been built up, requiring the employment of over 200 workmen. Early in 1883, Mr. Janney be- came connected with The Toledo Moulding Company, and since that time has served as its President. The business of this Company is the manufacture of Picture Frames and Mould ings, and about 200 workmen are now em- ployed in the establishment. Mr. Janney's executive abilities are best known in the ex- ceptional success which has attended what- ever he has undertaken. Politically, Mr. Jan- ney acts with the Republican party, but has never sought official position of any sort, find- ing in connection with his business life full employment for his mind and activity. He was married April 13, 1863, with Miss Urania Baldwin, daughter of John Baldwin, her mother being now the wife of Marquis Bald- win of Toledo.

WITKER MANUFACTURING COMPANY. - This Company was incorporated April 20, 1886, and

R.S. Janney

MANUFACTURES.

is engaged in the manufacture of Doors, Sash, Blinds, Mouldings, etc., the annual amount of sales being about $125,000. The Company has a large Steam Mill and Yard at the corner of Oak and Water Streets. The building was built in 1886. It is supplied with the most approved machinery .. The proprietors were formerly connected with the Western Manu- facturing Company, corner of Vine and Water Streets. In 1869 F. E. Witker was connected with the manufacturing firm of Eldridge & Weil. He has been President of the Company since its incorporation. There has been no change in any of the officers, the list being, as at first: F. E. Witker, President; William F. Witker, Secretary and Treasurer. Directors : F. E. Witker, E. F. Witker, W. F. Witker, E. II. Witker, G. F. Witker.

FREDERICK E. WITKER was born in Wood County, Ohio, February 2, 1846. His parents, Ernst and Mary (Ballmeyer) Witker, were born near Hanover, Germany, and came to this country in 1840, bringing with them one daughter and settling on a farm in Wood County, where, wholly without experience in such life, and with limited means, they com- menced work. The son remained with his pa- rents, attending the District School a portion of the year, until he was 14 years old, when he came to Toledo, and found employment with his two uncles, Ferdinand Johnson and John F. Wit- ker. Grocers, St. Clair Street, corner of Logan. Two years later he engaged with C. F. Curtis, for work in his Sash and Blind factory, where he learned the trade of his choice. In 1864, when 18 years old, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment, Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry. On being mustered ont at the close of his term of enlistment, he entered the Sash and Blind factory of Hitchcock & Walbridge, remaining there three years. In 1870, upon the dissolution of the firm of Keeler, Baird & Bivins, Mr. Witker united with others in organizing the Western Manufacturing Com- nany, and in 1871 was chosen as President of that corporation, and with John H. Puck as Vice President, held that position until March 1, 1886, when he withdrew from the Company after a devoted service of 15 years. He then estab- lished the Witker Manufacturing Company, corner of Oak and Water Streets, with himself as President and William F. Witker as Secre- tary and Treasurer. At a cost of over $18,000, a large and commodious brick building was erected for the establishment in 1886, where the business of manufacture of Sash, Doors and Blinds, and dealing in Carpenters' and Builders' supplies, is carried on, giving employment to over 60 workmen. He is justly ranked among the many successful men of self-reliance and energy, who have done and are doing so much for Toledo and the entire country. Politically, he is a Democrat, because his convictions as to

policy of Government have attached him to that party. Mr. Witker was married, in 1869, with Miss Mary Witgen, of Toledo, they now having four children.

THE AMERICAN HAND-SEWED SHOE COMPANY was incorporated in 1884. for the purpose of Wholesale Boot and Shoe trade. One of its objects was to develop the Lock-Stitch Sewing Machine as applied to the sewing of Shoes, an invention which gives a more durable sole than can be put on by hand, the stitch being locked in the middle of the leather of which the sole is composed. The Company commenced business in July, 1884, at 121 and 122 Summit Street. In 1887, in consequence of a tire in the building they ocenpied, it removed to 232 and 234 Summit Street, the present location. Its business has had a steady increase. During the year ended in July, 1887, it placed over $750,000 worth of goods. The Company is now agent of the Wardwell Shoe and Leather Com- pany. The officers of the Company are : Wm. B. Taylor, President ; Franklin Hubbard, Treasurer ; H. C. Taylor, Selling Agent.

THE STEVENS FILTER COMPANY was incor- porated in 1879, for the purpose of manufac- turing and selling an improved Water Filter for hotels, houses and public buildings. The process of filtration by this Filter, and now popular throughout the United States, is that of the upward passage of the water through the filtering medium, and its de- livery into a chambor above the packing; so that, after being once purified, it is kept clean and wholesome. It is peculiarly adapted to turbid or roily water. The Filter has been in use about eight years, and during that time has been gaining a wide reputation. These Filters vary in capacity from one to 100 barrels per day.

The first officers of the Company were: J. H. Davis, President ; George Weddell, Vice Presi- dent; Walter Pickens, Secretary ; A. G. Wil- liams, Treasurer. The present officers are : A. R. Champney, President ; Walter Pickens, Vice President ; J. W. Callard, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Davis sold his stock and re- tired from the Company in the Spring of 1886. Mr. Champney, who has been a Director since the organization, was elected President in 1885. Mr. Pickens was President from 1882 to 1885.

TOLEDO FOUNDERY AND MACHINE COMPANY .- This now large and prosperous establishment owes its development chietly to the judgment and energy of Mr. J. C. Wnerfel, the President of the Company since its organization. Mr. Wuerfel came from Germany with his parents when he was 12 years old. For a number of years he was in the Grocery trade in Toledo,

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

and left that and engaged in manufacturing business in connection with Moore's Foundery and Machine Shop in 1878, of which he was Manager. In 1880 he took a leading part in the organization of the Toledo Foundery and Machine Company, which was incorporated March Ist of that year. The present officers of the Company are: J. C. Wuerfel, Presi- dent and Manager; John Crowe, Secretary. The Company are engaged in the manufacture of Railroad Excavators, Ballast Unloaders, Dredges, Pile-Drivers, Snow Plows, Circular Saw Mills, Steam Engines, Hoisting Machinery, &c. Their sales, which amounted to $40,000 in 1881, increased to $80,000 in 1887.

THE SMITH BRIDGE COMPANY .- In 1867, Robert W. Smith. J. J. Swigart, A. S. Miller and J. A. Hamilton, associated themselves, as partners, under the firm name of R. W. Smith & Co., for manufacture of Railroad and Highway Bridges, and at once com- menced that business. In 1870 a joint stock company was organized, and named the Smith Bridge Company, with R. W. Smith, as Presi- dent; J. J. Swigart, as Vice President ; J. D. Cook, as Secretary ; and H. A. Boyd, as Treas- urer. The officers of the Company, January 1, 1888, were as follows: R. W. Smith, Presi- dent ; J. J. Swigart, Vice President ; William S. Daly, Secretary ; F. E. Tracy, Treasurer ; Daniel Howell, Engineer.

ROBERT W. SMITH was born in West Charleston, Miami County, Ohio, December 31, 1834. His parents were of English and Scotch ancestry, the mother's name having been Julia Thomas. The father was a Cabinetmaker, specimens of bis skill vet remaining in the vicinity of his residence. His physical strength was such as to make severe the labor requisite for the satisfactory support of his family The mother was a woman of intelligence and refine- ment, with special talent for artistie work, many proofs of her success in drawing now re- maining. As may be inferred, the son's edu- cational privileges were meagre enough. His first lessons consisted of a paddie of wood, ou one side of which was the alphabet, and on the other the "a b abs," with his mother for teacher. Before he had got far beyond the grade thus indicated. and without regular School privilege-, he was sent to the country to do chores for a living with a relative. His education before his 15th year beyond that supplied on the paddle, was only such as he was able to pick up; but he had learned to read and write. Then feeling the absolute need of more instruction. he succeeded in getting to a Public School, which he was permitted to enjoy for a period of 16 days, which consti- tuted his entire School education. But even in such short time, he was able to snatch a few rudiments, including an insight to primary

arithmetic and MeGuffy's readers. His School- days completed, he secured employment with a Builder, to work a year at Carpentry. Dur- ing this time he developed his genius in the construction of a piece of continnons rail-stair from first to third floor. He soon entered upon business on his own account, and devel- oped talent rapidly. He was the first builder to put up large barns with self-supporting roofs, thus doing away with the posts, always so inconvenient in such buildings. Two of these barns yet remain in Miami County, one built for the late Colonel J. R. Woodward, at Woodward Place ; and the other for Hon. Samuel Sullivan, near Tadmor. In 1862, in connection with his brother William, Mr. Smith ran a small Wood-working Machine Shop and Lumber Yard at Tippecanoe. In 1864 the brother died, other parties then taking an interest in the business, which is yet con- tinged. In 1866, Mr. Smith made an important advance by the invention of what came to be known as the " Smith Truss Bridge " (of wood), which soon had a remarkable demand. Find- ing that a large field and more adequate facili- ties for obtaining supplies and for shipping manufactures were demanded, Mr. Smith in 1867 decided to remove to Toledo, where he at once founded the Smith Bridge Company-he constituting the entire Company. When he began business one 300-foot bridge was eon- sidered a fair Summer's job; but in 1867 he built five bridges; in 1868, 22; and in 1869, 75. The present joint Stock Company was organ- ized in 1870, whose business has reached an annual aggregate of $500,000. Soon after the year 1870, began a change from wood to iron, as material for the construction of bridges, which continued, until now very few wood structures are manufactured. With the in- crease in demand for bridges, improved ma- chinery for such purpose was required. This, mainly, had to be invented. The principal in- vention of this sort was a gaining-machine, which does the work of 15 men, and in better manner. Another improvement made consists of a process for making a steel eye-bar, which is very valuable. Beside these, were a rotary saw, for making the joints of bridge-chords; and a multiple punch, by which six pieces of iron can be punched at one operation, one man with it doing the work of six by the old method. One of the highest achievements of Mr. Smith in this connection consists in the construction of turn-tables for draw-bridges, so made as to be operated with the least possible friction. Its operation is seen in the Cherry- Street bridge, at Toledo, the draw of which is 300 feet long, 46 feet wide, and weighs 420 tons, and yet can be turned by one man, the requisite pressure on the lever being only 75 pounds. It is now operated by steam in 45 seconds of time. He has devised iron draw- bridges for Canals, so arranged that boats push

yours Truly R.W. Smith

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MANUFACTURES.

them open, they closing when the boats have passed. A pressure of three pounds will open them. These bridges are now in general use. When at New Orleans in 1876, Mr. Smith acci- dentally fell in with the City Engineer, who bad prepared a plan for a landing or floating- dock for a ferry, and who, on learning that Mr. Smith was a Bridge Builder, submitted to that gentleman his plan for examination, when its defects were pointed out so clearly that Mr. Smith was asked to prepare a plan, which was submitted to the Board of Control, and adopted in lien of that of the City Engineer, and the contract for the construction of the work given to the Smith Bridge Company, by which it was executed, Mr. Smith being paid $1,000 extra for the plan. The approach is 125 feet long, the rise and fall with the tide being 15 feet. This was placed at Canal Street. Another like structure was built for the Jackson Street ferry, as were other swing-bridges in that City. While Mr. Smith has been from the first, and yet is, the main controlling and di- reeting power of this great work, he has been for over 20 years largely indebted for success to the support of efficient assistants. Promi- neut among these is Mr. J. J. Swigart, whose financial sagacity and energy have contributed materially to the prosperity of the business. Mr. D. Howell, the Chief Engineer, and his five assistants, together with Wm. S. Daly, the present Secretary, and Lewis Motter and Andrew Stroeblein, all have been able and substantial aids in securing for the Company its remarkable success and high character. While making a record in the business world thus brilliant and successful, Mr. Smith has been no less considerate in the high personal character he has established, and in the per- vading regard for the moral and material well- being of his fellowmen, who have always had in him a worthy model of upright, conscien- tious life. In 1856 Mr. Smith was married with Miss Mary Ann Pearson, the danghter of a Quaker farmer. She died in 1881, leaving three children -- Mrs. La Mont Bateman, Chas. E. Smith and Mrs. Lanra Burnet, all of Toledo.

THE JEWEL MANUFACTURING COMPANY WAS incorporated June 28, 1884; its main object being the manufacture of Sewing Machines and specialties. The works are located at the corner of Central and Detroit Avenues. The Company erected suitable buildings in 1884-5, at a cost of about $25,000. The capital stock of the Company is $300,000. Since the business went into operation, over 6,000 Sewing Machines have been made, besides a considerable amount of order work. The officers of the Company from its organization until February, 1888, were : President, D. R. Locke; Vice President, Wm. Baker; Secretary and Treasurer, F. T. Lane; Superintendent, G. F. Danielson. On

the death of Mr. Locke, at the time named, Charles A. Gaiser was elected President.

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History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 157

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