History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 162

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 162

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On the River in rear of the store of V. Palmer & Co., was a log warehouse, an old looking building, said to have been standing when Coleman 1. Keeler landed there in 1817. Keeler settled in that year on the farm now occupied by his widow, on the Road above mentioned. This log building was taken down in

1836, by Judge John Baldwin, who put on its site the Warehouse occupied, after his death, in 1837, by Car- penter & Myers, and then by V. H. Ketcham, who now owns the ground-the building having been taken down to make room for Ketcham's block.

The Oliver Warehouse, built by Joseph Prentice, was then standing on the West side of Monroe Street, where Roff & Co. now are, and occupied by A. Pal- mer & Co. Further down, under the bank of the River, on the site of M. 1. Wilcox's brick store (64 Water Street ), was another Warehouse, belonging to William P. and W. J. Daniels, The bank, which was there upwards of thirty feet high, had been dug away to fill in for the dock foundation for this Warehouse,

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

which was only reachable from the land side, by a road commencing at Jefferson Street, and cut side- ways down the bank.

A brick store of two stories, belonging to John Baldwin, fronted Summit Street, adjoining W. . 1. Damels. This stood till within a few years since.

The ground in front of the Toledo House was about at the present grade of Summit Street, at that corner. It was some four or five feet at the lower intersection of Monroe Street. Here was a run-way for the water from the low ground, along Mud Creek. This run- way was crossed on Summit Street by a little log bridge -the logs well covered with earth. Beyond this, at the East, was a bluff, some twenty feet above the present grade, and a road-way had been cut, partly sidewalks, to reach the top of the bluff. Here was a frame building, then occupied, but afterwards fitted up, and known as the National Hotel, and where (in 1845) Lyman T. Thayer began his success- ful career at hotel-keeping. The present Deuel block (" Bee Hive," 77-79 Summit), is on the same spot. It was then a commanding position, having a full view of the River-there being nothing to obstruct in either direction up or down. From this the Road wound along near the edge of the bank, among stumps and bushes, and without regard to map lines of Streets, to the Postoffice, a two-story brick build- ing, about 150 feet East of Adams Street. This had been put up by Edward Bissell, for the purpose it was then used, to be about midway between the set- tled portions of the previously rival Villages of Port Lawrence and Vistula, when they concluded to bury the hatchet of strife, and unite under the name of Toledo. This Postoffice building was an isolated and somewhat desolate looking affair, standing entirely alone. The nearest dwelling was a log house, directly in the present line of Summit Street, at the corner of Oak, surrounded by a worm rail fence, enclosing about half an acre for a garden spot. This log house was occupied by William Andrews and family, con- sisting of his wife, several sons and daughters. Among the former was Samuel Andrews, of the Blade-then a boy perhaps a dozen years old. The road passed between the enclosure and the River, over the lot. where Toledo Mill stands, towards the corner of Cherry and Summit Streets. From this to Elm Street, the line of Summit Street was clearly defined. The stumps had been mostly grubbed out, and several buildings were erected on both sides.

A frame building, occupied as twodwellings, stood on the Northwest corner of Cherry Street. What is now Dr. Bergen's dwelling, adjoining (375 St. Clair), was nearly finished. The frame on the corner was afterwards moved on the lot where B. Meilink & Co.'s Furniture store stands (204 Summit), and was long occupied by the Toledo Blade, till it was removed to 150 Summit Street. Cherry Street was then the Southwesterly border of the Vistula division. The entire space to the Tavern building, above Jefferson Street, was open and wild, except the Postoffice build- ing and Mr. Andrews' log house.

On the South side of Summit Street, on the corner of Vine, was a frame building, occupied by William Tillman as a paint shop below, and dwelling above. This was the next year fitted np by Edward Bissell, for a dwelling, and where he resided for several years. It still stands in the same place. Nearly opposite, Richard Green wood had a small frame dwelling-still standing. The three old stores on the Northwest side of Summit Street, fronting the head of Vine Street, were in course of erection. A brick outside was put on them in 1852, in which they still stand. When Toledo was made a City, in 1837, one of the offices in the second story of this block, was used for the City Council-room. Scott & Richardson (Samuel B. Scott and Worden N. Richardson, both deceased) had a store a little below, towards Walnut Street.

A row of stores, belonging to Edward Bissell, stood on the Southwest corner of Locust Street, 361 Summit. In the second story of this row, Hezekiah D. Mason had his office. Judge Mason was regarded as an old resident, having come in 1834. This row was burned in the Fall of 1838, the most sickly season ever known in Toledo. The City had two fire en- gines, built at Waterford, New York; and as the weather had been very dry, one of the engines (No. 1) had to be run down the bank of the River for a sup- ply of water, forcing it up to the other (No. 2), that was thus enabled to throw one little stream. The few men who worked the machine at the River, were soon tired out, and the stream stopped. They sent for fresh hands to help work at the brakes, but it was next to impossible to find any men who were well enough ; the almost invariable exeuse of every bystander applied to, being, that he was just out from a fit of the ague, and was not able to work. The well men being tagged out, the stores were de- stroyed. All that could be done was to save the near buildings.

About half way between Locust and Lagrange Streets, was the Mansion House, 385 Summit.

On the Southeast corner of Summit and Lagrange Streets, was a two-story frame store, belonging to and occupied by Dr. Jacob Clark, the sign over the door being Clark & Bennett. This corner was then re- garded as about the centre of business in Toledo, and perhaps the best stand in the place, till 1843; when, by the opening of the Canal, business was mainly drawn towards the Port Lawrence end of the Town. This old store was afterwards occupied by Ketcham & Snell, and it was here that Joseph K. Secor commenced business life as a store-boy. It was subsequently taken by Elijah S. Hanks, who re- mained till it was burned, in 1844 or 1845.

Lagrange Street was graded from Summit Street (pretty steeply), so that teams could pass to the dock. ttere, on the West side of the Street, was the Ware- house of Peckham & Co., still standing, now owned by P. H. Birekhead (363-369 Water Street). Peck- ham & Co. did the largest forwarding business of the place, most of the steamboats coming in the River stopping at their wharf. The members of the firm were Bunnell H. Peckham and John Berdan.

In the Spring of 1836, two other Warehouses were put up near the foot of Lagrange Street, on the East side. The lower one was occupied by Bissell & Gard- Der (Frederick Bissell and Joseph B. Gardner). Mr. Bissell continued in business in Toledo till his death, in June, 1870. Gardner was afterwards Postmaster, snereeding Judge Potter, in 1839. He removed to Buffalo, and died many years ago.

The other Warehouse was kendt first by Poag & Morse, then Poag & Titus, and afterwards by Robert W. Titus. John Poag went to New York abont 1840, and after a few years became one of the firm of Kent, Poag & Co.,-grew wealthy, invested largely in Toledo real estate, which has turned out very ad- vantageously. He returned to Toledo, and died in 1.868.

The same warehouse (the second story) was taken by Titus & Co., from New York, in the Spring of 1838 ( Avery and Walter Titus), for a dry goods and groceries jobbing establishment. They did a good business ; but, trying to carry a load of debt, grow- ing out of their New York business in 1837, proved too great a burden, and, after the death of Avery Titus, in 1841, the firm was obliged to suspend. Walter is still living in New York. These Ware- houses still remain, and are parts of the Novelty Works establishment. Southeast corner Lagrange and Water.

The first Mill for grinding grain in Toledo was built during the year 1838, for Edward

ARCHITECTURE.

Bissell, and under the superintendence of Ahira Hibbard. It was located at the foot of Elm Street. By January, 1839, it was so far ad- vanced, that the work of putting in the machinery was commenced. The parts of the engine for the propelling of the mill were brought here from Sandusky or Detroit, and put in place by a machinist by the name of Hall, from Detroit. The mill-wright's name was Clark, he coming from Adrian, or thereabouts. Mr. Josiah Chambers had come here for settlement during the year 1838, and having had experieneo in milling was engaged to assist in getting the machinery in place, and when this was accom- plished he became the Miller. All things being ready, operations were commenced in March, 1839. The first grist consisted of 32 bushels of Wheat purchased for the purpose, which was ground in the most satisfactory manner in 55 minutes, a result highly gratifying to all con- cerned. Mr. Chambers had left a job of cutting Steamboat cord-wood, to work at the mill, and in April returned to it, when a Miller from Western New York succeeded him in the mill; but the newcomer soon became discouraged at the general condition of things about Toledo, and returned to his old home. In such emer- gency Mr. Chambers was sent for, when it was arranged that the mill should be run two days in the week-Wednesdaysand Saturdays-and he should attend on those days. This he did for some time, the Mill, meantime, furnishing far greater facilities than there was demand for. Some days there was scarcely anything to do. When not needed for the Grist Mill, the engine was used for driving a Saw Mill, adjacent. These Mills subsequently passed into the hands of William HI. Raymond, now a resident of California. They were burned many years since. The engine in these Mills was the first one used in Toledo, and so substantial and per- fect a machine was it, that now, after a service of nearly half a century, the old pioneer is able to perform full service in furnishing power for the Planing Mill of John S. Eck & Co , 18 Su- perior Street. At the time Mr. Chambers was engaged to take charge of the Flouring Mill, he was getting ont wood for market, cutting it on lands about where now stands the residence of V. H. Ketcham (corner Cherry and Bancroft Streets). A portion of his wood was sold to Richard Mott, for Steamboat use, and was de- livered on the bank of the River near foot of Monroe Street, the price being $1.50 per cord for the best quality. He then paid 25 cents per yard for common calico, 15 cents per pound for salt pork, and 45 cents per pound for butter, buying a portion of his supplies of the latter article from Rev. Isaac Flagler, then Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, who received it in crocks from Western New York.

Among the prominent points in the early history of Toledo was a two-story frame build - ing, 62 Cherry Street, on the lot now occupied

by the Clark Block. It was erceted in tho Winter of 1835-6 for Smith, Macy & Co., of Buffalo, the builder being a Mr. Leet. The frame was a solid one, requiring much force, then to be had only by the voluntary co-opera- tion of many neighbors, in what was known as a "raising." The structure was put up in parts, beginning with the bents, which were followed by the various other parts, piece by piece, until the rafters were adjusted to the ridgepole. The job of that particular frame was greatly increased by the serious malarial sickness of the previous Summer and Fall, which had rendered so many physically unable to assist in such work. During the greater portion of its existence, the building was occu- pied as a boarding house, and in its earlier history was the temporary home of many of Toledo's prominent citizens. Its first tenant was Eleazer Newcomb, the father of Alexan- der HI. Newcomb, who for several years kept boarders there. Among these were C. W. Hill, J. R. Bond, C. M. Dorr and J. R. Osborn. Gen. Dodd, a Canal contractor, at one time occupied a portion of the building, as did Mr. Hertzler, the father of Horace Hertzler and Mrs. C. M. Dorr. Many weddings took place there, in- cluding those of S. R. Reed of Cincinnati; and the late Ira L. Clark, the veteran Conductor on the Lake Shore Railroad. In 1874, Wm. Clark, who for 18 years bad a boarding-house in the building, removed it, to make room for the brick block now on the site.

" Wigwam "-the building, 168-172 Summit Street, has a history of some interest. At open- ing of the Presidential campaign of 1860, the site of that building was vacant, having never been improved. Not long after the nomination of Mr. Lincoln, the Republicans of Toledo sat about the supply of much-needed headquarters for their party, and the fact that the Chicago Convention of their party was held in a build- ing constructed specially for the occasion and called a " Wigwam," after the abode of the Indians, suggested the provision of like accom- modations here. Fortunately, the location was at hand, being 60 feet of space between two brick buildings, leaving front and rear walls and roof to be provided. This was soon done, when, a plain floor and seats and gas fixtures, the " Wigwam" was ready for dedication. It was ample and convenient in accommodations, and was a lively place throughout the cam- paign. After the election, it continued to be used for concerts and other public gatherings, furnishing, as it did, the amplest accommoda- tions in the City. In 1861, Mr. Uriah Gregory opened in this building a College of Trade, which embraced both instruction in the ditfer- ent departments of commercial knowledge, by studies and lectures, and practical education in trade through a sales department. For these purposes convenient rooms were provided. Among those who delivered lectures, were M. R.

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Waite, J. M. Gregory, late United States Civil Service Commissioner ; Richard Waite, of the Toledo Bar; and Moses T. Brown, the Super- intendent of the Toledo Public Schools. This building was destroyed by tire in the Fall of 1887, and three buildings were erected on its site.

The construction of the Manhattan Flouring Mill (now Taylor's) was an important ad- vance in that department of improvement. It was built for Mr. - Baker, of Buffalo, New York, and was completed in October, 1845. The building was put up by John Kirk, and the machinery put in by George Lawton, Mill Wright. The work was done under the superintendence of Moses Colby, and the management of the establishment placed in the hands of A. C. Beekwith, Miller. The building was then 60x40 feet and four and a half stories high, and was supplied with water- power from the Canal, then recently opened. Its estimated capacity was 1,000 bushels per day. It was much the best establishment of the kind then in Northwestern Ohio. It was burned in 1882 and rebuilt the same year by T. A. Taylor, who now manages it.

The pioneer Brewery of Toledo was that of 1. J. Vogelsang, who, January 12, 1839, " in- formed his friends and the public, that he had commenced the manufacture of Strong Beer in this City," promising "all who want, on the River or in the neighboring Towns, with an article superior to any theretofore offered in this market." Ile also " supplied families with Yeast." His Brewery was on Lagrange Street, one door below Peckham & Co.'s Ware- house. In March, 1840, Mertz & Leiser took this Brewery, promising Strong Beer equal to the best in Detroit or Cleveland.

The first Distillery for the manufacture of High Wines established in Toledo, was that of Kraus, Roemer & Co. It was built in 1847, being located on Swau Creek, occupying the former site of the Steam Saw-Mill built by T. & J. Darlington, in 1835. It was on the lot adjoining on the Northwest the present Lum- ber Yard of William Peter, corner Huron and Short Streets. The Distillery was 100x32 feet on the ground; four stories high, and fitted with apparatus for using 350 bushels of Corn per day. It had two runs of Mill-Stone, which were propelled by two low-pressure engines of 25 horse-power each.

In 1836, upon the completion of the Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad to Adrian, and in preparation for its operation with horse-power, Edward Bissell, Sen., manager of the Road, erected a Barn for the accommodation of the horses to be thus employed. Upon the introduction of steam-power on the Rail- road, in 1837, this Barn was removed to the corner of Walnut Street and Ostrich Lane, and for a time was used as a Livery Stable by Leverett Bissell. For many years it was not

occupied for any purpose. In 1863 it was taken to the corner of Water and Lagrange Streets, for use in connection with the Machine Shops of Vulcan Iron Works. There the old building yet stands, just entered upon the second halt-century of its existence, all un- conscious of the changes which have for 50 years been going on about it; and especially of the extraordinary advancement made in the operation of Railways since it gave com- fortable quarters to the animals which for months moved the trains on the pioneer Rail- road of the West.

Norval B. Bacon, Architect, was born in Madison County, New York, in 1837. He was educated in Eastern Sehools ; studied architec- ture in Boston, Mass .; Utica, N. Y .; and other Eastern Cities; came to Toledo in 1873, where he has sinee been engaged in his profession. His first experience in building, was as a prac- tical Mechanic, afterwards working at the draughting table for some 12 years. Among the Toledo buildings receiving plans from his oflice, are the following : The Blade Office and Lorenz building on Jefferson Street; Ketebam and Nearing block, Northeast corner of Adams and Summit Streets; Ketcham buildings, cor- ners of Summit and Oak and of St. Clair and Oak Streets ; the building occupied by Woolson Spice Company (corner of Oak and Superior Streets), by Smith & Haldeman (corner Superior and Oak Streets), by A. Black (corner Huron and Oak Streets). Also the residences of Geo. Emerson, T. C. Rowland, J. G. Mitchell, J. B. Belt, J. F. Kumler, L. S. Baumgardner, and others in Toledo, as well as in neighboring Towns. In 1885 Mr. Bacon was appointed Superintendent of Construction of the Govern- ment building in Toledo, which position he yet hokls.

D. L. Stine, is successor to D. W. Gibbs & Co., Architects, among the oldest firms in the business at Toledo. While many promi- nent home buildings are included in their operations, their main business has been abroad. These include the Capitol building of Wyoming at Cheyenne; Court-Houses at Nor- walk, Newark, Napoleon, Marion, Hamilton and other places in Ohio; Jails at Tillin, Marion, Delaware, Urbana, Sandusky, &c., Ohio; Churches at Auburn and Goshen, In- diana, and Columbus Grove and Urbana, Ohio; together with Infirmaries, Children's Homes, School buildings, Opera House, Temples, &c., at various points. Among their structures at home, are Masonic Temple, Soldiers' Memorial Hall, German Methodist Churches, Second and Fifth Wards.

Edward O. Fallis commenced business in Toledo as an Architect in 1871. Among the prominent buildings erected under his arrange- ment, are the following: Warren School and Manual Training School buildings, Odd Fellows Temple and Toledo Insane Asylum. He has

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ARCHITECTURE.

done considerable work abroad, including the English Lutheran Church, Wooster, Ohio; Wittenberg College, Springfield; and Court- houses at Monroe, Kalamazoo and Adrian, Mich .; at Bryan and Paulding, Ohio ; at Albion, Indiana; Rushville, Illinois ; and Independence, Kansas.

Carl Schon, Architect, has been in Toledo since 1862, and built or been professionally con- neeted with the following buildings: Wheeler Opera House, the original Hall Block ; West minster, St. Mary's and St. Peter's Churches. He was Superintendent of the Toledo Water Works for five years, and Water Works Com- missioner for three terms.

Albin Liebold has followed the business of practical Architect in Toledo since 1868, and built the following structures : St. Beatrice, St. Lucas and German Lutheran Churches; Churches at Waterville, Swanton and Ottawa Lake, Ohio; and many dwellings in Toledo and elsewhere.

Beside the foregoing Architects now in busi- ness, are M. F. Williams, W. R. Tappan and O. W. Vallette.

ALEXANDER DAWSON was born at Perth- shire, Scotland, June 22, 1838. He is of Scottish parentage. Ilis father was a Veterinary Sur- geon, and was born in the North of Scotland, and died in 1870, at an advanced age. Ilis mother's maiden name was Isabella Campbell. The son attended the Parochial and Evening Private Schools until bis 15th year, when he began an apprenticeship at the trade of car- penter and joiner at Crieff Perth. After four years of that service, he worked at his trade for a time in Perth City, and then went to Edinburgh, where he remained until his de- parture for the United States, in the Spring of 1871, landing at New York. He remained there for four years, at first following his trade, and then taking contracts for the erection of buildings. In the fall of 1874, Mr. Dawson came to Toledo. After working for one year in the employment of others, he entered upon the business of Contractor and Builder, which he has since pursued. flis shop, from the first, has been on Adams Street. His success has been entirely satisfactory, he having erected some of the largest and best publie buildings in this and adjoining States. In 1877 he formed a partnership with John Anderson, the firm being Dawson & Anderson. Among the structures erected by them are Memorial Hall; the German Evangelical Church, corner ('an- ton Avenue and Scott Street ; and the Penn- sylvania Railroad Depot; together with some of the most elegant and substantial residences in the City. But their operations have by no means been confined to Toledo. The following named buildings elsewhere will indicate some- thing of their work abroad: Campbell Univer-

sity, Holton, Kansas; St. Boniface Church, Detroit. Mich .; Infirmary, Putnam County, Ohio; Court-Honses at Mackinaw and Kal- kaska, Michigan, and at Galesburgh, Illinois; the High School at Bellefontaine, Ohio; Fra- ternity Hall, Galesburgh, Ilinois; Art. Mn- seum, Detroit, Michigan ; and several Churches and other public buildings in Kansas City, Missouri - some of which are magnificent edifices in architectural design and of most substantial construction. The nature of Mr. Dawson's business is such as to keep him away from home so large a portion of his time as to deny him the personal acquaintance with the people of Toledo which he would like; but he takes a deep interest in whatever concerns the City. Ilis operations abroad bring him into personal relations with large numbers of Builders and Architects, by whom he is held in high esteem. He is a member of Toledo Lodge, No. 402, I. O. O. F., and of the Knights of the Golden Rule. Mr. Dawson was married in 1870, with Agnes Stevens, of Perthshire, Scotland. They have had seven children, of whom five are now living-two sons and three daughters. Mr. Dawson is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Toledo.

POST OFFICE RECORD.

As elsewhere stated, the first Post Office in Port Lawrence Township was established at Tremainesville, and bore the name Port Law- rence, with Cyrus Fisher as Postmaster. The mail was carried three times a week on horse- back, between Detroit and Lower Sandusky (Fremont).

When the Towns of Vistula and Port Law- rence were started (1832), each had a Post Office-Theodore Bissell and Junins Flagg act- ing as Postmaster for the former, and Stephen B. Comstock for the latter.

Upon the consolidation of the two Towns in 1833, the Post Office took the name of Toledo, with Comstock as Postmaster. He served until 1836, when Emery D. Petter was appointed. In 1839, upon his election as President. Judge of the Common Pleas Cirenit, Mr. Potter re- signed, and was succeeded by Joseph B. Gard- ner, who continued until 1841, at which time Andrew Palmer was appointed. In 1845 Tru- man C. Everts was made Postmaster, serving until the appointment of Hezekiah D. Mason in 1849. Upon the advent of the Pierce ad- ministration in 1853, General John E. Hunt, then of Manmee City, was made Postmaster at Toledo, to which place he removed and con- tinned in the office until succeeded in April, 1861, by George Walbridge, who, living but a few weeks thereafter, was succeeded by Edward P. Bassett. In 1865 Dennison Steele was ap- pointed, serving until 1866, when he was re- moved by President Johnson, by whom A. G. Clark was appointed, whose nomination not

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History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 162

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