History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 163

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 163

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

812

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

being confirmed by the Senate, Alex. Reed was nominated and confirmed, serving until 1870, when he was succeeded by E. V. McMaken. Ilis successor was P. H. Dowling, appointed in April, 1874. In 1878 Charles H. Eddy was appointed, and on the expiration of his term in 1882, P. H. Dowling was again appointed, and held the office until 1887, when he was sue- ceeded by George E. Lorenz, the present in- cumbent.

ton, Wood, Defiance, Henry, Panlding, Put- nam and Williams, with the Collector's office at Toledo. December 31, 1875, this District was consolidated with the Ninth, consisting of the Counties of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, San- dusky, Crawford and Seneca. August 1, 1883, the District was consolidated with the old Fourth District, consisting of the Counties of Champaign, Darke, Logan, Miami, and Shelby; and the old Fifth District, comprising Allen,

BLADE P & P CO. TOL

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT BUILDING, TOLEDO. Size, 73 x 14s feet. Construction commenced in 18 2, and completed in 1588. Superintendents of Construction, D. W. Gibbs and N. B. Bacon. Cost (including site), about 8422,000.

It will thus be seen, that there have been 17 different Postmasters at Toledo, including the three appointed for Vistula and Port Lawrence.

THE INTERNAL REVENUE OFFICE.

The act of Congress creating the Internal Revenue Bureau was approved July 1, 1862.

The several States were divided into Collec- tion Districts substantially as for representa- tion in Congress. The Tenth District of Ohio then consisted of the Counties of Lucas, Ful-

Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Van Wert and Wyandot.

The Collectors of the Tenth District have been as follows : Samuel A. Raymond, August 30, 1862, to May 7, 1866; Harry Chase, May 6, 1866, to May 11, 1869; Joseph R. Swigart, May 12, 1869, to July 9, 1877 ; Clark Wag- goner, July 10, 1877, to July 31, 1882; John F. Kumler, August, 1882, to January 1, 1887; George L. Johnson, since January 1, 1887. The Chief Deputies of the same District have been-George R. Tourtellott, under Collectors

$13

INTERNAL REVENUE.

Raymond, Chase and Swigart; Clayton R. Heath, under Collectors Waggoner and Kum- Jer; and Irwin Belford, under Collector Johnson.

The present organization of the office is as follows: Collector-Geo. L. Johnson ; Deputy Collectors-Irwin Belford, Leroy E. Clarke, Constantine R. Konopak. Wm. M. Jones, John R. Conklin, Charles A. Kloeb and Miss Jennie McCormick ; Clerks-Jacob Kohn and George Hubler; Gangers-W. D. Blackman, L. E. Mer- ry and G. A. Brooks.

THE CUSTOMS DISTRICT.

The first Custom House opened in the Man- mee Valley, was at Maumee City, in 1818, the District bearing the name of Miami. For a period of 15 years, the business was very small, being substantially limited to the traffic of Maumee and Perrysburg.

The first Collector of Customs was Samuel Spafford, who came from Cleveland, about 1817. Hle was succeeded by Dr. Horatio Conant. After him came James Jackson, who was succeeded by Charles C. P. Hunt (in office in 1835 and afterwards). In 1850 the Col- lector's office was removed to Toledo, James H. Forsyth, of Maumee, then being the Col- lector. Ile was succeeded by Charles W. Hill, appointed by President Fillmore, who was fol- lowed by Josiah Riley, under President Pierce. His successor was Dennis Coghlin, who was removed, and E. D. Potter, Sen., appointed by President Buchanan in 1858, he serving until 1861, when Andrew Stephan succeeded him under President Lincoln. In 1866, President Johnson appointed John E. Hunt, Jr., for the position, who was rejected by the Senate. Patrick S. Slevin was appointed in 1867, re. appointed in 1871, and resigned in 1874. John W. Fuller was then appointed and re-appointed in 1878, serving two terms. Joseph B. Battelle was his successor in 1882, and was succeeded in 1886 by the present incumbent, William Il. McLyman.

Collector Jackson was from Tennessee, and a relative of President Andrew Jackson. Hle was the father of William Jackson, an Engineer connected with the construction of the Ohio Canal, and of Mrs. Charlotte T. Forsyth, the mother of General James W., United States Army, Lieutenant G. Duncan, and Misses Marion A. and Charlotte S. Forsyth, of Toledo.

ASSESSOR OF INTERNAL REVENUE.

For about 11 years from the establishment of the Internal Revenue system, it included the office of Assessor, to whom was committed the work of assessing and making return of taxes due. Tho first officer of that sort in the Toledo District was Ebenezer Graham, in 1862. Fol- lowing him was M. W. Hubbell. Ile was suc- ceeded by George E. Welles, who continued until the office was merged in that of the Col- lector of Internal Revenue, in 1873,

DENNISON STEELE was born at Williams- town, Vermont, August 18, 1815. Ilo was a son of Iliram and Abigail (Kennan) Steele, both of whom were of English parentage. His father was a Lawyer. The son's boyhood was spent at Sackett's Harbor, where he received as good educational advantages as the locality furnished. In 1833 he accompanied his father and family to Perrysburg, Wood County, Ohio. Remaining there a short time, they removed to Maumee, then the most hopeful center of trade on the Maumee River. Dennison was not long in commanding the confidence of the people. lle soon became AAssistant Auditor of Wood County, and ere long the Postmaster at Mau- mee ; where he afterwards was Deputy Collector of Customs. Ile was engaged in the lumber trade for some time, beginning in 1838. From 1851 to 1854, he was Clerk of Lucas County, remov- ing to Toledo when that City became the County-seat in 1852, where he continued to reside until his death. In 1859 he was elected as a Representative to the Ohio Legislature from the Counties of Lucas and Fulton. As a member of that body at the outset of the War of the Rebellion, he actively co-operated in the provision of the means of defense which from the first gave Ohio special prominence among the loyal States of the Union. He was also prominent in resisting the sale, and other meas- ures for improving the usefulness of the Canals of the State, his special influence being in the Committee-room, rather than in debate. Taking special interest in the canse of education, he served for several years as a member of the Toledo Board of Education. During Lincoln's Administration (in 1865) he was appointed Postmaster at Toledo, serving until removed by President Johnson in 1866. For many years he was actively interested in commerce, being an owner of Lake Vessels and agent for owners, as well as member of the Grain firm of Geo. Woodbury & Co. He was a man of conserva- tive habits of thought, and little inclined to hasty action in any matter. With clear views on questions of public policy, he was frank and decided in the course to be taken, his sympa- thies always being on the side of sound morals and the maintenance of law and order. Polit- ically, he was a Democrat until the Slavery agitation assumed the shape reached in 1854-5, when he took part with the Republican party, then organized. Throughout the Rebellion ho was active in the support of the most vigor- ous measures for the defense of the Union, contributing his share to such purpose, and to the aid of the families of Soldiers. Mr. Steele's death occurred under specially painful circumstances. Returning to his resi- dence from a Thanksgiving family re-union at the house of a son-in-law, Mr. James Secor, November 29, 1871, he was suddenly stricken with apoplexy, and after lingering a short time in nn unconscious state, life ecased with him.

814

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Ilis death was the cause of general expression of regret and of respect for his memory. For many years he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, uniting with Toledo Lodge No. 144, in 1847, and was at one time Grand Master. He received the degree of Red Cross June 10th, and became Knight Templar and Knight of Masonry, June 17, 1853. Mr. Steele was mar- ried November 4, 1838, with Miss Hettie R. Coles. They had six children-Julia E., wife of George Woodbury; Charlotte A., wife of James Secor; Alice J. (deceased), wife of Spencer L. Fraser; Cora Frances, wife of Wm. A. Brig- ham; and Dennison and De Etta W. Steele.

TOLEDO FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The first step taken toward the organiza- tion of a Fire Department for the City of To- ledo, consisted of a resolution passed by the City Council, November 27, 1837, which pro- vided that whenever a number of citizens, not less than 40, should associate themselves to- gether for the purpose of forming a Fire Com- pany, the Company should be put in possession of an engine, hose, hose-wagon, hooks and ladders, etc. It was also provided, that such Companies should be known by numbers, the first to be No. 1. About that time, two Engines were received, from a Mr. Platt, the freight on which amounted to $86.93. December 6th Hoisington & Manning were paid $78.00, the cost of building " Engine-house No. 1," which was located on Cherry Street.

The first ordinance for regulating the Toledo Fire Department, was passed December 11, 1837. Among other things, it provided that every owner or ocenpant of a building should keep good fire-buckets, made of leather, as fol- lows: For buildings with one or two fire- places or stoves, one bucket ; and for buildings with more than two fire-places or stoves, one bucket for every two such ; the buckets to con- tain three gallons each. The first Fire War. dens of the City, appointed December 29, 1837, were James M. Whitney, Worden N. Richard. son and Daniel Segur.

January 29, 1838, the Council divided the City into three Wards. That arrangement continued until July 2, 1846, when four Wards were established ; the dividing lines of the same from the River being Locust, Oak and Monroe Streets-all being on the West side of the River. Joseph B. Gardner, Secretary, gives notice of a meeting of the members of " Davy Crockett Fire Engine and Hose Company, No. 2, of the City of Toledo," for December 1, 1838.

J. W. B. Hyatt, Second Assistant Foreman, gave notice in February, 1839, for a monthly meeting of " Davy Crockett Fire Engine and Hose Company," at the Engine House.

The total expenditure by the City for current expenses of the Fire Department during the year 1838, amounted to $45.05. For purchase of engines, $1,909.50 had been expended.

November 30, 1840, the Council elected the

following officers for the City Fire Department, to wit: Chief Engineer, Edward Bissell; First Assistant, Richard Mott; Second Assistant, Walter Titus; Fire Wardens-First Ward, Junius Flagg; Second Ward, Peter H. Shaw ; Third Ward, Win. Hoskins.

At the same session, the Council resolved that there should be "two Hook and Ladder Companies in the City, and the Engineer be authorized to procure two fire-hooks and two ladders of sufficient length and strength for the purpose for which they were intended."

February 8, 1841, the Committee on Fire Department were instructed to ascertain "whether any Fire Companies did, in fact, exist" at that time; and also to report upon the expedieney of disbanding the same, February 22d W. N. Richardson, C. W. Ilill and C. G. Shaw and their associates, were authorized to organize a Company to be known as " Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 1," to be the successor of Engine Company No. 1, disbanded. Under such authority, a new Fire Company was organized February 24, 1841, with the following members and officers:

Members-W. N. Richardson, C. W. Hill, C. G. Shaw, Thos. Southard, S. II. Bradford, Chas. Border, V. H. Ketcham, Sammel Eddy, John Ream, Elijah S. Hanks, Leverett Bissell, Geo. II. Rich, Erastus Roys, Bunnel P. Peckham, Junius Flagg, Geo. P. Clark, Itenry Clark, II. G. Cozzens, W. H. Raymond, A. W. Fairbanks, Edson Allen, S. S. Blanchard, Manly Bostwick, Daniel Segur, Walter Titus, Jr., R. N. Lawton, C. H. Bentley, Joel W. Crane, Geo. Redding, Aldrice A. Belknap, J. N. Mount, W. II. Elder, Joseph Jones and .. J. Fullerton.

Officers-Foreman, J. J. Fullerton : First Assist- ant, C. G. Shaw ; Second Assistant, Leverett Bissell ; Treasurer, Win. H. Raymond; Secretary, Erastus Roys.

Of these the following named are yet living : W. IL. Raymond, Edson Allen, and A. W. Fair- banks.

March 15, 1841, the Council elected the fol- lowing officers for the Fire Department : Chief Engineer. Edward Bissell ; First Assistant, Richard Mott; Second Assistant, Walter Titus, Jr. Fire Wardens-First Ward, Junius Flagg; Second Ward, Peter II. Shaw; Third Ward, Lyman Wheeler.

In March, 1842, the Toledo Fire Department comprised the following officers: Chief En- gineer, David Crane; Assistants, Mavor Brig- ham and Walter Titus, Jr. Fire Wardens, Junius Flagg, Joseph Jones and Joseph M. Turner-Mr. Brigham now the only survivor.

May 3, 1842, the City Council took important action toward the provision of facilities for a Fire Department, in the passage of a resolution, directing the Chief of the Department to con- tract for the erection of "a house for a Hook and Ladder Company," and " that he superin- tend its erection ; that he be paid $1.50 per day for such service; that a Ilook and Ladder Company be organized ; and that said house be located on Summit Street, and between Cherry and Adams Streets."" The building

$15

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

was constructed, Mavor Brigham acting as Superintendent at the price named.

The Council Committee on Fire Department, July 4, 1842, reported against the construction of reservoirs for the use of the Department.

The officers of the Department in 18H were as follows: Chief Engineer, Edwin Avery; Assistants, B. P. Peckham and Robert Jeffrey; Fire Wardens-John N. Mount, First Ward; J. R. Bond, Second Ward; Coleman I. Keeler, Third Ward.

September 24, 1847, the City Council pro- vided for the purchase of the Southeasterly part of lot 161, Port Lawrence Division, for 8300; and for the improvement of the same by grading and the erection thereon of an Engine House to cost not to exceed $2,500.

March 20, 1848, was passed an ordinance " 10 regulate the Fire Department," which pro- vided that the same should consist of " a Chief Engineer, a First and Second Assistant Engi- neer, 8 Fire Wardens, and such Fire En- gine Men, Hose Men, Ilook and Ladder Men, and Bucket Meu," as were or might be from time to time appointed. The special duties of the several officers of the Department were set forth. An abstract of that ordinance will show something of what were then the methods and means for protection against fires in the Towns of the West :

The Fire Wardens were attached to and enrolled in Engine Companies (not less than two to each Company), and at every fire act with his Company, and assist in preparing stations and procuring water for Engines and Bucket Companies, They were to "prevent the hose from being trodden on and keep all idle and suspected persons from the vicinity of the fire." They were also to " canse the bystanders to form ranks for the conveyance of water if requisite," and the citizens were enjoined to comply with the orders and directions of the Wardens. These officers were to "attend monthly meetings for exercise." The Firemen were divided into Companies, to con- sist of as many members as from time to time may be directed by the City Council, "to attend the respective engines, hose-carts, hooks and ladders, axes, saws and other fire apparatus belonging to the City."

The entire Department was under the direction of the Chief Engineer and his Assistants. In order that the apparatus be kept in good condition, the Firemen were required, on the first of each month, to meet at their respective rooms and on such days from May to November, inclusive, to "draw out their respective apparatus, in order to cleanse the same and exercise the men." For neglecting to attend such meetings, the Firemen were liable to a line of 50 cents ; and for neglecting to attend a fire or re- fusing to obey orders when there, to pay a fine of $3.00, and be subject to expulsion. For permitting an engine or other apparatus to be used for private purposes, without proper permission, the person responsible therefor was to be fined $5.00 and made liable for any damage to the property.

Provision was made, when necessary in order to stay the progress of a fire, for blowing up, cutting down or removing any buildings, erections and fenees. Hosemen were to be selected from the Fire Companies or from other citizens by the Chief Engi- neer, "to convey the extra hose, if any, to every fire,

and there distribute the same, as might be required by the Engineer." At tires, two men were to remain with hose-cart, the other Hosemen to repair to the engines. The Hosemen were to organize as a sepa- rate Company. Uniforms and badges of office were provided for. Firemen, on duty, were to wear uniform as provided by their Companies, respect- ively.

The Mayor and Aklermen, acting as such at fires, to bear a staff, painted white, with a gilded flame at the top ; the Chief Engineer a leather cap, painted white, with gilded combs, and having a fire-engine and the words " Chief Engineer " in gilt in front, and carrying a black speaking-trumpet with the same words in white and a gold rim ; the Assistants to wear white leather caps, with black combs and gilded front, and the words "Engine No .- " (as the case might be) in black, and carry black speaking-trum- pets, with their official rank on their caps; Fire Wardens to wear hats with black rim -the crown and front white, with " Warden" in black, and carry trumpets ; Foremen to wear black leather caps, with white fronts and the word " Foreman" and No. of Company in black ; Foremen of look and Ladder Companies to have a hook and ladder in black on their caps.

A premium of $10,00 was provided for the Engine Company which should first arrive at a fire with its apparatus ready for use, and $5.00 to the Company arriving within 10 minutes thereafter. Hook and Ladder Companies arriving at a fire in proper time and condition were paid premiums of $8,00 and $4.00. Penalties were provided for interference of any sort with the operations of the Firemen ; and for injury to the fire apparatus. Authority was given for requiring the aid of any citizen or inhabitant in drawing any engine or other apparatus to a fire, and a tine of $5.00 affixed in case of refusal by such party to obey.

All persons present at fires were made subject to the orders of the Mayor and Aldermen, Fire War- dens, and other officers, and made liable to arrest and a fine of $5.00 for refusal to obey such orders.

The several Companies were to meet in joint convention in March, annually, and nominate a Chief Engineer and Assistants, to be submitted to the City Council for action.

The Sextons of the several Churches furnished with bells, immediately upon an alarm of fire, should diligently ring such bells for the space of 20 minutes, under penalty of a fine of $2.00 for neglect.

June 14, 1851, the City Council provided that foremen of Engine Companies Nos. 1 and 2, and Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, should each procure a key to the Episcopal Church and keep the same in the rooms of said Com- panies respectively. It was also provided, that in case of alarm of fire, the member of either of said Companies who should first arrive at the room of his Company, should forthwith proceed to ring the bell of said Church and continue to do so " until relioved by the Sexton of the Church or until the bell of the Catholic Church should be rung." It was further pro- vided, that the Company whoso member should first ring said belt, should be entitled to a premium of $2.00, to be given to the member concerned, upon the vote of the Company. Any member of a Company arriving before the ringing of the Episcopal bell, who should fail to ring the same, was made liable to a fine of $5.00, " to be recovered by an action before the

816

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Recorder in the usual manner," while his Com- pany should forfeit all title to a premium for service at such fire. In case the Sexton of the Catholic Church should fail to ring the bell of that Church within five minutes of the ring- ing of the Episcopal bell, he was to forfeit the amount payable to him for ringing the Catholic bell during the current month, which amount was made payable to the Company whose member should ring the Episcopal bell at the time of such neglect by the Sexton of the Catholic Church. It was further provided, that the premium offered for the earliest ringing of the Episcopal bell should not be paid, in case the Fireman ringing the same should fail promptly to lock the door of the Church and return the key to its proper place.

Upon the resignation of R. H. Bell as Fore- man of Neptune Fire Company, in March, 1852, the thanks of his associates were voted for " the uniformly able and efficient manner " in which he had discharged the duties of the office; and also resolved to "take into con- sideration the sound and kindly advice " given them by the retiring officer. P. F. Berdan was Mr. Bell's successor. John F. Schuerman was then the Secretary of the Company.

October 27, 1853, the City Council authorized the purchase of an Engine for Germania Fire Company, No. 4, and also for purchasing $1,000 worth of hose for the Department, " provided no commission should be charged or received by the Chief Engineer for purchase of the same."

For many years, the chief officers of the To- ledo Fire Department were appointed by the City Council, on nomination by the members of the several Companies, who annually assem - bled for such purpose. March 12, 1855, such meeting was held, when J. R. Bond was Chair- man, and Thomas C. Mayhew Secretary, Jacob Landman and K. S. Dygert acting as Tellers. For Chief Engineer, E. B. Brown was chosen by a vote of 95, to 59 for J. R. Bond. Mr. Brown declining the office, J. R. Bond was chosen on the fourth ballot, receiving 90 votes, to 78 for Win. Kraus and 8 for W. H. Ketcham. For First Assistant, Andrew Shurtz was chosen, his vote being 92, to 67 for Wm. Kraus. Wm. S. Sizer was chosen Second Assistant, by 82 votes to 13 scattering.

March 9, 1857, the following officers of the Toledo Fire Department were elected : Chief Engineer, Wm. Kraus; First Assistant, I. N. Hathaway ; Second Assistant, C. D. Woodruff.

The Fire Department in 1858 was constituted as follows :

Chief Engineer, Wm. H. Ketcham ; Ist Assistant, Chauncey D. Woodruff; 2d Assistant, Guido Marx.

Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1-Foreman, Lewis C. Hunt. Membership, 60.

Fire Engine and Ilose Company, No. 1-Foreman, Elias Avery. Membership, 70.

Fire Engine and Ilose Company, No. 3 -Foreman, Christian Woebler. Membership, 70,

Fire Engine and Hose Company, No. 4-Foreman, F. Schoenig. Membership, 70.

Fire Engine and Hose Company, No. 5-Foreman, Thomas ('Neil.

Fire Engine and Ilose Company, No. 6-Foreman, James S. Fifield. Membership. 70.

Fire Guards, No. 1-Foreman, Emil Marx. Mem- bership, 30.

The annual report of Isaac N. Hathaway, Chief Engineer, made in May, 1861, stated that the Department was then constituted and equipped as follows:

In actual service, six Engine and Hose Companies, one Itook and Ladder Company, and one Company designated as Fire Guards.

Engine No. 1-Foreman, J. L. Stratton ; Ist Assist- ant. Jesse Ilurlbut ; 2d Assistant, Ernest Duden ; Secretary, M. B. Bell ; Treasurer, Charles W. Hall.

Hook and Ladder Company-Foreman, Minot I. Wilcox ; Ist Assistant, James A. Boyd ; 2d Assistant, Charles Scott ; Secretary, E. D. Peck ; Treasurer, William B. Messinger ; Steward, N. Gilsdorf.

Engine No. 2-Foreman, John Gildea ; 1st Assist- ant, John Bradley ; 2d Assistant, John Martin ; Sec- retary, Frank Bohannon ; Treasurer. Declan Allen.

Engine No. 6-Foreman, George Platfoot ; Ist As- sistant, John Fork ; 2d Assistant, Patrick Mitchell ; Secretary, Edward MeCarty ; Treasurer John Kohne.

Hose No. 6-Foreman, John Planner ; 1st Assist- ant. Edward McMahon ; Secretary, J. D. O'Brien ; Treasurer, John Kale.

Teutonia Fire Guard, No. 1-Foreman, John Oberle: Ist Assistant, Frank Diete ; 2d Assistant, Nicholas Mayer; Secretary, Conrad Tanner; Treas- urer, John Enderlin.

Hose Company No. 1-Foreman, John Worts ; As- sistant, Ed. Border; Secretary, John H. Wood; Treasurer, Charles A. Chase.

The annual report of Chief Engineer Cum- mnings, presented to the City Council March 17, 1863, shows the condition of the Depart- ment at that time :

GENTLEMEN :- The time has arrived when it be- comes my duty to make report of the Fire Depart- ment for the past year. There have been during the year 22 fires, involving a loss of $285,000, which was covered by insurance to the amount of $131,000, making a total loss, over insurance, of $154,000. Of this loss $225,000 occurred at the burning of the Michigan Southern Elevators. The above returns of loss are as accurate as could be obtained.

There are now connected with the Fire Depart- ment, two Steam Engines, three Hand Engines, and one Hook and Ladder Company, with their Hose Carriages and C'arts-all in good order with the ex- ception of Hose Carts, which are now being made.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 163

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