History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 166

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

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"20 for $1.00."

In July, 1844, appeared in the Toledo Blade an advertisement, headed " New Post Office-

Postage Redueed." Then followed announce- ment that "Pomeroy's Daily Letter Express having been extended to this place, is now pre- pared to carry letters at the following rates." The rate from Toledo to Detroit and all Lake points, Buffalo included, was 6} eents; to Ba- tavia, Albany and New York, 123 cents; to New England points and Philadelphia, 18; cents. Ten 123 or 20 6| cent stamps were sold at $1.00. As then in the case of the United States mails, each piece of paper enclosed in a letter was subjected to charge at the full rate. The " New Post Office " was at the Drug Store of A. Ralston & Co., "No. 1, Mott's Block," Southeast corner of Summitand Monroe Streets. The Blade frequently acknowledged its obliga- tion to Pomeroy's Express for favors in the way of news items and advance copies of East- ern newspapers. Thus, that paper of June 2, 1842, acknowledged receipt per Pomeroy's Ex- press of New York papers of May 27th-" only five days." The trip-sheet of this line was fre- quently the medium through which was re- ceived the first intelligenec of important events, and especially of foreign news.

In 1846, Livingston, Fargo & Co. established an Express between Buffalo and Chicago, Field & King acting as Agents at Toledo. Dur- ing the Summer their business was done on Steamers, and by Wagons in Winter. This Company continued in operation until the or- ganization of the American Express Company in 1851. Charles Fargo was Toledo Agent un- til 1855, when the United States Company was organized, as the sueeessor of the American. Mr. Fargo continued as local Agent until Jan- mary, 1855, when he was succeeded by Calvin Cone, who served until July 1, 1856, and then was appointed Superintendent of the Company's line at and West of Toledo. Edward Chapin was Mr. Cone's successor as Toledo Agent, and still, near the end of 32 years of serviec, re- mains such, now acting also as Agent of the Baltimore and Ohio and the Pacific Express Companies.

Mr. Cone continued as Superintendent until 1887. He entered the Express business in 1851, in an independent way, by making per- sonal trips over the Railroad between Sandusky and Newark, combining with it limited traffic in family supplies.

The other Express lines having Stations at Toledo in 1888, are the American and the Adams, Henry B. Pomeroy, Agent; and the Erie, C. M. Hayden, Agent.

Express rate between Toledo and New York, in May, 1846, per 100 pounds, was 82.00; from Chicago to New York, $3.00. The present charges are-$2.00 and $2.50, respectively.

In February, 1848, " Avery's Toledo and Adrian Express," Edwin Avery, Proprietor and Messenger, began business, over the old Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad,

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

GEORGE E. POMEROY was born in North- ampton, Massachusetts, September 16, 1807, and died at Toledo, January 12, 1886. In child- hood he went to Auburn, New York, where, in 1820, he became a Clerk in a Drug Store. In 1830, be removed to Palmyra, New York, being in business there for several years, and in 1833 was there married with Miss llelen E. Robin- son. In 1835 they came to the West, settling at Palmyra, Michigan, where Mr. Pomeroy en- gaged in milling and hotel-keeping. In con- sequence of ill-health, they returned to the East, stopping at Albany. It was soon after his arrival in that City, that Mr. Pomeroy planned and inaugurated the Express venture, already referred to. In 1844, disposing of his interest in the Express business to his brother (Thaddeus Pomeroy), Mr. Pomeroy returned to the West, and settled at Clinton, Michigan, where he was in business for a time, when he established the Detroit Tribune, retaining his residence at Clinton. The newspaper venture not proving a success, he disposed of the paper. In 1863, he came to Toledo, and engaged in real estate business, his son, George E., Jr., ere long becoming a partner, and the firm of George E. Pomeroy & Son continuing until the death of its senior. Beside his wife, Mr. Pomeroy left four children-Mrs. Joseph Ennis, of Ilast- ings, Minnesota; and Marie Louise, George E. and Mary, of Toledo.

TIMOTHY P. HART was born at Alexander, Genesee County, New York, January 20, 1820. Ile is a son of Cyrus and Elizabeth ( Harter) Hart. His father was a miller and a man of moderate means ; but through hard labor and strict economy, he was enabled to rear seven children to respectability and usefulness. Until his 15th year, the son assisted his father in the mill, meantime, for portions of the year, at- tending the District School. In 1835, he de- termined to set out on life's voyage, and secured the position of Driver on the Erie Canal, which he followed for five years. In 1840, he was appointed Agent for the Albany and Buffalo Towing Company at Lockport, having charge of Canal-Drivers. Two years later he was stationed at Newville, Oneida County. In 1844 he entered the employ of A. R. Cobb & Co., at Mohawk, Ilerkimer County, where he remained for 10 years. Upon the organization of the United States Express Company, in 1854, he entered its employ as Messenger on the Rock Island Railroad, and in 1855 was sent to To- ledo. There he became Transfer Agent for the Company, which position he held until June, 1883, a period of 28 years. Such has been the success of his service, that he was then retired by the Company from active labors, on a life- salary, in recognition of his long and faithful discharge of duty. Some years since, Mr. Hart was chiefly instrumental in ferreting out and defeating an attempted robbery of an Express

Messenger of a large amount of money, in doing which he displayed special sagacity and fidelity. The discovery of the plot and arrest of the would-be robbers were made quite prominent at the time. During the long period of Mr. Hart's connection with the Express Company at Toledo, that species of transportation passed through many and important changes. His chief hold upon his employer consisted of his known integrity and industry, and his con- scientions adherence to convictions as to duty ; which qualities were no less effective in com- manding the confidence of all with whom he came in contact. Politically, he has always been a Democrat, his action in that connection being limited to the exercise of the right of the ballot, he being content to live in the quiet enjoyment of a law-abiding and law-sustaining citizen. He was married June 4, 1845, with Harriet Minerva Vurch, who died December 2, 1876.

ST. STEPHEN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHIER.AN CHURCII.

Early in the Summer of 1881, a committee of Clergymen of the Evangelical Lutheran District Synod of Ohio, canvassed the large Lutheran (mostly foreign German) population of Toledo, with a view of establishing an English congre- gation. A Sunday-school was organized June 19th, by Rev. S. L. Harkey, D.D., with C. M. Anderson as Superintendent, and during An- gust Rev. J. L. Smith took charge of the work. On October 16th the people elected Rev. R. E. McDaniel Pastor, who commenced preaching October 30th.

On November 20th the congregation organ- ized under the name of The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Toledo, and adopted the constitution recommended for congregations by the General Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of North Amer- ica. The first Church officers elected were: Deacons, C. M. Anderson, C. Feilbach, T. Holst and D. Hartman; Trustees. C. M. An- derson, C. Feilbach, C. Ephart, E. Winberg and D. Hartsman.

The Pastor resigned in August, 1882, and on Christmas following Rev. S. L. Harkey, D.D., was elected. The next year a house of worship was erected on the corner of Harrison and Oliver Streets, and was dedicated January 6, 1884. In September, 1887, Rev. Dr. Harkey resigned as Pastor on account of ill health, when Rev. James F. Beates was elected. In January, 1888, the society was reorganized as The St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Toledo. It now has 96 members, with a Sabbath-school numbering 113. The present officers are as follows : Deacons, H. A. Schling- man, W. J. Kinker, M. B. Calhoun and J. M. Krumm; Trustees, C. M. Anderson. W. I. Kinker, M. B. Calhoun, J. J. Lloyd and J. M. Krumm.

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APPENDIN.

TOLEDO INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

In Toledo, as elsewhere, it was early found, that with most ample and complete educational facilities, there were many children, who, from different causes, were unable to avail them- selves of such advantages. These were of parents who, from extreme poverty or indif- ference to the matter, failed to send their children to the Public Schools. Many such were required as assistants in domestic labors to such extent as to prevent attendance on publie instruction with requisite regularity ; while in other cases the necessary books or clothing could not be had.

In 1875, this condition of things had become so serious as to force itself upon the minds of many ladies of the City. Mrs. Frederick Prentice was specially impressed by the matter, and sat about meeting the demand in the case. She was promptly met with the ready co- operation of several ladies who fully sympa- thized with her, and the result was the organi- zation in October, 1875, of the Toledo Industrial School. The plan consisted, in brief, of fur- nishing to children such as named, free edu- cation, together with instruction in domestic industry, including house-work, plain sewing, etc., together with a good dinner each day. A Kitchen Garden has been for several years in successful operation under the personal superin- tendence of Misses Pamela Berdan and Dollie Waite, in which the girls of the School are taught household work.

Beside such attention to the children, the families to which they belong are visited from time to time, by ladies connected with the School, for the purpose of learning of their con- ditions and wants, and securing from parents such co-operation as may be practicable.

Through the agency of the Officers of this School, homes have been found for many girls, and some 20 incorrigible girls taken to the State Girls' School, at Delaware.

The School is supported by voluntary con- tributions from friends, including annual col- lections at different City Churches.

The School is located on Ontario Street, near Orange. In May, 1888, about 100 names were enrolled on the register of the School, with an average daily attendance of 35. The Matron at that time was Mrs. N. M. Landis, and the Teacher Miss Lillie Mooney. The officers then were:

President, Mrs. A. M. C. Barnes. Vice President, Mrs. Charles Cochran. Secretary, Mrs. James Secor.

Treasurer, Mrs. J. N. Stevens.

Managers - Mesdames Wm. A. Beach, G. R. Haynes, P. F. Berdan, Thomas Daniels, S. H. Ber- gen, M. Brigham, Wmn. Walcott. John T. Newton, Denison Steele, Warren Colburn, Wm. B. Taylor, C. Parsons, S. B. Wood, D. B. Smith, H. E. Marvin, George Emerson, E. D. Potter, Sen., Frank Trow- bridge, L. H. Bodman, Henry Turbush, H. B. Pome-

roy, Geo. B. Brown, Wm. J. Walding, T. W. Childs and Miss M. C. Dickinson.

Advisory Board-Messrs. Goo. R. Haynes, S. II. Keeler, J. C. Price, James Secor, J. K. Secor, A. L. Backus, J. R. Osborn, R. D. Flinn, G. W. Davis. J. N. Drummond, S. M. Young.

ST. JOHN'S ORPHAN ASYLUM.

August 6, 1860, was instituted an Orphans' Asylum, under the auspices of the German Lutheran Church. It was located on the North side of Seaman Street, one and one-half miles East of Cherry Street bridge, Toledo. It com- prises 41 acres of land, and furnishes accommo- dations for 40 children. The first Superinten- dent was Reverend John Doerfler, who was succeeded October 1, 1860, by Reverend Charles Beckel, Pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, who yet is in charge.

THE RETREAT MISSION.

In June, 1883, steps were taken under the auspices of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, looking to the reform ot fallen girlsand the promotion of moral purity, by offering a temporary home to friendless girls who might wish to lead a virtuous and honorable life, and procuring employment for such when they should leave, whereby they might earn an hon- est living. The result of such movement was the organization of the Retreat Mission of To- ledo. It was first opened in a small house on Broadway; but lack of requisite accommoda- tions soon made a change of location necessary, when the Mission was removed to 274 Indiana Avenue. For two years it was supported wholly by voluntary contributions. At the end of that period, the Retreat was incor- porated, and the City Council, appreciating the merit and importance of the work, set apart three acres of ground as a site for permanent quarters-to be furnished. For current ex- penses, certain Police Court fines were appro- priated, to which were subsequently added like fines assessed in the Court of Common Pleas. Of 80 inmates, there has been but one death of an adult ; and but four of 50 infants. The establishment has a Matron, whose fidelity to her delicato charge is highly appreciated by managers and inmates alike. Many girls have gone from the Mission, who are now fill- ing places of trust and leading virtuous lives. It is hoped that ere long more adequate, as well as more permanent quarters, will be secured.

The officers of the Mission for 1888, are : President, Mrs. Anna B. Potter ; Treasurer, Mrs. Vincent Hamilton ; Secretary, Mrs. M. E. Hiett. Advisory Board-David Robison, Jr., O. S. Bond, J. D. Ford.

The Mission is under the Medical care of the Board of Physicians of the Medical College of Northwestern Ohio.

832

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

HOME FOR THE AGED.

lune 8, 1885, was organized a benevolent in- stitution, under the care of the Little Sisters of the Poor. If is located at the corner of Front and Platt Streets, East Toledo. Sister Louisa of St. Ambrose is the Superior, and has charge of the Home. At this time (May, 1888) it con- tains 28 aged persons-male and female. Six other Sisters are connected with the establish- ment. It is supported by voluntary contribu- tions, and is open to the needy, without regard to creed or race. It is expected that new and more adequate quarters will be provided during the current year.

PROTESTANT ORPHANS' HOME.

On the 11th January, 1867, a meeting of ladies of Toledo was held at the residence of Dr. S. H. Bergen, the object being to consider the propriety of establishing a Home for the benefit of destitute orphan children of Toledo. It having been resolved to enter upon such work, 14 ladies were selected as Managers, and eight gentlemen as Advisors. The ladies were -Mesdames M. P. Ewing, M. D. Carrington, S. H. Camp, E. B. Atherton, T. II. Hoag, Thos. Hamilton, Robert Cummings, Geo. Baker, H. L. Phelps, Vincent Hamilton and Almon Hop- kins ; and Miss Cannie Mott and Miss Louise Kuper. The Advisors were M. R. Waite, H. S. Walbridge, Wm. Baker, W. C. Earl, S. H. Ber- gen, D. D. Mather, Matthew Brown and Wm. Cummings. A committee of Ladies was ap- pointed to solicit annual or life memberships, or other donations of money. At a subsequent meeting the following officers were elected from the Ladies chosen as Managers: Mrs. M. P. Ewing, President; Mrs. M. D. Carrington, Vice President; Mrs. E. B. Atherton, Secretary; and Mrs. S H. Camp, Treasurer.

The Home was opened April 22, 1867, in quarters gratuitously provided by Wm. Baker, where it remained until November following, when it was removed to the location on La- grange Street, which it yet occupies, and where large numbers of "orphans, half-orphans and destitute children " have been cared for and educated for life's work. While the institution has been designated the " Protestant Orphans' Home," it has ever been conducted in an un- sectarian spirit, all creeds and nationalities being welcomed. White or colored children are equally provided for.

Among the officers of the Home have been the following :

President-Mrs. M. P. Ewing, 1867-69; Mrs. M. D. Carrington, 1869-86 ; Miss Mott, 1887-88.

Vice President-Mrs. Carrington, 1867-69 ; Mrs. T. H. Hoag, 1869-71 ; Mrs. Geo. E. Pomeroy, 1871-72 ; Mrs. J. B. Carson, 1872-74; Mrs. Wm. Baker, 1874-82; Mrs. C. A. King, 1882-88.

Secretary-Mrs. E. B. Atherton, 1867-71 ; Miss Lucy Brown, 1871-72; Miss J. J. Barker, 1872-74; Miss Mott, 1874-87; Mrs. W. H. H. Smith, 1887-SS,

Treasurer-Mrs. S. II. Camp, 1867-71 ; Miss Mott, 1871-72; Mrs. C. R. Messinger, 1872-88.

Matrons-Miss Kate E. Young, Miss J. E. MeMil- Jan, Miss J. A. McConnell, Mrs. E. B. Wright, and Mrs. Susan F. Bangs.

The Board of Managers for 1887-88 were as follows :

Mesdames C. R. Messinger, J. K. Secor, J. M. Gloyd, C. A. King, W. II. II. Smith. L. S. Banmi- gardner, Harvey P. Platt, Henry S. Waite, J. W. Cum- mings, T. C. Rowland, Rathbun Fuller, Barton Smith, W. C. Chapman, Jethro Mitchell, F. B. Shoemaker, J. H. Bowman, and Misses Anna C. Mott and Pamela Berdan.

Advisory Board-William Baker. II. S. Walbridge, Richard Mott, Calvin Bronson, Fred. Eaton, C. II. Buek, Peter F. Berdan, Charles R. Messinger, Charles A. King, W. S. Brainard, W. W. Williams, John J. Barker, J. K. Secor, W. T. Carrington.

STREET IMPROVEMENTS.

The topography of the site of Toledo was not favorable to ready and economical drainage and improvement of its Streets. The elevated hog's-back or ridge extending along the River from Cherry Street to Monroe, constituted a serious obstacle to the improvement of cross Streets, while making that of Summit specially expensive for much of the distance stated. In the first place, the bluff overlooking the River, made necessary the immediate construc. tion of a new Street along that stream, as the only means for making the same available for commerce, beyond a small point at the mouth of Swan Creek, where the old warehouse was built about 1817.

The first step in Street improvement con- sisted in the grading of Summit from Perry East to about Jefferson. This work was ex- tended in subsequent years, as far as was deemed necessary.

In 1840, as elsewhere stated, a sidewalk would have been constructed on Monroe Street, had the state of the City finances been such as to warrant the undertaking.

The first action for the provision of sidewalks, consisted of an ordinance passed February 27, 1841, which fixed the width of such improve- ments as follows: On Streets six rods wide, 1G feet in width ; on Streets five rods wide, 14 feet in width; and on Streets four rods in width, 12 feet wide.

The first sidewalks built in Vistula Division, were provided for by an ordinance passed May 7, 1844. One was on the Easterly side of Cherry from Summit to Erie Street, 4 feet wide; and from Erie street to the Canal bridge, 3 feet wide. Walks were also provided for on Erie, Walnut, Locust, Lagrange and Huron- all to be of pine plank and scantling, the former to be 2 inches thick.

In February, 1844, the Toledo City Council directed the following improvements to be made: Filling in with earth and grading Water Street from Adams to Monroe Street ;

APPENDIX.

for grading Summit Street from Adams to Monroe ; for grading Adams, Madison and Jef- ferson Streets from their intersection with Water Street to Summit; for grading Jefferson and Madison from Summit in a Northwesterly direction; for grading Cherry. Locust. Walnut and Elm Streets. Also, for Sidewalks, as fol- lows: On the Easterly side of Cherry Street from Summit to the Canal bridge; on the Easterly side of Walnut, from Summit to Huron ; on Easterly side of Locust, from Sum- mit to Michigan ; on Easterly side of Lagrange, from Summit to lot 848, Vistula Division ; on Westerly side of Ehn, from Summit to Erie; on Northerly side of Huron, from Cherry to lot 582, Vistula. The material for these walks was to be oak, pine or hemlock planks, 2 inches thick, with cross-walks of timber and 3 feet wide.

May 8, 1844, sidewalks were provided for in Port Lawrence Division, on Perry, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe, and Jefferson Streets; to be 4 feet wide and of pine plank 2 inches thick.

November 7, 1846, the City Council, by ordi- nance, provided for planking Summit Street from the track of the Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad at Perry Street, to a point 80 feet be- vond Monroe Street; the materials to be pine planks 3 inches thick, laid on white oak sills, 6x8 inches; and the same to be done by or at the expense of the owners of the adjoining property. This action not being effective, the Council in April. 1847, again took up the matter, and provided that Summit Street North of the Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad, from Perry to Chestnut Street, should be arched. ditched and leveled ; and that portion between Perry and Jefferson Streets should be planked and timbered the entire width between gutters, the plank to be pine. 3 inches thick and laid transversely on white oak or black walnut sills 6 inches square. From Jefferson to Cher- ry Street the planking was to be 16 feet wide in the center of the Street; and from Cherry to Chestnut Street, 24 feet in the center. Cross- walks were provided for at the several Streets crossing Summit.

The second Street improved was Monroe, under an ordinance passed June 1, 1847. The improvement consisted of grading, arching and ditching that Street from Summit to the Canal. This work was delayed for some years, requir ing repeated action by the Council.

In April, 1848, David Crane, Street Com- missioner, solicited proposals for the construc- tion of sidewalks and crosswalks, where none had theretofore existed, as follows: Northerly side of Adams Street, from Summit to Water ; Southerly side of Monroe, from St. Clair to "Northwest corner of brick block on lot No. 2, Port Lawrence, known as Daniels & Goettell's block ; " Southerly side of Jefferson, from Summit to St. Clair; on the Northerly

side of Adams, from Summit to St. Clair; Westerly side of Cherry, from Erie to Summit ; and on Southerly side of Superior, from Locust to center of lot 397, Vistula. Also, crosswalk on Adams, in front of the Engine-house, 8 feet wide; and so much of the Sidewalk as re- mained unfinished on Northerly side of Sum- mit, between Mulberry Street and lot 300, Vis- tula.

June 21, 1851, provision was made for plank - ing Summit Street from Jefferson to Adams the entire width, and from Adams to Cherry 24 feet wide. September 17, 1851, the plank- ing between Madison and Cherry was indefi- nitely postponed.

What was the condition of the Streets of To- ledo, as the result of the " improvements " made in them to that time, is indicated by a poetical contribution to the Blade, in December, 1852. It is as follows :

SUMMIT STREET.

O'er Summit Street where'er I cast my eyes, What curious thoughts along my senses creep.

Napoleon erossed the Alps. His high emprise Won him a deathless name ; but not a steep

Of all the peaks he crossed, so hard to rise As Summit Street, beneath whose lowest decp There is a depth uo mortal ever scanned, A gloomy deep of mnd, devoid of sand ;-

A depth eternal, gloomy, dark, profound, Swimming with plank loose on its surface cast : Bordered with side-walks on the slippery ground, Beneath o'erhanging banks, both huge and vast. With gullies traversed and thin herbage crowned : With crossings poorly laid in mud so fast, That to pass over, one must careful go, And piek his slippery way on high tip-toe.

Pedestrians along this treacherous plank, Meet with disasters of no common kind.

Men low of birth, and even men of rank- Women and girls, and ladies most refined,

Into the yielding real estate have sank, And slipped and fell, before, and, aye, behind ; And risen dripping with the moistened elay, To hasten homeward in the broad mid-day.

I saw a man-a gentleman, of course- Essay the crossing where the School-House stands," When mid-seas o'er, he fell with all his force, Plunged to his elbows in the mud his hands ;

Then rose to his knees, and swore till he was hoarse, That he would seek a home in other lands. In elimes and Towns beyond the Ocean's flood. Where were more stone pavements and less mud.

I saw a lady- she is nameless here- Slip from the walk, near Granger's Clothing Store, t Sinking, she cried ; a person happ'ning near, Seized her fair hand and lifted her ashore. With spiteful gesture, she exclaimed, "Oh, drar !

I never will wear rubbers any more ; So treacherous are they to my clumsy feet : Some day I shall be drowned on Summit Streut."

I saw a horse-a man sat on his back- He was a noble animal to view : (The horse, I mean ;. He took the right-hand track, And tried with moderate speed to worry through

From Kingsbury'st up to Monroe Street. Alack ! lle broke so often, that he lost a shoe ; Then stumbling, threw his rider o'er his head. The people picked that rider up " for dead."

I saw a buggy-lady, lord and child Sat 'neath its top-the horse moved slow-

The man was talking to his wife-he smiled, And she responded in a voice so low

I could not hear it : but in accents wild, At top of lungs, the man cried out, " A-whoa ! " Which stopped the horse; and, tell the cause I must, A forward tire from off the wheel had " bust."

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History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 166

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