History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 188

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 188

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D. F. Cook

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WAYNESFIELD TOWNSHIP.

social disposition, and his fine presence and French accent made him a marked figure at all social gatherings.

In 1829, Col. John H. Kinzie, then sub- Indian Agent of the Winnebagoes, was mar- ried with Miss Juliette A. Wolcott, a relative of Judge James Wolcott of Maumee City, and grand-daughter of Oliver Wolcott, Secretary of War under President Washington. They first went to Fort Winnebago, at the portage between the Fox and the Wisconsin Rivers, where they remained for a year or two, and removed to Fort Howard, at Green Bay. In 1834 they went to Chicago, then a village of 600 whites, among several thousand Indians. From the first Mrs. Kenzie so fully de- voted herself to the moral and religious well- being of the people about her, that in a sketch of her life it was stated that " no woman in the Northwest was more widely known than Juliette Kinzie," and that when the history of the early days of Chicago should be written, " her life and labors as a member of Christ's Church ; as a woman of the highest culture, most refined taste ; as a faithful wife, devoted mother, kind and generous neighbor and true American lady, would illuminate its brightest pages.'

Col. Anderson, British Indian Agent, for many years stationed at Fort Miami, resided at Monroe, Michigan, in 1838. He was on the Maumee River for some years previous to 1793. It was said to have been Indian corn raised by him on which Gen. Wayne's troops feasted after taking the Fort, in 1794.

Hiram P. Barlow came to the Maumee Valley in 1816. and settled at Orleans (Fort Meigs.) He taught a School there during the Winter of 1816-17, and is believed to have been the first School teacher of the Maumee Valley. After- wards he took a farm at Presque Isle, near the Turkey Foot Rock, where he built a house. IIe married a daughter of Victory Jenison, an early settler at the Foot of the Rapids.

Isaar Hull was one of the pioneers of the Maumee Valley. Hle came West from Massa- chusetts about 1804, with his father, who wasa brother of Governor llull of Michigan. Daniel Hull a brother of Isaac, was the first Sheriff of Wood County. Isaac Hull, in 1827, was married with Chloe Spafford, daughter of Major Samuel Spafford, who was prominent in the War of 1812. His powers of physical en- durance were extraordinary, he having walked " between suns " (in one day) from Maumee to Defianec, a distance of 50 miles. He died at Maumee City in December, 1864, leaving his widow and two sons - S. S. and W. R. Hull.

DANIEL F. COOK. Few names have been longer identified with the history of Lucas County, than has that of Daniel F. Cook, who for more than 50 years has resided at Manmee.

He was born in Waterville, Maine, September 5, 1814. ITis father, Daniel Cook, was born in Kingston, Massachusetts, in 1785, which Town originally was part of Plymouth; he tracing his ancestry directly back to the Pilgrim Fathers. In 1809 he was graduated at Brown I'niversity; studied medicine, and in 1812 was appointed a Surgeon in the United States Army, serving in Maine. After the War, he practiced his profession at Waterville for a time, when he engaged in mercantile and banking pursuits, continuing the same until failing health made necessary a change both ot business and climate. In 1834 he came West, and located at Maumee City, as the point most fully meeting the demands of his case. His family then consisted of his wife and three chil- dren. Of these, a daughter, Clara Ann Neal, in February, 1835, was married at Waterville, Maine, with W. B. S Moore, subsequently United States Senator from that State. She died in 1853. Two sons, Charles and Daniel F., accompanied their parents to the West. At that time Maumee was regarded as the most promising place of all the Maumee Valley. There Mr. Cook passed the remaining years of his life, dying in 1863, at the age of 78 years. His widow survived him but five years. Charles was long a merchant at Maumee, where he died in 1852. Daniel F. Cook was gradu- ated in 1833 at Waterville (Maine) College. now Colby University. In 1834 he entered Harvard Law School, spending there two years. Returning to Maumee in 1835, he was about a year thereafter admitted to the Bar of Ohio. and commenced his professional life at that place. In 1845 he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States, upon the motion of Judge E. D. Potter, then Repre- sentative in Congress from this District. The local contemporaries of Mr. Cook in the carly years of his practice included Samnel Mi. Young, Morrison R. Waite, Hez. L. Hosmer, Thomas Dunlap and Horace F. Waite. The vigorous period of his practice continued ontil the removal of the seat of justice from Maumee to Toledo, in 1852, although he pursued the same until 1865. Meanwhile, he directed his attention to dealing in real estate, with which and with farming interests he has been for many years largely identified in both Lucas and Wood Counties-his present agricultural holdings aggregating 28 farms. In 1854 Mr. Cook was appointed a Commissioner of the County and in 1855 was elected to the same ollice, serving until 1858. He has frequently served his neighbors in local official positions. including those of Councilman and City Attor- ney for several years; while for three terms he was an efficient member of the Board of Education. In his earlier years he was active in political matters, in which he took much interest. In 1866 he joined Mr. R. B. Mitchell in founding the Banking House of Cook &

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Mitchell, with which he remained until 1872. The test of character involved in an active life of half a century, such as Mr. Cook has been called to meet, is one which could be borne by true merit only. The many who have had business relations, and the many who have en- joyed social contact with him, will bear cheer- fil witness to his unswerving integrity in the one sphere, and to his kindly and generous spirit in the other, where the genial impulses find fullest expression. His energies and his means have always been quick in response to demands in behalf of enterprises looking to the publie good; while in the domain of private life, his course has been one of quiet, unobtru- sive citizenship. So, it is safe to say, that the name of Daniel Francis Cook may justly have place among the pioneers, to whom Lucas County ever will be indebted for its advance in growth and prosperity. Mr. Cook was'married with Mrs. Abby ( Bosworth) Frost, at Maumee, November 10, 1858. She was born in Genesce County, New York, July 11, 1818, and died Feb ruary 12, 1888. No children are now living.

Dr. Horatio Conant came to the Valley and settled at Manmee City in 1816. He was one of the first regular members of the medical profession to settle at the Foot of the Rapids. His ride extended from Fort Wayne on the Southwest to Fort Ball on the East, and to the River Raisin on the North The small hamlets scattered over the vast unoccupied ex- panse of the Valley at that time had no one else to look to for help in sickness. The Indian trail was the only highway through the unbroken forests and wide spreading swamps. A physi- cian's visit might mean an absence from home of days, and might involve the loss of a horse and saddle-bags -- to say nothing of losing one's way-and all the exposure to inelement weather and the hardships of camping out in the wilderness. No bridges crossed the streams. The traveler forded or swam them, and was forced to make long detours around impassable swamps. To all these require- ments of the time, the good Doctor was always ready to respond. It is safe to say, he was known and welcomed in every settlement and log cabin through all the region above indi- cated as a very present help in time of trouble. (Further mention of Dr. Conant is made on on pages 5-11-544.)

John Brownlee died at Maumee City, De- ember 27, 1863. Ile went to that place in 1836, and engaged in business with his brother Alex. B. In 1843, he came to Toledo, and en- tered the firm of Ludlow, Babcock & Brownlee. Afterwards he was in the firm of Brownlee, Pendleton & Co. He was well esteemed in business circles and elsewhere. llis age at death was 49.

Robert A. Forsyth died at Maumee City,

November 25, 1864, aged 69 years. Ile was a native of Michigan and came to Maumee at an early date, having commenced business there as a merchant, in 1816. Ile was a man of unusual ability and integrity. His religious character was well established by a long and consistent life.

JOHN CHURCH ALLEN was born in Mar- tha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, January 27, 1809. Ilis father James Allen was born at the same place January 25, 1783; his grandfather having been born there in 1762, and his great- grandfather in 1719. His mother's name was Cynthia Cottell, who bore four sons and three daughters. His ancestors suffered from depre- dations by the British during the War of the Revolution, their property being taken from them by force. The father established on the Island of Martha's Vineyard the first nail fac- tory in the United States During the War of 1812-15, being unable to obtain stock or sell his nails, he was forced to suspend operations, when (in 1815) with his father and their fam- ilies, he came to Ohio, and settled at Zanesville, arriving there after a tedious passage of six weeks. The father of John C. died at Zanes- ville in 1847, and his mother in 1863. March 10, 1835, John C. Allen arrived at Manmce, where, the following year, he opened a Provision Store; and soon thereafter, he opened a Ilotel (the ('entral llouse). He continued in mer- cantile trade until 1872-a period of 36 years. He was a member of the first City Council of Maumee ; was the fourth Mayor of the City, and for 20 years the City Treasurer. He was Assistant County Treasurer, under Frederick E. Kirtland, who was in office when the Mau- mee Court House was first occupied. For many years he was an active and useful member of the School Board of Maumee. Throughout a long life of activity, he bore among his fellow- citizens the character of a man of strict integ - rity and usefulness, and is permitted, after a residence there of 53 years, to continue in the enjoyment of their respect and esteem. Mr. Allen was married with Miss Naney Kirtland, of Parkman, Geauga County, September 30, 1839. She was born in Geauga County, March 8, 1817. Her parents were Frederick and Sophia ( Parkman) Kirtland, having been mar- ried in September, 1808, and being among the earliest pioneers of Northern Ohio, settling there in 1806. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Allen are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Maumee, the former having been baptized by Bishop Chase, the pioncer Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio. They had 10 children : Lois S., born August 17, 1840, wife of W. R. Carr, now residing in Illinois; John Church, Jr., born February 28, 1842, and died July 31, 1855 ; Olive K., born November 27, 1843, who mar- ried E. J. Leppelman, in 1867, and Henry Jen-

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Augustus D.M.Diamo

WAYNESFIELD TOWNSHIP.

kins in 1873, she dying in Washington, D. C., March 9, 1886 ; James F., born October 7, 1815. married with Clara J. Barnes, now residing at Elyria, Ohio; Noah N., born September 7, 1847, and died April 14, 1870; Francis E., born February 20, 1850, now practicing the Law at Easterville, Iowa, was married May 12, 1874, with Emma Gillett ; George C., born January 25, 1852, married with Maggie MeCulla, Sep- tember 3, 1876, and resides at Easterville, lowa ; Ilenry A., born May 14, 1855, married with Hattie Nailor, June 3, 1877, and resides at Easterville; Charles E., born April 15, 1857. married with Elida Warner, November 29, 1877, resides at Hector, Ohio ; and Lney M., born March 30, 1860. Two of the sons (James F. and Noah N.) served creditably as Volun- teer Soldiers in the Union Army in the War of the Rebellion.

Henry D. Kingsbury was born in Berk- shire County, Massachusetts, July 19, 1818. lle is a son of Alvah and Lydia Kingsbury. In 1820, the family removed to Brunswick, Me- dina County, Ohio, making the distance with an ox team and covered wagon. They settled on a farm owned by Jabez Kingsbury, father of Alvah. The first School attended by Henry was when he was eight years old, the distance being three miles. At 14 he attended a Select School tanght by Judge Frieze, father of Mrs. Pamelia Berdan, widow of Judge John Berdan, first Mayor of Toledo. November 22, 1835, with a brother (William M. G. Kingsbury). he started for Maumee, where they arrived on the 25th, stopping with an unele, William Kings- bury, who had come there in 1832. He there found work at 88.00 per month, with board, and soon came to Toledo and was employed by Peter HI. Shaw, Brickmaker, to chop wood at $15.00 per month. In July, 1836, he worked for the Manhattan Company, in connection with buildings and other improvements. In the Winter of 1837-38, he became a Clerk in the Hotel at Manhattan. In 1839 he entered the employ of the Ohio Railroad Company, having charge of the construction of the section 15 miles East from Manhattan, which was made ready for the iron in 1840. In November of that year he took the contract to build a portion of a proposed Railroad from Manhattan to Monroe, Michigan ; and in 1841, contracted for a section of the Ohio Railroad between Black and Rocky Rivers. West of Cleveland. Of $16,800 due from these two Companies, he re- ceived the value of $1,000. In 1843 he removed to 'Toledo, and for a short time rented and kept the Franklin House (alias Mansion House). In 1851, he rented the Ohio House, afterwards the Kingsbury House, which he conducted until 1858, he having been elected Sheriff, being re- elected in 1859. Upon the outbreak of rebellion in April, 1861, he was the sixth man to enlist

at Toledo. lle served as Quartermaster of the Fourteenth Ohio Infantry for the three months service, and then raised a Company (1) for three years, in the same, which he commanded until made Major in July, 1862. He was pro- motel to Lieutenant Colonel in December, 1862. In March. 1861, in recognition of the good conduct of the Fourteenth Regiment at Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, he was made Brevet Brigadier-General. Throughout the brilliant service of that command. he hore his full share of responsibility and activity, gaining a high record for bravery and effective work. While yet in the Army, he was again nominated Sheriff, and was elected in October, 1865, and re-elected to a fourth term in 1867. the only case of the kind in the history of Lucas County. Politically, General Kingsbury was originally a Whig, and has acted with the Republicans since the organization of that party. His father died of cholera, in 1852, and his mother of same disease, in 1854, both dying at Toledo Ile was married in November, 1540, with Miss Harriet E. Van Orden. of Manhattan. They had five children, of whom three died while young. Those now living are Mary 1 .. wife of llenry S. Corwin, of Duluth, Minnesota; and Charles 11., of Maumee, for some years past the home of the family.

AUGUSTUS DAVENPORT WILLIAMS was born in Tolland County, Connecticut, November 24, 1806. Ilis father, William Wil- liams, was a native of the same place, having been born in 1763, and was married with Sarah Burt, of Long Meadow. Massachu- setts. They had nine children : Nathan, Mary Burt, William, Sophiah M., David Burt, Augustus D., Thedocius Dickerman, Charles Albert and Mortimer Hall. The father died in 1845, the mother surviving until February, 1861. The grandfather (Nathan Williams), was among the earliest graduates of Yale Col- lege, and was Pastor of the Congregational Church at Tolland for over 60 years. Augus- tus's father entered Yale, but for ill health was compelled to abandon the course of Study. The pulpit of the Tolland Church was tilled by the family for a long period of years from the time of the Deerfield massacre. Mr. Williams is able reliably to trace his ancestry back to Rev. Stephen Williamsof Deerfield, a brother of Roger Williams of Rhode Island. He came to Ohio from Connectiont, in the fall of 1831, re- turning on horseback in the winter of 1832. In April, 1834, with his father's family, he came back, and landed on the banks of the Maumee, where a very few Frenchmen and Indians constituted most of the settlers. He began farming on Big Island (between Maumee and Perrysburg). Not long thereafter he built at Manmee a Hotel, which he named the Wash- ington Honse. llis first boarders were Doctor

932

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Daniel Cook and family. In February, 1835, Mr. Williams was married with Sarah M. Carr, of Gallipolis, Ohio, who died in February, 1836. In January, 1841, he was married with India A. Chamberlain of Maumee, who was born October 20, 1813, in London, New Hamp- shire. They have two children-Burt, born March 12, 1843; and Mary Frances, born August 15, 1847. The former served in the War of the Rebellion as volunteer in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Ohio Infantry. Mr. Williams has a brother (Charles A.), a Whole- sale Commission Merchant, in Augusta, Geor- gia; and a sister, Mrs. Sophia M. Clark. at Cedar Keys, Florida. The former is a lite-long Anti-Slavery man, and during the Rebellion was loyal to the Union and remained Sonth. A son of his was drafted for the Confederate Army, when the father got him away and on board a Ship for New York, where he was ar- rested as disloyal, but was discharged on taking the oath of allegiance to the Union. The father got into some trouble from having offered to pay for a rope to hang Jeff. Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Presbyterian Church, at Maumee, of which the former has been for many years an Elder.

EARLY MARRIAGES.

At Maumee, Sept. 14, 1837, Samuel A. Sargent and Mary Steele. Perrysburg, Sept. 14, 1837, Win. Earl and Helen Thompson. Maumec, June 6, 1838, C. C. P. Hunt and Mary Ann Creed.

Monclova, June 30, 1838, Truman W. Crowell and Ellen L. S. Dover.

Marengo, July 4, 1838, Alfred Clark and Cassandra Edmonds. Maumee, July 29, 1838, Thos. Clark 2d and Mary F. D. Williams. Springfield, Feb. 15, 1838, James Gilbert and Nancy F. Wood. Maumee. March 8, 1838, Moses Robinson and Lucy Southworth. Springfield, April 8, 1838, Oliver W. Alverson and Harriet Trum- bull.

Perrysburg, April 19, 1839, Stephen L. Gilbert and Julia Willard. Mauince, Nov. 5. 1838, Dennison Stvele and Hattie R. Coles, Houndsfieldl, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1838, James F. Smith and Isabel Crowell.

Maumce. Dec. 18, 1838, Nathaniel Gilbert and Livonia Robbins. Waynesfield. Dec. 27, 1838, John Schwartz and Elizabeth Strayer. Perrysburg, Jan. 3, 1839, Edward Bloomfield and Frances Bliun. Hamilton. N. Y., Sept. 29, 1838, A. J. Hackley and Hannah Blish !. Somerx, Ct .. Oct. 10, 1:38. Geo. Powers and Augusta l'eck.

Maumee, March 21, 1839, Wm. Richardson and Amelia Nelson.

DEATHS.

Napoleon, O., Dec. 4, 1838. Sarah Eliza, wife of N. H. Hawley, nged 22.

Maumee, Dec. 18, 1838, Louisa E., daughter of Nathaniel Burbam, aged 22.

Waterville, Dec. 20, 1838, John L. Pray, aged 27.

Perrysburg, Jan. 21, 1839, Helen, wife of William Earl.

Manmer, Dec. 17, 1837. Mrs. Harriet Copelamot, aged 33, Cleveland, Sept. 22. 1838, Levi Becbe.

Manice, Sept. 21. 1838, N. M. Cuthbert, aged 23

Waynesfield, March 7, 1839, Catharine, wife of Peter Strayer, aged 64. Maumee, July 14, 1838, Frances E., daughter of Henry Recd, Jr., aged 4 years. Manmee. Dec. 9, 1838, David Coles, aged 46.

NEW MAUMEE.

It would not be desirable here to follow in detail the changing conditions of Maumee for the 60 years of its existence as a Town and a City. The record of early hopes and struggles; of subsequent advance and confidence; and of later failure and disappointment, even if here presented, would be of no practical benefit. Suffice it now to state, that few localities in the enterprising West had advantages equal to those of Maumee. The list of those who gave life and energy to the young Town, embraced names of men of prominence and character, who omitted no effort for the promotion of its prosperity ; as did like actors in later years ; but the changing conditions of trade, chiefly, proved too much for them, and Maumee's greatness-as pictured in fancy did not come.

But Maumee is not dead. She only slept. An awakening has taken place, and a new con- dition of things arisen, and from a cause as little dreamed of as if it were miraculous. The discovery of natural gas in this region, and its success as fuel had but fairly become known, when, in the Spring of 1887, a movement was made for the introduction of that element of growth and wealth into that place. Means were provided by the City for securing requi- site gas territory, boring wells and piping gas to and throughout the City, the cost of which was estimated at 875,000. Already (July, 1888) this work is well advanced. Several important manufacturing establishments have been se- enred, with good prospect for additional ones; and a changed condition seems fairly established for Maumee. As indicative of the cost and value of the new fuel, it may here be stated, that heating and cook stoves average to pay $12.00 per year; a 10-Pot Glass Factory, $300; Paint and Oil Works, 8200; Cotton Mills, $100; a Woollen Mill, 850; Flouring Mill, $50. The gas supply is found near Waterville, some six miles South of Maumee, where six wells have been bored, to which others are to be added as the demand may arise.

930

MANHATTAN TOWNSHIP.

The Township of Manhattan was organized in June, 1840, and was bounded as follows : On the East by the West line of Sections 19 and 30 in Town 9 South, Range 9 East ; South by the South line of Sections 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 in Town 9 South, Range 8 East; West by the Easterly line of the City limits of Toledo and the West line of Sections 6, 7, 18 and 19, in Town 9 South, between Ranges 7 and 8; and North by the Harris line.

This Township was maintained until 1874, when its territory was divided between the City of Toledo and Oregon Township, and the name Manhattan, as of an existing entity, en- tirely ceased to be. The writer much regrets his inability to make more satisfactory mention of this Township, which fact is due to inability to find requisite records.

TOWN OF MANHATTAN.

As already stated, for many years the great disturbing question among the many Towns along the Maumee River, was as to the point at which the Canals would enter that stream, the decision ofwhich was expected to settle definite- ly and finally the question as to the location of the chief commercial City of the Maumee Valley. For a time the question rested with Maumee, Port Lawrence and Vistula. In 1833, the latter two were united in Toledo, which became the chief rival of Maumee for the Canal outlet. . About this time several leading men of Buffalo engaged in the Forwarding business on the Erie Canal and Lake, with a view to the ex- tension of their connections, became interested in property near the mouth of the Maumee River. The parties consisted of Jacob A. Barker, Horatio N. Holt, Chas. Townsend, Geo. Coit, Sheldon Thompson, John L. Kimberly, John T. Hudson, Geo. P. Barker, John W. Clark and Stephen G. Austin, all of Buffalo, N. Y .; Geo. W. Card of Willoughby, Ohio, and Platt Card, of Manhattan. These parties were owners of diverse tracts of land on the Maumee River and near its mouth ; and desirous of selling the same, and believing that could be more advan- tageously done by consolidating the whole into one interest and connecting therewith certain public and useful improvements, they deter- mined to consolidate their property for such purpose. This they did, and in October, 1835, organized "The Maumee Land and Railroad Company," with a capital stock of $350,000, divided into shares of $250 cach. For the management of the business, three Trustees were appointed-John W. Clark, Stephen G. Austin and John T. Hudson of Buffalo. The stock was divided as follows: J. A. Barkerand H. N. Holt, jointly, 200 shares; C. Townsend

and Geo. Coit jointly, 200; S. Thompson and J. L. Kimberly, jointly, 100 ; I. T. Hudson and Geo. P. Barker jointly, 100; John W. Clark, 200; S. G. Austin, 200; G. W. and Platt Card. cach 200.

This Company at once purchased all the lands between Vistula and the month of the Maumee River, and soon laid out the Town of Manhattan, and actively entered upon extensive improvements at that point. Their work con- sisted of docks, buildings, warehouses and a spacious hotel. These improvements were well advanced by the Spring of 1836, when the hotel was opened by a Mr. Patterson, whose dangh- ter, Mrs. Clotilda B., widow of David B. Mooney, now resides in Toledo.

Manhattan now became an active competitor for the Canal outlet, and the " contest deepened." The outcome of the struggle was then grati- fying to Manhattan, inasmuch as the real " terminus " was fixed at that place with only " side-cuts " at Toledo and Maumee.

On the 1st July, 1837, the Company's arrange- ments were essentially changed. Its nominal capital stock was increased from 8350,000 to $2,000,000, divided into 4,200 shares of $500 each, which increase was divided among the stockholders.

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History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 188

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