History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 98

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

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and more highly developed at 84, than at life's zenith.

In 1855, Mr. Mott's happy home-circle was broken by the death of the beloved wife of his youth ; and in 1860 his eldest daughter, Mary, a young lady of rare grace and exceptional mental endowments, passed away in the first flush of a most promising and beautiful woman- hood. His youngest daughter and only re- maining child, Anna C., has been spared to cheer and brighten his home, after its double bereavement. Iler aid in creating one of the most genial, hospitable and refined homes in Toledo, is acknowledged by all who have felt its kindly influence, from the guest blessed with wealth and high position, to the unfortu- nate in need and want. In 1873, he built the capacious residence at the Southeast corner of Monroe and Nineteenth Streets, which has since been his home.

With his constant engagements in business and in public affairs, Mr. Mott never was for- getful of the moral, social, educational and hu- manitarian interests of his fellow-citizens, giv- ing much attention to all these as opportunity offered. Ilis sense of justice led him in carly youth to take interest in the Woman's Rights reform movement in its pioneer days, he ask- ing no right or privilege for himself and his sex, from which he would debar mother, wife, daughter or sister. Mrs. Lucretia Mott, the illustrious wife of his elder brother, ever found in him a helpful and encouraging coadjutor. While yet in his boyhood, a remark made by his mother, touching the right of private judg- ment, made a deep and lasting impression upon his mind. In the course of a social conversa- tion with a Congregational Minister, the views of St. Paul were quoted by him in relation to the subjection of women, when Mrs. Mott, mildly, but firmly, replied : " Ah, but I do not agree with Paul on that point." This put an end to the controversy, for here was a woman who did her own thinking, and to whom Nature happily gave the mental foree to trans- mit this valuable characteristic to her son.

In 1869, Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Miss Susan B. Anthony were in Toledo, the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Israel Hall, when the formation of an Association for the political enfranchisement of Women was discussed. Mr. Mott at once gave it his hearty support, and a few months after when the Association needed a permanent home, he tendered it a local habi- tation in his Fort Industry Block, where for 18 years it has held regular monthly meetings.

Judging from the light of the past, Mr. Nott's foresight caused him to feel that to compass a reform as radical as the complete enfranchise- ment of Women, would require many years of agitation and education of the public mind. In view of this, in congratulating Mrs. Stanton npon her work, he once said to her, " By con- stant agitation half a century bence will bring

Sam the Young -

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about the changed social conditions, which will mako possible all you are seeking to compass." Mrs. Stanton, with the zeal of the hopeful re- former, replied, " O, I hardly expect to live more than 20 years ; but I do expect to live to witness Woman's complete political enfran- chisement." Time's changes have obliterated many of the enslaved conditions under which Woman has suffered throughout the ages; and while Woman suffrage obtains partially in many States and wholly in two Territories, its growth has only been such as to warrant Mr. Mott's prediction.

During the 18 years of its existence, the Toledo Woman Suffrage Association has found in Mr. Mott a never failing friend, and a valu- able adviser in its work before the Legislature, the Constitutional Convention, and upon all questions pertaining to its advancement.

Mr. Mott may now generally be found during business hours at his desk, in his office, at the Toledo Savings' Bank. In his Sith year, his chirography is as firm and distinct as the best copperplate, showing no indication of failing powers ; while his always able mental charac- teristics increase with advancing years; and in person he is a living exemplar of a temperate and well-spent life, whose enjoyments now give him as much delight, as at its meridian period, and his strength is most certainly not that of labor and sorrow.

Since the above was written, Mr. Mott passed away, to the sorrow and regret of the com- munity amid which his home had been, and with whose interests he had been identified for half a century. On Saturday the 14th of Jan- nary, 1888, after posting his books, as usual, at the Savings Institution, ho remarked to bis friend, Mr. J. J. Barker: " There, John, the books are posted. You will find all correct, if I should never come back." On being rallied as to his low spirits, he said he did not feel well, and possibly might never return. His premo- nitions of approaching dissolution were correct, and on Sunday, January 22d, he died peace- fully, without a struggle, as he had lived. Never were expressions of regret more general at the demise of a citizen of Toledo. Its Banking Institutions, Orphans' Home, Indus- trial School, Home for Friendless Women, Woman Suffrage Association, and New Century Literary Club, all took formal action in honor of his memory by passing resolutions of respect, and ot condolence to his daughter. Many societies attended his funeral. The New Century Literary Club, before which he had read a paper of much historical value, only a few weeks before he died, entitled "Second Hand Reminiscences," laid a laurel wreath, typical of his beautiful life and well earned fame, upon his coffin. IIe was buried at Roch- ester, January 27th, near the remains of his beloved wife and eldest daughter, At the regular

meeting of the Toledo Woman Suffrage Asso- ciation, in February, Mrs. Rosa L. Segur pro- nonneed a eulogy, and Mrs. Mary J. Cravens read a touching poem illustrative of his manly worth. Woman Suffrage Associations through- out the United States honored his memory by tributes of respect. On February 24th the New Century Club held a memorial meeting at Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Macomber's, Mr. F. J. Scott presenting a biographical sketch, Reverend Charles Cravens, Mr. J. B. Battelle, Miss Emily S. Bouton, eulogies ; Mrs. R. L. Segur, reminis- cences; Mr. 11. B. Tillinghast a poem ; Mrs. M. E. Moulton a tender tribute from Mrs. E. R. Collins, of Anaheim, California. Mr. Clark Waggoner, upon request, spoke briefly of the virtues of the honored dead and read extracts from Southern papers showing how the Slave- bolders classed Richard Mott with Wm. Lloyd Garrison, Horace Greeley, and other leading Abolitionists, by placing a price upon his life. Mr. D. B. Smith also made appropriate remarks. To his only surviving daughter, and the City with whose interests he has been so closely identified, he leaves a priceless memory-that of a good man who left the world better be- cause he had for four score and four years been one of its sojourners.

SAMUEL M. YOUNG, Lawyer and Capi- talist, was born in Lebanon, New Hampshire, December 29, 1806. Ile was a son of Samuel Young, a leading architect and builder, a mem- ber of the State Legislature and a citizen highly esteemed. The son's educational advantages were such as that section then furnished, includ- ing Academies. His course of studies com- pleted, he turned his attention to the law, which he read with John M. Pomeroy, of Bur- lington, Vermont. This completed, he turned his attention to the matter of a location for his life work ; and in May, 1835, came to Lucas County, settling at Maumee, where he opened an office and began, in a very small way, the practice of his profession. It so happened that his advent here was made during the memora- ble boundary controversy, known as the " To- ledo War." His location at Maumee, outside the disputed territory, relieved him of personal participation in that contest; but upon the or- ganization of Lucas County, the same year, he was appointed as its first Auditor, which posi- tion he held for two years. In 1538, Morrison R. Waite (now the Chief Justice of the United States), then a young man and a graduate of Yale college, came to Maumee from Lyme, Con- necticut, for the practice of the law ; and at once entered the office of Mr. Young, where he pur- sued the year's study requisite under the laws of Ohio. This preparation completed, he was admitted to the Bar. The subsequently well- known firm of Young & Waite was then organ- ized and continued in practice there until the removal of the County-seat from Maumce to

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Toledo, in 1852. In 1850, an office had been opened at Toledo, in charge of Mr. Waite, who then removed to that City. Mr. Young retired from the practice in 1856. Meantime, having turned his attention to banking, in 1855, with others, ho purchased the Bank of Toledo, a branch of the State Bank of Ohio, with which he was actively as well as financially identified until it was reorganized, under the National Banking law in 1865, as the Toledo National Bank. Of this he was chosen President, in which position, without interruption, he has continued to this time (1887). Toledo has been Mr. Young's place of residence since his removal there in 1860, he having then pur- chased a fine residence on Madison Street be- tween Thirteenth and Fourteenth, In 1862, he became associated with Abner L. Backus, in the firm of Young & Backus, who built the large Elevators, on Water Street, near Adams, designed more especially for Canal Grain traffic. That firm, after a continuance of 18 years, was succeeded by that of 1. L. Backus & Sons. In the practice of the law, Mr. Young early at- tained a prominent position, the firm, almost from the first, having been recognized as at the head of the Bar of Northwestern Ohio. This attainment was largely due to Mr. Young's sound judgment, thorough education and pains- taking care in the study and preparation of cases. At an early date, he became interested in the toll-bridge crossing the River, connecting Maumee and Perrysburg, which, from repeated . severe damage from floods, in time fell wholly into his hands, costing in all some $36,000. In 1877 it was purchased by Lucas and Wood Counties jointly, and made free. In 1852-53 Mr. Young became identified, as Stockholder and Director, with the Cleveland and Toledo Railroad, then in progress of construction, and continued such relation until that Road was merged into the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad. He was the largest Stock- holder and a Director in the Columbus and To- ledo Railroad, and continued in such relation until the Road was consolidated with the Co- lumbus and Hocking Valley Road, and the or- ganization of the Columbus, Hocking Valley and Toledo Railroad. In 1866, he bought a large portion of the stock of the Toledo Gas- Light and Coke Company; was active in its reorganization and the extension of its business, having been its President tothis time. He was one of the projectors and organizers of the To- iedo Hotel Company, in 1870, which in 1872 completed and still owns the Boody House, Northwest corner of Madison and St. Clair Streets. Ile has served as President of that corporation since August, 1870. The erection of that house, which was opened in 1872, has been a matter of great value to Toledo. Mr. Young's political views and affiliations were formed during the Adams and Jackson Ad- ministrations, he becoming identified with the

Whig party, then led by Clay and Webster, with which organization he continued to act until it was merged into the Republican party, of which he has since been a member. For the past fifty years he has uniformly declined pub- lic position, having at no time held office, save that of County Auditor, for services in which from September 14, 1835, to June 9, 1837 (21 months), he was paid the sum of $361.63. Throughout the War of the Rebellion, he was in sympathy and actively on the side of loy- alty, contributing his share to the support of that cause. In religious views and sympathies he has long been identified with the Protestant Episcopal Church, and its several ecclesiastical and charitable institutions; while he has at all times supported whatever cause he deemed calentated to promote the moral well-being of his fellowmen. He is eminently a self-made man, so far as human destiny depends on self- reliance and independent effort. His success in life has been dne chietly to these qualities applied in methodical and persistent work, attended by an economical course of living. Hle was married in 1841 with Miss Angeline L. Upton, step-daughter of Dr. Horatio Conant of Maumee. They have four children-Horatio S. and Frank I., constituting the firm of Young Brothers, Produce and Commission Merchants; Mrs. Helen E., wife of Frank B. Swayne; and Morrison Waite, all of Toledo.

VALENTINE HICKS KETCHAM was born in Cornwall, Orange County, New York, No- vember 12, 1815. His father, Samuel Ketcham, a Farmer and Miller, was married with Miss Rachel Sands, at Cornwall. The son lived with his parents on the farm until 12 years of age, sharing such privileges as the Winter ses. sions of a District School supplied. In 1827 the family removed to New York City. Here the son remained for three years, attending School for a few months, but mainly employed as an apprentice to the carpenter's and joiner's trade. When 15 years old, from choice, he returned to the farm at Cornwall, working there for two years, and until his father re- turned from New York. He then went back to the City to finish his trade; but here his entire course of life was suddenly changed. A merchant of his acquaintance suggested to him the propriety of his going into a store as a clerk, and seenred for him such position with J. F. Cropsey, Dry Goods dealer, on Canal Street. Liking his new employment, he con- tinned therein until July 17, 1836. At this time, he started on a vacation trip to the West, in company with a Mr. Lane. Landing from steamer at Detroit, they passed into the interior of Michigan, where Mr. Ketcham bought 80 acres of land of the Government in Oakland County. From Detroit, he made a visit to Toledo, and returned to New York. In August

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following he left that City with a general stock of merchandise and opened a store in Toledo, at the head of Perry Street, on St. Clair, now the site of the Merchants' Hotel, renting the premises of Coleman 1. Keeler, Jr. Wm. If. Raymond, now of California, was employed as a clerk. In the Summer of 1837, the store was removed to Summit Street, adjoining the Indiana House, and near Perry Street. The next year it went to the corner of Summit and Lagrange Streets, taking a build- ing then recently occupied by Dr. Jacob Clark and Philo Bennett, merchants. Tu 1841 Mr Ketcham removed his store to 32 and 34 Sum- mit Street, where a small wholesale trade was commenced. The Miami Canal, connecting Toledo with Cincinnati, opening in 1843, ex- tended his trade materially. In 1846, Joseph K. Secor became associated with him in the business, the firm being Ketcham & Secor, which continued until 1851, when Mr. Ketcham withdrew and devoted his attention more fully to Banking, having in 1850, with John Poag, begun that business. In 1853, John Berdan and S. S. IInbbard became associated with him, the firm being Ketcham, Berdan & Company, which continued in business until succeeded by the First National Bank of Toledo, in 1863, of which Mr. Ketcham, at the time of his death, had been the only President, covering a period of 24 years, during which time the exceptional success of that important financial institution was due largely to the conservative policy and watchful care of that gentleman ; and it now stands as a substantial monument to his mem- ory. From an early period in his Toledo resi- dence, Mr. Ketcham was more or less in- terested in real estate, having made purchases of the same soon after coming here. These were attended with varying results, but generally turned ont profitable. In the earlier years of his business, he was subjected to the financial reverses then so common, not in Toledo only, but throughout the West. Recovering from these, his course of success became exceptional, until he came to be recognized as among the most wealthy men of Northern Ohio. For such unusual success in the acquisition of property, he regarded himself as chiefly indebted to the timely experience due to limited means and necessity for self-reliance, which marked his early years, whereby he became habituated to the practice of economy and care in the use of' his income. While his capital came to be largely employed in banking and other financial uses, for many years previous to his death he in- vested liberally in the improvement of real es- tate. Among the buildings constructed by him are the following: The block of three four- story Stores, 28-36 Summit Street ; two Stores, 63-65 Summit; two Stores, corner of Summit and Jefferson Streets; in connection with Mars Nearing, the four-story bloek, 189-199 Summit, corner of Adams ; the four-story block,

corners of Summit, Oak and St. Clair; and the like building, under construction at the time of his death, at the Southwest corner of St. Clair and Oak Streets. Beside these, Mr. Ketcham erected a number of smaller business buildings and dwellings. In 1843, he out the brush and cleared the ground on which now stands the Produce Exchange building, 56-60 Madison, corner of St. Clair Street, and thereon erected a brick dwelling. At that time there was but one other house within sight of that point-that of Charles G. Keeler, on the site of the new Government building, Southeast corner Madison and St. Clair Streets. For the former lot Mr. Ketcham paid $1,000, and sub- sequently sold it to John Poag for 84,700. The Produce Exchange, for the same, paid the sum of $55,000. In 1852 he purchased the Western 60 feet of the site of the new Govern- ment building for $1,200, and in 1864, sold it for $4,500. In 1880, it was sold to the United States for $27,000. These facts are interesting as showing something of the advance in values within the business portion of Toledo. As a result of rigid practice of care in diet and life long habits of out-door activity, Mr. Ketcham preserved, in remarkable degree, the vigorous physical strength with which he was blessed in childhood. Bound as he was, during the latter years of his life by the care of vast and complex business interests, his love for agri- cultural pursuits was habitually indulged in daily personal attention to farming operations carried on by him. By such indulgence, no doubt his life was for years preserved. The mile of distance between his residence and the Bank, was rarety passed save on foot. He died at his residence, corner of Cherry and Bancroft Streets, July 30, 1887, after an illness of two weeks. The funeral was attended by his entire family, together with a large concourse of friends and neighbors, including delegations from the Produce Exchange, of which he was a member, and the Bankers of the City. At meetings of the Produce Exchange and Bank- ers, resolutions were passed expressing high respect for the memory of the deceased and condolence with the afflicted family. Coming to Toledo 51 years ago, and throughout that long period of time actively and prominently identified with the business and development of the City, very few of his early Toledo neighbors have been permitted to witness the advance in population and material wealth, which was his privilege. Mr. Ketcham was married at Toledo, December 30, 1841, with Rachel Ann, daughter of Pamela and John Berdan. They had four children-Mary, wife of Mars Nearing, the succeeding President of the First National Bank; John B. 2d, now President of Ketcham National Bank ; Valen- tine H. jr., Director in First National Bank ; and George H., Civil Engineer and Director in First National Bank, all of Toledo.

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

GEORGE W. DAVIS was born near Bel- lows Falls, Vermont, August 17, 1821. His parents were Hiram and Eliza (Wheeler) Davis, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New Hampshire. His first educational privileges were limited to the local Schools of the neighborhood. Subsequently he attended an Academy in the State of New York, where, at the age of 16, be closed his studies. At this time he went to New York City, and engaged as a Clerk in a Dry Goods house, remaining there four years. With such experience in trade, he established a store at Lockport, New York, in 1844. Remaining there in successful trade for 10 years, in 1854 he took the contract for the construction of the portion of what is now the Wabash Railway between Toledo and Logansport, Indiana, of which his brother in- law, the late Warren Colburn, was the Chief Engineer. This was no small enterprise, especially for that early day, being probably the largest Railway contract that had been un- dertaken in the West. Its execution occupied six years, and was made complete, to the satis- faction of the Company, its efficient manage- ment leaving the contractor with a fair financial balance, while other contractors reached less satisfactory results. In 1861, Mr. Davis estab- lished the Marine Bank of Toledo, under State authority, of which he was the President. In 1864, the National Banking system, meantime, having been established, he organized the Second National Bank of Toledo, of which he was chosen President, and with which, the fol- lowing year, the Marine Bank was merged. The eminent successof thisinstitution is largely due to the watchful care of Mr. Davis, who for 24 years has been at its head ; while such rela- tion has given him special prominence in finan- cial circles, at home and abroad. At the same time, he has been identified with various com- mercial and other business interests. In 1861 he was one of the lessees of the Ohio Canals, which interest be retained for many years. Ite was one of the originators of the Toledo Branch of the Canada Southern (now of the Michigan Central) Railway. lle also was for several years a Director of the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway. In the organization of the Wabash Elevator Company at Toledo, with a capital stock of $1,200,000, he took a leading part, and has been a Director of the same from the start. For many years he was interested in insurance, serving for a long time as President of the Home Insurance Company. lle was among the originators of the Tri-State Fair Association of Toledo, and a Director and the Treasurer of the same. Never a secker for public office, Mr. Davis has served in different important local positions. Among these has been that of member and President of the Board of Sinking Fund Commissioners of the City of Toledo, and of the Board of Water Works of Toledo. He was one of the founders

and a Director of the Northwestern Medical College at Toledo; a Director of the Industrial Art School, and of the Protestant Orphans' Home of Toledo. In these, as in other modes open to him, Mr. Davis bas been actively iden- tified with the welfare of his fellow-citizens. Under the heading, " Men You Know," one of the leading papers of Toledo had the following : " Toledo has few citizens who are better known than George W. Davis, President of the Second National Bank. Mr. Davis is close up to six feet in height ; of the withy style of structure; of light hair and a Roman face. He is a man who at onco would be recognized as possessing brain-culture, business energy and integrity. There is much of the Bostonian element in the character of Mr. Davis; and to many he has the appearance of one difficult to approach, not possessing the manners of Western people, who care little or nothing for polish or convention- ality. Mr. Davis is not only well-informed upon questions of finance and trade, but is an extensive reader of the best literature of the times; is fluent and forcible as a talker and speaker ; reaches conclusions quickly and cor- reetly; and is regarded as one of our most capable business men, as evidenced by the fact that he has held the Presidency of one of our leading Banks for many years. He is public- spirited-always willing to help any deserving enterprise, and is not afraid to trust his judg- ment in making investments. He likes a good horse, and nsually drives two of them. By superior foresight, Mr. Davis has investments in some of the most profitable enterprises in our City, and seldom makes a mistake in his estimate of the outcome of any business enter- prise. Whatever he undertakes is ' pushed for all there is in it.' He takes no little interest in local affairs, and in political movements gen- erally adhering to bis party (the Democratic) in State and National contests, but supporting the best men for local offices, regardless of party affiliations. He is a good type of the best New England business men, and those who know him best, esteem him most." In 1872, with his wife, Mr. Davis visited Great Britain and the Continent; Mrs. Davis making two like trips since that time. From early life, Mr. Davis has been an attendant at the Protestant Epis- copal Church, and has served as Vestryman in Trinity Church, Toledo, for over 25 years. In April, 1851, Mr. Davis was married at Syracuse, New York, with Miss Eunice H. Parmelee. Their home in Toledo has ever been one marked by social hospitality and refinement.

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History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 98

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