History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 99

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 99

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WILSON W. GRIFFITH was born near the Falls of Sugar Creek, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, February 14, 1823. He was a son of Walter Griffith. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Jennings, and the parents were married at Georgetown, District of Columbia. They came to Ohio about 1803, settling on a

20 AV Davis

Miver S. Bonds

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farm near the Falls of Sugar Creek. Being among the carliest settlers of the County, they were subjected to the experiences common to the pioneers of that date, which included se- vere toil, privation of comforts of life, sickness and want of social and educational privileges. They were located about 25 miles North of Gnadenhutten, the scene of the massacre of Moravian Indians, 20 years previous to the arrival of Mr. Griffith and family. The father died in 1827. When 14 years of age, Wilson left the farm and went to Lebanon, Wayne County. Hero he remained for a few years, and then engaged as Clerk in a Store at Mas- sillon. In 1840, when 17 years of age, he went to Oberlin, with the view of taking a full Col- lege course, It after spending about two years in preparatory studies his health so far failed, that be was compelled to relinquish his pur- pose, much to his disappointment. In 1843, he went to Bethlehem, Stark County, where he acted as Clerk in a Store and taught Sehool. In the same Town Joseph Medill, now Editor of the Chicago Tribune, also taught a School. Mr. Griffith commenced his business life in 1845, by opening a Store at Sugar Creek. In 1849 he removed his stock to Middlebury, Indiana, and also engaged in milling there. Remaining until 1854, he then came to Toledo, and engaged in the Grain, Warehouse and Commission business with Wm. G. Powers, occupying the " Old Red Warehouse," foot of Monroe Street, which property Mr. Griffith soon purchased and yet owns. In 1858, with Robert Cummings, Mr. Griffith engaged in the Wholesale Boot and Shoe trade. This arrangement eontinned until March, 1862, when the firm of R. & J. Cummings took the business, and Mr. Griffith returned to the Com- mission and Grain trade, at the former stand. His health again becoming impaired, in 1866 he commenced a series of journeys, including visits to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and to many portions of the United States, including the Pacific Coast. In the course of his home trav- els he has visited all the States of the Union, and every one of the Territories, save Dakota, Montana and Alaska. Many letters written by him to his family, while abroad, were pub- lished by the Toledo press, and for their intel- ligent, discriminating style of description, were much valued by readers. Like communica- tions were furnished from the Pacific Coast and elsewhere. In 1869, Mr. Griffith was elected as Representative to the Ohio Legisla- ture, in which capacity he occupied an un- usually prominent and useful position. Among other things, he presented and ably supported in debate, a series of resolutions protesting against the bad faith of the State of Indiana. in not maintaining according to the obligations assumed by her, her section of the Wabash and Erie Canal. In 1871, with Henry B. Probasco, of Cincinnati, he was appointed by President

Grant a Centennial Commissioner for Ohio, holding such position until the close of the Ex- position of 1876, at Philadelphia. Throughout the Rebellion, with the carnest co-operation of Mrs. Griffith, he was active and effective in contributing to the needs of the Soldiers of the Union ; and although from physical incapacity, exempt from military service, he sent two sub- stitutes to the field. In 1871, Mr. Griffith was chiefly active in the establishment of the Merchants National Bank of Toledo, of which he was the President until 1882. He was prominent in the establishment at Toledo of the Milburn Wagon Works, one of the largest manufacturing concerns of the kind in the world, which has contributed largely to the prosperity and population of the City. In politics Mr. Griffith was originally an Anti- Slavery Whig, and since the organization of the Republican party has acted with that as being nearest to his earliest and most settled political convictions. In 1844 he was married with Miss Margaret Miller of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. They have two children-Ethelbert S., of Toledo, and Mrs. Alice D. Rycroft, of New York.

OLIVER S. BOND was born June 29, 1831, on his father's farm, near Richmond, Indiana. He is the eldest son of William Commons and Hannah Locke Bond. His parents are mem- bers of the Society of Friends, his grandfather Jesse Bond having been a Preacher therein for over sixty years, dying at the age of 84 ; while his grandfather William Locke sat at the head of the Meeting, at Economy, 10 miles distant, for about the same period, and died at about same age. Oliver was Clerk of the Meeting when but 16 years of age, the Meeting-House being on his father's farm. His parents were married September 23, 1830, and now in the 58th year of their wedded life, and in the enjoyment of fair health and vigor, are living by themselves, enjoying all of life's comforts in the old homestead built on the ground where Oliver was born. Of six chil- dren born to them, there has been no death. An uncle, Nathan Bond, in July, 1887, cele- brated his 67th marriage anniversary, having been married in 1820. An aunt, Ruth Nichol- son, celebrated her golden wedding two years ago ; and an uncle, John A. Locke, his mother's brother, celebrated his last year ; they all living on neighboring farms. The Bond family have occupied the old homestead for nearly 100 years. The Bonds and Commons came from England and Scotland, and settled in Virginia, near Har- per's Ferry ; the Lockes and Mills, on his mother's side, also from England, at a very early date, settled in Maryland, near Baltimore. Jesse Bond moved West about 1800, being the first white family to cross the White Water River, at Richmond, for settlement. Oliver's childhood, and his youth until 19 years of age,

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were spent on the farm. He attended District Schools during a portion of the Winter seasons, which, with two terms at White Water College, constituted his School privileges. His mind was much absorbed in his educational pursuits -so much so, that he sometimes took his lesson- book to the field, that, by studying while others rested, he might the more fully keep up with his studies. At the age stated (in 1850) he left home and went to Pern, Indiana, where he found employment as Clerk in the store of Smith & Crowell, who then had the trade of the Miami tribe of Indians, then somewhat numer- ons in that vicinity. With these he held specially friendly relations, and many incidents might be given of his experience and observa- tion in connection with them. In 1854 he went to New York City, spending two years with a Wholesale Dry Goods and Notions Store, trav- eling throughout the West, making collections and soliciting trade. Coming to Toledo in 1856, he found employment with the firm of Bell, Deveau & Co., as Salesman and Collector. Ile remained with that house and its succes- sors for two years, and on July 15, 1858, with Wm. B. Messinger(firm Messinger & Bond) opened the first exclusively Wholesale Boot and Shoe establishment in Toledo. Continuing in the trade for 12 years, he retired, being suc- ceeded by what is now the house of Dewey. Rodgers & Co. He then had been for several years a Director in the Northern National Bank, and to provide for the temporary absence of President Shoemaker in California, in 1871, he was elected Vice President, and became Acting President of the Bank. While connected with that Bank, he conceived the plan of establishing in Toledo a Savings Bank for the exclusive use of savings ; and the more fully to mature the same, he spent many months in critical investigation of the principles and methods of such institutions in New England. While East, his arrangements for such enter- prise were so far advanced that most of the requisite capital stock was taken there, by his personal friends and relatives. Re- turning to Toledo, the organization of the Mer- chants' and Clerks' Savings Institution was completed February 10, 1871, with ; Matthew Shoemaker as President, and Mr. Bond as Secretary and Treasurer. The latter held that position for over 17 years, during which period the institution enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity under his management, meeting in tull the expectations of its stockholders and possessing the entire confidence of depositors and the public. At the last annual election, held January 3, 1888, Mr. Bond was chosen President, and E. Louis Schomburg Treasurer. Naturally of a conservative turn of mind, that quality has been specially controlling in Mr. Bond's business lite, whereby he has been able largely to guard his own interests and those of others committed to his charge, from the perils

of rash and inconsiderate ventures under alluring conditions. During his business life he has taken vacations from time to time for the purpose of recreation, visiting the South three times, and making trips to California, the North and the East, beside a visit to Great Britain and France. He owns a farm near Toledo, where he finds much pleasure and rec- reation. Since first leaving home, it has been his invariable practice, to make annual visits to his parents, which occasions have been marked by special interest and mutual profit, and attended by large numbers of family con- nections and other friends. Mr. Bond has been habitually an extensive reader of current litera- ture, of which he has always had large supply. For 25 years he has lived in the house on Supe- rior Street, bought and furnished by him before his marriage, and has occupied the same busi- ness building, 78 Summit Street (owned by him), for 30 years. He has been identified in different ways with the welfare of his fellow-citizens. Ile is a life-member of several charitable and benevolent institutions; is Vice President of the Toledo Humane Society ; and for many years was a Trustee of the Toledo Library As- sociation, before it was merged into the Public Library. His interest in religious work has been shown in habitual attendance on public services and in contributions for support of religious work.

Mr. Bond was married in New York City, December 23, 1863, with Miss Clara A. Ray- mond, only danghter of Hon. John Raymond. They have had six children, of whom four are now living. Henry, the eldest son, while com- pleting his education in England, was married with Miss Carrie Dalton, an Artist of note, they now residing at Los Angeles, California. The two daughters, Eva and Mabel, and the younger son, Walter, are with their parents in Toledo. The living children are all members of Trinity Church, as also is Mrs. Bond, who has been actively and nsefully identified with the work of Trinity Church, as with benevolent enter- prises of different kinds, contributing liberally in labors and means, as opportunity offered, to the comfort and relief of others.

REED VINCENT BOICE was born March 21, 1832, at Pipe Creek, Tioga County, New York. Ile is a son of John P. and Roxy (Williams) Boice, the latter's home previous to marriage having been at Albion, New York. The family removed to Oak Orchard Creek, Orleans County, where the mother died in 1837. The following year the son came to Ohio with an uncle, who settled on a farm near Venice, now in Erie County. There and in the vicinity Reed remained for eight years, living about, as fortune favored, until he was nine years of age, when he began his life of self-support in the family of a neighbor, with whom he remained until he came to his father at Toledo, in March,

R & Boice

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1846, making the trip of about 45 miles on foot. His father was a contractor and a mason by trade (the latter then including stone and brick-work and plastering), and had been in Toledo several years. He built several of the first brick buildings bere, including the dwel- lings now occupied by Rev. Wm. W. Williams (424 Superior Street), and General C. B. Phil- lips (495 Summit Street), and what came to be known as the Collins House, Northwest corner of Jefferson and St. Clair Streets, now the site of the Hall Block. The son at once began work with his father, and continued the same until his majority. He then commenced business on his own account, as Builder and Contractor. In 1854 he opened a Grocery and Provision Store in East Toledo, then a separate Town and known as Utah, meantime pursuing the business of building. In 1860 he sold his store to James Raymer. In December, 1861, the Rebellion having broken out, he volun- teered for service in the Union Army, and was mustered in as Hospital Steward of the Third Ohio Cavalry. Serving as such until Novem- ber 30, 1864, he was then promoted as First Lieutenant, and detailed, first as Regimental, and subsequently as Brigade Commissary. In such capacities he served, to the full acceptance of commanding officers, until mustered out, August 14, 1865, at the close of the war, mean- time having been promoted to the rank of Captain. Throughout nearly four years of service he was active, earnest and efficient in the important department to which he was assigned, his methods in some respects differ- ing from others known to the service. He never dealt in Soldiers' rations; but in cases of accumulation from non-use, his practice was to divide the surplus among the Soldiers to whom, by right, they belonged. At the close of the War Captain Boice found that the support of

his family and pecuniary liability for others had pretty much exhausted his financial means, when he returned to his trade as a mason, and was soon measurably successful. In 1880 he became interested financially in manufacturing enterprises which proved to be unfortunate in results, cansing material loss to investors. It is quite safe to state, that Mr. Boice has been identified, as full or partial builder, with more substantial brick buildings and other struc. tures in Toledo than has any other man. Among these are the Boody House, the Hall Block, First Congregational Church edifice, the Drummond Block, the Burnett House, Eaton's Store (165-171 Summit Street), Mer- chants National Bank, Store 132-134 Summit Street, Trinity Church edifice (corner Adams and St. Clair Streets), the Water Works Stand Pipe, St. Joseph's Church edifice, residences of P. F. Berdan, A. B. Waite, Wager Swayne, and others; the Blade Printing and Paper Company building; the First, Fifth, Seventh and Eighth Wards School buildings, and the Fifth, Seventh, and Eighth Wards Fire- Engine houses-each of which structures bear sub- stantial testimony to both his skill and his fidelity. In January, 1883, the Directors of the Merchants National Bank elected him as President of that institution, which position he has since held, to the special acceptance of the stockholders and customers. His standing among his fellow-citizens and where an active life of over 40 years has been passed, is that of an industrious, enterprising and honorable man, with an active interest in whatever con- cerns the well-being of others. Mr. Boice was married October 31, 1852, with Miss Lois A. Smith, in Groton, Erie County. They have four children-Frederick, John R., Warren, and Emma L., wife of Dr. Harry W. Hartwell- all residents of Toledo.

CHAPTER XIX.

REAL ESTATE SALES AND IMPROVEMENTS.

IT would be impractable, in the limited space I allowed by this volume, to follow with any- thing like full notes the advance of Toledo in growth, development and improvement. Hence, the best to be done in that direction will be to make such way marks of these as shall indicate the progress made at different periods.

In an article on " Toledo," the Blade of Feb- ruary 6, 1846, had the following items :

There were then occupied 12 warehouses, 2 and 3 stories high, with two more being built-some of those in use paying as high as $1,500 rent. For nearly a mile Water Street formed a quay along the harbor, where warehouses could be built with no expense bnt driving piles for foundations and the buildings thereon. Summit Street was graded for nearly a mile ready for paving. Back of that was St. Clair Street, then being graded for residences. Plank Walks had then been built on that Street. Five commodious Church edifices had been built for the Congregational, Episcopal, Catholic, Methodist and German Reformed Societies. There were Schools in the three Districts, a Female Institute under Catholic Nuns, a Female Seleet School taught by a Protestant lady (Miss Jenks), and a Select School for both sexes under an experienced teacher.

The year 1846 was an important period in the history of Toledo. Three years after the opening of the Wabash Canal, one year after that of the Miami Canal, the stimulating effects of those improvements had then fairly begun to be felt. These, however, would have been more material in their influence, but for the fact that their advantages had been for ten years liberally discounted in speculation. In fact, during the most of that period, there had been little beyond the prospective Canals to save the Town from the fate which so many of its rivals finally reached. On that dependence largely rested the hopes of the residents, who so long held on hoping-sometimes almost against hope-that, the Canals once completed, Toledo would enter on a new and more vigorous state. Such expectation was largely justified in the result, though in no degree to meet the wishes or the needs of many. The trade from the Canals, not large at first, in- creased in volume and local benefits, and soon gave assurance of permanent prosperity.

Among the evidences of increased and in- creasing growth was the advance then made by the publishers of the Blade (Scott & Fair- banks), in adding to their Weekly edition the Tri-Weekly Blade-the first newspaper in Ohio outside Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus, issued oftener than once a week. It was dated

May 16, 1846, and contained an editorial article setting forth facts in regard to Toledo's condi- tion and prospects from which the following is taken :

At this point, nearly all the exchange commerce between Lake Erie and the two Canals-known as the Wabash and Erie and the Miami and Eric-is transacted. These Canals stretch through nearly 500 miles of the finest section of this great Valley, and bring us into intimate commercial connection with many large Towns and an extensive country. Some of this-as the Miami country-is well im- proved ; but most of it is in a state of rapid progres- sion from a wilderness to general cultivation. On the Southeast side of the Maumee the fand is heavily timbered and exceedingly rich. On the Northwest is a pleasing variety of openings. prairies and timber lands, possessing every variety of soil. These lands that are not in the hands of culti- vators are on sale at prices varying from $1.00 to $5.00 per acre. Farms partially improved are purchasable at a low rate, compared with their intrinsic value.

The site of Toledo, innnediately on the harbor, is fine, having a convenient elevation of from 8 to 30 feet above high water. The plat is considerably uneven, so that when properly graded it will have an agreeable undulation, allowing a rapid movement of surplus water along the Streets. The Harbor is more than half a mile wide and several miles long, atfording a depth of from 12 to 30 feet.

Our population is small compared to our busi- ness, and our unrivaled means to support a future growth. On the Ist of January it was but a fraction over 2,100.

The facilities provided for the transaction of com- mercial and manufacturing business are considerable. There are 14 Warehouses, some of them very large ; 3 Flouring Mills, of 4 runs each, in and around the City ; 2 Banks, with capital of $100,000 each ; public houses and storehouses in abundance; a line of superb Packets on the Miami and Erie Canal, one of which leaves Toledo and Cincinnati every day and goes through in 60 hours; a tri-weekly line of good Packets on the Wabash and Erie Canal ; a daily line of Steamboats, connecting us with Buffalo ; and a good supply of Canal Boats on both Canals for the transportation of freights. Also, a daily line of Steamers connecting us with Detroit. We have fine Churches and a good supply of Schools of every grade.

Measures are now in progress to remove all local causes of disease, so that the liability of our place to severe bilious disorders, so much exaggerated by common fame, aided by envious rivals, will be num- bered with things of the past. Our rapid progress towards the accomplishment of our early expecta- tions of Toledo becoming a great commercial City, we believe cannot be much longer delayed. A few years will suffice to give confidence in its salubrity and to demonstrate its extraordinary advantages for business.

At that time the principal Canal traffic with Cincinnati was by the Doyle & Dickey Line of

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HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

Packets, which advertised to make daily trips, " Through in 60 Hours!" " Travelers going South, or those from the South wishing to visit Niagara Falls, on their way to New York, Boston or any of the Eastern Cities," were assured that they would find this route cheaper and quicker than any other route traveled between the Lakes and Cincinnati." The fol- lowing Packets composed the line: The Em- pire, Captain E. M. Shafer; the Fashion, Cap- tain M. Van Horn ; the Banner, Caplain James Savil; the Eric, Captain Joseph Gilmore; the Clarion, Captain J. R. Smith, and the Laurel, Captain Joseph Cathcart. These were " pro- vided with ventilators in their decks," while " the Ladies' Saloons were furnished with sofas equal and not excelled by any Packets in the United States."

Tolelo made substantial advance in the year 1847, when its population increased, as esti- mated, from 2,300 to 3,000. There had been erected 78 buildings, including many for busi- ness purposes. At that time, among the several branches of trade and professions, there were 11 Retail Dry Goods Stores, 2 Jobbing Houses, 22 dealers in groceries, provisions, &c., 3 Drug Stores, 9 Forwarding and Commission Houses, 7 Physicians, 17 Lawyers, 3 Breweries, 5 Ship- yards, 1 Printing Office, 2 Saloons, 2 Banks, 13 Insurance Offices, 2 Liquor Stores, 9 Hotels, 4 District School Houses, 1 Female Seminary, 5 Churches, 1 Nunnery, 1 Odd Fellows and I Masonic Lodge, 1 Division Sons of Temper- ance and about 200 Joiners and Carpenters.

The large Grain Warehouse and Steam Grain Elevators of Brownlee, Pendleton & Co. (South- east corner Water and Madison streets) were erected, being the first improvement of the kind at the West end of Lake Erie. That firm paid the old United States Bank $22,000 for 80 feet on the River and Water Street, and expended $18,000 on the building. It held 200,000 bushels of grain, with space in base- ment for 4,500 barrels. The work was done under superintendence of Horace Saxton, formerly of Norwalk, Ohio. The property was sold to King Bros. (C. A. & F. J. King) in 1854. In 1869 C. A. King erected the present eleva- tors on the same site. The corresponding 80 feet on Summit and Madison was purchased of the same Bank by John Poag, who in 1847 built the block now standing thereon. He paid $1,800 for the site, or $22.50 per foot front. It is now worth $1,000 per foot.

An article in the Toledo Republican of No- vember 24, 1849, headed, "What Toledo Wants," indicales both the situation and the expectations of that time as to the future of the City. The " wants " stated, were :

1. The system of Plank Roads, then begun, fuliy carried out. 2. The Wabash Canal opened to Evans- ville. 3. The Railroad opened through to Chicago. 4. A first-class line of Steamers to Buffalo. 5. The

completion of the system of Sewerage then com- menced.

The present condition and resources of To- ledo were thus stated :

1. Canal completed within 18 months, 710 miles. 2. Railroad to Chicago to be completed within 18 months, 250 miles. Plank Roads in process of con- struction, including connection with the Western Reserve and Maumee Road, all to be completed in 18 months, 250 miles. 4. The thoroughfares already completed had made Toledo "the first exporting point on the Lakes."

The year 1852 was noted for an unusual number of valuable improvements in the way of business buildings erected in Toledo. Among these were the following :

By Wm. R. Morris-Brick block 80x120, 4 stories, Southeast corner Summit and Jefferson-cost, $16,000. Thomas Daniels-Brick store corner Cherry and Summit, $3,000. J. F. Schuerman-Brick store next to Daniels, $3,000. Latimer, Andrews & Co .- Brick block for Blade Office, 150 Summit Street, 4 stories, $6,000. Matthew Johnson-Banking building, 4 stories, 154 Summit Street (now Toledo National Bank), $9,000. C. B. Phillips-Brick block, 2 stores, 3 stories, 158-160 Summit Street, $8,000. Judge Miller, of Mt. Vernon-Brick building, 3 stories, 162 Sum- mit, $3,000. J. C. Hall-Brick block, 3 stores, 4 stories, 50x75, 47-51 Summit Street, $6,000. A. B. Waite- Brick block corner St. Clair and Monroe, 3 stories, $4,000.

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History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 99

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