USA > Ohio > Miami County > Piqua > The first century of Piqua, Ohio > Part 12
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The new stone jail was also completed at this date and Perry Thomp- on was appointed caretaker and turn-key.
In 1891, the Mayor appointed John Adams, Louis Babylon, and lenry Harter for one year.
On March 7, 1892, Babylon resigned and H. M. Paulding was ap- pinted in his place.
Then in Aug., 1893, Harter resigned and Ed. Crampton was substi- ited.
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These three-Adams, Paulding and Crampton, continued without a break in their ranks until 1898, when Adams was dropped and Chas. Simons appointed.
The next year, however, two new members, John McElravy and Jas. Speelman, were added to the force, and in 1900 David Hoban was ap- pointed, thus bringing the number up to six, the same as the original number in 1868.
They were now designated as deputy marshals, and though Speel man dropped out some time during the year he was reinstated at ar election held July 1, 1901, when Simons failed of re-election.
These five men continued as deputy marshals until the New Munic ipal Code went into operation in the spring of 1903, and from that date to the present this department has been under the control of the Board of Public Safety first, and later the Director of Public Safety.
Before resuming the statistical record from this date we will giv a short sketch of the different city prisons and their locations.
In the early days when an arrest was made the prisoner was give an immediate hearing if possible, and if the offense was too serious for nominal fine, he was at once taken to the county jail at Troy, thoug in one case at least we read of a prisoner having been confined in Marti Simpson's cellar, which was under his dwelling at the present postoffic corner.
After the advent of the first hand fire-engine in 1838, the fire-con pany's headquarters were sometimes used for a temporary jail, but afte the new town hall was completed in January, 1845, a wooden "Caliboos was built under the steps that used to lead from the lower front hall 1 the second story.
Escapes from this prison were frequent, for all that was necessar to obtain freedom was to pry off one of the steps of the stairway al walk out the front door.
A new iron "Caliboose" was built in the back room of the town ha by Jos. Clouse in 1863. About 1880 these iron cells were moved to t old market house, and when this structure was torn down in 1882 the cages were left standing in a part of the space now occupied by Dowi park, possibly as a warning to prospective evildoers.
They were finally moved into the rear room of the old Spiker carria shop when that building became the central fire station in 1883.
In 1890, Jacob Hirt was given the contract to erect a stone j. building at the rear of this same fire station, and five new cells we bought from the Champion Iron Works of Kenton, Ohio.
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MILITARY HISTORY-FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT
This ground has recently been sold by the city, but the jail still stands in all its pristince glory, and is now known by the significant name of the "Hotel de Gehle."
When the new Municipal Code went into effect in the spring of 1903, it provided for the appointment of a chief of police and regular patrol- men by the board of public safety.
This board, consisting of W. J. Prince and Chas. L. Suessman, ap- pointed Frank Gehle to that position on July 14, 1903, and the same regular force of patrolmen were retained.
They were H. M. Paulding, Ed. Crampton, John McElravy, Jas. Speel- man, and David Hoban, and there was no break in their ranks until 1909.
Ed. N. Mason, former city marshal, was appointed night-man at headquarters July 15, 1903, but soon resigned and David Legg took the position Feb. 1, 1905.
On June 7 and 8, 1909, Speelman, Crampton, McElravy, and Hoban vere released from duty, leaving only Chief Gehle and Mell Pauling to atrol the entire city, a duty that was well performed with the occasional help of special police until Nov. 14, 1909, when Leon Brennan, Geo. Green, ind Chas. Kuechler were appointed on the regular force.
Since this date removals, resignations, and appointments have been udden and frequent, and though many of the following men have served s special, we will only give dates pertaining to their duties as regular olice.
Geo. Green, resigned Dec. 31, 1909. Chas. Kuechler, resigned March 8, 1910.
John D. Waggoner, appointed May 1, 1910. Chas. F. McDowell, appointed May 1, 1910. Oscar W. Gerard, appointed May 1, 1910.
Leon Brennan, released Jan. 9, 1910. Waggoner, resigned July 26, 1912. Gerard, resigned Aug. 12, 1912. Clyde Lair, appointed Aug. 24, 1912. M. H. Price, appointed Aug. 26, 1912. John A. Henning, appointed Sept. 16, 1912. Henry H. Saunders, appointed Sept. 21, 1912. H. M. Paulding, resigned Oct. 6, 1912. Cloyd A. McClung, appointed Oct. 15, 1912. Saunders, resigned Jan. 6, 1913.
Mont. Spillman, appointed Feb. 1, 1913. McClung, resigned March 10, 1914.
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FIRST CENTURY OF PIQUA
Clyde Lair, resigned March 23, 1914. Harry Holmes, appointed April 21, 1914.
Spillman, resigned Aug. 27, 1914. Earl Pursell, appointed Sept. 16, 1914.
Geo. Andrews, appointed Sept. 28, 1914. M. H. Price, resigned March 5, 1915. Harry Holmes, resigned May 24, 1915.
Harry L. Speelman, appointed July 7, 1915. Jas. H. Shoe, appointed July 8, 1915.
As this brings our record down to the present time we will just call attention to a few facts that otherwise might be overlooked.
One is the long continuous service-20 years and 7 months-of H Mell Paulding, and another is a tendency to criticise on the part of citi zens who are ignorant of the real functions of a police department.
This attitude is not only a present condition, but has followed eacl and every change in this department since the early days when the city marshal constituted the entire police force, while the real facts is tha Piqua, past and present, has been more fortunate in the personnel of thi department than most cities of equal, or even larger, size.
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MIAMI AND ERIE CANAL, PIQUA HYDRAULIC AND BRIDGES
CHAPTER IX. MIAMI AND ERIE CANAL, PIQUA HYDRAULIC AND BRIDGES
CANAL.
T HE Miami and Erie canal was opened for traffic between Dayton and Piqua on July 6, 1837, and that event was marked by a magnificent three days' celebration in our town which began on the morning of the 4th, and ended on the evening of the 6th. In giving an account of this great event, we will adhere as closely as possible to the newspaper report published by W. R. Barrington, in his "Piqua Courier and Equirer" of July 8, 1837 :
July 4th was celebrated in Piqua on a larger scale than ever before. In the early morning a Buckeye tree with the Stars and Stripes waving
SCENE ON CANAL BELOW PIQUA
from its top, and bedecked with every flower of the season, was planted in the middle of Main street in front of the National hotel. Here a pro- cession was formed under the direction of Col. Defrees, Marshal, assisted by Col. Bennett and Major Johnston. On the march, Col. Brownell's Union Troop (Cavalry) occupied the front, followed by the soldiers of the Revolution and of the war of 1812, president of the day, orator, reader, chaplain, invited guests, Sunday School children, and citizens.
The procession repaired to the Baptist church, where the ceremonies were commenced with prayer by Rev. Truitt ; then came the reading of the
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FIRST CENTURY OF PIQUA
Declaration of Independence by Mr. Vaile, and the oration of the day by Dr. Dorsey. After the oration, Col. John JJohnston of Upper Piqua addressed the meeting on the subject of our rapid advancement in inter- nal improvements, after which the company repaired to the National hotel where they sat down to a sumptuous feast prepared by landlord Hunter.
In the evening the celebration was concluded by a splendid ball at Mr. Tamplin's hotel, which passed off to the entire satisfaction of the company.
At the dinner that day, many toasts were given and responded to, among which were: July 4th: The Union of the States; The Constitu- tion ; The President; Geo. Washington; The Miami Canal; etc. Toasts were also drank to the following individuals: Dr. Dorsey; Col. John- ston : Jas. Johnston ; Hon. Stacy Taylor; our host and hostess ; our guest and fellow citizen, Gen. Robert Young; Gen. Robert Lucas; Capt. Brown- ell's Union Troop; Mr. Vaile, and Gen. Harrison.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were proud days for Piqua. Though disappointed in regard to the canal on the 4th, the next day it was ascertained that the first packet boat from Dayton had reached Troy. with Gen. Harrison on board. Our citizens met and appointed a com. mittee of thirty to meet and escort the "Old Farmer" to our town.
About 11 o'clock the cavalade arrived, accompanied by a fine band of music from Dayton, and escorted by about fifty citizens of Troy, passed up Wayne street and down Main to Mr. Tamplin's hotel, where the citi zens of all political parties and opinions, called and greeted the Genera with a warm hearted reception, and interchanged civilities with the citi zens of Troy and Dayton. An excellent dinner was prepared and abou 200 persons partook.
After dinner a number of toasts were drank, among which were Our Beloved Country ; Our Honorable Guest, Wm. Henry Harrison ; to which the General replied with a toast to Public Confidence; Our Buck eye Tree; The Army and Navy; and one by Carter B. Harrison-The Town of Piqua-may its prosperity be as lasting as the hospitality of it citizens is warm and generous.
Our citizens then repaired to the Baptist church where Gen. Harri son made a very interesting speech. Shortly after returning from th church the General was taken in charge by Col. Johnston and left fo Upper Piqua to spend the night. On Thursday morning Gen. Harriso returned to town with an escort of citizens, and at Hunter's hotel cor tinued to receive congratulations from the people, among whom wer
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MIAMI AND ERIE CANAL, PIQUA HYDRAULIC AND BRIDGES
veterans of the revolution, Wayne's army, and soldiers of his own in the war of 1812. After dinner at the National, our citizens were pleasantly greeted by the arrival of a regular packet boat from Dayton. The "Clarion," commanded by Capt. Owens, entered our lock with about 150 ladies and gentlemen from Troy and Dayton, amid the loud cheering of excited thousands, and the deafening rattle of the military.
The passengers were heartily greeted, and remained several hours in Piqua.
About 6 P. M. the "Clarion" entered the lock on her return, when Gen. Robert Young made a very appropriate address, alluding to the coincidence of Gen. Harrison being in town when the first boat came in, and referring to it as being one of the happiest incidents of the day. He spoke in glowing terms of the General and his services to the country. to which the General replied, giving in his short address reminiscences of when he was here with his army many years ago. After many hand shakes and well-wishes, the General and guests boarded the Clarion, and amid cheers and salutes, started on their voyage south. The Piqua boat "Emigrant" filled with passengers, accompanied them as far the Adam's Lock. These three days will long be remembered in Piqua.
Letters of regret were received by the committee from Robert Lucas, Wm. McLean, Sam'l Forrer, Elijah Vance, I. Burnett, Jas. Furgus, Mor- ris Seely, Benj. Tappan, Alfred Kelly, and Wm. Sawyer.
The boat "Emigrant" spoken of above was built on the east bank of the canal, north of Ash street, and was launched June 21, 1837, or one lay after the water had been turned into the channel at the state dam.
Although it may be a slight digression from purely Piqua history. we will give in part Col. John Johnston's speech on this occasion, for it covers all the essential details leading up to the completion of the canal o Piqua :
COL. JOHNSTON'S SPEECH.
My Respected Auditory :- I propose to give you a brief outline of he commencement, progress, and completion, thus far, of the Ohio canals. These will hereafter constitute a subject of deep and anxious enquiry. Such undertakings will be contemplated by future generations among he monuments of public policy that mark the genius of the age in which ve live; and distinguish the spirit, enterprise, and capacity of a great nd free people.
The spirit of the present age is, in an especial manner, directed to he subject of internal improvements. On the 14th of December, 1818,
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FIRST CENTURY OF PIQUA
the subject of internal improvements, by canals, was first introduced to the notice of the State Legislature by Governor Brown in his inaugural address.
In his message of Jan. 5th and Dec. 7th, 1819, the same subject was resumed. On Jan. 14, 1820, the House of Representatives responded to the recommendation of the governor, by resolution, calling for informa- tion respecting the practicability of connecting the Ohio river and Lake Erie by canal.
On Jan. 31, 1822, an act was passed authorizing an examination into this subject, and Benj. Tappan, Alfred Kelly, Tho. Worthington, Ethan A. Brown, Jeremiah Morrow, Isaac Minor, and Ebenezer Buck- ingham were appointed commissioners to execute the revision of the said act.
The commissioners made their first report on Jan. 3, 1823, which was altogether favorable to the proposed improvement.
On Jan. 27, 1823, M. T. Williams, of Hamilton county, was appointed a commissioner in place of Jeremiah Morrow, who declined serving on account of his having been chosen governor of the state.
In Jan., 1824, Messrs. Williams and Kelly were appointed acting commissioners to take immediate direction of the examinations and sur vevs.
On Feb. 25, 1824, Nathaniel Beasly was appointed a canal commis sioner by joint resolution of the general assembly. After much legisla tion, and a thorough examination of all the proposed routes for canals and a minute correspondence had with the capitalists of the City o New York as to the feasibility of procuring funds on the credit of the State of Ohio, by navigable canals, this act, which will be memorable in the annals of Ohio, passed both branches of the Legislature with great unanimity.
One of the actors on that interesting occasion, at the time a membe of the Senate from this county, and now present with us, ( Robert Young has been permitted, by a kind providence, to see the full and entire cor sumation of his proudest hopes and expectations in pursuance of th vote given by him on that day. The then member of the House of Rel resentatives from this county, alas, is not here to partake with us of th general satisfaction; death having long since deprived this town an. county of an estimable citizen in the person of the late John McCorkke Esq.
Laws having now been passed authorizing loans and the commence ment of work on the canals, the legislature proceeded, on Feb. 4, 182;
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MIAMI AND ERIE CANAL, PIQUA HYDRAULIC AND BRIDGES
to permanently organize and appoint a Board of Canal Commissioners when, by joint resolution of the assembly, the following persons were chosen : Alfred Kelly, M. T. Williams, Tho. Worthington, Benj. Tappan, John Johnston, Isaac Minor, and Nathaniel Beasly. And by an act passed the same day, Ethan A. Brown, Eben. Buckingham, Jr., and Allen Trimble, were appointed Canal Fund Commissioners.
The new board having organized, one of their first acts was to invite Gov. Clinton, of the state of New York, to be present with them on the occasion of commencing operations. He accordingly attended, was re- ceived by Governor Morrow, the Canal Fund Commissioners, with an immense concourse of citizens, assembled at Newark, in Licking county, where, in the neighborhood of that town, on the Licking Summit, on July 4, 1826, the ground on the line of the Ohio canal was first broken; Gov. Clinton and Morrow having each taken the spade in hand at the same moment. Subsequently these distinguished personages, having re- paired to Middletown, in Butler county, on the line of the Miami canal, the same ceremony of breaking ground was gone through.
Work on both canals having been thus begun, the enterprise was prosecuted with the utmost energy and vigor, and, fellow-citizens, you are this day witnesses of the completion of the Miami canal from the City of Cincinnati to the mouth of Loramie's creek, a distance of about 100 miles.
I entertain not a doubt that there are many persons here present who will live to see the whole line completed to Lake Erie.
We hazard the assertion that there is no event of a similar character to be found in the history of the world, that can compare with the origin, progress, and termination of the Ohio canals.
A community but of yesterday; scattered over an immense surface of wild and uncultivated country, but lately redeemed from the dominion of the savages; without capital, either in money or lands, without re- sources of any kind other than those common to new settlers everywhere, I say a community thus circumstanced undertaking works of so much cost and magnitude, reflects immortal honor upon its citizens, and es- ecially upon the successive legislators of Ohio, and the agents entrusted with the administration of her affairs.
In this numerous and respected auditory, it is gratifying to behold still a few survivors of the American Revolution, heroes and patriots, he followers of the immortal Washington. They have been spared by a gracious Providence to see the wilderness here blossom and bloom as the
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FIRST CENTURY OF PIQUA
rose, to witness what has been considered in other times and in other countries, the consummation and finish of the efforts of genius, in the maturity of the arts and sciences.
In the infancy of her years, upwards of 400 miles of navigable canals are now owned by the state of Ohio, undertaken at a time when her population did not exceed half a million souls.
The means you all know have been borrowed on the faith of the state; and so highly has our character been estimated abroad that, so soon as it was known in England that we were about to embark in the canal policy, an offer was made by one of the most eminent bankers in London to supply us with all the money that we might need. This was indeed a high compliment paid to our state, and should teach us in all future time to maintain inviolate our faith with foreign creditors, as well as with our own citizens.
It has been our good fortune, as a people, to enjoy a more general state of prosperity than many of our sister states; this has been chiefly owning to the steady course of our public men in sustaining the cause of internal improvements, and upholding inviolate the credit of the com- monwealth.
MY RESPECTED FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS :
It is now 44 years since he who addresses you first set his foot on the soil of Ohio, at Cincinnati. What mighty changes have been since wrought in the state and condition of the country, and that, too, in the short lifetime of a single individual. Within the ground-plat of this now populous, wealthy, and flourishing town, as well as at Upper Piqua, the place of his residence, has he often in company with the Indians and their interpreters, made his lodging for the night upon the cold ground, there being neither house nor settler to shelter us. And this was the state of things from Cincinnati to Lake Erie,-go in what direction you would, only the smoke of the Indian camp met the eye. Now the red man has gone far away beyond the Father of Rivers-his face is no longer seen in a land so lately entirely his own. What melancholy re- fections does the history of the primitive inhabitants of America pro- duce, and what a reproach it will be in after times to the political and religious character of the citizens of these United States. The christian's God can never become the God of the Indian, because he has been taught by woeful experience that there is neither faith nor confidence to be put in our race.
We will offer no apology for quoting more of Col. Johnston's speech than is pertinent to the subject of canals, for it brings out the person-
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ality of the man, and leaves no doubt as to why he was so generally respected by both the settlers and the Indians.
The canal was finished from Cincinnati to Dayton, and the first boats arrived in the latter town on Jan. 25, 1829. They came in the fol- lowing order: The Governor Brown, The Farrer, The General Marion, and that night The General Pike. They were received with all the cheer- ing and enthusiasm that marked a similar event in Piqua in 1837.
In the following letter from our representative will be seen the next step in the continuance of the canal to the north. The bill referred to passed the House Jan. 28, 1830 :
Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 3, 1830.
Col. John Johnston,
Dear Sir: With great pleasure I hasten to communicate to you and my constituents that the bill to authorize a survey of the Miami canal from Dayton to the mouth of the Auglaize river has this day passed the Senate, and has become a law. This law provides that engineers proceed as early in the present year as practical to make said survey. No particular route is called for in said law, but on the most practical route from Dayton to De- fiance. Amount to be expended on survey limited to $1,500.
(Signed), WM. BARBEE.
This survey was made, and it is no doubt due to the efforts of Col. Johnston as commissioner that the Piqua route was selected.
In July, 1831, a large meeting of the citizens was held in the sem- inary at Piqua for the purpose of furthering the canal project, and sev- eral resolutions to that effect were adopted.
The next step toward the real work of construction was the public sale of Canal Lands in the Piqua District, which took place at the Piqua Land Office during the week beginning with Oct. 22, 1832.
This sale was conducted by Tho. B. VanHorne, Register; Jos. G. Young, Receiver.
The real work of digging began in 1833, and by the first of June, 1834, many of the shorter sections were let to local contractors. Among hese were Brownell & Sumner, J. G. & A. C. Furrow, Win. Johnston und others. Samuel Davis built the locks at Lockington, and A. G. Conover was one of the prominent civil engineers on the line of con- truction. Wm. J. Jackson was one of the chief engineers, and after- vard wrote a complete history of the Ohio canals.
The work on this division was finally completed and the water turned n at the State Dam on June 20, 1837. The freight-boat "Emigrant"
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was launched the next day and about seventy people had the pleasure of passing through the Piqua lock for the first time.
On the 22nd a small boat from Northumberland, Penn., arrived at the basin, and proceeded with a party of pleasure seekers to the mouth of the Loramie. This was the first arrival, but the boat had to be hauled several miles on account of the water not having been let in between Troy and Culbertson's lock. Then came the great celebration already de- scribed, when the canal was formally opened for traffic.
The property owners on the west side of the canal between Ash and Greene streets excavated a basin out of their private property, leaving a landing thirty feet wide between their buildings and the wharf. This was named Canal street.
Demas Adams, Jr., who built and had a store in the brick building at the head of Main street, (Reedy's Shop), also constructed a basin in which the boats could be turned.
As early as July 20, 1837, the following firms were receiving and forwarding goods by canal: N. Greenham, L. Brownell, Alexander & Graham, Van Ness & Porter, and by Aug. 12th a regularly established line of passenger boats were running between Piqua and Cincinnati. The packet boats Ranger and Visitor-Capt. Owens-arriving and de- parting tri-weekly.
After the canal was in active operation, Piqua became the distrib- uting point for North-western Ohio, and many persons engaged in the business of "Wagoning" shipments from Piqua to their various points of destination.
Shipments of produce were also brought in, and our town soon be- gan to assume metropolitan airs.
By Dec. 1, 1837, there had already been upwards of $5,000 paid out for hoop-poles alone within a few miles of Piqua where, previous to the opening of the canal, there had been no inducement for cutting them. In after years the hoop-pole became known as "Dark County Currency."
In the report of the Collector at Piqua the following shows his record from Sept. 14 to Dec. 1. 1837 :
Arrived.
Cleared.
Salt 375,023 Pounds
Plank 24,236 Feet
Merchandise 179,910
66
Hoop-poles 80,085 Poles
Iron and Nails 87,850
66
House Goods 17,122 Pounds
Cheese
3,302
Butter 12,683
Flour
156 Barrels
Lard 7,200 Pounds
Leather
1,412 66
Castings
40,526 66
Sash 2,084 66
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MIAMI AND ERIE CANAL, PIQUA HYDRAULIC AND BRIDGES
At this late day it is impossible to give a full list of boats, owners, and captains. For those we have secured we are indebted to old records of Ashton & Ewing, old newspapers, and especially to Adam Conover, who as a young boy, commenced driving when the canal was first com- pleted and worked his way up in the boating business until he became the most expert "Bowsman" on the canal. He was also captain of one of the packets for a time.
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