USA > Ohio > Miami County > Piqua > The first century of Piqua, Ohio > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31
This is a good example of all the early toll-pikes leading into Piqua, and they all eventually became the property of the County.
OLD MARKET HOUSE, JULY. 1882. PIQUA. O.
OLD MARKET HOUSE, BUILT IN 1850
The strip of ground now occupied by Down's park and Market street was bought by the city in 1850, and a brick Market House built on the north side of the east end. Market street was laid out, and out-door stands erected along the north side of the building for gardeners, the in-door stalls all being taken by the butchers. Market was held early in the morning until 1890 when it was changed to afternoon.
1851
In 1851 the Columbus, Piqua & Indiana R. R. Co., was authorized to use the north side of Sycamore street for their track through Piqua.
The front south room in the town hall was rented to a stage company at $50 per year, and the market room in the rear was refitted for an engine house
TOMT
o 18
E
G The n.
81
CIVIL HISTORY-CONTINUED
1852
The hay scales on the Public Square, formerly owned by Lawton & Barnett, became the property of the city.
The ordinance on shooting within the city limits was suspended for 30 days, to allow the Mayor (Mr. Elliott) to shoot the pigeons that roost on the cornice and cupola of the town hall.
After this date the Mayor was elected to serve two years instead of one.
1853
The new fire-bell was bought in December, 1853, and hung in the cupola of the town hall in Jan., 1854. This bell is still in use at the Central Fire Station. It cost the city $350.
The contribution to the Washington Monument Fund collected on election day, was forwarded to the proper officials in Washington City.
The old well midway between the Main street corner and central hall, on the south side of the public square, was dug in 1853.
Seven copies of Bevans' map of Piqua were paid for at a cost of $51.
1854.
Ground was bought and survey of street made to connect the new Piqua and Versailles Turn-pike from city limits to Texas street, or Ceme- tery Alley, (Now Park Avenue.)
D. A. Silver erected the stone arch bridge over the canal at Ash street in 1854. This bridge was removed by John Shannon and Ed. Linn in 1901, and a new hoist bridge erected by the Massilon Bridge Company.
The contract to light the streets of the city was given the Piqua Gas and Coke Co. on Feb. 6, 1855. The contract was signed by J. G. Young, A. C. Alexander, Robert Cloverdale, and M. B. Upton. That part of River street between Spring street and the canal was given to the Gas Company.
1855
Twelve lamp-posts were erected at prominent street corners, and gas company ordered to place one at every corner in the city.
nd cal
The hill at the west end of Cemetery Alley (Cron's hill) was cut down und graded in 1855, by contractors Geo. Williamson, Frank Hardy, and John Rayner, Jr. This made a new line for the Stillwater road which had formerly entered town through the bottom of what is now Echo Lake.
Grading for the Louisville, Eaton, & Sandusky R. R. was commenced n the 2nd Ward. Capt. Downs' name for this road was the "Jerusalem & apan."
1856
On Oct. 7th an ordinance was passed prohibiting fire-balls, bon-fires, and ire-crackers in the city limits.
oui
P
== 1
=========
PORd
site of
reese
Pike
- State Dam.
Cot. Johnsto HOUSE Supper Pigwaje
Earth Work.
£
+5
- Paqua - and Upper Piqua -1853
Mound
Mound
Rush Cz
Piqua Cem.
- Mount
Alley
Cemetery
old Catholic cemetery
Pizza P
Hilliard Saw Mi11
Clayton Rd.
- Projected Lite- C. Band I-R.R. covington
Hilliard Home
Pike
Old Covington Rd.
L.E.ANH S. R.R.
Przy
Z8L1)
2181-113 _====-
×2023 420
A. Schroeder. Civil Ex -
1916-92
Harden
site of Ft. Piqua
canal
OGLI
-
Gen. Harrison 220M 24075 P10
Fl. Pickawillany
=
=
Run
Creek
Toll Pike
Muskrat 501/105121
P
B
tersville
Grist Min
P.A
€
Road
83
CIVIL HISTORY-CONTINUED
The result of the Presidential election, City and Township, Nov. 4, 1856.
Fremont & Dayton Republican Party 601 Votes
Buchanan & Breckinridge Democrat Party. 391 Votes
Fillmore & Donaldson
American Party 22 Votes
Scattering . 3 Votes
Total 1017 Votes
1857
Nearly all the happenings of this year pertained to the fire companies and the digging of fire wells. This subject is recorded in detail in our Fire Department History.
1858
The first iron safe for the use of the Mayor and Clerk of the city was purchased for $75. This old safe is still in use. (1907).
On June 8th, enough ground was given by Defrees & Shannon to open College street from High, to where it intersects the Piqua and Covington Turn-pike. The cut under the railroad at this point was also made at this time.
1859
M. H. Jones and Wm. M. Garvey were appointed a committee to go to Columbus and see what could be done in having the new penitentiary located at Piqua.
A bill of $30 was presented by S. H. Mathews for placing the picture of Piqua Union School on the new county map.
1860
An ordinance allowing trial by jury before the Mayor passed March 5th.
In April, high water in the river flooded East Piqua cutting through the new levee near the head of Harrison street.
Lawton & Barnett, who built the large grain warehouse on the canal east of the public square in 1850, were allowed to place wagon scales just north of the town hall in 1860.
The result of the Presidental election in City and Township Nov. 6th.
Lincoln & Hamlin Republican Party 636 Votes
Douglas & Johnston
Democrat Party 423 Votes
Breckenridge & Lane
National Democrat Party 7 Votes
Bell & Everett
Union Party 7 Votes
Total 1073 Votes
Population in 1860, 4616.
1861
The breaking out of the Civil War early in 1861 caused much excite- ment in our city. After President Lincoln's first call for volunteers, and
and
84
THE FIRST CENTURY OF PIQUA
the two Piqua Companies had organized and started to the front, council, on April 22nd, resolved that $10,000, or any part of that amount needed, be appropriated for the relief of the families of the volunteers. In order to give this relief, economical administration of city finances was determined upon, and for a time even the gas lights on the streets were dispensed with. The Township Trustees also set aside $700 for a relief fund. "Piqua in the Civil War" will be found more complete in another chapter.
1862
Mayor W. N. Foster resigned to join the army in February, and Clerk F. A. Hardy enlisted in the 94th. Ohio in'62. These official vacancies were filled by men who were elected to the same offices in the following election.
1863
A new "Iron" Calaboose was built in the town hall in September A resolution was passed by council to consolidate the offices of Market Master, Weight-Master, and Wood-Measurer.
1864
On May 21st. the Township Trustees ordered that a tax be collected to pay $100 bounty to each volunteer reenlisting in the township.
Township bonds of $100 each, 110 in number, were issued for this purpose as each township must fill their quota of soldiers.
Presidential election of Nov. 8th. 1864.
Lincoln & Johnston Republican Party 694 Votes
McClelland & Pendleton Democrat Party 435 Votes
Total 1129 Votes
1865
At a meeting of council on April 25th. resolutions were passed expressin regret for the assassination of President Lincoln, and the attempt on th life of Secretary Seward.
For some reason, now unknown, six members of council resigned i June, and there were no more meetings until after the next April election.
1866
About the only thing of local interest for this year was the issuing ( $50,000 bonds for assisting a local hydraulic company.
The November meteroic shower was almost a repetition of 1833.
1867
Mayor Clark resigned Oct. 10th. and W. B. Garvey was selected for th remainder of his term.
On April 15th. a petition was presented by Rev. Wm. Greenough askir council to call a town meeting for the purpose of sending relief in money produce to the sufferers of the South, was read and action taken. Qui an amount was raised and sent to the proper authorities for distribution.
85
CIVIL HISTORY-CONTINUED
1868
All ground between Water street and the C. & I. C. R. R. west of the old Covington road, and east of College street, was bought by the city May 19th, for $10,000. The old road was also abandoned and taken over by the city. These grounds were intended to be given to the R. R. Co., provided they would remove their shops and round-house from Bradford to Piqua, which was never done.
After the attempted murder of Dr. W. P. Hall and wife, May 18, 1864, an ordinance was passed by Council providing for six police or night-watch- men, and the following were appointed: J. S. Blood, Pat. Fitzgerald, Adam Conover, J. W. Manson, Elza Julian, and F. A. Hardy. This force was later reduced, the first three named retaining their positions.
1869
March 1, 1869, O'Ferrall, Daniels & Co., were given permission to build a woolen mill on the south end of Spring street, south of Water.
The old gravel pit on the north side of the Cemetery Alley (Park avenue) was first opened by Mr. Mitchell in the spring of 1869.
Early in the year the grounds known as the Forest Hill Cemetery was purchased jointly by the city and township, from Jacob Schmidtlapp, for $14,512.50. The tract contained 9412 acres.
On the first Monday in April, 1869, a vote was taken relative to ex- tending the corporation lines of the city. It resulted in 914 votes for, and 29 votes against. On June 17th. the County Commissioners granted the petition.
1870
On Dec. 5, 1870, the veranda in front of the town hall was completed. Was built by J. R. Clark, for $80.74.
A new street connecting the Stillwater road with the Versailles pike, across the north end of Echo Lake, was surveyed by the city engineer. Owing to the great expense of grading and the cost of bridge this street was never opened.
Population in 1870, 5967.
1871
After the great Chicago fire of Oct. 7-8, 1871, a large amount of pro- visions and clothing was sent to the sufferers by the people of Piqua.
On Nov. 18th. the police force was reorganized, and J. S. Blood, John Franz, Pat. Fitzgerald, and John W. Morrin were appointed at $2.50 per night.
1872
hey
On July 30, 1872, all the ground east of College, and between Water treet and the railroad, belonging to the city, was leased to O'Ferrall & Daniels for car-shop purposes. The city also loaned them $6,000. in cash
d 10
86
THE FIRST CENTURY OF PIQUA
and $15,000 in bonds. These shops were erected, but no cars were ever built, and eventually the buildings and grounds reverted to the city.
That part of the Clayton pike inside the corporation was bought by the city Nov. 11, 1872.
1873
At this time there was great agitation for a Post Office building for Piqua. The Congressman from this district was asked to use his influence, as many others have been asked since.
1874
Early in January the Cemetery Alley was widened from the west end of Texas street to the Versailles pike, and all to be called Texas street.
On Jan. 22, 1874, the Mayor, Council, and other city officials of Piqua went to Union City on a special car, as guests at the opening of the Union City Water Works.
An ordinance was passed Sept. 7th. changing the name of Texas street to Park avenue.
The police force was reorganized Dec. 7th., and Mack Hayward, John Franz, J. W. King, and Chas. Simons were appointed at $2.00 per night.
Dec. 3rd. Wm. B. Garvey was appointed Centennial Commissioner from Miami Co. to the Exposition at Philadelphia in 1876.
1875
During this year, North street between Downing and Wayne was widened to correspond with the balance of street.
The great "Tramp Nuisance" incident to the hard times after the panic of 1873, caused a meeting of delegates from the different towns of Ohio to meet in Columbus, to take some measure to abate the nuisance. Mayor Buchanan was a delegate from Piqua, Dec. 8, 1875.
The summer of 1875 was noted for the immense flocks of wild pigeons which swarmed over this territory for several years.
1875 was also known as the year of the "wet harvest", nearly all of the wheat and oats sprouting in the shock, and flax a total failure.
1876
On Feb. 24, 1876, occurred the death of A. G. Conover. He was driving home from Fletcher in a buggy when he died and fell from the rig. For a long time he was city engineer of Piqua, and was connected with nearly every public undertaking in this vicinity, among them being the Miami & Erie Canal, the C. P. & I. R. R., D. &. M. R. R., Piqua Hydraulic, Piqua Gas Co., and also built the Opera House which bears his name. He was born in Dayton in October, 1819.
Piqua firms who showed the products of their industries at the Philadel- phia Centennial in 1876 were, L. C. & W. L. Cron & Co .- Furniture; The Piqua Woolen Mills-Felts; D. C. Statler & Son-Stone.
87
CIVIL HISTORY-CONTINUED
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1876, was the greatest of all similar celebrations in the history of Piqua. The rain poured, but the people came just the same. The city was full of military, flags and music. Over 1000 teams were in the pro- cessession, and 15,000 visitors were in town. Brown Township carried off the flag given to the township sending the largest delegation.
Over the streets hung four cartoons, the first representing Piqua in 1776 set forth by a few Indians and a dead deer. Second, was Piqua in 1876 wherein progress was represented by impersonations of art and science with the implements of skill, and the results of labor and improvement. The third represented Liberty Bell as hung upon its bearings, showing the crack in the bell and bearing the motto, "Proclaim liberty throughout the land." Fourth; an Indian Chief and a white man holding a parley, in which the Indian, as Piqua, offers the pipe of peace to the white man. These pictures were made by Amos Sawyer and J. F. Hummel. Washington on one side of the street and the Goddess of Liberty opposite, were painted by P. A. Becker. By noon the weather had cleared, and the military companies were given dinner at Fountain Park by the ladies of the county. After dinner the program was given as follows:
1 -- Prayer by Rev. Lyman J. Fisher.
2-Reading of Declaration of Independence by Hon. J. F. Mckinney.
3-Oration by Major Stephen Johnston.
4-Patriotic songs by the school children.
5-Presentation of flag to Brown Township, by Sam. B. Garvey.
6-Sports for boys, such as catching the greased pig, wheeling barrow at a mark blind-folded, a sack race and other entertainments.
In the evening a dress parade under the direction of Col. Ullery, and a splendid display of fire-works on the public square; also the thrilling war scene known as "Altoona" by the Covington Guards, at the Opera House. During the day music was furnished by the London, Minster, and Opera bands, and the Brown Township Drum Corps.
THE COUNTY CANNON
That controverted bit of ordnance that the fish of Lackey's Pond have een sporting about for over a quarter of a century, known as the Miami County Cannon, was the object of a gay excursion on Sept. 6, 1876.
Two full boatloads of men, women, and children went up to the historic pot to see it raised. A diver named Weyman had been secured from Toledo, o grapple the treasure, and they went up in that glee that confidence of success always inspires. Having reached the designated spot, Weyman vent down and found a stump. Again he dove, to discover a log that had probably lain there before Lackey's Pond was born. And to make a long nxious day's work short, to use the expressive language of Capt. Defrees,
88
THE FIRST CENTURY OF PIQUA
when the boys hid that gun 27 years ago, they hid it in earnest, and now it is not to be found. They had had a wet day, a fine crop of fun, but the gun will echo no more along the waters of the Miami.
This old canon was an iron 12-pounder, and belonging to the county, was supposed to be kept at the county seat. The Piqua boys however, thought their right to use the old gun was equally as good as Troy's, so they frequently made nocturnal trips to the "Center" and stole it for some great occasion. The Troy boys usually returned the compliment, and took it back to that town. It seems however, that Sidney planned a monster demonstration for the 4th. of July 1849, and having no heavy artillery, sent a delegation down the canal the night before the 4th, succeeded in capturing the prize, and retired before being discovered. In a short time the cannon was located and a war-party from Piqua chartered a canal boat, went to Sidney, and loading the ordnance on the boat, determined to end forever the controversy as to its ownership. So when the deepest place in Lackey's Pond, was reached, the old relic was consigned to the briney deep, and there it probably still rests.
The cannon received from Columbus in April, 1858, was a brass 6-pounder, and weighed 884 lbs. It belonged to the State, and was called in with other military armament at the breaking out of the Civil War.
The Presidential campaign of 1876 was noted for the number and size of torch-light processions, and for the building of temporary halls called "Wigwams." The Republican Wigwam, where the Leader-Dispatch office now stands, was 40 x 80 feet, and was erected in three days. The Democrat Wigwam stood at the west end of the old market house, on what is now Down's Park. Each building had a large flag-pole in front.
CENSUS OF PIQUA, 1877
American, 4646; English, 71: German, 1961: Irish, 319: Colored 289. Total, 7286.
1878
MEN OVER 80 YEARS OLD, LIVING IN PIQUA MAY 23, 1878. Henry Houck. 95 Wm. Clark. 93 Luther Wood. 99 John Cheevers 90 Jno. Whitehead . 87 David Mitchell 8€ John Garner 85 Luke Evans. 84 Henry Orpet. 89
Enoch Gale. 82
Jacob Boyer .81 Sam'l Pettit. 8( David Cavin. 80
David Corbin .80 Henry Kitchen .8(
1879
Sam Lee started the first Chinese Laundry in Piqua, May 1, 1879. H. F. Ernest used the first dynamite in Piqua, in May, 1879.
Jos. Clouse built two new iron cells in the town hall in 1879, for $265 On the morning of May 27, occurred the terrible explosion at the hom of Mrs. Fannie Jones on west High street. A barrel of gasoline was store in the cellar, and was leaking. Miss Kate Newland, a sister of Mrs. Jone
89
CIVIL HISTORY-CONTINUED
went down with a pitcher to catch the leaking fluid, but could not stand the fumes. Fred Amendt, with John and Charley Perdue, went down to help and one of them struck a match. The house was wrecked and burned, and Amendt with the two boys lost their lives. Miss Newland was badly burned and died June 1, 1880.
On June 15th, a very distressing accident occurred at the Lock Mill. Ed. Munger, a young man very prominent in musical circles, in attempting to throw a rapidly moving belt, had his foot drawn into the shafting and his leg below the knee mashed to a pulp. He succeeded in cutting loose, but his leg had to be amputated. On the evening of July 25th., the Apollo Club assisted by other musical talent of Piqua and Troy, gave a benefit concert for him, and cleared $201.25.
The boiler at the upper paper mill exploded Monday night Dec. 27, 1880. No one was killed but the mill was badly wrecked.
Population in 1880, 6036.
1881
In May, the question of building a new city hall was before the people, but the agitation gradually subsided and finally died.
A proposition was also made the County Agricultural Society to hold alternate County Fair at Fountain Park, but was turned down by the board.
In June, a boat club called the Miami Boating Co., was organized and built a boat-house at the west end of Ash street, on the upper level of the Hydraulic.
The summer of 1881 saw the first high-wheel bicycles on the streets of Piqua. The Wall boys, Munger Brothers, and Will Leonard were among the pioneer wheel-men of the town.
When President Garfield was buried at Cleveland on Sept. 26th, memorial services were held at the high school and at the churches of Piqua.
1882
The old market house, built in 1850, was sold at auction June 5th. to a Mr. Graham for $55. It was torn down in August and the brick used in building a house on Staunton street.
July 13th, the balcony in front of the town hall was torn down. For many years this had been a favorite stand for campaign speakers, and many celebrated orators had been heard from its elevated position.
Another distressing accident occurred at the Lock Mill on Aug. 4th. John Plock was caught in a belt in the basement of the mill, and after being whirled around a shaft several times was thrown to the floor badly crushed, dying in a few hours.
In the year 1882 council determined to build a new City Hall, Fire Department, and Jail combined. They negotiated with the heirs of the Brown corner for a lot 69 by 70 feet, but failed to agree on the price. Late
90
THE FIRST CENTURY OF PIQUA
in the fall the lot was condemned and appraised at $13,000, but in the con- demnation suit the city lost and the project was abandoned.
1883
After the freshet of Feb. 2nd. and 3rd. 1883, the city began building a new levee around that part of town subject to inundation. This levee has been strengthened at different times, but in the flood of 1898 proved insuffi- cient for the purpose.
1884
Early in this year subscriptions for the building of a Soldiers' Monument at Forest Hill cemetery were solicited, and several entertainments given to help defray the expense. The monument was unveiled on Decoration Day. 1884. It was designed by Mrs. J. Q. A. Ward, and erected by J. F. Hummel
Mr. Hummel also erected the Simon Kenton Monument at Urbana at this time.
The roller skating craze started in Piqua in the fall of 1883. The first rink was a store-room near the Zollinger grocery. Soon afterward Commons & Spiker built a rink (the present Leader-Dispatch office) on Ash street. In Feb. 1885 a stock company built a large one, 54 by 172 feet, on the corner of High and Downing streets, where the Y. M. C. A. building now stands. The craze soon subsided and was only lately revived, being confined now to the paved streets and sidewalks.
1885
The winter of 1884-85 was very severe. Even as late as St. Patrick's Day the mercury stood at zero, and there was skating on the canal.
In April, 1885, council passed a resolution to purchase shade trees to plant on the Hydraulic bank between High street and the pump house. Of the group near High street, the Mayor and each Councilmen planted one. At the present time it is impossible to designate each member's tree, but nearly all of them grew and are now quite large.
At the hour of Grant's funeral, Aug. 3, 1885, the people of Piqua met in Conover's Opera House for memorial services.
1886
In April 1886 Henry Howe stopped at Piqua for a few days. He was canvassing the state for his new history. His first trip over the state for his earlier history was made on horse-back in 1846.
The trustees of the Ohio Soldiers' Home were in Piqua, July 26, 1886, looking at the locations offered by the city, one at Echo Lake and one at Swift Run. Their final decision was on grounds at Sandusky, Ohio.
1887
The year 1887 will be remembered in Piqua as the beginning of the boom in real estate, and the bringing in of large manufacturing plants. This continued for several years, and the reaction, when it came, was felt less in Piqua than in many other towns in the state.
91
CIVIL HISTORY-CONTINUED
HARNESS, WWW BLANKETS,
WIKISLA &
SADOLES
ROBES.
TURF G. AI6 MLN
WHIPS & C.
EDRANDALL
SACRIFICE
SALE
NETS ...
MISTER IS
NOW IS NUR CHAY'S
NEXT 55 CATS
OFIT WAY DeAL.
THORNE PHOTO. PIQua O.
PLAZA CORNER, 1890
GROCERIES
FLOUR & FEED
FISHER & PHILIPPI-
92
THE FIRST CENTURY OF PIQUA
A small cyclone struck South Piqua, May 2, 1887, partially destroying the roof of the lower Catholic Church, and doing other damage in that part of town.
C. C. Barnett having been appointed to superintend the laying out of the new Soldiers Home at Sandusky, W. J. Jackson was appointed city engineer July 13, 1887.
1888
The town hall was remodeled in 1886, and in 1888 we find the lower rooms occupied as follows: North-west room-Township Office: North-east room-J. H. Hatch & Son: South-west room-August Gable's barber shop: South-east room-Adams Express Company.
1889
On May 3rd. of this year an ordinance was passed extending the cor- poration lines. This was in the south and west part of the city.
PLAZA CORNER, 1891
Many new additions were laid out during this year, and the lots sold both at auction and at private sale.
The Miami Boating Co. was given the privilege to build a boat-house at the east end of Echo Lake.
The first phonograph in Piqua was exhibited at the City Hotel in 1889.
1890
A contract was given Jacob Hirt to erect a stone jail building at the rear of the fire-department on Wayne street, at a price of $1650. Five new cells were ordered of the Champion Iron Works of Kenton, Ohio, at $695. This jail is still in use.
93
CIVIL HISTORY-CONTINUED
In 1890 the market hours were changed from morning to afternoon.
On Dec. 1,. Mayor Geyer resigned, and Ed. M. Wilbee was elected by council to serve the unexpired term.
Population in 1890, 9829.
1891
As soon as the Plaza Hotel was finished in the summer of 1891, Capt. Downs had the old market place cleaned up, the ground sodded, trees planted, and a neat iron fence erected around the outside. This was named "Downs Park," and we hope the future generations will always remember it by that name. Another small park was laid out just east of the Plaza, and now contains the Rowan monument.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.