1250 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY probably entitled to the first place in that respect as settlers within the present city limits. It is quite well established that Rev. John A. Baughman of the Monroe Methodist circuit preached at Tremainesville in 1825, and formed a class at Ten-Mile Creek, and that a church edifice was later built on the land still later occupied by the Lenk Wine Company. In the territory covered by Toledo, before Tremainesville was annexed, and from 1828 to 1832, there were thirty-eight persons and eleven families living here, viz., Benjamin F. Stickney, William Wilson, Joseph Trombley, Bazel Trombley, Seneca Allen John Baldwin, Joseph Prentice, Hiram Bartlett, Dr. J. V. D. Sutphen, Captain Forbes and Joseph Roop. The nearest post office was Tremainesville, and Benjamin F, Stickney carried the mail until 1833, when a post office was estab- lished at Toledo, just after the agreement for the union of Port Lawrence and Vistula. During these early days many rival towns were surveyed and platted, some with real claims for recognition and others planned on paper by speculators with the idea of unloading lots upon easily persuaded investors at high prices, who were left to hold the bag. The purchases were eventually sold for taxes and th plats of the would be cities vacated. Orleans, or Orleans of th North has already been told about. The plat was originally sur veyed by J. J. Lovett at the Foot of the Fort Meigs section 1817, in partnership with Dr. A. B. Stewart of Albany, one o the builders of the pioneer steamboat Walk-in-the-Water. Th projectors planned to make Orleans the principal city at the hea of Maumee River navigation, and the Walk-in-the-Water was t forerunner of a line of boats to run from Orleans to the vario lake ports. However, as has already been told, the steamer dre too much water to cross Rock Bar just below Perrysburg, and th vision of making Orleans a great port melted like the mist befo the morning sun. The survey of the Town of Perrysburg by th United States Government has also been related, and the esta lishment of Maumee City. When Wood County was organi in 1820, the plat of Orleans was revived and Perrysburg, Ma mee and Orleans were the most active rivals for the permane location of the county seat. When Perrysburg was selected, gave impetus to the growth of that locality; and while Maumee was too well established to be materially affected by the loss the seat of government, Orleans as a prospective city drew last breath. TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1251 It was at this time that Port Lawrence, Vistula, and Tremainesville further towards the mouth of the Maumee asserted themselves as the prospective metropolis of this Northwest, and other towns on the river were also surveyed, platted and named. John T. Baldwin who finally cast his lot with the fortunes of the Toledo section, was rather fickle in his early operations. With his sons, including Marquis, he sailed a little schooner called the Leopard. With his family he arrived at Orleans, at the head of the Rapids, April 1, 1818, and after living in a small rented house until the following July, pulled up stakes and left, only to return with his family the next November. One of the jobs of Marquis was dropping corn in the spring of 1819, for General Vance on the latter's farm just above then Orleans. Discouraged by sickness and the general outlook, Baldwin again took his family back to Palmyra, Portage County, in June ; the same season, however, he sailed the Leopard between Cleveland, Detroit and Orleans, and on one trip took a cargo of corn (evidently a not very large one) for Jonathan Gibbs from the Maumee section to Detroit. This was probably the first or among the first civilized grain shipments from a Maumee port. In 1823 Mr. Baldwin returned a third time with his family, this time stopping at Toledo as has been related. It might be well to recapitulate the names of the settlers mentioned by Baldwin in 1818 on the lower river section. At Orleans were William Ewing, Elisha Martindale, James Wilkinson, Samuel and Aurora Spafford, the Vances and Hollisters, and Amos Pratt with others already named. At Maumee—Robert A. Forsythe, John E. Hunt, Almon Gibbs, Dr. Horatio Conant, James Carlin, and a Frenchman — Peltier. At Miami, below Maumee—Daniel Hubbell and William Herrick, while up the river were John Pray, Gilbert and Artemus Underwood, James Adams and others. In the woods at the Perrysburg section were John and Frank Hollister, John Webb, David M. Hawley and William Wilson. After the discovery that Rock Bar was seemingly an insurmountable barrier to Orleans, Perrysburg, or Maumee, ever becoming important ports for large vessels, a town was projected early in 1836, with the intention of obviating the rock bar or rock ridge difficulty. Lots were surveyed, streets laid out and a plat made and the venture was named Marengo. The situation was on the west bank of the Maumee, below the bar and some three miles down the river from Perrysburg and Maumee City. A sawmill was built, a number of houses and two or three store build- 1252 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY ings were put up, and bold claims were made that the new city "combined all the advantages and obviated all the drawbacks attending the various other locations demanding recognition. There were quite heavy purchases made on the lottery plan, bu within a few years Marengo was nothing but a speculative memory. Further concerning this enterprise one of its advocates wro as follows : - "About ten miles from the mouth of the river lies the military reserve. This is a plat of ground extending up and down the river, and lying on both sides. The United States Government would never consent to part with this portion of the public domain until this spring (1836). It was advertised and sold at auction at Bucyrus on the fourth of April last and immense sums of money were on the spot for the purchase. An arrangement was effected by nineteen gentlemen from different parts of the country and the whole was bid off for their benefit and placed in the hands of trustees. The proprietors selected five directors and resolved to lay out a town, which they have named Marengo; and it is expected that the sales will be opened by public auction and from three hundred to five hundred lots disposed of in tha way. It can scarcely admit of a doubt, that Marengo will in a few years become a large and densely populated city. There, is believed, the Wabash Canal will terminate, as no good reason can be discovered for its extension farther down the river. All the rich commerce of Western Ohio, the Wabash country, a large portion of Illinois, besides much on the Ohio River, must be poured out here, with all the surplus products of this proverbially luxuriant soil, seeking a northern market. Good building stone can easily be procured, as the rock bar extends into the country on each side of the river. And in conclusion, permit me to say, that I hesitate not to predict that at no distant day Marengo will be the largest town in Western Ohio." The nineteen men referred to were: James Q. Adams, N man C.. Baldwin, Henry Bennett, S: B. Campbell, Elnathan Coi Jedediah D. Cummings, David W. Deshler, Elias H. Haines David Ladd, Joseph H. Larwell, John E. Lyon, Robert T. Lytle, Daniel B. Miller, William Neil, Christ Neiswanger, John C Spink, Needham H. Stewart, Jesse Stone and Dwight Woodbury. In the organization of the Marengo Town Company, Norman C. Baldwin, Elnathan Cory, William Neil and John C. Spink were elected trustees, and Norman C. Baldwin, Joseph H. Larwell a TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1253 Dwight Moody, directors. The plat was made by Hiram Davis, surveyor of Wood County. The founders paid $40,000 for the 443 acres of land. The company's affairs were wound up by order of the court in August, 1838. Near the same date a company known as the "East Marengo Company" was organized by Charles Borland, David Higgins, Nathan Jenkins, John Patterson, William P. Reznor, H. O. Sheldon and Ezra M. Stone. On June ,14, 1836, this company purchased from Rev. James Gilruth and his wife, of Ann Arbor, IIfilch., 363 acres of land in Sections 17 and 20, Township 3, for which was paid $36,250. Higgins, Jenkins and Reznor were elected trustees and the Town of East Marengo was laid out, but like Marengo, it disappointed the hopes of its projectors. As Richard Mott wrote in his "Recollections," to offset Marango, Stephen B. Comstock, already largely interested in Port Lawrence, immediately outlined a paper city on River Tracts 12 and 13 near the mouth of Delaware Creek, some three miles up the river from then Port Lawrence and above now Walbridge Park. As Mr. Mott recorded, the proposed city "had all the public squares, market places, railroad depots, etc., so easily made on paper." Drawing from the same line of history as the Marengo projectors, the name of Austerlitz was bestowed upon this Rock Bar rival. Strange as it may seem, there was a readiness by the public to invest in Austerlitz lots, then covered by a dense forest, and only the howl of wolves and the hoot of the night owls to proclaim its site. Not to be outdone in the city establishing business, an enterprising fellow, Isaac Street (about 1833) put another one under way on the east or south bank of the river, above present Ross-ford. Here too was built a sawmill. This pioneer mill was bossed by none other than Frederick Prentice, the first white child born within the limits of Port Lawrence. A store, a tavern and several dwelling houses were built and Street called his new city Oregon. Mr. Mott says in his "Recollections," that Street "favored bringing the canal in on the bayou near the Michigan Southern Railroad round house (of 1873) , having this bayou for the canal basin, and then making a cut from the basin to the river about where Mitchell and Rowland's sawmill was located (1873). Street was patient and persevering, and held to the faith that his town would be a success until about 1840," when Prentice took over the city of Austerlitz for a nursery. Mr. Mott observed that many people were drawn into these Wild projects, 1254 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY who should have been sagacious enough to have kept clear of them. There seemed to have prevailed an epidemic for buying town lots, that attacked many at the sight of a handsomely lithographed map, that was incurable except by actual experience. The last city site down the river attempted on the east side was Lucas City, laid out in the spring of 1836. The first declaration of its existence consisted of an announcement published in the Toledo Gazette as follows: LUCAS CITY LOTS The undersigned offer for sale about 1,500 lots on this important site. It stands at the mouth of the Maumee River, near its junction with Lake Erie. The back country is wide and rich, and the channel which passes has been acknowledged by experienced navigators to be deep and broad enough for vessels of the largest tonnage. The establishment of Roads and Canals, as well as other public works, which are projected within its neighborhood, gives it extraordinary and marked advantages. The public attention seems to be directed to this important point, as the great outlet of the West; and this fact tends to render it an important object to the speculator or actual settler. The City lots may be secured upon the most advantageous terms, upon application to WILLARD SMITH, E. C. HART, GEORGE HUMPHREY, Trustees. Lucas, May 6, 1836. N. B.—The local advantages of the place may be ascertained by applying to the Masters of Vessels and Steamboats, who ply upon this track. Likewise: 500 CITY LOTS. By WILLARD SMITH. The last city venture on the west side of the lower Maumee and below Port Lawrence and Vistula was Manhattan. All along the river from Maumee to the bay for many years, the question as to where the canal would enter the river, and hence where would be the great commercial city, was the absorbing topic. Maumee, Port Lawrence and Vistula, with occasional spasms of hope by the owners of Marengo and East Marengo, and Orleans, were for a time the principal competitors. On the union TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1255 of Port Lawrence and Vistula in 1833, shown later, all of the conditions pointed to Toledo, but that was not conceded. About this time a number of Buffalo gentlemen, principally engaged in the forwarding business on the Erie Canal and the lakes, became convinced that this western terminus of the lake with its harbor and river, would in time become an important commercial point, and they obtained title to a large amount of property near the mouth of the river, not jointly, but in the purchase of individual and separate tracts. Among these owners were Jacob A. Barker, H. N. Holt, Charles Townsend, Sheldon Thompson, John W. Clark, Stephen G. Austin, all of Buffalo, and George W. Card and Platt Card, living where Manhattan was finally located. These men decided to consolidate their interests, lay out a town, make improvements and place the lots on the market. In October, 1835, they organized "The Maumee Land and Railroad Company," and appointed as trustees, John W. Clark, Stephen G. Austin and John T. Hudson, to whom the necessary authority was given to plat and sell. They laid out the Town of Manhattan. They built docks, warehouses and a large and spacious hotel. The hotel was opened in 1836. The proprietors of Manhattan and its settlers celebrated as usual with elaborate ceremonies, the fact that the real terminus of the canal was fixed at Manhattan, with only a side cut through Swan Creek at Toledo. Shortly after the town of Manhattan was laid out, the same gentlemen with the addition of Daniel Chase, organized another company known as the "East Manhattan Land Company," to develop the land on the east side of the river and near its mouth. Under a treaty of February, 1838, as earlier related, certain tracts of land were granted to Indians of the Ottawa tribe and others, among them grants to Wa-Sa-On, Au-to-Kee-Guion, Paul and Leon, Kee-tuck-ee, Wa-sa-on-o-quit and the Navarres. Most of these lands were purchased by the above companies, mainly through the agency of Daniel Chase. The capital stock of the Maumee Land and Railroad Company, originally $350,000, was increased in 1837 to $2,000,000, and the capital stock of the East Manhattan Land Company was nominally $960,00,0, and this company was largely interested in, and instrumental in projecting, the Ohio Railway Company. These warehouses built at Manhattan for a number of years had a large business. Many boats landed at Manhattan and skipping Toledo, went through to Maumee. A line of steamers, owned by 1256 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY these forwarding merchants at Buffalo, who were the projectors and stockholders of the corporations above named, as long as they could without loss, made the Manhattan docks their main terminus, and it continued until their loss of traffic ended the contest and the warehouses were abandoned. The canal which the projectors supposed was to make Manhattan great, in fact, was in part the cause of its downfall. Its entire traffic came into Toledo as soon as it was completed, and the warehouses and elevators at Toledo furnished the shipments for the East by water and the boats had to come up to that point. Later Ironville, need not be considered. Concerning Manhattan, Mott further states that anothe thing operating against its location, was the fact that the rive channel ran along near the opposite or east bank and that this was why Lucas City was mapped not far from the present Toledo Ship Building plant. Concerning the canal terminal question, it became necessary for Toledo or Port Lawrence and Manhattan to make a common cause to prevent the stopping of the canal at Maumee. Some of later influential citizens of Toledo had originally cast their fortunes with Maumee. Among them were such men as Morrison R. Waite, Samuel M. Young, Gen. John E. Hunt, Jesup W. Scott, and others. Notwithstanding this formidable array of men of great influence favoring the ending of the canal at Maumee, the Foot of the Rapids, the down river interests prevailed, ending in what might be termed a triple compromise, locking the water into all three points—Maumee, Toledo and Manhattan. This plan brought the canal to Toledo or Port Lawrence and Manhattan, upon what was termed the "high level," thereby giving them water power for milling and manufacturing purposes. This made Manhattan the actual canal terminus, with side cuts at Maumee and Toledo. Manhattan claimed the honor of possessing the first bank established within the section now embracing Toledo, and known as the "Bank of Manhattan," organized March 25, 1836, with assets, in 1840, of $122,052.71. Its history will appear in the chapter—"Toledo Banks;" and with all her enterprise, Manhattan had a newspaper, The Manhattan Advertiser, the first issue of which appeared July 13, 1836, with B. F. Smead, editor. It was pronounced "one of the most sprightly journals in the West." Among the advertisers of the first issue were : Platt Card, Two Stickney, R. S. Tyler, Dr. Calvin Smith, Chase, Sill & Company, Swift & Company, and several others. TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1257 The discussion of these various developments has carried somewhat beyond the consolidation of Port Lawrence and Vistula. It can readily be seen that great rivalry existed between the various interests, especially those of Perrysburg and Maumee at the head of navigation and the lower river improvements. Port Lawrence and Vistula also had conflicting interests. In this situation common cause was made by the latter named towns against their business adversaries up stream. The leading proprietors of Port Lawrence and Vistula held a meeting, when an agreement was reached for corporate connection as a single developing city. CHAPTER LXIII TOLEDO A REALITY CONSOLIDATION OF INTERESTS-TOLEDO NAMED-INCORPORATED AS A CITY-EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS-CONTEST FOR COUNTY SEAT OF GOVERNMENT-EARLY MAILS-TOPOGRAPHY-BUSINESS EXPANSION. The "all pull together" slogan has no more practical force than when applied to the successful growth and development of a city. Concessions of possible self interest is paramount. A selfish, disorganized spirit is ruinous. This spirit and principle was applicable in the days of Port Lawrence and Vistula and the formative period of Toledo. Consequently, the leaders of the two interests called an "all pull together" meeting. Selfishness was also a probable element, as other rival towns and settlements were clamoring for recognition as the hub of the developing country at the head of Lake Erie. To be sure, neither the record of Port Lawrence nor the progress of Vistula, for the first years of existence was much to boast of. In fact the operations show that the first question for consideration was that of life or death for their enterprises along with others. However, there was enough life in the communities to cause watchfulness on their part as was shown during the winter of 1821-1822, when the question of post routes and roads to the various sections came up, including the Maumee and Western Reserve road to Lower Sandusky (Fremont), as provided by the treaty of Brownstown of 1808. Upon this point Dr. Horatio Conant of Maumee, wrote to U. S. Senator Ethan Allen Brown at Washington as follows : "Fort Meigs, 9th February, 1822. "Dear Sir : "Feeling considerably interested in the measures proposed in Congress relative to this section of country, and not doubting your willingness to attend to any representations that might be communicated, I take the liberty of addressing a few lines to you on those subjects. "I understand it is in contemplation to so alter the route of the great eastern mail to Detroit, that it shall not pass this place, but go by Port Lawrence, nine miles below, on the Maumee River. - 1258 - TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1259 Also, to establish a land office at the River Raisin, in Michigan, for the sale of lands in this vicinity. Also, to remove the port of entry to Port Lawrence. And, also, I presume, from a motion of Mr. Sibley, to open a road under the provisions of the Brownstown treaty, not from Sandusky to Fort Meigs, according to the terms of said treaty, but from Sandusky to Port Lawrence. "I have been astonished at the fact that one delegate from Michigan should be able to have the brain, not only of a majority of Congress, but even of a considerable part of the Ohio Representatives; but from the success attending his motions, I am obliged to admit the fact as true. "Port Lawrence has no claims to notice by Congress, much less to be honored by the proposed sacrifices. The River Raisin has no claim, in any shape, superior to Fort Meigs; and in point of situation for a Land Office, or any other business, far inferior. It is within little more than thirty miles of the land office at Detroit. Fort Meigs is not within one hundred miles of any office, except that at Detroit, and it is seventy-five miles from that. "Respecting Port Lawrence, there is not, nor has there been for years, nor is there likely to be, more than three English families, including all within three miles of the place; and whatever public business is done there, must be done by one man, who is already Indian agent and justice of the peace for Michigan. The distance proposed to be saved by altering the route of the mail, ought not to come in competition with the increased risk in crossing the Maumee River, which in that place is very wide, and open to the unbroken surges of Lake Erie. The same objection will lie with increased weight, against opening a military road to cross the river there. It might as well cross the mouth of the bay, or any other part of Lake Erie. "If there was any business done at the place, or was likely to be, I should not so much object to the Customs Collector's office being removed there; but at present I should esteem it ridiculous to entertain the idea. "I did not suppose it entirely necessary to make all the above statements to you, sir; but it was difficult to say less, and say anything. You must pardon the apparent haste and carelessness with which this is written, as I have just returned from a week's absence, and the mail is on the point of being closed. "Yours, very respectfully, "HORATIO CONANT." (To) "Hon. Ethan A. Brown, "Senator in Congress." 1260 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY While Perrysburg and Maumee were successful in getting the western terminus of the Reserve road, and evidently kept the Customs Office for some time, the Toledo section grew sufficiently to finally receive mail facilities and then the office of Collector of Customs; but the road as established, could not be moved. In the agitation of these questions, Maumee and Perrysburg above and Manhattan down the river, made common cause against Port Lawrence and Vistula, and the latter two interests proposed a get-together plan. The subject was agitated during the summer of 1833, and in the fall of that year a public meeting was called DR. HORATIO CONANT, MAUMEE First Valley physician. He administered to the sick from Fort Wayne to the River Raisin and back into the deep wilderness. Swam rivers and canoed over the numerous watercourses. and held to consider the question of consolidating the towns under one name and one government. Strange to say, there is no record left of this meeting or its date ; but the sentiment prevailed, almost unanimously, in favor of amalgamation. Then came up the question of a name. Each interest had a pride in his own pioneer child and was jealous of perpetuating the name of the other's progeny. The Vistulaites would not accept the name of Port Lawrence and the Port Lawrence fathers declined the name of Vistula. There are many versions of the new christening, but a writer of the personal recollections of Willard J. Daniels who was present at the meeting, says this : "At the meeting of the TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1261 Vistula and Port Lawrence interests * * * called for the purpose of consolidating the interests of the two towns, the question of a name for the places thus to be united, was a subject of debate. Several names were proposed, when finally Mr. Daniels suggested that of 'Toledo,' having derived some knowledge from historical reading of this old capital of Spain. There then being no city or town having this name upon this continent, was one of the strongest reasons for its adoption; and here it may be proper to insert the following from Appleton's Cyclopedia, Vol. XV." At this point, the writer quotes the history of "Toledo, Spain." As this statement evidently came from Mr. Daniels direct, it may be regarded as the true version of the way the city was named. Andrew Palmer was quoted as saying that "at a conference held at the time of the consolidation of Port Lawrence and Vistula, the matter of the name for the united towns was discussed, when James Irvine Browne suggested 'Toledo' and it was adopted. Many other names had been proposed." As Mr. Browne did not arrive in Toledo until May, 1834, months after the get together gathering, the incorrectness of this statement is apparent. Another claim was made by the friends of Two Stickney, second son of Maj. B. F. Stickney, that Two suggested the name to his father, while the boy's geography lesson at the time was about Spain. But Two Stickney was too old evidently to be in school at the time, if he ever studied geography. The writer of this history one day stood with E. 0. Fallis, the architect, in the latter's office in the Nasby Building tower. It was about the year 1915. Looking from the window towards the present Toledo Public Library, corner Madison Avenue and Ontario, Mr. Fallis said that when the canal was yet in operation near the line of Ontario towards Manhattan, he had seen canal boats and schooners at the wharf along the canal in that section, loading and unloading freight. Mr. Fallis in 1893 made the plans for the Nasby Building for Horace S. Walbridge. He was asked to make the structure distinctive in architecture and he chose a Spanish model from Spain's Toledo. Mr. Fallis told the story that the name of Toledo, Ohio, Was suggested by Washington Irving. As the statement ran, Irving had a brother who was identified with one of the land companies operating here at the time of the consolidation of Port Lawrence and Vistula. This brother wrote to the celebrated author who was then in Toledo, Spain, writing "The Alhambra," asking the latter to suggest a The plat of Toledo on the opposite page was drawn in 1862 by Henry Lovejoy, from the original notes which he and Gower took in the survey of 1837. It presents, however, the dock line of 1862. The original plat did not include Water Street, which is on filled ground. The Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad terminating in 1837 near the corner of Summit and Monroe, coming in from the west along Railroad Street, now called Avondale Avenue, was extended in a year or two to Lagrange Street on piling placed from 80 to 200 feet from the shore line. This was afterwards filled to make Water Street. The plat on the south side of Swan Creek was later vacated for a new plat. About 1840, a start was made for the building of a Courthouse in the place marked "courthouse square" getting as far as the foundation when the enterprise was abandoned because of the fixing of Maumee as the county seat. This plat is a combination of the Port Lawrence and Vistula plats. Oak Street, now called Jackson Street, marked the east side of Vistula. Port Lawrence was first platted in 1817, the plat reverting to the government, some of it becoming afterwards the property of the University of Michigan. Thereafter it was re-acquired by William Oliver of Cincinnati in the interest of himself and associates and re-platted in 1827, as recorded at Maumee. The 1827 plat gave the name Erie Street to Summit, Ontario Street to St. Clair and Huron Street to Superior. These names were changed subsequently and Oak Street was afterwards changed to Jackson. - 1263 - 1264 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY name for the new American city, and the reply came "Toledo.' However, while it is not a vital point in history, Mr. W. J. Daniels evidently named Toledo. As for Mr. James Irvine Browne, he was an investor in some lots in Vistula, and came West from Easton, Pa., under an arrangement with Edward Bissell to establish a newspaper. The newspaper office was located on Lagrange Street between Summit and Water streets, and the weekly, The Toledo Herald, made its first appearance on August 15, 1834. Browne worked at the case, setting his own type besides being editor-in-chief. As has been shown, now Toledo has been under various jurisdictions and claims from the time of the French and English. In 1796, this section was in Wayne County of the Northwest Territory. In 1800 it passed to the Territory of Ohio, and in 1803 when Ohio began to function as a state, it passed to Ohio. In 1803 this part of Ohio was in Greene County and in 1805 in Logan County. All this time until the Maumee Treaty of 1817, except the reservations provided for it in the Greenville Treaty of 1795 it was Indian lands and not subject to the civil authority of Ohio. When the Territory of Michigan was formed, in 1805, that territory claimed the Toledo section was in Wayne County, Michigan. In 1827, Monroe County, Michigan, was organized and this section was claimed as a part of Monroe County. In 1820 when Wood County was organized, that county had jurisdiction over the territory now comprising Toledo, in so far as Ohio could establish it. Then came the consolidation of Port Lawrence and Vistula, 1833. Lucas County was established by an act of the Ohio Legislature in 1835, Toledo was named as the county seat and September 8th fixed as the time of holding the first term of court; followed by the final settlement of the boundary controversy, placing Toledo in Ohio. Under the act mentioned Toledo remained the county seat until 1841. The first building occupied as a courthouse for transacting county business was the Toledo schoolhouse on Erie Street between Monroe and Washington streets, and where the noted first session of court was held in Lucas County. Here county affairs were administered for about a year, when the county officials and court moved their quarters to a building at the northwest corner of Monroe and Summit streets, then to a building near the corner of Cherry and Summit streets owned by Richard Mott. August 3rd, 1838, the county commissioners of Lucas passed TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1265 a resolution to build a courthouse on the "courthouse square" in Oliver's division, as designated by the action of the commissioners, in locating the county seat at Toledo; the building "to be the size and arrangements of the Ashtabula (Ohio) courthouse." This was in conjunction with an obligation of the "proprietors of the City of Toledo," who had bonded themselves to donate $20,000 for such purpose. William P. Daniels was appointed superintendent of construction. Courthouse Square was near the old Oliver House property, the present Riddle Chandelier Works. The new jail building erected the same year was accepted and an appropriation of $25,000 for the new courthouse provided for. The first jail in Toledo was the residence of Sheriff G. C. Shaw, so declared as the official prison, at a session of the county commissioners held in 1837. Evidently while the county offices were at the corner of Cherry and Summit streets, the same year, a new jail was provided for and built near the same location. It was built of planking, one story, size twenty by thirty feet, and contained three prison cells. It was used jointly to house the culprits of both the county and city. The building was in use until the county seat was moved to Maumee. As was the case in various localities, during the formative period of the various settlement sections of Ohio, there was a contest being waged all this time for the permanent location of the county seat. Oliver's division of Toledo was laid out and platted in 1837, at which time the proprietors set apart the grounds referred to near the junction of Ottawa Street and Broadway for courthouse purposes. When the commissioners accepted the proposition and the $20,000 guarantee, ground was broken for the new building in August, 1838. After a part of the foundation was in place, on account of the agitation to move the county seat to Maumee, work was suspended. The interests of the Maumee advocates were well established and powerful. They included such men as Gen. John E. Hunt, M. R. Waite, Samuel M. Young, Dr. Oscar White, James Wolcott, George Richardson, J. H. Bronson, William St. Clair, John Hale, James C. Converse, Dr. Horatio Conant, Thomas Clark, II, Andrew Young, A. H. Ewing, D. F. Cook, George B. Knaggs, James H. Forsythe, R. A. Forsythe, Horace Waite, C. C. P. Hunt, Isaac Hull, Samuel Wagner and others. These men headed a movement to build a most commendable courthouse and jail, free of expense to Lucas County, this with the agreement that Maumee 1266 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY should be the permanent seat of justice. The proposition of the Maumee advocates was finally accepted by the commission selected by the Legislature to determine the site, a contract was let for the county buildings (courthouse and jail) in June, 1840, and on October 8, 1841, the structures were accepted and Maumee became for a second time a county seat—the first time of Wood County. In the meantime Toledo continued to grow and the leaders of that locality abided their time. After some ten years the question for removal back to Toledo took active form. The conditions of the second removal were similar to those offered by the Maumee people. A courthouse and jail quarters were to be furnished by Toledo interests and a bond of $20,000 given for the proposition's fulfillment. This guarantee was made by the city backed by twenty-eight citizens, as follows: George W. Scott, Hez. L. Hosmer, Valentine H. Kitcham, H. D. Mason, Matt Johnson, William Baker, Ezra Bliss, J. H. Whitaker, T. H. Hough, S. Linsey, Thomas Watkins, James Myers, C. A. King, Valentine Wall, John P. Freeman, L. T. Thayer, Simeon Fitch, Jr., Daniel Segur, Daniel McBain, Sanford L. Collins, C. W. Hill, John U. Pease, James White, H. D. Warren, D. C. Morton, Edson Allen and Ira L. Clark. The agitation of the removal question caused much bitterness between the Toledo and Maumee sections and excitement ran high. It was the paramount subject for discussion everywhere. This time the people were given the opportunity to declare their preference by ballot and the vote was taken at the election in the fall of 1852, the issue overshadowing the choice for President. Out of 3,500 votes cast, Toledo received, by reason of her growing population, a decisive majority. As a consequence a courthouse for the permanent county seat was built of brick near the southeast corner of the present courthouse square and occupied until 1895. A brick jail was also con structed adjoining the same site and occupied until about 1867. At the August session, 1865, of the county commissioners, after several years of preliminary effort, bids were received for the construction of a jail and dwelling house for the sheriff, and the contract was awarded to Luther Whitney, for the sum of $40,098, which included everything but the blocked stone. The building was accepted in April, 1867. It was only a few years before the courthouse of 1853 had out 1268 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY grown the demands for space, but it was not until 1886 that authority was asked of the Legislature, providing for a commission and the construction of the present beautiful and imposing edifice in the center of courthouse square, by an appropriation of $500,000 for the purpose. The corner stone was laid with elaborate ceremonies September 3, 1893, and the building was occupied as stated in 1895. Even these commodious quarters, supposed to meet all requirements for half a century, are inadequate for the remarkable growth of the city and county. As the seat of government was not made permanent at Maumee, the contributors to the building there petitioned for the return to them of the amounts they had subscribed and paid, and under the advice of the attorney general of Ohio, these subscriptions, totaling nearly $10,000, were returned to them. In 1858, the Maumee Building, including the tract of land it occupied, was sold for $300. Later an academy was established there, but after many years the structure was razed and the site is now occupied by the Lucas County Public Library, surrounded by a beautiful park. A modern building for the confinement of county offenders and a residence for the sheriff, is now a part of the plant of Lucas County public affairs. The time arrived soon after the consolidation of Port Lawrence and Vistula and after Toledo was named, for the formation of a municipal government. In 1836, a petition was presented to the General Assembly of Ohio, asking for the incorporation of Toledo as a city. Representative John Hollister introduced the bill in the House and it bears number thirty, showing that it was presented early in the session. There was practical unanimity for the measure and after slight amendments, it was passed by both Houses and the bill was signed by Governor Joseph Vance, January 7, 1837. The act passed for the incorporation reads as follows : "Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that so much of the County of Lucas, bounded by a line beginning at the southwest corner of the northeast quarter of Section 34, in Township 9 south, of Range 7 east, thence drawn through the southeast corner of Sections 27 and 23, same township and range, until it is intersected by a line drawn in a due northwest course from the southeast corner of the west half of the northeast quarter of Section 30, Township 9 south, of Range 8 east; thence by the northeast line of land now owned by Benjamin F. Stickney, on the east half of the southeast fractional quar- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1269 ter of Section 30, Township 9 south, of Range 8 east; thence by a line drawn in a southeast course to the center of the east channel of the Maumee River; thence up and along the center of said channel in a southwesterly direction to that point which would be intersected by a continuation across said river of the south line of the land known and described as Tract No. 6, in the Twelve-mile square Reservation, at the foot of the Rapids of the Miami of Lake Erie; thence west to the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of Section 10, in Township 3 in said reservation; hereby is declared to be a city, and the inhabitants thereof are created a body corporate and politic, by the name and style of the 'City of Toledo,' and by that name shall be capable of contracting and being contracted with, of suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, answering and being answered unto, in all courts and places, and in all matters whatsoever; with power of purchasing, receiving, holding, occupying and conveying real and personal estate, and may use a corporate seal and change the same at pleasure." The act provided for the division of the city into two wards, Cherry Street to be the dividing line. It also provided that city elections should be held annually on the first Monday in March, for mayor, three aldermen from each ward, treasurer and marshal, "who shall hold their respective offices for one year and until their successors are elected and qualified." Elections were to be held in accordance with the laws governing township elections. The trustees and clerk of Port Lawrence township were authorized to determine the result of the first election under the charter, after which elections were to be conducted by the city council. The mayor was given both executive and judicial powers. It devolved upon him officially to enforce the ordinances passed by the council and act as head of the police of the city. As a judicial officer, he was given "exclusive original jurisdiction of all cases for the violation of any ordinance of said city," and in criminal cases he was vested with the same powers as justices of the peace in the County of Lucas. He was also given the same jurisdiction and authority as justices of the peace in civil cases, and entitled to receive the same fees therefor. As an able review of the charter by a former writer observed, no municipal authority could have reasonably asked for greater power than that conferred upon the city council, or board of 1270 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY aldermen. That body was authorized to appoint and remove at pleasure a clerk, street commissioner, attorney for the city, assessors, surveyors, "and such other officers as the needs of the cit may require, prescribe their duties and fix their compensation;” make, publish, amend and repeal all ordinances, by-laws and police regulations, not contrary to the laws of Ohio, "for the good government and order of said city, the trade and commerce thereof, and as may be necessary to carry into effect the powers given to the said council by this act; and enforce observance all rules, ordinances, by-laws and police regulations, made pursuance of this act, by imposing penalties on any person violating the same, not exceeding fifty dollars for any offense, to be recovered, with costs, in an action of debt before the mayor, or by indictment for misdemeanor upon the complaint of the common council." The council was also empowered to "grant to the mayor such compensation as shall be approved by the concurring vote of all the members;" to increase the number of wards and change ward boundaries; to prohibit the selling or giving away of any ardent spirits by storekeepers, traders, or grocers, to be drank upon the premises owned or occupied by the person selling or giving away the same, except by innkeepers duly licensed; to regulate or prohibit shows, circuses or theatrical performances; to restrain or prohibit gaming of all descriptions; to regulate the running at large of cattle, swine, sheep, goats, geese and dogs; to regulate the mooring of steamboats and other vessels and the keeping of fires thereon; to provide for the establishment of public markets, public wells, cisterns, pumps and waterworks; to suppress disorderly houses, shows and exhibitions; to lay out, open, grade and pave streets, and otherwise improve lanes, alleys, highways, market places, wharves and slips within the city limits and to levy taxes upon property for the support of the city government, etc. The act of incorporation provided that an election for city officials should be held March 6, 1837. John Berdan was nominated for mayor by the whig party and Andrew Palmer by the democrats. The campaign was spirited and the election close, Berdan being chosen as Toledo's first mayor by one vote over Palmer. The other city officials chosen were J. Baron Davis, clerk ; Calvin Comstock, marshal; Samuel R. Bradley, Stephen B. Comstock and George B. Way, councilmen for the Upper (Port TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1271 Lawrence) Ward; Junius Flagg, Elijah Porter and James S. Way, councilmen for the Lower (Vistula) Ward. At the first meeting of the council, about a week after the election, George H. Rich was named clerk; Daniel 0. Morton, attorney; Ahira G. Hibbard, street commissioner; Charles McLean, fire engineer; Munson H. Daniels and Samuel Eddy, assessors. With the election of these officers and their induction into office, the municipal government of the City of Toledo was ready to function. Mr. Berdan was again elected mayor in 1838. In 1839 he was succeeded by Hezekiah D. Mason, who served one year, when Myron H. Tilden was elected and served four consecutive terms. A complete list of the mayors is given later. From the proceedings of the council at their early meetings concerning the progress of affairs of the new city, are noted the following from an old record : "The first ordinance of importance passed by the Council, was that of April 24, 1837, for the levy of taxes on personal property, in which, among other things, it was provided, that any person failing to make full return of such property should be taxed three times the regular rates. "May 22, 1837, a committee was appointed 'to enquire 'if there were any burying-grounds within the city.' "May 29, 1837, a committee was selected to ascertain the expense of procuring two fire engines for the use of the city; and that the Committee on Health 'examine the various pools of standing water in different sections of the city, and take measures for drying up or draining the same,' at that time a big job. "July 17, 1837, provision was made for the first hay-scales in Toledo—one for the 'Southwest Ward (Port Lawrence), near the Toledo House (corner Summit and Perry streets) ;' and another for the Northeast Ward (Vistula), near the Mansion House, of Ezra B. Dodd' (now 385 Summit Street). The fee for weighing hay was fixed at 25 cents per load. Roswell C. Cheney was appointed weigher for the former, and E. B. Dodd for the latter scales. "The first ordinance for regulating ferries across the Maumee at Toledo, was passed July, 17, 1837. It required a license for such purpose, the hours for ferrying being fixed from sunrise to sundown. The charges established were as follows: From April 1st to November 1st, 121/2 cents for each person; for man and horse, 25 cents; for single vehicle, 371/2 cents; for two-horse or two-ox wagon, 50 cents; for each additional horse or ox, 61/2 7-VOL. 2 1272 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY cents; for each head of horned cattle, 6 1/2 cents, and for each sheep or hog, 3 cents. "The first expenditure by the new City was for furniture, paid for in September, 1837. It was furnished by Wm. R. Hoyt, then cabinetmaker in Toledo. It consisted of a table and chairs sufficient for the members, and amounted to $33.00. The first record books were bought of Sanford & Lott, of Cleveland, the bill being $28.00. At that time there were no blank book manufacturers nearer to Toledo than Cleveland, and but one such there. "October 9, 1837, an ordinance was passed prohibiting, under penalties, 'ball, nine or ten-pin alleys;' also 'billiards, roulette, or any other table or instrument or device used or to be used for the purpose of gaming or gambling.' "The first School Districts in the City were established September 25, 1837, and were as follows: The first District, that portion of the City East of Locust Street; the second District, that portion between Locust and Adams; and the third District the portion West of Adams Street. "The first bill for rent paid by the City of Toledo, was that of Richard Mott, for the room which the Council occupied from May 1st to November 1st, 1837, the amount being $25.00. At a subsequent period during the occupancy of the room, an agreement was made with Mr. Mott, that the Council should have the same for one year without charge, provided, that during the year no city taxes should be levied on the property. This agreement was carried out, the city paying no rent, and the Council levying no taxes for that year—a plan which could hardly be adopted successfully at this time. "January 29, 1838, the City was divided into three Wards, viz.: First Ward, all that portion lying East of Locust Street; the Second Ward, that portion between Locust and Madison streets; and the Third Ward, that part South and West of Madison Street. "February 14, 1838, the pay for the several City officials was fixed, as follows : The Treasurer, two per cent. upon all moneys received and paid out by him; the Clerk, $100 for 10 months; Marshal, $40; Deputy Marshal, $20; Attorney, $40; Collector, five per cent. on collections. "The first statement of the receipts and expenses of the City of Toledo was made February 24, 1838, covered 101/2 months of time, and is as follows : 1274 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY 1838. Feb. 19. By cash paid the Mayor for licenses by exhibitors $ 25 00 “ " " By Cash from City Collector 1,864 93 1837. Sept. 25. To be paid W. R. Hoyt, bill for furniture for Council-room $ 33 00 " " " Sanford & Lott, for stationery 28 93 " " “ Hoisington & Manning, for Engine House No. 1 68 00 1838. Feb. 13. Toledo Blade, printing charter 30 00 " " " Peckham & Co., freight on engines 86 00 " " “ R. Mott, Jr., rent of Council-room 25 00 " " 24. Hoisington & Manning, building Engine House No. 2 13 00 " " " C. Comstock, services as Collector 93 00 “ " " Treasurer's fees 37 80 " " " Balance in Treasury 1,475 2 $1,889 93 "An examination made in March, 1838, showed the conten of the city treasury to consist of the following: "Michigan Bank Notes--Merchants Bank of Jackson County, $100; Lenawee County Bank, $54; Cold Water Bank, $14; Farm ers' Bank of Genesee County, $20; Jackson County Bank, $39 Saginaw City Bank, $3; Farmers' Bank of Sandstone, $103; La peer Bank, $10 ; Bank of Manchester, $40 ; Edward Bissell' notes, $100 ; Edward Bissell's Check on Lenawee Bank, $601 Total, $1,083. "A resolution then offered that the Treasurer receive no mor Michigan Bank notes, except those of the old Banks of that State. was lost in the Council, on a vote of 3 to 4. How much the character of the City's assets had to do with the liberal balance (apparently) on hand, is a matter of opinion only. The view sug gested, however, has some support in the fact that at that Um' TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1275 John Fitch, Esq., as agent of creditors of the city to the amount of $800, made the offer to take, at a discount of 20 per cent., such of the funds then in the treasury as he should deem current; whereupon, the Council offered a discount of 15 per cent. At the same time a second resolution not to take any more 'Michigan Wild Cat' money, was voted down-4 to 5. July 5, 1838, it was resolved to send all Michigan Bank notes then in the city treasury home for redemption, and those of banks suspended to the receivers of the same. "May 28, 1838, Ahira G. Hibbard was authorized to expend $300 'on Lagrange Street across Mud Creek Valley.' "March 26, 1838, steps were taken for providing the pioneer hearse of the City. "April 2, 1838, Mayor Berdan, by special message called attention of the Council to the propriety of preventing 'the selling of spiritous liquors in small measure by stores and grog-shops in the City,' when Alderman E. D. Potter moved the appointment of a committee on that subject, which consisted of Messrs. Potter, Comstock and Segur. April 9th a petition was presented. April 23d, an ordinance for such purpose was passed : "AN ORDINANCE to prohibit the selling or giving away of any Ardent Spirits, to be drank at any of the places therein named, and to prohibit disorderly assemblages and riots. Section 1. Be it ordained by the Mayor and Council of the City of Toledo, that from and after due publication of this ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any storekeeper, trader or grocer within the limits of the City of Toledo, to sell or give away any ardent spirits, to be drank in any shop, store, grocery, out-house, yard or garden, owned or occupied by the person selling or giving away the same; except by inn-keepers duly licensed by the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lucas. Section 2. That it shall be unlawful for any person within the limits of said city to sell or give away any ardent spirits or other intoxicating liquors, to any child, apprentice or servant, without the consent of his or her parents, guardian, master or mistress, or to any Indian. Section 3. Any and every person offending against the provisions of either of the above sections, shall forfeit and pay to and for the use of said City, any sum not exceeding $50, nor less than $25, in the discretion of the Court having jurisdiction thereof, together with the cost of suit. 1276 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY "May 22, 1838, the Council provided for a ferry across Swan Creek, at the place near Superior Street where Harmon Crane formerly had a ferry; for which purpose a 'scow boat, with rope and other necessary appointments,' were to be supplied by the Street Commissioner, the whole not to exceed $100. Mr. Crane was elected as ferryman. "The first step taken for protection against infectious disease was the appointment, August 9, 1838, of a Council Committee to 'take charge of all persons infected or subject to be infected with the smallpox.' " Provision was first made for a corporate seal for the City, October 26, 1838, viz.: "A scroll-seal, with the letters 'L. S.' inserted therein." A bill for "cleaning out ditch from the River to the Canal in rear of the Post Office" ($40.25), was allowed November 26, 1838. January 21, 1839, provision was made for employing a Surveyor "to survey and lot out the grounds given the City for burial purposes by the Port Lawrence Company," and that the same be fenced. The first regular survey of the City and a map of the same were provided for March 21, 1839. The first recognition of, and aid granted by the City to a military Company, consisted in an appropriation of $150, for the "Toledo Citizens' Corps," for the purchase of equipments, July 29, 1839. The Company probably was the predecessor of the Toledo Guards, organized in 1840. The matter of the removal of the county seat from Toledo to Maumee being then actively canvassed, the Toledo City Council in 1839 provided "a contingent fund of $80, to defray the expenses in preventing such removal," and appointed Andrew Palmer, Daniel Segur, Jacob Clark and H. D. Mason, to expend the same. The building of a sidewalk on Monroe Street, was in March, 1840, declared to be inexpedient, until "the condition of the trea ury" should become better known to the Council, and the Summ Street work, then in progress, should be completed. April 20, 1840, license was granted to William Consaul to keep a ferry across the Maumee River, from the foot of Adams Street, for which he was to pay the City Clerk 50 cents. July 6, 1840, the Council resolved to suppress horse-racing and "inordinate driving" within the City. A resolution was adopted November 16, 1840, for "cutting, clearing and burning the brush on Mud Creek, as soon as the TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1277 creek may be frozen sufficient to do the same to advantage." This stream, as elsewhere stated, traversed the low grounds between Cherry and Monroe streets, in a measure parallel with and near to Summit Street in the rear thereof. April 21, 1841, a Committee was appointed to report plan and estimate for a suitable building for a city hall. The invitation of the Toledo Guards for the Mayor and Council to partake of "a cold collation" with that Company, July 5, 1841, was accepted, with thanks and "assurances of the high consideration in which the Company was held." February 3, 1846, the Council appropriated the sum of $200, for sending an agent to Washington to secure the location at Toledo of a proposed Naval Depot for the Lakes, and also to secure the removal of the Port of Entry of Miami from Maumee City to Toledo. A number of changes were made in the original charter of Toledo, between the years 1837 to 1852. The Legislature of Ohio in 1852 passed a bill of general effect entitled "An Act to Provide for the Organization of Cities and Incorporated Villages." By this act municipal corporations were divided into cities of the first class, cities of the second class, and incorporated villages. Cities having not fewer than 5,000 and not more than 20,000 inhabitants were designated as cities of the second class. In this class Toledo was placed. The number of wards remained the same, but the date of the city elections was changed from the first Monday in March to the first Monday in April. The elective officers were mayor, treasurer, marshal and city solicitor, to be elected from the city at large, and two trustees, or councilmen, to be elected from each ward. It was further provided that after the first election under the act, the two councilmen from each ward should decide by lot which should serve one year and which two years, after which one should be elected annually and serve two years. All other elective officers were to be chosen annually, but in 1853 an amendment to the act was passed, by which, among other changes, the term of mayor in cities of the second class was made two years instead of one. The act of 1852 defined the duties of the several officers and also of the council. That body was authorized to elect a clerk, and a president, who should preside in the absence of the mayor; it was given general control of the public funds and the power to levy taxes, with the restrictions that the tax for general purposes should not exceed three mills on the 1278 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY dollar; that for the police department, not more than one mill, and for a fire department, not more than one mill. The council was also given power to organize fire companies, the members of which should be exempt from military duty in time of peace, and to keep open and in repair all streets, alleys, bridges, public squares, etc., and to see that they were kept free from nuisances. With the passage of what is designated as the "Paine Revision of the Municipal Code," April 29, 1908, Toledo, in common with other Ohio cities of its class, passed under its provisions. By this code the management of all municipal affairs was vested in a board of control, at the head of which was the mayor, a director of public service and a director of public safety, both to be appointed by the mayor. It was made the duty of the director of public service to exercise supervision over the departments of engineering, streets, waterworks, bridges, harbors, cemeteries the workhouse and public markets. The director of public safety was given supervision over the police and fire departments. The mayor was ex-officio president of the board of health, which was composed of five members. The other city officers were : Clerk, solicitor, auditor, treasurer, building inspector, smoke inspector, sealer of weights and measures, police judge and clerk of the police court. The common council was composed of three members elected from the city at large and one member from each of the thirteen wards. Among the mayor's appointments were four members of the sinking fund department. Other changes in the city government will be taken up elsewhere. TOLEDO'S EARLY TOPOGRAPHY Concerning the topographical appearance of early Toledo, it is almost impossible to realize the conditions of those primitive days, much less describe them. From near where is now the corner of Monroe and Summit streets, a ridge parallel with Summit, from which that street was later dished out or dug like a ditch in some places, ran to near Jackson Avenue. This ridge or rise of ground was known as the "Hog's Back." At Jefferson and Summit, the ground was some twenty feet higher than at present. The eastern slope of the "Back" was to the Maumee River, Water Street then being mostly under water as a part of the river; and the western side of the "Back" sloped to Mud Creek, heading towards now Cherry Street. This creek or run was a sluggish, miry affair, and its location is shown on a map made for that purpose. At the front of the old Toledo House, TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1279 Summit and Perry streets, the ground was some lower than now, but near-by was the runway of Mud Creek, bridged by logs, with a roadway graded to the top of the ridge, towards now Monroe Street. As will be described by several pioneers in their "Reminiscences" following, Lower Town and. Upper Town—Vistula and Port Lawrence—as late as 1850, were connected only by Summit Street. A broad open space extended from Cherry to Adams and northwesterly to the canal. Summit Street was graded through this Hog's Back, leaving embankments on either side between Oak Street and Monroe from five to twenty feet high, and Summit Street at this point resembled the channel of a canal with the water drained out. The earth from this excavation and the subsequent grading of the hill was used to fill up and practically make Water Street at this point. These two sections of the city were connected only by a plank walk on the northwesterly side of Summit Street and through the Hog's Back. In rainy weather that sidewalk was subject to landslides and became a very uncertain means of communication. Trinity Church, commenced in 1844, was built on the extreme edge of the dry ground on the west slope, the bed of Mud Creek extending from that point on Adams Street to about Michigan Street. At Adams Street, as one looked northerly towards Manhattan, the waters of the canal were sustained between earth walls built through the creek. Concerning the heart of the business section, the Port Lawrence Company offered to donate the lot on St. Clair Street, where is located (1929) the old Congregational Church building and next to the new Ohio Bank building, on the condition that a church should be built there. Jesup W. Scott offered a lot on the corner of Huron and Adams streets to the church society on the same proposition. A committee was appointed to view both sites. They reported that the Adams Street lot was surrounded by water, and to get to it they were compelled to "pick their way on bogs, logs and isolated points of earth; and that of the lot itself there was a piece of ground above water about large enough for the building which would be surrounded by water of more or less depth up to the proposed building." The St. Clair Street location was on the Hog's Back and there the old First Congregational Church was built in 1844. The great LaSalle Koch Company store building is now located upon the rejected church site. The canal to Manhattan ran through the city at the edge of the present library building, about where Ontario Street crosses Adams, 1280 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY and the low ground, the bed of the creek, included the territory from near Orange Street southwesterly with varying widths to its entrance to the river, near Monroe Street. The Mud Creek morass included the part of the city between Jefferson and Monroe about to Tenth Street on Jefferson and after Jefferson Street and Michigan Street were graded and filled, the region for many years was known as Smoky Hollow, occupied by squatters in small, squalid shacks. The ground on which the old high school building stands on Michigan Street (1929) sloped down to the creek and it included the territory northeast of Adams Street, and crossing Cherry Street about at Woodruff Avenue extended northeasterly to a point near the site of the Bay View Park and included a part of the original Town of Manhattan. The hill from Cherry Street down Superior and onto the ice of Mud Creek in winter time was the famous toboggan hill for the boys for many years and as late as 1855. Doctor Walbridge, the first rector of Trinity Church, in a letter describing the manner of getting to his church wrote as follows: "Let us go now and see the church, observing on our way its immediate surrounding. We can reach it from down town by the plank walk on the northwesterly side of Summit Street, the only one connecting the two nuclei of residences, which are distinctly separated by a broad unoccupied space extending from Cherry Street to Madison Street. Near the northwest corner of Cherry Street are two frame dwellings, one occupied by Egbert S. Brown, a vestryman of the parish. Passing diagonally across the head of St. Clair Street and looking in the direction of that street over the lowland, here and there dotted with bogs, a little more swampy than the rest, we see scarcely a house of any kind short of Ira L. Clark's at the corner of Washington and Michigan streets, and Edward Bissell's one story cottage at the corner of Monroe and 11th. Passing on we see neither store nor dwelling on either side of Summit Street, until within ten or twelve rods of Adams Street, there is what was evidently intended for a dwelling, now occupied by a furniture shop, and near it is a small brick building in which is the post office. Nearing Adams Street is a deep excavation made preparatory to the erection of a hotel, which the boys call Trinity Pond. Nearly opposite is a two-story wooden structure standing on long stilts over the head of a deep ravine, the office of the Toledo Blade. Looking towards the river, over ponds of water, enclosed by the filling of Water Street, we see here and there a number of storehouses dot- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1281 ting the river front. Or suppose we come from the opposite direction, from the Indiana House, a pretentious edifice with ponderous columns supporting nothing (Upper Summit). We first pass a few stores closely packed together till arriving midway between Monroe and Jefferson, we come to a high clay bank on which stands a dilapidated structure, called The Jefferson House; beyond that the continuation of the same bank with nothing on it; then Stows' jewelry store at the corner of Jefferson, crossing which save one wood frame loftily perched, we find no building of any kind on either side of Summit Street. Going along Adams to near its intersection with St. Clair we came to the churchyard gate. It was partly from this swamp, as it was called, that Toledo got the name of 'Frog Town.' Frogs were very plentiful and it was a source of earning spending money for many of the boys of the town on Saturday and during vacations, to capture the frogs and sell the legs to the hotels." This swamp, and the fact that the region to the east and south of Toledo, called the Black Swamp, heavily timbered, but undrained and flooded most of the year, and the sluggish Maumee River, often covered with green scum, except the channel and the boat passages, were responsible for the prevalence of the ague, which, in those days, no one hoped to escape. In June, 1837, some rhymester caused to be published eight or ten verses on the Maumee, the whole of which can be found in Waggoner's History of Lucas County, two verses of which, devoted to the ague, are as follows: On Maumee, on Maumee, 'Tis ague in the fall; The fit will shake them so, It rocks the house and all. There's a funeral every day, Without a hearse or pall ; They tuck them in the ground, With breeches, coat and all. A few years later, and in the Blade of December, 1852, a poetical contribution was published entitled "Summit Street," and having nine verses of eight lines each, the first of which is as follows: 1282 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY O'er Summit Street where'er I cast my eyes, What curious thoughts along my senses creep. Napoleon crossed the Alps; his high emprise Won him a deathless name, but not a step Of all the peaks he crossed, so hard to rise As Summit Street, beneath whose lowest deep There is a depth no mortal ever scanned— A gloomy deep of mud devoid of sand. The remaining verses are devoted to accidents to man, woman and beast in traveling through this cut on Summit Street through the Hog's Back, and between Kingsbury House and Monroe Street. The late renowned jurist, the Honorable John H. Doyle, wrote from memory of the times when he himself was one of the Irish lads of Toledo. This valuable material has 'appeared in the little "Story of Early Toledo," published by the author of this history. Among other things, of the canal transportation, the "Packet Docks" and early conditions, the Judge wrote as follows: "The 'Packet Dock' as it was then called was the front on Swan Creek, between Perry Street and Lafayette Street. This space was filled with stores supplying the numerous canal boats and their crews, and these were headquarters of the canal men when sober and on duty. The sailors and canal men hated each other intensely and whenever they met there was a free fight and often the clash of arms. Intemperance prevailed in both classes, to an alarming extent, and all the incidents of a reckless am riotous population they furnished. "This disposition to fight was not confined to the boatmen The feuds between upper and lower town were many and bitter They extended to the school children, and whenever on Saturday or a holiday a crowd of upper and lower town boys met, it wa the surest signal for a free fight resulting in many bloody nose and black eyes, of which the writer furnished an occasional exam ple. Upper Town, or what was then called 'The Hill,' embrace( that section south of Monroe Street and north of Swan Creek an was thought to be the tough part of the town. In the vicinity the canal and along Swan Creek, and at the locks and aqueduc were drinking places, boarding houses for the packet men, an many scenes of riot and lawlessness. I deem it proper to sa here that this section of the city is now inhabited by a thrift, temperate, intelligent and law abiding people, for which mu 1284 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY credit is due to that splendid man, whose death a few years ago called from the press and the pulpit such words of praise, and such evidences of affection as are bestowed upon the memory of but few men, and deserved by few as he deserved them—the Rev. Father Hannin. "It must not be supposed, however, from this that Toledo was an unsightly site entirely. The high ground westerly and northerly of this morass, now (1918) the beautiful residence part of the city, was always attractive. It was covered by magnificent forest trees, many still standing, and its contour and soil, its elevation and extent were peculiarly adapted to the needs of a beautiful city. There is nothing left of the unsightly creek. The great business structures of the city are in the main occupying the ground formerly Mud Creek. The streets have been filled in and their grade established so as to enable the magnificent sewer system of the city to be established at a grade high enough to reach the river and lake, and the morals of the population have kept pace with the city's growth until certainly they equal those of the average city." In the Toledo Blade of February 6, 1846, it was stated that Toledo had twelve warehouses, two and three stories high, and two more being built; five churches had been built for Congregational, Episcopal, Catholic, Methodist, and German Reformed Societies. There were schools in the three school districts; a female select school, taught by Miss Jenks, and a select school for both sexes; "under an experienced teacher." The population was given at 2,100 on January 1. A year later (1847) the Blade claimed a population of nearly three thousand. The principal canal traffic with Cincinnati was by the Doyle & Dickey line of packets which advertised to make daily trips through in sixty hours. Eighteen hundred and forty-six was the banner year for the number of buildings erected, up to that time. The first cemetery in Toledo was near the crossing of Madison and Seventeenth streets, where about two acres were set apart for that purpose by Dexter Fisher, in the year 1830, and abandoned about 1840. Next was a small piece of ground at the crossing of Lagrange and Bancroft streets, abandoned in 1838. Then the proprietors of Port Lawrence set apart a lot on the corner of Lenk (City Park Avenue) and Dorr streets, for burial purposes in .1838, which the city accepted and passed resolution for fencing and dividing it into lots, but it was later sold for taxes and passed into private ownership and devoted to residen TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1285 purposes for the living. In 1839 eight acres were purchased from B. F. Stickney whereon Forest Cemetery was started, and is now located, many additions having been, from time to time, added. Regarding the change in the residence section of the city, Judge Doyle wrote in 1918 that "in the early '50s, and until the vacant low ground between Cherry and Monroe streets began to be occupied, the residences were mainly in the vicinity of Lagrange Street in lower town and Monroe Street in upper town; then what might be designated as the fashionable, or desirable residence district was centered around Madison, St. Clair and Superior streets. William Baker lived where the Boody House now is; Daniel 0. Morton opposite where the Fifty Associates Building (the former Produce Exchange) is; Calvin Baker where the Drummond Block (National Bank of Commerce) is, and on Superior Street between Madison and Jefferson, including the corners on Jefferson, were what were considered the best residences in the city, occupied among others by Matthew Shoemaker, John Cummings, Robert Cummings, John B. Ketcham, Jr., A. W. Gleason, John B. Carson, Frank I. King, Perry Crabbs, John E. Hunt, James B. Steedman and Governor James Myers. "Business drove the residence section to the vicinity of Cherry, Walnut, and Superior, between Cherry and Elm streets, and fine residences were built and occupied by M. D. Carrington, now St. John's College; Peter F. Berdan, T. B. Casey (George E. Pomeroy's home), John R. Osborn, Joseph K. Secor, Frederick Eaton, V. W. Granger, Jesse S. Norton and others. Down the river on Summit Street followed as the most desirable place to live, and elegant residences were built and occupied by Chief Justice Waite, Joseph K. Secor, William Baker, S. H. Keeler, M. S. Hubbell, Frederick Prentice, Abner L. Backus, Horace S. Walbridge, C. H. Coy, Edward Bissell, W. A. Ewing, David Smith, Emery D. Potter, John S. Bailey, Charles A. King, C. B. Phillips and others. The building of the railroads down Water Street and the location of the coal docks along the river, drove the people away from this section. Madison Street, for many years, was considered the finest residence street in the city, which is now going the way of its predecessors and giving way to business. Where is it now? I leave the reader to choose between the hundreds of answers that will be made to that conundrum." As said, thus wrote Judge Doyle in 1918. What a change only ten years has since wrought! CHAPTER LXIV TOLEDO REMINISCENCES STORIES AND EXPERIENCES OF THE PIONEERS-RICHARD MOTT- JESUP W. SCOTT-GEN. JOHN E. HUNT-SANFORD L. COLLINS-MRS. SAMUEL ALLEN AND OTHERS. The personal experiences of individuals who figured conspicuously in the earliest development of a section of country or a city, may be classed as the most valuable contribution to its history. Nothing else is comparable to first hand, original source information of this character. Fortunately, a few of the sturdy characters, the men who took part in founding Toledo, the men who were prominent in its formative period and aided in its development, have left to posterity their priceless "Reminiscences:" the stories of their arrival, the situation here as they first saw it, and the events following. Before it is too late, these human interest documents and narratives of earliest Toledo should be put in form for permanent preservation. It might be termed an historical necessity. Therefore, they are set forth in their completeness, so far as they concern this locality. Most of them were gathered by the late historian Knapp in his work published in 1873, and now long out of print. The first of these reminiscences or recollections given, are those from the pen of Richard Mott, a Quaker, born in Mamaroneck, Westchester County, New York, in 1804, and whose family were among the early converts in America of George Fox. Mr. Mott, a leader in the affairs of early Toledo, always adhered consistently to his Quaker faith until his death in 1888, at the age of eighty-four years. Here is his remarkable story, and the reader should keep in mind the fact that it was written in 1872: "My personal knowledge of the Maumee country dates from the 1st of March, 1836. I arrived there after a three days' ride by stage from Columbus. The Black Swamp was frozen hard, and we had an easy ride through that then dreaded region. Willard V. Way, then, as now, a resident of Perrysburg, was the only other passenger in the stage, our three days' association making - 1286 - 1288 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY us pretty well acquainted, by the time he got out at Spafford's (Hotel), where we changed horses, and I came on alone to Toledo, reaching the 'Toledo House' late in the afternoon. The Toledo House was a double, two story, brick building, standing, on the corner of Perry and Summit streets. It was afterwards added to, and re-named the Indiana House. "The road from Maumee wound along through the woods, near the bank of the river, and not far from the present river road. The forest extended to the south bank of Swan Creek—no improvement being on that side, nearer than George Knaggs' farm, after leaving Port Miami. At Swan Creek, a road had been cut, commencing where Henry Brand's brewery now is (St. Clair Street), and descending along the side of the bank to about oppo- site Superior Street, where was a bridge—carried off by a freshet a few weeks later. For some years afterwards, the creek was crossed by a scow ferry-boat, large enough to carry a single team. This ferry was kept by Harrison Crane, father of Charles A Crane, of East Toledo. "At Columbus, I had left Stephen B. Comstock, and Andrew Palmer, who were successfully lobbying for a charter for a rail- road from Toledo to Sandusky. William Wilson, then of Syl vania, was also there on some similar business. He had been on of the earlier settlers on the river, owning the farm adjoining Major Stickney's, towards Manhattan. At Marion we met J1 seph R. Williams, Willard J. Daniels, George McKay, and Cyr King, from Toledo, on their way to Columbus, to aid in procuring the railroad charter—all young and active men, and having fur faith in Toledo. Williams and King are not living; Daniels no resides at Lockport, New York. He was then, and still is, large] interested in Toledo real estate. McKay left Toledo the follow ing year, and has never returned. "Adjoining the Toledo House, was the store of W. J. Daniels & Co., in which, at the time, Roswell Cheney, Jr., and Daniel Mc-Bain were clerks. Cheney remained in Toledo, and died in 1845, Over the store, reached by outside stairs, was a large room occu- pied by Emery D. Potter (since Judge), as a lawyer's office. This office was much resorted to by the judge's friends, who wished to write or transact business, all of whom were heartily welcomed by him—pens, ink, and paper, and a seat at his long table, throw, in. It was, in fact, the most attractive loafing place in town Occasionally, in the evenings, a debating society met there. B sides Judge Potter, Peter Palmer (now living in Lockport), Dan- TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1289 iel McBain, Caleb F. Abbott, and Josiah G. Murfee, were prominent in this organization. Joshua R. Giddings, and Benjamin F. Wade, came in the spring, and took part in some real estate purchases. Wade did not stay long, but Giddings remained a long time, and took an active part con amore in the debating society. Later in the spring, Edward Wade also came, and opened a law office in company with Richard Cook. The early settlers will recollect Cook as a lawyer of much promise, cut short by his untimely death, a few years later. "Nearly opposite W. J. Daniels & Co., on part of the lot where Ketcham, Bond & Co., now are (1872), was another frame store standing alone, over the door of which was the sign of A. Palmer & Co. This old building remained till 1859, when it was pulled down to make room for the block belonging to V. H. Ketcham. "Daniels & Goettel (Munson H. Daniels and Henry Goettel) were doing a large business in a wooden building, on the corner of Perry and Swan streets. During the year, they put up two three-story brick stores, on the corner of Monroe and Summit streets, and, in the fall of 1836, moved into the corner one. These stores were burned October 16, 1860, and were replaced by the present Lenk's block, erected in the spring of 1861. A row of buildings stood on the northwest side of St. Clair Street, built by Colman I. Keeler, Jr., where is now the American House, but extending further south, and across the alley that runs between :he new Police Station (1872) and Kelsey & King's Pork House. The usually travelled road into the Port Lawrence end of the town was through this alley, and under the wooden archway of Keeler's row. This road continued nearly to the present site of the African church, then more towards the north, passed over the rear of Austin Scott's property, corner of Monroe and Michigan streets; thence crossing Monroe Street, it passed over the ground where J. H. Whitaker's house is—then along in front of Judge Potter's residence, and in the same direction over the rear of Calvin Barker's and Horace Holcomb's grounds, and just clearing the corner of Doctor White's house, on Madison Street, continued in a direct line to the present road in front of Judge Fitch's mansion. "On the river, in rear of the store of A. Palmer & Co., was a log warehouse, an old looking building, said to have been standing when Colman I. Keeler landed there in 1817. Keeler settled in that year on the farm now occupied by his widow, on the road above mentioned. This log building was taken down in 1836, by 1290 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY Judge John Baldwin, who put on its site the warehouse occupied after his death, in 1837, by Carpenter & Myers, and then by V. H. Ketcham, who now owns the ground—the building having been taken down to make room for Ketcham's block. "The Oliver warehouse, built by Joseph Prentice, was then standing on the west (south) side of Monroe Street, where Roff & Co. now are (1872), and occupied by A. Palmer & Co. Further down, under the bank of the river, on the site of M. I. Wilcox's brick store, was another warehouse, belonging to William P. and W. J. Daniels. The bank, which was there upwards of thirty feet high, had been dug away to fill in for the dock foundation for this warehouse, which was reachable from the land side, only by a road commencing at Jefferson Street, and cut sideways down the bank. "An attempt had been made towards street making on Monroe Street, but it was not used, the travel continuing on the old track out Perry Street, and through the alley, under the arch of Keeler's row. A brick store of two stories, belonging to John Baldwin, fronted Summit Street adjoining W. J. Daniels. This stood till within a few years since. The ground in front of the Toledo House was about at the present grade of Summit Street, at that corner. It was some four or five feet lower at the intersection of .Monroe Street. Here was a run-way for the water from the low ground, along Mud Creek. This runway was crossed on Summit Street by a little log bridge,—the logs well covered with earth. Beyond this, at the east, was a bluff, some twenty feet above the present grade, and a roadway had been cut and partly sidewalked to reach the top of the bluff. Here was a frame building then unoccupied, but afterwards fitted up, and known as the National Hotel, and where Lyman T. Thayer began his successful career at hotel-keeping. The present Deuel block (Fred. Eaton & Co.'s upper store), is on the same spot. It was then a commanding position having a full view of the river,—there being nothing to obstruct in either direction up or down. From this the road wound along near the edge of the bank, among stumps and bushes, and without regard to map lines or streets, to the post office, a two-story brick building, about 150 feet east (or north) of Adams Street. This had been put up by Edward Bissell, for the purpose for which it was then used, to be about midway between the settled portions of the previously rival villages of Port Lawrence and Vistula, when they concluded to bury the hatchet of strife, and unite under the name of Toledo. TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1291 "This post office building was an isolated and somewhat desolate looking affair, standing entirely alone. The nearest dwelling was a log house, directly in the present line of Summit Street, at the corner of Oak, surrounded by a worm rail fence, enclosing about half an acre for a garden spot. This log house was occupied by William Andrews and family, consisting of his wife and several sons and daughters. Among the former was Samuel Andrews, of the Blade,—then a boy perhaps a dozen years old. The road passed between the enclosure and the river, over the lot where the Toledo mill stands, towards the corner of Cherry and Summit streets. From this to Elm Street, the line of Summit Street was clearly defined. The stumps had been mostly grubbed out, and several buildings were erected on both sides. "A frame building, occupied as two dwellings, stood on the west corner of Cherry Street, where Wittstein's drug store is. What is now Doctor Bergen's dwelling, adjoining, was nearly finished. The frame on the corner was afterwards moved on the lot where B. Meilink and Co.'s furniture store stands, and was long occupied by the Toledo Blade; till it was removed to its present location. Cherry Street was then the southwesterly border of the Vistula division. The entire space to the tavern building, above Jefferson Street, was open and wild, except for the post office building, and Mr. Andrews' log house. "On the south (or east) side of Summit Street, on the corner of Vine Street, was a frame building, occupied by William Tillman as a paint shop below, and dwelling above. This was the next year fitted up by Edward Bissell, for a dwelling, where he resided for several years. It still stands, in the same place (1872). Nearly opposite, Richard Greenwood had a small frame dwelling—still standing. The three old stores, on the northwest side of Summit Street fronting the head of Vine Street, were in course of erection. A brick outside was put on them in 1852, in which they still stand. When Toledo was made a city, in 1837, one of the offices in the second story of this block, was used for the City Council room, till changed to the present location. Scott & Richardson (Samuel B. Scott and Worden N. Richardson, both deceased), had a store a little below, towards Walnut Street. "A row of stores, belonging to Edward Bissell, stood on the corner of Locust Street, where George Webber's block is. In the second story of this row; Hezekiah D. Mason had his office. Judge Mason was regarded as an old resident, having come in 1834. This row was burned in the fall of 1838, the most sickly season 1292 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY ever known in Toledo. The city had two fire engines, built at Waterford, New York; and, as the weather had been very dry, one of the engines (No. 1) had to be run down the bank of the river for a supply of water, forcing it up to the other (No. 2), which was thus enabled to throw one little stream. The few men who worked the machine, at the river, were soon tired out, an the stream stopped. They sent for fresh hands to help work the brakes, but it was next to impossible to find any men w were well enough ; the almost invariable excuse of every b stander applied to, being, that he was just out from a fit of th ague, and was not able to work. The well men being fagged ou the stores were destroyed. All that could be done, was to so the near buildings. "About half way between Locust and Lagrange streets, was the Mansion House; William Wilmington's residence occupies the spot (1872). It was a story and a half frame, having a long front, and in the rear a barn-like addition, used for a dining-room below, with a double row of lodging rooms above. It was then kept by James Bourne, but soon after was taken by Daniel Segur, who continued in it till the following autumn, when the "American Hotel," on the corner of Elm Street, built by Joseph R. Williams, being completed, Segur moved into the latter, which was then considered as something notable in the tavern line—and so it was, and well kept, too. "On the southeast corner of Summit and Lagrange streets, was a two-story frame store, belonging to and occupied by Dr. Jacob Clark, the sign over the door being Clark & Bennett. This corner was then regarded as about the centre of business, and perhaps the best stand in the place, till 1843, when, by the opening of the canal, business was mainly drawn towards the Port Lawrence end of the town.. This old store was afterwards occupied by Ketcham & Snell, and it was here that Joseph K. Secor commented business life as a store boy. It was subsequently taken by Elijah S. Hanks, who remained till it was burned, in 1844, or 1845. "Lagrange Street was graded from Summit Street (pretty steeply), so that teams could pass to the dock. Here, on the west (south) side of the street, was the warehouse of Peckham & CO., 'Still standing, now owned by P. H. Birckhead. Peckham & Co. did the largest forwarding business of the place, most of the steamboats coming in the river stopping at their wharf. The members Df the firm were Bunnell H. Peckham, and John Berdan (Judge). TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1293 Mr. Berdan was the first mayor of Toledo, elected in the spring of 1837, by one vote over Andrew Palmer, and reelected in 1838, without organized opposition. He died in 1841. His sons, Peter and John, of the well-known firm of Secor, Berdan & Co., were then round-jacketed boys. Peckham died in 1866, at Milwaukee, where he had lived for several years. "In the spring of 1836, two other warehouses were put up near the foot of Lagrange Street, on the east (north) side. The lower one was occupied by Bissell & Gardner (Frederick Bissell and Joseph B. Gardner). Mr. Bissell continued in business in Toledo till his death, in June, 1870. Gardner was afterwards postmaster, succeeding Judge Potter, in 1839. He removed to Buffalo, and died many years ago. The other warehouse was kept first by Poag & Morse, then Poag & Titus, and afterwards by Robert W. Titus,-- the latter still (1872) living in Toledo. John Poag went to New York about 1840, and after a few years became one of the firm of Kent, Poag & Co., grew wealthy, and invested largely in Toledo real estate, which has turned out very advantageously. He returned to Toledo, and died in 1868. The same warehouse (the second story), was taken by Titus & Co., from New York, in the spring of 1838 (Avery and Walter Titus), for a dry goods and groceries jobbing establishment. They did a good business; but, trying to carry a load of debt, growing out of their New York business in 1837, proved too great a burden and, after the death of Avery Titus, in 1841, the firm was obliged to suspend. Walter is still living in New York. These warehouses still remain, and are parts of the Novelty Works establishment. "Among the permanent boarders at the Toledo House, in the spring of 1836, were Willard J. Daniels, and William P. Daniels, with his wife and two little children—son and daughter, the former, Charles, now of Lloyd, Daniels & Dennison, and Helen, now Mrs. C. J. Lloyd. Lyman Wheeler was also there—then unmarried. He had recently bought the lot on the corner of Monroe and St. Clair streets, where the Wheeler Opera House now stands, at that time a very uninviting spot; the swale from Mud Creek crossing this lot, as well as the opposite corner where the Collins block is, and continuing thence along through the whole of the block to the Myers' corner, where it crossed Monroe Street. "Wheeler had great faith in the advancement of Toledo, especially of the Port Lawrence end of the town. Caleb F. Abbott 1294 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY was also there,—a graduate just from Cambridge College, seeking his fortune in the West, as Ohio was then considered to be Ralph P. Buckland (now General Buckland of Fremont), came soon afterwards, on the same errand, and remained till in the summer. James M. Comstock came about the latter part of March, 1836. His brother, Stephen B. Comstock, had been here since 1832 and was a very old settler by that time. Stephen was in fact one of the pioneers, and became interested, with Oliver & Williams, in tracts 1 and 2, which comprised what was known as Port Lawrence, and he was for some years the agent for the Port Lawrence Company, in selling lots and inducing settlements. He was also postmaster. The latter position he resigned in 1837, being a whig, to make way for Judge Potter. Stephen died in 1853. "Until the spring of 1837, there were no sidewalks anywhere in the place; not even one of a single plank. Men wore heavy boots and, in muddy weather, tucked their pantaloons inside, and waded boldly through the soft soil. It was quite an undertaking to get from either end of the town to the post office—then called `Middle-Town.' It was useless to attempt wearing India rubber shoes; the adhesive character of the mud made a power of suction that would draw off rubbers almost at the first step. It was regarded as a grand improvement when, by private subscription, a sidewalk of two planks in width was laid on the northwest line of Summit Street, from the Toledo House, corner of Perry Street, to the American, at the corner of Elm Street. "The Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad was in course of construction, from Toledo to Adrian, under a charter from the territorial legislature of Michigan. The original plan for the road was to put down wooden rails, of oak studding four inches square, and draw the cars by horses. Even this would have been a great relief and wonderful improvement over the nearly impassable roads through the cottonwood swamp that stretched from Sylvania to Palmyra [Michigan]. "The work on the road had been driven forward with much energy, and was well forward, considering how little means the projectors had to carry it on. By the time the grading was clone, the stockholders became possessed of more enlarged ideas, and determined to iron the road, and use 'locomotive power. To be sure, the Company had no money to buy the iron; and railroad bonds, and preferred stock, and the various devices by which in these days such work is got through with, were then unknown TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1295 However, by giving a liberal bonus in stock, with the obligations of the Railroad Company, endorsed by some of the directors, and other parties interested individually, the iron was obtained. But such iron ! How the railroad men of today would laugh at the thin straps, five-eighths of an inch thick, then spiked down on the old railroads. Yet, it was as great an improvement over the projected wooden rail, as the H and T rail over the almost hoop iron then used. In the same way, two little locomotives were purchased, and, early in 1837, a couple of old-fashioned, four-wheeled short cars, and some half a dozen freight cars of the same size, were running on the road. There was but little practical knowledge of the management of 'railroads, this being the first road in operation west of Utica, New York. How this road was got into operation, and kept up, Without money or credit, can never be fully explained, and perhaps not entirely understood, even by the parties whose energy and pluck—with possibly some little assurance—carried it along through years of difficulty and embarrassment. Very few of these men are now living. Among some of the conductors on the trains, were Stephen B. Comstock, Robert Jeffrey, Frederick Bissell, Charles A. King, and Munson. H. Daniels. “Until the autumn of 1838, almost the entire freighting over the road was carrying provisions, as well as goods, into Michigan, principally flour and pork to feed the people, and corn and oats for horses and hogs. Michigan did not raise enough for its population, owing to the rapid increase of immigration; and was obliged to import from Ohio. But, in 1838, this immigration had fallen off, and then the road began to be used to bring out the wheat crop, which from that time was greatly increased each year. Flour and wheat were then teamed from Jackson, Marshall, Battle Creek, Constantine, and intermediate places, to Adrian, to be brought thence by rail to navigable waters, at Toledo. This was continued till the construction of Michigan State railroads cut off much of the business that had hitherto sought market outlet by this way. "The construction and continuance of the Erie and Kalamai zoo Railroad exercised great influence in settling the supremacy of Toledo as the business place at the west end of Lake Erie, over its several rival towns. The first railroad office was in a little frame building, 14 x 20 feet, put up by Willard J. Daniels for a barber shop, on the ground next east (north) of Ketcham, Bond k Co.'s present store. A small platform reached from the rear of 1296 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY the office to the track, without any roof, and as much unprotected from the weather as are at this day all the stations on the Hudson River Railroad, including Albany. For the first year, the track terminated at Monroe Street, at the head of Water Street, crossing the block from about the corner of John Mulhany's store to the rear of Roff & Co.'s. During 1837, the track was extended along what is now Water Street, to the foot of Lagrange Street over the water the whole way, piles being driven to support it, ___ the line varying from 50 to 200 feet from the then line of shore Water Street was not filled in till 1843. "In 1842, the Toledo House was enlarged by the addition of another story, with great. awkward, wooden columns put up in front, but considered very grand, and its name changed to that of the 'Indiana House,' and was for some years, under its new name, kept by Robert N. Lawton, who had previously had charge of the American. The completion of the Erie and Wabash, and the Miami canals, had drawn much of the travel and business towards the mouth of Swan Creek, making the Indiana House the better location. Much of the travel between New York, and Cincinnati, and St. Louis, was by lake from Buffalo, and thence by canal packet boat from Toledo. The 'packet dock,' still retaining the name, in front of the present St. Charles Hotel, was then a very lively business spot. Packet lines started from this dock on both canals, generally crowded with passengers, there being no competing lines of railroad on either side. The packets had for agent at Toledo, William J. Finlay, who there began his business career. "The opposite bank of Swan Creek terminated in high buff, not far from the artesian well on Ottawa Street. No improvement had then been made on that side, the trees extending to the edge of the bank. Possibly some of the ladies of Toledo, who as children, attended Miss Alice Jenks' school, may remember a May-day picnic, given to the scholars on the 1st of May, 1844. It was held in the woods, out of sight and hearing of the town, in a secluded spot, a few rods beyond the present Oliver House (now the Riddle Chandelier Works, 1928). "A small frame house was standing on the point near the site of the Wabash Railroad Car Shops. This belonged to John Baldwin, and was the only dwelling on the shore between Swan Creek and John and George Knaggs (near Maumee). What is now known as the `Middle-Ground,' was a wild rice swamp, commencing about opposite the foot of Monroe Street. The lower TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1297 end was under water during the fore part of the season, till the long grass began to show itself, becoming quite thick by autumn. It became shoaler till near the Cleveland railroad bridge, where there was land barely above water, and a little further south were two fishing stations, used in the spring and autumn. But what soil there was above water, was too low and wet for any attempt at cultivation.. Even then it was foreseen, by some of the residents of Toledo, that this middle-ground would prove to be the right place for railroad purposes; but even the sanguine expectations of that day of wild speculation did not anticipate the present business importance of the location. Even later, when it was brought before the managers of the Michigan Southern Railroad, there was strong opposition. to the plan before its adoption. It was feared that the expense would be too great, and it was confidently urged that the whole could never be wanted. "In 1837, Andrew Palmer & Co. put up a warehouse, some 120 feet northeast from Monroe Street, and carried on a forwarding business in it for some years, the firm being a part of the time Palmer, Bush & Co. This warehouse passed into other hands, and was burned in 1853. Andrew Palmer left Toledo in 1845, for Wisconsin, where he is still living (1872). Peter Palmer is in Lockport, and the other partner, William H. Bush, returned to New York. Two other and larger warehouses were put up in 1838, each- of them having three stories. One in the rear of B. Meilink's furniture store,—this was burned in 1840. The other, then belonging to Hezekiah D. Mason, is known as the Godard warehouse, and now belonging to Young & Backus. "In 1840, the old red warehouse was built at the corner of Monroe and Water streets, originally 40 feet front, but another 40 feet were added in 1842,—the whole still standing. The Daniels warehouse, at the foot of Jefferson Street, dates from 1843. The four stores on the southeast (northeast) corner of Summit and Monroe streets, are the oldest substantial brick structures on either of the two streets. They were begun in 1842, and finished the next year. The bluff at this place was 20 feet high, and had to be dug away to make room for the block. It is said there was a small military post (Fort Industry) on this bluff—a blockhouse—probably as far back as the time when the British government held possession on the river, which they did as late as 1796. Soon after the digging was commenced, two skeletons were found, which, from remnants of shoes and buttons, were supposed to have been soldiers belonging to the little garrison. 1298 - STORY OF THE MAUMEE VALLEY "In the spring of 1844, the corner store was opened by A. Ralston & Co. (Alex. Ralston and Solomon Linsley), as a drug store. Ralston did not remain long, when the firm became S. Linsley & Co., which firm was succeeded by West & Van Stone, the present occupants,—the stand having been used in one line, for the same business, during the same period. Where Smith & Simmons now are, was leased by Charles O'Hara for a wholesale grocery. Afterwards, it was taken by V. H. Ketcham & Co., for their business, which was continued there for some years by their successors, Secor & Berdan. The Poag block on the corner of Madison Street, was put up in 1849; and the Deuel block about the same time. "As early as 1832, attention was turned towards the place where the Wabash and Erie Canal and the Miami Canal, would probably enter Lake Erie, or the Maumee River. Not long afterwards, some of the more enterprising men of Buffalo, who were engaged in the forwarding business on the Erie Canal, and owning large vessel and steamboat interests on the lake, looking to the further extension of their business, became interested near the mouth of the river, where is now Manhattan. Among those parties who had planned to make Manhattan the business point was Isaac G. Smith of the then firm of Smith & Macy of Buffalo. He had never seen the proposed location till in the year 1834 when he first visited the rival sites from Maumee to Manhattan. He was not long in perceiving the generally superior advantages of Vistula and Port Lawrence, and advised his associates to look to these places as the more advisable for their purposes. Under his advice, Smith & Macy, and Pratt & Taylor, agreed to join in the purchase of property there. Henry W. Hicks, of New York also was joined with them equally in the project. * * * Smith acting for the others, sought out Edward Bissell, whose sagac at once grasped the advantages of having such parties for adjutors. They arranged for a purchase from Oliver & William of a large interest in the Port Lawrence tracts, also, and then was agreed to unite the two opposition villages of Vistula and Port Lawrence, as one town, under the name of Toledo. From this time the growth of the place was encouraging. It was t all a forest, from near Locust Street to Jefferson Street—the or inal settlements having been on and near Lagrange Street, Vistula, and about the mouth of Swan Creek, in Port Lawren These woods were cut away, opening the space between the t places. The next year, 1835, the forest was cut on the low TOLEDO AND THE SANDUSKY REGION - 1299 ground, back of Port Lawrence, and along the sides of Mud Creek. [The center of Toledo's business and office building section, 1928.] This low ground was apparently a swamp, difficult to reclaim; and it remained much in that condition till 1846, when a partially successful attempt was made to drain it by a sewer along the line of Oak Street, where is the present enlarged sewer. "Mr. Hicks had active capital, and it was used freely in buildings, and various improvements, and in giving a start generally. The project of the railroad to Adrian, received a new impetus, and was pushed ahead rapidly. The steamboats on the lakes, owned and controlled by the two Buffalo firms—Smith & Macy, and Pratt & Taylor—commenced to stop on the way to Detroit, that being as far as they were regularly run. An occasional trip, however, would be made to Green Bay and Chicago—once, perhaps, by each boat during the season. These boats, on their returns from the 'Upper Lakes,'—as Lakes Huron and Michigan were called,—were always decked out with evergreens, tied to flagstaff, mast head, and bowsprit; as an indication of the far off regions they had visited. "Notwithstanding the adhesion of these firms to Toledo, there was still a strong Buffalo interest, backed by capital, that favored Manhattan, and considerable improvement was made there, in building, wharfing, etc. This influence was kept up for some years for Manhattan, and did not fully die out till 1844, or 1845. One of the Toledo forwarders (M. L. Collins) was given the use of a large warehouse in Manhattan, rent free,—this was in 1843,—and several canal boats were sent up from the Erie Canal, to form a line for him to run there. These boats made one trip from Manhattan to Lafayette (Ind.) and back. Their second trip was from Manhattan and back to Toledo. They then went by river to Manhattan, for the third start. After that, Mr. Collins quit his free-rent warehouse, and returned to Toledo, with his entire line. "It was not till June, 1836, after the boundary-line dispute between Ohio and Michigan had been settled by Congress in favor of the former, by which it acquired the strip of land including Toledo and Manhattan, that Ohio went energetically at work with her canals—the Indiana portion being then nearly finished. Then came the struggle for its terminus on the river. Maumee City and Perrysburg, being settlements counting over twenty years' existence, had confidently claimed the terminus as the proper and natural one, being at the head of navigation. Manhattan urged,