470 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY
CHAPTER XV.
COMMERCE AND TRADERS.
IN reviewing the early Commerce of the Maumee River, we must yield supremacy to Perrysburg. But before the period when the traffic could be dignified with that title, and before 1830, the passengers, emigrants, &c., and the freight to and from the River, were transported in very small sail craft, and an occasional small Steamer. Among the men of that time who sailed these little Vessels, were Captains John T. Baldwin, David Wilkison and Amos Pratt. The most noted of the Vessels employed, were the Leopard and the Eagle. Merchandise for the few traders at the River Towns, was brought from Buffalo by these small sail craft. Goods for the Indian traders in Indiana were also transported to Perrysburg by the same instrumentalities, and thence by wagons to the head of the River Rapids, now called Providence. From this point to Fort Wayne, transportation was by means of what were called " Keel Boats," propelled by setting-poles manipulated by men on board. The same mode of carriage was used on the Mohawk River, in New York, before the Erie Canal was built. At Fort Wayne another portage became necessary to the head waters of the Wabash, and goods for the traders as low down as Logansport, reached their destination through this long and tedious passage frequently of two months or more at a cost of $4.00 to $5.00 per 100 pounds. Let us, for a moment, contrast this long trip and immense expense with present rapid and cheap transit. Goods are now delivered in Logansport in five days from New York, at a cost of 40 to 50 cents per 100 pounds.
John Hollister was the pioneer merchant of Perrysburg, and the projector, with Captain Wilkison, of ship-building at that point. John W. Smith, of Syracuse, New York, came to Perrysburg in 1834, and in 1836 formed a copartnership with Hollister in the ownership of this shipping, and in building a line of docks. A large sum of money was invested in the latter, which was a final total loss. It is difficult, even for those who were witnesses of these events, to recall the "great expectations " of business entertained by the whole people of this Valley at that date. Real property at Perrysburg and Maumee was enormously high, and there was no limit to the imaginary expansion of the future. Mr. Smith lost his investment at Perrysburg, and retired to a large stock farm at Miami, and that, too early for the time, was a failure. Later, he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, and died there in 1878.
About 1845, the Maumee citizens commenced some ship-building, the Forsyths and Messrs. Spencer & Moore (George Spencer and John A. Moore), and Wolcott, being foremost in the work. The Steamer Gen. Harrison, Captain S. F. Atwood; the Troy, with same commander ; the Propeller Globe, Captain Herrick, and later, Captain Wetmore ; and the Schooner Alvin Bronson, Captain Gilmore, were built there. The Forsyths and George Spencer have passed away. John A. Moore, of our City, is the surviving partner of the Maumee enterprise in that line. Mr. Hollister was the third son of a large family at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and came to Perrysburg about 1817. There were ten sons and one daughter. As the sons matured, they left home for various business points in the West. With one exception, they proved to be bright and competent business men. William settled at Buffalo, New York ; John and Frank at Perrysburg ; Harry and George at Monroeville, Ohio; Josiah and Charles at Sandusky ; James and Robert at Buffalo ; and Fred. at Utica, New York. As business and the country West of Buffalo improved, the brothers united their credit in aid of each, and were thus enabled to undertake and carry forward large enterprises at their different points of location. The early business of and Frank Hollister at Perrysburg, was a large and profitable trade with the Indians in Ohio and Indiana, in which States the latter were then very numerous. This lucrative traffic was also largely participated in by John E. Hunt (afterwards General Hunt), and by the Forsyths, at Maumee. While these gentlemen were in the front rank in all projects to promote the growth and prosperity of the Maumee Valley, Hunt was not connected with the building of Vessels. He built the first warehouse on the Maumee side of the River. Later, members of the Forsyth family were engaged with others in that enterprise.
These gentlemen of an early day, at Maumee and Perrysburg, except in college education, were the peers of any men, and were eminently qualified to develope the country. Messrs. Hunt, the Forsyths, Jerome, Wolcott, Conant, and the Hollisters, were a strong type of men, and to them belong in no small measure, the credit for pushing to completion the legislation which authorized the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal to Terre Haute, Indiana, and the Miami and Erie Canal to Cincinnati.
In 1836, W. W. Mumford, of Rochester, New York, began the building of docks and a large
COMMERCE AND TRADERS. - 471
warehouse at Miami, a mile below the old Town of Maumee. The place was accessible to the Steamers and Sail Vessels of that day, and therefore was considered to be " the coming " commercial point on the River. There were quite a number of such points. The speculation fever of the time induced large purchases of lots by Eastern commercial men, among whom were Bronson & Crocker, of Oswego, New York. As the Canal was soon to be completed, and its route to be on that side of the River, it was believed that its commerce and traffic in the nature of the case, must center at Miami. Mumford's dock and warehouse were followed by other improvements corresponding thereto, until nearly one-fourth of a mile of docks and four commodious warehouses had been built, in anticipation of the increase of business.
George S. Hazard, now of Buffalo, was about the first to give attention to business of a commercial nature on the North side, to which it had a tendency to change from Perrysburg. In 1838, Denison B. Smith (a resident of Toledo since the Spring of 1844), commenced a Forwarding and Commission business there. James H. Forsyth was in a similar business. In 1841, the business of receiving and forwarding merchandise had largely increased, and was concentrated at Miami. In that year, Messrs. Hazard & Smith united their business, and added to it the purchase and sale, at wholesale, of Iron, Tobacco, Glass and Glassware, from the manufactories at Pittsburgh. About the same time, Captain James Pratt, before referred to, and John Brownlee, formed a co-partnership, under the name of Pratt & Brownlee, for the transaction of a Forwarding business at Miami, which was continued until about the time of the completion of the Wabash Canal to Toledo.
In 1842, the Wabash Canal was opened from Lafayette, Indiana, to a point about nine miles below Defiance, at the Village of Florida, and about 45 miles above Toledo. Considerable quantities of Flour were shipped from Indiana, which was carted from the Canal-Boats to Boats in the Maumee River, and transported thence to Providence, from which point the Canal was completed to Maumee and Toledo. In 1843, the whole line of that Canal was opened.
The result of the first year's business clearly demonstrated that Toledo, as a shipping point, possessed superior advantages over Maumee, Miami and Perrysburg. Western men were by no means adverse to shipping their products to Miami, but it was far more difficult to procure transportation from there, than from Toledo. At that day, Tugs and other steam-towing were unknown. Vessels sailed up the Bay and the River to Toledo, and also to Miami, when they went there. But the channel above Toledo was tortuous, shallow at points, and occasionally narrow ; therefore, a free wind was required, both for the upward and downward trip, and such favorable breezes were not always at command. The result was detention and uncertainty. Under the influence of this development, the Miami firms abandoned the business at that point. Mr. Smith came to Toledo in 1844, and Mr. Hazard in 1846.
The pioneer in business on the dock at Toledo was John Baldwin, who had a small warehouse, built of logs, near the mouth of Swan Creek.
At about 1835 to 1836 a number of newcomers attempted the business. B. P. Peckham, with Judge John Berdan, under the firm B P. Peckham & Co., Andrew Palmer, Daniels Co., George McKay & Co., Frederick Bissell & Gardner. In 1837, H. A. Carpenter, Peter Palmer & Bush. In 1838, Richard Mott and James M. Comstock (Mott & Co). Later, Curtis, Watkins & Co., Harry Eagle, Ludlow, Babcock & Brownlee, E. Haskell & Co.. Smith & Hazard, Brownlee, Pendleton & Co., E. B. Brown & Co., Smith, Bronson & Co., Mitchell & King, Field & King, Brown & King, A. Godard, Carlos Colton, Stalham Wing, John M. Boalt, B. F. Hollister. This list of firms comprises those who are remembered in the business down to about 1850.
In a letter, published March 4, 1852, Charles G. Keeler stated that the first shipment of Wheat from this County, and from the Maumee Valley, was made in 1827, and consisted of 300 bushels, grown on the farm of his father (Coleman I. Keeler, Sen.), now on Collingwood Avenue. It was cradled by Seneca Allen, who stuck the first stake for the embryo City of Toledo at the month of Swan Creek, and was raked and bound by the writer of the letter. As shown by the books of the Custom-House, this grain was shipped by John Hollister, of Perrysburg, per the Schooner Eagle, Captain David Wilkison. It was at first taken to Buffalo, but not finding market there, it was reshipped to Dunkirk and there sold by Captain Wilkison, at " 3s. and 6d." (43-33 cents) per bushel.
As an interesting fact, coincident with the foregoing, it may here be stated that the first shipment of Wheat from what is now Huron and Erie Counties, was made also in 1827, and consisted of 300 to 400 bushels. It was purchased of neighboring farmers by Charles Standart, then at Huron, and now (1887) residing at Auburn, New York. It was taken to Rochester, New York, and sold at 31 cents, netting a loss of 19 cents per bushel. In 1828, Mr. Standart sent 9,000 bushels to Rochester, selling it at 621 cents-a loss of 121 cents per bushel.
In this connection will be proper a statement of the changes which have taken place in prices for farm products and for manufactured articles in this country, during the past 70 years. These
472 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
are shown by the following tables, supplied from creditable sources:
FARM PRODUCTS.
1816. 1886.
Wheat, per bushel $0.44 $0 99
Oats, " 15 41
Corn, " 20 46
Barley, " 25 80
Butter, per pound 12 32
Cheese, " 06 10
Eggs, per dozen 05 12
Cows. per head 15 00 50 00
Hay, per ton 5 00 17 00
Straw, per ton 4 00 15 00
Sheep, per head 75 2 00
Farm labor, per month 8 00 18 50
MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.
1816. 1886.
Steel, per pound $1 17 $0 12
Nails, per pound 12 04
Broadcloth, per yard 16 00 4 00
Woolen blankets, per pair 15 00 7 00
Cotton cloth, per yard 30 12
Calico, per yard 25 06
Salt, per bushel $1 to 4 00 15 to 25c.
It will be seen that the average increase in the value of farm products for the period stated, was over 210 per cent; while the decrease in the cost of manufactured articles, was 70 per cent. In 1816 a cow would pay for 60 yards of calico or for five bushels salt; whereas in 1887, 833 yards of calico or 250 bushels of salt could be purchased with the price of a cow. A month's wages of a farm laborer, in 1816, would buy 26 2/3 yards of cotton cloth or 66 2/3 pounds of nails. In 1887, the same would pay for 154 yards of the former, or 462 pounds of the latter.
In July, 1843, the following was given as the cost of getting a barrel of Flour from Toledo to Liverpool:
Cost of grain (five bushels), $5.00; freight, via Montreal, $1.50; British and Canadian duty, 60 cents; insurance, 10 cents-total cost, $7.20. Average price of flour in England for previous four years, $8.30 ; exchange at 7 per cent., 58 cents-total proceeds, $8.88. Net profit, exclusive of brokerage and commissions, $1 68.
In this connection may properly be given the old "Sliding Scale of Duties" on flour, which was in force in Great Britain at the time above mentioned, but was repealed in 1846, to wit
When flour was worth $7.65 per barrel, the duty was $3.00; when $840, it paid $2.50; when $9.00, it paid $1.95; when $10.35, it paid 90 cents; when $10.80, it paid 30 cents, and when $10.95, the duty was 15 cents. The average duty at that time was $2.50 per barrel.
The Blade of February 8, 1846, had a table showing the comparative market values of a bushel of Corn in Toledo and Liverpool at that time-the cost of transportation and selling being 93 cents. From that, it appears that with Corn selling at $1.12 in Liverpool, it was worth 19 cents in Toledo ; and that it must be worth $1.43 in Liverpool to bring 50 cents in Toledo. Since that time American Corn bat been sold in England within 20 cents of the Toledo price.
One-half of the Wheat delivered at Tidewater in 1844, was sent from Cleveland, Milan, Sandusky and Toledo. In 1843, Chicago shipped 700,000 bushels ; Detroit, 106,000 ; Sandusky, dusky, 441,000; Milan, 536,000; and Monroe, Michigan, 121,000.
In January, 1845, the rates for freight by Railroad between Buffalo and Albany, per 100 pounds, were as follows: Passenger trains, $1.66. Fright trains-1st class (new merchandise), $1.00; 2d class, 32 cents; 3d class, 46 cents ; 4th class, 50 cents. At that time the State levied tolls on freight transported by Railroads, as follows : Between Buffalo and Albany, 15 cents per 100 pounds; 41 mills per mile for 1,000 pounds for produce; and 30 cents per 100 pounds for the distance, or 9 mills per 1,000 pounds per mile.
The following table gives the exports and imports of articles named at Toledo, Maumee and Perrysburg for the year 1851:
EXPORTS.
Toledo. Maumee. Perrysburg.
Corn, bus 2,775,149 1,000 44,371
Wheat 1,639,744 ____ 8,755
Oats 64,441 ------ 3,702
Flour, bbls 242,677 2,880 596
Pork 38,658 ------ 118
Spirits, casks 21,934 ___ -----
Ashes, pots and pearls bbls 4,847 126 176
Lumber, Black Walnut, feet 2,134,073 ___ 38,000
Staves, No 2,504,804 __
Merchandise, lbs 403,513 ---
Butter, kegs 3,119 ____ 163
Eggs, bbls 568 ___ __
Wool, bales 2,839 ____ 25
Total value exports $7,915,344 $30,557 $41,055
IMPORTS.
Toledo. Maumee. Perrysburg.
Merchandise, tons 23,260 pkgs 210 tons 276
Barley, bus 27,505 ____ ---
Beer and ale, bbls 1,554 136
White Fish and Trout 10,499 225 285
Salt 102,032 ___ 125
Salt, bags 79,080 --
Lumber, feet 11,837,747 __ 58,000
Shingles, No. 6,277,000 ____
Lath 2,569,715 ____ 52,000
Total value imports $23,034,367 $16,207 $264,755
Total exports for District, value $7,986,866
" imports 23,315,677
Aggregate commerce $31,302,533
The totals of arrivals and departures of vessels at Maumee for 1851, were:
Arrivals, 32; departures, 30; tonnage, 9,443. At Perrysburg-Arrivals, 75 ; tons, 15,434; departures, 75; tons, 15,434.
COMMERCE AND TRADERS. - 472a
HORACE S. WALBRIDGE was born July 21, 1828, at Syracuse, New York. He is a son of Chester and Mary Walbridge. In 1831, the family removed to Columbus, Ohio, where, as partner in the firm of Bond & Walbridge, the father engaged in mercantile trade. Two years later he made his home and that of his family-consisting of Mrs. Walbridge and three sons (Hiram, Horace S. and Heman D.)-at what then became tile Town of Toledo, where be became interested in real estate. The educational privileges of the place were then meagre enough, at best, but even these were not long enjoyed by Horace, who at the age of 12 years began his business life as clerk for Stephen Marsh, a pioneer merchant in a small way. Soon thereafter he was engaged in like service for Charles U. McKnight, remaining with him for 18 months. When 14 years old, he went to Palmyra, Michigan, as clerk in the store of Walter A. Titus & Co. In the Winter of 1845-6 he superintended the construction of a Saw-Mill at Ottawa Lake, Michigan, which was designed largely for sawing material for the track of the old Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad. In the Spring of 1846, he took by Canal to Cincinnati a stock of straw hats, gathered by himself from the French at Bay Settlement, Monroe County, Michigan. Soon returning, he entered tile service of Thomas Watkins, then a Forwarding and Commission Merchant at Toledo. While there, and during the grain speculation largely growing out of the Irish potato famine of' 1;46-7, he was made bearer of special market news to the agent of the house at Adrian, Michigan, when, oil horseback, he made the distance (33 miles) in four hours. Mr. Watkins died in August, 1852, when Mr. Walbridge took charge of the business of P. Buckingham &, Co.. at Toledo, and the following Winter traveled largely along the line of the Wabash and Erie Canals, during which time he invested $1,500,000, mainly in breadstuffs and hog products, one-half of the amount of the currency being forwarded to him by mail from Eastern Banks, without loss. He then was on a salary of 51,000 per year. At the end of the year, he became a member of the firm, continuing as such until its close, February 1, 1857, when it was succeeded by the Commission House of Brown, Walbridge & King (his partners being the late Matthew Brown and Frank J. King). Subsequently the business was taken by Brown, Walbridge & Co., and afterwards by H. S. Walbridge & Co., (Ebenezer Walbridge a partner), which firm terminated in the Spring of 1868. From the outset, this house was among the strongest and most successful at Toledo, ever bearing high reputation. In 1865, the house of Walbridge, Watkins & Co. was established at Chicago, and terminated when the senior partner withdrew from trade at Toledo, and directed his attention to other matters, including real estate. In 1869, Mr. Walbridge was appointed one of the Trustees, under the Ferguson Bill, in the construction by the City of Toledo of tile Toledo and Woodville Railroad, of which Board he was President for five years, and during the building of that line. Mr. Walbridge has for 20 years been prominently identified with the Banking interests of Toledo. he was President of the Northwestern Savings Bank during its operation ; was one of the first Directors at the organization of the Second and of the Northern National Bank, of each of which for some time he was a Director ; is now and for many years has been Vice President of the Toledo National Bank. He was one of the three Toledo citizens, who, with seven other parties, secured the construction of the Columbus and Toledo Railroad; and was one of five by whose action, largely, Detroit and Toledo connection with the Canada Southern Railway was made. Mr. Walbridge has long been recognized among the more enterprising and liberal citizens ill the promotion of the manufacturing interests of Toledo. In 1.868, with Matthew Shoemaker, he was active in establishing the Union Manufacturing Company, one of the most prosperous industrial enterprises in the City. Of the Maumee Rolling; Mill, commenced in 1883, and completed in November, 1854, he was a leading stockholder and manager. From the (late last named, a the result of' extreme depression in the Iron trade, the operation of this Mill was suspended, and it was burned April 9, 1887. It was rebuilt of iron the same year, and supplied with natural gas as fuel, resumed operations in February, 1888, giving employment to 500 men. Various other industrial enterprises have been promoted by Mr. Walbridge's aid. For many years he has been largely interested in real estate, dealing in much of the most valuable property in the City, including Englewood Addition, in the Eighth Ward. Through his efforts chiefly, the superior burying-place, Woodlawn Cemetery, adjoining tile City, was provided. Politically he has been a Republican since the organization of that party. He has held no political office, though frequently serving in local positions. For several years he was a member of the Toledo City Council, and is now, under appointment by the Governor, a member of the Toledo Board of Election. He was President of the Lincoln Club of Toledo in 1864, and of the Grant Club in 1868; was the Republican candidate for State Senator in 1879. In consequence of a Democratic majority in the District he was not elected, though he ran over 1,000 ahead of the Republican ticket in Lucas County. It is proper here to state, that ample ground for contest was furnished him, through the illegal style of ballots used by the Democrats in Henry County at that election ; but accepting the result as the will of the voters, he declined to
472b - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
possessed by any other of that day. It was run in connection with Steamers and Vessels to Buffalo, and with Vessels to Oswego. The quarters first occupied in Toledo by Mr. Smith, consisted of what for many years has been known as the "Old Red Warehouse," yet standing on Southwest corner of Monroe and Water Streets, built by Richard Mott, in 1840. The next location was the "Daniels Warehouse," Southwest corner of Jefferson and Water Streets. In the Winter of 1845-6, Charles Butler, of New York, built for Mr. Smith at the foot of Cherry Street (Southwest side), a Warehouse of greatly increased capacity, and with facilities for handling grain of marked improvement on anything theretofore known in the West. The business of the Canals, as of Toledo, rapidly increased. In 1849, the first Board of Trade was organized.' This was done in the office of an Elevator, built by General Joseph W. and Egbert B. Brown, on the present site of King's Elevators, at the foot of Madison Street (East side). Of this Board Mr. Smith was chosen President, and Matthew Brown Vice President. Since 1844-now 44 years-Mr. Smith has been identified with the commerce of Toledo, and is the oldest living representative of its early and later progress. It is safe to state that of all the hundreds of his business associations for that long period no one has in more eminent degree commanded and retained the confidence and esteem of acquaintances, than has he; while no one has been more enterprising or more unstinted in the employment of time and means for the advancement of the commercial interests of the City. In September, 1877, he was elected Secretary of the Toledo Produce Exchange, and has since held that position, to the full satisfaction of that body. As Secretary of the Board,. he has prepared a daily Circular or Prices Current, which, from the first, has in high degree commanded the attention and confidence of dealers, at home and abroad, and is now largely accepted as authority in matters of current interest and of financial policy. Mr. Smith united with the Protestant Episcopal Church, at Maumee, in 1842, being confirmed in the Court House by Bishop Mcllvaine, of the Ohio Diocese. Coming to Toledo in 1844, he was elected as Vestryman of Trinity Church at Easter meeting, 1845, and for most of the succeeding 43 years, he served as Vestryman and Senior Warden. It is safe to say, that no other member of that communion has been more sincerely or more actively devoted to the welfare of the Church, than has he. July 8, 1843, Mr. Smith was married with Mary Sophia, eldest daughter of General John E. Hunt, at Maumee, who died June 14, 1857. Of this union six children were born, of whom four are living. The second died in infancy, and the third (Rev. Frank Smith, of the Protestant Episcopal Church) died in 1879, aged dispute it, and his opponent took his seat. But for his positive declination, no doubt Mr. Walbridge would have been elected to Congress in 1880. Probably no citizen of Toledo has been longer or more usefully identified with the religious, moral and benevolent work of the City, than has Mr. Walbridge. For 30 years past a Vestry man of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, he has contributed largely to its prosperity, and to that of other Churches of that and other connections. As an officer and liberal supporter, he was prominent in the organization and success of the Protestant Orphans' Home. the Home for Friendless Women and the Protestant Hospital. He was President of the Toledo Society for the Suppression of Vice; and has been ready with means for whatever cause promised the moral or material welfare of his fellow-citizens, irrespective of sect, creed or party. Mr. Walbridge was married with Miss Isabella D. Watkins, at New Bedford, Massachusetts, October 18,1854. They have had five children, of whom three are now living-Thomas H., of the firm of H. S. Walbridge & Co., Dealers in Real Estate; Mrs. N. Grace, wife of Arthur J. Secor ; and Miss Mary D., all of Toledo.
DENISON BILLINGS SMITH was born at Stonington, New London County, Connecticut, October 17, 1817. During that year his parents removed to Stockbridge, Massachusetts. At the age of' 13 years, the son left home for employment in the store of his eldest brother, and Dean Richmond, at Salina (now Syracuse)., New York. Remaining there until March, 1836, he left for the Maumee Valley, reaching Perrysburg April 15th, where he engaged as clerk with the same brother and John Hollister, and continued as such until June. 1838. He then engaged in business for himself; at Miami, or Lower Maumee. It was a small forwarding business, to both the East and the West, and also in furnishing supplies to contractors in the construction of the Canal. He continued this business until 1841, when he formed a copartnership with George S. Hazard, now of Buffalo. The new firm added to the old business that of Wholesale trade in iron, glass and tobacco from Pittsburg, and in grain from farmers. In 1844, the year after the completion of the Wabash Canal, it becoming evident that its traffic would meet that of the Lake at Toledo, Mr. Smith moved to that place. He then purchased one-half interest in a line of Canal Boats, which had been sent here from the Erie Canal, by Bronson & Crocker, of Oswego. The business of Mr. Smith then became that of Transportation and Grain Commission, which was materially increased in 1845 by the completion of the Miami and Erie Canal to Cincinnati. The line of purchased Boats was added to by purchase and construction of others, until it furnished facilities not
COMMERCE AND TRADERS. - 472c
30 years. His living children are-Mary G., wife of Ralph W. Baker ; Julia E., wife of Geo. E. Welles; and Denison B., Jr., all now of Duluth, Minnesota; and Virginia, wife of James Robison, of Wichita, Kansas. January 29,1862, Mr. Smith was married with Julia E. Hunt sister of his first wife.
WILLIAM T. WALKER was born near the City of Dublin, Ireland, December 28, 1825, and is of English and Welsh ancestry. He was educated by private tutor until his 14th year, when he entered a wholesale Grocer and Wine Merchant's office in Carlow, as junior Clerk. Here so rapid was his promotion, that at the end of four years he had passed through the different grades of service and became Bookkeeper. In 1845 the failing health of his father, then living at Athy, in the County of Kildare, necessitated his return home, where he remained until after his father's death in 1846, when he accepted a Government position on the staff of the Government Engineering Department, established to furnish work for the relief of the people made destitute by the failure of the potato crop. In this connection he served as inspecting officer and surveyor of work done on the public works until the abandonment of the service in the Summer of 1847. In the Fall of that year, having been disappointed at not getting a position in the Army at home, he emigrated to the United States. At that period the Mexican War had attractions for him, and he accordingly enlisted in the Second New York Volunteer Infantry, and some time afterwards was ordered to Vera Cruz, Mexico, with a detachment of recruits. Instead of the service he expected to participate in on the field, he was detained with others at Vera Cruz, as a clerk in the Surgeon General's office there, much to his discomfiture. He served during the War and in July, 1848, returned to the United States with the last detachment of the Regiment, and was mustered out the 31st day of the same month, and soon thereafter sailed for England, where he passed the Winter of 1848-9. In the Fall of 1849 he returned to the United States, and soon after his arrival became foreman on the Public Works at Buffalo. He subsequently became connected with the New York and Erie, Erie and State Line, the Buffalo and State Line, and the Buffalo and Canandaigua Railroads, as Foreman or Clerk, and on the latter as Manager.
In 1853 he became Book-keeper for the house of Chamberlain &, Crawford, Canal Line and Steamboat Agents, of Cleveland, in one of their branch establishments at Rochester, Pennsylvania, where he remained four years, part of the time as resident manager of their transportation business. In 1857, at the urgent solicitations of the senior member of the firm, who entertained the highest opinion of his ability and trustworthiness, he removed to Cleveland to act as shipping agent of the firm. He remained in that office one year, when he received the appointment of agent of the Northern Transportation Company's line of Steamers at Toledo. Here his business ability and management soon built up an immense traffic for the line, and in the actual management of which he was identified until the company dissolved in 1880. In the meantime he established a Commission House in Toledo, with P. Chamberlain of Cleveland, and H. J. Hayes of Toledo, and up to 1886 had two or three other partners. Mr. Walker for many years has taken the warmest interest in Free Masonry. He first joined the order at Rochester, Pennsylvania, in 1853, being made a Master Mason in Rochester Lodge, No. 229; a Royal Arch Mason in Fort Meigs Chapter (Toledo), No. 29, and a Royal and Select Master in Toledo Council, No. 33. He is also a Knight Templar in Toledo Commandery, No. 7, one of the largest Masonic bodies of the grade in the State, of which he has been for two years Eminent Commander; also a member of' the bodies at Toledo, and the Ohio Consistory at Cincinnati of the "Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons." As a Mason he has held office in one grade of each and every Masonic body but one in the City of Toledo-the highest in the gift of the Commandery K. T., and is now the second highest in the Grand Commandery of K. T. of Ohio; and has been for years the representative of the Grand Commandery of the State of New Jersey to the Grand Commandery of Ohio, is now also G. Sec. of A. A. Rite in Toledo. For many years he has been an active member of the Masonic Relief Association of Northwestern Ohio, of which he has been Director and Vice President, and is now President. In Masonry he has attained the 32d degree.
Mr. Walker is a progressive, public spirited man, and is and has been prominently identified with many local institutions a Director for many years and in 1879 and in 1884 President of the Produce Exchange ; one of the originators and a Director of the Toledo Soldiers' Memorial Association, has been its President for two years and in which he now holds the office of Treasurer; has been a Director for many years of the Toledo Fire and Marine Insurance Company; helped to organize the American District Telegraph Company, and has for years been a Director and Vice President ; and is now Secretary of Masonic Temple Association, an organization which purchased the ground and erected the present Masonic Temple on corner of Superior and Adams Streets; is now Vice President of the Ohio State Association of Mexican War Veterans; has been from the organization a Director of the Toledo, Columbus and Southern Railroad Company, and is now its Vice President; and has been since 1884 a member of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Cincin-
472d - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
nati, Ohio, Commandery, a membership of which he is especially proud. In all these varied and responsible positions he has ever been an active and positive force.
A Republican since the birth of that party, he has ever been a staunch believer and advocator of the principles and doctrines of the party. He was first elected member of the Toledo Common Council in 1875, and again in 1877; in 1880 was elected to the Board of Aldermen. He served as Vice President of the Council for two years, and as President of the Board of Aldermen one year. During his service in Council and as Alderman he was Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means except one year. In 1886 he was appointed City Auditor and at present fills that office. His appointment was received with approval by the citizens of Toledo, who recognized in him a man eminently fitted for the position.
Mr. Walker was married to Julia Barrell, of Evans, New York, who died in 1870, leaving six children. He remarried in 1871 Rose Jennings, of Adrian, Michigan, to whom two sons and a daughter have been born.
SHELDON CLARK REYNOLDS, the youngest of ten children of Jesse and Sarah Sheldon Reynolds, was born in Essex County, New York, November 29, 1835. His father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Dutchess County, New York, September 15, 1793, and died December 10, 1853. He served during the War of 1812-15. Mr. Reynolds' mother was born September 6, 1794, and died July 20, 1851. The boyhood of the son was passed upon a farm, his educational advantages being limited to attendance at the District School. At the age of 14 he went to Bridgeport, Vermont, where for two years he resided with his sister. It was during this period that the principal portion of his School education was received. In the Winter he attended the Village Schools, while his spare time from labor during the Summer was devoted to studying under the direction of his sister. At the age of 16 he commenced his business career, by entering the employ of his brothers (W. R. and W. B. Reynolds), engaged in the general Dry Goods business at Jackson, Michigan. After three years of service, marked by economy and good management, he purchased the business interest of his brother W. R. Reynolds, and became a partner with his remaining brother, under the firm name of W. B. & S. C. Reynolds. This relationship continued for one year, when W. B. sold his interest to W. R., and the firm became known as W. R. & S. C. Reynolds. For the succeeding 4 years, the firm remained unchanged. The subject of this sketch during this period displayed those natural business traits, which since in a wider field of commercial activity have made him so successful. Year by year the extent of their business transactions increased, which extended beyond the line of their original enterprise. During the latter years of this business in Jackson, the yearly transactions of the firm reached a sum above half a million dollars. In 1869, W. R. and S. C. Reynolds disposed of their business interests in Jackson, and in the same year W. R., W. B. and S. C. Reynolds purchased the Armada Flouring Mills in Toledo, and commenced the manufacture of Flour under the firm name of Reynolds Brothers. At this date the subject of this sketch removed his family to Toledo, and took full charge and management of the Mills. No change occurred in the personnel of the firm until 1872, when W. B. Reynolds sold his interest to his remaining brothers. From the time the Reynolds Brothers took control of the Armada Mills until they disposed of it in 1875, the venture was a complete success. Previous to their proprietorship, the largest yearly product had not exceeded 20,000 barrels ; while under the personal supervision of Mr. Reynolds it reached over 100,000 barrels. In 1875 Reynolds Brothers sold this Mill property, at which date S. C. Reynolds embarked in the Grain Commission trade, a business in which he has become so well known in the commercial world by his extensive operations. Associated with him at the commencement of this venture, was Charles L., a son of W. R. Reynolds. Later on Mr. Reynolds' son, Fred J., and J. H. Bowman were added to the firm. Mr. Reynolds has been since the formation of the house virtually sole manager and conductor of its business. In 1875 2,000 car-loads of grain were handled by the firm, while in 1885, it reached the amount of 85,000 car-loads-a larger quantity, as believed, than was handled by any other man or firm in the United States. Mr. Reynolds was the first Grain Merchant to bring grain to Toledo from West of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. He is a member and the largest stockholder of the Produce Exchange, and was among the first to start the movement which resulted in the erection of the Produce exchange building, one of the finest stuctures in the City. In politics Mr. Reynolds is a Democrat, but has never taken much interest in political affairs. Until recently Mr. Reynolds had taken comparatively no relaxation from his engrossing business duties; but in 1884, the state of his health induced him to take an extended Ocean voyage. He returned greatly benefited by the trip, and has since purchased a fine Steam Yacht, named the Sigma, an occasional trip in which forms his principal recreation. Mr. Reynolds was married November 16, 1856, to .Martha A. Simpson, of Watertown, Wisconsin. Four children have been the issue of this marriage, of whom but one son, Fred. J., born August 25, 1857, is now living, the others having died in infancy.
COMMERCE AND TRADERS. - 473
The following table gives the Lake shipments from Toledo of the articles named, during the years 1840, 1841, 1842 and 1843, to wit :
1840. 1841. 1842. 1843.
Wheat, bus $5,000 127,898 116,730 187,860
Flour, bbls 51,000 45,784 37,280 59,368
Pork, " 1,200 7,063 8,445 1,901
Ashes, casks 600 1,302 1,672 2,786
Value exports $381,000 $521,000 $358,000 $665,000
Salt (imported),
bbls 11,000 17,000 24,000 35,000
The following table shows the shipments of the articles named at Toledo, Sandusky-, Cleveland and Chicago for the year 1851:
Toledo. Sandusky. Cleveland. Chicago.
Corn, bus 2,783,149 71,151 906,653 2,575,334
Wheat 1,639,744 1,800,397 2,141,943 293,149
Flour, bbls 245,233 147,951 656,040 41,539
Pork 42,356 5,564 13,580 16,407
W heat and flour
bushels 2,868,909 2,540,152 5,432,143 500,844
Lard, bbls 27,165 766 4,314 4,468
Salt, bbls 102,032 37,263 92,270 87,052
Salt, bags 79,080 2,469 50,947 60,000
PRICES CURRENT.
As indicating something of the fluctuations in values which have attended the opening and progress of' trade and improvement in Lucas County and the West, a few citations are here made of prices current at different dates.
The earliest list of' prices current at hand is given in the Blade of May 16, 1837. It was << corrected weekly by Palmer, Bush & Co.," and was as follows:
Flour, superfine, per bbl $ 8.50
Pork, mess 23.00
Pork, prime 16.00
Pork, one hog 18.00
Beef, prime 11.00
Hams, smoked, per lb 13 @, 16 cts.
Butter 20 @, 23 "
Lard 10 @, 13 "
Cheese 10 @ 13 "
Eggs, per dozen 16 @, 18 "
Apples, dried, per bushel $ 1.50
Apples, green, per bbl 4.00
Beans, per bushel 2.50 @ 3.00
Oats, " " 63 @ 75 cts.
Shingles, per M $ 3.00
Salt, per bushel 3.50 @ 4.00
In November, 1839, Salt was worth $2 per barrel at Toledo, and $6.50 at Fort Wayne. That was before either Canal or Railway communication existed between the two places.
August 22, 1845, Wheat sold at Toledo for 68 and 70 cents ; Flour, $3.20 and $3.30 ; Pork, $13.00 ; White Fish, $6.50 and $6.75.
Among the extreme fluctuations in market values those in the price of breadstuffs in the Summer of 1847 stand prominent. The rates at Toledo and New York at the dates given, covering a period of five weeks only, were as follows
TOLEDO. NEW YORK.
June 14 July 19. June 4. July 10.
Wheat, per bu $1.37 $0.80 $2.25 $1.35
Corn, per bu. 0.59 0.33 1.18 0.67
Flour, per bbl. (Ohio). 6.50 4.25 9.50 5.75
These sudden changes were largely due to prospective heavy crops of the United States, at that time first appreciated, which had broken down the speculative rates for a long time maintained in England. Freights sympathized largely with grain rates. Thus, in .June as high as 11 cents for Wheat, and 50 cents for Flour were paid from Toledo to Buffalo; while in July the prices fell to 4 cents for Wheat and 12 1/2 cents for Flour. At the same time the rates to Oswego fell from 16 to 8 cents per bushel, and from 55 to 25 on Flour.
The following table shows the prices at which the articles named were sold in Toledo in 1864 and in 1887:
1864. 1887.
Butter, roll, per lb $0 50 $0 20
Flour, Superfine 11 50 4 50
Wheat 1 80 73
Mess Pork 42 00 14 00
Sugar raw 24 48
" granulated 33 6
Molasses, N. 0 1 25 40
Coffee, Java 65 35
Rio 56 30
Prints 58 6
Brown Sheetings 70 7
Ticklngs 65 17
Denims 70 17
Prices in Toledo, May 3, 1867, were as follows : Flour, $18.00 ; White Wheat, $3.40; Corn, $1.19; Oats, 70 cents ; Barley, 90 cents ; Beans, $1.90 ; Salt, $2.40.
The following were the current prices at Columbus, Ohio, for the articles named, in September, 1822 :
Wheat, 25 cents; Corn, 121c.; Oats. 14c.; Potatoes -Irish, 18 3/8c.; Sweet, 75c.; Apples, 37 1/2c.; Peaches, 12 1/2c.; Peaches, dried, per bus., $1.00; Pork, 2c.; Beef, 3c.; Butter, 6e.; Wool, 50c.; Flax, 10c.; Maple Sugar, lOe.; Eggs, 4c.; Chickens, 5c% each ; Salt, $1.00 per bus.; Tea, $1.25 per lb.; Coffee, 37 1/2c.; Pepper, Ginger and Allspice, 50c.
A merchant then wrote, that he had his "share of business," but he had not received $20 in cash in 18 months. He could sell for produce, but could use of that only what he and his cow could eat. The rest he "gave away."
The following gives the prices of the articles named at St. Louis, in 1846, and May, 1867:
1846. 1867.
Tobacco $0 90 @, 6 30 $6 00 @ 14 25
Hemp 40 00 @ 48 00 126 00 @ 165 00
Flow 2 80 @ 3 00 9 50 @ 17 50
Wheat 48 @ 50 3 15 @ 3 60
Corn 23 @ 24 1 08 @ 1 14
Oats 24@ 26 83 @ 86