565 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
CHAPTER III.
DRAINAGE. - WATER SUPPLY.-PARKS.
DRAINAGE.
APRIL 18, 1839, the Council first recognized the necessity for draining the lower lands within the City, by authorizing the Street Commissioner to "take immediate measures to fill up, drain or otherwise to improve all the low and marshy grounds in the City," provided such improvement cost not to exceed $500-a sum sadly inadequate to the end for which miles of sewers have since been constructed at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"Draining Mud Creek," was the subject of an editorial in the Blade of February 2S, 1845. Said Creek was then a sluggish stream-hardly more than a lagoon-running generally parallel with the River and lying North of Summit Street, in what is yet more or less low ground. At the date named it was a source of much sickness-probably a main contributor to the bad repute as to health which Toledo then had.
The first sewer constructed in Toledo was placed in Monroe Street, in 1848. It extended from the River 1,700 feet on Monroe, and thence East 300 feet to the lagoon between that Street and Jefferson. It was sunken from 10 to 15 feet ; was 3x4 feet in size and cost about $3,000, or $1.50 per foot. The second sewer was in Oak Street; same size as in Monroe Street ; extending from River to St. Clair Street, 850 feet; cost $5,500; with open drain from St. Clair to the Canal, 1,400 feet; which cost $1,300.
Since the construction of the two Sewers named, that branch of improvement has gone forward with more or less of regularity, until the City now possesses one of the best systems of drainage in the country. Few localities have had more of topographical obstacles to contend with in that connection, than has Toledo. Visitors now coming here can have no adequate appreciation of what has been accomplished, except as they examine the record of results. The large extent of lagoon, swale and marsh, which at the outset substantially occupied the space between Summit and Michigan and Monroe and Cherry Streets-the very heart of the City-has almost wholly disappeared, here and there now appearing a few localities showing the original level, while these are thoroughly drained. In this connection it may be stated, that in 1833, Messrs. Jessup W. and J. Austin Scott, undertook an examination of the 70-acre tract then recently purchased by the former gentleman, on which now are the Court House and High School building, of which mention is more particularly made elsewhere. Upon reaching the present crossing of Huron and Adams Streets, they found that in their close attention to jumping from log to bog in the swale which then covered the locality, they had missed their geographical bearings, and knew not their way out. In fact, they were " lost," and were guided out of their dilemma only by the sound of a high-pressure Steamboat passing in the River. No part of Toledo is now more thoroughly drained or more healthful, than the locality of that old swale.
The results of Sewer construction in Toledo to December 31, 1886, are shown in the following statement, to wit:
TABLE NOT SHOWN
The result of this thorough provision for drainage has been to take Toledo from its early position among the unhealthy localities of the country, and to place her in the very front rank of most healthy Cities of the World. Whereas, as elsewhere shown, malarial diseases were both common and fatal during the earlier years of the settlement, these have almost wholly ceased. Such a thing as bilious fever or fever and ague is now rarely met by medical practitioners there. While this is true of that class of diseases, it is an important fact, that rarely is a locality found where as few epidemics of any sort appear, as in Toledo. It is many years since such prevailed to any serious extent of fatality. This state of things is no doubt chiefly due to the drainage named and to the admirable system of water supply elsewhere noticed at some length, the two agencies acting together with most beneficent results.
566 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
The improved condition of Toledo in the matter of health, is best shown in the following comparative statement of the annual death rate per 1,000 inhabitants in the Cities named, as shown in the month of January, 1880, to wit:
Boston, Mass. 25.80
Lowell, Mass 28.00
Worcester, Mass 16.00
Springfield, Mass 20.20
New Haven, Conn 16.50
New York City 21.70
Utica, N.Y 31.30
Newark, N. J 22.50
Pittsburgh, Penn 24.40
Philadelphia 15.20
District of Columbia 22.40
Cleveland, Ohio 14.30
Dayton, Ohio 13.40
Cincinnati. Ohio 13.40
Gallipolis, Ohio 19.00
Indianapolis, Ind 14.50
Evansville, Ind 22.20
Chicago. Ill 15.80
Peoria, Ill 31.20
Quincy, Ill 20.80
Milwaukee, Wis 15.10
St. Paul, Minn 15.30
Average of these 22 Cities 19.38
Toledo's rate, same time 13.68
Difference in favor of Toledo 5.70
The following like table prepared for 1885, presents Toledo in still more favorable light, to wit:
Boston 22.41
Baltimore 19.55
St. Louis 18.70
Cincinnati 18.37
Buffalo 42.85
San Francisco 19.58
Cleveland 18.11
Detroit 19.39
Memphis 23.80
Nashville 19.10
Atlanta 20.53
Wilmington, Del 18.25
Oakland, Cal 12.17
Yonkers, N. Y 20.45
TOLEDO 13.23
Average of Cities named 20.37
Difference in favor of Toledo 7.14
In his report for 1.886, health Officer Van Pelt shows the record of Toledo to have been at that time even better than as given in 1880 or 1885. He said :
The total number of deaths for the year ending December 31, 1886, was 935. This gives us an annual death rate, on a population determined by actual enumeration last Summer, of 12.89 per thousand. The census taken by the City gives a population of 72,504 ; and on this population the mortuary rate is made. The care taken in making our records, together with the fact that we know what our population is, gives us figures that are strictly accurate and reliable. Never before in the history of Toledo has the rate been so low, when based on reliable figures. It still maintains its own proud rank among the very healthiest Cities of the world. Only two Cities of the United States, so far as I have seen, lay claim to a lower mortuary rate. These are St. Paul, Minn., and Denver, Col., and these have made a rate based upon an estimated population.
From the earliest settlement at Toledo, the matter of proper supply of acceptable water for beverage and domestic purposes, was a consideration of serious concern. The nature of soil and topography of the locality, plainly showed that whatever might temporarily be done in that direction, measures would ere long become indispensable for securing a supply better in quality and more ample in quantity than any to be furnished by ordinary excavated Wells. The general presence of clay soil, clearly forbade dependence on what could be little more than the accumulation of surface drainage, which from the first was made unfit by the annual decay of heavy vegetable growth, and must become yearly more unfit by the offal of increasing population. The trouble from this source was seriously enhanced in seasons of hot weather attended by drouth-notably 1838, when fevers raged here with fatal severity, largely due to the almost total lack of water fit for beverage. To this cause, in some degree, no doubt, was due the unfavorable reputation of Toledo in respect to healthfulness.
The discussion of this subject in a general way was continued for many years, without its solution. Finally, attention was called to the plan of Artesian Wells, which about that time was attracting considerable interest in this country, as it long had done in the Old World. With nothing better than theory to act upon, steps were taken by different individuals looking to a test of the faith that underlying Toledo was an abundant supply of pure, healthy water, which was accessible by boring through the rock by which it was covered. Among those entertaining such faith, was the late Lyman Wheeler, who commenced boring for water at his store, corner of Monroe and St. Clair Streets (now the site of Wheeler Opera House). Others had preceded Mr. Wheeler in the same effort, but his was the first signal success. The size
DRAINAGE.-WATER SUPPLY.-PARKS. - 567
of the auger used was 8 3/4 inches, and that of the iron pipe inserted eight inches. In June, 1850, at the depth of 55 feet, water was reached, which rose to within six feet of the surface. The cost of the well, complete, was about $55, or $1.00 per foot. The water was found to be pure and clear, but was not as " soft " as had been hoped for, which fact was a source of serious disappointment. Still, its other qualities placed it so far ahead of both the ordinary Well water and that of the River, that the discovery of an Artesian supply was hailed with general satisfaction by the citizens, and was followed by the successful boring of several Wells by others.
The second Well of this kind was that on Jefferson Street, between Summit and St. Clair, having been bored about 1853. Among the first Artesian Wells within the present limits of Toledo, was one bored about 1852 at Manhattan, and to a depth of some 100 feet.
As the City extended in improvements, the demand for a water supply for fire purposes became felt more and more. So long as this call could be met from the River and the Canal, no inconvenience existed which could not be overcome by efforts of the Firemen ; but in the course of time, improvements got beyond such sources of supply, and other provision was found indispensable.
June 9, 1853, the City Council provided for four Public Wells, to be located-one near corner of Summit and Lagrange; one near corner of Summit and Cherry ; one near corner of Summit and Adams ; and one near corner of St. Clair and Washington. These wells were to be provided by boring, the hole to be six inches in diameter and provided with iron pipe. In connection with these wells (the last named only excepted), were to be provided reservoirs 20 feet deep and eight feet in diameter, for the use of the Fire Department.
In April, 1854, A. J. Field at his Car Works, in the Fifth Ward, succeeded in obtaining a free flow of water, after boring to the depth of about 100 feet, the last 10 of which was through solid rock.
The first definite steps toward a public supply of water were taken in 1855. In August of that year was submitted to the vote of the people a proposition to issue $25,000 of City bonds for the purpose of a Water supply. The plan was, that of such sum $5,000 be devoted to sinking an experimental Artesian Well, as a test of the practicability of obtaining an adequate-supply from that source. The vote on such proposition was taken August 16th, with the following result
This movement was in great measure instigated by the pervading belief among the people of Toledo, that the severity of the cholera in the City during the summer of 1854, was to great extent due to the nature of the water supplied by excavated wells, the only source then in use. These wells in the portion of the City below Cherry Street, were said to be, on an average, not more than 15 feet in depth. The water, while clear and without specially objectionable taste when drawn, ere long showed the presence of vegetable matter. In both 1852 and 1854, the cholera was more prevalent and more fatal in that section than in any other of the City. In 1849 the difference in that respect between that and the upper section was less, a condition accounted for by the fact, that between 1849 and 1852, Artesian water had measurably come into use in the latter section referred to. It was the belief that water from wells dug in claw soils, piercing no stratum of sand or gravel to act as filter, could not be fit for use.
April 6, 1858, the ordinance providing for a Board of Water Works, passed September 4, 1855, was repealed, the experiment of boring for water on Adams Street not proving satisfactory.
In May, 1858, I. N. Hathaway bored an Artesian Well at the corner of Superior and Orange Streets, to the depth of' 90 feet, when water arose to within six feet of the surface. About the same time Judge Myers bored a Well in the basement of his brick block, Northeast corner of Summit and Monroe Streets.
June 21, 1859, the Council authorized the issue of $10,000 additional bonds to provide for the boring of Artesian Wells within the City.
The State Fair at Toledo, September, 1869, was supplied with water from an artesian well on the grounds. It consisted of 'a shaft 10 feet in diameter and 60 deep, from the bottom of which were sunk three 3-inch holes 82 feet below, making a total of' 142 feet depth. The water arose to within 22 feet of the surface, and was taken by means of a steam pump, and distributed through 7,000 feet of' pipe, costing $1,800. The well cost the City $3,500 ; making $5,300 in all. The pump was used for eight days, and the quantity of water taken ranged from 900 to 4,600 barrels per day. The stage of water in the main well varied from 32 to 51 feet. A trial showed that the pump was not able to reduce the stage of water, although taking 350 to 360 barrels per hour. This led to the belief that the supply of water was ample for the use of the City.
March 10, 1868, the Council appointed a Commission, consisting of Mayor C. A. King, J. H. 22 Whitaker, Calvin Crane and Wm. C. Huffman, 20 to visit Lockport and Auburn, N. Y., to examine systems of Water Works in those Cities.
March 27th, this Commission made report to 181 the Council, that they had examined the Holly
568 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
system of Water Works in the Cities named, and submitted a proposition for the adoption of the same in Toledo, to include 4,600 feet of 16inch pipe ; 13,600 feet 12-inch pipe; 25,600 feet 10-inch ; 4,300 feet 8-inch ; 46,400 feet of six and four inch ; making a total of 181 miles of pipe at a cost of $379,178.
April 1, 1868, the Council provided for submission to the vote of the electors a proposition to issue bonds to the amount of $500,000, at 7 per cent. interest for 20 years, for the construction of Water Works on the plan named; which proposition, April 6th, was defeated on a vote of 567 " Yes," to 2,695 " No." This result was chiefly due to the indefiniteness of the terms of the proposition.
March 29, 1869, the Council provided for submission to popular vote of another proposition to issue $100,000 in bonds for Water Works purposes, which resulted in a vote of 1,000 " Yes," to 2,673 " No." The plan proposed in this case, was, substantially, limited to the use of water from the Canal, chiefly for the Fire Department.
October 3, 1870, a Committee of the Council was appointed, to examine and report as to several kinds of Water Works in use, and also as to the capabilities of Artesian Wells for a supply of water. The Committee consisted of Henry Philipps, Luther Whitney, Daniel Segur, J. G. Nolen and Wm. St. John.
May 15, 1871, provision was made for the employment of an Engineer to prepare estimates for Water Works.
November 6, 1871, A. R. Ketcham, Engineer, made report of estimates for Water Works.
February 5, 1872, the Committee on Water Supply presented an estimate of cost for the Holly system of Water Works, which consisted of one Holly Pump, pump wells, settling reservoirs, 25 miles of pipe, 144 stop-valves, and 204 fire-hydrants, to cost $500,000. The report was approved and the proposition submitted to the vote of the electors April 1st, when the vote stood : " Yes," 3,480, " No," 1,082.
May 20th, provision was made for the election of a Board of Water Works Trustees.
June 11th, at such election, John P. Freeman, Edward Malone and Carl Schon were chosen, who organized by the election of Mr. Freeman as President, with George C. Pepper as Secretary pro tem.
August 20, 1872, the Water Works Board employed Moses Lane, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as Chief Engineer of construction.
December 9, 1872, the Engineer presented to the Board an estimate for Water Works, to cost $555,987, which was presented by the Board to the Council. Inasmuch as the plan thus presented was not the Holly plan, but the StandPipe system, the Council, December 30, 1872, called upon the Trustees to " report the reasons why they had not followed the directions of the Council, as contained in the ordinance passed May 20, 1872," which provided for " Water Works on the Holly or some other plan of direct supply."
January 13, 1873, the Trustees responded, expressing their regret that apparent disagreement should have arisen between them and the Council in the premises; and submitting the report of the Chief Engineer, giving reasons for the choice made by the Board. The plan consisted of conveying water by means of force pumps into a Stand-pipe, four feet inside diameter, and 153 feet vertical height, and thence by a main pipe of 30 inches to the service pipes in the City.
At the same session the Council directed the City Solicitor to institute legal proceedings to settle the question of the power of the Trustees to adopt a system of Water Works independent of the will off the Council.
The issue thus arising between the two bodies came to be very sharp, with more or less manifestation of feeling. The matter was actively discussed by the City press, and for several weeks constituted a matter of general interest.
Finally recognizing a doubt as to the soundness of its position, the City Council, February 15, 1873, provided for sending a Special Commission to visit the principal Cities and examine their various systems of Water Works, and make report to the Council. For such purpose, John T. Maher, J. S. Norton, J. D. Cook and H. A. Boyd were appointed.
March 31, 1873, the report of this Special Commission was presented to the Council. It stated that the Commission had traveled over 3,000 miles in 13 States, occupying 23 days of time. Of the result of the examination, the report said :
In order to secure a correct comparison between the different systems and kinds of machinery, we have made all our calculations upon a common initial basis: the cost of raising one million gallons of water one foot high. * * * * We give below the cost of raising one million gallons one foot high, at the several points named by what is known as "Cornish," " Holly," and " Worthington Duplex " Engines
DRAINAGE.-WATER SUPPLY-PARKS. - 569
The report presented the following conclusion:
We are satisfied from knowledge obtained, and the comparison of statistics given above, that for the use intended in our case, there can be but little question which engine should be selected. The efficiency of the pumping service of a City underlies the prosperity, comfort, safety and health of its inhabitants, and such efficiency is dependent to a great extent upon the durability of the engines, and their freedom from accidents; and on these points, in the judgment of your committee, the Worthington Duplex is the most desirable. * * The system of pumping directly through the mains on what is known as the Holly plan for fire purposes, is in use in several of the Cities visited. After a thorough investigation, and weighing all the available evidence, we are clearly of the opinion that it is not what Toledo wants. There remains, therefore, but the stand-Pipe system for consideration.
Upon the reading of the report of the Special Commission (March 31st), an ordinance was passed, whereby the Council assented to the action of the Trustees in the choice of the Stand-Pipe system, in place of the Holly plan of Water Works, previously adopted by the Council.
The disagreement between the Board of Water Works and the City Council having thus been removed by the action of the latter body, the former at once proceeded to the execution of their trust in the construction of the Works. These were located on the West bank of the Maumee River and on those parts of lots 11; and 17, River Tract nine, lying between Broadway and the River.
Such was the energetic: prosecution of the work, that on the 29th of December, 1873, water was delivered in the City, the first being received at the store of Fred. Eaton & Company, 165 and 167 Summit Street.
The report of the Trustees for 1873, showed the following expenditures during the year, in the construction of the Water Works, to wit
There were then also set and connected with said pipe, at proper locations for efficient service, 50 fire hydrants.
The first collection of water rents was in March, 1874, and the total of receipts therefrom to December 31, 1874, was $4,450, the number of connections then being 640. The receipts for 1877 amounted to $22,769.60 ; for 1881, $34,178.69 ; for 1883, $41,326.96 ; for 1885, $50,170.74. Total collections to December, 1885, $340,417.86.
In 1875, at the request of the Toledo Board of Water Works, Professor H. Douglass, of Michigan University, made analysis of water from the Maumee River. - Samples were furnished him of this water filtered and unfiltered. This matter is one so intimately associated with both convenience and the health of residents, not of Toledo only, but of the Maumee Valley, and of others upon like water-courses, that it is deemed proper here to reproduce some of the results of Professor Douglass's examination, to the end, that they may in some measure correct misapprehensions as to the real nature of that water, and thus aid in removing the prejudice based upon such wrong notions. The Professor furnished the following table, showing the comparative qualities of water in the several Cities named
Taking the average of the Cities named above, we have the following results:
Average organic impurities, other Cities, 1.421 grains in one gallon.
Average inorganic impurities, other Cities, 10.785 grains in one gallon.
Average organic impurities, Toledo, 1.10 grains in one gallon
Average inorganic impurities, Toledo, 1535 grains in one gallon.
Referring to the Maumee River water, the Professor said:
The principal objections to your water exist in the amount of organic matter, and earthy carbonates, which latter communicate hardness. The most dam-
570 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
aging form of organic matter found in water, is that of decaying nitrogenous material. Of this there is found but very small quantity, as was shown by the rapidity of action of the permanganate of potassium, and the almost entire absence of nitrates and nitrites. Even this small quantity of decaying matter is mostly separated by filtration. The hardness also seems to be somewhat reduced by the same process.
The results of the examinations then made, were regarded as far more favorable to the Maumee water, than had been expected.
In their report for 1882, the Trustees state, that
The chemical analysis of our City water proves it to be superior to that of most Cities, and far better than cistern water, or that obtained from artesian or surface wells. During a part of the year, owing to floods, high winds, &c., it is not as clear as desirable, and can only be used by filtration, which to those of limited means, proves burdensome. To deliver at all times a more acceptable supply, is a necessity that must be apparent to all. We would again recommend the construction of an impounding or settling reservoir, to be located in the River, and near the pumping station.
The report for 1883 repeats the above recommendation.
The report of Consulting Engineer J. D. Cook for 1885, discusses the matter of quality of the water derived from the River, and two new sources of supply, as follows
As instructed by resolution of your Board, I have had tinder very careful advisement the question of clarifying, and to that extent purifying the Maumee water by subsidence; also, the feasibility of the policy suggested by your President, Mr. George W. Davis, of taking your supply from above Providence Dam, through the Miami and Erie Canal, in the event that the Canal should be abandoned or disposed of by the State. The large pool caused by the construction of Providence Dain, constitutes a subsiding reservoir of no inconsiderable dimensions, holding in store about 6,500,000,000 gallons of water, equal to a daily supply of 3,500,000 for over five years.
The other project under consideration contemplates taking the supply from the Easterly or main channel of the River, in the vicinity of Eagle Point, and above the House of Refuge. In order to furnish uniformly clear, acceptable water from either source, large settling or subsiding reservoirs will be necessary, and after a somewhat thorough personal examination, I am of the opinion that the most eligible and accessible site for these reservoirs can be found on the land belonging to the City on the opposite side of Broadway, from and near the House of Refuge.
Plans and estimates for the propositions thus presented, were submitted. Of' the condition-present and prospective-of the River water, Mr. Cook said
It may seem paradoxical to suggest that the normal condition of Maumee water is gradually improving and becoming less objectionable as a source of public supply-that the added pollution due to the increase of population upon its water-shed may he more than neutralized by the reclamation of its forests. the destruction of wild vegetation, etc. That the immense system of ditching which has been carried on during past several years, tends to the more prompt discharge of rainfall into the River and its tributaries-resulting in more rapid current and more sudden and greater floods-all beneficial in thoroughly and frequently cleansing the River channel from the various impurities accumulating along its shores during the season of low water, and less rapid flow. Tiling, which has been adopted as a menus of under drainage, and even now almost incredibly extensive, is destined to become universal throughout the entire water-shed or drainage area. The time will therefore doubtless come when these countless little pipes will furnish a very large percentage of the ordinary River flow, with water almost universally clear by filtration through the soil-the organic impurities, the albuminoids, etc., being retained in the earth as the life-giving essence of vegetation.
As the resulting effect of above mentioned causes, we have the visible and well-known fact that in former years the River at many or all points below Miami Rapids was not infrequently covered, during the warmer Summer months, with an offensive coating of scum of decomposing organic matter drawn from the water by capillary attraction-conditions which now very rarely (and never to any great extent) occur. Superintendent Cotter's recent experiments in subsidence also clearly demonstrated the freedom of the water from dangerous organic impurities-no tendency to stagnation being discernible after storage in a shallow reservoir for nearly two months during the heat of Summer, while ordinary rain water from Summer rainfall would have developed during one-half the time, the germs of animal life and other unmistakable evidences of contamination.
The report of the Trustees for 1886, contained the following facts, indicating something of' the operation and condition of the Water Works at that time:
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Greatest number of gallons in one month 131,147,160
Least number of gallons in one month 108,707,840
Average monthly pumpage for the year 115,532,949
The machinery now in use includes two Worthington Compound Condensing Duplex Pumping Engines, with capacity of 5,000,000 gallons each per 24 hours; and one Knowles Engine of same description, with capacity of 7,000,000 gallons per 24 hours ; making a total daily capacity of 17.000,000 gallons. In connection with these, are eight Return Tubular Boilers, 63 inches in diameter and 16 feet in length.
JOSIAH D. COOK is recognized as prominent among the Civil Engineers of the West. Although for more than 25 years a resident of Toledo, and closely identified with its interests, his field of operation for a large portion of that time has covered several States in the West and Southwest. His great-grandfather (a sturdy Quaker) came from England and settled in Virginia, as a farmer, where he died. A son, Wright Cook, removed to Warren County, Ohio, late in the 18th century, and about 1816, set tied in Indiana, where he ended his days. One of his sons, Thomas P. (born in Virginia in 1802), made Warren County his home. Here the subject of this sketch was born, April 26, 1830, being the third of five children. The mother was drowned in the Mississinewa River, together with her youngest son, in 1843, and the father died from accident. in 1881. at the age of 77 years. The household being broken up, Josiah, then 13 years old, sought employment for his own support. Without much school education, he engaged for a time with a farmer in the neighborhood ; but soon concluded to be a Printer, and entered a printing office at Jonesboro, Indiana, as apprentice, working there and thereabouts until 1849, when, with his small savings, he began the publication of the Western Union, at Marion. While conducting that paper, he read law with Judge John M. Wallace. Neither journalism nor law suiting him, in 1850 he took his first lessons in civil engineering, as chain and rod man in the survey of the line of the Indianapolis, Peru and Chicago Railroad. At the end of four years he had attained to the grade of Civil Engineer, and engaged as Chief' Engineer of the Marion and Mississinewa Valley Railroad (now of the Pan Handle System). He soon became associated in the organization of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Company, of which he was made the Chief Engineer of Construction, conducting all its surveys, for a time superintending its construction, and locating a million acres of land granted to the Company by the United States, traveling on foot extensively in Northern Michigan. That enterprise becoming seriously embarrassed during the financial prostration following the panic of 1857, he withdrew from the same in 1859; and foreseeing protracted suspension of Railroad building, turned his attention to other business. In March, 1861, he came to Toledo, and engaged in the Produce Commission trade, in connection with Vincent Hamilton. At the close of the War of' the Rebellion, he resumed his former business, by becoming the Engineer of the Smith Bridge Company of Toledo. The same year (1865), he was appointed Chief Engineer of the Mansfield, Coldwater and Lake Michigan Railroad, continuing such connection until 1873. The same year Mr. Cook made an important change in his business by turning his attention wholly to Water Works construction. His first engagement of that kind, was as Chief Engineer of the Toledo City Water Works, the construction of which was done under his supervision, and the substantial character of which yet remains and will long continue a monument to his skill and attentive watchfulness. He was in charge of these Works for four years after their completion ; at the same time and afterwards acting as Consulting Engineer for like works at Sandusky, Fremont, Springfield, Hamilton, Bellefontaine, Clyde, Norwalk and other Cities in Ohio; at Fort Wayne, Peru and Marion, Indiana ; at Omaha, Nebraska; at Atlantic City, New Jersey; and at Freeport, Illinois. Subsequently, he was identified with the construction and reconstruction of Water Works systems at other points, including Savannah, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana ; Lexington, Kentucky; Nash-
572 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
ville and Jackson, Tennessee ; Emporia, Kansas ; Beatrice and Plattsmouth, Nebraska ; Racine, Wisconsin; Lima and Ravenna, Ohio; Hillsdale, Michigan ; and Quincy, Illinois. Beside these, he has furnished the designs for like works for Galveston, Texas, and executed important contracts for sewerage and other sanitary work in Hillsdale and Jackson, Michigan. He is now (1887) acting as Consulting Engineer for Boston parties, whose operations embrace the construction of Water Works in various portions of the country. The first large standpipe in connection with Water Works constructed in the world was the one at Sandusky, under Mr. Cook's direction. The record thus presented well indicates the success which has attended the superior talents and self-reliant energy of the farmer boy of Warren County. Still in the prime of active life, with added skill and matured experience, his course of success is yet onward. He was married at Marion, Indiana, in 1854, with Miss Eliza Jane, daughter of Samuel McClure, one of the pioneers of that section. They have two children-Charles M., Dow Engineer of Maintenance of Way of Norfolk and Western Railway (Norfolk, Virginia, to Bristol, Tennessee); and Miss Nellie, temporarily residing in Europe, and recently graduated at Imperial Conservatory of Music, at Vienna, Austria.
PUBLIC PARKS.
The matter of Public Parks was not seriously discussed in Toledo until 1865, at which time Judge Noah H. Swayne, since deceased, proposed to sell to the City the tract of 43 acres lying on Monroe Street and between Woodruff and Collingwood Avenues. His offer was to take City bonds in amount of $50,000, on 20 years' time at six per cent. interest. The matter was before the City Council, with fair prospect of adoption, when local jealousy on the part of members representing Wards distant from the grounds involved and other influences controlled votes enough to defeat the proposition. The result at the time was a surprise and was generally regarded as a public misfortune, a view which since has been abundantly justified. The location was more central than any other land available, while the price was very moderate. The tract soon thereafter was platted by Judge Swayne and has since been nearly all sold and improved, and now constitutes one of the most valuable and attractive parts of the City. The estimated market value of the tract at this time (November, 1887), exclusive of improvements, is $430,850, or $10,019 per acre; against $50,000 for the tract, or $1,128 per acre, for which Judge Swayne offered to sell it to the City 22 years ago.
In 1871 the City bought of Peter Lenk the block of land bounded by Nebraska Avenue, Lenk Street, Elizabeth Street and the Alley which is a continuation of Blum Street, which was set apart for public use and is now known as City Park. In 1873 lots 354 and 370, inclusive, in Lenk's Addition to Toledo, were purchased by the City of H. S. Walbridge, when the Alley between these and the block above mentioned was vacated and said lots added to the Park.
What is known as the House of Refuge property, consisting of 47 acres of lot No. 9, Comstock's Subdivision of River tracts 12 and 13, on which the House of Refuge, burned in 1886, was located, has been turned over to the care of the Park Commissioners, for use as a Park. It is valued at $80,000.
Some years ago the City vacated Ontario Street adjoining the Court House grounds and turned the same, with the adjoining portion of the old Canal bed, over to the County, as an extension of the Court House grounds, upon the condition that the County and City should own in common the entire lands thus united, the same to be used for public buildings and for park purposes.
Some years ago the City purchased the triangular lot bounded by Orange, Huron and Beach Streets, which is now open for public use.
A plot similar to the one last mentioned, in the Swayne tract, is owned by the City.
At the April City election in 1886 was submitted to the electors the question of bonding the City for $500,000, for the purchase of grounds for park purposes, which was rejected by a very decisive majority.
The estimated value of the property above mentioned is $163,000.
The Parks of the City are in charge of a Board of Commissioners, consisting (in 1887) of C. L. Young (President), Otto Schroeder and James Winans.