Preface.
In many ways the story of the survey and first settlement of Cleveland has
been made familiar to the public. It has been told at pioneer gatherings,
reproduced in newspapers and periodicals, enlarged upon in directory
prefaces and condensed for works of topographical reference. Within a
short time Col. Charles Whittlesey has gathered up, collected, and
arranged the abundant materials for the Early History of Cleveland in a
handsome volume bearing that title.
But Col. Whittlesy's volume closes with the war of 1812, when Cleveland
was still a pioneer settlement with but a few families. The history of the
growth of that settlement to a village, its development into a commercial
port, and then into a large and flourishing city, with a busy population
of a hundred thousand persons, remained mostly unwritten, and no part of
it existing in permanent form. The whole period is covered by the active
lives of men yet with us who have grown up with the place, and with whose
history that of the city is inseparably connected. It occurred to the
projector of this work that a history of Cleveland could be written in the
individual histories of its representative men, that such a volume would
not only be a reliable account of the growth of the city in its general
features and in the development of its several branches of industry, but
would possess the additional advantage of the interest attaching to
personal narrative. This idea has been faithfully worked out in the
following pages, not without much labor and difficulty in the collection
and arrangement of the materials. Besides the personal narratives, an
introductory sketch to each of the departments of business into which the
biographical sketches are grouped gives a brief account of the rise and
present position of that particular industry; these, taken together,
forming a full and accurate business and professional history of the city.
An introductory sketch of the general history of Cleveland gives
completeness to the whole, whilst the numerous illustrations and portraits
add greatly to the interest and value of the work.
Numerous as are the sketches, it is not, of course, claimed that all are
represented in the volume who deserve a place in it. This would be
impossible in a work of ordinary dimensions, even were it convenient, or
even possible, to obtain the necessary materials. The aim has been to
sketch sufficient of the representative men in each leading business and
professional department to give a fair idea of the nature and extent of
that department. It is not a complete biographical dictionary of
Cleveland, but a volume of biographical selections, made, as the lawyers
say, "without prejudice."
History of Cleveland.
For the records of the first sixteen or seventeen years of the history of
Cleveland, what may be styled its pioneer history, the local historian
will hereafter be indebted to the work of Col. Whittlesey, where every
known and reliable fact connected with that period of Cleveland's history
is carefully preserved.
The city was originally comprised in lands purchased by the "Connecticut
Land Company," and formed a portion of what is termed the Western Reserve.
This company was organized in 1795, and in the month of May of the
following year, it commissioned General Moses Cleaveland to superintend
the survey of their lands, with a staff of forty-eight assistants. On the
22d of July, 1796, General Cleaveland, accompanied by Augustus Porter, the
principal of the surveying department, and several others, entered the
mouth of the Cuyahoga from the lake. Job P. Stiles and his wife are
supposed to have been with the party. General Cleaveland continued his
progress to Sandusky Bay, leaving enough men to put up a storehouse for
the supplies, and a cabin for the accommodation of the surveyors. These
were located a short distance south of St. Clair street, west of Union
lane, at a spring in the side-hill, in rear of Scott's warehouse. During
the season a cabin was put up for Stiles, on lot 53, east side of Bank
street, north of the Herald Building, where Morgan & Root's block now
stands. This was the first building for permanent settlement erected on
the site of the city, although huts for temporary occupancy had been
previously built in the neighborhood.
Upon the return of the party from Sandusky, Mr. Porter prepared the
outlines of the city. He says: "I surveyed a piece of land designed for a
town--its dimensions I do not recollect--probably equal to about a mile
square, bounding west on the river, and north on the lake. I made a plot
of this ground, and laid it off into streets and lots. Most or all the
streets I surveyed myself, when I left it in charge of Mr. Holley to
complete the survey of the lots."
The survey of the city was commenced on the 16th of September, and
completed about the 1st of October, 1796. Holley's notes state that on
Monday, October 17th, he "finished surveying in New Connecticut; weather
rainy," and on the following day he records: "We left Cuyahoga at 3
o'clock 17 minutes, for home. We left at Cuyahoga, Job Stiles and wife,
and Joseph Landon, with provisions for the Winter." Landon soon abandoned
the spot and his place was taken by Edward Paine, who had arrived from the
State of New York, for the purpose of trading with the Indians, and who
may be considered the first mercantile man who transacted business in
Cleveland. Thus, during the Winter of 1796-7, the population of the city
consisted of three inhabitants. During the Winter a child is reputed to
have been born in the cabin, which had only squaws for nurses.
Early in the Spring of 1797, James Kingsbury and family, from New England,
with Elijah Gunn, one of the surveying party, all of whom had continued
during the Winter at Conneaut, where they had endured incredible
hardships, removed to Cleveland. His first cabin was put up on the site of
the Case Block, east of the Public Square, but he subsequently removed to
a point east of the present city limits, somewhere on a line with Kinsman
Street. Here he remained until his death.
The next families who were attracted to this settlement were those of
Major Lorenzo Carter and Ezekiel Hawley, who came from Kirtland, Vermont,
the family of the Major being accompanied by Miss Cloe Inches. In the
Spring of the following year, (1798,) the former gentleman sowed two acres
of corn on the west side of Water street. He was also the first person who
erected a frame building in the city, which he completed in 1802; but an
unfortunate casualty proved fatal to the enterprise, for when he was about
to occupy the residence it was totally destroyed by fire. In 1803,
however, he erected another house on the site of the destroyed building,
but on this occasion he confined himself to hewn logs.
The fourth addition of the season was that of Nathan Chapman and his
family, who, like the patriarchs of yore, traveled with his herd, and
marched into the Forest City at the head of two yoke of oxen and four
milch cows, which were the first neat stock that fed from the rich
pasturage on the banks of the Cuyahoga.
In the Summer of 1797, the surveying party returned to the Western Reserve
and resumed their labors, with Cleveland as a head-quarters. It was a very
sickly season and three of the number died, one of whom was David
Eldridge, whose remains were interred in a piece of ground chosen as a
cemetery, at the corner of Prospect and Ontario streets. This funeral
occurred on the 3d of June, 1797, and is the first recorded in the city.
Recently, while making some improvements to the buildings now occupying
that location, some human bones were discovered.
Less than one month after the first funeral, occurred the first wedding.
On the 1st of July, 1797, the marriage was solemnized of William Clement,
of Erie, to Miss Cloe Inches, who had come to this city with the family of
Major Lorenzo Carter. The ceremony was performed by Mr. Seth Hart, who was
regarded by the surveying party as their chaplain.
In the beginning of the following year, (1798,) the population had
increased to fifteen. No other immigration is recorded until that of
Rodolphus Edwards and Nathaniel Doane and their families, in 1799, the
latter consisting of nine persons. They journeyed from Chatham,
Connecticut, and were occupied ninety-two days in their transit--a longer
period than is now allowed to accomplish a voyage to the East Indies.
In 1799, the Land Company caused a road to be surveyed and partially
worked, from Cleveland to the Pennsylvania line, about ten miles from the
lake, which was the first road opened through the Reserve. In the Spring
of that year Wheeler W. Williams, from Norwich, Connecticut, and Major
Wyatt, erected a grist mill at the falls at Newburgh, and in 1800 a saw
mill was also built by them; a substantial proof that sufficient corn and
wheat were grown and lumber required to warrant the speculation.
The desire of moral culture and education did not relax in this lonely
region, and in 1800, a township school was organized, and the children
were taught by Sarah Doane. The site of the school house was near
Kingsbury's, on the ridge road.
Cleveland received two additions in 1800, in the persons of David Clarke
and Amos Spafford, the former of whom erected a house on Water street. The
first sermon preached in Cleveland, was delivered in that year by the Rev.
Joseph Badger, an agent of the Connecticut Missionary Society.
The years of 1798, 1799 and 1800, were remarkable for the early
commencement of genial weather. Pinks were in bloom in February, and the
peach trees were also in full blossom in March.
In 1801, the first distillery was erected by David Bryant. The memorable
4th of July of the same year was celebrated by the first ball in
Cleveland. It took place at Major Carter's log house, on the slope from
Superior street to the harbor, and was attended by thirty of both sexes.
The first village school was held in Major Carter's house in 1802, and the
children were taught by Anna Spafford.
In 1803, Elisha Norton arrived in Cleveland with a stock of goods
principally adapted to the Indian trade, which he exhibited for sale in
Major Carter's house. The State of Ohio was this year admitted into the
Union, and the first election was held at James Kingsbury's.
The first Post Office was established here in 1804, when letters were
received and transmitted every seven days.
In 1805, the harbor was made a port of entry, and classed within the Erie
district. In the same year the territory on the west side of Cuyahoga was
ceded to the State by treaty. During the negotiations for that treaty, one
of the commissioners, Hon. Gideon Granger, distinguished for talents,
enterprise and forethought, uttered to his astonished associates this
bold, and what was then deemed, extraordinary prediction: "Within fifty
years an extensive city will occupy these grounds, and vessels will sail
directly from this port into the Atlantic Ocean." The prediction has been
fulfilled, though the latter portion of it required an extension of time,
of a year or two to make the fulfilment literal.
In 1806, Nathan Perry and family and Judge Walworth removed to Cleveland
the latter from Painesville. In the same year the first militia training
occurred. The place of rendezvous was Doane's corner, and the muster
amounted to about fifty men.
In 1809, the county of Cuyahoga was formed, Cleveland chosen as the county
seat, and Amos Spafford was elected representative. The same year Abraham
Hickox commenced business as a blacksmith, under the euphonious cognomen
of "Uncle Abram."
On the 5th of June, 1810, the first Court of Record was held in a frame
building erected by Elias and Harvey Murray, on the north side of Superior
Street, of which Judge Ruggles was President, assisted by three Associate
Judges. George Wallis and family arrived this year and opened a tavern.
Samuel and Matthew Williamson began business as tanners. Dr. David Long
commenced practice as a physician, and Alfred Kelley as the first attorney
in Cleveland. Elias and Harvey Murray opened a store this year in Union
lane, and may be termed the first general merchants.
In 1812, was the first trial for murder and the execution in Cleveland,
that of the Indian O'Mic, for the murder of two white trappers near
Sandusky City. In the same year the court house was built.
The first brick house erected in the city was that of J. E. and I. Kelley,
in Superior Street. It was built in 1814; but the bricks were very unlike
those of the present day, being more than twice their size. They were made
in Cleveland. This edifice was soon succeeded by another of the same
material, built by Alfred Kelley, in Water street.
In 1815, Cleveland was incorporated by the Legislature with a village
charter and Alfred Kelley was the first President.
In 1816, the first bank was established in the city, under the title
of the Commercial Bank of Lake Erie, of which Leonard Case took the
management. In that year the number of vessels enrolled as hailing
from the port of Cleveland, was but seven, and their aggregate
burthen 430 tons.
In 1817, the first church was organized, which was the Episcopal church of
Trinity; but it was not until 1828 that the edifice was erected on the
corner of St. Clair and Seneca streets.
On the 31st of July, 1818, the first newspaper was printed in this city,
"The Cleveland Gazette and Commercial Register." On the 1st of September in
the same year, the first steam vessel entered the harbor, the
"Walk-in-the-Water," commanded by Captain Fish, from Buffalo, putting in
on its way to Detroit. It was 300 tons burthen, had accommodations for one
hundred cabin and a greater number of steerage passengers, and was
propelled at eight or ten miles an hour. Its arrival and departure were
greeted with several rounds of artillery, and many persons accompanied her
to Detroit.
In 1819, Mr. Barber built a log hut on the west side of the harbor, and
may be considered the first permanent settler in Ohio City.
In 1830, was established a stage conveyance to Columbus, and in the autumn
a second proceeded to Norwalk. In 1821, these efforts were followed by
others, and two additional wagons were started, one for Pittsburgh and
another for Buffalo.
In 1825, an appropriation was made by Government for the improvement of
the harbor, being the first Government aid received for that purpose. The
water in the river was frequently so shallow that it was customary for
vessels to lie off in the lake and transfer passengers and freight by
boats. On the 4th of July in that year ground was broken at Licking Summit
for the Ohio canal, to connect the waters of Lake Erie at Cleveland with
those of the Ohio river at Portsmouth.
In 1827, Mr. Walworth, the harbor-master and Government agent, proceeded
to Washington, and after the most strenuous exertions, succeeded in
obtaining a further grant of $10,000 for the improvement of the harbor. In
the same year the Ohio canal was opened to Akron, and the first
importation of coal to Cleveland made.
In 1828, a new court-house was erected on the Public Square.
The light-house, on the bluff at the end of Water street, was built
in 1830, the lantern being one hundred and thirty-five feet above
water level.
In 1832, the Ohio canal was finished and communication between the lake
and the Ohio river opened. In the same year a new jail was built on
Champlain street.
In 1834, some of the streets were graded, and the village assumed such
importance that application for a city charter began to be talked of.
The population of the city had grown in 1835 to 5,080, having more than
doubled in two years. There was at this time an immense rush of people to
the West. Steamers ran from Buffalo to Detroit crowded with passengers at
a fare of eight dollars, the number on board what would now be called
small boats, sometimes reaching from five hundred to six hundred persons.
The line hired steamers and fined them a hundred dollars if the round trip
was not made in eight days. The slower boats, not being able to make that
time with any certainty, frequently stopped at Cleveland, discharged their
passengers, and put back to Buffalo. It sometimes chanced that the shore
accommodations were insufficient for the great crowd of emigrants stopping
over at this port, and the steamers were hired to lie off the port all
night, that the passengers might have sleeping accommodations. In that
year fire destroyed a large part of the business portion of Cleveland. At
the same period James S. Clark built, at his own expense, the old Columbus
street bridge, connecting Cleveland with Brooklyn township, and donated it
to the city. Two years later this bridge was the occasion and scene of the
famous "battle of the bridge," to be noticed in its proper place.
In 1836, Cleveland was granted a charter as a city. Greatly to the
mortification of many of the citizens, the people across the river had
received their charter for the organization of Ohio City before that for
the city of Cleveland came to hand, and Ohio City, therefore, took
precedence on point of age. This tended to embitter the jealous rivalry
between the two cities, and it was only after long years that this feeling
between the dwellers on the two sides of the river died out.
The settlement on the west side of the river had been made originally by
Josiah Barber and Richard Lord. Soon after Alonzo Carter purchased on
that side of the river and kept tavern in the "Red House," opposite
Superior street. In 1831, the Buffalo Company purchased the Carter farm
which covered the low land towards the mouth of the river, and the
overlooking bluffs. They covered the low ground with warehouses, and the
bluffs with stores and residences. Hotels were erected and preparations
made for the building up of a city that should far eclipse the older
settlement on the east side of the river. The company excavated a short
ship canal from the Cuyahoga to the old river bed, at the east end, and
the waters being high, a steamboat passed into the lake, through a
natural channel at the west end.
When it was proposed to get a city charter for Cleveland, negotiations
were entered into between the leading men on both sides of the river with
the purpose of either consolidating the two villages into one city, or at
least acting in harmony. The parties could agree neither on terms of
consolidation nor on boundaries. The negotiations were broken off, and
each side started its deputation to Columbus to procure a city charter,
with the result we have already noticed.
Ohio City was ambitions to have a harbor of its own, entirely independent
of Cleveland and to the advantages of which that city could lay no claim.
The old river bed was to be deepened and the channel to the lake at the
west end re-opened. As a preliminary to this ignoring of the Cleveland
harbor entrance of the Cuyahoga, a canal was cut through the marsh, from
opposite the entrance to the Ohio canal to the old river bed, which was
thus to be made the terminus of the Ohio canal.
In 1837, city rivalry ran so high that it resulted in the "battle of the
bridge." Both sides claimed jurisdiction over the Columbus street bridge
built by Mr. Clark and donated for public use. Armed men turned out on
either side to take possession of the disputed structure. A field piece
was posted on the low ground on the Cleveland side, to rake the bridge.
Guns, pistols, crowbars, clubs and stones were freely used on both sides.
Men were wounded of both parties, three of them seriously. The draw was
cut away, the middle pier and the western abutment partially blown down,
and the field piece spiked by the west siders. But the sheriff and the
city marshal of Cleveland appeared on the scene, gained possession of the
dilapidated bridge, which had been given to the city of Cleveland, and
lodged some of the rioters in thee county jail. This removed the bridge
question from the camp and battle-field to the more peaceful locality of
the courts.
In 1840, the population had increased to 6071, so that, notwithstanding
that the city had been suffering from depression, there was an influx of a
thousand persons in the last five years.
In 1841, the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal was completed, Connecting the
Ohio Canal at Akron with the Ohio river at Beaver, Pennsylvania, and thus
forming a water communication with Pittsburgh.
The United States Marine Hospital, pleasantly situated on the banks of the
lake, was commenced in 1844 and not completed until 1852. It is surrounded
by eight acres of ground, and is designed to accommodate one hundred and
forty patients.
In 1845, the city voted to loan its credit for $200,000 towards the
construction of a railroad from Cleveland to Columbus and Cincinnati, and
subsequently the credit of the city was pledged for the loan of $100,000
towards the completion of the Cleveland and Erie or Lake Shore line.
In 1851, the 23d of February, the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati
Railroad was opened for travel; and on the same day forty miles of the
Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad was likewise completed. These
circumstances produced great rejoicings, for during the period of their
construction the city had been almost daily adding to the number of its
inhabitants, so that it had nearly doubled in the last six years, its
population being now 21,140, and in the following year (1852) it added
eighty-seven persons per week to its numbers, being then 25,670.
In 1858, the new court house was built and the old court house on the
Public Square was taken down.
We have thus glanced at a few of the leading incidents in the history of
the city. A more full and exact account will be found in the historical
sketches prefacing each department in the body of the work, and still
further details will be found in the biographical sketches. There only
remains to be added here a few data in regard to the population,
government, and officials of the city.
The population of Cleveland commenced in 1796, with four persons. Next
year the number increased to fifteen, but in 1800, had fallen back to
seven. The subsequent figures are: 1810, 57; 1820, about 150; 1825, about
500; 1830, United States census, 1,075; 1832, about 1,500; 1833, about
1,900; 1834, city census, 6,071, or with Ohio City, 7,648; 1845, 9,573, or
with Ohio City, 12,035; 1846, Cleveland 10,135; 1850, United States
census, 17,034, or with Ohio City, 20,984; 1851, city census, 21,140;
1852, 25,670; 1860, United States census for combined city, 43,838; 1866,
67,500; 1869, not less than 100,000.
The village of Cleveland was incorporated in 1814, and the first president
of the village, elected in 1815, was Alfred Kelley. Twelve votes were cast
at the election. In the following year he resigned his position, and his
father, Daniel Kelley, was elected by the same number of votes, retaining
his position until 1820, when Horace Perry was made president. In the
following year he was succeeded by Reuben Wood. From the year 1821 to
1825, Leonard Case was regularly elected president of the corporation, but
neglecting to qualify in the latter year, the recorder, E. Waterman,
became president, ex-officio. Here the records are defective until the
year 1828, when it appears Mr. Waterman received the double office of
president and recorder. On account of ill-health he resigned, and on the
30th of May the trustees appointed Oirson Cathan as president. At the
annual election in June, 1829, Dr. David Long was elected president, and
during his presidency a fire-engine was purchased. Forty-eight votes were
cast at this election. For the years 1830 and 1831, Richard Hilliard was
president, and for the following year John W. Allen was chosen, and
retained the position until 1835, one hundred and six votes being cast at
the last named election.
The mayors of Ohio City, up to the time of the consolidation, were as
follows; 1836, Josiah Barber; 1837, Francis A. Burrows; 1838-9, Norman C.
Baldwin; 1840-41, Needham M. Standart; 1842, Francis A. Burrows; 1843,
Richard Lord; 1844-5-6, D. H. Lamb; 1847, David Griffith; 1848, John
Beverlin; 1849, Thomas Burnham; 1850-51-52, Benjamin Sheldon; 1853, Wm.
B. Castle.
The first mayor of the city of Cleveland was John W. Willey, who held the
office for two terms, namely, for the years 1836 and 1837, the term under
the old constitution being but for one year. In 1858, the term was
extended to two years, Abner C. Brownell being re-elected for the first
two-year term. Under that mayoralty the consolidation of the two cities
was effected, and the next mayor, according to the understanding, was
taken from the late municipality of Ohio City, William B. Castle being
elected for the term of 1855-6.
When Cleveland was raised to the dignity of a city, in 1836, it was
divided into three wards, each ward represented by three councilmen and
one alderman. In 1851, a fourth ward was added, the increased population
rendering the re-arrangement necessary. In 1853, under the operation of
the new constitution, the aldermen were dispensed with; the wards had
previously been restricted to two trustees, or councilmen, each. In 1854,
the two cities of Cleveland and Ohio City having been united, the
consolidated city was divided into eleven wards. This number remained
until 1868, when, by the annexation of additional territory, a re-division
was necessitated, and the city districted into fifteen wards.
As an interesting and valuable contribution to the municipal history of
the city we give the following complete record of the executive and
legislative government of Cleveland since its organization as a city:
1836. Mayor--John W. Willey. President of the Council--Sherlock J.
Andrews. Aldermen--Richard Hilliard, Joshua Mills, Nicholas Dockstader.
Councilmen--1st Ward--Morris Hepburn, John R. St. John, William V. Craw.
2d Ward--Sherlock J. Andrews, Henry L. Noble, Edward Baldwin. 3d
Ward--Aaron T. Strickland, Horace Canfield, Archibald M. C. Smith.
1837. Mayor--John W. Willey. President of the Council--Joshua Mills.
Aldermen--Joshua Mills, Nicholas Dockstader, Jonathan Williams.
Councilmen--1st Ward--George B. Merwin, Horace Canfield, Alfred Hall. 2d
Ward--Edward Baldwin, Samuel Cook, Henry L. Noble. 3d Ward--Samuel
Starkweather, Joseph K. Miller, Thomas Colahan.
1838. Mayor--Joshua Mills. President of the Council--Nicholas Dockstader.
Aldermen--Nicholas Dockstader, Alfred Hall, Benjamin Harrington.
Councilmen--1st Ward--George C. Dodge, Moses A. Eldridge, Herrick Childs.
2d Ward--Benjamin Andrews, Leonard Case, Henry Blair. 3d Ward--Melancthon
Barnett, Thomas Colahan, Tom Lemen.
1839. Mayor--Joshua Mills. President of the Council--John A. Foot.
Aldermen--Harvey Rice, Edward Baldwin, Richard Hilliard. Councilmen--1st
Ward--George Mendenhall, Timothy P. Spencer, Moses Ross. 2d Ward--John A.
Foot, Charles M. Giddings, Jefferson Thomas. 3d Ward--Thomas Bolton, Tom
Lemen, John A. Vincent.
1840. Mayor--Nicholas Dockstader. President of the Council--William
Milford. Aldermen--William Milford, William Lemen, Josiah A. Harris.
Councilmen--1st Ward--Ashbel W. Walworth, David Hersch, John Barr. 2d
Ward--David Allen, John A. Foot, Thomas M. Kelley. 3d Ward--Stephen Clary,
Charles Bardburn, John A. Vincent.
1841. Mayor--John W. Allen. President of the Council--Thomas Bolton.
Aldermen--William Milford, Thomas Bolton, Newton E. Crittenden.
Councilmen--1st Ward--Nelson Hayward, Herrick Childs, George B. Tibbets.
2d Ward--Moses Kelly, W. J. Warner, M. C. Younglove. 3d Ward--Philo
Scovill, Benj. Harrington, Miller M. Spangler.
1842. Mayor--Joshua Mills. President of the Council--Benjamin Harrington.
Aldermen--Nelson Hayward, William Smyth, Benjamin Harrington.
Councilmen--1st Ward--William D. Nott, Robert Bailey, Henry Morgan. 2d
Ward--George Mendenhall, George Witherell, Jefferson Thomas. 3d
Ward--William T. Goodwin, George Kirk, Levi Johnson.
1843. Mayor--Nelson Hayward. President of the Council--George A. Benedict.
Aldermen--William D. Nott, Samuel Cook, Samuel Starkweather.
Councilmen--1st Ward--Robert Bailey, John B. Wigman, James Church, Jr. 2d
Ward--Stephen Clary, Alanson H. Lacy, George A. Benedict. 3d Ward--William
T. Goodwin, John Wills, Alexander S. Cramer.
1844. Mayor--Samuel Starkweather. President of the Council--Melancthon
Barnett. Aldermen--Leander M. Hubby, Stephen Clary, William T. Goodwin.
Councilmen--1st Ward--Thomas Mell, George F. Marshall, E. St. John Bemis.
2d Ward--Charles Stetson, Jacob Lowman, John Outhwaite. 3d Ward--William
F. Allen, Melancthon Barnett, John F. Warner.
1845. Mayor--Samuel Starkweather. President of the Council--Flavel W.
Bingham. Aldermen--Charles W. Heard, George Witherell, L. O. Mathews.
Councilmen--1st Ward--Flavel W. Bingham, Peter Caul, Samuel C. Ives. 2d
Ward--James Gardner, Ellery G. Williams, David L. Wood. 3d Ward--Arthur
Hughes, John A. Wheeler, Orville Gurley.
1846. Mayor--George Hoadley. President of the Council--Leander M. Hubby.
Aldermen--Leander M. Hubby, John H. Gorham, Josiah A. Harris.
Councilmen--1st Ward--E. St. John Bemis. John F. Chamberlain, John Gill.
2d Ward--William Case, William Bingham, John A. Wheeler. 3d Ward--William
K. Adams Marshall Carson, Liakim L. Lyon.
1847. Mayor--Josiah A. Harris. President of the Council--Flavel W.
Bingham. Aldermen--Flavel W. Bingham, William Case, Pierre A. Mathivet.
Councilmen--1st Ward--David Clark Doan, Henry Everett, John Gill. 2d
Ward--John Erwin, Charles Hickox, Henry B. Payne. 3d Ward--Alexander
Seymour, Alexander S. Cramer, Orville Gurley.
1848. Mayor--Lorenzo A. Kelsey. President of the Council--Flavel W.
Bingham. Aldermen--Flavel W. Bingham, William Case, Alexander Seymour.
Councilmen--1st Ward--Richard Norton, John Gill, Charles M. Read. 2d
Ward--Henry B. Payne, Leander M. Hubby, Thomas C. Floyd. 3d Ward--Samuel
Starkweather, Robert Parks, William J. Gordon.
1849. Mayor--Flavel W. Bingham. President of the Council--William Case.
Aldermen--William Case, Alexander Seymour, John Gill. Councilmen--1st
Ward--David W. Cross, Richard Norton, Henry Everett. 2d Ward--Alexander
McIntosh, John G. Mack, James Calyer. 3d Ward--Arthur Hughes, Abner C.
Brownell Christopher Mollen.
1850. Mayor--William Case. President of the Council--Alexander Seymour.
Aldermen--Alexander Seymour, John Gill, Leander M. Hubby. Councilmen--1st
Ward--William Given, George Whitelaw, Buckley Stedman. 2d Ward--Alexander
McIntosh, William Bingham, Samuel Williamson. 3d Ward--Arthur Hughes,
Abner C. Brownell, Levi Johnson.
1851. Mayor--William Case. President of the Council--John Gill,
Aldermen--John Gill, Leander M. Hubby, Abner C. Brownell, Buckley Stedman.
Council-men--1st Ward--Jabez W. Fitch, George Whitelaw. 2d Ward--Alexander
McIntosh, Thomas C. Floyd. 3d Ward--Stoughton Bliss, Miller M. Spangler.
4th Ward--Marshall S. Castle, James B. Wilbur.
1853. Mayor--Abner C. Brownell. President of the Council--Leander M,
Hubby. Aldermen--John B. Wigman, Leander M. Hubby, Basil L. Spangler,
Buckley Stedman. Councilmen--1st Ward--Henry Morgan, Aaron Merchant. 2d
Ward--William H. Shell, Robert B. Bailey. 3d Ward--Stoughton Bliss, John
B. Smith. 4th Ward--Admiral N. Gray, Henry Howe.
1853. Mayor--Abner C. Brownell. President of the Council--William H.
Shell. Trustees--1st Ward--John B, Wigman, George F. Marshall. 2d
Ward--William H. Shell, James Gardner. 3d Ward--William J. Gordon, Robert
Reilley. 4th Ward--Henry Everett, Richard C. Parsons.
1854. Abner C. Brownell. President of the Council--Richard C. Parsons.
Trustees--1st Ward--John B. Wigman, Charles Bradburn. 2d Ward--William H.
Sholl, James Gardner. 3d Ward--Christopher Mollen, Robert Reilley. 4th
Ward--Henry Everett, Richard C. Parsons. 5th Ward--Chauncey Tice, Mathew
S. Cotterell. 6th Ward--Bolivar Butts, John A. Bishop. 7th Ward--W. C. B.
Richardson, George W. Morrill. 8th Ward--A. C. Messenger, Charles W.
Palmer. 9th Ward--Wells Porter, Albert Powell. 10th Ward--Plimmon C.
Bennett, I. U. Masters. 11th Ward--Edward Russell, Frederick Sillbers.
1855. Mayor--William B. Castle. President of the Council--Charles
Bradburn. Trustees--1st Ward--Charles Bradburn, E. A. Brock. 2d
Ward--William H. Sholl, William T. Smith. 3d Ward--Christopher Mollen,
Thomas S. Paddock. 4th Ward--William H. Stanley, Rensselaer R. Horrick.
5th Ward--Chauncey Tice, Irad L. Beardsley. 6th Ward--Bolivar Butts, John
A. Bishop. 7th Ward--W. C. B. Richardson, George W. Morrill. 8th
Ward--Charles W. Palmer, S. W. Johnson. 9th Ward--Albert Powell, William A.
Wood. 10th Ward--I. U. Masters, Charles A. Crum. 11th Ward Edward Russell,
S. Buhrer.
1856. Mayor--William B. Castle. President of the Council--Charles W.
Palmer. Trustees--1st Ward--E. A. Brock, A. P. Winslow. 2d Ward--Wm. T.
Smith, O. M. Oviatt. 8d Ward--T. S. Paddock, C. Mollen. 4th Ward--R. R.
Herrick, C. S. Ransom. 5th Ward--C. Tice, F. T. Wallace. 6th Ward--J. A.
Bishop, Harvey Rice. 7th Ward--G. W. Morrill, E. S. Willard. 8th Ward--S.
W. Johnson, R. G. Hunt. 9th Ward--Sanford J. Lewis, Charles W. Palmer.
10th Ward--Charles A. Crum, I. U. Masters. 11th Ward--S. Buhrer, John
Kirkpatrick.
1857. Mayor--Samuel Starkweather. President of the Council--Reuben G.
Hunt. Trustees--1st Ward--A. P. Winslow, L. J. Rider. 2d Ward--O. M.
Oviatt, Charles D. Williams. 3d Ward--C. Mollen, Charles Patrick 4th
Ward--C. S. Ransom, R. R. Herrick. 5th Ward--F. T. Wallace, W. B. Rezner.
6th Ward--Harvey Rice, Jacob Mueller. 7th Ward--E. S. Willard, John A.
Weber. 8th Ward--R. G. Hunt, B. G. Sweet. 9th Ward--C. W. Palmer, J. M.
Coffinberry. 10th Ward--I. U. Masters, Charles A. Crum. 11th Ward--John
Kirkpatrick, Daniel Stephan.
1858. Mayor--Samuel Starkweather. President of the Council--James M.
Coffinberry. Trustees--1st Ward--L. J. Rider, George B. Senter. 2d
Ward--Chas. D. Williams, O. M. Oviatt. 3d Ward--Levi Johnson, Randall
Crawford. 4th Ward--R. R. Herrick, C. S. Ransom. 5th Ward--Wm. B. Rezner,
G. H. Detmer. 6th Ward--Jacob Mueller, L. D. Thayer. 7th Ward--J. A. Weber,
Thos. Thompson. 8th Ward--B. G. Sweet, Charles Winslow. 9th Ward--J. M.
Coffinberry, John N. Ford. 10th Ward--A. G. Hopkinson, I. U. Masters. 11th
Ward--Daniel Stephan, Alexander McLane.
1859. Mayor--George B. Senter. President of the Council--I. U. Masters.
Trustees--1st Ward--L. J. Rider, James Christian. 2d Ward--O. M. Oviatt,
Wm. H. Hayward. 3d Ward--Randall Crawford, Louis Heckman. 4th Ward--C. S.
Ransom, Isaac H. Marshall. 5th Ward--G. H. Detmer, Jacob Hovey. 6th
Ward--L. C. Thayer, Jared H. Clark. 7th Ward--Thos. Thompson, James R.
Worswick. 8th Ward--Charles Winslow, C. L. Russell. 9th Ward--John H.
Sargeant, E. H. Lewis. 10th Ward--I. U. Masters, A. G. Hopkinson. 11th
Ward--A. McLane, Thomas Dixon.
1860. Mayor--George B. Senter. President of the Council--I. U. Masters
Trustees--1st Ward--James Christian, Thomas Quayle. 2d Ward--W. H.
Hayward, M. Oviatt. 3d Ward--Louis Heckman, H. S. Stevens. 4th
Ward--I. H. Marshall, E. Thomas. 5th Ward--Jacob Hovey, W. B. Rezner. 6th
Ward--Jared H. Clark, C. J. Ballard. 7th. Ward--Jas. R. Worswick, E. S.
Willard. 8th Ward--C. L. Russell, J. Dwight Palmer. 9th Ward--E. H.
Lewis, Wm. Sabin. 10th Ward--A. G. Hopkinson, I. U. Masters. 11th
Ward--Thos. Dixon, Daniel Stephan.
1861. Mayor--Edward S. Flint. President of the Council--Henry S. Stevens.
Trustees--1st Ward--Thomas Quayle, J. J. Benton. 2d Ward--O. M. Oviatt,
T. N. Bond. 3d Ward--Henry S. Stevens, A. C. Keating. 4th Ward--E. Thomas,
Henry Blair. 5th Ward--W. B. Rezner, Joseph Sturges. 6th Ward--C. J.
Ballard, William Meyer. 7th Ward--E. S. Willard, P. M. Freese. 8th
Ward--J. Dwight Palmer, Solon Corning. 9th Ward--Wm. Sabin, A. Anthony.
10th Ward--I. U. Masters, Wm. Wellhouse. 11th Ward--J. Coonrad, Thos.
Dixon.
1862. Mayor--Edward S. Flint. President of the Council--I. U. Masters.
Trustees--1st Ward--J. J. Benton, C. C. Rogers. 2d Ward--T. N. Bond. A.
Roberts. 3d Ward--A. C. Keating, H. S. Stevens. 4th Ward--Henry Blair, E.
Thomas. 5th Ward--Joseph Sturges, N. P. Payne. 6th Ward--Wm. Meyer, Jno.
Huntington. 7th Ward--P. M. Freese, E. S. Willard. 8th Ward--Solon Corning,
J. Dwight Palmer. 9th Ward--A. Anthony, A. T. Van Tassel. 10th Ward--Wm.
Wellhouse, I. U. Masters. 11th Ward--Thos. Dixon, J. Coonrad.
1863. Mayor--Irvine U. Masters. President of the Council--H. S. Stevens.
Trustees--1st Ward--C. C. Rogers, Thos. Jones, Jr. 2d Ward--A. Roberts,
T. N. Bond. 3d Ward--H. S. Stevens, A. C. Keating. 4th Ward--E. Thomas,
Henry Blair. 5th Ward--N. P. Payne, Joseph Sturges. 6th Ward--John
Huntington, Geo. W. Gardner. 7th Ward--E. S. Willard, Peter Goldrick.
8th Ward--J. D. Palmer, Jos. Ransom. 9th Ward--A. T. Van Tassel, Percival
Upton. 10th Ward--H. N. Bissett, George Presley. 11th Ward--J. Coonrad,
Stephen Buhrer.
1864. Mayor--Irvine U. Masters. Mayor--George B. Senter, President of the
Council--Thomas Jones, Jr. Trustees--1st Ward--Thomas Jones, Jr., Chas. C.
Rogers. 2d Ward--T. N. Bond, Ansel Roberts. 3d Ward--A. C. Keating, Amos
Townsend. 4th Ward--Henry Blair, David A. Dangler. 5th Ward--Joseph
Sturges, B. P. Bowers. 6th Ward--George W. Gardner, John Huntington. 7th
Ward--Peter Goldrick, E. S. Willard. 8th Ward--Joseph Randerson, Wm. H.
Truscott. 9th Ward--Percival Upton, John Martin. 10th Ward--George
Presley, Michael Crapser. 11th Ward--Stephen Buhrer, Edward Russell.
1865. Mayor--Herman M. Chapin. President of the Council--Thomas Jones, Jr.
Trustees--1st Ward--Charles C. Rogers, Thomas Jones, Jr. 2d Ward--Ansel
Roberts, Henry K. Raynolds. 3d Ward--Amos Townsend, Randall Crawford. 4th
Ward--David A Dangler, Simson Thorman. 5th Ward--B. P. Bower, Joseph
Sturges. 6th Ward--John Huntington, George W. Calkins. 7th Ward--E. S.
Willard, Charles Pettingill. 8th Ward--William H. Truscott, Joseph
Randerson. 9th Ward--John Martin, Fredrick W. Pelton. 10th Ward--John J.
Weideman, George Presley. 11th Ward--Edward Russell, Stephen Buhrer.
1866. Mayor--Herman M. Chapin. President of the Council--P. W. Pelton.
Trustees--1st Ward--Thos. Jones, Jr., Charles C. Rogers. 2d Ward--H. K.
Raynolds, Ansel Roberts. 3d Ward--Randall Crawford, Amos Townsend. 4th
Ward--Simson Thorman, Maurice H. Clark. 5th Ward--Joseph Sturges, Wm.
Heisley. 6th Ward--George W. Calkins, John Huntington. 7th Ward--Charles
B. Pettingill, Christopher Weigel. 8th Ward--Joseph Randerson, William H.
Trascott. 9th Ward--Frederick W. Pelton, John Martin. 10th Ward--George
Presley, Reuben H. Becker. 11th Ward--Stephen Buhrer, Robert Larnder.
1867. Mayor--Stephen Buhrer. President of the Council--Amos Townsend.
Trustees--1st Ward--Charles C. Rogers, Silas Merchant. 2d Ward--Ansel
Roberts, Peter Diemer. 3d Ward--Amos Townsend, J. C. Shields. 4th
Ward--Maurice B. Clark, Proctor Thayer. 5th Ward--William Heisley, Thomas
Purcell. 6th Ward--John Huntington, Edward Hart. 7th Ward--Christopher
Weigel, Charles B. Pettingill. 8th Ward--William H. Truscott, Joseph
Houstain. 9th Ward--John Martin, F. W. Pelton. 10th Ward--Reuben H. Becker,
William Wellhouse. 11th Ward--Robert Larnder, Charles E. Gehring.
1868. Mayor--Stephen Buhrer. President of the Council--Amos Townsend.
Trustees--1st Ward--Silas Merchant, C. C. Rogers. 2d Ward--Peter Diemer, H.
G. Cleveland. 3d Ward--J. C. Shields, Amos Townsend. 4th Ward--Proctor
Thayer, Maurice B. Clark. 5th Ward--Thos. Purcell, Nathan P. Payne. 6th
Ward--Edwin Hart, John Huntington. 7th Ward--Charles B. Pettingill, George
Angell. 8th Ward--Joseph Houstain, Patrick Carr. 9th Ward--F. W. Pelton,
John Martin. 10th Ward--William Wellhouse, John J. Weideman 11th
Ward--Charles E. Gehring, George L. Hurtnell. 13th Ward--E. C. Gaeckley,
Benj. R. Beavis. 13th Ward--George Rettberg, Major Collins. 14th Ward--John
Jokus, A. E. Massey. 15th Ward--B. Lied, John A. Ensign.
1869. Mayor--Stephen Buhrer. President of the Council--Amos Townsend.
Trustee--1st Ward--C. C. Rogers, Silas Merchant. 2d Ward--H. G. Cleveland,
Peter Diemer. 3d Ward--Amos Townsend, Charles Coates. 4th Ward--R. R.
Herrick, Proctor Thayer. 5th Ward--Nathan P. Payne, Thomas Purcell. 6th
Ward--John Huntington, W. P. Horton. 7th Ward--George Angell, Horace
Fuller. 8th Ward--Patrick Carr, Patrick Smith. 9th Ward--John Martin, L.
L. M. Coe. 10th Ward--John J. Weideman, Wm. Wellhouse. 11th Ward--George L.
Hartnell, John G. Vetter. 12th Ward--Benj. R. Beavis, Eugene C. Gaeckley.
13th Ward--Major Collins, J. H. Slosson. 14th Ward--A. E. Massey, A. A.
Jewett, 15th Ward--John A. Ensign, C. W. Coates.
[Illustration: With Respect, Levi Johnson]
Trade and Commerce.
The commercial history of the early years of Cleveland does not differ
from that of most western settlements. When the white population numbered
from a few dozen to a few hundred, it is difficult to define what was
commerce and what mere barter for individual accommodation. Every man did
a little trading on his own account. The carpenter, the tailor, the judge
and the preacher were alike ready to vary their customary occupations by a
dicker whenever an opportunity offered. The craftsman purchased what
necessities or comforts he needed, and paid in the work of his hands. The
possessor of one article of daily use traded his superfluity for another
article, and for all articles furs and skins were legal tender, as they
could be sent east and converted into money or merchandise.
The first strictly commercial transactions were with the Indians. They
needed powder and lead for hunting, blankets for their comfort, beads for
the adornment of the squaws, and the two great luxuries--or
necessities--of frontier life, salt and whisky. In payment for these they
brought game, to supply the settlers with fresh provisions, and skins, the
currency of the West. In course of time the opening up of the country
beyond made a new market for the salt, whisky, and salt provisions
collected at Cleveland, and with these staples went occasionally a few
articles of eastern made goods for the use of the frontiermen's wives. As
the country became more settled the commercial importance of Cleveland
increased, until it divided with Detroit and Buffalo the honors and
profits of the commerce of the lakes.
Cleveland was settled in 1796. PFiveyears later the first commercial
movement was made by the erection of a distillery for the purpose of
providing an adequate supply of the basis of early western
commerce--whisky. The trade operations were of a promiscuous and desultory
character until about the year 1810, when a log warehouse was built by
Major Carter, on the bank of the lake, between Meadow and Spring streets,
and this was speedily followed by another, built by Elias and Harvey
Murray, which became the centre of business and gossip for the village
and the country round about. Of course a full supply of the great
staple--whisky--was kept.
In 1813 Cleveland became a lively and prosperous place, it having been
chosen as a depot of supplies and rendezvous for troops engaged in the
war. A good business was done in selling to the army, in exchanging with
the quartermasters, and in transporting troops and supplies. This was a
flourishing time for Cleveland, and its inhabitants in many cases made
small fortunes, realizing several hundred dollars in hard cash.
The close of the war brought the usual reaction, and the commerce of the
embryo city lagged, but gradually improved under the stimulus of
increasing emigration to the West. In 1816 it had reached such a point
that a bank was deemed necessary to the proper transaction of trade, and
the Commercial Bank of Lake Erie was opened, with Leonard Case as
president. It had the misfortune of being born too soon, and its life
consequently was not long. At the same time, the projectors of the bank
were not wholly without warrant for their anticipations of success, for
Cleveland was doing a good business and owned an extensive lake marine of
seven craft, measuring in the aggregate four hundred and thirty tons.
The harbor facilities of Cleveland at this time were very few. The river
mouth, to the westward of the present entrance, was frequently choked with
sand, and sometimes to such an extent that persons could cross dry shod.
Vessels of any considerable size--and a size then called "considerable"
would now be held in very slight estimation--made no attempt to enter the
river, but came to anchor outside, and were unloaded by lighters. In 1807
a scheme was set on foot for opening a line of communication for trading
purposes between Lake Erie and the Ohio river, by cleaning out the
channels of the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas riverspretentiousssage of boats
and batteaux; a wagon road, seven miles long, from Old Portage to New
Portage, making the connection between the two rivers. It was supposed
that twelve thousand dollars would suffice for the purpose, and the
Legislature authorized a lottery by which the funds were to be raised.
There were to be twelve thousand eight hundred tickets at five dollars
each, with prizes aggregating sixty-four thousand dollars, from which a
deduction of twelve and a half per cent, was to be made. The drawing never
came off, and the money paid for the tickets was refunded some years
afterwards, without interest. In 1816 an attempt was made to improve the
entrance to the harbor by means of a pier into the lake. A company was
organized for the purpose, a charter obtained from the Legislature, and
something done towards building the pier, but the storms soon washed the
slight construction away.
Ten years later, the work of improving the harbor under the direction of
the National Government was begun, the first appropriation being of five
thousand dollars. A new channel was cut, piers commenced, and the work
entered upon which has been carried on with varying energy to the present
time. The opening of the river gave considerable impetus to the commerce
of the place, which was then carried on wholly by lake.
The opening of the Ohio canal was the first grand starting point in the
commercial history of Cleveland. It brought into connection with the lake
highway to market a rich country rapidly filling up with industrious
settlers, and the products of dairies, grain farms, and grazing lands were
brought in great quantity to Cleveland, where they were exchanged for New
York State salt, lake fish, and eastern merchandise. Two years after the
opening of the canal, which was completed in 1832, the receipts amounted
to over half a million bushels of wheat, a hundred thousand barrels of
flour, a million pounds of butter and nearly seventy thousand pounds of
cheese, with other articles in proportion. Business went on increasing
with great rapidity; every one was getting rich, in pocket or on paper,
and Cleveland was racing with its then rival, but now a part of itself,
Ohio City, for the distinction of being the great commercial centre of the
West. At that moment, in the year 1837, the great crash came and business
of all kinds was paralyzed.
Cleveland was one of the first places in the West to recover. Its basis
was good, and as the interior of Ohio became more peopled the trade of the
canal increased and, of course, Cleveland was so much the more benefited.
The opening of the Pennsylvania and Ohio canal, in 1841, opened
communication with Pittsburgh and added a trade in iron, nails, and glass
to the other branches of business. In 1844 the commerce of Cleveland by
lake had reached an aggregate of twenty millions for the year.
The opening of the railroad to Columbus in 1851 marked the second step in
the business history of the city. The canals brought business from the
south-east, and by a slow and uncertain route from Cincinnati. The
completion of the railroad gave direct and speedy connection with
Cincinnati, with the rich valleys of the Miami, and with lands hitherto
undeveloped or seeking other markets for their produce. Other railroads
were rapidly built, and developed new avenues of commerce and new sources
of wealth. The population increased rapidly. The streets were extended and
lined with new buildings. Additional stores were opened and all
departments felt the rush of new life. The lake commerce of the port, in
spite of the business drawn off by competing railroads, increased in 1853
to a total of eighty-seven million dollars, more than four times the
amount reached nine years before, after the canal System had been
completed and was in full operation. The grain trade which once was the
foundation of the commerce of the city, had fallen away owing the gradual
removal of the wheat producing territory westward. It was asserted, and
generally believed, that the canals had done all they could for the
prosperity of the city, and that unless something new turned up for its
benefit, Cleveland would remain at a stand-still, or increase only by very
slow degrees. Business was extremely dull, the prospect looked dubious,
many business men moved to other cities and more were preparing to follow.
Just then two things occurred. The war broke out, and the Atlantic and
Great Western railway was extended to Cleveland. The latter event opened a
new market for trade in north-western Pennsylvania, and soon after, by
sending a large proportion of the product of the oil regions to this point
for refining or shipment, built up an immense and lucrative department of
manufacture and commerce, whose effect was felt in all classes of
business. The war stimulated manufactures, and by a sudden bound Cleveland
set out on the path of permanent prosperity long pointed out by some
far-seeing men, but until the time referred to strangely neglected. In a
very few years the population more than doubled the existing facilities
for business were found totally inadequate for the suddenly increased
demands, and the most strenuous exertions of the builders failed to meet
the call for new stores. Manufactory after manufactory came into
existence, and with each there was an influx of population and a
consequent increase in all departments of trade. And the work still goes
on, every manufactory started creating some need hitherto unfelt, and thus
rendering other manufactories necessary to supply the need.
A careful census of population and business, made towards the close of
1868, in compliance with a request from one department of the Government
at Washington, showed that the population had increased to ninety
thousand; the value of real estate was valued at fifty millions of
dollars, and of personal property at thirty millions. The commerce,
including receipts and shipments by lake, canal, and railroad, was taken
at eight hundred and sixty-five millions of dollars; the value of
manufactures for the year at nearly fifty millions; the lake arrivals and
clearances at ten thousand, with an aggregate tonnage of over three
millions of tons; and the number of vessels and canal boats owned here at
nearly four hundred. Seventy years ago Major Carter resided here in lonely
state with his family, being the only white family in the limits of what
is now the city of Cleveland. The cash value of the entire trade of
Cleveland at that time would not pay a very cheap clerk's salary
now-a-days.