Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1880-09-17

years ago aud its limits we're 30 extensive
~ TO embrace what is now parts Of Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and all Of
Michigan.
In 1900 by act OF Congress, the territory
was divided and "all that part OF the ter
ritory northwest Of the Ohio River, which
lies west to y line beginning opposite the
mouth Of the Kentucky River, running
thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north
until IL inlersects the territory line between
the United States aud Canada, sha i cOnsi e
tute u separate territory, and be called
Iniiana."
a | that part east of this line was en-
braccd IN the then territory Of Ohio
When the first convention To form Con-
stiluiiom for Ohio was held, Wayne county,
and Of course, this valley, was not repre-
scented hence there was much disatisinc.
tiOn among the people oi the county, and
50 much Of II rs was embraced IN the pres
eHt State Ol Michigan was, IN consequence
detached from Ohio, and attached to the
Indiana Territory. subsequently this mr.
rnngement also growing unsatisfactory,
Congress, IN 1905, passed law that call
that part Of the Indiana territory which
lies north of line drawn east from this
southetly bend uf the extreme OF Lake
Michigan, until il shall intersect Lake Erie
shall constitute separate territory, aud
be called Michigan"
In 1920 when the Indian title was finally
extinguished, fourteen counties were crea.
ted by the Legislature. most OF the north
eastern part Of the valley being enclosed
in that of Wood county,
OHIO AND MICHIGAN OR TOLEDO WAR,
II will be noted that the act of Congress
fixing the boundary between Ohio and
Michigan territory, required the line to he
run from the southerly bend OF the ex-
treme of Lake Michigan until it should
intersect Lake Erie" Had this been done,
q reference TO the map will show that
large portion Of the norlherly part of this
valley would have become a part OF
Michigan, hence no disputed territory and
no war"
THE CANAL.
In June, 1912, the Wabash & Erie Ca
nal was opened from Toledo to Providence,
and in July. 1S43, 90 years after the first
act OF Congress authorizing the survey, the
Canal was opened from Toledo to LaFay-
cite. Gen. Lewis Cass, delivered an ora
tion at Fort Wayne, celebrating the occa-
sion.
Capt. Cyrus Belden, OF Toledo, yet living,
ran the first boat through the entire length
of the canal from Manhattan to LaFay-
cite; and Capt. William Dale, who died
some years since, ran the first packet.
Capt. Edwin Avery came from the Erie
Canal in 1874, with that then marvel OF
boat the Harry of the West" for long
time the largest OF her class on the canal.
MAILS.
The first regular mail in the valley was
carried by Horace Gum in 1900. In 1909
Benoni Adams carried the mail from Cleve
land to Maumee, requiring two weeks to
make the trip, partly through the Black
Swamp, on foot. The first regular mail
along the river to Fort WAYNE was in 1922
-3,and the service once week. Daily mail
by packet was begun in 1856.
FORT INDUSTRY.
When Gen. Wayne, or rather Col. Ham
tramck, in 1895, took possession for the
United States, of the British post, Fort Mi
pmi, or Campbell at the loot of the Rap
ids, also Detroit and Mackinac, he rebuilt
Ihe post at the mouth of Swan creek, very
near the northeast corner Of the twelve
reservation, and named il Fort
Industry. 1t was gHrrsoned some 10 or
IL years, and is distinguished as the loca-
lion OF an important treaty with the In
lians.
The fort" consisted of block house,
by slockade, and stood in the
center OF clearing OF about four acres.
rhe exact location has been questioned, but
from the best obtainable evidence it stood
On the afterward site of the National hotel,
now occupied by the Duell block, or F. Ea-
lon g. Co.'S store. The cellar, or magazine,
as was supposed, also some Of the stockade,
was distinctly visible as late as 1880, of
which some of the older citizens of Toledo
have vivid remembrance, and substantially
agree as TO the precise point of location.
PIONEER STEAMERS.
1t is a matter Of record that the first
steamer on the lakes, was built and owned
BY parties who were largely interested in
lands near The foot Of the rapids and The
9 Walk-in-the- Water" was intended to ply
between Black Rock, on the niagara River,
and the "Orleans of the North" on the
Miami Of Lake Erie, an intended future
great city, but which has now entirely dis
appeared, ms has the steamer itself.
The Walk-in.th Water" came into
The river in 1918 as far as Swan Creek, ell
route for the culture great city" above,
but being unable to get over Delaware Flats
could not reach her destination, and re-
turned down the lake, where she was
wrecked shortly afterward.
The next steamer that came into the
river was the" Enterprise" in 1923. Some
OF our citizens yet living, distinctly remem-
Der her arrival, and have vivid remen-
brance of the incident, as well as their
fright given by a party of drunken Indi-
ans, who were also anxious TO see the won-
ders of the day.
Old settlers will remember the "Ohio,"
built at Sandusky in 1882, which for so
many years laid on the middle ground,
at Toledo, near where the Island House
now stands. Its old hulk made big bon
fire one Fourth Of July night when some
OF us were boys.
PIONEER LAKE CAPTAINS.
Capt. David Wilkinson was doubtless the
" pioneer" He began with the Eagle
in 1918, small schooner OF about 80 tons,
built at Toledo, near the mouth of Swan
Creek; then the Guerriere," and shortly
afterward the steamer Commodore Perry
built in 1921, which lie sailed till she
was broken up in 1S45, when lie built the
Superior" and sailed her until he retired
from active service.
Capt. Wilkinson Is said to have made
the first chart OF the Maumee River aud
Bay, which was adopted by the Govern
ment, and WAS in general use until more
accurate one was made many yeals later
Capt. Isaac 4. PheaIt came to this val
ley from the lower lakes, in the schooner
Grant, which was the first vessel through
the WellNnd Canal from Lake Ontario
Capt. Pheatt carried an American flag at
her masthead, during her passage up the
canal much against the opposition OF the
Canadians, who had not yet got over the
feeling against the Americans, caused by
the Patriot" war. He was also the first
yaaaal ~, star In hoist n uaT ton.ya;I "a,