Solomon Kuder and Caleb North papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-0616

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The collection consists of original correspondence, legal papers, financial records, and maps, documenting life in Northwest Ohio during the first half of the 19th century through to the early 20th century.

Dates

Creation: 1819-1918

Extent

1.06 Cubic Feet (1 legal manuscript box, 1 flat box)

Creator

Kuder, Solomon, 1790-1873 (Person)
North, Caleb, 1789-1875 (Person)

Scope and Contents

This collection consists primarily of the personal, legal and financial papers of Solomon Kuder, an early settler of Wood County, Ohio, dating from 1819 through 1918.

The largest portion of the collection documents, through property records, the acquisition by Kuder of land in Northwest Ohio. An early printed map of the Piqua Land District (cataloged separately from the collection due to size) shows the divisions of Ohio circa 1819. The three land patents to Kuder, signed by Andrew Jackson, are dated 1830 and 1836, making him one of the early settlers in the area. Receipts for taxes paid on property in Seneca County from 1827-1835, and Wood County, 1836-1897 give a continuous view of the location and size of Kuder's real estate holdings.

A small number of items in the collection refers to Kuder's service during the War of 1812. Other than the land patents, most are routine inquiries about pension matters. However, an invitation for a reunion in 1872 in Monroe, Michigan is of interest due to the name of George Custer as a member of the invitation committee.

The inclusion of the account books of Caleb North in this collection illustrates something of the economic life on the Ohio frontier. After his move to Washington Township, Wood County, in 1829, some of the names appearing in the ledgers include those of Kuder, Opperman, Ketchum, Vantasel, and Minton, reflecting the work done by North as a tanner and shoemaker in the local community.

Biographical / Historical

Solomon Kuder (born Sept 4, 1790-died August 15, 1873) was one of the early pioneers of Wood County, farming near Tontogany. A veteran of the War of 1812, Kuder first settled in Tiffin, Ohio, Seneca County, where he engaged in milling, moving to Wood County in 1836. Married in 1816 to Catherine Row, Kuder had a family of 15 children. His youngest child, Caroline, married Edward Ketchum, a carpenter in Tontogany, in 1876. Their daughter, Orra, married Caleb H. Opperman in 1884. Another of Solomon's daughters, Martha, cared for her parents in their old age; in turn, she was cared for by her niece Orra.

Caleb North (1789-1875) was the maternal grandfather of Caleb H. Opperman. He came to Ohio in 1829, settling in Washington Township, Wood County. In addition to farming, he also worked as a tanner. Two of his ledger books are included with this collection.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.