Complete History of Toronto, Ohio

From Frontier Settlement to Modern City

Located along the banks of the Ohio River in Jefferson County, Toronto has a rich and varied history spanning over two centuries. Originally known as Newburg, then Sloane's Station, and finally Toronto, this resilient community has weathered economic booms and busts while maintaining its unique identity. This timeline chronicles the major events and developments that have shaped Toronto, Ohio from its founding to the present day.

Early Settlement Era (1800s-1850s)

1818
Founding of Newburg
The area that would become Toronto was first settled and laid out by John Depuy after he purchased 100 acres of land from the brother of Mike Myers, a celebrated government scout nicknamed "Auver" who had been awarded the land for his services to the government. The small town was named Newburg and consisted of 60x120 foot lots with 50-foot wide streets.
1820s-1840s
Newburg Landing Development
Newburg Landing at first consisted of only 12 buildings (9 houses and 3 businesses). The settlement became a popular steamboat landing on the Ohio River and served as an inlet to the back country. River packets from Pittsburgh and New Orleans made regular stops, and business was brisk as Newburg landing supplied goods to the outlying Knox and Island Creek Townships.
1837
First Methodist Episcopal Sermon
Rev. J.M. Bray delivered the first Methodist Episcopal sermon in Newburg, under shade trees on the Ohio River bank. A class was organized by John Bray, Sr. in 1841 or 1842, marking the beginning of organized religion in the settlement.

Railroad and Industrial Growth Era (1850s-1880s)

1853
First Industry Established
The pioneer pottery of Carlyle & McFadden was founded, marking the beginning of industrial development in the area. This would later set the stage for the clay and pottery industry that would become important to Toronto's economy.
1856
Railroad Arrival and Name Change
The Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad came through the village, bringing significant change. Since there was already a station called Newburg on the railroad line near Cleveland, this one was given the name "Sloane's Station" after William Sloane, who generously granted right-of-way for the railroad. This marked the beginning of the town's transformation from a river-based economy to one connected by rail.
1880
Population Milestone
The village had grown to about 500 residents. Though still small, it was poised for rapid growth in the coming years as industrialization increased.
1881
Incorporation and Renaming as Toronto
After a vote, the town was incorporated under its current name. The name "Toronto" was suggested by Thomas M. Daniels, a pioneer manufacturer who felt the Canadian city of Toronto was a place worth emulating. The first municipal officers were Mayor J.H. Roberts, Clerk Edward T. Finlay, Treasurer T.M. Daniels, Marshal J.S. Culp, and councilmen S.M. Robinson, Theodore O. Grover, George Horne, Dr. J.W. Collins, Jefferson Saltsman, and J.O. Freeman.

Expansion and Development Era (1880s-1900)

1887
Municipal Building Construction
The town built a municipal building for council meetings at a cost of $5,000. Until this time, the council had met in a building owned by George Pracht. This represented the growing formalization of the town's governance.
1888
First Fraternal Organization
The Junior American Mechanics were established, the first of several fraternal organizations that would form in Toronto. These organizations played important social and economic roles in the community.
1889
School District Recognized
The Toronto City School District was officially recognized by the State of Ohio Department of Education, providing formalized education for the growing community.
1890
Water Works Construction
The council was authorized to bond the town for $50,000 to construct a water works system. In April of that year, land owned by David Walker was appropriated to build a reservoir on the hill west of town. A pumping station was constructed on Clark Street and six miles of pipe were laid. This significant infrastructure improvement supported the growing population and improved public health and safety.
1890
Population Growth
The census showed a population of 2,536, representing rapid growth from the 500 residents recorded just ten years earlier.
1891
Water Works Completion
The water works were completed at a cost of $75,000, requiring an additional $25,000 in bonds beyond the original estimate. M.B. Edwards, Jr. served as superintendent until 1899. An efficient fire department succeeded the "bucket brigade" upon completion of the water works.
1892
Municipal Building Enlarged
The municipal building was enlarged to accommodate the growing needs of the town government.
1893
Central High School Building
The predecessor of the Central High School Building was completed with eight rooms, aspiring to become a graded school. When completed, the entire system was brought to a high degree of efficiency.
1899
Town Limits Expansion
The corporation limits were enlarged both north and south, with the former taking in what had been known as the village of Fosterville. This expansion reflected the town's growing population and economic significance.
1899
Methodist Church Expansion
The Methodist Episcopal Church building was enlarged and improved to accommodate a growing congregation, reflecting the community's religious development.

Industrial Heyday Era (1900-1950)

1900
Population Reaches 3,526
The census showed continued rapid growth, with the population reaching 3,526, of which 1,285 had spilled over into Island Creek Township. This period marked Toronto's transformation into a significant industrial town.
Early 1900s
Toronto Electric Light Company
The Toronto Electric Light Company erected an up-to-date plant furnishing some 2,000 incandescent lights for public and private use, with about twenty miles of pole lines. This further modernized the town and improved quality of life for residents.
1904
Ancient Order of Hibernians
The Ancient Order of Hibernians was established in Toronto, reflecting the town's significant Irish population and growing diversity.
1906
Eagles Fraternal Organization
The Eagles fraternal organization was established in Toronto, adding to the town's social fabric.
1907
Electric Light Plant Acquisition
The Toronto Electric Light Company was purchased by the Steubenville and East Liverpool Company, representing the consolidation of utility services in the region.
1908
Red Men Organization
The Red Men fraternal organization was established in Toronto, further expanding the social organizations available to residents.
1910s-1940s
Industrial Growth
Toronto experienced significant industrial development during this period, with steel and clay products being major industries. The town became known as a center of heavy industry with numerous factories in and around the area.
1920s-1940s
World War Era
Like many industrial towns, Toronto's manufacturing capabilities contributed to the war efforts during both World Wars, and many local men served in the armed forces.

Mid-Century Era (1950-1980)

1948
Kaul Clay Company
The Kaul Clay Company of Toronto expanded its operations, contributing to the town's industrial base with the production of clay products for the steel industry.
1950s-1960s
Industrial Peak
This period represented the peak of industrial activity in Toronto, with steel mills and clay product factories providing employment for many residents. The town prospered as manufacturing thrived throughout the Ohio Valley.
1961
Kaul Clay Factory Fire
On November 21, 1961, the Kaul Clay factory was destroyed by fire, representing a significant loss to the town's industrial base.
Late 1970s
Beginning of Industrial Decline
Toronto, like many towns in the Ohio Valley, began to experience the effects of deindustrialization. The steel industry in particular faced increasing competition from foreign imports and changing economic conditions.

Modern Era (1980-Present)

1980s
Industrial Restructuring
Toronto faced significant economic challenges as the steel industry and other manufacturing sectors declined throughout the Ohio Valley. Many factories closed or significantly reduced their workforces.
1988
Kaul Clay Company Dissolution
The Kaul Clay Company filed dissolution papers, marking the end of one of Toronto's significant industrial enterprises.
1990s-2000s
Economic Transition
Toronto worked to transition its economy away from heavy industry toward a more diverse economic base, including service industries and smaller manufacturing operations.
2000s-Present
Community Revitalization
Toronto has focused on revitalizing its downtown area and preserving its historical heritage while adapting to economic changes. Community events, restoration projects, and small business development have been part of these efforts.
2020
Population Update
According to the 2020 census, Toronto had a population of 5,303, making it the second-largest city in Jefferson County. While smaller than during its industrial peak, the city continues to maintain its identity and community spirit.

Sources and Further Reading