Peter Manor

Peter Manor (1778–1847) was probably best known as the founder of the town of Providence, Ohio. Manor was of French decent and initially made a living travelling and trading with Native Americans primarily in northwest Ohio starting in the late 18th century. Manor was considered by the Native Americans to be a friend, resulting in good relationship. He continued to trade with Native Americans and even opened up a trading post until approximately the early 19th century, when the US government ordered the removal of Native tribes from this part of the nation, which was completed in approximately 1839 (Rozick, 10-11). In 1822, Manor constructed a sawmill and gristmill in what is now the ghost town of Providence, OH (Rozick, 12). Manor's decision to begin construction was based on two reasons. First, with the Native American removal, his trading business was beginning to slow. More importantly, though, with the conclusion of the War of 1812, in which the Natives fought, the area of Northwest Ohio had become more secure and subsequently, was beginning to become settled.

In 1835, began developing the town of Providence. Things did not slow for Manor, though. The state of Ohio decided that it would construct what, at the time, was to be the Wabash and Erie Canal through the town of Providence. Later, this section would be referred to as being a part of the Miami and Erie Canal. Specifically, the state decided that the canal should run right through the location of Manor's Mill. Consequently, in 1838, the state of Ohio took possession of and subsequently demolished Manor's Mill through eminent domain for the purpose of constructing the canal (Rozick, 12). Manor rebuilt the mill and, as a result of a deal made with Ohio, was able to obtain perpetual water rights (Emmons). Eventually, Manor would sell the mill, but continued as a pillar of the community of Providence, which was seen as a haven from the problems of drinking, gambling, and prostitution which typically plagued canal towns, until his death in September 1847 (Rozick, 13).