Ohio. Board of Canal Commissioners

The Ohio Board of Canal Commissioners was created in 1822 through an act passed by the State of Ohio General Assembly. Early members included Thomas Worthington, Isaac Minor, and Alfred Kelley. Their duties were to examine, survey, and estimate the practicality of a canal connecting the Ohio River with Lake Erie, and to make an estimation of cost. During construction, each commissioner was responsible for certain sections of the canal, including hiring laborers, engineers, and building suppliers. In the 1830s, Commissioners continued to mange the completed waterway, employing toll collectors, maintenance laborers, and resident engineers. Commissioners also approved requests for water rights and were responsible for the canal's finances. The canal continued to operate until a flood in 1913 destroyed much of it.

From the description of Ohio and Erie Canal board of commissioners records, series II, 1825-1914. (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 43837591

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