(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 900 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND members of the Cleveland Stock Exchange and are conducting a large business as bankers and brokers, with an extensive clientage among the wealthy men of the city. Their comprehensive knowledge of the market and a spirit of enterprise that characterizes the conduct of the business has made theirs a very successful venture. Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Annette Rosenthal, a daughter of F. W. Rosenthal, of St. Louis. The wedding was celebrated in 1889 and the marriage has been blessed with two children, Robert W, and Howard E. Mr. Snyder gives his political supp0rt to the democracy and is well known in political circles, for he has labored effectively and zealously for the interests of his party. He has also filled a number of public offices, serving as jury commissioner of Cuyahoga county for three years, as clerk of the board of equalization for one year and as county examiner of the county finances for one year. He belongs to the First Church of Christ, Scientist and is well known in this city, where he has lived throughout the entire period of his connection with business life. He has sought his success along legitimate lines, brooking no obstacle that could be overcome by determined and persistent effort, and his prosperity has followed as the logical reward of his perseverance and diligence. JOHN BECKER John Becker is the president and treasurer of the Becker-Seidel Compan of Cleveland, conducting an extensive business as steam and hot water fitters and steam heating contractors and also doing large pipe work for power plants. His birth occurred in Cleveland on the 22(1 of June, 1857, his parents being George and Catherine (Hass) Becker, both of whom were natives of Germany, born in the years 1829 and 1830 respectively. The father, who crossed the Atlantic to the United States in early life, took up his abode in Cleveland, Ohio, and here followed the trade of blacksmithing until called to his final rest in 1870. He was married in this city to Miss Catherine Hass, who survived him for almost three decades, passing away in 1899. In his youthful days John Becker attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education and after putting aside his text-books he worked as cash boy in the employ of E. I. Baldwin for a short time. He next secured a position with the Pollard Showcase Company but after a brief period entered the service of the Worswick & Lewis Company, manufacturers of pipe and steam brass goods, remaining with the concern for ten and a half years. During this period he became thoroughly familiar with the business in principle and detail, being gradually promoted from one department to the next higher as he demonstrated his worth and ability. In 1882 he embarked in business as a steam fitter on his own account, becoming a member of the Chafer, Becker & Doughty Company, which after a short time was changed to Chafer & Becker. In 1905 the firm was incorporated as the Chafer-Becker Company, while in May, 1907, the Becker- Seidel Company was incorporated with Mr. Becker as president and treasurer and Albin Seidel as vice president. They have built up an extensive and profitable business as steam and hot water fitters and steam heating contractors and their operations extend throughout Cleveland and the surrounding territory. In addition to his interests in this connection Mr. Becker is likewise a director in the Woodland Savings Trust Company and the H. Franke Steel Range Company, while of the International Cutlery Company of Fremont, Ohio, he acts as president. In his business life he displays sound judgment and keen discernment as well as unwearied industry and is one of the successful men of his native city. In 1883 Mr. Becker was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Clauss, a native of Cleveland, and a daughter of Henry and Johnnetta (Floersch) Clauss. Unto HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 903 Mr. and Mrs. Becker have been born two children, namely : Louise L., whose birth occurred in 1884 and who is a graduate of the Laurel Institute, is now the wife of C. M. Handy ; and Henry C., who was born in 1886, is a graduate of the University School. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Becker has given his political allegiance to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Masons, having attained the thirty-second degree in the latter order. He is a member of Cleveland City Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M.; Webb Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M.; Oriental Commandery, No. 12, K. T.; and Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Exchange and the Cleveland Auto Club, being very fond of motoring. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed throughout the city in which they have always resided, their upright and honorable lives commending them to the friendship and regard of those with whom they come in contact. OZIAS FISH. The Psalmist of old designated three score years and ten as the span of man's life, but Ozias Fish has long since passed beyond that period for he is now in his ninety-second year—the oldest native son of Cleveland yet residing within her borders. The years rest lightly upon him. With mind undimmed he can recall more clearly than anyone living the early days of Cleveland, which he has seen develop from a village to a city that in its trade and business relations has become a recognized world power. His birth occurred May 16, 1818, on the farm which his father, Moses Fish, purchased when he came overland with his brother Ebenezer and cousin James from Connecticut. This was before the era of railroad building and the three men traveled together across the country, western New York and eastern Ohio being as yet largely an undeveloped wilderness ; the forests stood in their primeval strength ; the prairies were uncultivated and the streams unbridged. They arrived in Cleveland in 1811 and Moses Fish located on what is now Denison avenue, on the west side. There in connection with his brother Ebenezer he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and with resolute spirit they undertook the arduous task of clearing away the timber and preparmg the land for the plow. Those fields which they carefully cultivated year after year now constitute one of the thickly settled districts of Cleveland—the site of many residences and business blocks. Ozias Fish, of this review, however, is still the owner of a goodly part of the old family estate. His birth occurred on the homestead farm May 16, 1818, and in his youthful days he assisted his father in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. At seven years of age he began his education by attending a log school near his home. The little building was also for a few years used as a meeting house and town hall. In the early '30s a more modern school building was erected and Mr. Fish therein pursued his studies for several terms, gaining a fair English education, to which reading, observation and broadening experience have continually added as the years have gone by. Later he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade under Joshua Whitney and, becoming an expert workman, he began contracting on his own account and soon handled a share of the public patronage. Many of the old time buildings which are still standing throughout this section of the county are evidences of his handiwork. For many years he was associated with his four brothers in a contracting business and they ranked as one of the leading firms in this part of the state. Ozias Fish continued in active business until about 18c9o, when on account of age he retired. Success had attended his efforts and the rise in property values had 904 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND also added to his wealth, making his annual income one of substantial proportions. On the 3d of December, 1840, occurred the marriage of Ozias Fish and Miss Elizabeth Pelton, a daughter of Russell and Amelia Pelton, who came to Cleveland from Connecticut in 1835. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fish were born four children. Edward F., the eldest, now deceased, was married and had three children : Russell C., who is married and has one child; Lucy ; and Fannie, deceased. The second member of the family was Russell Fish, who has also passed away. Dwight P. Fish, the only surviving son, was united in marriage June 20, 1877, to Miss Minnie P. Carr, a daughter of Dudley C. and Sarah (Wallace) Carr, of Cleveland. Their children are Ethel M., the wife of Dr. F. T. Lewis, and Dwight G., both residing in Cleveland. Philo L., the youngest son of Ozias Fish, has also passed away. The death of Mrs. Ozias Fish occurred on the seventy-fifth anniversary of her birth and was the occasion of deep regret to the many friends who had long entertained for her the most kindly regard. In many ways Mr. Fish has been closely associated with Cleveland's progress and upbuilding. He was one of the first councilmen here, when the city was but a village, and he served for two years as treasurer and also as assessor of his township before it was annexed t0 the city. Since the organization of the republican party he has given it his stalwart support and previous to that time he was a whig, casting his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison in 1840. He has long been an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and also a member of the old Brooklyn Memorial church, located on Pearl street. He is without doubt the oldest native born resident of Cleveland and, although he has passed the ninety-second milestone on life's journey, is still hale and hearty, possessing a wonderful memory concerning the early days. The Fish family were among the first to locate in this vicinity and many of their descendants are yet found here. Ebenezer Fish, the grandfather of Ozias Fish, had served with distinction in the Revolutionary war and the family has always been noted for patriotism and loyalty, which has found tangible expression in their active assistance of many projects and movements for the public good. Ozias Fish has always borne his part in the work of general improvement here and, moreover, he has rejoiced in those evidences of progress which history has chronicled-the building of the railroads, the construction of the telegraph and telephone lines, the introduction of steam navigation and the wonderful uses to which electricity has been put. All these and many more equally w0nderful things have occurred within his memory, which forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. His is, indeed, a notable career, not only by reason of longevity but also by reason of the fact that there is so little that can be said against him. No life is absolutely free from mistakes, but none have ever questioned the honesty of his motives or his fidelity to a course which he has believed to be right. He is a broadminded man, has always looked upon the world from the bright side of life, has made the most of his opportunities, has used his powers to an unusual degree for the benefit of others and now, in the late evening of life, can look upon the past without regret and toward the future without fear. WILLIAM DALL. William Dall, the junior member of the firm of Andrew Dall & Son, general contractors, has thus been actively identified with the industrial interests of Cleveland since 1899. He was born in this city on the 25th of November, 1876, his parents being Andrew and Alice (Bennett) Dall. The father is mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. His birth occurred in Scotland HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 905 on the 30th of March, 185o, and he was brought to America when four years of age, since which time he has remained a resident of Cleveland. Since early manhood he has been successfully engaged in business as a contractor and is one of the oldest contractors in the city, being now associated 'with his son William under the firm style of Andrew Dall & Son. In 1873 he wedded Miss Alice Bennett, who was born in Ohio on the 2d of November, 1852. William Dall obtained his early education in the public schools and afterward pursued a university course, After putting aside his text-books he secured a position with C. F. Schweinfurth, the architect, and was thus employed for three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Buffalo and learned the bricklaying trade in the erection of the Erie County Savings Bank. When about a year had passed he returned to Cleveland and became associated with his father in the contracting business. In 1899 the latter started out as a contractor in partnership with his son William, the firm style of Andrew Dall & Son being adopted. They have been awarded the contract for the new courthouse and among the many important structures which already stand as substantial monuments to their skill and ability are the following: the Union Club, the Citizens Bank, the Havlin Hotel and Textile building of Cincinnati, Ohio; the Zanesville postoffice ; the Taylor Arcade ; and the First National Bank. Added to the long experience and thorough comprehension of the business of the father is the undaunted enterprise and progressive spirit of the son, constituting a strong firm. On the 1st of June, 1899, Mr. Dall was united in marriage to Miss Florence Wing, of Cincinnati. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and is a worthy exemplar of the craft. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, the Builders' Exchange, the Cleveland Athletic Club and the Elks. Though yet a young man, he has already gained recognition as one prominent in building circles and his many friends predict for him a still more successful future. ALBERT REES DAVIS. Albert Rees Davis, well known in the social, musical and business circles of Cleveland, his influence in these various lines being of no restricted order, was born at Youngstown, Ohio, October 27, 1867. He came from pioneer Welsh ancestry, his grandfather, the Rev. Rees Davis, being one of the first Welsh ministers in the state of Ohio, making his visits to his different charges on horseback at a time when Ohio furnished little means of railroad traffic and when its population was comparatively sparse. His son, John R. Davis, the father of Albert Rees Davis, was a very public-spirited man and prominent citizen of Youngstown. He exerted a widely felt influence in politics and represented his district in the general assembly from 1886 until 189o, during which period he served as chairman of one of the most important committees—that of railways, telegraphs and telephones.. He was known throughout the state for his sterling qualities, his fearless defense of what he believed to be right and his loyalty to his convictions. He died m February, 1900, and the memorial issued at that time in his honor typified the high esteem entertained for him by his friends and neighbors. His widow is still a resident of Youngstown. Judge G. R. Richards of Steubenville, Ohio, an uncle of Albert R. Davis, was lieutenant governor under Governor Foster of Fostoria, Ohio, and for many years has been a very prominent figure in the republican party of the state.. Spending his youthful days under the paternal roof, Albert Rees Davis pursued his education in the public schools of Youngstown, from which he was graduated. After a course at Oberlin College, he entered the Oxford Naval Academy, a preparatory institution for Annapolis and West Point, and there studied for two years. Coming to Cleveland in 1887 and believing himself most 906 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND adapted to the insurance business, he became connected with the Merchants Insurance Company of this city, of which George A. Tisdale was the secretary. For three years he continued in that company and was then with the Bingham & Douglas Insurance Company for three years as counterman. Later, in connection with Mr. Bingham, Mr. Davis organized the Bingham & Davis Insurance Company which went out of business in about a year, owing to the failure of the American Casualty Company of Baltimore, of which they were local representatives. The failure of this company, however, did not discourage Mr. Davis for he established his present business in January, 1894, with headquarters in the Cuyahoga building, and is now recognized as one of the foremost insurance men of Cleveland. In 1906 he removed to his present quarters in the Perry-Payne building for the conduct of a general insurance business. He is also interested in other business enterprises in this city. In 1902 occurred the marriage of Mr. Davis and Miss Mary M., daughter of George T. McIntosh, who is president of the McIntosh Hardware Company of this city, Mr. Davis is very prominent in social and club circles. He belongs to Iris Lodge, No. 229, A. F. & A. M., and to Webb Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M. He also holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce, the Union, Tavern, Euclid, Hermit, the Roadside and the Cleveland Athletic Clubs. He is likewise a member of the Singers Club of which he is now conductor. Musical ability is the chief qualification for membership in this organization. In the fall of 1906 the club established its headquarters at Grays Armory and according to its year book "Albert Rees Davis, for years a faithful and valuable member and officers of the club, was chosen as the successor 0f Mr. Clemens, who was forced to resign as conductor owing to ill health. The maturity of the club, now eighty strong, may justly be said to date from its first appearance in the Armory under the leadership of Mr. Davis. The successes of the season of 1906 and of the seasons that followed were the logical result of the years of effort and loyalty that preceded them. Now, at the close of its sixteenth season, the club numbers one hundred and fourteen men-its past is secure, its future full of promise." Mr. Davis is thus well known in musical circles and is equally prominent as a club man and business man. His genially, unfailing courtesy and deference for the opinions of others have made him prominent and have gained for him the high place which he now holds in Cleveland. WILLIAM HENRY FAY. William Henry Fay, one of the successful busmess men of Cleveland, who has built up an excellent patronage by honorable and progressive methods, was born in the vicinity of the city, June 28, 1856, being a son of Henry and Hannah (Sloan) Fay, the former born March 26, 1832, near Cleveland, and the latter at the same place in 1835. They were married March 26, 1854, and their wedded life terminated with the death of the wife in 1879. The father conducted a teaming business at an early day but is now retired, living with a daughter in this city. At one time he owned a farm in South Brooklyn. William Henry Fay was educated in the schools of his native place and early was apprenticed to a carpenter but later worked in a box factory in Cleveland for three years. His next experience was in a milk business• in this city, and later he opened a grocery at Akron, conducting it for ten or twelve years. In 1887 he returned to Cleveland and embarked in his present enterprise, now doing a general moving and erecting business, under the name of Fay Brothers, although for some years he has been the sole proprietor. He was one of the earliest to engage in this line and has developed it to its present proportions from rather small beginnings. At present he gives employment to about twenty-five men and has twelve wagons. The trade is confined to the city and vicinity, and HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 909 a specialty is made of moving and erecting machinery. Mr. Fay is one of the best and most reliable men in the business and his success is well merited. On December 25, 1880, Mr. Fay married Amelia Ortli, who was born in Cleveland, her parents being old settlers of the city who still survive, although Mrs. Fay died January, 27, 1909. She bore her husband five children : Carl J., who is with Westinghouse Company of Pittsburg; Raymond, formerly with the Colliver Ocean Steamship Company of Cleveland, but now associated with his father in business ; Harvey W., who has just graduated from the Case School of Applied Science in electrical engineering and is now with the National Electric Lamp Company ; Harry B., who is attending Hiram College ; and Olive Amelia, attending high school. Mr. Fay is a member of the Knights and Ladies of Honor, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Improved Order of Red Men and to the Team Owners Association. Politically he is a republican. A keen business man, thoroughly practical, with a wide experience in several lines, he is conducting his enterprises by methods certain to insure success. JOHN W. THOMPSON. The building trade of Cleveland has associated with it a number of excellent men whose workmanship has won them popularity and commended them to an extensive patronage. Among them is John W. Thompson, wh0 is engaged in general contracting, and during the brief period in which he has been thus engaged he has been wonderfully successful and attained a prominent place in the industrial and financial circles of the city. His birth occurred here, December 18, 1879, a son of Walter I. and Olive (Quayle) Thompson, who are still residents of Cleveland. The father is also a native of this city, born in 1854, and one of the first building contractors here, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this review was a native of England and came to the United States when a young man. For many years was associated in business with John D. Rockefeller. His maternal grandfather was also a resident of the United States and served on the Union side throughout the Civil war. The public school system of Cleveland afforded John W. Thompson his educational advantages and after passing through the successive grades he considered himself amply equipped to cope with the world. Desiring to become independent m life and enter the commercial arena, he engaged in business with his father, with whom he learned the trade of bricklayer, for four years following that occupation as a journeyman. In 1898 he became intimately associated with his father in the contracting business and in 1903 the firm name was changed to Thompson & Son, under which style the business is now being transacted. He is an energetic, industrious young man, who gives his undivided attention to the business and, being familiar with every phase of the undertaking, he is one of the most prominent factors in general contracting lines in the city. Aside from having erected a number of apartment houses he has also executed contracts for public school buildings, the technical high school structure, several large factory buildings, a number of Lakewood school buildings, two large buildings for the Cleveland Twist Drill Company, the city ice delivery structures and a new plant for the Aluminum Casting Company. On September 20, 1905, Mr. Thompson wedded Alice O'Mara, a native of this city, and the couple have since been residing here in an elegant residence provided with all of the conveniences requisite to domestic happiness. He is prominent in fraternal organizations, being a member of the Masonic order, in which he is a Shriner, and he also belongs to the local Builders Exchange, in which he takes an active interest. Being a man whose earnestness and devotion 910 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND to his business is widely acknowledged and which have thus far enabled him to become very popular, the future undoubtedly has in store for him a still more prominent position in the industrial and financial circles of the city.   CHARLES W. HOTCHKISS.   Charles W. Hotchkiss, who throughout the entire period of his business career has been connected with the National Malleable Castings Company, of which he is now the superintendent, was born in Cleveland, October 12, 1869. His parents, Eldridge W. and Mary L. Hotchkiss, were natives of Connecticut and in 1868 came to Cleveland, where they are still residing. For thirty-six years Eldridge W. Hotchkiss was connected with the National Malleable Castings Company, his identification with that business continuing up to the time of his retirement from active life. An extended sketch of him appears elsewhere in this volume.   At the usual age Charles W. Hotchkiss became a pupil in the public schools and afterward attended Kenyon College, where he completed his literary course. His business training was received in connection with the company which he now represents and his success is undoubtedly due in part to the fact that he has continued with this house for twenty-one years, utilizing in each advanced position the knowledge that he had previously gained of the business. His increasing ability led to successive promotions until five years ago he became superintendent of what is today one of the most important branches of the iron industry of Cleveland. Thoroughly conversant with the business in principle and detail he is particularly qualified for the duties of management that now devolves upon him, and in this connection he is contributing materially to the success of the company.   On the 31st day of October, 1899, occurred the marriage of Mr. Hotchkiss and Miss Elizabeth Conrad, of Philadelphia, who died February 15, 1908. The life record of Mr. Hotchkiss has at all times been in accord with those upright principles which command universal respect. He has made no ostentatious display of ability, nor has he sought honors beyond his own deserving, but his conscientious toil has brought him well earned recompense, and he is worthy to be numbered among the substantial citizens of Cleveland. While in college he was prominent in athletics as a sprinter and distance runner, being a member of the track team, and he is still interested in outdoor sports and motoring. Religiously he is connected with Emmanuel church, and socially is a member of the Euclid, Union, Roadside and Mayfield Country Clubs.   HENRY S. PICKANDS.   To accumulate a fortune requires one kind of genius ; to retain a fortune already acquired, to add to its legitimate increment and to make such use of it that its possessor may derive therefrom the greatest enjoyment and the public the greatest benefit, requires another kind of genius. Henry S. Pickands belongs to that younger generation of business man of Cleveland called upon to shoulder responsibilities differing materially from those resting upon their predecessors. In a broader field of enterprise they find themselves obliged to deal with affairs of greater magnitude, to solve more difficult and complicated financial and economic problems. Henry S. Pickands, however, has proved himself equal to the occasion and the demands made upon him and is today recognized as a forceful and valued factor in the business life of the city. He is a son of Colonel James Pickands and was born October 4, 1875, m Marquette, Michigan.   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 913   In pursuing his education he attended the public schools at Cleveland and also the University School of this city, after which he entered Yale University and was graduated with the Bachelor of Philosophy degree in the class of 1897. He pursued a course in civil engineering there and immediately afterward entered the firm 0f Pickands, Mather & Company, which his father had founded and of which he had been the head until his death.   On the 27th of December, 1899, in Marquette, Michigan, Mr. Pickands was married to Miss Jeanne Call, a daughter of C. H. Call of that city. They now have four children : Elizabeth, Caroline, James and Henry S., Jr. The family residence is at Euclid, and Mr. Pickands has taken a prominent part in the affairs of that town, being allied with all those progressive movements which are working for wholesome reform in the social, political and civic life of the community. He served as mayor of Euclid for five years, from 1903 until 1908, giving a most progressive and business-like administration, characterized by retrenchment in expenses and by practical improvements as well. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, while, appreciative of the social amenities of life, he holds membership in the Union, Country and University Clubs.   JAMES H. ROSE.   James H. Rose is the president and general manager of the Enterprise Paving & Construction Company of Cleveland, which was organized and incorporated in 1905. His birth occurred at Independence, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1866, his parents being Harry and Rosanna (Dunlap) Rose. The father, who was born in England in 1840, was brought to America when eight years of age, coming direct to Cleveland, Ohio. Throughout his active business career he was successful!), identified with industrial interests as a bricklayer and mason contractor but is now living retired, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. During the period of the Civil war he loyally fought for the interests of the Union as a member of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His wife passed away on the 3d of October, 1866, at the comparatively early age of twenty-eight years.   James H. Rose obtained his early education in the public schools of Cleveland and subsequently returned to Independence, where he completed his studies. He remained on his father's farm until twenty-one years of age, when he came to Cleveland and for about four years worked in the mills at Newburg. On the expiration of that period he once more returned to Independence, where for seven years he was identified with the brick and tile manufacturing business. Subsequently he again came to Cleveland and after working in a wire mill for a short time he entered the service of the M. F.' Bramley Company, paving contractors, remaining with the concern for about five years. This enterprise is now known as the Cleveland Trinidad Paving Company. Mr. Rose entered the employ of the company in a humble capacity but was gradually promoted as he demonstrated his faithfulness and capability and during the last two years of his connection therewith he acted as superintendent. For one year of that time he was located at Saginaw and Bay City, Michigan. In 1905 he embarked in business on his own account, organizing the Enterprise Paving & Construction Company for paving, cement and concrete work. The concern was incorporated in the same year and the following officers selected : Peter Young, president ; James H. Rose, vice president and general manager ; and Edward H. Green, secretary and treasurer. In 1908 Mr. Young sold his interest in the company and the officers of the company are now James H. Rose, president and general manager ; Lewis Prehn, secretary and treasurer. The firm has been awarded many important contracts in Cleveland and its vicinity   914 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   and their work has been largely of a public nature, including the c0nstruction of state roads and also city work.   In 1886 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Rose and Miss Nettie Ackley, a native of Cleveland. Their son, William Elroy, is now associated with his father in business. Mr. Rose gives his political allegiance t0 the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and he also belongs to the Ohio Association of Contractors. Practically his entire life has been spent in this county and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood days to the present is an indication that his has been an upright and commendable career. He possesses the strong force of character and unfaltering determination which enable him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, utilizing at the same time business methods which neither seek nor require disguise.   PETER W. DITTO.   Peter W. Ditto, a representative of the New York Life Insurance Company, is one of the solid men of Cleveland and has earned a prominent place in the city's commercial and civic life. He was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, September 26, 1856, being a son of Joseph and Mary J. (Osborn) Ditto. The father was born December 17, 1814, at Tulpahankas, Berks county, Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio when seventeen years of age and settled at Akron, where he engaged m the contracting business. Later he went to New Philadelphia, where he pursued the same line of business, finally settling in Cleveland, where he retired from active business, dying in 1899. His wife was born in Connecticut about 1827 and was brought to Ohio by her parents, who located at Akron where she was married. Her death occurred December 5, 1891. The Ditto family is an old one in Pennsylvania and Mrs. Mary J. Ditto was connected with the Hopkins family of Connecticut.   Peter W. Ditto attended school and after finishing his education worked for his father for about five years. In 1879 he came to Cleveland, and became foreman for the Sherwin-Williams Company, manufacturers of and dealers in paints and varnishes, having charge of their shipping department for two years. Following this he was with the HP Nail C0mpany, as shipping clerk for one year. In 1882 Mr. Ditto entered the United States mail service, running between Cleveland and Pittsburg for two years, but in 1884 he returned to Cleveland and became agent for an accident insurance company. Later he was made assistant state agent for the Travelers' Insurance Company, and discharged the duties of that position for five years, when he became state agent for the Pacific Mutual Insurance Company and continued thus for ten years. On 1904 he became a representative of the New York Life Insurance Company, his territory being national. He has been very successful in this line of work, and his business shows a steady and healthful growth. He is also interested in the Ludlow Typograph Company.   On October 6, 1887, Mr. Ditto was married to Annie McKee, who was born in Cleveland and belongs to one of the old families of the city which originated in New York. She is a daughter of Patrick M. and Anne (Huggins) McKee, pioneers of Cleveland. Mr. and' Mrs. Ditto have two children: Pierre McKee, born October 30, 1888, and now attending the Culver military academy ; and Jeannette, who was born December 27, 1891, and will finish her education in the Bradford school at Bradford, Massachusetts, in 1910. The family reside at Chagrin Falls where Mr. Ditto has an estate of thirty-three acres.   Mr. Ditto is a Blue Lodge and Chapter Mason. He was one of the founders and formerly president of the Century Club and belongs to the Cleveland Auto   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 915   Club as well. He is a stanch republican and has taken an extremely active part in politics, although he has never accepted office, preferring to use his influence as a private citizen. His literary taste is evidenced by his extensive library, with the contents of which he is largely familiar, and his motor car indicates his chief source of recreation.   CHARLES SHEPARD HULING.   Charles Shepard Huling was born September 0, 1870, at Cleveland, Ohio, being the oldest son of Bruce Huling and Mary Elizabeth Shepard. His ancestry is traced to prominent English, Scotch and French families and in the maternal line to an English shipbuilder who settled at Middle Haddam, Connecticut, and to Dr. Nicholas Ayrault, a French Huguenot who came early to this country and is mentioned as one of those who first espoused the cause of American independence. His great-grandfather, Edward Shepard, was a prominent furniture manufacturer of Wethersfield, Connecticut. The old homestead, two doors north of the historical Webb mansion, which was the stopping place of General George Washington, still remains in possession of the family. The house is a fine example of colonial architecture and is in a splendid state of preservation. Charles Lewis Shepard, the grandfather, removing westward to Cleveland, resided until his death just east of the Colonial Arcade on Prospect. He was one of the pioneer furniture manufacturers of this city. He came to Cleveland from Connecticut when the population of the city numbered about thirty-five hundred, arriving in the year 1833. It required sixteen days to make the journey from New York city. He took passage to Albany on one of the night boats of the Vanderbilt line, proceeded thence by the omnibus coach cars of the new railroad to Schnectady, on to Utica by packet boat, by line boat to Buffalo and thence by vessel to Fairport, Ohio. From that point the trip was made by ox-cart and stage and for several miles it was necessary for the passengers to alight frequently and with fence rails pry their vehicle out of the deep mud. At that time the navigation of the Cuyahoga river extended only to Vineyard lane, now known as South Water street, and there had been few attempts made at building docks. The method of crossing the river was by means of dugouts or log canoes. Shortly after arriving at Cleveland they had the pleasure of meeting the late Isaac Hinkley, who had settled in Brooklyn township. Nineteen years before, in 1815, Charles and Daniel Shepard, little boys in Wethersfield, Connecticut, had received their first inspiration to go west from "the canvas covered wagon which stopped in front of, their old homestead for rest on its way to Cleveland"—a forty days' journey, as it later proved. It was drawn by two yoke of oxen and a horse, while the cow was tied on behind and from the rear axle-tree hung the pails and kettles. The wagon contained the family of Isaac Hinkley, consisting of nine persons. Although Charles L. Shepard encountered many hardships both on his trip and after getting to Cleveland they were light compared with those experienced by the early settlers who had preceded him. The first winter Mr. Hinkley spent here the pioneers had nothing to subsist on much of the time but Indian corn, pulverized in a hand mortar. Bruce Huling, the father, a German druggist of this city, died in 1881, leaving the mother with three sons, the youngest only four years of age. One brother of our subject, Bruce W. Huling, is still a resident of Cleveland.   Charles S. Huling received his first business training from his mother's uncle, the late D. A. Shepard. When a mere boy he collected rents, paid taxes and looked after city property. He was educated in the public schools and with the exception of about two years has always lived in what is now the tenth ward.   916 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   In June, 1897, Mr. Huling married lAddie Augusta Dart of Hartford, Connecticut, a daughter of Warren T. and Annie M. (Cook) Dart. Her father was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut, February A, 1852, and is now living in Hartford, that state. His wife, who was born in Franklin, New York, April 9, 1852, died July 12, 1895, in Hartford, Connecticut. Their family numbered three children: Mrs. Huling; and Clifford W. and Georgiana, who are both deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Huling has been born one daughter, Annie Elizabeth, whose birth occurred July 15, 1898. Mrs. Huling is eligible to the Daughters of the Revolution through her great-grandfather, Israel Lucas, who fought in the American army. Her great-grandfather, Abiel Dart, fought in the war of 1812, serving on the frigate Confederacy. The family also claim descent from the great chief Miantonomo of the Narragansett tribe.   Mr. Huling for a number 0f years has been engaged in the real-estate and brokerage business, his offices being now located in the Williamson building. He is a member of the Cleveland real-estate board and of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, and his p0litical allegiance has always been given to the republican party.   F. A. COLEMAN.   F. A. Coleman, president of The J. D. Smith Foundry Supply Company was born at Oconto, Wisconsin, in 1869. During the period of early colonization in Ohio the family was established in this state by Dr. Elijah Coleman, the grandfather, who was one of the first physicians and surgeons of the Western Reserve, coming from Vermont in 1809, when Ohio was almost an unbroken wilderness, the trees standing in their primeval strength, with uncultivated prairie land, unbridged streams, and roads that were, in places, little more than an Indian trail. He settled in Ashtabula and at the time of the war of 1812 served in the army as a surgeon. He was a nephew of James W. Witherell, who was the first territorial judge of Michigan, with headquarters in Detroit.   Spencer Albert Coleman, father of F. A. Coleman, was born in Ashtabula, in 1822, and, following in the professional footsteps of his father, took up the study of medicine under the direction of Doctors Kirtland and Ackley. In the Western Medical College he applied himself diligently to the mastery of the principles of medicine and surgery and zealously and conscientiously performed every duty in connection with his practice. In 1850 he removed to Wisconsin, where he practiced his profession until 1880 when he retired, and returned to Cleveland in 1883. He was a nephew of Platt R. Spencer, the originator of the Spencerian system of penmanship.   When a lad of six years F. A. Coleman began his education, which he pursued in the public schools, of Oconto, Wisconsin, and later attended Racine College Preparatory School. In 1883 he came to Cleveland and entered the Central high school wherein he mastered advanced branches, while in 1887 he was matriculated as a student in the Case School of Applied Science. He left that institution in 1889 and in 1890 entered Lehigh University, being graduated in 1892 with the C. E. degree. He then entered upon the active work of the profession, in which he continued until 1900. At Belington, West Virginia, he accepted the general superintendency of the Belington & Northern Railroad, which is now a part of the Wabash system, and was also superintendent of the Valley Coal & Coke Company of the same place until 1904, in which year he returned to Cleveland to become a factor in the management and control of The J. D. Smith Foundry Supply Company, of which he was elected president in May, 1908, The business was formerly carried on in Cincinnati under the name of the Fitzmaurice & Smith Foundry Facing & Supply Company, which later was changed to The J. D. Smith Foundry Supply Company. In 1900 when the Cincinnati   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 919   plant was destroyed by fire, Cleveland was chosen as a more favorable site because of its central location, having also a much larger local field. Rem0ving to this city, the interests of the company were consolidated with those of the Cleveland Facing Mill Company under the name of The J. D. Smith Foundry Supply Company. From the beginning rapid progress was made and the business was extended in scope, several lines being added, particularly the construction of foundries and the building of foundry equipment for iron, steel, malleable, brass and aluminum foundries. On the death of F. H. Chamberlin, in 1908, Mr. Coleman was elected to fill the vacancy. Something of the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that at its inception it was capitalized at twenty-five thousand dollars, while today the capital is one hundred thousand dollars.   Mr. Coleman is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He also belongs to the Cleveland Engineering Society and has other membership relations which are indicative of the well developed social side of his nature, of his fraternal spirit and of his public-spirited citizenship. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, to the University and Athletic Clubs, to the Zeta Psi fraternity and to the TauBeta-Pi, an honorary scientific society. He also became a member of Roman Lodge, No. 223, F. & A. M., of Rome, New York.   In 1894 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Coleman and Miss Lucie W. Abbott, of Pennsylvania, and they have two children, Spencer Albert, who at the age of twelve years is attending the Sibley street school ; and Elizabeth Abbott, a little maiden of six summers.   JOSEPH M. WEITZ.   Joseph M. Weitz, who, in the years of his connection with the active business interests of Cleveland, was largely identified with the leather trade of the city, is yet well remembered by his associates in commercial circles and in social life although more than a decade has passed since he was called to his final rest. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, January 12, 1832, and came to Cleveland in 1844, residing here until 1851 when he felt it impossible to longer resist the attractions of the mining interests of the far west. Accordingly he went to California to seek his fortune and began work in the gold fields of that state. He started to open up a mine and in so doing was working in the immediate vicinity of what was afterward the famous Dutch Flat mine. As he carried on his work, however, he turned in the wrong direction and became discouraged. Had he turned in the opposite direction he would have discovered one of the richest mines in that section of the country. As it was his labors brought him but little result and after remaining in California for a short time he returned to Cleveland and soon afterward went to Iowa. He was not pleased with that state, however, and again came to Cleveland. Here he turned his attention to the leather business, becoming a member of the firm of Muerman, Harkness & Weitz, which afterward was Muerman & Weitz. Subsequently he was associated with John Fetzer in the same line of business, and s0 continued up to the time of his death. His close application, undaunted perseverance and unfaltering diligence constituted forceful factors in the attainment of success and as the years passed he acquired a handsome and well merited competence. He was also for many years prior to his death a director in the Cleveland National Bank.   In 1866 Mr. Weitz was united in marriage to Miss Sarah B. Hudson, a daughter of Daniel D. Hudson, who came from Pennsylvania by wagon at a very early day, and was engaged in the transfer and hack line business in Cleveland for many years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weitz were born tw0 daughters, Adaline and Louise. The former is the wife of Dr. E. Wells and resides in   920 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   Lakewood, Ohio. Louise is the wife of Walter F. Phelps, a resident of Dayton, Ohio, where he is president of the Dayton Nan & Motor Works. They have two children, Merrick W. and Pauline. Mr. and Mrs. Weitz also had a son, Carl E., who died in 1897. The following year the death of the husband and father occurred. He departed this life on the 5th of March, 1898, and the community thereby lost one of its valued and representative citizens and business men. In politics he was a very active and earnest republican and in political and other lines he did much for the development of the city, being ever recognized as a stalwart champion 0f those measures and movements which were pr0mulgated for the benefit and improvement of Cleveland.   PHIL H. JORDAN.   A most laudable ambition has always distinguished the life of Phil H. Jordan, a manufacturer and capitalist of Cleveland, with offices at 1427 Williamson Building. He was born in Minster, England, March 15, 1854, and is a son of Thomas and Marguerite Jordan. In 1856 the former brought his family to America, settling them in Nashua, New Hampshire. Later he moved to Dunstable, Massachusetts, which remained his home throughout the remainder of his life. In the old country he had been a manufacturer of plate glass, before the industry was well started in the United States, and after crossing the ocean engaged in farming. He died in 1888, at the age of sixty-nine years.   Phil H. Jordan was about two years of age when he came with his parents to America. He grew to manhood in Dunstable, Massachusetts, receiving a fair education in the schools there, though the broader training for the responsibilities of life was obtained through his own persistent efforts at self-improvement. At the age of eighteen he assumed charge of an estate at Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, remaining there until he was twenty-one. In those four years he had learned considerable regarding the timber business and he left the estate with the intention of engaging in it for himself. Accordingly, having strong credentials from the men of his own town, he went to Michigan but as he was not satisfied with the prospects there, he went to Chicago, Illinois, where he was engaged in buying and selling corn. He remained in this business for two years and' then became a traveling salesman in the department of the American Sewing Machine Company and then accepted a similar position from a Cleveland house, which he retained for four years. Then he engaged in the manufacture of bicycle parts, helping form The A. L. Moore Company in 1893, and became treasurer of that company, making Cleveland its headquarters, with offices at Chicago, New York city, Birmingham, England, and Paris, France, continuing in the business until 1899, when all the plants represented by them were sold to the American Bicycle Company. At this time they represented ten plants, making various parts that went into the construction of a bicycle. In the course of years, he won a large income.   In Cleveland, in 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Jordan and Miss Sophia Kitzstiner, also a resident of this city. Their union has been blessed with one daughter, Grace Lenora, who is now at the interesting age of twelve years. Since he has been of an age to exercise his right to vote, Mr. Jordan has invariably given his support to the democratic party in questions of national importance but in local affairs gives his vote for the man he considers to be the most worthy candidate. From his youth his great ambition has urged him to work hard and accomplish many tasks, seemingly impossible. In his young manhood, he paid off an incumbrance of four thousand dollars, incurred by other members of his family, and the generous income which is now his is entirely the result of his own exertions. The broad culture which distinguishes his view of life is also the result of his own efforts and is another evidence of the char-   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 923   acter 0f the man which will be satisfied with nothing save what is of the highest worth and in accord with the upright and honorable principles of a noble manhood. At the present time, Mr, Jordan resides with his wife and daughter on his farm at South Euclid.   JOHN G. WHITE.   John G. White, of the firm of White, Johnson & Cannon, counselors at law, has practiced continuously in Cleveland since May, 1868. He was born in this city August 10, 1845, and attended successively the public schools, Canandaigua Academy of New York, the Cleveland. high school and the Western Reserve College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1865. He studied law under the direction of his father, Bushnell White, was admitted to the district court at Norwalk, Ohio, and the United States court of the northern district of Ohio in May, 1868. For more than forty-one years he has continuously practiced. In 1870 he became a member of the law firm of Mix, Noble & White, which relationship continued until 1881, when Mr. Noble was elected to the common pleas bench, and the firm of Mix & White then maintained existence until 1895. In that year the firm of White, Johnson, McCaslin & Cannon was organized and so continued until January, 1910, when Mr. McCaslin ceased to be a member, leaving the firm White, Johnson & Cannon, which still exists. They have been prominent in various litigated interests in connection with street railway affairs and Mr. White was active in enjoining the Thomas L. Johnson tax school some years ago.   Mr. White is greatly interested in oriental literature, of which he has presented over seven thousand volumes to the Cleveland Library. He is a republican, became a charter member of the Union Club in 1872, is well known as a chess and checker enthusiast and is a keen and persistent sportsman, but these things are minor interests in his life. He is often called "a living enclycopaedia" and said one who knows him well : "It is not possible for one to have an adequate idea of his knowledge without living and coming into daily contact with him."   OTTO K. STAPF.   Otto K. Stapf, who within the past four years has built up an extensive and successful business as an architect of Cleveland, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1878, his parents being George C. and Hulda (Cobelli) Stapf, who were natives of Ohio and New York respectively. The father, whose birth occurred in 1851 and who was employed as a traveling salesman throughout his active career, passed away when his son Otto was but a boy. He is still survived by his widow, who is now fifty-seven years of age.   Otto K. Stapf, who was brought to this city by his parents when but five years of age, obtained his early education in the public schools and afterward spent a year in the study of law at a night school. He likewise pursued a course in mechanical drawing at the Young Men's Christian Association and subsequently studied architecture through the medium of a correspondence school. He early found it necessary to assist in the support of the family and began carrying papers, while later he lighted lamps throughout the city in order to help defray the expenses of his schooling. After he had become familiar with the profession of architecture he spent ten years in the employ of various architectural firms of this city and in July, 1905, embarked in business on his own account, locating at 821-23 Rose building. His operations have been confined   924 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   principally to Cleveland and vicinity and his patronage has grown rapidly along substantial lines. He has largely devoted his energies to the erection of residences, stores, business blocks and apartment houses, and among the many fine structures which stand as monuments to his architectural skill and ability may be mentioned the residences of J. McKelvey, J. N. Hahn, Charles Haas, H. L. Rockey, J. J. Lynch, Neff Laing, A. C. Orth, F. X. Russert, P. W. McDonald, L. Rauscher, F. Mueller, S. Kushman, E. A. Martin and N. Weidenkopf. He made the drawing for the first fireproof building in the city—that of the Broadway Warehouse Company-which is strictly fireproof throughout, no wood being used in its construction. Mr. Stapf is also connected with the Kirtland street pumping station in the capacity of an architect and engineer and is widely recognized as a prominent representative of industrial interests in Cleveland.   On the 1st of September, 1908, Mr. Stapf was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Walthers, a native of this city. She is well known and popular in musical circles here and her talents as a vocalist have been in great demand, especially in choir and concert work. She has sung the leading part in the Mikado and the Chimes of Normandy.   In his political views Mr. Stapf is non-partisan, not being bound by party ties when exercising his right of franchise. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, the Young Men's Christian Association, the West Side German Society and the Cleveland Chamber of Industry. He is one of the representative young business men of the city, well meriting the regard in which he is held and the financial success to which he has attained.   JOHN CLARK ALEXANDER.   John Clark Alexander, living retired m the city of Cleveland, where he has made his home since 1891, was born December 15, 1841, in Bedford, Ohio. His father, Andrew Alexander, became a resident of Cuyahoga county in 1833, and the family is one of the oldest of this state, James Alexander, the grandfather of J. C. Alexander, having come to Ohio Airing the earliest period of its colonization. He was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent. He became one of the first settlers of Columbiana county, Ohio, and was a soldier of the war of 1812. By trade he was a blacksmith and his life was devoted to industrial pursuits. He became the owner of one of the best sawmills in the county, an enterprise which was of immeasurable value to the pioneer settlers of the district. He possessed excellent business qualifications and energy and capable management won him a gratifying measure of prosperity. His son, Andrew Alexander, who was born in Columbiana county in 1813, was there reared and educated, and there married Miss Hannah Hope, who was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania. In 1833 they removed to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and became residents of Bedford township. Andrew Alexander, too, was a representative of industrial interests and m 1855 he built Alexander's Mills in Independence township and for more than a third of a century engaged in the manufacture of flour. His wife died in 1882, while his death occurred in 1895.   John Clark Alexander acquired a good education in the common schools of his neighborhood and afterward attended the Duff Commercial College at Pittsburg, from which he was graduated. In his youthful days he received practical training in his father's flourmill, mastering the business in every detail. At length he was admitted to a partnership under the firm style of A. Alexander & Son, and thus represented the milling business at Newburg, his attention being largely given to the buying of grain for the mill. Mr. Alexander owns the old homestead farm in Bedford township where he was born and where his father first settled, consisting of one hundred and forty-five acres. He also owns a   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 925   fine farm two and a half miles south of Cleveland, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, placing thereon many substantial and modern improvements.   Other business interests also claimed the time and attention of Mr. Alexander and profited by his capable management and keen business discernment. He became interested in the stone flagging business, had charge of the erection of the works and was made superintendent of the enterprise now conducted under the name of the Pittibone & Little Stone Flagging Company of South Park. In addition Mr. Alexander interested himself in the National Screw & Tack Company and became one of the incorporators and directors of the Hough Avenue Banking & Trust Company. At all times his plans were carefully formulated and properly executed. He has displayed marked ability in discriminating between the essential and the non-essential and in his business affairs has fully utilized those advantages which led to legitimate and gratifying success. He continued his association with the old milling firm until he was elected county commissioner of Cuyahoga county in 1891, when the responsibilities of his position demanded his residence at the county seat and he removed to Cleveland, where he capably discharged the duties of the office for three years. He took his seat as one of the board of commissioners January I, 1892. The year 1893 was one of marked activity for the board, eighty-five, thousand dollars being expended upon macadam roads, one hundred and seventy thousand dollars in the building of the Brooklyn bridge, and two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars for the Central Armory, while other large sums were expended for public improvements.   In 1874, Mr. Alexander was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Logue, a sister of Judge Logue, of Cleveland. Following her death he was married in 1884 to Miss Rachel D. Gibson, a daughter of Charles Gibson, of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, their marriage being celebrated in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Two children have been born unto them, Grace Elizabeth and Charles Andrew. The former is a graduate of the Hough avenue and the East high schools and is now a student in Monmouth (Ill.) College. The son, after his graduation from the East high school, of Cleveland, attended Princeton College in 1908-9, and is now a junior in the Western Reserve University. The family are mem bers of the First United Presbyterian church located at Seventy-first street and Carnegie avenue. In 1894 Mr. Alexander built his residence at what is now 1850 East Ninetieth street, where he has resided ever since, and he also has a summer home, Glenayre, at Driftwood in Geneva township, where the family spend the heated season.   For a number of years Mr. Alexander has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce and has always been deeply interested in the advancement of Cleveland and of the county, and quietly and unostentatiously but effectively has done much to bring about public improvement. As an official he was con. scientious and painstaking, and as a business man was alert, enterprising and eminently successful.   CHARLES E. THOMPSON.   Charles E. Thompson, as general manager of the Electric Welding Products Company, is active in control of the largest institution of this kind in the United States and Cleveland has in him a splendid type of the alert, business man of the present day who recognizes that thoroughness, comprehensivee understanding of his special line and unfaltering diligence in the prosecution thereof must constitute the salient elements in advancement. Born in Mclndoe Falls, Vermont, on the 16th of July, 1870, he is a son of Thomas Thompson, likewise a native of the Green Mountain state. The father, born in 1842, was a repre-   926 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   sentative of an old New England family. The mother, Mrs. Mary Ann Thompson, was a daughter of Dr. George and Eliza Young.   In the early boyhood of Charles E. Thompson his parents removed to Lynn, Massachusetts, where he pursued his preliminary education and afterward attended the Boston Preparatory School. When his text-books were laid aside he secured employment with the Thompson Houston Company, of Lynn, Massachusetts, i serving in the shipping, armature, incandescent lamp and other departments n which he gained much practical experience concerning the electrical manufacturing business during his two years' connection with the firm. He afterward served as assistant superintendent with Alley & Ingalls, shoe manufacturers, for a year, and in 1892 came to Cleveland, securing a position with the Cleveland Telephone Company. His time was spent in the repair department as inspector and as branch office manager during the succeeding six years, and then he left Cleveland for the southwest, going to Dallas, Texas, in 1898, as manager of the Dallas Exchange. There he remained for a year and a half and upon his return to Cleveland he accepted a position with the Cap Screw Company which afterward was changed to the Electric Welding Products Company. His leisure hours were devoted to the pursual of special courses in electrical engineering in the evening classes conducted by Professor Langley at the Young Men's Christian Association. He entered the service of the Electric Welding Products Company as electrician and was promoted through various p0sitions until 1905, when he was appointed general manager of the largest institution of its kind in the United States. The enterprise has shown a marvelous growth. The business has been more than doubled each year and in 1909 four new buildings were erected. The company has the largest hardening room in the state of Ohio and employment is furnished to about three hundred and fifty men. Almost his entire business experience has been in electrical lines and from each connection he has mastered the lessons therein to be learned and passed on better equipped for the duties that were to devolve upon him in a new position. He has thus become a man of marked ability in his line, occupying a foremost position in electrical circles as the general manager of the Electric Welding products Company.   On the 3d of January, 1900, Charles E. Thompson was married to Miss Maora H. Hubbard, a daughter of Jerome and Leanna Hubbard, of Kipton, Ohio. Mrs. Thompson died September 21, 1903, leaving a son, Edwin Groot, born October 30,1900, in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Thompson finds his chief sources of pleasure and recreation in motoring, golf and yachting. He belongs to the Lakewood Yacht, the Cleveland Athletic, the Hermit and the Singers Clubs, where he finds pleasant associations with men of congenial tastes. His political views concerning the questions and issues of the day are in accord with republican principles and his religious faith is that of the Episcopal church, his membership being in St. Paul's.   JAMES ADAMS ROBINSON.   James Adams Robinson, mastering the lessons of life day by day until his post-graduate work in the school of experience has placed him in a prominent position in the business circles of Cleveland, is now treasurer of The W. Bingham Company, one of the oldest and best known hardware houses in the country. He was born in Ashland, Ohio, November 11, 1851.   The Robinson family is of a sturdy Scotch-Irish Presbyterian stock, the ancestors of our subject having settled in North Carolina before the Revolutionary war. In 1775 in Mecklenburg county, North Carolina, one of the number assisted in framing the Mecklenburg resolutions which were later embodied almost   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 929   word for word in the Declaration of Independence, written in 1776. After the Revolutionary war members of the family removed to Pennsylvania.   John Robinson, D.D., LL.D., the father of James A. Robinson, was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, born in 1814. Coming to Ohio, he settled in Athens when a small boy and acquired his education in the schools of that place. He had the unusual distinction of serving for forty years as pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Ashland and his labors in religious and educational lines were far-reaching and effective. He was a graduate of the Western Theological Seminary of Pennsylvania and served on its board of trustees a period of forty-four years, from the time of his graduation until his death. In addition to his pastoral work he devoted much time and energy to educational work, his great ambition being to see established an educational institution under religious influence in central Ohio. He therefore cooperated largely in the movement resulting in the establishment of the University of Wooster. He wedded Mary Willson, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, a daughter of William Willson, an attorney of that city. Her mother was Nancy Craighead, a daughter of Colonel George Craighead, who during the Revolutionary war was clothrer general of the Army for Delaware, an office corresponding to that of quartermaster general at the present time. After the war he became state senator of Delaware and served as president of the senate for two terms.   The Rev. and Mrs. Robinson reared a family of seven children. John F., deceased, entered the Civil war as a member of the Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, known as the Garfield regiment, and was later transferred to the One Hundred and Thirteenth Mississippi Regiment, becoming its lieutenant colonel. William W., now deceased, was also a member of the Forty-second Regiment. Henry M. was too young to enlist in the war but served as suttlers' clerk and afterward engaged in business in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and later in British America as a fur trader. He also served for several years as vice consul for the United States and wrote "The Great Fur Land," a volume regarded as an authority on the fur industry and on other subjects of which it treats concerning the Canadian northwest. He became editor of the New Nation during the Reil rebellion, advocating annexation to the United States and had many stirring and thrilling experiences in his time. Following his return to the United States he was for some time connected with the Interior editorial staff in Chicago, while subsequently he became associated with the New York Observer and was the originator of the Condensed World news department of modern journalism. He died in New York city in April, 1907. Samuel N. was a graduate of the Philadephia Medical College and became a physician and surgeon of Cleveland and died as the result of infection in a post mortem examination. James A. is the next of the family. Mary E. is the widow of the Rev. Dr. J. V. Stockton, of Mercer, Pennsylvania. Henrietta B. is the widow of L. H, Davidson, of Cleveland, and now resides in Los Angeles, California.   James A. Robinson was educated in the public schools of Ashland and was graduated from the high school in 1867, after which he entered Vermillion Institute at Hayesville, Ohio, remaining there for two years. When his education was completed, he became connected with the dry-goods trade in Ashland, remaining there for a year. In 1871 he came to Cleveland and entered the employ of The W. Bingham Company as bookkeeper. Since that time he has served successively as cashier, credit man, office manager, assistant treasurer and secretary and in 1905 was elected treasurer of the corporation. His energy and perseverance, his ability to judge men, his careful manipulation of business affairs and his thorough understanding of the work that he has undertaken has enabled him to contribute to the success of the institution which in its volume of business is many fold larger than it was when he became connected therewith.   On the 23d of October, 1879, Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Ida M. Odell, a daughter of the late Hon. Jay Odell and Mary (Packard) Odell, formerly of Plainfield, Massachusetts, and a descendant of John and Priscilla Alden.   930 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   Into the family of Mrs. Robinson's grandfather, John Packard, there came a needy youth named Marcus Whitman, whom they cared for and helped to obtain an education in the school of Rev. Moses Hallock, then in the midst of its famous and useful career. It was doubtless during this period passed in the Packard home and the Hallock school that he received the inspiration which led this sturdy pioneer in later life to prevail upon President Tyler and Daniel Webster to withhold the proposed trade about to be consummated with England, of what is now Oregon, Washington and possibly California, for the privilege of fishing off the New England coast and thus saved to the United States this great western territory.   Both Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are members of the Case Avenue Presbyterian church, in which he has served as an elder for fifteen years. His wife belongs to the Book and Thimble Club and is active in the work of the church and its charities. She is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. Robinson has been greatly interested in the University of Wooster, for which his father labored for many years, assisting to found that institution, and while serving as pastor the college was established, he becoming the first president of its board of trustees, which position he filled until his death, about twenty years.   The children of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are two in number. Allen J., a graduate of the Case School of Applied Science, is now connected with The W. Bingham Company. He married Lilly Krider of Cleveland. Claire W., the younger son, is a graduate of the Central high school and is engaged in farming and stockraising near Garrettsville. He wedded Louise Zettler, of Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. James A. Robinson reside at No. 30 Woodworth Road, East Cleveland, during the fall and winter months, while the summer seasons are passed at their country place on the lake shore in Bratenahl.   Mr. Robinson finds his chief recreation in horseback riding and motoring. He has figured in the military circles of the city, having served for thirteen years in Troop A, Ohio National Guard, the last three years as a sergeant ; and he is now a member of the Veterans Association of Troop A. He was for several years identified with the Century Club and is interested in the various measures which promote the social upbuilding of the community and contribute to its substantial support. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a director of the Credit Men's Association and treasurer of the board of trustees of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. He is likewise treasurer of the Presbyterial mission fund. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, to which he gives support, although he never seeks nor desires office for himself.   As the years have passed, Mr. Robinson has achieved a measure of success, which is the reward of determined and unfaltering purpose. He has manifested marked ability in coordinating forces that have brought about concerted and effective effort and has thus contributed to the success of the extensive enterprise with whose financial interests he is so closely associated. Moreover, his breadth of view has not only enabled him to see the possibilities for his own advancement in the business world but also for the city's development in lines of municipal progress, and his patriotism has prompted him to utilize the latter as quickly and as effectively as the former.   JUDGE WALTER CAIN ONG.   Judge Walter Cain Ong, considered one of the ablest trial lawyers of Ohio, was born in Smithfield township, Jefferson county, this state, November 24, 1848. The family is of English lineage, and was founded in America by Francis Ong, who came from Lavenham, in the c0unty of Suffolk, which was the ancestral home of the family. In December, 1630, as a passenger 0n the   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 931   ship Lyon, he sailed from Bristol, England, and landed at Boston in February, 1631. Tracing the line of descent down, we find that Jacob Ong lived at Groton, Massachusetts in 1695. His son, another Jacob Ong, lived m New Jersey in 1702. He was the father of Jeremiah Ong, of Burlington county, New Jersey, who was killed by Indians. The great-great-grandfather of Judge Ong was the Rev. Jacob Ong, a minister of the Society of Friends or Quakers. He was born January 24, 1760, and in Revolutionary war times carried mail between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, then Fort Pitt. His interest was aroused and he enlisted and served in the American army until the close of the war. This was contrary to the belief of the Friends, whose religion was opposed to warfare, and so when hostilities had ceased he returned to the church and renounced all the government owed him, for it was against his conscience and his faith to participate in military service. In after years, he having refused back pay and a pension, his son desired that the father should receive this compensation and was about to make application to the government for it. To secure this the son must obtain possession of the discharge papers and on asking his father for these received the reply, "Jacob, that money was earned at war, which was wrong. I have disposed of those papers that they may never do thee or any of my descendants harm." It was supposed that he had burned them, as they could never be found. He could not be swerved from this course which he believed to be right and never throughout his life would he deviate from a principle or action which his judgment and conscience sanctioned. His death occurred when he had reached the advanced age of ninety- seven years. Later generations of the family, however, have not held so tenaciously to the teachings of the church in regard to war but on the contrary have displayed the most marked patriotism and loyalty in days of strife. Findley Ong, a brother of Judge Ong, born January 2, 1839, enlisted in 1863 as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was shot and killed in the second charge on Petersburg on the morning of May 6, 1864. There were also nine other relatives—cousins and uncles—in the Civil war and out of the ten, six were killed.   The grandfather, Findley Ong, born in Martinsburg, Virginia, February 19, 1787, became one of the pioneer residents of Ohio, settling in Jefferson county in the opening years of the nineteenth century. He died in Smithfield township at the age of eighty-seven years. Moses Harlan Ong, father of Judge Ong, was born in Smithfield township, Jefferson county, Ohio, December 15, 1810. He became a farmer and stock-raiser and was one of the most prominent and successful representatives of agricultural life in the county. He wedded Mary Cain, a Quaker preacher, who was born in Warrenton township, Jefferson county, Ohio, and died in December, 1878, at the age of sixty-five years. She was a daughter of Walter and Mary Cain, farming people of Jefferson county. Unto Moses H. and Mary (Cain) Ong were born thirteen children, all of whom reached adult age and all married but two. Eight of the number are still living.   Judge Ong pursued his education in the district schools of Smithfield township ; in the high school at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, from which he was graduated; in Richmond College at Richmond, where he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1870 ; and in the law department of the Michigan State University, where he won the Bachelor of Law degree upon his graduation in 1873. He was admitted to the bar before the supreme court of Ohio on the 5th of April, 1874, and has since been an active representative of the profession in this state. In the fall of 1875 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Jefferson county and by reelection served for four years. He continued in the practice of law at Steubenville, Ohio, until June, 1882, when he removed to Cleveland and then practiced alone until 1886. He not only demonstrated his ability to cope with intricate legal problems but also showed that he was master of the political questions of the day, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his w0rth   932 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   and ability, elected him as a member of the city council, where he served for two years. In 1893 he was elected to the common pleas bench of Cuyahoga county and served until February 9, 1899. He has since engaged in the general practice of law and before his elevation to the bench was senior partner of the firm of Ong & Hamilton, his associate being Walter J. Hamilton. Since his retirement from the bench, however, he has practiced alone and is regarded as one of the strongest trial lawyers in the state. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness, precision and skill and presents his cause in clear, forcible manner, his deductions following in logical sequence. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and exact and his application correct. The records bear testimonty to his ability in the number of verdicts favorable to his clients and it is well known that he leaves no point untouched if it will bear weight upon his cause.   On the 8th of April, 1875, Judge Ong was married t0 Miss Anna M. Mansfield, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Pumphery) Mansfield, of Wayne township, Jefferson county, Ohio. Four children were born unto them. Edna 0., the eldest, became the wife of Charles C. Broadwater, a mining engineer of Oakland, California. Eugene W., born in Steubenville, Ohio, August 12, 1877, is an attorney of Boston. He is a graduate of the University School at Cleveland of 1896 and a Yale graduate of 1900, at which time he won the Bachelor of Arts degree. He was afterward graduated from the Harvard Law School with the Bachelor of Law degree in 1903 and in August of that year was admitted to the bar, since which time he has practiced in Boston, where he has attained prominence. He married Bessie Woodbury Preston, a daughter of Andrew W. Preston, a distinguished citizen of Bost0n. Horace Pumphery, the second son, born May 13, 1881, died on the 24th of November of the same year. Eileen Marie, born July 25, 1886, died October 2, 1887.   Judge Ong is connected with various fraternal and social organizations. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor, the Halcyon Club, the Woodland Golf Club and the Cleveland Gun Club. He is also a member of the County Bar Association. While the practice of law has been his chief life work, his acquaintances find him a most entertaining and agreeable gentleman and those who come within the closer circle of his friendship entertain for him the warmest regard. He has made a lasting impression upon the bar of the state as one of the ablest trial lawyers not only of Cleveland but of Ohio as well, his earnest effort, close application and the exercise of his native talents having won him notable prestige.   GEORGE B. McMILLAN.   George B. McMillan, who is one of the best known contractors and builders of Cleveland and whose name is known far and wide on account of the character of his work, is one of the public-spirited men of this city in whom reliance can always be placed. He was born in Lakeside, Ontario, Canada, March 16, 1867, a son of John A. and Jane (Cathcart) McMillan. The father came of an old Scotch family that settled in Canada about 1760 m the vicinity of Toronto. He was born in 1820 and passed away in 1893. He was an officer in the Canadian militia, and our subject is proud of his father's association in this respect.   George B. McMillan was educated in the common schools at Lakeside, Canada, but when only fifteen he left school in order to learn the carpenter's trade at St. Mary's Canada. In 1887, he moved to Toronto and engaged in contracting, becoming so successful that in 1893 he located in Cleveland where there was a wider scope for his operations. Among other buildings which he has constructed may be mentioned the Baker Electric Motor building, the Cleveland Twist Drill plant, the Chisholm Moore Manufacturing Company plant, all of   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 935   Cleveland ; and the Orr Felt and Blanket Company plant of Piqua, Ohio ; the National Wire Company plant of New Haven, Connecticut, as well as others of equal importance.   In 1897 occurred the marriage of Mr. McMillan and Miss Sarah L. Hull, a daughter of Seth Hull, of Greenville, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. McMillan have four children : Mary, John, Helen and Louisa, the last two being twins. While Mr. McMillan is active in all public affairs, he has never taken an interest in politics. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and Builders Exchange and served as president of the latter during 1908 and 1909, while his social connections are with the Athletic Club. He is a thirty-second degree Mason of the Scottish Rite and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, St. Augustine Lodge, and the Knights of Pythias, Star Lodge. Being. extremely fond of hunting and fishing, Mr. McMillan is in the habit of spending a portion of every winter in Florida, attracted there by the superior fishing. His career offers an instance of what one man can accomplish provided he is willing to work hard and steadily along a given line. Beginning at the bottom, he has worked upward until he is one of the best known men in his business in this part of the country, and it is impossible for him to carry out all the contracts proffered him.   GEORGE GAVAZZI SOWDEN.   George Gavazzi Sowden, of the firm of George G, Sowden & C0mpany, stock and bonds, possesses the alertness and ready resource so necessary in one who deals in stocks and bonds or other commercial paper liable to fluctuation, so that the investor must anticipate a rise or fall in the market and make his purchases and sales at the opportune time. Mr. Sowden has become well known as a representative of financial interests and is now operating quite extensively in mining properties.   Born at Port Hope, Canada, on the 16th of May, 1855, he was educated in private and public schools of that city and in October, 1872, crossed the border into the United States and established his home in Cleveland. Here he became associated with J. W. Carson & Company, clothiers, and pursued his law studies under the direction of Jay P. Dawley. He had been educated in classics in a private school and his broad literary learning served as an excellent foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional knowledge.   In 1881 Mr. Sowden was admitted to the bar and at once entered upon active practice, having a large commercial law and collection business. He continued as aft active attorney before the Cleveland bar for twenty years and was alone during the greater part of that time, although he was associated at one time with Charles E. Ferrell in the collection business as the Ferrell-Sowden Company, and later with George R. Miller, Jr., as Sowden & Miller, for three years. Since 1901 he has been engaged largely in the operation of gold and silver mines in the west and deals some in stocks and bonds. He became senior partner in the firm of Sowden, Cody & Company and did a good brokerage business, publishing daily quotations. Later he became interested in cobalt mining in Canada. Formerly when in the collection business as the Ferrell-Sowden Company he published a small sheet showing judgments, etc., which was known as the Daily Trade Record and was afterward consolidated with the Court Record and is now the Commercial Bulletin, afterwards a publication of considerable importance in business circles, showing court calendars, judgments, transfers. He now operates quite extensively in mining on his own account holding valuable properties in the west and in Canada, and his sound judgment and keen discriminati0n are evidenced in the success attending his efforts.   936 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   On the 12th of May, 1880, Mr. Sowden was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Houtz, a daughter of Dr. Henry and Betsy Ann (Kenegy) Houtz. Their children were five in number: Marion Kenegy ; Henry Newton, deceased; Irene ; Ralph H.; and Richard Musgrave.   Mr. Sowden is a member of the Euclid and Athletic Clubs and is well known socially in the city, while his business prominence is widely recognized. He made his start in Cleveland in a humble capacity but through orderly progression has become well known as a leading representative of financial interests here.   AMIEL WILLIAM EMERICH.   Amiel William Emerich, who has been manufacturing domestic wines in Collinwood for the last twenty years and has been a prime factor in promoting the progress of that municipality, was born in Newark, New Jersey, December 18, 1861, a son of John B. and Fredrica (Schuster) Emerich. His father came to this country from Germany about 1858 and was married in Newark. He established a factory for the manufacture of horse collars at Elizabeth, New Jersey, and filled many important government contracts during the Civil war. In 1864 he came to Cleveland and died here in August, 1890. His wife passed away August 11, 1903.   Amiel William Emerich was about three years of age when the family settled in Cleveland, where he attended the public schools, but at the age of seventeen years he began his business career. First he went west to engage in the cattle business but after a short time he gave it up, finding employment on the construction of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway. The road was a remarkable feat of engineering at that time, some of the track costing a million dollars for each mile laid. Later he returned to his father's home in Collinwood, which at that time was known as Frogsville, and there he engaged in the growing of grapes, later taking up the manufacture of wine. Ever since 1894, when the wine business was given a new start, Mr. Emerich has been especially successful. At first he manufactured by hand, then by horse power, next by steam and finally by electricity. During the great harvest, which lasts about sixty days, he operates his presses day and night, making grape brandy and all kinds of domestic wines. He has his own distillery now but before he installed it it was no infrequent thing for him to throw away one thousand dollars worth of material that was of no use to him in the manufacture of wines, but this he now utilizes. He has evinced that strong business sagacity on which is dependent a marked degree of success, and has been able to derive a large profit from this flourishing business.   In Collinwo0d, April 18, 1887, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Emerich and Miss Ida Day, a native of Collinwood and a daughter of Joseph A. and Elizabeth (Watterman) Day. Her great-grandfather, Benjamin Day, came to this section of Ohio in June, 1811, purchasing three hundred acres from the Connecticut Land Company. The taxes on this property the first year amounted to one dollar and twenty cents, but today it has advanced until it is worth thousands of dollars. Mr. Day sold part of his land to the New York Central Railroad for a right of way. On the T0th of September, 1813, he, William Hale and T. B. Crosby, hearing the heavy firing upon the lake, went out in an effort to see Perry's ships as it was the day of the great fight. J. A. Day, the father of Mrs. Emerich, is a Civil war veteran, having been a member of Company B, First Ohio Artillery. Mr. and Mrs. Emerich have four children: A. Wilkes, who is in business with his father ; Harold, who is studying law ; and Helen and Marion, who are in school.   Mr. Emerich has always been closely identified with public life and active in promoting municipal progress. He has served as assessor of Collinwood for   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 939   three terms and was a member of the council for two terms, from 1903 to 1906, the body during that time being conspicuous m the annals of Collinwood for the progressive measures they advocated. It was during that time that the trunk sewers were laid, the water plant was enlarged, the light plant built and the first street paved. During his administration Mr. Emerich was a member of the highways and sewers committee and also of the public building and street railway commission, being a strong advocate of _advancement. He has ever been a most ardent republican as he places the utmost confidence in the principles promulgated by that party. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of the Uniform Rank and Lakeside Lodge, N0. 367. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is manifested in his membership in the Disciple church, which was one of the first established in the Western Reserve. Both in his business and his private affairs he has ordered his life in accordance with sound and upright principles which, while they look toward individual success, have also gained for him the esteem of his fellowmen for his aims have not been selfish. He contributes liberally to charitable enterprises, is a lover of dogs and horses, and is fond of hunting and fishing.   FREDERICK AUGUSTINE STERLING.   Frederick Augustine Sterling, president of the Sterling & Welch Company, is one of Cleveland's oldest living merchants and the contemporary of the coterie of men who had most to do with the founding of the city's commercial greatness. He was born at Salisbury, Connecticut, a son of Frederick and Caroline M. (Dutcher) Sterling. The Sterling family came to this country from England in the seventeenth century and settled at Lyme, Connecticut. The grandfather of Frederick A. Sterling of this review removed to Salisbury, Connecticut, after graduating from Yale College and became one of the most distinguished lawyers of his day. He also occupied the office of probate judge, was a member of congress and served as major general in the war of 1812. His wife was a daughter of the Hon. John Canfield, likewise a member of congress, who died in 1785. The father, Frederick Sterling, had an iron furnace at Salisbury, Connecticut, previous to his removal to Geneva, New York, whence he made his way to Cleveland, where he turned his attention to the business of handling hard wood and furnishing ties and like material to the Big Four Railroad Company.   In the public and private schools of Geneva, New York, Frederick A. Sterling pursued his education and entered business life as a clerk in a general store at that place. He became a resident of Cleveland at the age of eighteen and took a position with Wick & Beckwith. Soon afterward, Mr. Wick retiring, the firm became T. S. Beckwith & Company, and Mr. Sterling became a partner at the age of twenty-one. He has been active in the carpet and curtain industry since the year 1854 with the exception of a short period spent in the lumber business at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In 1864 the firm name was changed to Beckwith & Sterling and in 1874 they removed from Superior street to Euclid avenue, occupying that great store for thirty-five years. Upon the death 0f Mr. Beckwith in 1876 the firm style was changed to Sterling & Company, Mr. Welch at that time coming into the firm, after which the name of Sterling, Welch & Company was assumed. Subsequently the business was incorporated under the title of The Sterling & Welch Company. The corporation erected the new building which they now occupy and it can be safely said that it is undoubtedly the frnest, most commodious and handsomest store building in the world, it being unsurpassed by any in Chicago, New York or the metropolitan centers of Europe. It is strictly modern in every sense, with magnificent interior furnish-   940 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   ings and every facility to promote the beauty and substantiality of the structure. The wholesale business of the house extends to the Pacific coast. Since Mr. Sterling became connected therewith his energies have constituted a potent force in the expansion of the trade by reason of his well formulated plans, his keen discrimination and the sound judgment that has enabled him to coordinate forces and utilize every legitimate opportunity. His name is equally honored in connection with the banking circles of the city and he is now a director of the Citizens Saving & Trust Company, the Union National Bank, of the Kelley Island Line & Transportation Company and is also president of the Sterling & Welch Company. He is likewise interested in orange groves in California, is a director of the Columbia Gas & Electric Company and vice president of the Cleveland Burial Case Company.   Mr. Sterling was united in marriage to Miss Emma Betts, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, whose father was one of the early settlers of the western portion of the Keystone state. They have one son; Willis Betts Sterling, who is a grduate of Yale College and the Columbia Law School. He was afterward in the office of his uncle, Joseph H. Choate, and is now with H. F. Wattson & Company 0f Erie, Pennsylvania. Mr. Sterling has three brothers and one sister. Two living in Redlands, California, Dr. Theodore Sterling, in Gambier, Ohio, former president of Kenyon College, and Mrs. Joseph H. Choate, of New York.   Mr. Sterling is a member of the Union Club, the Country Club and president of the board of trustees of the Second Presbyterian church. His interests and activities have been many and his pride in his adopted city has been no less great than in the magnificent business of which he has been the builder. His charities have been along broad and practical lines and at all times he has been quick to extend a helping hand where assistance has been needed, either by the individual or for community interests. Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in commercial and financial circles of Cleveland than does Frederick A. Sterling.   F. S. HARMON.   F. S. Harmon, a stockholder of The Weideman Company and manager of one of its departments, was born in Aurora, Ohio, in 1858. His great-grandfather, Ebenezer Harmon, was an officer in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary war. His son, Sheldon Harmon, married Malvina Avery, who came to the Western Reserve on horseback from Buffalo, New York, before Ohio was admitted as a state, and settled in Aurora. She made the trip with her father, Reuben Avery, who was born in March, 1772, and died in June, 1873, at the remarkable age of one hundred and one years. Edward C., the father of F. S. Harmon, is still living at Warren, Ohio, and celebrated the eightieth anniversary of his birth on the 23d of August, 1909.   After pursuing a course in the public schools F. S. Harmon became a student in the Spencerian College, of Cleveland, from which he was graduated in 1875. A young man of eighteen, he then turned his attention to general merchandising in Burton, Ohio, and was a leading representative of its commercial interests from 1877 until 1889. He then engaged with The Weideman Company as traveling salesman, making his home from that time until 1900 in Akron, Ohio, after which he removed to Cleveland and here took charge of one of the departments of the company. He is also one of the stockholders in the business, with which his previous experience as traveling salesman made him familiar, so that he is now well qualified for the duties that devolve upon him.   Mr. Harmon was married in October, 1884, to Miss Lucy Noble, of Akron, Ohio, and they have two daughters : Pauline, who is now a student in Lake Erie College; and Dorothy, who is attending the public schools. Mrs. Harmon   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 941   holds membership in the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. Harmon is prominent in various local connections. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and of the Colonial Club, of which he was formerly a director, for two years serving as treasurer. He is a member of the auxiliary board of the Guardian Savings & Trust Company. He is likewise a director of the Masonic Temple association and is very prominent in Masonic circles, holding membership in Emanuel Lodge, No. 605, F. & A. M.; Washington Chapter, No. 83, R. A. M.; Coeur de Lion Commandery, No. 64, K. T.; Eliadah Lodge of Perfection; Ariel Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Bahurim Chapter, Rose Croix ; and Lake Erie Consistory, S. P. R. S. He is also an active member of The Supreme Council, S. G. I. G. N. M. J., U. S. A., thirty-third and last degree. He is likewise a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, is past grand master of Ohio grand lodge, and is the present eminent commander of Coeur de Lion Commandery of Cleveland. He is likewise a member 0f the committee of constitution and laws of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite. His activity in Masonry has made him widely known throughout the state and he is very prominent and popular among his brethren of the craft.   WILLIAM JAMIESON ABBOTT, M. D.   Dr. William Jamieson Abbott, whose name is on the roll of successful physicians of Cleveland, was born in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, August 11, 1874, and was the second in order of birth in a family of three children, whose parents were Albert and Elizabeth B. ( Jamieson) Abbott, who are still residents of Canada, where the father has made farming his life work. Their elder son, Albert H. Abbott, is now associate professor of philosophy at the University of Toronto, while the daughter, Margaret S., is at home.   Dr. Abbott was a public-school student in Brockville until he had completed the high-school course with the class of 1892. He afterward entered the University of Toronto, pursued a classical course and was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1897. Determining upon a professional career he next entered the medical department of the University of Toronto, from which he was graduated with the M. B. degree in 1901. Later he went abroad and entered the Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital, otherwise known as "Moorfields" in London, England. He spent five months there and received his certificate, after which he devoted three months to study in Middlesex Hospital, receiving practical training under the direction of Dr. Stephen Paget, the noted ear specialist and a son of Sir James Paget. During that period Dr. Abbott gave his attention to the study of diseases of the ear and on his return to the new world he accepted a position on the staff of the medical department of Cornell University, as demonstrator of anatomy, which chair he held until April, 1903. He then came to Cleveland and accepted the position of interne on the gynecological staff of the Lakeside Hospital and acted in that capacity until October 1, 1904. He next entered upon private practice in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat and on the 1st of October, 1904, was appointed assistant surgeon in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, at the Lakeside Hospital Dispensary, which position he still holds. While he was a student in the literary department of the University of Toronto, he was obliged to discontinue his studies for one year on account of illness, during which time he was attended by Dr. James D. Thorburn, nose, throat and ear specialist, who became interested in him and attracted his attention to this special field of medical practice and was thus in a measure responsible for Dr. Abbott's adopting it as a 'profession. He was associated with D. Thorburn more or less in his practice from that time until the completion of his medical course and he feels that he owes much to Dr. Thorburn's interest in him. His work and his investigations   942 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   have been careful and have made for him an enviable place in the medical profession of Cleveland.   On the nth of April, 1906, Dr. Abbott was married to Miss Mary Crozier, a native of Ayr, Ontario, Canada, a daughter of John and Janet (Wells) Crozier, who reside at Gault, Ontario. Dr. and Mrs. Abbott have a daughter, Jane Elizabeth, born August 3, 1909.   They reside at No. 1729 East Ninetieth street and are members of the Calvary Presbyterian church. Dr. Abbott belongs to the Nu Sigma Nu and to several professional societies, including the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, the Cleveland Medical Library Association and the Ohio State Medical Society. He is medical examiner for the Prudential Life Insurance Company and the Protected Home Circle and in addition thereto has an extensive and growing private practice, to which his ability well entitles him. Moreover he is conscientious in the performance of all his professional duties and his success is the direct outcome of his energy and thorough equipment.   ALVA J. SMITH.   While fate at times seems to favor certain individuals careful analysis of the life record and of the conditions and environment which bear upon it will show that in almost every instance progress resulted from certain inherent qualities of strength in the individual, from his adaptability, his concentration and determined purpose. These characteristics advanced Alva J. Smith from a subordinate position in the business world to that of general passenger and ticket agent of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company.   The numerous representatives of the name in America would almost seem to preclude the possibility of determining the ancestral line of any one who bears the name of Smith, yet authentic records give the fact that Alva J. Smith was descended from Lieutenant, Samuel Smith, who emigrated from England in the ship Elizabeth, of Ipswich, on the 30th of April, 1634. He is supposed to have died in 1680. His son, Philip Smith, became one of the leading men of his community and won the title of lieutenant, probably from service in the Indian wars of New England. He represented his townspeople in some of their deliberative bodies and held the office of deacon in his church. He was murdered in accordance with the decree of Cotton Mather, about 1685, his death being one of the deplorable results of the belief in witchcraft which was then extant. His wife, Rebecca, was a daughter of Nathaniel Foote.   Jonathan Smith, of the next generation, a son of Philip Smith, married Abigail, a daughter of Joseph Kellogg. He died in Whately, Massachusetts, in 1734. His son, Benjamin, married Sarah Field and the children of Benjamin Smith were : Philip, who wedded Eliza Graves ; Rev. Paul Smith, who married Elizabeth Smith ; Silas, who married Lavina Houghton ; Elisha, who married and left New England for the west ; Jonathan, who married Elizabeth Chauncey; and Gad, who married Irene Waite.   Roswell Smith, also a son of Benjamin Smith, wedded Mary Craft and they were the parents of six sons: Elijah, who married Miriam Morton ; Isaac, who wedded Roxa Morton ; Bezalul, who married Lavina. Munson ; Asa, who was joined in wedlock to Judith Graves; Adna, who married Keziah Humes ; and Rufus.   The last named was the grandfather of Alva J. Smith. He married Anna Munson and their son, Ashley Smith, was the father of Alva J. Smith. His birth occurred in Massachusetts in 1796 and on the 25th of November, 1819, he married Miriam Russel, a daughter of Elihu and Miriam (Sanderson) Russell and a granddaughter of Thomas Sanderson. In that line the ancestry is traced back to Joseph Sanderson, who came from Norfolk county, England, in 1637 and   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 945   was master of the mint at Boston in 1652. He it was who made the celebrated pine tree shillings which are now very rare, only a few of the coins being still in existence. Joseph Sanderson was born August 30, 1714, and died March 20, 1772. Through him the line of descent is traced down. Thomas Sanderson, his son, was born in 1746 and was the father of Miriam Sanderson, who became the wife of Elihu Russell. The children of that marriage were : Polixena, Lucy, Betsy, Delia, Miriam, Levi, Elihu, William S., Austin, Wellington, Emery, Esteven, Sumner, Ashley, and Mary.   Ashley Smith, the father of Alva J. Smith, became a millwright and during the second war with England served as a Federal soldier from Massachusetts. In 1822 he removed westward to Churchville, Monroe county, New York, where he died in 1854 at the age of fifty-eight years, having for three years survived his wife, who died at the age of fifty-one years. Their children were: Francis, who died in 1887 at the age of sixty-eight years ; Charles Augustus, a farmer who died at Merrill Wisconsin, in 1894, at the age of seventy-two years ; Levi L., living at Maple Rapids, Michigan ; Fidelia M., now the wife of Ben T. Richmond, of Grand Rapids, Michigan ; Austin R., who died in Cleveland in 1881, at the age of forty-seven years, after serving for some time as ticket agent at the Union station ; George W., a farmer near Grand Rapids, Michigan ; and Alva J., of this review.   The last named was born at Churchville, New York, September 30, 1840, and pursued his education in the schools there until thirteen years of age, when he was left homeless and penniless by the death of his father and went to Wisconsin, where he resided on a farm with his brother for a time. The following year, however, he returned to New York and clerked in a brother's store in Church- vile until the spring of 1858, when he became a salesman in a store at Albion, New York, where he remained until hostilities between the north and the south were inaugurated and the country was precipitated into civil war. Mr. Smith had watched with growing interest the unrest and dissatisfaction in the south, noted the threatening attitude of the southern states and had resolved that if an attack was made upon the Federal government he would stand loyally in its defense. Accordingly on the 13th of April, 1861, the day following that on which the first gun was fired on Fort Sumter, he joined a company of young men who offered their services as Union soldiers. This company was disbanded, however, after a short period of drill but in the following spring, at Rochester, New York, Mr. Smith enlisted in the Fourth New York Artillery, being ordered to report at Washington, where the regiment was stationed during the summer. It was on the 29th of July, 1862, that he enlisted in Company C as a private, was promoted corporal September 1, 1862, and was in the service in the defense of Washington until 1863 with Abercrombie's Division of the Twenty-second Corps. He was commissioned second lieutenant in the Eleventh New York Volunteer Artillery, June 21, 1863, and was engaged in the organization of a regiment at Rochester until the 16th of October of the same year, when he was transferred to the Fourth New York Volunteer Artillery and was in defense of the capital until April, 1864, in De Russey's Division of the Twenty-second Corps. He participated in the battle of the Wilderness and in the engagements at Corbin's Bridge, Spottsylvania, Nye River, Poe River, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Cold Harbor, the movement before Petersburg, the battle of Weldon Railroad, Deep Bottoms, the Mine Explosion, the battle of Strawberry Plains, White Oak Swamp, Poplar Springs Church and Boydton Road. In the meantime, while engaged in the battle of Deep Bottoms, he had been promoted first lieutenant, July 27, 1864, and on the 5th of November following was commissioned captain. Following the engagement at Hatcher's Run he was assigned to duty as aid on the staff of the Fourth Brigade, First Division of the Second Corps, on the 25th of December, 1864, and was relieved in February, 1865, at Dabney's Mills. Later he was acting brigade inspector of the Fourth Brigade, First Division, Second Corps, from February until April, 1865. He was present at the engagement at Preble's   946 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   Farm, March 25, 1865, at Hatcher's Run on the 29th of March, 1865 ; at Boydton Road during the two succeeding days ; at White Oak Road on the 31st of March ; at Sutherland Station, April 2d; and at the fall of Petersburg, April 3d. He afterward took part in the different engagements which marked the closing campaign of the war. He was present at Appomattox Courthouse when the surrender of Lee virtually put an end to all strife. He then participated in the grand review at Washington on the 23d of May, 1865, and was acting ordnance officer of the First Division of the Second Corps from June 23 until June 26. He was mustered out of service September 26, 1865, and brevetted major of the United States Volunteers on the 13th of March for gallant and meritorious conduct during the war. He retained his interest in military affairs throughout his entire life and on the 4th of August, 1877, was appointed aid-de-camp on the staff of Governor Thomas L. Young with the rank of colonel, a title by which he was familiarly known,   Colonel Smith arrived in Ohio in 1866 and in the summer of that year entered upon his successful railroad career in the general ticket office of the Bee line at Cleveland. Promotions followed rapidly in recognition of his ability. He was made chief clerk of the office the following year and so continued until August, 1874, when the office of assistant general ticket agent was created for him in recognition of his faithful and efficient service. Five years later he was tendered and accepted the position of general passenger agent and upon the consolidation of the passenger departments of the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad, in January, 1881, his jurisdiction was extended over that line. He was appointed general passenger agent of the Dayton & Union Railroad, January 2, 1882, and when the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton was made a part of the Bee line, Colonel Smith was designated as the general passenger agent of that line also, filling the office from December 31, 1881, until May, 1882, when the departments were again made separate. On the 1st of March, 1887, Colonel Smith severed his long connection with the Bee line and became chief of the passenger and ticket department of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company. In the intervening years he became recognized as one of the leading representatives of railway interests in the central states, his promotions following as the logical sequence of his ability, executive force, keen discrimination and unfaltering loyalty to the interests entrusted to his care. He was a leading member of the Association of General Passenger & Ticket Agents and served for twenty-seven consecutive years as its secretary, begmning in 1879 and being reelected annually until his death m July, 1906. Had he lived until the following October he would have been made president of the organization he had served so faithfully, Throughout his connection with railroad interests he made close study of the demands of the traveling public and of the conditions existing in railway circles, and promoted the equipment of the lines over which he had control until they were equal to any and superior to many.   On the 7th of September, 1865, Colonel Smith was married in Warsaw, New York, to Miss Harriet L. Cornwell, a daughter of Zelotes Cornwell. Mrs. Smith is a descendant of Susanna Robinson, who came to America in the Mayflower. One of her grandchildren by the name of Chapman became Mrs. Cornwell, the mother of Zelotes Cornwell. The last named was born in Massachusetts, devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, and died in 1866 at the age of sixty-eight years, while his wife passed away in 1857 at the age of fifty-two years. Their children were : Darius ; William ; Anna Elizabeth, now the wife of John W. Richmond ; George, who died in 1888 at the age of fifty-two years ; Zelotes ; Charles, who died in 1891 at the age of fifty years ; Hiram ; and Harriet Louisa.   The marriage of Colonel and Mrs. Smith was blessed with three children, Amy E., Miriam C., and Alva C., of Cleveland. The first named was formerly an art teacher in Oberlin College and is now the wife of W. F. Pelham, of Illinois.   HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 947   Colonel Smith was a valued member of the Loyal Legion and of the Grand Army of the Republic. He also belonged to Woodward Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Cleveland, was a trustee of the Euclid Avenue Congregational church, and gave his political allegiance to the republican party. In municipal affairs he was deeply and helpfully interested and when he passed away on the 26th of July, 1906, Cleveland felt that she had lost one of her valued citizens. In his business career he had manifested much of the spirit of generalship in that he had marshaled all of the forces at his command for winning the victory which he set out to achieve.   HENRY B. VOTTELER.   Henry B. Votteler as president of the Votteler & Hettche Pipe Organ Company is at the head of one of the large industrial concerns 0f Cleveland that has enjoyed remarkable development during the past few years. To the effort of Mr. Votteler the business largely owes its present extensive proportions. He was born in Cleveland, June 23, 1849, a son of Gottlieb Votteler, a native of Reutlingen, Wittenburg, Germany. The father was engaged in the piano business in his native land and after coming to the United States turned his attention to the manufacture of pipe organs, in 1855, establishing the first factory of this kind in Cleveland and becoming, moreover, one of the pioneers in this line of business in the country. He continued actively engaged in the building of pipe organs until his death, which occurred May 12, 1894. He married Margaret Schwartz, who was born in Germany and sailed for New York when about twenty years of age. Her death occurred in 1865, at Tiffin, Ohio, where the family lived for a few years. Adolph Votteler, a brother of Henry B. Votteler, is now a resident of Waukesha, Wisconsin. An uncle, Lieutenant Henry J. Votteler, enlisted in 1861 in the Union army, serving for three years in the Thirty-seventh Ohio Regiment, which was composed of German citizens of Cleveland.   Henry B. Votteler was educated in the Cleveland schools and learned the trade of cabinet making with a Mr. Koepler. He afterward spent a few years in New York city, where he learned the business of pipe-organ building in principle and detail. Returning to Cleveland he was associated with his father moil the latter's death, after which he incorporated the business under the style of the Votteler & Hettche Pipe Organ Company. The enterprise has continually expanded, owing to the progressive methods of Mr. Votteler, until the business is one of the foremost among the productive industries of Cleveland. The company manufacture church organs exclusively and their output is shipped to all parts of the country. The magnificent organ of the Euclid Avenue Methodist church was built by them and they have also built many other pipe organs used in the city churches.   On the 14th of May, 1876, Mr. Votteler was married to Miss Catherine Kolb, a native of New Jersey. She has two brothers : Charles F. Kolb, of Cleveland ; and Augustus C. Kolb, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin. The former has served for fifteen years as United States gauger in the internal revenue department of the eighteenth district of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Votteler have one son, George H., who was born July 5, 1883, and is a civil engineer of Cleveland. They also lost two daughters : Margaret, who was born December 14, 1877, and died January 12, 1883 ; and Louise, who was born January 15, 1879, and died January 18, 1883. They were laid to rest in the Monroe Street cemetery. Mr. Votteler is a member of Concordia Lodge, No. 345, F. & A. M., and of Hillman Chapter, R. A. M. He is also connected with the Socialer Turn Verein and for the past twenty-five or thirty years has been director of the Socialer Turner Maennerchor, a section of that society, the chorus of which takes part in various musical events. He is an active democrat and for four years was first deputy   948 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND   in the internal revenue department of this city under President Cleveland. He is still an active worker in the party and gives to its candidates his hearty support. He ranks with the progressive business men of the city and his love of music prompts him to take great pride in building none but the very highest class of pipe organs. From the establishment of the business the house has been characterized not only for its reliable methods but for the perfection of its product, and, while entering upon a business already established, Mr. Votteler has greatly enlarged it, its expanding interest making him one of the prominent representatives of industrial life in Cleveland.   WILLIAM NAHUM GATES.   William Nahum Gates is a man who has taken advantage of the remarkable growth and development of the advertising business and is now one of the oldest newspaper and magazine advertising agents in the country. He was born in Elyria, Ohio, October 17, 1857. His family is an old and honored one in the east, his ancestor having come from England here in 1634. Members of the family have been closely associated with the history of the country ever since. They have belonged to the army, the navy, all the professions and many lines of business, and have always been men of honor, who were interested in promoting the welfare of their several communities.   Nahum Ball Gates, the father of our subject, was born September 28, 1812, in St. Albans, Vermont, but came to the Western Reserve in 1834 and settled in Cleveland. A year later he removed to what is now Lorain, where he lived until elected sheriff of Lorain county in 1838, and then located in Elyria, where he resided until his death December 9, 1890. For eighteen years he was mayor of Elyria ; was treasurer of the county for one term ; president of the board of education for twenty-five years ; and filled many of the lesser offices, being a very prominent man and stanch republican. In 1841, while living in Elyria, he married Sarah Montieth, who was born in Clinton, New York, May 9, 1823, a daughter of Rev. John Montieth, first president of Ann Arbor University and professor of ancient languages at Hamilton College, Clinton, New York.   William N. Gates was educated in the public schools of Elyria and in Oberlin College, where he attended two years. Upon leaving school he began business as a bookkeeper with Russell & Company, of Massillon, Ohio, manufacturers of agricultural implements, remaining with them for two and one-half years. In 1880 he came to Cleveland and became associated with the advertising agency of N. Harrison. When this firm failed in 1881, Mr. Gates organized a new company under the title of W. N. Gates & Company and has continued in the business ever since. His business has been one of steady growth and has spread over the entire country, with branches in New York and Chicago. He carries on general advertising in magazines and newspapers, and has been the prime factor in the company since its organization. In addition to his connection with this company, Mr. Gates is a director of the Cleveland Trust Company, the Eastern Ohio Traction Company, the Maple Leaf Land Company, the Electric Terminal Depot Company, the Elyria Savings Deposit Bank and the Country club of Elyria. He is a trustee of Oberlin College and of the Elyria Memorial Hospital. Mr. Gates is also a member of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, and president of the Elyria Chamber of Commerce. In club life he has been very active, belonging to the Union, the Euclid, the Cleveland Auto, and Elyria Auto and Country Clubs, and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a republican in politics, and was recently elected to the Elyria board of education, giving it the benefit of his wide reading and broad-gauged policies. For many years he has been a member of the First Congregational church of Elyria and is president of the Men's Club of that denomination. He