650 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. six years, and then, in 1872, went to Michigan, where he was engaged in the lumbering basiness ten years. After returning to Collinwood, Ohio, he followed carpentering until September 1, 1889. In that year he was appointed Postmaster of this city, and held that position i!our years. Since that time he has been engaged in the grocery trade. Mr. Spring has also served as Marshal of the village, having filled an unexpired term of over two years. In his social relations our subject is a member of the Masonic order, Chapter of R. A. M., South Haven, Michigan; is Commander of Brough Post, No. 359, G. A. R., of Collinwood; is Permanent Secretary of the I. 0. 0. F.; is Past Councilor and Financial Secretary of the Junior Order of the A. O. U. M., and is a member of the K. of P. Politically, he is a staunch Republican. May 12, 1867, Mr. Spring was united in marriage with Miss Roxanna Moses, a daughter of Elihu and Ann Moses, of Euclid, Ohio. To this union has been born one child, George B., a member of the firm of E. V. Spring & Son. Mr. Spring has a most enviable record as a brave and patriotic soldier, few persons having seen more or a harder part of the service. He is well known, popular and trustworthy, and is prominent in all matters looking to the advancement of the community. W. B. MOORE, general agent of the Keyless Lock Company for the State of Ohio, was born in Holmes county, this State, June 25, 1865, the son of Thomas and Rebecca (Biggs) Moore, who are now residents of Tiffin, Ohio. At the age of fifteen years he entered a grocery in Tiffin, where he was employed for four years, and then he entered the photograph business. Quitting that in 1885, he came to Cleveland and was employed by Earliue & Baker. After closing his relations with this firm he entered into business for himself at 11 Euclid avenue, which he subsequently sold out and resumed work in the service of his predecessor, C. P. Leland. After two years there, in January, 1893, he purchased the gallery of Mr. Leland, and followed the photographic art there for about five months, and in November of that year he entered the employ of the Keyless Lock Company, taking the general agency for the State of Ohio. Besides this article of trade, the company handle a line of novelties, which they sell to the trade direct and through agents. Mr. Moore has ttie business already well organized and is successfully pushing it. He is an active young business man, destined to make his influence felt in the corn mercial circles of the Forest City. He is a member of the Cleveland Wheel Club. July 15, 1891, in Cleveland, is the date of Mr. Moore's marriage to Miss Nettie Caldwell, daughter of James and Mary Caldwell, of Vintner, Canada, and they have one child, Leroy C. DR. K. B. WAITE, whose office is in the Kendall building, Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the prominent young physicians of the city. He was born in Hudson, Summit county, Ohio, son of Benjamin K. and Maria (Darley) Waite, both natives of Summit county. Benjamin K. Waite is ranked with the pioneer farmers of his county. He and his good wife are now living retired at their rural home, he having reached the ripe old Ise of seventy-eight years. They are worthy members of the Congregational Church, and in politics he is a stanch Republican. The Doctor was the fifth born in their family of ten children and is one of the seven who are still living. He has had the best of educational advantages and has improved his every opportunity. He graduated at the Akron high school in 1880, attended the Western Reserve College and the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College, and graduated in the last named institution in 1888. At this writing he is Registrar and Professor of Operative Surgery in the Cleveland Homeo- CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 651 pathic Medical College. Previous to his entering the college, he studied medicine under the instructions of Dr. A. C. Buel, of Cleveland. In the practice of his profession he has thus far met with excellent success, and in addition to his professional duties he also finds time to act as business manager of the Argus, a medical journal of the Homeopathic school. Dr. Waite was married in 1888 to Miss Frankie A. Davis, daughter of James F. J. Davis, of Cleveland. They have two children, Harrison K. and Lizzie Davis. Both the Doctor and his wife are members of Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and, like his father, is identified with the Republican party. MYRON T. HERRICK.—In 1875, a struggling law student; in 1894, president of the largest banking establishment in the West. Such is the epitome of the last nineteen years of the life of Colonel Myron T. Herrick, president of the Society for Savings of Cleveland. Colonel Herrick was born in Huntington, Lorain county, Ohio, on the 9th day of October, 1854. Both his paternal great-grandfathers served in the Revolution. His father, Timothy R. Herrick, was born in Watertown, New York, in 1828, the son of Timothy Herrick, one of the pioneers of Lorain county. The elder Timothy served in the war of 1812, and for his services was given a claim in that county. He removed his family from the old home in New York and settled on the claim in 1837. The boyhood of young Herrick passed without the occurrence of anything in his life of more importance than is common to the lot of the average boy. He attended the district school in Huntington and the Union School at Wellington, and subsequently attended college at Oberlin and Delaware, where he made good progress in his studies, but did not remain long enough at either place for graduation. While attending college he taught school for a time, being then in his seventeenth year. Before attaining his majority he spent some time in the Indian Territory, New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas inspecting the country. The results of his observations were from time to time given to the public through the medium of the Eastern press, and were considered interesting and valuable to the many who were at that time seeking information in regard to those localities. In 1875 he returned from the West and came to Cleveland for the purpose of reading law. • Lie entered the law office of his relatives, G. E. And J. F. Herrick, where for upwards of three years he diligently applied himself to the mysteries and intricacies of Blackstone, and in 1878 was admitted to the bar. Following his admission as a practitioner he engaged actively in his profession and gave promise of ultimately taking high rank at the bar, but it was not a great while before he found his inclination and opportunities leading him away from a purely professional career, and, his abilities being at once recognized, his mind and time were soon engrossed with business interests of importance, all of which resulted in his practically giving up the legal profession. His financial ability came to the front in 1886, when he originated the Euclid Avenue National Bank. This institution was formally organized in June of that year, with Mr. Herrick as one of the directors. The following September, however, he was made secretary and treasurer of the Society for Savings, and resigned from the directory of the Euclid Avenue Bank to accept thj same. He discharged the duties of his new position with marked ability and with satisfaction to all concerned, for eight years, and upon the death of the President, Mr. Samuel Mather, in January, 1894, Mr. Herrick was chosen his successor, his election occurring on February 3, 1894. This was probably as high a compliment as could be paid to Colonel Herrick, both as a financier and as a man, for the position is one 652 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. of great responsibility and trust, and, when the age of Colonel Herrick is considered, may be regarded as an unusual honor. The following editorial mention of Colonel Herrick was made by one of the city's leading newspapers, upon his election to the presidency of the Society for Savings: " To be elected president of a banking institution with nearly $25,000,000 of deposits while yet on the youthful side of forty years of age, is an honor which, has been conferred on perhaps not to exceed three or four men since time began or money to circulate.. That is the distinction which has been given to Colonel Myron T. Herrick by a unanimous vote of the trustees of the Society for Savings; and the significant feature of the matter is that nobody is surprised at the selection made. On the contrary, it seems to the 50,000 depositors and the public to be the natural and the proper thing to be done. Colonel Herrick has fully and justly won the honors he so modestly Hears." Colonel Herrick has not confined his attention entirely to the banking business, but is interested in various enterprises and institutions. and the city has been greatly benefited thereby. He and his associates organized the Euclid Avenue Arcade, which resulted in the erection of the Arcade Building, one of the largest and finest structures of the kind in the United States. The building extends from Euclid as enue to Superior street, is constructed of brown stone and glass, and is one of the most conspicuous buildings in the city. Another magnificent structure in which he is interested as part owner is the Cuyahoga, one of the largest office buildings in Cleveland, which is of no less importance than the Arcade, and from its central location on the public square and Superior street is even more conspicuous. He also has interests in several manufacturing enterprises and in valuable real estate. Colonel Herrick has for years taken an active interest in the public and political affairs of the city Wand State, not as an office holder or seeker, but as a valuable adviser and counselor, and he wields a wide influence in the Republican circles of the State. In 1885 he was elected to the City Council for a term of one year, and in 1886 was re-elected for a term of two years. In 1888 he was a delegate to the National Republican Presidential Convention from the Cleveland District, and served two terms on the State Executive Committee. He was appointed by Governor Foraker as Ohio Commissioner to the Centennial at New York, on April 30, 1889, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of George Washington. In 1892 he was a Presidential Elector at large for Ohio. Colonel Herrick is a warm personal friend of Governor McKinley, and in 1892 was appointed to a position on the Governor's staff with the rank of Colonel, a position he held until March, 1894, when on account of pressing business cares he was compelled to resign. In 1876 he became a member of the Cleveland Grays, but in 1879 resigned from that regiment and became a member of the First Cleveland Troop, of which he was a member for eleven years. Colonel Herrick was married on June 30, 1880, to Miss Caroline M. Parmely, of Dayton, Ohio, and they have one son, Parmely Webb Herrick. The above is an outline in brief of the life of one of Cleveland's most prominent and popular citizens, and is the history of one who unaided has achieved both success and honor, and has accomplished this while yet a comparatively young man. The life of Colonel Herrick has been a most active and busy one since boyhood, particularly so during the last fifteen years, his activity increasing with his responsibilities. Early in life he was thrown upon his own resources, and for years it was a struggle for him to keep his head above water. But with indomitable energy, ambition and a determination to win he has breasted each wave, and now, at the meridian of his life, rides on the crest of the waves and more than holds his own and keeps pace with this period of competition and advancement. He possesses by na- CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 653 ture talents which peculiarly fit him for his sphere in life, his characteristics being shrewdness, keen insight, promptness to act and clear judgment, to which is added a conservative method that has enabled him to make safe moves on the chess-board of life, which at the time may seem bold and impetuous, but are in fact the results of a carefully considered and well planned line of action. A friend sums up the character of Colonel Herrick in these words: " As a lawyer he was regarded as clear-headed, painstaking and practical, and gave promise of rising in the ranks to an unusual degree had be given the legal profession the efforts of a lifetime. As a financier he is considered brilliant, yet sound and conservative, with a brilliant future before him. As a citizen he is enterprising, progressive and patriotic. As a man he is kind, congenial and courteous to all, of decided views and opinions, and having the courage of his convictions." GEORGE S. KAIN, attorney and counsellor at law, was born in the township of Brant, Erie County, New York, July 12, 1842. His father was Stephen H. Kain, a native of Orange county, New York, born in 1802; and his mother, whose maiden name was Jane Kerr, was a native of the same county. They were married in the county of their birth, but removed to Erie county shortly after its organization. Mr. Kain was a carriage manufacturer, and was engaged in this industry a great many years. He died in 1873; his wife passed away in 1865. There were six children in the family, all of whom are deceased excepting George S. The boyhood days of Mr. Kain were spent in Brant township and the township adjoining of North Collins, amid the scenes of his birth, but at the age of twelve years he went to Gowanda, New York, where he remained three yearE in the employ of a druggist and grocer witl. whom he made his home, attending school winters at the academy there. This was the beginning of his career in the commercial world, but it was followed by several years of study. At the age of fifteen years he entered the preparatory department of Oberlin College, and was graduated at this institution in 1864. During the period he was a student there he supported himself by teaching, and for one year had charge of the academy at Gowanda. After finishing the course at Oberlin he returned to Gowanda, and entered the office of Judge Woodbury of that place, reading law under his direction for one year. He then entered the office of Hiram C. Day at Buffalo, New York, where he spent one year. In the fall of 1866 he was admitted to the bar in Buffalo, but removed thence to Cleveland, Ohio, in January, 1867, and entered the office of Willey (.4L Carey. Here he passed more than a yeay, and then resumed practicing alone. Afterward lie formed a partnership with H. L. Terrill, which continued for only a brief period, and when this relationship ceased he practiced alone until 1872. He then became the partner of Captain William C. Bunts, the connection being severed by the death of the latter in 1874. Captain Bunts was at that time city solicitor, and upon his death Mr. Kain was elected to serve the unexpired term, from the spring of 1874 to the spring of 1875. He was the choice of the Republican party for re-election in 1875, but suffered defeat with the rest of the ticket. While filling the office in 1874 he formed a partnership with Captain M. B. Gary, now collector of customs. This firm existed until about 1881, when Mr. Kain was nominated and elected to the office of city solicitor on the Republican ticket. He held this position four years and was ex officio a member of the City Council, at the end of which time he delined to be renominated on account of his wife's ill health. In search of a more genial climate Mr. Kain removed with his wife to Florida, and remained there five years, during which time he was engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1891 he came back to Cleveland and resumed his legal work here. Not long after his 654 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. return he was appointed to the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel by General E. S. Meyer, and held the office a little more than twelve months. Since the expiration of his term he has been practicing alone, with his office at 716-719 Society for Savings Building. Since his admission to the bar of Ohio in 1867 he has occupied a place among the leading practitioners of the Buckeye State. In the discharge of official business he has exhibited a marked talent for the management of the affairs of State, while his legal acumen and sound judgment have commanded the respect of his fellow practitioners. Mr. Kain was married September 2, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth W. Fuller, daughter of ex-Auditor William Fuller, of Cuyahoga county. REV. ORLANDO BADGLEY, pastor or the Methodist Episcopal Church or Brooklyn Village, was born in Harmony, Chautauqua county, New York. His parents were John and Asenath (Curtice) Badgley, both of whom died some years ago. He was the youngest but two of a family of thir. teen children. After receiving a good common school education, he pursued his studies at Jamestown Academy, located at Jamestown New York. At the age of eighteen years he entered the ministry, continuing his studies in connection with his pastoral duties. His first charge was Pleasantville Circuit, in Venango county, Pennsylvania. The country was new and his appointments were mainly in private and school houses. The circuit was a large one, with seventeen different preaching places upon it. His success was marked from the beginning, many coming to hear the " boy preacher'' as he was called. For the first twelve years of his ministry he filled various charges in northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York, until, in 1868, he removed to Ohio and was stationed at Alliance. Remaining one year at Alliance, in September,. 1869, he entered the ministry of the North Ohio Conference, of which he is now a member. Among other charges he has been stationed at Wooster, Bucyrus, Bellevue, Clyde and Oberlin. In October, 1891, he was appointed to his present charge, and since that time the church has had a solid and substantial growth. He is very popular, and discourses weekly to large and constantly increasing congregations: He has been since early life a devout Christian and a faithful and conscientious worker. By reason of paternal influence he was early in life a member of the United Brethren Church. He has collected a valuable library, of which he makes diligent use, his studies covering an extensive field. In the pulpit he is both progressive and aggressive, his sermons showing a marked individuality and being eminently suggestive. He is an interesting speaker and a fine converser. He was one of the twenty-seven commissioners, representing five different young people's societies of the Methodist Episcopal Church who met in Cleveland May 14, 1889, and after two days of deliberation organized the Epworth League. For the success of the league he has been a tireless worker, and in conventions and elsewhere has done effective work. He was a member of the Advisory Council of the great Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago in September, 1893, in connection with the World's Fair. August 23, 1859, he married Miss Mary M. McIntyre, of Corry, Pennsylvania, and they have had three children, viz.: Cora Eliza, wife of Mr. J. H. Grimes: they reside in New York city, and Mildred is their only child; Curtice E., who died at the age of nineteen years, in 1881, while a freshman in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio: he was a brilliant student and was preparing for the ministry; Metta M., after studying music in the Ohio Wesleyan University, graduated in the Cleveland, Ohio School of Music, class of 1891, since which time she has been devoting herself to the teaching of vocal music, and for the past year has had charge of the vocal department of the CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 655 Conservatory of Music of Mount Union College, at Alliance Ohio. She is a very fine soprano singer. Mrs. Badgley and the children arc members of the Methodist Episcopal Church Mrs. Badgley is a noble and cultured Christian. woman, whose reading has been extensive—and an unusually well informed lady. She is also a faithful helpmate of her husband in church work. FRANK W. MASTICK, a well known and representative farmer of Rocky River Hamlet, and recognized as one of the most intelligent and progressive of the prosperous husbandmen of this favored section of the Buckeye State, was born in Clarendon, Geauga county, Ohio, February 15, 1833. His father was the late Major Asahel Mastick, who was born in the State of Vermont in the year 1800; and the mother, whose maiden name was Caroline Andrews, was born in Connecticut in 1808. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Asahel Mastick emigrated from their home in the East and left the comforts and pleasing environment of the older settled section of the Union to cast their lot with the frontier settlers who were opening up and developing that portion of Ohio which is now one of the most beautiful and prosperous sections of our vast national commonwealth. They first settled in Geauga county, but in 1833, when their son, the subject of this sketch, was but two months of age, they removed to Cuyahoga county, and settled in that part of Rockport township which is now known as Rockport Hamlet. Here they continued to reside, honored and respected by all, until the hour of their death. The father died in the spring of 1857, and the mother in February, 1883. They were the parents of nine children, to whom individual reference is here made: Eli; Frank W.; Almeda, the wife of George Pynchon; Abigail, the wife of Parley Bassett; Melissa, deceased; Isabella, wife of James Curran; Edwin A.; Robert; and Julia, the deceased wife of J. Stone. Frank W. Mastick remained with his father until he was twenty-one years of age, when he went by way of the Nicaragua route to California, where he worked in the lumber camps for three years, subsequently engaging in farming and in the grocery business, which enterprises he conducted for twelve years. He then returned to Rockport township and purchased the farm where he now lives. The place comprises fifty-seven and one-half acres of most fertile and productive land, has an excellent residence and is well improved in every particular. Mr. Mastick was married, in Rockport township, February 2, 1860, to Miss Hannah L. Spencer, a daughter of the late John P. Spencer and a sister of Henry B. and John W. Spencer, well known residents of this township. She was born in Rockport township, January 17, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Mastick have had six children: Hattie; Laura, deceased; John A.; Carl, deceased; Eva and Arthur. The confidence reposed in Mr. Mastick by his fellow townsmen is evidenced by their having chosen him as one of the Trustees of the township—a position for which he proved himself eminently qualified and in which capacity he served four years. He has also held other minor offices. He stands as one of the representative men of the community and enjoys the respect and esteem of all. EDWIN SCRIVENS.—We are now called upon to touch briefly the more pertinent points in the life history of one of the distinctively successful and representative men of Middleburg township, Cuyahoga county, a man whose entire life has practically been passed in that section of the county which he now calls his. home. He was born in Royalton, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, April 17, 1846, the son of William and Mary (Pumfrey) Scrivens, both of whom were natives of England, having been born at Wantage, Berkshire empty. They came to America with their respective parents while 656 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. they were yet children, and the friendship between the two families continued until the two young people had attained maturity, when they determined to cement the friendship by a still closer bond. They were accordingly united n marriage, July 4, 1845, in Cuyahoga county. They settled in Middleburg township and there passed the remainder of their lives, useful, popular and honored citizens. The mother did in February, 1858, and the father survived until September 2, 1885, when he passed away in the fulness of years. They had three children, one of whom died in infancy. The two surviving are our subject and Mary, the wife of W. A. Cumbernorth, of Medina county, Ohio. Edwin Scrivens remained on the parental farm until he had attained to years of maturity and he has ever continued to reside in the township. He served for three months as a' Government laborer while the late war of the Rebellion was in progress. He has always devoted his attention to that most important and honorable occupation, farming, and has been successful by reason of his thorough familiarity with practical details of the work, his intelligence, industry and progressive methods. He is a man who has taken an active interest in all that tends to conserve the welfare and prosperity of the community in which he lives, is public-spirited to the maximum degree, and is recognized as one of the leading citizens of the township. He is but in natural sequence that he has been called upon to serve in positions of public trust, for his active concern in local affairs has never abated. He was one of the Trustees of the township at the time the beautiful Woody ale cemetery was purchased and platted, and was one of the most active in securing this necessary and consistent improvement. He has idso served as Justice of the Peace and as Constable. In his political adherency he ardently espouses the cause of the Republican party, and in its local constituency is a prominent figure. Fraternally he is identified with the I. 0. O. F. His dine farm of eighty acres is one of the most highly improved in the section, giving unmistakable evidence of the painstaking care devoted to its cultivation. In connection with his farming operations Mr. Scrivens has been for some time a public auctioneer, his services in this line being in much demand. April 3,1867, at Strongsville, Cuyahoga county, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Lettie A. Kingsbury, daughter of the late William Kingsbury, of Royalton, of which township he was one of the pioneer settlers. He died there on the 27th of June, 1883. Mrs. Scrivens was born in Royalton, May 18, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Scrivens are the parents of seven children, of whom we offer the following epitomized record: Gertrude T., the wife of H. L. Fuller, of Middleburg township, Cuyahoga county; William R.; Amy M., the wife of Albert Hoffman, of Parma township; Edwin N., Arthur H., Esther H. and Lettie J. ALBERT FRIEDMAN, manager of the National Fire Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, for the States of Ohio and Kentucky, with office at 482, The Arcade, Cleveland, assumed his present position in January, 1894; but he has been with the company since the beginning of the year 1892, when he took the territory of the States of Kentucky and Tennessee. He first came to Cleveland during the first of the year 1884, and has been engaged in the insurance business for five years, commencing with the Equitable in Kentucky, with which company he was connected for about three years, controlling a part of Kentucky and Tennessee. He is thoroughly familiar with the details of fire insurance and reliable, and therefore one of the most successful fire insurance men in the county. During the months of October, November and December last he wrote over a million of dollars. He represents one of the leading young insurance companies of the country, which was organized in 1885, and now has a capital of $4,400,000, —a ratio of twenty to one. CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 657 Mr. Friedman is a native of Vienna, Austria, born in 1869, a son of Benjamin and Theresa (Bergman) Friedman. His mother died in 1893, and his father is still living, making his home with him; he is an expert mechanic in hardwood lumber. Albert was reared in his native country, completed a thorough course in the best schools of Vienna, and became proficient in six languages. After completing his education he was employed in a bank in Vienna for two years as bookkeeper and cashier, and then, in 1888, he emigrated to America, locating first in Louisville, Kentucky, where he was engaged in the insurance busi- • ness, to which he has since given his attention. With the thorough foundation he has had, both in school education and in the severe training characteristic of the old country, future success is assured to Mr. Friedman in anything he may undertake; he is a live young business man. He was married in Lynchburg, Tennessee, in 1891, to Miss Fanny Dance, daughter of Rev. S. E. H. Dance, M. D. F. B. BERRY, manager of the Cleveland Type Foundry, has been associated with this institution for, the past sixteen years, having arrived in this city in 1877, and the following year accepting a position in the service of this company. First he was traveling sales, man for two years, when he became secretary of the company, in which capacity he served until two years ago, 1892, when he became manager. From the first he has been a stockholder in the establishment. The business has grown from that of a small supply house to its present magnificent proportions, becoming the largest in the State. Although a native of Ohio, born in 1853, Mr. Berry was reared in Massachusetts. His parents were E. B. and E. W. (Wright) Berry. At the age of sixteen years he commenced to learn the printers' trade in Dover, New Hampshire, which he followed until he came to Cleveland. Here he is one of the representative business men of the city, belonging to the class which go to make up a substantial, prosperous commonwealth. His residence is in the " East End." In 1882, in this city, he married Miss E: W. Allen, a native of Massachusetts, and they have two children,—Ruth and Mildred. CHARLES GUNN, of Collinwood, was born in East Cleveland township, September 10, 1844, a son of Lucien and Charlotte (Smith) Gunn. His father, a native of Medina county, this State, was brought to the above named township when fourteen years of age. On passing through the ground that is now the site of Cleveland, his father turned his oxen into a ten-acre lot that is now the public square. Purchasing thirty acres of the Coit tract, upon which his son, Marcus, now resides, he settled there and continued a resident the remainder of his days. By occupation he was a charcoal-burner all his life, but in this county lie was also a farmer. His life was ended by being run over by the railroad cars October 31, 1891. His wife had died January 11, 1887, at the age of sixty-two and two-thirds years, a member of the Disciple Church. They had two sons and one daughter: the last mentioned is now deceased. The subject of this outline, Mr. Charles Gunn, received a common-school education to the age of seventeen years, since which time he has followed, at intervals, farming and carpentering, but is now retired. He is the owner of a nice farm, a homestead of five acres and some village lots at Collinwood, and also a farm of twenty-nine acres in Euclid township. For public life he has not been ambitious, but he has been one of the Judges of Election for the past eight years, and has also been Trustee of his township for that length of time. He is a Republican, as well as all the members of his family. 658 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. He was married, in 1867, to Elizabeth Whitlock, of Orange, who was brought from England by her people when six years of age. They have eight children, namely: Harry, Clarence, Chandler, Elmer, Earl, Lucien, and Lottie. Clarence is married and resides in Collinwood, in the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Company; Chandler, also married, is at work in Wilson's meat-market; and Elmer and Earl are in the service of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company. Mr. Gunn is a member of Thatcher Lodge, No. 439, and also of Webb Chapter. J. C. TRASK, holding a representative preferment as general agent for the North- western Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, well merits the recognition accorded him in this volume. The old Empire State contributed its quota to the throng of valiant pioneers who left their comfortable home in the East and made their way to the western frontier, there to undergo the trials and vicissitudes which ever fall to the lot of those who lead the march of civilization and development into new fields and provinces. The parents of our subject are Cuyler and Ruth F. (Hoag) Trask, both of whom are natives of the State of New York and of English and Scottish lineage respectively. J. C. Trask was born in the town of Farmington, Wayne county, New York, in the year 1854. In 1861, whe 1 our subject was a lad of seven years, his parents set forth for Ohio and upon their arrival took up their residence in Ashtabula county, where they still abide. The father is now eighty-two years of age, and the mother seventy-six; and notwithstanding their advanced age, both are yet hale and strong and in the enjoyment of excellent health. They are residents of the town of Austinburg. Cuyler Trask devoted himself assiduously to farming in early life. He is now probably the oldest active life insurance man in the Union. He has represented the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, as special agent for the last seven years, and has written a large amount of business for that corporation. As recently as 1891 he was invited to the annual meeting of the company at their expense, this courtesy being a recognition of their appreciation of the efforts put forth by him while he, was active as an agent in their employ. The subject of this review passed his boyhood years on the farm and after coming to Ohio enjoyed such educational facilities as were then afforded, securing his preliminary training in the public schools of Ashtabula county. He graduated at Grand River Institute in 1876, and subsequently was enabled to complete a one year's course in the law department of the State University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He had commenced his legal studies by a course of reading in the office of E. Jay Pinney, of Jefferson, Ashtabula county. After returning from Ann Arbor Mr. Trask entered into a partnership with J. P. Cadwell, now Probate Judge of Ashtabula county, and for four years the firm of Trask & Cadwell maintained a successful practice in the county just mentioned, being really successors to the law office established by those honored patriots, Hon. Benjamin F. Wade and Hon. Joshua R. Giddings. After a successful practice of four years' duration Mr. Trask was offered and accepted the position which he now holds, that of general agent of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, his assigned territory being the eastern half of the State of Ohio. His management of the field has been signally effective and one statistic alone will show how thoroughly the interests of this staunch and reliable company have been furthered in the territory under the supervision of our subject. He has been enabled to increase the collection of premiums from the field from $50,000 to more than $300,000. He understands thoroughly the objects, range and functions of insurance and his presentation of facts and figures constitutes an indubitable argument in favor of the policies he advances. He is re- CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 659 garded among insurance men as one of the best informed, most proficient, enthusiastic and successful of their profession. He has devoted his entire time to the interests of this celebrated insurance company, whose record is one of the most brilliant, successful and honorable of all similar corporations. As the American republic stands to-day pre-eminent among all the nations of the globe in its capacity for conducting affairs of great breadth and scope, so does the wonderful enterprise of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company stand as a conspicuous example of the truth of this circumstance. The character and extent of this undertaking are to be comprehended only by the noting of its extraordinary business, successful management, accumulated assets and notable surplus. The reputation of the concern is such that its great continuous growth comes naturally when its claims are presented and comprehended. It was founded in 1857 and its management has always been distinguished for its conservatism, soundness and liberality toward policy holders, and as a consequence it has become recognized as one of the best in which to secure the necessary protection for those dependent upon the wage earner for their support. The company has been represented in Cleveland for a quarter of a century, and the present general agent, Mr. Trask, has been a representative of its interests for the past decade, eight years of which time he has passed in this city, in rooms 282 to 289, the second floor of the Arcade, Euclid avenue, front. The energy and ability displayed by Mr. Trask in his responsible position are best illustrated by the fact that during the year 1893 there was only one other mutual life insurance company that wrote more business in Ohio than did the Northwestern. Mr. Trask is an experienced and capable insurance man, and while he makes no claim to being a "lightning solicitor," yet he does take pride in having the ability to select an able corps of reliable men as agents, whose statements on the subject of life insurance can be relied upon implicitly. The marriage of our subject occurred at Jefferson, Ohio, September 20, 1882, when lie was united to Miss Maud Norton, the accomplished daughter of R. M. Norton, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Trask have four children: Ethel M. Norton R., Mildred R , and Florence E. In politics our subject warmly espouses the cause of the Republican party, though he has never sought or desired official preferment. In his fraternal relations Mr. Trask is prominent in Masonic circles, having taken the thirty-second degree (Scottish Rite). He is a metn• ber of Tyrian Lodge, of Oriental Commandery, No. 12, of the Northern Ohio Consistory and or Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine. EDWARD PETERJOHN, who holds the responsible and important preferment as foreman of the Cleveland Dryer Company's establishment, in Rockport Hamlet, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, was born in that place, November 22, 1865. He is a son of John Michael and Margaretta (Engelhardt) Peterjohn, old and honored residents of Rockport Hamlet. Both are natives of Germany and both passed the early years of their lives in the fatherland, the father being seventeen years of age and the mother sixteen when they came to America with their respective parents. They were married in Cleveland, Ohio, March 14, 1844, and shortly after that memorable event they settled in that part of Rockport township which now bears the name of Rockport Hamlet. Here they have ever since continued their residence. John M. Peterjohn has developed one of the Iffiest farms in this section of the State, having boen engaged in agricultural pursuits from the time of his advent in the township.. The farm comprises thirty-eight acres and all is under a high state of cultivation, while the permanent improvements -in the way of buildings are of most excellent and attractive order. These well known and honored residents of Rockport Hamlet have had ten children, of 42 660 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. whom eight are living, namely: Mary, the wife of Henry Dorr; George J., who married Kate Baumgartner; Anna, the widow of Will-iam Barthelman; Fred T., who married Louisa Smith: John M., Jr., who married Julia Brunner; Louisa, the wife of William Renz; Edward, subject of this sketch; and Henry C. he two deceased children are: John, who died at the age of three years; and Henry, who lived until his thirteenth year. Edward Peterjohn grew to manhood beneath the parental roof, securing his education in the common schools of the locality. II early manifested distinctive business and executive ability and to this endowment is doubtless due the preferment he now holds. He was married, in Parma township, November 12, 1891, to Miss Anna Hoehn. They have one son, Alvin C. EMIL RING, professor of music, conductor of the Cleveland Philharmonic Society, and also conductor of th Cleveland Gesangverein, was born at Tetschen-on-the-Elbe, a small village in the northern part of Austria, in what is known as Saxonian Switzerland, on November 21, 1863. He was given as good an education as the public school of his native town afforded, and at the age of ten years took up the study of harmony and vocal music, and also the use of the flute and clarinet. His parents had entertained the idea of some other calling for him, and were disappointed at his choice of a vocation. In 1875 he went to Dresden, where he received his first scientific training under Edmund Kretschmer, the well known composer. Here he became a member of the Royal Saxonian Church Singers, as boy soprano, singing for over three years in the Catholic court church. He was then obliged to abandon his profession for a time, on account of the changing of his voice, and spent the interim in attendance at a gymnasium (high school). Resuming, he continued his musical studies under Kopell Meis ter Karl Krebs, a celebrated conductor of church music, becoming proficient in the study of harmony and theory. Next he went to Prague, the capital of Bohemia, and entered the conservatory there, his previous training enabling him to complete the regular six years' course in four years. At this time he was twenty years of age, and, according to the custom of his country, he spent a year in the volunteer army. Near the close of the year 1884 he passed a severe examination and was made a Lieutenant of Reserves. At the close of his military experience, not having availed himself of the rank conferred upon him, he joined a musical organization then in the zenith of its fame, namely, the Mansfeldt Orchestra, which had its headquarters in Dresden. During the following season Professor Ring traveled throughout Germany and Belgium, visiting all the large cities and participating in the concerts given by the orchestra. The next two years were spent in England, in study, and during the latter part of 1886 Mr. Ring moved to Berlin; and while there he received an offer to become a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which he accepted, first setting foot on American soil in March, 1887. The next year he was engaged to conduct the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, and he accordingly arrived in this city in September, 1888. Since his residence began here he has made many friends through his kindly, genial disposition, and his excellent musical ability. He is connected with many of the musical organizations of the city, is one of the instructors in the Conservatory of Music, and has charge of the music in the Jewish Orphan Asylum. The Cleveland Gesangverein, of which he is conductor, is the oldest and most noted singing society west of Philadelphia, having been founded in September, 1854. His father, Alvin Ring, was the youngest of twelve sons, was engaged in expressing and forwarding, and spent all his life in his native land, dying in 1883, at the age of forty-eight years. He had but very little musical inclina- CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 661 tion. A brother of his, Max by name, was court conductor of music, and lost his sight by too close application. In 1849 he left the country, went to Hamburg and shipped to Australia, and was never heard of afterward; and it is presumed that he is drowned in the sea. His father paid much money to learn of his whereabouts, but could never discover anything. Professor Ring's mother, whose name before marriage was Anna Rotzsch, was born in 1838, and is still living. Mr. Alvin Ring and wife had four sons, namely: Emil, the subject of this sketch; Gustave, who studied medicine at the university, has passed his State examination, and is still a resident of the old country; Rudolph, the successor in his father's business; and Fred, who resides in Cleveland and is a bookkeeper in the Arcade music store. JAMES SANDERSON, division superintendent of the Cleveland Electric Railway Company, was born near Ottawa, Canada, September 26, 1855, a son of James Sanderson, who was born in Dundee, Scotland, October, 1819. He came to America when young and followed carpenter work all his life. He married in Canada, May Christie, a daughter of Archie Christie, born in Scotland. Mrs. Sanderson's children are: Mary, wife of D. Carpenter, in Cleveland; John, at New Lisbon, Dakota; James; George and William, at Cleveland; and Maggie, who married G. Baird, a resident of Denver, Colorado. James Sanderson left the public schools at sixteen and began driving team. He next entered a commission store in this city and remained eleven years; then became a driver for the East Cleveland Railway Company on Euclid avenue, and was promoted in line to be a conductor, a night watch, and finally a clerk in the office of Superintendent Duty; and retained this last position till the formation of the Cleveland Electric Railway Company, in 1893, when he was made division superintendent, having in charge the Central avenue line. Mr. Sanderson was first married January 3, 1880, to Rosa, a daughter of Christian Ubersax, of Switzerland. The children of this marriage are Cora and Freddie. Mrs. Sanderson died September 5, 1885. His second marriage, January 3, 1888, was to Edith Loretz, of Swiss birth, and a daughter of Philip Loretz. One child has been born by this marriage, named Nellie. Mr. Sanderson is a Knight of Pythias, and in politics a Republican. N. S. POSSONS.—A man of distinguished ability and attainments, one who has accomplished much in the line of his profession and who has thereby contributed its advancement and incidentally wrought for the good of his fellow men, Mr. Possons may with particular congruity be accorded representation in this volume, though it will be possible within the limitations of the same to give no more than an outline of the more notable features of his career. Of French and German extraction, Mr. Possons is enabled to trace his lineage back to ancestors who became residents of America in the latter part of the sixteenth century. He was born in Coeymans, Albany county, New York, in 1844. His parents were William Fiero and Maria A. (Zimmer) Possons, natives of Schoharie county, New York. The father was apprenticed in early life to the dyers and fullers' trade, which he followed up to the time of the advent of woolen factories. He graduated at the Albany Normal School, but much of his education was obtained after his marriage, and by the help of his wife, a lady of advanced scholarship. Later he greatly interested himself in educational matters, teaching school with marked success, by methods ahead of his times. He was "apt to teach," having a natural ability fur imparting instruction in the most efficient manner, and being one of the pioneer leaders in giving instruction by object lessons, so much in vogue in the latter days. In his religious re- 662 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. lations he was a member of the Baptist Church, in which he hold the office of Deacon; and in more public life he also was City Clerk and School Trustee for many years. In the educational field, indeed, he was a leading factor. He died in 1879, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife died April 22,1886, aged seventy-one years. She also was a life-long member of the Baptist Church, wherein she was a shining example of Christian consistency. Her parents were Jacob and Maria Zimmer. Mr. Zimmer was a large land owner, whose estate comprised what was known after Lis name as "Zimmer's Hill," in Schoharie county, New York. He was a Revolutionary soldier, lived to a ripe old age, and was an extremely useful man. Mr. N. S. Posson's paternal grandfather, Wilhelmus Possons, was the first farmer in Schoharie county who practiced the system of renewing the soil by raising clover upon it, which has now for many years been se, popular among scientific agriculturists. He also inIented the first threshing machine, doing all the mechanical work himself, and the machine was signally successful. For his wife he married Eliza Borst, who died comparatively young, a noble and devout Christian. Mr. Possons, whose name heads this sketch, received in his native State a thorough academic education, and, having a natural apt:" tude for mechanics, devoted his attention to this science until lie had mastered its details and intricacies. Being regularly apprenticed to John Whitin & Son, builders of cotton-mill machinery at Holyoke, Massachusetts, he served a full term, 900 days. He became a die sinker and model maker in the celebrated Remington armory at Ilion, Herkimer county, New York, remaining there until the month of May, 1864, and acquiring a most discriminating knowledge in regard to the manufacture of fire-arms. This knowledge stood him well in hand for the preferment to which he was forthwith called, that of United States Inspector of Small Arms, under W. A. Thornton, of the Ordnance Department, and was ordered to Colt's armory in Hartford, Connecticut. Subsequently he was concerned with other establishments of like order in various cities of the Union. In December, 1865, he went to the Ceresian Cutter Works at Syracuse, NeW York, and three years later removed to Auburn, same State, where he had the superintendency of the extensive works of Hayden & Litchworth's manufactory of saddlery hardware. In 1879, Mr. Possons responded to overtures made by the Telegraph Supply Company, of Cleveland, and coming to this city was placed in charge of their business, which was subsequently changed to the Brush Electric Company. This place he retained until October, 1890, when he resigned to accept a similar preferment with the Belding Motor Company, of Chicago. Returning to Cleveland in 1891, he effected the organization of the Universal Electric Company, of which corporation he was made president and general manager. This concern is one of unmistakable importance considered in connection with the industrial activities of the Forest City, and with its chief executive a man of so pronounced ability in the line of his profession and with so thorough a knowledge of practical methods and details, it is evident that the enterprise will widen its scope of operations to the utmost limits, gaining a prestige secondary to no similar undertaking in the Union. Mr. Possons is both a mechanical and electrical engineer, and he has invented and patented several Unique machines for the facile and speedy execution of work in the lines noted. Politically, Mr. Possons gives his sympathy and support to the Republican party, taking a consistent interest in the issues of the day. In his fraternal relations he is prominently identified with the Masonic order, having been advanced to the thirty-second degree, and filled many of the chairs of this order. In 1872 Mr. Possons was united in marriage with Miss Martha Adla Connor, a daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Steele) Connor, residents of Auburn, New York. Mr. Connor was a CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 663 participant in the late war, as a private in the Seventy-fifth New York Volunteer Infantry, and was under General Sheridan in the valley. He died from disease contracted while in the United States service. His wife, nee Matilda Steele, was a noble woman of North Ireland, and her people were prominent in the affairs of the Irish government. They were true disciples of " William of Orange," and one of her brothers, Newman Steele, was stoned to death by the Catholics! She was an expert equestrienne, the envy of her sex in riding after the hounds. She died in Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of fifty-five years, in 1882. She and her husband came to America after their marriage, in 1846, and brought up a large family of children,—four daughters and seven sons. Mr. N. S. Possons and wife have adopted three children, namely: Albert W. Connor, the younger brother of Mrs. Possons, an expert MAchinist, having learned his trade under Mr. Possons; Maude Blanche and Hamilton Van Valkenburg, brother and sister, are children of a deceased sister and brother-in-law of Mrs. Possons, namely: Charles E. and Matilda (Connor) Van Valkenburg. Mr. Possons is a zealous member and supporter of the Presbyterian Church, with which organization Mrs. Pomona is also connected, being prominent in the work of the church and the Dorcas Society. GEORGE PRESLEY.-As the American ( nation has shown itself pre-eminently capable of carrying forward enterprises of magnificent scope and gigantic import, so is it a matter of more than cursory interest and value to trace these great specific undertakings back to their inception, to note the influence which they have exerted in the upbuilding of populous communities, to canvass the personnel of those who have lent impetus to the work, and to learn lessons both by inductive and deductive methods. The city of Cleveland, into whose port enter with stately grace the white-winged argosies of the great lake system, together with all manner of improved modern craft that ply the blue waters of these inland seas, has had from its earliest history a most intimate connection with maritime interests and, indeed, along this line has been the most distinctive march of improvement,—no other one factor having entered more conspicuously into the very warp and woof of her industrial and commercial fabric, whose texture is such as to have insured to the beautiful Forest City honor, prestige and renown. Prominent among those honored citizen who have been for many years identified with the ship-building industries of the city is he whose name initiates this review. Success in the average case bears testimony not alone of subjective ability and business acumen but also bespeaks the fact that honorable and upright methods have been brought to bear in the attaining of such precedence. Mr. Presley has been a resident of Cleveland for a full half of a century, has been active and enterprising and has gained a full measure of success. It can not be less interesting than profitable to trace briefly, as only we are permitted in the premises those points which have a personal bearing and and which incidentally mark the progress of these many years of identification with the business activities of the city. In such instances as the one at hand,—the touching upon the salient features in the life of an honored pioneer,—does eontempory biography exercise its maxi mum and most important function. As the name implies, the Presley family traces its origin back to Scotland, while our subject's maternal genealogy is of pure English strain. At Cornwall, Lower Canada, February 22, 1820, a son was born to John and Almira (Raymond) Presley, and to him was given the baptismal name of George. When this son, our subject, was yet but a child, his parents removed from Canada to Jefferson county, New York, where the father was engaged in farming operations, being a man of marked intelligence and 664 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. sturdy integrity. Under the parental roof and amid the quiet pastoral scenes George remained until he attained his eighteenth year, when he determined to give his time and attention to work aside from the monotonous and routine duties of the farm. Thus, at the age of eighteen years, in the meanwhile having secured a fair common-school education, he left his home and going to Clayton, Jefferson county, engaged with George S. Wicks to learn the trade of shipbuilding. He completed his trade with John Oades, in 1843, and within the same year removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he has since remained. His parents subsequently removed to this city and here passed the residue of their lives. Upon his. arrival in Cleveland Mr. Presley found employment with Sanford & Moses, prominent shipbuilders at that time. He subsequently engaged in similar work for Washington Jones and still later entered the employ of S. & A. Turner. In 1846 he first began individual operations in contracting for and building vessels, having entered into partnership with Ira Laffrienier and William Stevenson. Two years later he became associated with others in the same business, a new firm being organized and having been maintained until 1850, when a dissolution occurred and the firm of Stevens & Presley was organized, the members being Harvey Stevens and George Presley. This copartnership continued until 1878--more than a quarter of a century—when it was dissolved and the firm of Presley & Company formed. This organization was discontinued in 1887, being merged into the Cleveland Dry Dock Company, which represented the interests of Mr. Presley and the Globe Iron Works Company. The company was duly incorporated and Mr. Presley's stock representation was for one half of the full amount subscribed. Be was elected president of the company and held this position for some seven months, when be disposed of his interest in the enterprise and retired from active business. After this time, however, he came forward in the capacity to which he had devoted so many years of his life and superintended the construction of the steamers H. J. Johnson and George Presley. In 1850 Stevenson & Presley' built the first horse-power railway for hauling out vessels. In 1856 they abandoned that and built a new and larger steam railway, and in 1870–'71 they built the first dry dock, which they owned until it passed into the hands of Presley & Company, then into the hands of the Cleveland Dry Dock Company. Mr. Presley has seen more than fifty years of active service in shipbuilding, and out from this intensively practical, busy and useful life he has retired to enjoy that repose which is so richly merited. Notwithstanding the fact that he is now (1894) seventy-four years of age, he bears his years lightly, is vigorous in mind and body and is hale and hearty. Within his long business career he has been associated with many prominent and well known shipbuilders, but he has outlived all his early associates in business and has noted the remarkable advances made in the art of navigation and the volume of business transacted in the line with whose interests he has so closely been identified and to whose progress he has contributed no inconspicuous quota. Mr. Presley has built and floated upward of fifty vessels—an average of at least one a year for all the years during which he has been connected with the industry. Prominent among the boats which he has put into operation may be named the following: H. N. Gates, Gipsey, Alpha, the brig Isabella, the propeller Niagara, Prairie State, Maine, Boston, New York, Smith-more, Republic, Continental, Colonial, Magnetic, Specular, Horace A. Tuttle, H. J. Johnson, and the George Presley. The vessel last noted is the largest of them all and probably the finest in every detail of construction, being thoroughly modern in all its equipments and standing as a model in its line. The boat was named in honor of its builder. Throughout his long and diversified career Mr. Presley has ever been alert, active, discerning: that success should have attended his efforts was but in CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 665 normal sequence and a result legitimate and consistent. It is but congruous that especial attention be here directed to the one line in which his efforts have proved of great value and have called forth a distinctive appreciation of his ability. This is in the matter of his effectual work in relieving stranded vessels. He had devoted much time and study to the practical and approved methods of affording succor in such cases and his services were ever in demand. Indeed, it had almost passed into an axiom among sailors and vessel owners that " where Presley could not furnish relief and do it quickly, no one could." When our subject arrived in Cleveland his capitalistic resources aggregated only three dollars, but by close application to business, by correct methods and by unmistakable ability he has won for himself a competency which has given him a high standing in the business community. He is the owner of stock in several vessels and has important real-estate interests in Cleveland. In his political proclivities Mr. Presley was in early life a Republican, but during later years he has been identified with the Prohibition party, having the true courage of his convictions and standing ever ready to array himself in the support of the principles which he holds to be right and for the good of his fellowmen. From the very character of the man it is readily Understood that he would never have figured as an aspirant for public office. He has not had taste or inclination for a political career, and even had other conditions prevailed, he has found that his intensively active business life has maintained insuperable demands upon his time and attention. Incidentally, and as marking his active interest in the welfare of the city which has so long been his home, it may be mentioned that he has several times served as a member of the City Council. In his fraternal affiliations he is prominent as a member of the F. & A. M., being a Knight Templar. He is also identified with the I. O. O. F. Passing to that portion of a man's life history that ever has a marked influence upon his happiness and his success, we note that Mr. Presley has been married twice. He has four children, living, by the second wife: Maria, wife of Barnabas Eldridge, of Belvidere, Illinois, a manufacturer of sewing machines for the National Sewing Company; George Presley, Jr., who is engaged in the mercantile business in Cleveland; Charles H. Presley conducts an important insurance agency in Cleveland; Lewis B. Presley married and is now a resident of Columbus, Ohio, where he is engaged in business. In February, 1883, Mr. and Mrs. Presley were called upon to mourn the untimely death of a son, Edwin Forest Presley, a most promising young man, who died in the twenty-seventh year of his age. Our subject and his wife have long been active and devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the former having been identified with the organization for more than a half century and having contributed liberally and ungrudgingly to its support. The record of such a life as this must be read not alone from the mere words that appear in the context, hut, between the lines and awaiting only for the penetration of the true student and earnest seeker for the basic elements of success and honored name, lie the lesson and the revelation whose recognition can not fail to yield a full harvest of goodly results. FRANKLIN H. RUPLE, a prominent citizen and business man of Collinwood, is the proprietor of a livery and board stable, and is also a coal dealer. He is a native of this place and has been identified with it all his life. Briefly, a sketch of him is as follows: Franklin H. Ruple was born in Collinwood, Ohio, May 19, 1848, son of Dr. Cyrus and Julia (Hitchcock) Ruple, both natives of Ohio, his father having been born in Collinwood in 666 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. 1806. Dr. Ruple was well known throughout this part of the State as a skilled physician and surgeon, and had an extensive practice here. His early advantages were not such as are afforded medical students to-day, but he improved his every opportunity and rendered most efficient service in time of need. He was a man in whom the people reposed great confidence, not only as a physician but also as a business man, and he was their choice for various local offices, the duties of which he performed with the strictest fidelity. He was a member of the Collamer Congregational Church, and for years held an office in the same. Politically, be was an Abolitionist of the Joshua Giddings type, and was connected with the famous "Underground Railway." Later he was an ardent Republican. His death occurred in March, 1874, at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife died April 14, 1883, at the age of sixty-seven years. She was for many years a member of the Congregational Church, was a woman of many Christian graces, and was well known far and near for her deeds of kindness. They had a family of eleven children, Frank H. being the eighth born and one of the six who are still living. Most of them are in Cuyahoga county. As above stated, the subject of our sketch has been identified with Collinwood all his life. His education was received in the common and high schools. His first occupation was farming, at which he was engaged four years. Then he ran an express wagon between Collinwood and the city for seven years, five years before he started the livery and two years afterward. Since March 20, 1883, he has been engaged in his present business. In the meantime, for four years, he kept the Central Hotel in Collin-wood. His livery business is one of the thriving enterprises of the town. He keeps sixteen head of horses and a number and variety of vehicles, all of which are in demand,.as his characteristic push and energy has brought his business to the front and secured a large patronage. He served the town as Marshal and Deputy Marshal for three years, and by his personal service, his influence and his means he has done much to advance the interests of the place. Mr. Ruple was married February 12, 1872, to Miss Mary Seaber, daughter of John Seaber,, late of this county. Mr. Seaber and his family were natives of England, from whence they emigrated to this county when Mrs. Ruple was one year old. He and his .wife are deceased. Mrs. Ruple has one brother, Alfred N., a resident of Kirksville, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Ruple have three children living: Lillian May, Edith Maud and Ethel Grace; and two deceased: Nellie Julia, who died at the age of seven years, and Arthur Clyde, at the age of four months. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church at Collinwood. In politics he is a Prohibitionist; fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias. JOHN MEYER, a retired farmer residing at No. 1327 Pearl street, Cleveland, Ohio, has long been identified with this place, and it is fitting that some personal mention be made of him in connection with other representative men of the county. Briefly, a sketch of his life is herewith presented: John Meyer was born on a farm, which is now covered by a portion of Cleveland, May 19, 1838, his parents being Nicholas and Dorotha (Gepbart) Meyer, both natives of Germany. Nicholas Meyer, a carpenter by trade, came to Cleveland about 1833, and here was for many years engaged in contracting and building. It was here that he was married to Miss Gephart, and they established their home on Canal street, where the Point Works are now located. Both were well known and highly respected. They were devoted members of the Zion's United Evangelical Church. He died May 23, 1884, aged seventy-five years; she April 9, 1890, aged seventy-three. They had a family of twelve children, six of whom are still living, all in or CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 667 near Cleveland. John was the second born in this family and is the oldest one now living; Christian, a carpenter by trade; Nicholas, who is engaged in farming; Charles, a dealer in coal, flour and feed; George, a farmer; and Caroline, wife of Theodore Lampus, a cigar manufacturer. With the exception of the past three years, the subject of our sketch has spent his whole life in agricultural pursuits. He has plowed, sowed and harvested where a large part of the South Side now stands. He was for some time a resident of Brooklyn township, and while there served several terms as Trustee. During the war he served for sixty days on guard duty, guarding Rebel prisoners on Johnson Island, he having enlisted August 15, 1863. Mr. Meyer was married November 8, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Gruebele, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Gruebele. Her parents came to America from Germany, their native land, when she was six years old, and landed in Cleveland July 12, 1847. She was born September 13, 1841. Her father was born in 1813, and departed this life April 15, 1882; her mother, born in 1809, passed away November 9, 1886. They were devoted Christian people, and were much esteemed by all who knew them. Mrs. Meyer is one of a family of twelve children, three of whom are living. Her sister Mary, widow of Frederick Koeber, resides in Cleveland, and her brother Lewis lives in Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have had a family of fourteen children, record of whom is as follows:. Charles, a carpenter of Cleveland, married Miss Carrie Klein and has two children, Rubie and Delbert; Henry (twin of Charles) was accidentally killed while repairing a car in the car shops in Canton, Ohio; John is a conductor on the motor car line; Carrie, wife of Robert Merker, Cleveland, has one child, Lillian; Katie, wife of Charles Renz, a grocer of Cleveland, has three children, Erma, Helen and an infant; George, who married Minnie Fay and resides in Cleveland, has one child, Roy; Louis, a conductor on the motor cars; Edward, employed as a clerk in Cleveland; Anna Dorotha, who died at the age of twenty months; Jessie, a bookkeeper; Gussie, attending school; Alice and Albert, twins; and Maud. Mr. Meyer has been a life-long Republican, but has given little attention to political matters. In concluding this sketch, we further state that Meyer street in Cleveland was named in honor of the family to which our subject belongs. DAVID E. McLEAN, President of the Pearl Street Savings & Loan Company, and also of the Herrman-McLean Company, both of Cleveland, is a native of this city. Mr. McLean was born December 25, 1855, son of Alexander and Ann (James) McLean, the former a native of England and the latter of New York State. Alexander McLean came to Cleveland in 1836, then a young man of twenty years, and here he was married, passed life, and died, his death occurring in 1876. He was a man of sterling integrity, and by his honorable and upright life won the respect and esteem of all who knew him. His business was that of a mason and contractor. He built and owned the Young American Block. For several terms he was a member of the City Council, it was largely through his instrumentality that the West Side market house was placed where it now stands. Mrs. McLean departed. this life October 23, 1870, at the age of forty-two years. She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church. David E. is the youngest in their family of three children. His sisters, Elizabeth and Mary, are both residents of Cleveland: the former is the wife of Henry Campbell, and the latter of William Kenney. The subject of our sketch received his education in the public schools of Cleveland and in the Spencerian and Bryant & Stratton colleges. His business career was begun as a clerk in a grocery store. By close attention to whatever he undertook, and by honorable business methods he has risen to a position of promin- 668 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. ence among the leading business men and financiers of the city. He owns a grocery, flour and feed store and an elevator and warehouse on Pearl street, at Nickel-Plate Crossing, a grocery on Lorain near Market street, and a flour and feed store opposite on Market street. He is also largely interested in banking, being a stockholder in the West Side and Forest City Banks, and being president of the Pearl Street Savings & Loan Company. He was an officer in the Board of Trade, and since that organization has been merged into the Chamber of Commerce, he still retains his membership in it. He also has an interest in the Greif Brothers Cooperage Company. Mr. McLean was married in 1880, on May 10, to Miss Ernstein Teufel, daughter of John Teufel, then of Chicago, now of Cleveland. He was for many years a pork-packer and shipper, but is now retired. Mr. and Mrs. McLean have two children,—John Christian and Annie. Both he and his wife are members of All Saints' Episcopal Church. Mr. McLean is a liberal and public-spirited man. He has ever encouraged by his influence and financial aid, all enterprises for the best interests of the community, and is recognized by all as a man of worth, strict integrity and good business sagacity. CHARLES FAYETTE OLNEY, of Cleveland, Ohio, is a man whose broad education, extensive travel, love of music and art, progressive spirit and well-rounded character have made him a citizen of rare usefulness. LIFE TO HIM IS A SACRED TRUST. The English Doomsday Book recognizes his noble English descent, and the Olney coat of arms, though deemed un-American, is exceptionally beautiful. Like most New England sons, Professor Olney takes a just pride in his ancestry and his birthplace. Thomas Olney, his first American ancestor, emigrated from Hertfordshire, Eng land, in the year 1633 and settled on a grant of land comprising forty acres in Salem, Massachusetts. He was at once elected one of the leading officers of the colony; but, becoming a convert to the peculiar views of Roger Williams, a Baptist, he soon gave up all his Salem privileges, traversed the wilderness with Williams and founded Providence in the State of Rhode Island. Thomas Olney was thus one of the original thirteen proprietors of Providence, and by turn held the offices of Treasurer, Assistant Governor, Commissioner and Grantee under the new royal charter given to the colony by Charles II in 1662. His children intermarried with the children of Roger Williams, and their children intermarried for generations. All had large families, and the Olneys and Williamses might be said to have almost peopled the State of Rhode Island. The Olneys were energetic, self-respecting and a little austere, while their courage and their virtues made them not only popular civil servants, but also, when Revolutionary times came, admirable soldiers and officers. Love of country was ever dominant. That one of them possessed a vein of grim humor may be" inferred from his remark after the battle of Rhode Island, where he had distinguished himself by signal bravery, that he "had been picking cherries,"—i. e., killing Red Coats. Captain Stephen Olney was chosen for his- coolness and courage to lead the advance column at the battle of Yorktown. Old pictures represent him as the first man on the rampart, vigorously waving the flag to encourage his followers. A close friendship existed between him and Lafayette, and on the second visit of the French Marquis to America, while on a tour through the principal cities, as he entered Providence his eyes searched the crowd to discover if possible his old friend. At once singling him out, he rushed toward and warmly embraced him. Captain Joseph Olney was a distinguished commander in the naval service, while his brother Jeremiah held a Colonelcy under General Washington, by whom he was greatly esteemed. CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 609 Jesse Olney, the father of the subject of this sketch, was himself the son of a Revolutionary officer, and his long, useful and brilliant career is well known throughout the United States from the wide success of his school-books,— Olney's Geography and Atlas, the National Preceptor, etc.,—and his scientific attainments. Besides being a popular author, he was an eminently successful teacher, and in political life was rewarded with most of the highest honors in his State. H is wife, nee Elizabeth Barnes, descended from an unbroken line of Puritan ancestors. They were married in 1829, in Hartford, and there Charles F., their eldest son, was born, August 27, 1831. A little later the family removed to Southington, a hill-engirdled Connecticut village lying midway between Hartford and New Haven. In that picturesque, New England town Charles grew to manhood and received his education. Almost from his infancy he showed rare genius as a musician, and at a very early age became proficient upon several instruments, ;his acquirements being no mere matter of training and technique, but the result of a natural and almost instinctive gift. His father's interest in politics, science and religion brought within the Olney circle of friends most of the leading politicians and divines of the day, among them many Harvard and Yale graduates, who infused into the quiet, rural town the stimulus of fresh ideas and the resources of a comprehensive culture. Such influences at an age when character and temperament take impressions like wax doubtless helped to kindle and foster tastes which gave bent to the after life of young Olney. After preparing for Yale, Charles to his great surprise was offered the principalship of the school in his home district, and owing to the urgent request of his father he relinquished the cherished idea of a college life and became the teacher, at the age of seventeen, of the boys and girls of his neighborhood. This enabled him to live at home and enjoy the companionship of his honored father, a privilege for which he has ever been truly grateful. No doubt hereditary instinct had much to do with his eminent success as a teacher. His zeal, tact, and above all his gift for controlling, rendered this a most fortunate choice of a profession. In his career in Stratford, Connecticut, where he established a high school, and subsequently in New York city, where for nearly thirty years he was connected with the cause of popular education, he invariably exhibited those sterling traits which marked him for leadership. He was one of the founders of the New York Teachers' Association, the largest association of teachers in the world, and for fifteen years he was the head of its executive committee and foremost in every good work. In April, 1861, Professor Olney married Louisa, only daughter of Jameson D. Brown, Esquire, of New York. Her death, in 1878, left him childless and alone. This loss, and the loneliness it entailed, helped to fix and intensify the artistic tastes which had always characterized him, but which now became a refuge as well as a passion. He became interested in forming a collection of works of art and objects de vertu. The thousands of interesting and beautiful things he has collected from far and near,—curios, rare pictures, sculptures, bronzes, ivory carvings, etc., etc., many the results of happy pilgrimages—form one of the most notable collections in the country. In 1887, he married Mrs. Abbie Bradley Lamson, of Cleveland, a friend of his boyhood, and has since resided in this city, their elegant home being located on Jennings avenue. To better accommodate his art collection he has recently erected a beautiful Grecian art temple as an annex to his home, which was dedicated as the Olney Art Gallery in December, 1893. The Professor and his wife are characterized alike by warm, humanitarian sympathies, earnest zeal for the public welfare, and ardent philanthropic spirit. Not a few of the colleges, schools, religious societies and other organizations of Cleveland and other cities have been and are glad recipients of their bounty. Indeed, 670 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. too much cannot be said of their generosity toward all worthy causes, and their hospitality is unbounded. Professor Olney wields a fluent pen and is a contributor to various publications. Although not a professional lecturer, he is a most interesting speaker, and, anxious to stimulate thought and willing to tell of his many journeys, he frequently addresses schools and societies upon scientific themes and his travels. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the National Geographical Society, the Sociological Council, the Sons of the Revolution, etc.; and is deeply interested in floriculture and forestry. In short, it would be difficult to find a more useful, genial and entertaining gentleman than Prof. Charles F. Olney. O. M. BURKE, one of the prominent, worthy and respected business men of Cleveland, Ohio, is president of the Lake Shore Foundry, located on Alabama street; is a stockholder in a number of the banks of the city, and is vice-president of the Dime Savings & Banking Company. Without further introduction—indeed, Mr. Burke needs no introduction whatever, so well known is he in Cleveland—we proceed ' to give a biography of him; for without more than a passing notice of him and the industry with which he is connected, a history of this city would be incomplete. O. M. Burke was born in Newburg township, on his father's old farm which now forms a part of the twenty-seventh ward of Cleveland, March 14, 1823. His parents were Gaius and Sophia (Taylor) Burke. His father was a native of Massachusetts, was a farmer by occupation, and was for many years Treasurer of Cuyahoga county, where he was well known and highly esteemed. He died in 1865, aged seventy-four years. His good wife died June 27, 1859, aged sixty-five. She was a true Christian woman and was beloved by all who knew her. Our subject was the second born in their family of six children, three sons and three daughters. Only two of that number are now living, 0. M. and Helen, the latter being the wife of I. C. Webster, of Kansas. Mr. Burke received a common-school education only. The first money he made was by school-teaching, receiving $12 a month and " boarding around." In 1847 he went to Illinois, and engaged in farming and teaching there until 1855. Since 1855 he has been a resident of Cleveland. In 1874 he became connected with the foundry, and has been interested in it ever since, he and his brother, Augustus M. and Judge Burke and others being its founders. Its name has not been changed during all these twenty years, and its business has been largely increased. At this writing the Lake Shore Foundry employs between 400 and 500 men, and is regarded as one of the most useful industries in the city. It is officered as follows: 0. M. Burke, president and treasurer; C. E. Burke, vice-president and superintendent; George B. Thomas, secretary; and A. J. Goodhue, sales agent. The subject of our sketch was married in 1847 to Miss Martha C. Meech, a native of Connecticut, and they have a family, a record of which is as follows: Clarence E., vice-president and superintendent of the Lake Shore Foundry, has, like his father, been connected with this enterprise since it was founded. He married Maria, daughter of Col. W. H. Hayward, of Cleveland, and their only child is Jessie. Lizzie, wife of W. G. Alcott, has one child,—Clarence Frank Alcott. Mr. Alcott is connected with the Diamond-Portland Cement Company, near Canton, Ohio. Frank G., a resident of New York city, is engaged in the manufacture of " Manhattan Soap." He married Joanna Arington and has four children,—Martha A., Oscar, Lucie and Frank. Mrs. O. M. Burke's parents were Gurdon Meech and Lucy nee Swan, natives of Connecticut. Her birth occurred in Bozrah, Connec- CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 671 ticut, September 11, 1824, and in 1832 the family removed to Ohio and settled in Newburg, where her father was engaged in farming up to the time of his death. Both her parents reached an advanced age, her father being eighty-seven and her mother eighty-five at the time of death. Mrs. Meech was small of stature, but was one of the noblest of women and possessed that breadth of character which enabled her to befriend the distressed and needy, on the principle that " it is more blessed to give than to receive." She reared to mature years nine children of her own, besides bringing up nine others. One winter she sent eighteen children to the district school. Of her nine children, Mrs. Juliett Morgan, widow of Irham Morgan, of Newburg, and Mrs. O. M. Burke, are the only ones now living. Mr. Burke moved into the beautiful and commodious residence he now occupies, October 23, 1866, and may be considered one of the pioneers in this part of the city as at that time there was only one house on the east side of his. This is now one of the most beautiful and densely populated portions of Cleveland. Politically, Mr. Burke is an ardent Republican; fraternally, a member of Iris Lodge, F. & A. M. Mrs. Burke is a member of the Third Presbyterian Church. JOHN MUSTOE, a prosperous farmer of Strongsville township, was born in Wiltshire, England, February 11, 1832, and emigrated to America in 1856. For the first seven years here he was employed by J. H. Hussey in the copperas works in Cleveland. Next, for a year and a half, he was employed in oil works in Pennsylvania, and then settled on a farm in Newburg township, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, but four years afterward removed to Strongsville, locating upon the farm where he now resides. He owns 196 acres, on which are good buildings and all other improvements highly creditable to the judgment and painstaking of a careful man. In public relations he has been a School Director. He was first married in England, to Miss Caroline Townsend, a native of Wiltshire, and they had five children, all of whom died young! and Mrs. Caroline Mustoe died in this county, January 1, 1860. July 3, 1862, in Cleveland, Mr. Mustoe married Mary C. Kinch, who was born in Leicestershire, England, January 24, 1835. SOLOMON PEASE, a prosperous and substantial farmer of Rocky River Hamlet, Cuyahoga county, is a native of the same place where he now resides, the date of his birth being November 18, 1846. At that time Rocky River Hamlet bore the name of Rockport township. The parents of our subject, Solomon and Mary E. (Rodgers) Pease, were pioneer settlers in Rockport township, having located there in 1826 or 1827. Both were natives of beautiful old Chautauqua county, New York, where the father was born in the year 1803. They emigrated to Ohio at the time just noted and settled in that portion of Cuyahoga county where their son now lives, residing there until the time of their death. The father died November 14, 1846, and the mother surviving him many years, her death occurring August 24, 1888, at which time she had attained the age of seventy-nine years. Of their five children we make brief record as follows: Dorothy, who became the wife of Frederick Wright, died in Rocky River Hamlet, in October, 1891; Calvin is a retired merchant of Dover Center, Cuyahoga county; Gideon is a resident of Rocky River Hamlet, where he is engaged in farming; James is an undertaker of Dover Center; and Solomon the youngest, is the immediate subject of this review. In the place of his nativity our subject was reared and here he has ever since continued to reside, being engaged in general agricultural pursuits and being honored and esteemed in the community that has known him from his youth up. 672 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. Attaining to years of maturity and having placed himself in a position of independence, Mr. Pease found yet one essential element of happiness lacking. This was supplied, on the 22d of January, 1871, when he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Dunlap, who was born in Wisconsin in July, 1851, a daughter of Alexander Dunlap. Her marriage to Mr. Pease was consummated in Rocky River Runlet. In the happy family circle there are now five children, namely: Arthur, Howard, Edward, Elva and Zella. Mr. Pease has found that his farming operations demanded his entire attention and he has had neither time nor inclination for anything in the line of public office, though he maintains a consistent interest in the political issues of the day and in the public affairs of a local order. He has a fine farm of ninety-one acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved. The family homestead i,, a spacious domicile of modern style of architectture and is one of the handsomest residence in this section of the State. REV. PETER BECKER.—While to all thinking minds there must ever come a recognition and appreciation of the leading part religion has taken in advancing civilization and conserving the higher interests of the human race, yet not to all comes an equal understanding of the burdens borne, the trials endured, the anxious responsibility maintained and the self-abnegation practiced by those who give their lives to the Master's cause, merging their very identity into the holy work which none should approach save with clean hands and pure heart. Sacrifices there must be; ianbition in a worldly sense must be forsworn and in all the work of preparation and execution there must be a devotion in all singleness, of spirit to the uplifting of fellow-men into the brighter refulgence of the higher light, the light perpetual, zealous in all good works and fit to be known as a follower of the one great Shepherd of all, it is most consonant that Father Becker, Rector of Holy Trinity parish, should be accorded an honored position in a work whose aim is to leave a permanent memorial of those individuals who have lived and labored in this particular section of the Union. Peter Becker was born in Alsace, France, (now Germany), November 25, 1834, his parents, John and Catherine (Kraus) Becker having also been natives of France. The father was variously engaged at farming and carpentry during his lifetime. He served as a soldier under Napoleon First and participated in the memorable battle of Waterloo, having been a private ib the cavalry service. He was never wounded, but did not escape his quota of the hardships of war. He had his feet frozen and was sent to the hospital, undergoing much pain and suffering. John Becker came to Dover township, Cuyahoga county, in 1843, arriving there on the fourth day of August and at once settling on a farm. After leaving his native land he arrived in due time at the port of New York. From the national metropolis he proceeded on a towboat to Albany, thence to Buffalo on a canal boat, completing the journey to Cleveland on the steamer Chicago. In 1855 he removed from Dover township to Sandusky county and took up his residence on a farm of 240 acres. In his farming operations he was very successful, bringing to bear much executive ability and looking carefully to all details of operation, thus not only insuring success but also deserving it. He died about the year 1876 at the age of eighty-four years, his wife having entered into eternal rest in 1855 at the age of fifty-nine years. Both parents were lifelong members of the Roman Catholic Church, and were honored and esteemed in the community which had been their abiding place. Mrs. John Becker was a good mother and a most earnest and devout Christian woman. Her influence for good among those who knew her was most marked and will long abide. CUYAHOGA COUNTY - 673 The subject of this sketch was the sixth in a family of ten children, seven of whom are still living. His early years were passed on a farm, his childhood being spent in Alsace and his youth in Cuyahoga county, Cleveland having been his home for many years past. His early educational advantages were very meagre. Until he had attained the age of twenty-four years his scholastic training had been confined to two months' instruction during each winter season, when he .was under the tutorship of old sailors. In 1858 he became a pupil in St. Mary's Seminary, in Cleveland, where he remained for a period of nine years. He has ever since been an enthusiastic and indefatigable student, though not to the extent of rendering him in the least visionary or impractical, for he is recognized as a man of marked business sagacity. Father Becker was ordained a priest November 16, 1867. His first charge was from Toledo to Edgerton, on the Indiana line,—a work of seven missions, among French, Irish, Poles, Swedes and other nationalities. He was engaged in this mission work for a period of sixteen months and was then sent to Youngstown to start a new congregation. He began with twenty-five families, and when he left the charge one year and a half later the representation was sixty-four families. From this nucleus grew St. Joseph's Church, which is the finest one in the city of Youngstown, the priest in charge being Father John Klute, a veteran in the work and a most worthy man. September 18, 1870, after leaving Youngstown, Father Becker removed to Maumee City, in Lucas county, where he served for nearly nine years, coming to his present charge May 15, 1879. He began his present work in 1880, with a representation of 100 families. Through his earnest and zealous efforts the list has now reached 400 families. At the beginning of his work in the parish the church had nothing in the way of buildings. He canvassed the situation thoroughly and set himself a task which many a less indomitable man would have pronounced impossible of performance. He commenced without the first penny, effected the purchase of the lots on Woodland avenue for a consideration of $16,000, and at once instituted the work of erecting a suitable building for the parochial school. The church edifice was also brought to completion in due time. The school opened with two teachers and at the present time the services of five are demanded, the same being Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary. Father Becker still retains his first teacher, Margaret Bonagh, while others have remair ed long in the service. He has been particularly favored in the retention of the old 'and thoroughly proved instructors. Aside from the school already mentioned Father Becker maintains another school in temporary quarters, and in this also good work is being done. The church edifice is a commodious frame structure, which in time will be replaced by a more permanent and imposing building. The baptisms have reached an average of eighty-six per year; in 1893 the marriages were twenty-four in number and the deaths forty-one. The church has a chime of eight bells, a fine organ, and is otherwise well equipped in the matter of accessories. Father Becker is an indefatigable worker, a man of broad intellectuality and grateful human sympathy, and one of the tnost earnest soldiers of the church militant. He has done well his part in whatever field of usefulness he has been called, and both as a priest and a man has ever been held in the highest esteem by his parishioners. The fruits of his labors and the influence of his personal example will long abide as a valued heritage to those to whom he has ministered. JOSEPH H. SOMERS, a coal operator and wholesale dealer in coal, in Cleveland, was born in Nelsonville, Ohio, in 1843, a son of J. F. Somers, who also was a coal operator and shipper and one of the largest dealers in the country. His paternal ancestors were among 674 - CUYAHOGA COUNTY. the early settlers of Maine, and his maternal ancestors were people of prominence in thi3 settlement of New Jersey. He died in 1892, aged eighty-seven years. The paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Somers received a high-school education, and on leaving school became identified with his father in the coal business until 1868, in which year he went to Columbus, where he resided until 1883, when he came to Cleveland. Later his enterprise founded and built up the village of Somerdale, Ohio, on the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway. He also opened coal wines at Sherrodsville, this State, and from that time on he has been very largely interested in coal, both as an operator and dealer in Ohio and Pennsylvania, owning now three coal mines. He is a wholesale dealer only, and the great success that has followed his efforts evinces remarkable business ability and integrity, and has placed Mr. Somers among the foremost of enterprising business men. In June, 1861, he enlisted in the Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private in Company B, as one of the 75,000 men who enlisted under the first call for troops, and was discharged five months later. In 1862 he entered the United States Navy as master's mate of a vessel, and served in this capacity until 1864. He is a progressive citizen and manifests much interest in public issues, being a firm Republican in his political principles and taking a decided interest in public affairs. He is a man of honor and respectability, and in every sense of the term a self-made man. HON. JOSEPH H. BRECK, a highly respected citizen of Newburg, Ohio, and — at present a member of the State Legislature, was born in Brecksville, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, June 23, 1831. The Breck family in America trace their ancestry back to three brothers of that name who emigrated from England to Massachusetts in 1630. Rev. Joseph Hunt Breck, the father of our subject, was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, July 9, 1798; was reared and educated in his native State, and was a graduate of Yale College. As early as 1823 he came as a missionary to the Western Reserve. He traveled throughout Summit, Geauga, Ashtabula and Madison counties, preaching at various places and being the means of accomplishing a great amount of good. In 1830, on account of failing health, he returned to Massachusetts, and while there was united in marriage to Miss Alice A. Snow, a native of Northampton, their marriage occurring July 20, 1830. She was the daughter of Ralph Snow, a merchant of Northampton. After their marriage they returned to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and located at Brecksville, a town named in honor of his family. After two years more spent in the ministry, his health again failed and he removed to Cleveland and settled on the farm which is now owned and occupied by his son. That was in 1833. He continued farming up to the time of his death, June 21, 1880. Some time after the death of his first wife he married Diantha Chamberlin, who is also now deceased. In politics he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. Early in life he was a Mason. Joseph H. Breck is one of a family of two children, his sister having died in her fourth year. His birth occurred in a little log house at Brecksville, and much of his early life was spent in assisting his father on the farm to which, as above stated, they subsequently moved. He, however, had the benefit of as good educational advantages as the country afforded, his last schooling being at the Shaw Academy where he received instructions under Joseph B. Merriam. After lie left the academy he was for a while employed as bookkeeper for E. I. Baldwin. Most of his life, however, has been spent on the farm where he now resides, engaged largely in the dairy business, keeping from forty to fifty cows. His property has grown to be a very valuable one, and a portion of it is now laid out in town lots.