(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 250 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND 1851 he came to this city and was made cashier of what is now the National City Bank. Later, he turned his attention to life insurance. He remained in this line until he formed the Meriam & Morgan Paraffine Company, to which company he gave the best years of his business life, being treasurer and general manager for more than thirty years. For a few years prior to his death he was president of the Paragon Insulating Company, but his impaired health prevented his giving much attention to business. His business career, while prominent and useful, was not the side of his life in which he was best known and for which he will be longest remembered. He was preeminently a worker along church and religious lines. He was one of the organizers of the Young Men's Christian Association in 1857 and continued one of its most efficient and financial stays until his death. For forty-five years he was prominently identified with the Presbyterian church in Cleveland, and in general philanthropic movements and in Young Men's Christian Association work. He was president of the local Young Men's Christian Association for six terms, from 1861 to 1863 and from 1879 to 1883, and at other times was treasurer, director and trustee. The last office he had held continuously since 1883. In 1881, when he was president, the Euclid Avenue Young Men's Christian Association building was purchased, to which he contributed ten thousand dollars. It was while on his way to a conference of secretaries, trustees and directors of the Young Men's Christian `Association, at Toledo, that he was stricken down. Mr. Meriam was first a member of the Second Presbyterian church, then helped to organize the Euclid Avenue Presbyterian church and for sixteen years preceding his death attended the East Cleveland Presbyterian church. He was a member of the board of elders in each of the churches and frequently served on the board of trustees. He generally acted as clerk of these boards, and his well kept records attest the careful and neat way in which he did his work. He was very fond of his church work, finding in this a zest which was unusual. Only severe bodily ailment could keep him from a meeting. He always tried to contribute to the interest of the meeting and his contributions were enjoyable, partly from what he said, but very largely from the knowledge by others that there was a sincere, large-hearted man back of his utterances. He was religious without being austere. His pleasant, often playful, ways made him loved by all. It was hard for him to say a sharp or unkind word. As the head of a company employing large numbers of men, he was never known to discharge one in anger. There was as much of the milk of human kindness in J. B. Meriam as in any man who ever resided in Cleveland. His demise occurred on the 20th of February, 1901. He was suddenly taken ill while walking down the steps of the Union passenger station with Secretary S. L. Thomas of the Railroad Young Men's Christian Association, and was about to take the eleven o'clock train on the Lake Shore Railroad to Toledo, when he complained of a difficulty in breathing and sank to the ground. Bystanders aided in carrying him into the station. Dr. W. H. Kinnicutt, physical director of the Young Men's Christian Association, who was present, attended Mr. Meriam, but little could be done under the circumstances and he was taken to the Cleveland General Hospital, where he died soon afterward. In 1857, in Cleveland, Mr. Meriam was united in marriage to Miss Helen Morgan, daughter of Edmund P. and Laura (Nash) Morgan. She is a representative of one of the leading families of this city and a sketch of her father is given on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Meriam became the parents of five children, the record of whom is as follows. Laura is now the wife of J. W. Stewart, a well known attorney of Cleveland, and has the following children : Vance, Paul M., Virda, Gertrude, Orr, Nash and Josephine. Edmund B. first wedded Miss Cornelia. Day Younglove, by whom he had two children, Marie and Albert. For his second wife he chose Miss Elizabeth King and their union has been blessed with one child, Catharine. Helen L. Meriam is the next in order of birth. Alice is now the wife of Clay Herrick, HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 251 of Cleveland, by whom she has two sons, Wendell and Meriam Clay. Joseph W. Meriam, who is connected with the Garfield Savings Bank of Cleveland, wedded Miss Florence Wyley, of Sioux City, Iowa. They have one child, Elizabeth Wyley. EDGAR W. COLLINS. Cleveland is the home of some of the brightest men in the country, attracted to it by the opportunities it offers, or by their business interests. Among those who have made their influence felt in both the business world and literary circles is Edgar W. Collins, at present superintendent of No. 2 district, western division, of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company. He was born December 25, 1852, at Long Island, Ontario, Canada. His father, Walter Collins, also a native of Long Island, was born in October, 1820, and died in Cleveland in 1895, aged seventy-five years. He married Helen Blythe, who was born in Long Island, Ontario, in 1820, and there died in 1856. Of their children, William, the eldest, is deceased. Mary E. became the wife of Charles R. Stuart, of Cleveland, and their children were Dr. Charles C. Stuart ; Jennie, deceased ; Jessie ; and Ralph Stuart, deceased. Daniel Rufus Collins, the next of the family, has passed away. John F. Collins, living in Cleveland, is married and has two children, Maude E. and Trenton C. Edgar is the next of the family. Margaret J. became the wife of Edson Colsten and both are now deceased, but their four children, Helen, John, Mary and Walter, are all living. Anna M. is the wife of W. H. Shurmer, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and their children are Maude and Carl. Charles H. Collins was adopted by a family of the name of Currier and is now living in Whitman, Nebraska. Edgar W. Collins came to Cleveland in 1869 and was graduated from the Kentucky street school here. He became an operator of the Standard Oil United Pipes Lines and was with this concern from 1871 to 1876, while in the latter year he entered the employ of the Western Union and remained with this company as an operator until 1883. He then engaged with the American Rapid Telegraph Company as chief operator. This company was later merged into the Bankers & Merchants, and then all the united lines were taken over by the Postal Telegraph Company in September, 1885. Mr. Collins continued to be chief operator of the Postal Telegraph Company until 1897, when he was appointed local manager, holding this position until April, 1901, when he was appointed superintendent of the district comprising Ohio, Indiana and Ken- tucky, with headquarters at Cincinnati. There he continued until January 1 1902, when he was transferred to Cleveland, to become superintendent of No. 2 district, western division, and thus still continues. Mr. Collins was married in New York, June 17, 1886, to Anna G. Conway, a native of New York city, and a daughter of James and Mary Conway. Both were born in 1829 and the father died in 1869, while the mother's death occurred in 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have two daughters : Blythe, who graduated from the Bolton and Hathaway-Brown school, is living at home with her parents ; and Edith G., after being graduated from the Hathaway-Brown school, was a student for a year at Vassar, but on account of her father's serious illness, in 1907 and 1908, was forced to return home and is now a pupil in the college for women of Western Reserve University. For many years Mr. Collins has been a member of Red Cross Lodge, No. 89, K. P., in which he has passed all the chairs and is now past chancellor of the lodge. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce ; has been a member of the Colonial Club for a number of years ; and also belongs to the Old Time Telegraphers and Historical Association, and the Society of United States Military Telegraph Corps. 252 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND Mr. Collins has become prominent in literary work. Some years ago, when the late Joseph Christie, of New York, launched upon the fraternity a telegraph journal, he induced Mr. Collins to write what was called The Cleveland Chronicles, which were widely read and Mr. Christie proudly referred to them in his valedictory. Mr. Collins' character sketches, Pop Stovy, Tom Wheeler's Christmas Gift, Grandpa, Pard Podunk (a poem), and others appearing in telegraphic journals, have been widely copied and commented upon in flattering terms. He has also contributed freely to publications in his own city and is regarded as a writer of ability and strength. He has also published two songs of a pathetic type, which are favorites in many family circles. His literary work has never interfered with his business affairs, but rather stimulated him to further effort by relieving him of many worries and refreshing a mind burdened with cares and responsibilities. The name of Edgar W. Collins is widely known among men of his profession, for telegraphers feel that he knows and comprehends their needs, both as a fellow worker and transcriber of their views in attractive prose and poetry. JACOB LANDESMAN. Jacob Landesman, one of the foremost business men and manufacturers of his time in Cleveland, took a most prominent part in the development of an industry in which Cleveland has become a center—that of cloak manufacturing. Mr. Landesman was the founder and for years the head of probably the best known house in that line in this country—operating under the style of Landesman, Hirscheimer & Company. He was a native of Vienna, Austria, and when but a child of four years lost both his father and mother. Thrown upon his own resources, he began life's struggle alone and to have achieved the success he did surely entitles him to classification with the self-made men. Mr. Landesman came to America in 1876 and after attending the centennial exposition in Philadelphia made his way to Cleveland, where the following year he began the manufacture of cloaks, laying the foundation of an enterprise that brought him both fame and fortune. Like many of our largest business concerns, the firm of Landesman, Hirscheimer & Company had a modest beginning. It was the pioneer in a new field of industry and was not without its drawbacks, while various difficulties tested the courage and business acumen of the founder. Employing only the most honorable business methods and endeavoring to make a product that was the best, the success of the enterprise was soon assured. The business expanded and with the same keen insight displayed in its management Mr. Landesman surrounded himself with a capable corps of lieutenants, thus becoming relieved somewhat of the responsibility attending the management of detail. He was, however, remarkably familiar with every detail of the business and it was largely his watchfulness over minor points that contributed to the splendid success of the major projects which he instituted. The business was later incorporated as Landesman, Hirscheimer & Company, with Mr. Landesman as president—a relation he continued to bear until 1900, when failing health necessitated his giving up active business cares. However, his advice and counsel continued important factors in the success of the business. Mr. Landesman was twice married. His second wife was Miss Ida Rosenzweig, of Denver, Colorado, and unto them were born five children : Gazella, Geoffrey, Helen, Dorothy and Elsa, all of whom, with the mother, survive the husband and father. The latter years of Mr. Landesman's life were largely spent in recreation and pleasure as his health would permit. He traveled extensively both in this country and abroad but an undermined constitution finally had to give away and his HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 255 death occurred September To, 1905, when he was sixty-three years of age. In business circles few men of his day were held in such high esteem and the many expressions of sorrow and condolence that came from individuals and firms of long business relations at the time of his death were evidences of his high in- tegrity and business honor. One who had known him and dealt with him many years said : "He was the personification of all that was fair and honorable in business dealings." Few men are as mindful of the comforts and welfare of others as was Mr. Landesman. His kindness of heart and his genuine sympathy always caused him to think of others before himself. The city at large mourned his departure and especially is he missed in Jewish charitable circles, for he gave generously and freely in response to the needs of the hour. He was the president of the Mount Sinai Hospital, was one of the organizers of the Infants Orphan Asylum on East Fortieth street in Cleveland and was also one of the incorporators of the Federation of Jewish Charities. He was a valued member of the Chamber of Commerce and thus cooperated in substantial measure in the movements for the city's welfare and upbuilding. He was appreciative of good music and possessed a correct ear that enabled him to understand all the harmony that can be produced by voice or musical instrument. Fond of his home, a most kind husband and indulgent father, he put forth every effort in his power to promote the happi- ness of his wife and children and his greatest pleasure was obtained in their companionship. He rejoiced in his success because of what it enabled him to do for the members of his own household, as their welfare was ever his first consideration. While he displayed commendable characteristics in business circles of public life and in connection with his charitable activities, his best traits of character were ever reserved for his own home and fireside. JOSEPH L. FREE. Joseph L. Free, of German-Irish ancestry, was born March 7, 1873, in Craw- ford county, Pennsylvania. His parents were Joseph P. and Helena Free. The father, with the aid of his three sons, cleared and developed a new farm in the midst of the forest and the sons were all reared to the most rugged toil—such as is incident to clearing the land and cultivating hitherto undeveloped soil. Joseph L. Free always performed his full share of the labor of the home farm. His early education was acquired in the district school and he afterward attended the State Normal School at Clarion, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in the class of 1895. He afterward spent two years in college at Grove City, Pennsylvania, pursuing normal and classical studies with a special view to teaching. His experiences in youth were those common to a poor boy unable to have clothing and advantages such as were enjoyed by the sons of more well-to-do fathers, but he possessed a natural taste for learning and manifested such aptitude in his studies that he stood first in his classes, not only in the district school but also in the normal school and college. When he ceased to be a student he became a teacher, spending four years as school principal—two at Hydetown, Pennsylvania, and two at Springboro, that state. At the end of that time, however, he resolved to enter the commercial field and became engaged in a general mercantile and farmers' produce business in a country location. After three years he sold out and engaged in the real-estate business at Barberton, Ohio, entering the field as a buyer and seller. In the meantime he acquired holdings in the city of Cleveland and eventually located here about 1906. Under wise direction and through close application and watchfulness he has reached a prominent position in real-estate circles, being now secretary and treasurer of the Cleveland & Pittsburg Realty Company, secretary of the Phoenix Realty Company, secretary and treasurer of the Prospect Land Company, a director in The J. L. Free Land Company and president of the East 256 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND Ohio Land Company. These different organizations indicate something of the scope of his activities and the prominent position to which he has attained through his own efforts. In 1896, in Oil City, Pennsylvania, Mr. Free was married to Miss Enna E. Lamb, a former classmate at the Clarion State Normal School, both having been graduated there in 1895. Both Mr. and Mrs. Free have taken active and helpful part in church and Sunday school work, holding membership in the Parkwood Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. He is now district president of five counties, including Cuyahoga, in the Ohio Sunday School Association, is a member of the executive committee of the Cuyahoga County Sunday School Association and teacher-training superintendent in this work for the city and county. He is also dean of the Sunday School Teacher-Training Institute of Cleveland and his wife is primary superintendent in the Cuyahoga County Sunday School Association. They have three children : Helena, Lucile and James, aged twelve, ten and four years respectively. Mr. Free is also an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Woodward Lodge, F. & A. M., and Cleveland Chapter, R. A. M. He is likewise a member of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and of the Cleveland Real Estate Board, and through those agencies is taking active part in the city's material development and progress. In politics he has always been a republican and served as postmaster of Westford, Pennsylvania, during President McKinley's administration. In 1902 he was elected county auditor of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, but resigned after serving one year because of the demands of his business. He is not unknown as an entertaining after-dinner speaker and his alert and receptive mind is evidenced in the ready word, which is spoken as aptly and effectively in his Sunday school work, in social and fraternal relations as well as in the conduct of business affairs. HARRY DAVID JAMES. Harry David James, vice president and general manager of the Mollen-Thompson-James Company, and, therefore, one of the leading representatives of the wholesale trade of Cleveland, was born in this city May 12, 188o, his parents being Roger and Amelia (Hughes) James, the latter a daughter of William Hughes. Roger James, who was born in 1857 in the little rock-ribbed country of Wales, came to America in 1879, settling in Cleveland, where for many years he was engaged in the ice machine business. He likewise had charge of the installation of ice plants in various parts of the United States and also in South American countries, continuing an active factor in business life until his death in 1893. His widow is still living in Cleveland at the age of fifty years. Harry David James, entering the public schools at the usual age, passed through consecutive grades to become a pupil in the Central high school. Later he had the benefit of instruction in the Spencerian Business College and at the age of sixteen years he received his first practical business training as an office boy in the employ of A. J. Wenham's Sons. He there remained for twelve years, his ability and fidelity winning him successive promotions until his connection therewith covered services as bookkeeper, house salesman and traveling salesman. In 1907 he joined John C. Mollen and W. A. Thompson in organizing the Mollen-Thompson-James Company and embarked in the wholesale grocery business. At the time of the organization he was elected the vice president and general manager and has continued to devote his energies to administrative direction since that time. His previous experience in connection with commercial interests well qualified him for the duties which he assumed and his efforts have been a salient and potent force in the success of the company. HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 257 On the 17th of February, 1904, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Laura McWatters, a daughter of John C. and Florence (Russell) McWafters, of Cleveland, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. They now have three children: Florence Beatrice, Thomas Hershel and Russell Hayward. The family residence is at the Groveland Club on Lake Shore boulevard. Mr. James is prominent and popular as an Elk and Mason. He also holds membership in the Cleveland Commercial Travelers and the United Commercial Travelers. Politically he votes independently ; nor have the honors and emoluments of office ever had attraction for him. His religious belief is indicated in his membership in the Trinity Congregational church. He finds his chief recreation in fishing but is preeminently a business man, whose close application and adaptation have brought him a measure of success which has made his record such a one as many an older merchant or business man might well envy. JOSEPH COLWELL. The late Joseph Colwell, for a quarter of a century president of the National Commercial Bank and its predecessor, and a man highly esteemed by all who knew him, was born in the city of New York, January 10, 1844, and was descended from a family that has figured in the records of New England for more than two hundred and fifty years. He traced his ancestry to Robert Colwell, who settled in Rhode Island at an early period in the colonization of that state, since which time the family has been continuously represented there. Through the marriage of Benjamin Colwell, a grandson of Robert Colwell, to Martha Winsor, who was a granddaughter of Roger Williams, Mr. Colwell traced his descent from that strong character of colonial history-the apostle of religious liberty. Joseph Colwell, the grandfather of him whose name introduces this review, was born in Providence county, Rhode Island, February 11, 1771. He was a farmer and settled at Hamilton, New York, in 1798, while his death occurred in Oswego, New York, in 1852. He married Laura Smith, of Hamilton, where occurred the birth of their son, Albert Gallatin Colwell, on the 18th of December, 1810. In his early business life Albert G. Colwell was connected with manufacturing enterprises in New York city and in 1854 removed to Cleveland, where he engaged in the hardware business on Ontario street, finally retiring in 1868 when he dis- posed of his mercantile interests, Soon afterward he was appointed consul to Ancona, Italy, during the administration of President Grant, and served for a little more than a year, when he resigned. He was one of the original members of the Western Reserve Historical Society and at one time filled the office of presi- dent of that organization. He attended the Old Stone church and was a cooperant factor in the social and moral as well as the material development of the community. He married Sarah Platt Rogers, of New York, a descendant of an old Long Island family. Her death occurred in 1882 and Mr. Colwell passed away in 1904 at the advanced age of ninety-three years. Three children were born unto them : Albert L., who was a manufacturer of carriage bolts and died in Cleveland ; Joseph ; and Harriette Rogers, who is the wife of Charles E. Collins, manager of the Cleveland Clearing House Association. Joseph Colwell was ten years of age when his parents removed to Cleveland. As soon as he completed the high school course at the age of seventeen years he entered the employ of the private banking house of Henry Wick & Company. After a short time he became connected with the National City Bank and a little later, in 1863, he became a clerk in what is now the National Commercial Bank, in which institution after seven years of service in intermediate positions he was called to the cashiership. About thirteen years later he was elected to the presi- dency, which office he held until his death on the 7th of December, 1908. Thus his rise was steady and gradual and when he died he was regarded as one of the 258 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND city's most conservative and able financiers. Besides being connected with the bank he was heavily interested in other corporations and his keen sagacity in business affairs constituted a valuable element for success. He was president of the Cleveland Storage Company. Socially Mr. Colwell was connected with the Union, Country and Rowfant Clubs. He was a liberal, kind-hearted man and contributed freely to charitable causes, He was greatly interested in religious matters and was one of the leading members of Old Stone church, acting as president of its board of trustees at the time of his death. This board at his demise passed resolutions of respect expressing in unmistakable terms the warm regard entertained for him by his colleagues on the board. Mr. Colwell was united in marriage to Cornelia R. Durant, of Albany, New York, who died in 1901. They had two children: Edward D., who was a pupil at the Brooks school at the time of his death, which resulted from a street car accident when he was eleven years of age; and Josephine, who occupies the old homestead on Euclid avenue. At a meeting of the directors of the National Commercial Bank held December To, 1908, the following resolutions were adopted and placed upon the minutes of the institution: "The directors of the National Commercial Bank are deeply pained to record the death of their highly esteemed friend and associate, Mr. Joseph Colwell, the president of the bank, and they desire so far as possible to give expression to their appreciation of his stainless character and of his valuable and long continued service. "For more than forty-five years Mr. Colwell was in the service of this, bank and its two predecessors. Thirty-eight years ago he was elected cashier of the Commercial National Bank and during the last twenty-five years he has been the chief executive officer of that bank and its successor. During all these years he has commanded the respect of all his associates in the directorates of the two institutions. "Mr. Colwell was of New England ancestry and inherited most of the virtues of the Puritan without any of his less esteemed characteristics. He has been the constant friend of good government and in a modest manner has always labored to promote good citizenship. He has constantly endeavored to illustrate by his example the life of a cultivated, Christian gentleman. For many years he has been an honored elder in the First Presbyterian church and the president of its board of trustees. He had much sympathy for the poor and has contributed freely to most of the charitable organizations of the city. We shall long miss his presence and shall continue to hold in the highest esteem his lofty example of fidelity and devotion in the care of the many trusts committed to his keeping. "We offer our tender sympathy to the devoted daughter who survives him and invoke for her and her relatives the gracious favor of the Great Father whom he faithfully served for so many years." JAMES T. ALLEN. James T. Allen, who for many years has been engaged in general contracting here, ranks high among those devoted to this line of work and his long years of experience have developed within him a degree of conservative business judgment which has enabled him not only to maintain his own prosperity but also to contribute to enhancing the financial standing of the city in which he is widely recognized as a substantial business man whose straightforward dealings and honest and upright relations make him also a worthy and desirable citizen. He was born November 22, 1867, a son of Joseph Allen, a native of Indiana, born August 12, 1838, who spent some time in Virginia, later removing to this state. During the Civil war he was among the first to answer the country's call to arms HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 261 and served on the Union side for three years in the Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. About 1864 he married Catherine Culp, a native of West Virginia, born in 1832, and entered into rest in 1904. West Virginia was the birthplace of James T. Allen, but when he was about one year of age his parents located in Clinton county, later removing to Greene county, Ohio, ana' in these places he acquired his education in the public schools. Upon completing his studies he turned his attention to husbandry and for about five years tilled the soil in Greene county, and at the expiration of that time repaired to Dayton, Ohio, where he was employed in the production of agricultural implements for ten years and in 1895 located in this city, where he learned his trade after about four years' apprenticeship. He followed his occupation as a journeyman until 1899 when he undertook general contracting. He was alone' in business until 1907 when he took others into partnership and incorporated what is known as The James T. Allen Contracting Company, one of the best known firms in this city. His work, most of which is done in Cleveland and vicinity, consists chiefly in erecting residences and apartment houses and his business has been attended with such success that at present he is recognized throughout the city as a reliable and prominent contractor. In 1890 Mr. Allen wedded Florence M. Knott, a native of this state, and to this union have been born Iva May, Ethel Marie, Hazel Jeanette, Walter James, Raymond Cushman, Herbert Thomas, Erma Ruth, Myrtle Christina, Leonard Burrell, Dorothy Lucille, Homer Wilbur and Clyde. Mr. Allen belongs to the Knights of Pythias, in the affairs of which he is active. Always endeavoring to conduct his business relations on the basis of honesty and ranking among the city's most enterprising and aggressive citizens he justly deserves his reputation as one of Cleveland's foremost business factors. LEOPOLD DAUTEL. The field of business is so limitless that a man of ability and energy can always win success if he has but the qualities of perseverance and determina- tion. This statement finds verification in the life record of Leopold Dante', who, as a general contractor, is a prominent factor in the building circles of Cleveland. His birth occurred in this city on the 10th of April, 1874, his parents being Leopold and Mary V. (Rickey) Dautel. The father, who was born in France in 1846, crossed the Atlantic to the United States when a young man of about twenty-one and after traveling around the country for four or five years he took up his abode in Cleveland, Ohio. Here he was successfully engaged in business as a contractor until the time of his retirement, a few years prior to his death, which occurred in 1902. His widow, whose birth occurred at Steubenville, Ohio, in 1854, still survives him. After completing his public school education Leopold Dautel entered the Case School of Applied Science, where he pursued a course in engineering. On leaving that institution in 1892 he became associated with his father in the general contracting business and the firm style of L. Dautel & Son was subsequently adopted. The building operations of the company are confined principally to Cleveland and vicinity. The business has increased until they now execute a large number of contracts annually and among the many fine structures which stand as substantial monuments to Mr. Dautel's skill and business enterprise may be mentioned the following: The Rose building, the Colonial Arcade, the factory of the Warner & Swasey Company and various other important store and factory buildings. In 1896 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dautel and Miss Mabel Edna Poe, of Ravenna, Ohio. They now have two children : Leopold, who was born in 19o1; and Robert, born in 1903. Mr. Dautel has membership relations with 262 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND the Cleveland Architectural Club, the Clifton Club, the Cleveland Automobile Club and the Case fraternities. He has an extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the city where his entire life has been spent and where he is widely recognized as a prosperous and enterprising business man as well as public-spirited citizen. LOUIS NEWTON GROSS. Louis Newton Gross, the president and treasurer of the L. N. Gross Company of Cleveland, was born at Kief, Russia, on the 23d of March, 1870, a son of Nelson Newton and Celie (Palister) Gross. The father, who was a jobbing merchant, died in Russia in 1891 and the mother was called to her final rest the following year. Louis N. Gross attended the private schools of his native town until eighteen years of age and then pursued his studies in a public law school for a year. In July, 1889, he set sail for the United States and after landing on the shores of the new world located in New York city. It was his intention there to continue his law studies but he first entered the employ of a manufacturing concern in order to earn the necessary funds. While thus engaged he gained some idea of the wonderful possibilities in industrial lines and, abandoning his plans for a professional career, he took a course in drafting and designing on ladies' garments and subsequently applied himself exclusively to manufacture along this line. He held good positions with several houses in the eastern metropolis and afterward removed to Chicago, where for some time he was in the employ of one of the leading garment manufacturers. In 1896 he came to Cleveland to take charge of all the garment manufacturing departments of the Root-McBride Wholesale Dry Goods Company of this city, but in 1898 severed his connection with the concern in order to engage in business on his own account and established the L. N. Gross Company—the first specialty manufacturing house in Cleveland, making ladies' waists and dresses exclusively. Some idea of the steady growth and success which has attended the enterprise may be gained from the fact that though they started with but twenty-six sewing machines, they now utilize three hundred and seventy-five machines and the number of their employes has been increased from about forty to between five and six hundred. In the beginning their market was confined to the state of Ohio but it has rapidly broadened until it now includes every large city of the United States. The highest possible compliment to the quality and style of their product is the fact that a large portion of the output is sold in the city of New York, where ninety per cent of the ladies' garments made in this country are manufactured. Their higher class goods also find an excellent market in Canada, notwithstanding the fact that a large portion of them are made of foreign materials bearing a duty of forty to sixty per cent and after being made up into garments are subject to a duty of thirty-five per cent on the Canadian side. Since the establishment of the L. N. Gross Company several other concerns have entered into this line of manufacture here and Cleveland has built up a reputation as a shirtwaist market as well as a cloak center. Mr. Gross was likewise the organizer of the American Lace Manufacturing Company, an institution located at Elyria, Ohio. This concern was incorporated two years ago with J. J. Sullivan, the Cleveland banker, as president and Mr. Gross as vice president. It was the third enterprise of its kind in the United States and now stands first in rank, having a capital of five hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Gross went abroad and purchased all the machinery and devoted a large portion of his time to the enterprise until it had been established upon a sound and profitable basis. He then resigned active office but is still a member of the board of directors. A man of keen discernment and excellent HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 263 executive ability, his cooperation has been sought in the management and control of various other enterprises of Cleveland and he has long occupied a position of prominence among the leading business men of the city. He is a member of the wholesale board of the Chamber of Commerce and also belongs to other business organizations. In the year 1888, in Russia, Mr. Gross was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Silber, by whom he has four children, one daughter and three sons, as follows: Rose, now eighteen years of age ; Nelson, who is sixteen years old ; and William and Julius, who have attained the ages of fourteen and twelve years respectively. The family residence is at No. 1848 East Seventy-fifth street. Mr. Gross is a republican in his political views but not bitterly partisan and does not hesitate to support a candidate of the opposition if he believes that such a course will best conserve the general welfare. A man of unfailing courtesy and unfeigned cordiality, he enjoys the kindly regard and friendship of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. Coming to the United States as a young man of nineteen years and utilizing to the best ad- vantage the opportunities offered in a land unhampered by caste or class, he has steadily worked his way upward to a position of prominence in industrial circles, having won a measure of success which many a much older man might well envy. GEORGE A. McKAY. Captain George A. McKay was born at Oswego, New York, June 16, 1841. He was educated in the grammar and high schools, and also took a special collegiate course. Immediately thereafter he entered the service of what is now the Big Four and Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway, and continued in their employ until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion in 1861, when, being a private in the Cleveland Light Guard Zouaves, he enlisted in what afterward became Company A, Seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three months, and was appointed second sergeant. He reenlisted for three years at Camp Dennison, Ohio, and was promoted to orderly sergeant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain in that regiment, and was transferred to the staff as assistant inspector-general, serving in that capacity until his muster out of the service. He participated in the battles of Cross Lanes, Winchester, Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run campaign, Dumfries and Chancellorsville, Virginia ; Antietam, Maryland ; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania ; Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, Tennessee; and Ringgold, Georgia, and was wounded nine times in six of the engagements. He was in every engagement, skirmish and march of the regiment until dangerously wounded through both legs at Ringgold, Georgia. He was bearer of the order that took the First Brigade, Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, in the unfortunate charge on Taylor's Ridge. Colonel W. R. Creighton, commanding the brigade, notified him that as he had delivered the order he would have to see it executed. He did so, and was wounded as stated above. Creighton was killed in this engagement. In giving his commands he turned to his brigade and said, "I expect to see you roosters walk right over that ridge," and was answered by Captain E. H. Bohm, commanding Company I, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, "Colonel, we can but try." They tried, but failed, although they did all that brave men could do to succeed. During the war Captain McKay served on the staffs of Generals Joseph Hooker, John W. Geary and Charles H. Canby. Captain McKay was mustered out of the service at the expiration of his second term of enlistment, July 6, 1864, although unable to walk on account of his wounds. When they were healed sufficiently so as to perform any work he 264 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND reentered the service of the railways he had been employed with at the breaking out of the war, and continued in their service, covering a period of nearly thirty years all told. Since March 5, 1890, he has been employed in the United States custom service. On the loth of December, 1865, he married Miss Margaret A. Creech. Five children were born to them, of whom three are living—Addison Hills, Edward Creighton and John Howard McKay. He was considered by his comrades as a thoroughly brave, energetic and capable officer and soldier. His promotions were all given for conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy and meritorious service. Since the war he has shown great interest in the welfare of the widows and orphans of the soldiers and sailors of Cuyahoga county. He has been several times appointed president of the Memorial Day services in the city of Cleveland and has repeatedly served as commander and also as adjutant-general of the Memorial Day parades. There is nothing the old soldiers of Cuyahoga county would not do for him, as he is very much beloved by them. W. WALLACE DILLE. The Dille family is of Hugenot origin but has been distinctively American in its lineal and collateral branches for many generations. Two brothers of the name started from Scotland but one died at sea, while the other, David Dille, made his way to Kingston, Jamaica. His descendants came to America, settling in South Carolina. There were two sons, David and Ichabod, both of whom went to New Jersey. They became engaged in a controversy which led them to locate in different parts of the state and caused Ichabod to change the spelling of the name by adding "y." The elder, David Dille, had five sons and one daughter, namely : William, Israel, Aaron, David, Jr., Elizabeth and Asa. David, Jr. was the great- grandfather of W. Wallace Dille and was born in New Jersey in 1753. He removed from that state to western Pennsylvania, settling in Washington county, whence he afterward went to Belmont county, Ohio, sixteen miles below Wheeling. During his residence there he became an extensive landholder. He removed from that county to Cleveland to become a permanent resident in September, 1803, and six weeks later took up his abode in Euclid township, becoming the first actual settler in that township. There were but a few houses on the entire district now covered by the Forest city, and Ohio was then largely unsettled in every portion of the state, only a few white men having penetrated in its dense forest regions to improve its natural resources and utilize them for their individual benefit. He was previously engaged in the Indian warfare, which was so necessary as a protection of the white settlers against the red men, and was one of the number who participated in the expedition under Colonel Crawford when that commander was burned at the stake near Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in 1782. He had previously had military service in the Revolutionary war, enlisting in March, 1778, and doing duty for one year as a sergeant. In March, 1780, he again joined the army and for one year served as lieutenant, while the 1st of May, 1782, marked the beginning of his year service as a private. This David Dille was twice married. He first wedded Nancy Viers, and to them were born five sons and one daughter : Nehemiah, Lewis B., Calvin, Luther, Asa and Cassina Elizabeth. For his second wife the father chose Mary Sailor, and they had sixteen children. The death of the father occurred October 7, 1835. His brother Asa had settled in East Cleveland township in 1804, so that the Dille family is one of the oldest in this part of the state, having for more than a century been connected with the substantial development of Cuyahoga county. Asa Dille had nine children. Luther Dille, the grandfather of W. Wallace Dille, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1785. He married Esther Hickox. He and two of his HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 267 brothers served their country as soldiers in the war of 1812. Eri M. Dille, the father of our subject, was born in Euclid, Ohio, November 9, 1812, and was here reared amid the environment and conditions of pioneer life. He devoted his time and energies to the occupation of farming, thus providing for his family as the years went on. He married Emaline D. Randall, who was born in East Haddam, Connecticut, June 9, 1818, and the same year her parents, Joel and Phoebe (Payne) Randall, removed with their family to Ohio, settling in Cleveland, at what is now East Eightieth street and Euclid avenue. Such is the ancestry from which W. Wallace Dille springs—a family that through succeeding generations has been loyal in citizenship, progressive in public affairs and active, diligent and reliable in business. He whose name initiates this review was born in Euclid, Ohio, March II, 1838, the place of his birth being now in Nottingham, a suburb of Cleveland. In the "little red schoolhouse" of Euclid he pursued his education until fifteen years of age, when he received the benefit of two years' instruction in Hiram College. He then returned home and again attended the "little school" around which clustered pleasant memories of his early boyhood. At the age of nineteen years he again entered Hiram for one term and afterward spent nineteen weeks as a pupil in Shaw's Academy. For one term he engaged in teaching school and then devoted his attention to the work of the home farm, continuing to assist his father until gradually he assumed the entire management and control of the property, owing to the advanced age of his father, who passed away in 1904. The mother had died in 1899, and after the death of the father a part of the farm was sold and since that time W. Wallace Dille has lived a retired life, his property interests being sufficient to give to him an income that supplies him with all of the necessities and comforts and some of the luxuries of life. His education being far in advance of that of the average farmer of the day, he became recognized as an expert agriculturist, horticulturist and stockman, his opinions on such subjects being largely regarded as authority throughout the community. On the 19th of September, 186o, Mr. Dille was united in marriage, in Cleve- land, to Miss Mina T. Gilbert, a daughter of Francis and Emily (Geer) Gilbert, who removed from the state of New York to Cleveland in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Dille have an adopted son, C. W. Dille, a prominent lawyer of Cleveland. Mr. Dille descends from a family that gave stalwart allegiance to the whig party for many years and in his boyhood he was trained in that political school. He came to his majority soon after the organization of the republican party and has since been one of its stalwart supporters, casting his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. His life record has been characterized by all that constitutes manliness, probity and public-spirited citizenship. WILLIAM A. MARBACH. William A. Marbach, the president of the Cleveland Metal Stamping Company, which he organized in 1901, was born in Cleveland on the 1st of August, 1872, his parents being Robert and Charlotte Marbach. He pursued his education in the public schools and when fourteen years of age put aside his text-books to enter the employ of the Cleveland Hardware Company, working as an apprentice for four years. Subsequently he spent four years in the employ of the ,Rogers Typograph Company and then went to Lorain, Ohio, and became superintendent of the Aurora Vapor Stove Company, in which position he likewise remained for four years. He next had charge of a department of the National Vapor Stove Company for three years and on the expiration of that period organized the Cleveland Metal Stamping Company, of which he has been president to the present time. The concern was engaged in the manufacture of builders' hardware until 1907, since which time they have made a specialty of sheet metal stamping and also do 268 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND fine die and tool work. The business has had a rapid and substantial growth and, though they are now employing men both day and night, they are still unable to keep up with their orders. Mr. Marbach has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business, and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen. On the 25th of December, 1895, in Cleveland, Mr. Marbach was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Noville. They have a daughter, Helen, who is now twelve years of age and attends the public schools. The family residence is at No. 10834 Hathaway avenue. Fraternally Mr. Marback is identified with the Masons and the Knights of the Maccabees and is a worthy exemplar of the beneficent teachings of those orders. He has gained many stanch friends in both social and business life and his record is a creditable one, inasmuch as his success is attributable to his own labors. CAPTAIN JAMES HENRY PELLETT. Captain James H. Pellett, who is remembered as a representative of transportation interests in Cleveland through a long period, came to this city when but eight years of age. At that time his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Pellett, removed from Lowville, New York. The father was a baker by trade and continued in the same line of business after his arrival in Cleveland. He continued his residence here until his death, which occurred in 1872. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Broadbridge, was a native of England, so there was a strong strain of English blood in the veins of Captain Pellett. After the removal of the family to Cleveland Captain Pellett, then a young lad, entered the public schools and continued his education through successive grades until he became a high school student. When a young man he began sailing on the lakes and by hard work and faithfulness made his way upward until he became master of several vessels. For twelve years he was captain of the steamer, S. E. Sheldon, and also commanded other craft sailing on the Great Lakes. He formed a wide acquaintance in navigation circles and among those whose business connected them with shipping interests, but in 1883 he retired from the lake and turned his attention to commercial pursuits, forming a partnership under the firm style of Wing & Pellett, wholesale and retail dealers in lime. He continued successfully in that business for three years, after which he accepted the position of superintendent of the Kelly Island department of the Kelly Island Lime & Transportation Company. For twenty-one years he was identified with that company, but two months prior to his death retired and returned to his old home in Lakewood. There his death occurred November 5, 1907. Captain Pellett was married in 1864 to Miss Eliza West, who came to Cleveland with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas West, when a little maiden of six summers. They were natives of England and the father died shortly after his arrival in this city. The mother, however, long survived, continuing a resident of Cleveland until 1895. Unto Captain and Mrs. Pellett were born four children : Fanny, now the wife of W. G. Radcliff ; William W., who is connected with the firm of M. A. Hanna & Company ; Jessie, deceased; and Florence, who is attending the Western Reserve Woman's College. Captain Pellett possessed many attractive social qualities and was a most hospitable, kindly and generous host. He was ever loyal to his friends and his associates in business knew him to be a man of many sterling qualities. He was a man of powerful build and constitution, enabling him to withstand the rigorous experiences and hardships of life on the Great Lakes during the twenty- eight years of his service as a navigator. He belonged to the Independent Order HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 269 of Odd Fellows and was a public-spirited citizen who sought the general welfare along lines of substantial and continuous progress. His political views were in accord with the principles of the republican party. He always did his share of the world's work and reached the allotted age of three score years and ten. FRANK R. SAXTON. Frank R. Saxton, a man of numerous friends in Cleveland, his native city, was born September 28, 1878; and is a son of Edward Harvey and Sarah (Harris) Saxton. The father engaged in the undertaking business in Cleveland in 1871 and for over a quarter of a century was one of the leading undertakers on the west side. He was also well known in fraternal circles, being identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees and the Odd Fellows. Reared under the parental roof, Frank R. Saxton was a public school student in Cleveland until he had mastered the elementary branches of learning, while later he attended the Michigan Military Academy. He was graduated from that institution in 1897 and immediately afterward returned to Cleveland, since which time he has been engaged in the undertaking business. Upon his father's death in 1898 he assumed the management of the business and has carried on a leading establishment of this character in Cleveland, utilizing all the latest inventions and improvements for the burial of the dead. He carries a large line of undertaking goods and his moderate prices and straightforward dealing commend him to the confidence and support of the general public. Mr. Saxton was married eight years ago to Miss Eva Coe, a daughter of Arthur D. Coe, one of the pioneer piano dealers of this city. Their marriage has been blessed with one son, Edward Harvey Saxton, born March 3, 1906, now an interesting little lad of four years. In his political views Mr. Saxton is a republican whose opinions are based upon a thorough understanding of party principles. He belongs to all branches of Masonry, having attained the Knight Templar degree in the York Rite and the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite. He also has crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and has most pleasant associations with his brethren of the craft. He is fond of motoring and appreciative of the interests promoted by social intercourse and, yet, with him attention to business is always paramount and has been the secret of his success. AUGUSTUS FREDERICK HARTZ. Augustus Frederick Hartz, known familiarly as Gus Hartz by the theater going people of Cleveland and particularly the patrons of the Euclid Avenue Opera Holise, of which he has been lessee and manager for over a quarter of a century, was born in Liverpool, England, September 8, 1844. At ten years of age he left home to join his brother, Joseph Michael Hartz, who was the great magician of his day and whose annual engagement at the old Egyptian Hall in London was one of the affairs of the year. He took his younger brother in hand when ten years of age and made him his chief assistant, and in 1855 he appeared as a performer in London theatres. He afterward visited all the great cities of continental Europe and later made tours of practically every country of the civilized world. After several of these world tours the brothers returned to England, the elder brother retiring and the younger taking over the business and continuing in it until 1879, when he came to Cleveland to visit Dr. Salisbury of "beefsteak cure" fame. He liked the city and concluded to remain. He first turned his at- 270 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND tention to the real-estate business, but in 1882 the Wicks built the Park theater, of which he assumed management. After eleven weeks, however, this house was destroyed by fire. The following day he was offered the management of the Opera House by the late Marcus A. Hanna and at once undertook the task, which he has never since relinquished, of furnishing Cleveland with first-class theatrical attractions, His success is attested by the long list of famous stars of the past two generations who have appeared in his house. All of these played for Gus Hartz. He was their friend and often their adviser. Many have grown old, many are dead ; some are rich, others died in poverty. His unusual success is probably due to the minute study he has always made of the public taste. To him the public is a creature and to please its whims and fancies has been his constant aim. He is known as one of the country's most successful managers and many stars have importuned him to assume the responsibilities of their professional careers. He was agreeable to this proposition in only one instance, however, when he took charge of the affairs of Richard Mansfield, in whom he recognized a coming light of the dramatic stage. Mr. Hartz has always been keenly responsive to a mark of ability in young men and to his training is due the success of some of the most able and prominent theatrical men of the country. A number of his staff have been with him constantly since he first took charge of the Opera House, finding him always a loyal friend. He has conducted the theatre as a business enterprise, has reaped a gratifying financial reward and in the course of years has become identified with numerous other enterprises. He is a stockholder in the State Banking & Trust Company, a director of the Majestic Oil Company and a director of the Trenton Rock Oil & Gas Company. Mr. Hartz has been married twice. In Cleveland, about thirty-three years ago, he wedded his first wife, who died about fourteen years later. She was the mother of four children, two of whom are living. The elder daughter is the wife of Dr. M. G. Selig, a prominent surgeon of St. Louis, Missouri, and the younger daughter, Fannie, is upon the stage. In the short time she has devoted to the work she has given every indication of a brilliant future, having achieved a distinct success as leading lady of a stock company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1894 Mr. Hartz married his present wife. He is a prominent Mason and a member of Excelsior Club. Sociable, genial and unostentatious and unspoiled by success, his personal qualities are most attractive, winning him friends among all with whom he comes in contact. His town home is at No. 1724 East One Hundred and Fifteenth street, while his winter vacations are usually spent in Florida. GEORGE BRITTON DURELL. George Britton Durell, president of the National Handle Company of Cleveland, is a man whose mind readily appreciates the opportunities for the establishment and conduct of vast enterprises, while his executive ability makes of him a splendid organizer and promoter, so that he has been connected with some of the leading houses in his line in the country. He was born in New Jersey, September 27, 1861, a son of Edward Hicks and Hannah A. Woodward. The former was born in Florence, New Jersey, in 1829, and still survives, but his wife, also a native of New Jersey, passed away in 1873. Both were representatives of old families of that state. The father was a clergyman of the Methodist church and after thirty years devoted to the ministry he resigned to engage in the cultivation of cranberries and is still conducting that business at Woodbury, New Jersey. George B. Durell, after completing a public-school course, entered Princeton University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He took the experimental science fellowship, which required an extra year of study at Princeton. He afterward engaged in teaching for two years at Chester, Pennsylvania, but the business world rather than the schoolroom seemed logically HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 273 his field of labor because of his ability to plan and to perform, to organize and coordinate forces. Removing to Chattanooga, Tennessee, he there began the manufacture of hoes, forks and rakes under the style of the Chattanooga Tool Company, of which he was first treasurer and later manager. After three years he went to Harriman, Tennessee, where he organized the Harriman Hoe & Tool Company, of which he became president and manager. During his residence in Harriman he was also for six years president of the Manufacturers National Bank and was also vice president of the Handly-Goodman Wholesale Grocery Company. He continued in Harriman, profitably conducting his business interests, until 1903, when in search of a wider field of labor he came to Cleveland and was chosen treasurer of the American Fork & Hoe Company. Ever watchful of opportunities, in 1907 he assisted in organizing the National Handle Company and is its president, his long experience in this line making him eminently fitted to take charge of the vast affairs of this concern, its trade extending all over the United States. There are branch factories and depots at different points and the remarkable growth of the business is due to the intelligent efforts of Mr. Durell and the men he has chosen to fill important positions under him. He is also a director of the American Fork & Hoe Company and a member of its executive committee; is vice president, treasurer and manager of the Union Fork & Hoe Company of Columbus, Ohio; is president and treasurer of the Eagle Coal Company of Kentucky ; a director of the Roane Iron Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and vice president of the United States Handle Company of Piqua, Ohio. In 1893 Mr. Durell married Genevieve Hill, who was born in New York, and they have three children: George Edward, Gladys and Kathryn. The family residence is beautifully located at No. 8308 Euclid avenue and is one of Cleveland's hospitable homes. In his political views Mr. Durell is a stalwart republican and while residing at Harriman he served as mayor of that city, his administration being particularly businesslike and progressive. Socially he is connected with the Union and Euclid Clubs. The energy he has displayed in the accomplishment of the tasks which he has undertaken and the execution of the plans which he has formulated is a keynote to his character, and, by reason of his forcefulness and resourcefulness he has accomplished large results, placing him in an enviable commercial position while hardly yet in the prime of life. ARTHUR L. JOHNSON. Arthur L. Johnson, now deceased, was for many years a prominent factor in the business circles of Cleveland as a member of the wholesale millinery firm of Comey & Johnson. In his commercial relations he was ever recognized as an honest and upright as well as self-made man, whose methods were progres- sive and the result of his labors satisfactory. His birth occurred in Grafton, Massachusetts, on the 18th of August, 1858, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. U. B. Johnson, of Grafton, Massachusetts. The father is now deceased but the mother is still living and makes her home in Massachusetts. Arthur L. Johnson obtained his education in the public schools of his native city and after putting aside his text-books entered the employ of William Knowlton & Sons at Upton, Massachusetts, being thus engaged for several years. In 1881 he went to Boston, Massachusetts, but the following year came to Cleveland, Ohio, and was made superintendent of the J. C. Pettee Company, of which his future partner, George P. Comey, was a member. In 1885, in association with Mr. Comey, he organized the firm of Comey & Johnson. They engaged in the manufacture of ladies' hats and straw goods and conducted a wholesale trade in millinery, each year witnessing a remarkable increase in their patronage until the enterprise became one of extensive proportions. Mr. Johnson, 274 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND who was widely recognized as one of the most successful salesmen in his line, owed his prosperity entirely to his own industry and unfaltering energy and was a splendid example of the self-made man. His unfailing courtesy and unfeigned cordiality won him many friends and he possessed moreover the happy faculty of retaining them. The humblest employe in his service received his kindly consideration and there was no trace of the overbearing taskmaster in him. The remark, "I tell you that Mr. Johnson is a fine man," which was heard in the Cable building, from the lips of a boy who was sent on an errand to the New York office of the firm, expressed the sentiment of all who knew him. He met with a tragic death in the railroad accident which occurred at Mentor, Ohio, on the 21st of June, 1906, in which nineteen persons were killed, including a number of Cleveland's prominent citizens. On the l0th of November, 1882, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ella Prouty, of Worcester, Massachusetts, and unto them were born three children: Louise, who died at the age of two years ; Harry, whose death occurred when eight years of age ; and Marie, who is now twenty years of age. Mr. Johnson was devoted to the welfare of his family and his pleasure in his success came largely from the fact that it enabled him to provide generously for them. In his political views he was an earnest republican but the honors and emoluments of office had no attraction for him. His manner was cordial, genial and characterized by absolute sincerity. His social qualities, as well as his business integrity, made him well liked by all. In his commercial relations he was the soul of honor and the success he achieved was attributable entirely to his intelligently directed effort. The circle of his acquaintances constantly broadened and each year added to the number of his friends, for he had the happy faculty of winning the warm and kindly regard of the great majority of those with whom he came in contact. ADOLF J. FARBER. Among the more prosperous of the younger business men of Cleveland is Adolf J. Farber, the secretary of the Friedman-Blau-Farber Company, proprietors of the most extensive knitting mills of the city. Starting in life for himself at the age of fourteen years, he has worked his way upward step by step, proving his worth and thereby gaining promotion until in a position of executive control in connection with one of the important industries of the city, he is now accorded a foremost place in industrial and financial circles. He was born in Austria-Hungary, January 15, 1875, the son of Joseph and Rosa (Gross- man) Farber. The father, born in 1847, died in 1887, and the mother, whose birth also occurred in 1847, is now living in Cleveland. Adolf J. Farber was educated in the schools of his native city and in Cleveland, for in 1887, when a youth of twelve years, 'he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He left school at the age of fourteen, however, and started upon his business career, entering the employ of Herman Friedman, founder of the present Friedman-Blau-Farber Company. His initial position was a very humble one, from which he steadily worked his way upward through various promotions until 1896, when he resigned to become a partner in the firm of N. J. Rich & Company. In that connection he was associated with a business that was conducted with gratifying success. In 1904, however, he disposed of his interests in the company and returned to his old firm, which was reorganized under the name of the Friedman-Blau-Farber Company, Mr. Farber being elected its secretary. He assumed active management in the sales department and is one of the most successful salesmen in his line in the west. The company turns out a large line of knit goods, having a fine factory splendidly equipped with all of the modern machinery needed in their HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 275 line, and four hundred and fifty operatives are now employed. The trade of the house extends to various parts of the country, the output finding a ready sale on the market, and the house is now the largest in its line in the entire United States. On the 25th of May, 1902, Mr. Farber was united in marriage to Miss Esther Selman, a daughter of Gerson and Florence (Kleinman) Selman. Mrs. Farber was educated in the Cleveland public schools and belongs to the Jewish Council of Women and is moreover very active in the work and charities of the Council Educational Alliance, By her marriage she has become the mother of two children, Joseph C. and Alfred J. The family reside at No. 7307 Carnegie avenue. Mr. Farber is a republican with firm belief in the value of the party principles as forces in good government, but at local elections where no issue is involved he casts an independent ballot. Socially he is connected with the Excelsior Club and he belongs to the Wilson Avenue temple, to which he contributes liberally, being also a generous supporter of many charities. His leisure is largely devoted to driving, motoring and outdoor sports, He is, moreover, a patron of art and literature and has a fine library. He is thus appreciative of those things which work for culture and refinement and take the thoughts away from the daily round of business duties, lifting them into a higher plane. He is, nevertheless, a strong and enterprising business man who takes delight in correctly solving the intricate problems of trade, while his close application and energy have won him substantial success. He is deserving of much credit for what he has accomplished, as he started out in life at the age of fourteen years and has since been dependent upon his own resources for the success he has achieved. PARDON B. SMITH. Death came to Pardon B. Smith suddenly. This was, perhaps, as he would have wished it, for he remained to the last an active factor in the affairs of life, attending the day before his death the family reunion on Thanksgiving Day. He had long figured prominently in the public life of the city as an influencing factor in political circles and as one of the leading representatives of business enterprise here. He was numbered among the worthy citizens that New York has furnished to the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Ovid, New York, in 1833. His education was acquired in the schools of that place and as a youth of nine- teen years he came to Cleveland, seeking the opportunities of the growing west in business lines. The year of his arrival was 1852 and for fifty-six years he remained a resident of this city. He was first employed by the United States Express Company and remained in their service for several years as a most capable representative of the corporation, However, at the time of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations to join the army as one of the defenders of the Union. He became a member of Shields' Nineteenth Ohio Battery and thus served throughout the entire period of hostilities, participating in many engagements which were factors in winning the success which finally crowned the Union arms. In the business circles of the city Mr. Smith was well known. After the war he became the founder of the Forest City Paint & Varnish Company, pro- moted its interests and controlled its affairs until it became one of the foremost representatives of this line of trade in Cleveland. He was elected to its presidency and also served as a member of its board of directors until about two years prior to his death, when he retired from active life. He, however, continued on the board until his demise, after resigning his position as president. Those familiar with the commercial and industrial history of Cleveland know that the enterprise which he founded is filling an important part in the growth and upbuilding of this city. 276 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND In politics Mr. Smith was always an active republican, doing everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party. In 1872 he was called to the office of sheriff and at different times he served in a public way that was of the utmost value to the community. His last work in this connection was as jury commissioner. He was a thirty-second degree Mason, being one of the first men raised in Woodward lodge, while later he took the degree of Thatcher Chapter, R. A. M., Oriental Commnandery, K. T., and Lake Erie Consistory. He was in hearty sympathy with the beneficial spirit of the craft which inculcated among its members the desire to be helpful to one's fellowmen, following the mandate concerning the bearing of another's burdens. In 1854, in Cleveland, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss E. J. Hovey of this city, who was born in Geauga county, Ohio. Her father, Philetus Hovey, resided in Cleveland for a long period, coming to Ohio from New York in childhood. He was one of the pioneers of the state, remaining from early life until called to his final rest at the age of seventy-three years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born seven children, all of whom are yet living: Mrs. E. H. Baker, Frank M., Alton H., Pardon H., Harry H., Helen M. and Harley G. Mr. Smith was a member of the Euclid Avenue Congregational church and his entire life was actuated by its teachings. He died in that faith November 27, 1908. His health was somewhat impaired during the last months of his life, but yet death came to him suddenly. On Thanksgiving Day, the 26th of November, he attended a family reunion at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. E. H. Baker, on which occasion sixty-two relatives were gathered about him, all seven of his children being at the table. The following day he passed to the home beyond. He was a man of fine personal appearance, in whose life there was nothing to conceal, his eyes meeting yours frankly and fearlessly, oftimes bearing that joviality of appreciation of some trait or thought that appealed to him as particularly interesting. He was not only a just man in all of his business relations but manifested qualities that won him the loyalty of those who served him. His friendship, too, was prized by those with whom he came in contact in social relations, while his enterprise in business won him substantial success. WILLIAM CHISHOLM, SR. As the day with its morning of hope and promise, its noonday of activity, its evening of completed and successful effort, ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of William Chisholm, Sr., whose record covered the long period of eighty-two years and was frought with prosperous attainment and characterized by substantial qualities that enabled him to make the best use of his life, while at all times his labors were of a character that contributed to the general upbuilding as well as to individual success. He was born August 12, 1825, in the village of Lochgelly, Fifeshire, Scotland. His father was a mine contractor and at the age of twelve years the son was apprenticed to the dry goods trade in Kirkaldy. Three years thus passed and at the age of fifteen he went to sea, the succeeding seven years of his life being spent as a sailor. For seven years he trod the decks and climbed the masts and rose to the rank of first officer. He became a resident of the new world in 1847, when he settled at Montreal and carried on a general contracting business, constructing the government buildings now standing in that city. In 1852 Mr. Chisholm came to Cleveland, where he became connected with the lake carrying trade. He afterward spent several years in Pittsburg, but in 1857 returned to Cleveland at the solicitation of his brother Henry and from that time on he was closely associated with the development of the iron industry of this state—an industry which has been its chief source of prosperity in the intervening years to the present time. William Chisholm, Sr., became an im- HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 279 portant factor in promoting the iron industry in this part of the state. Joining his brother, they established the plant called the Newburg Iron Works, the firm name being Chisholm & Jones. From this was evolved the Cleveland Rolling Mill Company, afterward merged in the American Steel & Wire Company, which is now a component part of the United States Steel Company, and in 186o William Chisholm, Sr., embarked in the iron business on his own account, manufacturing spikes, bolts, nuts, etc., in a plant which he erected at Newburg. Several years having been devoted by him to experimenting, result- ing in the perfection of plans for the manufacture of screws from Bessemer steel, he in 1871 built the Union Steel Screw Works in Cleveland, where were manufactured the first steel screws which were ever made, all previous to this time having been made from iron, and from the beginning the enterprise was a very profitable one, its output being continuously increased to meet the growing demand of the trade. This industry has now been consolidated with the National Screw & Tack Company of Cleveland. As he prospered Mr. Chisholm extended his efforts to the expansion of his business, including the manufacture of steel scoops, shovels, spades, etc. He erected a plant for the manufacture of these implements and it is now conducted under the name of the Chisholm Steel Shovel Works. Year by year his business increased in volume and im- portance, becoming one of the most extensive and prosperous industrial enter- prises that contribute to the evolutionary activities of this city. During his early life in Cleveland Mr. Chisholm became one of the leading dock pile contractors in this city and also built one of the first lines of the city's present street railway system. This contract first brought to his attention the possibility for steel rail manufacture. In the meantime he had found time to engage in the coal and ore development, as well as the lake carrying trade. He was of an inventive turn of mind and took out numerous patents, many of them proving very valuable, especially in the manufacture of shovels, scoops and spades. As he prospered he became the owner of considerable bank stock and at all times his investments and business interests were judiciously placed. In 1848 Mr. Chisholm married Miss Catherine Allan, of Dunfermline, Scot- land, who died in 1881. Of their seven children but two are now living: Henry, A., superintendent of the Chisholm Steel Shovel Works ; and Mrs. Catherine Wood, of Brooklyn, New York. In 1884 he was married a second time to Mrs. Mary C. Stahl, nee Cowles, a daughter of Charles Cowles and granddaughter of the late General Solomon Cowles, of Farmington, Connecticut, who now sur- vives him. Mr. Chisholm's death occurred January 1o, 1908, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-three years. Thus passed one who had left a deep impress upon the life of the city in many of its phases. Not only was he a foremost factor in its industrial and financial circles, but he was also active in the charitable, philanthropic, and religious affairs of the city, and when the Euclid Avenue Baptist church was erected he gave a tenth of all he was worth toward its construction, and later gave additional gifts thereto. Broad humanitarianism, a spirit of benevolence and marked business capacity were well balanced forces in his life. Preeminently a man of affairs, he wielded a wide in- fluence and his labors were a direct stimulus to the city's progress in many ways. WILLIAM E. SHACKLETON, M. D. Dr. William E. Shackleton, a well known Cleveland physician who is now specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye, confining his attention exclusively to this department of practice, was born in Olopolis, Pennsylvania, near Oil City, February 17, 1870. His father, William H. Shackleton, a native of New York, is now residing in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has been engaged in 280 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND oil and gas enterprises since 1867. He married Louisa Cox, also a native of the state of New York, and she, too, is still living. Dr. Shackleton spent his boyhood days in western Pennsylvania, where the father was operating in oil, and his early education was acquired in the public schools, supplemented by a course in the Western University of Pennsylvania at Allegheny and in Purdue University of Indiana. On leaving that institution he came to Cleveland in 1892 and entered the medical department of the University of Wooster, from which he was graduated in 1895 with the degree of M. D. He spent one year as house physician and surgeon and later became assistant to Dr. A. R. Baker, professor of the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat at Wooster University Medical School. He continued in that connection until 1899, the last year of which time, however, was spent in London in special study concerning the diseases of the eye. Shortly after his return he entered upon the private practice of medicine, confining his attention to the eye, ear, nose and throat and during the last few years he has concentrated his energies exclusively upon the eye. From 1901 until 1905 he was connected with the eye department of the Lakeside Hospital and has been on the staff of St. Alexis Hospital for ten years. He has also been ophthalmic surgeon to St. Clair Hospital since 1901 and ophthalmic surgeon to Mount Sinai Hospital since its organization. He belongs to the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the Cleveland Medical Library Association. On the 12th of June, 1900, Dr. Shackleton was married to Miss Martha McGarvin, a daughter of Michael McGarvin, of Chatham, Ontario. Their three children are Louise, Marion and William H., aged respectively, eight, six and three years. The family reside at Cleveland Heights and attend the Emanuel Episcopal church, of which Dr. Shackleton is a member. He is also identified with the Delta Tau Delta. a college fraternity, and with the Union, Hermit and Colonial Clubs. He is an enthusiastic yachtsman and makes many cruises on Lake Erie, owning a fine yacht, to which he devotes all of his spare time during the summer months. Walking is also a source of recreation to him and he is a man of athletic build, finding in outdoor exercise the tonic for his own health- a course which he is always recommending as well to his patients. He has written to some extent for medical journals and has come to be recognized as an authority in Cleveland upon the line of his specialty. RICHARD G. FINLEY. In the life record of Richard G. Finley originality is combined with resourcefulness, ability and large mental capacity. Philosopher as well as business man, in his valuation of life he takes into account none of the artificialities which are too often a striking feature in business as well as social relations, but seeks to appraise events, circumstances and environment as well as individuals at their true worth. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, July 29, 1876. His paternal grandfather, Albert Finley, lived and died in Glasgow, Scotland. The father, Albert Finley, Jr., was born in Wales and came to the United States in the '40s, settling in the southern part of Wisconsin. He followed merchandising in Wales but in this country was a craftsman in various lines. His death occurred in 1902. His wife, Mrs. Leonore Finley, was born in England and they were married in that country. Richard G. Finley attended the public schools of Detroit. All his life he has been a great reader and deep thinker, yet withal is a man of practical ideas, whose activities are resultant factors for success. He is known as one of the most popular restaurateurs of Cleveland, being the owner of the Phalansterie and Beef Steak Dungeon at Ninth, Huron and Prospect, and of five other res- HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 281 taurants in this city, known as Finley's Central Trust Lunch, Finley's Depot Lunch, Finley's Ontario Lunch, Finley's Caxton Lunch and Finley's Bailey Lunch. These are among the popular eating places of the city, patronized largely by business people who are regular customers. He has a manager for each place of business and his income from the different restaurants averages about two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year. He is noted for his unique and clever advertising, which displays much of his originality and is altogether attractive. Moreover Mr. Finley has established Canyada Inn at La Canyada, California, not far from Los Angeles. There he has a hotel of fifty rooms with thirty cottages near by, and is making this one of the popular resorts of that section of the state. His new plan is to establish a philosophical colony in California where the practical phases of religion and government will be manifest. Some of the most prominent men and women of the country are in sympathy therewith and are members of this organization. Here will be fostered individuality, efficiency and self-reliance, it being the purpose of the organization to create a desire in each individual to rely on his own efforts and to think independently as far as possible of everyone else to the extent of using one's powers and abilities to the best advantage. The underlying principle of the colony will be to create and construct rather than to condemn and destroy ; the promotion of usefulness ; following nature and by so doing gain absolute freedom. It is the purpose of Mr. Finley to print books there and already he is establishing a magazine called "Everyman." He intends also to manufacture arts and crafts furniture and to have lace and blankets made by Mexicans and jewelry by the Mexicans and In- dians. A ranch will be operated and all business interests will be so conducted that the best in the individual will be developed. Mr. Finley is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree, and he also belongs to the Elks lodge. He holds membership in the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and in a large number of other organizations, including the Cleveland School of Arts, the Associated Charities, the Legal Aid Society, and probably about twelve societies doing charitable and useful work. He is likewise an honorary member of the Los Angeles (California) Liberal Club. His life is a splendid illustration of the fact that the idealist is not necessarily visionary, for Mr. Finley has proved himself a most successful business man and at the same time has given thought to life's purpose and value, realizing that character building and the development of one's latent talents and powers give to life a better value than the mere acquisition of wealth. There is much of the philosopher and the poet as well as the practical man of business in his nature and his qualities are so harmoniously combined as to make his a most interesting personality. ALFRED GEORGE TAME. The attractiveness of Cleveland as a place of residence is evidenced in the fact that many of her native sons have remained here to enjoy the advantages which she offers and which, well improved, lead to success if the individual possesses the complement of industry and close application. Displaying all of the qualities requisite to a successful business career, Alfred George Tame has become treasurer of the Cleveland Trust Company and a well known factor in financial circles. He was born in this city February 7, 1869, a son of A. F. and Ellen (Latimer) Tame, both of whom are still living in this city. The father, a native of Canada, came to Cleveland during the period of the Civil war and here engaged in the printing business. He yet remains an active factor in industrial circles. In the public Schools of Akron, to which city the parents removed when he was eight years of age, Alfred George Tame pursued his early education and later attended Buchtel College, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of 282 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND Science degree in 1890. After leaving college he was connected with journalism interests, both in Akron and in Cleveland, and entered upon active connection with banking interests in 1893 in the old Arcade Bank in the position of bookkeeper. He continued with that institution through its various stages of development until it became the Euclid Avenue Trust Company and at the time of the failure of that bank in 1902 he was assistant secretary and treasurer. He then became connected with the Cleveland Trust Company and a few months later became its assistant secretary and treasurer. In January, 1906, he was chosen treasurer of this company, which position he still fills. For sixteen years he has now given his attention exclusively to banking interests, closely studying the business in every phase, so that his knowledge thereof is comprehensive and valuable. In 1894, in Norwalk, Ohio, Mr. Tame was married to Miss Clara W. Armstrong, of that city, and unto them were born four children. The winter residence of the family is on East Twentieth street and the summer home on the lake shore twelve miles east of Cleveland. Mr. Tame has been connected with military interests as a veteran of Troop A and his political views are usually in accord with the principles of the republican party. A pleasant, genial manner makes him a popular member of the Union, University and Hermit Clubs and of the Chamber of Commerce. MORTIMER WILLIAM LAWRENCE. Although the life record of Mortimer William Lawrence closed ere he had completed the period of young manhood, he being but thirty-seven years of age at the time of his death, he had accomplished within that period a work that would have been a fitting crown to many more years of earnest and persistent labor. Moreover, he lives enshrined in the memory of all who knew him as one who exemplified in his life the best traits of family and social relations. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 12, 1873, the third son of M. J. Lawrence, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this volume. After attending the Kentucky Street public school he continued his education in the high schools of Denver, Colorado, to which city his father had removed, being there engaged in business. Subsequently he became a pupil in the University School of Cleveland and matriculated in the Ohio State University for the agricultural course in the fall of 1891. He did not graduate from the university, however, for he pursued an elective course, taking up such studies as he deemed would be of value to him in his later work as the assistant of his father in the publication of the Ohio Farmer. During his college days he became a member of the Phi Gamma Delta and Theta Nu Epsilon fraternities and always took a prominent part in college affairs. At the close of the school year in June, 1894, Mortimer W. Lawrence left the university and immediately began work in the editorial department of the Ohio Farmer, thus becoming connected with the Lawrence Publishing Company. Later he was transferred to the Michigan Farmer of Detroit, where his duties connected him with both the editorial and business departments for a year and a half. He then returned to the business office of the Ohio Farmer, where he continued to devote his great energy to the general interests of this paper. For several years prior to his demise he was the general manager of the business and his administration was marked by great advances and improvements in every department. Following his father's gradual withdrawal from active management. Mortimer W. Lawrence became general manager, which position he held until his death, and at the same time was vice president of the Lawrence-Williams Company, sole agents in the United States and Canada for Gombault's Caustic Balsam, the great French veterinary remedy. His investments and ac- HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 285 tivities were extended to other fields, for he was a director in many concerns of the city. On the 4th of September, 1903, Mr. Lawrence wedded Miss Nelle Belle Jones, a daughter of Dr. G. J. Jones, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. They had three children, Mary Jeanette, Mortimer William and Gaius Jones. The death of Mr. Lawrence occurred November 11, 1909. He was a most popular young man, highly esteemed by all whom he met either in business or social circles. He belonged to the Union, Hermit, Cleveland Automobile and Cleveland Advertising Clubs, in the membership of which he found many congenial friends. It was not only his splendid business ability, but also the kindly nature and innumerable little acts of kindness that so greatly endeared Mr. Law- rence to his associates. He always had a good word for everybody, and it was his custom when going to his office in his automobile to pick up laboring men and bring them down town to their work. The term "Morrie," by which he was uniformly known, was an expression of deep affection and friendly regard. One who knew him well said: "I shall always remember him first as a dear friend, next as a true gentleman in the best sense of that good word and next as a very superior business man, level headed, sagacious, shrewd but always just and kindly. It will be impossible to fill the void left by his death in the hearts and lives of his many friends." Another wrote of him : "As a business man he possessed the rare quality of being an excellent executive as well as a balance wheel; he inspired activity but at the same time, by his genial presence and happy manner, kept everyone good natured. Those who were in contact with him every day for years loved him best, because the deeper one went into his personality the more he would find to admire and to love. Even those who might differ from him on a matter of policy never failed to accord him the acknowledgment of clear reason and consistency. "It seems but a few days ago that he was among us, large of body, energetic of spirit, kindly and charitable of disposition, lofty of principle, broadly sensible in every way. He devoted all of his great energy and rare good judgment to whatever was at hand. From the time he arrived at the office he was all business, but such was the effect of his graceful manner that troublous places were smoothed out before him as when oil is poured upon a stormy sea. Quick to admit a fault, he was even more eager to right a wrong than he was to demand that similar action be accorded him by some one else. He believed in working in the open, and if he ever harbored hatred it was for dishonesty and underhanded methods. No one can ever say that this man was guilty of either of these faults. "As an employer and manager of men and women he was deeply loved, for in working with them day after day and year after year his many excellent qualities were constantly being drawn out, and he was continually doing the many things that attract fellow beings one to another. It was a common saying among the employes of the Lawrence Publishing Company that one would be willing to give his right hand for 'Morrie' as he was familiarly known to all. And this was no idle boast, for all who had ever been brought into intimate contact with him were immediately so deeply impressed with his many good qualities that they would gladly go to almost any extreme for his sake. The same can be said of all of the host of friends that he made outside of business circles. He was indeed a rare combination of essentials. "He had a remarkably wide circle of devoted and loyal personal friends. His magnetic nature drew people to him with a rare power and once attracted he held them by the same genial spirit that pervaded all that he did. During an acquaintance of many years, under all kinds of circumstances, we have never heard one person speak otherwise than well of him. Intensely human, his broad mind and charitable disposition placed him at one with his fellows in a way that was remarkable indeed. His liberality and kindness forbade him to seek preferment for himself, but he was ever on the lookout for a way to turn a 286 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND favor to a friend. Is it any wonder, then, that today actually thousands mourn his taking? Such men are rare, and that is why they are so highly appreciated. "As a husband and a father, son and brother, he was loving and deeply loved. His home was his castle; and as soon as the business of the day was finished he always hurried home to greet his wife and little ones, and to be at ease among them and the many friends that were wont to visit that home. He was never too busy to stop and talk of homely things which he thought deserved his attention, and the benefit of his good judgment and advice was always given freely to any of his friends or relatives who might ask it. It is indeed hard to attribute to him any preponderating characteristics and it would be just as hard to imagine any situation in which he would not be able to take care of himself. He was an all-around man in every sense of that big word. In the business, social and family world he was universally loved and respected." FRANK SEYMOUR BARNUM. Frank Seymour Barnum, who for fifteen years has been architect for the board of education of Cleveland, to which work he devotes the major part of his attention, his appointment to this position being at once proof of his superior ability and of the reputation he has gained in professional circles, was born November 25, 185o, at Norwalk, Ohio, a son of David Munson and Virginia Clarke (Taylor) Barnum, the former a native of Fairfield county, Connecticut, and the latter of Onondaga county, New York. Both became residents of Norwalk, Ohio, in the early '40s and were there married. The father was a merchant and not only figured as one of the leading business men of the city but also served for two terms as recorder of Huron county. Frank S. Barnum acquired his education in attendance at the public schools of Norwalk to the age of sixteen years, at which time he put aside his text-books and entered the employ of the Morris Run Coal Company, at Corning, New York, in January, 1866. His father's death, which occurred in 1863, determined the need of earning his own living and terminated his actual school education. He early displayed a taste for drawing, but practiced it little except for his own amusement and recreation until he was employed by the Morris Run Coal Company. In May, 1867, he was transferred from Corning, New York, to the mines of the company at Morris Run, Pennsylvania, where for three years he worked under the company's engineer at field and office work, assisting in surveying and making maps and drawings of heavy constructions, such as trestles, chutes, bridges and railroad work. In the year 187o, which covered the latter part of his nineteenth and the early part of his twentieth year, he had charge of the company's store at Coal Point, Seneca Lake. During these later years the profession of architecture had assumed definite shape as an object in his life and in June, 1871, he entered the office of Joseph Ireland, an architect of Cleveland, for study and instruction. The following four and a half years were there passed with the exception of a few months spent in the office of another local architect. Business depression existing at the beginning of the year 1876 made it impossible to secure employment as a draftsman and, as a last resort, he opened an office for the individual practice as an architect. The strain of the first year was severe but the beginning of 1877 found him with commissions enough in hand to warrant him in taking a larger office. Sometime in 1878 he formed a partnership with Forrest A. Coburn, which lasted until his death in 1899, or for more than twenty years. This was a period of great activity and hard work but during that time the firm forged steadily ahead, gaining recognition as prominent representatives of the profession. For a time W. D. Benes and B. S. Hubbell were associated with them under the firm name of Coburn, Barnum, Benes & Hubbell, but this partnership was dissolved about a year prior to Mr. Coburn's death. Following his demise HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 287 Mr. Barnum was joined in partnership by four members of his office force under the name of F. S. Barnum & Company. In April, 1895, Mr. Barnum was appointed architect for the board of education and has since been connected with public building interests in Cleveland. His partnership relations were dissolved on the 1st of May, 1905, and since that time Mr. Barnum has done but little out- side of the public school work of the city, which for fifteen years past has been exclusively his. He has made the plans for a number of Cleveland's finest school buildings, embodying all the principles of improved modern architecture therein. In politics, though never active, Mr. Barnum has always been a stanch republican. He is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects and a charter member of the Cleveland chapter of that organization. He is likewise a member of the Cleveland Engineering Society and thus manifests deep interest in everything concerning his profession. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and the Tippecanoe and Rowfant Clubs. He holds membership in the Second Presbyterian church of Cleveland and by his influence as well as by his activities has been allied with those movements which tend to uplift humanity and further the interests of the community. Mr. Barnum was married March 11, 1873, to Miss Jeannette Judd May, a daughter of William J. May, of Cleveland, whose grandfather was one of the pioneer merchants of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Barnum are the parents of two living children. A daughter, born in 1875, is now the wife of A. Laurence Smith, a resident of Detroit, Michigan, while the son, William Hamilton Barnum, born in 1879, is at home. His friends enjoy association with him, for he is concerned in those things which are worth while both for the city and the individual, and in all phases of his life has been actuated by a progressive spirit that has kept him in step with those men who are marching with the vanguard of civilization. In his chosen field of labor he has held to high ideals, has sought the thorough mastery of scientific and artistic principles underlying his profession and in his practice has accomplished results which, indicated by the liberal patronage accorded him, have been satisfactory and pleasing to a large number of patrons. JOHN BERNARD McGEE, M. D. Dr. John Bernard McGee, professor of therapeutics in the medical depart- ment of the Ohio Wesleyan University since 1896, is widely known for his scientific attainments, both within and without the strict path of his profession., His research and investigation have been along constantly broadening lines and have been important factors in the success which he is now enjoying. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, July 3, 1853, his parents being Peter and Mary A. (Donnelly) McCree, also natives of the Old Bay state. Both parents died when their son was a lad of six years. The excellent public school system of his native city afforded him his educational privileges. He attended the grammar and Boston Latin schools, whose extremely thorough training has qualified many a man for arduous and difficult service in later years. In the fall of 1871 he came to Cleveland and for five years was engaged in business as a pharmacist, having spent some time in the same line before his removal to this city. This awakened his interest in the practice of medicine and, matriculating in the Western Reserve University, he completed a course in the medical department and was graduated in 1878 with the M. D. degree, winning class honors. For thirty-one years he has now followed his profession in Cleveland, where he has also won distinction as a medical educator and editor. He has been professor of therapeutics in the medical department of the Ohio Wesleyan University from 1896 and as an in- structor imparts readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he has attained. He has also been secretary of the faculty since 1900. In 1907 he was elected to the presidency of the Cleveland Academy of Medicine and he belongs to various 288 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND other professional and scientific societies, including the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Anthropological Association and the Cleveland Medical Library Association. He has been associate editor of the Cleveland Medical Journal for several years and his writings have been of wide interest to the readers of that paper. In 1899 he pursued post-graduate work in Europe but this by no means covers the extent of his study and investigation since he left college. He has been a continuous reader and his research has largely covered the field of scientific production in mdical litrature. In October, 1884, Dr. McGee was married in Cleveland to Miss Levina Rodgers, who died in May, 1885. On the 17th of September, 1892, he wedded Elizabeth Dieter, of Cleveland, and they have two children, Elsie and Hilda, aged respectively fourteen and nine years. They reside at No. 8117 Woodland avenue. JOSEPH M. GASSER. The name of Gasser is a familiar one to Cleveland's residents, for it has long figured in connection with the florist's trade of the city and Joseph M. Gasser was recognized as a prominent business man here, honored and respected by all for what he accomplished. The success that came to him was the direct reward of his own labors and, profiting by experience and opportunity, he at length reached a creditable financial position. He was born in Switzerland in 1843 and when eleven years of age came to the United States with his parents. The father was a carpenter and in the early '50s brought his family to the United States. Owing to the limited financial resources of his parents, Joseph M. Gasser began earning his own living when very young. At the age of twelve years he worked in a pail factory on the flats and was thus employed until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the government, becoming a member of Company B, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until 1864. During that period he participated in the battles of Antietam, Cedar Mountain, Lookout Mountain, Crossroads and Gettysburg and was honorably discharged in 1864, after three years spent at the front. Mr. Gasser was not only a self-made but largely a self-educated man for the necessity of early providing for his own support gave him little opportunity to attend school. For about two years, however, he was a pupil in the Humiston Institute, a boarding school on the heights, and met the expenses of the course himself. He worked and studied until twelve o'clock at night, ambitious to secure an education, the value of which he thoroughly recognized. In his youthful days he was also employed as chore boy at the Weaver Wholesale Liquor House. He also worked for the firm of Pope & Hains on Ontario street and afterward spent seven or eight years in the postoffice. Eventually he turned his attention to the raising of flowers and became a well known florist and prominent business man of Cleveland. When he retired he had an attractive little fortune and a name of which any man might well be proud. For years he conducted several retail stores, also a nursery on Lake avenue and one on Rocky river. His sales were extensive and brought him a substantial annual income so that his success classed him with the representative business men of the city. Mr. Gasser was united in marriage in 1867 to Miss Katherine Fox, and at his death, which occurred on the 12th of March, 1908, he left a wife and daughter, Mrs. J. C. Pettee. His political support was given to the republican party and he was a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Clifton Club and the Chamber of Commerce. His business record was entirely commendable and HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 291 free from fault or intention of wrongdoing. In fact, he was recognized as a most honorable and honest business man, worthy the trust of all with whom he came in contact, and this brought him to a very desirable place among the men of affluence in Cleveland. JOHN A. THOMPSON. John A. Thompson, attorney at law, was born in Middlefield, Ohio, February 25, 1867. In his boyhood he attended the district schools and was tutored by his mother in the classics. He also spent one term in the preparatory department of Hiram College and afterward entered law school at Chardon, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1884. For a year he engaged in teaching, in charge of the Middlefield public schools, and in the following year he entered the freshman class of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, from which he was graduated in 1889, the Bachelor of Arts degree then being conferred upon him. Returning to Chardon after his graduation, Mr. Thompson read law in the office and under the direction of the Hon. I. M. Hathaway. After his admission to the bar he went west to attend the Millington murder trial, in which he was associated with Senator Thomas Patterson and Governor Charles Thomas, forming the partnership of Patterson & Thomas. On his return to Ohio he began the practice of law in the office of Colonel John Winship of Cleveland, with whom he remained for a period of six months. He afterward formed a partnership with Senator W. T. Clark, which association was maintained until he became a partner of the present circuit court judges, F. A. Henry and Louis Winch, under the firm name of Winch, Henry and Thompson. That firm existed for a year, when Mr. Henry withdrew and the partnership then continued as Winch & Thompson until the election of the former to the circuit bench. For a brief period Mr. Thompson was associated with George R. McKay, who then retired from the practice of law. Since that time Mr. Thompson has been engaged in general practice alone and is recognized as one of the able representatives of the Cleveland bar, a safe counselor and a strong advocate. In his practice he is absolutely fair, never indulging in artifice or concealment and so high is the respect for his legal ability and integrity that his assertions in the court are seldom questioned seriously. In his college days Mr. Thompson took great interest in athletics and was captain and pitcher on the university baseball team. He belongs to no secret order save the college fraternity, known as the Phi Delta Theta. He is, however, a valued member of the University Club, of the Nisi Prius Club and the Chamber of Commerce. In politics he has always been a republican but has never held public office nor aspired to one, although he has devoted a great deal of time in various campaigns to the discussion of the issues proposed by the party. He does not belong to any religious sect but if he has any sectarian bias it is toward the churches of his forefathers, the Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopal. Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Thompson was married July 6, 1896, to Miss Lou Belle Cory, a daughter of the Rev. J. B. Cory, who had been his classmate in the Ohio Wesleyan University. They now have one child, Deborah Thompson. It is interesting to note that every line, both direct and collateral, of the ancestry of the subject of this sketch begins its existence on this continent in the early part of the eighteenth century, and all are found in Ohio at a period antedating the admission of this state to the Union. (For fuller details of this ancestry reference is made to Annemoser's Magic, White's History of Sorcery, 292 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND the Edinburgh Quarterly for 1858, Burke's Romance of the Aristocracy, the History of Western Methodism, Roosevelt's 'Winning of the West, Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio, the History of Western Pennsylvania, the Proceedings of the Scotch-Irish Congress, Military Records of the Pennsylvania Continental Line, the Military Records of the War of 1812, the Pioneer History of Geauga County, the Pioneer History of Lake and Geauga Counties, the History of Wayne County and the published genealogies of the Thompson, Poe, Wells, Tracy and Mcllvane families.) The Thompsons were of that body of Scotch Covenanters who went from the lowlands of Scotland to the north of Ireland on account of religious difficulties and who at the expiration of the land grants in the time of James I. removed in large numbers to America. John Thompson came in 1735 to the Cumberland valley,, east of Harrisburg and removed thence to Thompsontown in Juniata county, Pennsylvania. He spelled his name, Thomson, as appears upon a stone house, built by him at Thompsontown. Tradition says that together with pioneers of that period he had a strenuous life with the Indians on one side and the Quakers on the other. He worshipped at the Presbyterian church, married three times and had fourteen children. His first wife was Jane Greenleaf and the eldest son of that marriage was Isaac Thompson, who was born at Thompsontown in 1753 and died in Middlefield, Ohio, in 1823. He was captain in the Revolutionary war in the Pennsylvania Continental line of troops and was an attache to the staff of General Lee. He was wounded in the wrist by a Hessian bullet at the battle of Brandywine. He appears on the Revolutionary pension rolls and tradition has it that the first money seen in Geauga county was the pension money which he went to Warren, Ohio, to secure. During the progress of the Revolutionary war he lost all he had accumulated and at its close set out to find a new home for himself and family. In the course of his wanderings he reached Pittsburg, started by boat down the Ohio, reached Charlestown, where he tried to live but found, as he remarked in his diary, "the state of society so barbarous" that he went north to the present site of Cleveland, in 1798. After abiding there a short time he announced to his family that it was not a "fit place for a white man to live, inasmuch as boats could not go around Niagara Falls and commerce could not pass over the Allegheny mountains." So he again started with his family on the trail to Pittsburg and reached, in 1799, what is now the township of Middlefield, in Geauge county. The Cuyahoga River at that point was swollen and he was compelled to wait until it subsided. At this juncture his son James decided that the family would go no farther and his will prevailed. Isaac Thompson was married to Jane Tracy and three children were born to them. He was the first justice of the peace in Middlefield township and was a Presbyterian in religious faith. History records of him that "he was an expert hunter, brave, hardy and inventive. His eldest son was James Thompson, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and who died October 15, 1877, at Middle- field, Ohio, in the home erected by his father. He was twice married and reared fifteen children. His first wife was Sarah Wells. James Thompson was for years justice of the peace in Middlefield township. He was a captain in the War of 1812, of the Fourth Company, First Battalion, First Regiment, Fourth Brigade, Fourth Division, Ohio Militia, which was ordered in the service of the United States for the protection of its frontiers on the 22d day of August, 1812, and served until the conclusion of the war. At Middlefield he built a hotel, which is now standing, a distillery, a flax mill and the first gristmill. History records of him that "he was a man of mark all his life and at his death he was honored and esteemed." The eldest son of James Thompson was Isaac Newton Thompson, who was born in Middlefield in 1805 and who died there in 1880. He began his education with the end in view of becoming a Presbyterian minister. This desire, however, was for some reason thwarted and his life was spent in assisting his HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 293 father in his various enterprises and taking his place as he grew old in years. The Presbyterian church in Middlefield, having been abandoned, was succeeded by the Methodist church, to which Isaac Thompson gave his religious adherence. He was a devoted church member and was said to have been powerful in prayer. He held the church together when there were only four members after the church division occurred, which resulted in the establishment of the Wesleyan Methodist church. He married Elizabeth Foote and three children were born of that marriage. The eldest son of Isaac Newton Thompson was Henry Thompson, who was born in 1842 and is still living. He was educated at the old West Farmington Seminary. He engaged in teaching and read law but did not practice. He took up the work of his father in his various enterprises and was postmaster of Middlefield from the close of the Civil war to the election of Grover Cleveland to the presidency. He is now managing a general store in Middlefield, which his grandfather built and his father conducted previously. In politics he is a republican, as was his father and grandfather. He has always kept himself ex- tremely well informed upon national questions and his services have frequently been called into requisition as a debater and a speaker in national campaigns. He was married in 1864 to Jane Ingram Poe, who was likewise educated in West Farmington Seminary. This union resulted in the birth of four children, three of whom are living: John A., the eldest ; Agnes M.; and James Harry Thompson. The history of the Poe family in America begins with the arrival of John Poe in Baltimore in the early part of the eighteenth century. He was of the old Norman family of Le Poer, a name conspicuous in Irish annals. The Le Poers, like the other Anglo Norman settlers in Ireland, passed from Italy into the north of France and from France to England and Wales into Ireland, where from their isolated position and other causes they retained for a long period their hereditary traits with far less modifications from intermarriage and co-association with other races than did their English compeers. The name underwent various changes in accent and orthography, becoming De la Poe and finally Poe. The children of John Poe were George, an officer in the Maryland line during the war of the Revolution ; Andrew ; Adam and Catherine. Adam and Andrew went west and settled upon the Ohio river, became famous Indian fighters and books telling of the border war of that period are filled with their exploits and adventures. Theodore Roosevelt in his Winning of the West recounts at length the history of Adam Poe's famous fight with Bigfoot, on the banks of Yellow creek. He lived to be nearly one hundred years of age, and when William Henry Harrison, then candidate for president, visited Wayne county, he asked that Adam Poe be brought to the barbecue, which was in progress. He was carried on the shoulders of the crowd and as a result of the excitement of the occasion and exposure died a day or two thereafter. Andrew Poe passed a comparatively quiet life but his son, Daniel, who became the father of Jane Ingram Poe, who was married to Henry Thompson, as heretofore related, passed a strenuous life as a circuit rider in various conferences of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was graduated from Center College of Kentucky, entered the ministry and was married to Jane Ingram, whose life had been devoted to missionary work and whom Daniel Poe had found teaching among the Indians a hundred miles from civilization on the banks of the Green bay. He was appointed by the Cincinnati conference to find a location for a Methodist college, which he did by selecting Delaware, Ohio, and locating there the Ohio Wesleyan University. He was the first preacher in the old Willows Street church, and later was sent to Texas, where he founded a college and became its professor of mathematics, in the meantime continuing his services in the pulpit. He and his wife were stricken with fever and died forty minutes apart and are buried under the pulpit of the Methodist church in 294 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND San Augustine, Texas. In answer to an inquiry concerning them, the subject of this sketch has the following communication from the pastor of that church: San Augustine, Texas, June 12, 1005. Dear Sir :— Replying to your inquiry in regard to the death of Rev. Daniel Poe and wife, will say that according to information gathered from living witnesses, they died at this place in the year 1837. They died within forty minutes of each other and were interred in the same grave, just to the rear of the Methodist church in which he preached. In later years the church was rebuilt and enlarged and the graves are now just under the pulpit stand. There is no monument save the church, for which they gave their all. There is hardly a child in the town and community but knows the story of their sacrifice and labors for the Master's cause. There has been talk of removing their ashes, with those of other pioneers, to some suitable place and erecting a monument to their memory, but as yet there has been nothing done towards it. If I can serve you further, will be pleased to do so. Your respectfully, C. T. CUMMINGS, Pastor, M. E. Church, San Augustine, Texas. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Poe three children, Andrew, Maria and Jane Ingram Poe. Upon the death of the parents. these three children were left with friends of their parents and were finally brought north to Columbiana county by their uncle, George Poe. By him and his brother Adam, manager of the Methodist Book Concern at Philadelphia, they were educated. Andrew had nearly completed his course of study at Baldwin University, when the Civil war broke out. He enlisted with a Cleveland battery and was killed at the battle of Seven Pines. Maria was educated at Albion, Michigan. She became preceptress of the seminary at Farmington and later of Oakland Female Seminary in California. Jane Ingram Poe was educated at West Farmington and graduated from Adrian, Michigan, taught for a period, was married to Henry Thompson as above mentioned, and died in December, 1887. JUDGE SENECA 0. GRISWOLD. Judge Seneca 0. Griswold, who for forty years was an honored member of the Cleveland bar, while his name is also linked with many events and movements which have left their impress upon the history of the city, was born in Windsor, Connecticut, December 20, 1823. He was descended in the sixth generation from Edward Griswold, who settled in Windsor in 1635, thus founding on American soil a family that has numbered many men who have won distinction in literature, science and professional life. In his youth Mr. Griswold was a pupil in the Suffield (Conn.) Literary Institute, where he pursued his studies until he reached his seventeenth year. He came to Ohio in 1841 and the following year matriculated as a freshman in Oberlin College, completing his four years' course in that institution by graduation with the class of 1845. Immediately afterward he returned to Connecticut and for one year was engaged in teaching in the academy of his native town. He then again came to Ohio and began preparation for what was to be his real life work as a student in the law office of the firm of Bolton & Kelly, of Cleveland, who directed his reading until his admission to the bar in 1847. In the spring of the following year he entered into partnership with the Hon. John C. Grannis and at once began the practice of his profession. Three years later that partnership was dissolved and he joined his former preceptors, under the firm HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 297 style of Bolton, Kelly & Griswold, the firm name being changed to Kelly & Griswold upon the election of the senior partner to the bench in 1856. The firm of Kelly & Griswold then maintained a leading position at the Cleveland bar until the death of Mr. Kelly in 1870. The succeeding year Judge Griswold was joined in a partnership relation by a former student, Isaac Buckingham, with whom he was associated for two years. In the meantime Mr. Griswold had become a recognized leader in political circles and in 1861 was elected a member of the general assembly, in which he served for one term. While in the legislature he rendered valuable aid in organizing the railroad sinking fund commission and also in procuring for the city of Cleveland a paid fire department. He was next called to office when, in 1873, he was elected one of the superior court judges of Cleveland and during the same year was elected, as the candidate of both democrats and republicans, a member of the state constitutional convention. He left the impress of his individuality upon the organic law of Ohio, taking active part in the deliberations of the convention and serving with marked ability as chairman of the committee on corporations and as a member of the apportionment committee, and his course on the bench was characterized by all that marks the able jurist. Upon the expiration of his judicial term, Judge Griswold assumed the active practice of his profession and again became associated with Mr. Grannis. Later he was joined in a partnership relation by B. C. Starr, which continued until his retire- ment after forty years of active connection with the profession. A contemporary biographer said of him : "As a judge, Mr. Griswold commanded the respect of all by his learning and impartiality, and as a lawyer he stood in the front rank of the profession, his extensive reading, well balanced judgment and logical reasoning making him a most reliable counselor and successful practitioner." He was chiefly instrumental in establishing the Cleveland Law Library Association and for many years was continued in the office of president by the vote of his fellow members. He also served his fellow townsmen as a member of the city council. In 1858 Judge Griswold was married to Miss Helen Lucy Robinson, of Westfield, New York, who died in 1871. About 1888 Judge Griswold retired from practice and soon afterward took up his residence in Windsor, Connecticut, on the old family homestead, where he engaged in tobacco growing and became an authority on the cultivation of that plant. His death occurred there February 17, 1895, when he was in his seventy-second year. During the years of his active connection with the legal profession he won considerable reputation as a public speaker and delivered an oration at the Centennial celebration in Cleveland on the 4th of July, 1876, which was acknowledged by all to be an eloquent and able address, well worthy the occasion which called it forth. He also wrote much upon legal and kindred themes and his writings remain as a monument to his comprehensive legal knowledge. Through the cooperation of Mrs. Stevenson Burke, for years an intimate friend of the family, we are able to present the excellent likeness of Mr. Griswold accompanying this sketch. HARRY M. ABERNETHY. While success as reckoned by vast accumulations often excites wonder and admiration, calmer judgment regards the successful man not only by what he has obtained but by the benefit of his work to mankind. Judged by this standard, Harry M. Abernethy deserves classification with those men whose lives have been crowned with splendid success. He is known in commercial circles as the general 298 - HISTORY OF CLEVELAND manager of the American Railway Signal Company of Cleveland, a most important productive industry in a city which numbers some of the largest manufacturing and industrial concerns of the country. He has given substantial proof of his business ability and strength and investigation into his record shows how valuable has been his service to humanity at large. Mr. Abernethy was born at Mount Gilead, Ohio, in December, 1855, and his residence in Cleveland dates only from 1903. He is a son of Dr. Alexander Abernethy, who belonged to and old Pennsylvania family that was founded in the Keystone state in 1780 by ancestors who located in Cumberland county. In 1820 Dr. Abernethy removed to Ohio, where he became a prominent and influential factor not only in professional circles but also in his relations to public interests of deep import. He served in the Ohio assembly from 1846 until 1850 and left the impress of his individuality upon the legislation enacted during that formative period in the state's history. For forty years he was one of the beloved physicians of Richland county, Ohio, and there died in 1887. Harry M. Abernethy acquired a good classical education in the high school and in Dr. Gailey's private school. Subsequently he took up the study of telegraphy and, having mastered the business, accepted a position as telegraph operator with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. During the early years of his service as operator he read law with the firm of Geddes, Fink & Geddes and was admitted to the bar before the supreme court of Ohio in 1877. He never entered upon active practice but has found his knowledge of law of inestimable value to him in the conduct and management of business affairs of large magnitude. In 1874 he was appointed telegraph operator for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and also filled the positions of freight and ticket agent and train dispatcher, remaining a resident of Newark for fourteen years. In the meantime he had been a close observer of many phases of railroading, had carefully pondered needs in connection with the equipment of railway lines and in 1894 removed to Elmira, New York, where the result of his research and consideration was manifest in his organization of the Eclipse Switch & Signal Company. After coming to Cleveland in 1903 he organized the American Railway Signal Company. He designed and patented several inventions and devices that are manufactured by this company which are of the utmost worth. Believing that loss of life through railroad disaster might be reduced to the minimum if the equipment of the roads was improved, he began studying along that line with the result that his recognition of the needs, his mechanical skill and originality led to the production of various new and valuable devices. The importance of these appliances cannot be overestimated and are not fully appreciated by the layman, yet they form a great part of the modern block system and electrical interlocking devices whereby the safety of the traveler is greatly increased, accidents being almost entirely averted by misplaced switches or by failure to give the proper signal. These inventions of Mr. Abernethy, which he is now manufacturing, are used by a large number of railroads through the United States. Since the establishment of the business in 1903 it has grown to mammoth proportions until it is one of the leading manufacturing enterprises of Cleveland, furnishing employment to many people. While there are others connected with the American Railway Signal Company, Mr. Abernethy is recognized as the man of power and whose astute brain directs affairs. The business is a splendid example of remarkable development in industrial institutions. In 1885 Mr. Abernethy was married to Miss Jennie Stough, a daughter of David Stough, of Richland county, Ohio, and they have two children, Harry and Clyde. The former is now an electrical engineer in the employ of the American Railway Signal Company and, although only twenty-four years of age, has already displayed the same traits of character which have resulted in his father's remarkable success. There is nothing that Mr. Abernethy enjoys more than a good game of baseball and he is a well known fan. He is also fond of automobiling and an ardent HISTORY OF CLEVELAND - 299 fisherman. There is not a doubt but that he owes his youthful appearance and robust health to his love of outdoor sports. Although he has had a very busy life, with each hour filled with its duties or pleasures, he is full of energy and there is no trace of the business strain. The responsibilities of his position, so carefully and conscientiously discharged, do not weigh him down because he knows himself and his powers of concentration, his keen foresight and capacity for grasping each opportunity as it arises, that combined have made him the actual head of a mighty establishment. BENJAMIN GUY CHENOWETH. Benjamin Guy Chenoweth, justice of the peace, whose record is characterized by the utmost fairness and impartiality in the discharge of his duties, allows of no temporizing or misconstruction of the law or the use of technicalities to thwart "an even-handed justice." His course has awakened high commendation on the part of those who wish to see the strict maintenance of the law without favoritism. Mr. Chenoweth was born in Baltimore, Maryland, December 21, 1861. His father, a native of the same place, was born January 3, 1811, and there died in 1897. He was a pattern maker by trade and at one time engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements, but at length sold that business and devoted himself to pattern making and invention. He was the inventor of the first plowshare, the first street car register and numerous other valuable devices on which he secured patents. He wedded Mary Wood, who was born in Baltimore in 1823 and died in June, 1906. The ancestry of both the Chenoweth and Wood families can be traced back through many generations. Henry Washington, a maternal uncle of our subject, was the nephew of George Washington. In the public schools of his native city Benjamin Guy Chenoweth mastered the elementary branches of learning but left school after completing the grammar grades, and in broadening his knowledge since that time has utilized every opportunity available for study and research. Early in his business life he was connected with the manufacture of furniture, being for five years associated with George Chipman & Sons. He afterward engaged in the dyeing and cleaning business in Washington, District of Columbia, conducting an enterprise of that character on his own account for fifteen years, or until July, 1894, when he came to Cleveland. Here he was associated with House & Herrimann, retail furniture dealers, for five years, and in 1899 he became shipping clerk and salesman with Aldrich, Howey & Company, with whom he remained for seven years, or until July, 1906. He was then with the Bings Furniture Company until November, 1907, when he was elected justice of the peace from Newburg. The work of his court is extensive and in the discharge of his duties he has made a notable record. He curtails the efforts of attorneys when they would unduly press debtors in collection, making them follow the statutes in giving notice and thus carefully protecting the debtor in his rights. He is so strict in this that he loses much collection business from collection agencies, but, notwithstanding, he is extremely just and sustains his oath to do his duty. In the majority of cases the debtors are very poor and have been imposed upon through technicalities, nor do they understand the law, and it is Judge Chenoweth's purpose to see that the statutes are followed in every particular. Judge Chenoweth was married to Mrs. Annie L. Chipley, a daughter of John and Annie Thorn, of Washington, District of Columbia, and they now have one child, Hattie Margaret. By her first husband, William R. Chipley, Mrs. Chenoweth had three children, Annie G., William R. and Eugene B., who regard Judge Chenoweth as a father and receive from him every indication of parental care and affection. Judge Chenoweth is connected with the Loyal Order of