200 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY his wife passed away at the same place, April 15, 1909. They had a family of four sons and two daughters, a brief record of whom is here given in the order of their birth : Elmer E., now a resident of Norfolk, Va.; Nellie, who married a Mr. Jackson and is -now deceased ; Melvin 0., the subject of this sketch ; Dellen S., an iron and steel broker at Kansas City, Mo.; Letta and Carlton Benton, both living at Chicago, Ohio, where the last named is attending school. The three oldest of the family were born in Seneca county and the three youngest in Huron county, and all attended school in Huron county. Melvin 0. Rettig acquired his elementary education in the public schools, after which he attended Kelley's Normal School, at Fostoria, Ohio, and the university at Ada, Ohio. After leaving school, he entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, with whom he was engaged, from 1891 to 1895. In the latter year, he embarked in the drug business, at Chicago Junction, Ohio, in partnership with W. C. Mills, who is now the secretary of the Ohio Archaeological Society. In 1897, Mr. Rettig purchased his partner's interest and continued in the drug business alone, until 1900. Having decided to become a lawyer, he passed his evenings in the study of that subject for some time prior to 1889, when he entered the law office of Andrew Bros., at Norwalk, Ohio, where he continued until the following year, when he came to Toledo. From 1901 to 1905, he was in the employ of the Toledo Land Company, but left that position, in November, 1905, to assume the charge of the surety bond department of H. S. Walbridge & Co. In 1905, Mr. Rettig registered with Thomas Gifford, with whom he pursued his law studies until June, 1907, when he was admitted to the bar. He then gave up his position with Walbridge & Co., and, April 1, 1908, formed a partnership with Harry W. Lloyd for the practice of law, under the firm name of Lloyd & Rettig, which did a general law practice. Mr. Rettig is a Republican in his political affiliations, and, in 1899-1900, while at Chicago Junction, he held the office of justice of the peace. although the township was Democratic. He is a member of Rubicon Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and Toledo Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. Formerly he was a Knight of Pythias, but he relinquished his membership in that order, and, while living at Chicago Junction, he was a member of the United Brethren church. On June 15, 1898, Mr. Rettig married Miss Flora B., daughter of Rev. W. A. Keesy, a retired United Brethren minister, of Tiffin, Ohio. She was the first white child born -at Chicago Junction, where she was educated and taught school, until her marriage to Mr. Rettig. Her parents are both living. Her father entered the army as a member of the Fifty-fifth Ohio infantry, but was discharged after eight months for disability. Later, he reenlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio infantry, as a private, and served to the close of the war, in 1865. He is the author of an interesting work, entitled, "War as Viewed from the Ranks by a Private." Mr. Rettig and his wife reside at 1104 Prospect avenue. They have no children. BIOGRAPHICAL - 201 Barfield B. Grantham, real-estate dealer, with offices at 403405 Gardner Building, was born in Sampson county, North Carolina, Aug. 27, 1875, a son of Needham and Molly (Porter) Grantham. The father was born in Wayne county, North Carolina, of Scotch descent, and the mother was born and educated in Germany. They died within three weeks of each other, when the subject of this sketch was only a little over four years old, leaving six children, all of whom are yet living. They are Mrs. Silas Hood, Hiram Grantham, Mrs. Henry Thornton and Mrs. Thomas Thornton, living in North Carolina and Barfield B. and John, of Toledo. When the parents died the children were 'scattered. Barfield B. lived with an uncle, Fred Grantham, until he was thirteen years of age, when his uncle died and he was left to shift for himself. At the age of fifteen, he borrowed money to buy tools and employ men and opened a turpentine farm, which he conducted for one season, when he sold out and went to work for a railroad company, as a tracklayer. There he remained for about eighteen months, at the end of which time he went to Richmond, Va., where he entered the employ of a carriage manufactory. His employment was with a lumber company, superintending the cutting and hauling of timber to the mills, being at the same time connected with the carriage concern. In the spring of 1894, he started to Racine, Wis., and, on May 21, reached Toledo. Soon after this, he went to work on the farm of Thomas Chandler, at Riga, Lenawee county, Michigan, a few miles northwest of Toledo, and while there he formed the acquaintance of Miss Nama Chandler, whom he afterward married. After working for Mr. Chandler for two years, he came to Toledo and engaged in the bicycle business, in connection with two of the large factories. From that he formed a company for the manufacture of certain bicycle parts, but, after a year, the company failed, and Mr. Grantham was then in various lines of employment, such as soliciting life insurance, collecting for a publishing company, etc., until he entered the employ of the I. H. Detwiler Company, with which he remained for nearly five years, during which time he mastered the details of the real-estate, rental and insurance business. upon severing his connection with the Detwiler company, he became a member of the firm of Hoiles & Grantham, located in the same rooms where Mr. Grantham now has his offices. The partnership lasted but eleven months, and since then Mr. Grantham has conducted the business single-handed. Mr. Grantham owns realty in the city of Toledo and in the village of Maumee, where he has resided since 1908. He is a Democrat in his political convictions, and is a member of the Masonic lodge (No. 287) at Sylvania. On Nov. 26, 1902, he married Miss Nama Chandler, as already mentioned, and they have two children : Lloyd B., born Feb. 8, 1905, and Rosellen, born Jan. 4, 1908. Mrs. Grantham belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, but Mr. Grantham is not a member of any religious denomination, though his ancestors were Quakers. Mrs. Grantham's father is now living retired, at Sylvania, Ohio. 202 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY Edward A. Kirk, secretary and treasurer of the Kirk Bros. Automobile Company, was born in the city of Toledo, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1867, in a dwelling that occupied the site where the Wayne Hotel now stands. He is a son of Albert and Hannah (Worts) Kirk, both now deceased. Albert Kirk was born near Massillon, Stark county, Ohio, Sept. 23, 1826, and received his education in the common schools of his native county. When he was about eighteen years of age, he went to Canal Fulton, where he served as an apprentice of four years as a tinner. He then spent a year in Medina county, Ohio, after which he went to Cleveland and worked for three years in that city. In 1854, he came to Toledo and formed a partnership with George Worts, for the manufacture of crackers. In 1866, the firm name was changed to Worts & Co., and, in 1873, the concern took the title of Worts, Kirk & Biglow, under which it continued until 1890, when their large plant was absorbed by the United States Baking Company, the partners retiring from the active management, though they still retained their stock in the factory, or rather in the United States Baking Company. From that time until his death, Mr. Kirk was not actively connected with any line of business. Mr. Kirk was a member of Toledo Lodge, No. 144, Free & Accepted Masons, and belonged to St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church; on Madison avenue. In the charitable work of his church and lodge he was always a leader, and for thirty years he was one of the trustees of the church. Politically, he was a Republican, and was for over two years a member of the city council, where his business training and experience proved of great value in the administration of the city's affairs. In 1833, he married Miss Hannah Worts, who came .to Toledo with her parents, from Oswego, N. Y., in 1850. She was a member of St. Paul's Methodist Church from the time of its organization, and was always actively connected with every movement for its upbuilding. Mr. Kirk died May 17, 1893, and his wife. Dec. 20, 1907. Both passed away at the old family residence, 1117 Jefferson avenue. They were the parents of several children, four of whom are now living, viz.: Ezra E., Edward A., Bessie M. and Arthur W., all born and educated in Toledo. Ezra graduated at the Toledo High School, with the class of 1878, and now lives in that city. He is connected with the Kirk Bros. Automobile Company, and also with the Badger Brass Manufacturing Company, with their factory in Kenosha, Wis. Edward A. is the subject of this review. Bessie M. is the wife of B. C. Kramer, of Toledo. Arthur W. is the Southern representative of the Hartford Rubber Company and has his headquarters at Atlanta, Ga. Edward A. Kirk graduated at the Toledo High School, as a member of the class of 1884. Soon after leaving school, he entered the employ of the Bostwick-Braun Company, with whom he remained for about six years, during which time he mastered all the important details of the hardware business. In 1891. he and Mr. Whitaker, together with Ezra E. Kirk, organized The Whitaker-Kirk Hardware Company, which was located at 210 Summit street. In 1896, Mr. Kirk withdrew from the firm and engaged in the BIOGRAPHICAL - 203 bicycle business, in which he continued until 1901, when he entered the motor-car field. At that time the automobile business was in its infancy, and he became a stockholder and director in the Toledo Motor Car Company, the first institution of this character in the city. In 1903, Mr. Kirk organized the Kirk-Hall Company, of which the Kirk Bros. Automobile Company is the successor, the name being changed in 1906. The present officers of the company are : Harold W. Fraser, president ; Edward A. Kirk, secretary and treasurer. Ezra E. Kirk also holds an interest in the company, but is not actively identified with the management of its affairs, that duty falling to the lot of his brother. The company occupies the building erected especially for its use, at 915 to 919 Jefferson avenue, where the "Thomas Flyer" is sold. Mr. Kirk is a Republican in his political views, but is not especially active in public affairs. He is a member of Sanford Collins Lodge, No. 396, Free & Accepted Masons, is a Thirty-second degree member of the Toledo Consistory, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, and belongs to Zenobia Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He has passed through the chairs and is now, and has been for the past twelve years, the treasurer of Toledo Commandery, Knights Templars. He belongs to the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, the Business Men's Club, and St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his parents were honored members. On Oct. 16, 1901, Mr. Kirk and Miss Florence Van Osdale, of Toledo, were united in marriage. She is a daughter of 0. F. Van Osdale and was born at West Salem, Wayne county, Ohio, though her parents have resided in Toledo for more than twenty years. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk have one daughter, Ruth Hannah Kirk, born in 1905. The family resides in the old Kirk home, at 1117 Jefferson avenue, where Mr. Kirk has lived for over forty years. John H. Nort, secretary of the Toledo Fire Department, was born in that city, Dec. 13, 1865. His father, George H. Nort, was born in Hessen, Germany. in 1836, the son of a physician, Dr. John H. Nort, who came to the United States, in 1841, and settled in the eastern part of Ohio. In 1850. he removed to Swanton, Fulton county, where he practiced medicine for many years. George H. Nort received a good practical education, and,. in 1851, went to Delta, Ohio, after which he removed to Toledo, where he was employed as a traveling salesman, and where he still resides, practically retired from the active pursuits of life, enjoying the fruits of his industry of earlier years. On Dec. 22, 1859, he married Miss Amelia Adelaide Harrison. daughter of John Harrison, who came from New York State, in 1841, and settled in that part of Lucas county that was afterward cut off to form Fulton county. There Mrs. Nort was born, in a log cabin with a log chimney and a puncheon floor, not a single nail having been used in its construction, and the only fastening for the door was a wooden latch, which was lifted from the outside by a string. She often relates the story of her mother, as to how the wolves howled all night around the cabin when she was born. After a year or so in this rude cabin, her father built a hewed log house, which was considered a fine 204 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY residence in those days. Mr. and Mrs. Nort became the parents of two children—John H., born in Toledo, and whose name stands at the head of this sketch, and Mrs. Augusta Pilliod, born at Delta, Ohio, and now a resident of Grand Rapids, Wood county. Both were educated in the schools of Toledo, the daughter graduating in the high school, as a member of the class of 1882. The fiftieth anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Nort occurred Dec. 22, 1909, but the celebration of the event was postponed until Christmas Day, when a family reunion was held at the residence of their daughter, Mrs. Pilliod. John H. Nort began his business career as a messenger in the employ of the American District Telegraph Company, in which capacity he continued to serve for about a year, when he was appointed to a clerkship in the office of the company. Being quick to learn and faithful in the discharge of his duties, he was rapidly promoted, until he became chief operator. At that time, the company operated the fire alarm system of the city of Toledo, .and, while serving as chief operator, Mr. Nort acquired an intimate knowledge of the working of the fire department, as well as the telegraph system. Consequently, Jan. 5, 1899, when the city established a fire-alarm system. independent of the American District Company, Mr. Nort was installed as chief operator, a position he held until Feb. 5. 1903, when he was made secretary of the department, his present position. Throughout all the years he has been connected with the city's fire department, his conduct has been marked by capability and 'fidelity, and much of the efficiency of the department is due to his intelligent suggesons. MT. Nort has never married, evidently preferring the free- dom of bachelorhood to the cares of a domestic life, and he resides with his parents, at 630 Virginia street. Blessed with good health, and in the vigor of mature manhood, he seems destined to live to a ripe old age, as his parents are still hale and hearty, after their many years of existence, and his grandmother, Harrison, who passed away in February, 1908, attained to the age of eighty-eight years. Hence, if he enjoys the longevity that has fallen to the lot of his progenitors, he has many years of usefulness yet before him. Archibald Gassaway, secretary of the Toledo Produce Exchange, was born in Toledo, Ohio, Aug. 12, 1861, a son of George and Amarilla (McEwen) Gassaway, the father a native of Baltimore, Md., and the mother of Canada, though they were married in Dayton. George Gassaway came to Toledo, in 1856, where he engaged in business as a grain merchant, which vocation he followed through life. He was one of the pioneer members of the Toledo Produce Exchange, and remained connected with that institution throughout his active career. He died Feb. 21. 1909, aged eighty-seven years. His widow is still living in Toledo. They were the parents of six sons and three daughters, of whom three sons and three daughters are still living: viz., Henry G. and Archibald, of Toledo Mrs. C. S. Bigelow, of Toledo; Charles K., of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. H. E. Hade, of Detroit, Mich., and Miss Elizabeth, of Toledo. All were educated in the Toledo schools. Mrs. BIOGRAPHICAL - 205 Bigelow graduated at the high school, in the class of 1881 ; Mrs. Hade, in the class of 1884; Miss Elizabeth, in the class of 1886. The last named is now employed in the Toledo Public Library. Archibald Gassaway graduated at the high school, as a member of the class of 1879, and started in the Toledo Produce Exchange, as a clerk. After remaining in that position for about ten years, he was made assistant secretary, and, in 1901, when a vacancy occurred in the secretary's office, he was appointed to fill it, and has continued in the office ever since. Mr. Gassaway is a firm believer in the principles advocated by the Republican party, though not an active politician. He is a member of the National Ideal Council, No. 231, and of the Modern Woodmen, in both of which he is popular; because of his genial disposition and many sterling qualities. He is married and has two children—Thomas Richfield and Genevieve—both at home with their parents. The son graduated at the high school, in the class of 1905, and the daughter in the class of 1908. Mrs. Gassaway, before her marriage, was Miss Edna Mary Richfield; daughter of William C. Richfield, of Marshall, Mich., where Mrs. Gassaway was born and educated. Her father was at one time sheriff of Calhoun county, Michigan, and was otherwise prominent in public affairs. He was a farmer of prominence and an influential citizen. He and his wife both died Marshall, Mich. Mr. Gassaway resides with his family at 138 Melrose avenue. Harry D. Fallis, founder and head of the H. D. Fallis Company, wholesale dealers in flour, bakers', confectioners', and ice cream manufacturers' supplies, tools and machinery, was born in Lafayette, Ind., June 22, 1861, a son of John R. and Martha (Craig) Fallis, natives of Cincinnati, Ohio, where their marriage occurred. The Fallis family is of English extraction, of the Quaker faith, and its first representatives in this country settled in Virginia. The Craig family came to Ohio from Maryland, and one of its progenitors was Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. John R. Fallis and wife removed to Toledo, in 1865, and there he entered the flour-milling business, being one of the city's earliest millers, an occupation which was also pursued by his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. For many years he operated a flour mill, at the corner of Jackson and Summit streets, Toledo, where the plant of the King House Furnishing Company is now situated, and, in 1889, moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where his wife passed away, in 1898, and he died, in 1901, leaving four children—three boys and two girls—James, the eldest, a grain merchant in St. Louis, Mo. ; Mrs. Otto Greeley, of Chicago ; Mrs. Catherine Backus, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Harry D., of this record, all of whom were educated in the public schools of Toledo, the two daughters graduating at the high school. Harry D., of this review, upon leaving school, found employment in the mill of his father, where he learned the flour business, and he has been in business in Toledo ever since. For upwards of twenty years, he has conducted his present business on Monroe street, though he did not occupy his present place of business, 524 Monroe 206 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY street, as he was formerly located on the opposite side of the street. He has also been interested in other concerns of a similar nature, having established the United Baking Company, in Toledo, of which he was president for two years, and, though he is in no way affiliated with that enterprise today, he is president of the Home Baking Company. Mr. Fallis is a member of the Republican party, and belongs to the Sanford L. Collins Lodge of the order of Free & Accepted Masons, and the Toledo Yacht Club. On March 15, 1882, he was united in holy wedlock to Miss Ida Lautzenheiser, daughter of Henry Lautzenheiser, who for many years has op- erated the woolen mills at Maumee, this county. r Mrs. Fallis is a native of Bucyrus, Crawford, county, Ohio, and acquired her education in the public schools of Maumee. Two children—Linton H., and Martha M.—were born of this happy marital union, both of whom were born and educated in Toledo, the son graduating at the high school, with the class of 1906. Mr. Fallis and family reside in a beautiful residence, at 660 Oakwood avenue, Toledo. John William Koehrman, secretary and general manager of the Woolson Spice Company, of Toledo, was born in that city, Oct. 16, 1874, his parents being Richard Henry and Katharine (Craft) Koehrman. The father was born near Hanover, Germany, and came to America with his parents, in 1851, being at that time about six years old. The family settled in Toledo, where Richard Henry grew to manhood, received his education, and for thirty-five years or more was a member of the city's fire department. He retired from the department as a pensioner, about 1903, and with his wife is now living at 716 Locust street, practically retired from business, though he is interested in the Koehrman Trucking Company. The subject of this sketch is the oldest. of three children living. Grace is now the wife of John Merrill, of Toledo, and H. Marcus, the youngest, travels for the Woolson Spice Company. John W. Koehrman received his education in the Toledo schools and, at the age of seventeen years, entered the employ of the Woolson Spice Company, as an office boy. He gradually worked his way up through the different departments until, in 1899, he was made sales manager, which position he held until the works were purchased by Herman Sielcken, June 5, 1909, when he was promoted to his present position of secretary and general manager. The Woolson Spice Company was established, in 1882, by A. M. Woolson and some other Toledo men, and, at the time of its transfer to Mr. Sielcken, had eighty-five traveling men on the road. The new proprietor is a member of the firm of Crossman & Sielcken, which is one of the heaviest importing concerns in the United States. Shortly after coming into possession, he announced his determination to increase the force of traveling salesmen to 100. The company maintains branches at Kansas City, Mo.; Atlanta, Ga.; Buffalo, N. Y.; Dallas, Tex.; Memphis, Tenn.; St. Louis, Mo. ; Minneapolis, Minn.; Cincinnati, Ohio ; Davenport, Ia., and Chicago, Ill. It came into prominence through its "Lion" coffee, though the company now has about twenty different brands, besides a complete line of spices, etc. The best endorsement of Mr. Koehrman's BIOGRAPHICAL - 207 business ability is to note the fact that he began at the bottom of the ladder in this 'concern and, at the age of thirty-five years, became its general manager. Large companies of this character are always on the lookout for good men, and when one is found that shows himself capable and willing, promotion is not lacking. Mr. Koehrman's experience with the Woolson Company proves the truth of this statement. Mr. Koehrman is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Toledo Traveling Men's Association, the Business Men's Club, the Inverness and Toledo clubs, and the Chamber of Commerce, in all of which.he is a valued member, because of his sound judgment in all matters affecting the organizations, and his genial disposition. Politically, he is a Republican, but is not an aspirant for public honors, and his religious affiliations are with the Episcopal church. On Oct. 27, 1897, Mr. Koehrman married Miss Caroline A. Warner, of Tiffin, Ohio, and their home, at 1719 Superior street, is the center of a large circle of friends, who find there a cordial welcome on all occasions, and a genuine hospitality. George H. Nettleman, wholesale fruit and produce commission dealer, with place of business at 31-33-35 Huron street, Toledo. was given birth at Coldwater, Branch county, Michigan, Nov. 22. 1860, a son of John B. and Susan. (Rubley) Nettleman. His father, a native of Germany, was a farmer in his younger days, but during the latter part of his life lived retired, at Coldwater, Mich., where he died and is buried. The mother, a native of Switzerland, is today, at the age of eighty years, residing in Toledo. Seven children—four daughters and three sons—were born to this worthy couple, of whom but four survive—Mrs. Louisa Burr, of Broad Albin. Fulton county, New York ; Franklin, of Toledo ; Charles B., also of the latter place ; and George H., of this review, All were given birth at Coldwater, with the exception of Franklin, who was born at East Gilead, Mich., and a daughter, whose birth occurred in Steuben county, Indiana, just over the Michigan line. George H. acquired his educational training in the public schools of Coldwater and came to Toledo, in February, 1881, where he was employed by the United States Express Company until 1889, when he launched forth in the wholesale produce and commission business, as a member of the firm of Jackson, Lee & Co. Subsequently, upon the death of the senior member of the firm, Mr. Jackson. the business was assumed by Mr. Nettleman and the other member, Harry R. Lee, though the title was never altered, and the subject of this record and his partner are still conducting this extensive and profitable business, as Jackson, Lee & Co. Mr. Nettleman and his brother, Franklin, are the proprietors of the Ohio Broom & Supply Company, of Toledo, located at 2261 Fulton street. where 125 dozens of brooms are manufactured daily, and which is conducted solely on a wholesale basis. Though Mr. Nettleman's father was an adherent of the Democratic party, the subject of this sketch is today an independent voter, believing in voting for the best man, regardless of party affiliations ; and he is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturers' & Wholesale Dealers' Association, the Business Men's Club of Toledo, and the National 208 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY Union. On Feb. 12, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie A. Brainard, of Coldwater, Mich., who died in Toledo, March 26, 1900. He was married to Miss Lenore Gosting, of St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 2, 1901 of which union two children have been born—Suzanne and John B.—both of whom were given birth in Toledo. The family resides at 2126 Fulton street, Toledo. Barton Smith, senior member of the well known law firm of Smith & Baker, was born on his father's farm, at Channahon, near Joliet, Will county, Illinois, June 2, 1852. His father was a native of Tennessee, but left that State in early manhood and, after spending some years in Indiana, settled on the farm at Channahon, in 1835. He was a progressive and public spirited farmer and stock dealer, and died at Channahon, in 1894. The mother, who is a native of Indiana, is still living there. and is the oldest resident of Will county, coming there in 1832. Barton Smith is the eldest in a family of ten children, seven of whom are still living. In 1872, he graduated in the literary course at the University of Michigan, and, after spending a year in the stock business with his father. returned to Ann Arbor and entered the Law Department of the university, where he graduated, in 1875. Immediately after re. ceiving his degree, he came to Toledo, where he formed a .partnership with Mr. Geddes, -which association lasted until July, 1881, when the partnership between himself and Mr. Geddes was dis solved and he became a member of the firm of Baker, Smith & Baker, composed of William Baker, Barton Smith and. Rufus H. Baker, a son of the senior partner. This relation was continued until the death of William Baker, in November, 1894, since which time the two surviving partners have continued the business, under the firm name of Smith & Baker. This is the oldest law firm in the city of Toledo, having been in existence since July, 1881. The offices of the firm are located in the Smith & Baker Building, at the corner of Adams and Superior streets. Mr. Smith has made a profound study of real-estate law, and for several years confined his practice to that branch of legal work, though in course of time his business was enlarged, to include a large corporation practice. For a long time he was the attorney for the street railway company, electric light company and other large corporate concerns, though the most important of these engagements was that connected with the street railway interests. At the time the firm of Baker, Smith & Baker was organized, in 1881, the street railways of Toledo were operated by several small companies, independent of each other, Mr. Smith being the counsel for one of these companies. After protracted litigation, a consolidation of the several independent companies was effected and the street railroads passed into the hands of a single, powerful and well equipped organization, with great advantage to the people of Toledo and to the municipality. This was largely the result of Mr. Smith's thorough knowledge of the law and his diplomacy in bringing about the consolidation. Concerning this event, a former judge of the Ohio Supreme Court says : "The old firm of Baker, Smith & Baker handled immense interests for corporations, including the business BIOGRAPHICAL - 209 of the Connecticut Mutual Insurance Company. When the street railroad litigation of this city commenced, Barton Smith was acting for the company. This was kind of red-letter litigation for the whole State, and the best legal talent was employed in it. Barton Smith was eminently qualified to handle these large, important and involved interests. He possesses the clearest and most analytical mind of any man of his age that I have met. He is great in the solution of intricate legal questions, involving philosophical study. He has a peculiarly logical mind, and is a great student of the authorities. He is very popular and successful. He is an intense man, earnest, self-sacrificing in his duties : thorough, working out every detail and examining every authority, even at the sacrifice of his health. He is very strong before a jury, a fascinating speaker —logical, clear, pointed and impressive : always courteous toward opposing counsel. He is a man of spotless character. I know no man who is his superior in personal integrity, and none who has a higher sense of professional honor." Mr. Smith takes a commendable interest in public affairs, though he has never held public office, except one term as a member of the Board of Education, a position which his interest in popular education compelled him to accept. He has been active in his support of the Democratic party and was a delegate to the national convention, at Chicago, in 1896, at which time, being opposed to bimetallism, he found himself in the minority, though this did not shake his faith in true Democratic principles. He is one of the most prominent members of the Masonic fraternity in Ohio, having been Grand Master of the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templars of. Ohio, and he is a Thirty-third degree member of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite. He became an honorary member of the Supreme Council, Sept. 20, 1887, and was crowned an active member, Sept. 20, 1894. In 1907, he was one of the three American delegates to represent the Supreme Council in the conference at Brussels has held the highest offices in the Ohio Grand Lodge and the Grand Commandery, Knights Templars, of the State, and, May 22, 1909, was appointed, and in September. 1909, was elected to the office of Puissant Lieutenant Grand Commander. the second highest office in the Scottish Rite in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States. At the fifty-second semi-annual reunion of Scottish Rite Masons, in Toledo, in January, 1909, Illustrious Joseph M. Spencer, commander-in-chief of the Toledo Consistory, on behalf of the members of the Consistory, presented Mr. Smith a handsome sterling silver tea-set, as a token of regard for one "renowned above all others in our order for distinguished services." On Christmas Day, 1877, Mr. Smith married Miss May Searles, of Kendall county, Illinois, and of this union have been born two children—Clifford Charles, and Mildred. The son graduated at the Toledo High School, with the class of 1897, and the following year entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. On June 6. 1899, near the close of his freshman year,- he spent the day at Detroit in company with another Ann Arbor man—Donald Bowden, of Kalamazoo—and, among other points of interest, they 210 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY visited Belle Isle. They were late in getting to the landing, as the steamer Garland cast off her moorings, and jumped, in order to get aboard. Mr. Bowden succeeded in reaching the steamer, but Mr. Smith fell short and landed in the water. He was evidently injured in some way, for, notwithstanding that he was a superb- swimmer, he sank to rise no more. His body was not recovered until the following morning. Thus perished one of the best known young men in Toledo, cut off in the flower of his youth, at the age of twenty years, and his tragic death was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends. The daughter, Miss Mildred Smith, is a graduate of Miss Smead's Seminary, of Toledo, and has spent considerable time abroad, particularly in Switzerland. She is at home with her parents and is one of the most highly accomplished young ladies of Toledo. William Baker, who for half a century was one of the leading lawyers and most influential citizens of Toledo, was a native of Ohio, having been born at Norwalk, Huron county, Feb. 5, 1822, and he was a descendant of one of those sturdy New England families whose industry and sterling virtues played so important a part in the development of the celebrated Western Reserve. At the age of nineteen years, he graduated at Granville College, and then entered the Harvard Law School, where he graduated in 1844. In November of that year, he began the practice of law, in Toledo, and from that time to his death, Nov. 17, 1894, he was a prominent figure in all matters pertaining to the material and intellectual development of his adopted city. In 1847, he formed a partnership for the practice of law with Judge Myron H. Tilden, which lasted until 1850 ; from 1857 to 1870, he was in partnership with Judge William A. Collins, and, from 1881 to the time of his death, he was the senior member of the law firm composed of himself, his youngest son—Rufus H. Baker—and Barton Smith. Mr. Baker was well grounded in the knowledge of the law, was tireless in behalf of his clients, and was at all times and under all circumstances a man of the strictest integrity. Possessed of these essentials, it was only natural that he should achieve success, and that succes began early in life, lasting as long as he lived. With such men as Morrison R. Waite, Samuel M. Young,-Peter F. Berdan, Joseph K. Secor, Horace S. Walbridge, Abner L. Backus. and others, he was a prominent factor in building up the institutions upon which now rest Toledo's greatness and prosperity. Mr. Baker was especially active in securing the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland railroad (now the Norwalk division of the Lake Shore system), the Wabash railroad. the Boody House (Toledo's best known hotel), the Wabash elevators, the Milburn Wagon Company, and a number of other concerns that have contributed to the city's growth and prosperity. When the First Baptist Church was organized, Mr. Baker became a member of the congregation, and from that time was one of its stanchest supporters. For many years he was superintendent of the Sunday school connected with the church, and in various ways he aided in its good works. His religion was not confined to the mere question of belief. He conscientiously endeavored to practice the BIOGRAPHICAL - 211 Christian virtues of charity and benevolence, and many men who afterward became prosperous and influential in the business life of Toledo owe their start in life to his timely advice and assistance. It not infrequently falls to the lot of those who aid others to become victims of misplaced confidence, and Mr. Baker was no exception. He sometimes suffered heavy losses through the unworthiness of those to whom he extended a helping hand, but these losses never rendered him uncharitable, nor destroyed his confidence in humanity. It is said that no man, "in whose ability and integrity he believed, ever asked his help in vain." During the Civil war he was a member of the Sanitary Commission, in which capacity he rendered efficient service, and he was also president of the Toledo branch of the United States Christian Commission. On Aug. 28, 1849, Mr. Baker married Miss Frances C. Lattimer, who, with three sons and a daughter, survived her husband. The children are Herbert, now president of the Home Savings Bank of Toledo : Arthur E.; Rufus H., who was a partner in his father's law firm at the time of his death, and Mrs. John J. Manning. A day or two after Mr. Baker laid down the burden of life one of the Toledo papers said, editorially : "It is a distinct loss to a city when such a man as William Baker passes away. Broadminded and thoughtful, with a sincere belief in his fellow men, and an earnest desire to do what lay in his power for their prosperity and progress, Mr. Baker was one of the human factors, and a large one, in the arduous work of laying the foundations upon which the superstructure of Toledo's solid growth and prosperity has been erected. Quiet and unassuming in his manner, he was not one to pose constantly before the public ; but there was no project for the advancement of the real prosperity of Toledo, as a commercial and manufacturing center, which did not find in him an earnest advocate and sagacious supporter. Though not a demonstrative• man, the energy and thoroughness, characteristic of his New Eng- land ancestry. made his support count for much. Nor was he less, a factor of usefulness and progress in the upbuilding of the social fabric of the city. His fifty years' residence in Toledo was one of 'continuous helpfulness to the development of her moral, religious and educational progress. A consistent and active Christian, he was a tower of strength to the church of which he was a member. and his influence extended far beyond the limits of its immediate field. He has gone to his rest, full of years fruitful of good works, leaving an example to his fellow citizens that all may emulate with honor to themselves and credit to Toledo." Stephen J. Pickett, one of the best known contractors and builders of Toledo, was born in that city, May 1. 1852, a son of Stephen and Margaret (Laughlin) Pickett. both natives of Ireland. where they were married. The father came to this country, in 1848, and. after visiting among relatives in New York and the South for a while. selected Toledo as a place of residence. Here he was joined by his wife and children. who came over, in 1850. For a time he followed farming, but in later years became a general contractor. Among the contracts he fulfilled was that of furnish- 212 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY ing piles for the Toledo docks and wharves. He died at Toledo, July 8, 1870, his wife having died, Nov. 2, 1864. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Stephen J. is the youngest and the only one born in this country, all the others having been born in Ireland. Those living are Mrs. Mary E. Gorman and Mrs. Nellie Page, both widows, and residing in Toledo ; Mrs. Katie Rall, also a widow, living in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; John, who lives in Toledo; and the subject of this sketch. Stephen J. Pickett received a good, practical education in the Toledo schools, and, at the age of nineteen years, began his life's career, as a bricklayer. He followed this occupation until 1881, when he began contracting, on a small scale at first, but gradually extending his business, until now there is no building too pretentious for him to undertake. Among the structures erected by him may be mentioned the first power house for the Toledo Railway & Light Company, the Valentine Building, the Toledo "Blade" Building, the Daly Flats, the "News-Bee" Building, the American Bridge Company Building. the Dollar Savings Bank, St. Anthony's Orphanage, the Robin--wood Hospital, the Roth Knitting Works, an important addition to the power plant of the Toledo Traction Company, one of the buildings of the Gendron Wheel Company, and a number of fine residences. He now has the contract for the concrete, brick and fire-proofing work on the new Toledo postoffice, which is under construction. He is now, and has been for the past three years, the president of the Builders' Exchange, being the only man to ever hold the office for that length of time. His office is at Room 9, Builders' Exchange. Mr. Pickett is an uncompromising Democrat in his political views, and for two years was chairman of the Lucas County Central Committee of his party. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. the Business Men's Club, and, until 1908, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. and St. Patrick's Catholic Church. On Aug. 15, 1878, Mr. Pickett and Miss Anna Gildea, a native of Toledo, were united in marriage. Mrs. Pickett is a daughter of John Gildea, a veteran carpenter contractor of the old school, who is now living in Toledo at the age of eighty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Pickett have two sons and a -daughter living: viz., James B. S., now with the Denver "Times," Denver Colo.; Anna E., who lives at home with her parents. and Clarence C.. who is in partnership with his father, since May 1, 1909, under the -firm name of S. J. Pickett & Son. When Mr. Pickett began contracting, in 1881, he established with himself the principle of carrying out every obligation into which he might enter, with strict fidelity. It is due to this that he has achieved his success. Shoddy material and incompetent workmanship never find a place in or upon any building erected by him, and the people of Toledo have always found him absolutely reliable in the fulfillment of his contracts. He might have made more money in some instances by slighting his work, but he knows that, in the long run, he has done better by a rigid adherence to honest principles. BIOGRAPHICAL - 213 John J. Vollmayer, active vice-president of the Market Savings Bank Company, Toledo, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Aug. 14, 1848, and is the eldest of four children born to Michael and Barbara (Opple) Vollmayer, both of whom were born in Germany, where they were married. In 1846, they came to the United States and settled in Cleveland, where they lived for two years, when they removed to Toledo. Michael Vollmayer was a farmer all his life. Upon coming to Toledo he established his home on Detroit avenue, where he died in 1857 and his wife in 1894. Of their four children—three sons and a daughter—two are now living. George died at Toledo in 1896, and Mary married a Mr. Gluckstein and died in Baltimore, Md., in 1893, leaving John J. and Michael the only survivors of the family. Rev. Michael Vollmayer is now the pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, at Massillon, Ohio. He was graduated at Canisius College, a Jesuit institution of Buffalo, N. Y., and educated for the priesthood at St. Mary's Seminary, Cleveland, Ohio. All the children except the subject of this sketch were born in Toledo. John J. received a good practical education in the Toledo parochial schools and, in 1873, began his business career as a retail grocer at the corner of Page and Locust streets. Here he continued until in 1898, when he embarked in the wholesale and retail liquor business at 125 Superior street. He was one of the organizers of the Market Savings Bank, of which he has been vice-president ever since it opened its doors for business, May 2, 1904, and of which his son, William G., is cashier. .1r. Vollmayer owns many valuable pieces of real estate in the city of Toledo. He was one of the active Democrats of Toledo and Lucas county until the campaign of 1896, when he refused to support the platform and Mr. Bryan, though he is still a believer in what he considers real Democratic principles. In 1877, he was elected a member of the police board from the old Seventh ward and. in 1879. was elected to represent that ward in the city council. In 1881, he was again elected to the police hoard, but was legislated out of office by the Foster bill. In 1882, he was elected as the member-at-large for the long term (four years) on the police board and at the closing of that term was renominated, but was defeated in the election. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church; St. Michael's Benevolent Society of that parish the Bavarian Benevolent Society ; the Catholic Knights of America ; the Business Men's Club, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On May 21, 1872, Mr. Vollmayer married Miss Emily C. Becker. of Baltimore, Md., where he was at that time in business, and they have five children : viz., William G., Robert H., Florence, Gertrude, and Claude. William G. was born in Baltimore and all the others in Toledo. William G. is a graduate of Canisius College of Buffalo, N. Y., and is now the cashier of the Market Savings Bank as already stated. He married Gertrude Atwell and they have five children living—Donald, Roland, Cecil, Frankie and William. Robert H., the second son, graduated in dentistry at the University of Michigan and is now practicing that profession in Toledo. Florence, Gertrude and Claude are all at home with their parents. 214 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY John B. Marston, senior member of the firm of Marston & Gould, civil engineers and surveyors, with offices at 413-417 Valentine Building, Toledo, is a native of the Old Bay State, having been born about ten miles from Boston, Mass., March 18, 1826. His parents were John and Lucy Ann (Morse) Marston, both born near Boston, and they passed their whole lives in the East, where the father was engaged in manufacturing enterprises. John B. Marston was educated in his native State and has been a civil engineer all his life. On Dec. 4, 1853, he arrived in Toledo. In 1855,• he established the 'business which is now conducted under the firm name of Marston & Gould, William H. Gould becoming a member of the firm in 1903. They do a general engineering and surveying business, such as laying out sewerage and drainage systems, making railroad surveys, paving and grading streets, subdividing and platting lands, furnishing reports, estimates, etc. The office of Marston & Gould represents the oldest business of this kind in the city, having been in business for more than half a century, or since it was first established by Mr. Marston in 1855. In national matters Mr. Marston is a Republican, but on all questions pertaining to local matters he is independent. He has held several public positions, most of which were in the line of his profession. In 1854, the year after he came to Toledo, he was made assistant city engineer, and was made street commissioner in 1855. From April 1, 1864, to July, 1865, he was engaged as assistant civil engineer on a United States military railroad in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, with headquarters at Nashville, Tenn., and from 1869 to 1872 was county surveyor. He was again elected county surveyor in the fall of 1908 for the term beginning in September, 1909. In 1879, in connection with Mr. Backus and Judge Collins, Mr. Marston was appointed to establish the line of the canal from Swan creek to the mouth at Manhattan. In 1881, he was appointed by the master commissioner of the land office at Washington as United States deputy surveyor for the survey of public lands in Lucas county, which office he held about one year, until the work was completed. All these appointments or elections called upon him to perform some duty along the lines of his chosen calling, but in 1855, Mr. Marston, with two others, took the census of Toledo, pursuant to an order from the city council, and this was the only public service of a miscellaneous nature he was ever called upon to perform. In October, 1856. Mr. Marston married, at Adrian, Mich.. Miss Harriet Shaw. a daughter of Cornelius G. Shaw, who settled in Toledo in 1832 and was the first elected sheriff in Lucas county. To this union were born six children, of whom only two are now living: viz., Mrs. Frederick Brown, of Toledo, and Mary Elizabeth, at home with her parents. Both were born and educated in Toledo. Mr. Marston is a member and senior warden of St. John's Episcopal Church and takes a commendable interest in its good works. Although past the age of fourscore years, he is well preserved, owing chiefly to his correct habits, and he goes about his business as county surveyor with as much vim as most men twenty years his junior. BIOGRAPHICAL - 215 Robert J. West, president and manager of the West Fuel Company, with offices at 516 Madison street, Toledo, was born, May 18, 1868, at Toledo. His father, the late Charles West, of Toledo, for many years a prominent wholesale druggist, was born at London, England, in 1829, and died at Toledo, Sept. 18, 1907. He received his education in the famous King's College, in London, upon the completion of which he did much traveling, and finally came to America and located at Lockport, N. Y., from whence, after a short time, he came to Toledo, which was his place of resi- dence for more than fifty years. Though he received a medical education, with the idea of pursuing the profession of his father, Dr. Thomas West, surgeon in the Royal Army and Navy Hospital in London, he did not make this his life's vocation, hut, with Thomas Bradley, established a wholesale drug business in Toledo. which later developed into the firm of West & Vanstone, and eventually became West & Truax. subsequently one of the most extensive wholesale drug firms in the West. At one time, Charles West was the only resident of the city of Toledo familiar with the foreign terms common to pharmacy and medicine, and Dr. Hazlett, a pioneer physician of Toledo, and others of his colleagues, ac- quired the habit of submitting questions of this nature to him for solution. At the time Toledo and vicinity was visited with a severe epidemic of cholera and the population thereof was threatened with extinction, Charles West was visiting at his old home, in England, and, upon learning that the physicians of Toledo were unable to handle a small proportion of the cases, returned to Toledo to do all within his power to prevent the total annihilation of the inhabitants of that place. For weeks he slept in his store, to facilitate the dispensation of remedies to the suffering, and that he might be on hand to comfort the dying. All sufferers calling at his place of business were treated alike—no matter what their station in life or ability to pay for treatment rendered or remedies procured. Religiously, he was ever a devout adherent of the official church of his native land—the Episcopal—and was instrumental in bringing about the establishment of a church of this faith in Toledo, in an early day. He was for years closely identi- fied with '_-he affairs of Trinity Episcopal Church and was a member of the first vestry of that organization. Fifty years prior to his demise, almost to a day, in September. 1857. at Toronto, Canada, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Williams, whose death occurred at Toledo, in the year 1903. He was the father of six children—three sons and as many daughters : Charles \V.. now associated with the \Vest Lake Machine Company, of Toledo W. F.. of Pasadena. Cal.: Robert J., whose name appears at the head of this sketch Jessie. of Toledo : Mrs. G. L. Freeman, of the same place and Mrs. Louis Winchett, of Chicago—all of whom were born and educated in Toledo, and graduated at the high school there. Charles West. throughout his long and useful career. was universally recognized as one of Toledo's kindliest, most capable and conservative citizens, and his taking away, in September, 1907, was deeply lamented by a wide circle of intimate friends and ac- 216 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY quaintances. Robert J. West, of this sketch, obtained his educational training in the public schools of Toledo. In 1886, he entered the employ of the Merchants' National Bank, where he remained for two years, and, in 1900, he was supervisor of the compiling of the Twelfth United States Census in this district. He was again appointed supervisor of the census in 1910. For many years Mr. West has been actively engaged in the fuel business, organizing the West Fuel Company about ten years ago, and of which he is president and manager. This concern conducts a general retail and wholesale fuel business, dealing in coal—of both the bituminous and anthracite varieties, "Toledo Gas House Coke," and wood of numerous varieties. The company was incorporated, about the year 1900, and the main office is located at 516 Madison street, in the Spitzer Building. Politically, Mr. West is a member of the Republican party, and, fraternally, he is affiliated with the Order of Elks, Toledo 'Lodge. William W. Smith, president and treasurer of the well-known J. W. Greene Company, of Toledo, wholesale and retail dealers in pianos, piano players, and pipe organs, with place of business at 801-805 Jefferson avenue, first beheld the light of day in Fremont, Sandusky county, Ohio, April 6. 1872. He is a son of William J. and Laura (Greene) Smith, the latter a sister of J. W. Greene, late of Toledo, founder and, until his.death. president of the above concern, which bears his name. Mr. Smith's father, William J. Smith, was, during the greater part of his active career, prominently identified with the agricultural industry, though during the last seventeen years of his life he lived practically retired, near Fremont, Ohio, enjoying the fruits of his long and exceedingly industrious activities. He was summoned to his reward, in 1904, his wife having preceded him in death eighteen years, having departed this life in 1886. To the parents were born seven children, of whom four survive—two daughters and two sons—Mrs. Charles Jackson and Mrs. Marshall Keenan, of Millersville, Sandusky county, Ohio ; Charles E. Smith, of Ovid. Clinton county, Michigan, and William W., of this review—all of whom were born and educated in Fremont.. After leaving school, William W. Smith was for several years engaged in teaching school, and for a year was in the oil business. He then took up his residence in Toledo and, June 19, 1896, entered the J. W. Greene music house as a salesman, working for several years in this capacity, both in the house and on the road, after which he became employed in the office of the concern. In 1899, when a stock company was formed, Mr. Smith became its secretary and treasurer, in which capacity he continued until shortly after the death of Mr. Greene, which occurred Aug. 12, 1908, when he was elected as his uncle's successor as president of the company, though he also continued as treasurer, which positions he still occupies. In the matter of politics, Mr. Smith is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and its principles, in national affairs, though reserving the privilege of • exercising his right of suffrage without any regard to partisanship in municipal and other local elections ; and, though never aspiring to the honors BIOGRAPHICAL - 217 and emoluments of public office, he has encouraged by his influence and financial support various undertakings for the upbuilding of the community at large, and for the furtherance of its commercial, industrial and social life. Toledo has no greater admirer, and none give aid to her worthy interests more cheerfully, and he is a firm believer in her resources and promises for future development and prosperity. As a citizen, he has the unqualified confidence and esteem of all who know him, and as a business man he is widely recognized as one of the most progressive and successful in the city. He holds membership in Charles Summer Lodge, Knights of Pythias ; and St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Smith was happily married, Nov. 12, 1896, to Miss Hattie Havens, who was born and educated in Fremont, Ohio, and is a daughter of Birchard and Catherine (Overmyer) Havens. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have no children and reside in a cozy home, at 1933 Linwood avenue. (A sketch of the J. W. Greene Company is to be found in the first volume of this work.) Frank R. Stahl, contractor and builder, was born in the city of Toledo, Ohio, Sept. 8, 1858, a son of Conrad and Katharine (Lour) Stahl, both born in Germany, the father in Bavaria and the mother in Baden. Conrad Stahl came to the United States at the age of twenty-one years, and his wife came over when she was eighteen years old.. They had not known each other in the Fatherland, but became acquainted after emigrating, and were married in Toledo, she being Mr. Stahl's second wife. Conrad Stahl was a farmer in Lucas county until within a few years before his death, when he retired from active pursuits. He died April 27, 1905, aged eighty-two years, and his wife passed away, Dec. 25, 1905, at the age of seventy-two. They had four sons and two daughters, viz : Mrs. John Ankenbrant, Frank R., Fred W., Mrs. Frank Carter, John, and Cornelius, the two youngest being twins. All were born and reared in Lucas county, where they are now living. Cornelius served in the army during the Spanish-American war. Conrad Stahl also had two sons—Nicholas and Henry—by his first wife. Nicholas died in the army and is buried at Nashville, Tenn., and Henry is still living. Frank R. Stahl never saw any of his grandparents, his father and mother were each the only child of their parents, and hence he never had any uncles or aunts. He lived on his father's farm, first in Richfield and later in Spencer township, Lucas county, until he was twenty-three years old, when he went to work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for five years. Since 1890, he has been engaged in general contracting and building, no structure being too large for him to undertake. Among the prominent buildings in Toledo that have been erected under his supervision are the Times-News Building, the Salvation Army Building, the Starr avenue car barns, the plant of the Toledo Casting Company, the United States Malleable Iron Works, the Berlin block, the Pope-Toledo retail quarters, the Ziegler and the Lichtie flats, St. Anthony Orphanage, and a number of others. He also rebuilt Collingwood Hall. Mr. Stahl is also interested in the Commercial Fuel Company, which. manufactures all products derived 218 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY from peat, as well as the machinery for turning out these products. It also installs factories for the prosecution of this line of industry in all parts of the United States, Canada and Mexico. Mr. Stahl's office is at Room 9, Builders' Exchange, of which he is one of the directors. He is regarded as one of the best informed and best equipped contractors in Toledo, and it is worthy of note that during his nineteen years' experience in that line of business he has rarely failed to satisfy those who have awarded him contracts for the erection of buildings. He belongs to St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. On June 16, 1882. he was married, in St. Josephs' Catholic Church at Maumee, to Miss Nellie E. Dunn, of Holland, Lucas county. She was born and educated at Waterville, later attending high school at Maumee. and she taught school for a number of years prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl have five daughters—Julia, Katherine, Mary, Frances and Helen—all born in Toledo, and all graduates of the Ursuline Convent. where Julia, the eldest, is now known as Sister Eulalia. Walton E. Stone, of Toledo, manager, secretary and treasurer of the Churchill Grain & Seed Company, was born in Sylvania, Lucas county. Ohio. April 30, 1871, a son of Lyman Bruce and Isabel! (Southard) Stone. His father, also a native of Sylvania, and a farmer by occupation, served in the Civil war, as a member of Company K. Twenty-fifth Ohio infantry, and died June 21, 1908. The mother was born in West Toledo and now makes her home with her son, Walton E., of this review. There were eight children in the family, of whom seven are now living—Mrs. W. H. Southard, of West Toledo Mrs. C. K. Southard. of Toledo ; Tames Leroy Stone, of Salt Lake City : Mrs. William Martin, of New York City: Mrs. R. L. Burge. of Toledo: Henry Bruce Stone. of the same place. and Walton E.. of this sketch. All were born and educated in Sylvania with the exception of James. who acquired his educational training at Oberlin, Ohio. Lillian (Mrs. Martin) graduated at the Sylvania High School with honors. Walton E. commenced his business career by entering the employ of the Churchill Grain & Seed Company, Sept. 3, 1890, at Toledo, starting in at the bottom and, through diligence and enterprise, working his way to his present responsible positions with this concern. which is affiliated with the Buffalo Corn and the Toledo Produce Exchanges. In politics, Mr. Stone is a Republican when national issues are at stake, though he is an independent voter in local politics. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Sanford L. Collins Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons, and has recently been elevated to the degree of Knight Templar. On Aug. 15, 1896. he was united in marriage to Miss Addie Hoag, of Toledo, who passed away, Feb. 14, 1903, the mother of three children—Wade Walton. Ashton Phillips and Isabell—all of whom were born in Toledo, where they are now attending the public schools. He married Susan M. Fallon, of Toledo, June 6. 1905, and Mr. and Mrs. Stone are now residing at 2626 Fulton street. BIOGRAPHICAL - 219 John Swigart, president of the Swigart Watch & Optical Company, of Toledo, was born in that city, Dec. 9, 1861. His parents were both natives of Germany, born and reared in Bargen, Baden, a short distance from Heidelberg, where the father received his education. The father, George Adam Swigart, entered the employ of the German government in 1846, and went to Berlin, where he became involved in the revolutionary movement of 1848 and was compelled to leave his native land in consequence, his sympathies being entirely with the revolutionists. He landed in New York, late in the year 1848, and came direct to Toledo, via Buffalo and Sandusky, by boat. The mother came to Toledo in the spring of 1831, and the lovers' vows, made in Germany, were fulfilled by marriage that same year. The father was one of the German pioneers of the "Future Great City" and all of the hardships and privations incidental to the early days in Toledo were his share. A good practical education stood him in stead, and it was easy to take up his trade as a carpenter and later as a contracting carpenter and house-mover. He was a !charter member of the old Lutheran Reformed Church on Canton street, in Toledo. He was born Aug. 15, 1822, and died March 19, 1880. The mother, a good Christian woman of sterling worth, was born Jan. 3, 1825, and died Dec. 3, 1878. both parents passing to their eternal rest at the old home, 646 Erie street. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom are living : John Swigart, the subject of this sketch : Kate (Swigart) Barth, of Chicago, and Charles Swigart, of Cincinnati. John Swigart received his education in the Toledo schools, lacking one year of completing the high school course. After leaving school he went to work in the jewelry store of B. H. Broer, of Toledo, and attended night school during the period of such employment. After severing his connection with Mr. Broer he accepted a position in the store of L. Tanke, where he remained two years, and then went tot Chicago to complete his trade with a manufacturing jeweler, operating under the firm name of A. Swartz Company. In the spring of 1885, he returned to Toledo and started a jewelers' wholesale supply house on Summit street, north of Jefferson, under the firm name of John Swigart & Company. On Jan. 1, 1886, this business was moved to Cincinnati and consolidated with that of his brother, Eugene Swigart, under the firm name of The E. & J. Swigart Company, wholesale dealers in jewelry and jewelers' supplies. In 1898. a branch office was started in Toledo, under the firm name of The 'Swigart Optical Company, with John Swigart as manager. The growth of the concern required larger quarters, and, in 1900, it was moved into the Doyle & Lewis Building on Madison avenue. In 1903, the Toledo concern was incorporated under the name of The Swigart Watch & Optical Company, Eugene Swigart's interest having been acquired by John Swigart, and in 1906 it was moved into the quarters it now occupies, at 328-330-332 Superior street. Mr. Swigart is a member of the Toledo Traveling Men's Association, the Toledo Yacht Club, and the Toledo Club, and fraternally he is a Thirty-second 220 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY degree Mason. On Dec. 14, 1886, he was married to Miss Anna M. Herrick, youngest daughter of the late Capt. Calvin Herrick, one of Toledo's pioneer citizens, and from this union there have been born four children : John Swigart, Jr., Anna Marie, Marguerite, and Eugene Thomas, aged twenty, eighteen, fifteen and twelve years, respectively. William L. Ahrendt, for many years a well known figure in Toledo business circles, founder of the Ahrendt & Sons Company, wholesale liquor dealers at 512 Monroe street, and a veteran of the Civil war, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1838, and died at Toledo, Dec. 31, 1907. He was a son of Jurgen Ahrendt, who was born in Germany, Nov. 13, 1799, came to America at the age of eighty-four years, and died in Toledo, in 1896, at the age of ninety-seven. As a youth, he watered Napoleon's horses when that distinguished soldier was on one of his brilliant campaigns. Father and son rest side by side in Forest cemetery, at Toledo. William L. Ahrendt was educated in the Fatherland and served in the German army before coming to the United States, in the spring of 1863. The great Civil war was then at its height, and he promptly enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and Eighty-second Ohio infantry, with which .he served until the close of the war. In August, 1863, he married Miss Wilhelmina Vick, who, with three sons—Reinhold, Rudolph J. C., and Arthur H.—survives him and is still living in Toledo. Mr. Ahrendt was a member of Forsyth Post, Grand Army of the Republic ; Robert Blum Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; the North German Society, and St. Paul's German Lutheran Church. He was a Republican in his political views and was elected assessor in the old Eighth ward, having been the first. Republican to be elected to office in that ward. He was in business in Toledo for a long time before his death, and as his sons grew up he took them into the firm, finally incorporating the business under the name of the Ahrendt & Sons Company. They own the building known as the Miller Block, on Monroe street, a three-story brick structure, in which they occupy No. 512, renting out the stores at 508 and 510. Some years ago the company bought out J. D. Holtzermann, of Piqua, Ohio, thereby becoming the sole manufacturers of Holtzerman's Stomach Bitters, one of the oldest preparations of this character on the market. Mr. Ahrendt was president of the company at the time of his death, and was succeeded in that office by his son Reinhold, Arthur H. being the vice-president and Rudolph J. C. the secretary and treasurer. Reinhold Ahrendt was born in Toledo, Aug. 4, 1873. After attending the public schools and Davis' Business College of his native city, he became associated with his father in business and is now the executive head of the concern. He is a member of Robert Blum Lodge, No. 413, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On June 17, 1896, he married Miss Rosa Boldt, a daughter of Joseph Boldt, who is now living a retired life. in Toledo, where he was in business for many years. Reinhold and Rosa Ahrendt have four sons: Reinhold, Jr., Robert, Roswell, and William. Rudolph J. C. Ahrendt was born BIOGRAPHICAL - 221 in Toledo, Jan. 23, 1876. He was educated in the public schools and the Tri-State Business College of Toledo. after which he entered the business in connection with his father. He married Miss Mamie Sanzenbacher, a sister of the present auditor of Lucas county, and they have two daughters : Wilma and Elza. Rudolph is a Thirty-second degree Mason and a member of Zenobia Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Toledo Traveling Men's Association. Arthur H. Ahrendt was born in Toledo, Oct. 26, 1888. In addition to his position as vice-president of the Ahrendt & Sons Company, he is a clerk in the county auditor's office, having previously been a teller in the Market Savings Bank for four years. He is unmarried and lives with his mother in the old home at 554 Nebraska street. All three of the sons are Republicans in their political affiliations, and all are members of St. Paul's German Lutheran Church. They live in three houses. side by side, on Nebraska avenue Arthur and his mother at No. 544, Rudolph at 550, and Reinhold at 560. Loyall B. Lucas, a merchandise broker, with offices at 105 Superior street, Toledo, was born at Lafayette. Ind., Dec. 27, 1871, and is the older of two sons born to C. A. and Algena (Bishop) Lucas, both natives of the "Hoosier State. His grandfather. Frederick Lucas, was a native of Ohio and was a first cousin of Gov. Robert Lucas, after whom Lucas county was named. In 1877. the family removed from Lafayette, Ind., to Toledo, where the father, C. A. Lucas, is now assistant manager of the Dair Shippers' Despatch. Loyall B. and his brother, Conda A. Lucas, were educated in the schools of Toledo. both having attended the Davis Business College. Upon leaving school, Loyall B. Lucas became contracting freight agent for the Wabash Railroad Company, which position he held until 1899. when he embarked in the brokerage business, in which he is still engaged. He is a stockholder in several other concerns, but takes no active part in their management. His brother is in the shipping department of the Bostwick-Braun Company, in the store at Perrysburg, Ohio. Mr. Lucas is a Republican in his political opinions, and he belongs to the Royal Arcanum, which is the only fraternal society to claim him as a member. On Dec. 23, 1893, he married Miss Mildred Brake, daughter of Thomas Brake, formerly an attorney of Toledo, but now living in Cuba. Mrs. Lucas was born in Columbus. Ohio, where she received her early schooling, finishing her education in the Toledo High School after removing to that city. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas have two daughters and a son, viz.: Algena. Dorothy, and William Loyall. The eldest daughter is now in the Toledo High School. The family resides at 124 Twentieth street. James McGettigan, deceased, one of Toledo's pioneer business men, founder and for many years at the head of the McGettigan Cartage & Storage Company, 513-523 Washington street. one of the most extensive concerns of its nature in the city of Toledo, first beheld the light of day at Derry, Ireland, in 1823. At the age of twenty-six, in 1849, he immigrated to America, first 222 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY coming to Toledo, where he located, and later journeying to Philadelphia, to marry a girl with whom he had attended school in the Emerald Isle. Mr. McGettigan returned to Toledo with his young bride and established his residence, which for many years stood on the present site of Berdan & Co.'s wholesale grocery house, on Huron street, which location was the family homestead for thirty-seven years. He at once launched forth in the business which today stands as a monument to his industry and enterprise, carrying on an extensive drayage business, maintaining a large warehouse for the storage of household goods, breeding horses of the draft, coach and speed varieties, and vending veterinary supplies. His beloved wife passed away, March 7, 1888, and he died over twelve years later, May 17, 1900, at the age of seventy-seven, leaving five sons and one daughter—James, Daniel, John, Edward, and Thomas, and Mrs. James Grambling, all of whom were born, educated and reared in Toledo. They are all married, with the exception of James and John, who make their home with their sister, at 2311 Fulton street, and all are residents of their native city, each of them possessing an equal interest in the McGettigan Cartage & Storage Company. The subject of this review was a man of generous qualities, was exceptionally modest and unassuming, and was not without his peculiarities—among them an aversion to having his picture taken, submitting to a photographer only with extreme reluctance. All with whom he came in contact possessed a profound admiration for his numerous manly virtues, and he became one of the most popular natives of the Emerald Isle residing in the city of Toledo. Brought up in the Roman Catholic faith, he was affiliated with St. Patrick's Church, of Toledo, where his funeral occurred, attended by a multitude of Toledo's leading citizens, regardless of their religious views. Since his demise, his sons have placed a large, handsome portrait of him in the office of the company, and a likeness of their honored father also adorns their bank checks. George W. Holloway, clerk and member of the board of directors of the Lucas County Infirmary, and for many years a prominent and influential farmer of his native township. Springfield, in this county, was given birth Jan. 3, 1844, a son of Herbert and Sarah (Wood) Holloway, both of whom were natives of the Empire State, where they were married. The parents migrated to Lucas county in 1834, and there for eight years the father conducted the "Pennsylvania Hotel," on Swan creek, about two and a half miles from the village of Maumee, it being one of the earliest taverns in the county. He also took up a government tract of 240 acres in Fulton county, which land remained in his possession up to the time of his demise, in 1848, but which has since passed from the ownership of the family and for many years he owned and operated a farm of eighty acres in Springfield township, upon which George W., of this sketch, was horn. There were three children in the family, of whom the subject of this review ranked second in point of age. Mrs. Gilbert. the deceased wife of Dr. Gilbert, of Maumee, being the eldest, while a son, Herbert, BIOGRAPHICAL - 223 also deceased, was the youngest. George W. received his education in the public schools of Holland. Lucas county. and at Toledo, and through diligent application to his studies obtained a certificate entitling him to teach in the schools of the county, though he never took advantage of this, preferring to pursue the peaceful and profitable career of a farmer. The war record of Mr. Holloway is a brilliant one. On June 26, 1861, he enlisted in Battery H, First Ohio light artillery, and for three years was with the Army of the Potomac, participating in all of the battles of this army from the second battle of Bull Run to the vacation of Petersburg and Richmond by Lee. including those of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness. Spottsvlvania. Cold Harbor. and the siege of Petersburg. Though he was always in the thickest of the fray. and had many narrow escapes from severe injury and death, he came through unscathed. At the conclusion of the war he participated in the Grand Review before President Johnson at 'Washington, and was mustered out of the service at Cleveland. Ohio. A picture of Battery H in action hangs in a conspicuous position in the Art Building in Toledo. in which the few surviving members of that gallant company and their descendants may well take pride, for the record of Battery H is as brilliant as that of any other group of soldiers who poured out their life's blood that the Union might be preserved. After his return from the army, Mr. Holloway attended a school, which was then termed "the seminary." and which was conducted in the old courthouse at Maumee. when Russell B. Pope was principal, and he was later a student in the Union School of the same village, under Mr. Lenderson, who for many years was surveyor of Lucas county. Subsequently. Mr. Holloway was a pupil at the Toledo High School, all of which educational training was only supplementary to that which had been acquired in the district schools of Springfield township in the days preceding the war. Politically, he is a Republican and has been very active in the affairs of his party, having served as a member of its various committees. both county and township. and has at different times been the incumbent of the various elective offices in his native township. which only evinces the high repute in which his integrity and executive ability are held in the minds of those who know him best. In the fall of 1903, Mr. Holloway was elected a member of the board of directors of the Lucas County Infirmary. and has been twice re-elected. At present he is also clerk of this organization. He owns con-. siderable property about the county—including 100 acres of fine agricultural property in Springfield township and other real estate in the village of Holland. He is an active and enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic. belonging to Post No. 107 of Toledo. and is also affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Gleaners. On Jan. 3. 1869, Mr. Holloway was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Arn, of Springfield township. a native of Butler county, Ohio, of which happy union three children have been given birth—Herbert A., who now conducts his father's farm in Springfield ; Stephen G., an engineer at the county infirmary ; and Helen Leh- 224 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY mann, who is now living in Bowling Green, Ohio. They were all born on the old farm in Springfield and received their elementary schooling in the district schools of that township, though they subsequently became students at the Davis Business College in Toledo. Mr. Holloway and wife left the farm about nine years ago and now reside in the village of Holland. Such is the record of the career of a gallant soldier, an industrious and thrifty agriculturist and a capable public official. George J. Gradwohl, the leading retail meat merchant of the city of Toledo, 408 Monroe street, has achieved marvelous success in his brief though active career in the commercial world. He is a native of Adrian, Lenawee county, Michigan, born Sept. 26, 1874, a son of John and Caroline (Kimmerlin) Gradwohl, both natives of Wurtemburg, Germany. The mother emigrated to America in the fifties of the last century, settling in Toledo with her parents. while the father came over a few years earlier and located in Adrian, their marriage occurring in Toledo in 1865. John Gradwohl was a machinist by trade, working as such for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Company at Toledo for upwards of twenty-seven years, though he lived retired for three years immediately preceding his death, which occurred July 8, 1909. His beloved wife passed away in Toledo in the year 1891, leaving eight children, four sons and as rnany daughters—Frederick, Charles, Clarence and George, Mrs. Edward Wallace, Mrs. Kirkenbauer, Mrs. John Wolcott and Clara, all of whom were educated in the public schools of Toledo and reared in the German Lutheran faith. They are all residents of Toledo, with the exception of Mrs. Wallace, who lives in Detroit, Mich. Charles served in the Spanish-American war, in 1898, as a member of the Sixth Ohio infantry, and Clarence is a graduate of the Davis Business College, of Toledo, and is now employed in the offices of George J., of this review. The last named has pursued the retail meat business for fourteen years, commencing as a wagon driver for Jacob Folger, the pioneer pork packer of Toledo. with whom he remained for ten years. He left the employ of Mr. Folger to assume charge of the Toledo business of Nelson & Morris, Chicago packers, and after two successful years with them resigned to enter the retail meat industry by himself. At first he occupied temporary quarters at 13 St. Clair street, where he remained from Oct. 1, 1907, to March 1, 1908, when he moved into his present place of business. He deals in the meats of the Jacob Folger firm exclusively, which are dressed for the market in Toledo, and his market is generally recognized as the cleanest, neatest and most popular in the city. Besides meats of general varieties, he handles Sealshipt oysters and poultry, and only the very best qualities are to be had at this market. Mr. Gradwohl has pursued his original ideas concerning the proper treatment of patrons, and besides handling the very best of qualities, maintains a prompt and up-to-date delivery service, into which he has recently introduced a number of automobiles. He is, withal, a business man of thrift, enterprise and progressive activity. His commercial ideas are of the highest, and in the rush