600 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY of age, and received his education in the schools of that city, graduating in the high school with the class of 1880. He began his business career with the Blade Printing and Paper Company, after which he was for a time with A. E. Macomber & Co. In 1898, after the death of his father, he took charge of the business his father had established and which he still carries on under the name of A. B. Cole Sons Company. Mr. Cole also conducts a shoe store at 1612 Broadway, having embarked in this line of activity before the death of his father, and for the past twelve years he has successfully conducted both enterprises. The dual demands of the two undertakings might prove too much for a less capable man, but Mr. Cole has proved equal to every emergency. Industrious, quick to perceive and equally quick to execute, possessed of a fine business acumen and an almost unerring judgment, he has overcome all obstacles and has reaped reward where a weaker man would have gone down to defeat. He is now the proprietor of both lines of business and the owner of the property in which they are located. As he looks back upon his achievements he has the satisfaction of knowing that all he has was honestly obtained, and that for every dollar he has accumulated he has given a fair equivalent. Politically, Mr. Cole is a Republican. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen, the national Union, the North American Union and the South Side Improvement Association. Mr. Cole married Miss Anna C. Harris, of Toledo, who was born and educated in Huron county, Ohio, and the family resides at 727 Walbridge avenue. John Streicher, late of Toledo, one of the leading contractors and oldest residents of that city, was born at Duerbach, Alsace, March 30, 1829, and died at St. Vincent's Hospital, in Toledo, April 25, 1909. In 1847 he came to America with his parents, who settled at Toledo on a farm on the Manhattan road. Some years later, he began his career as a contractor by building sidewalks and plank roads in Toledo, and he was the first contractor to pave Summit, Adams, St. Clair, Madison and Jefferson streets. In the early days he was associated to some extent with William Casey and the late Dennis Coghlin. On Jan. 7, 1866, he married Miss Susanna Langenderfer, whose parents, John Langenderfer and wife, were both natives of Germany. Her father came to this country before her mother, the latter having been but thirteen years old when her parents left the Fatherland and made the voyage to this country on an old-fashioned sailing vessel. Mrs. Streicher's parents were married in the Catholic church at Monroe, Mich., before a church of that faith had been established in Lucas county, and they were among the pioneer settlers of Maumee, where she was born Oct. 13, 1843. About a year after his marriage, Mr. Streicher built the residence at 718 Michigan street, where he continued to reside for the rest of his life, and where his widow still makes her home. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Streicher—two sons and a daughter. The eldest son, Henry P., has been engaged in the contracting business all his life, since becoming old enough to engage in any occupation, and now has BIOGRAPHICAL - 601 offices at Toledo and at Memphis, Tenn. He is unmarried and makes his home with his mother when in Toledo. The daughter is Mrs. L. E. Flory, residing at 618 Euclid avenue, Toledo, and Jerome F. is engaged in business as a dealer in boots and shoes, his store being located at 105 Main street, on the East Side. He is unmarried and lives with his mother. Both the sons are members of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. They are recognized as two of the energetic and capable business men of Toledo. Jerome began his career as a contractor, but since 1901 has been in the shoe business, as already stated. John Streicher was a charter member of the Lucas County Pioneer Association and- belonged to several German societies. He was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and in his will he left $800 for the purpose of placing a clock in the tower of that church. To this sum the sons added $400, as the amount left by Mr. Streicher was not sufficient to secure a clock of good quality. The clock was to have been in position, Oct. 13, 1909. the birthday of Mrs. Streicher, and was to celebrate its advent by giving sixty-six strokes—one for each year of her age. Unfortunately, the arrangement could not be carried out, as the clock was not in position until Dec. 3, 1909. Mr. Streicher also made other charitable bequests, notably to the Little Sisters of the Poor, the Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart, and St. John's College, the last named receiving $1,000 to be used for the education of poor children. He retired from active business pursuits in 1895 and passed the remainder of his days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his labors of earlier years. The immediate cause of his death was liver trouble, and his remains were buried in St. Mary's cemetery. Henry A. Page.—The general manager of the Ohio Dairy Company, located at the corner of Erie and Orange streets, is Henry A. Page, who was educated in the dairy business by his father, one of the foremost manufacturers of condensed milk in the United States. To Mr. Page belongs the credit of having built up this business to its present great proportions. He is an experienced dairyman, who thoroughly understands every phase of the business and commands the respect and esteem of all with whom he has had business relations. The Ohio Dairy was established in 1904 and was re-incorporated in 1905, with a capitalization of $225,000. There all kinds of milk products are manufactured and from there condensed milk is shipped all through the Central States. The dairy is equipped with every scientific device known to the dairy business, milk is purchased from none but inspected dairies, submitted again to bacteriological and chemical tests in the laboratories of the Ohio Dairy. pasteurized and sealed in sterilized bottles. The richness of the milk and the cleanliness of its preparation are both unexcelled, and every possible measure is taken to shorten the time between the actual milking and the delivery to the consumer. The company has thirty wagons engaged in the retail delivery of milk in the city of Toledo and twenty additional wagons are employed in the butter and ice cream delivery. The dairy is famous 602 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY for its "Daisy" brand of butter and ice cream, for both of which there is a widespread popular demand. The Ohio Dairy Company is one of the chief dairy companies in the State of Ohio, its volume of business being very large and constantly increasing. It is one of the pioneers of the "Direct Shippers" system in the Middle States and, in addition to the Toledo plant, operates a milk condensing plant at Morenci. Mich., and another branch at Dundee. Mich. The buildings are all of reinforced concrete construction, equipped with modern machinery, and are models of sanitary arrangement. The Morenci and Dundee plants furnish a considerable quantity of the products sold through the Toledo house, besides what they furnish direct to their trade. They handle the products of some 4.000 farmers. The principal shipments are made through Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and to points in the Middle West. In the operation of the several plants about 100 people are employed, exclusive of the office force and traveling salesmen. It is conservatively estimated that more than 80 per cent. of the bottled milk distributed daily in Toledo comes from the Ohio Dairy. An ice-plant with a capacity of thirty tons daily is operated in connection with the Toledo dairy plant of the Ohio company. Henry A. Page was born in England, Nov. 3, 1879. and is one of the four sons of W. B. Page. who came to New York from England and became the manufacturer of the Angles Swiss brand of condensed milk. which supplied a large market in the -United States and was also manufactured by him in Switzerland. W. B. Page died in New York in 1906. The four sons. all natives of England. were all trained and experienced dairy men, familiar with every department of the business, and after the negotiations were completed by which the Angles-Swiss dairy business was absorbed by the trust, the Messrs. Page operated independent companies in different localities with marked success. Mrs. Page resides with her sons in turn since her husband's death. Henry A. Page has spared no effort to promote the interests of the Ohio Dairy Company, and has been on duty all the working days of the past six years without a respite. His boyhood was spent in Dixon. Ill., where he graduated in the high school. He came to Toledo in connection with his dairy interests and has become one of the most prominent business men of the city. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Blue Lodge, No. 144. of the Masonic order. His efforts to give the consumers of Toledo pure, rich milk have been unceasing and crowned with success, and the public appreciation of the fact is attested to by the unprecedented patronage enjoyed by the Ohio Dairy. Wilson S. Isherwood, for many years a resident and representative business man of Toledo. was born at Cambridgeboro. March 6, 1827. His earliest American ancestor was Capt. Pilgrim Francis Isherwood, a native of Hull. England. who in early life became a cabin boy on a ship and rase to the position of captain or master of a vessel. In his voyages to America he became attracted by the advantages offered in the New World. and after his marriage to a young lady of London he settled at Philadelphia. it BIOGRAPHICAL - 603 is supposed on a tract of land granted by the British crown to his brother, Sir George Isherwood. Here his son, Pilgrim Isherwood, father of the subject of this sketch. was born, in November, 1787. Later, the family removed to Erie county and settled on the banks of French creek. Pilgrim Isherwood served as a soldier in the American army during the War of 1812. In 1814 he married and located in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. To him and his wife were born nine children, viz.: Elizabeth C., James C.. Hiram A.. Lovina, William C., Polly, Wilson S.. Francis P.. and John L., all of whom lived to reach their majority. James C. died at the age of twenty-two years; Hiram A. became a farmer; William C. studied medicine and became a practicing physician in Michigan ; Polly married Franklin Chapin, and her son, F. P. Chapin. was at one time business manager of the "Toledo Bee" ; Wilson S. is the immediate subject of this review : Francis P. began life as a merchant, was associated with his brother, Wilson S.. as a member of the firm of Chase. Isherwood & Co.. tobacco manufacturers, and died about 1894 ; and John L. began life as a farmer, but later engaged in mercantile pursuits. Wilson S. Isherwood's educational opportunities were limited to the common schools of that early period. but with rare force of will and the exercise of a laudable ambition he rose to a place of prominence among his fellow men. In 1850. at the age of twenty-three years. he determined to make his own way in the world, and embarked in business on a modest scale at Hillsdale. Mich. Five years later, he removed to Toledo, where he engaged in the grocery business. under the firm name of W. S. Isherwood & Co. He continued in that line of activity until in 1862, when, as a member of the firm of Chase, Isherwood & Co., he engaged in the manufacture of tobacco. Subsequently, he withdrew from that firm and established a tobacco factory of his own, which he continued to operate until 1881. when he removed to Austin, Tex., and passed the remainder of his life in connection with agricultural interests. His death occurred at Austin. Sunday. March 26. 1899. having passed the seventy-second anniversary of his birth twenty clays before. He was survived by his wife ; a daughter, Mrs. Vories P. Brown. of San Antonio. Tex. ; and a son, Loren W. Isherwood. of Toledo. The "Toledo Bee." of March 27, 1899, in announcing his death. said : "A number of Toledo's best business houses were erected by Mr. Isherwood. and some of our largest enterprises owe their origin to his energy. He was a man who enjoyed not only the respect and confidence of his business associates. but the esteem of his friends. and of all who came in contact with him. He was one of the sturdy pioneers. to whose industry and perseverance Toledo owes much of her commercial prosperity and development : a man of honor, integrity, great business ability and benevolence." This brief epitome tells the story of his character and life work as well as though a volume had been written on the subject. Having sprung from the humbler walks of life. forced to work his own way in the battle of life, his sympathies were always with the common people, and he never lost an opportunity to utter a word in their behalf. He believed in progress and 604 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY the uplifting of humanity. Although deeply interested in all questions of public policy, he could never be induced to become a candidate for or accept public office. In 1881, a short time before his removal to Texas, he was nominated by the National party for the office of treasurer of Lucas county, without solicitation on his part, but he withdrew, declining to permit his name to be used in that connection under any circumstances. He was a liberal contributor to the "Toledo Bee" and other newspapers, on economic and miscellaneous subjects. His writings show that he possessed a fine power of discrimination, a ready grasp of political issues, and that at heart he held the welfare of the masses far above the interests of any political party. He also wrote a number of poems, among which may be mentioned "Life's Journey," "Conceptions of Deity," "The Golden Gate," "Unitarianism," "An Unanswered Prayer," and "The Crisis." In April, 1898, only a year before his death, he won the prize offered by the "Farm and Ranch," a Texas publication, for the best essay on "Farm Machinery," Mr; Isherwood's essay being written in verse, graphically portraying the progress of the century in the implements used on the farm. Quite a number of his poems were collected and published in book form by his son, Loren W. Isherwood, in 1898, "for distribution among friends." Mr. Isherwood's death was due to a complication of heart trouble and Bright's disease, and his departure on the long journey left a vacancy in the esteem of a multitude of friends that can never be filled. James Alfred Cohoon, deceased, an old and honored resident of Toledo, one who took an active part in the city's early affairs and history, was born in Plymouth township, Wayne county, Michigan, March 19, 1830. He was reared on a farm, received his education in the common schools of his native township, and, at the age of nineteen years, began his business career of a• salesman of grain cleaners or fanning mills for a Mr. Ledyard, with whom he remained for two years. During that time he learned the business so thoroughly that, upon reaching his majority, he embarked in the same line of enterprise on his own account, at Hillsdale, Mich. In 1864, he removed to Toledo, where he continued in the same business for twenty years, retiring, in 1884, from the active pursuits of life to enjoy the accumulations of former years, adding to these accumulations by judicious investments. In his younger years, Mr. Cohoon was a great lover of fine horses and was generally the owner of one which was able to compete in the races on the ice or snow, during the sleighing season. In 1902, he left Toledo and went to Mexico, but, after spending seven years in the city of Guadalajara, he returned to Toledo, where he spent the remainder of his days, and his death occurred at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Loren W. Isherwood, April 21, 1910. In 1857, Mr. Cohoon married Miss Betsy Ann Burd, and this union was blessed with three daughters, viz.: Carrie E., who is the wife of Loren W. Isherwood, bf Toledo ; Agnes B., now Mrs. Clarence J. Neare, of Cincinnati ; and Betty, the youngest, Who died Jan. 31, 1877. Throughout his long and active life, Mr. Cohoon achieved BIOGRAPHICAL - 605 success by the exercise of his energy, business sagacity and sound judgment, and as he looked back over his career he could feel the proud satisfaction of knowing that for every dollar he added to his own coffers he rendered a fair equivalent. Such men naturally win the esteem of those with whom they come in contact, and in his old age he enjoyed the sincere regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. George W. Walbridge, cashier of the National Bank of Commerce, of Toledo, and a man well known in the financial circles of that city, was born in Toledo, May 29, 1867. His father, John Walbridge, was a lumberman who died at Manistee, Mich., April 11, 1909, and the mother now resides in Toledo. They were the parents of three children, all of whom are living, viz.: Mrs. F. A. Mitchell, of Manistee, Mich. ; George W., and Mrs. George E. Bell, of Toledo. All three were born and educated in Toledo. Mr. Walbridge began his business career, in 1882, as a clerk in the offices of the Toledo & Ohio CentraL railway, where he remained until 1887, after which he was connected with the First National Bank for about five months. When the Ketcham National Bank was organized, in January, 1888,, he became associated with it as bookkeeper, retaining the position after the name of the institution was changed to the National Bank of Commerce, and by successive promotions finally rose to the position of cashier, which he now holds. Mr. Walbridge has been to a large extent the architect of his own fortune. Beginning in the humble position of clerk in a railroad office, he has, by careful attention to the duties assigned him and the cultivation of habits that won the confidence and respect of his employers, risen to a place of trust and responsibility ; and with his general knowledge of the needs and requirements of the banking business in his native city, it is probable that greater honors await him in the future. On national issues he is identified with the Republican party, but on matters affecting local interests, he is independent, casting his vote for the man he thinks best qualified for the office. He is a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church, the Toledo Yacht Club, the Toledo Club and the Chamber of Commerce. On Oct. 21, 1903, Mr. Walbridge married Miss Persis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Woolsey Sawtelle, old residents of Toledo, both now deceased. Mrs. Walbridge was born and. educated in Toledo, where she has a large circle of friends. Mr. Walbridge and his wife reside in the Rosamond Apartments, at the corner of Scottwood avenue and Bancroft street. Cornelius Kendall, deceased, late vice-president of the Shaw-Kendall Engineering Company, was for thirty-eight years prominently identified with the business interests of the city of Toledo, and in the course of his activities he took a leading part in the development of several of the most important industrial plants in the city. It is eminently fitting that in this volume he should be numbered among the leaders of progress and industry and that a brief review should be given of his singularly successful career. Cornelius Kendall was born May 21, 1839, in Quincy, Ill., and when nine years of age removed with his parents to Chicago, Ill., 606 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY in which city he attended school and received his early training. His father and brothers were .quite extensively engaged in the bakery business in that city, and the first engagement of Cornelius in a business way was with this concern, known as the Kendall Bakery. During the Civil war, this firm had a contract with the Government for furnishing bread to the army, but the patriotic endeavors of the subject of this memoir were not confined to his connection with this work. Upon the organization of the famous Chicago Board of Trade Battery of light artillery, he enlisted as a private therein and was mustered into the United States service, Aug. 1, 1862. With the battery he arrived in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 10. following, and was introduced to the stern realities of war in an engagement at Lawrenceburg, Ky., a short time afterward. Compared to subsequent experiences, this was a small affair, however, as one well directed shot from the battery caused the enemy to retreat. At the battle of Stone's River the battery took a prominent part. and at Ringgold, Ga.. it fired the first gun, which opened the battle of Chickamauga. On the second day of that fight, it moved through Steven's Gap and fought to the close of that sanguinary engagement. On Oct. 3. it encountered the Confederates in a severe skirmish, and the following day passed through McMinnville and drove the rear guard of the enemy seven miles beyond. At McMinnville and Farmington. the battery was particularly distinguished for gallantry, and, in the spring of 1864, it moved from its winter quarters at Huntsville to Nashville, to refit and reorganize, after which it took part in the Atlanta campaign. When General Sherman cut loose from Atlanta, the battery returned to Nashville, after which it went into a place called Gravelly Springs. In the spring of 1865, it took part in the successes of Selma, Montgomery. Columbus. and Macon. and, June 27, it arrived in Chicago. where it was mustered out. After his retirement from the military service, Mr. Kendall went into the employ of John Davis & Co., of Chicago, a concern that was engaged in the manufacture of steam heating apparatus. After the great fire that swept that city, in 1871. he formed a partnership with Daniel C. Shaw, in Toledo, Ohio. by buying out the interests of John Davis, in the firm of Davis & Shaw. and the firm became known as Shaw & Kendall. The firm of John Davis & Co., of Chicago, had; prior to 1871, established a branch store in Toledo, under the name of Davis & Shaw. Later. William Hardee purchased an interest in the concern and the name was changed to Shaw, Kendall & Co. Joseph L. Wolcott also became identified with the company, but the name remained the same. The firm eventually engaged in the oil well supply business, and in 1889 established the Buckeye Supply Company. W. C. Hillman taking an interest. The Shaw. Kendall & Co.. the Buckeye Supply Company, and the National Supply Company, of Pittsburg. Pa.. were merged into one concern in 1896, under the name of the National Supply Company. one of Toledo's greatest commercial enterprises at the present time. After that. in order to give employment. to the old hands. the Shaw-Kendall Engineering Company was organized, of which BIOGRAPHICAL - 607 Mr. Kendall was vice-president and manager until his death, which occurred Aug. 13, 1909. Mr. Kendall. while connected actively with his concerns in Toledo, traveled extensively throughout the United States, making contracts and looking after the interests of the business. After some years he gave up this labor and spent some time traveling in foreign countries. which was one of the pleasures of his later years. Besides being interested in the commercial development of the city, he was active in the promotion and the support of charitable institutions, to which he was a quiet and. generous giver, and in his domestic relations his conduct was such as to stamp him of the highest rank of true manhood. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Ida Knapp, and the sorrowing widow survives to mourn the toss of a true and generous husband. Mrs. Kendall resides at the home, 331 Lincoln avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Joseph Lake Wolcott, who died at his home in the city of Toledo, Dec. 1. 1900, was one of the honored citizens of Lucas county, and it is but consonant that in this compilation be incorporated a tribute to his memory and to his worthy life and services. He was born in Walpole. N. H., Oct. 10, 1843, and was a scion of families founded in America in the Colonial era of our country's history. His parents were James and Caroline (Bellows) Wolcott. James Wolcott was one of the first -settlers in Maumee, and in 1839 was appointed an associate judge of the Common Pleas Court, under the old Constitution. The old Wolcott homestead, still standing on the right bank of the Maumee river, between Miami and Maumee. was the first house built by a white man in this end of the Maumee valley. It is a. quaint old residence. clapboarded over solid walnut logs and finished throughout with walnut. It is still picturesquely furnished with ancient spinet and numerous relics of early days. Joseph L. Wolcott was a mere baby when he was brought to the western country by his parents, and soon thereafter his home was established in Toledo, where he grew up as a Toledo boy and a Toledo man, and where his business energy and integrity were manifest in the many successful business institutions with which he was connected. His education was secured in the Toledo public schools, and at an early age. imbued with the spirit of patriotism, he offered his services to the government in response to the call for troops to put down the Southern insurrection. He went to battle with the famous Sixty-seventh Ohio infantry. Because of his youth he could not secure admittance into the earlier organized commands. but, filled with martial ardor, he persuaded Mayor Brigham, a well-known citizen of Toledo, to teach him how to drum, and was thus able to enter the service as a drummer boy, enlisting Oct. 22, 1861, in Company B, Sixty-seventh Ohio infantry, being then just past sixteen Years of age. The regiment left Columbus for the field Jan. 19, 1862, going into Western Virginia. It was the first to engage the enemy at Winchester on March 23. At Harrison's Landing it campaigned with the Army of the Potomac till the evacuation of the Peninsula, when it went to Suffolk, Va. Being then transferred to the Caro- 608 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY linas, for seven months it heroically endured all the hardships, privations and dangers of the siege of Charleston. taking part in the attack on Fort Wagner, and on Jan. 1, 1864, it reenlisted and returned home on furlough. After the expiration of his furlough, Mr. Wolcott, with his fellow soldiers, returned to the field, reaching Bermuda Hundred May 6, 1864. Then, with his command, he participated in all the battles and campaigns of the Army of the James until the surrender of Lee. During the spring, summer and fall of 1864 the regiment confronted the enemy at all times within range of its guns, and it is said by officers competent to judge that in that time it was under fire 200 times. It was in the siege of Petersburg, witnessed the .close at Appomattox, and then did guard and garrison duty at different points until Dec. 7, 1865, when it was finally mustered out. Mr. Wolcott was promoted to corporal May 1, 1862, in which rank he remained until he was made sergeant, Jan. 12, 1865. Afterward he was promoted to commissary sergeant, and then to second lieutenant of Company F, in which position he served until he was honorably discharged. For four years, one month and eleven days of active campaigning he wore his country's uniform and fought under his flag, during most of which period he carried a musket in the ranks. He was wounded at Charles City Crossroads by a gunshot in the neck. At the close of the war Mr. Wolcott returned to Toledo and, after a brief period of farming, entered the employ of Olmstead, Jones & Lavelle, in their saddlery hardware business, located on Summit street. In 1870 he became a partner in the firm of Whitaker & French, under the name of Whitaker, French & Wolcott, and remained there two years, retiring to engage in the brass business of Allen & Heath, on lower Summit street. After a year's work the firm consolidated with Umsted, Rowe & Co., under the name of Wolcott, Rowe & Co., and two years later Mr. Wolcott bought out Umsted, Rowe & Co. and formed a co-partnership with Shaw, Kendall & Co. This was in 1877, and he was actively engaged with this firm until it went out of business. Early in the oil development of Ohio the Buckeye Supply Company was formed, with Mr. Wolcott as its president. In 1896 the National Supply Company of Pittsburg, the Shaw-Kendall Company and the Buckeye Supply Company, in all of which organizations Mr. Wolcott was a stockholder and director, were merged into one company and continued business as the National Supply Company, of which Mr. Wolcott became president. and the success of the company under his management was great. the mammoth factories and immense office being testimonials to his ability. He was actively engaged in oil operations and was the owner of much improved real estate in the city, the residences in all cases being up to a high standard of architectural beauty. He was a director in the Palmer Oil Company and was a director and vice-president of the Ohio Savings Bank & Trust Company, besides being president of the Genoa & Rocky Ridge Lime Company. In 1870 Mr. Wolcott was married to Miss Mary Kassick, of Jackson, Mich., and she alone survives him, no children having been born BIOGRAPHICAL - 609 of their union. Mr. Wolcott was a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of all the local Masonic bodies, of Lake Erie Consistory at Cleveland, the Ohio Commandery, Loyal Legion, and the Toledo Post of the Grand Army of the Republic; He was also a member of the Toledo and Country clubs. In closing a memorial, his comrades of Toledo Post paid the following beautiful tribute to his memory : "As a citizen he was as modest, as exemplary, as faithful and as devoted to his trusts as he was while a soldier. At the close of the war he was a poor young man, but by his industry, application and capacity he achieved splendid success, and was at the head of great business enterprises and institutions. And when at last he was forced to yield to the attacks of death, the great conqueror, he was yet in the prime of life and intellectual power. His character and disposition were such as always endeared him to his friends and all who knew him. A good soldier, a good citizen, an honorable and exemplary man of affairs, a kind neighbor, a loving and affectionate husband, the memory of Joseph L. Wolcott will long be a sweet and precious remembrance among the people of this community and all who in his life knew of him." Lafayette Sylvester Sullivan.—A strong and noble character was that of him to whom this memoir is dedicated, and who exerted an emphatic influence in connection with industrial and civic affairs in the course of his significantly useful career as one of the honored citizens of Lucas county. A native-born son of the county. he gained success through his individual application and ability, the while he ever stood exemplar of that integrity of purpose which figures as the plumb of character and makes for objective valuation in connection with the varied affairs of life. Mr. Sullivan was born in Holland, Lucas county, Ohio, May 16. 1858, and was a son of Dennis and Hannah Divine (Ruynions) Sullivan, who were, so far as data at hand determine, natives, respectively, of Canada and the state of Pennsylvania, the former born in 1825 and the latter Oct. 2 of the same year. Dennis Sullivan was a- ship carpenter by trade, and before coming to Lucas county was located at Prescott, in the province of Ontario, Canada. Upon his removal to Lucas county he located at Holland, where he continued to reside until 1863. when he took up his residence in the city of Toledo, where he and his good .wife maintained their home until death removed them from the scene of life's activities. His good wife died Jan. 8, 1876, and he passed away Jan. 17, 1880. They became the parents of five children, of whom only two are living. Nathaniel and Henry, who are connected with the river traffic in Toledo. Lafayette S. Sullivan, who is the subject of this memoir, gained his early educational discipline in the public schools of Toledo, the one he attended being known as the Bush Street School, located at the corner of Bush and Ontario streets. Later he attended the Jordan Business College, but, being largely dependent upon his own resources, he gave up his studies at an early age and started upon his independent career. Upon leaving school he first entered the Blade 610 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY office, as a messenger and errand boy in the mail and editorial rooms, and this may be said to have been the beginning of an industrious and eminently successful period of business activity-on his part. In 1870, at the tender age of twelve years, he shipped on a scow with his father, who at that time was engaged in the sand trade between Amherstburg, Canada, and Toledo, and he spent about two years in that kind of employment. In the spring of 1872 he entered the employ of John Stevens & Co., in the ship brokerage and vessel agency business, as errand boy, and so faithful was he in the performance of the duties assigned him that he eventually became bookkeeper for the concern and remained in the employ of the company for a period of nine years. The office of the company was located on Water street, in Toledo, and the nine years of Mr. Sullivan's employment was during the period when the business of grain shipping was at its height and was being conducted on a large scale. It was while thus employed that he gained a thorough knowledge of the shipping and vessel agency business. He was frugal and economical in his habits. and out of his wages for these nine years of employment he saved enough to enable him to engage in business for himself. In 1881 he established a ship brokerage business on his own account, and soon thereafter purchased an interest in the steam yacht "Sally," which was used as a ferry boat, and this, together with his tug business, was his first independent venture. In the tug business he gradually branched out until he had acquired an interest in the "William E. Rooney, the "Syracuse" and the "Roy," the last named of which was crushed by ice on Lake Erie, off the city of Monroe, Mich., Dec. 16, 1895. Later he acquired an interest in the "Doan," the "Birckhead," the "A. Andrews, Jr.." the "American Eagle," and also the powerful tug "S. C. Schenck," a noted ice-breaker and one of the best tug boats that ever floated on Lake Erie and the Maumee river. Mr. Sullivan also owned interests in other steamboats and schooners, such as the ."David Rust," the "C. C. Barnes," the "John Schuette," the "Chicago Board of Trade" and the "H. H. Badger." He lost the "Pulaski" off Good Harbor. on Lake Michigan, in 1888. In 1882 he succeeded to the management of the Toledo Harbor Tug Line, on the retirement of M. T. Huntley. This tug line was established in 1870, and in 1882, when Mr. Sullivan succeeded to the management, it was composed of his own and outside tugs. He continued as manager of the line until 1903, at which time he gradually began to dispose of his tugs and tug line interests. In the last, named year he became the local manager of the Great Lakes Towing Company, a large corporation of Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to his interests in this connection he became a stockholder in and promoter of the Vulcan Iron Works, now known as the Vulcan Steam Shovel Company, and he was a member of its board of directors for several yew's, finally selling his stock in the concern. He then purchased an interest in.the Home Telephone Company, but later disposed of his holdings therein and again invested in the vessel business, each of these financial trans- BIOGRAPHICAL - 611 actions having been profitable to him. He also became interested to a considerable extent in steel boats, being a stockholder in both the Adams and Monroe transportation companies, each having vessels plying the Great Lakes in the ore and coal trade. In 1906 he became interested in. the Toledo Steamship Company, a new company,. which built the steamer "Eugene Zimmerman" and was engaged in the ore and coal trade on the Great Lakes. Of this company he became the general manager and remained in that position until the time of his death. For many years he was the only vessel broker in Toledo, and he was well known on the Great Lakes in that capacity. In 1902 he was instrumental in getting the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company to purchase land in and adjacent to Toledo, with the end in view of having a manufacturing plant established here. The property is still owned by the company, and consists of several hundred acres, located on the Maumee river, below the city. As yet it has not been utilized for the purpose intended. Mr. Sullivan was a member of the board of directors of the Lumber Carriers' Association of the Great Lakes at the time of his death, and he also was a member of the Lake Carriers' Association. In 1896 he served as vice-president of the last named organization and filled the same position at various other times. At the time of his death he was second vice-president of the Dime Savings Bank at Toledo. He was a man of broad mental ken, a citizen of utmost loyalty and public spirit, and his fraternal nature found expression in a valued membership in the Masonic order. He was a member of Rubicon Lodge, No. 237, Free. and Accepted Masons ; Ft. Meigs Chapter, No. 29. Royal Arch Masons ; Toledo Council, No. 33, Royal and Select Masons ; Toledo Commandery, No. 7, Knights Tempiars, and of Zenobia Temple. Ancient Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He never entered the arena of practical politics, though he took an intelligent interest in all public affairs. and in religious matters he was for years an earnest supporter of the First Baptist Church of Toledo, but in the later years of his life he also gave his support to other denominations as well. He took a commendable interest in all that tends to conserve the general welfare of the community, and his influence was ever given in support of worthy causes and enterprises. As a boy he was true and faithful to every trust and early exhibited' those sterling characteristics that were so conspicuous in his after life—honesty, fine business ability and determination. Of a home-loving disposition, fond of children, his presence in the family circle was as a ray of sunshine to .the members of his household. He enjoyed traveling very much, but the incessant demands of his varied business interests denied him much of that pleasure ; and his untimely death, which occurred at his home in Toledo, April 19. 1909. brought to a close a life of marked industry and application. Mr. Sullivan was twice married. On Jan. 31, 1883, he was wedded to Miss Alice Pallister. daughter of William and Hannah (Porrett) Pallister, of Detroit. These parents were natives of England. who came direct to their Michigan home from the land of their nativity. The father was a sailor in his early. life, 612 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY but some time after locating at Detroit he purchased a farm near that city and spent the greater portion of his remaining years of activity in agricultural pursuits. He is now living at Big Beaver, Oakland county, Michigan, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, his helpmate and companion having died in August, 1901. Mrs. Alice (Pallister) Sullivan was born April 28, 1863, at Springfield, Mich., near Detroit, and died in Toledo, Feb. 2, 1901. Of her union with Mr. Sullivan there were born five children, of whom the following mention is appropriately made in this connection : LaFayette W., born July 14, 1886, is the successor of his father in business, with offices in the Neptune Building, on Water street, Toledo. Of the others, May Hannah was born Dec. 15, 1888 ; Alma Ruth. Oct. 25, 1892 ; Alice Pallister, April 29, 1898. and Martha, Jan. 18, 1901. On Dec. 31, 1908, Mr. Sullivan was married to Mrs. Emma Remsberg, of Toledo, but a native of Swanton, Ohio, and the widow and children maintain the home at 1524 Huron street, Toledo, where the husband and father had resided for .a period of thirty-five years, surrounded by a circle of loyal friends. Of him to whom this tribute is dedicated it may be said that he knew well the springs of human motive, so that he was kindly and tolerant in his judgment and ever ready to lend a helping hand to those "in any way afflicted in mind, body or estate." His upright life, careful judgment and generous attributes made his name a synonym for character and worth. Darwin Earl Gardner.—In looking back along the highway of progress for the last three-quarters of a century the people of Lucas county can see, here and there, the life and labors of some men standing out like milestones to mark the civic and industrial advancement of the community. One of the men of this character was Darwin Earl Gardner, who, for a short fifteen years, was closely identified with the development of Toledo, and who left the impress of a useful life upon the city's history. Mr. Gardner was born Jan. 28, 1820, at Norwalk, Ohio, where his father. Dr. William Gardner, was one of the earliest settlers, though subsequently the family removed to Canton, Ohio, where the father died. Darwin Earl Gardner was educated at the Western Reserve College, at Hudson, Ohio, and immediately after receiving his degree from that institution entered the law office of Gen. John Crowell, at Canton, as a student. Here he pursued his studies with such diligence that in 1841, soon after attaining, to his majority, he was admitted to the bar. He began the practice of his chosen profession at Marietta, OhiO, but a few years later he became interested in manufacturing enterprises, and finally gave up the law for a commercial career. In 1850, seeing better opportunities for the expansion of his business, in Cleveland, he removed to that city. In 1852 he became a resident of Toledo, and from that time until his death he was a potent factor in shaping the destinies of that growing municipality. With a zeal born of confidence in the city's future, he erected several stores on Summit street, and in many other ways contributed to the growth and prosperity of the town. Endowed with a quick perception, BIOGRAPHICAL - 613 an almost unerring judgment, an indomitable energy and an unswerving integrity, he quickly took his place among the foremost citizens. As a public speaker he was the peer of any man of Toledo in his day, though his modesty in the use of this gift gave it an additional charm and made him a favorite with popular audiences. Consequently he was frequently called upon by his fellow citizens to exercise his powers of oratory in their behalf, and in this respect, as in all others, he never declined to use the talent he possessed for the welfare of those about him. Though he seldom sought prominence or self-advancement of a public nature, his abilities and qualities were such that his associates often insisted upon his acceptance of some place of trust and responsibility. As a member and president of the State Agricultural Society he did much to promote the agricultural interests of his native state, and from 1861 to 1866 he held the position of deputy collector of customs at the Toledo port. He never practiced law after coming to Toledo, but gave his attention to his investments in real estate and other lines ; and in 1855-56 he was engaged in the banking business, as a member of the firm of Earl Gardner & Co. He was successful in his investments in Toledo realty, and the Gardner Building, at the corner of Madison and Superior streets, occupies the site of the old family residence. In 1840 Mr. Gardner united with the church, and from that time to the end of his active and useful life he was never ashamed to espouse the cause of his Master. For years prior to his death he had been identified with the First Congregational Church of Toledo, and the greater part of that time he held an office in the church, which owes much of its present prosperity and usefulness to his wisdom, as well as to the fidelity and self-sacrificing spirit with which he discharged the duties intrusted to him. During his last illness, which was somewhat protracted and trying, he was sustained by his Christian fortitude, and when it became evident that the end was approaching he was enabled to welcome the grim messenger with calmness, confident in the promise of a blissful existence in the hereafter. His death occurred Aug. 5, 1867, and, though his friends had given up hopes weeks before, the, sad event came like a shock and cast a gloom over the city. Mr. Gardner was twice married. In 1842 he married Miss Elizabeth P. Putnam, of Marietta, who died in 1846, and in 1852 he married Miss Sarah A. Williams, daughter of James -Williams. of Norwalk, Ohio. She survived her husband until Aug. 8, 1906. when she passed away at Spring Lake, N. J., although her home was in Toledo, where her many friends learned with sincere sorrow of her death. The funeral services were held at the home of her brother, Theodore Williams, of Norwalk, and her remains were buried in the family lot in the cemetery of that city. Mrs. Gardner was one of the oldest members of Trinity Episcopal Church, of Toledo, having been a communicant there for over fifty years. Of the nine children of Darwin Earl Gardner, Sarah, Mary. Alice, James, "William and Elizabeth are deceased. Those living are Charles, who planned and erected the Gardner 614 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY Building, at the corner of Madison and Superior streets, and Miss Grace and Miss Ellen, who reside at 2020 Collingwood avenue. All the children were born in Toledo. Sarah is a graduate of the Toledo High School, attended Wells College, and died in California. James attended Cornell University, and also died in California. William died in England, and Elizabeth married Dr. Alfred Holt, of Cambridge, Mass. William J. Wedertz is assistant treasurer of the Security Savings Bank & Trust Company, of Toledo, with which institution he has been connected since 1904, first as receiving and paying teller and discount clerk and during the past year in his present office. He was born. in Perrysburg, Wood county, Ohio, Nov. 20, 1876, son of Nicholas and Louise (Dahlheimer) Wedertz, both natives of Germany. Mr. Wedertz was a manufacturer and wholesale dealer and a volunteer in Company B, Ninth Ohio infantry, with rank of private. He enlisted in 1861 at Cincinnati, Ohio ; engaged in many battles, including the battle of Chickamauga, where the fight was fiercest. He was mustered out July 7, 1864. He died in Perrysburg Feb. 8, 1902, at the age of sixty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Wedertz were married in Cincinnati and became the parents of six children : Mrs. F. R. Frey, of Toledo ; Mrs. George Sellars, of Columbus, Ohio ; Mrs. Frank C. Hoehler. of Toledo ; Mrs. George L. Mead, of Pittsburg ; William J. and Oliver N.. of New York. The first three were born in Cincinnati and the last three in Perrysburg ; all were educated in Perrysburg. William J. attended public.. school in Perrysburg and pursued a business course of study in Toledo, after which he was employed by F. R. Frey & Co., wholesale stationers. He was associated with the Henry Philipps Seed & Implement Company and with the National Supply Company, at Auburndale. He soon showed himself to be an ambitious, capable and reliable young man, and his financial affairs prospered. With F. C. Hoehler he organized the State Savings Bank of Toledo, on Cherry street, and became its teller, and later its manager. In this capacity he indulged in the municipal bond business to a considerable extent. In 1904 he resigned this position to accept the one before mentioned with the Security Savings Bank & Trust Company, a prominent and substantial financial institution. In political affiliations Mr. Wedertz is a loyal Republican. He is identified with the following Masonic organizations : The Blue Lodges Fort Meigs Chapter. Toledo Council. Toledo Commandery, Knights Templars and the Zenobia Shrine. He is also a member of the Business Men's Club and the Toledo Yacht Club. Mr. Wedertz attends the Collingwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, but is not a member of any church organization. He resides with his mother at 333 Winthrop street. He ranks among the most highly esteemed young men in Toledo, both socially and in business relations. He is honest, industrious and able, and these qualities have already taken •him far upon the road to success. Morris J. Riggs, manager of the Toledo plant of the American Bridge Company, was born at Horton, Bremer county, Iowa, Jan. BIOGRAPHICAL - 615 14, 1862, his parents being William and Sophronia (Hopkins) Riggs, both natives of Ithaca, Tompkins county, New York, where-they were married. In 1857 they removed to Iowa, where they passed the remainder of their lives, the father being one of the leading farmers and the owner of 240 acres of land in Bremer county at the time of his death. Of their five children, four are living. Sarah M., the eldest of the family, graduated at the University of Michigan with the class of 1894, and is now at the head of the Historical Department of the State Normal School at Cedar Falls. Iowa ; Morris J. is the second in age ; Marvin L. resides on the old homestead in Iowa, and Miss Laura S. lives in Toledo. Morris J. Riggs attended the high school at Waverly, Iowa, then taught in the public schools for four winters, after which he entered the Engineering Department of the Iowa State College, where he graduated as a civil engineer with the class of 1883: Upon receiving his degree he went to Minneapolis, Minn., and entered the office of what was then the Smith Bridge Company, of Toledo, which had a branch at Minneapolis. In 1887 he came from Minneapolis to Toledo to work for the same company, R. W. Smith being at that time president, and W. S. Daly general manager. In 1890 the company changed hands and took the name of the Toledo Bridge Company, Mr. Riggs becoming chief engineer under the new management, and at the same time he also became a stockholder in the company. In 1900 and 1901 the present large plant of the company was erected, and about the time it was completed the company was merged into the United States Steel Corpora- tion, taking the name of the American Bridge Company, the main offices of which are in the Frick Building, at Pittsburg, Pa. Since that time Mr. Riggs has held the posrtion of general manager, for which he is well fitted by training and experience. The Toledo plant covers thirteen acres of ground, employs on an average 400 men, and uses annually 30,000 tons of iron. It is located on the East Side, on East Broadway and the main line of the Lake Shore S. Michigan Southern railroad, and is one of the large industrial belongs of Toledo. Mr. Riggs belons to the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and the Business Men's Club, and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a national organization of some 3,000 members. He is justly proud of his membership in such a society. On Oct. 11, 1893, Mr. Riggs married Miss Alma M. Fassett. daughter of the late Elias Fassett, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Riggs was born in Toledo, graduated at the city high school, and afterward attended Wellesley College for one year. Mr. and Mrs. Riggs belong to the Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, and reside at 3136 Collingwood avenue. Elias Fassett, a resident of Toledo for nearly three-quarters of a century, and for the greater part of that time closely identified with the city's growth and development, was a native of the Green Mountain State, having been born at Cambridge, Vt., Jan. 15, 1827, the youngest of three children born to John and Martha (Thomas) Fassett. His ancestors came from Scotland and settled in Massachusetts in 1715, some of them later removing to Ver- 616 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY mont. His great-grandfather lived at Bennington, Vt., and was a soldier in the French and Indian war. His grandfather was a captain under Gen. Richard Montgomery in the Revolution, and for his services in that historic conflict Congress granted him the entire township of Cambridge, in the state of Vermont. After the government of the United States was established he became associate judge of the Vermont Supreme Court, an office he filled with signal ability. John Fassett, the father of Elias, was born at Bennington, Vt., Dec. 17, 1769, but removed with his parents to Cambridge after the Revolution. He studied medicine, practiced in Cambridge, served as a surgeon in the American army in the War of 1812, and in 1832 came to Port Lawrence (now a part of Toledo), where he bought a section of land on the East Side, now known as Fassett's first and second additions to the city of Toledo. He did not locate upon this land, however, until 1837, living meantime on Locust street, where the 'Westminster Presbyterian Church now stands. _Elias lived with his parents 'until he was seventeen years of age, attending the district schools about three months every winter during his early boyhood, and finishing his education in a select school on Lagrange street, in 1836. To him belongs the distinction of having been the first newsboy in Toledo. On Oct. 16, 1834, James Irving Browne began the publication of the Toledo Gazette, which was printed on an old Franklin hand press, and Mr. Fassett, then in the eighth year of his age, was employed to deliver twenty-seven copies in the district bounded by Elm, Cherry and Huron streets and the Maumee river, receiving for his services the munificent sum of twenty-five cents a week. He began his business career as a clerk in the dry-goods store of Raymond & Fassett, an elder brother being one of the firm, but after three years in this position he returned to his father's farm, on the East Side, and remained there until his father's death, May 26, 1853. The following year he obtained a position as checking clerk in the Toledo office of the Cleveland & Toledo railroad (now a part of the Lake Shore system), where he remained for about a year. For the next five years he was in the employ of the Wabash railroad, in various capacities, and at the end of that time he took up his residence on his father's old farm, where he remained until about three years before his death,, when he and his wife went to live with their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Riggs, at 3136 Collingwood avenue. Here Mr. Fassett passed away, Jan. 22, 1906, after an active and useful life of seventy-nine years. His widow is still living, and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Riggs. On May 7, 1857, Mr. Fassett married Miss Mary Elizabeth Wales, daughter of Philander Wales, one of the pioneer settlers of the lower Maumee valley. Of this union were born three children. John Elias died in infancy, and two daughters are still living, viz., Mrs. M. J. Riggs and Mrs. C. C. Oswald, both residing on Collingwood avenue. When Mr. Fassett's father first located on the East Side there were but twenty-eight white families living in that section. There was an Indian village at Presque Isle, and BIOGRAPHICAL - 617 between that point and Waterville there were some 2,300 Indians. Mr. Fassett lived to see the red men all removed to lands in the West and their places filled by an intelligent and energetic white population, of which he was a component part. In his later years he was fond of relating incidents that occurred during the pioneer days. One of these was his recollections of the first steamboat that ever navigated the Maumee. Upon its arrival at Toledo quite a crowd assembled on the bank to witness the strange sight. Mr. Fassett, then about six years old, accompanied by another boy, went down an Indian path, near where Adams and Summit streets now intersect, to watch the boat. So intent were they in listening to the band of music on the boat that they did not notice a party of Indians coming down the path on horseback. Upon seeing the two boys the Indians gave a yell that started the little fellows up the path at the utmost speed, in search of some place of safety. Not far from where the Trinity Episcopal Church now stands lay the trunk of a large elm tree, which had been uprooted by a storm, and behind this the boys found a hiding place until the Indians had passed. The savages meant no harm to the lads, merely intending to give them a fright, and in this they were eminently successful. The incident remained fresh in the mind of Mr. Fassett as long as he lived. During his long residence on the East Side, Mr. Fassett was a member of the Memorial Baptist Church, and for many years was active in promoting its good works. Despite the lack of facilities for acquiring an education in his youth, he managed to obtain a fund of information on various subjects through the exercise of his keen intellect and studious turn of mind. He was a man of spotless integrity, possessed excellent judgment, was always willing and ready to lend his aid in any movement for the uplifting of the people, and commanded the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact, the general expression being that he was an ideal citizen. Arion E. Wilson, who for a third of a century has been established in the practice of his profession in the city of Toledo, is one of the representative lawyers of Lucas county, where his ability and his devotion to the work of his chosen vocation have not failed of definite appreciation and recognition, since he has gained professional distinction and a secure place in the confidence and esteem of the community. Mr. Wilson was born at West Lebanon, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, April 28, 1830, and is a son of James and Eliza A. (Morgan) Wilson, both of whom were also natives of the old Keystone State, where the respective families had long had residence, the maternal great-grandfather, Enoch Morgan, having served as a lieutenant in the Revolutionary war. James Wilson, the father of our subject, was a merchant in his early life, and in this line of endeavor achieved merited success, to the end that for several years prior to his death he lived in comparative retirement. The father and mother both died in Pennsylvania, and of four sons born of their marital union, three are now living. Anion E. Wilson, to whom this review is more particularly dedicated, received his early scholastic training 618 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY in the public schools and academies of Western Pennsylvania. Early deciding upon the profession of law as his life's vocation, after due preparation he matriculated in the University of Michigan and graduated from the law department of that institution with the class of 1877, at which time he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Soon thereafter he was admitted to practice in the courts of both Michigan and Ohio, and in the same year he established himself in Toledo and opened a law office. From the beginning he made a specialty of the law as it relates to real estate, and in this line of the practice he has achieved an enviable success and has become recognized as an authority upon questions pertaining to realty titles. In 1907 he organized the Toledo Title & Trust Company, which firm commenced business Feb. 27 of that year, and in the matter of abstracts and the giving of opinions and statements of real estate titles in Lucas county this company occupies a commanding position. Mr. Wilson is the president of this corporation, and as to other connections it may be stated that he is a member of the advisory board of the Security Savings Bank & Trust Company of Toledo. He is the owner of considerable real estate in the city, and his offices are in rooms 206-210 of the Gardner Building. In his political views he gives allegiance to the basic principles of the Democratic party, although he has never entered public life in the role of an office seeker, but he takes an intelligent interest in governmental affairs and exercises his right of franchise in accordance with an enlightened judgment. His fraternal connections are with the Masonic order, in whrch he has membership in the Toledo Lodge, Chapter and Council, and socially he is a member of the' Country Club. Professionally he affiliates with the Lucas County Bar Association, and his religious faith is expressed . by membership in the First Congregational Church of Toledo. In 1893 Mr. Wilson was married, rn -'Boston. Mass., to Miss Clara Moorhead, who was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Wilson received her preliminary education in the place of her nativity, and later finished at Ogontz, a school for young ladies in Philadelphia. The family home is at 2309 Robinwood avenue. James E. Montgomery, a prosperous man of affairs of the city of Toledo. was born on a farm in Swanton township, the son of Edward Montgomery and wife, both of whom were natives of Ireland, and both died in Toledo. The father, whose demise occurred in 1902, followed railroading the greater part of his life after coming to America, and for many years was in the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern road. Tames E. Montgomery began the battle of life early, and at the tender age of ten years began to support himself. He soon became a railroad man and worked himself up until he was given positions of considerable responsibility, at one time haying charge of 114 miles Of the busiest yard track of the New York Central railway system. He was in the employ of this company from 1893 to 1908. a period of fifteen years. Prior to this employment he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad Company, spending a great deal of his time BIOGRAPHICAL - 619 in Mexico. He successfully filled every position assigned him, and in the performance of his duties was competent, reliable and energetic, so that when he decided to inaugurate an independent business career the good wishes of all his former associates accompanied him to his new field of action. On March 20, 1909, he entered the real estate business at Toledo, in company with Charles H, Getz, under the firm name of Getz & Montgomery, Both of these partners are wide-awake business men, and they have one of the finest businesses in their line in the city, taking into consideration the fact that the same was established but a comparatively short time ago. On Feb. 20, 1896, he was married to Miss Louise Fehrenbach, daughter of Daniel Fehrenbach, an old and highly respected citizen of Toledo, where he was employed as a blacksmith for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company for a period of fifty years before his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery there has been born one son—Jeremiah C., born May 23, 1903. The family home is pleasantly located at 217 Western avenue, and the real estate offices of Getz & Montgomery are at 1038-39 Spitzer Building. Frank Riley Kirk is superintendent of the Darling Candy Company, of Toledo, and one of the most versatile and successful candy makers in the United States, but he is best known to the Toledo public as author, reader and platform entertainer, In. comic and dialect readings, usually original, Mr. Kirk excels, and his genius is receiving national recognition. In the prize elocutionary contest held in 1899 by the Cross of Honor, many of the best elocutionists in Ohio were contestants for the gold medal, which was won by Mr. Kirk. In the National Entertainers' Contest, held in Chicago Aug. 27, 1900, Mr. Kirk, who was elected to represent Ohio, brought home the gold badge, which was the highest award.. Twelve states were represented in the contest, in which Mr. Kirk's prize was won by recitations from his own compositions, among which are "Dewey at Manila" and "Sambo and the Frogs." Mr. Kirk is in great 'demand as an entertainer by fraternal societies throughout the State ; he is fraternal in the truest sense. the principles of fraternalism amounting to an inspiration. Naturally, he affiliates with numerous orders, among them the following: Rubicon Lodge. No. 237, Master Masons ; Fort Meigs Chapter, .No, 29, Royal Arch Masons ; Toledo Council, No, 33, Royal and Select Masters ; 'Toledo Commandery, No. 7, Knights Templars ; Court Columbia, No. 39, Foresters of America ; Lucas Lodge, No, 876, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Toledo Circle, No. 180, Protective Home Circle ; Lucas Lodge, No. 148, Knights of Pythias, and Ramadan Temple, No. 60, of the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. Mr. Kirk is a past grand master- of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, past president of the Protective Home Circle, past chancellor and past representative of the Knights of Pythias, and past royal prince of the Knights of Khorassan. He is enthusiastic in fraternal work and energetic in whatever engages his interest. As a reader, Mr. Kirk is inrmitable and very pleasing; he never fails to delight his audience and 620 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY elicit the warmest and most rapturous applause ; his efforts are easy, natural and successful, nature having endowed him with a genius sparkling with wit and humor. Frank Riley Kirk was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, Sept. 28, 1866, son of William R. Kirk, a Marshalltown pioneer. The latter was a native of Glasgow and came to Iowa in 1832 ; he was a brick manufacturer and dealer and built up a successful business in Marshalltown, in which he was actively engaged until his death, in 1872. Frank Kirk received such education as was afforded by the public schools of the district where the family home was located, and in the spring of 1878 accompanied his mother to Toledo, in which city Mrs. Kirk had chosen to make her permanent home. Young Kirk was employed by the Darling-Close Company, confectioners, in Toledo, and subsequently in the same business by the John Kranz Company, of Chicago ; the Messick-Cones Company, of Indianapolis ; George Mills & Son, of Philadelphia, and S. D. Ache & Co., of Pittsburg. In 1892 Mr. Kirk returned to Toledo as superintendent of the United States Baking Company, and upon the organization of the National Biscuit Company became one of the stockholders. When the National Biscuit Company closed out the confectionery department of their business, Mr. Kirk, in partnership with J. H. Smith, established the Smith-Kirk Candy Company, in which Mr. Kirk sold his interest in December, 1906. At that time he went to Birmingham, Ala., as manager for the Huston Biscuit Company, but returned to accept his present position with the Darling Company during the succeeding year. Mr. Kirk's ability and integrity in business are unquestioned and, united with his originality and industry, make him a valuable addition to any firm. His experience has been varied in the business of candy-making and he has acquired a thorough knowledge of all its intricacies. In 1888, while employed in Philadelphia, Mr. Kirk was married, in Indianapolis, to Miss Fannie Sparks, a native of Terre Haute, Ind. Three children have been born of this marriage : Hazel Thelda, born in Philadelphia ; Howard John, born in Pittsburg, and Frank Riley, Jr., born in Toledo. Edward O'Dwyer.—For continuous service, interrupted for only a few weeks at a time while recovering from injuries sustained in the performance of duty, Inspector Edward O'Dwyer holds a record not often achieved in American police service. Active duty for thirty-nine years is unusual, in view of the fact that most offrcials take advantage of the law operating in many states that permits them to retire on pension after twenty-five years' service. Another reason is that it is only within recent years that an enlightened public opinion brought police duty under civil service rules, thereby preventing politicians from removing officials without legitimate cause. Edward O'Dwyer was appointed a patrolman in the Toledo Police Department July 19, 1871, and has, therefore, at this writing (July, 1910) experienced thirty-nine years of continuous police service. He has filled every position in the department, by earned promotion, up to that of chief, from which offrce he was transferred—after six and three-quarter years' BIOGRAPHICAL - 621 service—to lieutenant, for purely political reasons. His efficiency in any position was never questioned by associates or controlling boards. On Feb. 20, 1905, he was promoted to the newly created office of police inspector, with rank of second in command. Mr. O'Dwyer experienced seventeen years of night duty as lieutenant, second in command, his work being equivalent to that of night chief. This experience occurred both before and after his nearly seven-year term as chief. During several reorganization move, ments, following the death or retirement of various chiefs, he served one and one-half years as acting chief, making a total of over thirty years in an executive position. When Captain O'Dwyer joined the department, in 1871, the force consisted of nineteen men. He is the last of the original old force of nineteen, and is the oldest man in the department. Today the force numbers 178. Captain O'Dwyer's first promotion, after serving as patrolman for three years, came in August, 1874, when he was made roundsman. The roundsman's duties then were closely allied to those of the sergeant of today. In August, 1879, he was made an acting sergeant, and Sept. 17 of the same year was promoted to sergeant. In June, 1881, the department was reorganized by an act of the State legislature, and the first hoard of commissioners under the new law was appointed by Governor Foster. This new board consisted of Abner L. Backus, Guido Marx, John Cummings and George Milmine, and it was at this period that Mr. O'Dwyer enjoyed the unique experience of being, technically, the whole police force of the town. The new board was organized June 1, 1881, and, after discharging the entire force, reappointed most of its older and experienced members. The same night they also promoted Mr. O'Dwyer to lieutenant and placed him in charge of the department. The mayor, Jacob Romeis, was absent from this reorganization meeting and, on technical legal grounds, refused to swear in the reorganized department or to sign any commission, with one exception. that of Mr. O'Dwyer. The last named had been promoted to the lieutenancy. a newly created position under the law, and Mayor Romeis gave him the oath of office. For two days following, Lieutenant O'Dwyer was the only recognized legally appointed police officer in the city of Toledo. On June 3 the board met, with the mayor present, and all the work of reorganizing the department was ratified. Later on a chief, in the person of Captain Morse, was chosen. Mr. O'Dwyer continued as lientenant and was second in command under Gen. James B. Steedman and J. C. Purdy. He was acting chief during General Steedman's illness and for a time after the General's death, in October, 1883. He was acting chief during Chief Purdy's long illness of eight months. In September, 1885, Mr. O'Dwyer was promoted to the offrce of chief of police, which position he held until May 4, 1892. With the 1892 election of commissioners, considerable politics was injected into police administration, and Mr. O'Dwyer was transferred from chief to lieutenant. From 1892 until 1905 he was lieutenant and second in command, and was then made inspector. Upon three occasions in his early career 622 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY Inspector O'Dwyer was close to death, as the result of injuries sustained while making arrests, but his rugged constitution pulled him through. A blow from a paving stone, hurled by one of three prisoners whom the inspector was taking to the station—there being no patrol wagons. in those days (1873)—laid him up for three weeks and left him battle-scarred for life. Late in the fall of 1875 the inspector had a battle with one George *Boaland, a noted professional bad man of that period. He spent half a night in pursuit of the fugitive, for whom he held a warrant charging larceny. When finally cornered, the thug opened hostilities by felling the officer with a blow from a club carried under his coat. The thief then darted. away, dodging two pistol shots, but his pal was taken to the station by Mr. O'Dwyer, who. then collapsed from his injuries. A difference of only a fraction of an inch in the location of the wound saved the officer's life. Toward morning a detail of six patrolmen, dispatched in pursuit of Boaland, captured him. The thug was indicted on a charge of assault with intent to kill and served a ten-year term. On another occasion, while attempting to suppress what was almost a riot in old Central Park, North Toledo, in 1879, he received wounds that laid him up for six weeks. In the early seventies Toledo was infested by a number of desperate criminals, and the inspector, then doing patrol duty, waged a relentless warfare on them that gradually disrupted one gang after another and drove them either from the city or into jail. The old canal bed, along Ontario street, and the river docks were lined with hang-outs for thieves and thugs of every description. It was the day of the small lake sailing schooner and the canal boat, and the marine district was the scene of much crime and scores of arrests. Such incidents as capturing thieves with a clothes basket filled with silverware were common. The city was composed of several little settlements, and the prisoners were walked to the station, followed by their pals, who were ever ready to rush on an officer or ambush him and attempt a rescue. The annual reports of the city of Toledo show that the police department advanced along metropolitan lines during the years Inspector O'Dwyer was chief, 1885 to 1892. In 1887 Inspector O'Dwyer created and established the local "Rogue's Gallery," a photo record which in later years developed into the Bertillion photo and measurement system of identification. He also succeeded in having the force metropolitanized and enlarged to a degree more commensurate with the size of the city. He agitated with success the matter of dividing the city into patrol districts, with sub-stations and additional patrol wagons. Later, as inspector, with the aid of Franklin S. Macomber, he brought about the creation of the motorcycle squad, the mounted and the traffic police. Of the police department under Captain O'Dwyer, Gen. T. Kent Hamilton's observations, in his report as mayor, were : "The city has been singularly exempt from burglaries. The chief and his subordinates are entitled to credit for maintaining a high standard of efficiency." Mayor V. J. Emmick's report said : "No department of the city government has been BIOGRAPHICAL - 623 run more economically, or with stricter regard to the interest of the city, than the police department, The force is well officered and commanded," Captain O'Dwyer was born in Ireland in 1840 and came to this country with his parents when but five years of age. He resided in Washington county, New York, for seven years, and moved to Providence, Lucas county, Ohio, in 1852, locating in Toledo in 1863. He has been an Ohioan for fifty-eight years, and a Toledoan for forty-seven years. His two elder brothers died in the service of the Union in the Civil war, and their graves are, respectively, in Chalmette National Cemetery, New Orleans, and Shiloh National Cemetery, Tennessee, Inspector O'Dwyer was married to :NI iss Margaret Kenny, in Toledo, by Monsignore Boff, of the Cleveland, Ohio, cathedral, Their children are John A., Kevin, Edward V., Leo and Margaret, Inspector O'Dwyer is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Toledo lodge of Elks. Edward Vincent O'Dwyer is one of the leading and influential young business men of Toledo. He is the secretary and treasurer of the Jackson Coal & Coke Company, and is also a member of the popular retail tobacco firm of O'Dwyer & Downey. Edward V, O'Dwyer is a son of Edward and Margaret (Kenny) O'Dwyer, and was born in Toledo, Ohio, being the third in a family of five children. At the age of eighteen he commenced his business career as a clerk with the firm of C. A. King & Co., grain and commission 'house. He spent a short period in that employment, and then resigned to accept a position, in 1893, with the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railway, in the capacity of general clerk in the local accounting department. In 1903 he resigned that position to enter the employ of the" Jackson Coal & Coke Company, and in April, 1905, was made secretary and treasurer of the company, and has since occupied that position. As before stated, he is a member of the popular retail tobacco firm of O'Dwyer & Downey, the store of which is on the main floor of the Ohio Building. This partnership was formed in 1907, with Harry J. Downey and John A. O'Dwyer, a brother, as the other partners, and it has succeeded in building up a very profitable business, In his religious views Mr. O'Dwyer has always been a Catholic, a member of St. Patrick's Church, of Toledo. He is an active member of the Toledo Business Men's Club, the Toledo Yacht Club and the Knights of Columbus, Cornelius J. Nolan.—In his business capacity, Mr. Nolan is foreman at the plant of the Libbey Glass Company, and in his public capacity he is president of the Toledo Board of Park Commissioners, both of which important executive posts he fills most efficiently. He has had a thorough training in glass manufacturing, having been employed at Corning, Brooklyn and New York City previous to his arrival in Toledo, in 1888. Mr. Nolan was born at Owego, N. Y., July 14, 1869, and is the oldest of a family of four brothers and two sisters. The other members of the family are Mrs. James McDonald, Katharine, Edward, William and Dennis, all residents of New York City, Their parents, Thomas 624 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY and Mary (Dee) Nolan, were natives of Ireland, the former of Irish ancestry and the latter of Scotch lineage. They emigrated to the United States in 1865, settled in Owego, N. Y., and in recent years have resided in New York City. Mr. Nolan was a railroad employe during his first years in New York, and afterward an oil dealer. His son, Cornelius J., was employed by the Standard Oil Company at Allegheny, N. Y., before he became interested in the glass-making industry. To the latter Mr. Nolan devoted his undivided attention for many years and became thoroughly conversant with all the details of the business ; he is the inventor of several secret processes which have been of the greatest value to the art, and combines practical experience with a decided inclination toward scientific research. Mr. Nolan is a member of St. Francis De Sales Roman Catholic Church, and is also affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which latter organization he is past exalted ruler. During his term of office as exalted ruler of the Elks the agitation was commenced which led to the erection of the Elks clubhouse, in which he holds considerable stock. The Yacht Club and the Chamber of Commerce also have Mr. Nolan among their members. Politically, Mr. Nolan is a stanch Democrat. He served on the board of advisers of Toledo University in 1908, and since January, 1909, has been president of the Board of Park Commissioners, which, in a city of rapid growth like Toledo, is one of the most important city offices. The board has under its control the maintenance and development of the park and boulevard system of Toledo. To be a useful member of this body a man must have the breadth of mind to conceive the needs of the future and the energy and activity to respond to the pressing demands of the present. These qualities Mr. Nolan possesses in high degree, and, combined with his keen interest in the public welfare, they make him one of the most valued officials in the service of the city government. Various broad plans outlined by Mr. Nolan, and about to be executed by the board, will remain a monument to his far-sightedness as long as the city of Toledo exists. Mr. Nolan was married June 29, 1903, to Miss Mary Cooney, who was born and educated in Toledo and is a daughter of the late Michael J. Cooney, a very prominent and respected citizen of this city. Two children. Martha Geraldine and Milton James, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nolan in their pleasant home at 313 River place, and in his home life, with his charming family, Mr. Nolan enjoys to the full the pleasure of relaxation from official responsibilities. Michael J. Cooney, deceased, was the senior member of the well-known firm of M. J. Cooney Co.. carriage manufacturers, of Toledo, until his death, Sept. 25. 1896. He was a native of Monroe, Mich., born in 1842 ; came to Toledo to reside in 1861, and remained there permanently. The carriage factory was established by Mr. Cooney, and to his connection with it owed most of its success. Mr. Cooney built up an enormous and profitable business, and was actively employed as its head until his health