TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 101 and was engaged in military duty f or a year with the army. He was connected altogether with the New York National Guard for eighteen years as an active member of the organization and has never ceased to feel the deepest interest in military affairs. Entering insurance circles, he became identified with the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company as special agent in 1901, and in 1912 he came to Toledo, where he continued as its representative until 1916, when he resigned. In that year he was made general agent for the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and has continued to act in that capacity. He has made a most thorough study of insurance in all of its phases and few are able to discuss more broadly or intelligently all of the questions that have to do with insurance, both in principle and detail. He ably represents the corporation with which he is now associated and under his guidance the work of the district over which he has supervision is being steadily developed. On the 22d of June, 1904, Mr. Gomph was married to Miss Edith Gleason of Warren, Massachusetts. They are members of the Collingwood Avenue Presbyterian church and are interested in all that pertains to the social, intellectual and moralprogress of the community, . Mr. Gomph belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having taken the consistory degrees and become a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also identified with the Chamber of Commerce and in the field of social activity he is well known as a member of the Toledo, Inverness and Toledo Automobile clubs. He is likewise very fond of golf, which affords him a pleasurable source of recreation from the arduous cares of a business career. Mr. and Mrs. Gomph are fond of travel and indulge in this pleasure as time and occasion permit. FRANK L. BAUMGARDNER Frank L. Baumgardner is a member of the firm. of Baumgardner & Company, conducting a wholesale business in dry goods and notions. This is one of the largest mercantile houses in Toledo and one which has been in continuous existence since 1866. Frank L. Baumgardner was born in this city April 5, 1875, his parents being Edson W. and Frances Mary (Langan) Baumgardner, the former a native of Wooster, Ohio, while the latter was born in Pennsylvania. The family has long been represented in this state, the name of Baumgardner being associated with the history of Ohio from pioneer times. In young manhood Edson W. Baumgardner came to Toledo and entered into partnership with his kinsman, L. S. Baumgardner, who in 1866 came to Toledo and established the firm of L. S. Baumgardner & Company for the conduct of a wholesale business in dry goods, notions and furnishings. The business was begun on a comparatively small scale but during the intervening years has constantly. increased and the house has for an extended period been numbered among the chief mercantile enterprises of northwestern Ohio. Edson. W. Baumgardner was continuously associated with the business, contributing largely to its success, until his death, which occurred on the 5th of April, 1920, when he was sixty-nine years of age. His widow still makes her home in Toledo. In their family were three children : Frank L., Edson L. and Carleton M. Reared under the parental roof Frank L. Baumgardner pursued his preliminary education in the grade and high schools of Toledo and afterward became 102 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY a student in the Peekskill Military Academy at Peekskill, New York, while later he entered the University of Michigan. Following the completion of his college course he turned to the business world, desirous of entering upon a gainful occupation. He became associated with his father's mercantile establishment, starting in a minor capacity and working his way upward until he became one of the owners of the business. This is today one of the large wholesale enterprises of this state, employing one hundred salesmen locally while the house is represented on the road by twenty traveling salesmen. Frank L. Baumgardner has in substantial measure that quality which for want of a better term has been called commercial sense. He readily discriminates between the essential and the non-essential in all business matters and his judgment is thoroughly sound and reliable and his methods at all times progressive and resultant. Mr. Baumgardner is interested in everything that has to do with public welfare and progress and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He attends the First. Congregational church and he has membership in the Toledo Club, the Inverness Country Club and the Toledo Chamber of. Commerce. His aid is a valuable asset in many projects which are looking to the material, social and moral benefit and upbuilding of the community ; and throughout Toledo, where he has spent his life, Frank L. Baumgardner is held in the highest esteem, being a worthy representative of an old and honored family here. JOHN QUINCY KELLER John Quincy Keller, president of the King Manufacturing Company, has advanced steadily throughout his business career from a humble position until he is now widely known among the manufacturers of northwestern Ohio. He was born in Wauseon, Clinton township, Fulton county, this state, December 6, 1865, and is a son of Abraham Benjamin and Catherine Keller. The father, who was a shoemaker, is now deceased. After obtaining a public school education John Q. Keller was employed in his boyhood in a drug store and, working his way upward, became assistant pharmacist. In 1883 he entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company as a brakeman and remained with the road until 1893, being superintendent of the gravel pit at Rome City, Indiana, at the time he resigned. He is now a member of the Pioneer Association of old Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railway employes. For a time Mr. Keller was with the Shaw-Kendall Engineering Company at Toledo, which later became the National Supply Company, working as a machinist for two years, and on the expiration of that period he, with John King, organized the King Manufacturing Company for the manufacture of ladies' house-wearing apparel. The business is capitalized for sixty thousand dollars and the plant equipment includes one hundred and sixtyufive machines. He employs seventy-five people and the business is growing steadily. Mr. Keller is president of the company, directing its activities, and the sales cover the middle states. On the 31st of December, 1889, Mr. Keller was married to Miss Olive Viola Woodcott of Toledo and they have become parents of three sons. Orra Karlton was born January 6, 1893, and is now production manager of the King Manufacturing Company. He married Hazel Ethel Bishop on the 18th of June, 1914, at Fredonia, Ohio. He is a Mason of high rank, having attained the thirty-second TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 105 degree of the Scottish Rite, and is also a member of the. Mystic Shrine ; George Kenneth,.the second son, born May 23, 1895, was educated in the public schools and the Toledo University and is now secretary of the King Manufacturing Company. He, too, is a Consistory Mason and Mystic Shriner and is also identified with the Independent Order of Foresters. On the 23d, of June,. 1920, he married Mildred Jeanne Bumgardner of Toledo and they have one child, Olive Jane, born October 9, 1921, in Toledo ; Benjamin Mechlin, born July 3, 1897, in Toledo, was educated in the public schools and is assistant production manager of the King Manufacturing Company. He, too, is identified with Masonry, having now attained the thirty-second degree in the Mystic Shrine. He married Nettie Beesch of Toledo on the 10th of November, 1919. Mr. Keller's sons have followed in their father's footsteps not only in business but in their connection with Masonry, for Mr. Keller is a loyal member of the craft, belonging to the consistory, the Mystic Shrine and to the Grotto. He is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Foresters and he belongs to the Toledo Automobile Club and to the Chamber of Commerce—associations which indicate the nature of his interests and activities outside of the field of business and show him to be a man of sterling worth, actuated by high principles and governed by commendable motives. The sons, too, like the father, are making an excellent record as business men and citizens and the members of the family are highly esteemed by their many acquaintances and friends. Mr. Keller's home is at No. 1024 Lincoln avenue. WILLIAM BENJAMIN GEROE William Benjamin Geroe, a thorough gentleman and a progressive business man, left the impress of his individuality in large measure upon the history of Toledo not alone by reason of what he accomplished in a commercial way, although he was one of the representative commission merchants of the city, but also by reason of his prominence in the social life and in his connection with every project put forth for the substantial upbuilding and benefit of the community. Born at Cherry Grove, Hamilton county, Ohio, on the 3d of August, 1855, the little village being one of the suburbs of Cincinnati, he was a son of Aaron Ackerman and Anna (Taber) Geroe. The father conducted a commission and wholesale fruit business in Cincinnati until 1870, when he removed his family and his business to Toledo, where for many years the name has figured prominently and honorably in connection with the commission and fruit trade of this city. William B. Geroe acquired his early education in the public schools at Cherry Grove and with the removal of the family to Toledo he entered the Central high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1874. When his course was completed he traveled for two years as representative of the firm of Ketcham Voit in the hardware trade and then gave up his position to enter into partnership with his father under the firm style of A. A. Geroe & Son, with offices 'on Water street at the corner of Monroe. After a year, however, they removed to 505 Monroe, at which address the firm conducted an ever-increasing business for thirty years, becoming known from New York to California as one of the largest and most reliable firms in the commission and fruit business in the entire country. Following the death of his father, William B. Geroe became the head of the business 106 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY and in the year 1906 he took his son into partnership and incorporated the business under the name of The Geroe Company. In 1912 they removed to their present quarters at Nos. 32 and 34 North Huron street. Important and extensive as were the interests which he directed as head of this corporation, William B. Geroe did not confine his business activities to this line alone. He became one of the directors of the Union Bank, also of the Market Bank, the Guardian Bank and of many other important business interests. He was the president of The Geroe Company and was one of the best known men not only in Toledo but throughout northern Ohio, his social as well as his business qualities and his public spirit bringing him, into prominence. On the 3d of October, 1877, Mr. Geme was married to Miss Caroline Louise Fitch of Toledo, a daughter of Simeon and Esther Mary (Morris) Fitch, who removed from Ogdensburg, New York, to Toledo about 1842, at which time the population of the city was only about three hundred. Mr. Fitch was here engaged in the grain trade and operated a line of canal boats to various points along the canal. Mr. and Mrs. Geroe became the parents of three children : William Ackerman, who married Grace McFadden and has two children, Caroline A. and William Benjamin (II) ; Mrs. Louise Webster, who has one son, Philip Geroe Webster ; and Helen, who is living in New York. In a review of the life of William B. Geroe it is interesting to view the social side of his nature. He was famous as a humorist and an after dinner speaker. He was recognized as a close student of men, affairs and events and 'at all times he was a most loyal citizen, having the good of the community at heart and manifesting this in many tangible ways. He was imbued with an innate love of the out-of-doors, which he never lost, and he was an enthusiast for outdoor sports of all kinds, greatly enjoying football and baseball games, while he had a genuine love. for fishing and hunting. He belonged to the Castalia Fishing Club and the Erie Shooting Club. He was a prominent member of the Toledo Club, the Country Club, the Elks Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He was a delightful and polished conversationalist and his pungent and ready wit made him much sought after as a speech maker, especially on the occasion of public dinners and banquets. No man in Toledo was better known or more greatly loved. As a neighbor, as a business man, as a friend and as the head of his family, he was esteemed and honored by reason of his fidelity to duty and to every obligation and for many years his life seemed to be blessed with all that makes for happiness and for success. During his last few years, however, he suffered from ill health. His ability as a speaker caused him to be sought as the principal orator at conventions of the various allied organizations in the trade and when it was known that he .was to speak there were found no empty seats in the convention hall, for all recognized the fact that they would have great enjoyment in listening to him. He was an old-time member of the League of Commission Merchants, also the International Apple Shippers Association and a prominent member of the Western Fruit Jobbers. Mr. Geroe also wrote a great many articles on well known club members, all of whom were friends. He was offered the presidency of .both the National League of Commission Merchants and the International Apple Shippers Association but on account of a defect in his hearing refused the proffered positions. He made many speeches, however, at the conventions of both organizations and on such occasions his addresses touched only in part upon business but were always enlivened with humorous remarks about prominent members in the trade and conditions having to do with the association before which he appeared. He could always see the humorous side of any ques- TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 107 tion and at the Norfolk convention of the league instead of setting aside an evening to allow the members to attend some theatre or place of. entertainment the evening was given over to "Bill" Geroe's speech. One of his very best public addresses was delivered at the Philadelphia convention in 1918 and not long afterward he was taken ill with a disease that culminated in his death. He belonged to the St. Mark's Episcopal church of Toledo and in political faith was a republican. With the best interests of the city always at heart Mr. Geroe was constantly on the alert to see that Toledo kept pace with the state and nation along all lines of progress and improvement and he was ever among the first to put his shoulder to the wheel and aid in the support of a valuable public enterprise. He passed away on the 18th of August, 1920. There were few men who have inspired so deep and genuine an affection among so wide a circle of friends, reaching from coast to coast and wherever he was known. In Memoriam I think the gentle soul of him Goes softly in some garden place, With the old smile time may not dim. Upon his face. He, who was lover of the Spring, With love that never quite forgets, Surely sees roses blossoming And violets. Now that his day of toil is through, I love to think he sits at ease, With some old volume that he knew Upon his knees. Watching, perhaps, with quiet eyes The white cloud's drifting argosy; Or twilight opening flower-wise On land and sea. He, who so loved companionship, I may not think walks quite alone, Failing some friendly hand to slip Within his own. Those whom he loved aforetime, still, I doubt not, bear him company ; Yea, even laughter yet may thrill Where he may be. A thought, a' fancy—who may tell ? Yet I, who ever pray it so, Feel through my tears that all is well ; And this I know,— 108 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY That God is gentle to his guest, And, therefore, may I gladly say, "Surely the things he loved the best Are his to-day." HARRY LE ROY DREW Among those who are active in furthering the commercial development of Toledo is numbered Harry Le Roy Drew, whose well directed efforts have found expression in the development of a large storage and cartage business, of which he is sole proprietor. He was born in Dundee, in Monroe county, Michigan, January 17, 1875, a son of Israel C. and Martha (Miller) Drew, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Buffalo, New York. When a boy the father engaged in driving mules which towed the boats through the old Erie canal and later he worked in the lumber woods, cutting timber which was sent down the Maumee river to be used in the construction of steamboats. He also learned the tanner's trade, which he followed for a considerable period, and spent his later years in retirement. He volunteered for service in the Civil war, joining the Seventeenth Michigan Infantry, and participated in many hard fought engagements. He was present at the battle of the Wilderness and at Antietam his hip was shattered by a cannon ball, thus rendering him a cripple during the remainder of his life. He was discharged from the service with the rank of sergeant and his demise occurred at Dundee, Michigan, in 1912. He had reached the advanced age of ninety-one years. The mother passed away at Dundee in 1905. Harry Le Roy Drew, the youngest in a family of eleven children, attended the grammar and high schools of his native town and also completed a course in the Cleary Business. College at Ypsilanti, Michigan. His first position was with the Hay & Todd Manufacturing Company and after spending three years in their employ he became a clerk for the American Express Company at Ypsilanti, Michigan, and later served in the same capacity for the company at Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hammond, Indiana, and Saginaw, Michigan. From the latter city he came to Toledo and remained in their employ until 1917, when his progressive spirit led him to embark in an independent venture and he became a member of a cartage and storage firm. The undertaking proved a failure, owing to. the mismanagement of his partner, and purchasing the latter's interest, Mr. Drew has since controlled the business, which he has converted into a very successful enterprise. He has always carefully planned his business and in its management he displays initiative, f oresight and marked executive ability. He now utilizes nine automobile trucks, also has a large warehouse at No. 34 South Huron street and is bending every effort toward the legitimate expansion of his interests. At Dundee, Michigan, on the 17th of May, 1901, Mr: Drew was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Hendricks, a daughter of Benjamin W. Hendricks, and they have become the parents of two children : Marjorie, who was born at Saginaw, that state, in 1901, and was graduated from the Woodward Technical School of this city in 1901; and Russell H., who was born in Toledo on June 2, 1908, and is now attending the public schools. Mr. Drew is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and does all in his power to promote the industrial prosperity of the city. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 111 the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Camp, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Legion, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political support is given to the republican party. He has ever recognized the fact that each day and hour has its opportunity and that effort, intelligently put forth, must ultimately win its reward. In the fullness of time he has reaped the reward of sound judgment and indefatigable industry and in winning success he has at the same time gained the respect and goodwill of all with whom he has been associated. His residence is at No. 1468 Fernwood avenue. THEODORE SCHMITT Theodore Schmitt passed away August 17, 1920, after having been a resident of Toledo for forty years, during which time he had advanced to prominence in connection with the general insurance, real estate and loan business. Other enterprises, too, profited by his cooperation and sound judgment and in public affairs, too, he played well his part. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 11, 1856, and was the only son in a family of four children, whose parents were John Adam and Elizabeth (Krebs) Schmitt. The father followed the occupation of farming in Bavaria, where he and his wife spent their lives and there Theodore Schmitt was reared on the home farm, while his education was acquired in the parochial schools. He met the nation's requirement as to military service when he was twenty years of age, spending two years in the army and winning promotion to the rank of sergeant. Feeling his labors would be less hampered in America, the land of opportunity, he bade adieu to family, friends and fatherland in the latter part of 1879 and reached Baltimore, Maryland, on the last day of that year or on the opening day of the new year. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast, however, but made his way at once to Toledo, Ohio, and for a few months was employed at peddling bills, advertising a fever and ague medicine manufactured by Dr. McCormick of this city. During this period he was gaining considerable knowledge of the American language and customs and when a half year had passed he turned his attention to the life insurance business, becoming a successful solicitor. For a number of years his entire attention was devoted to insurance, the scope of his activities, however, extended to include not only life but also fire insurance. He likewise established a real estate department. He represented the London Assurance, the Teutonia of Dayton, Ohio, the Aetna Life Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, and the Germania Company of New York and prospering in his efforts, was soon at the head of a business of large and substantial proportions, having many clients both in tie insurance branch and in the real estate branch of his business. In 1886 he organized the Eagle Brewing Company of Toledo, which was later incorporated as the Schmitt Brewing Company, with Mr. Schmitt as the principal stockholder. He was identified with the undertaking until 1902, when he sold out to the Huebner Brewing Company. In 1888 he organized and incorporated the Mutual Savings Association, one of the soundest institutions of the kind in northwestern: Ohio, and for an extended period was the secretary and general manager, the success of the enterprise being attributable in large measure to his efforts. Mr. Schmitt was also one of the builders of the Toledo, Port Clinton & Lakeside Railway, extending from Toledo to Marblehead and Sandusky and served as president and general. manager thereof until he sold out to an eastern syndicate in 1912. Whatever he 112 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY undertook he carried forward to successful completion. He never stopped short of his objective and at all times realized the fact that when one avenue of advancement seemed closed he could carve out other paths whereby to reach the desired goal. On the 26th of April, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Theodore Schmitt and Josephine M. La Point of Maumee, Ohio, who was born and reared in Maumee, a daughter of Joseph and Lavina (Bourdeau) La Point, both representatives of old French families, who settled in the Maumee valley more than a century ago. Her father was a soldier of the Civil war. Mrs. Schmitt lived in Maumee until her marriage, when she became a resident of Toledo and here passed away February 24, 1912, at the age of fifty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt had one daughter and five sons : Theodore, Jr., who is connected with the Mutual Savings Association of Toledo as secretary ; Gertrude M., wife of Frank W. Showel, one of the directors of the Mutual Savings Association ; Rudolph J., who is connected with the real estate and insurance department of the Theodore Schmitt Company ; Alfred H., who devotes his life to agricultural pursuits ; J. A., who is connected with the Paragon Refining Company of Toledo ; and Walter E., who completed his education in the University of Michigan and is now with the Theo. Schmitt Company. Mr. Schmitt was always interested in public affairs and displayed his devotion to the general good by hearty support of many measures, looking to the benefit and upbuilding of the city. He voted with the democratic party and was elected on that ticket to the city council, serving from 1892 until 1894. He was a member of Toledo Lodge, No. 53, B. P. 0. E., the National Union and the Catholic Knights of America. He had membership in St. Mary's Catholic church and in the Toledo Club and he also belonged to the Maumee Yacht Club. In the later years of his life he largely spent the winter seasons in Miami, Florida, where he had extensive property holdings and the summer months were passed in Toledo and in part in northern Michigan, where he went to enjoy fishing and outdoor life. He also traveled extensively, making many trips to Europe, visiting his native land and other countries of the old world. The opportunities denied him in his youth were thus enjoyed in his later years, as the result of his business capability and his judicious investments. His business interests constantly broadened in scope and importance and his success enabled him to enjoy many of those things which men covet, while the course of life which he pursued gained for him the respect and goodwill of all with whom he was associated. PERSONS CAMPBELL Persons Campbell, head of Campbell & Company, is one of the best known of Toledo's younger investment security dealers. He was *born September 17, 1893, in this city, his parents being Thomas Bartlett and Lillian (La Barre) Campbell, the former a manufacturer. Persons Campbell was educated in the public schools and in the Central high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1911. Subsequently he entered Williams College at Williamstown, Massachusetts, there completing his studies. Throughout his active business life he has been identified with financial interests. He entered the brokerage field with the firm of Secor & Bell, with whom he remained until 1918. On the 1st of January of that year he entered the Third Officers' Training Camp at Devens, Massachusetts, as a private and was made ser- TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 115 geant in April. He was then sent overseas to the Saumur Artillery School, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant on the 4th day of July, 1918, and assigned to Company E, Sixty-seventh Regiment. He was thus associated with the artillery forces until he received his discharge on the 15th of March, 1919. With his return to Toledo, Mr. Campbell became identified with the firm of Sidney Spitzer & Company, remaining there for a year, at the end of which time he organized, on the 3d of April, 1920, the firm of Persons Campbell & Company to handle high grade investment securities. This firm was later known as Campbell & Kinsey. On January 5., 1923, this firm was dissolved and Mr. Campbell, together with his brother, Parker Campbell, founded the present firm of Campbell & Company. This firm has already gained a large clientage as dealers in corporation, government and municipal bonds and has acquired a high standing among the representative bond houses of Toledo. Persons Campbell is rapidly winning for himself a most creditable position in financial circles of the city, wherein has been the scene of his entire business career. He is also well known through his social connections, being a member of the Toledo Club, the Country Club, the Toledo Tennis Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He likewise has membership in The Williams Club of New York city. Mr. Campbell has made a careful study of investments and his familiarity with high grade securities is of no small value to the large clientele he enjoys. He has a wide acquaintance in Toledo and stands with that progressive type of young men who are looking to the future with its opportunities and possibilities, not only for individual advancement in the attainment of success but also for the promotion of public welfare in harmony with the highest ideals of American citizenship. Mr. Campbell's home is at No. 2215 Parkwood avenue. THEODORE SCHMITT, JR. Theodore Schmitt, Jr., an outstanding figure in insurance and real estate circles in Toledo, has steadily advanced by reason of merit and capability, his powers having been developed through the' exercise of effort, until he is today accounted one of the forceful and resourceful men in his chosen line. Toledo numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred May 8, 1883, his parents being Theodore and Josephine M. (La Point) Schmitt. Extended mention of the father is made on another page of this work. Theodore Schmitt, Jr., attended the public schools of his native city, previously having been a pupil in St. Mary's school. He pursued further study in a business college and thus qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He started out to provide for his own support as a messenger in the insurance department of the Theodore Schmitt Company and step by step advanced until he had worked his way upward to the position of assistant secretary. In 1912 he became identified with the Mutual Savings Association and was elected general manager and secretary thereof in 1920. The further scope of his business activities is indicated in the fact that he is the president and general manager of the Theodore Schmitt Company and also of the Krebs Realty Company. His knowledge of insurance and of the real estate business is comprehensive and exact, for his experience has been wide and varied, bringing him thorough understanding of all the different phases of the. business. His mental alertness enables him readily to understand 116 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY any situation that may arise and to direct efforts to the benefit of the companies which he represents, with absolute fairness and justice to his clients as well. On the 21st of September, 1904, Mr. Schmitt was married to Miss Pearl Venia McRill. He was formerly a commissioned officer of the Naval Reserves and was placed on the retired list in 191.5 as a lieutenant, senior grade. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and has membership in the 'Toledo Yacht Club, which indicates something of the nature of his interests along recreational lines. He is a young. man of determined spirit, capable, alert, energetic, and possessing a laudable ambition that is the constant urge. of his forward movement in the business world. His residence is at No. 350 Rockingham street. ALBERT H. NEUKOM, JR. For many years the name of Neukom has figured prominently in commercial circles of Toledo in connection with the cut stone industry and Albert H. Neukom, Jr., is ably carrying forward the business established by his father. He was born in this city on the 21st of July, 1882, and is a son of Albert and Elizabeth (Buente) Neukom, who are of European birth and became residents of Toledo in early life. The father became the founder of the Albert Neukom Cut Stone Company, which he conducted successfully for many years, establishing his position as one of the leading business men of the city. He is now living retired in Toledo and the mother also survives. They have reared a family of five children : George,. Mrs. Dora Sieger, Mrs. Elizabeth Forrest, Mrs. Helen Salem and Albert H. In the public schools of this city Albert H. Neukom, Jr., obtained his education and after completing a course in manual training he entered his father's employ, starting in a humble capacity and working his Way upward as he proved his worth and ability. In 1914 Albert Neukom, Sr., relinquished the management of the undertaking, which has since been controlled by the subject of this review, who acts as president and manager. He is proving an able successor of his father, never deviating from the high standards upon which the business was f minded and displaying marked initiative and executive power in its Conduct. He has installed modern labor-saving machinery whereby he obtains the same results from the work of from twelve to twenty men that were, formerly secured from the utilization of one hundred employes has thoroughly systematized the business, obtaining in its operation the highest egree of efficiency with a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material, and through the adoption of modern progressive methods he has succeeded in greatly expanding the scope of the undertaking, which now ranks with the largest industries of the kind in the city. Mr. Neukom was married March 17,' 1909, to Miss Julia Jacobs, a daughter-of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Jacobs, members of old and prominent families of the city, and they have two children : Albert Neukom (III), who was born in 1914; and Betty Ruth, born in 1916. Both are natives of Toledo and public school pupils. Mr. Neukom is a Lutheran in religious faith and his political support is given to the republican party. He is a blue lodge Mason and has membership with the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and the Automobile Club of this city. His advancement has been won through his own efforts, for he began his business career as a water carrier and is now at the head of one of the large manufacturing enterprises of TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 117 Toledo. He worthily bears an honored family name and that he is a man of strict integrity and substantial worth is indicated by the esteem in which he is held by those among whom his life has been passed. WALTER R. RAY Walter R. Ray, a man of keen discernment and sound judgment, is well known in business circles of Toledo as resident manager of the Maumee Oil Refining Company, and he is well fitted for the duties and responsibilities which revolve upon him in this connection, being thoroughly familiar with every phase of the oil industry, to which he has devoted his attention for the past eighteen years. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, August 8, 1884, a son of Maurice A. and Emma C. (Rogers) Ray, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Indiana. The father came to the United States with his parents and the family home was established in Savannah, Georgia. Later he removed to Illinois and in that state he enlisted for service in the Civil war as 'a private, becoming a member of one of the regimental bands. This was in 1861 and later he reenlisted, participating in many hard fought engagements,' during one of which he was taken prisoner, and for two years was confined in Andersonville prison. After receiving his discharge he married Miss Rogers and removed with his bride to New, Haven, Connecticut, where he entered business circles, securing the contract for sprinkling the city streets and also conducting a retail coal yard. Later they became residents of Terre Haute, Indiana, and there Mr. Ray's demise occurred in 1898. The mother survives and is now living in Brooklyn, New York. In their family were four children : Mrs. Carlotta L. Blissard, a resident of Gibson City, Illinois ; Walter R. ; Edward M., whose home is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; and John L., of New York city. In the acquirement of an education. Walter R. Ray attended the grammar schools of New Haven, Connecticut, and the high school at Terre Haute, Indiana, and after laying aside his textbooks he took up the study of law in the office of Harry J. Baker. a well known attorney of Terre Haute. Later he was employed along various lines until his appointment as deputy county clerk of Vigo county, Indiana, and after serving in that capacity for a term he entered the office of Alvin L. Higgins, a prominent lawyer of Terre Haute, with whom he remained for several months, devoting his attention to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. In 1904 he became connected with the oil business as an employe of the firm of William C. Robinson & Sons of Baltimore, Maryland, and for five and a half years was in their office in that city,. when he was sent to Indianapolis, Indiana, to take charge of their interests at that point. In 1908 he went to Chicago and devoted three years to building up the business of the company in that city, leaving their service in 1910 to become a salesman for the Viscosity Oil Company of Chicago. He continued to represent that concern until 1915, when he resigned and embarked in the oil business on his own account, but disposed of his interest in the undertaking in 1918 and two years later became one of the organizers of the Maumee Oil Refining Company. The business is incorporated for five hundred thousand dollars under the laws of the state of Delaware, with headquarters in New York city, and the' present officers are Franklin S. Jerome, president ; Mrs. S. W. C. Jones, vice president ; Robert K. Waller, secretary ; and C. L. Hopkins, treasurer. The Maumee Oil Refining Company refines used oil, which has been drained from automobile crank 118 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY cases. This oil is secured from most of the larger cities lying between Boston and New York city and Kansas City, Missouri. The by products obtained from this used oil are high grade motor oils; naphtha, kerosene, gas oil and fuel oil.   Mr. Ray has charge of the manufacturing end of the business at the refinery. It is rather interesting to know that this company collected and refined during its first fiscal year over one million gallons of motor crank case oil which had before been thrown away and wasted. During the second year of the company's existence it was necessary to more than double the refining capacity of the refinery because they secured twice as much waste oil as they did during the first year in business. At Terre Haute, Indiana, on the 6th of June, 1908, Mr. Ray was united in marriage to Miss Blanch Booker and they now have a daughter, Elizabeth Jane, who was born in Chicago, September 26, 1909, and is a student at the Scott high school of Toledo. Mr. Ray is independent in his political views, placing the qualifications of a candidate above all other considerations, and as a member of the Toledo Commerce Club he is endeavoring to promote the industrial prosperity of the city. He has won success by industry, ability and integrity and these qualities unite to make him an upright man and useful citizen. He is highly regarded in business circles of Toledo and has many friends whose esteem he has won and retained by reason of his high principles and fine personal qualities. CARL V. TORGLER Carl V. Torgler, a native son of Toledo, is at the head of a large motor sales company and is thus prominently connected with an industry which has been one of the chief factors in the development and upbuilding. of the city. He was born April 6, 1879, and his parents were Ernest and Augusta (Schaefer) Torgler, the former a native of France and the latter of Saginaw, Michigan. When ten years of age the father came to the United States and his education was acquired in the public schools of Ohio. Upon starting out in life for himself he chose the occupation of farming, which he followed in Lucas county until he reached the age of twenty-two, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining the Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he was made flag bearer. He remained in the service for three years and six months and while he participated in many notable engagements he was never wounded. After receiving his discharge he resumed his farming operations and, is still actively identified with agricultural pursuits, although he has reached the advanced age of eighty-three years. The mother passed away in February, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Torgler were the parents of eight children : Ernest R., deceased ; Louis G., a resident of Detroit; Michigan ; and Mrs. Augusta Jackson, Mrs. Edith Butler, Walter, Herbert H., Arthur and Carl V., all of whom are living in Toledo. Carl V. Torgler attended the country schools, the Central high school of Toledo and the Davis Business College of this city and afterward filled clerical positions with various firms. In 1917 he established himself in the automobile business and is now serving as president of the Torgler Motor Sales Company, which handles the Stearns-Knight cars and the Elcar and International trucks. He has made a careful study of the business and keeps in close touch with all new developments in the automobile industry. He has instituted many well devised plans for the promotion of his business, which he conducts along the most modern and progressive lines, and TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 121 has established his position among the most enterprising and reliable automobile dealers of the city. On the 16th of June, 1904, Mr. Torgler was married to Miss Olga Pauline Huebner, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Huebner, prominent residents of this city, and they have two children Olga Marie, who was born in 1906 and is a student at the Waite high school ; and Mary Jane, who was born in 1912 and is attending the Harvard grammar school of Toledo. Mr. Torgler is not bound by patty ties but casts his ballot for those men and measures that he deems will best conserve the public weal. He is a Knights Templar Mason and in the consistory he has taken the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of Zenobia Temple, Mystic Shrine, of which he is president of the board and a trustee. He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church and obtains needed recreation through his connection with the Maumee River Yacht Club of which he is vice president and a member of the board of directors. In business affairs he has made steady progress, his capable management and indefatigable industry constituting the basis upon which he has built his prosperity, and he is widely and favorably known in this city, in which his life has been passed. Mr. Torgler's residence is at No. 224 University boulevard. W. A. VOIGT W. A. Voigt, president and treasurer of the Toledo Dental Supply Company, belongs to that class of men who owe their success to hard work and perseverance and his life has ever been actuated by a spirit of progress that has been productive of substantial results. He is widely and favorably known in this city, in which his life has been passed, and was born December 25, 1883. His parents, William and Emily (Mueller) Voigt, were of European birth and emigrated to the United States, establishing their home in Toledo during the early part of the year 1883. The father was prominently identified with mercantile interests, devoting his attention to the shoe business for many years, and his demise occurred in this city in 1888. The mother is now a resident of Chicago, Illinois. Six children were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Voigt, namely : Mrs. H. Anderson, Mrs. W. Coventry and Mrs. L. Martin, all of whom are living in Chicago ; Dr. C. B. Voigt, a leading dentist of Lorain, Ohio ; E. H. Voigt, who is engaged in the dental supply business at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and W. A. Voigt of this review. The grammar schools of Toledo afforded W. A. Voigt his educational privileges and after laying aside his textbooks he secured a clerical position with the Ransom & Randolph Company, dealers in dental supplies and surgical instruments. He remained with that firm for six years, during which period he gained a practical knowledge of the business, and then took up the study of dentistry in the University of Illinois, but did not engage in practice. Instead he entered the service of the Chicago Dental Supply Company in the capacity of traveling salesman and later represented other houses of a similar character in that city, being thus employed for sixteen years. His duties frequently brought him to this city, and seeing a good opening for a business of this kind here, he organized the Toledo Dental Supply Company, of which he is now serving as president and treasurer. Since its inception the business has rapidly developed and the trade of the firm covers a wide territory, its representatives visiting all sections of the United States. The firm handles exclusively the products of the Flint Dental Manufacturing Company, As- 122 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY cher Import Company, Diamond Dental Specialties, Imported H. D. Justi Teeth, Baker & Company, Incorporated, products, and numerous others. Close study and broad practical experience have given Mr. Voigt a specialized knowledge of the dental supply business and he carefully supervises every detail of its management, keeping it not only in line but rather in the lead of the progressive organizations of this nature. Mr. Voigt is a Lutheran in religious faith. His political support is given to the republican party-. He is a blue lodge Mason and his public spirit finds expression in his membership in the Toledo Chamber of Commerce. With a mind commercially comprehensive, quick to perceive and act, he has taken advantage of circumstances and bent them to his will. One of the most important business undertakings in the city stands as a monument to his initiative spirit, his enterprise and his ability and Toledo is proud to claim him as a native son. ROY WILLIAM BABCOCK Roy William Babcock, a member of a family which for three generations has been represented in Toledo, typifies in his life the spirit of progress and enterprise which has been a dominant force in the development and upbuilding of the city and although but thirty years of age he is now at the head of a large dairy and has already won a measure of success which many an older man might well envy. He was born in this city on the 19th of March, 1892, and is a son of William Henry and Jennie (Braunschweriger) Babcock, also natives of this city, which has always been their home. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of the subject of this review came to Toledo during the pioneer period of its development and each volunteered for service in the Civil war. They remained residents of the city until called to their final rest. William H. Babcock is devoting his attention to dairy farming and is the owner of one of the finest farms in Lucas county. Mrs. Babcock also survives and they have become the parents of four children : Roy William, Walter, Mrs. E. Urie and Mrs. William Forman, all of Toledo. The grammar and high schools of this city afforded Roy W. Babcock his educational opportunities and after completing his studies he turned his attention to the milk business. For some time he had charge of his father's business and later organized the Babcock Dairy Company, of which he is sole owner. In 1919 he erected his present plant, which is equipped for the pasteurization of milk and cream and is the largest independent dairy in the country, utilizing forty-one employes. It is valued at one hundred thousand dollars and is modern in every respect, particular attention being given to sanitation. Mr. Babcock conducts the business along the most progressive lines, securing a high degree of efficiency in its management, and there is a large demand for the products of his dairy because of their purity and wholesomeness. On the 17th of August, 1915, Mr. Babcock was married to Miss Ruth Margaret Probeck, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Probeck of this city, and they have three children : Wayne Harold, who was born April 4, 1917 ; Betty Jean, born November 25, 1919 ; and Ruth Margaret, born December 23, 1921. Mr. Babcock is a member of the Pilgrim Congregational church of Toledo, of which he is serving as a trustee, and his political support is given to the republican party. He is deeply interested in the welfare and advancement of his city and is a member of both the Toledo