TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 151 the class of 1906 and following his return home he became associated with his father in the candy manufacturing enterprise, with which he has since been identified. Since his father's death, which occurred in August, 1919, he has filled the dual position of vice president and secretary of the Smith-Kirk Candy Company and has been most active in the direction and development of the business. He is an excellent executive, thorough, and alert, and enterprising, and his salient business qualities have been contributing factors to the success of the undertaking. He is also connected with the Jerome H. Smith Realty Company and is regarded as one of the rising young business men of the city. On the 6th of July, 1910, occurred the marriage of Hiram A. Smith and Miss Margaret Huker of Toledo, and they have become parents of six children : Barbara, Helen, Russell, Eleanor, Ridlon and Carolin. The family is well known in this city, their social position rivaling that of Mr. Smith's position, in business circles. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, being a loyal follower of the teachings of the craft. He belongs to the Kiwanis Club and along more strictly social lines his membership is with the Toledo and Inverness clubs. He is fond of a game of golf, spending much of his leisure time on the links, and at all times he is an agreeable and companionable gentleman whose friends are legion. EARL H. RUDE Earl H. Rude, a native son of Toledo, is well known in business circles of the city as manager of the Chesbrough Dwellings, and although but twenty-four years of age, he has already demonstrated his ability successfully to control important interests. He was born November 29, 1898, of the marriage of Gustavus and Emma (Muswick) Rude, also natives of the Buckeye state and residents of this city. The father is an expert mechanic and is employed by the Toledo Machine & Tool Company. Mr. and Mrs. Rude have become the parents of two children : Earl H. and Erna, both of Toledo. Earl H. Rude acquired his education in parochial and public schools of this city and later became a student at the Metropolitan Business College, from which he was graduated in 1915. He then, secured a position with the Toledo Builders Supply Company, working at first in a clerical capacity and afterward winning promotion to the office of branch manager. He remained with that firm for four years and then resigned to become manager of the Chesbrough Dwellings, one of the finest apartment hotels in the city. He is putting forth earnest and effective efforts to promote the success of the undertaking and displays mature judgment, keen sagacity and executive ability in directing the interests under his charge, proving faithful to the trust reposed in him. In Detroit, on the 10th of June, 1919, Mr. Rude was married to Miss Martha M. Kowalka, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Kowalka, prominent residents of Toledo. In politics Mr. Rude maintains an independent attitude, placing the qualifications of a candidate above all other considerations, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran Trinity church of this city. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to the lodge, chapter and council. He possesses keen perception and unusual business sagacity and has ever endeavored to perform his duty according to the best of his ability. He is a young man who has not yet reached the zenith of his powers, but in the development of 152 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY his talents he has already established himself in an enviable position in business circles of Toledo, and his genuine personal worth has won for him the unqualified respect and esteem of an extensive circle of friends. ALEXANDER E. FORSTER Alexander E. Forster, whose forcefulness and resourcefulness in business, Combined with substantial qualities of integrity and reliability, have made him most popular and highly esteemed in commercial circles, is now engaged in the wholesaling and retailing of coal, coke and fuel and also conducts a real estate business. Diligence and determination have enabled .him to overcome all obstacles and difficulties in his path and he never stops short of the attainment of his objective in any commercial way. A native of England, he was born in Norfolk, October 24, 1856, and is a son of Thomas William and Pleasance Earl (Duffield) Forster, who were also natives of the "Merrie Isle," where they were reared, educated and married. The father was a seafaring man who became master of several ocean-going vessels:, following the sea throughout his life. He and his wife have passed away. Their family numbered five children, four of whom are living : Thomas William of Toledo Walter C., residing in Buffalo, New York ; Ellen Duffield, now in England ; and Alexander E. In his boyhood Alexander E. Forster attended the public schools of England and after coming to this country continued his education in the Franklin school at Toledo. He crossed the Atlantic at an early age and when a youth of thirteen had begun learning the blacksmith's trade in his native country, so that after a brief residence in the United States he started out to provide for his own support, as he had already become acquainted with the value of industry and perseverance as factors in the workaday world. For a time he occupied positions at the Toledo and at the Detroit stockyards, working in that way until 1890. It was his desire, however, to establish business on his own account and he believed that he would find a congenial and a profitable field in connection with the coal trade. Accordingly .he started out in that way with limited capital and small resources, but as the years have passed he has developed his interests to extensive proportions, being today a large wholesale and retail dealer in coal, coke and fuel, while the real estate department of his business is also of considerable proportions. His office is located on the east side and he is one of the pioneer merchants of that section of the city and one who has been most earnest in his advocacy of its development and improvement. He is sole proprietor of the fuel business and he is a director and the president of the Yondota Masonic Building Company and a director of the Peoples State Savings Bank. He is likewise a director of the Maul Stone Company of Toledo, and thus his business interests and activities have covered a broad scope, while his cooperation with these different concerns is regarded as a most valuable asset in their development. In September, 1878, Mr. Forster was married to Miss Laura A. Brown of Toledo, daughter of Captain and Mrs. Sylvester Brown, well known residents of this city. Mrs. Forster passed away in 1883, leaving three children : Alexander S., who was born in Toledo in 1879, was educated in the public and high schools and is now connected with the De Vore Engineering Company, industrial engineers of this city. He married Miss Ruth Jean Campbell of Forest, Ohio, and they have two children : John Alexander, who was born in Toledo and is now in his third year in TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 155 Scott high school, where he has won two gold medals for efficiency in his studies ; and Laura Jean, who is attending high school. Frank. H. Forster, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander E. Forster, was born in Toledo in 1881, completed a high school course here and is now associated with his father's wholesale coal business. He wedded Miss Addie E. Gascoigne of Toledo, and they have one child, Frank Herbert. Erle Hamilton, the third in the family of the subject of this review, was born here in 1883 and married Miss Ruth Myers, by whom he has two sons, Howard and George. During the World war he enlisted and served in five different departments of the government service, winning a commission as major of artillery. He is now with the Home Savings and Building Company of Toledo. For his second wife Mr. Alexander E. Forster chose Eva A. Caldwell, a teacher in Toledo public schools, daughter of James 0. Caldwell. They were married on the 29th of September, 1887. There is one child of this marriage, Eva Fern, who is now the wife of M. M. Planck, employment manager of the Toledo Auto-Lite Corporation. They have two children, Virginia Fern and Robert M., both born in Toledo. Mr. Forster has always manifested a helpful interest in public affairs and from 1890 until 1892 he was a member of the equalization board of this city. Mr. Forster is a very prominent Mason, holding membership in Yondota Lodge, No. 572, F. & A. M. ; Port Lawrence Chapter, No. 176, R. A. M. ; Vistula Council, No. 108, R. & S. M.; Eu-Tah Commandery, No. 66, Knights Templar (being a charter member and past presiding officer in all of these bodies) ; and in the Scottish Rite has received the honorary thirty-third degree. He is also a Noble of Zenobia Temple, Mystic Shrine. He is perhaps as well known as any other representative of the fraternity in this section of the state, by reason of his intense activity in support of the order and his close conformity to its high principles. He is a member of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and the East Toledo Chamber of Commerce and the well organized efforts that are put forth by these two bodies receive his hearty endorsement and cooperation. He also belongs to the Toledo Automobile Club and to the East Toledo Young Men's Christian Association, while his religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Ennobling principles have characterized his entire career and his high purposes have been manifest in every relation of life. A careful analysis of his character shows how closely he has conformed his course to the advanced teachings of Masonry and of the church Ind throughout his career he has ever stood ready to extend a helping hand to those who are seeking to advance along the lines of character building. HARVEY FORESTER ROBISON Harvey Forester Robison, president of The Guaranty .Bond & Mortgage Company, has been identified with Toledo's business interest for nearly twenty years and is numbered among the city's progressive citizens whose activities have contributed to the material upbuilding of the city. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa, September 19, 1882, and is a son of Charles S. and Anna (Forester) Robison, the former a-native of Ohio and the latter of the state of New York. About 1854 they removed to Iowa, settling at Dubuque, where the father engaged in the manufacture of clothing, and he is still a resident of that city. Harvey F. Robison, an only child, attended the public schools and later entered Exeter Academy of New Hampshire, from which he was graduated in 1902. For 156 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY two years thereafter he was variously employed and in 1904 came to Toledo, becoming connected with the Pope Automobile' Company, with which he remained for three years, serving in several capacities. In 1907 he entered the real estate field and for over fifteen years was prominently connected with that line of business, becoming one of the leading individuals in the handling of downtown realty. In 1922 he organized the Guaranty Bond & Mortgage Company, which has already become an important factor in Toledo investment circles. This company offers the investor bonds that are secured by real estate, providing a security and yield that are most attractive. On the 8th of October, 1908, Mr. Robison married Miss Helen Douglass Van. Pelt, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. C. L. Van Pelt, well known and highly respected residents of Toledo. To this union has been born a daughter, Helen Forester. Mr. and Mrs. Robison are members of the Episcopal church. He is identified with the Real Estate Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce, while his social nature finds expression in his membership with the Toledo Club and the Toledo Country Club. Mr.Robison has worked persistently and energetically in his field of activity and his straightforward business .methods have won for him a high position among Toledo's business men and citizens. Mr. Robison resides at The Harold Arms. AARON LUFKIN KELSEY Aaron Lufkin Kelsey, vice president of The Kelsey & Freeman Lumber Company, is of the third generation of the name to be connected with the business established by his grandfather sixty-six years ago. Mr. Kelsey was born in Toledo on June 14th, 1886, only son of Hiram Reeve and Alice Gladstone (Young) Kelsey and grandson of Aaron Lufkin Kelsey,. a pioneer business man of Toledo. Mr. Kelsey became an official of the corporation in 1918 upon its reorganization following the death of his father the year previous. Of the present corporation and its predecessors it is said that there, is scarcely a block in Toledo today that does not contain building materials that were furnished by this firm. Business houses, industrial plants, mansions and homes in every section of the city owe. much of their beauty and permanence to the quality of lumber provided by this organization. The success of the enterprise is due not alone to the progressive commercial methods followed but also to the unassailable reputation which the house has always enjoyed for integrity and fair dealing. This corporation conducts two yards, carrying an extensive stock of lumber and building materials, and while the lumber is no longer secured from the neighboring state of Michigan, where the supply has been practically exhausted, it is shipped in from all sections of the United States and Canada. An advisory and plan department is maintained at the Indiana Street yard to aid the homebuilders in selecting appropriate plans and 'grades and sizes of materials best adapted to economical and satisfactory construction. This branch of the business is maintained without added cost to the patrons and is of great value to them. The Summit Street yard at Summit street and New York avenue contains the only stock of large white pine lumber and large timbers in northwestern Ohio and a wholesale as well as retail business is there conducted, the plant supplying many eastern firms. The combined interests of these two yards constitute one of the largest retail lumber companies of Ohio. With the growth of the city the business has kept pace through all the intervening years since its establishment two-thirds of a TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 157 century ago. Today electric milling equipment is replacing the original rude sawmill machinery and motor trucks are used in delivery, while every facility of modern business methods is employed to take care of the trade and increase the output. Thus in the third generation of the family the business is carried on with results commensurate to Toledo's greatness and the Aaron Lufkin Kelsey of the present day is bearing well his part amid modern conditions and opportunities, just as did the Aaron Lufkin Kelsey (I), his grandfather, who was the founder and original promoter of the undertaking. LOUIS H. PAINE Louis H. Paine, manager for northwestern Ohio of the United States Fidelity Guaranty Company, maintains his headquarters in Toledo, his offices being located in the Second National Bank building, and since 1918 he has successfully discharged the duties of that position. He is a prominent figure in insurance circles of the state and has other business interests of importance, while he has also taken an active part in public affairs, doing effective service' for the public good: He was born in Limaville, Ohio, October 1, 1875, and his parents were Rev. Louis and Mary (Lind) Paine; the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Ohio., As a young man the father entered the Methodist ministry and in early life he came to the Buckeye state, filling pastorates at Cleveland, Warren, Steubenville, Canton and other cities in the northeastern part of Ohio. By- example as well as precept he pointed out to others the true meaning of Christianity and his labors were resultant forces for good in the communities to which he was called. He passed away in Toledo in MO, while the mother's demise occurred at Limaville in 1917. Of their children four survive: Bertram, whose home is in Limaville ; Mrs. Nye W. Goodman of Los Angeles, California ; Myrtle M., also a resident of Limaville ; and Louis H. In the acquirement of an education Louis H. Paine attended the grammar schools in the various cities to which his father's ministerial labors took him and following his graduation from the high school at Warren he spent one year as a student at Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio, also completing a two years' course at Albion College, Michigan. He then entered Boston University of Massachusetts, from which he was graduated in 1898, winning the A. B. and LL. B. degrees, and successfully engaged in the general practice of law for a period of twenty years,. or until 1918. In that year he became manager for the United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company in the district comprising northwestern Ohio, and has since successfully represented that corporation. His knowledge of the law is of great assistance to him in his work. He also has extended his efforts into other fields, being vice president of the Peoples Savings Association and a director of the Fifty Associates Company, and is likewise a director of the Toledo Factories Company. At Lansing, Michigan, on the 5th of April, 1899, Mr. Paine was married to Miss Helen A. Davis, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert E. Davis, prominent residents of that city, and they are the parents of three children : Louis Davis, the eldest in the family, was born in Toledo, February 18, 1900, and is a graduate of the Scott high school of this city.. He attended Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, completing his course at the University of Michigan in the class of 1922. During the World war he was active in the Students Training Corps ; Janet Elizabeth, who was 158 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY born in July, 1901, is a graduate of the. Scoand the school of this city and.the Harcum School at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania She married Robert .H. Winters, Jr., and they reside in Toledo.; Mary Margaret, who was born January 10, 1907, is now a student in a private school at Los Angeles, California. While conducting his law business Mr. Paine was called to public office and served for two terms in the state legislature. as a member of the seventy-sixth and seventy-seventh assemblies, during which period he was instrumental in securing the passage of much beneficial legislation. He was a member of the Toledo board of education for six years and it was partly through his efforts that the beautiful Toledo high schools were secured for the city. He is also identified with the Toledo Bar Association and is likewise connected with the Commerce Club, Inverness Tennis Club, the Inverness Club and the Toledo Automobile Club, being also a member of the Masonic order. The thoroughness of his knowledge upon any subject in which he takes an interest is one of his outstanding characteristics. His activities have touched the various phases. of life which are factors in public progress and improvement and he stands for all that is truly American in citizenship, his influence being at all times on the side of reform and advancement. Mr. Paine's residence is at No. 112 Orchard road, Ottawa Hills. HARRY STEWART STAUTZENBACH Harry Stewart Stautzenbach, who since 1913 has been at the head of the commission house of Stautzenbach, Bowers & Taylor, was born in Toledo, August 23, 1886. His father, Henry Stautzenbach, is a well known business man here, conducting a real estate and commercial agency which he has developed to substantial proportions. He married Cora E. Spayd and further mention of the parents is made on another page of this work. The son, Harry Stewart Stautzenbach, entered the public schools at the usual age and passed through consecutive grades, while eventually he pursued a course in a business college and thus qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He then obtained a position as bookkeeper with the Western Box Company, remaining with that concern for, three years, while later he occupied a similar position in a packing house, where he also continued for three years. He was then with a wholesale commission house for a similar period and in these different connections gained comprehensive and valuable knowledge of business methods and conditions, so that experience well qualified .him for the work which he undertook when in September, 1913, he became one of the organizers of the commission house of Stautzenbach, Bowers & Taylor, wholesale dealers in meats, poultry, butter and eggs. Through the ten years of its existence this house has enjoyed a steady growth in trade and is a foremost factor in wholesale circles along this line. The business is now one of very gratifying proportions and the enterprise and unabating energy of Mr. Stautzenbach have constituted a substantial force in the attainment of the present-day success. On the 1st of July, 1914, Mr. Stautzenbach was married to Miss Elsa Leu of Toledo. He is a consistent follower of Masonry, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and become a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also identified with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, of which he was formerly secretary, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Woodmen of the World. TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 161 He is well known to his brethren in these fraternities and he has made a substantial and creditable record in business circles, having already reached a position which many an older man might well envy. His residence is at No. 248 Marion street. WILLIAM E. CORDILL In the death of William E. Cordill, Toledo experienced the loss of a valued and valuable citizen. A lawyer by profession, he was held high in the esteem of his associates at the bar, while his activities in the political field and his energetic enthusiasm in forwarding any movement for the betterment of the city caused him to be looked upon as one of Toledo's foremost residents. A native of Indiana, he was born on a farm at South Whitley, August 15, 1869, his parents being William and Martha (Norris) Cordill. He attended the public schools of South Whitley and of North Manchester and when he had completed his high school course by graduation he matriculated in Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, where he entered upon a commercial course but as his work developed he found his greatest pleasure in subjects pertaining to the law and changed his line of study, being graduated ultimately with the degree of LL. B., in 1894. He was soon afterward admitted to practice at the bars of both Indiana and Ohio. In the same year he came to Toledo with one of his former classmates, Edward H. Ray, and together they opened offices, forming a partnership under the style of Ray & Cordill. Their first location was in the Alma block, where they remained for two years and then removed to the National Union building, where they continued their offices for twenty years, or until the structure was torn down to make way for the present Lasalle and Koch store building. Later the firm had offices on the fourth floor of the Ohio building and were there located when Mr. Cordill so suddenly passed away, January 31, 1917, his death being occasioned by a form of bronchial trouble. Mr. Cordill was ever interested in political matters and became a factor in local affairs. On the 1st of January, 1914, he was appointed by former Mayor Carl H. Keller a member of the civil service commission, of which he became president. In 1913 he was defeated in the race for congress by General Isaac R. Sherwood. Mr. Cordill was campaign manager at the time of the election of Carl H. Keller as Toledo's mayor in 1914. During the next mayoralty campaign, in 1915, he gave his support to former Police Chief Murphy, who was defeated by Charles M. Milroy. Mr. Cordill served as a member of the state central committee and was enthusiastic in the affairs of the republican party, doing everything in his power to promote its growth and secure the adoption of its principles. On the 27th of November, 1895, Mr. Cordill was married to Miss Emily Catharine Ward, a daughter of the Rev. Philip J. and Emily (Boot) Ward. She was born in England and when a year old was brought by her parents to America. Her father filled several successful pastorates in Ohio and Indiana, becoming pastor of the First Baptist church in Toledo in 1893, where he continued his labors for several years. Philip J. Ward was a strong preacher and a sturdy defender of his faith. Few opponents could stand before him in an argument upon any religious question. He was universally respected and deeply loved and even revered by those who knew him well. He went from Toledo to Los Angeles, 162 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY California, where he became pastor of one of the Baptist churches of that city and there died in 1904. Mrs. Cordill acquired her education in the public schools of Columbus and of Cincinnati, Ohio. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Emily R., living at home, is a graduate nurse of the Robinwood Hospital and at present is a public health nurse; Annie Norris, who was a graduate of Dr: Law's Kindergarten Training School of Toledo, is now the wife of John Van Cleve Gardner of this city, and they have one son, Robert George ; Ward E. is connected with Hull Brothers Umbrella Company; and Rachel E. completes the family. Mrs. Cordill is prominent in the work of the church, is president of the Woman's Society and president of the Riverside Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She is also interested in politics and served as one of the election judges for two years. Mr. Cordill was a consistent member of the Riverside Baptist church, in which he served as deacon, while for fifteen years prior to his death he occupied the position of Sunday school superintendent. He was also a stanch temperance worker and this may have occasioned his defeat for congress, winning him the opposition of the anti-temperance element. He always stood loyally for his honest convictions, however, no matter at what personal sacrifice. He was president of the Toledo Baptist Union and no good work done in the name of charity or religion sought his aid in vain. He belonged to Barton Smith Lodge, NO. 613, F. & A. M., to Concord Lodge of the Knights of Pythias and to Wapakonica, Lodge, No. 38, I. O. O. F. Mr. Cordill was always a great reader, an earnest student and a deep thinker and his opinions on many subjects were sought by his fellow townsmen, who considered his position to be at all times tenable. He was a gifted public speaker, tactful, witty, entertaining and instructive and on many occasions was called upon to address the public. He was also an enthusiastic golf player, a member of the Toledo Golf Club, a member of the Inverness Club and the Lincoln Republican Club. In every relation of life he enjoyed the goodwill and confidence of those with whom he came into contact and as his aid and influence were ever given on the side of progress and improvement his worth as a man and citizen was widely acknowledged. CHARLES FREDERICK MEILINK Charles Frederick Meilink, president and general manager of the Meilink Steel Safe Company, was born in Tqledo, October 25, 1867, a son of Bernard and Mary Anna (Essing) Meilink, both of pioneer families of Toledo, the father having been one of the early merchants and manufacturers of this city. Charles F. Meilink was educated in the parochial schools and the Jesuit College and became interested in mechanics in early childhood. As a boy he worked in machine" shops during vacation periods and later followed that line of work for several years. For a number of years he was identified with the bicycle manufacturing industry in Toledo. In August, 1897, Mr. Meilink organized a small concern under the name of the Meilink Manufacturing Company for the purpose of manufacturing specialties, employing at the outset ten men, and four years later, in 1901, it was incorporated under the same name and began the manufacture of safes. In 1920 the named was changed to the present Meilink Steel Safe Com- TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 165 pany. Something of the steady growth of the business is indicated in the fact that he now employs one hundred and fifty people and his plant is the largest steel fireproof safe manufacturing concern in the world.. All of the output has been developed and perfected by him. The business is indeed one of extensive proportions and the output is sent to all sections of the globe. Mr. Meilink is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is in hearty sympathy with the purposes of that organization for the upbuilding of the city, the extension of its business relations and the maintenance of high civic standards. He is likewise a member of the Toledo Club. He has wide acquaintance in this city, in which practically his entire life has been passed, and he has made valuable contribution to its industrial progress and consequent prosperity. WILLIAM A. ZOLG William A. Zolg, treasurer of the Toledo Scale Company and one of the representatives of business interests in this city, is a self-made man who has won his present position through the, force of his personality and the strength of his mental endowments. He was born at Dayton, Ohio, September 2, 1876, and his parents were Adolph and Henrietta (Miller) Zolg, the former of Baden, Germany, and the latter a native of Ohio. When eighteen years of age the father emigrated to the United States and for many years he engaged in business in New York city as a merchant tailor. Subsequently he removed to Ohio, locating at Dayton, where he opened a high class tailoring establishment, numbering among his patrons the leading business and professional men of the city. He continued at the head of that business until his death, which occurred in October, 1920. The mother passed away soon after the birth of her son. William A. Zolg, their only child, attended the public schools of his native city and St. Mary's Institute of that place, devoting his leisure moments to the study of accounting. His first business experience was gained as an accountant with the National Cash Register Company of Dayton, one of the largest industries in the United States, and for ten years he remained in their service, acting as assistant to the general auditor of the European National Cash Register Company at Berlin, Germany, during two years of that period. On his return to this country he was offered a position as accountant with the Toledo Scale Company and entered their employ in June, 1909. His worth and ability were soon recognized and he was advanced through the various departments, at length becoming treasurer, which office he is now filling. He possesses broad vision and marked executive force and has materially contributed to the success of the company, which occupies a position of leadership in this field throughout the country. At Dayton, Ohio, on the 9th of June, 1901, Mr. Zolg was married to Miss Katherine Puthoff, a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Puthoff of St. Henry, Ohio, and they have become the parents of three sons : William A. Zolg, Jr., who was born at Dayton in 1902, is a graduate of St. John's University and is attending the University of Dayton, being a member of the class of 1925 ; Walter W. Zolg, who was born at Dayton in 1906, and is now a student at St. John's University ; and Eugene F. Zolg, who was born in Toledo in 1910 and is a public school student The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Zolg gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party, and he is a 166 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY member of the Toledo Club, the Maumee River Yacht Club and the Commerce Club. Well defined plans and purposes have carried him steadily forward, enabling him to become a power in his chosen line of activity, and he has never lost sight of the high principles which should govern man in his varied relations of life. His residence is at No. 2114 Carrollton avenue. PETER FRANCIS WHALEN Peter Francis Whalen, who lived and labored to worthy ends, recognizing his duties and obligations to his fellowmen, as well as his opportunities for the attainment of success and the advancethent of his individual fortunes, had reached the age of sixty-six years when he passed away in his Toledo home, on the 16th of May, 1920. He was born in Grey county, Upper Canada, May 17, 1854, being the eldest son in a family of four children whose parents were Peter and Mary (Doran) Whalen, both of whom have passed away, the death of the father occurring when his son, Peter, was but two years of age. When he was a lad of twelve he accompanied his mother and her family to Detroit, Michigan, and there he attended the public schools for a limited period, but the straitened financial circumstances of the family made it imperative that he put aside his textbooks and seek employment that he might assist his mother in support of the household. He early took up the molder's trade, which he followed for a number of years and as opportunity offered availed himself of the chance to attend business college, recognizing how essential is educational training in connection with the attainment of business success. When Mr. Whalen removed from Detroit to Toledo he became associated in the varnish business with his brother-in-law, Alfred Collins, the enterprise being established under the firm style of Collins & Whalen. Success attended their efforts from the beginning and after carrying on a profitable business until 1882 they consolidated their interests with the Buckeye Paint Company. In the fall of 1887 the new organization was incorporated under the name of the Buckeye Paint & Varnish Company, of which Mr. Whalen was elected president and general manager, continuing at the head of the company to the time of his demise. His initiative, his broad vision, his sound judgment and his keen discrimination were vital forces in the attainment of ‘success and in the course of years the business was developed into one of the largest establishments of its kind in northern Ohio, its ramifying trade connections covering a broad territory that included not only the Buckeye state but also Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, its sales amounting to several hundred thousand dollars annually. Mr. Whalen was a man of resolute purpose, who carefully thought out his plans and carried them forward to successful completion. He never allowed any obstacle or difficulty in his path utterly to discourage him, ever recognizing the fact that persistent effort, intelligently directed, could find a way at all times to achieve an honorable purpose. In the course of years he, therefore, won a measure of success, which placed him with the men of affluence in Toledo. A contemporary biographer said of him : "His success in no way warped his kindly nature, for he ever retained his interest in the welfare of those less fortunate than he, helping by his wise counsel, and often in a more substantial way, those with whom he came into contact." In Toledo, on the 15th of June, 1880, Mr. Whalen was married to Miss Mary F. Riely, a daughter of John and Margaret (Kerins) Riely. They became par- TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 167 ents of the following named : Peter F., Jr., who is the vice president of the Buckeye Paint & Varnish Company ; Milton E. ; John J. ; Florence, who is now Mrs. Ray Owens ; Helen Marie; and Mary L., Margaret and Leonard, all three of whom are deceased. Mr. Whalen found his greatest happiness in promoting the welfare and comfort of his wife and children and his best traits of character were reserved for his own fireside, although all men knew him as a faithful friend, a just and kindly employer, a loyal citizen and in every relation of life a progressive man. He supported all measures which he deemed of value to the community and gave his aid to every cause he believed would promote civic progress or uphold the legal or moral status of the community in which he lived. He always voted with the democratic party, taking an active interest in political affairs and for several terms he served as alderman from his ward, notwithstanding that it was regarded as one of the republican strongholds of the city, while he was ever an earnest advocate of democratic principles. He belonged to the Roman Catholic church, to which he contributed generously and for thirty-five years was councilman of St. Patrick's church, while at the time of his demise he was a member of the Cathedral Chapel church. He belonged to the National Union, the Foresters of America, the Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association, the Catholic Knights of America, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of Ohio and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He likewise had membership in the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, in the Kiwanis Club, the Builders Exchange and the Toledo Oil and Varnish Club. It was his expressed wish that he might never live to an age of helplessness and to the last he continued a most active factor in the world's work. He had attended the semi-annual dinner given by his company to his employes at the Hotel Secor and had spoken at the banquet in a most happy vein, expressing the wish that he might be present at many more such affairs. But soon after his return home, he became suddenly ill, and passed away. Outside of his immediate household his death was nowhere more keenly felt than among his employes, for whom he had manifested the most kindly interest and of ttimes the warmest friendship. He was very fond of athletic sports and encouraged the formation of baseball, basket-ball and bowling teams among his employes and it was very gratifying to him that they took high rank in the various local leagues to 'which they belonged. The career of Peter Francis Whalen was one of usefulness and worth to his fellowmen, through the employment which he gave to many and through the influence which he had upon the lives of those with whom he was associated. As the architect of his own fortunes he' builded wisely and well and his success was the fitting crown and reward of his labors. GEORGE N. FELL George N. Fell, a member of the firm of Fell & Schaal, leading attorneys of Toledo, with offices in the Nicholas building, has engaged in the practice of law for the past twenty-four years and is recognized as a man of high professional attainments. He is one of Toledo's native sons, his birth having occurred July 15, 1871, and his parents were Nicholas and Anna (Setz) Fell, both natives of Germany, the former born in the duchy of Luxemburg and the latter in the province of Bavaria. His parents came to the United States in 1860, settling in Toledo, where the father engaged in railroad work. He is still living, at the age of eighty-six. The 168 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY mother passed away in. 1920. In their family were six children, of whom three survive : Katherine M., Anna F. and George N. May R. died in August, 1922. In the acquirement of an education George N. Fell attended the parochial schools and St. Mary's Academy, afterward entering the law department of the University Of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1898, with the LL. B. degree. He began practice in the office .of Hurd, Brumbach & Thatcher, with whom he was associated for a year, and then joined A. F. Connolly, their interests being conducted under the style of Fell & Connolly. In 1906 he formed a law partnership with Frederick C. Schaal ; a partnership that has been continued. They have been entrusted with important litigated interests and their clientele is a large and representative one. Mr. Fell is a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the principles of jurisprudence, and for a number of years has been instructor in law at St. John's College of Toledo. He has been called to public office and in 1905 was. appointed assistant city solicitor, serving in that capacity for four years. Mr. Fell was married June 26, 1907, to Miss Anna V. McDonald of Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry McDonald. Mr. McDonald was a leading contractor of that city. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fell : George Henry, whose birth occurred in Toledo September 28, 1909, and who is attending St. John's University ; and Charles Francis, who was born in Toledo September 17, 1912, and is now a student at St. Mary's school. The family are communicants of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church and Mr. Fell is also connected with the Knights of Columbus, of which he is a charter member, and he has taken the fourth degree in that order. He is a democrat in his political views and his professional connections .are with the Toledo Bar Association, the Lucas County Bar Association, of which he has been treasurer since 1900, and the Ohio State Bar Association. Thoroughness is one of his marked characteristics and he is recognized as a man of sound judgment who never looks at a question in a superficial way but delves to. the root of the matter, and has the faculty of separating and eliminating the non-essential from the important elements of a case. He has demonstrated that he possesses superior qualifications as a lawyer and has won distinction in his chosen calling. JOHN WILLIAM KOEHRMAN Many who study into the history and records of mankind recognize the fact that in every office boy there is a potential president of a business, yet comparatively few who start out in this humble way arrive at a point of leadership. This is due at different times to various causes but prominent among the reasons are lack of initiative, lack of industry and absence of ambition and the quality of becoming easily discouraged. The marked characteristics in the life of John William Koehrman were contrary to all these. Diligence, determination, close application, willingness to work and a desire to succeed . have actuated him at every point in his career and step by step he has climbed to prominence and success until he is now the president of the Woolson Spice Company of Toledo. He has practically spent his life in this city, where his birth occurred October 16, 1875, his parents being Richard Henry and Katherine (Craft) Koehrman. The father came to America from Germany in the year 1851 and made his way across the country to this city, where he established his home, arriving in Toledo when TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 171 it was a comparatively small town on the shore of the lake, where clustered its residences, its mercantile houses and its industries, bearing little resemblance to the beautiful metropolitan center of the present day. The father was for a long period a member of the city fire department, his association therewith covering thirty-five years. John William Koehrman, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools until it seemed incumbent upon him to enter business circles and provide for his own support. He therefore sought employment along commercial lines and was fortunate in obtaining a position with the Woolson Spice Company as office boy. There was nothing that foreshadowed his future rise and no influence or outside aid was exerted to win him promotion. He worked diligently, performing the task assigned him day by day and by reason of his faithfulness, earnestness, and industry he gained promotion at intervals, being advanced through all the intermediate positions until at the age of thirty-five years he was made general manager of the house. From one official position to another he also advanced until he was elected to the presidency and is now bending his efforts to administrative direction and executive control. On the 27th of October, 1897, Mr. Koehrman was married to Miss Caroline A. Warner of Tiffin, Ohio. Mr. Koehrman is a Mason in his fraternal relations, loyal to the teachings and purposes of the craft. He also belongs to the Sylvania Golf Club, is a director of the Art Museum, a member of the Toledo Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society of Northwestern Ohio, the Toledo Automobile Club and the Toledo Traveling Men's Association. His interests, broad in scope, cover all those activities which have to do with the city's progress and improvement and with the benefit and uplift of the individual. His own struggle in boyhood to gain a foothold in the business world has made him sympathetic with others who are starting out empty-handed as he did and he is ever willing to speak an encouraging word or to extend material assistance when he believes that such a course will prove beneficial. His own record is a verification of the fact that it is under the pressure of necessity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in man is brought out and developed and his own career of success and progress should well serve to stimulate and encourage others. JOHN GEORGE SWINDEMAN John George Swindeman; president and general manager of the Union Supply Company of Toledo, is a native of Wood county, Ohio, his birth having occurred on the 15th of August, 1872. He is a son of George and Rose (Raab) Swindeman, who were farming people, the father devoting his life to agricultural pursuits in order to support his family.. In the public schools John G. Swindeman mastered the early branches of learning and afterward pursued a commercial course in the Steadman Business College, thus qualifying for the responsible duties of life. He started out to earn his living by securing a clerkship in the store of the Chapman Hardware Company, with which he remained four years. He then identified himself with the bicycle business, becoming one of the company and was engaged in the sale of bicycles in Toledo. He was afterward with the Bicycle Manufacturing Company as manager 172 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY of the retail store for two years and was placed at the head of the store of the ,Cleveland Bicycle Company in this city, where he continued as manager until 1899, when the business was absorbed by the American Bicycle Company. Mr. Swindeman then purchased the branch house, which he carried on under the style of J. G. Swindeman & Company, and in 1900 incorporated the business under the style of the Union Supply Company, of which he has since been president and general manager. They are jobbers and factory distributers of mechanical rubber goods, automotive equipment, auto tires, bicycles and various supplies. The business has been developed to substantial proportions and the enterprise is proving a substantial success. On the 31st of December, 1900, Mr. Swindeman was married to Miss Florence Moore of Chesterville, Ohio, and they have become parents of two children : Marjorie Louise, who was graduated from Sayward's School at Overbrook, Pennsylvania, in June, 1921; and John Moore, who was a student in the Scott high school for two years. Mr. Swindeman greatly enjoys fishing, hunting and outdoor sports and these furnish him needed recreation and rest from the arduous cares of business. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons and he is well known in club circles as a charter member of the Inverness Country Club. He also belongs to the Monroe Country Club and the Toledo Rotary Club. His career has been marked by that steady advancement which results from intelligently directed effort and well formulated plans and in .the conduct of his business he never stops short of the attainment of his objective. . LOUIS H. GOULD Louis H. Gould, a Toledo realtor who is now conducting business under the name of the Gould Realty Company and also through various other organized corporations, was born in Poland, July 7, 1887. He spent the first twelve years of his life in his native country and then, leaving Europe, crossed the Atlantic to the new world. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his way at once into the interior of the country and took up his abode in Toledo, where he continued his education in the parochial and high schools, while later he attended Toledo University and thus by liberal educational training was well fitted for life's practical and responsible duties. When his textbooks were put aside he became associated with the real estate business and in this field he has continued to labor. In 1918 he organized the Gould Realty Company, of which he has since been the president, and he is also associated with various other companies which have controlled important subdivisions and promoted many notable real estate transfers. The Gould Realty Company handles only downtown business property and specializes in ninety-nine year leases, being the pioneer real estate firm to specialize in this branch of the business. Mr. Gould is thoroughly acquainted with the realty market in Toledo and by his progressive and enterprising methods has won a large clientele that makes his business of most substantial and profitable character. On the 25th of November, 1912, Mr. Gould was married to Miss Helen B. Murphy and they have become parents of three daughters : Jane Louise, Katherine Ann and Mary Elizabeth. The parents are members of the First Congregational church and are much interested in its work. Mr. Gould is a trustee of the Toledo Zoological Society and he gives considerable thought and attention to