TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 201 This blow was a terrible one to both Mr. and Mrs. Weil, as the young man was unusually bright, and lovable. Mr. Weil finds his recreation in golf but the major part of his time and attention is devoted to his business affairs. He has always had the best interests of the city at heart and no needy one has ever applied to him in vain. Mr. Weil is a modest, unassuming, kind-hearted gentleman and a great lover of children. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, where he has steadily worked his way to success by his untiring efforts. OLIVER GILES COMSTOCK, M. D. In the death of Dr. Oliver Giles Comstock, Toledo mourned the loss of one whose life was of great usefulness and value to the city and whose memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him. A native of Sylvania, Ohio, he was born on the 29th of September, 1835, his parents being Giles and Electa (Vroman) Comstock, who resided on a farm in that locality. Oliver Giles Comstock obtained his early education in the public schools of Sylvania and afterward attended the high school at Adrian, Michigan. Later he continued his studies in Ann Arbor and at Ypsilanti, Michigan, and eventually he pursued a three years' course of study in the Toledo Medical College at Toledo, where he won his professional degree. Throughout his life he was of most studious nature, constantly broadening his knowledge and promoting his efficiency through wide reading and scientific research. After completing his course of study in Toledo he went to Detroit, where he engaged in the practice of medicine for some time, returning to this city in 1890 and here remaining until his demise, maintaining his home and office at No. 1530 Western avenue. He also occupied the chair of physiology in the Toledo Medical College for a time and he was surgeon-general for the canton of Odd Fellows. His private practice was very extensive and for eight years he filled the position of city physician. He enjoyed wide popularity among his brethren of the profession because of his deference for the opinions of others and his close conformity to the highest ethical standards. He was for a long time a member of the staff of the Toledo Hospital and he there maintained a ward for children. He was greatly loved among the poor, not only by reason of professional assistance rendered them without remuneration. but also because of his kindly aid in many another way. It is said that he was constantly seen with a bundle which contained some needed article for an unfortunate one in whom he was interested. In his political views Dr. Comstock was always a stanch republican and he was a member of the Lincoln Republican Club. He belonged to the Knights of Pythias, to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Knights and Ladies of Security and to the city, county and state medical societies. His religious faith was indicated in his membership in the Broadway Methodist church and he served on its official board. Throughout his life he sought not only that advancement which means material gain but also sought promotion in that broader field of religious experience which draws the individual closer and closer into harmony with the laws of God. He recognized the brotherhood of man and this was continually manifest in his liberal charity and kindliness, many families being the special objects of his bounty, while at no time did he withhold a helping hand where he could render assistance. One of his methods of recreation was the cultivation of flowers, of which he was 202 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY very fond. He also derived great pleasure from the study of birds and dogs and he loved nature in every form. Each year he would make his way to the forest for a fishing trip and at the same time would find keen pleasure in the study of birds and nature in general. He made his life a practice ground for the life to come and was constantly reaching out into the broader realm of thought and of service. On the 10th of September, 1890, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Comstock was united in marriage to Miss Alvretta Perkins, a daughter of Horace A. and Naomi Perkins, the former a native of Trenton, Michigan, and a machinist by trade. Mrs. Comstock, like her husband, has been keenly interested in all those forces which make for uplift and cultural progress. She is a lady of innate refinement of nature and her life has been fraught with many good deeds. For fifteen years she belonged to the Educational Club of Toledo. In 1890 she was a member of the board of the Humane Society and she is widely known for her church work and her many benevolent enterprises. She has taken part in all sorts of charitable work in connection with the Western Avenue Methodist Episcopal church and was the organizer and is the president of the Invincible Society, composed of a number of young ladies and recognized as one of the most flourishing of the church societies of the city. She has done a large amount of charitable work in a quiet way through the ladies' auxiliary to the Humane Society and through her assistance a number of needy children have been clothed and kept in school. At the present writing she is heading a movement to establish a home for girls in a part of the city where such an institution is much needed. She was the president of the Door of Hope for two years and later this was changed to the Flower Home for Girls. She belongs to the Rebekah Lodge, the Pythian Sisters and to the Toledo Relief Corps. She is a member of the Mental Culture Club and has always been keenly interested in literature, while her contributions to the meetings of the literary clubs with which she is identified have been of a most instructive and entertaining character. She recently read a paper full of pretty conceits which was most widely and .favorably commented upon and which she called "The Strange Story of the Flowers," comparing them to people, finding a similarity between the long, slender, graceful leaf and the refined oval face; the sharp, broad leaf and the broad, happy face ; the coarse, rough leaf and the coarse, irregular features of some faces ; and similar interesting comparisons. The little stanza telling how the -forget-me-not got its name was quoted and other pretty fragments from her pen. Both Dr. and Mrs. Comstock contributed much toward the work of making the world a better and brighter place in which to live, and while his memory is cherished and revered by all with whom he came into contact, she is still carrying on the great work to which their lives had been dedicated—the work of uplift and progress along intellectual and moral lines. It was on the 29th of October, 1913, that Dr. "Comstock was called to his final rest. BURTON K. BLANCHET Burton K. Blanchet, senior member of the firm of Blanchet, Thornburgh & Vandersall, is a native son of Toledo and one of the city's well known investment dealers. He was born February 3, 1888. He attended grammar school at Toledo, was graduated from high school at Terre Haute, Indiana, and attended Rose Polytechnic Institute of that city. His initial business experience was with the TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 205 Rathbun-Jones Engineering Company of Toledo and later with The General Motors Corporation. He entered the investment field in 1911, becoming associated with Stacy, & Braum of Toledo, with whom he remained until 1917, when he organized the investment business of Graves & Blanchet,. which in 1918 became known as Graves, Blanchet & Thornburgh. This partnership was continued until January 1, 1922, when Mr. Graves retired and a new partnership under the name of Blanchet, Thornburgh & Vandersall was established. They deal in municipal bonds and since its inception the business has enjoyed a steady growth, theirs now being one of the representative bond houses of the city: On May. 20, 1915, Mr. Blanchet was united in marriage to Miss Irma M. Ely, daughter of Mrs. Marguerite M. Ely of this city. In his political views Mr. Blanchet is a republican. He is a member of the Toledo Club, the Inverness Country Club and Sylvania Golf Club, while fraternally he is a Mason and a Shriner. He is a man of enterprise who displays sound judgment in the management of his business affairs, and he has been no small factor in the success and growth of the bond business of Blanchet, Thornburgh & Vandersall, whose offices are on the third floor of the Second National Bank building. Mr. Blanchet has a wide acquaintance among investment and financial men throughout the country. His residence is at No. 2120 Calumet avenue. HARRY G. POTTER Harry G. Potter, engaged in the real estate business in Toledo, is one of the substantial citizens that the Empire state has furnished Ohio. He was born in Corinth, New York, January 24, 1871, his parents being Frederick R. and Mary (Hill) Potter, the former a native of the state of New York, while the latter was born in London, England. She was brought to America during her girlhood days and thereafter resided in New York. Mr. Potter, too, is of English lineage, although the family has been represented for some time on this side of the Atlantic. He is an active member of the Baptist church and has been prominent in community affairs, serving at one time as postmaster of Schroon Lake, New York. Harry G. Potter acquired his education in the schools of New York and of Toledo, first coming to this city in 1883, when a lad of twelve years. He returned to the Empire state, however, but some time afterward again took up his abode in Toledo. He began his business career in the employ of Harvey P. Platt, one of the prominent lawyers of this city,. but he became interested in the real estate business and joined his preceptor in the firm of Harvey P. Platt & Company. He took up the work of reclaiming swamp lands in Ohio and in the south, afterward colonizing these lands, and throughout the intervening period he has steadily engaged in the real estate business, promoting many important projects of this kind. After a partnership. with Mr. Platt, covering a period of fifteen years, he started out independently and now has well appointed offices in the Commerce-Guardian building. He has negotiated many important realty transfers for others and has handled important commissions as a real estate broker, while at the same time he has made judicious purchases and sales as an individual. Mr. Potter is recognized as one of the foremost realtors of Toledo, possessing notably sound judgment and keen discrimination, while his knowledge of real estate values is comprehensive and accurate. His political allegiance is given to the 206 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor, desire office. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church and his life has been well spent, gaining for him the confidence and high regard of those with whom he has been brought into contact. WILLIAM H. STANDART For many years William H. Standart was closely and prominently associated with business interests in Toledo and for a number of years he was the president of the Standart-Simmons Hardware Company. He retired from the active management of the business, however, some time before his death, but did not sever his financial connection with important interests of the city. His life served as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what can be accomplished by individual effort, for he started out in a humble position and won his advancement through merit and capability. Mr. Standart was a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in the city of Attica, October 23, 1850, his parents being William E. and Alice L. (Jackson) Standart. The father was a merchant who for a number of years conducted business at Cleveland, Ohio, and with the outbreak of the Civil war in 1861 he prepared for active service, organizing what became known as Standart's Battery. He was chosen captain thereof and was chief of artillery in Palmer's Division of the Union forces. With his command he served to the close of the war and his own valor., courage and loyalty inspired the men who served under him. His son, William H. Standart, pursued his education in the public schools of Cleveland, supplemented by attendance for a year and a half at the University of Michigan. He started out to provide for his own support, however, in 1866, when a boy of but sixteen years, by securing employment, in a hardware store in Toledo and for an extended period he was closely associated with the hardware trade. He worked diligently, proved his loyalty and capability and advanced step by step. In 1878 he entered the employ of the Bostwick-Braun Company and after serving as an employe for almost a decade was admitted to partnership in 1887. He was then active in control of the business for about seventeen years but sold his interest in 1904. Two years later, or in 1906, he organized the Standart-Simmons Hardware Company, of which he continued president for a number of years. He developed this business upon a sound and substantial basis and directed his energies along lines leading to continued success. His entire business career was one which would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and should prove of inspirational value to others, showing what can be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do. Up to the time of his death Mr. Standart maintained an interest in the Toledo Travelers Life Insurance Company, of which he was the first vice president, and his business interests and wise investments brought him a most substantial annual income. On the 28th of September, 1888, Mr. Standart was married to Miss Sarah M. Wheeler, a representative of one of the old families of this city residing here from early times. It was one of this family that built the Wheeler Opera House, which was the first place 'of amusement of this character in Toledo. Mr. Standart passed away June 20, 1922. He was well known in club circles, having membership in the Toledo and Country clubs. He belonged also to the TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 207 Masonic fraternity and was a loyal supporter of the teachings and purposes of the craft. He ever manifested great interest in the Newsboys Association and believed in the wise encouragement and support of the little fellows who are distributing the papers through the city and from whose ranks have risen many of the now substantial and progressive business men and honored residents of Toledo. In a word, Mr. Standart was always alive to the possibilities of "awakening the little seeds of good asleep throughout the world" and especially were his efforts directed in those fields where labor is put forth to safeguard the child and bring about the development of character that has its basis in firm and upright principles. THOMAS N. BIERLY Thomas N. Bierly, attorney at law, who has long occupied a position in the front rank of the legal profession in Toledo, comes to this state from Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Center county, February 21, 1855. He is a son of George and Sarah (Magee) Bierly, also natives of the Keystone state, whence they removed to Ohio in 1857, settling in Bradner, Wood county, where the father became a successful farmer, owning and cultivating a large and valuable tract of land throughout his remaining days. At the outbreak of the Mexican war he was appointed a captain of a Pennsylvania company and drilled the soldiers that went into service under his command. He was also made a drillmaster for the Federal troops during the Civil war. He passed away on his farm in Wood county at the notable age of ninety years, thus closing a life of great usefulness. His wife also passed away on the old homestead, at the age of eighty-six years. In their family were eight children, four of whom have passed to' the great beyond, while those living are : Thomas N;; Cyrus, a resident of Marcy, Minnesota ; Mrs. Nancy Plantz of Bradner, Ohio ; and Mrs. Ella Westerfield, also living in Bradner. In his youthful days Thomas N. Bierly attended the public schools of Prospect, Ohio, and early took up the profession of teaching in the country schools, which he followed for several years. He regarded this, however, merely as an initial step to other professional labor, as it was his desire to become a member of the bar and to this end he became a student in the law office of James R. Tyler at Perrysburg, who directed his reading until his admission to the bar in 1876. He afterward engaged in practice in Perrysburg and continued successfully in active practice in Wood county for eighteen years. In 1897, with broad and valuable experience, he came to Toledo, where he opened an office, and through the intervening period he has won -place among the most prominent and highly respected members of the bar of this city. He displays marked ability in analyzing his cases and in readily seeing the relation between cause and effect, while he is seldom, if ever, at fault in the application of a legal principle. Mr. Bierly was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Furbush of Adrian, Michigan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Furbush, and they have become parents of four children : Clarence C., born in Pemberville, Ohio, and educated in the Toledo high school, is now engaged in the insurance business in this city. He married Miss Frances Bowne of Chicago and they have two children, Virginia and Jane ; Lulu, the second of the Bierly family, was born in Pemberville and also pursued a high school course in Toledo ; Everett O., born in Pemberville, Ohio, and educated in the Toledo schools, married Miss Maude DeMuth and they have three children, 208 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY Maxine, Phyllis and Richard ; Neva, born in Pemberville, has also pursued a high school course in Toledo. The family reside at No. 1793 Parkside. Mr. Bierly has given his .political allegiance to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and has several times been called to public office. He served for eight years as mayor of Pemberville, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration, and he was also president of the school board there. He has likewise been a nominee for the office of common pleas judge and circuit judge. While undoubtedly not without that political ambition which is so great an incentive for fidelity and capability in public office, he nevertheless regards the pursuits of private life as in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts and concentrates his time and attention upon his professional duties, his devotion to his clients' interests being proverbial. He belongs to both the Lucas County and Ohio State Bar associations and enjoys in unusual degree the confidence, goodwill and respect of his professional brethren. He is also a loyal member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the Royal Arch degrees. ALBERT CLIFFORD WANNAMAKER Albert Clifford Wannamaker, president of the Buckeye Furniture Company, has' throughout his entire business career readily recognized the opportunities of trade and commerce and in the utilization of the advantages which have come to him he has reached a creditable place in business circles of this city. Ohio numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Wayne county, on the 11th of February, 1873, his parents being Alfred and Catherine (Weaver) Wannamaker. The father was a flour manufacturer, devoting many years to the milling business and with the trade Albert C. Wannamaker became familiar. At the usual age he entered the public schools of West Salem, Ohio, and after completing his course of study there attended a business college, thus qualifying for life's practical and responsible duties. Mr. Wannamaker dates his residence in Toledo from 1891 and through the intervening period of almost a third of a century he has been closely associated with business activity here. He was originally associated with his father in his milling enterprises, acquainting himself with the actual work of the mill and with the office end, of the business as well. In time he became city salesman and later was placed in charge of 'the shipping department. He was also eventually given charge of the production end of the business and thus gained an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of every phase of the trade from the time the grain was purchased until it was placed on the market a finished product. In 1912 Mr. Wannamaker purchased an interest in the Buckeye Furniture Company, all of the stock of which is owned by the .family. He is now the president of this concern, which occupies four floors of a building eighty by one hundred and twenty feet, and which is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars. The plant is splendidly equipped with the latest improved machinery for carrying on business of this character and the success of the enterprise during the past decade is attributable in no small measure to the efforts, enterprise and broad business vision of Albert C. Wannamaker. He is also the vice president and one of the directors of the Community. Collateral Loan Company and is a director of the Retail Merchants Board. TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 211 On the 28th of April, 1898, Mr. Wannamaker was united in marriage to Miss Maud Anna Schumacher of Toledo, Ohio, and they have become parents of two children : Gladys Marjorie and Alfred Gale. Mr. and Mrs. Wannamaker occupy an enviable social position, enjoying the warm friendship and high regard of many with whom they have been brought into contact. They are members of the Collingwood Avenue Presbyterian church and manifest a zealous interest in its work and the extension of its influence. Fraternally Mr. Wannamaker is also a Mason, connected with the Scottish Rite bodies up to and including the Consistory and with the Mystic Shrine. He likewise has membership with the, Modern Woodmen of America and is always loyal to the teachings and purposes of these organizations. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is a director of The Better Business Commission. The thoroughness with which he executes every task that devolves upon him and the alertness with which he greets every opportunity that comes to him are salient features in his steady advancement which has brought him from a humble position in business circles to rank with the leading representatives of his line in northwestern. Ohio. W. T. BURKE, M. D. For a quarter of a century Dr. W. T. Burke has engaged in the practice of medicine in Toledo and the passing years have firmly established his position among the leading physicians of the city. He was born in Northfield, Washtenaw county, Michigan, February 2, 1868, a son of Edward and Mary (Rogan) Burke, both of whom were natives of Ireland and in childhood were brought by their parents to the United States, the father being but eight years of age at that time, while the mother was a year younger. The paternal grandparents first settled in Pennsylvania, later removing to Michigan, and on reaching manhood Edward Burke took tip the occupation of farming, which he continued to follow in the Wolverine state until his death. Mrs. Burke has also passed away. Seven children were born of their union, five of whom survive, namely : Rev. Anthony Burke, who was for many years pastor of a church at Battle Creek, Michigan, but is now living retired in southern California ; Dr. Charles J. Burke, a prominent dentist of Battle Creek ; Edward and James Burke, residents of Northfield, Michigan ; and Dr. W. T. Burke of this review. The last named attended the grammar schools of Northfield and the high school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and then entered the State. University in that city, winning his M. D. degree in 1895. After his graduation he went to northern Pennsylvania,, where he remained for two years, acting in a professional capacity for several coal mining companies in that locality. In 1897 he came to Toledo, where he has since made his home, and is now a member of the medical staff of Mercy Hospital, being also connected with the auxiliary staff of St. Vincent's Hospital. His professional labors have been attended with gratifying success and his practice has steadily grown in volume and importance as he has demonstrated his ability to cope with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life. Dr. Burke is a loyal supporter of the city because of his belief in its opportunities and has shown his faith in its future by judicious real estate investments, his property being situated on Monroe street. He is a communicant of St. Patrick's 212 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY Roman Catholic church and his professional relations are with the Toledo Academy of Medicine, the Lucas County and Ohio State Medical societies and the American Medical Association. He stands high in the regard of his professional colleagues and his ambition keeps him abreast with the trend of the times in the field of modern medical and surgical practice. WILLIAM FREDERICK PIOCH William Frederick Pioch, a native son of Toledo, is a successful building contractor and a member of a family that for many years has occupied a position of leadership in this field. Their labors have contributed substantially to the improvement and upbuilding of the city and notable examples of their skill and handiwork are to be seen on all sides. Mr. Pioch was born in this city May 10, 1884, and is a son of John and Bertha (Seeman) Pioch, both of whom are of European birth. In early life they came to the United States, settling in Toledo, where the father entered commercial circles as a building contractor, and he is still engaged in that business, having erected many of the most substantial and attractive structures in the city. His work denotes marked skill and ability and his business transactions have ever been characterized by strict honor and integrity, winning for him the confidence and respect of all with whom he has been brought into contact. The mother also survives and nine children were born of their union. Seven are living : Emil F., Frederick K., Mrs. Alice Kramer, Lydia, Arthur, Herbert and W. F., all of whom are residents of Toledo. In the Lutheran parochial school of this city William Frederick Pioch obtained his education and his initial business experience was. secured in the office of Mr. Matz, a well known architect of Toledo, with whom he remained for a short time. He then entered the architectural and drafting department of the Campbell Lumber Company, with which he was identified until 1910, resigning his position in order to engage in the building and contracting business with his father. They erected many homes, schools, business blocks and other public edifices, some of the most notable examples of their work being the Tubercular Hospital, the Toledo branch of the State Laundry and public library buildings. In 1921 William Frederick Pioch embarked in the business independently and the venture has been a very successful one. He has been awarded many important contracts, erecting the Wills St. Claire service station in Toledo, the Washington Congregational church and chapel, the building occupied by the Progress Club, the Blodgett residence at Grand Rapids, Ohio, a service station at Maumee, Ohio, and for the Bondy Motor Sales Company, the United Brethren in Christ church, and many other structures. There is no feature of the business with which he is not thoroughly familiar and he has the skill which enables him to combine utility and comfort with beauty of design. This, however, constitutes but one phase of Mr. Pioch's activities, for he is president of the Miller-Baitler Real Estate Company and the Buckeye Savings Association ; secretary and treasurer of the Toledo Vitrified Brick Company and the Bondy Motor Sales Company, a director of the Enamel Vitrified Brick Company ; and vice president of the Warnke Motor Sales Company of Maumee, Ohio. Opportunity has ever been to him the call to action and many lines of activity have profited by his enterprise and superior business ability. TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 215 Mr. Pioch was married in Toledo, September 16, 1909, to Miss Edith A. Schmidt, a native of Marengo, Iowa, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schmidt, well known residents of that place. Two children have been born of this union : Willis, whose birth occurred July 21, 1910, and who is now attending the parochial schools ; and Raymond, born October 12, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Pioch are members of the Lutheran church and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has labored effectively for the upbuilding and improvement of his city and through his membership with the Toledo Chamber of Commerce he is doing all in his power to promote its industrial development and prosperity. In business affairs he has made steady progress and the secret of his success lies in the fact that thoroughness and diligence have characterized all of his work. His life has been guided by high standards and he worthily bears a name which for many years has stood as a synonym for integrity, reliability and enterprise in business circles of Toledo. His home is at No. 1081 North Woodruff avenue. W. A. NEILL, M. D. Dr. W. A. Neill, a leading gynecologist of Toledo, is one of the younger members of the medical profession, but his years seem no bar to his progress, and he has already gained a position that many an older practitioner might well envy. He was born in Chetopa, Kansas, April 17, 1890, and is a son of William Richard and Mary (Dwyer) Neill, natives of Indiana. In early life they went to Kansas, where the father became connected with the live stock business, and later he removed to Oklahoma, where he continued his operations along that line. Subsequently he made his way to the Pacific northwest and is now engaged in the timber business at Vancouver, Washington. The mother also survives. Five children have been born to them : Charles, a resident of Oklahoma ; Mrs. Lena Batters of Spokane, Washington ; Bertha and Betty, who are yet at home with their parents ; and W. A. W. A. Neill obtained his early education in the grammar and high schools of Vancouver, Washington, and afterward became a student at Whitman College at Walla Walla, that state, which conferred upon him the B. S. degree in 1913. His professional training was acquired in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1917, and, following the entrance of the. United States into the. World war he enlisted in the navy. He was commissioned a lieutenant in the Medical Corps and was assigned to a hospital ship, remaining in the service until the close of the war, crossing the Atlantic six times. He received his discharge in 1919, afterward coming to Toledo, where he has since followed his profession as a gynecologist. He is a skillful surgeon and in the treatment of cases entrusted to his care he has been very successful. He is a. member of the medical staffs of the Flower and Lucas County hospitals and is building up a large practice. He is an earnest and conscientious student and utilizes every opportunity to broaden his knowledge and promote his efficiency. Dr. Neill takes a deep interest in the welfare and advancement of the city with which he has allied his interests and has become identified with the Toledo Chamber of Commerce. He is also connected with the Toledo Yacht Club and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. His professional relations are with the Toledo & Lucas County Academy, the Ohio State Medical Society and 216 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY the American Medical Association and he is also a member of Phi Delta Theta, Nu Sigma Nu and Alpha Omega, medical fraternities. He holds to high standards in professional service and his ambition, enterprise and ability are rapidly bringing him to the front in his chosen vocation. EARL W. NEWCOMER For many years Earl W. Newcomer was numbered among Toledo's leading pharmacists and he is now rendering valuable service to the city as welfare director. He was born in West Unity, Ohio, April 13, 1876, and his parents, Marion and Lucy (Wilson) Newcomer, are also natives of this state. For a time they resided in Kansas and the father successfully engaged in merchandising at West Unity, but he is now living retired in Toledo: Earl W. Newcomer, their only child, attended the grammar and high schools of Bryan, Ohio, and afterward took up the study of pharmacy. For eight years he operated a drug store. at Bryan and then disposed of the undertaking. Coming to Toledo in 1902, he resumed his operations along this line, building up a large business, which he successfully conducted until 1920, when the stores were sold. He is one of the directors of the Northern National Bank of this city. On the 1st of January, 1921, he was appointed welfare director of Toledo, in which capacity he is now serving, discharging his duties with efficiency and conscientiousness and working effectively to promote the public good. In Toledo, in 1903, Mr Newcomer was united in marriage to Miss Effie G. Saxton, a daughter of Mr.. and Mrs. Frank G. Saxton of Jackson, Michigan, and. they have a son, Frank S., who was born in 1905 and is a student at the Staunton Military Academy, Staunton, Virginia. Mr. Newcomer is a member of the Toledo Club, the Rotary Club, the Inverness Club and the Toledo Yacht Club and he is also identified with the Masonic fraternity. He is a broadminded man, deeply interested in all movements for reform and improvement, and an active worker for the good of his city, in which he is widely known and highly esteemed. JOHN JAMES MAY John James May was for over thirty-two years connected with the Lasalle & Koch Company and for years, until his retirement in 1923, was the head of its finance and credit department. Mr. May is well known in Toledo's mercantile circles, where he has been identified since boyhood. He deserves no little credit for what. he has accomplished and his life record indicates what may be gained through diligence, ambition and determination. Born in Lucas county, on the 13th of March, 1867, he is a son of Martin and Margaret (Carter) May. His education: was acquired in St: Patrick's parochial school and in the Toledo high school and then, as later, he used his opportunities and advantages in a wise way, thus laying the foundation for his later success. He earned his living when a young boy by selling newspapers on the streets of Toledo. He subsequently obtained a position as cash boy in a small store and his duties included the doing of all sorts of errands. He early realized that industry is the basis of success and he also felt that education TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 217 was necessary for advancement. Accordingly; he studied nights and improved his leisure hours in the acquirement of knowledge. He took a private course in bookkeeping and thus fitted himself for larger responsibilities and more onerous duties. Step by step he advanced until he became manager of a store in Lima, Ohio, and in that connection he also gained valuable experience that fitted him for still further advanced steps. In 1891 he became associated with the Lasalle & Koch Company in the position of bookkeeper, from which position he was advanced from time to time, until becoming the head of its credit and finance department. He proved himself fully worthy of the trust reposed in him, while his devotion to duty and close application to business were unusual. In forty years he took but eight days vacation. On the 15th of June, 1892, Mr. May was married to Miss Jennie Ward of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and they are parents, of four children : Virginia Clarissa, Rosalind Genevieve, John Joseph and Kathryn Ward. In addition to his pleasant home at No. 364 Rockingham street, Mr. May owns "Rose Lawn Farms"—a valuable tract of two hundred and twenty-six acres in Springfield township, to which he gives his personal supervision and direction since retiring from commercial affairs. CHARLES E. SWARTZBAUGH Toledo knew Charles E. Swartzbaugh as a citizen from 1897 to the time of his death, which occurred a quarter of a century later, and in that period recognized him as a progressive and reliable business man, dominated by a laudable ambition and inspired by a broad business vision. Ohio claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Lawrenceville, Clark county, in 1859. There he spent his early life, with the usual educational training of that locality and period, and after reaching young manhood ventured afield in order to try the business opportunities that might be secured elsewhere. He went to Buffalo, New York, where he continued until about 1897, when he came to Toledo. Through the intervening period he was one of the alert and energetic business men of this city. Here he organized the Toledo Cooker Company, of which he became president and in that position directed the activities and expansion of the business until his death. His plans were carefully formulated and promptly executed and his diligence and determination blazed the way to success. Mr. Swartzbaugh was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Blackford and they became parents of six children : Charles F., Jr., Jason B., Isabelle, Mildred, Richard and Frances. The family residence was at No. 2203 Hollywood avenue and Mr. Swartzbaugh's interests centered at his own fireside, his greatest happiness being found in ministering to the comfort and welfare of the members of his own household. At the same time he never neglected his duties and obligations in other relations of life. He was a consistent member of Sanford L. Collins Lodge, F. & A. M., and he belonged to the Collingwood Presbyterian church, of which he was a loyal member and generous supporter. He also had membership in the Toledo Club and in the Inverness Club and his social qualties made him popular with those with whom he came into contact. He belonged likewise to the Chamber of Commerce and was interested in all of the projects of that organization to benefit the city along lines of material upbuilding, business expansion and 218 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY civic progress. When he passed away he left behind him many friends who esteemed him not only for the success he had achieved but for the sterling traits of character which he manifested in every relation of life. His demise occurred on the 27th of April, 1922. ALFRED W. REISER Alfred W. Reiser is a member of a family that has figured prominently in business circles of Toledo for the past thirty-eight years, being formerly president of The Reidon Company, one of the large manufacturing industries of the city. He was born in Perrysburg, Ohio, February 10, 1883, a son of Vincent and Mary (Raddick) Reiser, the former also a native of that place, while the latter was born in New York city. As a child Mrs. Reiser came with her parents to 'Ohio and in this state she was reared, educated and married. In 1884 the father entered commercial circles of Toledo and he is still actively connected with business interests of the city. The mother is also living. Seven children were born of their union : J. G., a photographer, and George F., manager of The Personal Employment Bureau, both residents of Toledo ; Irving W., chief construction engineer for the Owens Bottle Company of this city ; and Mrs. H. E. Beard, Mrs. Edward Shifler, Mrs. Edward Gunlite and Alfred W., all of Toledo. In the acquirement of an education Alfred W. Reiser attended the grammar and high schools of Toledo and afterward became a student at the Polytechnic School, from which he was, graduated. On the 1st of May, 1901, he entered the employ of The Western Gas Fixture Company, and that his services were highly appreciated is indicated in the fact that he became a director of the firm five years later, when he was but twenty-three years of age, while in 1908 he was made secretary. He continued to fill that office until he sold his interest in the concern and on the 6th of September, 1919, he organized The Reidon Company, of which he held the position of president and general manager. On June 24, 1922, he bought 'the entire interest of the above company and is now sole owner of the business, which is known as A. W. Reiser, being located at 127 and 129 Huron street. The concern manufactures electric lighting fixtures and since its inception the undertaking has enjoyed a steady and healthful growth, from thirty to forty people now being employed in the operation of the plant. Mr. Reiser has been watchful of every opportunity pointing toward success and his intelligently directed efforts have been attended by gratifying results. He also has other business interests, being a director of the Lucas County Mortgage Company. On November 30, 1911, Mr. Reiser was married to Miss Emily A. Schneider, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Schneider of this city, and they have two daughters : Berniece, born in 1914 ; and Florrene, borne in 1917. Both are attending the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Reiser are members of St. Mathew's Evangelical Lutheran church and in his political views he is an independent republican. He is a member of the Toledo Club and is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, to the chapter in Masonry, and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past grand and also a field officer, being adjutant of the First Regiment, ranking as captain, while he is likewise connected with the Rebekahs, an auxiliary of the order. Mr. Reiser is a self-made man in TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY - 221 whose vocabulary there is no such word as fail. 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, and his labors have found culmination in the development of a large productive enterprise which is a factor in the commercial upbuilding of the city, as well as a source of individual profit. Mr. Reiser resides at No. 109 Rosalind place. JOSEPH W. LANE Joseph W. Lane is numbered among the leading members of the Toledo bar and his adherence to high professional standards has won for him the respect and confidence of his fellow practitioners and also of the general public. He was born at Fort Seneca, Ohio; April 22, 1872, and his parents were Joseph W. and Mary E. (Edwards) Lane, both of whom were also natives of the Buckeye state, in which they spent their lives. His father died when he was very young, and his mother passed away recently. Joseph W. Lane attended the public schools of Seneca county, Ohio, after which he was employed in a clerical capacity in various mercantile establishments of Toledo. He then took up the study of law in the office of F. W. Rickenbough, a well known attorney of this city, and in October, 1896, was admitted to the bar and became a member of the firm of Rickenbough and Lane, which continued until the death of Mr. Rickenbough. In 1914 he became a member of the firm of Geer & Lane, with which he has since been connected. Mr. Lane has been married twice. On the 25th of June, 1902, he wedded Miss Mary E. Holder, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George L. Holder, residents of this city. Mrs. Lane died in 1914. In 1917 Mr. Lane married Cora B. Louden, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Mapes. Mr. and Mrs. Lane are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a republican in his political views. He is a member of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce; the Toledo Yacht Club, the Sylvania Golf Club and the Toledo Automobile Club. His professional relations are with the Lucas County and Ohio State Bar associations and he is a member of all Toledo Masonic bodies and of the Knights of Pythias. WILLIAM W. SMITH William W. Smith, president of the J. W. Greene Company, dealers in musical instruments and musical merchandise, has long been associated with the commercial interests of Toledo in this way, having come to the city in 1896. He was born in Fremont, Ohio, April 6, 1872, and is a son of William J. and Laura (Greene) Smith. The father was a farmer by occupation, devoting his life to that pursuit in order to provide for the support of his family. William W. Smith obtained a public school education and afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he successfully followed for a time, proving capable and efficient in the schoolroom, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired. Thinking to find business opportunities, how- 222 - TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY ever, that would bring a more speedy financial return, he came to Toledo in 1896 and here entered into active asst sciatic with his maternal uncle, J. W. Greene, owner of a music store. For a number of years he traveled for the J. W. Greene Company and upon the incorporation of the business 'in 1899 he was elected the secretary and treasurer. He has remained one of the officials thereof and is now president. For more than a quarter of a century he has been identified with this house and the business throughout the period has steadily grown and developed, its trade increasing consistently year by year as the result of the keen business sagacity and unfaltering enterprise of the men at its head. There have been no esoteric phases in the career of William W. Smith, whose progress has been the logical outcome of his perseverance, his energy and capability. The year which witnessed Mr. Smith's arrival in Toledo and his connection with the Greene music house also saw the establishment of a home of his own, for it was on the 12th of November, 1896, that he was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Havens of Fremont, Ohio. They are members of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, interested in its work and doing all in their power to further its progress. Mr. Smith is also a member of the. Toledo Club, the Inverness Club, the Rotary Club and the Commerce Club, and is also a Knight of Pythias. His interests are broad in scope, covering all those activities which have to do with the city's upbuilding, progress and welfare. LUTHER MERWIN COOLEY Important commercial interests are under the direct supervision of Luther Merwin Cooley in his position as treasurer and general manager of the Cooley Drug Company of Toledo. A man of well balanced capacities' and powers, he has long o.ccupied a central place on the stage of action and his labors have found culmination in the development of a corporation which now controls a chain of stores and is constantly reaching out through its ramifying trade relations into broader territory and gaining a firmer hold upon public patronage through progressive and reliable business methods. Mr. Cooley has reversed the usual order of things by becoming a resident of Ohio. The tide of emigration has long been westward, but he did not follow the injunction of Horace Greeley to go west. Born in Brookville, Kansas, on the 11th of November, 1877, he is a son of Eli S. and Ella F. (Merwin) Cooley, who were farming people of that locality, so that his youthful days were spent amid the surroundings of agricultural life. The public schools accorded him his early educational opportunities and later he took up the study of pharmacy in St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained for a year. It was in July, 1901, that he ,arrived in Toledo, where he purchased a drug store and through the intervening period his business has been steadily developed and expanded until he is now the 'owner of five retail establishments and one wholesale drug house conducted under the name of The Cooley Drug Company; of which he is the treasurer and manager. Having these different establishments, he is able to buy most advantageously and gives the public the benefit thereof. His prices are at all times reasonable and earnest effort put forth to please his patrons has secured for him a volume of business that is most gratifying. He is likewise the vice president of the Squire-Cooley Company, engaged in book publication, and in all business affairs he displays notably sound