(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 1250 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO served as clerk of the board of public affairs, and on Jan. 7, 1929, assumed the duties of postmaster of Wadsworth. He succeeded Harry L. Liebhart, who served five years in that office. On Aug. 22, 1922, Mr. Westenbarger married Miss Alma Beck, the daughter of William Beck, of Wadsworth. They have two sons, Glenn Robert, born in 1925 ; and Don Edward, born in 1928. Mr. Westenbarger is a member of the Lutheran Church, where he serves as an elder on the council, chairman of the finance committee and treasurer of ministerial pension fund. He is a prominent member of the American Legion, having served as commander for one and one-half years and as adjutant for two terms. He is also a member of Wadsworth Lodge, No. 385, F. & A. M. Roland A. Auble. One of the leading figures in the business life of Medina County is Roland A. Auble, who is president of the Peoples Savings & Loan Company of Wadsworth, and a member of the real estate and insurance firm of Neath, Daniel & Auble. He was born near Wadsworth, Sept. 6, 1871, the son of Thomas and Maria (Turner) Auble. Thomas Auble is a representative citizen of Wadsworth, where he has had numerous business interests. He was born in Center County, Pa., Nov. 12, 1850, the son of Andrew and Margaret (Motz) Auble, who were natives of Pennsylvania and among the early settlers of Wadsworth, having settled here in 1850, when their son, Thomas, was but three months old. Andrew Auble was married twice, Thomas being the only child born to Margaret (Motz) Auble. She died in 1875. By a former marriage a daughter, Westanna, was born, who married Henry Rosenberger, deceased, and she lives in Nebraska. Andrew Auble died in 1905. Thomas Auble is one of the largest landowners in Medina County, at the present time having in his possession a well improved farm of 1,000 acres in Wadsworth and Sharon townships. He is president of the Wadsworth Brick & Tile Company, and a director of the Wadsworth Savings and Trust Company. He has held numerous township offices and has always been prominent in the political and civic life of the community. Thomas Auble married Maria Turner, who was the grand-daughter of Alexander Turner, a native of Connecticut, who came to Ohio in 1820 and settled in Wadsworth Township. His son, Alonzo Turner, was the father of Maria Turner. To Thomas and Maria (Turner) Auble were born three children : Roland A., the subject of this sketch ; Andrew, who was a pioneer in the automobile business in Akron, now retired, lives at Akron, Ohio ; Grace, married W. R. Koontz, lives at Wadsworth ; and Stanley, who died in 1913 at the age of 26 years. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1251 Roland A. Auble was reared and educated in Wadsworth, and as a young man took over the management of a 300 acre farm in Wadsworth Township, which he still owns. The Auble estate is known as Home Brook Hill, and is among the finest to be found in Medina County. For a number of years Mr. Auble has been identified with the Peoples Savings & Loan Company of Wadsworth, and was elected president of the institution at its organization in 1922. He is also a director of the Wadsworth Brick & Tile Company, and is interested in the real estate and insurance business in Wadsworth, with offices at 110 Main Street. On Feb. 25, 1892, Mr. Auble was married (first) to Miss Fietta Miller, the daughter of John and Susan Miller, who were early settlers of Medina County. She was born Nov. 29, 1871, and died Feb. 25, 1920. She is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wadsworth. To Mr. and Mrs. Auble were born six daughters: 1. LaVonne, married Forest Cox, and they have three sons, Theodore, Thomas, and Robert. 2. Sue, married Capt. Frank Hilliard, a funeral director, Wadsworth. 3. Marjorie, a graduate of Wittenberg College, married Gordon Phillips, and they have three children, Gordon, Jr., Dorothy Ruth, and Richard. 4. Dorothy, a graduate of Wittenberg College, the widow of Charles Schneider, who died in June, 1930. and they had two children, Sue Frances, and Charles, Jr. She is a teacher in the Wadsworth public school. 5. Grace, a graduate of Wittenberg College, married Joseph Neath, who is an electrical engineer in the employ of the Ohio Match Company. They have a son, Joseph, Jr. 6. Virginia, who attends Wittenberg College. All are residents of Wadsworth. On Oct. 5, 1923, Mr. Auble was married (second) to Miss Nora Baird, of Ashland County, the daughter of William and Lucy Baird. Mr. Baird lives retired at Jeromesville, Ohio. His wife is deceased. To Roland A. and Nora (Baird) Auble have been born three children: Helen, born in 1924; Joan, born in 1927 ; and Donna, born in 1930. Mr. Auble has served as trustee of Wadsworth Township for 16 years, having resigned in 1927. He was deputy state supervisor of elections in Medina County for a period of four years, and in 1930 was elected county commissioner. He has also served as a member of the township school board. Mr. Auble is a Republican. Mr. Auble is a member of the Lutheran Church, of which he was a trustee for ten years. Mrs. Auble is a member of the Church of Christ of Wadsworth, where she has been active in Sunday School work for many years. He is a member of I. 0. 0. F. and the Wadsworth Business Men's Association, and has always taken an active interest in all civic affairs. 1252 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Albert Miller Beck, deceased, was a widely known and highly esteemed citizen of Wadsworth, and a veteran of the Civil War, having served for three years. He was born in Wadsworth, June 3, 1843, the son of Alexander C. and Mary (Miller) Beck. Alexander C. Beck was a representative citizen of Wadsworth, and for many years engaged in business here as a shoe merchant. His son, Albert M., succeeded him in the business. The latter also served as justice of the peace in Wadsworth for many years. He retired in 1919, and died in Wadsworth, Feb. 24, 1926, and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery at Wadsworth. Albert M. Beck was married Feb. 27, 1877, to Miss Sadie Fasia, who was born at West Salem, Ohio, Dec. 14, 1845, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rickel) Fasia. They were natives of Pennsylvania and pioneer settlers of Wayne County, Ohio. For a number of years Mr. Fasia engaged in business at West Salem as the owner of a blacksmith and wagon-shop. He later became the proprietor of a hotel at that place. He died at the age of 75 years and his wife died at the age of 89 years. Both are buried at Lodi, Medina County. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom survive : Mrs. Lydia Dunlap, lives at Independence, Mo.; William, lives at Elkhart, Ind.; and Mrs. Beck. Mr. and Mrs. Beck had no children. Mrs. Beck resides at 170 College Street, Wadsworth. Stephen P. Hartzell. As president of the First National Bank of Wadsworth, Stephen P. Hartzell has been a prominent figure in the business life of Medina County and North Central Ohio for many years. He was born at Wind Gap, Pa., Dec. 1, 1857, the son of Samuel and Lydia (Heller) Hartzell. The Hartzell family is of Swiss origin, and was first represented in the United States in 1732, when several members of the family settled in Bucks County, Pa. There is also a trace of German in the ancestry of the Hartzells, although they were residents of Switzerland for many years. Heinrich Hartzell is said to have been the first of his family to come to this country and he settled in Rockhill Township, Bucks County, Pa. He is buried in the Reformed Church Cemetery, Indian Creek, near Telford, Pa. Jonas Hartzell, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born near Telford, Pa., in 1744. He had a family of seven sons and four daughters. One son, Solomon Hartzell, grandfather of our subject, was born near Telford, Pa., in 1744. He had a family of seven sons and Hartzell had three sons and six daughters, one son being Samuel Hartzell, who was the father of Stephen P. Hartzell. He was born at Wind Gap, Pa., in March, 1809, and was a weaver by trade. He died in 1871 and is HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1253 buried in Northampton County, Pa. His wife, Lydia (Heller) Hartzell, was born in Lehigh County, Pa., in 1822, and died in February, 1867. Her ancestors, the Hellers, emigrated to the United States from Germany in 1738 and were early settlers of Lehigh County, Pa. To Samuel and Lydia (Heller) Hartzell were born six children, as follows : 1. Sarah J., who died in 1870, was the wife of Owen Kresge, of Monroe County, Pa. 2. Thomas, retired, lives at Loyal Oak, Summit County, Ohio. 3. Amanda, who died in infancy. 4. John F., who died in 1879. 5. Stephen P., the subject of this sketch. 6. Anna M., who died in 1896, was the wife of Stephen Roe, of Stroudsburg, Pa. Stephen P. Hartzell was reared in Pennsylvania and came to Medina County in 1877 and attended the district schools. He also studied at the Mennonite College in Wadsworth. As a young man he learned the trade of bookbinder with the Beacon Publishing Company, of Akron, Ohio. After eight years he became interested in the grocery business at Akron, and later was identified with the Werner Printing Company, of Akron, with whom he remained for a period of 13 years. He then became a member of the board of fire underwriters as secretary. Mr. Hartzell also spent some time in Washington, D. C., with the government printing department, and for a time engaged in the real estate business in that city. He returned to Wadsworth in 1908, and at that time became a member of the real estate and insurance firm of Allen, Hartzell & Dibble. Mr. Hartzell has been practically retired from business since 1916 and devotes most of his time to banking interests. Since the organization of the First National Bank of Wadsworth in April, 1915, Mr. Hartzell has been identified with the institution. He served as vice president until 1928, and at that time became president. He is also financially interested in the Ohio Injector Company, of Wadsworth, the Ohio Salt Company, the Ohio Box-board Company, and the Union Trust Company, of Cleveland. Mr. Hartzell married Miss Cora F. Kremer, of Wadsworth, who was born here, Feb. 5, 1863, the daughter of John C. and Lydia Kremer, early settlers of Wadsworth. They have a son, Leslie K., who was born at Akron, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1894. He was educated in Washington, D. C., and Wadsworth, and spent two years at Heidelberg College. He also attended Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland, and is now identified with the Babcock & Wilcox Company, of Barberton, Ohio, as a draftsman. He served throughout the World War. He married Miss Hattie Neff, of Wadsworth, who is the daughter of Clayton and Mary Neff. Mr. Neff lives retired at Wadsworth. His wife died in 1929. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell have a daughter, Beatrice Mae, born May 6, 1930. Mr. Hartzell has always been a Democrat. He is an active member of the Reformed Church of Wadsworth, and belongs to the Knights of 1254 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Pythias. He is a member of the National Association of Hartzells in America, who are descendants of the Ancient Feudal Clans Von Herzeele, Barons of the Reich. Milton H. Leatherman. One of the leading figures in the business life of Medina County is M. H. Leatherman, who is president and treasurer of the Wadsworth Lumber Company. He was born in Wadsworth Township, Aug. 14, 1860, the son of Jacob and Mary (Baker) Leatherman. Jacob Leatherman, a native of Wadsworth Township, was born April 12, 1834. He was the son of John Leatherman, who was born in eastern Pennsylvania in 1800. He was among the first settlers of Wadsworth Township and became the owner of a farm of 110 acres in the southwestern part of the township. He was also a school teacher. His son, Jacob Leatherman, was reared and educated in Wadsworth Township and engaged in general farming until 1876 at which time he established a grain and feed business in Wadsworth, later known as the Wadsworth Milling Company. He later became identified with the lumber business, and was associated in this with his sons. Mr. Leatherman died in 1904. He was a prominent member of the Mennonite Church of Wadsworth and one of the founders and trustees of Mennonite College at Bluffton, Ind. He was ever interested and active in the civic interests of the city. He served as township trustee, justice of the peace, and as a member of the board of education. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1828. She was the daughter of Benjamin Baker, one of the first settlers of Wadsworth. To Mr. and Mrs. Leatherman were born three sons : Milton H., the subject of this sketch ; Benjamin F., and John N., who are identified with the Wadsworth Lumber Company. M. H. Leatherman has always lived in Wadsworth. He was educated in the district schools and for a number of years was engaged in the hardware business. He has been connected with the Wadsworth Lumber Company since 1897 and at the time of his father's death in 1904 became associated with his brothers, J. N. and B. F. Leatherman. The company was incorporated in 1906 with the following officers: M. H. Leatherman, president ; H. M. Simcox, vice president ; and John N. Leatherman, secretary and treasurer. The capital stock was increased in 1918 from $40,000 to $100,000. The company also operates lumber yards at Seville, Medina County, and Creston, Wayne County. They are also retail dealers in builders supplies and coal. In 1918 Mr. Leatherman with his brothers, John N. and B. F., bought the Wadsworth Milling Company, and after operating same in connection with the lumber business for 18 months, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1255 they sold it in June, 1919, to the Wadsworth's Farmers Equity Exchange Company. In 1883 Mr. Leatherman married Miss Laura Warner, daughter of Samuel and Eliza Warner, of Wadsworth, Ohio, who died in 1922. They were the parents of five children: William, who died in 1918 ; Mrs. Carrie Jones, who lives at Greenville, S. C.; Irene, died in infancy ; Mary, married Lloyd J. Abrams, lives at Wadsworth ; and Frank W., who is secretary of the Wadsworth Lumber Company. He married Miss Helen Reed, a native of Kentucky. In 1924 Mr. M. H. Leatherman married Mrs. Carrie (Reid) Selby. Mr. Leatherman is a Republican and has served as a member of the city council and as township clerk. He is a trustee and member of the official board of the Methodist Church of Wadsworth. Aaron D. Pardee. Widely known throughout North Central Ohio is Aaron D. Pardee, who is a member of one of the representative families of Wadsworth. He was born here, June 23, 1899, the son of Evelyn Sutliff and Mary V. (Dague) Pardee. Evelyn Sutliff Pardee was born at Wadsworth, Sept. 14, 1853. He married (first) Olive Donat, on July 10, 1877. She died Jan. 9, 1882. He later married Mary V. Dague, of Danville, Ill., May 16, 1899. He died Jan. 26, 1906. Evelyn Sutliff Pardee was the youngest son of Aaron and Evelyn B. (Eyles) Pardee. He was born in New York, Oct. 8, 1808, and his wife was a native of Connecticut, born March 30, 1807. Aaron Pardee came to Ohio in 1824 and settled on a farm near Wadsworth. He was a school teacher and farmer. He served as constable and deputy sheriff and later studied law, being admitted to the Ohio bar in December, 1837. He became a prominent lawyer of Medina County and served one term in the Ohio Legislature. His children were: William Eyles, born June 6, 1829, judge of the Court of Appeals, lives in Akron; Henry C., born April 27, 1831, died Oct. 26, 1894; Almira Susan, born Jan. 17, 1835, married in 1856 to John G. Houston, and she died Aug. 24, 1890; Don Albert, born March 29, 1837, served as circuit judge in Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia, and died Sept. 19, 1919. He married Julia E. Hard, who died Feb. 16, 1897 ; George K., born March 1, 1839, married Caroline Hard, and he died Jan. 7, 1893 ; Frances Mary, born Dec. 25, 1844, died Sept. 24, 1873, was married in 1868 to Vance P. Wilkins, who died in May, 1876; Charles Aaron, born May 30, 1847, died March 31, 1848 ; Eleanor, born Sept. 5, 1850, married in 1871 to Dr. Wallace A. Briggs, and she 1256 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO died Jan. 22, 1924; and Evelyn Sutliff, father of the subject of this sketch. To Evelyn Sutliff and Olive (Donat) Pardee one son was born, Don Aaron, who is a graduate of Buchtel College. Evelyn Sutliff Pardee became a prominent attorney of Medina County and served as a member of the Ohio Senate. He was also mayor of Wadsworth from 1888 until 1894 and served as a member of the Wadsworth School Board for 12 years and as justice of the peace. Aaron D. Pardee has always lived in Wadsworth. He is a graduate of Wadsworth High School, class of 1919. Mr. Pardee has had numerous real estate interests in the city. On Sept. 28, 1929, Mr. Pardee married Miss Edna L. Reed, of Clarksburg, W. Va., born Oct. 10, 1909, the daughter of James J. and Ida (Trush) Reed, of Wadsworth Township. They have a son, James Aaron, born Aug. 7, 1930. Mr. Pardee is a Republican, a member of Grace Lutheran Church, and belongs to Wadsworth Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 385. Frank R. Beer. One of the most prominent figures in newspaper circles in North Central Ohio, Frank R. Beer, who died Dec. 13, 1927, was widely known as secretary and general manager of the Ashland Printing Company. He was born in Ashland, Nov. 24, 1868, the son of Thomas Milton and Alice (Urie) Beer. The early education of Frank R. Beer was received in the public schools of Ashland and he attended Wooster College. Throughout his life he was interested in newspaper work and as a young man was associated with his father in the publishing of the Ashland Gazette, a semi-weekly newspaper. After the death of his father in 1903, Mr. Beer accepted the position as manager of the printing department of Hess & Clark, Inc., in which capacity he served for 15 years. During this time he also maintained his interest in newspaper work as a director of the Ashland Times Gazette. In October, 1918, he again became active in newspaper work, being associated with George Hildebrand in the Times-Gazette, and on Jan. 1, 1919, a consolidation was effected with the Ashland Press, Mr. Beer becoming secretary and general manager of the new organization, which position he held until his death. Edgar Koehl was associated in the newspaper field with Mr. Beer in the new consolidation. Mr. Beer served as a director of the Ohio Select List of Daily Newspapers and had been a director of the First National Bank of Ashland for several years. Mr. Beer took a prominent part with Judge Benjamin W. McCray in the formation of the first Ohio National Guard unit in Ashland, the outfit HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1257 being formed on March 5, 1901, under the name of Company E. Mr. Beer was captain of this company for five years, and later became acting major in the Ohio National Guard. He held the latter office at the time of his resignation from military service. He always retained an interest in Company E, however, and several years ago organized an organization, which was composed of all men who had served in the outfit. For many years he was a member of the Ashland city band and the Ashland military band. On Aug. 22, 1900, Mr. Beer was united in marriage with Miss Edith Newcomer of Ashland, Ohio. She resides in this city. A sketch of their son, Robert M. Beer, who is secretary of the Ashland Printing Company, publishers of the Ashland Times-Gazette, appears elsewhere in this history. Mr. Beer was a member of Ashland Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic fraternity, the Council and Commandery in Mansfield, and Al Koran Shrine in Cleveland. He was also a member of the Ashland Lodge, B. P. 0. Elks, Colonial Club, and Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of the Ashland Lions Club, and belonged to the Ashland Country Club, being widely known as an ardent golfer. Mr. Beer held membership in the Presbyterian Church of Ashland. Besides his widow and son he is survived by his mother, Mrs. T. M. Beer, who lives at 220 Pleasant Street, Ashland, and is now 95 years of age. A sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Moherman, also lives in Ashland. His brother, Harry Caleb Beer, died in this city in 1902. Robert M. Beer. One of the well known young business executives of Ashland is Robert M. Beer, who is secretary of the Ashland Printing Company, publishers of the Ashland Times-Gazette. He was born in this city, Jan. 29, 1905, the son of Frank R. and Edith (Newcomer) Beer. Robert M. Beer attended the public schools of Ashland and in 1926 was graduated from Culver Military Academy. He was editor of the Vedette, weekly newspaper at Culver Academy. He then entered the Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania, and during his first year there was captain of the University Rifle Team. During his second year at that institution he was called to Ashland on account of the death of his father, which occurred Dec. 13, 1927. It was at that time that Mr. Beer took over the duties of secretary of the Ashland Printing Company. On Dec. 31, 1927, Mr. Beer married Miss Lois Louise Long, of Ashland, the daughter of Lyman and Minnie (Winbigler) Long, natives of Hayesville and Ashland respectively. They are residents of Ashland. 1258 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. and Mrs. Beer have a daughter, Barbara Louise, born Jan. 16, 1930. Mrs. Beer is a graduate of the Virginia College for Women, Roanoke, Va. Mr. Beer belongs to Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Lions Club, Young Men's Business Club, of which he is a charter member and organizer and is now vice president of the club, and Ashland Country Club. He lives at 529 West Walnut Street. Charles Edgar Curtis, lawyer, is one of the young professional men of Wadsworth, and is a member of one of the oldest and best known families of North Central Ohio. He was born at Wadsworth, Sept. 18, 1900, the only son of Charles A. and Flora E. (Loomis) Curtis. Charles A. Curtis is president of the Wadsworth Savings & Trust Company and is a representative citizen of the community. He was born near Wadsworth, Dec. 14, 1863, the son of Charles B. and Maria (Turner) Curtis. Charles B. Curtis was born at Wadsworth, Jan. 16, 1824, and died in 1867. Maria (Turner) Curtis was born at Wadsworth, Feb. 22, 1826, and died in 1875. Both are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wadsworth. Their only child was Charles A., father of the subject of this sketch. Charles B. Curtis was the son of Cyrus Curtis, who was born at Norfolk, Conn., Dec. 24, 1794. He came to Wadsworth in February, 1823, and died there March 8, 1875. He was the father of eight children, of whom Charles B. was the third. Cyrus Curtis was the son of Capt. Cyrus Curtis, who was born in Connecticut in 1767. He married Edith Mills, a native of New York. He died Dec. 6, 1839. He was the father of three children, of whom Cyrus, Jr., was the second. Charles A. Curtis, father of the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated at Wadsworth. At the age of 18 years he became associated in business with J. D. Ross. Later he lived in Kansas for a time, but returned to Wadsworth in 1895. He was married June 12, 1895, to Miss Flora E. Loomis, who was born at Wadsworth, April 26, 1867, the daughter of Edgar H. and Margaret J. (Mills) Loomis. Charles Edgar Curtis grew up at Wadsworth and received his early education in the public schools. After his graduation from high school in 1918 he entered the University of Michigan, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1922. He then studied law and received the degree of LL. B. at Western Reserve University, Cleveland, in 1926. He was admitted to the Ohio bar in that year and was associated with the law firm of Cull, Burton & Laughlin in Cleveland until May, 1928. Mr. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1259 Curtis has since been engaged in general practice at Wadsworth, with offices in the Masonic Temple Building. Jan. 1, 1931, Mr. Curtis became an attorney for Ohio Farmers Insurance Company and Ohio Farmers Indemnity Company, with general offices in LeRoy, Ohio. On Dec. 21, 1929, Mr. Curtis was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Ames, of Wooster, the daughter of John Watson and Blanche (Myers) Ames. She is a graduate of Wooster College, class of 1926. Mr. Ames is a graduate of Case School of Applied Science, and is associated with the Ohio State Agricultural Experiment Station at Wooster. Mr. Curtis is a Republican and is serving as secretary of the Republican Executive Committee of Medina County. He is a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wadsworth and belongs to Wadsworth Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 385 American Legion ; and Brook Side Country Club. He also belongs to Beta Theta Pi and Phi Delta Phi fraternities, and is a member of the Order of the Coif. He lives at 148 Gordon Avenue, Wadsworth. Solomon M. Myers. As superintendent of the Wayne County Children's Home, Mr. Myers is widely known throughout North Central Ohio. He was born in Cedar Valley, Wayne County, June 2, 1870, the son of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Myers. Jacob Myers was born in Wayne County in 1840, his parents having come to Ohio from Pennsylvania during the early days. They were of Dutch descent and were successful farmers. Jacob Myers died in 1910 and is buried in Overton Cemetery, Wayne County. His wife was born in Congress Township, Wayne County, in 1843, and died in 1904. She was the daughter of Henry Miller, who was among the first settlers of Congress Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers were born the following children : John, lives in Wayne County ; Solomon M., the subject of this sketch ; Effie, married George Grossman, lives at Wooster; Roy, lives at Wooster ; Charles, deceased; Andrew and Perry, who died in infancy ; Marie Ewing, deceased ; and Margaret Grossman, deceased. Solomon M. Myers obtained his education in the public schools of Overton. He is a graduate of Ohio University and spent 26 years as a teacher in the schools of Wayne County. He was also a minister of the United Brethren Church for many years, having under his charge Madison-burg and Honeytown, both in Wayne County. Mr. Myers retired from the ministry and teaching profession in 1920 to accept the appointment as superintendent of the Wayne County Children's Home. On March 27, 1904, Mr. Myers married Miss Olive Walton, who was born at Mechanicsburg, Ohio, Oct. 25, 1876, the daughter of Hiram and 1260 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mary Walton, both deceased. They have a daughter, Pearl, who is the wife of Willis Brattin, of Ashland. They have two children, Vivian Lenora and Richard D. Mr. Myers is a Democrat and a member of the United Brethren Church. The Wayne County Children's Home was established and sponsored by Wayne County in 1881, with a Mr. Pinkerton as its first superintendent. Mr. Myers was preceded in the office of superintendent by W. C. McCullough. Records of the institution, show that the first boy to register in the Home was George Dewey, who was admitted March 20, 1882. During that year 50 children were registered. Up to Oct. 21, 1930, there have been 1,031 children living at the institution. The farm contains 82 acres of land and has accommodations for 50 children. Capt. F. C. Hilliard, who is identified with J. B. Hilliard & Son, funeral directors, is a progressive and well known young business man of Wadsworth, and is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Wadsworth, May 29, 1894, the son of J. B. and Nola (Pinkerton) Hilliard. J. B. Hilliard is a representative citizen of Medina County. He was born in Wadsworth Township, Oct. 10, 1869. After his early education in the district schools, he attended the Eberly Normal School at Wadsworth, and later entered Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio. Mr. Hilliard spent almost 11 years as a telegraph operator for the Erie Railroad Company and was located at Wadsworth. Subsequently he took up the study of embalming at the Barnes School of Anatomy, Sanitary Science and Embalming, and received a certificate from that institution in 1902. Upon his return to Wadsworth he was associated with E. S. Curry, and they purchased the furniture business of Fred Dibble. The partnership continued until 1920 when Mr. Hilliard withdrew his interest from the furniture business, and he has since devoted his entire time to the management of the undertaking establishment, which is located at 174 North Lyman Street. He is also one of the owners of the Hockensmith Granite Works, 188 College Street, Wadsworth. He is a director of the Peoples Saving & Loan Company, and at the present time is president of the Wadsworth Board of Education. He is also village clerk and has served as township clerk. He is a Democrat and holds membership in the Lutheran Church. On June 28, 1893, J. B. Hilliard was united in marriage with Miss Nola Pinkerton, who was born in Wayne County, June 17, 1867. To them HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1261 were born six children, as follows : 1. F. C., the subject of this sketch. 2. Claude P., born Feb. 3, 1896, is identified with the Pan American Airways and is stationed in the Canal Zone. He served throughout the World War with the rank of second lieutenant, and was severly injured in action during the Argonne drive. 3. Harry P., a graduate of Wadsworth High School and the University of Akron, lives at Wadsworth. 4. Robert, who is district manager for the Ohio Bell Telephone Company, lives at Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He is a graduate of Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland. 5. Ben T., a graduate of Wadsworth High School, and the Ohio State School for the Blind, lives at home. He suffered the loss of his sight at the age of 18 years. 6. Ivan D., who is also stationed in the Canal Zone as a customs inspector, U. S. Custom Service. F. C. Hilliard attended the public schools of Wadsworth and was graduated from high school in 1912. He was attending Akron University in 1916, but left school to enlist in the National Guard as a member of Company G, 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served on the Mexican Border until March, 1917, when he returned to Wadsworth, and during the same month enlisted in the regular army as a member of Company G, 146th Infantry. He was sent to Camp Sheridan, Ala., and in June, 1918, sailed for France with this outfit. He saw active service at the front until the signing of the Armistice and was discharged with the rank of Captain, Aug. 5, 1919. Upon his return to Wadsworth he became identified with the Hilliard & Curry Company, and in May, 1920, when the firm of J. B. Hilliard & Son was organized, he became a partner in the business. He is a graduate of the Worsham Embalming School, Chicago. On Aug. 15, 1917, Mr. Hilliard married Miss Sue Auble, of Wadsworth, the daughter of R. A. and Fietta (Miller) Auble. They have no children. Mr. Hilliard is a Democrat, a member of the Lutheran Church, and belongs to the American Legion, Wadsworth Post, No. 170 ; Lodge No. 385, F. & A. M., Wadsworth ; and is a member of Yusef Kahn Grotto of Akron. Willard D. Thomas, who is assistant postmaster of Wadsworth, is a veteran of the World War and a member of an honored pioneer family of Medina County. He was born at Wadsworth, Feb. 13, 1898, the son of Lewis C. and Mamie C. (Lucas) Thomas. Lewis C. Thomas was born at Thomastown, now a part of Akron, Ohio, July 14, 1874, and spent his early life there. He was the son of John and Emily (Hamlin) Thomas. The former was a native of Wales and came to the United States in middle life and settled at Thomastown, Ohio, where he engaged in coal mining. Later he purchased a farm near Ham- 1262 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO town, Summit County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died at the age of 80 years, and his wife, a native of England, died in 1921, at the age of 84 years. Both are buried at Akron. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Lewis C., the father of the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. He was married Nov. 24, 1897, at Doylestown, Ohio, to Mamie C. Lucas, who still resides in the old Lucas homestead in Wadsworth Township, where she was born, June 2, 1879. She is the daughter of Samuel and Susan (Long) Lucas. Samuel Lucas was born at Mt. Jackson, Va., and came to Wadsworth Township about 1875. For a number of years he engaged in general farming and stock raising and at the time of his death in 1928 was living retired at Wadsworth. His wife was born in Wadsworth Township, Feb. 19, 1849, and died March 20, 1928. Both are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wadsworth. Susan (Long) Lucas was the daughter of David and Catherine (Snyder) Long, who were natives of Westmoreland County, Pa. David Long was two years old when his parents came to Ohio and settled on a farm south of Wadsworth. They were among the first families to settle in Richland County and became prosperous farmers. To Lewis C. and Mamie C. (Lucas) Thomas were born six children : 1. Willard D., the subject of this sketch. 2. Harold, born Aug. 28, 1899, unmarried, lives at home. 3. Wayne, born Nov. 20, 1902, unmarried, lives at home. 4. Glenn E., born Dec. 24, 1905, employed in the Akron office of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, lives at home. 5. Leonard W., born May 11, 1909, employed with the B. & F. Rubber Company at Akron. 6. Catherine Eileen, born Feb. 27, 1921. Willard D. Thomas received his education in the public schools of Wadsworth and entered the employ of the Ohio Match Company, Wadsworth, after his graduation from high school in 1916. During the World War he enlisted for service in April, 1918, and served as a member of Battery B, 73rd Artillery, being stationed at Fort Adams, R. I. He was later transferred to Camp Mills, N. Y., and sailed for France Aug. 2, 1918. After the close of the war he returned to the United States and was discharged from Camp Sherman, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1919. Mr. Thomas was then employed by the Ohio Injector Company at Wadsworth until April, 1924, when he entered the local post office as a clerk. He was appointed assistant postmaster on July 1, 1927. On March 17, 1926, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage with Miss Pauline Derhammer, a graduate of Wadsworth High School, class of 1924. She is the daughter of William and Delsie (Boyer) Derhammer ; the former is deceased, and the latter lives at Wadsworth. She is now the wife of Charles Keckler. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have a daughter, Marjorie Jean, born Oct. 28, 1927. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1263 Mr. Thomas is a Republican and a member of the Medina County Republican Club. He holds membership in the Lutheran Church and belongs to the Lions Club, and the American Legion, Post No. 170. William Irvin Dague, who is successfully engaged in the insurance and real estate business at Wadsworth as a member of the firm of Draper & Dague, is also widely known throughout Medina County as the dealer at Wadsworth and Medina for the Cadillac, LaSalle, Hudson, and Essex automobiles. He was born in Wadsworth Township, Medina County, Feb. 23, 1888, the son of Irvin H. and Anna (Roberts) Dague. Irvin H. Dague was born at Rittman, Wayne County, in 1853. He was engaged in the meat business for a number of years at Wadsworth. Later he lived on a farm in Sharon Township, Medina County. Mr. Dague died in 1910 and is buried at Sharon Center. His widow was born in England in 1863 and resides at Sharon Center. To Mr. and Mrs. Dague were born five children : Blanche, who died in infancy ; William Irvin, the subject of this sketch ; Lillian B., married Thomas H. Davis, lives at Sharon Center, and they have a daughter, Wanda Elizabeth ; Ozman R., married Ethel Chidsey, lives at Medina, where he is associated in business with his brother; and Clarence R., who met with an accidental death in 1926 at the age of 28 years. He was married to Minnie Miksch of Copley, Summit County, Ohio. The education of William Irvin Dague was received in the public schools of Wadsworth Township and he is a graduate of Sharon Center High School. He taught school there for six years and at the outbreak of the World War enlisted for service, being stationed at Camp Sheridan, Montgomery, Ala. Upon his return to Wadsworth in 1919 he became interested in the insurance and real estate business, the firm being known as Draper & Dague. Since 1924 Mr. Dague has also engaged in the automobile business, as above mentioned. On Feb. 2, 1922, Mr. Dague was married at Hempstead, N. Y., to Miss Mary Ebright, of Akron, Ohio. She attended Buchtel College, Akron, and Wellesley College, and is nationally known as a food expert, being professionally known as "Sister Mary," and the author of "Sister Mary's Kitchen." Articles written by her are syndicated and have a national circulation. She has recently revised the "White House Cook Book." Mrs. Dague is the daughter of Dr. L. S. and Julia (Bissell) Ebright. Dr. Ebright, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War, and served as a member of President McKinley's staff during his administration as Governor of Ohio. Doctor Ebright was a prominent surgeon for 1264 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO many years in Akron, Ohio, and was postmaster for 13 years, and was also active there in politics. His widow, who for many years was a member of the State Board of Charities and other local and state organizations, now resides at Wadsworth. Another daughter, Ruth E. (Ebright) Finley, is the wife of Emmet Finley, of Hempstead, N. Y. He is head of the American Press Association and his wife was editor of the Washington Herald. At the present time she is associate editor of the McClure publications. She also has written several books. Both Mr. and Mrs. Finley are represented in "Who's Who in America." To Mr. and Mrs. Dague has been born a son, William Ebright Dague, born Nov. 19, 1922. Mr. Dague is a member of Grace Lutheran Church, and belongs to the American Legion, Brookside Country Club, and Lions Club. John C. Schultz. As president of the Citizens National Bank and president of the Peoples Savings & Loan Company, of Wooster, Mr. Schultz has been closely identified with the business and civic life of Wayne County for many years. He has been a merchant, banker, industrial leader, and one working at all times for the welfare of his community. Mr. Schultz was born in East Union Township, Wayne County, Sept. 18, 1861, the son of Nicholas and Catherine (Schaffer) Schultz. Both Nicholas Schultz and his wife were natives of Germany, born in 1828 and 1832, respectively. Their marriage took place in Wayne County and they lived in East Union Township during the remainder of their lives. Mr. Schultz was a blacksmith by trade. He died in 1914 and his wife died in 1908. They are buried in Apple Creek Cemetery. Their children were : Sarah, who died in 1900, was the wife of George Leiner; George, deceased ; Adam, retired, lives at Apple Creek ; Anna, deceased, was the wife of John W. Walters ; John C., the subject of this sketch ; and Viola, married Harvey Lautenschlager, lives at Akron, Ohio. John C. Schultz grew up on his father's farm, attended the district schools, and finished his early education in Smithville Academy. At the age of 16 years he became a teacher in the district schools. It was in March, 1883, that he began his business career at Wooster as a clerk in a hardware store, being identified with the firm of Cooley & Kinney, until January, 1891, when he became a partner in the business. During that year the firm also purchased the hardware business of the D. D. Miller Company, and at that time organized the Wooster Hardware Company. Mr. Schultz continued with the new organization, and on the death of Mr. Cooley, Welker G. Christy and Mr. Schultz purchased the interest of HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1265 Mr. Kinney and Mr. Cooley and the business was later incorporated in 1911. On April 1, 1921, Mr. Schultz disposed of his interest, after having been connected with the business for 38 years. A number of years ago Mr. Schultz became a director of the Citizens National Bank of Wooster, and since 1920 has been president of that institution. He has also served as president of the Peoples Savings & Loan Company since the death of C. M. Gray in 1929, having been a director since 1907. He is vice president of the Toy-Kraft Company of Wooster. In 1884 Mr. Schultz married Miss Sarah Johnson, who was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1858, the daughter of Isaiah and Harriet Johnson, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Schultz died March 11, 1925, and is buried in Wooster Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Schultz were born two sons : 1. Clarence Edward, born in 1885, is connected with the Timken Steel & Tube Company, Wooster. He married Miss Mae Yarnell, of Wooster, and they have two children, John, born July 19, 1920, and Jane, born in 1922. 2. Wallace Johnson, born in 1894, lives at Cleveland, where he is connected with the American Telephone & Telegraph Company. He married Miss Emily Slusser, of Cleveland, and they have a daughter, Millicent, born in 1924. Mr. Schultz is a Democrat and for a number of years served as president of the Wooster Board of Education. He was also a trustee of the Wayne County Children's Home for many years and served as president of the Wooster Board of Trade four years. He is a prominent member of the Reformed Church of Wooster and for 11 years was Sunday School superintendent. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Past Noble Grand of Wooster Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., No. 42, and Past Chief Patriarch of the Encampment branch, and is also a member of the Rebekah branch of the order, and a member of Canton Wright Patriarchs Militant and has held appointive offices in the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The Citizens National Bank of Wooster, one of the leading financial institutions of North Central Ohio, was established in March, 1905, with the following officers : Walter D. Foss, president ; C. M. Gray and Charles B. Mayers, vice presidents ; and E. W. Thompson, cashier. The directors were : Walter D. Foss, C. M. Gray, Charles B. Mayers, W. C. Myers, A. M. Fombelle, Welker G. Christy, M. L. Smyser, L. E. Yocum, and Edward S. Wertz. The Citizens National Bank was capitalized in 1905 at $100,000. It now has a capital stock of $150,000. The officers for 1930 are : John C. 1266 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Schultz, president ; A. W. Smyser and Ed. S. Wertz, vice presidents ; and William Harris, cashier. Andrew MacArthur Keep. Among the most successful of the younger attorneys of Lorain County may be mentioned Andrew M. Keep, who is established in the practice of law at Lorain. He was born at Albion, Pa., March 12, 1897, the son of W. 0. and Eliza Jane (McArthur) Keep. W. O. Keep was born in Erie County, Pa., and his wife is a native of Crawford County, Pa. For a number of years he owned and operated a farm near Albion, Pa. Since 1909 he has been in the employ of the Bessemer Railroad and is a freight conductor. He is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and is secretary of the Order of Railway Conductors. Mr. and Mrs. Keep are the parents of the following children : Ethel V., married A. S. Morrison, lives at Albion ; Pliny M., lives at Sharon, Pa.; Clela, married R. C. Akens, lives at Royal Oak, Mich. ; Andrew M., the subject of this sketch ; Milton Harrington, lives at Lorain ; Marshall M., attends Western Reserve University ; and Adele L , married Richard Tannehill, lives at Cleveland. Andrew M. Keep obtained his early education in the public schools of Albion, Pa., and entered Erie Business College after his graduation from Albion High School in 1916. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College in 1921, spent the following two years as a member of the faculty of Zanesville (Ohio) High School, and subsequently took up the study of law at the University of Michigan. He was graduated with highest honors from the law school of that institution in 1925 with the degree of J. D., and during the following year engaged in the practice of law at Elyria, in association with Hon. David J. Nye, former Common Pleas Judge of Lorain County. Mr. Keep came to Lorain in 1926 as police prosecutor and established his present practice in this city in January, 1928. He has offices in the Broadway Building and is associated with Malcolm Thomson. Mr. Keep is a Republican, chairman of the Lorain Chapter American Red Cross, director of the Neighborhood House, director of Lorain Good Will Industries, and a director of the Lorain Rescue Mission. He is an active member of the First Methodist Church, of which he is trustee, and president of the Men's Brotherhood. He is also identified with the Order of the Coif, Lorain County, Ohio State, and American Bar Associations, and belongs to the Lorain Lawyers Nisi Prius Club. He is affiliated with Charleston Lodge, F. & A. M., Knights of Pythias, Kiwanis Club, and Lorain Country Club. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1267 Henry P. Webber. One of the best known of the young lawyers of Lorain is Henry P. Webber, who has offices in the Commercial Building. He was born in this city, June 2, 1898, the son of Joseph and Christina (Schuller) Webber. Joseph Webber was born at Amherst, Ohio, and is a well known resident of Lorain, where he has lived for many years. His early life was spent on his father's farm. Mr. Webber is employed by the National Tube Company. He is a Republican and a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. His wife was born at New Bavaria, Henry County, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Webber were born 11 children, as follows : William; Bernard, a veteran of the World War; Agnes, married Lester Rumpler ; Henry P., the subject of this sketch ; Loretta, deceased ; Clarence ; Joseph, deceased ; Regina ; Christina ; Joseph, II, deceased ; and Genevieve. All live in Lorain. Henry P. Webber has always lived in Lorain. His early education was received at St. Joseph's Parochial School, and in 1917 he was graduated from Lorain High School. In September, 1918, he entered service for the World War, going to the officers' training school at Oberlin College. He was discharged Dec. 24, 1918. He spent some time as a reporter on the Lorain Times-Herald, and subsequently entered Oberlin College. Later, he was employed as a clerk in the offices of the National Tube Company, and during that time attended night courses at the John Marshal School of Law in Cleveland, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1927. He was admitted to the Ohio bar in July, 1927, and at that time established his practice in Lorain. He belongs to the Lorain County Bar Association and Lorain Lawyers Nisi-Prius Club. In 1926 Mr. Webber was united in marriage with Miss Hazel Nestor, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Nestor, natives of Ohio. The former lives at Norwalk. Mrs. Nestor is deceased. Politically, Mr. Webber is a Republican. He holds membership in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and belongs to Delta Theta Phi fraternity, Knights of Columbus, No. 637, and F. O. Eagles. Joseph S. Long, retired, is a widely known and highly esteemed citizen of Wadsworth Township. He is a native of Medina County, born in a log cabin in Wadsworth Township, Oct. 15, 1839, the son of David and Catherin (Snyder) Long. David Long was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1814, and was ten years old when his parents, Nicholas and Mary (Evans) Long came to Ohio, being among the first settlers of Medina County. Both are buried 1268 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO near Doylestown. David Long was a farmer throughout his life and lived on the old homestead on Silver Creek Road near Wadsworth. He died March 14, 1898, and his wife, a native of Starke County, Ohio, died in 1887. Both are buried in the old High Church Cemetery near Doylestown. To David and Catherine (Snyder) Long were born nine children, as follows: Joseph S., the subject of this sketch ; Sarah, deceased, was the wife of Jacob Everhard; Elias, deceased ; Hannah, deceased; Susan, deceased, was the wife of J. S. Lucas ; Rebecca, deceased; Catherine, deceased, was the wife of Mannasus Leatherman; Mitalda, deceased, was the wife of H. 0. Nolf ; and David F., who lives in the State of Delaware. Joseph S. Long received his education in district school No. 10 in Wadsworth Township. His first teacher was John H. Hower, who was a prominent figure in the early school history of Medina County. Mr. Long was interested in general farming and stock raising throughout his active career, and now lives on a farm of 164 acres in Wadsworth Township, having removed here with his son, David Edwin, in March, 1879. On April 12, 1861, Mr. Long married Miss Lydia S. Wismer, who was born in Bucks County, Pa., May 26, 1841. She died May 28, 1917, and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wadsworth. To Mr. and Mrs. Long were born three children: Clara E., who died Nov. 8, 1887, at the age of 22 years ; Sarah May, born Oct. 1, 1867, married Peter Keller, lives in Wadsworth Township ; and David Edwin, born in 1873, married Mary McAfee, lives in Wadsworth Township. Mr. Long is a Democrat and holds membership in the Reformed Church. Milton Friedman, who is successfully engaged in the practice of law at Lorain, with offices at 105 Sixth Street, is widely known throughout Lorain County. He was born in Chicago, Ill., Aug. 28, 1900, the son of Jacob and Regina (Zuckerman) Friedman. Jacob Friedman is a native of Czecho-Slovakia, as is his wife. Their marriage took place in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Friedman had located first at Zanesville, Ohio, and later lived in St. Louis and Chicago. He conducted a men's furnishing business at Marquette, Mich., until 1909, when he established the same type of business in Lorain. He is now identified with the National Tube Company in Lorain. Mr. Friedman is a Republican, and holds membership in Agudath B'nai Israel Temple. To Mr. and Mrs. Friedman were born six children, as follows: Edward and Emma, both deceased; Morton, attended Ohio State University, is a civil engineer with the Michigan Central Railroad in Detroit, Mich.; William M., who died in 1926, was a graduate of the College of Law, Ohio State Uni- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1269 versity, and engaged in practice at Lorain ; Milton, the subject of this sketch ; and Pearl, who lives at home. Milton Friedman was reared and educated in Lorain, and is a graduate of Lorain High School, class of 1919. He was employed in the offices of the National Tube Company, and attended night classes at the John Marshall School of Law, Cleveland. He also studied the Deibel-Morris Review Course in Cleveland and on Dec. 31, 1926, was admitted to the Ohio bar. He has practiced law in Lorain since that date and served as police prosecutor from Jan. 1, 1928, until Jan. 1, 1930. Mr. Friedman is a Republican and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, B. P. 0. Elks, and Chamber of Commerce. He is vice-president of B'nai B'rith and is secretary of the Lorain Lawyers Nisi Prius Club. He also is identified with the Lorain County Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Associaton. Henry G. King is outstanding among the prominent young lawyers of Lorain County, successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at Lorain, with offices in the Commercial Building. He was born in this city, Nov. 11, 1895, the son of Henry G. and Elizabeth Catherine (Hills) King. Henry G. King, deceased, was a native of Ohio, born at Avon. His wife was born at Skinnersville, Mass. The boyhood of Henry G. King was spent on his father's farm and he attended the district schools of Lorain County. He built and operated the old Porter House, Lorain's first hotel, and also was interested in the real estate business. He was the owner of a theatre and skating rink and various other properties in and about Lorain. Mr. King died in 1915 and his wife died in 1930. They are buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain, Ohio. Mr. King was a Republican and at one time served as county treasurer of Wood County. His brother, F. J. King, served for several terms as Democratic mayor of the City of Lorain. Mr. King fraternally was affiliated with King Solomon's Lodge, F. and A. M., of Elyria. To Mr. and Mrs King were born three children; Henry G., the subject of this sketch ; Dorothy, and Elizabeth, all of whom live at Lorain. Henry G. King attended the public schools of Lorain, is a graduate of University School, Cleveland, class of 1914, and of Heidelberg College. He studied law at Columbia University Law School, and at Western Reserve, and was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1922. Throughout his professional career he has been located in Lorain, and in November, 1929, was elected city solicitor. He is a Democrat in politics and has been a candidate for both State Senator and Probate Judge, being defeated by small majorities. 1270 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. King has numerous business interests in the city, being a director of The Universal Company, El-Rose Hotel Company, and R. F. Emsley, Inc. Mr. King has the following lodge affiliations : Kingston Lodge No. 10, F. and A. M.; Mt. Horeb Chapter No. 75, R. A. M.; Adelphic Council No. 7, R. & S. M.; Albany Souvereign Consistory ; Cyprus Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., Albany ; Elyria Masonic Club ; Black River Lodge No. 680, I. 0. 0. F.; Lake Shore Encampment No. 242 ; Welcome Rebecca Lodge No. 283 ; Holman Lodge No. 699, Knights of Pythias ; Lorain Aerie No. 343, F. 0. E.; Lorain Lodge No. 376, Loyal Order of Moose ; Phi Delta Phi fraternity ; and Lorain Yacht Club. Charles F. Adams, attorney, who has practiced his profession in Lorain for 30 years with honor and exceptional ability, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Olmsted Falls, Cuyahoga County, Sept. 9, 1872, the son of L. B. and Hulda B. (Carpenter) Adams. L. B. Adams, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at West View, Cuyahoga County, and as a young man entered the service during the Civil War as a member of the First Ohio Light Artillery, being severely wounded at the battle of Missionary Ridge. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant and for many years was a resident of Olmsted Falls. He died in 1884 and his wife, who was born at Strongsville, Ohio, died in 1921. Both are buried at Olmsted Falls. Mr. Adams was a Republican, and was prominent in local politics, having served as mayor. His wife was an active member of the Congregational Church. Their two sons were : L. B. Jr., retired, lives at St. Petersburg, Fla.; and Charles F., the subject of this sketch. Charles F. Adams spent his early life at Olmsted Falls and attended the public schools. He spent two years at Baldwin Wallace College, one year at Ohio Northern University, and in 1894 received the degree of LL. B. from the University of Michigan. Mr. Adams was admitted to the Ohio bar during that year and spent the following six years with the claim department of the New York Central Railroad. He removed to Lorain in 1900, where he has since had an extensive practice. In 1906 Mr. Adams was elected city solicitor for one year, and in November, 1911, was elected to the office of prosecutor of Lorain County, being reelected in November, 1913. He is a prominent member of the Lorain County Bar Association and the Lorain Lawyers Nisi Prius Club. In 1894 Mr. Adams was united in marriage with Miss Florence Terrell, the daughter of Clayton and Cyrene Terrell, both of whom are deceased. They are buried at North Ridgeville, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have two children: Thelma, married Dr. C. H. Felix, lives at Lorain, and HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1271 they have a daughter, Thelma ; and L. Bert, married Miss Vollmer, and they have a daughter, Patricia. They live at Lorain. Mr. Adams is a Republican, a member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Knights of Pythias, F. O. Eagles, and Sons 6f Veterans. Joseph C. Frederick, attorney, is prominent in the professional, social and civic life of Lorain, where he has spent almost his entire life. He was born at Tisza-Becs, Hungary, Nov. 1, 1899, the son of Joseph and Rosa (Borhegyi) Frederick. Joseph Frederick, who died in Hungary in 1904, was a native of that country. During his active career he was successful as a building contractor. He held membership in the Hungarian Reformed Church. His wife died in Lorain in 1928. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Frederick, three of whom survive : Ethel, married Frank Vass, lives at Lorain ; Yolanda, married Wayland D. Gregory, lives at Lakewood ; and Joseph C., the subject of this sketch. Joseph C. Frederick was six years old when he came to the United States with his mother and settled in Lorain. After his graduation from Lorain High School in 1918 he spent one year at Oberlin College, and while a student there served as a member of the Student Army Training Corps. He began his business career in the offices of the Thew Shovel Company, of Lorain, and later was interested in the real estate and insurance business. He attended evening classes at the Cleveland Law School, from which he was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1928, with highest honors. The following year he received the degree of LL. M. at John Marshall School of Law, Cleveland. After being admitted to the bar in 1928, Mr. Frederick established his present practice in Lorain. In 1930 Mr. Frederick was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Chaszar, the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Chaszar, natives of Hungary, now residents of Lorain. Mr. Frederick is a Republican, and has taken an active part in local politics, having served for six years as a member of the Republican central committee. He has also been a member of the Lorain health board, and is secretary of the Industrial Development Bureau. Mr. Frederick holds membership in the Hungarian Reformed Church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, American Legion, Lorain Post No. 30, and Chamber of Commerce. He is also a leader in Y. M. C. A. work in the city. He is identified with the Lorain County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association and is vice president of the Lorain Lawyers Nisi Prius Club. 1272 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Edwin S. Wertz. Among the honored sons of Wayne County who have attained a high degree of success through energy, integrity and progressive methods, and risen to high place in the service of the public, the brilliant lawyer and legislator whose name introduces this sketch, is entitled to much more than passing notice. He has achieved success in the legal profession at an age when the majority of young men are just at the threshold of their life work. He has become an influential factor in directing the policies of the political party with which he allied himself. He forged to the front as a leader, while his activity in promoting the interests of the public has gained for him the esteem and confidence of his fellow men, irrespective of class or party affiliation. Edwin S. Wertz was born at Dalton, Wayne County, Aug. 7, 1875, the son of W. H. H. and Carrie Virginia (Slusser) Wertz, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. The father was born at Dalton and has spent his entire life in Wayne County, and for a number of years was actively identified with the business interests of his town, having served as president of the First National Bank of Dalton. His wife was born in York County, Pa. After completing his early education at Dalton, Edwin S. Wertz entered the preparatory department of Wooster College, where he fitted himself for college at Ohio State University, where he spent four years, being graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Philosophy and LL. B. He completed preparatory and collegiate work scheduled for eight years in five. In June, 1900, he was admitted to the Ohio bar. After his graduation he accepted the position of court house reporter for the Columbus Citizen, which he held from June, 1900, until August, 1902. In the latter year, he formed a partnership with his father in the wholesale hardwood lumber business, with offices at Dalton. This business was subsequently discontinued in order that Mr. Wertz might devote his attention to his chosen profession. While engaged as a reporter he was a member of Newswriters Union No. 2 of Columbus, and had the honor of being chosen the representative from that body to the Columbus Trades and Labor Assembly, in the session of which he was an active participant. In 1896 he was made president of the Young Men's Democratic Club of Columbus, in which capacity he demonstrated executive ability of a high order and foreshadowed his future career as a leader of men and moulder of opinion. While a student at Ohio State University the Spanish-American War broke out and in 1898 young Mr. Wertz laid aside his studies and enlisted in Light Battery H, First Ohio Volunteer Artillery, with which he served for a period of seven months. At the expiration of that time he resumed his collegiate work, which was completed in 1900. His life has HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1273 since been one of activity and usefulness, nor has fortune been sparing in the bestowal of her favor upon him as his success as a lawyer and honorable record as a public official abundantly attest. In 1903 Mr. Wertz was nominated for representative in the General Assembly of Ohio from Wayne County, and at the general election of that year he defeated his competitor, running 228 votes ahead of the party candidate for governor on his own ticket. He was elected when 28 years of age. That his record as a legislator justified the wisdom of his election is attested by the active and influential part he took in the deliberations of the General Assembly. He was the Democratic nominee for speaker pro tempore of the House, but by reason of the strength of the opposition he failed to secure the honor. He was soon recognized as a leader of the Democratic members and by able and conscientious work on a number of important committees did much to shape and direct legislation and bring about the passage of laws, which have been for the best interests of the Commonwealth. He served on the committees on common schools, public ways and enrollment. He introduced the first state aid good roads bill, creating the highway department in Ohio and providing for the gradual and permanent improvement of public highways, with the assistance and under the supervision of competent state authority. The provisions of the bill are embodied in the Wertz-Fisher Good Roads Law, which has proven of inestimable value to the people of the state. Among the various other bills which he introduced were the following : Prohibiting the use of free passes by all public officials ; repealing all perpetual franchises ; four bills for the improvement of rural schools, one providing for the employment of the same teacher for at least a full school year of 32 weeks, and a second providing that the people of any township as well as the boards of education shall be empowered to determine whether the schools shall or shall not be centralized, the intent of the new code being the giving of such right to the board of education only ; a third bill required that there should be regular graded courses of study in elementary and common schools ; the fourth provided that where a teacher received a certificate in the county where he resides, it shall be valid for the unexpired time in any county of the state. The first three bills were incorporated in the new school code and are now a part of the school law of Ohio. The fourth was also agreed to, but was stricken out by the conference committee. He wrote into the school code for the first time the authority to teach the Elements of Agriculture in elementary schools. In the 77th General Assembly Mr. Wertz was elected Democratic floor leader. In addition to the above he took an active part in other impor- 1274 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO tant legislation and participated in the general deliberation on the floor where he demonstrated marked ability as a debater and leader. He was the author of the prison bill to abolish contract convict labor and to provide for the employment of prisoners in the manufacture of road materials, machines, and supplies for state institutions. The law provides a great variety of employment as a substitute for the old contract system, which for years was subject to many serious objections. Another bill which he introduced, known as House Bill No. 78, created the Ohio Railroad Commission, empowering the railroad commissioners of Ohio to fix railroad rates, regulate charges, supplies of cars, and all other matters pertaining to the railroad business so far as it concerns the people of the state. This bill, which became a law, had the endorsement of the Ohio Shippers Association, the Ohio Grain Dealers Association, and the approval of the public generally. Mr. Wertz also wrote the resolution and led in forcing its adoption by the General Assembly, restoring peace between universities supported by the State of Ohio, and which defines the policy of the state toward her universities. It declared for the building of one great State University at Columbus, commensurate with the dignity of the state. He also introduced a bill later becoming a law for the better inspection of Ohio mines, improved methods of ventilation, etc., so as to better protect the lives of miners from dangers of gas explosion. Until Mr. Wertz entered the Ohio Legislature, the grounds for appointing a guardian in the Probate Court were habitual drunkenness for three years, imbecility or insanity. Old people's property could not be cared for by the court unless the person was first found to be an imbecile, insane or an habitual drunkard. Mr. Wertz changed the law so that the protection of the court could be asked through a guardian by old people themselves on the ground of improvidence or inability through age or infirmity to protect their property or care for themselves. Now they need not be declared imbeciles, habitual drunkards or insane to have the court help them preserve their property and see that they are properly cared for and protected from designing individuals. Mr. Wertz was a member of the 76th and 77th General Assemblies and rendered distinguished service to his constituents and to the state, and retired from the body with a record as an able and faithful public servant. Mr. Wertz was interested for many years in the Ohio Good Roads Association, and as such labored earnestly to bring about much needed improvements in the system of highways throughout the state. In 1906 he was induced by his many friends to enter the race for Congress in the 17th District. Accordingly his name was presented to HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1275 the convention which assembled in June of that year, and where after a four-day session and 177 ballots, he was defeated by only six votes, the victor being Mr. Ashbrook. In 1915 Mr. Wertz was appointed United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio and served until 1923. During his administration more than 8,500 criminal indictments were returned and out of this number there were only 85 acquittals. There were entered 2,500 civil suits for the Government, out of which number there was only 26 judgments against the Government. The administration included the time of the World War and involved the handling of offenses under the Espionage Act, Draft Law and the Prohibition Enforcement Act. He was a delegate from the 16th Congressional District of Ohio to the Democratic National Convention at San Francisco which nominated James M. Cox of Ohio ; also a delegate from the state to the Democratic National Convention at Houston, Texas. Mr. Wertz is a 32nd degree Mason. He is a member of Buckeye Camp, Spanish-American War Veterans. He is a member of the Wayne County Bar Association, Cleveland Bar Association, Cuyahoga County Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, Wooster, Ohio. On August 11, 1906, Mr. Wertz married Miss Elizabeth Johnson, daughter of Judge Isaac Johnson of Wooster. They have four children, Catherine, Caroline, Elizabeth and William. Mr. Wertz and his family reside at Wooster, Ohio. He practices law at 1163 Union Trust Building, Cleveland, Ohio. F. G. Ferguson is one of Lorain's prominent young professional men, engaged in the practice of law in this city, with offices at 606 Broadway. He was born at Elyria, Ohio, July 18, 1904, the son of George M. and Elizabeth (Brand) Ferguson. George M. Ferguson and his wife are natives of Wooster, Ohio, and have spent many years in Elyria. He was identified with the Lake Terminal Railroad as superintendent for 25 years, and is now sales manager for the Carnegie Steel Company in the Lorain district. Mr. Ferguson is a Democrat and belongs to the Elks Lodge. F. G., the subject of this sketch, is the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson. F. G. Ferguson attended the public and high schools of Elyria, from which he was graduated in 1922. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Notre Dame University in 1926, and was graduated from the College of Law, University of Michigan, with the degree of LL. B. in 1929. After being admitted to the Ohio bar in that year, Mr. Ferguson 1276 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO came to Lorain to establish a private practice. He is counsel for the Home Stores Adjustment Bureau, Inc. Mr. Ferguson is a member of the Lorain County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and Lorain Lawyers Nisi Prius Club. In 1929 Mr. Ferguson was united in marriage with Miss Beatrice Kissell, the daughter of Herbert and Ann Kissell, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Indiana. He is deceased and his widow lives at South Bend, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson have a son, George Herbert. Politically, Mr. Ferguson is a Democrat. He holds membership in St. Anthony's Catholic Church, and belongs to Sigma Delta Kappa fraternity. Harvey Austin Keck. Prominent in fraternal circles in Lorain, Mr. Keck is also widely known throughout the city as a substantial business man. He was born in Colebrookdale Township, Montgomery County, Pa., March 5, 1884, the son of Jonathan Y. and Hannah W. (Nagle) Keck. Jonathan Y. Keck and his wife are natives of Montgomery County, Pa., and residents of Pottstown. For a number of years he engaged in the retail meat business in that city and later established the Pottstown Abattoir Company. In 1900 he retired from the packing business. He was elected treasurer of Pottstown in 1904, and has held that office continuously to the present time. Mr. Keck is a prominent Democrat. He was one of the founders of Grace Lutheran Church and is affiliated with Stichter Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 156; Chapter R. A. M.; Commandery K. T.; Philadelphia Consistory, 32nd degree ; and Rajah Temple. Mr. and Mrs. Keck had the following children: Bertha, Jonathan, Daniel, and Lawrence, all deceased; Wilmer, lives at Pottstown; Harvey Austin, the subject of this sketch; Maud, married Elmer F. Brueninger, lives at Pottstown; Bessie, married Wayne Klein, lives at Reading, Pa.; and Jennie, married Daniel Unrugh, lives at Philadelphia. Harvey Austin Keck was reared and educated at Pottstown. He has been identified with the organization work of the Loyal Order of Moose since 1910, and has traveled throughout the United States in the interest of lodge work. He came to Lorain in 1913 to reorganize the local lodge, with which he has since been identified, being elected secretary on May 20, 1930. He has served as Dictator, for six terms, and also has the Fellowship degree in that order. He is treasurer of Western Reserve Legion No. 7. Mr. Keck's numerous lodge affiliations includes the following: Lorain Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 552 ; Mystic Chapter, R. A. M., No. 107; Lorain Council, R. and S. M. M., No. 103; Lorain Commandery, K. T., HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1277 No. 65 ; Al Koran Temple ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1301, trustee for six years ; and F. 0. Eagles, Aerie No. 343. In the business life of Lorain Mr. Keck is favorably known as the proprietor of an interior decorating establishment at 521 Broadway. On May 17, 1904, Mr. Keck married Miss Edna P. Coller, the daughter of Achilles and Mary Coller, natives of Pottstown, Pa., both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Keck were born two daughters : Dorothy, married William Dobbeck, lives at Lorain ; and Thelma, married Chalmers Krupp, lives at Lorain, and they have a son, Harvey A. Mr. Keck is a Republican, a member of the Rotary Club, Lorain Country Club and Chamber of Commerce. Leo Bernard Virant, attorney, is numbered among the prominent professional men of Lorain. He was born in this city, July 5, 1903, the son of Alois and Gertrude (Bergund) Virant. Alois Virant was born in Jugo-Slavia, and emigrated to the United States in 1889. He settled first at Barberton, Ohio, and two years later removed with his family to Lorain, where he spent several years in the employ of the National Tube Company. He was the proprietor of the Virant Cafe until 1919, at which time he retired from business. He died in 1923 and his widow lives in Lorain. Mr. Virant was a prominent member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and one of the founders of St. Aloysius Society in Lorain. To Mr. and Mrs. Virant the following children were born: Frank ; Johanna, married Joseph Svete ; Anna, married Joseph Urbas ; Joseph, who died in 1927, was a veteran of the World War ; Rev. Ludwig, who is pastor of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church ; Aloysius, lives at Elyria; Mary, married Jerry Grdina, lives at Cleveland ; Leo Bernard, the subject of this sketch ; John, attends St. Louis University ; Victor, attends Our Lady of the Lake Seminary, Cleveland ; and Patrick, lives at Lorain. The first four named are residents of Lorain. Leo Bernard Virant attended the parochial schools of Lorain and attended St. Mary's High School. He also was graduated from Dayton Preparatory School in 1921, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Dayton University in 1925. Mr. Virant then took up the study of law at Western Reserve University, Cleveland, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1929. Since his admittance to the Ohio bar, Mr. Virant has engaged in the practice of law at Lorain, and has offices at 720 Broadway. Politically, Mr. Virant is a Democrat, and in 1929, he was elected as a member of the city council from the Sixth Ward. He is identified with 1278 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO the Lorain County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and Lorain Lawyers Nisi Prius Club. He is a member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, and belongs to the Eagles Lodge, and Lorain Yacht Club. During his college career Mr. Virant took a prominent part in athletics and in 1924 was captain of the varsity football team at Dayton University. He is a second lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps. Albert Greulich, Jr. As city prosecutor of Lorain, Albert Greulich is widely and favorably known throughout Lorain County, where he has always lived. He was born in this city, May 26, 1899, the son of Albert and Jennie M. (Vason) Greulich. Albert Greulich was born at Toledo, Ohio, and his wife is a native of Albany, Ga. He spent his early life on a farm and came to Lorain in 1896, where he spent several years in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Docks. Later, he was employed in a clerical capacity in the Sam Klein Clothing Store, and for a time conducted a business of his own. Mr. Greulich is now identified with the Ohio State Reformatory at Mansfield as postmaster. He is a Democrat and has been a member of the Lorain County Democratic Executive Committee. He has also been identified with the Lorain County Liquor Commission and in 1920 was in charge of the Lorain County census enumeration. He also served for 11 years as a member of the Lorain County election board, and has been identified with the Ohio State Oil Commission. To Mr. and Mrs. Greulich only one child was born, Albert, Jr., the subject of this sketch. Albert Greulich, Jr., attended the public schools of Lorain and attended Lorain High School and was graduated from the Cleveland Preparatory School. He served in a capacity of time keeper for the MoranoBurkham Construction Company, of Lorain, during 1917-18. In 1919 he spent six months at Tallahasee, Fla, and later in that year was identified with the Davey Tree Surgery at Kent, Ohio. Mr. Greulich subsequently studied law at the Cleveland Law School and also attended Ohio University. He received the degree of LL. B. from the former institution in 1927, and was admitted to the Ohio bar in January, 1928. Mr. Greulich was associated in practice in this city with Judge W. P. Duffy and William Hurley until the time of his appointment as city prosecutor on Jan. 1, 1930. On Aug. 15, 1921, Mr. Greulich was united in marriage with Miss Icyl Faye Dixson, the daughter of John and Elsie Dixson, of Harrisville, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Greulich have three children : Caroline Jane, born Aug. 17, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1279 1922; Albert III, born Feb. 28, 1924 ; and Rosemary, born Aug. 23, 1929. Mr. Greulich is a Democrat and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Black River Lodge, No. 680, Loyal Order of Moose, and Lorain Yacht Club. He is identified with the Lorain County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association and Lorain Lawyers Nisi Prius Club. George L. Smith is a veteran of the World War and a successful young business man of Lorain, where he is secretary and treasurer of the American Crucible Products Company. He was born at Bucyrus, Ohio, Feb. 25, 1897, the son of John S. and Daisy (Kramer) Smith. John S. Smith was born at New Winchester, Ohio, and his wife is a native of Bucyrus. As a young man he became identified with the Ohio Fuel Gas Utilities Company, with whom he has been associated throughout his entire career. He is now manager of the Ashland district, where he resides. Mr. Smith is a Republican, a member of St. John's German Reformed Church, and belongs to the Elk and Eagle lodges. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two sons : George L., the subject of this sketch ; and Paul, who lives in Lorain. George L. Smith obtained his education in the public schools of Bucyrus, Willard and Plymouth, being graduated from Plymouth High School in 1915. He then entered the employ of the Logan Gas Company, and traveled throughout Ohio for the company in the installation of industrial furnaces. For a time he was connected with the company's offices in Elyria. In 1918 Mr. Smith volunteered for service in the World War and was sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio, later being transferred to Camp Johnston, Jacksonville, Fla., where he attended an officers training school. For a time he was stationed at Camp Knox, Ky., with an engineering corps, and was discharged from the service in March, 1919, with the rank of quartermaster sergeant, senior grade. Mr. Smith resumed his former employment with the Logan Gas Company in their Lorain offices, and after a short time became cashier. In June, 1920, he entered the employ of the American Crucible Products Company as a bookkeeper in their Elyria offices. He was elected secretary and treasurer of the company in 1925, and was also appointed general manager. The plant and business was removed to Lorain in August, 1926. On Oct. 26, 1928, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Mary Louise Barres, the daughter of Casper and Louise Barres, of Elyria. He is also connected with the American Crucible Products Company. Mr. Smith is affiliated with Lorain Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 552 ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1301; and is a Republican in politics. 1280 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Thomas N. Cook. As secretary and treasurer of the Colson Company, Mr. Cook is representative of the successful business man of Elyria. He was born at Akron, Ohio, Dec. 18, 1878, the son of Joseph and Mary P. (Norton) Cook. Joseph Cook was born in London, England, and was a child of two years when his parents came to the United States and settled in Ohio. He became a potter and followed his trade for a number of years at East Liverpool. Later, he engaged in the manufacture of earthenware and pottery of Akron, Ohio. During the Civil War Mr. Cook volunteered for service and saw active duty throughout the war period. He was living retired in Akron at the time of his death in 1916. His wife, a native of Akron, died in 1920. Mr. Cook was a Republican in politics and served as a member of the Akron school board. He was a member of the Methodist Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge and Grand Army of the Republic. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cook: Mrs. C. 0. Trulson, lives at Cleveland; Thomas N., the subject of this sketch ; Mary, lives at Akron ; Martha, married M. Schumacher, lives at Akron; George W., lives at Akron ; and Mrs. Celia Oburn, lives at Akron. The boyhood of Thomas N. Cook was spent in Akron, where he attended the public schools. He attended Hamels Business College. Mr. Cook spent six years as secretary of the Akron China Company, and later went to Cleveland, where he became well known as an importer of decorated china. After five years he went to Nevada as a gold prospector, but returned to Akron after one year and entered the sales accounting department of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. In 1911 Mr. Cook came to Elyria, where he has since been identified with the Colson Company. He has served in his present capacity as secretary and treasurer since 1915. He also has numerous other business interests in the city, being a director of the Elyria Savings & Trust Company, president and treasurer of Telkor, Inc., director of the Ridge Hill Memorial Development Company, president of the Spring Valley Land Company, trustee of the Spring Valley Country Club, president and treasurer of the Cherry Ridge, Inc., and a trustee and member of executive committee of the Elyria Memorial Hospital. In September, 1910, Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Miss Helen W. Barnes, of Cleveland, the daughter of William N. and Harriet W. (Winton) Barnes, of Cleveland, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have a daughter, Helen W., born March 2, 1915. She is a member of the class of 1932, Elyria High School. Mr. Cook has been a member of the Elyria School Board since 1922 and has served for two years as president. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Rotary Club. Politically, he is a Republican. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1281 Ralph Wise Zinsmeister is numbered among Lorain's well known citizens, where he holds the office of city clerk and deputy auditor. He was born in Whitley County, Ind., Nov. 22, 1891, the son of John and Rosilla (Wise) Zinsmeister. John Zinsmeister, deceased, was for many years a well known resident of Lorain. Both he and his wife were born in Whitley County, Ind., and spent their early lives on a farm. They removed to Lorain in 1893 and Mr. Zinsmeister successfully engaged in the retail meat business in this city for a period of five years. He became a member of the city police force in 1898 and at the time of his retirement in 1918 was serving as desk sergeant. He died in 1923 and is buried at Lorain. His widow lives in this city. Mr. Zinsmeister was a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. There were four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Zinsmeister: H. J.; Lena, married Charles Motter ; Grace, a teacher; and Ralph Wise, the subject of this sketch. All live in Lorain. After his graduation from Lorain High School in 1910, Ralph Wise Zinsmeister entered the offices of the National Tube Company in a clerical capacity. From 1919 until 1925 he was a member of the Lorain Fire Department, attached to station No. 2, and in the latter year was appointed manager of the Atlantic & Pacific stores in Lorain. He has served as city clerk and deputy auditor since 1928. In 1914 Mr. Zinsmeister married Miss Madeline Devlin, the daughter of John and Martha Devlin, natives of Pennsylvania, now living at Lorain. To Mr. and Mrs. Zinsmeister have been born three children : Robert, Doris, and Geraldine. Mr. Zinsmeister is a Republican and is a member of the Republican central committee. He belongs to the Methodist Church and is past chancellor of Woodland Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and at present vice chancellor. He also belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose, No. 376. Theodore Walker. As chief of police in the city of Lorain, Mr. Walker has a wide acquaintance throughout Lorain County. He was born in Middlebury Township, Knox County, Ohio, April 17, 1875, the son of Alexander and Marguerite (Gault) Walker. Alexander Walker was a native of Washington County, Pa., and his wife was born in Muskingum County, Ohio. He engaged in general farming for many years near New Concord, Muskingum County, and later operated a farm in Middlebury Township, Knox County. Mr. Walker was a Republican and held the office of road supervisor. He and his wife 1282 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO were members of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1904 and she died in 1883. Both are buried at Fredericktown, Ohio. Their children were: Ella, deceased, was the wife of Thomas Ryan ; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of H. F. Crane ; Ora, deceased; Carrie, deceased; James C., lives at Royal Oak, Mich.; Edwin S., who died in 1930, was principal of Garfield School, Lorain ; Hettie, the widow of E. L. Ewers, lives at Toledo, Ohio ; and Theodore, the subject of this sketch. Theodore Walker grew up on his father's farm and attended the district schools of Knox County. He owned and operated a farm in Washington Township, Richland County, just south of the city of Mansfield, and later returned to Knox County. In 1905 Mr. Walker came to Lorain, where he followed his trade as a carpenter until October, 1908. At that time he was appointed as a member of the city police force. He subsequently was promoted to sergeant and later became lieutenant. On Jan. 1, 1922, Mr. Walker became chief of police, and has since held that responsible office. In 1898 Mr. Walker was united in marriage with Miss Zona Steel, the daughter of Edwin and Mary Steel, of Ohio. The former is deceased and the latter lives at Bellville. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of three sons : Fred C., a World War veteran, is a member of the police force of Cleveland ; Howard C., lives at Lorain ; and Theodore C., a student. Politically, Mr. Walker is a Republican. He is a member of B. P. 0. Elks No. 1301, and belongs to the Ohio Police Chiefs Association, and the Lorain County Game Association. Charles R. Meek, M. D., a capable physician and surgeon of Lorain, who is engaged in the practice of his profession with offices in the Broadway Building, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born near Holbrook, Green County, Feb. 13, 1887, the son of Cephas Jackson and N. Jane (Loar) Meek. Cephas Jackson Meek spent his entire life as a farmer in Greene County, Pa., being widely known as a dairy farmer. He died in 1925 and is buried at Rogersville, Pa. His widow lives at Waynesburg, Pa. Mr. Meek was a Democrat, a member of the Baptist Church, and belonged to the Grange. There were four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Meek: Velma, married Leslie Carpenter, lives in Greene County ; Charles R., the subject of this sketch ; James Loar, merchant, lives at San Diego, Calif.; and Hildred, married Ross Stewart, lives at Lorain. Cephas J. Meek was the son of James and Mary (Smith) Meek, who were natives of Greene County. James Meek was the son of John Meek, a native of Scotland and one of the earliest settlers of Pennsylvania. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1283 The early education of Charles R. Meek was received in Fairfield School, Jackson Township, Greene County. He was a teacher for several years in Aleppo and Jackson townships, and Waynesburg, Greene County, and subsequently attended Waynesburg Academy and Waynesburg College. He was employed as a clerk in the offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Pitcairn, Pa., and later took up the study of medicine at Starling-Ohio Medical College, now the College of Medicine, Ohio State University. He served as an interne at Mt. Carmel Hospital, Columbus, during the summer of 1912 and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1913. At that time Doctor Meek came to Lorain as surgeon for the National Tube Company, and in that year was also appointed chief medical supervisor of the Lorain public schools, in which capacity he served until 1919. He has engaged in private practice in this city since 1914, and was health commissioner during 1918-19. Doctor Meek is a member of the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorain, and is a prominent member of the Lorain County Medical Society, having held the offices of president, secretary, and treasurer, and a member of the American Medical Association. Doctor Meek was married in 1913 to Miss Nettie Waychoff, the daughter of Prof. Andrew Jackson and Cemantha (Mundell) Waychoff, of Waynesburg, Pa. Mr. Waychoff, deceased, was a professor of science at Waynesburg College. His widow still lives at Waynesburg. Doctor and Mrs. Meek have two children, Charles Jackson, and Cemantha Jane. In politics Doctor Meek is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Methodist Church and has the following lodge affiliations : Lorain Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 552 ; Mystic Chapter, R. A. M., No. 107 ; Lorain Council, R. and S. M. M., No. 103 ; Lorain Commandery, K. T.; Al Koran Temple ; Knights of Pythias, Woodland Lodge ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1301; F. 0. Eagles, Aerie No. 343 ; and Lorain Yacht Club. Henry F. Alexander. A brilliant record of achievement and attainment is contained in the biography of Henry F. Alexander, who is city engineer of Lorain. He was born at Siglerville, Mifflin County, Pa., Nov. 2, 1872, the son of Eliphaz and Hannah (Swarm) Alexander. Eliphaz Alexander was of Scotch-Irish descent, tracing his descent from the same ancestry as Corn. Perry of the battle of Lake Erie fame. He was born in Mifflin County, Pa., and as a young man enlisted for service in the Civil War and served with the 131st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged with the rank of first sergeant and resumed his farming interests in Mifflin County, and later he moved to Clarion 1284 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO County, Pa., where he died in 1898. He is buried at Rimersburg. His widow was born in Clarion County, Pa., of Holland-German descent. She resides at Rimersburg. Mr. Alexander was a Democrat in politics and held numerous public offices. He was a member of the Methodist Church and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander : Henry F., the subject of this sketch ; James Lawrence, lives at Braddock, Pa. ; and Effie Blanch, married Isaiah Divens, lives at Rimersburg. Henry F. Alexander is a graduate of Valparaiso University, having received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1900, and the degree of Bachelor of Civil Engineering at the same institution in 1910. His professional career began in 1900 when he became associated with the Crystal River Railroad at Redstone, Colo. He later went to Salt Lake City, Utah, and entered the employ of the Oregon Short Line Railroad, and was sent to southern Idaho with a corps, where they were making a preliminary survey between Bliss, Idaho, and Mountain Home, Idaho. In the spring of 1901 he went to Los Angeles, Calif., where he joined a bridge gang on the Southern Pacific Railroad and was sent to Salton Sea District, now Imperial Valley. After two months he returned to his home in Pennsylvania and in 1902 went to Buffalo, N. Y., where on July 7th he entered the employ of the Lackawanna Steel Company, and was assigned to the village construction department, remaining with them until April 4, 1903, during which time a town of 450 houses was built, also the necessary streets, sewers, water lines, etc. On April 16, 1903, Mr. Alexander entered the employ of the U. S. Engineering Department, Cleveland, Ohio, District, and remained in their employ until March 31, 1916. During the first few years he was stationed at the quarries at Johnson's Island, and Kelley's Island, Ohio, inspecting rock used in breakwater construction at Lake Erie ports. During this time he made a study of quarrying in detail, also a study of rocks, such as variation in weight, between the time they are quarried and when cured, or dried out, their ability to withstand action of frost, etc. From May, 1909, until March 31, 1916, he was in charge of breakwater construction and channel improvements at Lorain. During all these years he made a study of river and harbor improvements in detail, and in engineering circles was considered an authority on this subject and wrote several articles for engineering publications. On May 1, 1916, Mr. Alexander entered the employ of the National Tube Company, at Lorain, in the engineering department, in the capacity of an assistant engineer, in charge of field work. He remained in their employ until April 30, 1927, during which time he had charge of work ranging from building of a sewer to that of a benzol plant costing over HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1285 $1,600,000, a seamless pipe mill, change of a river course, 18 miles of standard gauge and narrow gauge railroad tracks, etc. The total cost of work done under his direction during this time was over $5,000,000. May 1, 1927, Mr. Alexander engaged with E. H. Arnold, village engineer, Rocky River, and was given charge of the construction of two miles of sanitary sewers, two miles of storm water sewers, and one and eight-tenth miles of city water lines, with curb connections for all three lines. The cost of this work was approximately $215,000. This work was completed Jan. 1, 1928. During 1928-29 he was in the employ of the Ohio State Highway Department on bridges and culvert construction during the summer season, and also had charge of the construction of two and one-half miles of highway in 1928. On Jan. 1, 1930, he became director of public service in Lorain, and was elected city engineer in 1931. In addition to his engineering experience, Mr. Alexander has made a study of municipal government for several years. During the years 192021-22 he was councilman in the city of Lorain. His experience as director of public service has been a valuable one as it includes so many different departments as city government. The following articles were written by Mr. Alexander: (1) "Methods of Weighing Stone on Barges and Scows"—published in January, 1909, edition of Engineering-Contracting. (2) "Variation in Weight of Stone"—published in Engineering-Contracting. (3) "The Building of Breakwaters at Lake Erie Ports"—published in November, 1911, issue of Engineering-Contracting. (4) "Improvements of Harbors and Public Works"—published in the Annual Report of Ohio Engineering Society for 1918. (5) "A Record Concrete Paving Job at Avon Lake Village, Ohio"—published in December, 1928, issue of Public Works. (6) "Navigation, Harbors, Etc."—an address given before local organizations on several different occasions. (7) "The Story of the Great Lakes"—an address. (8) "The City Beautiful"—an address. (9) "This Country of Ours"—an address. On Dec. 9, 1903, Mr. Alexander married Miss Ella Maud Brown, the daughter of John and Mary Brown, natives of Canada, both deceased. They have two daughters : 1. Alberta Isla, attended Miami University and Ohio State University, now Girl Scout Director in the Sharon (Pa.) district. 2. Margaret Lucille, attends the Cleveland School of Art. Mr. Alexander is a Republican in politics. He is affiliated with Lorain Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 552, Past Master; Mystic Chapter, R. A. M., No. 107; Lorain Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 103, Past Thrice Illustrious Mas- 1286 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ter. He is also identified with the Ohio Engineering Society, and the American Association of Engineers. John J. Baird. One of the substantial and well known citizens of Lorain is John J. Baird, who is president of the city council. He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, June 27, 1870, the son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Chalmers) Baird. Both Hugh Baird and his wife were natives of Scotland. They came to the United States in 1881 and settled at Shenandoah, Pa., where Mr. Baird was employed as a stationary engineer. Later the family lived at McKeesport, Pa. Mr. Baird died in 1918 and his wife died in 1929. Both are buried at McKeesport. He was a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Order of the Scottish Clan and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Baird : John J., the subject of this sketch ; Dr. William, deceased, was a prominent physician of McKeesport ; Archie, deceased ; Thomas C., who is cashier of the Peoples City Bank, McKeesport ; Catherine, Hugh, and James, all deceased ; Elizabeth, married Harold Bope, lives at Detroit, Mich. John J. Baird attended the public schools of Shenandoah, and as a young man was employed in the mines of Pennsylvania. He has been identified with the National Tube Company since 1898, at that time having entered their offices at McKeesport. He came to Lorain in 1905 as foreman of the shipping department and in 1929 was made sales agent of the slag department. In 1900 Mr. Baird was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Stein, the daughter of William and Sarah Stein, who were natives of Scotland and early settlers of Shenandoah, Pa. He was state mine inspector in Pennsylvania for many years and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Baird have two children : Sarah, married Erwin Humes, lives at Lorain ; and Hugh, who is a salesman with the National Tube Company, lives at St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Baird is a Republican and has served continuously as a member of the city council of Lorain since November, 1917, and as president of that body since 1927. He was a member of the electoral college in 1928, which elected President Herbert Hoover. Mr. Baird is also a member of the Lorain County Republican executive committee and is chairman of the Lorain County Republican central committee. Mr. Baird holds membership in the Presbyterian Church and belongs to Sheffield Lodge, F. and A. M. ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1301; F. 0. Eagles, Aerie No. 343 ; and Chamber of Commerce. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1287 The Lorain Telephone Company. The following predecessor companies were the nucleus of the present organization : The Black River Telephone Company ; The Amherst Home Telephone Company ; The Avon-Sheffield Telephone Company ; The Vermilion Telephone Company ; The Henrietta Rural Telephone Company ; The Riverside Telephone Company ; and The Lorain County Telephone Company. Of these companies the Black River Telephone Company had the distinction of being the second oldest independent telephone company organized in the United States. Lorain brains and capital entered the independent telephone field and made a success at a time when it was thought the telephone trust was invincible. In the year 1894 a number of Lorain business men organized and determined they could make a success of an independent telephone company in Lorain. They had little in the way of precedent to encourage them in the idea, as in all the United States only one other independent company existed. But with a sagacity and foresight of unusual depth and penetration these men saw their way clear to carry this project to a successful conclusion, and the later career of a number of these men in the financial world is proof of the ability they possessed. Indeed, it was no matter to be entered lightly into, this competition with a powerful trust, and the honor and credit for it is due to the following men : James B. Hoge, George Buell, E. M. Pierce, Judge C. G. Washburn, Harry Burrell, T. F. Daniels, and Thomas Gawn. Since the time these gentlemen organized and incorporated the Black River Telephone Company, the increase and number of independent telephone interests have been phenomenal everywhere in the country. In 1897 A. V. Hageman assumed the active management of the Black River Telephone Company, and was also elected to the office of treasurer, and since that time under his able and efficient administration, the prosperity and business of the company increased in rapid strides and kept pace at all times with Lorain's wonderful growth. In 1903 Herman E. Hageman became associated with the company. The present officers of the company are : A. V. Hageman, president ; Judge W. B. Thompson, vice president ; B. G. Nichols, secretary ; H. E. Hageman, treasurer and manager. The directors are the above officers and N. C. Alten, and P. C. Trinter. In 1917 the company installed one of the first automatic telephone plants in the state in Lorain. Later, a similar plant was installed at Amherst. Because of the excellent service rendered to its patrons, the Ohio Independent Telephone Association gave the first honor award to the Lorain Telephone Company in 1929. Eighty per cent of the wire mileage of the company in Lorain is under ground. At the present time 1288 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO the company has 93 1/2 miles of conduits in city streets and 19,175 miles of wire in the conduits with approximately 11,000 telephones on its system. Lorain today has the reputation of having the best telephone system in the United States. Much of this credit is due to 0. N. Mowery, the superintendent, who has been with the company since 1898. His construction work has held up remarkably well. Credit is also due to T. 0. Gilchrist, the wire chief, who has charge of all inside telephone equipment. Miss Nellie Beckett is chief operator of all exchanges. She is the first and only chief operator of the company. P. C. Trinter is cashier of the company, and the success of the company is due principally to the loyalty of all its employes. Joseph George Sanborn. Ohio, the state where the idea of building and loan associations first took root, has naturally produced a large number of the most prosperous organizations of its kind anywhere. One of them is the Wayne Building & Loan Company, Wooster, with which Joseph George Sanborn has been identified since its organization, March 30, 1899, as secretary. He was formerly a newspaper editor and publisher. A native son of Ohio, he was born on a farm in Holmes County, Nov. 8, 1847, and is of old English and American Colonial stock. The name has been spelled differently, the successive spellings in this branch of the family being Sanborn, Samborne, and lastly Sanborn. There is a record of Rev. Stephen Bachiler, who was born in southern England in 1560, who became a minister in the Church of England, but breaking away from the established church, came to America in 1632. His daughter, Anne, had married a Samborne, and her sons, Lieutenant John, William, and Stephen, accompanied their grandfather, Rev. Stephen Bachiler, to this country. Lt. John Samborne was the progenitor of the line from which Joseph George Sanborn is descended. John Samborne, who was born in 1620, married Mary Tuck. Their son, Nathaniel Sam-borne, was born Jan. 27, 1666, the tenth of their twelve children, and his son was Jacob, born May 7, 1711. He became the father of Jeremiah Sanborn, who married Betsy Beverly, and who served as a soldier during the Revolution. He was the father of Joseph Beverly Sanborn, born July 4, 1762. The latter married Molly Locke, and their son, Joseph Beverly Sanborn, was the father of Joseph George Sanborn, the subject of this sketch. Joseph Beverly Sanborn was born at Chichester, N. H., March 6, 1810. He was a deacon of the Congregational Church and a captain of infantry. He married Mary Jane Smith, who was born at Hampton, N. H., Sept. 16, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1289 1810. In 1833 they came to Ohio and settled in Holmes County. Later the family removed to Loudonville, Ashland County, where Joseph B. Sanborn was a farmer, school teacher and justice of the peace. He died in 1882. Their children were : George P., born in 1833, died in 1845 ; Susan Smith, born in 1835, died in 1894; Clarissa Jane, born in 1838, deceased ; Sarah Lewis, born in 1842, died in 1923; Joseph George, the subject of this sketch ; and Charles Locke, born in 1850, lives at Fostoria, Ohio. Joseph George Sanborn was reared in Loudonville and at the age of 16 years entered the shop of the Ashland Times to serve a three-year apprenticeship as a printer. He became foreman of the composing department and later advanced to the position of local editor of the newspaper, being identified with the publication for six years. In 1870, in partnership with Capt. A. S. McClure, he purchased the Wooster Republican. He continued in the newsaper business in Wooster for 15 years, and the general confidence inspired by his business ability caused him to be named frequently as administrator of estates and executor of wills. From 1885 until 1899, he devoted most of his time to the real estate and investment business. In 1899 Mr. Sanborn was active in the organization of the Wayne Building & Loan Company, and has been its first and only secretary, filling this executive and administrative office now for more than 30 years. This company has enjoyed a remarkable growth and has rendered a corresponding volume of important service to home owners and prospective home owners. The company now has resources of over $20,000,000. In his career as a business man and citizen, the outstanding fact has been confidence, and all who have had business relations with Mr. Sanborn have shared in a common feeling of implicit trust in both his word and deed. His aid has been withheld from no worthy cause and he has contributed freely of his own time and his means to every worthy social or civic project in the community within recent years. Mr. Sanborn has been an active member of the Bethany Baptist Church of Wooster for over 50 years and was treasurer of the Wooster Cemetery Association for 25 years. On Nov. 30, 1876, Mr. Sanborn married Miss Kate E. Day, who died Feb. 6, 1903. She was the daughter of Dr. Stephen F. Day, a pioneer physician and surgeon of Wooster, where Mrs. Sanborn was reared and educated. To Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn were born three children: Mary, married Rev. H. D. Allen, a minister of the Baptist Church ; Martha V., a graduate of the College of Wooster in the class of 1907, lives at home ; and Lloyd D., who is assistant secretary of the Wayne Building & Loan 1290 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Company, Wooster. He was born Oct. 5, 1887, educated in the public schools of Wooster, graduating from high school in 1905, and was a student at Wooster College in the class of 1909. He entered the service for the World War, Aug. 28, 1918, at Camp Taylor, Ky. He was in the 18th Regiment, Field Artillery Replacement Depot. He was appointed sergeant of his company in October, 1918, and was discharged Feb. 1, 1919, at Camp Sherman. Herman E. Hageman. Among the men of Lorain who have taken leading positions in the business life of North Central Ohio is Herman E. Hageman, who is treasurer and manager of the Lorain Telephone Company. He was born in Black River Township, Lorain County, Dec. 1, 1881, the son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Claus) Hageman. A complete sketch of Conrad Hageman appears elsewhere in this history. The early education of Herman E. Hageman was received in the district schools of Black River Township. After his graduation from Amherst High School in 1899, Mr. Hageman entered Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1903. His entire business career has been devoted to the interest and advancement of the telephone, Mr. Hageman having become identified with the Black River Telephone Company as a bookkeeper many years ago. He later served as assistant secretary, and at the time of the consolidation of the predecessor companies into the present Lorain Telephone Company, Mr. Hageman was elected treasurer and manager. He also has numerous other business interests in the city. In 1906 Mr. Hageman was united in marriage with Miss Clara L. Oldaker, the daughter of James and Jennie (Ingrahan) Oldaker, of Centerburg, Ohio. The former is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hageman have three children : 1. Marjorie Jane, a graduate of Lorain High School and Ohio Wesleyan University, now identified with the Lorain Telephone Company. She is president of the Girl Scouts of Lorain and belongs to Kappa Delta sorority. 2. James C., a graduate of Lorain High School, attends Ohio Wesleyan University. He is a member of Chi Phi fraternity. 3. Carolyn May, attends Lorain High School. Mr. Hageman has always been a Republican. He is a prominent member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Lorain and belongs to the University Club, Lorain Country Club, Lorain Banking Club, Chamber of Commerce, and is president of the Lorain Kiwanis Club. He is also a director of the Independent Telephone Association of Ohio. His lodge affiliations are : Lorain Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 552 ; Mystic Chapter, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1291 R. A. M., No. 170 ; Lorain Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 103 ; Lorain Cornmandery, K. T., No. 65 ; Valley of Cleveland Consistory, 32nd degree ; Al Koran Temple ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1301; and F. 0. Eagles, Aerie No. 343. Edwin G. Koethe, who has been identified with the Lorain Printing Company as president for more than 25 years, is numbered among the progressive and highly successful business men of Lorain County. He was born at LaCrosse, Wis., Sept. 11, 1877, the son of Guenther and Magdalene (Schott) Koethe. Guenther Koethe, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. Both he and his wife were natives of Germany and pioneer settlers of LaCrosse, Wis., where their marriage took place. He followed farming for several years and later owned and operated a large vinegar plant at LaCrosse. He saw active service throughout the Civil War with an outfit of Wisconsin volunteer infantry, and also had three brothers in the service : Louis, William, and Oscar Koethe. In later life Mr. Koethe operated a large farm near Salem, S. D. He died in 1907, and his wife died in 1903. Mr. Koethe was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. There were seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Koethe : Albert H., lives at Minneapolis, Minn. ; Emma, the widow of Eugene Wilhelm, lives at Caledonia, Minn. ; John Oscar, lives at Omaha, Neb. ; Edward G., the subject of this sketch ; Maude, married Louis Fox, lives at LaCrosse ; Charles, lives at St. Paul, Minn.; and Lillian, married L. G. Misch, lives at Cleveland. Edward G. Koethe received his education in the public schools of LaCrosse, and began his career as a printer in that city with the Republican-Leader Company. He was also identified with the W. J. Boycott Printing Company, LaCrosse, and for a time was employed by the Jones & Kroeger Printing Company at Winona, Minn. From there he went to Sioux City Tribune, and later with the Kimball & Storer Printing Company, of Minneapolis. During 1904 Mr. Koethe was a printer on the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and in January, 1905, came to Lorain with the Lorain Printing Company, of which he became owner in May, 1905. He has since served as president and general manager, and the plant of the Lorain Printing Company is considered one of the finest printing establishments to be found between Cleveland and Chicago. The company's business extends throughout North Central Ohio, and fifteen men are employed in the plant, which is located at 221 Fourth Street. In 1906 Mr. Koethe was united in marriage with Miss Anna Smith, the daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth Smith, natives of England. Mr. Smith 1292 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO lives at Lorain. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Koethe have a son, Urban, who is engaged in the bond and brokerage business at Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Koethe is a Republican in politics, and is active in the civic life of the city. He is affiliated with Lorain Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 552; Mystic Chapter, R. A. M., No. 170 ; Lorain Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 103 ; Lorain Commandery, K. T., No. 65 ; Al Koran Temple; Order of Eastern Star ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1301; and F. 0. Eagles, Aerie No. 343. He also belongs to the Lorain Chamber of Commerce. John L. Corts. One of the most progressive and successful business men of Lorain is John L. Corts, who has engaged in business in this city for the past 30 years, as president of the Corts Laundry Company, 111-21 East 20th Street. He was born in Ashland County, Sept. 6, 1851, the son of Lewis and Lydia (Long) Corts. Lewis Corts and his wife were natives of Pennsylvania, and were early settlers of Ashland County, Ohio. Mr. Corts engaged in general farming and stock raising and was the owner of a well improved farm of 80 acres. He died in 1856. His wife is also deceased. They are buried near Ashland. Mr. and Mrs. Corts, who were members of the Lutheran Church, had the following children: Alfred, Simon, Joseph, David, and five others, four boys and one girl, all deceased ; and John L., the subject of this sketch. John J. Corts acquired his education in the district schools of Ashland County and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. As a young man he went to Mansfield, where he learned the candy making trade while in the employ of Remy, Hedges & Walters, for three years. He then became interested in general farming in Stark County, Ohio, but after a short time returned to Ashland, where he spent 25 years as a marble cutter. Mr. Corts came to Lorain in 1900 and at that time organized the Corts Laundry Company, which was later incorporated. A dry cleaning establishment is also conducted by the company, whose service is modern and efficient in every respect. Approximately 25 people are employed in the plant. Mr. Corts married Miss Sadie Mcllvain, the daughter of Jefferson and Rebecca McIlvain, who were natives of Ohio, both now deceased. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Corts : Charles C., lives at Lorain; T. P.. who is vice president, treasurer, and general manager of the Corts Laundry Company ; and Pearl, deceased. Mr. Corts is a Republican, a prominent member of the United Brethren Church, and belongs to Lorain Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 552 ; Mystic HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1293 Chapter, R. A. M., No. 170; Lorain Council, R. and S. M. M., No. 103; and Knights of Pythias, Holman Lodge. He also belongs to the Central Business Men's Association. Dalton J. Boone. As superintendent of the public schools at Lorain, Dalton J. Boone is widely known in educational circles throughout Ohio. He was born at Winona, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1869, the son of Aaron and Phoebe Ann (Thomas) Boone. Aaron Boone was born in Reading, Pa., and spent his entire life as a farmer. He died in 1915 and his wife died in 1892. Their children were : Edgar Thomas ; Dalton J., the subject of this sketch ; Willis H. ; and Eva G. Dalton J. Boone received his early education in the public schools of Winona and is a graduate of Mt. Hope Academy, at Rogers, Ohio. He also received a degree from Mt. Union College at Alliance. He began his teaching career in the rural schools, and has been identified with the city school system of Lorain for a period of 31 years. On Aug. 19, 1909, Mr. Boone married Miss Isabel Goodrich, of Delhi, N. Y., the daughter of Jerome and Frances (Pease) Goodrich, both of whom were natives of Delaware County, N. Y. He died in 1924 and his wife died in 1927. Mr. and Mrs. Boone have a daughter, Dorothy Marie, who attends Wooster College. Politically, Mr. Boone is a Republican. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Kiwanis Club. Albert J. Kirchner, M. D. One of Lorain County's most prominent physicians and surgeons is Doctor Kirchner, of Lorain, who is a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, Feb. 26, 1899, the son of George J. and Amelia (Lux) Kirchner. George J. Kirchner, deceased, was a native of Germany. After his arrival in the United States he settled at Johnstown, Pa., and later came to Lorain, where he was one of the contractors in the erection of the Thomas L. Johnson Steel Company, now a plant of the National Tube Company. He continued in business in this city until his death in 1909. His widow, also born in Bavaria, Germany, lives in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner held membership in St. Joseph's Catholic Church. They had the following children : Nellie, married Frank F. Eiden, lives at Lorain ; George J., lives at Gary, Ind. ; Mary E., lives at Lorain ; Albert J., 1294 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO the subject of this sketch ; Carl E., lives at Lakewood ; Herman, and Robert, both deceased ; and Margaret, lives at Lorain. Albert J. Kirchner attended St. Joseph's parochial school and is a graduate of Lorain High School, class of 1915. He spent some time as a clerk in the Lorain offices of the U. S. Steel Company, and in 1918 enlisted for service in the World War. He was stationed with the U. S. Infantry at Fort Hayes, Columbus, and was discharged with the rank of corporal. He then entered the College of Arts, Ohio State University, and subsequently took up the study of medicine at that institution, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1926. During 1925-26 he served as interne at the Franklin County Sanitarium, and the following year was an interne at St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorain. He has engaged in general practice in this city since 1927, and has offices at 115 Fourth Street. On June 11, 1927, Doctor Kirchner was united in marriage with Miss Angela M. McGee, of Lorain, and they have a son, Albert J., Jr. Politically, Doctor Kirchner is a Republican. He holds membership in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Knights of St. John, F. 0. Eagles, Aerie No. 343, Woodmen of the World, and Alpha Mu Pi Omega fraternity. He is an active member of the Lorain County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. Joseph B. Conley, who is assistant general superintendent of the American Shipbuilding Company, is a well known and highly respected citizen of Lorain. He was born in Chicago, Ill., April 14, 1882, the son of Joseph P. and Bridget (Cunningham) Conley. Both Joseph P. Conley and his wife were natives of Ireland. During early life they emigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago. Mr. Conley spent many years on the Great Lakes as a sailor and at the time of his retirement was first mate. The original Conley home in Chicago was destroyed in the great fire and the family later lived in South Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Conley are deceased and are buried in Chicago. He was a Republican and a member of the Catholic Church. Their children were: Elizabeth, married John Connors, lives in Chicago ; John, lives in South Chicago ; Margaret, married John Wynn, lives in Chicago ; Patricia, deceased ; and Joseph B., the subject of this sketch. Joseph B. Conley was reared and educated in Chicago, and following his graduation from South Chicago High School in 1900 he entered the employ of the American Shipbuilding Company. He spent two years as deputy county clerk of Cook County, and was also deputy election com- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1295 missioner. He has continued in the employ of the American Shipbuilding Company practically his entire life, and has been located in Lorain for the company since 1919. He was promoted to his present responsible position as assistant general superintendent in 1928. Mr. Conley was married in 1905 to Miss Lena Shaper, the daughter of Henry and Louise Shaper, who were natives of Germany. Both are deceased and are buried in Chicago. Mr. Shaper spent many years as a successful farmer in Nebraska and was the owner of over 500 acres of land. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Conley: 1. Joseph W., who is district supervisor of the Prudential Life Insurance Company, Cleveland. He married Miss Helen Walsh, and they have a son, Jerry. 2. Elizabeth, married Maynard Schnitzler, lives at Lorain. 3. Patricia, twin sister of Elizabeth. She married Clarence Jenkins, and they have two sons, Clarence and Harold. They live at Elyria. 4. Edward, a student. Mr. Conley belongs to B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1301; Loyal Order of Moose, No. 376; F. 0. Eagles, Aerie No. 343; and Lorain Yacht Club. Politically, he is independent. Capt. Ray Cornwall. A substantial and widely known citizen of Lorain County is Captain Cornwall, who is manager of the Great Lakes Towing Company, at Lorain. He was born at Port Huron, Mich., Jan. 22, 1885, the son of Capt. John E. and Catherine (Yokum) Cornwall. Capt. John E. Cornwall, deceased, was a native of Michigan, and his wife was born in Ontario, Canada. He worked on the Great Lakes from the age of 13 years and became master of large vessels. He was also in charge of a large tug line in Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Cornwall died in 1916 and his wife died in 1926. Both are buried at Toledo. He was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Shipmasters Association. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cornwall: Lettie, married Franklin P. Burtch, lives at Detroit, Mich. ; Louise, married Fred Charters, lives at Lorain ; Capt. Alton W., deceased, was manager of the Great Lakes Towing Company, at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. ; Sue, married William Falke, lives at Toledo ; Lalia, deceased ; and Ray, the subject of this sketch. Ray Cornwall spent his early life at Port Huron, Ohio, and after his graduation from Port Huron High School he worked on the Steamer Leland as a watchman. In 1906 he received his papers as a second mate, and two years later became first mate: In 1909 he entered the employ of the Great Lakes Towing Company as bookkeeper in their Toledo offices, and the following year was awarded his papers as a master. During his career he has been in charge of the following tugs for this company : 1296 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO "A. W. Colton," "Ohio," "Louisiana," and "Florida." In 1929 Captain Cornwall was appointed as manager of the Lorain, Sandusky and Huron ports for the Great Lakes Towing Company, with headquarters in Lorain. He is former vice president of the Shipmasters Association. In 1911 Captain Cornwall was united in marriage with Miss Florence May McLane, the daughter of Richland M. McLane, a native of Ireland, now deceased. He is buried in Toledo, Ohio. To Captain and Mrs. Cornwall was born a son, John. Captain Cornwall is a Republican in politics, holds membership in the Congregational Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge and Chamber of Commerce. Hon. A. R. Webber, judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Lorain County, was born in Hinckley Township, Medina County, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1852, the son of George E. and Jane Webber, "New Englanders." Judge Webber graduated from Baldwin University, Berea, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He settled in Elyria and engaged in the practice of law. He was twice prosecuting attorney. Later he was elected to the Common Pleas bench in 1901. Three years later, while serving on the bench, he was sent to Congress for three and one-half years, where he introduced the first prohibition bill ever offered in that body, to make the District of Columbia dry. He secured over 2,000 temperance citizens of the city to march to the Capitol the day it was heard before the committee. While the measure was outvoted in the District Committee, it caused bills to be offered each term thereafter, of like character, until the Shepard bill became the law. He also introduced a bill to repeal all legislation by which the Government was receiving revenue for permitting the sale of intoxicants throughout the nation. These bills were the beginning of the movement that resulted in the adoption of the Eighteenth Amendment. When he reached 70, he was again elected Common Pleas judge, for the term of six years, and at 76, was reelected for another term of like tenure, and is still going strong, in his eightieth year, and will be 83 if he lives out his term. He is the author of the "Biography of John Baldwin" and a book entitled "The Early History of Elyria and Her People." He is and has been vice president of the Board of Trustees of Baldwin Wallace College for more than 20 years. He has been chairman of the Elyria Red Cross Chapter for many years and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Oberlin School of Commerce for over 30 years. He has been delivering HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1297 addresses for 50 years over the state, on subjects affecting the common weal. He has one child living, Lawrence H. Webber, an attorney, who has been twice city solicitor of Elyria and twice prosecuting attorney of Lorain County, and was unanimously elected governor of the 72 Rotarian Clubs of Northern Ohio. Judge Webber has always been a Republican and is a charter member of the Church of Christ, now having a membership of about 1,000. He is and has been president of the Lorain County Dry Federation for over 20 years. Olaf Laerum Bernhardt is an enterprising and successful business man of Lorain, where he is president of the Lorain Lead and Paint Company, 515 Broadway. He was born at Christiania, now Oslo, Norway, Oct. 12, 1872, the son of Anders and Mary Laerum. Anders Laerum spent his entire life in Norway and is now deceased. He at one time was the proprietor of four estates. He also was interested in the transportation business at Oslo, and was living retired at Sarpsborg, Norway, at the time of his death. He and his wife held membership in the Lutheran Church. In accordance with an ancient custom in Norway, children may adopt for their surname that of the estate of their birth. It was thus that Olaf Laerum, the subject of this sketch, adopted the name of Bernhardt. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Laerum: Conrad, Carl, and Christian, all deceased ; Johan, lives at North Peninsula, Mich ; Hans, lives in Minnesota ; Christopher, lives in Minnesota ; Josephine and Torvold, both deceased ; Cora and Karen, live in Norway ; Olaf, the subject of this sketch ; Anna, Ludvig, and Frederike Sarpsborg, all live in Norway ; and Martha, deceased. At the age of 12 years Olaf Laerum Bernhardt came to the United States with his brothers and settled at Minneapolis, Minn. He attended the Augsborg Lutheran Seminary. In 1888 Mr. Bernhardt went to Indianapolis, Ind., where he successfully engaged in business as a painting contractor until 1901. In that year he located in Lorain and established Bernhardt's Sign Shop, at Broadway and Sixth streets. It was in 1913 that Mr. Bernhardt organized the Lorain Lead and Paint Company, of which he has since served as president and general manager. They are widely known as manufacturers of the "L-0 Brand" paints. In 1898 Mr. Bernhardt was united in marriage with Miss Otta Pearl Sciscoe, the daughter of Willard P. and Catherine Sciscoe, natives of Indiana. Mr. Sciscoe lives at Lorain. His wife is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Bernhardt were born two daughters : Mabel Blanche, married Eric 1298 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Graupner, lives near Los Angeles ; and Daisy Pearl, married Lester Sinclair, lives at Lorain. They have a daughter, Willa Jean. Mr. Bernhardt is affiliated with B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1301; Loyal Order of Moose, No. 376; and Maccabees. He is a Republican and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. James F. Colgan is a veteran of the World War and a successful young business man of Lorain, where he is identified with the Colgan Motor Sales Company, 1803 Broadway. He was born in Cleveland, Aug. 8, 1892, the son of Christopher W. and Bridget C. (O'Mahra) Colgan. Christopher W. Colgan was born at Elyria, Ohio, where he now lives retired. He was a metal polisher by trade, but later successfully conducted a grocery business in Cleveland. Upon his return to Elyria in 1898 he engaged in business there and in 1922 he sold out to enter the automobile business with his son at Lorain. For many years Mr. Colgan was the owner of a 35-acre fruit farm near Elyria, and was also interested in the raising of poultry. He is a Republican, a member of the Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, and Eagles Lodge. His wife is a native of Ireland. Their children are : 1. James F., the subject of this sketch. 2. Christopher W., Jr., who is general manager of the Detroit Screw Company, is a veteran of the World War, having served as an ensign in the U. S. Navy. He married Miss Isabel Dollard and they have a son, Theodore, born in 1924. 3. Eugene C., a graduate of Leland Stanford University, and also attended the University of Southern California, is now state manager for the General Motors Acceptance Corporation at Phoenix, Ariz. He is a veteran of the World War, having served in the U. S. Navy. He married Miss Margaret Miller of Elyria. While a college student Mr. Colgan took an active part in athletics and was a running mate of the famous Charlie Paddock. 4. Raymond C., who died in 1910. 5. Philip E., who is identified with the Colgan Motor Sales Company, lives at home. 6. Helen L., married Ferguson C. Swank, lives at Johnstown, Pa. James F. Colgan was six years of age when his parents removed from Cleveland to Elyria. After his graduation from Elyria High School in 1911 he attended Elyria Business College and for a time was employed as a bookkeeper by the Fay Stocking Company. He later was identified with the Elyria Buick Company, after which he went to Los Angeles, Calif., as bookkeeper for the Western Hardwood Lumber Company, in whose employ he remained for almost two years. Upon his return to Ohio in 1918 Mr. Colgan enlisted for service during the World War and was sent to Camp HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1299 Sherman, Ohio, where he was attached to the Third Company, First Training Batallion, 158 Depot Brigade, as first sergeant. After his discharge in May, 1919, Mr. Colgan resumed his former employment as a salesman with the Elyria Buick Company, but in 1920 became identified with the Studebaker Corporation as a salesman in the Elyria district. He was given the Studebaker agency in Lorain in April, 1922, his original location being 1797 Broadway. In 1924 the agency was removed to the present location, where attractive sales rooms and first-class garage service are located. Since 1926 Mr. Colgan has also had the local agency for the Packard Motor Car and the International Truck. There are over 700 Studebaker cars in Lorain today, as compared with a total of three of that particular make in 1922. Colgan Motor Sales Company have also sold 90 Packard cars in this territory, as well as 1,600 used automobiles. The company's territory includes all of Lorain County, with the exception of the city of Elyria. In 1920 Mr. Colgan was united in marriage with Miss Kathryn C. Keister, of Elyria, the daughter of Frederick A. and Kathryn (Parsh) Keister. The former lives at Elyria. The latter died in 1929 and is buried in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Elyria. Mr. and Mrs. Colgan have a daughter, Lois Ann, born Oct. 10, 1925. Politically, Mr. Colgan is independent. He holds membership in St. Mary's Catholic Church and belongs to B. P. 0. Elks, Knights of Columbus, Eagles Lodge, American Legion, Rotary Club, and Lorain Country Club. He is a director of the Chamber of Commerce, secretary of the Interclub Council, president of the Lorain Automobile Dealers Association, director of the Lorain Automobile Club, director of the Good Will Industries, director of the Lorain Industrial Development Bureau, and a member of the Central Business Men's Association and National Automobile Dealers Association. D. L. Zaworski, M. D. Prominent in medical circles throughout North Central Ohio, Doctor Zaworski has a well established practice in Lorain, with offices at 1941 Broadway. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Aug. 17, 1900, the son of Michael and Eva (Kwiatkowski) Zaworski. Both Michael Zaworski and his wife were born in Germany. In early life they emigrated to the United States with their parents, their marriage later taking place in Cleveland. Mr. Zaworski spent 30 years in the employ of the American Steel & Wire Company, and was living retired at the time of his death in 1913. His widow still lives in Cleveland. He was a Democrat and held membership in the Catholic Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Zaworski : Edmund K., M. D.,