(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 1300 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO engaged in practice at Cleveland, during the World War was examining physician in district No. 10; Max and John, both deceased ; D. L., the subject of this sketch ; Louis, lives at Cleveland ; Mary, married Joseph Krajewski, lives at Cleveland ; and Minnie, married Fred Woodrick, lives at Independence, Ohio. The boyhood of D. L. Zaworski was spent in Cleveland and he attended the public schools, being graduated from South High School in 1919. He spent three years at Western Reserve University, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the Eclectic Medical College, in 1927. He served as interne in St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorain, and in 1928 established his private practice in this city. He is identified with the Lorain County, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations, and is a member of the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital. In 1928 Doctor Zaworski was united in marriage with Vera Lauer, the daughter of William and Mary (Noack) Lauer, natives of Germany and Ohio respectively. Mr. Lauer is deceased and his widow lives in Cleveland. To Doctor and Mrs. Zaworski have been born two children, Donald and Joan Marie. Doctor and Mrs. Zaworski are members of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, and he belongs to Tau Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and the Lorain Country Club. They live at 1611 East Erie Avenue. Isadore Leonard Levin, M. D. Ranking among the successful young physicians and surgeons of Lorain County is Doctor Levin, of Lorain, who has offices at 606 Broadway. He was born in Philadelphia, Feb. 28, 1901, the son of Morris and Mina (Kaufman) Levin. Morris Levin was born in Russia and his wife is a native of Austria. He emigrated to this country in 1882 and settled in Philadelphia, where he was associated with the government printing office until 1908. He then came to Lorain and engaged in the general mercantile business in this city until the time of his death in 1918. His widow lives in Lorain. Mr. Levin was a Democrat and belonged to the Eagles Lodge and Woodmen of the World. To Mr. and Mrs. Levin were born the following children: Albert, lives at Lorain ; Isadore Leonard, the subject of this sketch ; Jacob, lives at Lorain ; Wilbert, lives at Erie, Pa. ; Frank, Arnold, Gertrude and Robert, all students. The early education of Doctor Levin was received in the public schools of Lorain. After his graduation from Lorain High School in 1919 he entered Harvard University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1923. He then entered the College of Medicine, University HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1301 of Maryland, and in 1926 received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. His interneship was spent at Mercy Hospital, Baltimore, Md., and during 1927-28 he was resident physician at Sydenham Hospital in Baltimore. He returned to Lorain in 1928 to establish his present practice. Doctor Levin is a member of the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorain, and identified with the Lorain County, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations. Doctor Levin is affiliated with Lorain Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 552 ; Lorain Lodge, No. 863, B'nai Brith ; F. 0. Eagles, Aerie No. 343 ; Phi Alpha fraternity ; Montgomery Club of Baltimore ; and Harvard Club of Cleveland. He is independent in politics. George P. Bretz is an enterprising citizen of Lorain and a representative of the successful type of business man of the community, having engaged in business in this city for the past 32 years as proprietor of the Bretz Book and Music Store, 325-27 Broadway. He was born at Bretzville, Ind., in November, 1865, the son of Philip and Mary (Decker) Bretz. Philip Bretz was born in Germany and as a boy came to this country with his parents and settled on a farm in Indiana. His five brothers also settled in the same community and became prosperous farmers of Bretzville, which was named in honor of this pioneer family. Philip Bretz died in 1876 and his wife, also a native of Germany, died in 1923. Both are buried in Indiana. They were members of the German Evangelical Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Bretz were born six children : 1. Rev. W. L., who served as pastor of St. John's Evangelical Church, Lorain, from 1898 until 1915. He is now executive secretary of the Mission Board of the Evangelical Synod of America, and lives in Columbus. 2. George P., the subject of this sketch. 3. Rev. Daniel J., who is pastor of the Bethlehem Church at Evansville, Ind. 4. Mrs. Anna Limp, lives near Cumberland, Ind. 5. Mrs. Julia Scheldmeier, lives at Indianapolis, Ind. 6. Mrs. Margaret Thorman, lives at Indianapolis, Ind. George P. Bretz attended the district schools, and was forced to leave school at the age of 15 years to take charge of his mother's farm following the death of his father. At the age of 21 years he entered Elmhurst College, where he spent three years. He then taught school at Detroit, Mich., Houston, Texas, and later engaged in the newspaper business in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For a time Mr. Bretz was also located at Sioux Falls, S. D., where he was the publisher of a German weekly newspaper. He has been a resident of Lorain since 1899, and during these years has been interested in the book and music business which is conducted under his 1302 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO name. His business has been located on Broadway since 1899, and is the only establishment of its type in the city. Mr. Bretz carries a complete line of books, office supplies, and office furniture, as well as pianos and all other types of musical instruments and sheet music. Early in March, 1931, a disastrous fire occurred next door to his place of business which, with the water used to extinguish the fire, caused a heavy loss to Mr. Bretz. Within a few hours he had opened temporarily at No. 30 East Erie Avenue and as soon as the building at 325-327 Broadway could be repaired, he opened there larger and better than ever. In 1911 Mr. Bretz married Miss Rosa A. Franke, of Detroit, Mich., who died the following year. She is buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain. Politically, Mr. Bretz is a Democrat, and he was elected a member of the city council in November, 1929. He is one of the oldest residents of Eighth Street, having erected a fine home there in 1910. J. C. Standen. One of Lorain's most prominent lawyers and able citizens is Mr. Standen, who has held numerous public offices in the city. He was born at Sheffield, Lorain County, Nov. 5, 1885, the son of John and Carrie (Eno) Standen. John Standen, deceased, was a native of Lorain. He spent most of his life on a farm near Sheffield, and obtained his education in the district schools. Politically, he was a Republican, and he held membership in the Methodist Church. Mr. Standen died in 1926 and his wife died in 1912. Both are buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain. Their children were: Mrs. Addie Miller, lives at Dover Center, Ohio ; Mrs. Nellie Sanford, lives at Lorain ; J. C., the subject of this sketch. As a boy, J. C. Standen attended the schools of Sheffield. He is a graduate of Lorain High School and for several years engaged in business in this city as the proprietor of a cigar store. In 1916 he became interested in the real estate and insurance business. From 1914 until 1917 Mr. Standen held the office of township treasurer, and from 1918 until 1921 was city treasurer. He served as city auditor from 1922 until 1927, and during 1928-29 was mayor of Lorain. During these years Mr. Standen had taken up the study of law, and in February, 1930, was admitted to the Ohio bar. He has since engaged in the private practice of law with offices in the Broadway Building. In 1911 Mr. Standen was united in marriage with Miss Netta E. Fowl, of Elyria, the daughter of Charles and Anna (Trinter) Fowl. Mr. Fowl, who was born near Elyria, lives at Lorain. His wife, a native of Germany, died in 1922, and is buried in Elyria. Mr. and Mrs. Standen are the parents HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1303 of two children: Dorothy F., born Jan. 25, 1913, a graduate of Lorain High School, attends Ohio Wesleyan University ; and Charles R., born in May, 1917, attends Lorain High School. Politically, Mr. Standen is a Republican. He holds membership in the Methodist Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, Elks Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Eagles Lodge, and Lorain Country Club. Basil Dziama, attorney, with offices in the Broadway Building, Lorain, is well and favorably known throughout Lorain County. He was born at Olyphant, Pa., Jan. 15, 1897, the son of Gregory and Helen (Knapp) Dziama. Gregory Dziama was born in Austria, as was also his wife. At the age of 16 years he came to the United States and settled at Passaic, N. J. After a short time he removed to Olyphant, Pa., where he was employed in the coal mines until his retirement in 1924. Both he and his wife are members of the Russian Orthodox Church, and he is a Republican in politics. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dziama : 1. Michael, lives at Cleveland. 2. Basil, the subject of this sketch. 3. Anna Demian, lives at Johnstown, Pa. 4. John, lives at Olyphant. 5. Stephen, lives at Lorain. 6. Nellie Julia, lives at Olyphant. 7. Elmer. 8. Peter. 9. Nicholas. 10. Alexander. All live at Olyphant. Basil Dziama attended the public schools of Olyphant, and after his graduation from high school in 1913, he entered a theological seminary at Tenafly, N. J., from which he was graduated in 1917 as a minister of the Russian Orthodox Church. In the meantime he had taken up the study Pa., and was then transferred to Manville, N. J. Later he was located at Dixonville, Pa., and in 1923 came to Lorain as pastor of SS. Peter & Paul Russian Orothodox Church. In the meantime he had taken up the study of law at the Cleveland Law School and in June, 1929, received the degree of LL. B., being admitted to the bar, however, on Jan. 6 of that year. He engaged in practice in this city after his graduation and on Jan. 1, 1930, resigned his pastorate. On April 27, 1917, Mr. Dziama was united in marriage with Miss Anna Lasichok, of Jermyn, Pa., the daughter of George and Anna (Dino) Lasichok. They are natives of Austria, and live at Jermyn. To Mr. and Mrs. Dziama were born two children : Margaret, born Feb. 27, 1918; and Nicholas, born July 27, 1919. Politically, Mr. Dziama is a Republican. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Eagles Lodge. The new family residence is located at 629 East Erie Avenue, Lorain. 1304 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Aaron L. Garber. One of the widely known and highly esteemed business men of Ashland is Aaron L. Garber, who is the founder of the A. L. Garber Company, printers and publishers. He was born on a farm near Bellville, Richland County, Jan. 18, 1853, the son of David L. and Susanna (Leedy) Garber. Both David L. Garber and his wife were natives of Richland and Knox counties and spent their entire lives on a farm near Bellville. They are deceased and buried in Ankenytown Dunkard Cemetery. Their children were: Elihu L., lives at Bellville ; Franklin L., deceased ; Martha E.; Jennie Crain, lives at Bucyrus ; Bell Kaiser, lives at Columbus ; and Aaron L., the subject of this sketch, the oldest. Aaron L. Garber grew up on his father's farm, attended the district schools, and attended the Bellville High School. As a young man he became interested in the printing business in 1875 with his brother, Elihu L. Garber, and they became successful publishers of a religious pamphlet. Two years later they founded the Richland Star of Bellville, and were connected with that enterprise for a period of ten years, and in the meantime, in 1884, Mr. Garber came to Ashland and became a partner in publishing the Brethren Evangelist, the official paper of the Progressive element of the Dunkard Church. He served as manager of this paper until 1889, when he sold his interest and continued the printing business, which was founded in 1879 and continued the publication of the Prophetic Age, which is a monthly magazine. Numerous other periodicals and books are printed by the company. Mr. Garber married Mary Etta Myers, of Ashland, the daughter of Henry K. and Hannah (Shoemaker) Myers, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Garber were born five children, three of whom survive : 0. M., who is president of the A. L. Garber Company, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history ; Ruth G., married Lester Burns ; and Miriam G., married Benjamin F. Zercher, Jr., lives at Ashland. Mr. Garber is a devout member of the Brethren Church, and has always been an ardent supporter of the prohibition movement. O. M. Garber, who is president of the A. L. Garber Company, printers, is a well known business man of Ashland. He was born in this city, July 10, 1889, the son of A. L. and Mary (Myers) Garber, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. The education of O. M. Garber was received in the public schools of Ashland, and he also attended Ashland College after his graduation from HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1305 Ashland High School. Throughout his business career he has been identified with the printing business and has been president of the A. L. Garber Company since its incorporation in 1927. The company is also well known as makers of calendars and manufacturers of paper boxes. On June 18, 1914, Mr. Garber married Miss Edna Armstrong, of Hazel-ton, N. D., the daughter of H. A. and Elizabeth (Kurtz) Armstrong. Both were born in Ohio. Mr. Armstrong lives at Hazelton, N. D., and his wife died in 1927. To Mr. and Mrs. Garber have been born two daughters : Mary Elizabeth, and Edna Lucille. In politics Mr. Garber is identified with the Republican party. He is a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge, and belongs to the Colonial Club and .Chamber of Commerce. He holds membership in the Brethren Church, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The A. L. Garber Company, Ashland, Ohio. A. L. Garber entered the printing business in Bellville, Richland County, in about 1879. A few years later he moved his plant to Ashland and began the publishing of the Brethren Evangelist, which is now published by the Brethren Publishing Company of Ashland. He then published, for a few years, the Ashland Sun, as a weekly newspaper, which was continued for a few years when, with the growth of manufacturing in this territory, he became interested in commercial printing. In 1907 his son, 0. M. Garber, became interested in the business, having graduated from Ashland High School. A steady gradual growth of the business has been maintained for the past years. The business was carried on for years as a partnership under the name of Garber Publishing Company. In 1929 it was incorporated as The A. L. Garber Company, and is now operated as a corporation with the following officers : President, 0. M. Garber ; vice president, C. F. Crain ; secretary, B. F. Zercher, Jr. ; and treasurer, E. A. Garber. These officers, together with L. L. Burns, form the board of directors. Until the last few years, little thought was given to expansion beyond the immediate vicinity, nor to any selling effort, but the company prospered with the growth of local manufacturers, most of whom have depended on us for their printing ever since their business started. They have equipped to keep pace with the great development of industry in this section, and have grown with it. The result was, a decade ago a plant with splendid facilities and unique advantages, which attracted orders from a broader territory. A 1306 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO few years ago a sales service department was organized, C. F. Crain to handle the contact with this widening field—a department whose aim it was to serve you and to work for the interests of your business, as well as of our own. Since then the business has grown rapidly, until today the equipment, facilities and volume are equalled by but few printing plants. The employees are very largely trained in the business, most of them being local peeople. The present force consists of approximately two hundred employees, many of whom have been with the company for years. The main plant on Orange Street at the Erie Railroad is especially constructed for use as a printing plant. It is equipped with the latest and best machinery to do everything in connection with the economical production of high-grade catalogues and color printing. In it complete clothbound books are made, starting with the making of the type clear through to the gold on the outside of the cover. The plant is equipped with elevators, sprinkling system, and is well lighted and ventilated. Over thirty presses are used, some of which are the largest made for high-grade commercial printing. In 1929 it became necessary to equip a separate factory for the paper box manufacturing end of the business. The old building of the Reliable Match Company, one block distant from the main plant, was purchased, refinished and rebuilt and equipped with the latest machinery for the manufacture of folding cartons, set-up paper boxes, advertising cutouts, displays, etc. This plant, ideally located, is equipped to handle a large tonnage of materials at small cost—a very essential item in the manufacture of paper boxes. A. M. Pollock. One of the prominent citizens of North Central Ohio is A. M. Pollock, who holds the office of city auditor of Lorain. He was born at Alliance, Ohio, Oct. 16, 1891, the son of J. J. and Rachel (Fisher) Pollock. J. J. Pollock, who lives in Pittsburgh, Pa., was for many years a well known resident of Lorain, where he held the office of mayor during 191415. He was born in Stark County, Ohio, and is a graduate of Mt. Union College. He spent a number of years in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and later was connected with the National Tube Company of Lorain. He is now a member of the sales force of the Hoover Sweeper Company, with headquarters in Pittsburgh. Mr. Pollock is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to B. P. 0. Elks, Knights HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1307 of Pythias, and Eagles Lodge. His wife is also a native of Ohio, born at Mineral Ridge. To Mr. and Mrs. Pollock were born three children : A. M., the subject of this sketch ; Bessie, who died at the age of two years ; and Jennie, who lives in Lorain. A. M. Pollock has lived in Lorain since he was seven years old. He attended the public schools and entered the employ of the National Tube Company after leaving Lorain High School. He spent nine years with the company, afterward being employed as chief timekeeper by the Cromwell Steel Company of Lorain. For a time Mr. Pollock was receiving teller at the Central Bank in Lorain, after which he resumed his former employment with the Cromwell Steel Company. He subsequently became assistant auditor and paymaster. His next business connection was as a salesman with the Paige & Jewett Sales Company. In August, 1923, he was appointed deputy city auditor, and in November, 1927, was elected to the office of city auditor. He was reelected in 1929. On Aug. 26, 1915, Mr. Pollock was united in marriage with Miss Hazel Ney, of Cleveland, the daughter of John and Lucretia (Rogers) Ney. Mr. Ney died in 1911 and his widow lives in Cleveland. There are two children in the Pollock family : Donald N., born Jan. 7, 1919 ; and Lois Ann, born Oct. 1, 1927. Mr. Pollock has always been a Republican. He is a member of the Church of Christ, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Eagles Lodge, and Kiwanis Club, of which he is secretary. He is also secretary of the executive committee of the local chapter of the American Red Cross, and is a member of the advisory board of the Salvation Army. Mr. Pollock is recognized as one of the leading bowlers of the city, having won prizes at numerous national tournaments. He is president of the Lorain Bowling Association. John Pollock, paternal grandfather of A. M. Pollock, was a prominent figure in Stark County politics for more than half a century, and was well known by all those who aspired to public office in the county at that time. He was especially prominent during the campaign and administration of President William McKinley, with whom he had a number of interesting connections while a resident of Canton. He became the president's closest campaign companion and was active in the organization of the miners union in the Massilon district in 1885, Mr. Pollock being the first secretary of the association. He was at the head of the union in the Wormington riots in 1870, and had engaged Mr. McKinley as attorney for the organization. Mr. Pollock was born in County Monahan, Ireland, Jan. 20, 1839. He was married Dec. 30, 1859, to Catherine Main, and they came to the United States in 1862 and settled near Massilon, Ohio, on the present site 1308 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO of Richville. In 1865 the family removed to North Lawrence. Mr. Pollock was twice appointed postmaster of that place by President McKinley, and also served as justice of the peace and as a member of the school board. He conducted a general mercantile establishment at that place. Mr. Pollock was survived by the following children : J. J., father of the subject of this sketch ; R. A., former State Senator ; and P. D., who lives at Canton. There were four daughters : Mrs. Jeanette Clapper, and Mrs. Elizabeth Dixon, both of Canton ; Mrs. Alice Brogden, of Avondale, Ohio ; and Jane Pollock. Mr. Pollock held membership in the United Brethren Church and was affiliated with Canal Fulton Lodge, F. and A. M., for almost half a century. George M. Blank, M. D., who is widely known as a successful physician and surgeon of Lorain, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born at Greensburg, June 15, 1892, the son of William H. and Ella J. (Barnhart) Blank. William H. Blank has spent his entire life at Greensburg and now lives retired. He successfully engaged in the furniture business in that city until 1915. Mr. Blank is a Democrat and has held the office of fire chief for a number of years. He is a prominent member of the First Lutheran Church of Greensburg. Mr. Blank served throughout the Spanish-American War as a member of Company I, Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia. Mr. and Mrs. Blank have three children : 1. William Roy, lives at Greensburg. 2. George M., the subject of this sketch. 3. Anna Elizabeth, married William Campbell, lives at Greensburg. The boyhood of George M. Blank was spent in Greensburg and following his graduation from high school in 1911, he entered Franklin Marshall College at Lancaster, Pa., from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1915. He subsequently took up the study of medicine and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in 1920. He served as interne during the following year at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, and located in Lorain in 1921, being appointed at that time as chief surgeon at the National Tube Company in this city. Throughout his practice Doctor Blank has maintained his offices at the plant of the company, 1823 East 28th Street. He also has an extensive private practice. Doctor Blank is identified with the Lorain County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, American Medical Society, Radiological Society of North America, and is Roengenologist of Elyria Memorial Hospital, as well as president of the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorain. Doctor Blank has taken graduate work in surgery at Bellevue Hospital, New York City, and for one year specialized in the study of X-ray, Radio- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1309 therapy, and Radium. He also is assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University. In 1920 Doctor Blank was married to Miss Dorothy Patterson, of McKeesport, Pa., the daughter of P. C. and Jessie (Ross) Patterson, the former a native of Scotland, and the latter of Iowa. They are residents of McKeesport. Mrs. Blank is a graduate of Maryland College. To Doctor and Mrs. Blank have been born three children. 1. Eleanor Jane, born May 26, 1922. 2. Patricia Ann, born Aug. 31, 1925. 3. Charles Patterson, born Nov. 27, 1930. Doctor Blank is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, Al Koran Shrine, Cleveland, and Elks Lodge, and belongs to the Kiwanis Club, Lorain Country Club, Phi Kappa Psi and Phi Alpha Sigma fraternities. J. P. Seitters. As general secretary of the Y. M. C. A. in Lorain, Mr. Seitters is widely known throughout North Central Ohio. He was born in Wayne Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, June 16, 1886, the son of Frederick and Mary (Winterhalter) Seitters. Frederick Seitters, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at St. Louis, Mo., where he received his education. As a young man he came to Ohio and engaged in general farming near Dayton. He served during the Civil War as a member of the 124th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was severely wounded in action. He died in 1916, and his wife, who was born at Harrisburg, Pa., lives at Dayton. Mr. Seitters was a Republican, a member of the United Brethren Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. Throughout his life he took an active part in the work of farm organizations. To Mr. and Mrs. Seitters were born eleven children: 1. William, lives at Dayton. 2. Charles, lives at Coleville, Wash. 3. Lucy Klugh, lives at Dunkirk, Ind. 4. Albert, lives at Dayton. 5. Dr. George, physician, lives at Dayton, served throughout the World War as a first lieutenant in the U. S. Medical Corps. 6. Carrie, who died in infancy. 7. Martha Smith, lives at Dayton. 8. Harry, who met with an accidental death in 1926. 9. J. P., the subject of this sketch. 10. Edward, twin brother of J. P., died in 1914. 11. Edna Tracy, lives near Dayton. J. P. Seitters grew up on his father's farm near Dayton and attended the rural schools. He was graduated from high school in 1910, and then attended a Y. M. C. A. college in Chicago. His first appointment was as assistant physical director of the Y. M. C. A. at Detroit, Mich., and during 1912-13 he served as physical director at Wheeling, W. Va. The next three years was spent as director of the Y. M. C. A. at Wilmington, N. C., 1310 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO and from 1916 until 1918 he was director at Yonkers, N. Y. In the latter year he was appointed industrial physical director of the Y. M. C. A. at New Haven, Conn., in which capacity he served four years, and during that time took special work at Yale University. His next appointment was as industrial physical director at Columbus, Ga., and during 1924-27 he was stationed at Decatur, Ill. Mr. Seitters came to Lorain in 1927 as director of physical education and in October, 1930, was appointed general secretary. In 1913 Mr. Seitters was married to Miss Ruth Niles, of Detroit, Mich., the daughter of John Hamilton and Elizabeth (Clark) Niles, natives of New York. Mr. Niles died in 1900 and his widow lives in Detroit. Mrs. Seitters is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Colonists. To Mr. and Mrs. Seitters have been born two children: Elizabeth Niles, born in 1916 ; and John Hamilton, born in 1919. Mr. Seitters is a Republican and is affiliated with Sheffield Lodge, F. and A. M., Kiwanis Club, State Y. M. C. A. Convention Committee. He and his family hold membership in the First Methodist Episcopal Church. George Canalos is among the progressive and enterprising business men of Lorain, where he is proprietor of the George Canalos Wholesale Cigar and Tobacco Company. He was born in this city, Dec. 17, 1880, the son of Constantine and Christine (Lang) Canalos. Constantine Canalos, deceased, was a substantial citizen of Lorain, where he spent much of his life. Both he and his wife are buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain. He died in 1926, and she died in 1914. Mr. Canalos was a native of Greece, and his wife was born in Alsace-Lorraine. He spent his early life as a sailor and made several world cruises with the Italian navy. After coming to the United States he was employed on the Great Lakes and later located in Lorain where he engaged in the cigar and tobacco business, his place of business being located at 314 Broadway. He was living retired at the time of his death. Mr. Canalos was a Democrat and held membership in the Catholic Church. There were five children in the Canalos family: 1. Mrs. Mary Witter, lives at Cleveland. 2. Mrs. Lena Stenton, lives at Toledo. 3. Mrs. Catherine Masterson, lives with her brother, George. 4. George, the subject of this sketch. 5. Yanula, unmarried, lives with her brother. George Canalos attended the public schools of Lorain and is a graduate of Lorain High School and the Oberlin School of Commerce. At an early age he became interested in his father's business, and since 1916 has been HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1311 a wholesale dealer in cigars and tobaccos. In 1923 he removed his headquarters from 343 Broadway to a building in the rear of his residence, 711 Fifth Street. This address is Mr. Canalos' birthplace. His territory includes Lorain, Elyria, Amherst, and Vermilion, as well as the surrounding community. Mr. Canalos is a Democrat in politics and served as a member of the city council during 1912. He was also a candidate for mayor of Lorain in 1913. He is affiliated with B. P. 0. Elks, Past Exalted Ruler, and Past President of the Ohio Elks State Association. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Loyal Order of Moose, Eagles Lodge, Lions Club, Lorain Country Club, and Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Canalos is unmarried. Lewis Williams. One of the most prominent citizens of Lorain County is Mr. Williams, who holds the office of industrial commissioner in the city of Lorain. He was born at New Castle, Pa., Feb. 21, 1899, the son of John T. and Elizabeth (Lewis) Williams. John T. Williams and his wife are natives of Wales. He spent his early life in England and was employed in the steel mills. After his arrival in this country, when 20 years of age, he located at New Castle, Pa., where he spent 22 years in the mills. He then removed to Washington, D. C., and purchased a farm on the outskirts of the city, where he now lives retired. He is a Republican in politics and holds membership in the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Williams' only child was Lewis, the subject of this sketch. Lewis Williams obtained his early education in the public schools of New Castle, Pa., and spent three years at George Washington University, where he studied law. He also studied theology under the tutorship of Rev. Clifford Joshua, and began his professional career in the law library of the United States Supreme Court in Washington, where he spent two years. He then served as legal claim examiner in the Veterans Bureau in Washington for three years, after which he was identified with the Emergency Fleet Corporation of United States Shipping as assistant counsel. Mr. Williams went to Cleveland in 1925, where he was identified with the Cleveland Press for almost three years. His next position was as publicity writer for the Cleveland Automobile Club, and he was also connected with the Cleveland Advertising Club as assistant secretary-manager, and as editor of its monthly and weekly publications. In 1930 he accepted his present position as industrial commissioner of Lorain. 1312 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Williams gained widespread recognition during 1913 in his campaign for the new bridge at Lorain. In 1923 Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Miss Ida Louise Gates, of Cleveland, the daughter of Harry L. and Marie (Beery) Gates, natives of Indiana and Ohio, respectively. Mr. Gates has been identified as manager with the Cleveland offices of the Lorain Coal and Dock Company for the past 21 years. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of a son, Richard G., born in April, 1925. Mr. Williams has always been a Republican and has taken an active part in politics. He belongs to the Episcopal Church and is affiliated with Columbia Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 3. E. E. Felger, who is a substantial and widely known citizen of Ashland, is a native of Ashland County. He was born on a farm in Green Township, July 20, 1866, the son of Rev. Joseph S. and Rebecca (Shelly) Felger. Rev. Joseph S. Felger was born at Jefferson, Wayne County, in 1836. He attended the district schools and at an early age entered the ministry of the Evangelical Church. He became a well known figure throughout Ohio as a circuit rider, and served as many appointments as 17 at a time. He also owned and operated a farm east of Ashland until 1876, at which time he removed to Ashland. He died in 1917 and his wife, who was a native of Wayne County, died in 1924. Both are buried in Ashland Cemetery. Their children were: Arthur, who died in 1907 ; William W., attorney, lives at Seattle, Wash. ; E. E., the subject of this sketch ; Charles, who died at the age of six years ; Bertha, married Arthur W. Risser, lives at Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; and Nellie, married Leslie G. Remley, lives at Los Angeles. E. E. Felger grew up in Ashland and attended the public schools. When a boy of 13 years he learned the tinning trade while in the employ of Andrew Burns, which he followed for two years. He also spent two years as a traveling representative of J. A. Garver Hardware Company, of Des Moines, Iowa, and for more than 40 years has traveled throughout the United States in the interest of his own particular line of products. Mr. Felger has always maintained his home in Ashland and lives at 214 West Walnut Street. In 1875 J. S. Felger founded a treatment for gallstone trouble and later founded a treatment for catarrhal trouble, and in 1879 he founded the rheumatic and goitre trouble treatment. This business was conducted in partnership wih his son, E. E. Felger, until 1900, when the latter HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1313 bought his father's interests and since that time has conducted the business alone. There has been no advertising or soliciting for business by Mr. Felger, although he has an extensive business throughout the country. Mr. Felger was married (first) to Miss Ruth Henkel, of Farmersville, Ohio, the daughter of Dr. G. C. and Catherine (Martin) Henkel, both deceased. Mrs. Felger died in 1897 and is buried in Ashland. To this union were born two daughters : Miriam E., born Aug. 8, 1893, married Frederick E. Zutt, lives at Weehawken, N. J., and they have a daughter, Cecelia Ruth ; and Ruth, born April 27, 1897, married J. F. Ulrich, lives at Jacksonville, Fla. Mr. Felger was married (second) in 1900 to Miss Lois Starr, of Ashland, the daughter of William N. and Martha (Carter) Starr. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1826 and died in Ashland, Dec. 16, 1915. He served throughout the Civil War as a captain in the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His wife was born in Vermont in 1835, and died May 1, 1913. To E. E. and Lois (Starr) Felger were born two sons: Richard Starr, born in 1903, a graduate of Ashland High School and attended Staunton Military Academy one year, married in 1925, to Miss Emma Hixon, of Uniontown, Pa., and they live in Cleveland ; Edwin Carter, born in 1907, attended Ashland High School and was graduated from the Spencerian Business College, lives in Cleveland. Mr. Felger is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Colonial Club, and Ashland Country Club. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree. Joseph Albert Provenza is one of Lorain's most prominent young attorneys, with offices in the Commercial Building. He was born in this city, July 25, 1904, the son of Salvatore and Frances (Rosso) Provenza. Both Salvatore Provenza and his wife are natives of Italy. They have been residents of Lorain for many years, and until his retirement in 1922, Mr. Provenza conducted a grocery and bakery business in the city. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Provenza: Mrs. Frances Devito, lives at Shelby ; Mrs. Anna Mancini, lives at Cleveland ; Joseph Albert, the subject of this sketch ; Samuel, lives at home ; Mrs. Catherine Deluca, lives at Lorain ; Theresa, Mary, Marianna, Anthony, and Nicholas, all at home. Joseph Albert Provenza was graduated from Lorain High School in 1922, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Ohio State University in 1926. He received the degree of LL. B. from the College of Law, Ohio State University, in 1928, and immediately established his present practice in Lorain. 1314 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO On Jan. 8, 1931, Mr. Provenza was united in marriage with Miss Angela Jacobs, of Cannonsburg, Pa., the daughter of John and Theresa (Marcantonio) Jacobs, natives of Italy, now residents of Cannonsburg. Mr. Provenza is a member of the Catholic Church and belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose, Sons of Italy, Italian Mutual Benefit Society, Anchorian Club, Alpha Phi Delta fraternity, and Orchard Beach Country Club and the Lorain Lawyers Nisi Prius Club. Henry R. Taggart is a substantial citizen and well known business man of Lorain, where he is proprietor of the Universal Printing Company, 118 Tenth Street. He was born at Beach Lake, Wayne County, Pa., May 24, 1860, the son of Richmond F. and Hannah W. (Green) Taggart. Richmond F. Taggart was a native of New York and the son of Isaac Taggart, a minister of the Baptist Church, who came to this country with his family from Wales and settled in Rhode Island. He was highly educated and his son, Richmond F., also acquired a good education. The latter served throughout the Civil War, and spent many years at Hasbrouck Heights, N. J., where he also served as postmaster. He died in 1910, and his wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, died in 1901. Both are buried at Hackensack, N. J. Mr. Taggart was a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge and Grand Army of the Republic. To Mr. and Mrs. Taggart were born three children: Anna M., who died in 1915, was the wife of Rev. J. T. Spry, of San Diego, Calif. ; Abbie Newman, lives in Wyoming ; and Henry R., the subject of this sketch. Henry R. Taggart grew up in New York City and received his early schooling in the 52nd Street Grade School. As a boy he was interested in printing and served his apprenticeship in one of the largest printing establishments in New York, where he later remained for a period of ten years. He then engaged in the manufacture of folding paper boxes and remained in Hasbrouck Heights, N. J., for 18 years. He then removed to Wellsburg, W. Va., later to Oberlin, Ohio, and then to Elyria. Mr. Taggart has been located in Lorain since 1922 as owner and manager of the Universal Printing Company. Mr. Taggart was married (first) in 1882 to Miss Minnie Stevens, of New York City, the daughter of John W. and Maria (Haikes) Stevens, both deceased. She died in 1897 and is buried at Hackensack, N. J. Two sons were born to this union : Earl Stevens, born in 1885, lives at Hackensack, N. J.; and Harry, born in 1895, lives at Lake Geneva, Wis. Mr. Taggart was married (second) in 1910 to Miss Grace Parkhill, of Ruther- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1315 ford, N. J., the daughter of John and Mary (Fleming) Parkhill, both deceased. To Henry R. and Grace (Parkhill) Taggart were born two sons : Richmond, born in 1911, died at Wellsburg, W. Va., in 1912; and John Parkhill, born July 4, 1912, a graduate of Elyria High School, attends Fenn College, Cleveland. Politically, Mr. Taggart is a Republican. He is a prominent member of the Baptist Church, of Elyria, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. The family residence is located on Lake Road, Stop 86, west of Sheffield Lake Village. R. B. Miller. Among the prominent men of Lorain may be mentioned R. B. Miller, who is secretary and treasurer of the Thew Shovel Company. He was born at Danbury, Ottawa County, Ohio, June 27, 1887, the son of John H. and Anna M. S. (Brauer) Miller. John H. Miller was born in New York City, March 11, 1851, the eldest son of Claus and Catherine (Buck) Miller. During his early life he was brought to Ohio by his parents, who located on a farm in Danbury Township, Ottawa County. He was educated in the district schools and became a prosperous farmer and horticulturist of that section. He was recognized as one of the representative and leading citizens of Ottawa County, and at the time of his death, 1894, he was serving as postmaster of Piccolo. Mr. Miller was married Dec. 20, 1877, to Miss Anna M. S. Brauer, the daughter of John H. and Louisa (Lenkring) Brauer, both natives of Germany, and prominent pioneer settlers of Ottawa County. Mrs. Miller died in 1901, and is buried in Danbury. There were two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller : H. Edward, born Oct. 25, 1878 ; and R. B., the subject of this sketch. R. B. Miller received his education in the public schools of Danbury. At the age of sixteen years he came to Lorain, where he was employed for more than a year as a clerk by the grocery firm of Irish & Austin. He attended Lorain Business College, and also took a correspondence course from the Alexander Hamilton Institute, specializing in the study of business administration. His next employment was in the offices of the National Tube Company, and in December, 1906, he entered the employ of the Thew Shovel Company as a clerk in the mechanical department. He later became bookkeeper, and subsequently assistant secretary and treasurer. At the reorganization of the company in 1920 Mr. Miller succeeded E. M. Pierce as secretary and treasurer. Subsidiaries of the company include the Lorain Castings Company, and the Universal Crane Company, of Elyria. Mr. Miller is also a member of the board of directors 1316 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO of all three of the above companies, and is a director of the National Bank of Commerce, Lorain. On June 16, 1909, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle Hannah Jones, of Lorain, the daughter of Richard and Rhoda (Morey) Jones. Mr. Jones, born in Boston, Mass., died in July, 1926. His wife, a native of Elyria, died June 6, 1902. They are buried in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Elyria. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have an only son, Dale Edward, born May 8, 1912. He is a graduate of Lorain High School, class of 1930, and attends Northwestern University. During his high school career he took a prominent part in athletics, and was also a member of the high school band. Mr. Miller is a Republican, and has the following lodge and club affiliations: Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree ; Order of Eastern Star; Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Rotary Club ; Lorain Country Club ; Elyria Country Club ; and Cleveland Athletic Club. He is a member of the First English Lutheran Church, and has been a member of the executive board for the past ten years. He has also served as a director of the Lorain Y. M. C. A. for six years. The Miller family resides at 1057 Tenth Street, Lorain. Richard J. Kutza. As president and general manager of the Lorain Lumber and Manufacturing Company, Mr. Kutza holds a prominent place in business circles in Lorain, where he has spent practically his entire life. He was born in Germany, Jan. 27, 1880, the son of J. N. and Ida (Kroll) Kutza. J. N. Kutza emigrated to this country from Germany with his family in 1884, and immediately located in Lorain, where he was employed in the steel mills and shipyards until his retirement. He is now 80 years of age. His wife died Feb. 19, 1930, and is buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain. Mr. Kutza is a Republican and is a charter member of the German Evangelical Church of Lorain. To Mr. and Mrs. Kutza were born five children : Richard J., the subject of this sketch ; Amanda, who died in 1927, was the wife of A. C. Forshman ; Leo, druggist, lives at Lorain ; Edith Bardoner, lives at Lorain ; and William, druggist, associated in business with his brother. Richard J. Kutza was four years old when he came to this country with his parents. He attended the public schools of Lorain and also took correspondence courses from the International Correspondence School at Scranton, Pa. He has been identified with the interests of the Lorain Lumber and Manufacturing Company since he was 16 years of age, having been in the company's employ for a period of 35 years. He became fore- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1317 man of the plant in 1906 and served in that capacity until 1920, when he was appointed office manager. Five years later he was elected president and general manager of the company. The Lorain Lumber and Manufacturing Company, founded in 1872 as the Brown Lumber Company, is recognized as Lorain's pioneer lumber concern. They are also dealers in builders supplies and specialists in high grade mill work. The company has furnished material for the city's important building enterprises. Among them are St. Mary's Catholic Church, Hotel Antlers, Lorain High School, Gould Building, and Methodist Episcopal Church. The company employs more than 30 people. In March, 1906, Mr. Kutza married Miss Minnie C. Hasselman, of Lorain, the daughter of William and Frederica Hasselman, natives of Germany. The former is deceased and the latter lives in Lorain. Mr. and Mrs. Kutza are the parents of three children : 1. Carl L., born in December, 1907, a graduate of Lorain High School and Miami College, attends Western Reserve University. 2. Leonard W., born in June, 1909, a graduate of Lorain High School, attends Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland. 3. Helen Marie, born in January, 1914, attends Lorain High School, class of 1931. Mr. Kutza is a Republican in politics, an active member of the Evangelical Church, and belongs to the Masonic and Elk Lodges. He is also a member of the Rotary Club. The Kutza family live at 928 East Erie Avenue. E. J. Novotny, M. D., of Lorain, is a successful representative of the medical profession in Lorain County. He was born in Cleveland, Oct. 3, 1894, the son of Joseph and Anna (Mraz) Novotny. Joseph Novotny, who lives retired in Cleveland, is a native of Czechoslovakia. He was educated in Germany and as a young man learned the tailoring trade. After his arrival in the United States he immediately located in Cleveland, where he was a textile worker for a period of 40 years. He retired as a foreman in the employ of the Beckman Company in 1926. Mr. Novotny is a Democrat and holds membership in St. Procop's Catholic Church. His wife is a native of Cleveland. Their children are: E. J., the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Clara Kozak ; James ; George ; and Stanley. All live in Cleveland. E. J. Novotny obtained his early education in the parochial schools of Cleveland, and in 1915 was graduated from John Carroll University. He studied medicine at St. Louis University, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1921. He then served as an interne in the 1318 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Alexian Brothers Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., and in September, 1921, located in Lorain, where he has established an excellent practice. He is a member of the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, and is medical examiner for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Trainmen in Lorain. In 1921 Doctor Novotny married Miss Mary Mazanec, of Cleveland, the daughter of John and Theresa Mazanec. The former resides in Cleveland, and the latter died in 1925. To Doctor and Mrs. Novotny have been born two sons : William C., born March 14, 1925 ; and Joseph John, born March 17, 1929. Doctor Novotny is identified with the Lorain County, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations. He belongs to B. P. 0. Elks, Lorain Country Club, and Phi Rho Sigma fraternity. John and Rose Mraz, maternal grandparents of Doctor Novotny, were pioneer settlers of Cleveland, having located in that city prior to the Civil War. James Franklin Strenick. One of the representative professional men of Lorain County is James Franklin Strenick, a leading member of the Lorain bar, who has practiced his profession in this city for almost 30 years. He was born at West Salem, Ohio, July 5, 1874, the son of James and Amanda (Royer) Strenick. James Strenick, deceased, was a native of Ireland. He spent more than half a century in the employ of the Erie Railroad Company and was living retired at the time of his death at West Salem in 1924. He was four years old when his parents left Ireland and settled in Canada, where he was reared and educated. He came to the United States in 1862 and settled at Polk, Ashland County, Ohio. Later he located at West Salem. Mr. Strenick was a Republican, a Mason, and held membership in the English Evangelical Church. His wife was born at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and died in 1909. To Mr. and Mrs. Strenick were born ten children: Mayme, lives at West Salem ; Ella Palmer, lives at Rittman ; W. Jackson, who died in May, 1929 ; Minnie, who died at the age of four years ; Lydia Yost, lives at Ashland ; James Franklin, the subject of this sketch ; Gertrude Edna, who died in 1900 ; Grant G., lives at Akron ; Carl G., a World War veteran, lives at West Salem ; and Hazel M. Anderson, lives at Cleveland. James Franklin Strenick obtained his early schooling at West Salem, where he lived until 1900. After his graduation from high school in 1894 he entered the University of Michigan and in 1903 received the degree of LL. B. He immediately located in Lorain and engaged in private practice. Mr. Strenick held the office of township trustee in Black River Township HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1319 for two terms, served as police prosecutor in the city of Lorain from 1908 until 1910; and was justice of the peace from May 2, 1911, until Jan. 1, 1922. On the latter date he assumed the office of judge of the Municipal Court in Lorain and served in that capacity until Jan. 1, 1930. During the World War Mr. Strenick was a member of the legal advisory board in Lorain. He has offices at 360 Broadway. On Aug. 29, 1896, Mr. Strenick was united in marriage with Miss Arline Mellen, of Burbank, Ohio, the daughter of Charles A. and Charlotte (Saunders) Mellen. The former, a native of Michigan, died in 1909. The latter, born at Wolcottville, Ind., died in 1911. Both are buried at Creston, Ohio. A daughter, Helen, born to Mr. and Mrs. Strenick, Oct. 1, 1902, married Charles E. Wright, who died Jan. 14, 1921. Their daughter, Patricia Ann, was born Nov. 28, 1920. Mrs. Wright lives in Lorain. Mr. Strenick is prominent in local politics and is a Republican. He is a member of the First Methodist Church and belongs to West Salem Lodge, F. and A. M., B. P. 0. Elks, Knights of Pythias, and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He lives with his family at 1113 Ninth Street, Lorain. Harold I. Covault is one of the young business men of Lorain who has achieved success as manager of Covault's Insurance Agency, with offices in the Cleveland Trust Company Bank Building. He was born at Urbana, Ohio, April 29, 1896, the son of Aaron L. and Frances (Gerard) Covault. Aaron L. Covault, who lives retired at Marion, Ohio, was born in Miami County. His early life was spent on a farm and he attended the district schools. He learned telegraphy and for two years was employed as an operator by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Milford Center, Ohio. He was then stationed at Urbana with the Erie Railroad Company, and later was transferred to Galion, Ohio, where he spent many years as train dispatcher. He retired in 1930. Mr. Covault is a Democrat and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. His wife was born in Miami County and died in 1917. She is buried at Marion. There were three children in the Covault family. Cecil Gerard, a World War veteran, lives at Marion ; Hazel, who died in 1927; and Harold I., the subject of this sketch. Harold I. Covault attended the elementary schools of Urbana and Galion, and was graduated from Marion High School in 1914. He attended a Y. M. C. A. training camp at Lake Geneva, Wis., and upon his return to Marion spent six years in the offices of the Osgood Shovel Company. He then became interested in the insurance business in the offices of Hoch Brothers, of Marion. Mr. Covault came to Lorain in March, 1920, and spent two years with the insurance firm of Buell & Cozad. 1320 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO He organized Covault's Insurance Agency in January, 1922, and is widely known throughout the county as an authority on insurance. On June 1, 1920, Mr. Covault married Miss Esther Schoenberger, of Marion, the daughter of Louis E. and Ella May (Kimmel) Schoenberger. The former lives at Marion and the latter is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Covault have three children: Mary Jane, born July 17, 1923 ; Charles Louis, born Jan. 15, 1924 ; and Barbara Ann, born Feb. 23, 1929. Mr. Covault is a member of the First Congregational Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Loyal Order of Moose, and Rotary Club. He is a Republican in politics. Adam Kettering, retired, is a representative and highly esteemed citizen of Ashland, where he has spent many years of his life. He was born north of Loudonville, Ohio, Dec. 21, 1869, the son of Jacob and Martha (Hunter) Kettering. Jacob Kettering was born on a farm near Loudonville, and lived there during his entire life time. He held the office of county commissioner for eight years and also served as township trustee and as a member of the school board. He was also a farmer. Mr. Kettering died in 1914, and his wife died in 1920. Both are buried near Loudonville. He held membership in the German Evangelical Church, and his wife belonged to the Methodist Church. Their children were: 1. David, lives on the Kettering homestead near Loudonville. 2. Emma, married Earl Culler, lives at Ashland. 3. Adam, the subject of this sketch. 4. C. F., who is president of the General Motors Research Laboratory, and vice president of the General Motors Company, lives at Dayton, Ohio. 5. Daisy, married C. F. Heyde, lives near Loudonville. Adam Kettering grew up on his father's farm near Loudonville and attended the district schools. In November, 1895, he came to Ashland, where he spent 27 years in the employ of F. E. Myers Brothers & Company. He resigned Jan. 1, 1922, as assistant superintendent of the company and at that time engaged in business with Frank Gaynard, as dealers for the Chevrolet automobile in Ashland. On Aug. 1, 1923, Mr. Kettering sold his interest to Percy McDowell, and retired from business until 1924. He then took over the Oldsmobile agency, in partnership with a Mr. Culler, and the latter subsequently disposed of his interest in the business to J. A. Tugend. They also became agents of the Oakland car in January, 1925, and on June 10th of that year Mr. Kettering became sole owner of the agency, which was thereafter known as the Kettering Sales & Service Company. On Aug. 1, 1927, Mr. Kettering sold the agency to Cross & HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1321 Hoover. On May 1, 1928, he again took over the Oldsmobile agency in partnership with T. C. Reeser, and they continued in business until May 1, 1929, at which time Mr. Kettering retired. In 1899 Mr. Kettering was married to Cora Brennstuhl, of Loudonville, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Mutchler) Brennstuhl. The former, born near Loudonville, died in 1882, and the latter lives on the Brennstuhl homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Kettering have a daughter, Eunice Lea, who was born at Savannah, Ohio, April 4, 1906. She was graduated from Ashland High School with highest honors and in June, 1929, was graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She is now a teacher of music in the State Teachers College, at Harrisonburg, Va. Miss Kettering received the degree of Bachelor of Music at Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She is a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists ; a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, national honorary musical society ; artist member of the Virginia Federation of Music Clubs. In June, 1931, Miss Kettering sailed for Europe, where she will teach music and art in the Austro-American Conservatory, at Mondsee, Austria. Mr. Kettering is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Floyd E. Babcock. As president of the A. H. Babcock Company, insurance and real estate specialists, with offices at 552 Broadway, Mr. Babcock is numbered among the prominent young business men of Lorain, and is a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Lorain County. He was born in this city, Oct. 26, 1897, the son of A. H. and Minnie (Mead) Babcock. A. H. Babcock, who lives in Cleveland, was for many years one of Lorain's most representative citizens and successful business men. He was born in Lorain, Jan. 21, 1874, the son of Allison H. and Mary (Hill) Babcock. Allison H. Babcock came to Lorain in 1873 and became a prosperous merchant. He also served as mayor of Lorain and was prominent in Democratic politics. He served throughout the Civil War and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His son, A. H., father of the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools of Lorain, and early in his career was interested in the ice cream manufacturing business. He became president of the insurance and real estate business, and also had numerous other business interests. He served as city treasurer for three terms, and was a prominent Republican. Since 1925 Mr. Babcock has been a resident of Cleveland. He is a member of the Congregational Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, and Elks Lodge. To A. 1322 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO H. and Minnie (Mead) Babcock were born three children: Mildred, lives at Cleveland ; Floyd E., the subject of this sketch ; and Leota, married Harold Mitchell, lives at North Olmsted, Ohio. Floyd E. Babcock received his education in the public schools of Lorain and is a graduate of Kiski Preparatory School, at Salisbury, Pa. He then became identified with the American Crucible Products Company, of Elyria, as treasurer. In May, 1925, he took over the interests of the A. H. Babcock Company, which had been established by his grandfather and successfully conducted by his father until the latter's retirement in 1925. They are specialists in farm and city property, and are also recognized as leading insurance agents. In 1920 Mr. Babcock married Miss Irene Hogan, of Elyria, the daughter of Herbert and Ella (Cramer) Hogan, of Norwalk. Mr. Hogan is deceased and his widow lives at Detroit, Mich. To Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have been born two daughters : Shirley Ann, born in September, 1922 ; and Nancy Lee, born in July, 1923. Mr. Babcock is a Republican, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Eagles Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose, Rotary Club, and Lorain Yacht Club. Harry E. Bracken, who is identified with the Bracken Company, Realtors, is widely and favorably known among the dependable business men of Lorain. He was born at Wellsburg, W. Va., July 1, 1875, the son of Caleb H. and Margaret (Everett) Bracken. The Bracken family originally came from Wales. They were early settlers of New Jersey and later located at Brownsville, Pa. The Everetts were of Irish descent, and were prominent pioneer settlers of Wellsburg, W. Va. Caleb H. Bracken was born at Brownsville, and spent his early life in that section of Pennsylvania. When a young man he came to Ohio and engaged in the general mercantile business at Brilliant, in partnership with William Rodgers. Later he lived at Wellsburg, W. Va., where he became prosperous and widely known in business circles. He died Jan. 25, 1895, and is buried at Wellsburg. His widow, born in that city, lives at 1012 Eighth Street, Lorain. Mr. Bracken was a Republican and held membership in the Presbyterian Church. There were seven children in the Bracken family : 1. Martha B. Hindman, lives at Lorain. 2. Clara B. McArthur, lives at Seattle, Wash. 3. Harry E., the subject of this sketch. 4. Nellie B. Smith, lives at Oberlin. 5. Charles H., who died in 1898, at the age of 17 years during training for enlistment for service in the Spanish-American War. 6. Sarah E. Graebing, lives at Pittsburgh, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1323 Pa. 7. Oliver L., a World War veteran, now in a government hospital at Chillicothe, Ohio. Harry E. Bracken attended the public schools of Wellsburg, W. Va., from which he was graduated in 1892. After completing a business course be became associated in business with his father, but was later identified with the Singer Sewing Machine Company as a bookkeeper in their Pittsburgh offices. He was subsequently connected with the company's offices in Youngstown, Canton, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, and in 1903 entered the employ of the Lorain Steel Company (now National Tube Co.) in Lorain, Ohio. Two years later he became chief accountant for the Thew Shovel Works, and served in that capacity for ten years. Mr. Bracken then spent five years as a director and auditor for the Hoffman Heater Company, and in 1918, with some associates, took over the interests of the Estates Realty Company, Inc. Mr. Bracken became president and is still serving in that capacity. He is also engaged in the general real estate business as head of the Bracken Company, a subsidiary of the Estates Realty Company, Inc. The Broadway Heights Allotment is among this firm's most recent development. They have offices at 106 Sixth Street. In 1928 Mr. Bracken through his efforts succeeded in interesting the Harmon Foundation in establishing a recreation ground in the Broadway Heights Allotment. The conditions being that he donate one-half and the Harmon Foundation one-half towards this park, which is called the Harmon-Bracken Field. This comprises ten lots lying between Lexington Avenue and Reid Avenue, just south of West 36th Street. On Dec. 24, 1903, Mr. Bracken was united in marriage with Miss Viola H. Stoll of Dover Center, Ohio, the daughter of Augustus H. and Caroline (Sautter) Stoll, natives of Germany, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Bracken were born three children: 1. Dorothy Margaret, born Feb. 9, 1906. She is a graduate of Lorain High School, Oberlin College, and also a student of Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and is recognized as an accomplished violinist and accompanist. She later was affiliated with Robert L. Myers of Center College, Kentucky, athletic fame, and also manager of The Interstate Lyceum Bureau of Chicago. She later appeared on the Albers Lyceum Circuit in the Tobias-Bracken Revue. She was married Aug. 9, 1930, to Francis J. Pettijohn, who is an instructor of geology at the University of Chicago. They live in Chicago. 2. Charles, who died in infancy. 3. Everett C., born May 30, 1909, a graduate of Lorain High School, attended Oberlin College. He is now associated with his father in Lorain. Mr. Bracken is a Republican. He holds membership in the First Congregational Church, of which he is deacon, and he has the following lodge affiliations : Sheffield Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he is a charter member, 1324 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO and Order of the Eastern Star. He assisted in the organization of the Lorain Country Club, being its first secretary and treasurer, and belongs to the Lorain Commercial Club, Lorain Real Estate Board, Industrial Development Bureau, the Lorain Insurance Association, and the Lorain Contractors Association. Carlton E. Lee, who is manager of the J. A. Ruscher Company, is a reliable and highly successful business man of Lorain. He was born at Homer, Medina County, Ohio, Aug. 1, 1892, the son of George B. and Mary (Good) Lee. George B. Lee spent his early life on a farm in Medina County, where he was born, and he received his education in the district schools. Following his graduation from West Salem High School he attended Oberlin School of Commerce and spent eleven years as a teacher in the schools of Wayne and Medina counties. He then engaged in business at Barberton, Ohio, as a painting and decorating contractor for six years. Mr. Lee has been a resident of Lorain since 1905 and until 1921 was interested in the life insurance business as an agent in this city for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. From 1921 until 1928 he conducted a painting business, and in the latter year became general agent in Lorain for the North American Life Insurance Company. He is also a representative of the J. A. Ruscher Company. Mr. Lee is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. He also belongs to the Sons of Union Veterans, his father, Oliver M. Lee, having served during the Civil War as a member of Company K, 102nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The latter was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Henderson Post, at West Salem, Ohio. The father of Oliver M. Lee was Josiah Lee, who was born in Connecticut. He settled in New York in 1820 and four years later came to Ohio and located in Ashland County. To George B. and Mary (Good) Lee were born six children : Carlton E., the subject of this sketch ; G. C., lives at Lorain ; Mrs. Mildred Hogue, lives at Elyria ; Dale, attends Lorain High School ; Burma Irene, who died in infancy ; and Betty L., who attends Lorain High School. Carlton E. Lee attended the public schools of Sterling and Barberton and is a graduate of Lorain High School. As a young man he became interested in the electrical business, being a charter member of the Lorain County Electrical Association. He was thus engaged until 1917, when he succeeded to the business of his father-in-law, J. A. Ruscher, who died in that year. This business, established more than 30 years ago, is among the dependable business houses of the city. They are dealers in high HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1325 grade domestic and foreign marbles and granite, and their monumental works are located at 1035 Broadway. In 1913 Mr. Lee married Miss Mary Ruscher, of Lorain, born Nov. 19, 1894, in Montpelier, Vt., the daughter of John A. and Julia B. (Uhl) Ruscher, natives of Germany. Mr. Ruscher died in 1917 and is buried in the Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain. His widow resides in this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Lee have been born four children: Robert E., born in 1914; Carlton E., Jr., born in 1916 ; John C., born in 1917 ; and Carma Elaine, born in 1920. Mr. Lee is a Republican, a prominent member of the Church of Christ, Lorain, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Lorain Country Club. David Thomas, M. D., is prominent in Lorain as one of the most successful physicians and surgeons of Lorain County, and he is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Johnstown, Pa., Nov. 27, 1885, the son of Ivor and Mary A. (Brown) Thomas. Ivor Thomas lives retired in Lorain. Both he and his wife were born in Wales. Shortly after their marriage they came to the United States and settled in Johnstown, Pa., where Mr. Thomas spent 15 years in the steel mills. He then located in Lorain with the National Tube Company, being employed by the plant at the opening of its mills in this city. He continued with the company for a period of 33 years, which made a total of 61 years as a steel worker. Mr. Thomas retired in 1927. He has been a life long Republican and attends the Presbyterian Church. He lives at 1768 East 36th Street. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were born four children: William, who died in infancy ; Anna Shaddock, who died in 1924; David, the subject of this sketch ; and Emlyn, lives at Lakewood, Ohio. David Thomas was eleven years old when his family removed to Lorain from Johnstown, Pa. He had the experience when four years of age of being among the survivors of the Johnstown flood, his parents having taken refuge with their family on the roof of their home, which was carried more than a mile in the flood stream. He received his early education in the public schools of Lorain and after his high school career he was employed in the steel mills of the National Tube Company learning the trade of roll turning. He attended Wooster College and in 1908 entered the University of Michigan, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1912. He then spent a year in the Emergency Hospital of the steel mills in Lorain under Doctor Wheatley, and during 1913-14 was interne at St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorain. He established a private prac- 1326 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO tice in 1914 with offices at 1932 Broadway, and in 1918 enlisted for service in the World War. He served at Camp Custer, Mich., as a member of Ambulance Company No. 256, 14th Sanitary Train, 14th Division, and was discharged in January, 1919, with the rank of first lieutenant. Besides his extensive private practice, Doctor Thomas is medical adviser for the U. S. Coast Guard in the Lorain district, and medical examiner for the Veterans Bureau, Lorain. He is a member of the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, and is identified with the Lorain County, Ohio State, and American Medical associations. During 1924 Doctor Thomas, in company with Drs. Wheatley, Monosmith, and Garver, took graduate work in Vienna. In 1914 Doctor Thomas was united in marriage with Miss Mabel L. Smiley, of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, the daughter of C. D. and Lettie (Ditweiler) Smiley, natives of Morrow County, Ohio, and residents of Oberlin. Doctor and Mrs. Thomas have three children: Margaret Louise, born Feb. 21, 1916; Jean Smiley, born Dec. 29, 1920; and David George, born May 26, 1923. Doctor Thomas is a Republican, a member of the First Congregational Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, B. P. 0. Elks, Knights of Pythias, American Legion, and Rotary Club. He lives at 1153 Eighth Street. Willard T. Francis, who is secretary and treasurer of the Home Stores Adjustment Bureau, is recognized as one of Lorain's most capable and successful business men. He was born at Willard, Ohio, Jan. 12, 1888, the son of William J. and Rita (Holler) Francis. William J. Francis was born near St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, of English descent. In early life he came to the United States and settled at Newark, Ohio. At that time he entered the employ of the Baltiomre & Ohio Railroad, being transferred by the Company to Willard, Ohio, in 1875. He has since been a resident of that place and at the time of his retirement in 1927 had been in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad for a period of 53 years. He is a Republican and has served as central committeeman. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and has always been prominent in Masonic circles. His wife, born near Newark, died in May, 1928. Their children were :- Walter, who died in infancy ; Mrs. Della McKenney, lives at Willard ; William, who died in infancy ; and Willard T., the subject of this sketch. Willard T. Francis was educated in the public and high schools of Willard, and attended Morgan Park Academy in Illinois. He spent two years at Wooster College, and then entered the employ of the Great Northern Railroad at Superior, Wis., as a locomotive fireman. Two years later HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1327 he went to Zanesville, Ohio, to serve a special apprenticeship in the shops of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Due to the machinists strike at that time, Mr. Francis gave up his proposed work and took a correspondence course in electrical engineering. He then spent six months at Anderson, Ind., with the Indiana Union Electric Railway. For eighteen years he was identified with the Lake Shore Electric Railroad at Fremont, Ohio, and resigned in February, 1929, as chief train dispatcher. Mr. Francis then located in Lorain as secretary of the Lorain Home Owned Stores Association, Inc. In June of that year the company established a credit bureau and in October, 1929, Mr. Francis, in partnership with George W. Hill, purchased the organization, which was thereafter known as The Home Stores Adjustment Bureau. Mr. Hill is president, with Mr. Francis as secretary and treasurer. Offices are in the Cleveland Trust Bank Building. A branch office was opened in Lakewood in January, 1931, and is known as the Physicians and Dentists Business Clinic. In November, 1911, Mr. Francis was united in marriage at Zanesville with Miss Gertrude Webber, of Newark, the daughter of Bayard and Mary (Maurath) Webber, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of Newark. Mr. Webber died in 1911 and his widow lives at Newark. To Mr. and Mrs. Francis have been born two children: W. Thomas, born April 14, 1912, a graduate of Lorain High School, class of 1930, attends Wooster College ; and Mary Elizabeth, born May 1, 1913, a graduate of Lorain High School, class of 1931. Mr. Francis is identified with the Republican party in politics. He is affiliated with Lorain Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 552, and is a leader in Masonic circles in Lorain County. He also belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. R. E. Roth. One of the highly successful and representative business men of Lorain is R. E. Roth, who is secretary and treasurer of the A. H. Babcock Company, real estate and insurance specialists, with offices at 552 Broadway. He was born in this city, Sept. 30, 1890, the son of G. A. and Elizabeth (Brooker) Roth. G. A. Roth was born at South Amherst, Ohio, and spent his early life on a farm. He attended the district schools and when a young man came to Lorain, where he successfully engaged in the retail shoe business for many years. He retired in 1925 and died in 1930. His wife died in 1923. Both are buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain. Mr. Roth was a Republican and served for a number of years as a member of the city council. He held membership in the Emmanuel Evangelical Church, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias, Maccabees, and Red Men. To Mr. and Mrs. 1328 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Roth were born three children : Albert, who died Feb. 10, 1923 ; Irvin, who lives at Lorain ; and R. E., the subject of this sketch. R. E. Roth secured his education in the Lorain public schools, from which he was graduated in 1908. He then took a course in the Lorain Business College, and began his business career in the offices of the National Tube Company. Mr. Roth spent 18 years in the employ of the Direct Action Stove Company, Lorain, and during the last six years of that time was assistant superintendent of the plant. Since Sept. 1, 1930, he has been identified with the interests of the A. H. Babcock Company as secretary and treasurer. In 1913 Mr. Roth was united in marriage with Miss Florence Keefauber, of Cleveland, and they have two sons : Raymond E., Jr., born Aug. 31, 1923 ; and Donald G., born March 14, 1927. Mr. Roth is a member of the Emmanuel Evangelical Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, B. P. 0. Elks, Lorain Country Club, and Lorain Yacht Club. He has always been a Republican. The Roth family lives at 311 Ninth Street, Lorain. Fred G. Black, who is identified with the M. L. Branyan & Brother, dealers in coal and builders' supplies, 171 North Main Street, is prominently associated with the business, civic, and social life of Mansfield. He was born at Galion, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1881, the son of J. W. and Mary E. (Branyan) Black. J. W. Black was born at Millerstown, Pa., in 1848. He learned the machinist's trade at Taunton, Mass., later lived at Duncannon, Pa., and in 1877 located at Mansfield. For a time he lived at Galion, but in 1882 returned to Mansfield to enter the employ of the Humphrey Manufacturing Company. He later was in the employ of the Shelby Tin Plate & Tube Company. Mr. Black lives retired at Mansfield. He is a Republican. Mary E. (Branyan) Black was born at Duncannon, Pa., in 1850 and died at Mansfield in 1909. There were two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Black : Fred G., the subject of this sketch ; and Milton, who died in 1903. The boyhood of Fred G. Black was spent in Mansfield, where he received his education. He has been identified with the interests of M. L. Branyan & Brother, coal dealers, since 1900. He became manager of the business in 1910 and became an equal partner in 1918. At the death of M. L. Branyan in 1927 Mr. Black became owner and manager of the business. The company are dealers in wholesale and retail coal and builders supplies. In September, 1928, Mr. Black married Mrs. Grace I. (Gates) Kelley, the daughter of Albert Gates, who is identified with the Shelby Printing HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1329 Company of Shelby, Ohio. By a former marriage Mrs. Black has a daughter, Ina M. Kelley, a student. Mr. Black is a Republican and has the following lodge affiliations: Mansfield Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 35; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree ; Baku Grotto, M. 0. V. P. E. R.; Al Koran Temple ; Mystic Club; Richland County Scottish Rite Society ; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56. He is a Republican and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce ; Ohio Builders Supply Association; and National Builders Supply Association. Mr. Black is a director of the Citizens Savings & Loan Company, and a member of the advisory board of the Mansfield Savings Bank & Trust Company. William C. Barber. Representative of the successful business men of North Central Ohio is William C. Barber, who is identified with the BaetzBarber Dairy Company, of Lorain. He was born at Wakeman, Ohio, Feb. 1, 1872, the son of William and Eliza (Stiles) Barber. William Barber, deceased, was a native of England. At the age of 21 years he came to the United States and located at Sandusky, Ohio. After a short time he purchased a fine farm in Wakeman Township, Huron County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He owned 200 acres of land. Mr. Barber died in 1913 at the age of 85 years, and his wife, born in Huron County, Ohio, died in 1923, at the age of 87 years. Both are buried at Wakeman. He was a life long Republican, and held membership in the Congregational Church and was a deacon for many years. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barber: Anna, the widow of Thomas Barnes, lives at Burton, Ohio; F. M., who died in Chicago, Ill., in 1927, was survived by a son, Roger, who was the only member of the Barber family in the World War; Ella Peck, lives at Detroit, Mich.; J. E., lives at Wakeman; Jennie, deceased ; Henry, lives at Wakeman; Ida, lives at Burton, Ohio; and William C., the subject of this sketch. William C. Barber spent his early life at Wakeman, where he attended the public schools. After leaving Wakeman High School, he spent one year at Ohio Northern University. He was interested in general farming until he reached the age of 25 years, and then engaged in the general mercantile business at Havana, Ohio, where he also served as postmaster. Later, he spent two years with the National Cash Register Company at Dayton, Ohio, and in 1907 located in Lorain as manager of the F. E. Kellogg store. He next was employed as bookkeeper by the Lyons Dairy, 1330 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Lorain, and spent two years with that concern. Mr. Barber then became identified with Baetz Brothers Dairy, and in 1912 purchased the Bushek Dairy at South Lorain. At that time the two dairies were merged, and the partnership continued until 1918, at which time Conrad Baetz sold his interest to his brother and partner, Mr. Barber, the new organization being known as the Baetz-Barber Dairy Company. It is the oldest and most reliable dairy concern in the city and was the first to bottle milk and use the pasteurization process in the city of Lorain. It was first also in the installation of iceless refrigeration. The Baetz-Barber Dairy Company, with five large retail routes and two wholesale routes, handles on an average of 5,000 pounds of milk per day. The dairy plant is located at 318 15th Street. Mr. Barber was married (first) in 1897 to Miss Maud Gibson, of Wakeman, who died in 1910. She was the daughter of Eugene and Cora Gibson, both deceased. To this union two children were born : 1. William Lee, born in 1902, a graduate of Lorain High School and Oberlin Business College, now an accountant at Detroit, Mich. 2. Dorothy M., born in 1907, a graduate of Lorain High School and Oberlin Business College, now employed in the offices of the City Bank of Lorain. Mr. Barber was married (second) to Mrs. Bertha Turner, of Lorain, the daughter of J. E. and Nettie (Wilson) Rowley, natives of Lorain and Huron, respectively. Mr. Rowley is deceased and his widow lives in Lorain. Mr. and Mrs. Barber have a son, Frank E., born at Lorain in 1916. He attends Lorain High School. Mr. Barber is a Republican, and holds membership in the United Brethren Church, of Lorain. The family lives at 308 Ninth Street. Joseph Stiles, maternal grandfather of William C. Barber, was a native of New York, and among the first settlers of Huron County. It was in his honor that the village of Stilesburg was named, now known as West Clarksfield. John H. Horn, who is identified with Horn Brothers Market, 928 Broadway, is widely known as successful merchant of Lorain. He was born at Brownhelm, Jan. 11, 1871, the son of Adam and Martha (Henning) Horn. A complete sketch of Adam Horn appears elsewhere in this history in the iography of his son, Fred W. Horn John H. Horn obtained his education in the district schools of Lorain County, and spent his boyhood on his father's farm near Brownhelm. At the age of 16 years he was employed in the stone quarries of Lorain County, and was thus engaged until 1896, when he came to Lorain and HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1331 established the present retail meat business with his brother, Fred W. Horn, known as Horn Brothers Market. In 1895 Mr. Horn was united in marriage with Miss Margaret A. Lang, of Brownhelm, the daughter of August and Catherine (Hildebrandt) Lang, natives of Germany. The former is retired and lives at Brownhelm. The latter is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Horn have three children: 1. Arthur L., born in 1897, a graduate of Lorain High School. He married Miss Jane VanOrman, and they have a son, Arthur L., Jr. They live at Lorain. 2. Mildred Eloise, born in 1898, a graduate of Lorain High School and Bowling Green Normal School, was a teacher before her marriage to Charles Epply. They have four children: Margaret, born in 1921; Shirley Ann, born in 1923 ; Marian, born in 1926; and Gerald E., born in 1929. They live at Lorain. 3. Helen Edith, born in 1903, a graduate of Lorain High School, and Oberlin Kindergarten Training School. She married Valentine Selin, they have a son, Vernon,- born in July, 1926, and they live in Lorain. Mr. Horn holds membership in the Emmanuel Evangelical Church. Politically he is a Republican. Harry Getrost, optometrist, is widely known in Lorain as a progressive man in his profession. He was born at Auburn, Ind., March 9, 1881, the son of John M. and Sarah E. (Miller) Getrost. John M. Getrost was born at Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio, as was also his wife. He spent his early life on a farm and for a number of years taught school. Later he engaged in the mercantile business at Auburn, Ind., and upon his return to Defiance County resumed his farming interests. Mr. Getrost died in 1916 and his wife died in 1929. Both are buried at Hicksville. He was a Republican and held the offices of township assessor and trustee. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Getrost: Mrs. Maud Mettert, lives in Paulding County, Ohio; Mabel Miller, lives at Hicksville; Harry, the subject of this sketch ; George, lives at Hicksville ; Fred, lives at Lorain; Edith, and Glen, live at Hicksville ; Floyd and Lela Schooley, live at Lorain ; John, who died at the age of six years ; Helen, who died at the age of four years ; and Verne, lives at Chicago. After his graduation from Hicksville High School in 1899, Harry Getrost served an apprenticeship as a watchmaker and optician with Dr. Arthur James. He then spent six months as a watchmaker at Mishawaka, Ind., after which he located at Delaware, Ohio, with Benjamin Yaley, in charge of his optical department. Mr. Getrost spent five years in Dela- 1332 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ware, and in May, 1909, came to Lorain in charge of the optical department in the jewelry business of W. C. Fisher. He had received his professional training with Dr. Gilch of Detroit, Mich., and also attended the Needle Institute of Optometry, at Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Getrost has taken graduate work in optometry at Ohio State University, and has held a certificate from the Ohio State Board of Optometry since July, 1920. He has engaged in business for himself at 412 Broadway since 1920. In July, 1910, Mr. Getrost was united in marriage with Miss Edith Titus, of Avon Lake, Ohio, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Gonyer) Titus. Mr. Titus died in 1909, and is buried in Avon Cemetery. His widow lives at Avon Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Getrost have a daughter, Helen Elizabeth, born in August, 1912. She is a graduate of Lorain High School, class of 1930, and attends the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry. During the World War Mr. Getrost served in France with the Y. M. C. A. from July, 1918, until May, 1919. Mr. Getrost is a member of the Methodist Church and is affiliated with Lorain Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 552 ; Order of Eastern Star ; Lions Club ; and Lorain Yacht Club. He is identified with the Ohio State Optometrical Association, the American Optometrical Association, and the Better Vision Society of Cleveland. Politically, Mr. Getrost is a Republican. His wife holds membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Harlan T. Chapman is a veteran of the World War and a representative young business man of Lorain, where he is manager and treasurer of the Lorain Dairy & Feed Company. He is also a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Lorain County. Mr. Chapman was born at Elyria, Sept. 4, 1899, the son of Erie C. and Minnie E. (Thayer) Chapman. Erie C. Chapman was born at Brunswick, Medina County, Ohio, and now resides at Elyria, where he has served as assistant postmaster for a period of 32 years. He spent his early life on a farm at Butternut Ridge and attended the district schools. He also studied at Oberlin Business College, and spent much of his time in Elyria during the period of his father's term as treasurer of Lorain County. He has been identified with the Elyria postoffice since 1898 and is a highly esteemed citizen of that place. He is a stanch Republican, and is affiliated with King Solomon Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 56; Marshall Chapter ; Elyria Council ; Elyria Commandery ; Al Koran Shrine, Cleveland ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 465 ; and Eagles Lodge. He also belongs to the H. P. Chapman Camp, Sons of Veterans, which was organized and named in honor of his father in January, 1911. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1333 He is also a charter member of the Elyria Chamber of Commerce. Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Chapman are the parents of three sons : Harlan T., the subject of this sketch ; Erie D., Jr., lives at Cleveland ; and M. J., lives at Oberlin. The early life of Harlan T. Chapman was spent in Elyria, where he attended the public schools. In 1915 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and saw active service until after the close of the World War, remaining in the service until 1921. He served on the U. S. S. Connecticut, and the destroyer U. S. S. Bell, having enlisted as an ordinary seaman, and being discharged as a chief torpedo operator. Upon his return to Elyria, Mr. Chapman accepted a position as salesman with Armour & Company, Chicago, and was sent to Canton, Ohio, for one year. Later he was transferred to Lorain, and represented the company in this city for four years. Mr. Chapman then, in 1927, organized the Lorain Dairy & Feed Company, which was incorporated in June, 1929. On May 24, 1924, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Stolba, of Lorain, the daughter of Louis and Anna (Reseck) Stolba. They have a daughter, Constance 0., born in Lorain, March 4, 1925. Mr. Chapman is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Congregational Church, of Elyria, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Eagles Lodge, and Lions Club. The family residence is located at 153 Oak Street, Elyria. Harlan P. Chapman and Alonzo Thayer, grandfathers of Harlan T. Chapman, both served throughout the Civil War, and were prominent members of the Grand Army of the Republic. Myron E. Kishman, M. D. One of the most prominent of the younger physicians and surgeons of Lorain County is Doctor Kishman, who is successfully engaged in practice at Lorain, with offices in the Broadway Building. He is also a veteran of the World War. Doctor Kishman was born at Brownhelm, Ohio, Sept. 13, 1896, the son of Edward W. and Lenora (Cooley) Kishman. Edward W. Kishman, who is identified with the Kishman Fish Company as vice president, is a well known citizen of Erie County. Both he and his wife were born at Brownhelm, and now reside at Vermilion, Ohio. He attended the public schools and spent one year at Oberlin College. Throughout his business career he has been interested in the fishing industry, and in 1900, in partnership with his brother, Henry Kishman, organized the Kishman Fish Company. They are owners of a large fleet of fishing boats on Lake Erie, with storage houses at Huron, Vermilion, 1334 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Fairport, and Lorain. Mr. Kishman is a Democrat, a member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. To Mr. and Mrs. Kishman were born two children : Adeline Martha, who lives at Vermilion; and Myron E., the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of Myron E. Kishman was spent at Vermilion and he attended the public schools. After a year at Ohio State University, he entered Western Reserve University, where he took up the study of medicine. In April, 1917, he left school and enlisted for service in the World War, as a member of the 135th Field Artillery. He was sent to Camp Sheridan, Ala., and later to Camp Taylor, Ky., where he received a commission of second lieutenant in August, 1918. He was then transferred to Camp Jackson, S. C., and later returned to Camp Sheridan, where he was assigned to the 79th Field Artillery Brigade. Upon his discharge from the service, Dec. 1, 1918, he resumed his studies at Western Reserve University and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in June, 1923. Doctor Kishman served as an interne at Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, spent one year as house physician in the Cleveland City Hospital, and six months as a member of the staff of Cleveland Maternity Hospital. He established his present practice in Lorain in January, 1926. Doctor Kish-man is identified with the Lorain County, Ohio State, and American Medical associations. He is a member of the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Lorain. In 1921 Doctor Kishman married Miss Goldie A. Homan, of Lorain, the daughter of William and Rose (Parker) Homan. Mr. Homan was born at Amherst, and his wife at Freeport, Ohio. They live in Lorain. Doctor and Mrs. Kishman have two children : William E., born in January, 1923 ; and Lenore R., born in September, 1925. Politically, Doctor Kishman is a Republican. He holds membership in the First Methodist Church of Lorain, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club, and Alpha Omega Alpha fraternity. George F. Baird is well and favorably known in Lorain, where he has spent 20 years in the employ of the American Shipbuilding Company as chief timekeeper. He was born at Brownhelm, Lorain County, Nov. 25, 1888, the son of DeHort and Anna (Foster) Baird. DeHort Baird, deceased, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. After receiving his education in his native land, he was associated in business with his father, who was the superintendent of several large stone quarries in Scotland. At the age of 26 years Mr. Baird emigrated to the United States and settled in Lorain County, being identified with the Brownhelm Quarries for a number of years. He was also connected with HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1335 the Cleveland Stone Company at South Amherst, and was superintendent of the Independent Quarries at Amherst. Later he was superintendent of a quarry at Willoughby, Ohio, which was owned by a Mr. Everett. Mr. Baird died in January, 1927, and is buried at Brownhelm. His widow resides in the old homesteaed at Brownhelm, where she was born. Mr. Baird was a Democrat and for many years served as justice of the peace at Brownhelm. He held membership in the Presbyterian Church of Glasgow, Scotland, and his wife belongs to the Congregational Church. Mr. Baird joined the Masonic Lodge in Glasgow and later had his membership transferred to the Stoneington Lodge, Amherst. To Mr. and Mrs. Baird the following children were born : William, lives at Amherst ; Anna Merrick, lives at Forreston, Ill. ; David, who died at the age of six years ; Jessie, who died at the age of 17 years ; George F., the subject of this sketch ; Robert and Margaret, both deceased ; Parker, lives at Brownhelm ; Albert, lives at Amherst, Ohio ; and Isabel Claus, lives at Brownhelm, Ohio ; James, lives at Colorado Springs, Colo. ; Hazel Northeim, lives at Brown-helm ; and Elson, lives in Wisconsin. George F. Baird obtained his education in the public schools of Brown-helm. He spent two years in the employ of the Independent Quarries at Amherst as timekeeper, and later was connected with the Ohio Quarries at South Amherst as a stone planer operator. Mr. Baird came to Lorain in 1908, spent two years as shipping clerk with the Nickel Plate Railroad, one year with the Fay Furniture Company, and one year with the National Tube Company. In 1912 he became identified with the American Shipbuilding Company as timekeeper and was promoted to chief timekeeper in 1917. Mr. Baird is also interested in the general insurance business. He is local agent for the Midland Mutual Life Insurance Company, Importers and Exporters Fire Insurance Company, and the Wolverine Insurance Company of Michigan. On June 22, 1910, Mr. Baird was united in marriage with Miss Nellie M. Buckley, of Brownhelm, the daughter of Melvin Eugene and Dora (Minkler) Buckley, natives of Huron County. Mr. Buckley died March 8, 1909, and his wife died Feb. 2, 1931. Both are buried at Brownhelm. Mr. and Mrs. Baird have two daughters : Winifred E., born Aug. 15, 1912, a graduate of Lorain High School, class of 1930, attends Oberlin School of Commerce ; and Evelyn L., born Sept. 8, 1915, attends Lorain High School. Mr. Baird is a Republican, an active member of the First Congregational Church of Lorain, and belongs to Lorain Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 552, and Order of Eastern Star. The family lives at 1139 Eleventh Street. 1336 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Edgar Koehl. One of the widely known newspaper men of North Central Ohio is Edgar Koehl, who is president of the Ashland Printing Company, publishers of the Ashland Times-Gazette and consolidated newspapers. He was born in Ashland, Nov. 14, 1887, the son of John and Emma (Campbell) Koehl. John Koehl was born at Columbus, Ohio, and his wife was a native of Galesburg, Ill. He spent many years in Ashland, where he was successful as a shoe merchant for a period of 40 years. Mr. Koehl died Aug. 17, 1907, and his wife died, Jan. 7, 1913. Both are buried in Ashland. Their only child was Edgar, the subject of this sketch. Edgar Koehl has always lived in Ashland. He attended the public schools and is a graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1908. During 1907 he served as a reporter on the Ashland Press. He held the office of village clerk and city auditor from 1909 until 1914, and was municipal examiner of the Ohio Bureau of Inspection and Supervision of Public Offices from 1914 until 1920. He has held his present position as president of the Ashland Printing Company since 1919. On Jan. 28, 1911, Mr. Koehl was united in marriage with Miss Florence G. Smith, of Ashland, the daughter of George B. and Jessie (Sutherland) Smith, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Missouri. Mr. Smith died Nov. 4, 1912. His widow lives in Ashland. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Koehl, Fred and Edgar, Jr. Mr. Koehl is a Democrat and is serving as a member of the Ashland board of education. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1360, Colonial Club, and Ashland Country Club. Edwin Elmore Jacobs. As president of Ashland College, Edwin Elmore Jacobs is one of the representative citizens and widely known educators of North Central Ohio. He was born at Congress, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1878, the son of Rev. Henry S. and Elizabeth (Lindsey) Jacobs. Rev. Henry S. Jacobs was born at York, Pa., and his wife was a native of Conneaut Lake, Pa. He was a preacher, school teacher and farmer, and died in May, 1927. His wife died in December, 1925. They were the parents of two sons : Peter 0., born in October, 1876, died in October, 1889; and Edwin Elmore, the subject of this sketch. Edwin Elmore Jacobs attended the district schools of Medina County and is a graduate of Sullivan High School. He has also received degrees from Wooster College, Chicago University, Mt. Union College, Harvard University, and Clark University. Mr. Jacobs began his teaching career in the high schools of Fostoria, Ohio, and Goshen, Ind. He came to Ash- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1337 land College as professor of biology, later was appointed dean and acting president, and was elected to the office of president in 1918. He also spent a year as a Fellow at Clark University. During his administration as president of Ashland College, the endowment has been increased from less than $50,000 to $600,000, which is more than enough to enter it as a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Its enrollment has increased from less than 100 to over 700 students, with a faculty of 40, compared to the original faculty of eight. The college grounds have been improved and intercollegiate athletics have been successfully introduced. Doctor Jacobs is a member of the Ohio Academy of Science, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, London, a member of the American Sociologcial Association, a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a member of Pi Gamma Nu honorary sociological fraternity. He has served as lecturer at more than 40 teachers institutes, is the author of numerous technical magazine articles, and has served on the staff of book reviewers. He is also the author of such well known books as, "A Study in Physical Vigor," and "In Love With Nature." In June, 1907, Doctor Jacobs married Miss Mae Brown Cassel, of East Berlin, Pa., the daughter of Dr. John and Viola (Albert) Brown. She is the adopted daughter of Jacob C. Cassel. To Doctor and Mrs. Jacobs have been born three sons : Cassel H., born in 1908, a teacher ; Edwin Elmore, Jr., born in 1911, a sophomore in Ashland College ; and John Brown, born in 1917, a freshman in Ashland High School. Doctor Jacobs is a Democrat and has served as a member of the Democratic Executive Committee of Ashland County. He is a member of the First Brethren Church of Ashland, and was formerly Moderator of the National Conferences of the Brethren Churches of America. He belongs to the Ashland Rotary Club. Lawrence A. Burgett, who is president of the L. A. Burgett Company, is an enterprising and successful business man of Lorain. He was born in Lucas County, Ohio, April 2, 1869, the son of Peter and Eva (Laux) Burgett. Peter Burgett was born in Germany and emigrated to this country when he was 22 years of age. He settled first in Lorain County and was the owner of a farm in Sheffield Township. In 1870 he removed to Lucas County where he followed his trade as a bricklayer. Mr. Burgett died in April, 1903. His wife, also a native of Germany, died in 1896. Both are buried in Lucas County. He was a Democrat and held membership in the Catholic Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Burgett the following chil- 1338 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO dren were born : William, who died in 1927 ; Margaret, who died in 1930; John, who died in 1925 ; Barbara Rabb, lives at Toledo ; Jacob, who died in 1913; Lawrence A., the subject of this sketch ; and Peter, who lives at Toledo. Lawrence A. Burgett attended the district schools of Lucas County and when 16 years of age learned the mason and bricklaying trades. He came to Lorain in 1892 and at that time established the foundation of his present contracting business. After a period of 15 years he engaged in business with Julius Glick, the firm being known as Glick-Burgett. Three years later Mr. Burgett purchased the interest of Mr. Glick and at that time took as his partners his son, Leroy R., and son-in-law Thomas Hume, the business thereafter being known as L. A. Burgett & Company. It has since been incorporated as the L. A. Burgett Company. At the date of its incorporation L. A. Burgett became president, Thomas Hume, vice president, and Leroy B. Burgett, secretary and treasurer. In 1925 Mr. Hume withdrew from the firm and at that time Virgil C. Burgett became associated with the business. In 1931 the officers are: Lawrence A. Burgett, president ; Leroy P. Burgett, vice president ; and Virgil C. Burgett, secretary and treasurer. It is the oldest contracting firm in Lorain County, its building interests extending throughout the cities of Elyria and Lorain, as well as the surrounding community. Mr. Burgett is also vice president of the Peoples Banking Company. Mr. Burgett was married (first) in 1890 to Miss Josephine Miller, of New Washington, Ohio, the daughter of John and Mary (Yocum) Miller. Mr. Miller was born in France and died in Cleveland in 1900. His wife, a native of Ohio, died in 1906. Josephine (Miller) Burgett died in 1903, and is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. To Mr. and Mrs. Burgett were born four children : 1. Mrs. Thomas Hume, born in 1903, lives at Lorain. Mr. and Mrs. Hume have five children : Geraldine, born in 1917 ; Virgil, born in 1919 ; Reda, born in 1921; Virginia, born in 1923 ; and Helen, born in 1925. 2. Leroy P., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 3. Geraldine A., who died in infancy. 4. Virgil C., born in 1900, a graduate of Lorain High School, and Ohio University. He is secretary and treasurer of the L. A. Burgett Company. He married Miss Loretta Simons, of Lorain, and they have a daughter, Betty Jean, born in 1925. Mr. Burgett was married (second) in 1904, to Miss Cecile Messmer, of Lorain, the daughter of Andrew and Eva (Curtis) Messmer, natives of Germany and Ohio, respectively. Mr. Messmer died in 1892 and his wife died in 1929. Both are buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain. Politically, Mr. Burgett is a Republican, and he has served as a member of the city council. He and his family hold membership in the Catholic Church, and he belongs to the Elks Lodge and Rotary Club. During the HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1339 past 12 years Mr. Burgett has spent the winter months in Florida. He is president of the Daytona Beach Shuffle Board Club. LeRoy P. Burgett. One of the representative young business men of Lorain is LeRoy P. Burgett, who is vice president of the L. A. Burgett Company, building contractors. He was born in this city, Nov. 10, 1892, the son of Lawrence A. and Josephine (Miller) Burgett. A complete sketch of Lawrence A. Burgett, who is president of the L. A. Burgett Company, appears elsewhere in this history. LeRoy B. Burgett has always lived in Lorain. He received his education in the public schools and after his graduation from Lorain High School he attended Lorain Business College. As a young man he served his apprenticeship in the building trades with his father's business, and in 1911 became a partner. He was elected secretary and treasurer in 1917, and became vice president of the concern in 1923. On April 20, 1920, Mr. Burgett married Miss Gertrude L. Baker, of Lorain, the daughter of Adam and Gertrude Baker, natives of Germany. Mr. Baker died in 1928 and his widow lives in Lorain. To Mr. and Mrs. Burgett have been born two children : Lena A., born in 1921; and LeRoy P., Jr., born in 1922. Mrs. Burgett is a graduate nurse, St. Joseph's Hospital. Mr. Burgett is a Republican, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Elk and Eagle lodges. William H. Balch is numbered among the energetic and successful business men of Ashland. He was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 4, 1868, the son of William M. and Emily Frances (Hopgood) Balch. His parents were born in England, and came to Halifax, Canada, in a sailing vessel before the days of steamers, settling in Hamilton, Canada, then later in life removing to Dunkirk, N. Y., where they died and are buried. William H. Balch was reared and educated in Hamilton, Canada. Following his marriage on Dec. 27, 1893, to Miss Cora Ann Mowery, daughter of Michael and Mary (Steward) Mowery, he removed to Ashland and has resided here continuously ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Balch have one son, Burdge Mowery Balch, who lives in Akron, Ohio. Early in his business career Mr. Balch went to New York City and became associated with a manufacturer and wholesale dealer in gold 1340 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO jewelry and diamonds, continuing in that business for a number of years. Later, he became associated with the Faultless Rubber Company, of Ashland, as vice president and general sales manager, and for a number of years was a member of their Board of Directors, and was an important factor in the success and development of this corporation. After 15 years of service and following a reorganization of the company, he became associated with the firm of Dr. Hess & Clark, Inc. For more than thirty-five years Mr. Balch has been an active leader in the civic, social, and religious affairs of Ashland. For many years he was superintendent of the Trinity Lutheran Sunday School, a member of the official board and church treasurer. He is a life member of the Laymen's Movement for Stewardship of the United Lutheran Church, and continues active in church work. Mr. Balch is a trustee of Ashland College, and was executive chairman of the financial committee in the recent campaign to raise an endowment fund for Ashland College. He was a director of the Ashland Country Club for several years and president for the year 1930. Active in Ashland civic affairs he has promoted the organization of the Ashland Rotary Club, and was elected the first president of this organization. He also took the initiative and was largely responsible for establishing the Ashland Boy Scout Movement in Ashland, and has actively supported this work ever since. He also took the initiative in organizing the Ashland Community Chest Association and is now a member of the board of governors. Mr. Balch has traveled extensively , has a wide business acquaintance and has addressed business meetings and sales conventions in practically all the large cities, and has spoken before Rotary, other civic clubs, and church organizations. During the World War Mr. Balch spent one day a week in Washington, and one day in New York. He was a member of the War Industries Committee on surgical rubber goods and for a number of years was on the Board of Directors of the Rubber Sundries Division of the Rubber Association of America, and at one time was president of this division. During the war period he was in close touch with the medical supply depots of the United States Navy and Army, the Gas Defense Division, and many other Government Departments. He was honored by being invited to important meetings in Washington, held during the critical days of June and July, 1918. Mr. Balch is a member of several Masonic bodies, Masonic Club, the Colonial Club, Ashland Country Club, Ashland Rotary Club, director of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Community Chest Association. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1341 Fred W. Horn, of Lorain, is a successful and well known merchant of that city, where he has engaged in business for a period of forty years. He was born at Brownhelm, Dec. 30, 1868, the son of Adam and Martha (Henning) Horn. Both Adam Horn and his wife were natives of Germany. Early in life they emigrated to the United States and settled in Lorain where Mr. Horn followed his trade as a stonecutter. He later located at Brownhelm and was employed in the quarries at South Amherst for several years. Subsequently he purchased a farm near Brownhelm, but after his retirement in 1897, he removed to Lorain, where he died in 1903. His wife died in 1889. Both are buried at Brownhelm. He was a Republican, a member of the German Evangelical Church, and belonged to the Maccabees. To Mr. and Mrs. Horn were born four children: Catherine Byrd, deceased ; Fred W., the subject of this sketch ; John H., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history ; and William, lives at Middle Ridge, Lorain County. Fred W. Horn grew up on a farm near Brownhelm and attended the district schools. Throughout his business career he has been interested in the meat business, having been associated with the firm of Meltzer & Horn for one year, and with the firm of Brechlacker & Horn for two years. In 1896 Mr. Horn, in partnership with his brother, John H., established Horn Brothers Market, at 928 Broadway. It is Lorain's pioneer meat market, and the Horn Brothers are recognized as dependable merchants. Mr. Horn is also president of the Independent Savings & Loan Company of Lorain. In 1895 Mr. Horn was married (first) to Miss Rosela Waugh, of Oberlin, who died in February, 1924. She is buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain. She was the daughter of Newell and Cynthia (Barhyde) Waugh, natives of Kipton, Ohio, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Horn were born four children: 1. Evelyn Catherine, born in 1897, married Leroy Mills, lives at Lorain. They have three children: Jean, born in 1914 ; William, born in 1917; and Phyllis, born in 1919. 2. Eleanor Grace, born in 1898, a graduate of Lorain High School and Oberlin Kindergarten Training School, was a teacher before her marriage to Richard R. Fauver. They live at Lorain. They have two daughters : Catherine, born in 1923, and Jennie, born in 1925. 3. Thoburn Fred, born in 1903, a graduate of Lorain High School and Miami University, now identified with the Proctor & Gamble Company, at Cincinnati, Ohio. He married Miss Elizabeth Storey, of Augusta, Ga., and they have a son, Thoburn Fred, Jr., born in 1929. 4. Roland Waugh, born in 1906, a graduate of Lorain High School, attended Miami University. He married Miss Helen Koller, and they live at Lorain. 1342 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Horn was married (second) in November, 1925, to Miss Marion Buser, of Harrisburg, Pa., the daughter of Curtis and Bertha Buser, natives of Pennsylvania. The former is deceased and the latter lives in Lorain. Mr. Horn is a Republican and holds membership in the Methodist Church. He lives at 1122 Sixth Street. John B. Waby is one of Lorain's prominent business men and ranks among the representative citizens of Lorain County. He is district manager of the Central Outdoor Advertising Company, with offices at 1717 Broadway. Mr. Waby was born at Georgetown, Demerara, British Guiana, South America, Feb. 28, 1883, the son of John F. and Eleanor Seabrook (Francis) Waby. John F. Waby, who died in British Guiana in 1926, was a native of England, born in London. He was highly educated and specialized in the study of botany, later being engaged as botanist at Kew Gardens, in London. He served throughout the Franco-Prussian War, and at the age of 20 years was sent to Trinidad as a botanist by the British government, where he served for five years. He then went to Georgetown, S. A., as assistant government botanist, and served in that capacity until his death. For his outstanding work as a botanist, Mr. Waby was awarded a service medal by the English government. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. His widow, also born in London, lives in Trinidad, and is now 84 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Waby were born seven children: Arthur and Nellie, both deceased ; Katie Williams, lives at Georgetown, Demerara, British Guiana, S. A.; Frank and Collin, both deceased ; John B., the subject of this sketch ; and Bertie Francis, deceased. John B. Waby obtained his early education at Georgetown, S. A., and is a graduate of Queens College, British Guiana. He spent a short time in London, England, and also was located in Glasgow, Scotland, for five years. He returned to England and engaged in business at New Castle until 1913, at which time he brought his family to the United States and settled in Cleveland, where he became identified with the advertising business of the Thomas Cusack Company. After five years with that company he was transferred to their Youngstown offices, and remained there as superintendent four years. He was transferred to Lorain as manager in July, 1923. During 1925 the General Outdoor Advertising Company purchased the interest of the Thomas Cusack Company, and Mr. Waby was retained as local manager. In May, 1930, the Central Outdoor Advertising Company, took over the interests of the General Out- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1343 door Advertising Company, at which time Mr. Waby was appointed district manager, his territory including five counties in Ohio, and 32 important cities. In 1906 Mr. Waby was married at New Castle, England, to Miss Minnie Atkinson, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Taylor) Atkinson. They are residents of New Castle. Mr. and Mrs. Waby have four children : 1. John F., born Oct. 26, 1906, married Miss Naomi Brooker, of Wakeman, and they have a son, John Charles, born in 1928. 2. James Arthur, born in 1908, married Miss Ann Belekovich, of Lorain, and they have a son, James Arthur, Jr. 3. Ada Gwendolyn, who died at the age of two years. 4. Lena Doris, born in 1913, a graduate of Lorain High School, class of 1930. Mr. Waby is a member of the Lorain and Elyria Chamber of Commerce, Central Lorain Business Men's Club, Lorain Commercial Club, and is secretary of the Lorain Lions Club. He is a member of the Episcopal Church and belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is also identified with the Outdoor Advertising Association of America. Gustavus A. Karper. Among the successful business men of Ashland is Gustavus A. Karper, who is proprietor of the Ashland Floral Company. He was born at Canton, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1867, the son of J. L. and Sarah (Klippart) Karper. John Kerber, maternal great grandfather of Gustavus A. Karper, served as an officer during the Revolutionary War. J. L. Karper was born on a farm near Canton, where he remained until 1889. He was also a carpenter by trade and in that year removed to Wayne County, Ohio, and settled on a farm east of Shreve, where he died in 1907. Mr. Karper was a Democrat and held the office of township trustee. He and his wife were members of the German Lutheran Church. She died in 1897. Both are buried at McZena, Ohio. Sarah (Klippart) Karper, was the sister of John Klippart, who served as the first secretary of the State Board of Agriculture in Ohio, holding that office for 25 years. To J. L. and Sarah (Klippart) Karper were born seven children, as follows : 1. Emma, lives at Canton. 2. R. A., lives at Alliance. 3. Enos C., lives at Canton. 4. Cora, married John Smail, farmer, lives in Wayne County. 5. Gustavus A., the subject of this sketch. 6. Ida J., who died in 1925, was the wife of Geeorge Isenman, of Big Prairie, Ohio. 7. Clara, married George Ulm, lives at Rensselaer, Ind. Gustavus A. Karper attended the district schools and at the age of 16 years removed to Canton, Ohio, where he attended high school. He 1344 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO taught school for two years and traveled as a furniture salesman until 1911, at which time he purchased a half interest in the floral business of Lamprecht & Riddenhouse, the business thereafter being known as the Ashland Floral Company. Since 1915 Mr. Karper has been owner of the enterprise and carries on an extensive wholesale and retail trade. His greenhouses cover two and one-half acres of ground, and he also conducts a retail store on West Main Street, which is successfully managed by his son, Paul H. Karper. In 1893 Mr. Karper was united in marriage with Miss Helena M. Kantzer, of McZena, Ohio, the daughter of George and Kathryn (Faber) Kantzer. Both were natives of Alsace-Lorraine. Their deaths occurred in 1889 and they are buried at McZena. Mr. and Mrs. Karper have only one child, Paul H. Mr. Karper is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. He lives with his family at 436 Claremont Avenue. Howell E. Jones, Mansfield, is one of the representative young business men of the city, where he is auditor and office manager of the Mansfield Vitreous Enameling Company. He was born at Richwood, Union County, Ohio, June 27, 1898, the son of Evan T. and Sarah (Jones) Jones. Evan T. Jones was born at Pontypridd, Wales, in October, 1848, and his wife was a native of Radnor, Ohio, born in 1855. He came to the United States in May, 1869, with his parents, Thomas and Sophia (Davis) Jones. Thomas Jones followed his trade as an anchor smith in Wales and after coming to the United States was employed for many years as a blacksmith at Newark, Ohio. His son, Evan T., was a blacksmith in early life and later engaged in general farming on 172 acres of land near Rich-wood, Union County. He served as commissioner of Union County and also held the office of mayor of Richwood. Mr. Jones was a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to Mt. Carmel Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 303 ; Mt. Vernon Chapter, R. A. M., and Mt. Vernon Council. He died in 1929 and his wife died in 1899. Both are buried at Richwood. Their children were : Sophia, married C. S. Stevens, lives at Mt. Gilead, Ohio ; David, deceased ; Mary, married D. L. McCombs, lives at Toledo, Ohio ; Edward T., lives at Prospect, Ohio ; Llewlyn M., lives at Sidney, Ohio ; Anna B., lives at Richwood ; and Howell E., the subject of this sketch. The early life of Howell E. Jones was spent at Richwood and he was graduated from high school in 1916. The next two years were spent in farming and early in 1918 he enlisted for service in the World War, and HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1345 was sent to Fort Hayes Barracks, Columbus, Ohio. After his discharge from the service, Dec. 12, 1918, Mr. Jones returned to Richwood, where he was employed as a clerk until 1923. He then attended the Officers Training School at Columbus, Ohio, and from 1924 until 1926, was an instructor at that school. He served from August, 1926, until May, 1929, as head of the commercial department of Mansfield High School, and also during this time attended Ashland College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1928. In June, 1929, Mr. Jones accepted his present position as auditor and office manager of the Mansfield Vitreous Enameling Company. Mr. Jones is a Republican and has served as a member of the Republican central committee of Union County. He holds membership in the Presbyterian Church and belongs to Mt. Carmel Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 303, Past Master, 1925 ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28 ; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No.94 ; Scioto Consistory, 32nd degree ; Achbar Grotto ; American Legion, Baccarat Post, Past Commander and Adjutant ; Optimist Club ; Manufacturers Club ; and Chamber of Commerce. Milton L. Branyan, deceased, was widely known throughout Richland County as founder of the M. L. Branyan & Brother Coal & Builders Supplies, of Mansfield. He was born at Duncannon, Pa., Jan. 13, 1853, and died in Mansfield, June 10, 1927. Mr. Branyan studied telegraphy as a young man and spent a number of years in the telegraph service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Altoona, Pa. He later came to Ohio as an operator for the Erie Railroad at Akron, Ohio, and Galion. Mr. Branyan came to Mansfield for the latter company in 1878. He resigned in 1883 and during that year established the well known firm of M. L. Branyan & Brother, his brother being junior member. The original location of the company was near the Erie Railroad tracks on North Diamond Street and included stocks of building materials as well as coal. In 1923 the company purchased a location on West Sixth Street and built new yards and a warehouse. This is one of the most modern and attractive yards of its kind in North Central Ohio. A profitable business was established by the brothers and after the death of his brother, M. L. Branyan continued in business until January, 1927, at which time he retired on account of ill health. He was also vice president of the Ideal Electric & Manufacturing Company. Mr. Branyan was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church for half a century and belonged to Madison Lodge, K. of P., No. 26; Mansfield Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 35 ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28 ; 1346 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94 ; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Mystic Club ; and Richland County Scottish Rite Society. Harry A. Ledyard is among the representative business men of Ashland and North Central Ohio, being president of the Ashland Vault Co., Inc. He was born at Huntington, Lorain County, Ohio, Jan. 3, 1876, the son of Augustus and Ruth (Gay) Ledyard. Both Augustus Ledyard and his wife were natives of Ohio. He spent many years at Huntington where he was employed as a wagon-maker and in 1880 removed to Chatham, Medina County, where he became interested in farming and was thus engaged at the time of his death in 1889. His wife is also deceased. They are buried at Huntington. Mr. Ledyard was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Led-yard were the parents of four children : Ida, deceased, was the wife of Ellis Cummings ; Alma, married D. W. Clifford, lives at Chatham ; Mary, the widow of Henry Landis, lives at Ithaca, N. Y.; and Harry A., the subject of this sketch. Harry A. Ledyard attended the public schools of Chatham and spent his early life on his father's farm in Medina County. He followed the trade of carpenter for several years and in 1921 became interested in the manufacturing of vaults. He established a small factory in Ashland at that time and the following year became associated in the business with James Jelley. The business continued as a partnership, known as the Ashland Vault Company, until April, 1926, at which time Mr. Ledyard purchased the interest of Mr. Jelley. In November of that year the company was incorporated. Four patents developed by the company may be said to account for its unusual success. They are manufacturers of the permanent air sealed burial vault, which is a reinforced concrete vault embodying the modern automatic air sealing principles, with a sectional base composed of three parts, and so constructed as to allow proper leveling and removal of water in case of a wet grave at time of burial. It is also completely waterproof and will carry any weight of earth, and is everlasting. Products of the company are sold throughout the United States and Canada. They are also manufacturers of the steel equipment of concrete vaults. Mr. Ledyard is president of the ,National Concrete Burial Vault Association, which is an outgrowth of the interests of the Ashland Vault Co., Inc. Manufacturers of this particular product organized in 1927 and in February, 1929, during the State Manufacturers meeting in Columbus, the association developed into a national organization. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1347 In 1904 Mr. Ledyard married Miss Bertha May Hines, of Jackson Township, Ashland County, the daughter of William and Amanda (Switzer) Hines. The former resides in Jackson Township. The latter died in 1927. To Mr. and Mrs. Ledyard have been born three children: 1. Evelyn Lucille, born Feb. 13, 1905, a graduate of Ashland High School, class of 1922. She married Lewis M. Holmes, of Ashland, and they have two sons, Richard, born Nov. 28, 1927, and Gene Lawrence, born Sept. 25, 1930. 2. Miriam Berdine, born in May, 1910, a graduate of Ashland High School, and Oberlin Kindergarten Training School, class of 1930. She is a teacher in the public schools of Alliance. 3. Gleason Hines, born Feb. 6, 1919, a student. In politics, Mr. Ledyard is identified with the Republican party. He and his family hold membership in the Evangelical Church. Harry R. Gill is prominently identified with the business life of Ashland as president and treasurer of the Eagle Rubber Company. He was born on a farm near Jeromesville, Oct. 28, 1887, the son of George and Carrie (Remley) Gill. William Gill and Joseph Remley, grandparents of Harry R. Gill, both served throughout the Civil War, the latter with the rank of captain. George Gill was born at Reedsburg, Ohio, and now lives retired in Ashland. His wife is a native of Jeromesville. Early in life Mr. Gill formed a partnership with his brother, Henry, and they successfullly conducted a sawmill and threshing business until 1899, also engaging in the manufacture of picket fence. In 1899 Mr. Gill came to Ashland where he spent several years as foreman in the employ of the old L. A. & S. Railroad. Since 1920 he has been connected with the Eagle Rubber Company. Mr. Gill is a Republican and holds membership in the Methodist Church. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gill: Harry R., the subject of this sketch ; and Mildred, married H. H. Hendry, lives at Ashland. The education of Harry R. Gill was received in the public schools of Jeromesville and Ashland, and he began his business career as a billing clerk in the offices of the L. A. & S. Railroad. He resigned as cashier and then spent two years in the offices of the Faultless Rubber Company. In 1910 Mr. Gill went to Detroit, Mich., where he spent one year with the Morgan & Wright Rubber Company, and upon his return to Ashland he resumed his former employment with the Faultless Rubber Company. Later, Mr. Gill traveled in Oregon for the Improved Manufacturing Company of Ashland. In February, 1913, he returned to Ashland and in partnership with H. V. Pohle became interested in the manufacture of toy 1348 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO balloons, the business being known as the Eagle Rubber Company. The enterprise enjoyed a phenomenal growth from the beginning, and in August, 1914, the plant was removed to larger quarters on Seventh Avenue, near Union Street. The services of Victor Behrend, of New York City, as a sales representative were also acquired, and he is now vice president and sales manager in charge of the company's New York office. The firm was incorporated in 1916 with Mr. Gill as president and treasurer, and Mr. Pohle as secretary and general factory manager. The following year the company located in its modern factory building at 710 Orange Street. The Eagle Rubber Company are specialists and widely known manufacturers of toy balloons, rubber balls, inflated and sponge rubber toys, and rubber novelties, and its products are sold throughout the entire civilized world. Approximately 300 people are employed in the factory, which has an office force of 22 people, and a large sales personnel. Mr. Gill is a Republican and is chairman of the Republican executive committee of Ashland County. He is a member of the Christian Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Colonial Club, Ashland Country Club, and Catawba Cliff Beach Club of Lake Erie. In 1911 Mr. Gill was united in marriage with Miss Tina Phillips, of Ashland, the daughter of D. A. and Mary (Reep) Phillips, who were natives of Ashland County. The former died in 1922, and the latter in 1930. To Mr. and Mrs. Gill have been born two sons : Harry R., Jr., born May 6, 1919 ; and David F., born Dec. 9, 1924. George R. Freer. One of the best known business men of Ashland is George R. Freer, who is cashier of the Farmers Bank of Ashland. He was born in this city, the son of Randolph and Harriet A. (Smith) Freer. Randolph Freer, deceased, was a representative citizen of Ashland and founder of the Farmers Bank in this city, which is now the largest private banking institution in the State of Ohio, with total resources $1,700,000. Mr. Freer was a native of Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he spent his early life. He located in Ashland in 1849 and spent seven years in the hardware business. He then became interested in the wool and grain industry, in which he met with remarkable financial success. Mr. Freer then became identified with banking interests, being one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Ashland, of which he served as a member of the board of directors. In 1873, in partnership with his brother, Jonas Freer, he organized the Farmers Bank of Ashland, and served as its HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 1349 president. Mr. Freer continued as a leading figure in the business and financial life of Ashland until 1883, at which time he was forced to retire on account of illness. In that year he transferred his banking interests to his sons. He died July 21, 1884, and his wife, who was born at Cedar Valley, Wayne County, died in 1901. Both are buried in Ashland Cemetery. Mr. Freer always took an active interest in local politics and for several years was a member of the city council, being recognized as a leader in the city's advancement. Poltically, he was a Republican, but never sought any public office. He held membership in the Presbyterian Church of which he was a deacon. To Randolph and Harriet A. (Smith) Freer, were born four sons : Frank W. and Charles, who are identified with Freer Brothers, clothiers, Ashland ; Walter, who died in 1915 ; and George R., the subject of this sketch. George R. Freer was reared and educated in Ashland, and at the age of 18 years became identified with the Farmers Bank in a clerical capacity. He was elected cashier of the institution in 1915. The bank was reorganized in 1918 and in that year removed to its present location, which was the original site of the Farmers Bank. Like his father, Mr. Freer, has a courteous and obliging manner, and this combined with his business ability, makes him rank among the financial leaders of North Central Ohio. The Farmers Bank, under the management and supervision of Mr. Freer, has had a wonderful growth and increase in business since its reorganization. In 1896 Mr. Freer was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle Brown of Ashland, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (King) Brown, the former died in 1923, and the latter in 1925. Both are buried in Ashland. To Mr. and Mrs. Freer have been born two sons : 1. Raymond B., born in 1896, a graduate of Ashland High School and Culver Military Academy. He enlisted for service in the World War and upon his return to Ashland he engaged in the automobile business, being identified with the Ashland Buick Company until 1923 at which time he purchased the interests of the company. He married Miss Lucille Blue, of Ashland, and they have two daughters : June, born in 1918 ; and Gloria, born in 1923. 2. Gaylord G., born in 1901, a graduate of Ashland High School and Leland Stanford University. He is connected with the Farmers Bank of Ashland as paying teller. He married Miss Vera Hursch, the daughter of Leroy Hursch, of Ashland. They have two children : George, III, born in 1925 ; and Phyllis Ann, born in 1930. George R. Freer is a Republican, a member of the Masonic Lodge. He also belongs to the Ashland Country Club. For the past 25 years Mr. and Mrs. Freer have enjoyed their summer vacations at their estate at Mullet Lake, Michigan.