(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 450 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. By an ordinance passed February 18, 1882, the annexation certain portions of Portage and Tallmadge townships, known the "Old Forge" district, was duly authorized, which territory, o the consummation of the annexation proceedings was, by ordnance passed March 1, 1886, attached to the Sixth ward. AKRON'S WATER SUPPLY - 451 By ordinance passed March 15, 1886, certain described lands in oventry township, upon the south, embracing 222.62 acres, and ertain described lands in Portage township, upon the north and est, embracing 467.80 acres, were also, by subsequent proceedngs, duly annexed, and are now embraced within the corporate imits of the city of Akron, AKRON'S PRESENT POPULATION. --By the official census for 1890, the population of the city of Akron is as follows; First ward, 3,793; Second ward, 3,531; Third ward, 5,045; Fourth ward, 6,716; Fifth ward, 5,194; Sixth ward, 3,322; total, 27,601. This, with the dense suburban population on the immediate unannexed territory, together with our rapidly increasing inside population makes us, in this year of grace, and 1891, a city of considerable over 30,000 inhabitants. The population of Portage township, exclusive of Akron, in 1840 was 2,382; in 880, after annexation of sundry portions of its territory to the city, s stated, 2,580, the census of 1890 showing a total of 2,659. AKRON'S WATER SUPPLY. Though eminently a water townith the never-failing living waters of Summit Lake, a short disnce south of the city limits, and the pellucid Little Cuyahoga ver traversing its entire breadth from eandwest, upon the north ndand though a large number of springs of the very purest water ere found gushing spontaneously from its innumerable hills nd bluffs, Akron cannot be said to have been well-watered until comparatively recent date. The first attempt at "water works," for any portion of the town, as by Dr. Eliakim Crosby, in 1836, by bringing the waters of a rge spring from the foot of Perkins' hill, in a continuous cement ripe, to his own house, where the Catholic parsonage now stands, with branches running to the houses of some of his near-by West ill neighbors. The scheme worked well for a year or two, when was found that an accumulation of fungus vegetation had filled e pipe its entire length, and the scheme had to be abandoned. THE AKRON COLD SPRING COMPANY.Akron the early forties the Akron Cold Spring Company was incorporated and organized, for the purpose of bringing the waters of a large spring, known as -Cold Spring," from the eastern slope of what is now called -Spring Hill," on the Portage road, about a mile and a half along what is now Aqueduct street, and West Market street, in four-inch cast-iron mains, with lead service pipes to the several residences along the route, these cast-iron mains, after nearly half a century's service, being replaced by wrought-iron pipes in 1891. This is the very softest and purest water in the city, and is still used for domestic purposes by many of the inhabitants of that portion of the city, even among those who patronize the City Water Works for stable, lawn and steet sprinkling purposes. The present officers of the company arDirectors: J. A. Long, 452 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Lorenzo Hall, S. E. Phinney, George A. Kempel, A. M. Armstrong president, A. M. Armstrong; secretary, Philander D. Hall, Jr. HOWARD STRRET WATER COMPANY.-There was originally a superb spring of water, on the premises of the late George W. Bloom, where the office of the Schumacher Milling Company now stands, corner of Broadway and Mill streets. March 14, 1865, Morrill T. Cutter, Hiram Viele, William G. Raymond, James M. Hale and Lorenzo Hall, directors of the duly incorporated Howard Street Water Company, by a grant from council, were permitted to lay pipes through the streets of Akron, and did so use a part of Mill, Howard and Market streets, These works were quite convenient to those interested for several years, but paving, sewering, etc., at length so interfered with a free flow of water and the extension of the system, that the project was abandoned. CITY WATER WORKS.—Sometime in the latter sixties, the question of city water works for fire protection and for manufacturing and domestic purposes, began to be agitated, and on December 27, 1871, an ordinance was passed as follows: SECTION 1. Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Akron, That water works for the purpose of furnishing said city and the inhabitants thereof, with a supply of water, are hereby ordered to be built and constructed. This was supplemented by an ordinance passed January 8, 1872, authorizing the election of a board of three water works trustees, and at the ensuing April election a non-partisan board was elected as follows: John R. Buchtel, Alexander H. Commins and Charles Cranz. Expert hydraulic engineers, were employed, and estimates made from various points of possible supply, but various hindrances intervened, and the scheme was never consummated, the ordinance being repealed March 29, 1876. AKRON WATER WORKS COMPANY.—July 1, 1880, an ordinance was passed granting to M. S. Frost & Son, and their associates, the privilege of using the streets, alleys and public grounds of the city for the laying of pipes, etc., for the purpose of supplying the people of the city with water in accordance with certain propositions which had been made by said company. The works were accordingly built, the supply being obtained from a large well upon the Mallison farm, on Wooster avenue, With a reservoir upon Sherbondy Hill in the west part of the city. The works were completed and put in operation early in 1881, but as the years passed by the supply from the well was found to be inadequate to meet the increasing demand, and the small Lake to the southward, known as Manning's pond, was purchased and utilized, and subsequently an arrangement made with the State by which the waters of CHANGES IN A THIRD OF A CENTURY - 453 Summit Lake, still further south, are used as occasion requires, and with other more recently added wells, both in point of quantity and quality Akron's water supply is equal to that of any other city in Ohio; its fire protection being almost perfect, its waters being also being quite largely used as the motive power for driving elevators, church organs, coffee grinders, printing presses, pumps, etc. 454 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The present officers of the Akron Water Works Company are: President, Frank Adams; vice president, George W. Crouse; secretary and treasurer, Horace C. Starr; mechanical engineer and superintendent, Edward A. Lawton; civil engineer, Joseph Flannery. Capital stock, $250,000. The company has now about 30 miles of street mains, 1,600 private and public takers, and about 200 street hydrants, or fire plugs, and the system is being rapidly extended. CEREAL OPERATIONS.—It will be remembered that in its earlier history, milling was Akron's chief industry, which, while not very materially augmenting the industrial population, yet by furnishing a ready market to the surrounding farmers for their grain, greatly enhanced the commercial and financial interests of the village and county. The famous Old Stone Mill, built by Dr Crosby and others in 1832, was the pioneer, followed by the AEtna, by William B. Mitchell and Samuel A. Wheeler in 1838; the Cente Mill, by Joseph A. Beebe and William E. Wright, in 1839; the Cascade Mill, by William B. Mitchell, in 1840, and a few years late by the City Mill,. by Gen. Geo. W. McNeil and others; the Ayliffe Mill, (afterwards the Carter & Steward Oatmeal Mill); the Pearl Mill, by William G. Raymond, Abraham Fulton, A. M. Barber an others, (now the Hower Oatmeal Mill); the Perkins Mill, (no the Allen Mill), etc., Akron flour, both under the old and new p cesses, ever having maintained a high standing in New York a other Eastern markets. A TRULY "LIVE DUTCHMAN."—But it was reserved to Fr Schumacher, to bring to Akron its chief renown as a milling cente Coming hither in 1851, Mr. Schumacher, in company with Mr Theodore Weibezahn, opened a small notion store in Hall's block fronting on West Market street. Withdrawing from that busines in August, 1852, Mr. S. started a small family supply store, wher the First National Bank now stands, afterwards removing to th larger room across the street, next to Empire House, where, for number of years he did a profitable business, with Mr. Charles W Bonstedt as his chief clerk. In 1859, Mr. S. commenced the manufacture of oatmeal, on small scale, in a frame building at the foot of Howard street which had originally been used for a woolen factory, but later b ex-Sheriff Thomas Wilson, in the manufacture of mineral paint. This, undoubtedly the pioneer oatmeal mill in America, wa appropriately named "The German Mill." Its products finding ready sale, Mr. S. soon added the manufacture of pearl barley, fo which, in 1863, a separate extensive mill was built on South Summit street, near the Union depot, which was named the " Empir Barley Mill." In 1872 the orginial German Mill was destroyed by fire, a new German Mill being built near the Empire Mill o Summit street. Sundry additions were made from time to time, a large elevator for the storage of grain having been erected in 1879, Mr. S. having in the meantime bought and refitted with modern machinery, the Cascade Mill, near Lock Fourteen, Ohio Canal, originally built by Mr. William B. Mitchell, in 1840. TERRIBLE CALAMITY.—Other mills were added to the original plant on Summit street, including the celebrated eight star " Jumbo" mill, a large drying house, fronting on Broadway, and the splendid office building on the corner of Mill and Broadway IMMENSE MILLING OPERATIONS - 455 the whole with several small dwelling houses, mostly owned by Mrs. S., covering the entire square, bounded by Summit street upon the east, Mill street upon the north, Broadway street upon the west, and Quarry street upon the south. These immense mills, filled throughout with expensive machinery, were being driven to their fullest capacity to meet the demands of the wonderful business which the energetic push of Mr. S. had thus built up, when, on the night of March 6, 1886, the entire plant, except the original Empire Barley Mill, with their valuable contents, were destroyed by fire, involving a loss to Mr. S., over and above insurance, of $600,000, besides a prospective serious interruption to his business. ALEXANDER H. CUMMINS,—eldest son of Dr., Jedediah D. Commins, was born at Lima, Livingston County, N. Y., June 21, 1815; removed with parents to Akron in 1832, entering Western Reserve College, at Hudson; on leaving college, entered his father's drug store in Akron, following that business until 1845, when, with Col. Simon Perkins, Jesse Allen and others, he became a member of the Perkins Company, erecting the brick building on Canal street, now known as the Allen Mill, and engaged in the manufacture of woolen cloths, satinets, etc., some ten years later converting it into a flooring mill. In 1867, in company with Albert Allen, purchased the old stone mill—Akron's pioneer manufacturing plant—now owned by the American Cereal Company. The firm of Commins & Allen was phenomenally successful, and so harmonious that by will Mr. C. gave Mr. A. control of his entire business and estate, and in case of the death of his wife, the guardianship of their children, without bond or appraisal. October 8, 1860, Mr. Commins was married to Miss Addie H. Starks, of Buffalo, N. Y., who bore him nine children, seven of whom—five daughters and two sons, are still living– Cora, Catharine B., now Mrs. H. F. Smithers, Gertrude P., Addie H., A. Daisy, Alexander H., and Augustus J. Mr. Commins died August 17, 1880, aged 65 years, one month and 26 days, Mrs. Commins dying June 29, 1884, aged 48 years, 4 months and 12 days. THE F. SCHUMACHER MILLING COMPANY.--In the meantime, so popular had become the oatmeal and other cereal products manufactured by Mr. S., other similar mills had been started in Akron and elsewhere, one of the largest of which, that of the Akron Milling Company, in connection with the old stone mill, was just fairly getting into operation. Between this company and Mr. Schumacher, a consolidation was effected, by which the several milling properties of both were brought together under one corporation—The F. Schumacher Milling Company—with an authorized capital stock of two millions of dollars, the business thus being carried right along with but a comparatively slight interruption; the officers of the company being Ferd. Schumacher, president; Louis Schumacher, vice-president; F. Adolph Schumacher, secretary; Hugo Schumacher, treasurer. 456 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. ALBERT ALLEN,—son of Levi and Phoebe (Spicer) Allen, was born Coventry, March 12, 1827; raised on farm with common school education; on attaining his majority learned the millwrighting trade at which he worked about nine years, in 1856 converting the Perkins Woolen Mill, on Canal street, into a flouring mill for J. & J. Allen & Co., on its completion assuming the management of the mill, and ably filling the position for about ten years. In 1867, in connection with Mr. Alexander H. Comm ins, he purchased the Stone Mill, the firm of Commins & Allen doing a phenomenally successful business until the death of of Mr. C., in 1880, the firm name continuing, with Mr. Allen as executor of Mr. Commins' large estate, until it was merged in The F. Schumacher Milling Company, April 5, 1886, of which company Mr. Allen was a director and the vice president until the time of his death, September 25,1888, at the age of 61 years, 6 months and 13 days. Mr. Allen, though never married, enjoyed the comforts of a fine home on Bowery street, with his sister, Miss Cynthia Allen, as his housekeeper, rearing and educating his niece, Miss Minnie E. Allen, now wife of Henry M. Stone, Esq., of Denver, Col. Mr. Allen was an ardent Republican and a zealous member of the Disciple church, in his will, after devising 20 per cent of his large estate to his sister, Cynthia, bequeathing 10 per cent of the residue (about $10,000) to Hiram College; 10 per cent to Christian Foreign Missionary Society, and 10 per cent jointly to the General Christian Home Missionary Society and the First Disciple church, of Akron, besides having pledged the payment of $1,000 to Buchtel College. MINER J. ALLEN,—son of Levi and Phoebe (Spicer) Allen, was born in Coventry, November 11, 1829; educated in township dist ri ct schools; worked at farming until 1867, when he moved to Akron, as traveling and local grain buyer for Commins & Allen, in 1884 taking a one-fifth interest in the Akron Milling Company, which in 1886, was merged into The F. Schumacher Milling Company, of which he was a stockholder and director. June 1, 1876, Mr. Allen was married to Miss Frances C. DeWolf, daughter of Samuel and Margaret (King)De1Volf, of Vernon, Trumbull county, who has borne him four children Albert Mark, born August 26, 1877, Miner Wicliffe, February 24, 1879; Margaret Phoebe, February 11, 1882, and Christina Cynthia, August 22, 1883. Politically, Mr. Allen has been a life-long Republican, and active in public affairs, but not an office seeker, though, while a resident of Coventry was several years a member and clerk of local school board. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen are devoted members of the First Disciple church, of Akron. THE AMERICAN CEREAL COMPANY - 457 The German mill, the elevator and the drying house, together with the office building, have been rebuilt, a second larger elevator erected, and i t is confidently expected that the entire burned plant will be rehabilitated in the near future, and the cereal works of the Schumacher Milling Company maintain their standing as the very largest and best establishment of their kind in the world. JOHN H. HOWER,—born in Stark county, February 22, 1822; educated in common schools ; from 18 to 30 working on farm summers and teaching- winters ; five years in trade and two years in pottery business in Doylestown, Wayne county ; original member of Excelsior mower and reaper firm at Doylestown, retaining his interest therein until 1875 ; one of the organizers and vice-president of the J. F. Seiberling Company, of Akron, in 1865; in 1879 bought an interest in the Turner Oat Meal Mill, purchasing Mr. Turner's interest in 1881, and, with his three sons, forming the Hower Company, (fully described elsewhere), officered as follows : John H. Hower, president Harvey Y. Hower, vice president ; M. Otis Hower, secretary ; Charles H. Hower, treasurer. Mr. Hower is also one of the corporators and president of the newly organized Reed and Rattan Company, and also largely interested in several of the other leading industries of the city. Married, in 1852, to Miss Susan Youngker, of Doylestown, three children, only, as above, having been born to them. In early manhood a Democrat in politics, Mr H. has been an ardent Republican since the organization of that party, the family being zealous members of the English Lutheran Church, of Akron, of which Mr. H. has officiated as trustee for many years. THE HOWER OATMEAL MILLS.  What was formerly the Pearl Mill, corner of Canal and Cherry streets, was converted into an oatmeal mill, in the latter seventies, by Mr. Robert Turner, a practical miller, the present proprietors, the Hower Company, succeeding to the business in 1880. The officers of this corporation are : John H. Hower, president; Harvey Y. Hower, vice president; M. Otis Hower, secretary, and Charles H. Hower, treasurer, the three latter being sons of the former. Large additions have been made to the works, increasing the capacity from about 2,000 pounds, in 1880, to nearly 30,000 pounds of bulk and package cereal goods, in l888, for which a rapidly increasing sale is being found in every portion of the United States. AMERICAN CEREAL COMPANY - Since the foregoing was publisted in serial form, most of the principal oatmeal mills of the 458 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. United States, in June, 1891, united in the organization of The American Cereal Company, with a capital of $3,400,000, the F. Schumacher Milling Company and the Hower Company selling their entire plants to, and the several members thereof becoming stockholders of, the new company, with Mr. Ferd. Schumacher as its president, and its principal office in Akron. THE MATCH INDUSTRY - 459 THE ALLEN MILLS.—In the middle forties a substantial brick mill was erected on Canal street, south of Cherry, for the manufacture of satinets, by the Perkins Company, composed of the late Simon Perkins, Jedediah D. and Alexander H. Commins, Jesse, Jacob and Hiram Allen, etc. Some years later this plant was converted into a flouring mill by the Perkins Company, and is now owned and operated by Allen & Co., composed of Frank H. Allen, of New York, and Victor J. Allen and William A. Palmer, of Akron. Supplied with the very best of modern machinery and processes, the various grades of family and bakers' flour manufactured by this firm, find a ready and extensive sale both at home and in New York and other eastern markets. MARTIN HOUSTON CRUMRINE, —born in Gettysburg, Pa., May 16, 1824, when six months old removing with parents to Carroll county, Ohio; educated in district schools; commenced to learn trade of marble cutter at Cadiz' Harrison county, in September, 1851, going to Massillon and finishing his trade with Uhl, Myers & Co. In September, 1853, went to Wheeling, Va., and in January, 1854, to Salisbury, N. C., and later to Milton' where he did the carving and lettering on the Patrick Henry monument. In 1857 he returned to Massillon, and with Mr. Quincy W. Reeves, bought out his old employers, the firm of Reeves & Crumrine, continuing until June,1863, when Mr. C. sold his interest to his partner, in September establishing the extensive marble and granite works in Akron, which he has since so successfully conducted. January 27,1868, he was married to Miss Olive C. Henry, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milton W. Henry, of Akron. They have five children—Harriet G., Josephine, Henry C., Walter R. and Ralph Milton. Mr. Crumrine has filled the position of Master, in Akron Lodge, No. 83, F. and A. M., and various offices, including two terms as Eminent Commander of Akron Commandery, No. 25, Knights Templar. THE SEIBERLING MILLING COMPANY.—Capital $200,000, five-story brick mill, located in the Sixth ward, on the site of the old Cuyahoga blast furnace, erected in 1817. It is first-class throughout, with a capacity of 1,000 barrels of flour per day. The officers of the company are: President, John F. Seiberling; secretary, Lucius C. Miles; treasurer, Frank A. Seiberling. SOUTH AKRON FLOURING MILL.—This mill, together with a sawmill, at the head of the canal basin, in South Akron, is now owned and operated by the Brewster Coal Company, as a custom feed mill, the new process appliances, for manufacturing flour, never having been introduced. It is nevertheless, capable of doing good work in the particular line of grinding indicated, and is a very great convenience to its patrons. FRICTION MATCHES. In the boyhood days of the writer, the only mode of striking light for candle, pipe or cigar, was from a live coal plucked from the domestic hearthstone, or from a splinter or paper lighter ignited therefrom, while the "raking up" of the 460 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. THE IMPROVEMENTS OF HALF A CENTURY - 461 embers in the old-fashioned fire-place, on retiring to bed, was the only assurance of a warm breakfast in the morning. And the writer well remembers the first device in the match line ever invented, which consisted of slips of pine about three inches long and one-eighth of an inch square, one end coated with brimstone and other chemicals, and ignited by thrusting the prepared end into a small bottle of aqua-fortis, the price of the little round box containing the bottle, and twenty-five matches, being twenty-five cents—one cent a-piece. Next came "Lucifer" matches, thin basswood slips, coated at one end with composition to be ignited by drawing through a folded piece of sand-paper. These, about fifty in a box, retailed at about twelve and a half cents. Loco-Foco MATCHES.—Next, about fifty-five years ago, came the "Loco-Foco" match, for the manufacture of which, in Akron, the writer claims to be the pioneer, the following advertisement appearing, under date of May 19, 1838, in the little paper published by him at that time: "Loco-Foco MATCHES, manufactured by S. A. Lane & Co., for sale he the gross, dozen or single bunches. Inquire at the Buzzard office." The operative force of the concern was one man, and the "works" were in a dismantled 12x15 blacksmith shop, where Assembly Hall now stands, the "Co." being Dr. James R. Miltimore, who, with his wife, was drowned in Lake Erie, on the occasion of the burning of the steamer Erie on the afternoon of August 9, 1841. As a contrast to the present lightning mode of manufacture, a brief description of the process then in vogue will be in order. It being deemed unsafe for any two matches to come in contact with each other, they were made in cards or combs in this wise: First,, straight-grained two-inch pine plank, after being smoothly planed by hand, (there were no planing machines in those days), were sawed into lengths of five inches. Then, by a fine single-blade circular saw, they were sliced up into cards, scant eighth of an inch thick. Then by a gang of eleven fine, nicely adjusted saws, the ends of the cards in question, a dozen or so at a time, were slit into-the form of a comb, with twelve teeth each, about two inches in length. Then the cards were sawed in two in the center, leaving a half inch back to each comb. Then the combs, a dozen at a time,. were dipped into melted brimstone, and afterwards, each separately, into the phosphorus composition. Now for the packing. Placing-a long strip of paper, three inches wide, upon the packing table, one card of twelve matches was placed thereon and a turn made,. then another card and so on until twelve cards, or 144 matches, were included in the package. Carefully folding down the ends,. the package, called a "bunch," was inclosed in a printed wrapper; twelve bunches, or one gross of matches, placed in another printed wrapper; and twelve of those, or a great gross, in still another printed wrapper, when the matches were ready for the market. The matches thus prepared sold at the following prices: Great gross, 144 bunches, of 144 matches each, $7.00; small gross, 12 bunches of 144 each, $1.00; single bunch, 144 matches, one shilling. 462 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. West side of Howard Street, from Market to Stone Mill Barn, present site of Cereal Mills.—From photo by B. F. Battels, 1870. MORRILL T. CUTTER,—born in Jeffrey, N. H., October 6, 1826; raised on farm ; educated in common schools ; came to Akron in November, 1844, engaging in the shoe business with his uncle, John M. Cutler, Akron's pioneer ready-made boot and shoe dealer ; a year later becoming a partner ; in 1853 formed a partnership with the late Charles R. Howe, which continued 17 years, the firm of Cutter & Howe, in 1865, erecting the three story brick block on Howard street, now occupied by Mr. C.; in 1873, as a member of the firm of Whitney, Glasser & Co., engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes in Cleveland ; in 1880, returned to Akron and resumed business at the old stand, where-he still continues. Mr. Cutter is a fine instrumental musician, not-only playing with several of the earlier bands, but also for many years, conducting that most excellent orchestra known as " Cutter's Quadrille Band." As a member of Co. F, 164th, O. V. I., Mr. C. served 100 days before Washington, in 1864, at the request of Col. John C. Lee, while in Cleveland, organizing a regimental band from members of the several companies, and is now a member of Buckley-Post, No. 12, A. R. In June, 1847, Mr. Cutter was married to Miss Percis Ann Monroe, of Chicopee, Mass., who died November 23, 1890. LORENZO HALL,—son of Richard and Sally (Hurlburt) Hall, was born at Bridgeport, Conn., February 22,1812; common school education; at 15, at solicitation of directors taking charge of school in his own district, and teaching elsewhere five or six years ; followed farming on farm ceded to his great great grandfather in 1639; in 1836 came to Akron, selling, goods for his brother, Mr. P. D. Hall, in store and by peddling in neighboring country towns; returned to Connecticut (the entire distance on horseback), and carried on farm until the death of his brother Orlando, in 1858, when he became his successor in the mercantile business here, as a partner in the well-known firm of Hall Brothers, the oldest continuous business house in Akron, founded by Mr. P. D, Hall in May, 1835. March 26, 1846, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Mary J. Hubbell, of Trumbull, Conn. They have two sons—Frank L., born July 5,1850, now a member of the law firm of De Forrest, Weeks & Co., in New York City, and Philander D., born January 10, 1854, now, after several years spent in travel in Europe and California, filling his father's place in the store, Mr. Hall, through impaired circulation of blood, being obliged to submit to the amputation Lion of his right foot, May 1, 1887. 464 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. In the light of the present prices, one cent or less per hundred. at retail, the prices above named would seem rather steep, but when the labor of preparing the cards, the slow process of dipping, and the extra care in wrapping and packing, coupled with the fact that phosphorus (now worth perhaps 75 cents per pound) then cost $7.50, it is little wonder that the proprietors of Akron's pioneer match factory, never became millionaires, but, on the contrary, abandoned the business as nonprofitable in about one year. THE LOCO-FOCO PARTY.--Apropos of the loco-foco match, a word as to how the Democratic party of fifty years ago came to be called the "Loco-Foco Party," may be of interest. Tammany Hall, then as now, was the headquarters of the Democratic clubs and societies of New York City. Then, as now, too, there were factions, schisms and exciting controversies among the faithful, for political and official ascendency. One night, in the midst of a heated controversy, when an important vote was about to be taken, the party that was about to be worsted, by a preconcerted movement turned off all the gas, leaving the crowd in total darkness, and unable to proceed with the business in hand. At this juncture a member of the opposite faction, who happened to have a bunch of loco-foco matches in his pocket, struck a light, turned on the gas, and the business of the meeting went on. The successful faction were thenceforth called Loco-Focos--the appellation finally attaching to the entire party, to which it tenaciously clung for over twenty years. THE BARBER MATCH COMPANY.—But it was left to Mr. George Barber, an early resident of Middlebury to found what has since grown to be, not only one of Akron's most prosperous and profitable industries, but one of the most extensive and complete establishments of its kind in the United States. Mr. Barber commenced making matches in 1845, in a small barn in Middlebury, later, after several removals, occupying the old Rawson & Goodale woolen factory, on the site of the present woolen and felt works in the Sixth ward. These matches were what were known as the block or split match, the splitting, as well as the dipping, being done by hand. It was pretty "hard sledding" the first few years, there then being no railroad communication with the outer world. But labor-saving devices were invented, railroads were built, a demand created, additions were made to the plant from time to time, and later on, under the inspiration of the son, Mr. Ohio C. Barber, the Barber Match Company was formed and the works, in 1871, removed to Akron, proper, on the west side of South Main street, the present plant covering something over five acres of land, with over 100,000 feet of floorage, giving employment to from 450 to 500 men, boys and girls, and with a daily mechanical and operative capacity of nearly 100,000,000 of matches. THE DIAMOND MATCH COMPANY.—The Barber Match Company is now a component part of the larger corporation—The Diamond Match Company—with other quite extensive works in different sections of the country, of which company, with its principal offices in Chicago, Mr. Ohio C. Barber is president, and Mr. John K. Robinson, also a native Akronian, is treasurer and manager. THE WEBSTER, CAMP & LANE MACHINE COMPANY.—In May, 1848, the late George D. Bates, Charles Webster and James B. Taplin, under the firm name of G. D. Bates & Co., started the "Globe INDUSTRIAL AKRON - 465 Foundry," on the southeast corner of North Main and Tallmadge streets, and engaged in the manufacture of stoves and milling and other machinery, on a small scale. Two or three years later Mr. Bates retired, Webster and Taplin continuing until 1855, when Mr. William Camp was added to the company, wider the firm name of Webster, Taplin & Co., this firm, a year or two later, engaging, to a limited extent, in the production of the "Akron Mower," being therefore the pioneers in what has since grown to be Akron's greatest industry. CHARLES WEBSTER, — born in Conn., September 3, 1810 ; when three years old moved with parents to the city of Hartford ; educated in city public schools ; learned the carpenter's trade ; after working several years in Connecticut and Massachusetts, came to Ohio in 1835, settling in Akron, working at trade and millwrighting on several of Akron's early flouring mills until 1848, when, in connection with the late George D Bates, and Mr. James B. Taplin, he started the Globe Foundry and Machine Shop, since incorporated into the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine • Company, in which Mr. Webster was a large stockholder, and for many years its president. While active in all public enterprises, Mr. Webster was never an office seeker, though twice honored with a seat in the village council-1849 and 1862. April 30, 1833, Mr. Webster was married to Miss Martha A. Atherton, of Hartford, Conn., eight children having been born to them, one of whom, only, is now livin —Isabella P., born in Akron. June 15, 1838, and married September 20, 1865, to the late Alden Gage, cashier of the Bank of Akron, who died November 12, 1875, their only child, Martha, dying at eight months of age. Mrs. Gage was again married, to Col. David W. Thomas, December 18, 1885. Mr. Webster died September 15, 1890, aged 80 years and 11 days. In 1860 the shops were destroyed by fire, after which Mr. Taplin retired, selling his interest to Mr. Lorenzo B. Austin, the firm name then being changed to Webster, Camp & Co. In January, 1869, Mr. Julius S. Lane took an interest in the business, and on February 1st, 1869, a stock company was organized under its present title—The Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company—with an authorized capital of $19,000, of which company for many years Mr. Charles Webster was' president; Mr. William T. Allen, treasurer; Mr. Sanford M. Burnham, secretary; and Mr. Julius S. Lane, superintendent. In addition to general machinery, a specialty is made of Lane's Band Friction Hoist, and other heavy machinery for mining and haulage purposes; The present officers of the company (1891) are: John McGregor, president and treasurer; Stephen H. Pitkin, secretary and general manager, and James. W. Chamberlin, superintendent. Men employed, 150 to 200. TAPLIN, RICE & COMPANY.-Mr. James B. Taplin, the founder of this company, a carpenter and millwright, settled in Akron in 30 466 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. 1834. On withdrawing from the firm of G. D. Bates & Co., as above stated, in connection with Mr. Alvin Rice, a practical moulder, and Mr. Hobart Ford, under the firm name of Taplin Rice & Ford, in 1861 established similar works a short distance south of the Union Depot fronting on Broadway. In 1867 a stock company was organized, and in addition to general machinery mill gearing, etc., began the manufacture of stoves, their extensive variety of cooking and parlor stoves, ranges, heaters, etc., finding a ready market in every portion of the great West, several consignments of their celebrated Climax heaters having recently been made to China. Present officers (1891): James B. Taplin, president, and Henry Perkins, secretary and treasurer. Capital stock $150,000. Hands employed, 150. HENRY PERKINS,---born in Akron, April 8, 1842; educated in Akron public schools; in 1861 entered the service as clerk under his brother, Captain Simon Perkins, Jr., assistant quartermaster for the Army of the Cumberland, following the fortunes of the army through the entire war. On his return home served as clerk in charge of the Lake Shore office of the Cleveland Rolling Mill Company for five years; in 1870, became secretary and treasurer of Taplin, Rice & Co., whose extensive Machine and Stove works are elsewhere noticed, both of which positions he still holds. Mr. Perkins is prominent in Masonic circles, joining Akron Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M., in 1872; in 1877, became a charter member of Adoniram Lodge No. 517, afterwards becoming its Master; in 1875 became a Royal Arch Mason and member of Washington Chapter No. 25; in 1877 became a Knight Templar in Akron Commandery No. 25; entered the Grand Commandery in 1884, and elevated to the highest office in its gift; in 1878, took the several degrees in the A. and A. S. Rite, Ohio Consistory, and is now a member and minister of the State of the Northern Ohio Consistory. October 20, 1868, Mr. Perkins was married to Miss Emma White, of Cleveland, then and now one of the finest and most popular singers in. Northern Ohio. They have one child, Miss Lillian White Perkins, born January 12, 1868, still residing with her parents. THE BUCKEYE REAPER AND MOWER WORKS.—Largely through the influence of Hon. John R. Buchtel, a native of what is now Summit county, a branch of the already popular Buckeye Works of C. Aultman & Co., of Canton, was established in Akron in 1864, but under the separate and distinct corporate title of Aultman, Miller & Company, of which, at the present time (1891), Hon. George W. Crouse is president; Hon. Lewis Miller, general superintendent; Ira Miller, secretary; and R. H. Wright, treasurer. These works, with a floorage capacity of over 700,000 square feet, are among the very best class in the world, the most of the devices from which their various machines are made being the invention of Superintendent Miller himself. These works employ an average of 800 men and have turned out this year (1891) 10,000 HARVESTING MACHINERY - 467 self-binder harvesters, and 16,000 self-rakes, droppers and mowers26,000 machines in all The capital stock of the company is $1,000,000. Surplus $1,500,000. IRA M. MILLER,—eldest son of Lewis and Mary V. (Alexander) Miller, was born in Canton, Ohio, August 24, 1856, removing with parents to Akron in 1864 ; educated in the public schools of Canton and Akron and at the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware ; after graduating from the latter institution, entered the employ of Aultman, & Co., manufacturers of the celebrated Buckeye mowers and harvesters, fully described elsewhere, and of which extensive corporation he is now the able and efficient secretary, being also pecuniarily and officially connected with several other business enterprises in Akron and elsewhere. October 19, 1886, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Cora Wise, daughter of Jacob and Jennie S. (Stadden) Wise, of Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of one daughter—Margaret, born July 20, 1887. Family residence, 605 East Market street. JOHN FRANKLIN SEIBERLING, born in Norton, March 10, 1834 ; educated at Western Star Academy ; 1856-58 druggist in Akron ; 1858, '59, while running saw mill in Norton, invented "Excelsior" mower and reaper, with " dropper" attachment ; in 1861 established works at Doylestown (still running) ; in 1864 started similar works in Massillon ; in 1865 organized the J. F. Seiberling Company in Akron ; withdrawing from company, in 1869 commenced building his now popular "Empire" machine ; in 1811 organized the Akron Straw Board Company, in the Sixth ward, successfully conducting same until its sale in 1881; in 1883 organized the Seiberling Milling Company, erecting the six-story brick flouring-mill described elsewhere ; in 1889 exchanged Academy of Music block for controlling interest in Akron Electric Street Railway; has numerous other industrial mining and financial interests in Akron and elsewhere ; has been a member of School Board, and for many years trustee of English Lutheran Church, and is among the most benevolent and liberal of Akron's many public-spirited citizens. Married September 6, 1859, to Miss Catharine L. Miller, of Norton. They are the parents of nine children, all living : Anna E. Frank A. Charles W., Cora D., Hattie M., Grace I., Kittie G., Mary B. and Ruth. EMPIRE REAPER. AND MOWER WORKS. In 1865 works of the J. F. Seiberling Company were established in Akron, opposite Union Depot, for the manufacture of Excelsior reapers and mowers, the 468 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. special feature of the reaper being the self-dropping attachment invented by Mr. John F. Seiberling in 1858. Extensive shops were erected and a large business established, but during the financial crisis of 1873 the affairs of that corporation passed into the hands of assignees for liquidation. Some time previously, however, Mr. Seiberling had withdrawn from the company, and had commenced, on a small scale, the manufacture of an improved machine of his own invention, which he called the Empire." On the sale of the old Excelsior plant, Mr. Seiberling became the purchaser, christened it the " Empire Works," organized a stock company under the title, of J. F. Seiberling & Co., with John F. Seiberling as president; Frank A. Seiberling, secretary and treasurer; and Charles W. Seiberling, superintendent; capital stock $600,000. The company employ 300 hands, and have this year (1891) turned out 7,000 machines, about half-and-half self-binding harvesters and mowers. JEREMIAH A. LONG, — born at Albany, N. Y., April 10, 1831 ; common school education ; at 14 clerk in lumber yard; 1855 came to Akron, teaching school eleven terms, with varied employment during vacations ; 1864 to 1869 book-keeper for Aultman, Miller & Co. ; 1869 appointed secretary and treasurer of Akron Iron Company, which has quadrupled its capital and business under his management ; is also vice-president of the Falls Rivet and Machine Company, at Cuyahoga Falls. Though not himself in the army, Mr. Long was active and liberal in securing enlistments, providing bounties for recruits and furnishing sanitary supplies during the late war. Republican in politics, though not an office-seeker, Mr. Long, besides service on Central Committee, was Akron's first city clerk, 1865-61, and member of City Council from 1861 to 1869. November 10,1859, Mr. Long was married to Miss Mary A. Falor, daughter of the late George A. Falor, one of the pioneer settlers of Coventry township, Mrs. Long being a most active promoter of all the benevolent enterprises of the day. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Long, seven of whom are living: Ludie B., married to Henry A. Robinson December 1 1889 ; Celia R., married to Harry J. Stambaugh, March 23, 1881; Finnic A., John H., George A., Mary A. and Lloyd G. THE AKRON ROLLING MILL.—These works, owned and operated by the Akron Iron Company, in the south part of the city, were established in 1866. The present officers (1891) are Hon. Lewis Miller, president; Jeremiah A. Long, secretary and treasurer; Capt. Aaron P. Baldwin, general superintendent, and Edward B. Miller, assistant superintendent. These mills employ some 400 men and are run day and night, the excellence of their product for commercial and agricultural purposes, creating for it a ready sale, while their great specialty, hot polished shafting, has attained a high degree of popularity among machinists and manufacturers. Capital stock $400,000. THE RUBBER GOODS TRADE - 469 THE AKRON RUBBER WORKS.—In 1870 the manufacture of fire hose and other rubber goods was commenced in Akron by Dr. Benjamin F. Goodrich, Harvey W. Tew and others, the company being incorporated in 1880, under the title of the B. F. Goodrich Company, with a capital of $200,000, since increased to $750,000. In the meantime the original works, located on Rubber street, west of South Main street, south of the Ohio Canal basin, have been greatly enlarged, and the manufacture of fine hard rubber goods added to the business, under the separate corporate name of the Goodrich Hard Rubber Company, with a capital of $300,000. Officers of the former company: George T. Perkins, president; George W. Crouse, vice president; Richard P. Marvin, Jr., secretary; Henry C. Corson, treasurer ; Frank H. Mason, superintendent; of the latter company, George T. Perkins, president ; Henry C. Corson, vice president and treasurer ; Richard P. Marvin, Jr., secretary; George Pellinger, superintendent. About 700 skilled workmen are employed and the quality of the goods turned out is second to none manufactured in the United States. DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN GOODRICH,—born in Ripley, N. Y., November 4, 1841 ; educated in schools of Fredonia, N. Y., and Austinburg, O.; graduated at Western Medical College, Cleveland, February, 1861; entered the army as hospital steward of 9th N. Y. V. C.; promoted to assistant surgeon in Spring of 1862, serving till September, 1864, part of time in charge of hospital at Aquia Creek ; NO engaged in real estate business in New York City ; 1810, with H. W. Tew, of Jamestown, N. Y., established first rubber factory west of Allegheny Mountains at Akron, under firm name of B. F. Goodrich & Co.; June, 1880, stock company —the " B. F. Goodrich Company "—was organized with Dr. Goodrich as president, Alanson Work, vice president, and Col. George T. Perkins, secretary and treasurer ; later a second company for the manufacture of hard rubber goods being organized, styled. the " Goodrich Hard Rubber Company," with the Doctor also as its president. [See history of works elsewhere]. Dr. Goodrich was married to Miss Mary Marvin, daughter of Judge Richard P. Marvin, of Jamestown, N. Y., November 4, 1869, and died at Manitou Springs, Col., August 3, 1888. He was an intelligent and public-spirited citizen and member of Akron City Council for the years 1880,, '81, the first year as its president. Dr. Goodrich was the father of three children --Charles C., born August ,3 1811, now in Harvard College ; Isabella, pupil in Miss Porter's School, Farmington, Conn., and. David M., a pupil in St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H., Mrs. Goodrich, at present, residing in Cambridge, Mass. AKRON KNIFE WORKS.—As the demand for reapers and mowers increased, and their manufacture became a leading industry in the United States, separate establishments for the manufacture of knives, sickles, guard plates, sections, spring keys, etc., became a necessity, resulting in the founding in Akron, in 1868, by the Whit-non & Miles Manufacturing Company, of extensive shops 470 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. MRS. A. L. CONGER. COL. A. L. CONGER COL. ARTHUR LATHAM CONGER,-born in Boston, Ohio, February 19, 1838; common school education; in boyhood worked on farm and in brick-yard; boated on canal two years; taught school two years; July, 1862, enlisted in Company G, 115th, 0. V. I., on organization being elected second lieutenant, and successively promoted to first lieutenant and captain, serving nearly three years in the Army of the Cumberland. mostly 011 detached duty, assistant adjutant general and provost marshal at Covington, Ky., member of Court Martial, assistant inspector of railroad defenses and recommended by. General Thomas as captain and commissary of subsistence. At close of war, engaged in farming, meantime, November 1, 1864, having been married to Miss Emily Bronson, youngest daughter of Hiram Volney and Ruth L. (Ranney) Bronson, who was born in Peninsula, 'May 7, 1843, and whose portrait is herewith given. In 1866, Captain Conger was elected treasurer of Summit County, and re-elected in 1868, ably serving four years, also officiating as treasurer of the city of Akron and Portage township, Mrs. Conger acting as deputy during entire term; in 1810 became a stockholder and director in the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Company, and its vice president in 1816, and is now president of the Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company, the most extensive manufacturers of reaper and mower knives in the world; is president of the Akron Steam Forge Company, of the Diamond Plate Glass Company, of Kokomo and Elwood, Ind., and of the Hartford City (Ind.) Glass Company, and pecuniarily and officially connected with several other industrial enterprises in Akron and elsewhere, one of the most important of which is the American Tin Plate Company, at Elwood, Ind., organized September 10, 1891, with a capital of $300,000, of which Col. Conger is the president. Col. Conger has also served on County, State and National Republican Committees, twice chairman of State Central Committee, once chairman of State Executive Committee and eight years member of National Committee; is also prominent in Grand Army and local military circles, being department commander of G. A. R. in 1884, and colonel of Eighth Regiment, 0. N. G., from July 1881 to July 1888. Colonel and Mrs. Conger are prominent members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Four children have been born to them —Kenyon Bronson, Arthur Latham Jr., and Latham Hubbard, living, and Erastus Irving, deceased. CAR AXLES, BELTING, ETC - 471 south of the Buckeye Works, as a branch of the original separate manufactory of that class of goods, the Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Similar branches at St. Catharines, Ontario, Syracuse, New York, and Canton, Ohio, are all consolidated under the title of The Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company, with a capital of $2,000,000, of which corporation the present officers are: President, Colonel Arthur L. Conger; vice president, George E. Dana; treasurer, Charles E. Sheldon; assistant treasurer, W. W. Cox; chairman, George Barnes; secretary, James Barnes; general superintendent, J. A. Bining. The Akron works employ about 200 men, its annual product, amounting to over half a million of dollars, finding a ready market in every part of the United States, as well as in England, France, Germany, and other foreign countries, where American-built reapers and mowers are being rapidly introduced. THE AKRON STEAM FOR GE COMPANY.—This establishment, founded in 1865, was at first located at the southeast corner of South Broadway and Quarry streets, but being cramped for room, was, in 1873, removed to its present location, embracing some ten acres of land, in the northeast portion of the city, known as the "Old Forge"—the pioneer wrought or bar-iron manufactory of the Western Reserve being established at that point, by Asaph Whittlesey, of Tallmadge, and Aaron Norton and William Laird, of Middlebury, in 1817, as detailed in another portion of this work. The present company was incorporated in 1879, with an authorized capital of $100,000. In addition to every description) of general forging, Hammered Car, Truck, and Driving Axles, and Shafting, are specialties of this concern, for the prompt production of which the works are supplied with the very best of modern tools and machinery. Present officers: Col. Arthur L. Conger, president, John McGregor, secretary and treas urer, and Charles Rawson, superintendent. Hands employed, 40. THE AKRON BELTING COMPANY.—This company was incorporated in 1885, its present officers being: George W. Crouse, president; Alfred M. Barber, vice president; Sumner Nash, secretary and treasurer; Webster Thorp, superintendent. Leather belting, from the lightest used to the very heaviest required, all of superior quality, is manufactured by this company. Plant 90 x 100 three-story brick, 138, 140 North Main street. Authorized capital, $35,000. Hands employed, 22. THE SELLE GEAR COMPANY.—This is a comparatively new enterprise in Akron, located in a new and handsome four-story brick shop, with boiler and engine room attached on Chestnut Street, between South High and Broadway, a few rods north of the Akron Iron Company's rolling mill. Their specialty is the manufacture of the Selle Platform Truss Gears, for omnibuses, three spring wagons, trucks, etc., a large sale for which in all parts of the country has already been established. The company was incorporated September 25, 1886, with an authorized capital of $100,000. Present officers: George W. Crouse, president; Frank M. Atterholt, vice president; William C. Parsons, secretary and treasurer; Charles Knapp, superintendent. Operating force, from 40 to 50 men. 472 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. WILLIAM C. PARSONS,--son of Edward and Clementine (Janes) Parsons, was born in Brimfield, Portage Co., February 10, 1841. In boyhood worked on farm and attended district school, on approaching majority entering Western Reserve College, at Hudson, from which he was graduated in 1863, meantime, in 1862, under Prof. Young as captain, and Prof. Cutler as first lieutenant, with some thirty-five or forty other students enlisted in Company B, 85th 0. V. I., serving four months; in September, 1864, enlisted in Battery A, 1st 0. L. A., being afterwards assigned to Battery E, in the battle of Nashville, December, 1864, serving as No. 6 at the gun, and holding the position of 12th corporal. Soon after the battle, the battery was mounted as Flying Artillery and sent to Chattanooga, remaining there till June, 1865, when it was returned to Ohio and mustered out of service at Camp Dennison. Before graduation taught one year; after graduation taught in Institute on Brooklyn Heights, Cleveland ; after war, tutor two years in Western Reserve College. August 12, 1861, accepted position in office of Aultman, Miller & Co., which he filled 20 years, spending the Summers of 1813, '14, '15 in Germany, in interest of company. In 1881, became secretary and treasurer of the Selle Gear Company, elsewhere noted, which he is successfully managing. December 31, 1868, Mr. Parsons was married to Miss Sarah Day Seymour, only daughter of Prof. N. P. Seymour of Hudson, who has borne him six children— Katharine Seymour, William E., Harriet Day, Sarah (dying in infancy) Charles Seymour and Robert. THE THOMAS PHILLIPS COMPANY.—The manufacture of paper, all rope flour sack paper and flour sacks was begun in Akron by Thomas Phillips & Co., on West Exchange street, in 1872, and has grown to be one of Akron's most important and successful industries. The present company was incorporated in 1887, with an authorized capital of $150,000. With sonic 20,000 feet of floorage, and with the very best of paper making and printing machinery, every description of paper bags, flour sacks, wrapping papers, printed complete, in plain or fancy colors, to the extent of about 1,000 tons per annum, are made here. Number of hands employed about 50. Present officers (1891): President, George W. Crouse; secretary, treasurer and general manager, Clarence Howland. Though entirely destroyed by fire February 18, 1891, the works were at once rebuilt, and it is now the largest complete establishment of its kind in the world. TWINE AND CORDAGE WORKS.—The advent of the twine-binder grain harvester having created an' immense demand for the particular kind of twine used therefor, in 1885 the Akron Twine and Cordage Company was organized, and suitable works erected on Hill street, east of the C., A. & C. and N. Y., P. & 0. Railroads. While binder twine is the specialty of these works, all other kinds of rope and cordage are made, both for the trade or on orders. Capital stock $100,000; surplus $20,000. Spindles run, 125; hands employed, 85 to 100. Present officers: George W. Crouse, president; Ira M. Miller, vice president; R. H. Wright, secretary and treasurer. THE VARNISH TRADE - 473 EDWARD GEORGE KUBLER,— La born in Munich, Germany, February 26, 1846; educated at Munich and Nurnberg, Bavaria, in the higher classes of the Polytechnic school. In the war of 1866 enlisted in the army, serving during the war. In August, 1869, came to the United States, engaging in business in New York City; in February, 1878, came to Akron, and started what has ever since been known as the Akron Varnish Works, six months later associating with himself, Mr. J. Martin Beck. This is one of the most successful of Akron's many prosperous industries, Mr. Kubler looking after the outside interests of the concern. Mr. Kubler is also director of the European Department ,of the Gilson Asphaltum Company, of St. Louis, Mo., of which himself and Mr. Beck are stockholders. Mr. Kubler is in possession of his family record since 1461, the successive generations of the family all being prominent citizens of Southern Germany, Mr. Kubler being the only one that has ever emigrated. In 1873, Mr. Kubler was married to Miss Emili J. MARTIN BECK, — born in the town of Selb, Bavaria, Germany, October 14, 1843 ; at 14 entered wholesale grocery and drug house as an apprentice, serving four years, not only without compensation, but paying over $300 to learn the business ; passing a regular examination, he came to the United States and to Akron, in August, 1862 ; first entered the employ of M. W. Henry & Co., of which firm his half-brother, John Wolf, was a partner ; remained six years, when he entered the service of E. I. Baldwin & Co., of Cleveland for one year. Being in rather poor health, went to Europe in the Spring of 1869, returning to Akron in the Fall, entering into partnership with John Wolf and H. J. Church, under the firm name of Wolf, Church & Beck, which relation continued until 1878, when he sold out to his partners and forming a partnership with Mr. E. G. Kubler, established the Akron Varnish Works, the first and then the only works of the kind in Summit county, and now among the most prosperous in the United States. January 12, 1871, Mr. Beck was married to Miss Kate J. Buchtel, daughter of William Buchtel, Esq., of Akron, and they are now the parents of four children—William B., Edward M., Martha Louise and Carl F. THE KUBLER & BECK VARNISH WORKS.—In 1878 Messrs. E. George Kubler and J. Martin Beck commenced the manufacture of varnishes, japans, etc., of every variety and of superior quality, 474 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. on a small scale, on North Bowery street, a few years later b ing extensive brick shops on West State street where they are located, the firm enjoying a lucrative and growing trade in ev portion of the United States. THE KING VARNISH COMPANY.—The works of this compan established in 1882, are located in a handsome six-story brick block, 50 x 60 feet in size, with a fire-proof melting house, 30 x 70, attached, a few rods north of West Market street, on the Valley railway, with a frontage on Canal street. Standard coach, cabinet and railway varnishes, japans, dryers, shellacs, etc., of all grades and qualities demanded by their rapidly increasing trade. Working capital, $200,000. President, David L. King; superintendent, Andrew M. Armstrong. This company, meeting with financial disaster, made an assignment January 14, 1889, the works being subsequently purchased by Hon. David R. Paige, who associated with himself Mr. John H. McCrum, under the firm name of D. R. Paige & Co., the new firm, under the management of Mr. McCrum, now (1891 enjoying a high degree of prosperity. THE MILLER MATCH COMPANY.—This company commenced the manufacture of "Anti-Monopoly Parlor Matches" in 1879, in the buildings formerly occupied by Mr. Louis Chevrier for the manufacture of chains, west of the B. F. Goodrich Hard Rubber works, in the south part of the city. The company was incorporated in 1885, with an authorized capital of $100,000. It is supplied with modern improved machinery, and, its products being of the very best, it is doing a lucrative business which is being rapidly extended. Present officers: Col. Arthur L. Conger, president; Harvey F. Miller, secretary and treasurer; S. Samuel Miller, superintendent. THE MILLER CHAIN WORKS.—In 1869, a chain manufactory was established in the buildings originally erected by the Akron Barrel Company, by Mr. Louis Chevrier. After the death of Mr. Chevrier, in 1877, the works were operated for a short time by other parties, with indifferent success, but passing into the hands of the present company, in 1879, have, by the introduction of modern methods, been made a grand success, their wares finding a ready sale in every portion of the country. These works are owned and operated by the Miller Match Company, organized as above, the joint establishment—matches and chains—giving employment to over 100 hands. [Since the above was published, in 1888, both the Miller Match and the Chain Works have been sold to the Diamond Match Company, and the works closed.] THE BAKER MCMILLEN COMPANY, successors to Baker, McMillen & Co. Ash and Bowery streets, established in 1870; incorporated July 2, 1890; capital, $120,000. This company manufactures enameled knobs, handles, pail woods, clay, wood and cob smoking pipes, etc., and is one of the busiest hives of industry in the city, employing from 85 to 100 hands, and turning out many millions of pieces per year, the pail-wood machine averaging one wood per second, and others in proportion. Directors: John C. McMillen, president; John W. Baker, vice president and manager; John W. Noble, secretary and treasurer; Charles F. Shutt, superintendent; John B. Wright.