(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) THE SEWER PIPE INDUSTRY - 475 DIAMOND FIRE BRICK WORKS.—J. Park Alexander, proprietor, Canal street, south of Market; established in 1866; the pioneer fire brick works in Northern Ohio. Mr. Alexander operates under a patented invention of his own, in the use of ground silicious white pebble as the principal ingredient of his appropriately named "Diamond Fire Brick," claiming for his brick immunity from shrinkage, and greater resistance to powerful heat than can be obtained from the use of the best of fire clay alone. Hands employed 20. Yearly product 1,000,000 brick. AKRON FIRE BRICK COMPANY.—Works 105 Bank street, Sixth ward. Established in 1873 by Byron M. Allison and Delos Hart. Mr. Hart retiring in 1877, Mr. Allison continued alone until incorporation of company, March 30, 1882. Standard fire brick, specialties, etc. Capacity of works 10,000 per day. Capital stock $50;000. Officers: C. A. Allison, president; B. M. Allison. secretary, treasurer and manager. THE SEWER PIPE INDUSTRY. VITRIFIED SEWER PIPE.—One of the most extensive and important of Summit County's past and present industries, is the manufacture of sewer pipe, a brief history of which is as follows: In 1847, the late Edwin H. Merrill and his brother, Calvin J. Merrill, commenced the manufacture of stoneware, bottles, tobacco pipes, etc., on the site now occupied by the Akron Stoneware Company, on Bank street, Sixth ward, afterwards inventing and manufacturing a stone pump, which attained considerable popularity in those early days. DAVID E. HILL,—born in Gowanda, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., May 25, 1825, of English-Scotch ancestry ; at 18 came to Middlebury ; after working several years in machine shop. with others engaged in manufacturing the old-fashioned fire engines ; 1841 to 1849, traveled for McMillan & Irish, manufacturers of woolen machinery, in the Spring of the latter year becoming interested in what is now the Akron Sewer Pipe Company, the pioneer of this now large industry in the United States, Mr. H. being the organizer and leading spirit of the American Sewer Pipe Co., with an annual output of 5,000 car-loads, or 60,000 tons. An original anti-slavery man, Mr. Hill has been, from its organization, an earnest member of the Republican party, and active in public affairs, from the age of 21 being almost continuously in the council or school board of the old village of Middlebury until its annexation to Akron, in 1872 ; was county commissioner from 1862 to 1868, and Sixth ward member of Akron city council four years-1875, '76, '77, '78. June 5, 1848, Mr. Hill was married to Miss Harriet Louisa McMillan, daughter of the late Col. Reuben McMillan, who has borne him three children--David W., born March 15, 1850, married to Miss Grace Perkins McCurdy, of Akron, September 6, 1877, died January 30, 1880, leaving one child, Eva C. Hill ; Cora F., born July 10, 1852, died February 6, 1874 ; and George R., whose portrait and biography are elsewhere given. 476 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. In 1849, the late Col. Reuben McMillan, David E. Hill and Robert Foster, converted the famous old " Black Mill" into pottery works, under the firm name of. Hill, Foster & Co. In 1851, Mr. Foster retired, being succeeded by Edwin H. and Calvin J. Merrill and Mr. Hezekiah Camp, the firm name being changed to Hill, Merrill & Co., this firm also engaging in the manufacture of the smaller sizes of sexangular water pipe, formed in moulds, the orifice being bored out by machinery adapted to that purpose while the section was yet in the mould. About two years later, Messrs. David E. Hill and Calvin J. Merrill got up improved patterns of the rude machinery then in use in England for the manufacture of sewer pipe, a part of the original "Black Mill" plant being devoted to that branch of the business by Hill, Merrill & Co., the clay especially adapted to this business being found in almost inexhaustible supply, within the city limits. In 1855, Hill, Merrill & Co. were succeeded by Merrill, Powers & Co.--the two Merrills, Henry G. Powers and Frank Adams. About 1858 the Merrills retired, Mr. Hill again taking an interest i the business, the firm name being changed to Hill, Powers & Co. A year later, Messrs. Hill and Adams became the sole owners, under the firm name of Hill and Adams, by whom the business was greatly extended, and the capacity of the works- doubled. In 1868, with David E. Hill, Frank Adams, David L. King, Lorenzo B. Austin and Ozias Barber as stockholders, a stock company was organized under the title of the HILL AND ADAMS SEWER PIPE COMPANY.—Under this arrangement, the business was still further greatly extended, a new two-story brick shop 50x 240 feet being erected on the opposite side of the river, below the bridge, and supplied with first-class machinery, with drying facilities, kilns, etc., to match. These works were the first of their kind west of New York, and the second in the United States, and from the excellence of the material used, and their superior workmanship, gave to Akron its firmly grounded reputation of furnishing the very best sewer pipe produced in the world. GEORGE R. HILL,—son of David E. and Harriet Louisa (McMillan) Hill, was born in. Middlebury (now Akron Sixth ward), April 3, 1855. He was educated in the Middlebury public schools and under the private tutelage of Prof. Augustus N. Bernard. Early trained to business, in the extensive Sewer Pipe Works of his father, he is now secretary and treasurer of both The Akron Sewer Pipe Company and The Hill Sewer Pipe Company, and secretary of The American Sewer Pipe Company; is also officially and pecuniarily interested in a number of other industrial enterprises in Akron and elsewhere, and is one of the rising young business men of Akron. June 4, 1884, was married to Miss Alice A. Hinman, in Cleveland. They have no children. THE SEWER PIPE INDUSTRY - 477 THE AKRON SEWER PIPE COMPANY.—In 1871, Mr. Hill retired, and the company was reorganized, under the above title, with a paid up capital of $175,000, of which corporation Mr. Frank Adams-was president, and David L. King, Esq., secretary and treasurer. Under this administration, the works were highly prosperous, a large demand being created for their wares, for sewer and drainage purposes, in all of the principal cities and villages of the country,. east, west and south. Messrs. King, Adams and others, having subsequently disposed of their respective interests in the business, the present members of the company are David E. and George R. Hill, James. Vial!, L. S. Ebright and John Harrison, with David E. Hill as president and George R. Hill as secretary and treasurer. Capacity 1200 carloads per year. Hands employed, 125. THE HILL SEWER PIPE COMPANY.—This corporation, of which. Mr. David E. Hill is president and general manager; George R. Hill, secretary and treasurer, and James Viall, superintendent,. was incorporated in 1873, with a capital of $80,000. It is located at. 1175 East Market street. The senior member of the company has-been connected with the sewer pipe business from its very incipiency, and to his energy and influence is very largely due the success and magnitude of this important industry in Akron and. Summit county, and the great advancement in sewer sanitation in the principal cities of the United States in the past quarter of a century. Capacity of works, 600 car loads per year. Men employed sixty. JAMES VIALL,—born in Middlebury (now Akron Sixth Ward), January 15,1828 ; educated in district schools ; at 13 went on canal as driver, becoming steersman at 15, and from 1846 to 1865, ran a line-boat between Pittsburg and Cleveland. In 1865 Mr. Viall bought the William Owens pottery, a short distance east of Middlebury, and engaged in the manufacture of stoneware, in 1816 selling a half interest to George Markle, and in 1889 selling remaining interest to John Inman. In 1865, also, in company with Mr. John B. Woods. commenced mining and grinding clay, in which business, as a member of the Middlebury Clay Company, he still has an interest. In March, 1813, with David E. Hill and others, incorporated the Hill Sewer Pipe Company, of which he is superintendent, that company having also recently erected extensive sewer pipe works at Huntingdon, Pa. Mr. Viall was also for several years engaged in the grocery trade, in company with Mr. Moses J. Huggins, the only representatives in that line at that time in Middlebury. Mr. Viall is also a director in the Klages Coal and Ice Company. January 29, 1850, Mr. Viall was married to Miss Mary Davis, also a native of Middlebury. He has. always been an ardent Republican,. and was for several years councilman of the incorporated village of Middlebury, serving as such at the time of its annexation to the city of Akron in 1872. 478 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. THE BUCKEYE SEWER PIPE WORKS.—The firm of Kent, Baldwin & Co., successors of the old firm of Irish, McMillan & Co., manufacture’s of woolen machinery, where the Hill Sewer Pipe Works are now located, about 1868 built new brick shops at 991 to 999 East Exchange street. The machinery of these shops having been removed to Chicago in 1872, the Buckeye Sewer Pipe Company was incorporated, with a capital of $100,000, and the plant correspondingly enlarged to fit the new business; its appointments al being first class, and its product averaging about 1,000 car loads per year, equal to the very best; men employed, 55. Present officers: Jonathan H. Brewster, president; Joseph A. Baldwin, secretary and superintendent, and Harry H. Gibbs, treasurer. JOSEPH A. BALDWIN,—born in Goshen, Conn., December 6, 1820 ; came to Summit county, Ohio, in 1831, and to Middlebury (now Akron), in 1841; was in employ of Kent, McMillen & Co., merchants, then in partnership with Mr. Roswell Kent, under the firm name of J. A. Baldwin & Co. ; next with McMillan, Irish & Co., and Kent, Baldwin & Co., manufacturers of woolen machinery, leaving, ing, in 1812, to engage in the manufacture of sewer pipe, under the corporate name of the Buckeye Sewer Pipe Company, of which he has been continuously the secretary and general manager. February 9, 1853, Mr. Baldwin was married to Miss Mary A. Kent, daughter of the late Alson Kent, of Middlebury, who has borne him two children—Alson, born in 1856, died in 1861, and Nellie L., born in 1859 and married in 1883 to Harry H. Gibbs, now treasurer of the Buckeye Sewer Pipe Co. Mr. Baldwin has been at different times member of boards of education and of councils of both the village of Middlebury and the city of Akron ; was for many years a member and trustee of the Congregational Church in Middlebury, and for several years past a member and trustee of the First Congregational Church in Akron, an in politics an earnest and influentia Republican. ROBINSON BROTHERS & COMPANY.—This company, located near the "Old Forge," and contiguous to all the railroads running through Akron, was established in 1879, with an authorized capital of $300,000, its main shops being 50x240 and 50x160 feet, two stories high, with boiler and engine room 40x60 feet; machinery, kilns etc., of the very best. Present stockholders and officers: Henry Robinson, president; Thomas Robinson, vice president; Byron W. Robinson, secretary and treasurer; llen Robinson, Henry B. Manton, Irvin R. Manton, John F. Townsend; Byron W. Robinson and Henry B. Manton, superintendents. Caliber of pipe manufactured from two to twenty-four inches; capacity of works, 1,000 car loads per year; men employed, 75. THE SUMMIT SEWER PIPE COMPANY.—This company, located at foot of Miami street, on line of C., A. & C. and N. Y. P. & O. railways; incorporated July 17, 1889; capital, $100,000; size of buildings 70x200, and 70x90 feet; capacity, 1,500 car loads per year; THE STONEWARE INDUSTRY - 479 hands employed, 60; officers, (1891) Joseph A. Baldwin, president; Jonathan H. Brewster, vice president; Edwin H. Gibbs, secretary and treasurer; George T. Whitmore, general manager; 65 men. OTHER SEWER PIPE WORKS.—Two other sewer pipe manufactures, at Tallmadge and Cuyahoga Falls, and one at Barberton are mentioned elsewhere, and it is safe to say that with its superior material, and the long and ripe experience of those engaged in its manufacture here, the sewer pipe industry of Summit county, both as to quality and quantity, leads the world, each establishment having its own clay-bed in such close proximity that its daily necessities are daily supplied by its own teams, thus obviating the expense of railroad transportation, extensive storage facilities, or large money outlay for its raw material. AMERICAN SEWER PIPE COMPANY.—This is an incorporated association, composed of the five Akron corporations above named and Mr. George P. Sperry, of Tallmadge, each having a representative on the Directory, which is composed of the following gentlemen: David E. Hill, George R. Hill, Joseph A. Baldwin, Byron W. Robinson and George P. Sperry, with Mr. David E. Hill as general manager. The objects of the association are the proper regulation of sales, according to capacity, and mutual protection against competition from manufacturers of inferior wares in other localities. The companies forming this association have an aggregate capital of three-quarters of a million of dollars, give employment to from 400 to 500 men, with a combined output of nearly 4,000 car loads of pipe per year. THE STONEWARE OR POTTERY TRADE. This has been a leading industry in Summit county from an early day. Unsurpassed in the quality of its potters' clay, its wares find a ready sale in every part of the great West, and other portions of the country. Allusion is made elsewhere to the potteries of Springfield and Mogadore, where the business originated, and to the establishment of works in what is now the Sixth ward, in Akron, by the late Edwin H. Merrill, in 1847. The late Enoch Rowley, of the Sixth ward, was also a pioneer in the manufacture of stoneware within the present limits of the city, where the majority of the ware now manufactured in the county is produced, though wholly dependent upon the clay-banks of Springfield for the raw material. THE WHITMORE, ROBINSONS & Co.—This company was incorporated in September, 1887, with a capital of $200,000, the present members of the company being: Richard Whitmore, president; Henry Robinson, vice president; Byron W. Robinson, secretary; Thomas Robinson, treasurer; Mrs. William Robinson and Mrs. James B. Manton. The company manufacture Akron stoneware, Rockingham and yellow ware and fine glazed stoneware. Their works are at the southeast corner of East Market street and Case avenue, consisting of a three story brick block, with other buildings attached, giving an aggregate floorage of nearly 100,000 square feet. The manufacture of Rockingham and yellow ware, was commenced in Middlebury, on a small scale, about 1850 or 1851 by Enoch Rowley and Edwin and Herbert Baker; some two or three years later Mr. Thomas Johnson becoming associated with Mr. 480 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Rowley in the business. February 6, 1857, Richard Whitmore an the Messrs Robinson succeeded Mr. Rowley, under the firm name Johnson, Whitmore & Co., afterwards, in 1862, changed to Whitmore, Robinsons & Co., thus continuing until incorporated as above stated., It is one of the most extensive and complete establishments of its kind in the United States, its wares finding a ready sale in the principal markets of the country, both East and West. Capacity 600 car loads per year; employes, 100. EDWIN H. MERRILL, — born in Painesville, Ohio, February 9, 1808 ; in boyhood attended school Winters and in Summer worked at potter's trade with father ; at 22 came to Springfield, and after working a short time for other potters, about 1835 started business for himself, inventing machinery for the manufacture of beer bottles, on which he secured letters patent, also soon afterwards commenced the manufacture of tobacco pipes by machinery; in 184'7 moved to Middlebury, where in connection with his brother, Calvin J. Merrill, the manufacture of water pipes and stone pumps was added ; from 1851 to 1856, as member of the respective firms of Hill, Merrill & Co. and Merrill, Powers & Co., engaged in the manufacture of vit- rified sewer pipe, the beginning of the presen immense sewer pipe industry of Akron and vicinity, and the first of its kind in the United States. In 1860 Mr. Merrill removed his bottle, pipe and stoneware works to the corner of South Main and Center streets, where, as The E. H. Merrill Co. incorporated in 1887 it is one of the leading establishments of its kind in Summit county. Mr. Merrill was married, in 1838, to Miss Emily Gleason, of Bedford. They had seven children, two only of whom are now living—Henry E., president of the above named company, and William G., engaged in the pottery business in Hampton City, Virginia. Mr. Merrill died January 25, 1888, age 76 years, 11 months and 16 days. Merrill still survives. THE E. H. MERRILL COMPANY.—The "Akron Pottery" was founded by Edwin H. Merrill and Henry E. Merrill (father and son) in 1861 corner of South Main and State streets. In addition to its large yearly output of Akron stoneware, this firm are extensive manufacturers of beer and ink bottles, smoking pipes and other specialities, by machinery of their own invention. Their present shops consist of two two-story brick buildings, 30x60 and 70x100 feet, with frame warehouse, sheds, kilns and storage yards to match. In 1880, Mr. Frederick W. Butler took an interest in the business and in 1887 the firm was incorporated, as above, with Edwin H. Merrill as president; Henry E. Merrill, superintendent and Fred W. Butler secretary. The elder Merrill having since deceased, Henry E. Merrill is now both president and superintendent of the company. Capital stock $50,000. Capacity, three car loads per week. THE OHIO STONEWARE COMPANY (successors to William Shenkle), 115, 117 and 119 Fountain street, incorporated July 12, THE POTTERY TRADE - 481 1881. Capital $12,000. Present officers : President, George A. Parker; secretary, Harry A. Gibbs; general agent, Edwin H. Gibbs. Capacity, three car loads per week. Hands employed, 20. THE UNITED STATES STONEWARE COMPANY (successors to F. J. Knapp), east of Fountain street, incorporated August, 1885. Capital $25,000. Jonathan H. Brewster, president; superintendent and treasurer, James M. Wills; George A. Laudenslager, secretary. Capacity, four car loads per week; 35 to 40 employes. ARTHUR J. WEEKS, successor to F. W. Rockwell & Co., formerly Johnson, Rockwell & Co. (founded by Johnson & Baldwin about 1860), corner East Market and Arlington streets; manufacturer of Akron stoneware; capacity of kilns 600,000 gallons per year. AKRON STONEWARE COMPANY, Bank street, incorporated March, 1879. Capital $50,000. President and superintendent, Lycurgus K. Force; secretary and treasurer, Russell H. Kent. Building 225x48. Capacity,1,200,000 gallons per year. Hands employed, 40. MARKLE & INMAN, (George Markle and John H. Inman), south f East Market street, extended. Established in 1869. Capacity 1,200,000 gallons per year. Hands employed 20. Coox, FAIRBANKS & CO., (John Cook and William Fairbanks), manufacturers and wholesale dealers in Ohio stoneware, 224 Arlington street. Established January, 1877. Capacity, 700,000 gallons per year. Hands employed, 20. FREDERICK H. WEEKS, late Weeks Brothers, Akron, Pottery Works, on Valley Railway, south of Strawboard Works. Established in 1882. Capacity, 750,000 gallons per year. THE AKRON QUEENSWARE COMPANY, manufacturers of fine queensware crockery; works and office corner of Hart street and Valley railway, Sixth ward; incorporated July 3, 1890; capital $50,000; Charles C. Bates, president; Frank P. Tinker, secretary and treasurer; T. B. Coxon, superintendent; Mandus M. Hunsicker, assistant superintendent; James A. Swinehart, manager; Albert B. Tinker, attorney; capacity, one kiln glazed ware per day; hands employed 45. AKRON STONEWARE AGENCY.—For the purpose of equalizing the manufacture, and securing uniformity of quality and benefits, according to capacity, an agency was established in 1883, through which sales of all the ware manufactured by the above named potteries, except that of the United States Stoneware Company, is sold, the officers of the agency being James M. Wills, president; Henry S. Belden, vice president; Russell H. Kent, secretary;. Arthur J. Weeks, treasurer; William Fairbanks, superintendent. Office in the Whhitmore, Robinsons & Company's block, corner East Market and Case avenue. THE AMERICAN MARBLE AND TOY MANUFACTURING COMPANY.—In 1884 Mr. Samuel C. Dyke commenced the manufacture of toy jugs, which being placed upon the market, soon created such a demand that within three years about 30,000 were turned out daily, later the manufacture of marbles being added, and Mr. Harvey F. Miller admitted to a partnership in the business. In 1889 Mr. A. L. Dyke established similar works on West State street, which also achieved a high degree of success. July 31, 1891, the two establishments were consolidated, under the above corporate title, with a capital of $100,000, with Burdette L. Dodge, Jacob A. Kohler, Ira 31 482 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. ROOFING TILE, PAVING BRICK, ETC. - 483 M. Miller, Frank M. Atterholt, A. L. Dyke and Rolin W. Sadler as directors; Ira M. Miller, president; Jacob A. Kohler, vice president; Burdette L. Dodge, secretary and treasurer; Samuel C. Dyke, superintendent. CHARLES E. HOWLAND,—fourth son, fifth child, of Enos and Susan C. (Murphy) Howland, was born in Fort Ann, Washington county, New York, November 29, 1860, removing to Fort Edwards, New York, in 1869; educated in Sandy Hill M. (N. Y.) Academy, and Fort Edwards Collegiate Institute, studying bookkeeping in Oberlin, Ohio; in September, 1879, came to Akron as book-keeper for Thomas, Phillips & Company, manufacturers of manilla papers, paper flour sacks, paper bages, etc., which position he ably filled eight years, resigning in September, 1881, and associating himself with Captain Joseph C. Ewart, under e title of J. C. Ewart & Company, the manufacture of roofing tile, an account of which is given elsewhere, Mr. Howland officiating as book-keeper for the firm. He is also director in the Thomas Phillips Company; and in the Akron Vitrified Pressed Brick Company; stockholder in The American Cereal Corn-any, and member of firm of Howland & Company, proprietors of Columbia Hall. April 16, 1882, Mr. Howland was married to Miss Clara E. Hollinger, of Akron. ROOFING TILE WORKS.—J. C. Ewart & Company (Joseph C. Ewart and Charles E. Howland), manufacturers of vitrified roofing tile, are rapidly extending their works and business. These works, located on Brook street, in the south part of the city, east of railroads, were established in 1875, different forms and colors of tiles, to suit the diversified tastes and requirements of their customers, being made; many public as well as private buildings in the various cities of the country being covered therewith, among the more prominent being New York's splendid new Capitol building, at Albany; Cincinnati's magnificent new museum, and Vanderbilt's elegant Railroad Men's Library building in New York Hands employed 75 to 80. THE AKRON PAVING BRICK COMPANY.—On East Market street; capital, $40,000; incorporated February 19, 1891; capacity 30,000, to bricks per day; Frederick Horix, president; Charles Parisette, secretary, treasurer and superintendent; hands employed, 15 to 20. THE AKRON VITRIFIED PRESSED BRICK COMPANY, manufacturers of trifled plain and ornamental pressed brick; office 22 South Howard street; works on Valley railway, in Independence township. Cuyahoga county; incorporated April 29, 1890; capital, $100,000; Joseph C. Ewart, president; George W. Crouse, vice president; Erastus R. Harper, secretary; Walter A. Folger, treasurer; capacity of works, 25,000 daily; hands employed, 70. 484 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. OTHER BRICK MANUFACTURERS.—McCausland Brothers [James C. and John J.], Tallmadge Ave.; John Bailey, Portage Path road Cooper Brick Company [Samuel, Joseph and William M. Cooper], Spicer Extension; Hugill & Briggs [Joseph Hugill and Elijah C. Briggs], Washington street Extension; Frederick H. Weeks, east of City limits, on Valley Railway; Akron Vitrified Pressed Brick, 919, Company, office 122 Howard; Akron Paving Brick Com pany,919- 923 East Exchange. THE LUMBER AND BUILDING BUSINESS. Previous to 1840 Akron had depended for lumber, lath, shingles, sash, doors, blinds, etc., chiefly upon local sawmills and hand manufacture; oak, white-wood and black walnut being the only timber used for building purposes in those early days. As early however, as 1832, the late Smith Burton, father of the Rev. Natha S. Burton, established a sash factory on the east side of the stone bridge on East Market street, in what is now the Sixth ward, driven by the waters of the Little Cuyahoga river. Here, in 1836, our well-known citizen, Mr. David G. Wilcox, commenced work as an apprentice, Dr. Burton himself also serving an apprenticeship in his father's establishment. But carpenters claiming that machine-made sash were inferior to those made by hand, the business of the factory did not attain to any very considerable proportions. In 1836 James Bangs, father of the late Elisha N. Bangs, commenced the manufacture of pine shingles, by hand, on his own premises, north of Tallmadge street, between Howard and Main, importing his blocks or " bolts " from Canada, via lake and THE LUMBER AND BUILDING BUSINESS - 485 canal. A few years later, Mr. Samuel G. Wilson, succeeded to the shingle making business, establishing himself on Main street, south of Howard, where he added a small stock of Michigan pine lumber, lath, etc., Mr. Wilson soon afterwards associating with himself Mr. Justus Rockwell, this being the pioneer of the immense lumber business done in Akron to-day, though Mr. Webster B. Storer, also established a lumber yard about the same time, north of Market street, selling out to Mr. Wilson. DAVID GILBERT WILCOX - DAVID GILBERT WILCOX. DAVID GILBERT WILCOX,—born in Manlius, Onondaga county, N. Y., February 5, 1821 ; mother dying when he was but four months old, raised by grandparents in Charlestown, Montgomery county, N. Y.; at 15, in 1836, came to Middlebury, as an apprentice in the sash factory of his uncle, Smith Burton, in 1842 becoming a partner with his uncle and others under the firm name of Burton, Davis & Co., continuing two years ; was proprietor of Akron's pioneer planing mill, on the present site of the Diamond Fire Brick works, from 1856 to 1864, when he, with others, organized the Weary, Snyder, Wilcox Manufacturing Company, as at present located. September 28, 1842, Mr. Wilcox was married to Miss Hannah C. Whitney, daughter of William H. Whitney, Esq., of Uniontown, Stark county, Ohio, who has borne him ten children, eight of whom survive—Ida, now wife of Rev. Theron R. Peters, corresponding secretary and superintend Minnesota State Missions, at Minneapolis ; John F., proprietor of planing mill, corner Eleventh and Ramsey streets Minneapolis, Minn.; Frank E., superintendent of brother's planing mill, in Minneapolis; Nathan B., carpenter and millwright, Rapid City, Dakota ; Helen, wife of Rev. James A. Brown, pastor of Baptist Church at Bedford, Ohio ; DeWitt G., physician and surgeon, proprietor "Wilcox Private Hospital," 173 Lexington avenue, Buffalo, N. Y.; Grace, wife of James I. Dissette, secretary and treasurer of Indianapolis Foundry co., 57 to 97 Bates Street; and Anna M., teacher in Prof. S. S. Curry's School of Expression, Boston, Mass. The two accompanying portraits represent Mr. Wilcox as he was at 30, and as he is at 70 years of age. THE WEARY, SNYDER, WILCOX MANUFACTURING COMPANY.— About 1815, Mr. David Miller, of Wadsworth, established a sash, door and blind factory on the present site of J. Park Alexander's 486 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Fire Brick Works, driven by the surplus water of the Cascade millrace. Mr. Miller was killed by the falling of the porch of Mr. Charles Cranz's new brick house, on the corner of Park and Prospect streets, burned on the night of September 26, 1849, Mrs. Miller continuing the business until 1856, when Mr. David G. Wilcox succeeded to the business, continuing until 1864, when a partnership was formed between Mr. Wilcox, and Messrs. Simon B. Weary, Jacob Snyder and Andrew Jackson, under the firm name of Weary, Snyder & Co., and the machinery removed to North Main street, where a planing mill and lumber and general building was added to the business. In 1866 or 1867 a stock company was organize i, with $75,000 capital, the present officers of the corporation being: President, Ferd. Schumacher; secretary and treasurer, Burdette L. Dodge; and Simon B. Weary, superintendent and general manager. Lumber, lath, shingles, doors, sash, blinds, flooring, ceiling mouldings, etc. Hands employed, about 25. Lumber handled, 3,000,000 feet per year. WILLIAM B. DOYLE.—About 1851 Messrs. Nathaniel Finch mid John H. Dix established a planing mill a few rods below the mill, on the Ohio Canal, the first of its kind in this section of the country. This mill, with the AEtna mill, was destroyed by fire on the night of November 1, 1853, whereupon a new planing mill was built on the site of the burned foundry and stove works of THE LUMBER AND BUILDING BUSINESS - 487 JACOB SNYDER,—born in Columbia county, Pa. March 12, 1823; learned carpenter's Pa., and during minority received an academic education; at 22, entered Dickinson College, taking three years' general course, and also course in theoretical architecture; then for two years engaged in contracting and practical architecture at his old home; in 1853, came to Akron, engaging for a time in grocery trade; in 1855, resumed business of contracting, building and architecture; in 1864, became a member of the Weary, Snyder & Wilcox Manufacturing Company, of which he was president at the time of his death, though since 1810 devoting his entire time to architecture upon his own account, making a specialty of Church and Sabbath School architecture, his designs being very largely adopted in Ohio and other Western and Southern States. Mr. Snyder for several years served as a member of the Akron Board of Education, trustee of Portage Township, Superintendent, teacher and historian of Sabbath School and upon the official Board of the First M. E. Church, of Akron. Nay 21, 1849, Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Mary A. Rinehart, a native of Cumberland county, Pa., who bore him four children, only one of whom is now living- Nellie M., wife of Mr. Burette L. Dodge, of Akron. Mr. Snyder died, universally lamented, December 29, 1890, aged 61 years, 9 months and 11 days. SIMON B. WEARY,—born July 29, 1823, in Marlboro, Stark county; raised on farm with log-cabin education ; in 1841 learned carpenter's trade ; in Fall of 1841 came to Akron ; in May, 1848, went to Sheboygan, Wis., where he worked at his trade until 1851, when he returned to Akron, following trade until 1853, when he established sash, blind and door factory in the building afterwards known as the "German Mill," the original of Ferd. Schumacher's present immense oatmeal plant ; in 1856 resumed trade ; in 1858 established sash, blind and door factory in upper part of W. B. Doyle & Co.'s planing mill ; in 1864 consolidated with Mr. David G. Wilcox in the same line of business upon the Ohio Canal and with Mr. Jacob Snyder, architect and builder, and others, organized the Weary, Snyder & Wilcox Manufacturing Company, still doing a large sash, door, blind and lumber business on North Main street, with Mr. Weary as general manager, Mr. Ferd. Schumacher as president and. Mr. Burdette L. Dodge as secretary and treasurer. Mr. Weary has been twice married and is the father of three children — Frank O., one of Akron's best known architects, whose portrait appears elsewhere in this volume ; Edwin D., designer in Andrews & Co.'s extensive special furniture factory in Chicago, and Flora C., now wife of James G. Moore, an employe of the Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company, Akron. 488 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. P. Tallman & Co., on South Howard Street, Mr. Simon B. Weary occupying the upper story as a sash, door and blind factory, from 1858 to 1864. Wilson: and Rockwell had, meantime, bought Finch & Dix and consolidated the two branches of business, Rockwell having also been superseded in the firm by Capt. William L. Everett, Mr. Wilson also subsequently buying out Capt. Everett. In August, 1865, William B. Doyle, Daniel Farnam and John H. Dix associated themselves with Mr. Wilson, under the firm name of W. B. Doyle & Co., greatly enlarging their lumber and building operations. A year or so later Mr. Wilson was succeeded in the firm by Hon. John Johnston. In 1873 Mr. Johnston retired from the firm, Messrs. Doyle, Farnam and Dix continuing together until the death of the latter in 1886, and in April, 1888, Mr. Farnam retired, Mr. Doyle becoming sole proprietor of the business. Number of hands employed, 20 to 25. Lumber handled, 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 of feet per year. Mr. Doyle dying August 6, 1890, the business is now being conducted by his eldest son, and executor, Dayton A. Doyle, Esq. WILLIAM B. DOYLE,—born in Franklin county, Pa., March 5, 1825; raised on farm with but limited education ; at 13 apprenticed to cabinet trade, serving three years ; in 1842 came to Akron, most of the way on foot ; worked a few months as journeyman and in Fall bought out his employers ; several years later" sold out his business and engaged in slaughtering and selling meat, which he followed about 15 years ; then moved upon farm previously purchased in Coventry, continuing four years, selling farm and stock for $16,000; then, in company with Messrs. Daniel Farnam and John H. Dix, under the firm name of Win. B. Doyle & Co., bought the lumber and manufacturing business of S. G. Wilson for the consideration of $35,000. Mr. Dix dying in 1886 and Mr. Farnam retiring in 1888, Mr. Doyle became sole proprietor of the business, handling from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 feet of lumber per year, Mr. Doyle also being the owner of a fine 160-acre farm adjacent to the city limits, and much valuable property both within and without the city. Mr. Doyle was four times married: In 1845 to Miss Phoebe Budd, of Akron, who died in 1850 ; October 30, 1855, to Miss Harriet Sage, of Monroe county, N. Y., who died November 6, 1862; of their two children, one only, Dayton A., surviving ; June 9, to Mary Ann Lantz, of Akron, who died in 1875, leaving three children William B., Jr., Della and Dean L.; January 16, 1817, to Mrs. Louisa Baird, of Mogadore, Ohio, who bore him one child—Anna. Mr. Doyle died August 6, 1890, aged 65 years, 5 months and I day. THE THOMAS BUILDING AND LUMBER COMPANY.--Works west side of Ohio Canal, south of West Market street, established in 1863 by the late George Thomas. After the death of its founder, other parties operated the works for several years with indifferent success, Col. David W. Thomas succeeding to the business in 1877. January 1, 1888, a stock company was organized, under the above title, with a capital stock of $100,000, the extensive lumber busines 489 - THE LUMBER AND BUILDING BUSINESS. DANIEL FARNAM,-born in Essex county, N. Y., April 8, 1816 ; removed with parents to Vermont in 1817, and to Ohio in 1831, settling in Marion county, afterwards removing to Hardin county. In 1836, Mr. F. came to Akron, working awhile in saw-mill, then for six years in powder-mill; then took an interest in linseed oil mill, the powder and oil business being consolidated three years later ; three years still later selling out and buying a farm in Hardin county, two years afterwards rented farm and became superintendent of Xenia powder works, and two anda-half years later returned to Akron, and again took an interest in the powder works here. In 1865, sold out his powder interests and became a partner of the lumber and building firm of W. B. Doyle & Co., in which business he continued until 1888. December 23, 1843, Mr. Farnam was married tp Miss Lydia Todd, a native of Seneca county, N. Y.,who has borne him seven children, six of whom are now living—Harriet, now Mrs. H. D. Cole, of Akron ; George D., now living in Colorado ; Abbie T., now Mrs. Andrew B. Reed, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Frances J. and Carrie, still at home ; and Mary E., now Mrs. Duane C. Abbott, of Akron. Mr. F. has been an active and influential member of the Baptist Church for over 50 years ; as a Whig voted for Gen. William Henry Harrison, in 1840, and as a Republican for Gen. Benjamin Harrison, for president, in 1888. FRANK ORLANDO WEARY,— horn at Sheboygan, Wis., September 12, 1849 ; came to Akron with parents in 1851 ; educated in Akron schools ; at 14, in 1863, entered as drummer boy in Co. G, 29th O. V. I., a year later being appointed major of regimental drum corps, following the fortunes of the regiment from Lookout Mountain to Atlanta, Savannah and " on to Richmond ;" on discharge resumed his school studies, which he soon had to relinquish on account of his failing health ; in 1868 began the study of architecture in the office of Heard & Blythe, Cleveland, remaining two years, finishing studies in Boston, Mass., in 1810, '11 ; after the great Chicago fire, October 9, 1811, spent three years in helping to rebuild that city ; in 1815, returned to Akron, where he has since practiced his profession with phenomenal success in connection with Mr. George W. Kramer, their home work including Memorial Chapel, High School, Hotel Buchtel, Arcade, Be aco n, Paige, C. A. & C. depot, Akron Savings Bank, and numerous other fine blocks, and abroad fine courthouses, jails, churches, business blocks, etc., in various other counties in Ohio, and in the States of California, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, New York, etc. April 6, 1881, Mr. W. was married to Mrs. Jennie Wise Hane, of Canton, who has borne him one son—Earl D. Weary, born October 11, 1882. Mr. W. is a member of Buckley Post, G. A. R., and a number of other beneficial and social organizations. 490 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. theretofore, for several years, carried on by Mr. Wm. Buchtel, being merged in the new organization. Directors: David W. Thomas, William Buchtel, Arthur L. Conger, U. Grant Frederick, Charles S. Sheldon, William C. Jacobs, Louis Wilhelm; D. W. Thomas president; C. E. Sheldon, vice president; Wm. Buchtel, treasurer: U. G. Frederick, secretary. ANDREW JACKSON,—son of James and Sarah (Stout) Jackson, born near Canal Fulton, Stark county, June 22, 1833; raised on farm; educated in district schools and Greensburg Seminary; learned carpenter's trade with brother, Robert Jackson, in Akron; taught school four years at Greensburg and Doylestown; 1864 to 1866, member of firm of Weary. Snyder & Co., builders and lumber dealers; then, with Mr. William Buchtel, commenced dealing in Michigan pine lands and lumber, five years later Jackson & Buchtel, selling a one-half interest to John H. Hower and the late Charles Miller, the firm of Jackson, Buchtel & Co. continuing till 1875, after which Mr. Jackson carried on an extensive lumber and building business alone until March, 1889, when he associated with himself Mr. A. E. Lyman; under the firm name of A. Jackson & Lyman, adding a planing mill to their works. Mr. Jackson is also a stockholder in the People's Savings Bank; has served two terms on Akron Board of Education and several years on the Official Board of the First M. E. Church, of Akron. March 15, 1859, Mr. Jackson was married to Miss Lucy A. Wright, of Springfield, who has borne him seven children - Hen Thoburn and Bessie died in infancy; Lucy Ellen, at home; Thomas Wright now a student at Jefferson Medical College; James Herbert, now assisting in father's office; Andrew and Rutherford B. Hayes, now students in Akron schools. JACKSON & LYMAN.—Andrew Jackson and Alfred Lyman—dealers in lumber, sash, doors, blinds and all kinds of building materials, West Exchange street and Ohio Canal; established in 1866; number of hands employed, 25 to 35; lumber handled per year, 3,000,000 feet. Planing mill immediately south of office on Orleans Avenue, east of canal basin. SOLON N. WILSON.—Dealer in all kinds of pine and hemlock lumber, dressed and in the rough, and contractor and builder, 888 South Main street. Established in 1867. Hands employed, 4 to 10. Lumber handled, 1,500,000 feet per year, Mr. Wilson also yearly filling many contracts for buildings in Akron and elsewhere. THE HANKEY LUMBER COMPANY.—Successors to the late Simon, Hankey and Charlotte A. Hankey, (established in 1873), planing mill and wholesale and retail dealers in lumber and all kinds of building material, 1036 South Main street; incorporated March 3, 1889; capital, $100,000; hands employed, 36 to 40; lumber handled per year, 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 feet. Directors: Charlotte A. Hankey, president; William S. Hankey, vice president; Jonas F. Stuver, secretary; Frederick H. Weeks, treasurer and manager; George W. Seiber. THE LUMBER AND BUILDING BUSINESS - 491 SOLON N. WILSON,—son of Andrew and Lurancy (Thomas) Wilson, was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, October 19, 1843; received an academic education, after one year at Oberlin College, enlisting in the 150th Regiment, O. N. G., organized at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, and sworn into service May 5, 1864, for 100 days, under the call of Governor Brough, as elsewhere stated. The regiment did garrison duty at Forts Lincoln, Saratoga, Thayer, Bunker Hill, Slocum, Totten and Stevens, in front of the National Capital, participated in the fight with Early's Rebel Corps, in his attack on Washington, July 10 and 11, 1864, being mustered out in Cleveland, August 23, 1864, having served 111 days. On returning from the army Mr. Wilson took charge of the home farm, owning a place on becoming of age, when he went to Kent and engaged in the lumber business for three years, then came to Akron, where, as lumber dealer and contractor, he has continued ever since. January 15, 1868, he was married to Miss Alice E. Botsford, of Middlebury, (now Akron Sixth Ward), who died January 14, 1810. June 20, 1872, was again married, to Miss Nannie C. Albertson, of Millersburg, who has borne him three children—Lena L.; Ralph B. and Ross A. Mr. Wilson is secretary and treasurer of the Long Lake Park Company, and pecuniarily and officially connected with a number of the most important business enterprises of Akron and vicinity. SIMON HANKEY, --son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Yerrick) Hankey, was born at Canal Fulton, Stark county, December 25, 1840, at 14 removing with parents to Coventry; raised on farm with common school education; removed to A 1869, Akron in and established the planing mill and lumber yard now carried on by the Hankey Lumber Company, at 1,036 South Main street. Active in public affairs, Mr. Hankey ably represented the Fifth ward in the City Council during the years 1815 and 1816. February 11, 1859, Mr Hankey was married to Miss Charlotte A. Manderbach, of Coventry, who bore him five children, three of whom are still living—Mary Ellen, now wife of Charles A. Guth, of Decatur, Ala.; Bertha A., now Mrs. Frederick H. Weeks, treasurer and manager of the Hankey Lumber Company, and William S., vice president of said company, Mrs. Hankey being its president. February 12, 1885, while driving with a friend, by the sliding of his sleigh against a telegraph pole, in turning from West Mill into Ash street, Mr. Hankey was so badly injured as to cause his death a few hours later, the same evening, at the age of 44 years, 1 month and 18 days; Mrs. Hankey continuing the business on her own account until the organization of the Hankey Lumber Company as elsewhere stated. 492 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. THE AKRON BUILDING & CABINET COMPANY, successors to the Akron Contracting & Cabinet Co., 210 to 220 Cherry street, manufacturers of office and bank furniture, fine cabinet work, etc.; incorporated January 3, 1889; authorized capital, $100,000; directors, Daniel A. James, president; Orlando L. McMillen, vice president; Othello W. Hale, secretary and treasurer; William F. Pickton, D. A. James. Average employees, 70. DANIEL A. JAMES,—born in Paris, Portage county, Ohio, October 13, 1846; common school education; learned cabinet maker's trade in Ravenna; in 1866 came to Akron and worked for Miller, Thomas & Company, until 1875, when he started the business of manufacturing office and church furniture and interior decorations, building up a large and profitable trade, developing into the extensive works of the Akron Building and Cabinet Company, at 210 to 220 Cherry street, incorporated in January, 1889, with a capital stock of $100,000, of which organization Mr. James is president. In politics Mr. James is an earnest Republican, and in religion an active and influential Baptist. August 8, 1871, Mr, James was married to Miss Carrie F. Thomas, daughter of the late George and Mary (Caldwell) Thomas, who died December 22, 1886, leaving no children. February 21, 1879, he was again married, to Miss Louisa J. Thomas, (sister of the former Mrs. James), who has borne him three children - Bessie Louisa, born January 1, 1880; Carrie Thomas, born August 9, 1882, and Arthur Henry, born March 4, 1885. WILLIAM A. MCCLELLAN, planing mill, contractor, builder, etc. Shop and office, 305 Water street, (Lock Two Ohio Canal). Number of hands employed 6 to 20. Established in 1880. EWING & HOLLINGER, (Lewis D. Ewing and Harvey M. Hollinger), planing mill; contractors, and dealers in mantels, grates, etc.; works, 121 Kirkwood street ; main building, 44 x 50; 25 employes. BOATING, BOAT BUILDING, ETC.—Fifty years ago, boating upon the Ohio Canal held sway, not only on the score of profit, but on the score of "honor" also. Then the commander of the "Line Boat"—combined passenger and freight—was of vastly more consequence than the commander of an ocean Cunarder is now. Indeed the writer, while temporarily sojourning in Ravenna, in the Spring of 1835, was advised by the late Dr. Asa Field, on learning of his intention of settling in Akron, to secure, if possible, a situation in one of the ware-houses upon the canal from which he could eventually work up to the command of a line boat ! Disregarding the kind-hearted doctor's advice, the writer has ever since remained to "fortune and fame unknown." As narrated in the first chapter of this work, the first boat to navigate the waters of the Ohio Canal— the "Ohio"—was built in Akron, on the east side of the basin, in 1827. Though other boats 493 - THE BOAT BUILDING INDUSTRY. OTHELLO W. HALE,—born in Bath, April 1, 1841; raised a farmer; at 15 went with family to Hudson, where he prepared for college, but owing to his father's declining health, returned to Bath in 1859 and took charge of farm. In the temporary absence of his father in 1861, Othello enlisted in the 29th O. V. IM., under Captain Jonas Schoonover, going with regiment to Camp Giddings, where, being under age, at the urgent request of his father, then in poor health, he was discharged, and returned home, the father dying the following January. September 23, 1862, Mr. Hale was married to Miss Elizabeth Hanson, of Hudson, who bore hint two children, one of whom Herbert C., born March 15, 1814, is now living at home. In 1868 Mr. Hale sold his Bath farm. and purchased another in Edinburg, Portage county; two years later, selling there and engaging in the lumber business at Corry, Pa., going from there to Huntington, W. Va., where he not only lost all his property, by the reverses of his firm in the panic of 1813, but buried his wife, who died June 6, 1874, leaving a babe a few days old which died one month later. Returning to Akron, made his home with his sister, Mrs. David S. Alexander, until his marriage, November 26, 1878, with Mrs. L. Emma Cozad, of Cleveland, a widow with one son - Henry Irving, born September 22, 1812. They have one child, Blanche E., born December 14,1881. February 10, 1819, Mr. Hale entered the county clerk's office as deputy for Clerk Sumner Nash; was elected clerk of courts October, 1884, and re-elected in 1881, being in continuous service as deputy and principal 12 years. Mr.. Hale is now secretary of the Akron Building and Cabinet Company. WILLIAM H. PAYNE,—youngest son of Willis and Phoebe (Bronson) Payne, was born in Lorain county, O., August 10, 1822 ; common school education ; from 1845 to 1864, worked at boat building in Boston township, in the latter year removing to Akron, and purchasing the boat yard of Mr. Webster B. Storer, at Lock Three, which he carried on six years, duping that period building 42 boats ; in 1873 establishing his present yard at Lock Two, having built in all about 150 boats. A Republican in politics, besides filling several local offices in Boston township, Mr. Payne represented the Third ward in Akron city council, during the years 1861, '68. February 22, 1845, Mr. Payne was married to Miss Julia Janes, of Peninsula, a native of Vermont, niece of the late Sheriff Lewis M. Janes, who has borne him four children, three of whom are still living — Martha E., wife of Mr. George S. Scott, member and assistant manager of The Paige Brothers Company, wholesale and retail hardware dealers in Akron ; Amy L., at home, and Charles H., (who married Miss Martha Storm, of Knox county), now shipping clerk for The Paige Brothers Co. Mr. and Mrs. Payne are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and active promoters of all the benevolent enterprises of the day. 494 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. were built at different points in the village, Akron did not become a boat-building center for several years—the villages of Peninsula and Boston almost entirely monopolizing the canal boat building trade of the State for many years. In the Spring of 1835, Mr. Joseph Perkins furnishing the land, Capt. Richard Howe the lumber, Mr. Seth Iredell the money, and Mr. Ansel Miller the labor, a dry dock was built at the head of Lock Three, which was at first occupied by John Langdon and John Waterman, but the next season by a man named Stevenson, whose given name is not now remembered, altogether for making repairs. In 1836, '37, Mr. Harvey Allen leased the yard and built some three or four boats for Col. Robert H. Backus, the then proprietor of the Stone Mill, which the writer, in the then line of his profession, had the honor of painting, lettering, ornamenting, etc. In 1838, Messrs. Webster B. Storer, and Jacob Barnhart took possession of the yard and entered vigorously into the building of new boats, Mr. Ansel Miller succeeded Mr. Barnhart in 1839; the firm of Storer & Miller continuing 18 years and Mr. Storer running the works one year longer. Besides repairs, an average of six or eight new boats per year were turned out, as high as 12 being built in 1846, from 20 to 30 hands being employed, Mr. Jacob Black remembering that at one time as high as 42 men were employed; prices of new boats ranging from $1,200 to $1,600. Mr. Storer was succeeded by Mr. William H. Payne, who a few years since established a new yard above Lock Two, the original yard passing into the hands of Mr. Joseph W. Foster, in each of OTHER MANUFACTURES - 495 which, besides repairs, from one to three new boats are now built per year, the excursion steamer "City of Akron," having been turned out of the Lock Two yard. THE PORTAGE STRAWBOARD COMPANY.—In March, 1882, the Portage Strawboard Company was organized by Akron capitalists, and works established in the suburban town of New Portage, five miles south of the city, between the C., A. & C. and the N. Y., P. & O. railroads, two years later erecting similar and larger works at Circleville, Pickaway county. Capital stock, $1,000,000; officers: Ohio C. Barber, president; Thomas W. Cornell, vice president; William McFarlin, secretary and treasurer; office at First National Bank, Akron. Capacity: Portage mills, 25 tons finished board per day; Circleville mills, 50 tons, the two mills consuming 150 tons of straw per day. Hands employed: Portage, 110; Circleville, 340. Of the product of these mills the Barber Match Company alone consumes five tons daily in the manufacture of match boxes; the entire Diamond Match Company nine tons per day. [These works are now merged in and are part of the American Strawboard Company, described in the chapter on the new manufacturing city of Barberton, with a capital of $6,000,000, of which Mr. Ohio C. Barber is president.] JAMES C. McNEIL,— born in Onondaga county, N. Y., May 8, 1836 ; came with parents to Ohio in 1838, settling in Coshocton county, in 1847 coming to Akron to live with his brother, the late Gen. George W. McNeil ; educated in Akron public schools ; learned machinist's trade with Webster & Taplin, serving three years ; worked six years for Cleveland & Mahoning R. R. Co., three and a half years in shop and two and a half years as engineer on road ; returning to Akron had charge of machinery in Akron Barrel Factory two and a half years, when, with Mr. Robert L. Moffatt. he established the Akron Boiler Works ; on the retirement of Mr. Moffatt, four years later, MrM. McNeil becoming sole proprietor of the works, which he successfully and profitably -conducted until his death, November 26, 1885, at the age of 49 years, 6 months and 15 days —the McNeil Boiler Company, organized in 1888 and re-organized in 1890, now being one of the most extensive and prosperous of its class in Ohio. Mr. McNeil was an earnest Republican, and active in all city improvements, and especially in the organization of its present excellent Fire Department, of which he was Chief from 1866 to 1869. April 6, 1859, Mr. McNeil was married to Miss Mary Gale, youngest child of the late Col. Justus and Mrs. Sarah (Hyde) Gale, who bore him two children—Grant C., born September 25,1864, now a successful manufacturer in Akron, and Sarah Gale, born November 25, 1868, still residing with her mother. THE J. C. MCNEIL COMPANY, (successors to the Akron Boiler Works, established by the late games C. McNeil and Mr. Robert L. Moffat in 1866.) manufacturers of all kinds of steam boilers, transportation and storage oil tanks, McNeil's fire oat-drying pans, etc., near South Main street railway station; buildings 60 x 160 and 496 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. 40x 152 feet; hands employed, 75; incorporated February 2b, I '007 capital, $62,700; Arthur M. Cole, president; George C. Berry, vice-president; John B. Campbell, secretary and treasurer; Herniae H. Prange, superintendent. THE AKRON TOOL COMPANY, manufacturers of the Kraus Combined Cultivator and other specialties, 238 North l nnol street incorporated, September 21, 1889; capital $100,000; Hiram Kendall, president; George W. Crouse, vice president; Horace N. Houser, secretary; Charles A. Bowen, treasurer and superintendent; buildings 50x 150 and 70x140 feet; hands employed 45. THE AKRON WOOLEN AND FELT COMPANY, on the site formerly occupied by the original strawboard works, in the Sixth wardM. manufacturers of papermakers' felts and jackets; incorporated July 7, 1888; capital $100,000; hands employed 55; Ohio C. Barber president; Frank M. Atterholt, vice president; Duncan M. Fuller treasurer and manager; H. Granger Fuller, superintendent an secretary pro tem.   LESTER M. BIGGS,—son of Dr. C. F. H. Biggs,M. born in Middlebury, (now Akron Sixth Ward) June 25, 1843; common school education; in 1860 drove team on canal; in 1861 enlisted in Company A, 2nd 0. V. C., serving in Indian Territory, Texas, etc.; discharged September 25, 1862; re-enlisted October 14, 1862, in Company I, 10th 0. V. C.; wounded in left shoulder at Lovejoy's Station, Ga.; in right leg at Sisters Ferry, S. C.; presented with hunting case gold watch inscribed: "Presented to Sergeant L. M. Biggs, for distinguished bravery at Waynesboro, Ga., December 4, 1864, by Captain W. H. Day, A. D. C., Kilpatrick's Cavalry;" 22 months color sergeant at General Kilpatrick's headquarters; commissioned lieutenant of volunteers by President Lincoln, and assigned to U. S. C. T. at Macon, Ga.; discharged July 24,1865; now member of Buckley Post, G. A. R. At close of the war worked four years in Buckeye Works of Aultman, Miller & Company., and fifteen years in Boiler Works of J. C. McNeil; November 11, 1885, established Summit City Boiler Works, employing three men, now (1891) employing 80 men, his work going to every portion of the United States, to Canada, Mexico, South America, Japan and China. January 1, 1861, Mr. Big was married to Miss Esther Sherbondy, daughter of Levi Sherbondy of Akron, who has borne him on child—Lester E. Biggs, born Norm ber 1, 1877. SUMMIT CITY BOILER WORKS.—Lester M. Biggs, corner Cas avenue and River streets, manufacturer of steam boilers; rota globe bleachers, smokestacks, oat dryers, etc., established Janu ary 1, 1886. Hands employed, 75 to 80. Product, $40,000 to $50, per year. Larger shops are now [September 1891], being built o the Hart Allotment, by which the capacity of these works will nearly if not quite doubled. AKRON'S MANUFACTURES - 497 THE DROP HAMMER FORGING COMPANY, manufacturers of all a of drop-hammer forgings, picket fences, the Belden garden etc.; 212, 214 River street, Sixth ward; incorporated March 17, 90; capital $15,000; size of buildings 50x 100; hands employed 15; eph Cook, president; Frank M. Belden, vice president; Joseph ames, secretary and treasurer; M. F. Christensen, superintendent. HERBERT P. HITCHCOCK,—son of Lucius W., and Eleanor (Wolf-) ,Hitchcock, was born in Tallmadge, July 18, 1841 90; raised on farm ;educated in common schools, and Madge Academy ; from 16 to 17 k in store of Starr Bros. & Co., Elyria; 17 to 20 worked on father's; 20 to 28, filled various positions upon the A. & G. W. Railway (now N. P. & O.) ; in 1860, established him in the insurance business in on, commencing with a single pony and increasing from time to e until now he conducts one of the largest insurance agencies in North-Ohio, representing an aggregate ital of $100,000,000, Mr. H. also act-as special agent and adjuster for several companies some 15 years, being then given a department as general agent and manager, which held until his resignation, on account of press of other business, February 1, 1890. He is also a stock-holder, director and secretary of the Werner Printing and Lithographing Company ; president Diamond Dril1 & Tool Company, and pecuniarily and officially connected with several other important industrial and financial enterprises in Akron, and elsewhere. August 16, 1863, Mr. Hitchcock was married to Miss Charlotte E. Upson, of Tallmadge, who has borne him two children—Rena E., died at 8 years of age, Eva P., born August 21, 1876, still at home.. THE DIAMOND DRILL AND TOOL COMPANY, 226 South Howard street, manufacturers of the Diamond twist drill, machinists' tools, etc.; established in 1889; hands employed 35; Herbert P. Hitchcock, president; Charles E. Sheldon, vice president; John G. Raymond, secretary and treasurer; Peter J. Hoenscheid, superintendent. THE D. F. MORGAN BOILER COMPANY, manufacturers of steam and hot water heating apparatus; works near South Main street railway station; buildings 50x 100 in size; capacity, six boilers per day; hands employed 20; incorporated March 17, 1890; capital 100,000; D. F. Morgan, president: Charles E. Sheldon, vice president; Charles T. Buell, secretary and treasurer; D. F. Morgan, manager. ENTERPRISE MANUFACTURING COMPANY.—Established in 1881. Incorporated in 1886. Metal and rubber baits, flies, floats, etc., with or without luminosity; crystal and metal harness rosettes, luminous and otherwise; and other specialties. Shops, 139 Ash street, 30x60 and 60x 75, two stories. Hands employed, 80 to 90. Officers: Ernest F. Pflueger, president; Col. Arthur L. Conger, vice president; Ernest A. Pflueger, secretary and treasurer. 32 498 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. AKRON FILE WORKS.—Theodore Gorner and Adam Plantz, proprietors. Shop east of Buckeye Works, between Middlebury and Carroll streets. Established in 1868 by Matthias Harter. Alter several changes, the present firm was formed in 1877. Every description of files recut and made to order. Product from $3,50) to $4,000 per year, their wares finding a ready sale among the manufacturers and dealers in Akron, and other points in Ohio. PLOWS AND FARMERS' GOODS.—Frank D. Howard, Foundry, and dealer in Agricultural implements, southwest corner of Mill and High streets; established in 1869. Standard and reliable goods, only, handled. TOWNSEND C. BUDD.—Foundry and Machine works, east of Bank street, north of Case avenue, Sixth ward; manufacturer of potters' supplies, steam fittings, and all work pertaining to the trade. Established in 1884. Buildings 40 x 60, 30x46, 40x50 and 30 x 45; hands employed, 12. THE AKRON HARDWARE COMPANY, Stanton avenue and Getz street; shops 32x128 and 32x80, two stories, with one story engine house; manufacture specialties in hardware and patented crystal harness and carriage trimmings. Incorporated April 11, 1889. Capital stock, $50,000. Hands employed, 60 to 75. Officers: Emmon S. Oviatt, president; James T. Diehm, vice president; Henry C. Searles, secretary; Henry C. Viele, treasurer; Millard F. Anderson, superintendent. THE STAR DRILLING MACHINE CO., Washington street, mantle facturers of portable well and mineral drilling machinery, drilling tools, engines, etc., employing from 35 to 50 men; incorporated July 20, 1889; capital, $50,000; Arthur M. Cole, president; Herbert W. Cole, secretary and treasurer; John W. Miller, superintendent. THE ABSOLUTE CHEMICAL Co.—No. 1080 East Market street, manufacturers of the absolute parasite exterminator; organized December 19, 1890; capital, $50,000; Richard J. Cunnington, president; Stephen H. Barron, vice president; William E. Roth, secretary; Albert B. Cunnington, treasurer; James H. Case, chemist. Buildings, 20 x 60 two stories, 30 x 65 one story; hands employed, 4. THE AKRON CHEMICAL COMPANY.—Manufacturers of paints, fillers and printing inks; incorporated January 13, 1890; capital, $25,000; works on West State street; officers: Frank A. Wilcox, president; J. Martin Beck, vice president; Charles L. Brown, secretary and treasurer. THE AKRON HEATING AND VENTILATING COMPANY, manufacturers of apparatus for heating, ventilating and cooling—the Akron Blast System for churches, schools, public buildings, etc., South Broadway; incorporated November 30, 1889; capital $75,000; hands employed, 25; George W. Crouse, president; Ferd. Schumacher, vice president; Julius 0. Simmons, secretary and treasurer; Herman Eichoff, superintendent. THE AKRON LIGHT, HEAT AND POWER COMPANY, Manufacturers of fuel gas for cooking, heating and illumination; works corner Bank and Valley Ry., Sixth ward; incorporated July 14, 1888; capital, $200,000; officers: Gordon W. Lloyd. president; Ferd. Schumacher, vice president; Ernest F. Lloyd, secretary; F. Adolph Schumacher, treasurer; James W. Lane, superintendent; Olaf N. Guldlin, engineer. Miles of pipe now laid (July, 1891), seven; hands employed, 10. AKRON'S MANUFACTURES - 499 ARTHUR M. COLE, — born near Everett, July 6, 1850 ; educated in common schools and commercial college; several years clerk in father's store at Peninsula, then entered upon the study of medicine, graduating from the medical department of Wooster University at Cleveland, in 1874, '75, afterwards attending two courses of lecturers in Cleveland, and one course at the college of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. Practicing successfully in Peninsula two years, on the death of is father engaged in merchandising, which calling, in connection with his brother, Herbert W., he followed until his election as treasurer of Summit county, in 1882, which office he ably filled for two consecutive terms of two years each. Dr. Cole was married to Mrs. Lucy J. Truscott, of Cleveland, January 20, 1876, who, besides the two children she brought to him, Harry and Jessie Truscott, has borne him two sons - Samuel Jackson, born May 30, 1878 and Edmund Herbert, born November 26, 1882. While yet officiating as treasurer, Dr. Cole organized the Akron Twine and Cordage Works, now one of the most successful industrial institutions in the city, of which company he was secretary, treasurer and manager, till merged in the National Cordage Company of New York City, January 1, 1891, being also president of the J. C. McNeil Boiler Company, and for a time of City National Bank of Akron, and president of several other business and industrial corporations in Akron and elsewhere, and an active and influential member of the Akron Board of Trade. HERBERT W. COLE, — son of Edmund and Ann L. (Boies) was born at Peninsula, Summit county, Ohio, February 22, 1857 ; educated in village schools and at Oberlin College ; taught school at Old Portage, Boston and Chittenden's Corners ; in 1878 admitted to partnership in store of brother, Portage, Boston under the firm name of A. M. Cole & Bro., continuing until 1884, on November 4, of that year, entering the county treasurer's office as deputy treasurer, under his brother, Dr. A. M. Cole, county treasurer from September 1, 1884, to September 1, 1888 ; then organized the Akron Wholesale Grocery Company, with a capital of $100,000, serving as its secretary and treasurer from September 10, 1888, till January 1, 1890; July 20, 1889, organized the Star Drilling Machine Company, with a capital of $50,000, of which company he has been secretary and treasurer from the beginning ; is also a stockholder in The Akron Silver Plate Company, and The Barrett Elevator Company of Cleveland. August 7, 1890, Mr. Cole was married to Miss Leota M. Townsend, of Akron. They have one child, Helen Louise, born June 4, 1891.