(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 351 served with the Pennsylvania forces in the American army during the Revolutionary war and who was the father of John F. Seiberling, the founder of the family in Summit county. His birth had occurred in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1783, but his last years were spent in Summit county, where he attained the venerable age of ninety-two years, passing away on Christmas day of 1875. To him and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Bear, was born a son in Lehigh county, on the 14th of April, 1810, to whom they gave the name of Nathan. On the 6th of December, 1829, he wedded Catherine Peter, who was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, June 27, 1811, and was a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Moser) Peter. In the spring of 1831 Nathan Seiberling removed with his family to Ohio, becoming a resident of Norton township, Summit county, and the farm upon which he settled has now been in possession of the family through three consecutive generations. Purchasing ninety acres of timber land, he built the first sawmill in the township and he remained a valued resident of this section of the state until his demise, which occurred November 4, 1889, while his wife survived until February 27, 1894. Thus the line of descent comes down through five generations from Jonas Seiberling, the pioneer ancestor, to Gustavus Seiberling, whose youthful days were spent on the old homestead, his time being largely devoted to the acquirement of a district school education and to further study in the Western Star Academy, a select school in Norton township, from which he was graduated in 1874. He also early became familiar with the work of the fields and the best methods of handling the crops and for years thereafter devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, becoming one of the foremost farmers in this section of the state. It was his desire to enter the ministry but being a dutiful son he remained at home during his boyhood and aided his father in the work of the farm, which place he now owns. While engaged in farming he also took active and helpful interest in promoting the State Fair and was likewise a leading figure in the life of his community, known as Western Star, filling the office of mayor of the village for twenty-six years and for an equal period serving on its school board, while for twenty-four years of that time he acted as clerk of the board. He continued his farming operations until August, 1913, when he left the old homestead to become a resident of Barberton, where he has since remained. 352 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Years before Mr. Seiberling joined forces with eleven others in organizing the Norton Mutual Fire Association, which was incorporated on the 14th of March, 1879, and which has written over ten million dollars in insurance. He has served as its secretary since 1888. Since 1902 he has also been president of the Ohio Mutual Tornado and Windstorm Insurance Association, with which he became identified on its organization and incorporation in 1901. This company has issued insurance policies to the amount of over one hundred and ten million dollars. The sound business judgment of Mr. Seiberling has figured prominently in the development and success of these companies and as an executive of both, he is now active in directing their policies and shaping their continuous growth. He is likewise a director of the Great Northern Building & Loan Association. In 1913 he moved his office and residence to Barberton. On the 18th of November, 1875, Mr. Seiberling was united in marriage to Miss Julia Kulp, a daughter of John M. Kulp, of Norton township, where the birth of Mrs. Seiberling occurred. They have become parents of five children : Wilson F., now devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits; Cloyd, living on the old homestead; Sarah Catherine, the wife of Dr. Wise, of Medina, Ohio; Pauline, the wife of Ferold L. Ayers, of Barberton; and Raymond Gustavus, of Barberton. The religious faith of Mr. Seiberling and his family is that of the Lutheran church and fraternally he is affiliated with the Masons. For twenty years he has been a member of the board of the Summit County Agricultural Society and its treasurer since 1918. He is a member of the Barberton Humane Society, of which he is serving as treasurer, and his interest centers in those forces and activities which make for public progress, reform and improvement. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and aside from the local offices which he filled at Western Star he served as county commissioner of Summit county from 1905 until 1908 and in 1914 was again called to that office, remaining on the board until 1916. He has also been service director and safety director and is now a member of the city council of Barberton. While filling the office of county commissioner he was active in support of a project for providing a new county infirmary building, also stanchly advocated the building of the North Hill viaduct and the beginning of improvement of county roads. He has served on the republican county ,central committee and he belongs to the Akron Chamber of Corn- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 353 merce and the Barberton Chamber of Commerce. His wife has been his active assistant in church work and they were among the organizers of the Wadsworth Lutheran church. Mrs. Seiberling also belongs to the Eastern Star, the White Shrine and the Woman's Relief Corps. No residents of Barberton are held in higher esteem or enjoy in greater measure the friendship and good will of those with whom they have come in contact. They have always resided in Summit county, and their sterling worth is recognized by friends and acquaintances, while many tangible evidences can be given of the valuable part which Mr. Seiberling has played in connection with the upbuilding and progress of the state. CLARENCE E. FALOR Alert to his opportunities, Clarence E. Falor has risen from a minor position to one of broad influence and usefulness and is well known in industrial circles of northeastern Ohio as a dominant factor in the management of the business of the Marathon Rubber Company, Inc., of Cuyahoga Falls. He was born in Akron, November 6, 1880, a son of Oliver P. and Adelia (Wade-man) Falor, who were also natives of Ohio. In 1849 the father went to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama and spent several years in the gold fields of that state, meeting with a fair measure of success. He returned to Ohio by the overland route and embarked in merchandising in Akron, where he spent the remainder of his life. He attained the advanced age of ninety years and long survived his wife, who died when comparatively young. They had six children, three of whom survive : Shelby A., Oliver F. and Clarence E. The last named completed his education in the Central high school of Akron and obtained his start in life as a Western Union messenger, afterward learning photography. For some time he was in the employ of the B. F. Goodrich Company and then became a commercial photographer. He engaged in that business for two years, traveling throughout the country, and at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war in 1898 his patriotic spirit prompted him to offer his aid to his country. Mr. Falor joined the Eighth Ohio, "McKinley's Own" regiment, with which he served until the close of the conflict, and his was the only volunteer unit on the island of Cuba. After receiving his honorable dis- 354 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY charge he reentered the employ of the B. F. Goodrich Company and subsequently was with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, the period of his service with these corporations covering three years. He then went to Los Angeles, California. Being unable to find a business opening in that city, he returned to the east and for three years was a flagman for the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1904 he became an employe of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and was advanced through the various departments as he demonstrated his worth. For twenty-one years he faithfully and efficiently served the corporation in the production department, where he held several major positions, and in 1925 became vice president and general manager of the Marathon Rubber Company, Inc. He has charge of the production end of the business, rendering to the firm the services of an expert, and during his tenure of office the industry has made notable progress. In May, 1907, Mr. Falor was married in. Medina, Ohio, to Miss Edith E. Bassett, a native of Wadsworth, this state, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bassett. Mr. and Mrs. Falor have two children : Lucille W., who was born in Akron, completed her studies in the East high school ; and Robert E., who was born in Akron, April 7, 1910, is attending the Culver Military Academy at Culver, Indiana. Mr. Falor is identified with both the York and Scottish Rite bodies of Masons and has attained the thirty-second degree. He is second vice president and a director of the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce and a member of the City Club of Akron, the Kiwanis Club and the Silver Lake Country Club. From an early age his life has been one of unabating industry, and his prosperity is well deserved. By nature he is modest and unassuming but time has proven his worth and he enjoys to the fullest extent the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. Mr. Falor's residence is on the Canton road. ALLEN T. SIMMONS With the entertainment features of Akron, Allen T. Simmons is closely associated and has given to the city many of its best offerings in the way of clean diversion and uplifting amusements. He is the owner of the Allen and Dome theatres and also of the Allen Theatre Broadcasting Station and in the former utilizes the outstanding attractive films and in the latter some of the AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 357 finest talent to be secured in relaying Akron's message to the world. Mr. Simmons was born in Spencer, West Virginia, June 17, 1888, and in a son of Joseph and Mollie (Wines) Simmons, who were also natives of that state, where they resided to the time of their removal to Akron, where the father engaged in the lumber business. He has now passed away and is survived by eight of the nine children born to him and his wife. These, in addition to Allen T., are Remus, Jefferson, Eustice, David, Rufus, Josie and Nina. The public .schools of his native state accorded Allen T. Simmons his educational opportunities, but when quite young he started out in life on his own account and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources. He first worked in a planing mill and later was employed in logging camps, driving ox teams and doing other strenuous work. After a varied experience—and from each experience he gained the lessons therein contained —he entered into the confectionery business at Spencer, West Virginia, but a little later left his native state to come to Akron, where he secured a minor position with the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company, remaining with that corporation for four years and gradually winning advancement. It was during that period that he opened his first motion picture theatre, but later he sold that and established the Dome theatre. His next venture in the same field was the establishment of the Allen theatre and he now conducts both as high-class motion picture houses, giving to the city the best obtainable from the silver screen. As a further amusement enterprise he opened the Allen Theatre Broadcasting Station in the Cadillac building on West Market street, March 19, 1925, this 'being the first local broadcasting station here. Mrs. Simmons assists him by looking after the theatres, while Mr. Simmons secures the talent and manages the broadcasting interests. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have one daughter, Imogene, who married Dr. Joseph C. Amersbach J. Cleveland. Mrs. Amersbach is a graduate of Mt. Marie Academy of Canton, Ohio, and National Park Seminary of Washington, D. C. Mr. Simmons belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Portage Country Club. He is much interested in aeronautics and is vice president of the Akron Airport, Inc., at Stow. He owns and pilots a Waco plane, which he purchased to make business trips for the Allen theatre and WADC. He is 358 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY president of the Adams County Land Developing Company, an oil concern ; is president of the Akron Motion Picture Owners Association and a member of the Music Supply and Copyright committee of the National Association of Broadcasters. The spirit of progress has been manifest in his entire career and what he has accomplished represents an ever advancing enterprise that has carried him into new and profitable fields. HAROLD E. HELD Harold E. Held, who is engaged in the practice of law in Akron, with offices in the Second National Bank building, is widely known throughout this community, having for a number of years been connected with the banking business, and he is regarded as one of this city's capable and dependable men. Mr. Held was born in Canal Fulton, Stark county, Ohio, on the 11th of March, 1892, a son of Edward R. and Flora A. (Miller) Held, also natives of Canal Fulton. The father was successfully engaged in mercantile business in Canal Fulton and was also a banker there. In 1900 he came to Akron and was president of the Central Savings & Trust Company up to the time of his death, which occurred March 30, 1927. His widow still resides in this city. Harold E. Held attended the grade schools at Canal Fulton, the Henry public school in Akron, and was graduated from Central high school in 1912. During the summer of 1910 he also attended Culver Military Academy. He attended the University of Michigan four years, after which he entered the Central Savings & Trust Company as a messenger. During the ensuing ten years he devoted his attention closely to banking, rising to the position of teller, and during this period also he gave much of his spare time to the study of law, attending the evening sessions of the Akron Law school, from which h was graduated in June, 1926. In the following month he was admitted to the bar and, resigning his position in the bank, entered the law office of Smoyer & Smoyer, with which firm he was associated until February 1, 1928, when he entered upon the general practice of his profession and is rapidly building up a good clientele. Mr. Held is a director of the Exchange Bank of Canal Fulton, which was organized by his father, who was its president up to the time of his death. On October 19, 1916, in Akron, Mr. Held was united in mar- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 359 riage to Miss Helen Heer, a daughter of Samuel and Anna (Wilhelm) Heer, and they are the parents of one child, Barbara Heer, born June 9, 1919, and now attending the King school. Mr. Held is a member of Adoniram Lodge No. 517, F. & A. M., the Grotto, the Akron Automobile Club, the University Club, the Optimist Club, the Akron Bar Association, the Summit County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association. His religious connection is with the First Congregational church, in which he is treasurer of the Men's Club. He is keenly alive to those interests which affect the general welfare of the community and has proven worthy of the confidence and esteem which are accorded him by his fellowmen. MARK F. HUDSON Mark F. Hudson, proprietor of one of the largest and most successful lumber concerns in Summit county—the Hudson Lumber Company, at Kenmore—has gained a reputation as an energetic, progressive and enterprising business man. Mr. Hudson was born on a farm in Portage county, Ohio, on the 18th of July, 1883, and is a son of Sheldon C. and Melissa (McCready) Hudson, both now deceased. His father was a veteran of the Civil war, having served three and a half years as a member of Companies G and M, First Regiment Ohio Light Artillery, with which he took part in many of the most important campaigns and sanguinary battles of that great conflict, and was with Sherman on his historic march to the sea. Mr. Hudson, who was wounded in battle, proved a loyal and courageous soldier. On his return to civil life he engaged in the oil business, with which he was identified during the most of his active career. His death occurred March 27, 1927, and his wife passed away in 1901. They became the parents of seven children, of whom three are living.   Mark F. Hudson completed a course of the public schools\ and attended Mt. Union College at Alliance. He then located at Newton. Falls, Trumbull county, Ohio, where he engaged in the lumber business in partnership with his father-in-law, C. W. Wagar. They continued the business for nine years, dealing principally in hardwood. Mr. Hudson then came to Kenmore and, on April 1, 1911, established what is now The Hudson Lumber Company, which was incorporated under its present name in 1925. He carries a large and complete stock of lumber and dimension stuff   360 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   and has enjoyed a steady increase in business from the beginning, so that he is now numbered among the leading lumbermen of this section of the state. He has prospered in his material affairs and is a director of the Kenmore Loan and Finance Company, The Kenmore Banking Company and the Akron Burglar Alarm Company. A man of sound judgment, his opinions in practical matters are held in high esteem by his business associates.   On September 1, 1902, Mr. Hudson was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Wagar and they are the parents of three children, namely: Geraldine, who is a graduate of Hiram College ; Jeannette, who is a student in that institution, and Lawrence Wagar Hudson, born July 8, 1913, at Newton Falls, Ohio, who is in the Kenmore high school. The republican party claims Mr. Hudson's support, as does every movement for the betterment of the community. He served as a member of the Kenmore Board of Education for several years and as president part of that time. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; the Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo, a lumbermen's fraternity; the Kiwanis Club, of which he is president; the Builders' Exchange and the Akron Association of Lumbermen. His religious membership is with the Christian church. He is actively interested in Boy Scout work, serving as executive chairman of the Kenmore boneh of the Akron area for orie year. A man of honorable and straightforward methods, and kindly and affable manner, he has so ordered his life as to earn the sincere respect and good will of his fellowmen and is regarded as one of the representative men of his community. His residence at this time is at Silver Lake boulevard and Circle drive.   FRED ERASTUS SMITH   For over a half century Fred E. Smith has been a resident of Akron and during this eventful period has been continuously identified with activities which have in one way or another contributed in definite measure to the growth and prosperity of his city and county. His record has been one of large accomplishment an A' though now in a measure retired from active affairs, he is still regarded as one of Akron's influential citizens.   Mr. Smith was born on a farm in Mantua, Portage county, Ohio, on the 4th of September, 1857, and is a son of Erastus and Mary Elizabeth (Carleton) Smith, both of whom were natives   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 361   and lifelong residents of this state. The father was a prosperous farmer and stock raiser in Portage county and was highly respected throughout the community. Fred E. Smith, who is the only child born to his parents, attended the country district schools, after which he was a student for two years at Hiram College; then for two years was engaged in selling lightning-rods, and finally concluded his schooling at Jennings high school in Akron. It was on January 1st, 1877, that Mr. Smith came back to Akron and went to work in the millinery store of I. J. Frank on Howard street. Shortly afterward he became identified with the real estate business as an employe of John H. Auble, with whom he remained two years. In 1883 he entered the Citizens' Savings & Loan Bank, with which institution he remained for ten years, after which he went to the Second National Bank as cashier, and was actively connected with that bank for ten years, being vice president the latter years of his service there. He was then elected county treasurer. He organized the South Akron Bank and the Kenmore Bank, of both of which he was executive head for ten years, and then retired from the banking business.   Idleness being entirely foreign to his nature, Mr. Smith has since conducted a real estate and insurance business, in association with his son, a business with which he has been identified for forty-five years. During his connection with the real estate business he has been interested in over seven thousand pieces of property and has been very influential in the building up and development of Barberton and Kenmore, neither of which places were even thought of when he first came here. One of the basic reasons for his success has been his unbounded faith in the future of Akron and its vicinity, a faith which has been backed by his money, efforts and influence, and he has been a leading factor in the prosperity of both of these now thriving communities. For forty-five years he has been president of the Akron Realty & Homestead Land Company, which has handled a vast amount of city and country property and been the means of bringing industries and families to this locality. Mr. Smith recalls an interesting incident in connection with the real estate development of Kenmore, as follows: "The work of grading streets and laying out the town was started, but We experienced trouble in getting people to come here and build. It was then that we decided on the plan of giving away five houses. The Akron Realty Company put on a sale of lots and the sale was widely advertised. A big feature of the sale was a carrier pigeon contest. Every purchaser   362 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   of a lot got a carrier pigeon. Many lots sold. All of the pigeons were taken to Orrville and made ready for the big race back to Kenmore. Every buyer of a lot got his pigeon and had the number of his lot fastened to his pigeon's leg. It had been advertised that the first five pigeons to return to Kenmore meant five new homes for the owners of the winning pigeons. As fast as the pigeons arrived names of winners of new homes in the new town were announced. The big sale and pigeon fly created great excitement at the time. The cost of each of these five homes at that time was twenty-five hundred dollars. The same properties today are worth at least twelve thousand dollars each."   On January 19, 1883, in Akron, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Addie Tuttle, a daughter of Seth and Margaret (McManus) Tuttle, and they became the parents of three children, namely : Mrs. H. M. Eaton, born in 1884 and now residing in Akron, is the mother of four children, Fred M., Mrs. Adelaide E. Poel, Hugh McCready and Virginia. Mrs. Gertrude M. Stanley, born in 1892, is the mother of two children, John, Jr., and Marian. Howard R. is also married.   Mr. Smith is a member of the Akron City Club. During the years of his residence in this city he has maintained a deep interest in everything pertaining to the material, civic and moral welfare of the community, has shown a progressive spirit in all he has undertaken, and has always been regarded as one of Akron's ablest and most dependable citizens, commanding the unequivocal respect of all who have come in contact with him. Since 1890 Mr. Smith has resided at 666 West Market, locating there when the horse cars only went as far as where Merriman road comes into West Market, and no improvements of any kind had been made on that part of West Market.   HENRY ADAM KLEIN   Henry Adam Klein, serving as a member of the city council of Akron and exercising his official prerogatives in support of many progressive public measures, is also accounted one of the leading business men of Summit county, owing to his position as president of the Builders Supply Company. For more than a third of a century he has here made his home and has ever commanded and enjoyed the good will and confidence of his fellow townsmen. His birth occurred in Randolph, Portage   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 365   county, Ohio, July 15, 1873, his parents being Adam and Barbara (Schaefer) Klein, who were natives of Germany, the father coming to the new world in early youth, while the mother crossed the Atlantic when a maiden of fifteen summers. They settled in Randolph, Ohio, where they were reared, educated and married, and the father there became a successful farmer. Both have passed away, the death of Mr. Klein occurring in 1905. In their family were fourteen children, of whom nine are yet living, namely : John, Adam, Henry A., William, Mrs. Lizzie Horning, Mrs. Mary Jenior, Mrs. Ann Englehart, Mrs. Clara Newton and Mrs. Emma Simon.   If one could turn back the hour-glass of time he would see Henry A. Klein trudging off to school in his native town—Randolph—until he had completed the work of the grades and became a high school pupil. At the age of fifteen, however, he put aside his textbooks and began working for Frank Olin on a farm where the Akron city water works are now located. A year later he entered the employ of Pete Reidinger and continued on his farm as an active assistant for three years. He likewise spent one year on the farm of Gorby Simison and then came to Akron, where he secured a clerical position with Byrider Brothers, haberdashers. Later he was made a salesman in their house and continued there for eighteen years, being admitted to a partnership and taking a most helpful interest in the conduct and management of the business. In December, 1912, however, he turned his attention in another field by becoming one of the organizers and incorporators of the Builders Supply Company. They established a small plant on East Exchange and Broadway in Akron, but the business has increased by degrees until they now have a large property which is very valuable. This replaced the all too limited quarters previously occupied, the new plant being built in 1926 at 538 East South Street, where they handle all kinds of building material and supplies, while a railroad spur enables them to make ready shipments. Mr. Klein is now president and general manager of this business, having been elected to the office when the business was incorporated. There is no phase of the trade with which he is not thoroughly familiar and his enterprise and diligence, combined with sound judgment and broad vision, have been the salient features in his continued success.   There is another field into which Mr. Klein has directed his labors most effectively. For a considerable period he has been   366 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   recognized as one of the political leaders of Akron and in 1908 was elected to the city council, of which he remained a member through reelection until 1912. Again in 1918 he was called to the office and so served until 1920, during which period he held the very responsible position of chairman of the finance committee. He supported various measures of reform, progress and improvement, his labors being far-reaching and effective.   On the 12th of June, 1899, Mr. Klein was married to Miss Katherine Duller, a daughter of Anthony Duller. They have become parents of six children. Raymond A., born in Akron in 1900 and educated in Sacred Heart Academy, is now treasurer of the Builders Supply Company. He wedded Mary H. Metzler and they have two children, Jean and Rosemary. Gregory J., born in Akron in 1904, also attended Sacred Heart Academy and St. Joseph's College in Indiana and is likewise associated in business with his father. He married Althea S. Kregor and their child is Clarice. Agnes M., born in Akron in 1908, attended Sacred Heart Academy and is now with the Builders Supply Company. Gerald H., born in 1910, was graduated from St. Vincent's high school in June, 1928. Mildred, born in 1912, is a student in St. Vincent's high school. Katherine, born in 1914, is attending Sacred Heart Academy. The family are communicants of St. Bernard's Catholic church and Mr. Klein is a charter member of Akron Council of the Knights of Columbus, in which he has taken the third degree. He is also identified with the Akron Chamber of Commerce and the Akron Automobile Club and he has membership in the National Builders Association. Throughout his business career he has labored diligently and persistently and his success is the visible outcome of well directed energy, thrift and commendable determination. Mr. Klein's residence is at 852 Diagonal road.   WALTER F. VIGGERS   Walter F. Viggers, who has ably served as general manager of the Akron branch of Bradstreet's Mercantile Agency since March, 1923, enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the enterprising and representative young business men of the city. He was born in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, July 6, 1894, his parents being Albert Edward and Lucy E. (Shephard) Viggers, the former a native of England and the latter of Winchester, New   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 367   Hampshire. Albert E. Viggers emigrated to the United States in early manhood, settling in Massachusetts, where he spent the remainder of his life. He engaged in the restaurant and catering business at Springfield, Massachusetts, and there died when but thirty-one years of age. The death of his wife occurred at Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1925. Their family numbered three sons, namely: Walter F., of this review; Charles E., living in Providence, Rhode Island; and Ralph E., who is a resident of Los Angeles, California.   Walter F. Viggers spent his boyhood in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he attended the public schools. In a review of his career which was published in congratulation of his thirty-fourth birthday the Beacon. Journal said : "It was his boyhood ambition to become either president of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, or captain on a millionaire's yacht. He lived near the railroad and Connecticut river. He regarded the New York, New Haven & Hartford as the best railroad in the country, and he thought that the captains of the yachts he saw on the river were holding down the finest jobs. But the death of his father compelled him to begin working early and changed his plans. He was but fourteen years of age when he obtained employment as office boy in the Springfield branch of Bradstreet's, where he remained four years, being promoted to the position of clerk. Then for six months he was employed in the business office of the Springfield News, after which he became a salesman for a surgical instrument concern. A year later he was transferred to the Boston office, where he continued as a salesman for four years. The family then moved to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1917. There he entered the employ of the Morris Plan Bank, with which he remained until the early part of May, 1919, when he began hearing wonderful reports concerning Akron. He came here `prospecting' and wondering if he would remain. From force of habit he called at the office of Bradstreet's to 'pay a fraternal visit.' It happened that Daniel C. Hinton, the manager, needed help. When he learned that his caller had had Bradstreet experience he put him to work as a reporter. In March, 1923, when Park G. Williams, successor of D. C. Hinton, was transferred to the Chicago office, Mr. Viggers was appointed manager. He regards it as a coincidence that his first job, and he hopes, his last and permanent job was and is with Bradstreet's, for he enjoys his work. When he came to the branch there were four employes.   368 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   There are now ten in it, the territory covering Summit and Portage counties.   "He is not a member of any lodges or clubs. He has started to learn golf and says he likes it. His other recreational diversions are touring and swimming. He is also a bridge enthusiast. He reads good fiction and detective stories such as interest Herbert C. Hoover, and which entertained Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt. Politics do not interest him and he has no party affiliations. He enjoys travel and is planning a trip to Europe. He is interested in aviation and contemplates a flight before long."   In November, 1923, in Akron, Mr. Viggers was united in marriage to Miss Evelyn May, daughter of John J. and Lucinda (Bauer) May and representative of a prominent family of this city. Her mother is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Viggers are the parents of a son, Walter F., Jr., born in Akron in 1926.   JOHN A. DETTLING, JR.   John A. Dettling, Jr., a member of the seed and poultry firm of Dettling Brothers, is one of Akron's native sons, who has risen to a prominent place in the business affairs of the community and has earned recognition as one of its capable and dependable citizens. He was born in Akron, February 26, 1899, a son of John and Elizabeth (Botzum) Dettling. His father, who also was born in this city and has always resided here, was successfully engaged in mercantile affairs for many years, but is now living retired at 437 East Buchtel avenue. The mother was born in the Cuyahoga valley in 1865 and was a daughter of Conrad and Louisa Botzum, who died in 1913. Her death occurred suddenly July 22, 1928, while returning home from a visit with her son Fred in Cleveland. She was a devoted member of St. Bernard's Roman Catholic church and, because of her kindly manner and gracious qualities, was beloved by all who knew her. To Mr. and Mrs. Dettling were born ten children, all of whom are living, namely : Fred, who is president of the Cleveland Rubber Clearing House ; Mrs. May Odenweller, of Delphos, Ohio; Mrs. Louise Dunderman, of Akron; Clarence, of Akron ; Mrs. Eva Gifford, of Akron; John A., of this review; and Genevieve, Vivienne, Theodore and Elizabeth, all of Akron.   John A. Dettling attended the Akron public schools, graduating from Central high school, after which he entered Notre Dame   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 371   University at Notre Dame, Indiana, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Letters in 1921. On returning home, he entered into partnership with his brother Clarence under the name of Dettling Brothers and established a small seed store. From this modest beginning the business has gradually grown until today it is one of Akron's prominent business enterprises, the firm being the largest distributor of seeds, bulbs, garden appliances, live poultry and poultry feeds in this section of the state. Another brother, Theodore, has also become a member of the firm and they now employ fifteen people. They have a large and well arranged store at 43-45 East Market street, in which they carry a large stock, and their progressive and up-to-date business methods have gained for them the patronage and good will of the representative people of the territory which they serve.   On September 30, 1925, in Akron, Mr. Dettling was united in marriage to Miss Hazel Diener, a daughter of Fred and Mary (O'Neil) Diener, and they are the parents of a daughter, Joan, born in September, 1926.   Mr. Dettling is a member of St. Sebastian's Roman Catholic church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus (fourth degree), the Notre Dame Club of Akron, and the Akron Automobile Club. He is a gentleman of attractive personality, cordial and affable in his social relations, and has a large circle of loyal friends throughout the city, who esteem him for his genuine worth.   CONRAD WEIGAND   In two different lines of effort Conrad Weigand of Barberton has attained a large measure of success and he stands today among the business leaders of his community, with a well earned reputation for sound judgment in commercial affairs. He was born on a farm near Dover, in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 13th of December, 1874, and is a son of John A. and Elizabeth (Bambeck) Weigand, both of whom are deceased. He was educated in the parochial schools of his home neighborhood and worked on his father's farm until twenty-four years of age, when he went to Navarre, Stark county, and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. He was successful in this venture and in 1900, desiring a larger field of operations, he came to Barberton and embarked in the same lines of business. Later he sold his   372 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   undertaking department to his brother, Frank J. Weigand, but has continued the furniture business to the present time. He carries a large and complete line of furniture and house furnishings and, due to his square dealing and painstaking attention to the tastes and wants of his patrons, he commands a large patronage.   Mr. Weigand is also the sole owner of the B. & W. garage, the largest in Barberton, and is local agent for the Buick automobiles. This garage business was established in 1915 by Brotsman & Zigler, who sold out to Mr. Weigand. He took F. H. Brotsman in as a partner, but in 1922 bought his interest and has been alone in the business since. He owns the building in which are located the garage and salesrooms and which is one of the most pretentious structures of the kind in Barberton. He has shown himself a progressive and enterprising man in everything undertaken. He has other interests in this community, being a member of the board of directors of the Superior Baking Company.   On November 7, 1900, Mr. Weigand was united in marriage to Miss Clara Zimmer, of Canton, Ohio, and to them have been born the following children, all born in Barberton : Ruth A.; Amelia R.; Helen D., who died at the age of sixteen years; Edna C. ; Rose C. ; Robert A. ; Mary A. ; Charles F. ; Victor C. ; Thomas H. ; and Clara E.   Mr. Weigand maintains an independent attitude in politics and is a member of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic church. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Barberton Chamber of Commerce. He has always been deeply interested in whatever tended to promote the prosperity of his town and county, and to him as much as to any other man is the community indebted for its material prosperity. His residence is at 342 Sixth street, Barberton.   ROBERT C. GLASS   Among the enterprising, progressive and popular automobile dealers of Akron there are few who have met with as marked success in this field as has Robert C. Glass, president, general manager and sole owner of the R. C. Glass Company, Ford dealers of this city. He was born in Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio, August 23, 1891, a son of Noah C. and Florence A. (English) Glass, the former. also a native of the Buckeye state and the latter   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 373   of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Florence Glass came to Ohio with her parents, was married in this state and has since resided here. The Glass family has always been represented in Salem, where M. C. Glass is prominently known and where for many years he has served as manager of the Deming Pump Company. He and his wife are the parents of five children, as follows : Arthur, a resident of Salem; William, who lives in Cleveland ; Robert C., of this review; Mrs. William Jackson, of Salem; and Beulah, who also resides in Salem.   Robert C. Glass pursued his education in the grade schools of his native city and when the automobile business was still in its infancy obtained a position with a Cleveland dealer in motor cars, being thus employed for six years. He came to Akron in 1916 and was here connected for a decade with the Jones & Glass Company, Ford dealers. In 1926 he organized the R. C. Glass Company, located at 360 West Market, for the handling of Ford cars and has since been sole owner of the business, which he has developed to extensive and profitable proportions. He is also a director of the Depositors Savings & Trust Company of Akron, the Guarantee Acceptance Corporation and the Market Motors Company.   In April, 1917, in Cleveland, Mr. Glass was married to Miss Mildred H. Schutthelm, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Schutthelm of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Glass are the parents of a daughter, Marjorie Alma, who was born in Akron, July 4, 1918, and is attending school.   Mr. Glass is a member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club and also belongs to the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association. Fraternally he is a Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. His business success is the direct outcome of his own enterprise and energy, and Akron is proud to number him among her representative business men and citizens. His residence is at 1222 Sunsetview drive.   HARRY G. HAYNES   The personal records of men who, by the force of their own vitality, have raised themselves from humble circumstances to positions of trust and responsibility in a community are of great value, demonstrating clearly the possibilities that lie before all who earnestly desire to attain the goal of success. Harry G. Haynes, president of the Kenmore Banking Company, at Ken-   374 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   more, is a typical example of this class of men, for his early years were marked by hardships and obstacles that would have discouraged one of less mettle, and his rise in the business world is but the legitimate fruitage of his persistent and determined efforts along right lines.   Mr. Haynes was born in Wadsworth, Medina county, Ohio, on the 20th of March, 1869, and is a son of J. N. and Martha Jane (Vickers) Haynes, both deceased. He had but limited opportunity for securing a school education, for in his early youth he was compelled to go to work, being literally "farmed out for his keep." During that period work seemed to be his only portion and he had but little time for recreation or study. When eighteen years of age, he went to Akron and obtained a job as driver of a grocery wagon. He took advantage of every opportunity to get an insight into business methods and was economical, saving some of his earnings, so that he was able in the course of time to buy a grocery store in West Market street, which he ran for two and a half years. He then sold out and turned his attention to the real estate business. In partnership with A. P. Steiner, he laid out the South Akron allotment and other farms in what is now Kenmore, and, encouraged by his success along these lines, in 1900 he was one of the incorporators of the Akron Realty Company, and in the same year the town of Kenmore was laid out. He continued actively and successfully in the real estate business, for which he had a natural aptitude, and met with a large measure of success. In November, 1917, Mr. Haynes became vice president of the Kenmore Banking Company, holding that position until 1922, when he was elected president, and is still serving in that capacity. In 1918 he started the insurance business here in partnership with H. U. Gardner, under the name of the Gardner & Haynes Insurance Agency, and this has been a very successful enterprise. He is also president of the Kenmore Mortgage Company and a director of the Kenmore Investment Company. He is a member of Akron City Club and Fairlawn Heights Country Club.   On April 12, 1904, Mr. Haynes was united in marriage to Miss Mary Decovey, and they have a daughter, Arlin, who is the wife of T. W. Klein, of Akron, and the mother of a daughter, Marylin Ann, born September 22, 1927, in Akron.   Mr. Haynes is a stanch republican in his political views and is a member of Grace Reformed church of Fulton, Michigan. A man of progressive and up-to-date business ideas, at the same   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 375   time duly conservative in his judgment, Mr. Haynes has shown himself a dependable and safe business man, commanding to a marked degree the confidence of his associates, and during the years of his residence here he has held a high place in the esteem of the people of this community. His residence is at 74 Grand avenue, Akron.   PERRY HOWARD STEVENS   Perry H. Stevens is a prominent and successful young attorney of Akron, where since June, 1919, he has been engaged in law practice in association with Edward S. Sheck under the firm style of Sheck & Stevens. He was born in Ravenna, Portage county, Ohio, October 7, 1892, his parents being Dr. Thomas Howard and Perla Ann (Evans) Stevens, both of whom are natives of Palmyra, Ohio. The father resided at Pawling, New York, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five years and then returned to the Buckeye state, settling in Ravenna, where he has since been engaged in the practice of dentistry. Dr. and Mrs. Stevens are the parents of three sons : Perry H., of this review; Dr. Earl 0. Stevens, of Ravenna; and H. W., who is also a resident of Ravenna, Ohio.   Perry H. Stevens was reared and educated in his native county, attending grade and high schools of Ravenna, and during the period between 1911 and 1913 was a student in Dartmouth College. He then entered the law department of the University of Michigan, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1916. He was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1917, and from 1916 to 1919 was associated with the Cleveland law firm of Crampton & House. On November 3, 1917, he enlisted in the Three Hundred and Twenty-second Machine Gun Battalion, was assigned to the Eighty-third Division, and after going overseas was commissioned second lieutenant at Langres, France, in October, 1918. Subsequently he was made first lieutenant and later promoted to the rank of captain. He was assigned to duty with Company B of the Eleventh Machine Gun Battalion, in the Fourth Division, and participated in the battles of St. Mihiel, the Argonne Forest and Metz, being in the latter sector at the time of the signing of the armistice. Returning to the United States, he was honorably discharged at Camp Sherman in June, 1919, from Company C of the Three Hundred and Forty-   376 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   seventh Machine Gun Battalion. He had spent fourteen months overseas.   Following the close of his military service Captain Stevens located at Akron, where he has since been successfully engaged in general law practice as junior member of the firm of Sheck & Stevens, with offices in the Second National Bank building. He has gained a high reputation as an able and erudite young lawyer, skillful in court procedure and keen in analysis, while in office practice he is regarded as a sound and safe adviser. He maintains professional affiliations with the Summit County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association, and aside from his activity as a member of the bar he is a director of the Akron Speedway Company, the Dalton Clay Products Company and the Marathon-Amusement Company.   On the 22d of October, 1921, at Monroe, Michigan, Mr. Stevens was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Martha Sawyer, of Akron, daughter of William Thomas and Bessie (Voris) Sawyer. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have a daughter, Bessie Voris Stevens, born in Akron, September 1, 1922.   Mr. Stevens is both a York and Scottish Rite Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree of the latter. He is also affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while his religious belief is that of the Congregational church. He is a member of the American Legion, University Club, the Cleveland City Club, Akron City Club, Fairlawn Country Club, the college fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta. The salient traits of his character are such as have commended him to the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. His residence is at No. 60 Frederick avenue.   J. RALPH BARROW   Although young in years, J. Ralph Barrow has already made substantial progress in a most exacting profession and the consensus of public opinion names him with Akron's leading attorneys. He was born February 21, 1898, in Washington, D. C., and is a son of Alfred and Amy A. (Harding) Barrow, the latter also a native of that city. The father was born in Queensbury, England, and came to the United States when a young man of twenty-two years. For many years he was connected with the Washington Railway & Electric Company but is now retired.   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 379   Mr. and Mrs. Barrow have two children : M. Gladys, who is living in the city of Washington; and J. Ralph.   J. Ralph Barrow was reared in his native city and in 1916 was graduated from the McKinley Manual Training school. At George Washington University he studied chemical engineering for a year and then matriculated in the Pittsburgh Institute of Technology, which he attended for two and a half years, specializing in physics. He was instructor on scientific subjects at Goodyear Industrial University during 1920-21, and from 1921 to 1923 he was a member of examining corps in the United States Patent Office. Reentering George Washington University, he took up the study of law and completed his course in the Akron Law School in 1926. Prior to that time he had been admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia and State of Ohio and since 1923 has practiced in Akron in association with Albert L. Ely, more recently under the firm name of Ely & Barrow. He has also been admitted to practice before the United States District Court at Cleveland, Ohio. Ely & Barrow are regarded as Akron's foremost patent attorneys and their knowledge of this branch of jurisprudence is comprehensive and exact, as attested by an extensive clientele that not only includes some of Akron's leading industrial concerns but a number of important manufacturing plants in other cities. The offices of the firm are located on the eighth floor of the United Building.   Mr. Barrow was married, June 16, 1920, in Washington, D. C., to Miss Marie T. Carroll, a daughter of Thomas Carroll, and they have a son, J. Ralph, Jr., who was born in that city, March 9, 1921. Mr. Barrow is identified with the Masonic order, the Masonic, Eskimo and Automobile Clubs. Studious and diligent, he is steadily advancing in his profession and upholds its high standards.   ERNEST CRAWFORD PORTER   Ernest C. Porter has been active in the field of real estate and insurance at Cuyahoga Falls for many years and enjoys a well established reputation for aggressiveness and enterprise, having developed a large and prosperous business, while as a citizen he has shown himself a consistent and effective worker for the upbuilding and advancement of his community.   He was born at Cuyahoga Falls, Summit county, Ohio, on the   380 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   17th of June, 1883, and is a son of Jesse M. and Isabelle (Crawford) Porter. His education was obtained in the grade and high schools here and early in life he became self-supporting. When a lad of thirteen years he began carrying newspapers, and his weekly earnings of two dollars and a half were so carefully expended that he was able to save a part of this sum. As a youth of sixteen he began learning the machinist's trade, at which he worked until 1914, when he turned his attention to the real estate and insurance business. In the following year he formed a partnership with R. L. Hoiles, with whom he has since been associated under the style of Porter & Hoiles. During the thirteen years of its existence this firm has built and disposed of fifty or more homes, ranging in price from four thousand dollars to twenty-five thousand dollars, and at the present time has in course of construction several homes valued at thirteen thousand, five hundred dollars. In 1914 Mr. Porter organized an insurance agency under his own name and conducted a general insurance business until disposing of the same in 1920, at which time he turned his attention exclusively to his real estate and building operations. In 1923, in association with P. C. Albertson, he organized the Wayne Agency Company for the conduct of a general insurance business. In September, 1926, the Cuyahoga View Heights Development Company, of which Mr. Porter is an active member, began the improvement of an allotment comprising one hundred and sixty-two acres adjoining the corporation line of Akron, on the Akron and Cleveland state road. Water, sewer, paving and lighting facilities have been provided for the entire allotment and one hundred and fifty buildings have already been erected, while many more are in course of construction. In 1923 Mr. Porter formed a partnership with Walter M. Fox, the firm of Porter & Fox dealing as real estate brokers and that of Fox & Porter as a building company. This has proven a strong and winning combination, and they are now numbered among the leaders in their line in Cuyahoga Falls.   On the 29th of September, 1909, Mr. Porter was united in marriage to Miss Mildred Porter, daughter of John and Susan (Lyons) Porter, representatives of an honored pioneer family of Cuyahoga Falls and both now deceased.   Mr. Porter is a stanch republican in his political allegiance and has always taken a helpful interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce and the   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 381   Akron Real Estate Board, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. A worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, he belongs to Star Lodge No. 187, F. & A. M., and Cuyahoga Falls Chapter No. 225, R. A. M., and he is also a popular member of the Silver Lake Country Club. His success has come to him as the legitimate result of his intelligent and persistent efforts, backed by courtesy and square dealing, and he has earned a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy business man.   WILLIAM H. MCCORMICK   William H. McCormick, one of the best known and most popular motor car dealers of Akron and an outstanding figure in the automotive industry as one of the principal Ford dealers of Summit county, is president and general manager of W. H. McCormick, Inc., of North Akron. He was born at Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, May 6, 1891, a son of William G. and Mary A. (Brannigan) McCormick, who were natives of Ireland and Ohio, respectively. The father has resided in the Buckeye state since coming to America in his boyhood days. He and his wife are the parents of seven children.   William H. McCormick, the second in order of birth, attended the grade and high schools of his native city and subsequently entered the College of Pharmacy of the Ohio Northern University at Ada, from which he was graduated in 1911. For a period of eight years thereafter he was actively identified with the drug business in Akron, as a pharmacist, but at the end of that time enlisted for service in the World war. On the 17th of March, 1926, he established the business now conducted under the style of W. H. McCormick, Inc., at 590 North Main street, North Akron, of which he is president and general manager. He has gained an enviable reputation as one of the extensive and representative Ford dealers of the Rubber City and is widely recognized as a young man of enterprising and progressive spirit and marked business ability. He is a member of the Market Motors Corporation, dealers in Lincoln automobiles, and the Automobile Dealers Association.   Politically Mr. McCormick maintains an independent course, supporting men and measures rather than party. He has taken   13-VOL. 3   382 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   an active and helpful part in the promotion of all civic enterprises that tend toward Akron's development, withholding his support from no movement calculated to advance its best interests. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church, has attained the fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus and is past exalted ruler of Akron Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.   CURTIS A. WILD   Conspicuous among the men whose activities in a business way have contributed to the development and prosperity of Cuyahoga Falls is Curtis A. Wild, president of the Wild Realty Construction Company, which, under his able and judicious management, has developed into one of the most important concerns in its line in this section of Summit county. Mr. Wild was born in Manchester, this county, Ohio, on the 31st of August, 1876, and is a son of Samuel and Mary R. (Palmer) Wild, the latter of whom is still living, at the age of eighty-four years. The father, who followed farming throughout his active life, was a native of Switzerland and died in 1925, at the age of eighty-seven years and six months.   Curtis A. Wild attended the grade and high schools at Barberton, Ohio, and had one year at Ohio Northern University at Ada. He taught school at Royal Oak for one and a half years, and then located in Barberton, where he was engaged in the real estate and insurance business until 1908, when he came to Cuyahoga Falls. Here Mr. Wild has been actively identified with the real estate business for twenty years, during which period he has handled a vast amount of city and country property, being regarded as one of the most efficient and successful realtors of this locality. He organized the Wild Realty Construction Company, which has been the agency through which many people have been able to acquire homes, and in this way he has given an impetus to the advancement of the city's interests. He has helped more people of medium means to secure and own their own homes than any other man in Cuyahoga Falls and vicinity. In addition to the real estate and home building business the company has established a very successful insurance agency, writing all kinds of insurance, and they are equipped to handle this line in a most satisfactory manner. On coming to this city   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 385   Mr. Wild also became identified with the Cuyahoga Valley Savings & Loan Company as secretary, which position he has filled to the present time in a very able and satisfactory manner.   On November 26, 1908, Mr. Wild was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Gross, a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Hill) Gross. Mr. and Mrs. Wild have a daughter, Pauline. Mr. Wild has been a lifelong supporter of the democratic party and he has evinced a proper interest in public affairs, though never a seeker after the honors or emoluments of office. He is a member of Star Lodge, No. 181, F. and A. M., the Knights of Pythias, the Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Akron Real Estate Board. His religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he gives generous support, as he does also to all other worthy causes. He has shown a genuine interest in public welfare along material, civic and moral lines, and his consistent life and sterling qualities of character have gained for him a high place in the confidence and good will of his fellowmen.   FRANK J. WEIGAND   Frank J. Weigand of Barberton is regarded as one of the most progressive and up-to-date funeral directors in this section of the state and for many years has stood in the front rank of his profession. He was born on a farm in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 13th of October, 1886, a son of John A. and Elizabeth (Bamback ) Weigand, both of whom are deceased. He received his education in the public schools and at the age of fifteen years started to learn the undertaking business with his brother, Conrad Weigand, who also conducted a furniture store. He remained with him until 1906, when he bought the undertaking department of the business, of which he has since been the sole owner. He has always conducted his work along modern lines, keeping the best of equipment, and it is believed that he was the first funeral director in the state of Ohio to use a motored hearse, in 1914. He is naturally adapted to the vocation which he follows, being painstaking in his efforts to meet the desires and secure the comfort of those who require his services. Mr. Weigand keeps a stock of phonographs and radios, in the handling of which he has been very successful, and he is a director of the Superior Baking Company.   386 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   On October 15, 1907, Mr. Weigand was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Smith, of Barberton, a daughter of Charles and Adeline (Young) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Weigand have the following children : George, born August 2, 1908 ; Adeline, August 1, 1909; Emma, September 17, 1910; Louis, January 23, 1912; Edward, November 12, 1915; and William, June 5, 1927.   In his political attitude Mr. Weigand is independent, voting in accordance with his best judgment, and his religious membership is with St. Augustine's Roman Catholic church. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Knights of Columbus, the Rotary Club, the Brookside Country Club, and the Chamber of Commerce, of which he was one of the organizers and of which he was the second president. During the World war he was very active in the Liberty bond drives, being in charge of one of the four districts into which Barberton was divided, and was also chairman of War Savings Stamps drive. He has always taken a prominent part in civic affairs. Because of his earnest life, his splendid business record, his fine public spirit and his excellent personal qualities, he is well deserving of the respect which is accorded him throughout the community in which he lives.   THOMAS MERRYWEATHER   Akron largely attributes her greatness to many of her favorite sons who have remained loyal to the place of their nativity and have promoted its development until today the Rubber City is one of the most talked of communities in the industrial world and may boast as progressive and energetic citizens as any municipality in the country. Among the stalwart sons of Akron who have attained prominence and success is Thomas Merryweather, president of the Thomas Merryweather Company, dealers in Banner furnaces, and inventor of the washdair system for furnaces, for which he now has a patent pending in the patent office at Washington, D. C.   Thomas Merryweather was born in Akron, Ohio, January 1, 1879, his parents being Thomas and Susan (Howes) Merryweather, the latter also a native of this city. The father, who was born in England, emigrated to America in early life and resided in Canada prior to his arrival in Akron. Throughout the years of his active business career he devoted his attention with grati-   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 387   lying success to general agricultural pursuits in Summit county. Thomas Merryweather of this review was the only child of Thomas and Susan (Howes) Merryweather but has four half-brothers, including Howard Merryweather, treasurer of the First Trust & Savings Bank.   Thomas Merryweather was educated in the Portage Path school but early put aside his textbooks in order to provide for his own support. His initial experience in the field of furnace manufacturing came to him during two years' connection with the May-Fiebeger Furnace Company of Akron, while subsequently he spent a similar period in the service of the Taplin-Rice Company of Akron. Next he identified himself with the XXth. Century Heating & Ventilating Company, with which he continued for two decades. It was in 1922 that he became local distributor and general manager for the Banner furnaces, and on January 21, 1928, he incorporated the Thomas Merryweather Company, of which he is the president and general manager. In the meantime he was working on his washdair system for warm air furnaces and perfected the patent in 1926. This is a scientifically designed and soundly built heating system for new or old homes that has become universally popular among furnace users. The Thomas Merryweather Company employs from fifteen to twenty-five people and owns a modern, up-to-date factory at 1048 Bank street in Akron, the product of which is widely distributed. Mr. Merryweather is treasurer of the Summit County Heating & Ventilating Association and enjoys an enviable reputation as a man of wide experience and expert knowledge in this field.   On the 13th of May, 1901, in Akron, Mr. Merryweather was united in marriage to Miss Elva Overholt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Overholt, prominent residents of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Merryweather are the parents of four sons. Clyde, born in Akron, April 19, 1903, was educated in the grade and high schools of his native city and in the University of Akron. He is secretary and treasurer of the Thomas Merryweather Company. Lloyd, born in Akron, February 24, 1905, acquired his education in the grade and high schools of this city, and is vice president of the above corporation. He married Miss Betty Elizabeth Ellis, of Akron, and they are the parents of a daughter, Helen Jane. Gerald, born in Akron, May 12, 1907, pursued his education in the grade and high schools of the city and also in the University of Akron. Raymond Edgar, the youngest of the   388 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   family, was born in Akron, July 15, 1909, and is a graduate of the North high school here.   Fraternally Mr. Merryweather is affiliated with the Masonic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He also belongs to the United Commercial Travelers. The conditions of his early youth aroused his self-reliance and independence, developing in him a forceful personality and strength of will, which have enabled him to cope with the problems of life and find for them a ready and accurate solution. The most envious cannot grudge him his success, so worthily and honorably has it been won. In Akron, where he has always lived, the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.   GEORGE D. PORTER   A list of those whose activities have been effective in building up the industrial interests of Cuyahoga Falls and in advancing its civic welfare must include the name of George D. Porter, president of the Porter & Reimer Machine Company and mayor of the city. An aggressive and up-to-date business man and public-spirited citizen, he holds a high place in the ranks of the community's useful and dependable men and is well worthy of the distinction which has been accorded him.   Mr. Porter is a native of Cuyahoga Falls, born on the 19th of June, 1879, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Senter) Porter, natives of Ireland and both deceased. They were the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters. George D. Porter secured his educational training in the grade and high schools of Cuyahoga Falls and in young manhood learned the trade of machinist in the shops of the Falls Clutch Machine Company. For several years he was employed at his trade in various parts of the country, during which period he gained invaluable experience. In 1913 he embarked in his present business under the name of the Porter & Birch Machine Company, and in February, 1924, when Charles L. Reimer bought an interest in the enterprise, the firm style became the Porter & Reimer Machine Company, which name it still bears. In 1925 a third partner was added when Carl R. Bloomgren became a member of the firm. They do general machine work, for which they are well equipped with modern machinery and tools, and give employ-   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 391   ment to fifteen men. The volume of business has steadily increased through the years and this is now one of the substantial and prosperous business concerns of this locality.   Mr. Porter was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude A. Clayton, of Cuyahoga Falls, a daughter of John and Mary Clayton. Mr. and Mrs. Porter are the parents of two children, Darrell G. and Kathryn G.   Mr. Porter is an active supporter of the republican party, taking an effective part in local public affairs, and in November, 1927, he was elected for a two-year term as mayor of Cuyahoga Falls, in which office he is now serving, giving to the discharge of his official duties the same painstaking and conscientious attention that he gives to his private affairs. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Loyal Order of Moose and is a communicant and vestryman of the Protestant Episcopal church. He is a conspicuous figure in the business circles of his city and is a member of the board of directors of the Depositors Savings & Trust Company of Cuyahoga Falls. His life has been well spent, having been characterized by the conservation of his energy, the utilization of opportunity and by a correct understanding of life's forces and values, and today no resident of Cuyahoga Falls stands higher than he in public regard.   CLAYTON E. SAURER   Clayton E. Saurer fills an important place in the commercial affairs of Barberton, conducting an extensive business under the name of C. E. Saurer Hardware Company, which for twenty-five years has been one of the leading mercantile firms of this locality.   Mr. Saurer was born in Rittman, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 28th of October, 1886, and is a son of Philip S. and Mary Ellen (Minger) Saurer, the former of whom was engaged in the hardware business at Rittman. Clayton E. Saurer secured his education in the public schools and then entered his father's store, where he remained until it was destroyed by fire, after which, in August, 1902, the family moved to Barberton. Here the father became one of the organizers of the Johnson Hardware Company, which was incorporated September 3, 1902, with Charles Ammerman as president, Philip S. Saurer as secretary, and Charles S. Johnson as treasurer and office manager. Clayton E. Saurer remained   392 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   with his father and in three years was made assistant manager. So efficient did he prove that at twenty years of age he had entire charge of the buying, and in three years more became general manager of the business. In 1906 U. G. High was elected president of the company, holding that position until 1919 when he was succeeded by C. E. Saurer. In May, 1923, the latter bought out all of the other stockholders and has since been sole owner, the firm name being changed to The C. E. Saurer Hardware Company. He carries a large stock of shelf and heavy hardware and other auxiliary lines and commands a large trade, covering a wide radius of surrounding territory.   On December 22, 1909, Mr. Saurer was united in marriage to Miss Maude Thornton, of Barberton, a daughter of Jesse and Regina (Edmons) Thornton, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Saurer have two sons, Harold Elwood and Ralph Emerson.   In his political views, Mr. Saurer maintains an independent attitude, though always deeply interested in public affairs and the welfare of his home city. He is a member of National Lodge No. 568; Portage Chapter No. 202, R. A. M.; the Kiwanis Club, in which he has held several offices; and the Young Men's Christian Association, in which he, formerly served as chairman of the educational committee. His religious affiliation is with the First Reformed church. He has been assistant secretary of the Akron Retail Hardware Association and is a member of its board of governors. He is a director of the Ohio Retail Hardware Association and was formerly a member of its resolutions committee. He was also a director and vice president of the Barberton Chamber of Commerce for a two year term. Possessed of keen business discernment and sound judgment, his course has been marked by steady advancement, and he is regarded as one of Barberton's most progressive and enterprising men. He is loyal to every principle which he espouses and to every cause which he endorses, and his sterling worth is attested by all who know him.   WILLIAM CHRISTOF GROLBERT   Varied and important commercial interests claim the attention and profit by the energy and ability of William C. Grolbert, a conspicuous member of that select company of enterprising business men to whom East Akron is indebted for its rapid development. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, March 24, 1890,   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 393   his parents being Frank and Alvina Grolbert, natives of Germany. They left that country in their youth and settled in Missouri, where the father followed agricultural pursuits for many years. He has passed away and the mother is also deceased. They are survived by seven children : Mrs. Walter Lehman and Mrs. J. H. Manhee, of St. Louis, Missouri; Richard Grolbert, who lives in Portland, Oregon; Alfred Grolbert, of Kansas City; Frank Grolbert, who also makes his home in Portland; Joseph Grolbert, a resident of Kansas City; and William C. Grolbert.   The last named attended the public schools of his native city and afterward served a four years' apprenticeship as a sheet metal worker. His ability won for him the position of foreman with a large sheet metal concern, and later he went to Portland, Oregon, where he served in the same capacity until 1916. He then located in East Akron and formed the Grolbert Sheet Metal & Heating Company, of which he is now president and general manager. He also administers the affairs of the Robinson Steel Furnace Company, the Grolbert Cast Iron Furnace Company and the Domestic Coke Company, while his name appears on the directorate of the Agathon Domestic Coal & Coke Company. Mr. Grolbert is the largest dealer in furnaces in Summit county, and that he is an executive of exceptional capacity and power is indicated by the rapid expansion of the corporations whose destiny he controls. Endowed with keen discernment, he readily comprehends the possibilities and difficulties of a business situation and carefully avoids the latter while improving the former to the fullest extent.   Mr. Grolbert was married November 10, 1910, in Portland, Oregon, to Miss Gertrude Schlereth, a daughter of Joseph Schlereth, and they have one child, Robert George. He was born in the Rose City, April 28, 1912, and is attending the Carson Long Military Institute at New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania.   Mr. Grolbert is a Knight Templar Mason, a member of the Grotto, and a director of the East Akron Board of Trade. He also belongs to the Akron Chamber of Commerce, the Automobile Club, the Silver Lake Country Club and the National Warming, Heating & Ventilating Association. In politics he is a republican, and his religious views are in harmony with the doctrines of the Lutheran church. In his commercial career he has made each day count for the utmost, improving the opportunities of the hour and thus advancing steadily. Although young in years, he is a commanding figure in business circles of Akron and his associates   394 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   rely implicitly upon his judgment and integrity. In Mr. Grolbert the qualities of enterprise and conservatism are happily blended. It is by men of this well balanced nature that the best work is accomplished and the most enduring results are attained. They take no backward step, and their attainment of a goal means not a temporary triumph but a permanent conquest.   EUGENE F. TRUNKO   Among the younger representatives of the Akron bar is numbered Eugene F. Trunko, whose record is marked by a commendable progress that has resulted from intimate and accurate knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence. He was born in Hungary, May 10, 1896, his parents being John and Julia (Kitako) Trunko, who were also natives of Hungary, whence they came with their family to the new world in 1898, settling first at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in coal mining. The father and mother are still living, as are their five children : Eugene F., Mrs. Margaret Lipps, Mrs. Julia Butler, William and Charles.   Eugene F. Trunko was but two years of age when brought to the United States and in the schools of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, he pursued his studies for three years, after which he returned to his native land and attended the academy at Rosznyo, Gommor Megye, Hungary, there studying language until he had mastered the speech of five nationalities. He continued his studies there for three years and four months under special teachers, after which he again became a resident of Greensburg, and through the next two years studied in the higher grades of the Greensburg schools. He also spent a year as a high school pupil in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, and then started out to provide for his own support. He worked at various industries, spending short periods in connection with the rubber, glass and iron trades and during this period first came to Akron, October 15, 1915. Desirous of still further promoting his knowledge, he matriculated in the Ohio Northern University, where he devoted three years to the study of law, being graduated with the class of 1922. In the latter years he began the practice of law in Akron and has since devoted himself assiduously to the mastery of legal problems having to do with the trial of important cases entrusted to his care. He   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY = 397   now has a large clientele and is recognized as one of the able and successful members of the Summit county bar.   On the 18th of February, 1922, Mr. Trunko was married to Miss Frances Schieder, of Unionville Center, Union county, Ohio, a daughter of Alfred and Neva Schieder, of Unionville Center. They have become the parents of four children : Mary Marjorie, born in Union county, November 11, 1923 ; Frances Julia, born in Akron, April 8, 1924; Eugene Bernard, born in Akron, September 7, 1926; and Euces Elaine, born August 11, 1.927.   Mr. Trunko and his family attend St. Vincent's Roman Catholic church and he belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a man of broad and liberal education, and his professional knowledge covers wide scope, so that he has gained very creditable standing as one of Akron's lawyers, enjoying the respect and confidence of his professional colleagues and contemporaries as well as of the general public. Mr. Trunko lives at Ghent and his residence, "Vetnor Manor," is one of the attractive homes in that locality.   WILLIAM E. BEYNON   William E. Beynon has had long experience in the automobile business, which he understands from the ground up, and as secretary and treasurer of the Beynon Chevrolet Company of Kenmore he is an important factor in the success of one of the best known motor sales concerns in Summit county.   Mr. Beynon is a native of this county, having been born in Akron in 1882, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Beynon. He secured his education in the public schools of Akron and entered the employ of the J. Koch Company, with which concern he remained for twelve years. In 1913 he turned his attention to the automobile business and during the following nine years represented the Chandler interests in Akron, after which he became identified with the Chevrolet agency there. In 1923 Mr. Bey-non came to Kenmore and organized the Beynon Chevrolet Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer, H. A. Stitzlein of Akron being president. They have an attractive and well equipped sales establishment and have been successful in placing a large number of their cars throughout his section of the county.   In 1905 Mr. Beynon was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Greenleese, and they have two children, Miriam and William.   398 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY   Mr. Beynon is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Kiwanis Club, and his religious connection is with the Disciples church. He is a man of progressive spirit and keen business insight, following constructive methods, and is highly respected in the business circles of this locality, while socially he has gained many warm friends because of his candid and straightforward manner and his genial disposition.   G. LESTER HUTSON   One of the best known citizens of Barberton is G. Lester Hutson, general superintendent of the Columbia Chemical division of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, and who has also been active in affairs of importance to the community. He was born on a farm near Deerfield, Portage county, Ohio, on the 15th of May, 1870, and is a son of Hiram and Maria (Hoyt) Hutson, both of whom are deceased. He secured a common school education, after which he took a course in a business college, and supplemented this by a course in mechanical engineering in a correspondence school. He was ambitious to acquire knowledge of the sort that would be of practical use to him and deserves great credit for his attainments in that direction. He went to work as an apprentice for the Buckeye Engine Company, at Salem, Ohio, remaining with that concern for fifteen years, and then gave intensive study to the subject of engineering. In 1902 he entered the employ of the Columbia Chemical Company, working for fourteen years as master mechanic, and was next made general superintendent of the plant at Barberton, retaining the same position when that company was consolidated with the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company. Under his supervision the operation of the plant at Barberton has been marked by a smoothness and regularity that has been very gratifying to the officers of the company, by whom he is held in high regard.   On May 20, 1892, Mr. Hutson was united in marriage to Miss Effie Hinchman, of Mahoning county, Ohio, and they are the parents of six children, namely : Grace, who is the wife of Guy Shelley, of Mesa, Arizona; Adelbert; Anna Mary, of Barberton; James, Elizabeth and Effie. Mr. Hutson is a stanch republican in his political views and has long been active in local public affairs. He served four years as a member of the city council and, as chairman of the water and light committee, was largely   AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 399   instrumental in securing the present water system of this city. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Brookside Country Club, and his religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal church. A man of broad views and high ideals, he has been loyal to the best interests of his community and his public spirit and devotion to the welfare of his fellowmen have gained for him their sincere respect and good will.   JOSEPH J. IVORY   Among the foreign-born residents of Akron who have attained worthy places in business circles and high esteem as citizens stands Joseph J. Ivory, vice president of the Security Savings Bank Company, of which he was one of the organizers. Born in Hungary on the 30th of April, 1881, he is a son of Stephen and Augusta Ivory, who were lifelong residents of that country, where the father had devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. They became the parents of five children, Joseph J., Paul, Anthony, Anna and Maria.   Mr. Ivory received his early education in the public schools of his native country, completing his studies in a gymnasium, which corresponds to an American high school. On leaving school he entered a law office, in which he was employed until 1906, when he emigrated to the United States. Locating at Barberton, Summit county, Ohio, he engaged in banking and the handling of foreign exchange, but soon afterwards moved to Youngstown, where he followed the same line of business until 1910. In that year he came to Akron and opened a private bank and foreign exchange house, under the name of Berleczk & Ivory, in the management of which he was distinctively successful, carrying it on until 1920, when he sold to the People's Bank of Akron, with which institution he remained for two and a half years. With others, he then organized the Security Savings Bank Company, which opened its doors for business on July 10, 1926. He became its vice president, in charge of the foreign exchange department and the travel bureau. He is in every respect well qualified for this responsible position and has become widely and favorably known in the banking circles of this section of the state.   On June 2, 1926, in Akron, Mr. Ivory was united in marriage