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1927, he opened the finest service station in the city under the style of Russell Harp, Inc., of which concern he is president. In May, 1928, Mr. Harp leased property at the corner of South High and Church streets, opposite the Summit county courthouse. Construction was begun at this time on a very modern and complete service station which is similar to the one he now operates on West Market street but large enough in addition to accommodate over three hundred automobiles for storage and parking purposes. His patronage has grown rapidly as the motoring public has become acquainted with him and has found him ready to supply every need.
On the 5th of February, 1919, at Wadsworth, Ohio, Mr. Harp was united in marriage to Miss Beatrice Nicholas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nicholas and representative of a prominent family of Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Harp are the parents of two daughters : Harriet Jane, who was born in Akron November 20, 1919; and Margaret Ann, born in Akron August 12, 1923.
Mr. Harp is a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, to which he belongs, and also has membership in the Akron Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, the Akron City Club and the Akron Automobile Club. His religious faith is that of the Second Christian Science church. His prosperity is attributable entirely to his own industry, enterprise and ability and he is accorded high esteem in both business and social circles of his adopted city. Residence, 335 Beechwood drive.
CHARLES H. ADAMS
Charles H. Adams is well known as the owner and manager of the Adams Funeral Home of Akron. When the last call has come and the weary body is carried to its final resting place there comes a time when the distressed family seeks the aid of one who is careful, tactful and efficient to care for the member of the household who has passed on. Meeting every requirement of his chosen calling, Mr. Adams has served many a household in Akron and the surrounding country and his business is now one of large extent. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, August 12, 1886, and is a son of William H. and Nancy J. (Peak) Adams, who were also natives of the Blue Grass state and resided for many years in Louisville, the father devoting his attention to the occupation
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of farming. He has now passed away, while his widow resides in Cleveland, and he is also survived by five children : Charles H. ; Alex, who is living in Cleveland; Mrs. Mattie Callahan; Mrs. Dora Harrington; and William B.
Having attended the graded and high schools of Louisville, Charles H. Adams then accepted a clerical position with the Prudential Life Insurance Company of that city. He afterward took up professional nursing, specializing in mental cases, and was graduated from the Louisville City Hospital, devoting his time to the work of the profession until 1913, when he entered the Cincinnati College of Embalming, from which he was graduated in 1914. He then became assistant to a prominent funeral director of Cleveland, with whom he continued for six years, and in 1920 he came to Akron, where he purchased a beautiful colonial residence property at 791 East Market street, being the pioneer in establishing a funeral home in this city with pleasant and comforting surroundings such as largely take away the thought of the grimness and solemnity of death. He puts forth every effort possible to conduct funeral arrangements and services in a manner that meets the most exacting requirements and his efforts have met recognition in a liberal patronage. Mr. Adams was also a pioneer in introducing a radio feature in connection with his business. He established and maintains the "Good Will Hour" on Sunday afternoons over broadcasting station WADC, having Daddy Dodd as radio poet and director. Over the microphone go the words of cheer, helpfulness and hopefulness which characterize not only the poet but the proprietor, Mr. Adams, in all of his connections. Because this is the expression of a belief that has actuated Mr. Adams throughout his entire career we embody a poem by Daddy Dodd entitled "Hope-Faith-Courage" which has frequently been broadcast, carrying comfort to many hearts.
What a wonderful thing, is the jewel called hope,
Which helps us each day, with life's trials to cope.
It whispers of joys, we may look for tomorrow,
Or tempers the sting of our bitterest sorrow.
It whispers of sunshine, when clouds gather fast,
Uplifting our hearts, till the shadows are past.
Hope with its comforts, eternally bring,
The sweetest of thoughts, like the perfumes of spring.
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When trials confront us, sweet faith comes along,
And sings to our hearts, its most wonderful song,
Then courage creeps in, and drives away fear,
Life's clouds drift away, its sunshine draws near.
Then cheerfulness comes, bringing laughter along,
To play on our heartstrings its beautiful song,
And all because hope, while doing its part,
Brought courage and faith, straight back to the heart.
Let us all cherish hope, though the clouds gather fast,
Life's rainbows will follow, when each cloud has passed.
Keep hope, faith, and courage, locked safe in your heart,
And trust the kind Father, He'll do His full part.
On the 1st of October, 1912, Mr. Adams married Miss Alice Evelyn Schindler, of Louisville, Kentucky, a daughter of Jacob Schindler, well known in that city, and they have one child, Betty Jean, born in 1920.
In politics Mr. Adams maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. He belongs to the East Market Street Church of Christ and is a member of its official board. His name is on the membership rolls of the Vista del Lago Beach and Country Club, the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the East Akron Board of Trade, while in connection with his chosen life work he is identified with the Tri County Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. He is a man of pleasing personality, genial, kindly, sympathetic, and has many warm friends throughout the community in which he resides.
FESTUS A. JOHNSON, M. D.
Deeply interested in his profession, Dr. Festus A. Johnson has utilized every opportunity to broaden his scientific knowledge and increase his efficiency and is accorded a place of prominence in medical circles in Akron. He was born May 31, 1891, in the province of Ontario, Canada, and his parents, Festus A. and Mary (Cornelius) Johnson, were also natives of that country. His father was one of the enterprising merchants of Brantford and always resided in the Dominion. He passed away in
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1895 and is survived by the mother. In their family were six children, four of whom are now living: Richard E. William C. and Festus A. Johnson and Mrs. Essie Jamison.
Dr. Johnson completed a course in the high school of Caledonia, Ontario, and afterward became an educator, devoting three years to that work. His scientific studies were pursued in McGill University, from which he won the M. D. degree in 1917, and was next an interne of the Montreal General Hospital, in which he spent one year. During 1919-20 he was a postgraduate student in the Manhattan Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital and then came to Akron. For a year he was connected with the city health office and has since specialized in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. In their treatment he has met with gratifying success and is now a member of the senior medical staff of the Children's Hospital and the junior staff of the City Hospital of Akron. His offices are located on the fifth floor of the Second National Bank building and his professional knowledge and skill are in constant demand.
Dr. Johnson was married May 12, 1917, in Ontario, Canada, to Miss Lillian Styers, a daughter of George C. and Mary Sophia (Smith) Styers. The father is deceased and Mrs. Styers now makes her home in New York city. Dr. Johnson is a Mason and belongs to the Masonic and Optimist Clubs. He is affiliated with the Church of Our Saviour and conscientiously follows its teachings. His professional connections are with the Summit County and Ohio State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. Dr. Johnson is a young man of progressive views and high ideals and his ability and close application are bringing him rapidly to the fore in his chosen vocation.
RT. REV. MGR. FERDINAND A. SCHREIBER
Rt. Rev. Mgr. Ferdinand A. Schreiber, beloved pastor of St. Bernard's parish of Akron, which he has served with consecrated zeal for more than six years, is a monsignor and dean of the diocese of Cleveland and one of the most prominent clergymen of that faith in this part of the state. He was born at Jeffersonville, New York, July 3, 1861, his parents being Charles and Apolonia (Guenther) Schreiber, natives of Baden, Germany, who emigrated to the United States in early life. Both have passed away. During his active business career Charles Schreiber devoted his
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attention to mercantile pursuits with good success at Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Father Schreiber acquired his early education in the parochial, grade and high schools of Scranton, Pennsylvania, subsequently pursued a classical course in St. Vincent's College, Beatty, Pennsylvania, and next entered the Benedictine Fathers Seminary at Beatty. His training for the priesthood was completed in St. Mary's Theological Seminary of Cleveland, Ohio, where he was ordained with impressive ceremony on the 3d of July, 1886. He was given charge of a small church at Antwerp, Ohio, and also did missionary work in Paulding and Defiance counties for four years, on the expiration of which period he was assigned to the Shelby settlement in Richland county, this state. There he labored with splendid results for seven years and then became pastor of St. Peter's church at Mansfield, Ohio, where he remained for almost a quarter of a century, making improvements and additions to the small house of worship until ultimately a fine edifice was erected under his charge and is considered one of the magnificent churches of the state. In April, 1922, he succeeded Father Paulus as pastor of St. Bernard's church of Akron, where he has labored continuously since, making his parish a strong spiritual force in the life of the community.
Father Schreiber was made a dean of Summit and Portage counties at the Akron Deanery, by Bishop Schrembs, and later on June 3, 1925, was elevated to the rank of monsignor by Pope Pius XI. His services to the Akron community are invaluable. A fine type of scholarly gentleman, mild of manner and eloquent of speech, Father Schreiber is one of the best beloved representatives of the Catholic clergy in northern Ohio and is accorded the honor and respect of people of all denominations.
JOSEPH A. ROHNER
Joseph A. Rohner, president of the Rohner Paper Company, is one of the best known of the older generation of Akron's business men, whose identification with the city's commercial interests dates back more than fifty years. He was born May 29, 1857, in Hard Vorarlberg, Austria, on the shores of Lake Constance, a son of Martin and Agatha (Doerler) Rohner, who in 1869 brought their family to America and established a home in Akron. Martin Rohner engaged in the stone contracting business and furnished
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building material for many of the early substantial structures of this city. His death occurred here in 1875, while his widow survived him ten years, passing away in 1885. In their family were four children : George, now deceased; Joseph A.; Mrs. Magdalena Streicher of Akron; and Mrs.
Katherine Musser, also living in this city.
Joseph A. Rohner was a lad of twelve years when the family came to Akron. He had attended school in Austria, which was the extent of his educational advantages except for a course at night school in Akron. He began to earn his own living before he was in his teens and one of the first jobs he had in Akron was in a brickyard. Later he was employed in the Aultman, Miller mower and reaper works, and still later he worked in the old chain works, which stood on the lot now occupied by a portion of the B. F. Goodrich Company plant. In 1885 Mr. Rohner went into business for himself, establishing a grocery and general store at Sherman and Thornton streets. He conducted this business for twenty-three years and his store known as Rohner's Grocery, was one of the well managed and successful enterprises of its line in Akron at that time. Disposing of his grocery interests, Mr. Rohner entered the wholesale paper trade as the head of the Rohner Paper Company, then located on South Main street, a few doors south of Exchange street. The business prospered from the start and before long was moved to larger quarters at 803 South High street, where Mr. Rohner built a warehouse. It was not long until the business outgrew these quarters and in 1919 Mr. Rohner erected a larger warehouse with railroad siding facilities at 763-767 South High street, where the business has since been located. Mr. Rohner has been the executive head of the company since its incorporation, and its trade covers a wide territory. In addition to this he was one of the organizers and is now vice president and a director of the Burger Iron Company and is also a director of the Peoples Dairy Company.
In 1880, Mr. Rohner was married to Miss Louise K. Senghas, of Akron, daughter of Fred Senghas, and their family included the following : Mrs. Catherine L. Bertsch, who has two sons, Paul and Leonard Bertsch. G. A., treasurer of the Burger Iron Company, who married Genevieve Sutler and they have three children, Robert, Genevieve and Ralph; Erwin, deceased; Eva M., secretary of the Rohner Paper Company; Lawrence A., vice president of the Rohner Paper Company, who wedded Catherine Harris and they have one child, Alice Louise; and Emma A., who
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married Clarence C. Kempel and has five children, Norman, Mary, Richard, Ruth and David.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church, and Mr. Rohner is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and is also a member of the Akron Liedertafel. He is identified with the Chamber of Commerce, the Akron Automobile Club and the Fifty Year Club, of which he is an original member. Mr. Rohner has been a resident of Akron for almost sixty years and has seen the city grow from less than ten thousand inhabitants to nearly a quarter of a million. He has long been regarded as one of its strong and able business men and substantial citizens, has been successful and is widely and favorably known because of his business ability and his allegiance to those principles which make for honorable manhood and citizenship. Mr. Rohner's residence is at 407 Woodland avenue.
BERNARD J. AMER
Bernard J. Amer, junior member of the well known law firm of Sieber, Sieber & Amer, is one of Akron's capable and successful attorneys and is enjoying a large and growing practice in the courts of this county. Mr. Amer was born in Akron on the 19th of June, 1896, and is a son of Louis H. and Amelia M. (Breiner) Amer, the former born in Zanesville, Ohio, and the latter in Akron, and both are still residing in this city. Louis H. Amer was connected with the first Akron Rolling Mills, later became a member of the city council, and afterwards engaged in the insurance business, in which he was successful. He became one of the organizers of the South Akron Banking Company and after the consolidation of that institution with the Commercial Savings Bank, he held a responsible position with that organization. He is still actively engaged in the insurance business and is prominent and influential in the affairs of this city. To him and his wife were born eight children, of whom seven are living, namely: A. J., Mary E., Louis H., Jr., Rose, Josephine, Frances and Bernard J., all of whom reside in this city.
Bernard J. Amer attended the public schools of Akron, graduating from St. Mary's high school in 1913, and was then advised by George W. Sieber, a prominent lawyer, to take up the study of law. He followed that advice and was admitted to the bar in 1918, since which time he has been associated with his preceptor,
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as a member of the firm of Sieber, Sieber & Amer, with offices in the Second National Bank building. He is a constant student of his profession, has proven efficient and resourceful in handling the cases entrusted to his care and commands the respect of all who have been associated with him. He is a member of the Summit County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association and the American. Bar Association. He is also a director and vice president of the Guardian Financing Company and a director and vice president of the King Building Company.
On June 13, 1922, in Akron, Mr. Amer was united in marriage to Miss Frances M. Gibbons, and they are the parents of a daughter, Jane Louise, born in 1923. The republican party receives Mr. Amer's support and he has shown a live interest in public affairs, particularly relating to the welfare of his own community. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and the Akron Automobile Club, while his religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. Because of his professional success and his sterling personal qualities he is held in high regard throughout the community, in which he enjoys a wide acquaintance and many warm friends.
JOSEPH A. GEHRES
Among the civil engineers of Summit county none has attained a higher place in public regard than has Joseph A. Gehres, who for a long period of years was officially identified with the municipal affairs of Akron and is now commanding a large private practice in his profession here. Mr. Gehres was born in Marshallville, Wayne county, Ohio, October 2, 1861, and is a son of Charles L. and Elizabeth (Neuroth) Gehres, who were natives of central Europe. Both were brought to the United States at the age of three years by their respective parents, who settled at Marshallville, Ohio, and there they were reared and educated, and in the course of time were married. Mr. Gehres received a good education and taught school for several years, but later engaged in a general mercantile business in Marshallville, of which place he was appointed postmaster, which office he held continuously for twenty-four years. Both parents are now deceased. They had three children : Charles, Joseph A. and Mrs. Mary E. Mower, all of whom live in Akron.
Joseph A. Gehres attended the public schools of Marshallville
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and after his graduation from high school took a special course in civil engineering in Ohio State University. He then came to Akron and entered the county engineering department under County Surveyor Perkins. He proved an efficient and capable engineer and laid out much of the present sewer system of the city, as well as many of its streets. In 1896 he was elected county surveyor, which office he held for twelve consecutive years. On his retirement from that office he was appointed a member of the Akron city planning commission, as engineer in charge, and remained with the city as supervising engineer and city engineer from 1912 to 1916. The new eighth ward was then added to the city and he was elected the first member of the city council from that ward, but resigned to accept the position of city engineer. In the meantime his private practice had grown to such an extent that he retired from public affairs and has since devoted his attention entirely to his practice, which is now extensive and remunerative. Mr. Gehres is also one of the oldest directors of Citizens Savings & Loan Company.
On May 15, 1889, in Akron, Mr. Gehres was united in marriage to Miss Jennie M. Hartong, whose father, Elias Hartong, was long engaged in the grocery business in this city and was prominent and respected throughout the community. A daughter, Marguerite, who was educated in the public schools and the University of Akron, is the wife of Howard P. Stephens, a native of Akron. Mr. Gehres is a strong supporter of the republican party and has always maintained a sincere interest in the welfare and progress of his city and county. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran church and belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Akron Chamber of Commerce, the Congress Lake Country Club, and is a member of the Liedertafel. He is a man of sterling character and strong individuality, is widely acquainted in Summit county, and all who have come in contact with him hold him in high regard.
GEORGE W. MAGENNIS
For nearly a quarter of a century George W. Magennis has engaged in the real estate business in Akron, changing unsightly vacancies into beautiful residential districts and displaying that spirit of enterprise which makes for public progress as well as individual success. He was born May 10, 1869, in Bloomington,
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Indiana, a son of Thomas and Mary (Garrett) Magennis, the latter also a native of the Hoosier state. His father was a native of Ireland and came to the United States when fourteen years of age, locating in Indiana. There he spent the remainder of his life, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits.
George W. Magennis, an only son, received a public school education and when nineteen years of age went to Indianapolis, Indiana, in search of work. He secured a position in the sales department of the Werner Company and immediately enrolled in an evening class at a business school. While in the employ of that corporation he was transferred from Indianapolis to other cities and remained with the firm until 1903, when he located in Akron. Soon afterward he began to trade in real estate, purchasing from Gus Kasch a Jefferson avenue lot for which he paid twenty-five dollars. Within an hour he sold it for thirty dollars and this lot is today worth three thousand dollars. For a year he was a member of the sales force of the Saalfield Publishing Company and then entered the real estate field in earnest, opening offices in the Everett building, where he has since remained. In addition to buying and selling lots he builds and sells dwellings. He is the builder of hundreds of Akron homes, from the humble cottage to the elaborate and artistic dwellings and has developed large sections on North hill and East Akron. He knows the worth of all local property and his investments have been placed to advantage. His extensive business is operated under the style of the Universal Realty Company and in its conduct he displays foresight, initiative and keen sagacity. He is a director of the Realty Sales Company, the Buckeye Dixie Realty Company and the Equity Savings & Loan Association.
On November 6, 1895, Mr. Magennis was married in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Miss Ellen M. Buckley, a daughter of Patrick Buckley, and they have become the parents of three children. Frank T., the eldest, was born in Philadelphia in 1896 and attended the public schools of Akron, completing his studies in the University of Michigan. During the World war he was an ensign in the aviation department of the United States Navy and was stationed in the canal zone. For a number of years he has been connected with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company of Akron and is in charge of the business in Cuba. He married Miss Audrey Portel-Power, of Boston, Massachusetts, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Mary Noel. Mary M., who was born in Akron in 1898, was graduated from Smith College of
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Northampton, Massachusetts, and is now the wife of Sterling W. Alderfer, of Akron. Ruth M., born in Akron in 1900, also received her higher education in Smith College and is now Mrs. Elmer J. Palmer, of Akron.
Mr. Magennis is a member of the Akron City Club and the Real Estate Board of Akron. For recreation he turns to fishing, hunting and motoring. He enjoys travel and has visited the Central and South American countries. In politics he is a republican but not a strong partisan, voting for the candidate whom he considers best qualified for office. He is a firm believer in Akron's future and has demonstrated his civic loyalty both by word and deed. Reared on a farm, he early formed habits of industry and thrift which have constituted the basis of his success. Mr. Magennis is a broad-minded man of high principles and commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated.
HORACE WEBSTER HAWKINS
Horace Webster Hawkins was a representative of one of the oldest and best known pioneer families of northeastern Ohio. The name figured in connection with early development here and, like his ancestors, Horace W. Hawkins was loyal to the best interests of city and county. He was born December 5, 1840, his parents being Horace Ross and Mary (Hitchcock) Hawkins. The former was the seventh son of John Emerson and Jemima (Pratt) Hawkins and the great-grandparents were John and Sarah Hawkins. John Emerson Hawkins was born in Woodstock, Vermont, August 18, 1780, and his wife, who was a daughter of Asa and Bessie Pratt, was born October 20, 1785. They were married in 1803 and became the parents of nine children : Enos, who followed farming in Summit county; Ira, who died in early life; Lucy, who was the wife of Ansil Miller and died in Akron; Mary, who became the wife of Lennan Mills and died in Wadsworth township ; John Wesley, who died at the age of sixteen years; Asenath, who became the wife of William Ellis, of Boston township, and died about 1843; Horace Ross; Nelson, who lived in Portage township ; and Almira, who became the wife of Zachariah Prentice, of Portage township, and died in early life. The parents came with their six eldest children from Vermont to Ohio in 1816, settling in Portage township on the 28th of October, and
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soon afterward John Emerson Hawkins purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in a district that was practically an unbroken wilderness, for at that time no other family resided in the southwestern portion of the township save Josh King, who lived near where the Simon Perkins home was later established. There were only about twelve houses on the site of Akron at that time. Long years afterward an avenue was opened bordering what was originally the Hawkins farm and was so called in honor of the family, while Ross drive was named for Horace Ross Hawkins, who invented the Hawkins rake and in company with Mr. Perkins founded the Hawkins rake factory. For many years the Hawkins hay rake was regarded as the best on the market. Horace R. Hawkins was an inventive genius and produced various other inventions. His son, Enos Hawkins, was a member of the party employed to survey the route of the Ohio canal, thus spending two years, and when the canal was opened he was appointed superintendent of repairs, having charge of the section from Cleveland to the Short Pinery level. Thus it will be seen that the family has been closely associated with the development and up-building of Summit county for more than a century.
Horace W. Hawkins was educated in the district school at Ayers Flat, now known as Fairlawn, and afterward worked in his father's factory and on the farm. Subsequently he was for twenty-two years associated with the Buckeye Mower & Reaper Company and was widely known for his industry and reliability. His word could always be depended upon and his course reflected credit upon an honored family name.
On the 24th of September, 1868, Mr. Hawkins was united in marriage to Sarah Elizabeth Daugherty, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Marshall) Daugherty, and they became the parents of three daughters and a son. Lilly is the wife of Frank Kennedy and the mother of two daughters : Bernice, who is Mrs. Carl Jones, of Warren, Ohio, and has three children—Gertrude Irene, Leslie Earl and Orba Jean and Gertrude, who is now Mrs. Ben White, of Warren, Ohio. Mary Elizabeth, second daughter of Horace W. and Sarah Elizabeth (Daugherty) Hawkins, is the wife of George Markle. William Horace Hawkins wedded Mary McKay and has a daughter and a son, namely : Marian Ruth, the wife of James Wilde; and James Webster. Ruth is the wife of Charles Rose and the mother of one son, John Webster Rose.
During the Civil war Mr. Hawkins responded to the country's call for troops and aided in defense of the Union, while in later
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years he maintained pleasant relations with his old army com rades through his membership in Buckley Post, No. 12, G. A. R He belonged also to Summit Lodge, No. 50, I. 0. 0. F., and if both organizations enjoyed the friendship of many of his com rades. He passed away November 21, 1911, and his wife sur vived until July 5, 1927. She was born January 1, 1848, in Bain bridge, Portage county, Ohio, whence her parents removed to Cuyahoga Falls during her girlhood. There she lived until he] marriage. She was active in the Woman's Relief Corps, the auxil iary of Buckley Post, and she was a very earnest and helpfu member of the Monroe Memorial Presbyterian church and a mem ber of the Esther Sunday school class of that church. For fifty. seven years she lived in Akron, where she had a very wide acquaintance and her many admirable qualities gained for her the enduring friendship of those with whom she was brought in contact. The history of Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins is inseparably associated with the annals of Summit county. They were people of genuine worth, kindly, hospitable, reliable, and holding at all times to those standards which make for honorable manhood and womanhood.
S. CHRIS HANSEN
Among the young men who have come to Akron within the year to share the future progress and prosperity of the city and one who has already made his presence felt is S. C. Hansen, organizer of the Akron Electric League, of which he is managing director. Born in Chicago, Illinois, September 21, 1890, he is a son of Louis and Meta (Sorensen) Hansen, who were natives of Denmark and emigrated to America in early life, locating in Chicago. There the father established business as a manufacturer of ice cream. Subsequently he removed to Delavan, Wisconsin, where he spent the remainder of his life. To him and his wife, who has passed away, were born five children, four of whom survive, namely: Mrs. Robert Johnson, Viola Hansen, Louis and S. C.
The last named received his education in his native city and was subsequently identified with various occupations prior to becoming connected with the Commonwealth Edison Company of Chicago, in the service of which he continued for five years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was first associated with the Cleveland Illuminating Company
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and later with the Cleveland Electric League, which he built up to its present large membership. From that city he came to Akron and organized the Akron Electric League. His long experience in the electrical business has made him thoroughly familiar therewith and his labors as director of the Akron League are proving most effective and resultant.
On the 29th of April, 1914, in Chicago, Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Popp, daughter of Nicholas and Minnie Popp, of that city. They are the parents of two sons : Edwin, born in Chicago in 1915 ; and Jack, born in Cleveland in August, 1917. Both are attending school.
Mr. Hansen is a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, to which he belongs, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. The success which has rewarded his efforts in the business world is attributable entirely to his own industry and enterprise. Possessing a pleasing personality and strong individuality, he makes a decided impression on all who come in contact with him and is deservedly popular among a wide acquaintance.
I. ALLEN BARNETT
I. Allen Barnett has built up a business from a small and unpretentious beginning to one of great magnitude, the Barnett Iron and Metal Company, of Barberton, being now one of the busiest and most prosperous concerns in its line in northeastern Ohio. He was born in Wooster, Ohio, on the 1st day of August, 1891, and is a son of Louis and Esther (Sugarman) Barnett, who still live in Wooster. He secured his education in the grade and high schools of his native city, supplemented by a commercial course in a business college, and later engaged in the clothing business at Doylestown, Ohio, in which he continued for six and a half years. On January 1, 1920, he came to Barberton and started the business which, under his energetic and enterprising management, has grown into one of Barberton's most successful enterprises. The business was incorporated in March, 1925, and is conducted under the name of the Barnett Iron and Metal Company, with a capitalization of one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Barnett is president and treasurer of the company which is engaged in buying and selling scrap iron and rubber, chiefly cuttings, which they handle in very large lots, and their business now covers a
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wide territory. Mr. Barnett is wisely discriminating in his buying and finds a ready market for his stock. He is also a director of the American Savings & Loan Company of Barberton and interested in other corporations.
On August 7, 1913, Mr. Barnett was united in marriage to Miss Esther Rosenblatt of Cleveland, daughter of Alex and Sarah Rosenblatt. Mr. and Mrs. Barnett are the parents of two sons, Harold M. and James Joseph, and a daughter, Cyril B. Mr. Barnett is a republican in his political alignment and while a resident of Doylestown served one term as mayor. He is a member of Wadsworth Lodge, No. 385, A. F. & A. M., the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Barberton Rotary Club and the Barberton Chamber of Commerce. He and his family belong to the Akron Hebrew congregation at Akron. His success stands in evidence of his marked business ability, while his excellent personal qualities and his public-spirited interest in his community have gained for him a high place in public esteem.
F. GLENN ALEXANDER
F. Glenn Alexander was born March 11, 1890, in Marshal-vile, Ohio, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Amanda (Bell) Alexander, also natives of this state and now residents of Akron. In the family were five children : Charles W. Alexander, Mrs. Charles McClelland, Miss Iva Alexander, Mrs. Ross Dorsett and F. Glenn Alexander. F. Glenn Alexander was graduated from the Wadsworth high school in 1910. His higher education was acquired in Buchtel College, from which he received the degree of Ph. B. in 1914.
In 1916 Mr. Alexander formed a partnership with Wilfred H. Collins, an association which is still continued. They organized and control the Real Estate Service Company and the Collins-Alexander Company, the latter corporation being engaged in the construction business. They have erected and sold more than one thousand houses in this locality and developed the Collins-Alexander subdivision in the Rankin school district, and Perkins Park subdivisions numbers I, II and III. Three hundred and fifty residences have been built in subdivisions Numbers I, II and III of the Perkins Park subdivision. They recently purchased and placed on the market the West Hill Heights property, situated in
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the new West high school district. Their operations are conducted on an extensive scale and in the upbuilding of their business they have rendered service of signal value to Akron and the district adjacent to the city. Mr. Alexander is vice president and secretary of the Real Estate Service Company and secretary and treasurer of the Collins-Alexander Company, and he is thoroughly informed regarding the newest developments in the real estate field.
Mr. Alexander was married October 1, 1918, in Akron to Miss Inez Pauline Getz, a daughter of Samuel and Inez Getz, and to them have been born two children : Antoinette, and Frances. Mr. Alexander is a Knight Templar Mason and also belongs to the University Club and the Phi Delta Theta. In religious faith he is a Universalist and his standing as a business man is denoted by the fact that he is serving as president of the Akron Real Estate Board, to which office he was elected in January, 1928. He has great faith in Akron's future and combines in his character all of the qualities of a useful and desirable citizen. Mr. Alexander's residence is at 1106 Bellridge road.
ELMER L. MATHER, M. D.
A physician of broad experience and marked ability, Dr. Elmer L. Mather has practiced continuously in Akron for more than a quarter of a century and is also one of the city's prominent business men. He was born December 1, 1868, in Union county, Ohio, and his parents, John D. and Ruth (Tallman) Mather, were natives of the same county, in which the father followed agricultural pursuits for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Mather are survived by five children : Nation 0., senior member of the firm of Mather, Nesbit & Wilke, prominent attorneys of Akron; Harvey, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio; Elmer L. ; G. Lowell, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Mrs. Eva Thornton, a resident of Akron.
Dr. Mather was reared on his father's farm and attended the country schools of Union county. Following his graduation from high school he was a student at the Ohio Northern University and the Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware, Ohio, qualifying as an educator. For five years he engaged in teaching in his native county and during a portion of the time was principal of the school at Byhalia, Ohio. In 1892 he received the M. D. degree from the Starling Medical College and then returned to Union
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county, where he followed his profession for seven years. Afterward he took a postgraduate course in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and also studied under noted specialists in London, England. In 1901 he returned to Ohio and has since made his home in Akron, devoting his attention to the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. Time has ripened his ability and his professional skill is in constant demand.
In 1892 Dr. Mather was married in Union county, Ohio, to Miss Ella Lingrel, who was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lingrel and passed away in 1920, leaving a family of three children, all of whom are natives of Union county. The daughter, Ethylene, who was born in 1893 and is a graduate of Wellesley College, is the wife of William Foltz, of Akron, and they have one child, William Mather Foltz; M. M. Mather, born in 1897, received his higher education in Colgate University and is now engaged in the insurance business in Akron; and Elmer L. Mather, Jr., born in 1899, was graduated from Yale University and is associated with the firm of Otis & Company, investment bankers. At Columbus, Ohio, in 1922, Dr. Mather was united in marriage to Miss Ruth, Fairfield, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Fairfield and a member of one of the prominent families of Goshen, Indiana.
He is identified with the Masonic order, the Portage Country Club and the Philosophical Society. Along professional lines he is connected with the Summit County and Ohio State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. At one time he was president of the Union County Medical Society and also became treasurer of Washington township. Throughout life Dr. Mather has remained a student, constantly striving to enlarge his field of usefulness, and his genuine worth has established him high in public regard. He is now a member of the junior class in the Akron Law school.
J. ROBERT BARR
One of the outstanding figures in the building trades of Akron is J. Robert Barr, who, as a plastering contractor, has done a large amount of high grade work, not only in Akron and Summit county, but in various other parts of the country, and is recognized as one of the leading business men of this city. Mr. Barr
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was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of October, 1883, and is a son of R. L. and Elizabeth (Behe) Barr, also natives of the Keystone state. They came to Akron in 1911 and here the father followed the plastering business for many years. The mother died at Youngstown, Ohio, in 1926, at the age of sixty-nine years, and the father is now living at Dormont, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To them were born eleven children, of whom six are living, namely: J. Robert; Edward, of Akron; Mrs. Frank Gafney, of Akron ; Mrs. Floren Saulsbury, of Pittsburgh ; Mrs. Joseph B. Wilson, of Pittsburgh; and Rose, of Akron.
J. Robert Barr received his education in the public schools of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, where the family resided before coming to Akron, and graduated from the high school there in 1900. He learned the trade of a plasterer under his father's direction, being of the third successive generation of the family to take up that line of work, and followed it as a journeyman for some years. The first big job on which he was employed was a courthouse in Florida, which required two years for completion, after which he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where for three years he was employed on a number of important jobs. In 1911 he came to Akron to work on the Second National Bank building and when it was finished began taking plastering contracts on his own account. He followed this business alone until 1924, when he formed a partnership with John H. Skinner, under the firm name of Barr & Skinner, today one of the most prosperous plastering concerns in Summit county. Among the outstanding contracts performed by this firm are the new St. Thomas Hospital, at Akron; the Spicer, Glover, Rankin and Finley school buildings, in Akron; the Bankers Guarantee Title and Trust building; the Grant junior high school building in Sandusky, Ohio; the high school building at Bellaire, Ohio; the Kent Training school, at Kent, Ohio; the Roman Catholic church, at Bellaire, Ohio; the Grant junior high school building at Steubenville, Ohio; the high school at Elm Grove, Wheeling, West Virginia; the new City Hospital buildings at Akron; the high school at Kenmore, Ohio; the Weiner building, Akron; Trinity Reformed church at Akron, the Akron Dry Goods building, and various other large contracts. The firm has been painstaking and conscientious in the performance of every contract accorded it and has gained a wide reputation for absolute dependability.
On May 15, 1909, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Barr was united in marriage to Miss Mary Murphy and they are the parents of two
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children, Robert L., born in Akron, July 2, 1916, and Mary E., born in this city December 30, 1918. Mr. Barr is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Columbus Luncheon Club. He also belongs to the Builders Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce, and he and his wife are earnest members of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Barr has proven a splendid citizen, supporting every measure for the promotion of the best interests of his community, and all who know him hold him in the highest measure of respect and confidence.
JAMES HENRY CRONAN
The great Goodrich interests have been built up and developed through the efforts and efficiency of men to whom have been given large responsibilities and who have measured up to every requirement. For a number of years James Henry Cronan was division superintendent and general foreman with the B. F. Goodrich Company of Akron and his retirement from active business terminated a thirty-four years' connection with that corporation. It was not alone, however, as a business man that he was known to his fellow townsmen, for in the public life of the city he took active part and contributed to civic progress and development in substantial measure.
Mr. Cronan was in the fifty-sixth year of his age when death called him on April 2, 1928. He was born near Goshen, New York, on the 24th of November, 1872, his parents, Patrick and Mary (O'Connell) Cronan, having there settled when they came from Ireland to the new world. In 1880 they removed from the Empire state to Akron and here James Henry Cronan attended the old Perkins school, while in 1888 he was graduated from the Central high school. He then started out in the business world, spending two years in the wood-turning plant of the Baker & McMillen Company, and during the same period he increased his income by the sale of newspapers. In 1890 he entered the employ of the B. F. Goodrich Company as a clerk and from that time forward until his retirement in 1926 remained with the great rubber plant, earning promotion from time to time through his unfaltering industry, perseverance and loyalty. Each advance brought him larger responsibilities as well as increased duties and eventually he was made division superintendent and general foreman.
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Not only did Mr. Cronan make his life one of usefulness and of service in the business world but in community affairs also took a deep and helpful interest and was twice elected to represent the seventh ward in the city council during the administration of Mayor W. T. Sawyer. During his incumbency he closely studied the needs of the city and the opportunities for development and progress and he introduced an ordinance, and secured its passage, compelling the East Ohio Gas Company to charge no more than twenty cents per thousand cubic feet for gas, but this ordinance was set aside by the courts. He likewise stanchly advocated municipal ownership of the waterworks and introduced municipal legislation which eventually resulted in Akron taking over the privately-owned waterworks. In 1913 he was the democratic candidate for mayor and lost the election by only a few votes, although Akron is known to be strongly republican.
On the 1st of May, 1901, Mr. Cronan was united in marriage to Miss Leona Altermatt and they became parents of a daughter, Betty, and a son, William J. Mr. Cronan belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America, to the Chamber of Commerce, to the White Anchor, the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus and St. Mary's church—associations that indicated clearly the nature of his interests and the rules that governed his conduct. He was generous in spirit and in thought and ever willingly aided those in need of assistance. He was constantly extending a helping hand to those about him and there has never been anyone who has more truly prized genuine friendship. Moreover, he exemplified in his life the truth of the Emersonian philosophy that the way to win a friend is to be one. Deepest regret was felt at his passing because of the place he had made for himself in the business circles and in the public life of the community as well as in the hearts of his friends, who were legion.
EDWARD ROSE
In the industrial life of Akron, Edward Rose plays an important part, concentrating his attention upon the sheet metal business, a line of activity which he chose at the outset of his active career, and his progress has been commensurate with his industry and ability. He was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, November 8, 1882, a son of John and Sarah (Mallory) Rose, who had previously removed from near Cincinnati, Ohio. His boyhood
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was spent on his father's farm and his education was acquired in the common schools of his native county. He was employed by a carpenter and also became a sheet metal worker, mastering both trades, which he followed in various parts of the country. In 1910 he located in Akron and continued his work along these lines until 1918, when he ventured in business for himself, establishing the Edward Rose Sheet Metal Works at the rear of 700 East Cuyahoga Falls avenue, six years later including William Nichols as a partner, and in the intervening period of ten years they have developed a prosperous industry, operated at maximum efficiency with a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material. They are acknowledged experts in this line of work and have also become well known as general agents for the Ideal and Homer furnaces, installing many hundred in Akron and throughout Summit county. The partners are sagacious, farsighted business men of broad experience and their commercial transactions have always balanced up with the principles of truth and honor.
Mr. Rose was married April 7, 1913, to Miss Elsie Stull, formerly of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, a daughter of J. D. Stull and Lavina (Fisher) Stull, and they have become the parents of two children : Edward, Jr., who was born in Akron, June 18, 1924; and Maxine, born December 24, 1926. Mr. Rose belongs to the Automobile Club and Builders Exchange of Akron and is a director of the North Akron Board of Trade. Along fraternal lines he is identified with the Eagles and the Maccabees and his religious views coincide with the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church. An energetic, conscientious worker, he has demonstrated the value of diligence and tenacity of purpose as factors in the attainment of success and his stability of character and genuine worth have established him high in public esteem.
EARL G. MATHIE
Earl G. Mathie has been engaged in the lumber business in Barberton for nearly twenty years and during this period has held a place among the progressive and enterprising men of affairs of the community. He was born at Canal Fulton, Ohio, on the 15th of April, 1884, and is a son of Charles W. and Mary (Shaffer) Mathie, the latter now deceased. Mr. Mathie secured his education in the grade and high schools and then went to work for his father, who was prominent in the business circles of Sum-
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mit county and as a lumber man. In 1909 he and his father established the present business, under the firm name of C. W. Mathie & Son, and were thus associated until 1918, when Earl G. Mathie bought his father's interest and has since conducted it alone under the name of the E. G. Mathie Lumber Company. He carries a full line of lumber and dimension stuff and, by careful management and square dealing, has not only gained a large patronage, but has at the same time won a reputation for integrity and sound business principles. He has developed several allotments in and around Barberton, the principal ones are the City View, the Tracy allotment, and others.
On June 3, 1907, Mr. Mathie was united in marriage to Miss Goldie Ralston, daughter of Dwight and Emily (Minnick) Ralton, the former now deceased. They are the parents of a daughter, Juanita, who graduated at the Columbus School for Girls, and is now at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, Class of 1932. In his political views Mr. Mathie is independent, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He is a member of National Lodge, No. 562, A. F. & A. M. ; Lodge No. 982, B. P. 0. E. ; the Loyal Order of Moose, No. 759 ; and the Brookside Country Club. Straightforward at all times and cordial in his social relations, he commands public confidence and is deservedly popular among his associates.
PHILIP AMBROSE MURPHEY
Philip A. Murphey, manager of the Summit County Farm Bureau, is one of the county's most highly respected citizens, and his record of determined and persistent effort has gained for him many warm and loyal friends. Mr. Murphey was born at Westchester, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 15th of October, 1874, and is a son of Franklin Pierce and Louisa Belle ( Vasbinder ) Murphey. His paternal grandfather was born in Connecticut and his wife was a native of Wales. Three of their sons served in the Union army during the Civil war. The maternal grandfather was of German descent on the paternal side. Franklin P. Murphey was born in Fresno, Coshocton county, Ohio, January 20, 1852, and died October 12, 1920, while his wife was born in Westchester, Ohio, November 29, 1852, and died January 9, 1884.
Philip A. Murphey attended the grade schools of his native
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county and until 1898 resided in various places in Coshocton, Tuscarawas and Portage counties, living on farms during a part of the time. In 1898 he went to Cleveland as a billing clerk in the freight house of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, which position he held until 1903, when he came to Hudson, Summit county, and engaged in farming for twenty-one years, or until July 1, 1924, when he accepted the position which he now holds, as service manager of the Summit County Farm Bureau. He has long been a conspicuous figure in agricultural circles of this county, being recognized as a progressive man in all of his affairs. He still resides on his well improved farm of one hundred and thirty-eight acres, located on the Macedonia-Hudson road. He is associated with the Cleveland Cooperative Milk Association, being a member of its advisory council, and is regarded as one of the ablest representatives of farming interests in Summit county.
Mr. Murphey was married November 5, 1899, at Hudson, Ohio, to Miss Bessie Isabelle Oznum, who was born February 4, 1877, and died August 16, 1913. She was well educated and taught school prior to her marriage. Religiously she was a member of the Congregational church at Hudson. To their union were born two children : Ona, who was married December 24, 1927, to Harold Rininger, a landscape artist, and Helen Mae, who was born May 7, 1910, and is at home. Mrs. Rininger graduated from Western Reserve Academy in 1922 and from the Kent Normal school in 1925. On September 29, 1920, at Akron, Ohio, Mr. Murphey married Miss Marie L. Thompson, of Macedonia, Summit county, who was born at Twinsburg, this state, March 21, 1892. They have one child, Francis Burke, born December 24, 1922. Mrs. Murphey is a daughter of William Burke and Lena L. (Carver) Thompson, the former born at Twinsburg, December 17, 1863, and the latter at Solon, Ohio, April 12, 1864. In the paternal line Mrs. Murphey is descended from the Turners and in the maternal line from the Carvers, both of which families were founded in America by passengers on the Mayflower. Mrs. Murphey is master of Lincoln Grange, and is a member of the Summit County Pomona Grange, the Ohio State Grange and the National Grange ; the Ladies Cemetery Association of Northfield and Macedonia; the Vanguard class of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school at Macedonia, and the Summit County Horticultural Society.
Mr. Murphey is a republican in his political views and has shown a constant interest in everything affecting the advance-
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ment of his community and county along material, civic or moral lines. He is a member of the Grange, of which he was master for two years; was deputy master of the County Grange from 1924 to 1928; and also belongs to the Pomona Grange and the Summit County Horticultural Society. He was formerly a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fresno, Ohio, but later affiliated with the First Methodist Episcopal church in Cleveland, and now attends the church of that faith in Macedonia. He is cordial and friendly in manner and has a host of warm and loyal friends throughout Summit county, who esteem him for his genuine worth.
HARRY O. POLSKY
Following in the business footsteps of his father, Harry 0. Polsky has become recognized as a leader of mercantile activity in Akron and worthily sustains the traditions of the family. He was born October 13, 1875, in Youngstown, Ohio, and his parents, Abraham and Mollie (Bloch) Polsky, were natives of Poland. They were educated in that country, which the father left when a young man of nineteen to seek his fortune in the new world, and at the age of sixteen the mother came to the United States. After his arrival in New York city, Abraham Polsky purchased a stock of merchandise, which he sold throughout the rural districts of the Empire state, and with the capital thus acquired he established a small dry goods store at Youngstown, Ohio, late in the '70s. By 1885 he had made considerable headway and decided to unite his interests with those of Akron, recognizing its possibilities as a manufacturing center. For ten years he was a member of the well known firm of Myers & Polsky and then purchased his partner's interest, changing the name to the present form of A. Polsky & Company. He was an enterprising, reliable merchant who gave to his patrons good value for the amount expended, and his trade steadily increased, keeping pace with the growth of the city. In 1910 he incorporated the business and since his death on March 3, 1915, it has been conducted by his sons and son-in-law. Abraham Polsky had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1893, when forty-two years of age. To their union were born five children : Mrs. Anna Finn and Mrs. Eva Sands, who live in Cleveland, Ohio; and Harry 0. Polsky, Mrs. Rose Morganroth and Bert A. Polsky, all of whom reside in Akron.
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Harry O. Polsky received his early education in Youngstown and completed his studies in the Central high school at Akron. He then entered his father's store and worked in the various departments, becoming conversant with every phase of the business. Since 1915 he has been president of A. Polsky & Company, of which his brother is vice president, and they control the activities of one of Akron's largest and finest dry goods establishments. Quality and service are the watchwords of the firm, which is striding in step with the spirit of the times, and caters to a most discriminating and desirable class of patrons. Like his father, Harry 0. Polsky has the wisdom, the foresight and mental alertness of the true executive and is also connected with financial affairs, serving on the directorate of the National City Bank.
Mr. Polsky was married January 27, 1903, in Akron, to Miss Fanny Morganroth, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Morganroth and a member of one of the prominent families of the city. Mrs. Polsky is a sister of Dr. Simon Morganroth, a well known physician and surgeon of Akron and vice president of the firm of A. Polsky & Company. Mr. and Mrs. Polsky have become the parents of two children : Richard M., who was born in Akron in 1904 and is a graduate of the Culver Military Academy and Yale University; and Jean Elizabeth, who was born in this city in 1909 and is a graduate of the Ford Belmont Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mr. Polsky is a Royal Arch Mason and one of the directors of the Rosemont Country Club. He also belongs to the Fairlawn Country Club, the Oakwood Country Club of Cleveland and the City Club of Akron. Genial, sympathetic and unaffected, he readily wins friends, and his standing as a business man is indicated by the fact that he is serving as president of the Akron Merchants Association, an office to which he was elected in 1928.
CHARLES EUGENE SWEENY
One of the most modern and best appointed undertaking establishments in Summit county is that of Sweeny Brothers, of 466 East Market street, Akron, of which Charles E. Sweeny is president. Natural aptitude for their work and long experience have enabled the brothers to render a service which has gained for them a large patronage and the genuine respect of all who have employed them. Charles E. Sweeny was born at Nelsonville,
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Athens county, Ohio, on the 31st of January, 1888, and is a son of Edward J. and Lucinda (Wilson) Sweeny, the latter a native of Ohio, of which state she has been a resident to the present time, now making her home with her daughter. The father was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in his early youth came to Ohio, of which state he remained a resident until his death. During his later years he was manager of the Lorain Coal and Dock Company at Bridgeport, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Sweeny were born four sons and a daughter : Arthur W., a member of the firm of Sweeny Brothers, of Akron; John R., of Asheville, North Carolina; Frank, of Athens, Ohio; Charles E.; and Mrs. J. M. Dennison, of Akron.
Charles E. Sweeny received his education in the public schools of Nelsonville and then went to work as a clerk in a general store. A year later he secured a position with N. J. Simons, of Wellston, Ohio, under whom he learned the undertaking business. He remained with Mr. Simons two years, after which he became a traveling salesman for the Dice-Fertig Company, of Dover, Ohio, with which concern he remained for five years. In 1916 he came to Akron, and in partnership with his brother, Arthur W., established the present business, under the firm name of Sweeny Brothers, of which Charles E. Sweeny is president; Elsie W. Sweeny, vice president; Arthur W. Sweeny, treasurer; and K. W. Cook, secretary. They have a well arranged establishment, including a commodious chapel, rest room, office and embalming room, and all of the furnishings and equipment are modern and appropriate. They give careful and considerate attention to the needs and comfort of those who require their services and have gained wide reputations for their devotion to their patrons' interests. Charles E. Sweeny is a director of the South Akron Savings and Loan Company and a director of the North Hill Masonic Temple Association.
On September 10, 1908, at Glouster, Athens county, Ohio, Mr. Sweeny was united in marriage to Miss Alta McAfooes, a daughter of L. D. and Alice McAfooes, and they are the parents of three children, namely : Dow Edward, who was born in Smithville, Ohio, July 11, 1909, and is a graduate of the Central high school in Akron; Grace Virginia, born in Cambridge, Ohio, May 27, 1917, and now attending the Portage public schools, and Joan, born in Akron August 30, 1924. Mr. Sweeny is a member of the Mt. Akra Lodge, No. 680, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; Cambridge Chapter, No. 72, R. A. M., of which he is a past
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high priest; Akron Commandery, No. 25, K. T.; Lake Erie Consistory, A. A. S. R.; Tadmor Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S.; Akron Lodge, No. 363, B. P. 0. E., and the Grotto. He also belongs to the Vista del Lago Country Club, of which he is vice president; the Akron Automobile Club, the Exchange Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the National Funeral Directors Association. He filled out an unexpired term as a member of the Akron board of education and was for several years a member of the state board of examiners for embalmers. His religious membership is with the First Methodist Episcopal church and he is a member of its board of trustees. He has shown a commendable interest in everything concerning the welfare of his community and is regarded as one of its progressive and dependable citizens.
EDSON A. FREEMAN, M. D.
In the field of professional service Dr. Edson A. Freeman has made continuous progress and ably upholds the prestige of Akron's medical fraternity. He was born October 7, 1886, in Morristown, New Jersey, and his parents, Moses T. and Catherine C. (Ervey) Freeman, were also natives of that state, in which their ancestors were early settlers. His father was a painting contractor and developed a business of large proportions. He attained the age of sixty-one years, passing away in 1913, and is survived by the mother.
Dr. Edson A. Freeman, their only child, was reared in his native city and completed his high school course in 1904. Colgate University awarded him the A. B. degree in 1908, after which he became connected with a wholesale business in New York city, where he spent two years. Going to Chicago, he entered Rush Medical College and was graduated with the class of 1914. For two and a half years he was an interne in the City Hospital of Akron and in 1916 began his career as a general practitioner. His first office was at the corner of Case and East Market street and he is now located on the fifth floor of the Second National Bank building. In June, 1925, he completed a postgraduate course in the Post Graduate School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania and since his return to Akron has specialized in obstetrics and gynecology. He was surgeon for the Kelly Springfield Tire Company from 1915 until they moved from town in 1925. He is now junior gynecologist at the City Hospital
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of Akron, having charge of its clinic, and is a member of the senior obstetrical staff. His surgical work is characterized by sureness, precision and skill and his ability has brought him a large practice.
Dr. Freeman was married December 9, 1913, in Morristown to Miss Annie R. Letcher, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Letcher and a member of one of the prominent families of East Orange, New Jersey. Dr. and Mrs. Freeman have become the parents of two children : Phyllis R., who was born December 6, 1914, and is attending the West high school; and Edson A. Jr., who was born December 10, 1917, and is a pupil in the King grammar school.
Dr. Freeman is a Scottish Rite Mason and also has affiliations with Tadmor Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and Yusef Khan Grotto. He is a member of the Exchange Club and also belongs to the University, Celsus, City, Masonic and Automobile Clubs. While attending Colgate University he joined the Beta Theta Phi fraternity and is also a member of Nu Sigma Nu, a medical fraternity at Rush Medical College. Along professional lines he is identified with the Summit County and Ohio State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. His interest in Akron's development and prosperity is indicated by his affiliation with the Chamber of Commerce and his religious views are in harmony with the doctrines of the First Presbyterian church. Dr. Freeman has made good use of his talents and fills an important place in the life of his community, in which he is highly respected.
FRANK M. WISE
Frank M. Wise, who has long been engaged in the real estate business in Macedonia, was born on the 26th of August, 1870, in the state of Michigan, where his parents, Roscoe and Sarah M. (Pyle) Wise, were temporarily abiding, returning shortly afterward to their home at Clay Center, near Toledo, Ohio. His father was born in Brandywine district, Summit county, Ohio. The grandfather, a native of England, was a blacksmith by trade and served in the United States Army during the Civil war. His wife, whose maiden name was Roxie Cranmer, was the first white child born in Catch Penny. Sarah M. (Pyle) Wise was born in Macedonia, Summit county, and was of German lineage. In 1872,
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when Frank M. Wise was about two years of age both of his parents died, at which time he was adopted by his maternal grandparents, who were living in Summit county, and he was reared in their home. He received his education in the schools of that locality and when nineteen years of age began working in stone quarries, and also did some farming. Later he engaged in the railroad contracting business, which he followed for twenty-two years, and also did a good deal of masonry work, such as foundations and retaining walls. For some years he has engaged in the real estate business, with his principal office in Cleveland, and is meeting with well merited prosperity.
In Macedonia, Ohio, Mr. Wise was united in marriage to Miss Esther Belle Munn, who is of Scotch and Holland descent and is a member of one of Summit county's old pioneer families, her paternal great-grandfather, having settled among the Indians here in a very early day. He was for many years a circuit-rider. Mr. and Mrs. Wise have two children; Sarah Pauline, who is the wife of Budd L. Cross, of Macedonia, and has a son, David L. ; and LeVere, who is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wise also took into their home and hearts Gladys Amelia Munn, Mrs. Wise's sister, whom they reared from childhood and to whom they gave the same care and affection as though she were their own child. She is now the wife of Howard C. Brown and lives in Cleveland. Mr. Wise is a member of Hudson Lodge, F. & A. M., and Bedford Chapter, R. A. M. The family was for many years connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wise served as mayor of Macedonia during the first seven years after its incorporation and several terms as a member of the council. His large and commodious home is located on the Twinsburg-Macedonia highway and is at this time being modernized in every respect. His maternal great-grandfather, Henry Pyle, built the first log house in Mahoning county, Ohio, and Mr. Wise has in his possession the tools with which the house was built, as well as a number of other relics of the pioneer days.
JOHN HARRY SKINNER
John Harry Skinner, member of the plastering contracting firm of Barr & Skinner, of Akron, has had long experience in every phase of this line of work, in which he is regarded as an expert, and since engaging in the contracting end of the business
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has gained recognition as a capable and reliable man. He was born in Jackson county, West Virginia, on the 5th of July, 1890, and is a son of William and Hattie (Boyce) Skinner. His parents, also natives of West Virginia, came to Ohio in 1885, settling in Meigs county, but subsequently returned to their native state, where the father was successfully engaged in farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 1895. They became the parents of two children, Mrs. Augusta Spriggs, who lives in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and John H.
The son received his educational training in the public schools at Beech Grove, West Virginia, and at the age of fifteen years started out to make his own way in the world. He entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the plastering trade and on the completion of his term started out as a journeyman and during the following ten years worked in almost every state in the Union, making good wages. Finally he decided to settle down and, having heard of Akron as a progressive city, with a splendid future, he came here in 1916 and immediately entered business as a plastering contractor. In 1924 he and J. Robert Barr formed a partnership, under the name of Barr & Skinner, and engaged in plastering contracting, in which they have been more than ordinarily successful, both partners being capable from a technical standpoint, while their business methods have been such as have gained for them the respect and confidence of all who have had dealings with them. Among the many important contracts which they have successfully handled are the new St. Thomas Hospital, the Spicer, Glover, Rankin and Finley school buildings, the Bankers Guarantee Title and Trust building, the new City Hospital buildings, the Weiner building and Trinity Reformed church, all at Akron; the Grant junior high school building in Steubenville, Ohio; the high school building at Bellaire, Ohio; the Kent Training school, at Kent, Ohio, the Roman Catholic church at Bellaire, Ohio; the Grant junior high school building at Steubenville, Ohio; the high school building at Elm Grove, Wheeling, West Virginia ; and the high school at Kenmore, Ohio.
On May 15, 1914, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Skinner was united in marriage to Miss Nora Daugherty, a daughter of Fred and Lucy (Bowers) Daugherty, of a prominent and well known family of that city. They are the parents of four children : Brady, born in 1917; Estella Mae, in 1919; Harry, in 1925, and James Henry, in 1926. Mr. Skinner is a member of the Builders Exchange, the Akron Real Estate Board and is president of the
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Ohio Plasterers Association. He possesses a good personality, is energetic and up-to-date in his ideas and methods, and since coming to this city has gained a high place in public confidence and respect.
WILLIAM H. SALISBURY
Among the well known, popular and progressive business men of Akron identified with the printing trade, none is more worthy of mention than William H. Salisbury, secretary and general manager of the Ben Franklin Printing Company. Step by step in his chosen field he has advanced until he has developed a business that is a contributing factor to the commercial progress of the city. Mr. Salisbury was born in Shunk, Sullivan county, Pennsylvania, February 20, 1869, a son of E. G. and Vicilla (Shadduck) Salisbury, who were also natives of the Keystone state, where they spent their entire lives, the father devoting his attention to farming. Their family numbered nine children, of whom eight survive, namely : Mrs. Olive Grave Jackson, William H., Mrs. Eudora Brenchley, Mrs. Evelyn Stone, John T., Mrs. Fentie Pierson, Elon G. and Jesse.
After attending the country schools William H. Salisbury entered upon an apprenticeship to the printer's trade in connection with newspaper work at Kalkaska, Michigan, and later was in the employ of Mathews & Northrup, printers of Buffalo, New York, with whom he continued for a year. He then worked for two years on the Courier of Geneva, New York, and later went to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where for five years he was employed on the Gazette and Bulletin, coming thence to Akron, where he was identified with the Commercial Printing Company for fifteen years, most of the time in an official capacity. On the 15th of October, 1913, he with three associates, organized the Ben Franklin Printing Company and has since been its secretary and general manager. The company owns a modern plant, well equipped to handle all kinds of printing, and the work turned out measures up to the highest standards, for efficiency, enterprise and reliability have always characterized the conduct of the business. Ten standard presses and linotype machines facilitate the work and from thirty to fifty people are employed. With the passing years the patronage of the company has steadily increased until the volume of business makes theirs one of the lucrative printing establishments of Akron.
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On the 4th of September, 1895, Mr. Salisbury was married to Miss Edyth Brown, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Peter Brown, a successful farmer. They have one daughter, La Rue, who was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, educated in Akron, and is now the wife of Hamilton W. Sherlock and has two children, Marcia and Paula.
Mr. Salisbury gives his political allegiance to the republican party and he is identified with the Akron Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps nothing outside of business indicates more clearly the character of a man than his membership relations and in these connections Mr. Salisbury gives evidence of the high standards which govern him in all of life's relations. In Masonry he has taken several degrees and is a past master of Akron Lodge, F. & A. M. He is also a past chancellor of Aetolia Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and he is identified with the Kiwanis Club, the Akron Automobile Club and the International Bible Students Association. In these connections are indicated the rules which govern his conduct and shape his relations with his fellowmen, making him an outstanding citizen in the respect which is everywhere entertained for him.
L. ELMER GAUME
In the dry cleaning business in Summit county L. Elmer Gaume is prominent and as president and general manager of the Universal Cleaning Company he has achieved a notable success, being recognized as one of Akron's most progressive and enterprising business men. Mr. Gaume was born at Danville, Kansas, on the 11th of November, 1885, and is a son of Eugene and Sarah J. (Durban) Gaume. Both parents were natives of Ohio, the father having been born at Louisville and the mother at Danville, and in an early day they moved to Kansas, where the father took up a tract of government land, on which he engaged in raising cattle. Later they moved to Colorado, where they lived for some time, but eventually Mr. Gaume sold his interests there and came to Akron, where he established the Criterion cafe, which became one of the best known and most popular restaurants of this city, being patronized largely by the better class of people. He was successful in this enterprise and some years later sold it and retired from active business, his death occurring in 1922. He is survived by his widow, who still resides in this city. They be-
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came the parents of three children : L. Elmer; Mrs. W. H. Evans, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio; and Thomas J., who died at the age of fourteen years.
L. Elmer Gaume received his education in the Crosby public school and the Central high school, after which he took a course in chemistry. In 1908 he established a dry cleaning business, organizing what is now the Universal Cleaning Company, which is one of Akron's most up-to-date cleaning and dyeing establishments and ranks as the sixth largest concern of its kind in the state of Ohio. Mr. Gaume has built up an extensive business, in which he employs one hundred and fifty people, and his success has been based on the superior quality of his work, his prompt and courteous service and his square dealing. Some years ago Mr. Gaume and others perfected what is now a patented odorless cleaning process, known as "Miraclean," for the manufacture and sale of which they organized the Miraclean. Company, the product of which is now being extensively sold throughout the country. Mr. Gaume is president and general manager of both companies and has shown himself a capable and successful business man.
Mr. Gaume was united in marriage on April 17, 1908, to Miss Katherine Kleckner, of Marshaliville, Ohio, whose father, Samuel Kleckner, is a retired employe of the Philadelphia Rubber Company. Mr. and Mrs. Gaume have an adopted daughter, Eleanor Cross, to whom they give the same care and affection that a child of their own would have received. Mr. Gaume is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Fairlawn Club, the Akron City Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Akron Automobile Club and the National Dry Cleaners Association. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church, and he gives his support to every worthy benevolent or charitable cause. He is a man of agreeable personality and friendly manner and wherever known commands uniform respect and esteem. His residence is at 124 Byers avenue.
LEWIS FRANK FREDERICK
Throughout practically his entire life Lewis Frank Frederick has been engaged in business on his own account. He was but fourteen years of age when he became a grocer, conducting a store of his own. Since then his opportunities have continually broadened as industry and persistency of purpose have carved out