(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 601 for him the road to success. That he has so long managed his individual affairs shows him to be a man of discrimination and sound judgment who has ever looked beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future. Mr. Frederick was born in Copley, Ohio, August 28, 1880, his parents being Benjamin F. and Ada A. (Sherbondy) Frederick, both of whom were natives of Akron, where much of their lives was passed. The father was a boilermaker for twenty-seven years and afterward was in gardening and trucking with his son Lewis F. He died April 10, 1927, and the mother is still living, as are their three children, the daughters being Mrs. Susie E. Farnsworth and Mrs. Jennie M. Frank, both of New London, Ohio. The son, L. F. Frederick, attended the graded schools of Akron, living from the time when he was two years of age on Sherbondy hill, to which his parents removed from a farm in Copley. He was a lad of but thirteen years when he began clerking in a grocery store at the corner of East and Wooster avenues, there remaining for six months, after which he leased a store room on the opposite side of the street and embarked in business on his own account as a competitor of his former employer, who after a short time withdrew from the field. Mr. Frederick was accorded credit by the wholesale houses and his youth made appeal to patrons, while his courteous and efficient service enabled him to retain their trade. For three years he successfully conducted this store, but close application and long hours while he was still a growing boy endangered his health and upon the advice of a physician he turned to outdoor life, selling his stock of groceries and taking over a large truck garden on Diagonal road. There in addition to raising vegetables he engaged extensively in cultivating strawberries, finding a ready market for his produce. He made a careful, thorough and systematic study of the scientific cultivation of strawberries and won the reputation of producing the largest and best berries sold in the Akron market. For fourteen years he concentrated his efforts upon the conduct of his farming interests through the summer months and in the winter seasons engaged in teaming and contracting. At length the growth of the city made his land too valuable for farming purposes and he sold out, concentrating his attention through the succeeding six years upon the teaming and contracting business. It was in 1913 that he entered the coal trade in connection with his father, Benjamin F. Frederick, at the railroad crossing on Thornton street. He has since continued in this field and the business 602 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY has been developed to extensive and gratifying proportions. He is a member of the Akron Coal Merchants Credit Exchange and he enjoys the reputation of being one of the leading coal merchants of the city, having gained a measure of prosperity that is most gratifying. On the 26th of June, 1906, Mr. Frederick was married to Miss Ruth a Washburn, of Akron, a daughter of Winslow and Myra (Woodbridge) Washburn. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick have three children : Leah C., who was born July 2, 1907; Lorene J., born September 7, 1908; and Lloyd E., born July 23, 1918. The religious faith of Mr. Frederick is indicated in his membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He yet finds pleasure in working in his garden and he takes keen enjoyment in music, history and current literature as well as in travel. Starting out in business at an age when most boys are engrossed with the work of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground, he has made steady advancement and well merits the high regard which is entertained for him by all with whom he has come in contact through business or social relations. EDWARD R. HELD When, on March 30, 1927, Edward R. Held closed his eyes to earthly scenes and passed on to his eternal reward, the city of Akron lost one of its most valuable and highly esteemed citizens, for he had been a tower of strength in the community's financial and commercial structure and in private life had exemplified the highest type of citizenship. In a quiet but effective way he exerted a marked influence, and every interest with which he was identified benefitted from his connection with it because of his integrity of character, his sound and dependable judgment and his adherence to right principles. Mr. Held was born in Canal Fulton, Stark county, Ohio, on the 17th of December, 1853, and his education was received in the schools of that place, which he attended to the age of twelve years. He began to earn his own living at the age of eight years, getting a job in a small grocery store in his native town, the rear of the store having a canal landing. The store was owned by Timothy Sullivan, who commanded the confidence of the canal men, who made it a practice of entrusting their funds to his safekeeping, and through this AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 603 young Held received his first insight into banking. Some time later he came to Akron and obtained a place as a grocery delivery boy, driving a horse and wagon for Saxon & Chamberlain, whose store was located on North Howard street. After a time Mr. Held went back to Canal Fulton and resumed his position with Mr. Sullivan. That gentleman had been gradually working into a banking business, which was later taken over by S. J. Cole and eventually Mr. Held, who had been rigidly economical, bought out both gentlemen. In order to put the banking business on a better basis, he organized the Exchange Bank, which proved a distinctive success, eventually demanding so much of his time that he sold the grocery store, and thereafter devoted his attention to the bank, of which he remained president to the time of his death. In 1900 he came to Akron, where he was now well known as a successful banker, and, in association with J. R. Nutt, of the Union Trust Company of Cleveland, A. B. Rinehart, H. B. Camp and Will Christy, he organized the city's first trust company, under the name of the Akron Trust Company, of which he became treasurer. This institution enjoyed a very satisfactory growth from the start and in 1905 was consolidated with the Central Savings Bank, under the name of the Central Savings and Trust Company, of which Mr. Held was made treasurer, which position he filled continuously until 1917, when, on the death of Will Christy, he was elected president and remained at the head of the institution until his death. He was also treasurer of the Beacon-Journal Publishing Company, president of the National Bank of Hudson and of the Clinton Savings Bank, at Clinton, treasurer of the Central Realty Company and the Associated Realty Company and a trustee of the Better Akron Federation. Mr. Held was married to Miss Flora A. Miller, of Canal Fulton, and they became the parents of eight children, of whom five are living, namely : Paul M., treasurer of the Central Savings and Trust Company; Donald S., a teller in the Central Savings and Trust Company; Harold E., who is engaged in the practice of law in Akron and to whom personal reference is made on other pages of this work; Mrs. C. Blake McDowell and Mrs. Robert Pool, both of whose husbands are practicing law in this city. Mr. Held took a keen interest in the public affairs of his community and, though he never sought office, rendered effective service as a member of the board of education at Canal Fulton and as a member of the Akron city sinking fund commission. He was an earnest member and a generous supporter of the Reformed 604 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY church and served for ten years as superintendent of its Sunday school. He was a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Akron City Club and the Portage Country Club. Mr. Held was a man of broad views, alert mentality and sound opinions on practical matters, and possessed the courage of his convictions. He was a constant advocate of thrift as one of the foundation stones of individual, community and national prosperity, and one of his well known maxims was, "One of the most important fundamentals of our education should be frugality, but it is the one most neglected." He applied himself closely to business affairs, seldom taking a vacation, but always found time to devote to those things which were calculated to advance the material, civic or moral welfare of the community. Kind and generous in disposition, he was able to render assistance to many striving young men who he felt were making the right sort of an effort to get ahead and many owe their start in business to his timely aid and wise counsel. He filled a large place in the life of the community and is held in grateful remembrance by all who knew him. CHARLES FISH Charles Fish, who has had many years of practical experience as a civil engineer and surveyor, ranks with the leaders of his profession in this section of Ohio. Moreover, he is a representative of an old New England family, being in the ninth generation from John Fish who was the American progenitor, the line of descent being through Captain Samuel, Samuel, Captain John, Joseph, James, Isaiah, Buell J. and Charles. This Fish family is one of the oldest in this section of the state, and dates back to 1811, when James Fish the paternal great-grandfather of Charles Fish, left Mystic, Connecticut, and drove an ox team to Ohio after forty-seven days of travel, and was the first settler in Brooklyn township, Cuyahoga county. Isaiah W. Fish, the grandfather of Charles Fish, was the first white child born in Brooklyn township, his natal day being May 9th, 1814, and was one of the best known men in this part of the state. He died in 1875. Charles Fish was born at Boston Mills, Summit county, Ohio, on the 25th of July, 1883, his parents being Buell J. and Lela (Hollister) Fish, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Buell J. Fish was a farmer and stock raiser, devoting his entire AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 607 life to that occupation. He has passed away, but the mother is yet living. Their two daughters, Nellie and Lida, married twin brothers of the name of Baker. Charles Fish, the only son of the family, mastered the elementary branches of learning in the little red brick schoolhouse at Boston Mills and his youthful days were passed as those of the average farm-bred boy who works and plays and enjoys the spirit of mischief in which the average healthy American youth indulges. He did his part in making it difficult for the school teacher to keep order, but in due course of time he completed a public school course, which included high school training, and was sent to the University of Florida, where he was to receive military training with a view of entering the West Point Military Academy. He had just completed his course in Florida, and intending to enter in the fall, he returned home for the summer and engaged in harvesting on his father's farm. While thus employed he met with a serious accident that changed his entire life plans, for his left hand was severed at the wrist. Notwithstanding this Mr. Fish has made steady progress, winning a notable measure of success. He met the situation courageously and adapted himself to changed conditions, making the most of his opportunities. After his accident he became a bookkeeper for the George Worthington Hardware Company of Cleveland, with which he remained for three years and at the end of that time turned his attention to civil engineering and surveying at Climax, Georgia. After completing his course of study there he went to Arenac county, Michigan, and became identified with the county department of engineering, working in the office of the civil engineer and surveyor. There he spent three years, after which he removed to Summit county, Ohio, where for a year and a half his time was fully occupied in surveying and laying out the magnificent 0. C. Barber estate, owned by the president of the Diamond Match Company. He built the concrete wall and fence that is now famous, being admired by all who have seen the estate. When this task was completed he became engineer for the work on the magnificent estate of F. A. Seiberling on North Portage path in Akron. He then established private practice and is today acknowledged one of the most efficient, thorough and capable civil engineers and surveyors of the city, enjoying an extensive practice which makes his business a profitable one. On the 6th of May, 1913, Mr. Fish married Miss Frances Hugill, daughter of Edward Hugill, of Akron, and they have 20-VOL. 3 608 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY three children : Jane Hugill, born July 14, 1914 ; Richard Charles, born November 30, 1917; and Robert James, born May 13, 1928. All are natives of Akron. Mr. Fish's residence is at 284 South Eighteenth street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Mr. Fish makes semi-annual pilgrimages to the haunts of wild game. He is a true sportsman in every sense of the word, never killing for the mere pleasure of destroying wild life. Mrs. Fish is also an excellent marksman and their children display notable skill in this regard. Mr. Fish is likewise a devoted follower of Izaak Walton. His interest centers in his family and he has found his greatest happiness in promoting their comfort, welfare and interests. His is a notable record of progress and achievement and illustrates the fact that all worth-while success is the direct outcome of capability and intelligently directed effort. LLEWELYN I. THOMAS, M. D. In the front rank of the medical profession in Akron stands Dr. Llewelyn I. Thomas, who has had wide and varied experience and whose ability has gained for him an extensive practice and the uniform respect of all who know him. Dr. Thomas was born in Danville, Montour county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of December, 1886, and is a son of David and Sarah (Reese) Thomas. Both parents were born in Wales and were brought to this country in childhood. The father, after working for iron manufacturing plants in Danville and Reading, Pennsylvania, eventually went into the iron manufacturing business for himself at Burnham, Pennsylvania, where he and his wife are still living. They are the parents of three children : David, Jr., and Edwin, both living in Pennsylvania; and Llewelyn I. Llewelyn I. Thomas attended the public schools in Danville and the high school in Reading. Desirous of a higher education, he then attended St. John's College and Lehigh University, studying mining engineering one year in the latter institution. He worked as machinist and electrician at Burnham, Pennsylvania, for a time. Having decided to take up the medical profession, he matriculated in Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1912. He served eighteen months as interne in the Delaware Hospital, at Wilmington, Delaware, four months in AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 609 the Philadelphia Hospital for Contagious Diseases and eighteen months in the Philadelphia General Hospital, after which he enlisted in the American Ambulance Corps. He was ordered overseas and served eight months in France, being connected with the American Ambulance Hospital near Paris. Returning to this country for a few months, he was connected with the Murray Hospital, at Butte, Montana, and as house surgeon in the Illinois Central Hospital in Chicago, after which he joined the United States Army Medical Corps, in which he was commissioned a first lieutenant. He served at the Base Hospital at Camp Lee, was later transferred to Fort Des Moines, and then again went overseas, where he was first attached to Base Hospital No. 79, from which he was transferred to Base Hospital No. 1, then to General Headquarters at Chaumont. He was honorably discharged from the service in July, 1919, after which he went to Spring Garden, California, where he served as surgeon for the Walker Mining Company for fourteen months. In 1921 Dr. Thomas came to Akron and engaged in the general practice of his profession, in which he has been very successful. He specializes in urology and is a member of the medical staff of the City Hospital. He belongs to the Summit County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. On August 24, 1917, in Goshen, Indiana, Dr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Hiatt, a daughter of Frank W. and Chella (Ninde) Hiatt, who now reside in California. In his political views the Doctor is an independent republican. He is a member of the American Legion, the Fairlawn Country Club and the Akron Automobile Club and his religious connection is with the Church of Our Savior. He is a man of many estimable personal qualities, has a large circle of warm and loyal friends and has won the confidence of all who have come in contact with him. HUBERT S. JEFFERS, D. O. Dr. Hubert S. Jeffers has gained wide recognition as a skilled and successful osteopathic physician and is building up a large practice in and near Barberton. He was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, on the 3d day of February, 1898, and is a son of H. P. and Pearl F. (Andrus) Jeffers. After completing the grade and 610 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY high school courses, he attended Ohio State University for two years and then entered the Still School of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, Missouri, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy in 1925. In June of that year he came to Barberton and engaged in the practice of his profession, in which he has met with very gratifying results. He has a well equipped office in the Finefrock building. On October 3, 1925, Dr. Jeffers was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ross. He is a member of the Masonic order and belongs to the Presbyterian church. The Doctor is a veteran of the World war, having enlisted in the navy, in which he served one year. He possesses a pleasing personality, is cordial and friendly in manner, and since coming to Barberton has gained a large circle of warm friends. RUDOLPH A. MAY From an early period in the history of Akron's business development Rudolph A. May was closely associated with the commercial and industrial progress of the city, where for many years he carried on business as a hardware merchant, while his inventive genius resulted in the production of an air blast furnace which he afterward manufactured. Sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise were among his chief characteristics and made him a leader in business circles here, the firm of May & Fiebeger being well known for many years. Mr. May was born in Bohemia, Austria, April 3, 1846, and was the fourth in order of birth in a family of six children, whose parents, Anthony and Rosalia (Dreythaler) May, were also natives of Bohemia. The father came to the United States in 1848 and in 1850 was joined by his wife and son Rudolph, three other children of the family having passed away in Austria. The father was first employed in a woolen factory and in 1851 engaged in the grocery business, which he followed until his death in 1855. His widow afterward became the wife of Joseph Fiebeger, who was also a native of Austria. Rudolph May was but three years old when brought by his mother to the new world, and the entire journey of thirty-five hundred miles was made by water and covered nearly three months. They made the trip from their native country to Liverpool, and thence took passage on a sailing vessel which was sixty- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 613 three days in crossing the Atlantic and during the voyage they saw Iceland, Greenland and Nova Scotia. After reaching the harbor of New York they sailed up the Hudson river to Albany and thence to Buffalo, from which point they traveled by way of Lake Erie to Cleveland and on by way of the Ohio canal to Akron. It was a hot, sultry day when eventually they reached their destination, but soon they were installed in their home on North Howard street just north of the Akron, Canton & Youngstown Railroad crossing, in a building which has since been moved back to Canal street but is still standing. Later the family home was established on Division street and afterward at the southwest corner of West Market and Valley streets and subsequently Mr. May purchased a home on West Market street that is still standing as one of the city's old landmarks. At that time Akron virtually comprised six small settlements with a total population of between fifteen and twenty hundred. The first school which Mr. May attended was situated in the midst of a forest tract on Maple street and he was taken to school on his first day by a Miss Pardee, being at that time only four years of age and unable to speak a word of English. Subsequently he attended the old Jennings school at Mill and Summit streets. His first teacher was Israel Putnam Hole, a strict disciplinarian, who required his pupils to either speak a piece or write a composition every Friday. There were many demands made upon Mr. May's time outside of school hours, for he assisted in clearing the trees from his father's land on West Market street and also had to watch the cows, which were allowed to range as far west as Copley. On one occasion, therefore, he came to school unprepared to meet the requirements of a "piece or composition," but fertile in resource as he always was, he and his seatmate, Carrol Wright, agreed that when called upon they would present an extemporaneous dialogue. They made their way to the platform by a devious route that attracted the attention of all the other pupils and then Mr. May stumbled purposely to give the other boy an opportunity for his opening, which he took by asking what was the trouble. Mr. May responded in an Irish brogue which he had picked up from customers in his father's store : "Well, I don't see why these teachers always have to have these elevations to put them above the scholars for, anyway." The dialogue then discussed the experiences of Mr. May, who was supposed to be a stranger visting Akron and related how he had seen a foundry. Upon being asked how they made pipe castings he answered. minting. his finger at his teacher, "They 614 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY make a hole in the ground and then pour lead into it." This brought an uproar from the entire room and the teacher was sportsmanlike enough to applaud. After the Civil war broke out Mr. May enlisted three times but each time his mother prevented him from joining the army because he was under age. He was a lad of fourteen when he went to Columbus, where he worked at silver plating, but decided that there was not enough demand for silver platers and turned his attention to the tinner's trade. He was working in Columbus with his uncle at the time Lincoln was assassinated and saw the body as it lay in state in the capital while en route for Springfield, Illinois. Later Mr. May returned to Akron, where he became an employe of J. K. Cramer, and in 1867 purchased a half interest in the business. Thirteen years thereafter he became its sole proprietor and then admitted his half-brother, Frank Fiebeger, to a partnership under the style of May & Fiebeger, a relationship which existed for thirty years, or until 1910, when Mr. May retired. In the meantime the firm had not only conducted the largest hardware and tinning establishment in Akron but Mr. May had also exercised his inventive genius until he had perfected the "Akron Air Blast" furnace, after which the firm purchased the plant of the Akron Foundry Company and there engaged in the manufacture of the furnace which he had perfected. Four years after retiring from the hardware trade Mr. May became treasurer of the Swinehart Tire & Rubber Company upon its organization and served in that official connection until failing health necessitated his putting aside active duties. In 1874 Mr. May was united in marriage to Susan R. Rhodes of Randolph, Ohio, and they became the parents of three daughters: Mary L. of Akron ; Helen C. of New York city; and Rosalie A., now the widow of Judge William J. Ahern of Akron and the mother of four children, Rose Elizabeth, William Robert, David Rudolph and Jean Ann. The two sons of Rudolph A. and Susan May are Rev. Francis G. May, chaplain of the Cathedral Latin school at Cleveland, and Louis R. May, of St. Louis, Missouri. Four years after the death of his first wife, which occurred in February, 1896, Mr. May married Miss Elizabeth Marie Roussert of Akron, who survives her husband and resides at 105 Edgerton road, the last home of Mr. May. The death of the husband and father occurred December 28, 1926. He had spent practically his entire life in Akron and was AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 615 one of its best known citizens and widely recognized as one of its most useful and influential residents. He became one of the charter members of St. Bernard's Catholic church and assisted the late Father Brown in drafting plans for the present house of worship. The white marble altar (Blessed Virgin) in the church was donated by Mr. May as a memorial to the May family. He was also an active and prominent member of the Knights of Columbus. In community affairs he took a deep interest, giving aid and support to every measure for the general good, and his influence was always on the side of progress, reform and improvement. All who knew him, and he had a wide acquaintance, entertained for him high regard, and thus it is that his memory is cherished by the large circle of warm friends that he left behind. JOHN BEESE Throughout life John Beese has been an earnest, systematic worker, doing well everything that he has undertaken, and a model farm property in Green township is the visible result of his industry, perseverance and thrift. He was born in Thomastown, Summit county, in November, 1869, and his father, John Beese, Sr., was a native of Wales, born March 1, 1829. He was a son of Samuel Beese and a grandson of Sampson Beese, who was born in Somersetshire, England. In the fall of 1850 John Beese, Sr., arrived in Youngstown, Ohio, and secured work in the Mahoning valley, where he remained until late in the year 1868, following the occupation of mining. He then came to Summit county and for eight years was superintendent of the Middlebury shaft in Coventry township, afterward taking charge of the Summit coal mine. On November 4, 1853, he married Agnes Thornton, who was born January 31, 1836, in Scotland and came to America in 1849 with her parents, who settled in. Sharon, Pennsylvania. John Beese of this review was the seventh in order of birth in a family of eight children. He supplemented his public school education by a year's course in Buchtel College and after leaving that institution obtained a position in a shoe store, in which he was employed for six years, and then ventured in business for himself, opening a meat market in Akron. For eighteen years he continued in that line, selling meat of high grade, and established a large trade. In 1914 he abandoned commercial pursuits and on May 6 purchased the place on which he now resides, known 616 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY as the Forest farm and consisting of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on the new Portage-Uniontown road, three-quarters of a mile west of East Liberty. The commodious brick home was erected in 1858 and all of the buildings on the property are large and substantial. Mr. Beese follows diversified farming and his well tilled fields yield rich harvests. He believes in scientific methods and keeps abreast of the times in every way. In 1899 Mr. Beese married Miss Mary E. Bernell, who for ten years had been a teacher in the public schools of Akron and achieved success in the educational field. She is the eldest of the seven children of Edward and Susan (Hicks) Bernell and her mother still resides in Akron but the father has passed away. The surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Bernell are : John J., who is connected with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company of Akron; George L., who holds a responsible position with the Goodyear Company of that city; and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Beese have three children : John F., who is advertising manager of the Denver office of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company; George W., who is employed in the Akron plant of that corporation; and Helen E., who is a student at the University of Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Beese take justifiable pride in their home and one of its chief features is a well selected library, with the contents of which they are thoroughly familiar, greatly enjoying the reading of good books, the "ever-burning lamps of accumulated wisdom." Mr. Beese was a member of the board of trustees of Green township for one term and conscientiously discharges the duties and obligations of citizenship. He is honest, sincere and broad-minded and merits and receives the respect of his fellowmen. JUDGE WILLIAM JOSEPH AHERN Judge William Joseph Ahern had the distinction of being at one time the youngest judge in the United States. He was a man of strong mentality, of broad vision, of wide sympathies and of marked capability in the line of his profession. For an extended period he served in the common pleas court and at all times his decisions were marked by a justice and impartiality that gained for him the unqualified commendation of the members of the bar throughout the state as well as the general public.. Judge Ahern was born in Hudson, Summit county, May 23, 1886, a son of William John and Rose (Kinney) Ahern, men- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 619 tioned elsewhere in this work. He attended the schools of his native city until he was fourteen years of age, when the family removed to Columbus, and he there became a student in Thompson's preparatory school. He afterward took an academic course in Ohio University at Athens and later entered the Ohio State University at Columbus, where he pursued his law studies, being graduated with the class of 1910, at which time the degree of LL.B. was conferred upon him. Immediately following his admission to the bar he became associated with the law firm of Voris, Vaughn & Vaughn, with whom he remained for a few years, after which he entered into partnership with Dow W. Harter. A little later he was appointed judge to succeed Judge Wanamaker, who left the bench of the common pleas court to go upon the supreme court bench. There is an interesting incident in relation to this appointment. It is said that he was a rosy cheeked young lawyer who looked more like a school boy than a barrister when he appeared before Governor Judson Harmon to plead the cause of an older attorney for appointment to the common pleas bench. The governor listened intently to Mr. Ahern's plea for his friend, but in the midst of it interrupted with "Why don't you speak for yourself, William?" The future judge was so greatly astonished that it was some moments before he could answer, "Well, governor, I never gave that a thought." The query of the judge was so like that of the famous "Why don't you speak for yourself, John?" that occasionally Judge Ahern was spoken of as the Priscilla and John Alden judge." Returning home, he told the older attorney of the situation and the latter gave his support to the appointment of "Billy" Ahern, who thereby became the youngest judge in the United States. With his accession to the bench, however, he developed that dignity which should always accompany the work of the bench. He was ever prompt and fearless in the discharge of his duties, sought to mete out an even-handed justice, and ever endeavored to keep litigation out of the courts, knowing what a saving it would be to the public and to the contending parties. It is said that when he had occasion to sentence a man to death—as he did several times —his voice always trembled in giving his opinion and that for some hours he would retire to the privacy of his own chambers, seeing no one. He was broad-minded and helpful to young lawyers, dealing with them considerately, and was ever courteous in his treatment of all who appeared before him. He never allowed anything whatever to stand in the way of the faithful perform- 620 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY ance of his duty and no record reflects greater honor upon the judicial history of the county than does that of Judge Ahern. His verdicts were never doubtful in character and as the result of this his decisions were seldom reversed in the court of appeals. It is said that he had the courage to hear any case, regardless of its importance, and the more difficult the case the more it pleased him, for he found delight in solving intricate judicial problems. It was Judge Ahern who was largely instrumental in settling the reorganization suit filed against the head of the Goodyear Rubber Company. The case was assigned to him for trial but after some weeks of conference with attorneys on both sides he effected a settlement between them—a settlement which favored neither the company nor the stockholders, but was fair to both. He established a precedent in the Ohio courts by his ruling in a second degree murder case that admitted intoxication did not excuse a defendant of accountability for his crime. At the close of his appointive term Judge Ahern was elected for a short term in 1914 and again for a long term in 1916. When he retired from the bench he resumed the private practice of law, but it was not long before his health suffered, and he was yet a comparatively young man when the end came. On the 24th of June, 1913, Judge Ahern had married Miss Rosalia Agnes May, a daughter of Rudolph A. and Susan (Rhodes) May, of Akron. Rudolph A. May is mentioned at length on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Ahern became the parents of four children : Rose Elizabeth, William Robert, David Rudolph and Jean Ann. Judge Ahern held membership in St. Vincent's Catholic church and in the Knights of Columbus. He belonged to the Delta Chi fraternity and at one time was a member of the Union Club, but the greater part of his attention was concentrated upon his professional interests and duties. Because he closely adhered to the highest standards of legal practice he was an honored representative of the Akron Bar Association, the Summit County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association. The deepest regret was felt at his passing by those who had been associated with him in professional activity and by all who knew him because of his loyal friendship and appreciation of the good qualities of others. He ranked as a man among men, esteemed by those with whom he came in contact and loved by his close associates. His intense devotion to his family was one of his marked characteristics and no outside companionship could compensate AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 621 him for absence from the members of his own household. He was richly endowed with those qualities which men most admire and Summit county lost one of her most valuable citizens when Judge Ahern passed away, July 20, 1924. EDWARD E. KRUMEICH Edward E. Krumeich, one of the organizers of the Akron Engraving Company, with which he has been identified in the dual capacity of secretary and treasurer to the present time, is numbered among the well known and popular business men and citizens of Akron whose efforts have contributed in material measure to the growth and development of the city. The success which has attended his undertakings is attributable entirely to his own efforts and his record thus contains much of inspirational value. He was born February 8, 1879, in Alsace-Lorraine, of which place his parents, Aloise and Josephine (Kleitchen) Krumeich, were also natives. The family emigrated to America in 1882, settling in Akron, Ohio, where the father was successfully identified with the pottery industry to the time of his death, which occurred in 1898. The mother passed away in the year 1912. Six of their seven children survive, namely : Edward E., Alfred, Mrs. Melanie Gast, Mrs. Mary Burgess, Mrs. Pauline Roades, and John. In the acquirement of an education Edward E. Krumeich attended the grade and high schools of Akron and subsequently pursued a course of study through the medium of the International Correspondence school. When a lad of fourteen he became associated with his father in the pottery manufacturing industry and thus he remained active until his twentieth year, when he entered the sales department of the Werner Company, in the service of which he continued for four years. Thereafter he entered the mechanical sales department of the B. F. Goodrich Company, continuing with the corporation altogether for eight years. On the expiration of that period he became identified with the S. I. 0. Engraving Company as secretary and treasurer. This firm was later reorganized as the Akron Engraving Company and Mr. Krumeich served in the same capacity, having thus been active in the control of the business to the present time. This plant is one of the most modern and up-to-date in Ohio and is considered the largest in the state, employment being furnished to from sixty 622 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY to sixty-five expert mechanics, artists, etc. Mr. Krumeich is also a trustee of the Akron Paper Box Company. Mr. Krumeich has been twice married. In 1904 he wedded Miss Margaret Gilhooly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gilhooly of Akron. They became the parents of a son, Raymond, who died at the age of seven years. The wife and mother passed away in 1911. In February, 1914, in Akron, Mr. Krumeich was again married, his second union being with Miss Grace M. McDonough, daughter of Charles and Margaret (Hackett) McDonough and representative of a prominent family of this city. By his second wife Mr. Krumeich has two children : Edward, who was born in Akron in 1916; and Ellen M., born in Akron in 1918. Both are students in St. Vincent's school. Mr. Krumeich is a communicant of St. Vincent's church. He is an active member of the Kiwanis Club and the Akron Chamber of Commerce and has long been numbered among the substantial and representative citizens as well as successful business men of his adopted city, in which he has lived from the age of three years. Genial and kindly in his social relations, and a man of sterling qualities, he has long commanded unbounded confidence and esteem in his community. WILLIAM WALLACE WUCHTER Among the men closely identified with the early history and growth of the rubber industry of Akron was the late William Wallace Wuchter, who led a busy and highly honorable life and recently passed away at Cuyahoga Falls while on a visit to the scenes of his early life and career, from his home in California. Mr. Wuchter was not only successful as a practical man in the rubber manufacturing field, but successful as an executive as well. A native of Summit county, he was a representative of one of its highly esteemed families. The Wuchter family early settled in eastern Pennsylvania and was likewise one of the pioneer families of the Western Reserve. The ancestry is traced back to Martin Wuchter, who died in 1840. He fought in the war for American independence, and the Wuchters are thereby entitled to become members of the Sons of the Revolution, Eli H. Wuchter being now a member. John Wuchter, son of Martin and the great-grandfather of William W. of this review, was born in 1792 in the vicinity of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and cline to Summit county and settled in Norton town- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 625 ship, where he owned land. He died in 1863. He was twice married and by his wife Maria had two sons, William and Eli. William Wuchter, son of John, was born at Mauch Chunk, Carron county, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1819, and accompanied his parents to Norton township, where he resided for many years. Subsequently he removed to Johnson's Corners, where he passed away May 30, 1895. The occupation of farming claimed his time and energies throughout his active business career. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Aurilla A. Cahow, and who was a native of Summit county, Ohio, survived him for a number of years, passing away in 1902 at the age of seventy-two. Their children who reached adult age were George W., Mary, Aurilla, Helen, Eli, Lottie and Alida. George W. Wuchter of the above family was born in Norton township, August 26, 1848, and remained a resident of Summit county all his life. In 1879 he removed to Tallmadge township and in 1881 purchased a farm whereon he resided until his death, which occurred December 2, 1913. Mr. Wuchter became noted as a breeder of fine stock of all kinds and specialized in Berkshire hogs. He was widely known as a successful exhibitor of prizewinning stock at agricultural expositions all over the country. Many noted people visited his farm, and at one time President Roosevelt and Vice President Fairbanks spent a half hour there together, while waiting for train connections to take them from Canton, where they attended the funeral of Mrs. McKinley. The visit impressed. President Roosevelt so pleasurably that on his return to Washington he hastened to write a letter to Mr. Wuchter giving expression to his sentiments and enclosing an autographed photograph of himself. Mr. Wuchter greatly prized these tokens of the great executive's appreciation. On November 7, 1871, he was married to Sarah Hines, who was born in Carroll county, Ohio, and who descended from Revolutionary ancestry. Her parents were Thomas and Sarah (Henderson) Hines, the father participating in the Civil war as a member of Company F, Eight-fifty Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and dying in the service. Mrs. Sarah H. Wuchter died March 2, 1912. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. George W. Wuchter were as follows: William Wallace; John M., who married Allie Kline and resides in Buffalo, New York; Bessie, who is the wife of John T. Smith, of Cuyahoga Falls; Lola, the wife of Frederic W. Kirk and a resident of Chicago; Arline S., who married Jacob Kuhn and resides in Akron; and Russell F., who is deceased. 626 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY William W. Wuchter was born at Western Star, Summit county, November 20, 1872. He attended the district school at Bettes Corners and graduated from the Akron high school in January, 1890. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. Samuel Wright at Tallmadge but soon afterward, because of an accident to his father, was compelled to return home and assist in the operation of the farm. His connection with the rubber industry began in 1890, when he entered the employ of the B. F. Goodrich Company as a builder of bicycle tires. Later he was advanced to foreman, in which capacity he continued for nine years. He then became superintendent of the Firestone plant, remaining there for about seven years, on the expiration of which period he resigned to accept the office of president and general manager of the Swinehart Rubber Company, succeeding James A. Swinehart. Four years later he severed this connection and for a period was identified with the Overman Tire Company of Passaic, New Jersey, on special work. He then became manager of the Kansas City Tire & Rubber Company, operating first their temporary plant at Chester, West Virginia, and later the new plant at Kansas City, Missouri. His ability attracted the attention of the stockholders of the Nebraska Tire & Rubber Company of Omaha, Nebraska, and he was induced to become president and general manager of this plant, serving in that executive capacity until December, 1923, when he resigned because of failing health. Mr. Wuchter then located at San Carlos, California, taking up residence there in the hope that the climate would prove beneficial to him. In the spring of 1928 he returned to his native county on a visit and while at the home of his sister, Mrs. John T. Smith, at Cuyahoga Falls, he was stricken by his last illness, passing away on the 16th of May. His remains were interred in the East Akron cemetery. Mr. Wuchter was married in Akron, March 28, 1894, to Miss Mary A. Klinger, a native of Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, and daughter of John and Anna (Lacey) Klinger. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wuchter : Ruth Dorothy and William Theodore, the latter dying in 1910, at the age of nine months. Ruth D. Wuchter was married in Cleveland on June 3, 1915, to James Eugene Whigam, Jr., a native of Barberton, Ohio, and they reside in San Carlos, California, which is also the residence of Mrs. Wuchter. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Whigam : James Eugene (III), whose birth occurred April 10, AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 627 1916, in Canton, Ohio; and Gloria Joan, born November 11, 1922, in Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. Wuchter was a republican in politics, always interested in the success of the party, but never cared for public office. He was a Knight Templar and thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in Grace Methodist Episcopal church of Akron, to which Mrs. Wuchter also belongs, and during his residence here he took a deep and helpful interest in its affairs, holding a number of offices in connection with its activities. Mr. Wuchter was a man of high integrity and upright principles. He made friends easily and retained them, and his well ordered life merited the high esteem in which he was uniformly held. His death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret and his memory will ever be enshrined in the hearts of those near and dear to him. HARRY E. KELLER Harry E. Keller, vice president and director of sales of the Diamond Rubber Company, of Akron, is one of the veterans of the rubber business and is regarded as one of the most efficient and capable officials of his company. He was born in Massillon, Stark county, Ohio, on the 17th of May, 1884, and is a son of A. and Regina (Fisher) Keller, both of whom were lifelong residents of this state. The father was for many years engaged in mercantile affairs and he was a man of high standing in his community. To him and his wife were born three children, Harry E., Mrs. G. F. Rhodes and Mrs. W. S. White. Harry E. Keller received his educational training in the public and high schools of Massillon, after which he entered the employ of the Russell Engineering Company, with which he remained for four years and during that time received several promotions. He then went to the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company, took the entire sales course, and was made sales manager of the mechanical goods division, which position he retained for several years. He was then made sales manager of the Diamond Rubber Company and the Brunswick Tire Corporation, with which concerns he has been actively identified to the present time, being made vice president and director of sales. He has been an important factor in the success of this well known company, being 628 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY energetic and aggressive in his methods and possessing marked executive ability. Mr. Keller was united in marriage to Miss Grace E. Akers, a daughter of Alfred and Charlotte Akers, of Akron. Mr. Keller is a republican in his political views, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Akron City Club, the Akron Automobile Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Because of his success and his estimable personal qualities he commands the respect and esteem of all who know him. Residence 515 Sunset view. GEORGE RALPH SEIKEL, M. D. Thorough preparation and preliminary scientific training constitute the basis of the success which has come to Dr. George Ralph Seikel, one of the younger physicians and surgeons of Akron, maintaining offices on West Market street. He is a native son of Ohio, having been born in Dover, February 20, 1901, his parents being Edward C. and Hannah P. (Weaver) Seikel, also natives of this state. The father is a well known lawyer of Dover and of New Philadelphia, Ohio, still actively engaged in practice, but the mother passed away in Dover in 1920. Their family numbered six children, of whom all are living : Mary Pauline and Herman W. are attorneys-at-law, associated with their father with offices at Dover and New Philadelphia ; Lewis A., also an attorney-at-law, was formerly associated with Burch, Bacon, Denlinger & Seikel but since July 1, 1928, is practicing alone with offices in the Second National Bank building at Akron; Angela and Joan are pursuing their studies; and George Ralph completes the family. The last named attended the schools of Dover until he left the high school and became a student in the Ohio State University. Subsequently he matriculated in St. Louis University as a student in the science department, from which he was graduated in 1923. A review of the broad field of business and professions led him to the conclusion that he would find the practice of medicine a congenial one and to this end he began study along that line, being graduated from the School of Medicine of St. Louis University in 1925. Soon afterward he became connected with the resident staff of the Akron City Hospital, in which he remained for a year, and since that time has engaged in general practice, having well appointed offices at 3511/9 West Market street. He is not only AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 631 capable but conscientious in the performance of his professional duties and through study and the exercise of effort his ability is constantly broadening, while his practice correspondingly increases. Dr. Seikel has membership in the Roman Catholic church. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is a member of the reserve officers medical staff of the United States army. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus, in which he has attained the fourth degree, and is medical director of the order, and he also has membership in the Akron University Club, the Akron Lodge of Elks and the Akron Turners Society, the Alpha Pi fraternity, Theta Kappa Psi medical fraternity. His efforts and attention, however, are most closely concentrated upon his professional interests and duties and he keeps in touch with the trend of medical progress through his connection with the Summit County, Ohio State and American Medical Associations. GEORGE W. CROUSE A native son of Akron, George W. Crouse, was born September 7, 1877, his parents being George W. and Martha K. (Parsons) Crouse, the former a native of Tallmadge, Ohio, and the latter of Brimfield, Ohio. The father long occupied a place as one of the distinguished and honored residents of the state by reason of his extensive operations in the fields of manufacture and finance and also by reason of the aid which he rendered his country both in days of peace and times of war. Back of him was an ancestry honorable and distinguished, his grandfather having served as one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. His parents, George and Margaret H. (Robison) Crouse, were pioneer settlers of Summit county, where on the old family homestead George W. Crouse, Sr., was born November 23, 1832. His youthful experiences were those of the farm-bred boy and at the age of sixteen years he became a teacher, following that profession through five winter terms of school. Appreciation of his worth and ability on the part of his fellow townsmen led to his appointment to the office of deputy treasurer of Summit county in 1855 and for four years thereafter he served in that position and also discharged the duties of deputy county auditor. In 1858 he was elected auditor of Summit county and endorsement of his record during his first 632 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY term came in a reelection in 1860, but before the end of his second term he resigned that office to become county treasurer, filling out an unexpired term. He was ever most loyal to the interests entrusted to his care and discharged his duties most capably, measuring up to every requirement of public service. While still in office he was appointed local representative of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, which had been extended as far westward as Akron. In 1863 he became local financial manager for C. Aultman & Company, supervising the erection of a branch factory in Akron. Two years later a reorganization of the business led to the adoption of the firm style of Aultman, Miller & Company, at which time Mr. Crouse became one of the stockholders and later was elected secretary and treasurer, continuing to fill the dual office until chosen for the presidency. n this connection he was instrumental in building up a large manufacturing enterprise that featured prominently in the growth and prosperity of the city. His keep insight enabled him to recognize and utilize possibilties and opportunities that others passed heedlessly by. He and Colonel George T. Perkins were the only two Akron citizens who supported the establishment of the first rubber factory here and continued with the industry through the days of its early struggle. It was in 1870 that Mr. Crouse became a stockholder and one of the original incorporators of the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company, and was a member of the first board of directors. He never lost faith in the undertaking, which in the course of years has become one of the chief productive industries not only of Akron and Ohio, but of the entire country. As a financier Mr. Crouse was also widely known. He became one of the organizers of the Bank of Akron in 1870 and continued as its chief executive officer until it merged with the Second National Bank. In 1890 he was elected to the presidency of the City National Bank and so continued until it was succeeded by the National City Bank in 1903. The Akron Beacon was at one time among his business interests and in every field which he entered he so directed his labors that success in notable measure rewarded his efforts. When the United States became involved in civil war George W. Crouse, Sr., was filling office in Summit county, but in 1864 he donned the blue uniform as a private of Company F, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, with which he remained until honorably discharged after the close of hostilities. Following the war he became the only third degree member of the AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 633 Commandery of Ohio, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and he ever proudly wore the little bronze button that proclaimed him a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He not only rendered valuable service to his country in times of war but was equally faithful in days of peace, being elected one of the county commissioners in 1872, his service on the board continuing through three years. He was likewise a member and president of the Akron city council and served on the Akron board of education, of which he was likewise president. In 1885 he was elected to the state senate and while a member of the upper house of the general assembly gave thoughtful and earnest consideration to all vital questions which came up for settlement. No one ever questioned the integrity of his position nor of his devotion to the general good. In 1886 he was elected to congress, in which he served with William McKinley, and between the two there was a warm personal friendship which continued through the latter's term as governor of Ohio and during his occupancy of the White House as president of the nation. Mr. Crouse was long recognized as one of the republican leaders of Ohio and did much to direct the policy and shape the destiny of the party in this state. His was a many-sided nature and at all times his activities were directed along lines of progress, reform and advancement. He served as a trustee of Buchtel College for a number of years and gave to the institution Crouse Gymnasium. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and both he and his wife were leading and helpful members of the Episcopal church, of which Mr. Crouse was a vestryman. In the Beacon-Journal it was said editorially: "He gave a lifetime, almost, to the upbuilding of his beloved Akron, and in his passing all Akron bows its head in sorrow. He was an example that has helped many a young man, unknown to him, but who, seeing and feeling the influence of his personality, has been encouraged to continue the good fight until some of that success that always crowns persistent effort has rewarded him. His death is not only a distinct loss to the city, but a personal bereavement for thousands of friends, whose grief will be second only to that of the members of the immediate family." In his youthful days George W. Crouse, Jr., had no unusual experiences beyond those that come to the boy whose time is largely given to the acquirement of a public school education. Later he was a student in Buchtel College and in Yale University. A business rather than a professional career appealed to him, and at 634 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY the age of twenty years he entered the business world, being first associated with the B. F. Goodrich Company. He was also identified at different periods with the Aultman-Miller Company and the Thomas Phillips Company and in 1906 he turned his attention to the manufacture of sewer pipe. It was in that year that the Crouse Clay Products Company was organized and incorporated and its subsequent growth and development offers a fine tribute to its management. Mr. Crouse is familiar with every phase of the business and as its chief executive wisely directs its interests and activities. Among his other business interests he is a member of the directorate of the First Trust & Savings Bank and he is financially interested in various other business concerns of the city in which he has always made his home and with whose progress he has been closely associated. On the 14th of November, 1900, Mr. Crouse wedded Miss Elizabeth Alden, a daughter of Isaac C. Alden, who for many years was connected with the Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company of Akron but passed away in 1921. Mr. and Mrs. Crouse have one son, George W. (III) , who was born in Akron in 1903 and is now associated in business with his father. He married Miss Marjorie B. Burch, a daughter of Colonel Frank Burch, a well known attorney of Akron. Long a member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Crouse filled the presidency in 1915 and 1916 and has ever cooperated heartily in movements projected by that organization for the city's benefit and improvement. He also served as chairman of the Summit County War Work Council. Appreciative of the social amenities of life, he is a member of the Portage Country Club, the Akron City Club, and the Akron University Club. He and his wife belong to St. Paul's Episcopal church. They are prominent in Akron's best social circles, and the hospitality of their own home makes it a most delightful social center. JAMES ELWOOD CLOSE The beauty and attractiveness of a city depend largely upon those who are connected with the building business, to which class, in Akron, belongs James Elwood Close, president of the Close Construction Company. He has always specialized in store fronts and thus it is that his efforts have added much to the attractive appearance of the business centers of Akron. His boy- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 637 hood, youth and early manhood were passed in Pennsylvania. He is a native of that state, his birth having occurred in Hyndman, Bedford county, January 5, 1881. His parents, Charles W. and Alice L. (Shaffer) Close, were natives of Bedford county and always resided there, the father engaging in business as a building contractor. He died May 15, 1927, and is still survived by his widow. Alice L. Shaffer came from an old Quaker family of Philadelphia on her mother's side, came from the Bakers, who were the original settlers of the Amsterdam section of Philadelphia. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Close were six children, of whom five are yet living, as follows : William R., who is a resident of the state of New York; James E., of this review; Harry, living in Hyndman, Pennsylvania; Melvin, who makes his home at Alverton, Pennsylvania; and Mrs. Emma Gaber, of Baltimore, Maryland. A year's study in high school, following his work in the grades, completed the education of James E. Close, who afterward worked in his father's planing mill and also learned the contracting business under the direction of his father. Later he went to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, with his father, with whom he entered into business, there remaining for a year. Subsequently he removed to Pittsburgh, where he continued until 1919, when he came to Akron and as his father's associate established a contracting business here. The enterprise prospered from the beginning and in 1923 James E. Close purchased his father's interest and has since conducted the business under the name of the Close Construction Company. This was incorporated in 1926, with James E. Close as president, and from the beginning the company has specialized in altering and beautifying store fronts and at the same time does an extensive business in the building of homes. Among their recent contracts were those for the remodeling of the interior of the Twentieth Century building for the Maas Company and the installation of one of the finest store fronts in northern Ohio, also store fronts for the Rudick Jewelry & Music Store, the Central Hardware Si Stove Company, the Bond Clothing Company, Randall's Clothes, Syndicate Clothing Company, the Wadsworth Company, the Singer Sewing Machine Company, Scotland Woolen Mills, Eastern Cut Rate Store, Pake's Pharmacy, Hippodrome Restaurant, Store Front, Rademaker's Art Store, The Art Shop, Holub's Second Hand Furniture Store, Andy Biasella (fruit and groceries) , P. J. Hose ( jeweler and optician), Riggs-Le Mar Beauty Parlor, The Zoob Shoe Company, Wise 638 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Brothers' Restaurant and Confectionery, Nobil's Shoe Store at Alliance, Ohio, Nobil's Shoe Store at Wooster, Ohio, Nobil's Shoe Store at Mansfield, Ohio, the D. M. Siff Shoe Company at Akron, Ohio, the D. M. Siff Shoe Company at Ashland, Ohio, the D. M. Siff Shoe Company at New Philadelphia, Ohio, the D. M. Siff Shoe Company at Massillon, Ohio, Jaffe's Department Store at Barberton, Ohio, the East Ohio Gas Company at Barberton, and the Edward Hotel, Canton, Ohio. There have also been many attractive residences built by the company and Mr. Close has ever taken pride in the faithful execution of all contracts and in the thorough reliability of the firm. In Youngstown, Ohio, on the 25th of October, 1904, was celebrated the marriage of James E. Close and Miss Josephine E. Feltkamp, of Pittsburgh, daughter of Henry Feltkamp, prominent in musical and in engineering circles. The child of this marriage is Alice Josephine Close, who was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, April 4, 1908. She is a graduate of the Akron high school, the Actual Business College of Akron, Heidelberg College of Tiffin, Ohio, and is now finishing her second year in the University of Akron. The family occupies a beautiful residence at 1138 Avon street. The parents are members of the Bethany Reformed church and Mr. Close is identified with the Masonic lodge at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; with Washington Chapter, R. A. M.; and with Akron Council, R. & S. M. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Wilkensburg and the teachings of these fraternities find expression in his well ordered and upright life. HERBERT W. BARTON, D. D. S. Dr. Herbert W. Barton has followed his profession for twenty-seven years and has enjoyed a large and general practice. Born in Akron on the 25th day of September, 1878, he is a son of Napoleon C. and Addie (Upington) Barton, the formed born in Rochester, New York, and the latter in Princeton, New Jersey. They came to Akron at an early, date, and here the father became widely known as an expert mechanical engineer, which profession he followed throughout his active career, for many years with the B. F. Goodrich Company. Both parents are deceased, the mother passing away in 1891 at the age of forty-two years, and the father dying in 1927, at the age of eighty-two years. They AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 639 had two children, Herbert W., of this review, and Dr. Edward W., who served with the American expeditionary forces in France and is now living in Alhambra, California, recuperating from the effects of his strenuous service overseas. Herbert W. Barton received his early education in the public and high schools of Akron and entered the dental school of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated, with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, in 1901. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession in Akron, in which he has continued to the present time, with the exception of the period of his military service. He assisted in enrolling Battery B, Ohio Field Artillery, for service on the Mexican border, and served with that organization during 1916-17 on the Rio Grande, in the Hospital Corps, at the end of which time Dr. Herbert W. returned to his practice in this city. He has a nicely furnished and fully equipped office in the Ohio building and among his patients are many of the leading families of this city and county. Possessing an accurate knowledge of dental surgery and painstaking and thorough in his work, he is regarded as one of the most dependable operating dentists in this locality and commands the respect of all who have availed themselves of his services. In September, 1902, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dr. Barton was united in marriage to Miss Maude Sutherland, a daughter of W. E. and Annie (Cobban) Sutherland. To them has been born a daughter, Adelaide, who was educated in Akron University, Wheaton College and the University of Southern California at Los Angeles, and is now the wife of David Ross Taylor, of Akron. Mrs. Barton is a member of the Akron Women's Club, the Federation of Women's Clubs and the Garden Club. Dr. Barton is a strong republican in his political views and has always been a supporter of those things which have contributed to the development of his city and county and the advancement of the public welfare. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine and belongs to the Fairlawn Country Club, the Akron City Club, the Akron Automobile Club, the Akron Rotary Club and is a director of the Akron Associates Company. The activity that Dr. Barton has enjoyed most however, is his Boy Scout connection, dating back to 1915, serving as secretary to the council and as deputy commissioner and in general council work. He maintains professional affiliation with the Summit County Dental Society, the Northern Ohio Dental Society, the Ohio State Dental Society and the American Dental Association. 21-VOL. 3 640 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Courteous and friendly in manner, and a man of estimable personal traits, he commands to a marked degree the esteem of his fellowmen and is regarded as one of the leading representatives of his profession in Akron. REV. STEPHEN EDWARDS KEELER, JR. Rev. Stephen Edwards Keeler, Jr., who has gained well deserved fame as a churchman, was instituted the twentieth rector of St. Paul's Episcopal parish on the 17th of September, 1923, and is thus in charge of one of the oldest denominational churches in Akron, founded in 1831. He was born in New Canaan, Connecticut, April 16, 1887, the eldest child of Stephen Edwards and Anne Demarest (Husted) Keeler, also natives of that place. The father, who spent his entire life within the borders of Connecticut, engaged in contracting and building prior to turning his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he carried on very successfully. He is survived by the mother, who still resides in Connecticut. Their family numbered three children, as follows: Warner Hoyt, who is a resident of Ridgefield, Conneticut; Mrs. Charles R. Sutton, living in Danbury, that state; and Stephen E. The last named was educated in the grammar school of his native town, at the Hoosac School for Boys, Hoosick, New York, and graduated with academic honors from Yale College in 1910 and the General Theological Seminary in 1913. He was curate of St. Paul's church of Cleveland during the two succeeding years and then became rector of St. Stephen's of Pittsfield, of which he continued in charge from 1915 until 1923. During the past five years he has been the beloved pastor of St. Paul's Episcopal church of Akron, which has grown in spiritual and numerical strength under his wise and consecrated leadership. St. Paul's Episcopal parish was founded in October, 1831. Its first place of worship was in a rented hall in Middlebury. Later, in 1839, the congregation moved to High street and worshipped in a building standing on the present site of the Elks Club. In 1886 the present parish house was built and served as a church and Sunday school. In 1906 the present beautiful church was built and consecrated. St. Paul's has a list of eleven hundred and eighty-one communicant members and is one of the outstanding parishes of the diocese. Its wardens and vestrymen are : C. B. Raymond, senior warden; H. S. Firestone, junior warden; E. R. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 643 Adam, George W. Crouse, Walter Holmwood, C. M. Hamill, F. P. Hamon, Dr. C. L. Hyde, Karl Kendig, M. M. Me11, W. W. Milar, W. O. Rutherford, Harry Stover, L. A. Vaughn and S. F. Ziliox. Rev. Stephen E. Keeler was president of the Akron Ministerial Association from 1925 until 1928 and in June of the latter year was elected president of the Akron City Council of Churches. He serves the diocese of Ohio as a member of the diocesan council, the board of missions, is chairman of the department of city missions and chairman of the executive committee of the Gambier Summer Conference. In May, 1928, he was elected to represent Ohio at the general convention of the Episcopal church convening in Washington in the following October. On the 2d of June, 1915, in Norwalk, Connecticut, Rev. Keeler was united in marriage to Miss Eunice Daskam Stevens, daughter of James Lawrence Stevens and Jennie M. (Daskam) Stevens and representative of a prominent Norwalk family. Rev. and Mrs. Keeler are the parents of a son, Stephen Edwards (IV), who was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, April 8, 1916, and following his graduation from King school entered the West high school of Akron, which he is now attending. Mrs. Keeler is a member of the Woman's City Club and enjoys enviable social standing in Akron. DAVID WILLIAM STEVENSON, M. D. One of the well known remedial institutions of Summit county is the Akron Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, at 165 East Market street. This well equipped institution has had a notably successful record and is recognized as one of the leading hospitals of its kind in northeastern Ohio. Dr. Stevenson was born near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on the 15th of January, 1866, and is a son of James and Jane (Darling) Stevenson, who were lifelong residents of Canada, where the father was a successful farmer and stock-raiser. They became the parents of five children, of whom the Doctor is the only survivor. He received his preliminary education in the public schools of Canada, was graduated from Toronto University, with the degree of Bachelor of Science, and then matriculated in Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, from which he was graduated, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1891. He served one year as interne in the Illinois Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat hospital 644 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY in Chicago, and then for four years (1891-95) was in charge of a large mission hospital in China, after which he entered upon the practice of his profession in Richmond, Indiana, where he specialized in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He met with distinctive success and continued in the practice there for twenty-three years. In 1915 he came to Akron to take over the practice of his brother, the late Dr. Mark D. Stevenson, and about that time he and Dr. E. M. Weaver established the Akron Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, which they have developed into one of the finest institutions of its kind in this section of the state, modern in its equipment, having up-to-date operating rooms and eleven patient rooms, while a competent force of graduate nurses and a staff of able and expert physicians give the highest type of service to those who are admitted to the institution. Dr. Stevenson gives his close personal attention to every detail of the hospital operations and management and maintains it at the highest possible degree of efficiency. In June, 1892, in Shanghai, China, Dr. Stevenson was united in marriage to Miss Amelia M. Brown, and to them have been born five children. Mrs. Lila Schmidt, who was born in China and now resides in Orrville, Ohio, is the mother of three children, Jane, Mary Ann and Carrol. Dr. Marion H., who also was born in China, is a graduate of the medical school of the University of Michigan, and is now on the staff of the Akron Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat hospital. Mrs. Alta Brown Smith, who was born in Canada, is the mother of a daughter, Muriel Joan. Mrs. Hazel Fetzer lives in Akron, Ohio. Elizabeth, born in Richmond, Indiana, is now a teacher in the West high school, in Akron. Doctor Stevenson is a republican in his political views and he and his wife are earnest members of the First Congregational church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the University Club and the Exchange Club. He maintains professional affiliation with the Summit County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is councilor of the sixth district of the State Medical Association and is a member of the medical staffs of the Akron City Hospital and the People's Hospital of this city, and president of the Akron Art Association. Though a very busy man professionally, the Doctor gives a due share of his attention to matters affecting the general welfare of his city and county and has proven broad-minded and public-spirited in his views and opinions. Because of his splen- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 645 did record as a physician, his high type of citizenship and his estimable personal qualities, he commands the uniform respect and confidence of the people of his community. WALTER E. GRUNER Among Akron's successful and highly respected business men stands Walter E. Gruner, secretary and treasurer of the North High Street Garage. In his affairs he has proven a man of keen judgment and marked initiative ability and his present prosperity is the outcome of his determined and persistent efforts. Mr. Gruner was born in Leipzig, Germany, on the 1st of October, 1879, and is a son of Otto and Ida Gruner, also natives of that city, where the father was a prominent and successful physician and surgeon. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom seven are living. Walter E. Gruner attended the public schools and a gymnasium in his native country and remained at home until twenty-six years old, when he came to the United States. Locating in Chicago, Illinois, he attended the Wahl-Henius Institute there and took a technical course in malting. On the completion of his studies, he came to Akron and as superintendent of the Akron Brewing Company, of which he was later president and manager, and conducted the business with marked success until the national prohibition law went into effect. He also organized the People's Dairy Company, of Akron, in which he retained his interest until 1924, when he sold out. In 1926 Mr. Gruner established the North High Street Garage, of which he has since been secretary and treasurer. This concern has enjoyed a very satisfactory growth and is numbered among the leading automobile organizations of this city. The company has the local agency for the Viehle cars, in the sale of which it has been very successful, and does an automobile storage and service business, enjoying a good measure of prosperity. On May 1, 1905, in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Gruner was united in marriage to Miss Elsia Polter, a daughter of Albert and Liberta Palter. Mr. and Mrs. Gruner have two children, namely : Albert A., born in Buffalo, November 10, 1907, is a student in Akron University; and Elvira, born at Findlay, Ohio, February 12, 1910, is attending high school. Mr. Gruner is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Frater- 646 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY nal Order of Eagles and the Akron Exchange Club, while his religious connection is with Grace Reformed church. He is public spirited in his attitude toward all measures for the betterment of his community, supporting all worthy movements, and throughout the range of his acquaintance is held in high esteem for his business ability and excellent personal qualities. He resides at 949 West Exchange street. DELPHOS WARD BAKER Among the attorneys successfully practicing at the Akron bar is Delphos W. Baker, who was born on a farm in Bethlehem township, Stark county, Ohio, February 8, 1893. He is a son of Elmer E. and Josephine (Young) Baker, both of whom were born, reared and educated in Stark county, where the father is engaged in farming. Their son Delphos was the second in order of birth in a family of ten children, the others being L. H., Mrs. Loretta Hurd, H. M., Roy, Mrs. Leota Bissell, Vera, Woodrow, Percy and Fay. The graded school system of Stark county afforded Delphos W. Baker his educational opportunities in his early youth, while later he attended a high school of Tuscarawas county and the Geneva Naval College at Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, being graduated from the latter institution with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1916. He had decided upon the practice of law as a life work, after a careful mental review of the broad field of business and professional activity, and he then became a student in the Toledo University Law School, winning his LL.B. degree in 1919. Before completing the course, however, he entered the United States army, for America was then engaged in the World war, and was commissioned a captain and placed in charge of the manufacture of guns and shells for the French army, being on duty at the proving grounds at Hagerstown, Maryland. There he remained until receiving his honorable discharge in 1919, when he resumed his law studies and won his professional degree, as previously stated. He had worked his way through college, earning the money by laboring in the steel mills. This indicated one of Mr. Baker's marked characteristics—that he never fails to accomplish what he undertakes and that he regards no obstacle too great that can be overcome by persistent and earnest effort. When he had completed his law course he entered the accounting depart- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 649 ment of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, with which he remained until April 1, 1922. Since then he has engaged in the practice of law and he is a member of both the Summit County and Ohio State Bar Associations. He received the C. P. A. degree in the State of Ohio, in May, 1928. His practice has been a combination of the legal and accounting professions, as it affects firm and corporation business. His preparation of a case is always thorough and accurate and his presentation of a cause clear and forceful. His clientele is constantly increasing and the court records bear testimony to many favorable verdicts that he has won. Aside from his law practice he is president of the Akron Spice Mills, a director of the Sawyer Transportation Company and a director of the American Benefit Association. Mr. Baker's marriage to Miss Letitia E. Baker was celebrated in New Castle, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1919. Mrs. Baker is a native of that city and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Baker, while by her marriage she has become the mother of two children, Richard W. and Betty Ann, both born in Akron, the former November 29, 1921, and the latter May 13, 1923. The parents are members of the First United Brethren church and are interested in the moral development and progress of the community. Delphos W. Baker is also a past counselor of the Junior Order and his aid and support can be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the general good. Step by step he has progressed and the results achieved represent the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents and the wise use he has made of his opportunities. STACY GULICK CARKHUFF Stacy Gulick Carkhuff is a well known representative of industrial interests in Akron as secretary of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, with which he has been officially identified in this capacity for nearly a quarter of a century. He was born on a farm in Jersey county, Illinois, January 12, 1872. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather were born on the old Carkhuff homestead at Flemington, New Jersey, where the great-great-grandfather settled considerably more than a century ago. Mr. Carkhuff's father was John Henry Carkhuff, who in early life accompanied the family from New Jersey to Jersey county, Illinois. That emigration was made in the decade of the '50s. John Henry Carkhuff followed farming in Jersey county for