(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY- 101 in Akron in January, 1881. His widow survived until April, 1913, and had reached the venerable age of eighty-eight years at the time of her demise. After a few years of grade school in Akron, Patrick T. McCourt early began to provide for his own support but though he worked through the daytime, he continued his studies at night, thus gaining a liberal education. His first position was with the Barber Match Company, where he remained until 1880. He then entered the employ of the Buckeye Mower & Reaper, where he remained until 1883, when he gave up his job to take his first contract—the sprinkling of Main street, at the same time furnishing teams for the changing of the old canal bed which is now Main street to its present location. During this period he entered into a contract with the old Akron Iron Company, which he held until the mill burned in 1896, for the unloading of freight, hauling to and from the depots and cleaning around the mills. In 1897 he built a stable, on what is now the site of the Congress Hotel, where he engaged in a livery and transfer business, in connection with his contract work, which at this time also consists of paving many of Akron's oldest streets and the building of fourteen canal locks. Continuing in the contract business he built the A. C. & Y. Railroad complete, part of the Western Maryland in Pennsylvania, changed the course of the Cuyahoga river in Cleveland in connection with his construction of the plant of the Otis Steel Company. He is still engaged in the construction business, being president of The McCourt Construction Company. Mr. McCourt is active in real estate, being treasurer of The McCourt Realty Company and was one of the originators of the Akron Morris Plan Bank, of which he is now president. In 1890 Mr. McCourt was married to Miss Rose M. Brady of Akron, a daughter of Thomas and Julia Brady. Mrs. McCourt passed away in 1896, leaving two children : Mrs. W. E. Leahy, who was born in Akron in 1891 and has three children; Joan, Katherine and William; and Walter P., who was born in Akron and is now treasurer of The McCourt Construction Company. He wedded Miss Helen Shepard and they have three children: Walter, Jack and Rosemary. In 1900 Patrick T. McCourt was married to Miss Anna E. Hefferman, daughter of Thomas Hefferman ,and they have become parents of one child, Mary, now Mrs. W. B. Stauffer. Mr. McCourt is a member of St. Vincent's church and is a 102 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He belongs to the Akron Chamber of Commerce, which indicates his interest in community affairs and his championship of all matters of civic interests. He likewise belongs to the Akron Automobile Club, the Akron City Club, and the Fairlawn Heights Country Club and is a highly esteemed citizen who numbers among his warm friends a large percentage of Akron's residents. Mr. McCourt's home is at 727 Merriman road. FRANK H. BROTSMAN Frank H. Brotsman, president of the American Savings & Loan Company, is a self-made man who deserves the greatest credit for what he has accomplished. In his entire career every day has marked off a full-faithed attempt to know more and to grow more. He has used his opportunities wisely and well and step by step has advanced until he is now a well known figure in the financial circles of Summit county. His birth occurred on a farm in Wayne county, Ohio, October 14, 1872, his parents being William and Catherine (Miller) Brotsman, both of whom have passed away, while all of their six children yet survive. In his youthful days Frank H. Brotsman entered the graded schools and for two years was a high school pupil in Norton Center, Ohio. He then started out to provide for his own support, securing a position as conductor on a street railway line, in which capacity he served for nine years. He next turned his attention to the livery business, which he conducted at Barberton for three years, and on the expiration of that period he spent some time in Cleveland but later returned to resume his livery business in Barberton. Eventually he sold out and became one of the builders of the B. & W. Garage, remaining in active connection therewith until 1921, when he disposed of his interest. His association with the American Savings & Loan Company dates from February 16, 1922, when he became one of its directors, and following the death of John W. Blaser, president, on the 6th of March, 1927, Mr. Brotsman was elected his successor and is now concentrating his time and attention upon the direction of the banking business, displaying sound judgment and undaunted enterprise in the conduct of its affairs. He is likewise a director of the Tawney Ice Cream Company. The years have marked the steady development of his business powers until he is now recognized as a force- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 103 ful and resourceful man, ready for any emergency and any opportunity. In 1897 Mr. Brotsman was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Hepplewhite, a native of Pennsylvania, and they have three sons and two daughters : Robert D., who is now serving in the United States navy; W. Wade and R. Paul, who are students in Wesleyan University; Helen and Jean A. In his religious faith Mr. Brotsman is a Methodist, while in politics he maintains an independent attitude, voting for men and measures rather than for party. He is now serving his third term as safety director of Barberton. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, loyally adhering to the teachings and purposes of the craft, and he belongs also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He became one of the organizers of the Barberton branch of the Akron Automobile Club, of which he is now the secretary. He is a charter member of Brookside Country Club. He has a wide acquaintance among the business men and citizens of Summit county and all who know him entertain for him high regard by reason of what he has accomplished and the straightforward methods he has ever followed in winning his success. ERNEST CHRISTIAN DEIBEL Ernest Christian Deibel, one of Akron's prominent business men whose varied and extensive interests constitute an important element in the growth and commercial development of the city, has been identified with business activities here for more than thirty-eight years. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio, September 12, 1862, a son of Christopher and Anna (Gauff) Deibel, both of whom were natives of Germany. Christopher Deibel came to the United States in 1852, when a young man of twenty-one. He was an excellent mechanic, having learned the building trades in his native country, especially furnace and rolling mill construction. Locating first in Massillon, Ohio, he shortly afterward moved to Youngstown, where he continued to reside until the later years of his life. He set up the furnaces and built the rolling mills in Mahoning county for a number of years and also built many of the old buildings in Youngstown, including the courthouse and the famous old Todd House. His wife was a childhood acquaintance in Germany, and after he became estab- 104 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY lished in business in this country their marriage took place in Massillon. She was Miss Anna Gauff, and came from a distinguished family, being a sister of Professor Gauff, the eminent composer of church and other music, while the father served as a lieutenant under the first Napoleon. Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Deibel lived to celebrate their fifty-sixth wedding anniversary, Mrs. Deibel passing away in 1912, while Mr. Deibel's death occurred in Akron, in 1918, at the venerable age of ninety. Their family numbered ten children, of whom four sons and a daughter are yet living : Ernest C.; Christopher, who is a resident of Youngstown, Ohio; Edward; Oscar; and Clara, the wife of ex-Mayor Venus of Norwalk, Ohio, who was also congressman at one time. Ernest C. Deibel was reared in Youngstown, attended the public schools, and completed his more advanced education at Professor Hull's College, from which he was graduated. After finishing his school work he was associated for a time with his father in contracting and building, at the same time acquainting himself with the real estate and insurance business. In 1890, Mr. Deibel came to Akron and became connected with the Renner Brewing Company. In entering into this connection he prepared thoroughly, for one of Mr. Deibel's characteristics is efficiency. After acquainting himself with all the practical details he entered the Wahl & Henius Brewing Academy, at Chicago, and learned thoroughly the science of brewing. In 1895 Mr. Deibel became general manager of the Renner Brewing Company, continuing to direct that industry until the passage of the Volstead act, when the plant was converted into one for the manufacture of nonalcoholic drinks now made by the Renner Products Company, of which Mr. Deibel is the president. Among his other business interests, he is president of the Renner Property Company which is an extensive owner of Akron business property; president of the Renner-Deibel Oil & Gas Company; president of the Vaco Grip Company and the Deibel Land Company of Youngstown, Ohio. He was prominent in the development of the Homeworth oil fields in Columbus county, Ohio, and is often referred to as the "father" of that oil field. His company drilled over two hundred wells in that territory and most of them were producers of very high grade oil. On October 29, 1889, Mr. Deibel was married to Miss Elizabeth Renner, a daughter of the late George Renner, founder of the Renner Brewing Company. Mr. and Mrs. Deibel have one AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 105 daughter, Helen Deibel. In 1911 Mr. Deibel built his home at 316 East Market street, which has since been the family residence. Mr. Deibel has been a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks for forty-six years, is also a member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce, the Akron, Liedentofel and the Eagles. He belongs to the Portage Country Club and the Sail Fishing Club of Miami, Florida. His favorite recreation in the north is golf and in the south it is fishing and golf. For a number of years he has been spending his winters in Florida and sections of the south convenient to the haunts of big game fish and has a number of trophies to attest his skill in "taking" the big ones. He enjoys hunting big game, in fact is extremely fond of all kinds of outdoor recreation and sports and as a golfer was for several years a "scratch man" in local tournaments and has won numerous prizes by his skillful play. While he has long been regarded as one of Akron's strong and able business men, Mr. Deibel does not allow his business affairs to usurp his entire time, and he gets a lot out of life through his hobbies without neglecting important private affairs. He is always genial, courteous and kindly and has a circle of warm friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. MARTIN PHILIPPE LAUER Martin Philippe Lauer, a well known and successful architect and engineer of Akron, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, December 7, 1886, his parents being Edward T. and Christina (Philippe) Lauer. The father is a native of New York and in his boyhood became a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, while the mother was born in Dover, this state. For many years they have resided in Cleveland, where Mr. Lauer was engaged in business as a road building contractor. In their family were two children, but Martin P. Lauer is the only one now living. When he had completed a public school course by graduation from the high school of Cleveland he entered upon the study of architecture in a Cleveland office and closely applied himself to a mastery of its basic principles. He also took up the study of engineering and was identified with engineering work in the employ of others until 1913, when he came to Akron and established business on his own account. He has made steady prog- 106 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY ress through the intervening period of fifteen years and has been identified with much important architectural and engineering work in Akron and Summit county. He erected the County Infirmary building, the Kenmore schools, other public and high schools of this section, the building of the Akron Pure Milk Company and other structures which are outstanding features in this city. Thoroughness, progressiveness and reliability have characterized his business career and he has made steady advance, occupying now a prominent and enviable position among the architects and engineers of Summit county. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Cleveland Engineering Society. - On the 24th of June, 1911, Mr. Lauer was united in marriage to Miss Berenice Woods, of Kent, Ohio, a daughter of E. H. and Mary (Tomlinson) Woods. The father is of Scotch descent, belonging to the McBride clan, the mother from an old New England family. Mr. and Mrs. Lauer have one child, Martin Woods Lauer, born December 4, 1918. They hold membership in the Disciple church and he was the builder of its house of worship at Schiller street and Tallmadge avenue. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and to the Knights of Pythias, is also a member of the Exchange Club, the Akron City Club and the Silverlake Country Club. His activities are wide and varied, touching the general interests of society and at all times making for progress and improvement. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents, and steadily he has worked his way upward through individual skill and ability, winning a well merited measure of success. STANLEY H. AUSTIN Among the well known and prosperous business men of Akron who have had confidence in the future of the city to the point of investing their capital here and centering their business activity at this point is numbered Stanley H. Austin, the founder, president and manager of the Austin Print Works Company, one of the largest enterprises of this character in the state. He was born in Rootstown, Portage county, Ohio, April 1, 1879, and is a son of Horace and Mary (Flickinger) Austin, who were also natives of Ohio and spent much of their lives in Summit county. The father was engaged principally in educa- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 109 tional work but devoted his later life to farming, and both he and his wife have now passed away. They were the parents of four sons and a daughter: Stanley H., Andrew H., Victor H., Garfield H. and Edna. Stanley H. Austin was educated in the public and high schools of Rootstown, after which he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for six years in Portage county. He then went to Canton, Ohio, as assistant superintendent of the Cleveland Brick Company, remaining there for a few years, after which he entered commercial lines as a wholesale dealer in Victor and Edison products at Canton. The year 1908 witnessed his removal to Akron, where he took charge of the advertising department of the Akron Times and so continued until 1915. In the latter year he established a printing business which has since been incorporated under the name of the Austin Print Works Company, with Mr. Austin as president. The plant utilizes sixteen presses and employs eighty people, maintains the highest standard of service and is most efficient in meeting the public demand. Under the control of Mr. Austin the business is wisely managed and a trade of substantial proportions has been built up, bringing him a gratifying annual income. His plant is a model of its kind. In 1923 Mr. Austin bought at Nos. 32 to 36 Cherry street a reinforced six-story fireproof building of extra strength to withstand the pressure of six tons to the square foot. He leased the ground floor of the building and on the second and third floors equipped one of the most modern printing plants in Ohio, there installing sixteen of the newest type printing presses and linotype machines. He has equipped the place with every modern device and facility for carrying on the business in a progressive manner and to promote the comfort of employes. In addition to his printing business he is a director of the Ohio State Bank & Trust Company and is active in many other enterprises. At Ravenna, Ohio, July 24, 1900, Mr. Austin was married to Miss Evalena Long, a daughter of L. M. Long, and they have become parents of four children : Hazel, who was born in Canton in 1904 and is a graduate of Buchtel College; Adelaide, who was born in 1910; Stanley H., Jr., in 1921; and Mary Jane, December 24, 1926. Fraternally Mr. Austin is a York and Scottish Rite Mason and also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is likewise well known in club circles, having member- 110 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY ship in the Akron City, Portage Country and in the Lions Clubs, being a past president of the last named. He likewise belongs to the Madison Golf Club and the Akron Automobile Club. His interest in the moral progress of the community is shown in his connection with the Church of Our Saviour and his interest in the civic development is manifest in his association with the Chamber of Commerce. He stands for all that is best in the public welfare and his life is actuated by high and honorable principles. His residence at 1247 Jefferson avenue, Sunset View, was erected by him in 1923. DAVID W. KAUFMAN Prominent in the field of real estate and insurance, the activity of David W. Kaufman, president of the D. W. Kaufman, Realty Company, has contributed in large measure to the improvement and development of Akron. His identification with the real estate business in this city goes back more than a third of a century, and his thorough familiarity with property values, actual and potential, places him in a position to intelligently direct investors, while his enterprising methods and thorough reliability have gained for him a large clientele. Mr. Kaufman was born in Wayne county, Ohio, October 4, 1870, and is a son of John and Magdalena (Nusbaumer) Kaufman, who were natives of Switzerland. The father came to America when a man of thirty-six years and the mother was twenty-six years of age when she crossed the Atlantic. Both became residents of Wayne county, Ohio, and the father there engaged in farming and dairying, conducting business along those lines to the time of his demise, which occurred August 19, 1884, when he was sixty-five years of age. His wife survived him until May 4, 1901, passing away at the age of seventy-one years. Their family numbered eleven children : David W., John, who is a resident of Kalispell, Montana; Rev. William Kaufman, living at Silverton, Oregon; Jacob, who makes his home at Easton, Ohio; Joseph, who resides in the San Juan valley of California; Rev. P. J. Kaufman, of Wakarusa, Indiana; Fred, who is deceased; Maggie, a retired nurse living in Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. S. J. Steiner, of Akron, Ohio; Mrs. D. G. Nieswander, residing at Bluffton, Ohio; and Mrs. C. E. Beery, who makes her home at Blake, this state. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 111 After attending the district school in Milton township, near the old home farm, David W. Kaufman continued his education in the Sterling high school. Later he studied in the Wadsworth Normal, and after completing a teachers' course in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, he taught in the rural schools for five years but felt that the profession did not offer sufficient inducements for him to continue in that field. A laudable ambition prompted him to enter some more remunerative line of activity and choosing Akron as the scene of his labor, he turned his attention to the real estate business in 1895, in connection with N. R. Steiner. They also handled insurance and were not long in gaining a liberal patronage. Subsequently Mr. Kaufman established his present business under the style of the D. W. Kaufman Realty Company, of which he is the president. He is a recognized leader in his field, having subdivided many properties on which he has built attractive homes, his subdivisions including Crest-land Park allotment, the Miller-Long allotment, the Castle Park, Riverside and Good allotments and about thirty-five others. In all sections of Akron therefore he has contributed to development and improvement and his labors have resulted in the transformation of unsightly vacancies into beautiful residential districts. He is not only president of the D. W. Kaufman Realty Company but is also a director of the Evans Building & Loan Association, of the Central Union Discount Company, the West Hill Improvement Company and the Hine Heights Allotment Company. No man can speak with greater authority concerning real estate conditions, possibilities and opportunities in Akron than David W. Kaufman, whose knowledge comes from wide experience and study of the situation, and his opinions on realty are accepted as standard by all. On the 6th of June, 1895, Mr. Kaufman married Miss Laura Baer, daughter of Andrew Baer, of Wayne county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman have two sons and two daughters; the eldest being Esther, who was born in Akron in 1896 and was graduated from the Central high school. She married Harold Zink, resides in Pasadena, California, and has two children, Harold and Eileen. Ruth, born in Akron in 1900, attended the Central high school, the University of Akron and the Carnegie Technical School at Pittsburgh, Pa., and is the wife of David Mudgett of Akron. Ralph, born in Akron in 1902, attended Central high school and the University of Akron. He married Alice Eisenhart, and they have two children, Jean and James. Huber, born in Akron in 112 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY 1906, was educated in the North high school and in the University of Akron. Mr. Kaufman is one of the prominent members of the Akron Real Estate Board, having been the second president of that organization and has also taken an active part in the work of both the state and national organizations, being an ex-president of the Ohio Association of Real Estate Boards, and a former vice president of the National Association of Real Estate Boards. While of the latter organization he was for four years a member of its executive committee. He is also a member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce, which association indicates his deep interest in the welfare and development of the city. His cooperation can at all times be counted upon to aid in the development of any project looking to Akron's growth and improvement and he stanchly supports those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. He served four years as a member of the board of education and one year as president of that body. He belongs to the Akron Rotary Club, the Akron City Club and the Akron Automobile Club and he has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. Mr. Kaufman's residence is at No. 658 Orlando avenue. DAVID AUSTIN GRUBB The life record of David Austin Grubb stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for in Ohio, where his entire life was passed, David Austin Grubb rose to prominence as a business man, while uniform respect was accorded him as a citizen. For fifteen years he occupied a notable position in connection with Akron's rubber industry and was president of the Grubb Rubber Company of Wadsworth. He was still in the prime of life when called from the scene of earthly activities, passing away October 5, 1927, at the age of fifty-nine years. His birth occurred in Akron, Ohio, December 25, 1867, his parents being Henry and Harriet (Randall) Grubb. The father was a Union soldier during the Civil war and afterward a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He removed with his family to Coddingville during the early youth of D. Austin Grubb, who there pursued his education, while later he continued his studies at Sharon Center and in the normal school at Wads- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 113 worth, Ohio. In young manhood he taught school for several years in Summit and Medina counties and afterward became a salesman for the American Seating Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, selling church and school furniture. Ambitious to engage in business on his own account and having carefully saved his earnings, he joined with four other salesmen of the American Seating Company in organizing the Cleveland Seating Company, establishing a business of their own in Cleveland, Mr. Grubb being made president of the new organization. In 1917 he became one of the organizers and secretary and sales manager of the India Tire & Rubber Company, which established a plant at Mogadore. He continued as the active executive of the business until 1926, when he resigned and became vice president and sales manager of the Star Rubber Company of Akron, remaining in that connection until ill health forced him to resign. In 1927 he organized the Grubb Rubber Company, with a plant at Wadsworth, and continued to manage the business successfully until his demise. The undertaking was crowned with notable prosperity from the beginning, the orders constantly exceeding production, although the plant was operated to its fullest capacity. The long hours which he daily gave to the organization and production work undoubtedly undermined Mr. Grubb's health and brought about his comparatively early demise. During his connection with the church and school furniture supply business he gained a national reputation as a salesman for that type of merchandising and the experience thus acquired proved of great value to him when he later established business on his own account. He possessed marked capability in coordinating and unifying seemingly diverse business elements and bringing them into a harmonious whole. Despite a lingering illness, he was active in the management of the business to the time of his death, which came very suddenly. On the 27th of August, 1897, Mr. Grubb was married to Miss Deborah Alderfer, of Sharon Center, a daughter of Frederick and Deborah (Longacre) Alderfer. To them were born six children : Vera Esther, now deceased; Eunice Austina, the wife of Stephen Harbourt, of Kent, Ohio; Deborah Elaine; Austin David, who is attending the Western Reserve Academy; Lois Virginia and Ruth Estelle. In his political views Mr. Grubb was always a stalwart republican and fraternally he was a Mason who loyally followed the teachings and high purposes of the craft. He held membership 114 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY in the Fairlawn Country Club and in the Akron City Club and for many years was a prominent member of the Cleveland Athletic Club. He possessed many sterling traits of character, was guided by commendable purposes and commanded the confidence and respect of his fellowmen in the largest degree. He was a devoted husband and father, a faithful friend and a public-spirited citizen. HOMER L. THOMAS Homer L. Thomas, as president of the H. L. Thomas Company, is widely known in connection with building and structural steel operations in Akron and has won for himself a place among the representative business men of the city. A native of Kent, Ohio, he was born on the 29th of November, 1889, of the marriage of Robert W. and Hanna (Evans) Thomas, who were also natives of this state and always resided within its borders. They removed from Kent to Niles, Ohio, where the father became prominently known as a merchant, continuing in the business for many years prior to his death, which occurred in 1923, when he was sixty-four years of age. For five years he had survived his wife, who died in 1918. They were the parents of nine children, of whom four are yet living: Oliver H., Walter W., Homer L., and Frank R. Spending his youthful days in his native town, Homer L. Thomas there attended the public schools, passing through the grades to the high school. When his textbooks were put aside he entered upon an apprenticeship to structural steel and fabricated steel work at Niles and there remained until 1916, when he came to Akron. Here he again took up structural steel work and has since been active in this line. This company has performed contracts at the India Tire and Rubber Company, Akron Rubber Reclaiming Company, Philadelphia Rubber Company and many other of the Akron industries, together with the structural steel work on numerous schools, theatres, commercial buildings and homes all over Ohio. An important piece of work done by this company was the 1926 addition to the Portage Hotel. He is sole proprietor of the business which is carried on under the name of the H. L. Thomas Company and his patronage is an extensive one, while his work has long been of a most important character. Among his other business connections Mr. Thomas is secretary of AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 117 the Akron Racing Association and the Waite Products Company, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. On the 14th of January, 1913, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Emma A. Taylor, the ceremony taking place at Sharon, Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of Frank C. Taylor, of Sharon; who was the original builder of Goodrich Heights, Akron, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have one son, Robert F., who was born in Warren, Ohio, December 10, 1914, and is now an eighth grade student in the King school. Fraternally Mr. Thomas is a Mason and an Elk and he is well known in club circles, having membership in the Fairlawn Country Club, the Akron City Club, the Kiwanis Club and the Akron Automobile Club. Religiously the family is connected with the Presbyterian church. Mr. Thomas' social qualities make for personal popularity wherever he is known, while his business ability has gained him distinctive representation as one of the leading structural iron men of this section of the state. His residence is at 644 Weber avenue, Akron. CHARLES FREDERICK PICKTON Charles Frederick Pickton, deceased, was born in Akron, on the 16th of June, 1878, and was a son of William Frederick Pick-ton. The father's birth occurred at Utica, New York, on the 21st of May, 1851, his parents being Thomas Brittain and Martha (Jones) Pickton, the former a native of London, England, while the mother was born on the island of Guernsey. They went as missionaries to Jamaica, where they remained for fifteen years, and there all of their children were born with the exception of William F. Pickton, who was the youngest of the family. It was in December, 1865, that the family home was established in Akron. William F. Pickton bought a farm in Coventry township that embraces the territory now known as Firestone Park. For many years he devoted his energies to the development of his property, making it a valuable farm, but with the growth and development of Akron it became worth more as a subdivision and in later years was sold by the family to the Firestone Park Development Company. Mr. Pickton is now retired from active business and resides in Akron. In early manhood he wedded Miss Eva L. Thomas of Akron, a sister of David L. Thomas, well known lumberman of this city. She died in June, 1909. They 118 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY became the parents of two sons, Charles Frederick and Roy Thomas, the latter a resident of Flushing, New York. William F. Pickton was again married in January, 1912, when Miss Frances J. Farnham, of Akron, became his wife. She for many years was a teacher in the public schools of this city. She died June 4, 1926, at Wellsville, New York, as a result of an automobile accident. William Frederick Pickton is an own cousin of the famous surgeon and one of the greatest teachers of medicine the world has ever seen—Sir William Osier, in whose honor Canada erected a monument in the city of Toronto. In the Pickton home in Akron are many interesting relics of this great figure, including a beautiful piece of china which was part of a service of one hundred pieces which was made for and presented by the mother of Sir William to her children on the occasion of her one hundredth birthday. The piece presented to Mr. and Mrs. Pickton is still enclosed in the original paper wrapper with the writing in the old lady's beautiful hand—"From Aunt Ella." The Pickton family records disclose many famous names, including that of Sir Frederick Pickton, military genius, from whom William Frederick Pickton was a direct descendant and who was in his day one of the great personages of England. There may still be seen in a museum of London the uniform which he wore at the battle of Waterloo and the bullet with which he was killed in that memorable engagement. Another member of this old historic family was Jane Pickton, who was lady in waiting to Queen. Victoria, and many of her former possessions are now cherished mementoes in the Pickton home, including some pieces of jewelry made by Queen Victoria's own jeweler and a lovely piece of point lace which was worn by Jane Pickton. The name Jane has been used in the Pickton family through many generations. Charles Frederick Pickton was graduated from the Central high school of Akron in 1896 and from the Case School of Applied Science at Cleveland in 1900. He then entered the employ of the B. F. Goodrich Company, with which he remained for a time as mechanical engineer, while later he was associated with the Pennsylvania Rubber Company at Jeannette, Pennsylvania. He rose to prominence in connection with the rubber industry and is widely known as the inventor of the vacuum cup tire brought out by the Pennsylvania Rubber Company. This process of the vacuum cup was the first, other than the smooth AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 119 tread tire, on the market. Its value was at once recognized and the new tire came into general use. Many others followed his example in doing away with the smooth tire, thus largely revolutionizing tire construction. For twelve years Charles F. Pick-ton remained with that company and invented many devices which greatly improved the machinery used in connection with the rubber industry. In April, 1916, however, he returned to Akron and was erecting the India rubber plant at Mogadore when in October of that year he suffered an acute attack of uremic poisoning and passed away. Mr. Pickton was married in November, 1902, to Miss Mat-tie Jones, of Akron, daughter of William and Leah (James) Jones. To them were born four children. The eldest, Willis Henry, now an officer of the United States navy, was graduated from the naval academy at Annapolis in 1925, was assigned to duty on the Memphis and has been connected with no other command since then. The second child, Jeanne Leone, is pursuing an arts course in the University of Akron. Charles Frederick is a senior in the Akron high school. Robert James, a junior at the Akron high school, completes the family. Mr. Pickton was a very prominent business man and highly esteemed citizen. He was president of the alumni association of Case and the friendships which he formed during his college days continued throughout life, while as the circle of his acquaintance broadened the circle of his friends correspondingly increased. In musical circles, too, he was widely known. He possessed a splendid baritone voice and was the soloist in the First Baptist church at Jeannette, Pennsylvania, during his residence there. He belonged to the Society of American Engineers and because of the importance of his life work he was known throughout the country, especially in those circles that have to do with rubber manufacturing interests. Mrs. Pickton is a member of the First Baptist church of Akron and was at one time a member of the Tuesday Musical Club. In club work and civic affairs she has taken a very deep and helpful interest and was chairman of the citizenship committee of the Akron and Summit County Federation of Women's Clubs, a member of the Woman's City Club and was historian for the Home and School League and counselor for three of the schools represented in this league. She belongs to the Monday Study Club, also to several social clubs and is a member of the women's auxiliary of the First Baptist church. 120 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY The association of the Pickton family with Akron covers an extended period. Charles F. Pickton always adhered to those splendid qualities which caused him to be numbered as a man among men, honored and respected by all. He made valuable contributions to the world's work and fulfilled his destiny, leaving behind him that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches. JOSEPH W. BRADY Joseph W. Brady, president of the firm of Brady & Ganyard, Inc., is one of the best known men in insurance, real estate and loan circles of Akron and by reason of the straightforward business methods he has ever employed he has won a substantial measure of success. Mr. Brady was born in Massillon, Ohio, April 22, 1886, a son of Patrick and Bridget (Barrett) Brady, who were natives of Limerick, Ireland, and came to America in early life. The father established his home in Massillon about 1861, and there engaged in blacksmithing, continuing his residence in that city until his death in 1913. For a decade he had survived his wife, who passed away in 1903. Of their family of eleven children eight are yet living, namely : Daniel E., who is a resident of Massillon; Mrs. Nora E. Swihart and Mrs. Ellen Ehmann, both of whom are residents of Canton, Ohio; Joseph W.; John P., living in Massillon, this state; Mrs. Elizabeth Stork, also a resident of Massillon ; James F., of Canton, Ohio; and Edward J., also of Canton. Joseph W. Brady was reared in Massillon, Ohio, and graduated from the parochial high school of that city, after which he pursued a commercial course in the Actual Business College of Akron. He began his business career in this city as an employe of the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company, with which he remained from 1908 until 1912. Desirous that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he then entered the real estate and insurance field with the Bankers Title & Trust Company, continuing in that employ for a year. He then became one of the organizers of the firm of Brady & Ganyard, which remained a copartnership until November, 1920, when it was incorporated with Mr. Brady as president, J. C. Ganyard as vice president, and Mary C. Brady as secretary and treasurer. This corporation conducts a general insurance business, also handles real AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 121 estate and loans and is general agent for the Detroit Fidelity & Surety Company, which today is one of the most successful companies operating in the state. The business of Brady & Ganyard is thoroughly organized and ably managed, with the result that it ranks with the leading concerns of its kind in Akron. Among his other business interests Mr. Brady was one of the organizers of the Ohio State Bank and has been connected with all subsequent banks that have been merged with that institution, including the present Ohio State Bank & Trust Company, of which he is a director and a member of the appraisal committee. He is president of the Oakland Building Company. On the 21st of December, 1921, Mr. Brady married Miss Mary C. Murphy, daughter of M. J. Murphy, who is one of the well known old residents of Akron and for many years was connected with the city's wholesale interests. He is now retired from active business. Mr. and Mrs. Brady have a daughter, Mary Joe, born in Akron, May 29, 1924. The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church. They belong to St. Vincent's parish in which he is usher and collector and is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of the Akron Real Estate Board and he holds strictly to the high standards of that organization. For more than twenty years Mr. Brady has been identified with Akron's business interests and solely through his own efforts has attained a most creditable position among the city's strong and able business men and best citizens. He is known to his many friends as "Joe." His residence, at No. 1004 Delia avenue, was erected by him in 1924, and has since been the family home. WERT DEAN One of the most highly esteemed residents of Barberton is Wert Dean, who is giving able and satisfactory service as justice of the peace and in various ways has been active in promoting the welfare of his community. Mr. Dean was born at Clarksburg on November 13, 1892, and is a son of Carry and Ida (Karney) Dean. He attended the district schools and the high school at Clarksburg, after which he took a commercial course in the Bliss Business College in Columbus. He attended Ohio State University one year and then taught school for two years.. Dur- 122 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY ing the following four years he gave his attention to the home farm, after which he went to work in the experimental department of the Babcock & Wilcox plant at Barberton, where he remained four years. He was then engaged in the automobile business for four years, quitting that line of effort to become office manager for the Barberton branch of Allen, Hartsell & Dibble Company. He held that position until September, 1924, when he was appointed justice of the peace, and is still filling that office in a most acceptable manner. He enrolled in the Akron Law school in October, 1926, and is now reading law under a preceptor. On May 25, 1911, Mr. Dean was united in marriage to Miss Mae Wilson and they are the parents of three children, Anamae, Ralph Wilson and Gene Wendell. Mr. Dean gives his support to the republican party and is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Mr. Dean is serving as pastor of the Church of Christ at Clinton, Ohio, where he preaches twice a week, and, in addition to his pastoral work, he also maintains a deep interest in everything affecting the civic and moral welfare of his community. A man of earnest purpose and high ideals, he has been a good citizemeritsery respect and well merit’s the respect which is accorded him by all who know him. ARTHUR JAMES ROWLEY In the death of Arthur James Rowley on the 21st of September, 1915, Akron was called upon to mourn the loss of one of her representative citizens. He was widely known as a member of the law firm of Rogers, Rowley, Mather & Rockwell and had filled the office of city solicitor. The sterling worth of his character was widely known to those with whom he was associated and at all times his aid and influence were given on the side of advancement and improvement. Mr. Rowley was born at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, December 4, 1868, a son of William and Mary J. (Wills) Rowley. He was of English lineage and his grandfather, Enoch Rowley, was the first of the family to settle in Akron, where he took up his abode in 1848. To him belonged the distinction of establishing the first pottery in Akron and he was instrumental in promoting the early commercial and industrial development of the city. On AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 125 coming from England he brought with him his family of seven children and four more were born to him and his wife during their residence here. Enoch Rowley passed away in Akron at the age of seventy-three years. His son, William Rowley, was a lad of ten years when the family came to Ohio. When his school days were over he assisted his father in the pottery and afterward succeeded to the business, with which he was continuously associated until 1886, when he retired from active life, passing away in November, 1891, at the age of fifty-four years. His children were : Florence, who died in infancy; Arthur J.; Maude L., who became Mrs. George H. Stubbs; and Zelle I., the wife of Jonathan Taylor. Arthur J. Rowley was graduated from the Akron high school in January, 1886, and then entered Buchtel College, in which he completed his course in June, 1890. Having determined upon the practice of law as a life work, he then began studying in the office and under the direction of Charles Cobbs and later was a law student with the firm of Green, Grant & Sieber. In March, 1892, he was admitted to the bar and entered upon active practice. From that time forward he was closely associated with legal interests and also with public affairs. In 1893 he was elected a member of the Akron board of education and in 1895 was made city solicitor, while two years later he was reelected to that office, receiving a larger majority than was given any other candidate on the ticket. Following the close of his second term he concentrated his efforts and attention upon his large and growing private practice and in 1902 became a member of the firm of Rogers, Rowley & Rockwell, which later was Rogers, Rowley, Mather & Rockwell, thus continuing throughout his remaining days. Mr. Rowley was for several years president of the Buckeye Chemical Company, which was established by John Grether, his brother-in-law, and who was its head until his death in 1910. The business is still conducted under its original name, Mrs. Rowley being president, and Miss Emma Grether secretary and treasurer of the corporation. On the 20th of October, 1897, Mr. Rowley was married to Miss Amelia Grether of Akron, daughter of John George and Barbara Ann (Dorsch) Grether, both of whom were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Rowley became the parents of three children: Pauline Barbara, who was graduated from University of Akron in 1919 with degree of Bachelor of Arts, is now the wife of William J. Carr of Akron, and mother of two chil- 5-VOL. 2 126 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY dren, Kathryn Louise and Marilyn Jane; William Arthur, the second member of the family, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from University of Akron in 1921, and is now connected with the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company of Los Angeles, California ; and John Grether, also a graduate of University of Akron, receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1924, is a member of the class of 1928 of the law department of Western Reserve University at Cleveland. In his college days Mr. Rowley became a member of the Delta Tau Delta and later was identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Along strictly professional lines he was connected with the Summit County Bar Association. He found pleasure and recreation in baseball and was at one time a director of the league to which the Akron Club belonged. He was ever a lover of literature, read broadly and thought deeply. He made good use of his time and opportunities in every connection, was a man of mental and moral strength and richly possessed those sterling qualities which ever endear the individual to his fellowmen. Although almost thirteen years have passed since he was called to his final rest, there are many who remember him as a distinguished lawyer, a foremost citizen and a loyal friend. CHARLES E. WILLIAMS Charles E. Williams, president of the Williams Tire Company, is numbered among those who have put Akron on the map and have given her prestige as a manufacturing center. His record is one of notable achievement. He has earned the proud American title of a self-made man and what he has accomplished should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be done when industry does not fear to follow the path that opportunity points out. Mr. Williams was born in Akron, April 12, 1887, a son of William and Mary (Prince) Williams, the former born on Lake Erie, Ohio, and the latter in Stark county, this state. The father filled the office of sheriff of Summit county for many years and was greatly feared by the lawbreakers and much respected by those who hold themselves amenable to law for he never hesitated in the faithful performance of his duties which he discharged without fear or favor. In subsequent years he became identified with a soft drinks industry which he estab- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 127 lished and which has grown to large proportions under the name of the Coca Cola Bottling Company. He continued to conduct the business to the time of his death, which occurred in November, 1917, when he was fifty-eight years of age. The business is still carried on by his son and namesake, William Williams. The mother survives and yet makes her home in Akron. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for Charles E. Williams in his youthful days. He attended the public schools and in due time was graduated from the high school, having previously successfully mastered the work of the various grades. He next became a student in the University of Akron. The Akron Real Estate News, writing of him, said : "Mr. Williams began his career in the world of rubber fourteen years ago with the B. F. Goodrich Company. He saw opportunity after he was with the manufacturer to open a small tire and tube store in Denver, Colorado. He put plenty of hard work behind his little venture and it thrived. For two years he operated the store in the Rocky Mountain capital. It was day and night work, and at first he was buyer, salesman, repairman, bookkeeper, janitor and what-not. Later, as the volume of business increased pleasantly, he was able to employ help. Along in 1917 some Akron men heard of Mr. Williams and his success in Denver. They wanted to form a company to sell tires direct to dealer and consumer. Thus came into being The Rubber City Clearing House, and Mr. Williams, with his usual diligence and skill, made it a very successful institution. He sold his first tire for The Rubber City Company on March 17, 1917, and continued at its helm until the latter part of 1919. During his guidance of the Rubber City outfit it thrived and prospered enormously. Its growth was solid and substantial. In fact, the business as he handled it necessitated much larger quarters. It was decided to erect a building, and such was done. Curiously enough, that structure is the one Mr. Williams occupies today. After he had created a profitable business for the Rubber City company there came a disagreement as to policies and methods, and Mr. Williams found himself out of the company. He had no control over its destinies, and except that he had worked without stint to make it successful, hadn't done much else to it. Some of Mr. Williams' friends thought it strange that he should be ousted from the company after he had put it on the business map in no uncertain manner. But Mr. Williams had no comment to make and did not offer criticism. He was too busy keeping going! 128 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Within a very short period he was back in business—this time as The Williams-Akron Tire Company, with offices and ware-rooms in the Taplin-Rice-Clerkin building in South Broadway. `You can't keep a good man down,' said his friends. Mr. Williams' only reply was that this new venture was going to be one owned, controlled and operated by Charley Williams so that there would be no more losses incurred by his being 'let out' by men with whom he was associated. It was in this next business that Mr. Williams began, more than ever, to secure and hold the confidence and respect of thousands of dealers all over the country and many individual consumers as well. People touring would stop in Akron just to 'look him over.' Friends of theirs, or mutual friends, or perhaps dealers, had told the home-town folks that they should get acquainted with Charley Williams in Akron. So they began to drop in, in increasingly great numbers. They're still doing that today, too, and never a business day passes but what Mr. Williams has been visited by one or more of car-owners from various sections of the United States, Canada or Mexico. Dealers come to the big tire headquarters as well, and place large orders. But it is doubtful, so his business friends say, if 'Charley' is any more pleased with a several thousand dollar order than he is to have some man from a distant point come in and tell him how well the Williams tires are 'holding up.'" Today "Williams of Akron" is known throughout the length and breadth of the land. The company occupies a modern fireproof building of four stories and basement, containing more than seventy thousand square feet of floor space, at Nos. 1021 to 1029 South High street. It is the visible and substantial evidence of the splendid success of the founder and promoter of the business, who within a period of six years has personally sold tires to the amount of more than seven million dollars, and every tire marketed by him carries not only the guarantee of the manufacturer but is also backed by his personal word. When he started in business dealers were waiting to take his product because of their unlimited confidence in him, and from the beginning the Williams tubes and Williams cords have been as readily received by the consumer as by the distributor. Today Mr. Williams known as the largest individual buyer of add lots and surplus stocks of tires and rubber goods in the country. He has the well earned reputation of knowing rubber thoroughly as well as knowing the selling end of the business, and his success rests upon the slogan "Built on a National Reputation for Honesty and Serv- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 129 ice." The company not only handles Williams cords and tubes but also controls many exclusive specialties and novelties pertaining to rubber. His success is far beyond the wildest dreams of his youth, for he is today the sole owner of the Williams Tire Company, doing an annual business that is represented in seven figures. What he undertakes he accomplishes. In his vocabulary there is no such word as fail, and obstacles and difficulties in his path have seemed but to serve as an impetus for renewed effort on his part. He is alive—alive to every opportunity, to every advantage, to the needs and to the demands of the time—and because of this he has developed a business that reaches out to every section of the continent. He is a member of the Akron City Club, the Fairlawn Country Club and the Akron Chamber of Commerce. HARRY BENJAMIN HOUGHTON For an extended period Harry Benjamin Houghton was connected with the banking business but is now closely associated with manufacturing interests as president of the Akron Truss Company, in which connection he has developed an enterprise of large proportions and with far-reaching trade relations. A native of Baraboo, Wisconsin, he was born September 14, 1858, of the marriage of John B. and Nellie (Sumner) Houghton, the latter a native of Akron. The father, who was born in Charlestown, Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in early life and was associated with the Hall Brothers Company but afterward removed to Wisconsin, where he clerked for the Charles Sumner Company of Baraboo. In 1862, however, he returned to Akron and here established a grocery business which he successfully conducted for forty-two years or until the time of his demise. His wife also passed away here, her death occurring in 1889. Harry B. Houghton was a little lad of about four summers when the family home was established in Akron and at the age of six he became a pupil in the public schools, passing from grade to grade until he had mastered the high school course, while later he studied for two years in Buchtel College. Subsequently he engaged in the grocery business with his father for a time but in 1880 entered the Citizens Savings & Loan Association and thus received his initial training in the field of finance. Later he became paying teller with the Akron Savings Bank and at a 130 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY subsequent period was made cashier of the American National Bank at Barberton, Ohio. Step by step he advanced in the financial field, winning deserved promotions, but eventually he severed his connection with the Barberton institution in order to establish his present business in 1906. He organized the Akron Truss Company and began the manufacture of the world-famous Akron trusses, which are made with sponge rubber pads. Another output of the plant is the Akron seamless elastic hosiery and the Akron elastic abdominal supporters, health corrective corsets, arch supports, elastic arch braces, deformity braces, artificial limbs and athletic supporters. They employ expert fitters and guarantee permanent satisfaction. Mr. Houghton is president of the company, having been elected to that office in 1914, following previous service as vice president. He has been active in the steady development of the business, which is now one of extensive and gratifying proportions and which returns to stockholders a substantial annual income. In March, 1883, in Akron, Mr. Houghton was married to Miss Lottie M. Merriam, a daughter of F. G. Merriam, and they now have one son, Harry B., Jr., who was born in Akron in 1888, attended Buchtel College and is now vice president of the Akron Truss Company. He wedded Katherine Moore and has four children : Raymond A., John William, Elizabeth and Harriet. Mr. and Mrs. Houghton hold membership in the Congregational church and occupy an enviable position in those social circles where true worth and intelligence are received as passports into good society. The greater part of his life has here been passed and his sterling worth is attested by all who know him. His friends are legion and he enjoys to an unusual degree the good will and friendly regard of his fellow townsmen. CHARLES FREDERICK SCHNEE Charles Frederick Schnee, a distinguished attorney and author, widely known to the legal profession throughout the state by reason of his compilation, in connection with Jay R. Gates, of the "Ohio Corporation Manual with Forms" and as legal representative of a number of the largest corporate interests of Akron, was born on a farm near Kalamazoo, Michigan, June 18, 1887, a son of Charles M. and Sylvia E. (Long) Schnee, The father's birth occurred at Freeburg, Snyder county, Penn- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 133 sylvania, where the grandfather for many years conducted a large tannery. In 1864 the family, consisting of parents, three sons and a daughter, removed to Millheim, a little village near Akron, where the grandfather followed farming until his death in 1872. His son, Charles M. Schnee, remained on the old homestead in Summit county until 1882, when he established his residence on a farm in the vicinity of Kalamazoo, Michigan, there remaining until 1900, when he returned to Summit county and took up his abode in Akron, where he has since engaged in business as a carpenter. His wife passed away in October, 1917. She was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, May 18, 1858, and came with her parents to Ohio about the same time as the Schnee family. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Schnee were born four children : Nellis L., Matilda, Charles F. and Mrs. Olive Getchell, all residents of Akron. In his youthful days Charles F. Schnee was a pupil in the public schools of Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he was pursuing his high school course when his parents returned to Ohio. He then became a pupil in the Akron high school and subsequently studied in Buchtel College, there remaining from 1904 until the fall of 1907, when illness compelled him to put aside his textbooks. He afterward decided upon the practice of law as a life work and became a student in the office of Grant, Seiber & Mather of this city, there continuing his reading until his admission to the bar in December, 1910. He opened an office in the Hamilton building, where he remained for a year and then joined Judge Charles R. Grant in a partnership relation under the firm style of Grant & Schnee. That connection was maintained until February, 1913, when the senior partner became a member of the Ohio court of appeals. Mr. Schnee then entered into partnership with Ford L. Carpenter, under the name of Schnee & Carpenter, but after a year withdrew and from 1915 to January 1, 1922, he was head of the firm of Schnee, Grimm & Thomas. After the latter date he practiced alone until the organization of the present firm of Schnee, Grimm & Belden. He has largely specialized in corporation law. He now represents the Federal Oil and Gas Company and other large corporations and few men are more competent to speak upon corporation law than is Charles F. Schnee. He has constantly studied along this line and adequately solves the intricate and involved problems that have to do with the management of corporation affairs. He has been entrusted with the legal details in the 134 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY organization and administration of a number of corporations, including the Guaranty Mortgage Company, of which he is secretary and chairman of the executive committee; Federal Oil & Gas Company, of which he is secretary and general counsel, acting also in a similar capacity for the five subsidiaries of the Federal Oil ; Long Lake Estates Improvement Company, of which he is the president; the Akron Equipment Company, of which he is serving as secretary; Pennsylvania Crude Oil Company of Pittsburgh, of which he is general counsel; and the Pine Ridge Oil Company, producers in the Kentucky field, of which he is the secretary. At the mid-winter meeting of the Ohio Bar Association in Cincinnati in January, 1926, a resolution was passed calling for the appointment of a committee of eminent lawyers to draw up a new corporation law. A bill providing for this was enacted by the state legislature March 8, 1927, and became a law on the 8th of June. Thereafter Ohio lawyers asked the Baldwin Company to publish a manual of the new law and to accomplish this Mr. Schnee was chosen, for he had been a member of the committee which drafted the law and was chairman of the sub-committee which drafted thirty sections on dissolutions. Associated with Jay R. Gates, assistant trust officer of the Union Trust Company and a member of the Cleveland bar, Mr. Schnee recently completed a work of eight hundred pages entitled "Ohio Corporation Manual with Forms." In its compilation Mr. Gates wrote the exposition of the law and Mr. Schnee the forms and precedents, each author reading the other's manuscripts. This is a textbook for lawyers on the new Ohio corporation act, interpreted by the authors in the light of the general principles of corporation law, as decided by the courts of Ohio and other states. It is the first time that the general law relating to ordinary domestic and foreign corporations has been assembled in one volume and is regarded as a most valuable contribution to the legal literature of the country. Mr. Schnee was formerly a trustee of the Akron Law Library Association and for two years was its president, during which time the library was developed from eight thousand volumes to a working library of sixty thousand volumes, Major Southworth assisting in this undertaking. Mr. Schnee is a member of the Summit County and Ohio State Bar Associations and is widely recognized as one of the distinguished lawyers of the state. Aside from his practice he has important business and executive connections. In addition to AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 135 the relations indicated above he is secretary of the Wyoma Realty Company, secretary of the Miller-Maid Creamery, Inc., and his advice and counsel are regarded as most valuable in connection with the management of these various business interests, owing to the fact that his naturally sound business judgment is supplemented by his broad knowledge of law. On the 21st of November, 1911, Mr. Schnee was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Mitchell, of Akron, a daughter of John J. and Alice Mitchell, the former a well known business man of Akron. They have three children, all born in Akron : Charles Frederick, born April 17, 1916; William Joseph, March 23, 1919; and Louise, June 8, 1924. Fraternally Mr. Schnee is a Mason, belonging to Adoniram Lodge No. 517, F. & A. M.; Washington Chapter No. 25, R. A. M.; Akron Commandery No. 25, K. T. ; Lake Erie Consistory of the Scottish Rite, and Tadmor Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He has membership in the Akron. Turkey Foot Lake Club, the Akron City Club and the Portage Country Club. While his professional activities make constant demand upon his time, he nevertheless finds opportunity to cooperate in those movements which are looking to the benefit and welfare of the city and his aid and influence have been potent forces for the public good. His personal qualities make for popularity among his fellowmen, while his highly developed powers in his chosen profession have gained him notable rank among the outstanding members of the Ohio bar. Mr. Schnee's residence is at 45 Marshall avenue. WILLIAM LUDWIG BURKHARDT William Ludwig Burkhardt had hardly reached the zenith of his powers when death called him but had accomplished much and was numbered among the substantial business men and representative citizens of Akron, being vice president and treasurer of the Burkhardt Consolidated Company. He passed away September 23, 1925, at the age of forty-eight years, his birth having occurred in Akron, April 12, 1877. His parents were William and Margaretta (Gerhardt) Burkhardt. The latter, who was born in Krumbach, Germany, in 1848, came to America in 1870 and in 1872 married William Burkhardt, the wedding being celebrated in Cleveland. In 1874 they removed to Akron, where 136 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Mr. Burkhardt passed away in 1882. He had established and here successfully conducted a brewery, of which his wife took charge after his demise, carrying on the business until her sons were old enough to relieve her of this responsibility. Her official connection was that of vice president of the Burkhardt Consolidated Company. She had been a resident of Akron for a half century when she passed away November 22, 1925. Her son, William L. Burkhardt, spent his entire life in this city. He began his education in the Spicer school and later continued his studies in B uchtel College, pursuing the academic course. When still quite young he began to assist his mother in the conduct of the brewing business and worked his way upward through merit and capability to the position of vice president and treasurer of the Burkhardt Consolidated Company. At the time of the passage of the Volstead act the brewery was converted into a plant for the manufacture of ice and is now operated along that line. Mr. Burkhardt also became vice president and treasurer of the City Ice & Coal Company and had many other important business connections, being a director of the Depositors Savings & Trust Company, of the Summit Beach Park Company and the J. V. Swartz Company. In business affairs his judgment was sound and his enterprise unfaltering, and his diligence and determination enabled him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path. His labors brought gratifying results and for years he occupied an enviable position among the prosperous business men of the city. On January 10, 1912, Mr. Burkhardt was united in marriage to Miss Grace Kolp, of Akron, a daughter of John A. and Matilda (Wohlwend) Kolp, and they have one son, William Gustave Burkhardt, born in Akron, Ohio, February 15, 1914. Mr. Burkhardt held membership in the German Reformed church and was widely known in fraternal circles through his connection with the Elks, the Moose, the Owls and the Eagles. He was a life member of the Akron Turnverein. He likewise belonged to the Chamber of Commerce and stanchly endorsed every project promoted by that organization for the city's benefit and development. He belonged to the Quinnebog Fishing Club on Hen Island in Lake Erie, to the Turkeyfoot Club, the Portage Country Club and the Silverlake Country Club, and was fond of fishing and outdoor recreation. He displayed a peculiarly happy disposition, was genial in manner, had a real gift of conversation, was widely read, possessed a keen mind and AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 137 numbered his friends by the hundreds. He was a lover of home and of family, finding his greatest happiness at his own fireside and regarding no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would advance the interests of wife and child. He was yet a comparatively young man when death called him and the news of his demise was received with the deepest regret throughout the community in which he had always lived and in which he was most widely and favorably known. JOHN HEARTY John Hearty, president of the Imperial Electric Company, has been identified with Akron's industrial interests for more than thirty-six years and in his present connection is the executive head of an industry whose ramifying trade interests reach out over a wide territory, including branches in eleven cities, and it has become one of the important factors in the commercial development of Akron. Mr. Hearty was born in this city, February 13, 1875, while his parents, Owen and Rose (O'Hara) Hearty, were natives of Ireland. Coming to America in 1866, they settled in Akron, where the father engaged in engineering work and also in farming. Both he and his wife have passed away, but they are survived by their six children : John, of this review; Mrs. Mary White; Mrs. Margaret Raleigh; Mrs. Rose Raleigh; Mrs. Alice Zissler; and James. John Hearty was reared in Akron and attended the public schools. As a boy he started to work on his father's farm, but he did not find agricultural pursuits altogether to his liking and in 1892 secured a situation as office boy with the Akron Cereal Company, with which he remained until 1904. In that year he became identified with the Akron Electrical Company as its secretary and was associated with that business until 1907. In March, 1908, he reorganized the business under the name of the Imperial Electric Company, of which he was manager, and later he was chosen president and treasurer of this corporation, which today employs one hundred and fifty people and has branches in eleven different cities, extending to the Pacific Coast, where branches have been recently established in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The company's plant, at Ira avenue and South Main street, has become an established factor in Akron's industrial 138 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY and commercial importance. The development of the Imperial Electric Company offers a fine tribute to its management and during the quarter of a century that Mr. Hearty has been identified with the business, his best energies have played a leading part in that development. Among his other business interests he is also a director of the Firestone Park Trust & Savings Bank and is regarded as a man of sound judgment and one of the city's strong and able business men. On the 16th of October, 1916, Mr. Hearty was married to Miss Edna M. Huber, daughter of A. J. Huber, of Akron, and they have three children, all born in Akron : Mary Ann, born July 14, 1918; Richard John, April 17, 1920 and George Jay, August 13, 1923. The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Hearty's residence is at 50 Orchard road. Mr. Hearty is well known through his connection with the Akron Chamber of Commerce and equally so in club circles, having membership in the Akron. City, Portage Country, Akron Automobile and Rotary Clubs of Akron and in the Cleveland Athletic Club. His unfeigned cordiality and his appreciation of the good qualities of others make for popularity wherever he is known and that his has been a well spent life is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time. JOHN HAUSCH For forty-two years John Hausch was a resident of Akron and was closely associated with many important commercial and financial enterprises. He possessed in large measure all those qualities which make for good citizenship—progressiveness and enterprise in business, loyalty in public relations and fidelity to any cause which he espoused. The later years of his life were spent in retirement from business, although he retained his place as a member of the board of directors of the Depositors Savings & Trust Company to the time of his death, and was also a director of the Clay Products Company, of Logan, Ohio, of which he was one of the organizers. Mr. Hausch was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 5 1866, and was one of a family of eight sons and four daughters the others being : Jacob, Conrad, Albert, Godfrey, Charles, William, Walter, Mrs. Andrew J. Kastner, deceased, Mrs. William AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 141 Kastner, Mrs. J. Plasch and Mrs. Theodore Woerz. While spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, Sebastian and Mary Hausch, and receiving the thorough training of home life, John Hausch also attended the schools of his native country to the age of fourteen years, when he crossed the Atlantic and took up his abode in Shippensville, Pennsylvania, where he continued his studies for a two-year period. When a youth of sixteen he came to Akron, where his uncle, Julius Hausch, was residing, and here he began work in the Barber match factory, while later he secured employment with the B. F. Goodrich Company in the tire department, his duty being to splice tires. Later he left that position to go into business with Jacob Metzger, opening a restaurant opposite the Goodrich plant. There they remained for seven years and in 1900 purchased property at 479 South Main street, erecting thereon the Hausch building with three store rooms below and a hotel of twenty rooms above. For an extended period Mr. Hausch was prominently known as a restaurateur of Akron and enjoyed an extensive business along that line. As he prospered, however, he made investments in other fields, acquiring considerable stock in the Depositors Savings & Trust Company, the Burger Iron Company, the Guarantee Title & Trust Company, the Clay Products Company, the Standard Mortgage Company, the Akron Mattress Company, the Williams Foundry & Machine Company, the Summit Wholesale Grocery, the Summit Auto Company, the General Tire & Rubber Company, the Amazon Rubber Company, which has gone out of business, and many others. Thus he became closely associated with the commercial and industrial development of the city and was recognized as a man of sound judgment, clear vision and unfaltering enterprise. For twenty-three years he continued in the restaurant business and then retired on the 8th of January, 1916, removing to an attractive residence at 1055 West Exchange street, the location being then largely a rural district, as there were only three houses in the neighborhood and the land was devoted to farming. On the 8th of October, 1891, Mr. Hausch was married to Albertina Rosina Smith, of Earlville, Ohio, who some years after the death of Mr. Hausch was married in Florida to Arthur Daniel Daily, of Akron, who is engaged in the business of manufacturing cemetery memorials and is a member of the Memorial Craftsmen of America. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Daily took place on March 17, 1928. 142 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY The death of Mr. Hausch occurred November 23, 1924. He belonged to the First Reformed church, was very active in its affairs and served on the cemetery board of the church. A man of deep religious principles, his life was ever guided by his Christian faith and his high ideals. He was a man of marked strength of character, brave in the face of illness, gentle in his relations with all. When ill health came to him, he went to Albuquerque, New Mexico, hoping that he might be benefited, and he returned to Akron only two months prior to his demise. He had a wide acquaintance here and the sterling worth of his character insured him the respect, confidence and good will of all who knew him. Not only was he active and prominent in the First Reformed church but was also well known in lodge circles, holding membership in the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and in the Akron Liedertafel. He was likewise a member of the Akron Schwabenverein. He lived to goodly purpose, winning success in business, gaining the esteem of all who knew him and contributing in substantial measure to the moral progress of the community through his generous and helpful support of all measures that make for the uplift of mankind. JESSE BYRON MERRIMAN In the history of Akron's business development mention should be made of Jesse Byron Merriman because of the active and prominent part which he took in the business and public life of the community. He represented one of the old and well known families here, his grandparents being Charles and Harriet (Allis) Merriman, New England people who left Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and by wagon traveled westward, reaching Ohio on the 21st of May, 1835. A few weeks later they took up their abode upon a farm in Portage township, Summit county, Mr. Merriman investing in three hundred and seventy-two acres of land which was then covered with native timber. His sons aided him in clearing a large part of this acreage and the place was brought under cultivation, being transformed into a rich and productive farm. His son, Wells E. Merriman, was born upon the old homestead and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, but after devoting a few years of early manhood to agricultural pursuits he learned the machinist's trade and for a quarter of a century was em- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 143 ployed in the stove works of the Taplin-Rice Company, thus becoming actively associated with the commercial development of Akron. He erected at No. 641 West Market street the old stone residence in which he lived for many years and which was surrounded by seven acres of land that was used as a truck farm. The old home is a landmark in that section of the city. Wells E. Merriman was twice married and by his first marriage had two sons, Grove Forrest and Scott H. The mother passed away when her children were small Mrs. Merriman afterward wedded Elizabeth Marshall, by whom he had three children : Jesse Byron, of this review; Mrs. Hattie Bachtel ; and Ruby, wife of Frank Entrup. Jesse B. Merriman was reared under the parental roof, his birth occurring at the old family home at 641 West Market street, on the 2d of April, 1875. He pursued his education in the schools of Akron, was trained in business here and was closely associated with financial interests of the city for a considerable period. In all business affairs he displayed sound judgment, unfaltering enterprise and keen discrimination. He became a factor in the Akron Finance Company, which was afterward absorbed by the Empire Finance Company, Mr. Merriman then becoming assistant treasurer and manager of the Akron branch, with which he was associated to the time of his death. The State Bank of Akron was consolidated with the Ohio Savings & Loan Company, eventually becoming the Ohio State Bank, and in the success of these institutions Mr. Merriman was a contributing factor. At the time of the consolidation he was ill for about a year and was out of the bank but through a considerable period successfully managed the institution. When ill health again forced his withdrawal from intense activity in connection with the bank he was made assistant treasurer and so continued until his demise. He was also associated with various other local business enterprises in which he held official position and his capability and sound judgment were considered valuable assets in the conduct of any undertaking with which he became connected. On the 10th of July, 1917, Mr. Merriman was united in marriage to Mrs. Jessie Stebbins Walker, who by her former marriage had one son, Sydney Walker, who is now pursuing a law course in the University of Akron. Mr. Merriman was a member of the Masonic fraternity, ever loyal to the teachings and purposes of the craft, and he also held membership at one time in the Kiwanis Club, but he preferred to 144 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY devote his leisure outside of business to his home and he found the greatest delight in the care and improvement of his gardens, where he spent much of his spare time. He took a deep and helpful interest in public affairs and was a member of the city council. At all times he supported projects and measures for the general good and his desire for Akron's advancement was manifest in many tangible ways. He had a wide acquaintance and all who knew him respected and esteemed him, while those who came within the close circle of friendship took the keenest pleasure in the association. He was a genial companion, a faithful friend, a loyal citizen, an upright business man and a devoted husband. Thus it was when death called him on the 1st of October, 1926, deep regret at his passing was felt throughout Akron. BENJAMIN HALCYON WRIGHT Prominently identified with the oil industry, Benjamin Halcyon Wright was one of the oldest oil salesmen in Akron in years of continuous connection with the business. He contributed in large measure to the development of the industry and thus ranked with those citizens whose labors constitute a most important element in the growth, progress and prosperity of Summit county. His birth occurred in Akron, November 17, 1868. He was a grandson of Captain Josiah J. Wright, one of the honored pioneer settlers of this section of the state, who was born in Swanton, Vermont, September 19, 1821, and there pursued a district school education. He began working as a blacksmith's assistant when so small that he had to stand upon a block while blowing and striking. At fifteen years of age he became a clerk in a country store and in 1840 he arrived in Ohio, where he began working as a farm hand at fifty cents per day. Realizing the value of education and ambitious to advance in that direction, he attended the Twinsburg Institute for a time, after which he engaged in teaching school through the winter seasons, while in the summer months he worked at the blacksmith's trade. On the 21st of August, 1842, he married Miss Margaret A. Waite, of Brecksville, and both he and his wife taught school in South Bloomfield, Pickaway county, Ohio. For many years he was a successful and popular auctioneer and commission merchant. In 1851 he removed to Akron and became the first constable, marshal and general detective of the then small town. During the Civil war he AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 145 took an active part in defending the Union cause, serving as captain of Company G, Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, until honorably discharged October 1, 1862, on account of wounds received in the battle of Cedar Mountain on the 9th of August of that year. When he had partially recovered from his injuries he entered the recruiting service and in 1863 he again went to the front as second lieutenant of Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until discharged for disability in March, 1864. Still feeling that he must aid his country to the extent of his strength, he once more entered the recruiting service and in the spring of 1865, for the third time, he joined the army, this time as a private, for he did not hesitate to enter the ranks even though he had formerly been a commissioned officer. It was not long, however, before he was again commissioned, becoming captain of Company D, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until discharged after the close of the war on the 6th of August, 1865. Following his return home he became an auctioneer and private detective and later was for several years editor and publisher of the Akron Commercial and its successor, the People's Monthly. His heroic qualities and his devotion to his country should serve as an example and an inspiration to those who become indifferent to their duties and obligations in this direction. The mother of Benjamin H. Wright deserves more than passing notice inasmuch as she was a teacher for many years, having two generations of the youth of Akron under her direction in the public schools. Her work was highly satisfactory and she did much not only to mold intellect but character, so that her memory is honored by all who knew her. She passed away June 17, 1927. Benjamin H. Wright pursued his education in the public schools of Akron and his earliest effort at money making was as carrier boy for the newspapers. A little later he became a wood turner in the employ of the Baker-McMillen Company and when he left that firm became associated with the Buckeye Mower & Reaper Company as a machinist. Each change in his career marked an advanced step in his business record. His next position was with the twine works on Hill street and finally he turned his attention to the oil industry by becoming a representative of the Republic Oil Company. After a short time he entered the employ of the Factory Oil Company as a salesman and likewise became one of the stockholders, remaining with that organization 146 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY for twenty-five years or until his demise, becoming during that period one of the best known oil salesmen of the city, and at his death his record exceeded in length of service that of any other oil salesman of Akron. On the 24th of December, 1891, Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth C. Stoll, a daughter of Martin and Mary (Higher) Stoll, both of whom came to Akron in their teens. The father has now passed away, but the mother is living at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Wright became the parents of a son, Earl 0., who is now a student at University of Akron, where he is specializing in physical training, coaching and gymnasium work. Mrs. Wright belongs to the ladies' auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Trainmen, having become identified with that organization through the fact that her brother was a trainman, and is also a member of Colfax Lodge of the Rebekahs. In his political views Mr. Wright was a republican and fraternally he was connected with the subordinate lodge and the encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was likewise a member of the National Society of Stationary Engineers. His death occurred January 19, 1923, when he was comparatively a young man, being but fifty-four years of age. He had a wide acquaintance in Akron, where his entire life was passed, and that many of his stanchest friends were those who had known him from his boyhood indicates that his life was well spent and that he possessed many qualities which endeared him to his fellows. EARL ROEMER FINDLEY "The measure of a man's life is the well spending of it and not the length of it" wrote the sage Plutarch. The truth of this statement finds verification in the life record of Earl Roemer Findley, who was born in Akron on the 24th of November, 1881, and here passed away on the 16th of June, 1926. Though his years were comparatively few, he accomplished much within that period and his life record constitutes one of the important chapters on the pages of the city's history. He came of an ancestry honorable and distinguished and was happy in that his lines of life were ever cast in harmony therewith. His grandfather in the paternal line was Dr. Samuel Findley, who was AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 149 born in New Concord, Ohio, December 1, 1831, and after leaving the common schools entered the preparatory department at Muskingum College. At seventeen years of age he accompanied his parents to Greene county and devoted two years to farm work, after which he taught in the country schools for four years and spent one year as a teacher in the public schools of Xenia, Ohio. In 1855 he became publisher and manager of the Presbyterian Witness and in connection therewith managed a book house at Cincinnati for two years. In the spring of 1857 he engaged in selling books in Monmouth, Illinois, where he later taught school for two years, and in the fall and winter of 1860 he was agent for Monmouth College in Ohio. In 1860 he resumed teaching in Greene county and in the fall of 1861 became a teacher in the Xenia Union schools, while a few months later he was made principal of a ward school in Columbus. In. January, 1864, he became principal of the old Brownell Street school in Cleveland and reorganized it in 1865 with eighteen teachers. For fifteen years, beginning in the fall of 1868, he was superintendent of the schools of Akron and for twenty years served as city and county examiner. Buchtel College conferred upon him the A. M. degree in 1876 and from Wooster University he received the Ph. D. degree in 1880. Later he edited and published the Ohio Educational Monthly and he was thus long closely associated with the intellectual progress of the state. On the 31st of March, 1853, he wedded Mary A. Hardie, of Xenia, and they had four sons and two daughters: William Clarence (who was the father of Earl Roemer Findley of this review), Alvin Irwin, Edwin Leigh, Samuel Emerson, Lorena Belle and Laura May. Dr. Findley died in 1908, having during his long life of seventy-seven years contributed in notable measure to the educational development of the state. Earl Roemer Findley attended the public schools of Akron until graduated from the Central high school with the class of 1901. He next entered Western Reserve University and subsequently studied in Columbia University, where he completed his work with the class of 1905. It was characteristic of Mr. Findley that during his high school course he largely met his expenses by selling newspapers and during his student days at Western Reserve he sang in the Episcopal church choir in order to supplement a somewhat limited exchequer. During the summer vacation periods throughout his college days he worked with the Lyman-Hawkins Lumber Company and the National City Bank.