(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 200 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Homer or Schumann-Heink singing the immortal melodies of Verdi or Puccini. If he was in New York five days, you could be sure that he heard five operas. Or if it was not during opera season, you would find him in Carnegie Hall, Aeolian Hall or some other temple of music listening to concerts. "He was the most ardent admirer of my father, Evan Williams. the silver-throated Akron singer, that ever lived. He never missed a New York recital nor one of the big festivals at Worcester, Cincinnati or Evanston. A festival would not have been a festival without N. C. Stone. I will never forget him at a big Welsh Eisteddfod in Pittsburgh—I believe back in 1914. If you have never heard an Eisteddfod you have never heard music, Six or seven of the greatest mixed choruses in the world were competing for a prize. On the final night they all joined together —just imagine one thousand trained voices in one vast chorus—in giving 'King Olaf,' a famous oratorio. It was the hottest night of an uncommonly hot summer. And there sat N. C. Stone—the only time I have ever seen him in his shirt sleeves—with great beads of perspiration rolling down his face, but wearing the most glorious smile ever seen on human countenance. I really believe it was one of the big moments of his life. "The collection of talking machine records in his home bears mute testimony to his love for music. The collection must contain several thousand records, carefully put away in special racks. The Victrola, one of the best made, stands on a special platform so the horn is about the height of a man's face. He had it placed thus because he believed the sound was distorted at a lower level. He even sent to foreign countries for records he could not get here. I believe he has every record the great baritone Battistini ever made, and his one regret was that Battistini would not cross the ocean to sing in this country. I believed Nelson. Stone valued his collection of records more than anything in his home. "To get away from music, it always seemed to me that Mr. Stone rather regretted having the National City Bank move from Howard street to its present location on Main street. It always seemed that he was rather cooped up in the new building. His office was more spacious and more beautiful—but it was the personal contact with his friends that he missed. In the old bank his office had a big window facing the street. He would sit by the window and watch for acquaintances. One would pass and he would rap smartly on the glass. The friend would take that as a signal to enter, and a ten-minute chat would ensue. He loved AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 201 to watch the world pass by, and in the new building that was impossible. "Akron may remember Nelson C. Stone as a gentleman of the old school, a splendid citizen and a great banker, but in my memory he will always be treasured as one who had discovered happiness through deliberate and good living. There are all too few like him." John A. Botzum said of him : "Nelson C. Stone, dean of Akron bankers, has gone from our midst. No longer will the city see him and hear his merry laughter. But in his going he leaves behind something we call memories, something that will live and make all of us the better for having known this man. Mr. Stone was a prince of a man. He was great in his wealth of experiences. In his boyhood days he associated with giants. They were the men who were the pioneers in building Akron. His contacts with such men made an impress upon him which remained with him always. He was rich in his friendships and his friendships covered a wide range. He made no distinction between high and low positions. He could take to his heart the humblest men. He always disliked the small and mean things in human nature. He loved little children. He loved all the fine things of life. He loved art and music. Shortly before he left he said he believed the best is yet to come. This beautiful thought he found in a poem and it made him happy." The following tribute to his memory was paid by the men with whom he was associated in banking: "Mr. Stone loved life. He was sensitive to its many appeals in music, the drama, books, flowers, the grace of animals and the fine products of art and skill. "He had a genius for friendship. His intimacies embraced national leaders of thought, speech and action in business, finance, state and church. No less did he share his rich nature with the humble. He enjoyed the naturalness of little children and was devoted to the companionship of home. He felt the challenge of the throbbing life of modern industry and was active in its promotion. "Reticent as to his inner life, undogmatic in his views, he was deeply interested in the progress of religion, maintaining a simple trust in the God of all life and having a growing confidence that beyond life's richest experiences the best is yet to be.' "Our personal loss is very great, and while we mourn his loss, we are proud of his achievements and of the privilege that has 202 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY been ours to be associated with him. He was a man whose character and leadership were appreciated not only in this bank but generally throughout the city of Akron. By the death of Mr. Stone this bank has lost a good executive; the stockholders and depositors a man at all times mindful of their interests; and the directors, officers and employes a loyal and constant friend." BERNARD PFEIFER Among those who have been representative of the jewelry trade in Akron none has enjoyed to a larger degree or more fully merited the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen than did Bernard Pfeifer, who was classed with the leading merchants of Akron for an extended period. He was born at Ashland, Ohio, June 9, 1884, and his life record covered the intervening period to the 29th of April, 1923, when he passed away at the age of thirty-nine years. While spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, John and Rosina Pfeifer, he attended the schools of Ashland and later of Akron, for the family removed to this city, where the father carried on business as a tailor. The son, Bernard Pfeifer, started out in the business world as an employe in the jewelry store of George K. Foltz and later he was for a time a clerk in the Kappler jewelry store but was ambitious to engage in business on his own account and he carefully saved his earnings until he was enabled to open a store of his own at 312 South Main street. He began in a small way but gradually increased his stock to meet the demands of his growing trade and for fifteen years was classed with the leading jewelry merchants of the city. While thus engaged he also attended an engraving school in Chicago and at a later period returned to a school in the same city for the study of optometry. He combined his knowledge of these two sciences in adding departments to his business, being able to render service of the greatest efficiency along both lines. On the 23d of November, 1910, Mr. Pfeifer was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Zimmerman, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Stigkleman) Zimmerman. He belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, to the Chamber of Commerce, to the German Reformed church and to the Jewelers Association. He enjoyed travel and was fond of motoring, but he found his greatest happiness in his home. He never cared for club life and his AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 205 greatest joy came to him through the companionship of his wife. He delighted in providing for her an attractive home and it was the spirit of contentment. He regarded no effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote her happiness and welfare, and their kindred interests made theirs largely an ideal relation. Those who came within the circle of his friendship found in him a trustworthy, genial gentleman of high ideals and sterling worth, and thus it was that those who knew him entertained for him the warmest regard and the most kindly feeling. FRANCIS GLADWIN Akron had numbered Francis Gladwin among her citizens for thirty-one years when he passed away February 5, 1900, at the age of sixty-six. He was a native of Manchester, England, born July 14, 1834, and in early life became a stone and wood carver but for some years prior to his demise was unable to follow his calling. His parents were George and Elizabeth Gilbert Gladwin. His father was also a stone carver, doing beautiful stone work on cathedrals and other notable buildings in England. It was natural, therefore, that Francis Gladwin should turn his attention in the same direction. He acquired his education in Stokeupon-Trent in England and his natural skill and ingenuity led him to become a sculptor and wood carver of much more than ordinary ability. He did a large amount of wood carving for many beautiful homes all over Ohio, including some of the finest residences in Akron, Elyria and Warren. He was likewise engaged in work of similar character on leading churches and public buildings. He was the head of one of the pioneer families of Akron, coming here when the city was a small town and passing away before the period of its phenomenal growth. About 1880 he erected the residence in which his family has since continuously lived. It was in Stoke-upon-Trent, in Staffordshire, England, that Mr. Gladwin was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Cooper, who was born in 1837 and died February 20, 1912. She was a daughter of Stephen and Jane Brooks Cooper and her father was a resident of both England and Scotland. To Mr. and Mrs. Gladwin were born the following children : Mary Elizabeth; Anna Cooper; Sarah Jane; Ellen Rachel.; Neonetta, who has been principal 206 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY of Grace school for twenty-one years; Francis, who married Arthur Herbert Hunsicker; and Stephen Cooper, who married Ada Copeland and afterward Gertrude Allen Hillbish. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hunsicker are six in number, namely : Frances Andrew, who married Elma Reinhart and who has four children—Francis, John Herbert, Beatrice Marie, and Richard; Stephen Gladwin, a graduate of Kenyon College, now studying law; Dorothy Alice, attending the University of Akron; Sarah Jane, a high school graduate; William; and John. The children of Stephen C. Gladwin are : Frank, of Cleveland, who married Florence Mullin and has three children—Corinne, Elizabeth, and Donald ; Florence ; Gladys, the wife of Leo Roy and the mother of one son, Bobby; and Copeland, who lives in Akron. Mary E. Gladwin, daughter of Francis and Sarah Cooper Gladwin, graduated from Buchtel College in Akron and afterward taught school in Norwalk, Ohio, later she graduated from Boston City Hospital School of Nursing. At the time of the Spanish-American war, although not yet a graduate nurse, she worked in Cuba and Porto Rico, and Sternberg Hospital, Chicamauga, for the Red Cross. In 1900, she was sent by the Red Cross to the Philippines, where she remained for six months. During the Russo-Japanese War the Red Cross sent ten nurses to work in the military hospital at Hiroshima, on the Inland Sea of Japan where she remained for six months. Later she had charge of the Beverly Hospital in Beverly, Massachusetts for four years and then was superintendent of nurses in the Woman's Hospital, New York City. On leaving the East she came to Akron, where she organized the George T. Perkins Visiting Nurse Association, of which she remained at the head until 1914, when her sister Anna took charge. During the World War the Red Cross sent units of surgeons and nurses to all the warring countries and Miss Gladwin was chief nurse of the group sent to Serbia and of the military hospital in Belgrade, on the Danube River, remaining there for a year and a half, during which period, the town was captured by the enemy and then recaptured by the Serbians several times. Miss Gladwin returned home for a brief stay, after which under Red Cross direction she went to the Macedonian front and was in the city of Salonika for a year. She received decorations from Serbia, Japan and Russia. From the International Red Cross came the much-coveted Florence Nightingale medal. In a published statement, it was said that the work in Serbia was the best done by any unit during the World war, she AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 207 and her assistant nurses being on the firing line all of the time. After the close of the World war, she came to Akron to rest for a year and then went to Minnesota, where she has since been educational director of the schools of nursing of that state. Francis Gladwin was a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the order both in Philadelphia and Akron, and he likewise had membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife were members of St. Paul's Episcopal church and Mrs. Gladwin was much interested in the Women's Christian Temperance Union. All who knew them esteemed and respected them because of their upright lives and sterling worth. THOMAS JOHN SEIBERT Thomas J. Seibert, one of the well known of Akron's younger business men whose activities have carried him to a prominent position in insurance circles, is president of the Seibert-Berry Agency with offices in the Ohio building. A native of this city, he was born September 18, 1894, and is a son of Charles C. and Estella (Harpster) Seibert. For many years the father was the owner of the Seibert Mirror Works, and since disposing of the business he has lived retired. Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Seibert have three children : Mrs. Shirley Williams, Mrs. H. R. Smith and Thomas J. Thomas J. Seibert attended the public schools and early entered on his business career, earning his first wage as office boy for the B. F. Goodrich Company. He remained with that corporation for about six years and was advanced to the position of bookkeeper. On the expiration of that period he entered the employ of the Bankers Title & Trust Company of Akron and for five years was connected with the real estate department of that institution. In 1916 he started in business for himself as a real estate operator and a year later entered the service of his country in the World war. He was attached to that branch of the motor transport corps which carried ammunition supplies and he attained the rank of first lieutenant. For twenty-three months he was in active service, and in 1919 was honorably discharged. He returned to Akron and in 1919 established the Seibert-Berry Agency, of which he has since been the executive head. The firm writes all forms of insurance, also handling surety bonds, and 208 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY has about twelve employes. The rapid growth of the Seibert-Berry Agency is an outstanding achievement in insurance circles of Akron in recent years, and is not only a fine tribute to its management but has placed it among the leading concerns of its kind in this city. Among Mr. Seibert's other business interests he is a director of the Akron Pump & Supply Company, a director of the Christianson-Agate Company, a director of the Akron Buick Company, a director of the Seibert Development Company and a director of Horton & Sisler, distributors of Ford cars. Mr. Seibert is well known in club circles, being a member of the Portage Country Club, the Akron City Club, the Portage Riding Club and the Turkey Foot Lake Club. He belongs to the local post of the American Legion and in his religious connection is with the Methodist church. CHARLES HENRY Charles Henry was an Akron architect who developed superior ability in the line of his profession, and there stand today in this city many structures which are monuments to his skill. While thirteen years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since he passed away, his memory is cherished by all who knew him and Akron must always acknowledge her indebtedness to him for her improvement along the line of his profession. Mr. Henry was born at Vernon Center, Trumbull county, Ohio, May 24, 1847, a son of Wales and Julia (Burnett) Henry. The father owned a sawmill and carried on a general contracting and building business, specializing in the erection of houses. The mother died when her son was a youth of sixteen years and the home was then broken up and Charles Henry was largely thrown upon his own resources. Being of a studious nature, he had acquired a goodly education through attendance at the public and select schools prior to this time and thereby was enabled to secure a position as teacher of a school at Palmyra, Ohio. Later he became a teacher at Ravenna, Ohio, and during the period there passed made his home with C. L. Bartlett, one of whose daughters he afterward married. By teaching school and by working at times as bookkeeper and pay clerk with a general contracting firm he was enabled to provide for the expenses of a college course. He labored through the spring and summer months and in the AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 209 fall and winter attended Hillsdale College, where he pursued a general scientific course, and during his college days he also served as orchestra leader. Following his marriage, in 1869, he established his home in River Falls, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the contracting and building business until his health failed. He then returned to Ravenna and it was about two years before he had sufficiently recovered to again become an active factor in the business world. Removing to Akron, he here entered the employ of Jacob Snyder, an architect, in which capacity he served until the death of Mr. Snyder, when Mr. Henry purchased his interest, continuing his activities alone until he admitted his son, L. W. Henry, to a partnership. The business is still carried on under the firm style of Henry & Murphy. Mr. Henry specialized in church and school work and erected a number of the older churches and business blocks of the city. He was the architect drawing the designs for churches in thirty different states and personally supervised the erection of many of these. He was equally well known as a school architect and many substantial structures used for school and church purposes are still to be found in various sections of the country. He was always a great student of the classical in architecture and preferred to cling to this in drawing his plans for churches. He recognized the great beauty that was brought out in many of the ecclesiastical structures of Europe and through his adaptation of this beauty to modern needs he gave to numerous localities churches, schools, and other structures which added greatly to their architectural adornment. He had the greatest love for his work and chafed under the restraint of ill health, but in 1910 his health again failed him, so that his son, L. W. Henry, took over the business, while Mr. and Mrs. Henry went to Florida. There he gained so greatly that he returned to Akron and arranged his affairs, removing to Eustis, Central Park, Florida, where he practiced his profession on a moderate scale until 1912, when again ill health brought pause to his labors. In 1913 he returned to Akron, where the greater part of his life had been spent, and here on the 2d of November, 1915, he passed away. Mr. Henry was survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. It was on the 9th of September, 1869, in Ravenna, Ohio, that he married Anna Bartlett. Their son, Leroy Wales, born July 15, 1871, carried on the business established by his father under the firm name of Henry & Murphy. He married Myrtle Marie Royer, who died leaving a daughter, Pauline Marie. Julia Henry, the 210 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henry, is the wife of John E. McCanna, who conducts a coal and building supplies business in Cleveland. Mr. Henry was a member of the First Congregational church, in which he filled the office of deacon. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he had membership in the Amphycton Society of Hillsdale College, in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. At one time he was editor of the Ohio Architect. He was always fond of music, possessing a beautiful tenor voice, and as a young man led, among others, the church choir in which Evan Williams sang occasionally before he had entered upon his marvelous career. Another characteristic of Mr. Henry's was his great fondness for pets and back of this was the kindly spirit which was manifest in his every relation of life. In early manhood he adopted as his business slogan the old motto, "Honesty is the best policy," and he adhered to this in spirit and letter. He was prompt and energetic, was courageous even in his periods of ill health, was widely read and possessed a studious nature whereby his mind was constantly enriched, making him an interesting and companionable conversationalist. He possessed a great love for all mankind and was a believer in that charity which enables the individual to help himself. The most admirable habits and the highest ideals characterized his entire life and thus it is that his memory is enshrined in the hearts of all and remains as a blessed benediction to those who knew him. ELLIS WALTON NEAL In a history of Akron's commercial development it is imperative that mention be made of Ellis Walton Neal, who for many years was a leading merchant of the city, successfully conducting two millinery establishments. He was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of September, 1882, and was a son of George P. and Emmaline (Bowers) Neal, and one of four children, of whom three are yet living. The father also conducted a millinery business in connection with his sons and son-in-law and he also carried on an independent enterprise of similar character in Williamsport. It was while spending his youthful days in his native city AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 213 that Ellis W. Neal attended the public schools and then supplemented his early training by a course of study in the Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport. Later he entered the Pierce Business School of Philadelphia, from which in due course of time he was graduated. Starting out on his business career, he entered the employ of the Corbin Cabinet Lock Company of Philadelphia, with which enterprise he was associated for one year, while later he spent a year in a clerical capacity with a branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. In 1911 he came to Akron, where he established business at 71 South Howard street, now 87 South Howard street, under the name of the Neal Millinery Company. In 1921 he opened the Ellis Neal store at 15 South Howard street and conducted the two establishments, carrying on the business successfully to the time of his demise. He was also connected with the Neal store in Cleveland, was a stockholder in the Neal store at Youngstown and at the time of his demise was contemplating the purchase of a store at Canton which has since been acquired by the company of which he was the head. He was in his Howard street store when overcome by heat on the 20th of July, 1926, and within a few moments had passed away, being then about forty-four years of age. Mr. Neal was married twice. His first wife was Miss Maude A. Cunningham, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Cunningham, of New Granada. She passed away August 18, 1918, leaving a son, George Cunningham, and a daughter, Dorothy Elizabeth, the first of whom graduated in 1928 from Dickinson Seminary and the latter is a member of the class of 1930 of that school. On the 20th of June, 1922, Mr. Neal wedded Miss Lily May Theiss, of Akron, and one child, Margaret Eva, was born to them. Mrs. Neal is a daughter of Dr. Herman C. Theiss, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this publication. Mr. Neal was a consistent and active member of the Woodland Methodist Episcopal church, taking deep interest in its work and giving generously to its support. He also had membership in the Exchange Club. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, but he never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty. He belonged to the Chamber of Commerce and to the Akron Merchants Association, but his interests center chiefly in the church, in the work of which he took a most active and helpful part, serving as a member of the official board, while at the time of his death he was teacher of a class of boys in the Sunday school. His life at all times measured up to the high- 214 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY est standards of manhood and citizenship and the principles which constituted the basic elements of his character were manifest in his business as in all other relations. JAMES BURNS PERGRIN James Burns Pergrin is a successful hardware merchant and a conspicuous member of that select company of enterprising business men to whom Akron is indebted for substantial contributions to its commercial growth and prosperity. He was born June 26, 1872, in Julian, Pennsylvania, and his parents, Edward J. and Debbie (Yothers) Pergrin, were also natives of the Keystone state. The father was a prominent merchant and his life was terminated before he reached his prime, but the mother survives. Of the four children in their family James B. Pergrin is the only one now living. In the acquirement of an education he attended the grammar and high schools of Julian and was a student in a business college at Hazleton, Pennsylvania. At an early age he started to work in a small hardware store at Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania, standing on a box in order to wait on customers. An apprentice in those days had to learn the tinner's trade and when Mr. Pergrin had nothing else to occupy his time he was employed in making kitchen utensils. The hours of work were from seven o'clock in the morning until ten at night. Through the exercise of the qualities of thrift and self-denial Mr. Pergrin accumulated a small capital and in 1893 began his independent career as a hardware dealer. The venture proved a success and from time to time he increased his activities, eventually becoming the owner of a chain of hardware stores in Columbus, Ohio. In 1916 he disposed of his mercantile interests in that city and came to Akron, where he has since resided. Mr. Pergrin is now at the head of the Central Hardware & Stove Company, the East Akron Hardware Company and the Star Hardware & Tool Company, all of which he has established upon a solid financial footing. Alert to every new avenue opened in the natural ramifications of the trade, he keeps not only abreast of the times but ahead of them and constantly has some new plan in the making. His detailed knowledge of the business is supplemented by administrative power and business acumen that have placed his mercantile interests in the front rank of Akron's retail hardware trade. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 215 Among his other business interests he is vice president of the Standard Bank and a director of the Workers Savings & Loan Company of this city. Mr. Pergrin was married July 28, 1894, to Miss Jessie Valentine, a daughter of Dr. R. H. Valentine, a well known physician and druggist of Belle Center, Logan county, Ohio, and they have a son and two daughters. The eldest, Cora, was born in Belle Center, Ohio, completed her education at Ohio Wesleyan University and is now the wife of William McGowan; Max Valentine was also born at Belle Center, Ohio, and educated at Staunton Military Academy and Ohio University. He is vice president of the Central Hardware & Stove Company. His wife was formerly Miss Doris Parks of Nelsonville, Ohio, and they have three children, all born in Akron ; Martha May, born December 26, 1924; Jessie H., born March 28, 1926; and James Burns Pergrin (II) born July 14, 1927. The younger daughter, Jessie Gale Preston Pergrin, was born in Columbus, Ohio, and educated at Mary Baldwin Seminary of which she is a graduate. Mr. Pergrin is identified with both the York and Scottish Rite bodies of masonry. He holds the thirty-second degree in the order and is also an Elk. A strong advocate of the cause of education, he is serving on the board of directors of the University of Akron and is also a member of the Builders Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce and the City, Optimist and Automobile Clubs. Throughout the period of his residence in Akron, Mr. Pergrin has evinced a hearty cooperation in progressive movements and an eagerness to promote the city's permanent interests. He is accorded a most creditable position among Akron's strong and able business men and best citizens. His residence is at No. 1129 Delia avenue. WILLIAM CHARLES KEENAN From his Celtic ancestors William C. Keenan inherited a strong physique, keen intelligence and an energetic nature and with these assets he has made his own way in the world becoming one of Akron's substantial business men and leading citizens. He was born September 27, 1872, in Boston township, Summit county, Ohio, and his parents, John and Margaret (Martin) Keenan, were natives of Ireland. The father was born in Sligo  216 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY and left the Emerald isle when a youth of eighteen, joining the tide of emigration to the new world and for a year and a half was located in New York state. In 1857 he located at Hudson, Ohio, where his father's sister and other relatives were then residing. There he was married in 1859 to Margaret Martin, who was born in Kilkenny and when a child of ten came to the United States with her parents, who lived for eight years in Fall River, Massachusetts, coming to Summit county, Ohio, at the end of that time. After his marriage John Keenan purchased land in Boston township, Summit county, and devoted the remainder of his life to the cultivation and improvement of his farm. Death summoned him on March 23, 1912, and his wife passed away October 10, 1910. To their union were born eight children, four of whom attained years of maturity : John, who died at his home in Summit county in 1923 ; Mrs. George Skimmen, who lives in Chicago; Mrs. Margaret Mourn, of San Francisco; and William C. Keenan. In the country schools of Boston township Mr. Keenan received his early instruction and afterward matriculated in the Western Reserve Academy, at Hudson, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1894. Between sessions he taught school and thus paid his way through college. For eight years he was engaged in educational work and then entered the field of general merchandising at Peninsula, Ohio. Later he transferred the carriage and implement department of his business to Akron, locating on North Main street, and this site is now occupied by the Rose furniture store. In 1911 he disposed of the business and has since devoted his attention to real estate activities. He opened up the Cloverdale, Keenan Heights and Keenan Park subdivisions and has greatly enhanced the value of property in the districts in which he has operated. Mr. Keenan is thoroughly conversant with the value of local real estate and many important transfers of property have been effected through his agency. He maintains an office of the seventh floor of the Second National Bank building and a large and constantly increasing business is evidence of the confidence reposed in his ability and honesty. Mr. Keenan was married October 29, 1894, in Hudson, Ohio to Miss Lillian Belle Thompson, a daughter of Otis and Isabella J. Thompson and a granddaughter of Benjamin Thompson, one of the pioneer settlers of Summit county. William Harold, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Keenan, was born June 4, 1896, and died November 7, 1920, when a young man of twenty-four years. He AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 217 is survived by a widow, Mrs. Katherine (Douds) Keenan, and two sons, both born in Akron, William Harold, Jr., born April 26, 1919, and Randall Patrick, July 30, 1920. They also had a daughter, Mary Margaret, who is deceased. Mr. Keenan's residence is at 312 North Front street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. William C. Keenan belongs to the local and national real estate boards and his life is guided by the teachings of the Roman Catholic church. He loses no opportunity to exploit the resources, advantages and attractions of Akron and is a citizen of worth to the community. WILLIAM JOSEPH AHERN, SR. Among the well known representatives of railway interests in Akron is William Joseph Ahern, Sr., who for forty-two years has been with the Pennsylvania system and its predecessor, his name being now on its honor roll. Born in Hudson, Ohio, on the 25th of March, 1862, he is a son of Jeremiah and Ella (Foley) Ahern, who were of Irish lineage and in 1843 left their old home in Queens county, Ireland, to become residents of Boston, Massachusetts. Subsequently, they located in Hudson, Ohio, where the father owned an acre of ground on which he erected a dwelling that is still standing and is in almost as good condition as it was on the day when it was completed. He was a cabinetmaker and joiner, very thorough and efficient in his work. His death occurred in 1863. William J. Ahern was about seven years of age when his widowed mother removed to Carroll street in Akron and he attended the schools of this city for about eight years. He then returned to Hudson, where he again attended school for a time, after which he made his initial start in business by securing employment in the store of C. H. Buss—a store that is still in existence. After five years devoted to mercantile pursuits he became a fireman on the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus Railway, now a part of the Pennsylvania system, and through all the intervening years he has continued on the road until his service now covers more than four decades. Mr. Ahern has a picture of the first engine that ever entered Akron, the year being 1850. He was a young man of twenty years when in 1884 he became a fireman on a small "dinkey" engine quite unlike the powerful steam monsters of today. It had small cylinders, sixteen by 218 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY twenty-four inches, and the entire engine weighed between forty and fifty tons. The present locomotives are now between one hundred and ten and one hundred and fifty tons and have ten times the pulling power of the kind on which Mr. Ahern first worked. After three years' efficient service as a fireman he was advanced to the position of engineer and since 1896 has been continuously on passenger runs. He has had many through runs, including the one from Columbus to Cleveland, and on the fast train from Orrville to Columbus. He was also at the throttle of the special train which took William McKinley to the state capital at the time of his nomination and also when he was inaugurated governor of Ohio. He has also driven many other notable specials. Early in his connection with railroad service he made it his duty to thoroughly master every phase of his work in principle and detail, and the care which he has always displayed, his recognition of his responsibility and his faithful performance of duty, as well as his long service, have gained for him the distinction of being on the honor roll of the Pennsylvania system. In 1884 Mr. Ahern was married to Miss Rose Kinney and they have become the parents of five children, as follows : Mary; Judge William Joseph Ahern, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; Edward ; Abbie, who is the wife of Grover Gill and has become the mother of six children—Teddy, William (deceased), Vincent, Jack, Tom and Billy; John, who married Grace Copley and resides in Deerfield, Ohio. A lifelong resident of Ohio and always identified with the interests of the state, Mr. Ahern is widely and favorably known and has many friends, while his true democratic spirit is shown by the fact that he numbers his friends among rich and poor, young and old, for all who have come in contact with him entertain for him warm regard. HERMAN C. THEISS, M. D. Dr. Herman C. Theiss was one of the esteemed, valued and honored physicians and surgeons of Akron. For nearly twenty-seven years he practiced here and rendered valuable service to his fellowmen inasmuch as he always kept in close touch with the trend of professional thought and progress. His death occurred October 12, 1913, when his automobile was struck by a northbound limited car of the Akron, Bedford & Cleveland line. He AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 221 was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 4, 1864, and two years later his parents removed with the family to Northampton township, Summit county, Ohio. His father, Christian Theiss, died in March, 1913, having survived his wife exactly one year. They were parents of fourteen children, of whom eight are now living. Dr. Theiss obtained his professional degree from the Columbus Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1886, and soon afterward he opened an office and began practice in Akron. He was a well known and valued member of the Summit County, Sixth Ohio District, Ohio State and American Medical Associations and of the first named was treasurer at the time of his death, while previously he had filled the offices of president, vice president and secretary. He was also secretary of the state board of pension examiners for ten years but resigned a few weeks prior to his demise. In politics he was a republican and for a number of years was an active worker in party ranks. He was a member of the county board of review at the time of his death and at one time he was a candidate for the office of county treasurer. He was also treasurer of the Summit county republican central committee. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, working earnestly for the welfare of the First church and of the Woodland church, in which he had membership after leaving the former organization. He served as district steward and did everything in his power to further the growth and progress of his denomination. He married Eva Manton and they became parents of three children : Lily M., who married Ellis W. Neal, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this publication; Fred C. of Akron; and Eva, the wife of Raymond Cadwallader, of Akron. The death of Dr. Theiss occurred on October 12, 1913, Mrs. Theiss surviving him until October 25, 1923. FRED J. STEINERT Fred J. Steinert, one of the partners of the Permanent Title Agency and connected with that organization since its inception, has been for thirty years identified with the financial interests of Akron. Mr. Steinert was born in this city, February 23, 1879, a son of Jacob and Marie E. (Shaffner) Steinert, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. In early life they AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 221 was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 4, 1864, and two years later his parents removed with the family to Northampton township, Summit county, Ohio. His father, Christian Theiss, died in March, 1913, having survived his wife exactly one year. They were parents of fourteen children, of whom eight are now living. Dr. Theiss obtained his professional degree from the Columbus Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1886, and soon afterward he opened an office and began practice in Akron. He was a well known and valued member of the Summit County, Sixth Ohio District, Ohio State and American Medical Associations and of the first named was treasurer at the time of his death, while previously he had filled the offices of president, vice president and secretary. He was also secretary of the state board of pension examiners for ten years but resigned a few weeks prior to his demise. In politics he was a republican and for a number of years was an active worker in party ranks. He was a member of the county board of review at the time of his death and at one time he was a candidate for the office of county treasurer. He was also treasurer of the Summit county republican central committee. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, working earnestly for the welfare of the First church and of the Woodland church, in which he had membership after leaving the former organization. He served as district steward and did everything in his power to further the growth and progress of his denomination. He married Eva Manton and they became parents of three children : Lily M., who married Ellis W. Neal, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this publication ; Fred C. of Akron ; and Eva, the wife of Raymond Cadwallader, of Akron. The death of Dr. Theiss occurred on October 12, 1913, Mrs. Theiss surviving him until October 25, 1923. FRED J. STEINERT Fred J. Steinert, ore of the partners of the Permanent Title Agency and connected with that organization since its inception, has been for thirty years identified with the financial interests of Akron. Mr. Steinert was born in this city, February 23, 1879, a son of Jacob and Marie E. (Shaffner) Steinert, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. In early life they 222 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY came to the United States, and the father became one of Akron's pioneer bakers. He passed away in the Rubber city and the mother is also deceased. Fred J. Steinert attended the public schools of Akron, and began his business career at an early age. He was first employed by the Akron Abstract & Title Guarantee & Trust Company. Diligent, capable and trustworthy, he worked his way through the various departments and eventually became secretary and treasurer of the company, with which he remained for a quarter of a century. He is now one of the partners of the Permanent Title Agency. Mr. Steinert has a highly specialized knowledge of all branches of the real estate and mortgage loan business, in titles, escrows, mortgages, real estate and loans, and his judgment or opinion on matters pertaining to these subjects is highly regarded. He is also president of the Akron Guaranteed Mortgage Company and the Arlington Finance Company. He has bought and sold from time to time a great deal of Akron real estate. On May 21, 1908, Mr. Steinert was married to Miss Louise Brewster, a daughter of James and Mary Brewster, of a well known family. Appreciative of the social amenities of life, Mr. Steinert is a member of the Portage Country Club, the Akron City Club and the Akron Automobile Club. He is also a member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce, while his religious connection is with the First Congregational church. Mr. Steinert's residence is on Arlington road. His entire life has been spent in Akron and he has witnessed its wonderful progress and development from less than twenty thousand people. He is well known and has long been regarded as one of the city's strong and able business men and of the worthwhile type of citizens. HAROLD F. REITER Alert, energetic and capable, Harold F. Reiter is a typical young business man of the present age and successfully manages one of the important productive industries of Akron. He was born July 20, 1904, in Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, and is a son of R. H. and Clara (Swager) Reiter, also natives of the Keystone state. The family migrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio, settling in Akron, and in 1914 R. H. Reiter became secretary and treasurer of the Summit Baking Company. These offices he filled until he was called to the presidency of the Miller Maid Creamery AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 223 Company. He remained at its head until 1926. In that year he disposed of his Akron holdings and went to Butler, Pennsylvania, where he is now engaged in the baking business. Mr. and Mrs. Reiter have two children : Alma and Harold F. After the completion of his high school course the son enrolled as a student in the University of Akron and in 1925 received the degree of Bachelor of Science from that institution of learning. In the year of his graduation he became connected with the Miller Maid Creamery Company and since 1927 has been treasurer and manager of the corporation, which manufactures and distributes more than eight hundred thousand pounds of creamery butter per annum in this vicinity. The plant is immaculate and modern appliances facilitate the work of production. The firm manufactures a high grade of butter and under the expert management of Mr. Reiter the industry is rapidly expanding. On the 7th of May, 1927, Mr. Reiter married Miss Dorothy Pauline Steese, a daughter of J. C. Steese, president of the Akron Lamp Company and a well known manufacturer of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Reiter have become the parents of a son, Rollin H., who was born in Akron, February 1, 1928. Their residence is at 667 Greenwood avenue. Mr. Reiter is identified with the University Club and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, while his religious views are in accord with the tenets of the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a consistent member. Nature has endowed him with that quality known as the "commercial sense" and a winning personality has drawn to him a wide circle of loyal friends. FLOYD CHILTON A product of the Blue Grass state, Floyd Chilton has profited by the many opportunities offered for advancement in Akron and is well known in local business circles as a certified public accountant. He was born July 13, 1894, in Lexington, Kentucky, and is a son of the Rev. Calvin R. and Emma (Sewell) Chilton, also natives of that state. The father is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and now resides at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The mother is also living and they have three sons: Floyd; John Fletcher, whose home is in Atlanta, Georgia; and Newton Hillis, of Fort Lauderdale. The eldest son received his early instruction in Wilmore, Ken- 224 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY tucky, and completed a course in the high school at Dresden, Ohio. After his graduation he returned to Wilmore and matriculated in Asbury College, which he attended for two years. In 1914 he located in Akron and became a member of the clerical force of the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company. His next position was in the accounting department of the W. E. Wright Company, after which he was in the employ of The McIntosh, Bower & West Company, an insurance firm. Subsequently he entered the office of A. E. Chandler, a certified public accountant, and in 1921 was admitted to a partnership in the business. It is conducted under the style of Chandler, Murray & Chilton although. Mr. Chandler is no longer connected with the business, which is owned by Mr. Chilton and H. E. Murray, both of whom are thoroughly proficient in the line in which they specialize. Their offices are located on the tenth floor of the Second National Bank building and their services as certified public accountants have been retained by many of the large firms of Akron. Mr. Chilton was married May 30, 1918, in Akron, to Miss Adra Belle Goodman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Goodman, prominent residents of Wooster, Ohio. Mr. Chilton is a member of the Indiana Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Accountants. He enjoys the social side of life and is a director of the Silver Lake Country Club. His name also appears on the membership rolls of the Lions Club, the Akron City Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Akron's growth and prosperity is a matter in which he manifests a deep interest and his personal qualities are such as make for strong and enduring regard. EDMUND J. RICHMOND Through the exercise of effort Edmund J. Richmond has developed his latent talents, and his powers of organization and administration have made him a leader in financial circles of Akron. He was born May 23, 1880, in Stillwater, Minnesota, and his father, Andrew Richmond, was a native of Ireland. Leaving the Emerald isle in his youth, he made the voyage to Canada and lived for a time in Montreal, afterward crossing the United States border. In New York he married Miss Sarah Wilcox, a native of that state, and later they journeyed westward to Chicago, subsequently locating in Peoria, Illinois. Andrew Rich- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 225 mond was a brass molder and aided in making the cannons used on the federal gunboats during the Civil war. The trade proved injurious to his health and he was forced to seek an outdoor occupation. Going to Minnesota, he settled in Blue Earth county and became the owner of one of the finest farms in that section of the state. In later life he retired and purchased a substantial home in Stillwater, where he resided until his death on March 15, 1924, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1900, when sixty years of age. They had become the parents of two children : George A., who is living in Stillwater; and Edmund J. The latter was reared in his native city and received a public school education. For one and a half years he worked for a company engaged in the building of threshing machines and afterward became a traveling salesman, covering the states of Minnesota, New Mexico, Louisiana and Missouri. On April 1, 1909, he arrived in Denver and for one and a half years was a member of the clerical force of the Colorado Southern Railroad Company. He was in the employ of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company for nine and a half years and during that period had become interested in financial affairs. From 1916 until 1920 he was connected with the Morris Plan Bank of Denver in an official capacity and at that time considerable difficulty was experienced in establishing a similar institution in Akron. Mr. Richmond was prevailed upon to undertake the task and in 1922 came to the city for this purpose, assuming the duties of secretary, treasurer and manager, which he has since discharged. He is well versed in the intricate details of modern finance and through earnest, systematic effort has made this one of the leading banks of the city. The last statement of the institution showed resources well in excess of one million dollars and the extent of its business today is the best evidence of satisfactory service rendered. In Denver, Colorado, Mr. Richmond was married May 29, 1915, to Miss Lucy McCallum. In religious faith he is a Christian Scientist and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is a member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce and the Automobile, City and Rotary Clubs. For recreation he turns to hunting and fishing and, like all true sportsmen, Mr. Richmond is endeavoring to conserve wild life. He is a great lover of nature and while in Colorado went to the trouble and expense of purchasing food for the mountain sheep when the Grand canyon was covered with deep snowdrifts. The season 226 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY was intensely cold and many of the sheep died of starvation. At that time he succeeded in taking pictures of the most wary wild game, which became almost domesticated owing to extreme hunger. Mr. Richmond was able to approach within one hundred feet of a band of mountain sheep and thus secured a rare and valuable collection of pictures. His success has been won by hard work and devotion to duty, coupled with the ability to meet and master situations, and an exemplary life has enabled him to gain and retain the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen. PHILIP HENRY SCHNEIDER Among those whose activities are guided by a sense of conscientious obligation to the community, and one who has made a valuable contribution to the development of Akron, holding to high ideals of service and developing some of the most attractive and useful landmarks in the city, is Philip H. Schneider. His labors and public service have spelled distinction and beauty in city building, as well as personal success, and few men are more highly honored and esteemed by reason of what they have accomplished than is Mr. Schneider. He is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in the village of Alloway, Wayne county, New York, December 1, 1866. His parents, Martin and Margaret (Wakeman) Schneider, were natives of Baden, Germany. His father, inspired by the human desire to live in a land of freedom, arrived in America alone while a youth in his teens, his mother arriving in infancy. They resided in New York for some time and subsequently moved to Michigan, where they engaged in farming. The youthful experiences of Mr. Schneider were those of the farm-bred boy. He was only three years old when his parents moved to Michigan. He attended the rural schools of Kent county, that state, and completed his studies by a high school course in Lowell, Michigan. When his textbooks were laid aside he turned his attention to mercantile affairs by becoming a clerk in a grocery store and later in a dry goods store. He soon realized that industry and loyalty are valuable elements in progress, and those qualities were employed to win him the various promotions that eventually brought him to the position of manager of the dry goods stores conducted by The J. L. Hudson Company of Detroit. For ten years he was with that corporation, having charge of branch AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 229 stores and thoroughly acquainting himself with every phase of the business. In 1890 he was united in marriage to Jenny Winegar of Lowell, Michigan. In 1887, Mr. Schneider arrived in Akron as manager of the dry goods store of William Taylor Son & Company at 155-157 South Howard street. He acted in that capacity for eighteen months and then purchased the interests of The Taylor Company, reorganizing the business under the name of P. H. Schneider Company, of which he became president and general manager. Under his capable direction he developed one of the leading dry goods stores of the city, successfully conducting the business until 1905, when he sold out to the M. O'Neil Company as a health measure after too serious and constant application to business. During the period of his rest and recuperation he devoted his time and interests to civic welfare and fraternal matters, being instrumental in the erection of the Masonic Temple of Akron and serving as chairman of the campaign which raised the funds to build the same, and as treasurer and director during the period of its construction. In 1912 Mr. Schneider was elected to the office of county commissioner. During his term the high level bridge over the Cuyahoga river gorge was planned and constructed, which at the time of its construction was said to be the highest bridge in the world built of concrete for highway purposes. During that period the flood occurred in Summit county which washed out many of the roads and bridges, the occasion of special legislation in the state legislature for a special bond issue to rebuild. Mr. Schneider served one term doing many useful and constructive things but did not seek reelection. In recent years Mr. Schneider has given his efforts largely to financial, industrial and real estate matters. He has changed unsightly vacancies into beautiful residential sections, in which are some of Akron's loveliest homes. In 1916 he organized The Central Associated Realty Company and developed what is known as Sunset View Subdivision, one of the finest residential subdivisions of Akron and its vicinity, so named because of its ideal location and topography allowing a view of the distant wooded hills unsurpassed in scope and beauty especially of the gorgeous sunsets, a subdivision with numerous distinctive advantages all its own. He is also president of The Schneider Building Company, owning downtown commercial properties. He is likewise vice president of The Citizens Savings & Loan Company, is a director 8-VOL. 2 230 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY of The Central Savings & Trust Company and a director of The Mohawk Rubber Company, and interested also in other important business concerns. His plans are ever carefully formulated and promptly executed, and actuated by laudable ambition and by a spirit of civic pride he has carried his interests forward to a point where his labors are most vital in the city's development. Mr. Schneider is a member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce and is a public spirited citizen, supporting all measures which he deems of benefit and value to the community. He is likewise a member of the Akron Real Estate Board. In Masonic Circles he has membership in Adoniram Lodge No. 517 F. & A. M.; Washington Chapter No. 25 R. A. M. ; Akron Council No. 80, R. & S. M. ; Akron Commandery No.x 25, K. T. ; Lake Erie Consistory, S. P. R. S. ; and Tadmor Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Masonic Club and the Shrine Club and thus maintains pleasant social as well as fraternal relations with his fellow Masons. He is a member of the Portage Country Club and the Akron City Club, and at all times shows a due appreciation of the social amenities of life. Mr. Schneider's identification with Akron's business life goes back more than thirty years, in which period his activities have effected the mercantile, banking, industrial, real estate, civic and public interests to an extent not exceeded by any of his contemporaries. His has been an extremely active career, in which close application and sound judgment have been manifest in the substantial results achieved, and no history of Akron would be complete without extensive reference to him because of his valuable contribution to the city's growth and improvement. FRANK BUTLER Enterprising, determined and capable, Frank Butler has become a forceful figure in insurance circles of Akron and is recognized as one of the city's leading business men. He was born September 21, 1879, in Rochester, New York, and his parents, Ralph and Mary A. (Sayles) Butler, were also natives of that state. His father was born in Elmira and the mother's birth occurred at Painted Post. Ralph Butler engaged in the practice of law at Rochester for many years. Later he established his home in Pittsburgh and became secretary and general manager of the Central Accident Insurance Company, which he organ- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 231 ized. Death summoned him in 1907 but his widow now resides in Elmira, New York.. Frank Butler, their only child, was reared in the Empire state and completed a course in one of the high schools of Rochester. His studies were continued in the University of Michigan, from which he received the degree of LL.B. in 1900, and after his admission to the bar he located in Cleveland, Ohio, where he followed his profession for a number of years, building up a lucrative practice. In 1913 he became connected with the Fidelity & Deposit Insurance Company and maintained his headquarters in Boise, Idaho, for three years. He was appointed branch manager at Syracuse, New York, in 1916, and filled the position until 1918. At that time he located in Akron and for five years was identified with the Herberich, Hall & Harter Company, being employed as manager of the casualty and surety bond department. For three years thereafter he sold insurance on his own account and was next manager of the surety department in the service of the Seibert-Berry Agency of Akron. At the end of one and a half years he resigned his position and since February, 1927, has been president of the Butler-Amer Agency. The firm writes all kinds of insurance and also handles surety bonds. Mr. Butler knows every phase of the insurance business and a large list of satisfied policy holders attests the confidence of the general public in the ability and integrity of the company which he controls. In Cleveland, Ohio, December 8, 1913, Mr. Butler was married to Miss Martha C. Swanger, a daughter of L. C. Swanger of that city, and they have become the parents of one child, Peter. He was born at Boise, Idaho, January 18, 1915, and is attending the Rankin school in Akron. Mr. Butler is a thirty-second degree Mason and Shriner and a worthy exemplar of the order. He is esteemed by his business associates and conscientiously discharges the duties and obligations of citizenship. His residence is at 987 Copley road. WILLIAM JOHN KOCH A tireless, efficient, conscientious worker, William John Koch rose to a position of prominence in business circles of Akron, his native city, and manifested his courage and patriotism by gallant service in the World war. Devotion to duty was one of his outstanding characteristics and his life, though short, was sym- 232 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY metrical and complete. He was born January 11, 1888, and was a son of John and. Charlotte (Zehnder) Koch. His father was a native of Germany and sought the opportunities of the United States when about nineteen years of age. He obtained work in the Quaker Oats factory at Akron and afterward became an agriculturist, purchasing a small tract of land near the Rubber city. William J. Koch was reared on his father's farm and attended the local schools, the Sherbondy Hill school and the Zion Lutheran school. When still quite young he learned the barber's trade and for a brief period conducted a little shop on Main street. This he sold and was next employed in the twine works for a short time. He served an apprenticeship with the Kraus Plumbing Company and manifested a special aptitude for that line of activity. Mr. Koch made rapid progress and in 1913 opened a plumbing and heating establishment at No. 99 West Market street in partnership with Henry Steigner. Through close application, judicious management and prompt, efficient service they placed the business upon a secure footing and as the years passed it assumed extensive proportions. On April 28, 1918, Mr. Koch responded to the call of his country, joining the Twelfth Batallion of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Division Brigade, to which he was attached until May 31, 1918, and during the remainder of his service was a member of Company F, of the One Hundred and Twelfth Engineers. On July 10, 1918, he was sent overseas and was stationed in France and Belgium. He was in the Boccarat sector from August 4 to September 16, 1918; at Arocourt from September 21-25, and at Parmes from October 8-16. From September 26 to October 5, 1918, he participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and also took part in the Ypres-Lys drive, which was started October 31 and terminated November 11, 1918. He arrived in the United States, April 1, 1919, and on the 17th of that month was honorably discharged. Mr. Koch was a good soldier, never faltering in the performance of duty, and on February 24, 1922, was awarded the Victory medal. On his return to Akron he resumed his activities in the plumbing business and was thus engaged until his death on March 7, 1926, resulting from an ailment contracted during his military service. On March 21, 1922, Mr. Koch was married in Akron to Miss Helena E. Lauer, a daughter of Hubert T. and Mary M. (Yinger) Lauer. In addition to his widow, who resides in the family home on Morningside drive, Mr. Koch is survived by two children, AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 233 Margaret Marie and William John Jr. He was a member of the Master Plumbers Association and his enterprise and ability made him a recognized leader in his chosen field of endeavor. In politics he was a republican and his religious views were in accord with the doctrines of Zion Lutheran church, of which he was a devout member. He was a devoted husband and father and his home life was ideal. Mr. Koch was a young man of magnetic personality, actuated at all times by worthy motives and high ideals, and his untimely death brought sorrow to his family and countless friends. WILLIAM TATE SHARPE Ever since entering on his business career, William Tate Sharpe has been connected with the Packard Motor interests, his experience covers practically all branches of the industry, and he is now at the head of the Packard Akron Motor Company. He was born June 13, 1885, in Defiance, Ohio, and his father, W. T. Sharpe, Sr., was a native of Massachusetts. During his boyhood he came to Ohio, and was here married to Miss Louise Linderman, a native of the Buckeye State. He was long a well known figure in public life at Defiance, Ohio, and established a most creditable record as chief of police, filling the office for a number of years. Both he and his wife are deceased. They are survived by six children : K. J., R. R. and William T. Sharpe, Mrs. M. F. Travis, Mrs. L. J. Kellogg and Mrs. H. E. Roehrs. William T. Sharpe was reared in Defiance, Ohio, and attended the public schools of that city, later taking a course in the Defiance Preparatory College. Going to Detroit, Michigan, he entered the employ of the Packard Motor Company and eventually became one of their skilled mechanics. His ability and devotion to the interests of the company led to his selection as salesman of their Cleveland branch and for ten years he remained in that connection. During the World war he was engaged in government work in connection with the bureau of aircraft production of Liberty motors. In 1922 he came to Akron as a Packard representative and organized the Packard Akron Motor Company, of which he has since been president and general manager. The sales and service plant of the company is advantageously located at No. 147 Park avenue, and its volume of business has grown until it is not only the leader in distribution of higher class cars 234 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY in Akron, but one of the very successful sales divisions of the Packard line in Ohio. Mr. Sharpe has been no small factor in creating this condition and it is a fine tribute to the excellent organization he has built up. He has the requisite executive force and initiative, has always held to the highest standards in the conduct of his business, and is classed with the leading representatives of the automobile trade in Akron. Mr. Sharpe was married October 1, 1906, in Detroit, Michigan, to Miss Jessie Guard Watters, a daughter of J. E. and Lucy C. Watters, of Paris, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe have a daughter Jean Lucel, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, October 3, 1917, and is a pupil in the Rankin school of Akron. Mr. Sharpe is a member of the City Club, the Brookside Country Club and the Automobile Dealers Association and of the Elks lodge. Stable in purpose and energetic and decisive in action, he has overcome many difficulties and obstacles, never losing sight of his objective, and his success is the merited reward of a life of rightly directed endeavor. Mr. Sharpe's residence is at 461 Sunset View drive. CASPER ZINTEL There is perhaps a record of no one in this volume who deserves more fully the title of a self-made man than did Casper Zintel. No fortunate circumstances aided him at the outset of his career. He worked his way upward steadily and persistently and gained an enviable reputation as a reliable and successful manufacturer. His birth occurred in Hofheim, Hessen, Germany, July 8, 1842. The period of his boyhood and youth was spent in his native land and when he had reached the age of twenty-six years he determined to try his fortune in America, crossing the Atlantic in 1868. He wisely started out in the new world by choosing a companion and helpmate for life's journey, being married on the 28th of August, 1869, to Miss Barbara Berg, who came from Westhofen, Hessen, Germany, to the home of her uncle, Anthony Berg, in Akron. For a time Mr. Zintel engaged in the brush manufacturing business, which he carried on in a shop owned by his uncle near Canal and Main streets. Leaving there, he went to Wooster, Ohio, where he was identified with a brush factory, and later he returned to Akron, opening an establishment on Mill and AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 237 Main streets, having his factory and retail business on the present site of the Central Savings & Trust Company building. Later he was located where the Metropolitan building now stands, continuing there until the property was taken over by the Metropolitan company. He next bought a lot on Main street, near the site of the Allen theatre, and subsequently he sold the lot to his son, who also purchased another lot and erected a building thereon. Mr. Zintel manufactured all kinds of brushes for factory use and brooms used in street sweeping. The utmost care was exercised in making their output of worth and value such as they could guarantee. Mr. Zintel operated his factory under the name of the Akron Brush Works and the enterprise is now carried on under the name of the Akron Brush Company at 277 South Main street by his son, Carl F. Zintel. Casper Zintel erected the building where the McGinley grocery store now stands and he was also connected with the Schumacher Milling Company. He had personal acquaintance with Dr. Goodrich, assisted in the erection of the first Goodrich factory building and also assisted in the brick work of Buchtel College. Six years after his marriage he purchased thirteen acres of land on Merriman road from George Hartman, and Wellesley, Weber and Hillsdale streets are thoroughfares that now cross what was originally his property. To Mr. and Mrs. Casper Zintel were born eleven children. Elizabeth married Nathan D. Snyder and her daughter, Laura, has become the wife of Edward Seeley and has two children, Jeanette Joan and Donald Nathan. Augusta is the wife of M. D. Kuhlke and has one child, Barbara Eleanor. Margaret, the third daughter, is the wife of Henry A. Wetzel and has two children, Cleopha Barbara and Robert Henry. Nina Katharine is now Mrs. Will J. Heepe and has seven children : Ethel, Madeline, Hulda, Betty, Katharine, Esther and William. Louise is the next of the family. Henry is a resident of Laramie, Wyoming. Rudolph married Matilda Limric. Carl Fred wedded Christine Maier and has a son, Harold, and a daughter, Irene. Walter Casper married Cecelia Wambsgans and has two children, Walter and Marguerite. George Edward married Cora Ringler and has three children : Mildred, William and Lawrence. Erwin Henry Zintel completes the family. The husband and father passed away October 5, 1921. He was a member of Granite Lodge, No. 522, I. O. O. F. Mr. Zintel was ever watchful of opportunities that pointed to success and he 238 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY made good use of his time and talents. His clear business discernment enabled him to make steady progress, and as the years passed on he gained a creditable position among the successful business men of the city. He never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization he gained a competence that enabled him to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances, while he also left to them the heritage of a good name. EARL WILLIAM HAMLIN Earl William Hamlin, manager, secretary and treasurer of the Akron Selle Company, is well known in industrial circles of this city and for more than sixteen years has been prominently identified with one of Akron's important manufacturing institutions. He is a full fledged Akron man, born, reared and educated here and his entire business career has been in connection with Akron institutions. Mr. Hamlin was born October 4, 1888, a son of Millard J. and Rose (Foster) Hamlin, the former a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the latter of Ohio. In early life Millard J. Hamlin located in Akron and is now a foreman in the plant of the American Hard Rubber Company, to which he has given many years of faithful, efficient service. His family consists of two sons and two daughters, all residents of Akron : Helen M. Zimmer; Millard R., a draftsman for the Brown-Graves Company; Earl W. ; and Margaret. Earl W. Hamlin attended the Central high school and later took a business course. He began his business career in the auditing department of the B. F. Goodrich Company and for five years was thus employed. In 1912 he entered the employ of the Akron Selle Company, with which he has since been connected. Starting in a modest capacity, Mr. Hamlin's advancements have come as the recognition of work well done and his capacity for assuming greater burdens, and responsibilities. He is regarded as a highly capable man in his connection, which has been marked by a contribution of his best energies toward the success of the business. Mr. Hamlin was married August 21, 1918, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Miss Helen M. Barry, a daughter of Edward W. and Katherine AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 239 Barry, prominent residents of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin now have three children, all of whom were born in Akron : Rita Jane, whose birth occurred November 6, 1919 ; Earl W., Jr., who was born April 1, 1924 ; and Richard M., born April 23, 1927. Mr. Hamlin is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and has taken the fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus. He is a past exalted ruler of the local lodge of Elks and also a member of the Fairlawn Country Club, the Akron City Club, Chamber of Commerce and Exchange Club. Mr. Hamlin has a wide acquaintance in Akron and many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from boyhood. He lives at 1200 Sunset View drive having built his residence in 1928. PETER KRAUS Peter Kraus has lived in Akron from infancy, progressing with the development of the city, and is one of its pioneer foundrymen. A native of Austria, he was born November 28, 1857, and was but a year old when his parents, Daniel and Theresa (Luh) Kraus, sailed for the United States. They established their home in Akron and here the father followed the trade of tanning until his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Kraus were born three children and Adolph, their first son, is deceased. The others are Peter and John. In the acquirement of an education Peter Kraus attended the parochial and public schools of Akron and his first money was earned by working in a chain shop that stood on the site of the original Goodrich rubber factory. He was next an employe of the Taplin & Rice Company of Akron and served the firm with faithfulness and efficiency for twenty-seven years, becoming assistant foreman of the foundry. At that time he was offered a desirable position by the Star Drilling Company of this city and was superintendent of their plant until 1913. In that year he formed the Diamond Foundry Company, of which he is president and general manager, and has made this one of the city's well known industries. Years of practical experience and close study have given him a comprehensive knowledge of the business and in its conduct he displays initiative, foresight, mature judgment and the requisite executive force. The firm manufactures moldings and castings of all kinds and carries the names of fifty employes 240 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY on its payrolls. The plant at No. 258 Annandale avenue is completely equipped and functions perfectly in all of its departments. In 1878 Mr. Kraus was married in Akron to Miss Therese Ambs, a daughter of Martin Ambs, and they became the parents of eight children, six of whom survive. All are natives of Akron. Charles, born in 1888 and educated in the public schools, was married in Akron to Miss Mary Mummertz, by whom he has one child, Karl. Mary, born in 1889, is the wife of Emil Krill, treasurer of the Diamond Foundry Company, and they are the parents of eight children : Karl, Olive, Albert, Mollie, Harriet, William, Mercedes and Peggy. Robert, born in 1891, completed his education in the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in architecture, and during the World war was in the service of his country. His wife, Marie (Friess) Kraus, was also born in Akron and they have three sons : James, Robert and Richard. The younger children of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus are : Leo, who was born in 1894 and is taking a course in the Carnegie Technical School; Joseph, who was born in 1898 and attended the public schools of Akron; and Edward, who was born in 1900 and pursued his studies in the University of Akron and the Carnegie Technical School. Mr. Kraus adheres to the Roman Catholic faith and is a life member of St. Bernard's Church Society, with which he has been affiliated for a half century. He is also connected with the Liedertafel Society and the National Foundrymen's Association. His enterprise and ability have carried him far beyond the ranks of mediocrity and his influence is one of broadening activity and strength in the field in which he is operating. Mr. Kraus has witnessed Akron's growth from a town of a few thousand inhabitants to a city of metropolitan proportions, contributing his share toward its development and progress, and a useful, upright life has won for him a high place in the esteem of his fellowmen. JOHN KRAKER Bending his energies toward the attainment of a definite objective, John Kraker has steadily progressed and is now numbered among Akron's successful manufacturers and public-spirited citizens. A native of Austria, he was born May 5, 1879, and his parents, John and Ursula Kraker, remained in that country until 1895, when they made the voyage to the new world. They settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where they spent the remainder AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 241 of their lives, and the father was long identified with industrial affairs. His demise occurred in 1905 and the mother passed away in 1907. John Kraker, their only child, received a public school education and when a youth of sixteen came to the United States with his parents. He obtained work in the plant of the Punch & Shear Company of Cleveland, where he acquired a knowledge of pattern-making, and during that time took up the study of drafting, attending the night school of the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Kraker remained with the Punch & Shear Company until 1903, when he came to Akron and secured a position in the foundry of the J. K. Williams Company. Afterward he was employed in succession by the Wellman-Seaver & Morgan Manufacturing Company, the Diamond Rubber Company, the Dietrich & Brunswick Company and the Akron Foundry Company, thus gaining valuable experience along industrial lines. In 1919, in association with Robert N. Hinman, he organized the State Foundry & Pattern Company, capitalized at one hundred thousand dollars, and all of the stock was subscribed for in short order. Controlled by men of wisdom, foresight and initiative, the business has enjoyed a rapid growth and the plant is operated with maximum efficiency at a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material. Gray iron castings and furnace fire pots are included among the products of the foundry, which is located at No. 90 Elinor avenue and equipped with the most improved appliances for making patterns. Quality is never sacrificed for speed and no inferior piece of work ever leaves the plant of the firm. Mr. Kraker has a highly specialized knowledge of the industry and acts as secretary and treasurer of the corporation. He is also a director of the Portage Iron & Wire Company and the Akron-Columbus Printing Company. On July 14, 1903, Mr. Kraker was married in Akron to Miss Bertha Gorbach, a daughter of John and Ursula Gorbach and a member of one of the prominent families of the city. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Kraker comprises two sons : Ervin John, who was born in Akron in 1905, and is a student in the medical department of the Western Reserve University; and Joseph Henry, who was born in this city in 1906 and is attending the Notre Dame Business University. Mr. Kraker is affiliated with St. Bernard's Roman Catholic church and conscientiously follows its teachings. He is a member of St. Bernard's Society, the Knights of St. John, the Sons 242 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY of Hermann, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the German-Austrian Society, the Akron Bruder Bund and the Turnverein. For thirteen years he has been president of the Liedertafel Society and is also identified with the Chamber of Commerce and the Akron Automobile Association. In the life of the city Mr. Kraker fills an important place and the qualities to which he owes his success have won for him the esteem, confidence and friendship of all with whom he has been associated. WILLIAM JACOB FRANK William Jacob Frank lived to celebrate his fiftieth anniversary in the jewelry business, and the years not only chronicled his success but gave evidence of the high reputation which he won as a thoroughly progressive, reliable and trustworthy merchant. He had arrived in Akron when a lad of but thirteen years and through an extended period was actively identified with all that made for the welfare and progress of his city. His birth occurred near Uniontown, in Stark county, Ohio, November 16, 1855, his parents being George and Mary (Bushong) Frank. The father was born at Hofen, in Alsace-Lorraine, and became a farmer of Ohio, also serving in his community as justice of the peace. His education had been acquired in the schools of his native land and in Uniontown, Ohio, where after reaching manhood he was married and there spent his remaining days. William Jacob Frank attended the public schools of Uniontown to the age of thirteen years, when he came to Akron, where he completed his education in the Jennings school. He began learning the jeweler's trade in the store of Henry Abbey and a few years later established business on his own account in association with George K. Foltz, opening a jewelry store on Howard street in part of the building now occupied by the Dodge Furniture Company. There Mr. Frank remained until a removal was made to the Odd Fellows building following its completion. In the meantime Mr. Foltz disposed of his interest to William F. Laubach, who was admitted to partnership, while four years subsequently Joseph R. Nutt, now one of the best known financiers of Cleveland, became a member of the firm. Later this relation was discontinued and in 1917 George W. Clymmer was admitted to partnership by Mr. Frank. Through- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 245 out all these years Mr. Frank held to the highest standards of mercantile service. He carried a large and carefully selected line of jewelry and he ever based his business upon the principle that a satisfied patron is the best advertisement. He was known for his reliability as well as his progressive methods and for many years he made his establishment one of the foremost jewelry houses of this section of the state. On the 17th of April, 1877, Mr. Frank was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Loretta Ross, of Akron, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Ann (Ralston) Ross. The father was at one time a resident of Massillon. Mr. and Mrs. Frank became the parents of three children : Esther Mabel, now Mrs. Howard F. Siegrist; and William Ellsworth and Ward Addison, twins, the latter dying at the age of five years, while William E. is now a resident of Akron. Mr. Siegrist is with the Akron Paper Box Company as sales manager and for nineteen years previously he was with the Falls Rubber Company. Mr. and Mrs. Siegrist have one son, Ward F., a member of the class of 1929, University of Wisconsin. Mr. Frank was a very active, prominent and helpful member in the Grace Reformed church, in which he served as deacon and elder for many years, while for forty-five years he filled the office of Sunday school superintendent. He also served on the Summit county Sunday school board, the State Sunday school board, the national, international and world boards. He took many trips abroad in this connection, visiting Tokio, Japan, Zurich, Switzerland, and also Philadelphia, New York, Washington and other American cities. He did everything in his power to further the cause of Christianity and his chief interest outside of business was his Sunday school work. Fraternally he was identified with the Masons and the Odd Fellows and he also belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the Portage Country Club and the City Club. The members of his family were likewise interested in the church work, Mrs. Frank having a class in the Sunday school for about twenty years, while for an extended period their daughter has been teacher of a class of beginners. In this connection she collected stories for children, typed them and made the story clear with illustrations, so that the fundamental truth was carried to her little pupils. Nothing so engrossed the attention of Mr. Frank as his church work and it is said that the development of the Grace Reformed and other churches of that denomination was due largely to his efforts. 246 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY His Christian faith was manifest in every relation of life. It was the guiding principle of his business career and the motive power which shaped his relations with his fellows. It led him to speak considerately, to think kindly, to temper justice with mercy and to extend a helping hand wherever aid was needed, and when he passed on he left to his family that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches, while his memory remains as an inspiration to all who knew him. He passed away April 20, 1923, when sixty-seven years of age. THE PORTAGE IRON & WIRE COMPANY The Portage Iron & Wire Company, a large and rapidly growing industry, was established in Akron in 1916 by Joseph A. Bachmann and John Kracker. The business was first housed in a small frame structure on East Johnston street, located in almost the exact spot now occupied by the magnificent plant and buildings of the firm. The original capital was fifty thousand dollars and in December, 1916, the business was incorporated. Starting with four employes, the Portage Iron & Wire Company has steadily developed under the able management of Mr. Bachmann and his associates, Mr. Bachmann having been president since its incorporation. The old frame shed has been replaced by one modern building after another until today the entire plant and buildings cover two acres of ground on Johnston street. The capitalization has been increased and at the present time the company has assets of one million dollars. About sixty experienced workmen are regularly employed by the firm, which specializes in structural steel and ornamental iron work. The output of the plant includes steel stairways, signs, pipe railings, guards and grills, fire escapes, balcony railings and rubber shop equipment. The large electrical signs of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, the India Tire & Rubber Company and other well known corporations in Akron and other cities were made by the Portage Iron & Wire Company, which also furnished the structural steel and ornamental iron used in the construction of numerous schools and other public buildings in Akron and environs. It can be said that the Portage Iron & Wire Company has erected practically all the large spectacular electrical signs in the city. The present officers of the company are : Joseph A. Bachmann, AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 247 president; John Kracker, vice president; Joseph A. Bachmann, Jr., secretary; Henry Ruedy, treasurer; and John A. Greissing, superintendent. To Mr. Bachmann is due the credit for the rapid development of the industry and the notable success of the company. He possesses exceptional qualifications as an executive and is one of the most painstaking industrialists in the Rubber city. No work is complete unless it has passed inspection through his office and because of this fact the firm is constantly gaining new and unsolicited business. HENRY J. ABERTH At the outset of his commercial career Henry J. Aberth chose a congenial field of labor and has wisely continued therein. The qualities of diligence and perseverance have carried him steadily toward the goal fixed by his ambition and he is now at the head of one of the large baking companies of Akron. He was born April 25, 1884, in Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, and his parents, George and Selma (Biegler) Aberth, were natives of the same province. The father was an enterprising agriculturist and engaged in farming in Germany until 1915, when he came to the United States. The mother was a lifelong resident of Alsace-Lorraine and died at the comparatively early age of thirty-five years. There were eight children in the family : Selma, Dora, Caroline, Martin, George, Philip, Fred and Henry J. The last named pursued his studies in Alsace-Lorraine and completed his education in the public schools of Akron, which he attended for a year. Securing work in a bakery, he mastered the trade, which he followed for some time as an employe, and then ventured in business for himself, forming the Elite Baking Company on South Main street. At the end of a year he disposed of the business and established the firm now known as the City Baking Company, Inc. Starting on a small scale in 1915, he has gradually expanded the scope of the undertaking and now has one of the best equipped plants in Akron. The sanitary conditions are perfect and the widespread demand for the output of the bakery is proof of the high quality of its product. The plant is located at Grant and McCoy streets and the extent of the business is shown by the fact that twenty-eight retail routes and five wholesale routes are required for delivery purposes, and there are also six retail stores. Mr. Aberth is president and 248 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY treasurer of the company and has a well organized, thoroughly systematized business. He knows every phase of the baking industry, which has constituted his life work, and caters to both the retail and wholesale trades. Mr. Aberth was married April 21, 1906, to Miss Margaret Niess, a daughter of George and Caroline Niess, of Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Aberth have become the parents of seven children: Margaret E., who was born in 1907 and after her graduation from high school entered her father's bakery, in which she is still employed ; George H., who was born in 1909 and since the completion of his high school course has been associated with his father in business; Selma, who was born in 1911 and is a high school graduate; Pearl, who was born in 1912 is attending high school; Ruth, who was born in 1914 and is a high school student; Richard, who was born in 1916 and is attending grammar school; and Jack, born in 1920 and also a grammar school pupil. Mr. Aberth is a member of the National Bakers Association. His religious views are in harmony with the doctrines of the First German Reformed church. He is a good citizen and his prosperity is the merited reward of strict integrity, the conscientious discharge of all obligations and unremitting attention to a business in which he is greatly interested. JEROME DAUBY Jerome Dauby, president and general manager of the M. O'Neil Company of Akron, has gained wide distinction in department store circles of the country. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, November 13, 1871, his parents being David and Lena (Loeb) Dauby, who were natives of Germany. The father was a youth of thirteen years when he came with his parents to the United States and the family established a home in Cleveland. In 1861, when the country became involved in civil war, David Dauby volunteered for service in defense of the Union, enlisting in the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a regiment which contributed two presidents to the United States—Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley. He was on active duty with this regiment until the close of hostilities and afterward became a clothing merchant of Cleveland, where he successfully conducted business for a number of years, his death there occurring in 1909. His wife was but a year old when brought to America by her AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 249 parents, who also settled in Cleveland. Her death occurred in 1874. They had two sons : Nathan L., who for a number of years has been general manager of the May Company store in Cleveland; and Jerome. Jerome Dauby was reared in Cleveland and started on his business career at the age of fourteen years. His first real job was that of stock boy in the cloak and suit factory of the Landesmann-Hircshheimer Company of Cleveland, and from that he rose to be head of the shipping department. Later he went on the road as salesman for the company, covering Illinois and Iowa. Leaving the road after his marriage in 1903, he entered the retail shoe business in Cleveland as senior partner in the firm of Dauby & Strauss. This firm opened a second shoe store a few years later under the name of the Famous, and Mr. Dauby retained his interest in these projects until 1912, when he came to Akron as general manager and secretary of the M. O'Neil Company, which business had just been purchased by the May Department Stores Company. In addition to being general manager, Mr. Dauby has since been made president of the M. O'Neil Company and is also vice president and a director of the May Department Stores Company, one of the largest corporations in the country in its line. The remarkable growth and development of the M. O'Neil Company is an outstanding achievement in mercantile circles of this section of the country and offers a most significant tribute to its management. The magnificent new store of the company, completed early in 1928, is probably the most modern structure of its kind in America, and in an interview regarding it, Mr. Dauby said : "Our new store has not been built for a city of two hundred and fifty thousand or three hundred thousand. It was built to serve a city of five hundred thousand or even seven hundred and fifty thousand, as we believe Akron soon will be. I give full credit for the successful construction of the building, and the remarkable success of the business since, to the efficient and loyal work of the entire organization. My success was not due to any direct work which I contributed to this result, but rather to the success I had in enlisting this cooperation." From start to finish he was constantly in close touch with every phase of construction. Among his other business connections in Akron, Mr. Dauby is a director of the National City Bank. He is a member of the Akron City Club, the Rotary Club, the Fairlawn Country Club, the Rosemont Country Club, and the Akron Automobile Club,