(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 301 to Miss Anna Williams, who was born in Monroe Falls, Summit county, November 13, 1852. Their daughter, Nellie May, became the wife of Willard N. Fitch, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Fitch passed away in December, 1919, leaving two children, James Huber and Robert Phelps Fitch. Mr. Huber was a member of the Trinity Lutheran church and fraternally was identified with the Knights of Pythias but did not take very active part in lodge or public affairs, being always a home man, devoting his attention to his business and to the interests of his family. In his later years, after his retirement, he spent the winters in the south. He was loyal and faithful to every trust and possessed many sterling characteristics that gained for him the respect and good will of all with whom he came in contact. He had reached the age of seventy-seven years when called to his final rest in 1922. GEORGE H. KILE Few men are more widely or more favorably known among the users of the motor car than is George H. Kile, who was one of the organizers and is president and manager of the Akron Automobile Club. He was born in Williamsfield, Ashtabula county, Ohio, August 10, 1865, and is a son of Salem and Caroline (Heath) Kile, who were natives of Canada but became residents of Andover, Ohio, in 1848. There the father engaged in merchandising and later removed to Williamsfield, where he continued in the same line of business. He had reached the venerable age of eighty-eight years when he passed away, April 10, 1927, having for four years survived his wife, who died February 4, 1923, at the age of eighty-four years. Their family numbered six children, of whom five are living : George H.; Mrs. Ora North-way, who is a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; William L., living at Cuyahoga Falls, this state; Mrs. Mary C. Lintern, of Wadsworth, Ohio; and Mrs. Sarah Underwood, of Akron. Having attended the graded and high schools and a normal school, George H. Kile afterward devoted a few months to teaching but decided that he preferred a commercial career and turned his attention to the lumber trade, establishing a wholesale lumber yard in Ashtabula county and also in Akron. He continued successfully in that field of business until 1917. In the meantime —in 1915—he was one of the organizers of the Akron Automobile 302 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Club, of which he became the president, and on the 1st of December, 1923, was made its manager. He has built up the organization to a membership of over eight thousand and has done much to further the interests of the motorists in every possible way. He is likewise a director of the Ohio State Bank. Because of the important part he has played in the development of the Akron Automobile Club he has become widely known in this line throughout the country and his example has been a stimulating influence to others. On the 18th of September, 1889, Mr. Kile was married to Miss Inez J. Chamberlain, of Ashtabula county, daughter of W. B. Chamberlain, and they have one child, now Mrs. Agnes Freudenberger, who was born in Portage county and now resides in Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Kile hold membership in the First Congregational church and he is well known in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He belongs to the Akron Chamber of Commerce and is keenly interested in everything that has to do with public progress and improvement here, supporting at all times those plans and movements which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. He belongs to the Portage Country Club and to the Akron City Club, and is a popular resident of Summit county, having a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. Mr. Kile's residence is at No. 38 Marvin avenue. HARRY W. SCHWAB Harry W. Schwab is one of the talented members of the Akron bar and has been particularly successful as a corporation lawyer. He was born December 23, 1892, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a son of Frank and Mary (Ritter) Schwab. The father followed agricultural pursuits until his retirement and has always lived in the Buckeye state. The mother was born in Germany and when a young girl of eighteen came to the United States, locating in Ohio, where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Schwab have a family of six children : Mrs. Joseph Brockhaus, Mrs. Edward Allgier and Miss Mary Schwab, all of whom reside in Cincinnati; Miss Stella Schwab, of Washington, D. C.; Albert Schwab, who also lives in Cincinnati ; and Harry W. Schwab. The last named obtained his early instruction in a parochial school of Cincinnati and in 1910 was graduated from the Hughes AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 303 high school of that city. While in school he participated in a number of debates and when the opportunity offered he visited the courts to listen to the pleas of the lawyers. He also enjoyed the speeches at political gatherings and was much impressed with the keen wit and breadth of knowledge of the lawyers who addressed these gatherings, deciding to equip himself for the legal profession at a later period. Mr. Schwab first studied business science in the Nelson Commercial College, which he attended for a year, and then became a bookkeeper for a wholesale produce firm, but tendered his resignation at the end of a week. For a few months he was a bill clerk in a wholesale jewelry house and was next assistant trust officer in the Provident Savings & Trust Bank of Cincinnati, spending two years in that institution. In 1915 he enrolled as a student in the Cincinnati Law School, from which he received the degree of LL. B. on the 15th of June, 1918. Owing to conditions brought about by the World war he was admitted to the bar in December, 1917. On the morning of his graduation he wore his cap and gown and in the afternoon he donned the army uniform, having enlisted in the radio division of the service. His training was received at Camp Gordon near Atlanta, Georgia, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant, and was then sent to Anniston, Alabama, joining a detachment of infantry. While there he was called upon to defend a soldier court-martialed for forgery of a railroad pass and secured his acquittal. Mr. Schwab's ability in handling this case resulted in his appointment to the judge advocate's department, with which he was connected until the armistice was signed. On December 3, 1918, he was mustered out of the service, just missing his commission as captain. Mr. Schwab returned to Cincinnati and there followed his profession for about a year in association with Ritchie and Hermann. On May 1, 1919, Mr. Schwab came to Akron upon the invitation of H. S. Firestone through the recommendation of Marmion Freeman, who had been his classmate in law school. He was appointed assistant secretary of the Akron Home Owners Investment Company, organized by the "big four" rubber corporations, and acted in that capacity for one and a half years. For three months he was secretary of the Brady-Ganyard Insurance Company and then resigned, returning to the practice of law. In 1924 he formed a partnership with Edward N. Heiser, and they have since been associated under the style of Schwab & Heiser. Both are attorneys of high standing and theirs is regard- 304 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY ed as one of the leading law firms of the city. Mr. Schwab is local attorney for the Home Savings & Loan Company of Ashland; the Massillon Savings & Loan Company; the Citizens Savings & Loan Company of Rittman; the Union Savings & Loan Company of Youngstown; the Citizens Savings & Loan Company of Medina, and the Wellington Savings & Loan Company. In forensic combat he is regarded as a formidable adversary and wins a large percentage of his cases. He is president of the Lilleta Estates Company and a member of the advisory board of the Morris Plan Bank of Akron. Mr. Schwab was married November 19, 1919, in Akron to Miss Lillian Fette, a daughter of Joseph B. and Mary Fette and a member of a prominent family of Cincinnati. Mr. and Mrs. Schwab have three children : Mary Jean, whose birth occurred August 26, 1920; Dorothy May, who was born on May 5, 1923; and Harry W. Jr., born April 25, 1927. All are natives of Akron and the elder daughter is a pupil at Our Lady of the Elms. Mr. Schwab adheres to the Roman Catholic faith and has taken the fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus. He is grand knight of Akron Council and also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the American Legion, the City Club and the Luncheon Club of the Knights of Columbus. For relaxation he turns to golf, baseball, bowling and the game of quoits. He has traveled extensively and good books and music also afford him pleasure. Although a busy man, Mr. Schwab has found time to enjoy life and by nature is genial, sincere and unselfish. He has been the recipient of important trusts and his honesty, ability and public spirit are well known to his fellow citizens, who entertain for him the highest respect. CHARLES SEBASTIAN JOST Charles Sebastian Jost devoted twenty-five years to civic service and no life history presented in this volume indicates more clearly the value of loyalty and fidelity to duty. For a quarter of a century he was connected with the fire protection system of Akron and gradually worked his way upward until he long occupied a captaincy in its ranks. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, January 2, 1860, his record covered the intervening years to the 15th of January, 1927, when he passed away. His parents were John B. and Fredericka (Mark) Jost and the father was the AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 305 proprietor of the only dye shop in Akron in an early day, having taken up his abode here in 1862. He died when his son Charles was but fourteen years of age and the mother afterward disposed of the business. Charles S. Jost pursued his education in the public schools of Akron and devoted his vacation periods to working in the old Schumacher mill, now the Quaker Oats factory, as shipping clerk. On attaining his majority he became one of the old minutemen—they who ran when the firm alarm was sounded, leaving any task in which they might be engaged to immediately answer the summons. There was something in this that strongly appealed to Mr. Jost and when the city department was organized he joined Unit No. 1. While associated therewith he was made a lieutenant and afterward was transferred to Company No. 6, of which he became captain. Subsequently he was transferred to Company No. 3, with which he was identified when, after a quarter of a century of service, he retired from active association with the city fire department. Later he became connected with the Firestone plant as chief of the Firestone fire department in June, 1917, and there continued until his death. He developed there a thoroughly modern, up-to-date department in connection with a business in which fire hazards abounded and these he reduced to a minimum through his powers of organization and administration. On the 7th of November, 1882, Mr. Jost was married to Miss Clara Considine of Akron and they became the parents of three children : Frank C., who is employed in the county auditor's office; Maurice C., who is with the Firestone Company and who married Magdalene Kidder and has three children, Harriet Jane, Maurice Jr. and Mary Celia; and Alfred C., who is chief clerk at the new prison farm in London, Ohio, and who wedded Helen Langen of London. Mr. Jost was affiliated with St. Vincent's Catholic church and Akron Council of the Knights of Columbus. For many years he served as a director of the Ohio Industrial Fire Chiefs Association. His work as fire chief, both of the city and of the Firestone plant, will long be remembered because of his splendid record for fire prevention and the manner in which he developed his organization, having it ready to answer the call of duty day or night. When his services were ended in this particular he found his greatest happiness in his own home and his life was one of marked devotion to his family and their welfare. He did not 306 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY care for clubs nor outside interests and was most happy when ministering to the happiness of those of his own household. His was an upright, honorable life, and his splendid devotion to public service is one which might well be followed by others. HOWARD W. HAUPT Among the well known representatives of the coal and ice trade in Akron is Howard W. Haupt, president and general manager of the Klages Coal & Ice Company, who has gained a high position in commercial circles and enjoys the respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact. Ohio numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred at Loyal Oak, June 27, 1870, his parents being William F. and Ellen C. (Lerch) Haupt, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the mother having come to Ohio in a covered wagon with her parents. They were reared in the Buckeye state, educated and married here, and the father continued to reside here until called to his final rest. He devoted his life to farming and to stone masonry work until his life's labors were ended in 1913, when he had reached the age of sixty-five years. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Akron. They were the parents of two sons : Howard W. ; and Clinton F., who resides in Barberton. Howard W. Haupt attended a country school and afterward the Wadsworth Normal School, while his commercial training was received in the Spencerian Business College of Cleveland. When twenty years of age he secured a position as office boy with the Klages Coal & Ice Company. This was in 1890 and throughout the intervening period of thirty-eight years he has been identified with the business. Steadily he has worked his way upward, becoming bookkeeper and later holding other positions, executive and otherwise, until 1918, when he was elected to the presidency and has since remained at the head of the corporation. Under his management the business has steadily developed and the Klages Coal & Ice Company now controls a liberal share of the trade in its line. Mr. Haupt is also a director of the Standard Savings Bank and the Standard Mortgage Company and is widely recognized as a man of progressive spirit and sound business judgment. On the 5th of October, 1897, Mr. Haupt was married to Miss AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 309 Nellie O. Murphy, of Akron, a daughter of Marshall N. Murphy, of Mount Vernon, Ohio. In his fraternal relations Mr. Haupt is a Mason of high rank, having attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite, and he is a member of Tadmor Temple. He is also a Knight Templar and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also belongs to the Masonic Club of Akron, to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, to the Silver Lake Country Club, to the Akron Automobile Club, to the Exchange Club and to the Akron Chamber of Commerce. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He enters with zest into recreational interests as well as in business, and it is characteristic of him that he accomplishes what he undertakes. In his vocabulary there is no such word as fail, and though no special advantages were his at the outset of his career, he has steadily worked his way upward, progress characterizing his activity at every point. Mr. Haupt's residence is at 271 Casterton avenue. JESSE W. FAILOR Akron has materially profited by the constructive efforts of Jesse W. Failor, a well known, successful business man and one of the city's best known realtors. He was born January 12, 1378, in Millersburg, Ohio, and his parents, John A. and Alice R. (Garmire) Failor, were also natives of this state. The father was a street railroad employe who filled various positions of responsibility. He is survived by the mother and two sons, Bert L. and Jesse W. Failor. The latter attended the Central high school of Akron and obtained his start in life by working as a clerk in a grocery store. He then started to work for the D. Herberich Company, which later became the Herberich-Hall-Harter Company, and for sixteen years he remained with that company as sales manager of the real estate department after which he organized the Standard Realty Company. The business is now conducted under the style of the Failor-Myers Realty Company, located at N o. 4 East Exchange street, and since its inception has enjoyed a steady growth. Mr. Failor is president of the firm and in the conduct of the business brings to bear the wisdom and ability acquired by the experience of nearly a quarter of a century in the real estate field. He has an intimate knowledge of the worth of 310 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY all property in this locality and his integrity has never been open to question. Mr. Failor was married April 16, 1903, in Akron, to Miss Anna B. Storz, a daughter of George Storz, and they have become the parents of two children : Ralph J., who was born in 1904 and after his graduation from high school attended the Municipal University of Akron and Columbia University of New York; and Ruth, born in 1922. In religious faith, Mr. Failor is affiliated with St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church and closely follows its teachings. He is connected with the Royal Arcanum, the Masonic order, the Masonic Club, and the local and national realty boards. The greater part of his life has been spent in Akron, whose welfare and progress are matters to him of deep concern, and the years have strengthened his position in public esteem. Mr. Failor's residence is at No. 817 Bloomfield avenue. KYLE ROSS Starting at the bottom, Kyle Ross has risen to a commanding position in the electrical business and controls the operations of one of the largest firms of this character in Akron, also figuring prominently in civic affairs. He was born November 16, 1883, in Millersburg, Ohio, and his parents, D. F. and Cora (Maxwell) Ross, were also natives of the Buckeye state. The father followed the occupation of farming for several years and in 1898 came to Akron. At that time he entered the field of merchandising and was thus engaged until his death in 1924 but the mother is still a resident of Akron. To Mr. and Mrs. Ross were born five children : Don A. and S. L., of Akron ; Edmund, deceased ; Mrs. Almyra Deneke, of this city; and Kyle Ross. The last named was reared on his father's farm and attended the rural schools of that locality. His high school education was obtained in Berlin, Ohio, after which he came to Akron and entered the employ of the Imperial Electric Company. He was paid seventy-five cents per day and earnestly applied himself to his tasks, soon winning advancement. As time passed he was intrusted with greater responsibilities and eventually became vice president of this large manufacturing firm, with which he was identified for a quarter of a century. On the expiration of that period he took over the service department of the Imperial Electric Company and from this was developed the Ross Broth- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 311 ers Electric Company. He is president and treasurer of the company, of which Don A. Ross is vice president and secretary, and both are expert electricians. Their new building at No. 838 South Main street was completed in June, 1927, and the display windows are illuminated by two flood lights of five hundred kilowatts. These lights were recently placed on the market by the General Electric Company. Ross Brothers have twenty employes and maintain an up-to-date sales service. They handle a complete line of electrical apparatus and do electrical work of all kinds. Recently they took over the agency for the Thor washing machines and the servicing of thirty-two hundred machines already installed. They have other types of the new machine known as the agitators, which relieve the housewife of all drudgery. One of the features of their store is the Iroquois electric refrigerator, indorsed by the Good Housekeeping institution, and the firm is distributor for this machine in three counties. Ross Brothers have also established a special service in power wiring with E. C. Richel in charge. This work involves outside construction, the estimating and installing of various types of motors and the servicing after the completion of the work. The Crosley, King and Bremer-Tully radios are handled by the firm, which has the sales agency for the Ilge ventilator and reports an increasing demand each season for electric fans. The electric dish washer which they carry is also coming into popularity and one of the newest appliances is the electric rug cleaner. In the administration of the affairs of the firm Mr. Ross brings to bear marked executive force and the knowledge and wisdom acquired by more than thirty years of practical experience in the electrical business. He is also secretary of the Walter Brick & Clay Products Company and the Norfolk & Thomas Company and a director of the South Akron Savings Association. On the 19th of January, 1905, Mr. Ross was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Croysdale, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Croysdale and a member of one of Akron's prominent families. Mr. Ross is affiliated with St. Paul's Lutheran church and casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. For two terms he has been councilman at large from the seventh ward, working at all times for the best interests of the city and establishing an enviable record as a public servant. In 1927 he was elected president of the South Akron Board of Trade and his Masonic connections are with the lodge and grotto. He belongs to the Masonic Club, the City Club and the Tuscarawas Country 312 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Club. Genial and companionable, he enjoys the social side of life and his genuine worth has won for him a high place in public regard. Mrs. Ross is a member of the local chapter of the Eastern Star and director of the Lincoln Home & School League. Like her husband, she is deeply interested in all movements for the betterment of the city and enjoys the esteem of many friends. Mr. Ross' residence is at No. 89 Bachtel avenue, Akron. PHILLIP HARRISON CHITTY Among the pioneers to whom honor has been paid in the naming of the thoroughfares of Akron are the members of the Chitty family, of which Phillip Harrison Chitty was a representative. A man of sterling character, he contributed in various ways to the development and progress of this section of the state, where he ranked with the leading contractors, doing much important work in that field of labor. Mr. Chitty was born on West Market street, January 27, 1855, in a little dwelling which stood on the site now in the rear of Kline's meat market, his parents being John and Catherine (Gonder) Chitty. The father was a contractor and builder of the early days and was engaged in the construction of the old canal as well as various other public projects which contributed to the improvement and development of the city. When he was a young man he followed the occupation of farming and he also carried the United States mails between Akron and nearby towns before the steam roads were built. His son, John Chitty, Jr., served as marshal of Akron before the incorporation of the city. Mrs. Catherine (Gonder) Chitty lived to watch the development of Akron for seventy-six years and passed away at her home on Merriman road, January 24, 1908. She was born in Germany and died in her ninety-third year, her life having been one of great usefulness through the careful rearing of her children and through the display of those qualities which made her a kindly neighbor and a good friend. Phillip H. Chitty, whose name introduces this review, attended the old Portage school while spending his youthful days in his father's home at 411 Chitty avenue, the thoroughfare having been named in honor of the father. From early youth he was dependent upon his own resources and at the age of seventeen years he paid the first taxes for his mother. For three years AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 313 he was in the employ of a Mr. Hovey, receiving a salary of fifty cents per day, after which he went to Thomastown and for five years was employed on the farm of a Mr. Brewster. He then returned to Akron, where he became associated with his father's business, working for him at a salary of three dollars per day. Later he was elected supervisor of Portage township and most capably and efficiently filled the office for seven years, at the end of which time he refused reelection. He then started in business on his own account as a contractor and soon was accorded a liberal patronage. He was given the contracts for street building in many of the leading thoroughfares of the city, including Beck avenue, Byers avenue, Kuder avenue, Hawthorne avenue, Caster-ton avenue, Aqueduct street, Wellsley avenue, Hillsdale and many other streets of the city. He also acted as inspector during the building of Merriman road. He was most careful in the execution of a contract, living fully up to the terms of his agreement, and his reliability and honesty, as well as thorough workmanship, were strong elements in his continued success. As the years passed by his business reached extensive proportions and he acquired a very substantial competence. On the 26th of June, 1895, Mr. Chitty was married in Akron to Miss Caroline Wolf, a daughter of John Jacob Wolf, who came to the United States at the age of nineteen years from Wittenberg, Germany, and settled on Charlotte street, on West Hill, in Akron, where he had three acres of ground. He wedded Eva Wolf, a native of Alsace, France, and they became the parents of seven children. Both the father and mother died at the age of forty-one years. To Mr. and Mrs. Chitty were born seven children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: Grace I, Clarence P., George R., Ruth C., Harold P., and Leonard J. Mr. Chitty was never a man who sought recreation outside of his own home. He belonged to no clubs or organizations that had any claim upon his time but found his greatest happiness at his own fireside. His interests centered in his family and he counted no personal effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the welfare and happiness of his wife and children. He passed away January 11, 1922, and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret among his many friends, who had learned to respect and honor him because of the sterling traits of character which he displayed in business and other relations of life. He never sought to figure prominently in any connection nor was he neglectful of any public or private duty. Thus he 314 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY came to be regarded as a substantial citizen and as a reliable business man and his sterling worth was recognized throughout Akron, where his entire life was passed. He was a member of the Concordia Lutheran church and his entire life measured up to the standards of his religious belief. ANTON VOLKE Anton Volke is president and treasurer of the Portage Yellow Cab Company of Akron, in which connection he has devel- oped a business of extensive proportions that is now regarded as an indispensable element in the life of the community. Mr. Volke was born in Germany, July 9, 1880, and his parents, Frank and Anna Volke, were also natives of that country, whence the father came to the new world in 1880, when Anton was a little lad of five summers. He preceded his family in order that he might prepare a home for them, which he did in Adams, Massachusetts, and the wife and children joined him in 1890. They afterward came to Akron, where the father was employed in various ways. He died in 1922 and his widow still survives. In their family were ten children, of whom nine are yet living: Anton, of this review; Gustave ; Joseph; Frank; Otto; Frederick; Mrs. Mary Howesen ; Mrs. Anna Clines; and Mrs. Jennie Adler. Anton Volke attended the schools of his native country and later continued his education after coming to the United States. He was a lad of fifteen years when he accompanied his mother, brothers and sisters to the United States and went to work in the cotton mills of Adams, Massachusetts. Following the removal of the family to Akron he secured employment at farm work in Summit county and thus continued for a decade. He next took up his abode in the city and purchased an automobile with which he established a taxicab, or jitney, service in 1916. This he continued, adding other cabs as he could secure the funds, and in 1919 started in the conduct of a taxi business which has since been developed under the name of the Portage Yellow Cab Company, with Mr. Volke as the president. Today his company owns thirty-four yellow cabs, doing taxi service throughout the city and county or to other points if passengers desire. No distance is too great and no place too difficult to reach for a yellow cab. Since its organization Mr. Volke has AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 317 been treasurer as well as president and the success of the enterprise is due to his thorough business methods, his care for the interests and welfare of his patrons and his earnest desire to give adequate service at all times. Mr. Volke is a popular member of the Akron Automobile Club and he belongs to the Lutheran church. While he had few advantages in his youth and early began to provide for himself the means of subsistence, he is now in comfortable financial circumstances as the result of untiring industry. In 1925 Mr. Volke made a trip to Germany, visiting the scenes of his birth and early childhood. He has traveled over the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast and has visited the principal cities in that territory. CARL LOOKER The constructive faculties predominate in the career of Carl Looker, a successful business man who is bending his energies to administrative direction and executive control and has become one of the greatest individual forces in Akron's upbuilding and improvement. He was born May 2, 1886, in Cincinnati, Ohio, a son of Charles S. and Harriet Virginia (Williams) Looker, also natives of the Buckeye state. The father was in the wholesale grocery business for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Looker are survived by six children : J. B. and J. W. Looker, of Akron; Mrs. C. C. Fitzmorris and Mrs. A. H. Hofman, residents of Chicago; Mrs. H. M. Campbell, who lives in New York city; and Carl Looker. The last named was a child of ten when his parents settled in Chicago and his education was acquired in the public schools of that city. His first commercial experience was gained in the employ of the Fleischman Yeast Company, with which he spent several years, and rose to the position of sales manager of their Akron office. After severing his connection with that corporation Mr. Looker entered the real estate field, in which he has since continued, buying and selling many pieces of property. He has also completed many important development projects, erecting more than two hundred desirable homes as well as a number of fine apartment buildings and other structures in Akron and vicinity. Other properties which he has successfully handled are the Carl Looker subdivision and the Merriman Road development 318 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY project. His activities in the automobile business have been equally resultant and he is now at the head of a large automobile financing company. He is president of the Looker-Singer Company, realtors, of the Carl Looker Company, realtors and home builders, the Looker-Freer Land Company and the Looker Motor Sales Company, all of which are prosperous concerns of well known reliability. Methodical, systematic and decisive, he accomplishes a large amount of work in a short time and the exercise of effort keeps him alert. Long before those of lesser foresight have discerned the approach of an emergency it has become apparent to him, and its arrival finds him already prepared to deal with it. Mr. Looker was married February 26, 1911, in Akron, to Miss Edna A. Price, and they have three children : Betty Ann, who was born in 1911, and is attending the Old Trail school ; Carl Jr., who was born in 1916 and is a pupil in the King school; and Nancy, who was born in 1922 and is attending a kindergarten. Mr. Looker is a member of the City Club, the Portage Country Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Along fraternal lines he is connected with the Masonic order and his religious belief is indicated by his affiliation with the Episcopal church. He is one of Akron's "boosters" and belongs to that class of men who are essential to progress, constituting the strength and motive power of every community in which they are found. Mr. Looker's Akron residence is at 225 North Highland avenue, his summer home is in Springfield township on the Springfield-Barberton road. EARLE POLING Courageous, self-reliant and energetic, Earle Poling has made his own way in the world, beginning the struggle for a livelihood at an early age, and is now numbered among the substantial business men of Akron, whose development he has furthered along cultural as well as mercantile lines. He was born July 8, 1889, in Parsons, West Virginia, and his parents, James L. and Elizabeth (Smith) Poling, were natives of Ohio. Both families were pioneers in the settlement of the Buckeye state and the paternal grandfather of Earle Poling was one of the early circuit riders of Ohio. By example as well as precept he pointed out to others the higher course in life and during the Civil war was a chap- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 319 lain in the Union army. His widow has reached the advanced age of ninety-eight years and is well preserved. James L. Poling was a well known lumberman of West Virginia and both he and his wife have passed away. To their union were born nine children, four of whom survive; one of whom is Wade H. Poling, a dealer in musical instruments and one of the prominent business men of Detroit, Michigan. Earle Poling attended a grammar school in Cumberland, Maryland, and owing to his father's death was obliged to contribute toward the support of the family, becoming a newsboy at the age of ten years. Afterward he was employed in various capacities, working his way steadily upward, and finally became a traveling salesman for the Victor Talking Machine Company of Cleveland, Ohio. His duties in that connection took him to various parts of the United States and also to Mexico, Canada, and many countries in Europe. During that time he had the privilege of meeting celebrities of the operatic and theatrical worlds, forming friendships which have continued throughout life. In association with his brother Wade he established a Victor Talking Machine and musical agency in Cleveland and there engaged in business until the World war, when he responded to the call of his country. He went to France with the American Expeditionary Force and was attached to that branch of the service which secured entertainers to keep up the spirit and morale of the men at the front. Mr. Poling was under the direct command of General Clarence R. Edwards and his reports were made through general headquarters for billeting welfare workers out of France. After receiving his honorable discharge he resumed the line of work in which he had previously engaged and in 1922 located in Akron. He had no capital but secured financial support from one of the city's well known bankers and started in business as an agent for the Victor Talking Machines, also handling sheet music, radio sets and musical instruments. Success attended the venture and he was soon able to discharge all of his indebtedness. His establishment contains everything required by those interested in musical goods and is characterized by an air of distinction in personal service as well as in merchandise. He is the executive head of the business, which is conducted under the style of the Windsor-Poling Company and located at No. 99 South Howard street. In addition, he is president of the Earle Poling Company, which books high-class musical attractions for Akron, and he is also vice president of the WFJC Company, which 320 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY has a broadcasting station in the Beacon Journal building. He enjoys his work and his business acumen, enterprise and broad experience have made him a leader in the lines in which he specializes. Mr. Poling was married June 20, 1920, in Akron to Miss May Kneff, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Kneff and a member of one of the well known families of the city. Their residence is at 178 Overwood drive, Fairlawn. Mr. Poling is identified with the Masonic order, the Akron Chamber of Commerce, the Automobile Club and the Akron City Club. He is affiliated with the United Presbyterian church and contributes liberally toward its support. Time has proven his worth and as a self-made man of high principles and marked public spirit he is accorded the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. DAVID MILLER COLWELL Unfailing energy and mental alertness are among the chief requirements of an executive and, liberally endowed with these qualities, David M. Colwell is successfully directing the operations of one of Akron's largest industries, the American Vitrified Products Company. He was born July 30, 1888, in Mansfield, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel J. and Fannie (Miller) Colwell, also natives of the Buckeye state. The father was employed as a traveling salesman for many years and is now living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Colwell have a family of three children : Jute A., a resident of New York city; Richard S., whose home is in Kansas City, Missouri; and David M. The last named was a pupil in the public schools of Mansfield and took a three years' course in. Wooster Academy. For a year he was a student of business administration at Dartmouth College and then entered the employ of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. His ability and devotion to the interests of the firm were rewarded by promotions and for twelve years he remained with the corporation, becoming manager of the southern district, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1921 he came to Akron as secretary of the American Vitrified Products Company, of which he has been president since 1925, and is also the executive head of its subsidiaries. Mr. Colwell combines a capacity for detail with the ability to think in large terms and under his administration the industry is making notable progress. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 321 On the 25th of August, 1912, Mr. Colwell was married in Akron to Miss Alice C. Cunnington, a daughter of Albert Cunnington, and they have three children : Marjorie Alice, who was born in Akron, September 7, 1913, and is a student at the Old Trail school; Harriet Louise, who was born in Atlanta, August 27, 1915, and is a pupil at King school ; and Katherine, who was born in Buffalo, New York, August 3, 1920, and is also attending the King school. Mr. Colwell's residence is at 206 Casterton avenue. In the Masonic order Mr. Colwell has attained the thirty-second degree and is identified with both the York and Scottish Rites. He is affiliated with St. Paul's Episcopal church and along social lines is connected with the Silver Lake Country Club. Mr. Colwell has discharged life's duties and obligations to the best of his ability and his career has been rounded with success and marked by the appreciation of those men whose good opinion is worth having. REV. HENRY FARWELL Among the citizens of Summit county whose lives have been devoted to the welfare of their fellowmen was the late Rev. Henry Farwell, whose career was marked by wholehearted and unselfish service in the ministry of the Gospel, and who commanded the unqualified respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was born in Twinsburg, Summit county, on the 17th of May, 1846, and was a son of Charles Henry and Ellen A. (Porter) Farwell. The father, who was of English descent, was born in Concord, Massachusetts, October 22, 1821, and early in life learned the trade of a blacksmith. On starting out in life for himself, he came to Summit county, probably in 1837, and here was not only successful in his material affairs, but became prominent and useful in the community, holding a number of positions of responsibility and trust. His wife was a member of an old New England family and was a cousin of Henry Ward Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe. To Mr. and Mrs. Farwell were born three children, Henry, Arba and Cyrus. Henry Farwell accompanied his family on their removal to Hudson in 1847 and here received his elementary education in the public schools. He attended Western Reserve College, in which he later taught, and during that time also studied theology. In 1874 he was graduated from Lane Theological Seminary in Cin- 322 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY cinnati and was ordained to the ministry of the Presbyterian church, to which sacred calling he devoted the remainder of his life. He and his wife entered the home missionary field, being first located in various places in Wisconsin, also serving at Rome, Ohio, and were in Kansas until 1903, when they returned to Summit county and located at the old home which his father had purchased in 1850, and here he lived until his death, which occurred July 16, 1925. Mr. Farwell was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a man of intense patriotism and fine public spirit and gave his support always to those things which were calculated 'to promote the public welfare. On April 19, 1876, in St. Joseph, Michigan, Mr. Farwell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Maginnis. Her father, the Rev. Franklin Maginnis, was a native of Pennsylvania. He was an instructor in Western Reserve College; was graduated from a theological seminary, and for thirty-six years served in the ministry, occupying the pulpits of the leading Presbyterian churches of the Western. Reserve, mostly in Cleveland. He served as a chaplain in the Union army during the Civil war and was a member of Memorial Post No. 141, G. A. R., in Cleveland. He married Miss Lucy Ann Porter, who was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1810. To Mr. and Mrs. Farwell were born four children, two of whom died in infancy, the survivors being Franklin M. and Clara R. Mrs. Farwell is still living in the old home in Hudson and because of her kindly manner and gracious personality commands the love and affection of all who know her. HENRY EMIL GREEN Henry Emil Green, who was a well known citizen of Akron for many years, was born in Germany, March 5, 1864, and passed away May 21, 1918. He was a son of Frederick and Philomena (Brown) Green and when nineteen years of age left the old world to become a resident of the United States. He had a sister who was then living in Kent, Ohio, and there he joined her. For a short time he worked in the car shops there but afterward turned his attention to the building contracting business, which he followed successfully for a period, erecting many substantial structures at that place. He afterward removed to Mount Carmel, Illinois, where he remained for a time, and dur- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 325 ing that period he was joined by his parents, who came from Germany to the new world. When he had spent two years in Illinois all came back to Ohio together, settling at Kent. The father had two acres of land on the edge of the town and made his home thereon until his death. As a contractor, in. Akron, Henry E. Green erected many buildings and he also established a wholesale and retail liquor business at No. 11 East Market street and later at No. 6 North Howard street, and then purchased the building at 49 North Howard street in Akron, continuing in that line until his death. On the 21st of August, 1884, Mr. Green was married to Miss Lena Frease, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and they became the parents of two sons and a daughter : Henry Frederick Johann, who married Angie Hayes and has three children—Henry, Maryland and Cloyd F.; Lena V., the wife of Frank Higinbothom; and Frederick, who married Helena Roth and has two children, Frederick Parker and Vivian Louise. Mr. Green was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and he also held membership with the German Turners and the Liedertafel. He belonged to the Lutheran church and he was a man of many attractive social qualities, being always courteous, obliging and kindly, so that he won many friends. JOHN C. NEFF John C. Neff was closely associated with business interests in Akron for many years and at his death the city lost one of its valued and esteemed residents. His birth occurred in Northampton, Summit county, Ohio, October 4, 1867, his parents being William and Nancy (Kline) Neff, who removed to Akron when their son John was but nine months old, the father becoming associated with the firm of Camp & Lane. Here reared to manhood, John C. Neff pursued his education in the old Spicer school in Akron and during his youthful days he was the friend and associate of a number of those men who now have membership in. Akron's Fifty Year Club. He started out in the business world with the firm of Murray, Hardy & Watt, proprietors of the old Boston Store on Howard street, his position being the humble one of errand boy. He afterward entered the employ of a Mr. Abbott to learn the tinner's trade and 11-VOL. 2 326 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY subsequently was with the firm of May & Fiebeger as a Ulmer and furnace man. For ten years he continued with that house and later became associated with the Kash Roofing Company, which had its plant on the Bowery viaduct. When he left that position it was to engage in business on his own account in partnership with John Knapp under the firm style of Neff & Knapp, conducting a tinning, roofing and spouting business and also putting in fancy ceilings. The firm existed for a number of years without change, at the end of which time Mr. Knapp sold his interest to George Neff and the firm of Neff Brothers was thus organized. Eventually, however, George Neff retired to be succeeded by Charles Leininger under the style of Neff & Leininger. It was in 1918 that Mr. Neff withdrew, selling his interest to his partner, at which time he became identified with the Goodyear interests, acting as foreman of the tin shop for nine years. He was thus engaged up to the time of his death, having been closely associated with industrial and commercial activity in Akron for many decades. On the 13th of August, 1889, Mr. Neff was married to Miss Theresa Apolonio, a native of Akron and a daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth (Gasser) Apolonio, who became residents of Akron in 1869, coming to this country from Switzerland, although Mr. Apolonio was a native of Austria. Many who were afterward residents of Akron came on the same boat with Mr. Apolonio and some are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Neff were married in St. Bernard's church in Akron by Father Brown and they became the parents of seventeen children, of whom eleven are now living. Lawrence, the eldest, married Minnie Worth and has three children : William, Merle and Dorothy. Bessie is the wife of Austin L. Lechleitner and the mother of four children : Robert, William, Richard and Ruth. George wedded Miss Cecelia Bidwell. Sister Gerard is a resident of Barberton. Helen became the wife of John Rauch and is the mother of seven children : Harold, Marie, Thomas, Betty, Ruth, Florence and Gertrude. Edna gave her hand in marriage to Joseph Eisenman. The younger members of the family are as follows : Joseph; Louis; Irene; Charles, who is pursuing a medical course in the University of Akron; and Mildred. The family circle was broken by the hand of death when on the 4th of January, 1927, Mr. Neff passed away. He was a democrat in politics but never an office seeker. He belonged to St. Bernard's church and to the Knights of St. John and the Fra- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 327 ternal Order of Eagles. He also had membership in the Relief Association formed among the Goodyear employes. He had led a busy, active and useful life and had gained the respect and confidence of his fellowmen, so that his death was deeply deplored by many friends as well as by his immediate family. The family residence is at 275 West Chestnut street, Akron, which was erected by Mr. Neff in 1891. LEE ROY REIFSNIDER Lee Roy Reifsnider is president of the Exchange Realty Company of Akron, but this by no means indicates the scope of his activity. While the business of which he is now the head is one of the most important of the kind in the city, he has been active and prominent in other fields of commerce and finance and at the same time has taken a helpful part in civic affairs wherein the city has been a direct beneficiary. Born in Akron, January 5, 1885, L. Roy Reifsnider is a son of Lee Clarence and Ida Maria (Adkins) Reifsnider, the former a native of Greentown, Ohio, and the latter of Akron. For many years they resided in the latter city, where the father conducted a plumbing and steamfitting business to the time of his death, which occurred in 1891. His widow survived him for many years, passing away in 1926. Their family numbered five children, three of whom lived to maturity, as follows : Lee Roy, of this review; A. C., living in Bisbee, Arizona; and Mrs. Edith R. Horn, of Denver, Colorado. After attending the public schools of Akron, L. Roy Reif-snider began providing for his own support by entering the employ of the M. O'Neil Company in 1898. He was then a lad of but thirteen years and his opportunity to attend school had been somewhat limited through the necessity of contributing to his own support, for the father had died when his son Roy was but six years of age. He early learned the value and potency of industry and determination as factors in the business world. On leaving the M. O'Neil Company he worked for the Werner Company, engaged in the printing and publishing business, spending three years in that connection. In 1901 he entered the employ of the First National Bank, where his capability soon won him promotion. Realizing the worth of education, he had carefully saved his earnings and was able to finance himself during a two years' course in the 328 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Ohio State University of Columbus. While pursuing his studies there he became a member of the Acacia fraternity and Triangle, a fraternity of engineers. Mr. Reifsnider returned to Akron and resumed his connection with the First National Bank and was serving as assistant cashier of the First-Second National Bank when in 1913 he resigned to become secretary of the Exchange Realty Company. For fifteen years he has now been closely associated with the real estate and general insurance business, entering into official connection with the Exchange Realty Company on its organization, while in 1926 he was elected to the presidency. A general real estate, investment and brokerage business is carried on, and the company has handled a large amount of property in the city, being now engaged in the development of Westover Park, an attractive residential district. His high standing in his chosen field is indicated in the fact that he has been honored with the presidency of the Akron Real Estate Board, is also a member of the Ohio Association of Real Estate Boards, and is now chairman of the brokerage division of that organization. He is also a member of the National Association of Real Estate Boards. His interest in financial affairs has continued and in 1921 he was one of the organizers of the Society Savings & Loan Company, of which he is vice president, while of the Standard Savings Bank he is a director. He is likewise a director and vice president of the Standard Mortgage Company and president of the Akron General Insurance Agency Company. In business affairs he displays sound judgment, a ready recognition of opportunity and the ability to combine seemingly diverse interests into a harmonious whole. On the 30th of June, 1909, Mr. Reifsnider was married to Miss Lucretia Ruth Spray, a daughter of William and Carrie (Wilmot) Spray, who were natives of England and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Reifsnider have two sons : Lee Spray, who was born November 29, 1910, and is a graduate of the class of 1928, West high school; and Franklin, born October 8, 1915. The elder son is a veteran Boy Scout and has won the high honor of being an Eagle Scout. The younger son is a seventh grade pupil in the Portage Path school and is also a Boy Scout. The cause of education has ever found in Mr. Reifsnider a stalwart friend, and he has ably served on the board of education. Fraternally he is both a York and Scottish Rite Mason and is a past commander of Akron Commandery No. 25, Knights Templar. He also belongs to the Shrine and Grotto and exemplifies in AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 329 his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belongs to the Akron Chamber of Commerce, the Akron Automobile Club, the Akron City Club and the Masonic Club. His wife is a member of the Eastern Star and of the Social Order of Beauseant, of which she is president. Mrs. Reifsnider has also been presiding officer of the Home & School League of Portage Path school, and in a word both Mr. and Mrs. Reifsnider are interested in everything that has to do with progress and uplift in their community. They hold membership in the West Hill Congregational church. Their interests are broad and varied, their activities far-reaching and resultant, and they are accorded a most creditable place among the representative residents of Akron. Mr. Reifsnider's residence is at No. 36 Orchard road. WILLIAM PHILO HINE Enterprising, reliable and capable, William Philo Hine is regarded as one of the leading business men of Tallmadge and represents one of the oldest and most prominent families of this locality. He was born April 20, 1870, in Tallmadge, of which his father, Alonzo A. Hine, and grandfather William Hine, were also natives. The great-grandfather, Abraham Hine, was born January 4, 1775, and passed away April 14, 1856. His wife, Abigail (Elton) Hine, was born November 16, 1775, and died November 27, 1863. Their son, William Hine, reached the eighty-seventh milestone on life's journey, passing away July 27, 1888. His wife, Phila Amelia (Root) Hine, who was a member of a New England family, died January 25, 1881, at the age of seventy-five years. Alonzo A. Hine was born September 3, 1831, and at the outbreak of the Civil war joined the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was made sergeant of his company and valiantly defended the Union cause. After the conflict was ended he resumed the occupation of farming, which he followed during practically his entire life, and on February 16, 1893, responded to the final summons. His wife, Sarah Jane (Atwood) Hine, was born in Magadore, Ohio, August 30, 1829, and passed away January 26, 1909. Her remains were interred in the Tallmadge cemetery, where the other members of the family were also laid to rest. William P. Hine was reared on the home farm and attended 330 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY district school No. 4. He assisted his father in the work of tilling the soil and after reaching mature years started out in life for himself. He was appointed postmaster at Tallmadge by President Wilson, in 1913, and filled the office until 1918. His niece, Winifred Hine, has served since then. Mr. Hine was identified with various lines of activity and since 1918 has engaged in merchandising in Tallmadge. His stock of goods is carefully selected, and he is always prepared to supply the needs of the public. He is content with a reasonable profit, giving to each customer good value for the amount expended, and his patronage has constantly increased. Mr. Hine was married June 20, 1899, in Kenton, Ohio, to Miss Kittie Park, a native of Mount Victory, Ohio, and a daughter of Horton and Phoebe (Dalzell) Park. Her father was a Union officer during the Civil war, holding the rank of captain, and her mother was a member of a prominent family of Columbus, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Hine were born three children but all are deceased except a son, Horton Park, who is a student. Mr. and Mrs. Hine are Congregationalists and take a keen interest in church work. Mr. Hine is identified with the Knights of Pythias and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. From 1906 to 1922 he served as township treasurer, the office being discontinued at the end of that time. He proved well worthy of the trust, and has never deviated from the path of rectitude and honor, thereby winning and retaining the esteem of his fellowmen. WILLIAM HENRY EVANS On the list of Akron's valued citizens who have been called from this life appears the name of William Henry Evans, who was the secretary, treasurer and chief executive of the Dime Savings Bank, a successful realtor and a representative business man. His life record shows what can be accomplished through determined purpose intelligently directed and through the wise use of opportunities. His parents, Edward and Mary (Davies Evans, were natives of Wales and had been in America only six weeks when occurred the birth of their son, William Henry, at Herkimer, New York, on the 18th of September, 1848. He was the youngest of eight children, the others having been born in Wales. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 333 During the period of his minority William H. Evans remained a resident of his native state, spending his youth in Oneida county and in Rochester, New York. His education was limited to the opportunities offered in the public schools and at eighteen years of age he went to Rochester, where he learned the cigar maker's trade, remaining in that city until he had reached the age of twenty-one. He next located in Clinton, New York, where there was a small college, and he opened a cigar and students' supplies store, at the same time attending the Clinton Institute at night and thus promoting his own knowledge, for he had come to realize that education is a basis for success in life. While thus engaged he became acquainted with Auntie Brown and Wallace Mayo, who were teachers in the institute and who came to Buchtel College in Akron when it was opened in 1872. In 1874, through their influence, Mr. Evans made his way to Akron, living in the old college building and working his way through the college. After completing the junior year's studies at Buchtel he left school to take up newspaper work, becoming associated with the old Argus. Later he entered the insurance, real estate and loan business, establishing, in 1891, an enterprise that is still carried on under the name of the William H. Evans & Sons Company at the corner of Mill and Howard streets. In 1901, in connection with other prominent business men, he was active in the organization of the Dime Savings Bank, of which he became secretary-treasurer and the principal executive officer, so continuing to the time of his death, which occurred June 14, 1923. He also was the founder of the William H. Evans Building & Loan Association. In business affairs he displayed sound judgment, keen enterprise and undaunted determination. In his vocabulary there was no such word as fail and he carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. He belonged to both the state and national banking associations and he enjoyed the highest respect and the warm regard of the leading representatives of Ohio's banking fraternity. In October, 1877, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Carrie May Ranney, a daughter of Luther B. Ranney, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Boston township, Summit county. She died March 1, 1916. Their children were : William H., Jr., who married Flora G. Goodwin, of Akron, and has six children —Robert, Maurice, Josephine, Ruth, May and Elizabeth; Lida, the wife of A. S. Viers; Ethel, who is the wife of Herbert 0. Hazard; David R., who married Ruth Crane and has a daugh- 334 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY ter, Phyllis; and Clyde A., who married Sara Landis and has one daughter, Patricia. All of the above named are residents of Akron. On the 24th of September, 1919, Mr. Evans was again married, his second union being with Miss Grace Sisler, who passed away June 6, 1928. Mr. Evans was an active member of the High Street Church of Christ and a member of Akron Lodge, F. and A. M. and Washington Chapter, R. A. M. Altogether a home man he spent his leisure hours at his own fireside, having a large farm on the state road between Akron and Cleveland. All who knew him attested his sterling worth of character and spoke of him in terms of high regard because of his kindly spirit and his devotion to those principles which are manifest in integrity, honor and recognition of the rights and privileges of others. WILLIAM HENRY ROOK, SR. William Henry Rook, Sr., whose industry and well spent life commanded for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact, was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, October 31, 1846, a son of William Henry and Elizabeth (Watt) Rook, of London, England. For thirteen generations it was customary in the family to name the oldest son William Henry. After attending a private school for boys William H. Rook of this review was apprenticed to the machinist's trade and when he was twenty-one years of age President Lincoln issued his call for volunteers to defend the Union. Mr. Rook immediately responded, joining Company H, of the Fiftieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, with which he participated in the battle of Bull Run and other important engagements which were the means of perpetuating the Union. After the close of the war Mr. Rook was united in marriage to Miss Mary Mackey and removed to Mecca, Ohio, where he engaged in business as a machinist, but after a short time came to Akron to enter the employ of the Taplin Rice Company and become very skillful in his chosen line of work. While acting in that capacity he had his arm drawn into a machine and his hand was cut off. Notwithstanding this fact his courageous spirit was shown in the way in which when the arm healed he ran a lathe. All who knew him entertained for him warm regard and he had the sincere friendship of all who worked under him, show- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 335 ing that he was a considerate and just manager. The family home was established on Spicer street at a time when the only other residence on that thoroughfare was the home of Hiram Spicer. In 1907 Mr. Rook retired from business and in April, 1908, was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. He survived her for many years, passing away March 3, 1926, at the age of eighty-six years. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a charter member of Nemo Lodge, and was also a member of the Grand Encampment of that order. He passed through all of the chairs and for a long period was a patriarch militant. His religious faith was that of the First Methodist Episcopal church and in his political views he was a republican. He was always loyal to any cause which he espoused and the sterling traits of his character were many. Industry, integrity, energy and fidelity to duty marked him as a man well worthy of the high esteem in which he was held. His son, William Henry Rook, Jr., was born in Mecca, Ohio, January 8, 1866, and was but two years of age when the family home was established on Spicer street in Akron, where he attended the public schools. Like his father, he also turned to industrial activity as a means of livelihood and became a machinist with the Taplin Rice Company on South Broadway, where he worked for a long period, being advanced through various positions until he became superintendent. In 1900 he left that firm to go with the American Sewer Pipe Company as mechanical engineer and continued with that business organization until 1918. Later he became connected with the Robinson Clay Products Company as general superintendent of production over the plants in Malvern, Mogadore, Midvale and Dover, Ohio, and Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Thus large responsibility was intrusted to him and in every respect he has adequately met his duties, measuring up to the highest requirements of the organization which he represents. In November, 1888, Mr. Rook was united in marriage to Miss Emma Smith, of York, Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of four children : Ethel ; Margaret; Helen ; and Perry, who wedded Jeannette Warner and has one child, Barbara Ann. On the 25th of November, 1909, Mr. Rook married Miss Elizabeth Dressler, a daughter of William and Susanna Dressler. Mr. Rook is a member of the Anna Dean Country Club and finds his recreation in bowling, fishing and golf. He is also a great reader, taking much enjoyment in the best literature, and many 336 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY of his happiest hours are spent in the companionship of the men of master minds. He belongs to the Congregational church and he and his wife are charter members of Akron's 50 Year Club, indicating their long residence here, within which period they have become most widely and favorably known, having a circle of friends almost coincident with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Rook deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in a business way, as he has steadily worked his way upward from a humble position to one of large responsibility, calling for executive direction and control. HENRY M. EHMANN Akron has been the city of opportunity to Henry M. Ehmann, a progressive business man, who has directed his energies into constructive channels and who is well known as a manufacturer of brass and aluminum castings. Long a member of the famous McKinley Band, he was "Heinie" to the president, who was "Major" to him. Mr. Ehmann was born August 10, 1869, in Cincinnati, Ohio, his parents being John M. and Jeannette (Molsom) Ehmann, natives of Germany. The father left that country in 1848 and after a voyage of forty-eight days arrived in New York city. The mother sailed from Bremen in 1849 and the ship on which she was a passenger was forty-nine days in crossing the Atlantic. Mr. and Mrs. Ehmann resided for a time in New York city and then migrated to Ohio. They established their home in Cincinnati, and Mr. Ehmann followed the blacksmith's trade for a number of years. He became a foreman in the plant of the Diebold Safe & Lock Company, now located in Canton, Ohio, and acted in that capacity until his retirement, serving the firm to the extent of his ability. To Mr. and Mrs. Ehmann were born twelve children, three of whom survive : Henry M. and Mrs. Esther Morpie and Mrs. Katherine Hertzig, residents of Canton. Henry M. Ehmann received his education in the public schools of Cincinnati and Canton and left high school at the end of his sophomore year, entering the employ of the Diebold Lock & Safe Company in 1886. For thirteen years he worked for the company, becoming proficient in the trade of a brass molder, and afterward followed that occupation as a journeyman in various AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 337 places. In 1902 he returned to Ohio, entering the service of the Adamson Machine Company of Akron, and later became an employe of the Taplin & Rice Company, with which he spent a year. It was in 1913 that he organized the Akron Bronze & Aluminum Company, which was incorporated in 1919, and of which he is now president and general manager, and has made this one of the largest firms of the kind in the state. Starting with two employes, Mr. Ehmann has increased the number to thirty and built the present plant, of which he is the owner. This modern, completely equipped factory is situated at No. 579 Washington street and makes castings of bronze, brass or aluminum for all of the rubber companies. The business has grown with Akron, and its executive head, who is a master craftsman, maintains a high standard of production, which has won for the firm orders from many large industries outside of this city. Mr. Ehmann was a boy of twelve when he first came to Akron with the old Batallion Band of Canton to play at a Knights Templar convention. At that time he followed the big drum and played the cymbals. All he remembers of that memorable visit is that Howard street was not paved and that they were just finishing the Buchtel Hotel. He resolved to return some day and make his permanent home here, but first he was destined to become a musician of note and travel all over the United States. He gave up the cymbals and learned to play the slide trombone in the Grand Army Band at Canton. This later became known as "McKinley's Own" band and was regarded as the best amateur organization in the country. Mr. Ehmann's brother, Augustus E. Ehmann, also joined this famous band, whose forty-five members were all known by their first names to President McKinley. They played him into congress, into the governor's chair and into the president's chair. They played for him when he was nominated at St. Louis and at Philadelphia and later when he was inaugurated the second time. His favorite hymn was "Lead Kindly Light" and no concert the band played for him was complete without that number. While one hundred other bands journeyed to Canton when the president was buried, it was his own band that played the stirring hymn that he loved so well. Nine of the band members are dead. Leo Zimmerman, who used to envy Mr. Ehmann's skill as a trombone player, became the greatest trombonist in the world. Mr. Ehmann's most valued possession is the framed picture of this band which adorns the walls of his office, and he also treasures the old "slip horn" with which he 338 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY helped a fellow townsman in Canton to the highest office in the gift of this republic. On September 12, 1889, Mr. Ehmann was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Volker, a daughter of George and Katherine Volker and a member of one of the prominent families of Canton. Mr. Ehmann is a thirty-second degree Mason and belongs to both the York and Scottish Rites. He is a member of the Masonic Club, and his religious faith is indicated by his affiliation with the Christian Science church. His wife is a member of the City Club and the Woman's Shrine Club. Their home has long been a center of Akron's social life, and their many admirable qualities have won for them a high place in the esteem of all with whom they have been associated. Mr. Ehmann's residence is at 115 Metlin avenue. HOUSTON SISLER Houston Sisler was a Summit county pioneer who Was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1815, and passed away in Akron, June 30, 1862. During his childhood days his parents removed with the family to Erie county, New York, settling near Buffalo, where his youthful days were passed and his education was acquired. Upon reaching his majority he came to Ohio, establishing his home at Manchester, Summit county, and as a teacher, merchant and farmer he was one of the most successful and one of the most influential men in that section. He labored diligently in the management of his business affairs and his enterprise and capability brought him a gratifying measure of prosperity. In 1854 he was elected to the office of treasurer of Summit county and removed to Akron, where his efficiency and faithfulness during his first term of office led to his reelection, so that he continued as county treasurer for two terms. Following his retirement he became associated with the Exchange Bank, which was the first banking institution organized in Akron, and he was also identified with various extensive and important business enterprises which featured largely in the city's commercial and financial development. In a number of these he was identified with John R. Buchtel, the founder of Buchtel College and one of the prominent pioneer business men of the city. In 1841 Mr. Sisler was united in marriage to Miss Glorvinia AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 341 Elizabeth Hamm, a daughter of the Rev. John W. Hamm, one of the pioneer preachers of eastern Ohio, who settled in Manchester, in 1824 and for fifty years served as minister in various Reformed churches in this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Sisler became the parents of eight children. The mother survived her husband for forty-three years and three of the children are yet living. Of the eight, Esther is the deceased wife of Hayes Webb, a publisher of Akron. Ellen is the deceased wife of Thaddeus Pierce and they had a son, William, who married and had four children and is now living in the state of Washington. Thomas Jefferson wedded Ida Wood, of Massachusetts, and their children were : Grace, now the wife of C. 0. Andrew, of Longmont, Colorado; and Cora, wife of William Bleakley, of Los Angeles, California. The mother, Mrs. Ida Sisler, passed away and Thomas Jefferson Sisler afterward wedded Mrs. Belle Emerson, by whom he had twin children, Rufus and Ruth, now living in Iowa. John, the fourth of the family, married Alice Souers and they had three children—Bessie, Almeda and Katharine, the last named being the wife of Fred Manthey of Fairlawn and the mother of three children : Mathilde, Fred and John. Anne, the next of the family, became the wife of George A. Peckham, who was a teacher of Hiram College for over forty years, and their children are Bertha, Mark, Harry and Anna Laura. Fanny B. Sisler was for twenty years a capable teacher in the public schools of Akron. Elizabeth was the next of the family. Grace became the wife of W. H. Evans, Sr., who is mentioned at length on another page of this work. When Houston Sisler purchased his original homestead, a part of which is still occupied by members of the family, it comprised an acre and a third, but much of it has been sold off in city lots until only the lot on which the residence stands and a lot on Union street, occupied by the family of his son, John, remain of the original estate. The only surviving children of the family are Mrs. Peckham, Mrs. Evans and Miss Elizabeth Sisler. When the father died his youngest children were three and five years. His death left a large family for his widow to rear. Mrs. Sisler was a woman of strong intellect and splendid character. She came of a family of French Huguenots who settled in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, later removing to what was then Stark county, Ohio, her father being the Rev. John W. Hamm, and it was through his influence that the section of Stark county in which they lived was annexed to Summit county. He 342 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY was a minister of the gospel for more than a half century and his labors were a strong force in the moral development of this section of the state. Through the Hamm family (of French Huguenot lineage but early established in America) the Sislers are entitled to membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of 1812, as their ancestors fought in both wars. Mrs. Glorvinia Elizabeth (Hamm) Sisler was born May 23, 1823, in Newville, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and when she was but a year old her parents, Rev. John W. and Esther (LeFever) Hamm, removed to Manchester, Ohio, where her father became a minister of the German Reformed church. There she was reared and in 1841 she became the wife of Houston Sisler, whom she survived for forty-three years, passing away May 1, 1905. During the Civil war Mrs. Sisler did much work in connection with the women's organizations and she was always a most earnest and consistent worker in the High Street Church of Christ, in which she held membership. She was identified with the church for more than forty years and was ever a devout and faithful Christian, endeavoring to train her children in the faith and exemplifying to all with whom she came in contact the kindly spirit, the humility and the devotion which mark the consistent Christian life. She lived to be more than four score years of age and retained her faculties largely unimpaired, her mind remaining very active and her memory perfect. Unlike many aged people, she was interested in and well informed on the questions of the day, was a great reader and thought most intelligently upon problems that had to do with life. She possessed unusual powers and all who knew her loved her, her loss being regretted by a wide circle of friends. CHARLES L. WIRTH Placing his dependence upon the essential qualities of diligence and perseverance, Charles L. Wirth has pressed steadily onward and upward and is now a forceful factor in the management of the affairs of the Industrians Savings & Loan Company of East Akron, also figuring prominently in local real estate operations. From childhood he has been a tireless worker and knows the value of industry in the attainment of success. He was born near Orrville, in Wayne county, Ohio, February 27, 1876, and is a son of Jacob B. and Caroline (Yeakley) Wirth, AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 343 the former also a native of this state. The mother was born in Germany and when a child of six came to the United States with her parents. Jacob B. Wirth has always followed agricultural pursuits and is enjoying the rewards of a life of well directed industry. To Mr. and Mrs. Wirth were born eight children, seven of whom survive : Mrs. John Schutz, of Los Angeles, California; Mrs. John Troyer, who lives in Fulton, Ohio; Miss Almeda Wirth, of Kenmore, a suburb of Akron; Mrs. Henry Snyder, whose home is at Loyal Oak, Ohio ; J. E. Wirth, of Canton, this state; Dr. Franklin Wirth, who resides in Sheridan, Nebraska; and Charles L. Wirth. The last named was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school of that locality. He was graduated from the Orrville high school in 1897 and next took a three years' classical course in Wooster University. Entering the educational field, he taught for four years in Wayne county and also for four years in Summit county, acting as superintendent of schools of Portage township during the last three years. On the expiration of that period he retired from the profession and turned his attention to business pursuits. For three years he was in the employ of the M. O'Neil Company of Akron and in 1909 was made the first clerk and purchasing agent for the board of commissioners of Summit county, serving until the latter part of 1912. He then became connected with the Bankers Guarantee Title & Trust Company, as examiner of titles, where he spent a year, and for a similar length of time was one of the Summit county tax appraisers. In 1915 he accepted a position in the collection department of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and continued in that capacity until 1917. Shortly after the Industrians Savings & Loan Company was organized by several of the Goodyear executives he was elected its secretary and has since filled that office, also serving as general manager. Mr. Wirth has a comprehensive knowledge of property values and titles in Akron and renders to the company the services of an expert, discharging his duties with characteristic fidelity and efficiency. He is treasurer of the Wagner-Emmons Realty Company, a local concern, which has also profited by his business acumen and experience. Mr. Wirth was married June 22, 1906, to Miss Lillian Botzum, a daughter of Adam Botzum and a member of one of the prominent families of Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Wirth have two children : Charles Arden, who was born in 1908 and is attending 344 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY the Kiskiminetas School at Saltsburg, Pennsylvania ; and Lillian Ardella, born in 1913 and now a student at the West Akron high school. Mr. Wirth is treasurer and a member of the official board of Grace Reformed church. A Knight Templar Mason and a Noble of Tadmor Temple of the Mystic Shrine, he holds the thirty-second degree in the order and takes a keen interest in its activities. He belongs to the Masonic Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Fairlawn Heights Golf Club, and the Vista del Lago Club, at Crystal Lake, being a charter member of the last named organization. Through his affiliation with the East Akron Board of Trade he is contributing his quota toward the city's development and prosperity and lends the weight of his support to all worthy public projects. Nature has endowed Mr. Wirth with much personal magnetism, which, combined with his honesty, sincerity and innate courtesy, has drawn to him a wide circle of loyal, steadfast friends. CHARLES SENN Forced to begin the struggle for an existence at an early age, Charles Senn courageously battled against adverse conditions, thus developing his strength of character and latent powers, which have carried him into important relations, and as one of the officers of the Munroe Falls Paper Company he is widely and favorably known in northeastern Ohio. He was born in New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas county, this state, a son of John B. and Anna (Sherrick) Senn, who were natives of Switzerland, in which country the father was employed as a coal miner. Prior to the Civil war he came to the United States. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry and sacrificed his life for the Union, passing away in 1862. His family continued to live on the home farm in Tuscarawas county until about 1868, when Mrs. Senn removed to Massillon, Ohio, with her four children, and there resided until her death. Her son, John B. Senn, Jr., and a daughter, Mrs. Caroline Dulabahn, still live in Massillon, and the other daughter, Mrs. Louise Brahm, makes her home in Los Angeles, California. Charles Senn attended the public schools of Massillon, Ohio, and when a boy of twelve years obtained work in the plant of a local paper company. At the age of eighteen he left home and was afterward employed in various paper mills, eventually mas- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 345 tering the technicalities of the industry. His ability and trustworthiness were rewarded by promotions, and in 1889 he came to Munroe Falls to take charge of the plant of the Cleveland Paper Company. In 1899 the Munroe Falls Paper Company was incorporated with John Silk as president; Charles Silk as vice president; F. B. Silk as secretary and treasurer; and Charles Senn as superintendent. As a result of the personal supervision of Mr. Senn the output was increased and business connections favorable to the company were established. The capacity of the plant has been increased from time to time until this has become one of the largest and best equipped paper mills in Ohio. The present officers of the company are: C. B. Silk, president; Charles Senn, vice president; F. B. Silk, secretary and treasurer; and A. C. Fischer, assistant secretary and treasurer. The output of the mill includes wrapping paper, chip-board, deadening felt and carpet lining. Years of practical experience and intensive study have made Mr. Senn an authority on the subject of paper manufacture, and he is also a keen judge of men. He was a director of the Wadsworth Core Equipment Company of Akron for about twelve years. Mr. Senn was married at Massilon in September, 1884, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Dixon, a daughter of Andrew and Margaret Dixon. Mrs. Senn presided with grace and dignity over her home and was prominent in church and social affairs. She was the possessor of many admirable qualities and her death in 1924 brought deep sorrow to her family and friends. To Mr. and Mrs. Senn were born four children : Hazel, who married Claude Kepler and died December 24, 1908, leaving a daughter Margaret, now living with Mr. and Mrs. Senn; Ada, who married James Adcock and died September 25, 1912, leaving a daughter, Isabelle; Maud, who died May 7, 1917; and Karl, living at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, who married Leona Wallsmith and has a son, Richard. On October 25, 1925, Mr. Senn married Mrs. Caroline Adcock, who has one grandchild, Isabella Adcock, mentioned above. By her former marriage Mrs. Senn had a son, James Adcock, now deceased, who married Ada Senn, daughter of Mr. Senn by his first wife. Isabelle resides with Mr. and Mrs. Senn, whose home, with the two granddaughters, in the family circle, is charming and complete. Mr. Senn is a Methodist and an earnest worker in behalf of the church, serving as trustee and steward. Along fraternal lines he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to 346 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Pavonia Lodge, No. 301, and is nonpartisan in politics. As a citizen he is loyal and public-spirited and served as township trustee from 1914 until 1918. For about twelve years he served on the special school board of Munroe Falls. His demeanor is marked by that instinctive courtesy which is the outward expression of a generous, kindly nature, and he is accorded the respect which the world ever yields to the honorable, self-made man. HENRY EVAN WILLIAMS It was recognition of superior talent that made Henry Evan Williams known as "America's greatest tenor and the world's greatest lyric tenor." In almost every section of the globe his magnificent voice gave pleasure to thousands of hearers and at all times he used his gift of song for the benefit and pleasure of his fellowmen, little regarding the pecuniary returns that it brought him. Akron has had many notable captains of industry but has had only one Evan Williams, and he, more than all others, has made Akron known to the world. His birth occurred at Mineral Ridge, Ohio, September 7, 1867, his parents being David and Gwendolyn (Harris) Williams. He attended the schools of Summit county and at the age of eighteen years began working in the shops of Webster, Camp & Lane, there learning the machinist's trade. As a child he sang in all local entertainments, none being regarded complete without his name appearing on the program. But it was not until after he attained his majority that he had the opportunity to cultivate his great talent. He was a youth of seventeen when he sang at a Welsh eisteddfod in Akron. Among his auditors on that occasion was Mrs. Henry Perkins, who immediately recognized his great gift and encouraged him to begin voice culture. He continued to work at the machinist's trade through the week, singing on Sundays in the Methodist church choir. When he was twenty years of age he was married on the 18th of October, 1887, at Thomastown, Ohio, to Miss Margaret Jane Morgan, and to his wife, more than to any other one person, Mr. Williams owed his success, for she shared with him uncomplainingly in all of the hardships and the sacrifices which it was necessary to make in order to secure his musical education and at all times she was his inspiration. He was about twenty-two years of age AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 349 when Madame Louise Von Feilitzsch, a vocal teacher of Cleveland, heard him sing and induced him to go to Cleveland to study. She instructed him for four years and on the expiration of that period he went to New York city, where he continued his studies under James Savage, one of the most famous vocal teachers of that period. While thus pursuing his own musical education he sang as soloist in All Angels church for a number of years and afterward in the Marble Collegiate church on Fifth avenue in New York, at which time he was the highest paid church singer in the world. During all this period his services were in such constant demand in the concert field that in order to keep his concert engagements he was obliged eventually to give up his church work. His first outstanding success—that which really brought him world fame—came when he appeared in connection with the Worcester (Massachusetts) festival. For twenty-seven years he was before the public as the leading American tenor, singing in oratorios and concerts, being widely regarded as the world's greatest oratorio singer. He sang with all the notable orchestras of America and of England and was in constant demand on both continents. He lived in London for three years, but he always regarded Akron as his home, and it is remarkable that his fellow townsmen never heard "their own Evan Williams" sing with a great orchestra, yet his last public appearance was when he gave a concert in Akron. On one occasion, when he landed in England, Landen Rolland, conductor of the great London Orchestra, was at the dock and there played the "Star Spangled Banner" as a welcoming salute to Mr. Williams. At that time he toured England, Scotland and Ireland, singing in ten of the great musical festivals, and he also sang in many notable festivals in Wales, which was the home of his ancestors. He possessed the most beautiful lyric voice the world has ever known and no one was ever more generous in giving of his talent to his audiences. Moreover, he was the first entertainer to offer his services for the entertainment of the soldiers during the World war, and notwithstanding he was booked for more than one hundred recitals, he sang for the soldiers in every cantonment to which he was sent. In fact it was his too great generosity in this regard that caused his demise. He placed too great a strain upon himself in meeting the appointments for musical entertainments for the soldiers, added to the strain which he felt in having two of his own sons in the service.