(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 501 ton & Youngstown Terminal Properties Company and a director of the Northern Ohio Railway Company. On the 28th of November, 1907, Mr. Graner was married to Miss Maude Money, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Money of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Graner have five children : John Louis, who was born November 22, 1909, in Cleveland, is a student at the Ohio Wesleyan University; Katherine Louise, born December 9, 1913, is attending Stow high school; Frank Maxwell, born May 6, 1917, is also a pupil at Stow high; James Richard was born February 21, 1919 ; and Louis Albert was born August 4, 1923. Mr. Graner is a member of the Railroad Treasurers Organization and of the Railroad Accounting Society. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, while he belongs to the Akron City Club, the Akron Automobile Club and the Akron Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Graner takes a helpful interest in public affairs, standing at all times on the side of progress, reform and improvement, and his cooperation can be counted upon to further measures destined to advance the public good. He is the president of the board of education of Stow Centralized Schools of Stow township. He is a self-made man whose activities, intelligently directed, have been the basis of his success, and he is accorded a most creditable position among the representatives of Akron's important interest. In 1920 he completed his home in Stow. HERBERT E. BIGELOW Peninsula has directly profited by the enterprising spirit and constructive activities of Herbert E. Bigelow, a business man of varied and important interests and a tireless worker, whose success is entirely attributable to his own efforts. He was born in Copley, Summit county, April 2, 1887, a son of Frank A. and Della (Myers) Bigelow, also natives of Ohio. His father was reared on a farm in Summit county and received a common school education. He devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1911, when he located in Peninsula and began dealing in builders' supplies and fuel, forming a partnership with his son and being thus engaged until his death on September 13, 1913. He is survived by a widow and two children. The daughter, Marcia, is 502 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY now Mrs. Virgil Stein and resides in West Richfield, Ohio, where her mother is also living. Herbert E. Bigelow attended the district schools of Summit county and assisted his father in the cultivation and improvement of the farm. At the age of seventeen he assumed the burden of self-support and filled various positions, working his way steadily upward. In 1911 he embarked in business in Peninsula as a dealer in coal and building material and with the able assistance of his father secured a large patronage. His attention was thus occupied for five years but in 1916 he sought a new outlet for his energies, organizing the Bigelow Motor Company, which now handles a complete line of Chevrolet cars. The first building, which he erected in 1917, was destroyed by fire in January, 1927, and immediately he set about the task of rebuilding, making plans for the completion of a structure which should be one of the chief ornaments of the town. The work was finished in 1928 and on January 3 he opened one of the finest garages in northern Ohio. The show room is spacious and beautiful, and the offices are well arranged. In addition there is a completely equipped repair department and a service force of first class mechanics. The salesmen are thoroughly trained and courtesy and efficiency and square dealing are the distinguishing characteristics of the firm. Mr. Bigelow is president of the company and has fostered the growth of the business by close attention to detail and judicious management, while through earnest study of the automobile industry he keeps abreast of the latest developments in the trade. He is regarded as the leading dealer of the town, and his annual sales now amount to a large volume. Mr. Bigelow was married April 18, 1908, to Miss Jennie Halliwell, a daughter of Levi and Cora Halliwell, of Summit county. The father was one of the first settlers of Richfield township and aided in bringing to light the natural resources of that section of the state. He is survived by a widow and three children: Jennie, now Mrs. Bigelow; Doris, who is the wife of Everett Owen, of Alliance, Ohio; and Clare, who lives in West Richfield, where his mother also resides. Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow have a son, Lloyd, who was born April 12, 1909, and is a member of the senior class of the Peninsula high school. Mr. Bigelow is a thirty-second degree Mason having taken the degrees of both the Scottish and York Rites. He is a member of Meridian Sun Lodge No. 266, F. and A. M., at West Richfield, of which he is past master; Washington Chapter, R. A. M., at AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 503 Akron; Akron Commandery, K. T.; Lake Erie Consistory of Cleveland, and Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His wife belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star and is a past matron of the local chapter. They manifest a keen interest in all projects for the general good and enjoy the esteem of all with whom they have been associated. AMOS A. ROTHROCK Devoting his earlier years to the acquirement and dissemination of knowledge, Amos A. Rothrock became widely and favorably known as an educator, after which he achieved success as an agriculturist. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, November 3, 1851, and passed away May 9, 1928. His parents, Samuel and Catherine (Stauffer) Rothrock, were natives of Pennsylvania and settled in Summit county, Ohio, in 1853. In this section of the state Samuel Rothrock spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1870. He was long survived by his wife, whose demise occurred in 1901. Amos A. Rothrock was reared on his father's farm, attending the schools of that locality, and he afterward was a teacher in the rural schools of Summit county, being thus employed for about ten years. In order to perfect himself in that line of work he enrolled as a student in Otterbein University, from which he was graduated June 11, 1885, and then became superintendent of the Mogadore schools. He was next at the head of Dover Academy and afterward was called to West Richfield, Ohio. Mr. Rothrock was also principal of one of the high schools in Akron and had charge of the Copley high school for two years, returning to Mogadore at the end of that time. His educational work covered a period of twenty-nine years and was productive of excellent results. Impelled by high ideals of service, he progressed with his profession and advanced the standards of education in every community in which he labored. In 1901 he retired from that field of activity and returned to the occupation which he had followed in youth, taking up his abode at Fairlawn, his splendidly improved farm, situated a few miles west of Akron. There he lived for fourteen years, bringing his land to a high state of development, and in 1918 he purchased an attractive home in Tallmadge, where he resided until his death. He was also identified with business affairs and was one of the directors of the 504 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Norton. Mutual Fire Insurance Company for a quarter of a century. In 1892 Mr. Rothrock was married in West Richfield to Miss Ada Swigart, who passed away in February, 1904, leaving one child, Stanley S., mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Rothrock's second union was with Miss Harriet E. Stone, to whom he was married in April, 1905. Mr. Rothrock was affiliated with the Congregational church, of Tallmadge, of which he was a trustee for a number of years. His widow is a member of the Country Study Club. In politics he was a republican and filled public offices of trust and responsibility. Courteous, sincere and broad-minded, he held a secure place in public esteem and his life was a serviceable factor in the cause of human progress. GEORGE MICHAEL KEMPEL Important commercial interests profited by the keen sagacity and enterprising spirit of George Michael Kempel, who was one of Akron's leading business men and a lifelong resident of the city, which derived substantial benefit from his constructive labors. He was born February 1, 1863, and was a son of George Kempel, a native of Germany. The father left that country during his boyhood and came to the United States, locating in Akron. In 1849, when a young man of twenty, he started for California with a party of '49ers and spent three years in the Golden state. On the expiration of that period he returned to Akron and subsequently became a dealer in shoes, establishing a large business. Possessing the self-reliant nature and sturdy qualities of the true pioneer, he made his own way in the world and stood deservedly high in the esteem of his fellowmen. He married Miss Barbara Honodle and passed away in 1867, leaving a family of five children. George M. Kempel attended the Jennings school and obtained his start in life with the Gintz Upholstering Company. He remained with that firm for several years, mastering the trade, and when he had accumulated sufficient capital opened a furniture store on South Main street. Through untiring effort and judicious management he fostered the growth of the business and was thus engaged until 1910. At that time he began to buy and sell real estate, displaying marked foresight in making his investments and prospering in his speculations. He was regarded AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 505 as an expert valuator and many important realty deals were consummated through his agency. Mr. Kempel was married July 17, 1901, to Miss Cora Cecelia Steinmetz, and they became the parents of four children : Maria, who is the wife of Abram G. Gill and the mother of one child, Helen Marie; and Leo C., George Paul and Anna Rosalie Kempel. The father enjoyed home life and was devoted to his wife and family. In politics Mr. Kempel maintained an independent course, supporting the candidates whom he considered best qualified for office and advocating measures of reform, progress and improvement in public affairs. He adhered to the Catholic faith and was affiliated with the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of St. John and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Fishing and travel afforded him recreation, and previous to his marriage he had visited nearly every state in the Union. Mr. Kempel considered Akron a most desirable place of residence and its growth and progress was a matter in which he took much personal pride. Modest and unassuming, he quietly performed life's duties and obligations, and time established his worth. The friends of his youth remained steadfast and true throughout life, and his passing on July 14, 1926, occasioned deep and widespread regret. GUY A. JENKINS The Jenkins family of Macedonia township has long been numbered among the leading and most influential families of Summit county, having been actively interested in all local movements for the advancement and improvement of the community. One of its worthy representatives is Guy A. Jenkins, who owns and operates the old home farm and is a man of progressive spirit and exemplary citizenship. Mr. Jenkins was born on his father's farm in Macedonia township on the 19th of August, 1884, a son of Edmund S. and Mary (Morse) Jenkins, who are referred to at length on another page of this work. He was reared on the home farm and secured his early education in the local schools, completing his educational training at Ohio State University. He has followed farming practically all of his life and has met with a very gratifying measure of success, being now the owner of the farm of ninety 506 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY acres which was bought by his father in 1896. The place is well improved and, under his careful management, produces abundant crops. For the past eleven years Mr. Jenkins has also served as a rural mail carrier. On May 24, 1905, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage to Miss Evalyn Johnston, of Macedonia, who is of Scotch and Irish parentage. To them have been born three children, Morse A., Allan E. and Jeannette. Mrs. Jenkins was graduated from Macedonia high school and when seventeen years of age began teaching school, following that profession up to the time of her marriage. She has taken an active interest in local civic affairs, being a member of the Farm Bureau Association, and is now serving her thirteenth year as a member of the school board during seven years of which time she has been clerk of the board. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are members of the Grange. Mr. Jenkins is a man of forceful character, agreeable personality and fine public spirit and throughout the locality where he has spent his life he is held in the highest regard. JOHN OLIVER BETZ John Oliver Betz is a dominant figure in the management of important commercial interests and a conspicuous member of that select company of enterprising young business men to whom Akron looks for its future growth and prosperity. He was born in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1895, and is a son of George F. and Dorothy D. (Metzler) Betz, natives of Harrisonville, that state. They remained in Pennsylvania until 1909, when they settled in Akron, and the father became a silent partner in the J. Hailer Construction Company, with which he was connected for a number of years. In 1922 he organized the Akron Cylinder Grinding Company, of which he is now the president, and acts as vice president of the Akron Parts Company, both of which have profited by his business experience and ability. John 0. Betz attended the public schools of his native state until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he came to Akron with his parents, and for three years was a student in the South high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1912. This was followed by a course in the Akron Automobile School, where he qualified as an expert mechanic, and was appointed manager of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company's garage, of AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 509 which he had charge for three and a half years, meeting every requirement of the position. In 1922 he established what is now known as the Akron Parts Company, which handles parts for automobiles and radios, and as its president is following a policy which makes for rapid development by inspiring public trust and confidence. His employes are carefully chosen and no imperfect piece of work ever leaves the plant. He is also vice president and secretary of the Akron Cylinder Grinding Company, a steadily growing concern which is operated in connection with the Akron Parts Company, and the two industries furnish employment to about twenty-five persons. These two institutions are managed with system and efficiency and mirror the executive force and progressive methods of the men who control them. John 0. Betz was married April 5, 1915, in Akron to Miss Maude E. Lee, a daughter of George Lee of New Philadelphia, Ohio, and they have become the parents of one child, Eugene Franklin, who was born February 28, 1916, in the Rubber city and is attending the Perkins school. Mr. Betz is a Royal Arch Mason and belongs to the Masonic, Automobile and Optimist Clubs. The Chamber of Commerce numbers him among its energetic members and he is vice president of the Akron Service Association. He is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and shapes his conduct by its teachings. A man of action, gifted with initiative and determination, Mr. Betz has risen rapidly in the business world and the future undoubtedly holds much in store for him. He has a winning personality, and his genuine worth is attested by all who enjoy the privilege of knowing him. WILLIAM LOCKHART Summit county received a very desirable addition to its citizenship when, in 1925, William Lockhart came here to make his permanent residence, for he is the type of man whose labors are constructive in character and whose efforts and influence are in the direction of progress and advancement. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 5th of May, 1889, and is a son of William and Mary (Drummond) Lockhart, the former of whom was born in New York city and was of Scotch ancestry, while the latter, who was of Irish descent, was born and reared in Cleveland. In their family were seven children, of whom William is the second in 510 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY order of birth. He has two brothers, Clarence and Fred, living in Rochester, Pennsylvania, and a sister, Mrs. Hazel Hansen, in Cleveland. The others are deceased. William Lockhart, Jr., was reared in his native city and was graduated from its public schools in 1906, after which he learned the trade of a machinist. Through his efficiency and faithfulness he received successive promotions and eventually became superintendent of works of the McMyler Interstate Construction Company. He remained with that concern until 1918, when he, in company with others, organized the Marble Equipment Company of Cleveland. This proved a very successful venture and Mr. Lockhart remained actively identified with it until 1925, when he sold his interests and, coming to Northfield, Summit county, bought one hundred and fifty-three acres of land adjoining the village. Here he has erected a good set of buildings, including a splendid home, costing thirty-five thousand dollars, and which is ideally located. Mr. Lockhart has platted the greater part of his land for suburban residence purposes, it being but seventeen miles from the center of Cleveland and very attractively situated. On October 14, 1911, Mr. Lockhart was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Borgerman, who was born in that city of Holland and English lineage. Her father, John Borgerman, who was born and reared in Holland and served in the Boer war, after which he came to the United States, locating in Cleveland. Later his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Looney, arrived. To them were born six children, all of whom live in Cleveland, namely: John, who is married and has three children; Albert; Thomas, who is married and has two children ; Mrs. Anna Miller, who is the mother of a daughter; Mrs. Susan Roniger, who is the mother of two children ; and Sadie, now Mrs. Lockhart. Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart have two children, Leonard and Elenore. In his political views Mr. Lockhart maintains an independent attitude, voting according to the dictates of his judgment as to men and measures. He is will informed on the leading issues of the day, on which he holds well defined opinions, and is an earnest supporter of every measure which is calculated to promote the public welfare. He is at this time giving effective service as a member of the board of public affairs. He is a Mason, belonging to Bedford Lodge, F. & A. M.; Bedford Chapter, R. A. M.; Allenby Commandery, K. T.; Al Sirah Grotto; and Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and belongs to several country clubs and various social organizations. He and his wife are members AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 511 of the United Presbyterian church at Northfield, in the work of which they take a deep interest. Because of his unfeigned cordiality and his sterling traits of character, he has gained a high place in the esteem of the people of his community, while he and his wife are deservedly popular among their associates. PATRICK HENRY MORAN Patrick H. Moran, late of Hudson, Ohio, whose death, on January 3, 1928, was deeply regretted by all who knew him, was a man of sterling qualities of character and sound business judgment, standing high in the estimation of his fellowmen. He was born near Syracuse, New York, on the 20th of June, 1864, and was the oldest of the four children who blessed the union of James and Bridget Moran, both of whom were natives of Ireland. He received his educational training in the public schools of his home neighborhood and at Garrettsville, Portage county, Ohio, to which place the family moved during his early youth. When about eighteen years of age he went to work for the C. M. Oviatt Manufacturing Company, at Dover, Ohio, and he remained with that concern for many years. Through his diligent efforts and faithful performance of duty, he received several promotions and later, when the plant was moved to Cadillac, Michigan, he was also transferred to that place and given a position of trust and responsibility. Six years later the plant was destroyed by fire and at that time, 1901, Mr. Moran decided to engage in business for himself. He located in Hudson, Ohio, and established a grocery store, which he successfully conducted for twenty-two years when, on account of ill health, he was forced to retire. Thoroughly upright and honest in all of his dealings with his employes and the general public, his word was considered as good as his bond, and he won and held the respect of all who knew him. On New Year's eve, 1892, Mr. Moran was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Litzell, who is a member of an old Summit county family of German extraction. Her paternal grandfather, Martin Litzell, came to the United States in an early day, settling in Carroll county, Ohio, and there was born his son, Martin, who was Mrs. Moran's father. Her mother, whose maiden name was Louvina Cannom, was of English lineage and was born in Jamestown, Pennsylvania. On coming to Hudson, Mrs. Moran be- 512 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY came the owner and has managed to the present time the Park Hotel, an interesting old brick and stone structure, erected more than one hundred years ago, but is well preserved and in excellent condition, having been improved and made modern throughout. Mrs. Moran has been tireless in her efforts to give the best of service to the traveling public and is meeting with well merited success. Mr. Moran always maintained a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and prosperity of the community and rendered effective service for a number of years as a member of the town council. A man of unquestioned integrity of motive and action, he was also kindly and cordial in manner, and throughout the range of his acquaintance he commanded genuine respect and gained many warm friends. His home was his club. During his funeral services all of the business houses of Main street were closed. OLIVER H. JOY Horticultural pursuits occupy the attention of Oliver H. Joy, who is a product of the Buckeye state and the owner of a beautiful country estate near Tallmadge. He was born in Springfield township, Summit county, July 29, 1874, his parents being Ernest J. and Elizabeth (Hickmott) Joy, natives of Maidstone, Kent county, England. They sailed for America in 1867 and located at Utica, New York, but in 1873 settled in Summit county, Ohio. Oliver H. Joy attended the district school near his father's farm and completed his education in Buchtel College at Akron. He began his commercial career with the Diamond Rubber Company and was afterward in the employ of the Goodrich and Alden rubber companies. Later he opened an office in East Akron, where he conducted business until 1926, when he purchased a tract of twenty acres on the Cleveland road near Tallmadge, where he has since resided. With a natural talent for gardening, he has wrought a marvelous transformation in the appearance of his place, making it one of the most attractive and desirable farms in the county. In 1927 he raised many rare and beautiful flowers and had more than two thousand choice dahlias. He also has a fine orchard and owes his success to a comprehensive understanding of horticultural science, close application and a deep interest in and love for his work. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 513 In East Akron, June 29, 1904, Mr. Joy married Miss Lillie Louise Hart, a native of that place and the youngest daughter of Delos Hiram and Phebe Ann (Haley) Hart. Her paternal grandparents were Hiram and Sarah (Smith) Hart, the latter a daughter of Moses and Sarah Smith. Mrs. Joy's paternal grandfather, Rufus Hart, came to Summit county, Ohio, in 1816 from Batavia, New York, and settled in Coventry township, about one mile south of Middlebury, in the midst of a dense forest. His first occupation was to clear away the trees and burn the timber into charcoal, his blast furnace being located on the present site of the Goodyear rubber factory. The Hart family were also prominently identified with the early development of that region and were widely and favorably known. Delos Hiram Hart still resides in Akron, and although eighty-six years of age is alert and active, enjoying excellent health. His wife was born in Groton, Connecticut, March 24, 1840, and belonged to an old New England family, being a direct descendant of John and Priscilla Alden of Mayflower fame. Before her marriage she engaged in teaching for some years in Connecticut. She passed away August 13, 1910, and was laid to rest in the East Akron cemetery. Both daughters are most generously blessed with a great love for flowers and are cultivating thousands of gladioli for commercial purposes. In politics Mr. Joy is a stanch republican but has never sought office as a reward for party fealty. However, he is deeply interested in all matters of public moment and throughout life has followed the course dictated by conscience and honor, thereby winning and retaining the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen. Mr. and Mrs. Joy are affiliated with the First Baptist church of Akron, and the latter is active in social, philanthropic and civic affairs. A leading spirit in the organization of the Akron and Summit County Historical Society, she has been a tireless worker in its behalf and is also an influential factor in the affairs of the Akron Home and School League, in which she has filled a number of offices. In this connection she was a diligent chairman of the committee for the promotion of better films for children and also acted as chairman of the school children's garden work in the Akron schools for several years, besides holding other offices. She is an interested member of the Federation of Women's Clubs and also a member of the Cuyahoga Portage Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, with which her daughters are also connected, and has fostered many move- 514 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY ments for the general good. Tactful, considerate and gracious, she readily wins friends and possesses those accomplishments and virtues which grace her sex. HARVE LOUIS ORTON While Akron is known as the world center of the rubber industry, it has many other important manufacturing and commercial interests which feature largely in its upbuilding and material development—interests which have been promoted, financed and developed by men of marked enterprise and progressive spirit. In this class is numbered Harve Louis Orton, now president and manager of the Rybolt Furnace Company, manufacturers of the reliable Rybolt furnaces. Mr. Orton was born in Sharon Center, Ohio, November 19, 1882, his parents being William and Finn (Derr) Orton, who were natives of Pennsylvania but in early life came to Ohio, where the father gained prominence along mechanical lines. He has now passed away, but the mother is still living. In their family were three children : H. L., of this review; George W., who is a resident of Medina, Ohio; and B. W., living in Medina county, this state. Having attended the country schools and also the schools of Sharon Center, Medina county, H. L. Orton entered upon an apprenticeship as a mechanic at the age of nineteen, early displaying considerable aptitude along that line. He developed his powers through close application and thorough study of the work entrusted to him and in 1920 organized the Abrams-Orton Company at Wadsworth, Ohio, for the manufacture of furnaces to be used in homes and larger buildings. That he was well equipped for this work was manifest by the success which accompanied the undertaking, and Mr. Orton continued with the company as its president until 1922, when he sold his interest in that concern and organized the Orton-Ault Company of Wadsworth, Ohio, for the installation of heating plants and furnaces. He continued with the latter enterprise for some time but later sold out and became the general agent for the Rybolt Furnace Company of Wadsworth, Ohio. In 1925 the plant was removed to Akron and Mr. Orton has since been president and manager of the Rybolt Furnace Company, which manufactures an economical, efficient and durable furnace for which there is ready sale, as the output has met with general satisfaction on the part of patrons. Mr. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 517 Orton is an authority in the heating and ventilating business, having over twenty-five years' experience in this type of work. Much of his success he claims is due to building first his own organization with reliable and efficient help. He demands that the company policy of prompt service, honesty and reliability, satisfaction and courtesy to the customer, be carried out at all times. The business has enjoyed a steady and substantial growth and the success of the undertaking is attributable largely to the executive ability and capable direction of the president. On the 22d of October, 1907, Mr. Orton was married to Miss Mary Merfield, of Wadsworth, daughter of Nicholas Merfield, and they have one child, William Louis, who was born in Wadsworth, April 24, 1917, and is now a pupil in the Akron schools. While living in Wadsworth, Mr. Orton served as chairman of the board of public affairs but has never been a seeker for public office, preferring to concentrate his time and attention upon his individual business interests. In politics he is a republican. He is not neglectful of his duties of citizenship and stanchly supports all worthy measures for the general good. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Barberton and he belonged to the Rotary Club of Wadsworth. His religious faith is that of the Reformed church and his interest centers in those activities which feature as valuable factors in public and private life. LYMAN CURTISS POST Among the old and worthy citizens of Summit county none is held in higher regard than is Lyman C. Post, who has spent his entire life in Boston township, where he has been actively and successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and owns a valuable and well improved farm. He was born on section 2, Boston township, on the 9th of October, 1850. His parents, Henry, Jr., and Lucy Ann (Curtiss) Post were also natives of Summit county, the father having been born May 8, 1809, and the mother July 22, 1816. Both the Post and Curtiss families are of New England origin, having been connected with the early history of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and they became pioneer settlers of Ohio. Henry Post, Jr., was said to have been the first white child born in Boston township, Summit county. To him and his wife were born six children, namely : Minerva, born in 1837; Lyda, born in 17-VOL. 2 518 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY 1839; George, born in 1842, now living in Monroe county, Michigan; Mary Ann, born in 1844, the wife of George B. Clisby, living in Trumbull county, Ohio; Eunice Sophronia, born in 1848; and Lyman Curtiss, of this review. Of these, George was a veteran of the Civil war, in which he made an honorable record. Lyman C. Post attended the common schools of Summit county, which gave very good educational advantages for that day. With the exception of about three years, he has resided continuously on the home farm, to the operation of which he has been closely devoted, and is still, despite his age, vigorous and energetic, giving his attention to its supervision and management. In an early day he established a sawmill on his farm, being numbered among the pioneers in that line in his section of the county, and in his later years he ran a threshing outfit. His boyhood ambition was to become a locomotive engineer, but, finding it necessary to remain on the farm, he has throughout his life maintained a close and active interest in machinery and tools, of which he has a wide and intimate knowledge. On. April 30, 1881, Mr. Post was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Nancy Tyson, the ceremony being performed at Akron by the Rev. T. E. Monroe. Mrs. Post was born in Twinsburg, May 13, 1852, and is a daughter of John Evan and Lucy (Chamberlain) Tyson, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Hudson, Ohio. The Chamberlain family was early established in Connecticut, whence its representatives came to Ohio in pioneer days and here became well and favorably known. Of the nine children born to John E. and Lucy Tyson, Mrs. Post is the fifth in order of birth, and but three are living, her two sisters being Mrs. Lucy Zeigler, who lives in Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Lydia Chamberlain, who lives in Mahoning county, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Post have been born two children, namely : Howard Worth, who was born March 7, 1882, and died December 20, 1908; and Samuel Henry, who was born October 7, 1884, and is living in Hudson. He is represented in a personal sketch on another page of this work. Howard Worth Post married Miss Florence Fleshman, and their daughter, Dorothy, born February 15, 1905, is now the wife of John Wolf, of Springfield township, Summit county, and they have one child, Howard Lawrence, born March 24, 1924. Mr. Post is nominally a republican but at local elections he gives his support to the candidates whom he believes to be best qualified for the offices they seek. He has shown a good citizen's AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 519 interest in public affairs and has at different times served as school director, township assessor and in other local offices. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he has consistently given his support to every worthy benevolent or charitable cause. He has lived in accordance with the highest principles and has always stood for the best things in the life of his community, so that he is well worthy of the high place which he holds in the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen. AUGUST E. EHLERT Any satisfactory record of Summit county must include specific reference to August E. Ehlert, of Northfield, for he has rendered active and distinctive service to his fellowmen through his deep interest in and tireless efforts for the public welfare and the improvement of his community. Mr. Ehlert was born on the 9th of July, 1861, in Cleveland, Ohio, his birthplace being on East Fourteenth street, which at that time marked the city limits. He is a son of Henry F. and Mary (Borges) Ehlert, the former of whom was born in Germany, whence he came with his parents to the United States in his very early youth. The family located in Cleveland in 1832, and there the father established one of the first stores, being engaged in mercantile business for many years. His death occurred there in 1870. His wife was born on board an ocean vessel while her parents were en route from Germany to this country, and they were numbered among the very early settlers of Cleveland. August E. Ehlert was reared in his native city and received his educational training in its public schools. For eleven years he worked for the Standard Oil Company, but in 1884 he and his brother Henry embarked in the making and beveling of mirrors, theirs being the first plant of the kind in Cleveland. This proved a successful venture and became a large and prosperous concern, with which Mr. Ehlert remained actively identified for many years. In 1910 he came to Northfield and bought fifty acres of land on the Cleveland-Akron state road, where he has since resided. The house in which he lives is one of the oldest in this locality, having been built one hundred and nine years ago, but is remarkably well preserved and has been greatly improved and 520 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY made modern in every respect, being now a very comfortable and attractive home. On May 1, 1884, in Cleveland, Mr. Ehlert was united in marriage to Miss Louisa K. Farthman, a native of Cleveland and of German ancestry, and to them have been born two children, Louisa M. and Walter H., who married Miss Freda Dietz and is a prominent Sunday school worker of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Ehlert has taken a deep interest in local public affairs and has served two terms as a member of the Northfield city council. He is a strong believer in public improvements and gave practical evidence of this when he and four other Northfield men decided that an improved state road was needed from Cleveland to Akron. They petitioned for the road, but things moving too slowly to suit them, they for three successive weeks sent daily telegrams to Governor Cox asking for the improvement, with the result that their petition was granted and the splendid concrete highway was constructed through Northfield. In various other ways also Mr. Ehlert has showed a progressive tendency and is regarded as a most valuable citizen. Years ago he took for his motto, "Be just and fear not," and he has endeavored to live in accordance with this principle, a fact which he believes has contributed to his success. A man of kindly and gracious manner, he has won a host of loyal friends throughout the community and all who know him hold him in the highest esteem. REV. EDWARD JACKSON SMITH A distinguished theologian and an eloquent speaker, the Rev. Edward J. Smith is widely and favorably known throughout northeastern Ohio as one of the pioneer ministers of the Methodist Episcopal church and a consistent follower of the faith he preaches. He is also an honored Union veteran and one of the venerable citizens of Cuyahoga Falls. A native of West Virginia, he was born in Brooke county on the 17th of June, 1842, a son of Andrew and Jane (Green) Smith, who were of English lineage, and both passed away in West Virginia.  Edward J. Smith attended the public schools of West Virginia and the Brown Academy at Dansville, New York, afterward taking courses in the Biblical Institute at Concord, New Hampshire, and Wilbraham Academy of Massachusetts. He was next a student in Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois,  AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 521 and in 1871 was graduated from Bethany College in West Virginia, which conferred upon him the degree of A. B. and A. M. Later he matriculated in the Wesleyan University of Illinois and was awarded the degree of Ph. D. In 1871 he entered the Pittsburgh conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he was identified until 1876, and during that period had charge of Mount Washington church in Pittsburgh, also spending some time in Claysville, Pennsylvania. He then joined what is now known as the Northeastern Ohio conference, of which he was a member for more than thirty-two years, filling pastorates at Kent, Cuyahoga Falls, Cleveland, Canton and Chardon. At the age of twenty-four he began his career as a minister and during the years of his service he has won for the church more than four thousand members and officiated at a thousand weddings—a notable record of achievement. Although Dr. Smith took the retired relation several years ago, he still preaches at intervals and delivered the opening sermon of the encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, held at Lancaster, Ohio, June 17, 1928, the day on which he celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday anniversary. His discourses are scholarly and forceful, and his message goes straight to the hearts of his hearers. Dr. Smith was one of the "Boys in Blue" and is deeply attached to his old army comrades. On the 8th of August, 1862, when a young man of twenty, he enlisted in Company K of the Twelfth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and was made corporal of his company, later being promoted to the rank of sergeant. He participated in the Lynchburg raid and fought in the battles of Lynchburg, Piedmont, Winchester, Snigger's Gap, Keantown and Newmarket. For seven months he was held by the Confederates, being incarcerated in Libby Belle Isle and Salisbury prisons. He was honorably discharged June 12, 1865, at Annapolis, Maryland, with the rank of sergeant. Dr. Smith was married December 31, 1873, in Washington, Pennsylvania, to Miss Eva Frances Daugherty, who was born in that state and passed away at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in 1886. Four children were born to them. Fred F., the eldest, married Mrs. Emily Burroughs, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, who had a daughter, Mary Ann. Herbert H. served in the Spanish-American war, holding the rank of sergeant in the Fourteenth United States Engineers, and is now living in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a widower with one child, Harold H. Paul D., who resides in New Castle, Pennsylvania, is married and has three daughters, 522 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Catherine, Ida May and Dona Jean. Edna K. is the wife of Harry F. Moore, a prominent attorney of Washington, Pennsylvania. In 1887 Dr. Smith was again married in Kent, Ohio, to Miss Eva Cook, whose forebears were natives of Ireland. In 1869 Dr. Smith took the degree of the blue lodge of Masonry and is now a member of Akron Lodge No. 83. F. & A. M. ; Akron Chapter, R. A. M. ; and Akron Commandery, K. T.; taking a keen interest in the activities of the order. He is also a member of Buckley Post No. 12, G. A. R., and is chaplain of the Department of Ohio. For nearly fifty years he has been a member of the Summit County Horticultural Society of which he served as president for two years and also holds membership in the Summit and Portage Counties Pioneer Association, serving as president of the same for two years. Religiously he is identified with the First Methodist Episcopal church, belonging to the Quarterly Conference of Akron. Time has dealt kindly with Dr. Smith, who remains young in spirit and enjoys excellent health notwithstanding the hardships which he endured while valiantly fighting to preserve the Union. His powers and talents have been a leavening force in making high ideals a tangible asset in the affairs of daily life, and an admirable character has won for him the esteem and affection of all who have been brought within the sphere of his influence. AARON G. TEEPLE The notable success of Aaron G. Teeple, an outstanding figure in the business circles of Akron, is due to good management, and good management results from a thorough understanding of every phase of a business and a correct appraisal of every opportunity presented. He stands today at the head of the Akron Pure Milk Company, having one of the best equipped plants of the kind in the state. Summit county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having here occurred November 2, 1864. His parents were David and Elizabeth (Getz) Teeple, the former a lifelong resident of Summit county, while the latter was born in Pennsylvania. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming but has now passed away. In the family were four children : Aaron G., Harry D., Flora and Edward. Reared on his father's farm, Aaron G. Teeple early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 525 the crops. He attended the country schools and when his course was completed he decided to leave the farm and seek employment elsewhere. Accordingly he obtained a situation with the Empire Mower and Reaper Company of Akron in the fall of 1881, and remained with that organization for ten years—a fact indicative of his capability and his faithfulness to the interests which he represented. He then began working for the Akron Iron Company, with which he remained for six years. On the expiration of that period he went with the Harter Brothers Milk Company and established a business that they later sold to the Akron Milk Company on the 18th of November, 1901. He has remained at the head of the business but changed the name to the Akron Pure Milk Company and has developed the enterprise from a small concern into the largest enterprise of the kind in the state. He has studied the question from every possible standpoint and has established a plant which is one of the notable institutions of the kind in the country. This is an Akron institution of which every citizen is proud, and the corporation has three hundred and sixty-five satisfied employes, handling seven and one-half million gallons of milk annually. Aside from his immense duties as president of the Akron Pure Milk Company, Mr. Teeple is a director of the Depositors Savings & Trust Company and is vice president and chairman of the Sanitary Milk Company of Canton, Ohio. On the 11th of October, 1888, Mr. Teeple was married to Miss Mary F. Harter, of Western Star, Ohio, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Harter, and they have become parents of three children : Mrs. Edna Petley, who was born in Akron and is now the mother of two children, Robert and Helene Petley; Beulah, who was born in Akron and is now the wife of Dr. R. J. Shale, of Cleveland, and the mother of one child, Mary Frances; and Dorothy, who was born in Akron and was educated at Harvard College. Mr. Teeple belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Akron Chamber of Commerce, the Akron Automobile Club and to the National Milk Dealers Association. He is a deacon of the Christian church and is interested in all that promotes the intellectual and moral as well as the material progress of his community. He and his wife are very fond of travel and have visited the leading points of interest in this and other countries. They enjoy outdoor life to the fullest and they also find great pleasure in extending the hospitality of their beautiful home to their many friends throughout Summit county. In all that he does Mr. 526 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Teeple has been actuated by high ideals and broad humanitarianism, and thus it is that he has striven to make his business the exponent of the highest efficiency. Starting out in life empty-handed, he has worked his way steadily upward until he is numbered among Akron's prosperous residents, his entire record constituting an example which others may profitably follow. Mr. Teeple's residence is at.241 Merriman road. RONALD LEROY ROSS, M. D. Among the younger representatives of the medical profession in Akron, Dr. Ronald Leroy Ross has won an enviable place. His training was thorough and comprehensive and further experience and study have constantly broadened his knowledge, enabling him to capably meet the exacting demands of his chosen calling. He was born April 14, 1895, in Woodville, Ohio, his parents being Charles Watson and Sarah Jane (McArthur) Ross, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Mercer county and the latter in Crawford county. The father became identified with the oil industry in Pennsylvania and afterward operated in the oil fields of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Oklahoma. Eventually he took up his abode at Woodville, Ohio, and he became one of the pioneers in the oil fields of Findlay, Ohio. He is still active. To him and his wife were born two sons, of whom Archibald Ross is now an oil operator at Brownwood, Texas. The other son, Dr. Ross, began his education in the public schools of Woodville, Ohio, and continued his studies in Marion, Indiana, and in the high school at Palestine, Illinois. Following his graduation there he entered Adelbert College, a part of Western Reserve University, in which he won the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1917 and the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1920. Soon afterward he was appointed an interne in the Ancon Hospital at Ancon in the Canal Zone, where he was on duty from July, 1920, until July, 1921. This brought him unusual and valuable experience and with his return to the United States he took up industrial practice, securing a mine contract with the Pruden Coal Company at Valley Creek, Tennessee. In 1921 he came to Akron, where he was resident physician of the People's Hospital for the year following. Since that time he has continued independently in the general practice of medicine and AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 527 surgery and is also serving on the staff of the People's Hospital. Reading and research have kept him in touch with the trend of modern professional thought and his ability is widely acknowledged. On the 15th of May, 1926, in Fostoria, Ohio, Dr. Ross was married to Miss Gertrude M. Hummer, a daughter of Theodore Hummer. During the World war Dr. Ross was in the enlisted Medical Reserve, and is now a member of the Officers Reserve Corps and of the American Legion. In. Masonry he has taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter, commandery, consistory and the Mystic Shrine, and he also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Royal Arcanum, the Akron Turnverein, the Fairlawn Heights Golf Club and the Akron. Automobile Club. His religious faith is indicated in his connection with the First Presbyterian church. Along strictly professional lines he has membership in the Summit County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and he allows nothing to interfere with the faithful performance of his professional duties, all of which he discharges with a sense of conscientious obligation that has been productive of splendid results. His residence is at 378 Beechwood drive. FRANK H. CARTER Frank H. Carter, who is one of Northfield's best known and most public-spirited citizens, has led an active and industrious life; has been rewarded with well merited success and is now enjoying the fruits of his former years of labor. He was born in the Woodland Hills district, now known as Ninety-third street, in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 29th of August, 1862, and is a son of Charles and Ann (Rock) Carter. The Carter family is of English origin and his paternal grandfather, Alonzo Carter, was one of the very first settlers in Cleveland, having located there on May 2, 1797. He bought several hundred acres of land, and on this property was born his son, Charles, and his grandson, Frank H. At the onset of the first winter the other families who had come with him from Canada returned to their homes in that country, thus escaping some of the discomforts of pioneering in winter time, but the Carter family remained, and through all the subsequent years they have had a definite place and part in the development of this section of the state. Charles Carter was 528 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY born April 15, 1834, and died March 28, 1918. In 1861 he married Miss Ann Rock, who was born in Cleveland of French-Canadian ancestry. Frank H. Carter was reared in his home city, where he received a good public school education. For a couple of years he was employed in a factory, and then began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for thirty-seven years and during that period, by thrift and good management, he became very successful in his material affairs. In 1914 he and his wife came to Northfield and erected a splendid residence on the state road, about midway between Cleveland and Akron, their home commanding a magnificent view of the surrounding country, and here they have resided to the present time. On October 18, 1882, in Cleveland, Mr. Carter married Miss Hattie E. Adams, who is of English and Irish ancestry. She is a graduate of the Cleveland high school and is a woman of kindly and tactful manner, being very popular in the circles in which she moves. Mr. Carter has taken an active interest in the affairs of his community, always looking to the advancement of the public welfare. He has served as a member of the town council of Northfield and is a member of the board of trustees of the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery Association, which owns one of the most beautiful burial grounds in this part of the state. His fraternal relations are with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In every relation of life he has measured up to the highest standard of American citizenship; has stood for the best things in the life of his community, and his record has earned for him the respect and good will of his fellowmen. HIRAM ROOT BOYDEN For nearly a half century Hiram Root Boyden was engaged in farming near Northfield, manifesting the enterprise, sagacity and ability which make for leadership in all lines of endeavor, and was equally well known because of his public service and religious activities. He was born in Shelburne, Massachusetts, December 5, 1852, and in the paternal line was of English descent. His father, Dwight Boyden, was a native of Buckland, Massachusetts, and settled in Summit county, Ohio, in March, 1873. The land which he purchased steadily increased in value, owing to the care and labor which he bestowed upon it, and in that local- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 529 ity he spent the remainder of his life. He was generous and high-minded and an earnest, sincere Christian. His demise occurred at Northfield, October 27, 1895, and his wife, Sophia (Hanson) Boyden, passed away February 7, 1887, at the same place. Their daughter, Helen F. Boyden, was a missionary and settlement worker among the poor in Marietta, Ohio, afterward transferring her activities to South Carolina, where she taught in a colored school; and Caroline Ruth Metcalf, another daughter, is deceased. The son, Hiram R. Boyden, was educated in the public schools of Shelburne and when a young man of twenty-one came with his parents to Summit county. He assisted his father in developing the home farm, of which he subsequently became the owner, and was constantly improving the property, in which he took justifiable pride. Mr. Boyden modernized the house, a New England type of dwelling, which was erected in 1848 and is still in a good state of preservation. His dairy was a model of neatness and efficiency, and a large portion of the output was purchased by the Bell-Vernon Company, which specialized in milk for children, handling only the highest grade. His success was based upon system and science, and he was classed with the foremost agriculturists and dairymen of the district. He was also identified with financial affairs and served on the directorate of the Twinsburg Bank, which he aided in organizing. Mr. Boyden was married November 18, 1888, to Miss Anna Marsh, who was born in Iowa and passed away in June, 1900. On August 27, 1901, Mr. Boyden was married in Northfield to Miss Sarah McConnell, a native of Summit county and of Scotch and English ancestry. Her father, John McConnell, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, May 10, 1826, and in 1832 came to the United States with his parents, who settled in Ohio. He was educated in the Buckeye state and married Jane Shannon, who was born in Jefferson county, Ohio. They lived for a number of years in Coshocton county, Ohio, and in 1864 came to Summit county. To Mr. and Mrs. Boyden were born three children : a son who died in infancy; Ruth, who was graduated from Wellesley College and is now a technician in the research department of Lakeside Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio; and Floribel, a student nurse at the Western Reserve University of that city. Mr. Boyden joined the first Northfield Grange and through Elijah Boyden, one of his ancestors, was eligible to membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. His deep interest in 530 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY educational affairs led to his service on the Northfield school board, and in all matters of citizenship he was loyal and public-spirited. Like his father, he was an elder in the Presbyterian church and also became superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a man of exceptional worth, and his death on October 19, 1921, was a distinct loss to his community. Mrs. Boyden received a good education and previous to her marriage was a teacher in the public schools of Northfield and Hudson. At Cambridge, Ohio, she joined the Daughters of the American Revolution and is a member of Anna Asbury Stone Chapter, which was named for her maternal great-grandmother. Mrs. Boyden enjoys the beauties of nature and is a great lover of flowers. Of cultured tastes, she has long figured prominently in the social life of Northfield and also finds time for church work and civic activities. She is a member of the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery Association and is endowed with those qualities which inspire esteem and friendship. FRANK SIRILO Frank Sirilo, one of the popular automobile dealers of Akron, knows the value of hard work and tenacity of purpose, for all that he possesses has been won through the medium of his own efforts. A native of Hungary, he was born July 13, 1880, a son of Andrew and Mary (Mongport) Sirilo, who were natives of the same country. In 1899 they came with their family to the United States and established their home in Cleveland, Ohio. The father was an experienced tailor and secured work in the shop of the Landsman Company. He remained with the firm until his death in 1916 and is survived by Mrs. Sirilo and their family of four children : Jesse, who lives in Akron; Mrs. Ethel Aiben, also a resident of this city; Mrs. Cornelia Dorony, of Cleveland; and Frank Sirilo. The last named was educated in his native land and at an early age started to work for a blacksmith, serving a four years' apprenticeship. At the age of nineteen he sailed for America and obtained employment in Cleveland, where he followed his trade for three years. He then turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, to which he devoted his energies for eighteen years, and gradually increased the scope of his activities. In 1915 he came to Akron and opened a garage, also securing the agency for the AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 533 Davis and Holmes automobiles. The latter venture proved disastrous, resulting in the loss of about thirty thousand dollars. In 1924 he .discontinued the Holmes and Davis lines and has since handled the Hudson and Essex cars, for which there is a steady demand. Mr. Sirilo has made a close study of trade conditions and keeps in touch with all new developments in the automobile industry. His salesmen are well trained and the business is managed with system and efficiency. A well equipped repair shop is a feature of the establishment, which is located at No. 113 Ira avenue. In 1918 Mr. Sirilo erected the building at this number and has owned it ever since. He maintains a high standard of service, and his sales are rapidly increasing. Mr. Sirilo was married in Cleveland to Miss Barbara Singley, a daughter of Stephen Singley, and they have become the parents of four children : Matilda, who was born in Cleveland July 5, 1904, and is a graduate of the Akron high school; Julius, who was born February 12, 1906, and completed his high school studies in Akron; Frank, born October 22, 1907, and also a graduate of the Akron high school; and Rudolph, who was born March 8, 1915, and is a public school pupil. Mr. Sirilo's fraternal affiliations are with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Eagles. He is a member of the Hungarian Society, the South Akron Board of Trade, the Akron Automobile Dealers Association and the Automobile Club. His life is governed by the teachings of the Roman Catholic church, and his personal qualities are such as inspire respect, confidence and friendship. His residence is at 290 Lake street. IRVING LEE WRIGHT Among Summit county's alert, public-spirited and successful men of affairs stands Irving Lee Wright, who is engaged in business in Northfield, and in the development of that locality he has been an active and influential factor. He is a son of Charles S. and Laurinda (Lee) Wright and on the maternal side is a descendant of John Alden of Mayflower fame. His parents spent the greater part of their lives at Rose, New York, where the father conducted business as a general merchant for thirty-five years. Irving L. Wright came to Summit county from Cuyahoga 534 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY county in 1915 and, locating in Northfield, engaged in the real estate business, in which he has been very successful, and he is also the owner of the only drug store in the township, it also serving as the ticket office and station for the Northern Ohio Power bus line. Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Ida E. Nauman, of Canton, Ohio, whose family was early established in this state. Mrs. Wright is a daughter of George E. and Mary J. (Shull) Nauman, of Canton. Her father, now deceased, played in the Grand Army band of Canton for fifty-four years and was its president for three decades. This is a celebrated musical organization which has been heard from coast to coast. Mr. Wright has taken the lead in the promotion of measures for the development and building up of Northfield, which is rapidly becoming a residential suburb of Cleveland. He served as mayor during 1920-21 and gave a strong, businesslike administration. Because of his business ability, his sterling citizenship and his excellent personal qualities, he commands the uniform respect of his fellowmen. ROLAND E. SMITH Roland E. Smith is one of Summit county's enterprising and progressive business men, being a member of the firm of Smith Brothers, who sell the Smith Brothers electric brooders, which are manufactured by contract for them, and are also distributors for the Petersime electric incubators, both shipped all over the world. They are located about a half mile from Hudson. Roland E. Smith was born in Canada in 1885 and is a son of Robert J. and Charlotta Irene (Chase) Smith, the former of Irish ancestry and the latter of Scotch-Irish lineage. This branch of the Smith family was established in Michigan at an early day, while the Chase family settled in New York state. Both parents are deceased. To them were born four sons: William Y.; Albion J., deceased; Wellington J.; and Roland E. The last named was about a year and a half old when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Michigan, where he was reared and educated, remaining on the home farm until twenty-three years of age. In 1909 he went to Oklahoma and Kansas and in the former state was engaged in the oil business. Coming to Ohio in 1925, he located in Cleveland and entered into AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 535 business with his brothers, William and Wellington. They bought the old Clarke farm near Hudson, comprising thirty acres, which has been transformed into a beautiful place. Here they have engaged in the poultry business with marked success, having an incubator of fifteen thousand eggs capacity, and in all other respects the place is equipped in a modern way for the conduct of their business. The farm is one of the best improved places in the county and is admirably adapted to their purpose. Besides the fine residence there is a large conservatory, a sunken garden and well kept grounds laid out in an artistic manner, and the farm buildings are in keeping with the rest of the place. On the 30th of October, 1920, Roland E. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Young, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to which state her family removed from Illinois at the time of the historic rush on the opening of the territory for settlement. Mrs. Smith's father is deceased, but her mother still resides in Oklahoma. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, namely : Theresa Belle and Mary Ann. Mr. Smith is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is one of the progressive and enterprising men of his section of the county. WILLIS W. THORNTON Few men of Akron are more widely known than Willis W. Thornton by reason of his former prominent connection with the Scripps-Howard newspapers. Practically his entire life has been devoted to journalistic interests, and while he has now retired from that field, the years of his service had made him known throughout the length and breadth of the land. He has always found opportunity for public service, particularly in the field of social and welfare work, and is today a member of the Akron board of education and a stalwart champion of the city's public school system. His birth occurred at the Thornton homestead south of Akron, February 8, 1871, his parents being Amias and Lucinda (Reeser) Thornton. He is a representative of one of the oldest of the pioneer families in this part of Ohio. His father was also born on the old homestead which has been a landmark of Summit county through many decades, while its occupants have gone forth to take prominent place in their various communities as important factors in the world's work. Early in his married life Amias Thornton became an invalid but lived, however, to the 536 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY age of seventy-four years, passing away in 1923. His widow survives and likewise their three children : Freeman, who is now a resident of Tallmadge, Ohio; Mrs. Thomas Price, of Akron; and Willis W. The last named, reared under the parental roof, is indebted to the public school system of Akron for his educational opportunities, passing through consecutive grades to the completion of his high school course with the class of 1889. In that year he secured a position as cub reporter on the old Beacon and after two years' initial experience and training he became a full-fledged member of the reportorial staff. Later he went to Cleveland, accepting a position in the business office of the Press of that city, and that he thoroughly qualified in discharging the duties that devolved upon him is shown by the fact that in 1899 he was appointed business manager of that paper, having in the meantime established an Akron edition of the Cleveland Press as a separate property which later under his direction became the Akron Press. Six years after his promotion to the position of business manager of the Cleveland Press he was elected president of the Scripps-McRae group of newspapers in this state, including the Cleveland Press, Cincinnati Post, Toledo News-Bee, Columbus Citizen, Akron Press, Oklahoma News and Des Moines News, and as the executive officer of the company through a period of ten years he traveled extensively, looking after the interests of the varied papers, but always made Akron his home. He continued in executive and advisory capacities in the Scripps-Howard organization until 1925, when he withdrew and retired from active business. He had given able demonstration of his powers as an executive and had been instrumental in building up an organization which gave prestige to the journalistic interests of the state. Since his retirement from business Mr. Thornton has devoted much attention to welfare work. He had previously given much thought and consideration to vital questions of this character and his labors are far-reaching and effective. He is prompted by a spirit of broad humanitarianism and this, supplementing his business ability, makes him a force in the field to which he is donating his labors. On the 8th of November, 1927, he was elected to membership on the Akron board of education and is putting forth every effort to eliminate politics from the schools and give to the city a progressive administration of her educational affairs. His standards are high, his service valuable and AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 537 his is the success that is not measured by wealth but by achievement. On the 1st of June, 1899, Mr. Thornton was married to Miss Emma Overholt, of Akron, daughter of J. L. Overholt, and they have one son, Willis, Jr., who was born in Cleveland in 1900 and is a graduate of the Akron high school and of Adelbert College. He is now a member of the editorial staff of the Washington Post in the national capital and during the World war he was a member of the Students Reserve and served at Fort Sheridan and at New Orleans with the commission of second lieutenant. Through the same period Mr. Thornton served on the National Council of Defense through appointment of Governor Cox of Ohio. He is a trustee of the Better Akron Federation and is one of the directors of the Akron Chamber of Commerce for the years 1927 and 1928. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and he also has membership in the Akron City Club, and the Akron Rotary Club. Throughout his entire life he has been actuated by high ideals that have prompted earnest effort to bring about their adoption into the everyday affairs of life. His influence has been far-reaching and its benefits unquestioned. He holds an open mind on all vital problems, seeking ever the general good, knowing that the passing years bring about changing conditions which must be met with a spirit of high resolve, of firm purpose and of determined effort to use each opportunity to the best advantage and to establish higher standards of service, of manhood and of citizenship. His home for the past fifteen years has been at 483 Merriman road. FRANK B. JENKINS Frank B. Jenkins, who is conducting a successful mercantile business at Macedonia, is numbered among those whose efforts and influence have been given in the direction of local improvement and progress and is regarded as one of the leading citizens of his community. He was born on his father's farm in Macedonia township on the 11th of December, 1876, a son of Edmund S. and Mary (Morse) Jenkins, who are represented in a personal sketch on other pages of this work. He spent his boyhood days on the home farm and secured his education in the public schools of the locality, later taking a commercial course in the Cleveland Business College. During subsequent years he engaged in several 538 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY lines of business, both in Cleveland and his home county, and for the past fifteen years has been engaged in general mercantile business in Macedonia, in which he has prospered. He carries a large and well selected line of goods and, by his square dealing and prompt and efficient service, has built up a large trade. In June, 1905, Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage to Miss Ouida Herbert, who was born and reared in Macedonia and is of New England lineage. They are the parents of a daughter, Phyllis, who is at home. In his political affiliation Mr. Jenkins is a stanch republican and has been active in local public affairs, having served for fifteen years as clerk of the village of Macedonia. A great reader and keen observer, he keeps in close touch with the leading questions of the day, on which he holds well defined opinions, and everything relating to the welfare of his community commands his interest and support. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give generous support, as they also do to benevolent causes. Cordial and friendly in manner and a man of sterling qualities of character, he has many warm friends throughout this section of the country and commands the respect and good will of all who know him. FRANK ADAMS Frank Adams was one of the pioneer citizens of Middlebury and of Akron and was prominently known as a leading manufacturer, being president and superintendent of the Akron Sewer Pipe Company. His life record constitutes an important chapter in the history of this community. He was born in Windsor county, Vermont, July 5, 1819, and was a son of Benjamin and Betsey (Crowley) Adams, who were natives of Massachusetts but were married in the Green Mountain state, to which they had gone with their respective parents when young. In 1838 they left New England for Ohio, the journey being made by wagon to Troy, New York, thence by canal to Buffalo and on by lake to Cleveland, from which point they traveled to Norton township in what is now Summit county, taking up their abode upon a farm which Mr. Adams had previously purchased. He continued to engage in farming for about ten years, at the end of which time AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 541 they removed to Akron, where he lived retired until his death on the 22d of November, 1849, his wife passing away about twenty years later. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years and contributed to the moral progress of the community. Frank Adams spent his youth under the parental roof, remaining at home until a short time before he attained his majority. His educational opportunities were confined to a limited attendance at the district schools, but all through life he was a keen observer and possessed a retentive memory, so that he was continually broadening his knowledge. Upon leaving home he went to live with his brother-in-law, Samuel Manning, who was engaged in the publication of maps, and with him Mr. Adams remained for two years, working in the printing department. He afterward accepted a clerkship in the post office at Akron but after a year spent in that position resigned, although a year later he returned to the post office, spending two years there during the second period of his employment in the government service. Later he again engaged in the mapmaking business, entering into partnership with his brother-in-law under the firm style of Manning & Company. After a year the firm became Adams & Eggleston, the junior partner having purchased the interest of Mr. Manning in the business. This association was continued until the spring of 1848, when their building was destroyed by fire, resulting in the dissolution of the firm and the discontinuance of the business in Akron. Mr. Adams then become an active factor in the political campaign which was in progress and acted as treasurer of the Whig Club. In March, 1849, he was appointed postmaster of Akron by President Zachary Taylor, under whose administration he continued to fill the position, as he did under that of his successor, President Millard Fillmore. After retiring from the post office he opened a hat store but again suffered a loss by fire in the spring of 1855. In the following May he purchased an interest in the business of Merrill, Powers & Company, which was taken over in 1859 by the firm of Hill & Adams and y them was conducted until 1868, when the firm merged their interests with those of a stock company known as the Hill & Adams Sewer Pipe Company. In January, 1871, Mr. Hill retired and the corporate name then became the Akron Sewer Pipe Company, of which Mr. Adams was made president and superintendent, holding both offices from the formation of the stock company. 542 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY On the 21st of January, 1846, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Sarah J. Gale, a native of Vermont, who was brought to Akron by her parents during her girlhood days and who passed away January 11, 1863, after a happy married life of seventeen years. They had become the parents of three children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being Julia, who became the wife of Arthur Latham and died in 1908; and May, now the widow of Charles E. Perkins, mentioned elsewhere in this work. On the 2d of September, 1863, Mr. Adams was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Jeanette L. (Hart) Murphy, who was born in Guilford, Vermont, in 1829, daughter of Hiram Hart, and widow of Dr. James G. Murphy of Alstead, New Hampshire. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Adams. The son, Frank H., who for many years was connected with large business interests in Akron, but is now living retired, married Miss Frances R. Robinson, daughter of William Robinson, a leading business man of the city. His wife is now deceased. The daughter, Zelle M., became the wife of Edward A. Oviatt. The family are adherents of the Episcopal church. In his political views Mr. Adams was originally a whig and upon the organization of the new republican party he joined its ranks, continuing an active worker in its interests until his demise, which occurred in 1908, when he was in his eighty-ninth year. During the Civil war period he served as a member of the school board, as a member of the city council, as treasurer of the school board, as corporation treasurer and as treasurer of the Soldiers Relief Fund. He took an active interest in everything that pertained to the progress and development of his community and his influence was far-reaching and resultant. The extent and importance of his business interests made him widely known as a manufacturer, while his political work gained him leadership as a citizen. Those who knew him esteemed him most highly and his memory is yet cherished by many who are still residents, of Akron. JACOB FINLEY JAMES RICHEY Among the men of Northfield who have led active and useful lives and have achieved a gratifying measure of material success, being now numbered among the county's substantial citizens, specific mention should be made of Jacob F. J. Richey, who has AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 543 long been known as one of the most progressive and scientific farmers of this section of the state. He was born on his father's farm in Northfield township, Summit county, on the 20th of September, 1859, a son of Andrew K. and Elizabeth (Bain) Richey. The progenitor of the family in America was Thomas Richey, who came to this country when twenty-one years of age and first worked in the fisheries near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During the War of 1812 he was an employe of the Dupont Powder Works at Wilmington, Delaware. Later he made a trip to Ohio and preempted land in Chippewa township, Wayne county. He continued to work in the powder mill until he had made his third payment on this land, when he came to Ohio and located on it, residing there until 1852, when he sold the property and bought two hundred and eleven acres of land in Northfield township, Summit county, where he engaged in general farming, dairying and cheese making. He spent his remaining years on that farm, his death occurring August 27, 1867, when he was seventy-seven years of age. On April 3, 1826, in Wayne county, Ohio, he married Miss Margaret Koplin, who was a native of Pennsylvania and died June 22, 1879, when past eighty years of age. To them were born eight children : Andrew K., Matthias, Jane, Margaret, George, Catherine, Thomas and Mary Ann, all of whom are deceased. Andrew K. Richey was born in Chippewa township, Summit county, January 31, 1828, and received his early education in the Tallmadge school. He was a fine student and at the age of eighteen years began teaching school, in which profession he continued for a number of years after his marriage. He subsequently purchased the Richey homestead farm of one hundred and fourteen acres, to which he later added from time to time until he owned two hundred and thirty-one acres. He erected substantial buildings and made many other improvements, developing one of the best equipped and most productive farms in Northfield township. During the Civil war Mr. Richey served as a lieutenant in the state militia. He served his township as justice of the peace, assessor and trustee, and commanded to a marked degree the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. On November 6, 1856, he married Miss Elizabeth Bain, who was born September 19, 1836, and passed away April 8, 1919. She was a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (McNaughton) Bain, the former of whom was born in Washington county, New York, April 30, 1807, and the latter April 14, 1806, their marriage occurring 544 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY in 1832. On coming to Ohio in July, 1855, Mr. Bain first stopped at Macedonia but in December of that year settled on his farm, where he resided until his death on May 5, 1877. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade and also proved a successful farmer. He and his wife were members of the Associated Presbyterian church. To them were born five children. Mr. and Mrs. Richey were members of the Presbyterian church, of which he was a deacon and trustee. To them were born six children, namely: Margaret Zephina, who became the wife of John L. Richey; Jacob F. J., of this review; Thomas Tell, Andrew Fenn, Emmer Ross and Elizabeth Catherine. The father of this family departed this life July 7, 1900. Jacob F. J. Richey was reared to the life of a farmer and secured his education in the public schools. He remained on the home farm continuously for sixty-six years until its recent sale to the state of Ohio for an extension of the Newburg Hospital for the Insane. A firm believer in scientific farming, making use of the most approved methods of agriculture, as well as in dairying and stock raising, he was more than ordinarily successful in his operations, and long enjoyed a reputation as one of Northfield township's most progressive, enterprising and substantial citizens. Mr. Richey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Alice Martin, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Soden) Martin, of Northfield township. Her death occured October 8, 1922. To this union were born four children. Clarence LeMar has followed teaching ever since his graduation from the public schools and is now a teacher in the public schools of Canton, Ohio. He is a veteran of the World war, having enlisted in the Engineers Corps, with which he served two years, and while in France he was engaged in the building of pontoon bridges. He also served as shipping clerk for his division, and while overseas had the advantage of several months of special schooling under army supervision. Laura Alice was for a number of years a teacher in the public schools and was engaged in office work with the Goodyear Rubber Company both at Akron and in California and is now with that company in Cleveland. Willis Paul, who is employed with the Charles H. Fenton Coal & Lumber Company at Macedonia, Summit county, married Miss Rebecca McConnell, a daughter of Isaac McConnell. Ada Blanche is the wife of Glenn H. Wright, who is an employe of the C. H. Fenton company at Macedonia, and they have one child, Gerald Lee. Mr. Richey AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 545 has erected a fine, modern residence just out of the center of Northfield, on the Macedonia road, for his son, Willis Paul, and one for his daughter, Mrs. Wright, and is completing the building of a splendid home for himself, adjoining the other property, Mrs. Wright's home being across the street. His purpose has been to provide for them comfortable homes in proximity to his own so that he may have the constant pleasure of their company. Mr. Richey has always shown a public-spirited interest in the welfare of his community and has in various ways contributed to its prosperity and progress. He has been particularly active in public affairs of Northfield township, having given effective service for a number of years as a member of the school board and also serving as township trustee. He is one of the most enterprising men of his community, having in all of his operations proven a man of mature judgment and keen discrimination, while his business relations have been marked by honor and integrity. For these reasons, as well as for his cordial and friendly manner, he commands the respect and good will of all who know him. ORVILLE E. GRISWOLD Orville E. Griswold, recognized as one of the leading business men of Macedonia, is also discharging the duties of justice of the peace and has devoted much of his life to public service, possessing all of the qualities of a useful and desirable citizen. He was born in Twinsburg, Summit county, on Christmas day of 1853, his parents being Ira and Elizabeth (Hall) Griswold, natives respectively of Schroon, New York, and Springfield, Ohio, and of colonial stock. In the acquirement of an education Orville E. Griswold attended the public schools of Twinsburg and Macedonia and also had the advantage of a commercial course at Mount Union College of Alliance, Ohio. His youth was spent on the homestead, which was retained by the family until 1922, and through practical experience he became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In 1874, when a young man of twenty-one, he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a number of years, performing his work with thoroughness and skill and erecting many substantial homes and other types of buildings in this part of the county. He is now the owner of a well equipped gasoline and oil station in 546 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Macedonia. His business is efficiently managed, and his patronage has steadily increased. In November, 1875, Mr. Griswold was married in Solon, Ohio, to Miss Cleora J. Chamberlin, a daughter of Corydon and Harriet (Ward) Chamberlin, of Cuyahoga county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Griswold have two children, Dean and Clell. The elder son married Gertrude Halley and is living in Lakewood, Ohio. Clell married Elmira Laing, who is postmistress of Macedonia, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Arline. For fifty-three years Mr. and Mrs. Griswold have shared life's joys and sorrows, and their attractive and hospitable home has been the scene of many enjoyable social gatherings. In politics Mr. Griswold is independent. For twenty-one years he was personal property assessor and at various times was real estate appraiser for his district, being regarded as an expert valuator. He was justice of the peace of Macedonia for sixteen years afterward retiring from public affairs, and in the election of 1927 was recalled to that office in recognition of his exceptional qualifications. Carefully ascertaining the facts of each case brought before him, Mr. Griswold dispenses justice with an even hand, and his course has received strong approbation. He has never used political office for personal ends, and his honesty, fidelity to duty and breadth of mind are well known to Macedonia's citizens, who entertain for him the highest regard. LEWIS E. BOTZUM Lewis E. Botzum, president and treasurer of The Botzum Brothers Company, secretary of The Botzum Theatre Company, and secretary of The Botzum Brothers Seed Company, was born on a farm at Botzum, Ohio, March 20, 1879. His father, Conrad Botzum, was a native of Cleveland, Ohio. His mother Louisa Young, was born in Alsace-Lorraine. She came to this country at the age of six, her parents locating on the site where Young's Hotel stands in Akron. They were the founders of that hotel. There were nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Botzum, four girls and five boys. Lewis E. was the youngest of the five boys. His four sisters are Mrs. John Dettling, Mrs. A. A. Hilkert, and the Misses Amelia and Carolyn Botzum, all of Akron, Ohio. The four brothers, who along with him make up AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 549 the Botzum Brothers combination so well known in business and financial circles in Akron, are Charles C., Harry, Albert P. and Joseph C. Lewis E. Botzum, in addition to experiencing the hardships incident to poverty, had the disadvantage of poor health in his early childhood. At the age of fifteen he contracted a severe case of asthma, which proved a great handicap to him throughout the major portion of that period of his life, when he was putting forth his best efforts to establish himself in the world of commerce and business. Although his affliction became less severe in later years, he never completely recovered from it. It was rather peculiar and unfortunate for Mr. Botzum that he should contract asthma as a result of his very first business venture. He had entered into a contract with his teacher to build the fire in the school house every day during the winter months for the consideration of five cents per day. The distance from his home to the school was a mile and a half. Being a little behind schedule one morning, he decided to make up time by running along the ice covered canal, which furnished a direct route from his home to the school house. He had scarcely gotten started when he broke through the ice. Realizing that he did not have time to return home to change and not wanting to neglect his duty he continued with his wet clothes. As a result he contracted a severe cold which finally developed into asthma. His early education was received in the district school of Botzum and Ira, Ohio. At a considerable sacrifice, due to the poverty of his parents, he managed to attend high school at Akron, Ohio, where he completed the three-year course in two and one-half years. He was graduated from this institution in the year 1897. Following his graduation he secured a position as bookkeeper with the firm of Botzum Brothers; a modest little concern selling feed, which had been organized about seven years prior to this time and was then owned by Charles C. and Harry as partners. During these years fate was not kind to Mr. Botzum. His health continued to fail, until he finally decided to try a change of climate, which he did by going to California in the year 1901. He remained in California until the year 1904. These three years of his life were filled with a variety of experiences and many of the lessons learned during these years, in the school of hard knocks, stood him in good stead in later life. Mr. Botzum seldom refers to the years spent in California. How- 18-VOL. 2