Toledo City (part 8 of 21)

In his boyhood Alexander E. Forster attended the public schools of England and after coming to this country continued his education in the Franklin school at Toledo. He crossed the Atlantic at an early age and when a youth of thirteen had begun learning the blacksmith's trade in his native country, so that after a brief residence in the United States he started out to provide for his own support, as he had already become acquainted with the value of industry and perseverance as factors in the workaday world. For a time he occupied positions at the Toledo and at the Detroit stockyards, working in that way until 1890. It was his desire, however, to establish business on his own account and he believed that he would find a congenial and a profitable field in connection with the coal trade. Accordingly he started out in that way with limited capital and small resources, but as the years have passed he has developed his interests to extensive proportions, being today a large wholesale and retail dealer in coal, coke and fuel, while the real estate department of his business is also of considerable proportions. His office is located on the east side and he is one of the pioneer merchants of that section of the city and one who has been most earnest in his advocacy of its development and improvement. He is sole proprietor of the fuel business and he is a director and the president of the Yondota Masonic Building Company and a director of the Peoples State Savings Bank. He is likewise a director of the Maul Stone Company of Toledo, and thus his buisiness interests and activities have covered a broad scope, while his cooperation with these different concerns is regarded as a most valuable asset in their development.

In September, 1878, Mr. Forster was married to Miss Laura A. Brown of Toledo, daughter of Captain and Mrs. Sylvester Brown, well known residents of this city. Mrs. Forster passed away in 1883, leaving three children: Alexander Se who was born in Toledo in 1879, was educated in the public and high schools and is now connected with the De Vore Engineering Company, industrial engineers of this city. He married Miss Ruth Jean Campbell of Forest, Ohio, and they have two children: John Alexander, who was born in Toledo and is now in his third year in

Nder E. For

Scott high school, where he has won two gold medals for efficiency in his studies ; and Laura Jean, who is attending high school. Frank H. Forster, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander E. Forster, was born in Toledo in 1881, completed a high school course here and is now associated with his father's wholesale coal business. He wedded Miss Addie E. Gascoigne of Toledo, and they have one child, Frank Herbert. Erle Hamilton, the third in the family of the subject of this review, was born here in 1883 and married Miss Ruth Myers, by whom he has two sons, Howard and George. During the World war he enlisted and served in five different departments of the government service, winning a commission as major of artillery. He is now with the Home Savings and Building Company of Toledo. For his second wife Mr. Alexander E. Forster chose Eva A. Caldwell, a teacher in Toledo public schools, daughter ef James O. Caldwell. They were married on the 29th of September, 1887. There is one child of this marriage, Eva Fern, who is now the wife of M. M. Planck, employment manager of the Toledo Auto-Lite Corporation. They have two children, Virginia Fern and Robert M., both born in Toledo.

Mr. Forster has always manifested a helpful interest in public affairs and from 1890 until 1892 he was a member of the equalization board of this city. Mr. Forster is a very prominent Mason, holding membership in Yondota Lodge, No. 572, F. & A-M.; Port Lawrence Chapter, No. 176, R. A. M.; Vistula Council, No. 108, R. & S. M.; Eu-Tah Commandery, No. 66, Knights Templar (being a charter member and past presiding officer in all of these bodies) ; and in the Scottish Rite has received the honorary thirty-third degree. He is also a Noble of Zenobia Temple, Mystic Shrine. He is perhaps as well known as any other representative of the fraternity in this section of the state, by reason of his intense activity in support of the order and his close conformity to its high principles. He is a member of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and the East Toledo Chamber of Commerce and the well organized efforts that are put forth by these two bodies receive his hearty endorsement and cooperation. He also belongs to the Toledo Automobile Club and to the East Toledo Young Men's Christian Association, while his religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Ennobling principles have characterized his entire career and his high purposes have been manifest in every relation of life. A careful analysis of his character shows how closely he has conformed his course to the advanced teachings of Masonry and of the church and throughout his career he has ever stood ready to extend a helping hand to those who are seeking to advance along the lines of character building.

Harvey Forester Robison

Harvey Forester Robison, president of The Guaranty Bond & Mortgage Company, has been identified with Toledo's business interest for nearly twenty years and is numbered among the city's progressive citizens whose activities have contributed to the material upbuilding of the city. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa, September 19, 1882, and is a son of Charles S. and Anna (Forester) Robison, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of the state of New York About 1854 they removed to Iowa, settling at Dubuque, where the father engaged in the manufacture of clothing, and he is still a resident of that city.

Harvey F. Robison, an only child, attended the public schools and later entered Exeter Academy of New Hampshire, from which-he was graduated in 1902. For two years thereafter he was variously employed and in 1904 came to Toledo, becoming connected with the Pope Automobile Company, with which he remained for three years, serving in several capacities. In 1907 he entered the real estate field and for over fifteen years was prominently connected with that line of business, becoming one of the leading individuals in the handling of downtown realtye | ain 1922 he organized the Guaranty Bond & Mortgage Company, which has already beccme an important factor in Toledo investment circles. This company offers the investcr bonds that are secured by real estate, providing a security and yield that are most attractive.

On the 8th of October, 1908, Mr. Robison married Miss Helen Douglass Van Pelt, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. C. L. Van Pelt, well known and highly respected residents of Toledo. To this union has been born a daughter, Helen Forester. Mr. and Mrs. Robison are members of the Episcopal church. He is identified with the Real Estate Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce, while his social nature finds expression in his membership with the Toledo Club and the Toledo Country Club. Mr. Robison has worked persistently and energetically in his field of activity and his straightforward business methods have won for him a high position among Toledo's business men and citizens. Mr. Robison resides at The Harold Arms.

Aaron Lupkin Kelsey

Aaron Lufkin Kelsey, vice president of The Kelsey & Freeman Lumber Company, is of the third generation of the name to be connected with the business established by his grandfather sixty-six years ago. Mr. Kelsey was born in Toledo on June 14th, 1886, only son of Hiram Reeve and Alice Gladstone (Young) Kelsey and grandson of Aaron Lufkin Kelsey, a pioneer business man of Toledo. Mr. Kelsey became an official of the corporation in 1918 upon its reorganization following the death of his father the year previous. Of the present corporation and its predecessors it is said that there is scarcely a block in Toledo today that does not contain building materials that were furnished by this firm. Business houses, industrial plants., mansions and homes in every section of the city owe much of their beauty and permanence to the quality of lumber provided by this organization. The success of the enterprise is due not alone to the progressive commercial methods followed but also to the unassailable reputation which the house has always enjoyed for integrity and fair dealing. This corporation conducts two yards, carrying an extensive stock of lumber and building materials, and while the lumber is no longer secured from the neighboring state of Michigan, where the supply has been practically exhausted, it is shipped in from all sections of the United States and Canada. An advisory and plan department is maintained at the Indiana Street yard to aid the homebuilders in selecting appropriate plans and grades and sizes of materials best adapted to economical and satisfactory construction. This branch of the business is maintained without added cost to the patrons and is of great value to them. The Summit Street yard at Summit street and New York avenue contains the only stock of large white pine lumber and large timbers in northwestern Ohio and a wholesale as well as retail business is there conducted, the plant supplying many eastern firms. The combined interests of these two yards constitute one of the largest retail lumber companies of Ohio. With the growth of the city the business has kept pace through all the intervening years since its establishment two-thirds of a century ago. Today electric milling equipment is replacing the original rude sawmill machinery and motor trucks are used in delivery, while every facility of modern business methods is employed to take care of the trade and increase the output. Thus in the third generation of the family the business is carried on with results commensurate to Toledo's greatness and the Aaron Lufkin Kelsey of the present day is bearing well his part amid modern conditions and opportunities, just as did the Aaron Lufkin Kelsey (1), his grandfather, who was the founder and original promoter of the undertaking.

Louis H. Paine

Louis It. Paine, manager for northwestern Ohio of the United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company, maintains his headquarters in Toledo, his offices being located in the Second National Bank building, and since 1918 he has successfully discharged the duties of that position. He is a prominent figure in insurance circles of the state and has other business interests of importance, while he has also taken an active part in public affairs, doing effective service for the public good. He was born in Limaville, Ohio, October 1, 1875, and his parents were Rev. Louis and Mary (Lind) Paine, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Ohio. As a young man the father entered the Methodist ministry and in early life he came to the Buckeye state, filling pastorates at Cleveland, Warren, Steubenville, Canton and other cities in the northeastern part of Ohio. By example as well as precept he pointed out to others the true meaning of Christianity and his labors were resultant forces for good in the communities to which he was called. He passed away in Toledo in 1900, while the mother's demise occurred at Limaville in 1917. Of their children four survive: Bertram, whose home is in Limaville; Mrs. Nye W. Gocdman of Los Angeles, California; Myrtle M., also a resident of Limaville; and Louis H.

In the acquirement of an education Louis H. Paine attended the grammar schools in the various cities to which his father's ministeriai labors took him and following his graduation from the high school at Warren he spent one year as a student at Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio, also completing a two years' course at Albion College, Michigan. He then entered Boston University of Massachusetts, from which he was graduated in 1898, winning the A. B. and LL. B. degrees, and successfully engaged in the general practice of law for a period of twenty years, or until 1918. In that year he became manager for the United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company in the district comprising northwestern Ohio, and has since successfully represented that corporation. His knowledge of the law is of great assistance to him in his work. He also has extended his efforts into other fields, being vice president of the Peoples Savings Association and a director of the Fifty Associates Company, and is likewise a director of the Toledo Factories Company.

At Lansing, Michigan, on the 5th of April, 1899, Mr. Paine was married to Miss Helen A. Davis, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert E. Davis, prominent residents of that city, and they are the parents of three children : Louis Davis, the eldest in the family, was born in Toledo, February 18, 1900, and is a graduate of the Scott high school of this city. He attended Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, completing his course at the University of Michigan in the class of 1922. During the World war he was active in the Students Training Corps; Janet Elizabeth, who was born in July, 1901, is a graduate of the Scott high school of this city and the Harcum School at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. She married Robert H. Winters, Jr., and they reside in Toledo; Mary Margaret, who was born January 10, 1907, is now a student in a private school at Los Angeles, California.

While conducting his law business Mr. Paine was called to public office and served for two terms in the state legislature as a member of the seventy-sixth and seventy-seventh assemblies, during which period he was instrumental in securing the passage of much beneficial legislation. He was a member of the Toledo board of education for six years and it was partly through his efforts that the beautiful Toledo high schools were secured for the city. He is also identified with the Toledo Bar Association and is likewise connected with the Commerce Club, the Toledo Tennis Club, the Inverness Club and the Toledo Automobile Club, being also a member of the Masonic order. The thoroughness of his knowledge upon any subject in which he takes an interest is one of his outstanding characteristics. His activities have touched the various phases of life which are factors in public progress and improvement and he stands for all that is truly American in citizenship, his influence being at all times on the side of reform and advancement. Mr. Paine's residence is at No. 112 Orchard road, Ottawa Hills.

Harry Stewart Stautzenbach

Harry Stewart Stautzenbach, who since 1913 has been at the head of the commission house of Stautzenbach, Bowers & Taylor, was born in Toledo, August 23, 1886. His father, Henry Stautzenbach, is a well known business man here, conducting a real estate and commercial agency which he has developed to substantial proportions. He married Cora E, Spayd and further mention of the parents is made on another page of this work.

The son, Harry Stewart Stautzenbach, entered the public schools at the usual age and passed through consecutive grades, while eventually he pursued a course in a business college and thus qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He then obtained a position as bookkeeper with the Western Box Company, remaining with that concern for three years, while later he occupied a similar position in a packing house, where he also continued for three years. He was then with a wholesale commission house for a similar period and in these different connections gained comprehensive and valuable knowledge of business methods and conditions, so that experience well qualified him for the work which he undertook when in September, 1913, he became one of the organizers of the commission house of Stautzenbach, Bowers & Taylor, wholesale dealers in meats, poultry, butter and eggs. Through the ten years of its existence this house has enjoyed a steady growth in trade and is a. foremost factor in wholesale circles along this line. The business is now one of very gratifying proportions and the enterprise and unabating energy of Mr. Stautzenbach have constituted a substantial force in the attainment of the present-day success.

On the Ist of July, 1914, Mr. Stautzenbach was married to Miss Elsa Leu of Toledo. He is a consistent follower of Masonry, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and become a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also identified with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, of which he was formerly secretary, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Woodmen of the World.

Harry S. Stautzenbach

He is well known to his brethren in these fraternities and he has made a substantial and creditable record in business circles, having already reached a position which many an older man might well envy. His residence is at No. 248 Marion street.

William E. Cordill

In the death of William E. Cordill, Toledo experienced the loss of a valued and valuable citizen. A lawyer by profession, he was held high in the esteem of his associates at the bar, while his activities in the political field and his energetic enthusiasm in forwarding any movement for the betterment of the city caused him to be looked upon as one of Toledo's foremost residents.

A native of Indiana, he was born on a farm at South Whitley, August 15, 1869, his parents being William and Martha (Norris) Cordill. He attended the public schools of South Whitley and of North Manchester and when he had completed his high school course by graduation he matriculated in Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, where he entered upon a commercial course but as his work developed he found his greatest pleasure in subjects pertaining to the law and changed his line of study, being graduated ultimately with the degree of LL. B., in 1894. He was soon afterward admitted to practice at the bars of both Indiana and Ohio. In the same year he came to Toledo with one of his former classmates, Edward H. Ray, and together they opened offices, forming a partnership under the style of Ray & Cordill. Their first location was in the Alma block, where they remained for two years and then removed to the National Union building, where they continued their offices for twenty years, or until the structure was torn down to make way for the present Lasalle and Koch store building. Later the firm had offices on the fourth floor of the Ohio building and were there located when Mr. Cordill so suddenly passed away, January 31, 1917, his death being occasioned by a form of bronchial trouble.

Mr. Cordill was ever interested in political matters and became a factor in local affairs. On the lst of January, 1914, he was appointed by former Mayor Carl H. Keller a member of the civil service commission, of which he became president. In 1913 he was defeated in the race for congress by General Isaac R. Sherwood. Mr. Cordill was campaign manager at the time of the election of Carl H. Keller as Toledo's mayor in 1914. During the next mayoralty campaign, in 1915, he gave his support to former Police Chief Murphy, who was defeated by Charles M. Milroy. Mr. Cordill served as 'a member of the state central committee and was enthusiastic in the affairs of the republican party, doing everything in his power to promote its growth and secure the adoption of its principles.

On the 27th of November, 1895, Mr. Cordill was married to Miss Emily Catharine Ward, a daughter of the Rev. Philip J. and Emily (Boot) Ward. She was born in England and when a year old was brought by her parents to America. Her father filled several successful pastorates in Ohio and Indiana, becoming pastor of the First Baptist church in Toledo in 1893, where he continued his labors for several years. Philip J. Ward was a strong preacher and a sturdy defender of his faith. Few opponents could stand before him in an argument upon any religious question. He was universally respected and deeply loved and even revered by those who knew him well. He went from Toledo to Los Angeles,

Mrs. Cordill acquired her education in the public schools of Columbus and of Cincinnati, Ohio. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Emily R., living at home, is a graduate nurse of the Robinwood Hospital and at present is a public health nurse; Annie Norris, who was a graduate of Dr. Law's Kindergarten Training School of Toledo, is now the wife of John Van Cleve Gardner of this city, and they have one son, Robert George; Ward E. is connected with Hull Brothers Umbrella Company; and Rachel E. completes the family. Mrs. Cordill is prominent in the work of the church, is president of the Woman's Society and president of the Riverside Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She is also interested in politics and served as one of the election judges for two years.

Mr. Cordill was a consistent member of the Riverside Baptist church, in which he served as deacon, while for fifteen years prior to his death he occupied the position of Sunday school superintendent. He was also a stanch temperance worker and this may have occasioned his defeat for congress, winning him the opposition of the anti-temperance element. He always stood loyally for his honest convictions, however, no matter at what personal sacrifice. He was president of the Toledo Baptist Union and no good work done in the name of charity or religion sought his aid in vain. He belonged to Barton Smith Lodge, No. 613, F. & A. M., to Concord Lodge of the Knights of Pythias and to Wapakonica Lodge, No. 38, I. O. O. F. Mr. Cordill was always a great reader, an earnest student and a deep thinker and his opinions on many subjects were sought by his fellow townsmen, who considered his position to be at all times tenable. He was a gifted public speaker, tactful, witty, entertaining and instructive and on many occasions was called upon to address the public. He was also an enthusiastic golf player, a member of the Toledo Golf Club, a member of the Inverness Club and the Lincoln Republican Club. In every relation of life he enjoyed the goodwill and confidence of those with whom he came into contact and as his aid and influence were ever given on the side of progress and improvement his worth as a man and citizen was widely acknowledged.

Charles Frederick Meilink

Charles Frederick Meilink, president and general manager of the Meilink Steel Safe Company, was born in Toledo, October 25, 1867, a son of Bernard and Mary Anna (Essing) Meilink, both of pioneer families of Toledo, the father having been one of the early merchants and manufacturers of this city. Charles F. Meilink was educated in the parochial schools and the Jesuit College and became interested in mechanics in early childhood. As a boy he worked in machine shops during vacation periods and later followed that line of work for several years. For a number of years he was identified with the bicycle manufacturing industry in Toledo. In August, 1897, Mr. Meilink organized a small concern under the name of the Meilink Manufacturing Company for the purpose of manufacturing specialties, employing at the outset ten men, and four years later, in 1901, it was incorporated under the same name and began the manufacture of safes. In 1920 the named was chenged to the present Meilink Steel Safe Com- pany. Something of the steady growth. of the business is indicated in the fact that he now employs one hundred and fifty people and his plant is the largest steel fireproof safe manufacturing concern in the world. All of the output has been developed and perfected by him. The business is indeed one of extensive proportions and the output is sent to all sections of the globe.

Mr. Meilink is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is in hearty sympathy with the purposes of that organization for the upbuilding of the city, the extension of its business relations and the maintenance of high civic standards. He is likewise a member of the Toledo Club. He has wide acquaintance in this city, in which practically his entire life has been passed, and he has made valuable contribution to its industrial progress and consequent prosperity.

William A. Zolg

William A. Zolg, treasurer of the Toledo Scale Company and one of the representatives of business interests in this city, is a self-made man who has won his present position through the force of his personality and the strength of his mental endowments. He was born at Dayton, Ohio, September 2, 1876, and his par- -ents were Adolph and Henrietta (Miller) Zolg, the former of Baden, Germany, and the latter a native of Ohio. When eighteen years of age the father emigrated to the United States and for many years he engaged in business in New York city as a merchant tailor. Subsequently he removed to Ohio, locating at Dayton, where he opened a high class tailoring establishment, numbering among his patrons the leading business and professional men of the city. He continued at the head of that business until his death, which occurred in October, 1920. The mother passed away soon after the birth of her son.

William A. Zolg, their only child, attended the public schools of his native city and St. Mary's Institute of that place, devoting his leisure moments to the study of accounting. His first business experience was gained as an accountant with the National Cash Register Company of Dayton, one of the largest industries in the United States, and for ten years he remained in their service, acting as assistant to the general auditor of the European National Cash Register Company at Berlin, Germany, during two years of that period. On his return to this country he was offered a position as accountant with the Toledo Scale Company and entered their employ in June, 1909. His worth and ability were soon recognized and he was. advanced through the various departments, at length becoming treasurer, which office he is now filling. He possesses broad vision and marked executive force and has materially contributed to the success of the company, which occupies a position of leadership in this field throughout the country. -

At Dayton, Ohio, on the 9th of June, 1901, Mr. Zolg was married to Miss Katherine Puthoff, a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Puthoff of St. Henry, Ohio, and they have become the parents of three sons: William dh Zolg, A eee who was born at Dayton in 1902, is a graduate of St. John's University and is attending the University of Dayton, being a member of the class of 1925; Walter Ww . Zolg, who was born at Dayton in 1906, and is now a student at St. John's University ; and Eugene F. Zolg, who was born in Toledo in 1910 and is a public school student.

The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Zolg gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party, and he is a member of the Toledo Club, the Maumee River Yacht Club and the Commerce Club. Well defined plans and purposes have carried him steadily forward, enabling him to become a power in his chosen line of activity, and he has never lost sight of the high principles which should govern man in his varied relations of life. His residence is at No. 2114 Carrollton avenue.

Peter Francis Whalen

Peter Francis Whalen, who lived and labored to worthy ends, recognizing his duties and obligations to his fellowmen, as well as his opportunities for the attainment of success and the advancement of his individual fortunes, had reached the age of sixty-six years when he passed away in his Toledo home, on the 16th of May, 1920. He was born in Grey county, Upper Canada, May 17, 1854, being the eldest son ina family of four children whose parents were Peter and Mary (Doran) Whalen, both of whom have passed away, the death of the father occurring when his son, Peter, was but two years of age. When he was a lad of twelve he accompanied his mother and her family to Detroit, Michigan, and there he attended the public schools for a limited period, but the straitened financial circumstances of the family made it imperative that he put aside his textbooks and seek employment that he might assist his mother in support of the household. He early took up the molder's trade, which he followed for a number of years and as opportunity offered availed himself of the chance to attend business college, recognizing how essential is educational training in connection with the attainment of business success.

When Mr. Whalen removed from Detroit to Toledo he became associated in the varnish business with his brother-in-law, Alfred Collins, the enterprise being established under the firm style of Collins & Whalen. Success attended their efforts from the beginning and after carrying on a profitable business until 1882 they consolidated their interests with the Buckeye Paint Company. In the fall of 1887 the new organization was incorporated under the name of the Buckeye Paint & Varnish Company, of which Mr. Whalen was elected president and general manager, continuing at the head of the company to the time of his demise. His initiative, his broad vision, his sound judgment: and his keen discrimination were vital forces in the attainment of success and in the course of years the business was developed into one of the largest establishments of its kind in northern Ohio, its ramifying trade connections covering a broad territory that included not only the Buckeye state but also Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, its sales amounting to several hundred thousand dollars annually. Mr. Whalen was a man of resolute purpose, who carefully thought out his plans and carried them forward to successful completion. He never allowed any obstacle or difficulty in his path utterly to discourage him, ever recognizing the fact that persistent effort, intelligently directed, could find a way at all times to achieve an honorable purpose. In the course of years he, therefore, won a measure of success,, which placed him with the men of affluence in Toledo. A contemporary biographer said of him: "His success in no way warped his kindly nature, for he ever retained his interest in the welfare of those less fortunate than he, helping by his wise counsel, and often in a more substantial way, those with whom he came into contact."

In Toledo, on the 15th of June, 1880, Mr. Whalen was married to Miss Mary F. Riely, a daughter of John and Margaret (Kerins) Riely. They became par- ents of the following named: Peter F., Jr., who is the vice president of the Buckeye Paint & Varnish Company; Milton E.; John J.; Florence, who is now Mrs. Ray Owens; Helen Marie; and Mary L., Margaret and Leonard, all three of whom are deceased. Mr. Whalen found his greatest happiness in promoting the welfare and comfort of his wife and children and his best traits of character were reserved for his own fireside, although all men knew him as a faithful friend, a just and kindly employer, a loyal citizen and in every relation of life a progressive man. He supported all measures which he deemed of value to the community and gave his aid to every cause he believed would promote civic progress or uphold the legal or moral status of the community in which he lived. He always voted with the democratic party, taking an active interest in political affairs and for several terms he served as alderman from his ward, notwithstanding that it was regarded as one of the republican strongholds of the city, while he was ever an earnest advocate of democratic principles. He belonged to the Roman Catholic church, to which he contributed generously and for thirty-five years was councilman of St. Patrick's church, while at the time of his demise he was a member of the Cathedral Chapel church. He belonged to the National Union, the Foresters of America, the Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association, the Catholic Knights of America, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of Ohio and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He likewise had membership in the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, in the Kiwanis Club, the Builders Exchange and the Toledo Oil and Varnish Club. It was his expressed wish that he might never live to an age of helplessness and to the last he continued a most active factor in the world's work. He had attended the semi-annual dinner given by his company to his employes at the Hotel Secor and had spoken at the banquet in a most happy vein, expressing the wish that he might be present at many more such affairs. But soon after his return home, he became suddenly ill, and passed away. Outside of his immediate household his death was nowhere more keenly felt than among his employes, for whoin he had manifested the most kindly interest and ofttimes the warmest friendship. He was very fond of athletic sports and encouraged the formation of baseball, basket-ball and bowling teams among his employes and it was very gratifying to him that they took high rank in the various local leagues to which they belonged. The career of Peter Francis Whalen was one of usefulness and worth to his fellowmen, - through the employment which he gave to many and through the influence which he had upon the lives of those with whom he was associated. As the architect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well and his success was the fitting crown and reward of his labors.

George N. Fell

George N. Fell, a member of the firm of Fell & Schaal, leading attorneys of Toledo, with offices in the Nicholas building, has engaged in the practice of law for the past twenty-four years and is recognized as a man of high professional attainments. He is one of Toledo's native sons, his birth having occurred July 15, 1871, and his parents were Nicholas and Anna (Setz) Fell, both natives of Germany, the former born in the duchy of Luxemburg and the latter in the province of Bavaria. His parents came to the United States in 1860, settling in Toledo, where the father engaged in railroad work. He is still living, at the age of eighty-six. whe mother passed away in 1920. In their family were six children, of whom three survive: Katherine M., Anna F. and George N. May R. died in August, 1922.

In the acquirement of an education George N. Fell attended the parochial schools and St. Mary's Academy, afterward entering the law department of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1898, with the LL. B. degree. He began practice in the office of Hurd, Brumbach & Thatcher, with whom he was associated for a year, and then joined A. F. Connolly, their interests being conducted under the style of Fell & Connolly. In 1906 he formed a law partnership with Frederick C. Schaal; a partnership that has been continued. They have been entrusted with important litigated interests and their clientele is a large and representative one. Mr. Fell is a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the principles of jurisprudence, and for a number of years has been instructor in law at St. John's College of Toledo. He has been called to public office and in 1905 was appointed assistant city solicitor, serving in that capacity for four years.

Mr. Fell was married June 26, 1907, to Miss Anna V. McDonald of Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry McDonald. Mr. McDonald was a leading contractor of that city. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fell: George Henry, whose birth occurred in Toledo September 28, 1909, and who is attending St. John's University; and Charles Francis, who was born in Toledo September 17, 1912, and is now a student at St. Mary's school.

The family are communicants of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church and Mr. Fell is also connected with the Knights of Columbus, of which he is a charter member, and he has taken the fourth degree in that order. He is a democrat in his political views and his professional connections are with the Toledo Bar Association, the Lucas County Bar Association, of which he has been treasurer since 1900, and the Ohio State Bar Association. Thoroughness is one of his marked characteristics and he is recognized as a man of sound judgment who never looks at a question in a superficial way but delves to the root of the matter, and has the faculty of separating and eliminating the non-essential from the important elements of a case. He has demonstrated that he possesses superior qualifications as a lawyer and has won distinction in his chosen calling. '

John William Koehrman

Many who study into the history and records of mankind recognize the fact that in every office boy there is a potential president of a business, yet comparatively few who start out in this humble way arrive at a point of leadership. This is due at different times to various causes but prominent among the reasons are lack of initiative, lack of industry and absence of ambition and the quality of becoming easily discouraged. The marked characteristics in the life of John William Koehrman were contrary to all these. Diligence, determination, close application, willingness to work and a desire to succeed have actuated him at every point in his career and step by step he has climbed to prominence and success until he is now the president of the Woolson Spice Company of Toledo. He has practically spent his life in this city, where his birth occurred October 16 1875, his parents being Richard Henry and Katherine (Craft) Koehrman, The father came to America from Germany in the year 1851 and made his Way across the country to this city, where he established his home, arriving in Toledo when it was a comparatively small town on the shore of the lake, where clustered its residences, its mercantile houses and its industries, bearing little resemblance to the beautiful metropolitan center of the present day. The father was for a long period a member of the city fire department, his association therewith covering thirty-five years.

John William Koehrman, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools until it seemed incumbent upon him to enter business circles and provide for his own support. He therefore sought employment along commercial lines and was fortunate in obtaining a position with the Woolson Spice Company as office boy. There was nothing that foreshadowed his future rise and no influence or outside aid was exerted to win him promotion. He worked diligently, performing the task assigned him day by day and by reason of his faithfulness, earnestness and industry he gained promotion at intervals, being advanced through all the intermediate positions until at the age of thirty-five years he was made general manager of the house. From one official position to another he also advanced until he was elected to the presidency and is now bending his efforts to administrative direction and executive control.

On the 27th of October, 1897, Mr. Koehrman was married to Miss Caroline A. Warner of Tiffin, Ohio. Mr. Koehrman is a Mason in his fraternal relations, loyal to the teachings and purposes of the craft. He also belongs to the Sylvania Golf Club, is a director of the Art Museum, a member of the Toledo Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society of Northwestern Ohio, the Toledo Automobile Club and the Toledo Traveling Men's Association. His interests, broad in scope, cover all those activities which have to do with the city's progress and improvement and with the benefit and uplift of the individual. His own struggle in boyhood to gain a foothold in the business world has made him sympathetic with others who are starting out empty-handed as he did and he is ever willing to speak an encouraging word or to extend material assistance when he believes that such a course will prove beneficial. His own record is a verification of the fact that it is under the pressure of necessity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in man is brought out and developed and his own career of success and progress should well serve to stimulate and encourage others.

John George Swindeman

John George Swindeman, president and general manager of the Union Supply Company of Toledo, is a native of Wood county, Ohio, his birth having occurred on the 15th of August, 1872. He is ason of George and Rose (Raab) Swindeman, who were farming people, the father devoting his life to agricultural pursuits in order to support his family.

In the public schools John G. Swindeman mastered the early branches of learning and afterward pursued a commercial course in the Steadman Business College, thus qualifying for the responsible duties of life. He started out to earn his living by securing a clerkship in the store of the Chapman Hardware Company, with which he remained four years. He then identified himself with the bicycle business, becoming one of the company and was engaged in the sale of bicycles in Toledo. He was afterward with the Bicycle Manufacturing Company as manager of the retail store for two years and was placed at the head of the store of the Cleveland Bicycle Company in this city, where he continued as manager until 1899, when the business was absorbed by the American Bicyele Company. Mr. Swindeman then purchased the branch house, which he carried on under the style of J. G. Swindeman & Company, and in 1900 incorporated the business under the style of the Union Supply Company, of-which he has since heen president and general manager. They are jobbers and factory distributers of mechanical rubber goods, automotive equipment, auto tires, bicycles and various supplies. The business has been developed to substantial proportions and the enterprise is proving a substantial success.

On the 31st of December, 1900, Mr. Swindeman was married to Miss Florence Moore of Chesterville, Ohio, and they have become parents of two children: Marjorie Louise, who was graduated from Sayward's School at Overbrook, Pennsylvania, in June, 1921; and John Moore, who was a student in the Scott high school for two years. Mr. Swindeman greatly enjoys fishing, hunting and outdoor sports and these furnish him needed recreation and rest from the arduous cares of business. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons and he is well known in club circles as a charter member of the Inverness Country Club. He also belongs to the Monroe Country Club and the Toledo Rotary Club. His career has been marked by that steady advancement which results from intelligently directed effort and well formulated plans and in the conduct of his business he never stops short of the attainment of his objective.

Louis-H- Gould

Louis H. Gould, a Toledo realtor who is now conducting business under the name of the Gould Realty Company and also through various other organized corporations, was born in Poland, July 7, 1887. He spent the first twelve years of his life in his native country and then, leaving Europe, crossed the Atlantic to the new world.. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his way at once into the interior of the country and took up his abode in Toledo, where he continued his education in the parochial and high schools, while later he attended Toledo University and thus by liberal educational training was well fitted for life's practical and responsible duties. When his textbooks were put aside he became associated with the real estate business and in this field he has continued to labor. In 1918 he organized the Gould Realty Company, of which he has since been the president, and he is also associated with various other companies which have controlled important subdivisions and promoted many notable real estate transfers. The Gould Realty Company handles only downtown business property and specializes in ninety-nine year leases, being the pioneer real estate firm to specialize in this branch of the business. Mr. Gould is thoroughly acquainted with the realty market in Toledo and by his progressive and enterprising methods has won a large clientele that makes his business of most substantial and profitable character.

On the 25th of November, 1912, Mr. Gould was married to Miss Helen B. Murphy and they have become parents of three daughters: \Jane Louise, Katherine Ann and Mary Elizabeth. The parents are members of the First Congregational church and are much interested in its work. Mr. Gould is a trustee of the Toledo Zoological Society and he gives considerable thought and attention to all those questions which bear upon the sociologic and economic conditions in the country today, ever seeking to extend a helping hand where he believes that his aid will be productive of beneficial results. To this end he is serving as a trustee of the Newsboys Association, of which he was not only one of the organizers but was its first vice president, and he is always ready to speak an encouraging word or to improve the environment and surroundings ct the youth of the country with the ultimate hope of developing a strong and virile American manhood. Mr. Gould's residence is at No. 2357 Scottwood avenue.

Larry Bevan

Larry Bevan, a rising young attorney of Toledo, has been identified with the bar of this city since 1918 and he is also well known throughout the state as an athletic coach. He was born in Carlisle, Ohio, December 13, 1889, and his parents were Miles and Maria (Smith) Bevan, also natives of the state and members of prominent pioneer families of southwestern Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye state, in which they always resided, and the father devoted his life to the occupation of farming. He was a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting with an Ohio company when but eighteen years of age and serving throughout the conflict as a private in the Union army. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bevan passed away while residing in Caldwell.

After his graduation from high school Mr. Bevan completed a two years' course in a college at Marietta, Ohio, later attending the Kent Law School, and then entered Ohio Northern University, from which he won the LL. B. degree in 1917. In the following year he began practice at Toledo and has since concentrated his attention upon his profession. While advancement in law is proverbially slow, he has made substantial progress, readily mastering the principles of jurisprudence and preparing his cases with great thoroughness, precision and skill. Although one of the more recent additions to the Toledo bar, he has already firmly established himself in public regard as an able attorney and has been entrusted with important litigated interests, winning many verdicts favorable to the interests of his clients.

Mr. Bevan has always been keenly interested in athletic sports and when a young man he was captain of the college baseball team at Marietta, being at that time eighteen years of age and in his freshman year. He also played on the football and basketball teams and at the close of his college career he turned to baseball, being third baseman of the Evansville Club of the old Central League, while he was also in the Federal and Virginia leagues. His first coaching experience was gained with the Caldwell high school athletes and he later coached all varsity sports at Muskingum College and Ohio Northern University. He has been very successful in this work and has had a number of offers to coach college teams, but refuses to leave Toledo, which he regards as a most desirable place of residence.

Mr. Bevan has been called to public office, serving as assistant United States attorney in 1919. He is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, Delta Theta Phi, a college fraternity, the Lawyers Club and the Toledo City Club. Through his identification with the Toledo, Ohio State and American Bar associations he keeps abreast with the profession and his fraternal connections are with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of

Odd Fellows. He has great respect for the dignity of his calling and adheres to the strictest ethics of the profession in his practice. With progress as his watchword he has steadily advanced and his colleagues unite in bearing testimony to his high character and superior mind.

Maurice W. Colter

Maurice W. Colter, well known in insurance and real estate circles of Toledo, is a member of The Breyman & Colter Company, and one of the younger representatives of business activity in this city. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 25, 1893, his parents being A. Wilber and Mary (Mounts) Colter, who established their home in Toledo when their son, Maurice W., was but three years old. The latter's youth passed uneventfully, his time being largely employed in the attainment of a public school education, which was continued until he had mastered the branches of 'learning taught in the high school. He started in the business world in connection with the handling of real estate and has since been active in this field. He is now one of the partners in The Breyman & Colter Company, conducting a real estate and insurance business. Throughout the intervening years Mr. Colter has closely studied the realty market and is well informed concerning values of that character, and the opportunity for purchase or sale. His judgment is sound on matters pertaining to his business, whether involving insurance or real estate, and his straightforward business methods have placed him among the reliable and dependable men in his line of activity.

On the 26th of April, 1916, Mr. Colter was married to Miss Elizabeth Roberts of Zanesville, Ohio, and they have many warm friends in Toledo. Mr. and Mrs. Colter are members of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church.

Henry T. Ledbetter

Henry T. Ledbetter has devoted the greater part of his life to work in connection with public utilities, and is now serving as secretary of the Toledo Edison Electric Company - a position of large responsibility - and he also 'figures conspicuously in transportation circles of the state. He was born in Kerens, Texas, September 18, 1884, and is a son of James Thomas and Araminta (Leggitt) Ledbetter, both natives of Illinois. In the early '80s they went to Texas, where the father engaged in farming. In 1889 they removed to Carthage, Missouri, where they resided for several years, and in 1914 they established their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where their daughter was at that time living. Not being content to lead a life of indolence, Mr. Ledbetter became associated with his son-inlaw in the management of apartment hotels, at which they are very successful. Mr. and Mrs. Ledbetter have two children: Henry T.; and Rose, the wife. of Thomas E. Hoofnagle, of Minneapolis. .

In the public schools of Carthage, Missouri, Henry T. Ledbetter acquired his education and in 1905 he entered the employ of the Pacific Coast Borax Company as a traveling salesman. At the end of a year he severed his relations with that firm and became connected with the Webb City & Carterville Gas Company, a Missouri corporation, which was absorbed by the Doherty interests in 1910. Mr. Ledbetter was next made chief clerk in the office of the Empire District Electric Company at Joplin, Missouri, later winning promotion to the position of auditor, and eventually became secretary, filling that office in Joplin until 1917. In that year he was transferred to Toledo as general auditor of what is now the Toledo Edison Company and on the Ist of November, 1918, was elected secretary of the corporation, still retaining his position as auditor. He combines a detailed knowledge of the business with administrative powers and ably discharges the responsibilities entrusted to him. Broadening the scope of his interests, Mr. Ledbetter has also become a strong factor in transportation activities and is now serving as secretary of the Toledo & Ottawa Beach & Northern Railway Company, the Toledo & Western Railway Company, the Toledo Beach Company, and the Adrian, Michigan, Street Railway Company.

At Carl Junction, Missouri, on the 13th of September, 1913, Mr. Ledbetter was united in marriage to Miss Ida Higginbotham, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Higginbotham, prominent residents of that place.

Mr. Ledbetter is a member of the National Electric Light Association, the American Electric Railway Association, the United Bookkeepers and Accountants Association and he is also connected with the Toledo Museum of Art. He is likewise a member of the Sylvania Golf Club, the Toledo Club, and the Elks Lodge, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is a man of large affairs whose constantly expanding powers have carried him into important relations and his efforts are resultant factors in whatever he undertakes.

William-Collord Acklin

William Collord Acklin, the secretary and treasurer of the Acklin Stamping Company, was born in Toledo, July 22, 1888, and is a son of Grafton Molen and Jessie (Ridnour) Acklin. The father was engaged in the wholesale grocery business and in manufacturing in this city but is now retired.

William C. Acklin was accorded liberal educational privileges, pursuing his studies in the public schools and afterward in Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, from which he was graduated with the class of 1910. With his return to Toledo he accepted a position in the Northern National Bank, with which he was connected for a short time and in 1911 he became one of the organizers of the Acklin Stamping Company, of which he has been secretary and treasurer from the beginning. The business of the company has steadily grown and developed under the capable management of its executive officers and is today one of the largest enterprises of the kind in Toledo.

Mr. Acklin, however, put aside all business and personal considerations after America entered the World war. He went to the First Officers' Training Camp in May, 1917, and was commissioned a lieutenant in August of that year. He was then sent overseas with the First Infantry and later was assigned to the First Division Ammunition Train as captain, while subsequently he was transferred to the Twenty-sixth Infantry. He participated in many inajor engagements, including the battles of Cantigny, Soissons, St. Mihiel and the Argonne. He was wounded on the 4th of October, 1918, during the battle in the Argonne forest, where the bravery and the fighting qualities of the American forces astounded the world, for it was the generally accepted opinion in Europe that the volunteer army of America could not compete with the old seasoned soldiers of the old world; but from the time the khaki-clad troops from across the water were thrown into the breaks in the French lines at Chateau-Thierry the tide of war was turned and the Germans started upon a retreat that never ended until they had crossed the Rhine. Mr. Acklin is: now a member of the Toledo-American Legion Post. Fraternally he is a thirtysecond degree Mason, loyally adhering to the teachings and high purposes of the craft. The nature of his interests is further indicated in the fact that he belongs to the Toledo and Country clubs and to the Chamber of Commerce.

Harry Harkins Heiner, Jr

Harry Harkins Heiner, Jr., has devoted his attention to the coal business since his initial step was made in the commercial world, and starting out as a mine clerk he has worked his way steadily upward through industry and ability until he has won a position of prominence in this field, being vice president of the Maynard Coal Company, one of the largest concerns of the kind in Toledo. He is a native of the south, his birth having occurred at Point Pleasant, West Virginia, on the Ist of March, 1892, and his parents, H. H. and Georgie A. (Tippett) Heiner, are residents of Columbus. His father is a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, and the mother was born in West Virginia. Mr. Heiner first established his home at Point Pleasant, West Virginia, later going to Charleston, that state, where he remained for four years, and he then came to Toledo. After spending five years in this city he made his way to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he resided for three years, and then returned to Ohio, locating at Columbus. He is now filling the office of president of the Maynard Coal Company and is numbered among the foremost business men of Columbus. He has extensive interests in the city, being a director in a number of business enterprises. Mr. and Mrs. Heiner have become the parents of three children: Marguerite, who is yet at home; Mrs. Dwight Felts of Kansas City, Missouri; and H. H. Heiner, Jr.

The last named was for four years a pupil in the Monroe Street school of Toledo and he completed the work of the grammar school at St. Paul, Minnesota. He was graduated from the high school at Columbus, Ohio, and afterward became ~ a student at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, which he attended for a year. He then entered the coal business, which his father was at that time conducting, starting in the mines and gradually advancing through the various departments until he had acquired a thorough knowledge of every phase of the industry. As his experience and ability increased he was promoted to positions of greater importance and responsibility until he was at length made vice president of the - Maynard Coal Company and is serving in that capacity, his energetic efforts and executive force being valuable assets in stimulating the development and expansion of the business. They cater to the wholesale trade, owning mines in Ohio and Kentucky, and are classed with the leading coal dealers of the city.

At Columbus, Ohio, on the 27th of April, 1914, Mr. Heiner was married to Miss Helen L. Spenny, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Spenny of that city, and they have two children: Helen Jane Heiner, who was born July 24,

1915, and is now attending the Harvard Terrace school of this city; and H. H. Heiner (III), born March 7, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Heiner are members of the Collingwood Avenue Presbyterian church of Toledo and he is a republican in his political views. He is a Knights Templar Mason and has taken the thirtysecond degree in the Scottish Rite Consistory, while he is also connected with the Transportation Club, the Toledo Club, the Maumee River Yacht Club, the Exchange Club, the Shriners Club and the Toledo Commerce Club. In matters of citizenship Mr. Heiner is patriotic, public-spirited and progressive and during the World war he acted as an instructor at Camp Perry, Ohio. He is an alert, enterprising young man who has ever recognized the fact that success in any line of activity is gained only at the cost of laborious effort and persistency of purpose and although but thirty years of age his rapidly expanding powers and the strength of his mental endowments have placed him with the leading business men of Toledo. Mr. Heiner resides at No. 176 Birch drive, Wildwood.

Clarence M. Lamb

No resident of Toledo is better known or more highly esteemed than Clarence M. Lamb, whose identification with the city covers a period of nearly six decades, and his labors have constituted a most important element in its development and upbuilding. A native of the state of New York, he was born in August, 1854, and prior to the outbreak of the Civil war he established his home in Toledo, becoming the pioneer bus driver of this section of the state. His route lay between Oak and Jackson streets and he afterward operated a ferry across the Maumee river, but abandoned that undertaking at the end of a year to enter mercantile circles of Toledo. For thirty-nine years he was numbered among the leading fish dealers of the city, building up a business of large proportions and conducting his interests for a time under the style of Thompson & Lamb. In 1919 the business was taken over by the subject of this review and is now being continued under the name of Goulden & Lamb. Clarence M. Lamb has since lived retired, having accumulated a substantial competence through industry, perseverance and capable management, and he has reached the age of sixty-eight years.

In 1879 Mr. Lamb was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Gross and eight children were born to them: Chester D.; Mrs. William Wickenden of New York city; and Mrs. Frederick J. Metzger, Mrs. Ralph Tucker, Milo, Lynn, Leighton and Edward Lamb, all of whom are residents of Toledo.

The son, Chester D. Lamb, was born in this city on the 18th of January, 1881, and attended the grammar and high schools, later becoming a student at Wooster University of Ohio. After completing his education he entered his father's employ and bent every eftort toward mastering the business. Following the retirement of Clarence M. Lamb, in 1919, his interest was purchased by Chester D. Lamb, who is now associated with George M. Goulden, under the firm style of Goulden & Lamb, wholesale dealers in fish. This is one of the oldest undertakings of the kind in the city, as well as one of the largest and has ever maintained a position of leadership in connection with the fish business. They operate their own fleet of gasoline boats, procuring all of the fish they handle themselves. The business is almost national in scope; its produce having a ready sale in the northeast, central and middle west and southwestern parts of the country. The spirit of the father is exemplified in the son, who is ably carrying forward the business along modern, progressive lines, maintaining high standards in its conduct.

On the 11th of August, 1909, Mr. Lamb was married to Miss Nina M. Simpson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay B. Simpson of this city, and they have become the parents of one child, Alice, who was born in 1913 and is now attending the public schools. Mr. Lamb gives his political allegiance to the republican party, for he deems that its policy best conserves national progress and promotes public stability. He is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Toledo and an enterprising business man whose record reflects credit upon the city in which his life has been passed.

Philip E. Uhl, president of the Toledo Metal Furniture Company, one of the important manufacturing enterprises of the city, was born March 3, 1868, in Glandorf, Ohio, a son of Benedict and Elizabeth Uhl. He attended the Toledo high school, thereby completing his education, save for the broader knowledge that he has gained in the school of experience. He started out in the business world as clerk in a furniture store and later became bookkeeper in the employ of Thomas Doherty, dealer in builders' supplies. Ambitious to engage in business on his own account he and his brother, Clement R. Uhl, on the 1st of March, 1898, opened a small bicycle repair shop in a little, frame building formerly the office of M. V. Barbour, coal dealer, at the corner of Monroe and Eleventh streets and styled their enterprise Uhl's Cycle Emporium. Their capital was eighty-five dollars. Business grew rapidly, so that thirty days later they built a brick addition and added some machinery, together with a brazing furnace and enameling oven. Two years later they incorporated the Uhl Brothers Company with a capital stock of fifteen thousand dollars and moved across the street to the one-story Chiesa building, adding to their equipment some more machines and a plating plant. As the bottom had dropped out of the bicycle business, they started in the manufacture of novelties, finally developing a steel chair and table, their first order being an equipment of the soda fountain parlors of Hoffman & Company on Summit street. They soon found their space too small for, their growing business and removed to South Huron street, occupying a two-story brick building formerly used as a bottling works. In 1904 they changed the name of the company to the Toledo Metal Furniture Company and increased the capital to sixty thousand dollars. The business continued to grow until in 1910 they purchased their present plant on the Lake Shore Railroad near Dorr street, which was originally built for the Maumee Cycle Company and to which they have since built several additions. In May, 1920, the capital stock was increased to three hundred thousand dollars. The company manufactures a specialty line of steel chairs and tables for cafes and soda fountains, also a line of typewriter stands and cabinets, typewriter chairs, desks, stools, etc. A goodly portion of the company's business is also the construction of special stands such as are used by the Burroughs, Wales, Dalton and other adding machine companies, together with dictating machine pedestals, water cooler stands, etc., all of which are its own design and are covered by patents. The firm employs about one hundred and fifty men in the factories, besides ample office and sales force. The officers of the company are: Philip E.

Uhl, president; Joseph F. L. Uhl, secretary and general manager; and Clement R. Uhl, vice president and superintendent. The increased capitalization is indicative of the steady growth of the business, which is today one of the important productive industries of the city.

In Toledo, on the 12th of October, 1898, Philip E. Uhl was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Kirschner, a daughter of Charles J. Kirschner. He has always been a lover of music and is one of a family of ten brothers, all musicians, who formerly conducted what was known as Uhl's Concert Band. In religious faith Mr. Uhl is a Roman Catholic, belonging to St. Mary's church, and he is also identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Knights of America and the National Union. He is also a member of the Commerce Club, the Inverness Club and the Toledo Automobile Club but is most widely known because of the prominence to which he has attained in business circles, his notable industry, perseverance and ambition bringing him from an obscure position to one of gratifying leadership and success.

Minot I. Wilcox

Minot I. Wilcox belongs to that class of business men in whose business career there are no spectacular phases, no plunges into wealth or success, no rapid mounting to the pinnacle of commercial or industrial fame. His course was like that of a river that steadily flows onward, gaining breadth and volume as it proceeds with the consequent power attendant thereon. He cast in his lot with the business men of Toledo in pioneer times and through the fifty-seven years of his residence here his activities touched many lives and constituted a stimulating force in the city's continued advancement.

Minot I. Wilcox came to Ohio from New York, his birth having occurred in Jefferson county, that state, on the 7th of April, 1829. He was the youngest in a family of nine children and his youthful days were spent on a farm, which his father had hewed out of the midst of the forest in northern New York, early in the nineteenth century. That district was then largely a frontier region with but limited opportunity along educational and other lines. His grandfather was a New Bedford ( Mass.) whaler and it may have been an inherited taste for marine interests that led Minot I. Wilcox to devote nearly half a century to the cordage and ship chandlery business at Toledo, following his removal to the middle west in the early 40s. Here he established business in 1844 and for many years there was no name better known or which stimulated a higher degree of respect among shipping men around the entire circuit of the Great Lakes than did that of Minot i, Wilcox. In his youthful days he spent a year as an apprentice to the ship joining trade and afterward worked in various mills in the east and in Toledo subsequent to his removal from Point Peninsula, New York, to this city in 1841. He was ambitious to engage in business on his own account, however, and after three years spent in the employ of others in this city he and his brother-in-law formed a partnership for the conduct of a ship chandlery establishment under the style of Reed & Wilcox. The partnership was continued for six years and following its dissolution he and his brother Leonard organized the firm of Wilcox Brothers and carried on business at the corner of Madison and Water streets until 1868, when a removal was made to the location now occupied by M. I. Wilcox Company, No. 212 Water street. In May, 1880, Leonard Wilcox passed away, after which his brother continued in the business alone until he incorporated his interests in 1887, under the style of the M. I. Wilcox Cordage & Supply Company, of which he became president. This is practically the only firm in Toledo doing a cordage business and at the head of the enterprise is Oren S. Wilcox, a second cousin of the founder. At the beginning the firm carried a small stock of ship supplies and also dealt in butter, eggs, meat, tallow and the many small necessities which were required by the boats that in the early history of the city tied up at the wharves for replenishment. The business grew steadily with the passing years and Mr. Wilcox came to be regarded as one of the prominent and representative merchants of the city. He did not confine his attention alone to the cordage business but for twelve years was senior partner in the firm of Wilcox, Stock & Company, manufacturers of steam dredges and shovels. He also became the chief executive officer of the Maumee River Steamboat Company, which owned the steamer Pastime and he was vice president of the Vulcan Iron Works Company and one of the directors of the Milburn Wagon Company. He also made investments in various other business interests of Toledo and upon the organization of the Merchants National Bank he became one of its directors. He was later elected vice president and in 1893 was chosen president of the bank, to which position he was reelected in 1898. His business interests and activities thus covered a wide scope and his constantly expanding powers enabled him to cope with each enterprise in a manner that furthered his own fortunes by advancing the success and growth of the business with which he became associated.

In 1855 Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Miss Emma Finney of La Fargeville, New York, a daughter of Henry Finney and a niece of the late President Finney of Oberlin College. In 1864, under the three months' call for troops, Mr. Wilcox joined the One Hundred and Thirtieth Ohio Regiment and was given a major's commission. He also served as a member of the board of fire commissioners of Toledo at an early day and at all times he stood as a champion of those projects and plans looking to the betterment and progress of the city. He and his wife lived to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in 1905 and six weeks later Mrs. Wilcox was called to the home beyond. She had been very active in the charitable work of the city and many were the beneficiaries of her bounty. Her passing was undoubtedly one of the causes of the rapidly failing health of Mr. Wilcox, who died on the 19th of November of the same year. His remains were laid to rest by the side of his wife, the funeral services being conducted by the Rev. Cyrus Townsend Brady of the Trinity Episcopal church. Mr. Wilcox never belonged to any secret societies except Toledo Lodge No. 402, I. O. O. F., and he was the last survivor among its charter members. In the later years of his life his reminiscences concerning Toledo and her early days were most interesting. He knew the city when it was a small town of comparatively little commercial and industrial importance and he lived to see its rapid growth and development until it ranks as the metropolis of northwestern Ohio and one of the chief ports along the Great Lakes. In the evening of his days he often exhibited with pride his certificate of membership in the volunteer fire department, which he joined in 1856. There was never a time when he did not respond fully and freely to a call of civic duty nor did he ever hesitate to extend a helping hand where aid was needed by an individual. Ee thus sought to alleviate the hardships of life for the unfortunate and he was at all times a stanch and faithful friend to those with whom he associated. There are many who yet cherish the memory of his companionship and honor him as a man of undaunted commercial integrity and as an upright patriotic citizen. He stamped

\ the impress of his individuality upon Toledo records through a period of fifty-seven years as a pioneer business man and banker, and his example is well worthy of emulation by those who desire to win success and an honored name simultaneously.

William Aldreu Cuff

William Aldreu Cuff, appointed in 1920 to the office of assistant United States district attorney for the northern district of Ohio, with office in Toledo, was born in Napoleon, this state, on the 13th of June, 1888, and is a son of the late Judge John V. and Edna J. (Fraker) Cuff. His father was a recognized leader of public thought and action in the fifth congressional district of Ohio for many years and was a well known representative of the judiciary of the state.

In the pursuit of his education William Aldreu Cuff completed a high school course in Napoleon with the class of 1907 and then entered Kenyon College at Gambier, Ohio, where he was a student in 1906-7. He afterward attended the Western Reserve Law School, which conferred upon him the LL. B. degree at his graduation with the class of 1911. Later he was admitted to the bar and was also licensed to practice in the United States district court in 1920. He entered upon the active work of the profession in connection with his brother, F. V. Cuff, under the firm style of Cuff & Cuff at Napoleon, Ohio, and devoted his attention to general practice until he was appointed special agent of the United States department of justice of the bureau of investigation in April, 1918. He served in that connection until September, 1920, when he was appointed assistant United States district attorney for the northern district of Ohio with headquarters at Toledo. He made a most creditable and satisfactory record. He is now engaged in the general practice of law in the Nicholas building, Toledo, Ohio.

On the 26th of February, 1918, Mr. Cuff was united in marriage to Miss Carrie May Cothran. Fraternally Mr. Cuff is a Mason, having membership in the lodge, chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Psi Upsilon, the Phi Delta Phi and the Theta Nu Epsilon, three Greek letter fraternities. His official record has at all times been commendable and he did effective work as assistant United States attorney for the northern district of Ohio.

The business career of Raleigh S. Leist has been marked by continuous progress, each advancement being won at the cost of earnest, persevering effort, and as secretary and manager of the Peoples Savings Association he now occupies a position of prominence in financial circles of Toledo. He was born in Henry county, Ohio, January 18, 1867, a son of Levy and Harriet (Moore) Leist, both of whom were natives of Fairfield county, this state. They afterward removed to Henry county, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits until his demise, which occurred in 1893. The mother passed away in 1902. In their family were six children, four of whom survive: Isa, a resident of Lakewood, Ohio; Mrs. Cordelia Russell, whose home is at Ansley, Nebraska ; David, of Liberty Center, Ohio ; and Raleigh S.

county, later becoming a student at the Fayette Normal School at Fayette, Ohio, and he afterward completed a course in the Davis Business College of Toledo. On the lst of May, 1890, he entered the employ of the Peoples Savings Association in a clerical capacity and as his experience and ability increased he was promoted to positions of greater importance and responsibility, at length becoming secretary and manager. For thirty-two years he has been identified with the Association and there is no phase of the business with which he is not thoroughly familiar. He is an able financier and has labored effectively to broaden the scope of the institution which he represents.

At Liberty Center, Ohio, on the 25th of June, 1891, Mr. Leist was married to Miss Nellie M. Wright, a daughter of John A: and Katherine I. Wright, residing on one of the well developed farms of Henry county, this state. Fidelity to duty is one of Mr. Leist's outstanding characteristics and his history is proof of the fact that industry and ability will always come to the front.

William Albert Hummel

For many years the name of Hummel has figured prominently in commercial circles of Toledo in connection with the contracting business and William Albert Hummel is ably sustaining the traditions of the family in this respect, displaying the same enterprising spirit and executive ability which characterized his father in the control of his interests. He is one of Toledo's native sons, his birth having occurred in this city on the 6th of May, 1875, and his parents were Peter and Mary (Whipking) Hummel, the latter also a native of Toledo. The father was of foreign birth and in early life he came to the United States. For many years he engaged in the contracting business in Toledo, ranking with the most successful operators in this field of activity. He passed away on the 6th of January, 1893. The mother is still a resident of this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Hummel were born four children: Mrs. Gertrude Waldvogel of Toledo; Mrs. Minnie Heckman, whose home is in Lucas county, this state; and Henry P. and William A., both of Toledo.

William Albert Hummel attended the grammar schools and for three years was a pupil in the Central high school of this city, later completing a course in the Davis Business College. His initial experience along commercial lines was obtained with his father. Following his father's death he entered the employ of the contracting firm of Schillinger Brothers and he worked his way steadily upward during the fifteen years in their service until he at length became vice president of the company, capably filling that office for five years. On May 23, 1906, in association with William B. Hillebrand, he entered the field of reinforced concrete construction and the firm of Hummel & Hillebrand has since enjoyed a prosperous existence, establishing their position among the foremost contractors of Toledo. They lay sidewalks, driveways, stable and automobile floors, rock asphalt floors, asphalt and composition gravel roofing and do all kinds of cement work. They have built up a large business in this city, owing to their expert skill and thorough reliability, and they have also executed a number of contracts in other sections of the country.

On the 6th of May, 1902, Mr. Hummel was united in marriage to Miss Lula Kuhman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kuhman of Toledo, and they have become the parents of three children: Wilma, who was born May 3, 1904, and is a graduate of the Scott high school of this city; Burnetta, who was born October 12, 1906, and is attending that institution; and Lula, who was born April 8, 1909, and is a pupil in the grammar school. Mr. Hummel is a member of the Builders Exchange, the Toledo Commerce Club and the Toledo Automobile Club. He is a republican in his political views and his fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has made a thorough study of the business in which he is engaged and his work represents the highest degree of efficiency in his line. His success has been won through industry and ability and his spirit of initiative has constituted an important feature in the city's improvement and upbuilding. He resides at No. 427 Hamilton street.

Walter Rosengarten

lt is under the pressure of necessity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in man are brought out and developed, for this is the test that proves the true worth of the individual. The conditions of his early youth aroused in Walter Rosengarten a spirit of self-reliance and independence that has enabled him to cope successfully with life's problems and today he ranks with the prosperous business men of Toledo, being the proprietor of a large printing establishment. He is a native of Canada, his birth having occurred at London, in the province of Ontario, on the 10th of May, 1878, and his parents were Philip and Mary Rosengarten. They were of European birth and emigrated to Canada in early life. The father died during the infancy of the subject of this review and the mother afterward crossed the border into the United States, establishing the family home in Toledo, where she continued to reside until her demise in 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Rosengarten had three sons: Walter; William, who is living at Redford, Michigan; and Mark, of Cleveland, Ohio.

Walter Rosengarten received very limited educational advantages, laying aside his textbooks when twelve years of age to become a wage earner. He was employed along various lines in his native city and after the removal of the family to Toledo he obtained work with the News, with which he acquired a knowledge of the printer's trade. He remained with that paper until 1910, gaining valuable experience, and then established a printing business, which he has since successfully conducted, building up a large trade through indefatigable efforts and honorable methods. He combines a detailed knowledge of the business with marked executive ability and his plant is supplied with all the equipment necessary for the production of high class work, fifteen employes being utilized in operating the business, of which Mr. Rosengarten is sole owner. He also has mercantile interests, being a director of the Conde Cloak Company of this city. .

On the 5th of February, 1899, Mr. Rosengarten was married to Miss Hattie Grasgreen, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I. Grasgreen of Toledo, and they have become the parents of two sons: Earl Morris, who was born June 17, 1901, and is now pursuing a business course at Ann Arbor, Michigan, being in his senior year ; and Roy Philip, who was born June 29, 1904, and is a pupil at the Waite high school independent and democratic tickets for the office of county clerk of Lucas county, losing the election by only three hundred and thirty-five votes. He is prominent 1n local fraternal circles, belonging to the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and in 1916 he was made exalted ruler of Toledo Lodge of the last named organization. His civic lovalty finds expression in his connection with the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and he is also a member of the Maumee River Yacht Club. Diligence and determination have constituted the foundation upon which he has reared the superstructure of success and his course indicates that the field of opportunity is open to all who have the courage to persevere therein.

W. Frank Bradley

Among the productive industries which have contributed to Toledo's commercial upbuilding and prosperity is that of the Ohio & Michigan Sand & Gravel Company, of which W. Frank Bradley is the president, and the Cadillac Sand & Gravel Company, of which he is the manager. He was born at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, April 11, 1859, a son of James K. and Mary (Rubendale) Bradley,» the former a native of New York state and the latter of Ohio. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting as a private in an Indiana regiment, serving throughout the period of hostilities. He was a successful business man, devoting his attention to the operation of a planing mill, and he later moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. His demise occurred in 1898. The mother is now a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In the acquirement of an education W. Frank Bradley attended the public schools at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and later took up the study of engineering in a private technical school. After completing the course he secured a position as mechanical draftsman with the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad and the Kanawha & Michigan Railway, and was actively connected with the construction of these lines from Toledo to Charleston, West Virginia. His capacity and fidelity to the interests in his charge led to his promotion to the position of master mechanic of the Kanawha & Michigan Railway, which position he continued to fill until 1891, when he resigned to become superintendent of motive power and later superintendent of the Ann Arbor Railroad. He remained with that road from 1891 until 1908 and then organized the Ohio & Michigan Sand & Gravel Company, of which he is president. He later took part in the organization of the Cadillac Sand & Gravel Company, of which he is the manager. The undertakings have enjoyed a substantial growth, marketing from six thousand to ten thousand cars of sand and gravel per year, incident to the rapid development of concrete construction and highway improvements. The gravel deposits of the companies are located at Chilson and Fleming Creek, Michigan, and they supply sand and gravel to the cities through this section, the principal markets being Detroit and Toledo, for building and pavement purposes.

At Fort Wayne, Indiana, on the 18th of September, 1887, Mr. Bradley was married to Miss Marty Ellen Babcock, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Babcock, former residents of Napoleon, Ohio. Two daughters were born to this union: Marie, the wife of H. C. Ellis, who is a native of Charleston, West Vir- ginia, but was educated in the public schools of Toledo and in Columbia University, New York, and is now a resident of the city; and Miss Helen L. 3radley, who was born at Durand, Michigan, is a graduate of the Scott high school of Toledo, and later attended the University of Michigan, and graduated from the Law-Froebel School, Toledo, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are members of the First Congregational church of Toledo. He served on the building committee which had charge of the erection of the Collingwood Avenue church of that denomination. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of the Masonic lodge and the Commerce and Exchange clubs. His life has been active in these interests. His residence is at No. 2274 Robinwood avenue.

Albert Trotter

Extensive lumber and real estate interests claim the attention and profit by the direction of Albert Trotter, whose rapidly developing powers have brought him to a position of leadership in business circles of Toledo. A native of Canada, he was born at Kingston, in the province of Ontario, November 26, 1871; his parents, William and Jamima (Kennedy) Trotter were also natives of that city, in which they spent their early lives. The father was engaged in the export lumber business in eastern Canada. In their family were eight children, six of whom survive, namely: William, who lives in Chatham, Ontario, Canada; Norman a resident of Little Current, in that province; Mrs. J. M. Rankin, and Mrs. Dr. Mc- Gavock, both residents of Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. A. E. Wilson of Toronto, Canada; and Albert.

Albert Trotter acquired his education in Kent county, Canada, to which place his parents had moved in his early boyhood, and his initial business experience was obtained in connection with the timber and lumber industry, later in the handling of timber and farm lands in the different provinces until 1902, when he came to Toledo and joined with his brother David, who had located in this city several years prior to that time, and who had established a very successful and thrifty wholesale lumber business. They were partners in the undertaking, Albert handling the timber and manufacturing business in Tennessee and Alabama, where they were extensive manufacturers of lumber and staves until November, 1916, when David very suddenly passed away. The subject of this review has since continued the business industry and is still manufacturing lumber on their vast holdings of timber land in the southern states, and conducting the wholesale and retail planing mill and factory business in Toledo, Ohio.

The entire business is under the direct management of Mr. Trotter, who serves as president of the different concerns. A business of large proportions has been developed by the adding of the Trotter-Whelan Real Estate and Insurance Company, of which Mr. Trotter is president and which concern carries on an extensive real estate and insurance business.

Mr. Trotter serves on the board of directors of several local concerns in which he is financially interested, other than his own companies. He is also a member of several clubs in the city, including the Maumee River Yacht Club. Being interested in various sections of the city, he is a member of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, of the South Side Chamber of Commerce and of the East Side Chamber of

On May 28, 1903, Mr. Trotter married Miss Sarah Kennedy of Chatham, Ontario. They have become the parents of one son, William David, who was born in Spring City, Tennessee, in 1907, and is now a student at Waite high school. Mr. and Mrs. Trotter and their son are members of Park Congregational church.

A spirit of undaunted enterprise has characterized Victor Comte in the conduct of business affairs and through his active career he has made steady progress until his holdings and business connections are large and important. He has always lived in Lucas county, his birth having occurred in Oregon township on the 12th of March, 1870, his parents being Henry and Mary (Simons) Comte. It was about the year 1853 that his father came to Toledo. He was a mason by trade, having learned bricklaying at an early age, and here he assisted in building many of the early business blocks and substantial residences of that period, his efforts contributing in large measure to the architectural improvement and adornment of the city. Later he removed to a farm near the city, where he resided for a number of years, afterward returning to Toledo, where he made his home until his death.

Victor Comte, having completed his public school education, prepared for the battles of life, determined to come off victor in the strife. He has achieved his purpose and has made for himself a most creditable position in the front rank of representative business men here. For the past thirty years he has been a well known accountant, but this has not constituted the scope of his activity, for he is the treasurer of the B. R. Baker Company, dealers in clothing and men's furnishings. He is likewise the president of the Merchants Credit & Adjustment Association and his sound judgment, his capability and tact in this connection have brought about important and valuable results. He is likewise a director of the Comte- Naumann Building Company and his determined purpose enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

On the 2d of June, 1896, occurred the marriage of Victor Comte and Miss Mary A. Dahm of Toledo, and they have become parents of three children: Veronica, who is the wife of Joseph M. Boyle of this city; Mildred Victoria; and Bernard Clifford. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Comte is connected with the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and his interests in regard to the city and its welfare are broad and of substantial character. He cordially supports plans and projects for the general good and he has keen interest in Toledo, for his life has been passed within the borders of city and county.

John C. A. Leppelman

John C. A. Leppelman, secretary and treasurer of the Consolidated Pump Company, has had broad experience along business lines and his enterprise and ability have carried him steadily forward to the goal of success. He was born in Maumee, Ohio, April 24, 1870, and his parents were Emil and Olive (Allen) Leppelman, the former a native of Fremont, Ohio, and the latter of Maumee.

The maternal grandfather, John C. Allen, was a native of New England 'and removed to this state at an early period in its development, settling at Maumee, where he spent the remainder of his life. The paternal grandfather was a pioneer of Lucas county and his son, Emil Leppelman, removed to the west, locating in Kansas. He continued to make his home in that state until his death, devoting his attention to the manufacture of sleds and wagons. The mother passed away at Washington, D. C., in 1886.

John C. A. Leppelman, their only child, acquired his education in the public schools of Maumee, Ohio, and Washington, D. C., and at an early age he left home, going to the panhandle of Texas. He secured work as a cowboy on the "Diamond Tail" cattle ranch and followed that exciting occupation until 1890, when he came to this city, and for five years had charge of the factory of the Toledo Pump Company. In 1895 he went to Memphis, Tennessee, and established a lumber business which he conducted successfully until 1900, when he disposed of his interests there and returned to Toledo, resuming his connection with the Toledo Pump Company. In association with G. M. McCarty and E. M. Tibbetts, he purchased the business, which was reorganized and has since been conducted under the name of the Consolidated Pump Company. Following the death of Mr. McCarty it has been operated by Mr. Tibbetts and Mr. Leppelman, the latter of whom is serving as secretary and treasurer. They manufacture pumps and ladders, utilizing fifty employes in the operation of their plant, and their products are shipped to all parts of the United States and also to points in Mexico and Canada. Mr. Leppelman has made a close study of the business, of which he has a detailed knowledge, and his energy, foresight and keen sagacity have been determining factors in the success which has attended the activities of the firm. His standing as a business man is indicated in the fact that he has been called to the presidency of the National Association of Ladder Manufacturers and is now filling that office.

On the 20th of February, 1895, Mr. Leppelman was married to Miss Anna Frances Schrink of this city and they have become the parents of three daughters: Olive, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, acquired her education in this city and is now the wife of V. E. Brailey of Toledo, by whom she has a daughter, Sibyl Brailey; Aileen was also born in Memphis and became the wife of Edwin F. Broer, of this city ; Catherine was born in Toledo and is still at home.