A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 105

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II > Part 105

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L. AUSTIN.

The business development of Cleveland found an active representative in L. Austin, who arrived in this city in 1859, removing from Akron, Ohio. He was a native of the town of Wilmington, Vermont, born in 1817, and in 1835 arrived in Ohio. His father, Linus Austin, was a Baptist minister and he was reared amid the refining influences of a home of culture. He spent the first eighteen years of his life in New England and then became a resident of Ohio, where he continued to live until called to the home beyond. For a long period he resided in Akron and in 1859 removed to Cleveland, where he lived for almost three decades. Here he established the Austin Powder Company and devoted his life from that time forward to building up an extensive business in that line. He was also connected with a similar enterprise in Akron and was very active in the management of his affairs, establishing his business upon a safe foundation and developing it to ex- tensive proportions. His trade became a very large one and brought to him sub- stantial success. As his financial interests increased he extended his efforts to other lines and was well known in financial circles as one of the directors of the Society for Savings.

Mr. Austin was united in marriage January 21, 1852, to Miss Louisa C. Avery, who was born near Akron in Summit county, Ohio, a daughter of Amos and Mary A. (Collins) Avery. He was devoted to his home, being a man of domestic taste who found his greatest happiness at his own fireside while his greatest pleasure came in providing attractive surroundings and all of the comforts of life for his wife. 'In 1876 he erected his residence at 3625 Prospect street, where his widow still resides.

The life of Mr. Austin was a most honorable and upright one, actuated at all times by the highest principles and never did he swerve from any course which he believed to be right. His many sterling qualities gained him the good-will and genuine friendship of those with whom he came in contact. He possessed a most charitable heart which was manifest in his many benevolences, for when the call of the needy was heard he never failed to respond. As the years passed on he intrenched himself more and more deeply upon the affection of those with whom he came in contact, so that at his death, which occurred on the 19th of April, 1887, he was deeply mourned by those who knew him.

WOODSON T. CAMPBELL.

Woodson T. Campbell, who is known to the theater-going public of Cleveland as one of the proprietors of the Star Theater, has been connected with the life of this city for the greater part of fifteen years. He was born in Fairview, Rush county, Indiana, November 11, 1851, and is a son of George and Sarah A. Camp- bell. The parents were both native born Americans, and the father was for many years a preacher in Indiana. He died in Illinois in 1872, while his wife survived about six years, passing away in Rushville, Indiana.

Woodson T. Campbell received his early education in the public schools of Rushville, Indiana, but did not devote himself to his lessons for very many years.

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When he started out to make his own way in the world he became a sewing machine agent. Later he clerked in a hotel at Connersville, Indiana, for about three years. In 1873 he engaged first in the circus business, with which he was associated for upward of twenty years. In that period he was connected with Barnum, Forepaugh and W. C. Coup, men prominent in that field of entertain- ment. In 1883, he opened a dime museum in Philadelphia, although he continued to travel with Barnum at the same time.

It was about 1895 that Mr. Campbell came to Cleveland and entered at once into partnership with Mr. Drew, of the Star Theater, which the firm has con- ducted since. They have also play houses in Detroit, Michigan, and Winnipeg, Canada, which, like that in Cleveland, are profitable investments. At the time of his marriage Mr. Campbell gave up active participation in circus performances and has since devoted a great deal of time and energy to the breeding of horses in Rushville, Indiana, and for a number of years was given the management of priv- ileges with different circuses. He has evinced a notable degree of business acu- men in the years of his work, is endowed with real executive ability, and those qualities of good management which assure a prosperous outcome for his under- takings.

In January, 1887, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Lura Hollis- ter, of Wauseon, Ohio, and the couple now resides at 2041 East Ninety-sixth street. Mr. Campbell holds membership in the fraternal organizations of the Masons and the Elks, with whose interests he has always identified himself, while as a member of the Gentleman's Driving Club, of Cleveland, he has opportunity to enjoy the sport of which he is especially fond. A man of keenness and discrim- ination in forecasting the public taste, he is also possessed of a strong character, whose worth has obtained for him the respect of all who have come in contact with him.

WILLIAM BARRISS McALLISTER.

William Barriss McAllister, prominent as a contractor of Cleveland, is the president of the W. B. McAllister Company. His birth occurred in Cleveland on the 5th of March, 1877, his parents being Arthur and Emma (Barriss) McAl- lister, the former having been born at Darby, Pennsylvania, in August, 1830, while the latter's birth occurred in Ohio in 1844. Arthur McAllister was suc- cessfully engaged in business as a contractor of New York until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he joined the Union army as a member of the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery. He was appointed captain of his company and in that capacity served under different commands until 1867, when he was mustered out with the rank of lieutenant colonel by brevet. After the war he made his way to St. Louis and in that city was actively engaged in the contracting business for a time. The year 1875 witnessed his arrival in Cleveland and here he remained as a successful representative of building interests until the time of his demise in 1898. His wife had passed away in 1879.

William B. McAllister supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the public schools of Cleveland, by a course in the military school at Ossining, New York, where he pursued his studies from 1886 until 1892. During the fol- lowing four years he attended the Case School of Applied Science and after leav- ing that institution became associated with his father in the contracting business. Following the latter's death he bought the interests of the other heirs in the busi- ness and in January, 1899, reorganized the concern under the name of the W. B. McAllister Company. On the 14th of December, 1903, the company was incor- porated. As the president of this concern Mr. McAllister now occupies a promi- nent position in building circles and he is widely recognized as a man of untiring energy, keen foresight and excellent business ability. He belongs to the Carpen- ter Contractors Association, the Builders Exchange and the Employers Associa-

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W. B. MCALLISTER

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tion of Cleveland, and is a member of the executive board of the Building Trades Employers. He likewise has membership relations with the Chamber of Com- merce, the Hermit Club, the Tavern Club and the Phi Kappa Psi. Throughout his business career he has always faithfully executed the terms of a contract and met the obligations devolving upon him and the enviable reputation which he enjoys as a representative of industrial interests is therefore well merited.

COLONEL ARTHUR McALLISTER.

While almost twelve years have passed away since Colonel McAllister was called to his final rest, he lives in the memory of his many friends as the higher type of the loyal citizen and progressive, reliable business man. Such a history is a source of inspiration and may well serve as an example for others. Never faltering in the performance of any task which was rightfully his, never neg- lecting any duty, never betraying any trust, he stood as one of whom his fellow- men had only words of praise, respect and good will. Moreover, he attained a notable position in business circles as one of the most prominent contractors and builders of northern Ohio, and to this position of eminence he worked his way steadily upward by his own efforts from the early age of eight years, when he began providing for his own support by picking the seeds from the cotton in the cotton mills of Darby, Pennsylvania. It was in that city that he was born, Sep- tember 30, 1830, a son of Christopher and Margaret (Morton) McAllister. The latter was a representative of a very prominent family residing near Belfast, Ireland. In the same locality lived the McAllister family but Christopher Mc- Allister and Margaret Morton did not become acquainted until after they had crossed the Atlantic and were residents of Baltimore, Maryland. Their ac- quaintance, however, soon ripened into love and in that city they were married. It was in the year of 1800 that the father made the voyage to the new world. Later he served in the United States navy and was on board the ship Philadelphia when it was grounded at Tripoli.

In his youthful days Colonel McAllister entered the public schools of his native city but when a youth of eight secured a position in the cotton mills of Darby and it was only by reading and study in his leisure hours that he improved his mind and further promoted his education. He continued to work in the mills until fifteen years of age, when, thinking that he might find other pursuits more congenial and profitable, he decided to learn the carpenter's trade and spent the succeeding five years as an apprentice to one of the prominent carpenters of New York city. He mastered the business in principle and detail, becoming a thor- ough and expert workman. In fact his progress in his chosen calling was such that at the end of two years he was placed, as foreman, in charge of a number of workmen and at the age of seventeen years took charge of the contract to con- struct a bandstand in Central Park, New York, carrying forward the work to successful completion and receiving complimentary mention therefor from both the contractor and the park officials. At the end of his apprenticeship, when he was about twenty years of age, he engaged in business as a stage carpenter, be- coming connected with several of the best theaters of New York city, where he remained until after the outbreak of the Civil war. While thus engaged he came in contact with many of the celebrated actors of the day and his reminiscences of stage celebrities were most interesting not only to his family but to a large circle of friends. He continued in business in New York until 1862, when his patriotism was aroused by the continued attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and he offered his services to the government, becoming a private of the Fourth New York Battery. He not only continued in the military service of his country throughout the war but also for two years after its close and was mus- tered out with the brevet of lieutenant colonel. He served in the Army of the

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Potomac until 1863, when he was ordered to New Orleans and operated with the Army of the Gulf in Louisiana, Texas and Florida. He participated in several important engagements and gained special mention for his valor and meritorious conduct in the battle of Fredericksburg. Gradually he was promoted from inter- mediate ranks to that of captain and in 1867 was made captain and lieutenant colonel by brevet, having been retained in service after his term by General Sheri- dan upon special authority from the war department, and spent the last two years of his army life upon the staff of that gallant commander.

After being released from military duty Colonel McAllister established him- self in business as a contractor of St. Louis, spending two years in that city. He then removed to Fort Scott, Kansas, and was prominently identified with the building interests of that place. About 1870 he returned to New York, where he carried on the contracting business until 1875, at which time he came to Cleve- land, opening a shop in the rear of his home at No. 44 Huron street. It was not long, however, before his marked ability won recognition and, the growth of his business demanding larger quarters, he removed to 20 Newton street, where he continued until 1896. He enlarged his plant from time to time as was required by the growing business and continued as one of the most prominent contractors of northern Ohio until he succumbed to the illness which finally terminated his life on the 15th of August, 1898. Since that time the business has been carried on by his son, W. B. McAllister, who is mentioned on another page of this vol- ume. Many of the city's most expensive and modern structures are the product of the handiwork of Colonel McAllister. Early in his connection with Cleveland he erected the residences of ex-Senator H. B. Payne, Samuel Andrews, C. W. Bingham, Charles F. Brush, S. T. Everett, Stewart and William Chisholm, A. A. Pope and George Stockley, all on Euclid avenue, of Charles J. Sheffield on Pros- pect street, and the summer residence of C. W. Bingham on the Lake Shore. He was also awarded the contract for the building of the Second Presbyterian church and St. Bridget's Catholic church and numerous other buildings of more or less note in Cleveland and vicinity. In 1888 he formed a partnership with Andrew Dall under the firm name of McAllister & Dall and they continued to enjoy the reputation and hold the high rank which Colonel McAllister had won as a foremost representative of building operations in this city. They built the Calvary Presbyterian church, the Euclid Avenue Opera House, the building of the Society for Savings and the building of the Erie County Savings Bank at Buffalo, New York. The last two are classed among the finest of the modern structures of Ohio and New York respectively. The firm also erected the Sol- diers and Sailors Monument of Cuyahoga county, which stands in the public square of Cleveland and is one of the most magnificent monuments in the coun- try. They were the builders of the depot for the Lake Shore Railroad at Toledo and many of the finest business blocks and homes of Cleveland. Thoroughness and accuracy were features which Colonel McAllister always insisted upon in the labors of those who were in his employ and he gained a reputation for relia- bility second to none in the city. The skill which he manifested in making plans and in construction work also constituted a strong feature of his success, which for many years was of a most gratifying nature and placed him with Cleveland's men of affluence.

In 1870 Colonel McAllister was married to Miss Emma Barriss, of Paines- ville, Ohio, and unto them were born three sons: Arthur, who was born in 1874, and passed away in 1906; W. B., born in 1877; and Colin, in 1879. The death of Mrs. McAllister occurred in 1879, Colonel McAllister therefore surviving for nineteen years. In 1896 he was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Kate Fitzhugh Benham, who still survives him.

Colonel McAllister was popular in various social organizations, including the Union, Roadside and Athletic Clubs, in which he held membership. He was also a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion and of the Grand Army 'of the Republic and ever manifested the deepest interest in his old army com-

ARTHUR MCALLISTER

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rades. He served by appointment of Mayor Gardner for a term of five years upon Cleveland's board of criminal correction but otherwise neither sought nor held public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business af- fairs and to do his public service as a private citizen. He never faltered, how- ever, in his allegiance to the republican party, which was the defense of the Union when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields and which he always deemed to be the party of reform and progress. He was a lover of art and liter- ature and there was an analytical trend to his mind that enabled him to determine definitely the purpose and plan of what he perused and at its close to give a most thorough review thereof. His love of art prompted him to adorn his home with one of the finest collections of water colors, etchings and engravings which Cleveland possesses. Throughout his life it was characteristic of Colonel McAl- lister that he assimilate only the best. He was never content to choose that which was of mediocre quality, whether in art, literature, in business or in friendship. He was, however, quick to recognize the good in others and judge men by real worth rather than by that success as estimated in a material way. Strong in his views, his position was never an equivocal one and yet he was ever ready to accord to others the privilege which he reserved to himself of forming an unbiased opin- ion. In his business life he displayed marked executive ability, strong powers of administration and a ready recognition of the essential. At the outset of his career he recognized the fact that capable workmanship was his best advertise- ment and throughout his entire life it was characteristic of him that he live up to the spirit as well as the letter of his contracts. Because of his known honesty and reliability, his unwillingness to misrepresent anything, his support of that which was best, he came to be a man of marked influence and his endorsement of any public project was sure to win a large following. No man of Cleveland in recent years has passed from life who has been more highly respected or has more deserved the honor and esteem of his fellowmen.

ANTON BENJAMIN SPURNEY, M. D.

The life record of Dr. Anton Benjamin Spurney stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for in the city of his nativity he has made creditable record and won gratifying suc- cess in the practice of medicine and surgery, for which he was well qualified by comprehensive and thorough study both at home and abroad. His father, Anton Spurney, was born at Rakovnik, near Prague, Bohemia. Reared under the par- ental roof, Dr. Spurney completed the grammar school by graduation from the Outhwaite school in the class of 1894 and then entered the Central high school, from which he was graduated in 1898, making a high scholarship. For two years thereafter he was a student in the medical department of the University of Michi- gan at Ann Arbor and for a similar period attended the Cleveland College of Physicians & Surgeons, from which he was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1902. In May of the same year he became connected with the Cleveland City Smallpox Hospital, there remaining for several months, after which he was ap- pointed house physician to the Cleveland General Hospital, serving until March 1, 1903. On that date he entered upon the private practice of general medicine, giving special attention, however, to gynecology. He located on Buckeye Road and East Eighty-ninth street where he has since remained but has his main office at Woodland avenue and East Fifty-fifth street. In April, 1908, he went abroad and took up the subject of surgery at Prague, Vienna and Berlin. He also at- tended clinics in France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and England and thus became conversant with the most advanced and scientific methods of many of the eminent physicians and surgeons of the European countries.

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After spending eight months in study in continental Europe, Dr. Spurney re- sumed his practice in Cleveland and has since given his attention largely to surgery. He has comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and the component parts of the human body, displays the utmost delicacy and precision in an operation and, using the knife only when necessity demands, he has accomplished much good in his chosen field of labor. He is now doing most of the surgical work at St. Luke's Hospital. In professional lines he is connected with the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Spurney does not confine his membership, however, to organizations of a strictly professional character for he is one of the prominent Masons of Cleve- land, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in the Consis- tory, while with the nobles of Al Koran Temple he has crossed the sands of the desert. He also belongs to the Protected Home Circle, the Foresters of America and to several Slavish lodges.

On the 12th of July, 1904, Dr. Spurney was married to Miss Marie Vopalecky, the wedding being celebrated in Grace Methodist Episcopal church on Miles ave- nue. She was a daughter of Edward Vopalecky, formerly manager of the Bo- hemian paper, Volnost, but now retired. Mrs. Spurney died August 27, 1909, and was interred in Lakeview cemetery. Dr. Spurney resides at No. 2360 East Eighty-ninth street. He is yet a young man, having but recently passed the thir- tieth milestone on life's journey, yet in his profession he has displayed pronounced ability that has made him recognized as one of the prominent surgeons of the city.

EVAN H. HOPKINS.

Evan H. Hopkins, attorney at law, educator and author of legal publications, occupying a prominent position as a representative of the legal fraternity in Cleve- land, was born at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of November, 1864, and while spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, David J. and Mary (Jeffreys) Hopkins, mastered the elementary branches of learning. He pursued his more specifically literary course in the Western Reserve Academy, from which he was graduated in the class of 1885, and in Adelbert College, of which he is an alumnus of 1889. In preparation for the practice of law he entered the Harvard Law School and won the Bachelor of Law degree on his graduation in 1892.

In October of the previous year Mr. Hopkins was admitted to the Ohio bar and following his graduation from Harvard he entered upon practice in Cleve- land, becoming junior partner in the law firm of Herrick & Hopkins. During his practice he has conducted important litigation in the federal and state courts with gratifying success. He has much natural ability but is withal a hard student and is never contented until he has mastered every detail of his cases. He believes in the maxim, "there is no excellence without labor" and follows it closely. He has done more work as a counselor than as an advocate and yet there are few lawyers who win a larger percentage of their cases. He convinces by his concise statements of law and facts rather than by word painting. Judges and clients also respect him for his careful counsel. He has done excellent work as a law educator and from 1892 until 1895 was a member of the faculty and registrar of the law department of the Western Reserve University, while since 1895 he has been dean of the de- partment. He has also been a frequent and valued contributor to legal publications and his writings have covered a wide range and indicated a thorough mastery of the subjects of which he has treated.

On the 27th of December, 1892, at Cleveland, Mr. Hopkins was united in mar- riage to Miss Frances P. M. Shain. The family residence is at No. 9314 Miles avenue. While Mr. Hopkins has made the practice of law his real life work, his professional duties have not excluded his interest or active participation in many movements for the public good. In fact his influence and labors have constituted

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a potent element in public progress along many lines and he withholds his coopera- tion from no movement which he believes will constitute a feature of civic virtue and civic pride. He was a member and secretary of the Cleveland public library board from 1892 until 1898 and in 1900 was appointed a member of the board of park commissioners of Cleveland, serving through the ensuing year. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party. His more specifically social relations are with the University Club, while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Presbyterian church. Mr. Hopkins is a man of most courteous manners and yet firm and unyielding in all that he believes to be right. In his chosen calling whatever he does is for the best interests of his clients and for the honor of his profession. No man gives to either a more unqualified allegiance or riper ability and these qualities have won for him the admiration and respect of all who know him.

J. SCOTT KERR.

Canada has sent across the border many young men of strong purpose and commendable ambition who have sought success in the United States, where com- petition is greater but where advancement is more quickly secured. To this num- ber belongs J. Scott Kerr, now manager of the uptown branch of the Ohio Rub- ber Company, in which connection he has built up an extensive business that is enjoying continuous growth.

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A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 105

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1150