USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II > Part 108
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In 1845, Edward Lewis married Mrs. Harriet Lowrie, who died in 1892. They were parents of five children, of whom only one, Mrs. Charles H. Weed, survives. The family residence was at the old No. 615 Euclid Avenue in a home
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becoming a gentleman of Mr. Lewis' means, where his friends were always welcome.
He manifested a keen interest in municipal affairs, but never sought office. His political identification was with the republican party. He was ever mindful of his obligations to the public and his duties of citizenship. Firm in his convic- tions, his position upon any vital question was never an equivocal one. Mr. Lewis survived until February 16, 1904, when he was laid to rest in Lakeview cemetery.
HENRY STARKE.
Henry Starke has reached the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten but is still a very active factor in the world's work, and in energy, spirit and interests seems yet in his prime. He has conserved his forces through their capable direc- tion, and at all times his business activity has been well balanced by his devotion to the public good and his broad humanitarianism. Starting in business life in Cleveland by cutting wood at fifty cents per cord, he has steadily climbed upward until he is today one of the prominent figures in the public eye, at the present time capably managing municipal affairs in his position as superintendent of parks. His labors in this connection need no other encomium than the testimony of their own splendid appearance.
Mr. Starke was born in Hanover, Germany, April 7, 1839. His father, Henry Starke, came to Cleveland in 1859, and soon afterward settled upon a farm near Dover, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1894, when he had reached the age of seventy-four years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ella Hellman, was also a native of Hanover, Germany, and died in 1899, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years.
In the public schools of his native land Henry Starke pursued his education and upon his father's farm remained until coming to America on a sailing vessel, landing at New York. Immediately after his arrival on the shores of the new world, he came to Cleveland and was first employed here in cutting wood at fifty cents per cord. He then secured a factory position, which he filled for three years and subsequently engaged in the oil refinery business with Charles A. Dean, who was the pioneer oil man of Cleveland. Three years were passed in that man- ner, on the expiration of which period Mr. Starke became foreman for Schofield & Holly, with whom he remained for a year and a half. He was also for three years foreman with the firm of Hussey & McBride in the oil business, and turning his attention to mercantile lines on his own account, he engaged in the grocery business on Scovill avenue, conducting a successful enterprise there for twenty years. In that period his trade steadily increased and his well managed affairs brought him substantial and merited profit. He next became associated with street railway interests in connection with Tom L. Johnson, helping to promote and build the Scovill avenue line. He acted as general foreman and superintend- ent of the road and was later manager and purchasing agent at the barns of the. company. He was known as the father of the Brooklyn line and remained with the street railway until its consolidation, after which he was claim agent for the construction lines for two years.
At that time Mr. Starke removed to Detroit in association with the Johnson railway interests and spent five and a half years in that city, being actively en- gaged in the change of the lines from horse to electric power. He was superin- tendent of lines in Detroit until 1901, when he returned to Cleveland and in the latter year was appointed assistant superintendent of parks. Three years later he was promoted to the superintendency and during his administration many im- provements have been made in the park system and seven playgrounds have been added to the city, while all the large parks have been extended and improved in accordance with the most modern and progressive ideas of parkways. With the
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keenest realization of the value of the parks in growing cities with their congested population, he has sought to give Cleveland a park system which would be most creditable, because of the benefits derived therefrom, and most attractive by reason of the beauties of landscape gardening there offered. While Mr. Starke is a strong republican in principle, he has always been a strong supporter of Tom L. Johnson in his fight for civic improvements and the promotion of civic inter- ests, and is a director of The Johnson Company. As the years have gone by and he has prospered in his undertakings he has from time to time made investments in property and is now the owner of extensive real-estate interests.
On the 6th of October, 1857, Mr. Starke was married to Miss Clara Bente, a daughter of Edward and Katherine (Brugemann) Bente, who were also natives of Hanover, Germany, where they were reared and married. Mrs. Starke was born August 15, 1836, and departed this life July 21, 1906. She was all that is implied in the term "a devoted wife and mother" and she was also active in church and charitable work. Four children were born of this union: Herman, who died in infancy ; Henry F., of Cleveland ; John, who is a dealer in horses; and Louise, the wife of Ernest Boester. The family residence is at No. 1880 East Twenty- fourth street. Mr. Starke finds his recreation in driving and outdoor sports but neither the demands of business nor the pleasures afforded in social relations ex- clude his active participation in movements for the public good, nor for the re- ligious development of the city. He is a member of the Science Lutheran church, is president of the German Lutheran Beneficial Association, acts as a trustee of the church and was president of the building committee through the periods when the school and church edifices were erected. He is a typical man of the period, alert and enterprising, recognizing and utilizing opportunities in business, yet with an understanding that material things do not make up the sum total of existence and that the tri-fold nature of man demands development in other directions as well. He has displayed the keenest interest in intellectual and moral progress of the city and in all those affairs which are relative to vital civic concerns.
CHARLES C. BOLTON.
Charles C. Bolton, a Cleveland capitalist, unlike many men of wealth, finds sufficient attraction and interest in his native city to continue to make it his home. His birth here occurred March 23, 1855, his father being Judge Thomas Bolton, who was born in Scipio, New York, November 29, 1809. He became a resident of Cleveland in 1834, when the city had scarcely emerged from village- hood, and was for many years one of the most prominent attorneys and judges of the Ohio bar.
Charles C. Bolton, provided with excellent educational opportunities, attended the public schools, Miss Guilford's Academy, the Phillips Exeter Academy of Exeter, New Hampshire, and then entered Harvard University in 1873, being graduated within the classic walls of that institution in 1877, when the degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred upon him. He was there a classmate of the late Governor William E. Russell, of Massachusetts, and President Lowell, of Har- vard. The two years following his graduation he spent in travel abroad, thus supplementing his university course by the broadening knowledge and culture which only travel can bring. He next became identified with Rhodes & Company, the predecessors of the firm of M. A. Hanna & Company, and remained in that connection for twenty-five consecutive years. The history of the firm is a part of the commercial records of Cleveland and is known to every citizen who is at all familiar with Cleveland's business development. In 1904 he retired and as a capitalist is now devoting his energies to his many private interests.
Mr. Bolton is a life member of the Chamber of Commerce, is serving on its directorate and is chairman of its military committee. He enjoys the compan-
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ionship of fellow members of the Union, University and Country Clubs of Cleve- land and of the Duquesne Club of Pittsburg. His study of the political issues and questions of the day has led to his support of the republican party and his religious belief is manifest in his membership in St. Paul's Episcopal church. He has also figured in military circles of this city and was a charter member of the famous Troop A, a most aristocratic military organization, in which he has served in every capacity from private to captain and is now a veteran member. Realizing and fully meeting the responsibilities of wealth, he has been a generous contributor to many benevolent purposes and projects and was chosen president of the Associated Charities to success General Barnett. He has since devoted much of his time and wealth to this splendid charitable organization.
On the 24th of November, 1880, Mr. Bolton was married to Miss Julia Castle, a daughter of William and Mary (Newell) Castle, the former at one time mayor of Cleveland. Their children are five in number : Chester, a graduate of Harvard University of the class of 1905 and now with the Bourne-Fuller Company ; Ken- yon, a graduate of the University School, now connected with the Baker Motor Vehicle Company ; Irving and Newell, who are attending Harvard; and Julian, who is a student in the University School. Mr. Bolton finds interest in all manly outdoor sports, in motoring, hunting and fishing. He belongs to Winan's Point Shooting Club and the Castalia Sporting Club . His city residence is the old family homestead at No. 7016 Euclid avenue, where his birth occurred, and his country home is at Camden, South Carolina. With deep attachment for the place of his nativity, he has always maintained his residence here, although he indulges his love of travel, for which he has every opportunity.
W. DOMINICK BENES.
W. Dominick Benes, whose many designs of Cleveland's prominent build- ings place him in a conspicuous position before the public as one of the city's leading architects, was born in Prague, Bohemia, June 14, 1857. Far back in the ancestral history appears the name of Benes in connection with the profession of architecture, for Russell Sturgiss in his dictionary of architecture gives the name of Benedict Benes, who was architect to the king of Bohemia and erected many important buildings of Prague, where he died in 1537. Joseph M. Benes, the father of W. D. Benes, was one of the first citizens that Bohemia furnished to Cleveland. He was born in Prague, Bohemia, in 1826, and came to this coun- try with his brother, John V. Benes, an architect, in 1866. He first located in Chicago, where he remained for about a year, and afterward came to Cleveland. He had previously learned the cutter's trade in connection with merchant tailor- ing and in this city associated himself with Carson & Company, tailors. Subse- quently he established a tailoring business at Euclid and Willson avenues, where he conducted an extensive and profitable enterprise. He was widely read on historical and political topics and was foremost among those who supported the early educational movements among his countrymen. His wife bore the maiden name of Josephine Nowak. His family consisted of five sons and two daugh- ters : Carl D., W. Dominick, Anthony J., G. Dale, George D., Rose and Josephine.
W. Dominick Benes began his education in the schools of Prague, was after- ward a student in the public schools of Cleveland and later in the high school at Oberlin, Ohio. In 1872, however, he put aside the text-books which he was using at Oberlin to study and work with his uncle, J. V. Benes, an architect of Chicago. Upon his return to Cleveland seven months later he entered into a three years' contract with A. Mitermiler to study architecture and thus his time passed from 1873 until 1876. The following twenty years were spent in the office of Coburn & Barnum, architects, and for two years he was a member of the firm of Coburn, Barnum & Benes. Later he spent a year in a partnership relation
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W. D. BENES
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which was maintained under the name of Coburn, Barnum, Benes & Hubbell, and since the 5th of May, 1897, he has been practicing his profession under the firm name of Hubbell & Benes. His study has been given more especially to designs and among the commissions which he worked on while with the above firms were those for the plans of the Olney art gallery, the Historical Society building, the Goodrich House, the Wade Memorial, the Citizens building, the Centennial arch, the Cleveland School of Art, the East End Baptist church at Euclid and Logan streets, the West Side market house and many fine residences. At present he is engaged upon the design for the Cleveland Museum of Art, which is to be built in Wade park. The Centennial arch, for which he made the designs, was seventy feet high, one hundred feet wide and twenty feet thick. The orna- mentations were elaborate and beautiful. There were six plaster cast groups on pedestals, one on each side and one on each end. Those in front consisted of winged figures, seven feet high, holding aloft vases of flowers. Around the front of the arch proper ran a band of decorative work, while in the center or key- stone was a large American eagle with outstretched wings. The frieze set forth an ornamentation in which cupids, shields and garlands played the leading part. On top of the arch a balustrade with flags of all nations formed the crowning decoration. At night it appeared in all its glory, light from nine hundred electric lamps shining forth, brilliantly illuminating the public square. Possessing good business ability, comprehensive knowledge of scientific principles and splendid appreciation for all that is artistic in light, form and coloring, Mr. Benes well deserves to be classed with the leading architects of Cleveland.
On the 9th of March, 1881, in this city, Mr. Benes was married to Miss Ma- tilda F. Nowak. Her parents were among the pioneer Bohemian residents of Cleveland and her father, Frank Nowak, erected the first meeting house for the various Bohemian societies. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Benes have been born four children : Grace, Clara, Matilda and Jerome Howard. The last named was mar- ried April 15, 1908, in Lakewood, Ohio, to Miss Alice R. Maile.
Mr. Benes was a member of the Bohemian Turners Society, a local athletic association, and was teacher therein for several years. He was also a member of the first Cleveland Athletic Club and the Young Men's Christian Association Business Men's Club. He was formerly a member of the Century Club and now belongs to the Clifton Club and the Lakewood Yacht Club. Interested in the public schools, he served as a member of the board of education of West Cleve- land from 1885 until 1887 and he has done active work for municipal progress as a member of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce since November 20, 1901. Along more specifically scientific lines he is connected with the American Institute of Architects, which has its headquarters in Washington, D. C., and is now president and past president of the local chapter of that organization. He is also a charter member and at one time was president of the Cleveland Architectural Club. He has held to high ideals in his profession, working ever along lines of progress, recognizing the fact that his advancement must depend upon the in- crease of his skill as well as upon the ability to carefully and systematically manage his business interests.
ROBERT MURRAY KILGORE.
Robert Murray Kilgore, who has recently identified himself with the commer- cial life of Cleveland as district sales agent of the Jones & Laughlin Steel Com- pany, was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1877, his parents being Jesse B. and Mary (Barker) Kilgore. The former was a native of Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and during his early life devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. Later he engaged in the wholesale wool busi- ness, being connected with William Barker, Jr., & Company, with whom lie re-
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mained throughout his active life. He died September 27, 1904, and his widow survived him less than a year, for her death occurred July 10, 1905. They were the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters, those besides the sub- ject of this review being: William B., of Oakmont, Pennsylvania; Jesse V., of Wilkinsburg, that state; Edwin S., of Blairsville, Pennsylvania; Jane B., who is the wife of George B. Taggert, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania; and Ann M., who is the wife of R. S. Zimmers, of Blairsville, Pennsylvania.
In Blairsville-his native town-Robert Murray Kilgore received the best edu- cation the public schools afforded, for after having completed the course in the grammar grades he entered the high school, where he fitted himself for college. He was enrolled as a student of the Pennsylvania State College, but after the close of his sophomore year he left that institution to obtain a commercial train- ing in Duff's Business College. Upon leaving there he entered the employ of the Jones & Laughlin Steel Company as an office boy. He was twenty years of age at the time and by reason of his wide education and the sterling traits of char- acter which have ever distinguished him, he was able to rise rapidly, becoming in succession shipping clerk and city salesman in the sales department, finally being entrusted with a district of which Cleveland is the center. He came to this city in January, 1908, opening an office at 808 Rockefeller building. He has promoted the interests of his firm with the ability which has ever characterized his relations in the business world, taking a conspicuous, though justifiable and exemplary pride in making his division one of the most profitable of the many maintained by this important concern.
On the 30th of September, 1900, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kilgore and Miss Bertha Wallace, a daughter of William M. Wallace, of Pittsburg, Penn- sylvania. Three children have been born unto the couple: Jane Taggert, Jesse Baxter and Robert Murray, Jr.
Mr. Kilgore belongs to the college fraternity of Kappa Sigma and is very active among the Masons, for he is a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 221, A. F. & A. M., and, having been advanced to the rank of a Royal Arch Mason, is a member of the Duquesne Chapter. Socially he finds relaxation in the Union Club. Since he has been of age to exercise his right of franchise Mr. Kilgore has steadfastly given his support to the principles of the republican party, placing strong reliance in their value, although apart from casting his ballot whenever there is occasion he has taken little active interest in political affairs. He is a Lutheran in his re- ligious affiliations and is a member of the church of that denomination at Craf- ton, Pennsylvania.
MORRIS W. KASTRINER.
Morris W. Kastriner, who all through his student days pursued courses that have constituted valuable features in his later success as a member of the bar, is now practicing as a member of the firm of Feniger & Kastriner in Cleveland. He was born in New York city, April 3, 1880, a son of Jacob and Bertha (Hess) Kastriner, the former born in Hungary in August, 1854, and the latter in Savan- nah, Georgia, January 29, 1858. Jacob Kastriner came to the United States in 1868. He arrived in Cleveland twenty years ago and for many years was con- nected with the manufacture of clothing, making a specialty of boys' shirtwaists. His wife is the daughter of Jacob Hess, who was born in Germany in 1836 and died in 1899. He was for many years a retail clothier in New York.
Morris W. Kastriner began his education in the public schools of the eastern metropolis and when eight years of age accompanied his parents to Cleveland, where he continued his studies until he was graduated from the Central high school in 1897. He was an alumnus of Adelbert College of Western Reserve Uni- versity of 1901, in which year the Bachelor of Arts degree was conferred upon him.
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His professional training was received in the Western Reserve University law school, where he was graduated an LL. B. in 1904. Locating for practice in Cleveland, he joined Mr. Feniger in organizing the present firm of Feniger & Kastriner. While he engages in general practice, he yet pays much attention to corporation and commercial law. When in college he made a specialty of philiso- phy, history and economics, debating and oratory, branches which have brought him that broad general knowledge upon which the perfect learning of the law should always rest. He was awarded a philosophical prize for a theme on "The Ethics of the Golden Rule" and one of four who participated in the junior oratorical contest. His reading and research have always covered a wide range and he is regarded as an interesting companion in those circles where intelligence is accounted a necessary attribute. Aside from his law pratice he is interested in business concerns, being a director in The Harburger Brothers Company, The Double Eagle Bottling Company, The Colonial Printing Company, The Automatic Bed Chair Company, and The Garland Realty Company. He has a large practice among people of his own race but even a larger clientage among those of other nationalities.
Mr. Kastriner is popular wherever known and is largely recognized as a leader in the different organizations with which he is associated. He belongs to the Euclid Avenue Temple, is active in its work, is serving on the membership board and is treasurer of the Euclid Avenue Temple League. He is a member of the Excelsior Club, the Knights of Pythias, the B'nai B'rith and the Independent Aid Society, and gives his political allegiance to the republican party but is not an active worker in its ranks. Never infringing on the rights of others, his con- sideration and deference for the opinions of those with whom he comes in con- tact are qualities which are constantly expanding the circle of his friends.
GOODMAN DORFMAN.
Goodman Dorfman, now deceased, was one of the successful business men on the west side of Cleveland and also a citizen of large public and philanthropic spirit. He was born in Memel, Germany, September 3, 1871, a son of Bernard and Hannah Dorfman, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. He received a good education in the public schools of Memel, in which he was a pupil until fourteen years of age, when he came to America. For a short time he remained in New York, his port of landing, whence he made his way to Cleveland, for he had relatives in this city.
Here Mr. Dorfman assisted in a clothing store, while he spent his evenings and spare time studying and reading to increase his knowledge and become pro- ficient in the English language. He was particularly fond of Shakespeare, Dick- ens and other authors, whose works are regarded as classics. He had been in this city for something less than ten years when he engaged in business for himself, opening a men's furnishing store upon the west side. It started modestly, but by reason of the sound business principles upon which it was established, the energy, ability and up-to-date methods of Mr. Dorfman it became one of the best in this section of the city, while at the same time it was enlarged to include all lines of clothing and furnishings. At one time Mr. Dorfman was also a director of the American Savings Bank but resigned that position a year before the institution failed.
On the IIth of February, 1902, Mr. Dorfman married Miss Bertha Cramer, of Cleveland, who had been engaged as a teacher here for several years previously. She was a daughter of Mayer Cramer, a shoe merchant. Their union was blessed with two children: Bernard M., six years of age; and Gertrude, who is still in her infancy.
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Mr. Dorfman was very quiet and refined in his tastes, a deep lover of books, his home and his family. He was instrumental in securing the Lorain-Clark Library for the west side, and was also prominent in numerous charities, both those supported by his own race and others. He was a member of the Federation of Jewish Charities, contributed regularly to the Babies Dispensary, the Jewish Infants Home and the Cleveland Christian Orphanage, bequeathing to each of these institutions donations at the time of his death. Fraternally he was con- nected with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith and was a member of Scoville temple. His death occurred April I, 1909, depriving Cleveland of one of her earnest workers and progressive and charitable citizens.
FREDERICK H. GOFF.
Frederick H. Goff, president of The Cleveland Trust Company, was born at Blackberry, Kane county, Illinois, December 15, 1858, his parents being Fred- erick C. and Catherine J. (Brown) Goff, the former a coal operator of Cleve- land. The family is an old one in this country, the first representatives of the name having come to the United States as early as 1670.
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