A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 112

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 112

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Mr. Quail gives his political allegiance to the democracy and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Appreciative of social amenities, he holds member- ship in the Union, Euclid, University and Colonial Clubs.

LAWRENCE E. YAGGI.

Since his college days when he was the leader in athletics, Lawrence E. Yaggi has always been recognized as an influential factor in the different circles in which he has moved. He is now practicing law in Cleveland as a member of the firm of Leet & Yaggi, and with strong purpose and unabating energy is making steady progress toward the front rank of the legal fraternity here. One of Ohio's na- tive sons, he was born in Columbiana county, March 14, 1879. The family is of German lineage and was founded in America by Jacob Yaggi, the grandfather, who was born in Germany and for many years was connected with the Swiss guards at the Vatican in Rome. His son, Christian Yaggi, was born in Colum- biana county, Ohio, in 1843, and died March 14, 1896. His wife, Mrs. Lucinda (Hoffman) Yaggi, was also a native of the same county.

After attending the country schools Lawrence E. Yaggi continued his study in Mount Union College for four years, and his broad literary training served as an excellent foundation for his professional knowledge when he entered upon the study of law in the Western Reserve University. He was graduated in 1905 with the L.L. B. degree and began practicing alone but formed his present part-

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nership in 1906, becoming junior member of the firm of Leet & Yaggi. He has largely confined his attention to damage suits and corporation law and is well versed in both departments. His practice, too, is constantly growing, indicating increasing confidence in his ability on the part of his fellow citizens and he has been sent to Europe on a number of cases.

Mr. Yaggi has always been interested in manly outdoor sports and athletics. He made a splendid record in college on the football, basketball and track teams. He won all contests which he entered and was regarded as the best athlete in the Mount Union College. He played half-back on the football team, was captain of the track team and played center on the basketball team which held the inter- collegiate championship for two years. He also became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. His political support is given to the democracy and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Windermere Methodist Episcopal church. He was married August 20, 1908, to Miss Anna L. Jones, a daughter of William and Laura (Webb) Jones. In the five years of his residence in Cleveland he has won many friends and has made substantial progress in the profession he has chosen as his life work.

WILLIAM HERRON.

William Herron, who spent the last three years of his life in honorable retire- ment, was a self-made man who worked diligently and perseveringly for the suc- cess which he enjoyed. He was born August 1, 1831, in the north of Ireland, his parents being John and Elizabeth (McKee) Herron. The father was a farmer on the green isle of Erin and died when his son William was but six years old. The lad pursued his education in the schools of his native country until he reached the age of fourteen years. He remained in Ireland until a youth of seventeen, when he crossed the Atlantic, attracted by the broader opportunities which he believed were offered in the United States. Landing at New York in 1848, he made his way at once to Pittsburg, where he remained for three years, during which time he learned the painter's trade. He soon became an expert workman in that line, and, thinking Cleveland offered a better field, he made his way to this city. His employer was loath to have him go and therefore refused to pay him his back wages, but undeterred by this difficulty he left Pittsburg without the money which was his due and arrived in Cleveland in 1851 with a cash capital of but a dollar and a quarter. Diligent and determined, he immediately sought em- ployment, which he secured through a Mr. Willard, for whom he worked many years, his long retention in that service being unmistakable proof of his ability and trustworthiness. Later he entered into a painting and hardwood finishing business on his own account, opening an establishment in the basement of the old Williamson building, while later, as his patronage increased, he sought more com- modious quarters on Bond street. There he continued in business until about three years prior to his death, when he retired, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.

The interests of his life were those which had to do with the political situation of the country, the moral progress and the social life of the community in which he dwelt. He gave his support to the men and measures of the democracy until William J. Bryan became the standard bearer of the party, when he allied his in- terests with the republican party. He had many chances for political preferment but always refused, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business af- fairs. He attended the Methodist church and was interested in all projects for the moral, intellectual and material benefit of the community. His home life presented many attractive features. He was married October 14, 1859, to Miss Jane Young, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Campbell) Young, who came from Scot- land to Cleveland in 1845. The father was a wealthy man, bringing with him from

WILLIAM HERRON

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the old country a handsome competency, so that he lived retired in this city. He maintained his residence on the west side, occupying a house which stood on the present site of the old Market House on West Twenty-fifth street. His daughter, Mrs. Herron, came with her parents to Cleveland and has lived in this city for sixty-four years, during which time many remarkable changes have occurred. By her marriage she became the mother of four daughters: Elizabeth, now the widow of Robert Goulder; Ann and Margaret, at home; and Helen, the wife of E. B. Woodruff. The death of Mr. Herron occurred October 4, 1903. He had passed the seventy-second milestone on life's journey and in his active life had demonstrated the effectiveness of unflagging industry and perseverance as features in the attainment of success. Honorable in all his dealings, he sought his pros- perity along the legitimate lines of trade and commerce and won not only a comfortable competence but also the respect, admiration and good will of those with whom he was brought in contact.

IRA ADAMS.

Among the prominent electrical contractors of the city is Ira Adams, who occupies a high place in its financial and industial affairs, his present standing having been acquired by his untiring energy, perseverance and excellent business ability, and he justly deserves mention among those upon whom rest the financial and industrial worth of the city. He was born here July 13, 1864, a son of Ira and Isabel (Carey) Adams. His father was a native of this state, born October 18, 1813, and his mother also, her birth having occurred April 8, 1818. Their fam- ilies were pioneers to this part of the country. The elder Mr. Adams was a wholesale boot and shoe dealer, who attained an enviable reputation as a mer- chant and handler of this class of goods, having been one of the oldest in the city. His business was so prosperous as to enable him to accumulate considerable wealth. After a useful and beneficial career, he passed away July 27, 1903, while his wife, who survived him by four years, died November 10, 1907. They had six children, two sons surviving.

The educational advantages enjoyed by Ira Adams, Jr., were acquired in the public schools of this city and upon finishing his studies he was immediately given a position in his father's shoe factory, where he learned the shoe cutting trade, at which he became an expert, continuing in that line for five years when, desirous of conducting business for himself, he organized the first merchants delivery system established here and of which he was the controlling factor for a period of four years. Eventually he disposed of his interests in that business and became affiliated with an electrical enterprise under A. B. Lyman, with whom he remained for several years. Then, in company with a partner, he launched out in business for himself under the firm of Adams & Grey, the partnership existing for two years, at the expiration of which time it was dissolved and since then he has continued alone in business. It has witnessed remarkable growth through the enterprise and industry of its proprietor, who conducts an extensive business throughout this and adjoining states. Mr. Adams is a shrewd and aggressive business man, whose straightforward dealings and industry justly entitle him to honorable mention among the commercial factors of the city.

GEORGE J. DAVIS.

Cleveland is the home of some of the most progressive business men in the country who are steadily forging to the front and making their houses known wherever goods of their kind are sold. Such commercial supremacy has not been secured without unceasing effort on the part of those in command, but the

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results demonstrate beyond any question that people are willing to pay well for superior articles and that fair dealing brings about added business. George J. Davis, proprietor of the George Davis Cooperage Company of this city, is one of the men who deserves more than passing mention in a record of this nature. Although in the very prime of life, having been born in 1878, in the city of Cincinnati, he ranks high in the business world.

Mr. Davis is a son of George and Libby (Smith) Davis, the former of whom was born in Cincinnati in 1847, but came to Cleveland in early manhood, embark- mg in a cooperage business about 1876. He ran a shop at different places, and for some time traveled through Michigan for a Cleveland cooperage house, thus gaining a complete insight into this line of business. Finally in 1893 he founded the George Davis Cooperage Company in Cleveland, coming from Chicago to do so, and continued to conduct it until his demise in 1905. He served as captain of the Uniform Rank of Foresters, and in his younger days belonged to the Home Guards. His wife was born in 1860, in East Liverpool. She was married in Cleveland and survives her husband, making her home with her sons.

The education of George J. Davis was obtained in Chicago, where his parents were then living. As soon as he left school, Mr. Davis began traveling for the D. W. Ryan Company, continuing with them for over a year, but in 1894 he came to Cleveland to assist his father in his new venture. Learning the trade, he remained with him until his death, when he and his brother continued the business under the old style. Their territory extends over Ohio and a part of Pennsylvania and New York. The company make a specialty of high grade goods for wine and whiskies and fancy articles including pipe racks and um- brella stands. The young men have introduced new methods, while maintaining the old excellence, and their trade has prospered accordingly.

In 1905 Mr. Davis married Alice Bishop, who was born in Germany but was brought to the United States in infancy by her parents, who located in Cleve- land. Mr. Davis is a member of the Workmen of the World, and the Commercial Travelers Protective Association. A strong republican in politics, he is inter- ested in local affairs, although so far he has devoted all his energies to his busi- ness so he has had no time to hold office. He is an excellent business man, alive and energetic, thoroughly conversant with all the details of his trade and the best markets for his goods. The history of his house is excellent, and its pros- pects for the future look exceedingly promising.

CHARLES FOOTE MACK.

Charles Foote Mack, the general manager of the Kilby Manufacturing Com- pany of Cleveland, was born in Brodhead, Wisconsin, on the 25th of September, 1868, his parents being Isaac Foster and Mary (Foote) Mack. He attended the public schools of Sandusky, Ohio, until fourteen years of age and then went to Exeter, New Hampshire, where he entered the Phillips Exeter Academy, being graduated from that institution in 1886. He next became enrolled as a student in Cornell University, completing the prescribed course in 1890. Returning to Sandusky, Ohio, he there entered the employ of the Kilby Manufacturing Com- pany as a window washer at a weekly wage of three dollars. As time passed and he demonstrated his faithfulness and capability in the discharge of the duties entrusted to him, he was gradually promoted to positions of greater and greater responsibility until in 1901 he was transferred to Cleveland as purchasing agent and later was made works manager. In 1907 he was appointed general manager of the entire factory and in this capacity his sound judgment and business ability have contributed in no small degree to the success of the company. They manu- facture cane and beet sugar machinery, rolling mill, wire and nail machinery,

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automatic engines and boilers and do all classes of heavy machine, foundry and boiler work.

On the 4th of January, 1893, in Vincennes, Indiana, Mr. Mack was united in marriage to Miss Anna De Wolf, a daughter of Judge W. H. De Wolf of that city. Their home is at No. 2041 East Ninety-sixth street. Politically Mr. Mack is a stanch advocate of the republican party, while in religious faith he is a Pres- byterian. He is a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon of Cornell University and also holds membership relations with the Euclid and Lotus Clubs. Beginning at the bottom of the ladder, his advancement in the business world has come in recognition of his tested ability and he now occupies a responsible position with one of the most important and extensive manufacturing concerns of the city.

ARTHUR C. EDWARDS.

Arthur C. Edwards, an architect of admitted ability, who has done much im- portant work throughout Cleveland and whose excellent attainments rank him among the foremost following his profession, was born in Lansing, Michigan, July 17, 1871. Since launching out in the commercial world he has attained an enviable reputation in his line of business, which has placed him in a position where he stands second to none in his particular work.

He is a son of Arthur B. Edwards, a native of New York state, born in 1833, who eventually settled in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where for many years he was interested in contracting and building, at which he was eminently successful, and he is now living in retirement. At the outbreak of the Civil war he answered his country's call to arms and served for three years in that conflict. The mother of our subject, Elvira (Goodrich) Edwards, was born in 1844, in New York state, where she was married. She and her husband are still living, participat- ing in the enjoyment of the fruits of former toil.

Arthur C. Edwards received his preliminary educational advantages in the public schools of his native city, subsequently completing a two years' course of study in technical training in architectural work, after which he was em- ployed on a farm for about two years. At the expiration of that period he was apprenticed to the carpenter trade, at which he served two years, and then en- gaged in the contracting business for about ten years. In 1898 he pursued a course of instruction in an architectural school, and in 1904 assumed a position in that line of work for himself. He has since been quite successful as an ar- chitect and, being a close student who has given much attention to modern build- ing designs, he is rapidly attaining an enviable reputation in this line and is ranked among the foremost architects of the city. For quite a while he confined his work principally to church architecture, in which he made quite a success, but at present is devoting his time to residences, and in connection with his busi- ness is pursuing a special course of study in drafting and illustrating. He is a man naturally adapted to the occupation, being ambitious to attain to the top notch in his profession, and the reputation in architectural lines which he has already established bids fair to make him one of the popular architects of the city.

DUDLEY B. WICK, JR.

When the aged pass from life it seems the natural course of events and what is to be expected, but when the young are called from the scene of earthly activities it is a matter of profound regret, especially when their worth and work seems to promise a progressive and prosperous future. The death of few young men of Cleveland have been as deeply regretted as was that of Dud-

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ley B. Wick, Jr., one of the city's native sons, born on the 23d of July, 1876. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Dudley B. Wick, and in his youthful days he was a student in the University School and high school of Cleveland and subsequently entered Cascadilla School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1898. He afterward pursued special courses preparatory to enter- ing upon the profession of an electrical engineer at both the Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland and Cornell University at Ithaca, New York.

Mr. Wick was thus well qualified for the profession which he wished to make his life work and became connected with the North Electric Company, with which he remained until his life's labors were ended in death. His tire- less energy, close concentration and ability enabled him to rise steadily from a subordinate position to that of chief of the engineering department, and he filled his place of responsibility in a most capable and acceptable manner, win- ning at the same time the high esteem and admiration of his business associates. His course seemed to foreshadow a brilliant career and much was expected of him. He possessed an inventive turn of mind and had already secured several valuable patents.

On the 21st of June, 1904, Mr. Wick was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Sutphen, eldest daughter of the Rev. Dr. Paul F. Sutphen, the pastor of the Second Presbyterian church of Cleveland. Unto them was born one child, Ruth Dudley, whose birth occurred April 11, 1905.

Mr. Wick was a member of the Euclid Club and of the Roadside Club. He was popular with those he met in social as well as business circles, for his na- ture was characterized by a geniality and his manner by deference for the opinions of others. He was a faithful member of the Second Presbyterian church and his life was actuated by high and manly principles. On the Ist of March, 1905, he passed away amid the deep regret of all who knew him, leaving to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, while his memory is enshrined in the hearts of all with whom he came in contact.

PETER GERLACH.

Peter Gerlach came to Cleveland about 1844 and was numbered among the self- made men whose ability and energy enabled them to o'erleap the environment of youth and work their way upward. For years Mr. Gerlach figured prominently as a representative of industrial life in Cleveland, being extensively engaged in the manufacture of saws, his establishment being numbered among the leading pro- ductive industries of the city. He was only eleven years of age when he came to Cleveland and his death occurred here in November, 1908, when he was seventy- five years of age. He had, therefore, been a resident of the city for more than six decades. He came from Germany to the new world with his father and was edu- cated here, although his opportunities for mental development through the training of the schools were somewhat limited, owing to the necessity for him to start out in life on his own account at an early age. However, in the school of experience he learned many valuable lessons and through reading and observation was contin- ually broadening his knowledge until in later years he became recognized as a man of sound and discriminating judgment, whose views of life were never narrow nor contracted. He began to earn his own living by working in Mack's Cap Store, for his father died soon after the arrival of the family in Cleveland and it was neces- sary that Peter Gerlach earn his own living. In the Mack establishment hats and caps were manufactured and Mr. Gerlach was there employed for a period, after which he learned the shoemaker's trade. Subsequently he engaged with his brother Philip for a time in the baking business but he did not find that pursuit congenial and sought another field of labor in which to exercise his indefatigable industry- his dominant quality. He found what he sought when he took up the business of

PETER GERLACHI

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manufacturing saws. For a short time he was in partnership with others and then formed a partnership with his brother John and Andrew Nipper, organizing the business under the firm style of Peter Gerlach & Company. Eventually this was re- organized under the name of the Peter Gerlach Manufacturing Company, under which the business is still operated. Through the efforts of Mr. Gerlach the little plant developed into a large and prosperous concern, expanding along legitimate and substantial lines as the result of the keen business discrimination and unfalter- ing activity of Peter Gerlach, who devoted his entire time to the business and was its president.

In 1861 Mr. Gerlach was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Schaaf, a daughter of Conrad Schaaf, who came to Ohio from Germany and located in Brooklyn on the Schaaf road. He was one of the pioneers of the locality, took up land and eventually purchased other farms. His business interests were capably managed and grew to be very extensive, so that eventually he was the owner of a number of fine large farms and Schaaf road was named in his honor. He was, moreover, a man of decided literary tastes who read extensively and possessed wide information on a varied range of subject. In his family were nine children, of whom four are yet living : Jacob, who resides on the old home farm near Brook- lyn ; Mrs. Green ; Mrs. Ferber ; and Mrs. Gerlach.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gerlach were born two children, Catherine and Lillian. Mr. Gerlach erected the fine residence on Detroit avenue where his last days were spent. He was a self-made man who never had occasion to regret coming to the new world. He felt that the business advantages over here were superior to those that he might have enjoyed in his own country and through the utilization of the opportunities which came to him he gained a prominent and substantial place in business circles, enjoying at all times the respect and confidence of his colleagues and associates. He was always public-spirited, was a charitable man and on many occasions gave liberally and unostentatiously for the benefit of others. He be- longed to various German societies and to the German Evangelical church, while his political allegiance was given to the requblican party. His financial condition at his death was in marked contrast to his circumstances when in his youthful days he arrived in Cleveland, a little German lad unfamiliar with the ways and customs of the country. He readily adapted himself to altered conditions, however, and the passing years chronicled his success and the victories which he achieved over cir- cumstances.

ABRAM G. FARR.

Abram G. Farr, now living retired from the storm and stress of business ac- tivity after a useful and successful life, is one of Cleveland's substantial and representative men. He was born in Claridon, Geauga county, Ohio, December 19, 1835, being a son of Farlander and Salome (Wells) Farr, who came to Ohio from Vermont, settling in Elyria in 1827, at a time when there were but five families in the place. A few years later they removed to Claridon, Olio, where the father became a farmer, but in 1839 he embarked in the hotel business and continued in it with a fair degree of success until 1859, when he came to Cleveland and became a grocer.

The school days of Abram G. Farr were spent in Claridon until he was fif- teen, and he pursued his studies in one of those little red schoolhouses that are fast becoming but a memory. When fifteen he removed to Mayfield and had the advantage of two terms additional schooling before he began earning his living. When only eighteen years of age he went to Colorado to engage in mining and prospecting, remaining away two years. In 1862 he drove the overland stage from Bear river to Weber river through Echo Canon, Utah. He has traveled all through Idaho, and Montana engaged in mining. For eight years he was connected with the Western Mining Company, but in 1867 he returned to Cleve-

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land and embarked in the grocery business. He also handled considerable city realty and continued to be actively engaged in these lines until 1892, when he retired well satisfied with the results of his industry and ability.

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A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 112

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