USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II > Part 12
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Pleasantly situated in his home life Mr. Hawley was married March 24, 1908, to Miss Helen Elizabeth Harshaw, daughter of William A. and Ella ( Price) Harshaw. Mrs. Hawley was educated in Smith College and is an accomplished musician, taking an active part in the musical and social interests of Calvary Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Hawley reside at No. 10 Idlewood avenue, East Cleveland, and their home is always hospitably open for the reception of their many friends. Mr. Hawley votes with the republican party and is not un- mindful of the duties of citizenship, although he cares little to figure in public life outside the strict path of his profession. He is an advocate of outdoor athletic sports, being particularly fond of horseback riding and baseball.
JOHN HOLLAND.
The years that cover the active business career of John Holland have chronicled his success as the result of determined and persistent purpose and close applica- tion. He is now well known as a stone merchant, being interested in stone quarry lands with offices at No. 207 Arcade building. A son of Daniel Holland, he was born in Ireland in 1832, and after spending fifteen years in that country long famed in song and story, he came to the new world with its boundless oppor- tunities, having determined to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. He went first to Toronto, Canada, but afterward came to Cleveland, where he worked in different lines until he finally became manager of a warehouse, there having been advanced through various promotions from the humble position of clerk. He afterward became interested in lake traffic and was clerk on the Ohio, a lake steamer. Later he acted in the same capacity on the Iron City, continuing in that position for several years, beginning in 1857. Finally he established a produce commission business on the river front, and eventually in connection with William H. Stewart, he organized and started the Forest City Stone Company, opening a stone quarry at Euclid Creek and also at Columbia station. As time passed he extended the scope of his activities, his powers increasing through experience, judgment and close application. He now holds extensive quarry lands in Huron county, Michigan, covering one thousand acres, and he has real- estate interests elsewhere.
Mr. Holland was united in marriage in 1861 to Miss Helen Luther, a daughter of a banker of Ashland, Ohio. They have become parents of one daughter, who is now Mrs. Otto H. Backer, of Bronxville, New York, the wife of the well known artist of that name. In his political views Mr. Holland has long been a stalwart democrat and in former years was active in the work of the party. On one occasion he was nominated for city treasurer of Cleveland but was defeated by twenty-six votes. He holds membership in St. Agnes church. He is one of the oldest business men of Cleveland and has been an interested witness of the growth and development of the city through long years. He remembers the time when a sailing vessel left Cleveland for San Francisco, going by way of the lakes, the Welland canal, the St. Lawrence river, the Atlantic ocean around
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Cape Horn to the Pacific ocean and then on to San Francisco. It required six months to make the trip. Mr. Holland had almost decided to go and if he had would have undergone many hardships, for they ran short of provisions, and there was much suffering before they reached their destination. This was the only vessel that ever started from Cleveland for the Golden Gate. When he came to America in 1847 he was a passenger on the Lady Flora Hastings, which sailed from Queenstown and was nine weeks on the voyage. Out of two hundred and thirty passengers over two hundred died from ship's fever, including the two brothers of Mr. Holland. He was fortunate in escaping and has lived to a ripe old age, having now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. In his undertakings he has met with gratifying success and still remains an active factor in the world's work, notwithstanding the fact that the great majority of men of his years have put aside business cares.
THOMAS F. BLACK.
At an early age Thomas F. Black gave his life in defense of the principles in which he believed, leaving the record of a brave soldier ever loyal to the cause which he espoused. He was born in Arkansas and died in battle during the Civil war in 1861. His parents were William and Sarah Black, at one time res- idents of Louisville, Kentucky. In his youthful days Thomas F. Black attended school for a few years in Kentucky, and when a youth of sixteen he was sent to Ballston, New York, by his guardian, H. W. Fairchild. There he attended a pri- vate boarding school conducted by Professor H. W. Bulkeley, spending a year there as a student. He afterward went to Princeton College, in New Jersey, and for five years devoted his time and attention to the study of law. While he was thus engaged the Civil war broke out and, returning to his native state, he enlisted in the Thirty-first Arkansas Volunteer Artillery. He became first reg- imental quartermaster and later was promoted to the rank of captain. With his troops he went to the scene of conflict, a brave and resolute soldier, willing to make any sacrifice for the principles in which he believed, and in the first battle in which his troops participated he was killed while leading his men to action.
Mr. Black had been married in 1859 to Miss Mary E. Bulkeley, a daughter of H. W. and Mary Jane (Oliphant) Bulkeley. of Ballston, New York, who conducted a private preparatory school there for forty years. In September, 1885, Mr. Bulkeley removed from Ballston to Cleveland and in this city lived a retired life, enjoying a period of well earned rest that extended to the time of his demise. He was a man of very broad and liberal education. In his life the intellectual and moral graces were thoroughly cultivated. His record was that of a high-souled, large-minded and noble-hearted Christian gentlemen. For years he was a devoted adherent of the Presbyterian faith, and in Cleveland he served as an elder of the Case Avenue Presbyterian church.
Mr. Black gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and was a member of several secret societies and college fraternities. His social qualities made him well liked, and he was a popular man wherever known.
EDWARD JOHN THOBABEN.
Edward John Thobaben, for twenty-two years a member of the bar, has spent his entire life in Cleveland. His birth occurred May 30, 1864. The family is of German descent and was founded in America by Christian Thobaben, who was born in Germany and made merchandising his life vocation. His son Henry Louis Thobaben was born in Germany in 1832 and remained a resident of his native
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country until twenty-four years of age, when in 1856 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. For a number of years he lived at various places but at length settled in Cleveland in 1866 and turned his attention to contracting and building. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service from Ohio, becoming a private of Company C, Tenth Regiment of Ohio Infantry. He made a creditable record in defense of the Union, never faltering in the performance of any military duty, whether called to the lonely picket line or stationed on the firing line. He wedded Anna Murray, a native of Ireland, who still survives, but Henry L. Thobaben passed away in June, 1874.
Edward J. Thobaben was educated in the public schools of Cleveland, although his opportunities were somewhat limited, owing to his father's early death, which necessitated his providing for his own support. Energy and determination, how- ever, have accomplished for him what education has done for others and have enabled him to overthrow all the difficulties and obstacles that have barred his path to success. He pursued his law studies in the office and under the direction of E. C. Schwan, of Cleveland, and was admitted to the bar on the 9th of June, 1887, after which he at once entered upon practice in this city. He has been alone nearly all of the time, and giving his attention to general practice, although real-estate law has claimed much of his time, and he is now attorney for a number of real-estate allotment firms. He is also the secretary of the Swaine Antidote Sani- tarium Company. Admitted to the bar, from the beginning he has made substantial progress, his advancement being due to his own efforts and merits. The possession of advantages is no guarantee whatever of professional success. This comes not of itself nor can it be secured without integrity, ability and industry. Those qualities he possesses to an eminent degree, and he is faithful to every interest committed to his charge .. Throughout his whole life whatsoever his hand has found to do, whether in his profession or in other relations, he has done with his might and with a deep sense of conscientious obligation.
Mr. Thobaben was married July 10, 1893, to Miss Carrie M. Hubbard, a daughter of Daniel and Marvilla (Seymour) Hubbard, of Camden, Ohio. Mr. Thobaben is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a republican in his political views, greatly interested in the success of the party although never a candidate for office. He has always lived in Cleveland, and the many commendable qualities in his life record have gained for him the warm friendship and kindly regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
SAMUEL HENRY COWELL.
Samuel H. Cowell, who was connected with what is now the leading jewelry house of Cleveland, well merited his success as a reward of his industry and commercial honesty. Said one who knew him well-himself a commanding factor in the business world-"His word was as good as his bond; he was the soul of honor and the better one knew him the greater the respect and the warmer the friendship entertained for him." He was born in Tenterden, Eng- land, March 12, 1849, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 14th of February, 1889. His parents were George and Editha (Espenet) Cowell who were of English and French descent. The father learned the jewelry trade in England, where he resided until 1855, when he came with his family to America and at once made his way to Cleveland. Here he entered the jewelry business and for many years was recognized as one of the oldest and most prom- inent jewelers of Cleveland.
Samuel H. Cowell was a youth of but six years when brought by his parents to the United States. Here he entered the public schools in which he pursued his studies until 1862, when he put aside his text-books to enter business circles, securing employment with George Cady, who was in the wholesale shoe busi-
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ness. He gradually worked his way upward, eventually becoming bookkeeper. Subsequently he entered the real-estate business in connection with George Rich- ardson and so continued until 1875. He then bought out his father's interest in the jewelry business, and the firm became known as Cowell Brothers Jewelry Company. Subsequently Mr. Hubbard became connected with the firm, and the business was then carried on under the style of Cowell & Hubbard, jewelers. Later, however, a stock company was organized, now known as the Cowell & Hubbard Company, which owns and controls the largest and best known jewelry house in Cleveland today. From the time of his connection therewith Samuel H. Cowell was an active factor in the development and expansion of the trade, conducting all business along the most modern and progressive lines, having a well appointed and attractive store in which a large and complete line of jewelry, diamonds and precious stones is carried.
On the 5th of September, 1877, Mr. Cowell was married to Miss Mary Bain- bridge, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Folwell) Bainbridge, of Elmira, New York. Her father devoted his life to the work of the ministry and for many years was the well known pastor of the Second Baptist church in Elmira. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Cowell are Mrs. W. B. Davis, whose husband is of the W. B. Davis Company, and Bainbridge Cowell, who is connected with the Bourne-Fuller Company. In his political views Mr. Cowell was a republican, his investigations into the vital questions and issues of the day leading him to the belief that the principles of the party are most conducive to good government. His Christian faith was evidenced in his membership in the Plymouth Congre- gational church. Well descended and well bred and reared in a life of constant and helpful activity, there always remained as salient features in his record those qualities which in every land and clime command respect and regard. Envy, uncharitableness and such traits were wholly foreign to his nature. His home was always open to the reception of his friends, and no one left there without feeling glad that he had the privilege of Mr. Cowell's acquaintanceship. His influence was felt as a strong, steady, moving force in the social, moral and com- mercial progress of the community, and in the development of Cleveland's most important mercantile enterprises he contributed in large measure to the business activities of the city.
EDWARD MAX BAKER.
Edward Max Baker, holding important relations to financial interests in Cleveland through the conduct of an extensive brokerage business, took up this department of labor unacquainted with any of the elements that enter into its conduct. Bending his energies, however, to the mastery of the business, he soon became thoroughly conversant with the elements necessary to success and is to- day regarded as one of the most prominent representatives of this line of activity in Cleveland. A native of Pennsylvania, Edward Max Baker was born in Erie, August 18, 1875, while his parents, Isaac and Bertha (Einhorn) Baker, were na- tives of Germany. The father has long been known as a wholesale and retail clothing merchant at Erie, Pennsylvania, and for the past twenty years has served on the board of education there, his term exceeding that of any other individual connected with the board. His devotion to the interests of public education is marked, and his labors have been effective, beneficial and far-reaching. In the public schools of his native city Edward M. Baker began his education, which he continued through successive grades until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1893. He afterward entered the University of Chicago and was graduated with honors in the class of 1898, at which time he received the Bachelor of Arts degree. He was also class orator and participated in two in- tercollegiate debates, while on several occasions he won prizes in debate at the
E. M. BAKER
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university and for some years was president of the University Debating Club. He was also associate editor of the Cap & Gown, a publication of the senior class.
Following his graduation Mr. Baker spent the ensuing year in Erie and then determined to prepare for the ministry of the Hebrew church. Returning to Chicago, he pursued post-graduate work at the university in philosophy and sociology and at the same time took up his religious studies under the personal tutelage of his uncle, the celebrated Dr. Emil G. Hirsch, with whom he made his home while pursuing his studies. In February, 1901, he received a call to the pulpit of Temple Israel in Chicago. This was a small, struggling congregation with little financial support. Mr. Baker at first refused the call because he felt himself unequipped and had scruples against accepting a position for which he did not feel himself fully qualified. The congregation insisted, however, saying that he and the church could grow together and that if he refused the congrega- tion would be compelled to abandon its work. When this appeal was made to him he accepted, though with some reluctance, owing to the feeling that he was not fully prepared for the work. He did not permit his new obligations to interfere with the plan of study that he had mapped out, continuing his preparation for the ministry and also his labors in connection with the church until July, 1901, at which date his brother-in-law, Jacob Mayer, of Cleveland, died unexpectedly, leaving a widow and two little children, Mrs. Mayer being the sister of Mr. Baker. Owing to the exigencies of the case Mr. Baker felt that his first duty was to his sister and her family, and he therefore resigned his position in the Temple and abandoned his studies, removing to Cleveland to live with his sis- ter and to take up and manage the brokerage business formerly controlled by Mr. Mayer. His brief ministry in Chicago had been extremely gratifying to the congregation, which had grown considerably, while the interest and enthusiasm of the membership were notably increased. His resignation was therefore re- ceived with strong protest and with great reluctance.
When Mr. Baker took up the brokerage business he was entirely unacquainted with it in any phase. His life in Chicago had kept him remote from all that per- tained to markets and quotations. He believed, however, that honesty, common sense and energy would always prove effective in the control of any business, and with these qualities he took up the work and found little difficulty in grasping the principles and details of the business. He is now conceded to be one of the leading brokers of Cleveland, controlling an extensive private business, while his position in brokerage circles is indicated in the fact that he was elected to the vice presidency of the Cleveland stock exchange, is serving as a member of its board of governors and is also the chairman of its committee on rules. Aside from his activity in connection with the stock markets Mr. Baker is also in- terested in other enterprises, all of which have profited by his cooperation, owing to his keen business discernment and sound judgment, which is rarely, if ever, at fatılt.
Moreover, since taking up his abode in this city Mr. Baker has interested himself in the civic life of Cleveland and has done his full share in its religious, philanthropic, educational and political activities. He has been vice president of the Temple here and has frequently occupied the pulpit of Rabbi Griess. For eight years he has been the secretary of the Federation of Jewish Charities and was instrumental in its organization. Through this avenue much good work has been done in relieving the wants of the needy Jewish people. He is also a member of the American Jewish committee of fifty, which in a measure is the most prominent Jewish organization in America. He is likewise the treasurer of the Legal Aid Society, one of the directors of the Babies' Dispensary Hos- pital and a member of different committees connected with the work of the As- sociated Charities. He was a member of the Cleveland educational commission of 1896, appointed by the board of education to examine into the government, supervision and course of studies of the Cleveland public schools and at all times has given his aid and his influence to further the work of public education here
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by raising the standard of the schools. Mr. Baker is not unknown in political circles and indeed is a recognized leader in republican ranks. In 1907 he was elected to the chairmanship of the republican executive committee of Cuyahoga county and was in charge for the republicans in the famous mayoralty contest between Congressman Burton and Mayor Johnson. He was also in charge of republican interests during the presidential election of 1908, which resulted in a complete victory for the republican forces of the county.
Mr. Baker holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce, the Excelsior Club, the Oakwood Club and the Council of Sociology-associations which indi- cate much of the nature of his interests. He is also the author of an essay which several years ago aroused considerable comment. It was entitled Judaisın and the American Spirit. It first appeared in the Arena in 1904 and afterward in pamphlet form for private circulation. Fond of baseball, he himself plays a good game and in 1906 was manager and second baseman of the Cleveland stock ex- change baseball team. He likewise shows considerable skill in golf, billiards and bridge whist and is a member of the Cleveland Whist Club. His manner is that of innate refinement, and his unfailing courtesy is supplemented by geniality that makes him a favorite wherever he goes. Intellectual strength constitutes one of the forces of his character and makes his influence felt in whatever line of labor he directs his energies. He is modestly inclined, but the consensus of public opinion places him in a prominent position in various associations that go to make up the sum total of life and experiences in Cleveland.
HERMON A. KELLEY.
Hermon A. Kelley, attorney at law, is a representative of one of the oldest and most honored of Cleveland's pioneer families, and in a more remote period the line is traced back to several generations in New England. The first of the name of whom we have record is Joseph Kelley, who was born in 1690 and was one of the early settlers of Norwich, Connecticut, where he died in 1716. A rep- resentative of a later generation was Daniel Kelley, who was born in Norwich, March 15, 1726, and died in Vermont in 1814. His son Judge Daniel Kelley was born in Norwich, Connecticut, November 27, 1755, and died in Cleveland, Ohio, August 7. 1831. He was the second president (mayor) of the village of Cleveland. His son Alfred Kelley, on the incorporation of Cleveland as a village in 1814, had been its first president. Alfred Kelley resigned on the 19th of March, 1816, and his father Judge Daniel Kelley was chosen the second president, being unanimously elected in that year, twelve votes being cast. He thus took active part in shaping the policy of the embryo city during its formative period, and since the opening years of the nineteenth century the Kelleys have borne ac- tive and helpful part in the work of general improvement and advancement.
Datus Kelley, oldest son of Judge Daniel Kelley and the grandfather of H. A. Kelley, was born in Middlefield, Connecticut, April 24, 1788, and died at Kelley's Island, January 24, 1866. In 1833 he had purchased the whole of Kel- ley's Island, comprising about three thousand acres, and removed his family there in 1836. He had six sons and three daughters, and the sons all assisted in de- veloping the island, but Alfred S. Kelley, the father of H. A. Kelley, was the business head of the family. He was born at Rockford, Ohio, December 23, 1826, and was not only closely associated with the cultivation and improvement of Kelley's Island but also became prominent in business life in other ways as pro- prietor of a store, as a banker and as the owner of docks and of steamboat lines. He thus operated extensively, and his enterprise was of such a character that general progress as well as individual success was conserved thereby. He mar- ried Hannah Farr, who was born in Rockport, Ohio, August 9, 1837, and died February 4, 1889. She was a daughter of Aurelius Farr, whose life record ex-
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tended from September 18, 1798, until December II, 1862. He was a son of Eliel Farr, who was born at Cummington, Massachusetts, June 16, 1777, and died at Rockport, Ohio, September 6, 1865. His father, Joseph Farr, was a native of Acton, Massachusetts, born August 3, 1743, a son of Joseph Farr, Sr., a resident of Acton and a descendant of Stephen Farr of that place, the date of whose marriage was May 23, 1674.
Through the Stow family H. A. Kelley is entitled to membership with the Sons of the American Revolution. His great-grandfather, Daniel Kelley, mar- ried Jemima Stow, a daughter of Elihu Stow, who was a soldier of the Ameri- can army throughout the period of the war for independence. Joshua Stow, a brother of Jemima Stow, was one of the members of the Connecticut Land Company, which purchased the Western Reserve from the state of Connecticut and was one of the surveying party which, under the leadership of Moses Cleveland, landed at the mouth of the Cuyahoga river and founded the city of Cleveland in 1796.
Alfred Kelley, who is mentioned above as the first president of the village of Cleveland, was at the head of the board of commissioners who built the Ohio canal. He was also the first president of the Commercial Bank of Lake Erie, the first bank in Cleveland, organized in 1816. He was likewise the au- thor, in 1818, of the first legislative bill either in the United States or Europe to abolish imprisonment for debt. It failed to pass at that time but has been so long in existence that it now seems almost impossible that such a law could have found place on the statute books of the country. He was likewise president of the Columbus & Xenia Railroad and in 1847 became president of the Cleve- land, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad, most of which was constructed under his direction. In 1850 he was elected to the presidency of the Cleveland, Pains- ville & Ashtabula Railroad, now a part of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern system. He served in both branches of the state legislature and was state fund commissioner from 1840 until 1842, at which time a party arose in the legislature which advocated the non-payment of interest on the state debt and even of the debt itself. Mr. Kelley then went to New York and to Europe and on his per- sonal credit raised the funds to pay the interest and was designated as the "savior of the honor of the state," Ohio thus being saved from entering upon the disgraceful system of repudiation.
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