USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II > Part 30
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In 1897.Mr. Matzinger was married to Miss Emma Switzer, of Cleveland, and they have two children. They hold membership in the First Presbyterian church, and Mr. Matzinger is also interested in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association, to which he belongs. Fraternally he is associated with the Knights of Pythias and the Masons. He is also connected with the Cleveland Athletic Club and is very fond of athletics and field sports, of hunting and traveling, find- ing his recreation along those lines. He has not won his success by leaps and bounds, but through continuous effort, that is prompted by a determined spirit and one that recognizes obstacles as well as opportunities and evolves well for- mulated plans to overcome the former and utilize the latter.
WILLIAM WALLACE LUDLOW.
William Wallace Ludlow is the treasurer of the Cleveland Cooperative Stove Company, and his efforts have been a resultant factor in the growth and success of the business, which is now one of the largest enterprises of this character in the city. He was born in Chardon, Ohio, April 22, 1858, and is a representative of an old New York family. The family is of English lineage, and the first rep- resentatives of the name in America were numbered among the early colonial settlers of the seventeenth century. The great-grandfather, George Ludlow, was a native of Long Island, and he and his brothers took active part in the war of the Revolution. His son, Oliver W. Ludlow, the grandfather of our subject, was born January 1, 1800, near Cayuga Lake, New York. He came to Ohio in 1828, settling in Newbury, where he practiced medicine throughout the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1865. He was one of the most prominent phy- sicians of that section of the state. His son, Linnaeus C. Ludlow, was born August 2, 1831, and was a native of Newbury, Geauga county, Ohio. On leaving the place of his nativity, he removed to Cleveland in 1856. After two years, how- ever, he returned to Geauga county and was there elected recorder, which posi- tion he filled for six years. He then returned to Cleveland, where he engaged in the hotel business, being connected with the American Hotel. His death oc- curred in 1901. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Helen Stafford, was a daughter of Charles and Martha (Smith) Stafford, of Auburn, Ohio. Both the Smith and Stafford families were among the pioneer settlers of this state and were descended from early New England ancestors, who became residents of that section of the country during the colonization of the new world. The death of Mrs. Ludlow occurred in 1904, when she had reached the age of sixty-seven years.
William W. Ludlow was educated in the public schools of Cleveland, com- pleting his course in the Central high school, after which he entered business life
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as an employe of the Cleveland Cooperative Stove Company. He began as time- keeper and foundry clerk, eventually served as general clerk, as superintendent and at length as treasurer. In fact he has served in practically every department , of the business, gaining comprehensive knowledge thereof and has contributed in substantial measure to its development. Its volume of trade is extensive and the business has been built up along safe and conservative lines that have even- tually won substantial success.
Mr. Ludlow has been married three times. In 1882 he wedded Adell Staf- ford, who died in 1887, leaving two children: Kate, who was born November I, 1883, and Arthur, deceased. In 1893 Mr. Ludlow was again married, his second union being with Myra Wilson, who passed away in 1895, leaving a daughter Myra, whose birth occurred April 21, 1895. On the 15th of July, 1901, Mr. Lud- low wedded Alice Logan, the daughter of Franklin Logan, and they are pleas- antly situated in an attractive home at No. 54 Grandview avenue, Cleveland Heights.
Mr. Ludlow is a republican in his endorsement of national principles, but in local elections he votes independently. He belongs to the Cleveland City Lodge ' of Masons and to the Credit Men's Association, and he is also a member of the board of education of Cleveland Heights. His interest in community affairs is manifested by active cooperation in many movements for the public good, his labors being a direct force in much that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of his section of the city. His success is attributable entirely to his close applica- tion, his persistency of purpose and the readiness with which he solves intricate business problems.
ELMER ELSWORTH McPECK, M. D.
Dr. Elmer Elsworth McPeck, who since 1893 has engaged in the general prac- tice of medicine in Cleveland, was born at Jewett, Harrison county, Ohio, Feb- ruary 10, 1863. He comes of a family of Scotch-Irish origin. His great-grand- mother in the paternal line, came from Ireland to America, while the McPeck family was established here at an early date. Both families were numbered among the old settlers of western Pennsylvania. John E. McPeck, the father of Dr. Mc- Peck, served throughout the Civil war as a captain and was wounded while in the service. He has devoted his entire life to farming and is still living in Harrison county, Ohio. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Mary Davidson, passed away in 1904.
Dr. McPeck in his youth had the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the farm boy who is reared in a home of moderate financial resources. Tasks in con- nection with the development and improvement of the farm were early assigned to him, and these he performed through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he attended the district schools of his native county. He afterward had the benefit of further instruction in the Hopedale Normal College of the same county, and when his review of the field of business led him to the resolution to make the practice of medicine his life work he entered the Starling Medical Col- lege at Columbus and was graduated therefrom in 1889 with the M. D. degree. Immediately afterward he entered upon the private practice of medicine at Bow- erstown, Ohio, and there continued until 1893, when he removed to Cleveland since which time he has engaged in general practice here. He has been medical examiner for the Union Central Life Insurance Company, and he belongs to the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the Cleveland Medical Library Association. There is perhaps no profession so little commercialized as that of medicine, for the con- scientious physician performs his duty even when there is no hope of financial return. Moreover, it is a profession in which only ability can win advancement,
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and that Dr. McPeck's practice is continually growing is proof of his thorough understanding of the scientific principles and his correct application thereof to the needs of suffering humanity.
On the 22d of October, 1890, Dr. McPeck was married in Wellsville, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth S. Crowe, a daughter of the Rev. N. K. Crowe, a Presbyterian minister, then living at Wellsville, but now retired, his home being near North Ridgeville, Ohio. Mrs. McPeck is active in literary and church circles and is a lady of broad culture and refinement, possessing, moreover, the humanitarian spirit which prompts her generous response to a tale of need, sorrow or distress. The family now numbers two children : John Kendall and Mary Frances, aged re- spectively, seventeen and eight years. They reside at No. 8303 Hough avenue.
HON. THOMAS M. MEHARD, M. D.
Hon. Thormas M. Mehard, who was loved for his sterling character, his genial disposition and his dauntless manhood and honored and esteemed by reason of the prominence to which he attained in professional circles, whereby he made his life of great usefulness to his fellowmen, was born at Wurtemberg, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, on the 29th of July, 1844. He was descended from Irish and German parentage and came of a family of strong intellects whose members were prominent in professional circles, different representatives of the name becoming well known in the ministry, in the law and in the medical profession. Dr. Mehard's early boyhood days were spent among the hills and valleys of western Pennsyl- vania and during that period he also made frequent trips across the state line into Ohio. He obtained a general education in the common schools and afterward attended Westminster College at New Wilmington, in his native county. He was a youth of studious habits and an industrious reader who assimilated the knowledge which he gained, turning it to use in his life work. After he had completed his more specifically literary course he determined to prepare for the practice of medicine and to this end entered the Western Reserve Medical College of Cleve- land, Ohio, from which he was graduated in February, 1870. He located for practice at Wampum within a few miles of his native place and for twenty-one years continued an active member of the profession, his reading and study re- sulting in ability that carried him continually forward and won for him an eminent position at the head of the profession in Western Pennsylvania. In professional lines his reading was very extensive and his keen judgment enabled him to readily determine between the essential and the non-essential in all ideas and innovations which were advanced in connection with his professional duties. He was not only very successful in his profession but also in outside business ventures and was numbered among the men of affluence in Lawrence county. As the years passed he made investment in different paying concerns. He was the owner of valuable business property in Cleveland and made frequent visits to this city and planned on making it his home. In fact he was about ready for the removal when death came to him. He erected the first block to be built at the east end at the head of Payne avenue and this property, which is on East Fifty-fifth street, is still in possession of the family. He was also interested in a large flouring mill at Wampum, Pennsylvania ; was the owner of a block and residence there ; and was also a heavy stockholder in the Wampum Run Coal Company and other mining enterprises.
In 1872 Dr. Mehard was married in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary Jane Murdoch, a daughter of William Francis Murdoch, of one of the wealthy old Pittsburg families. Her grandfather, Robert Murdoch, came from Scotland and was an early resident of Pittsburg. Four children were born unto Dr. and Mrs. Mehard but only one is now living, Mrs. Ora Hober, of Pittsburg. The others are: Robert; Sarah, who became the wife of Newman Statts; and Lyda, who
THOMAS M. MEHARD
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became the wife of Dr. Secord Large. In all those traits which mark the ideal husband and father, Dr. Mehard was richly endowed. He left to his family a competency of the accumulations of his active and busy life but more than that he left to them beautiful memories of their association with him. All of his plans, whether for the present or the future, embraced the good of the members of his own household. The tender care which he manifested for members of his family who were at times with him in Harrisburg during the sessions of the senate bore testimony to the fervency of his affection for those whose life was a part of his own.
It was not only professional and business interests and family ties, however, that claimed the time and attention of Dr. Mehard. He was ever alive to his duties of citizenship and, when he felt that his fellow townsmen desired his services, he gave to them the use of his time and his talents in efforts for the public good. He was a school director in his borough for several terms, acted as president of the school board and was a member of the borough council of Wampum, in which connection he did active and effective work for municipal interests. In November, 1888, he was elected to the Pennsylvania senate from the district composed of Lawrence and Mercer counties, receiving a majority of four thousand over all competitors. He continued a member of the upper house until his death and his public record was one over which there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. In fact he stood as a high type of progressive citizenship and as a legislator who could not be swerved from what he believed to be the path of his duty. During the session of 1891 he was chairman of the committee on federal relations and served as a member of the committees on appropriations, agriculture, health and sanitation, retrenchments and reform and public buildings. Said one of his colleagues in the assembly, "As a senator his keen sense of right and justice, his unflinching integrity and tenacity of purpose made him at all times the faithful and reliable representative of his constituency. My acquaintance with Senator Mehard began with the first days of the last session of the legislature. Though differing in political opinions, he was one of the first to bid me welcome to a seat in this body. I had known him by reputation as a prominent member of a most distinguished family. The same courteous and kindly consideration that always characterized his associations with his fellow senators in this body were the most prominent traits of his character in every-day life. It was these amiable characteristics of his nature that without effort made him the genial companion and the faithful friend." Dr. Mehard attended the Presbyterian church and never neglected his Christian duties at any time. When away from home he sought a church of his denomination wherever he happened to be and when in Cleveland, where he was often called on business, he attended the Euclid Avenue Presbyterian church. He passed from this life October 15, 1891, and at the call of the president, the senate met in extraordinary session to take action concerning his death. On that occasion Senator Critchfield said. "Senator Mehard was a firm believer in the Christian religion and although I have been told that he was not a member of the church his loyalty to its creed and his confidence in its doctrines were ap- parent to all who were on terms of intimacy with him. He did not regard the present as being all of life but looked upon it as a preparatory scene in which faith may be cultivated, hope expanded and charity exercised and the living prepared for a brighter and better home beyond."
Perhaps no better estimate of the life and character of Dr. Mehard can be given than by quoting from the addresses made on the occasion when the senate met to take action concerning his death. Senator Osbourn, of Philadelphia, who was the first to speak on that occasion, said: "Senator Mehard was a gentleman in all the relations and transactions of life ; possessed of a friendly disposition, candid, open-hearted, and always honorable; he was not given to ostentatious parade or show, but was of a quiet and reserved nature. These characteristics were observable throughout all of his career, and he combined with these the dignity of the scholar. He was so well balanced in mind that all his gifts and
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powers were symmetrically developed, making up an even-tempered and well- rounded man. He had the strength of a positive nature coupled with the simplicity of a child, and we noted a conspicuous absence of the ordinary frailties with which human nature is too frequently sullied. All his words and actions bore the stamp of sincerity, while his judgment was tempered to a marvelous degree with patience and kindness. His modesty was so uniform that few were fully aware of his exceptional attainments. He was gentle in all things yet had an inflexible firmness of conviction and principle. He was actuated by a desire for the happiness and prosperity of others, and much of his time at home in his latter years was spent in the performance of the humane works of a philanthropist. He kept well abreast of advanced thought in his chosen profession and, although devoting much time to its study, he also found time to do much miscellaneous reading and was especially fond of our own American writers."
Senator Markley said: "Senator Mehard came into this senate, I believe, a stranger to all of us ; but it was not long until he had made a favorable impression. He was quiet and unassuming, and yet those who came in close contact with him were impressed that he was a superior man in many respects. He was not only endowed with a good physique, but also with a vigorous, inquiring, liberal mind which made his judgment of men and things almost infallible, and with a kind and sympathizing heart he was well adapted for the profession of medicine, which he practiced with success for twenty years. He was a true, manly man, with great courage, and yet as mild and kind as a child. He disliked show or parade, pre- tense or sham. He loved goodness for its own sake, and disliked meanness, for it was a characteristic foreign to his nature. I sat close to him during two sessions of the senate and I learned to know him well-and regarded him as one of the best men I ever knew. Death was not his last day, nor his worst day. I am firmly of the opinion it was the beginning of a higher and better life."
Another senator bore testimony concerning Dr. Mehard as follows: "He pos- sessed in a rare degree the ability to win and retain the friendship of those with whom he associated. He was entirely frank in his manner, and so completely without disguise that his friends had no difficulty in knowing when they had his approval or disapprobation. He was a man of benevolent heart and obliging disposition, and there are few members of this body who will not be able to re- member some kindly act performed in their behalf. He was a man of pure thoughts and pure life, and no word ever passed his lips that was not proper to be uttered in the most refined presence by a Christian gentleman. As a legislator he was thoroughly conscientious and his vote was always cast upon the side he be- lieved to be right. It mattered not to him by whom a measure was proposed; if he believed it to be just it was sure to find in him an ardent supporter. He never hesitated to consider what effect his action might have upon himself personally, or upon his political prospects, for to him the approval of his own conscience was more than the praise of his fellowmen. What more can be said of any man? He who performs his duty conscientiously in the place he occupies, whether it be high or low, is the best citizen and the one who best fills the place for which Infinite Wisdom brought him into being."
SAMUEL KIRBY.
The historian in his researches concerning Cleveland, her early history and her upbuilding, finds that Samuel Kirby was numbered among her merchants in the middle portion of the nineteenth century, and although he did not take up his permanent abode here on his first arrival he soon returned and for a long period was identified with the tea and coffee trade in the city. He started upon the journey of life at East Chatham, New York, March 28, 1827, and pursued his education at New Lebanon, New York. Subsequently he went to New York
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city, where he was employed for a number of years, and in 1860 he came to Cleveland, taking up farming in this part of the state. After a brief period, however, he returned to New York in 1864 and there engaged with the firm of P. Reed & Company in the tea and coffee business, while still later he was with the firm of Fisher, Kirby & Brown. In 1870 he came again to Cleveland and established business in this city as a tea and coffee merchant, continuing in that line of trade with good success until 1876, when he retired from business, spend- ing his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was a reliable and progressive merchant, who enjoyed the confidence and trust of his business colleagues and contemporaries.
In 1856 Samuel Kirby was united in marriage to Miss Maria Coit, a daughter of Henry Coit. She died in 1876, and in 1880 Mr. Kirby married her sister, Miss Elizabeth Coit, who still survives. The death of Mr. Kirby occurred on the Ist of November, 1880. He was justly accounted one of the valued business men of Cleveland, holding to high standards in all of his commercial as well as per- sonal and social relations.
Henry Coit Kirby, the only son of his father's first marriage, was born Sep- tember 21, 1860, in Greenville, Ohio. He supplemented his early education by study in the Western Reserve College and in the Case School of Applied Science, both well known institutions of learning in Cleveland. His practical business training was received in this city, and, entering mercantile lines, he continued therein without interruption until his death, which occurred July 1, 1901. His business record was characterized by all that is admirable and commendable in the merchant of the present day, who must possess not only industry and perse- verance, but also unfaltering enterprise and much of the initiative spirit in order to make substantial advancement in the commercial world.
On the 12th of October, 1886, Mr. Kirby was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Wright, a daughter of E. P. Wright, and unto them were born two children, who are yet living: Henry Wright, who is now attending Yale Univers- ity ; and Eleanor Coit Kirby. Mr. Kirby was a member of the Unitarian church and a man of broad humanitarian spirit. He belonged to the Country Club, and his social qualities made him popular with a large circle of friends, his record, like that of his father, reflecting credit upon an untarnished name, and the com- munity mourned the loss of one of its representative and valued merchants when death called him to the home beyond.
HARRY RUNNELLS MANCHESTER.
Harry Runnells Manchester is the president of the James & Manchester Com- pany, conducting one of the oldest and most important general fire-insurance agencies in Cleveland. He was born in Cleveland, October 18, 1866, his parents being James and Louise (Runnells) Manchester. While spending his youthful days in his father's home he pursued his education in the public schools, master- ing the branches of learning in the consecutive grades until he won promotion to the high school. He made his initial step in the business world in connection with insurance interests in the employ of his father, who in 1862 established the present agency under the name of Runnells & Manchester. Harry R. Manchester was at that time eighteen years of age. He did not place his dependence upon parental authority to win advancement but sought progress through his close ap- plication and indefatigable energy, whereby his ability was increased and his re- sponsibilities were accordingly enlarged. Gradually he worked his way upward and, saving his money, was at length enabled to purchase a third interest in the old company. In May, 1907, this firm consolidated with the James, Parsons & Ruggles Company and was incorporated under the name of the James & Man- chester Company. This is one of the oldest fire-insurance agencies of the city
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and stands among the foremost, when judged by the extent of its clientage and the reliability of the firm.
In Cleveland in 1902 Harry R. Manchester was married to Miss Frances I. Noonan, a daughter of Lawrence Noonan. Her death occurred in January, 1907, and two children, Paul and Louise, were left to mourn the loss of the mother.
Mr. Manchester is an advocate of republican principles, his study of the ques- tions of the day leading him to the belief that the republican platform contains the best elements of good government. His loyalty to Cleveland is manifest in many tangible ways, and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further projects that are matters of civic virtue and of civic pride. His business record is a creditable one, for at the outset of his career he made it his purpose thor- oughly to understand fire insurance in every phase, and his comprehensive knowl- edge of all that relates to the business, combined with his unfaltering diligence and unabating energy, have carried him to a prominent position as a representa- tive of this field of activity.
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL.
Alexander Campbell has reached the eighty-second milestone on life's journey. He has been a resident of Cleveland since 1855 and for many years was a promi- nent contractor here, his diligence and industry bringing him substantial success, enabling him now to live retired. His record suggests the poet's lines :
"How blest is he Who crowns in shades like these A youth of labor With an age of ease."
Mr. Campbell was born at Coalbost on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, September 27, 1827, his parents being Malcolm and Annie (Campbell) Campbell. His boyhood and youth were passed in the land of hills and heather, whose mountains and glens, lakes and plains have been the theme of song and story through many centuries. At length he determined to seek his fortune beyond the Atlantic, and coming to the United States in 1851, at the age of twenty-three years, he was apprenticed to McDonald Brothers, his cousins, who were engaged in the railroad contracting business. He began taking special contracts, his first task of this character being in connection with the construction of the Bradford & Buffalo Railroad. His second contract was with the Binghamton & Syracuse Railroad, after which he executed a contract with Collins Brothers. Later he was engaged on the building of the Lake Shore Railroad between Oberlin and Elyria, Ohio, and subsequently on the construction of the embankment of the Lake Shore Railroad on the lake front. He arrived in Cleveland in 1855, and in 1860 began taking city contract work, this largely occupying his time until 1889. He graded Center street, graded and laid the sewers on Broadway, Woodland, Oregon and Erie streets, paved Euclid and Case avenues and Detroit street and also laid the paving between the car tracks for Mayor Tom Johnson from this city to Brighton. He also paved St. Clair and Main streets and in fact his handiwork in this regard is seen in nearly all of the leading streets of Cleveland. For many years the most important city contracts were awarded him and his business assumed extensive proportions, necessitating the employment of a large force of workmen. In this connection he did excellent work, his faithful execution of contracts being his best advertise- ment.
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