USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II > Part 33
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chants, with whom he remained for two years, and on the 17th of March, 1887, he established a hardware business on his own account at No. 176 Ontario street, under the firm name of Davidson & Koehl. This firm existed until Sep- tember 22, 1892, when Mr. Koehl sold out to his partner and after an interval, or on the 20th of February, 1895, purchased the wholesale and retail hardware business of George G. Arthur at No. 168 Superior street. There he remained until April, 1895, when he came to his present location. Here he has a large store, carrying an extensive line of shelf and heavy hardware and house furnish- ings. Indefatigable labor has been one of the strong elements which with him have made for success. As he lias prospered in his undertakings he has made in- vestments in real estate and is now an extensive property owner. He is also an associate member of the Cleveland Real Estate board.
Mr. Koehl has one son, Donald, fifteen years of age. He is a member of the Country Automobile Club. There are no unusual elements in his life history, but the qualities which he has displayed are ever such as command confidence and regard, and his enterprise is of a character which contributes to general pros- perity and commercial progress as well as to his individual success.
AUGUST SINDERMANN.
August Sindermann, who has left as a monument to his memory many of the beautiful homes of Cleveland, was born February 17, 1856, in Schlasan, Germany, and died November 2, 1898. He was but a young lad at the time of his father's death, after which the mother reared the family, and Mr. Sindermann of this re- view had opportunity to attend private schools of his native city until fourteen years of age. He then entered the business college and afterward gave his time to learning the cabinetmaker's and carpenter's trades. He was seventeen years of age when he left home, spending four years in traveling around Europe, being employed at different points in the line of his chosen pursuits. A roving disposition made his life attractive to him, and in this way he learned much of the country. Eventually, however, he returned to his home in Germany in 1877. He was twice drafted for service in the German army but owing to defective eyesight was re- jected. Ambitious to make the most of his opportunities and to earn in his youth and early manhood a competence that would relieve him from want and care in his later years, he at length learned of business conditions in America and of the op- portunities here offered to young men of energy, determination and ability. He was twenty-two years of age when he crossed the Atlantic and set foot on Ameri- can soil at New York. For a brief period he remained in the eastern metropolis, working at his trade, but in 1879 came to Cleveland, where he continued to make his home throughout his remaining days. In order to acquaint himself with the English language he attended night school and also took up the study of archi- tecture, spending two years as a pupil. The days were devoted to cabinetmaking and carpentering, and when he felt that his skill and experience were sufficient to justify the step he began the contracting business on his own account in the northeastern part of the city, and as the years passed by he enjoyed an extensive business, erecting more homes and business houses than any other contractor in that locality. He was an expert wood engraver, and his skill in that direction en- abled him to add to the beauty of many of the homes which stand today as an evi- dence of his skill. He became well known in his profession and continued actively in the building and contracting business until his death.
On the 9th of January, 1886, Mr. Sindermann was married to Miss Marie Koeppen, a daughter of Wilhelm and Fredricka (Zauruke) Koeppen; who came from the vicinity of Berlin, Germany, where the father followed farming and gardening. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Sindermann are Caroline M., Marie C.,
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Florence H., and Henry A., all attending school and making their home with their mother.
Mr. Sindermann, who passed away November 2, 1898, at the comparatively early age of forty-two years, was preeminently a home man, devoted to the welfare and happiness of his wife and children. He found his greatest pleasure in minis- tering to their interests and was ever loyal, thoughtful and considerate in all of his family relations. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, and though he never sought office he was loyal to its principles. Among the German- American residents of the city he was well known and popular, and he held mem- bership in the Germania Sängerfest, a German singing society, and in the United States Workman Club. He was very fond of music and was a fine performer on the violin, which was his favorite instrument. With bow in hand he would forget all the toil and vexations of business life, spending many pleasant hours with the companionship of the best composers of all ages. He was a self-made man, enjoy- ing the success which comes as the sure and merited reward of earnest, persistent and honest labor.
HON. HARRY ALONZO TILDEN.
Rich as is America in its almost limitless natural resources, its virile strength lies in its citizenship. Unhampered by caste or class, the ambitions and labors of men may lead them from most humble environments into positions of local, state or national prominence, and the man who thus molds his own destiny and carves out his fortune is well qualified to meet and solve the intricate problems of govern- ment. Now numbered among the representative residents of Cleveland, Harry Alonzo Tilden had but a humble start, owing to circumstances that left him or- phaned at an early age. He was born on the banks of Rocky river, in Cleveland, September 19, 1868. His father, Henry Tilden, a native of Hamilton, New York, came to Cleveland in 1856 and engaged in commercial lines until his removal to the west soon after the close of the war. He died in Arizona about 1872. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nina Northrup, was a daughter of Dr. and Julia (Carter) Northrup, the latter a daughter of Captain Alonzo Carter, who came to Western Reserve from Vermont May 2, 1797. He was the first settler who brought his family and made permanent location here. With the early history of Cleveland he was prominently identified and did much toward shaping its history in its formative period.
Harry Alonzo Tilden was left an orphan at the age of four years, his father and mother both dying in 1872, after which he lived with his grandmother until her death, when he was a lad of twelve years. Since that time he has been de- pendent upon his own resources and has bravely and victoriously fought life's battles. He attended public and private school in Cleveland until sixteen years of age and later pursued a course of lectures in the Michigan University at Ann Ar- bor. Desirous ever of making advancement in intellectual lines his reading has been broad and varied, and in the school of experience he has also learned many val- uable lessons. At sixteen years of age he entered upon an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade in the Cummer Engine Works, now owned by the Kelley Manu- facturing Company. He was associated with that line of business until 1888 when he took out a license as a mechanical engineer and was thus busily occupied until 1892. He had for several years studied law during his leisure hours, and from 1892 he gave his time to private law study, attending a course of lectures until his knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence secured his admission to the bar in June, 1894. In that year he entered upon active practice and has remained alone in his profession, conducting a general practice in all of the courts but specializing somewhat in insurance and real estate law. Those branches of the profession he has found particularly interesting, and, thoroughly qualifying in those depart-
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ments, he has secured a good clientage in both. Aside from his professional in- terests and activity Mr. Tilden was one of the incorporators of the Royal Motor Car Company and has been with various manufacturing interests of this city.
Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that mem- bers of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of the community. This is but the natural result of causes which are mani- fest and require no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Always interested in political measures and activity, Mr. Tilden became a recognized leader in the ranks of the republican party and on that ticket was elected to the general assembly, serving from 1900 until 1902. In 1905 he received his party's nomination to the state senate but was defeated with the remainder of the ticket. While in the house he was largely instrumental in securing the issuance of the bonds for the East and West High Schools, the park system and the bridge crossing from Clark avenue to Harvard street. He has been unceasing in his efforts to promote the growth of and secure success for the republican party and was one of the organi- zers of and an enthusiastic worker in the Shop Club which was responsible for the nomination and election of Theodore Burton to congress.
On the 26th of February, 1901, in Cleveland, Mr. Tilden wedded Miss Anna L. Wetzel, a daughter of John Wetzel, an old resident of Cleveland. They now have one son, Theodore Burton Tilden, six years of age. The family residence is at No. 366 Hampshire road, Cleveland Heights. In addition Mr. Tilden owns a large fruit and poultry farm at Willoughby, well stocked with high bred poultry and game birds. He is an enthusiast on the subject of fine horses and owns several splendid racers including May Tell, Miss Prinity and Little Dorett. A lover of all outdoor sports, he is especially fond of hunting and is well known as a pedestrian. He finds pleasure in travel and has visited many points of interest in this country and has also been abroad. In Masonry he has attained a high rank, belongs also to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is a member of the Second Presbyterian church. He now occupies an enviable position in professional circles, which is all the more creditable from the fact that he merits the somewhat hackneyed but altogether ex- pressive title of a self-made man, being dependent upon his own resources from the age of twelve years. The opportunities which he has sought are those which have opened out along progressive lines, enabling him to make steady advancement in industrial and commercial fields and eventually leading him into professional relations which are now of an important character. A strong mentality, invincible courage and a most determined individuality have so entered into his make-up as to render him a natural leader of men and a director of opinion.
OTIS D. SUMMERS.
Otis D. Summers, whose ability finds expression in the management and control of large and important business undertakings, is now the vice president and secretary of the D. O. Summers Cleaning Company. He was born in Cleveland, December 29, 1886, a son of D. O. Summers, the president of the company, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work.
In the pursuit of his education Otis D. Summers attended the East high school, from which he was graduated and later entered the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in which he pursued a business course. He has been continuously connected with the D. O. Summers Cleaning Company since 1906 and was elected to the vice presidency in January, 1910, following the death of F. A. Grossenbacher. The company now has an extensive factory from Nos. 6202 to 6220 Carnegie avenue, S. E., and the retail trade is managed through five stores in Cleveland and several which have been established in neighboring towns. The company
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utilizes eighteen horses and five automobiles and do more business than any individual or company of similar character in Ohio. While O. D. Summers is a young man of but twenty-three years, he yet recognizes the possibilities of the business and is working earnestly for the expansion of the trade. In the position which he now occupies and which is one of active management in connection with the house he displays considerable ability in the management of men, and the wisdom of his judgment is finding evidence in the excellent results which follow his plans and ideas.
O. D. Summers has a wide social acquaintance in Cleveland, where his entire life has been passed. He belongs to Tyrian Lodge No. 370, F. & A. M., and also to the Cleveland Alumni Association of the Alpha Tau Omega.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM ADDISON HOWE.
Captain William Addison Howe, the president of the William A. Howe Com- pany and prominently known in connection with military organizations, was born in Cleveland, March 4, 1839, a son of Amaziah D. and Elizabeth (Shaw) Howe, the former born in Vermont in 1812 and the latter in England in 1816. The Howe family is of English lineage but was established in the Green Mountain state at an early day. Amaziah D. Howe, coming to Cleveland about 1835 or 1836, en- gaged in the manufacture of sash and doors. He died February 23, 1853, having for a few months survived his wife, who passed away September 8, 1852. She had come to the United States in about 1836 or 1837 with her parents.
Reared in Cleveland Captain Howe is today one of the oldest native citizens, and events which are to others matters of history are to him matters of personal knowledge or experience. He attended the Cleveland public schools, completing the work of the grammar grades and spending one term in the high school. He then learned the trade of picture-frame gilding and was employed in that way at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. The smoke from Ft. Sumter's guns had scarcely cleared away when, on the 17th of April, 1861, he enlisted for ac- tive service at the front, assisting in organizing the company that was afterward known as Company A of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was mus- tered in as a private April 22, 1861, was promoted to corporal on the 30th of April, was made second sergeant on the 19th of June and first sergeant on the 27th of October, 1861. On the 13th of April, 1862, he was commissioned second lieutenant, on the IIth of November of the same year was raised to the rank of first lieutenant and on the Ist of June, 1863, took command of his company as captain. He served with the regiment for the full term of service and was mus- tered out at Cleveland, July 6, 1864. The troops received their training at Camp Dennison and later Captain Howe took part in all the battles and campaigns in which his regiment was engaged, including the skirmish at Weston, June 30, 1861 ; Glenville, July 21, 1861 ; the battle of Cross Lane, August 26, 1861 ; Win- chester, March 22-23, 1862; Fort Republic, June 9, 1862; Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862; Antietam, Maryland, September 17, 1862; Dumfries, Virginia, December 27, 1862; Chancellorsville, May 1, 2 and 3, 1863; Lookout Mountain, November 24, 1863; Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863; Ringgold, November 27, 1863, the Atlanta campaign, from May until June, 1864; the battle of Dalton, May 8, 1864; Rocky Face Ridge, May II; Resaca, May 13-15; and New Hope Church and Dallas, May 25-26, 1864. He was sent with his command to New York to suppress the draft riot, remaining in that city from the 16th of August until the 17th of September, 1863. At Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Ringgold he was on picket duty and at the close of his three years' term of service he was honorably discharged. His own valor and loyalty had been an inspiration to the troops who served under him and his promotions came to him in recognition
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of merit. He suffered all the hardships of war included in long hard marches and dreary campaigns but was never wounded or captured.
At the close of his service Captain Howe returned to Cleveland and reentered the employ of J. W. Sargeant in the picture-framing business, with whom he had been connected before the war. He was thus employed until 1878, when, desir- ous of engaging in business on his own account, he opened a picture-frame store and subsequently incorporated the firm under the style of the William A. Howe Company, finishers to printers and lithographers. His business is of an exten- sive character and from the beginning has been a profitable undertaking, owing to the wise management, careful investment and business enterprise of Captain Howe and those whom he has associated with him in the management of the undertaking.
On the 17th of January, 1866, Captain Howe was married to Miss Rachel Sage, a daughter of John Sage, a carpenter and builder. They have become the parents of four children. Elizabeth Rachel, born June 29, 1867, married Edward Farrand, who died in December, 1894, leaving a daughter, Rachel, who is living with her mother in Cleveland. William Sage, born June 3, 1870, died July 21, 1892. George Byron, born April 7, 1873, died August 21, 1889. Benjamin W., born in 1878, passed away in November, 1881.
Captain Howe has long been prominent in connection with military organiza- tions. At the close of the war he helped to organize the Seventh Regiment As- sociation and the Rooster Club, composed of members of the Seventh Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and is past com- mander of Army and Navy Post, No. 187. He joined the Military Order of the Loyal Legion in 1892 and on the 30th of June, 1904, was elected a member of the Cuyahoga County Soldiers and Sailors Monument Commission. On the 10th of May, 1905, he was elected vice president of the Society of the Army of the Potomac at Manassas, Virginia, and in May, 1906, was elected president of the Cuyahoga County Soldiers and Sailors Monument Commission. He is deeply in- terested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the Civil war veterans, and his labors have often been effective in promoting their interests. He is also con- nected with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree, and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, being deeply interested in its movements and plans for the advancement of Cleveland's industrial and com- mercial progress. Captain Howe has been a member of the Euclid Avenue Bap- tist church since 1872. Loyalty and reliability have been numbered among his salient characteristics throughout his entire life and have brought him the suc- cess which he enjoys and the high respect which is uniformly accorded him.
CHARLES T. HAMEISTER.
The spirit of progress which has always been characteristic of the Teutonic race has led many of the sons of the fatherland to seek the opportunities of the new world where competition is not so great as in the older European countries and where advancement therefore is more quickly secured. Born in Mecklen- burg-Schwerin, Germany, on the 9th of September, 1858, Charles T. Hameister was among those who came to the United States and won success by reason of his ready adaptability and indefatigable energy. He, with his parents crossed the Atlantic in 1865. The vessel was shipwrecked near Nova Scotia, and the pas- sengers landed on that coast. The Hameister family lost everything, and with no means to continue their journey farther the father secured government land which he cleared and developed until he was injured by a falling tree, his death soon afterward occurring.
Subsequently Mr. Hameister of this review came to Cleveland with his mother, sister and brother, arriving in 1866. He attended the German Lutheran school
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on West Thirtieth street for seven years and spent one term in the Spencerian Business College, attending evening classes that he might master bookkeeping. When he had thus qualified for the duties of business life he entered the grocery store of Henry Reese, whom he represented as a clerk for a number of years. Later he accepted a position as clerk with the Southward Brothers Wholesale Grocery Company, with which he remained for ten years, on the expiration of which period he went to California but spent only six months in that state. His mother becoming very ill he returned to Cleveland, where he continued for four months, when his brother-in-law purchased a farm in Kansas, and Mr. Hameister went to that state, remaining for three years. He then again came to Cleveland and once more entered the employ of the Southward Company, with which he was associated until his death. His long connection with that business stands as an incontrovertible evidence of his ability, fidelity and energy. Thoroughly loyal to the interests of the house, he worked diligently to increase the business and at all times enjoyed the fullest confidence of those whom he represented. ,
Pleasantly situated in his home life Mr. Hameister was married September 20, 1888, to Miss Mary Louise Schulte, a daughter of Henry and Eleanor (Huge) Schulte. Her father came from Germany with his mother in 1848 and took up his abode on the west side of Cleveland. He was a mason by trade and followed that pursuit through the summer seasons while in the winter months he worked in the forests. Later he purchased land and built thereon a family home. He was drafted to service in the Civil war, but being married he hired a substitute, to whom he paid seven hundred dollars, for he felt that his first duty was to his family who depended upon him for support. His death occurred in 1906 when he had reached the age of seventy-five years, his demise resulting from a fall whereby his skull was fractured. In 1866 he had erected a new residence for his family on West Thirty-eighth street and here his widow still survives with other members of the family. Mrs. Hameister was born in 1864 in the old family homestead on West Thirty-third street and has spent her entire life in Cleveland. By her marriage she became the mother of two sons and a daughter : Victor C. H., who was born in 1890 and is in the employ of the National Carbon Works; Ruth Estella, who was born in 1891 ; and Walderman Otis, who was born in 1894 and is now in school.
Mr. Hameister voted with the republican party, his study of the political questions and issues of the day leading him to the belief that its platform con- tained the best elements of good government. He belonged to the Trinity German Lutheran church on West Thirtieth street and conformed his life to its teachings. He was much attached to his family, his interests centering in his home, where the best traits of his character were made manifest. Viewed from a business standpoint he was a self-made man, being both the architect and builder of his own fortunes. He worked with indefatigable energy, allowing no obstacle to bar his path if it could be overcome by determined effort, and as the years went by he gained a substantial competence as the merited reward of his intelligently directed labor.
HENRY T. HOWER.
Henry T. Hower, who was at one time engaged in the real-estate business and was also connected with the accounting department of the well known firm of Hower & Higbee for a few years, later lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was born in Medina county, Ohio, in February, 1828, and was educated in the schools of his home county while spending his youthful days upon his father's farm. He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, but there was soon awakened in him a desire to engage in mercantile pursuits, and he withdrew from agricultural lines to give
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his attention to commercial affairs. In 1864 he removed to Cleveland and engaged in the dry-goods business at the corner of Superior and Seneca streets, where he successfully conducted a store for fifteen years. His brother, who afterward became one of the firm of Hower & Higbee, was in partnership with him for a time, and their house was one of the leading mercantile enterprises of this city during that period. After selling out his interests in the dry-goods business Mr. Hower turned his attention to the development and sale of real estate in the east end, where he was making his home at the time and where his family still re- side. At length he retired from active life and for a few years prior to his death spent his days in the enjoyment of association with his family and friends un- vexed by any business cares.
On the 28th of February, 1851, Mr. Hower was united in marriage in Medina county, Ohio, to Miss Romelia Antoinette Beckman, who shared his troubles and pleasures through many years of married life and whose wise counsel often proved of valuable assistance to him. Theirs was largely an ideal marriage re- lation, for their mutual love and confidence increased as the years went by. They became the parents of two sons and two daughters : Perkins Beckman; Henry W. B .; Mrs. Cora Taylor, with whom her mother resides and who has one daugh- ter, Antoinette ; and Mrs. Laura Caine, who also has a daughter, Kathryn.
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