A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 41

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 41

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

A native of Cleveland, Judge Williamson was born April 19, 1844, and was a scion of that fine New England stock which has impressed itself on the entire state of Ohio. Those who knew his honored father and mother could not have been surprised at his successful and useful career, since the qualities that made him what he was he inherited from them. It has been said that some men, perhaps most, create their own opportunities while others seem born to them, but in either event opportunity to make a career is all that one's friends can give him; the rest must be done by himself. Therefore, while Judge Williamson had back of him an ancestry honored and distinguished, it was the simple weight of his own char- acter and ability that carried him through important relations. His estimate of his father, Samuel Williamson, indicates not only the true character of his sire but also the filial devotion and respect entertained for him by Judge Williamson, who, in an introductory note to a memorial volume, said: "Samuel Williamson was so long a resident of Cleveland, he was known to so many people, so many public and private trusts had been committed to his faithful care, he had given freely so much needed counsel and help, he was so universally regarded as a model of uprightness, and so many men and women looked up to him with loving rever- ence, that it has been thought worth while to preserve for others as well as for his own family some of the words that were written and spoken of him in the days following his death. It must not be forgotten, however, that language befitting a public occasion, or the newspaper, could not tell what he was in his own home and to those who lived in his love."

It was in association with and under the guidance of such a man that Judge Williamson spent his youthful days and, having attended the public schools until

SAMUEL E. WILLIAMSON

389

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

sixteen years of age, he then entered Western Reserve College, at which institu- tion he studied until 1864, when he was graduated with honors. After the com- pletion of his college course he read law under the direction of his father for about a year and a half and then matriculated in Harvard Law School. A year's study enabled him to complete the prescribed course, after which he was ad- mitted to the bar in the same year-1866. With a mind naturally analytical, log- ical and inductive and early imbued with the ambition to become a successful law- yer, he entered upon active practice in connection with his father in February, 1867. The partnership between them was maintained until 1869, when the son became professionally associated with T. K. Bolton under the firm style of Wil- liamson & Bolton. That partnership was terminated in 1874 and for six years thereafter Judge Williamson practiced as a partner of Judge J. E. Ingersoll, this relation being severed when Mr. Williamson was elected to the common pleas bench in 1880. He presided as judge over the court until September, 1882, when he resigned from the bench to become general counsel for the Nickel Plate Rail- road. For years he held that position, during which time his ability as a lawyer became widely recognized in railroad circles. His comprehensive knowledge of corporation law and especially of that relating to railway interests led to his selec- tion as the legal representative of the Vanderbilt system of railroads and he be- came associated therewith as general counsel. At the time of his demise, when the bar association of Cleveland met to take action concerning his death, Hon. John C. Hale said: "He came to the bar in 1867, thoroughly equipped by his intellectual endowment and his accurate knowledge of the law. His first work at the bar was that of a general practitioner in this city, where he soon attained a marked success. His professional work during the first years of his practice was such as to place him in the ranks of the good lawyers of the state. His unswerv- ing integrity, his power of analysis, with the intuitive ability to judge the character of men, and the confidence he always inspired in both court and jury, made him a formidable trial lawyer, and as a safe and wise counselor he had no superior. The details of his work cannot be here recited; it was efficient and effective. No client's cause was ever neglected by him or poorly represented. It was my pleas- ure on many occasions to listen to his arguments in cases involving important questions of law, and observe his methods and his power. After more than ten years at the bar he was selected as one of the judges of the court of common pleas of this county. No better man ever occupied the bench of that court. His knowl- edge of law, his logical and discriminating mind, his innate love of justice fitted him for, and he was in fact, an ideal judge. At the close of two years he left the bench to assume other and very important duties which were to be entrusted to him. Increasing demands upon his professional services followed. Although much of his time was employed in his duties as general counsel for one of the great railroads of the country, he still found time for the general practice and was often engaged in important litigation; and more than that, he took the time to advise, counsel and assist, without compensation, many who turned to him in their troubles for aid. Step by step he advanced in his professional work, until during the last four years of his life he held and, except when disabled by sick- ness, fully performed the duties of a position second in importance to none in the county in the line of his profession. His entire professional work was performed with credit to himself and profit to his clients. He was self-reliant. and to this much of his success is due. He had, with entirely good reason, confidence in his own judgment. He reached conclusions by methods which rarely led him astray, and when his judgment was once formed he had no hesitation in following it. This is characteristic of great men, a class to which he belonged."

Hon. Carlos M. Stone, judge of the common pleas court, added the further testimony : "His election to the common pleas bench of this county, in 1880, met with universal aproval and satisfaction, for his eminent fitness and high integrity were recognized and appreciated by all. His career upon the bench was brief, for at the end of about two years of distinguished service rendered to the people

390

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

of this judicial district, he resigned his position to accept the general counselship of one of the great railway lines of the country. While his judicial career was short, it was characterized by an intense desire to arrive at the truth and entirely satisfy the great ends of justice, united with firmness and courage under all emer- gencies to do the right as it was given him to perceive it.

"His mind, as it appeared to me, accomplished its labors with an ease that appeared like repose, and great burdens borne by him seemed light. He was delib- erate and calm in forming opinions. Patient and untiring in research, he weighed every consideration and aimed only at the truth. Like most strong natures, he was simple and direct. I have seen no judge whose intellectual processes were more utterly free from the influence of personal passions and sentiments."

"As a trial judge," said John G. White, "he was one of the best whom I have known. Business was closed up; questions were decided promptly; and although himself one of the best triers of fact whom I have ever known upon the bench, he did not usurp the province of the jury. He recognized that the unanimous opinion of twelve men, even though singly they might be far inferior in judgment to the court, was worthy of consideration, even from the highest. Though well equipped, though learned and acute, he recognized that counsel who had studied a case, though inferior in ability, might still have something to say which the most able judge might profit by. When he went off the bench to assume important pro- fessional duties, he still continued to grow in professional attainments and in general estimation. No one would say of him that he was a great advocate. He had not the tricks of elocution nor the graces of rhetoric, and yet in the trial of a case to a jury he carried unusual weight ; the candor of his speech, the care and precision with which he never overstated his case, the weight of his character, carried force and conviction to the mind of every man upon the jury. In ad- dressing courts, discussing questions of law, nobody who has spoken here today has spoken too highly of the clearness, of the knowledge, with which he made evident to the court his conclusions, the reasons why the court should coincide with him."

Judge Williamson's home life was largely the embodiment of that which was most ideal in such relations. He was twice married, having in New Haven, Con- necticut, in 1878, wedded Miss Mary P. Marsh, a sister of the late Professor O. C. Marsh, a distinguished instructor in geology at Yale University. They became parents of two daughters, Mary Peabody and Ethel Marsh. The mother died in 1881 and in 1884 Judge Williamson married Miss Harriet W. Brown, of East Windsor, Connecticut. They had one son, Samuel Bartlett Williamson. During his youthful days the Williamson home was located on the present site of the Williamson building on the public square and throughout his entire life Judge Williamson continued a resident of Cleveland, his last days being spent at the family home on the lake front in Glenville, where a commodious and tasteful res- idence stands in the midst of a wide lawn adorned with stately trees, beautiful winding walks and numerous beds of flowers. Judge William B. Sanders said of him: "To no man was home more dear, and in the delights of home and family found he the greatest joy. He was a lover of nature and never happier than when amid the rocks and crags of Alpine scenery, expressive of that which is grand and strong, or amid the softness and quiet of mellow landscape, expressive of that which is gentle and lovable in nature's household.

"He was possessed of nice literary taste, and found pleasure and recreation in the delightful atmosphere of his well selected library. In him the art of the musician, the painter and the sculptor found intelligent response, and at home and abroad he had cultivated acquaintance with all which is best in art."

The cause of education at all times commanded the active, helpful support of Judge Williamson. A graduate of Adelbert College, he never suffered the tie that bound him to his alma mater to be loosened but soon after his graduation was elected a member of its board of trustees and so continued until his death, evincing to the very last a keen interest in its welfare. At the time of the discussion of the

391

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

question of the removal of the school from Hudson to Cleveland that it might enter into a larger life, he strongly advocated the removal and gave time, energy and wise counsel toward securing its success. He also advocated sanely and cogently the wisdom of separating the two sexes and establishing a college for women as a part of the university, allowing each college to work out its future in its own unhampered way. The growth of each college since that time testifies to the soundness of his reasoning. In each and every educational or administra- tive problem that was met with, his colleagues on the board of trustees seemed instinctively and naturally to turn to Judge Williamson for advice and his clear- ness of vision and wise judgment never failed to point out the way in which his associates were glad to follow him. He became one of the prime movers in the organization of the University School in 1890 and from that time until his demise acted as president of the board of trustees. He watched with interest its grad- ual development and lent his generous assistance to raise it to the highest standard.

In the duties of citizenship Judge Williamson was at all times alert and active in the advocacy of that which he judged best in civic life. He was, moreover, a liberal-minded man of affairs-in touch with varied lines of industry and com- mercial activity. He acted on the directorate of the Merchants Bank of Ohio, as the successor of his father, who in turn had been preceded in the directorate by the grandfather of Judge Williamson at a time when the institution was known as the Commercial Bank of Lake Erie. He would have stood in the foremost rank in any business calling as easily as he became primate among his associates at the bar. He was also a member of the board of trustees of the Society for Savings in Cleveland and he was likewise identified with various corporate inter- ests. He became a director and vice president of several of the corporations con- nected with the New York Central's system of railroads and he was also a director of the Western Reserve Trust Company.

Judge Williamson long held membership in the Presbyterian church and in his faithful adherence thereto was found the real motive spring of his character and his conduct. He was the president of the First Presbyterian Society of Cleveland, and to the church of his chosen allegiance he was for years a pillar of strength for all which made for her success in good works. He took an active interest in the various movements which have their rise in the Christian religion and its teachings concerning humanity. He was one of the trustees and a liberal donor to the Lakeside hospital, giving generously thereto of his time and money. His name is associated with the beautiful park and boulevard system of Cleveland as one of its most energetic projectors and friends. The place which he held in the community is perhaps not better illustrated than by his repeated selection as a testamentary executor or trustee. Estates, great and small, were for years, with striking frequency, left to his keeping. He was named in the Huntington will as one of the executors and trustees of the munificent sum which was left for charity and art in this city.

Judge Williamson was also truly appreciative of the social amenities of life. He found pleasant association in the Union Club, Country, Golf and Castalia Clubs of Cleveland, in the Metropolitan, the University and Transportation Clubs of New York and in St. Andrews Golf Club of Westchester county, New York. He was also a member of the American, Ohio State and the Cleveland Bar Asso- ciations and the Association of the Bar of New York. He was also a member of the Eastern Railroad Association and served on its executive committee and when he was called from this life the association placed upon its records a minute that was a fitting memorial to his business ability and his worth as a man.

There was in Judge Williamson not only great ability but a peculiar fineness of moral fiber, utter abhorrence of all sham and wrong doing, a Christian faith that deepened with the years and was the secret of all that he was and did ; and a strength of affection that was the marvel while it was the most precious posses- sion of the inner circle of his friends and more especially of his own family. His broadness of vision on all matters was often remarked upon by men high in pro-

392

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

fessional life. High above all intellectual capacities and legal attainments there towered in him a singular power of character. Able as he was and equal to every position of life in which he was placed, his character seemed as simple and trans- parent as a child's. With him everything was open, direct, unaffected. "We honor his memory," said one of his associates, "for his integrity, for his faith- fulness, for the kindly gentleness of his great heart. There was no disguise, no guile in him. He gladdened all by the sunshine of his disposition; and the sweet- ness of his manner, the purity of his private life, the integrity of his public career are examples for us to praise and to emulate." Following his death Arthur G. Eddy, of Chicago, between whom and Judge Williamson there existed a warm friendship, wrote concerning him: "To be respected for one's attainments is much, to be loved for one's qualities is more, to be respected and loved by one's fellowmen is about the best this practical life can give and this was his in over- flowing measure."

NATHANIEL SCHNEIDER, M. D.

Dr. Nathaniel Schneider, who up to the time of his death, which occurred February 4, 1895, was one of the best known and most highly esteemed physicians and surgeons of Cleveland, was born near Hamilton, Canada, November 1, 1839, a son of John Henry and Rhoda (Churchill) Schneider. His early education was acquired in the public and grammar schools of Hamilton and at the age of eighteen years he came to the United States, since which time he was dependent upon his own resources.

The Doctor attended Baldwin University at Berea, Ohio, and after leaving college began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. S. R. Beckwith, of Cleveland. Later he entered the Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital College, from which he was graduated in March, 1884. During the vacation periods he had worked diligently and persistently in order to pay his way through college and had also taught during his college days. From early boyhood he was ambi- tious to become a surgeon and ever manifested great interest in surgical work, becoming in the course of years recognized as an authority on that branch of the profession among the members of the medical fraternity of Cleveland. He began practice in association with Dr. S. H. Coburn, of Akron, where he remained for eleven months, after which he returned to this city and formed a partnership with his former preceptor, Dr. Beckwith, the business relation between them being maintained for two years. Dr. Schneider afterward became a partner of Dr. H. F. Biggar, with whom he was associated until 1874. In the latter part of 1873 he went to Europe for a year's study, which he pursued under the direction of some of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the old world, and ten years later he repeated this visit. In 1874 he entered into partnership with Dr. S. A. Boynton, with whom he continued until 1878. He was also connected for a time with Dr. T. C. Martin. In 1882 he removed to 3125 Prospect avenue, where he remained until his death, occupying the home that is still the residence of Mrs. Schneider.

His ability increased with the passing years as the result of his comprehensive and thorough study, research and investigation. In 1867 he became professor of surgery in the Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital College and for sixteen years was dean of the faculty, beginning in 1870. He was prominent among the medical educators of the city, always having the attention of his classes, to whom he im- parted knowledge in clear and cogent manner, awakening the interests of his stu- dents by his able exposition of facts and his own enthusiastic zeal concerning the purposes and opportunities of the medical profession. His love for his chosen calling was so great that he counted no effort or sacrifice on his part too strenuous if it would promote the interest of the profession at large. He hesitated not to

DR. NATHANIEL SCHNEIDER

395

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

loan his instruments to his students or to give of his time for their further instruc- tion and benefit. It was often his expressed desire that he might live to see the wonderful progress that was being made in surgery, for he noted the advance that is characteristic of the age and rejoiced in every onward movement for promoting the efficiency of the surgeon.

In 1867 he was appointed surgeon of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Company, acting in that capacity for sixteen years. He was a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy and that he was honored by the pro- fession throughout the entire country is indicated in the fact that he was twice elected its vice president. He also belonged to the State Medical Society, which honored him with the presidency, and both as an official and as a member of that organization he did much to further the interests of the medical profession in Ohio. He was deeply interested in the Huron Street Hospital from its inception, giving liberally of his time, his service and his means for its promotion: Through his instrumentality the Michigan Southern Railway supported from eight to ten beds in the hospital. He was surgeon for several years of the First Cleveland Troop and each year he went to New York for further study and research.

In 1867 Dr. Schneider was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Myers, a daughter of R. P. Myers, of Cleveland, and a lady of culture, much beloved in this city. Dr. Schneider held membership in the Country and Union Clubs, and he belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, but was a generous supporter of all religious work as an organized effort for the moral progress of the community. He was intensely interested in republican politics and all movements for the betterment of mankind or for upholding the political, legal and moral status of the country found in him a stanch advocate. It has been said that no biographer could do full justice to the memory of Dr. Schneider, neither as a physican nor as a citi- zen. He was recognized as an ideal follower of his calling, a man who never lowered his standard but sought to utilize every opportunity not only for the ad- vancement of his own skill but for general progress in the field of surgical and medical practice. Among his friends he numbered many of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the country, who recognized him not only as a contem- porary but as a peer. Such was the regard and esteem for him personally that his friendship was prized by all who knew him and most of all by the men of strong intelligence and broad outlook who are the best judges of life values.

EUGENE E. NEALE.

Eugene E. Neale, who has been identified with the insurance business in Cleveland for about eighteen years, has for the past ten years conducted his in- terests in this connection as a member of the firm of Neale Brothers & Schryver. He was born at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, on the 3Ist of March, 1865, a son of Richard W. and Emma B. (Lenox) Neale. The father is deceased, but the mother still survives and makes her home in Cleveland.

Eugene E. Neale, who was brought to this city by his parents when but four months old, entered the public schools at the usual age and continued his studies until a boy of fourteen. He then secured a position in a broker's office and later was employed in a wholesale notion house. Subsequently he spent six years in the general freight department of the Lake Shore Railroad and afterward acted as commercial agent for the Vandalia Line. For the past eighteen years, however, he has devoted his attention almost exclusively to the insurance business, his brother, A. W. Neale, having been associated with him during the past fourteen years. About ten years ago the brothers admitted Mr. Schryver to a partnership, and the business has since been conducted under the name of Neale Brothers & Schryver. Mr. Neale of this review has thoroughly acquainted himself with the

396

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

insurance business in principle and detail, understanding fully its advantages and merits, and the firm of which he is a member enjoys a very gratifying clientage.

On the 16th of April, 1890, in Cleveland, Mr. Neale married Miss Lucy W. Hubbell, a daughter of Z. M. Hubbell, of this city. She died on the 6th of April, 1903, leaving three children, namely: Harold H., eighteen years of age; Robert Dudley, who is now thirteen years old ; and Eugene E., ten years of age. On the 2Ist of November, 1905, Mr. Neale was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth L. Hubbell, a sister of his first wife.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Neale has given his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Willson Avenue Baptist church. He has been con- nected with the Cleveland Grays since 1886 and was acting as battalion adjutant when he resigned active membership. He belongs to the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, the Fire Insurance Exchange, the Euclid Club and the Cleveland Athletic Club. Trustworthy and faithful in business, progressive in citizenship and loyal to the claims of friendship, he has thus displayed many good qualities which have gained him high regard.

JAY C. MORSE.

In the history of American progress the name of Jay C. Morse figures as that of one whose efforts were ever of a constructive character whereby were builded gigantic enterprises of far-reaching effect on the trade interests of the country. His initial experiences in the business world were of an obscure charac- ter in that they had effect only on local interests, but with the passing years the constantly broadening activities brought him to a place which makes his record notable even in this age when captains of industry are organizing, promoting and controlling mammoth concerns. His death removed one of the most representa- tive citizens of Cleveland-a pioneer in the iron-ore trade, who became as well one of the foremost steel manufactureres of the middle west.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 41

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