USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II > Part 42
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Ohio claims him as one of her native sons, his birth having occurred in Paines- ville, in April, 1838. His father, Collins Morse, was a farmer, and in his youth the son had no unusual educational advantages, while his boyhood was spent after the manner of the average lad of that period in a small village. His re- markable career resulted perhaps not so much from the possession of unusual qualities or talents but in their harmonious union, in his intelligent appreciation of opportunities and in his wise use of the advantages which came to him. His commercial career began early, for while he was in his teens he accepted a clerk- ship in a hardware store in his native city. Mastery of every task that devolved upon him characterized his entire life and was manifest at the outset of his career, bringing him a broad and thorough knowledge of business principles and methods which were then in vogue in the conduct of commercial interests at that period. The broader opportunities of city life attracted him, however, and when twenty years of age he removed to Cleveland, where he secured employment in the freight office of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Company. After a brief period he left that position to enter the employ of the Cleveland Iron Min- ing Company as its agent in the Marquette ore district. This gave to him the opportunity which led him to a commanding position as a representative of the iron industry of America. Going to his new duties, he studied closely the situation of the country, its possibilities for the production of ore and the question of the conversion of the products into a marketable material, utilizing every means that would promote his knowledge of the business which now claimed his time and energies. He remained in the Marquette district until 1882, when he returned to Cleveland to accept the vice presidency which was proffered him by the officers of the company, who recognized the value of his services and
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his capacity for more important duties. Later, in connection with Colonel James Pickands and Samuel Mather, he organized the well known firm of Pickands, Mather & Company. Mr. Morse took no part in the local management, but the other members of the firm attributed much of the early success of the enterprise to his sound judgment and the keen discrimination he manifested in the solution of the complex problems that arose. In 1885 he became the president of the Union Iron Company, of Chicago, which afterward consolidated with the North Chicago Rolling Mills Company and the Joliet Steel Company, becoming the Illinois Steel Company. Mr. Morse was chosen to the presidency and served for several years, being succeeded by John W. Gates upon his retirement. He also became the president of the Minnesota Iron Company about the same time and likewise assisted in the organization of the Minnesota Steamship Company, a subsidiary interest which provided shipping facilities for the former corporation. Thus from the outset of his career he mastered the lessons of life day by day until his post- graduate work in the school of experience placed him with the men of eminent ability, and for many years his labors were accepted as a standard of what might be accomplished by the individual and of the purposes and projects that might be wrought in the special line to which he directed his efforts. He remained at the head of the three companies mentioned until 1895, when, because of failing health, he requested that he might be permitted to serve only on their boards of directors Thereafter he continued as chairman of the various directorates for several years but finally resigned. The later years of his life were divided between Thomasville, Georgia, Chicago and Cleveland, maintaining a residence in each city.
In early manhood Mr. Morse was united in marriage to Miss Mary Outhwaite, a daughter of John Outhwaite, of Cleveland, who died leaving one child, now Mrs. C. Morse Ely, of Wheaton, Illinois. Mr. Morse afterward married Mrs. Seville Pickands, the widow of Colonel James Pickands, and a sister of Hon. Marcus A. Hanna. The simplicity and beauty of his daily life as seen in his home and family relations constituted an even balance to his splendid business ability, resulting in the establishment of some of the largest commercial enter- prises of the country. He held membership in the Union Club of Cleveland from its organization and was also a member of the Union Club of New York, the Chicago Club, the Country and Roadside Clubs of Cleveland and the Castalia Sporting Club. He had genuine appreciation for the social interests of life, and his friends found him an entertaining and genial companion. His benevolent spirit found. generous expression in the support of institutions for the relief of the sick, and he gave many evidences of his friendship and care for those upon whom ill health had laid its hand. Of the highest type of the self-made man, dependent upon his own resources from early boyhood, he enjoyed in the fullest measure the respect and confidence of his colleagues and associates in the busi- ness world. Throughout his career he was a builder and never a wrecker. His course was ever of a constructive character, and his own advancement was not measured by the failure of others. For some years prior to his death he was in ill health and passed away at his home on the Lake Shore boulevard, August 22, 1906, while his remains were interred in Lake View Cemetery.
Under the caption of A Builder of Great Things the Cleveland Leader at the time of his demise said editorially: "A long and active life and a remarkably productive career were brought to an end yesterday morning by the death of Jay C. Morse. Though he was not known to the general public in Cleveland, his enterprises elsewhere demanding much of his attention, he was essentially a Cleveland man. And the work of his life was the building up of important inter- ests which have been great factors in making this city what it is. Mr. Morse was one of the strong, resolute men who early appreciated and developed the immense iron deposits of northern Michigan. They uncovered the ore, built steamships to carry it to Lake Erie and established blast furnaces and iron and steel mills. They were the men who gave to the lake marine the impetus which
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caused it to reach its present proportions. They first took hold of the small be- ginnings of the iron and steel industry. The prosperity of Cleveland and its neighboring ports is largely founded on their efforts. In a direct and important way, therefore, the life of Mr. Morse has been a part of the life and progress of Cleveland. Of him it can be said in the broadest sense that he did much for his fellowmen."
There are men whose place of residence is but a feature of their career, while the station of their business activities does not even localize them. There are men of the world in the broadest sense of the term in that their interests are imporant elements in the world's work and advancement. Such a man was Jay C. Morse, in whose life there was no esoteric phase, whose success was the ex- pression of his ability and whose social prominence was the appreciation of per- sonal traits which made his companionship a valued possession to those who enjoyed his friendship.
THOMAS R. MORGAN.
Although a native of South Wales, his birth having there occurred February 7, 1859, Thomas R. Morgan was but six years of age when he came to the United States and in spirit and interests was always a loyal American. The family home was established in Pennsylvania and his father, Thomas R. Morgan, Sr., organ- ized the Pittsburg Steam Hammer Works in the early '70s. The son, who ob- tained his education in the public schools, was also trained to the iron business in his youthful days. The family removed from Pennsylvania to Alliance, Ohio, and the Morgan Engineering Company was organized.
Thomas R. Morgan completed his studies in Mount Union College. He en- tered his father's employ at an early age and learned the details of the business so that at eighteen years of age he was general manager of a plant employing six hundred men. He added to the knowledge of the iron trade which he had already obtained by practical and extended experience, which acquainted him with all parts of the business both in principle and detail. His thoroughness and capabil- ity enabled him to make steady progress and later the duties of secretary of the company were also entrusted to him. The extent and importance of his con- nections as a representative of the iron industry made him well known, while his keen business discernment and unfaltering diligence brought to him a substantial measure of success. In 1897 he became associated with the Wellman-Seaver Engineering Company, as it was then known, and in 1902 he was elected its sec- retary and made manager of the works. In that year the business was reorgan- ized under the name of the Wellman, Seaver & Morgan Engineering Company, and the corporation has since enjoyed a world-wide reputation. Its ramifying trade interests have reached out to various portions of the civilized country, where its products have been utilized and its manufactured output has largely set the standard for this branch of the iron trade.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Morgan was married in Alliance, Ohio, October 7, 1883. to Miss Anna Schilling, daughter of Lewis Schilling, of Salem, Ohio, a prominent merchant, and unto them were born three children: Helen. the wife of William Andrews, a resident of Youngstown, Ohio; Elizabeth, the wife of Walter C. Runyon, of Cleveland; and Lewis. Mr. Morgan purchased a beautiful home for his family in Clifton Park and found his greatest happiness in providing for the welfare and interests of his wife and children.
He was a popular and prominent member of the Hermit, the Century, the Union, and the Clifton Clubs and attained high rank in Masonry, becoming a Knight Templar and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. While in Alliance he took active part in politics and was always thoroughly conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day and the attitude of the two parties on all essential
T. R. MORGAN
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phases of government. A warm personal friend of Major William Mckinley, during the Major's campaigns Mr. Morgan took his men from the factory, about six hundred in number, and held meetings to promote the interests of the party's standard bearer. Death came to him on the 21st of June, 1905, in the wreck of the Twentieth Century Limited, at Mentor, Ohio, at which time Mr. Wellman, an officer of the Wellman, Seaver & Morgan Engineering Company, was also killed and a double funeral was held. In a review of the history of Mr. Morgan it must be seen that he was a natural leader of men. He seemed to know intui- tively how to secure the cooperation of those with whom he came in contact and to coordinate forces into a unified and harmonious whole. Thoroughness char- acterized him in all that he did and led to his mastery of every department of the line of work to which he directed his energies. As the years passed he made steady progress and at length became one of the recognized leaders in a field of labor which has had important effect upon the iron trade of the country.
THOMAS F. FERRY.
Thomas F. Ferry, known throughout the United States in mechanical circles as the inventor and patentee of various valuable devices, and more intimately associated with the industrial interests of Cleveland as the vice president and general manager of the Ferry Cap & Set Screw Company, was born in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, October 15, 1870. His father, Thomas C. Ferry, was born July 15, 1812, in Chestershire, England, a son of Thomas Ferry, Sr. He remained a resident of his native land until 1840, when he came to America, settling at Hudson, Summit county, Ohio, where he followed farming and stock-raising. He was a Methodist in religious faith and a liberal supporter of the church. He married Isabella Stewart, who was born in 1830 and died in 1877, while he sur- vived until 1891.
In the public schools of his native town Thomas F. Ferry pursued his educa- tion to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1886. He after- ward entered the employ of the Falls Rivet & Machine Company as a machin- ist's apprentice, serving a three years term of indenture, when, with thorough knowledge to supplement his native talents along that line, he came to Cleveland and entered the employ of the National Screw & Tack Company, taking charge of their tool department. He remained with that company for seventeen years, passing through various departments and serving during the latter portion of the time as superintendent, his ability being evidenced by his successful promotions. In the meantime he was always working and experimenting on different mechan- ical devices and invented and perfected numerous machines for making screws. Some of his patents are now incorporated in practically every machine in use in this class of work at the present time. In 1906 he joined I. P. Lamson and W. C. North in organizing the Ferry Cap & Set Screw Company with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and from the beginning he has served as its vice president and general manager. A modern plant was erected and equipped with machinery, controlled exclusively by the company, while their product is used largely in high-grade machinery and much of it in the manufacture of automobiles, having a world-wide sale. The business is developing rapidly into one of the city's important manufacturing industries, its success being the direct result of the value of the products manufactured and the principles of business probity which govern the firm.
On the 29th of May, 1893, Mr. Ferry was married to Miss Catherine Agnes Dean, a daughter of Mrs. Margaret Dean, of Cleveland. Mrs. Ferry is much interested in the Children's Fresh Air Camp and various other charities and benevolences which appeal to the humanitarian spirit of the public. By her mar- riage she has become the mother of a son and daughter: Edward William, who
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was born May 20, 1895, and is now attending the Central high school, and Mar- garet Isabella, born July 6, 1898. They reside at No. 2254 East One Hundredth street, and Mr. Ferry employs his leisure, aside from the hours spent with his family and in business, in hunting, fishing and motoring. He is also especially fond of baseball. He belongs to the Manufacturers', Superintendents' and Fore- men's Club. His fraternal spirit finds expression in his membership with the Knights of Pythias lodge, his religious faith is evidenced in his connection with the Episcopal church, and his political belief is indicated in his support of the republican party. A rare combination of inventive genius, executive ability and faculty for organization and management constitute the most pronounced ele- ments in his business career and have brought to him the gratifying and merited , reward of labor.
WILLIAM FRANCIS GOLTRA.
William Francis Goltra, tie agent of the New York Central Lines, was born in Kankakee county, Illinois, on the 3d of December, 1861. His father, Clarkson K. Goltra, who was a native of New Jersey, was the first locomotive engineer who ran a train over the Illinois Central Railroad in 1852, being thus employed until accidentally killed on that road in 1865. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elmira Perrault and was of French descent, passed away in 1893. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of our subject were pioneer settlers of Illinois, taking up their abode in that state in 1851 and 1852.
William Francis Goltra pursued his studies in St. Viateur's College near Kan- kakee until seventeen years of age and then entered the University of Illinois, where he completed a course in civil engineering in 1883. In January, 1884, he entered the service of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad at Bloomington, Illi- nois, as clerk in the office of the chief engineer and purchasing agent. He re- ceived various promotions from time to time as his worth and ability became recognized, serving as engineer of maintenance of way, purchasing agent and secretary to the vice president and general manager of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. In December, 1887, the office was removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, and there Mr. Goltra remained until 1901, when he came to Cleveland as chief clerk of the purchasing department of the Lake Erie & Western, acting in that capacity until January, 1907. At that time he became chief clerk of the pur- chasing department of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, the Lake Erie & Western and other allied lines. In November, 1907, he was appointed tie agent of the New York Central Lines, having charge of the purchase and inspection of cross ties of the New York Central Lines west of Buffalo. The number of ties purchased for the various lines for maintenance amounts to about three million, six hundred thousand each year-sufficient to lay twelve hundred miles of track. These all have to be inspected under his supervision, and he directs the labors of a force of about thirty-five men in this connection. The expendi- ture for ties and inspection amounts to nearly two and a quarter million dollars annually. Mr. Goltra has confined his attention to his railroad work and in this field of activity has won a most enviable reputation as well as a creditable meas- ure of prosperity. He speaks French fluently and has found his knowledge of the tongue to be of great assistance to him in his work. In 1905 he was ap- pointed a delegate to the International Railway Congress at Washington, which was conducted in the French language.
On the 12th of June, 1888, at Bloomington, Illinois, Mr. Goltra was united in marriage to Miss Annie Laura Rust, a daughter of George W. Rust, of that city. They now have three children, namely: Fay, who was born in 1890; Pearl, whose birth occurred in 1893; and Perry, born in 1895. Mrs. Goltra is very active in social circles, being a member of the Sorosis Club, the Women's
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Protective Health Association and various other women's clubs both in this city and elsewhere. She is likewise the president of the Women's Aid Society of the Euclid Avenue Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Goltra belongs to the Colonial Club and the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, also is a Knight Templar, and is likewise a member of various engineering and purchasing agents' associations. Religiously he is identified with the Euclid Avenue Metho- dist Episcopal church. He resides with his family at No. 1940 East Ninety- third street and has an extensive circle of friends in this city, having gained the warm regard and esteem of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
WILLIAM DABNEY.
William Dabney, now deceased, was for many years actively and successfully identified with agricultural and dairying interests in this part of the state. His birth occurred in Bristolville, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 19th of June, 1839, his parents being Ebenezer and Martha (Kincaid) Dabney. The paternal great- grandfather of our subject was Ebenezer Dabney, whose demise occurred in early manhood. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Betsey Gardner, was a native of Connecticut. Their only child, Nathaniel Gardner Dabney, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, about the year 1770 and was provided with excellent educational advantages. Being possessed of considerable means and desirous of seeing the western country, he went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and later made his way to Youngstown, Ohio, where he purchased a large tract of land. In 1797 he wedded Miss Mary Keifer, the daughter of an agriculturist residing in Pennsylvania, and the young couple began their domestic life upon the Ohio farm. Nathaniel G. Dabney passed away on the 10th of August, 1815, after an illness of six weeks' duration, and his remains were interred at Youngstown, Ohio. His farm was divided among his children, who were six in number, namely: Betsey, Mary, Sophia, Gardner, John and Ebenezer. The last named became the father of William Dabney of this review and was successfully en- gaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. Both he and his wife were devoted and consistent members of the Methodist church.
William Dabney, whose name initiates this review, obtained his education in the district schools of his native town but at an early age put aside his text- books and went to Mecca, Trumbull county. There he gave his attention to the cultivation of a small farm which he had bought, but as time passed by and his financial resources increased, owing to his well directed energy and capable man- agement, he gradually extended his holdings by additional purchase until he owned three hundred acres of rich and productive land. In addition to his agri- cultural interests he was also engaged in the dairy business and in both under- takings met with a gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity. He con- tinued to reside on his farm until the time of his death and when he was called to his final rest on the 16th of November, 1907, the community mourned the loss of one of its most respected, substantial and enterprising citizens.
On the 17th of October, 1859, Mr. Dabney was united in marriage to Miss Lorinda De Camp, a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, and a daughter of Harvey and Isabelle (Musgrove) De Camp, both of whom were born in Mahon- ing county, Ohio. The father became one of the pioneer settlers of Champion, Trumbull county, and there cleared a tract of land for farming purposes. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Dabney was drafted for service in the war of 1812, but hostilities had ceased before he was called to the front. Mr. and Mrs. Dab- ney became the parents of two children, as follows: Charles, who was born in
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1861 and passed away in 1903; and William, whose natal day was February 17, 1865, and who for the past twenty-five years has been a resident of Cleveland. He is prominently identified with many enterprises here and elsewhere and is well known as a successful business man and progressive citizen.
Mr. Dabney was a stalwart advocate of the men and measures of the democ- racy and a prominent factor in the local ranks of the party, serving as a member of the democratic central committee. He likewise acted as a school director for many years, and the cause of education always found in him a stanch champion. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while in religious faith he was a Methodist, belonging to the church of that denom- ination at Mecca. Upright and honorable in all the relations of life, he well merited the kindly regard and esteem which were so uniformly tendered him.
ADAM FUHRMAN.
Adam Fuhrman, one of Cleveland's oldest residents, passed away December II, 1902. He had reached the venerable age of ninety years, his birth having oc- curred in Bergstatt, Germany, on the Rhine, December 6, 1812. He came to Cleveland, August 1, 1850. He had previously been a government forester and had served in the German army in accordance with the laws of that land. At length he determined to enjoy the opportunities and freedom of the new world and on the Ist of August, 1850, arrived in Cleveland, where he engaged in the produce business. For years he conducted an enterprise at No. 101 Woodland avenue, in the course of which he accumulated considerable wealth. He always resided on the south side and during the war lived in sight of Camp Cleveland, where so many soldiers of the state received their military training.
On June 24, 1844, Mr. Fuhrman was married to Miss Barbara Helmer, who was born in Germany. The wedding was celebrated in Trippstadt, Germany, and they began their domestic life in their native land, where they lived for six years, and then determined to come to America. Unto them were born four children. Charles, the eldest son, who was connected with the Cleveland Saw Mill Company, died at the age of fifty-seven years. He had been a graduate of the Central high school, also of the Spencerian Business College and was a member of St. Augus- tine church. In politics he was a republican. Mary M. became the wife of Fred Minges and they have four children : Matilda, a graduate of Notre Dame school of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; Jessie B., who is a graduate of the same school; Leo K., who attended the university at Montreal, Canada ; and Walter, who was a pupil in the common and high schools of Rochester. John B. Fuhrman, edu- cated in the common schools, became a coal merchant on the south side and mar- ried Carrie Wagner, a native of this city, by whom he has five children : Clarence, Russell, Almeda, Florence and Jennette, all of whom are in school. Anna, who attended Ursuline Convent for many years, is an artist of ability and probably has one of the finest art rooms in the city, adorned with many fine works from her own brush. She owns the largest Florentine frame that was ever imported into the United States and probably has one of the finest private collections of such frames in this country. She is a charming hostess, cordial and agreeable to those who visit her to see her art collections and work. One of the delights of Mr. Fuhrman's life was children. There are living on the south side grown men who owe their first inspirations in life to his kindly treatment. It used to be a familiar sight in the early days to see him driving to market with a wagonload of children. His own children were the recipients of devoted attention and they grew to manhood and womanhood knowing nothing but the kindest care. Mr. Fuhrman was a remarkable man in the preservation of his vital forces and activi- ties. He never knew what illness was and even to the moment of his death experi- enced no pain and suffering, for he passed quietly away in a peaceful sleep while
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