A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 44

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 44

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Upon resigning his position in the spring of 1904, Dr. Baker entered upon private practice as a specialist in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, in which he has since continued, his comprehensive and thorough study along that line giving him ability above that of the average practitioner, so that his opinions are largely accepted as authority in professional as well as lay circles along the line of his specialty. He is a member of the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American School Hygiene Association, the American Peace Association and other scientific organizations, being especially interested in school hygiene and in physical education, realizing the value of the understanding of the human body as a preparation for the prac- tical and responsible duties that come in later life.

On the Ist of January, 1889, in Wooster, Ohio, Dr. Baker was united in mar- riage to Miss Isabelle C. Jackson, a daughter of E. Jackson, of Aurora, Ohio. They have two children, Adelaide C. and Leigh K. The family reside on East One Hundred and Fifteenth street in this city through the winter months and maintain a country home in Aurora, where the summer months are passed. Dr. and Mrs. Baker hold membership in the Presbyterian church, and Mrs. Baker is ever active in church and society work. Dr. Baker gives his political allegiance to the republican party but is not active in its ranks, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties and scientific research.

WILLIAM EDWARD PATTERSON.

William Edward Patterson, attorney at law, practicing in Cleveland since 1897, was born in Hunter, Ohio, February 5, 1873, a son of Joseph T. and Louisa L. (Harris) Patterson. The father, a native of this state, was a fariner, manu- facturer and exporter at different periods in his life and died in the year 1905. His widow still survives.

William E. Patterson spent his boyhood days in Bethesda, Ohio, and the pub- lic school system of that place afforded him his early educational privileges, while later he attended Mount Union College and was graduated with the Bachelor of Philosophy degree with the class of 1893. He spent the following year as pro-

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fessor of mathematics in that school and through the years 1894 and 1895 pur- sued the law course in the State University of West Virginia, winning the Bach- elor of Law degree on his graduation in the latter year. The same year he was admitted to practice in West Virginia and followed his profession in Wheeling until July, 1897, when, seeking the broader opportunities of the larger city of Cleveland, he placed his name on the roll of attorneys in Cuyahoga county and has since continued in general practice here. His ability has made him well known, for before the courts he has the power to present his cause cogentiy and convincingly. He has been admitted to practice in all of the federal courts and is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association. He is likewise interested in some commercial and financial enterprises here.

Mr. Patterson belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and has taken the degrees of the commandery, the consistory and the Mystic Shrine, in Masonry. He is also a member of the Cleveland Athletic Club and of the Chamber of Com- merce. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he has been one of the local workers in its ranks, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. He is interested in those questions to which thinking men are giving their attention, belongs to the Cleveland Sociological Club and is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, serving on its official board, and is a teacher in its Sunday school, having a large Bible class. He pursues the even tenor of his way in a well balanced position midway between pessimism and optimism, correctly judging of life, its opportunities and its purposes. There is in him a saving sense of humor, and his continuous good nature and frank cor- dial manner make him very popular with his many acquaintances.

EDWIN H. PARKHURST.

Again and again one is impressed with the fact of the strength that lies in unity and the truth is never more manifest than in the important business enter- prises which require the labor and cooperation of many. When business becomes too complex to be carried on by a single individual there must be harmony and coordination in the labors of those who combine to continue and conduct its in- terests and this truth is evidenced in the splendid results which are achieved by the Peerless Motor Car Company. Its officers are young men, imbued with the modern business spirit, Edwin H. Parkhurst serving as vice president.

Born in Vermont, April 10, 1872, he pursued his education in the schools of Woodstock, that state, while spending his youthful days in the home of his par- ents, Henry and Ruth (Perkins) Parkhurst. At length he completed the high- school course by graduation with the class of 1889 and on leaving school entered the business world as stenographer for the firm of William S. Gray & Company, New York chemists. For a short time he was also engaged in the telephone busi- ness and the succeeding twelve years were spent in the employ of the New York Belting & Packing Company as traveling salesman. In October, 1903, he became connected with the Peerless Motor Car Company, filling the position of secretary until 1907, when he was elected to the vice presidency. In the six years which cover his association with the company he has had much to do with placing the Peerless motor car in its present preeminent position among American automo- biles. The plant of the company is today an extensive one, with more than eight acres of floor space, and each year sees an increase in the area covered by the buildings of the company. Something of the extent of the enterprise is indicated in the fact that there are over seventeen hundred employes and it is the policy of the house not only to demand the best from each subordinate but also to recognize quickly and reward, as opportunity offers, superior merit wherever found. The aim of the company is to make the Peerless car "all that the name implies."

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E. H. PARKHURST

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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

Scientifically it is also a model of elegance and the car has reached such perfec- tion as to make it a standard of automobile manufacture.

Mr. Parkhurst resides at the Hollenden Hotel and spends pleasant hours at the Union, Euclid and Country Clubs, in which he holds membership. He is also a member of the Crescent Athletic Club of Brooklyn, New York. He is him- self an enthusiast on the subject of the motor car, taking great delight in touring, and he also finds interest for his leisure hours in golf and fishing. His political allegiance is given the republican party and he is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, interested in all the projects and movements of that organization for Cleveland's development.

HIRAM KIMBALL.

Hiram Kimball, born in West Randolph, Vermont, July 16, 1845, died in Cleveland, March 9, 1899, and the years of his residence in the latter city gave him firm hold upon it both as a business man and citizen. He was a descendant of Richard Kimball, whose son, Benjamin Kimball, came from Ipswich, England, to America in 1634, and settled in Massachusetts. John Kimball, born August 9, 1735, served as an ensign and later as a lieutenant in Captain Riley's Company of the Third Regiment of the Connecticut line, commanded by Colonel Welch. Later-in 1781-he became captain of his company, of which his sons, John R. and Jared Kimball, were members. Hiram Kimball, Sr., father of our subject, was born in Randolph, Vermont, in 1803, learned and followed the carpenter's trade and married Jerusha Bradish, who was born in the Green Mountain state in 1810. His death occurred in 1865.

Hiram Kimball, whose name introduces this review, pursued his studies in the common schools of West Randolph, supplemented by a partial course at Co- lumbia Law School of New York city. He spent considerable time in the private study of law and in 1880 was admitted to the bar of New York and also to practice in the United States courts and in the courts of Michigan. He was a thorough student, devoting his leisure hours to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence and was a self-educated man, who in thus making preparation for life's practical work displayed the elemental strength of his character, which later gained him substantial place in business circles. After leaving school he went to Toronto, Canada, and was employed by the Adams Express Company for a short time. Later he became cashier and coal buyer of the Toronto Rolling Mills, with which he was connected for two or three years. He possessed considerable inventive genius and mechanical ingenuity and after inventing a low-water indi- cator went to Pittsburg, where he engaged in the manufacture of this device for three or four years. He also spent one year in the study of law in Michigan, but his inventive faculty was a predominant trait in his character, and his experi- ments along original lines claimed much of his time and attention. After invent- ing the turn buckle he came to Cleveland in 1881 and erected a plant on Case avenue in connection with his brother, for the manufacture of his inven- tion. Later he became associated with Congressman Hutchins and O. J. Camp- bell in forming a company which erected a plant and continued the manufacture of turn buckles, under the name of the Cleveland City Forge & Iron Company. Mr. Kimball remained at the head of the turn buckle department until his deatlı, and the success of this growing enterprise was largely attributable to his knowledge of mechanics, combined with business and executive force that enabled him to carefully control the financial interests of the house as well. He was also asso- ciated with the Chapman Jack Screw Company and with George McGuire, who organized the Butler Draw Bar Attachment Company. In 1893 after the consol- idation of the Cleveland Street Railways he acquired large interests in the same and in 1895 became one of the directors. Thus his business interests grew in

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magnitude and importance until the extent and nature of his interests placed him prominently among the leading business men of the city.

On the 17th of September, 1867, Mr. Kimball was married to Miss Fannie E. Palmer, a daughter of Gurdon L. and Fannie (Rothwell) Palmer of the state of New York, and a great-granddaughter of Nehemiah Palmer, who served in the Revolutionary war with the Connecticut forces. She is also a representative of the famous Palmer family of Connecticut, the founder of whom was Walter Pal- mer, who, coming from England in 1628, first made his home in Massachusetts. The Kimball, Palmer and Rothwell families all have coats of arms which were granted them in England. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball became parents of one son, Robert E., who is recognized as a distinguished inventor.

The scientific trend of Mr. Kimball's nature found expression in his member- ship in the Civil Engineers Club and American Institute of Mining Engineers. Along more strictly social lines he was connected with the Colonial, Union, Coun- try and New Englanders Clubs. He attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite Masonry and the Knight Templar degree in the York Rite. He was quite an athlete in his younger days and was always interested in manly outdoor sports. His political faith was that of the republican party and his re- ligious belief that of the Episcopal denomination, his membership being in Emman- uel church on Euclid avenue, of which he was senior warden for many years. His associations were always those which brought him into close connection with the vital forces of life, and it was impossible to be with him for any length of time without recognizing his capacity and his moral vigor. His natural talents were large, and their wise utilization enabled him to make valuable contributions to the industrial interests of the world.

JAMES SHIPHERD.

James Shipherd, who was as well known for his philanthropy as for his hon- orable and successful business career, wherein he became one of the leading dry- goods and millinery merchants of Cleveland, passed away September 12, 1884. He was born, reared and educated in Oberlin, Ohio, and spent his youth in the home of his parents, Dr. John Jay and Esther (Raymond) Shipherd. No event of special importance occurred during that period to vary for him the usual rou- tine of life and after his educational opportunities had well equipped him for the practical and responsible duties of life he came to Cleveland and after a time, as the result of his business enterprise and a laudable ambition and a capable direc- tion of his labors, he was enabled to enter commercial circles as a partner in the dry goods and millinery firm of Morgan, Root & Shipherd. He continued in the same line of business for years and his sound judgment and undaunted en- terprise constituted important elements in the success of the house which be- came known as one of the leading mercantile enterprises of the city. He always studied the outlook, knew the demands of the public and strove to meet such demands in a way that would at the same time promote the success of the com- pany. His judgment was sound and reliable and he won for himself a most creditable name in business circles.

Moreover Mr. Shipherd was a very active man in other relations of life, tak- ing a great interest in the affairs of the city and cooperating in every movement which he deemed essential to the city's welfare, development and improvement.

In 1860 Mr. Shipherd was married to Miss Frances E. Barker, a daughter of B. Barker, who was one of the leading citizens of his time in Cleveland and is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. Shipherd held membership in the Ply- mouth Congregational church, as does his widow, and in the work of the church he was active and influential, contributing generously to its support while doing all in his power to extend the influence of the church. He was a man of marked

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philanthropy, ever kind to the poor, responding quickly and generously to every tale of sorrow or distress if it was in his power to alleviate the condition. His many good qualities made him loved by all who knew him and most of all by the members of his own household.

EDWARD C. STANLEY.

Edward C. Stanley, deceased, was numbered among those whose energy and foresight brought them prominently into relation with the early commercial, in- dustrial and financial development of Cleveland. Recognizing and improving his legitimate opportunities he gained a place among its substantial citizens here and was enabled to spend his later days in the enjoyment of those opportunities afforded by wealth and culture. The birthplace of Edward C. Stanley- was Gene- seo, New York, and his natal day August 1, 1830. A decade later his parents, William H. and Mary (Wild) Stanley, removed from Geneseo to Cleveland. The father was one of the founders of the Society for Savings and a prominent business man of the early days, leaving his impress upon the commercial and financial development of the city. . He was also one of the organizers of the re- publican party, being early allied with that progressive movement which recog- nized the baneful influence that slavery was exerting and sought to stay its prog- ress in northern territory.

Edward C. Stanley largely pursued his education in the schools of Geneseo, New York, to the age of fourteen years, when he became a pupil in the high school of Cleveland, there remaining to the age of seventeen. Ambitious to take his place in the business world, in 1847 he entered the old Commercial Bank, then under the presidency of William A. Otis. His initial business training was received in that institution, where he remained until 1856, when he went to Cin- cinnati, Ohio, where he spent three years. After the outbreak of the Civil war he became connected with the commissary department under General Buell and at the close of hostilities returned to Cleveland, being convinced that the business conditions then extant were equal to those found in other sections of the coun- try. In 1865 he became connected with an iron foundry in partnership with Silas Merchant. They were pioneers in the iron industry in Cleveland, being one of the first firms in the country to manufacture cast-iron water pipes. For a con- siderable period Mr. Stanley continued in active connection with the business, but afterward turned his attention to brokerage. He remained, however, an active factor in industrial circles in Cleveland, and his wise counsel and discrim- inating judgment were important elements in the successful conduct of various business concerns. He long figured as one of Cleveland's foremost business men, but two decades or more prior to his death made a business trip to Spain and on his return retired from active life, his remaining days being devoted to those in- terests which constituted for him a source of pleasure and self-benefit.

On the 4th of October, 1854, Mr. Stanley was married to Miss Emilie M. Harbeck, a daughter of John S. and Jane (Fisher-Shaw) Harbeck, of New York city. They came to Cleveland in 1839, establishing their home nearby, and Mr. Harbeck was one of the largest manufacturers of staves in the United States, shipping his product mostly to Spain and France. In 1855 he purchased the present home of Mrs. Sophia Taylor and there resided until 1893, when Mrs. Taylor purchased the property and erected her residence there, now known as Taylorhurst. Mr. Harbeck lived a retired life during his last thirty years but during the period of his activity had given a stimulus to business affairs and the commercial development of Cleveland that was of lasting benefit. Mrs. Stanley has resided in this city for nearly sixty-eight years, coming here when it was a town of only seven thousand population. By her marriage she had one son, H. A. Stanley, who is now a retired capitalist. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley lived to cele-

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brate their golden wedding, and also three others of the family have been equally fortunate.

In his political views Edward C. Stanley was a republican, conversant with the vital questions and issues of the day. He always kept thoroughly informed concerning municipal conditions, and his influence was ever on the side of re- form, progress and improvement. Music was to him an unceasing source of delight, and he believed always in the cultivation of those graces which lift men above and beyond the more sordid interests of the workaday world. He was not unappreciative, however, of the strength of character which is required to advance man in the business world, and, in fact, his own life was an example of what might be accomplished through determination, industry and intelligently directed effort. He died October 24, 1907, after passing the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey, leaving behind him a record characterized by all that is noblest and best in manhood.

BROUGHAM E. HARRIS.

Brougham E. Harris, who in his seventieth year passed away, his death occurring at his Cleveland home, October 31, 1907, was born on Frankfort street in this city, August 20, 1838. He therefore lived to witness Cleveland's development from villagehood to a metropolitan center of large trade and com- mercial interests and with advanced facilities for intellectual and aesthetic cul- ture. His parents were Josiah A. and Esther M. (Race) Harris. The paternal grandfather, Judge Harris, coming from Brecket, Massachusetts, settled at Am- herst about 1800. He was one of the founders of that town and its first post- master, filling the position for half a century. He was also chosen several times to represent his district in the state legislature, making the journey to and from Amherst to Columbus on horseback, for it was before the period of railroad building and travel. His son, Josiah A. Harris, became the founder and editor of the Cleveland Herald, one of the first newspapers of the city. He was a prominent man of his day, closely associated with the upbuilding and welfare of Cleveland in the years of its pioneer struggles.

Brougham E. Harris, reared in the Forest city, pursued his education in the old academy on St. Clair avenue, then under the principalship of Professor Fry. He completed the work of the grammar grades and entered business life as an employe in the Pittsburg office of the railroad company, under W. W. Chandler. Subsequently he became connected with the Detroit & Cleveland Nav- igation Company, having charge at Cleveland of the freight department, with which he was associated for seventeen years, or until 1876. He then entered the undertaking business in connection with J. P. Hogan, occupying his father's building on Bank street. This partnership was maintained until 1894, after which Mr. Harris was alone in business until 1905, when he sold out and re- tired. For almost thirty years he was one of the prominent undertakers of the city, having been accorded an extensive patronage, which made his business a profitable investment. He spent the last two years of his life in his country home on Lake avenue in Lakewood and during that time failed to recuperate his impaired health.

On the 5th of November, 1860, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Martha Wall, his wedding night being that on which President Lincoln was first elected. Mrs. Harris is a daughter of Edward and Eliza (Lord) Wall, who came from Hav, Brecknockshire, Wales, and established their home in Cleveland in 1832. Mr. Wall being a shoemaker of this city. He also cleared land and built a homestead on the present site of the Huron Road Hospital. Mrs. Harris was born where the May Drug Company is now conducting business in the heart of Cleveland's business center. The family home was a little frame residence

B. E. HARRIS

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which there stood, and her natal day was November 14, 1840. She has resided all her life in this city and now occupies a beautiful country home on Lake ave- nue, where she is living with her only grandson, Harland Harris Newell, all the other members of the family having passed away. She had four children: Liz- zie E., Fannie M., Edward A. and Mattie B.

Mr. Harris was a republican in his political views. In manner he was very quiet and unostentatious but was a keen and sagacious business man. He was no less noted for his charitable spirit and was a liberal donor to the poor. He lived to witness remarkable changes in Cleveland as the city cast off the evi- dences of villagehood and took on all the indications of a modern and progres- sive civilization, such as are found in the leading cities of the country. Events which were to others matters of history were to him matters of personal knowl- edge and experience, and he spoke with authority on many subjeets concerning the annals of Cleveland and its upbuilding.

FRED ROLLIN WHITE.

Fred Rollin White, vice president of the Baker Motor Vehicle Company, was born in Cleveland February 17, 1871, and represents a family connected with New England from a period of early American colonization, being a descendant of Captain John White, who came to the new world from England in 1643 and settled near Boston. He was commissioned by the governor of Massachusetts colony as captain of a company of soldiers recruited for the protection of the colonies from the Indian race and was sent on numerous expeditions against the Indian tribes. Representatives of the name in later generations played an im- portant part in New England history and in connection with the Revolutionary war, doing active service on the field of battle. Hiram White, the grandfather of Fred Rollin White, was a Vermont farmer, giving his entire life to agricul- tural pursuits. He died in the Green Mountain state in 1850 at the age of fifty- four years. His wife was Abigail Dennison Harris, a daughter of William Har- ris.

Their son, Rollin Charles White, was born in Putney, Vermont, June 3, 1837. He was educated in the district schools of Vermont and the Leland and Gray Academy at Townshend, that state. In 1862 he became interested in the development and manufacture of sewing machines and in 1865 came to Cleve- land. A year later he entered into active association with Thomas H. White, under the firm name of T. H. White & Company, and later a partnership was formed under the style of the White Manufacturing Company, while an- other change in 1876 led to the adoption of the name and the incorporation of the White Sewing Machine Company, of which Rollin C. White became vice president. He continued in active connection with this company until 1900, when he disposed of his interest and retired from the business. For thirty-five years he had figured prominently as a representative of manufacturing interests in Cleveland, promoting an enterprise which has been one of the salient features in the business development and prosperity of the city. The value of his business judgment and of his initiative spirit was widely recognized, and he became a cooperant factor in many concerns. He served for many years as president of the Cleveland Machine Screw Company and was one of the founders of the Baker Motor Vehicle Company, of which he is now the president. He was also one of the founders and is a director of the American Ball Bearing Company and has served as officer and director of various Cleveland banking institutions. With him laudable ambition has constituted a stimulus for effective and far- reaching effort, and his business interests have, moreover, been of a nature that has contributed to general prosperity as well as to individual sueeess. His record constitutes an example worthy of emulation, for his life has been a practical

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A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 44

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