A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 46

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 46

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).

ARTHUR ADELBERT STEARNS.

Arthur Adelbert Stearns, who for almost three decades has figured in a posi- tion of prominence in connection with the Cleveland bar, has also been an active factor in various fields which have been contributory to the city's substantial development and growth in lines of general progress. Numbered among Cuya- .hoga county's native sons, Arthur Adelbert Stearns was born July 18, 1858, and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools, he became a student in Buchtel College, at Akron, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1879, the degree of Bachelor of Arts being at that time conferred upon him. He supplemented his classical course by preparation for the practice of law in the law school of Harvard University.

Mr. Stearns was admitted to the bar in Ohio in 1881 and in the intervening years has made continuous progress in his profession, long occupying a position of distinction in the ranks of the legal fraternity of this city. As few men have done, he seems to realize the importance of the profession to which he has de- voted his energies and the fact that he often holds in his hands justice and the higher attribute of mercy. His reputation as a lawyer has been won through earnest, honest labor and his standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his abil- ity. He has had conferred upon him the honorary degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Laws. In his practice he was for six years, from 1884 until 1890, associated with Herman A. Kelley, under the firm name of Stearns & Kelley, since that time has been associated in practice with John A. Chamberlain, under the name of Stearns & Chamberlain and later with William F. Carr and Joseph C. Royon under the name of Carr, Stearns, Chamberlain & Royon. Since the death of Mr. Carr in September, 1909, the firm name has been changed to Stearns, Chamberlain & Royon. His position at the bar is indicated by the large and distinctively representative clientage accorded him. From 1894 until 1909 he was professor of the law of suretyship and mortgages and of bills and notes in the Western Reserve University Law School. He is a frequent con- tributor to the Western Reserve Law Journal and other legal publications, and is the author of a treatise on Law of Suretyship and Annotated Cases in Surety- ship, the latter volume now being in use by many law schools. He contributed the chapter on the Law of Indemnity in the recent extensive publication known as the "Encyclopedia of Law & Procedure."

On the 21st of November, 1888, Mr. Stearns was united in marriage to Miss Lillian G. Platt, of Cincinnati, and they have a son, Elliott E. Stearns, and two daughters, Helen H. and Dorothy D. The family are prominent socially and Mr. Stearns' activity has carried him into important relations with public inter-

A. A. STEARNS

439

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

ests. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion and, ever keenly interested in his alma mater, he served for eighteen years as one of the trustees of Buchtel College. He was also its financial agent in 1887 and 1888 and has rendered valuable service to the school in many ways. His political alle- giance has always been given to the republican party.

In May, 1908, Mr. Stearns was chosen by the Municipal Traction Company as one of the arbitrators to arbitrate the many points under consideration in- volved in the street car strike. He has at all times been interested in matters of municipal moment and has given his support to various measures which he deems. vital to the city's upbuilding and improvement. His social nature finds expression in his membership in the Union, the Colonial and other clubs and his standing among his brethren of the legal fraternity is indicated by the fact that he served for many years as secretary of the Cleveland Bar Association and in 1907 was honored with election as president. He has been an extensive traveler in foreign lands, having made ten visits to Europe, covering all the beaten paths of travel and many "out of the way" places.

WILLIAM M. RAYNOLDS.

William M. Raynolds, attorney at law, specializing in his practice in the de- partment of real-estate and corporation law, came to the Cleveland bar in 1875 and in the thirty-five years of his connection therewith has made continuous pro- gress in the importance and extent of his legal interests. While for a brief period he was at school in the east, with this exception his entire life has been passed in Ohio. He was born at Painesville, this state, on the 3d of May, 1851, and at the usual age entered the public school, there pursuing his studies to the age of fifteen, after which he spent two years in the military school at Poughkeepsie, New York. His more advanced course was pursued in Kenyon College at Gam- bier, Ohio, where he was graduated with the class of 1873, and on coming to Cleveland he entered the Ohio State and Union Law College, from which he was graduated in 1874.

Since his admission to the bar in the same year Mr. Raynolds has practiced in the courts of this city, always confining his attention to civic law and mostly to real-estate and corporation business. He is recognized as a strong advocate and safe counselor, familiar with principle and precedent and recognizing also the limitations imposed through legislation in the maintenance of equity and jus- tice. Mr. Raynolds is also a representative of financial circles in that he is pres- ident of the German-American Savings Bank Company. Neither is he unknown in connection with the management of affairs relative to municipal and political interests. For one term he acted as chairman of the republican city central com- mittee and displayed excellent powers of management in that position. His wide reading and comprehensive study have enabled him to support his political posi- tion by intelligent argument, and the logical mind of the lawyer is evidenced in all of his conclusions.

CLARENCE E. TERRILL.

Clarence E. Terrill, a prosperous and representative business man of Cleve- land, has been in charge of Rockefeller's real-estate interests in Ohio since April, 1905. His birth occurred in Broome county, New York, on the 14th of April, 1862, his parents being Eugene W. and Clara S. (McClure) Terrill, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. In the paternal line our subject is descended from an old Connecticut family who removed to New York at an

440

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

early day. The first representatives of the McClure family in this country made their way from Scotland to New York, being among the earliest settlers of Broome county, that state. Eugene W. Terrill, the father of Clarence E. Terrill, was born in Chenango county, New York, in 1831, and followed general agricul- tural pursuits throughout his active business career. His wife, whose birth occurred in Broome county, New York, in 1841, was called to her final rest in 1897.

In his youthful days Clarence E. Terrill pursued his studies in the public schools and when his education was completed he entered a printing establish- ment in his native county being thus employed for about a year. Subsequently he secured a position in the office of the Sturtevant-Larrabee Company, manu- facturers of carriages at Binghamton, New York, and that his services proved entirely satisfactory to his employers is indicated by the fact that he remained with them for about twenty-three years. In April, 1905, he came to Cleveland as manager of the Abeyton Realty Company and has since had charge of Rocke- feller's real-estate interests in Ohio, in which connection his keen business acu- men and capable management have been daily manifest.

In 1885 Mr. Terrill was united in marriage to Miss Delia R. Spencer, of New York. They have a daughter, Nina B., who was born in 1887. She is a graduate of the Western Reserve University.

Politically Mr. Terrill is a stanch democrat, while his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Windermere Presbyterian church. He is deeply and helpfully interested in the work of the church, serves as one of its elders and likewise acts as superintendent of the Sunday school. Though a comparatively recent arrival in Cleveland, he has already won many friends here and has gained favorable recognition in business circles by reason of his enterprise, his alert and energetic spirit and his successful accomplishment.

ROBERT WILSON PATON.

Robert Wilson Paton, a retired manufacturer and real-estate dealer of Cleve -- land, who has retired from active participation in the world of affairs and bus- iness, was born in Dunfermline, Fifeshire, Scotland, March 10, 1834, a son of James and Elizabeth (Donald) Paton. The father was a machinist by trade and for twenty-five years was foreman of the Dunfermline foundry. He and his wife passed away before their son Robert came to America.

Robert Wilson Paton was educated in a pay school near his Scotland home, one in which the pupil had to bring the week's tuition with him when he went to his lessons on Monday morning. At the age of fifteen he put aside his text- books and entered the Dunfermline foundry, working there under his father un- til twenty years old. Then he found employment in the foundry at St. Tolix, remaining there three years. During the last two years there, times in Scotland were very dull and hundreds of men were unable to secure employment, so that many of his friends considered it a rash thing on his part to give up his situation and come to America. Time has proved, however, that the change was not a mistake.

In June, 1857, Mr. Paton emigrated to the new world. After landing he came directly to Ohio, for one of his brothers had located in Newburg a year pre- viously. He secured employment in the old mill of Stone, Chisholm & Jones, remaining with them until in conjunction with his brother and others he engaged with the Union Iron Works.

Upon severing his connection with that concern, Mr. Paton engaged in the real-estate and coal business, in which he was successful. He opened an allot- ment on Union and Excell streets, held property of value in other sections of the city and owns extensive tracts in the Newburg district of the city. He is a direc-

441

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

tor in the Columbia Savings & Loan Company. In all of his operations in the world of finance and business the sagacity and farsightedness evident in his emi- gration to America are seen. He has always been able to view the market keenly, to make his investment with discrimination, so that they returned him a generous income. In 1899 he retired and moved into a fine residence at 1952 East Eighty- first street, Cleveland, where he has since lived.

On the 12th of February, 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Paton and Miss Mary Loveday, a daughter of James and Sarah (Hurlbut) Loveday. Her father was a contractor and a native of England. Mrs. Paton was also born in England and did not come to America until 1865. Three children have been granted to Mr. and Mrs. Paton. Elizabeth is the wife of Daniel R. Davies, who is the secretary and treasurer of the Acme Machinery Company. James Loveday is in charge of the loan department of the Columbia Savings & Loan Company. Willis is in the employ of the Pattison Supply Company.

Since he became a citizen of this nation Mr. Paton has always given stalwart support to the republican party, while his religious faith is manifest in his mem- bership in the Presbyterian church. For more than forty years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a man who has at all times held to the principles of upright and honorable manhood and has had that kindly spirit which, joined to tactfulness in his treatment of others, has been one secret of his power to dominate his fellowmen, to obtain from them their good- will and esteem, without which his commercial success would be deprived of its real satisfaction.

FRED J. FONTIUS.

Fred J. Fontius, employed in boyhood in a humble capacity in a Cleveland basket factory, has through various changes in his business life made continuous and substantial progress until he has reached his present responsible position as general manager for the firm of N. O. Stone & Company. Cleveland is his natal city and the date of his birth was January 7, 1866. His father, Jacob Fontius, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1813, and came to America in 1843, settling first at Lancaster, Ohio, where he lived for a few years. He then removed to Brook- lyn, Cuyahoga county, and gave his attention not only to general farming but also to the manufacture of wagons. He continued actively and successfully in busi- ness for a number of years and then retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned rest throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in 1893. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Gross, was also a native of Germany, in which country they were married in 1835. They reared a family of six children, of whom five are now residents of Cleveland: Fred J., of this review ; Elizabeth, the wife of J. Wagner; Mary, the wife of J. J. Eberle; Kath- erine, the wife of C. J. Kortz; Sophia, who married H. Fournier; and J. J., of Denver, Colorado. The last named was formerly a member of the firm of N. O. Stone & Company but in 1893 removed to Denver because of failing health and is now the owner of one of the largest shoe houses west of the Mississippi river.

When a lad of six years Fred J. Fontius was sent to the Tremont grammar school and when he put aside his text-books secured employment in the Cleve- land basket factory, where he remained for a short time. In 1878 he entered the service of Taylor & Kilpatrick, predecessors of the William Taylor Sons' Com- pany, as cash boy but after a brief period became employed in the Lamson & Ses- sions Company, manufacturers of bolts, nuts, rivets and wrenches. He operated a machine there for three months and afterward went to the wholesale harness and saddlery house of C. M. Clark & Company, where he remained for six months. He spent four years with the George Worthington Company in the mail order department and as salesman, and in 1884 he joined N. O. Stone & Company in

442

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

the shoe business. The ability which he displayed in this line led to his admis- sion to a partnership in 1891, and he has gradually assumed the active manage- ment of the business, which is the largest shoe enterprise of Cleveland and one of the oldest shoe houses in business at the present time. The trade of the firm is so extensive that the house is classed with the largest retail shoe firms of the country and as the active factor in control Mr. Fontius has not only kept the business up to its previous standard but also developed it along progressive, modern business lines and each year shows an increase in the volume of trade transacted.

On the 20th of November, 1896, Mr. Fontius was married to Miss Kate Lloyd, a daughter of Harry and Sarah (Warren) Lloyd, of Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Mrs. Fontius is interested in various private charities of the city. The family home is at No. 2032 Abington road. Mr. Fontius devotes his leisure hours to motoring, fishing, hunting and outdoor sports, together with visits at the Cleve- land Athletic, the Clifton and the Cleveland Automobile Clubs, in all of which he holds membership. He is likewise a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Commercial Travelers Association and the Royal Arcanum. When the du- ties of citizenship call him to the polls he gives support to the republican party if state or national issues are involved, but at local elections votes independently, seeking in his choice of public officials a businesslike administration of municipal affairs.

In a review of his record it will be seen that each change which he made in business brought him wider opportunities and broadening experience. He has always made a close and discriminating study of business and this, combined with his faculty of winning friends and his habit of keeping abreast of the times in the conduct of business affairs, constitutes the factors to which his success may be accredited.

WILLIAM FAIRCHILD BULKELEY.

In business lines William Fairchild Bulkeley made the force of his ability and his individuality felt, accomplishing what he undertook. His life was one of in- tense and well directed activity and though it covered but forty-five years he ac- complished much during that period. His birth occurred in Ballston Spa, New York, August 26, 1854. His father, Hiram Worthington Bulkeley, conducted a noted school for boys at that place and after long, active and valuable identifica- tion with educational interests he retired to private life and removed to Cleve- land. He was widely known both as a minister and educator and left the impress of his individuality for good upon the lives of many with whom he came in con- tact.

William F. Bulkeley spent his youthful days in the east, acquiring his educa- tion under the direction of his father. In 1872 when a young man of about eighteen years he came to Cleveland and from 1875 until his death was contin- uously connected with the Leader Printing Company. He entered its employ as a bookkeeper and in 1889 was made treasurer of the company, in which position he continued up to the time of his demise. As a business man he fully met the requirements of his responsible position and to his duties brought keen discrim- ination that enabled him to look beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possi- bilities and opportunities of the future. He was greatly devoted to the paper and did all in his power to make it a successful and profitable publication and through his persistent efforts he won the success which he desired.

Mr. Bulkeley was married in Monmouth, Illinois, to Miss Margaret Duer, who survives him together with two daughters, Mrs. Ann O. Danielson, and Dorothy L., who is yet at home with her parents. In his political views Mr. Bulkeley was an earnest republican, interested in the growth and success of the party because

WILLIAM F. BULKELEY

445

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

he believed it contained the best elements of good government. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church and he conformed his life to its teach- ings. He died May 10, 1899, and a life of usefulness, of activity and honor was thus brought to an end. He had many friends in the city, having gained a wide acquaintance during the twenty-seven years of his residence in Cleveland, which his manly and substantial qualities won him the warm regard of those with whom he daily came in contact.

CHRISTIAN A. SCHLUP.

Christian A. Schlup, who in 1904 organized the Merwin Iron & Metal Com- pany in partnership with W. C. Timm, has since conducted a profitable enter- prise of this character at No. 1722 Merwin avenue in Cleveland. His birth occurred in Wayne county, Ohio, on the 25th of February, 1865, his parents being John and Regina Schlup. He attended the public schools until nineteen years of age and then taught in the district schools for a period of eight years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He afterward came to Cleveland and entered the Spencerian Business College, where he re- mained as a student for seven months. In the year 1892 he entered the service of A. I. Sanger & Harris Brothers as a bookkeeper, being employed in that capac- ity until 1904. In association with W. C. Timm he then organized the Merwin Iron & Metal Company and they have since built up an extensive and successful business, handling a general line of scrap iron and metal. They employ a force of eight men. Mr. Schlup is a man of keen discernment, excellent executive abil- ity and unfaltering integrity and has therefore won a gratifying measure of pros- perity in his undertakings.

On the 25th of February, 1892, in Wayne county, Ohio, Mr. Schlup wedded Miss Minnie McGee. They now have two sons, as follows: Albert Raymond, who is fourteen years of age and attends the public school; and Christian Elmer, a lad of twelve, who is likewise a public school student. The family residence is at No. 6105 Carnegie avenue.

When exercising his right of franchise Mr. Schlup is not bound by party ties but casts an independent ballot. In religious faith he is a Protestant. His per- sonal characteristics render him popular with many friends and he is much esteemed in social and business circles of the city.

ALEXANDER SMITH.

Alexander Smith who has been prominent in financial circles of Cleveland for many decades, was born in Malden, Canada, December 19, 1843. His parents, George Smith and his wife, were both natives of Edinburgh, Scotland, where they were married. After their union they came to America, settling first in Canada and later crossing the boundary and taking up their residence in Cleve- land. Here the mother passed away in 1850, and the father six years later.

Alexander Smith was two years of age when he came with his parents to Cleveland. He attended the public schools here, although he was forced, owing to the death of his father, to abandon his education when he was thirteen years of age. Accordingly, in 1856, he left Cleveland to work upon a farm near Erie, Pennsylvania, for T. W. Evans. Three years later, in 1859, Mr. Evans came to Cleveland, accompanied by Mr. Smith, who had an opportunity of spending one more year in the common schools. In this city the former opened a commission house on Union lane, near Superior street, it being one of the first four concerns of its kind established here. Mr. Smith continued to work for his former em-

446

HISTORY OF CLEVELAND

ployer until 1881, when he embarked in business for himself, locating upon the corner of Howe and Ontario streets. In 1888 he moved to Broadway, estab- lishing the first commission house on that thoroughfare, which is now the busiest commission house street in the city. He has risen to a position of prominence among Cleveland's financiers and numbers some of its most successful and pro- gressive residents among his friends.

In 1865 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Thompson, of Cleveland, who was born in England and came to America when seven years of age. After the death of her mother she assumed the responsibilities of the household, rearing six children to useful maturity. Her brothers, Harry H., Frederick and James H. Thompson, all became prominent men of Cleveland. Harry, in particular, is deserving of mention for he brought home the Twenty- third Regiment of Ohio Volunteers at the close of the Civil war and was in charge of the camp that was established on the public square. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two daughters : Mary Ella, who is the wife of Walter H. Smith, an official on the Lake Shore Railway; and Florence Belle, who is the wife of Harry H. P. Blake, a salesman in the employ of the Advance Lumber Company of Cleve- land. Mrs. Smith passed away in October, 1904, sincerely mourned by those who knew her.

Mr. Smith and his family are consistent members of the East Cleveland Bap- tist church, while he is a stanch republican in his political views. His first presi- dential ballot was cast in support of Lincoln, when the martyred president was the nation's candidate for the second time, so that association has had almost as important an influence as intelligent weighing of principles in holding Mr. Smith to republicanism.

JOHN BERNARD WILBERDING.

John Bernard Wilberding, the secretary of the Mutual Building & Investment Company of Cleveland, was born in this city on the 2d of March, 1873. His parents, Henry and Catherine (Lasche) Wilberding, were both natives of Ger- many, born in the years 1830 and 1837 respectively. They were married in that country and about 1855 determined to establish their home in the new world, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel. Henry Wilberding, who worked as a carpenter throughout his active business career, passed away about 1884. His wife was called to her final rest in July, 1908.

In his youthful days John B. Wilberding attended St. Peter's parochial school of this city and afterward entered the Euclid Avenue Business College, where he pursued a commercial course. On leaving that institution he secured a position as office boy for H. C. Rouse, the president of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company, being thus employed for a year. Subsequently he spent about six years in the real-estate office of L. M. Southern and in 1891 entered the ser- vice of the Mutual Building & Investment Company, which was incorporated in that year and with which he has been continuously identified to the present time. Entering the employ of the concern in a humble capacity, it has been through personal merit and ability that he has won gradual promotion until he now oc- cupies the responsible position of secretary. The other officers are as follows: John H. Farley, president ; Isaac Levy, first vice president ; Julius W. Deutsch, second vice president ; and J. J. Sullivan, treasurer. The special feature of their business is the building of modern homes on easy payments. They have thus placed homes within the reach of many who could not otherwise become property owners and the public is therefore largely a direct beneficiary, while from the conduct of their business the stockholders themselves receive gratifying, sub- stantial benefits. Their operations are confined exclusively to Cleveland and that they have met with success in their undertakings is indicated by the fact that at

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 46

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