USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II > Part 50
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car plunging into the river, one hundred and forty feet below. About twenty- seven died from this accident, only one or two escaping. Mr. Vessy also inves- tigated the death of J. B. Cuban, general passenger agent for the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad. It was a notable case because of the circumstances which surrounded it, over two hundred witnesses being examined in connection there- with. Mr. Vessy likewise was officially interested in a murder on Shaker Heights. They located the murderers and obtained a confession. There were three of them, of whom one was electrocuted, while the two others were sentenced for life. In private practice Mr. Vessy has been connected with the case of Dr. Jen- nings versus the Preferred Act Insurance Company of New York. The Doctor was found in his office with a bullet wound in his right temple. He was carrying a policy with the insurance company for ten thousand dollars with an annuity to his wife of ten dollars per month during her life. The administrator claimed accidental death, while the company claimed suicide. Mr. Vessy was associated with the firm of Goulder, Holding & Masten for the defense. They had twelve physicians on the stand and the case was tried five times, finally resulting in a victory for the plaintiff. In addition to his private practice, which is large and of a distinctively representative character, Mr. Vessy is now secretary of the Spruce Mountain Copper Company, capitalized at a million dollars.
On the 2d of July, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Sydney C. Vessy and Miss Mayme Wakefield, a daughter of Thomas and Jane (McDonald) Wakefield and a descendant of John Quincy Adams. Her parents resided in Waupun, Wis- consin. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Vessy have been born two sons and a daughter: Clifford W. and Leonard T., who are students in the Shaw high school; and Jeannette LaVerne. Mr. Vessy is a member of the Cleveland Athletic Club and the Tippecanoe Club, the latter connection indicating his identification with the republican party, of which he is an active representative. He has served as a delegate to most of the county and state conventions and has taken active part in framing the policy of the party in recent years. He belongs to St. Paul's Epis- copal church and in the varied relations of life has manifested those salient qual- ities which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.
GEORGE C. STEBBINS.
George C. Stebbins, whose faithfulness and knowledge of his work has placed him in the position of superintendent of the Wyman & Gordon Company, drop forgings of this city, is a man of unusual force of character and perseverance of endeavor. He was born in Lee Center, Lee county, Illinois, in 1864, and four years later the family removed to Sandwich, Illinois, where he was educated and grew to manhood. When he was only sixteen years old he was made assistant postmaster of Sandwich, but at the same time he began learning his trade of model worker, later going to Rock Falls, that state, to complete his course.
Having thoroughly learned his trade, he obtained work with the Deering Har- vester Company, of Chicago, as a machinist and toolmaker and continued with them for a number of years, leaving to go with the North Chicago Street Railway Company. His next connection was with the Enterprise Manufacturing Com- pany, of Sandwich, manufacturers of windmills and pumps, he having full charge of their model-making department. Mr. Stebbins then went into business for himself as a model-maker at Rock Falls but later returned to the employ of the Deering Harvester Company, taking charge of their forging department. Subse- quently he engaged with the McCormick Harvester Company, having complete charge of two working models of all their machines since the factory was estab- lished, one model for exhibition at the World's Fair at Chicago, and the other one a gift to the government by the company. In January, 1894, he went with Whit- man & Banes Manufacturing Company, of West Pullman. Upon the completion
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of their million dollar plant, he took charge of their mechanical department, man- ufacturing wrenches, reaper knives and general harvesters equipment. After nine years with them, Mr. Stebbins took complete charge of the Henry & Allen drop forging department at Auburn, New York, remaining there until 1904, when he came to Cleveland. Here he is in full charge of the Cleveland works of the Wyman & Gordon Company, drop forgings, as general superintendent.
In 1888 Mr. Stebbins married Clara Cole, a native of Canada. They have four children : Irene, a graduate of Central high school, has been for some time a student of the Cleveland Art School; Edward, eighteen years old, went through the grammar school and is now with his father in the factory; Marjorie is a school girl of eleven years; and Walter, aged eight years, is also attending school.
Mr. Stebbins belongs to Fides Lodge, No. 822, A. F. & A. M., of Chicago; and of West Pullman Lodge, No. 817, I. O. O. F. He is thoroughly conversant with all the details of his business, having worked in all the departments of like concerns. During the many years he has been securing his experience he has gained an enviable reputation as a workman and business man of sound judgment and unquestioned ability, an excellent manager and a friend of progress, cham- pioning and adopting any changes he is convinced will work out for the ultimate benefit of all concerned.
GEORGE M. SPANGLER, SR.
Few of the native sons of Cleveland have had a more distinguished career or have contributed more to the development of the real-estate interests of Cleveland than has George M. Spangler, Sr., who has now retired from active participa- tion in business. The son and grandson of men who were conspicuous in the pioneer life of this section of the state, from his youth he has been inspired with the ideas of progress and development typical of the early American. The ances- tors of the family came to this country in 1727 form Rotterdam, Germany, set- tling in eastern Pennsylvania. Different members participated in the early struggle of the colonists and then when the western territory was opened moved to it, each playing his part valiantly in his locality. George M. Spangler, Sr., was born on St. Clair street, next to the old Kennard House, May 21, 1842. His father, Miller M. Spangler, was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1813. Three years later he came with his father, Michael Spangler, to what is now Cleveland. The latter bought land now occupied by the Century building and opened a hotel, named the Commercial, which became a famous hostelry in its time. In Decem- ber, 1831, he bought one hundred and fifty-nine acres from Mr. Schenefeldt, who had obtained it from the Connecticut Land Company. Later it was dis- covered that the title was defective so Mr. Spangler had to purchase it again. This property comprised much of the land upon which many of the finest liomes on Euclid avenue have been built. In 1827 he erected the old homestead at the southwest corner of what is now East Seventy-ninth street and Hough avenue. A portion of this is still standing and is occupied by his grandson, Geo. M. Spangler, Sr., although it has been enlarged in the course of years. The old portion, how- ever, is still in excellent condition. The material for it had been taken from Michael Spangler's own land and the lumber for it was dressed in the sawmill which was operated on his farm. It was situated almost directly across the street from the old polling place which gained much promience in local history as the Madison Street Wigwam. In those days, as in the present, the family were noted for their gracious hospitality, for it was the common saying that the latch string was always out for friend or stranger and that the buffet was always laden with good things to eat and drink. This reputation was largely attributable to Mrs. Catherine Lemon, a daughter of Michael Spangler, who delighted in minis-
GEORGE M. SPANGLER
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tering to the comfort and entertainment of her guests. The Cuyahoga building is now located on the site of Mrs. Lemon's residence and the land is still owned by Mrs. Catharine Howe, a daughter of Mrs. Lemon and the only living heir. The stone pillars which were formerly in front of the old dwelling are now placed in the family lot in Lake View cemetery.
Miller M. Spangler was about six years of age when he came with his parents to Cleveland and has frequently told of plowing and raising corn at what is now the corner of Seneca and Superior streets. In 1845 he was the chief of the fire department, at that time a volunteer organization, with Charles W. Hurd as first assistant and Z. Eddy, second assistant. It was a valiant corps of men and to this day Mr. Spangler has a memorial which bears the names of all connected with the fire department at that time. In 1854 he was made sheriff and was reelected once. During his first term occurred the hanging of the first white man executed in Cuyahoga county. In 1874 he moved out from town and bought land at the corner of Euclid avenue and East Seventy-ninth street, then called Spangler avenue. The name was later changed to Madison avenue north of Euclid and subsequently when the streets were all renumbered it was designated as East Seventy-ninth, Northeast. Mr. Spangler afterward entered the business world as a malt manufacturer and the concern he established grew to be prosperous and flourishing. Despite his many interests of a public and private character he still found time to devote to the welfare of the Masonic lodge and was very active in its work. He was a man of fine physical physique and possessed of a magnetic personality which won him friends and admirers and made him welcome in any gathering.
In 1839 Miller M. Spangler married Miss Deborah Ann Potts, a native of Niagara, Canada. She died in 1896, but Mr. Spangler survived until May 5, 1897. One of his brothers was a prominent dry-goods merchant in Cleveland, having learned the business while connected with Peter M. Weddel's store, located where the Weddel House now stands. During the Civil war he became assistant quar- termaster of the United States Army with the rank of captain.
George M. Spangler, Sr., received his education in the public schools of Cleve- land and after he had completed the prescribed course, acquiescing in the desire of his father that he should become a farmer, he rented a tract of land from a cousin. He planted his crops but did not remain long enough to see them mature. He came to Cleveland and engaged in the mercantile business, to which he de- voted his energies until 1879. In that year he joined his father in his malt busi- ness, which the two operated throughout the life of the elder man. Two years after the father's death Mr. Spangler sold his interest, rented the property for storage purposes and retired from business life. Since that date he has devoted himself to his extensive real-estate interests. In 1903 he built the Spangler block at the corner of Hough avenue and Crawford road. At that time people doubted the business sagacity of the project for there were only three or four houses in the district then and the block contained ten store rooms. Today these are all occupied by flourishing business enterprises, the surrounding district is thickly populated and many handsome homes have been erected in the neighborhood. He also owns Spangler terrace at 7701 to 7705 Hough avenue, together with con- siderable other property of value throughout the city and was formerly a director of the Hough Avenue Savings & Trust Company.
On the 9th of September, 1868, Mr. Spangler wedded Miss Ella A. Kinney, a daughter of Alonzo N. and Eliza (Sharp) Kinney. The former was engaged in farming in Wynantskill, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Spangler have two sons. Kin- ney M., who is engaged in the manufacture of whetstones at Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is married and has two children: Miller M., who is in school at Hiram, Ohio; and Deborah May, who is in school at Chagrin Falls. George M., Jr., who is married and is connected with the Association of Commerce of Chicago. Mr. Spangler is a republican in his political sympathies, while Mrs. Spangler is a member of Emmanuel Episcopal church in which she is one of the active workers.
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He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Cleveland. In the long span of years which have been granted to him many incidents which are now mat- ters of history have come within his own experience. Many incidents of his boy- hood, well remembered now, contrast vividly the character of those days with the present. He can remember that young men and women were in the habit of com- ing to his grandfather's farm to go bathing in a creek which in that time ran through his place and was dammed, as they preferred this place to the lake. His residence at the southwest corner of East Seventy-ninth and Hough avenue, when first built by his paternal grandfather, was so far from the center of the city and the roads so poor, that it required just about one day's trip to go down town and return, the depth of the sand being such as to render travel extremely dif- ficult. It is within his memory that all this country was brought within the boun- daries of Cleveland and the farm land transformed into the business blocks or the handsome residence sections. His discernment in foreseeing the growth of popu- lation and his good judgment in utilizing opportunities within his reach have re- sulted in conspicuous success for himself and to the greater prosperity of the city, which is proud to number him among its sons.
ABNER WEEKS.
Abner Weeks became a resident of Cleveland in 1859, being then a young man of about twenty-five years. He removed to this state from Canada, crossing the border to enjoy the advantages offered in a district where competition is greater but where advancement is more quickly secured. He was born in Canada about 1834 and was educated there. Believing Cleveland would be an advantage- ous business field, he accordingly came to this place and made all preparations to do a gardening business, building greenhouses, laying out gardens and other- wise preparing his place for the conduct of an enterprise of that character, but his death occurred in the following spring.
Mr. Weeks had been married in Grafton, Canada, to Miss Elizabeth Creech, of that country, and unto them were born two children, James Creech and Mary, who became Mrs. Millard and at her death left two children: Mildred, who is now living in Denver, Colorado, and Mrs. W. H. Bartlett, of Mexico. The son of James Creech Weeks has also passed away, leaving three children : Addison, now of Virginia; and Theodore and Elizabeth C., both of Cleveland. Mrs. Weeks not only reared her own children but also most of her grandchildren. To her son and daughter she gave the most unfaltering care and devotion, providing them with the best opportunities possible, and then when death claimed them she took their children to her home and cared for them as she had for their parents. She has resided in Cleveland continuously since 1859 and therefore for a half century she has witnessed the growth and development of this city, watching it as it has advanced from a comparatively small place to become the leading city in the state. During the long years of her residence here her sterling traits of character, her devotion to duty and her kindly spirit have won her a large circle of warm friends.
SCHUYLER C. GLASIER.
Schuyler C. Glasier, conducting a profitable undertaking establishment in Cleveland, was born in Portage county, Ohio, near Ravenna, September 2, 1875. His maternal grandfather was the first white child born in Independence, now South Newburg, Ohio. The family there owned a quarter section of land now included within the corporation limits of the city, having removed to that district
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from the state of New York with ox-teams after the primitive manner of the times.
Schuyler C. Glasier acquired his early education in the public schools, which he attended to the age of fourteen years, and when his school days were over went to Bedford, Ohio, at that time starting in business life. He has since been de- pendent upon his own resources and the success that he has achieved is the direct result of his earnest labor. At Bedford he was employed in a chair factory for a few years and about fifteen years ago he came to Cleveland, where he engaged in business with the undertaking firm of Hogan & Sharer. He remained there for a short time and then worked for Charles Koebler, an undertaker, in whose service he remained for about two years. At length his industry and careful expenditure justified him in engaging in business on his own account and he opened an undertaking establishment, which he has since conducted. He is ac- corded a liberal patronage and he attributes his success in life to hard work and close application to business. It is well known that he is a man of energy and diligence and those qualities are valuable assets in business life.
On the 9th of July, 1901, Mr. Glasier was married to Miss Olga Fichtel, and they have one son, Johnson H., a little lad of six years. In his political views Mr. Glasier is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office. He is fond of fishing and it con- stitutes for him a source of recreation as well as pleasure. Fraternally he is con- nected with Newburg Lodge, No. 379, A. F. & A. M., and in his life exemplifies much of the beneficent spirit of the craft.
LUKE LASCELLES.
Among the men of foreign birth who were attracted by the industrial condi- tions and business opportunities of Cleveland, was Luke Lascelles, a native of England, who acquired his education in the schools of the mother country and when twenty-five years of age arrived in the new world. Establishing his home in this city, he was long a factor in its industrial circles, becoming vice president of the Arctic Ice Machine Company, conducting an extensive business in the man- ufacture of artificial ice machines. The business attained considerable import- ance as the trade grew and as one of the active managers of the enterprise, Mr. Lascelles became well known in the industrial circles of the city.
In 1872 was celebrated the marriage of Luke Lascelles and Miss Cornelia Russell, a daughter of C. L. Russell, who came to Ohio City at a very early day, arriving in 1836. He married Miss Lucy A. Winslow, the only daughter of Charles Winslow, who established his home in Ohio City when the city had scarcely emerged from villagehood. He bought and occupied the home where Mrs. Russell was born, reared and married. This was also the birth place of Mrs. Lascelles, who spent her girlhood days in the same dwelling in which she now lives. The house was erected in 1835 and is one of the old landmarks of the city. Charles Winslow was one of the men who represented the Buffalo Land Company and came to Cleveland when it was known as Ohio City. He purchased and improved large tracts of land which he subdivided and laid out in town lots, that land being still deeded by that company. Mr. Winslow was at one time postmaster of Ohio City and also held county offices. He was very active in the early development of Cleveland, his labors being a substantial force in the growth and progress of the city. No history of Cleveland would be complete without mention of him, for he aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which the present prosperity and progress of the city has been built. He was very prominent in the democratic party.
C. L. Russell, the father of Mrs. Lascelles, was a well known attorney here at an early day, having a large practice in the courts of the city at that time. He
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was a member of St. John's church and was interested in all movements for the moral, social and material progress of the city. His family numbered four chil- dren: Charles Winslow Russell, who was married and is survived by one daughter, Mrs. F. W. Simmons; Mrs. Cornelia Lascelles; and Alida and Lan- sing, both deceased. Mr. Russell was a graduate of Union College and student of law at Whitehall. While his ability placed him in the foremost rank among the representatives of the legal fraternity, he also took a deep interest in com- munity affairs and especially in politics, being a stanch republican. He served as a member of the city council from his ward and was connected with much im- portant constructive and regulative legislation affecting the municipal welfare.
Mr. Lascelles was also a stanch champion of republican principles, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party, yet never seeking nor desiring office for himself. He was a man of very domestic taste, finding his greatest happiness in the companionship of his wife at his own fireside. He died August 2, 1893, and thus closed an active and successful bus- iness career, while in the various relations of life he commanded the respect, good will and trust of his fellowmen. Mrs. Lascelles is very widely known in the leading social circles of the city where she has always made her home, being a representative of one of the old, prominent and wealthy families of Cleveland.
JAMES WILLIAM STEWART.
James William Stewart, who has left the impress of his individuality upon the political history of Cleveland, upon its financial enterprises and also upon the judicial records, being recognized as a wise counsellor and strong advocate, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1848. The Stewart family comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry from the north of Ireland. The first ancestor of American birth was Vance Stewart, who was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1783. He wedded Margaret Semple, and one of their sons was Vance Stewart, Jr., whose birth occurred in Mercer county, May 31, 1818. He devoted his life to farming and stock raising and passed away September 2, 1890. He had married Eliza Margaret Sherard, a daughter of Thomas and Lena (Gil- bert) Sherard. The Gilberts also came from the north of Ireland in 1801, and settled in Virginia, being closely identified with the plantation life of that state. One of the family removed to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where Eliza Sher- ard was born July 15, 1818. She became the wife of Vance Stewart on the 2d of November, 1842, and unto them were born five children, James William and Mrs. Mary Bartlett being the surviving representatives of the family.
In the public schools of his native county James William Stewart pursued his early education and afterward attended the Westminster College, completing his course by graduation with the class of 1869, at which time the Bachelor of Arts degree was conferred upon him. The following three years he served as instructor in Westminster College and during that period devoted much of his leisure time to reading law. He arrived in Cleveland in 1875 and became associated with the law firm of Hutchins & Campbell, under whose direction he continued his legal studies, and a year later was admitted to the bar. He has since been continuously active in the practice of his profession, having a large and distinctively repre- sentative clientage. He is also extensively interested in real estate and banking and is now the vice president of the Garfield Savings Bank. His investments in real estate comprise much valuable property in Cleveland and his success in these lines indicates the soundness of his business judgment, while his general law practice proves his ability in the analysis and conduct of his cases and the ap- plication of legal principles.
In October, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Stewart and Miss Laura Meriam, a daughter of Joseph B. and Helen (Morgan) Meriam of Cleveland.
JAMES W. STEWART
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Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have six children: Vance, a graduate of Princeton Uni- versity and now a lawyer, practicing at Silver City, New Mexico; Paul, a grad- uate of the law department of the Western Reserve University ; Virda ; Gertrude ; Orr; and Josephine. The family residence is in Euclid village, one of the at- tractive suburbs of the city.
Mr. Stewart is a republican, who gives inflexible support to the principles of the party, and possesses, moreover, a statesman's grasp of affairs, being thor- oughly conversant with the vital issues of the day. He was called to represent his district in the state senate for one term and has been a member of the board of education for one term. He belongs to the Tippecanoe Club, a republican or- ganization, also holds membership with the Union Club, the Cleveland Bar Asso- ciation and the East Cleveland Presbyterian church. His wife, also a meinber of that church is active in its work and its various charities. He finds recreation in fishing, hunting and horseback riding. He also avails himself of the oppor- tunity for travel and has toured Great Britain and continental Europe. His varied experiences, broad reading and general culture have made him a favorite in cultured social circles and wherever intelligence and affability are regarded as elements of agreeableness.
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