A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 84

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

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BRENTON D. BABCOCK

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ing his two years' term he gave to the city a public-spirited administration, ad- vocating and promoting restrictive and legislative, as well as constructive, muni- cipal legislation.

On the 6th of November, 1867, Mr. Babcock was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth C. Smith, a daughter of George W. Smith, of Buffalo, and a lady whose many sterling traits of character have given her prominence in social and philanthropic circles of the city. She is one of the most active workers in the field of charity in Cleveland, her labors being of a most practical and helpful character as she meets the needs of the poor and needy. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Babcock was largely ideal and they both found great enjoyment in ex- tending hospitality to their many friends. About 1900 they gave several hundred volumes toward the founding of what is now the Adams (N. Y.) Free Library. This gift has been supplemented from time to time until that institution has received from them more than six hundred volumes. No history of Mr. Babcock would be complete without extended reference to his Masonic connec- tions, for he was one of the best known representatives of the craft on the American continent. His library consisting of two hundred and fifty volumes of purely Masonic works has been loaned to the Masonic Temple Association of Cleveland, and comprises the greater part of the Temple library. During the half century in which he was connected with Masonry he took a most active part in all its work and promoted its interests. He passed through successive degrees and received some of the highest honors within the gift of Masonry to be- stow. He was past grand commander of the Knights Templar of the state as well as Oriental Commandery, K. T., of Cleveland; was past grand high priest of the grand chapter ; a member of the royal order of Scotland; and one of the most prominent Scottish Rite Masons of the country. He was also deputy, representing the supreme council of Ohio, which is the highest Masonic office in the state. He was one of the few active thirty-third degree Masons and for many years was known throughout the country as the dean of past grand com- manders. When death claimed him on the 10th of January, 1906, many ex- pressed the thought :

"He was a man. Take him for all in all I shall not look upon his like again."

The news of his death was received with great sadness in every community where he was known, for wherever he had gone he had left behind him a large circle of warm friends. Soon after his demise the Masons of the country took up the subject of how best they might honor him and it was decided to erect a monument in his memory in Lakeview cemetery. This was done and its un- veiling was attended with appropriate ceremonies, held on the 7th of October, 1908. On that occasion O. B. Hannan, who was chairman, said: "Not only was he prominent in the fraternity but he was also equally prominent in civil life and in the upbuilding of the city over which he presided as chief executive officer. In all of his acts, both fraternal and civil, he was governed by but one purpose-simply justice and equity to all God's creatures."

Another said of him: "For him service was life's occupation, and love the perfect tense of life. He had ideas and a personality of his own. With him a man was only as great as he was in the sight of God and no greater. The poor man and the mighty received his respect equally."

From another came the tribute: "Of him it could be said,

'Though old he still retained His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe, He still remembered that he once was young, His easy presence checked no decent joy.'

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And while his amiability and liberality of mind especially endeared him to his intimates, none of us failed to apprehend that in thought, word and act, our dear Brother was inspired and dominated by the love of higher things and better days in his zealous service to the Rite he loved so well, and in whose works he labored so faithfully."

Another characteristic of his nature was brought out in the words of William Homan, who said: "Were I asked to name the most prominent characteristic of Brother Babcock's make-up, I should say it was his kindness. My first im- pression of him was that he could be trusted, that he was a plain, honest-hearted man who spoke the truth and believed what was told him; a nature that would take a man at par and hold him so until positive proof would compel a change of opinion, and when the good opinion was abused it would be difficult again to work into his good graces. In my contact with him I learned to appreciate his broad charitable views. To me he was a broad-gauge man, thoroughly human, not looking for perfection, willing to overlook the weakness of his fellowmen be- cause he knew of his own imperfections, ready to forgive and forget every- thing but falsehood and ingratitude. I have heard him express himself on these subjects in unmistakable terms. He was a man of strong convictions, im- possible to drive, but who could be led by kindness and won over from his determination, and he could be convinced by gentle argument to view a sub- ject from his opponent's standpoint, and he would yield to common sense and reason. He was essentially a modest man, a man who had taken his own meas- ure, and while properly self-appreciative, never boasted. One might know him a long time without hearing from his own lips that he had occupied so many offices of distinction and enjoyed the honors that were his in so large a measure."

HERBERT C. MOATZ.

Herbert C. Moatz was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, January 18, 1880, and has lived in Cleveland since 1897. His father, Lewis Moatz, was born at Suffield, Ohio, where his grandfather had settled in the early part of the nine- teenth century, having come to this country from Germany. His mother, Lorinda Kent Moatz, was the daughter of Josiah and Lucia Kent of Suffield, Ohio, and through her Mr. Moatz traces his ancestry to the Thomas Kent, who emigrated to this country from England in 1643 and settled in Glovanton, Massachusetts. The grandson of this Thomas Kent, Major Elisha Kent, fought through the Revolution, and his son, Martin Kent, came west from Suffield, Connecticut, in 1807 and settled at Suffield, Ohio. When Martin Kent passed through Cleve- land less than six houses marked the site of the present city. In 1870 Lewis Moatz moved his family to Jersey City, New Jersey, and engaged in the whole- sale commission business in New York city, retiring to Ohio in 1883 and set- tled in Akron.

Herbert C. Moatz attended the public schools of Akron until sixteen years of age, after which he continued his studies at Buchtel College, Akron, for one year, at the expiration of which time he came to Cleveland and entered Adelbert College of Western Reserve University and was graduated in 1900. Immedi- ately upon graduating he entered the office of The Wade Park Banking Com- pany and during the succeeding three years rose through the positions of clear- ance clerk, bookkeeper, paying teller, and receiving teller to the position of chief clerk. In December, 1904, on the purchase of the Wade Park Banking Company by The Cleveland Trust Company, Mr. Moatz was made manager of the Wade Park office, corner of Euclid avenue and East One Hundred and Fifth street. He filled this position very successfully until April 1, 1908, the office steadily gaining under his management.

HERBERT C. MOATZ

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On April 1, 1908, Mr. Moatz resigned his position to accept the treasurer- ship of The Deckman-Duty Brick Company, for which position his previous training in banking lines made him well fitted, and in connection with the other officers of the company is engaged in operating and enlarging the plants of the company, which is one of the largest manufacturers of paving brick in the state.

On September 2, 1908, Mr. Moatz was married to Miss Elizabeth R. Ford, the daughter of Mrs. Eva Hurlbut Ford, of 10302 Euclid avenue and a descendent of two of Cleveland's oldest families. Mr. and Mrs. Moatz reside at 11330 Hessler Road.

He is a member of the Delta Upsilon Alumni Club, being an alumnus of the Western Reserve Chapter. He is a republican in politics, although inclined to be non-partisan in local affairs. He is rightly classed among the successful young business men of the city.

ORSON ST. JOHN SKINNER.

The name of Skinner has figured in the business circles of Cleveland since the opening years of the nineteenth century, when O. B. Skinner, Sr., the father of our subject, established his home here. He was an influential factor in the life of the city and at one time was the auditor of Cuyahoga county. The family resi- dence occupied the southwest corner of Champlain and Ontario streets and there the father passed away September 4, 1834, when but thirty-six years of age. He had married Martha St. John, who, long surviving him, died at the age of seventy- six years. At one time O. B. Skinner was the owner of a store at the southwest corner of Champlain and Ontario streets and was widely known among the pioneer merchants of the city.

The birth of Orson St. John Skinner occurred at the old family residence and his early educational training was received in the schools of this city, while later he continued his studies at Buffalo, New York, and in Willoughby, Ohio, whither he went to live with his uncle, Dr. St. John. In his youthful days he learned the printer's trade and for some years was connected with the Herald office at Cleve- land, after which he joined Mr. French in the purchase and editing of the Paines- ville (Ohio) Telegraph. A few years were devoted to that business and then, re- tiring from journalistic circles, Mr. Skinner became bookkeeper for the Mason City Salt Company, at Mason City, West Virginia. While filling that position he also took an active part in local politics and was elected county clerk, which po- sition took him to Pomeroy, Ohio, the county seat. After he had retired from office he became connected with railway interests through the intervention of his brother, O. B. Skinner, who was associated with the South Shore Railroad Com- pany. Orson S. Skinner entered the railway offices and gradually worked his way upward therein. Later his brother became general manager of the Merchants Dispatch Company and O. S. Skinner became treasurer of the same and was lo- cated at Boston, Massachusetts, for ten years or until his retirement in 1878, when he returned to Cleveland to live, for his real-estate investments were all in this city.

Mr. Skinner was always an active man and was very much interested in the development, progress and upbuilding of Cleveland. His political views were in accord with the principles of the republican party, which found in him a stanch champion. His religious faith was evidenced in his membership in the old Trinity church and later in the Emmanuel, or Euclid avenue church, to which he trans- ferred his membership after his removal to his Euclid avenue home at what is now No. 9507.

Mr. Skinner was married in Moravia, New York, to Miss Ellen Allee, a na- tive of that place and a lady of French descent. They became parents of two sons

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and a daughter : Orville Benjamin, who attended the Boston School of Technology and is a mechanical engineer ; Orson S., a catalogue editor who is married and has one daughter, Edith Jeanette; and Mrs. Cornelia A. Ballinger, who has two children, Leroy Orson and Frances Elizabeth. The death of the father occurred February 9, 1905, while at Nice, France, and he was buried there. Mrs. Skinner survived until April 21, 1909. While in the prime of life business interests had called him to other localities, yet he was always greatly attached to the city in which his youthful days and his declining years were passed and his life was en . riched by many friendships which continued throughout all the intervening period. In the evening of life his were "the blessed companions of age-honor, love and trusted friends."

A. L. MOSES.

A. L. Moses, now the owner of considerable Cleveland and suburban real estate, was born September 29, 1844, on Euclid road, in the village of Euclid, his parents being Charles and Polly Moses. The father came to the Western Reserve from Connecticut in 1807, being then only seven years of age, and in 1814 settled in Euclid. Mrs. Moses became a resident of Euclid about 1816 and she, too, had formerly lived in Connecticut.

In his youthful days A. L. Moses enjoyed the advantages offered by the public schools and at an early age entered the contracting business, dealing in railroad ties, ship timber and lumber for about twenty-five years. He afterward engaged, in connection with his two brothers, Nelson and Charles W., in the real-estate business, which has been conducted for years under the firm name of N. Moses & Brothers. The two brothers of A. L. Moses are now deceased, however, leav- ing him and his son to carry on the business. He has generally confined his attention and operations to his own property, buying and selling. He has always made it his purpose to keep in close touch with the real-estate market and his thorough study thereof has given him such intimate knowledge that he has been enabled to foresee possible advances or depreciations in values. Therefore, his investments have been judiciously made and have brought him substantial re- turns.

In 1868 Mr. Moses was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Dille, of Not- tingham, Ohio, and they have one son, Louis A., who is now his father's part- ner and who married Olive Crane, of Springfield, Missouri. In his political views Mr. Moses is a republican, conversant with the leading questions and is- sues of the day but without aspiration for office. He is very fond of outdoor sports and to these usually devotes his leisure hours.

H. M. FARNSWORTH.

H. M. Farnsworth, secretary and treasurer of the Brooklyn Savings & Loan Company, in which connection he has become prominently known as a leading figure in Cleveland's financial circles, was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, in 1861, and arrived in this city in 1870. After mastering the elementary branches taught in the primary and intermediate grades, he continued his studies in the Brooklyn high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1878. Sub- sequently he engaged in teaching school for a time in North Royalton and as a further step in his business career became associated with Charles L. Selzer and F. W. Root in establishing and publishing a weekly paper known as the Cuy- ahogan. He was connected with this publication for five years, during which

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period he devoted his leisure hours to the study of law under the direction of C. B. Bernard and was admitted to the bar in 1882 and is still in active practice. In 1888 the Brooklyn Savings & Loan Company was organized with Mr. Farns- worth as one of its directors, and since its inception he has been its secretary and treasurer. His knowledge of law, his executive ability and keen discrimination into complex situations, have been effective forces in the success which has at- tended this financial enterprise from its inception. Mr. Farnsworth is also the treasurer of the Brooklyn Heights cemetery and is identified as a director and stockholder with various other corporations. He is likewise a charter member of the Cleveland Chamber of Industry and is chairman of its executive commit- tee.

On the 25th of March, 1886, Mr. Farnsworth was married to Miss Bettie C. Brainard, a daughter of Titus N. Brainard, a prominent pioneer resident of Cleveland, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Two children came to bless this marriage: Frank M., twenty-two years of age, who is a graduate of the Lincoln high school; and Brainard H., a lad of nine years.

Mr. and Mrs. Farnsworth hold membership in the Brooklyn Memorial Meth- odist Episcopal church and he is also affiliated with Brooklyn Lodge, No. 454, A. F. & A. M. He is a representative of the American spirit which knows no such word as fail, which makes an opportunity when none exists and reaches the goal by methods that have made this the greatest commercial country of the age.

REV. Y. PEYTON MORGAN, D. D.

In an enumeration of the men who have had to do with the upbuilding and progress of this city it is imperative that mention be made of the Rev. Y. Peyton Morgan, D. D., because of his active work in connection with the moral devel- opment of Cleveland. His influence was far-reaching and is still manifest today in the lives of those who came under his teachings. He was at one time rector of Trinity Episcopal church and afterward of Christ church of Dayton, and had just been called to Cincinnati as dean of the diocese at the time of his death.

Dr. Morgan was born in Baltimore, Maryland, May 8, 1853, and his prepara- tion for the ministry was acquired as a student in Carlisle College. Determin- ing to devote his life to the ministry, he became one of the most successful of church workers, manifesting a most consecrated zeal and energy in carrying on the different branches of the church work. His first charge was Trinity church in Cleveland, of which he was rector for ten years, this being the longest rector- ship in the history of the church up to that time. On locating here he found an impoverished church, and he gave the land and raised the means to build the cathedral, of which he became dean when the church was made the cathedral of the diocese. He was one of the pioneers of the organization of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews. He was indefatigable in his efforts and devotion to the cause of religion and to his labors much of the success of the church was due. He had just been appointed dean of St. Paul's Cathedral in Cincinnati when the final summons came to him and at the time of his death his household effects were packed and ready for removal to his new home.

Dr. Morgan was exceedingly popular with all classes and was particularly loved and respected by the young men, for whom he had deep sympathy that was ever manifest in a most helpful spirit. They enjoyed his companionship and profited by his wise counsel. In 1884 he became a member of Troop A, and in September of the following year was appointed chaplain of the organization. Reenlisting he was reappointed to that position in April, 1889, and continued in the service until February, 1892, when he left the city to take charge of the church of St. John the Evangelist at St. Paul, Minnesota. His rectorship at St. Paul, however, was not of long duration, and he returned to Ohio and became

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rector of Christ church in this city, where he lived and labored until called to his reward.

Dr. Morgan had been identified with many movements which had direct bear- ing upon the interests of the community at large and none came within his pres- ence who did not feel the beneficence of his influence. His Christianity was manifest in many practical ways as he believed religion should consist of man's relation to man as well as his relation to his Creator. He had the first boys' choir west of the Allegheny mountains; he was greatly interested in charitable ac- tivities and was instrumental in causing the removal of the Old Ladies Home and in promoting its interests in no uncertain way. A most aggressive spirit was his and, while a believer in the doctrines of his own church, he also believed in fellowship between all and was striving to promote the moral progress of the race. It was this that led him to institute the Clergymen's Monday Club, at which the clergymen of all denominations met each Monday at the Hollenden Hotel for the discussion of such interests as bore upon the religious development of the city. He was also a member of the Union Club and was very much interested in the Art School and everything that tended to uplift humanity through intel- lectual development and refining influences.

Dr. Morgan was united in marrage to Miss Mary Sterling, a daughter of Dr. Elisha Sterling, and unto them was born a daughter, Marianna.

Devoting his entire life to the cause of uplifting humanity by imprinting the spirit of Christianity in the hearts of those with whom he came in contact, Dr. Morgan may well be numbered among those who made the world better for his having lived. He studied life and humanity in all of its phases that he might know how best to help those with whom he came in contact. A man of strong intellect, he was also a man of firm heart and those who came in contact with him at once felt and appreciated his ready sympathy. He stood for all that is highest and best in life, seldom condemning but always pointing out the way to better things. The beauty of his own life, thought and purpose was a continuous inspiration to those with whom he came in contact.

C. KENNETH CHISHOLM.

C. Kenneth Chisholm, one of the representative merchants of Cleveland, who for many years has been connected with the retail shoe trade, was born at Iona, Ontaria, Canada, August 6, 1865. His father, William Chisholm, a native of Scotland, came to America in his childhood days and was reared in Glengarry county, Ontario. Through the period of his manhood he engaged in merchandising at Iona, his death occurring in 1876. His wife bore the maiden name of Abagil Pinneo and was a native of Nova Scotia, her parents being United Empire loyalists. Mrs. Chisholm is still living, making her home in Cleveland, at the age of seventy-two years.

C. Kenneth Chisholm passed his boyhood days at Brampton, near Toronto, where he worked for an uncle, Kenneth Chisholm, who was engaged in mer- chandising. In fact that has been the traditional occupation of the family for centuries. In the public schools of that place he also obtained his education, attending until twenty years of age, after which he continued in the employ of his uncle until he reached the age of twenty-four; when he went to Chicago, where he remained for a few months. In February, 1890, he arrived in Cleve- land, where he entered the employ of the W. P. Southworth Company, grocers, with whom he continued six months. He next became connected with N. O. Stone & Company, the leading shoe dealers of the city, remaining in their service for six years.' This gave him excellent training in this field of commercial ac- tivity. He afterward spent three years on the road as a traveling salesman for the J. P. Smith Shoe Company of Chicago, making his headquarters in Cleve-

C. KENNETH CHISHOLM

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land, and in February, 1900, feeling that his capital and his experience justified his embarkation in business on his own account, he established the Chisholm Boot Shop. This business was afterward reorganized as the Chisholm Shoe Company and from the beginning Mr. Chisholm has been the president. He has confined his interests and activities almost entirely to the shoe trade and has constantly extended his efforts in this connection until his labors have made him an important factor among the shoe merchants of the middle west. He organized the Walk Over Shoe Company at Detroit, Michigan, of which he has since been the president and which is now conducting a profitable and growing business, its shoes being widely known throughout this section of the country and in more remote districts as well. Mr. Chisholm has likewise made invest- ment in other business enterprises, which profit by his keen discernment and initiative spirit and to some extent he has become interested in Cleveland real estate.

On the 15th of March, 1899, in Ashtabula, Ohio, Mr. Chisholm was mar- ried to Miss Laura Ford, a daughter of Paul C. Ford, a retired vessel owner, who for seventy years has been a resident of Ashtabula. Mrs. Chisholm is a lady of many attractive social qualities and presides with gracious hospitality over her home. The family now includes an interesting little daughter, Ruth, six years of age.

Mr. Chisholm is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and interested in all that pertains to the city's welfare and progress. He has attained the thirty- second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry, is also a member of the com- mandery and of the Mystic Shrine. He has ever been enthusiastic on the sub- ject of athletics and belongs to the Cleveland Athletic Club and the Westwood Golf Club, which afford him his principal source of recreation. He is like- wise a director of the Cleveland Automobile Club and a member of the Cleve- land Ad Club, while his religious belief is indicated in his connection with the Methodist church. He is modest and genial, a dependable man in all circum- stances, and in business life has proven it is possible to win simultaneously suc- cess and an honorable name.

EUGENE L. GRAVES.

Eugene L. Graves is now living retired, although in previous years he was closely associated with commercial interests. He was born in Bennington, Ver- mont, January 21, 1848. He completed his education at Andover College in Mas- sachusetts and following his graduation in the year 1866 he came to the middle west, securing a position in the Bank of Commerce in Chicago, where he remained for three years.

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A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II, Part 84

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