USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume II > Part 91
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Reared in his native country, George L. Schryver attended the public schools until fourteen years of age. He served an apprenticeship of four years in a general store in his native town, his labors beginning at daylight and continuing until about ten o'clock in the evening. He received very small pay although his work was arduous. Early in the morning he went to the store, took down the shutters, swept the room, trimmed the lamps, filled the nail kegs, sugar barrel and tea chests and in other ways made ready for the trade of the day. At length, however, he resolved to seek his fortune across the border where competition is greater but advancement is more quickly secured.
Coming to Cleveland in the fall of 1867 Mr. Schryver obtained a position in the house of E. I. Baldwin & Company and for the first six months received only eight dollars per week. Later he was paid ten dollars per week and gradually year by year he was advanced. Mr. Tyler, now the head of the W. S. Tyler Company, was then a member of the firm and under his tuition and watchful eye Mr. Schryver succeeded in making himself useful to Mr. Tyler in some of his special departments, thereby getting a knowledge of notions, ribbons, trimmings and small wares in general. Having proven his ability in business activity he was admitted to the firm in 1879 and has since continued with the house during all of the changes in partnership, which changed the name of E. I. Baldwin & Company in 1883 to E. I. Baldwin, Hatch & Company, while after the death of E. I. Baldwin in 1894 the business was continued under the style of H. R. Hatch & Company and was removed from the old location, at Nos. 214-216 Superior street, to the present store at Nos. 619-625 Euclid avenue. Upon the retirement
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G. L. SCHRYVER
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of Mr. Hatch in 1895 the name was changed to the present style of G. L. Schry- ver & Company. Mr. Schryver came to Cleveland with only thirty dollars and as several months passed before he secured employment, he experienced many hardships. Strong purpose, capability and perseverance, however, gradually enabled him to advance until he is now at the head of one of the largest dry- goods houses of the city. Ever since he entered the firm he has been the work- ing partner, the others feeling that the business was well looked after under the supervision of Mr. Schryver for he was ever at his post, manifesting keen pow- ers of discernment in passing judgment upon matters vital to the trade. Thus close application has become a-habit with him and although he might now take life more easily, he still goes to the store each morning at eight o'clock and is the last one to leave in the evening.
Mr. Schryver is a member of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, a director of the Cleveland Athletic Club and a member of the Colonial, Cleveland Whist and Westwood Golf Clubs, the last named indicating his principal recreation. He is a trustee of the Plymouth Congregational church and is much interested in matters relative to public progress in material, intellectual, social and moral lines.
Mr. Schryver was married to Miss Fannie Hapgood, a daughter of George Hapgood, editor of the Warren Chronicle, Warren, Ohio. Mrs. Schryver passed away leaving two sons and two daughters: George H., of the insurance firm of Neale Brothers & Schryver of Cleveland; Albert, who is in the employ of his father ; Florence and Mabel, at home. In analyzing the life record of Mr. Schryver it will be seen that his success is due in large measure to his intel- ligent appreciation of opportunity. What a man does and what he attains de- pend largely upon his opportunities, but the well balanced man, mentally and physically, is possessed of substantial courage to venture where favoring oppor- tunity is presented and his judgment and even-paced energy generally carry him forward to the goal of success. Such has been the record of Mr. Schryver who stands today as one of the most prominent representatives of mercantile interests in Cleveland.
WILLIAM SHERWOOD SNYDER.
William Sherwood Snyder, of the firm of Post, Snyder & Company, bankers and brokers, with offices in the Schofield building, is a son of Tillman E. and Alice A. (Kelso) Snyder, of Brimfield, Portage county, Ohio. The son was born in Brimfield, on the 9th of August, 1865, and pursued his education in the public schools of Ravenna, Ohio, to the age of fourteen years, when he entered business circles as an employe of ex-Sheriff Sawyer, of Cleveland, in whose store he acted as clerk for five years. At the time of Mr. Sawyer's election to the office of sheriff he became a deputy and later for four years acted as chief deputy under Sheriff Ryan. He was afterward connected with M. A. Smalley, United States marshal, in the position of cashier, in which capacity he served for four years and later spent a similar period as cashier with the brokerage firm of R. H. York & Company.
This brought him practical experience concerning the brokerage business, and, ambitious to start upon an independent venture that his labors might more directly benefit himself, he afterward became one of the organizers of the firm of Fuller, Parsons & Snyder, who opened a broker's office, which they conducted for a year. A change in the partnership then led to the adoption of the firm name of Parsons, Snyder & Company, which connection was continued for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Parsons sold his interest and the firm became Post, Snyder & Company and has so continued to the present time. They are
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members of the Cleveland Stock Exchange and are conducting a large business as bankers and brokers, with an extensive clientage among the wealthy men of the city. Their comprehensive knowledge of the market and a spirit of enter- prise that characterizes the conduct of the business has made theirs a very suc- cessful venture.
Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Annette Rosenthal, a daughter of F. W. Rosenthal, of St. Louis. The wedding was celebrated in 1889 and the marriage has been blessed with two children, Robert W. and Howard E.
Mr. Snyder gives his political support to the democracy and is well known in political circles, for he has labored effectively and zealously for the interests of his party. He has also filled a number of public offices, serving as jury com- missioner of Cuyahoga county for three years, as clerk of the board of equaliza- tion for one year and as county examiner of the county finances for one year. He belongs to the First Church of Christ, Scientist and is well known in this city, where he has lived throughout the entire period of his connection with business life. He has sought his success along legitimate lines, brooking no obstacle that could be overcome by determined and persistent effort, and his prosperity has followed as the logical reward of his perseverance and diligence.
JOHN BECKER.
John Becker is the president and treasurer of the Becker-Seidel Company of Cleveland, conducting an extensive business as steam and hot water fitters and steam heating contractors and also doing large pipe work for power plants. His birth occurred in Cleveland on the 22d of June, 1857, his parents being George and Catherine (Hass) Becker, both of whom were natives of Germany, born in the years 1829 and 1830 respectively. The father, who crossed the Atlantic to the United States in early life, took up his abode in Cleveland, Ohio, and here followed the trade of blacksmithing until called to his final rest in 1870. He was married in this city to Miss Catherine Hass, who survived him for almost three decades, passing away in 1899.
In his youthful days John Becker attended the public schools in the acquire- ment of an education and after putting aside his text-books he worked as cash boy in the employ of E. I. Baldwin for a short time. He next secured a position with the Pollard Showcase Company but after a brief period entered the service of the Worswick & Lewis Company, manufacturers of pipe and steam brass goods, remaining with the concern for ten and a half years. During this period he became thoroughly familiar with the business in principle and detail, being gradually promoted from one department to the next higher as he demonstrated his worth and ability. In 1882 he embarked in business as a steam fitter on his own account, becoming a member of the Chafer, Becker & Doughty Company, which after a short time was changed to Chafer & Becker. In 1905 the firm
was incorporated as the Chafer-Becker Company, while in May, 1907, the Becker- Seidel Company was incorporated with Mr. Becker as president and treasurer and Albin Seidel as vice president. They have built up an extensive and profit- able business as steam and hot water fitters and steam heating contractors and their operations extend throughout Cleveland and the surrounding territory. In addition to his interests in this connection Mr. Becker is likewise a director in the Woodland Savings Trust Company and the H. Franke Steel Range Com- pany, while of the International Cutlery Company of Fremont, Ohio, he acts as president. In his business life he displays sound judgment and keen discern- ment as well as unwearied industry and is one of the successful men of his native city.
In 1883 Mr. Becker was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Clauss, a native of Cleveland, and a daughter of Henry and Johnnetta (Floersch) Clauss. Unto
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JOHN BECKER
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Mr. and Mrs. Becker have been born two children, namely: Louise L., whose birth occurred in 1884 and who is a graduate of the Laurel Institute, is now the wife of C. M. Handy ; and Henry C., who was born in 1886, is a graduate of the University School.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Becker has given his political allegiance to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Masons, having attained the thirty-second degree in the latter order. He is a member of Cleveland City Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M .; Webb Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M .; Oriental Commandery, No. 12, K. T .; and Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Exchange and the Cleveland Auto Club, being very fond of motoring. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed throughout the city in which they have always resided, their upright and honorable lives commending them to the friendship and regard of those with whom they come in contact.
OZIAS FISH.
The Psalmist of old designated three score years and ten as the span of man's life, but Ozias Fish has long since passed beyond that period for he is now in his ninety-second year-the oldest native son of Cleveland yet residing within her borders. The years rest lightly upon him. With mind undimmed he can recall more clearly than anyone living the early days of Cleveland, which he has seen develop from a village to a city that in its trade and business relations has become a recognized world power. His birth occurred May 16, 1818, on the farm which his father, Moses Fish, purchased when he came over- land with his brother Ebenezer and cousin James from Connecticut. This was before the era of railroad building and the three men traveled together across the country, western New York and eastern Ohio being as yet largely an unde- veloped wilderness; the forests stood in their primeval strength; the prairies were uncultivated and the streams unbridged. They arrived in Cleveland in 18II and Moses Fish located on what is now Denison avenue, on the west side. There in connection with his brother Ebenezer he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and with resolute spirit they undertook the arduous task of clearing away the timber and preparing the land for the plow. Those fields which they carefully cultivated year after year now constitute one of the thickly settled districts of Cleveland-the site of many residences and business blocks.
Ozias Fish, of this review, however, is still the owner of a goodly part of the old family estate. His birth occurred on the homestead farm May 16, 1818, and in his youthful days he assisted his father in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. At seven years of age he began his education by attending a log school near his home. The little building was also for a few years used as a meeting house and town hall. In the early '30s a more modern school build- ing was erected and Mr. Fish therein pursued his studies for several terms, gaining a fair English education, to which reading, observation and broadening experience have continually added as the years have gone by. Later he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade under Joshua Whitney and, becoming an expert workman, he began contracting on his own account and soon handled a share of the public patronage. Many of the old time buildings which are still standing throughout this section of the county are evidences of his handiwork. For many years he was associated with his four brothers in a contracting bus- iness and they ranked as one of the leading firms in this part of the state. Ozias Fish continued in active business until about 1890, when on account of age he retired. Success had attended his efforts and the rise in property values had
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also added to his wealth, making his annual income one of substantial propor- tions.
On the 3d of December, 1840, occurred the marriage of Ozias Fish and Miss Elizabeth Pelton, a daughter of Russell and Amelia Pelton, who came to Cleveland from Connecticut in 1835. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fish were born four children. Edward F., the eldest, now deceased, was married and had three children: Russell C., who is married and has one child; Lucy; and Fannie, deceased. The second member of the family was Russell Fish, who has also passed away. Dwight P. Fish, the only surviving son, was united in marriage June 20, 1877, to Miss Minnie P. Carr, a daughter of Dudley C. and Sarah (Wallace) Carr, of Cleveland. Their children are Ethel M., the wife of Dr. . F. T. Lewis, and Dwight G., both residing in Cleveland. Philo L., the youngest son of Ozias Fish, has. also passed away. The death of Mrs. Ozias Fish occurred on the seventy-fifth anniversary of her birth and was the occasion of deep regret to the many friends who had long entertained for her the most kindly regard.
In many ways Mr. Fish has been closely associated with Cleveland's prog- ress and upbuilding. He was one of the first councilmen here, when the city was but a village, and he served for two years as treasurer and also as assessor of his township before it was annexed to the city. Since the organization of the republican party he has given it his stalwart support and previous to that time he was a whig, casting his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison in 1840. He has long been an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and also a member of the old Brooklyn Memorial church, located on Pearl street. He is without doubt the oldest native born resident of Cleveland and, although he has passed the ninety-second milestone on life's journey, is still hale and hearty, possessing a wonderful memory concerning the early days. The Fish family were among the first to locate in this vicinity and many of their descend- ants are yet found here. Ebenezer Fish, the grandfather of Ozias Fish, had served with distinction in the Revolutionary war and the family has always been noted for patriotism and loyalty, which has found tangible expression in their active assistance of many projects and movements for the public good. Ozias Fish has always borne his part in the work of general improvement here and, moreover, he has rejoiced in those evidences of progress which history has chronicled-the building of the railroads, the construction of the telegraph and telephone lines, the introduction of steam navigation and the wonderful uses to which electricity has been put. All these and many more equally wonderful things have occurred within his memory, which forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. His is, indeed, a notable career, not only by reason of longevity but also by reason of the fact that there is so little that can be said against him. No life is absolutely free from mistakes, but none have ever questioned the honesty of his motives or his fidelity to a course which he has believed to be right. He is a broadminded man, has always looked upon the world from the bright side of life, has made the most of his opportunities, has used his powers to an unusual degree for the benefit of others and now, in the late evening of life, can look upon the past without regret and toward the future without fear.
WILLIAM DALL.
William Dall, the junior member of the firm of Andrew Dall & Son, general contractors, has thus been actively identified with the industrial interests of Cleveland since 1899. He was born in this city on the 25th of November, 1876, his parents being Andrew and Alice (Bennett) Dall. The father is mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. His birth occurred in Scotland
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on the 30th of March, 1850, and he was brought to America when four years of age, since which time he has remained a resident of Cleveland. Since early manhood he has been successfully engaged in business as a contractor and is one of the oldest contractors in the city, being now associated with his son Wil- liam under the firm style of Andrew Dall & Son. In 1873 he wedded Miss Alice Bennett, who was born in Ohio on the 2d of November, 1852.
William Dall obtained his early education in the public schools and after- ward pursued a university course. After putting aside his text-books he secured a position with C. F. Schweinfurth, the architect, and was thus employed for three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Buffalo and learned the bricklaying trade in the erection of the Erie County Savings Bank. When about a year had passed he returned to Cleveland and became associated with his father in the contracting business. In 1899 the latter started out as a con- tractor in partnership with his son William, the firm style of Andrew Dall & Son being adopted. They have been awarded the contract for the new court- house and among the many important structures which already stand as sub- stantial monuments to their skill and ability are the following: the Union Club, the Citizens Bank, the Havlin Hotel and Textile building of Cincinnati, Ohio; the Zanesville postoffice; the Taylor Arcade; and the First National Bank. Added to the long experience and thorough comprehension of the business of the father is the undaunted enterprise and progressive spirit of the son, consti- tuting a strong firm.
On the Ist of June, 1899, Mr. Dall was united in marriage to Miss Florence Wing, of Cincinnati. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and is a worthy exemplar of the craft. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, the Builders' Exchange, the Cleveland Athletic Club and the Elks. Though yet a young man, he has already gained recognition as one prominent in building circles and his many friends predict for him a still more successful future.
ALBERT REES DAVIS.
Albert Rees Davis, well known in the social, musical and business circles of Cleveland, his influence in these various lines being of no restricted order, was born at Youngstown, Ohio, October 27, 1867. He came from pioneer Welsh ancestry, his grandfather, the Rev. Rees Davis, being one of the first Welsh ministers in the state of Ohio, making his visits to his different charges on horseback at a time when Ohio furnished little means of railroad traffic and when its population was comparatively sparse. His son, John R. Davis, the father of Albert Rees Davis, was a very public-spirited man and prominent cit- izen of Youngstown. He exerted a widely felt influence in politics and repre- sented his district in the general assembly from 1886 until 1890, during which period he served as chairman of one of the most important committees-that of railways, telegraphs and telephones. He was known throughout the state for his sterling qualities, his fearless defense of what he believed to be right and his loyalty to his convictions. He died in February, 1900, and the memorial issued at that time in his honor typified the high esteem entertained for him by his friends and neighbors. His widow is still a resident of Youngstown. Judge G. R. Richards of Steubenville, Ohio, an uncle of Albert R. Davis, was lieuten- ant governor under Governor Foster of Fostoria, Ohio, and for many years has been a very prominent figure in the republican party of the state ..
Spending his youthful days under the paternal roof, Albert Rees Davis pur- sued his education in the public schools of Youngstown, from which he was graduated. After a course at Oberlin College, he entered the Oxford Naval Academy, a preparatory institution for Annapolis and West Point, and there studied for two years. Coming to Cleveland in 1887 and believing himself most
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adapted to the insurance business, he became connected with the Merchants In- surance Company of this city, of which George A. Tisdale was the secretary. For three years he continued in that company and was then with the Bingham & Douglas Insurance Company for three years as counterman. Later, in con- nection with Mr. Bingham, Mr. Davis organized the Bingham & Davis Insur- ance Company which went out of business in about a year, owing to the failure of the American Casualty Company of Baltimore, of which they were local rep- resentatives. The failure of this company, however, did not discourage Mr. Davis for he established his present business in January, 1894, with head- quarters in the Cuyahoga building, and is now recognized as one of the fore- most insurance men of Cleveland. In 1906 he removed to his present quarters in the Perry-Payne building for the conduct of a general insurance business. He is also interested in other business enterprises in this city.
In 1902 occurred the marriage of Mr. Davis and Miss Mary M., daughter of George T. McIntosh, who is president of the McIntosh Hardware Company of this city. Mr. Davis is very prominent in social and club circles. He belongs to Iris Lodge, No. 229, A. F. & A. M., and to Webb Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M. He also holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce, the Union, Tavern, Euclid, Hermit, the Roadside and the Cleveland Athletic Clubs. He is likewise a member of the Singers Club of which he is now conductor. Musi- cal ability is the chief qualification for membership in this organization. In the fall of 1906 the club established its headquarters at Grays Armory and accord- ing to its year book "Albert Rees Davis, for years a faithful and valuable mem- ber and officers of the club, was chosen as the successor of Mr. Clemens, who was forced to resign as conductor owing to ill health. The maturity of the club, now eighty strong, may justly be said to date from its first appearance in the Armory under the leadership of Mr. Davis. The successes of the season of 1906 and of the seasons that followed were the logical result of the years of effort and loyalty that preceded them. Now, at the close of its sixteenth season, the club numbers one hundred and fourteen men-its past is secure, its future full of promise." Mr. Davis is thus well known in musical circles and is equally prominent as a club man and business man. His genialty, unfailing courtesy and deference for the opinions of others have made him prominent and have gained for him the high place which he now holds in Cleveland.
WILLIAM HENRY FAY.
William Henry Fay, one of the successful business men of Cleveland, who has built up an excellent patronage by honorable and progressive methods, was born in the vicinity of the city, June 28, 1856, being a son of Henry and Hannah (Sloan) Fay, the former born March 26, 1832, near Cleveland, and the latter at the same place in 1835. They were married March 26, 1854, and their wedded life terminated with the death of the wife in 1879. The father conducted a teaming business at an early day but is now retired, living with a daughter in this city. At one time he owned a farm in South Brooklyn.
William Henry Fay was educated in the schools of his native place and early was apprenticed to a carpenter but later worked in a box factory in Cleveland for three years. His next experience was in a milk business in this city, and later he opened a grocery at Akron, conducting it for ten or twelve years. In 1887 he returned to Cleveland and embarked in his present enterprise, now do- ing a general moving and erecting business, under the name of Fay Brothers, although for some years he has been the sole proprietor. He was one of the earliest to engage in this line and has developed it to its present proportions from rather small beginnings. At present he gives employment to about twenty-five men and has twelve wagons. The trade is confined to the city and vicinity, and
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