USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 100
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On June 16, 1887, Miss Johanna Webber, of Cleveland, became the wife of Mr. Loesch. They have one son, Frederick, twenty years of age, who is also employed in the offices of the Herrman-McLean Company. The Loesch home is situated at 2217 West Thirty-Second street.
Mr. Loesch is a Mason with membership in the blue lodge and chapter. He is a supporter of the republican party. In addition to his other interests, he is vice president of the Case Fish Company. He can be counted as a valuable citizen, one of that type which has brought Cleveland to be Ohio's greatest city and one of the most advanced in the United States. ,
WILLIAM C. STORER.
William C. Storer, now living retired in Cleveland, which has been the scene of his active life for many years and is now affording him a welcome refuge from the cares of business, was born November 5, 1832, in the old home built by his father, his parents being George and Sarah (Fleming) Storer. This house was erected in 1827 on the west side on a street that is now known as Denison and is still in an excellent condition, being used by Mr. Storer as a summer residence. His parents came to Cleveland in 1827 and here the father engaged in surveying and contracting. So successful was he that when he re- tired at the age of sixty years he was a wealthy man, and he was prominent as well. For thirty years more he lived in comfort and happiness, dying when ninety years old. The Storer family is a very old one in the history of this coun-
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try, dating back to 1629, when Beluman, Joseph and Ebenezer Storer came from the north of Ireland and located in Portland, Maine. Our subject's great-grand- father, Ebenezer Storer, was a lieutenant in the Continental army, being present at the capture of Quebec. He entered the army in 1776, was taken prisoner by the British in 1780 and died of smallpox on board the prison ship in New York harbor.
William C. Storer received a common-school education in Cleveland and at the same time learned to be a draughtsman and contractor under his father, being an expert in draughting. He became one of the most successful contractors in the city and pursued a profitable business until 1900, when he retired to private life. While a republican in politics, he has never taken an active part in public affairs.
On December 18, 1856, Mr. Storer married Hannah Johnson, a daughter of John D. Johnson and Margaret (Robison) Johnson, of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Storer celebrated their golden wedding nearly three years ago, on De- cember 18, 1906, a most memorable occasion to all parties concerned. The chil- dren born to them are: Mrs. Josephine Collins, Mrs. Lydia Hatcher, Webster J. and Cornelia E.
Mr. Storer is a member of the Old Settlers Association and is one of the best known among those belonging to pioneer families here. Having spent his life in this city and assisted in the construction of some of its most imposing buildings, he has been a witness of and participant in its rapid and remarkable growth and enjoys nothing better than to recall the Cleveland of olden days to those interested in the subject.
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JAY J. PHELPS.
Jay J. Phelps, president of the Phelps-Humphreys Company, manufacturers of cigars, located at 2123 East Second street, is a native of the Buckeye state and for the past thirty years has made his home in the Forest city. The fam- ily has long been identified with the commercial life of Ohio, his father, Har- low B. Phelps, having been the first man who ever came west from New York with a sample case of dry goods. He spent his whole life as a traveling man, his death occurring May 27, 1907. He married Miss Julia Lampson, who is also deceased. The only other surviving member of the family is a sister, Mrs. Charles P. Leitch, of San Jose, California, but formerly of Niles, Ohio.
The birth of Jay J. Phelps occurred in Orwell, Ashtabula county, Ohio, Jan- uary 30, 1861. He attended the public schools of that village and then, having like Dickens' hero, Oliver Twist, a longing for "more," he supplemented this mental equipment by a course in the Grand River College at Austinburg, Ohio, from which in due course of time he was graduated. From college he came direct to Cleveland, where he sought employment and found it first in Barry's grocery store, where he filled the position of clerk for the space of six months. Follow- ing this he secured a position as traveling salesman for the Hanum & Spencer Company, dealers in tea and coffee.
On September 3, 1882, Mr. Phelps formed a new association with Graham & Lang, a wholesale cigar house, engaging as their city salesman. Eight years later, having become firmly established in the confidence of the concern, the firm was changed to Lang & Phelps and remained under this name for another eight years. At the termination of this period Mr. Phelps withdrew and tried a new line of endeavor by going into the wholesale grocery business, becoming a mem- ber of the Ross, Sprague Company. He continued with them until April 1, 1904, when the company sold to the Eldridge & Higgins Company. On November I, 1904, Mr. Phelps purchased an interest in the H. A. Boesger Cigar Company and reincorporated the same under the name of the Boesger-Phelps Cigar Com-
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pany. On July 1, 1908, the corporate name was changed to the Phelps-Hum- phreys Company, Mr. Phelps purchasing Mr. Boesger's interest. These two gentlemen had for some time been associated in business, both with the Ross, Sprague Company and the Boesger-Phelps Company.
On January 7, 1884, Mr. Phelps was united in marriage to Miss Emma A. Sherman, of Painesville, Ohio, her parents being Charles R. and Catherine Sher- man. They have one child, Ralph Green, thirteen years of age. The attractive family home is situated at 2884 West Fourteenth street, Southwest.
In national politics Mr. Phelps pays fealty to the Republican party, but lo- cally is inclined to give his support to whatever measure he believes will con- tribute to the best interests of the community, no matter from what party it emanates. He takes great pleasure in his fraternal affiliations, these extending to the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 586, the Benevolent and Protective Or- der of Elks Lodge, No. 18; and the Cleveland Commercial Travelers Club. The Pilgrim Congregational church enjoys the support and attendance of Mr. Phelps and his family, and he is by no means one to neglect the finer interests of life in the pursuit of more material benefits.
CARL C. GERLACH.
Among the mass of good business men who faithfully discharge their duties, there occasionally rises a man of unusual ability who advances steadily to im- portant positions with some of the largest concerns in his community. Carl C. Gerlach is a remarkable instance of this class in Cleveland, having risen from office boy in one concern to general manager of the Pictet Ice Company. Mr. Ger- lach was born in Cleveland, October 10, 1861, a son of John and Elizabeth Gerlach.
Until he was eighteen Mr. Gerlach had the advantages offered by the Cleve- land public schools and then began earning his own living as office boy with Coe & Harber, with whom he remained for two years. He then entered the employ of the Pictet Ice Company, as one of the ice sellers and so efficient did he prove that he was advanced step by step until in 1899 he was made general manager.
In December, 1893, Mr. Gerlach was married in Cleveland to Miss Jennette Andrew, and they have three children: William, Carl, and Arthur, who are all attending the public schools. The family occupy a pleasant residence at No. 3903 Reservoir avenue, where genuine hospitality is shown the many friends who visit them. In politics Mr. Gerlach is independent, preferring to give his support to the candidates he believes will best advance the civic welfare, and he is a protestant in his religious faith. In every position he has held, he has been faithful in the discharge of his duties, and the success that has attended him is well merited.
FREDERICK K. RAND.
Frederick K. Rand, the superintendent of the National Acme Manufacturing Company of Cleveland, was born in Vermont on the 29th of May, 1858, his par- ents being Cornelius and Mary H. Rand. He attended the public schools until fifteen years of age and then made his way to Hartford, Connecticut, where for eight years he remained in the employ of the Cushman & Chuck Company as a machinist. Subsequently he entered the service of the Pratt & Whitney Com- pany in a similar capacity, remaining with the concern for four years, when he went to Elmira, New York, and held a position for two years. He then returned
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to Hartford, Connecticut, where for six years he acted as superintendent of the factory of the Pratt & Katty Company. Subsequently he was identified for two years with Pope & Company as assistant superintendent of their factory and then became connected with the Acme Machine Company, serving as superintendent until 1903. In that year the firm established its headquarters in Cleveland and changed its name to the National-Acme Manufacturing Company. Mr. Rand was appointed superintendent of the factory and his labors in this position of responsibility have proven highly satisfactory to all concerned. The National- Acme Manufacturing Company are makers of the Acme multiple spindle auto- matic screw machine and manufacturers of set screws, cap screws, machine screws, and special milled work turned from steel, iron, zinc and brass.
On the 25th of December, 1882, in Hartford, Connecticut, Mr. Rand was united in marriage to Miss Kilburn. They have one daughter, Emma, who is twenty-four years of age and is now Mrs. Quigley.
Politically Mr. Rand is a stanch republican, while in religious faith he is a Protestant. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. His home is at No. 7520 Cedar avenue, and he enjoys the regard and esteem of an extensive circle of friends in this city.
WILLIAM H. WATKINS.
William H. Watkins, associated as an investor and officer with various lead- ing business interests of Cleveland, is perhaps best known as the president of the W. J. Townsend Company, and president of the Davis Dry Goods Company and treasurer of the Ohio Gas Meter Company. He was born on Root street, on the west side of Cleveland, April 12, 1866. The city was then flourishing and yet had by no means entered upon that era of rapid and substantial growth which in recent years has made it one of the chief manufacturing and business centers of the entire country. His youthful days were spent in the home of his parents, Lewis J. and Agnes (Shanks) Watkins. The father was a native of Srevathan, Monmouthshire, Wales, born June 20, 1839, and the mother's birth occurred at Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland, July 24, 1844. Lewis J. Watkins came to America at the age of seventeen years, attracted by the broader business oppor- tunities of the new world. He was a young man of twenty when he established his home in Cleveland and secured a position as roller in the steel mills. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the Union cause, enlisting in the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served throughout the period of hostilities. He died May 12, 1882. His wife came to this country when a little maiden of ten years and died July 3, 1877.
William H. Watkins, reared in Cleveland, pursued his education in the pub- lic schools between the ages of six and eleven years. He then started out to make his own way in the world. The burden of self-support was a heavy one for young shoulders but he resolutely faced the conditions before him and secured employment in the old Union Iron Works, where he remained for six months. He next entered the employ of the Cleveland Rolling Mills Company and there continued for four years. While yet a young man he took a three years' course in mechanical engineering at the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion night school and also spent a year in a night course at Central Institute. His efficiency increasing, he was promoted and on leaving the Cleveland Rolling Mills Company he entered the service of the Union Rolling Mills Company, where he gradually worked his way upward until he became boss roller. He has been associated with the business for twenty-eight years at this writing and con- tinues as foreman of the rolling department. Thoroughly mastering every task assigned him Mr. Watkins gained comprehensive knowledge of the processes of iron and steel manufacture and is acknowledged an expert workman. As the
WILLIAM H. WATKINS
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years have gone on and he has won that success which all men regard as the reward of labor, he has made investment in other lines and is active in the man- agement of various important business concerns. Of the W. J. Townsend Com- pany he is now president and is also chief executive officer of the Davis Dry Goods Company of Cambridge, Ohio. He is treasurer of the Ohio Gas Meter Company and a stockholder and director of the Empire Rolling Mills Company of Cleveland. He likewise owns stock in the Columbia Bank, and the Phillemac Rolling Mills Company, of Glendale, Ohio. All these are dividend-bearing in- vestments, contributing to the prosperity which Mr. Watkins is now enjoying and which he well merits, for his success is all self-earned.
On the 13th of April, 1887, Mr. Watkins was married to Miss Emma L. Rhodes, a daughter of I. J. and Mary (Trudley) Rhodes, the former engaged in the grocery business. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins have become the parents of seven children : Hazel, who is a graduate of the South high school and completed a classical course in Wellesley College, near Boston; Blanch, who is a graduate of the Central high school and is now a student in the Western Reserve University in Cleveland; Esther N., who is attending the Central high school; Grace L., also a high school pupil; Gladys, William H. and Myron H., who are pupils in the Woodland Hills school.
In politics Mr. Watkins is a republican whose political views are the outcome of broad reading of the political situation and of the questions and issues of the day. In religious faith he is a Congregationalist and takes an active interest in the work of the Union Congregational church, serving for twelve years as church treasurer, while at the present time he is a deacon. For fifteen years he was superintendent of the Sunday school and he cooperates in other activities which are elements in the growth of the church and the extension of its influence. He is likewise a member of the board of managers of the Young Men's Christian Association. Fraternally he is a Mason, holding membership in Euclid Lodge. He has always been a man of temperate habits, free from excess in any direc- tion, and thus the conservation of his physical and mental forces have enabled him to accomplish what he has undertaken in the business world. He is honored by all who know him because of his close conformity to high principles and manly purposes, and in his social relations and in his church, as well as through business associations, he has won many friends.
CARL S. JOHNSTONE.
Some of the most responsible positions in the country are being filled by men of the younger generation, who, profiting by the experience of others, are rapidly forging to the front. Many of the big corporations prefer to place young men in charge of their affairs, believing that their energy and keen-sighted grasp of matters work out to the best interests of all concerned. Carl S. Johnstone, secretary and treasurer of The Paint Shop Company, is one of the most pro- gressive young business men of Cleveland. He was born in Port Huron, Michi- gan, July 30, 1881, a son of John C. and Marian Johnstone. The father was born in Napier, Canada, October 10, 1844, but removed to Port Huron, Michi- gan, in 1864 to engage in a grain elevator business. At the time of his death in 1908 he was secretary and treasurer of the Grand Trunk Elevator Company.
Until he was eighteen years old, Carl S. Johnstone attended school but he then entered his father's employ and had charge of the office of the Grand Trunk Elevator Company for two years, thus early entering upon the respon- sibilities of business life. When only twenty he went to Detroit, Michigan, to engage with the Michigan Paint Company as assistant manager, and after two years of faithful service was transferred to Cleveland to take charge of the branch here. This was conducted at Nos. 2434 to 2440 Superior Viaduct, North- west, and he continued as manager until October, 1908, when the firm sold out
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to The Paint Shop Company, and Mr. Johnstone was elected secretary and treas- urer.
On February 18, 1902, in Port Huron, Michigan, Mr. Johnstone and Miss Catherine Kelly were married, and they now reside in their beautiful home at No. 3708 Clinton avenue with their eighteen months old daughter, Marian.
The political affiliations of Mr. Johnstone have always been with the repub- lican party. The influence of a career like Mr. Johnstone's is stimulating to those still battling for supremacy, for it demonstrates that any man can rise provided he possesses natural ability and a willingness to give his best efforts to any work with which he might be connected.
JOHN S. McNAMARA.
John S. McNamara, assistant city manager of the Ohio Quarries Company, is a native of Cleveland, his parents, James and Margaret McNamara, having been residents of the Forest city at the time of his birth, October 12, 1870. He left school at the early age of twelve years and his first position was as messenger boy with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway. Being naturally apt, he soon mastered the details of telegraphy and for two years held a position as an operator. He then secured a position with the Cleveland Stone Company as telegraph operator and later was advanced to the important post of city sales manager in recognition of his value. The theory that his services were entirely satisfactory is amply justified by the fact that he continued with the Cleveland Stone Company for twenty years. In 1905 he severed his association with them to take the position of assistant sales manager with the Ohio Quarries Company, where, undoubtedly, he has contributed to the general success.
In December, 1904, Mr. McNamara was united in marriage to Miss String- han, their union being celebrated in this city. Their place of residence is at 6304 Quinby avenue. Mr. McNamara is independent in politics, not pledging himself irrevocably to any one party. He is loyal to the teachings of the Cath- olic church and all in all a worthy and admirable citizen.
T. EDWARD BURNS.
T. Edward Burns, the president of the Clifford Iron Works, located at No. 1312 West Second street in Cleveland, was born at Woburn, Massachusetts, on the 8th of August, 1878, his parents being Francis and Sarah Burns. He at- tended the grammar and high schools of Templeton, Massachusetts, until fifteen years of age and during the following three years assisted his father in the work of the home farm. Subsequently he went to Wilmington, Delaware, where he was employed as draftsman by a bridge company until September, 1899, when he came to Cleveland and here worked in a similar capacity for the Brown Hoist- ing Machinery Company until June, 1903. At that time he removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he entered the service of Heyl & Patterson as squad fore- man, remaining with that concern until December, 1906. Returning to Cleve- land, he became identified with the Variety Iron & Steel Works Company in the capacity of chief draftsman, being thus engaged until June, 1907. He then be- came a partner of Mr. Clifford in the Clifford Iron Works and on the incorpora- tion of the firm Mr. Burns was elected president, which has since remained his official connection therewith. They are manufacturers of architectural and struc- tural iron work and conduct a most extensive and profitable business of this character.
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On the 15th of September, 1903, in Wilmington, Delaware, Mr. Burns was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Bradford. They are now the parents of two children, David Bradford and Mary Rose, who are four and one and a half years of age respectively. The family residence is at No. 21 Penrose avenue, East Cleveland.
Mr. Burns gives his political allegiance to the democracy, and in religious faith is a Catholic. He is a young man who has already gained an enviable place in business circles and his industry and determination-his dominant qualities -- argue well for a successful future.
REV. JOSEPH MARTIN TRAPP.
Rev. Joseph Martin Trapp, assistant pastor of St. Stephen's church of Cleve- land, was born in this city, November 4, 1880, and is one of the youngest priests of the city. He is a son of Frank and Barbara (Wiedenmann) Trapp, the for- mer born in Baden, Malsch, Germany, February 6, 1842, and the latter born in the same place, February 12, 1851. They came to the United States in 1867 and located in Cleveland, where Mr. Trapp became a dyer. They had three sons, the two aside from Father Trapp being: Frank X., of Cleveland; and John S., a jeweler of this city. The father is prominent in the work of St. Michael's parish, although he never would consent to hold office. Father Trapp has two maternal cousins in the priesthood, one of whom was ordained in Germany in 1907 and one in the same place in 1908. Sister Eugene of the Charity Hospital of Cleveland is also a cousin.
Father Trapp was educated in St. Michael's parochial school, after which he entered St. Ignatius College, from which he was graduated in 1901 with the degree of B. A. He then took his theological course at St. Mary's Seminary of this city. On June 9, 1906, he was ordained priest by Bishop Horstmann, cele- brating his first mass at St. Michael's church of Cleveland, June 17, 1906. He was appointed assistant priest at St. Stephen's church, where he has since re- mained. He is a very enthusiastic young priest, devoted to his work and pos- sessed of more than ordinary ability.
TRASSER W. BROWN.
Trasser W. Brown, who has now retired from all active pursuits in the busi- ness world, rendered during the period of thirty-two years most efficient service to the city of Cleveland. At birth he received as his heritage the strong traits of the men and women who fought for the independence of the country and in the early days endured the hardships of pioneer life, for his paternal grand- father, Robert Brown, participated in the Revolutionary war and his own par- ents, Robert and Eliza Brown, were among the early settlers of Huron county, Ohio. They were natives of Connecticut, grew to maturity in that state, and were there married, coming to Ohio about 1837. They crossed the country with ox-teams and chose as the place for their future residence a tract of land in the heart of the wilderness. Before they could engage in the cultivation of the soil they had to clear it, but, having accomplished this difficult task, the father be- came one of the prominent farmers of his locality.
Trasser W. Brown was born in Huron county, March 14, 1838, and attended the common schools, which, primitive as they were as compared to modern in- stitutions of learning, afforded him a good practical education. Later he entered the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1860. He then engaged in teaching and was in the second year of his experience when
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he determined to give his support to the Union. Accordingly, he enlisted in Company D, Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went to the front. He was wounded in the battle of Meadow Bluff, Virginia, but, although he was in- capacitated for active participation in the struggle thereafter, he served as a private in the quartermaster's department until the expiration of his three years' term of enlistment. On his return, in 1864, he married and shortly afterward moved to Cleveland, being appointed a member of the police force by Mayor Pel- ton. Altogether he served the city thirty-two years, fourteen of which were in the police department and eighteen in the health department as assistant plumb- ing inspector. For six years during that time, however, from 1878 to 1884, he was engaged in the hardwood lumber business. In 1904 he retired from active life, being induced to take this step on account of his advancing years and the realization that they had been spent honorably and in behalf of his fellowmen.
On the 21st of December, 1864, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Lucinda Matilda Sutton, like himself a native of Huron county and a descendant of pioneer settlers of that section of the state, her father being Henry Sutton. Three children were born to the couple but only one now survives, a daughter, Ada.
Mr. Brown has been a stanch support of the principles of the republican party ever since its formation. While he has witnessed many phases of polit- ical life in this city, he has taken little part in it aside from using his influence for order and good government.
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