USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 11
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CHARLES FISH.
Colonial history chronicles the arrival of John Fish at Mystic, in Groton, Connecticut, in 1655. He is the earliest known ancestor of the Fish family in America and was one of the earliest settlers of Groton. Since that day repre- sentatives of the name have been characterized by loyalty and patriotism in citizenship and by progressiveness and reliability in business affairs. Captain Jonathan Fish, who won his title by service in the Revolutionary war, was one of the ancestors of our subject and to the same family belonged Hamilton Fish, of New York. In 1811 James Fish, the grandfather, in company with his two cousins Moses and Ebenezer Fish made the overland trip from Massachusetts, being forty-seven days upon the way. He was a native of Connecticut, having been born in Groton, in June, 1783. In the spring of 1812 he and his two cousins took up farms across the river in Brooklyn township and James Fish built upon his place a little log cabin, which was one of the typical pioneer homes. At the time of his settlement, being in straightened circumstances, he was obliged to walk to Newburg daily, a distance of five miles, and there in return for his day's labor received in payment sundry provisions at the rate of fifty cents per day. Sometime afterward he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, but, not being able to pay the taxes on the entire amount, he sold one hundred and ten acres of the place to Aziah Brainard. Subsequently he took up eighty acres, a mile north of his first purchase. It is related that during the progress of the battle of Lake Erie he was at work cutting logs and the distant roar of cannon could be distinctly heard. Thinking of how the settlers would lose their hard earned homesteads should victory be on the side of the English he became so nervous that he quit work and entered the cabin, where the women of the family were assembled. They knew nothing of the desperate combat that was being carried on so close to them and exclaimed: "How it thunders." "Yes," replied Mr. Fish, "but it is home-made thunder." He lived to the extreme old age of ninety-two years, passing away in September, 1875. He not only shared in the hardships and privations which led to the early material development of the community but also aided in the moral progress of the neighborhood during the thirty years in which he held membership in the Methodist church. In 1805 he married Mary Wilcox and their family numbered eight children, four born in Connecticut and four in Ohio.
Isaiah W. Fish, the fifth of the family, was the first white person born in Brooklyn, his natal day being May 9, 1814. He received but a limited education, his early life being mostly spent in working on his father's farm. In February, 1837, he married Matilda Gates, a daughter of Jeremiah Gates, of Brooklyn, and they had three children, Lucy A., Charles and Buell J. The mother died in Febru- ary, 1850, and Isaiah Fish was married July 5, 1850, to Mary A. More, of East Cleveland, by whom he had three children, Mary M., Louisa S. and James, but the son is now deceased. After his marriage Isaiah W. Fish engaged in farm- ing in partnership with his father and for many years was closely identified with the agricultural development of this part of the state. He was also promi- nently connected with the religious, civil and educational interests of Brooklyn. For more than a half century he was a member of the Methodist church and for at least half of that period was a regularly ordained minister, preaching the gospel without asking for any pecuniary compensation. He was also for many years & teacher in the Sunday school and his labors were an effective force for
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the moral development of the community. He was also president of the school board for four years and a generous supporter and champion of public educa- tion and of charitable institutions. In politics he was a republican and, al- though he had no desire for office, his fellow townsmen elected him to various political positions, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity.
Charles Fish, a son of Isaiah Fish, was born August 31, 1843, and pursued his education in the old frame building which was called the Academy. He later spent a few terms in district schools and one term in Baldwin University at Berea, Ohio. At the age of sixteen he returned home and remained on the farm with his parents until nineteen years of age, when he joined the army, becoming a member of the Fifty-second Ohio Regiment. Before being mus- tered in this command was ordered to a spot too far removed from- the seat of activity to suit Mr. Fish, who was then nineteen years of age, and he sought out the Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, with which he enlisted. He was with his regiment in Georgia when with two other regiments it effected the capture of Jefferson Davis.
At the close of the war Mr. Fish returned to Brooklyn and wedded Miss Mary Campbell, one of his childhood companions, who survives him together with their only daughter, Mildred, now the wife of Frank E. Norton, a repre- sentative of the White Dental Company of Philadelphia. A son, Willis, died at the age of sixteen. Mrs. Fish was born in Cleveland in 1847 and is well known in West Cleveland, being a representative of one of the early families. Her parents were Isaac and Caroline (Woodruff) Campbell. Her father was born in mid-ocean while his parents were coming from Scotland, the family home being established in Cleveland in 1832. In this city he became a pioneer ship- builder and contractor.
After his marriage Mr. Fish removed to a farm in Boston, Summit county, Ohio, where he remained until his father's death in 1881, when he returned to the old homestead. The father left to him and the other heirs many acres of land in the center of what is now the west side. On his return Mr. Fish erected a modern residence on the site of the old home and resided there, giving his supervision to his property interests, and as well, managed two farms he owned in Summit county, Ohio. Although a stanch republican he never took active part in local politics, but never failed to express his opinion upon political questions at the polls. The only social organization to which he belonged was the Grand Army of the Republic. He held membership, however, in the Brooklyn Memorial Methodist church and his life was in keeping with its teachings. In 1900 the family residence at what is now 3116 Mapledale avenue was com- pleted, and it was there Mr. Fish resided until his death and there his widow and daughter still make their home. He was much attached to his home and family, finding his greatest happiness in ministering to their pleasure. He passed away July 21, 1909, honored and respected by all who knew him and most of all by those who had known him longest and were most familiar with the history of his upright life and many splendid qualities.
BENJAMIN D. NICOLA.
'Among Italy's native sons who have attained distinction in professional circles in America is numbered Benjamin D. Nicola, an attorney of Cleveland, who has been practicing here since 1904. He was born in Montenero, Valcocchi- ara, Italy, March 17, 1879. His father, Vincenzo D. Nicola, a native of the same place, was born April 19, 1855, and the grandfather, Benedetto Nicola, was likewise a native of Montenero, where he spent his entire life, his time be- ing given to agricultural pursuits. In the year 1881 Vincenzo D. Nicola came to the United States, taking up his abode in Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas county,
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Ohio, and establishing a grocery, meat market and general store. There he re- sided until 1896, when he removed to Barnhill, where he now makes his home. He has felt perfect contentment in his adopted land, realizing the value of the opportunities here offered. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and with the Foresters of America. He married Pasqua Miraldi, also a native of Montenero, Valcocchiara, Italy, and she, too, also survives. Vincenzo D. Nicola served for a year in the Italian army, while his brother, Joseph Nicola, was for three years a soldier.
Benjamin D. Nicola was a youth of nine years when in 1888 he came to the United States, supplementing his early education, acquired in the public schools of Italy, by study in the public schools of Uhrichsville, wherein he con- tinued his course until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1897. He completed a law course in the Ohio State University in 1900, at which time his professional degree was conferred upon him. In 1901 he pur- sued special courses in academic work and in law, thus broadening his general information as well as promoting his specific preparation for a professional career. Until 1904 on account of his father's illness, he was in charge of his father's business, but in December of that year entered upon his practice in Cleveland after spending the summer in his native land. In 1905 he became a member of the law firm of Wilkin, Kirby & Nicola and since his withdrawal from that partnership relation in December of that year he has been alone in general practice, engaging in all lines of litigation and legal work. He has a large clientage among people of his own nationality, but does not make a specialty of this.
On the 29th of June, 1905, Mr. Nicola was married to Miss Harriet M. Stuckey, a daughter of Herbert Stuckey, of Stark county, and they have two children, Kenneth Vincenzo, who was born July 29, 1906; and Esther L. Nicola, born June 13, 1909. Mr. Nicola belongs to the Odd Fellows Society and to the Tippecanoe Club, a fact which indicates his political preference and yet to some extent he is independent in politics for he does not consider himself bound by party ties. He is rather in sympathy with that independent movement which is carefully considering the political status and questions of the day rather than party affiliations.
EDWIN C. HENN.
Edwin C. Henn is the vice president and general superintendent of the Na- tional Acme Manufacturing Company, and also the inventor of the multiple spindle automatic screw machines which this company builds. He became con- nected therewith in 1902 and in the intervening years the goods of this company have established a world standard. The growth of the business, too, has made it one of the most important productive industries of Cleveland and Mr. Henn is known as one of the leading business men of his adopted city.
His birth occurred in New Britain, Connecticut, June 5, 1863. His father, a native of Germany, was born April 1, 1825, and came to America about 1845. He was for many years identified with manufacturing interests in connection with the well known firms of Russell, Irwin & Company and Landers, Frary & Clark, but is now living retired. He married Barbara. Wilhelmy, who was also of German birth. Her natal year was 1831 and in 1899 she was called to her final rest. Mr. and Mrs. Henn were married in this country and their children were Edwin C .; Frank, now deceased; Albert W., secretary and treasurer of the National Acme Manufacturing Company ; and Julia, the wife of Charles Snow, of Hartford, Connecticut.
In the public schools of New Britain, Connecticut, Edwin C. Henn pursued his education through consecutive grades and became a high school pupil. He
E. C. HENN
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was associated with his father in business until eighteen years of age, when he went to Lorain, Ohio, and entered the employ of Joel Hayden Brothers Com- pany. Subsequently he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was connected with Post & Company, manufacturers of telephone supplies, for a few months. He returned to Hartford, Connecticut, to take a position as contractor with Pratt & Cady, manufacturers of waterworks supplies, with whom he remained for twelve years, filling various positions of trust during that period. In 1895 he engaged in business on his own account as a manufacturer of bicycle parts and in 1902 he came to Cleveland and shortly thereafter, in connection with his brother, A. W. Henn, and W. D. B. Alexander, he organized the National Acme Manufacturing Com- pany, for the manufacture of automatic machinery and producing by automatic machinery parts for practically everything from a watch to a locomotive. They have made the Acme automatic machines the standard of the world. The business was begun in a little room in an attic and has grown to be one of Cleveland's giant industries, having the largest individual plant of its kind in the United States, covering over six acres of floor space, while employment is furnished to one thousand expert workmen. They use ten million and seventy-eight thousand pounds of iron, steel and brass annually in the product department alone and turn out over one hundred million finished parts. They maintain large warehouses and salesrooms in New York, Chicago, Cleveland and Boston and distribute their product throughout Europe, South America, Asia and Africa, as well as America. The business has enjoyed notable growth and is still developing at a remarkable rate, due in large part to the tireless energy and mechanical skill of Mr. Henn, who is its vice president and general superintendent. He has given to the world what it needs and the manufactured product is of such excellence and the prices so reasonable that a continuance of the trade is assured.
On the Ist of July, 1884, Mr. Henn was united in marriage to Miss Dora Krout, a daughter of J. M. Krout, of Louisville, Kentucky. They have eight children : Albert E. was educated at Hartford, Connecticut, and in the Glenville high school; Oliver L., who pursued his education in the same schools ; Ralph F., who attended the Glenville high school and the Case School of Applied Science ; Viola ; Julia ; Reginald F .; Carl; and Richard. They reside on the Berkshire road in Euclid Heights, having one of the palatial residences of that section of the city. Mr. Henn is enthusiastic on the subject of motoring, and golf ; fishing and shoot- ing are his pastimes; and travel also furnishes him recreation and interest. So- cially he is connected with the Colonial and Euclid Clubs and fraternally with the Masonic and Odd Fellows Societies. He belongs also to the Glenville Christian church and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, cooperating in its various plans and movements for the business development, the substantial improvement and the adornment of the city. He stands as a splendid type of the alert, enter- prising business man, his being a notable example of rapidly acquired success on the part of one who has understood conditions of trade and met the needs and demands of the times. Within a notably short period his business has reached mammoth proportions and the name of the company whose interests he largely controls is now known in every section of the world.
HARVEY A. HIGGINS.
Harvey A. Higgins, general manager of the Standard Tool Company of Cleveland, was born near Chicago, May 3, 1866, a son of Lewis H. and Jennie E. (McGlashan) Higgins. His early education was acquired in the public schools. Being eager to make for himself a place in the business world, he secured employment as a clerk in a wholesale grocery establishment, where he remained for two and a half years. On the expiration of that period he became associated with the Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Company, which later
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became a part of the American Steel & Wire Company. He was identified with that enterprise for ten years and next became president of the Chicago Fire Proof Covering Company, manufacturers of asbestos products. He has been a resident of Cleveland for a decade, during which period he has been general manager of the Standard Tool Company. His previous important business connections had made him well known in industrial and manufacturing circles, leading to his present busi- ness connection, which is one of large responsibility. He is also one of the direc- tors of the company and thus has voice in the financial affairs as well as general management over the business of the company.
Mr. Higgins married Miss Martha Paine, of St. Louis, and they have three children, Harvey A., Jr., Robert Rhea and Margaret. The eldest is a graduate of the Cleveland high school and attended Oberlin College, wherein he pursued a classical course. Robert was graduated from the Shaw high school of Cleve- land and is now pursuing a scientific course in Dartmouth College. The daugh- ter is a pupil in the Hathaway-Brown school. The family residence is at 11408 Bellflower Road. Mrs. Higgins is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In his political views Mr. Higgins is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs rather than become an active factor in political circles. He attends the Calvary Presbyterian church, of which he is a trustee, and he is a member of the Union and Colonial Clubs. In the Chamber of Commerce he is serving as director and is imbued with that progressive spirit which, manifest in the officers and directors of the Chamber, have made it a potent force in the city's upbuilding. He is fond of all manly outdoor sports and his is a well balanced nature in which the different interests, political, social, business and moral, are given their relative prominence.
BASCOM LITTLE.
Bascom Little was born in Cleveland, April 24, 1879, a son of Dr. Hiram H. Little, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this work. His education was acquired in the University School of this city and in Cornell Uni- versity, from which he was graduated A. B. in 1901. Having put aside his text- books, he entered business circles as an employe in the office of the Baker Motor Vehicle Company and became a director in 1903 when he resigned from active service in that concern. He had been financially interested in the business almost continuously since entering the house. From time to time he has made investment in manufacturing enterprises to none of which he gave his entire time yet devoted much personal attention to all. These include the American Ball Bearing Com- pany, the Locke Steel Belt Company, the V. & O. Press Company and various others, including a number of enterprises which he has brought into a syndicate and placed upon a substantial basis, after which he has disposed of his interests therein. He is a director in all of the above mentioned save the Locke Steel Belt Company. He is likewise a director in the Citizens Savings & Trust Company and the Baker Motor Vehicle Company. Mr. Little belongs to that younger generation of business men of Cleveland called upon to shoulder responsibilities differing materially from those resting upon their predecessors. In a broader field of enterprise they find themselves obliged to deal with affairs of greater magnitude and to solve more diffi- cult and complicated financial and economic problems. In such a position is Mr. Little who, while not actively concerned in the daily management of any enterprise, is yet watchful of the conduct and control of many and the coordination of va- rious business concerns in which the development and prosperity of the city have their rise.
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On the 2d of June, 1906, Mr. Little was married to Miss Florence Cobb, a daughter of L. A. Cobb, of Cleveland, and they reside at No. 7711 Euclid avenue. Mr. Little's political views are in sympathy with republican principles and his religious faith is that of the Unitarian church. He is a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity at Cornell and his enthusiastic interest in hunting is manifest in his trips to the Canadian woods each fall. He belongs to the Union, University, Tavern and Country Clubs and that he is not unmindful of the responsibilities of citizenship is indicated in the fact that he is serving as secretary of the Cleve- land Associated Charities. Mrs. Little is also very active in local charitable work, being a director of the Rainbow Cottage and the Perkins Nursery and is also in- terested in the work of Alta House. Mr. Little is one of the trustees of Hiram House and a factor in the promotion of other charitable interests, he and his wife being in entire unanimity in their interests for the amelioration of hard conditions of life for the unfortunate as well as in their home and social interests.
THOMAS E. ADAMS.
Thomas E. Adams, one of the organizers for The Adams-Bagnall Electric Com- pany, whose inventive genius has constituted an important foundation stone upon which rests the successful business of that company, was born in Erie county, New York, September 3, 1851. His father, Thomas Adams, was a native of England, and in early life learned and followed surveying. When a young man he came to the United States, settling first near Buffalo, New York, but subse- quently he returned to England, where he was married. He then came with his bride to the new world and took up his abode at Lake View, Erie county, New York. There he continued to engage in surveying and farming until his life's labors were ended in death in 1854. His wife bore the maiden name of Har- riett Wickham and was born near Bristol, England, where her marriage was celebrated.
Thomas E. Adams was only in his third year at the time of his father's de- mise. He was reared by his mother in Lake View, New York, and after attend- ing the public schools spent the winter of 1868-9 in Oberlin College. This com- pleted his education and he soon afterward entered business circles in the position of collector with the firm of William Sumner & Company of Cleveland. A year later he accepted a similar position with the late George W. Howe, with whom he continued for three years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Adams re- turned to the state of New York, where he lived for several years, but again sought a home in Cleveland. He was for two years with the Britton Iron & Steel Company and for thirteen years, following 1882, with the Brush Electric Company. He began as an expert, erecting and repairing general electric light apparatus. In 1884 he became foreman of the testing and other departments. During these years he patented numerous improvements on electric light and railway systems, including the wood segment commutator of the Brush dynamo; the Brush-Adams arc lamp, which is widely used; the double pole trolley, seen in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Japan, attaching trolley to span wires to give the under- mining wheel a smooth track. This is universally used. These and other im- portant works has Mr. Adams done. In 1895 he became associated with others in the organization of The Adams-Bagnall Electric Company, with which he has since been identified. His inventive genius is manifest in the fact that he has taken out nearly a hundred patents on electrical and mechanical appliances. His talent in that direction has enabled him to greatly improve upon the work done by The Adams-Bagnall Electric Company, the business of which is now extended over the entire world. From the beginning the enterprise proved successful and its trade has now grown to extensive proportions. In addition to his other busi-
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ness affairs Mr. Adams is a director of the Standard Fuller's Earth Company of Mobile, Alabama, and of the American Crude Oil Company, of West Virginia.
In 1879 Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Miss Belle Knapp Sturtevant, a native of Cleveland. Their only child, Marian Lois, died in 1896. Both Mr. and Mrs. Adams hold membership in the First Baptist church, in which he is a deacon. He is an associate member of the Cleveland Engineers Society and in the Odd Fel- lows lodge is well known, having filled all of the offices. His business record has been marked by that orderly progression which follows concentration of purpose and close application. He has utilized each advantage as it has come to him and the years have chronicled his success.
ROY FOLLETTE YORK.
Roy Follette York, equipped for life's practical and responsible duties by lib- eral educational advantages, which included a course in law, has made wise use of his time and opportunities and is now enjoying a substantial income as the vice president of the Stearns Automobile Company, of Cleveland, his native city. He was born February 4, 1871, of the marriage of B. H. and Julia ( Harkness ) York, the latter a daughter of Dr. L. G. and Julia (Follette) Harkness, of Bellevue, Ohio. B. H. York, who was born in 1833 and died in 1884, was a grain merchant conducting business as a member of the firm of Gardner, Clark & York.
In the public schools Roy F. York acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in Bridgeman's Academy and Brooks School, pri- vate institutions of this city. He afterward attended the Columbia Law School of New York city and the knowledge there gained has been a valuable element in his later business career. Leaving college, he turned his attention to the brok- erage business in connection with his brother, under the name of R. H. York & Company, being thus associated until 1903, when he became connected with the Stearns Automobile Company as sales manager. After two years he was elected vice president of the company and has taken conspicuous part in placing it in the front rank among the automobile builders of America. Its output is now exten- sive and its manufactured product is standard in all that goes to make up good workmanship, durability, style and finish. The name of the house, too, has be- come a synonym for reliable business dealing for it is the policy and purpose of the members of the firm to hold to the highest commercial ethics.
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