USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 15
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Mr. Coffee's prominence among the representatives of his special line of trade is indicated in the fact that he is a member of the governing board of the Merchant Tailors' National Protective Association and president of the local branch. He is also a member and one of the directors of the Cleveland Credit Men's Associa- tion and his opinions concerning commercial interests are received with interest and attention, for while often original they are at all times practical and have constituted resultant factors for successful accomplishments. He likewise be- longs to the Chamber of Commerce and this cooperates in organized movements for the upbuilding of the city.
In his political views Mr. Coffee is a republican with independent tendencies. supporting at local elections those whose standards of citizenship and of personal
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capability give promise of faithful performance of municipal duties. As a Mason, he belongs to Iris Lodge, F. & A. M .; Cleveland Chapter, R. A. M .; Holyrood Commandery, K. T .; and Al Koran Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
On the 29th of June, 1898, Mr. Coffee was married to Miss Flora Warner, of Cleveland, a daughter of Captain George and Mary Warner. Her father was prominent in lake transportation circles as harbor master and was also at one time a member of the city council. Mr. and Mrs. Coffee reside on Mayfield Road in Cleveland Heights. Fishing and outdoor sports constitute his source of rest and recreation, and his social, genial qualities have given rise to his widespread popularity, while his carefully directed business enterprise has led to his pros- perity.
WILLIAM W. WHITACRE.
A life of well directed activity brought to William W. Whitacre a sub- stantial measure of success and also gained for him the respect and good will of his fellow townsmen, who saw in him those substantial elements which con- stitute the good citizen. He was born in New Lisbon, Ohio, January 23, 1851, and spent his last years in Cleveland, where he departed this life August 19, 1905. He represented one of the old colonial families founded in America in the eighteenth century, when representatives of the name located in Loudoun county, Virginia. There Caleb Whitacre, the great-grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in 1755, while John Whitacre, the grandfather, was born in 1778. Both continued to reside in Loudoun county, where they followed farming. Robert Whitacre, the father of our subject, was born December 3, 1806. and in Washington, D. C., in May, 1839, he married Miss Elizabeth W. Wood, who was born January 13, 1821. They removed from Virginia to New Lisbon, Ohio, at an early day and were farming people of that district. Mrs. Whitacre was a descendant of Francis Scott Key, the author of The Star- Spangled Banner, and also a descendant of John Hoyt, who was born in 1610 and was the ancestor of those of the name who settled in America in the early part of the eighteenth century.
William W. Whitacre was educated in the schools of Lisbon, completing the high-school course by graduation, after which he attended Alliance Acad- emy for a period of two years. This completed his literary course, after which he began preparation for the practice of medicine and spent one year as a student in a medical college in Chicago. That length of time, however, convinced him that he did not care to continue and in 1872 he came to Cleve- land, where he secured a position in the freight office of the Lake Shore Rail- road Company, there remaining until 1888. He then became freight agent for the Empire freight line and was also contract agent for that line, in which connection he traveled extensively and attended to a large volume of business. He was thus engaged up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 19th of August, 1905.
On the 26th of November, 1879, Mr. Whitacre was married to Miss Helen Pennock, a daughter of Henry and Jane (Force) Pennock, of Virginia and New Jersey, who made the overland trip to Marlboro, Stark county, Ohio, with their parents, arriving in this state in pioneer times. Her maternal grand- father was Mahlon Force and her great-grandfather was Isaac Force, who served as a Minuteman in the Essex county, New Jersey, militia during the Revolutionary war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whitacre were born a son and daughter: William Henry, now of Cleveland; and Elizabeth J., who became the wife of John B. Dood, who is engaged in the real-estate and building bus- iness.
In his political views Mr. Whitacre was an earnest democrat for a consid- erable period but in later years became more independent and cast his ballot
W. W. WIHTACRE
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without regard for political affiliation. He was a self-made man, whose bus- iness success was attributable entirely to his own labors. He was good, kind, generous and loving, had a wide acquaintance and by all who knew him was held in the highest esteem. There is nothing in his life history to interest those in search of a sensational chapter, but to the student who has appreciation for real values there is much that may be carefully pondered and considered. He gained many friends and at his own fireside displayed the best traits of his character, for he was devoted to the welfare of his family.
WELLES KIRK STANLEY.
Welles Kirk Stanley, who in December, 1900, was admitted to the Ohio bar and has since practiced in Cleveland, being now accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage, was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, November 12, 1873. From the early colonization of the new world the Stanley family has been represented in this country, the ancestry being traced back to John Stanley, who was born in England probably about 1590. He embarked for New England in 1634 but died on the passage. He was accompanied on the voyage by his son, Captain John Stanley, who was born. in England in 1624, grew to manhood in this country and died at Farmington, Connecticut, December 19, 1705. His son Thomas Stanley, who was born November 1, 1649, died April 14, 1713. Thomas Stanley, Jr., the next in the line of direct descent, was born October 31, 1696, and died October 13, 1755. He was the father of Timothy Stanley, who was born August 13, 1727, and died April 28, 1817, at the age of ninety years. His son and namesake Tim- othy Stanley, Jr., was born June 29, 1771, and in 1813 removed to Marietta, Ohio, where he passed away February 14, 1819.
He was the father of Timothy Robbins Stanley, the grandfather of Welles Kirk Stanley, who was born in Hartford, Connecticut, May 14, 1810. In 1815 he became a resident of Marietta, Ohio, and occupied for many years a notable posi- tion among the distinguished men of the state. He represented Lawrence county in the Ohio legislature in 1846 and became state senator in 1860. The following year he was commissioned colonel of the Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, later reorganized the regiment and was at its head at the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga. He also led his troops in many other important engagements and was commissioned brigadier general in 1865. After the war he took up his residence in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he became a partner in a law firm, and in addition to the practice of his profession he became a charter member and vice president of the First National Bank of Chattanooga. His death occurred in that city, July 8, 1874. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Prudence Welles, was a daughter of Leonard Welles, a granddaughter of Solomon Welles and a great-granddaughter of Gideon Welles. The last named was a son of Captain Robert Welles, the grandson of John Welles and the great-grandson of Governor Thomas Welles, who came to America in 1636. He was private secretary to Lord Saye and Seyle and was governor of the colony of Connecticut in 1655 and again in 1658.
Rev. Timothy Welles Stanley, the father of W. K. Stanley, was born at Millers- port, Ohio, October 24, 1833, and died in Delaware, Ohio, May 19, 1883. He was a Methodist minister for twenty-five years, was a delegate to the general con- ference in 1876 and acted as secretary of the conference. He was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1853 and be- came recognized as one of the leading divines of the Methodist ministry in Ohio, serving at different times as pastor of the churches of Columbus, Portsmouth, Lancaster and other cities. He married Jennie Kirk, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, November 17, 1835, and was a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Parrett) Kirk. Her grandfather, James Kirk, served in the war of 1812, en-
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listing in Virginia. Her maternal grandfather, Frederick Parrett, came from Switzerland in 1740 and settled in Shenandoah county, Virginia. All of his six sons served in the Revolutionary war.
Welles Kirk Stanley, a son of Rev. Timothy W. and Jennie (Kirk) Stanley, pursued his education in the public schools of Lancaster, Ohio, and in the Dela- ware high school, from which he was graduated in the class of 1890. He after- ward matriculated in the Ohio Wesleyan University and won the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1895. His professional training was received in the Yale Law School, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Law degree in 1900. In the meantime, from 1895 until 1898, he was in business in connection with a building and loan association in Troy, New York. Following his graduation from Yale, he was admitted to the bar and in December, 1900, located for practice in Cleve- land. He entered the office of W. H. Boyd, with whom he remained for three years and then opened an independent office, since which time he has engaged successfully in general practice. He is a young man of determination and energy and thoroughly qualified for the profession. He gives to each case careful prepara- tion and with strong and incontrovertible logic presents his cause before the courts.
On the 8th of June, 1904, Mr. Stanley was married to Miss Grace Hiles, a daughter of Charles M. and Helen Hiles of Cleveland. They hold membership in the Calvary Presbyterian church and Mr. Stanley gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is a popular representative of various social organiza- tions, having in his college days become a member of the Beta Theta Pi and the Book and Gavel Society, the latter a Yale Law School organization. He is also a member of the Cleveland Athletic Club and of the East End Tennis Club. His lines of life have been cast in harmony with the record of an honorable ancestry, one that has long figured in connection with the history of America.
RT. REV. WILLIAM A. LEONARD, D. D.
Rt. Rev. William A. Leonard, D. D., one of the prominent divines of the Episcopal ministry, now bishop of the diocese of Ohio, has in the years of an ac- tive life sent forth an influence for good that is immeasurable. His ability and learning have carried him into important relations with the church, while his abid- ing human sympathy and his practical teaching have made his labors a motive force for good in the lives of thousands with whom he has come in contact. He was born at Southport, Fairfield county, Connecticut, on the 15th of July, 1848, and pursued his preparatory education in Phillips Academy at Andover, Massa- chusetts, while his collegiate work was done in St. Stephen's College at Annan- dale, New York. He studied theology in Berkley Divinity School at Middletown, Connecticut, and added to his preparation the broad knowledge and culture that come from study and travel in Europe. He has never unduly confined his at- tention to doctrinal questions or theology, although well versed in these, but has given his thought and study to the broader purpose of helping men to live the Christ life by bringing into their lives understanding and appreciation for the principles taught by the lowly Nazarene.
Bishop Leonard entered into active relations with the church when ordained as a deacon at Middletown, Connecticut, by Bishop Williams, on the 31st of May, 1871, and on the 21st of July, 1872, he was ordained to the priesthood at Stanford, Connecticut. The same year he became rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Brooklyn, New York, and it was while residing there that Dr. Leon- ard was married in April, 1873, to Miss Sarah L. Sullivan, of that city.
Dr. Leonard continued as rector in Brooklyn for nine years, during which period, in 1879, the degree of Bachelor of Divinity was conferred upon him by St. Stephen's College, while in 1885 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity
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from Washington and Lee University of Virginia. In 1889 he was elected mis- sionary bishop of Washington, then a territory, but declined the honor and con- tinued as rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Brooklyn until 1881, when he became rector of St. John's parish in Washington, D. C. Throughout his ministry he has been concerned with those things which are an aid to better living and to that end he labored untiringly to establish the Free library at Brooklyn, which remains today as a monument to his devotion to his fellowmen.
In May, 1889, at a convention held in Trinity church at Toledo, Ohio, Dr. Leonard was elected to succeed Bishop Bedell, and was consecrated bishop of Ohio in St. Thomas church in New York city in the following October. The development of this diocese under his management has been remarkable and yet it has been a steady, healthful growth, increasing from sixty-four clergyman in 1890 to one hundred in 1894, and from twelve missionary stations to forty-two. The work has been continued through the succeeding years with equally grati- fying results and over one thousand persons have been confirmed by him every year. While in Europe Dr. Leonard was for eight years in charge of the Ameri- can churches on the continent. He was chaplain of the Ohio Society in New York, has been chosen chaplain of the Sons of Colonial Wars of Ohio and has been president on alternate years of the board of trustees of Kenyon College of Gambier. He is also a member of the general board of missions of the Episcopal church and his duties in these various connections have been performed in ad- dition to the various lines of church work which are constantly claiming his attention. Dr. Leonard is a man of indefatigable energy, whose influence is ex- tended for the benefit of his fellowmen in bringing them into a nearer relation with the Creator. His study and research have been wide and varied and his understanding of life and the motive springs of human conduct have enabled him to speak the word of timely counsel and assistance, of unfailing charity and abiding love. His is an attractive, almost magnetic manner. His broad scholar- ship is manifest in his brilliant oratory and while he speaks to the people out of the depths of profound knowledge, unlike many another orator, his language is characterized by a beautiful simplicity that enables him to appeal directly to the hearts as well as the intelligence of his hearers.
CORNELIUS M. MUNHALL.
There is no record which the American public holds in greater respect than that of the man who wins honorable success through his own efforts. Cornelius M. Munhall was numbered among those who have been thrown upon their own resources at an early age. From his boyhood days he faced the world alone and early came to realize that the present and not the future holds the opportunity. He therefore made good use of every passing hour and as the years went by his worth and ability carried him into important business relations. A native of Zanesville, Cornelius M. Munhall was educated in the schools of that city but when fourteen years of age came to Cleveland. He had lost his father when a little lad of nine years and was early thrown upon his own resources, being forced to make his way in the world unaided. Coming to Cleveland to secure employ- ment, he obtained a position as clerk in a shoe store and later became clerk for the Erie Railroad. He was afterward traveling freight agent for the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus Railroad Company, which position he filled to the time of -his death. He had thus through successive stages worked his way steadily upward to a position of responsibility, in which were entrusted to him the decision of many important questions. In all of his business career he was thoroughly reli- able, understanding the demands placed upon him and fully meeting these in every particular.
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Mr. Munhall was married in Cleveland to Miss Katharine J. Jones, whose father. Thomas Jones, and grandfather, Thomas Jones, Sr., were among the early residents of this city, where they engaged in the monument business under the firm style of Thomas Jones & Son. They erected the Perry monument and many others of importance. Thomas Jones, Jr., was postmaster in Cleveland for a time, capably discharging the duties of that position and in fact was very active in public affairs, at one time serving as city auditor and leaving the impress of his individuality upon many movements which contributed in noticeable and beneficial measure to the upbuilding and welfare of the city. He held office here under Andrew Jackson and was not only active in political and mercantile circles but also was the owner of considerable real estate, including the land whereon the Doan building now stands. He was killed by accident when that structure was be- ing erected. Mrs. Munhall is a niece of the late Judge J. M. Jones, a distin- guished representative of the legal profession in Cleveland; a cousin of Orville L. Jones of this city ; and a niece of Senator Jones, of Nevada. The family was long one of the most prominent here and from early days down to the present time has figured largely in connection with the evolutionary activities of Cleveland.
The marriage of Cornelius M. and Katharine J. Munhall was blessed with one daughter, Josephine, who is now the wife of Edward W. Jacoby and has one son, John. They reside at Bayonne, New Jersey. The death of the husband and father occurred June 29, 1895. He was a well known and leading member of the Travelers' Association, doing much to promote its interests and also had a wide acquaintance in military circles here, for he was a member of the Gatling Gun Battery. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and at all times he was loyal to his beliefs whether in political or other lines. Through his business affairs he became an excellent judge of men and his enterprise en- abled him largely to promote the interests of the company which he represented. His social qualities, too, made him popular, while in every relation of life he en- joyed the good will and trust of those with whom he was brought in contact.
HORACE ARTHUR FULLER.
Horace Arthur Fuller is the vice president of The Bourne-Fuller Com- pany and secretary and treasurer of The Union Rolling Mill Company. For sixty-three years the family name has figured in connection with the business development of Cleveland, becoming a synonym for increasing activity and usefulness as the years have gone by. A native son of Cleveland, Horace A. Fuller was born September 23, 1864, his parents being Samuel Augustus and Julia (Clark) Fuller. The former was born in Warren, Ohio, April 8, 1837, and died October 23, 1891. His father, Augustus Fuller, came to Cleveland in 1847 and established a hat, cap and fur business. Samuel A. Fuller acquired his education in the Cleveland public schools, and following his graduation from the high school he entered his father's store as an accountant and at the age of nineteen years was made a partner in the firm. He was then connected with mercantile interests until 1869, when he turned his attention to the iron business, becoming associated with the Cleveland Iron Company, of which he was chosen secretary. In 1878 he established iron mills in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and in 1880 became the leading spirit in the organization of the Union Rolling Mill Company, serving for many years as the general manager and treasurer of the company. He was the founder and president of the Con- dit-Fuller Company, later the Bourne-Fuller Company. He became largely interested in the mining of iron ore in the iron ranges of Wisconsin and Min- nesota and was also prominent in connection with the shipping interests of the lake. He became a conspicuous member of the remarkable coterie of men of his time who laid the foundation for Cleveland's commercial greatness and
S. A. FULLER
H. A. FULLER
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made it a world market for steel and iron products, its ramifying trade inter- ests in this connection reaching out to all the civilized countries on the globe. In his political views Samuel A. Fuller was a republican and served as alder- man from the third district. He gave to municipal affairs the same careful attention which raised him to prominence as a manufacturer. He was a leading member of the Board of Trade and cooperated in every movement for the progress and development of the city. Nor was he neglectful of the higher, holier duties of life as manifest in religious work. He became a mem- ber of the Euclid Avenue Presbyterian church and sang in its choir for thirty- three years, serving most of that time as choir director, while for several years he was president of the board of trustees.
In 1858 Samuel A. Fuller was married to Miss Julia Clark, who was a daughter of Albert C. and Elizabeth (Wright) Clark, and died in 1880. Her father was for many years an official in the United States treasury depart- ment at Washington, D. C., and was a well known banker of Cleveland, serv- ing for some time as cashier of the old City Bank. After losing his first wife Mr. Fuller married Mrs. Louise Wood, a daughter of the Hon. John W. Allen, one of Cleveland's early mayors and the first president of the Big Four Rail- way Company.
Such in brief is the history of the parents of Horace A. Fuller. To the successful management of his extensive interests Samuel A. Fuller brought a ripe experience, a keen and penetrating business judgment and above all an un- impeachable integrity. Preeminently public spirited, he was always in the forefront of every movement looking to the advancement of the city or fos- tering its best interests. Genial, sympathetic, companionable, he won the love and respect of all with whom he came in contact. He died suddenly of heart failure and it is doubtful if the demise of any citizen in Cleveland would have caused more universal sorrow and regret than did his. While his business career awakened admiration, his personal qualities endeared him to all and made him a man whose friendship was warmly cherished.
Horace Arthur Fuller was educated in the Cleveland public schools and the Western Reserve University. In 1883 he became connected with the Con- dit-Fuller Company and has been with this organization and its successors continuously since. In 1888 he became associated with the Union Rolling Mill Company, serving as treasurer and assistant general manager until 1891, when he was made secretary and treasurer and director. He is also a director of the Central National Bank, a director of the Sheriff Street Market & Stor- age Company, and is financially interested in various other corporations.
Mr. Fuller likewise has voice in the management of social organizations, being a director of the Union Club and a director and vice president of the Country Club. He also belongs to the Tavern Club and to the Euclid Avenue Presbyterian church, while his political endorsement is given to the republican party.
On the 14th of April, 1886, Mr. Fuller was married to Miss Alice Tenny, a daughter of the Rev. Edward Payson and Julia A. (De Forest) Ingersoll. Her father was born May 6, 1834, at Lee, Massachusetts, and among his early ancestors were Jonathan Edwards, the great Puritan divine, and Sir William Bassett, who landed at Plymouth in 1621. While a child Edward Payson Ingersoll went with his parents to Oberlin, Ohio, and received a part of his scholastic training in Oberlin College, while later he entered Williams College. from which he was graduated in 1855. He soon removed to Cleveland and became principal of the Central high school. Subsequently he studied law, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Law from the Ohio State and Union Law College. He was associated in law practice with William J. Boardman for three years and then began his theological studies at Andover. In 1863 he became pastor of the First Congregational church at Sandusky and has served as pastor of the Plymouth Congregational church at Indianapolis, Indiana, the
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Middle Reformed church of Brooklyn, New York, the Puritan Congregational church of Brooklyn and the Park Congregational church of St. Paul, Minne- sota. After his last pastorate he was elected one of the secretaries of the American Bible Society and was serving as such at his death. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Williams College in 1877. In 1860 he married Julia A. De Forest, of Cleveland, and they had two daugh- ters, Antoinette De Forest and Alice Tenny. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have two children: Antoinette, the wife of Louis Almon Pierrong, of Cleveland; and Marian. They reside on the Lake Shore boulevard at Bratenahl. Mrs. Ful- ler is active in church and charitable work and is most generous in her aid to the needy. Mr. Fuller finds recreation in golf, tennis and motoring and is so situated financially that he can take from his business the time necessary for pleasures and recreation that go to make up a well rounded and evenly bal- anced existence. He is nevertheless recognized as a man of force in the bus- iness world and, although he entered upon enterprises already established, has shown an initiative spirit and marked enterprise in handling and controlling these interests, which are of no little magnitude.
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