A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III, Part 29

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1106

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ADOLF J. FARBER.

Among the more prosperous of the younger business men of Cleveland is Adolf J. Farber, the secretary of the Friedman-Blau-Farber Company, pro- prietors of the most extensive knitting mills of the city. Starting in life for him- self at the age of fourteen years, he has worked his way upward step by step, proving his worth and thereby gaining promotion until in a position of execu- tive control in connection with one of the important industries of the city, he is now accorded a foremost place in industrial and financial circles. He was born in Austria-Hungary, January 15, 1875, the son of Joseph and Rosa (Gross- man) Farber. The father, born in 1847, died in 1887, and the mother, whose birth also occurred in 1847, is now living in Cleveland.

Adolf J. Farber was educated in the schools of his native city and in Cleve- land, for in 1887, when a youth of twelve years, he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He left school at the age of fourteen, how- ever, and started upon his business career, entering the employ of Herman Friedman, founder of the present Friedman-Blau-Farber Company. His in- itial position was a very humble one, from which he steadily worked his way upward through various promotions until 1896, when he resigned to become a partner in the firm of N. J. Rich & Company. In that connection he was as- sociated with a business that was conducted with gratifying success. In 1904, however, he disposed of his interests in the company and returned to his old firm, which was reorganized under the name of the Friedman-Blau-Farber Com- pany, Mr. Farber being elected its secretary. He assumed active management in the sales department and is one of the most successful salesmen in his line in the west. The company turns out a large line of knit goods, having a fine factory splendidly equipped with all of the modern machinery needed in their

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line, and four hundred and fifty operatives are now employed. The trade of the house extends to various parts of the country, the output finding a ready sale on the market, and the house is now the largest in its line in the entire United States.

On the 25th of May, 1902, Mr. Farber was united in marriage to Miss Esther Selman, a daughter of Gerson and Florence (Kleinman) Selman. Mrs. Farber was educated in the Cleveland public schools and belongs to the Jewish Council of Women and is moreover very active in the work and charities of the Council Educational Alliance. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children, Joseph C. and Alfred J. The family reside at No. 7307 Carnegie avenue.

Mr. Farber is a republican with firm belief in the value of the party prin- ciples as forces in good government, but at local elections where no issue is in- volved he casts an independent ballot. Socially he is connected with the Excelsior Club and he belongs to the Wilson Avenue temple, to which he contributes liberally, being also a generous supporter of many charities. His leisure is largely devoted to driving, motoring and outdoor sports. He is, moreover, a patron of art and literature and has a fine library. He is thus appreciative of those things which work for culture and refinement and take the thoughts away from the daily round of business duties, lifting them into a higher plane. He is, nevertheless, a strong and enterprising business man who takes delight in correctly solving the intricate problems of trade, while his close application and energy have won him substantial success. He is deserving of much credit for what he has accomplished, as he started out in life at the age of fourteen years and has since been dependent upon his own resources for the success he has achieved.

PARDON B. SMITH.

Death came to Pardon B. Smith suddenly. This was, perhaps, as he would have wished it, for he remained to the last an active factor in the affairs of life, attend- ing the day before his death the family reunion on Thanksgiving Day. He had long figured prominently in the public life of the city as an influencing factor in political circles and as one of the leading representatives of business enterprise here. He was numbered among the worthy citizens that New York has furnished to the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Ovid, New York, in 1833. His education was acquired in the schools of that place and as a youth of nine- teen years he came to Cleveland, seeking the opportunities of the growing west in business lines. The year of his arrival was 1852 and for fifty-six years he remained a resident of this city. He was first employed by the United States Express Company and remained in their service for several years as a most capable representative of the corporation. However, at the time of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations to join the army as one of the defenders of the Union. He became a member of Shields' Nineteenth Ohio Battery and thus served throughout the entire period of hostilities, partici- pating in many engagements which were factors in winning the success which finally crowned the Union arms.

In the business circles of the city Mr. Smith was well known. After the war he became the founder of the Forest City Paint & Varnish Company, pro- moted its interests and controlled its affairs until it became one of the foremost representatives of this line of trade in Cleveland. He was elected to its presi- dency and also served as a member of its board of directors until about two years prior to his death, when he retired from active life. He, however, continued on the board until his demise, after resigning his position as president. Those familiar with the commercial and industrial history of Cleveland know that the enterprise which he founded is filling an important part in the growth and upbuilding of this city.

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In politics Mr. Smith was always an active republican, doing everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party. In 1872 he was called to the office of sheriff and at different times he served in a public way that was of the utmost value to the community. His last work in this con- nection was as jury commissioner. He was a thirty-second degree Mason, being one of the first men raised in Woodward lodge, while later he took the degree of Thatcher Chapter, R. A. M., Oriental Commandery, K. T., and Lake Erie Consistory. He was in hearty sympathy with the beneficial spirit of the craft which inculcated among its members the desire to be helpful to one's fellow- men, following the mandate concerning the bearing of another's burdens.

In 1854, in Cleveland, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss E. J. Hovey of this city, who was born in Geauga county, Ohio. Her father, Philetus Hovey, resided in Cleveland for a long period, coming to Ohio from New York in child- hood. He was one of the pioneers of the state, remaining from early life until called to his final rest at the age of seventy-three years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born seven children, all of whom are yet living: Mrs. E. H. Baker, Frank M., Alton H., Pardon H., Harry H., Helen M. and Harley G. Mr. Smith was a member of the Euclid Avenue Congregational church and his entire life was actuated by its teachings. He died in that faith November 27, 1908. His health was somewhat impaired during the last months of his life, but yet death came to him suddenly. On Thanksgiving Day, the 26th of November, he at- tended a family reunion at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. E. H. Baker, on which occasion sixty-two relatives were gathered about him, all seven of his chil- dren being at the table. The following day he passed to the home beyond. He was a man of fine personal appearance, in whose life there was nothing to con- ceal, his eyes meeting yours frankly and fearlessly, oftimes bearing that joviality of appreciation of some trait or thought that appealed to him as particularly in- teresting. He was not only a just man in all of his business relations but mani- fested qualities that won him the loyalty of those who served him. His friend- ship, too, was prized by those with whom he came in contact in social relations, while his enterprise in business won him substantial success.

WILLIAM CHISHOLM, SR.

As the day with its morning of hope and promise, its noonday of activity, its evening of completed and successful effort, ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of William Chisholm, Sr., whose record cov- ered the long period of eighty-two years and was frought with prosperous at- tainment and characterized by substantial qualities that enabled him to make the best use of his life, while at all times his labors were of a character that contributed to the general upbuilding as well as to individual success.

He was born August 12, 1825, in the village of Lochgelly, Fifeshire, Scot- land. His father was a mine contractor and at the age of twelve years the son was apprenticed to the dry goods trade in Kirkaldy. Three years thus passed and at the age of fifteen he went to sea, the succeeding seven years of his life being spent as a sailor. For seven years he trod the decks and climbed the masts and rose to the rank of first officer. He became a resident of the new world in 1847, when he settled at Montreal and carried on a general contract- ing business, constructing the government buildings now standing in that city.

In 1852 Mr. Chisholm came to Cleveland, where he became connected with the lake carrying trade. He afterward spent several years in Pittsburg, but in 1857 returned to Cleveland at the solicitation of his brother Henry and from that time on he was closely associated with the development of the iron industry of this state-an industry which has been its chief source of prosperity in the intervening years to the present time. William Chisholm, Sr., became an im-

WILLIAM CHISHOLM

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portant factor in promoting the iron industry in this part of the state. Joining his brother, they established the plant called the Newburg Iron Works, the firm name being Chisholm & Jones. From this was evolved the Cleveland Rolling Mill Company, afterward merged in the American Steel & Wire Com- pany, which is now a component part of the United States Steel Company, and in 1860 William Chisholm, Sr., embarked in the iron business on his own account, manufacturing spikes, bolts, nuts, etc., in a plant which he erected at Newburg. Several years having been devoted by him to experimenting, result- ing in the perfection of plans for the manufacture of screws from Bessemer steel, he in 1871 built the Union Steel Screw Works in Cleveland, where were manufactured the first steel screws which were ever made, all previous to this time having been made from iron, and from the beginning the enterprise was a very profitable one, its output being continuously increased to meet the growing demand of the trade. This industry has now been consolidated with the Na- tional Screw & Tack Company of Cleveland. As he prospered Mr. Chisholm extended his efforts to the expansion of his business, including the manufacture of steel scoops, shovels, spades, etc. He erected a plant for the manufacture of these implements and it is now conducted under the name of the Chisholm Steel Shovel Works. Year by year his business increased in volume and im- portance, becoming one of the most extensive and prosperous industrial enter- prises that contribute to the evolutionary activities of this city.

During his early life in Cleveland Mr. Chisholm became one of the leading dock pile contractors in this city and also built one of the first lines of the city's present street railway system. This contract first brought to his attention the possibility for steel rail manufacture. In the meantime he had found time to engage in the coal and ore development, as well as the lake carrying trade. He was of an inventive turn of mind and took out numerous patents, many of them proving very valuable, especially in the manufacture of shovels, scoops and spades. As he prospered he became the owner of considerable bank stock and at all times his investments and business interests were judiciously placed.

In 1848 Mr. Chisholm married Miss Catherine Allan, of Dunfermline, Scot- land, who died in 1881. Of their seven children but two are now living: Henry, A., superintendent of the Chisholm Steel Shovel Works; and Mrs. Catherine Wood, of Brooklyn, New York. In 1884 he was married a second time to Mrs. Mary C. Stahl, nee Cowles, a daughter of Charles Cowles and granddaughter of the late General Solomon Cowles, of Farmington, Connecticut, who now sur- vives him. Mr. Chisholm's death occurred January 10, 1908, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-three years. Thus passed one who had left a deep impress upon the life of the city in many of its phases. Not only was he a foremost factor in its industrial and financial circles, but he was also active in the charitable, philanthropic, and religious affairs of the city, and when the Euclid Avenue Baptist church was erected he gave a tenth of all he was worth toward its construction, and later gave additional gifts thereto. Broad humani- tarianism, a spirit of benevolence and marked business capacity were well bal- anced forces in his life. Preeminently a man of affairs, he wielded a wide in- fluence and his labors were a direct stimulus to the city's progress in many ways.

WILLIAM E. SHACKLETON, M. D.

Dr. William E. Shackleton, a well known Cleveland physician who is now specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye, confining his attention ex- clusively to this department of practice, was born in Olopolis, Pennsylvania, near Oil City, February 17, 1870. His father, William H. Shackleton, a native of New York, is now residing in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has been engaged in

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oil and gas enterprises since 1867. He married Louisa Cox, also a native of the state of New York, and she, too, is still living.

Dr. Shackleton spent his boyhood days in western Pennsylvania, where the father was operating in oil, and his early education was acquired in the public schools, supplemented by a course in the Western University of Pennsylvania at Allegheny and in Purdue University of Indiana. On leaving that institution he came to Cleveland in 1892 and entered the medical department of the Uni- versity of Wooster, from which he was graduated in 1895 with the degree of M. D. He spent one year as house physician and surgeon and later became assis- tant to Dr. A. R. Baker, professor of the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat at Wooster University Medical School. He continued in that con- nection until 1899, the last year of which time, however, was spent in London in special study concerning the diseases of the eye. Shortly after his return he entered upon the private practice of medicine, confining his attention to the eye, ear, nose and throat and during the last few years he has concentrated his energies exclusively upon the eye. From 1901 until 1905 he was connected with the eye department of the Lakeside Hospital and has been on the staff of St. Alexis Hospital for ten years. He has also been ophthalmic surgeon to St. Clair Hospital since 1901 and ophthalmic surgeon to Mount Sinai Hospital since its organization. He belongs to the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the Cleveland Med- ical Library Association.

On the 12th of June, 1900, Dr. Shackleton was married to Miss Martha Mc- Garvin, a daughter of Michael McGarvin, of Chatham, Ontario. Their three children are Louise, Marion and William H., aged respectively, eight, six and three years. The family reside at Cleveland Heights and attend the Emanuel Episcopal church, of which Dr. Shackleton is a member. He is also identified with the Delta Tau Delta. a college fraternity, and with the Union, Hermit and Colonial Clubs. He is an enthusiastic yachtsman and makes many cruises on Lake Erie, owning a fine yacht, to which he devotes all of his spare time during the summer months. Walking is also a source of recreation to him and he is a man of athletic build, finding in outdoor exercise the tonic for his own health- a course which he is always recommending as well to his patients. He has writ- ten to some extent for medical journals and has come to be recognized as an au- thority in Cleveland upon the line of his specialty.

RICHARD G. FINLEY.

In the life record of Richard G. Finley originality is combined with resource- fulness, ability and large mental capacity. Philosopher as well as business man, in his valuation of life he takes into account none of the artificialities which are too often a striking feature in business as well as social relations, but seeks to appraise events, circumstances and environment as well as individuals at their true worth. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, July 29, 1876. His paternal grandfather, Albert Finley, lived and died in Glasgow, Scotland. The father, Albert Finley, Jr., was born in Wales and came to the United States in the '40S, settling in the southern part of Wisconsin. He followed merchandising in Wales but in this country was a craftsman in various lines. His death occurred in 1902. His wife, Mrs. Leonore Finley, was born in England and they were married in that country.

Richard G. Finley attended the public schools of Detroit. All his life he has been a great reader and deep thinker, yet withal is a man of practical ideas, whose activities are resultant factors for success. He is known as one of the most popular restaurateurs of Cleveland, being the owner of the Phalansterie and Beef Steak Dungeon at Ninth, Huron and Prospect, and of five other res-

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taurants in this city, known as Finley's Central Trust Lunch, Finley's Depot Lunch, Finley's Ontario Lunch, Finley's Caxton Lunch and Finley's Bailey Lunch. These are among the popular eating places of the city, patronized largely by business people who are regular customers. He has a manager for each place of business and his income from the different restaurants averages about two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year. He is noted for his unique and clever advertising, which displays much of his originality and is altogether attractive. Moreover Mr. Finley has established Canyada Inn at La Canyada, California, not far from Los Angeles. There he has a hotel of fifty rooms with thirty cot- tages near by, and is making this one of the popular resorts of that section of the state. His new plan is to establish a philosophical colony in California where the practical phases of religion and government will be manifest. Some of the most prominent men and women of the country are in sympathy therewith and are members of this organization. Here will be fostered individuality, efficiency and self-reliance, it being the purpose of the organization to create a desire in each individual to rely on his own efforts and to think independently as far as possible of everyone else to the extent of using one's powers and abilities to the best advantage. The underlying principle of the colony will be to create and construct rather than to condemn and destroy; the promotion of usefulness ; following nature and by so doing gain absolute freedom. It is the purpose of Mr. Finley to print books there and already he is establishing a magazine called "Everyman." He intends also to manufacture arts and crafts furniture and to have lace and blankets made by Mexicans and jewelry by the Mexicans and In- dians. A ranch will be operated and all business interests will be so conducted that the best in the individual will be developed.

Mr. Finley is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree, and he also belongs to the Elks lodge. He holds mem- bership in the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and in a large number of other organizations, including the Cleveland School of Arts, the Associated Charities, the Legal Aid Society, and probably about twelve societies doing charitable and useful work. He is likewise an honorary member of the Los Angeles ( Cali- fornia ) Liberal Club. His life is a splendid illustration of the fact that the idealist is not necessarily visionary, for Mr. Finley has proved himself a most success- ful business man and at the same time has given thought to life's purpose and value, realizing that character building and the development of one's latent talents and powers give to life a better value than the mere acquisition of wealth. There is much of the philosopher and the poet as well as the practical man of business in his nature and his qualities are so harmoniously combined as to make his a most interesting personality.

ALFRED GEORGE TAME.

The attractiveness of Cleveland as a place of residence is evidenced in the fact that many of her native sons have remained here to enjoy the advantages which she offers and which, well improved, lead to success if the individual possesses the complement of industry and close application. 'Displaying all of the qualities requisite to a successful business career, Alfred George Tame has become treas- urer of the Cleveland Trust Company and a well known factor in financial circles. He was born in this city February 7, 1869, a son of A. F. and Ellen (Latimer) Tame, both of whom are still living in this city. The father, a native of Canada, came to Cleveland during the period of the Civil war and here engaged in the printing business. He yet remains an active factor in industrial circles.

In the public schools of Akron, to which city the parents removed when he was eight years of age, Alfred George Tame pursued his early education and later attended Buchtel College, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of

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Science degree in 1890. After leaving college he was connected with journalism interests, both in Akron and in Cleveland, and entered upon active connection with banking interests in 1893 in the old Arcade Bank in the position of bookkeeper. He continued with that institution through its various stages of development until it became the Euclid Avenue Trust Company and at the time of the failure of that bank in 1902 he was assistant secretary and treasurer. He then became connected with the Cleveland Trust Company and a few months later became its assistant secretary and treasurer. In January, 1906, he was chosen treasurer of this com- pany, which position he still fills. For sixteen years he has now given his attention exclusively to banking interests, closely studying the business in every phase, so that his knowledge thereof is comprehensive and valuable.

In 1894, in Norwalk, Ohio, Mr. Tame was married to Miss Clara W. Arm- strong, of that city, and unto them were born four children. The winter residence of the family is on East Twentieth street and the summer home on the lake shore twelve miles east of Cleveland. Mr. Tame has been connected with military in- terests as a veteran of Troop A and his political views are usually in accord with the principles of the republican party. A pleasant, genial manner makes him a popular member of the Union, University and Hermit Clubs and of the Chamber of Commerce.

MORTIMER WILLIAM LAWRENCE.

Although the life record of Mortimer William Lawrence closed ere he had completed the period of young manhood, he being but thirty-seven years of age at the time of his death, he had accomplished within that period a work that would have been a fitting crown to many more years of earnest and persistent labor. Moreover, he lives enshrined in the memory of all who knew him as one who exemplified in his life the best traits of family and social relations.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 12, 1873, the third son of M. J. Lawrence, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this vol- ume. After attending the Kentucky Street public school he continued his edu- cation in the high schools of Denver, Colorado, to which city his father had removed, being there engaged in business. Subsequently he became a pupil in the University School of Cleveland and matriculated in the Ohio State Univer- sity for the agricultural course in the fall of 1891. He did not graduate from the university, however, for he pursued an elective course, taking up such studies as he deemed would be of value to him in his later work as the assistant of his father in the publication of the Ohio Farmer. During his college days he became a member of the Phi Gamma Delta and Theta Nu Epsilon fraternities and always took a prominent part in college affairs.

At the close of the school year in June, 1894, Mortimer W. Lawrence left the university and immediately began work in the editorial department of the Ohio Farmer, thus becoming connected with the Lawrence Publishing Company. Later he was transferred to the Michigan Farmer of Detroit, where his duties connected him with both the editorial and business departments for a year and a half. He then returned to the business office of the Ohio Farmer, where he continued to devote his great energy to the general interests of this paper. For several years prior to his demise he was the general manager of the business and his administration was marked by great advances and improvements in every department. Following his father's gradual withdrawal from active manage- ment, Mortimer W. Lawrence became general manager, which position he held until his death, and at the same time was vice president of the Lawrence-Wil- liams Company, sole agents in the United States and Canada for Gombault's Caustic Balsam, the great French veterinary remedy. His investments and ac-

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A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III, Part 29

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1106

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1106