USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 36
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109
ALBERT D. ERNNE.
The life record of Albert D. Ernne, whose name appears on the list of Cleve- land's honored dead, is another illustration of the fact that in a land, unham- pered by caste or class, success may always be attained by persistent and intelli- gently directed labor. Mr. Ernne came from across the water to seek his fortune in the new world and, greatly embracing the opportunities that offered, he worked his way steadily upward until he reached a creditable and gratifying position in commercial circles, being for many years closely associated with the jewelry trade of Cleveland.
A native of Switzerland, he was born in Zurich on the 26th of June, 1836, and pursued his education in the schools of that country. At the age of eleven years he began to learn the watchmaker's trade under the direction of an uncle and after a time became so expert that he could make every part of a watch. At the age of twenty years he went to England and engaged as manager of a watch factory there, his ability contributing to the reputation which Switzerland has always enjoyed as the home of the most efficient and expert watchmakers that the world has produced. Thinking to find still better business opportunities in the new world Mr. Ernne crossed the Atlantic in 1871 and at once came to Cleveland, where he entered the employ of Mr. Crittenden as a watchmaker and repairer. He was thus employed for eighteen years, during which time he had charge of their business. He then engaged in the jewelry and watch repair busi- ness for himself, opening a store at No. 94 Euclid avenue, where he continued for about ten years. When the colonial arcade was built he was the first person to open a store there and in the ensuing years he built up an extensive business. He was known as one of the best watchmakers of the country, and watches which were made in Switzerland were sent to him from all parts of America to be repaired. His ability was of an expert character and he not only built up an ex- tensive trade in the line of watch repairng but also as a jewelry merchant, car- rying a large and well selected line of jewelry and precious stones. At the time of his death he had in his possession a watch every piece of which he had made when only a boy.
Mr. Ernne was married to Miss Mary Burt, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, whose parents, however, were married in Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Ernne had one daughter, Josephine R. He was a man very domestic in his tastes, devoted to the welfare of his family and finding his greatest happiness at his own fireside.
A. D. ERNNE
341
HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
He gave his political allegiance to the democracy and was a inember of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He was greatly interested in charitable work and was president of Concordia Lodge, a German benevolent society. His kindly spirit prompted him to respond readily to every tale of sorrow or distress and to put forth every effort to alleviate trouble. In business circles he was known as a man of the utmost reliability, energetic and determined, and his commercial probity and honor gained him the unqualified respect of those who knew him. Mr. Ernne died very suddenly, just as he was closing his place of business to re- turn home, on the 14th of January, 1909. His death brought a sense of personal bereavement to many friends for he had gained the kindly regard and good will of all with whom he came in contact, and enjoyed the close companionship of many with whom his association was of a more strictly social character. For years the family home was at No. 1567 Crawford road.
OSCAR JOHN THEODORE SCHULTZ, M.D.
Oscar John Theodore Schultz, who is identified with the medical department of the Western Reserve University as lecturer on pathology and protozoology, was born in Mount Vernon, Indiana, on the 28th of September, 1877. His father, Dr. Oscar Theodore Schultz, was a native of Silesia, Germany, and when a boy accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, the family home being established in Evansville, Indiana. Later he took up his abode in Mount Vernon, that state, where he was actively and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine until called to his final rest in 1890, when forty-two years of age.' He contributed extensively to current medical literature, giving special attention to diseases of the lungs, more particularly pneumonia. His father was likewise a physician by profession, and the family has been represented in the medical fraternity for five generations. Robert Schultz, an uncle of Dr. Oscar T. Schultz, was sanitary councilor at Frankfort-on-the-Main. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Louise Pfeffer, was born in Buffalo, New York, of German parentage. Her demise occurred in 1903, when she had attained the age of fifty years. Her father, John Pfeffer, was a prominent business man of Mount Vernon, Indiana, and took an active part in the municipal affairs of that city.
Oscar John Theodore Schultz, whose name initiates this review, obtained his education in the public schools of his native city and was graduated from the high school there in 1893, winning third honors in his class. In the fall of 1893 he entered the University of Indiana, and at the end of four years the degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred upon him. In May, 1898, he enlisted as sergeant in Company B of the One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served in General Lee's corps at Havana until mustered out on the Ist of April, 1899. In the fall of that year, having determined upon the practice of Medicine as a life work, he entered Johns Hopkins Medical School at Baltimore and was graduated from that institution in June, 1903. Immediately afterward he came to Cleveland as resident pathologist to St. Vincent's Charity Hospital, thus serving for one year, when he took a six months' post-graduate course in zoology at Columbia University of New York city. Subsequently he acted as demonstrator of pathology and protozoology in the medical department of the Western Reserve University, was made instructor in those branches in the fall of 1906 and since the fall of 1908 has been lecturer on those subjects. From the Ist of January, 1907, until the Ist of January, 1909, he served as secretary of the section of experimental medicine of the Cleveland Academy of Medicine, and was a member of the Sixth International Dermatological Congress held in New York in September, 1907. He belongs to the American Association of Pathologists and Bacteriologists, the Ohio State Medical Society and the Sigma Nu, a national
342
HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
fraternity. He has been a frequent contributor to current medical literature on pathological subjects and has written extensively on the etiology and pathology of syphilis and dermato-pathology, while at the present time he is working on the biology of tumor cells. Research, investigation and experience are constantly broadening his knowledge and promoting his efficiency, and, although still a young man, he has already gained enviable recognition in the ranks of the medical fra- ternity of Cleveland.
On the 15th of August, 1906, at New York city, Dr. Schultz was united in marriage to Miss Irene Throop, a daughter of George S. Throop, who was for- merly an agent of the West Shore Line at Chicago but is now a resident of Brooklyn. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Schultz have been born two daughters, namely: Kathryn Louise, two years old, and Louise Irene, who is in her first year. They reside at No. 6719 Lucerne avenue and are highly esteemed wherever known.
HORACE FORD.
Horace Ford, who in all that he did was actuated by a spirit of Christianity, while his business record was furthermore characterized by the diligence and en- terprise which led to his success, was born in Cummington, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, October 22, 1822. His parents were Cyrus and Clarisa (Whit- marsh) Ford, both of whom were also natives of Cummington. In the year 1837 the father accompanied by his son Horatio, made the journey by sleigh from Massachusetts to Ohio, and he and his wife visited relatives in Michigan during the winter and then located in Massillon, Ohio. There he turned his attention to the cultivation of mulberry trees and the raising of silk worms. On account of illness he removed to Cleveland in 1841 and here hatched one million, five hun- dred thousand silk worms but never succeeded in getting a cocoon, the reason for this being attributable to an unfavorable climate. Failing in this venture he turned his attention to other pursuits and in the fall of 1844 purchased one hun- dred acres of land on the north side of Euclid avenue, paying eighteen dollars per acre for the property. It was upon that farm that Horace Ford remained until his demise. The father also bought one hundred acres at the same time on May- field street south of the Garfield monument, for which he paid sixteen dollars per acre. In 1852 he gave the farm to his son Horace but resided thereon until his death, which occurred in 1864, when he was seventy-four years of age. His wife survived him for about a decade and died in 1874, at the age of eighty-two years. In their family were six sons: Horace; Horatio C., who died in 1876; Henry ; Francis; Lewis W .; and George, who died in infancy. The parents and two of their sons, Horace and Horatio, were charter members of the Euclid Avenue Congregational church.
Horace Ford was a youth of fourteen years when the family came to Ohio. In the period of his early manhood he worked on the farm during the summer months and in the winter seasons engaged in teaching school. In October, 1846, his district introduced the graded-school system, after which he was engaged to teach a school in the eastern part of the city. He was thus identified with edu- cational interests until 1851, when his health failed, and thinking that outdoor life and exercise would prove beneficial, in 1852 he took charge of his father's farm, on which he paid a debt of sixteen hundred dollars. In 1865 he turned his attention to market gardening and in this branch of his business met with sub- stantial success. He sold forty acres of the Hill property for one thousand dollars an acre, in April, 1891, for the rapid growth and development of the city had brought about a demand and substantial rise in realty values.
In 1852 Mr. Ford was united in marriage, and by that union there were five children, of whom two, Ida and James, are now deceased. Those who still sur- vive are: Mary, the wife of Jesse B. Fay, an attorney of Cleveland, by whom
343
HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
she has two sons, Horace and Thomas; Nellie L., the wife of J. W. Alton, by whom she has one son, George; and Arthur H. The wife and mother passed away in 1877, and in February, 1880, Mr. Ford was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss May C. Hovey, a daughter of P. Hovey, of Cleveland. Her death occurred in December, 1883, and Mr. Ford afterward wedded Miss Eliza Talbot, a daughter of J. T. Talbot, of Cleveland. Her father took up his abode in Geauga county, Ohio, and afterward in 1831, removed to Lake county, where he was engaged in the furniture business. Later he retired from active life and re- moved to Cleveland, where he lived quietly in the enjoyment of well earned rest, save that he gave his attention in slight measure to building operations. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Marguerite Brown, removed from Massachusetts to Geauga county, Ohio, in 1816. Her father, Robert Brown, was a farmer, jus- tice of the peace and influential citizen of that county. He also did considerable building, including the erection of some churches which are still standing in the locality. His father, Robert Brown, came to the west by following the blazed trail from Connecticut.
In ante bellum days Mr. Ford, who was a stanch advocate of the abolition cause, acted as a conductor on the underground railroad. He was always op- posed to oppression, to intemperance, and in fact to all that is detrimental to the development of the highest type of manhood. From 1841 until his death he en- gaged in teaching a class in the Sunday school, and the words of wisdom which he spoke sank deep into many hearts and in due course of time brought forth rich fruit. In 1853 he was appointed a deacon in his church, and he also served as secretary of the Bohemian Mission board from its organization until his de- mise. He was a representative of one of the oldest and most favorably known families in the city, and his own record reflected credit and honor upon an un- tarnished family name. He died May 28, 1885, at the age of sixty-one years, and thus was brought to a close a life of industry, which was at all times com- mendable because of the principles which constituted the guiding forces in his career.
JOSEPH WELLSTED.
Joseph Wellsted, to whom success came as the result of earnest labor, close ap- plication and intelligent direction of his energies, was born in Rye, Sussex county, England, June 3, 1817, his parents being James and Emily (Foster) Wellsted, who were also natives of the same place. The father there followed farming and gar- dening. Spending his boyhood days in his parents' home, Joseph Wellsted pursued his education in the public schools until eleven years of age, when the family crossed the Atlantic to America, settling near Utica, New York, in 1828. For several terms thereafter he continued to attend school and later made his start in life as a farmer, leasing a tract of land which he continued to cultivate until 1837. In that year he came to Cleveland as a young man of twenty years and learned the carpenter's trade. He was ambitious and industrious, and, saving his money, he was soon enabled to purchase a lot and build thereon a house, which he continued to own up to the time of his death. He prospered as the years went by, and, seeing advantageous opportunities for investment in property, he continued to purchase lots and erect houses, which he would then sell to good advantage. As a specula- tive builder and real-estate dealer he continued in the business to the time of his demise. In the course of his life he handled much valuable property and in this way contributed not a little to the growth and upbuilding of the city. His operations were of larger extent and greater importance as the years passed by, and in his last days he turned over to his son Joseph a business of goodly proportions and be- queathed also to him a name and reputation that remained untarnished through all the years.
344
HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
Mr. Wellsted was married twice. He first wedded Margaret Howell, of Utica, New York, and to them were born three children, Thomas, John and Louisa, but all are now deceased. The two sons served as soldiers in the Civil war. On the 10th of January, 1881, Mr. Wellsted was married to Miss Emma L. Eager, a daughter of Marcus and Acha (Barber) Eager, of New Jersey, who came to Cleveland in 1870. The father had followed farming and had also engaged in the hotel busi- ness in the east, but in Cleveland lived retired. Mrs. Wellsted was born in New Jersey, May 3, 1858, and came to this city with her parents in 1870. By her mar- riage she became the mother of one son, Joseph T., who was born in 1882 and is now engaged in the real-estate business as his father's successor.
In politics Mr. Wellsted was a republican with firm belief in the principles of the party, but with no desire for office as a reward for party fealty. He held mem- bership in the Second Presbyterian church and was a man of upright life, gener- ous to his family, kindly to his friends and just in all his relations with his fellow- men. Coming to Cleveland in the days of its villagehood he recognized and utilized the opportunities of the growing city and as the years passed made his labors not only a source of benefit to himself but also a factor in the substantial improvement of Cleveland.
SAMUEL CURTIS BROOKS.
Samuel Curtis Brooks, who was engaged in business as a contractor and builder of Cleveland, passed away in this city August 16, 1898. He had reached the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey, for his birth occurred in Carlisle, Ohio, July 4, 1820. His paternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, serving throughout the period of hostilities with the mother country that led to the establishment of American independence. The parents of our subject were Samuel and Sophia (Johnston) Brooks, who came from Berlin, Connecticut, in 1819, and located in Carlisle, Ohio. The father was a farmer by occupation and one of the pioneer residents of his section of the state. He built the first log house at Carlisle, which sheltered the first train of emigrants, numbering thirty, that arrived in that district. For many years Samuel Brooks continued his resi- dence there but spent his later life in Elyria.
Samuel C. Brooks assisted his father on the farm during the period of his boyhood and youth. He pursued a part of his education in a private school in Elyria and afterward went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to study architecture in prepara- tion for the profession. At intervals he worked in order to meet his expenses and when he had gained wide knowledge of the scientific principles which under- lie the work of the architect he returned to Elyria and began a contracting and building business in connection with his brother Henry. They were associated until 1852, after which Mr. Brooks came to Cleveland and here entered the field of contracting and building. A few years later his brother followed him and they again joined forces under the firm style of Brooks & Company, contractors and builders. They continued in business until 1892 and then retired, Samuel C. Brooks thus terminating an association of forty years with the building interests of the city. Many of the substantial structures of Cleveland stand as monuments to his enterprise, skill and business ability and as the years passed he won sub- stantial success, acquiring a handsome competence that enabled him in his last days to rest from further labor.
In his political views, Mr. Brooks was a republican and served as a member of the city council while in Elyria. He built the first workhouse in Cleveland and was one of the first workhouse commissioners, being associated with the late Harvey Rice, William Edwards, J. H. Wade and George H. Bent. He also built the high school on East Fifty-fifth street and the dome of the cathedral on
S. C. BROOKS
347
HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
Superior street. There are many other notable evidences of his skill and handi- work, for as an architect, contractor and builder he stood prominent in this city.
On the 20th of October, 1847, occurred the marriage of Mr. Brooks and Miss Emily N. Clark, the wedding being celebrated in Chaplin, Connecticut. Mrs. Brooks is a daughter of William and Laura (Grosvenor) Clark, the former of Windham county, Connecticut, and the latter a descendant of the Duke of West- minster, England. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brooks were born four children, but all have now passed away. Mrs. Brooks survives her husband, and her grandson, Arthur De Witt, of the Brooks Company, makes his home with her. Mr. Brooks was a member of the Second Presbyterian church and a man of upright, honora- ble purpose, well educated, resourceful and energetic. In all of his dealings he was thoroughly reliable and he was a popular and valued member of the Old Set- tlers' Association. For nearly half a century he made his home in Cleveland and in the line of his profession became closely associated with its substantial improvement. His business probity was above question and at his death he left not only a comfortable competency but also an untarnished name.
HOWARD C. BRADLEY.
His ability to correctly solve intricate business problems, his undaunted enter- prise and his strong determination have brought Howard C. Bradley into impor- tant relations with numerous business concerns which have been features in mak- ing Cleveland the great industrial and commercial center of the southern shore of Lake Erie. Born in Birmingham, Erie county, Ohio, June 3, 1845, he is descended from an old Connecticut family that came originally from the north of England in early colonial days. His father, Albert C. Bradley, a native of Connecticut, re- moved to Ohio about 1835, locating in Trumbull county, while subsequently he re- moved to Birmingham, where for many years he engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons. Subsequently turning his attention to agricultural pursuits, he removed to a farm, which he continued to cultivate until a short time prior to his death, when he retired. He died at Rock Creek, Ohio, January 5, 1891, at the age of seventy-one years, while his wife survived until 1907 and passed away at the advanced age of eighty-four. She bore the maiden name of Almira Hart and was a representative of an old New England family, her parents removing from Con- necticut and becoming early settlers of Trumbull county, Ohio.
Howard C. Bradley passed his boyhood days at Farmington, Trumbull county, and after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools, attended the Farmington Seminary, completing his education by a course at Oberlin, Ohio. He made his entrance into the business world in connection with mercantile inter- ests at Warren, Ohio, where he was employed in a store until 1870, in which year he became a merchant at Foxburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania. He was also en- gaged in the oil business there during the period of the active development of the oil fields in that state. In 1879 he returned to Warren, Ohio, where he again en- gaged in merchandizing as a member of the firm of Kirk, Christy & Company until the spring of 1891, when he came to Cleveland. During the latter part of his residence in Warren he was also associated with the lumber trade, and thus his interests were continually expanded. Watchful of opportunities pointing to suc- cess, he believed that he would have better advantages in a larger city, and on his arrival in Cleveland he engaged in the brick business as secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Standard Brick Company. He is now junior partner of the firm of Bartwill & Bradley, brick manufacturers, and from time to time he has put forth activity in other directions until his ramifying interests now cover a wide scope. Soon after reaching Cleveland he became president of the Advance Lumber Company, which position he still fills. He has since become the vice president of the H. C. Christy Company, wholesale grocers, joining the corporation on its or-
348
HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
ganization in 1899. He is likewise the president and one of the directors of the Warren Hardware Company, president of the Warren Stove Company, manufac- turers of steel ranges, and interested in various other enterprises. His connection with any undertaking insures a prosperous outcome to the same, for it is in his nature to successfully accomplish any task to which he sets himself.
While residing in Warren, Ohio, Mr. Bradley was married in June, 1875, to Miss Mary Christy, a daughter of Rev. Mathias Christy, of Newton Falls, Ohio, long since deceased. Mrs. Bradley is a member of the Euclid Avenue Christian church and is active in the various departments of its work. They had two chil- dren, but the son, Albert, died in 1878 when but one year old. The daughter, Alma C., a graduate of Smith College and active in literary circles, is now the wife of Professor J. H. Rush, one of the faculty of the University School of Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley reside at No. 1935 East Seventy-ninth street in a residence which was remodeled in 1901 by Mr. Bradley. He also owns considerable other real estate in Cleveland and is interested at all times in the various measures con- tributing to the social, business and municipal progress of the city. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Builders' Exchange, of which he was formerly president. He is a member of the Gentlemen's Driving Club and has attained high rank in Mansonry, having taken the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He holds membership relations with Old Erie Lodge, No. 3, A. F. & A. M., at Warren, Ohio, Warren Commandery, No. 39, K. T., the Cleveland Consistory and Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He votes with the republi- can party and in a quiet way works for its interests but has never been publicly active in political lines. He has preferred to concentrate his energies upon his commercial and industrial interests and has earned for himself an enviable repu- tation as a careful man of business, being known in his dealings for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the deserved confidence of his fellowmen.
EMANUEL H. STRASS.
Emanuel H. Strass is conducting an extensive business as an importer and wholesale dealer in wines and liquors under the name of L. Kahn & Company. His business interests extend to several corporations and make heavy demands upon his time, yet he finds opportunity for the cultivation of those graces of character which leisure allows and for the mental development which comes through wide and varied reading. He is known as an author of no inconsiderable note and has appeared before the public in many addresses that have attracted widespread in- terest. Emanuel H. Strass was born in Buffalo, New York, November 29, 1851. His parents were Albert and Rebecca Strass, of Bavaria, Germany. The former was born February 12, 1809, came to America in 1840 and was identified for a long period with mercantile interests in Buffalo, New York, but retired from active business life in 1870.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.