USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 45
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
John T. Wamelink, the father of our subject, was born in Holland in 1829 and was brought to America when only two years of age. In this city he was reared and educated and nearly a half century ago he became interested in the possi- bilities of a well conducted piano business which he established at No. 376 Su- perior street, where the company still continues the enterprise. There he sought to make quality the basic principle coupled with reasonable prices. By this time Cleveland's growth was such that many families were financially able to have a piano and the state had also become well settled, with evidences of comfort and wealth in many districts. From the beginning John Wamelink met with success in the undertaking. He was conversant with every detail of the piano trade and possessed moreover wonderful musical instinct, doubtless a part of his inheri- tance. As a musician he possessed ability of superior order and for a quarter of a century was the organist in St. John's cathedral. His labors and talent had marked influence over the development of musical culture in this city and he con- tinued in business until his death, which occurred December 31, 1900. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Sweetland, was born in 1837 and is still living in this city.
John T. Wamelink, Jr., whose name introduces this record, was educated in the parochial schools of Cleveland and in Georgetown University at Wash- ington, D. C. On leaving school he became associated with his father in the piano business and following the death of his parent in 1900 was elected president and treasurer of the company. Their business is the oldest in connection with the musical trade in this city and for a half century the company has remained at their present location which is well equipped in every particular for the con- duct of the business. That the business has been continued for so many years is an indication of the quality of their output and the reliable business methods which they have ever followed.
Mr. Wamelink was married to Miss Helen B. Cassidy, of Cleveland. He is a member of the Union, Euclid and Cleveland Yacht Clubs, also holds member- ship with the Knights of Columbus and is the vice president of the National Piano Dealers Association, this official preferment indicating the prominent place that is accorded him in the business circles with which his individual interests have continuously connected him.
PERRY LYNES HOBBS.
Perry Lynes Hobbs, Ph. D., analytical and consulting chemist, and for many years chemist of the Ohio Dairy and Food Commission, is a man well known, not only in Cleveland, but throughout the state, and everywhere esteemed as an author- ity in his line. Mr. Hobbs is a native of this city, born September 10, 1861, his parents being Caleb S. and Ada Antoinette (Lynes) Hobbs. His father was a Bostonian who found his way to the Buckeye state and after serving for some years as paymaster on the Cleveland, Ashtabula Railroad, became identified with the Hobbs & Savage Printing Company. His mother's native place was Avon, Ohio.
Perry L. Hobbs enjoyed exceptional educational advantages. He attended the public schools of the city, and his scientific proclivities having already become evident, he entered the Case School of Applied Science and was graduated from this institution. He then went abroad, and entered the famous University of Berlin, from which he ultimately won the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. In 1889 he returned to Cleveland and assumed the chair of chemistry in the Western Reserve Medical College, filling this position with distinction for the ensuing thirteen years. In 1903 he severed this relation and has since been engaged in analytical and con- sulting chemistry and chemical engineering. Since 1896 he has served as chemist for the Ohio Dairy and Food Commission and has been otherwise employed by the government as a chemical expert.
PERRY L. HOBBS
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
Mr. Hobbs laid the foundation of a congenial home life by his marriage to Miss Mary L. Marshall, daughter of Dr. Isaac H. Marshall. This union has been blessed with three children, named Mary Antoinette, Katharine M. and Perry Marshall. The Hobbs residence is situated at 6508 Euclid avenue.
The social is an element not lacking in Mr. Hobbs' nature and he finds much pleasure in his fraternal relations. His Masonic affiliations have given him an extensive friendship in addition to that acquired in the ordinary course of life, for he enjoys high rank and prominence in this world-wide organization. He has been master of Iris Lodge, potentate of Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and holds membership in Webb Chapter, Cleveland Council, Holyrood Comman- dery, and Lake Erie Consistory. He is also connected with the University and Masonic Clubs. He greatly enjoys fishing and out-door life and is a member of the Castalia Trout Club. He is an active, working member of the Chamber of Commerce and served for a number of years on its educational committee. It is apparent from a glance at his career that Mr. Hobbs is by nature an enthusiast, not content with half measures or makeshifts, but demanding the highest and best whether in his knowledge of his profession, or in those associations which bind him to his fellowmen.
LEMUEL M. SOUTHERN.
Few men have played a more conspicuous part in the development of any city than Lemuel M. Southern has taken in the growth of Cleveland, which has been his home since 1839. While he has been especially active in the real- estate business and is now the president and treasurer of the L. M. Southern Real Estate & Improvement Company, his efforts have not been confined to one field of operation and many worthy causes of charity and philanthropy have re- ceived his support.
He was born in Ithaca, New York, in 1837, and is a son of William and Anna (Pixley) Southern, natives of Maryland and Connecticut, respectively. In their union were combined the best traits of the sturdy German, which the father inherited from his ancestors, and those of the New Englander, whose love of freedom of thought as well as of act and whose initiative were transmitted through the mother's parentage. Upon coming to Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Southern first lived in Rockport for a short time, where the father secured some land and engaged in farming, while at the same time he conducted a vigorous business in staves, finding a market in England. He came to Cleveland later and here con- tinued in this same line of work for a number of years, indeed almost until his death, which occurred in Rockport, Ohio, in 1871, when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife survived him about five years, when she too passed away at the age of sixty-nine years. Of the nine children born to them three alone now survive-our subject, Mrs. Alvira Ingran and Julius C.
Lemuel M. Southern received his early education in the public school of Cleveland, which was then housed in a little log building, but his most valuable training for the responsibilities of life and for the position he has filled from the first as a leading citizen, was obtained in that more democratic institution of in- struction-experience. He possessed in high degree the faculty of keenly ob- serving life about him, profiting from such lessons as it had to offer and looking into the future to discern means of meeting the needs of those who should come after. From the age of eight Mr. Southern dates the beginning of his business career, although he was only five years old when he earned his first money-a six pence. Since eight years of age he has never received a dollar save through his own exertions. At the beginning his employment was various, such as making hay, peddling fruit, cutting wood and doing other odd jobs, wherever
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
they were to be had. He passed through all the hardships of pioneer life and he also experienced many of the pleasures of those early days, which, he asserts, were capable of giving a keener enjoyment than the more elaborately contrived entertainments of the present. At the age of thirteen he gave one evidence of the talent for trade and business which has ever distinguished his career. Having saved twelve dollars and a half, through working for ten and twelve and a half cents a day, he secured a ten days' option upon four acres of land. Before four days had expired he had sold three and a half acres of the ground for what the entire lot had cost him and upon the remainder built a house. In all the nego- tiation cleared him two hundred and seventy-five dollars.
When between fourteen and fifteen years of age Mr. Southern began to learn the builder's trade, obtaining at first two and a half shillings a day and his board. He completed his apprenticeship and then for the next twenty years devoted himself to that field of labor, in that period erecting from cellar to chim- ney top many of the buildings of this city. The acumen that had so early dis- tinguished his operations in the real-estate market, however, was not permitted to slumber during that period but rather found constant and more extensive exercise as the years opened up opportunities and the advance of progress pointed the way to improvements. In connection with this phase of his activities, Mr. Southern's name very frequently appears as the one who inaugurated customs or conditions which are now taken for granted. Not only was he the first real- estate men in Cleveland to make allotments of property, but he was also the first to improve the allotments before they were placed upon the market. To him the city owes in no small measure the grading, curbing and paving of streets, for he was the first to suggest the feasibility of such practice and the first to urge . the laying of sidewalks. North of the Ohio he was the first man to introduce the practice of paving the streets with brick, and save for Case avenue, his was the first residence street so paved. He also originated the double cased, asbestos wrapped pipe. He practically opened and always led the real-estate business in this city, and on several occasions he revived it from a stagnant condition. In this connection he enjoys the distinction of having bought the largest allotment ever purchased in Cleveland or in the county, paying for it the sum of three hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars. Ten thousand dollars he paid down, the rest in five months, out of the sale of the property which returned him five hundred thousand dollars. This transaction was culminated in the fall of 1879, but he had been just as active in the decade preceding, although in the financial stress of 1873 he lost the one hundred and seventy-five thousand dol- lars he had accumulated.
During that period of uncertainty and scarcity of money, Mr. Southern turned his time to good advantage in prospecting for minerals in Colorado, lo- cating some of the most valuable veins of ore in the state. Through lack of funds, however, he was unable to develop them and as his bonds ran out he eventually lost them, without realizing a dollar upon his investment. His judg- ment nevertheless was not at fault, for they have increased in value so as now to be worth fully a million dollars, and for two of them Senator Jones paid two hundred thousand dollars.
What Mr. Southern considers his largest deal in the real-estate market of Cleveland was made on a lot on Euclid avenue, for which he paid one hundred thousand dollars and which he sold three days later at a profit of seventy-five hundred dollars. It, however, was but one of upwards of fifty allotments and comprised only a few of over three thousand acres which he had bought and sold in this city. In fact, it is said that his name appears on more deeds than that of any other man in the county. Wade Park is one of the localities in which he evinced his business acumen and the best of his business policies and may per- haps be taken as an example of his methods. It comprised fifty acres but in preparing it for the market Mr. Southern expended one hundred and fifty thou- sand dollars upon improvements.
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On the 20th of December, 1861, Mr. Southern wedded Miss Libbie Gale, of East Cleveland, a daughter of Martin Gale, formerly a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Unto them were born two children: William M. and Mrs. Wil- liam G. King, of New York, whose husband is connected with the King Optical Company, of New York and Chicago. Mrs. Southern passed away in 1902, and her death was deeply mourned. Like the remainder of the family she was a devout member of the Methodist church, although Mr. Southern has donated liberally to the building of every church in Cleveland. He is a man who is in every sense a Christian, kind, honorable and considerate in his dealings with others, patient with those less fortunate than himself, a real-estate dealer of whom it may truthfully be said that he has never foreclosed a mortgage although he has held a large number. He and his family live in a handsome residence on Lamont street in the east end of the city, which has been his home for the past forty-six years. He is a republican in his political views.
EDWARD M. GRAVES.
J
Edward M. Graves, public work contractor of Cleveland, has been numbered among the successful representatives of industrial interests in this city since 1901. He was born at Indianapolis, Indiana, in September, 1877, his parents being Thomas S. and Emma (Sells) Graves. The father, whose birth occurred in Kentucky in 1843, is still engaged in the live stock business at Indianapolis and has always been identified with that line of activity. His wife, who was born in Indiana in 1849, was called to her final rest in the year 1894.
Edward M. Graves obtained his early education in the public schools and af- terward pursued his studies in Purdue and Cornell Universities respectively, be- ing graduated from the latter institution as a civil engineer in 1899. Embarking in business at Indianapolis, he there remained until 1901, when he came to Cleve- land and entered business as a public work contractor. He has made a specialty of marine work and this has included the dredging of the Cuyahoga river, the building of the West breakwater, the outlet to the main intercepting sewer and the construction of a part of the barge canal in New York. They also built the Washington park viaduct and were awarded contracts for the drainage of swamp lands in Missouri, Arkansas and Iowa as well as in the vicinity of the Saginaw river in Michigan. His operations have extended over the entire coun- try and the business has steadily grown along substantial lines until it is now one of large and profitable proportions.
In June, 1905, Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Edna Wilson, of Lebanon, Indiana. He has attained the thirty-second degree in Masonry and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine, the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Although still a young man, he has already won an enviable place and reputation among the representatives of industrial interests in Cleveland. Thoroughly understanding the great scien- tific principles which underlie his work, he possesses also untiring energy, quick perception and readiness in forming and executing his plans.
GEORGE C. KRIDLER.
George C. Kridler, credit manager of the Root & McBride Company of Cleveland, importers, jobbers and manufacturers of dry goods, has been con- tinuously identified with that concern since 1871, when he entered the employ of the company in the capacity of clerk. His birth occurred in Fremont, Ohio, on the 24th of December, 1852, his parents being James and Marie (Marsh) Krid-
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ler. The former was born in Pennsylvania in 1825, while the latter's birth occurred in the state of New York in 1828. James Kridler was a harness maker by trade and on leaving his native state took up his abode in Toledo, Ohio, while subsequently he removed to Fremont, this state, where he was actively and successfully engaged in business until the time of his demise in 1905. His wife was called to her final rest in 1902.
George C. Kridler attended the public schools in the acquirement of an edu- cation. In 1871 he became connected with the enterprise with which he has been continuously identified to the present time and which was then known as Mor- gan, Root & Company. He was first employed in a clerical capacity but as time passed and his ability became recognized he was gradually promoted to positions of greater responsibility until eventually he was made credit manager of the concern, in which connection he now ably represents its interests. His long iden- tification with the dry goods trade has made him thoroughly familiar with the business in principle and detail and he is therefore well qualified for the duties of his present responsible position. He is likewise a director in the Bassett- Presley Company.
In 1891 Mr. Kridler was united in marriage to Miss Florence Hambleton, of Buffalo, New York. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and the Union Club numbers him among its valued members. In all things he is actuated by an ambition which is most laudable and which has prompted him to that consecutive advancement wherein each forward step brings a broader out- look and wider opportunities.
WILLIAM G. CALLOW.
William G. Callow is the president and treasurer of the Kennedy Company of Cleveland. His birth occurred in Hudson, Ohio, on the 23d of November, 1862, his parents being Frank and Mary Callow. The father was born in England in 1834 and when a young man of twenty-one crossed the Atlantic to the United States, coming direct to Cleveland, Ohio. Here he was successfully engaged in business as a retail grocery merchant until the time of his retirement a few years prior to his demise, which occurred about a quarter of a century ago. His wife pased away when their son William was but four years of age.
William G. Callow obtained his education in the Cleveland schools, having been brought to this city in early life. After putting aside his text-books he se- cured a position with a hardware firm-George Worthington Company-and re- mained in the employ of that concern for five years. On the expiration of that period he became identified with his present line of activity as a traveling salesman for Edward H. Foster, whom he represented on the road for about seven years. The concern failed at the end of that time and Mr. Callow was made assignee. Subsequently he became the vice president of the newly organized firm known as the Kennedy Company, which remained his official connection with the enterprise for a few years or until he was elected to the position of treasurer. For the past three years he has acted as the president of the company and in this connection ably directs and manages its affairs. The Kennedy Company deals in plumbers' and gas and steam fitters' supplies and the business has steadily grown along sub- stantial lines until it is now one of extensive proportions, sales being made throughout Ohio and surrounding states. Mr. Callow is interested in the Euclid- Huron Improvement Company, as well as in various other concerns, and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous, progressive and representative business men of the city.
In 1901 Mr. Callow was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Byrne, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since age conferred upon him the right of fran- chise he has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing
W. G. CALLOW
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HISTORY OF CLEVELAND
that its principles are most conducive to good government. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a worthy exemplar of the beneficent teachings of that frater- nity. He likewise holds membership relations with the Chamber of Commerce and the Cleveland Athletic Club. Almost his entire life has been spent in Cleve- land, where those who know him-and his acquaintance is wide-entertain for him warm friendship and regard.
CHRISTOPHER LOHISER.
Christopher Lohiser, president of the Gold Nugget Mining Company of Cleveland, and one of the influential men of this part of the state, was born September 15, 1841, Canton Bern, Switzerland, a son of John Lohiser. The latter was a man of some substance in his native land, where he drove a team for a gristmill and also owned his own home, a double house, and land sufficient to raise produce, flax and hemp. From the two last named products and the wool from two sheep the mother wove both linen and woolen cloth, first spinning and carding the thread, on a little wheel worked by foot. She made all the clothing, including the stockings, from the products of their little patch of land. There were five children in the family, one son and four daughters. A day laborer received from nine to ten cents per day for hard labor. Finally disaster over- took the little family, and John Lohiser sold his place and came to America when Christopher was ten years old. They came direct to Cleveland, landing at the foot of the river, with one dollar as the assets of the family. Out of that scanty fund the father paid five shillings for one week's rent.
The shelter thus secured for the strangers was in one room on the second floor in the rear of a two-story building on the southeast corner of St. Clair and Spring streets, reached by an uncovered stairway. The room contained no furniture, and the faithful mother did her scanty cooking on a neighbor's stove, setting it forth on the family chest, about which the five children knelt. For- tunately food was very cheap, and as they were prepared to endure much, none complained. The father was a large, strong man and secured work the day following his landing in the city. That winter was spent in this tiny room, and in the following spring removal was made to Mayflower street.
John Lohiser worked as a carpenter and, assisted by his noble wife, soon had sufficient saved to build them a little house and make the first payments on the lot. After living in Cleveland three years, John Lohiser was taken ill with typhoid fever in November, 1854, and he was not sufficiently recovered to resume work until July of the following year. As he was ill so long the little home was lost. The prices prevailing then are interesting. The best meat was six cents a pound; eggs, six cents a dozen; butter, ten cents a pound; flour, three dollars per barrel, and cornmeal fifty cents per one hundred pounds. Dur- ing the cholera epidemic of 1854, however, prices advanced, and flour rose to ten dollars a barrel.
Owing to his weakened state, John Lohiser could not endure the stress of city life and so removed to the country and secured work on the Mahoning Railroad, which was then being built, receiving one dollar per day. To assist him Chris- topher drove a team, receiving fifty cents per day, and performed a man's work although only fourteen years old. In order to accomplish this he had to eat his breakfast at three o'clock in the morning, walked one mile to the barn, cleaned the horses and stable, and afterward drove from two to three miles to the dig- ging, and had to be on the ground at six o'clock. Then followed a day of in- tensely hard work until seven o'clock at night, when he had to drive back, take care of the horses, and walk the mile to his home.
When the road was completed, John Lohiser removed to the vicinity of Char- don and worked on the Chardon & Painesville road which was in course of con-
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struction. Here, too, Christopher Lohiser worked hard, carrying water to the men and picks to be sharpened at the blacksmith shop, which was one and one- half miles away. For this he received five shillings a day, and his father was paid one dollar and ten cents per day. They were getting along quite well, having boarders and doing all they could to save something, when the company went into liquidation, and they lost two months' wages and also the money owing them from their boarders who were employed by the same concern.
It seems, though, as if nothing could daunt these brave souls, who started working for the farmers, chopping wood during the winter. In November, 1861, as might have been expected, Christopher Lohiser enlisted in the army, and received his honorable discharge February 1, 1865.
Four days later, February 5, 1865, he was united in marriage with Lena Kuhnle at Port Clinton, Ohio, and for one year he engaged in farming. In 1866 he located in Geauga county, Ohio, where he raised potatoes for the mar- ket. Misfortune seemed to have marked this hard-working young man for its own, for his early planting was killed by a late frost and his re-planted crop by an early frost. However, not discouraged, he went to work for the Geauga Stove Company of Painesville, continuing with them for five years and earning good wages, but had to give up his position on account of the injury to his health. Therefore he returned to Port Clinton and was employed as a carpenter. Later he sold sewing machines and then entered the employ of J. & J. R. Wagner, of Cleveland, manufacturers of awnings and tents. In November, 1881, The Wagner Manufacturing Company was organized, with Mr. Lohiser as vice presi- dent. The business so increased that the old quarters soon became too small and removal was made to the present site on Euclid avenue near Wilson street.
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