USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 47
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H. E. PARSONS
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search and investigation along that line have gained him preeminence in scientific circles and his companionship is sought and enjoyed by eminent men of learn- ing. He wedded Eusebia M. Larason, who was born in Utica, Ohio, and was graduated from the Female Seminary, now the Ohio Wesleyan University, with the class of 1869. She is descended from a line of American ancestry dating their advent on this continent from 1681. Unto Professor and Mrs. Parsons were born three sons : Arthur J. is professor of English in the high school at Freeport, Illi- nois. He was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University with the A. B. degree in 1899 and also studied in the University of Chicago and in Columbia University in New York city. Robert L. Parsons, who was a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University, is now a civil engineer of Delaware, Ohio.
Harold Edward Parsons, the eldest son of the family, attended the public schools, pursued the study of French and German under private instruction, was a high school pupil in Delaware, Ohio, and afterward attended the Ohio Wesleyan Academy and the Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he graduated with the Bachelor of Science degree in 1897 The following year he took post-graduate work there and studied law in the same university, being admitted to the bar in 1899. He entered the office of the attorney general at Columbus, Ohio, in 1898, spending two years there, during which time he pursued his law studies. He en- tered upon active practice in Cleveland in January, 1901, and without specializing in any department has met with success in general practice, his ability being evi- denced in the excellent work which he has done in the courts, whereby he has won many notable forensic victories.
In his political views Mr. Parsons is a republican who, alive to the situation and interest of the country, gives active support to the party. He has frequently been a delegate to county and state conventions and is a member of the Tippe- canoe Club, a republican organization, and of the Western Reserve Club. He likewise belongs to the Phi Kappa Psi, to the Theta Nu Epsilon and to the Delta Omecron Alpha fraternities, with which he became connected in his college days.
ARTHUR G. McKEE.
Arthur G. McKee is a consulting engineer, who has acquired an enviable reputation as a specialist in the design and construction of blast furnaces and other large manufacturing projects of a similar nature. He was born at State College, Pennsylvania, in 1871, a son of Professor James Y. and Margaret Glenn McKee, the former having been born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1836. Professor James Y. McKee, was educated in Jefferson University and was for twenty-five years the vice president of the Pennsylvania State College and professor of ancient languages and English literature, becoming very prominent as an educator. His death occurred in December, 1901.
Arthur G. McKee attended the private schools of his native place and then entered the Pennsylvania State College, from which he was graduated at the age of twenty years in the department of mechanical engineering. Following this he went to Chicago, where he was in the engineering department of the Gen- eral Electric Company for one year, after which he took a post-graduate course in electrical engineering at his alma mater.
Much better equipped, Mr. McKee engaged as a mechanical engineer for the Henry C. Frick Coke Company, and remained with them for one year. He was then with the Carnegie Steel Company at their Duquesne and Edgar Thomp- son plants for two years, and with the Ohio Steel Company at Youngstown, Ohio, for two years as assistant chief draftsman. Julian Kennedy, engineer, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, then made him one of his engineers, putting him in charge of blast furnace work. 'After eighteen months in that position he came to Cleveland in January, 1901, as district engineer for the American Steel
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& Wire Company, with whom he remained until November, 1905, when he opened an office in the Rockefeller building, as a consulting engineer. Since establish- ing himself here, he has, among other things, done the following work: rebuilt furnaces Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 for the American Steel & Wire Company, with com- plete dock and ore handling machinery; built the No. 2 furnace of the Cleveland Furnace Company, with its entire equipment; also the furnace plants of the In- land Steel Company at Chicago, Illinois; Perry Iron Company, Erie, Pennsyl- vania; the Struthers furnace of the Struthers Furnace Company, Youngstown, Ohio. He is now building the second furnace of the Detroit Iron & Steel Com- pany, at Detroit, Michigan, as well as the second furnace for the Wickwire Steel Company, at Buffalo, New York.
In April, 1899, Mr. McKee married Miss Marion Deane, of Pittsburg, and they have two children. The family residence is at 1654 East One Hundred and Fifteenth street. Mr. McKee had the degree of Mechanical Engineer con- ferred by his college and belongs to the Union and Civil Engineers' Clubs, of Cleveland and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He is a re- publican, politically, while his religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church.
WILLIAM C. FISCHER.
William C. Fisher, manager of the purchasing department for the firm of Rauch & Lang, builders of motor vehicles, is one whose life-long connection with Cleveland makes his history familiar to his fellow citizens, who recognize in him that worth which comes from the development of one's native powers and talents in the school of business experience. Born in this city July 25, 1869, he is a son of Henry Fischer, a native of Evarstadt, Germany, who came to America in 1842 and settled in Cleveland, where he engaged in the grocery business. He was also one of the city's pioneer teaming contractors and in this connection was for several years associated with the Standard Oil Company and the Weid- man Company. He was also prominent among the German-American residents of Cleveland in church and social circles, being recognized as a leader among people of his own nationality. He died in 1876 at the comparatively early age of forty-five years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Heckler, was a daughter of George Heckler, a native of Zwingenberg, Germany, and for many years has been prominent in church and charitable work in this city. She has served as secretary of the Altenheim since its founding and is one of its most liberal supporters. She has also been treaurer of the Women's Society of the German Evangelical church for an extended period and is yet associated with philanthropic and benevolent interests although she has attained the age of seventy-six years.
William C. Fischer was educated in the public schools of Cleveland and the Spencerian Business College. After completing the course in the latter insti- tuition he entered the employ of Rauch & Lang, carriage builders, as office as- sistant and served in all the various positions up to and including that of head bookkeeper. Subsequently he took up the practical features of the business and advanced through the various departments of the factory to the superin- tendency of the manufacturing department. When the company engaged on an extensive scale in the building of motor vehicles he was appointed to the present position of purchasing department manager.
On the 14th of November, 1907, Mr. Fischer was married to Miss Amelia Tanner, a daughter of Jacob J. Tanner, a prominent retired merchant of Mem- phis, Tennessee. They reside at No. 1275 West One Hundred and Twelfth street. Mr. Fischer is a member of the Elks and Knights of Pythias lodges and the Cleveland Athletic Club. His wife is prominent in musical and literary circles, being a leading member of the Sorosis Society. Prompted by a laudable
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ambition, his labors at all times being characterized by thoroughness and a com- plete mastery of the tasks undertaken, Mr. Fischer has made continuous and creditable advance in business circles and is accorded recognition by leading busi- ness men as one who deserves classification in their ranks.
GEORGE NORRIS.
In the business circles of Cleveland the name of George Norris was a familiar and honored one for many years. He was at different times connected with various enterprises but through much of his life concentrated his ener- gies upon the lumber trade and in that field of commercial activity developed an extensive and profitable enterprise. He was born in Danbury, Connecticut, November II, 1830, and pursued his education in the common schools. - Coming to Cleveland at the age of twenty-one years he engaged in the bottling business for a time and subsequently conducted a tannery for a short period. He then established the Norris Lumber Company, beginning business on a limited scale, but in the course of years built up a large and successful enterprise, devoting his attention and energie's to the management of a business which, owing to his keen discernment and capable control, grew to be one of large proportions. He continued actively in this line until his death, which occurred October 25, 1896.
Mr. Norris was married in Lakewood to Miss Libby A. Hurd, a daughter of Thomas Hurd, a pioneer who came from England to Tioga county at an early day, probably about the year 1821. He bought a farm in what is now Lake- wood and there he passed the remainder of his life, clearing his land which he continued to cultivate for many years and then subdivided it into city lots. A part of this is now included in the finest resident section of Lakewood. He was married in this county, March 31, 1832, to Miss Hope R. Lord, a lady of many splendid and lovable qualities who lived to a very ripe old age. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are yet living: Mrs. Frances Bur- rows Hurd, of Nottingham; Mrs. Norris; Urban B., of Cleveland; and Mrs. Mary L. Lapham. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Norris were born four children: George Gilbert, Mrs. Carrie Wiggins, Mrs. May Prescott and Charles. The son is still conducting the business which was founded and conducted by his father. Mrs. Norris has always been a resident of Cleveland and has resided in her present home for forty-six years. She has ever presided with gracious hospi- tality over the household and her many friends are always sure of a warm wel- come there. Mr. Norris belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a member and deacon in the old Third Street church. He had a sympa- thetic nature, quickly touched by a tale of sorrow or distress and was a very charitable man, freely dividing his means with the needy. In all the relations of citizenship he was honorable and upright, and in his home life manifested many of the sterling characteristics of the ideal husband and father.
ALBERT PANEK.
Albert Panek, who has been manager of the Forest City Brewing Company of Cleveland since January, 1909, was born in Vys Myta, Bohemia, on the IIth of November, 1871, his parents being John and Anna Panek. The paternal grandfather, John Panek, likewise a native of Vys Myta, Bohemia, was suc- cessfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and passed away in the year 1880. The father of our subject, John Panek, who was also born in Vys Myta, Bohemia, was a farmer by occu-
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pation. He capably served as mayor of his native city for nine years, and was called to his final rest in 1897.
Albert Panek attended the common and high schools of his native country until thirteen years of age and then spent a year in a business college. Entering business life, he was connected with the wholesale grocery trade for a period of eight years and then, having determined to establish his home in the new world, crossed the Atlantic to the United States. From New York he made his way to Cleveland, Ohio, and here secured employment as a machine hand with the National Woolen Company, remaining with that concern for a year. Subsequently he was engaged in the conduct of a grocery store on Sackett ave- nue for four years, and afterward acted as agent for the C. O. Everett Fire Insurance Company until 1900. During the following eight years he served in the capacity of collector and solicitor for the Pilsener Brewing Company. He was then appointed manager of the Forest City Brewing Company by the board of directors and entered upon his duties in this connection in January, 1909. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his executive abil- ity and excellent management have contributed in large measure to the success of the enterprise. The company employs a force of twenty-eight men, has seven wagons and turns out fifty thousand barrels of beer annually.
On the Ist of May, 1893, in Cleveland, Mr. Panek was united in marriage to Miss Katie Hulec, by whom he has four children, as follows: Jaro, fourteen years of age; John, who is twelve years old; Albert, a lad of ten years; and Viola, who is four years of age. The three oldest are now attending the pub- lic schools. The family residence is at No. 3626 Mapledale avenue.
Mr. Panek exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy. Fraternally he is identified with the C. S. P. S. and tlie C. S. P. B. J., in both of which organizations he is acting as treasurer. He like- wise has membership relations with the Bohemian Turners. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought-which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man-and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now numbered among the sub- stantial and enterprising business men of this city.
FRANK KRATOCHVIL.
Frank Kratochvil, one of the worthy native sons and representative busi- ness men of Cleveland, has for the past five years served as the secretary of the Pilsener Brewing Company, which is located at the corner of Sixty-fifth street and Clark avenue. He was born in this city, on the 4th of October, 1878, a son of John and Mary Kratochvil. The father, whose birth occurred in Bohemia on the Ist of March, 1839, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1872 and made his way direct from New York to Cleveland, Ohio. During the early period of his residence in this city he was engaged in the retail butchering busi- ness and subsequently became identified with the Pilsener Brewing Company, of which he acted as president until the time of his death in December, 1902. His widow still survives and makes her home with her son Frank at Parmo, Ohio.
Frank Kratochvil pursued his studies in the Cleveland public schools until fourteen years of age and then became associated with his father in the meat business, at the same time also attending the Spencerian Business College dur- ing a period of three years. He afterward entered the employ of the Pilsener Brewing Company in the capacity of clerk and was thus engaged until 1903, when he was made secretary of the company. The plant has a capacity of one hundred thousand barrels of beer annually, while seventy men and twenty-two
FRANK KRATOCHVIL
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wagons are employed in the conduct of the business. Mr. Kratochvil is a young man of energy, enterprise and determination and his efforts have contributed in large measure to the success of the concern with which he is officially con- nected.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Kratochvil has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democracy. He belongs to the Bohemian Benevolent Protective Society and also to the Bohemian Turners. A resident of Cleveland from his birth to the present time, he is widely and favorably known here and has an extensive circle of friends who entertain for him warm regard.
FRED BECKER.
Fred Becker has for the past fourteen years been the president of the Pfaff- man Egg Noodle Company of Cleveland, the business being conducted in a fine three-story brick building at No. 6919 Lorain avenue. His birth occurred in Rhein-Pfalz, Germany, on the 24th of October, 1864, his parents being Fred and Zoller Becker. Michael Becker, the paternal grandfather, who was likewise a native of Rhein-Pfalz, Germany, was successfully engaged in the wholesale liquor business throughout his active career. His demise occurred in 1883. Fred Becker, the father of our subject, was born in Rhein-Pfalz, Germany, in 1835, obtained his education in the public schools and later succeeded his father in the liquor business, with which he is still actively identified. His wife was called to her final rest in 1904.
Fred Becker pursued his education in the common and high schools of his native land until fifteen years of age and then became identified with the liquor business, working as an apprentice until he had attained his majority. He then served his country as a soldier for two years and after returning from the army remained at home for another year, being engaged in business with his father. Having determined to establish his home in the new world, he then crossed the Atlantic to the United States and after arriving in this country was engaged in the wine business at New York for a year. On the expiration of that period he came to Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the employ of A. G. Pfaffman, remain- ing with the concern for a year. Returning to Germany, he there spent eight months and after once more crossing the Atlantic to this country in 1892, be- came a factor in the business circles of Cleveland as a partner of George A. Pfaffman. Three years later he purchased the latter's interest in the enter- prise and has since served as the president of the concern, which was incor- porated as the Pfaffman Egg Noodle Company. In 1904 Mr. Becker erected a handsome three-story brick building at No. 6919 Lorain avenue, where the business has since been conducted most successfully. Employment is furnished to a force of eighty people and seven wagons are utilized for delivery purposes. Some idea of the steady and substantial growth of the business may be gained from that fact that in 1892 they manufactured on an average of three hundred pounds of noodles daily, while at the present time their output amounts to twenty thousand pounds per day. They are manufacturers of egg noodles and maca- roni and the "Climax" is their leading brand. Mr. Becker also publishes a paper in the interests of his business.
In October, 1892, in Cleveland, Mr. Becker was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Eckerman, by whom he has two children: Ruth, a high school student; and Fred, who is thirteen years of age and attends the public schools. The family residence is at No. 7001 Lorain avenue.
At the polls Mr. Becker casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party, and in religious faith is a Protestant. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He started out empty handed in a
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strange land and whatever success he has achieved or enjoyed is attributable entirely to his own perseverance and capable control of business affairs. His life record in many respects may well serve to encourage and inspire others, showing what may be achieved when one has the will to dare and to do.
LEANDER McBRIDE.
Leander McBride was entitled to threefold prominence. The wide range of his business interests, his unstinted philanthropy and his political activity all served to place him in a position of distinction in the pubilc life of Cleveland and the salient qualities which he displayed in these various relations were such as caused his memory to be revered and cherished by all who knew him. Death came to him on the 20th of April, 1909, thus terminating a life of activity and use- fulness, which covered seventy-one years.
Mr. McBride was born at Lowellville, Ohio, on the 18th of December, 1837, and was one of the two sons of Samuel H. and Phoebe (Harris) McBride. The father, a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, devoted his life to merchan- dising. Removing to Ohio, he continued in business in Lowellville for forty- seven years, being regarded as one of the foremost merchants of that city. In 1835 he wedded Phoebe Harris, a native of Ohio. Both the McBride and Harris families were old settlers of Mahoning county, being of that band of Scotch- Irish colonists who settled in the wilderness and bore a conspicuous part in the reclamation of that section of Ohio for the purposes of civilization. The death of Samuel H. McBride occurred in 1884, while his wife passed away in 1891.
Leander McBride began his education in the schools of Lowellville and for two years was a student in Westminster College at Wilmington, Ohio. In the meantime he acted as a clerk in his father's store, there receiving his preliminary training for business life. Following his graduation from college at the age of twenty years, he came to Cleveland in 1857 and immediately entered the employ of Morgan, Root & Company, at that time proprietors of the "Old City Mill store" on East Fourth street and Superior avenue, Northeast. He entered their service as clerk and so continued for four years, when his ability and fidelity won recognition in his admission to the firm as junior partner. He immediately set about improving and enlarging the business, and his efforts were attended with large success. Four years after Mr. McBride had been taken into the firm, Mr. Morgan, the senior member, retired, and in 1884 John H. McBride, a brother of our subject, was admitted to the partnership. Ten years later the business was incorporated as the Root & McBride Company and Leander Mc- Bride was chosen president of the new organization. In 1884 the business was removed to its present location and throughout the intervening years the house has enjoyed a steady growth in its trade, being now one of the largest enter- prises of the kind in the state.
During this time Mr. McBride had been constantly widening the field of his commercial activities. His intelligent appreciation and utilization of opportunity had brought him into prominent relations with the commercial, industrial and financial interests of Cleveland. He was also the president of the Cleveland Hardware Company, purchasing an interest therein when it was a small concern. For many years Mr. McBride served on the board of directors of the Cleveland Telephone Company. In 1884 in connection with M. A. Hanna, who was his close personal friend, and others, he became one of the organizers of the Union National Bank and was one of its board of directors up to the time of his death, while from 1890 until his demise he served as its vice president.
Mr. McBride was married in 1863 to Miss Harriet E. Wright. a native of Ohio. the wedding ceremony being performed in the Old Stone church of Cleve- land. They occupied a prominent position in the social circles of the city and Mr.
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McBride was a member of the Union, Euclid, Country, Roadside and Castalia Clubs. During his later years he spent most of the summer on his farm in West Virginia but the winter months were passed in Cleveland and he never ceased to feel the keenest interest in all that pertained to the various phases of city life that had to do with its social, æsthetic, intellectual, political, material and moral progress. He was at one time a member of the Cleveland Grays, an organiza- tion drawing its membership from the aristocracy of the city. Moreover, Mr. McBride regarded it as the duty as well as the privilege of every true American citizen to advocate and support the political principles which he deemed con- ducive to good government and was himself an active republican, serving as president of the first board of aldermen of Cleveland. He did not desire to con- tinue his political career, however, although strongly urged to do so, saying that his private business demanded his entire attention. He continued, however, to take keen interest in civic affairs and was one of the main promoters of the Lakeside Hospital, which institution was finally established largely through his efforts. He served as one of its trustees, was also a trustee of the Jones Home and of the Calvary Presbyterian church, of which he was a prominent and ac- tive member. Various philanthropic and benevolent movements received his assistance for as his wealth grew his benevolences were proportionately in- creased, a generous spirit prompting him to share with others the prosperity with which he was blessed. Coming to Cleveland a young man comparatively un- known, he lived to attain a position of distinction, his name being prominently identified with the growth and improvement of the city for a long period. While he received in generous measure from the world as a reward for his business ability and concentrated energy, he gave as liberally as he received, his success having no narrowing effect upon his nature but rather bringing with it a breadth of view and a scope of interest which brought him in his later manhood into close touch with the world's work in the various phases which have been evolved through the present condition of society.
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