USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 48
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HARRY E. GRILL.
Harry E. Grill, mechanical engineer for the Kilby Manufacturing Company of Cleveland, was born at Millport, Ohio, on the 17th of October, 1877. His parents, Levi and Irena (Hawk) Grill, are likewise natives of this state, the for- mer's birth having occurred at Barberton. Their marriage was celebrated at Clinton, Ohio, but Levi Grill has spent the greater part of his life in Cleve- land and is now the vice president of the Union Engineering Company, mechan- ical engineers.
Harry E. Grill obtained his education in the schools of Cleveland, having been brought to this city by his parents in early life. He likewise pursued a course of study in the Spencerian Commercial School and afterward became familiar with the profession of mechanical engineering through the medium of a correspondence school. 'After putting aside his text-books he devoted his at- tention to electrical work for a short time and in 1896 entered the service of the Kilby Manufacturing Company, being employed in the drafting room until 1900. He then spent a year in San Francisco, acting as draftsman for the Risdon Iron Works, and subsequently made his way to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was employed in a similar capacity by the firm of Hyle & Patterson for about a year. On the expiration of that period he returned to Cleveland and secured a position with the Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Company, remaining with that con- cern for two and a half years. He was next identified with the Bates Valve Bag Company for a year and a half and afterward spent about eight months with the Union Engineering Company. In 1907 he entered upon the duties of his present position as mechanical engineer for the Kilby Manufacturing Company
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and has since had charge of drafting. He is likewise the treasurer of the Union Engineering Company and is well known throughout the city as a successful and proficient representative of his profession.
In June, 1908, Mr. Grill was united in marriage to Miss Edith Schultz, a native of Doylestown, Ohio. Since age conferred upon him the right of fran- chise he has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. His manner is one of frank cordiality and geniality and his unfailing courtesy and loyalty to those with whom he is associated in business or social relations has made him very popular.
HARRY D. HILEMAN.
Harry D. Hileman, who as treasurer and manager of the Sterling Mining Company, holds an enviable position among the business men of Cleveland, was born in Washingtonville, Ohio, November 26, 1870, his parents being John and Marguerite A. Hileman, both of whom are living in Leetonia, Ohio. They were of American birth but of German descent, and Mr. Hileman, Sr., has charge of the mining company's interests in Leetonia.
Harry D. Hileman attended the public schools of his birthplace, but at the age of thirteen began his business career. At the age of seventeen he found work as shipping clerk at a mine at Cannelton, Pennsylvania, and two years and a half later went to Leetonia, Ohio, where he was employed in a general store for a year and a half. Subsequently he went to Lisbon, Ohio, and finally, in February, 1893, became associated with the Sterling Mining Company. In that year he moved to Cleveland, was made secretary of the firm, and in De- cember, 1906, was elected treasurer and general manager-the position he holds at present. The concern has offices at 313 Williamson building, and is rapidly increasing the scope of its usefulness. Mr. Hileman has found exercise for the executive qualities he possesses in marked degree and which have won for him the confidence of his associates and the esteem of those who, coming in contact with him, have found in him a man of high principles as well as of ability. In addition to being connected with this concern, he holds a position of equal importance with the Ohio Coal & Clay Company and with the Delmore Coal Company.
In Cleveland, August 30, 1904, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hileman and Miss Grace B. Shanabrook. The marriage has been blessed with one son, Paul D., who is now four years of age. Since he has been able to participate in public affairs, Mr. Hileman has given stalwart support to the republican can- didate, for he has firm faith in the value and worth of the party principles. However, aside from casting his ballot, with intelligent discrimination, he has taken little part in municipal affairs. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and has always done his share toward furthering the cause of the craft.
GEORGE LEZIUS.
George Lezius has for the past eighteen years acted as brew master of the Cleveland Brewing Company, a branch of the Cleveland & Sandusky Brewing Company. He was born in Cincinnati on the 15th of June, 1865, a son of Lewis and Dora Lezius. The father, whose birth occurred in Neuenburg, Germany, on the 30th of March, 1833, attended the public schools of his native land until fourteen years of age. Subsequently he became head waiter in one of the largest hotels of Neuenburg, acting in that capacity until twenty-one years of age. When he had attained his majority Lewis Lezius crossed the Atlantic to the United States
H. D. HILEMAN
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and after landing in New York made his way to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he secured employment in the brewing establishment of his uncle, J. G. Sohns & Company, working as an assistant for five years. He next became brew master of the Brinckman Brewing Company, later acted in that capacity for the Sanliver Brew- ing Company and subsequently was engaged as brew master with the Schlather Brewing Company of Cleveland for a period of five years. He then started out as a brewer on his own account in association with August Uhlin, under the firm style of Lezius & Uhlin, but the venture did not prove very successful and they sold out at the end of five years. For two more years Mr. Lezius was connected with brewing interests as the sole proprietor of an enterprise of this character and then retired from active business life, spending his remaining days in well earned ease. His demise, which occurred on the 20th of February, 1909, was deeply mourned by all who knew him, for he was widely recognized as an upright citizen and enterprising business man.
George Lezius, whose name initiates this review, pursued his studies in the public schools of Cleveland until thirteen years of age and then attended the Spencerian Business College for a year. Subsequently he was employed as ship- ping clerk by the Oppmann Brewing Company for two years and then worked under the direction of his father for a period of seven years or until the latter's retirement, thus becoming thoroughly familiar with the brewing business in its various departments. He next entered the service of the Schlather Brewing Company, with which concern he remained for a year, when he went to New York and became enrolled as a student in the New York Brewing Academy. being graduated from that institution after a four months' scientific course. Re- turning to Cleveland, he accepted the position of brew master with the Cleveland Brewing Company, in which connection he has ably represented the concern for the past eighteen years, his services proving highly satisfactory to his employers. The plant has a capacity of one hundred thousand barrels of beer annually and furnishes employment to a force of forty men, while ten wagons are utilized for delivery purposes.
Politically Mr. Lezius is a stalwart democrat, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical Protestant church. He also be- longs to the Bavarian Society, and resides at No. 1572 Ansel road. He has made his home in this city throughout practically his entire life and that his career has ever been upright and honorable is indicated by the fact that the as- sociates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanchest friends.
SAMUEL N. PENTECOST.
Samuel N. Pentecost, a well known and enterprising resident of Cleveland, has been successfully engaged in business as a florist since 1893. He was born in this city in 1866, a son of Mathew G. and Caroline D. (Nichols) Pentecost. The father, whose birth occurred in England in 1832, came to the United States in 1856 and for a number of years resided in different localities but eventually, in 1864, took up his abode in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a miller by occupation but after coming to this city he turned his attention to the business of market gardening and was thus actively engaged until the time of his demise in 1883. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Caroline D. Nichols, was born in Cleve- land on the 5th of February, 1837. Her parents were among the pioneer resi- cents of this city, coming here in 1820 and taking up their abode in a log cabin which the father erected. The death of Mrs. Pentecost occurred in 1897 and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for she had gained an ex- tensive circle of friends during her life-long residence here.
Samuel N. Pentecost obtained a good practical education in the public schools of his native city and after putting aside his text-books started out in business
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life as a gardener, being associated in the venture with his mother. In 1893 he opend a florist's establishment and has since conducted an enterprise of this character, having won a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in his undertakings. His trade is confined principally to Cleveland.
In 1900 Mr. Pentecost was united in marriage to Miss Emma H. Davis, a native of Pennsylvania. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has attained high rank in fraternal circles, being a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is now past master of Woodward Lodge, F. & A. M., of Cleveland. A resident of Cleveland throughout his entire life, he has a very wide acquaintance here and many good qualities have gained for him the regard and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
OWEN N. WILCOX.
Owen N. Wilcox is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Ohio and the family is traced back to William Wilcockson, who was born in England in 1601. The family name has been spelled in various ways. The original orthography was Wilcockson, or Willcoxen, but the last syllable was dropped in Killingworth about one hundred years after the family was established in America. Then it was spelled Willcox, which in time was shortened to the present form.
William Wilcockson, born in Hertfordshire, England, came to America in the ship Planter in 1635. He resided for a time at Concord, Massachusetts, and later became one of the founders of Stratford, Connecticut. Joseph Wilcox, of the second generation, was born in 1638 and his son, John Wilcox, was born in 1675. Silas Wilcox of the succeeding generation was born at Killingworth, Con- necticut, February 20, 1719, or 1720, and was the father of Josiah Wilcox, whose birth occurred at Killingworth, September 17, 1753. He was a private soldier in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war and in the military records his name is given as "Josiah Willcocks, a private of Captain Abel Dinsmore's Company, Colonel Ruggles Woodbridge's Regiment." He enlisted first on the 26th of August, 1777, and served a number of enlistments, taking part in the battle of Bemis Heights. In 1832 he obtained a pension as a Revolutionary sol- dier. His son, Ambrose Wilcox, was born in Hawley, Massachusetts, and was the father of Stephen Miller Wilcox, born in Brecksville, Ohio, January 12, 1818.
His son, Frank N. Wilcox, born June 17, 1855, became one of the most widely known attorneys of Cleveland, to which city he removed about 1877, and prac- ticed as partner in the firm of Wilcox, Collister, Hadden & Parks. Of this firm the second partner is now on the common pleas bench, while the third is probate judge. Frank N. Wilcox was recognized as a very prominent attorney and cor- poration lawyer and was the legal representative of interurban electric lines here. His standing among the legal profession is indicated by the fact that he was serving as president of the bar association at the time of his death, which oc- curred September 20, 1904. He was a popular and prominent member of the Rowfant Club and was a man of strong intelligence and notable literary taste, with whom association meant expansion and elevation. When young he did considerable dramatic writing, producing plays which were acted by both amateurs and professionals. This included "The Countersign" and "The Blind Goddess." His poetical authorship included lyrical compositions and cantatas, among which are "The World's Congress of Fun" and an opera called "The Wizard of Wal- deck." He spent some time on "Paetus & Arria," a tragedy which he considered his best work but did not live to finish it. Moreover he possessed a wide reputa- tion as a public speaker and a number of his addresses, lyrics, essays and dra- matic criticisms have been published in a royal octavo volume of one hundred and forty pages. He was widely known as a popular and fluent speaker, having
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always on hand a ready word for the opportune moment. He married Jessie Fre- mont Snow, who was born in Brecksville, June 5, 1857. She, too, was descended from one of the original settlers of New England-Richard Snow, of Woburn, Massachusetts, who was born in England and became a landed proprietor of Wo- burn in 1645. He died there May 5, 1677. The line of descent comes down through John Snow, who was born prior to 1645; John Snow, born May 13, 1668, in Woburn; Joseph Snow, born May 6, 1697, in Woburn; Henry Snow, born No- vember 17, 1725, in Dunstable, Massachusetts; Benjamin, who was born Decem- ber 15, 1754, at Plymouth, New Hampshire; Russ Snow, born at Plymouth, May 21, 1789; and Henry Holland Snow, who was born March 31, 1827, at Atkinson, Maine. He was the grandfather of Owen N. Wilcox, and became one of the early settlers of Ohio, where he followed farming. His father, Russ Snow, brought the family to Cuyahoga county in pioneer times. Benjamin Snow, who was born in 1754, died in 1817. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College and was commissioned an ensign in the Continental service in 1776. He is supposed to have been with Washington when he crossed the Delaware, and also at Valley Forge.
Coming from ancestry honorable and distinguished, Owen N. Wilcox has shaped his course in harmony therewith. He passed through consecutive grades in the Cleveland public schools to his graduation from Central high school with the class of 1898, and completed a course in Adelbert College in 1902 with the B. L. degree. He then matriculated in the Western Reserve University law school where he won his professional degree in 1905, and the same year was admitted to the bar and entered upon his chosen life work. While he has continued in the general practice of law he has made a specialty of probate law and is also presi- dent of the Gates Legal Publishing Company, publishers of briefs and records for other lawyers for use in supreme court practice. In politics he is an independent republican, the demands of his profession leaving him little leisure time for polit- ical work even if he desired to become a leader in party ranks.
On the 14th of October, 1905, Mr. Wilcox was married to Miss Margaret Knowlton, a daughter of Dr. William A. and Fannie (Snow) Knowlton, the former a practicing physician and surgeon of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have one child, William Knowlton, born April 9, 1908. In his college days Mr. Wilcox became a member of the Delta Tau Delta, the Phi Delta Phi and the Phi Beta Kappa, all of the Western Reserve University. He is likewise a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and his interest in affairs relating to the city is indi- cated by his membership in the Chamber of Commerce. His broad general knowledge, his social nature and his consideration for the rights and privileges of others are qualities which have made him popular and gained him a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
FRANK D. LAWRENCE.
For a number of years Frank D. Lawrence has been auditor of the National Carbon Company of Cleveland. He was born in this city, December 1, 1864, his father being Orin C. Lawrence, a native of Marietta, Ohio, who removed to Olmsted, Cuyahoga county, when seven years of age. There he received his education and when he reached man's estate became associated with his brother Sidney Lawrence in operating a sawmill on Rocky river. Later he conducted a general store in Olmsted township, near the place where his parents resided. Eight years later, in April, 1864, he came to Cleveland, engaging in the grocery business until 1870. He then entered the oil business, remaining connected with that field of occupation until he retired about 1901. He died in this city in 1904. His wife, who was Miss Jane Danald in her maidenhood, was a daughter of Sam-
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uel Danald, of Olmsted township, and passed away in Cleveland in February, 1868.
After completing the course of the grammar school of Cleveland, Frank D. Lawrence entered the high school, in which he remained for two years. At the age of seventeen he put aside his text-books and began his business career. First he went to work in his father's office, the latter being at that time engaged in the oil business, and a year later went on the road as a salesman for his father. At the expiration of two years he and his brother Fred W. Lawrence joined forces and engaged in the oil business for themselves, continuing in partnership for a number of years.
In 1892 Frank D. Lawrence accepted a position as clerk with the National Carbon Company. His paternal uncle, Washington H. Lawrence, was one of the organizers of this concern and was practically at its head until his death, which occurred about eight years ago. About five years after our subject became con- nected with the firm he was made traffic manager and after serving efficiently in that capacity for eight years was appointed auditor, a position he now holds. He is a man of proved integrity and high principles, which qualities united with his devotion to his employers have gained for him their great esteem.
In October, 1888, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lawrence to Miss Florence F. Prince, in Cleveland, a daughter of E. W. Prince, who was promi- nent as a marine engineer upon the lakes. Unto the couple have been born four children : Herbert P., who is twenty years of age; Raymond E., eighteen; Ruth A., eleven; and Frank D., nine. The oldest is now connected with an automo- bile concern, and Raymond has entered University School. The other two chil- dren are also in school. Mr. Lawrence and his family reside at 11207 Detroit avenue, Cleveland, and there a gracious hospitality is extended to the numerous friends he has made in this city. The worthy descendant of a very old and re- spected English family, by his life he is well entitled to the high regard of his associates in both business and private life.
ALBERT W. JOHNSTON.
Albert W. Johnston, general manager at Cleveland for the New York, Chi- cago & St. Louis Railroad, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, March 4, 1853. His father, Thomas H. Johnston, was a native of England and crossed the Atlantic in 1840, locating at Boston where he engaged in importing and retailing tea until his death, which occurred in 1884. His wife, in her maidenhood Ann Metcalf, died in 1892.
Albert W. Johnston was the third in a family of six children, of whom four are living, two having died in youth. In the pursuit of his education he attended the Elliot grammar school, the English high school and the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology, now known as the Boston Institute of Tech- nology, from which he was graduated in 1873 as a civil engineer. At that time he took up the work of the profession, being connected principally with rail- road interests in that line for several years. In 1875 he entered the services of the old Panhandle Railroad, now a part of the Pittsburg, Chicago, Cincin- nati & St. Louis Railway, as supply clerk in the office of the general superintendent at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he remained for three years, after which he be- came assistant to the chief engineer of that road. Early in 1880 he was in charge of the resurvey of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis road, and later in the same year left the railroad service, going to Arizona as engineer and superintendent of a Boston corporation. having to do with the development of a water system for the city of Tombstone, Arizona. At that point he con- tinued for two years and in 1882 returned to Ohio as chief engineer for the Toledo, Delphos & Burlington Railroad, while later in the year he went to Kansas
A. W. JOHNSTON
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as superintendent of construction on the Leavenworth, Topeka & Southwestern Railway. When the road was absorbed by the Union Pacific and Santa Fe Roads he severed his connection therewith in the summer of 1883 and spent a portion of that year in Oregon. On the Ist of April, 1884, he assumed the duties of division engineer with the eastern division of the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, becoming superintendent of the same division in January, 1889, general superintendent of the road on the Ist of October, 1893, and gen- aral manager in February, 1906. Almost every position which he has held has marked a progressive step in his career, bringing him wider opportunities and an enviable reputation, leading in turn to further advancement.
Mr. Johnston has been active in the work of the American Railway Associa- tion and of the American Railway Engineering & Maintenance of Way Associa- tion, having been a director and officer of the latter for several years, while in 1907-8 he was honored with its presidency. He also belongs to the American Society of Civil Engineers and in more specifically social lines maintains mem- bership with the Union Club. His summer home is at Blue Hill, Maine, where his annual sojourns bring him needed recreation from strenuous business cares, there indulging largely in sailing of which he is very fond.
ROBERT E. RUEDY, M. D.
Robert E. Ruedy, physician and surgeon of Cleveland, his native city, was born July 31, 1868. His father, John J. Ruedy, was a member of the old firm of Benedict & Ruedy, well known dealers in hats and furs. He was born in Switz- erland and came to America in the early '50s. Immediately afterward he secured a position with Levi Benedict, by whom he was later admitted to a partnership, continuing in the business until his death, which occurred in 1895, when he was sixty-one years of age. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of the Union and joined the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Verena Voegely, was also a native of Switzerland and came to America before her marriage. She survived her hus- band for about eight years and passed away in 1903. There were two daughters in the family, Mrs. A. F. May and Mrs. J. F. Corlett, both of Cleveland.
Dr. Ruedy, the only son, acquired his early education in the public schools, being graduated from the Central high school with the class of 1886. He at- tended Adelbert College of the Western Reserve University, where he won the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1890, later receiving the Master of Arts degree from the same institution. In 1893 he was graduated from the medical department of the Western Reserve University, which conferred upon him his professional degree, and subsequently he spent a year and a half as house physician in Lakeside Hospital. In the fall of 1894 he went to Europe, where he devoted a year and a half to post-graduate work in Frankfort, Strassburg and Vienna, specializing in the study of nervous diseases. In recognition of this work Western Reserve Uni- versity conferred upon him the Master of Arts degree.
Upon his return to America in 1896, Dr. Ruedy entered upon the private practice of medicine and in the spring of 1898 was appointed assistant physician and pathologist to the Columbus State Hospital for the Insane, acting in that capacity until the fall of 1900. He then returned to Cleveland to resume private practice and has made a specialty of nervous and mental diseases. Shortly after leaving the Columbus State Hospital he was requested by Dr. Carlos F. Mac- Donald, the first president of the New York State Commission in Lunacy and a leading alienist of that state, to take charge of his private sanitarium at Pleasant- ville, West Chester county, New York. He spent about a year there and gained thereby valuable knowledge concerning the conduct of high class private sani- tariums, this being one of the most exclusive in the country. He then resigned
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