USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 52
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DANIEL K. BAILEY.
Daniel K. Bailey, superintendent of the Grasselli Chemical Company, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 15, 1874, a son of Daniel Bailey, Sr. He was a lad of eleven years when he came to Cleveland with his parents in 1885, continu- ing his education in the public schools of this city, in the Case School of Ap- plied Science and in the Sheffield School of the Yale University.
When his college days were over Mr. Bailey accepted the position of chemist with the Grasselli Chemical Company and was engaged in the laboratory for some time. Subsequently he was appointed department foreman and in suc- cessive promotions passed through various departments until he became as- sistant superintendent, while in 1909 he was called to the superintendency of the entire works. He has since filled the position with unqualified success and capability, his college training well fitting him for his preliminary stages in this direction, while constantly broadening experience has so advanced his effi- ciency that he has merited every promotion that has brought him to the re- sponsible position which he now fills. He is fond of scientific literature and his reading has covered a wide field in that department of learning.
On the 30th of June, 1903, Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Florence Blee, of Cleveland, and they reside at No. 9304 Euclid avenue. Mr. Bailey belongs to the Zeta Psi, a college fraternity. He is fond of horses and outdoor sports and in those ways seeks his recreation. His political views are in accord with republican principles and he stands, as do a large number of the leading busi- ness men of the city, for independence at municipal elections where political issues do not figure but where the capability of the candidate should be a vital question to every public-spirited citizen.
SIMON REIF.
Simon Reif is a substantial Cleveland citizen who for the past eight years has been brew master of the Bohemian Brewing Company, one of Cleveland's rapidly growing industries. His birthplace was Bavaria, Germany, and the date of his birth March 16, 1864, his parents being George and Marguerite Reif. His father, also born in Bavaria, in February, 1833, came to the United States in 1883 and, locating in Baltimore, Maryland, engaged in the grocery business in that city. In 1889 he retired from active life. He is still living after a decade free from the cares incident to a business career.
Until his fourteenth year Simon Reif enjoyed the advantages of that public education of which Germany is so justly proud and the years intervening be- fore the family's removal to "the land of promise" he spent as an apprentice in a brewery. Shortly after locating in Baltimore, he left the paternal roof and, going to Washington, D. C., was employed for a year in a brewery. The fol- lowing year was spent in Alexandria, Virginia, in similar work, and he then returned to Baltimore, where for the next eight years he was in the service of a brewing concern. Desiring to equip himself with an expert knowledge of his special line of work, he went to Chicago and took a four months' course in a brewing academy. Thus fitted so thoroughly by training and experience. he secured the position of brew master with the John C. Miller Company, of
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, remaining with them for four years. He severed this connection to come to Cleveland to assume his present position with the Bohemian Brewing Company.
Mr. Reif was united in marriage to Miss Hommer, of Buffalo, New York, June 15, 1888, and they have two children: Anna, aged nineteen years; and Bertha, aged sixteen, both of whom are at home. The family residence is at 3101 Library avenue.
Mr. Reif is a Mason, holding membership in the blue lodge. He is inde- pendent in politics and Protestant in his religious conviction. Possessing re- markable skill in his special line of endeavor, he has contributed greatly to the success of that industry with which he is connected-the Bohemian Brew- ing Company.
CHARLES A. KELLER.
Charles A. Keller, who since January, 1909, has been president and treasurer of the American Watchman's Time Detector Company, in which connection his energies are evidenced in the upbuilding of an important business, was born in Cleveland, April 8, 1877, and is a son of Frank J. A. and Eliza F. (Lannert) Keller. The family is of German origin, his grandfather and his father both having been born in Germany. The maternal grandfather, George G. Lannert, was also a native of that country and brought his family to the United States in 1848. After living for six months in Cleveland, he removed to Findlay, Ohio, and turned his attention to farming, but subsequently followed the lock- smith's and gunsmith's trades. In 1866 a removal was made to Cleveland, where Mr. Lannert continued to follow his trades until his death, which occurred in 1894. The paternal grandfather of Charles A. Keller was born April 2, 1833, and died in Germany in 1896.
The father, Frank J. A. Keller, born in Germany in 1857, came to Cleve- land in 1872. In his youth he was employed in the office of a justice of the peace, and in 1877 he returned to his native land, visiting the friends and scenes of his youth and other European points. In 1880 he became connected with his brother-in-law, J. A. Lannert, and George F. Ransom, who were the holders of the patents on the device now manufactured by the American Watchman's Time Detector Company. They organized the business which was later incor- porated in 1882 under the name of the Cleveland Electrical Manufacturing Com- pany for the purpose of manufacturing the American time detector. In 1900 the style of the firm was changed and the business was incorporated as the 'American Watchman's Time Detector Company, Mr. Keller being chosen vice president, in which position he remained until 1906, when he was elected to the presidency, thus serving as chief executive until his death, which occurred April 18, 1908. At the industrial exposition held in Cincinnati in 1882 the firm was the recipient of the magnetic watchman's clock award. Mr. Keller was recog- nized as a strong and resourceful business man, watchful of opportunities, and his energy and carefully devised plans enabled him and his associates to build up an enterprise of growing importance. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias but took no interest in club life, preferring to spend his leisure hours with his family. He married Eliza F. Lannert and unto them were born seven children : Charles A .; Lawrence H., now secretary of the Union Electric Com- pany, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Marie M., at home; Alice S., the wife of L. J. Lester, of Cleveland; Pearl, deceased ; and Viola Blanche and Hazel Dell, both at home. Mrs. Keller still survives, occupying the family residence in East Cleveland.
Charles A. Keller attended the public schools until he reached the age of fourteen years, after which, with the exception of two months spent as an em-
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ploye in the Burrows Brothers book store, his youthful days were passed in the service of his father. He began very modestly as errand boy, enjoying a preliminary recompense of a dollar and a half a week. Since that time he has risen steadily, not through parental favor but by virtue of actual ability. From errand boy he arose to the position of machinist, eventually was made foreman, afterward promoted to manager, later became secretary and treasurer and in January, 1909, was chosen president and treasurer. His long experi- ence has brought him intimate knowledge of the business in every department and in principle and detail so that he is well qualified to superintend the inter- ests of the concern, which is constantly growing in the importance and extent of its trade relations. Today they have ten thousand outfits throughout the country, and under the guidance, directed by the policy of Mr. Keller, the busi- ness undoubtedly will become one of the largest of its kind in the country. They have recently erected a model plant at the corner of Thirty-fifth and Perkins streets, especially equipped for the manufacture of time detectors. Mr. Kel- ler devotes almost his entire energy and attention to the business and it is his ambition, by reason of merit, to place this company far beyond competitors.
On the 4th of October, 1900, Mr. Keller was married to Miss Jennie Bosinger, of Cleveland, and three children have blessed their union: Dorothy Margaret, Evaline and Helen May, who are with their parents at the family home at No. 4 Emily street, East Cleveland.
Mr. Keller was a member of the Cleveland Grays, a notable military organ- ization, for several years. As to his convictions and affiliations, he is a believer in republican politics, has membership in the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The success of the business of which he is now the head lies largely within his hands and earnest, untiring effort, per- severance, energy and undaunted courage have been the salient features in his success.
GEORGE H. GYNN.
There is no man who occupies a more enviable position in the business circles of Cleveland than George H. Gynn, not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward, honorable business policy he has ever followed. It is true that he entered upon a business already established but in enlarging and developing this he has displayed keen discernment and marked ability in coordinating forces. One of Cleveland's native sons, he was born Jan- uary 26, 1864, his parents being John and Eliza (Cook) Gynn, both of whom were of English birth. The father was born in Huntingtonshire, England, and came to America in 1850. The same year he arrived in Cleveland, where he en- gaged in the manufacture of brick, being one of the pioneers in that line of bus- iness in the city. He died March 10, 1882, after almost a third of a century's con- nection with the manufacturing interests of Cleveland. Unto him and his wife were born two children, Mary and George H.
The latter was educated in the Mayflower public school of Cleveland and after putting aside his text-books joined his father in business and became his successor at the time of the father's death. His early experience in the field of brick-making gave him comprehensive knowledge concerning the work and as the years have gone by he has developed an enterprise which makes his plant one of the largest producers of building brick in the city, the output being about sixty thousand brick daily. The brickyard is located on Independence Road .. The enterprise has been conducted along well defined lines of labor and his discrimina- tion and sound judgment have been continually manifest in its successful control. Mr. Gynn is also a stockholder in the Broadway Savings & Trust Company and is a large property owner, having placed his surplus earnings in the safest of all investments-real estate.
GEORGE H. GYNN
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Mr. Gynn was married to Miss Georgia Pickard, of Kansas City, a daughter of George and Marian Pickard. They have one child, Alice Kathryn, who was educated in the Ursuline Convent. The family home is at No. 3353 Independence Road.
Mr. Gynn finds his chief recreation in hunting and fishing but is preeminently a business man, not having missed a single day from business in twenty-eight years. His political allegiance is given to the republican party where state and national questions are involved but locally casts an independent ballot, believing that one should regard the capability of the candidate rather than party affilia- tion at local elections. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Independence Methodist Episcopal church. He is well known in Masonic circles, having attained the Knight Templar degree in Holyrood Commandery and the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite. He also belongs to the Mystic Shrine and is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Elks. Moreover, he is connected with the Locust Point Shooting & Fishing Club and his fellow members of these orders find him a genial and courteous gentleman, manifesting deference for the opinions of others and interested at all times in questions which are of vital import to the country.
BATE.
Warwick Guy, Herbert and George Bate are the president, vice president and treasurer respectively of The Cleveland Cut Flower Company, sons of Richard and Elizabeth M. (Pierce) Bate, both of whom were natives of Eng- land, in which country they were reared and married. The father was born in 1842 and the mother in 1843, and in 1872 they came to America, taking up their abode in Cleveland, since which time they have been numbered among the worthy and respected residents of this city. Richard Bate was a civil engineer, long following that profession.
The eldest son, Warwick Guy Bate, was born July 17, 1874, and his educa- tion was acquired in the public schools of Cleveland. After finishing his course he secured a position with a florist and was employed in various establishments of this kind until 1897, when he embarked in the business on his own account, and nine years later consolidated his and his brothers' interests with those of F. R. Williams, the business being incorporated as The Cleveland Cut Flower Company, with W. Guy Bate as president; Herbert Bate, vice president; F. L. Evans, secretary ; George Bate, treasurer ; and F. R. Williams, manager. This combined organization is the largest floral establishment in the city, being extensive grow- ers of flowers, having over two hundred thousand feet under glass. They are the leaders in the wholesale floral trade, operating extensively throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. Their's is a most modernly equipped plant, supplied with all accessories for the trade, and their patronage has grown to mammoth pro- portions.
W. Guy Bate is a stanch republican in his political views and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Woodward lodge of Masons. He is likewise a member of the Cleveland Florist Club and has made many friends in these different organizations. In April, 1899, he married Minnie B. Flick, a daughter of George and Margaret Flick, and they have three children, George, Alfred and Erma. The family residence is at No. 993 Eddy Road. Industrious and prosperous, the principles that have actuated W. Guy Bate's life have been such as to win for him the highest esteem and good will of his many acquain- tances and business associates.
Herbert Bate was born December 19, 1876, and attended the public schools until he had completed the work of the grammar grades. He was afterward engaged in various ways until his twentieth year, when he joined his brothers in
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the florist business and later, on the organization of The Cleveland Cut Flower Company, he was elected vice president of that corporation, in which office he has served to the present time. His political views are in accord with the re- publican principles and to the candidates and measures of the party he gives his support. He is a Mason, affiliated with Woodward lodge, F. & A. M. On the 30th of June, 1903, he married Amelia, daughter of George and Margaret Flick, of Cleveland, and they have one son, Rodger, who is with them in their residence at No. 989 Eddy Road. Herbert Bate finds his recreation in shooting, fishing and boating, devoting his leisure hours to those interests. In his business life he has won that success which comes from close application, industry and capable management, while socially he has gained the friendship and regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
George Bate, treasurer of The Cleveland Cut Flower Company, was born March 19, 1879. He received his educational training at Woodland Hills school and his first position after leaving school was in connection with the florist's trade. He soon afterward joined his brothers in this line and, on the organiza- tion of the present company, he was elected treasurer, in which capacity he still serves. He is also the active head of the wholesale department of the institution. The three brothers work together in the utmost harmony for the upbuilding of the trade and the growth of the business, the labors of one ably supplementing the efforts of the other in the task of promoting an enterprise which has become the foremost in their line. George Bate is a member of the Cleveland Credit Men's Association and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, while fraternally he is associated with Woodward lodge, F. & 'A. M. On the 30th of July, 1891, he married Miss Gertrude Anna, daughter of George and Margaret Flick, and they have one child, Helen M. Their home is at No. 850 East One Hundred and Twenty-ninth street. George Bate employs his leisure hours in shooting, fishing and boating and, indeed, is fond of all outdoor athletic sports. His genuine personal worth has gained him the unqualified regard of an extensive circle of friends and his business ability has been in no small way responsible for the firm's success. The name of Bate is an honored one in trade circles and the extensive business is a monument to the capability and enterprise of the brothers.
WALTER P. AMBOS.
There are some men who are bound to rise to the top wherever they are found, for their abilities are of such an order that it is impossible to keep them down. Walter P. Ambos, president of The Ambos-McNair Company, selling agents, at 1522-1526 Prospect avenue, Cleveland, has held his present respon- sible position for two years, being one of the representative business men of the city.
He was born in Columbus, Ohio, October 30, 1873, a son of Herman and Amelia Ambos, and a grandson of Peter Ambos. The latter was born in Stratsenburg, Germany, but came to Ohio in 1836 and, locating in Columbus, became quite prominent. When he died in 1881 he was president of the First National bank of that city. His son Herman Ambos was born in Columbus, Ohio, in February, 1836, and grew up there, graduating from Kenyon College. He then served three years as an apprentice in the works of the Columbus Ma- chine Company, and later went to Philadelphia, where he engaged with Bennet & Mills, machinists. He then took a post-graduate course in mechanics, and on his return to Columbus became superintendent of the shops of the Columbus Machine Company, holding that position until his death in March, 1885. He was a man of strong character, skilled in his work, and beloved by a wide circle of friends, who mourned his loss.
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Walter P. Ambos attended the Columbus public schools and when only six- teen years of age entered Kenyon Military Academy for a two-years' course. Returning home, he engaged with the Columbus Machine Company as draughts- man for a year and then was made timekeeper for the same company. After six months of that work, he left Columbus and came to Cleveland, where he served for three years as an apprentice with the Brush Electric Company. In 1894 he formed a partnership with a Mr. Edeburn, under the style of Edeburn & Ambos Electric Company, but after eighteen months sold his interests. Fol- lowing this he formed the Ambos Construction & Electric Company, of which he was president for five years. His health failing, Mr. Ambos spent the next nine months in South Dakota. Upon his return he became electrical inspector for the Cleveland Inspection Bureau, being made chief of it within six months, and he held that position for four years. For eighteen months, Mr. 'Ambos was then traveling salesman and demonstrator for the Osborn Flexible Con- duct Company. Having secured the agency for this company he represented it in Cleveland until 1907, when they incorporated and he was elected president.
Mr. Ambos was married in Cleveland to Miss Grace Dustaman in January, 1904, and they reside at No. 1903 East Eighty-second street. He is a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, and also belongs to the Sons of Jove and the Cleveland Athletic Club. While fond of all outdoor sports, Mr. Ambos specially delights in hunting and fishing. Politically he is a repub- lican, while his religious affiliations are with the Episcopal church. He has risen through concentrated efforts intelligently directed, and the success which has rewarded him is well merited.
MARTIN KOSTER.
Persistent endeavor, intelligently directed in legitimate channels, works toward ultimate success, and one of the men who has proven this conclusively by his life work is Martin Koster of Cleveland. He was born in this city, Feb- ruary 12, 1859, a son of Martin and Adelaide (Nienhaus) Koster. Until he was sixteen years old he attended the public schools but has since earned his own living.
Entering the grocery store owned by his father, he worked for him two years and then until he attained his majority he was employed by his uncle in farm work near Warrensville, Ohio. At the age of twenty-one he came to Cleveland and for two years was a metal polisher for the White Sewing Machine Company. Having gained valuable experience, he entered the employ of the Whipple Lock Company, and remained with them for three years in the same capacity. By this time he had saved some money and so established himself in a plating business on the corner of Center and Detroit streets and built up so good a trade that within seven months he sold out to the Peckstone-Wilcox Company. For the following five years he was foreman of the builders' hard- ware department of the Claflin Manufacturing Company. At the expiration of the five years he bought the old Northern Ohio Plating Works, which he has since operated with marked success. Mr. Koster also owns a one-half interest in the Cleveland Meat Chopper Company and is half-owner in the Cleveland Stove Trimmings Manufacturing Company, giving to all these concerns the benefit of his long and varied experience.
On May 31, 1881, Mr. Koster was married in Cleveland to Miss Marguerite Denning, and they have ten children: Adeline, now Mrs. Armstrong; Jennie, at home; Bernard, who is engaged with his father as is William; Catherine, at home; Frank, who is also with his father; Carl, who is attending St. Ignatius College; Theodore, who also attends a Catholic school; and Martin, Jr., and
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Marguerite, who are attending the public schools. The family residence is at No. 8610 Madison street.
The political affiliations of Mr. Koster are with the democratic party. He is a Catholic and belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He has won success through persistent and painstaking efforts, and at the same time he has main- tained a high standard in his business transactions which has assisted him ma- terially in retaining old customers.
WILLIAM E. AMBLER.
William E. Ambler, secretary and treasurer of the Curtiss-Ambler Realty Com- pany, is in this connection actively interested in one of the most extensive real- estate firms of the city. He has been a resident of Cleveland since 1891 and is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Medina, this state, December 18, 1845. His father, Chester C. Ambler, a native of Vermont, was for many years engaged in merchandising in Spencer, Medina county, Ohio. He wedded Margaret Eglin and in 1859 they removed with their family to Hillsdale, Michigan. Their last days, however, were passed in Cleveland, where the father died July 5, 1905, at the remarkable old age of ninety years, while his wife survived him until 1906.
After attending the public schools, William E. Ambler continued his educa- tion in Hillsdale College and subsequently completed a scientific course in Al- bion (Mich.) College, from which he was graduated in 1865 with the Bachelor of Science degree. He then took up the study of law, completing a course in 1867 at 'Albany Law School, being a classmate there of William Mckinley: Returning to the middle west, he entered Adrian College at Adrian, Michigan, where he completed a classical course and won the Bachelor of Arts degree in the spring of 1868. Mr. Ambler then located for practice in Minneapolis, Min- nesota, where he remained for a year, after which he removed to Pentwater, Michigan, where he continued as an active and successful member of the bar until 1891. In the meantime he had figured prominently in public life in the com- munity in which he made his home and that he did successful and original work is indicated by the fact that in 1870 Adrian College conferred upon him the Master of Arts degree, while in 1875 he received the same degree from Hills- dale College. In 1888 he was elected a trustee of Hillsdale College and by re- election has continued in the office to the present time, acting as chairman of the board for several years. He is greatly interested in intellectual progress and at all times his influence is a potent element in behalf of public education. His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, also conferred upon him polit-, ical honors, electing him to the state senate of Michigan in 1878 and again in 1880. He served as president pro tem of the senate during his last term and was chairman of the important committee on appropriations and finances. He has always been a close student of those questions which are to the statesman and the man of affairs of vital import and his legislative service was characterized by the utmost devotion to the interests of the commonwealth at large. Subse- quently he served as judge of the probate court of Oceana county, Michigan.
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