USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 64
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Thomas E. Borton was married at Elyria, Ohio, to Miss Lizabeth Lewis, a daughter of H. J. Lewis, at one time county clerk of Lorain county, Ohio. Their children are three in number: Marion Frances, Jean Lewis and Robert Ernest. The family residence is at Windermere Hill, East Cleveland. While not strongly partisan in local matters, Mr. Borton is an earnest republican where national issues are involved, regarding the basic principles of the party as a substantial foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of good government. He is an active and interested member of the Chamber of Commerce and belongs also to the Union, Hermit and Euclid Clubs. Both he and his wife are active and helpful members in the Windermere Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as treasurer. His friends characterize him as a man of strong purpose, of high principles and of commendable spirit, knowing that his methods are above ques- tion and that his undaunted enterprise will enable him to win in the various lines of activity which he undertakes.
WILLIAM EDWARD CHAPMAN.
William Edward Chapman, a member of the firm of W. C. Richardson & Com- pany, vessel owners, brokers and agents for marine insurance, with offices at 420-421 Perry Payne building, was born in Sandusky, Ohio, August 1, 1844. His parents were William P. and Eliza C. Chapman, both now deceased. The father was a native of Connecticut and one of the early settlers of Sandusky, where his death occurred in 1893, at the venerable age of eighty-five years. The mother was seventy-six years of age when her death occurred in 1891.
William Edward Chapman entered the public schools of Sandusky at the usual age. After passing through the successive grades he entered the high school and was graduated from that institution in 1862. The first step in his business career was as clerk in the Sandusky freight office of the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark Railway, now known as the Baltimore & Ohio. He left that office to serve a short period in the Army of the Potomac during 1864 and upon the conclusion of the war became connected with the Erie Railway at Dunkirk, New York. Two years. later he returned to Sandusky, which remained his home continuously until 1892. In that year he came to Cleveland and engaged in the lake transportation business. The venture proved one of success and of a gratifying profit and in 1901 he dis- posed of all his interests in Sandusky and moved his family to Cleveland. They have since occupied a pleasant home at 1909 East Seventieth street.
In 1878 Mr. Chapman wedded Miss Julia Louise Mills, a daughter of Judge William Mills, of Greene county, Ohio, and the founder of Antioch College at Yel-
W. E. CHAPMAN
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low Springs. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Chapman: Wini- fred, Margaret and Mills, all residents of Cleveland.
In addition to his interests in W. C. Richardson & Company Mr. Chapman is actively associated as a director and officer with several of the important corpora- tions of this city. He is also identified with its social life as is manifested in his membership in the Euclid Club. His religous faith is indicated by his member- ship in St. Paul's church, and he recalls memories of his war days in the meetings of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is a member. Politically he has always been a stanch supporter of republican principles but has never aspired to official preferment, believing that a citizen may as effectively serve his fellowmen through a discriminating use of his right of franchise as through active participa- tion in municipal affairs.
HARRY A. PARSONS.
Harry A. Parsons, a capitalist of Cleveland with large invested interests, represents one of the old families of the city. His grandfather, H. K. Parsons, was engaged in the agricultural implement business here in early days. His father, C. A. Parsons, a prominent representative of the iron and steel industry, was the promoter of a number of steel plants in different cities. The mother bore the maiden name of Cordelia Parr and the family home was maintained in Cleveland during the boyhood days of Harry A. Parsons, who after accomplishing the grade work in the public schools attended the West high school. At the age of fourteen, however, he put aside his text-books and when a youth of sixteen entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, with which he remained for four years. He was afterward connected with Thomas Johnston, of the Range Steel Company, where he remained for about four years, and in 1898 he became assistant secretary to Senator Marcus A. Hanna, whose interests he represented until the time of Mr. Hanna's death.
Mr. Parsons was married a few years ago to Miss Mabel Hanna, the Sena- tor's daughter, and in the social circles of Cleveland they occupy a very prominent position. He is a stalwart republican in his political views and a valued and popular member of the Roadside, Lakewood Yacht and Cleveland Yacht Clubs. He is an enthusiast on the subject of sailing and is interested in all that pertains to his favorite sport.
D. J. McNAUGHTON.
D. J. and Jerry O. McNaughton are at the head of the Jerry O. McNaughton Company, one of the leading merchant tailoring firms of Cleveland. The senior partner, D. J. McNaughton, was born in Port Hope, Canada, October 14, 1855, a son of James A. and Tenie (Wright) McNaughton. The former died about twenty years ago, but the mother is still living at Petersburg, Ontario.
D. J. McNaughton attended the common schools of Oshawa, Whitla and Columbus, Ontario, but he did not pursue his education beyond his seventeenth year. In 1881 he came to Cleveland and was associated for a time with the National Machine Company and later with the American Ship Building Com- paný. In May, 1906, he joined his son Jerry O. McNaughton in his tailoring business, being secretary and treasurer of the firm, and his wide business experi- ence has been of no inconsiderable advantage in promoting its growth and prosperity.
In 1882 Mr. McNaughton was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Myers, of Toledo, a daughter of John Myers. They have become the parents of one son,
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Jerry O., of whom mention is made below. Mr. McNaughton is a member of Red Cross Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Jerry O. McNaughton was born in Cleveland, December 22, 1884. He was a pupil in one of the public schools here and also attended the high school. In 1900 he put aside his text-books and entered the employ of Mr. Cunningham, the tailor, working for him for the next two years, one of which was spent as a sewer on the bench. Upon leaving him, Mr. McNaughton secured a position with Kamerer, the tailor, and two years later, in 1904, made another change to his advantage by securing his first cutting position with Heckler, the tailor. At the end of two years he was confident that he had acquired sufficient experience to warrant his engaging in business for himself. Accordingly, in May, 1906, the Jerry O. McNaughton Company was established, of which he is the president and manager, while his father is the secretary and treasurer. It is managed along up-to-date lines and in the three years of its existence has grown to gratifying proportions, numbering among its patrons some of the more fastidious of Cleve- land's citizens.
ALBERT W. HENN.
'Albert W. Henn, secretary and treasurer of the National-Acme Manufacturing Company, has in his business career, beginning at the age of thirteen years, worked his way steadily upward and his close application, ready mastery of every task entrusted to him and progressive and initiative spirit have enabled him to attain a position of prominence as a representative of industrial interests in Cleveland. He was born in New Britain, Connecticut, in 1865, a son of Fran- cis A. and Barbara Henn. The father was a native of Baden-Baden, Germany, in which country he learned the gunsmith's trade. On coming to the United States in 1859, he settled in New Britain, Connecticut, where he had charge of the cock making department of the firm of Landers, Frary & Clark, in which position he continued until 1882, when he retired from active business life.
Between the ages of six and thirteen years Albert W. Henn pursued his ed- ucation in the public schools of New Britain and then sought the opportunities of business life, entering the employ of Landers, Frary & Clark in their general hardware factory. Gradually he worked his way upward, his ability winning him consecutive promotions until he became shipping clerk, which position he resigned in 1882 to remove to Cleveland. He entered business circles here as entry clerk for the firm of Root & McBride Brothers, with whom he remained six months, when he took charge of the office of Levy & Stearn, with whom he continued for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Hartford, Connecticut, and in connection with his brother Edwin developed the Acme Machine Screw Company, of which he was secretary and treasurer. In 1902 the business was removed to Cleveland and the National-Acme Manufac- turing Company was organized with Albert W. Henn as secretary, while since February, 1908, he has served as both secretary and treasurer. Thoroughly conversant with every detail of the business and giving to its prinicipal features due relative prominence, he has been active and efficient in management, his keen foresight and unfaltering enterprise enabling him to achieve substantial results in connection with the conduct of this industry. Neither has he confined his attention alone to that line, for he is now vice president and treasurer of the Bigsby Manufacturing Company of Cleveland, which was organized in October, 1909. This company engages in the manufacture of iron and steel roofing, tin and terne plate, black and galvanized sheets, metallic ceilings and many other iron and steel products, together with other products which are indispensable elements in iron and steel construction work. The office and plant of the com-
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pany are located at Nos. 5125 to 5135 Perkins avenue and the officers are : C. S. Bigsby, president and general manager; A. W. Henn, vice president and treas- urer ; and Bernard Bigsby, Jr., secretary and manager of sales.
In April, 1889, Mr. Henn was married in Cleveland to Miss Gertrude J. Bruce, a granddaughter of William Whitworth, who is nearing his ninetieth year in the enjoyment of good health. His home is in Cleveland and he has the distinction of having owned the second greenhouse in this city, his place of busi- ness being at that time on Cedar street in the vicinity of Greenwood. He was one of the spectators on the occasion when the first train ran over the line from Manchester to Liverpool, the opening ceremonies being attended by the Duke of Wellington and Marshall Sue. Mr. Whitworth takes great delight in enthusi- astically relating events of his early days, many of which are of great interest.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henn have been born six children, but two died in infancy. Those still living are: Edwin and Howard, who are attending the University school ; Jeanette, a public-school pupil; and Robert, five years of age. The fam- ily residence is at No. 1876 East Seventieth street.
Mr. Henn belongs to Woodward Lodge, No. 508, F. & A. M .; Webb Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M .; Coeur de Leon Commandery, K. T .; and Lake Erie Consis- tory. He also belongs to the Colonial Club and delights in motoring and fish- ing. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but his interest centers chiefly in his business affairs, which under his capable guidance are be- ing carried forward to successful completion. He is a man of undaunted enter- prise and, studying how best to promote the expansion of his manufacturing in- terests, he has accomplished substantial results by practical methods.
LOUIS KLEIN.
Louis Klein, president of the Louis Klein Cigar Company, is one of the representative business men of Cleveland, who have developed large commercial enterprises, for he is now prominent in the cigar trade of the city, the different branches of his business furnishing employment to many individuals. He was born in Austria, September 25, 1871, a son of Benjamin and Augusta Klein, the former of whom was born in Austria in 1834. For a number of years he was a merchant in that country but in 1884 came to the United States, with Cleve- land as his destination. After arriving here he was for two years an agent for clocks and wringers made by reputable firms, and in 1886 he entered the saloon business, in which he continued until his death in 1907.
For two years after coming to Cleveland Louis Klein attended school here and then entered the employ of Halsey & Montgomery, dealers in cigars, with whom he remained a year. His next employer was W. W. Herrick, of the Ex- celsior Steam Laundry Company, for whom he was delivery man for a year. Mr. Klein then worked for the Cleveland Steam Laundry Company as delivery man for another year, after which he returned to the cigar business, engaging with J. R. Quinn and remaining with him for nine years. All this time he had been frugal in his habits and thus saved enough to buy out his employer. In 1901 he formed a corporation with himself as president, but this was dissolved in 1903, and Mr. Klein continued alone until 1907, when he incorporated the Louis Klein Cigar Company, of which he is also president. He has been re- markably successful in his operations, and now has nine retail stores in Cleveland and does an immense retail and wholesale business in the city and vicinity, his special brands meeting with hearty approval from those who enjoy a good cigar.
On the 14th of August, 1894, Mr. Klein was married in Cleveland to Miss Fanny G. Gottlieb, and they have two children: Cecile Penrose, a graduate of the public schools; and Ruth Helen. They reside at No. 75 Wadena avenue, East Cleveland.
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Mr. Klein belongs to the Elks, the H. B. S. U. and the Cleveland Independent Aid Association. His political views make him a republican, but his heavy business interests prevent his taking an active part in public affairs. He is a keen, shrewd business man, who has worked steadily toward one end all of his life-that of being at the head of a paying business-and his success has been earned by constant industry, strict economy and capable management.
WILLIAM T. BELL.
William T. Bell was for a long period a representative of mercantile interests in Cleveland and, though he met with financial reverses, he ever sustained an un- assailable reputation for his business integrity and the honesty of his methods. A generous spirit was one of his strongest characteristics and of his prosperity he gave liberally to the poor and needy. His prominence, too, made him sought for cooperation in events of public importance and thus in many ways he left the impress of his individuality upon Cleveland's history. His birth occurred in Aln- wick, England, July 20, 1848, and his parents, David P. and Hannah (Turnbull) Bell, were also natives of Alnwick, where the former was well known as a promi- nent dry-goods merchant. Both were descendants of old English and Scotch families.
William T. Bell was educated in the schools of Alnwick and of London, liberal advantages in that direction being afforded him. He continued throughout his life a reader and therefore ever kept widely informed upon the general topics of in- terest of the day. Arriving in Cleveland in 1876, he became connected with the old firm of Taylor & Kilpatrick, the predecessors of the William Taylor & Sons Company, as buyer and manager. When his careful expenditure justified his embarkation in business on his own account, he opened a large dry-goods store on East Thirty-fourth street and St. Clair avenue, and at different times established branch houses until he became the owner of six stores. Through his charitable deeds and generous gifts, coupled with financial reverses in 1897, he was forced to give up his local business and went to Bradford, Pennsylvania, where he con- ducted the principal dry-goods store, owned by Mrs. Etta Bell. There he recu- perated from his losses and later returned to Cleveland, opening a store on Wade Park avenue. His business integrity was ever above question, for he sought suc- cess along honorable lines, never attempting to win prosperity by wrecking other's fortunes or blocking their efforts. His measures were always of a constructive character and all who knew him rejoiced in the success to which he attained after suffering financial reverses.
On the 30th of August, 1882, Mr. Bell was married to Miss Etta Scott, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Scott and a granddaughter of John D. Cross, of North- field, Summit county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bell were born two sons and two daughters. The eldest, David Scott, born June 5, 1883, died February 6, 1904. Shirley, born July 29, 1884, is the wife of Nelson S. Hastings, of Bradford, who is a graduate of Yale and a relative of Governor Hastings. They have one child, Nelson William, born May 30, 1909, Mrs. Bell's only grandchild. Gordon T., born April 22, 1887, is in the newspaper and brokerage business. Heather, the youngest of the family, born October 14, 1891, died March 30, 1896.
Mr. Bell was a stalwart republican in his political views and was most loyal to his professions as a member of the Presbyterian church. His Christian belief was a permeating influence in his life and he not only gave liberally to his own de- nomination but also to the support of other churches. He was fond of travel and went on various trips with Mrs. Bell, both in this country and abroad. His prom- inence and worth as a man and citizen caused his assistance to be frequently sought in relation to public affairs and he aided in laying many corner stones throughout the city. He was very charitable and his kindly heart prompted him to make gen-
WILLIAM T. BELL
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erous and ready response to every call from the poor and needy. He held friend- ship inviolable but reserved his best traits of character for his own fireside. He loved his wife and children devotedly and his greatest happiness was obtained in their society. When death claimed him on the 21st of April, 1907, his loss brought a sense of personal bereavement to many and at his own fireside left vacant a place that can never be filled. The memory of his life, however, remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.
FRANK H. WALWORTH.
Frank H. Walworth, whose business connections have brought him a wide acquaintance in the business circles of Cleveland, is now a real-estate dealer whose persistent and intelligently directed efforts have gained him a good client- age. He was born in this city, July 15, 1857, his parents being John and Mary V. (Race) Walworth. He was here educated and eventually left school as he was the only one in his class. He was afterward engaged as bookkeeper at the insane asylum for a number of years and later became bookkeeper for the North- ern Ohio Grape Company. He was then employed in several of the largest banking institutions, his last connection of this character being with the Cleveland Trust Company. His varied experiences brought him comprehensive, accurate and practical knowledge concerning business methods, and during his association with the banks he learned considerable concerning real-estate interests and investments. He then turned his attention to the real-estate business on his own account and has handled much property for others, negotiating many important realty trans- fers. He also owns property where he resides and also has other valuable holdings in Cleveland.
On the 17th of April, 1889, Mr. Walworth was united in marriage to Miss Kate C. Cline, and unto them were born three children, Kathryn C., Jeannette Race and John Dunlap, all of whom are yet wiith their parents.
Mr. Walworth is a republican in his political views and is not unmindful of the duties and obligations of citizenship. He manifests his loyalty to the public welfare not only in his endorsement of the political principles in which he believes but also in his support of many measures instituted for the public good. He adheres to the Presbyterian church and in his social relations manifests quali- ties which win for him a constantly increasing circle of friends. Mr. Walworth belongs to the Chamber of Commerce but does not take much interest in club life, preferring to spend his leisure hours in his family circle.
GEORGE SHELLEY RUSSELL.
George S. Russell, to whom the utilization and improvement of opportunity have constituted the path to success, is the cashier of the Bank of Commerce, National Association, and in Cleveland's financial circles is widely and favorably known. He was born in this city November 20, 1850, a son of George Hunger- ford and Octavio (Hoskins) Russell. The father came to Cleveland in 1837 from Watertown, New York, at which time this city contained a population of only a few thousand. He turned his attention to merchandising and later became a member of the firm of Russell & Greene, engaged in the forwarding com- mission business along the Cuyahoga river. In 1857 he was elected secretary and treasurer of the old Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway Company, which position he filled until his death in 1888. He was thus associated with business enterprises which contributed in substantial measure to the 11p-
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building of this section of the state and at all times stood for progress and ad- vancement.
The education of George S. Russell was acquired in public and private schools of Cleveland and soon after his scholastic training was completed he became a clerk in the National City Bank, where he remained for two years. He then became teller of the Second National Bank, where he remained for nearly three years and on the expiration of that period was chosen assistant secretary and treasurer of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway under his father, whom he afterward succeeded as treasurer upon the death of G. H. Russell in 1888. In 1889 the name of the railroad was changed to the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway, commonly known as the Big Four. Mr. Russell continued as treasurer of the system until 1892, when he became cashier of the Western Reserve Bank and in 1899, when the National Bank of Commerce was consolidated with the Western Reserve National Bank, forming the Bank of Commerce, National Association, Mr. Russell became cashier of the new institution. His has been a life of constant and helpful activity, in which keen discernment has led to substantial results. For a number of years, or until it became the Municipal Traction Company, he was treasurer of the Cleveland Electric Railway, and thus practical experience has brought him knowl- edge of the problems of steam and electric transportation. He is a director of the American Fork & Hoe Company, a director of the Bank of Commerce, National Association, and a trustee of the Society for Savings. Purposeful and persistent, he never leaves unsolved any problems which confront him in a business connection, but finds correct answer thereto through the close applica- tion and unremitting energy which are numbered among his salient character- istics.
In 1874 Mr. Russell was married to Miss Florence Hale, a daughter of the late Edwin B. Hale, for many years a banker of Cleveland and the founder of the banking house of E. B. Hale & Company. There is one daughter of this marriage, Alice Hale, who is the wife of Alfred G. Clark, of Cleveland, and they have three children : Dorothy Florence, Marian Louise and Eleanor Eliza- beth.
Mr, Russell is a republican in politics and a member of the Union and Coun- try Clubs. Of the latter organization he has been the president. He also be- longs to St. Paul's Episcopal church and is a member of the vestry. His town residence is on Euclid avenue, while his summer home is at Willoughby, Ohio. While he had the advantages of parental influence and training to assist him at the outset of his career, the conditions in the business world are so constantly changing that not only each generation but almost every year brings new situa- tions that must be faced and new problems that must be solved along original lines. The keen perception and alert mind of Mr. Russell have enabled him not only to meet the changes that are brought about in the complexity of business life but to adapt himself as well to the altered conditions and find therein an avenue for continued successful effort.
WILLIAM F. ENGEL.
William F. Engel, a well known manufacturing furrier, is a native of De- troit, Michigan, having been born in that city in 1874. There he received his early education and after finishing the grammar grades spent some time in the study of the German language. He gained an insight into his present business with Walter Buhl, a wholesale and retail furrier of Detroit, with whom he remained for eight years. When Mr. Buhl was succeeded by Edwin S. George, Mr. Engel continued with him for five years more.
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