A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III, Part 66

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1106

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CHARLES TWING BROOKS.

Charles T. Brooks, a member of the Cleveland bar, now with the law firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, was born in Salem, Ohio, March 29, 1867. His paternal grandfather, Joseph J. Brooks, was born in Montpelier, Vermont, April 28, 1808, and died March 26, 1862. He came to Ohio in 1835. He had studied law in Vermont with William Upham and for a few years engaged in the prac- tice of his profession in that state. He then became a resident of New Lis- bon, Ohio, and afterward of Salem, Ohio, and won a place among the promi- nent lawyers there. He also extended his activities to other important fields and was the president of the Farmers National Bank, of Salem, and the first treasurer of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway.

J. Twing Brooks, the father of Charles T. Brooks, was born in Salem, Ohio, October 27, 1840. He, too, became an attorney and practiced law in Salem. In 1861 he was elected president of the Farmers National Bank of Salem and continued as the incumbent in that position until his demise. His admission to the bar occurred in 1865 and in the following year he was appointed solicitor for the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Company. He was general counsel from 1877 until 1891 for the Pennsylvania Company and became its second vice president, which position he filled until his death. During that time his business interests centered in Pittsburg, although he made his home in Salem, Ohio. He represented his district in the state legislature from 1865 until 1867. He was elected to the state senate as a republican from the district which comprised Columbiana and Jefferson counties, and was reelected in 1867, so that he served for four years. His political allegiance was usually unfalteringly given to the republican party, but when Grover Cleveland announced his tariff prin- ciples Mr. Brooks was in accord with them and supported Mr. Cleveland. When Bryan was nominated, however, he returned to the republican party and was a stanch advocate of the Mckinley cause. After the election of Mr. Mckinley he expressed his appreciation of Mr. Brooks' work in the campaign.

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In early manhood Mr. Brooks had entered Yale University, in 1857, but was obliged to give up his studies there in April, 1858, on account of failing eyesight. In 1860 he returned to Yale, hoping to complete his course, but was obliged to leave on account of the death of his father. Notwithstanding his education was thus interrupted, he became a man of pronounced ability and of wide influence. He was recognized as a master in railway affairs and did important work in re- organizing the Pennsylvania system. His labors throughout his entire life were of far-reaching effect and of beneficial influence and he stood as one of the dis- tinguished men of Ohio in his day. He was married September 7, 1865, to Miss Annie Patterson Miller, a daughter of David and Elizabeth Miller. She was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, in 1838, and is still living in Salem. The an- cestry of Charles T. Brooks in the maternal line was represented by soldiers in the Revolutionary war, while two of the maternal uncles of Mr. Brooks, Cap- tain Amos Miller and Emmor Miller, lost their lives in the Civil war. The former enlisted from Iowa, was given command of a company and went with General Banks up the Red river, being killed on that expedition. Emmor Miller was in Andersonville prison and died because of deprivations while thus incarcer- ated soon after making his escape. In the family of J. Twing and Annie (Mil- ler) Brooks there were one son and three daughters, the sisters of our subject being : Elizabeth M., the wife of Frederick J. Emeny, a resident of Salem, where he is engaged in the manufacture of hand and power pumps; Judith Twing; and Mary Augusta, the wife of George H. Bowman, of the George H. Bowman Company, extensive dealers in chinaware.

After spending a year in the high school of Salem, Charles Twing Brooks devoted two years to study in the Adams Academy, a preparatory school at Quincy, Massachusetts. He then matriculated in Yale University and was grad- uated B. A. in 1889. Returning to Salem, he took up the study of law and later was graduated from the Harvard Law School with the Bachelor of Law degree in 1894. In the spring of the same year he was admitted to the Ohio bar and later in that year came to Cleveland and has since been associated with the firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey in a general practice, which gives scope for his ability in his chosen field of labor. While he chose the practice of law as his real life work, he has also extended his efforts to other fields and is now the president of the Hurd Coal & Iron Company, of Cleveland, and a director of several corporations, including the Allegheny Coal Company. He is likewise interested in various other enterprises and different lines of business, both in Salem and Cleveland.

Mr. Brooks is a republican in politics and belongs to the Delta Kappa Epsilon and the Scroll and Keys, secret societies of Yale. He is also connected with the Union, University, Tavern and Country Clubs of Cleveland, the University Club of New York city and the Nisi Prius Club of Cleveland. He is likewise a mem- ber of the Young Men's Republican Club, which is an indication of his interest in politics, although he does not seek nor desire political preferment.

EDWARD A. NOLL.

Edward A. Noll, who is the president of the National Tool Company of Cleveland, a concern which during the four years of its existence has proved its right to be numbered among the prosperous business houses of this city, was born in Cumberland, Maryland, May 19, 1867. His father, Henry Noll, was a native of the German fatherland and came to America about 1840. His mother, who in her maidenhood was Miss Elizabeth Sherrmesser, was born in Saxony, Germany, and like her husband has passed away.

Edward A. Noll attended the public schools of Cleveland, but left his lessons at the age of fourteen, to go to work as an office boy at the Young Men's Chris-

EDWARD A. NOLL

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tion Association, obtaining wages of one dollar and a half a week. A year later he became an apprentice with Warner & Swasey, working in their machine shop and becoming a machinist and tool maker. In 1887 he found employment with the National Tube Works, at Mckeesport, Pennsylvania. At the end of two years he returned to Cleveland and went to work for the Cleveland Rubber Com- pany, remaining with them for about four years, and later becoming associated for the next six months with the Cleveland Automatic Machine Company. In 1892 he secured a position as foreman with the Standard Tool Company, with whom he was connected until 1905 when he organized the National Tool Com- pany. When the firm was incorporated he was made its president and has since held that position. Through years of experience he has been well fitted to dis- charge the duties which devolve upon him and is able to guide the business along successful channels and make it a profitable investment for his capital and labor.

In 1902 Mr. Noll was united in marriage to Miss Lulu M. Miller, a daughter of Leonard and Katherine (Faust) Miller, of Cleveland. They have one son, Edward L., who is now seven years of age. For the past fifteen years Mr. Noll has held membership in National Lodge, K. P., and has been closely connected with the work of his fraternal brethren. There is also an interesting military chap- ter in the life history of Mr. Noll, who is widely and prominently known among those who wear the uniform that indicates military service and unfaltering loy- alty to the country. On the 16th of June, 1889, he became a member of Company F, Fifth Infantry, Ohio National Guard, and on the first anniversary of his en- listment was appointed corporal. On the 10th of June, 1891, he became sergeant and was transferred to Company K, August 10, 1892. Further promotion made him second lieutenant on the 10th of December, 1894, and captain on the 14th of July, 1897. He served in the war with Spain as captain of Company K, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from May II, 1898, until the 5th of November fol- lowing, when he was mustered out of the United States service. He continued, however, with the Ohio National Guard until June 18, 1900, when he resigned and was honored by being placed on the retired list June 18, 1900. In the pre- vious January he had been elected major of the Fifth Regiment, but on account of resigning from military service retired as ranking captain of the regiment. A man of conspicuous industry, he has ever directed it well and to good purpose, and adhering to upright and honorable principles has attained to a position of respect among the men who have come to know him.

P. C. DAVIS.

Plym C. Davis, contract manager of the Cuyahoga Telephone Company, is one of the enterprising men of Cleveland, who has spent his life in one line of bitsi- ness and worked his way steadily up from small beginnings. He was born in Hiram, Ohio, May 30, 1869, a son of Joseph C. and Mary Augusta Davis. He attended the public schools until he was eighteen years old and then attended Hiram College for two years. For several years he was in the employ of the Erie Railroad as telegrapher and later became agent for it and filled this posi- tion for eight years. In 1897 he began working for the Cuyahoga Telephone Company as wireman helper and was rapidly advanced to storekeeper, claim agent, then purchasing agent and was finally made contract manager. He is eminently fitted for this responsible position and understands every detail of the work.

On January II, 1892, Mr. Davis was married at Garrettsville, Ohio, to Miss Florence M. Daniels, and they have two children: Seward E., sixteen years old, attending the public schools; and Frances Augusta. The family residence is at No. 29 Fay street, East Cleveland.

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Mr. Davis is a man who has always been interested in fraternal organiza- tions, being a thirty-second degree Mason, and is present master of the Bren- ton B. Babcock Lodge, No. 600, of which he was one of the organizers. He is a charter member of Mckinley Chapter, No. 181; of Coeur-de-Lion Comman- dery, of which he is the present warder; is a member of Cleveland Council, No. 36, and belongs to Eliadah Lodge of Perfection, Scottish Rite; of the Bahurim Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Ariel Chapter, S. P. R. C .; Lake Erie Consis- tory, S. P. R. C .; of the Woodland Chapter No. 138, O. E. S. He is a member of the Cleveland Commercial Travelers Association and is a representative for the Cuyahoga Telephone Company in the Credit Men's Association. Politi- cally, he is a republican. Mr. Davis is one of the thoroughly progressive men of Cleveland who exercises good judgment in his business relations, lends his in- fluence to advance the interests of his community and supports with his time and money the orders with which he is connected, believing them to be impor- tant factors in the betterment of humanity in general.

FRANK EDWARD CUDELL.

Frank Edward Cudell, to whom architecture has been occupation, science and art, all three entering into the accomplishment of the splendid results which have been achieved through his efforts, and whose labors at different times have been of marked value in the preservation and in the promotion of the city's natural beauty and in its adornment, is now practically living retired, although he re- mains a student of his profession and his views thereon are a stimulus in many works of public improvement architecturally.

He was born at Herzogenrath, near Aix-la-Chapelle, Germany, May II, 1844, a son of Dr. Carl and Louise (Krauthausen) Cudell. He studied architecture in Aix-la-Chapelle and left Germany in the latter part of April, 1866, to visit New York. He remained in the eastern metropolis until 1867, being employed in the office of Leopold Eidlitz, an architect, after which he came to Cleveland, which has since been the city of his residence. After being employed in Cleveland for four years by local architects, he entered upon an independent venture, opening an office of his own in 1871. Before the close of that year he formed a partner- ship with J. N. Richardson under the firm name of Cudell & Richardson. The principal buildings planned by Mr. Cudell during the partnership are the Perry- Payne, the Beckmann, the McBride Brothers, the Jewish Orphan Asylum, the Educational Alliance, the Haltnorth, the Masonic Temple, St. Joseph's church and St. Stephen's church. In 1890 Mr. Cudell turned his interest in the business over to his partner, Mr. Richardson, because of his delicate health and of the large amount of other work which engaged his attention. In 1878 he invented a ball sewer gas trap, the manufacture of which in its different forms and the casting of the lead and hard white metal has for years taken a large part of his time. It is an industry for which all tools must be specially made and all work- men specially trained. He has greatly increased the number of articles which he manufactures and his products sell in many states of the Union.

At the time Mr. Cudell withdrew from the profession for which he qualified in early manhood he was engaged in laying out Mueller avenue and Cudell street through the land that formerly constituted the old homestead of Jacob Mueller, his wife's father. The former thoroughfare is now called West One Hundredth street. During the eight years' administration of Mayor Johnson he took con- siderable interest in matters pertaining to public building. Noticing that public improvements were often made to please the few and other times in unfit ways, he determined to block such enterprises when possible. His efforts resulted in keeping Detroit avenue at the railroad crossing straight instead of having it curved southward twice as planned by the city engineer to save a fill. He also

F. G. CUDELL

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prevented an auditorium being established at the west side market house. The unnatural union of the two had been planned by the neighboring merchants to draw additional crowds between market days. The erection of a Kossuth monu- ment in the public square was also prevented through his interference, not be- cause Mr. Cudell was opposed to a Kossuth monument. It was the ill chosen site (the general meeting place of the citizens) for the erection of a monument to an entirely foreign patriot he objected to. He has taken great interest in the group- ing of Cleveland's new public buildings. In 1903 he offered gratis to the city a plan, which was the result of much study and devotion to the project. After thorough consideration his plan was adopted but later, through unfair means, was dropped. His plan at once recognized the utilitarian as well as the artistic and would have given Cleveland a group of public buildings unsurpassed in any similar district of the world. If the present plan is carried out Mr. Cudell says millions of dollars will be wasted and the very end for which the city is building will not be accomplished. Mr. Cudell, therefore, is now working for a revision of this plan, which will give a public building district in the form of a cross with a broad mall and park way, around which will be grouped with due recognition of architecture and of art the different public buildings. He has done important work for the adornment of his immediate neighborhood by preventing the curv- ing of Detroit avenue and by presenting to the city the Detroit avenue frontage from West boulevard to West One Hundredth street for park purposes. Re- cently he has leased his West boulevard property opposite the Emma and F. E. Cudell buildings for park purposes to the city. This lease is to continue twenty- five years, at the end of which time the land will become the property of the city on payment of one dollar. These different sections of park are designated as the Cudell park group. There is nothing of the theorist in Mr. Cudell. He is not only intensely practical but understands perfectly the possibilities to be obtained and not only meets the exigencies of the moment but foresees the possibilities of the future.

JESSE K. BRAINERD.

Jesse K. Brainerd, who though now living retired maintains financial con- nection with a number of important manufacturing and industrial enterprises of Cleveland, has passed the eighty-seventh milestone on life's journey. With him perseverance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of life, directing him to the honored position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellow citizens, among whom he has long lived and labored. There are few residents of Cleveland who have more intimate knowledge of the city and its gradual growth and development than Mr. Brainerd, who was born in that sec- tion of the city that was formerly Brooklyn, Ohio, on the 17th of August, 1822. His parents were Cephas and Lydia (Edwards) Brainerd, both of whom were native residents of America and well known pioneer settlers of Cuyahoga county.

Spending his youthful days in his parents' home, when Cleveland was but a village, its busines district extending along the river, while its residence section covered but a small area, Jesse K. Brainerd pursued his education in the public schools and was graduated from the high school about 1839. He afterward en- gaged in teaching for four years, but thinking to find other pursuits more profit- able and congenial, he turned his attention to agriculture, operating his father's farm for some time. He then established a general store in Independence, Ohio, conducting it for four years, after which he returned to his father's farm, re- maining thereon until the death of his parents. His next step in the business world connected him with the oil business, following which he gave his attention to real-estate interests, which he handled for some time. Subsequently he became connected with the National Screw & Tack Company, in which he is still finan-

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cially interested. His keen business judgment and foresight have prompted his investment in other important industrial and manufacturing concerns, among which are the National Acme Manufacturing Company and the Cleveland Bolt Manufacturing Company. These are important concerns, a fact which indicates the wisdom of his judgment in becoming financially interested therein. He has likewise made judicious investments in real estate, owning considerable prop- erty in Cleveland, including the residence which he now occupies.

On the 24th of September, 1845, Mr. Brainerd was united in marriage to Miss Malina A. Sacket, and six children came to bless their union, two of whom, Lydia and Ann, and one unnamed, passed away in infancy. The others are: Frances Josephine, who is the widow of Lafayette Gates; Eva Malina, the wife of Erwin Stimson; and Charles Wesley, who is also married. All are residents of Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Brainerd have seven grandchildren and four great- grandchildren.

Mr. Brainerd has no fraternal or club relations but is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a stalwart supporter of the republican party in politics, being identified with that party since its organization. He is a repre- sentative of that class of citizens whose lives are conspicuous for ability, force of character, integrity and generous aims, and throughout his entire life he has been recognized as one of the men whose character gives a ringing response to every test.

LEWIS C. HOPP.

Lewis C. Hopp, president of The Mayell & Hopp Company, a wholesale and retail drug firm, has throughout his entire life been identified with this line of trade, his record being marked by an orderly progression, the steps of which are easily discernible. He was born in Cleveland, September 27, 1856, and pur- sued his education in the public schools while spending his boyhood days in the home of his parents, Morris and Dorothy T. Hopp. His education completed, he crossed the threshold of business life as an employe in the drug store of Al- fred Mayell at the corner of Euclid avenue and Erie street. His duties in- cluded the service of porter, clerk and salesman and incidentally he picked up considerable knowledge concerning the properties of drugs as well as of their manufacture. In 1873, in order to thoroughly equip himself for the drug busi- ness, he entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated with the class of 1875. That he had applied himself diligently to the mastery of the branches that constitute the curriculum is indicated in the fact that his scholarship was the highest in a class of one hundred. Although he had many advantageous offers from New York and Chicago drug houses, he returned to his old company in Cleveland, remaining in the employ of Mr. Mayell until 1881, when he was admitted to a partnership under the firm style of A. Mayell & Company. In 1890 the name was changed to The Mayell & Hopp Company, in which form it has been continued to the present. In 1896 Mr. Hopp succeeded to the presidency, being now the chief executive officer in a business which he entered in the most humble capacity. The company en- joys an extensive patronage and is the owner of two stores, one at No. 1104 Euclid avenue and the other at No. 10512 Euclid avenue. In both establish- ments a large line of drugs and druggists' sundries are carried, the company handling only those of highest grade, while the business methods of the house are such as to insure the continuance of a gratifying and growing trade. Mr. Hopp has figured prominently in drug circles of the state for many years. In 1879 he set on foot the movement for organizing a state pharmaceutical society, served as its secretary for a quarter of a century and for one year was its

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president. He also belongs to the American Pharmaceutical Association, of which he was vice president, while later he was chosen to the presidency. In 1879 he went to Philadelphia, having been chosen to deliver the closing address to the members of the College Society of Pharmacy. He has likewise been the first vice president of the National Association of Retail Druggists and these connections have brought him a wide acquaintance among the representatives of the trade throughout the country.

Aside from those organizations which have to do with the specific field of his business Mr. Hopp is connected with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge, chapter, council and commandery and also to Al Koran Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he manifests the interest of a public-spirited citizen in all questions of vital moment to the state and nation. Pleasantly situated in his home life, he was married to Miss Martha L. Adomelt, a daughter of the Rev. F. W. Adomelt, of Cleveland, and they now have two children, Erma and Erena.

EMIL C. PRYER.

Emil C. Pryer, who in an active business life gained his income largely from the growing of grapes, is now living retired at No. 14287 Superior avenue in Cleveland Heights. He is a native son of Germany, his birth having there oc- curred March 26, 1850. He came to America with his parents when five years of age, the family home being established in Canton, Ohio, and in 1864, when a youth of fourteen, he arrived in Cleveland. Soon afterward he became en- gaged in the raising of fruit but after a short time turned his attention to the wine business. Following his father's death he devoted his energies to the cul- tivation of grapes, continuing in business with constantly growing success until his retirement in 1907. Throughout the years he made a close study of the best methods of cultivating the vine, was thoroughly conversant with the nature of the soil and the kind of grapes that could be best produced under the climatic conditions of Ohio, and his broad experience and study enabled him to speak with authority upon the subject of grape culture.

On the 26th of March, 1878, Mr. Pryer was married to Miss Eliza Oehm, and they have four children : Stella, the wife of Albert Beck; Laurena, May and Alvin, all at home. The family attend the Presbyterian church and are well known socially in the section of the city where they reside. Mr. Pryer owns the comfortable home which they occupy and also has other property inter- ests. His political allegiance has long been given to the democracy but he has had no ambition for office, preferring during his active life to concentrate his time and energies upon his business, which brought him substantial success, making him one of the men of affluence in Cleveland Heights.

WILLIAM G. FIELD.

William G. Field, secretary and manager of the Norris Lumber Company. comes of good, solid German stock and inherits from his parents many of those sterling traits of character which make the sons of the fatherland so successful wherever found. Mr. Field was born in Cleveland, Ohio, March 6, 1873, being a son of Philip and Margaret Field, the former of whom was born in Wein- heim, Baden, Germany, August 19, 1841. When only ten years old he came to Cleveland with his parents, locating on a farm in the vicinity. He served dur- ing the Civil war, being honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio, July 24, 1865. Later he was foreman in the freight depot of the Lake Shore & Michi-

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A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III, Part 66

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1106

Author: Orth, Samuel Peter, 1873-1922; Clarke, S.J., publishing company
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago-Cleveland : The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1106