USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 82
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NOYES BILLINGS PRENTICE, M. D.
It is seldom that an individual wins distinction in more than one line of business, but Dr. Prentice has become recognized as an eminent physician and surgeon and has won success as a financier. Born on the 25th of November, 1827, in Unionville, Lake county, Ohio, he was the third son of N. B. Prentice, who was a saddler by trade and followed that pursuit for a long period. He was also captain of a cavalry company for many years and his salient char- acteristics were such as won for him the high regard of many who knew him.
Dr. Prentice was a youth of twelve years when the family removed to Har- persfield, Ashtabula county, Ohio. At that time his father suffered financial reverses, which made it necessary for the son to provide for his own support and also to aid in the maintenance of the family. While young to shoulder such responsibilities, he did not hesitate but at once sought employment, which he secured as errand boy, while later he was advanced to the position of clerk. His educational advantages were thereby limited but laudable ambition prompted him to utilize every means at hand for advancement. It was his desire to become a member of the medical profession and in order to accomplish this, and as a means toward an end, he took up the study of dentistry at the suggestion of Dr. James Stoddard, that the practice of that profession might bring him suffi- cient means to enable him to prepare for the practice of medicine. He studied and practiced with Dr. Stoddard for two years and at the age of twenty-one began reading medicine under the direction of Dr. J. C. Hubbard, of Ashtabula. His preliminary reading was supplemented by a course of lectures in the Cleve- land Medical College in the term of 1850-51. In the spring of the latter year he went to Canfield, Mahoning county, Ohio, where he read and practiced medi- cine with an elder brother, Dr. Walter M. Prentice, as his preceptor. Subse- quently he removed to Ravenna, Ohio, and formed a partnership with Dr. A. Belding and Dr. Collins of that place. While he resided there he further quali- fied for onerous and advanced professional service by attending lectures at the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated in March, 1856.
Soon after his graduation Dr. Prentice formed a partnership with his brother, who had removed from Canfield to Cleveland and opened an office on the west side. The relation between them continued until 1863, when Dr. Walter M. Prentice entered the army on the staff of General Frye and became recognized as a surgeon of rare ability. Dr. Noyes Billings Prentice, at the commence- ment of the war, was also appointed a surgeon under Colonel George B. Senter, and was stationed at Taylor and afterward at Camp Cleveland on the Heights.
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In 1862 he was appointed acting assistant surgeon of the United States army and had charge of one of the divisions of the general hospital. While acting in that position more than ten thousand men were examined by him. The same year he was made chief surgeon in charge of the marine hospital at Cleveland and so continued until appointed United States marshal on the Ist of July, 1872, through the selection of General Grant. He filled that position for two terms, having been reappointed in 1874, after which he resumed the private practice of medicine in Cleveland. He was also appointed the first deputy mar- shal and selected the first United States juryman in his district. He likewise acted as coroner of the county and as a member of the board of health, and in all official service his course was characterized by the utmost loyalty to duty and by the highest standards of service. He took an active interest in local politics, occupying important positions on various committees and never falter- ing in his allegiance to the party which was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the organ of reform and progress. He stood firmly by President Lincoln's administration and in the darkest days of the conflict never doubted the issue. He was a great admirer of Henry Clay and a warm personal friend of Senator Sherman.
On the Ist of May, 1853, Dr. Prentice was married to Miss Georgia A. Crary, of Monroe, Michigan. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky, during a brief residence of her parents at that place. Her grandparents in both the paternal and maternal lines were very early settlers of Lake county, Ohio, and both grandfathers were valiant soldiers of the Revolutionary war. Dr. Prentice is survived by only one child, Mrs. Charles A. Dunklee, of Cleveland. Dr. Prentice attended the Episcopal church and was very liberal to organized char- ities, while in private relations he also displayed a most benevolent spirit. He was in hearty sympathy with the principles of Masonry and attained the thirty- second degree of the Scottish Rite.
While Dr. Prentice became recognized as one of the eminent physicians of Cleveland, keeping in touch with the trend of general progress in professional lines and by his own investigation and research also adding much to his knowledge and ability, he was not alone known because of his understanding of the prin- ciples and methods of practice of medical science. He also figured prominently in banking circles, becoming one of the charter members of the Citizens Sav- ings & Trust Company, and was a member of the advisory board at the time of his death. He passed away at the venerable age of eighty-one years, and though he is no longer one of the residents of the city where he had lived and labored for a half century, he is yet remembered by a large majority of Cleveland's leading residents, who honor him because of his superior attainments in pro- fessional lines and his fidelity to all of the principles of honorable and upright manhood.
HENRY BOLLINGER.
The destinies of that large and thriving industry, the Phoenix Ice Machine Company, whose offices are situated at 1566 Merwin Road, have for the past three years in large measure rested in the efficient hands of Henry Bollinger. He is a native of Switzerland, born January 16, 1856, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth Bollinger. The former was a Swiss wagonmaker, who was born June I, 18II, and died in 1879.
Until his fourteenth year Mr. Bollinger attended the schools of his native country and from that age until some years past the attainment of his majority was busily engaged in mastering the machinist's trade. When about twenty-six years of age he came with his wife to America, and going to Akron, Ohio, found employment for six montus as a machinist. Drawn by the larger opportunities
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of a great city, he came to Cleveland and spent his first six months here in the employment of the Langenau Manufacturing Company. After a year as machin- ist with the Myler Manufacturing Company, he became foreman and erecting engineer with the Arctic Ice Machine Company. Here his usefulness proved to be such that he remained for fourteen years and then left only to enter into part- nership with Mr. Reiley, under the firm name of Bollinger & Reiley. After a time he sold his interests and organized the Phoenix Ice Machine Company which came into active existence January 1, 1907. Among the products turned out by the Phoenix Ice Machine Company are ice-making and refrigerating plants, and the like.
Mr. Bollinger was married in Switzerland, April 6, 1882, to Miss Mary Michel- berger. They have one son, Harry Ernst, born March 19, 1888, who is secretary and treasurer of the Phoenix Ice Machine Company. The family residence is at 2070 West Twenty-Sixth street.
Mr. Bollinger has a number of pleasant affiliations, being a Mason with mem- bership in the blue lodge and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He also belongs to the Swiss Society and his uncommon executive abilities are again brought into play as president of the Swiss Aid Society. He is independent in politics and a member of the Reformed Lutheran church. His success has by no means been one sided, for he is esteemed as much as a man and a gentleman as he is as a factor in the industrial world.
SAMUEL L. HENRY.
Samuel L. Henry, identified for many years with the real-estate and con- tracting business in Cleveland, was born on a farm in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, March II, 1864, a son of Francis and Margaret (Leighton) Henry. In 1884 the family crossed the Atlantic to America and the father engaged in farming and stock-raising near Galt, Canada, up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1885. The mother still survives and at the age of seventy years resides in Cleve- land with a daughter, Mrs. Dawe.
Samuel L. Henry attended school in his native village until coming to Amer- ica, after which he assisted in the work of his father's farm for a time. He had previously served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In 1889 he came to Cleveland and through the following five years was engaged in horseshoeing and blacksmithing. The succeeding seven years he spent at the Forest City Stock Farm, following his trade of horseshoeing. Returning to Cleveland, he noted the city's rapid growth and determined on engaging in the real-estate and contracting business, to which he has since de- voted his energies, operating extensively in the building and sale of residence properties. He is now well known as a speculative builder and his efforts have contributed to the substantial improvement of various sections of the city.
In 1892 Mr. Henry was married to Miss Alice Ellacott, a daughter of John and Anna Ellacott, the former a contractor and builder, of English birth. Three children were born of this marriage: Bernice, who died at the age of five years; Verna Irene, whose birth occurred September 19, 1899; and Alice Frances Marie, who was born April 16, 1907. Verna is now a student in the Columbia school. The family residence is at No. 10604 Elgin avenue, which was erected by Mr. Henry in 1906. The members of the household are identified with the Glenville Presbyterian church. Mrs. Henry was born in London, England, and in 1888 came to the United States with her parents, who made their way direct to Cleveland. She acquired her education in her native land and became identi- fied with kindergarten work in this city in connection with Miss Fannie Davis, of Sawtell avenue. She was among the pioneers in this kind of work in the
SAMUEL L. HENRY
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city and she numbers among her former pupils those who are today counted with the prominent young business men of Cleveland.
Mr. Henry finds his recreation in motoring. In politics he has been identi- fied with the democratic party where national issues are involved but at local elections votes independently, deeming the fitness of the candidate of the great- est importance. Coming to America with limited resources save a strong con- stitution and a determination to make the most of his opportunities, he has by close application and shrewd business management earned the right to be num- bered with those who have succeeded. He has gained a large circle of friends who admire him for his energy and rugged honesty.
JOHN D. CHAMBERS.
John D. Chambers, secretary and treasurer of the Art Engraving & Electro Company, resides on Stanwood Hill Road in East Cleveland. He was born February I, 1851, in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish parentage. Reared at the place of his nativity, he acquired a public-school education and thus qualified for the practical duties of life. He then took up the profession of teaching in the public schools and in 1877 entered the employ of the Standard Oil Company at Pittsburg. Later he went to Toledo, Ohio, as manager for the company in that city and in December, 1885, he came to Cleveland, at which time he was made manager of the lubricating department of the Standard Oil Company here, continuing with that corporation for twenty-five years, or until 1892, when he resigned and turned his attention to the publication of the En- gineers Review, which he managed until 1907, when that paper was consoli- dated with the Power of New York. At present Mr. Chambers is secretary and treasurer of the Art Engraving & Electro Company, which has a well equipped establishment and is enjoying a constantly increasing business.
In November, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Chambers and Miss Jessie Parmlee, of Toledo, Ohio. Unto them have been born two children : Helen, who died May 29, 1909; and Orpha, who is attending the Normal School.
Mr. Chambers does not belong to any societies or lodges but gives much time and attention to church and public-school work and to the Young Men's Christian Association. For seventeen years he has served as a member of the board of education of East Cleveland and in his honor the Chambers school building was so named. In all those relations of life which demand loyalty of citizenship and upright manhood he is never lacking. His political allegiance is usually given to the republican party but he does not consider himself bound by party ties and his individual judgment is exercised in his voting. He and his family at- tend the Presbyterian church and they occupy an attractive home, which he owns, while in other sections of the city he also has property interests. In the years of his residence in Cleveland his influence has always been found on the side of progress, and he is ever interested in all movements that make for the common good.
WILLIAM GROTHE.
The personnel of the White Sewing Machine Company is made up of many forceful, persistent and far-sighted business men well qualified to manage the important interests in their care. Among the number is William Grothe, who is now occupying the responsible position of superintendent. He was born in Karlshaven, Germany, on the 30th of May, 1847, and was six years of age when he crossed the broad Atlantic to the new world, it requiring seven weeks to
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make the voyage to New York. The year 1853 witnessed his arrival in Cleve- land as well, and he was sent as a pupil to the public schools, where he re- mained until he put aside his text-books and became a factor in the world's work.
Mr. Grothe was employed in connection with various positions in electrical lines and was also engaged in making sewing machine repairs. He afterward spent two years in the employ of Edwin Cowles, of the Cleveland Leader, and in 1870 he came to the White Manufacturing Company and has continued with the company up to the present time with the exception of a year and a half spent in the service of W. G. Wilson. He filled the position of experimenter until 1889, after which he was made assistant superintendent and so continued until 1893. Further promotion then came to him in his appointment as superinten- dent and for sixteen years he has now had complete charge of the factory. Prior to this time he had so closely applied himself that he had become familiar with all of the practical working thereof and was well qualified for the duties that devolved upon him as he assumed the management. He thoroughly under- stands mechanics and the scientific principles relative thereto, while his specific knowledge of machine building is most comprehensive and exact. He is now one of the stockholders and is also a director of the company.
In 1870 Mr. Grothe was united in marriage to Miss Anna Cobelli, a daugh- ter of Carl J. and F. Cobelli. Their children are: Mrs. W. F. Maurer; Walter ; Oscar, who is married; and Frank A. Mr. Grothe gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which he has served since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He early learned the lesson that success must be purchased at the price of earnest, self-denying labor, and as the years have gone by his record has been one of indefatigable effort, close application and intelligent direction. His promotions have come to him by reason of his faithfulness, trustworthiness and capability, and he is now one of the foremost representatives of industrial interests in Cleveland.
GUSTAV SCHAEFER.
Gustav Schaefer is a carriage and wagon builder. His shop is at 4170-4180 Lorain avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. The different kinds of vehicles he makes are second to none.
Mr. Schaefer was born in Willmenrode, Nassau, Germany. He landed in New York in 1866 at the age of twenty-one years. He commenced at the age of twelve years to help his father in making the woodwork for wagons; every- thing had to be made by hand; machinery was in its infancy. They had to haul the logs out of the forest themselves, had to square them with the axe and saw them by hand with a rip or cross-cut saw. Spokes were split and shaped by hand, also hubs were turned on a hand lathe. Felloes were not sawed out of planks but hewed out of the log.
He had to attend public school eight years, eight hours a day, and yet when he was fourteen years of age was capable to make a complete wheel. When he was fifteen years old he served four years apprenticeship at blacksmithing. At nineteen he opened a shop for himself and made money enough in two years to make the trip across the ocean and after a long journey of seven weeks (of course on a sail boat) arrived safely in New York. After working a year at his trade in a large shop in that city, he came here to Cleveland in 1868 and worked about twelve years steady, in some of the best carriage shops in Cleveland until 1880.
He then commenced in the carriage business and went into partnership with Henry Eckhardt. They were together seven years, dissolving partnership in 1887. They had a hard struggle for existence but Schaefer's aim was to do the work right or not at all, having confidence in the public at large that they would find out in the length of time the superior qualities of his work. Succeeding in
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GUSTAV SCHAEFER
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his aim, he today employs a force of about fifty skilled workmen. Everybody knows Schaefer's works, it is made all right and in demand all over. Thousands of people who are using Schaefer wagons claim they cannot wear them out. Experts from all over claim Schaefer's work is not only a credit to Cleveland's industry but also to American manufacturing. There is nothing better made.
THOMAS J. KIRCHNER.
The florists of Cleveland as a class are exceptionally well fitted for the suc- cessful prosecution of their line of business and as there is ever a heavy demand for flowers, both cut and growing, there are a number of them to be found here. Among those thus identified with an important branch of trade is Thomas J. Kirchner, of No. 6701 Quincy avenue. He was born on the site of his present residence, September 16, 1870, a son of Thomas and Katherine Kirchner. The father was born in Bavaria, June 9, 1855, and came to America with his parents while yet a lad, locating in Wheeling, West Virginia, whence they came to Cleve- land by canal boat in 1845. The father was a florist and established himself in business but retired in 1894, leaving his son, Thomas J. Kirchner, in charge, although he retained an interest in it until 1900, when the son gained full con- trol. Following this the father lived retired at South Euclid, Ohio, until his demise in 1907, and his widow, who survives him, is still living there.
Thomas J. Kirchner was educated in the Cleveland public schools until 1885, when he began working for his father, learning the business under his instruc- tion. Since becoming owner of the establishment, it has developed wonderfully and is one of the finest and best known houses of its kind in the city. He is now using the output of ten private greenhouses, having an elegantly equipped work shop and designing room. He is an extensive grower of plants and his interests are centered on his business.
On September 29, 1896, Mr. Kirchner married Ida Duffner, a daughter of George Duffner, of Norwalk, Ohio. They have two exceptionally bright boys : Norman, aged eight; and 'Allan, aged six. The elder has been attending the pub- lic school two years, while little Allan has just entered. Both showed mental activity at a very early age, telling time by the watch when only five. Their kindergarten courses have prepared them for rapid advancement in their classes.
Mr. Kirchner is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Eagles, Moose, Foresters, Protected Home Circle, National Union and Society of American Florists, being popular in all. Having devoted his entire life to his work, Mr. Kirchner is well fitted for it, and his success has been rightly gained through legitimate effort intelligently directed.
MAURICE I. BLANCHARD.
Standing today at the head of that prosperous enterprize the Mechanical Rubber Company, is Maurice I. Blanchard, who was born in Rochester, Penn- sylvania, October 28, 1857, his parents being Ira and Dorcas Blanchard. His father was a native of Vermont, born in Montpelier in 1808, when the new na- tion could count its career in independence by only a little more than three dec- ades. Early in life he went to Rochester, Pennsylvania, where for many years he was engaged as station agent for the old Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway. His death occurred in 1864.
Maurice I. Blanchard was educated in the public schools until his thirteenth year, when he entered the vast army of wage earners. Employed as a mes- senger boy in a telegraph office, by natural energy and application he soon learned
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to be an operator and in that capacity was transferred to various points upon the railroad with which his father had also found employment. In 1882 he made a radical change by coming to Cleveland and engaging with the Cleveland Rubber Company as bookkeeper. His ability was such that he rapidly advanced, becoming secretary and treasurer in 1892 and when the firm became the Mechani- cal Rubber Company he was made general manager of the same. In 1907 he received the highest compliment in its bestowal by election to the presidency. This firm manufactures a general line of mechanical rubber whose merits are recognized far and wide. It has agents and stores scattered over the entire United States and the number of both of these is steadily increasing. Another proof of Mr. Blanchard's splendid executive capacity is the fact that he is also president of the Sawyer Belting Company, a large and successful business.
Mr. Blanchard was married in May, 1882, to Miss Shapnack, of Salem, Ohio, and this union has been blessed by the birth of two children. Harry G., twenty- six years of age, is assistant president of the Mechanical Rubber Company. Martha, at home, is a graduate of the Hathaway-Brown School of Cleveland and has a decided penchant for music and painting. Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard and their family reside at 8420 Carnegie avenue.
Mr. Blanchard is affiliated with two of Cleveland's prominent organiza- tions, the Colonial Club and the Cleveland Athletic Club. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Delighting in outdoor life, he has a decided fondness for that most fascinating of modern amusements, motor riding and driving. His political sympathies are with the republican party. Loyal in his friendships and honorable in his business relations, he stands on a sure footing in the esteem of his fellowmen.
JOHN HIRSIUS.
John Hirsius is one of the well known German-American residents of Cleve- land, as well as one of the city's substantial business men, and through the years of his residence here has amassed a comfortable fortune in a manner to retain the highest respect of those with whom he has had dealings. Moreover, he has the distinction of being the oldest cooper in Cleveland. He was born in Essen- heim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, on the 29th of September, 1843, his parents being John and Catherine Hirsius, who were likewise natives of that country. The father, who was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in Ger- many, passed away in 1867. The mother of our subject was called to her final rest at the age of sixty-seven years.
John Hirsius, who obtained his education in the schools of his native land, was but a lad of about thirteen years when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States in April, 1856. He came to America on a visit but not with the intention of continuing here. He was, however, so impressed with the advantages and opportunities of the new world that he concluded to remain and try his fortune on this side the Atlantic. His sole capital at that time consisted of thirty-five cents in money, but he also possessed a rugged constitution and an industrious nature, and he resolved that he would win success if it could be done by earnest persistent and honest effort. On landing he made his way at once to Cleveland and after determining to remain began work as a farm hand, being thus engaged until the outbreak of the Civil war. He then served in the commissary depart- ment for three and a half years and when hostilities had ceased returned to Cleve- land and embarked in the cooperage business, in which he has been actively and successfully engaged to the present time. The years have witnessed a steady in- crease in his business until it is now one of extensive and profitable proportions and he has the reputation of being the oldest cooper in the city, his connection with that line of activity now covering more than four decades. He is likewise a
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