USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Cleveland, Ohio, Volume III > Part 99
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the company. They are the largest manufacturers of sash weights in the world and they also do an extensive business in designing and building heavy machin- ery. To control an enterprise of this extent and importance requires marked executive ability, thorough understanding of the practical workings of the foundry and a keen insight into trade demands-in all of which particulars James C. Brainard is well qualified, so that his labors are constituting an impor- tant element in the successful and profitable conduct of the business of the Johnston & Jennings Company.
Mr. Brainard has been married twice, the first time in 1892 and again in 1902, his first wife having died in 1899. His residence is at No. 2113 East Nine- tieth street. His vacations find him an ardent sportsman with rod and gun. He is known in military circles for he is a veteran of Troop A. He is well known in Masonic circles, having taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter and com- mandery, and is one of the popular members of the Cleveland Athletic Club of which he is now a director. He is likewise identified with the Chamber of Com- merce and is interested in its projects for the city's upbuilding along commercial and industrial lines. His record reflects credit upon an untarnished family name which for almost a century has been honorably connected with Cleveland's his- tory and the development of its various activities.
REV. LUKE RATH, C. P. P. S.
The Rev. Luke Rath of the Society of the Precious Blood and pastor of the Sacred Heart of Mary church was born at Cologne, Germany, January 20, 1867, a son of John and Sybilla (Koch) Rath. His father was born in Westphalia, Germany, in 1819, and died in 1891 in Columbus, Ohio, where he settled upon coming to the United States in 1883. His wife was also born in Germany in 1826, and died in 1880.
Father Rath was educated in the government school at Essen, Germany, con- tinuing there until he was fourteen years of age, when he was brought to the United States by his parents. When he was nineteen, in 1888, he entered St. Charles Seminary at Carthagena, Ohio, to study for the priesthood, taking the philosophical and theological courses. Here he spent ten years, being ordained February 26, 1898, by Archbishop Elder of Cincinnati at the seminary. He celebrated his first mass at the Holy Cross church, Columbus, Ohio, March 5, 1898. For the following ten years he was a teacher in St. Joseph College at Rensselaer, Indiana, in the classical course, but February 2, 1908, was appointed to his present charge. On January 3, 1887, he was admitted to membership in the Society of the Precious Blood.
The parish of the Sacred Heart of Mary was organized July II, 1873, and the first pastor was Rev. P. F. Quigby, S. J., who continued in charge until 1885. The church edifice stood on Broadview Road but it was burned May, 1907, and services are now held on the first floor of the fine school building on Pearl Road that cost fifty thousand dollars. In recognition of the good work done by the Precious Blood Fathers in the diocese of Cleveland the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Ignatius F. Horstmann gave the parish in charge of the Society of the Precious Blood. These good priests were the pioneers in the diocese. The Society of the Precious Blood has a new house for the missionaries and the par- ish one for the teachers. There are one hundred and thirty families in the par- ish, two hundred pupils in the charge of four teachers, and conditions are flour- ishing now under the energetic management of Father Rath.
Following the first priest were these given below: Father D. Scherer from 1885 to 1888; Father Hofstetter from 1888 to 1890; Father D. A. Steffen from 1890 to 1893; Father Michael Baker from 1893 to 1894; Father Neustich, S. J., and Father Schwick from 1895 to 1896; Father N. P. Weckel from 1896 to 1908,
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when Father Rath took charge. His work here has been of a comprehensive character and very exhaustive on account of the many matters which have re- quired his attention. He is a learned man and also one who has much executive ability and under his management the parish has been placed in an excellent con- dition in every particular.
JEREMIAH J. SULLIVAN.
To plan and to perform seem but a pastime to Jeremiah J. Sullivan, for appar- ently with the utmost ease he manipulates mammoth financial enterprises or institutes new undertakings, many of which have brought him wealth while others, founded in the spirit of philanthropy, have been of widespread benefit to his fellowmen. He stands as a central figure in the banking circles of Cleveland and his name is known and honored among the leading financiers of the country. Viewed from the standpoint of the present his career partakes of the marvelous, and yet careful investigation will bring to light the fact that there has been no esoteric or unusual phase in his record. It is that of a man who has labored- labored long and diligently, never heedlessly passing by the least opportunity or neglecting the slightest advantage. Earnest, discriminating study of each duty that has devolved upon him and of each situation in which he has been placed has brought him the keen and discriminating knowledge that now enables him to bring ready and correct solution to the mammoth financial problems which are presented to him.
Mr. Sullivan was born November 16, 1845, and the free and happy, if busy, life of the farm was his in his youthful days, the family home being near the vil- lage of Fulton, Stark county, Ohio. He was a pupil in the village schools and his environment was that of the great majority of Ohio boys, who enjoyed the advan- tages of public instruction but had little else to aid them in starting out in life. He was seventeen years of age when, constrained by the spirit of patriotism, he joined the Third Ohio Independent Battery for service in the Civil war, continu- ing in that command from 1862 until the close of hostilities. Valorous service in many hard-fought battles won him the rank of captain and he held that command when, in July, 1865, he was mustered out although it was not until the following November that he attained his majority.
It is a notable fact in the life of Mr. Sullivan that he has never been in an- other's employ. Desiring to engage in business, in 1867 he purchased with a part- ner a general store in Nashville, Ohio, and his impressive personality was soon felt in the conduct of the enterprise. While always dignified, he yet has a manner that wins regard and friendship and the local neighborhood found it a pleasure to trade with him. The business of the store increased rapidly and at the end of two years he purchased his partner's interest. His success in Nashville prompted him to seek a broader field of labor and in March, 1878, he sold his store and removed to Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, where he conducted a general hard- ware business for ten years, enjoying increasing success throughout that period. His personal popularity is also indicated in the fact that his fellow townsmen during that period urged him to become a candidate for the general assembly. He acceded to this request in 1879 in accepting the democratic nomination for senator from his district, which included the counties of Wayne, Knox, Holmes and Morrow. When the votes were counted he was found to be the successful candidate and for a two years' term he gave serious attention to the problems of state government. At the end of that time he declined a renomination. The public, however, demanded his further service in a legislative capacity and in 1885 he was again elected state senator, his nomination being without opposition in the convention and his election without opposition at the polls. During his legisla- tive career Mr. Sullivan took high grounds on all moral questions and was looked
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J. J. SULLIVAN
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upon as a leader in all movements which concerned the betterment of the condition of the state institutions for the care of the unfortunates. He was the champion of the bill in the senate for the establishment of the Soldiers' Home at Sandusky and has been equally effective in his labor to promote the interests of that insti- tution in later days, serving as one of its trustees, a position which he now occu- pies. In 1887 President Cleveland appointed him national bank examiner for the state of Ohio and during the three years of his service, terminated by his resigna- tion in 1890, he succeeded in bringing to justice some who were infringing upon the national banking laws of the country and in causing adherence to high stand- ards those who were connected with the banking interests of Ohio. He was en- dorsed by the voters of Holmes county as its candidate for congress in the years 1882, 1886 and again in 1888.
In April, 1889, a year prior to his retirement from office, Mr. Sullivan disposed of his business and property at Millersburg and removed to Cleveland. In March, 1890, he organized the Central National Bank and was chosen treasurer and man- aging director of that institution. He has had charge thereof since the bank opened its doors in May, 1890, holding successively the positions of cashier, vice president and president, his election to the office of chief executive having oc- curred in April, 1900. This by no means represents the extent of his business associations, for in various connections he has demonstrated his ability to handle perplexing problems and to coordinate forces until the utmost possibility for suc- cess has been reached. In 1898, he purchased a controlling interest in the First National Bank of Canton, Ohio, and is president of that institution. In 1905 he was the leading spirit in the organization of the Superior Savings & Trust Company and was the unanimous choice of the directors for its president.
Mr. Sullivan's splendid business and executive ability have been called forth in connection with the public service. He has been president of the Ohio State Bankers' Association and that he speaks authoritatively upon financial questions is indicated in the fact that he is often called upon to address bankers' conventions in various parts of the country. He has been a generous supporter and faithful member of the Merchant Marine League, being its treasurer since its organiza- tion, and has served as United States jury commissioner for the northern district. of Ohio for more than twenty years. He was elected to the colonecy of the Fifth Regiment of the National Guards of Ohio in 1884 by unanimous vote. Mr. Sul- livan is largely interested in lake shipping, being president of the Superior Steam- ship Company, president of the Ohio Steamship Company, vice president of the Pioneer Steamship Company. He has also been president of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and president of the National Board of Trade.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Sullivan was married in 1873 to Miss Selina J. Brown, and unto them were born two daughters and a son. Mr. Sulli- van finds pleasant association in his occasional visits to the Union, Country, Colonial, Roadside and Euclid Heights Clubs, of Cleveland, in all of which he holds membership. In manner he is a gentleman of the old school in that his courtesy is unfailing, but at the same time he is the alert, enterprising business man, a typical representative of the twentieth century spirit which formulates its plans and accomplishes its purposes along lines that demand the investment of millions.
FRANK 'A. THORNTON.
Every line of industrial activity is well represented in Cleveland by intelligent and progressive men who understand the demands of their trade and the exac- tions of their business. One of the oldest hardware stores of the city is that conducted under the name of Thornton & Broz Hardware Company; of which Frank A. Thornton is the senior member. He was born in Pennsylvania, April
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21, 1864, a son of Thomas and Ann (Coats) Thornton, both natives of England, where they married. They came to the United States early in life and located in Erie county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Thornton entered into the woolen mill business and continued in it until his death. Both the Thornton and Coats fam- ilies belong to good English stock.
After attending the public schools, Mr. Thornton took a business course at Oberlin College and then worked in a woolen mill. When twenty-two years old he started in his present business in Pennsylvania. For three years he and a brother continued together, but in 1887 Mr. Thornton sold and came to Cleve- land, where he bought out J. H. Amos, and with a Mr. Herrick conducted it for three years. At the expiration of that time he bought out his partner, and continued alone for four years, when he incorporated under the present style with Mr. Broz as his partner. The business is retail in character and there is a tinsmith shop in connection.
In 1885 Mr. Thornton married Minnie Sherman, who was also born in Penn- sylvania, and they have two children: Bonnie, with his father in the store; and Florence, in school. Mr. Thornton is a member of the Cataract Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Newburg. In politics he is a republican but has never held office, his business taking up all his time. It is a matter of pride with him that he has been in this line so long and that his house is one of the oldest of its kind in Cleveland. Some of the customers he won at first by his honest methods and the quailty of his goods and work remain with him still.
EDWARD S. FORD.
Cleveland is the home of numerous enterprises of stupendous magnitude, re- quiring a vast amount of capital and giving employment to thousands. The Triumph Electric Company is a corporation widely and favorably known, and the district manager of it is Edward S. Ford whose name heads this brief re- view. He was born in New York, October 8, 1863, a son of George A. and Martha Lauretta (Tracy) Ford. The father was also a native of New York state and came to Cleveland in 1872. He was the owner of a lake vessel and was also its captain, but later became president and general manager of Ford- Washburn-Storle Electric Company, continuing with that concern until his de- mise. His wife was also born in New York state and died here a number of years ago. The paternal grandfather made the original survey of Lake Ontario, and the maternal grandfather was Captain H. M. Tracy, commander of a United States revenue cutter. The Tracy family is an old one in the service of the government.
Edward S. Ford was educated in the Cleveland schools and later took a busi- ness course. On leaving school he entered the Southworthi Company as errand boy, and continued with the house for five years, working steadily upward until he was chief entry clerk when he left. He was then with the Everett & Wed- dell Banking Company for six years as discount teller, and upon making another change he went in with the Ford-Washburn-Storle Electric Company as secre- tary, holding that position for seven years. At the expiration of that time he was made district manager of the Triumph Electric Company, whose works are at Cincinnati. His district comprises northern Ohio. Mr. Ford is a member of the Cleveland Commercial Travelers Association, while fraternally he be- longs to the Independent Order of Foresters. While a republican, he has not been active in local affairs.
In 1893 Mr. Ford married. Caroline Prentiss Smith, who was born in the west but was brought to Cleveland when young. One daughter has been born to them, Miss Florence P., now fourteen years old. Mr. Ford and his wife are members of Calvary Presbyterian church, of which he has been a member of
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the board of deacons for many years, and he is very active in religious work. While his wife is just as much interested, her ill health prevents her joining actively in church affairs, although she sympathizes with it all very thoroughly.
J. WALTER WILLS.
J. Walter Wills, of the firm of J. Walter Wills & Sons, one of Cleveland's undertaking establishments, is a man whose gift of assimilating and making his own all the latest and best ideas developed in his special field of endeavor has placed him among those figuring at the head of the business. His methods, dis- tinctly modern and scientific as they are, have been made the subject of maga- zine articles and have received much favorable comment from the daily press.
Mr. Wills was born in Yellow Springs, Greene county, Ohio, in June, 1874, his parents being Silas and Anna (Wilson) Wills, both of whom came originally from Winchester, Kentucky. His early education was received in the public schools of his native town, and he then took advantage of the educational op- portunities presented by Antioch College, an institution of higher learning situ- ated there. He received his degree in 1899, and then came to Cleveland, where he gained his first actual experience in the business world, this being as an em- ploye with the State Mutual Life Insurance Company, under Hubert H. Ward. In course of time he severed this association and went into the undertaking busi- ness, in which he has achieved such signal success. At one time he attended the law department of Baldwin University but did not finish the course.
Mr. Wills was united in marriage to Miss Alberta Lee and two sons are growing up beneath their roof. Their residence is at 1873 Crawford Road, Northeast.
In several fraternal associations Mr. Wills finds both pleasure and profit, be- ing a member of Edwin Coles Lodge, No. 79, Knights of Pythias; the Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks, Cuyahoga Lodge, No. 93; and the Western Reserve branch of the United Order of True Reformers, No. 1600. He gives his support to St. Andrews' Episcopal church and is prominent in its affairs, being choir director and a member of the vestry committee. He is particularly well fitted for the former position, being an accomplished musician and teacher of vocal culture. Never content with mediocrity or half-measures either in the management of his business, the carrying out of his fraternal duties or the quality of the music he furnishes for the edification of the congregation of St. Andrews', Mr. Wills constitutes a valuable factor in those circles in which he plays a part.
HORACE DUNN.
Horace Dunn, who has risen to be a master mechanic of the great consoli- dated works of the American Steel & Wire Company through faithful attention to duty, was born in South Staffordshire, England, in 1862, a son of Henry and Maryan (Breakwell) Dunn. Both parents were born in South Staffordshire, where the father spent his entire life, engaged in carpentering and farming, hav- ing been reared on a country estate as were his parents before him. His death occurred in the latter part of 1862, but his widow survived him until 1903, hav- ing come to the United States to join her son Horace.
After attending the local schools of South Staffordshire, Horace Dunn started to work in the flax and jute factory at Barrowin Furnace, England, where he remained for two years. He next entered a machine shop in England, there remaining until 1881, when he emigrated to the United States, locating in
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Detroit, where a brother was living. Soon the two went to northern Michi- gan in a lumber camp, where they worked for three months. The next change was made when they came to Cleveland, and Mr. Dunn entered the service of the Cleveland Rolling Mill .Company. In 1885 he left the employ of this com- pany and engaged with the H. P. Nail Company, remaining there until February I, 1909, and leaving as a master mechanic although he had started in as a machin- ist. He was then transferred to his present position, which is a gratifying recognition of his services.
In 1893 Mr. Dunn married Eva A. Leighton, who was born in Cleveland, and they have three children: Henry R., born July 12, 1894; Horace, born De- cember 23, 1897; and Richard Roy, born February 27, 1901.
Mr. Dunn is a Mason, belonging to Woodward Lodge, Cleveland Chapter and Holyrood Commandery. He is also superintendent of the Foreman's Club, while politically he is a republican and active in its work. He is thoroughly conversant with his duties, understands every detail and is well fitted to direct men, gaining their friendship as well as controlling them, so that he is regarded as a very valuable employe and one who can always be depended upon.
GEORGE MOUNTAIN EDMONDSON.
George Mountain Edmondson, inheriting artistic taste from his father, began the study and practice of photography at the early age of fourteen. He is now recognized as the leading portrait photographer of Cleveland, devoting his life to that profession which is not only a source of intense interest to him but has rewarded his perseverance and patience in following it onto its higher planes by marked material benefits.
Mr. Edmondson was born in Norwalk, Ohio, August 23, 1866. His grand- father, George Edmondson, was the proprietor and president of Queenwood College in England. His son George W. Edmondson, father of George M. Ed- mondson, was born in that country and was educated in his father's college. In 1865 he came to America, settling in Norwalk, Ohio, where he became well known as a photographer. In 1889 he removed to Cleveland, where he is still engaged in business at the age of seventy-three years, doing excellent work in unexplored fields of the photographic profession.
George M. Edmondson pursued his education in the public schools of Nor- walk and at the age of fourteen took up the study of photography, to which he devoted his attention during the vacation periods. After leaving school he worked for his father for a short time and in 1887 came to Cleveland at the request of James F. Ryder to become assistant operator in the Superior street studio of that veteran of the profession. It was here that his knowledge of en- larging on the then new bromide paper won for Mr. Ryder several prizes in friendly rivalry with other brothers of the craft. After a year and a half Mr. Edmondson joined the forces at the old Decker & Wilbur studio in the Gaylord residence on Euclid avenue. 'After the firm dissolved partnership, Mr. Wilbur retiring, Mr. Edmondson remained with Mr. Decker, and after six years was taken into partnership, the business being conducted under the name of the ! Decker Studio. Six years later Mr. Edmondson succeeded to the business and soon afterward, enlarging his facilities, removed to No. 1822 Euclid avenue, his present quarters. This is a residence studio, the whole building being needed to accommodate his growing business. He has recently secured a studio in the residence section of Euclid avenue, No. 2362, into which he will move as soon as the extensive alterations necessary for his accommodation are completed. He has concentrated his attention chiefly on portrait photography, for which he has received numerous medals and awards, and has ever been in advance in intro- ducing in his studio work the latest discoveries in his art. Especially noticeable
GEORGE M. EDMONDSON
the
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was his demonstration in color photography and his wonderful success in the almost-science of home portraiture. He has been elected to the presidency of the Photographers Association of Ohio and in 1902 was chosen president of the Photographers Association of America. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Professional Photographers Society of Ohio and is also a member of the Professional Photographers Society of New York. He belongs, moreover, to the Chamber of Commerce, to the Lakewood Yacht Club, the Cleveland Ath- letic Club and to the Unitarian church. He is a man of broad-minded and liberal views on all questions.
FREDERICK G. LOESCH.
Since 1893 Frederick G. Loesch has held the position of secretary of the Herrman-McLean Company, located at 2538 Lorain avenue, who deal exten- sively in groceries, flour and feed. His parents, Frederick and Gertrude Loesch, were residents of Cleveland at the time of his birth, November 15, 1859. The father, born May 18, 1833, was a German, his early home being near the famous watering place of Baden-Baden. He was a confectioner, and upon coming to this country and locating in Cleveland, found employment in his special work for the following eighteen years. At last venturing to start in business for himself, he opened a shop at 129 Bridge street and enjoyed success until his retirement in 1892.
Mr. Loesch, of this review, leaving school at the age of fourteen years, as- sisted his father in business for five years, and then entered the employ of H. Gehring, a grocer, as clerk and afterward becoming foreman. In five years he severed his connection with this house to enter the service of the Herrman- McLean Company as a clerk. When the firm was incorporated he was chosen secretary, and a share of the glory for the splendid growth of the company should doubtless be his. The Herrman-McLean Company own four stores in the city, employing eighty men and running fifteen wagons.
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