Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 7

Author: Doyle, William B., b. 1868
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Ohio > Summit County > Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens > Part 7

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

County Recorders : Alexander Johnston, 1840-1843; Nahum Fay, 1843-1849; Jared Jennings, 1849-1852; Henry Purdy, 1852- 1858; Phillip P. Bock, 1858-1864; J. Alex- ander Lantz, 1864-1870; Grenville Thorpe, 1870-1872; Henry C. Viele, 1872; George H. Payne. 1872-1878; Albert A. Bartlett, 1878- 1884: Henry C. Searles, 1884-1890; Benja- min F. Clark, 1890-1896; Williston Alling. 1896-1902: John Sowers, 1902 to date.

County Sheriff's : Thomas Wilson, 1840- 1844; Lewis M. James, 1844-1848; William L. Clarke, 1848-1852; Dudley Seward, 1852- 1856; Samuel 1. Lane, 1856-1861; Jacob Chisnell, 1861-1865: James Burlison, 1865- 1869; Augustus Curtiss, 1869-1873; Levi J. McMurray, 1873-1877 ; Sam'l. A. Lane, 1877- 1881: William McKinney, 1881-1885; Wil- liam B. Gamble, 1885-1889; David R. Bunn, 1889-1893: William Williams. 1893-1897 ; Horace G. Griffith, 1897-1901; Jared Barker, 1901-1907 ; Dan P. Stine, 1907 to date.

Prosecuting Attorneys: William M. Dodge, 1840-1842; George Kirkum, 1842-1844; Wil- liam S. C. Otis, 1844-1846; Samuel W. Mc- Clure, 1846-1848; William H. Upson, 1848-

1850; Harvey Whedon, 1850-1852; Sidney Edgerton, 1852-1856; Henry Mckinney, 1856-1860; Newell D. Tibbals, 1860-1864; Edwin P. Green, 1864; Edward Oviatt, 1864- 1868; Jacob 1. Kohler, 1868-1872; Henry C. Sanford, 1872-1874; James M. Poulson, 1874-1876; Edward W. Stuart, 1876-1880; Charles Baird, 1880-1884; John C. Means, 1884-1886; Edwin F. Voris, 1886; George W. Sieber, 1886-1893; Samuel G. Rogers, 1893- 1896; Reuben M. Wanamaker, 1893-1902; Henry M. Hagelbarger, 1902-1908.

County Surveyors: Russell H. Ashmun, 1840-1843; Peter Voris, 1843-1846; Frederick Seward, 1846-1849; Dwight Newton, 1849- 1852; Schuyler R. Oviatt, 1852-1855 ; Hosea Paul, 1855-1870; Robert S. Paul, 1870-1874 and 1877-1883; John W. Seward, 1874-1877; Charles E. Perkins, 1883-1893; Sherman Swigart, 1893-1896; Joseph A. Gehres, 1896- 1908.

Infirmary Superintendents : Abrahamı Sichley, 1849-1855: William Chandler, 1855- 1861; Francis T. Husong, 1861-1868; George W. Glines, 1868-1878: George Feichter, 1878- 1879; Julia F. Glines, 1879-1882; Willard F. Hamlin, 1882-1887; Sherman B. Stotler, 1887 to the present time.

SUMMIT COUNTY OFFICERS, 1907.

Judges of Circuit Court, Eighth Judicial Circuit of Ohio-Hon. Ulysses L. Marvin, Akron: Hon. Louis H. Winch, Cleveland; Hon. F. A. Henry, Cleveland.

Judges of Common Pleas Court, Second- Sub-division, Fouth Judicial District of Ohio-Ilon. Geo. C. Hayden, Medina; Hon. C. G. Washburn, Elyria; Hon. R. M. Wana- maker, Akron.

Probate Judge-W. E. Pardee.

Commissioners-Philip Wagoner, Akron; Eber Hawkins. West Richfield; L. H. Oviatt, Hudson; Gus. Seiberling. Barberton (elert).

Auditor-M. D. Buckman. Treasurer- Fred E. Smith.

Clerk of Courts-Clint W. Kline. Sheriff-Daniel P. Stein. Recorder-John Sowers.

5.4

HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY

Prosecuting Attorney-H. M. Hagelbar- ger.

Coroner-L. B. Humphrey.

Infirmary Directors-W. E.Waters, AAkron ; Z. F. Chamberlain, Macedonia; J. M. Johns- ton, Fairlawn.

Superintendent of Infirmary-S. B. Stot- tler.

Jury Commissioners-W. H. Stoner, F. A. Green, P. G. Ewart. W. H. McBarnes.

Surveyor- J. A. Gehres.

County Detective-H. M. Watters.

Stenographer-W. H. Collins.

Trustees Children's Home-A. M. Arm- strong, Akron; J. B. Senter, Northfield; F. M. Green, Akron; J. H. Brewster, Coventry ; Mrs. R. E. Grubb, superintendent.

Court House Commission-L. H. Oviatt, chairman; J. C. Frank, secretary; Philip Wagoner, Eber Hawkins, J. Park Alexander, R. F. Palmer, W. A. Morton.

County School Examiners-M. S. Kirk, Akron ; F. L. Lytle, Hudson ; W. M. Glasgow, Barberton.

County and City Board of Elections-E. H. Bishop, Akron, chief deputy; F. E. Whitte- more, Akron, clerk; R. C. Ellsworth, Rich- field; F. C. Wilson, Akron; L. C. Koplin, Akron ; office, 520 and 522 Hamilton build- ing

Summit County Soldiers' and Sailors' Re- lief Commission-J. C. Weber, John C. Reid, Cuyahoga Falls; A. P. Baldwin, secretary.

CITY OFFICERS.

Municipal Offices and Council Chamber, East Mill, corner Broadway; City Prison, 86 East Mill; Treasurer's Office, Court House; Infirmary Director's Office, 90 South Howard.

Mayor-Charles W. Kempel.

Solicitor-C. F. Beery.

Auditor-W. 1. Durand.

Treasurer-Fred E. Smith.

Engineer-J. W. Payne.

Infirmary Director-Joseph Kendall.

Superintendent of Streets-Edward Dunn, Jr.

Superintendent of Market-John Wolf.

Board of Public Service-W. J. Wildes, J. H. Burt, J. J. Mahoney ; C. H. Watters, clerk.

City Council-Meets first and third Mon- day evenings of each month: Ira 1. Priest, president; Ray F. Hamlin, clerk; Joseph Dangel, A. G. Ranck and J. R. Mell, coun- cilmen at large. First Ward-J. M. Amund- son; Second Ward-F. J. Gostlin; Third Ward-M. S. Williams; Fourth Ward-J. W. Gauthier; Fifth Ward-John Beynon; Sixth Ward-L. D. Seward; Seventh Ward-S. R. Thomas; Board of Public Safety-C. C. Warner, E. C. Housel.

Police Department-J. F. Durkin, chief ; Robert Guillet, captain ; A. G. Greenlese, lieu- tenant.

Fire Department-J. T. Mertz, chief; F. F. Loomis, mechanical engineer.

Fire Station No. 1 (Central)-Corner High and Church streets; H. M: Fritz, captain.

Fire Station No. 2-Corner East Market and Exchange, East Akron; C. M. Smith, captain.

Fire Station No. 3-South Maple, corner Crosby ; Frank Rice, captain.

Fire Station No. 4-South Main, corner Fair; C. E. Tryon, captain.

Fire Station No. 5-East Buchtel avenue; John Cummins, captain.

Fire Station No. 6-Wooster avenue; C. S. Jost, captain.

Fire Station No. 7-North Howard; N. P. Smith, captain.

Board of Health-Mects first Friday of each month: Mayor C. W. Kempel, presi- dent ; Dr. A. A. Kohler, health officer; M. W. Hoye, sanitary police and milk inspector; G. B. Courson, clerk; J. D. Chandler, G. W. Crouse, J. C. Weber, A. P. Woodring, Wm. E. Young.

Library Board-Meets first Friday of each month at library, corner Market and High streets; J. C. Frank, T. J. Mumford, J. W. Kelley, W. T. Vaughan, G. D. Seward, Henry Kraft.

Parks-Fountain Park (Summit County Agricultural Society's Fair Grounds), East North, near city limits. Grace Park, corner Prospect and Perkins; Hill Park, corner East

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

Market and Broad; Neptune Park, West Mar- ket, corner Valley; Perkins Park, south of Maple at west city limits ; Perkins Square, cor- ner Exchange and Bowery; Pleasant Park, corner Thornton and Washington.

Cemeteries-Akron Rural Cemetery, west end Glendale avenue; German Catholic Cem- etery, South Maple, adjoining Rural Ceme- tery; East Akron Cemetery, East Market, Sixth Ward; St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery, West Market, west of Balch; Mount Peace Cemetery, North Valley, north of Doyle; C.

P. Hass, superintendent; Old Cemetery, New- ton, near east city line.

Board of Education-James T. Flower, Isaac C. Gibbons, Frank G. Marsh, Frank W. Rockwell, Frank G. Stipe, Edward W. Stewart, A. E. Kling.

Board of Review -- A. J. Weeks, O. L. Sad- ler, John Cook.

Trustees of Sinking Fund and Board of Tax Commissioners-C. I. Bruner, Harry Hamlen, Joseph Thomas, H. E. Andress.

CHAPTER IV

AKRON-THE COUNTY SEAT

Introductory-Economic Causes and Growth of Akron-Its Settlement and History- Public Improvements-Akron an incorporated Town-City Government-Mercantile Akron-Fire and Police Departments-Riot of 1900-Aftermath of the Riot.

Akron, the City of Busy Hands! The place of rubber-making, of sewer-pipe and clay goods, of the printing of books, of the grinding of grains and the making of cereal foods! All these are done here on the largest scale seen in any one place on the Ameri- can continents. You may add to them, large factories making linoleum, steam-engines and mining equipment, steam boilers, traction-en- gines, electric dynamos and motors, steam drilling machinery, twist drills and agricul- tural implements, belting, twine and cordage, varnishes and a host of small enterprises, mak- ing nearly everything needed by man or re- quired for the gratifying of his luxurious tastes.

Industrialism then is the one striking fea- ture of Akron and Akron life. Her triumphs have been triumphs of her industries. Her dark days have been the results of stagnation of business. The influence of the shop per- meates her whole sphere of activity. By far the larger part of her population is connected directly with the shop and it would be sur- prising if this interest in them were not deemed the paramount one generally, and the city's social, spiritual, educational and even mercantile interests, modified in no small de- gree by this all-pervading sentiment.

Herein we may find ample excuse for the "talking shop," which the vistor notices at once. For the same reason we may sym-

pathize with the citizen who is willing to sub- ordinate even his personal comfort to the pre- vailing spirit. Any agitation to abolish the smoke evil is sure to meet with the objection that smoke means turning wheels, and busy men and women, and streams of wages and prosperity. If a big factory wants a street vacated or opened, a bridge built or removed, a street paved, a sewer built, or an extension of the fire department, the Akron citizen has not, for a moment, a thought of objection. Nay, rather he digs into his pocket and brings forth the ready cash. Mind you, he meets every request of this kind with great per- sonal gladness and joy. He is perfectly happy in doing something to benefit the "shops." If you want to kill any projected movement in Akron just hint that it will be deleterious to the factories, or that the manu- facturers will find it necessary to oppose it. On the other hand the popular policy is one that will aid to develop manufacturing and business.

With such a favorable atmosphere is it any wonder that Akron has grown to be one of the great manufacturing cities of the United States? Is not this the very best inducement outside capital can have to locate here? Akron has never paid a cent, or donated a foot of ground, or exempted any enterprise from tax- ation for a day, to secure the location of any kind of business. When they do come she

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCHI, AKRON

ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCHI, AKRON

ST. BERNARD'S SCHOOL, AKRON

ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, AKRON

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, SCHOOL AND PARSONAGE

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

makes it easy for them to stay and to prosper. She welcomes them with open arms and shows a most benignant manner ever after. This has been the accepted policy for half a cen- tury. How well it has succeeded read in the history of Akron, marvel in the figures of the statistician, and behold in the multiplica- tion of factories and enterprises. The history of Akron then is a record of business activ- ity primarily. And it proves good reading- this record, beginning with the conception of an idea in the mind of a business man, covering struggles, ambitions and disappoint- ments of early days and ending in triumph for sagacity, courage and honesty. Such is an oft-repeated story in Akron life. . The triumph has many times brought with it a princely fortune.

AKRON A CITY OF MANUFACTURES.

These business successes have made the name of Akron well known in every corner of the earth. All her products are finished goods, ready for immediate use or consump- tion. She makes no raw materials. Many of her manufacturing rivals produce raw materials largely and they are sent away to other cities, where they are worked over and their identity lost. When they reach the con- sumer they bear the name of the last city which had a hand in the making of them. Akron-made goods never lose their identity. Their exportation is very large, and hence Akron labels, boxes and bales may be found all over the earth. Akron travelers abroad are often surprised at the fame of their lit- tle city in the far-away corners of the world. Akron cereal goods are shipped to every coun- try in Europe, mining machinery and agri- cultural machines to Africa and South Amer- ica and rubber products to Japan and China. Smaller exportations of other products are as widespread.

The story of Akron. then, is a story of manufacturing. and, if a very large part of this history is devoted to the city's industrial progress, it is accounted for by this fact. The great names in Akron history are the names

of manufacturers-Perkins, Miller, Conger, Werner, Schumacher, Goodrich, Barber, Crouse,, Crosby, Commins, Seiberling, Buch- tel, Robinson. Their activities were the mak- ing of Akron. They furnished the true basis for the city's development.

EDUCATION.

Reader, do not get the impression that Akron people live and have lived for the making of things alone. Such is far from being the case. Manufacturing is not deified. The shops are not set up as idols. The manu- facturers are not worshipped, and the all-es- sentials that are needed to make character and perfection of manhood are not slighted.

No city in Ohio makes so large a per capita expenditure for the maintenance of public schools. Ohio is famous for the excellence of its schools, but no city in the state can boast of better schools than Akron, or a healthier pub- lie sentiment back of them, or a greater pride in educational achievement. The "Akron idea" of graded schools originated here and took its name from this city. Ohio's whole school system has for its basis the idea of the Akron Congregational clergyman, who started Akron's schools on the march forward six decades ago.

This is the seat of Buchtel College. founded by, and taking its name from one of Akron's most prominent citizens, and one foremost in every good work. If a large part of this his- tory is devoted to the story of the rise of Buchtel College it is because of the important place Buchtel College occupies in the heart of the Akron citizen. He is proud of the position it has earned, he glories in the op- portunity it offers for the higher education of his children, right at his very door, and he sympathizes with "The College" in her calamities and struggles and ambitions.

The Catholic Church has provided many excellent parochial schools for the training of youth of that communion.

The law making attendance at school com- pulsory is rigorously enforced in Akron.

HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY

There has been a public library, open to all citizens, from the earliest days of the com- munity. Lyceum entertainments, lecture courses and the very best concerts have had their part in the popular education of the people.

Successes in education have made the names of Jennings, Bryan, Leggett, Find- ley, Fraunfelter, Rood and McAllister hon- ored ones in the city's history.

THE CHURCHES.

The churches occupy a relatively more important place in Akron life than is true of most municipal communities. In view of the overwhelming importance of the manu- facturing interests it is hard to believe that this is so. Close study of conditions, how- ever, demonstrates its truth. Every import- ant Christian denomination is represented by a live and thriving church organization. Akron is one of the important church cen- ters for at least two of the denominations- the Methodists and the Universalists. The "Akron Plan," in church architecture has been an important factor in the former, and the church life, of which Buchtel Col- lege is the center, in the latter. The history of the Methodist Church in America will be incomplete without a record of Chautauqua and Lewis Miller. Many ministers and priests have won large successes in their la- bors in Akron, and her citizens will always remember with earnest reverence such men as Carlos Smith, Monroe, Burton, Day. Young, Ganter, Scanlon and Mahar. There is a roll of honor among laymen, also. The leaders of the past in the manufacturing world have also been leaders in church and charitable work. Take the names of the captains of industry first above given ; there is only one of them who has not had a very prominent part in the work of some Akron church. That list might be extended almost indefinitely.

THE PROFESSIONS.

Akron's reputation as a manufacturing and business center has attracted a host of professional men. Most of them have been capable practitioners and have made useful and respected citizens. Of the doctors who have gone, many like Crosby, Bowen, Co- burn, Bartges, McEbright and Jacobs, not only held high positions in their profession, but did much for the material advancement of Akron's various interests. At the present time all schools of medicine are represented here by exceedingly accomplished phy- sicians.

From its ranks of lawyers Akron has sent forth men who have taken high places in public life, both in the service of the state and the nation. Memory recalls readily the names of Bierce, Bliss, King, McClure, Edgerton, Spalding, Sanders, Cartter, Alger. Wolcott, McKinney and Upson. The pres- ent junior senator from Ohio is a member of the Summit County Bar. Very few coun- ties in Ohio are able to bring forward better lawyers than those who make up the local bar. Business, both manufacturing and mercantile, brought the lawyers. Large in- terests, great producing and distributing, big deals and intricate enterprises demanded competent hands for their legal protection and direction. In the early days there were great enterprises exploited here. such as the canals, the Crosby projects, etc. They were directed by strong men, who demanded strong men as legal advisers. The associa- tion of such men attracted the ablest of the young lawyers then commencing practice. The high standard then established has been maintained until the present day. The great Akron companies entrust their legal matters entirely to members of the local bar. It is a rare thing for outside counsel to be called into a local case. On the other hand. Akron lawyers are frequently called into other counties of the state for legal advice and services.

In the last decade Akron has begun to at- tract attention in a new respect. The city

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

lies in the midst of nearly twenty small lakes, most of theni possessing great natural beauty. The city itself is most attractively located on more hills than ancient Rome possessed. and with magnificent views down and across the Cuyahoga Valley. These things have been gradually becoming known and it began to be whispered about that there was good fishing in the Akron lakes and good camping sites on their shores. Thus the

summer invasion began. Great improve- ments have been made, those at Silver Lake alone costing $100,000. Summit Lake has a beautiful new casino which will seat 3,000 people. Many beautiful cottages have been built at Turkey-Foot Lake and Springfield Lake. During the season the attractions of Akron as a summer resort bring thousands of people to the city. Merchants find their trade correspondingly larger and there is no dull season known to our mercantile circles. The local summers are never excessively hot. There will be. perhaps. two or three periods of hot weather when the thermometer will reach 87, or, in extreme cases, 90 degrees. These periods are of very short duration, seldom last- ing more than four or five days, and the rest of the summer consists of delightful days, with the air clear, and the sky blue, and the thermometer ranging from 70 to 80 degrees. The high altitude of the city, the higher por- tions being nearly 1,100 feet above the sea level, and the proximity to Lake Erie combine to lower the temperature in summer and to make the city a healthy and delightful place in which to live.

Many beautiful residences and private parks attest the prosperity of Akron's citizens. All the important streets are paved with brick. stone or asphalt. Beautiful and well kept public parks are situated in all parts of the city. Here is one of the finest Music Halls in the state and one well adapted for large conventions. music festivals and other im- portant public occasions. Here, also, are three fine theaters, one of them-the beautiful Colonial Theater-presenting the best at- tractions to be seen on the American stage.

The Y. M. C. A. has been reorganized and

is enjoying a new home, costing about $100,- 000. The Akron City Hospital is now com- pletely established in a new six-story build- ing and making use of an equipment that cost $150.000. It will compare favorably with any hospital in America.

The Y. W. C. A. has moved into a fine new home on High street, where it possesses every possible requisite for the successful prosecution of its admirable work. No more praiseworthy work is being done in Akron than that of the Y. W. C. A.

Two beautiful new ward school buildings have just been erected and the High School nearly doubled in capacity by a splendid new building adjoining the old building on the west.

The old court house built in 1840 has been supplanted by a superb structure of stone crowning the old court-house hill, and costing about $300,000. Many fine new business blocks were erected in 1906. The additions made to the store of The M. O'Neil Company in 1907 make it the largest store in Ohio and one of the great department stores of the United States.

Akron always takes time to rejoice in its fire department. It is housed in seven modern buildings in different parts of the city, and furnished with the latest appliances and equip- ment for extinguishing fires. The personnel of the department is very high and the citi- zens have absolute confidence in its efficiency.

The city has equal faith in its custodians of the law. The police force is a capable one and is guided by trustworthy hands. Life and property, therefore, enjoy here as large a measure of protection as the best American municipalities afford.

The city supports three enterprising and successful newspapers. They are clean, able, and fearlessly edited, and reflect great credit upon the community which reads and sup- ports them.

Akron's retail stores are a satisfaction to her people. The stocks of goods are as com- plete and timely as those of the best city stores and the prices are considerably lower than in most cities of Akron's size. The old

HISTORY OF SUMMIT COUNTY

tendency to run to Cleveland to do purchas- ing is a thing of the past. If there ever was any necessity for such a course it no longer exists. When the public learned that the same quality of goods could be purchased in Akron at prices equal to the lowest anywhere, shopping in Cleveland became a mere affecta- tion and accordingly has not been fashionable for a considerable time.

Akron's growth in population has been at the rate of 5 per cent per annum in late years. Accordingly the year 1908 will find nearly 60,000 people dwelling within her borders.

Such is a rapid pen-picture of Akron as it exists in 1907. In the following pages will be found an accurate account of the rounding of the city, the purposes its founders had in mind, its early struggles, its pioneer citizens, its growth in many diverse ways, its disasters and misfortunes and its complete triumph in the year of its greatest prosperity, 1907. The reader will also find reliable historical state- ments concerning Summit County, its town- ships, its villages and all the various activities of Summit County citizens since the begin- ning.

ECONOMIC CAUSES AND GROWTH OF AKRON.

It is inaccurate to say that the Ohio Canal made Akron. The city as it stands today is the resultant of many causes. Many and different influences, and various men and measures, have co-operated toward the end now attained. The start was made long be- fore the Ohio Canal was built. Within the present limits of the city, settlements at two different points had been made, which ante- date the canal by nearly two decades. In 1807 the first settlement had been made in Middle- bury. In 1811 Miner Spicer had started "Spicertown." In the same year Paul Wil- liams settled upon the lands immediately west of the Spicer settlement and adjoining the land of General Simon Perkins on the east. When the canal was opened in 1827 Middlebury was an important village. It had

attracted many settlers from the East, prin- cipally from Connecticut, and boasted of half a dozen mills and factories, a dozen stores, three inns and about five hundred inhabitants. It certainly deserved a place on the maps of the time.

Let us search that we may find, if we can, the economic reasons for the existence of Akron. The sentence that begins this chap- ter contains the idea that is ordinarily ad- vanced as the sole reason for the Akron of today. The unthinking man repeats: "The canal made Akron." The writer on Akron history records: "Dr. Eliakim G. Crosby made Akron."

The truth is, no one thing and no one man made Akron, but that all the men who have ever worked for Akron, from the earliest be- ginning until this centennial year of 1907, aided by certain natural advantages, "made" Akron. The term "men" is here used in the generic sense, and includes the army of noble women who planned, worked, and sacrificed, and made man's work worth the while. All the minds and all the hands; all the labor and all the capital; all the faith and all the hope-these have been working for one hun- dred years to produce the results we now be- hold.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens, Part 7

Author: Doyle, William B., b. 1868 Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author: Doyle, William B., b. 1868
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1150