USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Cleveland, Ohio, pictorial and biographical. De luxe supplement, Volume II > Part 17
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was given a salary of one hundred and twenty-five dollars and his board, making his home with his employer. He proved capable and efficient, so much so that he was offered an interest in the business, but he had determined to seek his fortune in the west, realizing that it was the growing section of the country, and he therefore believed that its opportunities were greater.
Leaving New England, Mr. Hatch purchased a ticket for St. Paul, Minnesota, and on the 22d of March, 1853, started for that city. He stopped at Cleveland en route to visit a friend for a day or two, dur- ing which time his friend's employer, Mr. Sackrider, of the firm of Palmer & Sackrider, said to him: "I believe you are seeking a posi- tion, Mr. Hatch. Allow me to introduce to you a young man who is just embarking in business, Mr. E. I. Baldwin." Mutually pleased with each other, after a brief conversation and an interchange of ideas, Mr. Hatch agreed to enter the employ of E. I. Baldwin & Company at a salary of five hundred dollars per year, and Cleveland then be- came his future home. His history at this point is an illustration of the fact that "There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." It was the starting point in a career of advancement that has brought him to a most prominent position in commercial and financial circles. His manifest ability won him almost immediate promotion, so that after three months he was head clerk in the new, growing and prosperous enterprise, and ere three years had passed he had become a partner in the firm, which at that time was transacting business to the amount of about two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars a year. The following year brought the widespread financial panic which so largely paralyzed business in every line throughout the entire country. The new firm, however, resolutely braved the storm, although it required the most careful management and keen discrimination.
About 1860 Cleveland secured a new impetus to its business activity, for a number of manufacturing concerns were here located and following the outbreak of the Civil war prices were also materially advanced. As early as 1866, however, the firm of E. I. Baldwin & Company saw that the future would bring great reduction in values and at once began to decrease the stock carried in their wholesale de- partment. Their wisdom in this movement was soon demonstrated, for when prices were lowered to a minimum in almost every line they were ready to buy new stock at that rate. In 1867 Mr. Hatch had to assume practically the entire management of the business, owing to the ill health of Mr. Baldwin, which necessitated a trip abroad. In 1856 Mr. Baldwin's father, S. I. Baldwin, who had been financially interested in the concern, had withdrawn and the partnership was
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maintained by E. I. Baldwin and Mr. Hatch under the firm style of E. I. Baldwin & Company until the '7os, when W. S. Tyler and G. C. F. Hayne were admitted to the business under the firm style of E. I. Baldwin, Hatch & Company. The junior partners later with- drew, however. As the years passed the business developed along substantial lines until the annual sales amounted to almost a million dollars and other partners were admitted. For some years prior to his death Mr. Baldwin was unable to give much time or attention to the business, owing to ill health, and the control and management thus devolved upon Mr. Hatch and the junior partners. Upon the death of Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Hatch assumed all the responsibility of the firm, purchased the former's interest and as chief executive head of the house displayed marked executive force and splendid adminis- trative ability in managing its affairs. The safe, conservative plan upon which it was founded was always maintained and yet Mr. Hatch and his associates, in reaching out for trade, extended the business and gained the success desired. The methods of the house were never such as to require disguise, but on the contrary were in accord with the strictest principles of commercial integrity and unfaltering industry.
As time passed and his financial resources increased, Mr. Hatch put forth effective effort in other lines, the value of his business judg- ment and carefully formulated plans causing his cooperation to be frequently sought. He was a corporate member and for several years one of the finance committee of the old Society for Savings. He was one of the original stockholders and directors of the Cleveland Na- tional Bank; one of the original promoters of the Savings & Trust Company, which was later merged into the Citizens Savings & Trust Company ; a director of the First National Bank; and vice president and trustee of the Lake View Cemetery Association. At the time he became connected with the last named it was bankrupt and the ceme- tery was an eyesore to the public. Mr. Hatch brought it to its present admirable condition, building a fine stone office and generally im- proving the property. Always interested in the material progress of the city, he has long cooperated actively with the movements for Cleveland's commercial and industrial upbuilding and for its munici- pal progress through his membership in the Chamber of Commerce.
In October, 1857, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hatch and Miss Lyda Baldwin, of New Haven, Connecticut, a sister of the late E. I. Baldwin and a most estimable lady, beloved by all who knew her. Her death occurred in May, 1886. Of the six children born of that union, four died in infancy, while two daughters yet survive, Alice G. and Anna L., the former the wife of Charles L. Pack. In
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November, 1888, Mr. Hatch wedded Miss Mary Cummings Brown, of Newark, New Jersey, and they have a daughter, Esther, and a son, Henry Reynolds, Jr.
Mr. Hatch has spent considerable time in traveling abroad ac- companied by his family, visiting the British Isles, the Mediterranean countries, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Egypt, Palestine and Greece. While his activity has brought him prominently before the public ยท in a business light and won for him substantial and well merited suc- cess, he is perhaps equally widely known for his philanthropy and his interest in various causes and movements for the benefit of his fellowmen. For a number of years he has been one of the elders of the Euclid Avenue Presbyterian church and is interested in all the different church activities. As vice president of the Humane Society he rendered valuable and lasting benefit to the community. In 1890 he gave tangible proof of his humanitarian spirit in purchasing ground and erecting thereon a home for waifs at a cost of twenty thousand dollars, this being a memorial to his deceased wife and known as the Lyda Baldwin Infants' Rest. He became one of the original members of the Associated Charities of the Bethel and was active in securing the building lot for that institution. He is also a trustee for the Young Women's Christian Association and no good work done in the name of charity or religion seeks his aid in vain. His life has been characterized by steady advance not only in the at- tainment of wealth but in that greater work of character building and few men enjoy or deserve in greater measure the confidence, good will and honor of their fellow citizens.
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James Richard Bill
James R. Bell, D. D. S.
D ENTISTRY is unique among the professions in that there are three essential elements to success: first a business sense that will enable one to manage the financial interests, secondly superior mechanical skill and ingenuity, and third a comprehensive knowledge of the scientific principles which underlie the work. Dr. Bell is lacking in none of these requirements, and in the practice of his profession he has gradually built up a business of large and im- portant proportions.
He was born in Orange township, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, Febru- ary 1, 1853, his birthplace being near the old home of the Garfield family. His father, James Bell, was born in Becket, Massachusetts, February 22, 1819. He was one of nine children and in early life came to Ohio with his parents who with their family crossed the mountains with five yoke of oxen and one horse in the lead, settling in Russell township, Geauga county, about the year 1822 or 1823. In early life he learned the blacksmith's trade and was a skillful mechanic. He not only engaged in blacksmithing but also made all kinds of farm implements for the agriculturists of the community, as the country was new and it was difficult to obtain farm machinery in the neighborhood. He also made a scientific study of shoeing horses and of correcting defects in their feet, and his work in this connection was of a most valuable character. During his young manhood James Bell also studied law but was never admitted to the bar. For seventy-five years he resided in Cuyahoga county and its vicinity, taking up his abode in Orange township when a young man. Subsequently he removed to a large farm on the Chagrin river near Mapleleaf Inn, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. In this work he was extremely suc- cessful and his labors constituted elements in the substantial develop- ment of the agricultural life of that region. He also maintained a blacksmith shop on the farm. He gained a general knowledge of
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medicine from the few books obtainable in those early days. When there were comparatively few physicians and when owing to bad roads travel was next to impossible, Mr. Bell used his knowledge of medicine for the benefit of others and became quite generally known as a good doctor, treating the common diseases among chil- dren such as whooping cough, measles, mumps, chickenpox and also several cases of diphtheria. His medical aid was also sought when different accidents occurred. One case in particular was with a Mrs. Gee, who cut her foot and would have bled to death had it not been for Mr. Bell's timely assistance, the aid of borax and tight bandages. His courage was evidenced many times but in one instance in partic- ular when he carried food and clothing to a whole family afflicted with smallpox. He became particularly well known as a stockraiser and for many years introduced several carloads of cattle each year from other states. His fondness for animals led him to study almost unconsciously the diseases among stock and he became proficient as a veterinary, his services in that particular being sought for far and near. He seemed to have an almost intuitive perception of the needs in this direction and what would meet them. One case shows proof of his skill. A neighbor's most valuable cow, which was so ill that he counted her among the dead, and made arrangements for a man of the neighborhood to skin her, was saved through the pity of Mr. Bell, who came upon the scene and administering some remedies. The cow was soon on her feet and eating to the great surprise of the owner when he returned. Mr. Bell likewise became interested in the lumber business in Michigan in connection with his brother-in-law, Isaac Sturtevant, and in all he undertook he proved himself a man of keen sagacity and undaunted enterprise. He was, moreover, a most hospitable man, extending to friends and neighbors a most cor- dial welcome. He had few advantages in youth but he used his opportunities in a wise way and became one of the valued and honored citizens of the community in which he lived.
For forty-one years James Bell lived upon one farm, but on the Ioth of April, 1897, retired from the active duties of life and took up his abode in Chagrin Falls. For many years he was a member of the Free Will Baptist church, but in later years united with the Chagrin Falls Methodist church. He died at the age of seventy-seven years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Matilda H. Curtis, passed away at the age of seventy-five, surviving her husband only a week. She was born in Euclid, July 31, 1823, and was one of eight children, whose parents, Richard and Clarissa Curtis, came from Connecticut and first settled near Farmington, Ohio. Her father was one of the early residents of Euclid township and the old stone house
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in which Mrs. Bell was born is still standing. She was about eighteen years of age when she gave her hand in marriage to James Bell in the year 1841, and on the 6th of January, 1891, they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. She was a loyal and devoted wife and mother, whose life was a most busy one, for she ever proved an efficient helpmate to her husband. The original theory of her life was to do everything possible and this included cheese and butter making, spin- ning, weaving, coloring, pressing, tailoring and dressmaking. She also did painting and papering in her own home, made soap and sugar and manufactured the head gear for the famly. She raised and picked the feathers for the beds, sorted and prepared the wool for the family stockings and then knitted and mended them. From one week's end to another she was busy with the duties of the household and she possessed, moreover, a moral strength which, coupled with enthusiasm, made an heroic element in her character. Various incidents are cited, too, concerning her fearlessness in the face of danger. Their family numbered seven children, five sons and two daughters, of whom five are yet living, namely : Mrs. Rosetta Morningstar of Madison, Lake county, Ohio; Mrs. Ellen M. Eddy, of Omaha, Nebraska; H. M., who is living in Chagrin Falls, Ohio; George C., of Cleveland; James R., of this review.
Dr. Bell was the fifth in order of birth in this family. His youth- ful days were passed on the home farm, while his preliminary educa- tion was acquired in the district schools. Later he had the benefit of instruction in Geauga Seminary, after having pursued his studies for a time in the graded schools at Solon, Ohio. Leaving the seminary he entered Hillsdale College, at Hillsdale, Michigan, at the age of nineteen years. Though his family were in comfortable financial circumstances, his father sent him to college with only twenty-five dollars, which was little more than enough to pay his railroad fare, tuition and books and he was obliged to work his way through. This developed in him, however, a self-reliant spirit and it is well known that self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the individual. Before he left for school Dr. Bell had had some dental work done. This was the first thing that suggested dentistry to him as a profession and before he had completed his course in Hillsdale College he took up the profession of teaching in order to earn funds wherewith he might meet the expenses of further study. Having chosen dentistry as a life work, he returned to Cleveland in 1872 and entered the office of Drs. Jerry E. and B. F. Robinson as a student. During the two succeeding winters he attended the Cleveland Medical College, taking a special course. He received his certificate in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, materia medica and dental surgery, and his
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understanding of these sciences proved of great benefit to him as he continued his preparation for dental practice in the Ohio State Dental College at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1876 with the degree of D. D. S. While there he was honored with the appoint- ment of assistant in the college clinics.
Returning to Cleveland, Dr. Bell opened an office at No. 55 Euclid avenue, in what was then known as the Arlington block, now the site of J. L. Hudson's store. This was on the Ist of April, 1876, and since that time, covering a period of a third of a century, he has continued in active practice in Cleveland.
When the Cleveland Dental College was established he became identified with the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College, where he was engaged in teaching dental surgery and in clinical work in the infirmary of that institution for nine years. He has been a mem- ber of the Ohio State Dental Society and the Northern Ohio Dental Association since his graduation and was a charter member of the Cleveland Dental Society. In these organizations he has been very active, has held office in all and with the exception of the first named has served as president. He is proud of the fact of having been a member of the International Medical & Dental Association, now the National Dental Association, and was in Washington in 1888 when the noted Dr. Davis of Chicago was president, at which time and place dentistry was made a specialty of medicine. This was a great event in the history of dentistry. He has held clinics before many societies and is very active as a representative of those organ- izations which tend to promote the general efficiency of the profession. His mechanical skill has been displayed in the production of some very valuable inventions in the way of dental instruments, the pro- fession being greatly indebted to him in this regard. Deeply in- terested in his chosen life work, from the beginning he has accom- plished much that is notable in advancing the interests of dentistry at large as well as in contributing to his individual success. He has written many valuable papers and articles which have appeared in the dental journals and magazines, and his ideas are at once practical and progressive. He has made the preservation of the natural teeth his principal study, and his labors in this direction have been of widespread value.
Dr. Bell, while he has won notable and enviable success in the practice of dentistry, has also become interested in various commer- cial and financial enterprises in Cleveland. He has always advocated Cleveland real estate as a safe investment and has ever believed that the first thing a man should acquire is a home of his own. His own dwelling is an ideal home at No. 1822 East Eighty-ninth street, which
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he erected in 1901. In addition he owns a farm in Madison, Lake county, where his family spend the summer months and where his periods of recreation are passed.
In 1877 in Cleveland, Dr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Amelia J. Andrews, who died in 1897. The following year in this city he wedded Anna Marie Roeder, of Cleveland, a daughter of C. J. Roeder, well known in commercial circles here. Mrs. Bell is of French descent, her great-uncle, Adam Luxe, having defended Charlotte Corday. Mrs. Bell is a graduate of Western Reserve Uni- versity, where she also did post-graduate work, that institution con- ferring upon her the Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees. She is a member of the College Club, Association of Collegiate Alumnae, Wimodausian Club, and the Phi Beta Kappa.
Dr. Bell belongs to the Alpha Society of Hillsdale College. He is also connected with the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and is a public-spirited citizen, keenly interested in matters relative to gen- eral progress. He belongs to the Reformed Episcopal church, in which he has been a vestryman for many years, serving also as one of its building committee, while from the time of its erection he has been one of its trustees. He has traveled very extensively abroad, going at the time of his marriage to Spitzbergen, Land of the Mid- night Sun, while twice he has made extensive tours in Europe and in 1905 visited the Holy Land. He is a lover of athletics and of many outdoor sports and is interested in educational work. In manner he is quiet and reserved, preferring home to club life, and his devotion to his profession is exceeded only by his devotion to his wife and chil- dren. These are two in number-a daughter, Julia Carola, aged eleven years, and a son of nine, James Roeder, bearing his father's initials if not his full name. Both promise, if one may judge by present energy, to fill their own niche in the world.
Teo. H. Hodgson
eorge Th. Dodgson
G EORGE H. HODGSON, general manager of the Cleveland Worsted Mills Company and one of the most capable men in his line in the country, was born at Bradford, Yorkshire, England, September 19, I865. He was a son of Frederick and Sarah (Row- land) Hodgson, both of whom were natives of Eng- land and never came to America, the father dying when his son George was only ten years of age. The mother yet makes her home in her native land.
George H. Hodgson acquired his early education in the public schools of England and at the age of thirteen secured employment in a textile factory. His father had been engaged in the woolen mill business and it was a work to which the boy was naturally inclined. He gained considerable knowledge and experience in the manufac- ture of textile fabrics in his native land, but wages were comparatively poor and, thinking to have better opportunities to acquire a com- petence more rapidly on this side the Atlantic, he sailed for the new world when twenty-eight years of age. Making his way to Cleve- land, he was first engaged with the Briggs Priestly Company and later entered the service of the Cleveland Worsted Mills Company as designer. He is now general manager of the business, which is one of the important productive industries of the city and the largest independent concern in its line in the country. His success is un- doubtedly due in part at least to the fact that he has always continued in the line of business in which, as a young tradesman, he embarked. His time and talents have never been wasted in search for success along other lines and his constantly increasing experience and pro- ficiency have brought him to a prominent position in manufacturing circles. He also has financial investments and is a director of the Broadway Savings & Trust Company.
On the 21st of December, 1898, Mr. Hodgson was married to Miss Margaret Flannigan, a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Con-
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way) Flannigan. They are now parents of two children, George E. and Olive L., the former a pupil in the public schools. In his politi- cal views Mr. Hodgson is a republican, having continuously sup- ported the party since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He lived in a country where there were no restrictions to trade and where wages were accordingly low. He favors a protective policy and is in sympathy with the party upon other vital questions. He holds mem- bership in the Epworth Methodist church, belongs to the Cleveland Athletic Club and to the Chamber of Commerce-associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests. He is also fond of auto- mobiling and golf, which afford him pleasant recreation from busi- ness cares which would otherwise prove too strenuous. He attributes his success in life to hard work and close application. He has never shirked a duty that has devolved upon him and in each position to which he has been promoted he has fully mastered his tasks, so that he was ready for further promotion when the opportunity came. Thus he has reached a prominent place in manufacturing circles in Cleve- land.
FG
Samuel P. COM
Samuel P. Orth
S AMUEL P. ORTH, attorney, was born in Capac, Michigan, August 1, 1873. His father was a Ger- man Evangelical clergyman. Mr. Orth graduated from Oberlin College in 1896, studied law at the University of Michigan in 1896-7, was called to the chair of political science in Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio, in 1897 and remained there for five years. In 1902 he was ap- pointed honorary university fellow in public law at Columbia Uni- versity, and in 1903 received the degree of Ph. D. from the university, in the department of public law. Mr. Orth came to Cleveland in the summer of 1903 and began the practice of law. In 1904 he was elected a member of the board of education and chosen president of the board on its organization in January, 1905. During 1905 and 1906 he was assistant United States attorney.
Mr. Orth is the author of "Centralization of Administration in Ohio" and "Five American Politicians," is a contributor to the At- lantic Monthly and other literary magazines, as well as to professional journals, and is well known as a lecturer and public speaker. During 1906-7 he was lecturer on political economy in Case School of Ap- plied Science, and in 1907-8 special lecturer on political science in Oberlin College.
As a member of the board of education Mr. Orth has stood for aggressiveness in educational affairs. When he was inaugurated president of the board on the 2d of January, 1905, he recommended the appointment of an educational commission to be composed of representative citizens, to study the schools of the city with a view of bringing them into closer harmony with the needs of the community. The report of this commission marks an epoch in the development of the educational work of the city. On February 15, 1906, Mr. Orth introduced the resolution authorizing the sale of bonds for establish- ing the Technical high school ; on March 5, 1906, he introduced a res- olution establishing the teachers' pension fund; on June 18, 1906, he
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