USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Cleveland, Ohio, pictorial and biographical. De luxe supplement, Volume II > Part 2
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24
Mr. Lawrence was born in Olmsted, Cuyahoga county, January 17, 1840, and was a representative of an old New England family, the line being traced back to John Lawrence, one of the early mem- bers of the Massachusetts Bay colony, who, arriving in the year 1635, settled at Wolverton, Massachusetts. He was a descendant of that Robert Lawrence of Lancashire, England, who was knighted by Richard I for bravery displayed at the siege of Acre. Joel B. Lawrence of Pepperell, Massachusetts, married Catherine Harris, whose parents were residents of Little Rest, Dutchess county, New York. In 1833 Joel B. Lawrence removed with his family to Olm- sted, Cuyahoga county, where he endured all the privations and hardships incident to life in the Western Reserve in the first half of the nineteenth century. He became the owner of a large tract of land and also of a flour mill, which he was operating in Olmsted at the time of his death, which occurred in 1851. His wife, surviving him two years, passed away in 1853.
Their son, Washington H. Lawrence, was thus left an orphan at the age of thirteen years and the necessity of early providing for his own support led him to secure a clerkship in Berea. While there he continued his studies, thus supplementing the common-school educa-
19
20
Washington D. Lawrence
tion that he had previously obtained in Olmsted. He also pursued a course of study in Baldwin University at Berea and thus gained a college as well as a business education by reserving a portion of his time to himself. The elemental strength of his character and ability were recognized by Hon. John Baldwin, who associated his son Milton with Mr. Lawrence in the management of large milling and real-estate properties in Kansas. However, the death of Milton Baldwin before the enterprise was fully inaugurated left the entire burden of the care of the properties upon Mr. Lawrence's shoulders. He ably managed the interests of the business until the latter part of 1859, when he withdrew from partnership relations with Mr. Bald- win and engaged in business with his brother at Hannibal, Missouri. While so engaged he was compelled to travel through western Missouri and eastern Kansas and saw much of the border warfare that followed the struggle between the pro and anti slavery forces in the latter state. He was also there during the early days of the Civil war and had many narrow escapes from the assaults of the guerrillas.
Returning to Olmsted late in 1861 to manage the family property there, he continued at his old home until 1864, when he removed to Cleveland and became associated with N. S. C. Perkins and W. A. Mack in the manufacture of the Domestic sewing machine. This business proved very profitable, for Mr. Lawrence succeeded in triumphing over the sewing machine combination in all their patent litigations. The enterprise grew to large proportions, constituting a profitable venture, and ultimately Mr. Lawrence sold his interest to his associates. He then had charge of the sale of the Howe Sewing Machine Company, his territory including five states, and at the same time he was engaged in manufacturing bolts at Elyria, Ohio, as a member of what is now known as the Cleveland Screw & Tap Com- pany. He disposed of all these interests in 1874 to become one of the pioneers in another field of labor which was just being developed. He was among the first to recognize the importance of electricity as a factor in commercial life and in 1874 became a large stockholder in the Telegraph Supply Company, retaining his interest through the various changes until it was finally merged into what is now the Brush Electric Company.
Mr. Lawrence was associated with Charles F. Brush at the incep- tion of the Brush Electric Company, furnishing a large portion of the original investment, and even in the darkest hours of that com- pany's existence he was unfaltering in his conviction concerning the ultimate success of the undertaking. His old zeal, unfaltering belief and unabating energy continued factors in the growth and develop- ment of the business until the company had a capital of three million
21
Washington D. Lawrence
dollars, with Mr. Lawrence as general manager, in charge of the largest manufacturing establishment in its line in the world. Time demonstrated his wisdom in business affairs and gave proof of his ready recognition of the value of the project which he fostered. After twenty years of most exacting business life Mr. Lawrence, in 1882, resolved to take a much needed rest. Severing his connection with the company and selling or exchanging the greater part of his inter- ests, he invested largely in real-estate properties in Cleveland and elsewhere, and for several years devoted his leisure to the manage- ment of his real estate. Although his property holdings were enough to require all the time and attention of most men, he was still unable to resist the charms of active management. He felt the enticement of what Kipling would term the "witchery of commerce," and in 1886, after carefully looking over the field, he decided to take up the manufacture of electric light carbons, recognizing the fact that this product was being used in every part of the globe in connection with arc lighting. Early in the history of the Brush Electric Company he spent much time in their carbon department and now returned to it with renewed zest, becoming associated with W. W. Masters in the manufacture of carbons, at what was then the Wilson avenue factory of the National Carbon Company. Because of failing health Mr. Masters was anxious to retire and Mr. Lawrence and his associ- ates, Myron T. Herrick, James Parmlee and Webb C. Hayes, became the owners of the entire business, which was organized and conducted under the name of the National Carbon Company. The growth of the enterprise was so rapid that it was soon found necessary to largely increase the capacity of the plant, and in 1891 the company purchased one hundred and fifteen acres adjoining the Lake Shore Railroad Company's right of way in the hamlet of Lakewood, just west of the city limits of Cleveland. On this tract of land has since been erected the largest carbon factory in the world, with an estimated capacity of twenty million carbons per month. Mr. Lawrence not only bent his energies to organization and management but also displayed great inventive capacity and a genius for constructing machinery adapted to factory use. The present factory gives visible evidence of the im- provements and inventions that were made by him within the past few years. The processes of manufacture have been radically changed and the improvements instituted make this the most com- plete and thoroughly equipped establishment of the kind on the face of the globe.
Mr. Lawrence seemed to be a man of unlimited capacities and powers, remaining to the last years of his life the embodiment of indomitable perseverance and energy. He was not only the president
22
Washington D. Lawrence
of the National Carbon Company but also of the Brush Electric Company, the Sperry Electric Railway Company and of various subordinate organizations, all occupying a prominent position among Cleveland's manufactories. He was also one of the organizers of the Cleveland Trust Company-the first company of the kind in Ohio- as he early recognized the need of such an organization, and he served on its executive committee until his death.
In 1863 Mr. Lawrence was married to Miss Harriet E. Collister, of Cleveland, and unto them were born seven daughters. Mr. Lawrence, ever mindful of the interests and welfare of his family, to whom he was most devoted, established a beautiful summer home at Dover Bay, Ohio, and there Mrs. Lawrence still resides. He was called to put aside the activities of life November 17, 1900, and in his death Cleveland lost one who had contributed much to the commer- cial progress of the city. His was a most commendable career, not only by reason of the splendid success he achieved or owing to the fact that he instituted enterprises that afforded employment to hundreds of workmen, but also because of the straightforward, honorable business policy that he ever followed. His path was never strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes, for, on the contrary, his work was always along constructive lines, stimulating general trade interests and thus proving of direct benefit in the city's growth. Honored and esteemed by all, no man occupied a more enviable posi- tion in manufacturing and financial circles than Washington H. Lawrence.
'sAyane of wistern, History
Ers' ty E G WIllsme!Bro. NY.
٦
William Bingham
I F the historian were to attempt, without extended pre- liminary mention, to characterize in a single sentence the achievements of William Bingham, it could per- haps best be done in the words: the splendid success of an honest man, in whose life business ability, rec- ognition of his obligations to his fellowmen and a lofty patriotism were well balanced forces. William Bingham was born in Andover, Massachusetts, March 9, 1816, and is a representa- tive of one of the oldest families of New England, his ancestors being among the Puritans who colonized that section of the country. The line can be traced back direct to Thomas Bingham who, as early as 1660 aided in founding Saybrook, Connecticut. He was also one of those who at a later day purchased a tract of land from the In- dians and upon it established the town of Norwich, Connecticut. In intervening years down to the present time representatives of the name have borne an active and helpful part in the development of New England and among later generations there have been those whose labors were equally effective in the upbuilding of the west.
William Bingham was reared to farm life, dividing his youthful days between the work of the fields and the acquirement of an edu- cation in the public schools. The call of the west proved to him ir- resistible and at the age of twenty years he made his way to Cleve- land, where his cousin, Flavel W. Bingham, and other relatives were then living. It was in 1836 that he bade adieu to the home and scenes of his youth, traveling westward over the old pioneer rail- road from Albany to Schenectady, thence by canal packet to Roch- ester by the stage and canal to Buffalo, where he became a passenger on the steamboat, Robert Fulton, bound for Cleveland. He had been in this city for but a brief period when he secured a position as salesman in the hardware store of George Worthington and that his ability and enterprise were soon recognized is indicated in the fact that after two years he was admitted to a partnership remaining
25
26
William Bingham
in that connection with the business for another two years, after which he disposed of his interest. He continued in the hardware trade, however, purchasing the stock of Clark & Murphy in 1841, at which time he organized the firm of William Bingham & Company. From the outset the business prospered and its trade constantly ex- panded with the growth and development of the city. In 1855 the firm erected a large business block at Nos. 146, 148 and 150 Water street, occupying the entire structure. During Mr. Bingham's con- nection therewith the trade increased from twenty thousand dollars annually to more than a million and a half dollars a year. At the outset Mr. Bingham and one associate were adequate to conduct the business but in the course of years assistants were employed to the number of seventy-eight and the house sent its goods into all of the states of the middle west east of the Mississippi. At all times Mr. Bingham kept in touch with the spirit of modern progress as mani- fest in business methods. In the early days of his connection with the hardware trade most of the products handled were of English, German and French manufacture. He lived to witness an American revolution in the iron trade, through the introduction of the Besse- mer process and other improvements in manufacture, until today nearly all of the goods handled in a hardware store are of American make. When he began merchandising in Cleveland it was neces- sary to go to the east in the summer in order to purchase the stock for the ensuing winter and spring. No iron or iron goods were manufactured in Cleveland and the wholesale merchant found his patrons in the towns of northern Ohio. Today Cleveland is situated in almost the very center of the iron trade of the country and its rami- fying interests in this line of manufacture and sale reach out to all parts of the world. Mr. Bingham made his hardware business his first consideration and his well directed energy, indefatigable efforts and keen business discernment constitute the basis upon which the splendid success of the house was built.
Aside from his connection with the hardware trade Mr. Bing- ham figured prominently in financial circles. Throughout the ex- istence of the Merchants National Bank he was one of its directors and also continued on the directorate of its successor, the Mercantile National Bank. He was also one of the directors of the Society for Savings and of the City Savings & Loan Association, from its or- ganization. He was likewise a director and vice president of the Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan Railroad Company and was a trus- tee of the Case Library Association. Not alone as a successful mer- chant and financier, however, was Mr. Bingham widely known. His fellow townsmen on various occasions demanded his service in posi-
27
William Bingham
tions of public trust and responsibility and though he never desired political preferment and in fact avoided it whenever possible yet he was frequently called to public office and in every such position proved his loyalty to the general good by practical and progressive services. In 1850 he was elected to represent the second ward in the city council at a time when municipal finances were in a de- plorable state. It was necessary that only men in whom the public had implicit confidence should fill the offices, and public franchise called to the council a number of the most distinguished, representa- tive and reliable citizens of Cleveland, Mr. Bingham's associates in office being L. M. Hubby, Samuel Williamson, Abner C. Brownell and Levi Johnson, with William Case as mayor. It was that council which promoted the project of a waterworks system, Mr. Bingham introducing the resolution looking to an examination of the question and, giving to it his earnest support, he was chosen one of the water- works trustees and so served for seven years, his labors being an es- sential factor in promoting the interests of the city in this connection. It was during this period that the tunnel was completed and the dis- tributing pipe service greatly extended. His labors largely pro- moted the work of the waterworks system and when he felt he could no longer give it time and attention he resigned. Further political honors came to him in his election to the state senate. This was pre- eminently the case of the office seeking the man for without his knowledge or his consent he was nominated when out of town and only learned of the action of the convention when on his homeward · way from the east. His first impulse was to decline but he was so strongly solicited to accept the candidacy that he at last consented and was elected by a large majority. He proved an able working member of the upper house and his work as a member of the mu- nicipal, corporations and temperance committees was most effective and far-reaching. He would have been again nominated by his party at the close of his term had he not positively declined to serve. In 1876 he declined to become a presidential elector on the repub- lican ticket, owing to the fact that early in that year he had been appointed by President Grant a member of the board of Indian com- missioners. In that position he remained for more than a year and then resigned on the 21st of July, 1877, because of the pressure of private business interests.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Bingham was actuated by a spirit of loyal devotion to the public good and at the time of the Civil war he was one of the most stalwart champions of the Union cause and was made a member of the military committee in which connection he labored zealously and patriotically for the cause, putting forth
28
William Bingham
earnest effort to uphold the power of the Federal government. He was also one of the first members of the city sinking fund commis- sion and occupied that position for many years.
Pleasantly situated in his home life Mr. Bingham was married in January, 1843, to Elizabeth Beardsley, a daughter of David H. Beardsley, who figured prominently in the public life of Cleveland for a long period and for twenty-one years held the responsible posi- tion of collector of the Ohio canal, being the first incumbent in that office. Mrs. Bingham was born October 3, 1822, and died August 27, 1898. The three surviving children of that marriage are Charles W., Mrs. Charles A. Brayton and Cassandra H., all of whom are residents of Cleveland.
Mr. Bingham had notable appreciation for the social amenities of life and held friendship inviolable. He was the first president of the Union Club and long one of its most honored members. For years he was a trustee of the First Presbyterian church and was also a member of the Loyal Legion. At his death, which occurred in Cleveland, April 17, 1904, the Ohio Commandery published as a part of the "In Memoriam," the following :
" At the breaking out of the war he had passed the age of eligi- bility for military service, but his great loyalty prompted him to de- vote his time to strengthening and sustaining the government.
"Early in the year 1861 he was appointed by Governor Denni- son one of the military committee for the nineteenth congressional district, and his arduous labor and zeal on that committee, largely resulted in the organization of such an efficient and splendid body of soldiers, embracing nearly twenty-five per cent of the entire popu- lation of Cuyahoga county, which helped to form the bone and sinew of the army of the Union. There was probably no district at that time in the whole country more famed for the loyalty of its citizens, and it was undoubtedly due in a great measure to the unceasing exer- tions of Mr. Bingham and his associates that not only the men from Cuyahoga county but from all parts of the Western Reserve were encouraged to rendezvous at Cleveland and offer their services, and lives if need be, to preserve the Union.
"In 1862, when it became necessary to raise funds in large amounts to provide for the needs of disabled soldiers and their fam- ilies and which entailed a tax levy as well as private donations, Mr. Bingham was made chairman of the military committee of Cuya- hoga county. This committee was successful in raising a large fund and distributing it through sub-committees to young men who were anxious to enlist but needed some assistance so that those who were dependent upon them would not suffer during their absence. He
29
William Bingham
was a large giver from his private funds, and recruiting officers and their recruits knew how liberal he was when called upon and how earnestly he entreated them to come again when they needed assist- ance. All through the dark days of the Rebellion, from early in 1861 to the close of the war, there were many loyal and zealous citi- zens of Cleveland who were bending every energy in rendering serv- ices to the government, but they looked to Mr. Bingham to lead. He was ever present at the committee meetings and at public gath- erings when the exigencies of the situation at the front demanded speedy action in providing supplies for the hospitals and sanitary commission.
"The officers of the Soldiers' Aid Society always found the chair- man ready to cooperate with them, and when money was needed to send luxuries to the sick soldiers or provisions were required for the train-loads of soldiers who were almost daily at the stations, it was always forthcoming.
"It was without doubt fortunate to our army and our cause that there were such men as William Bingham who were compelled by their years to remain at home and with their profound wisdom and patriotism render such indispensable service as could only be ac- complished by honored and trusted civilians. The Loyal Legion and William Bingham were equally honored when he was elected to the order as a member of the third class. He was strong and vig- orous mentally and physically and we are thankful that his rugged constitution enabled him to remain with us until he had fully rounded out eighty-eight years of useful life, and until he was only survived by one member of his class in the order. The same sterling qualities that marked his patriotic and social life were equally prominent in his business career and until within a few weeks of his death he was able to be as regular in his office as any of his assistants."
His life was at all times actuated by high and honorable princi- ples, characterized by unfaltering diligence and by steadfast pur- pose. He neglected no opportunity for the advancement of his in- dividual business affairs nor for the promotion of the city's welfare and in commercial and in political life his record alike remained un- sullied. The upbuilding and progress of the city for many years was attributable in substantial measure to his efforts and his life record is inseparably interwoven with its history.
-
JA. Nader
Deptha Comer OUlade
M ANY years ago another Jeptha Homer Wade, the grandfather of him whose name introduces this re- view, came to Cleveland. In his life in the middle west he largely met the conditions of pioneer ex- perience, not only in natural resources but also in installing the various lines of business which consti- tuted the center of its trade development. Then came the son, who, as his father's assistant, was a factor in the control of business lines which he had established. His son in turn was trained for business management and yet faces an entirely different condition, so that he must work out the solution of his own problems, brought about through the complexities and changes in business life at the present day. His is the stewardship of great wealth and, competent and capable in its control, he belongs to that class who have made the term capitalist an honored one by reason of the wise use to which they have put the means entrusted to them.
Born in Cleveland, October 15, 1857, J. H. Wade pursued his education in private schools of Cleveland while spending his youth in the home of his parents, Randall P. and Anna R. (McGaw) Wade. He was also for sometime under a competent tutor but his business training was received under the care and guidance of his father and grandfather, who knew that he would one day be called upon to take up the labors which they laid down. His father's early death brought upon him heavy responsibilities when he was yet young in years and he bent his energies toward mastery of all the points bearing upon the estate and the management of business in- terests therein involved. When his grandfather passed away in 1890 there was little for him left to learn concerning the business save that which each day's experiences bring in the solution of prob- lems concerning investment and control. The majority of the im- portant business concerns of Cleveland have been benefited by Wade investments and today Mr. Wade is vice president of the National
33
-
34
Jeptha Homer Made
Bank of Commerce, chairman of the Citizens Savings & Loan As- sociation; a director of the Guardian Trust Company; the vice pres- ident of the Cleveland Stone Company; director of the Cleveland City Railway Company; president of the Kalamazoo, Allegan & Grand Rapids Railway Company; president of the Montreal Min- ing Company; vice president of the Cleveland Cliff Iron Company; director of the Grasselli Chemical Company and director of the Sandusky Portland Cement Company. He is also largely interested in lake vessel property and Cleveland real estate.
On the 15th of October, 1878, Mr. Wade was married to Miss Ellen Garretson, a daughter of Hiram and Ellen (Howe) Garret- son, and they have three children. Their social prominence is a foregone conclusion but in the Wade home there is no ostenatious dis- play of wealth, everything suggesting an innate culture and refinement that could have no sympathy with such a course. Mr. Wade's gen- erous support of charitable work and institutions is well known and yet in this he is free from all display and in fact would prefer that his benefactions should be known only to himself. However, he is a trustee of most of the leading educational and charitable insti- tutions of Cleveland and gives most generously to their support. He has studied many of the sociological and economic problems and where it is possible to extend a helping hand to secure immediate or future relief he at once follows such a course.
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.