Fifty years and over of Akron and Summit County : embellished by nearly six hundred engravings--portraits of pioneer settlers, prominent citizens, business, official and professional--ancient and modern views, etc.; nine-tenth's of a century of solid local history--pioneer incidents, interesting events--industrial, commercial, financial and educational progress, biographies, etc., Part 20

Author: Lane, Samuel A. (Samuel Alanson), 1815-1905
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Akron, Ohio : Beacon Job Department
Number of Pages: 1228


USA > Ohio > Summit County > Akron > Fifty years and over of Akron and Summit County : embellished by nearly six hundred engravings--portraits of pioneer settlers, prominent citizens, business, official and professional--ancient and modern views, etc.; nine-tenth's of a century of solid local history--pioneer incidents, interesting events--industrial, commercial, financial and educational progress, biographies, etc. > Part 20


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 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145


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130


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AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


in honor of Jesse Allen, one of Coventry's earliest settlers, said school being in what was originally a part of Coventry town- ship), nine teachers, Miss Anna M. Hollinger, principal; Bowen School, six rooms, on North Broadway, (named in honor of Dr. William Bowen, an early and earnest promotor of Akron's public schools,) seven teachers, Miss M. Elma Campbell, principal ; Howe


5


Perkins School House, corner West Exchange and Bowery Streets, Fifthı Ward.


J UDGE WM. MORGAN DODGE,- born January 2, 1805, at Granville, Washington County, N. Y; came to Ohio in 1813; read law with Judge Wheeler, in Unionville; after his admission to bar settled in Middle- bury, in 1831 removing to Akron; in April, 1840, was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the then new county of Summit, and re-elected in October of the same year for the full terin of two years; was active in securing the passage of the Akron School Law, and an efficient member of the first Board of Education thereunder; in October, 1860, was elected Probate Judge of Summit County, which office he ably filled until his death, July 21, 1861, aged 56 years, 6 months and 19 days. June 4, 1833, Mr. Dodge was mar- ried to Mrs. Harvey A. Howard, nee Hannah B. Fenn, Mr. and Mrs. Howard being the parents of the last Mrs. James Mathews, and Mr. Howard one of the early merchants of Middle- bury and Akron. Mrs. Dodge, born in Milford (now Orange), Conn., May 28, 1808, still survives, now, in her 84th year, enjoying full mental and phys- ical vigor, with the exception of her lower limbs, which have been para- lyzed for the past 22 years. Her chil- dren by her last marriage, were:


Crosby School House, corner Smith and West Streets, Third Ward.


JUDGE WILLIAM MORGAN DODGE.


Stella A., now Mrs. John B. Etz; Victoria, died in infancy; Walter, died in infancy; Emmet D., died August 2, 1882, at the age of 41 years and 28 days ; Marion E., now Mrs. M. E. Reed, and Jennie, now Mrs. George C. Helfer, of South Mound, Kansas.


131


AKRON'S LATER PRIMARY SCHOOLS.


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Spicer School House, Carroll Street, Fourth Ward.


School, eight rooms, (named in honor of Capt. RichardHowe,an early resident of Akron, and for many years superintendent of the Northern Division of Ohio Canal), nine teachers, Miss Lucy E. Belding, principal ; Henry


Bowen School, North Broadway, First Ward.


000099


Allen School House, corner South Main and Thornton Streets, Fourth Ward.


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Howe School House, South Bowery, Bartges and St. Clair Streets, Fifth Ward.


School, eight rooms, corner North Forge and Arch streets, (named in honor of Milton W. Henry, long a prominent merchant in Akron, and a great friend of education,) nine teachers, Miss Lida M. Dussell, principal; Kent School, eight rooms, Arlington street, Sixth Ward, (named in honor of Roswell Kent, one of Mid- dlebury's pioneer merchants and most public spirited citizens,) nine teachers, Mr. Lee R. Knight, principal ; Leggett School, eight rooms, named in honor of Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett, first superin- tendent, (or principal, as it was then called,) of Akron schools under the new law-Thornton, Allyn and Sumner. streets-nine


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AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


teachers, Miss Lizzie Camp, principal ; Grace School, so named in honor of the late Mrs. Grace Perkins, intersection of West


M ILTON W. HENRY,-born in Blanford, Mass., October 13, 1816; in 1830 removed with family to Westfield, Medina County, Ohio ; . educated in common schools and Wadsworth Academy ; clerk in stores of Kent & Spelman and G. & J. Miller, of Wadsworth, and Clapp & Spelman, of Akron, front 1836 to 1843, when he became a partner of Harvey B. Spelman, under the firm name of H. B. Spelman & Co., located in the "Old Stone Block," corner of Howard and Market streets ; in 1848 purchas- ed Mr. Spelman's interest, and soon afterwards associated with himself, James Zwisler, under the firm name of M. W. Henry & Co .; December 27, 1849, building and portion of stock destroyed by fire, but business con- tinued in another location ; occupied new building on old site, in 1854, sub- sequently purchasing the property ; admitting to partnership some of his faithful employes, the firm of G. C. Berry & Co., was organized in 1875, which arrangement continued until 1883, when Mr. Henry retired from active mercantile life. Mr. Henry was one of the original stock-holders and director and vice president of the First National Bank of Akron ; stock- holder and director Taplin, Rice & Co., of Akron and Austin Powder Co., of Cleveland ; served nine years as member and officer of Akron Board of Education and eight years member of Akron City Council, a portion of the


Henry School House, North Forge Street, Second Ward.


MILTON W. HENRY.


time as its president. December 5,. 1843, Mr. H. was married to Miss Abigail Weeks, of Copley, who bore- hini six daughters and one son: Olive C., (now Mrs. M. H. Crumrine),. Ella C., (Mrs. C. E. York, Youngsville, Pa.), Julia A., (Mrs. William McFarlin),. Hattie A., (Mrs. C. A. Barnes), Charles M., Grace P. and Mattie W., all of whom are still living. Mr. Henry died, suddenly, March 16, 1886, aged 69 years, 5 months, 3 days.


Kent School House, South Arlington Street, Sixth Ward.


133


SOME PROMINENT FRIENDS OF EDUCATION.


Exchange and South Maple streets, eight rooms, seven teachers, Miss Laura E. Waltz, principal.


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Leggett School House, Allyn, Thornton and Sumner Streets, Fourth Ward.


Grace School House, South Maple and West Exchange Streets, Fifth Ward.


The rapid growth of the city calling for still more extended school accommodations, four-room additions are now (August, 1891,) being made to the already spacious Kent, Howe and Spicer buildings, in each of which four additional teachers will be employed.


H ENRY WILLETT HOWE,- eldest son of Captain Richard and Roxana (Jones) Howe, was born in Bath, June 29, 1828, in infancy removing with parents to Akron ; educated in Akron public schools and Oberlin College, graduating from latter in 1849; read law with Judge James S. Carpenter, practicing with the Judge until his elevation to the Bench, in 1856; in 1859, engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements in Akron, seven years later removing to Richfield, where he was, engaged in manufacturing enterprises until April, 1881, when he moved to his farm in Northampton, which he is still successfully culti- vating; is also postmaster of Ira postoffice, at Hawkins station on the Valley railway, Mrs. Howe also hold- ing the position of postmistress at West Richfield, while residing there. Mr. Howe was a member of Akron Board of Education several years and its secretary from 1851 to 1857; represented the Second Ward in City Council in 1865 and 1866 ; in Richfield served as member of School Board, and as Justice of the Peace, and is now a Justice of the Peace for Northampton township; helped to organize the Summit County Agri- cultural Society, serving as director and secretary eight years, and since 1878 has been secretary of Summit


HENRY WILLETT HOWE.


County Grange, Patrons of Hus- bandry. September 17, 1856, Mr. Howe was married to Miss Jennie Williamson, of Stow, who died March 25, 1857; was again married, Decem- ber 12, 1859, to Miss Isadore C. Bell, a native of Connecticut, who has borne him four children-Edwin B., Frank R., and Abby B., living, and, Arthur Willett, deceased.


134


AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


DR. WILLIAM BOWEN, -born in Genessee County, N. Y., July 3, 1805; learned trade of carpenter; on completion of apprenticeship came to Ohio, working on mill of Mr. Wil- liam Raynolds, near Canton; desir- ing to secure a better education, through the aid of Mr. Raynolds, he attended the select school of Barak Michener, in Canton; on completion of his studies, tanght school in the village of Paris, Stark County, mean- time studying medicine with Dr. Robert Estep. In 1832, commenced practice in Doylestown, Wayne Coun- ty ; in 1835 attended lectures at Ohio Medical College, receiving his degree in 1836; then practiced two years in Canton and nearly 15 years in Mas- sillon. In 1853 bought a farm, three miles south of Akron, dividing his time between medicine and agricul- ture until 1857, when he removed to Akron, where he remained in prac- tice until his death, Jan 14, 1880, aged 74 years, 5 months and 15 days. Dr. Bowen was a warm friend of educa- tion, having published the Free School Clarion from 1846 to 1848, in Massillon, as elsewhere noted; was also School Examiner and member and president of the Akron Board of Education for several years, Bowen School, on Broadway, being named in his honor. In May, 1830, Dr. Bowen


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REGINALD H. WRIGHT.


REGINALD H. WRIGHT,-son of Rev. A. K. Wright, was born at Wadsworth, Ohio, January 18, 1841 ;


DR. WILLIAM BOWEN.


was married to Miss Huldah M. Chit- tenden, of Middlebury, who bore him nine children, three only of whom now survive, Miss Elmia C., nów residing in the state of Washington ; Frances C., now Mrs. Dr. A. E. Foltz, of Akron ; and Mrs. Sarah B. Freer, of Canton. Mrs. Bowen died July 3, 1890, aged 84 years, 9 months and 4 days.


educated at Hudson, graduating from Western Reserve College in 1863; served as orderly sergeant of Co. B, (composed principally of students of college), 85th Regiment O. V. I., from May 27th till September 27, 1862; in 1884 teacher in Shaw Academy,at Collamer, Ohio ; engaged in business in Cleveland from 1864 to 1869 and in Toledo in 1869; February, 1870, came to Akron as cashier and book-keeper for Aultman, Miller & Co., now being treasurer of the com- pany; has served several years as member of Board of Education, being treasurer of the Board for the years 1883, 1884, 1883 and 1886; October 3, 1872, Mr. Wright was married to Miss E. Augustine Chevrier, youngest daughter of the late Louis Chevrier, Esq., of Akron. They have four chil- dren-three sons and one daughter : Charles Chevrier Wright, born Feb- ruary 16, 1874; Reginald Ashmun Wright, born March 14, 1876; Howard Buttles Wright, born November 19, 1880, and Helen Maria Wright, born July 18, 1883.


It will thus be seen, that, including Superintendent Fraun- felter and Prof. Nathan L. Glover, musical instructor, Prof. J. War- ren Thyng, teacher of drawing, and Prof. J. O. Wise, teacher of


135


THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL.


penmanship, that Akron's public schools have a grand army of nearly 130 teachers, and it is safe to say, that, with the thorough examinations which are made, and the extreme care bestowed upon selections, together with the ripe experience of many of the number, Akron's instructors will compare favorably with those of any other city, in Ohio, or elsewhere, while all our people have the proud satisfaction of knowing that the system first devised and adopted here, nearly half a century ago, is now in vogue in every state where public schools, for the free education of the children of all the people, are maintained and'cherished.


As early as 1875 it became apparent that a new high school building was rapidly becoming a public necessity, but as larger and better ward accommodations were also equally necessary, and had to be provided, the high school project was held in abeyance until about 1883, though several committees on sites had previously been appointed without definite results. In 1883 a committee on sites was appointed, con- sisting of R. H. Wright, Akron's New High School Building, South Forge Street. Erected in 1886. Thomas McEbright, D. W. Thomas, H. G. Griffin, Chris. Vogt and F. M. Atterholt. This committee, after examining sev- eral sites, and receiving various propositions from property


D R. JOHN W. LYDER,-born


near Elkton, in Elkrun town- ship, Columbiana County, Ohio, December 16, 1837 ; educated in pub- lic schools and at Oberlin College ; graduated from Philadelphia (Pa.) Dental College in 1869 ; practiced for a time in Fairfield, Columbiana County, then moved to Alliance, Stark County, where he practiced until his settlement in Akron, April 20, 1875, where he has since been in continuous and successful practice. Dr. Lyder was president of the Ohio State Dental Association three terms ; served as member of Alliance Vil- lage Council, and as president of the Stark County Agricultural Society ; from 1881 to 1883 was a member of the Akron Board of Education ; was a member of State Dental Society Executive Committee for 1891 ; acting Eminent Commander Knights Temp- lar for 1891, and has filled various other offices of honor in Masonic orders for a period of twenty years. September 15, 1863, Dr. Lyder was married to Miss Mary V. Bedortha, of Oberlin, who has borne him two children - Frederick H., born in Alliance, November 4, 1864, a gradu-


DR. JOHN W. LYDER.


ate of Philadelphia Dental College, now practicing with his father, and Jay Walter, born in Alliance, Octo- ber 20, 1868, now book-keeper in the City National Bank, of Akron.


136


AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


owners, finally selected and purchased grounds on the southeasterly side of Forge street, fronting directly on Union Park and both Col- lege and Mill streets. The property selected consisted of lots occu- pied by Frank J. Staral, 96 feet; Noah A. Carter, 45 feet, and Augustus D. Power, 76 feet, making"a total frontage of 217 feet ; with a rear frontage, on Jackson alley, of 190 feet; the aggregate price paid for the three properties being $19,000.


TOHN MCGREGOR, - born near Wellsville, O., June 14, 1836 ; raised on farm; graduated from Jefferson (Pa.) College in 1863; attend- ing Ohio Law College, at Cleveland one year, was admitted to practice in State and U. S. Courts at Cleveland, and opened an office in Akron in 1864, continuing in successful prac- tice seven years ; was City Solicitor two years .1869-71; was Treasurer of Portage Township from 1877 to 1884; member of Board of Education from 1888 to present time. In 1871, Mr. McGregor purchased an interest in the Akron Steam Forge Works, and on their reorganization as a joint stock company, in 1872, was elected secretary and treasurer, which posi- tion he stills holds. In 1887, Mr. M. became a stockholder and director in the Webster, Camp and Lane Machine Company, being elected president and treasurer of that corporation, which offices he still retains. Novem-, ber 11, 1868, Mr. McGregor was mar- ried to Miss Hattie E. Folger, of Akron, daughter of the late William M., and Julia A. (Hayden) Folger, who


.


JOHN MCGREGOR.


has borne him three children-Julia F., John and Mary, all now living with their parents.


Several plans were submitted by well-known architects, that of Messrs. Weary & Kramer, of Akron, being adopted. After various delays a contract was entered into, in the Spring of 1885, with Messrs. Wilhelm & Schroeder, of Akron, for the complete structure, excepting the heating apparatus, for the sum of $78,672, to which changes, additions, etc., added the further sum of $11,- 277.42. The steam heating apparatus, supplied by Mr. John Robb, of Akron, cost $11,423, which, with the cost of furniture, and the various other indispensable conveniences for the proper working of the several departments of the school, places the total cost of the institution at about $135,000, the grand total of Akron's present school property, at a fairly low estimate, being fully half a million of dollars.


The edifice is 163 feet in length, 128 feet in width, and 88 feet in height, exclusive of the central tower, which is 160 feet. The foundation and basement walls are of stone, and the superstruct- ure of pressed brick with handsome stone trimmings, the architecture being of the Romanesque order. The foundation walls are three feet in thickness; basement walls (stone) two and one-half feet thick, and the brick walls of the building 20 inches; the entire structure, including basement and upper floor of the main building, four full stories in height.


137


1


PERSONAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL.


F RANK M. ATTERHOLT,-born December 19, 1848, near New Lis- bon, Ohio ; educated at New Lisbon High School,National Normal School, of Lebanon, and Mount Union Col- lege, graduating at the latter institu- tion in 1870. He was a prominent teacher in the State for several years, and for a time was editor of the Columbiana Register. He came to Akron in the autumn of 1879 and read law with Upson, Ford & Baird; was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court at Columbus, O., October 5,1880, and has most of the time since been the law partner of Judge U. L. Mar- vin. Mr. Atterholt is an earnest friend of education ; has served as member of the Board of Education, City Board of School Examiners, and is a Trustee of Mount Union College. In politics he is an ardent Republi- can ; has served on the State Central Committee and been chairman of the County Executive Committee. He is an earnest member of the Board of Trade and is largely financially and officially interested in a number of the most extensive business enter- prises of the city and with several in


CA CHI


DR. THOMAS MCEBRIGHT.


DR. THOMAS MCEBRIGHT,-born in Carlisle, Pa., April 14, 1824, removing with parents to Wooster, Ohio, in 1833; raised on farm, attend- ing district school .winters; at 16 attending Norwalk Academy, and later entering on classical course in Ohio Wesleyan University, but on reaching the senior year failing health compelled him to return to the farm. Improving by out-door


FRANK M. ATTERHOLT.


other places. He was married Deceni- ber 21, 1872, to Miss Mary E. Baird, of Columbiana, Ohio. They have one child-Frank Bryant, born June 2, 1878.


exercise, in 1847, began the study of medicine in Wooster, graduating front Starling Medical College, Columbus, February 22, 1851, immedi- ately commencing practice in Nash- ville, Holmes County, in 1857 remov- ing to Millersburg. In Fall of '61 was appointed by Gov. Dennison surgeon of 8th Regt. O. V. I., serving as acting Brigade Surgeon and Chief Opera- ting Surgeon of division, in the Army of the Potomac, until the Spring of 1863, when, by reason of ill health, he resigned. In May, 1864, was appointed Colonel of the 166th O. V. I., but resigned and took the position of Surgeon to that regiment, being mustered out with regiment in Sep- tember, 1864, removing to Akron the following November. June 16, 1853, Dr. Ebright was married to Miss Nancy Liggett, daughter of Judge Thomas Liggett, of Millersburg, who has borne him five children, three dying in infancy, the two survivors- Misses Kit and Carita-both being A. B. graduates of Cornell Univer- sity. Dr. Ebright is a high degree member of the Masonic Order; a member of the Summit County, the N. E. Ohio, and the Ohio State Med- ical Societies, and of the American Medical Association; Surgeon of C., A. & C. R. R., and has served 14 years upon the Akron Board of Education, several years as its president.


138


AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.


In the basement, besides the boiler and engine rooms, are the Superintendent's office; the office of the Board of Education; vault and safe room; laboratory; boys' and girls' play rooms, wash rooms, cloak rooms, halls, etc. On the first floor, besides the entrances, there is a large central court, eight school roonis, reci- tation room, principal's room, boys' coat room, girls' cloak roomis, halls, etc. On the second floor there are a central court, four large school rooms, two recitation rooms, lady teachers' parlor, coat and cloak room, ante-rooms, halls, etc., on the easterly side; while Assembly Hall, 64x84 feet in size, occupies the entire westerly side of the floor. On the third floor there are five good-sized rooms, to be used for society purposes, library, museum, etc.


The exact dimensions of the several apartments need not be given here, but a few figures will readily demonstrate the immen- · sity of the structure. The walls have a measurement of nearly 100,000 square feet of foundation, outside and partition walls containing about 30,000 cubic feet of stone, 2,000,000 common brick and 270,000 pressed brick, and consuming over one-third of a million feet of lumber in its completion. Including halls, closets, attic, etc., there are 107 separate rooms in the building, with a floor surface of some 55,000 square feet, there being 195 doors, and 253 windows in the edifice.


In the tower, 108 feet from the ground, is a fine-toned 2,000 pound bell, and a first-class clock, with four illuminated dials, 16 feet in diameter, each. While the building is externally beau- tiful, and its interior finish every way tasty and pleasing to the eye, substantiality and practicalness, rather than ornament and show, have been the objects aimed at by the several gentlemen


HIRAM H. FOLTZ,-fifth son of Moses and Sarah (Kean) Foltz, was born near Wooster, Ohio, June 20, 1837 ; educated in common schools of Wayne County; raised on farm ; August 9, 1862, with four of his brothers, enlisted in the 102d O. V. I. in the late war, serving three years, being honorably discharged May 13, 1865; March 14, 1866, moved to Akron, and engaged in the painting busi- ness ; was member of 'Akron Board of Education from 1881 to 1885, being one of the most efficient members during the building of the High, Howe, and Henry School buildings ; is an active director of the Summit County Agricultural Society and superintendent of Fine Arts Hall ; member of State Executive Con- mittee of the National Union; chairman of City Republican Com- mittee; member of Buckley . Post, No. 12, G. A. R .; in February 1888, was appointed collector of tolls, rents, etc., on the Ohio Canal for the port of Akron, which responsible position he is still ably filling. March 27, 1862, Mr. Foltz was married to Miss Cynthia Bell Hughes, of Wooster. They have two children living- Minnie M., now Mrs. Fred W. Davis,


HIRAM H. FOLTZ.


of the Sixth Ward, and Harry J., now clerk in grocery and provision store of J. B. Houghton, Akron. All five of the Foltz brothers, who served through the late war are now living in Akron.


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139


OCCUPATION OF NEW BUILDING.


under whose auspices Akron has been provided with this splendid monument to the intelligence and enterprise of her people.


Very properly have the gentlemen alluded to perpetuated their names in connection with the good work, by terra cotta tablets inserted in the wall, upon the east side, as follows: "MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, 1884-5: Dr. Thomas McEbright, Pres., '84-5, R. H. Wright, Treas., F. M. Atterholt, Sec., D. W. Thomas; Lewis Miller, Pres., '85-86, A. M. Armstrong, A. H. Sargent, W. H. Evans, Louis Seybold, J. T. Sell, H. H. Foltz, Dr. L. S. Sweitzer, W. H. Rothrock, F. W. Rockwell, H. G. Griffin. BUILD- ING COMMITTEE: D. W. Thomas, chairman, F. W. Rockwell, Louis Seybold, Dr. Thomas McEbright, Lewis Miller, J. T. Sell. ARCHI- TECTS : Frank O. Weary, Geo. W. Kramer. CONTRACTORS: Louis Wilhelm, W. C. Schroeder, John Robb."


GEORGE C. BERRY,-was born in Medina Co., Ohio, June 19, 1837, removing to Akron with his parents, when three years old; educated in Akron's Union Schools ; at 15 entered store of Mr. Joseph E. Wesener, as clerk, afterwards serving in same capacity in store of Mr. Milton W. Henry; in 1864 was admitted to a partnership in the concern under the firm name of M. W. Henry & Co., by the accession of others, in 1874 the firm name being changed to G. C. Berry & Co .; in 1883 withdrew from firm and opened a carpet warehouse on Mill street, in which enterprise lie has been phenomenally successful, in 1888 associating with himself in business his son, Charles W. Berry, under the firm name of Berry & Son. In the war of the rebellion, Mr. Berry served 100 days in the fortifications in front of Washington, as a member of Company F., 164th O. V. I., has been a member of the Akron Board of Education, and its most efficient secretary for many years, and a trustee in Summit Lodge No. 50, I. O. . O. F. Mr. B. was married March 11, 1857, to Miss Annie Wheeler, of Akron, who bore him five children-Willis H., who died at 6 years of age; Geo.


GEORGE C. BERRY.


C., Jr., Charles W., Anna L., and Mary H.,-Mrs. Berry dying March 18, 1869, Mr. B. was again married, to Miss Isabel Wright, of Tallmadge, who has borne him two children-twins -Belle and Zelle, the former dying at 8 months.


Delays intervening, the edifice was not completed until the very moment for the opening of the Fall term of school, on Mon- day, September 6, 1886. Consequently the formal dedication of the building which had been contemplated, had to be omitted, though hundreds of parents, and others, availed themselves of the privilege tendered by the board and superintendent, of visiting the building, and witnessing the workings of the several depart- ments, during the earlier days of the term, as, indeed, all are welcome to do at any time.


The total enumeration of school youth, within the city limits for 1888, was 7,707, of whom 3,871 were boys and 3,836 girls; 6,904 American born; 516 German; 56 Irish; 51 English; 83 colored; 19 French; 9 Scotch; 10 Italian; 7 Welsh; 4 Norway; 3 Hungary; 1 Bohemia; 2 Greece; 1 Russia; 42 Sweden.


140


AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.




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