History of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Part 82

Author: Johnson, Crisfield
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott & Co.
Number of Pages: 716

USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > History of Cuyahoga County, Ohio > Part 82

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).

When Mr. Baldwin came to Cleveland he found the field well occupied, there being a very large number of dry goods houses in the city, most of them doing business on the old fashioned credit system, and fail- ures of course being common. The outlook was not. favorable -the store he had engaged was said to be on the "wrong side" of the street, older merchants pro- phesied a speedy failure, and competition was strong and muprincipled, going so far in its efforts to injure the young merchant as to cirenlate false reports con- corning his credit. Yet his business constantly in- creased, and in a few months was firmly established. Its history from that period to the present time, has been one of continued progress, every year witnessing a marked increase over the former. From the begin- ning this firm possessed the entire confidence of the largest and best merchants in the East, and has never been obliged to ask the slightest extension or favor in the way of credit.

330

THIE CITY OF CLEVELAND.

The first direct importation of foreign dry goods to a Western city was made in 1857, by Messrs. Baldwin & Co., and to them is largely due the introduction of modern and improved methods of condueting business which are now very generally adopted by all good merchants. The rapid expansion of their retail busi- ness, some years since, decided them to abandon the general jobbing trade and devote more attention to the distribution of goods among consumers, a stroke of policy which proved eminently successful. Per- haps no business requires greater talent to prosecute with profit than the management of a large emporium of dry goods. Natural ability, self-reliance, good judgment and quick perception are necessary, and must be supplemented by close application and un- swerving integrity.

It is shown by the experience of this firm that an establishment for the sale of merchandise can be so condneted as to prove a pecuniary benefit to the city, and a means of elevating the tastes of the community, besides giving permanent and useful employment to large numbers of persons, who are surrounded by good influences, and instructed to regard honesty not only as the " best policy " but as absolutely essential to the holding of any position in the house.

During the first three years of the existence of the firm, Mr. Silas 1. Baldwin was associated with it as capitalist, and in the selection of active partners Mr. Baldwin has been extremely fortunate. Mr. Harry R. Hatch is widely known in this connection, a man of sterling worth and untiring energy, now represent- ing the house in Europe.

Mr. Baldwin has never enjoyed vigorous health, but he has been able to carry the burden of this large business and has a thorough knowledge of its details. Of a naturally retiring disposition, and with a distaste for publicity, he has, while attending to the active duties of his business, taken time to continue his ac- maintanee with books, to cultivate his æsthetie tastes. and to travel extensively in this country and in Eu- rope. An attendant of the Second Presbyterian church, of which he is an elder, he is not lacking in liberality to promote its usefulness, and every philan- thropie and Christian enterprise has his hearty and generous sympathy.

Mr. Baldwin was married, in 1855, to Miss Mary Jeannette Sterling, danghter of Oliver L. Sterling, of Lima, Livingston county, New York. Four of their children are living; the eldest, Elbert Francis Baldwin, being connected with his father's firm.

MELANCTHON BARNETT.

Melanethon Barnett came to Cleveland in 1825, and for fifty-four years has been one of its best known citizens, his prominence as a business man and pub- lic official enduring to the day of his retirement from active life. Ile was born in Amenia, New York, in

1789, and after a brisk experience in business in that State, during which he became a successful merchant. he removed in 1825 to Cleveland, in company with a Mr. May, with whom he became associated in store- keeping. In 1834 May & Barnett gave up their mer- cantile business and embarked in land speculations, which they carried on through many successful years. In 1843 Mr. Barnett was chosen treasurer of Cuyahoga county, and held the office continuously for six years; attending meanwhile to his real estate business, and also filling for a portion of that time the station of justice of the peace.

Upon retiring from public office, he was called to be a director of the City Bank. For several years past he has been a director of the Merchants' National Bank, and, although now aged upwards of ninety, he is still active and visits the bank daily.

HIe was married at Cherry Valley, New York, in 1815, to Miss Mary Clark, who died in Cleveland in 1840. Of their five children, there survive but two, Augustus Barnett, of Watertown, Wisconsin, and Gen. James Barnett, a member of the hardware firm of George Worthington & Co., of Cleveland.

GEORGE A. BENEDICT

George A. Benedict, for many years editor-in-chief of the Cleveland Herald, was a native of Jefferson county, New York; having been born in Watertown on the 5th of August, 1813. He was descended from good revolutionary stoek-his grandfathers, paternal and maternal, having both served in the war of Inde- pendenee. Ilis preparatory studies were pursued at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, after which he entered Yale College. While attending that institution he became involved in the celebrated college rebellion of 1830, and, with a large number of students, left without graduating. Twenty-five years afterward the college, without his knowledge, conferred on him the honor- ary degree of A. M.

When about eighteen years of age he commenced the study of law with Judge Robert Lansing, in Watertown, finishing his studies in the office of Sterling & Bronson. Ile was admitted to practice in New York, and in 1835 removed to Cleveland, where he entered the office of Andrews & Foot, being also for a short time in that of John W. Allen. He was admitted to practice in the Ohio courts in 1836, and immediately afterward formed a partnership with John Erwin, under the firm name of Erwin & Benediet. This partnership was dissolved after three years, when Mr. Benedict formed a new one with James K. Ilitehcock; the firm of Benedict & Ilitch- eoek continuing until 1848. In 1842 he was eity attor- ney, and the following year was a member of the city council, being also made president of that body. In 1848 Mr. Benedict was appointed clerk of the supe- rior court of Cleveland, but, on the adoption of the new constitution, that court was abolished.

N. B. Bigger

331

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Mr. Benedict then purchased an interest in the Cleveland Herald, becoming a copartner with Messrs. J. A. Harris and A. W. Fairbanks. This arrange- ment continued for several years until, upon the re- tirement of Mr. Harris, Mr. Benedict became editor- in-chief. His editorial career was characterized by the expression of his honest convictions, by a determ- ination not to allow the columns of the paper to be the vehicle of personal prejudice or private spite, and by a desire to be just to all, no matter what differences of opinion might exist. Ile gave, without exception, any one who fancied himself aggrieved the oppor- tunity of setting himself right, in a proper manner, in the columns in which the alleged injury was com- mitted. In addition to his editoral ability Mr. Ben- ediet was one of the few really good writers of occa- sional newspaper letters, and during his absences from home his letters to the Herald were looked for with interest and read with pleasure.

Although taking a strong interest in political mat- ters, as the editor of a political journal he uniformly confined his attention to the journalistic feature of politics and never sought nor desired political prefer- ment. Formerly a member of the Whig party, he, upon the formation of the Republican party, espoused its principles and supported its organization.

In 1865 Postmaster-General Dennison, unsolicited, tendered him the nomination as postmaster at Cleve- land. The office was accepted and held for one term. Ile refused a reappointment, believing that it was not best that the editor of a political journal should hold a political office. In addition to his interest in the Herald he was a stockholder in several of the manufacturing concerns of the eity.

During the rebellion he was an earnest and energetic supporter of the Union. Ilis only son entered the United States navy, and was in some of the most im- portant work on the Atlantic coast and in the Gulf of Mexico.

Mr. Benedict died, suddenly, on the 12th of May, 1826, of heart disease. The news of his death was re- ceived with unaffected sorrow by his business associates, his employees and his large circle of devoted friends. Ile had been a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church from its organization, and for many years was con- neeted with its vestry. A liberal contributor to chari- table and benevolent enterprises, an active promoter of the best interests of the city, and a kind and considerate associate and employer, he was respected and esteemed by all with whom he was brought in contact. Warm hearted, and far quicker to apologize and atone for an injury to others than to take offense at one to him- self, he had many friends and few enemies.

Mr. Benedict was married on the 12th day of June, 1839, to Sarah F. Rathbone, of Brownville, Jefferson county, New York, by whom he had three children, llis only son, George S. Benedict, who after leaving the naval service had become connected with the busi- ness department of the Herald, was killed in a rail- way accident on the 6th of February, 1871.

HAMILTON FISK BIGGAR.

Dr. Hamilton F. Biggar was born in the village of Oakville, Upper Canada, on the 15th of March, 1839. His grandfather, Robert Biggar, was a native of Scotland, born in Dumfries, and a member of an ancient and numerous family, the Biggars of Biggars- town. Dumfries - the family being mentioned in "Scottish Queens" as "ancient and of good repute." He was educated for a clergyman of the Scotch church, though he ultimately gave his attention to farming. lle married Mary Lander by whom he had eleven chil- dren. ITis son, Hamilton Biggar, was born in Queens- town. Canada, in 1806, served faithfully for many years as a pastor of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. from which, late in life, he was superannuated. Ile married Eliza Phelps Racy, daughter of James Racy, Esq .. of Brantford, Ontario. They had a large fam- ily of children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the fourth.

Hamilton F. Biggar attended the public schools until eleven years of age, when he was apprenticed to the mercantile business with Richard Semor, of Ayre, Canada. Not liking this, he left the shop and re- turned to school for two years. He then attended for one year a grammar school in Brantford, Ontario, conducted by R. J. Tyner, M. A., after which he again engaged in mercantile pursuits. Not finding this business adapted to his tastes and abilities, he deter- mined to obtain a thorough education, and at the expiration of two years entered the University of Victoria, at Coburg. Graduating from that institu- tion as Bachelor of Arts, in 1863, he immediately af- terwards commenced the study of law in the office of John Cameron, Esq., of Brantford, and passed his primary examination for a barrister-at-law, at Osgood Hall, Toronto, Canada.

Abandoning his legal studies he at length decided to enter the medical profession, and accordingly came to Cleveland in the fall of 1864, entering the Honor- pathie College, from which he graduated in the spring of 1866. Ile then attended for a time the principal hospitals of New York and Philadelphia, after which he returned to Cleveland, opened an office and en- tered upon the practice of his profession. Before graduating he received the appointment of adjunct professor of surgery in the Homopathic College, and has subsequently held, at different times, other important appointments in that institution. He was a professor of anatomy and clinical surgery for seven years, and then of clinical surgery with operations, when he resigned. For many years he held the office of registrar of the college, which he was also obliged to resign on account of the multiplicity of his profes- sional duties.

At the present time he occupies the chair of surgical diseases of women and clinical surgery. For two years in succession he was offered and declined the chair of surgery in the Homeopathic department of the Uuiversity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. A- a physician and surgeon he has established a wide-spread

332

THE CITY OF CLEVELAND.

reputation, and is in the enjoyment of an extensive practice. Of progressive ideas and energetic char- aeter, he has invariably performed the duties of his different appointments with equal energy and ability. As a clinical lecturer he takes bigh rank, and in the field of surgery is thoroughly at home.

Since the opening of the Workhouse in Cleveland Dr. Biggar has had sole charge of the health of its inmates. This is a large institution, and as its annual reports show, not the least of its noticeable advantages over other houses of its kind, is the possession of a medical government which cannot be improved, as is proven by results. In all charitable enterprises Dr. Biggar's name is found as a conscientious worker; and that he is the chief instigator and supporter of a very large charity connected with his profession is well known, though his name does not so appear.

Dr. Biggar has, more than any other medical man in Cleveland, advocated the raising of the standard of medical education. Very liberal in his views, and wil- lingly opening the way for all to attain a medical education, he has yet faithfully endeavored to have more stringent rules enforced, so that none conld study medicine without a suitable preparatory educa- tion; and, more than all, so that none should receive a diploma from a college until he had shown a right to it founded on study and ability.

In politics he has taken but little interest, but is active in the support of schools, as a means to that higher education he so constantly advocates. Ile is a member of Trinity ( Episcopal) church, and as a citizen he has earned and holds the respect of all.

WILLIAM BOWLER.

William Bowler was born in Carlisle, Schoharie county, New York, on the 25th of March, 1822. llis parents were of genuine New England stock. His father, G. I. Bowler, was a native of Newport, Rhode Island: was born in 1281, and died in Cleveland, Ohio, in his eighty-eighth year. In early life he com- manded a company of militia and always retained the title of "Captain." He married Susan Barber, who was born in Middletown, Connecticut, in 1282. They had a family of fourteen children-seven boys and a like number of girls -- all of whom lived to the age of manhood and womanhood.

In 1833 they removed to Ohio, and landed in Cleve- Jand-coming from Buffalo on the lake-in May of that year: subsequently settling in Auburn, Geauga county.

The subject of this notice received his edneation in the common and select schools of that town. On leaving school he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a tanner and currier, but never followed the busi- ness after his apprenticeship expired. He also taught school several terms. In 1851 he removed to Cleve- land where he was first employed in a ship-yard, as book-keeper for Calkins & Searle, and afterwards, in the same capacity, for the old and well-known firm

of Quayle & Martin, which carried on an extensive business from 1851 to 1858.

In the spring of 1858 he was elected appraiser of the city of Cleveland west of the Cuyahoga river, and filled that office in a most satisfactory manner. In the meantime he kept books for the large marble works of Myers, Uhl & Co. for two years, and in 1861 was appointed inspector and deputy collector of customs for the river-othice at the port of Cleveland. This position he held seven years when he resigned. Ilis resignation was accepted with regret, for the duties of that office had been discharged in such a manner as to gain the approbation of all concerned.

In 1863 be entered into partnership with his broth- er, N. P. Bowler, in the iron business, and they sub- sequently received Thomas Maher as a member of the firm. They owned a small foundry on Center street which was called the " Cleveland Foundry "-a name it still retains. Mr. N. P. Bowler and Mr. Maher devoted their time entirely to the business and were amply rewarded by the success which crowned their efforts. The former attended to the office work; the latter was a practical mechanic, and the unusual pros- perity of the firm was in a great measure due to his ability. Ile possessed great skill as a moulder and understood melting and mixing the different kinds of iron.

They soon purchased a block on Winter street, where they erected a large brick shop, for making soft or machine castings, and a car-wheel foundry. In 1870 Mr. C. A. Brayton was admitted as a mem- ber of the firm, and the business was carried on under the firm name of Bowlers, Maher & Brayton. The car-wheel foundry was enlarged so as to turn out from sixty to one hundred wheels per day. In the spring of 1868 Mr. Bowler purchased a third interest in the Globe Iron Works, a large machine shop and foundry situated on the west side of the river, which he dis- posed of in February of the following year, and started the firm of Lord, Bowler & Co. They first carried on their business in a building on the corner of Colum- bus and Center streets, but subsequently bought of Messrs. Younglove & Massey the agricultural build- ings on Center street, and immediately put up their present shops, employing, in good times, about sixty hands.

Lord, Bowler & Co. do all kinds of machine work, but make a specialty of stationary engines, of which they have manufactured a large number. Their "Standard engine " is of a new style, superior in many respects, and has been tested in various mechanical industries with unexceptionably favorable results. They built the engines for the Northern Ohio Insane Asylum and the Workhouse in Cleveland; some large ones for flonring mills in Bellevne and Shelby, Ohio, und Hillsdale, Michigan; and a still larger one (four hundred horse power) for the shops of the Standard Oil Co., Cleveland.

Samuel Lord, the senior partner of the firm, has been a resident of Cleveland for thirty years. He

Mm/Bowler

333

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

possesses more than ordinary mechanical ability, and was made foreman of the shops in which he learned his trade, before his apprenticeship had expired. In 1854 he assisted in establishing the tilobe Iron Works, in which he owned an interest, and acted in capacity of foreman until he became associated with Mr. Bowler. J. II. Johnson, the third member of the firm, is a practical machinist, and was employed in the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapo- lis railroad shops for seventeen years previous to his association with Lord, Bowler & t'o. J. W. Pearce, who has recently become a member of the establish- ment, is a graduate of Greenwich Naval College, England, and has been with the firm six years as draughtsman and bookkeeper.

In addition to his other property Mr. Bowler has the principal interest in the firm of Bowler & Bur- dick, importers and wholesale dealers in jewelry and watches. They have a large trade; doing a yearly business of from $50,000 to $75,000.

During the war Mr. Bowler was active and liberal in support of the government. Hle furnished a sub- stitute to the army without draft or forcing, and con- tributed freely to the aid of soldiers and to their families at home. Two of his brothers enlisted in the service: Charles P. Bowler was in Company C of the Seventh Ohio infantry, and was killed at the battle of Cedar Mountain; and John R. Bowler was an assistant paymaster in the navy.

For the past fifteen years he has been less active in polities than during the previous quarter of a century, though not neglecting any of the duties of a citizen. Ile has transferred his active labors to the field of benevolent work, in which he has done noble service. The Bethel work has enlisted his sympathies and aid to a considerable extent.

In 1854 Mr. Bowler united himself with the order of Odd Fellows, entering Erie Lodge, No. 22, one of the first in the State. He has always been one of the most valued and trusted members of the order in this locality.

For thirty-tive years he has been a member of the Disciple church. He served as Sunday school super- intendent and was a liberal giver to this work, as well as to the churches and other religious institutions. Ile was also an active member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and has frequently aided wor- thy young men striving honorably for advancement, many of whom in Cleveland revert with feelings of gratitude to his kindness in the hour of need. His success in life was the result of steady persever- ance, prudent management and honest principle.

Ile has been a resident of Cleveland for nearly thirty years; in social or business relations has always com- manded the respect of those with whom he has been brought in contact, and throughout life has borne an unblemished reputation.

Mr. Bowler was married on the 30th of August, 1846, to Miss Mary B., daughter of Jedediah Hub- bell, who died on the 19th of January, 1854. In Octo-

ber, 1855, he was married to Mrs. Annie Scarr, by whom he had two children-Edith, who died in in- fancy, and Frank W., his only living child. This lady died on the 13th of July, 1862. He married his present wife, Miss M. L. Robinson, on the 10th of September, 1867.

ALVA BRADLEY.

Captain Alva Bradley, one of the leading ship- owners of the West, has resided in Ohio since 1823 and in Cleveland since 1859. He was born of New England parents November 22, 1814, in Ellington, Tolland county, Connecticut, and when nine years old accompanied his parents to Ohio; whither his father, Leonard, turned his footsteps as to a place offering richer inducements to the agriculturist than could be found on the hills of New England. The journey was made by wagon to Albany, thence by canal to within fifty miles of Buffalo, and from that place on a sailing vessel, from which the family landed at Cleveland in September, 1823. Withont delaying in the then embryo Forest City they passed on to Brown- helm, Lorain county, and settled upon a farm. Alva spent the years until he was nineteen in laboring up- on his father's place-receiving but a limited school education meanwhile-but becoming inclined for a sailor's life, he left the farm and shipjed aboard the schooner " Liberty," of about tifty tons, owned by Norman Moore and plying between Buffalo and other Lake Erie ports.

A life on the lakes suited him so well that he de- termined to stick to it. He sailed successively after that on the " Young Leopard," " Edward Bancroft," " Express" and " Commodore Lawrence," and so prospered that in 184t he undertook, in company with Ahira Cobb, now of Cleveland the construe- tion of the schooner "South America" of one hundred and four tons. They built her on the Ver- million river, and Captain Bradley, taking command, sailed her in the Lake Erie trade for the ensuing three seasons. This venture in ship-building he followed with others of a similar character, after transferring the " South America " to his cousin, Sheldon Bradley. who sailed her one season, and the next, with all on board, went down with her in a storm.

Captain Bradley and Mr. tobb built on the Ver- million -- after the . South America "-the sailing vessels " Birmingham, " " Ellington " and " Oregon," and the steam propeller "Indiana," and Captain Brad- ley successively commanded them. Ilis last service as a lake captain was performed on board the schoon- er "Oregon," from which he retired in 1852, after a continuous experience on the lakes, between Buffalo and Chicago, of fifteen years. In the last named year he made his home at the mouth of the Vermillion, where he continued the business of ship building, solely, however, as heretofore, for the purpose of put- ting the vessels into the lake trade on his own account or in joint interest with others. In 1859 he changed

334

THE CITY OF CLEVELAND.

his residence to Cleveland, but continued ship build- ing on the Vermillion until 1868, when he removed his ship yards to Cleveland, where between 1868 and 1824 he built twelve vessels-including those pro- pelled by sail and steam.

As already observed, Captain Bradley placed his vessels in trade as fast as constructed, and became in the course of a brief time, an important ship owner. Ile transacted a large and valuable business as a freight carrier on the great lakes, and in that depart- ment of commerce has been conspicuously identified with the lake marine since 1841. His interests in that line, now of considerable magnitude, engage his active attention, and he gives to all his undertakings his closest personal supervision. He is of a truth one of Cleveland's busiest workers, and, although verging toward three score and ten, retains in a remarkable degree the energy and watchfulness that have been the principal causes of his success.

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.

History of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Part 82

Author: Johnson, Crisfield Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott & Co. Number of Pages: 716

Author: Johnson, Crisfield
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.B. Lippincott & Co.
Number of Pages: 716