USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Portrait and biographical record of city of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the locality, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 35
USA > Ohio > Wood County > Portrait and biographical record of city of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the locality, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 35
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The boyhood of James A. Young was passed on
his father's farm in Fountain County, Ind., where the family removed when he was four years of age. He received the advantages of a district- school education, and was moreover assisted in his studies by his father, who was a man of large in- tellectual attainments, and had been a teacher for a number of years. At the early age of fifteen years, our subject began teaching in country schools, and was thius occupied during the winter months for several years, at the same time con- tinuing his private studies. He made good prog- ress and entered the Freshman class of De Pauw University at Greencastle, Ind., at the age of nine- teen.
After one ycar in college, Mr. Young was made Principal of the Covington (Ind.) schools, in 1871. In 1873 he was elected County Superintendent of Schools for a term of two years. During this time, he graded the country schools so effectively, that he was appointed by the State Board of Education to prepare a plan for grading the country schools of the state. His system was adopted by a state convention of County Superintendents in 1875, and has since been in nse throughout the state of Indiana.
In 1875 our subject removed to Indianapolis, and two years later entered Butler University as a student, where he graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1879, and received the degree of A. M. by examination and thesis in 1880. Hc was made Tutor in Ancient History immediately after cuter- ing Butler University, and held the position until he graduated. He was made Professor of History in that institution in 1880, but resigned the same in 1882, accepting a position with D. Appleton & Co., in their cyclopedia department. Early in 1887 Mr. Young resigned this position and became city agent of the Northwestern Mutual Life In- surance Company, in the city of Cleveland, and remained with that company until 1889, when he transferred his allegiance to the New York Life, as superintendent of agents for northern Ohio. On the 7th of April, 1891, he located in Toledo as manager for northwestern Ohio.
In 1892 Mr. Young started an agitation against the wasteful and harmful methods of charity work as done throughout the city of Toledo. He point-
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ed out the fact that Toledo was almost a paradise for the tramp and professional beggar. So much had the seutiment changed through his efforts, that in 1893 he induced the Humane Society, through the Hon. J. M. Brown, the President, to change its articles of incorporation, and establishi a Department of Associated Charities. The active work of the department did not begin until De- cember of that year; but its efficiency was not sur- passed in the United States during the winter of 1893-94.
It was through Mr. Young's activity and knowl- edge of the system, assisted by his wife, that every department of the associated charity work was organized, and achieved such signal success in one year that it was known throughout the country. The extraordinary relief given that winter to some ten thousand people was the joint work of the Humane Society and a committee of citizens, to whom all possible praise is due. But the system which goes on caring for those that have made a failure in life, lifting them up, rekindling hope and self-respect, putting them in the way of help- ing themselves and stimulating them to renewed effort, is due to our subject's sacrifice of time and personal comfort.
Mr. Young is an active member of the Ohio State Conference of Charities and Correction, and is now President of that body. He is a student of social questions, and is active in all movements that look to the progress of the race, bettering the condition of the laboring classes, rescuing children from pauperism, clean political inethods and re- form, and economy in civil administration. He was one of the charter members of the New Chamber of Commerce, and has enthusiastic faith in the future of Toledo.
In October, 1887, Mr. Young was married to Miss Marie Le Monde, of Indianapolis, a lady of superior attainments and culture. She is an en- thusiastic student of social and ethical questions, and co-operates with her husband in his studies as well as his benevolent work. They are both mem- bers of the First Congregational Church, and reg- ular attendants at church services.
Mr. Young is a close student and has done a good deal of literary work for newspapers and
magazines, having been admitted to the pages of several of our best magazines, as well as those of the "Edinburgh Review." Hc is also a member of the 'Toledo Club, and helped to organize the Round Table Club, a group of the brightest men in the city, and is active in all its deliberations.
I SAAC WARD, one of the sterling old pioneers of Wood County, came here as early as 1843, and since that time has been identified with its upbuilding and development. In 1853 he pur- chased the farm where he now lives, comprising eighty acres on section 25, Center Township. He is a good Republican, and has filled a number of local offices of responsibility and trust. His origi- nal eighty acres have been increased by subsequent purchase to one hundred and sixty acres, on which may be found substantial improvements.
Mr. Ward was born in Perry County, Ohio, March 7, 1827, and is one of seven children, whose parents were Amos and Polly ( Shoop) Ward. The other living children are John, Eliza, Lewis and Saralı; and those who have passed from this life are Harriet and Hiram. Mr. and Mrs. Ward, who were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, removed to Perry County, Ohio, at a very early day; later, in 1834, going to Sandusky County. Locating in what is now Washington Township, on a one hundred and sixty acre tract of Government land, Mr. Ward erected a log cabin, and for two years industriously worked at clear- ing away the timber. At the end of that period he went to Ottawa County and took up one hun- dred and sixty acres of Government land, eight miles north of where Port Clinton now stands. His death occurred on this farm, some two or three ycars subsequently.
At the time of his father's demise Isaac Ward was only seven years of age, and when he was ten years old his mother and family returned to the old homestead in Sandusky County, about ten
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acres of which his father had cleared before going to Ottawa County. When he was sixteen years of age, Isaac Ward left home to make his own liveli- hood, and, coming to this county, worked for farmers at $8 per month. In the winter of 1843, in company with his brother Hiram, he started on horseback for Iowa, and therc rented a farm a mile and a-half distant from Iowa City for one year. He raised a crop of corn, which he sold for ten cents a bushel. While living in Iowa, which he did for two years, it was admitted to the sisterhood of states. In the spring of 1845 he started for Wisconsin alone and on foot, and when he reached Plattsville obtained work on a farm at $10 per month. An idea of the then thinly settled condi-
tion of Iowa may be formed, when we state that in the entire distance between Iowa City and Du- buque the youth passed only one house. On terminating his engagement near Plattsville, he worked for a year at Mineral Point, Wis., after which he rented a farm, which he operated for the following year. His next business was that of haul- ing lead ore and doing general teaming. He then started for the pineries of Wisconsin on foot from Mineral Point, and after procceding a distance of about one hundred miles, found work in a sawmill at Big Bull Falls. After a time he put up a shanty and engaged in logging, taking his pay for his winter's work in logs, which he rafted down the river and sold. He then proceeded on foot to Mineral Point, and thence took the stage to Mil- waukec. From that city he proceeded by the Lakes to Sandusky County, and not long after- ward eame to this county. Settling in Freedom Township, he engaged in farming for about three years, and then settled on the homestead where he now lives, and which he has since been engaged in cultivating.
August 10, 1850, Mr. Ward married Rosanna Lance, who was born in Turbot Township, Nor- thumberland County, Pa., October 5, 1834. The following children have been born of this union: Hiram, Isaac, Lemuel, Julia, Emma, John E., Lewis A., Elsie E., Celesta, Anna S., Sarah M., Laura L., William L., Nellie O., and one who died unnamed. Annie B. and William are also deceased.
The first school that Mr. Ward attended was
held in a small log cabin, three miles distant from his father's home. It was run on the subcription system, and the benches, desks and other appoint- ments were of the most primitive kind, being rudc- ly carved from slabs. When Mr. Ward first came to live on his farm, it was thickly covered with forests, and he was obliged to cut down several trees in order to clear a space in which to erect a cabin. His farm now bears little resemblance to the one of former years, for he has cleared the main portion of it and has erected commodious and substantial buildings. The logs, after being cut, were hauled away by ox-team. For ten years he was Trustce of this township, and has helped in many practical ways to advance the interests of this community. In politics he is a Republican, and in former years was a Wing. He appreciates the advantages of a good education, and is always on the side of movements which have for their object the advancement of the school system. For sev- eral years he served as School Director.
ILLIAM T. RYAN, who is one of the well known officials of Toledo, and is at present serving as Street Commis- sioner, was born in the city of Detroit, Mich., in February, 1840. He is the son of John and Cath- erine R. (Merrick) Ryan, both of whom were born and reared in Dublin, Ireland. After their mar- riage, they crossed the occan and cainc to the United States by way of Canada, settling in De- troit, Mich.
When William T. was a child of five years, his parents removed to Wayne, Mich., at which place he attended the common schools and remained until attaining his twentieth year. For a time afterward he conducted his studies in a private school. On coming to Toledo in 1862, he secured a situation as salesman, and continued in that ca- pacity until shortly before the close of the Civil War. In February, 1865, he aided in recruiting
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Company B, and on its organization was chosen First Lieutenant. The company was attaclied to the One Hundred and Eighty-ninth Ohio Infantry, Col. H. D. Kingsbury commanding. He was as- signed with his regiment to garrison duty on the Atlantic Coast, and afterward was sent to the state of Alabama, being stationed at different points. After having served about eight months lie was discharged, in October, 1865, at the close of the Rebellion. In July of the same year, he had been appointed Adjutant, and later was promoted to be Captain of Company E in the same regiment, in which rank he served until the expiration of his term of service.
Returning to Toledo, Mr. Ryan has since made this city his home, though often called to other places iu the interest of his business. He was engaged for a time as contractor on the Toledo, Ann Arbor & North Michigan Railroad, also on the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railroad, and the Ohio Central, at one time known as the Find- lay Branch Railroad. In March, 1893, he was appointed Street Commissioner to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Henry Bower. At the expiration of the term, in April of the follow- ing year, he was elected to the office for a term of two years. In the discharge of the duties of his position he is remarkably efficient and energetic, and the excellent condition of the streets, alleys, sewers and sidewalks may be attributed largely to his close supervision of his work.
The marriage of Mr. Ryan to Miss Amelia, daughter of John Kirk, took place in 1865. They make their home at No. 710 Fourth Street, East Side, where they entertain with pleasant hospi- tality all who come within their doors. Their children, four in number, are named Mary A., Alice, George E. and Fred. The influence of the family is felt for good in the community, and they are prominent in society, where they are respected for their refinement, culture and cordiality of manner.
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Mr. Ryan is a good citizen, loyal to the interests of the Government, and anxious that the best measures should be adopted for the advancement of the community in which he resides. The Re- publican platform embodies his political ideas, and
he participates actively in public affairs. showing an intelligent interest in and zeal for the success of his party. In the Grand Army he is quite prominent, and holds membership in Ford Post No. 14, G. A. R.
M ALCOLM H. MURRAY, Secretary, Treas- urer and manager of the Bradner Supply Company, and one of the most successful young business men of this place, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born in Westmoreland County, October 18, 1864, and is the son of John M. Murray, a native of Maryland, who, removing from that state to Pennsylvania, gained prominence as a successful merchant.
At a very early age the subject of this notice de- veloped the traits of industry and energy that afterward beeame prominent factors in securing his finaneial success. When a mere lad he became a newsboy. Afterward he learned telegraphy, which he followed for three years or more. His educa- tion had been limited to the common schools, with the exception of a course of study in a business college; but, while his advantages were few, he made the most of such opportunities as came to him, and in that way gained a broad fund of informa- tion upon practical subjects.
When seventeen years of age, Mr. Murray became interested in the oil business in the fields of Penn- sylvania, and from that time to the present he has been engaged in that industry, his operations ex- tending over Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. At this writing his most extensive interests are in Ohio aud Indiana. He is identified with H. S. Smith, one of the large and successful operators in the field, and with whom he first started out in the oil business. They own a large number of wells, from which they receive profitable returns.
January 1, 1894, Mr. Murray purchased an in- terest in the Bradner Supply Company, an exten- sive corporation that is engaged in manufacturing
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and furnishing supplies for all the oil-fields in this locality. Of this company he is manager, Secre- tary and 'Treasurer, and its success is largely at- tributable to his perseverance, judgment and sagac- ity. He is conceded to be one of the most thorough and pushing business men in the Ohio oil-fields, and through his shrewdness and exercise of good judgment is rapidly making a fortune.
While his private business concerns have de- inanded the principal share of his time and thought, Mr. Murray is always willing to assist in matters of a public nature, if convinced that they will prove helpful to the people. Socially hic is a Chapter Mason and active in the work of the fraternity. In his religious belief he is a Methodist and takes a prominent part in the enterprises originated and fostered by his congregation. The success which he has already attained is especially remarkable when we consider that he started without capital, and that he is yet scarcely in the prime of life. Without doubt the succeeding years will bring him increased usefulness, success and prominence.
A LFRED A. STUMP, Mayor of Bradner, and one of the wealthy and enterprising young business men of the placc, has been a life-long resident of Wood County, and was born on a farm near Mill Grove, April 13, 1862. His father, Noah E., also a native of Wood County, enlisted in the Union army at the opening of the Rebellion and served for four years, being Orderly Sergeant of Company E, Twenty-fifth Ohio In- fantry. During his service he lost the use of his right arm, and died in 1868 from the results of his long and hard service in thic cause of his country. He had three brothers, John, Allen and William, all of whom were soldiers in the Twenty-fifth Reg- iment.
The paternal grandparents of Mr. Stump were natives of Pennsylvania, and pioneers of Wood County. His mother, Hannah (Schofstall) Stump,
was born in Pennsylvania, and at an early age came to Ohio with her parents. After the deatlı of our subject's father, she became the wife of D. L. Thomas, and now lives in Petoskey, Mich. By her first marriage she had three sons, the eldest of whom, George F., died at the age of sixteen years. The youngest son, Charles, is engaged in agricult- ural pursuits, making his home on a farm near Bradner.
At the time of his father's death, the subject of this notice was a child of six years. In early boy- hood he did not have many advantages, but was enabled to secure a common-school education, and in the years that have since followed his knowl- edge has been broadened by a systematic course of reading, so that he now possesses a broad fund of information upon all topics of general importance. Arriving at man's estate, he selected for his life occupation the calling of a farmer, and to this he has since devoted his attention, though not to the exclusion of other business interests. In the fall of 1892 he moved into the village of Bradner, where he had previously built the finest residence in the place. Hc still continues, however, to oper- ate his farm one mile north of the town.
Upon attaining his majority, Mr. Stump began to vote for the men and measures of the Republi- can party, to which he had previously given liis allegiance. He has since seen no reasons for changing his views, and believes row, as he has always done, that the welfare of the Government will be best promoted by the adoption of Repub- lican principles. For six years he served as Trus- tee of his township. In the spring of 1894 he was the successful candidate of the Republican party for Mayor of Bradner, in which capacity he is now serving. A capable and thorough official, he com- mands the respect of all the people of the place, and as Mayor his services have proved satisfactory, not only to his own party, but also to those of op- posite belief.
January 14, 1886, Mr. Stump was united in mar- riage with Miss Nellie Hyter, the accomplished daugliter of A. Hyter, a wealthy farmer and oil operator, residing in Bradner. They have three bright and interesting boys, Clayton, Walter and Clare, to whom will be given the best advantages
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possible, and who, under the judicious training of their parents, will be fitted for positions of honor and usefulness in the business world. Socially Mr. Stump is identified with the Knights of Pyth- ias, and is Past Chancellor of his lodge.
T HOMAS R. COOK. Of the solid and pros- perous business men and officials of Toledo, none have a higher place among the peo- ple than the gentleman named, who is filling the responsible position of Superintendent of the To- ledo Water Works. Far-seeing, discreet, prudent, and with considerable executive ability, he is well qualified to take the lead in matters of finance or local government. He is a progressive and public- spirited man, ready and anxious to do all that is for the advancement of the people and the advan- tage of the city. As such, he is worthy of repre- sentation in a volume dedicated to the promi- nent men of the place.
In regard to the ancestral history of our subject, we find that lie is a member of a family long es- tablished in New England. His father, Thomas, was born in Vermont and grew to manliood at his native place near the shores of Lake Champlain. In an early day he removed to Michigan and set- tled in Calhoun County, where he engaged in ag- ricultural pursuits. He died in 1859, at the age of fifty-six, having been born in 1803. His wife, who died three years prior to his demise, was in maidenhood Fannie Cate, and was, like himself, of Eastern birth.
Five sons and five daughters comprised the fam- ily of Thomas Cook, and of this number three sons and three daughters are now living. Thomas R., the youngest of the family, was born in Marshall, Calhoun County, Mich., November 13, 1852, and gained the rudiments of his education in the pub- lic schools of his native town. Later' he supple- mented the information there obtained by an aca- demical education, after which he spent two years
in Webster City, Iowa. Returning to Indiana, where he had previously attended school, he en- tered the employ of the Big Four Railroad, with headquarters at LaFayette, where he remained sev- eral years. . He was at first employed in the shops at that place, and afterward became a locomotive engineer.
After leaving the employ of the Big Four, Mr. Cook obtained a position with the Lake Erie & Western Railroad Company. In 1880 he came to Toledo, Ohio, and here received the appointment of assistant master mechanic on the Ohio Central Railroad, which position he filled for thirteen ycars. Upon the organization of the Board of Fire Com- missioners, he was one of the first members ap- pointed, and served in that capacity for two years. He was then appointed chief of the fire department, but declined to accept the position. The position of Superintendent of the Toledo Water Works, which he now holds, became his by appointment in 1894, and he has since filled it in a manner in- dicative of his superior ability. In addition to other interests, he is now serving as Viee-Presi- dent of the Phoenix Building and Loan Company, having held that office since the organization of the enterprise.
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A very important event in the life of our sub- ject was his union in marriage, October 7, 1878, with Miss Mary L. Balfe, the daughter of George Balfe, of LaFayette, Ind. They are the parents of two children. Their daughter, Velma G., is a stu- dent in the high school and a bright and accom- plislied girl, who is very popular among her circle of acquaintances. Their only son, Thomas Clair, is also conducting his studies in the Toledo schools, where he is being fitted for the active and success- ful discharge of such duties as the future years may bring him.
Socially Mr. Cook is a member of the Knights of Pythias organization, and fills the position of Past Chancellor of Charles Sumner Lodge. He is also connected with the National Union. He is well known in Toledo, being a genial, affable man, whose interests and sympathies are with his fel- low-men. Throughout life he has been a thor- ough and systematic reader, and has largely broad- ened his views of men and things through access
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to books and papers. A Republican in his politi- cal faith, he has the greatest faith in the future prosperity of the country under the execution of the laws as enacted by his party. In its declara- tions, it has embodied the political principles in which he believes, and he casts his vote for the candidates of that organization. During local cam- paigns he is active in promoting the success of his friends, and if they win the victory no one is more pleased than he. The duties pertaining to his po- sition he lias discharged with judgment and taet, so that the people of the city feel great confidence in his practical ability. He and his wife have a pleasant home at No. 1302 Oak Street, and are highly honored in the city where they make their home.
W ILLIAM V. McMAKEN, Treasurer of the county of Lucas, and also City Treasurer of Toledo, was born in New York City, February 11, 1857. He is a son of Ezekiel V. and Anna C. (Smith) McMaken, natives of Butler County, Ohio, and Connecticut, respec- tively. When his father was thirteen years old the family moved to Ft. Wayne, Ind. After his marriage he went to New York City, where he was engaged in business for twenty-two years, and thence, in 1864, he removed to Toledo. Here he embarked in the mercantile business, and also, under the administration of President Grant, served as Postmaster from 1870 to 1874. He continued to make his home in Toledo until his death, in November, 1889. The widowed mother, who sur- vives her husband, inakes her home in this city.
The parental family consisted of three children, of whom William V. is the second in order of birth, and he and Kate M. are the only survivors. His childhood up to seven years was passed in New York City, whence in 1864 he was brought by his parents to Toledo. His education was ob- tained principally in the school's of Toledo, and he was graduated from the high school of this city in 1874, Upon starting out for himself, he was for
several years employed as a clerk for different firms. In 1886 he was elected County Recorder for a term of three years, at the expiration of which time he was re-elected to the office.
On retiring from this position, Mr. MeMaken formed a partnership with Charles Fox, under the firm name of Fox & McMaken, and engaged in the real-estate and commission business. In No- vember, 1893, the people chose him to represent them in the office of County Treasurer, the duties of which he assnnied September 13, 1894. By vir- tue of this office, he also became City Treasurer of Toledo. As an official, he is careful, energetic and discriminating, a man of irreproachable honor and unswerving fidelity to the interests of his fel- low-citizens.
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