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 56
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 56
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he had reached a good old age. During the late war Henry Howard Cushing enlisted in the Eighty- eighth Illinois Infantry as a Captain, and after Lee's surrender was appointed Quartermaster of the regular army, and aided in the settlement of railroad elaims in Tennessee. IIe died in Washı- ington, October 15, 1872, but liis widow is still living and a resident of Toledo.
Henry H. Cushing, of this sketeh, was born in Chicago, Ill., in 1864. At the age of ten years lie was appointed Page in the United States Senate through the influence of old family friends. He held that position for six years, and came in con- tact with many of the noted men of the coun- try, among whom were Blaiue, Edmunds, Andrew Johnson, Conklin, O. P. Morton, Zach Chandler, A. G. Thurman, Baird, LeMar and Gordon. Dur- ing this period the famous Hayes election contest occurred, and at one time hie and two other per- sons, Captain Bassett, the door-keeper, and a page, knew where the ballots from the Southern States were secreted.
Upou leaving his position in the United States Senate, Mr. Cushing was employed for two years in the Washington Patent Office. In order to finish his education, he removed to Ann Arbor, Mich., and after graduating from the high school entered the Class of '88 in the State University. Though he took up the study of law at the Co- lumbia University at Washington, he became dis- satisfied, and being anxious for a more active life went to Detroit aud engaged in the real-estate business. He was quite successful there for three years, but believing that Toledo was to be a greater city in the future, he came hither in 1891. He at once bought tracts of land at what seemed to the staid old settlers fabulous prices, subdivided them into building lots, and sold them on easy terms to mechanies and laboring men, who were thus benefited iu becoming the possessors of lium- ble homes. Recently Mr. Cushing resumed his legal studies, and is now taking a thorough course at Aun Arbor, where he will graduate in the Class of '95. In the mean time, by his able assist- ants, he continues his business affairs in Toledo.
The celebrated Caleb C. Cushing, a member of Congress and Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy
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Extraordinary to China, was a Colonel and Brig- adier-General during the Mexican War, Judge of the Supreme Court and Attorney-General of the United States, was one of the most influential rep- resen tatives of the Cushing family, and was a dis- tant relative of our subject.
EORGE U. ROULET. The business inter- ests of Toledo have an able representative in the subject of this sketch, who has been engaged in the manufacture of jewelry in this city for about twenty years. Having learned the trade thoroughly in boyhood, he was prepared to enter upon and conduct the business with success, and without doubt the position now held by him among the efficient business men of Toledo is largely due to his familiarity with every detail connected with his cliosen occupation.
A native of New Jersey, Mr. Roulet was born in Hoboken, May 12, 1857. In 1866 he came with his parents to Toledo. For a time he was a pupil in the high school of Toledo, but at the age of fourteen he was obliged to leave school and enter upon practical business life. At once lie com- menced to learn the trade of a manufacturer of jewelry, and served an apprenticeship under S. K. MeKinstry, of this city. On the completion of his apprenticeship, lic continued in the employ of Mr. Mckinstry, remaining with that gentleman until 1875, when he went East for further informa- tion pertaining to his chosen work.
Having through practical experience gained a thorough knowledge of the trade, Mr. Roulet felt competent to enter business for himself, and this he did in 1876. In 1880 he took E. P. Armstrong into partnership, and the firm of Roulet & Arni- strong has since conducted an extensive business. A large proportion of their manufactured article are disposed of to customers in the city and are
made to order. They also have an increasing outside trade, and have built up a reputation as a reliable firm. In designing jewelry they display considerable originality and skill, and their atten- tion is devoted wholly to the prosecution of the business.
The political belief of Mr. Roulet is in harmony with the tenents of the Republican party, to which he lias ever given his cordial support. He is well informed regarding public affairs, and especially in matters pertaining to the progress of Toledo. In 1894-95 he represented the Seventh Ward in the Common Council as an Alderman, and the latter year as President of the board. During his in- cumbency of the office he was enabled to promote the interests of his fellow-citizens in various ways. He is prominent in military affairs. Since 1873 hc has served as a member of tlic Ohio National Guards, and served in the Sixteenth Infantry for thirteen years. In 1886 lie was commissioned Lieutenant of the First Artillery, and was commis- sioned Captain of Battery D, First Regiment Artil- lery, in 1890, and again in 1895. His enterprise in business and the progressive spirit displayed in public affairs are recognized by liis associates and have brought him the confidence of the people.
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)ILLIAM DOREN. This old soldier, who served his country faithfully and well during the late war, is at present residing in Providence Township, where he is en- gaged as an agriculturist. Like many of the best residents of this county, he is a native of Ohio, and was born in Carroll County, February 26, 1834. His parents were Thomas and Jane (McGill) Doren, natives of the Emerald Isle.
The father of our subject was left without fa- thier or mother at an early age, and when only seven years of age made the journey to America.
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After landing in this country he made his way to Pennsylvania, where he was employed for some time, and later came to Ohio, locating in Carroll County. He made his home in that section for ten years, and his next move brought him to Lu- cas County, where he became the owner of a tract of forty acres of land. On this he erected a little log cabin, and as time passed on and his means be- came more abundant, he added to this place cighty acres more, on which he was residing at the time of his decease, February 11, 1874.
The mother of William Doreu was a most worthy aud estimable lady, and on the death of her bus- band made her home with our subjeet until her deeease, September 27, 1893, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. She became the mother of thirteen children, of whom niue are now living. They are: Mary, James, John Oliver, Rosanna, Margaret, Jacksou, William, Isaae, Joseph, Delilah, Sarah, Levi and Laviuia.
Our subject was ten years of age when his par- ents made their home in Lucas County, and for some time thereafter he spent the winter season in going to school and worked during the summer months on the home place. In 1862, during the progress of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company I, Eighty-fourth Ohio Infantry, under Colouel Lawrence. They were mustercd into service at Columbus, whence they were ordered to Maryland, figliting in that state and Delaware. At the expi- ration of his term of enlistment, Mr. Doren was honorably discharged and mustered out, and return- ing home, remained until the year 1864, when he again offered his services in defense of his coun- try's flag, this time becoming a member of the Fifth New York Independent Battery. They were sent first to New York City, from there to Wash- ington, thence to Rappahannock Station, Va., where they joined the Army of the Potomac, serving in this division until the close of the war, when the Fifth Battery were mustered out at Hart's Island, N. Y., and each oue of its members returned to his home.
On his returu from the war, Mr. Doren worked out by the month until 1869, in which year hc went to Kansas, remaining there until 1870, when he returned to Maumee, Ohio, and was married in
February, 1871, to Miss Eliza Bentley, daughter of David and Eliza (Rinklekee) Bentley. Mrs. Doren was born December 4, 1843, in Henry Coun- ty, Ohio, and was given a good education. She become the mother of five children. Jennie, born December 31, 1871, married Alonzo Clueas, and is living in Providence Township, this county; Al- bert, born August 7, 1873, died in May, 1874; Will- iam was born May 21, 1875; Roswald, September 9, 1877; and Fred, February 13, 188.1.
Mr. Doren is a truc-blue Republican in politics, and as an old veteran belongs to Ray Heller Post No. 284, at Whitehouse.
AMES RUSSELL moved to his present farm, on section 27, Webster Township, Wood Coun- ty, in 1892. He is a thrifty and well-to-do . agriculturist and has improved five or six different farms in this towuship. He is a veteran of the late Civil War and is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he is a Republican, and has served acceptably in the office of Constable. Having passed nearly his entire life in this vicinity, his history is indissolubly inter- woven with that of the community.
Joseph Russell, father of our subjeet, was boru in 1817 in Penusylvania, and was of Irish extrac- tion. In early life lie came to Ohio aud married Eliza Dubbs. For some time they were residents of Mahoning County, which was then known as Trumbull, and in 1835 they moved their house- hold effects by ox-team to this county. The mother rode on horseback, carrying her two chil- dren, James and Jane. The father had taken up six hundred acres of Government land the pre- vious year, paying the regulation price of $1.25 per acre. This farm was situated in Center Town- ship aud was unimproved with the exception of a small log cabin, which had been built by a "squat-
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ter." Joseph Russell continued to live on this homestead until his death, December 7, 1866, wlien his remains were interred in Oak Grove Cemetery at Bowling Green. He was a member of the Methodist Church. He did pioneer service in the erection of schools and planning roads, and in other ways assisted the infant community to rise to a con- dition of stability.
James Russell was born within seven miles of Youngstown, Ohio, June 24, 1833. The two eld- est of the parental family, Sarah and Jane, are de- ceascd, and the others are: John, Joseph, Susan (Mrs. John Gomer), Britton and Charles W. All of the sons offered their services in the defense of the Union, and with the exception of Britton, all were members of the same company.
Our subject was only about eighteen months old when he was brought by his parents to Wood Coun- ty, and here he was reared to manhood. When about twenty-one years of age he began his active career by working on a farm by the month. He had managed to obtain a fair general education in the district schools and by his own personal applica- tion to his studies, and during the winter of 1860 and 1861 taught school successfully. In 1861 he offered his services as a private in Company K, Twenty-first Ohio Infantry, for three months, and at the end of the term re-enlisted in Company D, of the same regiment, being mustered in at Find- lay, Ohio. In the winter of 1862 he was smitten with typhoid fever and languished in the hospital for four months. He was discharged on account of disability, August 4, 1863, and returning home, remained there until the following year. He then re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio Regiment, and was stationed on guard duty at Annapolis Junction, Md., where he served the remainder of his term of enlistment.
July 4, 1865, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Russell and Harriet M. Augustine, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 23, 1846. Sev- en children were born of their union: Rose, wlio is the wife of Charlie Butrupp; Robert B .; John E .; Joel; Nellie A., a school teacher; George; and one who died in infancy unnamed.
In 1864 Mr. Russell bought forty acres of unim- proved land on section 21. and there made his
home for some seven years, during which time he worked at the carpenter's trade, and in the years that followed he cultivated and improved several other farms.
J AMES S. RODGERS. In the mercantile and monetary fields the President of the Rodgers Shoe Company of Toledo is known to be a man of substantial business ability and un- doubted integrity. He has made profitable in vest- ments, has become interested in remunerative en- terprises, won honorable success in business and sccured a fortune as the result of personal indus- try and good judgment put forth in a field wisely selected. The business of which he is the head was incorporated with a capital of $100,000, and is rec- ognized as one of the foremost wholesale concerns of Toledo and northern Ohio.
Near Ironton, Lawrence County, Ohio, the sub- ject of this sketch was born, March 31, 1847. His father, James, was a son of James Rodgers, Sr., and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was a native of Olio, and was one of those who built the old Atna Furnace at Ironton, one of the largest fur- naces in thic state, and in which he held an interest for many years. He also built the Lawrence Roll- ing-mill at Ironton, which became one of the solid industries of the place and gave employment to a large number of men. After he had operated the mills for some time, the business was incorporated and merged into a stock company, of which he served as President until his death at Ironton in 1861. His wife, Mattie, was a daughter of Thomas Scott, and died at Ironton in 1882.
In boyhood the subject of this sketch attended the district and high schools near his home, after- ward was a student in the schools of Allegheny, Pa., and later carried on his studies at Lebanon, Ohio. He then taught school for a few terms, and afterward took a commercial course at Pough- keepsie, N. Y. On completing his education, he went to the Pacific Coast, where he spent two
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years, principally in Washington. During that time be did considerable trading in lands, and also acquired extensive mining interests.
Returning to Ohio in 1870, Mr. Rodgers em- barked in the boot and shoe business in Toledo, forming a partnership with other parties under the firm name of Wright, Taylor & Co. From the first the business has been devoted exclusively to whole- sale, and a large trade has been established that extends into Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indi- ana, Missouri, Kansas and Kentucky. The house is represented on the road by four traveling sales- men, and large shipments are made to all points in the Central States. Immediately after the in- corporation of the company Mr. Rodgers was made President, which position he has since held. The store is 60x120 feet in dimensions and four stories in height, the entire space being devoted to the business.
In addition to the industry with wbich his name is inseparably associated, Mr. Rodgers is a Director of the Hamilton National Bank and of the North- western Gas Company. He also fills the position of President of the Toledo Electric Light Com- pany, and is actively connected with many of the industries that have given prominence and pros-
perity to the interests of Toledo. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of W. O. Parker, of Norwalk, Obio. They are the parents of four children, there being three daugli- ters and one son. The family home is a substan- tial and commodious residence, attractively situ- ated on one of the principal streets of the city.
J OHN W. JEROME, deceased, was formerly one of the progressive farmers and stock- raisers of Lucas County. He came to Sylva- nia in 1869, and invested in one hundred aeres of land in this township. This farm he cleared and made many improvements upon. The two-story dwelling, barns and outbuildings were
all erected under his supervision. He was an in- dustrious, hard-working man, and possessed good business ability. For several years he was Jus- tice of the Peace of Springfield Township, and in politics was a Republican. His own education had been somewhat neglected, and he made it one of lis chief ambitions in life to give his children the best advantages in his power. After a well-spent and busy life he was gathered to his fathers, July 16, 1880.
The birth of J. W. Jerome occurred in Jefferson County, N. Y., February 5, 1832. When five years old he came to Ohio with his parents, Levi and Julia (Collins) Jerome, who were likewise na- tives of the Empire State. Mr. Jerome bought land and began farming in earnest in this county, and at one time owned about three hundred acres. An uncle, Jolin Jerome, left him about eighty acres, but with this exception his fortune was ac- quired by his own efforts. Shortly before his death he sold out his interests here and moved to Flint, Mich. Of his seven children only five are now living. The eldest, Collins, is a farmer near Flint, Michi. Sarah married Daniel Van Houtan, of Elkhart, Ind. Levi is a resident of Fostoria, Mich. Mrs. Permelia Hiller lives in Washing- ton, D. C.
Until he was twenty-three years of age, John W. Jerome continued to live with his parents, but at that time bouglit forty acres of land in this coun- ty and started forth to make his own livelihood. He did not despise the "day of small things," as for several years a log cabin was his only home. In time he bought twenty acres additional, and finally, in 1869, sold his first farm and bought the place now owned by his heirs.
September 26, 1856, Mr. Jerome and Lavina Miller were united in marriage. Sbe is a daugb- ter of George and Matilda (Reynolds) Miller, na- tives of New York State. The former was a car- penter by trade and followed his calling in Sylvania until his death, when he left a wife and seven children. His widow afterward became the wife of Elijah DeMott. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Jerome are as follows: Abbie M. Pettin- gill, a widow, now living with her daughter, Mrs. Winfred Dunn, of Chicago; Olive, widow of Will- .
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iam DeMott, of Maumee, Ohio; Charles, who is en- gaged in fruit-growing in Los Angeles, Cal., and has one son, Leland; Amelia, wife of Charles Smith, of Columbus, Ohio; and Delilah, who died when eighteeu years of age. Mrs. Lavina Jerome was born May 6, 1840, and by her marriage be- came the mother of three children. The eldest is Mark, born July 2, 1857. Hc was graduated from the Columbus Medical College, began the practice of his profession in 1884, and is now a resident of Jasper, Mich. He is married and lias one daugh- ter. Charles, boru February 26, 1859, is now liv- ing on the old home farm in Sylvania Township. He is also married and has one child. Bertha, born June 2, 1871, is the wife of Henry Vetter, a bookkeeper in Toledo.
EORGE G. HADLEY is President of the Phoenix Coal Company, Vice-President of the Ohio Central Fuel Company, and Pres- ident of the Toledo Transportation Company, which are well known and importaut Toledo en- terprises. He was also a stockholder and Direc- tor in thic Union Savings Bank of this city, owns shares in the Central Chandelier Company, and is President of the Toledo Cotton Mills. These are a few among many other concerns and companies in which Mr. Hadley has been more or less an im- portant factor. His influence and support are fre- quently called upon in order to give countenance and importance to new organizations, and if the venture seems good in his judgment he is usually ready to lend a helping hand.
Born in Oswego County, N. Y., December 13, 1848, George G. is a son of George G., Sr., who likewise was a native of the Empire State. His father, Jacob Hadley, was of Englishi descent. For his wife, George G., Sr., chose Caroline J. Grove, who was born in New York, and who was a daugh- ter of Adam Grove. Our subject had no knowl-
edge of a father's care and protection, as his father died before his birth. The mother subsequently married again, becoming the wife of J. G. Reals. The boyhood of George G., Jr., was spent in Gen- esee County, N. Y. He first attended school at Little Falls and subsequently pursued his studies in Herkimer County and at New Milford, Pa., after which he taught school for a time.
In 1861 Mr. Hadley entered the employ of a telegraph company, being for two years operator ou the Delaware, Lake Erie & Western Railroad. He was later employed by the New York Central and by the Western Union Telegraph Company in their New York City office. Iu 1866 young Had- ley weut to Chicago and became au operator for the Western Union Telegraph Company at that point. The company then transferred him to La- fayette, Ind. He was thien offered the position of Traiu Dispatcher on the Lafayette, New Albany & Chicago Railroad, and in 1872 he was made Su- perintendent of Construction on the Cincinnati, Lafayette & Chicago Railroad aud acceptably met the requirements of the place for seven years. A more responsible position was theu tendered him by the Lake Erie & Western Railroad Company as General Superintendent of the line, and as such he served for a number of years. In 1886 he was Superintendent of Construction and Bridge Work on the Ohio Central Railroad, and upon the com- pletion of the samue was elected General Manager, the duties of which he resigned in order to engage in private enterprises.
About 1886 Mr. Hadley became much interested in the coal business and was made manager of the Sunday Creek Miues, with headquarters at Toledo, In 1889 he organized the Phoenix Coal Company and was at once elected President aud General Manager. Moreover, he owns the largest interest in the Toledo Transportation Company, whichi does an extensive freight business during the major portion of the year. His son, George G., Jr., and G. W. C. Hadley are conducting a large book aud job printing business at Nos. 136 and 138 St. Clair Street, Toledo. The business office of our subject is at Nos. 113 and 315 The Nasby.
In 1867 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hadley and Miss Mary A, Adam, of Lafayette, Ind. They
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have one sou, George G., Jr. The family home is finely situated on one of the principal residence streets of this city, beiug at No. 1718 Madison Avenue.
J AMES R. BARBER. The farming interests of Lucas County are well represented by the subject of this notice, who is a leading agri- eulturist of Springfield Township, and re- sides on section 11. He is a native of Ohio, and was born September 11, 1823. The family of which he is a member consisted of six children, of whom the only survivors are James R. and Robert, the latter a resident of Toledo.
The parents of our subject were Robert and Naney (MeIntosh). Barber. The father, who was born in New York City, accompanied his parents to Pittsburg, Pa., in early boyhood, aud in that eity spent the years of youth. Learuing the trade of a carpenter and joiner, he followed that oecu- pation until 1849, when he came to Ohio and set- tled in Wood County. Here for a short time he engaged as a tiller of the soil, but soon removed with his family to Carroll County, where he had previously purchased a farm. He followed agri- cultural pursuits during the remainder of his life with the exception of a short time spent in the Mexican War. On the old homestead his death oeeurred when he was in the sixty-third year of his age.
The next to the youngest of the parental family was the subject of this sketeh, who in boyhood re- eeived such advantages as the common schools afforded. He remained with his parents uutil he was eighteen years old, and having learned the carpenter's trade, assisted his father in the eree- tion of many of the residences in their locality. For a number of years he followed his trade in northern Ohio, and for a short time he also worked on the canal. In the year 1869 he purchased his
present farm, and here he has siuce engaged in cultivating the land. The well cultivated fields and pleasant surroundings attest his ability as a farmer, and the respeet in which he is held by his neighbors is due to his geuial disposition and honest character. He aided in building the first bridge across the Maumee River, and has assisted in other enterprises of importance.
In 1851 Mr. Barber was united in marriage with Miss Malinda Shroyer, who was born in Wood Coun- ty April 26, 1834. They became the parents of a daughter, Malinda, born September 29, 1857, and now the wife of George Plants, a farmer of Wood County. Mrs. Barber died October 20, 1857, wheu her daughter was scareely a month old. October 13, 1864, Mr. Barber married Miss Sophia, daugh- ter of James and Eliza Bellville, of Wood County. Her father, whose life occupation was that of farmiug, died at the age of seventy-six, and her mother passed away when fifty-five. He was a native of France, whenee he emigrated to America in an early day, and was a soldier in the War of 1812, though be never participated in any engage- inents.
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