USA > Ohio > Representative men of Ohio, 1900-1903 > Part 9
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
proven himself a model officer popular with the bench and bar. Mr. Emerson has always been a Republican of the most stalwart variety.
On the 8th of May, 1892, Mr. Emerson married Miss Laura Ferren, at St. Clairsville, and two little boys, Wayne and Glenn, aged 9 and 7, now grace the Emerson household. His aged mother is still living at Bethesda, near where he was born, but his father, William Emerson, one of the successful farmers of Belmont County, died about three years ago, leaving a compe- tency for his widow and family.
Although Mr. Emerson has been clerk of the Ohio Supreme Court only one year, his intelligent administration of the office has made him a most popular official.
Hon. Arthur I. Vorys.
Since the passage of the act of March 12, 1872, by the Ohio General Assembly, establishing the State Insurance Depart- ment, the growth of that branch of the state government has been constant and vigorous, until to-day it may be said that but few if any similar departments in other states are its superior. Much of this improvement in the enforcement of the insurance laws, and the widening of the scope of the department's work, is directly due to the present official, Superintendent A. I. Vorys, who has already placed his name high among the insurance authorities of the country, in not only his perfect understanding of what are known as the insurance laws, but in the care he is constantly exercising in the interest of the insured. Superin- tendent Vorys early attracted the attention of Governor Nash on account of his business capacity and general knowledge of law, and his appointment followed soon after the inauguration of the Gover- nor, in 1900. He is now serving his second term, his administra- tion having been eminently successful in every way. During the session of the 75th General Assembly the Superintendent accom- plished a great deal of important work in perfecting the insur- ance machinery of the state and placing proper laws for the
HON. ARTHUR I. VORYS.
JOHN T. BRASEE.
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
management and control of that ever increasing interest, upon the statute books.
Arthur I. Vorys is a product of Fairfield County, born in Lancaster, November 25, 1856. He secured his education in the Lancaster public schools, attending Ohio State Uni- versity two years. After leaving that institution he learned the trade of wood-turner, afterward studying law and be- ing admitted to the bar, in 1879. He served two terms as City Solicitor of Lancaster 1884-1888. He has always been a Repub- lican and in several campaigns assisted his party in service as county chairman, committeeman, etc. In 1891 Mr. Vorys married Miss Jeanny M. McNeill, of Lancaster, and they have four child- ren, all boys.
John T. Brasee.
The subject of this sketch comes from an honored family, his grandfather, John T. Brasee, being one of the pioneers of Fair- field County, who served with distinction as a member of the Ohio Senate in 1856, during the administration of Governor Salmon P. Chase, representing the Ninth Ohio district. His father, John S. Brasee, has for years been a leading member of the bar in his section of the State, and served as a member of the Codifying Commission by appointment of Governor Hayes, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Luther Day, who was named as a member of the Supreme Court Commission by the same authority.
John T. Brasee was born in Lancaster, Fairfield County, September 1, 1860, and after receiving an education in the Lan- caster public schools and Kenyon college, was admitted to the bar in 1885, where he practiced with his father, John S. Brasee, before the Fairfield County Courts. When his fellow-townsman, Hon. A. I. Vorys, was made Superintendent of Insurance by Governor Nash in 1900, the appointment of examiner in the office was tendered to Mr. Brasee and accepted. When Thos E. Drake, then Deputy Superintendent of Insurance, resigned to take the place
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of Superintendent of Insurance for the District of Columbia, Mr. Brasee was appointed to fill the vacancy and is now performing the duties of the post to the satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Brasee is unmarried.
With the rapid growth of the department, and the constant enhancement of its importance to the people, many questions are constantly up for settlement, and the manner in which Mr. Brasee has assisted in their disposition shows his peculiar fitness for the office. He has been a staunch Republican all his life.
Samuel Edgar Stilwell,
Actuary of the Ohio Insurance Department, who resides at East Cleveland, Ohio, was born at Yonkers, N. Y., May 29, 1859, of Wm. J. Stilwell and Mary D. (Archer) Stilwell. He grad- uated from Columbia University, New York City, in 1883, and received a Fellowship in Science for three years, carrying with it $500 per year to pursue a post graduate course in mathematics, both pure and applied. He received the A. M. degree in 1884 and Ph. D. degree in 1886 on completion of his post graduate studies. From 1886 to 1889 he was Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy in Allegheny College at Meadville, Pa .; from 1889 to 1894 assistant to the Actuary of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company at Philadelphia; from 1894 to August I, 1900, general agent at Cleveland, O., for the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company of Boston, Mass. Since August I, 1900, Mr. Stilwell has been Actuary of the Ohio Insurance De- partment under Superintendent Vorys.
He was married to Miss Addie M. Kolb, and two daughters, Lilian Belle Stilwell, aged 19, and Winnifred M. Stilwell, aged 16, are the result of that union. Mr. Stilwell has always been a Republican and he takes an interest in party affairs. He is a most capable official.
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TERRY Cuts. O.
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE.
1. S. E. Stillwell, Actuary,
2. H. S. Bassett, Statistician,
3. John W. Crooks, Examiner,
4. D. E. Ball, 1st Asst. Actuary,
5. Herbert Starek, Bookkeeper,
6. Fred. P. Johnston, 2d Asst. Actuary,
7. Miletus Garner, Correspendence Clerk,
8. R. Graham Rudd, Clerk,
9. Geo. E. Monett, Messenger.
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
Hollis S. Bassett,
The statistician in the Department of Insurance, was born in Fulton county, Ohio, March 9, 1859, and is the only son of Dr. Lyman A. Bassett, of the village of Swanton. He received his education in the common schools of Fulton county. At the age of 16 Mr. Bassett began his career as a telegraph operator which he followed for twelve years. In April, 1886, he founded and be- gan the publication of the Swanton Enterprise, a local newspaper. Although the paper was neutral in politics, Mr. Bassett, himself, made his influence felt in behalf of the Republican party, serving on local and county executive committees and as delegate to state and congressional conventions. He has always been a strong factor in the Republican politics of Fulton county.
In the campaign of 1893, Mr. Bassett made a canvass for the office of Clerk of the Courts of Fulton county. He was selected as the nominee, carried the election and served in that capacity for two terms. He was chairman of the county executive com- mittee during the first campaign of Governor Nash.
In February, 1894, Mr. Bassett was married to Miss Mar- garet Doig, a resident of the Dominion of Canada and a native of Scotland. They have two children, a daughter and son. Mr. Bassett is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias, having been an energtic worker in both orders.
John W. Crooks
Was born near South Olive, Noble county, Ohio, October 25, 1872. He followed the profession of teaching for three years prior to 1891, when he entered Marietta Academy, graduating in 1893. He then entered Marietta College from which institution he was graduated in 1897 with the degre of B. Ph.
After leaving college, he engaged in newspaper work until April, 1900, when upon the recommendation of Governor Nash, he was appointed examiner in the Ohio Insurance Department. He was re-appointed to this office by Superintendent A. I. Vorys, June 2, 1900, and is now serving his second term.
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
He has always been an enthusiastic supporter of Republican principles and has served in various official capacities in the Re- publican organization of his home county. In December, 1898, ne was united in marriage to Miss Lida A. Moore, a resident of Marietta, Ohio.
Danforth E. Ball,
First Assistant Actuary in the Ohio Insurance Department, was born in the city of Columbus, Ohio, May 9, 1879. He now resides at No. 565 East Broad street, in that city. Mr. Ball was educated in the public schools of Columbus and Ohio State Uni- versity, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science at the latter institution of learning in 1901. He held the Fellowship in As- tronomy during his senior year. Mr. Ball is a Republican and unmarried.
Herbert Starek,
Book-keeper in the Ohio Insurance Department, is a Cleveland, Ohio, boy, born in that city, April 12, 1877, and received an excellent education in the common and high schools of that city. He has always affiliated with the Republican party and been a staunch advocate of its principles. He is unmarried. In June, 1900, he was appointed to his present position and has fulfilled its duties to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Fred. Preston Johnston,
Second Assistant Actuary of the Ohio Department of Insurance by appointment July 2, 1902, was born at Trimble, Athens county, Ohio, March I, 1878. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, with a season of preparatory work at Ohio University, graduating in the classical course with the class of 1902. In December, 1902, he was married to Miss Bertha Hoover, of Athens. Mr. Johnston has always been an active, influential Republican in his community.
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
Miletus Garner,
Correspondence clerk in the Ohio Department of Insurance, was born at Farmer's Station, Clinton county, September 30, 1870. His education was received in the Lynchburg schools, graduating in 1889. He was appointed official stenographer of Courts of Highland County, Ohio, at Hillsboro, in 1889, remained there till 1892, when he removed to Wilmington, Ohio, and ac- cepted a like position in the courts of Clinton County, resigning such position May I, 1900, to accept the position of assistant clerk at Ohio Penitentiary, and on June 2, 1900, accepted his present position. He has always been a Republican. He is unmarried. He belongs to the following fraternal societies: Wilmington, Ohio, F. & A. M. Lodge; Wilmington Chapter Royal Arch Ma- sons and Wilmington Commandery Knights Templars; Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Columbus, Ohio; and Aladdin Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., Columbus, Ohio; Wil- mington Company No. 98, Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias.
R. Graham Rudd,
Clerk in the Ohio Insurance Department, was born in London, England, November 26, 1875; came to this country with his parents in 1887, located in Toledo, and learned the trade of metal polisher, plater and buffer. He joined the Metal Polishers' Buf- fers', Platers' and Brass Workers' Union of North America in January, 1892, in which organization he still retains his active membership. . He has been actively identified with organized la- bor, and served as President, Secretary and Treasurer of his. local at Toledo; Vice President of the International Union, and President and Treasurer of Toledo Central Labor Union. In 1901 he served as assistant clerk of Decennial State Board of Equalization and in the spring of 1902 given his present position. He was married in 1896 to Miss Kate E. Childs, of Toledo, and they have one child, a daughter.
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
George S. Marshall.
Among the young men who have made themselves prom- inent in the discharge of their public duties during the admin- istration of Governor Nash, and whose record is worthy of emulation, George S. Marshall, Deputy Inspector of Building and Loan Associations in the Insurance Department, deserves recogni- tion. Mr. Marshall is a Perry County product, born on a farm near Corning, January 29, 1869, the son of George and Theresa (Maxwell) Marshall. Like the great majority of boys in like circumstances he worked on his father's farm in the summer, and attended school in the winter, his ambition to secure an education being so strong that for two years he walked four miles twice a day in order to attend the Corning High School. In 1888 he graduated from that institution and began immedi- ately to teach school in one of the country districts. He followed the profession of pedagogue for a year, entering Ohio State University in the fall of 1889. He spent eight years at this great school, one in the preparatory, four in the literary and three in the law department. In 1894 he received the degree of B. Ph. In 1897 the degree of Pachelor of Law was conferred by his Alma Mater and the same year he was admitted to the bar.
He has always been a staunch Republican, and in the spring of 1898 was chosen to represent the Nineteenth Ward in the City Council of Columbus. He served but one year, resigning in May 1899, to accept the post of Second Assistant Director of Law under Director of Law, Ira Crum. He served two years in this important position, making a splendid record in the dis- patch of the city's legal business, and went out of office with the Swartz administration. Upon his retirement he resumed the practice of his profession, where he achieved a distinct success and remained until December, 1901, when he was tendered and accepted the position of Deputy Inspector of Building and Loan Associations of Ohio, at the hands of Insurance Commissioner Vorys, a place he still holds with credit to all concerned. Mr. Marshall is unmarried.
With nothing but integrity and native talent to aid in his career, Mr. Marshall has typefied what can be accomplished with these assistants. In every sphere he has borne himself well and fulfilled every obligation.
GEORGE S. MARSHALL.
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HON. S. D. HOLLENBECK.
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
George E. Monett,
Messenger in the Ohio Insurance Department, was born in Columbus, Ohio, October 6, 1850, where he has always resided. After an education received in the excellent public schools of his native city, he was for nine years traveling passenger agent of the Pennsylvania Railway Company. Mr. Monett has always been an enthusiastic Republican, and for four years was President of the Third and Fourth Ward Republican club of Columbus, one of the notable party organizations in that city. When Hon. A. I. Vorys was named as Superintendent of Insurance, Mr. Monett was selected as Messenger, a place he still holds. He was mar- ried to Miss Sarah Hannahs, of Portsmouth, Ohio, and they have two daughters, Grace and Naomi, aged respectively II and 9 years. Mr. Monett has always been popular and well deserves the high esteem in which he is held.
Sylvester D. Hollenbeck,
Ohio's first State Fire Marshal, is a native of the famous West- ern Reserve, having been born in Geauga County, Ohio, August 10, 1850. He received his early education in the common schools, afterward attending the Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio, and later graduated in a commercial course at Hiram College. After leaving school he engaged in manufacturing cheese, then as now a great industry in the Western Reserve, and also bought cheese largely in Geauga County, with head- quarters at Garrettsville. He was afterward in the mercantile business at Middlefield until 1887. He made his initial appear- ance in the politics of his section of the State by making the race for Auditor of Geauga County, serving the people four terms in that responsible post. By industry and economy he acquired a competency and the respect of his fellow citizens.
From the time he became of age he was recognized as a leader in politics, strong in local affairs and also prominent after- ward in State politics, serving as a member of the Republican State Executive Committee, in which capacity he was known as
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
one of the best organizers in the State. His leadership in the Western Reserve has placed him in a position of confidence with Senator Hanna and General Dick, and his ability has been utilized. for the party success in a number of State campaigns.
When the law was passed by the Ohio General Assembly, creating the Fire Marshal's Department, a masterhand was needed to perfect its details, and Governor Nash appointed Mr. Hollen- beck to the important post. How well this confidence was placed is best shown in the superb organization of the department, and its growing power as a safeguard of the people's best interests. The long experience of Mr. Hollenbeck in the auditor's office during the tax-inquisitorial days gave him an experience along- the detective line that lias served him well as Fire Marshal, and the result is manifested in the decreased number of incendiary fires throughout the State, and the merciless prosecution of per- sons charged with arson, thus adding to the security of the people,. and reducing the expense of insurance to property owners. Mr. Hollenbeck was never admitted to the practice of law, but he has a well-balanced mind and his conclusions are quick and accurate. While the law creating the office of Fire Marshal was. in no sense a political one, yet the manner of appointment by the Governor, makes it a political office, and subjects the Marshal to the changes incident to politics, but while Mr. Hollenbeck is a strong party man, he insists that the management and operations: of the bureau shall be absolutely non-political, the service and the best interests of the tax-payers being the first consideration.
The bureau is now in excellent working order and all con- cerned may be assured of an intelligent and honorable manage- ment of the office by Mr. Hollenbeck, for he is energetic, honest and capable, three most important component parts of a public official. The record so far made indicates that he is the right man in the right place. In 1870 Mr. Hollenbeck was married to Miss Jennie L. Bishop, of Middlefield, Ohio, whose parents were from Connecticut, and among the early settlers of Middle- field. They have a son and daughter, Harland H. and Jessie B. Hollenbeck. He belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellow fra- ternities.
HARLAND H. HOLLENBECK.
CHARLES D. BEARDSLEY.
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
Harland H. Hollenbeck.
Among the active and aggressive young Republicans of the Western Reserve, but few have reached so high a place in the public good will as the subject of this sketch, whose official and private life have been beyond reproach, and whose record argues for still further honors at the hands of the people.
Harland H. Hollenbeck was born at Garrettsville, Portage County, Ohio, March 4, 1872. His education was obtained in the public schools of Middlefield and Chardon, where he graduated in 1890. He afterward attended Buchtel College and was gradu- ated from that institution in 1894, with the degree of A. B. After leaving college he was employed as financial agent of his alma mater. In 1896 he was appointed to the position of deputy auditor of Geauga County, and was at the same time selected as Chairman of the Republican Executive Committee of that county. Since reaching his majority Mr. Hollenbeck has been a close student of the political situation and an active, energetic Republican. A member of the State Central and Executive Com- mittee he has been close in the councils of the party leaders, and his relations with Senator Hanna and General Dick have been confidential in several campaigns. He belongs to the class of young Republicans whose advice, counsel and work are needed and freely given in these political contests, and Harland H. Hol- lenbeck has steadily risen in the estimation of his friends.
For two years and a half he has been chief assistant in the office of the State Fire Marshal, where his labors have been crowned with great success and the public interests subserved. Mr. Hollenbeck is a member of the Masonic, Knight of Pythias, and Phi Delta Theta fraternities. He is unmarried.
Charles D. Beardsley,
First Deputy in the State Fire Marshal's office, is a son of Dr. C. M. Beardsley, one of the best known physicians and surgeons in northwestern Ohio. He was born at Ottawa, Putnam County, Ohio, March 23, 1870. He attended the public schools of that 7
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
place and afterward entered the law department of the Univer- sity of Michigan, graduating from that institution in 1891. Two years later he took up his residence in Columbus, Ohio, where he entered into the active practice of the law, in which he was engaged when appointed to his present position July 1, 1900. His time is largely occupied in the prosecution of cases of arson and assisting prosecuting attorneys of the various counties, in which he has been very successful.
Mr. Beardsley is an enthusiastic Republican worker, promi- nent in the Young Men's Republican Club, and assisted in the organization of the Nash Republican Club in the campaign of 1899. He served as Secretary of the Columbus City Republican Executive Committee in the spring of 1898, and took a high position as a political manager, securing excellent results. Mr. Beardsley is unmarried.
William S. Davie.
The subject of this sketch has been Assistant State Fire Marshal since August, 1900, and made an excellent record as a faithful and courteous public officer. He was born in Colum- bus, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1864, the son of Robert Davie, a native of Scotland, who died in 1901, a respected citizen and a resident of Columbus for more than forty years. Young Davie was edu- cated in the public schools of Columbus, and has always been an enthusiastic, working Republican. He has been a member of the famous Republican Glee Club for fifteen years, and also a member of the Buckeye Republican Club, always interested in the success of the party. He belongs to the class of young Re- publicans whose constant efforts are exercised for the advance- ment of the political principles with which they are identified. He is unmarried.
Walter Payne,
of Toledo, Ohio, assistant State Fire Marshal for the First Division, was born in London, England, October 3, 1864, and educated in the public schools at Finchley, near London. He
W. S. DAVIE .
WALTI R
AYNE P
L.J. SCHNEIDER.
PEARL
LIS.
ASSISTANTS TO STATE FIRE MARSHAL.
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
came to the United States in 1885, and located in Toledo in 1889, where he was employed in the city street railway, for several years, afterward taking a place in the office of the City Engineer. Until his appointment to his present position he was clerk in the post-office at Toledo. He is one of the best known young Republicans in that city, popular and well liked, with a host of friends. He is a member of the National Union Fraternal Soc- iety, and unmarried. He is efficient in his position and attends carefully to its important duties.
Louis J. Schneider.
This agreeable and popular young man was born at Marion, Ohio, October 9th, 1872. His father, a leading physician and surgeon removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. He was educated in the public schools and graduated from the west high school, Cleveland. In 1900, when the office of State Fire Marshal was organized, Mr. Schneider was tendered the position of statistician, which place he has filled most acceptably to his chief. In July, 1902, he was married to Miss Mary D. McNeil, of Cleveland.
Pearl Willis,
Correspondence Clerk in the office of the State Fire Marshal, was born at Dearing, Lawrence County, Ohio, April 5, 1880. He was educated in the public schools. His grandparents on both sides were pioneer settlers in Lawrence County. At the early age of sixteen years young Willis taught a district school. During the Spanish-American war he enlisted in Co. H, Second U. S. Infantry and served nine months and forty days under command of General Jacob H. Smith, in Cuba, and was at the siege of Santiago. He is now Second Lieutenant of the 7th Regi- ment, O. N. G., located at Ironton, Ohio. He is a member of the K. of P. and Elks and unmarried. Mr. Willis is a valuable adjunct to the Fire Marshal's office.
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REPRESENTATIVE MEN OF OHIO.
James C. Morris.
The subject of this sketch was born and reared in Youngs- town, Mahoning County, Ohio, his birthday being August 18, 1856. His father was David Morris, one of the pioneers of that section of the state, and his mother, nee Elizabeth Edwards. Mr. Morris received his education in the public schools of Youngstown, but early in life secured employment in a grocery store, where he was engaged until he reached his nineteenth year. He then began his career as a railroad man, on the Erie Railway, a corporation, he was connected with for 26 years, a fact that pleads eloquently and effectively for his efficiency. His first employment was as a brakeman, then as baggage master, then as conductor of a freight train. He finally became yard- master of the road at Youngstown, and then conductor on a passenger train, which place he continued to hold until March 16, 1901, when he was appointed Commissioner of Railroads and Telegraphs, by Governor Nash, a position he now holds to the credit of the state and all interests concerned.
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