USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Toledo. Its motto: ambition, preseverance and public spirit > Part 9
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$1,000 to $5,000. The leading executive officers of the Union are as follows : President, Wm. M. Bayne, of Cleveland, O .; Fice-President, H. H. Cabaniss, of Atlanta, Ga .; Speaker, C. R. Morrow, Nashville, Tenn .; Secretary, J. W. Myers, of Toledo ; Treasurer, C. O. Evarts, Cleveland, O .; Medical Director, Dr. M. R. Brown, of Chicago ; General Solicitor, C. J. Kavanagh, of Chicago ; Chaplin, E. C. Ford, Washing- ton, D. C .; Usher, T. A. Ironmonger, Greenwich, O .; Sergeant-at-Arms, James S. Lake, St. Louis, Mo .; Doorkeeper, J. J. Ward, of Chicago. The National Union Building, the headquarters of the order, is one of the handsomest modern edifices in Toledo, and a source of pride to its cit.zens. It is an imposing seven-story structure, and its offices are oc- cupied by some of Toledo's leading business men. The third floor is elegantly fitted up for the use of the National Union. Mr. J. W. My- ers, the courteous secretary, is the resident officer here. His duties as. secretary of this vast and thriving corporation are very onerous, and the success and advancement of its business are chiefly due to his en- ergy and excellent qualifications as a thoroughly practical insurance- man.
T. W. Skelding, Contractor.
The building industry occupies a place of foremost importance in Toledo. The city is noted for its fine, substantial architecture, and its possession of all those advantages which mark the progressive American town. Stately public buildings, palatial stores and business edifices, and many scores of elegant residences are to be found here, and on all sides are the evidences of industry, thrift and enterprise. One of the most successful of the contractors and builders in operation here is Mr. T. W. Skelding, whose office and well equipped workshop are at No. 616 Jackson avenue. He has performed much important and superior work during the sixteen years he has been established in business, and he is recognized as a master of all the technicalities and requirements of his craft. He is at present writing, engaged in re- building the Lucas County Children's Home at Maumee, which was razed to the ground by fire about a year ago. He also recently remodeled the Wirts-Kirk & Bigelow building on Superior street, an admirable piece.
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of work. He employs a force of skilled mechanics, and is prepared to furnish estimates, and enter promptly into contracts for the perform- ance of work of any description in his line, giving special attention to jobbing and repairing, and his past record is a guaranty that all work will be done in the most finished manner. Mr. Skelding is a native of Canada, has long been a well-known citizen of Toledo, and is esteemed all throughout the community. He is a member of the Masonic order also of the Master Builders' Association.
Entemann's European Hotel.
An excellently equipped hostelry is Entemann's European Hotel, of which Mr. Entemann is the highly popular and well-known pro- prietor. This house was first opened in 1888 and has been under the present management since 1891. The building is a large one, covering an area of 150x150 feet. It is furnished in comfortable style and the service is first-class in every respect. As its name suggests, the hotel is conducted on the European plan, and nice rooms may be had from 50 cents to $1.00. Mr. Entemann is a native of Germany, a member of the Knights of Pythias and Grand Army of the Republic, also several other organizations, and he is one of Toledo's most highly respected citizens.
Orson W. Sage, Painter and Decorator.
For some ten years past, Mr. Orson W. Sage of 219 Main street, East Side, has been filling an important place in the city's life, as the proprietor and active manager of the painting and decorating business at the address indicated. Prior to entering upon this business he had served with honor and approbation a term of eighteen years in the U. S. mail service. He now conducts a flourishing trade in his line of trade which covers the whole branch included under that caption, em- bracing house and general painting, interior decorating, wall paper and papering, paints, varnishes, oils, brushes, painters' supplies and a large assortment of sundries belonging to the line. In the busy seasons
employent is given to a large number of skilled artisans in the various branches of work, which helps keep the wheels of life going in a number of families. When civil war reared its horrid head, Mr. Sage was not the man to turn a listless ear to his country's call, but like a true Ohioan, cut loose from all home ties and went forth to do battle for the right. The war over, he returned to Toledo and took up the thread of life once more, and in the occupations of peace has won an honorable record for integrity in business and usefulness in social life. He is a valued member of the G. A. R., K. of P. and I. O. O. F., and is in all these relations highly esteemed by his associates.
A. F. Seifert, Cigar Manufacturer.
Mr. Seifert occupies amply commodious quarters at 522 Front street, and employs a number of skilled and expert cigarmakers in the production of a particularly fine line of hand-made Havana filled cigars of several grades, all good, some better. His special brands, " Defender " and " Oriental," are especially fine specimens of what can be done with choice leaf in the hands of a reliable manufacturer who seeks quality first and cheapness second, and who seeks to maintain the standard and reputation of his goods rather than a wide margin of profit. These brands have a quick and lively sale in the city and sur- rounding territory and many thousands are annually consumed by the most expert judges and most exacting smokers of this section. Other excellent brands are made, and with a factory capacity of many hun- dreds daily, the orders are often ahead of the supplies. Mr. Seifert came to Toledo from Detroit, Michigan, of which city he is a native. He first engaged in business at 418 Main street, but the growth of his business demanding better facilities, he recently removed to the present premises. He is a young man, full of that vigor and energy which characterizes the typical Michigander, and has adopted in his business those thorough and progressive methods which are certain to command permanent success. He is an active and valued member of the K. of P. and is deservedly popular in all his relations.
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Union Central Life Insurance Co.
One of the strongest Companies in existence is the Union Central Life Insurance Company, of Cincinnati. Its business is vast and of the most popular kind. This company was organized in 1867, under the State Laws of Ohio, and has been highly successful since its incep-
JOHN P. MCAFEE.
tion. Every year for the past eight years, excepting one, it aggregated a million dollars worth of insurance written in the Toledo office. The Company has assets of over $16,000,000, and since its start it has en- joyed a phenomenally successful career. It is distributing millions of dollars to the helpless widows and orphans of its members, who would
have been left penniless were it not for the benefits provided by this Company. The Toledo branch of the company is conducted under the management of Mr. John P. McAfee, who has held this position the past thirteen years, during which period he has added over $13,- 000,000 new business to the Company's books, and in 1896 he wrote policies to the amount of $809,900, thus making his office the second in rank in the State. He operates in fourteen counties of Northwestern Ohio, and employs a large force of assistants. Handsome quarters are occupied in the Chamber of Commerce Building, and a flourishing business is constantly transacted. Mr. McAfee is a native of Ohio, having been born in Zanesville in 1850. He was raised on a farm, became a school teacher at the age of 17, following this profession for five years, when he was appointed cashier in Godfrey & Milligan's Bank, Celina, O., filling this position five years. Later he was elected acting secretary to the Fidelity Insurance Company, of Delphos, but at the end of a year returned to the bank. He was afterwards a fire insurance adjuster, but since 1884 has been connected with the Union Central Life Insurance Company, in this city. He is in every respect a self-made man, and an excellent type of American push and financial talent.
Hone & Co., Loans and Stocks.
One of the most recently organized firms engaged as loan and stock brokers is that of H. R. Hone & Company, who occupy handsomely appointed offices at No. 55 Produce Exchange The firm was formed on March 1, 1897, and the co-partners, Messrs. Hugh R. Hone and Paul Kuehn, bring great practical experience to bear on their important and useful enterprise. They buy and sell all kinds of local manufacturing and industrial stocks, and place loans upon the most liberal basis, and also General Agents for Northwestern Ohio for the Bankers' Life Association of St. Paul. Messrs. Hone and Kuehn are natives of Ohio, and thoroughly progressive young business men. They are justly popular in commercial circles and have ever given a conscientious support to all measures best calculated to advance the permanent welfare and prosperity of the city.
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M. T. Graham, Architect.
Toledo has ever been noted for offering openings and opportunities for advancement to young men of real merit and talent, and there is perhaps no city, great or small, in this country where so many of its citizens have risen to prosperity and note solely upon their own merits unaided by adventitious circumstances or happy accidents. The sub- ject of the present sketch, Mr. M. T. Graham, is a native of Toledo, ed- ucated in her schools and trained to business in her midst. He has for some years acted in the important and responsible capacity of superintendent for L. S. Baumgardner, a well-known Toledo property builder, and in that capacity gave abundant evidence of natural talent, which has been supplemented by study and experience. He has but recently entered upon a professional career on his own account, having opened an office at 211 Main street, East Side, for the purpose of offer- ing his services to the public as an architect. His preparation for bus- iness and the practical knowledge he brings to his new enterprise may be best gathered by a glance at his work in his former position. He superintended the erection of the Toledo Cot and Wringer factory, was one of the superintendents of the Collingwood Amusement Hall, (de- signed by Sturgis). He was contractor for Armory O. N. G., designed by Walker, and has superintended many handsome and costly private residences in various parts of the city. In all of these he demonstrated a breadth of practical judgment and a technical knowledge of the busi- ness which must eventuate in a career of marked success. Mr. Graham is a gentleman of high personal character and standing, of undoubted honor and integrity, and withal a most promising aspirant for busi- ness prosperity.
Thos. W. Bunnell, Flour.
Toledo has numerous houses devoted to the handling of flour and feed, and one of the foremost of these, in the retail department of the trade, is that of the Auburndale Flour and Feed Company, whose warehouse is at Nos. 3250-3252 Monroe street. This house was opened some five years ago by Mr. Geo. Klotz, who two years later was suc-
ceeded by H. H. Brubaker. The latter remained in control a year and a half when the present proprietor, Mr. Thos. W. Bunnell, assumed the ownership. A heavy stock is carried of flour, feed, baled hay and straw and grass seeds, a foremost specialty being made of " White Satin " flour, which is of remarkably superior quality. Mr. Bunnell is a native of Pennsylvania, a young man of excellent business ability, and since coming to Toledo he has gained a host of friends in the community.
Leo Bach, Ladies' Tailor.
The ladies of fashion in Toledo are fortunate in having in their midst such a skilled exponent of his difficult profession as Mr. Leo Bach, the Vienna artistic ladies' tailor, whose headquarters are at No. 409 Michigan street, corner Adams (Phone 1681), in the elegant new Schmidt Block. Mr. Bach is an Austrian by birth, and studied his profession in Vienna, with the Emporium Dressmaking Parlors in the Austrian capital ; also with the best ladies' tailors in Paris, Berlin and London. He uses the famous Dresden-Saxony system, and the pat- terns cut to measure by him are of scientific accurateness. He has been established in business here the past eight months and has covered a period of seventeen years in this business, in which he is the recog- nized leader. He enjoys the patronage of the leading society ladies of of the city. The commodious store occupied is equipped with all requisite facilities, and a number of competent assistants are employed. Mr. Bach cuts, fits and makes to order the finest custom suits, capes, jackets, bicycle suits, riding habits and street dresses. All ladies who call upon Mr. Bach are pleased and satisfied with the work and style.
S. Mason, Wall Paper, Etc.
A concern especially noted for fine wall papers is that of S. Mason at 723 Monroe street. This establishment has been in operation in the neighborhood of ten years, and has become in that time quite noted among Toledo business houses. The attractive salesrooms are filled to their utmost capacity with a well assorted stock of finely selected wall papers of latest and choicest designs. Artists' materials of all kinds
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and descriptions, paints, oils, varnishes and the full line of articles com- prehended under the general business. Among other well-known and popular goods, we noted a complete line of Billings, Taylor & Co.'s paints, said by competent judges to be one of the best and most relia- ble makes of paints on the market. An important specialty handled is the very popular "Muresco," a permanently hard wall finish. These goods are manufactured by Messrs. Benjamin Moore & Co, of Brook- lyn, N. Y. Mrs. Sophia Mason is the sole proprietress of this excellent concern and Mr. Horace Mason the very capable, courteous and pop- ular manager. Mr. Mason is a native of New York, but has for ten years been a well-known resident of this city. He has in large measure the push and progressiveness of the New Yorker and in the manage- ment of the business has developed the best qualities of the live, liberal and enterprising merchant.
The National Wall Paper Co.
The leading house in the country engaged in the handling of goods in this line is that of the National Wall Paper Company, of New York, which controls an enormous trade in all parts of the United States. Its vast operations are such that it brooks no successful competition. The Toledo jobbing department of this Company is one of the most successful of its branches. It was opened four years ago and has been conducted under the management of Mr. George B. Hull, a business man of mature experience and recognized ability. He has developed an extensive trade in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, also sections of Canada, and he employs five traveling representatives, besides a staff of clerks and assistants. The premises occupied here comprise a spacious three-story and basement brick building at No. 119 St. Clair street, and two large floors of the building opposite, No. 120. An immense stock is carried of wall paper of all kinds and all grades, including all the newest novelties, and orders of any magnitude are met without delay. Mr. Hull is a native of Oberlin, O., and is most favorably known in Toledo's business circles. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and his commercial standing is of the best.
S. Clarke, Building Stone, Etc.
This house was founded some 40 years ago by Mr. Samuel Clarke. Mr. Clarke was born in England, and although now of advanced years, is still hale and active. He is an esteemed member of the Knights of Pythias, also of the Foresters, and is an able, energetic business man and very popularly known in the community. The office and exten- sive yards are situated at the corner of Lagrange and Champlain streets, the grounds covering an area of 114 square feet, and the force of employes number from ten to thirty men, and sometimes even fifty, according to the season. Mr. Clarke deals and contracts in all kinds of cut stone for building purposes, wholesale and retail dealer in all kinds of flagging, also in hard and soft coal, wood, charcoal and kindling, and a leading specialty is made of the laying of stone sidewalks, and every- thing pertaining to stone work.
Central Carriage Works.
These works were established four years ago by the then firm of McIntyre & McInnes at 134-136-138 Ontario street, the present firm subsequently succeeding the original. They are extensively engaged in the building of all kinds of road vehicles, such as high grade hand- made delivery and express wagons, carriages, buggies, fine delivery wagons, and in fact everything belonging to that line of production. The plant comprises blacksmith shops 30x72 feet, and 60x72 feet in area ; repository for finished vehicles 304x72 feet, also woodworking rooms, paint shop and trimmers' department, the whole being well fitted up and thoroughly supplied with the best and most improved tools and appliances for the production of the highest grades of hand made work. A number of expert woodworkers, ironworkers, painters and trimmers are employed in the factory, and a large and valuable quantity of finely finished work is turned out, which commands a ready market in this section of the state. The individual members of the firm are Messrs. Wm. H. McIntyre, Duncan A. McInnes, John Spohn and Benjamin R. King. Messrs. McIntyre and McInnes are natives of the Dominion of Canada, Mr. Spohn of Germany and Mr. King a native born son of
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Toledo. They are all young men, in the full flower of young and vigorous manhood. They are known as progressive, prompt and thorough in their ideas and methods, and possess in an eminent degree the esteem and confidence of the business community.
The Rodgers Shoe Co.
The reputation of Toledo as a centre for the sale and supply of boots and shoes has been placed upon too firm a basis to admit of any contradiction, and one of the most prominent houses that have been influential in achieving this repute is that of the Rodgers Shoe Company, whose salesrooms are at Nos. 213 and 215 St. Clair street. This company was incorporated in 1893, under the State Laws of Ohio, with a capital stock of $200,000, and a prosperous, steadily growing business has since been transacted. The trade of the house now extends through Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, and a staff of twelve salesmen represent the Company through- out those States. The premises occupied comprise a four-story and basement building, 52x100 feet in dimensions. The goods are in popular styles and of the highest quality of material and work- manship, beautifully finished, attractive, salable, substantial and serviceable. The officers of the Company are well-known Toledoans, and prominent and important factors in the prosperity of the city. The President is Mr. James S. Rodgers ; the Secretary, Mr. Charles T. Lewis, of the firm of Doyle & Lewis, attorneys ; the General Manager, Mr. Wm. F. West, who posesses a most comprehensive knowledge of the shoe making industry.
Jacob Folger, Pork Packer.
For almost a third of a century a foremost position in the food supply trade of Toledo has been occupied by Mr. Jacob Folger, the well-known pork packer and sausage manufacturer, whose factory, butcher-shop and warehouse are at Nos. 9} and 11 St. Clair street. Mr. Folger is a native of Germany, now in the middle age of life, and
has resided in this country since boyhood. It is now thirty-two years since he first established business here, and he has for many years been recognized as a representative merchant in his line, as well as a thor- oughly reliable, straightforward business man. He is a leading mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce, and as a public-spirited citizen holds the respect of the entire community. The building occupied by Mr. Folger has three floors, each 30x120 feet, and is equipped with two ice chests having a capacity of 100 tons, also sausage-making machinery and all other facilities. At the slaughter-house he has three coolers, having a total capacity of 1,500 tons, and the slaughtering capacity is 50 hogs daily, and 4,000 cattle have been annually killed. Mr. Folger employs a force of experienced hands and is curer of the "Celebrated Folger's Extra Select Hams, Bacon, Shoulders and Dried Beef." These goods are both wholesome and delicious, and are in active demand. The trade of the house extends throughout Northwestern Ohio, and is of the most desirable character.
McGettigan Cartage & Storage Co.
The best known concern engaged in this industry in Toledo is that of the McGettigan Cartage & Storage Company, whose warehouse and stables are at Nos. 513-515 Washington street. All safe-guards for the protection of goods have been provided, and all facilities for the dis- patch of business. The working force consists of twenty-five men, forty horses and fifteen trucks and three moving vans and light wagons for baggage work. A general storage and cartage business is transacted ; safes, boilers and machinery are moved and hoisted, pianos and furni- ture moved, and general trucking given careful attention. The pro- prietor of this flourishing enterprise, which was established in 1850, is Mr. James McGettigan. This gentleman was born abroad, but has re- sided in this country almost his entire life, having come here some fifty years ago. He is a thoroughly self-made man, and through his own efforts and industry has risen to the representative position which he occupies in the business world to-day.
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Ott & Hemley, Bicycles.
The broad avenues and paved streets of Toledo, aside from provid- ing most agreeable and convenient channels of local locomotion and domestic transportation, afford a most tempting field for the exercise of that great, modern pastime which came with the introduction of the bicycle and the more up-to-date tandem. No city in the Union has more universally adopted nor is more devoted to the use of the wheel
street. This business was established three years by Mr. Ott, who was succeeded a year later by the present firm, who are located in desirable premises, which are equipped with an ample outfit of modern improved machinery suited to the production of strictly high grade wheels, and having a capacity for turning out several thousand per year. They make a specialty of fine bicycles and tandems for both ladies and gen- tlemen and their wheels have met with such general favor on the part
than Toledo, and among her citizens are to be found some of the most expert riders of both sexes, to be found anywhere. And as a concom- mitant fact, it may be stated as an accepted truth that the cycles built here will successfully hold their own, in all true essential of genuine superiority, in competition with the best products of the world's fac- tories. Prominent among these and one of the very finest, is the well known " Lucas " wheel, built by Ott & Hemley of 40 and 42 Erie
of experienced wheelmen that they have built up already a most desir- able and prosperous business, not only in Toledo and Northern Ohio, but throughout the state, Indiana and Michigan, as well, in all of which sections the "Lucas " (a most appropriate name, by the way) is looked upon as a "thing of beauty " and if not a "joy forever," at least for more than the average life of the ordinary make of wheels, and it is an undoubted honor and credit to the great Ohio county from which
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its name is obviously derived. The members of the firm are Messrs. Edward W. Ott and Daniel A. Hemley, the former a native son of To- ledo, and the latter of Columbus Grove, O. Mr. Hemley has important business interests at the latter place, including a large saw mill plant and an extensive general implement store and carriage repository. Mr. Ott is a popular and well known member of the Toledo Bicycle Club and both gentlemen are prominently identified with the best business and other circles of the city.
I. Hubert & Co., Manufacturers of Cloaks.
Toledo is not only a great railroad center, and commercial empo- rium as well as a delightful place of residence, but it is also a manufac- turing point of greater importance than is generally comprehended, even by many of her own citizens. Established here are nearly a round thousand of manufacturing plants whose operations cover well nigh every manufactured product known to the American market and embracing almost everything " from a needle to an anchor." Many millions of dollars are thus profitably invested and many thousands of skilled workmen are afforded the opportunity of renumerative employ- ment. Prominent among these valuable adjuncts to Toledo's prosper- ity, is the large Cloak Factory of I. Hubert & Co., whose place of business is located at 416 and 420 Huron street. This representative industry was founded in the year 1894 and has already come to the front as a conspicuous example of the enterprise of this city. Occupy- ing the entire building, which is a handsome four-story brick, 50x120, it will be seen that the firm has ample room and commodious facilities for the prosecution of a most extensive business. The first floor is de- voted to the purposes of a salesroom, and contains also their handsome offices. The second floor is used as the cutting room and is replete with all the requirements of that important department, while the re- maining floors contain a great number of machines and are devoted to manufacturing operations. There are nearly or quite two hundred operatives, accountants and others employed in the building and a corps of five active, able and energetic commercial travelers represent the house on the road. The line of production embraces everything
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