BIOGRAPHIES
* Source:
Portrait & Biographical Record
of
City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio.
Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company
1895
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NORVAL BALDWIN BACON,
a prominent architect and influential business man of Toledo, was
born in Hamilton, Madison County, N. Y., and is a son of Norval
C. and Janette (Terry) Bacon. The former's birth occurred
in Massachusetts, in the year 1805. The mother was a native of
the Empire State, and was born in Sangerfield, Oneida County, in
1808. She was a graduate of Hamilton Female Seminary, and had
been a teacher for ten years previous to her marriage. The
father of the subject of this sketch was proprietor of a tannery and
shoe manufactory. He carried on this business successfully in
Waterville, Oneida County, N. Y., and continued the same business in
Eaton, N. Y., until his death, which occurred at the age of
seventy-six years. The mother passed away at the home of her
son in Toledo, Ohio, in 1883.
Col. Asa Bacon, the grandfather of N. B.
Bacon, was born in Charlton, Mass., where he also conducted the
business of a tanner and currier throughout the greater portion of
his life. He died in 1862, at the advanced age of eighty-five
years. The maternal grandparents were Isaac and Betsy
(Livermore) Terry, the former born in Sangerfield, and the
latter in Waterville, N. Y. A number of the ancestors on both
sides participated in the Revolutionary War, taking a prominent and
active part in that great struggle for liberty.
At the age of nine years Mr. Bacon went with his
parents to Tecumseh, Mich., remaining two years. They
afterward returned to New York, where Norval B.
attended the common schools for a time, later entering an academy,
in which he pursued his studies until he was nineteen years of age.
He was sufficiently advanced by that time to become a teacher, and
accordingly engaged in that profession for some time, teaching in
Poolville and other places in New York. He afterward took a
course in Hamilton Academy, and then engaged in various mechanical
and scientific pursuits in central New York, and later in Ohio,
where he removed in 1873. Previous to this, however, he had
studied drawing and painting with the well known portrait artist,
Albert J. Purdy, of Ithaca, N. Y., and from 1868 to 1873 he took
a thorough course in architecture, both in Utica, N. Y., and Boston,
Mass., after which he removed to Ohio and located in Toledo, where
he has since made his home.
September 18, 1873, Norval B. Bacon and Miss
Margaret L. (Neal) Cleveland, were united in marriage. She
is a native of New Jersey, and was born in Caldwell in 1838.
As the result of this union two children have been born,
Frederick C. and Janette T. Two of Mrs. Bacon's
brothers served with distinction and bravery in the Civil War, but
soon after its close lost their lives on the steamer "Missouri,"
which was burned at sea. Of those surviving, Grover
Cleveland occupies the highest position which it is in the power
of the people of the United States bestow upon any individual, the
Presidency of our country. Rev. William Cleveland,
another honored member of the family, is a retired Presbyterian
minister, living in central New York.
The Cleveland family has always taken a
prominent part in the affairs of our nation. Lieut. Timothy
Cleveland was a brave and honored soldier in the Revolutionary
War, and Rev. Aaron Cleveland was an intimate friend
of Benjamin Franklin, at whose house he died in 1757.
Among the prominent members of the family in later days were Gen.
Moses Cleveland, who was founder of the city of Cleveland, Ohio;
William E. Dodge, the philanthropist of New York City;
and Bishop and A. Cleveland Coxe, of Buffalo, N. Y.
Rev. Richard Cleveland, the father of Mrs. Bacon, was
born in Norwich, Conn., in 1805, and passed away at Holland Patent,
N.Y., in 1853. His wife, whose made made was Anna Neal
,was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1804 and died in 1882, at Holland
Patent, N. Y.
Mr. Bacon has been one of the principal
architects of Toledo for many years. In 1882 he engaged as
assistant Thomas F. Huber, whose marked ability led Mr.
Bacon in a few years to receive him into partnership, thus
forming the well known firm of Bacon & Huber. Among the
many Toledo buildings planned by these gentlemen before and after
the partnership was formed are the St. Clair office building,
costing $70,000; the Blade & Lorenz building, about $100,000; the
Coghlin building, $70,000; the new Chamber of Commerce, $80,000; the
residences of Mrs. George Emerson at the cost of $20,000, and
John T. Newton, $22,000; the Blade Printing and Paper
Company's building, $40,000; Bee Building, $40,000; Pythian Castle.
$50,000; Toledo Hospital, $50,000; the Industrial School, $20,000;
the Baumgardner residence, $18,000; Hiett & Hartupee building,
$40,000; the Meinert building, $35,000; the Neuhausel building,
$30,000; the Tollerton residence, $19,000; Lagrange School, $40,000;
Mrs. Ketcham's residence, $50,000; the Nearing building, $75,000;
the Woolsom Spice Company's building, $35,000; the power house of
the Toledo Consolidated Railway, $50,000; the Toledo water works
pumping station, $50,000; and a large number of buildings of kindred
character in Toledo and neighboring cities. Mr. Bacon
was Superintendent of Construction of the Toledo Federal Building up
to its completion. Bacon & Huber have completed the
plans for the great Spitzer office building, and work on the
foundations is progressing. This will be one of the largest
and finest office buildings ever erected in the Northwest. It
is of steel frame-work, and is to be faced with pressed brick and
terra cotta. It will be thoroughly fire-proof throughout, and
it is estimated that it will cost about $400,000.
Socially Mr. Bacon is identified with the
Masonic order, the Royal Arcanum, and has been a member of the
Toledo Club since 1885. He and his family are devoted members
of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, and are active workers in
the same. In politics he is independent, always giving his
vote and influence to the man whom he thinks the most suitable for
office. He cast his first President vote for Abraham
Lincoln.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and
Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company,
1895 ~ Page 187 |
| |
MARQUIS BALDWIN. There is
probably no citizen of Toledo so well and favorably known among the
old residents of this place as the venerable gentleman whose life
career is here sketched, and who enjoys the distinction of being the
pioneer merchant of the city. For many years he was one of the
prominent business men of Toledo, in the growth and upbuilding of
which he was a prominent factor. Through the exercise of
excellent judgment and indefatigable energy, he secured financial
success, and after a long and honorable business career he retired
from the active duties of life, and now in the twilight of his years
rests from his labors and enjoys the fruits of his toil.
Born in Portage County. Ohio, Jan. 22, 1809, the
subject of this notice is a son of John T. and Catherine (McCarther)
Baldwin. His father was a native of Connecticut, but came
to Ohio and settled in Palmyra Township, Portage County, in 1805.
His occupation was that of a farmer, and he was thus engaged until
1823, when he came to Toledo and continued afterward to make this
place his home until his death, in 1838. At the time of his
arrival in Toledo, there were only three families in the place, and
the entire county was in the primeval state of nature.
However, the pioneer fathers and mothers were of a sturdy race,
possessing the courage and energy characteristic of the people of
that day. They set to work with a will to overcome every
obstacle and prepare the way for the great transformation scene that
has taken place since that time. Tibbals Baldwin,
the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Connecticut, and his
entire life was spent there. The mother of Marquis was
born in Scotland, but when quite young accompanied her parents to
America and settled in Connecticut, where she met and married
John T. Baldwin.
The first fourteen years of the life of our subject
were spent in Portage County, after which he came with his parents
to Lucas County. His schooling was meager, as educational
advantages were very limited, there being no public-school system
then in vogue, and the few subscription schools were of inferior
character. His first occupation was that of a hunter and
fisherman on the Miami River. The fish were caught in nets and
were salted in barrels, then taken by boat to Portsmouth on the Ohio
Canal, where they were exchanged for iron, flour, whisky and other
products. After the trade had been completed, the flour was
brought to Miami and sold to the people of that place. In 1845
he bought a tract of land and cleared a farm about seven miles from
the city, making that his home for about sixteen years.
As early as 1825 Mr. Baldwin made his
first venture in the mercantile business. During that year he
formed a partnership with his brother, under the firm name of J.
Baldwin & Co., and embarked in general merchandising at Toledo.
They handled the first merchandise ever sold here, and for some time
they were the only merchants in the town. By their courteous
manners and fair dealings, they soon built up an extensive trade,
and not only prospered financially, but also became popular and
influential citizens of the place. For almost thirty years
they continued to engage in the general mercantile business, after
which they disposed of the stock. About 1861 they embarked in
a new enterprise, and continued to carry on a large and profitable
business until after the close of the Civil War. Since
disposing of his business interests Mr. Baldwin has
lived retired from active cares, although he still maintains a
general supervision of his business affairs. In the growth and
improvement of the city he has always taken an active interest, and
was in the early days an important factor in its prosperity.
The marriage of Mr. Baldwin occurred in June,
1829, at which time he was united with Mrs. Eliza R. Baldwin,
nee Roe. Mrs. Baldwin, who was the
widow of John Baldwin, was a cousin of the celebrated
author, E. P. Roe. She was born in New York, and died
in Toledo in 1889. Always a temperate man in his habits, Mr.
Baldwin is a strong advocate of the temperance cause, and
supports all those measures which he believes will enhance the moral
condition of the people. Politically he is a stanch Republican
and an ardent supporter of the principles of that party. At
the advanced age of nearly eighty-seven years, he is hale and
hearty, and makes his home at No.
521 West
Bancroft Street.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
127 |
| |
CHARLES BALLARD.
Few of the residents of Toledo have been citizens thereof for a
longer period of time than has Mr. Ballard, and there is
perhaps no hardware merchant who has engaged in the business for a
longer time than has he. Having been a resident of this city
since 1837, he has witnessed its advancement and progress, and has
himself been an important factor in the development of its
commercial interests. Though now at an age beyond that usually
allotted to men, he is yet vigorous and robust for one of his years,
and still maintains an active supervision of his extensive and
valuable business and property interests.
Born in Brownsville, Jefferson County, N. Y., Aug. 6,
1816, the subject of this notice is the son of James and Judith
(Hutchins) Ballard, the former a native of Massachusetts, and
the latter born in New York, near Utica. After their marriage
they settled in Jefferson County, where Mr. Ballard
was first engaged at the trade of a cabinet-maker, but later
followed farm pursuits. He and his wife were an estimable
couple, and were highly esteemed by their many acquaintances in
Jefferson County, where they continued to reside until death.
Six sons and two daughters constituted the family of
James and Judith Ballard, and of these Charles is the
third in order of birth, and he and a sister are the only survivors
of the original number. His boyhood and early school days were
passed in Jefferson County, where much of his time was passed as a
pupil in the old brick school-house that has long since gone into
decay. The method of instruction in those days was decidedly
crude, and the teacher relied principally upon the rod in order to
develop the mental capacities of the children. However,
although the advantages were meager, our subject, being a diligent
and painstaking student, succeeded in acquiring a fund of
information that would do credit to one of the high-school students
of the present generation.
At the age of fifteen Mr. Ballard commenced to
learn the trade of a tinner, serving an apprenticeship of three
years in Brownsville. In 1837, upon the completion of his
service, he came to Toledo, where he worked at his trade for the
four ensuing years, being in the employ of the hardware firm of
Whittaker & Phillips. He then bought an interest in
the tin department, and this he conducted with flattering success.
Encouraged thereby, he was induced to purchase the interest in the
hardware store, and has since carried on the hardware business.
It has always been his aim to carry only the best stock of shelf
goods, tinware and stoves, and he has therefore gained a reputation
in business that few of his competitors can equal.
The marriage of Mr. Ballard occurred in
1838, at which time he was united with Miss Angeline J. Cole.
Mrs. Ballard was born in Middleport, N. Y., and
is a daughter of Samuel Cole, for many years a resident of
Maumee, Ohio.
In politics Mr. Ballard is a Republican
of no uncertain tone, and has been a strong advocate of the
principles of the party ever since its organization. For
nearly sixty years he has been a resident of Toledo; indeed, Toledo
has grown up around him. As a venerable business man, and one
who has done much hard work and given much valuable aid to the city,
he is held in the highest esteem. His life has been
devoted with patient self-sacrifice to the welfare of his family and
friends and to the upbuilding of the city, and he therefore deserves
the regard of all who cherish a patriotic love for the beautiful
city lying on the shores of Lake Erie.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
179 |
| |
HENRY M. BARFIELD, a well known
merchant tailor of Toledo, is a native of Prussia, Germany, but was
only six years of age when he crossed the Atlantic with his parents
to the United States. He has made his home in this city
for some years, having started in business on his own account in
1884, his partner being W. G. Atkin. The firm was known
as Barfield & Atkin up to the death of the junior member of
the firm, which occurred in 1889. His place of business is at
No. 314 Madison Street, where he carries a fine and large assortment
of cloths, imported and domestic. Mr. Barfield is a
master of his trade, and is well qualified by years of practice and
experience to fit out his customers in a most satisfactory manner.
The parents of our subject, Charles F. and Hannah (Kasdorf)
Barfield, were natives of Prussia. In 1846 they became
residents of Niagara County, N. Y., where the father engaged in
farming, and also worked to a certain extent at his trade of
tailoring. In 1866 he brought his family to this city, and
here his remaining years were passed. His wife died in 1858,
and he survived her until 1876, his death taking place when he was
in his sixty-fifth year. His family numbered four sons and one
daughter, and all but one of the number are still living.
Henry M. Barfield, the youngest of his father's
family, was born in 1846, and was educated in the neighborhood of
his father's Niagara County farm. For a few years his
principal attention was given to farming, after which he became
salesman for the firm of Bick & Bliss, and later was given
the position of cutter in the tailoring-shop of C. H. Buck.
Since coming to Toledo he has made rapid strides toward prosperity,
and has built up an extensive trade, which is more than local.
In his various departments of work employment is afforded to upward
of twenty persons.
Fraternally Mr. Barfield is a Knight Templar and
a Scottish Degree Mason. He is a stockholder and Director in
the Industrial Building and Loan Company. His pleasant home at
No. 1708 Jefferson Street has as it presiding genius his wife, to
whom he was married in 1869, and who prior to that event bore the
name of Charlotte H. Sherman. Her father, Samuel
Sherman, was a leading citizen of Toledo, and was formerly a
resident of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Barfield have had
four children: Lillie B., Gertrude W., Harry S., and Carl
F. The parents are members of the College Avenue
Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Barfield is one of the Trustees
of the congregation.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and
Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company,
1895 ~ Page 347 |
| |
ARTHUR T. BARNUM
Source: Portrait
& Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
307 |
| |
REV. J. A. BARTLETT,
pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Pemberville, was born in
Somerset County, Me., Oct. 7, 1838, and is a member of a family that
was long and honorably associated with the history of New England.
His father, Joel a native Oxford County, Me., was engaged in
the mercantile business in Bangor, where he was also extensively
interested in the lumber industry. Elected by his
fellow-citizens to represent them in the State Legislature, he
rendered able service in that responsible position, and in every way
possible promoted the welfare of his constituents. He enjoyed
the friendship of many noted men, and the illustrious Hannibal
Hamlin was at one time associated in business with him.
The closing years of his life were spent in New Richmond, Wis.,
where he was associated with a son in the banking business.
By his union with Jane G. McCurdy, of Bath, Me.,
who died at thirty-eight years of age, Joel Bartlett had two
sons, J. A. and Frank W., the latter being President of the
New Richmond (Wis.) Bank. Our subject was a lad of ten years
at the time of his mother's death. His father being a man of
wealth and liberal views, he enjoyed all the educational advantages
that money can secure. His primary schooling was obtained in
an academy at Charleston, Me., not far from Bangor. The
knowledge there gained was supplemented by attendance at Colby
University, a Baptist institution of Maine, which he entered at the
age of fifteen years, graduating therefrom when nineteen.
Upon completing his literary studies, our subject was,
for one year, a tutor in his Alma Mater, after which he became a
student in the Ballston Spa (N. Y.) Law School. Going then to
New York City, he entered the law office of Judge Hilton, a
young lawyer, who was later famous as Judge and as the manager of
the great Stewart estate. He, however, was a cold,
selfish man, without Christian principles, and association with him
not being congenial to our subject, he withdrew, after having
spent a year in the office. Later he became connected with the
law firm of Mann, Rodman & Pierson, at that time one
of the most noted legal firms in the country. Mr. Rodman
took a great interest in the young student, to whom he rendered all
the assistance in his power, aiding him in his efforts to acquire a
thorough knowledge of the profession.
After his admission to the Bar, Mr. Bartlett was
given the position of confidential clerk for the large law firm of
Barney, Humphrey & Butler, with whom he remained for a time.
Forming a partnership with Judge Maynard, under the firm name
of Maynard & Bartlett, he opened an office at No. 8 Wall
Street, where he continued in practice until 1862. He then
accepted the position of private secretary to General
(afterward President) Arthur, who was in charge of the
Quartermaster-General's Department of New York. He returned to
his law practice in 1868, shortly after which the great uprising
against the Tweed "ring" broke out, and he took a prominent part in
the fight, tendering his services to the Citizens' Association in
their effort to overthrow the "ring." To him was given the
work of organizing and holding meetings among the different trades,
and in this way he was an influential factor in securing the
downfall of the party whose influence had been so injurious to the
interests of the city.
During all this time Mr. Bartlett had taken a
deep interest in religious work, and this feeling, deepening as the
years passed by, led him in 1870 to change the entire course of his
life. As an attorney he had the brightest prospects before
him; fame seemed already within his grasp, but he abandoned all,
believing that in the preaching of the Gospel there was a greater
work for him to do. Succeeding events have justified his
course. He has been enabled, as a minister, to promote the
cause of Christianity in various communities, and has been
instrumental in the conversation of many.
After having devoted some time to missionary work in
New York, Rev. Mr. Bartlett was sent West, locating in
Mendota, Ill., in 1872. The following year he returned East
and accepted the pastorate of the Perkins Street Methodist Episcopal
Church, in Chicopee, Mass. During the short time spent there,
he was instrumental in working up one of the greatest revivals ever
held in western Massachusetts. At the expiration of his
pastorate in Chicopee, personal reasons caused him to withdraw from
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he became connected with the
Presbyterian Church, in which he has faithfully labored ever since.
From Chicopee Rev. Mr. Bartlett went to
Marblehead, Mass., and later to Newburyport, where he remained for
two years. He then returned to the West, and his labors have
since been largely in the missionary field in the states of
Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio. For the
past two years his headquarters have been in Pemberville, where he
has charge of the Presbyterian Church. His work, however, is
by no means limited to this place, but extends throughout Ohio, and
into the surrounding states. He has much of the spirit and
fire of the illustrious Mr. Moody, whom he resembles so
greatly in personal appearance that he has often been mistaken for
him by people who had seen Mr. Moody but not himself.
In his ministerial work he has met with the most gratifying results.
As a thinker, he is deep and logical; as a speaker, able and
forcible; and in personal manner genial and winning. His
entire energies are concentrated upon the work to which he has
devoted his life, and while he gave up much for the cause of
Christianity, sacrificing his hopes and his ambition for political
fame and legal eminence, he his never for a moment regretted the
course he has taken, but rejoices that he has been permitted to
labor for the cause of Christ and promote the welfare of the church.
Some years ago Rev. Mr. Bartlett lost his first
wife, who, at her death, left a daughter, Jennie, now
residing with her father. In 1891 he was united in marriage
with Miss Kittie McKennon, of Ann Arbor, Mich., a highly
cultured and refined lady, who has been of the greatest assistance
to him in his Christian work.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and
Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company,
1895 ~ Page 338 |
| |
MATTHEW BARTLETT
Source: Portrait
& Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
380 |
| |
RICHARD T. BEAUSEY
Source:
Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood
Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
145 |
| |
BERNHARD BECKER
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
392 |
| |
SAMUEL W. BELL
is one of the leading manufacturers and business men of Toledo, and
has enjoyed that distinction for nearly two decades. In 1876
he started in the manufacture of a laundry and toilet soap, with his
factory at the corner of fifteenth and Lucas Streets. At the
present time he has a fine new plant in process of construction at
the corner of Eleventh and Vance Streets, which will be complete in
all its appointments, and will be supplied with modern machinery and
appliances of every description.
The father of our subject, William Bell, was a
native of County Derry, Ireland, but in 1834 emigrated to the United
States with his family and by way of New York City proceeded direct
to Toledo, and from here went to Monroe County, Mich., where he
purchased a section of Government land, but soon afterward removed
to Dundee, where he got out timber for a gristmill, which he soon
disposed of to a stock company. He then went to Belleville,
Wayne County, Mich., where he purchased ten sections of Government
land and erected a large grist and saw mill and established a
general store. He remained here until 1844, when he sold out
his interest in that section and removed to Dundee, where he
invested in a sawmill and engaged in manufacturing lumber. In
1862 he disposed of the mill and moved to Buffalo, N. Y., where his
death occurred in 1871. His wife, Mary, survived him
for two years.
Samuel W. Bell was born in County Derry,
Ireland, in 1831, being one of eleven children. His education
was extremely limited, and he left home while still quite young.
His youth was passed in Michigan, and in 1859 the gold fever reached
him. Being desirous of adventure and fresh scenes of interest,
he took a trip to San Francisco, Cal., sold teas for an importing
house for five years, and in 1863 went to Nevada and engaged in the
cattle business and ranching for three years.
In 1866, on his return to the East, Mr. Bell
went to Buffalo, where his parents were then living, and spent
ten years in that city. In 1876, as previously mentioned, he
became a resident of this city. His new factory is 50x100 feet
in dimensions, and is conveniently located near the track of the St.
Louis, Toledo & Kansas City Railroad, thus affording good shipping
facilities. He finds ready sale for all the products of his
manufactory, and has an extensive annual income from this source.
July 30, 1853, Mr. Bell married Susan
Chase, of Dundee, Monroe County, Mich. Her parents were
Alvin and Phoebe (Ward) Chase, natives of New York and New
Jersey, respectively. Two sons and two daughters came to bless
the union of our subject and his wife, and are named as follows:
August J., Frank S., Helen and Emma. Frank S., an
enterprising young business man, is general manager of the Northern
Pacific Express Company’s traffic department at Chicago.
Helen is the wife of Edwin D. Robbins, of Buffalo, N. Y.
Though his parents were members of the Presbyterian
Church, Mr. Bell is not identified with any denomination. In
his political faith he is an ally of the Republican party. He
has never been an office-seeker, but has preferred to give his
entire time and attention to the proper management of his business
affairs.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
496 |
| |
MAXIM BENORE,
one of the progressive and well-to-do agriculturists of Washington
Township, Lucas County, is one of this township's native sons, and
he has literally grown up with the country, with whose welfare and
progress his own ahs been indissolubly interwoven. Beginning
at the bottom round of the ladder which leads to success, he
perseveringly worked his way upward from poverty to affluence, and
is entitled to great credit for his perseverance and ambition.
He now owns six hundred and twenty-eight acres of well-improved and
valuable land, about two hundred acres of which are in his
homestead, while the remainder is in Erie Township, Monroe County,
Mich.
Louis Benore, the father of
our subject, was born in Detroit about 1808, and his wife,
Elizabeth, before her marriage was a Miss Moriso was born
at Ft. Wayne, Ind., in 1810. Thirteen children were the result
of their union, but only four of the number are now living: Mary
A., Isaac, Ellen and our subject. The others were
Louis, Alexander, Abel, Henry, Elizabeth, Adeline, Ellen and
John.
Louis Benore, on arriving at manhood, moved to
Monroe County, Mich, and about 1822 took up one hundred and sixty
acres of Government land on sections 1 and 2, Washington Township,
this county, paying $1.25 per acre. His first eighty acres
were paid for with the proceeds of muskrat skins that he had trapped
in this vicinity. Putting up a log cabin of one room, he
fitted it out with furniture of his own making. He cleared the
land of the heavy timber with which it was covered, and kept adding
to his original possessions, until at the time of his death he owned
five hundred acres, some of which was in Michigan. He was a
very enterprising man, and helped not only to lay out the roads, but
to organize the first school in this district, giving the land for
the purpose. All of the work on the farm was then done with
ox-teams, and when he came to this section there was only one store
in Toledo. He was a member of the catholic church, in the
faith of which he died in 1858, and his remains were interred in the
Catholic Cemetery of Toledo. His good wife, who died in 1887,
held the same religious faith.
Maxim Benore was born July 5, 1837, and was
reared in this township. He remained with his mother until his
marriage, which occurred November 17, 1863, to Miss Polly,
daughter of Alexis and Victoria (Reau) Cousino. The
following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Benore:
George N., born October 20, 1864; Albert J., November 28,
1865; Victoria E., October. 27, 1867; Jessie M., Nov.
18, 1869; Frederick L., November 6, 1871, and who died
September 12, 1872; Rudolph born October 23, 1874; Jasper M.,
Dec. 18, 1876; Addia G., July 19, 1878; Lucy R., July
20, 1880; Charles T., Aug. 1882; and Clarence L., May
13, 1884. Mrs. Benore was born in Monroe County, Mich.
They have a beautiful home and are provided with many of the
luxuries as well as the comforts of life.
Politically Mr. Benore is a Republican, but has
never been induced to hold office, with the exception of that of
School Director. In 1864 he enlisted as a private in Company
I, One hundred and Thirtieth Ohio Infantry, and was mustered into
the service of John son's Island. From there he was sent to
Washington, and thence to Painted Rocks, on the James River, where
he was detailed on garrison duty and helped to put up the
breastworks. When his term of enlistment had expired, he was
duly mustered out and returned home. He and his family are
members of the Catholic Church.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and
Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company,
1895 ~ Page
485 |
| |
LEVAN J. BERKEYBILE
Source:
Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood
Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
248 |
| |
MICHAEL BEST, one of
the enterprising farmers of Washington Township, Lucas County, has
owned a good farm on section 21, where he makes his home, for over a
quarter of a century. He was one of the first of our brave
soldier boys to respond to the President's call for troops, and
served fro the beginning to the end of the War of the Rebellion.
He was frequently commended for his bravery and has unswerving
faithfulness to the duties devolving upon him during his service.
In many of the most important battles of the war he was actively
engaged, and for one whole month, night and day, was under steady
fire from the enemy.
The parents of Michael Best were Jacob and
Lucy Best, natives of Germany, who had eight children, seven of
whom, Philip, John, Elizabeth, Margaret, Henry, Jacob and
Conrad, are deceased, thus leaving our subject the only survivor
of the family. He was born in Darmstadt, Germany, Dec. 16,
1839, and when seven years of age started with his parents on
a sailing-vessel to seek a home in the United States. At the
end of a voyage of forty-eight days they reached New York
City, from which place they went to Buffalo and thence to Toledo by
way of the Great Lakes. The father purchased forty acres of
land in Washington Township, but death called him from his labors
before he had accomplished anything of what he had undertaken, for
he died only three weeks after settling on his farm. He was a
member of the Lutheran Church, to which his wife also belonged.
She died on the same day, and both were buried in the same grave.
Thus left an orphan at the tender age of seven years,
Michael Best was early pushed out into the world to
make his own living. From the time he was twelve until he was
fifteen years of age, he worked for Lyman Haughton,
prior to which time he did errands and such work for neighbors in
return for his board. Apr. 21, 1861, the young man enlisted as
a private in Company B, Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, being mustered
into the service at Toledo. His first active engagement was at
Philippi; then followed Winchester, Port Republic, Manassas Gap,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the battle of the
Wilderness, and many others. He went with Grant on the
Richmond campaign, and at the battle of Petersburg was stationed on
Ft. Hell for a month, this being the time he was under constant
fire. He was mustered out of the service at Cleveland, Ohio,
June 16, 1865, with the rank of Sergeant, having been promoted from
private to Corporal and from Corporal to Sergeant.
For a short time after returning from the War, Mr.
Best worked on a farm, after which he rented land for a year,
and finally, in 1867, moved to the farm where he has since lived.
This place comprises fifty-two acres, which are devoted to general
farming and to the raising of vegetables and garden truck for the
adjacent city markets. Our subject is industrious and has
always been a hard working man. The prosperity which he enjoys
he has achieved by himself, unassisted by anyone save his good wife
and sons.
July 11, 1865, Mr. Best married Adelia J.
Haughton, and
their union has been blessed with seven children, six of whom are
living. In order of birth they are as follows: Orrin J.,
Mabel E., Althea M., Alfred L., Elva and Harold.
Conrad R. is deceased.
Mr. Best’s
educational advantages were extremely limited, owing to the untimely
death of his parents, and he has been obliged to make up for this
lack as best he could by private reading and observation. In
politics he is a Prohibitionist, being a strong believer in the
temperance cause.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
426 |
| |
JACOB N. BICK
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
177 |
| |
ASA A. BIGELOW,
D. D. S. The professional interests of Toledo have a
worthy representative in the subject of this notice, who for a
number of years has conducted a remunerative practice in dentistry
in this city. He entire life has been passed in Ohio, and,
believing it to be the best state in the Union, he has had no desire
to seek a home elsewhere. In his boyhood it was his ambition
to gain knowledge, and possessing great energy and determination of
purpose, he has succeeded in acquiring a wide fund of information
upon general subjects. These qualifications, together with a
thorough knowledge of every part of dental work, have brought to him
the confidence of the people and the esteem of his professional
brethren.
Upon a farm in Van Wert County, Ohio, the subject of
this biographical notice was born Oct. 5, 1852. He is the son
of Elihu and Abigail (Boardman) Bigelow, both of whom were
born in Connecticut, but after marrying they removed to Ohio, where
the father engaged in farm pursuits. They continue to reside
in Van WErt County. They are a worthy couple, kind-hearted and
generous, benevolent in their gifts to the needy, and helpful in
their ministration to all.
In a family of two sons and four daughters, all of whom
are living, the subject of this sketch is the third in order of
birth. He passed his school days in Van Wert County, where he
received such educational advantages as were common to that day.
Being a diligent pupil, he succeeded in gaining a thorough knowledge
of the common branches, although his opportunities were not equal to
those of the present day. At the age of nineteen he started
for himself, and since that time he has been dependent upon his own
labors for a livelihood. Thus early in life he learned the
lessons of self-reliance and energy that have contributed in no
small measure to his present position. For eighteen months he
was employed by the O. A. Browning Publishing Company, of Toledo,
after which he entered the ministry of the Seventy-day Advent
Church, the six ensuing years being devoted to that profession.
He then united with the Christian Church, in which for three years
he preached the Gospel.
Taking up the study of dentistry, our subject became a
student in the delavan Dental College, in which he remained until
graduating, in August, 1884. Afterward he commenced the
practice of his profession in Henry, and later was similarly engaged
in Wood County, Ohio. In 1888 he came to Toledo, where he
opened an office, and has since occupied a suite of rooms at No. 115
Summit Street. A man of broad and liberal views, he is
interested not only in matters pertaining to the profession, but
also in everything pertaining to the happiness and benefit of his
fellow-citizens. He is a promoter of enterprise, every ready
to do his full share in all matters of mutual welfare.
The marriage of Dr. Bigelow took place July 17,
1872, at which time Miss Alcinda J. Griffith became his wife.
This estimable lady was born in Van Wert, Ohio, and is a daughter of
Benjamin Griffith of that city. By their union they
became the parents of six children, of whom all are living, namely:
Bertram A., who is a promising young man and his father's
assistant in the dental office; Charles E. who is also
employed in the office: Orin; Arthur; William; and
Lilly B., now the wife of Dr. J. W. Flynn, of Toledo.
The family residence is pleasantly situated at No.
814 Indiana Avenue.
The Doctor is a member of the Republican party. He is also a
Master Mason, and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Sons of
Veterans.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
174 |
| |
EMMETT P. BLACK, a
popular young business man, and the efficient agent of the
Northwestern National Gas Company in Maumee, was born July 10, 1867,
being the second child of William H. and Sarah (Truby) Black.
The former was a native of New York, where he was reared and
educated. After arriving at man’s estate, he removed to
Findlay, Ohio, and embarked in mercantile pursuits, which business
he successfully conducts at the present time. He served about
a year as a private in the late war, and is now serving as Captain
of Company A, Second Regiment Ohio National Guards. Socially
he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has always lead
an honorable, upright life, and is reliable in all his business
transactions. He is of Irish extraction, but his parents were
natives of the United States.
The mother of our subject was a native of the Buckeye
State, and resided here until her death, when only thirty years of
age. Her parents were born in this country, but her
grandparents, who emigrated to America in a very early day, were
natives of England. Her father lost his life in defense of his
country in the late war.
The subject of this sketch received his education in
the public schools of his childhood’s home, and remained with his
parents until he was about seventeen years of age, when he started
out in life for himself. He first found employment as a
switchman on the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, at Lima, but only
occupied this position for three weeks, finding it uncongenial and
not at all to his taste. Giving up his position, he went to
Marion, Ind., and worked for the gas company of that city for one
year, and then returned to Ohio and located in Toledo, where he soon
found employment with the Northwestern Gas Company. He
remained in their employ in that city until 1890, when he came to
Maumee as their agent in this city, and he has remained in that
capacity until the present time.
Nov. 29, 1888, Mr. Black and Miss Alice Meeker
were united in marriage, and as the result of this union two
children have been born, Russell and Edna. Mr. Black
is a stanch Democrat in his political views, and takes a deep
interest in local politics. Fraternally he is identified with
Maumee Lodge No. 682, I. O. O. F., and also of Maumee Encampment No.
254.
He is not a member of any church, but contributes liberally to the
support of the Presbyterian Church, of which
Mrs.
Black is a devoted member.
He holds a good position financially, and with his family stands
high in the social circles of Maumee and vicinity.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
385 |
| |
ALBERT G. BLAIR. So farm
from merely presenting a compilation of statistics and condense
facts showing the resources and business status of Toledo and the
surrounding country, it is considered compatible with the nature of
this work to note the enterprises which exert especial influence
upon the commercial standing of the community, and also to review
the lives of the men most intimately connected therewith. It
is a fact so patent as to require no special comment, that Toledo is
not deficient in that distinctive spirit of enterprise which has
done so much toward the development of this country. The
success with which its industries have met, the prosperity enjoyed
by its citizens, the magnitude of its commercial projects, and the
increasing value of its realty, are due principally to its
railroads. Of these, it has a larger number than any other
city of Ohio, and it is largely through them that it has become
widely known as a commercial center.
No
citizen of Toledo is more intimately connected with its railroad
interests than the gentleman with whose name this brief biography is
introduced, and who is at present filling the responsible position
of General Manager of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company.
Mr. Blair is a native of New York, and was born in
the city of Syracuse in January, 1844. He passed the years of
boyhood and youth in a somewhat uneventful manner, attending the
public schools near his father's home. At an early age he
learned the habits of industry, perseverance and patience which
aided him in his business career.
It was
not until he was twenty-six years of age that Mr. Blair
entered the railway service. In September, 1870, he became
bill clerk for the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad, but served in
that capacity for a short time only. In March of the following
year he became chief clerk of the east-bound department of the same
road, which position he filled until September, 1874, rendering
service that was eminently satisfactory to his superior officials.
At the time last named he accepted a position as agent for the
Diamond Fast Freight Line, with headquarters at Toledo.
In 1875 Mr. Blair became connected with the Canada
Southern Railroad, which he represented as its agent in Toledo for a
number of years. Such was the ability displayed in the
management of its interests, that in January, 1880, the company
promoted him to the position of General Agent. He remained
with them until October, 1882, when he entered the employ of the
Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad Company, and has since maintained his
connection therewith. For a time he officiated as General
Freight agent, but on the 1st of July, 1889, he was promoted to the
position of Traffic Manager, and February 1, 1892, became General
Manager of the road. His successive promotions from the time
he entered the railroad business prove the possession on his part of
a superior order of ability, the existence of which has been still
further verified by the able manner in which he discharges the
duties incident to his present position of trust and honor.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas
and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~
Page 260 |
| |
FRED BOICE
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
515 |
| |
JOHN R. BOICE, a progressive business man of Toledo, ahs
been engaged in brick manufacturing here for many years. On
the 1st of January, 1880, he embarked in the manufacture of brick,
and in 1893 removed his yards to his present location, and now
enjoys about the most extensive trade in his branch of business in
this section of the state.
Mr. Boice, whose birth occurred Oct. 15, 1855,
in Toledo, is a son of Reed V. and Lois A. (Smith) Boice.
They were natives of Tioga County, N. Y., and Erie County, Ohio,
respectively, and became residents of this city about 1850, where
they have since resided. Their family comprised four children,
all of whom are living.
The boyhood and youth of John R. Boice were
passed under his parents' roof, and his education was obtained in
the public schools of this city. October 31, 1883, he was
united in marriage with Miss Cora E. Schroeder, who was born
in Genoa, Ottawa County, Ohio, being a daughter of William H. and
Emma (Cole) Schroeder. The father was born in Germany, and
died in Toledo, at the age of thirty four years. His wife, who
was born in Genoa, Ohio, died in that village when only twenty years
of age. To Mr. and Mrs. John R. Boice have been born
two children: Emily L., a bright little girl of ten years,
and Reed V., a sturdy little lad of eight years.
In 1892 Mr. Boice became a member of the Toledo
Club, in which he is prominently known. He is also a Mason,
belonging to Sanford L. Collins Lodge No. 396, F. & A. M.
His first Presidential ballot was deposited in favor of
Rutherford B. Hayes, since which time he has been unswerving in
his allegiance to the Republican party. He possesses good
business and executive ability and superintends the work of his
factory in every department. In company with his estimable
wife, he holds membership in Trinity Episcopal Church.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and
Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company,
1895 ~ Page 336 |
| |
REED V. BOICE
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
512 |
| |
WILLIAM H. BOOS. One of the
most elegant residences of Toledo is situated at No. 1403 Jefferson
Street, and, both in its exterior appearance and interior
appointments, it indicates the refined taste of the inmates.
Surrounding the house are extensive grounds and a beautiful, well
kept lawn, while in the rear is a substantial brick stable,
containing all modern improvements for the comfort of the horses.
Passers-by are wont to pause and gaze admiringly at the place, the
beauty of which is praised alike by strangers and the people of the
city.
The gentleman whose wealth has rendered such a home
possible, and whose artistic taste is evidenced by the harmony of
arrangement everywhere visible, is the subject of this sketch.
His success is largely due to the characteristics of thrift and
energy inherited from his German ancestors. His father,
Mathias Boos, was a native of Baden, and at the age of twelve
years accompanied his parents to the United States. Settling
in Toledo in 1836, he became identified with the early history of
this city and was recognized as one of its most successful business
men. He continued to make his home here until his death, which
occurred Oct. 15, 1885, when he was in the seventy-second year of
his age. His wife, Anna M., was a daughter of John
Kimball, one of the early settlers of Manhattan, about three
miles from Toledo, Ohio, who settled there in 1837. After her
marriage Mrs. Boos accompanied her husband to Toledo, in
1840. She survived Mr. Boos a number of years, and
passed from earth Mar. 17, 1893.
The parental family consisted of four daughters and
three sons, but four of the number are now deceased.
William H. was born in Toledo Mar. 1, 1842, and has been a
life-long resident of this city. Until sixteen years of age he
was a student in the public schools, but at that time he
discontinued his studies and entered the employ of Calvin
Bronson, of Toledo, in the capacity of clerk. Two years
later he formed a partnership with his father, under the firm name
of M. Boos & Son, wholesale dealers in wines and liquors.
The connection thus formed continued until shortly preceding the
demise of his father. Afterward he continued the business
alone for three years, when the estate was settled up and he
disposed of his interest and retired to private life. Jan. 1,
1895, he and his brother George organized the Toledo Chewing
Gum Company.
The marriage of Mr. Boos took place Oct. 15,
1867, and united him with Miss Hettie L. Sibley, who is a
daughter of Mark K. Sibley, of Toledo. Two sons have
been born unto them, William M. and Harry M., who are
members of the Toledo Chewing Gum Company. The family is
prominent in Toledo and moves in the best circles of society.
Since attaining his majority, Mr. Boos has never
failed to cast his ballot for Democratic principles whenever an
opportunity has been offered. In the local councils of the
party he has been prominent for many yeas, but his influence has
never been given to secure personal aggrandizement. Instead,
he has favored those measures which will best promote the interests
of his party, without regard for personal preferences. He has
at different times served on important committees, and has taken an
active part in local, county, state and national politics. For
the past ten years he has been a member of the Election Board.
Aside from his other valuable interests, Mr. Boos
is one of the stockholders of the First National Bank, with which
his father was connected from its organization until his death, a
part of the time being Director. A genial, companionable and
warm-hearted gentleman, he is popular among his associates, and is
kind to those less fortunate than himself. He is a lover of
fine horses, and derives considerable enjoyment from a drive behind
a valuable and spirited team. Doubtless few enjoy life more
than he. Blessed with an abundance of this world's goods, with
a beautiful home and pleasant domestic relations, he may be
accounted more than ordinarily fortunate in everything that can
enhance the happiness of life.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and
Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company,
1895 ~ Page 121 |
| |
FRANCIS T. BOWER
Source: Portrait
& Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
288 |
| |
FREDERICK H. BOWERS
Source:
Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood
Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
142 |
| |
JUSTICE H. BOWMAN, a prominent
citizen and well known business man of Toledo, is a native of New
York, and was born in Otsego County, May 1, 1849, being the son of
William and Elsie (Bullis) Bowman. His father, who was
a native of Montgomery County, N. Y., was a teacher all his life.
He taught select schools in Albany, N. Y., and later taught in
Toledo, where he made his home for a number of years before his
death, which occurred in 1874, at the age of fifty-nine years.
He was a son of Henry and Mary Bowman, who were also natives
of the Empire State, where they spent their entire lives.
The mother of our subject was a daughter of Avery
and Abigail (Boyce) Bullis. She was a native of Otsego
County, N. Y., where she was reared and married. She afterward
came to Toledo, where she still resides, making her home with her
son, our worthy subject. The latter was reared in the home of
his childhood, and received his education in the private schools of
the same place, and at the early age of fourteen years started out
in life for himself. Going to New York City, he at first found
employment in a store, where he worked by the day for one year,
afterward becoming a clerk for the same firm, and continuing to hold
that position until after the breaking out of the Civil War.
He enlisted in Company G, Fourth United States Infantry, under
Col. Silas Casey, and served for three years, taking an active
part in a number of engagements, and traveling over the greater part
of the United States. He underwent the hardships and
privations of a soldier's life, and was a brave and true defender of
his country, never faltering in his duty, although the work was
often arduous. He was honorably discharged Feb. 14, 1868, at
Ft. Morgan, Colo.
After returning from the war Mr. Bowman came in
the same year to Toledo and engaged as clerk in the mill of G. W.
Reynolds & Co. Remaining with them until 1871, he
afterward accepted a position with Reynolds Bros. for a time,
and then entered into partnership with the firm, continuing in the
business successfully for a number of years. In 1889 he
withdrew from Reynolds Bros. and became a partner in the firm
of Paddock, Hodge, & Co, since which time he has enjoyed a
large and extensive trade.
Mr. Bowman has prospered financially and is
popular among his fellow-citizens, always taking an active part in
all public enterprises pertaining to the upbuilding and improvement
of is home locality. He is a thorough-going, energetic
business man, and has the respect and confidence of all who know
him. On the 20th of July, 1870, he was married to Miss
Alice, daughter of Daniel and Sophia O. (Whitman) Lloyd.
Mrs. Bowman, who was born in Boston in 1849, received her early
education in that city. As a result of this union two children
have been born: Fannie, a graduate of Bradford (Mass.)
Academy; and Charles R., a student in the Peekskill (N. Y.)
schools.
Socially Mr. Bowman is identified with the
Masonic order, and is also a member of the Toledo post of the Grand
Army of the Republic, and of the Toledo Club. Politically he
is a stanch Republican and an ardent supporter of the principles of
his party. He takes a deep interest in both local and national
issues, and is numbered among the leading men and substantial
residents of the city of Toledo.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and
Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company,
1895 ~ Page 186 |
| |
ELIAS BOYER
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
446 |
| |
GEORGE S. BRAILEY
Source: Portrait
& Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
263 |
| |
ALANKIN
BRIDGE,
of West Toledo, has been a resident of this place only three
years, but for over two decades was numbered among the best citizens
and business men of Toledo. Since 1884 he has been living a
retired life, enjoying the competence which his previous years of
industry and energetic effort provided. He had many of the
experiences and privations of life on the frontier in his boyhood,
and his education was acquired in the old-fashioned subscription was
acquired in the old-fashioned subscription schools.
John A. Bridge, our subject's father, was born
in Holland, but crossed the Atlantic when only eleven years of age.
He was married in New York State to Betsey A. Chamberlin, and
in 1825 moved to Ohio with his family. The trip was made by
way of the Lakes, and on the way they stopped at Cleveland, then a
small village. Near Lorain Mr. Bridge took up eighty
acres of Government land, paying therefor $5 per acre. The
land was covered with heavy timber, which he cleared, and on it
erected a small log cabin of one room, which he made his home for
many years. He died in Michigan in 1880.
Alankin Bridge is one of seven sons and three
daughters, and was born in Wayne County, N. Y., near the village of
Lyons, July 25, 1821. When only eight years old he began
carrying the mail from Elyria to Wooster, a distance of some sixty
miles. It took about three days to make the round trip through
the woods on horseback. At the end of a year and a-half he was
transferred to the route from Elyria to Cuyahoga Falls, fifty-six
miles. When about fourteen years of age he began learning the
ship-builder's trade, and served as an apprentice for five years, at
the end of which time he was given the position of foreman over a
gang of men, and held the place until 1861. He then moved to
Wauseon, Ohio, where he was engaged in the undertaking and furniture
business for ten years. For the next six years he was in
the same line of trade at Napoleon, Ohio, and fro 1877 until 1884 he
conducted an undertaking business in Toledo.
Sept. 2, 1846, Mr. Bridge married Caroline L.,
daughter of Warren and Polly (Plant) Leet. She was born
in New York State, Oct. 8, 1830, and has become the mother of two
children: Ira, who married and lives in Detroit; and Mary
A., who became the wife of George Graves, of Brooklyn, N.
Y., who was a druggist by occupation, but died April 28, 1889.
His wife survived him until June 3, 1893, when she departed this
life, leaving one child, Thomas, born May 15, 1880.
Ira married Miss Julia Gloyd, of Detroit.
For thirty-five years Mr. Bridge has been a
member of the Masonic order, and on questions of political moment he
is always to be found on the side of the Republican party.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and
Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company,
1895 ~ Page
320 |
| |
WILLIAM
E. BRIGHAM, one of the most enterprising young business men
of Toledo, is the junior member of the firm of W. T. Carrington &
Co., with which concern he has been thus connected for the past
three years. This firm is one of the solid companies of the
city, and has a large trade in grain, the dealings being carried on
the commission plan. The senior member of the firm is a
resident of Chicago, and thus much of the responsibility of the
business devolves on Mr. Brigham.
The father of the gentleman just mentioned, Reed M.
Brigham, was a prominent agriculturist in Monroe County, Mich.
He was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1818. The birth of
William E., his son, occurred in Erie, Mich., in October,
1859. He passed his youth on his father's old homestead, and
was early drilled in various kinds of useful work. He attended
the district school in the neighborhood of his home, and
subsequently pursued more advanced studies in the Toledo High
School.
At the age of seventeen years Mr. Brigham
entered the employ of Carrington & Casey, dealers in grain.
With them he remained for some fourteen years, a part of which time
he was salesman, and the remainder of that period was their
bookkeeper. When Mr. Casey withdrew from the firm, our
subject was admitted in his place. He is a member of the
Toledo Produce Exchange and possesses good financial and executive
ability in conducting his business affairs.
In 1882 occurred the marriage of Mr. Brigham and
Ida M. Woodscot, of Rhode Island. Mr. Brigham is
actively interested in whatever pertains to the upbuilding and
development of this place, and is never slow to use his influence
and means in the proper directions. He possesses the confidence of
all with whom he comes in contact, whether in a business or a social
way.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and
Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company,
1895 ~ Page 275 |
Calvin Bronson |
CALVIN BRONSON was born in
Suffield, Conn., Dec. 17, 1806, and died in Toledo, Ohio, Jan. 15,
1892. He was a member of a family long identified with the
history of New England. In youth his educational advantages
were very limited, his wide and varied information having been
gained principally by self-culture. On leaving his home he
went to Springfield, Mass., where he was employed as a clerk in a
leading mercantile house, receiving no wages other than his board.
After having served an apprenticeship of a year, he went to New York
City, and from there to Augusta, Ga., where he remained eighteen
months.
Believing, however, that in the
great Northwest were opportunities that the South could not offer,
Mr. Bronson came to Ohio in 1830, and embarked in
the mercantile business at Avon, Lorain County, but five years later
removed to Centerville, St. Joseph County, Mich., where for years he
carried on a general dry-goods trade. In 1847 he began the
manufacture of tobacco at Centerville, having the pioneer
establishment west of Detroit. For some time his products were
sold by peddlers, who traveled in wagons from place to place.
As his business became more extensive and he realized that a larger
field for operations was necessary, he decided to come to Toledo,
and this he did in May, 1851. From the first his trade here
was encouraging, and as the returns became larger he increased his
facilities accordingly. Soon his establishment gave employment
to about one hundred and seventy-five hands, and eleven cutting
machines were in constant use.
After
nearly twenty years spent in the management of his tobacco business,
Mr. Bronson retired, having accumulated a handsome
property, the result of his judicious management and enterprise.
His trade had increased to such an extent that in 1865 he paid on
his sales a Government tax of $250,322.89, the value of the goods
then sold having been $560,400. The tree leading products of
the factory were "Bright Chewing," "C. Bronson's Indian Brand" and
"F. G. Smoking Tobacco." His first factory in Toledo was on
Water Street, at the foot of Lagrange, where he remained until 1856.
During that year he removed to Nos. 118-128 Summit Street, where he
occupied a building with a frontage of eighty feet, a depth of one
hundred and fifty feet, and five stories high. Subsequently he
erected a building at the corner of Summit and Lynn Streets, and in
1873 removed his plant there. It contained eleven cutting
machines, with a daily capacity of eleven thousand pounds of
chewing, or eighteen thousand pounds of smoking tobacco, all
operated by a single engine of about twenty-horse power. Upon
his retirement from active business the factory passed into the
hands of Charles R. Messinger, a son-in-law, who
had become practically familiar with the business. Mr.
Messinger continued until 1875, when he became the sole
proprietor, and he in turn was succeeded by William Harrison in
1886.
At Centerville, Mich., June 26,
1837, Mr. Bronson married Miss Lucretia C.
Sutphen, who was born in 1811, and was a descendant of
Holland-Dutch ancestors. She died June 17, 1888, having had
three children. Aletta M. became the wife of
William H. Simmons, and died eleven months after
her marriage, leaving no children. Agatha E.,
the only survivor, was married in November, 1863, to Charles
R. Messinger, by whom she had four children:
Isabella B., wife of J. J. Barber, of
Toledo; Rosewell E., also of this city;
Agatha E., the wife of J. T. Ravelle, of
Toledo; and Charles R., the youngest.
Virginia, the third daughter, married M. C. Warn,
and died in 1877, leaving two daughters, Aletta B.
and Zorah I.
From the
time of his retirement from business until the date of his death.
Mr. Bronson gave his attention largely to the
improvement of the real estate he had previously purchased, and at
different times erected a number of substantial and valuable
business blocks. He also invested liberally in the promotion
of manufacturing enterprises in the city. In politics he was
first a Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party became
one of its most earnest supporters. He was ever a stanch Union
man, and during the war he lent his aid whenever possible to the
Union soldiers. His good wife, who was a woman of bright
intelligence and pure Christian character, joined him in every
enterprise calculated to advance the moral and material benefits of
the community in which they lived. On coming to Toledo she
became a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church.
The success that crowned the efforts of Mr. Bronson
was especially remarkable when we consider the fact that in early
life he had few advantages, but what he made of himself was due to
his energy and industry, unaided by extraneous circumstances.
He was a man of acknowledges business sagacity, one whose reputation
for business acumen was known throughout the entire country.
At the close of a long and honorable life he passed to the rest that
awaits mankind.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of
City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman
Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page 233 |
| |
JOHN P. BRONSON
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
509 |
| |
DANIEL A. BROWN, a retired
businessman and well known citizen of Toledo, is a native of New
England, having been born in Orleans County, Vt., on the 7th of May,
1828. His parents were Ammi and Sara (Miltimore) Brown,
the father a native of Winchendon, Mass., and the mother of New
Hampshire. They came to Ohio and located in Toledo, where they
remained until the time of their death, the father passing away in
that city at the age of seventy-six years, and the mother at the age
of eighty-five years.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch remained in
the home of his birth until he was eighteen years of age. He
attended the public schools and received a fair education, which he
has made good use of in his business career. In 1846 he
started out in life for himself, first going to Brights, now
included in Boston, Mass., where he engaged in the stock business,
buying and shipping stock. This venture proved a success, and
he continued to carry on the business until 1851, when he decided to
go West and "grow up with the country." He made his way to
Cleveland, Ohio, and again embarked in the same vocation. He
remained in that city about three years, and then removed to Toledo,
where he formed a partnership with Stillman Brown, a cousin,
and conducted the same business which he had followed in Boston and
Cleveland. In 1859 this firm took charge of the Toledo Stock
Yards, doing an immense business, slaughtering one thousand hogs a
day, and at the same time carrying on an extensive packing trade.
In ten years' time the partners had accumulated a comfortable
fortune and retired from that business, our subject at present being
engaged in looking after his real-estate interests.
Mr. Brown was married, in 1862, to Miss
Amelia Fisher, a native of Wooster, Ohio, and an estimated lady,
who is highly esteemed for her many lady-like qualities and her
generosity. She has become the mother of five children, one
son and four daughters, as follows: Alma C., the wife
of C. E. Russell; Belle, now Mrs. A. M. Chesbrough,
who resides in Toledo; Daniel A., Jr.; Mary A. and
Henrietta W. The family occupy a high position in the
social circles of Toledo, and their beautiful residence, No. 651
Miami Street, is a large brick dwelling, which, with its pretty
surroundings, presents an attractive appearance.
Politically Mr. Brown is a Democrat, and has
always supported the nominees of that party with his influence and
ballot. Fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons, and is identified with Rubicon Lodge.
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of City of Toledo and
Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company,
1895 ~ Page 402 |
| |
GEORGE B. BROWN
has been pastor of the Alexis Congregational Church, six miles north
of Toledo, for the past ten years, and for three years has also
filled the pulpit of the Congregational Church at West Mill Grove,
Ohio. From 1867 to 1871 he was County Examiner of Schools.
In 1894 he was elected Secretary of the Board of Elections for a
term of four years, prior to which time he had served on the board
for two years. In June, 1890, he was employed by the City
Natural Gas Trustees to secure the right of way for their pipe-land
from Van Buren to Toledo, and a year later he was made Secretary and
Auditor of the concern. He was a prominent factor in the
building up of the
Young Men's Christian Association, was President of the same for
some time, and was also a member of the State Executive Committee of
the organization. Since April, 1889, he has been Registrar of
the Toledo Congregational Conference, and has recently been
appointed to write its history. In politics he is a stanch
Republican.
Born at Grafton, Lorain County, Ohio, July 28, 1843,
Rev. Mr. Brown is a son of Stephen and Mary B. (Chapin) Brown.
The former was born in Waterbury, Conn., and died on his homestead
in Lorain County, about 1882. His wife, a daughter of
Oliver Chapin, was born at Chicopee, Mass. They were the
parents of two children, the younger of whom, Helen J.,
is unmarried and a resident of Cleveland, Ohio.
The early education of Rev. G. B. Brown was
obtained in the common schools, and later he entered the preparatory
academy at the Western Reserve College, but was compelled to
relinquish his studies at the end of the sophomore year, on account
of ill health. After some time spent on the old farm, he
engaged in teaching school for several years at Grafton and Elyria,
Ohio. From 1864 to 1865 he taught school at Mansfield, Ohio,
and in the year last named came to Toledo. For three years he
taught in the intermediate department of the high school building,
and many of the successful business men of this city were formerly
his pupils.
After Mr. Brown resigned his position in
the public schools, he engaged in the life-insurance business for a
year, and then, for three years following, was Cashier of the Toledo
Savings Institution, of which Richard Mott was
President. In company with Asa Faunce, in the
year 1870, he bought out the book and stationery establishment of
Henry S. Stebbins, No. 115 Summit Street, and conducted the same
until 1880. He was then appointed Chaplain and superintendent
of the schools at the Lancaster (Ohio) Reform Farm, and after six
teen months there became salesman for Brown, Eager &
Hull, in their wall-paper department, and continued to serve
them for seven years.
A brick church building had been erected at Alexis, the
crossing of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, a point six
miles north of Toledo, though there was no church organization in
the neighborhood. Mr. Brown, who commenced
filling the pulpit about 1884, succeeded in effecting a church
organization in the early part of the next year, and was then
ordained pastor by a council of the neighboring Congregational
churches. He was Superintendent of the Sunday-school of
Central Church for four years, and has been a useful worker in
religious fields.
Sept. 10, 1862, Mr. Brown married
Sarah Ingersoll, of Grafton. Her death occurred less than
two years later, and their infant daughter died in the spring of
1864. In 1865 Mr. Brown married Susan J.,
daughter of Dr. Roeliff Bevier, a physician of
Plymouth, this state, whose death occurred there in 1882. He
was formerly a resident of Cayuga County, N. Y. Mrs. Susan
J. Brown is a graduate of Oberlin College, and is now State
Treasurer of the Ohio Woman’s Home Missionary Union. Mr.
and Mrs. Brown are the parents of two daughters: Jennie
Belle, who was educated in the public schools, and is now a
teacher in the Dolgeville (N. Y.) Academy; and Helen Ione, a
member of the Class of '95 of Toledo High School.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
227 |
| |
STILLMAN BROWN.
Among the influential citizens and prominent business men of East
Toledo stands our worthy subject who comes of sturdy, energetic New
England stock, having been born among the hills of Vermont, in
Lamoille County, Mar. 17, 129. He is a son of Stephen Brown
a native of Massachusetts, but who made his home in Vermont until
his death, which occurred in 1869k at the age of seventy-six years.
The paternal grandfather was Stephen Brown, Sr., also a
native of the Bay State, ancestors of the family having come from
England and settled in that state in a very early day. The
mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Laura Grout was
a native of Weathersfield, Vt., where she was reared to womanhood,
and where she married the father of our subject. After the
death of her husband she came to Ohio, and made her home with
Stillman until she passed peacefully away, at the age of
eighty-three years. She and her husband were both laid to rest
in Forest Cemetery in Toledo.
Mr. Brown spent his boyhood days and
early youth among the hills of his native state, where he attended
the public schools, receiving a good common education. After
his school days were over he went to Boston, Mass., and embarked in
business for himself. He engaged in buying and shipping stock
for his brother, and made a splendid success of the business.
At the time of starting out for himself. He engaged in buying
and shipping stock for his brother, and made a splendid success of
the business. At the time of starting out for himself, he was
only eighteen years old, but he manifested a knowledge of business
far beyond his years, and by his good management and excellent
judgment became a leading man in that line of trade. After
spending several years in the city of Boston, he decided to seek a
wider and better field for his operations, and accordingly started
for the West. He came to Toledo, and in 1856 entered into
partnership with his cousin, D. A. Brown, the first of S.
& D. A Brown becoming far and widely known; and as both
partners had a considerable experience in the stock business
previous to this, they soon established a large and lucrative firm
in that line of any in the city.
Mr. Brown and his partner took charge of the
Toledo Stock Yards, and for several years did an immense business,
slaughtering one thousand logs a day. They were also
proprietors of a large packing-house, the income from which was
large, and accumulated so rapidly that they were able in a few years
to retire from business life, having each gained a handsome
competence. Our subject is greatly interested in real estate
at the present time, owning a large amount of valuable city
property, and a great deal of this tie is taken up in looking after
his interests in that direction. He business ability is well
established, and he enjoys the esteem and confidence of the entire
community.
Our subject has been twice married, the lady who became
his first wife being Miss Mary M. Fisher, a native of
Wooster, Ohio. They were married in 1863, and she was called
to the land beyond in 1872, leaving four children, as follows:
Albert L. Stephen S., Orville G. and Laura M..
The second marriage of Mr. Brown took place in 1873, uniting
him with Miss Gertrude Lawton, a native of St.
Lawrence County, N. Y. This union has been blessed by the
birth of five children: Gertrude L., Gordon L., Siloam G.,
Alice, and Gessner, who died in infancy. The
family residence is built of solid brick, pleasantly located on an
eminence overlooking the Maumee River, and the beautiful
surroundings present a delightful appearance to the eye.
Socially Mr. Brown is connected with the Masonic
Order, and is a member of Rubicon Lodge. Politically he is a
stanch Republican, and an ardent supporter of the principles of his
party.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
194 |
| |
THOMAS BROWN,
one of the most progressive and public-spirited men of Maumee, is
part owner of the flouring-mills in this place, and is manager of
the plant. In local politics he has been quite active, and is
a stanch defender of Republican principals. For ten years he
served as a member of the Board of Election, and is now a Trustee of
the Maumee City Gas Company.
In a family of nine children, Thomas Brown is
the fifth in order of birth. His birth occurred Mar. 22, 1826,
in Dunbar, Scotland. His father, Edward Brown, who was
a millwright by trade, and followed the business for many years,
died when Thomas was a child. Both he and his wife,
whose maiden name was Belle Shiel, were natives of Innerwick.
Of their large family of children Thomas is now the only
survivor.
Our subject learned the millwright's trade with his
eldest brother, and was employed in the business in his native land
until 1850. Coming to America in that year, he settled in
Buffalo, where he worked for about seven years, and in 1858 came
west to Toledo. In that city he remained until the fall of
1859, when he removed to Maumee. Here he found employment in
the mill until 1878, when he purchased a third interest in the
business, the remainder of which is controlled by R. B. Mitchell,
whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. The mill, which
is valued at $15,000, is supplied with modern machinery and has a
capacity of about two hundred barrels per day.
On the 2d of May, 1864, Mr. Brown enlisted in
Company E, One Hundred and Thirtieth Ohio Infantry, as a private
soldier, and on the expiration of his term received an honorable
discharge, Sept. 22, 1864. He was elected to the position of
Captain, but declined the honor on account of outside business
matters. Though he did not participate in any regular battle,
he had a hand in several skirmishes, and traveled up and down the
James River any times in the discharge of his duties. He is
now a member of C. B. Mitchell Post No. 84, G. A. R., of this place,
and is also identified with Maumee Lodge No. 682, I. O. O. F.
Nov. 29, 1860, Mr. Brown married Eva C. Worth,
of this city, and to them have been born five children, as follows:
Edward A., who is now a member of the fire department of
Toledo; George T., who died when in her twenty-fourth year;
Nellie G., who is still living with her parents; and
Carrie A. L., who is attending school. The family are
influential members of the Presbyterian Church, and occupy an
enviable position in social circles.
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
459 |
| |
F. P. BRUNTHAVER
Source: Portrait
& Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
467 |
| |
JAMES BUCHANAN
Source: Portrait &
Biographical Record of City of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties,
Ohio. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895 ~ Page
75 |
.
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