(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 150 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY a close student of his profession, Mr. Thomas is regarded as a safe and sound adviser in legal matters, while in the trial of causes, for which he makes careful and painstaking preparation, he is noted for his determination, fairness, resourcefulness and uniform success. He is a man of strong and forceful personality, cordial in his social relations and constant in his friendships, so that all who know him entertain for him the highest respect and confidence. GILMAN WAYNE STAUFFER, M. D. A physician and surgeon of broad experience and pronounced ability, Dr. Gilman Wayne Stauffer occupies an enviable position in professional circles of Akron, with which he has been identified for more than a quarter of a century, and has also performed his share of civic service. He was born August 21, 1876, in Milford Square, Pennsylvania, of which town his father, Peter H. Stauffer, was also a native. His grandfather, Daniel Stauffer, was engaged in farming and stock raising in the Keystone state. Peter H. Stauffer was born in 1852, and in 1878, in company with a number of other Pennsylvania youths, he went to Ohio to attend the old Mennonite College in Wadsworth. Afterward he entered the field of journalism and for thirty years was the owner, manager and publisher of the Loudonville Advocate, one of the best newspapers in that part of the state. His wife, Augusta (Miller) Stauffer, was born near Wooster, Ohio. Her father, Jacob Miller, a native of Pennsylvania, was numbered among the early settlers in the farming district near Wadsworth, Ohio. Peter H. Stauffer passed away June 6, 1904, and his widow now resides in Akron and Daytona Beach, Florida. They had two children : Gilman Wayne; and Clara, who died in 1897. Dr. Stauffer completed a course in the Loudonville high school in May, 1894, and for three years thereafter attended Oberlin College. In the fall of 1897 he matriculated in the Ohio Medical University, from which he was graduated April 16, 1901, and during his junior and senior years he enjoyed the privileges of an externeship in the Protestant Hospital at Columbus. Soon after graduating he located in Akron and in the same year was appointed anesthetist at the City Hospital, of which he was also made house physician and thus served for five AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 151 years. Since that time he has engaged in general practice and is now connected with the surgical staff of the City Hospital. His offices are located in the new Witz building on East Market street and are generally regarded as among the best equipped in the city. He is frequently called in consultation and has long been classed with Akron's leading physicians and surgeons. Dr. Stauffer was married June 1, 1905, in Akron to Miss Harriet Collins, a daughter of Frank Collins, a well known druggist of the city. The Doctor is an Episcopalian and attends services at St. Paul's church. He is a charter member of the local Aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arch Chapter of Masons, the Chamber of Commerce, the University Club and the Portage Country Club. Along professional lines he is connected with the Summit County and Ohio State Medical Societies, the Councillor Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Throughout life he has remained a student, constantly broadening his scientific knowledge, and his success as a practitioner proves that he has chosen a vocation which affords the best medium for the expression of his talents. Dr. Stauffer has always manifested a deep interest in matters touching Akron's welfare and progress and served for two terms as councilman, demonstrating his public spirit by actual achievements for the general good. He is genial, broad-minded and kind-hearted and draws his friends from all walks of life. EDWARD E. WALKER The Masonic Club has become one of Akron's best known and most popular social organizations, and to its secretary and manager, Edward E. Walker, is due in very large measure the splendid growth and efficient functioning of the organization. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 12th of April, 1890, and is a son of George John and Kathryn (Minch) Walker, the former of whom was born near Medina, Ohio, and the latter in Coblenz, Germany. The mother was brought to this country in early childhood and was reared and educated in Illinois. The father engaged in farming throughout his active life, or until moving to Cleveland, where he and his wife still reside. To them were born ten sons, of which number eight are still living, namely: 152 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Frederick, Robert, Ernest, Walter, Henry, Edward E., Raymond and Arthur. Edward E. Walker received his educational training in the public and high schools of Cleveland. He then became a commercial salesman and was a traveling representative for the National Cash Register Company until 1913, when he came to Akron. Here he continued as a salesman until 1925, when he was made secretary and manager of the Masonic Club. At that time the club was not enjoying a very marked popularity, but due to the personal efforts and the splendid management of Mr. Walker, its attendance has steadily increased until today it is regarded as one of the leading clubs in the state. In 1920 in Akron, Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Parthe, who died in January, 1925, leaving a daughter, Barbara K., born in this city, February 3, 1922. Mr. Walker is a member of Adoniram Lodge No. 517, F. & A. M.; Washington Chapter No. 25, R. A. M. ; Akron Council, No. 80, R. & S. M.; and Bethany Commandery No. 72, K. T., and he also belongs to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is a Protestant Episcopal in his religious faith, belonging to the Church of Our Savior. He is a veteran of the World war, having enlisted at Akron in the quartermaster's department. He served fourteen months in France and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant in 1919. Courteous and accommodating, cordial and friendly, and a man of many excellent personal qualities, he has proven well qualified for the position which he is so capably filling, and is deservedly popular throughout the range of his acquaintance. He is a golf enthusiast. ROLLO CARL WITWER Rollo C. Witwer is one of the best known business men of Akron and for more than twenty-five years has been prominently identified with the commercial interests and the public and civic life of the city. He is the president of the Akron Oil Company and as such controls one of the leading business concerns here. He was born on a farm in Marlboro township, Stark county, Ohio, March 16, 1887, a son of John B. and Sarah Jane (Boston) Witwer, who were also natives of that county. The father followed farming for a number of years but during the latter part of his life engaged in mercantile business at Greentown, Ohio, AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 155 where his death occurred and where his widow still resides. Their family numbered seven sons and five daughters : Rollo C., John C., Paul, Earl, Waldo, Guy, Luther, Mrs. Irma Sponseller, Mrs. Iva Spade, Mrs. Dawn White, Mildred and Marcie. Rollo C. Witwer, the eldest son, attended the public schools of Greentown and when fifteen years of age began providing for his own support, being employed for about five years as a kiln burner by the Summit China Company. He then accepted a position as clerk in the Pfarr & Hobart hardware store, in which he was employed for nearly three years, and it was during that period that he made his first business venture. In 1909 the old Inman drug store on East Market street was offered for sale but the business did not attract buyers with experience in the drug trade. Mr. Witwer, however, thought there were possibilities in its development and was able to buy the store on terms that his extremely limited capital could meet. He was totally without experience in the drug trade but had business foresight and sound judgment in mercantile affairs. He improved the store and not only put it on a paying basis but a few years later also opened another pharmacy at East Market and Kelly avenue. In the spring of 1917 he disposed of his drug stores for it was about that time that he was appointed chairman of the second district draft board for East Akron and eastern Summit county, continuing to serve in that capacity until after the armistice was signed. In April, 1923, he purchased a substantial interest in the Akron Oil Company, became president of that corporation and has since been its executive head. The growth and development of the business has been remarkable and is a magnificent proof of the ability, enterprise and foresight of its management. At the time Mr. Witwer became president the corporation was operating eleven stations, which number has been increased to more than thirty, now occupying many of the most advantageous locations in the city for their line of business. Moreover, he has been instrumental in building up an excellent organization in this connection. He likewise has numerous other business interests, being president of the Ohio Stock Food Company, vice president and a director of the Middlebury Building Company and secretary of the Amo Corporation, a real estate holding company. He readily recognizes the possibilities and the opportunities of a situation and has so coordinated forces as to secure most substantial results. On the 15th of April, 1908, Mr. Witwer was married to Miss 156 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Adelaide Eakens of Akron and they have a son and daughter both born in Akron: Clark Irwin, now a student at Ohio State University, and Fern Irene, who is attending high school. Mr. Witwer is recognized as one of the prominent democrats of Akron and for years has taken a keen and helpful interest in promoting the party's success. He served as alderman from the sixth ward in 1918-19, and later as councilman, resigning from that office when elected treasurer of Summit county. In his fraternal relations he is a Mason and a member of the Masonic Club. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Elks lodge, while his club memberships include the Brookside Country Club, the Exchange Club, the Comet Sporting Club, of which he is a director, and the Akron Automobile Club. He is likewise a member of the East Akron Board of Trade, the Chamber of Commerce, the Portage Fish and Game Association, the Izaak Walton League and a life member of the Lakemore Gun Club. He is fond of outdoor sports and in 1910 was the winner of the northeastern clay pigeon shoot, held at Sandusky, Ohio. Bowling is his favorite indoor sport, and in 1916 he rolled three hundred, this being the first perfect game that had been bowled in Akron in eleven years: Mr. Witwer is a self-made man in the fullest sense of the term and justly deserves his prosperity as in its attainment he has never practiced penurious methods but on the contrary has displayed a generosity and public spirit that has constantly made his cooperation a valuable asset in the promotion of worthy projects. Genial and optimistic by nature, he extracts from life the real essence of living. Mr. Witwer's city residence is at 136 Middlebury avenue, and his country home—a five-acre farm and hunting lodge, adjoining the Comet Sporting Club property. GEORGE R. WELLWOOD, M. D. Although a comparatively recent addition to the ranks of the medical fraternity in Summit county, Dr. George R. Wellwood, of Barberton, has gained distinctive recognition as an able and trustworthy physician and commands a large and remunerative practice. He was born in province of Ontario, Canada, on the 10th of September, 1893, a son of Rev. N. and Alexandria (Beynon) Wellwood. The mother is deceased, and the father now resides in Toronto, Canada. George R. Wellwood attended the public schools, graduating from high school, and AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 157 then matriculated in the medical college of the University of Toronto, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1923. For two years he served as interne at the Muskoka Hospital for Consumptives at Gravenhurst, Ontario, and for one year was at the People's Hospital in Akron, Ohio. In June, 1926, the Doctor entered upon general practice in Barberton and has been very successful. He is a member of the medical staff of the Citizens Hospital of this city. Doctor Wellwood is a member of the Barberton Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and belongs to the Barberton Medical Society, the Summit County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the Canadian Medical Association. He is a veteran of the World war, having served four years with the Thirteenth Battery, Canadian Field Artillery. He was overseas three years and was gassed twice. Since coming to Barberton the Doctor has won a secure place in the esteem of the people of his community, who appreciate his ability as a physician and his worth as a man and citizen. ERNEST P. ENGSTROM Numbered among the enterprising, progressive and successful business men of Akron is Ernest P. Engstrom, president and general manager of the Factory Service Corporation, which has become one of the important concerns of the city. He was born in Sweden, July 12, 1882, and is a son of J. E. and Amelia (Olson) Engstrom, both of whom were natives and lifelong residents of that country. The father was prominent in business affairs, being the purchasing agent for the federal government railroad system. To him and his wife were born five children, John, Ernest P., Amelia, Julia and Augusta. Ernest P. Engstrom received his education in the public schools of his native land and when eighteen years of age came to the United States. He first located in New York city and served as chief engineer for the Howe Printing Press Company until 1924. He later went to Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he followed mechanical engineering, and eventually became chief engineer for the Maccar Company, builders of automobile trucks. He next came to Akron and became the local dealer in Maccar trucks, the agency for which he still has, and in this 6-VOL. 3 158 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY business he has met with very satisfactory success. He organized and is at the head of the Factory Service Corporation, which under his wise management is growing rapidly in favor and patronage of the manufacturers of this district. On March 1, 1903, in New York city, Mr. Engstrom was united in marriage to Miss Jeanette Helgeland, a daughter of Thomas and Hanna (Anderson) Helgeland. They are the parents of three children. Esther, born in New York city in 1907, was graduated in accounting and finance from the University of Pennsylvania in 1925. Ruth, born in New York city in 1909, is a graduate of the West high school, Akron, and is now a student in Oberlin University. Ralph, born in New York city in 1911, is a graduate of West high school. Mr. Engstrom's business ability and excellent personal qualities have gained for him the uniform respect and confidence of all who have come in contact with him. CLIFFORD SHERMAN MIRACLE A product of the buckeye state, Clifford S. Miracle has been content to remain within its borders, and his progress has been commensurate with his industry and ability. He occupies an enviable position in business circles of Akron and is doing important work as a home builder. A native of Monroe county, he was born December 4, 1892, in Franklin township, and is a son of E. E. and Lydia (Day) Miracle, who have always resided in Ohio. The father is the owner of a farm in Monroe county and has long been numbered among its prosperous agriculturists. Mr. and Mrs. Miracle became the parents of seven children but E. C., the second in order of birth, is deceased. The others are: Clarence, Clifford S., Mrs. W. W. Wilson, Mrs. Margaret Denbow, Ira L. and Ellis Miracle. Reared on the homestead, Clifford S. Miracle attended the schools of that locality and afterward engaged in teaching in the rural districts of Monroe county. He decided to give up school teaching and study law but abandoned the idea of entering the legal profession upon the request of his parents, his next choice being a commercial career. For some time he was in the employ of the Equitable Life Insurance Company, proving a very capable solicitor, and he was soon placed in charge of the district at Steubenville, Ohio. In 1916 he and his brother E. C. Miracle came AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 161 to Akron and were affiliated with The Ohio Land Company but in the following year organized their own real estate business. They devoted their energies principally to home financing and building and organized the firm of The Miracle Bros. Company, and were incorporators of the First Savings & Loan Company of Akron. The inseparable association of the two brothers was terminated by the death of E. C. Miracle in 1927 but the business is still continued under the name of The Miracle Bros. Company, of which Clifford S. Miracle is now the president, and under his judicious management it has constantly expanded. The firm maintains an office on the fifth floor of the Peoples Savings & Trust building and has constructed many substantial and attractive homes, thus contributing toward the city's upbuilding and improvement. Mr. Miracle was married September 16, 1915, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Miss Lauretta Miller, a daughter of Mr. and. Mrs. C. F. Miller and a member of a well known family of Wheeling, West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Miracle have two sons: Harold Lee, who was born December 7, 1916, in Akron, and is a grammar school pupil; and Clifford Calvin, who was born September 17, 1924, in this city. Mr. Miracle is affiliated with the Woodland Methodist Episcopal church, being a member of its official board. He is a member of the real estate board of Akron and the National Real Estate Association. Deeply engrossed in business, Mr. Miracle has been successful and has always adhered to the highest standards in his affairs. He is accorded a most creditable position among the city's best class of business men and citizens who have won and retain the respect and confidence of their fellowmen. Mr. Miracle's residence is at 1383 Delia avenue. LEE DANIEL BENDER Lee Daniel Bender, a member of one of the old and prominent families of northeastern Ohio, was long identified with agricultural pursuits, and a life of well directed industry now enables him to live retired in East Akron. He was born January 18, 1856, on a farm in Stark county, Ohio, where the city of Canton is now situated, and his father, John L. Bender, was a native of the same locality. The grandfather, Daniel Bender, was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, and was of German descent. He followed the trade of a stone mason and was numbered among 162 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY the early settlers of Stark county, Ohio, where much of his life was spent. His son, John L. Bender, married Hannah Moore, who was a native of Ohio and of Scotch and Irish lineage. She was a daughter of the Rev. William Moore, a Methodist minister who won many converts for the church. When very young Lee D. Bender came to Summit county with his parents, who located in Copley township, but later removed to what is now Barberton, locating on the site of the old Barber home. His early instruction was received in the district schools of that section of the state; his high school studies were pursued in Akron and in 1876 he completed a normal course in Buchtel College. After teaching for a few years he decided to become an agriculturist and in the spring of 1879 went to Michigan, settling in the vicinity of Otsego. There he made his home for thirty-one years, developing one of the fine farms of Allegan county, and also prospered as a dairyman. In 1911 he returned to Summit county and continued his activities as a tiller of the soil for four years. At the end of that time he sold his farm and built a large modern house at No. 56 Hoover avenue in East Akron, where he has since resided, enjoying a substantial competence accumulated by hard work and good management. In the old Buckeye Hotel in Akron, Mr. Bender was married September 8, 1879, to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Hilbish, who was born in Uniontown, Ohio. Her father, Benjamin Hilbish, was a member of one of the old German families of Pennsylvania and operated a large tannery. The mother, Wilhelmina (Smith) Hilbish, was born near the Susquehanna river in Pennsylvania and was also of German lineage. Mr. and Mrs. Bender became the parents of six children. Adda Grace, the eldest, is a bookkeeper for an East Akron firm. Dorothy Luella is employed as a stenographer and also lives at home. Floyd Jay, who is connected with the rubber industry and resides in Akron, married Miss Helen Palmer and they have one child, Phyllis. Le Roy was in the service of his country during the World war, discharging the duties of a mechanic, and now follows the occupation of farming. He married Miss Fern I. Woodling and has became the father of a son, Donald 0. Perry M., a building contractor connected with the Deetjen Company of Akron, married Miss Marjorie Harding, of Cleveland, by whom he has a daughter, Doris. Ray, the sixth in order of birth, fills a responsible position with the C. H. Yeager Dry Goods Company of Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Bender have provided their children with lib- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 163 eral educational advantages, thus enabling them to become useful members of society and a credit to the family. In religious faith they are Presbyterians and contribute liberally toward the support of the church. Their aid is given to all worthy projects and their many good qualities are thoroughly appreciated by their fellow citizens, who entertain for them high regard. JAMES SHAW James Shaw is a prominent representative of industrial interests in Summit county as second vice president of the Colonial Salt Company of Kenmore, with which he has been continuously identified during the past twenty-seven years and in the service of which he has worked his way steadily upward through the various departments of the business to his present official position. A contemporary biographer said of him : "Mr. Shaw was possessed of few advantages when he entered upon his career, but among his assets were to be found the Scotch sturdiness and thrift which were a part of his birthright, a natural ambition and a capacity for hard and persevering work: These qualities he so fashioned and directed that they placed him on the highroad to success and through them has worked out at satisfying career." Mr. Shaw was born in Airdrie, Scotland, July 9, 1867, a son of James and Agnes (Smith) Shaw, natives of the same country. In his native land the father was a contractor, and after coming to this country, in 1870, resumed his operations in that line of business as a general contractor, a capacity in which he erected nearly all the large buildings of Springfield, Ohio, that were built during the period of his active career. He conducted his operations as senior member of the firm of Shaw & Miller. A number of buildings which were erected a half century ago and are still standing give eloquent evidence of his skill and good workmanship and the quality and integrity of his work and word. His last years were spent in honorable retirement at Springfield, where he passed away in June, 1926, at the age of eighty-four. His widow still makes her home in Springfield, this state. They took an active and helpful part in the work of the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Shaw is yet a valued member. Their family numbered six children, namely: Robert, William, David and Agnes, 164 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY who all reside in Springfield, Ohio; Mrs. Janet Whitecomb, of Chicago, Illinois; and James, of this review. The last named was four years of age when brought to the United States by his parents, and his boyhood and youth were passed at Springfield, where he attended the public schools until he reached the junior year of high school, in addition to which he attended several courses of studies in the night school. When still a youth he showed marked predilection for the architect's calling, and accordingly secured a position in an architect's office at Springfield. He subsequently went to Cleveland and in that city was offered and accepted a position with the United Salt Company, now the Union Salt Company, and in the capacity of master mechanic had charge of the plant of the company for two years. He was next made superintendent of the company and remained as such until 1901, in which year the Colonial Salt Company of Kenmore, Summit county, was organized and Mr. Shaw was made superintendent. He planned and built the plant of this company and for many years continued in the office of general superintendent, a position of great importance in the handling of its extensive business interests. He was chosen second vice president in 1927 and has since represented the concern in this official capacity. He is also identified with a number of other business enterprises. On the 24th of December, 1891, in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle A. Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Williams and representative of a prominent family of Mercersburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are the parents of a son and a daughter. James R., born in Cleveland in 1893, pursued his education in Akron, Ohio, where he is now successfully engaged in the insurance business. During the period of the World war he served as a non-commissioned officer of the Three Hundred and Thirty-second Infantry in Italy. He married Miss Ruth Hoera of Canton and they are the parents of two children, James (III) and Bruce R. Shaw. Ruth Shaw, who was born in Cleveland, December 25, 1899, was educated in the West high school of Akron and is a graduate nurse of the Akron City Hospital. She is now the wife of Dr. W. A. Morton, of Akron. Mr. Shaw has taken an active interest in civic affairs, and in 1912 and 1913 was a member of the Akron city council, in which body he worked faithfully and energetically in behalf of the interests of his city and his constituents. He has done effective work AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 165 as a member of the city planning commission, and as a member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce is assisting other public-spirited and progressive citizens to better commercial and industrial conditions. In Masonry Mr. Shaw has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, belonging to Adoniram Lodge No. 517, F. &. A. M., of which he is past master; Washington Chapter No. 25, R. A. M. ; Akron Council No. 80, R. & S. M. ; and Bethany Commandery No. 72, K. T., of which he is past commander. He also belongs to the Masonic Club and to the Burns Club, of which latter he is an ex-president. He is likewise connected with the Akron Automobile Club, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church, and he is a member of its board of trustees. Mr. Shaw is a busy man, but never neglects his duty to his community, supporting every measure calculated to advance the public welfare, and is regarded as a citizen of high ideals and right principles, by reason of which he commands the confidence and respect of his fellowmen. Mr. Shaw's residence is at 180 Castle boulevard. MYRON ED WRIGHT Myron Ed Wright, secretary and treasurer of the Walsh Paper Company of Cuyahoga Falls, has been identified with this well known concern for twenty-two years, and his faithful and efficient efforts have been real factors in its success. He was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1889, and is a son of James Finley and Mary J. (Steese) Wright. He secured his educational training in the grade and high schools of his home city and in 1906 entered the employ of the Walsh Paper Company as a stenographer. He has been with the company continuously since, during which period he received deserved promotions and now, as secretary and treasurer, he bears an important relation to the administration of the company's affairs. A man of alert mentality, conscientious in the performance of every duty and devoted to the interests of the company, he has long enjoyed the unqualified confidence and respect of his associates, while throughout the community he is held in high regard for his genuine worth as man and citizen. In 1919 Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Marian Hitesman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Asa Hitesman, and Mr. 166 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY and Mrs. Wright are the parents of a son, Daniel. Mr. Wright is a stanch republican in politics and during the years of his residence in Cuyahoga Falls has shown himself ready at all times to lend his efforts and influence in the direction of public improvement and progress. He is a member of Star Lodge, No. 187, F. & A. M., Yusef Khan Grotto, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Kiwanis Club of Cuyahoga Falls, and he and his wife are members of the Congregational church, in the activities of which they are greatly interested, giving their support also to all worthy benevolent causes. Mr. Wright has been successful in his material affairs and is a director of the Cuyahoga Falls Realty Company and the Falls Engineering & Machine Company. EDWARD WALLACE SWARTZ Thoroughness and devotion to duty are outstanding characteristics of Edward Wallace Swartz, whose career is a record of continuous progress that has brought him to the fore in business circles of Akron as a dealer in cocol and other lines of fuel. He was born January 15, 1886, in Roann, Indiana, his parents being William and Emma (Shelly) Swartz, natives of Wayne county, Ohio. His father was engaged extensively in the grain business and owned a chain of elevators extending throughout Indiana and a portion of Ohio. He has passed away and the mother is also deceased. They are survived by four children: Charles, Zella, George and Edward W. Edward W. Swartz was about three years of age when his parents moved from Indiana to Danville, Ohio, where his father died in 1894, after which he accompanied his mother, brothers and sister on their removal to Ashland, Ohio, where he was reared. He supplemented his public school education by a commercial course in Ashland College. After his graduation he entered the employ of the Erie Railroad Company in a clerical capacity and rose to the position of freight agent. He served as such until 1920, when he became connected with the W. E. Wright Company of Akron, taking charge of the coal sales, and he also discharged the duties of traffic manager. For seven years he exerted his best efforts in behalf of the corporation but in October, 1927, tendered his resignation, and at that time formed the E. W. Swartz Company, of which he is president. He has already AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 169 established the business upon a paying basis. While identified with the W. E. Wright Company, Mr. Swartz developed a product, which he named cocol. This new fuel is the result of several years' laboratory experimentation and research in the blending of coke and coal from which the volatile matter has been removed. In making it a high quality of egg coal is used and the best grade of Pocahontas, which is smokeless. Cocol is clean, making no dirt while being delivered into the cellar or when burning. Owing to the fact that this is a perfectly blended fuel it requires little draft and no poking to insure complete combustion. It burns with a constant, penetrating heat, insuring an even temperature throughout the home and is unexcelled as fuel for steam and warm air furnaces. The E. W. Swartz Company features cocol but also carries a full line of coal, coke, oil, grease and gasoline, and sells on both a retail and wholesale basis, maintaining its yards and headquarters at Nos. 70-72 East South street. Mr. Swartz has given much thought and study to the business in which he is engaged and on the subject of special fuels is one of the best informed men in the city. Mr. Swartz was married October 3, 1906, in Ashland, Ohio, to Miss Fern E. Holser, a daughter of L. L. Holser, and they now have two sons: William Lee, who was born in Ashland, January 30, 1908, and is attending the West high school; and Joseph Edward, who was born in Akron December 30, 1922. Mr. Swartz is a Mason, a Knight Templar and a Shriner, and is a charter member of Tadmor Temple. He also belongs to the Masonic Club and the Brookside Country Club, and since its organization has been president of the Fairlawn Civic Club. In the work of the Young Men's Christian Association he also manifests a keen interest and is chairman of the boys' committee. He is one of the trustees of the Main Street Methodist Episcopal church and exerts a strong influence for good in Akron, where he is widely known and highly respected. His residence is on Pershing drive, Fairlawn. VERNE THURSBY BENDER Through patience, industry and good management Verne Thursby Bender has become one of the prosperous agriculturists of Green township, belonging to that class of farmers who are making their private enterprises public assets, and has also fig- 170 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY ured conspicuously in township and county affairs. He was born September 28, 1882, on the home farm a half-mile east of Greensburg, in Green township, of which his parents, Elkanah and Louisa (Thursby) Bender, were also natives. His paternal grandparents were born in Pennsylvania and cast in their lot with the early settlers of northern Ohio. Elkanah Bender remained on the homestead until his death in 1918, and his widow retains the property but is living in Greensburg. To their union were born three sons : Verne Thursby; Kenneth, who is married and resides in Stark county, Ohio; and Hugh, who is also married and is :connected with the American Telephone & Telegraph Company in the capacity of an electrical engineer, making his home in New York city. Verne T. Bender was reared in his native township and was graduated from high school in 1902. For a year he was a student in the agricultural department of the University of Ohio, and his first work was along educational lines. Altogether he taught for five years in the public schools of Summit county and proved a capable instructor. In 1907 he purchased a tract of one hundred and seven acres one mile north and one mile east of Greensburg in partnership with his brother Kenneth, and this they operated jointly until 1914, when Verne T. Bender became sole owner of the place. In 1912 he took over the management of the homestead and two years later removed to his own farm. It is improved with good buildings and neat fences, and the work is facilitated by up-to-date equipment. Mr. Bender carefully plans the tasks of each day and is methodical and systematic, making his efforts count for the utmost. He brings to his occupation a true sense of agricultural economics, never allowing a foot of the land to be unproductive, and has one of the best farms in the township. Mr. Bender was married June 26, 1912, in Ravenna, Ohio, to Miss Ione Bean, a native of Portage county, this state, and a daughter of Charles W. and Adelia (Jones) Bean, who still make their home in Ravenna. Mrs. Bender has two sisters : Blanche, who is the wife of S. W. Baker, a prosperous farmer of Portage county; and Mrs. Harriet Casper, who lives in Clifton Park, a suburb of Lakewood, Ohio ; and a brother, Van T. Bean, who is married and resides in Akron. Mr. Bender is a democrat and has filled public offices of trust and responsibility, discharging his duties with characteristic thoroughness and fidelity. He was township clerk from 1907 until 1913; assessor and real estate appraiser during 1914-15 AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 171 and in 1926; a township trustee at various times, and is now serving on the board of health of Summit county. At Greentown he joined Hadassah Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is also a Mason, belonging to Loyalty Lodge, No. 645, F. & A. M., of Akron. He is a member of the Grange and the Summit County Agricultural Association and as farming progresses as a science he advances with it. Mrs. Bender is a member of the Episcopal church of Ravenna and the Woman's City Club of Akron. Like her husband, she is deeply interested in movements for reform, progress and improvement, and both enjoy the social side of life, possessing those qualities which inspire respect and friendship. GUY S. WORTLEY Prominent in the business circles of Akron stands Guy S. Wortley, vice president and sales manager of the Imperial Electric Company. His career has been one of determined and persistent effort along right lines, and his present business relations have been marked by a very satisfactory measure of success. Mr. Wortley was born at Kingston, on the island of Jamaica and is a son of Samuel Sharp and Mary (Brown) Wortley, the former of whom was born in Iowa and the latter in Yonkers, New York. The father was a civil engineer by profession and was engaged in the contracting business, in the interest of which he went with his family to Jamaica sometime prior to the birth of his son Guy S. Both parents are now deceased. Of the six children who blessed their union, four are now living, Guy S. Wortley having a brother, Samuel Sharp, and two sisters, Mrs. William C. Becker and Daisy, all of whom are living in Los Angeles, California. Guy S. Wortley received his early education in private schools in Kingston, Jamaica, and on the Bermuda Islands, and on the return of the family to the United States he secured a position as office boy with the publishing house of Tennant and Ward, in New York city. A year later he went to work for I. W. Lyons & Sons, of that city, by whom he was employed as a shipping clerk for one year, when he resigned and became connected with the New York branch of the Mechanical Appliance Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an electrical machinery house, by which he was employed as a salesman for three years. He then resigned that position and went to work for the Sterling Electric Motor 172 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Company of Dayton, Ohio. There he entered the factory and, in order to gain a thorough first-hand knowledge of the technical side of the business, began at the bottom and worked in every department. Later he became a salesman and remained with that concern for three years. In 1912 he came to Akron as a salesman for the Imperial Electric Company, of which he is now vice president and sales manager, in which capacities he is doing very effective work. On July 14, 1911, in Dayton, Ohio, Mr. Wortley was united in marriage to Miss M. Marjorie Turner, a daughter of Francis and Louise Turner of Dayton, Ohio. He is a member of the Akron Rotary Club, of which he is a trustee; the Akron City Club, which he has served as a trustee ; the Fairlawn Heights Country Club, of which he is an ex-president and a present director; the Akron Automobile Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Old Colony Club and the National Electric Manufacturers Association. He is a member of the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, of Akron. Mr. Wortley is a man of straightforward manner and agreeable personality, is energetic and progressive in his business methods, and makes a favorable impression on all with whom he comes in contact, commanding to a marked degree the esteem and good will of his fellowmen. His residence is at No. 103 North Portage path. JOHN LUTHER DERR Energy, perseverance and thrift are recognized the world over as the foundation of material prosperity and these three qualities are possessed by John L. Derr, who controls important business interests and has furthered Akron's commercial development to a considerable extent. He was born August 12, 1884, in Smithville, Ohio, and is a son of David E. and Mary A. (Rhodes) Derr, the former a native of Fredericktown, Maryland, while the latter was born in the state of Pennsylvania. When sixteen years of age the father enlisted in the Union army and served from the beginning until the close of the Civil war, participating in many notable engagements. When a young man he migrated to Ohio and became the proprietor of a meat market in Smithville, his business steadily increasing. He also served as postmaster of Smithville, filling the office for many years. Although he has reached the eighty-third milestone on life's journey he is alert AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 175 and vigorous, and his wife is eighty-four years of age. In their family were eight children, seven of whom survive: Charles A., who lives in Burbank, Ohio; A. A., of Wooster, Ohio; Mrs. I. N. Winter, who resides in Leroy, this state; Mrs. Charles Gray, of Smithville; Mrs. H. C. Sinclair, whose home is in Apple Creek. Ohio; Miss Daisy M. Derr, of Wooster; and John L. The last named was reared in his native town and completed his education in the normal school at Smithville. He began his commercial career with the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company, with which he spent a year, and from 1901 until 1903 was chief clerk at Akron for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In the latter year he was made yardmaster at Canton, Ohio, and remained in the service of the road until 1904, when he tendered his resignation. He then became a salesman for the Robinson Clay Products Company of Akron, acting in that capacity until 1917, and for two years thereafter had charge of the factory, which was utilized for the manufacture of chemical ware under government supervision. In 1919 he became connected with the coal department of the W. E. Wright Company of Akron and acted as traffic manager for two years. On the expiration of that period he severed his relations with the concern and in 1921 became president of the Derr Brothers Sales Company. The other officers were A. Derr, vice president; and A. R. Derr, secretary and treasurer. At the time of the latter's death John L. Derr and A. A. Derr purchased all of the stock in the concern and incorporated the business, changing the name to The Derr Company, of which John L. is president and treasurer. His associates in the company are: M. H. Koppes, vice president; Miss D. M. Derr, secretary; Miss Arlene M. Derr, assistant secretary; and Leo. A. Merzweiler, auditor. They are dealers in clay products, specializing in face brick and builders' supplies and their trade covers Ohio, also extending to Pennsylvania. The growth of the business has been fostered by the carefully formulated plans and tireless efforts of John L. Derr, who is endowed with administrative power and mature judgment and also acts as sales manager of the Crouse Clay Products Company, which has likewise profited by his business experience and acumen. Mr. Derr was married November 29, 1906, in Canton, Ohio, to Miss Emma Merzweiler, a daughter of August Merzweiler, of Akron, and they have become the parents of four children: Arlene M., who was born in August, 1907, in Akron and is a graduate of the Central high school and the Actual Business College; 176 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Mary K., who was born January 16, 1918, and is a grammar school pupil; John D., who was born August 4, 1923; and Marjorie Jean, born November 25, 1927. Mr. Derr takes a prominent part in the activities of the local Kiwanis Club and is also connected with the Silver Lake Country Club, the East Akron Board of Trade, the Akron Chamber of Commerce and the Builders Exchange. Along fraternal lines he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, belonging to Akron Lodge, No. 363, and his religious views are indicated by his affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal church. His life has been earnest and purposeful, and his labors have been manifestly resultant. Honor and integrity constitute the keynote of his character, and the respect accorded him is well deserved. Mr. Derr's residence is at 91 Arch street. RICHARD E. LONG Richard E. Long, affectionately and intimately known as "Genial Dick," is the efficient superintendent of the Barberton water and light department. He was born on a farm near Newton Falls, Trumbull county, Ohio, May 1, 1885, a son of Joshua W. and Matilda (Sweet) Long, who spent their entire lives in the Buckeye state. The father was actively engaged in farming and blacksmithing. The six living children of the family are as follows : Howard, a resident of California; Mrs. Kathryn Guiliford, of Warren, Ohio; Nelson J., a resident of Akron; Mrs. Mabelle Wilson, of Hubbard, Ohio; Richard E., of this review; and George Albert, a resident of Washington, D. C. Richard E. Long spent his boyhood on the home farm and attended district school, being graduated from the Newton Falls high school in 1902. He then taught two terms in a little red school in that vicinity. His inclination was towards mechanics rather than pedagogy. Through his brother, the late M. S. Long, he came to Akron in 1903 and found employment in the general office of the Northern Ohio Power & Light Company. Two years later he was transferred to the electric light department store room and meter department, and was soon made foreman. He developed rapidly in a knowledge of the business. In 1910 he was sent to Barberton as local manager of the light and power business of the company in that city. The department showed an improvement under his direction and attracted the attention AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 177 of business men there. In 1914, when Barberton established its municipal lighting system, the business men urged him to become its superintendent. Thereupon he became superintendent of the light and water department. Since leaving school he has given his time and energies to the service of the public. Soon after taking the office he saw the need of increasing Barberton's water supply. He developed a temporary source of supply from wells sunk on the Shook farm. While these furnished a supply of pure though hard water, there was danger of salt getting into it from neighborhood salt veins. He became one of the strongest promoters of the Norton dam project. When it was finished in 1926 the hard water wells were discontinued and soft water has been furnished since then. The reservoir covers two hundreds acres of land. The water is forty feet deep in one spot. The spillway over the dam is one hundred and ninety-six feet long, flowing into Wolf creek, so named by the Indians because it was wild and often went on a rampage. The reservoir has a daily capacity of two million gallons. This can be increased to ten million and supply a city five times the size of Barberton. In years to come if additional water is needed a new level, further up the stream, can be provided with another dam. Mr. Long has also established a municipal nursery at the reservoir where fifty-five thousand pine seedlings are growing. These will be transplanted on the lands bordering the reservoir. Mr. Long has always been a student. When he entered the employ of the Northern Ohio Power & Light Company he had a desire to study engineering. He accomplished this by taking the correspondence course in the Scranton International Correspondence School, which granted him a certificate upon his completion of the course in engineering. The following is an excerpt from a review of the career of Mr. Long which appeared in the Beacon Journal in congratulation of his forty-third birthday: "Barberton folks say they have many things to be proud of as affecting their community. One of these is their water supply coming from the impounded waters of Wolf creek in an artificial lake in Norton township. One of the men who takes a particular pride in the water supply is Richard E. Long, who is the superintendent of the Barberton water and light department. It is claimed for him by his many friends that he knows his job. He is given much of the credit for the development of the present water supply, which is abundant for years to come." On the 5th of September, 1906, Mr. Long was united in mar- 178 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY riage to Miss Maud Montgomery, daughter of William and Ellen (Wark) Montgomery. Mr. and Mrs. Long are the parents of a daughter, Eleanor, who was born in 1908 and is a graduate of the Barberton high school. Mr. Long is a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, to which he belongs, being worshipful master of National Lodge in Barberton, a member of the chapter, council and commandery and of the Barberton Masonic Club. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. He finds pleasure in working in his garden and shrubbery and in long hikes in the woods, enjoys travel and is interested in the development of aviation. He has resided within the borders of Summit county during the past quarter of a century and is widely recognized as one of its prominent and highly esteemed citizens. PAUL H. DILWORTH Paul H. Dilworth, president and treasurer of the Akron Billiard & Bowling Supply Company, is numbered among the well known and- representative young business men of the city who have attained success by dint of untiring perseverance and industry. His progressive spirit and farsightedness have resulted in the development of an enterprise of extensive proportions and thus he has done his share in winning for Akron its present high standing as a city of commercial importance. Born in Baltimore county, Maryland, March 7, 1894, he is the only child of H. W. and Carrie (Holland) Dilworth, also natives of the Old Line state. The father, who devoted his attention to mercantile pursuits throughout his active business career, has passed away, but the mother is still living in Maryland. Paul H. Dilworth received his early education in a rural school and subsequently pursued a high school course at Towson, Maryland. After putting aside his textbooks he was associated with his father in the mercantile business until the advent of the United States in the World war in 1917, when he entered the quartermaster's department at Camp Meade. Following his honorable discharge from military service in 1919 he was identified with various business enterprises but found none of them either pleasant or profitable until he formed his present connection. He had come to Akron, Ohio, in 1920 and four years later he became AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 179 a partner in the Akron Billiard & Bowling Supply Company, a wholesale concern of which he has served as president and treasurer since its incorporation in 1927. The products are sold within a radius of seventy miles of Akron and are noted for their excellence and durable quality. In December, 1926, in Akron, Mr. Dilworth was married to Miss Floe Eckenrode, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Eckenrode. They are the parents of a son, Paul William, who was born in Akron in April, 1928. Fraternally Mr. Dilworth is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Masons and he also belongs to the Masonic Club, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is a young man of strong personality, energetic methods and progressive ideas, and his efforts in a business way have met with a deserved measure of success. URIAH L. LIGHT Among the citizens of Summit county who have achieved distinction in callings demanding intellectual abilities of a high order stands Uriah L. Light, the able and popular superintendent of the schools of Barberton, under whose supervision the educational affairs of the community have been maintained at a high standard of efficiency. Professor Light was born on the 3d of September, 1876, on a farm in Seneca county, Ohio, and is a son of J. B. and Anna (Loose) Light, both of whom are deceased. He attended the district schools and was graduated from the high school at Green Springs, after which he entered Ohio Northern University at Ada, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1900. In 1912 he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy from the University of Chicago. Professor Light has devoted his entire business career to educational work, beginning teaching while he was still in school. He served for nine years as superintendent of the schools at Green Springs, Ohio, and for four years occupied a similar position at North Baltimore, this state. In 1913 he came to Barberton as superintendent of schools, and his long retention in this responsible place stands in unmistakable evidence of the satisfactory character of his services. On July 23, 1901, Mr. Light was united in marriage to Miss 180 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Alice Hesser, of Green Springs, Ohio, and they are the parents of two sons : Robert W., born December 9, 1905, and Donald A., born October 21, 1907, both of whom are students in Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. Mr. Light gives his political support to the republican party and is a member of all branches of the Masonic order, while his religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal church. He has shown a commendable interest in local affairs and is a member of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Well educated, devoted to his life work and with the best interests of the student body always at heart, he has not been underestimated by the people of this community, who hold him in the highest esteem. WILLIAM LEWIS SHOEMAKER William Lewis Shoemaker is a man who knows the joys of conquest, whether it be found in the successful conduct of a business project or in the attainment of his objective as a sportsman. Marked enterprise, clear vision and unfaltering purpose have characterized his business interests and made him an outstanding figure in the commercial circles of the city in which he has made his home for nearly thirty years. Mr. Shoemaker was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on the 10th of October, 1869, and is a son of Joseph and Emily (Lamborn) Shoemaker, also natives of the Keystone state, where they spent their entire lives, the father following the occupation of farming. At the usual age William Lewis Shoemaker entered the public schools near his home and later began working on his father's farm, following agricultural pursuits until he reached his thirty-second year, but the work of the fields was not to his liking. He believed he would find commercial activity more congenial and more profitable and with this end in view he removed to Akron in 1900 and entered the drug business, opening a store here, although he knew practically nothing concerning the compounding of drugs. It was not difficult, however, to secure competent assistants and one of the elements of his splendid sucess is that he has been able to choose men who measured up to required standards of service. His Akron establishment proved successful and not long afterward he opened a second drug store, then AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 183 a third and a fourth and has continued to establish one store after another until the chain numbered twenty-one, conducted under the name of the Day Drug Company, of which he was the president. He was also the vice president of the Summit Wholesale Drug Company. In April, 1928, Mr. Shoemaker disposed of all his interests in the Day Drug Company, also the Summit Drug Company, to the Peoples Drug Company of Washington, D. C., and retired from active business affairs, except for the management of his private interests. He has ever been alert to opportunity and recognized the fact that advantages and chances lie before every individual if one has the discernment to recognize them and is not afraid to improve them. At one time proprietor of a modest little retail drug business, he became the head of a business amounting to one million, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year in the retail line, while his wholesale house was doing a business of one million, five hundred thousand dollars annually. In 1891 Mr. Shoemaker was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Bradley, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Amos K. Bradley and a representative of one of the pioneer families of that section of the Keystone state. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker have a daughter, Mrs. Blanch Hale, who was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1892 and who has one child, Mary Hale. Their adopted son, John K. Shoemaker, was born August 3, 1917. Mrs. Shoemaker holds membership in the Presbyterian church. Mr. Shoemaker is a well known and popular member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce; the Rotary Club, of which he is a charter member; the City Club, the Silver Lake Country Club, the Masonic Club and the Akron Merchants Association, while in Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. In addition to his attractive home in Akron he owns a Spanish villa at Coral Gables, Florida, and a number of business properties in that state. He is also interested in numerous club houses in the wilds of Canada and a ranch in Wyoming, where he finds the keenest joy in the great out-of-doors. Reared on a farm, he has never lost his love for the wide open spaces and he takes the keenest pleasure in hunting big game but possesses the instincts of the true sportsman, who delights not in the wanton destruction of wild life yet is the possessor of many valuable trophies of his hunting trips preserved for future generations. He has hunted in the Arctic regions, in Canada and in the forests and veldts of the tropical countries. He possesses many fine 184 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY specimens of big game as the result of his research work, adorning his office and home, and that he is a follower of Izaak Walton is also evidenced in the mounted specimens which he has about him. A local journalist, after interviewing Mr. Shoemaker, quoted him as saying : "If it's a hobby to fish and hunt then I have a hobby. I like the big open outdoors. It was a part of my early life. I like the forests, the streams, the mountains, the lakes. I like the things of nature. For a number of years I have been able to enjoy this kind of life. When I am through with business, if such a time ever comes, I shall want nothing better than to live in the open." In a frame on the wall these words stood out boldly: "Most any old fish can float and drift along and dream but it takes a regular live one to swim against the stream." Undoubtedly one of the elements of Mr. Shoemaker's success is his life in the open, which has kept him fit for the strenuous duties involved in the management of his extensive business interests. A little poem which he keeps in his desk gives much of his philosophy of life : "Hi Somers was the durndest cuss Fer ketching fish—he sure was great! He never used to make no fuss About the kind of pole er bait, Er weather, neither; he'd just say, `I got to ketch a mess today.' An' towards the creek you'd see him slide, A-whistlin' soft and walking wide. I says one day to Hi, says I, `How do you always ketch 'em, Hi?' He gives his bait another swish in An' chucklin', says, 'I just keep fishin'.' Well, Hi is Gov'nor Somers now, A big man 'round the State, you bet ! To me the same old Hi somehow, The same old champeen fisher yet. It ain't so much the bait er pole, It wasn't so much the fishin' hole, That won for Hi his big success; 'Twas jest his fishin' on, I guess. A cheerful, stiddy, hopeful kind Of keepin' at it—don't you mind? An' that is why I can't help wishin' That more of us would jest keep fishin' !" AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 185 Mr. Shoemaker takes no special credit to himself for what he has accomplished, but the world would be a better place in which to live if there were more men who followed his example and practiced his belief. Mr. Shoemaker's Akron residence is at 393 Woodland avenue. ALFRED J. RICHARDSON Among Akron's leading business men and highly respected citizens stands Alfred J. Richardson, the capable general manager of the Akron Tent & Awning Company, and he has proven a man of marked business ability and is a large factor in the prosperity of this well known concern. Mr. Richardson was born in London, England, on the 18th of June, 1887, a son of David and Elizabeth (Parry) Richardson, both of whom were natives of Scotland. In early life they went to England, locating in London, where the father became prominent in mining affairs as an engineer and draftsman. He has now retired and he and his wife are still living in London, both having attained the age of seventy-two years. To them were born four children, of whom three are living: David Ernest and Frederick George, both residents of London ; and Alfred J., who is the only member of the family to come to this country. Alfred J. Richardson received his educational training in the schools of his native city, completing his studies at the West Square higher graded school, and then became connected with the Gordon & Gotch Newspaper Publishing Company of London, which concern handled export publications. He remained with that firm until 1911, when he came to the United States and located in Akron, where he became connected with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. Later he was with the Goodrich Tire & Rubber Company for six years, resigning in order to take a position with the Wagner Tent & Awning Company as a salesman. In 1923 he was made general manager of this concern, which is the largest tent and awning company in this section of the state, selling at least seventy-five per cent of the goods in its line used in Akron and vicinity. On August 2, 1916, in Akron, Mr. Richardson was united in marriage to Miss Ethel G. Rennie, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Jack) Rennie. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson are the parents of two children : Robert A., who was born in September, 186 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY 1917, and is attending the junior high school; and Johann Ruth born. January 29, 1927. Mr. Richardson is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Adoniram Lodge, No. 517, F. & A. M.; and Washington Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M., and is also a member of the Masonic Club and the Kiwanis Club. He and his wife are members of the First Universalist church. He has been loyal to the best interests of his community, has proven a good neighbor and constant friend, and has won and retains a high place in the respect and esteem of all who know him. LEW J. DANIELS When he had completed a high school course Lew J. Daniels started out in the business world. He was a youth in his early teens and what the future held in store for him of failure or success he knew not, but he did know that industry is a valuable possession and he resolved to make industry the foundation of his advancement. He has never deviated from the course which he thus marked out and today he is vice president and manager of the City View Storage Company of Akron, which owns one of the largest and best storage establishments in the country. The story of what Mr. Daniels has accomplished is an interesting one. The romance of business is as thrilling as that of any tale of fiction, and step by step he has advanced and victory has been written after every one of his efforts in the business world. A native of Hartford, Connecticut, he was born May 26, 1888, and is a son of Ashbel E. and Laura M. (Barr) Daniels, who were natives of Middletown, Connecticut, and of New Jersey, respectively. The father was at one time a resident of Brooklyn, New York, and was superintendent of the Silverware Manufacturing Company, but both he and his wife have now passed away. They had a family of six children, all of whom survive, namely: Lew J., of this review; Ernest W., living at Hoquaim, Washington; Frank D. and H. D., both of whom are residents of Springfield, Massachusetts; Laura M., the wife of Philip R. Converse, of New Bedford, Massachusetts; and Ruth Barr Daniels, who also makes her home at New Bedford, Massachusetts. With the removal of his parents from Hartford to Brooklyn, New York, L. J. Daniels attended the public schools of that city and when he had completed his high school course started to work AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 189 in connection with the silverware manufacturing business. He gained comprehensive knowledge of the trade and later he engaged in the jewelry commission business with his brother, Frank Daniels, continuing in that line until 1907. He afterward traveled in connection with other lines until 1910, when he went to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he became identified with a storage enterprise, retaining his residence there until 1924, when he came to Akron, taking over the management of the City View storage business. Since that time he has been elected vice president and continues also as general manager. Its plant is an outstanding example of the thoroughly modern warehouse and equals in its equipment and service any that can be found in the country. The business has now assumed mammoth proportions and in this connection the Akron Beacon Journal wrote : "No meager measure of credit for the growth, development and splendid success of the City View Storage Company is due Mr. Daniels, whose broad vision, accurate foresight and innate business integrity and ability was greatly responsible for the superb expansion program which served to establish this organization on a plane of soundness, sturdiness and importance. Mr. Daniels went about the upbuilding of this storage establishment in an efficient and methodical fashion by making an exhaustive study of other plants while on an extensive trip, and by accumulating various ideas and plans and combining these with his own valuable conceptions ultimately brought about a great remodeling process. It is a liberal education in itself to inspect this great storage plant and to analyze the drastic steps of development in this business branch as compared to the old-type warehouse, so cold, barren and free of business atmosphere. And even in consideration of the rapid strides taken in all lines of business in late years and the amazing progress registered in a few lines, it must be granted without reservation that the City View Storage establishment is not a plant of the moment, or of the next few years, but has been wholly developed and planned with a view to the city's growth in the next quarter of a century. For the business house of any sort, you will discover in your inspection of this plant a spacious vault of tile and cement that is burglar and fireproof and especially designed for the secretion of valuable files and miscellaneous articles. Further, you will notice tidy and sanitary rest rooms and locker rooms for the lady employes in the office, and a clean and inviting shower room for the men, in addition to various telephone booths, clothes closets and other accommoda- 7-VOL. 3 190 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY tions. Each floor in the building is equipped with a fire alarm signal and an American District Telegraph service for watchmen. Perfect protection is assured since watchmen are required to make specified rounds hourly and report in sequence to the telegraph service department, otherwise an investigation ensues. Of particular note is the fact that every available inch of space is utilized, thereby providing a maximum of storage room and giving the patron the greatest amount of floorage possible for his investment. The arrangement for handling mattresses is especially unique. Corrugated boxes are sent to the homes and the mattresses deposited to avoid unnecessary handling and outside exposure. At the storage plant these boxes are laid away carefully and correctly according to name and number of classification. The piano storage department resembles a huge piano showroom, with instruments of all sizes and types standing about, each properly covered and tagged and numbered. In another department you will find the best and richest overstuffed furniture carefully wrapped and stored away on steel racks in an airtight room so that no dust or germs can do harm. These furniture racks are of steel construction, while the storage rests upon an open platform that permits a steady process of fumigation to flow freely and uninterruptedly at all times. Then there is a rug room where thousands of dollars worth of rare and costly designs are stored in the most correct fashion. The rugs are securely wrapped and bound and placed on steel shelves in an airtight, fumigated department. All sections are lettered and numbered to eliminate possibility of mistake and to enable owners to have access at any time without interference, unnecessary trouble or waste of time. In addition there are many private lockers in various sizes. Each storage compartment is equipped and protected with a fireproof door as prescribed by the fire underwriters. All rooms are built of fireproof tile and are soundproof, dust-proof and germ-proof. In addition to these various subdivisions there is a victrola room and a trunk compartment. Trunks are all kept on racks and are readily reached by the owners should they desire to remove an article without inconvenience to the company. Rare and reliable service and guaranteed satisfaction have been the valued assets in the conduct of the business, the growth of which is proof of the splendid leadership of the general manager, who combines courtesy with industry and cordiality with service. In April, 1910, Mr. Daniels was married to Miss Ada C. Cun- AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 191 ningham, of Albany, New York, daughter of W. C. Cunningham, representative of one of the old families of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Daniels have one child, Barbara L., who was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1912, and is now attending the West high school of Akron. In religious belief they are Protestants, and Mr. Daniels belongs to the Kiwanis Club, the Akron Automobile Club and the Akron City Club. He is never so busy that his duties of citizenship are neglected. On the contrary he stands for Akron's up-building and progress just as truly as he stands for advancement in his business career. His labors are always an effective force in the accomplishment of any purpose and today he is an outstanding figure in the commercial circles of his adopted city. WALTER F. MILLER The Falls Hardware Company of Cuyahoga Falls, of which Walter F. Miller is president, is one of the most important concerns in its line in northeastern Ohio, operating a number of stores, and under Mr. Miller's able management the company has enjoyed a steady and gratifying increase in the volume of business. He was born at Wilmot, Stark county, Ohio, in 1883, and is a son of E. E. and Rebecca (Stepper) Miller, both of whom are living. He completed the course of the public schools and then attended Western Reserve University. For fifteen years he was in charge of the accounting department of the Erie Railroad and then became a salesman for the Youngstown Glass & Paint Company, with which concern he remained four years. On July 1, 1924, Mr. Miller became one of the organizers of the Falls Hardware Company, of which he was made president, and has since devoted his entire time and attention to this business. Ten hardware stores are owned and operated by the company in this state at the following places: Cuyahoga Falls, Berea, Nottingham, Willoughby, Painesville, Sheridan, Garrettsville, Mantua, Chagrin Falls and Bedford. At each of these places they carry full lines of shelf and heavy hardware, and their progressive and enterprising methods have gained for them the public confidence to a marked degree. On June 27, 1908, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Lee Griffith, a daughter of Milo and Mary Griffith, of West Farrington, Ohio, and they are the parents of two children, 192 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY Elmore and Jessie Lee. The democratic party claims Mr. Miller's allegiance and he is a member of Western Star Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M.; of Youngstown ; Youngstown Chapter, No. 93, R. A. M.; Akron Council, No. 80, R. & S. M. ; and Yusef Khan Grotto of Akron. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Cuyahoga Falls Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Akron Automobile Club. He and his wife are loyal members of the Church of Christ and stand consistently for the best things in community life. Mr. Miller is a man of far-sighted judgment in practical matters, and his administration of the affairs of the company of which he is the head has been marked by a sagacity and discrimination that have made for substantial progress. FRANK O. VAIL The career of Frank 0. Vail, of Cuyahoga Falls, exemplifies the fact that though seriously handicapped physically a man may yet make a success of life. For a number of years he has rendered able and satisfactory service as justice of the peace and has conducted a successful insurance business, his record gaining for him the respect and good will of all who know him. Mr. Vail was born in Northfield, Summit county, Ohio, on the 24th of June, 1878, and is a son of Charilius and Maria (Carpenter) Vail, both now deceased. He secured a common school education and remained on the home farm until twenty-two years of age, after which he farmed and ran a threshing machine four years. He was with B. F. Marble Chair Company for two years, and then entered the service of the Northern Ohio Traction & Light Company, with which company he remained for three years, when he met with an interurban car accident, in which he was so severely injured as to necessitate the amputation of both legs below the knees. On his recovery he engaged in the insurance business in association with Frank Fox, with whom he remained four years. In 1912 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he has held, with one interval, continuously since. He has shown himself well qualified for the position, being a man of calm and unbiased judgment, is well versed in the law of justice courts, and has earned a high reputation as a fair and impartial justice. Mr. Vail served as city clerk during 1917-18, rendering a high type of service, and is now engaged in the general AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 193 insurance business, representing a number of the strongest insurance companies in the country. On the 29th of February, 1908, Mr. Vail married Miss Edna Williams, a daughter of George L. and Ella (Curtis) Williams, and to Mr. and Mrs. Vail have been born four children : Donald W., Donita, Frank Odell and Helen. Mrs. Vail holds the degree of Chivalry in the Daughters of Rebekah, having passed through all the chairs in the subordinate lodge, and she also belongs to the Daughters of America and the Women's Benefit Association. In his political alignment Mr. Vail is an independent republican, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and has been true to the noble teachings of these great fraternities. Because of his courageous fight against what to ordinary men would be discouraging conditions, his commendable record as a public official and his excellent personal qualities, Mr. Vail commands to a marked degree the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens, who regard him as one of the useful and worthy men of the city. CLAUDE E. BENEDICT There is a fascination about the printing business that, once it gets hold of a man, rarely leaves him. This is evidenced in the career of Claude E. Benedict, who after a number of years' experience as a newspaper publisher is now engaged in the job printing business at Kenmore and is enjoying a fine measure of success. He was born in Braceville township, Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 12th of October, 1876, a son of L. A. and Abbie (Walker) Benedict, both of whom are living. He secured his early education in the district schools and was graduated from the Newton Falls high school. He then entered Mount Union College at Alliance, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1900, after which he engaged in teaching school for fifteen years with distinctive success. In 1913 Mr. Benedict turned his attention to journalism, becoming the proprietor and editor of the Kenmore Herald, which he developed into one of the best country newspapers in this section of the state. He continued the publication of that paper until 1919, when he sold out, since which time he has run a job 194 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY printing plant here. He owns a splendid mechanical equipment, being prepared to handle any kind of job, and, being a man of artistic tastes and original ideas, his work has been of a quality that has pleased and he has built up a large and prosperous business. Mr. Benedict is a stockholder in the Kenmore Banking Company, of which he is secretary. On September 23, 1902, Mr. Benedict was united in marriage to Miss Ella Louise Moss, and they are the parents of two children, Lucius Claude and Eugene Moss. Mr. Benedict is a stanch republican in his political views and has shown a deep interest in local public affairs, having served for four years as a member of the board of education and as deputy clerk of elections since 1920. He is a Mason, and his life has been in harmony with the teachings of that time-honored order. He stands for all those forces which make for good citizenship and commands the sincere respect of all who know him. GEORGE LOUIS COOK The constructive faculties predominated in the career of George Louis Cook, whose enterprising spirit led him into many fields of activity, and his efforts were at all times characterized by a fidelity of purpose born of the desire to have every duty well done. Endowed with clear vision and keen sagacity, he seemed to readily comprehend the possibilities as well as the difficulties of a business situation and carefully avoided the latter while improving the former to the fullest extent. His career was replete with the struggles and labors incident to the lives of self-made men, and Barberton was honored by his citizenship. Mr. Cook was born in Coventry township, Summit county, April 16, 1864, and was a son of Orange and Louisa (Faust) Cook. The father was a member of one of the old families of Suffield, Ohio. The mother came to this state from Pennsylvania when a child. George L. Cook attended the country schools of Summit county and at the early age of twelve years became self-supporting. His determination, energy and ability enabled him to work his way steadily upward and when a young man of twenty-five he made his first independent venture as a wholesale dealer in hardwood lumber. He was the owner of a sawmill in Summit county, but later moved his plant to Zoar, in Tuscarawas county, where there was a plentiful supply of oak timber. AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 197 At the end of two years he went to New Cumberland, Ohio, to cut a tract of timber, spending six months in that locality, and then returned to Zoar. Two years later he sold his sawmill there and in 1900 allied his interests with those of Barberton, establishing the lumber business which now bears his name. He purchased land at the intersection of Fifth and Creedmore avenue, Barberton, which constituted the site of his lumberyard, and also engaged in contracting, building the hotels at Portage Lakes and many homes in Barberton and vicinity. Mr. Cook prospered in his undertakings and continued his operations as a lumberman until 1908, when he sold the business, but retained the land which he had improved with substantial, well designed homes. At Kenmore, a suburb of Akron, in the year 1909, he embarked in business as a dealer in builders' and household hardware, paints, oils, etc., and in this branch of merchandising achieved notable success, opening a similar store at West Barberton in 1920 and one in Barberton in September, 1925. Enterprising and reliable, he was a recognized leader of the trade and successfully conducted the business until December 2, 1926, when death terminated his labors. He also was one of the first automobile dealers in Barberton, having the sale of Ford, Jackson and Mitchell cars. Mr. Cook was married November 17, 1888, in New Portage, now a part of Barberton, to Miss Nellie George, a daughter of William and Augusta (Young) George, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Cook were the parents of six children : Elsie, who is the widow of Paul Miller and the mother of two children, George and Vivian ; Walter L., who married Miss Irene Love and has a daughter, Gloria; Dorothy, who is the wife of Frank Armstrong, secretary-treasurer of the Cook Hardware Company, and has three sons, Frank Jr., Robert and Blair; Byron, who married Miss Reesa Terrel ; and Floyd and Genevieve, at home. The sons have inherited their father's executive capacity and ably continue the business which he founded. Walter L. is at the head of the Kenmore store; Byron acts as manager of the establishment in West Barberton, and Floyd is in charge of the Barberton store. Mr. Cook gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and was active in the work of the First Reformed church at Barberton. He was a member of Barberton Masonic Lodge, having joined the same in 1899. To all that advanced his community he was quick to respond but never sought public office, preferring to remain in the background. His personality was an inspiration 198 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY to progress and his influence was strong, far-reaching and beneficial. He achieved the full measure of success and also won the confidence and respect of his fellowmen, for honor was the keystone of his character. Mrs. Cook occupies the family home at No. 806 Cornell street, in Barberton, and possesses many fine qualities which have made her greatly beloved by all with whom she has been closely associated. WILLIAM ALLEN HAHN One of the best known men in the automobile trade in northern Ohio, is William A. Hahn, general agent for the Gardner cars, with headquarters at 30 North Summit street, Akron. He has been identified with the automobile business almost twenty years, a record that is hardly surpassed in Summit county. He was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 13th of January, 1882, a son of Valentine and Katherine (Dietz) Hahn, both of whom were born in Ohio. His father was for many years successfully engaged in the hardware business in Sugar Creek, Ohio, carrying it on until his eighthieth year, when he retired, and his death occurred in Sugar Creek when he was eighty-four years of age. His wife passed away in 1908. To them were born four children, namely: William A., of this review; Valentine, of Akron; Mrs. Jacob Ott, of Sugar Creek, Ohio; and Mrs. C. G. Dietz, of Canton, Ohio. William A. Hahn attended the public schools at Sugar Creek and on leaving school went to work in his father's hardware store, where he continued until 1909. He then took the agency for the Ford car at Sugar Creek, Ohio, which business he conducted with marked success until 1916, and was then offered the Akron wholesale branch of the Ford Motor Company, which he managed until the end of 1917, when he became a Ford retail dealer in this city. In this phase of the business he achieved a noteworthy success, so that in 1926 he decided to retire and sold his business. However, idleness is utterly foreign to his nature and after taking things easy for a couple of years, on January 1, 1928, he took the agency for the Gardner car for seven Ohio counties, and has been a big factor in the substantial increase in the sales of this popular medium priced car in his territory. On October 2, 1904, in Sugar Creek, Ohio, Mr. Hahn married Miss Erma Walter, a daughter of Thomas J. Walter, and they AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY - 199 are the parents of two children : Myron W., who was born in 1906 and is a graduate of the Akron high school; and Pauline G., who was born in 1910 and is now attending high school. Mr. Hahn is a Mason and belongs to the Grotto. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Masonic Club, the Fairlawn Heights Country Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Akron Automobile Club and the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association. His religious connection is with the Lutheran church. He is a fine type of business man, energetic and progressive in his methods, square and straightforward in his dealings and retaining to a marked degree the respect of his patrons and all who come in contact with him, while his personal qualities have rendered him extremely popular in social circles. Mr. Hahn's residence has been at No. 318 Merriman road since 1919. MELVIN S. LOWER Melvin S. Lower, vice president of the Sun Rubber Company of Barberton, is a veteran in the rubber industry, having been identified with it in some capacity continuously since the age of sixteen years. His long experience and thorough technical knowledge of rubber manufacture have well qualified him for factory manager and he is conducting his department in a manner that is in a large measure responsible for the success of the enterprise. Mr. Lower was born on a farm in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the 31st of December, 1886, and is a son of Samuel W. and Ida Lavina (Frey) Lower, the former of whom, a carpenter by trade, is deceased. He received his education in the district schools of his home neighborhood and at the age of sixteen years went to work for a rubber specialty company, with which concern he remained two years. Subsequently he was with the Alden Rubber Company, which later became the Rubber Products Company, now defunct. He remained with that company eighteen years and was successively promoted until he became factory superintendent. He then organized a company of his own, the Sumatra Rubber Company, which he conducted for one and a half years, and then consolidated it with the Sun Rubber Company of Barberton. On March 1, 1924, he became fully identified with the latter concern, of which he is now vice president and factory manager. On September 21, 1906, Mr. Lower was united in marriage