John Robert Blakeslee
John Robert Blakeslee, now president of The Ajax Manufacturing Company, on of the most substantial industries of Cleveland, is a son of the late John Rollin Blakeslee, founder of this industry, a sketch of whose career and family appears on preceding pages.
The son was born at Cleveland August 1, 1875, and received his early education in the Bolton School and the Central High School. There were no tastes or inclinations to lead him away from his father's business and on leaving high school he learned the machinist's trade in every detail in his father's factory. To supplement this practical knowledge he attended the Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland for one year, and then returned to his father's establishment, spending a year in the drafting room.
For about six years he traveled all over the United States, Canada and Mexico, representing the business, and following that for about two years was general manager of the company. In September, 1904, he and Mr. Harris Creech bought the controlling interest in the business from the senior Mr. Blakeslee, and John Robert Blakeslee was then made president, Mr. Creech vice president and treasurer, offices which they respectively hold to the present time. The secretary is C. K. Dissette and the general manager H. D. Heman.
Ajax Manufacturing Company has an extensive plant on Lakeside Avenue and Thirty-eight Street, and employs about 250 men. Its special lines are the manufacture of hot metal working machinery. The company maintains office also in New York and Chicago. Mr. Creech, the vice president, is also president of The Garfield Savings Bank company, of Cleveland. Mr. Blakeslee is president of The Farrell Brake & Manufacturing Company.
He is a business man of broad interests and has many special relations with his home city, is a member of the Mayfield Club, Shaker Heights Country Club, Cleveland Athletic Club, Cleveland Automobile Club, belongs to the Zeta Psi fraternity, and in politics is a republican.
October 10, 1900, he married Miss Florence E. Shumway, daughter of George C. and Ellen (Utley) Shumway, both of whom are now deceased. Her father was an old and prominent settler of Glenville. Mrs. Blakeslee was born at Glenville, was a graduate of the Central High School of Cleveland and also of the Lake Erie College. Mr. And Mrs. Blakeslee have one son, Jack McDowell Blakeslee, who was born in Cleveland. His recreation from business Mr. Blakeslee finds in golf, shooting, fishing and motoring.
From Cleveland - Special Limited Edition, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago & New York, 1918 v.1