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| Affiliation | Progressive |
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| Name | Arthur Lovett Garford |
| Address |
Elyria, Ohio , United States |
| Email | None |
| Website | None |
| Born |
August 04, 1858
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| Died | 00, 1933
(74 years)
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| Contributor | Thomas Walker |
| Last Modifed | Thomas Walker
Jun 04, 2004 02:13pm |
| Tags |
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| Info | manufacturer and banker, born Elyria, 0., Aug. 4, 1858, son of George and Hannah (Lovett) Garford. Father and mother were natives of England, the former having, been born in Northamptonshire and the latter in Leicestershire. His father removed to Ohio in 1852, and purchased a small place near Elyria, and his, mother joined him there the following year. They at first occupied a log house built by the father. Arthur L. Garford received a public school education in Elyria and in 1875 graduated from high school. From 1877 to 1880 he worked in a commercial house in Cleveland. Returning to Elyria he entered Savings Deposit Bank as bookkeeper.
He rose to Cashier but resigned in 1892 to turn his attention to the manufacture of the Garford bicycle saddle, an invention that he had devised and patented. He enjoyed great success in the venture, his saddle becoming the most popular on the market, and eventually a company he organized absorbed all others in America, the output growing to a million saddles a year. The American Saddle Company finally merged with the American Bicycle Company, with Mr. Garford as Treasurer. Withdrawing from the latter concern he Organized the Automobile and Cycle Parts Company, capitalized at $5,000,000 and with plants in nine cities. In 1905 he resigned Presidency of the concern and organized the Garford Company to manufacture strictly high grade automobile. The Garford Company was sold in 1912 to John, M. Willys, of the Willys Overland Company of Toledo. Principal immediate interest now is The Garford Manufacturing Company of Elyria, organized in 1914, to take over the Dean Electric Company. He is President. Also is Treasurer The Garford Engineering Company, organized 1913, to control rights for the manufacture of Aeromin. Also engaged in important undertaking in various lines. In 1902 went to France and reorganized the Cleveland Automatic Machine Co.; organized Columbia Steel Works of Elyria in 1903; became largely interested in The Worthington Co., and assisted organization of Perry-Fay Manufacturing Co. Since 1898, has owned interest in The Republican Printing Co. of Elyria, publishers of the Evening Telegram, and is President of the Company. Director Savings Deposit Bank, Elyria; assisted promotion National Fore Insurance, Co., Cleveland, 1913, and is Vice-President. Interested in. public questions and affair. He is an influential Republican, but always has declined public office. Delegate to Conventions that nominated McKinley and Taft. Refused to participate in Progressive bolt at Chicago although a staunch Roosevelt supporter, and returned home a Republican. Refused Republican nomination for Governor shortly afterwards at Columbus, when it was offered if he would support Taft, but nevertheless led on first ballot, with increasing totals On subsequent ones. Has been instrumental in building up Elyria; organizing chamber of commerce as first President. Built six factories there. Trustee. Memorial Hospital and Elyria Public Library, President and Trustee Y. M. C. A. and Trustee Y. W. C. A. Member Union and Athletic Clubs, Cleveland; Engineers Club, N. Y.; Clifton Club, Cleveland; Elyria Country Club; Ohio Society, N. Y.; National Civic Federation. Nominated by Progressives for Governor or in 1912.
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