The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-05-20
nearh of E.R. wait.

Edwin R. Wait died at his home on South |
Chestnut street. last Thursday morning, about
nine o'clock, after a lingering illness, which |
slowly but surely overcame the will of his strong
and despite the best medical treat
ment. closed his eyes in DEATH
Mr.. Wait was born in Aurora, this county,
July 4th, 1890, being one of a family of ten
children, born to Jonathan and Abigail Wait
the former of whom died in 1881, and the latter
in 1877.
At the age of twenty-one years he entered
the establishment of R. A. Baird, at that time
a leading jeweler of Ravenna, with whom he
learned the trade of jeweler and matchmaker,
subsequently becoming identified with him
partner. Many of the older residents will re-
member the firm of Baird & Wait, which con-
tinued until Mr.. Wait purchased the entire in
terest of his partner. He conducted the bust
ness alone for many years, and established a
prosperous business. In 1871 his brother AL
yah F., became associated with him as part
ner, and later on the firm enlarged its member
ship by taking in D. A. Dewey, and was then
known as Wait, Dewey & Co. This continued
for some years, until Mr.. Dewey retiring, the
| firm again became Wait Brothers, who suspend
ed business in 1890. The E. R. Wait Co. ;
was then organized, and continued up to the
time of his death.
With one exception, this was the Oldest bust
ness house in Ravenna, and its reputation ant
patronage was co-extensive with northeastern
Ohio.
November IS, 1888, he married Miss Mar,
E. Swift, daughter of the late DR.. Isaac Swift
one of the early settlers of Ravenna, and TO
many years prominently identified with th
medical profession.
To them were born a son, Henry NJ wh'
died in 1855 and daughter, Emily M, VIII
with her mother are left to mourn his loss.
He was member of the Congregations
Church. and was active in contributing to it
spiritual and material growth. He was also
member of the Royal Arcanum Fraternity.
For many years he was a member of tn
Board of Education, in which capacity he serv
ed faithfully and acceptably in promoting tn
welfare of our schools. Being man of exec
ment mind and attainments himself, he took
keen interest in educational matters, and pt
into practice many useful theories of his ow
conception, through the instrumentality of thos
having in charge the conduct of our schools.
He was one of the pioneer business men
, the place, and until heavy reverses resultir
from unfortunate business investments, ,conduc
ed the largest business in his line of any deal
S in the county, and increased its volume un
], the firm ranked as one of the leading ones
this section of Ohio. These reverses were mo
unfortunate, causing him great mental anxiet
\ and those who knew him best saw with muc
concern the visible effects on his care-wo
= countenance. The death of his only son, upc
e whom he bestowed the wealth of fathers lov
and for whom he had the fondest hopes, was
y y sad and grievous af1iction; and it is not su
g prising that his step became slower and l
,. physical energy prematurely waned.
o His funeral was held-from the home on S.
e urday at half pest two, Rev. S. w. Meek 4
II livering an excellent discourse and eulogy.
male quartet sang two selections. A profusi
of roses. in mult-colored beauty and delica
fragrance blossomed over the casket of
|: sleeper within-a tribute of peculiar approp
:: ateness, for Mr.. Wait was great lover of flo
d ers, and the rose was his favorite. The hot
E. was crowded, and not a heart but saddened
!" sorrow for the afflicted family.