BRAMLEY, MATTHEW FREDERICK (4 Jan. 1868-30 May 1941) was an influential businessman who organized and was president of the CLEVELAND TRINIDAD PAVING CO., Templar Motors Company, Bramley Storage Co., and was an original investor and owner of The Luna Park Amusement Company.
Born in Independence, Bramley lived on a farm and attended Cleveland public schools. At age 19 Bramley drove a team for paving contractors and learned about the business. He advanced to foreman first, for the Claflin Paving Co., then for J.F. Siegenthaler, whose daughter Gertrude he married in 189l.
Shortly thereafter Bramley moved to Cleveland and worked at the Produce Bank. Impressing his superiors, Bramley was offered financing if he could obtain paving contracts. He secured three and from these he organized the Cleveland Trinidad Paving Co. in 1894. He built it into the largest paving corporation in the world.
In 1910 Bramley purchased LUNA PARK. He installed many new attractions and the park thrived until the Depression brought it to a close in 1930.
In 1916 Bramley organized and was general manager of Templar Motors which operated successfully until WORLD WAR I when he was forced, under Government contract, into manufacturing ammunition. After the war the factory became Bramley Storage, one of Ohio's largest furniture storage plants.
Bramley served two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives (1898-1902), and served on the City Hall Commission of Cleveland (1898-1908), and the Cuyahoga County Building Commission (1905-1908).
Bramley had two children: John and Margaret. He is buried in RIVERSIDE CEMETERY.
Last Modified: 14 Jul 1997 03:38:13 PM- Related Article(s)