Columbus City (part 4 of 57)

Two years later, in 1822, he came to Franklin county, Ohio, with his wife and one son, and here purchased a farm of one hundred acres- in Plain township, the place being now^ occupied by his son, J. Buren. Casting in his lot wdth the early settlers, he lived in true pioneer style, his home being a log cabin fourteen by sixteen feet, standing in the midst of the virgin forest. About six years later he erected a more pretentious hewed-log- house of two stories, it being then considered one of the best residences in this locality. On the old home he then established a tannery and continued business along that line for several years. In his farming operations he was likewise successful and was known as an excellent business manager. His investments were judiciously made and he became the owner of one thousand acres of land, which in later life he largely divided among his children. He passed away March 4, 1883, in his eighty-sixth year. The pike on which his home was located and which was begun prior to his death is named in his honor, being- called the Wayne Taylor free pike. In politics he was a Jacksoniaii Democrat and kept well informed on the issues of the day, but refused all offices. His life was partially given to Christian work, however, for he was a minister in the old school Baptist church and filled the pulpit for more tha^ half a century, riding on horseback through this section of the country in the early pioneer days in order that he might proclaim the gospel to the settlers living upon the frontier. He never received a dollar for his church work, but did it through love of the cause and his fellow men. His wife, who was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, July 28. 1800, w^as a daughter of John Trumbo, a farmer and slave holder of Rockingham county, where he spent his entire life. Mrs. Taylor died April 24, 1874. She, too, was a member of the Baptist church and an earnest Christian woman whose many excellent characteristics gained her uniform regard and esteem.

The boyhood days of Lorenzo Taylor were quietly passed upon the home farm and in the common schools near by he pursued his education. He assisted his father until his marriage, which occurred June 24, 1858, IMiss Martha E. Whitsell becoming his wife. She is a native of Truro township, Franklin county, and a daughter of Daniel Whitsell, who emigrated from the vicinity of Chambersburg. Pennsylvania, about 1800. and took up his abode in Ross countv, where" he remained until after his marriage, when he came to Franklin countv. Two children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, but only one is now living, Herman \\\. who married Carrie E. Harward and now operates the home farm.

After his marriage Mr. Taylor located upon his present farm, then prising one hundred and forty-seven acres of land, which had been deeded to him bv his father. He took up his abode in an unpretentious log cabm and lived therein for about six years, after which he burned the brick and built his magnificent country seat, his home being one of the finest in this section of the ''state. He has been very successful" in his farming operations and everything about the place indicates his thrift and careful supervision. Fhie buildings stand upon his land and are surrounded by well tilled fields, which yield to him a golden tribute. In politics he is a Democrat and for twentyone consecutive years has served as justice of the peace. He is a member of the Baptist church and the principles of Christianity have permeated his career, making his life record one that has awakened admiration and respect and is well worthy of emulation.

Joseph Myers

Joseph :\Iyers was born in Circleville. Pickaway county, Ohio, November 18, 1819, and died July 31, 1878, the community thereby losing one of its valued and representative citizens, a man who had been honored and respected by all who knew him. He represented an old family of Pennsylvania, his father, Mathias Myers, having been born in the Keystone state, whence he emigrated to Pickaway county, Ohio, at an early period in its development.

Mr. Myers, of this review, became a resident of Franklin county in 1850. He was a bridge contractor and built almost all the old wooden bridges in the county. As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life he chose Miss Sarah J. Needles, their marriage being celebrated on the 6th of January, 1 85 1. The lady is a daughter of William D. Needles, who was a leading and influential farmer of Madison township, Franklin county. He was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 20th of January, 1799. and died in Columbus, on the 6th of January, 1866, from the effects of a fall on his own doorstep. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Collins, was born near Lancaster, Ohio, November 20, 1802. They became the parents of ten children: Sarina, who died in infancy; Emily; William D. ; ^Irs. Myers; Delilah Ann; Matilda A.; Mary Eliza; Rebecca C. ; Elmira j\Iiria and ]\Ielvina S., twins.

Mrs. Myers is the only living child of her father's family. She was educated in the district schools of Madison township and spent her girlhood days in Franklin county, where, in 185 1, she gave her hand in marriage to Joseph Myers. Their union was blessed with twelve children ; Alonzo, the eldest, now living in Truro township, married Lizzie Hickman, and they have three children, Seymore, Edith and Daniel. \\'inall P., a resident of Truro' township, married' Katie Lyda, and they have two children, - Clarence R. and Viola Mav. Paulena died' in infancy. ^lary is the deceased wife of John Rohr. a farmer of ]\Iadison township, and they have three children, - Elmer DeWitt. T'^'seph D. and Florence Alice. A\'ilHam D., deceased, married INIat- tie Friend, who died four years later, leaving no children. Joseph Clinton is engaged in the livery business in Columbus, Ohio. James Hubert married Abbie Southard and has four children, - Norma, Ira Jay, Marie Drexell and Helena Jane. John Fletcher is now deceased. Viola Jane is the wife of Mr. Xau and resides on Oakwood avenue, in Columbus, with their two children, \\'alter Lee and Flora Alice. Eli is upon the home farm. Ira has also passed away. Leland R. is now visiting in California, but his home is in Truro township.

Mrs. Myers has traveled quite extensively, having made one visit to California and been west three other times, while in 1893 she spent some time at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Since seventen years of age she has been a member of the ]\Iethodist church and has taken an active part in its work. When she and her husband first located at their present home the roads were an old form of corduroy, being made of logs. The first schoolhouse in which she pursued her studies was a log building, and amid the wild scenes of the frontier she was reared, spending her youth on a farm which was being reclaimed from its wild condition for purposes of civilization. She has watched with interest the progress of events as the years have gone by and is still numbered among the honored early settlers.

Emery J. Smith

The ancestry of the Smith family to which the subject of this sketch belongs can be traced back to David Smith, who was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. x\t the time of the great Wyoming massacre the members of his father's family were all killed save himself. With David Landon. a boy of about his own age, he was carried into captivity; but on the expiration of six months they ran aw^ay and succeeded in reaching their old home. David Smith, having arrived at years of maturity, wedded Sarah Murphy and afterward emigrated to Ohio. He purchased a large farm bordering on what has since been called Yankee street in Galena, Delaware county. There he brought up his eight children, - David, Daniel, John, Alva, James, Chester, Sarah and Denurza.

James, of the foregoing list, married ]\Ielinda, the eldest daughter of Marshall and Polly Black, of Orange township, Delaware county, and they had two children, - Marshall and George. The mother died in 1852, and the father afterward married Betsy Blanchard, the widow of Edwin Blanchard and a daughter of Levi and Polly Rose, of Granville, Ohio. They had one child, Levi R. Smith.

Marshall Smith, the father of our suliject, was born in Sunlnu-}-. Delaware county, Ohio, November 5, 1837, and in early life began merchandising in his native town. He also successfully managed a farm. In 1895 ^''" removed to Westerville and soon afterward became the president of the Bank of Westerville, succeeding his eldest son, Emery J. Smith, in that p-rsition.

The latter had estahhshed the l3usiness in iS86 and had successfully managed it until 1895. iMarshall Smith is a thirty-second-degree Mafon and an enthusiastic member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

On the 14th of February, 1861, at Granville, Ohio, ]Mr. Smith married Miss Elvira Abbie Thrall, and they have had the following children : Emery J., who was born January 16, 1862; Hugh E., born August 6, 1863; William A., May 29, 1867; and Marshall A., ]\Iay 23, 1869^ All were born on a farm near Sunbury, Ohio, and are now^ engaged with their father and uncle, L. R. Smith, in the manufacture and sale of fertilizers. This company was organized in 1895, under the name of The Ohio Farmers' Fertilizer Company, with a capital stock of five hundred thousand dollars. Employment is furnished to two hundred and fifty- men. The plant is located in Columbus, covers twelve acres and has a capacity of seven hundred and fifty tons a day. The output for 1895 was two thousand tons, but in 1900 was twentyfive thousand tons, and shipments were made to twelve different states. The machinery and apparatus are most modern and of the most highly approved patterns. The demand for the products of the factory is increasing so steadily that additions are constantly being made to the plant, and the output is continually increasing. The present officers are: Emery J. Smith, president; Levi R. Smith, vice-president; William A. Smith, secretary; Marshall Smith, Sr., treasurer; and Marshall Smith, Jr., assistant treasurer. The offices of the company are located in the Shultz building on North High street, where a large staff of employes carry on the office work with perfect system.

Emery J. Smith, the eldest son, acquired his education in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaw-are, this state, and June 2, 1886, was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Jane Hardy, at the home of her uncle, the Rev. I. V. K. Seeley, a mile north of Westerville. She was educated at Shepardson College, a school for young ladies at Granville, this state. They no^v have six children, namely : Joy Hardy and Elvira Thrall, twins, born April 8, 1889; Wayland Marshall, born June 4, 1S91 ; Niles Emery, born February 5, 1895; Donald Hugh, born November 12, 1896; and Ernestine Jane, July 20. 1900. All w^ere born at Westerville, Ohio. In the spring of 1901 Mr. Emery J. Smith, with his family, removed to Columbus and now resides at 755 Dennison avenue. He is a member of Blendon Lodge, No. 339, F. & A. M. ; of Horeb Chapter. No. 3. R. A. M. ; and ]\Iount Vernon Commandery, No. I, K. T.

Hugh E. Smith, the second son, was educated in Sunbury, Ohio, and in early manhood became his father's partner in his dry-goods store, hut left that enterprise in order to go to Columbus, where he has since been engaged in the real-estate business, being recognized as one of the leading- financiersi of this city. He married Miss Ina Z. Gunter, at the home of her father, William Gunter, of Oswego. Indiana. August 15, 1888. She was educated in Shepardson College, and now^ has three children : Lois Elvira, born October 9, 1889; Paul Alden, March i, 1895; and Lloyd Ovid, July 23, 1899.

W^illiam A. Smith, the third son, is a grackiate of the high school of Sunburv, Ohio, and attended a commercial college at Cleveland. Immediately afteV leaving that institution he became the cashier of the Farmers Bank at Snnbnrv where he remained for a number of years, until he became the cashier of the Bank of Westerville at Westerville, this state, in which capacity he is still serving. The other officers are: Marshall Smith, Sr., president; and Emery J. Smith and David Seeley, vice-presidents. He was married to Miss Weltha Pinney, at the home of her father, Perry Pinney, four miles south of Westerville", and they now have three children : Marian Elvira, born October 13, 1897; ^lildred Clorinda, March 15, 1899; and Eleanor Frances, Tune 2, 1900.

Marshall A. Smith, the youngest of the four sons, was graduated at the Sunbury high school and then became an equal partner with his father m the drv-goods business. He was married, October 16, 1893, to Cora May, a dauo-hter of Newton Smith, of Columbus, and their marriage has been blessed with three children : Harold A., born July 24, 1896 ; Hurtha Marcia, January 6 1898; and Marjorie Elvira. December 26, 1899.

The members of the Smith family have been important factors in the business activity of Sunbury, Westerville and Columbus. They are all men of good business abilitv, of keen discrimination and sound judgment, of enterprise and energy, and in the legitimate lines of business they have won success and attained positions of prominence in industrial and financial circles.

Charles G. Wolf

Charles G. Wolf, who is serving as a passenger engineer on the Big Four (Limited) train, was born in Germany on the 14th of August. 1858. His father Jacob Wolf, came to this country from Germany m the year 1864, bringing with him his family. A location was made in Delaware county, Ohio and the father spent his remaining days in the new world, his death occurring in 1896, while his wife, Mrs. Dorothy Wolf, is still living at Delaware, the record of their children is as follows : Fred C. Wolf, who resides with his family at Mount Vernon, Ohio, is the owner of the Brick Kiln Company - Jacob, who is married and lives in Dayton, Ohio, is a passenger engineer on the Big Four Railroad; Emanuel is^ a freight engineer on the same road and maintains his residence in Delaware; Benjamin is married and lives m Springfield, Ohio, where he is in the shipping department of a wholesale house; Georo-e is living in Columbus ; Mrs. William Reece resides upon a farm m Texas - Mrs Immel makes her home in Texas ; Mrs. Heller resided in Delaware until her death, in 1898; and Mrs. Watson, also of Delaware, died while visiting in Texas.

Charles G. Wolf is a self-made man who has depended entirely upon his own resources for a living since he was fourteen years of age. At that time he began working in a brick-yard in Delaware, and at the age of six- teen he secured a position in the Big Four Raih-oad shops of that city. He began firing on the road in 1876, and so capably served that he was promoted as freight engineer in 1879. In 1885 he was made a passenger engineer and has since occupied that position. For the past ten years he has had preferred runs, being the engineer on the hmited train from Columbus to Cincinnati. In 1880 he became a member of Division No. 175, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

]\Ir. Wolf was married, in 1884, to Miss Estella Fruchey, of Delaware, Ohio, and their only child, Carl C. Wolf, born in 1885, is now a student in the high school of Columbus. Mrs. Wolf's father, Isaac Fruchey, and her mother, Mrs. Amanda Fruchey, are yet residents of the capital city. The former was born in Franklin county and the latter is a native of Pennsylvania. During the Civil war he served as a member of Company K, Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. Her uncle, William Parrish, was also in the same regiment, and died at Corinth, Mississippi, while four of her father's brothers "wore the blue" as members of the Federal army. Her maternal grandfather, Mr. Parrish. is now living in Henry county, Ohio, at the advanced age of eightyfour years.

Mr. Wolf and hisi wnfe hold membership in the Presbyterian church and are people of the highest respectability, enjoying the warm regard of many friends. He belongs to Columbus Lodge, F. & A. M., and to Ohio Chapter, R. A. M. In politics he has ever been a stalwart Republican. Through the past decade he has resided in Columbus and now owns and occupies an elegant residence at No. 389 Hamilton avenue.

Curtis C. Williams

The name above is suggestive to the citizens of Columbus of such personal characteristics as go to make the honorable lawyer and just judge, and of such a creditable record as only such a lawyer and judge can win. Curtis Chandler Williams was born at Hanoverton, Columbiana county, Ohio, August 13, 1861, and is of Scotch-Irish and Welsh extraction. According to the family records his great-grandfather, in the paternal line, lived to the extraordinary age of nearly one hundred years. Joseph B. Williams, the grandfather, was a native of Washington countv. Pennsylvania, and wedded Mary Gilson. He became an early settler of Columbiana county. Ohio, and was an active and successful business man. His son. Dr. R. G. Williams, the father of the Judge, was born in Columbiana county, in 1837, and married Elmira Frost, a daughter of William A. Frost, one of the pioneers of the county and a native of the Keystone state. His wife bore the maiden name of Beulah Chandler. After a long and successful career as a druggist. Dr. Williams is now living a retired life in a pleasant home in Alliance. Ohio.

Judge Williams obtained his primary education in the public schools and later attended the high school at Alliance, where he was prepared for college. His higher education was acquired in Mount Union College, at Alliance, where he was gTaduated with the class of 1883. Subsequently he engaged in teaching and was for two years superintendent of schools in northern Ohio. He then read law, beginning the study of his profession in the office of Converse, Booth &' Keating, of Columbus. In 1886, in the capital city, he was admitted to the bar and entered upon practice. In 1891 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Franklin county, on the Democratic ticket, and in 1894 was a candidate for re-election, but was defeated by one hundred and nine votes in a county which that year gave a Republican majority of twenty-three hundred. He was nominated for the office of common pleas judge in 1897 and received live hundred votes more than were given for the state ticket and was elected. His administration of the high office to which he has been called has been in every sense admirable. He has proven himself a conscientious, careful and just judge, who respects the law and the people and, with a proper appreciation of the responsibilities resting- upon him, gives due consideration to all rights and interests involved in every case tried in his court. In 1893 Judge Williams was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Owen, of Columbus, and unto them have been born two daughters and a son, namely : Elmira Anne, Margaret lola and Curtis C, Jr. The Judge is a thirty-seconddegree Mason, also a Knight Templar and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He also is well known and popular as a Knight of Pythias, Odd Fellow, Elk and Red Man, being identified with these various organizations. There is no movement tending to the advancement of the public weal to which he does not lend his encouragement and substantial help.

John Petzinger

No better illustration of the characteristic energy and enterprise of the typical German-American citizen can be found than that afforded by the career of this well known farmer of Truro township. Coming to this country with no capital except his abilities, he has made his way to success through wisely directed efforts, and he can now look hack with satisfaction upon past struggles.

Mr. Petzinger was born in Germany June 15, 1832, and is a son of Adam Petzinger, a carpenter and farmer, who spent his entire life in that country. His paternal grandfather was John Petzinger. who served nine years in the German army. Our subject is the third in order of birth in a family of five children, the others being Philip, Adam, Mary and Christine. Four of the number are still living.

In his native land John Petzinger learned the carpenter's trade, and also became familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of the farmer. In 1S54. at the age of twenty-two years, he crossed the broad Atlantic, and from 'New York came direct to Columbus, Ohio, where he had an uncle living. On his arrival here he found employment with a Mr. Carlyle, a carpenter, and later worked a year and a half for his uncle. Subsequently he did odd jnbs for a while, and then hired out to a Mr. Grev as a farm laborer, remaining in his emi)loy for two years and a half. He was then enipli^yed l)y ^Matthew Brown for two and a half years, when he again spent one year with Mr. Grey. The following year he worked for John E. Kile, for the same length of time for Harris Johnson, and in 1864 for William Bulen.

j\lr. Petzinger then purchased eighteen acres of land in Truro township, where he now resides, and on this place he has built a log house, making it his home until he cleared his small farm. The following year he was able to buy sixteen and a half acres adjoining his place, and a year later bought thirteen acres, for which he paid one hundred dollars peracre. In 1878 he purchased the John Schaff farm of fifty-three and a half acres, paying for the same, one hundred and three dollars per acre. From John McGuffey he purchased one hundred and nine acres of land, for which he paid eighty-four dollars per acre, and two years later bought thirty acres from the same person for seventy-five dollars per acre. His^ farm, which now comprises two hundred and thirty-eight acres, is all under a high state of cultivation, while the improvements found thereon are estimated to be worth twenty-eight thousand dollars. His life affords an excellent example to the young, in that he commenced life here without money, but having a determination to succeed he industriously applied himself until he has acquired a handsome property. He now devotes his time and attention to the collection of his rents and to the operation of his land.

Mr. Petzinger was married, in Columbus, in 1861, to Miss Eva Weaber, also a native of the fatherland. They have become the parents of eight children, all of whom are still living, namely: John C, who married ]\Iary Pfantz. and has one child. Clara ; Louisa, who married John Pfantz, and has four children, - Eva, Charles, Harry and Walter ; Charles ; Mary ; George ; Kate, who married William Bickel and has three children, - Lydia, Mary and Herman ; Adam ; and Philip. They also have eight grandchildren, - Eva, Charles, Harry, Walter, Clara, Lydia, Mary and Herman. The family hold membership in the German Lutheran church, to wdiich Mr. Petzinger is a liberal contributor and in the work of which he takes. an active and prominent part. In national politics he supports the men and measures of the Democracy, but at local elections votes independently of party ties. For one year he filled the office of road supervisor and was school director two years. He is well known throughout his adopted county, having many warm friends within its borders, and by all is held in high regard for his sterling character and worth.

Edgar D. Miner

Among the w^ell known representati\'es of agricultural interests in Hamilton township, Franklin county, is Edgar D. Aliner, who is living on the old family homestead on section 35, where he owns and operates one hundred and seventy acres of land. He was born on this farm March 9, 1854, a son of Thomas Davidson and Maria (Swisher) Miner. The father was^ born in Vermont, and became one of the early settlers of Franklin county, Ohio, but died ill 1856, when our subject was only two years of age. . The mother was born in this county in 18 13, a representative of one of its honored pioneer famines, and her death occurred in her seventy-ninth year. Both parents had been previously married. By hisi first union the father had four daughters, three of whom are now living: Mrs. Asenath Bortel, Mrs. Fanny bhedd, of Columbus, Mrs. Elvira Sloosen, of New York. By her first marriage Mrs. Miner became the mother of four daughters and five sons, and by her second marriage she had two sons, Edgar D. being the older. His brother died in 1877, and he is therefore the only representative of the family living.

Mr. Aliner remained on the old homestead until twenty-three years of ao-e, and during that time attended the district schools and assisted in the work of the farm. He then removed to Lockbourne, where lie remained for two years, and also spent two years in Shadeville. On the expiration of that period he removed to Pickaway county, where he resided for six years, engaged in farming. In 1887 he returned to the old homestead, where he has since resided, devoting his energies to general farming. He has here one hundred and seventy acres of rich and arable land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation and the place is improved with all the accessories and conveniences of the model farm.

Mr. Miner was married in Hamilton to Anna Brantner. a native of Hamilton township, who died leaving a daughter. Florence. wh(^ is still with her father. For his second wife Mr. Miner chose Emma Chittum. wlio was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, but was reared in Franklin county. They now^ have five children:' Neva A., Mary, Harry, Anna and Ethel, all at home.

In his political afiiliations Mr. Miner is a Repuljlican, and i.- actively interested in the growth and success of his party. Altliough the township is Democratic, he w^as elected a trustee in 1899, and is now filling that position, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Lockbourne, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Of one of the oldest and most honored pioneer families of the county he is a worthy representative. Flis career has been an active and useful one. in which his w^ll directed efforts, guided l^y straightforward principles, have secured to him a gratifying competence.

Washington T. Rees

That sturdv and patriotic Pennsylvania stock which has proven so valuable an element in the citizenship of the west contributed to a considerable extent to the production of Washington T. Rees, who lives on section 26, Hamilton township, Franklin county, Ohio, and is one of the leaders in public aft'airs in that township.

Mr. Rees was born six miles northeast of Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, February 22, 1837, a son of Amor and Julia A. (Hersh) Rees. Amor

Rees, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, was married in that state to Mrs. Julia A. Frank, nee Hersh, and came to Ohio about 183 1 and located in Fairfield county. In 1840 he settled on the farm in Hamilton township, P'ranklin county, Ohio, now owned by Washington T. Rees, and he died there in 1865, in the sixty-third year of his age. Politically he was a Whig until the Republican party was organized, and after that he worked heart and soul with the Republicans and became known throughout the county as an influential man in the party. \A'hen he came to Hamilton township and settled in the woods but little had been done except by nature to provide for his future wants and those of his family, and nearly everything was yet to be done that a devoted and industrious pioneer could lay his hands to. He not only developed a good farm, but a& a patriotic citizen was instrumental in advancing the material and political interests of his county, and he died regretted by all who' had been familiar with his life and works. His father, John Rees, of W^elsh descent, was born, lived and died in Pennsylvania. Julia A., the wife of Amor Rees, was born in Pennsylvania, of German parentage and could speak in German. She was a model wife and mother and nobly bore her part of the hardships of pioneer days in Ohio. She died in Columbus, Ohio, at the age of sixty-four vears. The only surviving member of her first family of children, by Mr. Frank, is Mrs. John Rathmell.

Amor and Julia A. Rees had nine children, five of whom died in infancy and four of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and of w'hom the subject of this sketch is the only one living at this time. Washington T. Rees was the seventh child and sixth son of his parents in order of nativity, and was three years old when the family came to Franklin county, Ohio. He was brought up to assist in the work of the farm, which he helped to clear and develop, and his earliest recollections of school life bring up a picture of a little log schoolhouse with puncheon seats and slab writing tables. When he was twelve years old a brick schoolhouse was built in his home district and he attended school in it until he was seventeen. Then he became a student at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and after remaining there two years he returned home and assisted his father until he was twenty-one years old, when he took up the battle of life for himself. With his father and iDrother he was interested in a distillery until 1865, when they sold the enterprise and from that day to this he has been a farmer, industrious, progressive and successful.

February 6, 1862, Mr. Rees married Eliza Stimmel, a native of Franklin township, Franklin county, and a daughter of Jacob and Mary Stimmel, who were early settlers^ there. They have had two children. Their daughter Bessie married W. B. Drum, now a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, and they have a son, named Mark Rees Drum. Their son, Ned E., married Julia E. Ditto and has a son named Hubert. He lives on a part of the family homestead in Hamilton township.

the party in the past, is in accord with its present poHcy and has full confidence in its future, and while he is not an office-seeker, he wields a recognized influence in local politics and works consistently and conscientiously for Republican success. He has filled the office of trustee of his township and has been otherwise prominent in public affairs. As a representative farmer he is well known throughout the county, and his fine farm of three hundred acres, which is beautifully situated on Walnut creek, is one of the model farms of the state.

William Watts

William Watts, one of the pioneer residents of Franklin county, Ohio, w^as born upon a farm near where he now resides, March 2, 1818, and was the son of John Watts, who was born near Albany, New York. He was married there to Sarah Goethschins, and they came to Franklin county, Ohio, in 1812. Then all the land was cheap in this county, John Watts being offered at that time the land upon which the city of Columbus is now built for one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. With his family he settled in the heart of the woods, built a log cabin and engaged in the clearing of the land. He was a soldier in the war of 18 12 and always lived an exemplary life, his death occurring from the kick of a horse. His wife survived him until about the age of fifty years, when she died of consumption, leaving five children, - Nicholas, William, Hiram, Sarah and Catherine.

William Watts was but four years of as'e when he was so unfortunate as to lose the care of his father, but as soon as able he endeavored to assist his mother, working for neighbors, and he also tried to save some money with which to pay for his education, the schools of that period being subscription schools. Eight dollars a month was paid him for his first attempt, the greater part of this being put aside, which finally amounted to enough to enable him to purchase fifty acres of land. Soon afterward he purchased thirty acres more, making a farm which he was able to sell for a good price. He then moved to his present farm, consisting of one hundred acres, which is now valued at one hundred and fiftv dollars an acre. He has been very successful in his farming operations and the land shows a fine state of cultivation.

Mr. \A'atts was first married to Margaret Chambers, of Franklin township, and eleven children were born to them, a record of whom is given upon another page of this work. For his second wife Air. \\'atts married Demaries Johnson, and six children have been born of this union : Frank, who is a farmer and dairyman in this township ; Edward, who is a motorman on a street railway in Columbus ; Lester, wdio is also engaged in the dairy business ; Nettie, who is the wife of Charles Holt, a dairyman; and Chester and Harry, who died when young.

S6 Centennial Biographical History

sorbing questions now agitating the political world. He was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party, since which time his affiliations have been with it. He has served many times on the grand jury, has been trustee of his township and has also held the office of supervisor. Both he and his family are consistent members of the Methodist church, in which he takes a deep interest. He is well known through the county which has been his home for so many years and he possesses the respect of all.

George Geyer

One of the most prominent farmers residing in Norwich township, Franklin county, Ohio, is George Geyer, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 9, 1825, and was a son of Adam H. and Margaret (Koerner) Geyer, the former of whom was also a native of Bavaria and served in the German army. By trade he was a wagon-maker, but after reaching America he worked as a gardener, later becoming a resident of Brunswick, New Jersey, where both parents died. The children were John, who died in Ohio, having married Margaret Fifer; Conrad, who married Margaret Smith in New York and finally died in Iowa; Andrew, who married Mina Swartz, located on Long Island; John George, who died at Brunswick, New Jersey; Susan, who married Henry Schweitzer and died in New York; George, who is our subject; and Adam, who married Catherine Rocht and resides at Booneville, Indiana.

Until the age of fourteen our subject attended the schools in Bavaria near his home, then engaged in work as a farm hand until 1841, when he accompanied his parents to America. The long trip was made on a sailing vessel, and the little family had forty-one days of sea life before the welcome harbor of New York was reached. In that city our subject soon found employment, entering an establishment where he learned the baker's trade, W'hich he followed for some time.

Mr. Geyer was married on August 26, 1852, to Miss Mary Koerner, who was born in Germany March 6, 1831, a daughter of John and Susan (Snyder) Koerner. She was six years old w4ien her parents brought her to the United States, the vessel on which they sailed being named Republic, and belonging to the line between Bremen, Germany, and the city of New York. Her parents immediately located in Franklin county and her first school days were passed in Norwich township ; and Mrs. Geyer kindly remembers her first teacher, Sarah Ann Viddum, as it was this lady who taught her to speak the English tongue. The school sessions were held in a log house with a puncheon floor and a latch string hung at the door. Those were yet pioneer days and the children were not afforded any superior educational advantages.

After marriage our subject with his wife left the great eastern metropolis and started westward, locating in Norwich township. Franklin county, Ohio, where he and his brother bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, and this has been his home ever since. i\Ir. Geyer, assisted much by his estimable wife, finally acquired a total of five hundred and seventy acres in Norwich, Prairie and Brown townships, and has been very successful. In 1872 he erected his present commodious and comfortable residence, the former one having- been of logs, in dimensions twenty-two by eighteen. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Geyer are : John Adam, a fine young man, \\dio died at the age of twenty-one; Stephen, who lived to be forty-three; George, who resides in Prairie township, married Elizabeth Carl; Veit, who married Mary Rankin; Annie, who married Charles Rankin; Andrew, who married Nettie Eiderman; Sovilla; and John A., who married Bertha Kuhn, and resides in Prairie township.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Geyer are consistent and valued members of St. Jacob's Lutheran church, where they possess the esteem of every one. In his political opinions our subject is a stanch Democrat. The whole family :s one known throughout the neighborhood for high character and sterling honesty.

John Rathmell

John Rathmell, deceased, was for many years a leading and representative farmer of Franklin county, and was a valued citizen, held in the highest respect by all who knew him. He was born in Madison township, this county, June 29, 1820. His father, Thomas Rathmell, was a native of Pennsylvania and one of the honored pioneer settlers of Franklin county, whither he came about 1816. He was a blacksmith by trade, and followed that pursuit for many years in this locality, but also developed a farm in the midst of the forest. He was of English descent, a representative of a very prominent family of Bolton, England, the Rathmells being actively connected with banking interests of that city. In Bucks county, Pennsylvania, he wedded Mary Smith, a native of the Keystone state. . Her father was of Pennsylvania German descent, was a blacksmith by trade, and made one of the first settlements in Franklin county. John Rathmell was the eldest of three children, two sons and a daughter.

Reared in Franklin county, his education was obtained m the primitive log school house, supplemented by study in Central College, Blendon. Later he engaged in teaching through the winter months, while in the summer season he followed farming. At one time among his pupils was Susan Frank, and on the i6th of January, 1845, they were married. She was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 3, 1825. and is a daughter of Jacob Frank, who was born, reared and died in the same county. He was a miller by trade and followed that occupation throughout his business career. His father was a native of Bavaria. "Mrs. Rathmell's mother, v.hose maiden name was Julia Hersh, was also born in Pennsylvania. By her first marriage she had six children, the youngest of whom. Mrs. Rathmell, was only about fifteen months old at the time of the father's death, and she is the only one now living. Her mother afterward became the wife of Amor Rees, and they had four children who reached mature years, but

Washington T. Rees is now the only one who survives. Mrs. Rathmell was only live years of age when brought to Ohio, the family locating in Fairfield county. They made the journey by wagon and were seventeen days upon the way, stopping at the old-fashioned taverns for the night and to obtain supplies. ^ She lived in Fairfield county for ten years, wdien the family removed to Franklin county, locating in Hamilton township. Her education was acquired in log school houses, furnished with split-log seats, while a slab placed upon pins inserted into the wall served for desks.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rathmell they located on the farm where the wadow now resides, and there the husband engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days, placing his land under a high state of cultivation and thereby acquiring a gratifying income. The home was blessed by the presence of eight children : Thomas J., who married Crissie Vause, is a farmer of Hamilton township, and they have three children, - Allyn, Leonard and Florence; Julia A. is the wife of Michael Brantner, a farmer of Hamilton township; John R., a practicing physician, married Edith Beach, who w-as born at West Jefferson, Madison county. Ohio, a daughter of Dr. John Noble Beach, who was for forty years a practicing physician there, but is now deceased; Dr. Rathmell is a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University at- Delaware, and the Starling Medical College, and is now medical practitioner at Chattanooga, Tennessee. His wife was one of his classmates in the Ohio Wesleyan University, of which she, too, is a graduate. Their children are Maude E. and John Beach. Frank, the next member of the Rathmell family, an attorney of Columbus, married Emma Felch, of that city, and they have one daughter, Margaret Helen ; Jennie is at home with her mother; Mattie is the wife of C. H. Tingley, a grain merchant of Columbus, and they have three children, Herman, Lucy and Edwin Cowen; Hattie is the wife of Lewis L. Rankin, an attorney oj Columbus, and they have three children, Stanley, Bertha and Allen; and Ollie is a teacher and resides at home.

In his political views Mr. Rathmell was a Democrat until the inauguration of the Civil war, when he espoused the cause of the Union and became a Republican. He was a well-read man, keeping informed on all the issues of the day, political and otherwise. Before his marriage he was a member of the Presbyterian church, but afterward became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and took a very active part in its work, serving as a classleader, steward and superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years. He withheld his support from no measure or movement which he believed would prove of general good along material, social, intellectual or moral lines. In manner he was kindly, and at all times honorable and upright, and he therefore enjoyed the high regard of those with whom he came in contact. He passed away October 24, 1885, his remains being interred in Walnut Hill cemetery, Mrs. Rathmell, however, still resides on the old homestead, which comprises one hundred and six acres of land and is operated by her son Thomas. She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since 1842, and hers has been an earnest, consistent Christian life.

Justin Pinney

Throughout his entire Hfe Justin Pinney has made his home in Frankhn county. He possesses those characteristics which make a forceful man in the affairs of Hfe and is therefore a valued citizen. He hokls tenaciously to his honest convictions and it is doubtful if he ever weighed an act of his in the scale of policy or shaped it to gain public favor. His pleasing personality and his sterling worth have made him one of the most highly esteemed men of his community and the circle of his true friends is extensive.

Mr. Pinney was born in Columbus, Ohio, January 27, 1839. His boyhood was passed in the city and in the public schools he acquired a good practical education. Under the parental roof he remained until 1859, at which time he entered the service of the Little Miami, Columbus' & Xenia Railroad Company as brakesman, in which capacity he creditably served for more than a year, when, owing to his splendid record, his adaptability and his trustw^orthiness, he was promoted over others who had been much longer in the service and made freight conductor. Mr. Pinney was upon the road at the time the Civil war was begun. The call for troops' roused his patriotic spirit and he at once volunteered, joining Company B of the Columbus Videttes under Captain Henry Thrall. This was at the first call for seventy-five thousand troops to serve for three months. Mr. Pinney was mustered in as_a private and almost immediately the company was assigned to the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry and transferred to the seat of war, then in the vicinity of Washington, D. C, He participated in the battle of Bull Run July 21, 1861, This engagement was fought by the regiment after its term had expired, and be it said to the everlasting honor and credit of the men in the ranks that when the officers appealed to them to remain every man assented and did brave duty upon the field of action.

Mr. Pinney with his command afterward returned to Columbus, where he was' mustered out, and the day following he was given charge of a train upon the road where he had previously been employed. He was subsequently tendered a captain's commission to command a company already recruited, and upon appealing to the officers of the road as to what he should do they informed him that his remaining on the road was a military necessity and that if he accepted the commission they would have him detailed for service on the road, as his aid in that direction was indispensable to the company. During the war, therefore, he remained with the corporation and in the interim took the train load of soldiers from Columbus to Dayton at the time of the Vallandingham riots to suppress the same, and marched at the head of the troops to the scene of the disturbance. During the entire period of the war he stood close to the company as its most trusted agent, and to his care were entrusted the most delicate duties, in the performance of which he invariably made a good record for himself. He followed railroading for twentv-one vears, being engaged for fifteen years on the Little ^liami, now the Cincinnati division of the Panhandle road. He afterward worked under J. F. Miller, of the Indianapolis division, in ^-arious capacities, such as yard master and assistant superintendent, being thus employed for four years. He then took a passenger run on the Cincinnati Southern from Cincinnati to Chattanooga, tilling that position for two years. He was then tendered a position on the West Shore road out of New York city, as passenger conductor, but on account of his mother's illness he decided to remain and care for her during the last years of her life. Accordingly he settled in Sharon township upon a farm; here he has since engaged in the dairy business, meeting with good success in this undertaking.

Mr. Pinney has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Maggie Beattey, the w^edding taking place in Columbus April lo, 1862. On the 17th of June, 1 88 1, he married Miss Ida T. Webster. They have no children of their own, but are rearing two adopted children - Ida, a daughter of hisi brother Nathan, and Henry Gordon, who takes the name of his foster father. In Masonic circles Mr. Pinney has a state-wide reputation. He belongs to New England Lodge, No. 4, A. F. & A. M., and has been grand master of the grand lodge of Ohio for six years. He has taken the royal arch and council degrees and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite. He is dimitted from Ark Lodge, No. 270, I. O. O. F., of Worthington, and belongs to H. C. Burr Post, No. 711, G. A. R., of Worthington, while for tv^'o years he was commander of Elias J. Beers Post, No. 575. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party upon all questions at issue before the people and has been an active member of the party since its organization, doing all in his power to insure its success. For a number of years he has served as township committeeman and on a number of occasions has served as a delegate to the county and state conventions. Wherever he is known, in business life, in social circles or in politics, he is a man of his honest convictions, fearless in defense of what he believes to be right, and his worth is widely acknowledged. He is resolute in carrying out a course of action which he iDelieves is for the best without counting the cost or the consequences. He is clear and incisi^'e in his speech, logical in his reasoning, is quick to decide, never neglects the call of duty even though it is irksome and unpleasant. Would that the country had more such men! He is a true friend, an obliging neighbor and a good citizen, whose upright life and honorable character are indeed worthy of commendation and emulation.

Eber H. Harman

Eber Hyde Harman, who holds the responsible position of state examiner of stationary engineers in the third district of Ohio, comprising seventeen counties, is a native of this state, his birth occurring in Fairfield county in 1868. His father, Amos T. Harman, was born in Pickaway county in 1837, and was a son of Jacob Harman, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio at a very early day and settled in Pickaway county. The latter was a merchant, who was extensively engaged in buying and selling produce, which he rafted down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. For twelve years Amos T. Harman was one of the leading merchants of Rushville, and on disposing of his interests there in 1873 came to Columbus and accepted a position as a traveling salesman, being still on the road. He served in the militia in the Civil war, and while a resident of Fairfield county held the office of township treasurer for some time during early manhood. He married Miss Martha E. Hyde, and to them were born two children, - Eber Hyde, our subject, and Mrs. J. C. Pugh. Mrs. Harman is a daughter of Dr. Simon Hyde, of Rushville, who was born in Massachusetts, and studied medicine in the east. On coming to this state he located first in Franklinton, Franklin county, before Columbus was founded, but owing to the conditions here he moved to Fairfield county, where he enjoyed a large and lucrative practice for many years, dying there in 1866, when about seventy-five years of age.

Mr. Harman, of this review, was educated in the public schools of Columbus and at a commercial college, and then took up the occupation of locomotive fireman for three years, and for the past eight years that of a stationary engineer. In 1898 he passed the required United States civil-service examination for engineer in the federal building, and was appointed to that position by Secretary Gage, but did not accept it. He received his present appointment in 1900 from G. T^I. Collier, the chief examiner of stationary engineers for the state of Ohio, under Governor Nash, and at once entered upon the duties of the office, which he is now discharging in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. He was chosen for that position owing to his ability as; an engineer, and his term is for three years. He is one of the most prominent and popular members of his profession in the city, has been chosen as a delegate to state conventions of stationary engineers, and is a charter member of the Buckeye Association, No. 38, of the National Association of Stationary Engineers, of Columbus, of which he was vice-president two years and secretary for three years, resigning the ofiice at the end of that time.

In his political affiliations Mr. Harman is a stanch Reoublican, and takes an active and commendable interest in public affairs. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and of the Masonic order, and religiously is a member of the Methodist church. He is a wide-awake, energetic young business man, who has been found true tp every trust reposed in him, and justly merits the high regard in which he is held.

Norman Woodruff" is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Ohio, and throughout his entire career he has been connected with agricultural pursuits. His life record demonstrates the potency of industrv in the business world, and hisi indefatigable energy and resolution have enabled him to win a place of affluence in Franklin county. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, November 13, 1832, and is a son of Brace and Eliza (Cooper) Woodruff. His great-grandfather, Wiard Woodruff^ was a native of London, England, and his father was at one time lord mayor of the city. His mother bore the maiden name of Eunice Wiard. When a young man Wiard Woodruff came to America, and through more than a century representatives of the name have been found in New England. There is well authenticated tradition that the family were attending church in Burlington, Vermont, on Sunday, September 11, 1814 - the day on which the battle of Plattsburg occurred, - and with their neighbors went out upon a hillock to watch with breathles's suspense the progress of the naval engagement then occurring on the lake, and witnessed the brilliant victory of the American fleet that checked the invasion of the British forces from Canada and caused them to make an immediate retreat. In the fall of 181 5 or the spring of 18 16 the grandfather of our subject emigrated to Ohio and took up his abode in Fairfield county, where he spent his remaining days.

Brace Woodruff, the father of our subject, was born in Burlington, Vermont, in 1804, and when a lad of twelve summers accompanied his: parents tu the Buckeye state. He was a son of Wiard and Ruth (Brace) Woodruff, both of whom were natives of Connecticut, whence in early life they removed with their respective parents to Vermont and were there reared and married. At the time mentioned they came to Ohio, locating in Fairfield county, where they remained until called to their final rest. They had eight clnldren, who reached mature years, namely : George, Brace, Rice, Mabel, Hulda, Sally, Alma and Laura. As they attained to adult age the father gave to each of his sons eighty acres of land and his daughters: a similar amount or its equivalent in money. The grandfather was a blacksmith by trade and his sons cleared and developed his farm.

Brace Woodruff was reared on the home place in Fairfield county, and after attaining to man's estate was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Cooper, who was born in Virginia August 25, 1807, and was a daughter of James and Elizabeth Cooper. Her father died in the Old Dominion, but his widow afterward came with her children to Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff began their domestic life upon the farm which had been given him by his father, and he erected there a log cabin, in which two of their children were born. Li December, 1836, however, he sold that farm and came to Franklin county, purchasing two hundred and fi'fty acres of land, at two dollars and a half per acre. Here he erected a cabin near the present home of his son Hiram, and on the farm which he cleared and improved he continued to reside until his death. He was an active supporter of the Whig party in early life and on its dissolution joined the ranks of the Republican party. Reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church, his sympathies w^ere with that denomination, but he never became a member. He was, however, one of the sturdy pioneer characters and his word was as good as his bond, so that he enjoyed the unquaHfied confidence and respect of all who knew him. He passed away in 1 88 1, and his wife, surviving him several years, died January 12, 1889. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom are yet living: Xorman; Polina, the wife of Wirt Whitehead, of Columbus; Hiram, of Jefferson township; and Minerva, the wife of Joseph Krumm, an agriculturist of Truro township.

Norman Woodruff, whose name begins this record, spent his childhood days under the parental roof and experienced the hardships and trials which form a part of the lot of frontier settlers. He acquired a limited education in a primitive school held in a log building, and was early trained to the work of the farm, becoming familiar with the arduous task of developing the wild land and transforming it into richly cultivated fields. After his marriage, August 24, 1856, he engaged in operating a part of the home farm upon the shares! for two years. Long prior to this time, however, he had had "a desire to learn the tanner's trade, and in September, 1858, he purchased a small tan yard in Reynoldsburg. and hired a competent tanner to work for him by the day; he thus mastered the business both in principle and detail. He followed that pursuit during the war, doing a good business ; he was also looked upon as' one of the leading and influential men of Reynoldsburg. He was chosen to solicit substitutes to prevent the draft which was to be made in Truro township, and performed this task although he had to sacrifice his business interests to do it. In 1871 he removed to Iowa, but not finding conditions there as he had anticipated after a few months he returned to Ohio and purchased seventy-five acres of land, upon which he has since resided. Through the past twenty-eight years he has devoted his' energies to agricultural pursuits, but he recently retired from active business life, and in the spring of 1901 removed to Columbus, there enjoying a quiet retirement, tlie fruits of his toil.

On the 24th of August, 1856, JMr. \\'oodruff was united in marriage to Mis's Eveline Doran, a native of Baker's Run. Hardie county. Virginia, and a daughter of John and Rhoda (Baker) Doran, who came to Ohio about 1836, locating in Truro township, on Big Walnut creek. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff has been blessed with five children, only two of the number now living. William ]\I., the eldest, is a grocer of Columbus, and Charles W., the youngest, is a traveling salesman. The others are Rosa B., Eldora and Elmer W. The last named was a well known physician of the capital city, more extended mention of whom will be made later. ^Nlr. and Mrs. Woodruff hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and are consistent and faithful Christian people. He is a member of Truro Lodge, No. 411, L O. O. F.. of Reynoldsburg, and Reynoldsburg Lodge, No. 340, F. & A. M. In politics he is a Republican, and for two terms served as trustee of his township, while for many years he was school director. All who know Norman \\^oodrufif respect him for his sterling worth and his many excellent qualities. His word is as good as his bond. His life has been in harnionv with every manly principle and his kindly spirit has won him the warm friendship of a large circle of acquaintance;.

In the death of Dr. Elmer Wiard Woodruff the medical profession lost one of its prominent and valued representatives, the community one of its valued citizens and his parents a loving and devoted son. He was the s^econd son and fourth child of Norman and Eveline (Doran) Woodruff, and was born in Reynoldsburg, Franklin county, Ohio, June 23, 1863, his death occurring in Columbus on the 24th of May, 1900. The following history is taken from a biography prepared by Samuel Carroll Derby, A. M., professor of Latin in the Ohio State University :

Elmer Woodruff's early years' were spent upon his father's farm and given to the varied duties and tiresome employments of a farm life. He was a good boy, quiet and industrious, and as he had opportunity studied, but was not precocious or especially quick, but was fond of reading. His rather limited general education was gained at the public schools of Reynoldsburg, and after attending one or more terms of normal school he engaged in teaching, in the autumn and winter of 1885-6, in Plain township, and through the following winter in Jefferson township. He spent a portion of the time from 1885 to 1887 in the employment of his uncle, R. J. Rhoads, who conducted a grocery and provision business in North Columbus. His evenings were employed in study at one of the commercial colleges of the city. At this time apparently he took the first steps toward preparing himself for the medical profession. The year 1887-8 was spent by him under the instruction and for the most part in the ofBce of Jacob T. Mills, M. D., of Jersey, Ohio. His attention was devoted to anatomy, physiology and materia medica and other branches of medical training. Dr. Mills describes him as a careful student, slow and cautious rather than quick in grasping new ideas, but one whose painstaking methods gave a tenacious hold upon the facts which hard study alone made him master.

In 1888 Elmer Woodruff entered the Starling Medical College and w^as graduated in 1891. He then returned to Jersey and was associated in the practice of medicine there with his early friend and preceptor. Dr. Mills, who found him no les's agreeable as a fellow worker than he had formerly been as a pupil. After four years spent in the irksome country practice and still dissatisfied with his previous attainments, and with that growing appreciation of the value of a more thorough training which appears to have been one of his characteristic traits, he took a post-graduate course in the New York Post-Graduate School. He then came to Columbus, in September, 1895, opened an office and began systematically to cultivate those connections and acquaintanceships which conduce to professional success. His associates in the profession characterized him as a cool and cautions but yet unselfish and sympathetic physician. Recognition of his worth came in due time. In 1898 his alma mater appointed him instructor in minor surgery, and in that position he was a successful teacher, in favor alike with students and his associates in the college. At the Denver meeting of the American Medical Association in 1898 Dr. Woodruff was elected assistant secretary for the following year and was untiring in his exertion to promote the success of the meeting of that association held in Columbus in 1899. His efforts were highly appreciated and w^ere a distinct help in making that gathering of five thousand physicians creditable in its arrangements and satisfactory to the members. He belonged to the Columbus Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Association, the Mississippi Valley Association and the American Medical Association. Many of these bodies, by carefully drawn resolutions, took official note of his death. The Columbus Academy of Medicine, on May 26, 1900, in substance, passed the following:

"Resolved, that all recognize in Dr. Woodruff an honorable, conscientious co-worker, devoted to the highest interests of his profession as a practitioner and as a teacher in the Starling Medical College.

"Resolved, that in his death the academy has sustained the loss of an active and useful member, whose high professional honor and exemplary life are worthy of remembrance."

Dr. Woodruff was a member of many social and charitable societies and orders, including the Odd Fellows, Free Masons, the Red Cross and the Old Northwest Genealogical Society. Of the last named he became a member in October, 1897, manifesting a lively interest in its success and generously opened his office for its meetings, and for a time furnished room for its library. During the Mills meetings held in the city Dr. Woodruff's attention was newly brought to the need of a religious life and he very soon united with the King Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, of which he remained a consistent and beloved member during the remainder of his^ life. In poli^ tics he was a Republican. He was unmarried and made his home with his brother. William M. Woodruff, at No. 1300 Neil avenue.

Dr. Woodruff was of splendid build, about five feet, nine inches tall, with very dark hair, hazel eyes and a dark complexion. His movements were quick, but his mode of speaking deliberate and studied. During the -spring of 1900 he was unusually busy with his professional work. The needs of his patients were so urgent and their calls so numerous that his strength was overtaxed in meeting them and his system exhausted by lack of sleep. On the 1 6th of May he was taken suddenly ill with acute pneumonia and died on the 24th of the same month. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Joseph Clark and the interment was in Greenlawn cemetery. Dr. F. F. Lawrence, of Columbus, an appreciative associate who knew him well, has thus sketched his character : "As a man he was above reproach, a physician of rare quality; one whose sense of honor and high ideal in the medical profession is worthy of emulation ; a man whom to know meant to trust, to respect and to love. The loss to the community is great, the loss to the medical fraternity one that will be keenly felt. His was a life not well to be spared."

Professor Jacob A. Shawan

The superintendent of the Columbus public schools, J. A. Shawan, is a Buckeye by birth and education. He was born at Wapakoneta, Ohio, but soon removed to Champaign county, where he attended the common schools, going from there to the high school in Urbana, where, after attending some time, he quit, to teach before graduation. He was a successful teacher in the -schools of Champaign county for four years. After this period he went to Oberlin, Ohio, and graduated at college there in 1880, with the degree of A. B., and three years later the same institution granted him the degree of A. M. In 1893 Professor Shawan received the honorary degree of Ph. D. from Muskingum College.

The career of Superintendent Shawan as an educator has been a successful and interesting one. During the years 1880-83 ^"^^ was superintendent of the schools at St. Mary's, Ohio, going later to Mount Vernon, where he remained until elected to the superintendency of the schools of the city of Colum^ bus, in 1889. Since that time he has been the honored head of the great school system of this city, each year growing more and more popular, gaining the affection of the pupils while he retains the confidence of their parents. The schools under his charge have made marked progress and to-day he is strongly intrenched in the regard and affection of the public.

Professor Shawan was married to Miss Jennie Koch, in December, 1881, at Degraff, Ohio, and the family now consists of his estimable wife and three bright boys, - Harold, aged seventeen; Robert,- aged fifteen; and Jacob, aged ten years.

William Merion

William Merion was born at Dorchester, Massachusetts, May 6, 1787, and on the paternal side is of French lineage. His grandfather, Nathaniel Alerion, emigrated from France in early life and became a resident of Dorchester. In 1749 he married Thankful Withington, an English lady of that place. Seven children were born to them, two sons and five daughters. William, the second son, joined Washington's army, was taken prisoner and died in the hospital in New York city. Nathaniel, the eldest son, married Lydia Gay. a daughter of David Gay, and a granddaughter of George Talbot, an English Puritan. They had eight children, - Millie, Elijah. Lvdia, Marv, William. Nathaniel, Hannah and David.

Jacob A. Shawan

such educational privileges as the village schools of that time afforded. When he was yet very young his father removed to a farm near Stoughton, Massachusetts, where he died when the son was ten years of age, leaving a widow and eight children. They had a small New England farm, one-half of \yhich was covered with rocks', while the other half was swampy, but the mother managed to keep her family together for four years, when she married Deacon Abner Crane, of Canton, Massachusetts. He was a Christian gentleman, kind-hearted, and he would not allow even his cows to be whipped. William Merion persisted in doing this and the trouble thus occasioned led him to leave home. He entered the employ of the village storekeeper, who also kept a dairy and slaughtered pigs, sheep and calves for the Boston market. He was to receive his board and clothing and five dollars per month and work in the store and also deliver meat and milk. As he had no expenses for board and clothing he was enabled to save his cash salary, and after three years, when seventeen years of age, he began learning a trade. He served a threeyears apprenticeship to a carpenter and builder and then started for Ohio with a snug little sum of money which he had saved from his earnings and which was supplemented by his; sale of his share of the farm. Through an agent in Boston he and his brother Nathaniel and his sister jMiilie purchased eighteen hundred acres of refugee land in Franklin county, Ohio, paying two thousand dollars, - but a little more than a dollar per acre.

In June, 1808, William Merion bade adieu to family and friends in the east and with only a pocket compass to point the way came on horseback to Ohio. There were 'no roads or bridges. He first located in Worthington, where there was a small settlement of New England people, and afterward went to Franklinton, now West Columbus, where he secured board in the family of Isaiah Voris. On one occasion Miss Sarah Wait, a daughter of Jenks Wait, stopped at the door of the Voris home. She would not consent to enter, knowing that the boarders were at supper, but while talking to Mrs. Voris Mr. Merion came out upon the steps and was introduced. Soon after she had resumed her homeward way he overtook her. a bridle in his hand, saying that his horse had strayed away and that he thought it was at the Salt Lick, which place was a short distance beyond her father's' house. They conversed pleasantly until they reached her father's home, when he passed on. swinging his bridle. His horse all this time had been in the Voris stable, and he had merely formulated the excuse to get to accompany the young lady. The friendship thus formed terminated in their marriage, February 14, 1809, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. James Hoge, then a missionary to the Northwest Territory.

The young couple began their domestic life in Franklinton. ]\Ir. Merion working at his trade. He had located his land on the east side of the Scioto river, lying in and near the present city of Columbus. Along the east bank there was a dense forest of heavy timber, and there was not a clearing or cabin between the river and Alum creek. In the fall of 1810 thev located on his land, at what is now South High and Moler streets, Cohimbus. Mr. Merion cleared some ground, built a log house, covered the building with clapboards, nailed down, and constructed a brick chimney. The house was large in size for that time and had a movable partition of upright boards that could be taken out, throwing the two rooms into one for a party or dance. Their lives, of course, were of the pioneer style. The s'ugar-maple trees furnished them all the saccharine material, while game of all kinds was plentiful. On one occasion a dog chased a wild turkey through the open door into the house, and when it was captured it was found that it weighed twenty pounds. The early settlers also had the luxury of good wild grapes, plumsi and pawpaws. Wolves were very numerous. Money was very scarce at that time, and as there were no railroads or other shipping facilities it was very; difficult to send produce to market. Mr. Merion found his knowledge of carpentering of great advantage. In return for a day's: work on a house a man would plow two days for him. On a rainy day he would take four walnut rails and make them into bedsteads, which he would exchange with a girl for four weeks' work at sewing, spinning, nursing or house work.

Columbus was laid out in 1812. The same year the second war with England was inaugurated, and Mr. ]\Ierion belonged to the Franklin Dragoons, a cavalry company, which was among the first to be called out. Not wishing to leave his young family he hired a substitute, - George Wait, his brother-in-law, - whom he furnished with a horse, saddle, bridle and uniform and deeded him fifty acres of land for his services. Later there was a general draft and Mr. Merion was after all forced to go to the front, but the war soon afterward ended.

He continued his farming and also became much interested in raising fruit of all kinds. He sent for a barrel of apples, but after they had been hauled over the rough roads and corduroy bridges they were mashed into a pulp. However, he washed out the seeds, planted them, raised the stocks and grafted them and had the first grafted apples in the county. The work of clearing the land, grubbing out stumps, burning the brush and fencing the fields continued, and thus acre after acre was. prepared for the plow. In 181 7 he had a large frame barn built upon his place. In 1818 plans were made for building a brick house, and the bricks were made that year. The cellar was walled with bowlders taken from the bottom of the Scioto river, and the following year the brick work was put up and the building was roofed. It was one of the first brick dwellings' in the county and is still standing, on South High street. The window-glass was thought particularly large, being ten by twelve inches. The parlor was very fine, the wood work being a pale; blue, while the mantel, of the same color, was as high as a medium-sized person could reach. The bricks in the hearth and fireplace were painted red and tlie baseboard was' partly plain and partly figured, about three feet being put in plain, after which the same length was striped with white, while another length was clouded and still another was adorned with large white roses on the pale blue ground. The first piece of furniture purchased for the new house was the old clock that for more than eighty years has registered the passing moments.

There were times of financial depression and times when fortune was more favorable. Mr. Merion and his family suffered and prospered with the rest. From 1822 until 1826 prices were very low and there was much sickness among the settlers. In 1825 Mr, Merion became ill and resolved to go east for the benefit of his health. He was so feeble that he could not mount his horse alone, but in April, 1826, he started upon the journey, of nine hundred miles. At first he could ride only ten miles a day, but gradually his strength and health returned to him, and after visiting at his old home he sold his horse and took passage on a vessel for New York city, thence proceeded up the Hudson river to Albany, to Buffalo by the New York canal and by vessel to Sandusky, where he visited with his brother David for a few days, proceeding thence to Columbus by stage. He returnea with improved health and found that his family had raised and sold a good crop and laid by some money.

About this time the Ohio canal, extending from Cleveland to the Ohio river, was commenced, and the National road was being extended westward. Many workmen were therefore in the country and this created a demand for supphes, so that Mr. Merion sold his cropsi and stock at a good advantage and he stored his barns and granaries full of grain and meat ready for shipment as soon as the canal should be opened for business: It was finished in 1 83 1, and on the 23d of September of that year the first boat, called the Governor Brown, made its appearance. This was an occasion of universal rejoicing through this section of the country. In a month from this time boats were loading grain at the Merion landing and the National road wasi soon afterward completed to Columbus. The olcf bridge on Broad street was completed in 1833 and gave a new impetus to business. Mr. Merion engaged extensively in farming, raised stock of all kinds, purchased more land and carried on a very successful business ; but the heavy demand which he made on his time and strength brought on congestion of the brain. He was taken ill on his fiftieth birthday and died a week later. May 13, 1837. His death was a great calamity to his family and to the publx, for he was a very prominent and influential citizen.

Mr. Merion was reared in the Calvinistic doctrine, but never joined the church. He harl great reverence for the Bible, the Sabbath, the church and the ministry, but did not recognize Christmas. He was' always a friend to homeless children, especially boys. There were no public charities at that time. Families would move into a new country, would be stricken, with some of the malignant diseases then prevalent and the parents would die, leaving orphan children. Never was one turned away from the Merion farm. They were taken in, furnished with something to eat and given good clothing, and told that they could stay as long as they behaved themselves ; and they usually remained. There were five or six sheltered under the Merion roof at the time of the death of Mr. Merion. This, of course, made extra care and work for Mrs. ]\Ierion, but she was always equal to the occasion.

A most noble woman, sihe was well qualified to be a pioneer's wife. She was always found where duty called, was heroic in endurance of hardships, privations and loneliness, and was untiring in the prosecution of the many household duties that came to the wife and mother. There were no cooking stoves, sewing, knitting or wasihing machines to lighten the labor. Every garment worn by her family was made from raw material. The flax had to be spun, woven, bleached and' made into clothing, and table-linen, toweling, bedding and even the ticking and sewing thread were hand-made. The wool of a hundred sheep was brought in at shearing time and Mrs. Merion had it washed, picked, carded, spun, scoured, dyed, woven and made into flannel, jeans, linsey, blankets and stocking yarn. The milk of from fifteen to twenty cows was brought in twice a day to be transformed into butter and cheese. She also raised geese and plucked them that her family might lie on beds of down. She presided over the culinary department, roasting turkeys, geese, ducks, chickens:, beef and pork over or in front of the old-time wood fire that burned in the fireplace. The housewife "prided" herself on her ability in this line and the table was bountifully spread with many delicious dishes. Fruits were dried for winter consumption, for at that time the process of canning was unknown. Tomatoes were purely for ornament, a few plants being raisied in flower beds, and the table delicacy (tomatoes) that we now have being called Jerusalem apples, or love apples. Mrs. Merion was like the woman described by Solomon : "She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands; she layeth her hands to the spindle and her hands holdeth the distaff." In 1814, while she was one day returning on horseback alone from Franklinton, darkness came on as she crossed the river. Soon she discovered that she was followed by wolves, that chased her nearly to her own door. When asked if she was frightened she replied : 'T was a good' rider. I was on a horse nothing could overtake; what had I to fear?" She was one of the first members of the Presbyterian church at Columbus, uniting with it in Franklinton in 1808. Of that organization she was a consistent member until 1842, when, to please her cliildren, she united by letter with the Second Presbyterian church, of which she was a member up to the time of her death. She was born near Johnstown, New York, June 28, 1789, and died in Columbus January 24, 1856.

As the years passed by there came to the pioneer home to bless the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Merion several children. Their first child was born February 10, 1810, and to her they gave the name of Elmira, but she lived only a short time, passing away on the 15th of February, of the same year. William, the second child, was born September 10, 181 1. and died in Columbus at the age of eighty-two years. Nathaniel, who was born February 16, 1814, died June 17, 1877. Eveline, who was born April 11, 1816. died Novem- ber I, 1885. Sarah A., born December 19, 1818, was; married, December 17, 1835, to George W. Peters, and died in Columbus December 30, 1893, at the age of seventy-five. Emily was born August 19, 1822, became Mrs. Stewart, and is now in her seventy-ninth year. To her we are indebted for this history of an honored pioneer family. The youngest of the family, George, was born March 4, 1829, and died February 19, 1866.

Among the prominent members of the Ohio National Guard wdio have an honorable military record to their credit is Nathan Alvin McCoy, the subject of this sketch, now holding the position of captain of Company F, Fourth Ohio National Guard. He is a native of Columbus, Ohio, born here in 1871, a son of Alfred and Elizabeth (Rhodes) McCoy. The grandfather of our subject was a native of Ireland, but Alfred McCoy came to Columbusi from near Springfield, Illinois, in 1865. He entered the army and served through two enlistments, being twice wounded, and received promotion from corporal to sergeant. Three of his brothers also served through the Civil w^ar. The mother of Captain McCoy was born in Washington township, a daughter of Henry Rhodes, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania. The parents are still living. The military instinct is no doubt inherited by our subject, as his grandfather also was a soldier. He was in the war of 181 2, acting as the lieutenant of a company which did good service.

Captain McCoy attended the public schools in Columbus and took a course in a commercial college, and has ever since been engaged in business. In 1 89 1 he enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth Ohio National Guard, and was honorably discharged in 1893, but re-enlisted at the reorganization of the guard in 1898, and was elected the second lieutenant of Company F, Fourteenth Regiment of Infantry, Ohio National Guard, and May 9th entered the United States Volunteer Infantry. He served with honor through the Spanish war. In Porto Rico Company F was detailed as a dynamite battery and attached to the brigade of General Haines. In the battles of Guayama and the skirmish at Las Pamas', where immortality was won for many, his was one of the gallant companies that bore the brunt of the attack. He was detailed as a quartermaster and commissary officer, at Caney, of the distribution department, and served in this position for one month, being mustered out on the 20th of January.

Captain McCoy immediately rejoined the National Guard, and in June, 1899, he was elected captain, and is: still holding that position, being now the ranking captain in the regiment. During his service in Porto Rico the captain was subjected to many dangers and some exciting experiences. Upon one occasion it became his duty to close a store, and this so enraged the keeper that he hired three natives to kill Captain ^IcCoy, which they came near accomplishing. They set upon him and beat him with ckibs, badly wounding him in the head. The men were each sentenced to twenty years imprisonment. The marriage of Captain McCoy took place in 1897, when he was united to Miss Grace Abblichon, of Columbus, whose father came to this city many years ago from Switzerland. One son has been born and bears the name of Nathaniel Alfred Leo. The Captain is a member of the Porto Rico Expedition and Spanish War Veteran Asisociation, and for six years was the captain of the Sons of Veteran Guard, of the First Ohio Regiment. Personally Captain McCoy is very popular and enjoys the esteem not only of his companions-in-arms but also of the residents of the city in which his home has always been.

William David Brickell

The subject of this review is one of the best known business men of the city of Columbus, Ohio, being the proprietor of the Columbus weekly, daily and Sunday Dispatch, one of the leading newspapers in the state. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, November 19, 1852, and is the son of Captain David Z. Brickell, a native of Pennsylvania, and now a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who was a son of John Brickell, one of the founders of that city. John Brickell married, in the Keystone state, a Miss Zelhart, a daughter of old settlers who had located in Pittsburg.

William David Brickell passed his boyhood and early school days in Pittsburg, completing his education in the Western University in that city. His inclinations then led him to enter the office of the Pittsburg Daily Post, - and there he learned the trade of printer, continuing in that office five years:, spending one year of the time in the press room and four more in the composing room, thus becoming thoroughly instructed in every branch. His leanings were all in the direction of newspaper work and it is not surprising that soon he became a reporter, on the St. Louis Democrat, at that time owned and published by Mr. Houser. In 1876 he came to Columbus, having resigned the other position, and in January of that year purchased the Columbus Dispatch, succeeding Putnam & Doren, continuing the proprietor of this paper ever since. He has managed it to the satisfaction of his public, testimonial to which is in the increased circulation and constantly growing business. Mr. Brickell has made a number of important changes, all of which have resulted in benefit to the patrons. The latest inlportant undertaking in connection with his paper by Mr. Brickell has been the issuing of a Sunday edition, which progressive move was made in December, 1898. This has proven a very gratifying success, the paper meeting a recognized want and succeeding almost beyond expectation. Mr. Brickell has purchased the sixstory building at the corner of Gay and High streets known as the Disipatch building, for cash, making him the envied owner of a fine paper and the building where it is published. Almost without means he started out in life and his success has been the result of hisi own endeavors. Occupying the prominent position he does, other enterprises have come under his control. He is a director in the State Savings Bank and Trust Company; the East End Savings Bank, and the City Deposit Bank, being one of the founders of all three.

Mr. Brickell married Miss Cora Ross, a daughter of Samuel Ross, who is an old and much esteemed resident of Columbus, who is spending his last days at hisi comfortable home in this city.

In the political field Mr. Brickell has chosen a conservative course, and, despite almost constant solicitation, has never consented tO' hold office. He is a busy man, his great publications requiring much tact and judgment, while his other interests claim considerable attention; but he is popular with his fellow craftsmen in his profession.

Among the prominent pioneer families of Frankliji county is the one to which, this worthy lady belongs. She was' born here and is the sixth child and third daughter in the family of William and Sally (Wait) Merion, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. She began her education in a primitive log schoolhouse so common during her girlhood, her teacher being Parson Jeffries, who had one hundred and seven pupils. The building stood on Wall street, between Mound and Main streets. Later she attended a private school at the corner of Third and Rich streets, Columbus. For a time she pursued her studies in a private school known as the Columbus Institute.

On the 1 2th of May, 1840, Miss: Emily JNIerion gave her hand in marriage to Edmond Stewart, who was born on High street, Columbus, December II, 181 1. His father, William Stewart, was a son of John Stewart, who came from York, Pennsylvania, in 1804, and became a large land-owner of Franklin county. After their marriage M\\ and JMrs. Stewart located on the farm in Marion township, where he died in 1858. By that union were born three daughters, but only one is now living, - Sallie M., the wife of H. R. Dering;, assistant general passenger agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at Chicago, by whom she has two daughters. - Charlotte Ray and Emily Stewart. Ellen A., the oldest daughter of ]Mrs. Stewart, married John H. Smith, and died November 3, 1892, leaving three sons, namely: Edmond S., of Groveport, this county; Frank H., of Columbus, Indiana; and Walstein G., teller in the Clinton Haden Bank, of Columbus, Ohio. ]\Iartha E., the second daughter of Mrs:. Stewart, died November 5, 1875, ^^ the age of twenty-six years. Mrs. Stewart has seven great-grandchildren. For forty-two years she has resided at her present home. No. 382 Oak street, Columbus. She is well known and lias a host of warm friends' who esteem her highly for her sterling worth.

George L. Converse

George L. Converse was born in Georgeville, Franklin county, Ohio, June 14, 1827, a son of Dr. George W, and Cassandra (Cook) Converse. His father was a physician and a son of Sanford Converse, who served as a soldier in the war of 181 2. Jeremiah Converse, the great-grandfather of the subject of this review, was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, and the ancestry of the family may be traced back to the French Huguenots, the first of the American line coming to this country with Winthrop.

Dr. Converse died Avhen his son George L. was a babe of only four months. The mother was a woman of strong character and attainment and supported herself and child by teaching school. Mr. Converse obtained the foundation of his education in the public schools and afterward entered Central College, where he pursued his studies for seven years, later being graduated at Dennison University, in Granville, Ohio, with the class of 1849. ^^^ 185 1 he was admitted to the bar, having studied law wath General J. W. Wilson, at Tiffin, Ohio. He began the practice of his chosen profession in Napoleon, Ohio, but removed to Columbus in 1852. Two years later he w^as elected prosecuting attorney, and after serving one term declined a re-election. He served for two terms, however, in the legislature, being chosen to that office in 1859 and re-elected in 1861. In 1863 he was elected to the state senate and became the Democratic leader in that body. In 1873 he was again chosen by popular ballot to the lower house and became its speaker, his ability as a parlimentarian attracting the attention of the entire country. In 1875 he was once more elected and was again the Democratic leader. In 1877 he was recognized as a strong candidate for gubernatorial honor, General Durbin Ward and R. M. Bishop being his competitors, the last named receiving the nomination.

In 1878 Mr. Converse was elected to congress. He was made chairman of a committee on public lands, and that appointment to one of the most important committees was an honor seldom conferred on new members. He was re-elected to congress in 1880 and was elected for a third term. His position upon the tariff question and his marked ability made him a conspicuous speaker in national politics. Mr. Converse and Mr. Randall were in entire sympathy and accord and advocated the principle that a tariff should be made that would protect home industries against foreign competition. Mr. Converse moved to strike out the enacting clause of the Morrison horizontal reduction tariff bill, when, in committee of the whole, the bill was under discussion. After the defeat of the bill its friends and those opposed agreed that the question should be settled at Chicago by the Democratic national convention. Mr. Morrison was to be the representative of those who supported the bill and Mr. Randall of those opposed. The latter was detained from attending the convention on the first day, and Air. Converse, though not a delegate, sought a place in the Ohio delegation and membership on the committee on resolutions when the control was to be reached by an attempt to make Mr. Morrison its chairman. The opponents of the bill were successful, but Mr. Converse, as a favor to Mr. Morrison, requested, although entitled to the victory gained, that Mr. Morrison be made chairman. The subject of this review then made the first speech in reply to Benjamin F. Butler and addressed the meeting, speaking against the report of the committee.

He contributed largely to the presidential success in 1884 and with Mr. Randall canvassed the state of New York. On 1892 he was appointed by Governor McKinley a delegate to the Nicaragua canal convention, held in St. Louis, was made chairman of that body and also of a subsequent convention held in New Orleans, called by him under the authority of the St. Louis convention. Mr. Converse took the view that the Nicaraguan canal should be constructed by the government as a national safe-guard and protection and in the interests of commerce. He delivered many addresses in different cities, sustaining these patriotic views in regard to the canal. Li 1896 he was urged to allow his name to be used in connection with the candidacy to congress in the seventeenth district. Although he appreciated the honor fully, he declined. For many years he was prominently associated with the National Wool Growers' Association, and at one time he was the law partner of Hon. S. S. Cox.