BlockBefore
Decorative drawing: a canal lock with timber gates and a towpath. Not a photograph of this place.

Columbus City (part 50 of 57)

Part 50 of 57 of the account of this township in History of the City of Columbus, Ohio, from the Founding of Franklinton in 1797, Through the World War Period to the Year 1920, published 1920. 15,945 words, covering 117 settlements. Source changes inside the text are labelled at the exact paragraph where the next book begins.

Contents

7 sections

The section headings the book prints inside this chapter, on this part. Each one jumps to where it begins.

Parts

57 pages

The source prints this as one continuous account. It is split here so no single page grows too heavy to load; the text runs straight on across the parts and nothing is omitted.

The chapter

15,945 words

Reproduced complete and unedited from History of the City of Columbus, Ohio, from the Founding of Franklinton in 1797, Through the World War Period to the Year 1920, published 1920. The text is machine-read from scans, so expect recognition errors: misspelled names, dropped words, and stray characters. Nothing has been corrected, because correcting a proper name invents one. The headings below are the books' own; source changes are labelled in place.

The Doctor's father was a prominent pioneer minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and for many vears was active and influential in church work in northern Ohio - one of the leading; men of his conference. It is probable that he built more new churches and parsonages, repaired more church property and raised more money with which to pay oft indebtedness on small churches in Ohio thin any one other man in the history of the State.

Dr. Florus F. Lawrence received his primary education in the public schools of Holmes county, the Jeromeville High School and Savannah Academy. He completed his literary education at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio. He was prepared for the medical profession at Wooster University, Wooster, Ohio, and Columbus Medical College. He took pnet-n-raduate work under Dr. Joseph Price of Philadelphia; also went abroad and took postgraduate work, in 1881 and 1885, under Dr. Lawson Faite whose assistant he was fo' six months, Dr. Jordon Lloyd and Dr. Borling of the Birmingham City Hospital, all of Birmingham, England, and he also studied under Dr. Heart of Edinburgh and Dr. McE wan of Glasgow; also" Dr. John B. Murphy, the eminent Chicago surgeon. Previous to completing his medical education and before he had entered practice, Dr. Lawrence taught school in Holmes and Cuyahoga counties, and did special newspaper work for the Cleveland Herald.

Dr. Lawrence began the practice of medicine in 1885 in Columbus, and two years later lit- performed the first successful operation upon the gall bladder ever performed in central Ohio. He was professor of surgical anatomy and clinical surgery at Ohio Medical University in 1892 and 1893, resigning to go abroad. He was clinical lecturer in abdominal surgery and diseases of women at Starling Medical College from 1900 until that institution merged with the Ohio Medical College, and he continued in the same professorships with Ohio- Starling until 1912, at which time he became clinical lecturer on surgery at the College of Medicine, Ohio State University, until the reorganization of the same in the spring of 1916. In all the positions of trust and responsibility he discharged his duties most ably and faithfully, to the satisfaction of all concerned, proving that he possessed superior knowledge along the lines he taught, and his reputation in the same became widespread, far transcending the boundaries of the Buckeye state.

Dr. Lawrence is a member of the Columbus Acadaemy of Medicine, of which he was president in 1905. He also belongs to the Ohio State Medical Society, of which he was first vice-president in 1908, and in that year he was also first vice-president of the Mississippi Valley Medical Association. He is a member of the American Medical Association, of which he was secretary of the section on diseases of women and obstetrics in 1900, and vice-chairman of the same section in 1905. He belongs to the American Academy of Medicine, and he is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the American Geographical Society and the American Academy for the Advancement of Science, which admits to membership only college men or men of noted ability. Baldwin University conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Science, and Wooster University gave him the degree of Doctor of Laws.

In 1899 a group of Columbus business men organized a hospital not for profit and in spite of any persuasion from Dr. Lawrence, they named it The Lawrence Hospital. During the twenty years of its existence, The Lawrence Hospital has done more than 35',' charity work.

Now, as evidence of their good faith in Dr. Lawrence, a group of business and professional men have organized the new McKinlev Hospital Company, and have named Dr Lawrence Chief of Staff of this half million dollar hospital. Dr. Lawrence's ambition in life now is to have this new McKinlev Hospital completed.

Dr. Lawrence is a thirty-third degree Mason. He belongs to Columbus Lodge, No. 30, Free and Accepted Masons; Ohio Chapter, No. 12, Royal Arch Masons; Columbus Council, Enoch Lodge of Perfection, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; Franklin Council, Princes of Jerusalem, of which he was presiding officer for nine years; Columbus Chapter, Rose Croix and Scioto Consistory, Scottish Rites; Aladdin Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and Mt. Vernon Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templar. Dr. Lawrence was active on the old Board of Trade and Chamber of Commerce.

On January It, 1885, Dr. Lawrence was married to Cora Estelle Pierce of Berea, Ohio, and to their union two sons and one daughter have been born, namely: Gerald Pierce

Lawrence, M. I)., of Columbus, who is at this writing captain in command of the Fourth Ambulance Company, Federalized Ohio National Guard; James Cooper Lawrence, who helped Ohio State University win two out of three intercollegiate debates, and was editor of the Makio magazine at Ohio State University. A year after he graduated he was placed at the head of Ihc department of English at Westminster College, New Wilmington, Penna., and is at the preseni time assistant treasurer of the B. F. Goodrich Rubber Company of Akron,

Notwithstanding his eminence in thi' field of medicine and surgery. Dr. Lawrence is a plain, unassuming gentleman, who takes an interest in advancing the welfare of his fellow nun anil his home, city and state, and he is in every way deserving of the high esteem which is universally accorded him.

Biographical Section 341

FRED LAZARUS, Deceased. In writing this history of the city of Columbus especial mention will be made of the lives of those men who, having served notably, have gone to their reward; for it is important that the names and achievements of those sterling men shall be preserved to future generations. And one of the men of this city who, during a long and useful life, gave freely of himself for the good of his day and the days that are to follow, was the late Fred Lazarus, merchant, banker, and philanthropist.

Fred Lazarus was born in Germany on May 5, 18.50, and he was but one year old when his parents came to Columbus. His father, Simon Lazarus, one of the old time merchants of Columbus, came over from Germany in 1851, and in the same year established in this city the business out of which has grown the great mercantile house of The F. & R. Lazarus & Company of today. He was educated in the public schools and commercial college, while his practical business training began in his father's store when he was but a boy. He was but little more than a youth when he entered the store permanently, and he developed into a merchant far above the ordinary while he was still a young man.

In 1877, following the death of his father, Fred and his brother Ralph succeeded to the business, and upon the death of Ralph in 1903, Fred became sole owner. Three years later he incorporated the business as The F. & R. Lazarus & Company, of which he was president and the guiding genius until the time of his death. Since his death the business has been continued by his sons, and it has continued, as might be expected, to prosper and grow and continue as the leading establishment in its line in central Ohio, and the house of The F. & R. Lazarus & Company bids fair to long continue as one of the "land marks" of our city.

Aside from his mercantile interests Mr. Lazarus was identified with other important enterprises, among which was the Ohio National Bank, of which he was one of the founders and a member of the board of directors and of its executive board at the time of his death.

While Mr. Lazarus was very active in business affairs, he was at the same time one of the most active men of the city in civic, social and philanthropic affairs, to all of which he gave generous support. He was for many 3rears a trustee and treasurer of Temple Israel ; he was for many years interested in the work of the Humane Society and a member of its board of directors for nearly fifteen years; he was a trustee of Green Lawn Cemetery Association; a trustee and at one time president of Children's Hospital; a trustee of the Associated Charities; president of Montefiore Home for Aged and Infirm Israelites; a trustee and treasurer of the Jewish Orphan Asylum (both latter of Cleveland) ; a trustee of the Jewish Hospital at Hot Springs, Ark., and a director of the Jewish Chautauqua of America. He was at one time vice-president of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and for a number of years served as a trustee of the sinking fund of the city of Columbus. He was an honorary member of Columbus Lodge of Elks, a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason, a Knights of Pythias, and a member of the Athletic Club.

Mr. Lazarus was the ideal business man and citizen. He represented all that was best in commercial life and in progressive anl patriotic citizenship. But it was the man himself that will live longest in the memory of his associates and of all who knew him - his personality and characteristics, his keen sympathy for humanity and his broad philanthropy; his little acts of charity, helps and kindness which he performed every day of his life, and the great pleasure and satisfaction he found in his benefactions. Nor did he ever consider his charity as a burden or tax upon his resources, but regarded himself as most fortunate to be able to give, and felt himself honored when called on to do so.

Mr. Lazarus died on March 23, 1917, and in his death the city and community mis tained an irreparable loss, for men of his character are not born every day. Tin- entire city testified its bereavement, and many organizations paid tribute to his lite and memory by the adoption of resolutions extolling his high character and noble achievements.

Mr. Lazarus married Rose Eichberg. who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Frederick Eichberg, merchant of that ciby, and to that marriage four sons were born.

(1) Simon Lazarus, president of the F. & R. Lazarus & Company, was born in Columbus on August 19, 1882. He was educated in the public schools, at St. John's Military School at Manlius, N. Y., and entered his father's business in 1901, and following the death of his father he became president of the F. & R. Lazarus & Company. He is trustee of the Green Lawn Cemetery Association and tr»*asurPr of Temple Israel, and a member -r the Athletic and Progress Clubs and of Columbus Lodge of Elks. He married Miss

(2) Fred Lazarus, jr., secretary and treasurer of the F. & R. Lazarus & Company, was born in Columbus on October 29, 1884. He was educated in the public schools and at Ohio State University, and entered his father's business in 1903, becoming secretary and treasurer of the company when it was incorporated. He is a director and member of the executive board of the Ohio National Bank, director of the Montefiore Home for Aged and Infirm Israelites at Cleveland, trustee of the Jewish Orphan Asylum at Cleveland, treasurer of the sinking fund of that institution, and a member of the Columbus Lodge of Elks and the Athletic and Progress Clubs. He married Miss Meta Marx of Marion, Ohio, and to them have been born three sons, Fred (III), Ralph and Maurice.

(3) Robert Lazarus, vice-president of the F. & R. Lazarus & Company, was born in Columbus on September 20, 1890. He was educated in the public schools and Ohio State University, graduating with the class of 1912, B. A. degree. He became a member of the F. & R. Lazarus & Company in 1911 and vice-president in 1917, and in June, 1918, entered the U. S. Army service. He is a member of the Athletic and Progress Clubs and of Phi Beta Kappa college fraternity. He married Miss Hattie Weiler of Pittsburg, Pa.

Jeffrey Lazarus was born in Columbus on June 20, 1894. He was educated in the public schools and at Ohio State University, graduating with the class of 1915, B. A. degree. Leaving college he entered the store of F. & R. Lazarus & Company, but in June, 1917, he enlisted in the U. S. Naval Reserve.

GEORGE BLOOR OKEY. It is with a great degree of satisfaction to refer to a career of one who has made the rough path of life smooth by untiring perseverance, attaining success in any vocation requiring definiteness of purpose and determined action. Such a life, whether it be one of calm, consecutive endeavor, or of sudden meteoric accomplishments, must abound both in lesson and incentive and prove a guide to the young men whose fortunes are still matters for the future to determine. For a number of years George Bloor Okey has directed his efforts toward the goal of success and by patient continuance has won pronounced prestige in Columbus legal circles.

The Okey family has been prominent in the history of Ohio for over a century and have played well their roles in the drama of civilization in various walks of life, being regarded as useful and leading citizens wherever they have dispersed. The pioneer of the family in the Buckeye State was Leven Okey, who was a native of Delaware. In the year 1802 he emigrated with his wife and six sons to this State, making the tedious journey overland in old-fashioned covered wagons, to Pittsburg, thence by fiatboat down the Ohio river to the mouth of Captina creek, Monroe county, which was at that time a portion of Belmont county, where the family first settled. Ten years later Leven Okey removed his family to the interior of that county, near Woodsfield, the county seat. He and his family endured the usual hardships and privations incident to life in the wilderness, but by grit and perseverance finally succeeded in establishing a comfortable home, and Mr. Okey became prominent in the affairs of his locality. He served for many years as associate judge of Monroe county, and the first court of that county was held in the Okey log cabin. All of his six sons became successful farmers and acquired large tracts of land. Cornelius, the eldest son, who was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, served several terms in the Ohio Legislature, to attend the sessions of which he rode horseback from his home to Columbus and return. He died in 1859 at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, Hannah Weir, was the daughter of the Rev. James and Esther (Hazard) Weir. The former was a Scotch Presbyterian minister. His wife was a cousin to the famous Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the Great Lakes naval hero.

Judge John W. Okey, son of Cornelius and Hannah (Weir) Okey, was born on his father's farm, within a mile of Woodsfield, Monroe county, Ohio, January 3, 1827, and there In- spent his boyhood. He left the farm at the age of seventeen years to become chief deputy to his brother, William Okey, who had been elected county clerk. The latter was a successful lawver and business man and he practically turned over to John W. Okey the conduct of his office during the several terms he held the county clerkship. While in charge of his brother's office John W. Okey read law and in 1819 was admitted to the bar, immediatelv beginning the practice of his profession at Woodsfield, where he continued with pro- nounced success until 1853. During the political campaign of 1852, following the constitutional convention of 1851, the Democratic candidate for secretary of state was Dr. William Trevitt, a prominent physician of Columbus, who proffered to John W. Okey the appointment of chief deputy in the office of secretary of state in the event of Dr. Trevitt's election. During the same campaign, James Okey, brother of John W., was a candidate for the Legislature. The Democratic ticket was elected and James and John W. Okey arranged to make the journey to Columbus together, John W. to take with him his wife and two young children, the oldest of which was George B. Okey, subject of this review, who was at that time only three years old. But when it came time to start for the capital John W. Okey had not heard from Dr. Trevitt confirming his appointment as chief deputy secretary of state, and he decided to wait for such word, so his brother James proceeded alone on the journey. The method of travel at that time between Woodsfield and Columbus was by wagon, eighteen miles to Clarington, thence to Marietta by boat on the Ohio river, thence by boat up the Muskingum river to Zanesville, thence by stage over the National road to Columbus. At Marietta James Okey took passage on the popular packet-boat "Buckeye Belle," which was crowded with pasasengers on that trip. While passing through the locks of the Muskingum, about ten miles below Zanesville, the boilers of the "Buckeye Belle" exploded, blowing up the boat and killing between fifty and sixty people. James Okey was thrown many feet out into the river and although sustaining a broken arm and several ribs fractured, he being a strong and athletic man, was able to swim to shore. After recovering in a measure from his injuries he proceeded to Columbus and took his seat in the Legislature.

The failure of John W. Okey to arrive in Columbus was a source of surprise and a disappointment to Dr. Trevitt, who had written him of his appointment in the doctor's office, and lie again wrote him, urging him to come to Columbus at once and assume his duties. This letter reached Mr. Okey and he at once set out for the capital, bringing with him his family. Several days after his arrival, in going to the post office, he was handed Dr. Trevitt's first letter, which had been addressed to Columbus instead of Woodsfield, and which, had it been properly addressed, would have reached Mr. Okey in time for he and his family to have started with James Okey, according to original arrangements, and he and his family would have been on the ill-fated "Buckeye Belle."

One morning, in the fall of 1853, while John W. Okey was in charge of the office of secretary of state, Governor Wood sent for him and offered to appoint him Probate Judge of Monroe county, to fill out an unexpired term. The appointment was accepted and Mr. Okey returned to Woodsfield with his family. At the expiration of his term lie was elected for a full term as Probate Judge and while still incumbent of that office he was elected Common Pleas Judge of the sub-division, comprising Monroe and Belmont counties, and he was re-elected without opposition to the sub-division comprising Monroe, Belmont and Guernsey counties. In 1862 he removed with his family to Cambridge, Ohio, where he made his home until the spring of 1865, when he resigned his place on the bench and removed to Cincinnati to engage in the practice of law and to begin, in conjunction witli Judge Gholson, the preparation and publication of the first Ohio digest. In the spring of 1875 Governor Allen appointed Judge Okey a member of the first commission to codify the Ohio State laws, and two years later, while holding that position, the Democratic State convention nominated him for Judge of the Supreme Court. He was elected at the ensuing election and took his seat in 1878. He made such a highly commendable record in that important position and was so faithful and conscientious in the discharge of his duties that he was re-elected in 1882 and his death occurred while serving his second term, in July, 1885. He was one of the State's most brilliant legal lights and one of the leading men of his day and generation.

In 18+9 Judge Okey married Mary Jane Bloor, a daughter of Janus Bloor. The Bloor family was established in America prior to the Revolutionary War by James and John Bloor, brothers, natives of England. When our war for independence came on John returned to England while James remained to fight in the American army. He was severely wounded at the battle of Germantown. He was the grandfather of Mrs. Okey. Her father, James Bloor, was a native of Maryland. He was a millwright by trade and lie came to Ohio in pioneer davs. Mrs. Okey died in th«* fall of 1883, at the age of seventy years.

Mary Jane (Bloor) Okey. He was born in .Monroe county, Ohio, December IS), 1819. He was educated in the public schools, and deciding to follow in the footsteps of his lather in a professional way, he read law under him, then entered the Cincinnati Law School, from which institution he was graduated in 1871, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, having made an excellent record for scholarship. He was admitted to the bar in 1871 and began the practice of his profession at once in the city of Cincinnati, where he rmained, enjoying a very satisfactory practice, until 1877, in which year he was appointed by Governor Young a member of the commisison to codify the State laws, to succeed his father, who had been elected Judge of the Supreme Court, and who had resigned from the codification commission in order that his son might be appointed at that particular time. Mr. Okey then took up his residence in Columbus and after serving on the commission in a very acceptable manner for two years, he turned his attention to the active practice of law in the Capital City. In 1885 he was appointed Supreme Court reporter, which office he held one term of three years, resuming the practice of law in 1889, with his former success and high standing at the local bar.

In 1890 and again in 1908 Mr. Okey was nominated by the Democratic party for Supreme Court Judge, but the ticket was defeated in each year. He is a member of the Franklin County Bar Association, also belongs to the Columbus Lodge of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

On December 1, 1872, Mr. Okev married Sarah Louise Schoonmaker, who was born in Cincinnati, April I, 1854, the daughter of George Schoonmaker of that city. They have two sons, Perry and Hazard, both young men of ability and high educational attainments.

HON. THOMAS EDWARD POWELL. The life and record of Hon. Thomas Edward Powell, for over thirty years a prominent attorney and public man of Columbus, are typical of that class of men, including his honored father before him, who in the earlier history of this country helped to lay the foundations of its present greatness. He has ever been austere in his relations with his fellowmen, puritanical in his ideas of right and wrong and zealous to live up to them. He has taken a lively interest in the careers of young men starting their work at the bar, and many of them have reasons to remember the kindly aid and suggestions from him which saved them the pitfalls and traps of the law, into which, in their ignorance, they might otherwise have fallen. In his public career as well as in his private life no word of suspicion has ever been breathed against him. His actions have ever been the result of careful and conscientious thought ; and when once convinced that he is right, no suggestion of policy or personal profit can swerve him from the course he has decided upon. He is easily one of the leading legal lights of central Ohio.

Mr. Powell is a native of this State and was descended from two pioneer Buckeye families. His father, the late Judge Thomas Watkins Powell, was born in South Wales in 1797 and died on December 12, 1882, at Delaware. Ohio. He was a scion of two old British families. The lineage of both the Powell and Watkins families may be traced back in English history to the fifth century. He was four years old when his parents brought him to America, the family locating at Utica, New York. During the second war with England young Powell drove his father's team with the baggage of an American regiment to Sackett's Harbor, in the spring of IS 12 and the following year he was made the bearer of important military dispatches. After that war he continued his education at an academy in Utica lor two years and then began the study of law at the same place. In 1819 he came to Ohio and continued his law studies at Canton and was admitted to tin- bar the following year. He began the practice of law al Perrysburg, Wood county, and while living there became prosecuting attorney, also served as clerk of the courts and auditor, holding tin three offices simultaneously. He removed to Delaware, Ohio, in 18:50, where he engaged in lie- active practice of his profession for over half a century, becoming one of the most influential men of that section of the State. During that long period he served as prosecuting attorney, a member of both branches of the State Legislature, as Probate Judge and a member (if Ohio's third constitutional convention. He wrote and published "Powell's

"What is Knowledge?" and other volumes, all of which found a large and appreciative 1 1 « -« . for he was a writer of rare force, logic and versatility, possessing a splendid at Sulphur Springs, which was a fashionable resort in early days, and which later became the property of Ohio Wesleyan University. He also laid out and platted a large addition to the city of Delaware. His beautiful home in that city was situated on the campus of Ohio Wesleyan University, which residence was subsequently occupied at different times by presidents of the University. He was one of the leading men of his dav and generation in Delaware and did as much, if not more than any other one man for the general development of that city. He married Elizabeth Gordon.

Thomas Edward Powell was born at the old Powell homestead in Delaware, Ohio, February 20, 1842, and there he grew to manhood and received his primary education in the public schools. He was a student at Ohio Wesleyan University. During the Civil War he served a four months' enlistment in Company E, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was used principally to relieve the regular garrisons at certain forts. Returning to the above named university after his army service he was graduated from that institution with the class of 1863, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in 1867 he received the degree of Master of Arts from his alma mater. He read law under his father and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1866, and immediately entered practice in his home city where he continued until 1887, during which time he was active in both the business and civic affairs of Delaware. Among other things he assisted in organizing the Deposit Banking Company, erected the Powell House, which was one of the leading hotels there at that time. He also assisted in organizing the Delaware Chair Company and laid out and platted a large addition to the city. His efforts both as a lawyer and business man met with pronounced success.

Mr. Powell, seeking a larger field for the exercise of his talents, removed to Columbus in 1887 and became senior member of the. law firm of Powell, Owen, Ricketts, & Block, which for a number of years was one of the strongest legal firms of the Capital City. Since that firm was dissolved, over twenty years ago, Mr. Powell has continued practice alone, enjoying a large and growing business, his practice having been mainly along the lines of corporation law, and he has been retained in some of the most important litigation in the Ohio courts of the past two decades. He represented the plaintiff in the noted Deshler will case, when over half a million dollars was involved. He has been attorney for the American Sugar Refining Company of New York, the Standard Oil Company, the Ohio & Western Coal Company, the National Cash Register Company, and many other large corporations of New York and Ohio.

During his practice in Columbus his fees from New York have exceeded those from Ohio, notwithstanding the fact that he has tried cases in nearly every county in the State. He has tried cases in nearly one-half the states of the Union, and has appeared in all the courts, from the Common Pleas to the United States Supreme Court. He has probably tried more cases than any other lawyer in Ohio now living, and the extent of his practice is a testimony of his ability, his comprehensive knowledge of the law, his forensic powers and his rank among the foremost of men of his profession in the Buckeye State.

Mr. Powell's public record has been one of high honor. He has for many years been recognized as one of the leaders of the Democratic party in Ohio. He began his active political work on the stump with the Greeley campaign of 1872, and he continued a conspicuous figure in every campaign until the present decade. In 187.5 he was his party's candidate for attorney general, running ahead of his ticket, and in 1882 lie was nominated for Congress. In 1872 he was Presidential elector for his district, and in 1881 he was Presidential elector-at-large for Ohio. At the National convention of that year he placed tinname of Governor Hoadley in nomination for the Presidency. In 1885 he served as chairman of the Democratic State Executive Committee. At the National Democratic convention in 1888 he made the nominating speech for Allan G. Thurman for President. In 1879 he nominated Thomas Ewing for Governor of Ohio, and Durbin Ward in 1 88:5.

On January 10, 1872, Mr. Powell was married to Eliza Thompson, a daughter of Bishop Edward Thompson, first president of Ohio Wesleyan University.

Mr. Powell's record is one which the ambitious youth, hesitating at life's threshold, might study with much profit, for it contains many valuable lessons, chief among which is that the young man who has proper ideals may win in this world if he has courage and perr severance, honesty and good personal habits.

WILLIAM R. POMERENE. One of the leaders of the Columbus Bar is William R. Pomerene, who, for many years was a prominent attorney and citizen of Coshocton, Ohio. In both places he commands the unqualified confidence of the people, and deserves it. Since locating in the Capital City fifteen years ago he has shown himself to be an earnest, ambitious and sincere man, and in that sense applies himself to business, an honest man in his dealings with his clients and others, a simple man in his tastes - simplicity emphasizing every phase of his life.

Mr. Pomerene was born at Coshocton, Oiiio, March 19, 1861, and he is descended from an old American family and from Ohio pioneers, of French stock. His original American ancestor was Julius Pomerene, who was one of the French soldiers under General LaFayette to serve in the American Revolution, after which he settled in Pennsylvania. His son, Julius Pomerene, jr., the pioneer of the family in Ohio, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1792, but he removed to Ohio early in the nineteenth century, settling in Holmes countv, where he carved out a home from the wilderness, becoming very comfortably established through his grit and perseverance, and there he resided until his death, October 11, 1863. His son, Julius C. Pomerene, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Holmes countv, Ohio, June 27, 1835. He removed to Coshocton in 1859, read law and was admitted to the Bar, and he practiced his profession in that city successfully for many years, gaining much prominence as a lawyer and jurist. He was elected Circuit Judge of the Coshocton District Court, without opposition in 1892, and he was still on the bench at the time of his death, December 23, 1897. He married Irene Perky, a daughter of Dr. John F. and Judith A. (Firestone) Perky of Wayne county, Ohio.

William R. Pomerene was graduated from the Coshocton High School in 1879, then attended Wooster University for a year and a half and Ohio State University for three vears. He read law under his father and was graduated from Cincinnati Law School, with the class of 1886, and in that year he was admitted to the Bar and entered practice at Coshocton as junior member of the law firm of J. C. and W. R. Pomerene, which partnership continued successfully until his father went on the bench when the firm of Pomerene & Pomerene was formed by William R. and his brother, Frank E. In 1892 our subject was elected prosecuting attorney of Coshocton county, and he made such a commendable record in that office that he was re-elected in 1895, without opposition. Thus for a period of four years was witnessed the rare spectacle of father and son holding (by elections without opposition) the two highest judicial offices in that county. This would indicate that they were regarded by the people of Coshocton county as being not only among the leading legal lights of that section of the state, but that the public reposed implicit confidence in them as men and citizens.

In 1903 William R. Pomerene became general counsel for a number of electric and interurban railways in central and southwestern Ohio, and lie moved his law office to Columbus, and later he became general counsel for the Ohio Electric Railway Company. On January 1, 1908, he became a member of the law firm of Booth, Keating, Peters & Pomerene of Columbus, (now Booth, Keating, Pomerene & Boulger) and is still a member of this well known and well established firm.

Mr. Pomerene is a member of the Columbus Club; the Athletic Club of Columbus; the Automobile Club; the Business Men's Gymnasium Club; the Coshocton Country Club; the Transportation Club of New York City; the "Kit Kat" Club of Columbus; and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

On December 27, 1887, Mr. Pomerene was united in marriage to Annie I.. Warner, a daughter of General A. J. and Susan E. (Butts) Warner, of Marietta, Ohio. To this union two sons have been born, namely: Warner M., an officer in the United States regular army; and Walter U.; they are both graduates of Ohio State University.

Mr. Pomerene occupies a very high position as a lawyer among his professional brethren in central Ohio, and as a public-spirited citizen and gentleman of proper personal characteristics lie also stands high among his friends and acquaintances.

HENRY BARCUS. For most of us life has tin- elements of abundant cheeriness in it. It comprises more of encouragement than discouragement, more of satisfaction than disappointment, more of joy than sorrow, more of comfort than pain. Souls that are depressed and downcast are quite likely to be weighed down by borrowed trouble. A successful man of affairs must be of the former type. Understanding this at the outset of his career, Henrv Barcus, a well known citizen of Columbus, has never permitted the little things of daily life that "wear and fret the soul" to manifest themselves in his countenance or disposition, and his agreeable manner has been a valuable asset in botli his business and private life.

Mr. Barcus was born in Columbus, November 29. 1857, and is a scion of one of the pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state. His grandfather, Ebenezer Barcus, the first, settled at the present site of Columbus in the year 1828, ninety-two years ago. He was a native of Maryland, in which state he first saw the light of day in June, 1790. He married Elizabeth Glandon, who was born in Maryland in 1793. After working at the carpenter's trade in Columbus for some time, Ebenezer Barcus, the first, engaged in farming, which he continued the balance of his life. His son, Ebenezer Barcus, jr., became a well known business man in the early days of the city's development. He was also an extensive farmer. He went with a party of about thirty men across the plains to the gold fields of California in 1819, the year of the great rush to the West, and there he dug gold and operated a supply store in the mining field for a period of three years, meeting with a fair measure of success. He then returned to Columbus and engaged in the grocery and pork packing business, and in 1874 he purchased a large tract of fine farming land in Franklin and Pickaway counties, and carried on farming on an extensive scale for many years, becoming one of the leading general agriculturists in this section of the State.

James H. Barcus, father of the subject of this review, was a native of Maryland and was but a boy when he came with his parents to Columbus, where he grew to manhood and received such educational advantages as the schools of those early days afforded. For a period of twenty-five years he engaged in the retail grocery business on South High street, and his death occurred in this city in the year 1892. He married Elizabeth DeWitt, a native of Ohio. Her death occurred in 1862.

Henry Barcus grew to manhood in Columbus and he was educated in the local public schools and in Ohio State University. He began his business career in the employ of the old private banking house of Brooks, Butler & Company. After remaining with this concern a few years he entered his father's grocery establishment, and later was identified with the old Columbus Shoe Maanufacturing Company, which was destroyed in the Hartman building fire, after which he went out of business. Since 1901 he has been engaged in farming quite extensively, managing about fifteen hundred acres of fine farming land, situated on the Chillicothe pike, about a mile and a half south of Shadesville, which lands are owned by the Barcus family. He raises a large quantity of grain and live stock annually and conducts these lands alonomodern scientific methods of agriculture and it is a pleasure, whether one is a farmer or not, to look over his vast, well-cultivated and well-kept acres. He is also proprietor of the Pneumatic Watchman's Check Company, makers of watchmen's clocks and time regulators.

Mr. Barcus was made a Mason by Goodale Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, in 1902, and he is one of the active members of this order in Columbus. He also belongs to the Scioto Consistory, tile Scottish Rite Masons, Mt. Vernon Commanderv, Knights Templar, and Aladdin Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was Potentate of Aladdin Temple in 1911, and in September, 1917, was elected to the thirty-third degree in the Scottish Rite. He is one of the prominent and well known Masons of central Ohio, and, those who know him well, are unanimous in their opinion that he makes an effort to carry the sublime precepts of this time honored order into his private and business life, as his intercourse with his fellowmen would attest. He is also a member of the Columbus Athletic Club, Columbus Country Club, and the Ohio State University Association.

DAVID SIMPSON GRAY. One of the foremost, and by many regarded as "the foremost citizen" of Columbus, is David S. Gray, banker and philanthropist and former railway official, who, by reason of his extreme age and residence, is a connecting link between two generations of Columbus men. Coming to this city now nearly seventy-two years ago, what a wonderful experience has been his, what a wonderful era of progress has he witnessed, in which progress lie lias participated in and promoted and is continuing to do, for though closely approaching his ninety-second year he is still active in business and still takes a deep interest in all the affairs of the community.

Mr. Gray was born at Broad-Kiln-Neck, Sussex county, Delaware, February 8, 1829, the son of the late Rev. David and Naomi (Lofland) Gray. Rev. David Gray was born in Sussex county, Delaware, March 28, 1800, the son of Frazer and Elizabeth (Lockwood) Gray. Frazer Gra}' was a native of New Jersey, from which state he removed to Sussex county, Delaware, with his parents, William and Elizabeth Gray. Frazer Gray served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. In 1839 he removed to Ohio and settled in Marion county. Naomi Lofland, wife of Rev. David Gray, was born in Sussex county, Delaware, September 9, 1799, the daughter of Luke and Elizabeth (Morris) Lofland. When Rev. David Gray was 11 years old he went to sea and was a sailor for three years. He then learned the blacksmith trade and worked at it in Sussex county. In 1827 he was licensed to preach and in 1829 he removed to Ohio, and from that time until his death, at Findlay, Ohio, October 24, 1887, he was a "circuit rider" of the Methodist Episcopal Church in this State, holding many charges at different places. His wife died at Findlay April 3, 1876.

David S. Gray was but an infant when he was brought to Ohio by his parents in 1829. His education was limited to the free schools of bis time and to a few months at Norwalk, Ohio, Seminary, the principal of which at that time was Dr. Edward Thomson, who afterwards was president of the Ohio Wesleyan University and Bishop of the M. E. Church. He began his railway career at Wellington, Ohio, in 1850, first as a clerk and then as agent of the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati, now the "Big Four" railway, so called, then in course of building. When that road was completed to Columbus in 1851, he was transferred to this city and appointed chief clerk to the station agent here. The following year he was appointed Master of Transportation of the Louisville, Frankfort & Lexington railway, now a part of the Louisville & Nashville railway system, but in February, 1853, he resigned to return to Columbus. lie was then appointed station agent and general representative of the Central Ohio railway at Columbus and later was made Master of Transportation and General Freight and Commercial Agent. In January, 1862, he left the Central Ohio railway to become General Superintendent of the Union Railroad Transportation Company, a Pennsylvania corporation, which company became known as the Star Union Line, and later was acquired by the Pennsylvania railway system and recognized as its through freight line.

In February, 1869, Mr. Gray was elected Second Vice-President and General Manager of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railway Company and its leased lines. The following year he resigned as operating manager, but continued as vice-president in charge of tin general freight and commercial relations of the company until the organization in 1872, of the Pennsylvania Company, which took over the management of the P. C. & St. L. railway and its leased lines and removed its headquarters to Pittsburg, when he resigned and was made General Manager of the Star Union Line, and in addition he was appointed general agent of the Pennsylvania Company, charged with special duties as assistant to the First Vice-President. When the Central Traffic Association was formed he was tendered the office of Commissioner, but because he did not want to leave Columbus and go to Chicago, lie declined. On January 1st, 1896, Mr. Gray was elected by the Pennsylvania Company and the Pennsylvania Railway Company as their representative on the Board of Managers of the newly organized Joint Traffic Association, witli headquarters in New York City, a position he held until 1900, when the Association was dissolved by the United States Supreme (Hurt, it being decided to be inimical to the Sherman anti-trust law.

Mr. Gray was quite active in encouraging the building of the Columbus & Hocking railway and of the Columbus & Toledo railway, of which latter he was a member of its board nl directors and executive committee until its consolidation with the Hocking Valley and sale and transfer of its ownership. He was officially instrumental in the incorporation and construction of what became the Columbus, Shawnee & Hocking railway until its sale and transfer to tin Pennsylvania & Hocking Company, It now forms the line from Columbus to Sandusky and tile Zancsvillc, Shawnee end of it became a part of the Hocking Valley system. Mr. Gray was largely concerned financially and otherwise in the building of the Midland Pacific and the Brownville & Kerney railroads, later consolidated into the Nebraska railway which w.-'.s sold on transfer of ownership to the Burlington & Missouri and Chicago. Burlington & Quincy railroads.

Biographical Section 349

In 1892 he was elected president of the Clinton National Bank, of Columbus, and he was instrumental in bringing about the merging of that bank and the Harden National Bank into the Hayden-Clinton National Bank, of which latter bank he was vice-president and chairman of the board of directors until the Hayden-Clinton took over the Deshler National Bank, when he resigned as vice-president, but continues as chairman of the board of directors.

Mr. Gray has also been active and useful in civic, educational, religious and philanthropic work for many years. For more than thirty years he has been a member of the board of trustees of The Ohio Wesleyan University and for the last twenty-five years he has been president of the board and gave #100,000 to that institution for the purpose of the building of University Hall and Gray Chapel, which was named in honor of his father. Ohio Wesleyan conferred on him in June, 1912, the degree of LL. D. He has been a member of the board of trustees of the Protestant Hospital from its organization in 1881 and president of it since 1891. He has been president of the Home for the Aged since its organization in 1887. He was one of the originators of the Associated Charities of Columbus in 1900, and was president of the board until 1909, when he resigned, and since which he has been its treasurer. He was for a number of years a member of the board and president of the Woman's Educational and Industrial Union (now the Y. W. C. A.) He is a member of and chairman and auditor of the Association for the Prevention and Cure of Tuberculosis; is a member of the Central Philanthropic Council. He was a member of the M. E. General Conference of 1900, 1901, and 1908.

On December 27, 1858, Mr. Gray was united in marriage with Mary Louise Jackson, who died March 3, 1860, after having given birth to a twin son and daughter, who died in infancy. On October 12, 1865, Mr. Gray married Eugenia Doolittle, of Columbus, who died December 23, 1907, leaving the following children: (1) Louise; (2) David Richard; (3) Meldrum ; (4) Eugene.

CHARLES T. WARNER. The biographer never attempts to prove himself in the right, but where a long contact with the personage of whom he writes exists, the labor of arrangement, synopsis and production becomes more simple, and this is quite equally true to those who have been performers whether in front of the curtain or otherwise, through the shorter or longer years. And yet in business, financial and professional avenues, we discover "age lagging superfluously on the stage," side by side with the thrifty fruitage of actors in their spring, or zenith-time of endeavor. One of the lawyers of Columbus who is now in the prime of life and its activities is Charles T. Warner.

He was born on the home farm in Fayette county, Ohio,' October 6, 1871, and is the son of Samuel and Ara (Armstrong) Warner. The father was born in Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, November 20, 1810, the son of William Warner, a native of Germany! and who settled in Pennsylvania, from which state lie came to Ross county, and was one of the earlv settlers at the town of Chillicothe. later removing to Pike county, Ohio, where Ara J. Warner was born. Samuel Armstrong was one of the Virginia settlers. In 1861 Samuel Warner enlisted in Company C, Thirty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served four years in the Union army, taking part in many important engagements. Returning home after his military career he married Ara Armstrong, who was born near Waverly, Pike countv. Ohio, -he daughter of Samuel Armstrong, who was of English descent. The young couple settled on a farm in Fayette county, where the death of Samuel Warner occurred on May S, 1911. His widow survives, residing in Pickaway county, this state.

Charles T. Warner spent his boyhood on the home farm in Fayette county, where he assisted with the general work when he became of proper age, and in the winter time he attended the village schools in his neighborhood. He then entered National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, after which he taught school for a period of seven years, during which his services were in great demand, for lie was regarded as a painstaking instructor with progressive ideas and lie introduced many new and improved methods in the schools where he was employed.

During these years he read law at home and, upon abandoning the teacher's profession he entered Ohio Northern University wlieTe h- t-<ok the law course. He finished his law studies in the office of Judge Joseph Hidy. of Washington Court House, and Judge Samuel Courtright, of Cireleville, Ohio. He was admitted to the bar in 1898, and in that year began the practice of law in Columbus and has built up a very satisfactory practice, standing well among his fraternal brethren at the local bar. He is also president of the Shaw Undertaking Company of Columbus, one of the leading firms of its kind in the city.

Mr. Warner has for a number of years been prominent in the civic life of the Capital City. He has always been an earnest advocate of the "merit system" in public affairs, and was one of the organizers of the city's first civil service commissions, of which he was appointed a member. He has also been identified with the Ohio State Civil Service Commission since its organization, and at the present time he is a member of the Columbus Board of Education. He has performed his duties in these capacities in a faithful and commendable manner.

Mr. Warner belongs to the Franklin County Bar Association, of which he is now president. The fact that his professional brethren have honored him with this responsible position would indicate that he stands high in their ranks and that he has their confidence and respect. He is past master of York Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Sons of Veterans, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Methodist Episcopal Church.

On August 26, 1897, Mr. Warner was united in marriage with Victoria E. Thompson, a daughter of Samuel Thompson, of Williamsport, Ohio, and to this union two children have been born, namely: Agnes A. and Mabel M. Warner.

CAPTAIN MITCHELL CAMPBELL LILLEY. It will always be a badge of honor in this country to have known that a person's father, or even his uncle, enlisted in the service of his country when the great war of the rebellion broke out, to assist in saving the Union and in eradicating slavery from our soil and doubly great is the honor if the same person helped add California and the great Southwest to our national domain by overthrowing the implicable Mexicans, back in the forties. Just as to this day we boast that our progenitors served under the great Washington in the Revolutionary War to gain independence, so the descendants of the gallant officers and men who saved the Union of states in the sixties will boast through coming years of the bravery and self-sacrifice of their fathers or other relatives. It is a pleasure to write of Captain Mitchell Campbell Lilley, a gallant officer in the Union army who did valiant service in the salvation of the country during its gravest crisis, and who also bore arms against the Mexicans. But he was more than a man skilled in military affairs ; he was one of the leading business men and representative citizens of Columbus during its earlier years of development.

Captain Lilley was a Virginian of a lineage extending far back into the earliest history of the "Old Dominion," having been born in Augusta county, July 18, 1819. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Doak) Lilley, both of English descent, were the children of families who had taken a prominent position in the social and governmental circles of the early nineteenth century history of Virginia, both having been representatives of the house of burgesses while the colony of Virginia was yet under British rule. His ancestors had proven their love of liberty by active participation in the Revolutionary War. and both families retained their old time social prestige after the ravages of that prolonged struggle.

Captain Lilley spent his early boyhood amid the same scenes that had been familiar to his forefathers for several generations. His father was a planter and was credited witli having handled the first tobacco from that country to the markets of Richmond and the East. However, our subject was not destined to follow up the earliest teachings of his young life. His parents dying suddenly he was left an orphan at the aire of ten years and he was reared in the home of Judge and Mrs. Eleanor Doak Campbell, who lived at that time in Brown county, Ohio, the boy making the long overland journey from the old homestead in Virginia on horseback, with much privation and a surprising display of endurance. He grew up amid pioneer conditions and developed a strong body and mind, becoming selfreliant, courageous, independent in thought and action, this early training fitting him for life's later struggles. His adopted parents were people of education and refinement and tinnatural manliness of the youth was quick to ascrt itself and he gave early promise of the many commendable qualities that so happily m irked the entire course of his later life. When

Biographical Section 351

Judge Campbell was appointed district judge of the United States Court of Ohio in 1831 and removed to Columbus, young Lilley accompanied him. Here the better opportunities for education were eagerly embraced and at the Capital University the completion of his education was finally attained, after he had completed the courses in the Columbus private schools In 1835 he took up the work of bookbinding, which he thoroughly mastered in a comparatively short time, and he continued to be more or less interested in this line of work the rest of his life and attained notable success in the same. In this connection may be mentioned his origination of the idea of a state bindery and later equipment of the institution which he superintended with marked ability and ever growing success for a period of thirty-five years. He was an expert in the use of the sign language, having held the position of foreman of the State bindery at the Deaf and Dumb Institution for over three decades. He had a host of friends among the mutes of the institution to whom he was uniformly kind and considerate, most of whom he knew personally. He was ever their friend, and to him many who were long employed in the bindery owed their appointment and means of livelihood. And he was always kind to the humblest of beings, and no one who came to him was turned away empty handed; neither in his charities, and they were many, did he bestow with sounding trumpets. He sought to give quietly to all who needed aid, and nothing gave him greater pleasure than to know that he had rendered aid in a substantial way to some poor fellow wayfarer.

The Franklin Park Floral Company was another creation of Captain Lilley s genius and until his death he retained the responsibility of secretary and treasurer of that concern, which prospered through his able management. He was one of four men who organized the Regalia Company, now known as M. C. Lilley & Company, in 1865, which has enjoyed a prosperous career for fifty-four years. The family still retain their interest in this big and widely known concern. As manufacturers of regalia it is now the largest house in that line in the world, and its products, which are universally recognized of superior quality and workmanship, find a ready market over a very wide territory. In all his business ventures and investments Captain Lilley attained and preserved a most remarkable record for success. This was due not only to the keen business foresight for which he was always commended, but also to his sterling honesty and the general esteem in which has was ever held bv all with whom he came in contact or who knew him only by reputation, the business world and the public fullv appreciating and never failing to recognize his unswerving integrity, spotless honor and relentless industry. In all his commercial associations his record of upright and conscientious dealings was paramount. A careful and rigid financier in details of business, he was ever liberal and considerate to a degree. His word was regarded as good as the bond of most men.

In support of beneficial public improvements, educational measures and charitable movements he was ever enthusiastic and contributed freely of his time and means, although often veiled from public knowledge through reasons of a naturally modest and retiring nature. Intense loyalty to the government marked bis long and useful career, and in both the Mexican and Civil Wars he served with honor and distinction, winning the confidence and trust of his superior officers and the admiration and esteem of his troops. Throughout the conflict with the Mexicans he served as captain of Company E, Fourth Ohio Regiment, of which he took charge at the organization in May, 1847, and retained the responsible position with marked efficiency until the honorable discharge of the company in July, 1848. His military talents during the Civil War were displayed even in more stirring and conspicuous manner, and in several fiercely contested engagements witli the Confederates victory was won with heavy cost. Ill health finally forced his retirement from active duties at the front in 18(5.'!. just after taking successful part in the great battle of Shiloh, where he gallantly commanded Company H, Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Although interested in public affairs and well qualified to be a leader of men in such matters, he was never active, nevertheless a true Democrat. Once when he was induced by the urging of friends to make the race for city councilman, fearing that he might be elected he worked assiduously for his opponent's success. Religiously, lie was a member of the Broad Street Presbyterian Church, and for many years served on the board of trustees. He was a sincere Christian and in manner modest and retiring. He was a great home man, his own fireside holding for him, in the quiet enjoyment of home happiness, far more than could possibly any distinctive worldly honors.

Captain Lilley was twice married, first, on September -1, 1819, at Paris, Illinois, he was united with Amanda C. Brooks, and to this union thirteen children were born, five of whom died in infancy, those reaching manhood and womanhood are, Mrs. Eleanor Nutt, late of Crbana, Ohio, is deceased; Thomas M. Lilley lives in Columbus, where also reside Mrs. Kate M. Haller and William A. Lilley; Alexander S. Lilley makes his home in San Francisco, California; Mitchell C. Lilley, jr., who lived in Ft. Myer, Fla., is now deceased, Mrs. Harriett L. Pace, who was a resident of Oxford, North Carolina, is also deceased; Mrs. Anna L. Willard lives in Columbus. The mother of these children died July 21, 1887, and for his second wife the Captain married, in 188.9, Katherine E. McConnell of Columbus, who died April 19, 1918. No children were born of the last marriage.

The death of Captain Lilley occurred on June 22, 1897. Those who knew him well describe him as a man who, in his home life, was a model husband and father. In the peaceful midst of a happy family aspirations and ambitions for leadership or earthly prominence, if ever entertained, were never solicited. In disposition genial, kind and uniformly pleasant, he numbered his friends as legion and retained their never-swerving respect and admiration, in fact, few men of a past generation in Ohio's capital city so strongly held the general respect and veneration.

DANIEL WILLIAM McGRATH. No business man of Columbus is better known or has done more for the material development of the city than Daniel William McGrath, whose early life was none too promising, but resolutely facing the future he gradually surmounted the difficulties in his way and in due course of time rose to a prominent position in the industrial circles of his home city, besides winning the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact and for many years he has stood as one of the representative citizens of the section of the Buckeye commonwealth of which this volume treats.

Mr. McGrath, who is a general contractor, has been identified with the building interests of Columbus and Central Ohio for a period of thirty-five years, during which time he has erected perhaps two-thirds of the buildings of Columbus, including the largest office buildings, banks, industrial plants, school houses, churches, and the finest dwellings. He was born in Livingston county, New York, September 13, 1851, son of the late Patrick and Mary (Mailer) McGrath, both natives of Ireland, the father born in 1829 and the mother in 1831. The father came to America in 1819, locating first in Livingston county. New York, near the Genesee county line. In \8o6 he removed with his family to Ohio, settling in Madison county, where he made his home until 1892, in which year he removed to Franklin county, where lie and his wife spent the remainder of their lives, his death occurring in 1901, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1902.

Daniel W. McGrath received a common school education and worked on his father's farm until he came to Columbus in 1871, and here he learned the bricklayers' trade, working as a journeyman and foreman for tin years. He began as a brick contractor in 1881 and in 1891 he branched out as a general contractor and his business lias grown from that time on, uniformly and continuously until he is now recognized as the largest contractor in Central Ohio. He built his business on the rungs of ability, reliability and integrity, always doing his work promptly and well, and he lias ever insisted on conscientious and high grade work on the part of liis employes. lie has a modern, full and complete equipment for all kinds of building and engineering projects, such as buildings, concrete bridge and viaduct construction, lilt rat ion and sewage disposal plants.

the first seven skyscraper buildings, namely the Wyandotte, Schultz, Spahr, Outlook, Brunson, (lie New First National Bank and the Central National Hank buildings. He was tin- first contractor in Columbus to use a material elevator operated by steam power and later by electric [lower. lie built and patented in ISO!) the first mortar mixer that was used here. also introduced the first concrete mixer and the hanging scaffold to Columbus.

The firm has built ill addition to the work already enumerated, the masonry work of the Carnegie Sled Company; the American Rolling Mill Company's plant at Columbus and their east plant at Middletowii, Ohio; the Buckeye Steel Casting Company, also the original buildings of the federal Glass Company, and several buildings of the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company; the Kilbourne- Jacobs Company; the Ralston Steel Car Company; the M. C. Lilley Regalia Company and the Crystal lee Company; the department store of F. & R.

Biographical Section 353

Lazarus & Company; the Columbus Dry Goods Store; the Boston Store; Tracy- Wells Co.; C. C. Higgins Co.; Teachout Sash & Door, and the Hanna Paint Company; the Crestview, Roosevelt, and several other school buildings; St. John the Evangelist Church on South Ohio avenue; St. Dominies, and many others; the Pirrung, Ferdinand Howald, Dr. W. D. Hamilton and the John G. Deshler residences; Hayes Hall, Physics, Brown, Engineering Laboratory, Library, Horticulture and Forestry buildings at the Ohio State University, and the Chapel at St. Marys of the Springs Academy. In the way of railroad work the firm built all of the terminal buildings in Columbus of the Norfolk & Western and several of the buddings at the Pan Handle railroad shops. The Citizens Trust and Savings Bank building and the Columbus Athletic Club were constructed by this progressive concern, who also had charge of the construction of the Mound street and Fourth street viaducts ; the Williams concrete bridge over Scioto river at Marble Cliff; the improved sewage disposal plant; the ga.-bage disposal plant and the municipal electric light plant. The firm is now engaged in constructing all concrete masonry in connection with the Scioto river channel improvement and has completed the additions and extensions to Camp Sherman at Chillicothe.

Mr. McGrath is a member of St. Francis parish, and a trustee of the Knights of Columbus. He is a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, also a member of the Columbus Athletic Club, the Scioto Country Club, the Columbus Automobile Club, and the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club.

On April 17, 1883, Mr. McGrath married Mary Jane Hunter, daughter of William Hunter, of Sidney, Ohio, and to this union three sons and three daughters have been born, namely: Edward H, Frank J., and John A., who are associated in business with rheir father; Marie, deceased, Lillian and Anne.

BERIAH E. WILLIAMSON. Hard work and not inconsiderable genius for organization has characterized the career of Beriah E. Williamson, former newspaper man and at present United States internal revenue collector for the Eleventh Ohio District.

He is a native of the old Keystone state and is descended from one of the old families of tlie Shenango valley of that state, the Williamson family having settled on the Shenango river in Mercer county at the close of the Revolutionary War. His paternal grandfather, John Williamson, was born on the old Williamson farm, and he operated one of the very early water-power grist mills of Mercer county. John Mercer Williamson, son of John, and father of Beriah E. Williamson, was born on the old homestead, in the same log house in which his father first saw the light of day. He was a school teacher in his earlier life, also engaged in farming. In 1876 he was elected prothonotary, an office corresponding to that of Probate Judge in Ohio, of Mercer county. He married Susan Emma Graham, a native of Pennsylvania also, and a daughter of Major John G. Graham, an officer in the Confederate army during the Civil War, who commanded a supply post at Magnolia, South Carolina.

Beriah E. Williamson was born in the same house as was his father and grandfather in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1866. He spent his young days on the old home farm and attended the country schools and those of Mercer, the county seat. He then entered Allegheny College at Meadville. Pennsylvania, taking a special three years' course. After leaving college lie began the study of medicine at Greenville, Pennsylvania, but the illness and death of his father caused him to give up studying for that profession, and in 1889 he engaged in newspaper work as correspondent from Mercer county of the Pittsburg Leader. In 1890 he removed to Ohio and took a position on the staff of the Cleveland Morning Times, which was the first two-cent morning daily published in Ohio. Later he was on the staff of the Cleveland World and the Cleveland Press. In the fall of 1890 he accepted a position as reporter on the News-Democrat of Canton, of which paper Gen. Isaac Sherwood was at that time a part owner. Genera] Sherwood is now a member of Congress from the Toledo district. Mr. Williamson continued on the News-Democrat, first as reporter, then as editor and then as managing editor for a period of eleven years.

In 1901 he located in Columbus as legislative correspondent for a string of Ohio newspapers, and later was on the staff of the Press-Post and the Ohio Sun. Again taking up work as a correspondent lie opened a bureau in the Harrison building, now the Huntington bank building. He became the regular staff correspondent of the Cleveland Leader, the Cincinnati Commercial-Tribune and the Pittsburgh Dispatch, also did much general political correspondence and was thus engaged until Governor Harmon, on August 1, 1910, appointed him secretary to the Ohio State Tax Commission. That was the beginning of the era of centralized taxation of public utilities in the State and that was the first tax commission appointed in the State, and the commission necessarily had to do a great deal of what .night be termed pioneer work in that direction.

Mr. Williamson resigned from the secretaryship of the tax commission to assume the duties of United States internal revenue collector on December 1, 1913, to which position he had been appointed by President Wilson upon the recommendation of United States Senator Atlee Pomerene. When he took charge of the internal revenue office there were eleven people on the payroll, while in 1918 there were forty-one. During his tenure of office the income tax became a law, and he has been a pioneer in the application of that law. But, as was the case with the Ohio tax commission work he appears to take kindly to pioneering and soon mastered his largely increased and widely diversified duties. He has made a study of the tax questions as they relate to both State and Federal governments, and is regarded as an expert in that direction.

Mr. Williamson is recognized as a public speaker of more than ordinary ability and he is in demand constantly, frequently responding to calls for speeches in his own and other districts. And, what is more, he is enthusiastic in his work and is always ready to assist in untangling any individual snarls in the income tax questions.

Mr. Williamson is a member of the Columbus Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, also of the Phi Kappa Psi college fraternity. He was united in marriage with Minnie L Conkle, who was born in Defiance, Ohio, a daughter of Lafayette Conkle, former treasurer of Defiance county. To the subject and wife a son and daughter have been born, namely: Donia Judith and Benjamin Allen Williamson. The son was graduated from East High School in 1917, and was a junior in Ohio State University when, in 1918, he received an appointment in the United States diplomatic service and is now an attache of the United States Embassy at Berne, Switzerland, a very important post for so young a man, but he is making a very creditable record there.

JOHN FRY WILSON is a native of Ohio, a descendant of two early families of this State. He is the son of Colonel Harrison and Mary Caroline (Fry) Wilson, both born in the Buckeye State, the father near Cadiz, on March 15, 1840, the son of Thomas and Mary Wilson, and the grandson of Thomas Wilson, sr., who served in the Revolutionary War. Thomas Wilson, jr., removed to Belmont county, Ohio, in 1816. In 1854 Harrison Wilson entered a manual labor university at Athens, Ohio, spending two years there, and paid for his tuition and board by working for eight cents an hour. He began teaching school when he was fifteen years of age at Harriettsville, in Noble county. After dismissing his school one afternoon in May, 18(51, he wrote on the blackboard, "Gone to the war." That night lie walked eighteen miles to Summerfield and volunteered in the company of Captain John Mosley, which company was assigned to the Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His brothers, William and Lewis, had already enlisted, and his other three brothers, Thomas, John and Mordecai later enlisted. William was for a long time a prisoner of war in Libbv prison and Lewis was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, while ranking as a second lieutenant.

Harrison Wilson served for seven months as a private in the Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then received a commission as second lieutenant and was transferred to the Twentieth Regiment, recruiting at Cincinnati He was assigned to Company I and successively held commissions of second lieutenant, first lieutenant, adjutant, major, lieutenant-colonel and colonel of the Twentieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was an efficient and gallant officer, enjoying the confidence of his superior officers and the admiration of his men. He was mustered out witli his regiment on July 15, 1865.

After the war Colonel Wilson settled at Sidney, Ohio, where he read law with General Janus Murray, was admitted to the bar and began the practice of his profession. He g lined a high position at the bar of that section of the State. In 1895 he was elected Circuit Judge of the Columbus Circuit, and continued on the bench until 1909, when he '-.turned to the private practice of law in Columbus, in partnership with his son, John 1*'. Wilson. In 1911 Colonel Wilson retired from active practice and removed to Nordhoff (Ojai), California, where lie now makes his home.

On January 1, 1867, Colonel Wilson married Mary C. Fry, who was born at Port Jefferson, Shelby county, Ohio, October 10, 1844. Her death occurred at her California home on

Biographical Section 355

November 23, 1917. She was the daughter of John Thornton Fry and .Margaret (Shaw) Fry, and the granddaughter of Christian Fry, who was born in Kentucky in 1786, from which state he came to Ohio when a young man, locating on Paint creek in Ross countv, where he married Jane Robinson, and a short time afterwards removed to Sidney, and engaged in mercantile pursuits for a number of years.

John Fry Wilson, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born at Sidney, Ohio, July 26, 1869, and there spent his boyhood and attended the public schools. He began reading law under his father, then entered the Cincinnati Law College, from which he was graduated in 1890, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and soon thereafter was admitted to the bar. He entered the practice of his profession at Sidney, where he continued until 1901. He then removed to Columbus and has since been engaged in practice here, with high standing at the bar. Since 1910 he has been senior member of the well known firm of Wilson & Rector. He has been connected with much important litigation in Ohio.

Mr. Wilson is a member of the Columbus Club and the Scioto Country Club, American Bar Association, American Society of International Law, etc. On December 15, 1891, he married Margaret L. Widener, of Sidney, Ohio, a daughter of William and Susan C. (Mitchell) Widener.

JOSEPH ANDREW JEFFREY. This country has produced many fine examples of industrial and financial leaders ; yet those who stand out prominently because of their vision of industrial proportion, are few indeed. But Mr. J. A. Jeffrey is one of the few. In these days of industrial misunderstanding, its a pity the manufacturing world numbers so few of his type. He is one of those rare personalities in industry today who sensed over fortv years ago the spirit of the present.

Men who do really big things, do them through the coordinated efforts of others. Further, little is brought about where there is lack of vision. Mr. Jeffrey has had a rare combination of these two business essentials. We place much stress on ability ; but how about adaptability ? Mr. Jeffrey was educated as a banker but he has become a great manufacturer. In this respect he is not unlike a few other great industrial leaders. Mr. Carnegie was trained in the telegrapher's profession; but he became one of the world's greatest steel men. Like Mr. Carnegie, Mr. Jeffrey could select men. More than that - he has trusted men - believed in men - has been able to get men to believe in him.

Mr. Jeffrey has built up the largest business of its kind in the world; but in doing so, he has done something much bigger - he has built men. To him the making of money has only been an incident. The helping of humanity has been his great ambition. Not from the standpoint of paternalism; but with that vision of service without which no man truly succeeds.

"And the greatest of these is Service," if asked, would very likely be found to be his slogan. It is this tenth legion of power that has stood back of the business that he has been instrumental in creating and has made Jeffrey products known the world over.

The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company of which he is President, has a national reputation for being a leader in all those activities fundamental to sound industrial relations. Mr. Jeffrey has proceeded on the basic principle of justice. He has never been known to side-step an issue. His absolute faith in men has never faltered. The fact that there are over one hundred of his co-workers who have been and are still working with him for over a quarter of a century, speaks more eloquently than mere words.

Any State or Institution is just as strong as the individual units of which it is composed. To do for the unit that which the unit should do for itself, is to weaken it. The conclusion is obvious. Mr. Jeffrey reasoned thus forty years ago. The soundness of his reasoning is reflected in the wonderful personnel of his large organization. With him the acid test has been a man's ability to do. No palliative paternalism has found a resting place in the Jeffrey plant. The square deal has had first place. There has never been any "working for." It has always been "working with." And this idea of the development of the individual in a proper relation to the whole organization is the big dominant factor in making the Jeffrey Company the world leader in its line.

Born in Clarksville, Clinton County, Ohio, January 17th, 1836, the son of James and Anfjeline Jeffrey, he was reared on a farm and there remained until he completed his High School work. Mr. Jeffrey's first job was clerking in a clothing store in St. Marys. His vision of larger things brought him to Columbus where he completed a business college course and entered the private bank of Rickly and Brother as messenger. He made good in all the subordinate positions and became cashier. His ambition for greater service took him to Cincinnati where he was successfully engaged in the furniture business for three years.

In 1869, Mr. Jeffrey saw greater possibilities for service in Ohio's Capital City and joined with Mr. S. S. Rickly in founding the Commercial Bank (now the Commercial National ) of which he became cashier. A little later, reorganized and enlarged, the bank was taken over by Mr. Jeffrey, Orange Johnson and F. C. Sessions.

In 1878, seeing the great need and possibilities of the coal mining machine, lie, along with Mr. Sessions, acquired a controlling interest in the Lechner Mining Machine Patents and organized the Lechner Mining Machine Company. A couple of years later the Lechner Company was reorganized and incorporated as The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company with Mr. Jeffrey as President and General Manager. Mr. Jeffrey is still President, his eldest son, Robert H. succeeding to the Vice-Presidency and General Managership in 1907.

Mr. Jeffrey has always taken a keen interest in all agencies in Columbus that make for better citizenship. He has never liked the word charity in the ordinary meaning of that term. He is most interested in helping people help themselves. His work as trustee of the Protestant Hospital, Children's Hospital, Women's Hospital, Associated Charities, and various other helpful organizations has always taken the form of constructive assistance and not sentimental papuerizing.

Mr. Jeffrey is President of The Ohio Malleable Company; Vice-President of the Citiens Trust and Savings Bank; a member of the National Association of Manufacturers; The National Metal Trades Association; Institute of Mining Engineers of England; The National Credit Association; The Columbus Chamber of Commerce; the Columbus Club; The Country Club; The Athletic Club; The Business Men's Club and the Young Men's Christian Association.

True to the best test of a real man, Mr. Jeffrey assigns most of the credit for his success to the inspiration of Mrs. Jeffrey, who, before her marriage to Mr. Jeffrey in 1866, was Miss Celia Harris. Their children are:

Minnie H. married R. Grosvenor Hutehins, formerly Vice-President of The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company; later Vice-President of The Chicago Railway Company; and then Vice- President of The National Bank of Commerce in New York.

Florence married W. Wilson Carlile, General Counsel of The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company and a member of the law firm of Butler and Carlile.

Robert Hutehins is Vice-President and General Manager of The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company; Vice-President of The Commercial National Bank and former Mayor of Columbus.

Joseph Walter is a director and Vice President of The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company and Vice-President of The Ohio Malleable Iron Company, and director of the Hayden-C'jnton National Bank. He served as Major with the 3rd Hat., 136th field Artillery in France during the World War.

Malcolm Douglas is a Director of The Jeffrey Manufacturing Company in charge oi its export business. He served as Captain of Battery 1?, 1st Bat., 136th Field Artillery in France in the World War.

who have achieved more than mediocre success in any line of specific endeavor, it will invariably In' found that indefatigable industry lias constituted the basis of their success. True, there are other elements which enter in a ->d conserve 1 1 1 1 - advancement of persona] interests, such as perseverance, discrimination an 1 mastering of expedience, but the foundation of all achievement is persistent labor. LJnderitanding this at the outset of his career, the Late Lewis Lincoln Rankin of Columbus, sought no royal road to success. Mr. Rankin was born in the old Rankin homestead in Mifflin township, Franklin county, Ohio, August f, I860, - tile son of Swan and Sarah Rankin. In 1882 he married Hattie Rathmell, and by this union

In 1879 he was graduated from the Central High School, of Columbus, and began his career as a school teacher. Three years later he was chosen superintendent of schools of

Biographical Section 357

Canal Winchester, Ohio. While teaching he prepared himself lor a legal career and made rapid progress in the study of law. In 188.5 he was admitted to the Bar, and actively engaged in the practice of law, until 1895, when he founded The Buckeye State Building & Loan Company. From this time on until his death on December 27th, 1918, his entire business energy was devoted to the study and active management of this, institution. In 190.5 he was chosen president and served in this capacity until his decease. To see the company grow, to make it safe and sound, to make it render a real service to its patrons, whether borrowers or depositors, became the aim and end of his life. In the record of this company may be found the history of his last twenty-three years of service. From the humble start in the Wesley block on High street, Columbus, Ohio, in 1895, he lived to see his company grow steadily from year to year until its assets, at the time of his death, were sixteen millions of dollars, being the largest financial institution in Central Ohio, the largest of its kind in the United States and third largest in the world.

For many years Mr. Rankin was verj' prominent in the civic life of the Capital City. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Columbus Athletic Club, the Sons of American Revolution, the Scottish Rite, the Shrine and the King Avenue M. E. Church.

In 1914, the International Congress of Building and Loan Associations, which met in London, England, honored him with the presidency of their organization. Three years later the United States League of Local Building and Loan Associations chose Mr. Rankin as their president.

Besides his active business career, he devoted a large part of his time to Ins church, to which he gave unsparingly of his time and resources. For many years he was president of the board of trustees and an active teacher in the Sunday School. Here, as well as in his business life, his excellent leadership was recognized, and his radiant personality esteemed.

JOHN YOUNG BASSELL. Since one of the designated functions of this publication, touching the history of the leaders of affairs in Columbus and vicinity, is in accordance to recognition to those who stand respective in their various fields of business activity and other arenas of endeavor, there is propriety, from this consistent viewpoint, in noting the salient points in the career of John Young Bassell, whose influence has long been potent in the general progress of the city long honored by his residence.

As secretary of the Columbus Board of Trade (now the Columbus Chamber of Commerce) for sixteen consecutive years, as president of the Columbus Business Men's Association and manager of the Columbus Conventions and Publicity Association since its organization, Mr. Bassell has been an influential factor in the business and civic history of the Capital City of the great Buckeye commonwealth for a quarter of a century.

The Bassell family is of French Huguenot stock, our subject's great-grandfather having been a native of France. He came to America in Colonial days and settled in Virginia, where, for many years he was an extensive planter. The Bassell men have been lawyers, physicians, professors and army officers. Colonel James Bassell was a distinguished Confederate officer, and General Stonewall Jackson was a collateral relative of the family.

Benjamin Bassell, sr., grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Virginia, and his son, Stephen Jackson, also a native of the Old Dominion, was the father of the gentleman whose name initiates this review. Stephen Jackson Bassell's birth occurred at Clarksburg, Virginia, the family home. He received good educational advantages and became a leading lawyer of his locality, but ill health and an early death cut short his career. He married Catherine Young, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of John Young of that state, who was a soldier in the War of 1812.

John Y. Bassell was born at Clarksburg, Vrginia, June 23, 1817. As a boy he attended Bleakhill Academy at Culpepper Court House, Virginia, also a military school, the Monongahela Academy (afterwards the University of MTest Virginia), and in April, 1861, upon the breaking out of the war between the states, although but fourteen years of age, he volunteered for service in the Confederate army and served four years in the ranks, becoming an efficient and gallant soldier, following the "matchless plumes of Fee and Jackson" through many important campaigns and engagements, being three times severely wounded. After returning home from the Civil War, he continued his education and studied law, graduating from the University of Virginia in 18(58 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. But the conditions prevailing in the South following the war, during the reconstruction period, were not conducive to his entering the active practice of law, so he became identified with commercial and industrial affairs, never practicing his profession.

Mr. Bassell entered business at Leesburg, Virginia, later becoming interested in industrial enterprises in Newark, New Jersey, and from there he went West, and located in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1893 he cast his lot with the people of Columbus, where he has since resided. For a number of years he was president and manager of the Chittenden Hotel Company, but when it changed hands he resigned his position and was selected as secretary of the Columbus Board of Trade, the duties of which position he continued to discharge faithfully and acceptably for a period of sixteen years, resigning for the purpose of accepting the position of manager of the newly organized Columbus Conventions and Publicity Association, which was organized especially for the making use of Mr. Bassell's special and pronounced ability for such a position.

During the period of the World War, Mr. Bassell served and is still serving as Assistant Director of the State War Savings Stamps Committee, under appointment from former Secretary of the Treasury McAdoo. He is rendering all the aid he can to the Federal government, putting his whole heart in the work, his enthusiasm and zeal knowing no limitations. His work in this connection is principally along the line of organization of societies, committees, etc., and delivering speeches in different parts of the State. He is an orator of unusual ability, force and eloquence.

Mr. Bassell is a member of the Columbus Athletic Club, the Columbus Country Club, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He married Rebecca G. Benedict, a daughter of the late Captain William B. Benedict of Virginia, an officer in the old United States Navy, and for many years in charge of the United States Naval Observatory at Washington, D. C, which position lie held at the time of his death.

ANDRE CROTTI, B. L, M. D., LL. D., Surgeon. The medical profession of Columbus has long been noted for its members who have attained distinction for their ability as physicians and their skill as surgeons. Of the present generation, among those who have brought prestige not only to the profession but to the city as well is Dr. Andre Crotti, whose fame both as a surgeon and author is recognized throughout Ohio and the entire country. He is descended from an old Swiss family of Italian stock, originally, whose family-seat was in that part of Italy which became a part of the Swiss republic over one hundred years ago. He is the son of Monsieur and Madame Charles Crotti. His father, a well-known Swiss contracting architect, removed his family to Buenos Ayres, South America, in the late sixties, and was in business in that city for several years, or until one of the periodical revolutions of that country occurred, when he returned to Switzerland. And it was in Buenos Ayres, on August 23, 1873, that Dr. Crotti was born.

Dr. Crotti received a thorough training for his professional career. He began the study of medicine when he was twenty years of age, and continued his studies in the leading universities and hospitals of Europe and America, and besides, lie had ten years of practical experience as assistant to several of Europe's most famous surgeons, the most noted among them being Professor Kocher. He received his B. L degree from the University of Fribourg, in 1893; his degree in medicine from Lausane University in 1900; his M. D. degree from the same University in 1902; his M. D. degree from Starling Ohio Medical University of this city in 1908, and his LL. D. degree from Wittenburg College in 191(3.

Dr. Crotti had several times visited the United States, and in May, 1908, he came here to make his permanent home, arriving in Columbus direct on that date and established himself in the practice of his profession, and in comparatively a short time he won a place among the notable surgeons of this city.

Prior to his coming to the United States to make his home, Dr. Crotti was assistant in anatomy, pathology, internal medicine and surgery in leading hospitals of Switzerland, and in 1906-08 he was assistant to Professor Kocher, the distinguished European surgeon. He was assistant professor of anatomy and professor of clinical surgery in the medical department of Ohio State University in 1911-lf), and he is now a member of the surgical staff of Grant Hospital,

He is a frequent contributor to professional journals and is the author of "Thyroid and Thymus," which valuable volume came from the press in the early part of 1918, and

Biographical Section 359

Dr. Crotti is a member of the Columbus Academy of Medicine, The American Medical Association, and is Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also a member of the following clubs : Columbus, Columbus Athletic, Scioto Country and Kit-Kat.

During the war Dr. Crotti was assigned to the rank of Captain in the Medical Reserve Corps, U. S. A., and ordered to report at Camp Zachary Taylor, Louisville, Kv. Later he was transferred to the U. S. General Hospital No. 22, Philadelphia, then appointed Chief of the Surgical Section with rank of Major at the Walter Reed General Hospital, Washington, D. C.j from which place he was released from service June 17th, 1919.

Dr. Crotti was married in Switzerland, in 1902, to Mrs. Marie Gwynne Gloechner, and to them have been born a daughter, Marie Elizabeth, and a son, Andre Jean.

FRANCIS B. PEARSON. Success is only achieved by the exercise of certain distinguishing qualities, and it cannot be retained without effort. Those by whom great epoch changes have been made in the professional, political and industrial worlds began early in life to prepare themselves for their particular duties and responsibilities, and it was only bv the most persevering and continuous endeavor that they succeeded in rising superior to the obstacles in their way and reaching the goal of their ambition. The life of any successful man, whether he be prominent in the world's affairs or not is an inspiration to others who are less courageous and more prone to give up the fight before their ideal is reached or definite success in any chosen field has been attained. Francis B. Pearson, educator and author, and superintendent of Ohio State Department of Public Instruction, is a man whose example has made for good in a general and public way, for his career has been an industrious one as well as patterned after the highest and best ideals.

Mr. Pearson was born in tile village of Catawba, Clark county, Ohio, and he is a scion of a sterling old Buckeye family, son of Joseph and Mary (Palmer) Pearson. His paternal grandfather, Henry Pearson, a native of England, cast his lot in the new world in an early day, settling in Clark county, Ohio, where he became very well established as a result of his industry and perseverance.

Joseph Pearson, father of the subject of this sketch, was also a native of England, but his parents brought him to America when he was three or four years old. He grew to manhood on the old home farm in Clark county and is still living, making his home at Catawba, this State. His wife was a native of Clark county and a daughter of a pioneer. She died when our subject was a child.

Provenance

Text from History of the City of Columbus, Ohio, from the Founding of Franklinton in 1797, Through the World War Period to the Year 1920, published 1920, in the public domain in the United States and digitised by the Internet Archive. The settlements listed against this township are matched by point-in-polygon test of each Geographic Names Information System coordinate against the Census Bureau's county subdivision boundary, not by name.