USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio > Part 25
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JOSEPH WATSON TIPTON.
Among the veterans of the Civil war now representing the farming inter- ests of Franklin county is Joseph Watson Tipton, who resides in Prairie township. He is of English lineage and the family was founded in America at an early day. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Tipton, was a native of Shenandoah county, Virginia, where he died. He was married in Monroe county, that state, and for many years resided there. His wife, Mrs. Rebecca Tipton, passed away in Franklin county, Ohio.
Joseph Tipton, the father of our subject. was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, whence he went to Monroe county. West Virginia, where he was reared to manhood, early becoming familiar with the work of the farm. His educational privileges were somewhat limited, but his experience made him a practical business man. He was married, in Monroe county, to Miss Cath- erine Watson, who was born in Virginia, a daughter of George Watson. They began their domestic life in West Virginia, where five children were born to them, and in 1848 they came to Ohio, settling in Perry township, Franklin county, near the present site of Marble Cliff. The father rented land for a short time and afterward removed to Jackson township. His death occurred in the town of West Jefferson, Madison county, Ohio, in 1886, but his widow is still living, in. her eighty-sixth year, her home being on Fifth avenue, in Columbus. She holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which Mr. Tipton was also identified. In his political affiliations he was first a Whig. afterward becoming a Republican. He had twelve children, namely : Mary, who died in childhood: William, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Joseph W., of this review; Amanda, now the wife of Charles Huff, of Columbus; Isaac, of Columbus, who served in the Ninth Ohio Cavalry during the Civil war; Nancy, the wife of Alonzo Horrington, of Barbertown, Ohio; Elias, who is living in Columbus; Charles, who makes
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his home in Indianapolis; Frances, wife of Lawrence Stone, of Columbus; Margaret, wife of Thomas Johnson, of Kansas; George, who was a member of the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in the hospital at Cincinnati, in 1865; and John, who is living in Illinois.
Joseph W. Tipton, whose name forms the caption of this sketch, was born in Monroe county, West Virginia, December 31, 1839, and in 1848, when a lad of nine summers, accompanied his parents to Ohio. He began his edu- cation in the subscription schools of his native place and completed his studies in Franklin county, at the age of eighteen. In the early spring time he assisted in the plowing and planting of the fields and later bore his part in the work of harvesting the crops. After the inauguration of the Civil war, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in the ranks at the call of the president, joining the army at Columbus as a private of Company B, Fifty- fourth Ohio Infantry, for three years' service. He was under command of Captain Williams and Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith, and went to Camp Den- nison, near Cincinnati, where he remained for five months, when the regiment was ordered to Paducah, Kentucky. The first engagement in which he par- ticipated was the battle of Shiloh, and this was followed by the siege of Corinth and the battle of Memphis. They next went down the river with General Sherman, the army attacking Vicksburg upon the Yazoo Bluffs. With his command he afterward proceeded on a march through Arkansas, across the Kansas line. The Union troops succeeded in capturing Fort Gibson, and then made their way to Vicksburg, on the Louisiana side. That winter they were engaged in digging General Grant's canals, after which they proceeded to Hard Times Landing and then marched against Jackson, Mississippi, cap- turing the city; moving on toward the rear of Vicksburg. While en route they participated in the battles of Champion Hills and Big Black river, and then began the siege of Vicksburg, on the 19th of May, 1863. A charge was made, but they could not get inside of the fortifications, and again on the 22d a charge was made. Both days the Union troops were forced to fall back and they then settled down to besiege the city, continuing the siege for forty-four days, when the strong central southern city surrendered. While the Union troops were engaged in the siege Joe Johnston with his Confederate troops approached in the rear, and when Vicksburg had fallen they engaged them in battle, winning the victory. This encounter occurred at Jackson. Mr. Tipton with his command was afterward in camp at Black river and then went to Vicksburg, proceeding up the Mississippi to Memphis and across the country to Chattanooga, participated in the engagement at Mission Ridge and on to Knoxville, where they raised the siege. Returning thence to Chat- tanooga, they were afterward in camp at Larkinsville, Alabama. At that place Mr. Tipton re-enlisted as a veteran and returned home on a thirty days' furlough. When the leave of absence had expired he rejoined his command in March, 1864, and started on the Atlanta campaign, being under fire for more than one hundred days. From Atlanta the Union troops followed Hood
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back to within sixty miles of Chattanooga, thence returned to Atlanta and prepared for the march to the sea, which has become memorable in history. The troops were engaged in battle at Fort McAllister, marched through South Carolina and North Carolina, participating in the battle at Averysboro and then followed Johnston to Raleigh, where that Confederate commander sur- rendered. With his regiment Mr. Tipton proceeded to Washington and par- ticipated in the grand review, after which he was sent to Louisville. When General Hazen volunteered to go to Texas to quell the disturbances Mr. Tip- ton accompanied him, and after some time spent in the northern portion of the Lone Star state, proceeded to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was dis- charged August 15, 1865. He returned home with the rank of sergeant. At Arkansas Post he was wounded in the left foot by a musket ball and a piece of shell also struck him in the head on the 22d of July, 1864, in front of Atlanta. On the same day he narrowly escaped being taken prisoner. He was always found at his post of duty loyally defending the cause in which he believed and his bravery was displayed on many a southern battle-field.
After his return to the north Mr. Tipton resumed farming and has since devoted his energies to the cultivation of his land. He was united in mar- riage, June 10, 1866, to Miss Mary Ann Allegre, a daughter of Lorenzo D. Allegre, deceased. Seven children have been born unto them, four yet living : Myron and William, who are living in Brown township; Katie, wife of Alva Alwood; and Leroy, at home. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tipton took up their abode on the land which was rented from her father, and in 1879 our subject purchased his present farm, comprising a large and valuable tract of ninety-six acres. This is under a high state of cultivation, being well improved with substantial buildings and all modern accessories. Mr. Tipton gives his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits and at the same time he is also true and faithful to his duties of citizenship as when he wore the blue and followed the stars and stripes on the battle-fields of the south.
WILLIAM HEADLEY.
One of the most attractive homes of Columbus is occupied by William Headley, a retired farmer, whose labors in former years brought him a hand- some competence, and thus he is enabled to enjoy a well merited rest. He was born August 12, 1827, on the farm in Jefferson township that is now occupied by his brother, Daniel Headley. his parents being William and Mary (Havens) Headley. His grandfather. Joseph Headley, was a native of Sussex county, Virginia, and when he came to Ohio he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Franklin county. There were only two grocery stores in Columbus and visits to the city were made on horseback, the way lying through the woods. No roads had been made and the path was marked by blazed trees. In pioneer times William Headley. the father of our subject,
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purchased two acres of land at the corner of High and Broad streets, but some years later sold it and through the dishonesty of the purchaser was swindled out of the money. He was reared in his parents' home and in early life acquired eighteen hundred dollars by cutting wood and burning charcoal. In 18II he came west to Ohio and selected a location in Jefferson township, after which he returned to Sussex county with some horses. In the spring of 1812 he came to this state and located at what is now Headley's Corners. He erected a grist and sawmill, and as he needed assistance in the operation of the industry he admitted his brother Samuel to a partnership in the busi- ness. They carried on operations for several years, after which William Headley purchased his brother's interest and Samuel removed to Licking county, Ohio.
William Headley, of this review, received such educational privileges as the common schools afforded. It was his intention to go to California in the spring of 1850, his father having promised to send him, but the cholera epidemic was so great that his father believed it unwise for the son to make the trip. In the spring of 1852, when he had accumulated enough money of his own to accomplish the journey, William Headley started across the plains for the gold fields, leaving home on the 24th of April and arriving at his destination on the 26th of August. He landed at Eureka, California, whence he went to Poor Man's creek and to Hopkins' creek, spending the first year at those places. He finally located at Biddle's Bar, where he was taken ill with typhoid fever. After eleven weeks he resumed work, but soon had a relapse and was again in bed for six weeks. In the spring of 1853 he drove some pack animals across to the east branch of the north fork of Feather river. He also cut five hundred logs at Biddle's Bar, but the rainy season was late that year and he therefore abandoned them. In July, 1855, he returned to Ohio with twenty-eight hundred dollars, which he had accumu- lated. The journey to his old home was made by water. The year follow- ing his return, accompanied by his parents, he went to Lucas county, Iowa, on a trip, and there he purchased five hundred and ten acres of land, with the intention of locating there.
On the 27th of November, 1855, Mr. Headley was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Beem, a native of Licking county. Ohio, born April 7, 1831, her parents being John and Margaret (Albery) Beem, who came from New Jersey to Ohio in an early day. Mrs. Headley objected to removing to Iowa, and our subject therefore purchased fifty acres of land lying north of his father's farm. He next traded his Iowa land for one hundred and fifty acres east of his fifty-acre lot, and still later added the fifty acres that lay between his two tracts. At his father's death he inherited fifty acres, so that his landed possessions aggregated three hundred acres. This was operated under his management for some years and became one of the best improved properties in the county. He was very successful in his farming and stock-raising interests and made a specialty of the raising of sheep, for
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which he found a ready sale upon the market. In 1883 he retired from active business life and purchased residence property on Garfield avenue, in Colum- bus, where he remained for six years. He then traded his farm property for his present valuable residence on East Rich street. In 1885 he erected a brick building at the corner of High and Eleventh avenue, and his various realty holdings bring to him an excellent return.
On the 18th of October. 1875, Mr. Headley was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died leaving three children. George, now an agri- culturist of Licking county : Amanda R., the wife of William T. Foster, a min- ing operator of Joplin, Missouri; and Margaret L., at home. She super- intends the household for her father, and the home is one of the attractive residences of Columbus. Mr. Headley is a believer in the Universalist doc- trine, but does not hold membership in any church, although he has made many liberal contributions to the support of religious work. He espouses the cause of the Democracy, keeps well informed on the political issues and has served for about four terms as trustee of Jefferson township, while for several years he filled the office of school director. As an energetic, upright and conscientious business man he acquired a handsome competence and by patient striving worked out for himself a solid reputation as a successful agriculturist. His record both public and private has been marked by the strictest integrity and faithfulness to every trust reposed in him, and he is widely known as an honorable gentleman and as a pleasant social companion.
AMERICUS S. HAGER.
Franklin county has many well-to-do and successful farmers who are the architects of their own fortunes and have been prominently identified with the upbuilding and development of this section of the state. Among these is the subject of this personal history, who now owns and operates a good farm in Norwich township.
The paternal ancestors of our subject were from the Green Mountain state. His grandfather, Daniel Hager, was born at the foot of Bald moun- tain, near Montpelier, Vermont, and married a Miss Baldwin, also a native of that state. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and in 1820 brought his family to Ohio, locating where Plain City now stands, when the Indians were still quite numerous in that locality. He was one of the pioneers of that region, and his home was the usual log cabin of those early days. Plain City now stands upon a part of what was his farm.
John Baldwin Hager, the father of our subject, was born in Vermont in 1820, and was taken by his parents to Ohio during infancy. He grew up in the wilderness and aided his father in the arduous task of clearing and improv- ing the farm. The Indians would often come to the home and take his sister Octavia to their village to play with the Indian children. On reaching man- hood he married Miss Sarah Clark, and for a time remained upon the home
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farm, but later located on a farm two and a half miles up the creek on the opposite side of that stream. Being a wild, wooded tract, he erected a saw- mill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber from the timber on his own land. He died in 1852, having survived his wife but one week. To them were born three children: Gelucius, deceased; Amanda, the wife of William Har- per, of Hilliards; and Americus S., our subject.
The last named was born on the old homestead in Jerome township, Union county, November 10, 1847, and was not quite five years of age when his parents died, while his brother was but fifteen and sister thirteen. The home being broken up, the farm was sold and our subject and sister went to live with an uncle for three years, at the end of which time his uncle bound him out to James Smith Britton, of Norwich township, Franklin county, until fourteen years of age. He was able to attend school but very little, though his training at farm work was not so meager. On leaving the home of Mr. Britton he joined his brother in Union county, and remained with him until the latter entered the army. After his death our subject returned to the home of Mr. Britton, for whom he continued to work a couple of years.
Mr. Hager was then married, in April, 1871, to Miss Jennie Baker, and to them have been born six children : Albert, a resident of Hilliard's; Amanda, the wife of George Fisher; Rosie, wife of David Cox; Rilla, at home; and Charles and Elmer, both deceased.
After his marriage Mr. Hager rented Mr. Britton's farm near Hilliard's for two years, and then was on another farm of that gentleman for the same length of time. The following seven years were spent upon Mr. Britton's home farm, and at the end of that time he purchased seventy-eight acres of land in Scioto township, Pickaway county, Ohio, which he sold after residing thereon for four years. He next bought two hundred and eight acres in partnership with Mr. Britton, and erected a house thereon, but a year later sold that place and purchased an adjoining tract of one hundred and fifty-three acres, making it his home for four years. On disposing of that property he bought his present farm of thirty-two acres in Norwich township, and is now successfully engaged in truck farming.
Mr. Hager is a very intelligent and well informed man, and a good talker on all political questions, especially on free silver. He is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and takes an active interest in public affairs.
MRS. JOHN CLAPHAM.
Mrs. John Clapham, one of the highly esteemed residents of Blendon township. bore the maiden name of Harriet Nutt and was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, February 25, 1828, a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the state. Her parents were Edward and Allie (Coe) Nutt.
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Her father was born in or near Winchester, Virginia, in 1789, and during his boyhood accompanied his father to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he was reared. After attaining to man's estate he was married and in 1833 came to Franklin county, where he purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land just north of the Clapham farm in Blendon township, and, with the exception of a short period spent in Delaware county, Ohio, in his later life, he continued to make his home in Franklin county until called to his final rest, on the 30th of August, 1873, when in his eighty-fourth year. While he was never associated by membership with any church, he was a constant attendant on the services of the Baptist church and contributed liberally to its support. His life was in harmony with the principles of upright manhood ; in all his dealings he was strictly fair, and for his many sterling qualities he was highly respected. His wife was born near Baltimore, Maryland, May 23, 1803, and when six years of age accompanied her parents on their removal to Virginia, the family settling near Charleston. Five years later they took up their abode near Zanesville, Ohio, where Mrs. Nutt attained her woman- hood. On the 20th of May, 1823, she gave her hand in marriage to Edward Nutt, and through a long period they traveled life's journey together. In 1834 she united with the Baptist church and throughout the remaining years of her life she was a consistent and active member of that denomination. She departed this life April 4, 1890, in her eighty-seventh year. This worthy couple became the parents of ten children, but only three are now living, namely : Rebecca, the widow of Alfred McLeod, of Delaware county, Ohio ; Mrs. Clapham; and Elizabeth, the wife of William Beever, also of Delaware county.
Harriet Nutt spent her girlhood days under the parental roof and acquired her education in the common schools. On the 26th of May, 1853, she became the wife of John Clapham. He was a native of Blendon township, born on the 28th of April, 1829, on what is now known as the Osborne farm, near Alum creek. The following year his parents removed to the farm now owned by William C. Goldsmith, and in connection with the sketch of the latter appears an account of the life record of the parents of Mr. Clapham, who grew to manhood and were married in this locality. He and his wife began their domestic life upon the farm where the family yet reside. This place comprised ninety-three acres and was purchased by his grandfather, Joseph Clapham, being then known as the old Landon farm. Subsequently the grandfather willed it to John Clapham and it remained his home up to the time of his demise, on the 12th of January. 1879, and has since been the place of residence of his widow and children. During his active business career, however, Mr. Clapham added to the farm a tract of ten acres, and after his death his widow purchased an adjoining thirty acres, so that the place now comprises one hundred and thirty-three acres. They were the parents of four children : Orlena, now the widow of DeWitt Gates, of Blen- don township; Rosetta, at home; Edward C., a farmer of Blendon township,
.
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who married Miss Olive Gates and has five children; and Clayton H., who operates the home farm and who married Nettie Martin, by whom he has two children.
In his political views Mr. Clapham was an ardent Republican, and although he never sought office or political honors for himself he believed firmly in the principles of the party and did all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. He was one of the most highly esteemed men of the county. His life history contains no exciting chapters, but was one consistent with many principles, and thus to his family he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. Mrs. Clapham still resides on the old home- stead. She has long been a resident of the county and has many warm friends throughout this portion of the state.
FRANKLIN RUBRECHT.
In no case is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life, or of the under- lying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the diametrical result of capability and unmistakable ability. Possessing all the qualities of the able lawyer, Franklin Rubrecht is already winning marked success in his profession. He is yet a young man and the future undoubtedly has in store for him a very successful career.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Rubrecht was born in Delaware, August 31, 1867, his parents being Joel and Priscilla Helen Rubrecht. The father was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1839, upon a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits throughout his residence in the Keystone state. With his family he removed to Delaware, Ohio, and there became a contractor, builder and architect. He has since been actively identified with the improve- ment of the city along building lines and many substantial structures there stand as monuments to his enterprise, diligence and thrift. His wife, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1842, died in 1894. She was the mother of three sons and one daughter, all of whom lived to years of maturity.
Franklin Rubrecht, whose name forms the caption of this sketch, attended the public schools of his native town and was graduated at the high school, after which he pursued a commercial course in Professor Sharp's Business College, in Delaware. In 1884 he arrived in Columbus and became a student of law in the office of R. H. Platt, an attorney of this city, who directed his
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reading for some time. He also acquired a knowledge of telegraphy and was employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company, acting as an operator in Columbus for a considerable period. This gave him the funds necessary to continue his legal education, and in October, 1892, he completed the law course in the Ohio State University. He then began the practice of his profession. He was appointed assistant director of law, and by virtue of that office became prosecuting attorney of the police department, serving acceptably in that position until 1897. He received his appointment from Judge Owen, who at that time was director of law, and was appointed by and served under Mayor Black until 1899. Retiring from that position, he resumed the active practice of law and has figured in several very important cases. In December, 1899. he was elected the attorney for the Columbus Humane Society. On the 9th of April Mr. Rubrecht was appointed first assistant director of law by Hon. Luke G. Byrne, director of law under Mayor John N. Hinkle. This position is perhaps the most important one in the law department, since it falls to the lot of the first assistant to conduct all the litigation in which the city of Columbus is interested.
On the 18th of September, 1894, Mr. Rubrecht wedded Miss Blanch Newell, of Columbus, a lady of culture and refinement and a daughter of O. H. Newell. One child graces this marriage, namely, Mercedes. In his polit- ical affiliations Mr. Rubrecht is a Democrat, and has been twice elected chair- man of the congressional committee of the twelfth district of Ohio. He possesses a laudable ambition, without which effort would be fruitless and labor of no avail. In his legal practice he is favorably known for the care with which he prepares his cases and for his devotion to his clients' interests.
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