A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Part 29

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1156

USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio > Part 29

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Of the maternal ancestry of the Doctor but little is known. His mother, Margaret Maria Grotthouse, was a daughter of and Wilhelmina Kastens, both natives of Hanover, Germany. The former was a farmer by occupation. He died very suddenly after attending the wedding of one of his daughters. Mrs. Kastens passed away March 11, 1869, at the age of sixty- five years, three months and two days. Their children were Henry, Diedrich, Frederick, Sophia, Margaret, Maria and Wilhelmina, all now deceased but Wilhelmina, who married Mr. Rottman and is a widow residing at the ancestral home in Germany. Sophia was the wife of a Mr. Klein.

Dr. Grotthouse, whose name introduces this record, was brought to Ohio when only about a month old, the family locating in Berlin, Holmes county, where his childhood days were passed in attendance at the public schools of the village. He there acquired his literary education, which he completed in the spring of 1886. During the last five years of that period he worked upon a farm for nine months of each year, attending school only through the winter months. In November, 1886, he entered the employ of the firm of Strome & Hull, pharmacists of Millersburg, Ohio, with whom he remained until October, 1891. In 1887 he began a home course of study in pharmacy, which he completed the following year and successfully passed the examination of an assistant pharmacist. In 1889 he took the regular pharmacy examina- tion and was duly registered according to the law of Ohio. In the spring of that year he began reading medicine, under the supervision of Dr. S. P.

236

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Wise, a prominent physician of Millersburg, who was his preceptor until October, 1891, at which time he matriculated in the Starling Medical Col- lege, of Columbus, Ohio, where he diligently prosecuted his studies in medi- cine until the following March. At that time he entered the Wooster Medical College, of Cleveland, where he continued his studies until the following Sep- tember. He was then admitted to the Miami Medical College, of Cincin- nati, Ohio, where he completed his course, being graduated in that institution in April, 1893. During the nineteen months of arduous study in the above named institution the Doctor enjoyed only one vacation, of eight days.

After his graduation he entered the office of his preceptor, with whom he practiced until 1894, in which year he came to North Columbus and estab- lished himself in the drug business, being associated with W. H. Shoup, of Millersburg, Ohio. In 1899 he pursued a post-graduate course in the New York School of Clinical Medicine, which institution conferred upon him its diploma of graduation. In his chosen profession he is a close student and keeps constantly in touch with the best thought of the ablest minds in the medical fraternity.

Dr. Grotthouse is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to Mag- nolia Lodge, No. 20, of Columbus, into which he was initiated June 30, 1896, and he is also a member of the Scottish-rite bodies. He is an ex-president of the Acacia Club, a social Masonic organization of North Columbus. Of the Congregational church of North Columbus he also is a member, and in social circles he is recognized as a popular and highly esteemed young man, enjoy- ing the sincere regard of the majority of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

SAMUEL D. DONEY.

This enterprising and progressive citizen of Truro township is one of the most extensive farmers of Franklin county, and his management of the estate is marked by the scientific knowledge and skill which characterize the modern agriculturist. A native of Harrison county, he was born in Athens town- ship February 27. 1858, and is a son of Abraham Covert Doney, whost birth occurred in Harrison county, Ohio, August 29, 1829. The paternal grand- father. Samuel Doney, was also a native of Harrison county, where he died when comparatively a young man.

The father became one of the most successful and prosperous farmers and stock-dealers and shippers of Truro township, where he located in 1865, his place being what was known as the White Hall farm, which name it received on account of the White Hall tavern which once stood there and which was a stopping place for stages before the days of railroads. When he first came to the township Mr. Doney purchased three hundred acres of land where our subject now resides. Prosperity crowned his well-directed efforts, and at the time of his death he left to his heirs six hundred acres of

237

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

valuable land which had been improved by him. For six years he most capably and satisfactorily served as justice of the peace, and then refused to longer allow his name to be used as a candidate for that office. He was also a school director for a number of years and was a Republican in national politics, but voted for whom he considered the best men at township and county elections. For a quarter of a century he was an active and prominent member of the Third Street Methodist Episcopal church of Columbus, and was a liberal contributor to the same. He died January 28, 1900, at the age of seventy years, honored and respected by all who knew him.

His wife, who bore the maiden name of Emily V. Brock, was born in Fairfield county October 20, 1837, a daughter of Dr. Meredith D. Brock, who was also a native of Ohio and for twenty years was a resident of Columbus, where he died at the age of seventy-five. He was a prominent Knight Templar, having joined the Masonic order in 1835. In 1842 he organized Salem Lodge, No. 87, in which he held the office of worshipful master for the long period of twenty years. In 1854 he was elected junior grand warden of of the grand lodge of Ohio; the following year served as senior grand warden ; in 1886 was elected deputy grand master, and filled the office of grand master during that Masonic year. In 1861 he organized Reynoldsburg Lodge and . served as its worshipful master for eleven years, making in all thirty-one years in that office. In his Masonic work he laid corner-stones, dedicated halls and installed officers for many years and was one of the most prominent and popular officers in the order throughout this section of the state. To Abraham C. Doney and wife were born six children, of whom five are still living, namely : Jesse B., born February 10, 1856: Samuel D., our subject ; Mary C., deceased, born October 6, 1860; DeWitt C., born March 12, 1863; Carl G., born July 24, 1867; and Emma C., born March 28, 1870.

The district schools of his native township afforded Samuel D. Doney his early educational privileges, but later he attended the Capital University, of Columbus, the Mount Union College, in Stark county, this state, and the Ohio State University. When his school days were over he returned to Truro township and assisted his father in his farming operations. He is now administrator of the latter's estate, which consists of six hundred acres of farm land and other valuable property. Most of the farm is now operated by tenants.

On the 3Ist of December, 1891, Mr. Doney was united in marriage with Ida Sprague, of Truro township, who died July 30, 1897. In his political affiliations our subject is a Republican, but at local elections he generally votes independently of party lines. For twelve years he served as justice of the peace with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all con- cerned, and was also land appraiser in 1890. Socially he is a Mason, a member of Goodale Lodge, No. 372, of Columbus, of Ohio Chapter, No. 12, and Columbus Council of that city, and is a Sir Knight of Mount Vernon Commandery. Religiously he is connected with the Third Street Methodist

238

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Episcopal church, of which he has been a member for twenty-one years. He is one of the most highly respected citizens of his community, and wherever known is held in high regard.

J. M. POLSLEY.

J. M. Polsley, a highly respected resident of Columbus, was born in Brooke county, West Virginia, in 1845. His father, Daniel Polsley, was a native of Marion county, that state, born in the year 1803. and in the place of his nativity he continued to reside until 1824, when he left there and went to Wellsburg, in Brooke county, where he commenced the practice of law. He became a leading and distinguished jurist and a man of great influence, being a recognized leader of public thought and action. Perhaps no man in the state did more to secure the admission of West Virginia into the Union than did Daniel Polsley, who soon afterward was elected to represent the newly formed state in congress. He left the impress of his individuality upon public affairs, and his name is endearingly and honorably inscribed on the pages of the history of the commonwealth.

During his infancy Mr. Polsley, of this review, was taken by his parents to Mason county, West Virginia, the family settling at Graham Station, where he continued to reside upon the home farm, aiding in the work as far as his strength and years would permit. His educational privileges were somewhat meager, but he attended school at intervals until seventeen years of age, when he became connected with steamboating on the Ohio river, fol- lowing the river in various capacities for a period of almost thirty years, during which time he occupied almost all of the different positions known to river navigation. During the period of the Civil war he was acting as pilot on government vessels and is one of the few surviving officers of the fleet of steamboats engaged in transporting General Grant's army across the Ten- nessee river on the day previous to the battle of Shiloh or Pittsburg Land- ing. On the boat which he piloted, known as the Tigress, the general him- self and his staff were conveyed to the point where the battle was fought, --- a battle which has since become famous in the history of the war between the north and the south. Although less than twenty years of age at the time, Mr. Polsley was found at his post of duty while the iron hail was rattling around him and bravely steered his vessel through the raging flood safely to the landing place. But few instances of similar courage and bravery are believed to have been shown by persons not actually enrolled in the army during the Civil war. On the occasion of General Buell reinforcing General Grant at Shiloh, the latter met Buell at the landing, on the steamer Tigress. General Buell inquired, "What preparation have you made to retreat? You have not boats enough to carry ten thousand soldiers." After quietly remov- ing his cigar General Grant replied, "Sir, if I retreat I do not expect to have ten thousand soldiers to retreat with." During the progress of the battle

239

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

General Grant's horse fell, spraining the General's ankle so badly that he had to return to the steamer Tigress and have a crutch made. Mr. Polsley met him at the landing, assisting him off his horse, and instructed the car- penters to make the crutch.

In 1870 Mr. Polsley was united in marriage to Miss Fannie J. Atkinson, a daughter of John Atkinson, of Gallipolis, Ohio, and was for many years a valued resident of that place, dying there in 1890, honored and respected by all who knew him. By this marriage the following children were born : Guy H., who was born in 1871; Rose V., born in 1873; Kate A., born in 1875; and J. F., born in 1877. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. The eldest son is residing in Point Pleasant, West Vir- ginia, and is connected with the Point Pleasant Register, a newspaper pub- lished in the county seat of Mason county.

In 1884 Mr. Polsley removed to Gallipolis, where he continued to reside until the year 1898, when he brought his family to Columbus, where he now resides. He votes with the Republican party, with which he has affiliated for thirty years as an unswerving advocate of its principles. He is now enjoying a well earned rest after long years of activity.

EDGAR J. POCOCK.

One of the esteemed citizens of the city of Coumbus, Ohio, a prominent business man and a veteran of the Civil war, is the subject of the present sketch. He was born June 21, 1838, near the village of Keene, Coshocton county, Ohio, a son of Joshua and Katherine (Wilson) Pocock, pioneers of eastern Ohio, who dated their entrance into the state back to the days when it was yet a territory. They were of excellent stock and were leaders in their section, where their names are still remembered with respect.

Colonel Pocock received his education in the schools of his native county, going thence to the Spring Mountain Academy, following which course he engaged in teaching school for a time, later conducting a dry-goods store. Unlike many of his brother officers, Colonel Pocock won his promotion by gallant service, having enlisted in the army as a private soldier and serving nearly four years. Among the more important battles in which he took part were Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, during the last three commanding his company. He served all through the memorable campaign from Missionary Ridge to Atlanta, being on the staff of his brigade commander for a considerable period. At the battle of Resaca he was wounded, recovering in time, however, to take part in the battles around Atlanta and those of Spring Hill, Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, and the skirmishes which resulted in the dispersing of Hood's army.

When peace was attained Colonel Pocock resumed his mercantile pur- suits, first at Bloomfield, Ohio, and later at Coshocton, where he continued until 1884. At this time, desiring a change of business, he entered that of

240

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

life insurance, and since then has continued in that line, except for a short interval. He is now occupying the position of general agent of the New York Life Insurance Company, and was also the agent of the Northwestern Life Insurance Company, which has its main office in Milwaukee, Wiscon- sin. Colonel Pocock is well and most favorably known, his capable manage- ment of the affairs of the two great companies being satisfactory in the high- est degree.

In 1876 Colonel Pocock was elected captain of the Coshocton Company of the Ohio National Guards, lieutenant-colonel of the Seventeenth Regi- ment, Ohio National Guards, in 1878, and later acted as its colonel for twelve years. He was in command of his regiment at the Cincinnati riots of 1884-5, and upon the accession of Governor Mckinley he was appointed adjutant- general, resigning this honorable position, however, in 1893, to return to his business of life insurance.

Colonel Pocock was married in 1865, to Miss Mary A. Hunt, the daugh- ter of Judge Hunt, of Millersburg, Ohio. Three daughters were born to Colonel and Mrs. Pocock; Caroline A., the wife of Major Harry Parker Ward, of this city; Madeline, the wife of Harry Ross Jones, of Cleveland, Ohio; and the youngest daughter, Lucy H., is a student at the Ohio State University.

Colonel Pocock has been highly honored by his former companions-in- arms, having been made commander of the Richard Lanning Post of the Grand Army, at Coshocton, and of McCoy Post, at Columbus, and stands high in the regard of many other veteran associations, one of these being the military order of the Loyal Legion. In every relation of life Colonel Pocock has borne well his part and Columbus has no more highly esteemed citizen than he.

DAVIS BROWN.

Ohio, which was in its pioneer days a great camping ground utilized in the settlement of the west. retained as permanent residents many of those who were seeking to build their fortunes, and who, recognizing the value and possibilities of the territory here, were willing to let well enough alone. The history of events proves that Ohio rewarded all such pioneers most bountifully for the confidence they reposed in her. Franklin county was the stopping place of many on the journey to the vaguely defined west, and she presented opportunities which were recognized by some who remained, many of them eventually to reap the benefit of the work of men who had come before them and gone on. The name of Brown has long been connected with the history of Norwich township, and Davis Brown is a prominent rep- resentative of the family there.

Basil Brown, the father of Davis Brown, was reared near Baltimore, and fought for his country in the war of 1812. He married Nancy Davis, who

241

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

was born near Baltimore, a daughter of John and Ann (Simpson) Davis. With his wife and three children he came with a few other families to Ohio about 1816. He brought along one horse and a few necessary agricultural implements, some tools, but no furniture to speak of except a bed. The families journeyed from Pittsburg to Point Pleasant by boat. They traveled from Point Pleasant to Delaware county, Ohio, by wagon and located on Elm creek, where Mr. Brown opened a shoemaker's shop and where the family remained one year. He then removed to Dublin, Franklin county, Ohio, where he soon established himself as a shoemaker, working part of the time in his shop and going sometimes to the homes of his customers and remaining until he had made shoes for the whole family. When not employed at his trade he did any work that came to hand. His health failed eventually and in 1835 he set out for Maryland, hoping that the climate of his native state would restore him to his old-time vigor, but he was taken sick at Middle- town, Ohio, and died there in August of that year. His widow did not marry again, and lived until November, 1869.

The following items of information concerning their children will be found interesting in this connection: Louisa, who is deceased, was Mrs. Abraham Sells; Susie, also deceased, was Mrs. James Ramsey ; Ann, deceased, was Mrs. George Kilpatrick ; Sarah married Edward Henry ; James is deceased ; Edith, deceased, was Mrs. Henry Martin; and Davis was born at Dublin, Washington township, Franklin county, Ohio, December 19, 1830. He attended one winter term of school of three months at Dublin. When old enough to work he was employed at farm labor by Mr. Eversole, who was also the proprietor of a sawmill, and after he had plowed or worked other- wise in the fields all day he was often kept busy until late at night carrying lumber out of the mill. His father had died when he was only five years old, his mother was poor and the country was new, and he considered himself fortunate to be able to earn five dollars a month and his board even by hard and continuous work that would have sent a man away looking for some- thing easier. By the time he was twenty-one years of age he had saved enough money to buy a team and wagon, and he began life for himself on a rented farm. February 18, 1858, he married Miss Viana Urton, who was born in Franklin county, Ohio, October 5, 1838, a daughter of John and Keziah (Bishop) Urton.

In the spring of 1860 Mr. Brown removed to Norwich township, Frank- lin county, Ohio. He rented a farm there for four years and then bought fifty acres of land which adjoins his present farm and which consists of one hundred and eighty acres. He has made many improvements in the way of buildings, fences and orchards. He also owns a farm of one hundred and forty-five acres situated partly in Washington township and partly in Norwich township. Mrs. Brown died March 27, 1894, and his loss is one which he believes can never be repaired. She was a model wife and mother and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hilliard's, of which

242

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Mr. Brown has been a trustee since its organization. She bore him five children, who are here mentioned in the order of their nativity: James mar- ried Mattie Van Schoit and is a resident of Norwich township; Isabel mar- ried J. W. Shepper, of Columbus, Ohio; Charles married Ida Warren and lives in Washington township; Basil married Sadie Floyd and assists his father in the management of the home farm; and Emma M. married Edward Baldwin. Mr. Brown cast his first presidential vote for John Charles Fre- mont, the "pathfinder," and his next for Abraham Lincoln, and he has voted for every Republican presidential nominee since. He is influential in the councils of his party, and though not a seeker for office he has been prevailed upon to accept some positions of trust and responsibility. He has been a member of the school board of Norwich township and was for seven years township trustee. He is a public-spirited man, always ready to aid his fel- low citizens to the extent of his ability, and his assistance is always generous and practical.

SAMUEL J. COCHRAN.

Honored retirement from labor is the fitting reward of a well spent life. . Diligence, industry and capable management will cause the portals of success to swing wide before the individual, and when he has garnered the reward of his efforts it is but just that he should enjoy a period of rest surrounded by the comforts that former toil has brought to him. This has been vouch- safed to Mr. Cochran. He is now pleasantly located in a comfortable home at No. 1035 Dennison avenue, Columbus, Ohio.

He was born October 22, 1832, in Chester county, Pennsylvania. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, but were of Scotch descent. His father, James Cochran, died about the year 1859, while his mother passed away in 1897, at the very advanced age of eighty years. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges. On the 6th of April, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Emily B. Greer, the wedding being celebrated at her home in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania.

The year following his marriage Mr. Cochran removed with his young wife to Shelby, Richland county, Ohio, where he entered the service of the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad Company. For a year and a half they resided in that county and then removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where they also remained for a similar period, taking up their abode afterward in Zanesville, this state. Mr. Cochran was in the service of the Central Ohio Railroad Company for a quarter of a century, and his ability and fidelity won him promotion from time to time. He served successively as a passenger conductor, master of transportation and as superintendent of the Bellaire & Southwestern. On the expiration of that period Mr. Cochran retired to private life, having in the meantime acquired a very handsome competence,

243

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

which supplies him with all the comforts and many of the luxuries which go to make life worth the living.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cochran has been born but one child, Mrs. Saidie Janet Cull, who was married in 1898. Her husband is the owner of a large sheep ranch in Wyoming and there they spend the summer months in the mountains, while the winter season is passed in their pleasant home in Colum- bus. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have a very wide circle of friends in this city, and enjoy the warm regard of many who know them. Of different fra- ternal organizations he is an active and valued member, being a representative of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias. In political views he is a Jacksonian Democrat, and in the questions of the day he takes a deep interest, keeping well informed concerning the issues, yet never desiring public office. His life has been one of activity in the business world, and the success which he has achieved is a fitting crown of his well directed labors.

CHARLES W. HALDY.

A worthy representative of the thrifty, progressive German factor in the population of Franklin county, Ohio, which has done so much for the advancement of all its leading interests, is Charles W. Haldy, of Franklin township, who devotes his time to farming and to the management of his father's large estate. Mr. Haldy is a son of Frederick Haldy, a biographical sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work, and was born at Zweibruecken, Germany, June 23, 1848, and was only a year and a half old when Frederick Haldy and his wife, Louisa, brought him to the United States. The family came to New York city and thence to Columbus, where Charles W. Haldy secured his primary education in the public schools. In 1862, when he was fourteen years old, his parents removed to their farm on West Broad street, where he has since lived and where he began active life as a farmer and dairyman.

After his marriage, which occurred May II, 1887, he began farming for himself and has developed a considerable dairy business. Since the retire- ment of his father he has been in charge of his estate, having supervision over two hundred acres of land in Franklin township near the Columbus corporation line, and of much city property. He is a director in the new Columbus Watch Company and is a stockholder in the concern manufacturing the Hallwood cash register, and is interested in the Ambos building and in other valuable real estate in Columbus. He is not only a man of good busi- ness ability but also possesses a wide range of general information and has traveled extensively both in America and in Europe, having in 1883 visited England, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Belgium. A Republican in politics, he has taken an active part in political work and at this time holds

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Part 29

Author: Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1156

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1156