A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Part 46

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 46

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The Republican party always found in Mr. Barbee a stanch supporter of its principles, and he did all within his power to advance its interests. He was the second Republican chosen as sheriff of Franklin county, being elected to that office in 1886, and when renominated was defeated only by a small majority. When elected to that office he retired from active business, having already secured a comfortable competence, which enabled him to lay aside all business cares. He was a charter member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Grove City, in which he filled all the offices, and was widely and favorably known throughout the county where his entire life was passed. He died June 1, 1897, and was laid to rest in Green Lawn cemetery by the fraternity to which he belonged. He was considered one of the best sheriffs of the county, and was a man of the highest respectability, who left a large circle of friends to mourn his loss as well as his immediate family.

CHARLES RIEBEL. -

This well-known resident of Grove City is one of the self-made men of Franklin county, whose early life was devoted mainly to farming, and who has acquired a handsome competence which now enables him to lay aside all business cares and live retired. As a young man of seventeen years he came to America, and with no capital started out in a strange land to overcome the difficulties and obstacles in the path to prosperity. His youthful dreams have been realized, and in their happy fulfillment he sees the fitting reward of his earnest toil.

Mr. Riebel was born in Ranis, Germany, March 9. 1836, and after leav- ing school, at the age of fourteen, he devoted the following three years to learning the butcher's trade in his native land. He then crossed the Atlantic and came direct to Columbus, Ohio, beginning work at once in the stone quar- ries of this place, getting out stone for the state-house. He followed that occupation for four months, and then commenced work on the farm of John Stimmel, at thirteen dollars per month, being employed in that way for four years.

On the 9th of March, 1857, Mr. Riebel was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Hemsline, who was also born in Saalfelt, Germany, March

MR. AND MRS. CHARLES RIEBEL.

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9, 1835, and at the age of eighteen emigrated to the new world, locating in Columbus. They have become the parents of six children, all born in Frank- lin county, namely : Paulina, now the wife of Charles Ballard; Charlie, who married Emma Groul; Lewis, who married Amelia Emmelhinse; Mary, wife of Henry Emmelhinse; Minnie, wife of Jack Gresley; and William, who married Kate Hentzel.

The first year after his marriage Mr. Riebel rented the Stimmel farm and engaged in general farming, and then lived for a year each on the farms belonging to Jesse Cartright and John Young. The following year he worked in the sawmill of George Simmler, and then leased the Henry Henderson farm in Pleasant township for five years. During the fifth year he entered the service of his adopted country, enlisting in 1865, in Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. In the fall of that year he purchased one hundred acres of land in Pleasant township, upon which he made his home until he retired from active farming in 1899 and removed to Grove City. Success attended his well-directed efforts, for he was an enterprising and industrious farmer as well as a man of good business ability, and he added to his landed possessions from time to time. Four years after locating upon his farm he bought fifty acres, later purchased a tract of seventy-five acres; next bought the Miller farm of two hundred and twenty-one acres, and in 1895 purchased one hun- dred and twenty-five acres, making in all five hundred and seventy-one acres, which he has since given to his children on specified conditions. In his labors Mr. Riebel has always been ably assisted by his estimable wife, who has proved to him a true helpmeet, aiding him in every possible way. He deserves. great credit for the success that he has achieved in life, and well merits the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. Politically he is a stanch Republican and served as trustee of Pleasant township two years and school director for some time. His wife is a member of the Lutheran church, to which he has been a liberal contributor.

ALVIN MONROE SHOEMAKER.

Among the active and prominent citizens of Columbus who are factors in public affairs at this time there are few more conspicuous or more popular than the alderman named above, who represents the north end of the city in the city council. Mr. Shoemaker was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1854, a son of Joseph and Susan (Fenstermacher) Shoemaker. His father, who was a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in boyhood and removed to Iowa in 1858, and there the subject of this sketch received his primary edu- cation in the public schools. Returning to Ohio, he was for two years a student at the high school at Canal Winchester, Franklin county. He early acquired a knowledge of the carpenter's trade, and in 1873, when he was nineteen years old, he came to Columbus and entered the employ of B. H. Howe, a manufacturer of picture frames. Later he was employed at car- 24

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penter work, and in 1876 he became the foreman of the wood-working machinery department of the Columbus Buggy Company, the largest con- cern of its kind in the world, with which he was employed for nineteen years. In 1897 he became the superintendent of the Columbus Coffin Com- pany, a responsible position which he is filling at this time. He has always taken an active interest in county and city affairs and has long been recog- nized as an efficient worker for the success of the Republican party. He was the chairman of the Republican county central committee in 1893-4, and in 1899 was elected an alderman from the nineteenth ward, and in April, 1900, was re-elected. for two years. He is the chairman of the water-works and viaduct committee and a member of the judiciary committee, the gas and electricity committee and the Goodale Park committee. He is making an enviable record as a municipal legislator and has come to be known as an alderman who works for the best interests of the city and exerts himself to the utmost to advance such measures as promise to benefit his fellow citizens. He was elected vice-president of the board of aldermen in 1900, and re-elected in April, 1901, both times unanimously.

Jacob Fenstermacher, Mr. Shoemaker's grandfather in the maternal line, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania and was prominent in Fairfield county dur- ing pioneer days and later. He was a man of strong character, upright in all his dealings, who made a success in life in his day and generation, and his daughter, Mr. Shoemaker's mother, was a woman of many virtues who most worthily filled her allotted place in life. Joseph Shoemaker possessed those sterling traits of character which have made Pennsylvanians success- ful wherever they have gone; and it is not remarkable that from such parents Alvin Monroe Shoemaker inherited those qualities which have started him on a career of success. Mr. Shoemaker married Miss Lena L. Adams, a daughter of Dr. D. P. Adams, who has practiced his profession at Columbus for a third of a century and has attained prominence as a physician and has done good work outside of his profession as a member of the city board of education, with which he is identified at this time. Dr. Adams is a son of James Adams, a native of Virginia, who became a prominent pioneer in Morgan county and who, though from a slaveholding state, was one of the most zealous workers in the interest of the underground railroad by which slaves escaped to freedom in the days before the war, and his farm was a station on the line at which many a fugitive slave found comfort and con- cealment and from which he was safely conducted to the next station. Mr. Adams fought in the war of 1812 and in the Mexican war, and was a leader in all public affairs in Morgan county. He died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. The grandfather of Dr. Adams was a Revolutionary soldier.

Mr. Shoemaker's position in the business community of Columbus is a good one and his standing in connection with public affairs is one in which his friends and constituents take pride. In religious affiliation he is a Presby- terian and he is an active and helpful member of the Fifth Avenue Presby- terian church, in the work of which Mrs. Shoemaker also labors zealously.

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JOHN BARTLETT.

John Bartlett has long resided in Franklin county, either in Jackson or Pleasant township, and to-day he is identified with the farming interests of the latter. His grandfather, William Bartlett, lived and died in New York, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Erastus Wilder Bartlett, the father of our subect, was also born in the same county, in the year 1810, and remained in the Empire state until twenty-two years of age. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and acquired a fair education. In 1832 he determined to try his fortune in the west and removed to Columbus, Ohio, where he remained for a short time. He then married Miss Mary Sinkler, of Jackson township, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1812, and was a maiden of sixteen summers when brought to Jackson town- ship, Franklin county, by her parents, Samuel and Mary Sinkler. Her father was a native of Ireland, and on coming to the United States took up his abode in Maryland, whence he subsequently removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, and thence to Franklin county, his death occurring in Jack- son township. After his marriage Erastus W. Bartlett rented a tract of land and began its operation, following farming throughout his entire life. His political support was given the Democracy. He died in Jackson town- ship in 1865, and his wife, long surviving him, passed away in Pickaway county in 1896.

They had seven children, namely: Lydia, now the wife of Elias Tipton, of this county; George, who is living in Pickaway county; Mary, wife of John Garbeson, of this county ; John and his twin sister Sarah, the latter now the wife of Oliver Orden, of Pleasant township; Lottie, wife of John Col- ver, of Pickaway county ; and Hattie, wife of Peter Ralston, of Hardin county, Ohio.

john Bartlett was born on the old T. J. Adams farm in Jackson town- ship May 19, 1845, and has spent his entire life in Franklin county. He attended the district schools until sixteen years of age, and during the months of vacation assisted his father in the work of the farm. He was twenty-two years of age at the time of his father's death. He remained with his mother until twenty-seven years of age and was then married, in 1873, to Miss Jane Richardson, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1851, a daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Van Dene) Richardson. The young couple began their domestic life upon a rented farm, upon which they lived until 1885, when Mr. Bartlett purchased ten acres of land in Jackson township, making his home thereon until 1895. In that year he purchased his present farm, comprising seventy-two acres of good land in Pleasant township, and to its development and cultivation he now untiringly devotes his efforts.

The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with nine chil- dren : Clara, now the wife of Charles Hill, of Columbus; Scott, who mar- ried Nora Conner and is living in Hardin county; Albert, of Chicago, Illi- nois; Charles, of Hornsburg, Ohio, who married Ora Leath; Daisy, who is

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living in Hornsburg; Mary Catherine, at home; Lettie Pearl, Roy and Anna May, who are at school. In his political affiliations Mr. Bartlett is a stalwart Democrat. His life has been one of marked industry and all that he has is the reward of his own labor. Depending entirely upon his own efforts he has worked his way to a position among the substantial farmers of the community.

COTTON H. ALLEN.

In the death of the honored subject of this memoir there passed away another member of that little group of distinctively representative business men who were the pioneers in inaugurating and building up the chief indus- tries of the western middle states. His name is familiar not alone to the residents of the city to whose development he contributed so conspicuously, but also to all that have been in the least intimately informed as to the history of the state. He was identified with this section of the Union throughout the greater part of his life and contributed to its material progress and prosperity to an extent equaled by but few of his contemporaries. Few lives furnish so striking an example of the wise application of sound prin- ciples and safe conservatism as does his. The story of his success is short and simple, containing no exciting chapters; but in it lies one of the most valued secrets of the great prosperity which it records; and his private and business life are pregnant with interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in dramatic action,-the record of a noble life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular.

Cotton Hayden Allen was born in Auburn, New York, in 1834, the son of Carrington Allen, who died in 1864. The father was a native of Schenectady, New York, and when he had arrived at the years of maturity he married Miss Martha Hayden, a sister of Peter Hayden, who established a foundry and hardware store that are still in operation in Columbus and who through the exercise of his splendid business and executive powers became one of the wealthiest men in Ohio. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Allen was celebrated in the Empire state, and in 1889, several years after his wife's decease, he came to Ohio and resided in Columbus for a short time, occupying the responsible position of general manager of Mr. Hayden's large interests. His sister, Mrs. Sarah McCallip, remained in Columbus with her uncle, Mr. Hayden, and is still a resident of this city. She became the wife of Patrick McCallip, who was also associated in business with Mr. Hayden as foreman of one of the departments in the roller mills. He afterward moved to Portsmouth, where he died in 1860, leaving a son, William McCallip, who has attained prominence as a singer. Another son, Charles Hayden McCallip, was for eighteen years engaged in business in St. Louis, represent- ing Mr. Hayden. There were also two daughters in the McCallip family : Mrs. Mary Tremaine, the wife of H. H. Tremaine, and Mrs. Harry B. Fern.

Cotton Hayden Allen, whose name introduces this review, pursued his

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education in the public schools of Haydenville, Massachusetts, where he was an industrious student. Throughout his life he manifested the spirit of industry, realizing that it is the most important element in success, also con- tributing in a large measure to life's happiness. He started out for himself as an indentured apprentice in a cotton mill, where he received his board, clothing and fifty cents each month. He worked from seven o'clock in the morning until five o'clock in the evening. He was thus employed for four years, during which time he manifested marked faithfulness to the interests of the house he represented. His business ability, keen discrimination and unflagging energy attracted the attention of his uncle, Peter Hayden, who at that time was conducting a large saddlery and hardware business in New York. . He offered his nephew a position of trust in the New York house. This was accepted and Mr. Allen continued to work there uninterruptedly until the time of the Civil war.

When hostilities were inaugurated between the north and the south Mr. Allen was a member of the Seventy-first Regiment of the New York Militia, and his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment, but duty called him into other fields. "Some must work that others may fight," and this was the lot which fell to Mr. Allen. When told that the government was practically without equipment for cavalry and artillery, and that an urgent demand had been made upon the house of Peter Hayden to furnish these supplies, and that his services were indispensable at this critical time, Mr. Allen, in the unostentatious manner that always characterized him, put aside his own ambi- tions and hurried forward the work. It is doubtful whether any one but a boy, eager to take part in the greatest military drama of the age, could appreciate the sacrifice made by the lad, who, in order that the cavalry of the United States might be better equipped for military service, relinquished his own dreams and remained quietly in the background despite boyish enthusiasm. It was one of those quiet victories over self that develop char- acter. Continuing in his uncle's employ, Mr. Allen mastered the business in all of its departments and was given charge of Mr. Hayden's interests in his branch houses which were established in San Francisco, Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit and other points. Thus his time was fully occupied in the management of work which involved many millions of dollars annually. Mr. Hayden died in 1887 and Mr. Allen was made one of his executors, super- intending the interests of the estate until his own death. In business circles ne sustained a most enviable reputation, for over the record of his life there fell no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil. He was notably prompt and reliable, never making an engagement that he did not meet, nor incurring an obligation which he did not fill.

In 1861 Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Mrs. Louise Matthews. Two children were born of their union, but both died in infancy, and Mrs. Allen passed away in 1887, leaving a daughter, Mrs. Schumacher, by her former husband. She is now a resident of San Francisco. In the year 18S9 Mr. Allen determined to make Columbus his permanent home and con-

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tinued his residence in that city until his life's labors were ended, having charge of the extensive concerns over which Mr. Hayden had control and of which he was the owner. These included a bank and a hardware store, and of the former Mr. Allen became the vice-president. In commercial life he was known throughout the United States and wherever known was recog- nized as a man of exalted and uncompromising integrity. He made much money, but he gave as liberally as he made. He was a philanthropist in the true spirit of that term and his benefactions were numerous and large, yet in all of his giving he was unostentatious. He had a strict regard for the ethical relations of life, was a student of the sociological problems and in his career exemplified his belief in the brotherhood of mankind. He never sought political preferment, but Columbus honored him with election to the office of mayor in 1895, recognizing his superior fitness for the position. As his friends and constituents believed, his administration was business-like and practical and proved of great benefit to the city, promoting its material interests and introducing many needed reforms and improvements along various lines. He passed away January 26, 1900, at the age of sixty-five years, and upon his monument might be fittingly inscribed the epitaph, "An honest man is the noblest work of God."

HARVEY COIT.

Among the prominent capitalists of the city of Columbus, Ohio, is the esteemed subject of the present review. Harvey Coit is a native of the state of Massachusetts, born in Norwich, now Huntington, Hampshire county, July 31, 1819, a son of Harvey and Nancy (Stone) Coit. His father was born in the same county and state, in 1794, was a farmer by occupation, and died in Columbus, Ohio, in 1877. The mother was a native of Worthing- ton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, and lived until 1867. She was the daughter of John Stone, of the same state, who was a soldier in the Revo- lutionary war, as was also Isaac Coit, the paternal grandfather of our sub- ject. The Coit family originally came to America from Wales and were among the first settlers in New England.

Our subject. Harvey Coit, is the only survivor of his parents' family of eight children, seven of whom lived to maturity. He was reared a farmer boy and assisted his father on the farm until his seventeenth year, when he came to Columbus and became a clerk in the store of Stone, Kelton & Company. Mr. Coit was one of the sensible class of young men who realize that the good things of life do not come without effort, and he bravely started, resolving to do his best, although his salary for the first year amounted only to fifty dollars. The second year yielded a salary of seventy-five dollars, while his third year of service brought him one hundred dollars and a reward for faithful work by his admission into the firm as' a partner, the firm name continuing the same. Mr. Coit remained several years in this connection, only leaving it to open a business of his own, starting a general store on the

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corner of Town and High streets, continuing at this location for forty-five years.

The business house of Mr. Coit had become a landmark, but he desired to turn his attention to brokerage and real estate, his own holdings having become numerous and valuable. His possessions have increased, and many of the most desirable buildings and dwellings in the city are owned by him,

In 1844 Mr. Coit married Elizabeth Greer, the gifted daughter of Joseph Greer, an old settler in Worthington, Ohio. Mrs. Coit was born in Worthington in January, 1820, and grew to womanhood in her native vil- lage. She early displayed many of the intellectual traits which -in later life made her known so well to the people of her native state, and which have so noticeably appeared in her family. She attended the Worthington Sem- inary and taught school for several years afterward. Being of a literary bent of mind, she identified herself with various societies which seemed designed to elevate her sex, and finally became a strong advocate of woman suffrage. Her exceptional ability was recognized, and for fifteen years she held the important position of treasurer of the Woman Suffrage Association of Ohio. Gifted beyond ordinary, she was frequently called upon to place before the public the objects of the organization, and her graceful manner, in con- junction with her unanswerable arguments, excited favorable comment throughout the state. Mrs. Coit is a firm believer in modern, progressive spiritualism, and is an intellectual woman delightful to meet. Although so occupied with literary work, she was a model mother, her family of eight children testifying, by prominent and successful lives of their own, that her care was never relaxed. This family consists of Colonel Alonzo B., a man of prominence in the state. for years being the colonel of the Ohio National Guards ; Belle Morrow, wife of Frank C. Kilton, of Columbus; Staunton, a graduate of Amherst, who completed his education at the Berlin Uni- versity, becoming a noted lecturer and now occupying the pulpit of a church in London, England,-these being the survivors.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Coit have passed the three-score and ten of the psalmist, but do not look their age, time having lightly touched them. They are both in unison in their firm belief in the truths of modern spiritualism. They have journeyed together for fifty-six years, and present one of those beautiful examples of constancy and affection which the whole world delights to honor.

TRUMAN H. COE.

This well known retired business man of Clinton township is an hon- ored representative of the early pioneers of this county, and a true type of the energetic, hardy men who have actively assisted in developing and improv- ing his locality. His upright course in life commands the respect and con- fidence of all. and it is safe to say that no man in his community is held in higher regard.

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Mr. Coe is a native of Franklin county, born in Mifflin township, Feb- ruary 6, 1820, and is the eldest child of Harvey and Jane (Whitzel) Coe. His father was born in Connecticut in 1790, and was a lad of twelve years when he came to Ohio, in 1802, with his parents, Denman and Mary (Northrop) Coe. After his marriage he located on a farm in Mifflin town- ship, which continued to be his home throughout the remainder of his life. In their family were ten children, namely : Truman H., John W., Ninus, Ada, Lucy, Allen T., Irvin, James, Amanda and Nettie.

The boyhood and youth of Mr. Coe were passed upon his father's farm assisting in the work of field and meadow. All the educational advantages he had were received at the district school three months in the year. When he was in his nineteenth y ear he attended the Otterbein University at Wester- velt, Ohio; this was all the advantages of education he had. When in his twentieth year he assisted with the work on the farm in connection with the study of vocal music, and also prepared himself for teaching the coming fall and winter. His first effort was in spending four months' time in the fall and winter teaching music. This proved to be a grand success, going beyond his expectations. The success he had in his first effort in teaching music continued for four years, he spending four months in each year at this pleas- ant and interesting business.

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A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Part 46

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