A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Part 8

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 8

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).

REV. A. PFLUEGER, M. A.

Rev. A. Pflueger, M. A., one of the professors of the Capital University of Columbus, has throughout the greater part of his life been identified with those interests tending to the intellectual and moral development of mankind. His time has been consecrated to those lines of labor which lift humanity and make the individual better prepared for the duties of this life and better quali- fied for the life to come. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, November 27, 1851, and as his name indicates, is of German lineage. His father, Henry Pflueger, came to the new world from Waldeck, Germany, in 1845, and on the Schneider. Professor Pflueger is their eldest child and the other members of the family are: Henry, who was born August 21, 1853, and is a physician 23d of January, 1851, in Fairfield county, Ohio, he married Miss Susanna at Rewey, Wisconsin, and Mrs. Mary P. Marvin. She was born February 20, 1858, and was married in Columbus in 1882, becoming a resident of Find- lay, Ohio, where her husband died.

On attaining the usual age Professor Pflueger entered the public schools,

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

and when he had mastered the various branches that form the curriculum of the city schools of Columbus he entered the Capital University, where he pursued his studies from 1869 until 1871. He also pursued a theological course in that institution from 1874 until 1876. At the close of his university course he received a call to the Lutheran church in Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained as the pastor until 1878. In 1878-9 he ministered to the spirit- ual needs of the Lutheran congregation in Troy, New York, and then returned to Ohio, being located at Circleville until 1881. In the latter year he was in- stalled as the pastor of the church of Thornville, Perry county, Ohio, where he continued until 1885, when he was offered his present position in the Capital University. He has since been connected with his alma mater as one of its instructors, and the efficiency of the work done in that institution is due in no small degree to his efforts.

Professor Pflueger was married on the 12th of September. 1878, Miss Margaret A. Oehlschlaeger becoming his wife. Their marriage has been blessed with the following named children : Luther, born in Circleville, Ohio, August 26, 1879: Charles W., born in Circleville, February 11, 1881; Edwin B., born in Thornville, June 7, 1883; George A., born in Columbus, December 20, 1885; Jesse P., born at Columbus, June 6, 1888; Martin T., born in Columbus, February 26, 1892; and Mary E. M., born January 7, 1895. Professor Pflueger is a man of strong individuality, of broad humanitarian principles, of keen discernment and of noble purpose, and these qualities have enabled him to exert a strong influence over the lives of those with whom he has come in contact. His classical learning, his deep human sympathy and his Christianity have been potent elements for good in aiding those who have come under his ministrations or instructions, and his life work has cer- tainly made the world better.

EVERETT T. TIDD, M. D.

Dr. Tidd, of Columbus, was born in West Virginia, near Parkersburg, in October. 1867, a son of Andrew C. Tidd and a grandson of Chas Tidd. The former was born in Monroe county, Ohio, and after arriving at years of maturity married Philena Knowles, a native of Meigs county, Ohio. After their marriage they removed to West Virginia, where they remained for a few years, and the father carried on merchandising in Marysville. His death occurred in that city May 19, 1900, but his wife is still living, at the old homestead. She is a daughter of James and Harriet (Stone) Knowles.

The Doctor spent his early boyhood days in the state of his nativity, where for a time he attended the public schools. He also continued his education in private schools and later acted as his father's assistant in the store. Wishing to devote his energies to the practice of medicine, he began reading under the direction of Dr. E. W. Rine at Long Bottom, Ohio. In March, 1893, he was graduated in the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, and soon

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

afterward located in the capital city at No. 112 Schiller street, and has con- ducted a general practice to the present time.

On the 22d of November, 1898, Dr. Tidd was united in marriage to Miss Linna C. Sass, of Columbus, a daughter of Fred C. and Elizabeth Sass. So- cially he is connected with Germania Lodge, No. 4, K. P. He is a young man, energetic, resolute, ambitious, and these qualities are salient features of a successful career.

EMMETT A. BRENNEMAN.

Among the most educated and respected residents of Prairie township, Franklin county, Ohio, who have made a success of horticulture, must be mentioned Emmett A. Brenneman. The grandfather, Christian, and the father, Solomon, were both natives of York county, Pennsylvania, and both grew up as farmer boys, the latter engaging in the milling business. The mother of our subject was Rebecca (Zeller) Brenneman, who came to Ohio with her parents, at the age of ten years, from Berks county, Pennsylvania.

When the gold excitement swept through the country, Solomon Brenne- man was amongst the first to go to the Golden State, California. The trip to the mines was overland, and for four years he mined in the most noted mines in that state. Returning with the benefits of his infinite labor, he then became the leading miller of Rickley's Mill, on the banks of the Scioto river; and later he purchased one hundred acres in Prairie township, living for eight years in a double log house, and then, tearing it down and replacing it by a brick residence, he enjoyed the new dwelling but two years when he was called away by death. The mother survived him until 1881. Mr. Brenneman was a Republican in his political views, and for some years both beloved parents were members of the Methodist church. Their children were: Julia E., who is now Mrs. Koch and resides with our subject ; Susan E., who is now Mrs. Fred Stauch; Emmett, the subject of this review, who was married June 5, 1901, to Laura Planck, of Franklin township, one of the most success- ful and exemplary teachers of that township for the past seven years; and Edward G., who married Ella Colvin, all of whom reside in Prairie township.

Emmett A. Brenneman, whose name introduces this record, was born on the 3d of February, 1866, and attended the district school until he was fifteen years old, after which he was obliged to remain at home. He was naturally very ambitious and studious, and of a very apt nature. He grew, like the great and admired character, Horace Greeley, occupying every spare moment at his books. He took a course in shorthand writing and for three years taught it by mail. He also took up the scientific course of Chautauqua in- struction, which he pursued through four years and received a diploma for the same. Owing to increasing farm duties he has been obliged to curtail his hours over his beloved books; yet his whole life in every respect remains as a model or guide to others.

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

In 1890 Mr. Brenneman engaged in the small-fruit business, and now has fifty-seven acres devoted to every profitable variety. He has been a mem- ber of the Lutheran church since youth, and has taught in the Sunday- schools since he was seventeen years old, and has become one of the best and most prominent church workers in the neighborhood in which he resides. In politics Mr. Brenneman calls himself an independent, although he cast his first vote for Harrison. He does not wish to be bound by any party lines and casts his ballot for the men he believes will best protect and defend the interests of the country. One of his greatest enjoyments is his understanding of scientific topics, and he owns a fine and complete library on these subjects.

JOHN L. MILLER.

No matter how much one may indulge in fantastic theorizing as to the cause of success, the superstructure of prosperity will be found to rest upon a foundation of earnest and indefatigable labor, of capable management and honorable dealing. It is thus that Mr. Miller has won a place among the sub- stantial citizens of Franklin county and his record has ever been such as to command for him the respect, confidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated. He was born in Harlem township, Delaware county, Olio, January 1. 1838, his parents being John and Nancy ( Cockrell) Miller. The father was born in Muskingum county, in 1808, and when a youth of nine years removed to Delaware county with his parents, being there reared to manhood. After his marriage he settled on a farm of one hundred acres in Harlem township, where he remained for fifteen years, when the farm was sold for taxes and he purchased it, making it his place of abode up to the time of his death. After his purchase of the farm he removed the old cabin further from the road and erected a commodious frame residence. He also made many other substantial improvements upon the place, transforming it into a valuable property.

He wedded Nancy Cockrell, who was born in Harlem township, Delaware county, in 1812, and was a representative of an old Virginia family. Her death occurred in 1862, and three of her five children are yet living, namely : John Leroy; Mathew A., a teacher of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Saralı, the wife of Frank Haroun, of Delaware county. After the death of his first wife the father married Miss Hannah Barr, a native of Virginia, and she is still living, her home being in Centerville, Delaware county. The only child born of this marriage was Ida, the wife of Frank Orndorff, of Delaware county. The father died in March, 1880, and the community thereby lost one of its most valued and representative citizens. He gave his political support to the Democracy and in early life he joined the Presbyterian church, but during the war he withdrew from that denomination and united with the Christian church, in which faith he died. For many years he served as a deacon and he took an active part in church work, doing all in his power to promote the

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

cause of Christianity among his fellow men. His word was as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature or seal. He was highly esteemed for his honesty and uprightness of character and his example is certainly well worthy of emulation.

John Leroy Miller spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead and early became familiar with the work of field and meadow, assisting in the plowing in the spring time, in the cultivation of the crops through the summer and in garnering the harvests in the autumn. His edu- cational privileges were limited, as he had no opportunity to attend school until his sixteenth year, for the school house was a mile and a half from his home and he was very frail, a frailty succeeded, however, by a vigorous man- hood. After entering business life he realized the necessity and importance of education and did the most to improve his opportunities. Business experi- ence, observation, reading and investigation in later years have made him a well informed man and he is now numbered among the intelligent and valued residents of his township.

On the 17th of February, 1859, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Adams, a native of Delaware county, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Sarah Adams, the father now deceased, while the mother is in Westerville. Mr. and Mrs. Miller became the parents of three children, but only one is now living, John R. The mother died in 1867, and on the 19th of March, 1868, Mr. Miller was joined in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Gorsuch, a native of Harlem township, Delaware county. Her death occurred in Janu- ary, 1881, and on the 19th of March, 1884, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Celia H. Dent, a native of Trenton township, Delaware county. Her father, Edward H. Dent, was born in Licking county, Ohio, and after his marriage took up his abode in Delaware county. Elder L. B. Hanover, who is still living, performed all three ceremonies for our subject. The children of the present marriage are Ethel D. and Leroy D., both of whom are attending school.

After his marriage Mr. Miller resided upon a farm belonging to his father-in-law until the fall of 1866, when he operated the William Hunt farm for a year. He subsequently worked on the Jonathan Batesson farm for a year, receiving three hundred and fifty dollars for his services, and then removed to the Bigelow Bennett farm, near Centerville, renting that land. In 1868 he took up his abode on the farm now owned by Melvin B. Rich, in Harlem township, and a year later he removed to the Williams farm, for which he paid cash rent for two years. He made money in this way, it being his first notable success. In the spring of 1870 he removed to a tract of land in Plain township, Franklin county, owned by his father-in-law, Thomas Gor- such. In 1868 he began operating a thresher and soon afterward began the manufacture of lumber, conducting a sawmill during the winter season for two years. He continued his threshing operations to a greater or less extent until 1895, when his interests at home demanded his attention and he gave up that

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

industry. After two years spent upon his father-in-law's place he purchased fifty-six acres of his present farm, for which he paid seventy-five dollars per acre. He made a cash payment of five hundred dollars, giving his note for the balance, and as he prospered hie cleared off all indebtedness and added to the place until the homestead now comprises two hundred and sixty-two acres of valuable land. He also owns one hundred and fifty-six acres in Delaware county, which he purchased in 1885. He has been engaged in buying and sell- ing stock and has been an extensive feeder of hogs, finding this a very profit- able source of income. He is also one of the directors of the Westerville Bank and owns residence property in Westerville.

In his political views Mr. Miller is a Democrat, giving an unswerving support to the principles of his party. He served as township trustee for fif- teen years and has often been solicited to become a candidate for other offices, but has always refused. Fraternally he is connected with Caledonia Lodge, No. 416, F. & A. M., of New Albany, and he belongs to Mispah Chapter, No. 38, Order of the Eastern Star, of Westerville. Handicapped in his youth by a lack of education, he has, nevertheless, conquered an adverse fate, work- ing his way steadily upward to affluence. His life history stands in exempli- fication of what may be accomplished through determined and earnest pur- pose when guided by sound judgment. In all his dealings he has sustained an unassailable reputation and his worth as a business man and citizen is widely known.

WILLIAM O. THOMPSON.

The Rev. William Oxley Thompson is one who has devoted his life to the work of the ministry and to the task of instructing the young along lines of mental advancement which are the source of preparation for the respon- sible duties which devolve upon each individual as he puts aside the text- books to take up the work which must follow the labors of the school room. He is numbered among Ohio's native sons and has gained more than a state- wide reputation as a minister and teacher. He was born in Cambridge, Guern- sey county, Ohio, September 5, 1855, and is a son of David Glenn and Agnes Miranda Thompson. His paternal grandfather, David Thompson, was a native of the north of Ireland, and on emigrating to America took up his abode in Guernsey county, in the year 1813. He was a weaver by trade, but became a farmer upon his removal to the Buckeye state. His son, David Glenn Thompson, was born May 7, 1814, and spent his life in Guernsey, Musk- ingum and Licking counties, his death occurring in New Concord, Ohio, on the 25th of October, 1892. Upon leaving the farm he learned the trade of shoemaker and followed that occupation throughout his active business career. He enlisted as a soldier in the National Guards in 1864. becoming a member of the One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment. with which he served chiefly in the Shenandoah valley. He married Agnes Miranda Oxley, a daughter

WILLIAM O. THOMPSON.

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

of Joel Murrey Oxley, who was born January 6, 1808, in Smithfield, Jeffer- son county, Ohio, and was a woolen manufacturer. Mrs. Thompson's birth occurred March 26, 1824, and she now resides in New Concord, Ohio.

William Oxley Thompson was educated in the village schools of New Concord, Ohio, and of Brownsville. In early youth he worked upon a farm until he was able to attend college. When he found it possible to continue his studies he entered Muskingum College, where he completed the classical course and won the degree of bachelor of arts in 1878, being graduated at the head of his class. In 1872 he went to Lawn Ridge, Illinois, where he was employed as a farm hand through the summer months and in the win- ter devoted his attention to teaching school. In this way he gained the capital necessary to enable him to continue his studies. Wishing to devote his life to a work that would benefit his fellow men, he pursued the study of theology in the Western Theological Seminary, in Allegheny City, Pennsyl- vania, where he was graduated in the class of 1882. His alma mater con- ferred upon him the degree of master of arts in 1881 and that of doctor of divinity in 1891, while the Western University of Pennsylvania, at Allegheny City, conferred upon him the honorary degree of doctor of laws in 1897.

After completing his course in the theological school Mr. Thompson went as a home missionary to Odelbolt, Iowa, where he remained until 1885. He was licensed by the presbytery of Zanesville, at Dresden, on the 13th of April, 1881, and was ordained by the presbytery of Fort Dodge, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, July 13, 1882. In 1885 he removed to Longmont, Colorado, where he served as the pastor for a little more than six years, during four years of which time he was also the president of the newly projected Longmont Col- lege. In 1891 he was called to the presidency of the Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, where he served until 1899, when he was offered and accepted the presidency of the Ohio State University, at Columbus, and is now thus connected with the educational work of the state. He has not only main- tained but has raised the high standard of this institution and is continually in touch with the progress that is being made in educational circles. He is not only a man of broad scholarly attainments but also of broad humanitarian principles, and he regards education not merely as the acquisition of knowledge but as a preparation for life that one may correctly perform the duties which come to him. gain success and develop a character that commands the admira- tion and respect of the world.

JOHN E. BECKWITH.

One of the oldest passenger engineers in the Pennsylvania Railroad ser- vice is John E. Beckwith, who resides at No. 821 North Fourth street, in Columbus. He was born July 17, 1835, in Somerset, Ohio, and represents one of the honored and prominent old families of the state. His grandfather, Hon. David Beckwith, was for a number of years judge of the court of com-

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

mon pleas of Perry county, Ohio, and died at his home in that county in 1818.

John Beckwith, the father of our subject, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, May 9, 1791, and prior to the second war with England he lo- cated in Perry county, Ohio. During the war of 1812 he joined the service under Colonel Joel Strong. In July, 1818, he was appointed clerk of the courts of Perry county and acceptably acted in that capacity for ten years. Then, after an interval of four years, he was reappointed, in 1832, continu- ing in the office until 1839. Once more, in 1848, he was appointed to that office. His service in the one office covered about a third of a century; and the fact that he was several times re-elected after an interval in which some one else held the office shows that his work was regarded as superior to that of any other incumbent. He died December 3, 1873, and his wife, Mrs. Isabel Beckwith, who was born in Middletown, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, passed away on the 15th of December, 1880.

They had three sons and three daughters, namely: John E .; David, who died at the age of five years; Joel, who died in 1854; Emma, now de- ceased, who became the wife of Benjamin Stone, who died September 29, 1849, and on the 14th of August, 1853, she became the wife of Dr. Dorsey, now a resident of Dalta, Dalta county, Colorado, who served in the Third Ohio Infantry in the Civil war; Catherine, the widow of J. H. O'Neill, a prominent attorney of Somerset, Ohio, who once represented his county in the state legislature; and Elizabeth, the wife of Dr. Spellman, formerly of Somerset but now a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

John E. Beckwith of this review acquired his early education in the state of his birth and began work in the employ of a railroad company on the 9th of February, 1862, acting as a fireman on the Piqua division of the Pan- handle road under Engineer James Heavy, with whom he ran until 1863. He was then placed on a passenger engine under Engineer James Gormerly, continuing on that run until the middle of May. 1865, when he was made yard engineer in the Piqua yards of Columbus. He acted in that capacity for twelve months, when he was promoted to the position of engineer in the roundhouse in Columbus, serving until January. 1867, when he was made road engineer. In January, 1871, he was appointed engineer on the passenger train and has continuously served in that way since. He has never had a wreck or collision and has never sustained any personal injuries while in the railroad employ. For a quarter of a century he has been a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. The great care which he exercises in performing his duties is indicated by the fact that his work has been en- tirely free from accident of any description.

On the 3d of July. 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Archbishop Purcell, Mr. Beckwith was united in marriage to Miss Mary Clossick, and unto them have been born the following named : Mary I., born April 2, 1870; John H., May 1, 1872; Lillian C., February 24, 1876; and William F., December 17, 1878.

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

The elder daughter was married, by the Rev. Father J. B. Eis, on the 15th of October, 1896, to John C. Cornell, and their children are: Mary C., born August 30, 1897; Isabel M., October 30, 1898; and John D., September 2, 1900. John H. Beckwith, the elder son of the family, was married October 18, 1893, to Miss Cora Belle Mellon, of Columbus, where they now reside. The Rev. Father J. B. Eis also performed that ceremony.

Mr. Beckwith joined the Methodist church when a young man but is not now a member of any church, while his wife and children are all members of the Sacred Heart Catholic church of this city. Mr. Beckwith's connection with railroad service covers almost forty years, during which time he has gained a reputation in the line of his chosen calling that is indeed creditable and enviable.

JOSEPH WRIGHT.

Among those who have in former years been prominent in the business affairs of Franklin county, and are now numbered among those who have made their way to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler re- turns," is Joseph Wright. He came to Franklin county in 1846 and took up his abode in Clinton township in 1854, being long identified with its agri- cultural interests. At that time he purchased fifty acres of partially improved land and to its further development and cultivation he gave his energies, mak- ing it a very valuable property. He married Miss Nancy M. Sharp and when they came to Franklin county they were the parents of three children, namely : Samuel P., Mary A. and Rosetta M. The elder daughter became the wife of Levi Johnson and died in April, 1900, while Rosetta is the wife of Martin Rauck, who resides in Mifflin township.

Mrs. Wright was a daughter of Cornelius Sharp, one of the pioneer set- tlers of Ohio, who came to the west from New York. He located in Blen- don, Franklin county, where his wife died. Mr. Sharp had a family of chil- dren, namely : James, Peter, Cornelius, Carlyle, Anson and Nancy M. For his second wife Mr. Sharp chose Mrs. Munger, a widow. He lived in Frank- lin county throughout his remaining days and died in January, 1869, on the old homestead which joined the farm now occupied by his grandson, Samuel Wright. He was a man of deep religious convictions and in early life was an exhorter in the Methodist Episcopal church. At the time of the war of 1812 he entered his country's service and participated in the battle of Platts- burg. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat, giving unswerving sup- port to the principles of the party. Joseph Wright and his wife also held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and were exemplary Christian people, widely known and honored for their many excellencies of character. The former died in July, 1896, at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife passed away in February, 1884, at the age of sixty-five.

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 8

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