A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Part 84

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 84

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).

CHRISTOPHER SHOEMAKER.

Christopher Shoemaker, deceased, was for many years a prominent busi- ness man of Clinton township, and one of its most highly respected and influ- ential citizens. A native of Ohio, he was born in St. Albans township, Lick- ing county, July 30, 1820, and was a son of Christopher and Barbara ( Keller ) Shoemaker, the former of French, the latter of German descent. The family came from Pennsylvania to Ohio at a very early day and were among the first to make a settlement in Licking county. The father, who was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, and a millwright by trade, spent his last days in Franklin county.

The early life of our subject was spent under the parental roof and he received a common school education. On the 7th of April, 1844, he was mar- lied in Licking county, to Miss Sarah Belknap, who was born in Washington county, this state, April 13, 1825, a daughter of Forace and Sallie ( Bateman) Belknap, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of Chenango county, New York, both being the youngest child of their respective families. On the maternal side she is related to Lewis Cass and General Buell. Her Grand- father Bateman was a college-bred man, and a descendant of a Mayflower family. Mrs. Shoemaker now has in her possession a sugar bowl, which was brought to this country on that famous ship by her ancestors and which is still in a fair state of preservation. Her parental grandfather, David Bel- knap, was also a well-educated man, and served in the Revolutionary war under Paul Jones. On first coming to this state the Belknap family settled in Marietta, but later removed to Licking county, where they were numbered among the pioneers. Forace Belknap was an expert woodsman, swift of foot and a great hunter. He traded largely with the Indians, and was very popular with them. He died on a farm in Licking county at an advanced age.

To Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker were born eleven children, six sons and five daughters, namely : Elias F., born January 5, 1845, is the eldest; Lenira A., born April 10, 1846, is the wife of Dr. Sherman, of Columbus; Mary Rosella, born December 9, 1847, died in 1872; Devoice, born February 20, 1850, is a resident of Clinton township, Franklin county; Seth S., born October 5, 1851, is also a resident of that township; Franklin P., born September 15, 1854, lives in Kansas ; Eva L., born September 14, 1856, is the wife of George W.

690

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

Williams, Esq. ; William D., born September 19, 1858; Charley, born June 24, 1861, is also a resident of Clinton township, this county ; Stella M., born December 20, 1864, died February 23, 1884; Amberetta, born July 19, 1866, died Easter morning, April 25, 1886.

The year after his marriage Mr. Shoemaker and his wife started for Columbus, and the journey to this county was made through an almost un- broken wilderness. He had previously engaged in brickmaking in Licking county for one year, and on his arrival in Columbus entered into partnership with Messrs. Leonard, Atchison and one other party to engage in the manu- facture of brick. He carried on that business for many years, and also con- ducted a sawmill, tile works and a dairy. He was one of the most enterprising and energetic business men of his community, and always gave his best efforts to whatever he undertook. It is not surprising, therefore, to learn that he was uniformly successful and accumulated considerable property, becoming the owner of a large amount of valuable land, which he selected with keen foresight. He led a very active and useful life, and retained his mental and physical faculties up to the last. He died on the 17th of March, 1891, honored and respected by all who knew him. Mr. Shoemaker served his fellow citizens in the capacity of justice of the peace a number of years, and was also trustee of his township, besides filling other local offices. He was from principle a Democrat, but was never active in party politics, though he always exercised his right of suffrage and faithfully performed all duties of citizenship. His estimable wife still survives him, is well pre- served for her years, her mind being bright and active. She has a distinct recollection of Franklin county for fifty-six years; has seen it transformed from an almost unbroken wilderness to one of the best improved counties of the state; and recounts with ease and clearness the events through which she has passed. She is a true and earnest Christian, having been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since eleven years of age.

GEORGE BOEHM.

George Boehm, an enterprising farmer, was born in Blendon township, on the place which is yet his home, December 14, 1858. His father, Martin Boehm, was a native of Germany, born December 17, 1817. There he was reared to manhood and followed teaming, but believing that he might better his financial condition in the new world he sailed for America in 1846, taking up his abode in Columbus, Ohio, where he entered the employ of a man who owned a brick-yard. Mr. Boehm remained in his service for nine years, a fact which indicates in an unmistakable manner that he was an industrious workman, ever faithful to duty. Shortly after that period he was married to Miss Agatha Klipfel, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 5. 1824, a daughter of Conrad and Barbara (Schirm) Klipfel. Her mother died in Germany and in 1846 the father came to America, accompanied by his two sons and three daughters. They made their way to Columbus and Mr. Klip-

691

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

fel rented land and began farming in the vicinity of the capital city, there spend, ing his remaining days. He passed away in 1869, at the age of sixty-seven years. Of the Lutheran church he was a member. The Klipfels made the voyage to the new world on the same vessel in which Mr. Boehm crossed the Atlantic. There were fifty in the cabin and nearly all came to Ohio, settling in Columbus. They left Germany on the 2d of April and arrived in the capital city of this state on the 22d of July.

In 1855 Martin Boehm came with his family to the present Boehm home- stead in Blendon township, purchasing seventy acres of land to which he afterward added from time to time, until at his death he was the owner of four hundred and thirty acres of rich land, constituting one of the best improved farms in the county. His political support was given to the men and measures of the Democracy and he was an active member of the Lutheran church. He deserved great credit for his success, for when he came to America he had no capital and all that he acquired was the result of his close application and earnest efforts. He passed away in 1891, and his wife still resides on the old homestead. She, too, was a member of the Lutheran church. They became the parents of six children, of whom five are now living, namely : Nicholas, a farmer of Plain township, Franklin county ; Lena, wife of George Wurm, of Delaware county; John, a farmer in Blendon township; George; and Agatha, the wife of John Baltz, who resides near Gahanna, Ohio.

George Boehm, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof and in the schools of the neighborhood pursued his educa- tion through the winter months, while in the spring and summer he assisted in the labors of the fields and early gained a practical experience which now enables him to successfully carry on farming on his own account. After his father's death the estate was divided and the home farm of two hundred and forty acres was inherited by our subject. He keeps his fields under a high state of cultivation and everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, showing his careful supervision.

In 1895 Mr. Boehm was united in marriage to Miss Katie Huffman, a native of Lancaster, Ohio. He exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and is a member of the Lutheran church, in which he has served as trustee. Charitable and benevo- lent, he gives' his support to all worthy measures calculated to aid or benefit his fellow men and in his life has ever demonstrated the possession of those qualities which in every land and every clime commands uniform confidence and regard.

HENRY BRIGGS.

One of the old residents of Franklin county, Ohio, who has taken part in the development of its interests is Henry Briggs. He was born in Hamil- ton township, Franklin county, October 3, 1832. His father, John Briggs, a native of New York, came to Franklin county when about twenty years

692

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

old, was married in the county, and settled on land about two miles south of Columbus, later locating on a contiguous tract, and still later removing to some land near Harrisburgh. From this tract he moved upon the land now occupied by our subject, becoming the manager of the land belonging to Michael Sullivan, who was the largest land-owner in the township. His death occurred in 1848, when he was about forty-eight years of age. The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Rachel Drake, a native of New Jersey, who had lived in Franklin county since her early youth. She lived to be eighty-four years old and left but two children, our subject and his sister Mary, who became the wife of William Cline.

Mr. Briggs is the only member of the family surviving. He was about one year old when he was brought into Franklin township, and grew up amid the primitive surroundings of the time and locality. After the death of his father he continued to carry on the work of the farm, engaging in gen- eral farming, and at the present has a finely cultivated and improved tract of one hundred and sixty acres, so near the city limits as to be of great value. In 1869 he erected his fine residence and commodious barns, thus increasing the value to a great extent. Mr. Briggs also owns considerable fine resi- dence property in Columbus, from which he enjoys the rental.

The marriage of Mr. Briggs took place November 15, 1859, to Miss Mary Evans, a native of Wales, who was born October 22, 1832, coming to Ohio when a child of five years. Her father was Arthur Evans, a native of Wales, who lived but a short time after emigrating to America. The mother was named Mary Evans and was also a native of the same land as her hus- band. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs are the parents of two daughters, both mar- ried and living in the vicinity, Elsie being the wife of Dr. C. R. Vander- burg, and Elizabeth, the wife of Frank Main, of Columbus.

Politically Mr. Briggs believes in the principles of the Republican party. He was formerly a Whig and cast his first vote for Scott, but in 1860 he voted for Lincoln. He has acceptably served as township trustee and has been largely identified with the best interests of the county. He has seen with pleasure the rapid growth of every industry, promoting all to the best of his ability, and is one of the most prominent and respected members of the old pioneer band of Franklin county.

JOHN D. MILLER.

John D. Miller was born August 11, 1859, in Fairfield, Ohio. His father, Martin M. Miller, is also a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred within its borders in 1826. He is now living in Logan, Ohio, in which place his wife, Miss Sarah Miller, died on the 4th of November, 1899, when seventy-four years of age.

In the common schools of Fairfield John D. Miller was educated and in 1873 he accompanied his parents on their removal to Logan, Ohio, being at that time a youth of fourteen years. He was seventeen years of age when,

....

693

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

in 1876, he entered the railroad service, his efficiency soon gaining him pro- motion to the position of a conductor on a passenger train. For nearly a quarter of a century he has been thus employed. Long continued service with any of the immense corporations which control the railroad travel of the country is an indication of marked fidelity to duty, for incompetence and unfaithfulness are never tolerated. Mr. Miller has therefore made a credit- able record, winning the confidence of his superiors and at the same time becoming a favorite with many who travel over his route owing to his oblig- ing manner and uniform courtesy. He became a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen in 1890, and for five years held the office of financier and secretary and is now master of his local lodge in Columbus. This lodge was organized in 1883 and now has a membership of two hundred and ten. He is well known among the followers of the order and his influence is marked in labor circles.

Mr. Miller was united in marriage, in 1883, to Miss Emma Moechle. They had but one child and that died in infancy. In his fraternal relations Mr. Miller is a prominent Odd Fellow and holds membership with a lodge in Columbus. He has been both vice grand and noble grand and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In politics he is a stanch Democrat who works untiringly in the interest of the party, yet never seeks office. He and his wife hold membership in the Baptist church, and their circle of friends is extensive and is also indicative of their many sterling traits of character.

NELSON H. GLOYD.

Nelson H. Gloyd was born in Hamilton township, Franklin county, November 21, 1851. His father, William Gloyd, was a native of Vermont, and was probably of English lineage. He came to Franklin county in the '30s, and was therefore one of its early settlers. By trade he was a black- smith, and followed that pursuit in Hamilton township until his death, which occurred in 1856, when his son Nelson was only about five years old. His wife was in her maidenhood Mary Ann Crossley. She was a native of Virginia, and was of German lineage. Unto this worthy couple were born nine children, of whom five reached adult age.

Nelson H. Gloyd, the seventh in order of birth, and the fourth son, is now the only survivor of the family. He acquired his education in the dis- trict schools of the neighborhood, but his privileges in that direction were limited, for at the early age of nine years he started out in life on his own account, and has since been dependent upon his labors for a livelihood. He worked for Thomas Duvall, of Pickaway county, Ohio, who gave him his board and clothes, and allowed him the privilege of attending school through the winter months. For four years he remained with Mr. Duvall and when a youth of thirteen returned to his native township. Here he began work. by the month for Martin Kissel, receiving ten dollars per month in com-

694

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

pensation for his services. For five years he continued in that employ and then entered the service of T. B. Vause, of Hamilton township, with whom he remained three years. Subsequently he worked as a farm hand for one year for Thomas Murphy, of Madison township, and for two years for J. C. Platter, of Hamilton township.

Mr. Gloyd was then married, on the 28th of September, 1876, to Miss Maggie Teegardin, a native of Madison township, Pickaway county, where her girlhood days were passed. They began their domestic life on a rented farm in that township, but after a year Mr. Gloyd returned with his wife to Hamilton township, where he continued the operation of rented land for two years. He then again went to Madison township, Pickaway county, where he remained for three years upon one farm, and seven years upon another farm, all of the time as a renter. He worked early and late in order to increase his capital, and when he had acquired a sufficient sum he pur- chased one hundred acres of land in Hamilton township,-the farm upon which he has since resided. He has made this a valuable property, and the highly cultivated fields indicate to the passerby his care and supervision. He is practical and progressive in his methods and his place is supplied with all modern improvements and conveniences.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Gloyd has been blessed with four children, namely : Alva H., born September 30, 1877; Annie C., who was born June 12, 1880, and is now the wife of J. R. Bookman, their home being with her parents ; Jesse James, born December 25, 1885; and Walter A., born Novem- ber 21, 1891. Mr. Gloyd exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratcy. For twenty-five years he has been a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, and for ten years has held membership relations with Tent No. 55, K. O. T. M. Dependent upon his own efforts since the age of nine years, he has steadily worked his way upward, overcoming all the difficulties and obstacles in his path, and to-day he is accounted one of the substantial residents of the county.

MRS. MATILDA SCHART.

Mrs. Matilda Schart resides at her home at No. 607 Culbertson istreet, Columbus, where she is living surrounded by many warm friends who esteem her for her many excellencies of character. She was born in Kent, London, England, on the 8th of December, 1823, and has been a resident of Ohio's capital city since August, 1857. Her girlhood days were passed in London, her education being acquired in the schools there, and in that city, in 1842, she gave her hand in marriage to John Schart, who was born in Hesse, Ger- many, on the 17th of April, 1816. He was a boot and shoemaker by trade and followed that pursuit through the early part of his life in order to pro- vide for his' family.

Mr. and Mrs. Schart became the parents of the following children : Mary, the eldest, was born in London, England, May 4, 1844, and died

---

695

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

July 1, 1861. Franz, who was born September 22, 1847, is married and resides in Springfield, Ohio. Henry, born December 20, 1851, is married and resides in Columbus, where he is employed as a machinist in the Pan- handle railroad shops. John, who was born January 14, 1854, is also a machinist and is married and makes his home in Columbus. His living children are Laura, John, William and Stella. They lost one child, Effie, who died June 12, 1875. Martha, who was the youngest child born in Eng- land, her natal day being August 19, 1856, is the widow of Ephraim John- son. Eliza was born in Columbus March 8, 1859. Spafford, born October 5, 1861, married Miss' Emma Hall, and they reside with his mother at the old homestead. Christiana P., born January 19, 1864, is the wife of George Mawhorr, who is in the service of the Hocking Valley Railroad Company. Daniel J., the youngest of the family, was born September 25, 1870.

The father of this family died after only one day's illness, December 19, 1878. He was an honored citizen, for his life was at all times upright and consistent with every manly principle. His sons, Henry and Spafford, are members of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and of the Order of Red Men, of Columbus. The family have resided at their present home since 1876, and they are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, contributing liberally to its support and doing everything in their power to promote its advance- ment along normal lines of progress. Mrs. Schart and her family are enjoy- ing the high regard of those with whom they have been brought in contact, and now, at the age of more than four score years, she is still living at her pleasant home in Columbus, enjoying the warm regard of friends and the loving care and attention of her children.

ANDREW STRAUB.

The German element in our national commonwealth has been an import- ant one, conducing to the substantial growth, progress and development of the country. Our subject is one whom the fatherland has furnished to the new world, having been born in Bavaria, Germany, December 10, 1825. His father died when the son was only five years of age, and the mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Straub, passed away after Andrew came to this country. The only relative of our subject who sought a home in America is his brother, the Rev. John Straub, a Catholic priest, who is now living in Detroit, Michigan.

Andrew Straub spent the first twenty-three years of his life in his native land and on account of being drafted into the service of the Bavarian army he left home and sailed for America in the year 1848. After arriving on the Atlantic coast he proceeded across the country to Chillicothe, Ohio, and worked at his trade, that of painter, which he had learned in the fatherland. In the year 1850 he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Lautenklos, a native of Germany. Her parents both died in Chillicothe some years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Straub were born the following named: Mary, who was born in Chillicothe January 3, 1851, became the wife of James Stewart,

696

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

by whom she has one child, Clarence; Joseph John, who was born December 10, 1852, and is deceased; Andreas Marcus, who was born June 19, 1855; Catherine P., who was born January 8, 1858; Elizabeth Barbara, born Sep- tember 28, 1860, is the wife of M. J. Oates, of Columbus; Johann Bernard, born March 30, 1864; Anna Gertrude, born March 7, 1866; and Frank Joseph, born March 23, 1869.

Mr. and Mrs. Straub began their domestic life in Chillicothe, where they remained until 1853, when they came to Columbus. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in April, 1900. They had traveled life's jour- ney together for half a century, sharing with each other the joys and sor- rows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the career of all. In 1901 Mr. Straub was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died at their home in Columbus on the 5th of February, the burial service being held in Holy Cross church on the 8th of February. The family are all members of the Catholic church. Mr. Straub still resides at the home at No. 274 Woodward avenue, and has reached the ripe old age of seventy-six years. His career has been an honorable and upright one and wherever he is known has commanded the respect and confidence of all his associates by reason of his sterling worth.

GEORGE F. WHEELER.

The horologe of time has marked off seventy years since George Fred- erick Wheeler came to Columbus; and several decades were added to the cycle of his age during his business connection with the city. He was num- bered among the esteemed and valued residents of the capital, and it is fitting that this memoir be given a place in the record of Columbus. He bore an unassailable reputation as a reliable and trustworthy merchant, and in all life's relations he was held in the highest regard for his fidelity to manly prin- ciples and his unwavering allegiance to truth and honor.

Mr. Wheeler was a native of Germany, born on the 26th of August, 1826, and when only five years of age was brought by his parents to the new world, the family locating in Columbus. Here he was reared, the public schools affording him his educational privileges, and in early manhood he secured a clerkship in a drug store. He expected to learn the business of pharmacy and make it his life work, but events shaped his course otherwise. In 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he made his way across the plains to the Pacific slope and spent two years in the Golden state. He then returned to his home in Columbus, but in 1856 again made the trip to California, returning in 1857. Here he became actively engaged in mer- cantile business, and by his untiring efforts, his resolute purpose and hon- orable methods, soon built up a large trade in the grocery business at No. 15 North High street. The enterprise which he established in 1852 has since been conducted under the name of George Frederick Wheeler. He studied carefully the wants of the public, carrying a large and well selected

GEORGE F. WHEELER.

٠٠٠ م

697 ·

CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.

line of goods, and his straightforward dealing, combined with his reasonable prices, secured him a continuance of a liberal patronage.

In 1857 Mr. Wheeler was united in marriage to Miss Emma Randall Waterman, at her home on Shepherd street, Columbus. His mother, Mrs. Henrietta Wheeler, lost her husband in Germany and was afterward married in the same country to Gottlieb F. Hinderer. Her birth occurred in the fatherland, in 1793, and in 1831 she became a resident of Columbus, where she remained until her death, spending the last few years of her life with her son, Mr. Wheeler, on Broad street. She passed away September 16, 1884, and her loss was deeply mourned by her family and a large circle of friends, for her womanly qualities, kindly disposition and many admirable character- istics of head and heart endeared her to all with whom she was associated. Mr. Wheeler's children comprised three sons and a daughter, but Joseph Frederick Wheeler, the eldest, who was born January 16, 1859, died on the 15th of July of the same year. Charles Reynolds, born April 5, 1860, was married, March 5, 1887, to Mary E. Reed, of Chillicothe, Ohio. They now occupy a beautiful residence at No. 354 West Sixth avenue, in Columbus. They have two children: George Frederick, born February 26, 1888; and Elizabeth, born June 5, 1894. Since the death of his father Charles R. Wheeler has conducted the grocery, his brother, Edwin Randall, being asso- ciated with him until his death, February 15, 1899. The grocery was estab- lished by their father and had throughout all the years been conducted under the name of George F. Wheeler. Fanny Ellen, born March 14, 1865, is the only daughter. She was married, February 7, 1889, to Harry G. Huston, who is engaged with his father in the drug business in Columbus. Their only child is Marion Huston, who was born August 27, 1891. Edwin Ran- dall Wheeler, the youngest, was born June 13, 1869, and died February 15, 1899, at his mother's' home. He was a very intelligent and enter- prising business man and a loving and affectionate son; and his death was a great blow to his mother and the other members of the family.

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 84

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