A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Part 87

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 87

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After locating in Columbus Joseph C. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Guy, and they became the parents of two children, Alexander and John, both of whom have now passed away. The mother also died, and for his second wife Mr. Thompson chose Eliza Smith, a daughter of Joseph Smith. This marriage was blessed with five children, namely: Joseph C., Samuel, James G., Catherine, who became the wife of J. Q. Andrews, and William. Of this family three have passed away; James is yet a resident of Perry township, Franklin county, and Samuel is living in Columbus.

Mr. Thompson, the father, continued to reside in Columbus until 1830, there following the blacksmith's trade. In that year, however, he removed to Perry township, taking up his abode north of Dublin, on the Scioto river, where he established a shop, following his chosen vocation until advanced age compelled his retirement from business life. At one time he resided for a brief period in Detroit, Michigan, where he engaged with the government in the manufacture of tomahawks and knives, which were used in making compromises with the Indians. He was an industrious and energetic man, and was actively associated with business affairs in Franklin county at an early day. He was a member of the Episcopal church, and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Both were earnest and con- sistent Christian people, their lives exemplifying their belief in the principles taught by the lowly Nazarene. Mr. Thompson was also a representative of the Masonic order, belonging to Eastern Star Lodge, No. 4, F. & A. M.,

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of Worthington. He died in 1862, and his wife, who was born in 1797, passed away in 1876, at a ripe old age. Through the period of pioneer de- velopment in Franklin county they were identified with its history, and Mr. Thompson in a quiet and unassuming way aided in the work of public progress and improvement, so that his name was deeply engraved on the roll of the honored early settlers.

JAMES G. THOMPSON.

James G. Thompson is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of Franklin county, and throughout his entire life he has resided within its borders, his birth having occurred on the old homestead in Perry township, February 3, 1833. There he was reared to manhood, experiencing the usual hardships and trials as well as the pleasures incident to frontier life. His education was acquired in the primitive schools of that day, and when old enough to enter upon an independent business career he began farm- ing, which he has made his life occupation. He now owns one hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable land, well improved and highly cultivated. His farm is one of the best in the township and indicates his careful super- vision and earnest effort.

In early manhood Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Mar- garet Friend, a daughter of John and Mary (Beard) Friend, pioneers of Ohio. The wedding of our subject was celebrated May 22, 1859. Her father, John Friend, was a native of Virginia, born in 1801, and on taking up his abode in Ohio located in Hocking county, where he resided until 1839, when he came to Franklin county. In Zanesville, this state, he was joined in wedlock to Mary Beard, who was born in Franklinton, Ohio, in 1803, her parents taking up their abode in that place in the same year. Her father participated in the Indian wars, and was also in the war of 1812. With his family he resided in Franklinton for many years, there rearing his children, numbering two sons and seven daughters. His wife engaged in gathering roots on the tract now included within the state-house grounds in Columbus. The most far-sighted at that time could not have dreamed of the wonderful changes which would occur, founding and building the capital city and trans- forming Franklin into one of the most populous counties of this great com- monwealth. John Friend was a comb-maker by trade and also a potter. For several years he carried the mails for the stage companies. He resided at various points in Ohio, but at length permanently located in Franklin county, following farming in Perry township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Friend were born eight daughters, all of whom are yet living, namely: Emily, wife of John Isenberg; Mary Jane, wife of Richard Davis; Caroline, who married John Zachariah; Margaret, wife of J. G. Thompson; Betsy, who wedded Mack Sells; Nancy, wife of Charles Sells; Catherine, widow of J. C. Thomp- son ; and Hannah, wife of William Bacon. The father of this family died in 1879, and his wife, surviving him about three years, passed away in 1882.

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The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson has been blessed with seven chli- dren, of whom five still survive, namely: Robert, a prominent citizen of Columbus; Emily, wife of William E. Brown; Thurman, who is assistant superintendent of the workhouse at Columbus; Susie, wife of Herinan Ealey; and William, who is living in Columbus. After the marriage of the parents they located upon a tract of land in Perry township, where they have since resided. This property was purchased by Mr. Thompson's father in early pioneer days, and has been the home of our subject and his wife from the time when they started on life's journey together. Mr. Thompson has been identified with numerous public offices, having been called to office on sev- eral occasions without solicitation on his part. He has always evinced a deep interest in educational matters, and at intervals through many years has served as a member of the school board, filling that position at the pres- ent time. In 1880 he was appointed by the United States government to take the census of Perry township. This appointment came to him as a com- pliment, inasmuch as he is a Democrat and was given the office over a Re- publican opponent in a Republican district. Mr. Thompson holds membership in New England Lodge, No. 4, F. & A. M., of Worthington, having attained the master degree. Both he and his wife have lived upright lives, in harmony with the golden rule, and wherever they are known have commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom they have been associated. Mr. Thompson has been a worthy successor of his father in the work of promot- ing the development and upbuilding of his county, in which he has ever mani- fested a deep and abiding interest. He is unostentatious in manner, but his sterling worth shines forth from his quiet disposition and makes him one of the valued and reliable citizens of his native county.

MRS. HANNAH M. LEONARD.

Mrs. Hannah M. Leonard, a resident of Columbus, was born in England, in the year 1821, and came to Delaware, Ohio, in company with her sister, Mrs. Margaret Wallace, nce Brentnal. There, in 1840, she gave her hand in marriage to Thomas Roberts, and they began their domestic life in Colum- bus. Mr. Roberts was a printer by trade, and with the exception of five years spent in the west they resided in Columbus up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1847. They were the parents of four children, three of whom died in early childhood, and George E. is now married and resides upon his farm in Franklin county.

After the death of her first husband Mrs. Roberts was again married, becoming the wife of Theodore Leonard in 1856. The wedding was cele- brated in Columbus, and has been blessed with two daughters and two sons. The eldest, Mrs. Rose Byrne, is the wife of N. G. Byrne, a prominent lawyer of the capitol city, while Josepha is the wife of Theodore Watterson, who is en- gaged in the insurance business in Columbus, and by whom she has one child, Hannah, who was born in 1896. Mrs. Leonard's surviving son, Robert

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J. Leonard, is a resident of this city. Mrs. Leonard makes her home at No .. 1465 Franklin avenue. She has been a resident of Columbus for sixty years, and has therefore been a witness of much of its growth and development. She has a wide acquaintance among the best class of people here, and enjoys the high regard of many friends.

SAMUEL A. DAVIS.

The subject of this personal narative is one of the most successful and progressive agriculturists of Norwich township, and owns and operates one of the best farms within its borders. Here he has spent his entire life, his birth having occurred upon his present farm October 8, 1853. He is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Franklin county, being a grandson of Samuel and Elizabeth (Smith) Davis. His father, Asa Davis, was their eldest child. Both parents of our subject are now de- ceased.

Mr. Davis was reared to agricultural pursuits, and attended the district schools until he attained his majority, his first teachers being Miss Betsey Smith and a Miss Turner. During his youth he assisted his father in the arduous task of clearing the home farm, and also cleared fifty acres of land for himself. Industrious, energetic and progressive, he has steadily prospered in his farm- ing operations, and the thrifty appearance of his places shows conclusively that he thoroughly understands the occupation which he has chosen as a life work.

In 1884 Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Cook, a daughter of Seth Cook, of Cardington. They began their domestic life on the Davis homestead, where they have since continued to reside. Their pres- ent magnificent residence was erected in 1899, and is the abode of hospitality and good cheer. Mr. Davis has just returned from a trip abroad, having spent some time in visiting the Paris Exposition and other points of interest in Europe. The Republican party has always found in him a stanch sup- porter of its principles, but he has never been a politician in the sense of office-seeking. He was reared in the Presbyterian church, and is highly respected by all who know him.

CHARLES LINDNER.

Columbus, Ohio, one of the most important railroad centers in the state, is the place of residence of many efficient and popular railroad men, among whom none is more prominent in his special field than Charles Lindner, of No. 450 East Second avenue. Mr. Lindner is of German ancestry, and has inherited all those sterling German qualities which make people of his blood successful in whatever walk of life they may choose. His grandfather left his native land and sought better opportunities for progress and prosperity in this country at a comparatively early day.

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Mr. Lindner's father, Andrew Lindner, died at his home in Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1881, and his widow is still living there with her son Fred. Charles Lindner was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1866, and was married in 1880 to Miss Mary Flanagan, a native of Wheelersburg, Scioto county, Ohio, where her father died and where her mother is still living. Mrs. Lindner has two brothers, James and Richard Flanagan, living at Wheelersburg, and another brother, Thomas, living in Colorado. Her sister, Miss Sarah Flanagan, lives with her mother. The Flanagans are descended from an old Irish family, which for many generations has produced men and women of the highest respectability. Mr. and Mrs. Lindner have a daughter named Martha. The family are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Lindner is a Democrat of influence in his party, but is not an office-seeker.

It was as a fireman that Mr. Lindner began railroading in 1889. After three years service with that company he entered the service of the Norfolk & Western Railway Company, which, after he had served six years as fire- man, advanced him to the position of engineer, which he still holds. He has been so successful as an engineer that he stands high in the estimation of his employers, and his experience has been remarkable in that during his entire career as a railroad man he has never lost a day's work on account of sickness or sustained a personal injury. He became a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers at Columbus in 1893, and has since devoted himself zealously to the advancement of all interests of the order. He possesses many genial qualities which enable him to make and retain friends, and his personal popularity in all circles in which he moves is every- where recognized. He is helpful to his church and to many public interests, and is regarded as a useful and progressive citizen. While active and influ- ential politically, he has never been an office-seeker, and he has persistently refused such offices as have been tendered him.

JOHN M. SHOCKER.

John M. Shocker was born on the 9th of August, 1851, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is now living in Ohio's capital city. His father, Henry Shocker, is also a native of the Keystone state, born in 1815, and in an early day he came to Ohio, his death occurring in Alliance, this state, in 1860, while his wife passed away in Crestline, Ohio, in 1884, at the age of fifty-nine. His brothers and sisters were Joseph, William, Margaret and Emeline. In addition to the subject of this sketch the members of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Shocker are: Henry, a machinist, who was born in 1845, and is now living in Philadelphia; Thomas, of Mansfield, Ohio, who was born in 1849, and is a fireman in the Pennsylvania roundhouse at that place; Samuel, who was born in 1847, and died in 1875; William, who was born in 1854, and died in 1870; and Mary, wife of C. Jackson, a resi- dent of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and is employed as an engineer on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. Of this family Harry and

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Thomas both served in the Civil war, aiding in defense of the Union as members of the Tenth Iowa Cavalry.

In taking up the personal history of John M. Shocker we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known among the train men and also to others in different walks of life. He acquired his early education in the public schools, and when seventeen years of age began working on the railroad, in the employ of the Pennsylvania company, as brakeman, remaining with that corporation until 1873. He then accepted a similar position with the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus Railroad, and two years thereafter he was made conductor, running upon a local freight for three years. He was next made passenger conductor, and has held that posi- tion continuously since. He has never lost any time, and is always found at his post of duty, capably discharging the duties which devolve upon him. He has never received any personal injuries, and has a clean and enviable record.

On the 18th of January, 1872, Mr. Shocker was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Hoover, of Crestline, Ohio. Her parents are both now de- ceased, her father, General Hoover, having passed away in 1887, while his wife died in 1884. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children : James, who was born September 14, 1873, and is now a fireman on the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus Railroad; William B., born September 19, 1875; Eliza May, born February 2, 1877; Jennie P., born February 7, 1879; Lena P., born June 7, 1881 ; Margaret, born April 24, 1895; and John C. All of the children are living at home. The family hold membership in the Disciple church of Columbus, and the members of the household enjoy the warm regard of a large circle of friends. In his political views Mr. Shocker is a Republican, but has never sought or desired office, although he keeps well informed on the issues of the day.

JOHN W. McCANN.

John Wesley McCann, deceased, was for many years a prominent farmer of Norwich township, and one of its most highly esteemed citizens. On the paternal side he traced his ancestry back to Ireland, his grandfather, Robert McCann, being a native of the Emerald isle, who came to America when a young man and located near Chillicothe, Ohio, where he followed farming until his death. He married a lady of German descent.

John McCann, father of our subject, was born near Chillicothe, and also became a farmer. In early manhood he wedded Elizabeth Golden, a native of Virginia, who came to Ohio with her parents when only seven years old, and could relate many interesting incidents of pioneer days. Early one morning in winter she heard a deer bleating on the ice, and running to see what was the matter she found that the deer had fallen on the ice and broken its leg. She procured a butcher knife and dispatched it without much loss of time. After his marriage the father of our subject located near Lebanon,

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Ohio, and about 1821 brought his family to Norwich township, this county, locating on a farm south of Hilliard, now owned by Mathias Schatz. He was one of the earliest settlers of that section. Having cancer of the stomach and there being no physician in his neighborhood, he at length moved to Darby's Plains, Madison county, where he could be under the doctor's care. Becoming better, he determined to return home, but on the way back was forced to stop at the home of Isaac Fuller, where he died a short time after- ward. His widow survived him some years, and subsequently became the wife of Andrew Noteman. After the latter's death she made her home with our subject, where she died at the age of seventy years. Both parents of our subject were earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the latter efficiently served as justice of the peace for many years. In their family were the following children: Thomas G., who died in Madi- son county, Ohio; Eliza M., who married Benjamin Carter, and died at Waverly, Ohio: Robert, who died at Plain City; George W., who died in Norwich township; John W., our subject; Andrew J., who died in Dublin, this county; Nancy Jane, wife of Aurelius Hager, of Plain City; Syms, who died in Brown township, this county ; and Mary Martha, who married Alfred S. Golden, and died in Iowa.

The subject of this review was born in a log house in Norwich township, as he said, "in 1822, when the squirrels tried what they could do." There he grew to manhood. His education was obtained under adverse circum- stances, as at first he had to go a long distance, the nearest schoolhouse being in Brown township. Among his teachers was David Thomas. He was only twelve years old when his father died, after which he made his home with his mother until she married again and left the home farm, leaving it to her eldest son, with whom our subject lived for some time.

On the 23d of October, 1840, in Norwich township, Mr. McCann mar- ried Miss Jane Geddes, who was born in Northumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, a daughter of James and Harriet (Smiley) Geddes. Her father was born in the same county, February 21, 1776, and spent his entire life there, dying in the house where he was born in 1826. For his first wife he mar- ried Mary Ann Smith, by whom he had six children, four reaching years of maturity. Of the two children born of his second marriage Mrs. McCann is the older. James S. came to Ohio with his parents, and when a young man went to Dayton, where he learned the carpenter's trade with John Thomas. He then went to northern Indiana, married Sarah Martindale, and is still living in Stark county, that state. After the death of James Geddes his widow married John G. Laird, who brought the family to Ohio in 1838, and in 1855 moved to Illinois, locating six miles from Monmouth, where he made his home for many years. There his wife died in 1871, and he afterward went to Iowa. making his home near Lenox until his death. His remains were taken back to Illinois and buried by the side of his wife at Kirkwood. Mrs. McCann's paternal grandparents were Paul and Mar- garet Geddes. The former was a native of Ireland, and on his emigration

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to America taught school for a time in Virginia, and later located perma- nently in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he died when well advanced in years. Matthew Laird went to Africa as a missionary in 1833. Harriet Myer was to accompany him, and although they had never met, their friends thought they had better marry, which they did. Mrs. McCann lost her father when only two years and a half old, after which she was taken by her grandfather and lived with him until four years of age. She then joined her mother, who was teaching school in Mifflinsburg, Pennsylvania, and later lived at intervals with her grandparents and mother, who had mar- ried again, attending school in Mifflinburg, Louisburg and other places in Pennsylvania. In 1838, at the age of fourteen, she came with the family to Norwich township, Franklin county, Ohio, and continued her education under the direction of her step-father and others until sixteen years of age. She then taught one term of school in what was known as the Bowser dis- trict in Brown township. It was the first school in the district and was con- ciucted in an old log cabin. As there were only five scholars there, Mrs. McCann brought her brother and two sisters with her, making eight in all.

To Mr. and Mrs. McCann were born the following children: James Harvey, who died in infancy; Eunice, at home; George Milton, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; James William, who died at the age of forty-two years; David S. and Charles M., both at home; Thomas Syms, a resident of Nor- wich township; Laura Jane, wife of David Breese; Ada Sophia and Ida Maria, twins, the former of whom died at the age of twenty-eight years, the latter in infancy; Frank G., a resident of Indianapolis; and Clara B., at home.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McCann went to housekeeping on a farm of forty acres, in a log cabin, eighteen by twenty feet, with a stick chim- ney and old-fashioned fireplace. To the improvement and cultivation of his farm Mr. McCann at once turned his attention, and, meeting with success in his labors, he later purchased thirty-seven acres in one tract and fifty acres in another. He was an energetic, enterprising business man, and became a very prosperous farmer. Politically he was first a Whig and later a Repub- lican, and was called upon to fill several township offices. Prior to his mar- riage he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was ever afterward an active and consistent member, and died in that faith, February 18, 1897, honored and respected by all who knew him. His estimable wife still survives him. She is a lady of great intelligence and remarkable mem- ory, and has a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who have for her the highest regard.

MRS. SUSANNAH MULL.

Mrs. Susannah Mull has a wide acquaintance in Columbus, being a representative of one of the old and prominent families of the city. She is a daughter of William and Margaret Fleming. Her father was born in

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1807, and was married in 1831 to Margaret Feirzell, in Franklinton. Her birth occurred in Virginia in 1809, her parents being Edward and Susanna : Feirzell, both of whom were natives of the Old Dominion and owned a large. Virginian plantation near Fairfax Court House. The surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Fleming are: Mrs. Susannah Mull, Frank, Andrew J., and Maria, who are residents of Columbus. Those that have passed away are Mrs. Sarah Ann Barber, Samuel, Mrs. Elizabeth P. Mull, Edward, Fanny, Martha and Leonard. Mrs. Maria Fleming resided with her mother until the latter's death, which occurred in January, 1901, at her home at No. 36 North Fifth street, Columbus, and though in her ninety-second year at the time of her demise, she retained her mental faculties unimpaired to the last. Susannah Fleming spent her girlhood days in her parents' home, and on the Ioth of July, 1863, she gave her hand in marriage to John H. Mull, the wed- ding being celebrated at her home in this city. Her husband was born in Columbus June 30, 1835. He has a brother and sister, Frederick and Mrs. Perkins, both of whom are residing in the capital city. The former lost his wife in 1881. She died leaving one child, Ida, who is now living with her aunt, Mrs. Susannah Mull. Frederick Mull has long been in the rail- way service, and through an extended period was an engineer on the Pan- handle road, but after his brother's death he refused to serve longer in that capacity, and has since been in the yard service in Columbus.

John Mull entered the railroad service as an employe of the Columbus & Xenia Company, in 1853, when only eighteen years of age. He became a fireman, and before he was twenty-two years of age was made engineer. in 1859 he became an engineer on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton road, and two years later entered the employ of the Panhandle Railroad on the Piqua & Indianapolis division. For twenty-seven years he was in continuous service with that road in one capacity, being the oldest engineer on the west- ern division of the line. In all his railway service he never missed a day and no complaint was ever uttered or filed against him. He possessed the rare gift to awaken within fifteen minutes of the time necessary to report for duty, and for this he never required the assistance of an alarm clock, nor nad he to depend upon any of his family to call him. There seemed to be an intuitive perception which enabled him to awaken at the right time. His last run was made in 1890. On the 30th of July of that year, while making the return trip from Bradford Junction, he left his engine on a side track at nine thirty in the morning and proceeded to the telegraph office for orders. Upon his return he was blinded by the steam which was being blown off from his engine, and was struck by an east-bound fast passenger train, being thrown a distance of ten feet and instantly killed. His remains were brought back to his home, No. 271 North Twentieth street, Columbus, and were interred in Greenlawn cemetery. The engineer on the locomotive which caused his death was an old friend, George Beckwith, who for years had served as fireman under Mr. Mull. The latter was one of the best known

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A Centennial biographical history of the city of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Part 87

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