Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, Part 74

Author: Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and others
Publication date: 1905
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1149

USA > Ohio > Butler County > Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio > Part 74

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THOMAS J. KELLY.

The subject of this review enjoys dis- tinction and precedence in the public affairs of Middletown and as chief of the city's efficient police force wields a strong influ- ence in enforcing a wholesome respect for law and order. The important position which he now holds was not attained by political intrigue or personal favoritism, but came to him in recognition of merit and the able, impartial and fearless manner in which he has discharged his responsible and ex- acting duties, and the high reputation which Middletown has attained as one of the most orderly and law-abiding cities in the state of Ohio demonstrates his peculiar fitness as a conservator of the peace.

Thomas J. Kelly is a native of Butler county, Ohio, and the son of John and Mary Kelly, the father born in Ireland, the mother in the city of London, England. John Kelly came to America when a young man and settled in New Jersey, where in due time he married Miss Mary O'Brien, whose fam- ily was then living in Jersey City. By oc- cupation he was a brick-mason, and after working at his trade in the above state until 1857, he came to Butler county. Ohio, lo- cating at Oxford, where he soon became a prosperous contractor. He built up a large

and flourishing business, erected many of the most important buildings in the place of his residence. besides doing a vast amount of work in other cities and towns. and was long noted as one of the leading contractors for public work in his part of the state. He departed this life in Oxford some years ago, and his widow now makes her home in Richmond, Indiana.

Thomas J. Kelly, the second child of John and Mary Kelly, was born in Oxford township. September 20, 1861, and re- mained at the parental home until his eleventh year, attending the public schools the meanwhile. At the above age he severed the bonds that bound him to the home circle and started out to make his own way, going first to Indiana, where he lived for several years with a family near the city of Richmond. While there he de- voted his leisure time to study in the district schools and later turned his attention to stone masonry, in which he soon became a very efficient workman. After following his trade in Richmond for a period of four years he accepted a position with Gaar. Scott & Co., of Richmond, Indiana, with whom he remained until 1885. during which time he rose high in the confidence and esteem of his employees and developed unusual capacity as a fine mechanic and successful business man.

On the 10th of December. 1884. Mr. Kelly entered the marriage relation with Miss Catherine Hoover. of Richmond. In- diana, and three years later changed his residence to Middletown, Ohio, where, from 1887 to 1891 inclusive, he was connected with the Middletown Pump Company. Severing his connection with that concern the latter year, he engaged with a paper

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company, but after a limited experience in in the councils of his party is considered a this capacity resigned his place to accept the position of patrolman on the city police force, where he served very acceptably until appointed chief of the force, in 1895. One year later he gave up this position and took charge of the Arlington Hotel, which he managed very successfully for a period of four years, when he again became identified with the police force, this time in the higher and more responsible position of captain, to which he was appointed in 1901 and which he held until made chief of the department, in April, 1903. Mr. Kelly's series of pro- motions from patrolman to the highest po- sitions in the department speak well for his ability as a capable officer and judicious manager and since entering upon his pres- ent responsible post he has thoroughly re- organized the force and brought it to a very high state of efficiency. In the dis- ANDERSON L. SMEDLEY, M. D. charge of his duties he knows no fear or favor, is absolutely impartial in enforcing the regulations of the department and in the matter of order his name has become such a terror to evil doers that violations of the law are of rare occurrence and misdemean- ors of all kinds have been reduced to the minimum. With a full appreciation of the importance and dignity of his position, he exemplifies that justice which is the inher- ent right of every individual, is loyal to principle that knows no wavering and in all of his official actions strives to inculcate a profound respect for public morals as well as to uphold the majesty of the law.

For a number of years Mr. Kelly has been an active worker in the Democratic party and his influence in local politics is duly recognized and appreciated. He has served as delegate to many conventions, and

judicious adviser as well as a shrewd, ca- pable and successful campaigner. Like the majority of enterprising men in nearly every community, he is identified with the ancient and honorable order of Free- masonry, and at this time holds membership with Jefferson Lodge, No. 90, in which he has been honored with various official po- sitions. In his official and personal rela- tions Mr. Kelly is characterized by a cour- tesy of manner and an amiability of dis- position that have won the high regard of all with whom he comes in contact, while his strict sense of honor and genuine worth mark him as one of the leading men of the city which is proud to claim his residence.

Doctor Smedley is successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Hamilton, and is recognized as one of the representative physicians and surgeons of the county.

Anderson Lamb Smedley was born in the village of Carthage, Hamilton county, Ohio, on the 17th of May, 1874, and is a son of Clement Dare and Amelia (Lamb) Smedley, the former of whom was born in the city of Cincinnati and the latter in Ham- ilton. Butler county, of which her father, Adam Lamb, was an early settler. When Doctor Smedley was a lad of eight years his parents took up their residence in the city of Hamilton, and here he has ever since maintained his home. He received his early education in the public schools, and at the age of seventeen years secured a position in

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the office of the car accountant of the Cincin- nati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, in the city of Cincinnati, retaining this incumbency three years. He then took up the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. L. A. Querner, then coroner of Hamilton county, and in 1894 he was matriculated in the Medical College of Ohio, in that city, where he completed the prescribed course and was graduated on the 9th of April. 1897, at the age of twenty-two years, receiving his coveted degree of Doctor of Medicine. He was dependent upon his own resources and through his own efforts earned the funds which enabled him to complete his collegiate work and prepare himself for the noble pro- fession which he has adopted. On the 13th of April. 1897. Doctor Smedley opened an office in Hamilton, where he has established an excellent practice among the representa- tive families of the city, and he has not only gained marked personal popularity but also a high standing among the members of his profession He served two years as health officer of the city, and'is at the present time a member of the board of education, while he served as district physician of the city for two years. His practice is of a general or- der, and he is inclined to make a specialty of surgery, being recognized as a particularly versatile and skillful operator. He is a mem- ber of the Butler County Medical Society, of which he served as secretary for one year and is at present president; he is also a mem- ber of the American Medical Association, while he is also medical examiner of the Pru- dential Life Insurance Company, The Na- tional Indemnity Insurance Company, of Baltimore, the Knights Templar Masonic In- surance Company, of Cincinnati, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the American Insurance Union

and the Pathfinders. Fraternally, the Doctor is affiliated with Washington Lodge, No. 17, Free and Accepted Masons; Hamilton Chapter, No. 21, Royal Arch Masons; Ham- ilton Council, No. 19, Royal and Select Masters; Hamilton Commandery, No. 19, Knights Templar; Lone Star Lodge, Knights of Pythias; Esther Court, Tribe of Ben Hur; Hamilton Chapter, No. III, American Insurance Union; Frayer Tent, No. 1179, Knights of the Modern Macca- bees; Hamilton Schweizer Mennerchor; Ft. Hamilton Council, Order of Americus, and various other organizations of minor import. He is a staunch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and takes an active interest in public affairs and in the questions and issues of the hour. He attends the Bap- tist church.

On the 18th of November, 1897, Doctor Smedley was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Lupold, who was born and reared in the city of Cincinnati, being a daughter of John Lupold, a successful business man of the Queen City. Of this union have been born two sons, Anderson Barden and El- more Huston.

Reverting to the genealogical history of the Doctor. we may state that his grand- father, Dr. Anderson Smedley, was for a number of years engaged in the practice of his profession in Hamilton, being one of its pioneer physicians, and later he took up his residence in Carthage, being the first medi- cal practitioner in the town. He was a first cousin of Dr. Cyrus Falconer, one of the influential and prominent men of Butler county. Dr. Daniel Smedley, uncle of the subject, was major surgeon of the Second Kentucky Cavalry, a Union regiment, dur- ing the Civil war, and he died as the result

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of disease contracted at Lookout Mountain. The father of the Doctor has been foreman of bridge construction of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad for the past thirty-five years, and he and his wife now reside in Hamilton. Of their three sons the Doctor is the eldest. Clement D. is a grad- uate of the Medical College of Ohio, and is engaged in the practice of his profession in St. Bernard, Ohio; Frank L. is a machinist and electrical engineer and maintains his home in Hamilton, Ohio.

REV. JAMES G. MILLER.

The forces that form character are so complex and remote that we stand with un- bared head in the presence of every true life. If the mind shrinks from the attempt to solve the mysteries that invest the giant oak or the tiny field flower, rooting themselves in the earth and representing the conquest of life within over the forces without; the one. the product of centuries, the other, that of a few weeks or months : without thought or conscience, with no power to choose a su- preme end; how much more does the heart shrink in the presence of a being fashioned after the divine image and empowered to achieve an immortal destiny for good or for evil. A truly good and useful life, the joint product of agencies human and divine. is the greatest one of the most sublime objects in the universe. In treating of such a life we can not pierce the unseen, and at best can only touch the outer edge, and present to the world a brief epitome of the acts and achievements which enter into the formation of character and make their possessor an

influential factor in the stage of action and a vital force among his fellows. In no field of human endeavor is there greater call or more absolute need of the complex forces which make for the temporal and eternal welfare of humanity than that of the Chris- tian ministry. To be effective in this holy office requires not only mental powers and intellectual attainments of a high order. but also a consecration of all these powers and energies to the noble purpose of winning souls to a higher plane of being, a devotion free from the slightest tinge of hypocrisy and lofty spiritual ideals which serve as in- centives to efficient and self-sacrificing serv- ice for God and for humanity's greatest good. It is not too much to claim for, the subject of this review many of the qualities and characteristics essential to effective serv- ice in the sacred office to which his talents are being devoted and in which he has ae- complished great and lasting results among his fellow men. His labors have been ac- ceptable and greatly blessed, and the churches to which he has ministered feel the effect of his consecrated efforts in the high state of spiritual and natural prosperity which he inaugurated and brought about and which they still enjoy.

Rev. James G. Miller, pastor of the Cum- berland Presbyterian church at West Ches- ter. Ohio, is a native of Illinois, born at Grand Ridge. La Salle county, on October 2. 1867. Lewis T. Miller, his father, a Pennsylvanian by birth, is a descendant of one of the stanch old German families of the Keystone state. The elder Miller was reared in his native commonwealth, and when a young man learned the plasterer's trade. . At the age of thirty he went to Illi- nois, where he followed his chosen calling

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for a number of years in connection with ag- ricultural pursuits, but for some time past he has devoted especial attention to the lat- ter. The maiden name of Mrs. Lewis Miller was Lucinda Weir; she was born in New York and on the father's side is of Scotch descent, and from her mother inherits the sterling characteristics of a long line of Dutch ancestors. She bore her husband two children, the older of whom is the gentle- man whose name furnishes the caption of this review, the other being a daughter by the name of Anna O., now the wife of S. G. Auer, a shoe merchant of Mattoon, Illinois.

James G. Miller passed his childhood and youth amid the scenes and ordinary ex- periences of farm life in his native state, most of the time being spent in incessant toil, varied of winter seasons by attendance at the district schools. At the early age of sixteen, feeling the need of a more thorough intellectual training than the public schools could impart. he entered the Lincoln Uni- versity, where he prosecuted his studies very closely and persistently until the latter part of 1888. Mr. Miller was reared under reli- gious influences, and when a mere lad began seriously to consider the matter of his soul's eternal welfare. His convictions were strong and abiding, his feelings deep, and seeing his duty very plainly. he made a public pro- fession of religion in his tenth year. and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church. It was with the object in view of ter of preaching, in which he is admittedly ultimately devoting his life to the ministry that young Miller entered the university, and the spring following the completion of his course he took charge of a church at Oliveburg, Pennsylvania; which was his field of labor during the two years following. Severing his connection with the congrega-

tion at the end of the time noted, he accepted a call to the church at Sandy Lake, in the same state, and after a successful pastorate of one year at that place he spent the ensu- ing three years and eight months with the larger and more influential church at Cen- terburg. Ohio.

In November, 1895, Reverend Miller took charge of the church at West Chester, Butler county, where he has since labored with signal ability and great acceptance, the meanwhile looking after the interests of the congregations at Sharonville and Bethany, both of which have prospered under his pas- torate, the total membership of these soci- eties at this time numbering about five hun- dred and twenty-five communicants, the majority of whom have been added since he began his labors in this field. Rev. Miller's life has been one of great activity and since entering the ministry his hours of leisure have been few. Intent upon his Master's work, he has labored zealously and faith- fully in spreading the gospel and calling men and women to repentance, many through his earnest and eloquent appeals be- ing induced to abandon the ways of sin and seek the better way of leading to lives of righteousness and Christian service. A man of liberal culture, of strong, clear-cut convic- tions and ardent devotion to his faith, his career, though comparatively brief, has been remarkable for good results, both in the mat- strong. forceful and aggressive, and through the influence of his personality, which all who come in contact with him admire and which in many respects constitutes his most eloquent sermon. Proclaiming and enforc- ing the truth as he sees it and pushing for- ward by every means at his command the

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work of Christ in the world, Rev. Miller has ever around him the shield of such a mani- festly candid and unselfish spirit, such an instant fellowship with all good and such a single-minded integrity of purpose, that he disarms personal antagonisms, overcomes · opposition and impresses all who come with- in the sphere of his influence by the earnest- ness and effectiveness of his public services and the beauty of his Christian life and character.

On the 28th day of March. 1889. Rever- end Miller and Miss Anna B. Sanner were united in the holy bonds of wedlock. Mrs. Miller was born in Woodburn, Macoupin county. Illinois, received her education in the public schools and in the Lincoln Uni- versity, and has presented her husband with four children. all daughters, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Julia B .. March 3. 1892 : Nettie B., January 18, 1894; Margaret M. and Lucy H. were born June 24. 1899.

In addition to the duties of the ministry, Reverend Miller has been quite actively in- terested in various lines of secret benevolent work, being a member of the Masonic frater- nity, Lodge No. 204, at Sharonville, in which he holds the office of worshipful mas- ter at the present time : the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, in which he holds the title of past grand, and the Junior Order United American Mechanics, for which he has served four years as chaplain of the state council of Ohio, besides traveling and lecturing in different parts of the state in the interest of the organization. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. At this time he is president of the Christian En- deavor Union of Butler county and vice- president of the State Christian Endeavor

Union, in both of which capacities his serv- ices have been crowned with signal success, as he possesses executive ability of high or- der. while his zeal, tact and fertility of re- source enable him to discharge the exact- ing duties of the positions with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all con- cerned. Reverend Miller is interested in pol- itics as a citizen, not as a partisan.

In a country where the sovereign power is vested in the people, he believes every man should not only vote. but have well- grounded opinions on the leading questions and issues of the day and stand for good government and strict enforcement of the law. His study of American history, espe- cially that branch relating to the origin, rise and progress of political parties, led him to become a Republican on state and national affairs, but in local matters the candidate combining the best qualifications receives the benefit of his ballot.

GEORGE M. CUMMINS, M. D.

The subject of this outline is a native of St. Clair township, Butler county. Ohio. and is descended from one of the pioneer families of Butler county. He was born in Hamilton on the 28th of February, 1876. His paternal grandfather. James Cummins. was born in Liberty township, Butler county, Ohio, in 1822, his parents having located here years prior to that date. The parents of Dr. Cummins were Absalom and Clara L. (Rusk) Cummins. The father was a native of Butler county, born in Liberty township, in 1847. He was a suc- cessful farmer and stockraiser and died in

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1900, at the age of fifty-three years. The mother of Dr. Cummins died in young womanhood. He was bereft of a mother's love and tender care at the age of two years, after which he was placed in the family of his paternal grandparents, where he was reared to manhood. His early years were spent on the farm in St. Clair township. where his grandparents spent their lives, until age compelled their retirement.

Dr. Cummins enjoyed only ordinary educational advantages in his early youth. His time was divided between working on the farm and in attendance at the district schools. But as he neared man's estate he began to think and plan for himself. In due time he was enrolled as a student in the Hamilton public schools, and prose- cuted his studies with zeal and energy until he was graduated from the high school in the class of 1896. Having decided upon his life career he immediately entered upon the study of medicine. In the autumn of 1896 he entered the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where he was gradu- ated with the class of 1900. Dr. Cummins immediately entered into the practice in Hamilton and today stands in the front rank of the profession. He is allied with the various professional societies within his reach, and takes an active interest in their deliberations. Of these may be mentioned the Butler County Medical Society and the Union District Medical Society. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Dr. Cummins was married in 1898 to Miss Mary, daughter of Joseph and Amelia Clyne, of Hamilton, where both parents are now living. As the fruit of this union, one son, George Cummins, Jr., was born on the 14th of July, 1903.

The ancestral line of the Cummins fam- ily trace their antecedents in America to the state of New Jersey, from whence the founders of the family emigrated to Butler county, Ohio, in a very early day. They came across the mountains in wagons and took the flatboat route to Cincinnati. The family has been identified with the history of Butler county almost from its organiza- tion to the present day. The subject is the youngest of two sons, the elder being James Cummins, who is a well-to-do farmer on the old homestead where the subject was reared. He married Miss Estella Augs- burger, of a well-known family of Butler county.

WILLIAM CALDWELL.

Among the leading business men and representative citizens of Middletown, who have borne a distinguished part in promot- ing the industrial interests of the city, the name of William Caldwell stands out clear and distinct. In the prosecution of his, various enterprises he has exercised discreet judgment and business ability of a high or- der and his reputation as a thoroughly hon- orable and conscientious man has never been impeached nor has his integrity and honesty ever been questioned. Not only has he been successful in the acquisition of wealth, but has ever manifested a commendable purpose in its use, and throughout a long and ex- ceedingly active career every movement of public enterprise or private benevolence have found in him a ready and willing as- sistant. He has long enjoyed high repute as a man and citizen, and the brief tribute to his worth herein set forth has been fairly

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and honorably earned. Robert Caldwell. the subject's father, was born in London- derry, Ireland, in 1780, and in the year 1800 immigrated to the United States, set- tling in Butler county, Ohio. In his native land he obtained a fine education and after coming to this country he utilized his schol- astic attainments to good advantage as a teacher, his superior knowledge causing a great demand for his services in the early schools of this part of the state. He taught at Pisgah in pioneer times and earned the reputation of an able and painstaking edu- cator and his labors in that locality appear to have been greatly appreciated by the pa- trons of his school. Robert Caldwell mar- ried, after coming to America, Miss Eliza- beth Magill and settled near Pisgah, where he spent a number of years dividing his time between teaching and various kinds of manual labor, later devoting considerable attention to agricultural pursuits. Of the six children born to this couple four died in infancy and two grew to maturity, viz : Thomas G., a tailor, who died some years ago in Indianapolis. Indiana, and William. . whose name introduces this sketch.

Born near Pisgah, Union township, But- ler county, on the 28th of February, 1827, William Caldwell spent his early life under the parental roof and as opportunities af- forded attended the district schools of the neighborhood. When a youth of fourteen, he went to live with a gentleman by the name of James Graham, a farmer and manu- facturer of paper. also a merchant, and it was in his store that the lad obtained his first practical knowledge of business affairs. After spending some time as a clerk and be- coming familiar with the underlying prin- ciples of commercial life, he was promoted

to the post of bookkeeper, but several years later he quit this position and was taken into his employer's paper mill, where he first worked as a general utility hand or roustabout, but later acquired a thorough knowledge of machinery, also of the manu- facture of paper in its every detail.

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Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, Part 74

Author: Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and others Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1149

Author: Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and others
Publication date: 1905
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1149