USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. II, Pt. 1 > Part 14
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Dr. Mussey was united in marriage with Caroline W. Lindsly, of Washington, D. C., on May 5. 1857, and they had one son, Dr. William Lindsly Mussey, a prominent young physician of Cincinnati, who died Sep- tember 8, 1898, in Paris, France, where he was studying. The oldest child, Caroline, died in infancy. Our subject was a Christian gentleman, genial,
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kind hearted and charitable. He was an elder of the Second Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati, and liberally supported it and its charitable under- takings.
JOHN SHILLITO.
JOIIN SHILLITO, deceased, founder of the mammoth mercantile estab- lishment now conducted by The John Shillito Company, was born at Greens- burg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, November 28, 1808.
He removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1817, and was but nine years of age when he entered the employ of Blatchley & Simpson, who at that time were the leading merchants of the city. During the 13 years of his employment as clerk with that firm, he acquired a great knowledge of that business in all its details and of commercial affairs in general, which proved of incalculable value to him in after years. In 1830 he established a dry goods store on Main street as a member of the firm of Mclaughlin & Shillito, and two years later entered into partnership with Robert W. Burnet. Two years later the firm admitted to membership James Pullen, the title being changed to Shillito, Burnet & Pullen. In 1833 the establishment was removed to Fourth street, east of Main, the greatly increased business necessitating the change. Four clerks were employed, and the amount of business transacted began to attract attention. In 1837, Mr. Shillito purchased the interests of his partners, establishing the firm of John Shillito & Company, the other members being M. H. Coates, Isaac Stephens, William Woods and Edward Holroyd. He subsequently purchased the interests of his associates, one after another, until in 1857 he was sole proprietor. The business continued to prosper and he began to look about for a site on which to build, finally securing a lot on the south side of Fourth street, between Race and Vine streets, just west of the present Chamber of Commerce Building. He erected a large store, into which he moved in 1857, and there he continued with un- interrupted success for a period of 21 years, at different times admitting his sons, Wallace, John and Gordon, as members of the company. The growthi of the business was truly marvelous, and the store he had built became in- adequate for the ever increasing trade. With difficulty he finally secured the property bounded by Seventh and Race streets and Shillito place, and erected the present store building, which for arrangement, size and com-
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pleteness in all its appointments is unexcelled in the United States. It con- sists of six stories, with basement and sub-cellar, has a frontage of 275 feet on Shillito place, 176 feet on Race street, and 125 feet on Seventh street. The building is equipped with seven elevators and with all other conveniences known to modern store buildings. The building is an ornament to the city, and the interior with its artistic decorations and display of fineries is one of remarkable beauty. John Shillito & Company moved into the new building in July, 1878, and Stewart Shillito, another son of John, was admitted to membership in the firm, January 1, 1879. John Shillito, after witnessing the crowning venture of his life safely launched, died September 10, 1879, in the 7Ist year of his age. The business was conducted for several years after his death under the same title; the copartnership was then succeeded by The John Shillito Company, a stock corporation organized under the laws of Ohio, June 28, 1882. The company carries on a manufacturing, whole- sale and a retail business, maintaining warerooms at the corner of Canal and Jackson streets. It deals in dry goods, carpets, oil cloths and all kinds of general merchandise. The present officers are: Stewart Shillito, president ; W. A. Hopple, vice-president and treasurer ; John Deremo, secretary ; James H. Rust, assistant secretary.
Mr. Shillito was united in marriage to Mary Wallace, a daughter of Col. Robert Wallace of Kentucky, by whom he had four sons and one daugh- ter, as follows: Wallace; John, who died August 6, 1888; Gordon; Stewart; and Mary. John Shillito was one of Cincinnati's most progressive men and in his death the city lost one of its best citizens. He was a director and treasurer of Spring Grove Cemetery; a director of the National Bank of Commerce; treasurer of the Cincinnati Music Hall Association and the Music Festival Association; a director of the Children's Home and of the Old Men's Home. He was also a faitliful member of the Second Presbyterian Church, of which he was trustee and treasurer.
GEORGE B. ORR, M. D.
GEORGE B. ORR, M. D., a prominent physician and an eminent surgeon of Cincinnati, was born in this city, September 1, 1841, and is a descendant of patriots who served in the Revolutionary War, and who took a promi-
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nent and honorable part in the settlement of both Ohio and Kentucky. He is a son of Dr. Thomas Jefferson and Mary E. (Grandin) Orr, the former of whom was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, and was a son of John and Margaret (Graham) Orr, being a direct descendant of the Orrs of Antrim, in the North of Ireland, and the latter being a granddaughter of Lord Graham of Scotland. Dr. T. J. Orr was a physician well known in Cincinnati for many years, locating here in 1832. He reared a family of nine children, six of whom are still living.
On the maternal side, our subject is a grandson of Philip and Hannah (Piatt) Grandin, who settled in Cincinnati about 1810, and were closely associated with the elder Nicholas Longworth, who located here about the same time, the families having many interests in common. The Piatts, who were members of the first colony that settled in Boone County, Kentucky, opposite the mouth of the Big Miami, were our subject's direct ancestors and there they built "Federal Hall," a historic country residence which is still occupied by members of the family.
Dr. George B. Orr attended the schools of the city and then entered Urbana University, at Urbana, Ohio, having himself earned the means to prosecute his medical studies. In 1869 he was graduated from the Medical College of Ohio, having had some previous practice on the Cumberland River, below Nashville. He then settled in Cincinnati and for many years followed the career of a general practitioner. His tastes and chosen studies, how- ever, led him to give greater attention to surgery, and his great skill in this branch of his profession led to his accepting the chair of surgery in the Cin- cinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in October, 1882, and since Oc- tober, 1889, he has been professor of surgery and dean of the faculty of the- Laura Memorial Woman's Medical College. He was for many years demon- strator of anatomy in the Medical College of Ohio, and for 10 years was asistant to the chair of surgery in the same institution. Dr. Orr is a mem- ber of the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine, and has served as vice-president and secretary of the organization. He is a member of the Miami Medical Association, and has served as president. Dr. Orr posesses every qualification of a successful physician, the thorough knowledge, the steady eye and hand, the firm will and a wholesome, cheery presence which brings to the clinic, sanitarium or private bedside a promise of health.
On March 4, 1864, Dr. Orr was united in marriage with Anna O.
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HON. DAVID DAVIS.
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Spencer, daughter of Hon. Henry E. and Henrietta ( Halsted) Spencer, and a granddaughter of Rev. O. M. Spencer, who settled at Columbia (just above Cincinnati) in 1790. Two daughters have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Orr: Mary Louise and Anna Henriette. Mary Louise married William Taylor Irwin. son of Dr. James T. Irwin of Cincinnati, and a member of the brokerage firm of Irwin, Ballman & Company ; they have two children. -- Anna Louise and Janet Churchill. Dr. Orr is a vestryman of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church of Cincinnati. He belongs to the Ohio Society of the Sons of the Revolution.
HON. DAVID DAVIS.
HON. DAVID DAVIS, of Cincinnati, ex-judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Hamilton County, served with distinction in that capacity from Feb- ruary 9, 1897, to February 8, 1902. He then resumed the practice of the law in Cincinnati, where he ranks among the city's most prominent attorneys. Vigorous, unselfish, upright and able, none stands higher than the subject of this sketch.
Much of the mental and physical strength possessed by Judge Davis is due to the fact that he spent his youth on a farm. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Morgan Davis, were plain, farming people in Gallia County, Ohio, where, on February 27, 1851, their son, David, was born. His first instruc- tion from books was received in the district school, and then for four years, at intervals, he pursued his studies in Gallia Academy, at Gallipolis, Ohio. Dur- ing this period he alternated between the academy, where he was a student, and a district school, where he was a teacher. He completed a commecial course at the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, in 1874, and the next year became a law student in the office of Judge James Tripp, of Jackson, Ohio. In September, 1876, he was admitted to the bar, but owing to sickness did not begin the practice of his profession until the following year, when he opened an office in Jackson, and soon secured for himself a commanding position. On April 1, 1885, he entered into partnership with the son of his erstwhile preceptor, Judge Tripp. Desiring, however, a larger field of effort, he left Jackson in August of the same year, and began the practice of the law in Cin- cinnati, where he has been engaged ever since. On the resignation of Judge
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Aaron McNeill from the mayoralty of Norwood, December 3, 1894, Judge Davis was unanimously chosen by the Norwood Council to fill the vacancy. Subsequently, he was elected to the same position by the people of Norwood. He is an ardent Republican, a zealous partisan, and an eloquent stump speaker. He is, moreover, enthusiastic in his fraternal connections, belongs to the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum and National Union, and is an associate member of E. F. Noyes-R. L. McCook Post, No. 30, G. A. R.
Judge Davis was married, January 13, 1880, to Alice Sutherland, daugh- ter of T. P. and Maria Sutherland, of Jackson, Ohio. Their children are Lil- ian E., Mabel C., Edith S. and Dorothy G. The subject of this sketch and his family are identified with Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, of Norwood. Ohio. A portrait of Judge Davis is shown on a preceding page in connection with this sketch.
DAVID SINTON.
DAVID SINTON, deceased, was one of the best known of Cincinnati's wealthy and influential citizens. He had a remarkable career in the business world. Setting out to make his own way at the early age of 13 years, he met with reverses which would have disheartened an ordinary being, but stimulated by a great ambition and with "perseverance" ever his watchword he kept on, although at times he found it difficult to procure the necessaries of life. An untiring energy and ambition dominated his being, and the acknowledgment of defeat was foreign to his make-up. With such qualities as he possessed, it is not surprising that success should have finally crowned his efforts with the result that he became one of the leading commercial figures in a great and flourishing city.
David Sinton was born in Ireland, of Quaker parentage and of Scotch- Trish extraction. When three years old he accompanied his parents to Ohio, where in the little village in which they settled has father conducted a small store. Prior to coming to this country, his father had been en- gaged in the manufacture of linen. A brother of David Sinton was a scholarly man and an able physician and surgeon, who died many years ago. Our subject in early youth displayed an aptness with tools, making toy wagons, pop-guns, etc., and his father decided upon a mechanical career for him. However, his choice lay in another direction. At the age of 13 he sought
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permission of his father to go to Sinking Springs, Ohio, and make his own living. It caused considerable amusement in the family circle, as no one believed he would be gone long. Consent having been given him, the young boy started out, his worldly possessions being a good suit of clothes and a small bundle containing a shirt and a 614 cent piece of silver. He readily found a job with a gentleman, who conducted a tavern and a store, his re- muneration being $4 a month and board. He' set to work as clerk and doer of odd jobs, and by his conscientious work gained the good will of his employer. The latter was a man of the world and given to daily sprees. and each day began to rely more and more upon the boy. The latter con- tinued there for two years, and by contact with prominent men who stopped there became broadened in his views and learned much of outside affairs. Thinking the opportunity for advancement was greater in a larger place, he came to Cincinnati with what he had saved, hopeful of soon obtaining a position. He walked the streets for four months, seeking employment with- out success, and in the meantime his slender means became all but exhausted. He finally applied to a commission man, a Mr. Adams, who did considerable business and employed several men. He was set to work with a man some 10 or 12 years older than himself. This man enjoyed a "pull" with his employer and found it convenient to shirk his work, which then fell upon young Sinton. The latter remonstrated with the idler, who knew his influ- ence and promptly said he would report on David. He carried out his threat and the next day the boy was discharged by Mr. Adams, who little dreamed that he was losing the services of one who in the future was to become a great capitalist and multi-millionaire. From that day to his death, Mr. Sin- ton had no use for an idler. The night of his discharge he started for home, his sole wealth being $1.50, and of this he expended $1 for passage on the boat. It was not his idea to acknowledge defeat, his pride was too great for that. He had seen none of his family for five or six months, and that became his excuse for going home. Landing at Manchester, he walked to West Union with only a few cents in his pocket. He had scarcely greeted his relatives before a letter was handed him, it being an appeal by his former employer to return to Sinking Springs and "run the business." Once more his spirits rose, and the next day he left home. His experience at the village was better than his first had been, and although not quite 16 years old lie had the general management of the entire business. It was in the days of
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stage coaches, when hostelries were places of great importance, and among the men who patronized the tavern were two statesmen, Henry Clay and Andrew Jackson, with both of whom he became quite well acquainted. When 18 years of age, he again made his way to Cincinnati, with more money in his possession than on his previous visit to this city. He fell in with a young man of good reputation, with whom he embarked in the commission business. The business was a miserable failure and he lost all he possessed. Again he made a visit to his parents, and as before fortune favored him. An iron firm in the Hanging Rocks region wanted a manager and offered him the position at $40 per month and board. It was gladly accepted and for four years Mr. Sinton continued in that position, in which he learned every detail of the business and the foundation of his great fortune was laid. At the age of 22 years, he and a friend leased a furnace and began the manu- facture of iron on their own account. The prospects were exceedingly bright, but this did not keep him from working side by side with his employees. He frequently accompanied his men with a quantity of iron to Cincinnati and Louisville, floating down the river on flat-boats. Upon such occasions he took his turn at watch and like the others slept on a blanket on top of the iron bars. By degrees the manual labor was dropped, the two young men having attained quite a competency. Mr. Sinton spent from 18 to 20 years in the iron region, and in 1849 located permanently in Cincinnati. Here he opened an office for the better conduct of his business up the river. He made money rapidly and soon branched out in other channels of business. investing largely in real estate and building many fine business houses. One of the structures he built and owned was the Grand Opera House. Having once attained success, his good fortune seemed never to cease. An example of his good fortune, showing the tide of luck in his favor, was when he furnished. $40,000 worth of iron to the Cleveland Gas Works when they were started. The money could not be paid by the company, which offered that amount in company stock. Mr. Sinton finally consented to take the stock, and im- mediately began trying to sell it. He had about completed negotiations for its transfer when he was called out of the city and later was informed that the purchaser had "backed out" of the bargain. He was therefore obliged to keep the stock, a fortunate result for him, as the stock increased to three or four times its original valne before his death. So it was with all his business ventures.
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Mr. Sinton was a philanthropic man, many institutions profiting by his generosity. Many years ago, he gave $100,000 to the Union Bethel, and that institution now enjoys an annuity as a result of his liberality. Sinton Hall, for the erection of which he gave $30,000, was named in his honor. He gave $70,000 to the Cincinnati Art Academy. He also gave liberally to relatives both in this country and in Ireland, who had been less fortunate than he. Although his school advantages were limited, Mr. Sinton was a lifelong student, being devoted to science, art, poetry, the study of the Bible, history and current events.
David Sinton was the father of two children : A son who died in 1869, and a daughter, Mrs. Charles P. Taft. He resided with the latter on Pike street, opposite Fourth street, until his death,-August 31, 1900. Ile was for many years a member of the Queen City Club, and served as a trustee.
WILLIAM JOHN MCCLESTER GORDON.
WILLIAM JOHN MCCLESTER GORDON, president of the W. J. M. Gordon Chemical Company, of Cincinnati, and formerly president of the American Pharmaceutical Association and also of the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, ranks with the leading business men of this section of Ohio. Mr. Gordon was born in 1825 in Maryland, and is a son of James and Kitturah (Insley) Gordon.
Mr. Gordon's parents removed when he was a lad from Somerset County, Maryland, to Baltimore, in order to afford him educational advantages. As his inclinations led him in the direction of chemistry, he became a pupil of the distinguished Professor Aiken, at the University of Maryland, where he also took a course which included materia medica. When he came to Cincinnati, in 1848, he was a capable chemist and druggist and embarked here in a retail drug business. In 1867 he engaged in the manufacture of chemicals, and now stands at the head of an organization of capital and experience which has few equals in the State and which commands the confidence of the country. Until a few years ago a general line of chemicals was manufactured. The company now confines itself to the manufacture of glycerine for all purposes and enjoys a very extensive business. The company is interested in the Round Mountain Iron and Wood Alcohol Company, manufacturers of 10
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crude and refined wood alcohol at Iron Mountain, Alabama, with principal office at Cincinnati, Ohio. This company is a successor to the W. J. M. Gordon Wood Alcohol & Chemical Company. Henry Strautmann is secretary and treasurer of the W. J. M. Gordon Chemical Company.
Mr. Gordon's education and interest led to the steps which finally resulted in the founding of the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, of which for years he served as president. In 1854, soon after the organization of the American Pharmaceutical Association, he became one of its most interested and useful ·members, and has filled almost every official position in its gift. including that of president. In addition, Mr. Gordon is a member of the National Whole- sale Druggists' Association, and is probably one of the best posted men in his line in the country. For many years he has been considered one of the most valued members of the Chamber of Commerce, and was president of the Board of Trade.
At Baltimore, Maryland, on September 3, 1850, Mr. Gordon was united in marriage with Anna Maria German, and four children were born to then, viz. : Irene, who married C. A. Farnham, now deceased, who was one of this city's prominent business men ; William L. ; Ella and Grace. The family residence is one of the most beautiful and attractive homes on Mount Airy, where the family has many social ties. For many years Mr. Gordon was senior warden of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, in which he served for 17 years as Sunday-school superintendent. His life has been one of great business activity and commercial success and he still retains the vigorous mind and executive ability which founded and has managed the great firm of the W. J. M. Gordon Chemical Company.
HON. JOHN BURGOYNE.
The death of Judge John Burgoyne on May 17, 1881, removed from Cincinnati not only a high minded and public spirited citizen, an ornament to the Hamilton County bench and bar, but also one whose disinterested patriotism was displayed on many memorable occasions. Judge Burgoyne was born in Jefferson County, Virginia, August 11. 1801. His residence in Cincinnati began with the real growth of the city, his parents locating here when he was 13 years of age, at a time when an old tavern represented its
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public buildings and the grass in its village streets had not yet been worn away by the feet of the pioneer settlers.
Very early in the life of Judge Burgoyne was his ability and public usefulness made apparent. He became a lawyer of wise counsel and a judge of the highest capacity. The devotion of an unselfish life was given to the upbuilding of Cincinnati and the promotion of the industries and enterprises which furnish the pleasure, the comfort and the commercial importance now enjoyed by the Queen City.
At various times Judge Burgoyne held no less than 13 different com- missions from Governors of Ohio, four of these being military and three judicial in character. He served three terms as a member of the General Assembly and was unanimously elected by that body an associate judge of the Court of Common Pleas. At one time he was also judge of the Probate Court of Hamilton County. Other positions of prominence which he occu- pied in the public's interest were: Four terms as director of the Longview Insane Asylum, 10 years as township treasurer and six years as a member of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund. In the insurance world he was for many years an important factor ; he held the office of president of the Cincinnati Board of Fire Underwriters and for more than 20 years was president of the National Insurance Company.
Through his personal friendship for Gen. William Henry Harrison, the latter great statesman owed a deep and lasting debt to Judge Burgoyne, who, when the future President of the United States had retired to the se- clusion of his farm, poor and broken in spirit on account of public ingratitude and poor in purse on account of his liberality to others, brought him into the political field again by appointing him clerk of the Court of Common Pleas. History is more silent that it should be concerning Judge Burgoyne in the ex- citing canvass of 1840, the "Log Cabin and Hard Cider Campaign," whichi resulted in placing his protege in the presidential chair. Judge Burgoyne lives in the memories of his countrymen as an honorable and useful public servant. who administered high offices without a touch of self seeking, and passed to the tomb honored and esteemed by all.
In 1826 Judge Burgoyne was married to Frances Montgomery, and seven children were born to them, of whom three daughters and one son survive.
Jolin Burgoyne, Jr., son of Judge John Burgoyne, was born in Cincinnati, May 11, 1831, and died August 31, 1903. He was graduated at the old
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. Woodward College, and then pursued the study of the law in Harvard Law School. In 1853 he began the practice of the law in Cincinnati, and in the same year was married to Jennie C. Green, of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mr. Burgoyne practiced law for 50 years, but during the latter portion of this period devoted most of his time to questions concerning the value of real estate, in which he was an acknowledged expert. His first large work in this direction was in the proceedings to condemn the site of the present Post Office. He also served on the City Board of Equalization in 1870-71 for a period of about 14 months, during which time he personally viewed and appraised every house and lot then within the city limits. Since that time Mr. Burgoyne was connected with nearly all the important proceedings concern- ing real estate. He was well known as an attorney and counsellor of marked ability. He had a host of friends and will always be pleasantly remembered by the boys of the old Woodward College for his genial, whole-souled quali- ties.
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