USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. II, Pt. 1 > Part 24
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
Mr. Shoenberger was a son of Dr. Peter Shoenberger, who was not only an eminent physician, but was also an iron manufacturer of considerable note in the great iron city of Pittsburg, being one of the pioneers in the in- dustry there. In the declining years of the founder, his son John succeeded him as manager of the great Pittsburg plant and in 1834 George K. was sent to Cincinnati to open a branch of the industry in this city. This was the opportunity which our subject needed in order to bring his business faculties into play, and step by step he built up an iron industry here which not only amassed a fortune for himself, but was the means of bringing much capital here and of contributing vastly to the city's prosperity. It can scarcely be denied that the honorable and energetic business men of a community are its greatest benefactors and in this light must the late George K. Shoenberger be regarded. For many years he was a most active and interested member of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and was always in the forward rank of those who displayed devotion to the best interests of the city. In 1853
289
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
he was elected a trustee of Spring Grove Cemetery and much of its great beauty is due to his disinterested efforts and financial assistance.
Few of the charitable institutions of Cincinnati failed to profit, at one time or another, from Mr. Shoenberger's generosity, although his liberality was most conspicuous to the Cincinnati Orphan Asylum, whose wards ap- pealed to his kind and tender heart. He was very charitable and in his donations to worthy objects was exceedingly liberal. For a man of wealth and high social position, Mr. Shoenberger was singularly unostentatious and carefully avoided public and political honors. He was a great lover of art as exemplified in fine painting, and immediately after locating in Cin- cinnati purchased rare and expensive productions of the artist's brush, to which he added from time to time, until it was conceded by competent judges that he had one of the very finest collections in the State of Ohio. Many of his valuable pictures still adorn the walls of the "Scarlet Oaks" home- stead in Clifton. During his early days in Cincinnati his intimate and close friends were such eminent men as Miles Greenwood, Buchanan Reed, Nich- olas Longworth and many other noted characters.
In 1835 Mr. Shoenberger was united in marriage with Sarah Hamilton, who died in 1881, and they were the parents of the following children : William H., of Canada; Peter, deceased; Mrs. William P. Chambliss, de- ceased; Mrs. Gen. C. L. Fitzhugh, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and Mrs. J. C. Sherlock, of Cincinnati. In 1883 Mr. Shoenberger was married to Ella Beatty, who is a daughter of Dr. John Beatty, of Coburg, Canada.
HARRY RHODES SMITH.
With the death of tlie venerable pioneer citizen, Harry Rhodes Smith, the city of Cincinnati lost a man of sterling character, of remarkable pub- lic spirit, and one who had for years been prominently associated with its business affairs. Mr. Smith was born July 18, 1821, at Columbus, Ohio, and his long and beneficent life quietly closed, at his late home, No. 2027 Auburn avenue, on December 19, 1903.
The early life of the late philanthropist and esteemed citizen was passed in Licking County, Ohio, and his education was secured in the common schools. After coming to Cincinnati, he learned the watchmaking trade, and
290
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
later he became the junior partner in the firm of Beggs & Smith, one of the pioneers in the jewelry trade of this city, the business location being for many years on Fourth street. After the dissolution of the firm, Mr. Smith himself continued the business for many years. Subsequently he went into the optical business, with which he continued to be identified until his re- tirement a few years since.
Mr. Smith's interest in and admiration for Cincinnati were well known and for years he justified the claim of his friends as one of the men of the city possessing true public spirit. His personal efforts were given to the furthering of all the movements which were designed to be of benefit to all classes of the people, and in him the laboring class found not only a sym- pathetic friend, but also a wise and judicious adviser. It will easily be re- called by those who have had the best interests of the Queen City at heart, that Mr. Smith's efforts in the direction of the proper and sanitary housing of the people brought about many remarkable reforms.
Although constantly consulted in regard to public matters, Mr. Smith was no seeker for civic prominence and never consented to accept any pub- lic office until 1890, when he was appointed a trustee of the Cincinnati South- ern Railway by the Superior Court of Cincinnati. As this appointment met with such universal approval, he could but bow to the popular will, and from that time on he concentrated his earnest efforts to the conducting of the affairs of that corporation. In 1896, when the proposition was made to sell the road, Mr. Smith prevented what he deemed a ruinous policy, and after he had publicly represented the facts in the contention, a vote was taken and the proposition was defeated, a result subsequently found most desirable and due in a large measure to his personal efforts. At a still later date, when a deadlock was formed in the board, regarding the extension of the lease, Mr. Smith broke the deadlock by casting his vote for the extension which was ratified by the people at the following election. He is recalled, also, in connection with his management of the interests of this road, when the ques- tion of the terminals came before it; the decided stand taken by Mr. Smith finally settled the matter. Until a very short time prior to luis decease, Mr. Smith continued to attend the meetings of the board of trustees of the Cin- cinnati Southern Railway, always showing as deep an interest as in former years.
In 1851 Mr. Smith married Anna McNaughton, and he is survived by
291
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
three children : Hon. Rufus B. Smith, judge of the Common Pleas Court of Hamilton County, and a distinguished citizen of Cincinnati; Mrs. Saralı S. Shaffer, and M. N. Smith.
Undeniably Mr. Smith belonged to that class of citizens of whom ex- tended meed of praise is entirely superogatory. His whole life was unosten- tatious, sober and virtuous, and the homely code of morals taught him by his New England father, and instilled by his Quaker mother, was sufficient to fill out a long, upright, useful, helpful life. His optimistic temperament and his genial nature did much to bring into the lives of others a cheering philosophy that served to lighten many burdens and to sweeten even the waters of affliction. There were but few of his old business friends of early days to follow his remains to their last home in beautiful Spring Grove Cemetery.
HON. JAMES J. FARAN.
HON. JAMES J. FARAN, who for many years was one of the leading citizens of Cincinnati, prominently identified with the city's growth and de- velopment in all its varied interests, arts, industries and public affairs, died December 12, 1892. His birth took place in Cincinnati, December 29, 1808, when this great and beautiful city was merely a small river town.
From its earliest days, Cincinnati has given encouragement to ednica- tion and her schools have been far in advance of those of almost any other city of like size, and in these schools young Faran obtained an excellent education. In 1831 he was graduated from Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, and immediately entered upon the study of the law. In 1833 he was admitted to the bar and soon became a factor in political life, ably repre- senting the Democratic party of his district in the State Legislature in 1835 and again in 1837 and 1838, elections at that time holding for one year only. His ability brought him into prominence in the House and he was elected and served as Speaker during 1838-39. He was elected to the State Senate in 1839, and was reelected in 1841 and 1842. His brilliant career in tlie legislative halls of his State made him the chosen Democratic Repre- sentative for Congress, in 1844, and to this honorable position he was re- elected in 1846 and was one of the distinguished statesmen of President Polk's administration. While interested and occupied with the affairs of
292
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
the nation, he never forgot the needs of his city and in 1845 when Governor Medill appointed him one of the commissioners to supervise the erection of the present State House, he accepted and faithfully performed the duties. Other prominent positions held by Senator Faran were those of mayor of Cincinnati in 1855 and postmaster, under appointment of President Buchanan. Although a conspicuous Democrat, he was conscientiously led to sympathize with Hon. Stephen A. Douglas on the Kansas-Nebraska ques- tion, and this led to his removal from the position of postmaster.
Perhaps Senator Faran's fame rests with many admirers on his literary success, his talents as a vigorous writer having been noticed as early as 1834 while he was still in college. As the editor-in-chief of the Cincinnati En- quirer, which journal he, with Washington McLean, purchased in 1844, he became a leader of public thought and made his paper one of the great powers in the political field. Many honors were thrust upon him and on more than one occasion he was urged to become a candidate for Governor, but local affairs and private practice appealed more strongly to him and he declined an elevation to a position which he was eminently qualified to fill.
In 1840 Senator Faran was married to Angelina Russell, a daughter of Robert A. Russell, of Columbus, Ohio, and a family of five children were born to this union, viz .; Mrs. J. T. Wann, of Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Dr .. J. M. Dickson, whose husband is a surgeon in the United States Army ; Sarah, the wife of George A. Prichard, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Charles R .; and J. J., Jr. Both sons are very prominent busi- ness men of Cincinnati. Mrs. Faran died in 1898, after more than 50 years of wedded life.
JOHN MILTON SCUDDER, M. D.
In the death of Dr. Scudder on February 17, 1894, the city of Cin- cinnati lost an eminent medical man and the profession of medicine, a noble exponent. He was noted both as practitioner and author, a long and busy life reflecting credit and honor upon the city in which so much of it was passed. Dr. Scudder was born September 8, 1829, in Hamilton County, Ohio, and at a very early age was deprived of the care of his father by the latter's death. Hence it is much to the credit of his memory that he, through his own
293
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
efforts, completed his preparations for Miami University at Oxford, leaving there to enter the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati and graduating with honor at the latter in 1856.
In 1857 Dr. Scudder was given the chair of anatomy at his alma mater, and later occupied the chair of obstetrics and diseases of women and chil- dren. Some years later he accepted the appointment in the same college of professor of pathology and the practice of medicine, ably filling the same until his death. To the profession at large, Dr. Scudder is known most favorably as an author and editor. In 1858 he published a practical treatise on diseases of women and in 1860 a work on materia medica and thera- peutics. This was followed in 1864 by a more pretentious work on "The Eclectic Practice of Medicine," a subject much under discussion at the time, and in 1865 a very notable contribution under the name of the "Use of Inhalations." All medical subjects were covered in his book on "Domestic Medicine," and the "Principles of Medicine," issued in 1866 and 1867, while his papers and editorials in his journal, The Eclectic Medical Journal, which he edited from 1862 until his death, were always practical and of use in every school of medicine. , During the dark days of the Civil War, when many scientific discussions came before the profession on account of late discoveries and existing conditions, Dr. Scudder was dean and treasurer of the Eclectic Medical Institute, and brought its standard of scholarship to rank with any in the country, a position it still enjoys.
Dr. Scudder belonged to the city, State and national societies of his school of medicine, and was also an honorary member of many others. His practice was always an absorbing one, but in later years he delegated a portion of it to two sons who are graduates also of the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati.
On September 8, 1849, Dr. Scudder was married to Jane Hannah, who at death left one daughter, Mattie. His second marriage took place on February 4, 1861, to Mary Hannah, a sister of the former Mrs. Scudder, and a family of five sons were born to them. The eldest son, John K., graduated from the Chickering Institute in 1882, the University of Cincinnati, with the degree of A. B., in 1886, the Eclectic Medical Institute, with the degree of M. D., in 1888, and he received a Master's degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1890. He has been secretary of the Eclectic Medical Institute since 1888, and in 1896 he was appointed a member of the Ohio State Board
294
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
of Medical Registration. Robert Paul is a graduate of the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, and is practicing his profession in this city. William B. at- tended the public schools of this city and the University of Cincinnati, and in June, 1890, graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute, where he filled the chair of ophthalmology for five years. H. Ford, the youngest son, graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute in 1893 and is practicing his profession in California.
HENRY LAWSON KEMPER.
HENRY LAWSON KEMPER, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Cincinnati, died October 24, 1903, after a life of honorable busi- ness activity. Mr. Kemper was born in 1829 in a pioneer log cabin, not then an unfamiliar sight, which stood on the ground now occupied by the palatial residence of Joseph T. Carew on Walnut Hills. He was a son of the late David R. Kemper and a grandson of Rev. James Kemper. He was a brother of Dr. Andrew C. Kemper, of Cincinnati; of D. Rice Kemper, of New York City; and of Mrs. William Harvey and Mrs. Thomas Fullerton of this city.
.
Mr. Kemper was identified with Cincinnati enterprises all his life. For many years he was prominent in the city's commercial life, and for 40 years was a member of the firm of Kemper Brothers, one of the oldest busi- ness houses on Main street. He was a man of liberal public spirit, one who quietly supported measures he believed to be for the welfare of the city, doing his duty with no seeking after the notoriety which would bring him into prominence. Early in life, Mr. Kemper associated himself with a relig- ious body and as a commentary on the reliability and stability of the man, it may be stated that he was made a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of this city at the age of 21 years. During the years that followed he was consistent in his professions and lived an exemplary life, which brought benefit to all with whom he was connected. The death of such a citizen naturally caused wide-spread sorrow, although a lingering illness had made the end not unexpected.
Mr. Kemper at liis death was survived by his widow and by five sons and three daughters, namely : Henry L., who is receiving teller in the Citizens'
t 1 :
i
HON. CHARLES D. ROBERTSON.
297
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
National Bank; Philip S., who is a traveling salesman; S. Frederick, who is secretary of The Hall's Safe Company; Roger H., who is local agent of the Aetna Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut; William R., who is a prominent dentist of this city, with offices in the Lancaster Building ; Eleanor N., Lonisa A., and Mrs. John H. McGowan, Jr.
HON. CHARLES D. ROBERTSON.
HON. CHARLES D. ROBERTSON, an eminent attorney-at-law of Cincinnati, formerly judge of the Court of Common Pleas, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born in Scotland, March 6, 1839.
When 18 years of age, Judge Robertson went to India as a civil engineer, and in that capacity served from 1857 to 1862. He resolved to seek his fortune in the Western World, and accordingly left India for New York City. While in that city he was for some time engaged with Horace Greeley in the prepar- ation of the "History of the American Conflict." In 1866 he entered upon the study of the law, and was graduated at the Cincinnati Law School in 1872. He at once began the active 'practice of the law, and soon rose to a place of prominence among the members of the Cincinnati bar. From 1876 to 1883 he was a trustee of the University of Cincinnati. He was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1883, and served with characteristic ability for a period of five years. He then resumed his practice and has since continued. He has been identified with much important litigation, and served as one of the commissioners in the matter of annexing Clifton, Avondale and other suburbs to Cincinnati.
Judge Robertson was united in marriage in December, 1867, to Cynthia Buck, and they reside in a beautiful home in Avondale. Fraternally, the Judge is a past master of Avon Lodge, No. 542, F. & A. M., a Knight Templar, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Mystic Shriner.
ROBERT MITCHELL.
The death of Robert Mitchell, on February 2, 1899, at his beautiful home in Avondale, removed from the business life and social circles of Cin-
298
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
cincinnati one who had long been prominently known. Mr. Mitchell was born in 1811 in Ireland, and accompanied his parents to America in 1824. They were farming people who sought a new home across the ocean and located on a tract of wild land in the State of Indiana. Amid pioneer surround- ings, young Mitchell grew to sturdy manhood, and as he was the fourth member of a family of 10 children his services were very necessary in assisting to clear the land, and in providing for the children younger than himself.
In this newly settled region, and under existing circumstances, Mr. Mitchell's educational opportunities were limited, but his natural quickness of mind enabled him to easily master the simple curriculum of the schools in his neighborhood. The death of his beloved mother came as a great bereavement in his youth, but he remained with his father until the land was cleared and the future of the family somewhat assured. Then, endowed with little but a memory of his mother's teachings, good health and fixed habits of industry, he started for Cincinnati to make his own way in the world, and during the six succeeding years he thoroughly learned the cabinet- making business, later working as a journeyman in the same, finally secur- ing some machinery and starting up a factory of his own. His efforts met with success, and in 1846, in order to enlarge his operations, he formed a partnership with Frederick Rammelsberg, which continued uninterruptedly until the latter's death. In 1849 the fruit of their labors was completely destroyed by fire, and as they had secured no insurance, it was a total loss. Not disheartened, however, they immediately built a larger and better fac- tory, the business prospered and expanded and the time came when employ- ment was. given to 1000 men. In 1867 it was incorporated as The Robert Mitchell Furniture Company, with these prominent citizens of Cincinnati as its officers: Albert H. Mitchell, president; Richard H. Mitchell, vice- president ; Robert Mitchell, secretary ; and David T. Robb, treasurer. The product is furniture for residences, hotels, banks and offices, wooden mantles which this firm introduced into Cincinnati, interior woodwork, grates, etc., through an endless variety of choice designs and elaborate patterns. The buildings of this plant now cover 10 acres and it is the largest house in its line in the United States. This great enterprise is the development of Robert Mitchell's small beginning, and as long as he was physically able to visit the busy scene of his labors he took pleasure in visiting the various
1
299
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
shops, determined that no oversight should detract from the high standard of production which he had established and maintained.
Mr. Mitchell was first married in 1838 to Harriet Hannaford, and eight children were born to this union, the four survivors being: Albert H .. president of The Robert Mitchell Furniture Company and an enterprising and substantial citizen of the Queen City; Emma, residing at the Hotel Alms, who married A. J. Redway, one of Cincinnati's prominent citizens, who died November 13, 1903; Mrs. William H. Ellis, residing at No. 559 Mitchell avenue, Avondale, whose husband is the senior member of the large contracting firm of W. H. Ellis & Company; and Richard H., secre- tary and treasurer of The Robert Mitchell Furniture Company. In his sons, the late Mr. Mitchell is well represented, both of them being able and successful business men. In 1863 Mr. Mitchell was married to his second wife, Lucinda Craig, who survived him but a short time, dying in July. 1901.
Mr. Mitchell was the type of a sturdy, self respecting, self made man, and he attributed much of his business success to his loyalty to duty, defer- ence to obligations, full demands of employees, but equal fidelity to them, and to an honest delight in work. He was long a very active and useful member of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. In politics he was an interested Republican without being a politician in any sense of the term. When the first Odd Fellows lodge was established in Cincinnati, Mr. Mitchell became associated with it. With his family he attended the services of Grace Protestant Episcopal Church in Avondale, and his hand was never with- held in the cause of true philanthropy. The name of Robert Mitchell will be preserved in local history with others who, like him, were the founders of the industrial prosperity of the Queen City.
GILES SANDY MITCHELL, A. M., M. D.
Among the prominent physicians and surgeons of Cincinnati, the sub- ject of this 'sketch occupies a leading position, both as a skilled practitioner and as an esteemed citizen. He was born at Martinsville, Indiana, in May, 1852, and is a son of Samuel M. and Ann (Sandy) Mitchell, a grandson of Col. Giles Mitchell, and a great-grandson of William Mitchell, who was
·
-
300
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
born in 1747 and was a Revolutionary soldier under General Washington at Yorktown. Col. Giles Mitchell migrated to Indiana in the latter part of the 18th century.
Dr. Mitchell attended the local schools and graduated from the Indiana State University at Bloomington in the class of 1873. In that year he came to Cincinnati and entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. T. A. Reamy. In 1875 he was graduated at the Medical College of Ohio and began practice with Dr. Reamy, in the same year marrying Mary A. Reamy, daughter of his preceptor and professional associate. Mrs. Mitchell died during the first year of married life. From 1876 to 1878 Dr. Mitchell trav- eled abroad and visited many countries both for pleasure and in the interest of his medical education. Since resuming practice in this city in 1878, Dr. Mitchell has filled many honorable and responsible positions. He is a mem- ber and ex-president of the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine, and a mem- ber of the Ohio State Medical Society, American Medical Association and Cincinnati Obstetrical Society. In the Medical College of Ohio Dr. Mitchell was adjunct to the chair of obstetrics from 1879 to 1884, when he resigned to accept the professorship of obstetrics in the Cincinnati College of Medi- cine and Surgery, which he held for many years. He is a regular and valued contributor to the medical literature of the day.
On October 22, 1883, Dr. Mitchell was married to Ester De Camp, the eldest daughter of John and Serena (Hildreth) De Camp, both members of very prominent families. A sketch of John H. De Camp, brother of Mrs. Mitchell appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Mitchell is a lady of more than ordinary culture, a graduate of the art department of the Uni- versity of Cincinnati, where she was the recipient of a gold medal for wood carving and drawing, and is equally gifted in music. Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell have a beautiful home in Vernonville. Dr. Mitchell is a member of Lafayette Lodge, No. 81, F. & A. M., and McMillan Chapter, No. 19, R. A. M.
JOSEPH POGUE.
JOSEPH POGUE, one of the pioneer merchants of Cincinnati, died at his beautiful home, No. 2154 Grand street, Walnut Hills, October 13, 1894. He was the youngest of five brothers, whose family name has long been
,
301
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
associated with the leading mercantile interests of this city. Joseph Pogue was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and was but a lad when he came to make his fortune in America, more than a half century ago.
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.