USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. II, Pt. 2 > Part 11
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Florien Giauque, when six years of age, went with his parents to Fred- ericksburg, Wayne County, Ohio, and spent most of his boyhood there, at- tending public schools and the academy. While he was yet a youth botlı parents died. He went to Vermilion Institute, at Hayesville, Ashland County, Ohio, his entire capital at that time being $20. He worked his way through college and graduated without incurring a single indebtedness. While yet a student at Hayesville, he enlisted in the 102nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served in the armies of Generals Buell, Rosecrans, Sherman and Thomas. After receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war, Mr. Giauque resumed his studies at Vermilion Institute, and at the same time engaged in teaching. He entered the freshman class of Kenyon College in 1866, and by crowding a four years course into three was graduated in 1869 with high honors. Soon after he was examined for a teacher's certificate by the State Board of Examiners, and received the best certificate ever issued by that body, 27 studies being enumerated in it. In September, 1869, he en- tered upon the duties of principal of public schools of Glendale, Ohio, a position he held until 1875, when he declined further election. While teach- ing there he began his preparation for the legal profession under the pre- ceptorship of Justice Stanley Matthews. He began the practice of the law in Cincinnati in 1875, and in 1880 formed a law partnership with Henry B. McClure, which has since endured. In addition to attaining a high degree of success as a practicing lawyer, he has established a reputation as an able writer of legal lore. Among the most prominent books he has contributed to his profession are: "The Revised Statutes of Ohio," and various supple- ments thereto; "A Manual for Assignees;" "A Manual for Guardians ;" "A Manual for Notaries and Conveyancers;" "Settlement of Decedents' Es- tates :" "Of the Law of Roads, Ditches, Bridges and Watercourses in Ohio;" "A Manual for Constables and Marshals;" and, jointly with his partner, Mr. McClure, "Present Value Tables," for ascertaining present value of " dower, curtesy and other life estates, etc. He has been the author and re- viser of many of the important legal blanks published by The Robert Clarke Company of Cincinnati. He frequently contributes articles of merit to lead- ing periodicals on scientific and popular subjects. He received the degree of Doctor of Laws from Kenyon College in 1899.
In November, 1884, Mr. Giauque was married to Mary Miller, a daughter of William H. Miller, a lawyer of Hamilton, Ohio, and a grand-
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daughter of John Woods, for many years the leading lawyer of Butler County, Ohio, an active member of Congress, and auditor of the State of Ohio. The family residence is at Glendale. Our subject has been a lifelong Republican, but is not a politician.
COL. JAMES ALLISON. -
The record of a busy, useful and successful life, is that of the gentleman named above, who has been called upon to fill many offices of high honor and is at the present time superintendent .of the House of Refuge of Cincin- nati. He has been a resident of Cincinnati since 1860, and has been promi- nently identified with its affairs as a true and loyal citizen.
Colonel Allison was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1843, and is a son of Alexander Allison, being of Scotch descent. His education was received in the public schools of Philadelphia, being a graduate of the high schools of that city. Fired by an ambition to make his way in the world, at the age of 17 years he determined to go West. He removed to Cincinnati in 1860, and became apprenticed to the plumbing business with the firm of J. B. & T. Gibson. He continued as an employee of the above named firm until 1876, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business in all its details, and upon that date was taken in as a partner in the firm. He continued as a partner .until 1878, then established a business for himself, which he suc- cessfully carried on until 1893, when he retired from active business. Socially, Mr. Allison is of pleasing character. His broad intelligence and genial man- ner make him as popular as he is well known. During the Civil War he enlisted as private in the 67th Reg., Indiana Vol. Inf., and continued in active service until he received an honorable discharge.
Mr. Allison took an active part in the Cincinnati Industrial Exposi- tion. He was president and director in the Ohio Mechanics' Institute, serv- ing in that capacity until he resigned, and in acknowledgement of valuable services rendered as such he was made an honorable member of the same. He served as president of the Centennial Exposition in 1888, and his services were eagerly sought to represent the department of manufactures at the Chicago World's Fair. On account of the experience he has had in the past in expositions, he was importuned by the board of managers, to become
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identified with the St. Louis Exposition, but this honor he declined in order to continue giving his undivided attention to his work at the House of Refuge. For a period of more than 17 years our subject has been identified with the House of Refuge in Cincinnati, an institution widely known for the grand work it has carried' on. Under his direction many improvements have been effected. The institution has some five hundred inmates, and is conducted in such a manner as to be a credit to the city and State.
Mr. Allison was married in 1873 to Mary Ong, and they have had three daughters and one son. Religiously, they are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a stanch Republican, and has always taken a deep interest in city and national affairs. He has frequently been called upon to fill positions high in the public trust, and has invariably acquitted himself in a creditable manner. He stands high socially, as well as in business, and is honored and esteemed by Cincinnati's best people. Fraternally, he is a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of George H. Thomas Post, No. 13, G. A. R.
On October 9, 1902, Mr. Allison was elected president of the Ohio State Conference of Charities and Corrections.
SAMUEL W. SKINNER.
SAMUEL W. SKINNER, formerly president of the Cincinnati Shaper Com- pany and one of the most prominent and wealthy business men of this city, died at his palatial home on Grandin road, East Walnut Hills, May 20, 1890. He was born in Cincinnati, and belonged to a family noted for achievement in business lines.
Samuel W. Skinner was a son of James Ralston and Louise (Wiggins) Skinner, and grandson of the late Samuel Wiggins, for a long period the president of the old Lafayette Bank of Cincinnati, who was rated as one of . the largest capitalists of the West. Mr. Wiggins' enterprise enabled him to successfully control a number of lines of business, several of these being private ferries, both in Cincinnati and in St. Louis, Missouri. He was also owner of hundreds of acres of land. His estate, intact, was inherited by his heirs. A sister of our subject, Mrs. Nathaniel Henchman Davis, resides in Cincinnati at the present time.
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Samuel W. Skinner was graduated from Harvard College in 1880, being a member of the same class as President Roosevelt. He later founded the Harvard Club of this city. He became widely known in the business world through the large interests he controlled, and his death was sadly mourned by the city as an irreparable loss. In social circles his standing was of the highest, and he was a member of various social organizations, including the Optimist Club. He was a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and belonged to the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. Religiously, he was a member of St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, being a vestry- man.
On November 17, 1888, Mr. Skinner was married to Elizabeth John- ston Jones, a daughter of George W. and Jane (Tabbatts) Jones, her father being a prominent and respected citizen of Cincinnati. One child was born to them, Samuel Wiggins Skinner, who lives with his mother in their beautiful home on Grandin road.
HON. WILLIAM H. JACKSON.
HON. WILLIAM H .. JACKSON, formerly judge of the Superior Court of Cincinnati, and now a leading member of the Hamilton County bar, was born in Marion, Alabama, on March 26, 1864. He was one of a family of 10 children, and was the offspring of his father's first marriage. His mother died March 18, 1873. His father afterward married Mary Harding, a daughter of General Harding, who was the originator and owner of the "Bell Mead Stock Farm," located near Nashville, Tennessee. Judge Jack- son's father, who was a native of Tennessee, where he was engaged in the practice of the law, died August 8; 1895.
The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood in Memphis, Jackson and . Nashville, Tennessee. He attended the public schools of Jackson, Tennessee, and afterward entered Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee. He completed his studies and graduated at Harvard University in 1884. Im- mediately thereafter, he entered the Columbian Law School, at Washington, D. C., from which he was graduated in 1886. He then located in Toledo, Ohio, for the practice of his profession and became a member of the law firm of Brown, Geddes & Jackson. This partnership continued from 1887
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until 1889, when Judge Jackson located in Cincinnati, and was appointed attorney for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company. He was the legal adviser of that company until April, 1897, when he was elected, on the Fusion ticket, judge of the Superior Court. This position he filled to the satisfaction of the Hamilton County bar and the public in general, and with credit to himself. After retiring from the bench, in the spring of 1902, he resumed the practice of the law. He is one of the most powerful trial law- yers of the Cincinnati bar, his points being presented with a force and clear- ness which are exceedingly effective. In jury trials he is particularly impres- sive and convincing. His oratorical powers are of the highest order. Judge Jackson is held by the Cincinnati bar to have been one of the ablest jurists who ever sat upon the bench in Hamilton County, and his rulings and decis- ions are pronounced clear, logical and remarkably sound. As an attorney, his standing is high. He is of strict integrity, fair in his practice, and up- right in his dealings with all men. He is respected by the community and esteemed by the members of his profession. In political affiliation, Judge Jackson is a Democrat, and has always taken an active part in the advance- ment of the interests of his party.
In 1895, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Caroline Dickson, the accomplished daughter of the late Charles T. Dickson. Their union was blessed with one child. The Judge and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Judge Jackson has at all times taken the greatest interest in everything pertaining to the good of the Queen City. He has lately removed to New York City for the practice of his profession.
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HOWELL LEWIS LOVELL, SR.
A very prominent citizen of Covington, Kentucky, passed away when Howell Lewis Lovell, Sr., died May 22, 1900. Born in the aristocratic old town of Charlestown, West Virginia, of notable ancestry, with the University of Virginia for his alma mater, Mr. Lovell, through a long and active life re- tained the attributes which these fortunate environments and advantages nur- tured and until called away by Death was ever the courteous, affable, high minded gentleman, public spirited citizen and true and sincere friend. In
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no way did these marked characteristics interfere with an unusual commercial sagacity, which through a long business career guided him safely through shoals in which other barks were wrecked, and made him one of the leading capitalists of the State of Kentucky.
Howell Lewis Lovell was born July 9, 1824, and was a son of Col. Joseph Lovell and a great-grandson of Betty (Washington) Lewis, the only sister of George Washington. With other young men of wealth and like social position, he entered the University of Virginia, acquiring there a literary polish which was apparent in after life. During the "sixties" he crossed the plains on two occasions and was located on a ranch at Petaluma, California, until after the close of the Civil War. Upon his return to the East, Mr. Lovell selected Cincinnati, Ohio, as the scene of his business trans- actions, and tobacco as the commodity to be handled. The business was established on Water street, Cincinnati, by the firm of Rich, Lovell & Buf- fington, and on the retirement of the senior partner in 1873, it was con- tinued under the style of Lovell & Buffington, extensions being made at that time which caused the erection of a large manufactory on Scott street, between Second and Third streets, Covington. The business continued to prosper and in 1881 Mr. Buffington retired with a large fortune. A company was then organized and incorporated under the name of the Lovell & Buffington To- bacco Company, Mr. Lovell retiring in 1892. It was conceded that much of the prosperity of this business was due to the judgment and sagacity of our subject.
Upon his return from California, Mr. Lovell selected Covington as his place of residence, and it was in his beautiful home in that city that he passed away, after an illness of two weeks, caused by an accident. For a long period he had been a devoted member and vestryman of Trinity Pro- estant Episcopal Church, and in that connection his benefactions had been generous. He was ever open to the call of charity and was one of the broad minded and public spirited citizens of Covington.
August 26, 1856, Mr. Lovell was united in marriage with Emma Ade- laide Beuhring, who was born January 12, 1832, in Cabell County, Vir- ginia, and came of very distinguished and wealthy ancestry. To this union were born the following children: Bettie Lewis and Frederick B., both of whom died in infancy ; Mary Louise, wife of J. W. Sayre of Lexington, Ken- tucky; Howell Lewis, Jr., deceased June 23, 1895, who married May F.
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Rodgers of Covington, Kentucky; Fanny Beuhring; and Virginia Lee, wlio . married Judge John F. Hodge, of Newport, Kentucky. Mrs. Lovell resides in one of the largest and most beautiful mansions in Covington, located on an elevation, from which a beautiful view of the Ohio River and the city of Cincinnati may be had.
JOHN KEESHAN.
JOHN KEESHAN, who was long one of the leading business men of Cincinnati, at the time of his decease, December 26, 1903, was the oldest druggist in the city, although not then in active business competition.
Mr. Keeshan was born in Ireland in 1830, and when a year old was brought to America by his parents, who located first in Quebec, Canada, and about 1836 came to Cincinnati. Our subject obtained his education in Cin- cinnati, finishing in St. Xavier College. In young manhood, having prepared himself for the profession of pharmacy, he opened a drug store. For more than a half century Mr. Keeshan conducted his business in the Bacon Build- ing, on the northwest corner of Sixth and Walnut streets, being among the first druggists of the city to engage in the sale of other commodities than drugs in his drug store. It has been said of Mr. Keeshan that almost any article could be procured through him, his trade connections being large and important. For many years his skill as a pharmacist and his thorough reliability brought custom from all parts of the city. He continued in busi- ness until some 18 months prior to his decease, his retirement being caused by advancing years and physical ailments. His enterprise built up a large business, which he managed with the old-time integrity which the present generation sometimes feels is almost a lost art. Few men were better known, especially to the medical fraternity, than was our subject, and he had many farm friends.
In 1852'Mr. Keeshan was married to Hannah Corrigan. The surviving children born to this union are : Mrs. F. J. Kelly, of Glen Ridge, New Jersey ; and Bertha, who is a Sister of the Sacred Heart Academy in Clifton. On October 23, 1893, Mr. Keeshan was married to Margaret Cassidy, daughter of Michael Cassidy, the family being of aristocratic Southern blood. The children born to the second union are: Paul and John Lawrence. In addi- .
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tion to the two sons and two daughters named, Mr. Keeshan is survived by his widow. For many years the beautiful family home has been at No. 945 Grand avenue, Price Hill. The family have always been devout Catholics. Mr. Keeshan was very loyal to his alma mater, St. Xavier College.
While Mr. Keeshan was a good and public spirited citizen, he was never willing to accept public responsibilities. The only order to which he belonged was that of the Catholic Knights of America, in which he took a very active interest.
WILLIAM S. MELLEN.
WILLIAM S. MELLEN, a citizen of prominence and senior member of the firm of Mellen, Brown & Company, cotton factors and commission merchants of Cincinnati, died at his beautiful Clifton home, February 5, 1898. He sprang of prominent stock and his death removed one of the best known and most popular men of Cincinnati.
Mr. Mellen was born in Fredonia, New York, in 1842, and was a son of William Proctor Mellen. His father was in the service of the Union Army during the Civil War, and acquitted himself with credit. After the close of that struggle he located in Cincinnati, and became one of the most emi- nent practitioners before the bar in this city. For many years he was asso- ciated in practice with the distinguished Salmon P. Chase, including the period in which the latter held positions of trust in Washington, D. C., under the United States government. Mr. Mellen also conducted the affairs of several valuable coal mines, attaining a high degree of success in that as , well as in every other branch of business in which he engaged. His part- ner, Mr. Chase, died in the home of our subject in New York City, while on his way to California. A sister of William S. Mellen married Gen. William J. Palmer, who built the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. The father of our subject died in 1873.
William S. Mellen was a mere lad when he removed with his father to Cincinnati, and here received his education in Brooks' Academy. Soon after the close of the Civil War, the business firm of Mellen, Brown & Company was established, at the head of which stood William S. Mellen for a period of more than 30 years. He was a man of excellent business qualifications,
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followed methods characterized by a high moral standard and, while legiti- mately acquiring a large fortune, won, also, the esteem of his associates and the affection of his friends.
On July 9, 1874, Mr. Mellen was united in marriage with Ellen M. Manly, a daughter of Daniel Manly. Our subject in former years was a member of the Queen City Club, and belonged to the Unitarian Church. With his wife he moved in the best social circles of Cincinnati, and resided in a beautiful home in aristocratic Clifton, where Mrs. Mellen in spending her declining years in peace and comfort.
CHARLES SALATHIEL SPARKS.
CHARLES SALATHIEL SPARKS, a prominent member of the Hamilton County bar and a distinguished lecturer on agnosticism, is a well known citizen of Cincinnati and a resident of Price Hill. He was born June 10, 1868, at West Union, Ohio, and is a son of Salathiel and Clara ( Post) Sparks, and a grandson of George and Mary (De Camp) Sparks, natives of Virginia. His parents had a family of II children born to them, nine of whom still survive.
The subject of this review received his elementary education in the public schools at West Union, Ohio, and in 1889 entered the University of Cincinnati, where he was graduated in the law department on May 28, 1890. He immediately entered into practice and was appointed acting prosecuting attorney in the same year, holding the office at intervals until 1896. From 1893 to 1896 he was also acting judge of the Police Court. Mr. Sparks is an enthusiast on many subjects and one is the revision of the present penal laws. Should the law making be placed in his hands, a prisoner would be allowed wages for his labor, which wages over his cost of living would be given to his family instead of going to the corporations who make contracts with the State. This seems a most reasonable proposition and Mr. Sparks is supported in the contention by many other eminent lawyers. In politics he is a leading member of the Republican party and served as a delegate to the last State convention.
Probably Mr. Sparks is equally well known through the State as a
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lecturer on scientific and philosophic subjects. He is a man of strong con- victions and has the courage to express them. He is one of the noted apos- tles of Free Thought and is a favorite contributor to the various journals of this belief, notably the Blue Grass Blade and the Torch of Reason. Mr. Sparks founded the Agnostic Sunday-school, the only one in the world, which has grown from a membership of 10 on February 3, 1901, to more than 100. Weekly meetings are held in Lincoln Inn Court where such subjects are considered as the following: "Lessons in Morals," "Plants and Lower Ani- mals in Their Relations to Man and Themselves," "To See Nature as It Is," and "What Is Absolutely Known," the scope of the work covering many kindred subjects which attract intelligent and thoughtful people.
On November 21, 1896, Mr. Sparks was married to Mary Elizabeth Buckley, who was born in Oldham, England, but came in childhood to America with her parents, James F. and Jennie ( Williams) Buckley of Brooklyn, New York. The children born to this marriage are three in number, viz .: Dorothy Grace, born April 15, 1898; Charlotte Ingersoll, born November 16, 1900; and Temple Tolstoi, born August 15, 1902.
RUDOLPH KELKER HYNICKA.
RUDOLPH KELKER HYNICKA, a prominent citizen and a leading Re- publican politician of Cincinnati, is now serving as county treasurer of Hamilton County, to which office he was elected in 1903. He was born in July, 1859, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Hynicka came to Cincinnati in the winter of 1879-80, since which time he has been keenly alive to the interests of this city and has con- tributed materially to its advancement. Well educated and able, his services were appreciated on the Cincinnati Enquirer during 1881 and 1882, and subsequently on the Commercial Gasette, the News Journal and the Sun. The many friends he made in journalistic circles became his stanch supporters when he drifted into political life, supporting him for various offices in which he has served with the greatest efficiency. Mr. Hynicka has served as deputy in the county auditor's office, during the official term of Auditor Raine; in the county treasurer's office under Mr. Zumstein; and in the Police Court clerk's office under Mr. Rehse. Upon the death of Mr. Rehse in 1895, he
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was appointed to succeed, and this was followed in 1899 by his appointment as chief deputy in the county treasurer's office, in which capacity he served during two administrations. Then followed his election to his present office. Mr. Hynicka resides at No. 17 Garfield place.
JOSEPH RANSOHOFF, M. D.
JOSEPH RANSOHOFF, M. D., an eminent physician and surgeon of Cin- cinnati, was born in this city, May 26, 1853, and is a son of Nathan and Ester (Kahn) Ransohoff, and grandson of Levy Ransohoff. The parents of our subject were born in England and came to the United States at an early day, locating in Cincinnati.
Joseph Ransohoff received his early educational training in the public schools of Cincinnati, and was graduated from Woodward High School in 1870. In the fall of 1870 he entered the Medical College of Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1874, serving as interne in the Cincinnati Hos- pital in 1873 and 1874. Immediately after graduation, he went abroad to complete his education in the science of medicine, making surgery a specialty. He studied one year in Vienna, one year in Wurzburg, one year in Paris, six months in Berlin and a like period in London. In 1877 he was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in London. He returned to his native city to take up the practice of his profession and in 1879 was made professor of anatomy in the Medical College of Ohio, which chair he filled with distinction until 1902 when he was appointed to the chair of surgery in the same institution. He was also appointed a trustee of the University of Cincinnati in 1903, and still serves in that capacity. Dr. Ransohoff has a very large general practice in the city, and is most highly esteemed by his brother physicians and his fellow citizens in general.
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