USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 45
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On the 25th of March, 1845, Colonel Gustavus Innis was married to Miss Sarah Goe Morrill, who was born in Ohio, where she now lives, on the 2d day of September, 1821, and was the youngest child of Moses and Millie (Merion) Morrill. Her father was engaged in the lumber business in New Hampshire in early life. Mrs. Merion was the eldest daughter of Nathaniel and Lydia (Gay) Merion. Her father and her brothers, Wil- liam, Elijah, David and Nathaniel Merion, purchased some soldiers' claims to lands in the refugee tract in Ohio, securing about seventeen hundred acres for one dollar per acre. In 1812 they started for their new Ohio property but Nathaniel Merion died ere reaching his destination. Wil- liam had located here three years previous. The others of the family ar- rived in safety and took up their abode on what is now South High street within two miles of the capital city. Their farm there comprised a half section of land and they also had another half section where the lunatic asy- lum was later located and still a third half section on Allum creek. Mr. Morrill conducted his farm, also kept a hotel and engaged in the manufac- ture and sale of brick. He was a very active and energetic man, and in his business life carried forward to successful completion whatever he under- took. He was closely associated with the early substantial development of the county and his name is enrolled among the honored pioneers. He died in the year 1837 and was long survived by his wife, who conducted her business interests and remained a resident of this county until her death. which occurred in 1858 when she had reached the advanced age of eighty- one years.
At the time of their marriage Colonel and Mrs. Innis began their do- mestic life in a log cabin in the eastern part of Clinton township. He pur- chased this with capital saved from his wages as a teacher. The little home was devoid of many things which are considered essential comforts at the present time, but, though the furnishings were meager and the adornments of the house were few, Colonel and Mrs. Innis were happy in each other's love and the friendship of their pioneer neighbors. Colonel Innis was identified with agricultural pursuits for a long period and worked diligently and persistently to till the soil, converting the wild land into productive fields from which he annually gathered good crops. At the time of the
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Civil war he left the state in command of the One Hundred and Thirty- third Regiment of the Ohio National Guard. He was commissioned cap- tain of the Fifth Company of the Second Regiment in 1839. On the 31st of July, 1863, he became captain of Company F, Third Batallion of In- fantry, and on the 24th of September following was commissioned lieu- tenant colonel of the Third Regiment. On the 8th of March, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of colonel of the same regiment, and on the 6th of May, 1864, was appointed to the command of the One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. He made a creditable showing as an army officer whose loyalty has never been questioned and who inspired his men with his own deeds of valor and bravery.
After his return from the war Colonel Innis was made warden of the state penitentiary in 1874 and continued to fill that office for two years, proving most capable, prompt and reliable in the discharge of his duties. After his retirement from that position he engaged in surveying and civil engineering and remained an active factor in the affairs of life until he was called to his final rest.
Unto Colonel and Mrs. Innis there were born five children: Henry M., whose sketch appears on another page of this work; George S., who is pro- fessor of history in Hamlin University; Isabel C., who became the wife of Dr. N. S. Matthews and died in August, 1902; Millie M., the wife of Dr. C. L. Bohannan, of Clay Center, Nebraska; and Charles F., who is with his mother.
The father was a stalwart democrat in politics. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and not only in fraternal but other rela- tions of life enjoyed the warm friendship and good will of those with whom he came in contact. He passed away in Columbus, January 2, 1899. Throughout his entire life, covering almost eighty years, he had been a resident of Franklin county and had watched its growth from early pioneer times until it became one of the most populous and prosperous sec- tions of this great state. He was a worthy representative of its agricultural development and was most loyal in the position of public service which he so long filled. No history of the county would be complete without ex- tended and personal reference to Colonel Innis as one of the honored pioneer settlers and valued business men.
ELMER G. HORTON, M.D.
Dr. Elmer G. Horton, physician, bacteriologist, medical educator and health officer of Columbus, was born at Horton Hill, Erie county, New York, a place which was founded by his grandfather, John Horton, who removed from New England to the Empire state early in the nineteenth century. There he engaged in farming as did his son, Lorenzo L. Horton. The lat- ter followed mercantile pursuits and reared his family in the neighborhood of the old homestead until his removal to Wyoming county, New York.
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It was in the schools of the latter county that Dr. Horton pursued his early education while later he attended the Arcade Academy and subse- quently became a student in Cornell University, where he pursued a scientific course, being graduated in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He afterward engaged in teaching in a preparatory school for some time and later became connected with the Wabash College at Crawfordsville, Indiana, as professor of hygiene. He then held a fellowship of hygiene in the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania in 1895-96 and taught in the same institution until 1898. In June, of the latter year, he came to Columbus to establish a laboratory for the Ohio state board of health with which he was connected as bacteriologist and chemist and was in charge until 1907. In 1906 he was graduated from the Ohio Medical University with which he had previously been connected as a teacher. In 1902 he began lecturing there on hygiene, in 1903 was promoted to professor hygiene and is now lecturer on hygiene in the Starling-Ohio Medical College. Since 1907 he has been health offi- cer of Columbus and his studies and researches in the line of hygiene and bacteriology well qualify him for valuable and efficient work in this connec- tion. He is also a member of the Academy of Medicine, of Ohio State Med- ical Society and the American Medical Association. He likewise belongs to the American Public Health Association and is in hearty sympathy with that movement which is now common among advanced members of the pro- fession, to prevent disease by the dissemination of knowledge concerning the laws of health and by the institution of health measures that will pro- mote sanitary and healthy conditions. e
While a student in Cornell Dr. Horton was very prominent in athletic circles. He won the gold medal for the best all-round athletic record in the junior year, played half-back on the football team and held five Cornell records. He was the first Cornell man to win a place in the intercollegiate sports, gaining this honor in 1891, and he now has a very interesting and valuable collection of cups and trophies.
In 1894 Dr. Horton was married to Miss Belle Fisher, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, and they have two children, Vivian and Mildred. Dr. Horton be- longs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and while he has a ready apprecia- tion for the social amenities of life he finds his business and professional duties are constantly making larger demands upon his time and energies. He has carried his investigations far and wide into the realms of scientific research, and study and experience are constantly broadening his knowledge and promoting his efficiency.
JOSEPH FRANK BOTT.
Joseph Frank Bott is well known in Columbus, where for many years he has made his home. For a long period he was closely associated with the busi- ness life of the city, but he is now practically living retired, giving his super- vision only to his invested interests. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1858.
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His father, Casper Bott, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and crossed the Atlantic to the new world, establishing his home in Zanesville in 1840. He was a shoemaker by trade and followed that business in Zanesville for many years, his death occurring there in 1879. He had long survived his wife, who died in 1863. She bore the maiden name of Magdalena Huff, and was also a native of Bavaria.
Joseph F. Bott pursued his education in the public schools of his native city to the age of thirteen years, when he came to Columbus and entered the employ of the Ohio Furniture Company, with which he continued for a year. He afterward secured a position in the cafe on East Town street, owned by Fred Nettermeyer, Sr., with whom he remained for three years, when he en- tered the employ of Louis Buechner, on High street. For two years he worked there in a confectionery establishment, during which time he carefully saved his earnings, for it was his desire to some day engage in business on his own account. His next service was with Thomas R. Marshall, a well known pio- neer, in the Clinton building on High street, and when he had spent three years there he went to the Pioneer Billiard Room, where the Harrison building now stands. His service there covered three years, during which time he be- came an expert pool and billiard player. Mr. Corey, of the Gibson House, of Cincinnati, then offered Mr. Bott a position with increased salary, but his brother coming from Zanesville in the meantime, Mr. Bott formed a partner- ship with him and started in business in 1883. They secured a location where Brice Brothers are now located, and remained at that point for nine years, establishing a good paying business. The location, a favorable one opposite the state house, made their establishment very popular and, as Mr. Bott ex- pressed it, they "always had a meeting of the third house." The transpiring of the lease caused their removal to No. 141 North High street, where they conducted the finest establishment of the kind ever seen in Columbus, con- tinuing at that place until their business was destroyed by fire on the 25th of April, 1903. They then bought out an unexpired lease at No. 157 North High street, just across the alley from their present location, there continuing for two years and three months. In April, 1905, they built the finest cafe in the United States and at the present time are conducting the largest and most pros- perous business in the city.
In 1887 they organized the Bott Brothers Manufacturing Company, be- ginning operations on a very small scale, but soon developing their trade until they were at the head of a large enterprise in the sale of pool and billiard tables and supplies, bar fixtures, refrigerators and all necessary appurtenances for cafes and billiard halls. In 1902 they secured their present location at No. 166 North High street for the factory and salesrooms and since that time their business has enjoyed an almost phenomenal growth. In February, 1905, it was incorporated under the name of the Bott Brothers Manufacturing Com- pany, with Joseph F. Bott as resident and general manager. They are repre- sented on the road by several traveling salesmen and their territory covers the entire United States. On the 29th of January, 1908, however, Joseph F. Bott sold out his interest, although the business has since been continued under the corporation name. He is now a director of the Bott & Cannon Company,
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wholesale liquor dealers, but has practically retired from active business con- nections, his success in former years bringing to him capital sufficient to sup- ply him now with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
On the 25th of November, 1886, Mr. Bott was married to Miss Anna Schimpf, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is very fond of billiards and pool, which he makes the chief source of his recreation. He has also been an exten- sive traveler, visiting many points of historic and scenic interest both at home and abroad, thereby gaining the knowledge, experience and culture which only travel can bring. While his early business career brought him into close touch with hard work, he recognized the fact that unfaltering diligence and determination constitute the strongest elements in success, and through his per- sistency of purpose he made gradual advancement until his prosperity placed him among the men of affluence in Columbus.
DANIEL DETWILER.
Daniel Detwiler, a prosperous and well known agriculturist of Madison township, was born on the 14th of June, 1849, in Franklin county, Pennsyl- vania. His grandfather, Jacob Detwiler, was a native of Lancaster county Pennsylvania, his birth occurring in 1764. Samuel Detwiler, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1796, and on the 26th of September, 1827, wedded Miss Elizabeth Lehman, whose birth oc- curred in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, August 7, 1805. Samuel Detwiler obtained only a limited education and early in life learned the tailor's trade. Subsequently, however, he took up the occupation of farming, being connected with agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his business career. In 1853 he purchased a farm of one hundred and ninety acres in Madison town- ship, Franklin county, Ohio, and with the assistance of his sons, cleared the greater portion of it. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, six of whom still survive, namely: Mrs. Kate L. Harpst, of Putnam county, Ohio; Samuel, a resident of Kansas; Elizabeth Lehman; Martin, living in Illinois; Mrs. Susan Leidy, who also makes her home in Putnam county, Ohio; and Daniel, of this review.
The last named now owns and occupies the old homestead which he as- sisted his father in clearing and improving and which has been in possession of the family for almost sixty years. There are now two houses on the prop- erty, one of brick and one of wood, and the place is lacking in none of the acces- sories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. Moreover, Mr. Detwiler is well and favorably known throughout the community as an in- dustrious, substantial and enterprising agriculturist and progressive citizen.
On the 29th of January, 1874, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Det- wiler and Miss Katie Hare, who was born November 19, 1848. Their children are two in number: Mrs. Katie May Bowman and George Garfield.
In his political views Mr. Detwiler is a stanch republican, while in relig- ious faith he is a Methodist. He is likewise identified with the Masonic fra-
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ternity and the Grange. Realizing that "there is no excellence without labor," his entire career has been characterized by an unfaltering diligence and un- flagging perserverance which have made him one of the prosperous citizens of this part of the country.
CLARENCE WHEATON BATTERSON.
Clarence Wheaton Batterson, secretary and treasurer of the Batterson Decorative Company of Columbus, was born September 30, 1882. His grand- father, a native of New Jersey, was a prominent pump manufacturer of this city and passed away at the age of eighty-two years. The father of our sub- ject, James S. Batterson, a native of Columbus, is president of the Batterson Decorative Company and has now been engaged in the decorating business for forty years. He was the first exclusive wall paper dealer in Columbus and the state of Ohio, and the present business was founded by him immediately after the close of the Civil war. He is a veteran of that long and sanguinary con- flict, having served as clerk in the quartermaster general's department. The Batterson Decorative Company is one of the most extensive in its line and has executed many large contracts throughout this section of the state, while its president is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and influential resi- dents of his native city.
Clarence Wheaton Batterson supplemented the education which he had acquired in the graded and high schools of this city by a course in Thompson's Preparatory School. After laying aside his text-books he went to New York, becoming connected with the decorating house of Joseph P. McHugh. Sub- sequently he was a member of the advertising staff of the John Wanamaker store and was next employed for a time by the A. A. Vantine Company, im- porters of oriental goods. Later he became connected with the advertising department of Marshall Field & Company of Chicago, while his next change made him road salesman for the Eli Gage Novelty Company. In 1906 he re- turned to Columbus and became associated in business with his father, being elected secretary and treasurer of the company. He is a young man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his executive ability and superior business qualifications have proven an important element in the success of the institution with which he is connected.
On the 26th of September, 1905, Mr. Batterson was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Frances Weber, a daughter of George Weber, who is one of the best known contractors of Columbus, having constructed many of the banks, schools and public buildings in this section of the state. Mrs. Batterson, who is a graduate of the Columbus high school and the Ohio State University, is an accomplished musician and artist and a lady of culture and refinement.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Batterson has given his political allegiance to the republican party, while fraternally he is connected with the Masons. He is a lover of music and literature and finds his chief source of recreation in hunting and fishing, indulging in these sports at
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his country home at Watkins Lake, Michigan. Both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed throughout Columbus, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
CYRUS F. LUCKHART.
Among the practitioners at the Columbus bar Cyrus F. Luckhart is num- bered and in a profession where advancement depends solely upon individual merit he has made substantial and gratifying progress. Ohio numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Ross county on the 1st of August, 1875. The family is of Pennsylvania Dutch origin, although representatives of the name came to Ohio in pioneer times, Nelson Luck- hart, the father of our subject, having been born in Ross county. He served as one of the famous Squirrel Hunters at the time the Confederate leader, Morgan, made his raid into the north. His life was devoted to general agri- cultural pursuits and he continued a resident of his native state until called to his final rest August 16, 1907. He wedded Mary A. Strawser, also born in Ross county and a daughter of John Strawser, who was a farmer by oc- cupation and a man of deeply religious nature, who took an active and help- ful part in the work of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which he held membership.
The public schools of Ross county provided Cyrus F. Luckhart with his early educational privileges, which were supplemented by a special course in the normal school at Chillicothe. When his course there was finished he engaged in teaching school for six years and proved a capable educator, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired. Desiring, however, to devote his attention to other professional lines, he en- tered the state university as a law student and on the completion of the full course was graduated in 1902. Locating for practice in Columbus, he has won attention by reason of the care and precision which he manifests in the preparation of his causes and the clear, logical and forceful manner in which he presents his case. He is devoted to his clients' interests and yet he never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Luckhart was married in No- vember, 1897, to Miss Florence Larrick, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, a daughter of Jasper C. Larrick, who for many years was identified with agricultural interests but is now engaged in the manufacture of cement at Chillicothe. Mr. and Mrs. Luckhart have one child, Arthur E., born Feb- ruary 12, 1900. Mr. Luckhart gives his political allegiance to the democracy and is now a member of the Democratic Glee Club of Columbus and is also prominent in the Franklin County Democratic Club. He formerly served as mayor and justice of the peace of Adelphi and discharged his duties with notable promptness and fidelity. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and he is a member of the United Brethren church, in the work of which he is deeply and helpfully interested. In fact he takes a very
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prominent part in church work, is serving as superintendent of the Sunday school and is president of the United Brotherhood, an auxiliary of this church. His life has at all times been actuated by principles of honorable manhood and his fidelity thereto has gained him the unqualified regard of those who know him.
EDWARD JOHNSON.
Edward Johnson, earning his living in the mine at nine years of age, is now president of the Lorain Coal & Dock Company, one of the most extensive enterprises of this character in the state. Strong in his ability to plan and to perform, through his own efforts he has reached a position that has made his opinions authoritative among his business colleagues and associates, and that causes his cooperation to be sought in the management of various undertakings. His life history furnishes an inspiration and incentive to others in that it is proof of the opportunities that lay before an individual who fears not to dare and to do.
A native of England, he was born near Birmingham, August 26, 1855, a son of Thomas and Ann (Slater) Johnson, but has resided in the United States since the age of eight years, when his parents brought the family to the new world and settled at Niles, Ohio. His education was largely acquired in attending night schools, and he thus displayed the elemental force of his character, giving to the study hours which most youths, busily employed in the day, would have devoted to pleasure.
He started to work in the mine when he was nine years of age, and his boyhood was a period of earnest and unlimited toil. That he was diligent and faithful is indicated in the fact that he became a practiced miner when he was thirteen years of age. His experience in the mines, his knowledge of the methods employed in getting out the coal and the ability which he gained in judging the value of the material all constitute elements in his present day success. He was also in his early life engaged in farm labor for four or five years.
When his industry and careful expenditures had brought him a little capital, he joined his brother in leasing nine acres of coal at Nelsonville. This was his start as a mine operator and with it as a nucleus he has de- veloped a business of mammoth proportions. The product of the Nelsonville mine was delivered to boats on the canal; one or two cars a day loaded; this, together with the coal sold to the town people, consumed the entire output. The reliable business methods used, combined with the keen judgment and discrimination in the management brought success to the undertaking and the result was the organization of the New Pittsburg Coal Company, of which Mr. Johnson was general manager. Later the Johnson Coal Company was formed, and coal acquired in the Pittsburg district in Pennsylvania. These companies both were sold to the Pittsburg Coal Company.
In 1900 Mr. Johnson together with others, organized the Lorain Coal & Dock Company, which now owns over sixteen thousand acres of coal and
EDWARD JOHNSON
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mines from twelve to fifteen hundred thousand tons of coal annually. The business has been developed to magnificent proportions largely through the efforts and enterprise of Edward Johnson. He has been general manager of the company since its organization and upon the death of A. C. Saunders of Cleveland, in 1907, was elected president.
Mr. Johnson is a director of the Citizens Savings Bank, a director of the Ohio Trust Company and of the Columbus Merchandise Company, thus extending his efforts into various fields. Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in industrial and financial circles, not alone by reason of the splendid success he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward business methods and undaunted enterprise which he has ever displayed.
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