USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 52
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Mr. Mithoff was a native of Hamburg, Germany. His parents and five sons of the family came to the United States together but afterward separated and lived in different parts of the country but all are now de- ceased.
Henry A. Mithoff was educated in the common schools of the father- land and was but a young man when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. They first located at New Orleans and while residing there the subject of this review was married but his wife survived for only a brief period. He was still a resident of the Crescent City when he was married again, his second union being with Miss Doradia Och, who died some years later in Columbus. There were five children by that marriage: Matilda, the wife of Otto Klis, a resident of Columbus; Oscar H., residing in this city; Henrietta, who is the widow of Charles Butler and lives in Columbus; Lydia, wife of George B. Durant, a banker of Columbus; and Leslie, who is engaged in the insurance business here. There was also an adopted daughter, Hellinda Mithoff, the wife of Conrad Herman, deceased.
Having lost his second wife Mr. Mithoff was married in the capital city to Miss Elisa Hoeriger, a native of Columbus and a daughter of George and Caroline (Grinder) Hoeriger, both of whom were born in Germany and be- came residents of this city at an early period in its growth. Her father was engaged in the retail shoe business, which he followed here through much of
HENRY A. MITHOFF
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his life but in his later years he retired on account of ill health and spent his re- maining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest, passing away in Colum- bus November 4, 1894. Mrs. Hoeriger is now ninety years of age and is still very active. Indeed she is particularly well preserved for one of her years and now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Mithoff, who is the oldest of her four children. The others are: Edward, who also resides with Mrs. Mithoff; Julius, who is engaged in raising oranges at Center Point, Florida; and Laura, who is the wife of Dewitt C. Jones of this city.
Mr. Hoeriger resided in Bucyrus, Ohio, for a short time and then came direct to Columbus. Here he established a retail shoe store in an old frame building on Main street near Front street which is still standing, one of the landmarks of the city. With the growth of Columbus, however, Mr. Hoeriger sought more modern quarters, removing his business to the Constant building, which he occupied for several years and finally located on South High street, where he conducted his store until 1893. Each year chronicled an increase in the business as the result of his close application, commercial integrity and unfaltering enterprise. He had been established here but a brief period when his store became one of the profitable mercantile undertakings of the city, bringing to him a gratifying financial return yearly until 1893, when he sold out and spent the succeeding four years in honorable retirement from business, passing away here November 25, 1897.
In his political views, Mr. Hoeriger was a stalwart democrat, yet not an active worker in the party ranks although he served for one term as a mem- ber of the city council. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and held membership in the German Protestant church of which Mrs. Hoeriger is likewise a member. He gave generously toward the house of worship here and always took a great interest in church work, being associated with its various activities. Accomplishing his tasks as the years passed by he left the world better than the found it by reason of his upright, honorable life. He never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it. He always looked for the best in others and gave the best he had so that his life was an inspiration, while his memory remains as a benediction to those who knew him. Mrs. Mithoff owns and occupies a large residence at No. 799 South High street where her mother and her brother reside with her. She is well known in both church and social circles and has many friends in this city where she has always lived.
GEORGE ELLSWORTH HAWKINS.
George Ellsworth Hawkins is manager for the Postal Telegraph Cable Company of Columbus, a position of responsibility and importance which he is ably filling. He was born in Augusta, Hancock county, Illinois, August 10, 1869. The ancestry of the family is traced back to colonial days and there is now a bill pending in Congress which reads: "Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the United States of America in congress assembled
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that the secretary of the treasury be, and he is hereby authorized and directed to pay to the heirs of the late John Hawkins of Hanover county, Virginia, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, as payment in full for services rendered and pri- vate funds expended by the said John Hawkins in the cause of the war of the Revolution." This bill is based upon the fact that John Hawkins, in connec- tion with the commissary department of the army, was a factor in saving the army at Valley Forge from disbandonment on account of the lack of neces- sary food and supplies. At the time he took up the work he was a man of large means. He was given charge of the colony of Virginia, which at that time embraced the territory now included within several states. He gave to its assistance one-half of his salary, and his large and handsome estate dwindled away as he met pressing demands forced upon him to do extra work in furnishing supplies for the army. Of him Thomas Jefferson said in a letter to Governor Patrick Henry, dated March 27, 1879, "I am mistaken if for the animal subsistence of the troops hitherto we are not principally indebted to the genius and exertions of John Hawkins during the time he lived after his appointment to the department by your board. His eye immediately pervaded the state-it was reduced at once to a regular machine-to a system and the whole put into movement and animation by the fiat of a comprehensive mind." In speaking of the same period of our national history Governor Patrick Henry of Virginia wrote to Congressman Lee in his enthusiastic way when an agent failed to perform the duties of this office: "Good God! Our fate committed to a man utterly unable to perform the task assigned him called into action at a time when distinguished talent only can save the army from perishing. I must not be depended on in that line for anything if Hawkins is rejected by congress-he is really superior to any one and of established credit to any amount." More than a century later William Wirt Henry, grandson of Pat- rick Henry, wrote on the 26th of February, 1894, to Dr. Hawkins of Frank- fort, Kentucky, stating that "John Hawkins, while acting as commissary under the appointment of Governor Patrick Henry, rendered services by which the army of Washington at Valley Forge was prevented from abandonment." This John Hawkins was a member of the family from which George Ellsworth Hawkins is descended. He was so loyal in his allegiance to the colonies and their interests that he gave his private fortune in support of the army and died without an estate to leave to his family.
Samuel Letcher Hawkins, the father of our subject, was a resident of Ghent, Kentucky, and at an early day removed to Illinois, being connected with the Tom Jasper Packet Line in the early history of such transportation on the Mississippi River. He was engaged in the grain business during the period of the Civil war and later removed to Chicago, where he now resides. He is still active on the board of trade, although he has reached the age of sev- enty years. He married Josephine Tungate, who was born near Macomb, Illi- nois, and is still living.
George E. Hawkins was reared and educated at Sciota, Illinois, to the age of nine years, and in 1880, at the age of eleven years, became a messenger for the Western Union Telegraph Company, at Macomb, Illinois. On the 5th of
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February of the following year he found employment in a Chicago commission house as telegraph operator. He was first employed in that capacity in Chicago when only eleven and a half years of age. He represented, as manager, various firms in different Ohio towns until July, 1890, when he entered the employ of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company at Cleveland. His ability was soon rec- ognized, and in August, 1893, he was promoted to the position of manager of the office at Canton, Ohio, where he remained until the famous political cam- paign of 1896. It was one to try the facilities of any office and the efficiency of any manager. Mr. Hawkins remained in Canton during both the cam- paigns when Major Mckinley was a presidential candidate and was also there at the time of his funeral. There he met and did professional service for many noted newspaper correspondents. He also has in his possession a number of personal letters of commendation from President Mckinley for highly efficient service and uniform courtesy. He also enjoys the highest regard of the com- pany which he represents. When he left Canton the city council there passed a resolution of regret at his departure. On the 21st of January, 1903, however, he came to Columbus, where he has since remained and is now local representa- tive here for the largest cable and telegraph system in the world.
On the 25th of May, 1891, Mr. Hawkins was united in marriage to Miss Clara Weller, of Washington Court House, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Virginia Edith. Mr. Hawkins is a member of the Columbus Board of Trade and is interested in all of its movements for the benefit of the city and the in- crease of its business connections. He belongs to the Old Time Telegrapher & Historical Association, an organization composed of men who have been in the telegraphic service for twenty-five years. He is likewise connected with the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. Nor is Mr. Hawkins unknown as an inventor, possessing considerable mechanical ingenuity, which, combined with original ideas that have found practical execution, has enabled him to file many patents. He is particularly fond of fishing and makes it his chief pas- time, but has never allowed pleasure to interfere with his professional duties and hard wark, close application and laudable ambition have constituted the secret of his success. He is strictly temperate in his habits, abstaining from the use of liquors and tobacco and thus he has kept to a high standard the physical endurance which constitutes the basis upon which all mental and nervous energy must depend. In his chosen field of labor he has made substantial progress along the line of individual merit, and now occupies a position of re- sponsiblity and prominence.
WILBUR T. MILLS.
The subject of this sketch was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of September, 1868. His grandfather, James Mills, a native of Ire- land, was a minister of the Methodist church. His father, James R. Mills, was also a Methodist divine. He was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in 1834; spent his life in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, and passed away in
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1908, at the age of seventy-four years. His mother's maiden name was Eliza Thoburn, and she was a sister of Bishop Thoburn of the Methodist church.
Following the removal of his father to Ohio in 1872, the subject of this sketch acquired his education in the schools of this state, finishing at the Ohio State University in 1891. Prior to his college days, he had spent two years in practical engineering and construction work under the tutelage of experienced and well known teachers. After leaving college this experience was further broadened by additional experience and study in structural work and design. At the outset of his architectural practice in Columbus, Mr. Mills was associated with L. H. Goddard, a civil engineer, who afterward gave up architectural work and entered the employ of the state. For ten years following this partnership, Mr. Mills practiced architecture in Columbus under his own name, but in 1907 he formed a partnership with Edwin E. Pruitt, under the firm name of Mills & Pruitt, which partnership is now practicing in Columbus, and other contracts are located throughout nearly all the central states.
Among the structures in Columbus designed by Mr. Mills are the buildings of the Citizen's Telephone Company, the Scioto Valley Traction Company, the Broad Street Church of Christ, the Third Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, the women's dormitory at the Ohio State University, and several hundred other public and private structures.
In 1894 Mr. Mills was married to Miss Minnie A. Luse, a native of Ohio and daughter of J. D. Luse, the well-known music publisher and author. Two children have been born to this union : Miss Dorothy and Wilbur T., Jr. Mrs. Mills has been the organist at the Broad Street Methodist Episcopal church since 1896, has dedicated such instruments as the large organ in Memorial Hall and several of the largest churches in Columbus, in addition to instru- ments remote from the city.
In his political views, Mr. Mills is an independent republican, while his religious faith is indcated by his membership in the Methodist church. He is a Knight Templar and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine; also a Knight of Pythias.
HIRAM ANDREW PLETCHER.
Hiram Andrew Pletcher has been a resident of Columbus since 1888 and during this period has won for himself an enviable position in the regard of his fellow citizens. He is allied with many movements which are beneficial to the city in its material, political, intellectual, social and moral development. and his influence is aways found on the side of progress, reform and improve- ment. His business associations are with the firm of Pletcher, Brown & Com- pany, funeral directors, and in this connection he maintains the finest under- taking establishment of Columbus.
Mr. Pletcher was born in Deavertown, Muskingum county, Ohio, in Oc- tober, 1847, and is a representative of one of the old families of the state. Not long after the Revolutionary war his great-grandfather came from Virginia to Ohio and took up land in Muskingum county, there founding the family which has since been represented in Ohio. His son, Samuel Pletcher, a native
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of Virginia, was a small boy at the time of the removal to this state. The ma- ternal grandparents of our subject were also from Virginia. The father, An- drew Pletcher, was born in Muskingum county at an early period in its de- velopment and followed the occupation of farming as a life work, always remaining a resident of his native county. As the years passed he prospered in his undertakings, becoming one of the leading agriculturists and well-known and prominent citizens of the community. His death occurred in 1893. In early manhood he wedded Rachel Thomas, who was born in Virginia and went to Muskingum county with her parents in early life. She died in 1884.
Hiram A. Pletcher was reared on a farm in Muskingum county, about twelve miles from the city of Zanesville, and was educated in the district schools of that locality to the age of twenty-one years. The summer months, however, were devoted to work on the home farm and when he attained his majority he went to Jasper county, Iowa, where he was employed at farm labor. After remaining for fifteen months in that state he returned to Muskingum county and worked on various farms in the community. He also mastered the car- penter's trade and followed that business as a journeyman carpenter at various points for three years. In 1874 he removed to Junction City, Ohio, where he continued until 1883, but in the meantime, in 1880, he had become interested in the furniture and undertaking business and founded a successful venture. In' 1883 he removed to Westerville, where he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. The desire to give his children better educational op- portunities was also one of the causes of his removal. He continued there from 1883 until 1888 and became not only a leading business man of the town but also a prominent factor in its official interests. He served as a member of the city council for a year and was reelected for a second term withouti opposition and with the endorsement of both parties.
Mr. Pletcher came to Columbus on the 3d of January, 1888, to engage in business here as an embalmer and funeral director, opening his establishment at No. 846 North High street. He remained alone in business until 1901, when the present firm of Pletcher, Brown & Company was formed and in August, 1902, their present spacious and complete quarters were built espe- cially for the business. This is said to be one of the most complete institutions of its kind with every facility and modern convenience, combined with simple elegance. Mr. Pletcher has met with success in this business and has also extended his efforts to other lines. He was one of the five incorporators and is now treasurer and director of the North Side Savings Bank.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Pletcher was married on the 9th of April, 1869, to Miss Mary Jane Sowers, of Perry county. The became par- ents of seven children but only three are now living: Cornelia B., now Mrs. Holcomb, of Pulaski, Ohio; Orladdum W., who is engaged in business with his father; and Ruth D., attending the public schools. Mr. Pletcher is a mem- ber of the official board of the Third Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, hav- ing served in this capacity for many years. He has always taken a deep interest in the various activities of the church and has done much to further its work and extend its influence. He is now treasurer of Denison Lodge, I. O. O. F., and a member of the Masonic bodies and numerous other organizations. He
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belongs also to the Columbus Auto Club and is very fond of the motor car. Those who meet him in social relations find him a genial, courteous gentleman and he has a host of friends to whom his good qualities have endeared him al- most in the relation of brotherhood. Wherever he is known he is spoken of in terms of the highest respect and also in words of affection that indicate his strong hold upon the hearts of those with whom he has come in contact.
HENRY M. NEIL.
Henry M. Neil is a representative of one of the oldest and most honored families of Columbus. Fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished and happy is he if his lines of life are cast in harmony therewith. In person, in talents and in character, Henry M. Neil is a worthy scion of his race. His deeds in the Civil war, engraven on the pages of history, will go down to future generations. In his home city he is known as an energetic, straightforward business man, an advocate of the city's devel- opment and progress and as a firm and loyal friend in his social relations.
His birth occurred in what is now Columbus, August 4, 1832, his parents being William and Hannah (Schwing) Neil, of whom mention is made else- where in this volume. His earlier education was acquired in a private school in this city, and he has pursued a preparatory course in Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts, where he spent one year, and under a private tutor at Concord, Massachusetts, where he remained for two years. He then entered Harvard University and when he had completed his college course became as- sociated with his father in the management of his large business and real-estate interests.
His time was fully occupied until the outbreak of the Civil war when, thrilled by a spirit of patriotism, he espoused the Union cause and gave his efforts to sustaining the national policy. At that time his brother-in-law, Wil- liam Dennison, was governor of Ohio and Mr. Neil might have received from him a colonel's commission had he so desired, for he had already received con- siderable military training as a member of the governor's guard. A high sense of honor, however, led him to enter the service as a private and gain his pro- motion through merit. Three days after Fort Sumter was fired upon-April 15, 1861,-he offered his service as a soldier, being the first man to enlist in Ohio. He was assigned to duty raising troops and succeeded in raising a com- pany by the 18th of April. He was appointed aide-de-camp with the rank of colonel on the staff of Governor Dennison, April 18, 1861, and was on mus- tering duty in various parts of the state until July, after which various other departmental duties engaged his attention until January, 1862. He was then tendered a commission as lieutenant in the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Battery of Light Artillery and accepted the offer. On the 7th of January, 1862, he was commissioned as junior first lieutenant of the same command, which he joined at Otterville, Missouri, January 10, 1862. The battery was attached to Gen- eral Schuyler Hamilton's division of General Pope's army of the Army of the
HENRY M. NEIL
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Mississippi, and he was in the siege and capture of New Madrid, Missouri, from the 3d until the 14th of March. He also participated in the battle of Island No. 10 on the 16th of March; the expedition to Fort Pillow, Tennessee, on the 8th of April; and Pittsburg's Landing from the 12th to the 17th of April. His command was with the left wing during the advance on and the seige and cap- ture of Corinth, which lasted from the 30th of April until the 30th of May. Colonel Neil also participated in the battle of Farmington and the occupation of Corinth, followed by the pursuit to Boonville, and was then on duty at Corinth until the 23d of June. He went on the expedition to Ripley from June 27 until July 2; was at Corinth until August 4; at Jacinto, Mississippi, until September 18 and was almost constantly skirmishing with portions of General Sterling Price's Confederate troops from August 4 until September 18. He was in the battle of Iuka on the following day and was severely wounded in three different parts of the body. He commanded his battery on the 3d and 4th of October at Corinth and was again wounded, after which he was sent home by General Rosecrans. He was at Germantown and Memphis until March, 1863, when he was detached from the Eleventh Ohio Battery and assigned by order of General U. S. Grant to the command of Battery F, of the Second United States Light Artillery, March 8, 1863. By special order of E. M. Stanton, secretary of war, he was again detached and assigned the duty of raising the Twenty-second Ohio Battery Volunteer Light Artillery, April 28, 1862, and assigned to General J. D. Cox's command of the district of the Ohio, taking part in the expedition against Confederate General Imboden in West Virginia. He met the enemy in Morgan's raid and was afterward ordered to Camp Nelson, Kentucky, where he was assigned to the artillery brigade of the Twenty-third Corps of the Army of the Ohio. With this command he par- ticipated in the advance to Cumberland Gap and in the engagement there, be- ginning on the 7th of September. At that point he was given command of all the artillery, consisting of twelve batteries. From the 17th of November until the 5th of December, Colonel Neil was present at the siege of Knoxville and was then on duty at Cumberland Gap until January 9, 1864; he resigned on the 13th of February on account of disability, being occasioned by the wounds which he had sustained in action and by exposure which is so often a part of the experience of war. He was made colonel of United States Volun- teers. In the battle of Iuka Major Neil's battery suffered a greater loss than any other battery experienced during the war in any single engagement. The loss was fifty-eight out one hundred and two men, and when the battle was over he had but three live horses remaining. Fortunately Major Neil did not have to wait for recognition as others had to do. From the field, letters were written by Colonel C. L. Matthies to Governor Tod of Ohio, and Colonel W. Swayne to Colonel J. W. Geary of Columbus, while other similar testimonials bearing date of this period of the war show the great appreciation felt for his brave services by officers and men alike. Since that time his feats at the battle of Iuka and Corinth have been told many times and have formed the subject of various written records and will always be preserved as a part of the annals of the war.
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Following his return home Colonel Neil took up the management of his extensive investments and real-estate interests, which include much property both in and near Columbus. His labors in this direction have constituted a feature in the city's progress. He platted the Indianola addition to Colum- bus, which is one of the most attractive residence suburbs. He has been a trustee of the Neil House property since 1880, this being the oldest hotel in Columbus. The first building was erected in 1842 by his father, William Neil, but was destroyed by fire in 1860, on the night of Abraham Lincoln's first election to the presidency. It was then rebuilt and reopened in the fall of 1862 and has remained to this day by reason of the various changes and im- provements made one of the finest hotels in the city.
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