USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 55
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J. T. CRONEY, M. D.
Dr. J. . Croney, practicing successfully as a physician and surgeon of Columbus, is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred at New Carlisle, January 15, 1845. His father, William C. Croney, was a na- tive of Virginia and in early life came to this state, residing at New Carlisle until his death in 1862. He was one of the pioneer residents of that locality and during its formative period was closely associated with its upbuilding. He married Miss Sidney Johnston, who was of Scotch-Irish parentage.
The public schools of his native town afforded Dr. Croney his educational privileges but his opportunities in youth were somewhat limited, owing to the
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fact that he lost his father in boyhood and faced the necessity of going to work to aid in the support of the family. They had a small farm and Dr. Croney not only assisted in the cultivation but also worked in various lines that would yield him an honest living and enable him to contribute toward the main- tenance of the other members of the family. He remained in his native county until 1869, when desiring to direct his efforts into other lines of busi- ness, he began reading medicine with Dr. Thomas, of West Newton, Ohio. Later he attended the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati and in 1871 re- moved to Indiana, where he engaged in the general practice of medicine until 1880. In that year he went to Ada, Ohio, where he opened an office and prosecuted his profession until 1899 when he removed to Columbus. Since then he has devoted his energy largely to the treatment and cure of epilepsy in which he has been very successful, patients coming to him from all parts of the United States and Canada. He has directed his studies and investigations along this line and his labors have been attended with excellent results in the cure of a malady which for many years was regarded as hopeless.
In 1871, at West Newton, Dr. Croney was united in marriage to Miss Minette Thomas, a native of Ohio, and to them were born two daughters: Anna Murdella, now Mrs. Balycat; and Maud, now Mrs. McMahon. The wife and mother died in August, 1904, and the following year Dr. Croney married Miss Hannah Weaver. His life record has been one of activity and while the business and professional annals of the country record the lives of many self-made men there is no history which is marked by more enter- prising efforts or straightforward business principles than that of Dr. Croney, who largely acquired his early education in the school of adversity and his advanced training in the school of experience. He developed thereby a self- reliant spirit, and an earnest purpose and the years have marked his success sinc he became a member of the medical fraternity.
CHARLES H. CHARITON.
The commercial history of Columbus would be incomplete and unsatis- factory without a personal and somewhat extended mention of those whose lives are interwoven closely with its mercantile and financial development. The subject of this review, therefore, finds an appropriate place in its his- tory for he is numbered among those men whose force of character, sterling integrity and good sense in the management of complicated affairs, are prov- ing features in the development of the city as well as in their individual prosperity. His personal connection is that of vice president of the Isaac Eberly Company, wholesale grocers, his connection with the house continu- ing for more than three decades. He was born in Columbus, June 10, 1848, a son of H. H. and Catharine (Johns) Chariton, who were natives of Penn- sylvania. The mother came to Columbus when the city was called Franklin- ton but its proportions and advantages were those of a village. Here she gave her hand in marriage to H. H. Chariton, who was one of the pioneers
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1
of the city. He became one of the early blacksmiths of the village and lived to witness the growth and development of the little town until it became the capital and one of the important cities of the state. Both he and his wife remained here until called to the home beyond.
Charles H. Chariton was a pupil in the public schools of Columbus to the age of sixteen years when he entered the employ of Butler, Earhart & Beeson, wholesale grocers, in the old Cotton block. He continued with this firm for several years and from a humble position worked his way constantly upward until he became a traveling salesman. Subsequently he engaged with A. Stephens & Sons, conducting a tea, coffee and spice business in Cleveland, continuing with them as traveling salesman for several years. On severing his connection with that firm in 1877 he went upon the road as representative for Isaac Eberly & Company and also became financially in- terested in the house. After it was merged into a stock company in 1902 and organized under the name of the Isaac Eberly Company he was chosen general manager and so continued until 1908 when he was elected vice pres- ident of the concern. This is one of the largest wholesale grocery houses in this section of the state, employing a considerable force of traveling sales- men who cover a number of states. Thus Mr. Chariton has risen from the position of errand boy to that of a member and officer of one of the lead- ing business companies of Ohio and is now in a position of executive ad- ministration, the success of the house being attributable in no small degree to his efforts.
In November, 1887, Mr. Chariton was married to Miss Alice Price, of Columbus, a daughter of David Price and they now have one daughter, Helen Price. Mr. and Mrs. Chariton are members of the Plymouth Congre- gational church and he is prominent in Masonry, having attained the thirty- second degree in the Scottish Rite and the Knight Templar degree in the York Rite. He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine and of the Royal Arcanum, and his life has been in harmony with the beneficent spirit of these orders. His career has not been helped by accident or luck or wealth or family or powerful friends. He is in its broadest sense a self-made man, being both the architect and builder of his own fortune. His record is a worthy example for young men to pattern after, showing what intelligence and probity may accomplish in the way of success in life.
FRANK H. MILLER.
Frank H. Miller, for many years a prominent figure in the iron industry of central and southern Ohio and at the time of his death the head of one of the largest cement enterprises of the state, was for a quarter of a century a resident of Columbus and held an enviable position in its business and financial circles. He was born in Jackson, Ohio, May 5, 1844, a son of Dr. O. C. and Mahala (Gillispie) Miller. The father located at Jackson when a young man and there studied medicine and engaged in practice until his
F. H. MILLER
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death, attaining a high standing in his chosen profession, a large and lucrative practice and an enviable reputation as a man and a citizen.
Frank H. Miller received his education in the public schools of Jackson and soon after completing the high-school course, at the age of sixteen, he enlisted as a private in the Twenty-ninth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer In- fautry in response to the call for three months' volunteers. He was taken a prisoner at Harper's Ferry, but was soon paroled and shortly after reen- listed in the Sixtieth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. Though never injured, he participated in many important engagements and rendered brave and efficient service.
Upon being mustered out at Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Miller returned to Jackson, where he married and engaged in the mercantile business until 1869. In that year he became interested in the iron business and until the fall of 1877 served as general manager of the Madison furnace, which was owned and operated by his father-in-law, James D. Clare. Mr. Miller then removed to Washington Courthouse and there engaged in the grocery busi- ness, being also interested in the machine business at that place. In 1881 he sold out and came to Columbus to again identify with the iron industry, becoming associated with Churchill, Thomas & Ful- ler, pig-iron merchants, and later with Chamberlain, Turney & Baird. In 1893 he organized the firm of Miller, Wagoner & Feiser, pig-iron com- mission merchants, of which he was president until 1899, when he severed his connection with that concern to build the plant of the Columbus Iron & Steel Company in South Columbus. In 1898 he had assisted in organiz- ing this company, which owns and operates one of the largest manufacturing plants in this city, and was its vice president and general manager until ill health compelled his retirement. To his able management in the early years of its establishment is largely due the financial success it has since en- joyed. In 1893 he organized and incorporated the Southern Ohio Portland Cement Company, of which he was president and general manager until his death, which occurred October 5, 1905, at the age of sixty-one years.
In his various business enterprises Mr. Miller was recognized by his as- sociates as a man of superior business ability, conservative yet progressive, shrewd, longsighted, unerring in his judgment and possessed of untiring energy and relentless determination. His business methods were always open, unselfish and beyond reproach, his honesty and integrity unquestion- able and he enjoyed the fullest confidence of all his colleagues. He was prominent in the business life of Columbus, being at one time vice president of the Board of Trade, and was active in all movements for the expansion of trade and the promotion of the general good of the city. He was a loyal republican and always greatly interested in the work of the party but never sought the reward of office for his fealty. He was a member of the Masonic order and of the Broad Street Episcopal church.
On the 11th of September, 1866, at Jackson, Ohio, Mr. Miller was mar- ried to Miss Josephine Ross Clare, daughter of James D. and Sarah J. Clare, of that city. Mr. Clare was also engaged in the iron business throughout the greater part of his life, owning and operating Madison furnace in Jackson
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county and Bloom furnace in Scioto county. His wife died in 1894, at Portsmouth, Ohio, where they resided, and he was called to his final rest December 21, 1898, while paying a visit to his daughter, Mrs. Miller, at Columbus. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Miller was blessed with six chil- dren, four of whom are living and reside in this city: Blanche Clare, the wife of Dennison B. Byers; James Clare, secretary and treasurer of the Columbus Iron & Steel Company, who married Miss Lucy Harding, of Jackson, Ohio; Irene D., the wife of O. D. Howard; and Sarah, at home. Two children died in infancy.
Mr. Miller was devoted to his family, held friendship inviolable and endeavored at all times to show consideration for the rights and privileges of others. Though a man of large stature, commanding appearance and of strong character, kindness, courtesy, generosity and tenderness of heart were his predominating characteristics; and the reverence and devotion with which his name is spoken by his family, friends and business associates is the highest tribute that can be paid to his memory.
CLARENCE E. RICHARDS.
Clarence E. Richards, a leading architect of Columbus, being the senior member of the firm of Richards, McCarthy & Bulford, was born in Jackson, Michigan, on the 22d of February, 1865. His grandparents were John L. and Betsy (Tillottson) Richards, the former born January 4, 1794, while the latter's birth occurred in Massachusetts, December 2, 1797. John L. Richards passed away in Michigan in 1853, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 27th of November, 1838. Ephraim G. Richards, the father of Clarence E. Richards, was born in Genessee county, New York, in 1828, and in 1837 accompanied his father on the removal. to Michigan. After attaining his majority he followed contracting in the Wolverine state, but in 1870 went to Kansas and the following year homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres in Butler county, that state, where he made his home until 1889. He now resides with his son, Clarence E. Richards, in Columbus, having reached the venerable age of eighty years. At Battle Creek, Mich- igan, he wedded Miss Louise M. Shipman, whose birth occurred in Genesee county, New York, in 1836. She was three years of age when brought by her parents to Battle Creek.
Clarence E. Richards attended the country schools of Kansas, the public schools of Eldorado, that state, and the State Normal University. From 1883 until 1886 he was engaged in teaching school in Butler county, Kan- sas, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had ac- quired. In 1888 he removed to Newark, Ohio, joining his brother, Gary F., an architect of that city. On the expiration of twelve months he went to Cincinnati, taking a position in the office of Edwin Anderson, where he studied architecure for a year. He then returned to Newark, where he re- mained for four years and in 1892 came to Columbus, accepting the posi-
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tion of superintendent of construction with the architectural firm of Yost & Packard, with whom he remained until 1897. At that time he organized the firm of Richards, McCarthy & Bulford, which has since been numbered among the most successful and prominent building concerns of Columbus. Their offices are located in the Ruggery building and their business extends over Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. Some of the structures which stand as monuments to their architectural skill and ability are the buildings for the Institute for Deaf and the Boys' Industrial Reform School at Lan- caster, and they have erected many important business blocks, churches, schools, private residences, etc. No higher testimonial could be given than is found in the character of the buildings which they have erected and their business is constantly increasing in volume and importance.
Mr. Richards has been married twice. In 1889, in Kansas, he wedded Miss Mollie E. Whiteside, who passed away in Columbus in 1893 and by whom he had a son, Clarence Earl, born in Newark in 1892. On the 17th of January, 1900, at Indianola, Florida, Mr. Richards was again married, his second union being with Carrie B. Humphreys, a native of Columbus and a daughter of A. S. and Martha (Moores) Humphreys. Her maternal grandfather, Henry Moores, came to Columbus in the '40s, while her father, A. S. Humphreys, a native of England, came here in the '60s. The latter conducted an art store in this city for many years but in 1898 went to Flor- ida, having since made his home upon an extensive orange plantation, which he owns and operates. Unto Clarence E. and Carrie B. (Humphreys) Richards were born two children, namely: Alfred Humphreys, whose birth occurred in Columbus in"1902; and Louise Moores, born in 1904, whose de- mise occurred in 1906.
Mr. Richards is a devoted member of the Baptist church and also be- longs to the Ohio Club, the Columbus Country Club and the old Northwest Genealogical Society. Both he and his wife are well known and highly es; teemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character, having gained the confidence and regard of all with whom they have come in contact.
JAMES O. NISWONGER.
The unostentatious routine of private life, although of vast importance to the welfare of the majority, has not figured to any great extent on the pages of history, but the names of those who have distinguished themselves by the possession of qualities of character which mainly contribute to the success of private life and to the public stability, and who have enjoyed the respect and confidence of those around them, should not be permitted to perish. The prosperity of any community, town or city, depends upon its commercial activ- ity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore, among the builders of a town are those who stand at the head of the business enterprises. In this connection James O. Niswonger deserves mention, for he is general
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manager and one of the directors of the Columbus Dry Goods Company, and his business life has been characterized by the capable conduct of his interests. He was born in Clayton, Montgomery county, Ohio, April 7, 1864, representing one of the oldest families of that locality, his great-grand- father having settled there in 1800. He came to the new world from Hol- land and was the founder of the family in Ohio. His son, George Nis- wonger, who was born in 1809, became a very successful farmer and a prom- inent and influential man. His son, Eli Niswonger, was born on the farm where his father's birth occurred and it was also the birthplace of the subject of this review. He, too, has followed agricultural life and is one of the highly respected and influential residents of his community. He has now reached the age of seventy-two years and his wife also survives. Prior to her mar- riage she bore the name of Mary Coffman, and is a native of Montgomery county. Both are members of the German Baptist church.
The youthful days of James O. Niswonger were spent in the usual manner of farm lads. He assisted in the work of the fields through the summer months and in the winter seasons attended the district schools until twenty years of age, also enjoying the advantages of a commercial course. He afterward went to Arcanum, Darke county, Ohio, where he entered the employ of a cousin who was engaged in the dry-goods business, there re- maining for two years. He afterward removed to Dayton, Ohio, in 1886, and secured a position with the dry-goods house of Bauer, Forrester & Company, acting as salesman and buyer of cotton goods. He was afterward buyer of woolen goods for the firm of Elder & Johnston and continued in that posi- tion until 1899, when he went to New York city where he engaged with James McCreary & Company. During his association with that house he was successively promoted until 1901, becoming manager of the branch store at Brooklyn, which he successfully conducted. In 1902 he was pro- moted to manager of the Columbus store which was conducted under the name of the Columbus Dry Goods Company, being owned by Mr. Claflin of New York. Here he displayed the same qualities of careful, systematic and successful management until March, 1905, when a disastrous fire oc- curred, destroying much of the stock. A new firm was then organized, under the name of the Columbus Dry Goods Company, Mr. Niswonger being very active in the organization of the new company, of which E. K. Stewart is president and treasurer, Colonel J. D. Ellison, vice president and director, and T. J. Dundon, secretary, with Mr. Niswonger as manager and director. These officers constitute the executive board. From the organization the business has been very successful, a rapid and substantial increase being shown each month. They handle a complete line of dry goods, draperies and general decorating goods and ladies' and children's furnishings. This is one of the most progressive concerns in Columbus and its development 1s largely due to the careful system which Mr. Niswonger has inaugurated. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising the right thing at the right time are numbered among his chief characteristics. Justice has ever been shown in his relations to his patrons and his employes and he has been watchful of all of the details of his business and of all of
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the indications pointing toward prosperity and from the beginning has had an abiding faith in the ultimate success of his enterprise.
On the 3d of June, 1902, Mr. Niswonger was married to Miss Florence Gray, of Syracuse, New York, and their children are Alice Mary, born in 1903, and Louise Gray, born in 1905.
Mr. Niswonger is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is connected with the Columbus Board of Trade and is interested in all of the movements of that organization for the improvement and development of the city. He votes with the republican party. His life has at all times been actuated by high and honorable principles and few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Columbus than Mr. Niswonger, who in the years of his residence here has gained recognition as a man of genuine personal worth as well as an enterprising merchant, for he belongs to that class of representative American men who promote the general pros- perity while advancing individual interests.
WILLIAM ABBOTT SMITH.
William Abbott Smith, secretary of the Smith Agricultural Chemical Company of Columbus, is in this connection associated with one of the im- portant manufacturing enterprises of the city that contributes in substantial measure to the material development and prosperity of Columbus. He was born at Sunbury, Delaware county, Ohio, May 29, 1867, the third son of Marshall and Elvira Abbie (Thrall) Smith, and pursued his education in the public schools of that place. He made his preliminary step in the busi- ness world when nineteen years of age, becoming a clerk in the Farmers Bank of his native town. His faithfulness and ability there recommended him for promotion and after three years he became cashier, in which position he continued for nearly four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Westerville and accepted the cashiership of the Bank of Wester- ville, where he also remained for four years. While thus identified with financial interests he became connected with his father and three brothers in organizing the Ohio Farmers Fertilizer Company at Columbus in 1895. From the beginning the enterprise proved profitable and was conducted under the original name until 1903, when it was reorganized under the style of the Smith Agricultural Chemical Company. William A. Smith was actively engaged in this business from its inception as secretary and still holds the position. He is now giving his undivided attention to the up- building of the business and his labor has been an effective force in its success.
On the 4th of February, 1897, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Weltha Pinney, who was born January 9, 1875, at Pana, Illinois, a daughter of Perry and Clarinda (Beardsley) Pinney and a descendant of an old New England family. Their children are as follows: Marion Elvira, who was born October 13, 1897; Mildred Clarinda. born March 15, 1899; Eleanor
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Pinney, who was born June 2, 1900; Dorothy Holmes, April 13, 1902; Vir- ginia Thrall, March 24, 1905; Janet Catherine and Isabell Emma, twins, born October 9, 1908. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mr. Smith is independent in his political views, considering the capabil- ity of the candidate rather than his party affiliation. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church and has attained high rank in Masonry, being a member of the consistory and of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a mem- ber of the Benjamin Franklin Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. His life has been characterized by unabating industry and energy that never flags and by a close adherence to a high standard of com- mercial ethics.
WALTER BRAUN.
Walter Braun, who is filling the position of county surveyor for a sec- ond term, his reelection being an unmistakable testimonial of his capable services following his first election, was born in Columbus July 1, 1869. His grandmother, in the maternal line, came to this city in 1835, making the journey by way of the canal from Cleveland. The father, Herman Braun, Sr., was a native of Germany and arrived in this city in 1850. For a half of a century he has engaged in the drug business at No. 24 North High street, and become widely known as a successful, prominent and reliable mer- chant, being a splendid example of the thrifty and energetic German-Amer- ican citizen. He is still living and at the present time is still active in busi- ness. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Louisa Hachtel, was a native of Columbus and died in March, 1900.
At the usual age Walter Braun entered the public schools of this city and on leaving the high school continued his education in the Ohio State University, devoting four years to the mastery of the engineering course. During the last year he accomplished two years' work. In 1888 he entered the office of the county surveyor under Josiah Kinnear and acted as assistant county engineer for a year and a half. He was then made deputy county surveyor under John J. Dun, serving under him for two terms and also for two terms under the succeeding surveyor, Henry Maetzel. In 1901 he was elected county surveyor, taking the position in 1902 and serving until 1905. He was reelected for a second term without opposition and though the usual term would expire in September, 1908, he will continue in office until September, 1909, by reason of a legislative extension of the term. His work in this office is principally in the line of bridge construction. He built the Hayden Run bridge over the Scioto river, the Fishinger Mill bridge over the Scioto river, the Taylor bridge over the Big Walnut and Alum creeks in Madison township, the Cleveland avenue viaduct, the Reed avenue viaduct, the Joyce avenue viaduct, the Groveport pike subway, and is now completing the Leonard avenue viaduc. His work in this connection has attracted the
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