USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 62
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On the 30th of December, 1875, Mr. Ranck was married to Miss Rosetta L. Van Auken, a native of Delaware county and a daughter of L. J. and Mary Van Auken. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Ranck are: Eva E., the wife of Erastus G. Lloyd, of Westerville; Mary E., the wife of H. R. Jones, of Westerville; Lewis E., who is transfer clerk in the Union station at Columbus; Inez C .; F. M., who is married and is now manager of the Citizens' Telephone Company ; Emery J .; H. E .; and Joseph H. The five youngest children were born in Westerville. Both E. G. Lloyd and H. R. Jones are practicing attorneys.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Ranck is connected with both the blue lodge and chapter of Masons at Westerville, also belongs to Rainbow Lodge, I. O. O. F., the Sioux Tribe of Red Men and Westerville Lodge, No. 273, K. P. He is likewise connected with the American Insurance Union and is a supporter of the United Brethren church. He has made his home in West- erville for twenty-eight years and is well known here, his substantial qual- ities as a business man and citizen commending him to the good will and favorable regard of all who know him.
FRANK WINDERS, M. D.
Dr. Frank Winders, though still a young man, has already gained a most enviable reputation as a progressive, prosperous and popular physician of Co- lumbus. He is a native of Findlay, Ohio, his birth having there occurred on the 25th of March, 1871. His grandfather, John Winders, who was a native of Maryland, took up his abode in Ohio in 1830. The father, David T. Win- ders, born in Fairfield county in 1848, was a prominent dry-goods merchant
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at Findlay and twice served as mayor of that city. The mother of our sub- ject, who bore the maiden name of Caroline Schwartz, is a daughter of Henry Schwartz, a well known business man of Findlay.
Dr. Frank Winders acquired his preliminary education in his native city, being graduated from the high school there in 1886. During the following three years he pursued a classical course in Findlay College and thus with an excellent literary education to serve as the superstructure of his professional knowledge, he entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which insti- tution he was graduated in 1895. In 1896 he located for the practice of his pro- fession in Columbus, having since been numbered among the most prominent representatives of the medical fraternity here. He was appointed secretary of the state board of registration and examination by Governor Bushnell, which position he held until his resignation in 1904. He is now serving as profes- sor of therapeutics at the Starling-Ohio Medical College, visiting physician at St. Francis Hospital and pathologist of St. Anthony's Hospital. For three years he was editor of the Ohio State Medical Journal and for a similar period has acted as medical referee of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, his labors in these various connections having won him wide recogni- tion and high commendation. He is moreover a valued member of the Co- lumbus Academy of Medicine, the Columbus Pathological Society, the Ohio State Medical Association, of which he was secretary for five years, and the American Medical Association. 1907 and 1908 he went abroad for post- graduate work, attending clinics and hospitals at Berlin, Vienna and London, and specializing on internal medicine.
On the 15th of May, 1896, Dr. Winders was joined in wedlock to Miss May Hull, a daughter of J. G. and Mary J. (Monette) Hull, of Findlay, the father being a prominent banker of that city. Unto this union has been born a daughter, Dorothy, now ten years of age. Mrs. Winders, who is a lady of re- finement and culture, is a member of the Columbus Art Association. Dr. Winders belongs to the Phi Alpha Sigma, a medical college fraternity, to the Knights Templar and the Mystic Shrine. He is an enthusiastic automobilist and his social nature finds expression through his membership in the Ohio Club and the Columbus Country Club.
MAURICE SUPPLE CONNORS.
Maurice Supple Connors, with necessity as the spur of effort in early youth, has gradually worked his way upward, the worth of his labor constitut- ing the basis of his advancement until he has reached the responsible position of general superintendent of the Hocking Valley Railway. He was born in Toronto, Canada, June 7, 1858, a son of Michael and Catharine (Supple) Connors, both of whom are now deceased. The mother was a niece of Justin Supple of Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, a leading barrister of his day. At the usual age Maurice S. Connors entered the public schools in his home neigh- borhood but when a youth of thirteen found it necessary to give up school and
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take up some line of business. His hopes, ambitions and longings during his youth and early manhood were neither morose in character nor impractically romantic but were plain propositions looking to the support not of himself alone, but also to the assistance that he might render in meeting the house- hold and general expenses of the family. While his start in life was a humble one, his advance has been sure and certain, for it has been based upon unre- laxing effort. Recognizing his opportunities, he has bent every energy to- ward the accomplishment of his purpose and has thus won success. He has held various positions in railway affairs, with which he has been connected since early manhood, and the fidelity and capability with which he has met and discharged every duty that has devolved upon him has brought him suc- cessive promotions until his present position as general superintendent of the Hocking Valley Railway is one of the greatest importance. He is a director and vice president of the Ohio State Savings & Loan Association, and also a director in the Central National Bank, having become a member of the board when the bank was organized in December, 1908.
On the 22d of June, 1881, Mr. Connors was married to Miss Mary E. Kane, of Kane, Pennsylvania, and their children are John, Agatha, Eileen, Gertrude, Mildred and Martha. The eldest son was married in October, 1907, to Miss Hortense E. Fitton. He was graduated from Purdue University of In- diana in 1905 with the degree of mechanical engineer and is now western sales agent for the Ralston Steel Car Company with headquarters in Chicago.
Mr. Connors is a member of Columbus Council of the Knights of Colum- bus, which he joined on its organization in 1900 and he is a member of St. Joseph's Cathedral. His political allegiance is given to the republican party where national issues are involved, while at local elections he casts an indepen- dent ballot. Outside of office hours his time is largely taken up with the inter- ests of family and home life without active connection with society interests to any appreciable extent. While the exigencies of the situation curtailed his schooling in early life, he has always been a student of men and events and has come to be a broad-minded man who believes in the rights of every indi- vidual, demanding what is his own due and as cheerfully according the same to others. His connection with railroad interests has brought him more or less closely in contact with laboring men and that the spirit of justice has ever been manifest in his relations is indicated in the fact that he has ever had their good will. With such men in control of affairs the questions of capital and labor would be forever at rest.
LOUIS PHILIP HOSTER.
Louis Philip Hoster, general superintendent and purchasing agent of the Hoster Columbus Associated Breweries, was born in this city on the 14th of November, 1877, his father being George J. Hoster. He acquired his pre- liminary education in the Columbus public and preparatory schools and sub- sequently spent two years at Williams College. At the outbreak of the Span-
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ish-American war in 1898 he enlisted in the First Ohio Artillery and served until the close of hostilities. In 1899 he entered the United States Brewers' Academy at New York, spending the succeeding two years in that institution. On returning to Columbus he became brewmaster and later superintendent of the Hoster plant and when that concern was merged into the Associated Breweries he was made general superintendent and purchasing agent of the latter. He possesses the strong force of character and unfaltering determina- tion which enable him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, utilizing at the same time business methods which neither seek nor require disguise.
On the 5th of June, 1907, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hoster and Miss Grace Helman, of Columbus. They reside in a handsome and attractive residence at No. 253 Woodlawn avenue. Mr. Hoster is a member of the Board of Trade, the Columbus Club, the Columbus Country Club, the Arlington Country Club and the Chi Psi fraternity. He is a worthy representative of one of the wealthiest and best known families of Columbus and, being a genial, courteous and cultured gentleman, is prominent and popular in the social circles in which he moves. He finds rest and recreation in athletic sports and is likewise a lover of music and literature, possessing an excellent library.
ALFRED L. JOHNSON, M.D.
Dr. Alfred L. Johnson, of Worthington, successfully engaged in the practice of medicine, the extent of his patronage being indicative of the abil- ity which he displays in his professional services, was born July 18, 1866, in the city which is yet his-place of residence. He is a son of Dr. Orville John- son, for many years one of the most honored and respected residents of Worthington. The father was a native of Henderson, Jefferson county, New York, born December 4, 1822. It is not definitely known in what year he ar- rived in Ohio but in 1843 he was residing in Maumee City, now South Toledo, where he published the Maumee River Times. It was during his residence there that he formed the acquaintance of Mrs. M. R. Waite, the wife of Judge Waite, afterward chief justice of the United States supreme court, and Dr. Johnson always said that it was due to her influence that he became a mem- ber of the Episcopal church. She was peculiarly adapted to influence young men and used this power toward ennobling and enriching their lives by all that was high and worthy. In 1844 Dr. Johnson resumed his education as a member of the freshman class at Kenyon College, where he pursued his studies for a little more than two years. In the meantime he had become acquainted with the printer's trade and through following that pursuit by setting type upon the Gambier Observer, he partially paid the expenses of his college course. Early in his work as a compositor he manifested concentrated attention and marked heed to the minute details, and the same qualities characterized his entire life. In 1847 he removed from Gambier to Columbus and secured
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a position as compositor on the Ohio State Journal. He also became connected with the publication of the Lutheran Standard, Dr. Johnson being at that time a member of the Lutheran church. Meanwhile he was pursuing his studies in Starling Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1852. During his college days he became a member of the Episcopal church and from that time until the close of his life was one of its most faithful com- municants, active in various lines of the church work.
For a year following his graduation Dr. Orville Johnson engaged in the practice of medicine in Columbus in company with Dr. B. F. Johnson but in 1853 removed to Worthington, where he opened an office. For a brief period he was in partnership with Dr. Andrus and was then alone until he was joined by his son, Dr. Alfred Johnson of this review. In his professional career he was thoughtful, studious, painstaking and persistent and as a result of these qualities met success in his chosen profession. He was one of five physicians who founded the Central Ohio Medical Association, and that he enjoyed in full measure the confidence of his brother physicians in that association was evidenced by his frequent election to the position of secretary-the workng officer of such societies, the one upon whose ability, carefulness and faithful- ness the success of the meetings largely depends. He also acted as its president for one year and was a member of the County and International Association of Physicians. He kept in touch with the current literature of the profession and at all times was interested in whatever tended to bring to man the key to that complex mystery which we call life.
In community affairs he was deeply interested and Worthington owes much to his progressive efforts and influence. From 1858 until the time of his death he filled the office of village clerk. He was a worker in everything that he believed was for the upbuilding of the community, whether religious, moral, educational or political. For years he was clerk of the board of educa- tion of the Worthington school district and for many years he was a trustee of St. John's church and was also senior warden of the parish. Upon the organization of the Anti-Saloon League of Worthington he was made its treasurer and collector and remained one of its most active workers. In fact, he was always a worker in every organization with which he was connected and was, moreover, a student and diligent man in his profession.
On the 17th of June, 1856, Dr. Orville Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ellen M. Armstrong, and the family circle, which in the course of years included six children, remained unbroken until the death of Mrs. John- son in 1893. He was always most devoted to the welfare of his wife and children, counting his greatest happiness to minister to their interests. His sons and daughters were: Edward C., who is now connected with mining in- terests at Salmon City, Idaho, where he has remained for seventeen years ; Mary E., who is the widow of Herbert C. Wing and resides with her brother Alfred; Charles U., of Wisconsin; Anna, who is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music and is now supervisor of music in the schools of Sidney, Ohio; and Lucy, who is a bookkeeper at Newark in the branch office of the Chicago firm of Sears, Roebuck & Company. To his family Dr. Johnson left
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the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. His professional interests, his public service and his social relations brought him into close contact with the life of the community and for forty-three years he went in and out among the people of Worthington practicing his profession and at all times was known as "a good man." This is the expression of the consensus of public opinion regarding him, so that his life was an inspiration and his memory is a bene- diction.
At the usual age Dr. Alfred L. Johnson became a pupil in the public schools and in the course of time completed the high-school course. He after- ward took a preliminary course at the State University and in 1891 matriculated in Starling Medical College, where he spent two years, while in 1895 he was graduated from the Ohio Medical University. In 1893 he began assisting his father in active practice in Worthington and has since been connected with the profession in this city, doing good work here by reason of his intimate knowl- edge of the principles of medicine and his ready adaptability of this knowledge to the needs of his patients. He is a member of the Academy of Medicine at Columbus and of the State Medical Society and the American Medical Society. He has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to New England Lodge, No. 4, A. F. & A. M., while in the Scottish Rite he has become a thirty-second de- gree consistory Mason. Well known here, his personal worth as well as his pro- fessional skill commend him to the good will and patronage of his fellow citi- zens, among whom he has always resided.
JOHN JAMESON FERSON.
The world has little use for the misanthrope. It is only the man whose purposes are honorable, whose actions are straightforward and whose life in all respects conforms to high ideals that is remembered long years after he has passed away, his memory remaining as a blessed benediction to all who knew him while he was yet an active factor in life's activities. Almost three decades have come and gone since John Jameson Ferson passed away and yet his name is spoken of by those who knew him in terms of honor and respect and the city acknowledges her indebtedness to him for his cooperation in many movements relative to the public good. His birth occurred in Orange, Delaware county, Ohio, March 6, 1826, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 7th of January, 1879, when he passed away in Columbus. His father, Samuel Ferson, died June 13, 1885, at his home in Delaware county at the age of ninety. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Phoebe Jameson, died May 11, 1869, at the age of sixty-seven years. Their children were: Mary, the wife of Frank Strong; William, deceased; John Jameson, of this review; Daniel L .; Rachael, who died in early life; Clara, the wife of Milo Patterson; Ellen, who passed away in girlhood; Jean- nette, the wife of John J. Post; James; and Sarah, whose death occurred in early womanhood.
In the public schools of Delaware county John J. Ferson began his edu- cation, which he completed in Central College, one of the leading academies
JOHN J. FERSON
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of central Ohio. In 1844, at the age of eighteen years, he came to Columbus, seeking the broader business opportunities furnished in the capital city, for he felt that labor was somewhat circumscribed by the narrow environs and advantages of a rural community. Here he entered the service of Joseph Ridgway, then engaged in the general foundry business at the corner of Broad street and State avenue. He soon made himself master of all the details of the business and his service became so valuable to Mr. Ridgway that he was practically given charge of the entire business and at the death of Mr. Ridgway the settlement of his extensive estate was left to Mr. Ferson. At different times Mr. Ferson also became connected with manufacturing interests and other business enterprises and in 1860 entered into partnership under the firm name of Denig & Ferson for the manufacture of children's carriages. His business interests were always of a nature that contributed to general progress as well as to individual prosperity and aside from his com- mercial and industrial concerns he was rated as a citizen of value whose ef- forts were effective and far-reaching in behalf of the city's advancement and upbuilding.
On the 19th of January, 1854, Mr. Ferson was united in marriage to Miss Caroline M. Mather, a daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah (Mills) Mather. Mrs. Ferson, a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent families of New England, was born in Windsor, Hartford county, Connecticut, May 20, 1829, and was fourteen years of age at the time of her father's death. She and her mother afterward removed to Columbus with three other chil- dren of the family and she completed her education in the schools of this city. By her marriage she became the mother of three children but all died in infancy. A most ideal married relation existed between Mr. and Mrs. Ferson, whose love and confidence increased as the years passed by. He was a man of deep religious convictions and early in life had united with the Presbyterian church, which represented the faith of his parents. Following his removal to Columbus he placed his membership in the Second Presby- terian church of this city in 1845 and during much of his subsequent life was on official and always an active worker in the church. He served as a trustee from 1864 to 1868 and from the latter year until his death was one of its ruling elders. He was also for twenty years, from 1859 until 1879, superintendent of the Sunday school. He realized how necessary and valu- able is Christian instruction as a preparation for the young in character build- ing and he did everything in his power to instill into the minds of those who attended the school lessons which should be of value in life in making honor- able men and women. Some one who knew him well said of him: "Per- haps few men have lived and died in Columbus so widely known as Mr. Fer- son. He was too modest to court public notice but the place he filled in the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen was one which the most ambitious might well envy. He possessed great business integrity combined with safe and wise administration of all interests entrusted to his care. He was a most benevolent man, of kindly spirit and ready charity. His life was an illustra- tion of the words of the Apostle James that 'pure religion and undefiled be- fore God and the Father is to visit the widows and orphans in their affliction
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and to keep one's self unspotted from the world.'" Few men have recog- nized so fully the obligations of wealth, but as Mr. Ferson prospered he gave generously of his means to those in need and moreover he gave of himself, in his spirit and helpfulness, in his encouraging words and in his friendly sympathy. His life was indeed one of beauty and righteousness and his memory is cherished in the hearts of all who knew him and came under his influence. Mrs. Ferson, who always shared his interest in the church and other good work with which he was connected, still survives him and lives at the family residence on East Town street.
JOHN H. J. UPHAM, M. D.
John H. J. Upham, M.D., whose keen mentality, force of character, and marked enterprise in his profession has gained for him a place in the foremost ranks of the medical fraternity in Columbus, was born in Trenton, New Jer- sey, August 12, 1871. His father, Rev. N. L. Upham, was a native of New Hampshire and has devoted his life to the ministry of the Presbyterian church, being connected with various pastorates in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He is now retired, having passed the age of seventy years, and spends much of his time in travel. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna Janeway, and was a native of Philadelphia, died in 1904 at the age of sixty-six years. Dr. Upham pursued his course in the public schools until he became a high-school student in Philadelphia and later attending a preparatory school, afterward matriculated in the University of Pennsylvania and as an under-graduate re- ceived a certificate for work done in biology in 1891. He was graduated in medicine in 1894 and also spent two years as an interne in Johns Hopkins Hos- pital whereby he added to his theoretical knowledge broad and valuable ex- perience such as comes through hospital practice. In 1896 he arrived in Co- lumbus, where he has been in practice continuously since. He has also done considerable work in educational lines, was clinical assistant in medicine in the Starling Medical College from 1897 until 1899, and lecturer in pathology during the same period. In the latter year he went abroad and further pur- sued his studies in Prague and Berlin, broadening his knowledge and promot- ing his ability through instruction received from some of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the old world. From 1900 until 1902 he was con- nected with the Ohio Medical University as professor of clinical surgery, and in Starling Medical College became associate professor of medicine and in 1908 was made professor of medicine in the Starling-Ohio Medical College. His standing in professional circles is indicated by the fact that he was chosen sec- retary of the State Medical Association, and in 1907-08 was editor of the Ohio State Medical Journal. He has also been a member of the Humboldt Verein and has lectured there annually for the past three years. His membership in professional lines is with the Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Association and the American Medical Association.
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In 1897 Dr. Upham was married to Miss Alice Lee, a daughter of Samuel Lee, of Columbus, and a sister of Henry Taylor Lee, a distinguished lawyer of this city. In his fraternal relations Dr. Upham is connected with Humboldt Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He is a man of scholarly attainments and broad gen- eral culture who has traveled extensively. He is moreover known as fluent writer and instructive lecturer, who is clear in his exposition and forceful in presenting any point which he wishes to impress upon his hearers. He has made steady progress in his profession and his standing in medical circles is a most commendable and enviable one.
ALEXIS KEELER.
Alexis Keeler, who was inspector of United States customs at Columbus, was numbered among the veterans of the Civil war and was also a representa- tive of one of the pioneer families of the state, the Keelers having been repre- sented in Cincinnati when it was a frontier town. There the subject of this review was born, June 8, 1834. His father, Benjamin Keeler, was a native of New Jersey, born in 1799. He learned the carpenter's trade and became a well known contractor, being closely identified with early building operations in Cincinnati, many of the leading buildings in that city in an early day stand- ing as a monument of his skill and industry. He was also one of the most prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church there and he lived to a ripe old age, dying in 1888 in Liberty, Indiana. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Marjorie Carlin, was born in Cincinnati in 1803 and was also a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of the state. Her death occurred in 1855.
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