USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 65
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FRANK S. GLEICHAUF.
Frank S. Gleichauf, a skilled and successful architect of Columbus, was born at Ironton, Ohio, on the 7th of June, 1876. His father, Justin Glei- chauf, whose birth occurred at Baden, Germany, in 1852, crossed the At- lantic to the United States in 1868 and located at Ironton, where he en- gaged in the furniture business. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Wanner, was a daughter of John Wanner, of Ironton, Ohio.
Frank S. Gleichauf acquired his preliminary education in Newark, Ohio, and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1892. Sub- sequently he pursued an architectural engineering course in the Ohio State University, being graduated from that institution in 1901. On putting aside his text-books he became connected with the firm of Richards, Mc- Carthy & Bulford of Columbus, with whom he remained for five years. At the end of that time, in 1906, he opened an office on his own account in the Spahr building, later removing to his present quarters in the new First Na- tional Bank building. He has already gained high rank among the follow- ers of his profession in this city and is widely recognized as a young man of superior business ability as well as unfaltering integrity. He is an honor- ary member of the Builders' Exchange and also belongs to the Columbus Society of Architects and the Board of Trade.
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On the 5th of June, 1907, Mr. Gleichauf was united in marriage to Miss Kathleen McMahon, a daughter of F. P. McMahon, of Washington, D. C., who was for many years a resident of that city and well known in public life. Mrs. Gleichauf is prominent in musical circles of Columbus.
Fraternally Mr. Gleichauf is connected with the Elks and the Knights of Columbus, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. Joseph's Cathedral. The family residence is at No. 2096 Summit street and in social as well as business circles our subject is well known.
WILLIAM M. LONG.
William M. Long, a well known and highly respected resident of Franklin county, was born on the old family homestead in Madison town- ship, January 14, 1849. In the year 1800, immediately after their mar- riage, Peter and Susannah Long, the paternal grandparents, removed from Maryland to Ohio, settling on a farm in Madison township, Franklin county, a portion of which is now owned by William M. Long of this review. The property, which comprises one hundred and forty-five acres, has now been in possession of the family for more than one hundred and eight years. It was upon this place that all the children of Peter and Susannah Long were born, including George Long, the father of our subject, whose natal day was August 16, 1819. Throughout his active business career George Long was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. A stanch republican in his political views, he cast his first presidential ballot for Harrison and ever took an active interest in public affairs, the cause of education finding in him a helpful and stalwart friend. A Lutheran in religious faith, he gave freely of his time and means for the advancement of the denomination and in 1855 his contribution for the new church at Lithopolis amounted to al- most one-half of the entire cost of the edifice. He was an untiring worker in the church, serving for many years as elder, as superintendent of the Sabbath school and as leader of the choir. It is needless to say that he was one of the most highly respected and honored residents of the community in which his entire life was passed and that he left the impress of his in- dividuality for good upon all with whom he came in contact. His wife bore the maiden name of Julia Ann Smith and her birth occurred on the 10th of January, 1822. The record of their children, all of whom were born on the old family homestead in Madison township, is as follows: Peter S., a resident of Westerville, Ohio; William M., whose name initiates this re- view; Mrs. Lydia M. Beck; Mrs. Mary Jane Bishop; and Mrs. Julia Ann Dowles.
After obtaining his education William M. Long gave his attention to farming and was thus successfully engaged until 1906, when he retired from the active work of the fields and came to Canal Winchester. He divides the proceeds of the farm with his son, George F. Long, who now operates the property. It is heavily stocked with horses, cattle and hogs, and both father
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and son derive a handsome annual income from their farming and live- stock interests.
On the 24th of August, 1871, Mr. Long was united in marriage to Miss Elmira Arnold, who was born in Pennsylvania in September, 1852. Their children are as follows: George F. Long, whose birth occurred September 20, 1874, wedded Miss Lavancia Runkle on the 23d of November, 1898, and has a bright and interesting little son, George William, now four years of age. Abbie E. Long first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 9th of March, 1881; while Lizzie Lovina was born June 30, 1883. She married C. E. Oyler, of Columbus, and they have one daughter, Hazel Catherine.
Politically Mr. Long is a republican and has taken an active and help- ful interest in the local work of the party. In 1905 he was elected to the office of county infirmary director and on the expiration of his first term was once more chosen for the position, his reelection standing in incontrovert- ible evidence of his faithfulness and capability in the discharge of his duties. He has likewise served on the township school board for several terms and has held the office of township trustee. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church at Lithopolis and that his career has ever been an upright and honorable one is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers. The name of Long has now figured prominently in the annals of this county for more than a century and the subject of this sketch has ever fully sustained the enviable reputation born by the mem- ers of the family.
WILLIAM KINSEY WILLIAMS.
William Kinsey Williams, a practitioner at the Columbus bar since the 4th of July, 1893, was born near Quincy, Logan county, Ohio after the close of the Civil war, throughout which his father served as a member of the Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His parents are Samuel Kinsey and Caroline (Hedges) Williams, both of whom were born in Quincy and are now living on a farm in Green township, Shelby county, Ohio, the father devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits. The ancestors on both sides of the family came from Virginia in the nineteenth century-on the maternal side from Berkeley county, and on the paternal side from Rockingham county.
In the district schools of Shelby county, Ohio, William K. Williams pursued his early education and afterward continued his studies in training schools for teachers, his course amounting in all to a first class modern high school education, save that it was more comprehensive, liberal and practical. Following the completion of his education he taught in the country schools of Shelby county for several years.
Mr. Williams read law in the office of Harrison Wilson. afterward cir- cuit judge, and John F. Wilson, of Sidney, Ohio. Later he attended the
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Cincinnati Law School and was graduated in June, 1893. On the 4th of July of that year he arrived in Columbus and has since remained a member of the bar. He was assistant director of law of the city of Columbus, under George D. Jones, in the Hinkle administration, after the resignation of Luke G. Byrne as director of law.
On the 25th of October, 1893, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Mary J. Huling, and unto them have been born four children: Robert Huling, William K., Jr., Emma Olivia Jones and Samuel Quincy Williams. Mr. Williams belongs to Governor Dennison Camp, No. 1, of the Sons of Vet- erans of Columbus. In politics he is identified with the democratic party.
IRENIUS A. GEREN.
Irenius A. Geren, deceased, who while an active factor in the affairs of life was closely associated with building operations in this state, his last years being spent in Columbus, was born in Marietta, Ohio, in 1825. He represented one of the oldest families of the state. His paternal grand- father, Samuel Geren, was the organizer of the first Methodist classmeeting in Ohio, having removed to this state from Westmoreland county, Pennsyl- vania. His son, Samuel Geren, Jr., father of our subject, was married in early manhood to Miss Jane Hill, of Baltimore, Maryland. They made their home in Marietta, Ohio, which was the scene of prehistoric occupancy by a race of mound builders, many evidences of this people being still found in the mounds which abound in that vicinity. There Irenius A. Geren spent his boyhood days and pursued his education as a public-school stu- dent and in Scott's School for Boys. Early in life he learned the mason's trade and after becoming an expert workman in that line he engaged in contracting on his own account in his home town and state. Gradually he extended his labors not only to other Ohio towns but also to other states and erected many public buildings throughout the country, including gov- ernment buildings, courthouses, schoolhouses, etc. He was the builder of the Williams College in Virginia, the Athens Asylum, the asylum at Spen- cer, West Virginia, and many other public buildings of Pennsylvania, Vir- ginia, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. In 1877 he removed to Columbus, for he had been working on public buildings here for a number of years and believed the city a favorable location. He continued his residence here throughout his remaining days and for a long period was active in building operations, a liberal patronage being accorded him. The nature of the buildings which he erected indicates clearly his superior skill and ability as a contractor.
In Marietta, Ohio, Mr. Geren was married to Miss Ellen Chambers, of Washington county, this state, a direct descendant of General Israel Put- nam, and a daughter of James Chambers, one of the pioneer residents of Ohio, who carried the mail from Zanesville to Marietta on horseback at an early day. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Geren were born nine children, five of whom died in early manhood and womanhood. Those still living are Henrietta 1
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C., who was educated at Marietta and successfully engaged in teaching for a number of years; Jennie M .; Howard P., who is living in West Virginia; and Earl C., at home.
In his political views Mr. Geren was a democrat, never faltering in his allegiance to the party. He was also an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and was loyal in his devotion to the Methodist church, to which he long belonged. In all of his business affairs he was very successful because of his careful management, his thorough understanding of the trade and his progressive spirit, which kept him in touch with the modern processes of building. He died December 14, 1905, at the venerable age of eight-one years, while his wife passed away in July, 1900, at the age of seventy-five years. His life record had covered the period of America's greatest de- velopment and he lived to see wonderful changes, for in his boyhood days travel was largely done by stage or private conveyance, or through the util- ization of the waterways. He lived to witness the building of the railroads and the introduction of the telegraph and telephone, while in all lines of business the advancement was just as marked. He was in hearty sympathy with the spirit of progress and stood as a high type of American manhood and chivalry.
LOUIS FREDERICK FIESER.
The prosperity of a city does not depend so much upon its machinery of government, or even upon the men who fill its offices, as it does upon those who promote and control its business interests, establishing its prosperity and commercial advancement. In this class Louis F. Fieser is numbered, being senior member of the firm of Fieser & Bentley, dealers in pig iron and coke. Columbus numbers him among her native sons, his birth having here occurred October 17, 1854. His parent, Frederick and Louise (Scheede) Fieser, were both natives of Germany and came to the United States in childhood days. The father was a prominent resident of Columbus, where he was well known as a journalist and banker. He also served for several terms as president of the board of education of the city and his in- fluence and support were freely given for the advancement and progress of the community along many lines of substantial development.
Louis F. Fieser obtained a technical education in the Ohio State Univer- sity and going abroad to Vienna he there studied civil engineering for sev- eral years. Following his return to the United States he engaged at once in the construction of several railroads in various parts of the country, be- ing thus occupied until 1891, when he was called to Columbus by the sud- den death of his father, to look after his banking interests in the firm of Reinhard & Company. Seven years were then devoted to that task, after which he withdrew from the bank and turned his attention to the pig iron business, engaging in the manufacture and sale of pig iron. He has since continued in this line and is now associated with Linn Bentley, under the
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firm style of Fieser & Bentley, with offices at No. 710, The Wyandotte. The extent and importance of their business places them in the front rank among the representatives of commercial interests in this city.
On the 30th of June, 1891, Mr. Fieser was married to Miss Martha V. Kershaw, and they have since had a family of four children, of whom three are living. Mr. Fieser is not active in the political world but con- siders himself a democrat, although since the advent of Bryan's seizure on the democratic party in 1896 he has felt forced to give his allegiance to the republican party. He is well known in the social as well as the business life of the city.
SOLOMON S. LEHMAN.
Solomon S. Lehman, who for the past few years has lived retired in Canal Winchester, owns a fine farm property just outside the city limits and from this he derives a good annual income. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1841, a son of Abraham and Catharine (Shirk) Lehman, both of German parentage and natives of the Keystone state, the for- mer born in 1800 and the latter in 1809. The father was a miller, owning an interest in the flouring mill of Whitehurst, Gehm & Company, at Canal Winchester. He died in 1868, while his wife, surviving for a few years, passed away in 1873. Their children, seven in number, are Isaac, John, Benjamin, Solomon S., Mrs. Leah Dressler, Joseph and Samuel.
Solomon S. Lehman was but eight months old when brought by his parents from his native state to Franklin county. The family established their home in Canal Winchester and the son acquired his education in the district schools during the winter months. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority, when he sarted out in life on his own account by working as a farm hand for fifteen dollars per month. He thus continued until 1864, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infan- try. He was in a number of the most important engagements of the war including some hard fighting at Nashville, Tennessee. He was discharged from service at Charlotte, North Carolina, and was mustered out at Colum- bus.
Returning from the war, Mr. Lehman began working in the flouring mill of Whitehurst, Gehm & Company, in which his father was a partner. After about three years the father died and the son then purchased of the other heirs the father's interest in the mill, and was made salesman, in which position he continued for ten years, subsequent to which time he disposed of his interest and spent one year in travel. He invested his money in a fine farm situated just outside the city limits, and he also owns farm land in Arkansas. Since disposing of his milling interests he has lived retired in a pleasant home in Canal Winchester, enjoying in ease the fruits of his former
MR. AND MRS. S. S. LEHMAN
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toil. His only business connection is with the People's Bank, of which he is a director.
Mr. Lehman has been married twice. His first wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah M. Hott, was born in 1851 and departed this life in 1899. For his second wife Mr. Lehman wedded Mrs. Osborne Alspaugh, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1856. By her first marriage she had two children, Chauncey D. Alspaugh and Mrs. Lyda G. Lehman.
Mr. Lehman is a republican in his political views and takes an active interest in public affairs as a member of the village council, where he has served for two years. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias. He is a man of exemplary habits, strict integrity and has a strong personality. He takes a just pride in the improvement and advancement of his com- munity and does all in his power toward accomplishing that end.
JOSEPH D. KING, D.V.S.
Dr. Joseph D. King has been engaged in the practice of veterinary sur- gery in Canal Winchester since 1899 and his patronage has now reached very extensive proportions. He was born August 26, 1875, of the marriage of George and Ellen (McCracken) King, the former born in 1832, and the latter in 1836, while their marriage was celebrated in 1854. Their family numbers five children: Mrs. Justina Motte, Mrs. Littie E. Lee, Dr. J. D. King, Tullie and Lulu. The father has followed farming as a life work. He began as a poor man and now owns a valuable tract of land of forty acres, situated in Franklin county, this tract having been covered with forest when it came into his possession. Mr. King cleared and developed the land and now has an attractive farm property and a nice home. He has always been very devoted to the interests of his family, doing everything possible for their comfort and welfare. He is a democrat in his political views, giving stanch support to the party, while his fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Dr. Joseph D. King was reared on the home farm and acquired his early education in the district schools. He prepared for his profession as a veterinary surgeon in the Ontario Veterinary College of Toronto, Canada, entering the college at the age of twenty-three years and receiving his degree in 1899. He immediately located for practice in Canal Winchester and in the years that have come and gone he has built up a very extensive patronage. his services being in demand not only in Canal Winchester but in the surrounding country many miles distant. He uses an automobile in making his calls, often covering one hundred miles in a day. He is energetic and enter- prising and his services always prove most satisfactory to his patrons.
Dr. King was married in 1900 to Miss Grace Harlan and two inter- esting little sons, Lyle G. and Hayes, are the light and life of the house- hold. The Doctor was appointed to fill a vacancy in the city council and was then elected for two years, but was forced to resign on account of the
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pressure of his private business interests. He is independent in politics and in religious faith is a Methodist, while his fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias. He is highly esteemed in the vicinity not only as a professional man but also as a citizen and friend of humanity who lives for the good he can do to his fellowman.
ALBERT F. DICKEY.
Albert F. Dickey, deceased, was for many years a respected and valued resident of Blendon township, Franklin county, where he devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. He was born in the state of New York, March 28, 1831, his parents being Joseph and Lavina (Taggart) Dickey. On leaving the Empire state the father brought his family to Ohio and took up his abode in Franklin county but died soon afterward, leaving a widow and five sons: James, Morris T., Joseph L., Albert F. and Kirkland M., all now deceased.
Albert F. Dickey was a small boy when he came with his parents to Ohio and in his youthful days he learned the blacksmith's trade with his brother. He afterward followed that business for a number of years but when thirty-five years of age turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, locating upon the farm which is still the home of the widow. It comprises one hundred and nine acres of arable and productive land in Blendon township and upon it Mr. Dickey made many improvements, be- coming a successful farmer. He was persistent and energetic in all that he undertook and carefully cultivated his fields, so that annually he gathered therefrom rich harvests, finding a ready sale for his products on the market.
On the 19th of April, 1891, Mr. Dickey was united in marriage to Miss Emma Rugg, who was born in Blendon township, September 3, 1853, on a farm adjoining the one on which she now resides. She has always lived in these two houses-the one in which she was born and reared and the one which is now her place of residence. She is a daughter of Dayton and Margaret Caroline (Merrill) Rugg. Her father was a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of the county, his birth having occurred in Blendon township where Westerville now stands. His entire life was passed here as a farmer and he was ever diligent and industrious. He died March 9, 1904, at the venerable age of eight-three years, having through- out his entire life been a witness of the progress and improvement of this portion of the state. His mind was filled with many interesting incidents of the early days, his reminiscences concerning many important events which shaped the history of the county. His wife was born near Carbondale, Pennsylvania, came to Franklin county in her girlhood days and died on the 13th of December, 1899, at the age of seventy-two years. In the family of this worthy couple were five daughters and one son, namely: Mrs. Dickey; Mrs. J. M. Beaver, of Seattle, Washington; Mrs. Helen Taylor, of
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Linden; Dayton, residing on the old home farm; Mrs. Ada Turney, of Mifflin township; and Mrs. Gertrude Wright, of Chicago.
At the time of his marriage Albert F. Dickey took his bride to the farm upon which they always resided and which is still her home. As the years passed he carried on the work of tilling the soil and met with such success in his undertakings that he was enabled to leave his widow in comfortable circumstances when, on the 6th of March, 1904, he was called to his final rest. He was straightforward in all his dealings, reliable in all business transactions and enjoyed the warm regard and friendship of many with whom he came in contact. Mrs. Dickey is also well known in this locality and has an extended circle of friends here.
CHRISTIAN GAYMAN.
Christian Gayman was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1828, and was descended from sturdy Pennsylvania Quakers. His grandparents, Daniel and - (Lantis) Gayman, were contempo- rary with Revolutionary times and became the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters. The second son, David, was married early in 1824 to Elizabeth Brenneman and to them were born nine children, seven sons and two daughters. The family lived near Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where the father died in 1839, his eldest child, Dan- iel, being but fourteen years of age. In a few years the family separated, the children going to work among strangers and the mother also securing employment to support herself. A daughter died in early life. In 1842 the mother decided to gather her family together and come to Ohio, having learned from friends who had previously emigrated to this state that there were better opportunities here than in Pennsylvania. In December of that year her son Daniel journeyed from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. to Can- ton. Ohio, by stage, arriving there on Christmas day. He left the next day and walked to Columbus, thence via the National road to Reynoldsburg and from there made his way to Canal Winchester, arriving on New Year's day. He remained two weeks, during which time a house had been rented and everything arranged for the comfort of the family on their arrival. He returned to Chambersburg on horseback by way of Zanesville and Wheeling. A joyous welcome was given him at home and after he had de- tailed to his mother the incidents of the journey, preparations were at once begun for the removal of the family to their new home in Ohio. The mother selected Monday, March 20, 1843, as the date upon which the jour- ney should begin. There was a wagon to build, horses and harness to buy. and other arrangements to make but nevertheless they were ready for the trip on the date designated. The journey, which was made by way of the National road. was uneventful with the exception of a several hours' delay in the Allegheny mountains, occasioned by a snow blockade. When they
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