USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 17
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organization in 1886. He is likewise fond of literary pursuits and is a member of the Columbus Stamp Collectors Society and the American Philatelic Society, being ex-president of the Columbus branch and chairman of the publicity com- mittee of the national organization. He is an enthusiast on the subject of ath- letic sports and motoring and yet he never neglects in the slightest degree the duties of his position. He is always ready in his leisure hours to participate in athletic sports or social enjoyment and in such pastimes has made many warm and enduring friendships.
JOIIN JONAS CHESTER.
Among those who have carved their names high on the legal arch is numbered John Jonas Chester, practicing successfully at the Columbus bar, his attention being largely confined to corporation and commercial law. He was born in Newark, Licking county, June 18, 1860. a son of Austin Eaton Chester, a native of Groton, Connecticut, whence he removed westward to Granville, Ohio. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to Captain Samuel Chester, who went to New London, Connecticut, from Boston in 1663. He was master of the brigantine Adventure, and was captured by the French. Later he was much engaged in public surveys and had extensive landed interests lying partly in the cast parish of New London, now called Groton, while other large tracts were included within his property holdings. He was also a factor in the West Indian trade. His son, John Chester. born May 29, 1692, was the next in direct line. He married Mary Starr, a daughter of Thomas Starr, who was the second son of Hannah Brewster, the youngest daughter of Jonathan Brewster. Jonathan Brewster was born August 12, 1593, in Scrooby, England, and came to Plymouth on the Fortune in 1621. He was the eldest son of Elder William Brewster, "Chief of the Pilgrims," who was one of the Mayflower passengers, landing at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. Simeon Chester. the second son of John Chester, was born March 20, 1773. and soon after his marriage removed to Truro, Nova Scotia, with John Starr, who left for the colonies at the out- break of the Revolutionary war. He was pursued by enemies, but at length arrived at Groton, the ancestral home of the family. He had owned consider- able property in Nova Scotia but was compelled to sacrifice this because of his loyalty to the colonial interests. However, by act of congress, April 7, 1789, and supplemental act, February 18, 1801, Simeon Chester was awarded nine hundred and sixty acres of land in three separate tracts, one located in Franklin county, Ohio. and the other two in Licking county, Ohio. His son, Elias, later removed to the tract in Franklin county, and gave the name of Truro to the township cast of Columbus, in honor of his former home in Nova Scotia. The tracts in Licking county were subsequently settled by Simeon Chester, Jr., the second son of Simeon Chester, Sr., and the next in line of direct descent. He was born March 20. 1767. and married Anna Iligby. They became the grandparents of John Jonas Chester.
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Austin Eaton Chester, his father, was born July 10, 1821, and in 1826 was brought by his parents from Groton, Connecticut, to Ohio, the family home being established in Granville. He spent the remainder of his days in Licking county and became a civil engineer, graduating from Granville Col- lege. Later he turned his attention to the hardware and foundry business and became well known as a substantial citizen, conducting his commercial interests up to the time of his death, which occurred January 10, 1891, when he was in the seventieth year of his age. He married Cordelia McCune, of Brattleboro, Vermont, in December, 1851. She was a sister of Jonas M. McCune, a well known resident of Columbus, and her death occurred in 1881. She was related to the Whitney family, her aunt having married the father of William C. Whitney, ex-secretary of the navy.
John Jonas Chester, educated in the public schools of Newark, after- ward attended the University of Wooster for two years. He then matriculated in Lafayette College at Easton, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1882 with the degree of Bachelor of Art. Later he received the Master of Arts degree in 1885 from the same college. While pursuing his collegiate course he had the benefit of instruction in English under Professor F. A. March, LL. D., perhaps the greatest authority on the English language in the world.
Coming to Columbus Mr. Chester studied law with the firm of Congress, Booth & Keating, well known attorneys of this city, and after a thorough preliminary reading was admitted to the bar in February, 1884. He then began the practice of law alone and has never had a partner, so that his in- dividual efforts and ability have been the source of his successful career as a member of the legal profession of the capital city. He now devotes his attention to corporation and commercial law and is attorney for various cor- porations. He was also the attorney in the Ohlen will case, one of the cele- brated cases heard in the courts of this city. In addition to his duties in con- nection with the legal profession Mr. Chester has contributed to the success of various business concerns through his sound judgment and executive con- trol. He is now the vice president and general counsel of the James Ohlen & Sons Saw Manufacturing Company, vice president and director of the Pure Milk Company, vice president and director of the Ohio Realty & Construc- tion Company, a director of the Independent Packers Fertilizer Company, a director of the Grandview Lumber Company, a director of the Montana Standard Mining Company and of numerous other concerns.
Formerly as a young man man Mr. Chester was active in politics and was secretary of the Ohio Republican League, which he helped to organize. but in recent years has retired in large measure from activity in political lines. However, his interest in public questions has never abated nor has his position on any momentous question ever been an equivocal one. He was formerly president of the Benjamin Franklin Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution, and is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Club and the Columbus Country Club. Mr. Chester has taken high rank in Masonry. holding membership with Mount Vernon Commandery, K. T., and with Scioto Consistory. in which he attained the thirty-second degree of
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Scottish Rite. He is also a member of Aladdin Temple of the Mystic Shrine and belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On the 25th of August, 1894, Mr. Chester was married to Miss Harriet E. Lisle, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and their children are John Chester VI. born August 10, 1898; Jeanette Chester, born September 10, 1900: and Catherine L. Chester, born June 9, 1903. In addition to their Columbus residence Mr. Chester owns a cottage on the grounds of the Columbus Fish- ing Club, where he spends his summers. He is president of the Columnbus Riding Club and is fond of outdoor sports. He has also been an extensive traveler in America and has a broad and liberal culture and a wide general information as well as marked business ability and professional skill.
R. J. TUSSING.
R. J. Tussing, who is engaged in market gardening at Canal Winchester, is well versed in his partienlar line of work and his knowledge of the care and cultivation of vegetables has brought him into close relation with many of the best known agriculturis 's and gardener- of the state, for he has served as superintendent of agriculture at the Ohio State Fair for the past seven years, while in 1907 he was superintendent of the Ohio agricultural and horticul- tural exhibit at the Jamestown Exposition. He has also been treasurer of the Ohio State Horticultural Society since 1902. having recently been reelected.
Mr. Tussing was born May 19, 1856, and at the age of fifteen years en- gaged in market gardening in connection with his father, and this he has made his life work. He has made a close study of his work and this has undoubt- edly contributed to his excellent success. He now owns nearly three acres of ground situated inside the corporation limits of Canal Winchester, and this is devoted entirely to the raising of vegetables. He has fifteen thousand feet of ground under glass and makes a specialty of lettuce, which he furnishes to the Columbus markets through the fall and winter months. He also grows tomatoes and cucumbers for the early spring trade, and his products always command the highest prices, owing to the quality and the musual seasons in which they are produced. Few men are more successful in this line of work than is Mr. Tussing.
Mr. Tussing was married January 1, 1880, to Miss Mary E. Kramer, who was born May 21, 1857. Their marriage has been blessed with three daughters and a son : Mrs. Mabel C. Wynkoop, Nellie L., Katie May and Earl B. The two elder danghters graduated from the high school at Canal Winchester and Mabel C. took a course in Bliss College at Columbus. The two younger chil- dren also expect to graduate from the Canal Winchester high school.
Mr. Tussing is independent in his political views and affiliations, and in religious faith is a Baptist. He is a Mason, belonging to the Scioto Consistory at Columbus. He is also identified with the Grange, has served as steward of the State Grange for two years and also as deputy state master for Franklin
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R. J. TUSSING
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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county for twelve years. In 1883 he served as assessor of his township, and .was a member of the city council of Canal Winchester from 1900 to 1905, in- clusive. and has been a director of the Union Grove Cemetery for several years. He is a man highly esteemed in business, publie and social circles, while in his home circle he is largely the ideal husband and father.
JOHN J. MARVIN.
John J. Marvin, one of the prominent representatives of industrial life in Columbus, being president of the Marvin Wood Working Company, was born September 30, 1847, in Licking county, Ohio, and is of Scotch descent. His father, Richard B. Marvin, was a native of the state of New York, born in 1801, and became a pioneer of Licking county, where he located about 1830. Little improvement had been made within its borders and much of the land was still uncultivated. Mr. Marvin secured a farm and gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits and was also at one time engaged in the tailoring business at New Albany. He died in 1853. He married Miss Jane Frost, a native of Albany, New York.
Reared on the old home farm, John J. Marvin pursued his early educa- tion in the public schools of Washington township and afterward went to Marysville, Ohio, where for three years he was engaged in business as a dealer in eggs. Later he resided at Greenville, Ohio, and afterward came to Colum- bus. where he took up carpentry and contract work in 1868. Five years were devoted to building operations, and in 1873 he went to California, residing in San Francisco for three years. Following his return to Columbus in 1876. he turned his attention to the milling business and has continued in this line to the present time. As the years have passed he has developed an important and extensive industry, which has been incorporated under the name of the Marvin Wood Working Company. Its output is extensive and the product is shipped to all parts of America, the excellence of the manufactured articles securing to the owner a large and gratifying patronage.
The only interruption to his active business career came in 1883, when Mr. Marvin espoused the cause of the Union and enlisted under Colonel Lemert as a member of the Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry. He was present at the time of the surrender at Cumberland Gap. participated in other im- portant engagements, and returned to Marysville in 1865. He made a credit- able military record. although he was but a boy in years, his valor being equal to that of many a veteran of much greater age. He was a member of the Squirrel Hunters and assisted in the incarceration of General Morgan and hi- raiders and guarded them after their imprisonment.
In 1873 Mr. Marvin was married to Miss Amelia Hunter, a native of Columbus, and a granddaughter of Arthur O'Hara, an early pioneer of Frank- lin county who was justice of the peace and merchant of prominence. Her father. M. S. Hunter, was one of the pioneer residents of this city. He owned a warehouse and also engaged in the grain business for some years,
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but in the latter part of his life devoted his attention to the retail coal trade and was also prominent in state building operations. He served as justice of the peace at one time and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin has been blessed with two children, Mandel- bert H., born February 15, 1876; and Fay, born February 18, 1SS7. The son is now associated with his father in business.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Marvin is an exemplary Mason, has taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Universalist church in Columbus, and his influence is always on the side of progress and improvement. The same spirit of develop- ment and advancement has been manifest in his business career and has led him forward from a humble beginning into important industrial and financial relations. He is a fine example of a self-made man. honest and sincere.
HENRY PAUSCH.
In the political history of Columbus and Franklin county it is imper- ative that mention be made of Henry Pausch, for he has figured prominently in democratic circles, has filled various offices and stands as one whose public- spirited devotion to the general good is above question. He is one of the native sons of the capital city, his birth having here occurred January 6. 1840. His father, Henry Pausch, was a tailor by trade and in early man- hood married Miss Katherine Linther, by whom he had a family of three sons, two yet living: John and Henry.
In the public schools of his native city Henry Pausch pursued his edu- cation to the age of fourteen years and then entered upon an apprenticeship at the printer's trade under the direction of John Geary & Son, who were then editors of the Capital City Fact, at that time a popular daily newspaper of Columbus. He completed his apprenticeship at the age of eighteen years and then entered the employ of Ilon. Richard Nevins at that time state printer. He continued with Mr. Nevins and his successors for thirty years as one of the most efficient, capable and trusted representatives of the house.
Mr. Pausch, however, has become perhaps even more widely known in connection with his earnest advocacy and unfaltering labors in support of democratic principles. In 1889 he received the nomination of the democratic county convention for the office of county treasurer and. being elected, served so faithfully that he was again nominated and continued in the position for four years. He was a faithful custodian of the public funds and retired from the office as he had entered it-with the confidence and good will of all concerned. Since that time he has served in different public and political positions. He was a member of the city sewer commission, being appointed by Mayor Swartz, one of the democratic members of the board. He has al- ways been an ardent democrat. active in party affairs, known not only in local ranks but also as a worker for state and national democratic interests. In
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1874 he was elected to the city council from the eleventh ward and, continuing in the position by reelection, served from 1877 to 1879 as president of that body, in which position he acquitted himself with the highest honor. He was ever impartial in his rulings and just in his decisions and at the same time gave the weight of his influence for all measures and movements which he believed would be of benefit in municipal affairs. After voluntarily leaving the council he was elected to the office of police commissioner on the demo- cratie ticket and served for four years or until 1884, during which time he was largely responsible for reforming, reorganizing and shaping into an efficient body of men the police force of Columbus. In all that he has done he has been actuated by a loyal public spirit that none have questioned. His work in public office has been of an important character and as a private citizen his labors have been for the general good.
On the 3d of November, 1864, Mr. Pausch was married to Miss Jennie E. McPherson and they had eight children, all of whom are living with the exception of Frank M., who died April 13, 1901. The others are: Flora Louise, Henry. Katherine B., Walter L., Anna E., Mary G. and Alice G.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Pausch is well known. He has attained the thirty-second degree in Masonry, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is connected with the uniformed rank of the Knights of Pythias. He is also an active member of the Columbus Mannerchor and of the Olentangy Club, as well as many social organizations, and is a well known factor in musical and social circles, his cordiality, deference for the opinions of others and genial manner making him popular with a large circle of friends, while his record as a citizen and public official is one which is most commendable.
RUTHERFORD HAYES PLATT.
A man of broad, general culture and wide professional knowledge, Rutherford Hayes Platt was born September 6, 1853, in Columbus and throughout the entire period of his life has remained a resident of the capital city, so directing his efforts as to gain a position of distinction among those who readily and correctly solve the intricate problems of law.
His father, William Augustus Platt, was born in Lanesboro, Massachu- setts. March 7, 1809, and traced his ancestry back to Richard Platt. who in 1638 left his home in Hertfordshire, England, and crossed the Atlantic to Connecticut. Following the death of his mother during his early boyhood, William A. Platt went to live with his grandparents. Benjamin A. and Ada Platt, who in 1817 removed to Columbus, being among the earliest residents in this city. He resided here continuously save for a brief period of two years #pent in New York city and Wooster, Ohio, in his early manhood. Although his school privileges were few his mental powers enabled him to acquire through reading and observation an extended and vauable knowl- edge. In early life he learned the watchmaker's trade and became proprietor
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of a jewelry store in the Neil House block, developing a business which in course of time had no peer in extent or importance in this part of the coun- try. About 1850 he retired from the jewelry business to turn his attention to other interests and enterprises, for already he had become identified with business concerns that contributed in substantial measure to the prosperity of Columbus, as well as to his individual success. He was president of the Columbus Gas Company from its organization in 1846 until a short time prior to his demnise; and other corporation and business interests felt the stimulus of his cooperation and sound judgment. He was one of the pro- moters of the Ohio Tool Company, and had much to do with making it one of the most successful manufacturing enterprises ever established in this city. He was a member of the first board of trustees of Greenlawn cemetery, aided in the selection of its lands and through a long series of years was a member of the board, and for twelve years its president. He rendered most valuable service in the administration of the affairs of the association. Through appointment of Governor Chase he became a commissioner of the state house and was active in the supervision of its construction until its completion.
On the 2d of September, 1839, William A. Platt was married to Miss Fanny A. Hayes, who died July 16, 1856, leaving a son and three daughters. His death occurred August 8, 1882. Following the loss of his first wife he was married in 1863 to Miss Sarah Follett, of Sandusky, Ohio, and they be- came parents of three daughters. In 1855 he erected a residence at the northeast corner of Broad street and Cleveland avenue, then almost in the outskirts of the city. It was surrounded by three acres of ground and he util- ized this space for horticultural purposes, finding great interest in fruit growing whereby he supplied his own and his friends' tables with many delectable articles, including the finest fruits and vegetables. He had. too, a notably extensive and beautiful rose garden and had a love of nature in all of its varied forms, including a fondness for the animal kind, especially horses. He was the owner of some splendid specimens of the noble steed and became a familiar figure in Columbus as he drove through the streets of the city. A contemporary biographer said of him, "He was always a kind and genial neighbor, and generous, considerate husband, always showing a fine courtesy which was a natural expression of his consideration for others. He was one of the men of strong personality who marked the early history of Columbus. Thoroughness in all he undertook characterized his whole life. He had great force of will and character, quick perceptions and rare judgment in all matters, combined with a sympathetic temperament. and that perfect integrity and fairness of mind which inspired full confidence and respect."
R. H. Platt in the acquirement of an education attended successively the public schools of Columbus and Gambier, Ohio; Phillips Academy. Andover, Massachusetts; and Yale College. In the last named he became a student in the academic department and was graduated with the class of 1874. He prepared for the practice of law in the Columbia College Law School.
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Since his admission to the bar in 1879 Mr. Platt has practiced his pro- fession and enjoy- in full measure the confidence of his fellow members of the profession, both bench and bar. He served for three years as professor of pleading and practice in the law school of the Ohio State University; and is a member of the commission appointed by the supreme court to conduct the semi-annual examinations of applicants for admission to the bar of this Mate. In February. 1901, he was appointed by Governor Nash a member of the Ohio board of state charities and has rendered valuable public service in that position, in which he has been continned by successive reappointments down to the present time.
On the 5th of June, 1887, Mr. Platt was married to Miss Maryette Andrews Smith, a granddaughter of the late Judge Joseph R. Swan, formerly of the Ohio supreme court. They have four children: Robert S., sixteen years of age; Rutherford A., a youth of fourteen ; Joseph Swan, six years old; and Emily, a little daughter in her third year.
M. T. DIXON.
M. T. Dixon, who has shown excellent work as a medical educator and as well in the active practice of the profession, was born in Indianola, lowa, February 12, 1863. His father, John Dixon, was a native of Ohio and repre- sents one of the oldest families in the state. Ilis grandfather, James Dixon, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1797, being the first white male child born in that section. The family came from Pennsylvania shortly after the close of the Revolutionary war and casting in their lot with the pioneer wttlers were very active in promoting the early development of Ohio. At the time of their arrival here the Indians outnumbered the white people one hundred to one and the work of modern civilization sermed scarcely begun. Only here and there had a little clearing been made and a cabin built to show that the work of improvement and progress was being carried on by a sturdy progressive people. As the years passed James Dixon carried on general agri- cultural pursuits and he died within one hundred yards of his birthplace, passing away at the age of eighty-four years. The father of Dr. Dixon reached the age of seventy-six years, his death occurring in 1907. In early manhood he wedded Miss Anna Nichols, a native of Missouri, who died in 1865.
For a period the family lived in the west but returned from Indianola, lowa, to Belmont county, Ohio, during the early boyhood of Dr. Dixon, who was there reared pursuing his education in the public schools and in Scio College. from which he was graduated in the class of 1883. The follow- ing year he began the study of medicine and completed a course in the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, with the class of 1887. He then located for practice in Wichita, Kansas, where he remained until 1891, when he re- moved to Columbus, where he has since remained as an able and represent- ative follower of the profession. He was identified with educational work
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