USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 19
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school he was salutatorian of his class, which carried with it the second hon- ors and he delivered an oration at the graduation exercises of the law school.
Before his graduation. in December. 1892. Mr. Sharp was admitted to the bar but continued his studies until the following June in order that he might receive his degree. The day following his graduation he entered the law office of the Hon. H. M. Daugherty and has been associated with him continuously since in the general practice of law. Mr. Sharp served as first assistant prosecuting attorney of the county in 1899 under A. L. Thur- man and was attorney for the state fire marshal under the administration of D. S. Creamer, who is now state treasurer of Ohio.
Mr. Sharp is recognized as one of the prominent representatives of democracy in Columbus. In 1905 he was nominated for the house of repre- sentatives on the democratie ticket but with the entire legislative ticket was defeated by a small majority. He has always been active in local and state politics and has served as chairman of both the central and executive cout- mittees of Franklin county and in various other positions on those committees. lle has delivered many campaign addresses during the past fifteen years. both locally and for the state committee.
Mr. Sharp resides with his parents, who removed from Millersburg to Columbus in 1892 and are living at No. 1477 Pennsylvania avenue. He is a member of the Phi Delta Phi, a legal fraternity, of the local bar association and of the Neil Avenue United Presbyterian church. His life record has not been characterized by exciting chapters but contains elements of interest. as does that of every successful man who works his way upward through his own labors and ability.
JOHN T. CORBETT.
Jolin T. Corbett is general manager of the Hayden-Corbett Chain Com- pany, and in this connection controls a business of considerable volume. Ile has also been identified with several building and loan associations, and his word has come to be largely considered as authoritative in complex bus- iness matters, for his judgment is sound and his discernment keen. As he is widely and favorably known his life history cannot fail to prove of inter- est to many of our readers. He was born in Groveport. Ohio, June 22, 1861. and in the paternal line is of Irish descent. His father, William Corbett, was a native of the Emerald isle, and on crossing the Atlantic to America in 1845 made his way dircet to Ohio, locating in Groveport. There he fol- lowed the occupation of farming for many years, and eventually retired, and is now enjoying well merited rest. Four others of this family became soldiers of the Civil war. William Corbett wedded Miss Katherine McGrath. who was born in Ireland and came to the United States about 1847. Her people were engaged in the dairy business.
At the usual age John T. Corbett became a pupil in the public schools of Groveport, and after mastering the common branches of English learning
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took up the study of stenography, and secured a position as stenographer with the Columbus Buggy Company in 1882. There he remained for three years, after which he entered the employ of the Peter Hayden Saddlery Hardware Company. His connection with that honse continued for six years, at the end of which time he entered the factory to learn the chain manufacturing business. When he had obtained expert knowledge of that trade he organized a company of his own and has since been engaged in the manufacture of chains under the name of the Hayden-Corbett Chain Con- pany, of which he is general manager. This business has had a phenomenal growth, the output having been doubled within the last two years. It is considered one of the most modern plants of this kind in the United States, being equipped with the latest improved machinery and every device neces- sary to facilitate the business. The output is always kept up to a high standard, and thoroughness characterizes every department of the work.
In 1896 Mr. Corbett was married to Miss Clara Floyd, who was born in Columbus, a daughter of William Floyd, who was a master mechanic. Mr. and Mrs. Corbett have one son, Sylvester, born in this city August S, 1898. The parents are communicants of the Holy Name church and contribute largely to its support. While a young man Mr. Corbett was a member of Company H, Fourteenth Ohio National Guard. He has become connected with other business interests outside of the field of manufacturing. In all he undertakes he displays keen discernment. indefatigable energy and as the architect of his own fortune he has builded wisely and well.
ROBERT E. SHELDON.
The salient features in the life record of Robert E. Sheldon have been such as to carry him from humble environment to a position among the leading mer- chauts of the city the step- in his orderly progression being easily discern- ible. Those who know anght of his history-and he has a wide acquaintance -- recognize the fact that he is a self-made man, while his business associates and colleagues bear testimony to the truth that his record is such as any man might be proud to possess, for he has always regarded a promise given or an engage- ment made as a sacred obligation. His career at all times will stand the test of close investigation and scrutiny and. moreover, should serve as a source of in- spiration and encouragement, showing what may be accomplished through de- termination and persistency of purpose. Dependent upon his own resources from the age of eleven years he stands today at the head of the most important and extensive mercantile enterprise of central Ohio.
Mr. Sheldon is a native of Tiflin, Ohio, his birth having there occurred June 1, 1845, and the following year his parents, Thomas H. and Martha Shel- don, removed from Tiffin to Columbus, where he has since resided. Following the death of his father, his mother became the wife of William Merion, who has also passed away, and she is now, advanced in years, living with her dangh-
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ter, Mrs. Irene Roberts, at No. 137 West Goodale street. She is still young in interest, however, and Mr. Sheldon has ever manifested toward her the most tender filial love and devotion, visiting her, at least, weekly and frequently daily since his marriage, when he went to a home of his own. All the stress and demands of business through days of prosperity and adversity alike could never cause him to forget these accustomed home visits which to mother and son alike have been a source of continued pleasure and interest.
The necessity of providing for his own support early sent Robert E. Shel- don into the business world. In 1855 he acted as messenger in the Ohio senate and in 1857 and 1858 took his initial step in the commercial world as an em- ploye of John McIntire, a grocer then conducting business near the corner of High and Rich streets on the east side. There he remained until 1859 when he sought and obtained a position with Dwight, Stone & Company, conducting a dry goods business in the Gwynne block. Each year witnessed an increase in his capability as his experience and labors brought him broader knowledge of business methods and the rules governing commercial activity. Gradually he has worked his way upward through successive promotions and each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. In 1864 he entered the service of Kelton, Bancroft & Company, wholesale dry-goods mer- chants of Columbus, with whom he continued for about five years, or until 1869, when he became an employe of Miller, Green & Joyce, on the corner of High and Long streets. There his service proved so acceptable and his enter- prise so pronounced that in 1875 he was admitted to a partnership, remaining an active factor in the management of the house for ten years. He then with- drew and in 1885 formed the firm of Miles, Bancroft & Sheldon, the prede- cessors of the present Sheldon Dry Goods Company. The partnership rela- tions were prolonged with mutual pleasure and profit until the death of his partners, when, in 1900, Mr. Sheldon acquired their interests and the following year. associated with his son, Butler Sheldon, incorporated the Sheldon Dry Goods Company, which is one of the most extensive mercantile enterprises of the city, setting the standard of activity and achievement in their estab- lishment, its ramifying trade interests covering a broad territory.
A man of resourceful business ability. noting and improving opportunities that others have passed by. heedlessly, Mr. Sheldon has thus constantly worked his way upward. When twenty years of age he became a commercial traveler and spent seventeen years in that capacity during the devlopment period of the wholesale business in Columbus, thus becoming thoroughly familiar with the trade and its demands and to this experience is attributable not a little of the success in his later life. Into other fields he has also extended his efforts. having in 1898 succeeded Emerson MeMillin as president of the Columbus Railway Company, while in 1903 he succeeded General John Beatty as president of the Citizens Savings Bank. Whatever success has come to him in life-and his achievement is notable-has been without the aid of a single dollar from any source. Since his eleventh year he has supported himself and others depend- ent upon him and, though the building up of an important enterprise has made heavy claim upon his time and energies, has yet found opportunity for active participation in many interests relative to public welfare.
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At the time of the Civil war Mr. Sheldon, responding to the country's call for aid, served for one hundred days as sergeant of Company H, One Hun- dred and Thirty-third Ohio National Guard and during the campaign of 1864 was in front of Petersburg and vicinity. In days of peace he has been equally loyal in matters of local advancement and of national progress, contributing generously of his means to further the welfare of Columbus and giving active aid and influence also to promote the interests of the city.
Mr. Sheldon was married in early manhood to Miss Mary E. Butler and their three sons are: Butler, Robert E. and Thomas H., who are associated with their father in the Sheldon Dry Goods Company. Such in brief is the history of Robert E. Sheldon who, through the inherent force of his character, his strong determination and close application to the duties that have devolved upon him, has won distinction and honors in his native land. The importance and extent of his business interests have made him one of the best known men in the capital eity, while his activity has extended to those concerns which touch the general interests of society in lines of progress and of social and benevolent interests.
IRA H. CRUM.
Ira H. Crum, attorney at law engaged in practice continuously since 1879, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, Jnne 6, 1855, a son of William A. and Martha K. (Walton) Crum, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather, Cornelius Crum, was a member of the constitutional con- vention at Philadelphia and took an active part in the deliberations of that body which gave to the country its organic law. In the year 1840 he emigrated with his family to Ohio. making the journey by wagon over the Allegheny mountains. Reaching Franklin county he located on the forks of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, on land which was afterward in litigation for many years, there being no patent for it. His entire life was devoted to general agri- enltural pursnits. His son, William A. Crum, was also a farmer in carly life, afterward conducting a store at Hilliard. He died in 1900 while his wife passed away in 1887.
Ira H. Crum, the only child of this marriage, was educated in the common schools at Westerville and Delaware Colleges. He was graduated from the Uni- versity of Delaware in 1876 with the degree of Bachelor of Science and then de- termined upon the practice of law as his life work, beginning his study with Judge Eli P. Evans of Columbus as his preceptor. After thoroughly mastering many of the principles of the law he was admitted to practice in 1879 and has "ince successfully followed his profession. Advancement at the bar is prover- bially slow and yet Mr. Crum in the early years of his practice enjoyed a good clientage, and while the years have passed his business has constantly grown in volume and importance. The court records show that he has been connected with much important litigation and after thorough preparation of his case he has always presented the causes in contention in clear and forceful manner, his
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cogent reasoning. his logical deductions and correct application of legal prin- cipdes never failing to impress court and jury while seldom failing to win the verdict de-ired. From 1889 imtil Jannary, 1892. he filled the office of assistant prosecuting attorney and was director of law from April, 1899, until 1901. Ile has been a trustee of the Franklin County Children's Home for the past two years and was reappointed January 1. 1909, for a term of four years. He he- long- to the City and State Bar Association, and in more strictly fraternal and social line is connected with the Mason- and the Odd Fellow- and the Ohio and Buckeye clubs.
On the 5th of May. 1891, Mr. Crum was married to Mis- May Sherwood. a danghter of Thomas K. Sherwood of Franklin county, and they have one child. Martha. Mr. Crum is well known in this city where he has now resided for three decades while his entire life has been passed in the county. He has made steady advancement in his profession because of his landable ambition. and his well spent life has at all times gained for him the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated.
CHARLES AUBERT.
In the profession of the law there are comparatively few who attain success, and in an analyzation of the conditions that exist it is found that this fact results largely from a lack of that analytical power which enables one to recognize the salient feature of a case and to give it its dne prominence, while losing sight of wo point that will assist in gaining the decision de- sired. Keen discrimination is one of the effective forces in the career of Charles Anbert, who in the practice of law has displayed a profesional strength that has gained him prominence at the Columbus bar.
Mr. Aubert is a native of Franklin county, his birth having occurred in Hamilton township December 20, 1866. As the name indicates, he comes of French ancestry, being a grandson of Claudiu- Postian Aubert who, following important military service in Europe, came to the new world to enjoy here the liberty afforded by a republican form of goverment. He served as a drummer boy when Napoleon led his troops across the Niemen, in 1812, toward Moscow in a campaign that, although disastrous, was one of the most brilliant military undertakings known to history. He was also in Napoleon's army when the French troops, on the 18th of June, 1815, met the English and Prussians under Generals Wellington and Blucher ou the plains of Waterloo. During the pioneer epoch of the history of Ohio Claudius P. Ambert arrived in this state accompanied by his family. He located upon a farm in Hamilton township. Franklin county, which re- mained his place of residence until his death. His son. Charles Aubert, Sr .. was about eight years of age when the family left France for the new world. From early life he was dependent upon his own resources and dis- played his business ability and enterprise in the acquirement of a large and valuable farm property, together with real estate and financial invest-
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ments. He married Miss Elizabeth Reiselt, a native of Germany, whose father became a prominent farmer in Hamilton township. Claudius P. Au- bert, a brother of Charles Aubert, of this review, was graduated in the Ohio Normal University in 1887 and has done excellent educational work in connection with the public-school system of the state of Washington.
Reared on the homestead farm, Charles Aubert supplemented his early educational training by study in the Ohio Normal University, from which he was graduated in 1887. He then devoted several years to successful edu- cational work, teaching in the public schools of this county until 1895 and for three years prior thereto also occupying the chair of Latin in the Ohio Medical University at Columbus. He began his law reading with Donaldson & Tussing, prominent attorneys of Columbus, as his preceptors, and when his thorough preparation enabled him to successfully pass the examination required for admission to the bar, he entered upon active prac- tice and has been very successful since his name was placed upon the roll of practitioners in Columbus in 1895. While he was well grounded in the principles of common law when admitted to the bar, he has continued throughout the whole of his professional career a diligent student of those elementary principles that constitute the basis of all legal science and this knowledge has served him well in many a legal battle. He always prepares his cases with great care. If there is a close legal point involved in the issue it is his habit to thoroughly examine every authority within his reach bearing upon the question, and this makes him a dangerous adversary. With a thorough knowledge of the subject he discusses and the legal principles applicable thereto, his addresses before the court are models of clearness and logic. He is also the owner of a select and large law library, of which he has every reason to be proud. It is there that he prepares his presenta- tion of legal questions with every authority right at hand that he may look up any point of law or precedent which he believes will bear upon the case. Mr. Aubert is regarded as authority on real-estate and financial investments, his opinions being sought and relied on by the banker and the judge, the farmer and the lawyer, whose full confidence he enjoys, and well he may. for no client has ever been compelled by suit at law to bring back money on notes or to foreclose mortgages recommended as safe investment by Mr. Aubert during his practice of thirteen years. At various times wealthy clients have left large sums of money with him to invest or loan at his sole discretion. To this branch of the legal profession he has devoted much time during the last thirteen years and it is a remarkable and noteworthy fact that during all this period no client ever sued to obtain his money or foreclosed a mortgage on a loan made by Mr. Aubert, all receiving their capital with interest. It will thus be seen that he makes most careful investments and his clients have profited thereby.
In 1897 Mr. Aubert was married to Miss Marie Renner, a daughter of the late John Stephen Renner, who at his death owned extensive landed interests in Franklin county. Mr. and Mrs. Aubert have no children of their own. In April, 1905, when Samuel J. Swartz, at one time mayor of Columbus, died and left several orphan children, the two younger being
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Lillian and Andrey, then four and two years of age, Mr. and Mrs. Aubert took these two children into their home and have bestowed upon them every care and the affection of the most fond and loving parents. The chil- dren are as much attached to Mr. and Mrs. Ambert as children of their own could be and in return receive the loving attention which Mr. and Mrs. Ambert would have bestowed upon children of their own. The little girl- were indeed fortunate in obtaining such a good home, and it is a source of much pleasure and satisfaction to the friends of their deceased parents. Mr. and Mrs. Aubert are very generons, large-hearted people and many tangible evidences are given of their helpfulness. They are well known in Columbus and this part of the state, where they have spent their entire lives, and their circle of friends is almost as extended as the circle of their nequaintanees. Their own home is a hospitable one and is therefore most attractive to those who know them. Mr. Aubert is always interested in those projects which further progressive citizenship and promote municipal progress. His professional duties, however, are making increasing demands upon his time and attention and he now enjoys a high reputation which ha- been won through earnest. honest labor. his standing at the har being a merited tribute to hi- ability.
SAMUEL STRASSER RICKLY.
The pages of fiction contain no more interesting or wonderful life history than that of Samuel Strasser Rickly, who for many years figured as one of the most prominent business men of Columbus. From a most Immable position he worked his way steadily upward, commanding the respect, achniration and honor of men by reason of his inherent force of character, his acquired ability and his success, which was most honorably achieved. He left the impress of his individuality npon the intellectual and moral progress of the community, as well as its financial development, and his life record may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to those to whom fate has denied early advantages, vet who have desire and ambition to pas beyond humble surround- ings into the field of large undertakings.
Mr. Rickly was born in Butzberg in the Canton of Bern. Switzerland. Janu- ary 2, 1819, a son of John and Anna (Strasser) Rickly. In the land of the Alps, however, the family name was spelled Rikli. Both his paternal and ma- ternal grandfathers were extensively engaged in the grain trade, condneting business along that line during the French revolution, and John Rickly, al- though a saddler by trade, also followed the grain business. He likewise acted as postmaster of his parish and his son, Samuel S., when but twelve years of age, began carrying the mail. being often exposed to great hardships because of the long distances which he had to traverse and the stormy weather. He likewise worked with his father at the saddler's trade from the age of twelve or thirteen years and his early youth was thus a period of earnest and unremitting toil. His educational advantages were very limited, being confined to the three
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branches of reading, writing and arithmetic. He was also compelled to memo- rize the Heidelberg catechism and other church literature.
When a youth of fifteen years Mr. Rickly accompanied his parents to the new world, the family home being established at Baltimore, Fairfield county, Ohio, but almost immediately after their arrival the entire family of sixteen be- came ill and within four weeks nine of their number died, including the five youngest children, the parents and the father's sister and mother. The sur- vivors were: John, John Jacob. Samuel S., Rudolph and Mrs. Conrad Born, Sr. The family being thus broken up, the sous found homes with different fam- ilies and Samuel Rickly was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade. He was not instructed to any great extent, however, in building lines but was compelled to do the hard work of the farm and worked at the carpenter's bench only when his labors were not needed in agricultural lines. Three years passed in this manner. It was known that the father had brought with him from the old country a considerable amount of money, consisting of five-frane pieces put up in rolls of twenty-five each. He never informed his children where he de- posited the money, however, and when the surviving children reached their ma- jority each was given a share of what the administrator claimed was their in- heritance.
For three years Samnel S. Rickly continued to work for the man to whom he was apprenticed but the inhuman treatment which he received led him not only to rebel in spirit but prompted him to leave his employer. and when eigh- teen years of age he tied his little belongings into a handkerchief and made his way to Newark, Ohio, where his two brothers were then living. He was em- ployed there for a brief period and in 1836 came to Columbus as the only pas- senger on a canal boat which was carrying a cargo of high wines, while the crew consisted of the chief cook and the driver of the mule which belonged to the craft. Not long afterward Mr. Rickly returned to Lancaster. Fairfield county. Ohio, where he secured release from his enforced apprenticeship and through the succeeding year employed the knowledge he had gained of carpen- tering in gaining a livelihood. He also worked at cabinet making and was at all times watchful of opportunities that would enable him to make advancement in the business world and in 1838 secured employment in a dry goods store. This continuons contact with the public not only brought him commercial training but also gave him a better knowledge of English than he had pre- viously scenred and that he displayed good business ability is shown by the fact that he was left to close up the business when his employer removed his goods to an eastern state in the spring of 1839.
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