USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78
From 1897 until December, 1900, he was auditor and cashier of the Black Diamond Coal & Coke Company, with offices in the Wyandotte build- ing. In May, 1900. the Seagrave Company was incorporated as a West Virginia company. On the 10th of December, 1900, Mr. Black was ap- pointed office manager and in May, 1901, was elected treasurer, since which time he has practically been the manager of the business. In 1907 he was elected president and has since acted as the chief executive officer. The West Virginia charter was surrendered January 28, 1904, at which time the Ohio Charter was adopted and it was at that date that Mr. Black be- came one of the incorporators of the business. They manufacture apparatus for fire departments and during Mr. Black's service as general manager have brought out and introduced the first quick hoisting spring actuated aerial truck. In 1908 the company designed and built the first motor pro- pelled aerial hook and ladder truck ever produced in the United States. They manufacture as well a complete line of fire extinguishers and chemical engines, their output including nearly everything in the way of fire ap- paratus. Their business has more than quadrupled since the beginning. Mr. Black is also interested in other enterprises, having made judicious in- vestment in different business concerns.
On the 7th of October. 1879. at Granville, Mr. Black was married to Miss Carrie F. Buxton, a daughter of Major Buxton, proprietor of the Bux-
Digmcco by Google
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
too Home of that phone. Mr. Black died April 14. 1556, leaving two socs: Howard Judson. who is with the Union Carbide Works at Saulte Sainte Marie. Michigan : and Benton Kerr. who is associated with his father in business. On the 6th of November. 1559. Mr. Black was again married. b second will Weing with Me Dixie Carter, a daughter of Henry O. Carter, a prominent business man of Granville, Ohio. They have two daughters and one son: Anabel Carter. a student at the Ohio State University : Bernice Fita a member of the junior class of the North high school: and Henry Craston. eight years of age, attending the grammar school. They reside s: No. 440 West Fourth avenue.
Mr. Black is a trustee of Mercy Hospital and is Interested in charitable work and in many movements beneficial to the city. When a young man be was active in d-inocratic circle- but has done little in politica! lines in later rear. He belongs to the Ohio Club and to the various Masonic to-lies, and Lis Se exemplif- the beneficent spirit of the craft. In his entire career there has been. ro ganterie phase. He has labored persistently for the success b has gained. realizing that energy directed by keen judgment constitutes & cafe foundation ujein which to build prosperity. He has never become absorbed in mou-y-traki :. a. however, to the exclusion of other interests but haz maintained a well rounded development and followed high principles that have made his an honorable manhood.
REV. WILLIAM MCDERMOTT.
Rev. WEZan MeDermott. prostor of The Hey Name church in Columbus, wie born at KEdan. Ingand. on the 3d day of February. 1-59. his parents being James and Margaret MeDermott. He was one of a family of eleven etileno. seven some and four daughters, all of the sons with the exception of car subject engaging in business pursuite.
WESam MeIteem it was ten years of age when he accompanied his par- ett or their removal to the United States. the family home being established in Valen Cay. Connectent. He attended school in that city until seventeen years of age atrì then entered St. Charles College at Baltimore, Maryland. I: was while a student in that institution that he determined to fit himself for the priesthood and. with the assistance of his parents, was at length able to see the realization of his home. After five years devoted to a classical course at St Charles College he was graduated with high honore and subsequently en- terad the they'ogica! and philosophical department of Niagara University in New York. Hete he again made a splendid prword. the institution conferring upon him one of its highest honors by appointing him editor in chief of the Niagara Index.
On the 4th of June. 1557. having completed ten years' study and prepar- stion for his holy calling. he was ordained for the diocese of Columbus by Bishop Ryan, of Buffalo, and at once came to this city as assistant pastor of St. Joseph's cathedral. Here his zealous ard conscomated life, as well as his
0kgmood by Google
REV. WILLIAM MCDERMOTT
Digmocd by Google
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
$3109, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
0kgm.000 by Google
251
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
wonderful eloquence, soon attracted wide attention and he was selected by Bishop Watterson as orator of the day for the great gathering which convened at the Cathedral during the G. A. R. encampment of 1888. In August, 1889, he was appointed to take temporary charge of St. Luke's congregation at Danville, Knox county, Ohio. Though one of the oldest in the state, the parish was in a badly run-down condition, being burdened with debt and having held no services for several months prior to the arrival of the Rev. MeDermott. Nothing daunted, however, the latter immediately set to work with character- istic energy and his zeal proved so contagions that he soon had the enthusiastic support of his congregation. The debt was entirely paid and more than five thousand dollars' worth of improvements were added to the parish property. In March, 1895, the Rev. MeDermott saw the result of five years' earnest labor destroyed by fire. He made an eloquent appeal for the restitution of the lost buildings and this was immediately responded to so generously and freely that plans were at once begun for the erection of the present splendid church edifice at Danville, while in two years' time the magnificent house of worship and residence, costing more than forty thousand dollars, were entirely paid for. During his pastorate the congregation was doubled in size and the various societies of the church steadily grew and prospered.
Such remarkable success naturally drew attention to the pastor and in May, 1905, Rev. MeDermott was selected by Bishop Hartley to found the Holy Name parish in North Columbus. In the comparatively brief period of his connection with this church he has erected a fine group of buildings, inchiding a residence for the Sisters, church, school and pastor's residence. Moreover. the membership of the church has been increased from seventy-two to more than one hundred and fifty families and the school attendance has likewise doubled. The Newman Club, which was organized for the benefit of Catholic students at the Ohio State University, is also one of the pastor's most creditable activities and has its headquarters at the Holy Name school building. His labors have been an important and effective element in the upbuilding of Catholicism in this state and his earnest, consecrated life has won him the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact.
SAMUEL J. FLICKINGER.
As secretary to Gov. Andrew L. Harris, Samuel J. Flickinger demon- strated the fact that the real newspaper man is always at home in any position that requires energy, industry. tact, wide general information and common sense whether in a public, semi-public or private sphere of activity. He has long been known as a prominent representative of journalism in Ohio and his comprehensive understanding of the political situation, his broad ac- quaintance with the leading men of the state, and his personal qualities of readiness and adaptability were the features that made him well worthy the position to which Gov. Harris called himn.
(gmcco by Google
252
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
Born on the farm in Butler county, Ohio, in 1848, he is a son of Rev. D. K. and Mary (Lintner) Flickinger. His mother died when the son was but four years years of age and a little later the father, entering the ministry, went as a missionary to Africa, subsequently returning to take up ministerial work in this country, and is now a retired bishop of the United Brethren church, at the age of eighty-five, being active and in full touch with the world and, moreover, an author of wide repute.
Samuel J. Flickinger was reared to well grown youth on the farm of his grandfather in Butler county, there remaining until his father became secretary of the United Brethren Missionary Society and located at Dayton, Ohio. After a short residence in that city Mr. Flickinger entered college and subsequently engaged in teaching school for two years in Butler county and one year at Richwood, Union county. He entered the profession of jour- nalism in 1876 under the friendly eye and wise direction of Major William D. Bickham of the Dayton Journal and was connected with that paper until 1878, in which year he secured an interest in the Ohio State Journal, then owned by the firm of Comly, Francisco & Company. Here he passed through all grades in the editorial department from reporter to editor in chief, learn- ing valuable lessons from each new experience until his position in the jour- nalistic world was assured, since in him were recognized those qualities which make for progress and success in the newspaper field. He also did valuable work for other newspapers, for a short time acting as the Columbus corres- pondent for the Cincinnati Commercial and for four years for the Cincinnati Enquirer. In 1884, when the late General Benjamin R. Cowen retired from the editorship of the State Journal, Mr. Flickinger succeeded him and con- tinued in the position for nine years. Under his control the paper was placed among the leading metropolitan journals of the country and Mr. Flickinger took rank with the men who stood in judgment upon all work done in the newspaper office, while his own writings attracted wide spread attention by his clear cut and masterly handling of every subject he discussed.
Associated with Mr. Flickinger on the State Journal were the late Colonel James Taylor, a man of great ability and corresponding brilliancy, and the late Sylvanus E. Johnson, of the Washington Bureau of the Cincinnati En- quirer, a man of great and versatile power. Taylor was an old school whig, while Johnson had been the newspaper protege of Gov. Samuel Medary. Three more competent men were probably never associated together on a single newspaper. Colonel Taylor died in the '90s from the result of injuries and disease contracted in the Civil war. When Mr. Johnson passed away in 1908, Mr. Flickinger said: "My life has been a fairly happy and contented one but the brightest days of all were when Colonel Taylor and Mr. Johnson and I were working together. There was never a 'bad' day among them all." Under their guidance the State Journal developed from a provincial paper into a great metropolitan journal with Sunday, weekly and daily editions, the labors of these men receiving also the hearty cooperation of Colonel J. D. Ellison, president of the company.
Following his retirement from the State Journal, from 1893 until 1904, Mr. Flickinger was with The Associated Press, the first year in New York
0kgmcco by Google
253
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
and Chicago offices, and the remainder of the time with headquarters in Cin- cinnati, his distriet embracing not only Ohio but also southern Indiana, Ken- tueky and West Virginia. When he entered into connection with The Asso- ciated Press he was in the prime of life, with seventeen years of newspaper experience to his eredit, competent to take up the work at any point so that his worth and ability were soon recognized. He did his work fairly toward all parties and toward all interests, and closely followed the motto, which he has advocated as his guide in all newspaper relations, "Nothing is news that is not true and serves mankind for some useful purpose, either as a precept, example or deduction." The manner in which he handled the assassination of Gov. Goebel of Kentucky was a fair example of impartial news gathering, as well as his reports of party conventions, state and national. For two years prior to his return to Columbus, where he had spent a quarter of a century, he was editor of the Dayton Journal in connection with which paper he had spent his first two years in newspaper work. During his latter association therewith a complete reorganization of the paper was effected and it entered upon a new era of progress and growth in consequence.
Active physically and mentally, Samuel J. Flickinger accomplishes what he undertakes and with high purposes and undaunted energy passes on to his goal. He possesses great tact which is but another word for kindness and understanding and is thus enabled to meet all classes, placing them at their ease. He has continually progressed in lines of wide general information and the worth of his personal qualities is attested by the warm and extended friendship accorded him.
DAVID S. CREAMER.
The political history of Ohio would be incomplete without mention of David S. Creamer, for some years recognized as one of the leaders of demo- cracy in this state-a man whom to know is to respect and honor, whose en- tire record has been free from any of the underhand methods which have too often clouded the history of political leaders. His life has always been as an open book and is one which in its varied connections reflects eredit and honor upon his native state.
More than a century ago another David Creamer came into possession of an extensive tract of land which has since remained within the family. In 1806 this tract was purchased from the government by a man named James McConnell, who in turn sold the patent to David Creamer. This land lies in Mead township, Belmont county. Mr. Creamer cleared away the forest and tilled the soil. Through inheritance it has passed down from father to son and is now owned by David J. Creamer, father of the subject of this review. It is occupied by his other son Z. M. Creamer, who lives upon it and gives his attention to its further development and improvement. It has long been one of the fine farms of the county, showing the spirit of thrift and enterprise which has ever been a dominant characteristic of the representatives of the name.
Digmcco by Google
254
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
It was upon this farin that David S. Creamer was born September 3, 1858, and there the days of his boyhood were passed, his training being that of the fields, as he trudged barefooted behind the plow, drawn by a team of oxen. When the work of the farm was largely over for the year, he had the opportunity of attending the district schools and therein mastered the com- mon branches of English learning. He displayed aptitude in li- studies and the same thoroughness which has characterized him in all his later work. The lessons of his youth, upon the farm and in the schoolroom, made him diligent, persistent aud energetic and an inquiring mind found outlet through his interest in politics and the political situation of the country. He became a close student of the issues before the people and was active in local political circles before he had attained his majority. Soon after he reached the age of twenty-one he was elected a democratie central committeeman from his dis- triet and a little later was chosen township clerk. In 1892 he decided to be- come a candidate for county recorder. His friends spoke discouragingly of this, saying, "Belmont is a strong republican county. What hope can there be for you and especially in a presidential year? Keep out of the fight until some other time." Mr. Creamer, however, knew every man in Belmont county and felt that he could count upon their friendship and comradeship and believed that he might count upon their political support as well. He received the democratic nomination, the successful support of the people at the polls and in the ensuing term labored so indefatigably and earnestly for the interests of the people at large that his service received a most hearty en- dorsement.
On his retirement from the office Mr. Creamer continued his residence at St. Clairsville, the county seat of Belmont county, and opened a real-estate and insurance office, soon building up a good business in those lines, for he brought to the work the same determined spirit and indefatigable energy which had previously been manifest in his political service. From boyhood, however, he had been interested in newspaper publication and while living upon the farm would frequently accompany his father to town and, as the latter was busy with his errands, the boy would slip away in order to watch the men set type or see the press throw off the copies of the local paper. His interest in the work of the newspaper office had never abated through all the ensuing years and in 1901 therefore he availed himself of the opportunity to purchase a half interest in the St. Clairsville Gazette, the oldest democratic newspaper in eastern Ohio. For some time he was then connected with jour- nalism but was again called to public office. For two terms he represented his ward in the city council and labored untiringly for public improvement and municipal progress. Higher political honors came to him in his appointment, entirely without solicitation, to the office of state fire marshal May 29. 1906. On the 1st of June he assumed the duties of the office and at once undertook the task of specializing the work and made a record which is mexcelled for creditable performance of duty and careful expenditure. In previous years through the work of this office there had been something like thirty or thirty- five convictions per annum. Mr. Creamer left the office with the unequaled record of seventy-two convictions in 1907 and during the five months of 1908
Diğmood by Google
255
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
which he served, scenred thirty-three convictions, so that when he retired there were still thirty-five cases pending and unsettled. Not only did he care- fully look after this department of work but on the 15th of January, 1908, he turned back into the state treasury over eleven thousand dollars of unused money-money appropriated for the maintenance of the department and yet, which by careful management, he had saved and placed to the credit of his office. Before his incumbeney the difficulty had always been to keep ex- penditures within the amount allowed. Tlms he reversed the usual system in the office.
In 1908 Mr. Creamer received the democratic nomination for state treas- urer and was elected, being the first democrat chosen for the office in thirty years. He was a most untiring worker in support of the democracy, serving as chairman and a member of the controlling committee in Belmont county many times. In 1905 he was a member of the democratic state central com- mittee and that year, the sixteenth congressional district over which he had supervision, gave Governor Pattison a majority of seven hundred and thirty- two, when the previous year the republicans had carried the district by nine thousand. He has attended state, county and congressional conventions many times and served on important committees, so that he has been a potential factor in democratic politics of the state for many years and always a factor for good.
On the 16th of October, 1890, Mr. Creamer was married to Miss Gertrude R. Fowler, of Belmont county, and they have two children: Lorena Ver- dell, sixteen years of age, who possesses rare musical talent ; and David Harold, nine years of age.
Such in brief is the life record of Mr. Creamer, who in every relation has measured up to the full standard of manhood. He has not only carefully and successfully controlled his business interests but has never been oblivious to the duties of public life and citizenship. On the contrary, he has stood fearlessly in support of whatever he believes to be right. With a wide ac- quaintance among the prominent men of the state, he enjoys to the fullest degree their regard. and in Belmont county and Columbus, where he is best known has the warm friendship of those with whom he has been brought into close relations.
HENRY S. BALLARD.
Henry S. Ballard, who is making steady progress in a profession where advancement depends entirely upou individual merit, being already well known as one of the promising and capable members of the Columbus bar, was born in the town of Coal Grove, Lawrence county, Ohio, November 15, 1880. Ilis parents were John and Jennie (Sparling) Ballard, who were also natives of Lawrence county and of Scotch-Irish descent. the family having been established in Virginia at an early day and from that state a removal was made to Ohio early in the nineteenth century. John Ballard is a direct
0kgm.c00 by Google
256
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
descendant of the famons Captain Bland Ballard, a partner and associate of Daniel Boone, the celebrated Indian fighter and explorer of carly pioneer times.
In the public schools of Coal Grove Henry S. Ballard pursued his educa- tion and displayed such aptitude and proficiency in his studies that at the age of fifteen he had qualified for teaching and entered upon the active work of the profession, which he continued for seven years. He proved a capital edu- cator, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge he had acquired and during the last three years devoted to that calling he gave his leisure time to the study of law under the direction of the firm of Corn & Thompson, at Ironton, Ohio. In 1903, feeling the necessity of a wider range of training for the profession, he came to Columbus and entered the Ohio State University for a special course of work, and was admitted to practice after passing a highly creditable examination before the committee of the supreme court in 1903.
On becoming a member of the Ohio bar Mr. Ballard associated himself with William D. Corn with whom he was connected for a year, or until his partner became professor of law at the Ohio Northern University at Ada, this state. Mr. Ballard then became associated with DeWitt C. Badger, a former congressman and mayor, and Demas Barnes Ulrey, a connection which main- tained until May 1, 1907, since which time Mr. Ballard has practiced alone with a large and distinctively representative clientage that has associated him with important litigation in the various courts. Hle is an earnest worker, never neglecting to thoroughly inform himself concerning his case before he enters the court, his mind being analytical and inductive and his reasoning bearing the elements of sound logic.
Mr. Ballard resides with his mother, at 648 Franklin avenue, in an at- tractive home between Washington and Parsons avenue. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Society, the Columbus Oratorio Society, and treasurer of the Lawrence County Association of Columbus and is recognized as a prominent and forceful worker in republican ranks, contributing to his party's success as a member of the Republican Glee and the Buckeye Repub- lican clubs.
EDSON OLDS RAGER.
Edson Olds Rager is a successful and well known agriculturist of Madison township, residing on a valuable and highly improved farm of more than one hundred acres, which has now been in possession of the family for a period of ninety-two years. His parents were John and Naney Chanler (Rower) Rager, the former born in Pennsylvania in 1814. When but two years of age John Rager was brought by his parents to Madison township, Franklin county, Ohio, living with them until he grew to maturity, and when his father and mother grew old he made a home for them, thus repaying them for the care and assistance which they had given him in his younger years. He passed away
(7kgm.000 by Google
MR. AND MRS. E. O. RAGER
Digoco by Google
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
0kom000by Google
259
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
in 1885, leaving two children to mourn his loss, namely: Alice Elizabeth; and Edson Olds, of this review.
The latter lived with his parents on the old homestead farm until their demise and eared for them in their declining years. He still owns and resides upon the farm which was purchased by the grandfather on his arrival in this country ninety-two years ago. The property comprises more than one hundred acres and in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the supervision of a prac- tical and progressive owner. The attention of the passer-by is arrested by the highly improved and attractive appearance of the place, which seems to em- body all the beauties of rural life in their most enticing form. It is one of the model farming properties of Madison township and Mr. Rager is widely recog- nized as a substantial agriculturist and enterprising citizens of his native county.
In 1886 occurred the marriage of Mr. Rager and Miss Ella Krainer. They now have seven children, as follows: Ethel May, Elijah Edson, Mamie Alice, Charles Kramer, Bryan Whittier, Dean Lester and Susie Leotn.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.