USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 31
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county and in 1878 was reelected, so that he served for two consecutive terms. On his retirement from the office he was chosen to the lower house of the legis- lature, being the member from his county in the sixty-seventh and sixty- eighth general assemblies. In 1891 he was elected lieutenant governor and was reelected to the same office in 1893, defeating William A. Taylor, hi- demo- cratic opponent. In 1905 he was elected a third time while John M. Pattison, democrat, was elected governor. Shortly after his inauguration Governor Pattison died and Mr. Harris therefore became his successor as the chief executive officer of the state. The salient points of his official service have become matters of history. It is well known that the opposition have con- demned little in his record as legislator and governor, while his course has won the strong endorsement of those who agreed with him in matters of political principle and policy. In his position of lieutenant governor of the state, presiding over the sessions of the senate, he proved himself a fair par- liamentarian and in all of his life he has shown himself to be a worker, his moments of leisure being few, while the results of his labors have been far- reaching and in Inrge measure beneficial to the general public.
On the 17th of October, 1885, Governor Harris was married to Miss Caroline Conger, and their only son, Walter C. Harris, is now a prominent artist of New York. Retaining his interest in military affairs, Governor Har- ris holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and in the Loyal Legion. He holds distinctive precedence as an eminent lawyer and statesman, a man of high literary attainments, a valiant and patriotic soldier, and as one who occupied a unique and trying position during exciting epochs in the political history of the state in which connection he bore himself with such signal dignity and honor as to gain him the respect of all.
OSCAR GLAZE PETERS.
Oscar Glaze Peters, numbered among the representative business men of Columbus for many years, through the processes of gradual development worked his way upward in commercial lines until he became the founder and promoter of the Columbus Buggy Company, an extensive and important con- cern in the business circles of the city. He was moreover a man of public- spirited citizenship and in his private life manifested all those sterling traits of character which win friendship and sincere regard. Ile was born in Chill- cothe, Ohio, April 6, 1842, and was but three years of age when brought to Cohnbus by his parent-, George and Sarah (Merion) Peters. The father engaged in the tanning business in the early years of his residence here but later devoted his time and attention to the manufacture of trunks, in which connection he built up a leading enterprise of the city.
Oscar G. Peters pursued his publie-school education until he became a high-school student and later he attended business college. He afterward clerked in the store of Robinson & Company for a time and was then em- ployed for three months by the government in guarding bridges, during the Civil war. His next appointment made him first clerk in the commis-ary de-
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partment of the government in West Virginia under his uncle, Captain Na- thaniel Merion, and later he was appointed chief clerk in the same depart- ment under Colonel Murphy. For a time he was stationed at Covington, Kentucky, and later for eleven months at Cleveland, Ohio, after which he was sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Arriving there, he found that no pro- vision had been made for quarters for himself and his wife, so that they boarded at the hotel in the town for a time and he rode back and forth to his work daily. Later they made arrangements to stay in a house of five rooms which was occupied by the second clerk. There were sixteen people already living there, so that quarters were rather crowded but they remained for five weeks, at the end of which time two rooms had been partitioned off from the ware- house where the bacon was stored for the army. Mrs. Peters noticed that there was a large waste of grease from the bacon and she conceived the idea of saving it. This she did and enough was obtained from its sale to pay the expenses of the office. When the government noticed the decrease in the expenses at that station the reason therefor was asked and when the report was made that it was due to Mrs. Peters' idea, the government, recognizing her ability, employed her to copy all the contracts from the station at a salary of fifty dollars per month. Not only did she become un influential factor in the business department of government service there but did a work of incalculable benefit in the religious training of the neglected children of the fort. There was one Episcopal church but no place for the poor children. Feeling that they should have religious instruction, Mrs. Peters organized a Sunday school with twelve schools but from the second Sunday the school numbered one hundred and fifty members. She met with great opposition in this movement but she remained long enough to see her work thrive and prosper and when she left she gave a book to each of her scholars.
On leaving Fort Leavenworth Mr. Peters returned to Columbus and as a bookkeeper entered the employ of Kelton & Bancroft, with whom he remained for about two years. Ile afterward engaged in the grocery business on his own account, admitting his youngest brother, Charles, to a partnership. They conducted their store at Gay and High streets for two years and were after- ward at Spring and High streets for eight years. On the expiration of that period they sold out, for, believing that a more advantageous field offered in other business lines, Mr. Peters reorganized the Iron Buggy Company, chang- ing the name to the Columbus Buggy Company, in which he invested a cap- ital of one hundred thousand dollars. He erected a factory, stores and branch offices and instituted what soon became one of the leading manufacturing enterprises of the city. He was the financial manager for many years, also looked after its books and was largely instrumental in building up a business which assumed extensive and profitable proportions. He displayed keen en- terpri-e in its control and in financing its interests showed a recognition of chances that marked him as a man of superior ability.
On the 21st of May, 1863, at Columbus, Mr. Peters was united in mar- riage to Miss Alice E. Heckler, who was born in Dayton, Ohio, and then came to Columbus with her mother when fourteen years of age, her father
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having died during her very early girlhood. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peters were born two children: Sarah Alice, who was born in 1858 but died the follow- ing year; and Earl Clifford, who was born September 30, 1870. He married Miss Catherine Fuller, of Franklin county, and is living five miles north of the city of Columbus.
The death of Mr. Peters occurred on the 9th of November, 1894. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was loyal to its teach- ings. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was always faithful and progressive in his citizenship. When fifteen years of age he became a member of the old Town Street Methodist Episcopal church and later united with the Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal church. He was always greatly interested in the church and its various activities and was a most liberal and charitable man, extending a helping hand to all who needed his assistance. In his home life he found his greatest happiness. ever placing his wife first in his thoughts. His actions were ever manly and sincere, his purposes noble and his ideals high. Justice and truth were also attributes of his nature and won for him the unqualified love and con- fidence of those with whom he came in contact. It is not because a man is successful that his death occasions regret in the community but because he manifesta in all of his relations with his fellowmen a kindly spirit. con- sideration and deference for the opinions of others. These are the real jewels in the crown of life and they were possessed in abundant measure by Mr. Peters.
HENRY RICHTER.
Henry Richter a prominent contractor, confining his activities to resi- dence property, has thus been identified with building operations on his own account for more than a third of a century. Gradually he has advanced to a foremost place in building circles and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well.
A native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, he was born March 6, 185S. and is a son of Charles and Dorothey (Geissler) Richter, the former born in 1821 and the latter in 1826. They were nnited in marriage in Germany and two sons, Peter and Henry, were born to them in that country ere their emigra- tion to the new world. On arriving in America they settled in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. Heury Richter being at that time bnt a young lad. The father worked at the shoemaker's trade, which he had learned in his native land, re- maining in that place for six years. He then removed to Grove City, Frank- lin county, Ohio, where he arrived March 6, 1860. Henry Richter was then a lad of but seven years and one of his earliest recollections is of passing through Harper's Ferry on their way west and seeing the scaffold on which John Brown was hanged. On his arrival in Ohio the father, Charles Richter, turned his attention to farming but in 1864 volunteered for service with the One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close
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HENRY RICHTER
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONR.
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of the war. He then resumed general agricultural pursuits and was identified with farming until 1900, when he retired from active life and is now enjoy- ing well earned rest, at the age of eighty-four years. Since the organization of the republican party he has been one of its stalwart advocates.
His family numbered twelve children: Peter, a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Henry, of this review; John, who makes his home in Ports- mouth. Ohio; Charles, who is engaged in the grocery business in Columbus; Maggie, who became the wife of Peter Herdt of Pittsburg, but both are now deceased; Mary, who became the wife of Theodore Krumm and died in 1889; Anna, who died in Pittsburg in 1888; Katie, who died in 1869, when four years old; August, who was a fireman of Columbus and died in 1904; George, who died in 1899; Lizzie, who died in infancy; and Jacob, who departed this life in 1895. By his second marriage there was one son, William, who is a carpenter of this city.
Brought to Ohio at the age of seven years, Henry Richter was reared upon the home farm to the age of fourteen and was dependent upon the ednea- tional advantages afforded in a little log schoolhouse of the neighborhood for the intellectual discipline and training which he received. Desiring to pro- vide for his own support, at the age of fourteen he entered upon an apprentice- ship to the carpenter's trade, receiving a salary of eight dollars per month and working twelve hours per day, furnishing his own tools as well. He dili- gently applied himself to the mastery of the business and after the completion of his term of indenture he was employed as a carpenter until 1875, when he began contracting on his own account and has gained a place among the foremost builders of the city. He has confined his activities to residence property and among the fine homes which he has erected are those owned by John Siebert, William Bobb and Conrad Born, Jr. He also built a part of the MeLillay Company's buildings and was superintendent of the construction of the Great Southern Hotel, the Carnegie Library and the Columbus Savings & Trust building. A man of resourceful ability, he has extended his efforts into various lines that have constituted features in the commercial and financial development of Columbus as well as features in his own success. Aside from his building operations he is vice president of the Columbus Structural Sfeel Company, treasurer of the Union Building & Loan Association and a director of the Ohio National Bank. He is also an extensive owner of Columbus real estate and is financially interested in several other local enterprises.
On the 6th of October, 1875, Mr. Richter was married to Miss Mary A. Trapp, a daughter of Reinhard and Katherine (Burgraff) Trapp, of Perry township. Their children are: Albert, who was born October 18, 1877, and died July 27, 1882; Walter Henry, who was born February 12, 1881, and is associated with his father in business: and Harry Elmer, who was born An- gust 27, 1884, and is teller in the Capital City Bank. The family residence is at No. 711 South Front street.
Mr. Richter is a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 358. I. O. O. F., in which he has held all the offices and was a trustee of the Odd Fellows' temple for thirty-one years. He is also a past patriarch of Concordia encampment, No. 96, I. O. O. F .; has filled the offices in Germania Lodge, No. 4, K. P .;
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and was its treasurer for fourteen years. He also belongs to Humboldt Lodge, No. 476, F. & A. M., and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scot- tish Rite. He is a past officer in the Master Carpenters' Association, of which he was the first president; belongs to the Builders Exchange; is a member of the Buckeye Fishing Club, the Ohio Crab Lake Sportsman's Company and of the Octavo Club, which owns a fine club house at Drayton Plains on Wat- kins Lake in Michigan, where he spends his summer vacations. In politics he is a republican and in 1900 was appointed a member of the decennial board, serving in that capacity for a year and a half. He is a member of the First German Independent Protestant church and a trustee of the Home for the Aged. To its support he has been a liberal contributor and has also taken an active and helpful interest in the work of the Mercy and Children's Hos- pitals. He possesses a broad, humanitarian spirit and ready sympathy which prompts him to give generous support to many movements for the alleviation of hard conditions of life for the unfortunate. This comes not from any sense of duty but from a deep interest in his fellowmen and a desire to aid those who have been less fortunate than himself. The salient qualities of his life have ever connected him with the confidence, good will and friendship of those with whom he comes in contact and he has always enjoyed the warm regard of a host of warm friends.
CHARLES JAMES KRAG.
Charles James Krag is the president of the Krag Company. haber- dashers of Columbus. The business is one of the commercial concerns of the city, the store being well appointed and tastefully arranged while its patronage is constantly growing in volume and importance. In the suc- cessful management of this concern Mr. Krag displays keen business discern- ment and unfaltering determination. He was born in Canal Winchester, Franklin county, September 17, 1856. His father, Peter T. Krag, was a native of Denmark and came to Columbus in 1838. He was first a com- positor and afterward engaged in the grocery business for a number of years. Following his removal to Canal Winchester he there erected a hotel building and snecessfully conducted the hotel until 1861 when he retired on account of ill health. spending his remaining days in well earned rest. He wedded Mary Krauss, who was born in Alsace-Lorraine in 1821 and came to Amer- ica with her father in 1837. The death of Peter T. Krag occurred in 1871 while his wife, surviving for a quarter of a century, passed away in 1896.
Charles J. Krag was a pupil in the public schools of Columbus to the age of thirteen years when it became necessary for him to work in order to provide for his support, owing to the death of his father. In Indianapolis he secured a position as stock boy in a wholesale dry goods store where he remained for three years or until the age of sixteen. Hle then returned to Columbus and was employed in various capacities to the age of eighteen years. In 1874 the present haberdasher business of which he is the head
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was established by tho firm of Howard & Krag, the junior partner being his brother. He entered their employ when a youth, but gradually worked his way upward and purchased the business in 1879. He then con- ducted the store under his own name until January, 1907, when he incor- porated the business under the style of the Krag Company and has since been its president. The original location was at No. 46 North High street but after two years a removal was made to No. 7 South High street where the store was maintained for seventeen years. Since 1896 it has been at its present location at No. 69 North High street. They handle hats and haber- dashery exclusively and the business has enjoyed a steady, substantial and healthy growth, drawing its trade from among the best people of the city An extensive stock is now carried and the sales reach a large figure annually. Mr. Krag has gathered around him a competent corps of assistants and the business policy of the house is such as to commend it to a liberal public support. Aside from his mercantile interests he is the treasurer and one of the directors of the Ohio State Savings & Loan Association.
On the 16th of September, 1880. Mr. Krag was united in marriage to Miss Lucy E. Sanger, of Massachusetts, and they have two children: Bess S., and Corrinne M., now the wife of R. E. Klages, of Columbus. Mr. Krag is a member of the Ohio Club and is identified with the board of trade in its movements to further the business development and consequent prosperity of the city. He is fond of reading and thus largely occupies his leisure hours. Close application, concentrated effort, determined purpose and sernpulous honesty have been the main features in his success, enabling him to advance from a humble position in the business world to a prominent place in the commercial circles of the capital city.
F. K. NEWMAN.
F. K. Newman is general manager for the Columbus Malleable Casting Company, thus controlling the active operation of one of the extensive and important industrial concerns of Columbus. He has always based his bus- iness principles and actions upon the rules which govern unfaltering in- dustry and inflexible integrity, and has found in those qualities the key which will always unlock the portals of success. Born in Bainbridge, Ross county, Ohio, December 24, 1848, he is a son of Reuben and Indiana V. (Dues) Newman, natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively. The father came to Ohio in 1842 and settled in Ross county, where he followed the brickmason's trade. In fact throughout his entire business career he was connected with that line of business, but in 1888 he removed to Frank- lin county, Ohio, where he invested his savings in a farm near Reynolds- burg, and thereon spent his remaining days, passing away in 1889. His wife survived him for only six months.
A public school student in his youthful days Mr. Newman did not have the advantage of college training, for when still quite young he started out
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to earn his own living, securing employment at the molder's trade. He worked diligently, thoroughly mastering the tasks assigned him, and as time passed his increased ability led to his promotion to positions of enlarged responsibility. In 1868 he came to Columbus and was foreman for Murray, Hayden & Company for three years. On the expiration of that period he became the superintendent of the Buckeye Malleable Iron & Coupler Com- pany and after three years was made general manager, in which capacity he continued for twelve years. This company was one of the largest con- cerns in Columbus, employing about seven hundred men, and is still doing business under the name of the Buckeye Steel Castings Company. In 1902 however, Mr. Newman sold his interest in that company and organized the Ohio Malleable Iron Company, erecting a plant which he operated for three years. He then sold to the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, after which he went to Wilmington, Delaware, and took charge of the Wilmington Malleable Iron Company, remaining for a year. On account of climatic conditions, however, he resigned his position there and returned to Colum- bus, becoming general manager for the Columbus Malleable Casting Com- pany, in which he is also one of the stockholders. This concern employs about three hundred men in manufacturing all kinds of castings and finds a market throughout the United States. Mr. Newman's previous exper- ience well qualified him for the active control of the business and his careful organization and practical direction of affairs are constituting elements in the success of the house.
On November 15, 1870, Mr. Newman was married to Miss Alice May Leach of Mount Sterling, Ohio, and they have two daughters: Edith, the wife of W. E. Holcombe, of Columbus; and Virgia G., the wife of W. E. Parrish, of this city. Mr. Newman is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and the Knights of Pythias and his brethren of these organizations reeog- nize in him a loyal supporter of their principles. He is equally faithful in business obligations and in fact to all the duties that devolve upon him in every relation, and has thereby won the warm regard and lasting friendship of many who know him.
WILLIAM M. MUMM.
William M. Mmmm, president of the Mumin-Romer Company, an ad- vertising agency, has developed to large proportions an enterprise which is recognized as an important one in the business activity of Columbus. He was born in Buffalo, New York, September 29, 1872, a son of George and Frances (Hemmerdien) Mumm. The father, a native of Germany, came to America in 1866 and settled in Buffalo. He was a stove molder and engaged in that line of business up to the time of his death which occurred in 1893. His wife who was born in 1846 came to America in 1866 and died July 5, 1898.
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William M. Mumm was educated in the parochial schools and in the Canisius College of that city conducted by the Jesuits, pursuing a classical course there. He left school at the age of eighteen years, before completing the course, when it became necessary that he enter business life and provide for his own support. He was variously employed in clerical positions and resolving that he would make his usefulness the means of promotion he de- voted the evening hours to the study of stenography in order to perfect hin- self for a civil service examination. He was at that time too young to take the examination but when he reached the age of eighteen he passed the civil service examination for the position of stenographer in the postoffice at Buffalo and his worth and ability led him to become private secretary to the postmaster. He acted in that capacity until 1892 when a change of administration cansed his employer to retire from the office. Mr. Mummi was then appointed private secretary to the superintendent of education at Buffalo, acting in that capacity before he attained his majority. There he remained for five years after which he became busines manager of the Buffalo Volkesfreund, the most prominent German daily paper of the city. For three years he acted in that capacity and in January, 1901, accepted the position of editor and manager of a publication called, Success with Flowers. This is a mail order monthly published at West Grove, Pennsylvania, by one of the largest floral establishments in the world. During three and one- half years he filled that position and was extremely successful in the work which he did there, building up a large circulation and making the busi- ness a profitable venture.
Mr. Mumin withdrew from that connection to establish an advertising agency at Springfield, known as the Ralph Advertising Agency, which was a success from the start and with which he was connected for one year. In August, 1905, the firm removed to Columbus and the business was incor- porated as the Mumm-Romer Company, making a specialty of newspaper and magazine advertising. It is the only agency in Columbus and has had remarkable growth, controlling now an extensive business, having advertis- ing accounts of over seventy companies. In addition to this business Mr. Munim is the vice president and a member of the executive committee of the Brown Soap Company of this city.
On the 18th of July, 1893, Mr. Munn was married to Miss Lillian A. Welker, of Buffalo and their children are: William Emerson, born in 1897; Edwin James, born in July, 1898; Lillian Katharine: Harry, born in 1905; and Mary Frances.
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