USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 4
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The father of our subject. James O'Kane, was a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, and the year 1820 witnessed his arrival in Pickerington. Fair-
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
field county, Ohio, whence he removed to Reynoldsburg in 1836, coming to Columbus in 1849.
He engaged in merchandising and met with gratifying prosperity until the Civil war brought reverses. He was an ardent advocate of the Union cause. an honest, upright man of the old school of merchants, and in every relation of life he commanded the confidence and good will of those with whom he was associated. His death occurred March 10, 1875. His wife bore the maiden name of Julia Ann Williams. Her parents were natives of Wales and as chil- dren became residents of Cayuga county, New York. Later they settled at Pickerington, Ohio, and while there residing their daughter, Julia Ann, formed the acquaintance of James O'Kane, who sought her hand, in marriage, the wedding ceremony being performed in June. 1829. in the old First Presbyte- rian church in Columbus, by the late Dr. Hoge. In September, 1849, Mr. and Mrs. James O'Kane removed to the capital city, where their remaining days were passed, the death of the wife occurring January 4. 1861.
Coming to Columbus when but six years of age, Henry O'Kane pursued his education in the public schools, passing from grade to grade to his gradua- tion from the high school in the class of 1859 when but sixteen years of age. He afterward attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, graduating in 1863. The following year he served for one hundred days as a soldier in the Union army of the Civil war, acting as corporal of Company H of the One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was on active duty in the siege of Petersburg and participated in several en- gagements. The company which he joined was largely made up of clerks from the banks and leading mercantile houses of the city and included E. K. Stewart, Robert Sheldon, George Bright, and Phillip Brook. Mr. O'Kane was honor- ably discharged August 20, 1864, and returned to his service as cashier in the banking house of Rickly & Brother. He had previously been appointed to that position but put aside his business cares and duties to aid his country. He returned, however, to the institution which is now the Capital City Bank, and there remained until July 1, 1872, when he resigned and entered the fire insur- ance business, succeeding to a local agency that had been in existence for eight years. The business has shown a steady and healthy growth since Mr. O'Kane assured management more than thirty-seven years ago. He has a profitable clientage among the most substantial citizens of Columbus and his business has now assumed extensive proportions, being the oldest and one of the largest agencies of the city. Mr. O'Kane was also secretary and manager of the Frank- lin Insurance Company during the thirty years of its existence.
In early manhood Mr. O'Kane was married to Miss Cassie Van de Water, of Columbus, who died February 15, 1878, leaving a daughter and a son. Mrs. Frank Raymond of this city, and Walter C., who is now with the Dispatch. On the 25th of November, 1880, Mr. O'Kane was again married. his second union being with Miss Mary T. Cooke. of Sunbury, Ohio. Their children are James, who is with his father in business. Louise, Elizabeth. and Russell. born in 1894.
Mr. O'Kane holds membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church and his lovalty to its teachings and his generosity in its support have made
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him one of its most helpful members. He has also filled the various offices in the church, has been Sunday school superintendent, secretary, steward, libra- rian and trustee. He belongs to the Arlington Country Club and is well known in fraternal circles. He is a trustee of the Odd Fellows temple and is a past grand of Capital lodge and past chief patriarch of Junia encampment. He has also held offices in the Grand Encampment and is a prominent repre- sentative of Odd Fellowship. He has also been prominent in Masonic circles and is a life member of the different Masonic bodies. He is a past master of the lodge and a past eminent commander of the commandery and a charter member of the Scottish Rite. Ho likewise belongs to the Aladdin temple of the Mystic Shrine and is in hearty sympathy with the beneficent spirit of the craft. His political belief has been in accord with the principles of the repub- lican party since he cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He has always declined to hold office but he is interested in good government and casts his ballot for the men whom he thinks will prove competent and trust- worthy officials. Such, in brief, is the life history of Henry O'Kane, a man respected by all who know him.
JOHN T. ADAMS.
The position to which John T. Adams has attained in the business world now enables him to command patronage rather than seek it and the success which he has achieved also permits him to enjoy those things that follow in the wake of enterprise and effort wisely and honestly directed. The extent and importance of his operations as a general contractor and railway builder have placed him foremost in the ranks of those who are devoting their atten- tion to this department of activity and in all of his business relations the public has been an indirect, if not a direct, beneficiary, while from his labors he too has derived substantial benefits. The stages of his progressive develop- ment have led him through the experiences of farm life, of clerking in a country store, of proprietorship in a similar establishment and official duty as auditor of Pike county until he took up the line of life to which he now di- rects his attention.
A native of Coopersville, Ohio, Mr. Adams was born February 9, 1858, and the period of his minority was spent on the farm of his parents, Hugh and Emily Adams, both of whom were born and reared on farms. The father, after devoting many years to general agricultural pursuits, turned his attention to general merchandising, in which he continued from 1890 until 1907. In his youthful days John T. Adams worked in the fields through the summer months and during the remainder of the year attended the district school. He took up the profession of teaching in 1876, when a young man of eighteen years, and was thus identified in the work of the schoolroom until 1879. Hle then accepted a clerkship in a country store at Sedan, Ohio, where he remained in that capacity for two years, and then purchased a half interest in the business, conducting it under a partnership relation until 1883. In
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J. T. ADAMS
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THEN PUBLIC L .. KARY
ASTOR. LENOX AND TILDEN FOL BOATIONS
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that year he sold his interest and bought a stock of goods at Coopersville, Ohio, where he conducted his store until September, 1889. In the meantime his business relations had brought him prominently before the public, who recognized that in him might be reposed the trust of public office. He was therefore elected auditor of Pike county on the democratic ticket in Septem- ber, 1889, and discharged his duties so capably and efficiently that in 1892 he was reelected, serving for six consecutive years.
In the meantime the business activity of Mr. Adams was directed into other fields aside from those in which he had already operated. He began dealing in railroad ties and lumber, bridge timber, etc., and also began taking >mall contracts. In 1897 he took up the work of general contracting and has made rapid and substantial progress since that time. During the ensuing year he built sixty-four miles of steam railroad from Peoria to St. Marys, Ohio, that line being now a part of the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad system. In 1898-99 he constructed twenty miles of steam railroad between Toledo, Ohio, and Monroe, Michigan, and in the years 1900-01-02 he exe- cuted a most difficult engineering feat in the building of four miles of steam roadway for the Coal & Iron Railway Company in West Virginia, along the Cheat river, at a cost of five hundred thousand dollars. His work in 1903-04 included the construction of fifty-five miles of electric railway for the Scioto Valley Traction Company from Columbus to Lancaster and from Columbus to Circleville, while in 1905 he built twenty miles for the same company from Circleville to Chillicothe. In 1908-07 he had a contract for building twelve miles of double track between Dayton and Miamisburg for the Cincinnati & Northern Traction Company and twenty-five miles for the Indiana, Terre Haute & Eastern Indiana Railroad Company; thirty-five miles between Lima and Bellefontaine, Ohio; and a six mile trestle for the Missouri Pacific Railway Company in Arkansas and many similar contracts. In every instance he faithfully meets the terms of his contract and has become known as a prominent railway builder whose comprehensive knowledge of the great scientific principles underlying the work, together with a practical understanding of the demands of railroad building, have gained him marked prominence in this field of labor. In December, 1908, he took contracts to elevate the tracks of the Pennsylvania Railway, Toledo & Ohio Central Rail- way and the Hocking Valley Railway on the west side of the Scioto river in Columbus, which require approximately five hundred thousand cubic yards of material, amounting to approximately two hundred and fifty thousand dollars: and in February, 1909. he also made a contract with the Midland Construction Company, whose general offices are in Chicago, Illinois, to do the grading, bridging. tracklaying, ballasting, railroad crossings, building station houses, round houses, shops, the purchasing of all the material. con- sisting of cross ties, lumber, steel bridges and steel rails. for the complete con- struction of two hundred and twelve miles of steam railway ready for the operation of cars between Edgeley and Pembina. North Dakota. This con- tract will require in labor supplies, material and plant the expenditure of two million five hundred thousand dollars, all of which will be expended by him.
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On the 12th of August, 1892, at Coopersville, Ohio, Mr. Adams was mar- ried to Miss Sarah Noel, whose father, G. W. Noel, was a farmer and repre- sentative citizen of southern Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have two sons and a daughter: Orville E., twenty-four years of age: Otie May, twenty-one years of age; and Noel Bentley, twelve years of age. They are all with their par- ents in the beautiful and pleasant home at No. 182 Buttles avenue.
The parents hold membership with and support the Presbyterian church and Mr. Adams is a Master Mason, belonging to Orient Lodge at Waverly. In an analyzation of his life record the salient features which stand forth most conspicuously, showing the path he has followed, are his diligence, ready adaptability and power of assimilating and coordinating forces. He has learned from much experience of life the lessons that it has contained, and correctly valning each opportunity, has utilized it for further progress, re- garding each thing that he has accomplished not as a work finished and completed but as a starting point for further and broader effort.
CHARLES W. CLARKE.
Charles W. Clarke, a well known representative of agricultural interests. living in Blendon township, was born near Dubuque. Iowa. Van Buren connty. October 5, 1851, a son of George and Mindwell E. (Griswold ) Clarke. He was the youngest of five children and was but five months old when in February. 1852, his father died and his widowed mother with her children returned to Blendon township to reside with her father at Blendon Corners, where she still makes her home. Further mention of her is made on another page of this work. She is today one of the most honored among the pioneer ladies of the county, having spent almost her entire life. covering eighty-six years, in this locality.
Following the return of the family to Franklin county. Charles W. Clarke remained on the old homestead farm of his grandfather until 1879. when he was married, and in the spring of 1880 came to his present farm, comprising one hundred and twenty-five acres of rich and productive land. He lived upon his property for four years and then went to reside with his father-in-law George Kirts. of Blendon township, operating his farm for three years, after which he returned to his own property and has made it his home continuously since. It is now a well improved farm, supplied with good buildings, which he keeps in a state of excellent repair. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, and for fifteen years made a specialty of butter-making, selling the product of his dairy in Columbus. In addition to the home farm Mrs. Clarke owns forty-five acres of land south of Blendon Corners, known as the Grinell Farm, from which she derives a good annual rental.
It was on the 30th of January, 1879, that Mr. Clarke was married to Miss Ella J. Kirts, whose birth occurred in Jersey township. Licking county. April 20, 1853, her parents being George and Ellen Lavina ( Woodruff) Kirts, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Clarke is a member of
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the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Clarke contributes to the support of the church at Westerville. He is independent in politics, voting for men and measures rather than party. His social relations are with Blendon lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Mount Vernon commandery, K. T., of Columbus, while he also belongs to the Blendon Grange. He is interested in all that pertains to agricultural progress here, and matters of general benefit relating to the wel- fare of the community also awaken his interest and endorsement.
GEORGE KIRTS.
In the history of the agricultural development of Franklin county men- tion should be made of George Kirts who, at an early period in the develop- ment of Ohio, came to this state. He was born in Hancock, Maryland, June 30, 1821, a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Simpson) Kirts, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Maryland. In his boyhood days George Kirts, Sr., was brought by his parents to the new world, the family home being estab- tablished in Maryland, where he was reared and married. His son and name- sake was but four years of age when he left Maryland and with his family re- moved to Marion county, Ohio, in 1825. At the age of sixteen years George Kirts, of this review, went to Frankfort county, Ohio, with his uncle, Henry Kirts, and there resided up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated November 2, 1842, when he was twenty-one years of age. Not long afterward he removed to Jersey, Licking county, Ohio, where he lived until March, 1850, when he went to California. leaving his wife and four children at the old home. He was a poor man but hoped that in that land of golden promise he might rapidly acquire a substantial competence. He made the overland jour- hey across the long stretches of hot sand and through the mountain passes, but returned by way of the isthmus route, reaching home on the 1st of July, 1852. He was successful in the far west and brought home a fair amount of money. after which he purchased a farm of one hundred and eighty acres near Jersey in Licking county. This he cultivated for a few years, but desirous of having more land he sold that farm and in April, 1855, bought two hundred and twelve acres part way between Johnstown and New Albany on the Johns- town and Columbus road. He afterward became owner of an additional tract of one hundred and sixty acres, so that his total holdings embraced three hun- dred and seventy-two acres. Thus as the years passed he prospered and be- came the owner of valuable property.
On the 27th of May, 1875, however, Mr. Kirts lost his wife, after which he rented his land and came to Blendon township, Franklin county, where he purchased one hundred and fifty-eight acres. He never remarried, although he lived until August 27, 1897, his death being occasioned by an accident in a gravel bank.
The bride of his early manhood was Miss Ellen Lavina Woodruff, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, near Reynoldsburg. June 18, 1821, and was a daughter of George and Anna (Taylor) Woodruff, natives of Connec- ticut and Ohio, respectively. Both died in Fairfield county. The father was
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a substantial citizen, who owned several hundred acres of land. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kirts were born eight children: Ann V., the wife of Jonathan Moore, of Columbus, Ohio; Amanda E. Gorsuch, deceased; James W., who has passed away; William Henry, of Johnstown; Ella J., who was the wife of Charles W. Clarke and passed away in February, 1909; Mary E., the wife of M. P. Innis, of Columbus; Viola D., the wife of J. E. Bevelhymer, of Plain township; and Emma M., the wife of C. B. Osborne, of Columbus.
Such in brief is the history of George Kirts, who was numbered among the substantial agriculturalists of this part of the state, enjoying in large meas- ure the good will and trust of those who knew him, for his life was charac- terized by business integrity and consideration for the rights of others.
ALEXANDER E. N. JANTON.
Death is regarded as the natural conclusion of old age, but there is always a feeling of protest when it carries off the young, especially when the indi- vidual possesses notable abilities and marked promise. When death claimed Alexander E. N. Janton, then thirty-two years of age, a feeling of most deep and widespread regret was felt throughout the city of Columbus, where he had spent his entire life, and where his salient qualities of heart and mind had gained him the friendship of all who knew him.
He was a representative of a well-known German-American family, was educated in the city schools, was reared under the parental roof, and after completing his education had joined his father, George Janton, Sr., in the soap manufacturing business. This was one of the leading productive indus- tries of the city, and after familiarizing himself with the business in various ways, Mr. Janton, of this review, was elected to the presidency of the company. operating under the name of the George Janton & Sons Company. He dis- played good business ability, keen discerment and unfaltering enterprise. and accomplished what he undertook. He did not follow along the methods which others had marked out, but initiated new plans and was recognized as a strong and forceful factor in business circles.
It was in 1902 that Mr. Janton was united in marriage, at Covington. Kentucky, to Miss Ella Wagner. She was a native of Columbus and much of her life was passed in this city, although she was a resident of Covington at the time of their marriage. Her father is Philip Wagner, long well known here, but now residing in Waverly, Ohio.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Janton were born two children, Alexia and Minnie.
Mr. Janton, like most people of German nationality, or descent, was fond of music and possessed considerable talent in that art. He was a member of the Columbus Maennerchor, and also held membership with the Bismarcks. He was likewise one of the organizers of the Schwasteka Club, and fitted out the club rooms himself. He held membership with the Eagles, and in all . these different organizations enjoyed the friendship and good will of those with whom he came in contact. Although for many months prior to his
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death he was incapacitated for business, in was only during the last two weeks of his life that he was confined to his bed, passing away April 27, 1908. For years to come his memory will be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him, for he had a cordial disposition and friendly manner that endeared him to his business and social associates.
GEORGE WILLIAM CLAYTON POORE.
George William Clayton Poore, prosperous and popular, is the president and treasurer of the Clark, Davis & Poore Company, well known in commer- cial circles in Columbia as proprietors of the largest exclusive wholesale milli- nery establishment in the city. Throughout his business career Mr. Poore has never made engagements that he has not filled nor an obligation that he has not met, and his business probity and enterprise have carried him into large undertakings and gained for him the admiration and respect of his col- leagues and contemporaries.
Mr. Poore is a native of Jackson county, Ohio, born December 9, 1860. His father. Edward Poore, born March 10, 1836, devoted his time and energies to the business of dealing in live stock. He was the son of George W. Poore, one of the early settlers of the state, who for many years conducted an old-time tavern or hotel at Winchester, Ohio. He died at the age of sixty-four years. The mother of George W. C. Poore bore the maiden name of Susan Nally and was a daughter of William J. Nally, of Jackson, Ohio, where she still resides. Her father was one of the pioneer residents of Jack- son county, taking active and helpful part in planting the seeds of civiliza- tion upon the frontier.
George W. C. Poore was educated in the district schools of Jackson county. and at the State College at AAthens, Ohio. After completing his edu- cation he was for some time engaged in the hardware business, later in the dry-goods business, and subsequently in the millinery business. Each change marked an advance step in his career for he was quick to recognize and im- prove opportunities He next purchased the interest of G. T. Macauly in the wholesale millinery business of the G. T. Macauly Company, and when this company was succeeded by Clark, Davis & Poore in 1907, he was elected president and treasurer. The company today is the largest exclusive whole- sale millinery house in Columbus and one of the largest in the state, and its business is enjoying rapid growth. Their sales are large. their shipments extensive and their business is conducted along the modern lines of trade and commerce, bringing to them marked success as a reward for their labor and good financial returns on their investments. Mr. Poore is also a mem- ber of the firm of Deardorff & Poore, of Gallipolis. Ohio.
On the 6th of February. 1897, Mr. Poore was united in marriage to Miss Belle. daughter of Andrew Jackson and Mary A. Coffman, of Gallipolis, Ohio. and they have two children. Mary L .. aged eleven years, and Kath-
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leen, aged seven years. The family residence is at No. 242 South Eighteenth street.
Mr. Poore in his political affiliations is a republican where national issues are involved, but at other times is allied with that independent move- ment which regards only the capability of the candidate at local elections where no issue is before the people and the only subject for consideration is whether the office seeker will be loyal to his duty and competent in the discharge of municipal business. Fraternally Mr. Poore is a thirty-second degree Mason and Shriner. He is a member of the Phi Delta Theta and the Broad Street Presbyterian church, and his life is actuated by honorable principles and high ideals. He is devoted to his home and family, is fond of literature and has a good library. His salient characteristics are such as have endeared him to his fellowmen and his business record is considered a valuable asset to the commercial history of Columbus.
JOHN FRANKLIN CARLISLE.
John Franklin Carlisle is assignment commissioner of the common pleas court and was the originator of the plan which gave rise to this office that is now regarded as a most essential factor in the work of the courts. A native of Crawford county, Ohio, he was born in Crestline. September 4, 1875. The ancestry is traced back to William Carlisle, who was born while his parents were making the voyage across the Atlantic from their native land-Scotland. He had three sons, who became the founders of the city of Carlisle, Pennsyl- vania. One of these, William Carlisle, was the direct ancestor of our subject. From Pennsylvania representatives of the name came to Ohio and settled near New Philadelphia in Tuscarawas county between the years 1820 and 1830. The name of Carlisle has since figured in that locality, William Carlisle having been a prominent resident of that region, while his descendants have been important factors in molding the public policy of that portion of the state. One of his sons was George Bratton Carlisle, a prominent and wealthy man. An uncle of John F. Carlisle was Captain John H. Carlisle, who served as a soldier of the Civil war and died in 1901. Other representatives of the family were also supporters of the Union cause on the battle-fields of the south. Isaac B. Carlisle, also an uncle of our subject and at one time a resident of Colum- bus, was captured while defending the old flag and incarcerated in Libby prison. He is now living in Buffalo, New York.
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