USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 41
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In 1895 occurred the marriage of Mr. Wallace and Miss Regina Meinert. a native of Columbus and a daughter of Peter Meinert, an iron molder of
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this city. Their two children are: Marie, born in October, 1896; and Emma, whose birth occurred in March. 1898.
Mr. Wallace is a member of the Knights of Columbus, of the United Commercial Travelers and the Ancient Mystic Order of Bagman. Ile is now serving as colonel in the Fourth Regiment of the Knights of St. John in this city. He is moreover editor of the monthly publication of the order, and through his efforts this organization has been placed upon a substantial basis, its activity greatly accelerated and its business greatly extended. He is thoroughly in sympathy with the fraternal spirit as manifest in organi- zations of this character and has the warm regard and unqualified confi- dence of his brethren of the fraternity.
WILLIAM THOMAS WELLS.
While William Thomas Wells has made steady progress in the business world and is now president of the Columbus Pharmacal Company. his labors have been by no means self-centered and in this city he is well known by reason of his active and effective service for the amelioration of hard con- ditions of life for the unfortunate and for the practical aid which he has given in solving economic and religious problems.
He was born in Kansas, October 28, 1859, a son of Aaron and Eliza (Deck) Wells. The father, a native of Ohio, followed the occupation of farming as a life work and died in Delaware county, this state, in 1897. The mother has also passed away. In the district schools of Union county, Ohio, William T. Wells pursued his education and in 1886 came to Colum- bus, where he pursued a course of lectures in a medical college. Abandoning the idea of becoming a member of the medical profession, he then entered the employ of the firm of Cornell-Pheneger Brothers, wholesale and retail drug- gists, whom he represented as a traveling salesman. Abont 1890 the business was reorganized and incorporated as the Cornell-Pheneger Chemical Com- pany, at which time Mr. Wells became one of the incorporators, although he continued upon the road. As a traveling salesman he contributed largely to the success of the house until 1895. In that year the name was changed to the Cohunbus Pharmacal Company, at which time Mr. Wells became gen- eral manager and has since had charge of the business. In 1900 he was also elected to the presidency and now acts as both president and general manager. At the outset the business was capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars. This sum has been increased from time to time until the capital stock is now two hundred thousand dollars, while the company owns in Columbus two of the largest and best equipped retail drug stores in Ohio, while seventeen men are upon the road representing the wholesale department. Throughout the entire period of his connection with business life Mr. Wells has been asso- ciated with the drug trade and is today one of the foremost druggists of the state. A man of resourceful ability. he has also extended his efforts into other lines and was for five years general manager of the Hall-Wood Cash
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Register Company, a large manufacturing concern, while later he acted as one of the receivers. He is likewise interested in various other enterprises of Columbus which profit by his sound judgment and keen discernment.
On the 28th of October. 1900, in Montreal, Canada, Mr. Wells was mar- ried to Miss Louise Salter, a daughter of Archdeacon Salter of that city. She died three years later and on the 25th of March, 1905, in Columbus, Mr. Wells wedded Miss Alice Salter, a sister of his first wife. Their attractive and commodious home stands in the midst of a ten-acre tract of land just outside the city limits and Mr. Wells obtains his chief enjoyment from coun- try life. He is also very fond of books and possesses a fine library. While he has made a creditable record in business, he has never allowed commercial pursuits to so monopolize his time as to exclude active participation in move- ments for the benefit of his fellowmen and in fact has done much active and valuable service for humanity. He is now one of the trustees of the Associated Charities, also of the Young Women's Christian Association and of the Women's Educational Industrial Union. He belongs to St. Paul's Episcopal church and gives his allegiance to the republican party but is not aggressively partisan. A man of fine physique, of genial nature and social disposition, he is moreover modestly inclined and his good works are never heralded by his speech. His life has been an intensely busy and active one in the pro- motion of commercial interests and in the assistance which he has given to various organizations. He stands today strong in his honor and good name, strong in his ability to plan and perform and with the confidence and good will of all who know him.
THADDEUS S. MARKS.
There were few men in Columbus who had more friends than Thad- deus S. Marks, because of his genial manner, his affability, his approach- ableness and his ready recognition of good qualities in others. He was well known elsewhere as a traveling salesman, spending many years upon the road as a representative of various carriage-manufacturing houses of this city and he possessed many of the qualities which usually distinguish the commercial traveler, having the adaptability which enabled him to meet and place at ease all with whom he came in contact, displaying also a deference for the opinions of others that arose not only from a desire to be politie but also from his real appreciation for the worth and opinions of those whom he met. He became a resident of Columbus in 1874 and here spent his remaining days.
Mr. Marks was a native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, born February 7, 1836, his parents being Sheldon and Ann (Knight) Marks, natives of Connecticut and of Harrisburg. Pennsylvania. respectively. Shortly after his marriage Sheldon Marks located in Pennsylvania and afterward removed to Delaware county. Ohio, where he purchased a large farm and became one of the extensive and successful agrienlturists and stock-raisers of that
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locality. Both he and his wife spent their remaining days there and the old homestead farm of the family is now owned by Captain Fisher and used as a smnmer home.
Thaddeus S. Marks was but a young lad at the time of the removal to Delaware county and there he was renred upon the home farm to the age of nineteen years, working in the fields through the summer months, while in the district schools he acquired his education through the winter seasons. He was nineteen years when he accompanied his elder brother on an overland trip to California. They took with them all kinds of stock. including horses, sheep and cattle and were over six months in making the journey across the hot, sandy plains and over the mountains to the land of golden promise. They settled at Cambria, San Luis Obispo county, where they purchased a large ranch and there engaged in stock-raising and general ranching for about seven years or until 1863, when Thaddeus S. Marks sold his interest to his brother and returned to the old homestead farm in Delaware county.
It was in the following year that Mr. Marks was married in that county to Miss Marcella Stanbery, a native of Newark, Ohio, and a daughter of Dr. Wellington and Rebecca (Hendren) Stanbery. Her father was n phy- sician of Newark, Ohio, and also owned a large farm in Delaware county. dividing his time between agricultural interests and professional Inbors He lived in that county for many years and was one of its most valued and respected citizens but eventually he removed to the town of Pataskala. Licking county, Ohio, where his remaining days were passed. his death there occurring May 18, 1888. His wife survived him for more than seven year -. passing away on the 17th of February, 1895.
There were three children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Marks: Helen is the wife of Albert L. Neereamer, who for several years was interested in the street car business in Columbus but now resides in Indianapolis. Indiana, where he is likewise connected with street car interests. Arabella is the wife of Jacob C. Rehl, who was a prominent citizen of Zanesville, Ohio, being there engaged in banking and other lines of business activity. Recently Mr. Rehl took up his abode in Columbus, being now secretary of the Henry C. Werner Shoe Company of this city. They have become the parents of two children, John Marks, six years of age, and Marcella Augusta, four years. W. Stanbery, living with his mother. is engaged in the printing business. He wedded Miss Bertha F. Scheif, and they have one child. Mar- garet Louise.
Following his marriage Mr. Marks resided in Delaware county, giving his attention to general farming and stock-raising. He was always a lover of fine horses and raised many excellent specimens of the noble steed. He also devoted some time to the breeding and raising of fine sheep. On leav- ing the farm he took up his abode in Worthington, Ohio, where he lived for a short time and then removed to Pataskala, Lieking county, from which point he went upon the road as a traveling salesman for a manufacturing house, which he represented for seven years. On the expiration of that period he came to Columbus in 1874 and became a traveling salesman for
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the Buckeye Buggy Company. He was afterward engaged with other buggy manufacturing companies, continuing to represent such houses on the road throughout his remaining days. He was a most reliable business man and few commercial travelers were better known up to the time when his health compelled him to leave the road. He died May 28, 1903, and his death was deeply regretted by many friends. In politics he was a stanch democrat and took much interest in the questions of the day and their adoption. For many years he held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, his whole life being guided by high and honorable principles. Mrs. Marks.and her family are members of the Central Presbyterian church of this city and she owns a nice residence at No. 552 East Long street, where she and her son and his family all now reside.
GEORGE WILLIAM BOBB.
In the past ages the history of a country was the record of wars and conquests; today it is the record of commercial activity and those whose names are foremost in its annals are the leaders in business circles. The conquests now made are those of mind over matter not of man over man and the victor is he who can successfully establish, control and operate ex- tensive commercial interests. George William Bobb is one of the strong and influential men whose lives have become an essential part of the history of Columbus. Tireless euergy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and executing the right thing at the right time joined to every- day common sense, guided by great will power, are the chief characteristics of the man. These qualities have gained him prestige in mercantile lines until he is now president and general manager of the G. W. Bobb Com- pany, wholesale grocers of Columbus.
A native son of the capital city he was born Angust 18, 1871. His father, George Bobb, who is still living, was born in 1836, while his mother, who in her maidenhood was Mary Kaetzel, was born on Fourth street in Columbus and is still living at the age of sixty-seven years.
George William Bobb acquired his education in the Columbus public schools which he attended to the age of fifteen years while later he prepared for responsible duties in business life by attending a commercial college. He made his initial step in the business world as an employe in his father's re- tail grocery store at No. 32 East Main street. He acted as bookkeeper, and ou attaining his majority was admitted to a partnership under the firm name of George Bobb & Son. Two older brothers. R. H. and J. M. Bobb. also became partners in the business but when George W. Bobb was admitted they withdrew and started a store of their own. This left the management of the older establishment npon the shoulders of George W. Bobb who proved competent to take up the work. His brothers opened their store on High and Main streets but later dissolved partnership. J. M. Bobb establishing an
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independent venture as a grocery merchant in the Regalia building on High street. There he conducted business for several years after which he decided to return to the old store and join his father and brother. In 1895 the wholesale grocery firm of George Bobb & Sons was established, the partners being the father, George Bobb, and his two sons J. M. and G. W. This re- lation was maintained until August, 1903, George W. Bobb acting as general manager and buyer for the house. In 1903, however, he decided to start in business on his own account again and located at North Third street, in- corporating his interests under the name of the G. W. Bobb Company. The business enjoyed immediate success and has had a steady growth until it has assumed large proportions. His persisteney of purpose, his compre- hensive knowledge of the trade and the sound judgment which he displays in management are features in the building up of what is now one of the important mercantile enterprises of the city.
In 1895 Mr. Bobb was married to Miss Nellie Pryce, of Columbus, a danghter of Edward Pryce, who was a pioneer railroad man in Columbus. He was born in 1833 and is now living retired and in good health. He has always been a prominent resident. Mr. Bobb's fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the board of trade and is interested in all of the progressive movements of that organiza- tion for the benefit and upbuilding of the city. His time, however, is mostly given to his commercial interests and he today enjoys the reward of his painstaking and conscientious work. By his energy, perseverance and fine business ability he has been able to secure an ample fortune. Systematic and methodical, his sagacity, keen discrimination and sound judgment have made him one of the prosperous wholesale merchants of the city.
FRANCIS JEROME MINCK.
Francis Jerome Minck, living in Sharon township where he is now de- voting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits, was born at Coun- cil Bluffs, lowa, February 28, 1868. His parents were Rudolph and Flora (Shuster) Minck, both of European birth, the former born in the city of Worms, Germany, and the latter in Darmstadt, Germany. Mrs. Minek was a little maiden of nine smnmers when brought to the United States, while Ru- dolph Minck was a young man of twenty-one years when he crossed the At- lantic. They lived near Portsmouth, in Scioto county, Ohio, for a number of years, and Mr. Minck devoted the greater part of his life to farming, although he did a contracting business for a munber of years. He died in Athens county, Ohio, February 6, 1902, in his eigthy-first year, while his wife resides in Columbus at the age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of fifteen children, seven of whom are now living, two sons and a daughter being resi- dents of Columbus.
When four years of age Francis J. Minck accompanied his parents on their removal to Jackson connty, Ohio, and later to Athens county, Ohio,
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where he was reared, spending twenty-nine years there upon the home farm. In 1902 he came to Columbus and entered into partnership with his brother William F., under the firm style of the W. F. Minck Company, dealers in pianos and musical merchandise. He is now engaged as a teacher in the Capi- tal College of Oratory and music. In October, 1905, he bought his present farm and took up his abode thereon, having seventy-seven acres in Sharon township. It is a dairy farm, and in connection with the dairy business he also raises many hogs.
On the 21st of April, 1904, Mr. Minek was married to Miss Mildred Alice Dennis, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and a daughter of Z. T. and Pris- cilla (Beavers) Dennis, who are now residing with Mr. and Mrs. Minck. Mrs. Minck was granted good educational privileges, supplementing her public- school course by study in the Capital College of Oratory and Music in Colum- bus, completing the course in musie by graduation in 1908.
In his religious views Mr. Minck is a Methodist, holding membership in the church at Buchtel, Ohio. He belongs to the Masonic , fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is in hearty sympathy with the beneficent spirit which underlies these organiza- tions. His life has been one of well directed effort and enterprise, resulting in the attainment of a creditable and gratifying measure of success. In all his re- lations he has enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellowmen because he is honest, upright, persistent and determined.
AUGUSTUS NEWTON WHITING.
The life work of Augustus Newton Whiting constitutes a most important chapter in the history of moral progress in Columbus. His widely extended influence, his frequently spoken words of helpful counsel and encourage- ment and more than all his splendid example were features which con- tributed to the work of the church, and especially noteworthy was his estab- lishment of the mission among the colored people that developed into a church of rare power and constitutes a saving force among the negro resi- dents of this city.
Mr. Whiting was born in the capital, September 30, 1836, and was reared amid the refining influences of a cultured, Christian home. His father, Isaac Newton Whiting. was a native of Westford, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, his birth having there occurred December 2, 1799. His parents were William and Lucy (Hildreth) Whiting. While spending his boyhood days in his father's home he pur-ned his education in the Westford schools. Early in life. after completing his education, he went to Philadelphin and while there became interested in the Episcopal church. This changed his life's plans and purposes and, deciding to enter the ministry, he went to Worthington, Ohio, where he matriculated in the Theological Seminary, which had there been founded by Bishop Chase. He entered the school in the fall of 1825
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ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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but was obliged to give up his studies on account of ill health. His interest in church work, however, did not cease and he devoted much time to or- ganizing Sunday schools in Worthington, Delaware, Berkshire and Colum- bus, following a plan which he brought from Philadelphia. For several years he kept a general oversight of these schools, the usefulness and in- finence of which increased as the years passed.
Necessity, however, obliged him to become a factor in the business world and about 1830 he established his home in the embryo city of Columbus. Here he became a bookseller and afterward took up the publishing business. An alert and discriminating mind found expression in the development of his business interests which, with the passing of the years, brought him sub- stantial success. Mr. Whiting, however, did not cease to be deeply and actively interested in church work and in December, 1842, was numbered among those who organized the parish of St. Paul's. In fact he was one of the leading spirits in this work for his labors were always quietly and un- ostentatiously performed. Ile remained a factor in the business life of Co- Imbus until his death, which occurred August 23. 1880, when he was almost eighty-one years of age.
It was in 1841 that Isaac N. Whiting erected a residence at No. 66 South Third street, removing from his old home at High and Chapel streets. This residence remains today as it was built and is one of the old land- marks in that section of the city. There the spirit of hospitality reigned supreme and it was the resort of the many friends of the family. From that home Mr. Whiting went forth day by day to the duties which each day brought and was active in behalf of the moral progress of the community. He labored untiringly for the interest of his diocese, giving active aid to various church activities, serving for many years as treasurer of the missionary com- mittee, while for a long period, up to the time of his death, he was treasurer of the Society for the Relief of Widows and Children of its clergymen. From 1860 until the division of the diocese he continuously acted as its treasurer and after the division the southern section required his services year by year as long as he lived. From the time when carly in life he became a believer in the doctrines of the Episcopal church he remained one of its most con- sistent and helpful members. Religion was to him not something apart but a factor in daily existence and his was manifest in his helpful spirit toward those with whom he came in contact, and at times in substantial aid or again in a word of encouragement. He believed fully in the principles of the brotherhood of man and if success is to be measured not by the good that comes to us but by the good that comes to the world through us, his was a most successful life. The memory of such a man as Isaac Newton Whiting can never die while living monuments remain upon which are imprinted the touch of his noble soul. The hearts of many who knew him bear the im- press of his influence, while their lives embody at least in part the teach- ings which he desired to impress. He was well known in Columbus as a suc- cessful and prosperous business man but his record might well serve as an ex- emplification of the admonition. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you."
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On the 7th of September, 1835, Isaac Newton Whiting was married to Miss Orrell Kilbourne, a daughter of Colonel James Kilbourne of Worthing- ton. They had one son only,-the late Augustus Newton Whiting, who spent his youthful days under the parental roof and was afforded such advant- ages as his parents wisely regarded as elements for the best development of the boy. He was not only given good educational privileges but valuable lessons of life were impressed upon him in the home and bore rich fruit in later years. He early learned to discriminate between righteousness and evil not only in shumming the grosser things of life but in choosing and cultivating those qualities which beautify man's nature in accordance with the teachings of the Nazarene. Not only was he the soul of honor in all business transactions but there was in his nature nothing sordid or self-centered. After graduating from Kenyon College he engaged in the oil business, becoming a member of the firm of Battles & Whiting of Cleveland. Subsequently he returned to Columbus and became a member of the firm of P. Rhoades & Company, own- ors of extensive oil refineries, which were important factors in industrial de- velopment in Columbus as well as a most gratifying source of revenue to the owners.
On the 11th of May, 1864, Augustus Newton Whiting was married to Miss Ellen H. Gilbert, of Worthington, Ohio, and theirs was largely an ideal married life. their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years went by, while in the interests of the church and of charity they labored together, both being deeply concerned in work for Innanity and for the advancement of religion among men. They held membership in Trinity Episcopal church. to which Mrs. Whiting still belongs, and in all of the work of the church were foremost, taking a most active and helpful interest in every measure tending to extend its influence. For over forty years Mr. Whiting was a vestryman of the church and for twelve years served as chairman of the finance committee. No worthy charity sought his aid in vain and the poor and needy found in him indeed a warm friend.
In 1891 he and Mrs. Whiting founded what was known then as St. Phillip's Mission, constituting the nuelens of St. Phillip's church on Lexing- ton avenue. Thus was an Episcopal church organized mvong the colored people of the city and a house of worship was erected and consecrated in 1894. It was said that Mr. Whiting's father also had a great desire to start a religious work among the colored people of this city and made an effort to do so immed- iately after the Civil war, but never lived to see his cherished hope realized. The son, imbued with the father's wish and his own strong inclination, never rested until he took up the work left by his father and in the fall of 1891 set about to establish a mission for colored people. From the organization of the mission Mr. Whiting was untiring in promoting its work. He was not only the benefactor of the church, but teacher as well and attended all of the meeting- of the executive committee and the men's club and entered actively into the spiritnal. business and social phases of the work. He was superin- tendent of the Sunday school and taught a clas of young men and was the treasurer of both the Sunday school and of the chapel. Furthermore he saw that St. Phillip's benefited by the preaching of many of the eminent
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