USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 50
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
Dlg ized by Google
512
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
he was elected mayor of Greenville, on the democratic ticket, and served for two years. His opinions carried weight in political councils, and he was hon- ored even by his political opponents because of his fearless support of his honest convictions. His life was ever straightforward and honorable, and was in consistent harmony with his principles as a member of the Presbyterian church. His widow, Mrs. Winner, the mother of our subject, still survives.
Rollin F. Crider pursued a public-school education until he completed his course by graduation from the high school of Greenville, Ohio, with the class of 1878. He afterward attended Cornell College in Ithaca, New York, but left there in his junior year to return to Greenville and settle the affairs connected with the Winner estate. In 1884 he removed to Columbus, where he was connected with the coal business for some time, but abandoned com- mercial for professional pursuits, to which end he read law in the office of Judge L. J. Critchfield and was admitted to the bar in 1893. He has since been engaged in the active practice of law, and his salient qualities as a mem- ber of the bar have enabled him to take high rank among the attorneys of this city. In his presentation of a case there is no straining after effect. but rather the clear, concise statement of facts which indicates a thorough grasp of the law and a ready understanding of its relations to the points in litigation.
Mr. Crider is a member of the Psi Upsilon. He was popular in his college days, and while sophomore at Cornell served as president of his class. He has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry, and is also a member of Aladdin Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Franklin County Bar Association, and for two years he was the president of the famous Orpheus Club, a well known musical organization. His polit- ical views are in harmony with the principles of the republican party, and he has always been active in its support, for he believes that in the adoption of its principles lie the best elements of good government. He is fond of hunt- ing, fishing and all manly outdoor sports, and through those avenues gains needed recreation from arduons professional duties and cares.
EDWARD BARTON THOMAS.
In a history of the legal profession in Columbus mention should be made of Edward Barton Thomas, inasmuch as his ability has carried him into im- portant relations with the work of the courts. He was born at Wheeling. West Virginia, then Virginia, October 19, 1861, within a stone's throw of the site of Fort Henry, which was the scene of the powder exploit of Elizabeth Zane, of whom he is a direct descendant. His father, Llewellyn G. Thomas, was born in Ohio, and was a son of Edward and Catherine (Clark) Thomas. the latter a daughter of the Revolutionary heroine, Elizabeth Zane Llewellyn G. Thomas was absorbed in literary work throughout his entire life. He possessed a sensitive, artistic nature and most modest, retiring manner. An advanced scholar, he wrote largely, but only for his own entertainment, hav- ing published only one book of poems. Had he been less retiring he might
Digmood by Google
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
have won lasting fame by his efforts in literary lines. Aside from his study, he was fond of travel. and visited all parts of the globe, on whic he got together a large collection of flowers and plants from all over the These he mounted and thus had many fine specimens of the flora of d countries. He likewise had a large collection of photographs of objects architecture and scenes of interest, and these are now in possession of 1 Edward B. Thomas, who prizes them highly. The mother, who bt maiden name of Angeline Barton, was of Quaker descent, her people been among the pioneer settlers of Ohio, to which state they remove the vicinity of Philadelphia. The early representatives of the fan America emne to this comitry under William Penn. The death o Thomas occurred in 1867. when she was but thirty-three years of age.
Edward B. Thomas was then but a young lad, and after his n death he lived for a few years with his grandparents and then joined his in California, where he attended San Jose Institute. Subsequently 1 tinned his studies in Linsley Institute at Wheeling, West Virginia, Hopedale College at Hopedale, Ohio. At the age of seventeen years, member of the graduating class, he left college and took np the profes teaching, which he followed for three years in the high school at Glencoe while for four years he was superintendent of schools at Clarington, and for three years was school superintendent at Woodsfield, Ohio. i this period the hours which are usually termed leisure were devoted 1 to the study of law under the direction of Lorenzo Danford, of B county, Ohio, and J. P. Spriggs, of Woodsfield. He finished his stu Columbus under Hon. Forest Hunter, later dean of the Law College Ohio State University. Admitted to the bar here in 1891 he has sine engaged in general practice, and in 1896 formed a partnership with Hays, which still continues under the firm style of Thomas & Hays Thomas has made a specialty of insurance law, and since 1897 has be of the officers of the Modern Woodmen of Amerien, the largest fraterna ficiary organization in this country. He is at present chairman of its be ยท auditors, and has charge of a large part of its legal business in Ohio, He voted his attention almost exclusively to his law practice and fraterna in connection with the Woodmen, and has for many years been the sta turer for that organization. He is also a member of the Knights of P the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective of Elks and all the Masonie bodies, while in his profession he is con with the County Bar Association. He also holds membership in the Ber Franklin Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and with the ( bus Country Club. His political allegiance is given to the democracy. a cause of his recognition of the duties and obligations of citizenship I taken an active part in the councils of his party. He devotes his leist tirely to the study of literature and has a large and well selected libr the best authors and also an attractive collection of rare works.
On the 25th of August. 1889. in Woodsfield, Ohio, Mr. Thomas wa ried to Miss Tempe Sinclair. a daughter of Dr. Western and Tirzah () Sinclair of that city. Mr -. Thomas has memberhip with the Danght
1 1
1
0kgm.000 by Google
514
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
the American Revolution and is most devoted to her family, which numbers five children: Edward Sinclair, J. Clark, George Alfred, Elizabeth Zane and Eleanor Catherine, aged respectively eighteen, sixteen, twelve, eight and two years. The family residence, at No. 1098 Bryden road, which dwelling was erected by Ripley Hoffman after a very old style of architecture, has been re- modeled by Mr. Thomas into colonial style. Nature, education and culture have vied in making him an interesting and entertaining gentleman, who without show of superiority meets all upon an equal footing of courtesy. He is domestic in his tastes and has always preferred the pleasure of his own home and the companionship of his favorite authors to the interests of an extended society acquaintance.
OSMAN CASTLE HOOPER.
Among the representative journalists of Columbus none stands higher than Osman C. Hooper; not in his profession alone but in all that is repre- sentative of good citizenship and public usefulness. He was born near the vil- lage of Alexandria, Ohio, on the 10th of April. 1858, and obtained his primary education in the public schools there and in Columbus, while later he entered Deni-on University, completing his more specific literary course by graduation with honors in 1879. The following year he became actively identified with journalism and has devoted his life to this profession, at all times being actuated by a desire to elevate the standard of newspaper publication. For a number of years he was associate editor of the Columbus Dispatch and made an enviable record ns a paragraphist. Simultaneously he was editor and part owner of the Columbus Sunday News, covering a period from 1886 until 1893. He ae- cepted a position on the Cincinnati Enquirer for his special line of paragraphic work and for some time also did general editorial work on the paper. He then returned to the Dispatch and was welcomed by many appreciative friends and readers. It was in 1893 that he resumed his editorial position on this paper . and has since continued in active connection with the Dispatch while engaged in other congenial work in which his labors are alike artistic, attractive and entertaining. He stands for all that is elevating in journalism and opposition to the baneful influence of some of the well known papers of the present time that sacrifice truth and principle to sensationalism.
In the year in which he entered upon his journalistic career Mr. Hooper also laid the foundation for an attractive domestic life in his marriage, on the 20th of May, 1880, to Miss Josephine Babbitt. of Columbus. They are prominent and active members of the Baptist church and Mr. Hooper takes great interest in the social idea of propagating religions thought and sentiment. At all times interested in education, research and scientific investigation he is now one of the trustees of his alma mater. Denison Univer-ity, from which he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He is likewise a trustee of the public library, which profits by his fine literary taste- and judgment. He is also one of the valned members of the Ohio Archaeological & Historical Society. Ii
515
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
would be almost tautological in this connection to enter into any series of statements showing Mr. Hooper to be a man of attractive mentality and scholarly attainments for, these have been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. Well educated and well bred, his closest associates are in those circles where intellectuality constitutes an indispensable feature of attrac- tiveness.
EDWARD AMHERST FITCH.
Among those who became. well known in the business life of Columbus was Edward Amherst Fitch, who for many years prior to his death was freight manager for the Erie Dispatch Company. He had been identified with transportation interests of the city from early manhood, and was known as an active business man, constantly watchful of opportunities and utilizing ad- vantages so that the most desirable results were achieved. His intimate friends and his family knew him to be a delightful and entertaining companion, his business associates gave him unqualified respect, and his worth in the world was widely acknowledged. He was born in the village of Central Square, on Oneida Lake, in the state of New York, in 1833, his parents being Abigail Holden Morse and Huntington Fitch. both natives of Vermont. The family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, during Edward's early boyhood, and when he was nineteen they came to Columbus, where he became a member of the firm of H. Fitch & Sons, running a line of packet boats down the Scioto valley. The boats were used in transporting both freight and passengers and they built a large warehouse on the west side of the Broad street bridge. Their trips were made south to Portsmouth and after continuing in the marine transportation business for some years with good success Edward A. Fitch became manager of some coal lands in the Hocking Valley. He afterward took charge of the freight business for the Erie Dispatch Company, a fast freight line, and con- tinued in this position of large responsibility until his death, when he was snc- ceeded by his son. Huntington, who had been his associate in the business for a few years.
In 1862 the marriage of Mr. Edward Fitch and Miss Jane Doherty took place at the home of her mother, Mrs. William Doherty, where the MeLene building now stands on State street. Three children were born of their union: Eliza, the wife of Charles D. Hinman; Huntington, who died June 12, 1907; and Alice, who is the wife of Campbell Chittenden.
Mr. Fitch died at his home in Columbus, 1265 East Broad street, in Sep- tember, 1892, and probably few men have been more sincerely and generally mourned, not only on account of his great personal popularity, but from the love and admiration enrned by his unselfishness, his loyalty to his friends and his good deeds-many of them never known till after his death. He was em- inently a social man, entering into all diversions with the zest of one whose heart was always young. He was a member of the State Fencibles and took an active part in the club circles of the city. A charter member and moving spirit of the Columbus Club. his portrait, painted by Albert Fanley and purchased
Digmood by Google
--
1 : i
516
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
by the club, hangs in its reception room. For several years he served as chair- man of the house committee, in which position his son Huntington succeeded him. The latter was also chairman of the house committee of the Arlington Country Club. In his political views Mr. Fitch was a stalwart republican and ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he was able to support his position by intelligent argument. Whatever he did, whether in business or political circles or in public life, was actuated by high ideals.
"Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacles, and who shall rest upon Thy holy hill?" "He that sweareth to his neighbor, and disappointeth him not, though it were lo his own hinderance."
JOSEPH C. CAMPBELL.
Joseph C. Campbell, born near Edinburg, Virginia, October 26, 1852, but a resident of Columbus since his twentieth year, and all of his career in a busi- ness way has been made in this city. The schools of his native village offered few opportunities but Mr. Campbell as a boy took full advantage of what they could give him, and he left them with a well laid foundation for a life of un- usual success, an upright character and ambition to win a high place.
In Columbus he was at first a clerk in the dry-goods store of Brown & Dunn in the Neil Honse block, and after a short experience there he was offered a position in an insurance office, where he then began at foot of the ladder, upon which he has climbed to an eminent position. After serving a useful office ap- prenticeship, desiring a place where he could work out his own destiny, he se- cured the agency here of The John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Boston, Massachusetts, and was soon advanced to the position of state agent of the company for Ohio and West Virginia. In those days it was an unim- portant and unorganized field, but by Mr. Campbell's efforts it gradually be- came, and still is, the largest agency of the company today in the United States.
With his fortune assured. Mr. Campbell gave a part of his time and atten- tion in another direction, and in 1900 associated himself with the organization of what is now the National Bank of Commerce and has been its president since its inception, and his wise and conservative care and interest in its affairs has done much to raise it to an important position among the financial institutions of the capital city.
Mr. Campbell's snecess has been the result of severe application of a thorough knowledge of his business and tenacity of purpose to win, but he has interests and tastes which make him more than a successful man. His sym- pathy with misfortune and suffering has kept him a trustee of the Toledo State Hospital through all state administrations since his appointment by Governor Nash. Because of his interest in the cause of education. he has given substan- tial aid to students where assistance was both needed and deserved, and sup- ported important lecture- at the Ohio State University and financially aided schools and churches in state and community of his birth. His love for music has made him a con-pienon- figure both as a patron of and as active participant
J. C. CAMPBELL
Digreed by Google
image not
available
image not
available
520
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
ter of the famous Harrison family of Virginia and Ohio that has furnished two presidents to the United States. These army officers sailed for Holland, where Colonel Okey remained for two years. Then by treachery and fraud he was enticed to visit the Holland seaport, where he was seized by marines from an English man-of-war and was hurried to London, where he was put on trial, as a mere ceremony, found guilty, and lung, drawn and quartered, being buried at the cross-roads-the victim of sturdy devotion to the rights of the people and the belief that even a king can commit a wrong which he should be com- pelled to expiate.
His descendants sought political liberty in the new world, and the family was carly established in Delaware, whence representatives of the name trav- eled in covered wagons through the Allegheny mountains and then sailed down the Ohio on a flatboat. In the period of pioneer development they were widely known because of the active part which they took in laying the foundation for this great connnonwealth. Here they lived at a time when the Indians were a constant menace to the white settlers, it being necessary to keep a gun by one's side when felling the trees of the forest in preparation for the establishment of a home. Cornelins Okey figured prominently as one of those who moulded the history of the state during its formative period. He was appointed an associate justice by the legislature under the constitution of 1802, and was fre- quently chosen to represent his district in the general assembly. The journey from Monroe county to Columbus was made on horseback through an almost unbroken wilderness, and involved hardships and privations, for it was neces- sary to continue on the way for several days. The same qualities of persistence and loyalty to principles which characterized the English progenitor had been manifest in the family throughout all the succeeding generations.
Judge John W. Okey, the father of George B. Okey, became a distin- guished lawyer of Ohio, entering upon active practice in early manhood. He served as probate judge of Monroe county : as comnon pleas judge; member of the state codifying commission, by appointment of Governor Allen; and two terms as a justice upon the bench of the supreme court of the state. At the time of his death in 1885, during his second term, he was serving as chief justice. His name is inseribed high on the keystone of the legal arch of Ohio, and he remains in the memory of his contemporaries and those who knew him enshrined in the halo of a gracious presence as well as of distinguished learning.
Judge George B. Okey spent his early years at Woodsfield, during which time he mastered the elementary principles of learning. In 1862 he became a resident of Cambridge, Ohio, and in 1865 the family home was established in Cincinnati. Determining upon the practice of law as his life work, he en- tered his father's office and further continued his studies in the Cincinnati Law College from which he was graduated, being admitted to the bar in April, 1871. Ile located for practice in Cincinnati, and while advancement at the bar is proverbially slow, he gradually worked his way upward through the necessary effort that always precedes ascendancy. In 1877. when his father resigned from the codifying commission. George B. Okey was appointed by Governer William Allen to fill the vacancy. his associates on the connnis-ion
image not
available
522
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
during the Civil war did the iron work for cannon and army supply wagons. He became one of the city's most valued and substantial citizens and passed away in 1881, at the age of seventy years. The wife and mother survived for a long period, dying in 1896, when she had reached the age of sixty-eight years.
Father Meara acquired his early education in St. Patrick's school, from which he was graduated, while his preparation for the priesthood was made in St. Mary's Seminary at Cincinnati, of which Bishop Rosecrans was at that time the president. Father Meara was ordained May 30, 1874, and was at once ap- pointed assistant pastor of the Cathedral church of Columbus. Entering upon his new duties, he remained until 1882, when, on account of ill health, he was transferred to Circleville, Ohio, as pastor of St. Joseph's church at that place. During his connection therewith he built up a large and prosperous parish and school and it became one of the strongest Catholic organizations of that city. In 1900. however, he was returned to Columbus and made pastor of the Ca- thedral church, and a year Inter appointed chancellor of the Columbus diocese. He has done and is doing much for the upbuilding of the church in its various departments and is a learned man and eloquent speaker, beloved not only by the members in his own parish but by the entire community.
HON. HARRY M. DAUGHERTY.
To the energetic nature and strong mentality of such inen ns Harry M. Dangherty is dne the success and ever increasing prosperity of the republi- can party in this state and in the hands of this class of citizens there is every assurance that the best interests and welfare of the party will be attended to, resulting in a successful culmination of the highest ambitions and expectations entertained by its adherents. Given to the prosecution of netive menenres in political affairs and possessing the earnest purpose of placing their party beyond the pale of possible diminution of power, the republican leaders in Ohio are ever advancing, carrying everything before them in their irresistible onward march. Certainly one of the most potent elements in the success of the repub- lican movement in this state is Harry M. Dangherty, who throughout life has been a loyal citizen, imbued with patriotism and fearless in defense of his honest convictions, but while he is recognized as one of the prominent leaders of his party in this state, he is also a lawyer of pronounced ability, practicing successfully as senior partner of the firm of Dangherty, Todd & Rarey.
A native of Washington Courthouse, Ohio, he was born January 26, 1860, a son of J. H. and Jane (Draper) Daugherty. His father was born in Lan- caster, Pennsylvania, in 1836 but during his boyhood came to Ohio and after residing for some years in Zanesville removed to Washington Courthouse, where he made his home until his life's labors were ended in 1864. His widow still survives him and yet makes her home at Washington Courthouse. Of their family of four sons two died in infancy, while the surviving brother of our subject, M. S. Daugherty, yet resides in Washington Courthouse.
De colo Google
523
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
It was in the city of his nativity that Harry M. Daugherty began his ed- ucation and after the completion of his literary course he entered upon preparation for the practice of law in the year 1879 as a student in the law department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the class of 1881. Following his graduation he returned home and in a short time was elected township clerk-his first public office. While serving in that capacity he was admitted to the bar and at once began the prosecution of his chosen profession. While his success as a lawyer increased as the years passed by, he remained also as an active factor in political circles and his fellow townsmen, in recognition of his worth and ability, elected him to the state legislature in 1889. He proved an active working member of the general assembly, serving on the judiciary and corporations committee, for which his comprehensive knowledge of law well qualified him. He received public endorsement of his first term in his reelection in 1891 and at the ensuing session of the house he again served on the same committee and was permanent chairman of the republican house canens. He was also chairman of the caucus that decided the speakership contest upon which hinged the contest between Senator Foraker and Senator Sherman as rival candidates for the United States senatorship from Ohio. In 1893 he was chairman of the state convention which nominated Major William McKinley for governor of Ohio, and in 1891 and again in 1892 he was a member of the state central committee, whose effective generalship so marshaled the republican forces in the state as to secure the best results possible. In 1888 he was placed in nomination before the con- gressional convention of his district for congress and after two hundred and fifty ballots had been cast he was defeated by only three votes. In 1896 he was again a candidate for the nomination and had strong support but lost the nomination by seven votes. His popularity in the republican ranks is shown by the fact that only when ballot after ballot had been cast in an effort to nominate a congressman would any of his supporters waver in their allegiance to him. It is a well known fact that for years Mr. Daugherty has been one of the ablest leaders of the republican party in Ohio and his position of leader- ship is due to the fact of his talent, his sincere convictions and his conscientions efforts, which are well balanced forces in his political service. That he is a most able and effective campaign speaker is indicated by the fact that he has been called into various states for active campaign work to address the people on momentous questions of the day and thus steady the lines with his eloquent argument and clear, logical reasoning. He was sent into varions states during the campaigns of 1896, 1900, 1904 and 1908 on behalf of republican principles. He was a delegate to the republican national conventions in 1904 and 1908.
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.