USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 54
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A native of Circleville, Ohio, Mr. Turney was born July 10, 1853, of the marriage of Samuel Denny and Evlyn (McCrea) Turney. He is descended from Huguenot ancestors who settled in Connecticut during the period of co- lonial development, while at a later day representatives of the name removed to Virginia, founding the branch of the family to which Henry D. Turney belongs. His great-grandfather became one of the pioneer residents of Ohio, settling in Chillicothe when the work of civilization had scarcely been begun within this great commonwealth. The grandfather, Dr. Daniel Turney, be- came one of the first settlers of Columbus and practiced medicine in this city until his death, which occurred while he was yet a young man. He was the first physician to introduce the use of quinine in his practice in this part of the state and the remedy proved most efficacious in a country where the lack of artificial drainage, productive of swampy conditions, led to frequency of chills and fevers among the settlers. He married Jeannette Stirling Denny, a daughter of General Denny, a resident of Circleville and a prominent figure in Ohio in those days. Both the Turney and Denny families were represented in the Revolutionary war, the war of 1812, the Mexican and the Civil war, for the military spirit was strong within them when the support of patriotic citi- zens was needed for defense. Most of those who thus served their country were commissioned officers, the grandfather of Mr. Turney being a surgeon in the Mexican war.
Samuel Denny Turney, who made the practice of medicine his life work, became a surgeon in the Union army during the Civil war and by brevet was made lieutenant-colonel. After the close of hostilities he served for two terms as surgeon general in the State Militia. For a long period he was actively en- gaged in the practice of his profession in Circleville and was widely known throughout the state, his activity in varions lines bringing him into prom- inence. He died in Circleville in 1878. his wife having passed away there in 1839. They had lost a daughter in infancy.
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Their only son. Henry D. Turney, was edneated at Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he prepared for college, after which he entered the University of Mich- igan but did not complete the full course. Taking up his abode in Columbus he secured the position of messenger in the bank of W. G. Deshler, where he remained for two or three years, gaining varied and practical experience in business lines. On the expiration of that period he became secretary of the Columbus Rolling Mills and subsequently was associated with the late General Samuel Thomas in railroad and coal interests. Since that time he has been identified with the development of the rich coal deposits in the state, when but a young man becoming president of the Thomas Coal Company. In a posi- tion requiring careful administrative direction and executive control he has proven himself well qualified, his activity constituting a valuable clement in successful management. His business interests, too, have largely been of a nature that have contributed to public prosperity as well as to individual sue- cess. Aside from the presidency of the Columbus Gas & Fuel Company he is now president of the Darby Coal & Coke Company of Virginia and president of the Beshutes Irrigation & Power Company, irrigating a large tract of land in Oregon. He has been connected with the Columbus Gas & Fuel Company since its inception in 1889, being associated with Jolm G. Deshler and J. O. Johnston in its organization, acting continuously as one of its officer, and as its president since 1907.
In 1880 Mr. Turney was united in marriage to Emma Bartlit, a daughter of John F. Bartlit, one of the pioneer bankers of Columbus. They have three daughters, Evlyn, Henriette and Anne. The family are members of the Episcopal church and their social prominence is manifest in the many attrac- tive social features held at their home. Moreover Mr. Turney is a valned mem- ber of the Cohunnbus. Arlington Country and Wyandotte Clubs. the last-named limiting its membership to seventeen. He is likewise connected with Chi Psi fraternity and with the Union League of New York city. Starting out in life with no vaulting ambition to accomplish something especially great or famous, he has followed the lead of his opportunities and used legitimate advantages as they arose. His quietude of determination, his ca-y dignity, his frankness and cordiality of presence, with a total abstinence of anything sinister or anything to conceal, foretoken a man who is ready to meet any obligation of life with the confidence and courage that come of conscions personal ability, right con- ception of things and a habitnal regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities.
GRANT S. FISHER.
Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose. When a man has traveled life's journey and has faithfully performed his work it seems but the following out of the natural course of events that he should pass on from this life; but when a young man is taken there comes to the community that knows him a feeling of sincere regret and sorrow if his
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life has been a straightforward and exemplary one. The death of Grant S. Fisher was uniformly mourned in Columbus, for his entire life had been passed in Franklin county and all who knew him entertained for him the warmest regard. He was born on a farm near this city in 1869, and repre- sented one of the old pioneer families of Franklin county. His father's birth occurred in 1840 on a farm a short distance south of Columbus. He was a grandson of Michael Fisher, one of the noted characters of pioneer times, who had extensive landed holdings, his splendid domain extending from a point near Lancaster road southeast of the city to a point far beyond the Scioto river on the west. A portion of this land was inherited by William M. Fisher, who in the course of time became an enterprising farmer of the locality, continuing to engage in general agricultural pursuits until he reached the age of thirty years. Gradually, however, he became more and more interested in the raising of fruit and garden products, and from this it was a legitimate and logical step to the commission business. In 1870 he established the first commission house on Fourth street, ocenpying a small room, employing two men, and utilizing a horse and wagon in the conduct of the business. His trade relations wers limited at that day. but with the growth of the city the business developed until the house today furnishes employment for twenty-five men, and nses fifteen teams. Their main building is three stories in height and extends from 120 to 124 East Town street, and is forty-five by one hundred feet. They use the entire building from basement to top of the third floor, and in addition to this they have their own shipping station and warehouses near the Columbus, Scioto & Hocking depot. They handled altogether eight hundred carloads in the year 1907, to say nothing of thousands of smaller consigmnents, and some- thing of their business is indicated in the fact that their telegraph bills alone in June, 1895, were $365.00. They now have their own wire and operator. G. S. and W. G. Fisher, sons of the original proprietor, were admitted to a partnership in 1892. The firm has a high standing commercially, and all of its large and various business is transacted with admirable system.
Grant S. Fisher was educated in the public schools of Columbus and as soon as old enough joined his father in business, being connected with the commis- sion interest of the firm throughout his remaining days. He was recognized as a young man of enterprise who brooked no obstacles which diligence and determination could overcome, and investigation into his career shows that his business methods were strictly honorable.
In 1900 in the capital city Mr. Fisher was married to Miss Maud A. Au- ghenbaugh, who was born in Columbus and is a daughter of James T. and Emma Gertrude (Bryant) Aughenbaugh. The father is still living here, hav- ing become a resident of Columbus in 1874. after which he followed the black- smith's trade for a time. His wife was a native of Ohio, as was her father. Aside from Mrs. Fisher the other members of the Aughenbangh family are Mrs. Edith T. Koch, wife of Edward Koch, of Columbus, and Oscar J., of Florida. Mrs. Fisher was born in this city and by her marriage has two chil- dren. Eleanor Gertrude and Dale. The death of the husband and father occurred in 1905. He was then but thirty-six years of age and was in the midst of an active business career. his field being one of growing usefulness and
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profit. He belonged to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ma- sonic fraternity, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he was recognized as one of the prominent republicans of the party. His fellow- townsmen urged him to become a candidate for mayor, but he declined on account of the pressing duties of a growing business. He had little ambition for office holding, yet in matters of citizenship he was never indifferent. On the contrary he gave loyal support to the many movements for the public good and his influence was ever on the side of improvement and progress.
EDSON JAMES EMERICK. M.D.
The physician cannot attain the highest measure of success if he does not add to his scientific knowledge a love for his fellowmen and is not actuated by a spirit of helpfulness. Possessing these requisites of a successful follower of the medical profession Dr. Emerick is now doing a splendid work as superin- tendent of the Institution for Feeble-Minded at Columbus. He was born October 28. 1863, in Fayette, Fulton county, Ohio. His father was James P. Emerick and his mother Mary A. Humphreys, both of whom were natives of New York. The son, who pursued his education at the Fayette Normal School and the University of Michigan, supplemented broad literary knowledge by his preparation for the profession to which he now gives his time and energies. He was graduated from the Long Island Medical College at Brooklyn, New York, in 1887 and began practice in Fayette, Ohio, where he remained for four years. In 1891 he removed to Columbus, where he continued until ap- pointed to his present position as superintendent of the State Institution for Feeble-Minded.
This institution was organized by an act of the general assembly passed April 17, 1857, Dr. R. J. Patterson being appointed superintendent. It was opened for the reception of inmates on the 3d of August. that year, in rented buildings, on East Main street, now used as the Home for the Friendless. There were nine pupils at the first enrollment, which number was increased to fifteen before the end of the first year. The rented premises were occupied until 1868, the annual attendance averaging between forty and fifty. The office of as- sistant superintendent was created in 1859. the incumbent being Dr G. A. Doren, who succeeded Dr. Patterson as superintendent in 1860 and so con- tinned until his death, March 23, 1905. A special meeting of the board was then held and Dr. E. H. Rorick was elected superintendent, so continuing until May 5, 1907, when he resigned and was succeeded by Dr. Emerick. The per- manent establishment of the institution was provided for by the legislature in 1864 and the new buildings on the present site were occupied in August, 1868. In 1900 the legislature, recognizing the duty and the necessity of providing a permanent home for this class of unfortunates, authorized the purchase of the Custodial Farin of sixteen hundred and seventy-five aeres, located at Orient, Ohio, about twelve miles from the Home Institution. It is intended for. the custodial care and industrial training and employment of the adult males of
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the feeble-minded class. The Columbus buildings are devoted to the eucational department for children and the enstodial care and industrial training of adult females, who are supposed to be improvable. The present enrollment is fifteen hundred and fifty-eight, of which number about four hundred are receiving school instruction. The pupils devote one-half day to the common school branches and the other half to music, manual training, basketry, domestic science, sewing and gymnastic classes. Much is made of music and those capable have instruction in reed, wind and stringed instruments. Whenever a pupil shows aptitude for any kind of work instruction is given along that line and the children help in dining-rooms, kitchen, bake-shop, shoe-shop, at car- pentry, tailoring and sewing, in the boiler house, at electrical work and garden- ing. Excellent work is being done in the institution, which is under able management with Dr. Emerick as superintendent.
For several years Dr. Emerick was lecturer on dermatology in the Ohio Medical University but he now gives his undivided attention to his duties as superintendent of the institution for the feeble-minded. He believes in manual training as a means of special benefit for the unfortunates of this class and he has introduced many new and helpful ideas. He belongs to the Columbus Academy of Medicine, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
. On the 16th of September, 1891, Dr. Emerick was married to Miss Alice Cary Dill, a native of Franklin county, Ohio. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and the Masons. He has taken the Knight Tem- plar degree of the York Rite, is also a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and he is loyal to its teachings. In all of his life work he has been actuated by a spirit of helpfulness and the state is fortunate in securing his services in the position which he is now filling.
COLUMBUS DELANO SAVIERS.
As the name indicates, Columbus Delano Saviers is of French descent although the family was established in America during the colonial epoch in the history of this country. Born in Columbus on the 17th of February, 1866, his youthful days were passed as a pupil in the public schools of this city and of Chicago, Illinois, while later he pursued a five years' course in Notre Dame University of Indiana, from which institution he was then graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science.
As soon as his school days were over Mr. Saviers returned to Columbus, where he has since resided. For a short time he acted as deputy clerk of the courts under John Joyce and then took up the study of law in the office of Converse, Booth & Keating. In 1888 he was admitted to the bar and entered at once upon active practice, devoting his attention to the legal interests ac- corded him until 1892, when he was appointed as first assistant prosecuting attorney of Franklin county and made an excellent reputation through the
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capability of his official labors in a three years' term. Within that time he successfully prosecuted some of the most important cases that are found upon the court records of Franklin county. For four years Mr. Saviers was also the efficient attorney for the police department of the city and for six years was attorney for the sheriff. His ability in the line of his profession has therefore been largely brought into play in official service and in all auch connections he has proven worthy of the trust reposed in him, although of late years his practice generally has been on the civil side of the courts.
In politics Mr. Saviers has always been a democrat since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. but while he is interested in public policies he does not care to engage in party clamors, his inclination being for the pur- suit of professional and business affairs. He has many friends in the fraternal organizations with which he is connected, holding membership with the Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
RICHARD SINCLAIR.
Richard Sinclair was a worthy representative of an old and prominent pioneer family of Columbus, whose members were connected with its business interests throughout a long period. As the result of his industry and well di- rected labor, Richard Sinclair, in the latter years of his life, was enabled to live retired, having accumulated a competency that supplied hin with all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He was born in Rochester. New York, November 9, 1828, and when about twelve years of age came to Frank- lin county with his parents, George and Mary ( Hussjek) Sinclair, both of whom were natives of Scotland. On leaving that country they emigrated to America and were married on this side of the Atlantic in 1824. Subsequently they located in Rochester, New York. and after a few years made their way to Detroit, Michigan, while the year 1838 witnessed their arrival in Franklinton, now Columbus. Here the father turned his attention to the butchering busi- ness. The original home of the Sinclair family in Columbus was an old log house situated on West Broad street, and Mr. Sinclair, having established a butchering and packing business. continued his efforts along those lines of activity for almost a half century. The family numbered three sons. all of whom engaged in the butchering business.
Of this family Richard Sinclair, whose name introduces this review. ac- companied his parents on their various removals up to the time they located in Columbus. The capital city was then a little village with few advantages or opportunities. Here Richard Sinclair was reared amid the environments of pioneer life. In his youthful days he assisted his father in the butchering business and when he started out in life on his own account he followed the same line of business and for forty-nine years was a representative of the trade in Columbus, carrying on the enterprise successfully until his retirement in 1890. Putting aside business eares he spent his remaining days in the enjoy- ment of well earned rest.
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RICHARD SINCLAIR
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
AITOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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In early manhood Richard Sinclair was united in marriage to Miss Mar- garet Romosier, who was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1835. They be- came the parents of eight children, of whom six still survive, namely: Ma- tilda, the wife of Charles W. Howe, a resident of Columbus; Elizabeth, the widow of Lawrence H. Cott; Ella and Charles who are now living in Columbus; Richard a resident of Pittsburg; and Mrs. Ethel Aukerman, of Columbus. The two who have passed away are George and Lucy.
Richard Sinclair led an active, useful and honorable life. Those who knew aught of his business career recognized the fact that he was straightfor- ward in all his dealings and diligent and enterprising in the management of his busniess, so that in the course of time he won gratifying prosperity. He was a Presbyterian in his religious belief and his political support was given to the democracy, for he found that its platforms contained the political principles which he believed would best conserve good government. In 1882 he was called upon to monrn the loss o fhis wife and survived her for about a quarter of a century, he passing away on the Ist of June, 1907, being them in the seventy-ninth year of his age.
LAWRENCE H. COTT.
Lawrence H. Cott was born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1857, a son of Christopher Cott, who served in the Civil war and, after spending three years at the front, was killed in battle. He began his education in the place of his nativity and when a youth of sixteen years came to Columbus and finished his education in the schools of this city. After putting aside his text books he secured a position in the city library under Librarian Grover, with whom he continued for a time and subsequently was employed by a brother, C. M. Cott. Later he entered the employ of the Hocking Valley Railroad Company as yard clerk and through successive promotions rose to the position of chief clerk under Auditor Everett. He eventually resigned his position to accept the position of director of accounts of the city of Columbus under Mayor Swartz, serving in that capacity with great acceptability until, on account of ill health, he was forced to resign. In 1903 he was appointed a member of the state board of reviews, and at the time of his death, which occurred December 30, 1904, he was acting vice president of the board. No man took a more active or more helpful part in political and public movements than iMr. Cott. His record in public service was one of unremitting and tireless toil and every duty of a public nature was performed in the interest of the people. Popular in social circles, he was a member of the Roundabout Club, the Cohimbus Ca- dets and the Buckeye Republican Club, while in fraternal circles he was identi- field with Franklin Lodge. B. P. O. E., No. 5, Knights of Pythias and the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian.
In 1887 Mr. Cott was married to Miss Elizabeth Sinclair who was born in Columbus, and they became the parents of four children, Margaret, Lucille, Richard and Elizabeth, who, with their mother, still survive. There also sur-
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vive Mr. Cott two brothers and one sister. all of this city, these being Mrs. W. S. Carlisle, C. M. Cott and W. N. Cott, the latter acting as treasurer of the Hocking Valley Railroad Company.
RT. REV. BISHOP HENRY MOELLER.
Henry Moeller, the third Bishop of Columbus, in the line of succession, was born in Cincinnati, December 11, 1849, in which city he began his edu- cation for the priesthood and in 1869 he graduated from St. Xavier's in that city. After his graduation he went to Rome to pursue his theological studies. where he remained several years, and his mind was stored with both knowl- edge and wisdom, especially fitting him for the priesthood.
On his return to the United States he was assigned, by the Archbishop. in the pastorate of St. Patrick's Church, Bellefontaine, where he continued hi- ministrations during 1876-1877. For a year following he filled a professor- ship at Mount St. Mary's College, Maryland. Later he became secretary to the Rt. Rev. Bishop Chatard of Indianapolis, where he remained until he assumed the offices of secretary and chancellor of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. In 1900 he was consecrated Bishop of Columbus, and was installed in that high spiritual office with all the solemn ceremonials and impressive demonstration appropriate to the occasion. In 1903, the Columbus diocese lost his genial presence and his ministrations, with both regret and pride-regret on part of his people that he was abont to leave them and pride in the knowledge that he was about to be elevated to the Archbishoprie, to meet the requirements of which he was so eminently fitted.
JUDGE SAMUEL L. BLACK.
Judge Samuel L. Black, whose work in various lines has been of sub- stantial benefit to the capital city, is well known to the public as a prominent lawyer and as a publie official who in every relation has proven most loyal to the general welfare. No work of his life, however, deserves greater com- mendation nor has produced more far-reaching results than his labors as judge of the juvenile court. In recent years there has been a notable awak- ening of the public conscience to its responsibility toward those whom fate, environment or innate depravity have made offenders of the law in their youthful years. Prevention and not punishment is today the rule, for, recog- nizing the fact that good and evil are alike latent in each individual, it is the growing tendency of the times to put forth strong effort for the suppression of the latter and the cultivation of the former. In this connection Judge Black has done a beneficial work, the influences of which are immeasurable.
The story of his own early life is in many respects like the life stories of other American boys and young men. He was born in the little village of Kimbolton, Guernsey county. Ohio. December 22. 1859. and spent his youth- ful days in the home of his father, who was one of the prominent physicians and citizens of eastern Ohio. In his boyhood days Judge Black was a pupil
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in the public schools of Cambridge and, passing through consecutive grades, was graduated on the completion of the high school course with the class of 1878. He afterward pursued a full course in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, where he was graduated in June, 1883. Following his gradna- tion he began learning the jeweler's trade but his taste and inclination led him toward a professional career and he was admitted to the bar in 1887. at which time he became a member of the legal firm of Powell, Ricketts & Black. of Columbus. For sixteen years he continuonsly devoted his attention to the practice of his profession with the exception of two years, when he served as mayor of Columbus. As a lawyer he became recognized as a strong advocate and safe counselor. With a mind analytical, logical and induetive, his rea- soning was clear and his presentation of a canse always terse, concise and con- vincing. He possesses moreover considerable oratorical ability and a well modulated voice and pleasing address were also factors in his effectiveness as an advocate.
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