USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 58
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
Dktized by Google
.
COL. JOHN L. VANCE.
Diazed by Google
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
Dktized by Google
601
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
Knoxville and the military movements in northern Alabama, While com- manding the regiment in the early part of 1864 Colonel Vance and his men veteranized and returning northward took part in the campaigns under Gen- erals Crook. Hunter and Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley. During the progress of the war the Fourth Virginia as a whole or in part was in active duty at forty-seven battles and skirmishes and its losses were severe. During the Vicksburg campaign four hundred of its members were either killed or wounded. In recognition of his meritorious services on the field of battle Captain Vance was promoted successively to the rank of major, lieutenant colonel and colonel and was in command of the regiment in all of the battles of 1864, in which the Fourth Virginia participated and at times commanded the brigade. He was severely wounded in one of the charges before Vicks- burg and sustained five other wounds. On several occasions he was detailed for important duty aside from his regiment aud when mustered out was ten- dered a conmission in the regular army but declined, feeling that he had dis- charged his full duty to his country. His military record was a most credit- able one and was characterized by unfaltering fidelity in every task assigned him. He has always been deeply interested in the welfare of the old soldier and in 1868 he was made the delegate to the national convention of soldiers and sailors held in New York city.
When the war was over Colonel Vance engaged in steamboating and was aboard the steamer Cottage, on the Kanawha, when the vessel was blown np and he was severely injured. In 1867 he began the publication of the Gallipolis Bulletin and was closely identified with journalistic interests of the state until 1900 when he sold the paper to M. F. Merriman. This undertaking had been attended with gratifying snecess for he conducted his paper in accordance with progressive ideas of modern journalism and was given a large patronage. Through the press his labors became an effective force in political circles and otherwise he was active in politics although connected with the minority party of the state. He has never swerved in his allegiance to the democracy and in 1865 accepted the nomination for the state legislature and in 1869 for the state senate, making the race to maintain party organization even though he knew that there was not the slightest hope for success. In 1872 he represented his district in the democratic national convention and has been a delegate to almost every state convention since the war. He was a member of the state central and executive committees for years, and in 1874 received a majority of two thousand that sent him to congress as representative of the counties of Gallia, Lawrence, Scioto, Jackson, Vinton and Hocking. This election was a merited tribute to his ability and unmistakable proof of his personal popu- larity for the district was largely republican. In 1876 when again a candidate he was defeated by the Hon. Henry S. Neal. In 1884 at the urgent request of the state and national committees who recognized him as one of the most influential democrats of the district he again became a candidate for congress. the district then comprised of Gallia. Meigs. Athens, Morgan and Perry, being hopelessly republican. his opponent on this occasion being General Grosvener. While in congress he was appointed to serve as chairman of the joint com- mittee on printing and was a member of the committee to investigate Lonisi-
Detized by Google
602
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
ana affairs, this committee holding its meetings in New Orleans. He voted against the electoral commission bill, being one of eighteen who so voted. He was appointed a member to fill a vacancy on the com- mitter to investigate the De Golyer paving scandals but declined to sign the report prepared by the chairman. When President Cleveland was inaugurated in 1885 many democratic leaders urged him to permit his name to be used for one of the numerous important political appointments but he declined for his ambition has never been in the line of office holding and in- stead he nsed his influence for his friends. In all his long public career he never sought a position or a nomination for himself, his political honors being the party recognition of his ability and worth. In 1877 he was prominently spoken of for governor and received a large vote in the state convention. In 1875 he was temporary chairman of the democratic state convention and on that occasion delivered an address which was published throughout this and other states and won wide and favorable comment from the press. While Colonel Vance is recognized as one of the most prominent democrats of Ohio his friends are as numerous in the opposition party as in his own, which fact indicates that his course has never been bitterly aggressive and that all recog- nize and respect his loyalty to his honest convictions.
It was soon after the war-on the 4th of October, 1866-that Colonel Vance wedded his consin, Emily Shepard, a daughter of John C. and Marie Lonise Shepard, the latter a daughter of Charles and Genevieve Creuzet, who became residents of Gallipolis in 1817. Three sons were born unto Colonel and Mrs. Vance: Creuzet Vance has been United States Immigrant inspector since March, 1895, being stationed at New York until December, 1903, but has since that date been located at Columbus. John I. Vance, the second son. was the youngest man ever appointed national bank examiner. He filled the position for several years after which he became president of the First National Bank of Gallipolis and secretary and treasurer of the Ohio Trust Company of Colmubus. Frank R. Vance is now a member of the Columbus Board of Review.
Several years ago Colonel Vance was elected a member of the celebrated Manhattan Club of New York. He has always been interested in the welfare of his army comrades and has put forth effective and far-reaching influence in their behalf on many occasions. He has delivered numberless addresses on patriotic occasions and particularly on memorial day and he has served several times as commander of the local Grand Army Post. He is also a member of the military order of the Loyal Legion and it is a well known fact that he has never asked nor received compensation of any sort either directly or indirectly for any service that he has ever done for a soldier. How few could parallel this record. His work has been the generous offering of one whose loyalty to the interests of his old comrades in arms was above question. While his early ambition as a member of the bar was frustrated through his military experience he would undoubtedly, by reason of his talents, have gained dis- tinction before the courts. He was admitted to practice before the supreme court of the United States and of the state of New York and at the urgent re- quest of both sides he acted as referee in a case of importance under an ap-
Dětized by Google
603
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
pointment from the supreme court of New York. He has long been a mem- ber of the Cincinnati chamber of commerce and one year represented that organization in the annual meeting of the National board of trade. He is a student of the signs of the times and keeps thoroughly informed on all matters of vital moment and interest and he has been called to deliver various public addresses, speaking at different times before the Manufacturers Association of Cincinnati and also before the chamber of commerce. Called to the presidency of the Gallipolis board of trade he thus served for twelve years and was chair- man of the executive committee of the centennial celebration in 1890, also acting in similar capacity at the great soldiers reunion in 1888. He was presiding officer at a reunion in the '90s and, in 1891-2, was president of the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a member of the Ohio State Archaeological & Historical Society and one of the charter mem- bers of the Elks lodge of Gallipolis. His has been an active and useful life and yet he has found time for cooperation with the good work of the Masonic fraternity and for one year filled the office of eminent commander in the Rose Croix Commandery, K. T. He has taken the thirty-second degree of the Scot- tish Rite.
Colonel Vance's work in behalf of general improvement has been of an effective and beneficial character. He has been the advocate of good roads and for several years served as road commissioner. At one time he was a director of the Ohio Northwestern Railroad Company and he has also been identified with street railway interests. He became a partner of Hollis C. Jolm-ton in organizing a company which built a street railway from Galli- polis to Point Pleasant and acted as president of the company. He has figured also in connection with the intellectual progress of the state, having been a member of the board of trustees of Rio Grande College since 1895 and a mem- ber of the board of trustees of the Boys Industrial Home at Lancaster, through appointment by Governors Bushnell and Nash. He aided in organizing the Hocking Valley Editorial Association of which he served as president for many years. During Governor Campbell's adminstration he was made quarter- master general and commissary general of subsistence of the state of Ohio with the rank of brigadier general.
In 1889 Colonel Vance began agitating the question of erecting a hos- pital in Ohio for epileptics and secured the passage of a bill by the legislature "to determine upon the manner in which provision shall be made for the care of the epileptics and epileptic insane of the state." By appointment of the governor Colonel Vance was made a member of the commission to select a site and prepare plans in conformity with the provisions of the bill. He was elected president of the commission and, after a long and bitter struggle, Gallipolis was selected as the site while subsequent legislation in which he took part provided appropriation, the results of which are to be seen today. Per- haps the most important public work with which Colonel Vance has been connected is the improvement of the Ohio river by system of locks and dams to provide six feet of water at low water. In 1895 he was elected president of the Ohio Valley Improvement Association and has been reelected each year since that time. This association draws its membership from the entire length
Detized by Google
604
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
of the Ohio river and it- tributarie -. Since the organization of the association, and largely through its work, appropriations have been made to improve the Ohio and its tributaries to the sum of nearly twenty million dollars. The con- tinuous contract system has been adopted by congress and locks and dams are now being built at various points so that soon the result for which Colonel Vance is working will be a fact and the Ohio will contain six feet of water from Pittsburg to Cairo. The work that he has accomplished in this direction is one which should win for him the gratitude, encouragement and commen- dation of all who have the interests of the grent Ohio valley at heart. In January, 1904, Colonel Vance was unanimously elected to life membership in the Cincinnati chamber of commerce and is also an honorary member of the Wheeling board of trade. He possesses a genial manner and his unfail- ing courtesy and generous disposition have made him the valued friend of many high in authority. His record has reflected credit and honor upon the state which has honored him and no history of Columbus would be complete were there failure to make specific reference to the life and public services of Colonel Vance. His have been "massive deeds and great," in one respect, and yet, they have but represented the fit utilization of the innate talents which are his. That which differentiates him from the majority of his fellow. and has made his life of the unusual, rather than of the usual is the fact that he has utilized his talents and powers, not for the benefit of self alone, but for the welfare of his fellowmen in the progress of the world. He has indeed been one of the world's workers, thoroughly alive to the situation and possi- bilities of the present, and in all things he has labored not only for the benefit of the moment but for the future as well.
C. O. PROBST, M.D.
No physician of Columbus is more widely known throughout Ohio than Dr. C. O. Probst of the state board of health, in which connection he has done splendid work for the profession and for the commonwealth at large. He was born in Middleport, Ohio. December 4, 1857, and is a son of William B. Probst, a native of Somerset. Pennsylvania, who, when a boy, became a resident of Pomeroy, Ohio, to which place his father. George Probst. removed and there established a furniture factory. He became moreover an influential man in public affairs of the community. The family is of French lineage, the great-grandfather of Dr. Probst having come to the new world from Nantes. France, in the latter part of the eighteenth century and taken up his abode at Somerset. Pennsylvania, where he erected a factory. In the maternal line Dr. Probst is descended from an old New England family. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Martha Grant, was born in Meigs county. Ohio, and was a danghter of Oliver Grant. The Grants removed from Maine to Ohio, representatives of the name having in the meantime served with distinction in the Revolutionary war. Philip Jones, the grand- father of Martha (Grant) Probst. was al-o one of the pioneer residents of
Dětized by Google
605
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
Meigs county and famous as a hunter there in early days. His father, who had served actively in the battle of Lexington, married a member of the Pitts family from England.
While spending his youthful days in his parents' home Dr. Probst ac- quired his preliminary education and then took up the study of medicine in the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati from which he was graduated in 1882. He practiced for a year or two at West Columbia, West Virginia, and afterwards opened an office in Athens, Ohio. The ability which he dis- played in coping with the intricate problems that continously confront the physician brought him constantly increasing renown and led to his selection in 1886 for the position of secretary of the Ohio State Board of Health, in which capacity he is still serving. The work that he has done in this con- nection is of a most important character and has done inch to further health conditions in this state through the dissemination of knowledge concerning sanitation and general health laws. He is still to some extent in the prac- tice of medicine but the important nature of his official duties requires the major portion of his time. However he keeps in touch with the advance along medical and surgical lines and is a member of the Columbus AAcademy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical As- sociation. For a period of fifteen years he was professor of hygiene at Star- ling Medical College and for ten years has been secretary of the American Public Health Association, which embraces the United States, Canada, Mex- ico and Cuba.
In 1881 Dr. Probst was married to Miss Eva Lee Knight, a daughter of Dr. A. L. Knight, a distinguished physician of West Virginia who was a surgeon in the Confederate army during the Civil war. They have two sons, Karl and Leighton. Dr. Probst is one of the prominent members of the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and is interested in the varions sociological, economical and political questions bearing upon the welfare of the country. In many lines of progress he keeps in touch with the best thinking men of the age, while his work in an official capacity has brought him into prominence before the public and won him high esteem.
ORLOF T. BROWN.
On the roster of county and state officials who have their headquarters in Columbus appear the names of many who are loyal to the interests they represent and are promoting progress through intelligently directed effort. To this class belongs Orlof T. Brown, now the first deputy state fire marshal of Ohio. He was born in Cambridge, Guernsey county, a son of Major J. K. Brown. one of the prominent residents of eastern Ohio, who served as a gallant soldier in the Civil war, being afterward commissioner of immigra- tion at Honohilu in the Hawaiian islands and who is now deceased. He also figured prominently in political circles and was secretary of the republi- can state executive committee and supervisor of public printing under the
Detized by Google
606
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
appointment of Governor Charles Foster. For a third of a century he was closely identified with state and national politics, studying closely the vital questions and issues of the day and putting forth practical effort to secure the adoption of the principles in which he believed.
After attending the public schools of Cambridge, Ohio, Orlof T. Brown entered business life in the initial connection of bookkeeper for the Ohio National Bank at Washington, where he remained for two years. On the ex- piration of that period he became associated with the United States Weather Bureau, acting as weather observer for seven years. Subsequently he went to Honolulu, where he acted as assistant bookkeeper for the Hawaiian Trust Company for a year. After his return from the Pacific islands he entered the fire marshal's office as first deputy under the administration of Governor Myron T. Herrick, his incumbency continuing from 1904 until 1906. In the latter year he was appointed state examiner in the bureau of accounting by State Auditor Guilbert and filled that position in acceptable manner for two years, when he resigned to accept his present position in the fire mar- shal's office. He has filled various other positions and has had a wide ex- perience in the business world.
On the 16th of Angust, 1904. Mr. Brown was married to Miss Alberta E. Fowler. of Westerville, Ohio, and they have one daughter. Jane. Mr. Brown is identified with several fraternal organizations, holding membership with the Red Men. the Eagles, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America and the Sons of Veterans. He is also a member of the Buckeye Republican Club and is recognized as one whose labors are effective in sup- porting the interests and growth of his party. He is at all times watchful of opportunity to advance republican interests while in office he is found as au accurate, systematic incumbent whose promptness also features as one of the evidences of his capability.
ANDREW G. PUGH.
A life of imremitting industry, well directed by sound judgment. has brought to Andrew G. Pugh a creditable measure of success in his work as a contractor for sewers, masonry and street paving of all kinds. He has al- ways lived in Franklin county and the story of his progress in the business world is therefore well known to many of it- citizens. He was born in this county, a son of Richard and Elizabeth (Jones) Pugh, who were natives of Wales. Following their marriage they sailed from that little rock-ribbed country in 1854 and eventually reached the harbor of New York. They did not delay in the eastern metropolis. however, but at once continued their journey into the interior of the country and established their home in Franklin county. Ohio, where the father engaged in farming. Both he and his wife are now residents of the capital city. Of eleven children born to them, only three survive: Andrew G .. the subject of this sketch: John J. Pugh. city librarian : and Isaac D. Pugh, deputy county auditor.
Ditized by Google
A. G. PUGH.
Diýmzed by Google
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
Dkiized by Google
609
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
Andrew G. Pugh is indebted to the publie-school system of Columbus for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He made his initial stop in the business world as an employe with Brown Brothers, civil engineers, with whom he remained for about a year. In December, 1873, he entered the city engineer's office serving under John Graham, city engineer, and his mnecessor in office, Josjah Kinnear, by whom he wa- employed until April. 1878, when he entered the service of Kamnacher & Denig, contractors at Indianapolis, Indiana, who had the contract for the erection of the state capitol of Indiana. He served under Thomas Il. Johnson, the chief engineer for the contractors, laying ont and superintending the masonry foundations. His next employment was under W. H. Jennings, the chief engineer of the Hocking Valley Railroad, engaged on the location of branch coal lines in Hocking, Perry and AAthens counties, Ohio. On terminating that business relation he became clerk for M. J. Becker, chief engineer of the Pittsburg. Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Lonis Railroad Company, thus continuing until the spring of 1880, when he was detailed as assistant en- gineer maintenance of way on the Indianapolis division of the Pittsburg. Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad. He was this busily engaged until the spring of 1882, when he was appointed superintending engineer on the construction of the northeast main trunk sewer at Colmubus under John Graham, city engineer, which work was completed December 15, 1883. It was an important task, for the 'diameter- of- the sewer- were from nine to six feet. Later Mr. Pngh was again associated with Thomas H. Johnson. the principal assistant engineer of the Pittsburg. Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, on special surveys on the Chicago division. In the spring of 1884 he was appointed assistant city engineer by the city conneil in special charge of sewer construction for two years or until the spring of 1886. He was the superintendent of block stone paving on High street from Naghten street to Livingston avenue, for contracts made by Booth & Flinn. of Pittsburg. Pennsylvanin, from April to October, 1885, and built for that firm the first brick roadway in Columbus on Spring street from High street to Third street.
On the first of November, 1886, Mr. Pugh went to New York city. as superintendent for Booth & Flinn. on a large contract they had there for laying gas mains for the Standard Gas Company and completed this work with a large force of men by December 31, that year. Next. under M. J. Becker, the chief engineer of the Pennsylvania lines, Mr. Pugh was the superintending engineer on the sewer system built at the Columbus shops in January, February and March, 1887. and superintendent of masonry on the Little Miami, Louisville, Indianapolis and Chicago divisions of the Pittsburg. Cincinnati. Chicago & St. Louis Railroad until the close of the year 1887. During March. 1888, he commenced work as a contractor for street paving of asphalt. brick and stone blocks and is still engaged in bus- iness wherever contract- can be seured. Under Julian Griggs, chief city engineer, he laid the first concrete foundations for four brick streets in Columbus in 1899, and for the double track street railway in this city on Neil street from Spring str.et to Mount Vernon avenue in 1899, His asphalt paving works, and yard for storage of tools, wagons, material. ete.
Ditized by Google
610
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF COLUMBUS
is situated at No. 450 Woodland avenue. His office is now and has been for some years past in Room No. 405, Union National Bank building.
On the 25th of October, 1882, Mr. Pugh was united in marriage to Miss Mary Helen Black, a daughter of John and Ednah (Mann ) Black, of Richmond, Indiana. They had two children: Ednah Helen Pugh and Grayce Black Pugh. The wife and mother died July 12, 1894, and Mr. Pugh was married. on the 1st of September. 1896, to Miss Jessie Miles, a daughter of Yearsley and Minerva (Fitzwater) Miles. He resides with his wife and daughters at No. 875 Franklin avenne. the residence being built in the fall of 1891.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Pngh is a Mason and has attained high rank in the order. He has been a member of Goodale Lodge No. 372, A. F. & A. M., since March 28, 1892, and is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Knight Templar. He likewise crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of Aladdin Temple of the Mystic Shrine, March 17, 1894. Such in brief is the history of one of Franklin county's native sons, a man whose integrity, determination and energy have constituted the foundation of his success. As the years have gone by he has made an excellent record as a competent, thorough-going, reliable and trustworthy business man and is now conducting a profitable and growing bu-ines ..
JOIN L. LAWLER.
John L. Lawler, who since 1889 has resided in Columbus, from which point he is directing important business interests. being today known as an extensive dealer in coal, limestone and their products, is a native of Pitts- burg. Pennsylvania. He was born August 5, 1846, and when but seven years of age was brought to Ohio by his parents. Daniel and Ellen (Sher- lock) Lawler, both natives of Ireland, the former born in County Kildare and the latter in county Meath. In 1842 they became residents of Pittsburg and were married in that city, where the father followed gardening until 1853, hi- leaschold including a tract of land that now constitutes the heart of the city. the present great Carnegie library there being located on a corner of what was once Daniel Lawler's garden. In the early '50s, however, he re- moved with his family to Vinton county, Ohio, where he was identified with agricultural pursuits until his death in 1885, his wife surviving until 1889.
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.