USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 74
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His record as a successful merchant would alone entitle hin tion with the representative citizens of the capital city, but in othe he has become equally well known. In 1878, when the state mil organized as the Ohio National Guard, Mr. Freeman, at the urg of the Fourteenth Ohio Regiment, assumed command as colonel & of that famous military organization. In this connection he rend did service, for the regiment was called out for active duty on ve sions to quell disturbances caused by labor riots. He figured consp connection with the Cincinnati riot, when his bravery, calmness judgment enabled him to bring peace and order out of the chaoti that existed, quelling the turbulent mob that surged through the st city, endangering life and property. The constantly growing dem: private business interests compelled his resignation in 1890 and it w with regret on the part of the state government and brought a intense sorrow to those who had served under him, for "the boys" ment were most deeply attached to their commander.
On the 31st of October, 1865, Mr. Freeman was married to A. Diemer, a representative of one of the well-known pioneer fami tral Ohio. They have three sons and one daughter: Harry D .. ;
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George D. and Julia E. Two of the sons were soldiers in the Spanish-Ameri- can war and one son, as a lieutenant in the Nineteenth Infantry, has seen active service in the Philippines. Those at all familiar with the history of Columbus know that Colonel Freeman is a most popular and highly respected citizen here, with a circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances. He has never had desire for political office yet many times has been solicited to become a candidate for positions of political preferment in a locality where nomination is equivalent to election. He has preferred to do his duty as a private citizen and his ability in this regard no one ques- tions, for the public recognizes the exceptional value and worth of his serv- ice. In many ways he has contributed to the general progress. He served for some years on the county board of agriculture and took active interest in securing to the city what is now the beautiful Franklin Park. He was again in active public service after the outbreak of the war with Spain, when he was appointed acting assistant quartermaster general and did active duty at Camp Bushnell in equipping the troops for the front. He was afterward assigned to the superintendeney of the state arsenal, where he is still on duty. In all of his public career he has placed welfare before partisanship and loyalty before self-aggrandizement. It is doubtful if he ever weighed an act in his life in the scale of policy, for at all times he has been actuated by a spirit of lofty patriotism and unfaltering devotion to his country's good.
ARCHIBALD HAMILTON.
The superiority of business opportunities and advantages in America is a fact little realized by the man who is born and reared in this country, but it is a fact appreciated by many men of foreign birth who compare the chances in this and other countries and realize that larger possibilities are here offered. Mr. Hamilton, coming from England in 1883, by reason of his inherent force of character and unflagging determination gained a prominent place in com- mercial circles of Columbus.
He was born in Lancashire, England, July 14. 1849, and in early boyhood learned the baker's trade, which he followed for a number of years. In 1883 he arrived in Columbus and for five years was an employe of the Big Four Railroad Company. In 1888 he became manager of the Franklin Fuel Com- pany and in 1893 accepted a similar position with the Pennsylvania Fuel Com- pany. This is a position of large responsibility and in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him Mr. Hamilton displayed keen discernment and unfaltering enterprise. He was also general sales agent for the Thacker Coal & Coke Company, owning extensive mines in West Virginia. In this position he had control of its output and there was perhaps no man in the coal trade more familiar with the value of the products of the different mines or market values than was Mr. Hamilton. He made his business a study and never felt that he had learned all that there was to be known. His untiring industry constituted a strong feature in his success, and added to this was a sound judg-
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ARCHIBALD HAMILTON
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ment which was again and again manifest in his business life. The Pennsyl- vania Fuel Company acts as sales agent for the Keystone Slope Mines, for Pitts- burg coal, for Zanesville and Sandusky sand and for Utica cement and con- trolled a most extensive trade in these various commodities. The yards are situated on Neil street and the main office is on the viaduct. The company supplied some of the largest coal consumers in the city, including the Colum- bus Central Street Railway and the Hardesty & Williams mills. They sold in carlots and Mr. Hamilton as their general sales agent built up an extensive business, securing the patronage of many whose trade was an important fea- ture by reason of the immense amount of coal consumed. He also established the Hamilton-Parker Coal Company with offices at Vine and Kilbourne streets and continued as its president until his death. He built up a large business in this connection, his previous experience in connection with the coal trade proving a valuable element in the development of his own undertaking. A man of resolute will, he carried forward to successful completion whatever lie undertook, and the business methods which he employed won for him the respect and admiration of his associates and contemporaries.
On the 24th of May, 1876, in England, Mr. Hamilton was married to Miss Mary Ellen Lovelady, and unto them were born the following children : W. J., who is acting as president of the W. J. Hamilton Coal Company ; G .H., secretary of the Columbus Hollow Ware Company; Donald M., a student in the Ohio State University: Ada A .. the wife of Clarence Jones; Maud 1., the wife of William Kaiser; and Minnie H. and Edith, both at home. Three of the family are now deceased, Margaret J., Mary Ellen and Sarah Agnes.
Mr. Hamilton erected an attractive home for his family on First avenue. His death occurred on the 11th of June, 1907. He was a member of the Epis- copal church and was also connected with the Masonie fraternity. He never regretted his determination to come to America nor was he ever sorry that he chose Columbus as the scene of his labors, for in this city he met with gratify- ing and well merited success and. moreover, he gained an extensive circle of friends. He was a likable man, his social qualities bringing him the warm regard and good will of all with whom he came in contact.
JUDGE T. M. BIGGER.
Judge T. M. Bigger, who, elected in 1896, is still serving on the common pleas bench, recognized by the profession and by the public as a worthy conservator of the judicial interests of the district, is descended from Scotch- Irish ancestry represented in Pennsylvania in colonial days. His great- grandfather, Thomas Bigger, located in the western part of the Keystone state in 1773, and was actively engaged in military service in protecting the frontier against the Indians during the war for independence. Thomas Bigger, father of Judge Bigger, was a native of Washington county, Penn- sylvania, as was his wife, who bore the maiden name of Esther Donaldson and was a representative of one of the pioneer families of that county. There
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were five children in the family, but the last two, who were twins, died soon after birth. The others are yet living as is the venerable father, who retains his residence in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was born in the year 1824. His vocation has been that of farming, which pursuit he em- ployed in providing a comfortable living for those dependent upon him. That he was a man of progressive thought is indicated by the fact that he was the first abolitionist in his section of the country. In politics he was originally a whig, but at the inception of the republican party, formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, he transferred his allegiance thereto and has ever since been a stalwart supporter of its cause.
Judge Thomas M. Bigger, born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. on the 12th of November, 1855, was eight years of age when his mother died. He received his early educational discipline in the district schools. after which he continued his studies for one year in the Franklin Springs Academy in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He then returned to the paternal farmstead, in the operation of which he assisted until the time he attained his majority, when he resumed his educational work by matriculating as a student in Hopedale College, Harrison county, Ohio. In the fall of 1881 he entered the junior class of the University of Wooster, at Wooster, Ohio, and was graduated in 1883, receiving the degrees of Bachelor and Master of Arts. Ile was chosen president of his class and was graduated with honors.
Following his graduation Judge Bigger engaged in teaching for a short time at Hopedale College and then began the study of law with Joseph Estep of Cadiz, as his tutor. In 1884 he came to Columbus, where he accepted a position as instructor in stenography, thus maintaining himself while com- pleting his legal studies. He was admitted to the bar in October, 1885, and soon afterward entered into a professional partnership with A. H. Johnson under the firm name of Jolinson & Bigger, the association continuing until Judge Bigger was promoted to the bench.
Judge Bigger has also been more or less actively concerned in political affairs, ever keeping in close touch with the questions and issues of the day. In 1889 he was republican candidate for state senator in the Columbus di -- triet, but as it was then largely democratie he was defeated. In 1894 he was elected police judge of Columbus and two years later, in 1896, was elected common pleas judge in the local subdivision including Franklin county, his reelection for two succeeding terms continuing him on the bench to the present time. His decisions are strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and equity of the case, nor is he unmindful of the fact that at times mercy may safely temper justice.
A forceful and eloquent speaker, Judge Bigger's services have been in requisition by his party in various campaigns and his public addresses have wielded a potent influence in furthering the party cause. He has not withheld himself from responding to the demands made upon him and has been a particularly active and influential worker in the republican ranks. In 1887 he was instrumental in organizing the Young Men's Republican Club of Co- lumbus, being elected its first president. It was at one time considered the strongest organization of the sort in the city, and during its existence was a
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potent factor in the various campaigns. In his fraternal relations, Judge Bigger is associate member of the Wells Post, G. A. R., and is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, having been head watchman of the national lodge of this order.
In August, 1892, was consummated the marriage of Judge Bigger and Miss Nellie Miskimen of Newcomerstown, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and they are the parents of three daughters. They hold membership in the Presby- terian church and are prominently known in a social way. Judge Bigger's work has at all times been a potent element in those fields wherein he has labored and as he is a man of netion rather than theory he is regarded as a most valuable cooperant factor whenever and intrinsic public work is under- taken for the benefit of the capital city.
JAMES HENRY BURNS.
James Henry Burns, conducting business under the name of Burns, in- porting tailor to men and women, draws his patronage from among the better class of the citizens of Columbus and enjoys a constantly increasing trade. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio, October 18, 1862. His father Michael Burns, a native of Ireland, arrived in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1853, and in that city worked at the tailor's trade, which he had learned on the Emerald isle. In 1861 he came west to Zanesville, Ohio, where he continued in the employ of others until 1867, when he engaged in business for himself as junior partner of the firm of Dennis & Burn -. This relation was maintained until 1873, in which year Michael Burns came to Columbus and established imsiness at the corner of Gay and High street-, opposite the present location of his son. He continued in the same line of merchandising until his death and was recognized as one of the progressive business men of the city, his expert workmanship and reliable business methods insuring him a gratifying prosperity. He served as police commissioner from 1878 until 1882. Ile was also prominent in various Catholic societies and in church work and was generous in his contributions to the church and to benevolent move- ments. He held membership in St. Joseph's Mutual Benevolent Society and in the Ancient Order of Hibernians. As the years passed he became well known to the trade all over the United States and was recognized as a success- ful merchant of Columbus, justly meriting the liberal support that was given him in business. In all matters of citizenship he was publie spirited and progressive and his efforts were effective elements in promoting public progress. He married Bridget Treahy, a native of Ireland, the wedding being celebrated in Baltimore, Maryland. His death occurred February 9, 1892, while his wife passed away in December, 1895.
The public and parochial schools of Zanesville and Columbus afforded James Henry Burns his educational privileges until after he left the high school of this city, continuing his course in Notre Dame University at Notre Dame, Indiana. He was there graduated on the completion of a commercial
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course in 1881 and, returning to Columbus, became associated with his father in the management of the tailoring business, which had been established some years before. At the time of his father's death he took active charge of the business and has since remained at its head. He has always been accorded a liberal patronage and in 1894 he extended the scope of his ac- tivities by establishing n ladies' tailoring department and is known as the leading and oldest ladies' tailor in Columbus in length of his connection with this branch of business. His trade has shown a steady, healthful growth, increasing year by year, and he does high class tailoring only. keeping in- formed concerning the latest styles and line of goods. The work turned out from his establishment is always satisfactory and the business methods of the house commend him to a liberal share of the public trade. He is. moreover, vice president and one of the directors of the Buckeye State Building & Loan Company.
In 1896 Mr. Burns was married to Miss Lottie M. Tyler, of Columbus, and unto them have been born two daughters. Mary Gwendolyn and Eleanor Elizabeth. Mr. Burns holds membership with the Knights of Columbus and is a communicant of St. Joseph's enthedral. In early days he traveled over the diocese with Bishop Rosecrans, the first bishop of this city. In the line of his chosen vocation Mr. Burns has received honors, having been named as one of the committee of the Merchant Tailors National Protective Association to select styles for the year 1907. He has one of the leading establishments of Columbus, his business largely setting the standard for activity in this line in the capital city.
HENRY HOLTZMAN.
The name of Henry Holtzman long stood as a synonym in Columbus of business enterprise and commercial integrity and in every relation of life he was known as a good man and true. It is not the accumulation of wealth that causes a man to be remembered and honored after he has passed away. but the kindly traits of character. the recognition of good in others, the effec- tive effort to assist one's fellowmen and the word of encouragement aud help- fulness. These qualities Heury Holtzman displayed in large degree and all who knew him entertained for him the most cordial feelings of good will and high regard.
Henry Holtzman was born in Strasburg. Alsace. France, December 3. 1835, and came to America at the age of nineteen years. in compliance with the wish of his father, Harry Holtzman, who was a brigadier general in the army and also a military instructor. Not wishing that his son should be drafted for military services, he sent him to the new world and, settling in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Henry Holtzman of this review established business as a decorative upholsterer and soou gained the patronage of all the wealthy residents of that eity. He also controlled the looms of a large mill in France for French velours.
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knew him. To his family he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
Mr. Holtzman erected a fine residence at the corner of Loenst and Charter streets in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and after he removed to Columbus built one of the finest homes of this city, in Bullitt Park, where Mrs. Holtzman still lives. Here Mr. Holtzman passed away December 23, 1905. His death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. There are no men in busi- ness circles of this city who occupy a more enviable position or more fully deserve the confidence and honor of their fellowmen than did Mr. Holtzman.
HENRY JUDSON BOOTH.
Born in Lancaster, Ohio, March 14, 1849; son of Henry Madison Booth. a descendant of a collateral branch of the James Madison family, and Ann A. (Jone-) Booth; of Welsh, English and Scotch descent; educated in the public schools, at Denison University ( 1867-1872) and at Amherst College (A. B. 1873) ; admitted to the bar in May. 1874; successively a member of the law firms (in Columbus, Ohio,) of Converse, Woodbury & Booth (1874- 1878) ; Booth & Keating ( 1878-1879) : Converse, Booth & Keating (1879- 1887) ; Booth & Keating ( 1887-1895) ; Booth, Keating & Peters (1895-1902) ; Booth, Keating. Peters & Butler (1902-1904) ; Booth, Keating & Peters (1904-1908) ; Booth, Keating, Peters & Pomerene (1909).
For many years an active democrat : one term a member of the house of representatives, general assembly (1878-1879) ; president of the Franklin county Bar Association (1882); a trustee of the Ohio State University (1884-1888) ; lecturer on medico-legal jurisprudence in the Columns Med- ical College for three years; president of the Columbus Board of Trade (1892) : anthor of "Law of Street Railways" ( 1892). the pioneer, and still the standard. textbook on that subject; for the last eighteen years trustee successively of the Cohunbus Medical College, the Starling Medical College. and the Starling-Ohio Medical College: president of the Ohio State Bar .Is- sociation (1903-1904) ; vice-president of the American Bar Association (1904-1905): delegate to Universal Congress of Lawyers and Jurists (St. Louis. 1904). So may be condensed the carly and professional life of the unquestioned leader of the Columbus bar.
In addition to his active membership in the Ohio State Bar Association. the Franklin County Bar Association, and the Starling-Ohio Medical Col- lege, Mr. Booth is trustee of the Franklin County Law Library, an active member of the Columbus Board of Trade, a member of the Board of Di- rectors of the Columbus Country Club, a member of the Beta Theta Pi Building Association, the Colmubus Club, the Ohio Club, the Arlington Country Club, the Columbus Riding Club, the Columbus Gun Club and Magnolia Lodge F. & A. M.
Reared on a farm, active in college sports, especially as a member of the Amherst College crew in 1873, he entered the profession well fitted to
HENRY J. BOOTH.
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meet its most exacting demands for mens sana in corpore sano. Since then he has been an enthusiastic and consistent devotee of the saddle, an active member of the successive Columbus Riding Clubs, a follower of the con- fetti trail and the fox, supplemented by many long riding and driving trips. To physical exercise, and as much out-of-door life as the engagements of a busy lawyer permit, his friends ascribe his remarkable capacity for the long- continued mental efforts required in a very strenuous professional career.
Tributes to the worth of lawyers are too often found only in memorial eulogies. Mr. Booth is only in the zenith of his career; but a member of the bar, for many years opposed to him or associated with him in im- portant litigation, describes him thus:
"The modern successful city lawyer, however diversified his business may be. is necessarily, to a considerable extent, a corporation lawyer, be- cause the great business enterprises of modern times are corporate in their character and seek the service of the best legal talent. Although Mr. Booth is no exception to this rule, his reputation as a corporation lawyer is no greater than it is in other departments of his profession. For instance, it may be safely said that in medico-legal eases he has no equal in Central Ohio. and that he has been employed in nearly every important will case which has been tried in the courts of this county in the last quarter of a century. He is an all-around lawyer as safe and conservative as a counselor as he is efficient in the court room. . To his superior native ability and natural aptitude for the practice of the law he adds a thoroughness of prep- aration which leads to an examination of every detail of fact and the consid- eration of every principle of law which an active mind and sound judgment suggest as applicable to the case in hand. His cases are first tried in his office, and if they cannot be won there, or if the risk of losing them is too great, they are not tried in the court room, unless circumstances require it. In the gathering of facts, a feat always less difficult to a lawyer of large practice and extensive acquaintance than to the practitioner of limited busi- ness. his ability is certainly not surpassed, if equalled, by any member of the bar of his day and generation. In conducting such investigations he is guided by a knowledge of human nature which is rarely at fault in judging the actions, analyzing the motives, and anticipating the conduct, of both lit- igants and witnesses. As a trial lawyer he fully and logically develops his own case, and but few men, by the sifting process of cross-examination, can so quickly detect the flaws in an opponent's armor or so skillfully expose an attack or defense founded on fallacy or fraud. Consequently. he has been connected with nearly all of the most important litigation which has, in the last twenty-five years, found its way into the courts, state and federal, sitting in the city of his adoption, and has been employed in many important cases in adjoining and distant counties. Whatever may be his theory of his case, if surprised his agile mind quickly mects the new situation: and his skill is shown no more by his well planned assaults than by well conducted and well covered retreats, when withdrawal is advisable, either to make terms of settlement or further to prepare for the contest. His oratorical powers are of a high order, and his arguments, whether oral or written. are logical and
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forceful, and statements of fact are reinforced by pertinent citations of authority. And yet he is not a mere imitator, or bound by precedent, or wanting in original thought. The Law Reports of his day bear witness to the part he has played in the solution of new legal problems and in the ap- plication of old principles to new conditions to which our modern civiliza- tion has given rise. A pleader, who observes the statutory injunction to state his case in ordinary and concise language; an adviser, who keeps his clients out of court when they ought not to enter; an able advocate; an indefatig- worker; an aggressive, persistent, intelligent fighter, and yet not contentious; a natural fitness for the practice of the law; an almost infinite patience, that is akin to genius, for detail, both as to the law and the facts, in the prepara- tion of his cases; a capacity to see situations in all their parts, and the rela- tion of each part to all the others; scholarly attainments; a modest, digni- fied, gentlemanly bearing; a respectful consideration of his professional as- sociates and of the courts; a loyal devotion to clients and friends; a high- toned moral sense; high ideals of civic duty-these are the qualities and characteristics which have made Mr. Booth a leader in his community, not only as a lawyer, but as a citizen."
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