USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > Centennial history of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio, Vol. II > Part 8
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office of Frank Packard, an architect of Columbus, with whom he remained until 1904. when he started out in business life on his own account. He has since maintained his offices in the Columbus Trust & Savings building, and is widely recognized as a progressive and skillful representative of his profes- sion. Among the structures which he has erected may be mentioned the Neil Avenue United Presbyterian church, the Riley shoe factory, the Broad Oak skating rink and the residences of W. H. Page, Miss Eva Gray and H. C. Price, Various other dwellings which he has erected show him to be thoroughly con- versant with the builder's art, and he has contributed in no small degree to the architectural adornment and improvement of Columbus. He is a member of the Columbus Society of Architects and is serving as secretary of the Columbus Horticultural Society, having pursued a course in horticulture at the state university, and is also a member of the Board of Trade.
In 1899 Mr. Gribben was united in marriage to Miss Stella Weinman, a native of Columbus and a daughter of George Weinman, a pioneer pump man- ufacturer of this city. Mr. Gribben is a devoted member of the United Pres- byterian church, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest. He has attained a creditable place in business life of the city for one of his years, and his laudable ambition and his determination prompts him to put forth an effort which insures larger successes in the future.
WALTER L. WHITACRE.
Walter L. Whitacre is engaged in the wholesale lumber business and has developed an enterprise of large and profitable proportions. Throughout his entire business career he has displayed keen discernment and ready adaptability that has enabled him to use the opportunities that have been presented and to formulate new plans when one avenne of activity seemed closed. He has regarded no position as final but has always believed that there was still chance for further advancement, regarding cach point in his business carcer as a starting point for something still higher. It is these quali- ties which have gained Mr. Whitacre the prominent position which he now occupies in commercial cireles in the capital city.
A native of Warren county, Ohio, he was born on the 30th of April, 1867. His father, William T. Whitacre, was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, born January 14, 1835. In his boyhood days he accompanied his father, Thomas Whitacre, to Morrow. Warren county, Ohio, where he lived for a considerable period. He carried on both merchandising and farming and was for many years one of the most prominent and influential residents of Warren county. He always looked at life in all its varions phases from a practical standpoint that enabled him to utilize the means at hand in accomplishing desired ends. His business record was a most creditable one and in political circles he was recognized as a leader, serving for a few terms as a member of the general assembly, during which time he left the impress of his individuality upon much important legislation. He
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was a volunteer soldier of the Union army and afterward a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He married Rebecca L. Lownes, a daughter of Josiah Lownes, who was a farmer and one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio. Her birth occurred near Dayton, January 17, 1840, and she still survives, but William T. Whitacre, the father, passed away in February, 1907, hon- ored and respected by all who knew him.
Walter L. Whitacre was educated in the schools of Morrow, Ohio, pur- suing his studies through successive grades until he became a high-school student, while later he spent three years in the Ohio State University. His college course completed, he returned home and assumed the management of his father's business interests in Morrow, there remaining until 1888. He afterward spent two years in the manufacture of lumber in Florida and later was associated with a wholesale lumber business in Toledo, Ohio, rep- resenting the Mitchell & Rowland Lumber Company as traveling salesman for a number of years. He was afterward in the wholesale lumber com- mission business for several years, or until 1906, when he began business in Columbus, where he is well known as a wholesale lumber dealer. His enterprise has been developed to extensive proportions and he has a large distributing station at No. 451 Broad street, where his warehouses and yards are located. He does the largest business in the local field and sustains an unassailable reputation in commercial circles by reason of the straightfor- ward business principles he has ever followed and the spirit of activity and enterprise which dominates his work. In addition to his Inmber business he is president of the Northern Hotel Company.
On the 16th of April, 1890, Mr. Whitacre was married to Miss Lena Darby, a daughter of Dr. F. H. and Sarah E. (Clark) Darby, of Columbus. Her father is state superintendent of the Children's Home Society and is well known in connection with philanthropie work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whitacre has been born a danghter, Alma, whose birth occurred November 3, 1892. and who is a graduate of the North high school. The family resi- dence is at No. 1832 Summit street and its hospitality is one of its most attractive features. Both Mr. and Mrs. Whitacre hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active and helpful interest in its work, Mrs. Whitacre belonging to the Aid Society of the church.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Whitacre is a Mason, having taken the degrees in both the York and Scottish Rite, attaining the thirty-second degree of the latter. He is a member of the United Commercial Travelers and has held all of the offices in the local council and also various important positions in the state and grand conucil. His wife is prominent in social affairs of the organization and is chairman of the playground committee of the Woman's Club of the United Commercial Travelers. In his political views Mr. Whitacre is a stalwart republican where national issues are in- volved but casts an independent local ballot.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Whitacre enjoy the warm regard of all with whom they have come in contact. During a long and successful commercial life characterized by enterprise he has ever maintained an enviable reputation for the highest honor and principles and no unworthy deed or word ever
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linked itself with his name. His life has been that of a thoroughgoing business man who is particularly prompt in keeping his business engage- ments and expects the same consideration of others. Many of his associates testify in strong terms of his kindness of heart, finding in him not only a safe adviser but also one whose counsel is not that of words alone.
WILLIAM D. BRICKELL.
William D. Brickell, numbered today among the capitalists of Colum- bus. with extensive investments which represent the fit utilization of his powers and opportunities in former years, was for a considerable period a leading representative of journalism in this state. His life record began in Steubenville, Ohio, on the 19th of November, 1852. Soon afterward the family removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he spent his early years, attending the city schools and completing his education in the Western University of that city, now the University of Pittsburg. His father pros- pered in his business undertakings in Pittsburg and in due course of time gained a place among the multimillionaires by reason of judicious street rail- way and other investments.
When still in his youthful days William D. Brickell came to the wise conclusion that spending money earned by others did not make useful men out of idle boys. He therefore chose another course of life, determining to prove his own worth and capacity as an active factor in the business world. A short time before he attained his majority he entered the job printing house of Barr & Myers, there learning the trade of a job printer. Subsequently he entered the news room of the Pittsburg Post and acquainted himself with newspaper printing. As he progressed in his chosen field of labor he became imbued with the desire to thoroughly acquaint himself with newspaper publication in every particular and therefore turned his at- tention to reportorial work, in which connection he entered the editorial rooms of the Daily Post under Joseph S. Lare, managing editor. As in the other fields of labor to which he had turned his attention, he proved him- self capable and efficient, becoming recognized as a good reporter. During all this time his earnings did not reach twenty-five dollars a week but he was saving his money in order that he might eventually embark in business on his own account.
Thinking that perhaps the west would offer still wider opportunity, William D. Briekell went to Indianapolis and afterward to St. Louis, where he readily secured reportorial work, being employed on the St. Louis Dem- ocrat under the distinguished Joseph B. McCullagh, one of the renowned newspaper men of that day. While in St. Louis, Mr. Brickell learned through a want ad, in the Cincinnati Enquirer, of a newspaper opening in Columbus and, hoping to improve the opportunity here afforded, he made his way at once to this city and became one of the proprietors of the Colum- bus Evening Dispatch in association with L. D. Myers. The enterprise, de-
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termination and capable management which were infused into the new en- terprise, soon made it a great success. It was only after he had reduced his hopes and ambitions to practical shape that he asked for and readily re- ceived a loan-for he would not think of taking money on any other terms -thus securing a sum sufficient to place the Dispatch on a substantial paying basis. This was probably the first really successful Columbus newspaper pub- lished here subsequent to the '502. The partnership with Mr.Myers continued until that gentleman was made postmaster, when Mr. Brickell became sole owner of the paper. He made a number of changes, including the publi- cation of a Sunday edition, begun in 1898. In time the Dispatch became the recognized leader among the afternoon dailies in the west. Mr. Brickell thus demonstrated his power and ability as a business man. It has often been contended that the youth who is born to wealth is handicapped in the race of life but careful analysis will indicate that advantages or the lack of them need be no bar to advancement. It depends upon the individual and his willingness and power to apply the innate talents which are his. Mr. Brickell gave proof of the fact that within himself lay the capability of achieving prosperity and distinction in a chosen field of endeavor and while connected with the Columbus Dispatch he was made a director of the Asso- ciated Press-the only Columbus man ever so honored. He wa- reelected for a second term but only served three years. Several years ago he dis- posed of his newspaper interests and is now. engaged in looking after his investments. He is the owner of the Ruggery building and also purchased the building that formerly honsed the Columbus Dispatch.
The extent and importance of his investments are indicated somewhat in the fact that he is the director of the State Savings Bank & Trust Com- pany, the City Deposit Bank and the Central National Bank, is president of the Iron Clay Brick Company, of the Columbus, New Albany & Johns- town Traction Company and the Columbus Casualty Company. Mr. Brick- ell is also an active force in the Columbus Board of Trade and his enthusi- asın and work have for years been potent elements in whatever has for its object the advancement and increasing importance of Columbus. While much of his time and attention, for a period at least, will be taken up with his Pittsburg interests. he intends that Columbus shall be his place of resi- denee and his cooperation in all of her progressive publie movements con- stitutes an important feature in her advancement. He seeks her prestige, and his influence and active labors have contributed to her upbuilding.
J. A. BURGOYNE, M.D.
Dr. Burgoyne, who for twelve years has been physician for the deaf and dumb institution at Columbus and is also serving on the staff of Grant Hospital in addition to attending to the daily duties of a general prac- tice. was born in Steubenville, Ohio, January 15. 1872. His father. Dr. W. R. Burgoyne, was a native of Ohio and a member of an old Virginia family.
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Hle was graduated from Miami Medical College and has devoted his entire life to the practice of medicine, securing a liberal practice in Steubenville, where he has long made his home. He is prominent in community affairs there and has held local offices in the city. He married Miss Elizabeth Attig, a native of Ohio.
Educated in the schools of Steubenville, Dr. Burgoyne was graduated from the high school and his professional training was obtained in the Star- ling-Ohio Medical College, where he completed his course by graduation in 1895. He afterward spent one year in the Long Island Hospital at Brooklyn, New York, subsequently returning to Columbus, since which time he has con- tinued in the general practice of medicine in this city. His ability has been demonstrated in the excellent results which have attended his efforts to re- lieve suffering and restore health, and his fellow practitioners regard him as an able physician, while the public gives to him a good business. As stated, he has served for twelve years as physician for the deaf and dumb asylum and is a member of the Grant Hospital staff. He also belongs to the Column- bus Academy of Medicine, the State Medical Society and the National Medi- cal Association. His fraternal interests are with Goodale lodge, A. F. & A. M., and with the Knights of Pythias. Attractive social qualities make him popu- lar and he has gained many friends during the period of his residence in the capital.
CLARENCE M. ADDISON.
Clarence M. Addison, a leading member of the Columbus bar, young, strong and forcible, his ability enabling him to make continued progress in a direction where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit, was born in Morgan county, Ohio, November 14, 1872, and is a son of Edward and Clara ( Wisehart) Addison, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was a blacksmith by trade. At the time of the Civil war he put aside business and personal considerations and served bravely and creditably throughout the period of hostilities.
In the public schools Clarence M. Addison began his education, continu- ing his studies until he became a pupil in the Rendville high school. He then engaged in teaching for three years and thus being. through his own effort. financially able to enter the Ohio State University, he became a stu- dent in that institution and was graduated from the literary department in 1896 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. Continuing as a student there in the law department he won the Bachelor of Law degree on his graduation with the class of 1900, and the same year was admitted to practice. While preparing for the bar as a student in the state university, he also taught French and German in the Central high school for four years. He is, in the exact sense of the word. a self-made and self-educated man who, depend- ing upon his own resources from an early age, has developed his powers and capacity to a large degree, his ability making him recognized as one of the
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forceful factors in professional circles and in public life. He began the prac- tice of his profession in connection with his two brothers, Lewis G. and Arthur E. Addison, and is now a member of the firm of Addison, Links & Babcock, one of the leading law firms of the capital, Mr. Addison easily ranking with the distinguished lawyers of the city. His material fortune, when he left the farm, consisted of his clothing and fifty cents,-money which he had himself earned. His determination and energy. however, were unlimited and they carried him into important professional relations, for the law firm of which he is now the head has today an extensive and distinctly representative clientage. The court records attest his success in the handling of many important and complex legal problems and he has made for himself the reputation of being most thorough in the preparation of his cases, while in argument he shows a keen analytical power, resulting in logical conclusions.
On the 17th of June, 1901, Mr. Addison was married to Miss Gertrude Nichol, a daughter of F. H. Nichol, a prominent contractor of Columbus, and their home is brightened by the presence of two sons, Roger and Hugh. Mr. Addison is a member of the Delta Tau Delta, a college fraternity. He was secretary of the board of public works during Mayor Hinkle's adminis- tration, and served as first assistant director of law under George D. Jones. The honors and emoluments of office, however, have had little attraction for him, as he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his private practice which is continually growing in volume and importance.
C. T. OKEY. M.D.
Dr. C. T. Okey, who for eleven years has been a representative of the medical fraternity in Columbus, was born in Caldwell, Ohio, March 5, 1870. His father, F. G. Okey, was a native of Noble county, Ohio, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1906, when he was seventy-eight years of age. For many years he condneted business as a druggist, thus providing for the support of his family, while in the community where he lived he gained recognition as one of the reliable and enterprising merchants. He married Miss Minerva Myers, a native of Ohio, who died in 1906, at the age of sixty- nine years.
Dr. Okey was a pupil in the public schools of Caldwell prior to entering Marietta College, where he pursued his literary education, being graduated in 1892. Ile received his professional training in the Starling Medical College, being numbered among its alumni of 1896. Twelve years later he opened an office in Columbus for the general practice of medicine, having devoted the intervening two years after his graduation to service as interne in Mt. Carmel Hospital. He now gives his time and energy to the duties of a general prac- tice and is assistant surgeon in the Starling-Ohio Medical College. He also lectures before the Nurses School of Mt. Carmel Hospital and he gains knowl- edge and inspiration through his attendance at the meetings of the Academy of Medicine, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
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DR. C. T. OKEY
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THENEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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Dr. Okey is well known in Masonic circles and is a worthy exemplar of the craft, having many opportunities to use its basic principles of brotherly kindness and helpfulness in his practice. He now belongs to the lodge of Co- lumbus, has taken the thirty-third degree of the Scottish Rite and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. The substantial qualities of his manhood, his citizenship and his professional skill have gained him the warm regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
CHARLES S. GLENN.
Prominent among the pioneer business men of Columbus was Charles S. Glenn, who occupied a place of distinction in journalistic fields. Throughout the greater part of his business career he devoted his time and energies to newspaper interests in this city, being the owner and publisher of the Columbus Gazette. He was only about four years of age when the family arrived in the capital in 1838 and the remainder of his life was here passed, so that he was well known to the citizens of Columbus, who recog- nized in him a man of genuine publie spirit and of high personal worth.
His birth occurred in Rising Sun, Indiana, September 23, 1834, his parents being Alexander and Hannah (Scott) Glenn, both of whom were natives of the cast, the latter's birth occurring in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania. Removing westward, Alexander Glenn settled at Rising Sun, In- diana, where was engaged in the printing business until 1838, whe he re- moved with his family to Columbus and was again engaged in the publish- ing business, so continuing throughout the remainder of his life. He published what was known as the Ark, and the Odd Fellow's Magazine, and also conducted a general printing and publishing establishment, being one of the carly and well known representatives of the business here. Colum- bus was but a small town when the family settled here and Mr. Glenn con- tributed in substantial measure to its upbuilding and progress both through his business interests and the cooperation which he gave to movements of general benefit. Both he and his wife spent their last days here.
Charles S. Glenn was educated in a private school and the liberal ad- vantages afforded him in that direction enabled him to lay a good foundation for his subsequent mental development and business activity. Putting aside his text-books. he worked in his father's office, learning the printer's trade in principle and detail. When a young man he left home and went to Washington, D. C., obtaining a position as a compositor in the office of the Washington Globe. There he remained until 1856, when he returned to Columbus and that year purchased the Columbus Gazette from its former owner. Mr. Scott. For two decades he remained at the head of this paper and through that period made the Gazette the champion of many measures which have proven effective and beneficial in promoting public progress. Moreover. he published a paper which received the endorsement of the best class of citizens. It was free from all sensational methods, largely promi-
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nent at the present time, and on the contrary was devoted to the dissemina- tion of general and local news and to the championship of the best inter- ests of the city. In addition to the publication of the paper Mr. Glenn con- ducted a job printing establishment and his work in that department was always of an artistic and attractive nature.
Mr. Glenn was married in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Miss Sallie A. Gorrell, a native of Ohio and the daughter of Zadok and Eliza (Beatty) Gorrell, both of whom were natives of Maryland but resided in Wheeling, West Virginia, the greater part of their lives. The father was a millwright by trade and conducted business along that line. Both he and his wife died in Wheeling. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Glenn were born seven children: Fannie S., now the principal of the Michigan Avenue school, who resides at home; Theodore E., of Columbus, a member of the firm of Spahr & Glenn, printers and stationers at 50 East Broad street; Jessie L., a teacher in the Eastwood school, who also resides at home; Daisy, wife of W. F. Hunter, a farmer residing near Lockbourne, Ohio; Charles C., secretary of the Per- cheron Registry Company, and residing at Westerville, this county; Carrie, the wife of Albert P. Pierce, residing at East Orange, New Jersey; and James S., proprietor of a farm near Columbus and engaged in the coal business in Columbus, also making his home with his mother. Mrs. Kath- erine Yearick, a relative, also makes her home with Mrs. Glenn. She is the widow of Samuel Yearick, who was one of the first settlers of Columbus and a very prominent citizen. He, too, was engaged in the printing busi- ness in this place for several years and was a man of considerable influence, his opinions proving an element in molding public thought and policy. For one term he represented his district in the state legislature. He passed away in Columbus and is still survived by his widow who, at the age of eighty-seven, is extremely active for one of her years.
The death of Mr. Glenn occurred May 16, 1875, at the old family homestead at No. 340 East Town street. It was one of the first residences erected on that street and has been recently torn down. For many years it stood as one of the old landmarks of the city, a silent witness of the changes that occurred and of the growth going on around it transforming the village, in which it was built, into an enterprising metropolitan circle.
Mr. Glenn lived to witness a marked transformation in Columbus and no man was more thoroughly in sympathy or in touch with the advance- ment that was carried on during the period of his residence here. For fourteen years he served as secretary of the Franklin County Agricultural Society and at all times he gave hearty aid and support to every measure calculated to benefit the community. In politics he was a stalwart repub- lican, while socially he was connected with Magnolia Lodge. F. & A. M., Mt. Vernon Commandery. No. 1, K. T., the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Red Men, all of this city. He also belonged to the First Methodist Episcopal church which was known in pioneer times as the Town Street church. For many years he served as one of its trustees, always taking deep and helpful interest in the various church activities. His life was in consistent harmony with his religious professions, and all who knew
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