History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; their past and present, Part 137

Author: Nelson, S.B., Cincinnati
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Cincinnati : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1592

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JACKSON TURPIN, leaf tobacco broker, at No. 87 Water street, Cincinnati, was born at Richmond, Va., October 26, 1847, son of Miles and Rebecca M. (Garthnight) Turpin, natives of Henrico county, Va., where their ancestors resided for some gen- erations. This family numbers five children: Lelia, wife of Larkin Willis, farmer and merchant at Locustville, Madison Co., Va. ; Jackson; Bettie F., wife of Dr. W. W. Dickis, of Alabama; Rebecca; Mary B., widow of the late Robert B. Turpin, of Richmond.

Jackson Turpin was educated in the private schools of his native county, and at Locust Dale Academy, Virginia. His father's firm, Turpin & Yarbrough, was one of the oldest tobacco manufacturing firms in Richmond, and with this house he learned the tobacco business. After the dissolution of the firm of Turpin & Yarbrough, Miles Turpin, father of our subject, became partner with E. S. Turpin, conducting business under the firm name of Turpin & Brother. and he became superintendent of their factory. Subsequent to the Civil war Turpin & Brother purchased the building known as "Castle Thunder," which they occupied until its destruction by fire; though one of the oldest and best established tobacco firms in Richmond, they became involved in the failures of others, and deemed it best to go into liquidation, although urged by creditors to continue business. By the death of J. B. Royster, a vacancy existed in the office of city auditor, to which the senior Mr. Turpin was appointed by the city council. At the ensuing election there were two opposing candidates in the field, but he was elected by a majority of seven hundred, and continued in office until he died, January 20, 1893, at the age of seventy seven. He was a resident of Richmond sixty five years, and a prominent member of the Baptist Church in that city. After the suspension of his father's firm Jackson Tur- pin conducted business individually at Richmond until 1888, when he came to Cin- cinnati. Here he has enjoyed continuous prosperity, and conducts a steadily- increasing business. He lived at Covington, Ky., until December, 1892, when he moved to his present residence at Norwood. On May 25, 1871, he married Susan Latane, daughter of A. J. and Ann (Latane) Clopton, natives of Virginia, and of English and French descent. To this union eight children have been born: Annie Latane, Miles, Edward C., Jackson, Susan B., Marshall, Julia, and Brantley. The

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family is connected with the Baptist Church, and Mr. Turpin is a Democrat in politics.

FREDERICK WILLIAM DOHRMANN, senior member of the firm of F. W. Dohrmann & Son, tobacco brokers, Cincinnati, was born in Bremen, Germany, July 23, 1834, and is a son of Frederick William and Margaret (Knoop) Dohrmann. In his fath- er's family there were three children, of whom he is the only survivor. His brother, Henry, who was a member of the firm of Frederick Delius & Son, one of the largest tobacco importers of Europe, died in 1876. Many of his maternal relatives reside in and about Bremen, and are the possessors of great wealth; among them may be mentioned Baron Julius Knoop.

Mr. Dohrmann was educated in his native country, and at the age of sixteen years emigrated to America. He located at New Orleans, where he found employ- ment as clerk in a commission house, and there he remained, engaged in various pursuits, until 1859, when he came to the Green river district, in central Kentucky. Here he engaged in business, at first representing New Orleans parties, and later for himself, until 1873, when he came to Cincinnati. His first place of business was on the northeast corner of Front and Vine streets, and in 1892 he removed to his present location, at No. 80 Race street. The business of the firm has steadily increased, until it is now one of the largest and most progressive in the Cincinnati market, having the largest export trade. This is largely due to the fact that in 1872, again in 1883, and the last time in 1885, Mr. Dohrmann, while traveling in Europe, visited many of the largest European tobacco markets, thus establishing the greater confidence of his patrons by personal acquaintance. The firm deals in Barley leaf tobacco, which is grown in what is known as "The Mason County Dis- trict," and also in Ohio seed leaf, grown in the Ohio valley.

Mr. Dohrmann was married in New Orleans, July 28, 1854, to Miss Mary Seipel, also a native of Bremen, and this union has been blessed with three children: Will- jam F., who succeeded the late William G. Morris as auctioneer for the Globe Tobacco Warehouse Syndicate, was married June 5, 1893, to Miss Natalia Bloch, of Clarksville, Tenn .; Louis F. is engaged in the seed-leaf tobacco business at Greenville, Ohio; Theodore S., who engaged in business with his father in 1885, was married December 5, 1893, to Miss Lelia Sample, of Covington, Ky. The last- named gentleman is a fine sketch artist, though he never took a lesson in the art, in which he indulges only as a source of amusement and recreation outside of busy hours. His associates are frequently surprised at finding themselves sketched true to life in some of their most ordinary positions, in the act of sampling, selling, buy- ing, or bidding on sales or elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Dohrmann and sons have a natural talent for music, to the cultivation of which they have given sufficient atten- tion to reach a fair degree of proficiency. Mr. Dohrmann is a member of the F. & A. M., a Knight Templar, and 32° Scottish Rite Mason; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F., and is independent in his political views. He formerly resided in Hartwell, Ohio, but at present has his home in Covington, Kentucky.

CHARLES E. TABB, tobacco inspector, office Front and Vine streets, residence Broadway and Fourth streets, Cincinnati, was born at Dover, Mason Co., Ky., in January, 1843. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, after which for six years he was deputy sheriff of Mason county, which position he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. In 1865 he embarked in the manufacturing business as a manufacturer of plows for the southern market, in which line he continued for ten years, meeting with good success. With busi- ness-like propensity, he in 1875 went into business as a dealer in tobacco and stock, in which he continued nine years, or until he was appointed tobacco inspector for the Cincinnati market in 1866, a position which he holds to this date. His affabil- ity and genial way have won for him numerous friends. He married, December 4, 1872, Miss Katie C., daughter of Lambert and Louisa (Cooper) Nowland, who were

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natives of Maryland and Kentucky, respectively. One child blessed this union, Katherine C.

Our subject is a Democrat in his political views, and in religious faith he and his family are Methodists. His father, William E. Tabb, was a native of Kentucky, and conducted a mercantile business in Mason county. He was married four times, and was the father of twelve children, four of whom survive. His first wife died withont issue; his second wife, Sarah Evans, mother of our subject, died in Decem- ber, 1845; his third wife, Amanda Elerod, was the mother of I. F. Tabb, merchant, of Mount Sterling, Kentucky, and Ruth, wife of John Pied, farmer, of Bourbon county, Ky. ; his last wife, Mary Metcalf, is the mother of Hattie Tabb Bassit, of Montgomery county, Ky. William E. Tabb died in 1889.

WILLIAM C. BLADES, of the firm of Tabb & Blades, tobacco inspectors of the Cincinnati market, was born near Dover, Mason Co., Ky., in August, 1841, and is the son of William and Amanda (Gates) Blades, natives of Kentucky. The Blades family were originally from Maryland, and the Gates family were early settlers in Kentucky, both being of early English origin. His father was a farmer and reared a family of five children, three of whom are living: William C .; Frank, of Sterling, Kans, and Azalia, Mrs. William Gash, of Rice county, Kansas.

Mr. Blades received his education in the public schools of Bracken county, Ky., and afterward found employment in a dry-goods store at Monroe City, Mo., where he remained two and one-half years. He then served four years in the Confederate army under Gen. Price, and in November, 1865, came to Cincinnati, where he found employment as slipping clerk in the office of J. T. Sullivan & Bro., later becoming . bookkeeper, and remaining with that firm in all four years. He then accepted a similar position in the office of B. F. Power, well-known in the tobacco market of Cincinnati, where he remained until 1878. He then engaged in the leaf tobacco trade, and followed same until 1888, when he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Blades was married, October 4, 1870, to Miss Minnie, daughter of John and Abbie (Sullivan) Gates, natives of Mason county, Ky. This wife died March 16, 1888. Mr. Blades was married, the second time, June 12. 1893, to Miss Rosa J. Rabb, in Chicago. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South of Covington, where he resides. He is a member of the Knights Templar, and politically is a Democrat.

F. A. PRAGUE, of the firm of Prague & Matson, tobacco dealers, witli establish- ments in Cincinnati and Covington, was born in Maryland, January 18, 1837, and is the son of E. T. Prague. His father, who is a farmer, removed to Ohio, and settled near Glendale, where he and his wife still reside. Of his father's children, six reached majority, and three are living, F. A. being the eldest.

Our subject began his education under private instructors at home, completing it at Farmers' College. In 1885 he took a position as clerk in the office of Fosdick & Foulds, commission merchants, Cincinnati, where he remained until the dissolu- tion of the firm a year later. He then entered the employ of Thomas H. Foulds, who continued the business, and in 1858 became a partner of his former employer, with whom he remained two years, dealing in grain and agricultural implements. In 1860 Mr. Prague went to Memphis, Tenn., and engaged in the cotton and pro- duce business, but a year later returned to the North and operated a flourmill in Covington, Ky., for two years. He then succeeded Smith Ford in the manufacture of plug tobacco in Cincinnati, which he followed until 1868, when he became the assignee of J. T. Sullivan & Company, proprietors of the Kenton Tobacco Ware- house of Covington, of which (B. F.) Power & (F. A.) Prague subsequently became owners, continuing until 1871, when Mr. Prague was selected as inspector of the Cincinnati market. He served in that responsible position with entire satisfaction for eight years, and declined re-election, whereupon the present firm was established. Mr. Prague was married, in April, 1863, to Miss Mary Edna, eldest daughter of Dr.

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R. Pretlow, of Covington. They have one child, Bettie. Mr. Prague is a Demo- crat in his political views, a bosom friend of John G. Carlisle, and has served his city as president of the council and board of education, member of the board of police commissioners and water works, serving in the latter capacity for over twenty- five years. He is a member of the Commercial Club, of Cincinnati, a director of the Cincinnati and Ohio Bridge Company, and is also director of the City National and Covington Trust Company.

WILLIAM D. SPALDING, agent for Spalding & Merrick, of Chicago, was born September 14, 1841, in Maysville, Ky., son of Daniel and Matilda (Campbell). Spalding, natives of Nova Scotia and Virginia, and of English and Scotch origin. His father manufactured cigars and twist tobacco, and for years sold his product by wagon throughout Ohio and Kentucky. He moved from Maysville to Lonisville, Ky., in 1849, and now resides there, at the age of eighty-two. His wife died in 1887, at the age of seventy-six. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living.

William D. Spalding received his education at public and private schools in Louisville, where he began his business career as a clerk in a bookstore, where he remained one year. He was then associated with his brother, in the handling of plug tobacco, at Evansville, and in the leaf tobacco business with his father, at Louisville. In the fall of 1875 he came to Cincinnati, as buyer for Spalding & Merrick, of Chicago, whom he has since represented in this capacity. The bulk of tobacco manufactured by this firm consists of Burley leaf, and is purchased in the Cincinnati market by Mr. Spalding, who is recognized as one of the leading tobacco-

nists of this city. He has several times been honored with the presidency of tlie Association of Cincinnati Tobacco Trade. Mr. Spalding was married, September 8, 1864, to Melville M., daughter of Amos P. and Almyra S. Parker, of Louisville, Ky., and of this union eight children have been born, five of whom are living: Richard Young, Almyra P., Mellie C., Lee M. and Irving D. Those deceased are Lawrence F., William D. and Charles L. Richard Y. was one of the best known tobacco auctioneers of Cincinnati and Louisville (Ky.), but resigned at the latter place May 1, 1894, to accept a position as resident buyer in the Cincinnati Leaf Tobacco for the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co., of St. Louis, Mo., the most extensive plug tobacco manufacturers in the world; although but twenty-nine years of age he is filling a very responsible position. His purchases in this market for The Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. will amount to something near 10,000 hogsheads yearly. He acquired his first experience in the business in his father's office, and was subse- quently employed with the Cincinnati tobacco inspectors. The family is connected with Trinity Episcopal Church, of Covington, in which Mr. Spalding has been ves- tryman four years. He is also connected with the I. O. O. F., and is a Democrat in his political affiliations.

CLAY C. RUNYAN, dealer in cigars and tobacco at No. 106 John street, was born in Cincinnati May 14, 1842, the only son of George W. and Sarah (Hoffner) Run- yan, natives of New Jersey and Maryland, respectively, the former of whom was a. descendant of the La Boiteaux family, of historical renown. They were married at Mt. Pleasant, Hamilton county, and at an early day settled in Cincinnati, where for many years he followed the vocation of contractor, carpenter and builder, erecting many of the largest buildings in Cincinnati. He was councilman several terms, and served two terms in the Legislature; he was also commissary-general under Gov. Dennison, and fed the first soldiers coming to Cincinnati during the Civil war. He died August 7, 1871, his wife June 15, 1858. They had three children: Emma, Mrs. E. B. French, of Cincinnati; Clay C., our subject, and Adda, who died February 15, 1845.

Clay C. Runyan received a good common-school education, and was one of the first pupils who attended the intermediate schools of Cincinnati. He afterward

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attended Kenyon College. Gambier, Ohio. Returning to Cincinnati he enlisted, April 17, 1861, in the " Woodward Guards," Company D, Second Kentucky Regi- ment, which was made up of pupils and graduates of the old Woodward High School, and first saw active service at Barboursville, W. Va., against Jenkin's Cavalry. His command was soon afterward transferred to the army of the Ohio, and later to the army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Rosecrans. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Peach Tree Creek, Stone River (serving as chief of conriers on the staff of Gen. John M. Palmer at this time), Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Mis- sion Ridge, Dalton, Buzzard's Roost, and Resaca. He was honorably discharged in June, 1865, and returned with his regiment to Cincinnati. He then entered the employ of John Deters & Company, wholesale manufacturers of shoes, as shipping clerk, being employed later in a general store at Taswell, Tenn., and afterward at Knoxville. In 1868 he went on the Ohio river as steamboat clerk, and.followed the river in that capacity until August, 1875, when he was given charge of the wharf boat at Golconda, Ill. In 1877 a stroke of paralysis ended his business career, and compelled him to abandon his duties and return to Cincinnati. In 1887 he embarked in the cigar and tobacco business at his present location. In religion the family are Universalists. Politically he is Republican. In 1874 he served as a guard at the workhouse under Ira Wood; at present he is judge of elections in Precinct D, Eighteenth Ward, and has for four years served as special under John H. Simmons, U. S. M., S. D. O. For twelve years he has been connected with the official work of the Cincinnati Music Hall. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias, the Grand Army of the Republic, and the I. O. O. F.

JOHN L. HITE, of the firm of Hite & Heizer, dealers in and dryers of tobacco, was born in Higginsport, Brown Co., Ohio, March 25, 1843, son of James M., and Eliz- abeth H. Hite, natives, respectively, of Westmoreland county, Va., and Ohio. They are the parents of six sons and five daughters, and nine of their children are living. James M. Hite being a merchant, the subject of this sketch began his business career as clerk in his store. He came to Cincinnati in 1864, and clerked in a hard- ware store three years. In 1867, he engaged in the tobacco business on Front street, in partnership with his father. He assumed individual control of the busi- ness in 1868, and so conducted it until 1890, when he admitted Joseph B. Heizer as a partner. Since 1891 their place of business has been No. 25 Vine street, instead of Nos. 67-69 West Front street, as formerly. The business of the firm consists in buy- ing from country dealers, and selling at wholesale in the Cincinnati and other mar- kets. Mr. Hite resides at No. 200 Dayton street. On September 14, 1869, he mar- ried Emma E., daughter of Robert Walker, of Cincinnati, and one child has been born to this union.

CHRISTIAN MOERLEIN, brewer, Cincinnati, son of Conrad Moerlein, was born in Truppach, Bavaria, May 13, 1818. He attended the village school until he was thirteen years old, when he commenced life by learning blacksmithing and farming with his father, obtaining also an insight into the brewing business. He followed these occupations until he was eighteen years of age, when he started out as a journeyman blacksmith, and continued to follow that trade for five years, receiving a Prussian dollar per week and board. He was anxious to get married, but found it impos- sible to support a wife on such meager wages, and was sorely perplexed. He thought of the United States, and was desirous of getting there, but his means were so small that he could barely clothe himself. In this emergency his father offered him one hundred guilders, or about forty dollars of our money, and he started for Bremen on foot, with a knapsack and kit of tools on his back, so that he could sup- port himself on the way by working a day or two occasionally. In this way he reached Bremen, footsore and weary after his tramp of three hundred miles, on St. John's day. After waiting three weeks, during which time he obtained work at his trade, he sailed on the ship "Rebecca " for Baltimore, where he arrived after a

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tempestuous voyage of fifty-eight days. His capital on landing consisted of just twelve dollars, out of which he paid eight dollars for his passage by canal and rail to Pittsburgh. Finding no work he started on foot for Wheeling. At Hendrys- burg. Belmont Co., Ohio, he obtained employment at seven dollars per month with board, these wages being gradually increased until he received fifteen dollars per month. In 1842 he went to Wheeling, and thence to Cincinnati, where he found work at fifty cents a day digging a cellar, but his board costing one half this sum, he had but little left. He soon found work at his trade, however, and continued at it until October of the same year, when he commenced business for himself on Find- lay street. In 1843 he was married to Miss Sophia Adams, a lady from Strasburg, France. Trade prospering with him he soon after bought a dwelling house and lot on Elm street, and erected a small shop on the same premises, where he developed a business in the course of ten years requiring from six to ten journeymen. During the cholera season of 1849 he lost his wife, who left him three children, one of them dying the same year, and another in 1853. John survived, grew up and became a great help to his father. He was married again in the fall of 1849 to Miss Barbara Och, also a native of Bavaria, and nine children blessed this union, seven of whom are still living.

Having sold out his blacksmithing business in 1853, Mr. Moerlein formed a part- nership with Adam Dillman. and built a small brewery on the same lot where the blacksmith shop stood. They sold their first beer March 1, 1854, and in the following May, Mr. Dillman dying, he conducted the business alone about one month, and then formed a partnership with Conrad Windisch. Business steadily increased until it assumed large proportions. In September, 1866, he purchased the interest of his partner for $130,000, and made further improvements for the enlargement of the business. His success and prosperity will be found fully described in the chapter on manufactures. In 1873 he was elected one of the trustees of the water works, and was re-elected. His success in accumulating an ample fortune, after his humble beginning, is an example of what young men may accomplish in this country, when they bring to their task industry, frugality and high integrity of purpose.

JOHN HAUCK. Among the German citizens of Cincinnati, who by their own ex- ertions have not only achieved a highly enviable position in the commercial world, but at the same time have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the com- munity, Mr. John Hauck, president of the "John Hauck Brewing Company," stands without a peer.

Mr. Hauck was born August 20, 1829, in Muelhofen, Bergzabern, Bavaria. His father was a farmer, and, though not wealthy, was in fair circumstances. During a happy childhood in the home of his parents young "Johann" received his first education in the village school, the teacher of which took a great liking to the tal- ented boy. His school years ending at the time of his confirmation, the youth aided his father in his agricultural pursuits. Mr. Hauck was one of the few fortu- nates who, by drawing " a high number," got free from military service, for at that time it was possible to escape this necessity, now inevitable in the whole German Empire, in the manner mentioned, or, if rich enough, by buying a substitute. Young Hauck at that time was but twenty-two years old, but his mind had grown in a proportion far beyond the narrow, though pleasant, conditions surrounding him. Relatives and friends who had gone to America had sent glowing descrip. tions of the " promised land," and soon the young man made up his mind that he too should try his luck in the New World. Though his parents at first opposed this resolution, the young man finally prevailed, and began his voyage to New Orleans, January 24, 1852, on board the sailing vessel "Chesapeake." Mr. Hauck did not tarry long in New Orleans, however, but came to Cincinnati, where his uncle, Mr. Herancourt, owned a brewery, and it was here he found his first occupation in his

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adopted country. His sojourn in this city was not of long duration. He wanted to see the world, so he traveled east. In Philadelphia he found a position in a brew- ery, where he remained one year to improve his knowledge in this line of business. Upon the urgent request of his uncle he returned to Cincinnati, where he was gladly received and given an important position. Mr. Hauck was a man of efficiency and of a practical turn of mind, and understood so well the necessities of Mr. Heran- court's business, that he soon became quite indispensable to him.

Mr. Hauck was married, May 15, 1858, to Miss Katherine Billiod, and soon after accepted a situation as brewing master in the Lafayette Brewery, of which his father-in-law, Mr. Billiod, was proprietor. This position he filled for more than four years and then, in 1863, associated himself with Mr. John Ulrich Windisch, also a practical brewer, establishing the firm of Hauck & Windisch, the brewery of which was built on Dayton street. The excellent quality of the beer brewed in that estab- lishment soon won a prominent name for the young firm, and their products found a ready market. To satisfy the constantly growing demand they were obliged to enlarge the capacity of their brewery by increasing the number of their cellars and by erecting additions to their buildings from year to year, until finally they had fin- ished the present gigantic establishment. Their capacity, which in 1869 was about forty thousand barrels a year, had grown in 1881 to nearly four times that amount. In 1876 Mr. Hauck, by an unfortunate fall, received a very painful and dangerous injury, a compound fracture of his ankle which confined him to his bed for a long time. Mr. Windisch dying in 1879, Mr. Hauck bought the interest of his deceased partner for $550,000; this immense sum gives some idea of the considerable value which the property represented at that time, and the transaction was the largest that had ever taken place in the recorder's office of Hamilton county. Up to the year 1881 Mr. Hauck managed the business of the brewery in his own name, and then organized a stock company, under the present title, the officers of which are: John Hauck, president; P. W. J. Hauck, vice-president, and Fred J. Werner, secretary.

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History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; their past and present, Part 137

Author: Nelson, S.B., Cincinnati Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Cincinnati : S. B. Nelson Number of Pages: 1592

Author: Nelson, S.B., Cincinnati
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Cincinnati : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1592