History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; their past and present, Part 75

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

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DANIEL JAMES FALLIS, late president of the Merchants National Bank of Cincin- nati, and also vice-president (for Ohio) of the National Bankers' Association of America, was born near Fredericksburg, Fauquier Co., Va., August 19, 1809. The place of his nativity abounds in historic associations. His father's mills stood upon Deep run, about two miles from the Rappahannock river. The northern limit of the Union army rested at that place at the time of the battle of the Rappahannock. While the war was in progess, Mr. Fallis took a thrilling interest in the bloody drama as it was enacted around the home of his childhood.

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HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

He was descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry. His great-great-grandfather pre- sided at a manufacturers' meeting in Dublin in 1698, for which he was compelled to sell his glass manufactory to a pauper to avoid ruinous taxation, and finally was executed for treason. In the same year his great-grandfather, Thomas Fallis, came to the American colonies, and landed in Philadelphia. Nine days after his arrival George Fallis (Daniel's grandfather) was born. Remaining there twenty-three years, they migrated to Virginia where they purchased a landed estate in Stafford county, adjoining that on which lived Gen. Washington. There was a community of Quakers in that vicinity to which the Fallises belonged, owing to which fact he was a noncombatant during the Revolution. George Fallis was personally acquainted with and a friend of Gen. Washington, and, knowing him to be a man of prayer, and hearing of the sufferings of the Continental soldiers, he wrote letters of sympathy, offering to render him any services (except bearing arms) in his power for the relief of his army. Much of his property, consisting of farms, was sold for the purpose of raising money to make his offers good. At one time the Continental money on hand arising from such sales amounted to $101,000, and after the war, when it was supposed to be worthless, it was burned. In 1797 Thomas Fallis (son of George) married Mary James, and of the eight children born to them Daniel James was the sixth. He remained in Virginia until 1824, when he followed two uncles to Wilmington, Ohio. There he was employed in a store until 1826, when he went to Greenfield, same State, and engaged temporarily in the store of W. & S. E. Hibben, with a view to removing with that firm to Hillsboro, Ohio, which took place in April of that year. He remained with that firm until about the close of the year 1829. His first visit to Cincinnati took place in November of that year, for the purpose of purchasing goods for the firm. In 1830 he engaged as clerk in the office of Hon. John Smith, who was then treasurer of that county and also had a store. At the end of the first year August 31, 1831, he became a partner of his employer, and the new firm of Smith & Fallis continued four years. He then engaged in the business of merchandising alone for two years. In 1836 be formed a partnership with Thomas Barry, the firm of Fallis & Barry continuing until 1840 when Mr. Fallis sold out to Mr. Barry. In February, 1843, the firm of Fallis & Evans was formed, lasting until 1846 when Mr. Fallis sold his interest to his part- ner. After the lapse of a year or so he again entered into the business of merchan- dising, alone, and so continued until November, 1853, when he sold out preparatory to coming to Cincinnati. On July 17, 1854, he began the banking business in this city as head of the firm of Fallis, Brown & Company, No. 33 West Third street. In 1856-58 he bought his partners' interests and carried on the business as Fallis & Company until December. 1859, when the firm of Fallis, Young & Company was created, continued until 1865, and then merged into the Merchants National Bank, with a capital of $500,000. In August, 1867, this bank purchased the stock of the Ohio National Bank, thus increasing the capital stock to one million dollars. Of this bank Mr. Fallis was its only president until he tendered his resignation on his eiglity- second birthday August 19, 1891. He was, therefore, uninterruptedly in the bank- ing business over thirty-seven years, twenty-six years as president of the Mer- chants National Bank. He was the oldest banker in Cincinnati, who had steadily continued in the business, having passed safely through all the financial crises, never suspending or failing in order to meet the demands of his depositors and creditors. One of his partners, John Young, was a warm personal friend of Secre- tary Chase. From this arose the fact that Mr. Fallis' judgment was also invoked touching the financial measures of the government, and had great weight upon the public mind. And it was from this intelligent and unfaltering support of the lead- ing bankers of the nation, of whom Mr. Fallis was a representative, that the govern- ment, the Treasury Department, derived the wisdom and courage to take the steps which finally led to the crowning consummation of specie payment. The glory that

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surrounds the name of Chase and Sherman is none the less enduring because they were great financiers and not generals. These great secretaries, supported by their lieutenants, the representative bankers of the nation, their judgment and coopera- tion, commanded the revenues and inarshaled the resources that constituted the sinews of the war. Mr. Fallis was president of the Cincinnati Clearing House, an important institution which he and John W. Ellis, Esq. (now of New York City), were chiefly instrumental in organizing. Mr. Fallis was a stockholder, director and chairman of the executive committee of the pioneer iron establishment of Alabama, known as the Eureka Company; was director and president of the Western Tract Society of Cincinnati. Besides these interests he invested his capital in other enter- prises, which yielded profitable returns while they gave employment to many men.

On October 30, 1835, Mr. Fallis married Miss Ann Poage, a daughter of the late Gen. Poage, of Greenup county, Ky., and granddaughter of Col. George Poage who commanded under Gen. Washington at the siege of Yorktown. Of this union there were two children, a daughter, now Mrs. Charles G. Rodgers, and Hon. John T. Fallis, who was a member of the Cincinnati bar and represented Hamilton county in the Ohio legislature. From March, 1861, until his death, Mr. Fallis resided in Covington, Ky., in a beautiful home that has been the scene of hospitality, refine- ment and domestic happiness; but alas the Angel of Death hovered over it, and on May 7, 1893, the only and beloved son was taken from it. This was a very great shock to Mr. Fallis, and one from which he never recovered; yet he claimed to be sufficiently well to undertake a journey, so on the evening of June 7 (just one month after his son's death), he left home, but on the following morning was suddenly and fatally attacked with heart disease at Jamestown, N. Y., his sickness and death both occupying but a few minutes. His remains were brought home, and the funeral took place from the home he so much loved. Beside his son he was laid in High- land Cemetery, back of Covington, where a very handsome monument marks their resting place. At this writing Mrs. Fallis, with her devoted daughter, Mrs. Rodgers, occupies the old homestead. Mr. Fallis was most affectionate to his own, and his love for his daughter and her children was lovely to see. His only grandson, Howard S. Rodgers, a young electrician, has doubtless a bright future. He is now chief electrician of the Eddy Electrical Company, of Windsor, Conn. While Mr. Fallis was nearly eighty-four years old at the time of his death, his memory was wonder- ful and his judgment most excellent. His interest in the world at large, and espe- cially in his own country and in the church of his choice, had not abated as his years increased. In politics Mr. Fallis was first an Old-line Whig, then a Know-Nothing, finally an ardent Republican. At the age of nineteen he became a member of the Presbyterian Church, and for many years was one of its ruling elders. At the time of his death, and for many years previous, he was connected with the old First Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, and was its most able supporter. Mr. Fal- lis never hesitated to say that he owed his success in life to the Bible and its Author. These constituted the foundation of his character. Add to these experience, judg'- ment, quick perception, a fine moral sense, unquestioned integrity, and we have the main reasons for a business career which was as honorable as it was successful. Mr. Fallis was a very quiet man, and while pursuing his business he unostentatiously dispensed his large charities. The acquisition of wealth was not for his own sake, but from the beginning of his career was a noiseless, ever-widening stream passing continuously out into the world again through the various channels of the Church and charitable institutions.

ETHAN S. BATES was born August 26, 1813, near Cincinnati, and spent his boy- hood in the township where he was born. His father, Clark Bates, was born in Men- don, Mass., in 1778, and came to Cincinnati when he was eighteen years of age.

When our subject grew to manhood he engaged with Mr. Clearwater in the hog slaughtering business. Subsequently he associated himself in kindred business

Engraved by J R Rice & Sons, Philada

Soullis

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with George and Peter Bogen and John Marsh, under the firm name of Bogen, Bates & Marsh, and they continued in business until the beginning of the war. Mr. Bates was one of the projectors of Spring Grove Avenue, he becoming the presi- dent of the company. He was also a large stockholder in the Spring Grove Avenue Street Car Company, and as one of the directors took an active part in its management. For many years he was treasurer of Mill Creek township; and he was also identified with the new Cincinnati stock yards. In 1840 he married Miss Elizabeth Beresford, daughter of Samuel Beresford, and the union lasted until his death, which occurred October 21, 1891. For many years he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and he was recognized as one of the solid business men of the city, whose high sense of honor and integrity of purpose were never doubted.

WILLIAM GIBSON, born in Edinburgh, Scotland, November 20, 1827, came to Cin- cinnati with his parents in 1831. He was educated at the Woodward High School and Cincinnati College. In early life he formed a partnership for the manufacture of lead pipe with Andrew McCormick, under the firm name of McCormick, Gibson & Co., and continued in the business for twenty-seven years, retiring with a com- petency.

Mr. Gibson was a resident of Cincinnati for sixty years, and was distinguished throughout life as a philanthropic citizen, a successful business man of unswerving integrity, and undaunted energy, a kind husband and father, and a devoted son. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce he always took a deep interest in every- thing calculated to develop the trade of the city, and was greatly respected by his fellow members. He was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church and one of its trustees. After a brief illness he died November 14, 1891, in the sixty-fourth year of his age.

JOHN R. MORTON, Cincinnati, was born at Hatboro, Penn., a suburb of Philadel- phia, August 22, 1816, son of John Morton, who was a nephew of one of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. His parents were members of the Society of Friends, and his education included a course of study at the Friends' Academy at Reading, Pennslyvania.

When fifteen years of age he located at Sandusky, Ohio, and entered upon the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. George Morton, but not liking the profes- sion abandoned it to enter into business engagements, first at Coshocton and later at Zanesville. In 1835 he came to Cincinnati and entered a business house as book- keeper. Subsequently he was engaged with the banking firm of Ellis & Morton, and on the retirement of Rowland Ellis and William Morton, the house was reor- ganized under the firm name of John R. Morton & Co., great success attending the same until the panic of 1867, which caused its suspension. In 1869 Mr. Morton entered the service of the Chamber of Commerce in charge of the department of finances and accounts, under the official title of clerk, a position which he held until his death, November 4, 1891, a period of more than twenty-three years. He enjoyed the confidence and respect of the members of that body, as his services proved to be exceedingly valuable-his rare judgment in matters of finance secur- ing to the treasury funds which otherwise would not have been obtained. An expressive tribute to his memory was spread on the minutes, and a copy sent to his family.

JOSEPH RAWSON was born at Mendon, Mass., January 9, 1808, and came to Cin- cinnati in 1831. He found employment in the pork-packing establishment of Hart- shorn & Child, and in 1836 became a member of the firm, the title being Hartshorn, Cbild & Co. In 1856, the former partners retiring, the firm became Joseph Raw- son & Co., and still later Joseph Rawson & Sons. Mr. Rawson's career in this one line of business extended through the exceptionally long period of sixty years, dur- ing which time, by pluck, honesty and industry, he succeeded in rising from the position of clerk to that of a merchant prince. He was a member of the Chamber

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of Commerce from the time of its organization, and in various ways contributed largely to its prosperity. Although always declining official position, he wa's esteemed one of its most valuable and substantial members, and in 1887 the Cham- ber expressed its appreciation of his high character by conferring upon him the degree of honorary membership. He died, November 15, 1891, full of honors and of years. A memorial was spread upon the records of the Chamber, and a copy of same was sent to his family as an assurance of the high esteem in which he was held.

THOMAS G. ODIORNE, probably one of the oldest members of the Chamber of Com- merce at the time of his death, was born in 1804, came to Cincinnati from Boston in 1846, and engaged actively in the commission and shipping business. His sterling integrity and energy soon made him one of the leading merchants of the city. He was president of the Citizens' Insurance Company, and bringing to that institution rare ability as an underwriter, it prospered under his administration. In the begin- ning of the war he gave up his business interests to look after the wounded and sick in the army, giving his personal attention to the large number needing the kind ministration of his great heart; and as president of the Sanitary Committee for the relief of the suffering soldiers, he disbursed hundreds of thousands of dollars with fidelity and great care. He was a consistent and active Christian, devoted to his church all his life, and for many years was one of the executive officers of Kenyon College at Gambier, Ohio. He died November 16, 1891, in his eighty-eighth year. In his death the city lost an esteemed and highly respected citizen, and the Cham- ber of Commerce a member "whose integrity and fair dealing was the rule of his life."

JOHN CURREN, long a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati, was born April 2, 1837, at Middletown, County Armagh, Ireland. When but three' years of age his parents removed to Liverpool, England, and resided there until 1847,. when they immigrated to the United States, coming directly to Cincinnati on their arrival in this country.

After attending school two years young Curren heroically began the work of his life at the age of twelve years, by establishing a fruit and vegetable business which steadily grew in its proportions to the close of his life. In 1865 the firm became Coyle & Curren, and they soon erected a large store and warehouse on Front street, opposite the Suspension bridge, the partnership continuing very successfully until 1872, when Mr. Coyle died. After this Mr. Curren continued the business under the firm name of John Curren & Co., eventually associating with him his only son, John Curren, Jr., who succeeded to his father's business. Mr. Curren was an emi-

nently successful business man, because he deserved to be. He neither turned to. the right hand nor to the left, but by diligence, honorable dealing and commendable enterprise built up a business which is a monument to his foresight, and an envi- able reputation among his colleagues, whose appreciation found expression at the time of his death in many ways. In 1864 he married Miss Mary Walsh, who sur- vives him. He died April 3, 1892.

COLONEL WILLIAM EMERY MERRILL, born in Wisconsin in 1837, was the eldest child of Moses E. Merrill, a graduate of West Point and captain in the Fifth United States Infantry, who was killed September 8, 1847, at the battle of Molino del Rey, Mexico. For the distinguished services of his father young Merrill was appointed by the President to a cadetship at West Point. He at once took a high standing in his class, and for the five years of his stay stood at the head, graduating July 1, 1859. Although a very young man when the Rebellion broke out,he was placed in many responsible positions, was wounded and was breveted captain for gallant conduct in an engagement with the enemy before Yorktown, Va., April 16, 1862; major for meri- torious services in the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., September 19, 1863; lieutenant- colonel, March 13, 1865, for distinguished services in the battle of Lookout Moun-

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tain and Missionary Ridge; and colonel for faithful and meritorious service in the battles of Resaca and New Hope Church. In 1870 he took charge of the improve- ment of the Ohio river as a United States engineer, and remained in that position for twenty-one years in charge of the Ohio river from its mouth to its source. Under the auspices of the government he visited Europe to inspect the more advanced river improvements of France and other countries, and the result of his labors is the lock and dam located seven miles below Pittsburgh, which is conceded to be the greatest work of its kind in this or any other country; and will stand as a monument to his genius. Col. Merrill was killed in a railway accident on the Ohio & Missis- sippi railroad, about five miles south of Fairfield Station, Ill., December 14, 1891, while in the discharge of his duty. The Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, desirous of placing on record some token of appreciation of his personal worth, and also of his long and valuable services to his country, and especially to Cincinnati and the Ohio Valley, passed this resolution which was spread on the minutes:

Resolved, That while expressing our deep grief at the death of Col. Merrill, and our sense of the great loss which our country and this community has thereby sustained, we, at the same time, can not but be thankful for the good example he has left us by his devotion to duty, his singular affability and gentleness of manner, and his persistent, faithful and able work in behalf of the improvements of this great valley and its waterways.

At the time of his death he was in charge of the improvement of the Ohio, Monongahela, Cheat, Allegheny and Muskingum rivers; the construction of a harbor of refuge at the mouth of the Muskingum river; of a dam at Herr's Island and a movable dam at or below the mouth of the Beaver river, Penn .; of an operating snag boat on the Ohio river, was in supervision over the construction of bridges across the Ohio river; near Ceredo, W. Va .; over the Muskingum river at Zanesville and above the mouth of Brush Creek; over the Allegheny at Pittsburgh; over the Monon- gahela river near Pittsburgh, and over the Youghiogheny river at Mckeesport, Penn. As a citizen, soldier and engineer, he was especially worthy of the honor and distinction he attained; and as a gentleman his life was such as commended itself in the highest degree to all who knew him and enjoyed his friendship.

COLONEL ROBERT ELLIOTT, a contractor for supplying Wayne's army with provi- sions, was a victim of Indian barbarism within what are now the environs of Cincin- nati. In 1794, while traveling on horseback from Fort Hamilton to Fort Washington, accompanied by a servant, he was waylaid and shot by Indians about four miles from Hamilton, on what is now the Winton road. When shot lie fell from his horse. The servant made his escape by putting spurs to his horse and galloping back to Fort Hamilton, followed by the riderless horse of his master. Col. Elliott was a very heavy man, weighing, it is said, more than three hundred pounds, and he wore a large wig. When he fell from his horse an Indian rushed out of the bushes to secure his scalp, and seizing his wig he was astonished to find that it came off his head. Holding his knife in his hand, he gazed at the wig a moment, then turning on his heel, exclaimed, "damn lie," and darted into the thicket. The next day a party, accompanied by the servant came out to secure the body. They placed it in a coffin and were about to start for Cincinnati, when a volley was fired by the concealed sav- ages, and the servant fell, almost in the very spot his master had fallen the day before, from Col. Elliott's horse, which he was riding, the horse again running back to Fort Hamilton. The party retreated in great haste, leaving the body in the coffin and the body of the servant with the savages, who broke open the coffin, but did not mutilate the body. The servant was scalped, of course. The whites rallied and recovering both bodies carried them to Fort Washington and buried them in the graveyard of the First Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Fourth and Main streets. The remains were afterward disinterred and removed to the Twelfth street Washington Park burying ground by his son who erected a tablet over them, bear- ing this inscription: "In memory of Robert Elliott, slain by a party of Indians near

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this point, while in the service of his country. Placed by his son, Commodore J. D. Elliott, U. S. Navy, May, 1835. Damon and Fidelity." The monument and remains have since been removed to Spring Grove Cemetery, where, amid the most beautiful surroundings, the ashes of the unfortunate Col. Elliott and his faithful servant repose.

JACOB WETZEL was one of the earliest settlers in Cincinnati, and like many of the pioneers of that time, was a noted hunter, on more than one occasion narrowly escaping from the prowling savages. Howe, in his reminiscences, relates a thrilling incident in his life, which serves to show the dangers which beset the first comers when they ventured into the wilderness in search of game.

On the morning of October 7, 1790, Wetzel took down his trusty rifle, and started down the river road below what is now the junction of Front and Fifth streets. At that time the ground was covered with a thick growth of maple, beech, and other trees. Only a few cabins stood on the space fronting the river. He did not go far until he had secured all the game he wanted, and he started on his return for a horse. Being tired he sat down on a log to rest, when he heard a rustling in the bushes. Quieting his dog, he sat and watched for a few minutes, when he was con- vinced that an Indian was near. He quickly jumped behind a tree, and soon dis- covered an Indian half hidden by the trunk of a large oak, with a rifle in his hands ready to shoot. At this instant Wetzel's dog spied the Indian and barked. Both raised their rifles and fired at once. The Indian's gun fell from his hands, as Wet- zell's ball had broken his left elbow. Before the Indian could reload Wetzel rushed upon him with his knife. The savage drew his knife and prepared to defend him- self. Wetzel's first thrust was dexterously parried, and the shock was so great that he was thrown fully thirty feet from the Indian. Recovering he threw himself on the Indian with all his force, and seized him around the waist, at the same time encircling his right arm, in the hand of which he grasped his knife. The savage was very muscular, and the result of the conflict seemed doubtful. The Indian strove desperately to release his arm. and in the struggle their feet became inter- locked and both fell to the ground, the Indian being uppermost, which loosed his arm. He tried to use his knife but could not from the position in which they were lying. By a desperate effort Wetzel turned him and rendered him helpless. At this moment the Indian gave a fearful yell, and exerting all his strength suddenly turned Wetzel under, sat on his body and raised his arm with the knife for the fatal plunge. Wetzel saw death staring him in the face and gave himself up for lost! At this fearful moment, however, his faithful dog, instinctively comprehending the situation, sprang forward, and seizing the Indian by the throat caused the uplifted knife to drop from his hand. Thus encouraged Wetzel made a desperate effort, turned the Indian and thrust his knife up to the hilt in his breast. The savage gave one convulsive shudder and died almost instantly. Wetzel then took his rifle and trappings and hurriedly started for home. He had not gone far when the startling whoop of a number of savages was heard, which caused him to run rapidly toward the river. Finding a canoe he jumped in and paddled with all his might to the cove at the foot of Sycamore street and was safe. The Indians came to the spot where the encounter had taken place, and finding the dead body of one of their bravest chiefs, gave a hideous yell and then disappeared in the gloom of the forest.

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History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; their past and present, Part 75

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