History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 137

Author: Chester E. Bryan
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1207

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Peter Dorn, who was born on October 18, 1838, in Baden, Germany, came to this country with his parents when he was a lad of fourteen years, settling in Chillicothe, Ohio. His father, the grandfather of George Dorn, died in 1854, in Ross county, dur- ing the cholera epidemic, two years after his arrival in this country, and his wife was left to struggle through the hardships of pioneer life alone. Too much cannot be said in praise of such noble womanhood. She bought land in Ross county, and there brought up her little brood. Peter Dorn was taught the principals of farming, a voca- tion which he followed for fifteen years. He is now president of the Farmers Bank of Sedalia. He accumulated about one thousand acres of land in Madison and Fayette counties, which he subsequently divided among his children.

The mother of George Dorn was born on March 10, 1842, in Baden, Germany, leaving there about 1856, with her parents, who located in Ross county, Ohio. Mrs. Katherine Dorn is living and, like her husband is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dorn were the parents of fourteen children as follow: William (deceased), Edward, Anna B. (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Charles, Lucy, Henry, I'hillip (deceased), George. Frederick W., Lina May. Florence, Frank P. and Walter F.

George Dorn spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attending the district school of Range township. This building is known as the Dorn school, being built by his father on the family estate for whom it was afterwards named. For the use of this school Mr. Dorn gave 'an acre of land. When George Dorn had reached his twentieth year he entered upon a business career in association with his father, who owned a general merchandise and implement store at Madison Mills. Fayette county, Ohio. For eight years they carried on a successful business, then selling out they came to Sedalia and organized the bank of which George became the cashier and manager. He is also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Mt. Sterling. Not limiting his Interests, however, to financial enterprises, George Dorn owns one hundred acres of well- improved land on which he has built a splendid seven-room house and large barn as well as good substantial fences.

The marriage of George Dorn and Lena Terry was solemnized on August 1, 1895, bis bride being born in October, 1876, in Logan county, Ohio, the daughter of Silas and Eliza (Bostwick) Terry, natives of Ohio. Four children have been born in this home, namely. Raymond. a graduate of the Sedalia high school; Martha, Ethel M. and Clarence E.

Mr. and Mrs. Dorn are prominent members of the Presbyterian church, and the former belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Free and Accepted Masons. While living at Madison Mills, Mr. Dorn served one term as treasurer of Madison township. During his residence in this township, where he has always been regarded as a man of forceful character and generous impulses. few have been better known or more highly respected than the subject of this review.

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HON. ROSCOE G. HORNBECK.

Roscoe G. Hornbeck, judge of the court of common pleas of Madison county, son of Cyrus R. and Rilla F. Hornbeck, was born August 18, 1879, two and one-half miles west of London, in Union township, Madison county, Ohio. For a more complete history of the Hornbeck family, reference is made to the biography of Cyrus R. Hornbeck, elsewhere in this work. A native of Madison county, Judge Horubeck has spent practically all of his life here. His early education was secured in the district schools of Union and Deer Creek townships and in Plattsburg, Clark county. At the age of ten, he entered the public schools of London, from the high school of which he graduated as president of his class in 1899. Afterward he attended Ohio Northern University at Ada, then entered the Law College of the Ohio State University in 1900, which institution he attended for two years and, while in this school, was admitted to practice law in this state in June, 1903; and five years later, in 1908, in the district court of the United States. He took office with his father in London and began the practice of law in 1903 where he followed his profession until elected to the office which he now holds.

Soon after coming to London, Judge Hornbeck was employed as a newsboy for the only daily newspaper London ever boasted, the Daily Nickel Plate, edited and published by the late A. J. Heintzleman. He often refers to the trouble sometimes experienced by the editor and his assistants in getting the paper off the press and to the subscribers on the same day. It was common occurrence to distribute the papers through the village as late as nine o'clock p. m.

A Republican in politics, he has been active in his party since becoming of age and has served as central and executive committeeman and for five years as secretary of the Madison county executive committee.

On January 13, 1909, he was appointed postmaster at London by President Roosevelt and at the expiration of the first term was promptly reappointed by President Taft. Because of a change of administration soon after his second appointment, it was not confirmed and he served but a few months of his second term.

Many sweeping changes were made in the postal service during his tenure of office, the principal of which was the establishment of the postal savings system, instituted at the London office September 19, 1911, and the parcel post, begun January 1, 1913. Strictly local changes, such as extension of rural routes, increase of clerical force, rearrangement of equipment, and a general systematizing of the work of the office, were niso made. The city free delivery of mail was also established during his term and largely through his efforts, on January 1, 1911, giving to the village of London mail delivery service not excelled in any city ..

In the Republican primaries of August, 1914, Mr. Hornbeck was nominated for the office of common pleas judge of Madison county, and in the following November was elected over two aggressive opponents, a Democratic nominee and an independent nominee, achieving a notable victory in one of the greatest political battles ever waged in Madison county. He was the first judge to be chosen in Madison county under the law giving to each county in the state one or more common pleas judges. He was elected pledged to two propositions, viz. : prompt action in lawsuits and opposition to needless technicality in construing the law. In furtherance of these pledges, he has inaugurated a plan of hear- ing motions and demurrers promptly after being filed and of enforcing a rule of practice which provides for the dismissal of cases for want of prosecution which remain on the docket for more than three terms without action. He has also recognized the evil of hasty divorce and will grant no decree for divorce until thirty days have elapsed after the case is heard. He has been on the bench since January 1, 1915, and, although one of the youngest jurists in the state, is giving to his duties a degree of care and atten- tion that fully meets the exacting requirements of the office.

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HON. ROSCOE G. HORNBECK

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On November 22, 1901, Judge Hornbeck was united in marriage to Gertrude Warner, who was born and reared in London, a member of one of the oldest families of the town, her uncle, Patrick McClain, having been the founder of the village of London.

Of this marriage, four children have been born, Donald Warner, Marian Elizabeth, Ruth Arline and Helen Louise, deceased. Donald, aged thirteen, is locally quite famous as a drummer and musician and is almost as widely known as his father. Judge Horn- beck and wife also take considerable interest in vocal music and have sung in many of the choirs of London and in numerous local musical events. They are warmly interested in the advancement of the community and are popular with all who know them.

Judge Hornbeck is alive to the business interests of the city and county. He was one of the organizers of the London Board of Trade, served as its secretary and is now on the board of directors. He is a member of the blue lodge, chapter and council of the Masonic fraternity, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.

ALBERT THEODORE PHIFER.

Albert Theodore Phifer was born in Paint township, this county, March 25, 1844, and was the son of James and Phoebe (Harpole) Phifer.

James Phifer was born in Stokes, now Paint township, on July 12, 1815, and died on November 26, 1886. His wife, who was a native of Greene county, Ohio, died on December 10, 1890.

Albert T. Phifer was a farmer and lived all his life in the township of his birth. He had received only a fair education, as his school days were interrupted by the Civil War. After the war he realized the need of an education and took a course in a commercial college at Columbus, preceding this, however, with a return temporarily to farm life. He became a proficient bookkeeper, which knowledge served him well in later years.

At the outbreak of the Civil War Albert T. Phifer enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, attached to the Fourteenth Army Corps. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and other important engagements, and was with General Sherman on his famous march to the sea.

On January 5, 1872, Albert T. Phifer was married to Vinnie Neiberger, a native of Greene county, Ohio, who was born on May 1, 1854. Mrs. Phifer is a daughter of Dr. James A. and Caroline (Moss) Neiberger. One child was born of this marriage, she being Grace, the wife of Dr. John Wilson Parker, of London, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The widow of A. T. Phifer still lives on the old farm.

The Phifer family comes of German and Scotch-Irish stock, the earlier members of the family having lived in Virginia. Abraham Phifer, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia, his ancestors being John and Catharine (Rader) Phifer, natives of Greenbrier county, Virginia. Abraham Phifer, father of James Phifer, came to this county in 1809 or 1810, taking up two hundred and seventy acres of land in what was Stokes township, but is now Paint township. Here the worthy ancestor lived until the time of his death which occurred in April, 1875. He married Ann Withrow, of Pennsylvania, who died in July, 1860. James Phifer was the eldest of four children. After his marriage to Phoebe Harpole he rented land, but not content with being a tenant soon purchased three hundred and ten acres, which was the nucleus of a valuable tract of seventeen hundred acres, the ownership of which made him one of the wealthiest citizens of the county. It was in the year 1872 that he and his faithful wife moved to London.

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Albert T. Phifer was an earnest member of the Methodist church. 'In this faith he was true and active till the day of his death, which occurred on June 4, 1901. Mrs. Vinnie Phifer is also a member of the Methodist church. .

.. "No one of his day was more highly esteemed than was the subject of this sketch. As a citizen Mr. Phifer had the greatest respect of his associates, and it was a matter of common 'knowledge that his word was as good as his bond. He kept a diary of his business interests, and so honest and fair was he known to be that he was often called into settle disputes, and from'his judgment there was no need of appeal. Mr. Phifer was a leader in' his time." Sober, 'industrious, frugal, and yet kindly withal, he has left a memory which men might envy.

JOHN H. IRWIN.

Probably the largest annual payroll of any industry in Madison county, Ohio, is that of John H. Irwin, who employs some thirty or forty people, and about one hun- dred and fifty people fed and clothed from the payroll at the mill.

Mr. Irwin's mill and lumber yard are located between the tracks of the Pennsyl- vania and Big Four railroads, and depends upon his logs being hauled by wagon, and is a "good roads" advocate, but despite the urgent needs of his business and several other industries of the city, the London city council has' been negligent in providing suitable access to the various industrial plants, including that of Mr. Irwin. He is a staunch citizen of this great county; and although sometimes rather emphatic in expres- ing his views, being independent and self-relfant, he is nevertheless sociable and esteenied by his employees, who have ever been loyal.

John H. Irwin, well-known lumber manufacturer, was born in Hardin county, Ohio, and came to Plain City, Madison county, Ohio, at the age of twenty-five years, and has' dealt in lumber all his life. His first experience with lumber was buying and selling logs.

"In' 1898, Hariott, 'Gill & Company started a saw-mill on the site of Mr. Irwin's present mill. "and about three years later Mr. 'Gill 'disposed of his Interests in this mill to Mr. Hariott and Mr. Irwin; and the business was continued under the latter man- : gement until 1903: the firm in the meantime operating a mill at London, and in Adams county, Ohio. In 1901, after having acquired the Adams county mill. Mr. Hariott was given his option on the choice of either mill. and he chose the 'Adams county mill, and Mr. Irwin has been in charge of the London mill ever since.

Mr. Irwin saws from one million to twelve hundred thousand feet per rear. and hrs bough itmber within a radius of ten to fifteen miles, at an average of perhaps eight or nine miles.' He keeps from ten to fifteen teams busy all the time hauling logs to the mill. ' The output of this mill is principally railroad stock, and he manufactures chair stock. principally cut to pattern, and is able to produce almost any piece that goes into the manufacture of a'chair. The payroll of the mill proper includes nineteen persons. and Mr. Irwin pays out annually about fourteen thousand dollars for timber, and his entire payroll is from three to five hundred dollars a week. The Irwin business now requires twice the amount of capital required in 1901. Mr. Irwin has also operated mills at other places, especially one at Natural 'Bridge, Virginia. He buys the stand- ing timber. which is cut by men, by the hundred feet. and he keeps about five men cutting timber all the time, and furnishes them with a tent and car. This feature of the business has proven very attractive. Mr. Irwin is no sportsman and devotes little time to outside interests. He has adhered closely to his business and has let other interests take care of themselves.

Twenty-two years ago John H. Irwin was married at Plain City. Ohio. to Mrs.

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Minerva (Snyder) Bradley, the widow of David Bradley. Mrs. Irwin died on Septem- ber, 23, 1911, after eighteen years of married life. She was an earnest and devoted worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active part in the Sunday school and prominent in the various societies of that denomination. She was also prominent and influential in the literary clubs of Plain City and London, and was a very popular woman, possessed of most charitable instincts, and her loss was deeply mourned by all who knew her. Mr. Irwin is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he still retains his membership in the church at Plain Ciyt.

REA CHENOWETH ..

Rea Chenoweth was born in Fairfield township, Madison county, Ohio, on March 12. 1876, a son of the late F. M. aud Margaret (Rea) Chenoweth. referred to elsewhere In this work. Moving to London in 1885 with his parents, he had the opportunity of attending good public schools and the local high school. He took a course in the prepara- tory school at Columbus and then matriculated as a student in the University of Vir- ginia at Charlottesville.

Mr. Chenoweth's taste attracted him to a business career. He first started in the grain business with Silver & Chenoweth at West Jefferson. becoming their bookkeeper for the period of a year. In the fall of 1896, he purchased the interest of A. Tanner, who was engaged in the grain business, operating under the name of Tanner & Cheno- wetb, which firm later became Chenoweth Brothers, the brothers being Robb F. and Ren. This firm conducted an extensive business in grain, hay. straw and feed, also operating fifteen hundred acres of farm land. For about nine years this partnership existed, when Rea Chenoweth sold out to his brother in 1904. In the fall of 1906, Rea returned as manager of the business for his brother, who had in the meantime lost his health. Continuing as manager for three years, he then purchased the business, remod- eling the plant and in various ways extending the enterprise generally. Mr. Cheno- weth also takes an active interest in farming, for he personally oversees the cultiva- tion of one thousand acres of land in this county.

Rea Chenoweth enlisted for service during the Spanish-American War and was made first sergeant of Company E. Third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after- ward became first lieutenant. and then captain of Company L. Fourth Regiment, Ohio National Guard.

Louise Watson, daughter of Capt. David Watson and Elizabeth (Jones) Watson, of London, became the wife of Ren Chenoweth in April, 1909. David Watson was born on a farm in Paint township. this county. He was a captain in an Ohio regiment during the Civil War, and died in Madison county. Elizabeth Jones was born in Madison county, a daughter of John Jones. David and Elizabeth (Jones) Watson were the parents of four children as follow : Howard. Robert J., deceased; Mrs. Mary Williams. and Louise. wife of the subject of this sketch.

Besides his business associations. Mr. Chenoweth has other important affiliations. His city has honored him by making him its treasurer and a member of the city council. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, is a Knight Templar and a Shriner. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. Politically, Mr. Chenoweth is a Demo- crat. The religious affiliations of Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth are with the Presbyterian church. of which they are both members.

The above is a brief review of the life of a man not only well known in his community but well liked. Mr. Chenoweth has not permitted the pursuit of a liveli- hood to obscure the greater life values, and it is thus that he has won and retained the high regard of all who know him, whether in business relations or in private life.

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THE O'HARA FAMILY.

This family has always held a marked distinction in educational, musical and literary achievements on the two continents. Henry and Patrick O'Hara were born near Lisnagael, County Sligo, Ireland, and were sons of Charles and Mary (Naughton) O'Hara, who had their children educated in the schools in Ireland. Many who are in high places today in Ireland and Massachusetts are still grateful to Henry O'Hara for the encouragement and knowledge he helped them attain, even after they were no longer his pupils.

Mrs. Henry O'Hara, who died on September 21, 1915, was a daughter of William and Cecelia McDonough, of County Sligo, Ireland. Her father was a relative of Charles Carroll, of Carrolton, who was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, and her brother, Patrick McDonough, was a captain in the United States army. Her relatives were all noted for their musical ability.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Henry O'Hara, of Madison county, are four chil- dren, namely: Charles, Mary, Cecelia and Helena, in whom the literary attainments are becoming no less pronounced. Their writings of both prose and poetry have already received favorable recognition from California to Maine. Some of their verses have been copied and sung in Egypt, Australia, Ireland and England and have been translated into Greek and Spanish.

The Misses Helena Frances and Mary Agnes O'Hara have been frequent contributors of their valued poetry to the London Democrat and other Ohio newspapers. Their verses express in their deepest feeling the keenest understanding of the people of their home community. They are bards of Madison county and of rural Ohio almost as truly as James Whitcomb Riley is the poet of all rural America. It is with regret that the editor of this history cannot devote more space to the rhymes of the O'Hara sisters

A GLIMPSE OF PIONEER DAYS.

Near our home is the National road, stretching east and west through Madison county and often would I like to see a stagecoach coming down as it was said to do in days gone by, but today it is a matter of history, as it has long been replaced by the carriage, automobile and the trolley line which runs close by.

At first 'twas the path of the grim pioneer, Who sought for a home on the western frontier, Who stopped on his journey to build an abode, Of rough logs he hewed from where now is the road. More followed the trail and the silent woods woke To the buzz of the saw and the sturdy axe stroke; Rude cabins loomed up, soon the green valleys turned To oceans of gold where the corn tassels burned. The soil blossomed forth with abundance for all, Who heard and came on to the far western call. The nation so pleased with a region so blest, Constructed a highway connecting the West. Magnificent inns would the stranger beguile, To come and partake of their comforts awhile, The shrill whistle blew as the stagecoach and four Prancing steeds drew up by the tavern's great door. The occupants wearily sought for a rest,

Great statesmen among them, each stranger a guest,

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Still vivid the stories of many today When the neighboring inn heard the orator Clay. Long, long days elapsed and the old road at last Seemed doomed as a relic, or thing of the past ; The trav'ler no more sought the old western trail, But rode by the great iron steed on the rail. Who journeys at twilight down to the old inn That echoed with laughter to ceiling within? What equine goes now to the sheltering stall When lowering shadows the daylight enthrall? The friendly old trees there a welcome yet nod, And children now play where the statesmen once trod. The great doors still speak of the grandeur they knew, And love-light still blesses the old portals too. Instead of the foam on the prancing steed pow, The draft slowly comes from the sweat of the plough, Careseed by the hands that he knows and loves best, He finds for each work-day, a nighttime of rest. No more the sharp whistle, no stagecoach is seen, But now the honk and the whis of macidne. Not toilsome or long does the journeying seem; Surpassed e'en the pioneer's loftiest dream. A day's journey now marks a full week's of old, Within the great inn no more stories are told, And history returns with the old life bestowed, Restoring to traffic the National road.

THE STATE FISH HATCHERY AND OLD BOBERTS' MILL.

The State Fish Hatchery, three and one-half miles west of London, is among Madi- son's most attractive and picturesque places. It occupies the site of an ancient distillery and of the old-time Roberts' grist mill. Here the pure limpid water rushes forth from the ground in great springs and in sufficient volume to have supplied these industries with their power for almost a century.

For there beneath our enger gase Green avenues appear, O'er shadowed by the friendly bough Of weeping willows near. The limpid waters press along, Their frame of money green,

Presenting to our wondering eyes An awe inspiring scene. Could Switzerland in all her pride, A rarer grandeur. show? Or give to man such sights sublime With all her peaks of snow? Above the crystal water's edge The weeping willows bend, With drooping, lengthened boughs that seek Forever to descend:

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No sky above they strive to gain, The only blue they know Is that reflected in the ponds Of waters deep below. Unlike their sister willow trees That lift each stately, bough To greet each jewel star that decks The night's illumined brow. TWO RUSTY MILL 'WHEELS.

Outside of the mill near the stream two rusty mill wheels tell the silent story of a day long past.

Aye, there they are recalling all' The stormy days gone by ; Displaying on their rusty arms The frown of winter's sky. Quite useless and deserted now Upon the velvet grass, As sentinels they rest beneath The varied winds that pass.

Their very presence seem to throw An echo o'er the way, And bring us swiftly to the time When they held regal sway.

When steadily their tones rang out Across the summer air; Like to a mystic songster's tone Adown the star-lit stair. As ceaselessly they hurried round To grind the meal and flour,.

And all throughout the livelong day Marked not an idle hour.

Ah, then their voice was truly king Of all surrounding plains;

Of all that potent power now Their strength alone remains.

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History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 137

Author: Chester E. Bryan Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1207

Author: Chester E. Bryan
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1207