History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 143

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 143

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General Dawes found time in his busy life for other public activities. He was a loyal citizen of Marietta, thoroughly and wisely in- terested in its welfare, and ready for any ser- vice. He was deeply interested in temperance reform. He did admirable practical work on this line in the army, and was subsequently known as a most earnest and effective plat- form speaker in this good cause.

The General's eloquent voice was often raised, and his powerful influence exerted, in behalf of good government and social reform: He was deeply interested in the Ohio institu- tion for Deaf and Dumb, of which he was a trustee for four years. What Marietta College, his alma mater, was to him, all friends of the college know well. From 1871 until his death he served on its Board of Trustees, and gave to the institution that he loved his best thought and constant sympathy. After he was dis- abled, to secure his presence, the meetings of the Board were regularly held in his parlor, and his wise counsel and encouragement were felt to be of the greatest value, Marietta College owes an untold debt of gratitude to General Dawes. He was one of the original Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, of Marietta, having been chosen in 1865, and continued thus until the end of his life, being president of the Board during his latter years. To this work he was always ready to give his time, thought and interest, as well as generous support.

As a man, in all private relations, his char-

acter was admirable and lovable. He was a stanch friend, loyal to those he loved, through good and ill report, as many a letter received by his sorrowing family testified.

His sympathy with young men and his helpfulness to those struggling for a start in the world were notable characteristics of Gen- eral Dawes. An extract or two from letters may be added to illustrate this statement. One letter narrates this incident: "After finishing a term of teaching at one time. I called at his office and said, 'General Dawes, I can never re- pay you for all your kindness to me, but I have some money and can repay you the amount you let me have when I was in college.' He said : Mr. -, you don't owe me any- thing. If I was helpful to you I am glad. If you feel under any obligation, and are ever able to help a young man to get an education, I shall be glad to have you do so.' " An-

other writes : "To me, his death brings back my childhood's days, and the friend who used to think as much of our joys and pleasures as those of his own boys. Many times have I thought of his great kindness to us boys and his interest in us. I can not express how much I feel that I owe to him and his example of strength, vigor and courage, joined with pa- tient and unselfish kindness.'

"Such was the man and such his work, al- though these few pages furnish a very inade- quate portrayal of both. A man richly en- dowed with talent, successful in winning well- (leserved honor, possessing in a high degree those elemental qualities that make a true man- hood, he was one who served well his day and generation, and left a multitude who not only admired his ability and achievements, but loved him for the lovable traits in his nature." The foregoing quotation is an extract from an ad- dress delivered by Rev. William E. Roe, D. D., at the funeral of Gen. Rufus R. Dawes, August 3, 1899.

Rufus R. Dawes was married to Mary B. Gates, and six children resulted from their union, as follows: Charles G. ; Rufus C .; Be- man G .; Mary Frances ; Henry M. ; and Betsy Gates.

CHARLES G. DAWES.

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CHARLES G. DAWES was graduated from Marietta College in 1884, and from the Cin- cinnati Law School, in 1886. He went to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he practiced law for a time, and finally moved to Evanston, Illinois. He is president of the Central Trust Company of Illinois, at Chicago, which has a capital and surplus of $5,000,000. He is a strong sup- porter of the Republican party, and in 1890. was on the Republican National Executive Committee. The distinguished service which he rendered to his party in the campaign of that year was recognized by President Mckinley, who, in 1898, appointed him Comptroller of the Currency. He filled this office acceptably and with honor, until the fall of 1901, when he resigned. He was married to Caro Blymyer, of Cincinnati, in 1889, by whom he has two children.

RUFUS C. DAWES, president of the North- western Gas Light & Coke Company, of Evans- ton, Illinois, was graduated from Marietta College in 1886, and was engaged in the lum- ber business with his father, until 1897, when he removed to Evanston, Illinois, where he has since resided. He married Miss Palmer, and has three children.

Beman G. Dawes, president of the Ohio River Bridge & Ferry Company, is also largely interested in the gas industry, and other enter- prises. In 1894 he married Miss Burr, of Lincoln, Nebraska, by whom he has three chil- dren.

Mary Frances Dawes married Rev. A. G. Beach, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and they have two children.

Henry M. Dawes is president, treasurer and manager of the Dawes Lumber Company, of Marietta.

EMAN G. DAWES, president of the Ohio River Bridge & Ferry Com- pany, and a prominent business man of Marietta, Ohio, was born in that city in 1870. and is a son of Gen. Rufus R. and Mary B. ( Gates ) Dawes. 53

Mr. Dawes entered upon his business ca- reer in 1880, as a civil engineer, a profession he followed for two years. From 1892 to 1896, he was located in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he was engaged in the wholesale and re- tail coal business. From 1896 to 1900, he resided at Newark, Ohio, where he wn, iden- tified with the gas business and street railway interests. He then returned to Marietta, where he has since resided.

The Ohio River Bridge & Ferry Company, of which Mr. Dawes is president, was incor- porated in 1900, and began actual operations February 1, 1901. A cantilever bridge 3,000 feet long, is being erected which will be of incalculable advantage to Marietta, as the means of connecting that city and Williams- town by street railway. One span of the bridge will be 650 long. the longest along the Ohio River, and the top of the bridge will be 180 feet above the low water mark. The width of the bridge will be 28 feet in the clear, with space for street car tracks, wagons and side- walk. Its estimated cost is $600,000, furn- ished by local capitalists, and it will be a toll bridge. H. B. Hoyt is secretary of the com- pany, and Capt. M. F. Noll is treasurer.

Mr. Dawes is also interested in several oil companies, including the South Petroleum Company and the Hastings Oil Company. He is also president of the Newark Gas Light & Coke Company, and the Pulaski Gas Light & Coke Company of Little Rock. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Bertie Burr, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and they have three children,-Burr Gates. Dorothy and Carlos Burr.

ENRY M. DAWES, president of the Dawes Lumber Company, of Mariet- ta, Ohio, was born in Marietta in 1877. and is a son of Gen. Rufus R. and Mary B. (Gates) Dawes. He was graduated from Marietta College in 1896, after which he engaged in the lumber business. He was associated with his father until the lat- ter's death, and then the Dawes Lumber Com-

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

pany was incorporated, in August, 1899. with the following officers: Henry M. Dawes, president, manager and treasurer ; Rufus C. Dawes, vice-president; and G. W. Lansley, secretary.

The business now conducted under the name of the Dawes Lumber Company was es- tablished in 1872 by Rufus R. Dawes, under the firm name of Dawes & Irish, Mr. Dawes later assuming the entire business. He en- gaged in jobbing extensively and was highly successful. His son, Rufus C., became his partner and they conducted the business until 1897. Henry M. Dawes then became asso- ciated with his father, and they conducted the business until the latter's death. The com- pany has done a large business in oak and car timber, all classes of railroad and dimension lumber, and maintains offices in the new First National Bank Building.

Mr. Dawes is interested in the oil business and is president of the South Petroleum Com- pany.

ARTIN R. ANDREWS, editor and compiler of the historical part of this book was born at Meigs, Mor- gan County, Ohio, April 6, 1842. He received his first schooling in a little log school house, which stood by the roadside, about six iniles east of McConnels- ville. Ile afterward attended the graded school of that town, and was graduated from the High School, at the age of 16. For the next two years he spent the summers on the farm in the continuation of his studies and winters in teaching a district school.

In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, of the 62nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., commanded by Col. F. B. Pond. He served in Maryland under General Lander ; in the Shenandoah Valley, un- cler Shields ; on the Peninsula, under McClel- lan; and in North Carolina, under Foster. In the spring of 1863 he returned to Ohio and helped to enlist the 43rd Battalion, Ohio Vol. Inf., with which he served as adjutant in the bloodless campaign against Gen. John Morgan,

in Washington and Morgan counties. Seeing ne prospect of further active service in this or- ganization, he resigned his commission and en- listed in the Signal Corps, and served with the 23rd Army Corps under General Schofield in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and North Car- olina. He flagged his last message in the field from a tree-top in North Carolina in front of the headquarters of General Ruger.

Returning to Ohio in 1865, he arrived in time to enter the junior class of Bethany Col- lege, West Virginia. On account of weakness of the eyes he was compelled to withdraw be- fore the end of the year. For about a year he taught a private school at Renrock, Noble County, Ohio.

In 1867 he was elected principal of the Har- mar grammar schools, and a little later entered the junior class of Marietta College. In those days, college exercises began at seven o'clock, sun time, while the public schools opened at nine and the last class in college recited after four o'clock: so throughout the year 1868-69 he managed to do the work of both student and teacher. He was graduated from Marietta College in 1869. In 1870 he was elected su- perintendent of schools at Steubenville, Ohio, and filled that position until 1879 when he was elected principal of Marietta Academy, re- maining in charge of the Academy until 1894. Since that time he has been first, instructor, and afterward Douglas Putnam Professor of History and Political Science in Marietta Col- lege.

He has taken an active part in educational meetings, paying particular attention to histor- ical subjects. He served, successively, as president of the Jefferson County Teachers' As- sociation ; of the Washington County Teach- ers' Association ; of the Ohio Superintendents' Section of the State Association; and of the County Examiners' Association of Ohio; he has also been Secretary of the department of Higher Instruction in the National Educational Association.

Has for many years contributed to different ! educational journals, especially to the Ohio \ Teacher, published by Dr. John McBurney,

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Cambridge, Ohio. This periodical was pur- chased in 1899, and for three years published at Marietta by Martin R. Andrews and Super- intendent H. G. Williams. In 1902 Mr. An- drews sold his share in the paper to Mr. Will- jams, but continued to serve as assistant editor.

OL. JOHN MILLS. The city of Mar- ietta has sent out into the great world many distinguished sons dur- ing her years of prosperous growth, but owes her development largely to others who have devoted their energies to the industries within her borders. Such an one was the late Col. John Mills, to whom his na- tive city is much indebted.

The birth of Colonel Mills occurred on De- çember 2, 1795, when Marietta was situated in what was then known as the Northwest Terri- tory. His father. William Mills, with other survivors of the Revolutionary War. came here in 1792. The Indian war was then in pro- gress and Capt. William Mills was made com- mandant of the little town which had been founded in 1788, at the mouth of the Musking- um River.

At that early date and in the prevailing un- settled conditions, educational advantages were meager, but young John Mills mastered enough of the essential branches to make him a desira- ble clerk in a mercantile establishment, at the age of eighteen years. Here he displayed such ability that he was placed in charge of a new store at the age of 21 years. Close applica- tion and provident saving enabled him to secure entire charge of this business some years later. and for the succeeding 40 years, Col. John Mills was a successful merchant in Marietta. He was much more. His public-spirit and lib- erality made him the promoter of every worthy enterprise started in his city. He was one of the founders of Marietta College, and served as a trustee of the institution from its establish- ment. in 1835. For 15 years he was its treas- urer, never asking nor accepting remuneration for his services. The Congregational Church

also profited largely by his generosity, and until his death, both of these institutions were dear to his heart. For over 40 years he occupied positions of responsibility in the various chari- table institutions of the city, and for 15 years he was the president of the Washington Coun- ty Bible Society.

As a capitalist and financier, Col. Mills was conspicuous. As early as 1824 he was chosen a director of the Marietta Bank. the first bank in the State, which was incorporated in 1808. In the next year, although then but 31 years of age, he was chosen president of this institution, and continued as such until 1843, when the charter expired. He was also a director, and part of the time president, of the Marietta branch of the State Bank, which was estab- lished in 1845. He continued in this connec- tion until 1863, at which date the Marietta Na- tional Bank was organized. He served as a di- rector in this institution during the period of its continuance. From 1877 until the time of his death, he served as a director in the First National Bank of Marietta. He was the larg- est stockhlder in the Marietta Chair Company. and was its president for many years. He was also for a number of years president of the Marietta Gas Company.

It was largely due to the efforts of Col. Mills that the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad was built, the first to connect the town by rail with the outside world, and not only an im- portant factor in the development of the com- merce of Marietta, but also of vast importance to the whole State.

Col. Johr Mills was twice married. In 1824 he was united to Deborah Selden Wilson, who died in 1842, leaving two daughters -- Martha S., who married Rev. George M. Max- well, D. D., and Sarah, who married Col. I. C. Elston, a banker, of Crawfordsville, Indi- ana. In 1845 Col. Mills married Dorothy Webster, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, and they had two sons-John, who is president of the Marietta Chair Company; and William Webster, who is president of the First National Bank of Marietta.

In personal appearance Col. Mills was of

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stately and dignified bearing, and his military , Alton, Illinois, and was finally transferred to the chief quartermaster department at Balti- more, Maryland.

title, which was earned by long and faithful service in the militia of the State, during his early manhood, seemed both natural and ap- propriate. He died full of years and crowned with honor, beloved and esteemed, in his own beautiful home, in his native city, on March 14, 1882, having almost rounded out 87 years.

€ DWARD RICHARDSON DALE, de- ceased, was the eldest child of Rev. Hervey S. and Amanda (Dana ) Dale. He was born May 31. 1844, at Newport. Washington County, Ohio, while his father was pastor of the Baptist Church at that place, one of the many Baptist churches which grew out of the work of his grandfather, Rev. Jeremiah Dale, a native of Danvers, Massachusetts, and for several years an evangelist in southeastern Ohio and adja- cent regions of West Virginia. Through his mother he was the grandson of Stephen and Betsy ( Foster; Dana, two of the first settlers at Newport, and the great-grandson of Capt. William Dana, who settled at Belpre in 1789. and of Judge Peregrine Foster, one of the 48 men who reached Marietta April 7. 1788, both of these men being veterans of the Revolution- ary War.

Edward R. Dale's early life was spent at Newport, and, later. at Lebanon, Ohio, where he attended the State Normal School. At the death of his father at Cincinnati in 1857, the family removed to Marietta, where he con- tinue l his studies in the High School until he felt compelled to give all his time to work and to the support of his mother.

At 16 years of age he entered the employ- ment of the Bank of Marietta. then a State bank, as individual bookkeeper, and steadily advanced in efficiency until he enlisted in the army in 1862. as private in the 77th Ohio Reg., Vol. Inf., and served with that regiment in its campaign in the Southwest. He was promoted to the position of quartermaster segeant and was stationed at Little Rock, Arkansas, and

The close of the war opened the question of a fresh field of work, and, bringing with him high endorsements from his superior officers, he found his new work immediately upon his return to Ohio. His equipment for it lay in his skill for expert accounting. together with those sterling and admirable personal qualities which distinguished him in all his business life.

At 21 years of age. he accepted a position in the First National Bank at Marietta, where he remained until 1885, consecutively filling all offices from that of clerk to cashier. As cash- ier, from 1869 to 1885. he became very gener- ally known throughout the county and State, for his superior abilities and high integrity, and for a sincere courtesy, unfailing under the most irritating provocations.

When it is remembered that the 20 years from 1865 to 1885 cover the financial storm and stress period of our nation, when paper currency was being replaced by coin, to the dread confusion of all forms of business and to the utter disaster of many, especially all business bubbles, it will be apparent that at such a crucial time bank officers were daily con- fronted with perplexing difficulties. For the solution of these there was no precedent to guide. The Marietta bank which he served en- ioved no immunity from the general tension. Rather, it was assigned an especially trying ordeal, and to all those who are familiar with its record through the panic of 1873, and through other stringencies, and with its suc- cess in meeting those situations, it would be superfluous to emphasize the signal value of Edward R. Dale's services, important not only to those directly interested in the bank, but also deeply important to the welfare of the general community, which benefited in ways that never were made public, by his business foresight, his sense of responsibility to do always the best possible thing, and his untiring patience in doing it. Those who stood next to him in confidence were surprised and delighted to see a man, still young în years, successfully exer-

MAJ. EPHRAIM CUTLER DAWES.

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cising the grasp and resourcefulness, properly the fruit of long training in finance. But how- ever vital his share in meeting and solving the problems forced upon the bank, no one ever heard him utter the least hint of self-praise. He was content to know that his services had no counterpart in securing successful issues. Others were welcome to claim whatever credit for the work which seemed worth claiming.

To enter into a sympathetic understanding of any man's business life it must be seen from the inside, but the rules of such life inexorably put the seal of silence upon many facts, essen- tial to full sympathy, and prevent the illuminat- ing testimonies which friends would eagerly give. Called upon to bear unusual burdens, Edward R. Dale's strength grew with the de- mand. and no higher record for business ability. for nobility of character, and for heroic self- control will ever be made than marked his en- tire business dealings while he was connected with the First National Bank of Marietta.

In 1885 he engaged in the oil producing business on a large scale and acquired interests in the Macksburg and Newell's Run fields of Ohio, and the Horseneck field in West Vir- ginia, then in the early stages of their history as oil territory. In 1886 he purchased the Joy farm in Morgan County and organized the Midland Company. With this company, and as its president. Mr. Dale became in every sense the pioneer of the oil industry of Morgan County, and in the face of the greatest obsta- eles and discouragements prosecuted the bus- iness until he demonstrated the fact that there was an extensive and valuable oil field there, awaiting development. The best vindication of his judgment and energy lies in the fact that since 1895 millions of dollars have been taken from the properties which he purchased, and those lying adjacent within a radius of a very few miles, and that the district now is known and recognized as one of the most valuable in southeastern Ohio.

Mr. Dale constructed the first pipe line ever laid in Morgan County for the transportation of oil, and the improvements and facilities es- tablished by his foresight still exist.

Ile was connected with every important movement for the advancement of the commer- cial interests in Marietta, and his advice and judgment on all questions were highly valued. By natural taste and by training, he under- stood and sympathized with the influences which promote the higher interests of com- munities and individuals, and was always ready to help develop such interests. He illustrated in himself the first qualities of citizenship and manhood.

He was married September 14. 1871, to Sarah Vandiver Rolston, eldest daughter of W. L. Rolston, and granddaughter of Nahum Ward, and six children were born, Katharine Rolston, Laurence Ward, Winifred. Rachel Vandiver. Grace and Harold Dana, all of whom are living except Laurence. Mr. Dale s home life was an exceptionally happy one, his unselfish disposition endearing him by more than the ordinary ties of affection, and the heritage of a spotless name and noble deeds which he left to his wife and children is price- less in its value.

His death occurred while with his family on a trip arranged for their happiness, and brought to a sudden close a life devoted to the care and pleasure of others. He had acomplished suc- cess for himself in a business sense. but was not permitted to enjoy the fruits of it. He died August 12, 1899, and was buried in Oak Grove cemetery, Marietta. on August 15th. The ex- pressions of grief from every one who had ever known him were sincere and outspoken.

AJ. EPHRAIM CUTLER DAWES was born at Constitution, Wash- ington County, Ohio, Ohio, May 27. 1840, and died in Cincinnati, .April 23. 1895.

After graduating from Marietta College, in the summer of 1861. he was appointed Ist lieutenant and adjutant of the 53rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. on the 20th of September, 1861 ; was promoted to major January 26, 1863 : was dis- { charged from the service October 25. 1864,

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

on account of wounds received in battle; and was brevetted lieutenant-colonel, to rank from March 13, 1865. "for gallant and meritorious services during the war."

The Fifty-third was one of the untrained regiments which met the fierce assaults of the battle of Shiloh, and thereafter Adjutant and Major Dawes was associated with its hard- ships and combats through the sieges of Cor- inth and Vicksburg: in the operations about Jackson, Mississippi, in the summer of 1863, for the prevention of reinforcements to be- leaguered Vicksburg ; in the march to Chatta- nouga in October, 1803, for the relief of Thomas' army; in the battle of Mission Ridge and the rapid movement into East Tennessee for the rescue of Burnside shut up in Knox- ville ; and in the opening of Sherman's cam- paign against Atlanta in 1864.

In the series of severe battles of the lat- ter part of May, 1864, about Dallas, Georgia, Major Dawes was twice wounded, the second wound being of such a desperate nature, in- volving the lower jaw, that it was at first deemed improbable that he could ever again speak intelligibly; but a highly skillful feat of surgery reconstructed the disfigured face and restored to comparatively comfortable utter- ance the vocal powers, in so much that one of the qualities in which Major Dawes was most distinguished as a presiding officer, was his gracetul and effective speech. But thereafter to the end of his life he was a severe, though quiet sufferer, from this wound and its atten- dant strain upon his nervous structure.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 143

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490