USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Columbus > History of the city of Columbus, Ohio, from the founding of Franklinton in 1797, through the World War period to the year 1920 > Part 85
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86
The subject of this memoir was born on the old homestead in Clinton township, August 21, 1839. He was the second son of Moses Hess by his third wife, Elizabeth Grayless, and a grandson of Balser Hess, who came to Franklin county from Pennsylvania in the year 1800, the family thus having been among the carly settlers in this section of the Buckeye state, and from that remote dav, considerably over a century ago, the name Hess has been a prominent and highly respected one in this section, members of which have played exceedingly well their parts in the local drama of civilization in its various aets.
480
HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO
James H. Hess grew to manhood in his native community and received his carly education in the common schools, supplemented by a full course at Otterbein University at Westerville, Ohio. He continued a student of world affairs all his life, being a wide miseellaneous reader and was therefore a well informed man along general lines. His parents died when he was seventeen years old, while he was a student in the university. Thus being thrown upon his own resources he proved the sterling mettle of his character by earning his own living and defraying his own expenses while completing his education, by teaching at the institution. Upon leaving the university he became principal of the Westerville publie schools for a short time, then accepted a position as superintendent of the seminary at Shelbyville, Illinois, where he spent two years. He was then appointed deputy clerk of the Common Pleas court of Franklin county, Ohio, upon his return home. He later engaged in farming on his father's old homestead, the pioneer farm of Clinton township, now located on the river road north of Lane avenue. He served as county school examiner for several years, and at the time of his death was justice of the peace. He was also deputy distriet commissioner of the Grange, in which organization he was very active. He was also active in the Central Ohio Farmers' Association of which he was viee- president and a frequent leeturer. He was regarded as a leader. in his community, a man of advanced ideas and always deeply interested in such movements as had for their objects the general publie welfare. Politically, he was a staunch Democrat and was influential in local party affairs. He was a man of sterling integrity, his word being regarded as good as the bond of most men, and he was popular with all who knew him.
John Moses Hess, a brother of the subjeet of this sketch, still makes his home in Clinton township. His sister, Mrs. William P. Brown, who made her home in New York City, died in Hollywood, California, October 9, 1918.
On October 26, 1871, occurred the marriage of James H. Hess and Eliza Jane Kenny. She was a daughter of James and Elizabeth Holly (Legg) Kenny. This union was blessed by the birth of one child, Miss Mary Eve Hess, who still resides at the pieturesque old home- stead, which is located on the site of the first log cabin erected by Balser Hess in 1800. She is a lady of eulture and refinement. Having enjoyed excellent educational advantages she has kept well abreast of the times in all important matters of current world events as well as being familiar with the progress of seience and art and is a lover of good literature. She has always been popular with a wide eirele of friends, many of whom frequently delight to gather at the spacions and well appointed Hess Homestead.
Mrs. Eliza Jane Hess, widow of our subjeet, who passed to her eternal rest on April 24, 1918, left besides an only daughter, two sisters-Rachael Flora, wife of Oliver Orr, of Colum- bus, and Hannah Minerva, wife of H. D. Kennedy, residing two miles north of Columbus. Mrs. Hess was one of those lovable and amiable characters who numbered her friends only by the limits of her acquaintance. She was a woman of high Christian ideals and old-time hospitality, and was also strong minded and possessed excellent business eapaeity. Assisted by her daughter, she successfully managed a large and model farm, carrying on the work inau- grated by her able husband, our subjeet, after his death, which oceurred on February 13, 1809. The estate, which is now owned by the daughter, Miss Mary Eve Hess, consists of one of the most valuable and desirable landed estates in eentral Ohio.
ROBERT PHIFER DUNCAN. Every man must be the architeet of his success. If he has the right mettle in him he cannot be kept down; if he is made of inferior material he cannot be kept up, although all the world try to elevate him. Robert Phifer Dunean, one of the most promising of the younger members of the bar in Columbus, knew at the beginning of his career that if he succeeded he would have to be industrious, capable and conscientious, and so he has forged ahead because of these qualities.
Mr. Duncan was born August 29, 1883, son of Thomas Jefferson Duncan and Melissa ( Phifer ) Duncan, The father was born at the old Duncan homestead three miles north of Laneaster, Ohio, and there he spent his boyhood. After attending the public sehools he en- tered Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, from which he was graduated. He is now one of the leading attorneys of Columbus. The mother was from London, Madison county, Ohio.
Robert P. Duncan spent his boyhood days on his grandfather's farm, where he attended the country school. He grew to manhood in Columbus and was graduated from Central high school with the elass of 1901. He then entered Princeton University from which he was graduated in 1905 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Returning home he took the law course in Ohio State University from which he was graduated in 1908 with the degree of
481
BIOGRAPHICAL SECTION
Bachelor of Laws. Mr. Duncan was admitted to the bar in 1908 and in this examination tied for second place honors with a percentage of ninety-three and one-half percent, the first honor man receiving only ninety-four per cent, in a class of one hundred and ninety. Soon after his admission to the bar he began his professional career in Columbus and here he has con- tinued to practice law with pronounced success from the first, winning a high position at the local bar while yet young in years and taking part in many notable cases in the local courts. He formed a partnersip with his father at the outset, under the firm name of Duncan & Duncan, which partnership continues.
In 1914 Mr. Duncan was honored by being elected to the responsible position of prose- cuting attorney of Franklin county and he made such a commendable record that he was re- elected in 1916, serving two terms with fidelity and marked ability. In November, 1918, Mr. Duncan was elected Common Pleas Judge and began his term February 9, 1919, which posi- tion he now holds.
Judge Duncan is a member of the Franklin County Bar Association; belongs to the Beta Theta Pi (Theta Delta Chapter, Ohio State University); Phi Delta Phi (Swan Chapter, Ohio State University) ; Sphinx Head Senior Society of the Ohio State University; the Whig Hall Literary Society and the Tower Club of Princeton University; the Columbus Ath- letic Club; the Scioto Country Club; the Columbus Automobile Club; the Chamber of Com- merce; Junia Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Columbus Lodge of Elks, and the Broad Street Presbyterian church.
December 16, 1914, Judge Duncan was united in marriage with Edna Cole Campbell, daughter of Joseph Calvin Campbell, a well known banker and insurance man of Columbus. To Mr. and Mrs. Duncan two daughters have been born, Barbara Campbell Duncan, born November 19, 1915, and Cynthia Campbell Dunean, born August 6, 1919.
Personally Judge Dunean is a companionable and genial gentleman whom it is a pleas- ure to meet and he is popular with the best circles of the capital city.
MORTON McDONALD. This biographical memoir has to do with a character of un- usual force and eminence, for Morton McDonald, whose life chapter has been closed by the fate that waits all mankind, was for a long lapse of years one of the prominent citizens of Columbus, although he was summoned to close his earthly accounts while still in the zenith of his power. While he had carried on a special line of business in such a manner as to gain a comfortable competence for himself, he also belonged to that class of representative men of affairs who promote the public welfare while advancing individual success. There were in him sterling traits which commanded uniform confidence and regard, and his memory is today honored by all who knew him and is enshrined in the hearts of his many friends.
Morton MeDonald was a native of the city which was honored by his lifelong citizen- ship, his birth having occurred in the old MeDonald homestead at the corner of Fifth and Broad streets, Columbus, July 2, 1865, and his death occurred at his home, No. 638 East Town street, February 16, 1920. He was the scion of representative old pioneer families of Ohio and Columbus, his parents being George and Jane (Morton) McDonald, the father born in Scotland and the mother in England. Of the children born to these parents, the only survivors now are, J. Miller MeDoi ald and Mrs. B. W. Payne, both of Columbus.
Mr. McDonald received his educational training in the Columbus public schools, gradu- ating from high school. Not long afterwards, following the suggestion of his father, he engaged in the hardware business, under the firm name of Payne & MeDonald. He met with success in this enterprise and some years later he bought out his partner and thereafter continued the business under the name of The McDonald Hardware Company, up to his death. By close attention to business, the exercise of sound judgment and a strict regard for the highest standard of business ethics, he won the confidence and patronage of the pub- lic, and the MeDonald hardware store became one of the well known commercial institu- tions in Columbus. Mr. McDonald had about completed arrangements to retire from active business when stricken by his last illness. He was an active member of the Ohio Hardware Association and of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, in the various activities of which he had taken a prominent part, being a strong ard effective advocate of every movement for the upbuilding and betterment of his home city. Generous and large-hearted, he took a keen in- terest in everything affecting the community life, and his interest went out to the vital issu. s affecting the national welfare. During the World War he took a very effective part in the various loan drives in Columbus and aided many other of the war activities. He was quickly
482
HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO
responsive to the appeal of any individual or institution in trouble, and the many kindly acts on his part were the simple and conscientious expression of his nature, rather than any desire on his part for the praise of men. Indeed, he disliked any publicity regarding such things, and only those closest to him have any definite idea of the extent of his benefactions
Politically, Mr. McDonald was an earnest supporter of the Republican party, though he did not take a particularly active part in political affairs. Fraternally, he was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he had attained to the degree of Knight Templar and was also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Socially, he was a member of the Columbus Athletic Club, the Columbus Country Club, the Columbus Automobile Club, the Bolster Club, and for twenty years was an appreciative member of the Orpheus Club. His religious membership was with the First Congregational Church, of Columbus, in which he held the office of deacon. Mr. McDonald was very fond of traveling and he and his wife and sons had traveled extensively in this country and abroad, having re- turned from a trip to Europe two months after the World War had begun.
On April 15, 1896, Mr. McDonald was married to Miss Stella Breyfogle, of San Jose, California, the daughter of Charles and Olivia (Mabury) Breyfogle, both of whom are now deceased. Dr. Breyfogle was of Dutch descent and his wife of English antecedents. To Mr. and Mrs. McDonald were born three sons, namely: Edwin Charles, of Chicago, who mar- ried Elizabeth Hann, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and they have one child, Edwin Charles, jr .; John Miller and Roy Morton, both of whom are now students in the Ohio State University. Mr. McDonald was one of those estimable characters whose integrity and strong personality forced them into an admirable notoriety, which their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality upon the community in which they lived. His name will ever be inseparably connected with that of the community honored by his citizenship, whose interests had no more zealous or indefatigable promotor, for he threw the force of his strong individuality and sterling integ- rity into making the community what it is, and his efforts did not fail of appreciation by his fellow men, among whom he was held in the highest cstcem.
WILLIAM KING ROGERS, M. D. It is not always easy to discover and define the hidden forces that have moved a life of ceaseless activity and large professional success; lit- tle more can be done than to note their manifestation in the career of the individual under consideration. In view of this fact, the life of the distinguished physician and surgeon and public-spirited man of affairs whose name appears above affords a striking example of well defined purpose with the ability to make that purpose subserve not only his own ends but the good of his fellow men as well. Doctor Rogers long held distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its hasis sound mentality and intellectual discipline of a high order, sup- plemented with the rigid professional training and thorough mastery of technical knowledge with the skill to apply the same, without which one cannot hope to rise above mediocrity in ministering to human ills. In his chosen field of endeavor Doctor Rogers achieved success such as few attain and his eminent standing among the leading medical men of Ohio was duly recognized and appreciated not only in Columbus, but internationally. He was essentially a man among men, having ever moved as one who commanded respect by innate force as well as by superior ability. As a citizen he casily ranked with the most influential of his compeers in affairs looking toward the betterment of his city and country. His course was ever above suspicion and those who were favored with an intimate acquaintance with him were ever pro- fuse in their praise of his manly virtues and upright character, that of the true gentleman.
William King Rogers, scholar and surgeon, exemplifies that fortunate circumstance in the life of any individual of being well born. His paternal ancestors were English and their coat of arms, one of the early grants, reads:
"Arms-Argent, a chevron sable between three stags trippant of the last."
"Crest-A stag trippant sable."
Dr. Rogers was born at Hastings, Minnesota, July 14, 1863. His death occurred in Columbus, February 27, 1920. He was the son of William King and Mary Lord (Andrews) Rogers. His grandfather, Samuel Rogers, possibly named for the English poet whose picture it is said he resembled, was brought to Lancaster by his widowed mother during his childhood. When grown he became a merchant and banker in Circleville were he married Juliet Hollister, also of ancient English lincage. One of the most notable carly land holdings of her family was established at Stinchcombe, England, about 1517.
483
BIOGRAPHICAL SECTION
The father of Dr. Rogers was William King Rogers, eldest son of Samuel and Juliet Rogers. He was a member of the Ohio bar and associated as partner with Rutherford B. Hayes, until the latter became State Governor, and when Governor Hayes became president of the United States, Mr. Rogers was appointed private secretary to the president and took his family to Washington to reside.
Dr. Rogers' mother, Mary Lord Andrews Rogers, is of Dutch extraction on her father's side, her ancestors having come to this country from Holland in the 17th century and located in New Jersey. Her grandfather, Martin Andrews, came to the Northwest territory and set- tled in Steubenville, as agent of John J. Astor in the fur trade. Later he engaged in the lumber business for the elder Robert Garrett of Baltimore. Her father, Dr. John Andrews, son of Martin, obtained his education in part under the direction of the Rev. Alexander Camp- bell, the noted theologian and author, and studied in Jefferson Medical College, of Philadel- phia, of which he was one of the earliest graduates. He returned to Steubenville where he ac- quired a large practice, but failing health compelled him to give up his work, and he became head of the Steubenville branch of the State Bank. Later, when the president of the State Bank died, Dr. Andrews was elected to that position and brought his family to Columbus, since which time this city has been their residence.
At the time Dr. Rogers' parents temporarily moved to Washington, he was a lad in his teens, and was soon on good terms with those in immediate authority in the various depart- ments, taking a special interest in the machine shops of the Navy Yard, where he found full play for the inventive and mechanical turn of mind that characterized him throughout his life. During his residence in Washington he attended the Georgetown University. At the close of the Hayes administration he went to Mexico with a party of engineers who were to survey a railroad in which friends of his father were interested. While there he learned to speak Spanish fluently.
After his trip to Mexico he entered the office of an architect where he developed his appre- ciation of art while considering entering the profession of architecture. But during this time he was a frequent visitor in the offices of Drs. Charles S. and W. D. Hamilton, who had long been his close friends, and he found himself so much interested in surgery that he was finally led to take up the study of medicine, and for that purpose entered the medical department of the University of New York. This work absorbed him completely and after graduating, he was appointed interne at St. Luke's Hospital, upon competitive examination. Such appoint- ments are honors that have been the goal of competition among the best men in medical schools throughout the history of medical education, and are still regarded as the way men who prom- ise to yield broad service of usefulness may be distinguished.
After completing his service at St. Luke's Hospital where for two years he was associ- ated with Drs. Bull, Knapp and Weeks, in further preparation for his special field of work he went to Europe where he continued his studies in the eye and ear clinics of Berlin, Vienna and London.
The return of Dr. Rogers to Columbus in 1893 was marked by an important event in the history of medical education in this state. Up to that time there had been two medical col- leges in this city; one, the Starling Medical College, had a long carcer, being organized in 1847.
His name will be held in lasting honor as one of the ablest and most successful physicians and surgeons that ever gave loyal service in behalf of suffering humanity, for his life was char- acterized not only by the most adroit professional ability, but also by the most profound human sympathy which overleaped mere sentiment to become an actuating motive. Older men in the profession here relied upon his judgment and younger ones frequently sought his counsel, all admitting his eminence.
From 1895 to 1900 Doctor Rogers was clinical professor of ophthalmology and otology in Starling Medical College, becoming professor of otology in 1900 and retaining this position until 1916, after the merger with Ohio Medical University and Ohio State University. He was for many years eye, ear and throat surgeon at the Children's Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and Mt. Carmel Hospital, and at one time was associate editor of the "American Journal of Ophthal- mology, Otology and Laryngology." His connection with medical bodies, both local and of state and national scope, were numerous. He served for a year as president of the Ohio State Board for Relief and Benefit of the Needy Blind; was a fellow in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology; a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Columbus Academy of
484
HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, OHIO
Medicine, the American Ophthalmological Society and the American Otological Society. Soci- ally, Doctor Rogers was affiliated with many Columbus Clubs, including the Columbus Club, Columbus Country Club, Scioto Club, Columbus Athletic Club, the Kit-Kat Club, the Review Club and the Creighton Club, as well as the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
In 1898 he married Theodora Wormley of Philadelphia, daughter of Theodore G. Worm- ley, M. D., Ph. D., LL. D., internationally famous for his works on poisons, who for many years, and until the time of his death in 1896, held the chair of Chemistry and Toxicology in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania After his marriage, Dr. Rogers dispensed hospitality generously from his characteristically charming home, which became a center for those who valued music, art, literature, and all things beautiful. As host, he was in his element, and enjoyed gathering his friends about him, taking great pleasure in the per- fect appointments of his table, and exquisite details of the home he so tenderly cherished and dearly loved.
His little daughter and only child is named for her great-grandmother, Juliet Hollister.
Dr. Rogers was a man of singularly sweet and genuine nature. It seems possibly an ungracious thing to say of one who labored so faithfully, intelligently and successfully in his chosen field of effort, but it is the simple truth, that he belongs to those lovable souls who are themselves finer and truer even than their work. He lived simply, but beautifully, disliking ostentation and display; yet he was rich in the possession of a noble character which endcared him to all who knew him and drew down upon his untimely end the universal emotions of genu- ine sorrow and keen personal loss. All his days he was a good man, wearing about him like a garment the enveloping and irradiating atmosphere of fine breeding that suggested at once the ideal home. Good mothers send out such boys into business and professions, like streaks of light all along the dark pathways of the world's life. He was a manly man. He bound himself to his friends with hoops of steel. He was clean of habit and mind, and conscientious and painstaking in every act. All in all, he served well during his time on life's stage and his memory is indclibly enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him.
Doctor Rogers was keenly and intelligently interested in many things aside from those pertaining strictly to his profession. He was a lover of the beautiful in all things, especially in art, music and literature, with the classics of which he had so intimate an acquaintance that he was recognized as a critic of fair and discriminating judgment. His life was marked by a degree of refinement and culture that stamped him as one of nature's noblemen. He was in the most significant sense humanity's friend, and to all familiar with his life there must come a feeling of reverence in contemplating his services and their beneficial results.
ROBERT BLEE SMITH, M. D. It has not been so very long ago when a doctor was supposed to do a little of everything when it came to looking after humanity as to its general physical improvement. Anyone whom the medical schools graduated, and even many who never attended a medical school, were called upon in all kinds of physical needs, to dispense medicine for all the ailments to which flesh is heir, to perform a great variety of surgical operations, in short. anyone calling himself a doctor was physician, druggist, chemist and many other things. But that has all changed with enlightened thought and the rapid progress of medical science, and now we have specialists in all departments and thus much better results are being accomplished.
One of the best known and successful specialists on the eye, car, nosc and throat in Columbus is Dr. Robert Blee Smith, who was born in Delaware, Ohio, November 17, 1878. He is a son of Frank C. and Lydia B. (Myers) Smith, both natives of Ohio, each represent- ing honored old Buckeye families. The father was graduated from Ohio Wesleyan Univer- sity and became a very successful mechanical engineer, practicing his profession in different parts of the country. His death occurred in Delaware, this state, in 1903. His widow now makes her home in New York City.
Dr. Robert B. Smith received his early education in the public schools, graduating from the high school, later attended the New York Military Academy, from which he was also graduated. He then spent two years in the New York Polyclinic, after which he took the course in Starling Medical College at Columbus, from which he was graduated with the class of 1901, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. But not satisfied with hi: preparation for his life work as a medical man, he continued to study in Chicago and New York for some time, then went abroad and continued his medical research work and special studies in Berlin, Vienna and London. Returning to America in 1906 he entered the practice of his profession
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.