USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Ohio, the future great state, her manufacturers, and a history of her commercial cities, Cincinnati and Cleveland > Part 13
USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Ohio, the future great state, her manufacturers, and a history of her commercial cities, Cincinnati and Cleveland > Part 13
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The works are located on Spring Street, occupying one acre in extent, and are well worth a visit from any persons who are interested in this branch of business, which has done so much to build up and adorn our homes. 188
Um Hood
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CALoates
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AMOS W. COATES.
THE subject of this sketch was born in Marlboro Township, Stark County, April 12, 18344. He attended school at Marlboro Academy, and graduated with honor at the age of seventeen. In personal appearance Mr. Coates is of average height, compactly built, weighing 142 lbs., light hair, florid complexion, and brown eyes, with a nervous sanguine temperament, indicative of that untiring energy that has marked his success thus far in life, guaranteeing victory over all opposition, whether in the form of talent, money, or energy. In his intercourse with mankind he is affable and courteous, and is universally esteemed by the community in which he lives. It was the wish of his father that he should study medicine, but to this Amos offered serious objections, his inclination not running in that direction. Soon after leaving school he engaged with Snyder & Woodruff, of Salem, Ohio, to learn stove and mechanical molding. After spending about three years in the iron business, he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Joseph Arnold, and, under the firm name of Coates & Arnold, commenced the manufacture of the St. Clair Plow, in Paris, Stark County. In this enterprise they were unusually successful, pecuniarily. Early in 1855 Messrs. Coates & Arnold added to their foundry the manufacture of hay rakes, and in the latter part of the same year introduced the first sulky spring-tooth horse hay rake ever used in this country. At the end of the first season Coates & Arnold disposed of their interest in the "Sanders Patent" to Phillips & Burgett, and for five or six years devoted themselves to the manu- facturing of plow and other castings. During this time, commencing in 1858, Mr. Coates occupied the little leisure afforded him in reading law, under the direction of Alexander Bierce, of Canton. Mr. Arnold died in 1860, and Mr. Coates assumed control, purchasing the whole establishment, including the interest of his deceased brother-in-law. In the Fall of 1861 he sold out to Sproat & Brother, and went to St. Louis, where he enlisted in the Freemont Infantry Body Guard. He was soon discharged from the service, however, in consequence of the removal of Gen. J'reemont and disbandment of the Guard. Returning home, he took up the study of law in good earnest, and in . December, after the most rigid examination by Justices Galloway, Green, and Tilden, was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Ohio.
In 1864 he removed to Alliance, and began the erection of a portion of the build- ings now occupied by his works, and commenced the manufacture of the White Hay Rake, in connection with the Center Lever Plow and miscellaneous castings. The White Rake, though an improvement on the Sanders, did not give sufficient satisfaction to war- rant its manufacture on an extensive scale, and Mr. Coates set his wits to work to improve it. Early in 1866 he invented and applied for a patent on the Lock Lever Rake, but owing to delay in the Patent Office, did not receive his letters until August 27, 1867. Confident, however, that he had at last found what had been so long sought, he entered at once upon the manufacture of his rake, and in 1866 made and sold 300. In 1867 over 1, 100 were made and found a ready market, and in 1868
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2,600 were not sufficient to supply the demand. In the Fall of 1867, foreseeing the increasing demand for the rake, Mr. Coates determined to increase his facilities for their manufacture, and erected large additions to his buildings. The same was repeated in the year 1868. Their sale is confined to no particular locality, though Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan have been the most successful fields of operation. They have found their way to the golden shores of the Pacific and to the fields of the sunny South, as well as to the frozen regions of the North. Some of the rakes have been shipped to Europe and Japan.
Though at first beset with more than a full share of the difficulties which necessarily attend the introduction of a discriminating public, who, not unmindful of former swindles, embarked very cautiously in new inventions, Mr. Coates has, by unremitting attention to business, and the production of an implement which men of honesty and integrity can conscientiously recommend to their trade, built up a reputation for the Lock Lever Rake rarely equaled.
Few citizens of Alliance are aware of the immense advantage derived by their city from this establishment, or of the magnitude of the work here performed. From forty to fifty hands are constantly employed in the various departments, at fair wages. About $60,000 have been expended by Mr. Coates within the past year for labor and material, his trade amounting to $125,000 annually.
Mr. Coates occupies a fine residence on Mount Union Street, furnished in magnif- icent style. Here he expects to enjoy the competency his_enterprise is sure to bring.
JOHN A. DELLENBAUGH. -
CAPTAIN JOHN A. DELLENBAUGH, proprietor of the American Hotel, Salem, Ohio, was born September 11, 1834, in North Georgetown, Columbiana County, and is the second son of Dr. John Dellenbaugh, who immigrated to this State in the year 1826, from the Canton of Baru, Switzerland, who, upon his arrival in New York, met with success in his profession. Six months later he was induced to advance farther in the pioneer set- tlement, and during a period of twenty-eight years his journals show 258,000 prescrip- tions and cases. He was subsequently appointed associate Judge, in 1842, under Governor Corwin's administration, and acquitted himself honorably. His charges to the jury, and delineation of the court's ruling, was accepted by all as a complete triumph.
The subject of this sketch did not pursue any profession, but quietly adapted him- self to agricultural pursuits for a period of years, and now occupies a noble position in society. During the unhappy rebellion he was commissioned by Governor Tod, and occupied a careful position under Col. Miller. His first principle of duty was to mark fully his position and station in life, and ever pursue properly a common duty to all.
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8. Getiri
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ELISHA TEETERS.
ELISHA TEETERS, son of John and Mary Teeters, was born January 11, 1814, in Green Township, Columbiana County, Ohio-that township now composing part of Mahoning County. The homestead of Mr. Teeters lies on the road leading from Salem to Canfeld, near the village of New Albany. On this farm he was raised, and received his education in a log school-house. He lived with his parents, working on the farm, until the Spring of 1835, when he purchased a piece of land in Stark County, Ohio, near where Alliance now stands, two miles west of the town. He worked for some time on this land, improving it, and erected a log cabin thereon, and then returned to the home of his youth, where, on the 16th of July, 1835, he was married to Eliza, daughter of Richard and Susanna Webb. On the 28th of August, 1835, the newly married couple moved to their new home in Stark County. The fruits of that marriage were ten chil- dren, five boys and five girls, nine of whom are still living. Mr. Teeters has lived in the same locality ever since, being at all times one of the active, energetic, and indus- trious men of Lexington Township, growing in wealth with the growth of the community and active town of Alliance, which his energy and means so largely helped to build up. On the 16th of January, 1866, his wife, Eliza, died, leaving him with a family of nine children. Mr. Teeters remained single until the 18th of July, 1870, when he again entered into the marriage contract with Miss Sarah K. Hester, with whom he is now living. enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. In 1866, Mr. Teeters purchased a farm about one mile west of Alliance, and removed on it the same Spring, where he now resides. Anterior to this, he purchased a farm of Abraham Scott, at the junction of the P., Ft. Wayne, and Chicago and the C. and P. Railroads, and, employing Ellis N. Johnson as surveyor, laid out lots on said land, and offered them at public sale. These lots sold as low as twenty-five dollars each-now worth five thousand dollars each.
In 1855, Mr. Teeters was engaged in the dry goods and commission business, which he pursued successfully. Some years since, he erected the block on the north side of Main Street, in which the "Commercial Banking Company " are now doing business, and of which Mr. Teeters is President, his son, R. W. Teeters, being partner and Cashier. Something unusual in a man occupying so many positions in life, Mr. Tee- ters has always held on to a farm, showing that he understands the value and useful- ness of agricultural dependence.
In 1858 Mr. Teeters was elected Commissioner of Stark County, and re-elected two years thereafter, serving the county four years in that capacity with great credit. He is at present one of the Directors of the Lake Erie, Alliance, and Wheeling Railroad. Mr. Teeters stands high in the community as a Christian gentleman, a philanthropist, an'd in every way beyond the imputation of ever designing wrong to any one with whom he has transacted business during long years of a useful life. The writer has known him long, and mnost truly can it be said, "he is an honest man," upright and fair in all his associations of life. He is of sanguine temperament, pleasant and affable address, and is one of the actual pioneers of Lexington Township, Stark County, Ohio.
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JACOB HEATHERINGTON.
THE subject of this sketch was born in 1814, in County Durham, England, of John and Beckie Heatherington, who came to America in 1829, and settled in Pennsylvania. Jacob followed in 1830, and joined his parents. They remained in the coal fields of Pennsylvania two years, when they moved to Ohio in the neighborhood of Bellair, and commenced digging coal for Captain John Fink. In May, 1835, he married Miss Eliza Armstrong, who was born February 7, 1817, a cousin of his employer, and continued . his occupation of digging coal till 1837, when, stimulated with a desire to do something for himself and family, he rented from John Fink a coal bank, and commenced opera- tions. The same year, he bought from his old employer eight acres of land, which he worked successfully for seven years, and enabled him to pay for the land. Feeling able to enter larger operations, he bought from Paxton and Wheeling sixty and one-half acres, which is still being worked for coal. This took him four years to pay for. In 1845 he bought again from Captain Fink-this time fourteen and one-half acres, and on which his palatial residence now stands. . Thus, little by little has Mr. Heatherington been adding to his eight acre purchase till it has assumed the enormous proportions of 677 acres of farming and coal lands, besides 110 acres of woodland. Nor does this com- prise all his property, for he owns thirty houses, besides glass-house and steamboat stocks. In short, from a penniless beginning we find him among the largest tax-payers in Belinont County. His marriage was productive of ten children, all living except two -- six of which are sons-they all being interested and engaged in the coal business with their father.
Jacob Heatherington, by his natural business habits, has amassed a large fortune. Yet, though he has been frugal, he never has been parsimonious in his manner of life; and, with a liberal hand, has dispensed his charities. He is a regular attendant at Church, and for many years has been a member of the Christian persuasion. Whatever of wealth and social position he has achieved, he owes it all to himself. He has been the architect of his own fortune, and his life will illustrate the old maxim, " Where there is a will there is a way." Without injuring any one he has accomplished much; and, as a citizen and man, he deserves the esteem of posterity.
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John Link
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JOHN FINK.
A MAN who, from an humble position in life, and by his own efforts has risen to affluence and social position, and through all the events of a checkered life has pre- served his integrity unimpeached. well deserves the pen of the biographer, and to be held up as a model to posterity.
Captain JOHN FINK was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1805. His parents, Alexander and Sarah Fink, when their son was five years old, moved to Zanesville, Ohio, where they resided two years. From Zanesville, John Fink moved to Short Creek, Ohio County, West Virginia, and lived there one year. At the early age of eight, he was put by his parents to learn the cabinet-maker's trade at Wheeling, West Virginia, in the shop of M. Caldwell, and continued in this branch till he was ten years old, when he went to work on his uncle's farm in Ohio County for two years. After serving this engagement, he hired out for two years at four dollars per month ; at the expiration of which he worked on the ferry crossing at Wheeling for three years. Next we find him cook on a keel-boat, which lasted one and a half trips, by which time he had learned pushing-this afforded larger pay. He commenced pushing at thirty-seven and a half cents per day, which, in time, was increased to fifty cents. This pursuit he followed three years; after which, he returned again to Wheeling, and worked on the ferry. In 1824 he married Miss Eliza Worley, of Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, the issue of which was seven children, only two of whom are still living. At the time of his marriage his worldly possessions were seventy-five cents, though he soon com- menced business for himself, making a flat-boat; this he loaded with coal, and piloted himself to Maysville, Ky., where he sold the whole thing out; the speculation netting him two hundred dollars. We have, on good authority, that this was the first barge of coal that floated for any distance down the Ohio. After returning home, he rented a small farm, and commenced taking coal to New Orleans till after 1832, when he went into the Cincinnati and Louisville trade for six years. In 1833 he commenced keel and steamboating, and, by his attention to business and judgment, soon won the confidence and respect of all who knew him, and he gradually worked himself up the ladder of life till he became captain and owner of a steamboat. He then traded in boats for several years, commanding some of the finest that ran on the Ohio River. He also built sev- eral fine boats, the last on the list being the Potomac, that plies between Cincinnati and Portsmouth, Ohio. Having amassed a considerable fortune, he retired from business in 1864, though he can not refrain from still doing something in the shape of work or busi- ness, so active is his nature. In 1871 he was again married to Miss Elizabeth A. Scott, formerly of Guernsey County, Ohio, and has had by her three children, one of whom only is living. By an industry that has never wavered, by an integrity that is unim- peached, he has gained esteem, position, and wealth; and if the youth of the rising generation would go and do likewise, they would, in time, achieve what he has done.
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WILLIAM G. BARNARD.
WILLIAM G. BARNARD was born May 9, IS13, on the Isle of Wight, England. His parents, Thomas and Mary Barnard, came to America when the subject of this sketch was six years old, and located on Wheeling Island, opposite Wheeling, Va. His father had been trained in horticulture, and at one time was engaged in the grounds and gar- dens at Osborne, now owned by Queen Victoria. He started horticulture and farming in his new home, and afterward supplied the boats with ice, vegetables, and stores. William G. Barnard, when eight years old, entered school at Wheeling, Va., studying for four years; and for three Winters after that, received lessons from private teachers- in all, received a good common-school education, such a one that allowed him in his youth to attend to his father's business, keep the books, etc., which he did when only twelve years old. When eighteen years old, he left home to take charge of the garden of Noah Zane, which, after one year, went into the hands of Ebenezer Zane, the oldest son of Noah. Young Barnard still continued, and was remunerated for his first two years' labor at the rate of one hundred and fifty dollars per annum, and the privilege to do what he pleased when not engaged in managing the garden-it being his brains and not time that were required of him. In 1834 his wages were advanced to two hundred dollars, and one year later he received for his management one-half interest-the pro- prietor putting the property against his skill and judgment. This position he continued to retain, though the garden itself underwent different ownerships, proving that whoever became owner, they appreciated his services.
Having previously purchased the tract of land on which he now resides, in 1847 he removed to it, continuing his horticultural pursuits, and afterward having the frontage and a part of the coal on his own land, he obtained the ownership of some five hun- dred and fifty acres of coal, which he opened and placed in successful working opera- tion. This is only a part of an immense bed of coal, which has been only partially worked, and which furnishes more economical supplies and support for manufacturing than can be found elsewhere, with such great facilities for shipping. It was this fact which, under Mr. Barnard's manipulation, secured the location of the Bellair Nail Works, and their subsequent extension with furnaces, etc. And to Mr. Barnard, prob- ably more than any other one man, was owing the success of this establishment, at the outset, and through his policy in the purchase of coal lands, etc., it has proven to be able to manufacture more cheaply than any other establishment on the Ohio River. The success of these works have aided very materially in the concentration of capital for manufacturing in the same neighborhood, and has, doubtless, added a very important portion to the population and character of Bellair.
In 1862 Mr. Barnard, in conjunction with Messrs. J. H. Sullivan and B. R. Cowen, purchased out the remaining interest in the Harris farm portion of the city. This property had been laboring for ten years under the burden of a heavy mortgage,
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Um & Barnão
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JAMES LEFFEL.
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and thus delayed the development of the town. As soon as they had paid off the mort- gage the young city took a start, and up to this day has moved forward in its career of prosperity more rapidly than any other place in Eastern Ohio. In 1854, the ground upon which the most populous part of the city stands was being cultivated as farm land; and now the city claims a population of seven thousand souls. This brief history shows what straightforward energy, even without the aid of otherwise favoring circumstances, may accomplish. Although born in England, Mr. Barnard has never considered him- self any thing but an American. Coming here so young, he does not recognize any tie as binding him to the old country. In private life Mr. Barnard's enterprise, integrity, courtesy, and generous disposition have secured to him the esteem of all whose good opinion is worth having.
JAMES LEFFEL.
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A MAN who, from an humble position, and by his own efforts, has risen to affluence and social position, and through all the advents of a checkered life preserved his integ- rity unimpeached, well deserves the pen of the historian, and to be held up as a model to posterity.
JAMES LEFFEL was born April 19, 1806, in Virginia -- his father's name being John Leffel, who emigrated from his native State, bringing his son with him when he was only eight months old, and settled in Ohio hear Springfield. In his youth, James Leffel picked up his education in the small district-schools, there being no colleges in Ohio at that time, working at home, when not studying, at millwright and saw-mill business. When still a young man, he moved to Springfield, and started the first foundry in that part of the country, giving most of his own time to inventing, being successful in getting patented many useful and desirable machines, among which was the justly celebrated Leffel water-wheel, which is now known and used all over the civilized globe, and occu- pies the front rank in the great inventions of the age, conferring a lasting benefit on the . manufacturing interests of the country. In place of the overshot-wheel with its pon- derous gearing, which were very expensive and a constant source of annoyance, the invention came as a welcome friend. James Leffel died June 11, 1866, in the sixtieth year of his age, after leaving behind him a monument more lasting than that of marble, and a life filled with usefulness, the results of which he bequeathed to the human race. The large fortune he left behind him was gathered together amid toil, fatigue, and dan- ger, and a brief history of Mr. Leffel's life is useful for its practical instruction.
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LEOPOLD BURCKHARDT.
LEOPOLD BURCKHARDT was born at Carlsruhe, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, October, 1820. Later in life his father, Christian Burckhardt, moved with his family to Bavaria, near Beyreuth, and from there the subject of this sketch accompanied his father, mother, brother, and sister to America. This was in the year 1833. His father laid out Baden, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where they continued to reside till 1844, though he, having faith in the future of the great West, moved to Cincinnati with his family, and in the early annals of our city government became quite prominent, and during the excitement over the present school and paid fire department systems, which were then struggling to gain the infancy of their positions, Mr. Christian Burckhardt represented the Second Ward in the City Council, and was a firm supporter of the systems as they now exist.
The subject of this sketch soon after coming to Cincinnati started in the grocery business with his brother Frederick, on the corner of Sixth and Walnut Streets. This business they continued till 1850, when they commenced to manufacture lard oil, on Sycamore Street, between Third and Fourth, at which location they built the four large four-story stone-front brick buildings, which still remain. In October, 1871, Mr. L. Burckhardt withdrew from the oil business, and soon after inaugurated the German Banking Company, with a capital of $250,000. He was elected President-a position he still holds.
Last October Mr. Burckhardt was elected, on the Republican ticket, to represent Hamilton County in the State Legislature, and his nomination gave much strength to the ticket. Being a man of large business interests, and possessing qualifications of the highest order, he will make an efficient representative of the business interests of Cincinnati.
Mr. Burckhardt has been identified with the Cincinnati Zoological Gardens from the start, and has been one of the most energetic and prominent agents in bringing to a suc- cessful termination that grand enterprise, the result of which the city is so justly proud. Over $60,000 of the stock of the company is owned in the Board of Directors of the bank of which Mr. Burckhardt is President.
Mr. Burckhardt has amassed a large fortune, much of which has been invested in beautifying Mount Auburn with its beautiful homes-he having built many of them. He has done much, and all honorably ; and now, dwelling in the affluence and honor gained by his industry and talents, he can look upon the past unsullied career with conscious pride. and satisfaction.
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Leopold Burckhardt
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JUDGE W. W JOHNSON.
THIS distinguished jurist was born August 26, 1826, in Muskingum County, Ohio. His father emigrated from Litchfield County, Connecticut, and his mother from Brook County, Virginia, early in 1800. They were among the earliest settlers of Eastern Ohio, and doubtless had to endure the hardships incident to that early period, when the only ambition of the pioneer was to convert his new farm in the forest into a comfort- able home, and to raise and educate his young family to habits of industry, economy, and integrity. Such a life, though full of hardship, is well calculated to rear up men and women able to fight the battle of life successfully.
The subject of this sketch was raised in the country, having the advantages and subject to the usual incidents of life on a new farm, engaged in clearing up and culti- vating it, and going to the log school-house in Winter. Being ambitious of mental cul- ture, he devoted all of his leisure moments to the improvement of the mind; endowed with studious habits, he spent liis evenings and rainy days in study and reading, and later in life he taught school in Winter for some five years. In 1849 he spent one ses- sion at Muskingum College, in the pursuit of study in mathematics. In April, 1850, he began reading law in Cincinnati, with the late Judge Parker, where he remained only three months, finishing his course in the office of Judge Convers, of Zanesville, a inan pre-eminent in that part of the State for his great learning in the law, of which he gave his students the benefit, inspiring them with a portion of his own zeal for the profession. He was admitted to the bar in September, 1852, by Judges Ranney, Stillwell, Jewett, and Alexander, they having examined him in person, without the usual form of appoint- ing a committee. In the Fall of the same year he located in Ironton, Lawrence County, where he has since resided. Filled with an honorable emulation, with a fair field before him, it was not long before he became known as a rising man in his profession. In 1857 he was elected Judge of the second subdivision of the Seventh Judicial District, and was twice re-elected. With an interval of two years at the bar he continued on the bench till 1873, when he resigned, to try the benefits of a change for his health.
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