USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Portrait and biographical record of city of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the locality, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 9
USA > Ohio > Wood County > Portrait and biographical record of city of Toledo and Lucas and Wood Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the locality, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 9
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tion. The Supreme Court is now, I believe, justly regarded as a sheet-anchor of the nation. Will it continue such if its Chief Justice be placed in the political whirlpool? My friend, consider these things, and tell me if you really think I ought to permit my name to be used as suggested by you. If you do, I do not."
This expression of the views and purposes of the Chief Justice was conclusive in this case, utterly placing him then and thereafter outside all politi- cal combinations. While it was no surprise to those personally acquainted with him, the public use then made of it was deemed due alike to him and to the country. In view of previous events, then fresh in the public mind, it was specially proper that such position of the incumbent of that high office upon the important question raised should be made known, to the end that it might aid in stimulating and making more clear and fixed the sentiment, already so general, against political aspirations among members of the Na- tional Judiciary. It was justly regarded as no small thing for the American people to be assured that the gentleman then recently called to the head of that branch of their Government could not be tempted from his high position of inde- pendence and eminent usefulness by the glitter of political preferment, though never so attractive. Such timely action will ever stand as a protest from the quarter most effective for good against such prostitution of the National Judiciary. Chief Justice Waite throughout his life has had clear convictions on religious subjects, and for many years past has been a communicant, and for forty years an active Vestryman, in the Protestant Episcopal Church. His interest in whatever con- cerned the moral or material well-being of his fel- low-meu has always been actively shown in such ways as occasions have offered. During the War of the Rebellion no one in northwestern Ohio contributed more toward the support of the Gov- ernment in maintaining a loyal sentiment, in rais- ing recruits and in caring for soldiers and their families, than did he.
Chief Justice Waite was married September 21, 1840, to Miss Amelia C., daughter of Samuel Sel- den Warner, of Lymc, a descendant of Colonel
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Selden of Revolutionary record. Five children have been born to them: Henry Selden, who died in Toledo, April 10, 1873, leaving a wife and two sons; Christopher C., now President and General Manager of the Columbus, Hocking Valley & To- ledo Railroad; Edward T., of the law firm of R. & E. T. Waite, Toledo, who died December 23, 1889; Miss Mary F., of Washington, D. C .; and one who died in infancy.
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ILLIAM H. BOOS. One of the most elegant residences of Toledo is siutated at No. 1403 Jefferson Street, and, both in its exterior appearance and interior appoint- ments, it indicates the refined taste of the inmates. Surrounding the house are extensive grounds and a beautiful, well kept lawn, while in the rear is a substantial brick stable, containing all modern im- provements for the comfort of the horses. Pass- ers-by are wont to pause and gaze admiringly at the place, the beauty of which is praised alike by strangers and the people of the city.
The gentleman whose wealth has rendered such a home possible, and whose artistic taste is evi- denced by the harmony of arrangement every- where visible, is the subject of this sketch. His suceess is largely due to the characteristics of thrift and energy inherited from his German an- cestors. His father, Mathias Boos, was a native of Baden, and at the age of twelve years accompanied his parents to the United States. Settling in 'To- ledo in 1836, he became identificd with the carly history of this city and was recognized as one of its most successful business men. He continued to make his home here until his death, which oc- curred October 15, 1885, when he was in the sev- enty-second year of his age. His wife, Anna M., was a daughter of John Kimball, one of the early settlers of Manhattan, about three miles from To- ledo, Ohio, who settled there in 1837. After her marriage Mrs. Boos accompanied her husband to
Toledo, in 1840. She survived Mr. Boos a number of years, and passed from earth March 17, 1893.
The parental family consisted of four daughters and three sons, but four of the number are now deceased. William H. was born in Toledo March 1, 1842, and has been a life-long resident of this city. Until sixteen years of age he was a student in the public schools, but at that time he discon- tinued his studies and entered the employ of Cal- vin Bronson, of Toledo, in the capacity of clerk. Two years later he formed a partnership with his father, under the firm name of M. Boos & Son, wholesale dealers in wines and liquors. The con- nection thus formed continued until shortly pie- ceding the demise of his father. Afterward he continued the business alone for three years, when the estate was settled up and he disposed of his in- terest and retired to private life. January 1, 1895, he and his brother George organized the Toledo Chewing Gum Company.
The marriage of Mr. Boos took place October 15, 1867, and united him with Miss Hettie L. Sib- ley, who is a daughter of Mark K. Sibley, of To- ledo. Two sons have been born unto them, Will- iam M. and Harry M., who are members of the Toledo Chewing Gum Company. The family is prominent in Toledo and moves in the best circles of society.
Since attaining his majority, Mr. Boos has never failed to cast his ballot for Democratic principles whenever an opportunity has been offered. In the local councils of the party he has been prom- inent for many years, but his influence has never been given to secure personal aggrandizement. Instead, he has favored those measures which will best promote the interests of his party, without re- gard for personal preferences. He has at different times served on important committees, and has taken an active part in local, county, state and national politics. For the past ten years he has been a member of the Election Board.
Aside from his other valuable interests, Mr. Boos is one of the stockholders of the First Na- tional Bank, with which his father was connected from its organization until his death, a part of the time being Director. A genial, companionable and warm-hearted gentleman, he is popular among
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his associates, and is kind to those less fortunate than himself. He is a lover of fine horses, and de- rives considerable enjoyment from a drive behind a valuable and spirited team. Doubtless few en- joy life more than he. Blessed with an abundance of this world's goods, with a beautiful home and pleasant domestic relations, he may be accounted more than ordinarily fortunate in everything that can enhance the happiness of life.
ILLIAM L. HOYT. The social insti- tutions of a city are among the most important factors in the development of its resources. To their influence may often be attributed the increase of commerce and of manu- facturing interests, and through their efforts thie material resources of the place are developed. They are active in securing officials who will wor- thily represent the citizens, and in promoting en- terprises that will enhance the welfare of the peo- ple. Such an organization, while aiding social in- tercourse, has a higher object in view-the good of the city and the prosperity of its residents.
No institution of its kind has gained greater prominence in this portion of Ohio than the To- ledo Club, of which Fred J. Reynolds is President and William L. Hoyt Secretary. It dates its his- tory from 1879, when at a social gathering one evening twelve or more of the influential men of Toledo resolved to organize a club. The organi- zation was soon effected, and the new body was given the name of the "Draconian Club" by its first President, D. R. Locke (Petroleum V. Nasby). The word means "written in gore," and comes from the name of the famous Greek law-maker, Draco, who wrote his general edicts in blood. For a time the letters and all printed matter of the Club were written or printed in red.
For some time the membership of the club was limited, though from the first it has been promi-
nentand influential in public matters. About 1889 it began to exert a very important influence in de- veloping the manufacturing interests of the city. Its power was felt more than ever before, and its influence in advancing the welfare of the city was very apparent. About the same time the club was reorganized and the name changed to the Toledo Club, under which title it is now widely known. In 1890 their present fine building was constructed. This is a Lake Superior red sand- stone structure, attractive in exterior appearance, and elegant in its interior appointments. Its cost, including the lot, building and furnishings, was about $100,000, and it is not only one of the most expensive and costly buildings of Toledo, but one of the most handsome as well.
Not a little of the success of the club may be attributed to the indefatigable efforts of the sub- ject of this sketch, who has been its Secretary from the date of organization to the present, and who through all this period has been an active factor in advancing its interests. In its success he natu- rally takes great pride, and its popularity is due in no small degree to his efforts. He is one of the genial, cordial and highly respected citizens of Toledo, a man of superior conversational ability, fitted both by natural gifts and culture for the companionship of the most gifted men, intellectu- ally, of the times.
Mr. Hoyt was born in Norwalk, Ohio, May 9, 1836, and is a son of William R. and Elizabeth (Peck) Hoyt, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of Massachusetts. His parents came to Ohio early in the '30s, and in 1836 settled in To- ledo, where for a time the father engaged in the lumber and furniture business. In 1838 he went back to Norwalk, where he continued to make his home for many years afterward. Returning to Toledo in 1876, he remained here until his death, at the age of seventy-six. His wife died in this city at the age of eighty-eight.
There were four children in the family of Will- iam R. Hoyt, and all but one are still living. At the age of eleven years our subject became a clerk in a dry-goods store in Sandusky, Ohio, where he remained for some years. April 19, 1861, he en- listed as a member of Company E, Eighth Ohio
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Infantry, and became Orderly-Sergeant under Cap- tain Sawyer. Later he was chosen Adjutant of the Twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry, in which position he served until shortly before the close of the war. He was mustered out as Captain, and still has in his possession the commission he received from the "war" Goveruor, Dennison.
For about six months Mr. Hoyt resided in Day- ton, Ohio, whence in 1865 he came to Toledo and accepted a position as chief clerk with a railroad company, remaining in their employ for several years. Later he engaged in the commission and brokerage business, and afterward was for seven years the representative of the Union Central Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati. His next posi- tion was that of Secretary for a coal and ice com- pany, in which capacity he worked for seventeen years. Politically he is a Republican, and is act- ive in local political affairs. Of the Grand Army post at Toledo he is an influential member and a leading worker. Throughout the long period of his residence in Toledo he has gained and main- tained the friendship of inany of the best men of the place, and is numbered among its liberal and progressive citizens.
ALENTINE HAHN, a worthy old citizen of Wood County, who makes his home on section 3, is the owner of several desirable farms in Troy Township. He was born on the River Rhine in Germany, and continued to live in his native land until 1844, when lie sailed for America. He arrived on the shores of the New World with but $60 as capital, but industriously went to work, and before many years had passed was in comfortable circumstances.
The parents of our subject were Henry and Bar- bara (Smith) Hahn, both of whom passed their en- tire lives in Germany, the father dying about 1834, and the mother about 1829. The former was a miller by trade, but in later life engaged in farm-
ing, and owned considerable property. He and his wife were members of the Mennonite Church, and brought up their children in that faith.
In a family of twelve children, Valentine is the eighth in order of birth, the others being as follows: Peter, who emigrated to this county, where he died in 1861; Henry, who came to this county in 1852, and whose death occurred in 1891; Mrs. Catherine Cornelius, who died in Germany; Jacob, who passed away in Lucas County in 1885; Mrs. Elizabeth Missing, who died in Perrysburg; Barbara, whose death occurred in Germany when she was about fourteen years of age; Mrs. Mary Stover, deceased; Christian, who died in this county in 1850; Daniel, a farmer in New York State; John, deceased; and Jacob.
As our subject was born March 3, 1816, he was consequently twenty-cight years of age when lie crossed the Atlantic to seek a home and fortune in the United States. He first located in Ashland County, Ohio, where he remained for five years, and then, coming to this county, bought forty acres of land, going in debt for a portion of the amount. This place was thickly covered with timber, and Mr. Hahn was the first person to fell a trec on the farm. He built a log cabin, which sheltered him for about five years, at the end of which time he sold the homestead. Subsequently he purchased one hundred acres in this township, and with this as a nucleus he has extended his possessions until he now owns altogether four hundred acres. IIc has erected all of the buildings .mich may be found on these farms, and has developed the land from its primitive state.
November 29, 1846, Valentine Hahn married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Magdalene Berg, natives of Germany, who emigrated to Ashland County, Ohio, in 1842, where the father followed his trade of milling. His eldest child, Elizabethi, is deceased; Mary, the third of the family, is the wife of George Hoff, of Angola, Ind .; and Katie, the youngest, is Mrs. Samuel Edwards, now of De Witt County, Ill.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hahn were born twelve children, all of whom are living and residents of this county. They are as follows: Julius, born November 29, 1847; Rudolph, May 15, 1849; Mrs. Elizabeth
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Brimm, July 16, 1855; Herman, July 31, 1857; Mary and Laura, twins, March 13, 1858; Theodore, Sep- tember 5, 1860; Barbara, April 16, 1862; Katie, July 25, 1864; Albert, January 21, 1867; August, Au- gust 14, 1869; and Clara, October 21, 1873. Mary became the wife of George Brown, and her twin sister, Laura, married William Andrews. Mrs. Valentine Hahn was born August 3, 1829. She has been a faithful wife and devoted mother, and feels very proud of the fifteen grandchildren granted her, for without exception they are bright and interesting children.
Religiously our subject and his wife are mem- bers of the Mennonite Church. Mr. Hahn, who is a Democrat politically, has served his district as School Director and Trustee.
P ROF. W. A. OGDEN. There is no science that has done so much to elevate and en- noble mankind as that of music, and to its disciples, those who have developed its wonderful possibilities, the world owes a debt of gratitude. Among the number who have gained a national reputation through their skill as artists and com- posers, prominent mention should be made of the name of Professor Ogden, of Toledo. A sketch of his life will have not only a present, but also a future, interest to the people of this city, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present the follow- ing facts connected with his career:
He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, October 10, 1841, and is a son of Aaron and Mary M. (Hawkins) Ogden, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Ross County, Ohio. The maternal grandfather, Daniel Turncy, was a French Hugue- not, and, being exiled from France, came to America. He was an Episcopalian minister. At the age of six years our subject was taken by his parents to Indiana, and his early education was obtained in the common schools of that state. His marked genius as a musician was apparent in boy-
hood, and at the age of nine he commenced the study of music, which he has since continued. When eighteen years of age he began as chorister, and since that time has been almost constantly connected with some church as leader of the choir.
At the opening of the Civil War, in 1861, our subject exchanged the soft and dream-alluring music of peace for the martial notes of war, and followed the drum into the heart of the Confed- eracy with no less zeal and enthusiasm than he had given to the wooing of the softer-toned instru- ments. While in the army he drilled a chorus of ten male voices, it being one of the most proficient and popular in the regiment. He was assigned to Company C, Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, com- manded by Col. S. S Bass, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., and with his regiment participated in many of the bloody and decisive battles of the rebellion, among which were those of Shiloh, Stone River, Chatta- nooga and the Atlanta campaign.
Mustered out of the service at the close of the war, Professor Ogden returned to Indiana in 1865, and four years later moved to Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he drilled a number of classes in music. In 1881 he came to Toledo, where he has since resided, devoting his attention to the art of which he has made a specialty. In 1887 he took charge of the work in the public schools of Toledo, and has since officiated as Superintendent of Music. Through his skillful and artistic management of the Saenger- fest of Toledo, his reputation was materially in- creased, and he was brought to the notice of prom- inent musicians in other cities. He has composed thirty books of music, many of which are very widely known. For six years he filled the position of Professor of the State Hawkeye Normal School of Iowa. In 1883 he went to Mobile, Ala., and organized the Mobile Choral Union, composed of eighty voices. His productions have been trans- lated into almost every language of the eivilized world, and in art circles his name is among the most prominent of those of the gifted composers of the present age.
Since the war the Professor has retained his in- terest in army affairs and is now holding the posi- tion of Senior Vice-Commander of Volunteer Post No. 715, G. A. R., at Toledo. He is also Depart-
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ment Commander, with the rank of Major-General of the Union Veterans' Union, in which organiza- tion he was a charter member. The department consists of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Though he has never been aggressive in his political opin- ions, he nevertheless adheres to the principles of the Republican party with un wavering fidelity.
The residence of Professor Ogden at No. 353 Missouri Street is presided over by his aecom- plished wife, whom he married in Indiana and who is a native of Ohio. She bore the maiden name of Rebecca V. Headington, and is a daughter of Will- iam Headington. The family consists of two sons and a daughter, namely: Lowell; Percy; Mary E., assistant superintendent of music in the public schools; and Edwin Hale. For two years the Pro- fessor taught in the Western School of Normal Methods in Chicago. Personally lie is a genial, affable gentleman, possessing excellent conversa- tional ability and a wide fund of information upon general topies, but is particularly well informed re- garding the science to which the entire years of his active life have been devoted.
R ICHARD WHITEFORD, M. D., of To- ledo, has attained a high reputation among the physicians and surgeons of this city, and being a careful student of his pro- fession, skilled in the diagnosis of intricate cases and accurate in the treatment of the same, he has gaiued an extensive and lucrative practice. The same ability that has placed him in the front rank of his profession is always at the service of the community in which he lives for the promotion of progressive and meritorious enterprises. In his opinions, both in regard to civic affairs and professional matters, he is thoughtful, discriminat- ing and well informed, and in his studies keeps abreast with modern discoveries in medicine and their proper application.
A Canadian by birth, the Doctor was born in
Three Rivers; August 15, 1836, and is the son of John and Emily (Schultz) Whiteford, natives, re- spectively, of Ireland and Canada, the latter being of French descent. The years of boyhood and youth he passed in the city where he was born, and received an excellent education in its public schools. At the age of sixteen he became a student in McGill University of Montreal, where he pros- ecuted his studies diligently until his graduation in 1857. Previous to this he had for several years attended a Jesuit college in Montreal.
Having by careful study thoroughly equipped himself for the practice of the medical profession, Dr. Whiteford opened an office at Lotbiniere, Can- ada, where he gradnally gained a lucrative and extensive practice, covering a large area of the surrounding country. For seven years he re- mained at that place, and such was his ability and the attention which he gave to his professional duties that he was regarded as one of the best physicians of the locality. In 1861 he came to the States, and settling in Detroit, Mieh., he opened an office and entered upon the usual routine of professional labors. As that city grew in popula- tion his reputation as a skilled physician also grew, and he had all the patronage that he could possibly attend to. He continued to make his home in Detroit until 1880, when he removed to Toledo, and has since conducted a general prac- tice in medicine and surgery in this city. At the present time he is filling the position of Professor Emeritns of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Toledo Medical College.
The marriage of Dr. Whiteford and Miss Flora DeMars, of Canada, was solemnized in 1859, and for twenty years, or until the death of Mrs. White- ford in 1879, their wedded life was one of happi- ness and mutual helpfulness. She was a well edu- cated, amiable and noble-hearted lady, and with her husband held an enviable position in the social circles of the community. She left a son and two daughters, Albert, Alice and Flora, besides her husband, to mourn her death. Tlie family resi- dence is situated at No. 709 Cherry Street.
In his social connection's the Doctor is officiating as President of the French Society of St. Joseph, in which he has long been an active and influential
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member. Devoted to professional duties, he has no desire to enter the arena of political life, but being a public-spirited citizen, he is well posted and deeply interested in local and national issues. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, of which he is a pronounced advocate.
TEPHEN ENTSMINGER. During the dark days of the Civil War, Ohio did her full share in furnishing troops to defend the honor of the Old Flag and maintain that union of states which has proved to be the glory and strength of our nation. The record of the sons whom she sent forth forms a story of hardships nobly borne, battles bravely fought, marches stur- dily undertaken and imprisonment patiently en- dured from motives of purest patriotism. It is with pleasure that the biographer presents a life sketch of any one of these heroes, among whom prominent mention belongs to the subject of this narrative.
Now a resident of Bradner, Mr. Entsminger was born near Columbus, in Franklin County, Ohio, October 17, 1830. The family is of German ex- traction, and has been represented in Ohio for a . number of generations. His grandfather, Samuel, who was one of the pioneers of this state, was a prominent man here, being the owner and man- ager of a number of Hatboats on the Ohio in the early days. During the War of 1812 he served in the American army, rendering faithful service to the cause of liberty.
The father of our subject, Louis Entsminger, was born ncar Point Pleasant, on the Ohio River, and there grew to manhood. In early manhood he removed to Seneca County, and later settled in the western part of Sandusky County, where he died more than thirty years ago. His wife, Abi- gail Randall, was a native of Connecticut and traced her ancestry to the Pilgrim Fathers. Aside
from this fact, but little is known of the history of her family.
In the parental family there were five sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and two daugh- ters are now living. A. L., who was in the Gov- ernment employ during the Civil War, afterward went to Kansas, where he has since resided. Will- iam, who was a member of the Third Ohio Caval- ry, served until the close of the war; later he set- tled in Sandusky County, and there he died in 1890. Our subject spent his early years upon the farm and attended the school which was held in a log building near his home.
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