USA > Ohio > Representative citizens of Ohio : memorial-genealogical > Part 37
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John Sawyer Melbourne
MONG the citizens of Canton, Ohio, who built up a com- fortable home and a profitable business, during a past generation, must be numbered the late John S. Mel- bourne, who passed away at his home in Canton on March 13, 1902. With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable of mastering, and with many discourage- ments to overcome, he made an exceptional success of life and he had the gratification of knowing that the locality of his choice had benefited by his presence. He was generally regarded as a good business man, an excellent manager, a man who possessed sound judgment and keen foresight, and who believed in always pressing forward, keeping the wheels of progress ever moving. He enjoyed the respect and confidence of those who knew him for his friendly manner, business ability, his interest in public affairs and up- right living and he was regarded by all as one of the substantial and worthy citizens of the city of Canton in whose splendid growth he took a conspicuous part. He was a native of that coun- try from whence has come so much of the bone and sinew of this nation and his record was such as clearly entitles him to represen- tation in a work of the province of the one at hand.
John S. Melbourne, who during his active years was one of the leading business men of Canton, was born on January 14, 1848, in Mountrath, Queens County, Ireland, and was a son of Henry and Jane (Sawyer) Melbourne. These parents also were natives of that country, of stanch Irish lineage, and the father was a man of prominence in his locality, where he had varied interests, being a farmer, a miller, and also engaged in the mercantile busi- ness. His death occurred at Mountrath in 1900 at the age of seventy-four years, and he is survived by his widow, who still re- sides in that locality with a son, being now about eighty-five years old. She and her husband were members of the Episcopal Church. They were the parents of thirteen children, all of whom grew to maturity and all but two were married. Ten of the children are yet living, all in Ireland excepting two brothers, William and George, who are married and live in Canton, Ohio, and a sister, Matilda, who is the wife of Thomas Murphy of Cleveland, Ohio.
The subject of this memoir was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the public schools. He early became
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John Samper Melbourne
an assistant of his father both on the farm and in the mill and in this way he early gained a practical knowledge of business meth- ods. In 1868 when about twenty years of age, he left his native land and came to the United States, stopping first for a short time in New York City. He then came to Canton, where lived a cousin, John Meredith, who had preceded him to this country and who had influenced him in his decision to emigrate from his homeland. He became favorably impressed with this country and, deciding to make his future home here, he started to learn the trade of stone mason. He was intensely ambitious and energetic and in 1870 he embarked in business as a contractor and builder. In this his suc- cess was pronounced from the start and he attained marked prece- dence in his line, securing many important contracts and erecting many of the largest and best public and private buildings in this section of the State. In 1888 Mr. Melbourne engaged in the man- ufacture of bricks at Malvern, Carroll County, this State, making a specialty of paving brick, in the manufacture of which he was eminently successful. His first individual contract was the erec- tion of the Ogden Hotel, in Canton, later known as the Barnett Hotel, after which he constructed the City Hall, Central Engine House, First Methodist Episcopal Church, the Meyer Block, the Garfield Avenue school building, and the stone work of the great plant of the Deuber-Hampden Watch Company. He also erected and owned the Melbourne Hotel, which he rented until a short time prior to his decease. In 1889, Mr. Melbourne erected the at- tractive and comfortable family residence at No. 1917 West Tus- carawas Street, where his widow now resides.
Thoroughly alive to the duties, responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, Mr. Melbourne took an active interest in local pub- lic affairs, giving his support to the Republican party, in the ranks of which he was an unusually efficient worker. He was reared in the faith of the Established Church of England, and after coming to this country he retained his membership in the Episcopal Church, to which he gave liberally of his means.
On June 2, 1870, at Canton, Ohio, occurred the marriage of Mr. Melbourne to Mary C. Latimer, who was born on what is now the public square of that city, on April 25, 1851. She is the daugh- ter of Robert C. and Cordelia A. (Gitchel) Latimer, from which fact it becomes patent that she is a representative of two of the prominent pioneer families of this county. Her father was born in Osnaburg, this county, on May 14, 1820, and his brother George was the first white male child born in Stark County. Robert C. Latimer remained on the pioneer farm until he attained maturity,
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when he located in Canton, where he was successfully engaged in the carriage manufacturing business up to the time of his death, which occurred on August 26, 1864. On January 6, 1848, he mar- ried Cordelia Gitchel, who was born May 11, 1827, in the same building in which her daughter, Mrs. Melbourne, was born and which was erected in 1819 by John Sterling, who was the first hus- band of Mrs. Elizabeth (Sailor) Gitchel, who was the maternal grandmother of Mrs. Melbourne. Cordelia (Gitchel) Latimer was a daughter of Levi and Elizabeth (Sailor) Gitchel, the latter the widow of John Sterling. Levi Gitchel was a native of Scot- land, whence he emigrated to America, taking up his residence in Canton in the early pioneer epoch, when the place was but a strag- gling village in the midst of the primitive forest. Here he became a prominent merchant, being associated with his wife in carrying on the store established by her previous husband. Mr. Gitchel died in Canton in 1833. To him and his wife were born three chil- dren, namely: Cordelia Ann, mother of Mrs. Melbourne; Samuel, who was for many years an honored resident of Canton, and Re- mus, who died at the age of eighteen years. Elizabeth (Sailor) Gitchel was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on June 6, 1786, and her death occurred at Canton on April 21, 1864. In Pennsylvania she was married to John Sterling, and they came to Stark County in 1806, the journey being made on horseback. Mr. Sterling entered a tract of government land, upon a portion of which the present city of Canton now stands, and here he energet- ically went to work to create a home. He became a pioneer mer- chant of the new community, his store being located at the corner of what is now East Tuscarawas Street and the public square, and he also operated a tannery, which was located on the present site of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railroad depot. Here he continued in active business until his death, which occurred in 1823. To him and his wife were born the following children: Fanny, who at the age of fourteen years, became the wife of George Binkley, died at the age of thirty-three years, leaving thirteen children; Eliza, who became the wife of Daniel Dewalt, died in Canton; Marie, the wife of David Rowan, also died in Canton; Margaret, the wife of John C. Hart, died in East Akron, Ohio; Miranda and Matilda were twins, and the former, who became the wife of John Smith, died in New Philadelphia, Ohio, while the latter, Mrs. George Kirk, died in Cleveland; John married Mary Ann Todd and his death occurred in Canton; Jacob married Jane Moffett; Catherine and Samuel died in childhood.
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Robert Latimer, grandfather of Mrs. Melbourne, was born near Sewickley, Pennsylvania, on June 3, 1777, and in that State was reared to maturity and there married Anna Watt who accom- panied him on his removal to Ohio. He was a grandson of Arthur Latimer, who was born and reared in England, whence he came to America in 1736, being a widower and being accompanied by his five children, namely; Robert, James, George (great grand- father of Mrs. Melbourne), Susan, and Sarah. George Latimer married Margaret Potter, who died in Osnaburg, Stark County, on May 12, 1810, her tombstone being the oldest marker in Westlawn Cemetery, Canton. Robert and Anna (Watt) Latimer became the parents of ten children, namely: Benjamin, who died in Sharon, Pennsylvania; George, who was the first male white child born in Stark County, and whose son, Dr. J. P. Latimer, was a promi- nent physician at Newark, this State; Parkinson died at Massillon, this county; John, deceased; Margaret, the wife of John Sellers, died in Massillon; Sarah, wife of William Sellers, died in Canton; Mary died at the age of twenty-two years, unmarried, as did also Martha; Rachel, the wife of Peter Gallagher, died in the State of Illinois; Robert C., father of Mrs. Melbourne. Robert C. and Cor- delia (Gitchel) Latimer became the parents of four children, namely: Elizabeth, who died at the age of seventeen years; Mary C., Mrs. Melbourne; Robert, who died in childhood; George, who died in Canton in 1890, had married Mary F. Lab. Robert and Cordelia Latimer were faithful and earnest members of the Baptist Church and because of their consistent lives they enjoyed the con- fidence and respect of all.
To Mr. and Mrs. Melbourne were born four children, namely: Francis J. M., who was born on December 19, 1871, received a good practical education in the public schools of Canton, where he became well known as a successful contractor and brick manufac- turer, and is now living in Oakland, California; he married Jennie Gibbs, of Cleveland. Beatrice Jane, born October 19, 1872, com- pleted her education in the Canton High School and remains at home with her mother; she is an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and of the Altar Guild. Corwin, born in 1874, died at the age of three months. Grace Cordelia, born in Canton on March 8, 1884, completed her education in the private school of Miss Buckingham, of which she is a graduate. She is the wife of Frederick Joseph Pratt, of Providence, Rhode Island, who was formerly a prominent business man and manufacturer of Canton; they are the parents of two children, John Melbourne, born Au- gust 22, 1908, and Frederick Joseph, Jr., born April 19, 1912.
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Mrs. Melbourne and most of her children are identified with the First Baptist Church of Canton, of which she has been a mem- ber since her fifteenth year. She is a woman of splendid qualities and because of her hospitality, good cheer and earnest life, she has long enjoyed great popularity among those with whom she associates. She moves in the leading social circles of the city and is actively interested in every movement for the betterment of the city along social, moral, or educational lines.
Richard Pratt Marbin
MONG the progressive and enterprising professional and business men of Akron, Ohio, during a past generation, who achieved a definite measure of success in their chosen lines of endeavor and at the same time assisted materially in the upbuilding and development of their section of this great commonwealth, was the late Richard Pratt Marvin, whose record is eminently deserving of conspicuous mention in a work of the province assigned to the one at hand along with other leading citizens of the State, because he led a useful, upright and honorable life, highly commendable in every respect.
Mr. Marvin was a scion of a sterling old family of the Empire State, and his birth occurred at Jamestown, New York, May 30, 1848. He was a son of Judge Richard P. and Isabella (Newland) Marvin. The father, who was of Revolutionary stock, was a very prominent lawyer, who became widely known in public affairs, serving with distinction on the bench of the Supreme Court of New York.
Richard P. Marvin grew to manhood in his native State and received his primary education in the public schools, later enter- ing Rochester University, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1870, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1872, and soon thereafter moved to Akron, Ohio, where he associated in the prac- tice of his profession with the late Judge E. P. Green, that firm be- coming one of the best known in this section of the State, Mr. Marvin taking a high position at the bar from the start, and was soon recognized as one of the leading lawyers of Akron. He had a large practice and was very successful, was profoundly versed in the principles of jurisprudence, went into court well prepared and was an earnest and logical pleader before a jury. He prospered financially and in time purchased stock in the B. F. Goodrich Rub- ber Company when it was in its infancy. In 1880 he became sec- retary of this mammoth concern, which at present is the largest of its kind in the world. He continued to occupy that important po- sition until his death, was active in the management of that great corporation and was a potent factor in making it what it is to-day. He gave it his exclusive attention, the benefit of his counsel and indomitable energy, performing his every duty in a manner that
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reflected much credit upon his ability, and to the eminent satisfac- tion of the stockholders and all concerned. After assuming the secretaryship of this company, Mr. Marvin retired from the prac- tice of law, which had become distasteful to him owing to the con- stant necessity of defending cases in the justice of which he did not believe.
Mr. Marvin manifested an abiding interest in public affairs, especially as concerned the city of Akron, and in 1874 he was elected mayor of the same, and having made a most praiseworthy record, doing much for the permanent good of the city, he was again elected the city's chief executive in 1878. He has since been frequently referred to as the best mayor the city has ever had, having given satisfaction to all classes, irrespective of party align- ment. He was a leader in the affairs of the Republican party, whose principles he ever stanchly espoused.
For many years Mr. Marvin was active in the Masonic frater- nity, and attained the thirty-second degree. He was a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; was past master of Akron Lodge, No. 83, Free and Accepted Masons; was past high priest of Washington Chapter, No. 25, Royal Arch Masons, and past eminent commander of Akron Commandery, No. 25 Knights Templars. He was also a member of the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows. He was regarded as one of the most public-spirited and charitable men in Akron. He always stood ready to assist in any worthy movement for the good of his city and State, gave freely to the needy and to the establishment of various laudable institutions. Many a young man has been helped in getting a start in life by him. Yet he was plain and unassum- ing, never giving to attract public attention, but always out of his fullness of heart.
Mr. Marvin was married in 1892 to Jane Miller, a daughter of Hon. Lewis Miller, of Akron, and her death occurred in 1898. In 1900 Mr. Marvin was united in marriage to Mrs. Grace (Perkins) Lohmann, the daughter of Col. Simon and Grace Tod Perkins, one of the oldest and most prominent and highly esteemed families in Akron.
Mr. Marvin was a man of fine personal attributes, genial, obliging, kind, charitable, and at all times a genteel gentleman whom to know was to admire and esteem. He was very successful in a business way and left a large fortune, honestly earned. He was called to his eternal rest on June 5, 1906.
John Kamparter
John Lamparter
MONG the citizens of Akron, Ohio, who built up a com- fortable home and surrounded themselves with valu- able personal property, few attained a greater degree of success than the late John Lamparter. With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable of master- ing, he made an exceptional success in life and in his later years had the satisfaction of knowing that the interests of the city in which he had spent his life had been advanced by his efforts. He was regarded as a good business man, an excellent manager, a man who possessed sound judgment and keen foresight, and who believed in pressing forward, keeping the wheels of the car of civilization ever moving up the steeps. He ever enjoyed the re- spect and esteem of those who knew him for his friendly manner, business ability, his interest in public affairs, and upright living and he was regarded by all as one of the substantial citizens of his city, in whose growth and development he had taken a conspic- uous part.
John Lamparter, whose death occurred at his home No. 147 Ash Street, Akron, on May 8, 1912, was born in this city on the 13th day of September, 1859. He was the son of David and Fre- dorica Lamparter, both of whom were natives of Germany, their marriage occurring after they had come to this country. Of their children, only two grew to maturity, John, the subject of this sketch, and Caroline, who became the wife of O. B. France, a well-known real estate man. John Lamparter secured his educa- tional training in the public schools of Akron, but at the early age of fourteen years, he relinquished his studies and entered the employ of Major Steinbacher, under whose direction he learned the drug business and with whom he remained for a number of years, becoming a thoroughly competent drug clerk and acquiring an ac- curate knowledge of business methods. Severing his connection with his employer, Mr. Lamparter entered into a partnership with Jacob Pfeiffer and bought the drug store formerly owned by John Grether. The new concern was prosperous from the start and succeeded in building up a large and lucrative trade. After a co-partnership of a number of years, Mr. Lamparter bought the interest of his partner in the business and took in as a partner Frank Selzer, with whom he was associated until his death.
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John Lamparter
At this point it is deemed entirely consonant with the purpose of this memoir to digress for a moment and refer to the gentleman with whom Mr. Lamparter was so long associated, for his career has in many respects been out of the ordinary. Under the caption, "A Romance of the Business World," a local newspaper printed the story of his splendid career, and from which account the fol- lowing lines are quoted: "When Frank Selzer was nine years old death robbed him of both his father and mother. Four years later Frank Selzer, a lad of but thirteen years and in knee trousers, went out into the world to struggle with the severe problems of life and to hew out his own fortune. Fatherless and motherless and poor, this same lad found the corner at Exchange and Main streets as his world. For two years he worked in Harvey Crite's drug store ..... They were long years to him, but they proved as the stepping stones to a remarkable success. When a lad Frank Selzer pictured in his mind a time that might come when he could own a big drug store at the northwest corner of Exchange and Main. As a lad he would draw in his mind's fancy the greatest block in Akron. It would be a monster building, covered with a roof garden. After two years Frank Selzer quit his job at Crite's store and started down the street. It was during that walk that he met the man who was to become his greatest friend and who was to swing open to him the doors that were to lead to his success and wealth.
"The man he met was John Lamparter, who had a drug store down town. 'Hello, Frank,' said Mr. Lamparter, 'What are you doing now?' 'Nothing,' was the reply. 'Then come with me; I want to see you,' said Mr. Lamparter. Associated with Mr. Lam- parter at that time was Jacob Pfeiffer. He took off his coat and went to work. In a short time this once poor lad owned a quarter interest in a down-town drug store. About three years ago he owned a half interest in the same place. When Mr. Lamparter died Mr. Selzer bought the other half interest. The big store is now located at No. 116 South Main Street."
Besides his drug business, Mr. Lamparter owned a number of valuable properties in Akron, and was counted among the city's successful business men, owning the block where his drug store was situated, as well as the Thuma Hotel, was president of the Lamparter Real Estate Company, a heavy stockholder in the Mil- ler Rubber Company, and also held large interests in breweries in Akron and Wooster, he and John Koerber having been the pro- moters and organizers of the Akron Brewing Company. Mr. Lam- parter had been, especially during the last years of his life, par-
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John Mamparter
ticularly successful in the handling of real estate, having been closely associated in this line with Congressman E. R. Barthrick, to whom he was also bound closely by ties of friendship. Mr. Barthrick, at the time of Mr. Lamparter's death gave expression to the following tender eulogy of his old friend: "It was as if I had lost a brother, to receive the news of the death of John Lam- parter. Some who knew him only indifferently well called John Lamparter a diamond in the rough. But to his real, intimate friends this term does not do him justice. He was a polished dia- mond, and his friendship was of as bright a quality as the purest gem. All his life he stood by his friends, and many there are in Akron, who in time of need, have been helped by him in a most kindly and unboastful way. And when he came to die he paid the debt of nature with the same unflinching fortitude and courage that he had met all of life's obligations."
Mr. Lamparter was, in the truest sense of the word, a self- made man. When we trace the careers of those whom the world acknowledges as successful, and those who stand highest in public esteem, it is found that in almost every case they are those who have risen gradually by their own efforts, their diligence and per- severance. These qualities were possessed in a large measure by Mr. Lamparter. Although his life was a busy one, his every-day affairs making heavy demands upon his time, he never shrank from his duties as a citizen and his obligations to his neighbors and friends. Always calm and dignified, never demonstrative, his life was, nevertheless, a persistent plea for wholesome character, and he ever enjoyed the confidence and respect of all with whom he was thrown in contact. He had the happy faculty of making friends, and, once made, he held them. In the business world he was noted for his absolute honesty and integrity, his word being as good as a bond.
Fraternally, Mr. Lamparter was a member of the United Commercial Travelers, and was also affiliated with several Ger- man societies. He was a charter member of the Akron lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in the welfare of which he took a deep interest, but the heavy demands of business compelled him to withdraw from the organization. Politically, he was aligned with the Democratic party, though he was never a seeker after public office. His religious sympathies were with the English Lutheran Church, to which he contributed liberally, but of which he was not a member.
On November 8, 1905, John Lamparter was united in marriage with Minnie C. Pease Sprankle, the widow of Collins Sprankle and
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the daughter of O. F. and Helen L. (Simmons) Pease, she being also a niece of Judge Anson Pease, of Stark County. To O. F. and Helen Pease the following children were born: Fred J., deceased; Minnie C. (Mrs. Lamparter) ; Etta J., the wife of John Christen- sen, of Kenmore, foreman for the Goodrich Rubber Company; Bessie R., wife of W. T. McCague, of Columbus, this State, a well- known musician; Per Lee, who is engaged in the rubber business in New Jersey. By her union with Collins Sprankle, Mrs. Lam- parter became the mother of one child, Earl C., of Akron. The second union was without issue. Mrs. Lamparter is a woman of splendid qualities of head and heart and is well liked by all who know her.
Though sick for three years before his death, without hope of recovery, Mr. Lamparter ever remained cheerful and always had a pleasant and hearty greeting for all his friends who called on him. As the end approached, he calmly arranged his business af- fairs, and gave explicit directions as to the funeral details, among his requests being those that the services be private and that there be no flowers. Such had been his relations with those who had been honored by his friendship that his death came to all as a personal bereavement, and in business circles a distinct loss.
Rutherford B. Hayes
Rutherford B. Lapes
UTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth President of the United States, was born in Delaware, Ohio, on Oc- tober 4, 1822, almost three months after the death of his father, Rutherford Hayes. His ancestry, on both the paternal and maternal lines, was of the most honorable charac- ter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with Baliol, William Wallace, and George Bruce .. Both families belonged to the nobility, owning extensive estates, and had a large following. Misfortune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland in 1680 and settled in Windsor, Connecticut. His son George was born in Windsor, and remained there during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his marriage until his death, at Simsbury, Connecticut. Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Connecticut. Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was born in New Haven in August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith, and tavern- keeper. He emigrated to Vermont, settling in Brattleboro, where he established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford, the father of the President, was born. He was married in September, 1813, to So- phia Birchard, of Wilmington, Vermont, whose ancestors emi- grated thither from Connecticut, they having been among the wealthiest and best families of Norwich. Her ancestors on the male side are traced back to John Birchard, 1635, one of the found- ers of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The father of President Hayes was an in- dustrious, frugal, and open-hearted man. He was of a mechanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stocking, or do almost any- thing else that he chose to undertake. He was a member of the church, active in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and conducted his business on Christian principles. After the close of the War of 1812, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio, and, after a tour of inspection lasting four months, he decided to locate at Dela- ware, where the family arrived in 1817. He died on July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial fever.
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