USA > Ohio > The Biographical encyclopedia of Ohio of the nineteenth century. Pt. 1 > Part 54
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course. He possesses excellent business qualifications, and | years that his health became impaired, and he was com- in his administration of the various aff tirs which, from time to time, he has conducted, has uniformly secured the end in view and had his labors crowned with gratifying success. lle was married June 7th, 1851, to Jane E. Voris.
EID, WHITELAW, Journalist, Author, and Lcc. turer, was born in Xenia, Ohio, in October, 1837. Ilis parents were Robert Charlton Reid and Marian Whitelaw ( Ronalds) Reid. The father of the former was a native of Scotland, who emi- grated to this country toward the close of the last century, and settled in Kentucky. Some years later, about ISoo, he bought several hundred acres of land upon the present site of Cincinnati, and removed thither with his family. It is related of him that being a stern old Cov- enanter, and a condition existing in the deed to his property which required him to ferry the Ohio river once every day, he disposed of his interests there sooner than violate the Sabbath, and removed to Greene county, where he became one of the founders of the town of Xenia. This removal, from one point of view, was not very fortunate for him or his descendants. Whitelaw was fitted for college under the tutor hip of an uncle, the Rev. Hugh M'Millan, also a Scotch Covenanter, and a man of scholarly attainments and stern principles. The tutor was a trustee of Miami Uni- versity and Principal of the academy at Xenia. Under his discipline the pupil was well drilled in all that was neces- sary for his entrance into a collegiate course of studies. Ile entered Miami University at the age of fifteen, and in his knowledge of Latin ranked with those in the higher classes. Ile was graduated with honors in 1856, and soon after was made Principal of the graded schools at South Charleston, Ohio, his immediate pupils being generally young men older than himself. The fruits of his labors here confirmed his chim to a high grade of scholarship. Ile saved enough from his salary to repay his father the expense of his senior year at college. In the year 1$57 he bought the Xenia Nares, and in the next two years led the life of a country editor. Before this date he had identified himself with the Republican party, and had stumped for Fremont for the Presidency. He was now thoroughly inspired with the love of journalism, and was rapidly fitting himself for a greater field of labor. Ile was an admirer of Greeley and a subscriber of the Tribune. The News took a foremost rank among the political journals of the State, and its circu- lation doubled under the new management. Although a friend of Salmon P. Chase, his was the first Western news- paper outside of Illinois that advocated the nomination of Abraham Lincoln, and its influence caused the nomination of a Lincoln delegate to the Chicago Convention. Ile afterwards became a firm friend of the President. He entered so warmly into the exciting political events of those
pelled to bid a brief farewell to his pen and voice and seek relaxation, but only to seek another and less exciting field of labor. This he found in the capacity of an explorer, be- coming one of a party who visited the extreme head-waters of the Mississippi and St. Louis rivers. Returning home, he entered vigorously into the discussion of the issues before the country, and witnessed with pride the success of his cause. Resolving to try his fortunes as a legislative cor- respondent, he visited the capital of Ohio. Ile had written a series of letters upon his Northwestern trip for the Cincin- nati Gazette. Finally he effected an engagement with the Cincinnati Times, at five dollars a week, to furnish a daily letter-a considerable fraction less than a dollar a day ! Soon an offer came from the Cleveland Herald for the fur- nishing of a daily letter at fifteen dollars a week ; and then another from the Cincinnati Gazette, with a proffer of eigh- teen dollars. Here he displayed his remarkable facility as a correspondent, and he underwent a dry but severe literary discipline that amounted almost to drudgery. At the close of the session he was given the post of City Editor of the Gazette. This position be held until MeClellan commenced his famous campaign in West Virginia, when he entered upon his career as a war correspondent. Ilis letters to the Gazette, over the signature of "Agate," have passed into history. The position of Volunteer Aide to General Morris, with the rank of Captain, was given him. Having had a taste of active service in this campaign, he returned to Cin- cinnati and wrote leaders for the Gazette for a time. Soon he resumed his position of war correspondent, this time upon the staff of Rosecrans, and bearing his old rank. Being now fairly established as a great journalist and most successful war correspondent, but brief allusion will be made to his subsequent connection with the Western press. llis correspondence was copied in every paper throughout the length and breadth of the land. He was chairman of a committee of correspondents that interviewed General Halleck when the latter had a difficulty with the " gentle- men of the press," which ended in their withdrawal from the military lines. In the spring of 1862 he visited Wash- ington, and while there was offered the management of a leading St. Louis newspaper. Learning this, the proprie- tors of the Casette, sooner than lose his valuable services, gave him an interest in their establishment. This laid the foundation of his financial prosperity. Ile became the Washington correspondent of the Gazette, and was also appointed Librarian to the House of Representatives. The latter he resigned in 1866. Ile enjoyed the friendship and intimacy of the most eminent men in the national councils. Iloracc Greeley began to admire his genius, and tried to prevail upon him to go to New York. Failing in this, he asked him to take charge of the Tribune branch office in Washington, and became his warm friend. His descrip- tion of the battle of Gettysburg was his grandest effort in war correspondence. In 1865 he went South with Mr.
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Chise on a tour of observation, and on his return published | The Editor-in-chief was enabled by the generous offers of a book, entitled "After the War; a Southern Tour." It capitalists to obtain complete control of the paper. Many thinking men predicted failure, and many of the best friends of the young editor had their misgivings. The political and literary world watched his course with lively interest, and but few now withhold their admiration of the man. l'ersonally the editor is most courteous, gallant in his bear- ing, and a welcome guest in the most refined society. As a writer he is versatile and vigorous. ITis private character is above reproach, and aside from the attacks made upon him in his profession, nothing harsh is ever said of him. Ilis scholarly attainments are far above those of the average journalist, and he has frequently addressed, by urgent re- quest, learned societies. Ilis lecture upon " Journalism " has been delivered before various associations. In 1872 he prepared an address, at the request of the Regents of Dart- mouth College, entitled " Schools of Journalism." In 1873 he delivered the "Scholar in Politics" before a college society. was well received by crities, and was considered a fair reflex of the condition of the South at that time. Dining this tour he was seized with the notion to become a cotton planter, and, with this end in view, in the spring of 1866 he leased three plantations in Concordia Parish, opposite Natchez, with General Francis J. Herron as a partner, The speculation promised great success ; but about picking time the destructive army worm made its appearance. One- fourth only of the promised crop was saved, but even this brought them out without loss. Not discouraged, be tried it again, this time in Alabama, and again failed even worse than before. During this experience he had not relin- quished literary work. His spare moments were devoted to compiling " Ohio in the War." This work, comprised in two octavo volumes of over one thousand pages each, contains much statistical and biographical information. Much of the contents may be classed as history. The task of its authorship was a heavy one, and the written war record of no other State approaches it in completeness. It is not a compendium of dry statistics, but vivid war scenes ISE, CAPTAIN ROBERT W., Steamboat Owner and Commander, was born in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, September 13th, 1839, and when quite young moved with his father, William Wise, to Columbus, Ohio, where he remained four years. lle then went to Dayton, in the same State, to live, and remained there five years. His father then set- tled on a farm near Bloomington, Illinois, and Robert assisted in its cultivation and attended the district schools until he reached his thirteenth year. Hle at that age en- gaged with Charles Merriman, of Bloomington, to learn the printing business, and worked with him four years, when he went to I'coria, Illinois, and was there four years occu- pied as a journeyman printer. In 1853 he came to Cincin- nati and found employment on the Cincinnati Commercial, holding his connection with that journal until the breaking out of the rebellion. Ile enlisted as a private in the 6th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in the army three years and three months. The business of railroading claimed his attention during the two succeeding years after his return from the field, and upon the expiration of this period he became Second Clerk on the steamer " Lady Franklin," and acted in that capacity one year, when he accepted the position of First Clerk on the " Rebecca," and held it for two years. The ensuing two years he was First Clerk on the " Emma Floyd," and during a corresponding period immediately after was Captain of that boat, He then built the splendid steamer " James D. Parker," of which he is still part owner and Captain. There is no vessel engaged on the Western rivers which is more complete in its accom- modations or more elegantly fitted up than this one, and certainly none commanded by a more efficient or more gen- tlemanly officer than Captain Wise, Ilis boat is one of a are depicted, interesting correspondence reviewed, and many valuable details laid away for the future historian. In 1868 the unsuccessful cotton planter resumed his position as leader writer for the Gazette. During this time he wrote up the great impeachment trial of President Johnson. Soon Mr. Greeley successfully renewed his offer to the young journalist to enter the staff of the Tribune. Ilis salary was only exceeded by that of the founder, and he was subordinate only to his patron. In 1869 he was in- stalled as Managing Editor, and immediately commenced to strengthen his staff with the best journalistic talent to be obtained. The columns of the Tribune, always teeming with the progressiveness of civilization, were now freshened with the advanced thoughts of a little army of literary men and women captained by the new Manager. The origin- ality of thought and the versatility of the contributors made it a magazine as well as a newspaper. The pen of the statesman, the poet, the artist, the political economist, the essayist, the agriculturist, the preacher-all were contribut- ing articles of moment to the entire country. The Tribune was no longer sunk in the individuality of Mr. Greeley. It was no longer a partisan journal, full of the caustic utter- ances of the founder. Men of every political and religious creed read the Tribune, and it commands the respect of all. Founded and built by Greeley, it has been modernized by Reid. The radical change in the Tribune dates from the defeat and death of its founder, who was nominated for the Presidency. The young journalist had new honors waiting for him. Of course the idea of a thoroughly independent journal did not meet the views of all who were interested in the Tribune, and a struggle took place which attracted the attention of the intelligent people of the whole country. It ended in a decisive victory for the new management .. line making regular trips from Cincinnati to Memphis. HIc
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has had a thorough experience of river life, and is one of [ wealth and honor, add lustre to local history and honor to the best known of the Cincinnati boat owners and com- the wider annals of national prosperity. manders. On January 21st, 1865, he was married to Sarah, daughter of Charles Temple, of that city, by whom he has had four children, all surviving.
ALL, JOHN C., Manufacturer of Furniture, was boru in England in 1816. In 1821 he emigrated with his father to America, and settled in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, where, after obtaining a fair edu- cation in the schools of the city, he learned the upholstering and bedding business. In 1837 he purchased the establishment in which he had learned his trade. Since this period he has been constantly engaged in the prosecution of his business, meeting uniformly with great and merited success. He has recently associated with him, at No. IS East Fourth street, James S. Grisard, of Indiana, under the firm-style of Hall & Grisard, and thus secured as a coworker a young man of fine business ability. Within the past five years the house has been em- ployed in manufacturing " Hall's Patent Folding Furniture," invented with the design of bringing about a radical change in the expensive habits of life in the homes of men of lim- ited means. The whole philosophy of his invention may be thus described : the lounge, book-case, wardrobe, sec- retary, or chair of the day becomes at the hour of rest a comfortable bed; his lounge, etc., are readily and easily metamorphosed, and are accordingly valuable, inasmuch as they answer two ends, while, when made use of in one guise, they conceal the characteristic points belonging to them when serving in another. For a period covering about forty years he has transacted business on his own ac- count, and in all that time has never been connected with a case at law in which he has acted either as plaintiff or defendant. lle thinks that " reasonable men should be able to settle their differences without the intervention of lawyers, or application to court," and, illustrating his view of one phase of commercial morality, he asserts that " honest men will meet their obligations, if able, without process of law ; dishonest men can, in the majority of cases, avoid payment of their just dues, even when attacked by all the powers of the court." During the war of the rebellion he filled several heavy contracts in his department, entered into with the government, supplying the navy on the western rivers and shipping vast quantities of bedding to the Brooklyn Navy-yard. He is a zealous and steadfast Christian and an earnest worker in his church. At the age of twenty-one years he made a compact with himself never to drink intoxicating liquor, swear, or use. tobacco in any form, and has yet to reproach himself for having broken any one of its agreements, To such men the citizens of the Queen City justifiably point with an honest pride; the record of their lives, beginning in obscurity and ending in
ANNOTTA, SIGNOR A., Composer, and Director of the Western Conservatory of Music, was born in Capua, Italy, in 1841. His carly cducation was acquired in Naples. At the age of eight he commenced the study of music, and two years later produced his first notable work in musical composition, whereupon his profession for life was decided. While in his eleventh year, accordingly, he entered the Conservatory St. Pietro Ammaella, at Naples, and there remained eight years, During that time he was one of the favorite pupils of the great maestro composer, Qaverio Mercadante. Ile only of his entire family possessed a marked talent for music. During his second year at Naples he became one of the most skilful French-horn soloists in Italy. As a performer on this instrument he was first in- troduced to the American people, at Boston, by Gilmore, the leader and musician. He never became a great piano performer, Mercadante having, refused the use of the piano to his pupils, preferring to leave the vast range of combina- tions suggested by that instrument to the conception of the unaided mind. In 1861 he graduated as a composer, and in the following year left Naples, with several friends, to attend the famous World's Exposition in London. There he became Director of the London Italian Society of Music, and made his debut in the musical world as a composer, producing, on two days' notice, a " Funeral March," which was received with warm commendations. In 1863, wlien the great Italian general and republican, Garibaldi, came to London and was received with such wide spread demon- strations of favor, he composed for his reception " The Exile," one of his most favorably received productions. Subsequently, at all the Garibaldi receptions in London, he supplied the music. " The Exile " was dedicated to his Grace the Duke of Sutherland, as a mark of appreciation for the hospitable reception given by that nobleman to the distinguished Italian leader. In 1865 he was induced, by the success of several of his friends in America, to come to this country. After his arrival in New York he engaged in the instruction of private vocal pupils, and in 1866 moved to Boston, where he became connected, as a vocal teacher, with the New England Conservatory of Music. In 1868 he visited Cincinnati. About this time he intro- duced to the lovers of music of the city the great concerts a la Julien organization, with fifty musicians. This ven- ture was projected and inaugurated prior to the attempts made by various maestri and to the first visits of Theodore Thomas. But, failing to meet with the success necessary to sustain such a venture and the success of his conserva- tory, he returned to Boston in 1869, and in this city ap- peared first in his true role as the composer of " The Peace
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Festival," a grand march, introduced by Gilmore at the | and together have since conducted the business, building third concert of the great Jubilee. This, the first original stationary, steamboat and portable engines, saw-mills, mill machinery and general loundry work. In 1870 the Vertical Portable Engine, invented by Mr. Griffith's partner, was patented, and a decided increase in business was the result. New shops were built, new tools purchased, increasing the manufacturing facilities. A short description of the Vertical l'ortable Engine may not be out of place. The boiler is horizontal, the engine vertical; and so placed that there is no strain ; the wearing parts are cast steel, light and durable; the points gained are strength, simplicity, safety and durability. Mr. Griffith was married, May 20th, 1838, to Eliza I ce, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, who died in 1872. Ile was again married, December- 27th, 1873, to Ella Cochran. Thoroughly in earnest in whatever he un- dertakes, and a close observer, perseverance under diffi- culties and constant attention to business have brought him the success deserved. He is now County Commis- sioner ; has served fifteen years as Trustee of the Water- works; is Director of the Brown Manufacturing Company, and is looked up to as a leading man in the city and county. The honorable position he now holds, not only in business, but also in society, is due to unflinching deter- mination to do and have done what was right. composition produced on that occasion by Gilmore, was received with marked favor by the vast coucourse of as- sembled critics and admirers of music, and clicited enthu- siastic commendations as "a complete and magnificent production." Later, he returned to Cincinnati, and here succeeded in establishing the Western Conservatory of Music, over which he now presides as director. The finest voices and musical talent which this city has produced have come from under his tuition, and the adoption of the true Italian method there is due entirely to his efforts. Before the appearance of Thomas he met the need of the general community, and introduced the Symphony concerts. Hle also first gave to the people of that city the " Kammer Con- cert>," the " Musicales Reunions," the " Soirees," etc. On the opening of the first Cincinnati Exposition he ap- peared with " The Exposition March," prepared for the occasion. It met with an enthusiastic reception. In 1875 he appeared in Cincinnati with his pupils in opera "Alidor," an original composition by him, which placed his reputation as a musician on a solid pedestal. "Alidor" is a historical opera, dealing with the personages and cloings of England under the reign of George I. He has also composed many songs, marches, masses, etc., all of which are characterized by a commendable degree of ex- cellence and originality. Several of his musical works are now in vogue in Europe, and by the frequency of their production testify to the esteem in which he is held by the connoisseurs of the old world. He is a worthy pupil of the great Mercadante, wholly devoted to his noble profession, and is a musical enthusiast of the highest stamp, whose only ambition is to be honored by his work.
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GRIFFITH, THOMAS, Manufacturer, was born, November 7th, 1817, in Warwickshire, England. At the age of seven he removed with his family to Uswesty. One year after this he took resi- dence with an nocle in Manchester, who in 1827
ICKMAN, FRANKLIN J., Lawyer, was born in Petersburg, Virginia. He was fitted for college at the Petersburg Classical School, under the in- struction of Rev. E. D. Saunders, late of Phila- delphia, and in the same class with General Roger A. Pryor. At the age of sixteen he en- tered the junior class of Brown's University, Rhode Island, graduating with the salutatory honors; among his class- mates were the Hon. S. S. Cox and ex- Lieutenant-Governor Francis Wayland, of Connecticut. He read law in the office of Hon. Charles S. Bradley, late Chief-Justice of Rhode Island, and was there admitted. In 1$57 he was the candidate of th Democratic party of Rhode Island for Attorney-General. In 1858 he was appointed a member of the Board of Visitors at the West Point Military Acad- emy, and was also appointed Secretary, and in that capacity was the author of the report of the Board that year. In 1858 he came to Cleveland and engaged in his profession. In 1861 he was sent to the Legislature, and in that body was Chairman of the Committee on Railroad .. At the close of his legislative term he formed a partnership with the lon. R. P. Spaulding, and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1867 he was appointed District Attorney for Northern Ohio, but resigned in 1869, in order to devote himself exclusively to private practice. He is a gentleman of well- known literary tastes, extended reading and classical attainments, which only serves to extend a knowledge of
3 emigrated to America, taking his nephew with him, first to Philadelphia and then to Baltimore, where for three years he was sent to school. Outside of this school- ing, which was the groundwork for his future business edu- cation, he was self-taught. In 1830 he was apprenticed to Sinclair & Moone, manufacturers of agricultural machinery. He moved to Zmesville, Ohio, in December, IS38; worked as journeyman in Dillon's edge tool factory; then with Ebert & Whittaker, machinists, on Sixth near Main street, being there employed in building machinery for their new shop, on South Fifth street, which was started by him on Christmas day, 18440, lle worked as foreman for two years, then as junior partner about eighteen months, and in March, 1858, he and Mr. Wedge purchased the property, | the law. This, taken in connection with exemplary habits
Galaxy Pat to Matad"
Thos Griffitho
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and high moral character, all resting upon an intelligent | alike eventful and creditable. His first rest by the wayside religious basis, gives promise of the most honorable results. In December, 1862, he was married to Annie E., only daughter of Robert Neil, of Columbus, Ohio, and has thice chikhen now living.
ALLMADGE, DARIUS, Banker, and one of the founder, of the " Western Stage Coach Company," was born in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer county, New York, June 30th, 1800. Ile was the young- est child in a family of fourteen children, and was left an orphan when but ten years of age. Ile was a direct descendant of one of four brothers who emigrated from Wales to this country, and who are supposed to be the progenitors of all the Tallinadges in the United States. One of these brothers settled in New Jersey, there striking from the family patronymie one Z and the d. From this branch sprang the popular Brooklyn minister, Rev. T. De Witt Tahnage. Among the names of the original grantees, or purchasers of town lots at the settlement of New Haven, in 1639, were those of Robert and James Tallmadge. The history of the latter is unknown, but several of the descend- ants of Robert have resided in New Haven, in unbroken succession, from that time to the present day, a period of nearly two centuries and a half, while many have removed to various portions of the Union, and filled places of honor and trust in the civil and unlitary service of the country. The descendants of many of the collateral branches who have removed from the old home of their ancestors are now numerously represented among the respected citizens of New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, Ohio and Michi- gan-the two latter States having towns named in their honor, viz. : Tallmadge, Ottawa county, Michigan, and Tall- madge, Summit county, Ohio. It is a source of pride that while many of the family have been called to fill places of honor and responsibility under both State and national governments, not one has ever betrayed his trust, or brought reproach upon the name. The longevity also of this fuuily is remarkable : not a single head of family, in the lineal suc- cession which has been traced, has died at a less age than seventy years ; and the aggregate age of the five generations is three hundred and ninety six years, or an average of over seventy nine years for each person. Darius' fust employ- ment was that of a teamster, hauling bricks during the con- struction of the great cotton factory of Schaghticoke, and when but twelve years of age he engaged in wagoning goods from Troy to Whitehall, a distance of one hundred miles. Ilis next venture made him a tiller of the soil, on the farm of an elder brother, but quickly discovering the incongruity of this vocation, and " quite tired of farming, and restless, anxious to get away, and see if something would not pre- sent itself that would enable him to make money a little faster," he disregarded tie warnings of his brother, and, bidding farewell to the old farmstead, began a pilgrimage
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