USA > Ohio > The Biographical encyclopedia of Ohio of the nineteenth century. Pt. 2 > Part 42
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76
but when persons were recommended to office, it was not the practice to name as a recommendation that they were friendly to the administration. In all such cases the man who was believed to be the best qualified was selected by the department. In 1829 General Jackson, at the com-
first the War and then the Navy . Department, but he declined them both. Ile was determined to leave Wash- ington, as the spirit of party had become unusually bitter and acrimonious, and threatened to overleap all the fences with which it had been hitherto confined. He believed that it would be difficult, if not impossible, for him to pursue the even and measured course which he had hith- erto followed with so much credit to himself and advantage to the nation. Retirement from political life seemed, under such circumstances, most desirable. The President, how- ever, wishing to avail himself of abilities which had been exerted so long in behalf of the public welfare, tendered him the position of Judge of the Supreme Court, the highest judicial station in the country ; and on his signifying that he would accept, he was immediately nominated, and the nomination ratified by the Senate. This position he held until his death. Ilis name was brought forward several times as a candidate for the Presidency, first in 1832 and again in 1836; and even as late as 1856 and in 1860, there were those who believed that his conservative views would tend to harmonize the conflicting interests and the antagon- ism which existed between the North and the South, which culminated at last in the civil war of 1861-65. During his occupancy of the bench he was industriously and labor- iously engaged in the manifold duties of his high position. Rarely absent from the sessions of the court-less so, in- deed, than any of his associates during the first quarter century of his high office-he took a prominent part in all the leading questions, constitutional or otherwise, which were decided between 1830 and 1853. In some of them he delivered the opinion of the court, in others he gave his individual opinion, while in others again he dissented and assigned his reasons for doing so. As an evidence of the high esteem in which he was held by those most competent to judge of his intellectual and moral excellencies, it may be stated that the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him by Harvard University, the Wesleyan University, and by two other colleges in the United States. Ile was for many years a communicant member of the Methodist Church, and his public and private life was in perfect harmony with his profession. He was also for sei - cral years the President of the American Sunday-School Union. He was married, 1So7, to Rebecca, daughter of Dr. Edwards, formerly of South Carolina. She died in December, 1840. After a widowerhood of three years he was united in marriage to Sarah Bella Garrard, a danghter of Israel Ludlow, one of the founders of Cincinnati. IIe died in the litter city, April 4th, 1861.
65
514
BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.
MITHI, CHARLES J. W., Real Estate Operator, | efforts of Joseph Cooper, the fusion candidate, was elected was born, September 19th, 1813, at Bedford, by nearly 5000 majority. About this period occurred one of the most characteristic incidents of his career; for al- though not legally responsible to the creditors with whom he had settled by passing through bankruptcy, in 1842, he, with that delicate sense of honor so rarely found, took upon himself the payment, dollar for dollar, of all deficiencies, and this from the earnings of years of frugality and unre- mitting labor. In 1854 he was defeated for Mayor by N. WV. Thomas, the fusion candidate. From that time he eschewed public office until appointed by Mayor Johnston Fire Commissioner, in 1874. Ile has been a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1835, being Grand . Secretary in 1838, and made out the seventh charter of the Grand Lodge. Ile has ever taken an active interest in the furtherance of all the benevolent work of the order. Ile was one of the prime movers and most energetic workers in the obtaining of the charitable fund for the widows and orphans of deceased members. To him, also, the city probably owes a greater debt than to any other man in the matter of street railways, which he advocated with his accustomed ability and vigor. Ile was President of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Insurance Com- pany, which he managed successfully and efficiently ; but became convinced that it would prove more advantageous to all parties to transfer all policies to an older company : its affairs were settled in a highly satisfactory manner. Ile is still in active business, and lacking nothing of the energy of former years, although time has left his seal upon him. Ile presents to-day a fair specimen of a man who has carved his own destiny, and who, from obscure youth, has triumphed over adversity, emerging from the dark shadows of financial distress, and stands forth to challenge the ad- miration of every appreciator of integrity, geniality, and true benevolence. Ile is emphatically a fine representative of the self-made men of the day. Pennsylvania. Ilis elementary education was obtained at Boone's Academy, whence he passed to a more advanced grade of schools, and attained a proficiency in the classics and higher branches of English with Alexander Kimmick, of Bedford, and later of the Cincinnati College. Ilis tastes inclined him to a military life, and he urged his guardian; the late Judge Todd-then one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania-to secure for him an appointment at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Death called away his protector without the accomplishment of this desire, and he was left at sixteen years of age to make his own way through life. His adventurous disposition led him to seek a home in the undeveloped Western country, and he landed at Cincinnati, May Ist, 1830. Being offered a position in the dry-goods and grocery store of A. C. Brown, he accepted the same, and was for three years a clerk in that establishment. His employer having suc- cumbed to financial pressure, he remained with M. P. Cassidy, the assignee, and closed up the business in a manner acceptable and praiseworthy. Hle next engaged with R. & J. Atkinson, of Louisville, Kentucky, in the capacity of bookkeeper, with whom he remained until 1834, when he returned to Cincinnati and engaged in the grocery business on his own account, on Fifth street be- tween Walnut and Vine streets, being the first occupant of the block of buildings erected by Elmore Williams. Here he struggled manfully and energetically ; but finally, in 1839, was overcome by adverse circumstances, although, in yielding, he sacrificed no particle of the confidence and esteem of the business community. From early manhood he had been an advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, but never engaged in active political life until 1841, when he was nominated for Constable in the Second Ward, and though the district was largely Whig, he was elected. In 1842 he was re-elected in conjunction with James L, Ruffin, the Whig candidate; but during the following year the number being reduced to one, and the struggle having HAMBERS, HON. ROBERT E., Lawyer and Jurist, was born, June 24th, 1827, in Richland township, Belmont county, Ohio, of Irish parent- age, his father having arrived in America in 1798, and his mother two years later. His father followed agricultural pursuits through life. Robert attended the district school during the winter months, laboring on the farm the balance of the year, and until he attained his majority. He then worked at the car- penter trade for about a year, after which he taught school, and at the same time was a pupil in an academy which pre- pared him for college. Ile graduated from Franklin College, Harrison county, Ohio, in 1853, and subsequently resumed his avocation as a teacher, being employed as such in the district schools for three years, and taught the high schools of St. Clairsville, Ohio, for two years; likewise become a party contest, and as many influential Whigs were impressed into the electioncering service to secure Smith's defeat, he then accepted an appointment as Deputy from Sheriff John Il. Gerard, and so continued until 1846, when he was brought before the Democratic Convention with Joseph Cooper, Thomas Weaver, and others. After leading all others in five consecutive ballots, he withdrew in favor of Weaver, who was nominated and subsequently elected, and by whom Smith was retained as his Chief Deputy. In 1848, by a fusion of parties against Weaver, Cooper was elected, when Smith then left the office and formed a co- partnership with William Winters, and embarked in real estate operations, which association continues until the present time. In 1850 he was the nomince of the Demo- cratic party for the Sheriffalty, and despite the desperate
515
BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.
having supervision of the public schools of that place. le | his general crusade against slavery was the building of a commeneed the study of law in 1858, with Judge William Kennon, of St. Clairsville, and was admitted to the bar in I sbo, and at once entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1862 he was elected a member of the lower House in the General Assembly, and served for one year. On his return home he resumed his legal duties, and so continued until 1871, when he was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the term of five years .. He was a candi- date for Congress in 1870, in opposition to Ilon. John A. Bingham, but failed of an election. His present position as Judge is due to his acquirements, and these were only ob- tained through his indomitable energy, perseverance and industry.
church edifice where Plymouth Congregational Church now stands. He purchased the lot, giving his check for four thousand dollars, contributed to the building fund, and per- sonally superintended the erection of the building. When the congregation was organized it took a bold, positive stand against slavery, and bore a noble part in moulding public opinion in favor of emancipation. Mr. Barker was also one of the founders of an anti-slavery newspaper then known as the Democrat, now the Cleveland Daily Leader. Mr. Barker has always enjoyed the respect and confidence of his friends and the public. He has been active in benevolent works. Churches and charities have found him willing and anxious to contribute his time and money in their aid. He has retired from business, and now in the autumn of his years enjoys the fruits of a well-spent life. In 1853 he married Elizabeth, daughter of James Vanderwerker, of Saratoga county, New York, who has borne him three chil- dren now living-one son, much esteemed in the community, and two daughters.
ARKER, BENAJAII, was born in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, July 10th, 1805. Ilis father, Cap- tain Peter Barker, did good service in the revolu- tionary army, and in 1811 emigrated from Ports. mouth to settle in New York State, where he died in 1850 at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Benajah is descended from one of three brothers who came ILLMORE, GENERAL QUINCY ADAMS, was born at Black River, Lorain county, Ohio, Feb- ruary 28th, 1825. llis parents were of mingled Scotch-Irish and German extraction. His father, Quartos Gillmore, was a native of Massachusetts, and the son of a farmer there. This farm was exchanged for a tract of one thousand acres on the Western Reserve, and at the age of twenty-one Quartus went thither. In 1824 he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, maiden name Reid. Both have lived to enjoy the fame of their distinguished son. Quartus Gillmore was a strong Whig, and his son was born on the day the news of John Quincy Adams' election to the Presidency was received. These two happy events coming together, it was thus that he came to be a namesake of the illustrious statesman. The boy grew up amid pioneer surroundings, working on the farm in the summer, and receiving the customary schooling in the winter. He was a very apt scholar, and made rapid progress. After entering his teens he was sent for a winter to Norwalk Academy, twenty-five miles from his home. At the age of seventeen he became a school-teacher, and for three years he followed this occupation, spending two vaca- tions at a high school in Elyria. But he never liked school- teaching, and longed to change it for some other occupation. In the spring of 1845 the pupils of the Elyria High School gave an " exhibition," at which the young pedagogue read an original poem entitled " Erie," which was afterwards published in the county newspaper, and which possessed such merit as to be copied into many other journals. Abont this time he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Samuel Strong, at Elyria. Meanwhile the represent. was casting about for a suitable youth to fill an appointment to this country with the Pilgrim Fathers, one settling in Vermont, one in Connecticut, and the other in Rhode Island, the latter being his ancestor. His mother was Ruth Cook, daughter of Captain Matthew Cook. When but twenty years of age young Barker secured a large contract on the Delaware canal, running from Easton, Pennsylvania, to Bristol, Pennsylvania. Although he had but $500 capital, swved from his daily earnings, by shrewd financiering he fulfilled his contract and cleared $7000. On his return home his phenomenal success was the subject of general discussion, and he became a hero among the lads of his neighborhood. Again in 1857 he was awarded another large contract, this time on the Wabash canal. In 1848 he emigrated to Cleveland, where he built the present gas works, of which he held the greater part of the stock for some time. He subsequently org mized a gas company, of which he was Presidem for five years. In 1852-53 he was engaged in building the gas works at Fort Wayne. In 1354-55 he constructed the gas works at Adrian, Michigan. In 1838 Mr. Barker accompmied a colony from Boston to Iowa, where he purchased twelve thousand acres of land at one dollar per acre, selling his land in les, thin a mor.th for two dollars and a half the acre. On part of this ground Thornsville is now located. Mr. Barker was for many years a Director of the Forest City Bink. Hle has never been a politician in the general acceptation of the term, but he has always faithfully discharged his duties as a citizen of a republic. He took a decided stand against slavery. Many a poor slave owed his freedom to Mr. Buker, whose kind heart and open purse were never appealed to in vain. lle has sent many fugitives on their way rejoicing to Canada or lative in Congress from the district, Ilon. E. S. Hamlin, other safe asyhun where freedom awaited them. Part of
516
BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPAEDIA.
Lo West Point. Of two selected, one had failed, and the own theories to sustain him, ITis views were a matter of other proved too old. The advice of the editor of the Elyria Democrat being asked, he at once pointed to the author of " Erie," and urged that the author of such verse had something in him above the average. The appointment was given him, and he set out for home to acquaint his parents with the change in his prospects. They were not at all pleased, but eventually his father consented to furnish him with money for an outlit, saying, " I will give it to you if you will promise to come out at the head of your class." Ile made and kept this promise. In the year of his gradua- tion he married Mary ('Magher, only daughter of the Academy Treasurer of Cadets. Ilis high rank in gradua- tion made him a member of the Corps of Engineers. As a Brevet Second Lieutenant he was ordered to duty on the fortifications at Hampton Roads, Serving here three years he returned to the Academy as an instructor, and remained there four years, the last year as Treasurer and Quarter- master at the Academy. While here he devoted much time to the study of the theory and science of cannon projectiles, and their effect upon earthworks and masonry. In 1856 he was promoted to a First Lieutenancy of Engineers, and or- dered to New York city to take charge of the Engineer Agency there established. The outbreak of the war found him here, and it was while occupying this post that he pub- lished a work which has since become a standard authority among engineers, on " Limes, Hydraulic Cements, and Mortars," A paper on mathematics, which he published during the same time, caused the faculty of Oberlin College to confer upon him the degree of Master of Arts. Ilis pub- lished suggestions as to the defence of the Lake coast attracted the attention of scientific men and the War De- partment. When the war broke out he was in his thirty- sixth year and a widower, having lost his estimable wife in 1865, and being left to the care of four sons. In August, 1861, he asked to be placed in active field duty, and Gover- nor Dennison offered him the command of a regiment. This he declined, and proposed to organize a brigade of sappers, miners, and pontoniers for service in the West. The Governor favored this, but the War Department did not. The Governor urged his appointment as a Brigadier- General of Volunteers, but this also fell through. An expe- dition destined for the coast of South Carolina was being organized, and his experience as agent at New York pecu- liarly qualified him for fitting out this expedition. He was promoted to a Captaincy in his corps, and made Chief En- gineer to General W. T. Sherman, then about to set out for Port Royal. This was on the 3d of October, 1861. A month later he was present with the staff, and after the bombardment by Dupont and the descent upon Hilton Head Island by the troops, he was engaged for the next two months in fortifying the positions secured. Finally attention was directed to Fort Pulaski, and the possibility of its reduction. The chief of engineers said it could be accomplished, but he could point to no authorities but his
astonishment to the older engineers, as breaching a wall at five or six hundred yards was considered the limit by the wisest military men. His scheme was not favored by lead- ing engineers, and was looked upon as wild and impracti- cable. The spot where he proposed to place his batteries was seventeen hundred yards distant from the fort, three times the distance considered practicable. But his com- mander indorsed his plan, and forwarded it to Washington for approval. Through various causes of delay, and the great difficulty m placing the batteries in position on the marshy coast of Tybee Island, the spring was far advanced before the bombardment commenced. In the meantime General W. T. Sherman had been relieved, but not before he had given his Chief of Engineers authority to act as Brigadier General pending his appointment. Ilis successor did not interfere with the plans. Eleven batteries were in position at last, and on the roth of February fuing com- menced. After two days' firing a breach was made, and the magazine of the fort was in danger. The garrison sur- rendered at this crisis. The loss on the Union side was but one man killed. The garrison lost probably twenty-five, and the prisoners numbered three hundred and sixty. The victor had demonstrated the enormous power of the new heavy rifled artillery, for the mortars and columbiads proved almost useless. Ile was soon after made a Brigadier-General of Volunteers, but the malaria of the marshes had brought on a fever which incapacitated him for the next two months. On his recovery he was sent to New York to assist the Gov. ernor to equip and forward troops being raised there. When Kentucky was invaded by Bragg and Kirby Smith he was ordered at once to Cincinnati. He was assigned to the advance against Kirby Smith, but he was not particu- larly conspicuous in any operations in the West. He fought and won a battle at Somerset, and for this success was brevetted a Colonel of Engineers. He had just been ie- lieved in Kentucky when news came of Dupont's failure to reduce Fort Sumter. Ile employed his leisure in submit- ting his views to the War Department. He was summoned to Washington for consultation, and his opinions were re- ceived as final authority. The matter ended in his being given command of this department, with Rear Admiral Foote in command of the naval operations. The history of this campaign makes a large volume in itself, and only the merest outline can be expected here. The undertaking was a most hazardous one, and arrested the attention, not only of the North, but of all military Europe. Forty-seven pieces of artillery with all their adjuncts were planted on the ex. tremity of Folly Island, within speaking distance of the enemy's pickets, and without discovery or suspicion. On the Toth of July, 1863, these batteries belched forth upon the enemy across the inlet. The astonished enemy retreated, and a lauding on Morris Island was effected. Soon three- fourths of the island was in possession of the storming party, and Fort Wagner was within musket range. Resting until
517
BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.
next day, an unsuccessful assault was made upon Wagner, { with the Tenth Army Corps, to General Butler, at Fortress the slaughter to the Union troops being great. Siege was Monroe. But he soon had a disagreement with Butler, and this continuing, Grant removed him to another department. He was given a command to oppose Early, who was operat- ing in Maryland. Three days after assuming command, he was severely injured by a fall from his horse, and was un- able to report for duty until the latter part of August. When he did so, he was appointed by Mr. Lincoln President of a board to test the Ames gun. After this service had been performed satisfactorily, he was appointed Acting Inspector General of Fortifications for the Military Division of the West Mississippi, and he spent a couple of months in an extended tour of inspection. In the latter part of January, 1865, it was decided to again place him in command of the Department of South Carolina, the field where he had achieved his fame. Ile assumed command on the 9th of February, and a week or so later he was steaming into the haibor of Charleston. His government of the department was wise and judicious, but he longed for his old familiar work in the Engineer Corps. Accordingly he was mustered out of the volunteer service at his own request, at the time holding the rank of Brevet Major-General in the United States army. A distinguished writer has said of him : laid to it, and in a week another assault was made, but it was handsomely repulsed again. This second failure de- cided the commander to turn his attention to Sumter. His defensive line was between four and five thousand yards from the fort, considerably over two miles, lle at once began the construction of breaching batteries consisting of one, two, and three-hundred-pounder Parrott guns. Finally, after overcoming great difficulties, the fire upon Sumter was opened on the morning of August 17th. For a week the fire was kept up, and in a few days great gaps were made in the wall. Wagner kept up a fierce fire, and came near dis- mantling some of the breaching guns. But Sumter began to present the appearance of a shapeless min, and the work of reduction was nearly accomplished. At this juncture the great artillerist called upon Beauregard to surrender, adding that if he did not comply within four hours, he would shell Charleston. The Confederate treated the demand with contempt. In the middle of the night a sheil, from an un. known quarter, burst in the streets. Shell after shell fol- lowed, shattering the costly residences of the aristocratic quarter. Where they came from was a mystery. Bcaurc- gard said it was barbarous, and a violation of the rules of war. The shells came from an oozy marsh, where the Union General had placed a gun with the greatest difficulty . In his proper province as engineer and artillerist, he was as bold as in the field he was cautious. lle ignored the limitations of the books. Ile accepted theories that revolutionized the science, and staked his professional standing on great operations based upon them. He made himself the great artillerist of the war, If not also the fore- most engineer, he was second to none, and in the boldness and originality of his operations against Wagner, he sur- passed any similar achievements, not only in this, but in any war; so that now . . . . when men speak of great living engineers, they think as naturally of Gillmore in the new workl, as of Todleben in the old. and with the utmost secrecy. The placing of this gun in this marsh was a remarkable exploit, from the great difficulty in securing a foundation. The continuous firing upon Sumter had made it almost untenable, and this and the shelling of the town had struck terror to the very heart of Charleston. But in the midst of it all came a lull. The navy was accomplishing nothing, although Sumter was silenced and the early capitulation of the city seemed a cer- tainty. Failing to secure the co-operation of this arm of the service, Gillmore again turned his attention to Wagner, as yet defiant. Opening a fire upon it which lasted for two days and nights, be prepared for another assault. But the enemy quietly evacuated, and the fort was entered without opposition. Great was the praise bestowed upon him in this country and in Europe. An editorial in the Tribune was concluded as follows :
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.