HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 925 of Arts in 1918. This was supplemented by a three years course in science at Ohio State University, from which he received the degree of Master of Arts in 1921. In 1918 Mr. Orr had become an instructor in chemistry at Capital University. Later he became assistant professor, and finally was promoted to a full professorship at the university. He has also been entrance examiner during the past six years and is a member of the Board of College Activities. On June 7, 1918, Mr. Orr was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Binckley, the daughter of Samuel and Elva Binckley, of Thornville, Ohio. They have four children : Lucille B., Dorothy Grace, Lois Anne, and Norman Lee. During the World War Mr. Orr entered the service as a chemist in July, 1918, and was sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio. Later he was transferred to Edgewood Arsenal, where he remained until his discharge in December, 1918. Mr. Orr is a Democrat, a member of Christ Lutheran Church, and he belongs to the Ohio Academy of Science, American Chemical Society, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has been a member of the Board of Public Works in Bexley for eight years, and for the past ten years has been treasurer of the Alumni Association of Capital University. Mr. Orr and his family live at 767 College Avenue, Bexley. Herman Falter, deceased, who for forty years was successfully engaged in business in Columbus, and the founder of the H. Falter Packing Company, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, born April 6, 1860. He was educated in his native land and in early manhood learned the butcher's trade. In 1884 he emigrated to America, first locating in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in the butchering business for two years. He then went to Dayton, Ohio, and entered the employ of The Charles Sucher Packing Company. After remaining with that concern for five years he came to Columbus in 1891. Here he engaged in the pork packing business in a small way on his own account. His first location here was a small plant at the corner of Third and Moler Streets. His business was successful from 926 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY the start and developed so rapidly that in three years he found that his original plant lacked the facilities for handling his increasing trade. He then built a new packing house on a plot of land, which he had purchased for a home, on West Greenlawn Avenue, about a mile and a half south of Broad Street, which was outside the city limits. After conducting his business there for fourteen years, he remodeled and reconstructed the plant to meet the requirements of his continued increasing business. He was actively engaged in this business until the time of his death, November 23, 1926. Herman Falter was married at Dayton, Ohio, in 1889, to Miss Frances Kimming, and to them were born eleven children, as follows : Joseph, born in Dayton, February 18, 1890, now president of the H. Falter Packing Company ; John, born in Dayton, April 4, 1891, vice president of the H. Falter Packing Company ; Herman ; Bernard ; Leo ; Carl ; Paul ; Amelia, married Clarence O'Day, a hardware salesman, living in Columbus ; Catherine, married Louis Hammond, an oil operator and orange grower, Los Angeles, California ; Marie, married Frank Federer, salesman for the Wendt-Bristol Drug Company, Columbus; and Sophia, married Ray Trout, a life insurance man, Columbus. The mother died October 20, 1927, and she and her husband are buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Herman Falter was a Democrat and he and his family were members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Catholic Order of Forresters, the Buckeye Fishing Club, the Blue Gill Fishing. and Outing Club, and fishing was his principal diversion. Shortly after the death of Herman Falter in 1926, the packing business which he had conducted as an individual concern during his life, was incorporated under the laws of Ohio, as the H. Falter Packing Company. Joseph Falter, the eldest son, became president and general manager, and is still serving in that capacity. John Falter became vice president and treasurer, and Bernard Falter, secretary. The entire capital stock was distributed between the members of the family. This is one of the successfully managed and prosperous industrial institutions of Columbus. The output of the plant consists of the various pork products and its capacity is about 450 hogs per week. The trade is confined largely to local territory, including the city of Columbus, and the surrounding country for a radius of about HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 927 fifty miles. The plant is strictly modern in every particular, including all the latest machinery and methods for handling the packing business, and the high standard of the H. Falter Packing Company bears a justly merited reputation. Robert Orrin Burgett.—One of the representative business men of Columbus is Robert Orrin Burgett, who is highly successful as proprietor of the Orr Kiefer Company, photographers, with studios at 115 1/2 South High Street. He was born at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, May 12, 1889, the son of Thomas Jefferson and Elizabeth (Parkinson) Burgett. Thomas Jefferson Burgett is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born November 27, 1867. During his active career, Mr. Burgett was a farmer and school teacher, and also practiced law. He now lives retired at Orient, Ohio. His wife died in 1911 and is buried at Mt. Sterling. She was the daughter of Robert and Anna Parkinson. He was a native of Yorkshire, England, and came to the United States in 1851. He died in 1866. His wife was a native Virginian and died in 1925. Both are buried at Mt. Sterling. Robert Orrin Burgett attended the public schools of Mt. Sterling and in 1907 was graduated from Doan Academy at Granville, Ohio. He then spent two years at Denison University and two years at Ohio Wesleyan University, having received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the latter institution in 1911. He spent the following year at Ohio State University and received the degree of Master of Arts, and in 1912 became fellow in the English Department at Ohio State University. After one year in that capacity he entered Columbia University, New York City, for six months. Mr. Burgett was connected with the teaching profession for a period of four years and was located at Utica, New Lexington, and Zanesville, Ohio. He then left the profession and came to Columbus, where he established a photographic studio at 43 North High Street. Mr. Burgett had been interested in amateur photography for many years and decided to enter that particular field as a profession. He remained at his original location on North High Street for five years and then pur- 928 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY chased the Orr Kiefer Studio, then located at 199 South High Street. This business had been established for twenty-five years and Mr. Burgett continued it under its original name. In 1929 he also purchased the Portrait Shop at 1151/2 South High Street, where he is at present located. On June 24, 1920, Mr. Burgett was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Carpenter, of Flemmingsburg, Kentucky, the daughter of John S. and Julia Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter was a successful farmer and stockman of Kentucky for many years. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Burgett. Mrs. Burgett is an active member of the Wilson Avenue Christian Church. He has no club or lodge affiliations and is independent in his political convictions. Mr. and Mrs. Burgett live at 574 Wilson Avenue. William H. Fledderjohann, secretary and superintendent of agents for the American Citizens Life Insurance Company, is a prominent citizen of Columbus, active in its social, fraternal and community affairs. He was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, September 6, 1869, the son of William and Elizabeth (Neimeier) Fledderjohann. William Fledderjohann, born in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1843, was a lumberman, farmer, and contractor. He died in 1922 and is buried at New Knoxville, Ohio. His wife died in 1925 and is also buried at New Knoxville. Their children were: William H., the subject of this sketch; Edwin H., who is auditor of the American Citizens Life Insurance Company, Columbus ; Rev. Ernest, pastor of the First Reformed Church, Chicago, Illinois ; Alvine, married Edward Rodehoffer, teacher and farmer, lives at New Knoxville ; Emily, married Rev. Emil Buherer, pastor of the First Reformed Church, Green Bay, Wisconsin. William H. Fledderjohann received his education in the schools of New Knoxville, Ohio, and was graduated from high school in 1886. He then spent three years in a sawmill, which was owned by his father, after which both engaged in the mercantile business at New HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 929 Knoxville. The store was purchased by Mr. Fledderjohann from his father after two years, and he continued to operate the business for fifteen years. In 1893 he organized an independent telephone company and in partnership with his father and brother extended the service to finally include thirteen towns with over 400 miles of toll lines. In 1903 the business was disposed of and Mr. Fledderjohann became interested in the building of interurban traction lines. He constructed one line between Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and Decatur, Indiana. This adventure proved unsuccessful, however, and he disposed of it in 1916. In 1911 Mr. Fledderjohann became identified with the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, in charge of the Decatur, Indiana, offices. He came to Columbus in 1916 as manager for western Ohio territory, and established offices in the Hartman Building. In 1917 he became associated with the Columbus Mutual Life Insurance Company as manager of the Columbus agency and remained in that capacity until 1927, at which time he took an active part in the organization of the American Citizens Life Insurance Company. He has held his present office as secretary and superintendent of agents since the date of organization. On August 16, 1889, Mr. Fledderjohann was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Katterhenry, the daughter of Henry and Mary Katterhenry, of New Knoxville. To them have been born six children, as follows : Flora, married Martin Selton, contractor and builder, lives at Medford, Oregon ; Ruth, married Walter T. Hare, auditor, lives at Jacksonville, Florida ; Meriam, nurse, connected with the state charity organization in Columbus, lives at home ; Bertha, married Paul A. Harland, mechanical engineer for the Hydraulic Press Company, of Mt. Gilead, Ohio ; Clarence C., contractor and builder, lives at Altadena, California ; and Julius, train dispatcher, New York Central Railroad, lives in Columbus. Mr. Fledderjohann has always been identified with the Democratic party in politics. He and his family are active members of King Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is affiliated with Magnolia Lodge No. 20, F. and A. M., Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Chamber of Commerce. 930 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Ernest Swepston Dowd.—Perhaps one of the most popular young business men of Columbus and Franklin County is Ernest Swepston Dowd, who is associated with Dowd-Feder, Inc., distributors in central Ohio for the Chrysler automobile. He was born at McArthur, Ohio, August 7, 1894, the son of Chase and Anna (Swepston) Dowd. Chase Dowd, who died in 1895, spent his entire life at McArthur, Ohio. His wife was the daughter of Charles and Mariam Swepston, prosperous farmers of McArthur. Mr. Chase Dowd was a young man of twenty-two years when his death occurred. His widow was married five years later, in 1900, to Charles E. Tripp, who was connected with the Cleveland Street Railway Company as division superintendent. To that union a son was born, Robert M. Tripp, who is metalurgist and associate editor of the American Steel Treatment Magazine, which is published in Cleveland. Ernest Sweptson, the subject of this sketch, was the only child born to Chase and Anna (Swepston) Dowd. Ernest S. Dowd spent his boyhood in Cleveland and was educated in the public schools. After his graduation from high school in 1913 he took a business course, after which he entered the employ of the Hart Manufacturing Company, Cleveland. Three years later he enlisted for service during the World War and entered the Third Officer Training School at Chillicothe, Ohio, where he received the commission of first lieutenant. He was then assigned to Camp Lee, Virginia, and later to Camp Funston, Kansas, where he remained throughout the duration of the war period where he had charge of the intelligence section of the 30th Machine Gun Battalion under Maj.-Gen. Leonard Wood. He was discharged on February 5, 1919, with the rank of first lieutenant, 30th Machine Gun Battalion, and returned to Cleveland. At that time Mr. Dowd became associated with the Euclid Motor Company as a salesman. Later, he became sales manager, but in 1924 severed his relationship with this company and became branch manager for W. C. Durant in Cleveland. In 1927, in association with Marcus Feder, Jr.. Mr. Dowd organized the Dowd-Feder Motor Company, and were sub-distributors of the Chrysler Motor Car Company under Walter Wright in Cleveland. In November, 1928, however, the firm came to Columbus and incorporated as Dowd Feder, Inc., and at that time became distributors of Chrysler cars throughout twenty- HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 931 one counties in Central Ohio. They have salesrooms at 611 East Broad Street, and 772 North High Street, and also maintain a branch agency at Newark, Ohio. Mr. Dowd was married on June 17, 1920, to Miss Esther Healy, the daughter of John E. and Charlotte Healy, of Cleveland. They have two daughters, Charlotte and Martha. In politics, Mr. Dowd is independent. He and his family hold membership in the Disciple Church, of Cleveland, and Mr. Dowd belongs to the Columbus Athletic Club. The Dowd family lives at 216 South Cassingham Road, Bexley. Augusta M. Condit.—Prominent among the professional women of Columbus may be mentioned Miss Augusta M. Condit, who has held the office of associate superintendent of the District Nursing Association for a period of twenty-two years. She is also chief of the Division of Nursing, Columbus City Health Department, and has offices in the City Hall. Miss Condit was born at Jersey, Ohio, the daughter of Eben and Hannah E. (Harrison) Condit. Eben Condit was also a native of Jersey, Ohio, born March 31, 1837. He was a farmer and also a wool buyer for the Thomas Oaks Company, of Bloomfield, N. J., for many years. He died in 1913, and his wife died in 191-8. Both are buried at Jersey. She was the daughter of Stephen and Martha Harrison. Four daughters and one son were born to Mr. and Mrs. Condit : Augusta M., the subject of this sketch ; Helen, married Walter P. Condit, lives at Englewood, Illinois ; Julia, died in 1902 ; John, died in 1914, and Anna C., the widow of Howard Smith, who was superintendent of a mining supply company at Bluefield, West Virginia. She lives at Granville, Ohio. Augusta M. Condit was reared and educated at Jersey, Ohio. She took a nursing course at the Protestant Hospital, Columbus, after her graduation from high school, and was a graduate nurse in 1896. She spent the next four years in surgical and private nursing, and in 1900 became surgical nurse at Grant Hospital for Dr. J. F. Baldwin, in which capacity she served until 1908. She has since held the responsible position of associate superintendent of the District Nurs- 932 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY ing Association of Columbus, with thirty-three nurses of the district under her direct supervision. In 1924 the District Nursing Association and City Health Department became identified together, and since that time Miss Condit has also been chief nurse of the City Health Department. In September, 1914, at the outbreak of the World War in Europe, Miss Condit was called into service by the Red Cross and went to Belgrade, Serbia, with twelve other nurses and three doctors. They were connected with the military hospital at Belgrade until its capture by the Central Powers in 1915, at which time this hospital unit returned to the United States. Miss Condit is a member of the Broad Street Presbyterian Church, and holds membership in the State Association of Nurses and National Association of Nurses. She is associate superintendent of the District Association of Nurses. Miss Condit lives at 981 Oakwood Avenue. Benjamin Harrison Davidson, Doctor of Optometry, is a citizen of high standing in Columbus, where he has lived for a quarter of a century. He was born on a farm near Alice, Ohio, March 5, 1869, the son of Adam and Amanda (Baird) Davidson. Adam Davidson was born near Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, April 26, 1826, and was a farmer all his life. He was the son of James Davidson, who was an intimate friend of Adam Poe, well known Indian fighter, and Adam Davidson, father of the subject of this sketch, was named after the distinguished pioneer. The Davidson family is of Scotch origin and it may be traced back to the 12th century. Amanda (Baird) Davidson was born in Gallia County, Ohio, the daughter of William and Sarah Baird. Ten children were Dorn to Adam Davidson and his wife, two of whom are living: Benjamin Harrison, the subject of this sketch ; and Louisa, who married Alfred Everetts, a farmer, and lives in Highland County, Ohio. Benjamin Harrison Davidson grew up on his father's farm and received his early education in the district schools. After his gradu- HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 933 ation from Ewington (Ohio) High School in 1889 he taught school until 1892, at which time he went to Lincoln, Nebraska. He then entered Lincoln Normal University, from which he received a degree in 1895. He accepted the superintendency of the high school at Nysted, Nebraska, in 1895 and was located there for two years. He returned to Ohio in 1897 and established a jewelry business at Waverly, Ohio, with an optical department in connection, and he conducted this business successfully for nine years. He then came to Columbus in 1906 and formed a partnership with his brother, Raul-son Davidson, who died in 1911. They conducted a jewelry business on North High Street until 1910, known as Davidson Brothers. At that time Doctor Davidson went to California, but was soon called back to Columbus by the serious illness of his brother. He later purchased a small farm of twenty-one acres, now within the city limits of Columbus, and operated that for four years. In 1914 Doctor Davidson purchased a jewelry business at 2638 North High Street, which he disposed of to Homer Miller in 1917. He then entered the Needles School of Opthalmology at Kansas City, Missorui, where he spent three years in study, and from which he received the degree of Doctor of Optometry in 1920. Upon his return to Columbus he established himself at 2596 North High Street, where he now has an excellent practice. For a period of two years Doctor Davidson was in charge of extension work in optometry at Ohio State University. He is recognized as a capable practitioner in his chosen profession and his ever increasing clientele extends throughout all sections of Ohio. On November 28, 1897, Doctor Davidson was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle Ann Wells, the daughter of Abel and Lena Wells, of Wilkesville, Ohio. They have a daughter, Frances Myrtle, who attends North High School, Columbus. Doctor Davidson is a Republican in politics, a member of Indianola Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with Acacia Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, Scioto Consistory, Aladdin Temple, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was deputy Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Ohio, I. O. O. F., in 1908. Doctor Davidson finds particular interest in the study of astronomy, and at the present time is assistant observor of Southern Cross Observatory, of Miami, Florida. He devotes several months of each 934 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY winter in study in Miami, keeping in touch with the latest discoveries in astronomy and science. He is greatly interested in the perfecting of new instruments and "theories" in this field of work and would like to live a hundred years more to see the great progress that science and astronomy is bound to make during that time. William Stacy Coy.—A widely known citizen of Columbus is William Stacy Coy, who is secretary and business manager of the Ohio Teachers and Pupils Reading Circle, with offices at 856 North High Street. He was born at Bryan, Ohio, August 29, 1881, the son of George E. and Cora (Emerson) Coy. George E. Coy was born in Defiance County, Ohio, August 15, 1855. He became a leading attorney of Bryan, and served as mayor of that city, as well as deputy internal revenue collector of Toledo, Ohio. For a time he was statistician in the office of the secretary of state of Ohio. Mr. Coy died in 1915 and is buried at Delaware, Ohio. His wife was the daughter of Silas and Nancy Ann (Faris) Emerson. Silas Emerson was a farmer and lived near Delaware, Ohio. He served during the Civil War as captain of Company K, 121st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and while in the service contracted pneumonia and died. William Stacy Coy attended the public schools of Bryan, Ohio, until he was twelve years of age. He came to Columbus at that time with his parents and completed his schooling here. He was graduated from high school in 1899 and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Ohio State University in 1903. The next three years were spent in teaching school at Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Mr. Coy then was appointed superintendent of schools at Hebron, Ohio, for one year, after which he returned to the Reynoldsburg schools as superintendent for three years. From 1010 until 1914 he was a teacher of Latin at East High School, Columbus, and during that time took up the study of law, being admitted to the Ohio bar in 1912. Mr. Coy served as superintendent of schools in Franklin County from 1914 until 1918. In 1918 he joined the Army Educational Corps, which was inaugurated by the Y. M. C. A., and which later became a division HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 935 of the U. S. Army. Mr. Coy went to France October 19, 1918, in this work. The educational corps was transferred to the army under the control of Colonel Deems. Mr. Coy returned to the United States on July 12, 1919. After teaching school for six months at Avondale Junior High School, Columbus, he became identified with the Ohio Teachers & Pupils Reading Circle as secretary and business manager. This organization is an outgrowth of the Ohio Teachers Association. On September 3, 1907, Mr. Coy was united in marriage with Miss Alice K. Medbery, the daughter of J. F. and Sarah Medbery, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. They are the parents of three children : Elizabeth, who received the degree of Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University in June, 1930 ; Mary Margaret, who received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Ohio State University in June, 1930, will study medicine ; and William S., Jr., born August 17, 1918. He attends North High School. Mr. Coy is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Reynoldsburg Lodge No. 340, Free & Accepted Masons, Walnut Chapter R. A. M., Scioto Consistory, and Aladdin Temple. Frank Russell Spencer, D. O.—A leader among the young professional men of Columbus is Doctor Spencer, who has established a successful practice in osteopathy, with offices at 1205 1/2 North High Street. He was born at Northville, Michigan, November 3, 1901, the son of Russell T. and Emily Laura (Heck) Spencer. Russell T. Spencer, who lives retired at Lebanon, Ohio, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, March 4, 1865. He was one of the organizers and incorporators of the Oregonia Bridge Company, of Lebanon, and throughout his active business career was identified with the interests of that enterprise. His wife is the daughter of John Heck, of Urichsville, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer are the parents of three sons : Frank Russell, the subject of this sketch ; Earl J., D. D. S., lives at Dayton, Ohio ; and Thomas C., who is identified with the Oregonia Bridge Company, of Lebanon. 936 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Frank Russell Spencer attended the public schools of Lebanon, Ohio, and after his graduation from high school in 1921 he entered the Still College of Osteopathy, at Des Moines, Iowa, from which he received a degree in January, 1926. He was connected with the Miami Clinical Hospital, of Dayton, Ohio, as an interne for eighteen months, after which he established a general practice in Columbus in May, 1927, with offices in his present location. On January 28, 1926, Doctor Spencer was united in marriage with Miss Helen R. Porter, of Milan, Missouri, the daughter of Dr. E. S. and Nora Porter. Doctor Porter is a leading physician and surgeon of Milan, Missouri. Doctor Spencer is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Atlas Club. His wife holds membership in the Church of Christ. Captain Maurice V. Kessler has been a practicing attorney before the bar of Ohio since 1914, with offices in Columbus. Mr. Kessler is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born in 1882, the son of John J. and Mary A. (Mulligan) Kessler. In 1913 he graduated in law at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennessee, one of the celebrated educational institutions of America, with the degree of L. L. B. He has practiced continuously in Columbus with the exception of two years given to World War service. One of the early volunteers for World War service, Mr. Kessler was commissioned second lieutenant of field artillery in November, 1917, at the end of three months training in the second officers' training camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. Throughout the period of hostilities he was in command of various officers' training units throughout the country. He was an instructor in field engineering at Camp Funston, Kansas, from November, 1917, to April, 1918, and at the same time was assistant to the Judge Advocate of the 89th Division on the staff of General Leonard Wood, commander of that division. From April to July, 1918, he had command of a provisional training battery of field artillery at Camp Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina, and was then transferred to Camp Zachary Taylor, Ken- HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 937 tucky, and commissioned a first lieutenant in charge of a provisional training battery. From August, 1918, until after the armistice, he was stationed at Camp Lewis, in the State of Washington, where he organized and commanded a battery in the 39th Field Artillery, 13th Field Brigade, 13th Division. At Camp Lewis in April, 1919, he was commissioned a captain, and was honorably discharged with that rank. Mr. Kessler is one of the most active members of the American Legion in Ohio, and is a past commander of Fred Norton Post, Columbus. He is a member of the American Society of Military Engineers and the U. S. Field Artillery Association and holds the rank of captain in the Officers Reserve Corps. His law practice is largely corporation work, but he has practiced before all the Ohio courts in civil and criminal cases. He is a member of the Franklin County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He is a member of the B. P. O. Elks, Knights of Columbus, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Warren William Wager.—Widely known in educational circles in Franklin County is Warren William Wager, who has been identified with the Columbus school system for almost twenty-five years. He was born near Stryker, Ohio, February 5, 1872, the son of Robert C. and Harriet (Justus) Wager. Robert C. Wager was born in Enterprise, Ontario, Canada, in 1846, and came to the United States when he was twenty years of age. He settled in Ohio, and for many years was employed by the New York Central Railroad as a construction man. He met with an accidental death in 1901, and is buried at Wauseon, Ohio. The Wager family originally came from Germany to the United States in 1731 and settled in New York. During the Revolutionary period they were strongly impregnated with British sympathy and at the close of the war period removed to Canada and settled in Ontario. In 1866 Robert C. Wager, father of the subject of this sketch, returned to the United States and settled in Williams County, Ohio. Harriet (Justus) Wager was the daughter of David A. and Elizabeth (Collins) Justus, who 938 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY were pioneer settlers of Defiance County, Ohio. The father, Michael Justus, came to Ohio with his family in 1832 from Hagerstown, Maryland, and first settled in Hocking County but later removed to Defiance County. He was one of the men delegated by the United States government to move the Indians in that region to the reservation north of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Harriet (Justus) Wager died in 1918 and is buried at Wauseon, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Wager were born the following children: Warren W., the subject of this sketch ; H. Foster, a druggist, lives at Ann Arbor, Michigan ; Clyde E., a druggist, lives at Wauseon, Ohio ; H. Elwood, an official of the U. S. Shipping Board, lives at Washington, D. C.; Floyd R., general agent for the Sloan Valve Company, of Cleveland, Ohio; Herma, the wife of Calvin Keenan, who is identified with the General Electric Company in East Cleveland, Ohio ; and Robert C., who lost his life in France during the World War while serving with the United States Air Forces. Warren William Wager grew up at Stryker, Ohio, and received his early education in the schools there, being graduated from Stryker High School in 1891. He taught in the rural schools of Williams County, Ohio, for six years, after which he entered Tri-State College at Angola, Indiana. He spent two years there and was graduated in 1900 from Hiram College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1904 he received the degree of Master of Arts from Hiram College, and from 1900 until 1914 Was connected with the school systems of Mantua, Canton, Ashland County, and Columbus. In 1914 Mr. Wager was appointed county superintendent of schools in Ashland County and served in that capacity for one year. He then returned to Columbus, where he had taught for eight years, and became head of the department of mathematics at West High School. The following year he was appointed principal of the Studer Avenue School, which afterward became known as the Theodore Roosevelt Junior High School. He is still serving in that capacity. To Mr. Wager is given much credit for the establishment of the junior high school system in the Ohio schools. He has always been one of its most influential advocates. On December 23, 1896, Mr. Wager was united in marriage with Miss Emma Boucher, the daughter of Chauncey A. and Mary (Yam- HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 939 bert) Boucher, of Bryan, Ohio. To them were born two sons : Paul Boucher, born in 1906, met with a sudden death as the result of an airplane accident at Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania, in 1929 ; and Robert Chauncey, born in May, 1911, a graduate of South High School, class of June, 1930. He will study mechanical engineering. Mr. Wager is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Worthington, of which he has served as a member of the official board and as Sunday school teacher and leader of the Men's Bible Class. He is affiliated with Magnolia Lodge No. 20, Free & Accepted Masons, Lions Club, and also belongs to the National Educational Association, National Department of Superintendents, Ohio State Teachers Association, and Schoolmasters Club. Politically, he is a Republican. The family residence is in Worthington. Jesse William Watson.—Among the leading automobile men of Columbus may be mentioned Jesse William Watson, who is identified with J. W. Watson & Company, authorized Ford dealers. He was born in this city, June 27, 1891, the son of Richard T. and Sarah (Stephens) Watson. Richard T. Watson was born at Columbus, Ohio, December 23, 1859, and died in Columbus in 1907. He is buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. His wife was the daughter of George and Mary Stephens, both deceased. Their children were : Jesse William, the subject of this sketch ; and Mary, who married Charles Jones, a decorative tile manufacturer, and lives in Columbus. The education of Jesse William Watson was received in the parochial schools of Columbus and he also attended Aquinas College. At the age of thirteen, however, he was employed as a messenger boy by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and this later developed into a clerical position, which he held until 1914. Mr. Watson then became associated with the Columbus branch of the Ford Motor Car Company and in 1924 became wholesale manager for the company here. In that year he severed connections and established a sales agency at Zanesville, Ohio, under the name of J. W. Watson & Com- 940 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY pany. After two years he returned to Columbus, where he became associated with W. G. Listman, as Ford dealers, located at 1288-92 North High Street. After two years Mr. Watson assumed his partner's interests and the business has since been known as J. W. Watson & Company. On November 16, 1910, Mr. Watson married Miss Gertrude Halman, the daughter of Fred and Mary Halman, of Columbus. Mr. Halman was killed in the service during the Spanish American War, and his wife died in September, 1914. She is buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Waston are the parents of five children: Dorothy, Jean, Richard, Betty Jane and Robert. Mr. Watson and his family are members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus and Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. Politically, Mr. Watson is independent. Rev. Conrad Bruno Gohdes.—A career replete with achievement has been that of Reverend Gohdes, who has been a member of the faculty of Capital University as a professor of history and political science for the past twenty-five years. He was born in Pomerania, Germany, March 19, 1866, the son of Otto and Ulrica (Gross) Gohdes. Both Otto Gohdes and his wife were born in Germany. He was born in 1824 and was a school teacher throughout his life. He died in 1877. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gohdes : Conrad Bruno, the subject of this sketch ; William, high school teacher, Washington, D. C. ; and Charles, who lives at Michigan City, Indiana. Conrad Bruno Gohdes spent his boyhood in his native land and came to the United States when a young man. He immediately came to Columbus, where he entered Capital University. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from that institution in 1885 and then entered the Seminary of Capital University. He was ordained to the ministry in 1888 and accepted his first charge as pastor of a Lutheran church at Petersburg, West Virginia, where he remained one year. Then he was appointed pastor of St. James Lutheran Church, near Baltimore, Maryland, and two years later went to Mount Winans, Maryland. His next charge was as pastor of Emanuel Lutheran HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 941 Church at New Orleans, Louisiana. Five years later he returned to Baltimore, where he took charge of St. Peter's Lutheran Church for six years. He was next transferred to St. John's Lutheran Church, Kansas City, Missouri, and from there went to Anna, Ohio, for one year. Reverend Gohdes returned to Capital University as a professor in 1912 after a period of twenty-four years in the ministry, and has since served as a member of the faculty. Reverend Gohdes is known as the author of "Schwartz, the Apostle of India," which was published in 1920, and of which there were two editions. He also wrote and published "Fuel for the Fire," a devotional publication, 1925, and translated the theological textbook "Catechetics," from the German into English. The original was written by Dr. Reu, of Dubuque, Iowa. Reverend Gohdes also is the editor of "Lutheran Youth," a juvenile periodical, which is published by the Lutheran Book Concern of Columbus. Reverend Gohdes was married on June 5, 1893, to Miss Clara L. Heiser, the daughter of Frederick and Amanda (Riddle) Heiser, of Baltimore, Maryland. To Reverend and Mrs. Gohdes were born six children, as follows : Otto Conrad, lives at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a veteran of the World War, having been disabled at the battle of Chateau Thierry ; Clarence, a graduate of Capital University in 1921, where he majored in the study of Latin, and he received the degree of Master of Arts from Ohio State University. He also studied at Harvard University, and received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Columbia University in 1930. At the present time he is a member of the faculty of New York University. Francis, who is identified with the National Valve Manufacturing Company, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; Gladys Maude, married Rev. L. Redelfs, a minister of the Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; Mabel, married Lieut. Herbert Trump, a chaplain, United States Navy ; and Dorothy, a graduate of Capital University, class of June, 1930. Reverend Gohdes is a Democrat in his political convictions. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Reverend Gohdes was awarded the degree of Master of Arts by Capital University in 1894, and received the degree of Doctor of Literature at Susquehanna University in 1917. As a scholar and citizen, he is highly esteemed in Columbus and Franklin County. 942 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Ross Lee Harris is well known in Columbus as president of the Commercial Airway Transit Corporation, Columbus Airport, 3869 Sullivant Avenue. He was born at Grogan, now a part of the city of Columbus, January 15, 1899, the son of Ross Lee and Margaret G. (Turner) Harris. Ross Lee Harris, Sr., deceased, was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1868, but spent practically his entire life in Columbus. He was a conductor on the Norfolk & Western Railroad for many years. Mr. Harris died in 1911 and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus. His widow lives at 513 Binns Boulevard, Columbus. She is the daughter of George E. and Eliza Turner, of Gallia County, Ohio. Ross Lee Harris attended the public schools of Columbus and was graduated from North High School in 1917. In October, 1918, he enlisted for service in the World War as a member of Company A, Student Army Training Corps, but the war ended within thirty days after his enlistment. Mr. Harris entered Ohio State University in 1919 and spent four years in that institution, although he did not graduate. He left school to enter the employment of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and was connected with the trainmaster's department. In 1923 he went to Detroit, Michigan, as chief clerk in the yardmaster's office and after six months was transferred to Columbus, and remained in the company's employ continuously until 1927. He then became associated with Charles F. Johnson, realtor, and the following year, 1928, was active in the organization of the Commercial Airway Transit Corporation, of which he is president. The company operates the Columbus Airport, and the Ohio State State School of Aeronautics, and owns five planes at the present time, which are used for general commercial purposes. On December 31, 1919, Mr. Harris married Miss Reva J. Mulby, the daughter of Leonard Mulby, who died in Columbus in 1925. He was widely known in the city as a brick manufacturer. To Mr. and Mrs. Harris have been born three children : irginia Jean, Ross Lee Jr., and Annette. Mr. Harris is a member of the Methodist Church, of Gratiot, Ohio, and belongs to Linden Lodge No. 637, Free & Accepted Masons, Horeb Chapter, R. A. M., Zabud Council, Mt. Vernon Commandery, HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 943 Scioto Consistory, Aladdin Temple, American Legion Camp Chase Post No. 98, and Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. Mrs. Harris is a member of Kohr Memorial Presbyterian Church, Columbus. Their residence is at 1514 Kohr Place. Frederick Christopher Myers, who is identified with the Myers-Palmer Company, funeral directors, is numbered among the dependable business men of Columbus. He was born in this city, August 5, 1883, the son of Charles Frederick and Katharine (Emrich) Myers. Charles Frederick Myers was born in Germany, January 2, 1856. He came to this country in 1869 and settled in Columbus, where for many years he was proprietor of the United States Carriage Company. The business was liquidated in July, 1919, and Mr. Myers died in September, 1928. His death occurred in Germany, while he was making a visit to his native land, and he is buried there. Katharine (Emrich) Myers was the daughter of Christopher and Christina Emrich. Her father was a prominent stove manufacturer of Columbus for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers were born the following children : Estella, married Homer Z. Bostwick, lives in Bexley ;-Helen, married Benton S. Jones, lives in Cleveland ; Esther, married William Shaffer, lives in Bexley ; John Wesley Myers, M. D., lives in Cleveland ; and Frederick Christopher, the subject of this sketch. Frederick Christopher Myers grew up in Columbus and received his education in the public schools. He was graduated from East High School in 1902, spent two years at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, and then became associated with his father's business as secretary and treasurer. In 1919, when the business was disposed of he became a salesman for James Cunningham Son & Company, of Rochester, New York, who were manufacturers of hearses and ambulances for funeral directors. Mr. Myers became secretary of R. E. Jones & Son Company, funeral directors of Columbus, in 1924, and three years later engaged in business in partnership with Arthur T. Palmer, their funeral home being located at 863 South High Street. On May 6, 1908, Mr. Myers was united in marriage with Miss Alice Mcllyar Blake, the daughter of George and Jennie Blake of 944 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Marietta, Ohio. They have a daughter, Alice Jeane, who was graduated from Ohio State University in 1930. Mr. Myers is a Republican, a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with Ralph Rickley Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, Columbus Council, Scioto Consistory, Aladdin Temple, and Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. Simon B. Winters, M. D.—A physician of exceptional qualifications, Dr. Winters practices at Briggsdale, Franklin County, and has been located there since 1898. He enlisted in the service as an army physician during the World War but did not serve. He is now an officer in the Medical Reserve Corps. Dr. Winters was born at Holton, Ohio, October 3, 1866, the son of Joy and Sarah Kathrine (Whitaker) Winters, natives of Ohio, who resided for many years in Columbus, Ohio, where Mr. Winters was a contractor. They removed to Briggsville later where Mr. Winters died in 1900, aged sixty years. His wife died in 1923, at the age of seventy-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Winters had two children : Simon B., the subject of this sketch ; and Della, the widow of Elmer Kefauver, lives in Columbus. Simon B. Winters attended the public schools of Dunkirk, New York, and was graduated from Dunkirk Academy in 1883. Following that he spent five years with the American Express Company. He took his college course at the Columbus Medical College, from which he graduated in the class of 1893, with his medical degree. During the four years that followed he practiced medicine at Columbus. He was then located for one year at Canton, Ohio, and in 1898 he began the practice of medicine at Briggsdale, Ohio, his present location. Dr. Winters married, June 23, 1903, Miss Iva Inez Iler, born in Franklin County, a daughter of Henry and Sarah Iler. Doctor and Mrs. Winters have three children : Charles Joy, Paul Clendon, and Benjamin Eugene. The family are members of the Methodist Church. Doctor Winters is identified with the Columbus Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Association, and the Franklin County Medical Society. He is independent in politics. Fraternally, he is HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 945 affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Chapter No. 625, Westgate Lodge ; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; and the Knights of Pythias. He takes an active interest in the public schools and has been a member of the school board for twenty-five years. Doctor Winters has, in his experience of nearly forty years, encountered many hardships in his practice, and he relates one of the most outstanding in his memory. During the great flood in Columbus and vicinity on March 22, 1913, Dr. Winters was one of the first physicians to administer aid to the stricken people who were marooned on the high lands, known as Islands 1, 2 and 3. To reach them it was necessary for the doctor to build a boat and proceed from Greenwood Chapel and row about 2000 feet through the rushing waters. About 1500 people were on the three islands, and Dr. Winters gave aid to about 407. He spent two nights and three days among the unfortunate people. He recalls one case in particular wherein a baby was born at midnight upon a grave, and a good Samaritan, who was standing by, loaned his overcoat to wrap the baby in. Both the mother and child survived due to the care given them by Doctor W inters. Albert Lawrence Scales, proprietor of the Empire Press, is one of the well established commercial printers in Columbus. He was born at Barnesville, Ohio, November 25, 1874, the son of Albert Marion and Anna Margaret (Grannan) Scales. Albert Marion Scales was a native of Concord, New Hampshire, born October 23, 1823. When about twenty-two years of age he removed to Memphis, Tennessee, with his parents. When the Civil War broke out he was practising law in Memphis, and entered the Confederate army and attained the rank of lieutenant-colonel. After the close of the Civil War he came to Ohio in 1871 and located at Zanesville. He remained there but a short time when he went to Barnesville, Ohio. In 1878 he came to Columbus and was superintendent of the paint department of the Columbus Buggy Company unhis death, which occurred in 1892. He is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery. The Columbus Buggy Company was one of the important industrial institutions of Columbus up to the time that buggies were 946 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY displaced by automobiles. Albert Marion Scales was married in 1862 to Miss Anna Margaret Grannan, at Harrodsburg, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Patrick and Bridget Grannan, natives of Queens County, Ireland, who came to this country when she was quite young. She died in 1915 and is buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Albert Lawrence Scales was about four years old when his parents settled in Columbus. Here he attended the public and parochial schools until he was about thirteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to the printing trade. After passing through the early stages known as printer's devil, etc., he entered the employ of Nitschke Brothers, printers, and remained with this concern for nine years. In 1890 he was employed by Charles Harper, an engraver, located at 100 North High Street, and continued there for twelve years. In 1910 Mr. Scales engaged in the printing business for himself, buying the Empire Press, a commercial printing plant located at 42 East Gay Street, having been established there about four years. Upon purchasing the plant Mr. Scales moved it to the corner of High and Mound streets, and later to Third and Hickory Streets. In 1924 he built a modern plant at 136 Glenwood, where he has since been located. On April 10, 1894, Albert Lawrence Scale was married to Miss Genevieve G. Spring, the daughter of George and Margaret Spring. George Spring was one of the old time compositors of Columbus and for many years was in the employ of the State Journal. He and his wife are both deceased and are buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. To Albert Lawrence Scales and wife have been born five children : George L., Clara Marie, John A., Francis J., and Albert Bernard Patrick. George L. Scales was born December 5, 1896. He was educated in the public and parochial schools of Columbus, and is a graduate of the Columbus Trade School. He is now a partner with his father in the Empire Press. He is married and lives at 603 South Eureka Street. Clara Marie Scales, married Frank J. Colburne, a machinist in the employ of the Wineman Pump Manufacturing Company, and lives at 370 South Burgess Avenue. HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 947 John A. Scales was born September 19, 1906, and is employed by the Empire Press. Francis J. Scales was born February 18, 1912, is a graduate of St. Aquinas College, having received a gold medal for his proficiency in athletics. He is employed by the Empire Press. Albert Bernard Patrick Scales was born August 20, 1916, and is a student. Mr. Scales is a Democrat, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Knights of St. John, Pressman's Union, and the Loyal Order of Moose. The family are members of the Catholic Church. George Elwood Arbogust, vice president and secretary of the Electrical Utilities Company, of Columbus, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Xenia, January 20, 1884, a son of Charles E. and Lida (Robinson) Arbogust. Charles E. Arbogust was born in Xenia in 1863 and during most of his life was engaged in the printing and publishing business at Xenia. He is now president of a building and loan association. His wife, Lida Robinson, was the daughter of George F. Robinson, of Xenia. She is now deceased. George F. Robinson was a veteran of the Civil War and participated in a number of important engagements, among which was the Battle of Chicamaugua. After the war he became a writer and historian. He died in 1897 and is buried at Xenia. His wife died in 1916, and is also buried in Xenia. Chas. E. and Lida Arbogust were the parents of two children : George Elwood, the subject of this sketch and Oren, who is engaged in the advertising business in Chicago. George Elwood Arbogust was reared in Xenia and educated in the public schools. After graduating from the high school in 1903, he entered Ohio State University where he took a mechanical engineering course and was graduated in the class of 1907. He then entered the employ of Bryan-Marsh Company, a subsidiary, or division of the General Electric Company. He was a traveling representative of this company serving in an educational capacity and salesman, 948 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY promoting the use of electricity for light and power, and also the construction of electric power plants. In 1912 he engaged in the real estate business as salesman and later sales manager for the ClemonsKnight-Maynard Company, extensive real estate operators of Detroit, Michigan. Many of the important subdivisions promoted by that company now lie in the best residence districts of Detroit. Mr. Arbogust remained with this company for six years. In 1918 he went to Sandusky, Ohio, and engaged in the automobile business, handling Studebaker motor cars. After five years he came to Columbus and for a year was engaged in the life insurance business. This line of work being distasteful to him he returned to the real estate business and for two years was associated with Parey Johnson & Company of Columbus. At that time Mr. Arbogust, with others, organized and incorporated the Electrical Utilities Company and the Pickaway Light and Power Company with which he has since been associated. These companies operate principally in the state of Ohio. On June 17, 1911, George Elwood Arbogust was married to Miss Leonora L. Baumeister, daughter of Albert and Laura B. Baumeister. of Sandusky, Ohio, the former now a resident of Sandusky, the latter died in 1910 and is buried at Sandusky. To Mr. and Mrs. Arbogust have been born five children : Wilson Elmer, born May 25. 1912, a student in Upper Arlington High School ; George Albert. born November 30, 1914, also a student, Upper Arlington High School ; Harold Oren, born August 20, 1916 ; Robert Robinson, born March 1, 1923 ; and Jane Leonora. Mr. Arbogust is a Republican and he and his family are members of Trinity Episcopal Church. He is a member of Upper Arlington Country Club, and Sigma Phi Epsilon. Frank Winders, M. D.—Representative of the most prominent physicians and surgeons of Columbus is Doctor Frank Winders, who is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Findlay, Ohio, March 25, 1871. the son of David T. and Caroline (Schwartz) Winders. David T. Winders was born at New Salem, Ohio, in October, 1847. He engaged in the general mercantile business at Findlay, Ohio, for HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 949 many years. His wife was the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Gribble) Schwartz. Mrs. Winders died April 15, 1924, and her husband died in 1913. Both are buried at Findlay. Their children were : Wilber, who is identified with the Winders Motor Sales Company, 783 North High Street, Columbus ; Inez, married Carl Page Wood, who is head of the Fine Arts Department, Washington State University, Seattle, Washington ; and Frank, the subject of this sketch. Frank Winders obtained his early schooling at Findlay, Ohio, and was graduated from high school in 1889. He then entered Findlay College, and studied medicine at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, which is now the University of New York. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1895, served as interne for one year at Bellevue Hospital, New York City, and in 1896 came to Columbus. He established his practice at Long and Lexington Streets, where he remained for a period of eleven years. His election as secretary of the Board of Medical Registration of the state of Ohio was the primary cause of Doctor Winders location in the city of Columbus, and he retained that office until 1907. He then spent a year in graduate study in Vienna, Berlin and London, and upon his return to the city in 1908 established offices at 112 East Broad Street, where he specialized in diagnosis and internal medicine. In 1910 he purchased the property at 246 East State Street, where he is now located. Doctor Winders enlisted for service during the World War in 1917 and served with the rank of lieutenant colonel, U. S. Medical Corps. He saw active service for two and one-half years and suffered serious injury, which necessitated the amputation of a leg. Doctor Winders served as director of medical service of the Port of New York, and was in charge of invalid soldiers returning from the service. He was discharged in November, 1919, and returned to Columbus to resume his medical practice. From 1905 until 1917 Doctor Winders was identified with Starling Medical College, now the College of Medicine, Ohio State University, as an instructor in medicine and therapeutics. On May 15, 1895, Doctor Winders married Miss May Hull, the daughter of J. G. and Mary (Monett) Hull, of Findlay, Ohio, both deceased. They have a daughter, Dorothy, who is the wife of Herbert