The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1896-08-28

though still remaining in Columbus.
His plans now seem TO have taken
shape, as he has been elected president
of Commercial National bank, to succeed
Walter Crafts, who was found dead in
n Pittsburgh hotel as a result of heart
disease n couple of weeks ago The
Commercial National is one of the
largest banking institutions IN the
city, and the new president, who has
had many years experience in the
business will prove a valuable acquisi-
tion. lie was one of the organizers of
the Central National Bank of Clevc-
land, in which he is stilla stockholder,
Mr.. Cope is well known throughout
the state as financier. A number of
years ago, while member of the
legislature from Columbiana county,
he made an enviable record in the
management of the state finances, rs
chairman of the conmitte having that
important matter in charge. 1t is to
be hoped that he will not suffer the
fate of the two former presidents, both
of whom died suddenly while away
from homo.
Among other state officers recently
retired to private life, who remain in
Columbus, is Hon. W. r. Lewis, who
was Governor McKinley's labor COM
missioner. At the time of his appoint
ment Mr.. Lewis was practicing law at
Martins Ferry, Belmont county. Al
though he made an excellent record,
issuing the best labor statistics that
had ever been gotten out by the de-
partment, he found time to take ad-
vantage of some good opportunities in
real estate. A poor coal miner Il few
years ago, he is now in fairly comfort
able circumstances. Last summer he
put up number of very fine resi-
denccS, which he was successful in dis
posing of, and this year, in spite of the
hard times, is doing considerable build
ing. In addition TO his real estate in
terests, Mr. Lewis, in company with
Hon. Thomas Austin, representative
from Stark county, is interested in u
manufacturing industry here.
Auditor Poe, rs was stated in a pre-
vious letter, is at the head of the CO.
lumbus end of one of the largest life
insurance companies in the country.
lie has Il fine suite of offices in the
Wyandotte.
An entertaining letter in itself might
be written on the movements of former
office holders from various parts of
the state who upon the expiration of
their terms, settled in Columbus, in
stead of going back to their cOnstitu-
ents. 'kfew have been highly success
full in local politics Gil Barger is an
example Of IL man who, as the saying
goes, would fall In the river and come
up dusty" His appearance in Colum-
bus first was n member of the legisla-
ture from Coshocton county, in which
body H. at once became prominent
Upon the first election of President
Cleveland ..he had thrown in his lap
that very desirable plum, the Columbus
pension agency. At the expiration Of
his term, he settled down here TO the
practice of law, but had not fairly got
started until he was appointed mem
Der of the Columbus board of public
works, a SO, 800 po iition, which does not
prohibit him serving the interests of
other clients beside the city. Although
the administration changed, he was re-
appointed, and is still at the head of Che
law department.
A very'eommcndnble action is being
taken by the ate board of agriculture
in providing al means for permanent
preservation Of the hou Sc in which Gen
eral Granb'was born. twill be rcmem-
bered that some years ago the owner of
building and surrounding ground was
about to raze the former, having little
reverence in his makeup. Plans at
that time were being made for cclc-
brating at Columbus, The one hun
dredth anniversary Of the first settle
ment of the Northwest territory, and
Mr.. Henry T.. Chittenden, wealthy
resident fof this city, purchased the
Grant cottage and donated it to the
board of agriculture. 1t was placed on
the state fair grounds and formed oae
of the attractions of the CentenniaL 1t
has since stood there, prey 70 the de
ments and TO the relic fiend, and il was
only question of time when this vain
able historical building would be dc,
stroyed. With IA view TO preventing
any such misfortune, the board recent.
ly decided to remove it from its rather
obscure position TO the front part Of
the grounds, and inclose IL in an at,
tractive memorial edifcc. The work
of Carrying ont this idea has been in
progress for some time, and The dedica-
tory exercises viii be held during the
week on tna Forthcoming state tar. n
formal programme for the event Is bo-
ing prepared, which will consist OF
music and addresses. The memorial Is
being constructed of stone and glass,
and will prove very substantial
aifahr hFhe cost ~ tomcthihg like
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