BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
* Centennial History of Columbus, and Franklin Co., Ohio
 by William Alexander Taylor
 - Vols. I  & II -
1909
 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

IJ

K

L

M

N

O

PQ

R

S

T

UV

W

XYZ

< CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO  1909 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX >
< CLICK HERE TO GO TO LIST OF BIOGRAPHICAL INDEXES >
 

LOUIS FREDERICK FIESER.   The prosperity of a city does not depend so much upon its machinery of government, or even upon the men who fill its offices, as it does upon those who promote and control its business interests, establishing its prosperity and commercial advancement. In this class Louis F. Fieser is numbered, being senior member of the firm of Fieser & Bentley, dealers in pig iron and coke. Columbus numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred October 17, 1854. His parent, Frederick and Louise (Scheede) Fieser, were both natives of Germany and came to the United States in childhood days. The father was a prominent resident of Columbus, where he was well known as a journalist and banker. He also served for several terms as president of the board of education of the city and his influence and support were freely given for the advancement and progress of the community along many lines of substantial development.      Louis F. Fieser obtained a technical education in the Ohio State University and going abroad to Vienna he there studied civil engineering for several years.  Following his return to the United States he engaged at once in the construction of several railroads in various parts of the country, being thus occupied until 1891, when he was called to Columbus by the sudden death of his father to look after his banking interests in the firm of Reinhard & Company.  Seven years were then devoted to that task, after which he withdrew from the bank and turned his attention to the pig iron business, engaging in the manufacture and sale of pig iron.  He has since continued in this line and is now associated with Linn Bentley, under the firm style of Fieser & Bentley, with offices at No. 710, The Wyandotte.  The extent and importance of their business places them in the front rank among the representatives of commercial interests in this city.      On the 30th of June, 1891, Mr. Fieser was married to Miss Martha V. Kershaw, and they have since had a family of four children, of whom three are living.  Mr. Fieser is not active in the political world but considers himself a democrat, although since the advent of Bryan’s seizure on the democratic party in 1896 he has felt forced to give his allegiance to the republican party.  He is well known in the social as well as the business life of the city. Source: Centennial History of Columbus, and Franklin Co., Ohio by William Alexander Taylor - Vol. I - 1909 - Pages 737-738 (Contributed by Christina Armstrong from family files)

FRANK D. FRANCIS.  The members of the firm of The Francis Brothers Company, contractors of Columbus, need no introduction to the readers of this volume, for all who are in any way identified with the history of building operations in the capital city know that this firm has in recent years been a conspicuous one in connection with the architectural improvement of the city. Frank D. Francis, the senior partner, was born July 3, 1879, in Newark, Ohio. his father, Albert Francis, being born May 20, 1853, in Hanover, who, for many years, was engaged in contracting in Columbus, gaining a position of prominence in building circles that was by no means confined by the borders of the state. In fact his reputation was such that he was awarded various contracts for the construction of buildings at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. His wife, Mrs. Rosa Francis, was born August 9, 1855, in Linn county, Iowa.      The public schools of Columbus afforded Frank D. Francis his educational privileges and making good use of his opportunities he passed through successive grades until he was graduated in 1895. He then entered the Ohio State University, pursuing a course of electrical engineering, and his knowledge in this department of science has constituted an important element in his later business career. After leaving college he entered the contracting business with his father and added to his theoretical knowledge the practical experience that comes in active building operations. In 1901 he was connected with the McCloud River Company at Mount Shasta, California, and displayed such marked ability that he was made superintendent of construction. In 1902. however, he returned to Columbus, where he joined his brother, Walter H. Francis in organizing the present firm of Francis Brothers. They have constructed many of the fine buildings of the Columbus Barracks and numerous important state institution buildings. Contracts for other fine buildings in the state have been awarded them, many of the largest and most substantial structures of Columbus standing as monuments to their enterprise and business ability. Both brothers keep in constant touch with the progress that is being made in building lines and gain inspiration for their work through membership in the Builders Exchange.      On the 20th of May, 1904, occurred the marriage of Frank D. Francis to Miss Eva P. Higginbottom, a daughter of Theodore and Susanna Higginbottom, of Muskingum county. Ohio. She is a. representative of one of the old pioneer families of that county who settled there in 1808, since which time the Higginbottoms have been extensive farmers and stock-raisers in that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Francis reside at 120 North Monroe avenue. and their home is generally celebrated for its warm-hearted and cordial hospitality.      Mr. Francis belongs to the Knights of Pythias and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is at. all time interested in the city's welfare and gives earnest and effective cooperation to movement, for the public good, notwithstanding the fact that his business makes heavy demands upon his attention and he is always most loyal to the interests entrusted to his care. His understanding of the business in its scientific principles and the practical training received in early manhood well qualify him to superintend the labors of others and to pass judgment upon the advisability of any course that is questioned in his building operations. He is known as an energetic. reliable business man and the firm of The Francis Brothers Company is prominent among the contractors of the capital city. (Source: Centennial History of Columbus, and Franklin Co., Ohio by William Alexander Taylor - Vol. II - 1909 - Page 24)

.