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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
History
Source:
A History of Scioto County, Ohio
together with a
PIONEER RECORD
of
SOUTHERN OHIO
by
NELSON W. EVANS, A. M.,
Life Member of The Ohio state Archaeological and Historical Society.
Member of the Virginia Historical Society, and of the
American Historical Association
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Published
Portsmouth, Ohio
by Nelson W. Evans
1903
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CAPTAIN JOHN KAPS
was born Nov. 2, 1835, in Bavaria. His father was Kasper
Kaps, and his mother's maiden name was Margaret Helman.
They had six children of whom our subject was the second. His
parents left Germany when he was six weeks old, and located at
Buffalo, New York. Soon afterwards the family came to Piketon,
because Michael Nessler, who resided there, was a cousin.
Mr. Nessler recommended him to locate in Portsmouth, and he
did so in 1836. In 1845 he went to reside with George S.
Pursell and to learn the brick business, and while there he
attended the Portsmouth schools until the year, 1856, when he formed
a partnership with Mr. Pursell, as Pursell and Kaps.
He remained with him until 1858, when he went to Virginia and
engaged with the Kanawha Company, working at his trade until
January, 1860, and then returned to Portsmouth.
He enlisted Apr. 16, 1861 in Company G, 1st O. V. I.
and was mustered out Aug. 1, 1861. On his return from the
first three months' service, he went into the grocery business at
Portsmouth, with Philip E. Hard, as Hard and Kaps.
He continued in that until 1862, when he entered Company C, of the
91st O. V. I., as First Lieutenant. He served as such until
July 6, 1864, when he was transferred to Company D, as its Captain,
and was transferred again to Company C, on the 1st of September,
1864. He was mustered out June 24, 1865.
On Mar. 1, 1866, he entered into partnership with
Peter Kaps, his brother, in the manufacturing of brick and in
building, continuing in that until April, 1894, when the firm was
dissolved. This firm of Kaps Brothers was known for its
integrity and reliability, and it built most of the important
structures in Portsmouth during the time it was in business.
Since 1894, Mrs. Kaps has been engaged in the manufacture of
brick. From January, 1887, to January, 1893.
Mr. Kaps was one of the County Commissioners of Scioto county.
For the five years last past he has been a member of the County Tax
Commission.
He was married Feb. 13, 1873, to Jennie McIntyre,
daughter of Daniel McIntyre. They have had two sons:
John D., a lawyer in New York city. Kaps is a
republican and a member of the Bigelow Methodist church. For
integrity Mr. Kaps stands second to none. He is
perfectly reliable and is always certain to meet any and all
obligations.
Source: History of Scioto Co., Ohio -
Publ. 1903 - Page 1018 - 19 |
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PETER KAPS
was born in Bavaria, May 19, 1833. His father was Kasper
Kaps, a stock dealer, and his mother's maiden name was Mary
Helman. Both were native of Germany. In 1836, he
came to Scioto county and located in Portsmouth, Ohio. He
received a common school education and learned the brick layer's
trade. While a boy he worked for Daniel Parsley, at
farming and brickmaking. He made hay on the land above Court
and Seventh streets. Nov. 9, 1861, he enlisted in the 15th
Kentucky Infantry, and served three years and three months. He
was made First Sergeant Apr. 3, 1862. He was promoted to First
Lieutenant July 13, 1863, and was mustered out Jan. 14, 1865, at
Louisville, Kentucky. He served in the City Council of
Portsmouth from 1872 to 1873, and from 1875 to 1878. He was
the author of the city garbage and hog ordinances. He has
always been a republican. Jan. 1, 1871, he was married to
Elizabeth Evans. They have three children: James E.,
George P., and Henry H.
Mr. Kaps is a typical working man. No man was
ever busier than he or has done more hard work in the same length of
time. He is one of the most kind hearted and obliging of men.
He has always possessed the respect and confidence of those in his
employment and he has had the good will and friendship of every
person for whom he ever worked. He has built as many brick
structures as any man who ever worked in Portsmouth, and has given
satisfaction in every case. For six years he has been living
on a farm on the west side and has carried on farming there and at
the same time has worked at his trade in Portsmouth.
Source: History of Scioto Co., Ohio -
Publ. 1903 - Page 1019 - 20 |
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