WVHANCOC-L Archives

From: Jan Waite <>
Subject: [WVHANCOC] Toronto, Ohio residents with Hancock Co. Origins Cont.
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2000 21:22:52 -0500

William B. Francy

William B. Francy, son of John Francy, Sr., was born in New Cumberland, W.
Va., October 26, 1857. He was educated in Toronto, and as soon as he
became fitted for work, entered his father's sewer pipe manufactory as book
keeper. In 1883 the father withdrew from the firm and the business is now
conducted by William B. Francy, E.E. Francy and J.W. Roller under the firm
name of John Francy's Sons & Co. Mr. Francy is an enterprising business
man, and very popular both commercially and socially. One of the fruits of
his labors is his handsome terra cotta residence situated on the banks of
the Ohio and facing on River avenue. He was married on February 5, 1880,
to Jennie G. McFerren, daughter of F.A. McFerren, and they are the parents
of seven children. Dora, Jay, John, Donald and Beatrice are still living;
William and Louise have been called away by death. Mr. Francy is a member
of the Knights Templar, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. He has served
the city very acceptably as a member of council and clerk, and is an
energetic worker in the interest of the Democratic party.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jasper A. Smith

Jasper A. Smith, our jolly New Cumberland neighbor and fire-brick king, has
proven himself one of the most popular and successful salesmen of fire clay
and fire clay products in the Ohio valley, and is often seen on our streets
with our leading manufacturers looking after his contracts. For a number
of years he has been associated with McMahon, Porter & Co. sewer pipe and
fire brick establishment at New Cumberland, besides presiding over the
Minor Fire Clay Co. at Empire, O. Recently he assumed control of the New
Brighton pottery, which plant he will operate in the manufacture of tile
and enameled brick. Always genial, polite and a business hustler, he is
sure to win, whether he pursues business or social distinction.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
H.C. Minor, B.S., M.D. - Dr. Minor, one of Toronto's youngest physicians,
was born in New Cumberland, W. Va., on July 21, 1869. When he was two
years of age his parents removed to Empire, O., and there the doctor grew
to manhood. He was a diligent pupil of the Empire public schools, and upon
completing the course, he entered the normal university at Ada, O. From
this institution he graduated "Bachelor of Science" in 1892. For a time he
read medicine and then attended the Ohio Medical University at Columbus.
Here he had thorough training,and in 1897 graduated M.D. His reports show
high standing in all his studies. In June 1897 Dr. Minor located in
Toronto and began the practice of medicine. His affable and courteous
manner, promptness and skill have won for him a steadily increasing
practice, and the confidence of the community. He is calm of nerve, strong
of muscle, and possessed of genial good nature. He is a deep and earnest
student of his profession. The doctor's residence and office are number
119 Fifth Street.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ex-Mayor H.H. Smith, born at New Cumberland, W. Va., July 12, 1869, is the
youngest of six sons of Senator B.J. Smith. In 1887 Mr. Smith graduated
from the Wheeling Business College with honors and obtained a practical
commercial education that has aided him materially in his successful
business ventures. In 1888 he, with his brother, formed the firm of S.G. &
H.H. Smith, and established an insurance agency which rose to prominence,
growing from the handling of the business of three companies to that of
twenty-six. He established an agency in Toronto in 1891 and has met with
increasing success, purchasing at different times the old established
agencies of Jefferson Saltsman and S.B. Taylor & Co. His first office was
in the building now occupied by Capt. Jos. Morrow on Main street. From
there he removed to the commodious offices over the Citizens' Bank. In
December, 1898, he removed to his present quarters in the Carson block.
Mr. Smith has the most elegantly furnished office in the city. They are
also finished in excellent taste. Beautiful plants and flowers adorn the
windows, and works of art adorn the walls. The whole is brilliantly
lighted by electric lights. No more delightful or comfortable place to
transact business can be found. It is a veritable bower of beauty. Mr.
Smith represents all the leading insurance companies in the world, and has
paid losses to the amount of $225,000. No man has a higher reputation in
the insurance world than he. In 1893 Mr. Smith was elected Mayor of this
city, and served two terms with honor and distinction. He bears the honor
of having been Toronto's youngest executive, and filled that office
faithfully and well. He was at that time the youngest Mayor in the State
of Ohio. His hearings were impartial, his decisions judicious, dealing law
and justice without fear or favor according to the dictates of an unbiased
and mature judgment. His administration merited and received the hearty
co-operation of all lovers of peace and prosperity. Mr. Smith is
progressive and energetic, always alive to the best interests of his
adopted town,and abreast of the times along all lines. He is one of
Toronto's liberal and enterprising citizens, and a man of exceptional
business capacity. He not only manages his immense insurance business, but
is interested in several other enterprises. He is secretary and general
manager of the Ohio Valley Ice and Cold Storage Company, No. 1 at Toronto,
and No. 2 at Steubenvlle. He is president of the Toronto shoe factory, and
manager of the electric light plant. He is also a director in the Home
Building and Loan Association, etc. In politics Mr. Smith is a Republican,
loyal and zealous, and proud of his party and its achievements. He is a
member of the M.P. church and holds the position of treasurer of that
organization. On May 20, 1891, Mr. Smith married Miss Irene Bowles,
daughter of Frank Bowles. Two children have resulted from this union:
Pauline, aged five, and Elizabeth, aged two. Toronto has no more versatile
and foresighted citizen than Mr. Smith. There is more business transacted
to the square inch in his office than in any office this side of Pittsburg.
Promptness and dispatch are the characteristics of both employer and
employes. His push and energy have done wonders for Toronto.

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