Charles Rabbitts

CHARLES RABBITTS.

Charles Rabbitts, now deceased, was for many years one of Springeld's most progressive and public-spirited citizens, taking a prominent and active part in business affairs and also in the development of the city. He was a native of England, born near the village of Bath, in Wiltshire, September 7. 1820, and was twelve years of age on the emigration of his family to America. His father located on a farm near Cleveland, where Mr. Rabbitts continued to make his home until 1843, when he removed to Newark, Ohio, and engaged in the business of

* woolen manufacturing.

In 1846 Mr. Rabbitts came to Springfield to seek a location,and the following year leased a water right on Barnett's hydraulic. ‚In partnership with his brother-in-law, L.

As printed in A Biographical Record of Clark County Ohio (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CHARLES RABBITTS. The late Charles Rabbitts was a pioneer citizen of Springfield who long bore an important part in its commercial life, and was identified with a large number of its successful business enterprises. Mr. Rabbitts was born September 7, 1820, near the village of Bath, in Wiltshire, England, and was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to America.

The father of Mr. Rabbitts settled on a farm near Cleveland, Ohio, and the son completed his education in the schools of that section. In 1843 he went to Newark, and was there engaged in a woolen manufacturing business for three years, then coming to Siiringfield, in search of a better location. In 1847, in partnership ith hifbrother-in-law, L. H. Olds, lie built a woolen mill on Warder Street, fitting it up with machinery which, on account of the lack of other means of transportation, had to be hauled by wagon. Here Mr. Rabbitts embarked in a large woolen manufacturing business, making a specialty of "Rabbitts jeans and yarns," which business he carried on for over a quarter of a century, his products becoming widely known and in great demand all through Ohio and neighboring states. At various times he was associated with those other well-known manufacturers, a. S. and John Foos and Marshfield Steele. In 1875 Mr. Rabbitts retired from the manufacturing business and, in association with William S. Thompson and Amaziah Winger, old and well-known business men, erected the Commercial Building. For a number of years Mr. Rabbitts was a lai'ge owner and operator in real estate and several of the most desirable additions to the city were platted by him. He was one of the original incorporators, and was much interested in the selection and improvement of the grounds of Ferncliff Cemetery. He was a member of the first board of directors of the Second National Bank of Springfield and was active in the movement which resulted in the erection of the Lagonda Hotel. He was a citizen who took a large measure of pride in his home city and was indefatigable in pushing enterprises which he believed would add to her prestige. On every side, remain monuments to his business capacity and his public spirit.

Mr. Rabbitts was married May 3, 1848, to Margaret Robison, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, and they became the parents of six children, the five survivors being: James H., who is postmaster at Springfield; W. S., who is cashier of the Springfield National Bank; Charles, who is a Springfield merchant, and Mary and Anna, residing at home. The death of Mr. Rabbitts occurred at the old family home in Sleepy Hollow, December 16,

In political sentiment, Mr. Rabbitts was thoroughly identified with the Republican party from its organization. He believed in its principles and supported its candidates, but he never desired office for himself. He was a member of educational and charitable boards and was noted for his liberality. In religious connection he was a member of the Presbyterian Church and was very active in building up the Second Church of this body at Springfield. Few citizens of Spring-field more definitely impressed themselves on the city as promoters of all its best interests.

As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.