In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1908) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908), A Biographical record of Clark county, Ohio .. (1902)
GUSTAVUS S. FOOS.
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GustaA'US S. Foos was born in Columbus, Obio, July 8, 1818, representing one of the pioneer families of this state. His father. General Joseph Foos, was born in Kentucky, while the mother was a native of Virginia and removed to Ohio at a very early da,te. When the country became engaged in the second war with England General Foos entered the army, serving with distinction as a defender of his country. He gained prominence in civil affairs in his adopted state and for twenty-one years was a member of the Ohio legislature, and his labors and influence were very effective in promoting some of the most important legislation that has established the police of this great commonwealth.
Mr. Foos of this review was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, early acquiring habits of industry, economy and honesty, which proved the foundation upon which he reared the superstructure oif his prosperity in later years. His preliminary education, acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by one year's study in the high school of Springfield, entering that institution at the age o.i sixteen years. The west attracted him and he then left hoiiie, g"oing to Illinois, where he was engaged in farming and in trade pursuits, but after three years he returned to his native state, settling in Logan county, Ohio, where he secured anployment in the store of his brother, William Foos, who was a resident of Springfield, but is now deceased. After three years experience as a salesman, he, in partnership with his brother, Lewis, purchased the store and for several years successfully conducted the 'business. He then disposed of his interest to his brother, Lewis Foos.
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On the.i8th of June, 1849, was celebrated the marriage of Gustavus S. Foos and Miss Elizabeth Flouston, a daughter of Dr. Robert Houston, of South Charleston, Clark county. Ohio. Two sons were born unto them, Robert H. and William F., who became associated with their father in business, and since the death of their father they have conducted the large enterprise and meet the demands of their constantly growing trade.
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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.
GUSTAVUS S. FOOS. The late Gustavus S. Foos was one of Springfield's representative men, one who, through public spirit, progressive business methods and exemplary personal life, deserves to have his name remembered among those who have contributed largely to this city's prosperity. He was the founder and for many years the able president of the Foos Manufacturing Company, one of Springfield's leading industries. Gustavus S. Foos was born in Franklin, now West Columbus, Ohio, July
8, 1818, and died July 11, 1900, rounding out a useful life of eighty-two years. He was a son of General Joseph Foos, who was once ])prominent in the military affairs of this section, and later served as a statesman, for twenty-one years, being a member of the Ohio Legislature.
Gustavus S. Foos obtained his education in the Springfield schools, leaving the High School in his second year, when he went to Illinois, where he remained three years. Uijon his return to Ohio he entered the employ of his brother, the late William Foos, as a salesman, and after some mercantile experience, in partnership with another brother, the late Levi Foos, he purchased the business of William Foos and it was successfully continued for seven-al years. In 1848 Gustavus S. Foos again became associated with his brother William, and they became jointly interested in mercantile, real estate and banking enterprises. In this year the brothers bought a large tract of land at Springfield, which they laid out in town lots, and these now form the best residence sections of the city. In 1858 they embarked in a brokerage business, and two years later they established a ]3rivate bank, this subsequently developing into the Second National Bank. Of this institution William Foos became president and Gustavus S. Foos cashier, a position he filled until his resignation, in 1862. Prior to this Mr. Foos disposed of large farming interests which he had owned in Illinois, and after freeing himself from the bank, entered extensively into the wool business and rapidly became prominent in that industry.
The panic of 1873 fell upon the country and many of the leading business men in HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY every section saw the fortunes that they had accumulated swept away, as it were, in a night. Among these was Gustavus S. Foos, who found himself, at the age of fifty-five years, forced to begin life anew. He turned his attention at first to the manufacture of that humble but useful household article, a kitchen clotheswringer, associating with him his two sons. From the very bottom they built up a business which became one of importance. In 1884 Mr. Foos saw that it would be the part of wisdom to dispose of the enterprise in which he was then engaged and to siden his field of operations. When he again entered the manufacturing field with his sons, the business was the making of special grinding and pulverizing oil-mill machinery and forces. He then organized the Foos Manufacturing ComiDany, taking the duties of president upon his experienced shoulders, and making his son, Robert H. Foos, vice president, and his other son, William F. Foos, treasurer. The business prospered and the time came when the name of Foos was held in esteem in every trade center. Near the close of his life it contributed great satisfaction to the venerable founder, that the same old standards of business integrity which he had established were continued by those who followed him.
In early life Mr. Foos was a Whig in his political views and later became an active Republican and zealous supporter of the policies of this party. During the Civil War Mr. Foos on many occasions demonstrated his loyalty and true patriotism, contributing both time and money and giving generously to those benevolent agencies which took care of the families of the men who were fighting at the front. During the Morgan Raid he was a member of the famous "Squirrel Hunters' Brigade. In times of peace he also was large-hearted in his charities and was exceedingly liberal-minded on many subjects.
Mr. Foos was married June 28, 1849, to Elizabeth Houston, who was a daughter of Dr. Robert Houston, of South Charleston, Clark County, Ohio, and they had two sons, Robert H. and William F. M''william F. Foos is president of the Springfield National Bank and is receiver for the Springfield Malleable Iron Company. For the past five years the Foos brothers have not been connected with the Foos Manufacturing Company. Their handsome residence is located at No. 560 East High Street, Springfield.
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.
Named in this biography: Robert H. Foos (b. 1850) William F. Foos (b. 1852)
The printed record stops around 1908. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.