John Dick

JOHN DICK.

John Dick has occupied the position of superintendent of the Ferncliff cemetery since November, 1863, and has wrought a transformation here of which the people of the city could hardly have dreamed at the beginning of his work. Beauty, quiet, restfulness—all are desirable features of this city of the dead, and nature has seemed to supplement every effort put forth by Mr. Dick and his helpers in their work to transform this into one of the most lovely spots in all this section of the country.

Mr. Dick was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, January 14, 1834, his parents being David and Jessie (Charles) Dick, the latter a descendant of the Stewarts. Both were educated in the private schools of their nativescountry and the former became a landscape gardener. The paternal grandfather, John Dick, for whom our subject was named, was also a professional landscape’ gardener. David Dick removed with his family to Kirkcudbright in 1838 and there followed. his profession until 1867, when he came to America, his son having previously crossed the Atlantic. He was employed in Cincinnati, Ohio, in. the line of his chosen vocation for a time and then came with-his wife to Springfield, where he lived retired until called to their final rest, the father passing away at the age of eighty years and the mother at the age of seventy-two. The grandparents had died in the country of their birth. Unto David Dick and his wife were born six children, two of whom died in early childhood and are buried in Scotland. The. others are: John, of this re- view; Agnes, of Springfied, the widow of James Hay, who died in Cincinnati, Ohio; David, a landscape artist, who died in Memphis, Tennessee, and was buried in Ferncliff; - James, who followed the same pursuit in Dayton, Kentucky, and at his death was laid to rest in Ferncliff beside his father, mother and brother. The children were educated in excellent schools of Scotland and had every - advantage that. would assist them in the preparation for the practical and responsible duties of life.

After acquiring a good literary education John Dick studied in the Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh, the best in the country. During the periods of vacation he worked with his father and learned the rudiments.of his profession for which he was - preparing. After his school days were over he served an apprenticeship under the direction of his father, and at the age of eighteen went to Edinburgh, where for two years he was under Curator James McNabb and Professor Balfour, who was professor of botany in the college. In 1854 he started for this country and was first employed in the United States on Long Island in laying out parks for some New York people. He remained in that section of the country, however, for only a short time, making his way westward to Cincinnati; Ohio, and in the fall of 1863 he came to Springfield on the recommendation of Adolph Strauch, who was superintendent of the Spring Grove cemetery in Cincinnati. Mr. Strauch was one of the most experienced and thorough landscape artists in the country. He was of German birth and had traveled extensively both in Europe and the United States. His * death occurred in Spring Grove several years ago. From him Mr. Dick received some valuable information, which he has since utilized in his work. When he located in this city our subject and his brother David, who was then assistant superinten-; dent under Mr. Strauch, came to inspect the location of Ferncliff, and both agreed that it was an ideal spot for the purpose selected..

In the fall of 1863 our subject and his wife came to this city, which has since been their home. He was selected by the trustees of the cemetery association to improve the wilderness and convert it into what was then beyond the expectations of any one, but the labors of Mr. Dick have made it a most beautiful spot in the state of Ohio. The fruits of his labors can be seen in the arrangements of the avenues, drainage and work as a designer by visiting the cemetery. From time to time he has and is adding new improvements. He does his. own leveling and surveying and knows every foot of ground in the cemetery. His experience as a landscape artist is such that in filling in and cutting out various places he has brought the natural and artificial in-such harmonic contact that the latter is not detected. In all his work he has retained the natural element as much as possible. His entire time and energy have been devoted to improving and beautifying the cemetery. The entrance has been preserved in almost its entirely except in the roadway, and the plans are now under way for a beautiful stone conservatory and chapel on the south side with a broad entrance from Plum street. The home for the use of the superintendent was built on an eminence overlooking the valley and was the spot chosen by Mr. Dick many years ago. It is a modern stone structure and the style of architecture was the first of the kind used in Springfield. The driveway is lined with natural flowers, trees and shrubs and as it winds about the large overhanging rocks a sight most beautiful is presented. Winding up the avenue one comes in view of the plats laid out on the rising ground. The beautiful little lake at the foot'is the donation of O. S. Kelly, an old settler and highly esteemed gentleman of the city, who has donated his time, money and influence toward carrying out the plans as laid out by Superintendent Dick. To: Gustavus Foos is also due great praise, for he is one who gave his personal attention to beautifying the eastern slope. The whole has been carefully laid out by Mr. Dick and carried to completion under the supervision of the board of trustees. There can be no better monument to the memory of Mr. Dick than this beautiful cemetery, which is the outcome of his skill, ability and labor. Visitors who have traveled all over the old country and the United States and having visited Ferncliff are unanimous in saying that it is the most beautiful spot that they have ever seen.:

Mr. Dick was married in 1863 to Catherine Fitsimmons, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and unto them were born four children. Charles is deceased. James F., whó for several years has been assistant superintendent of Ferncliff, is a graduate of the public schools * of this city and was a student at Wittenberg College for a time. He has followed in his father’s footsteps, making four generations to be connected with landscape gardening. He has assisted his father in carrying out his designs, taking great interest in building up and beautifying the cemetery. He has a host of friends and is a very active young man in social circles. He married a

Miss Melntire and they have one daughter, Catherine. Jessie, the third member of the family, is the wife of Stacy Buffenbarger, of Springfield, and has four children. Mary is deceased. The wife and mother died in Springfield in 1879, and in 1881 Mr. Dick was again married, his second union being with Margaret Simons, who was born in Pennsylvania. All the children were educated and married in this city.

Mr. Dick is a supporter of all church and charitable work and holds membership with the Presbyterian denomination, while his wife belongs to the Lutheran church. He is also connected with Springfield Lodge, 1.

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.