Thomas S. Rayner

As printed in 1902

THOMAS S. RAYNER.

With a thorough knowledge of the builder's art and with a capacity for controlling business affairs of large scope in his line, Thomas S. Rayner advanced to a leading position among the contractors and builders of Springfield and his enterprise and diligence have made him a successful man. He was born in this city August 14, 1852, and is of English lineage. His paternal grandparents, John and Sarah Rayner, were born, reared and married in England. The former was a cabinet-maker by trade and his excellent ability made him noted for his fine work. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-one years and was buried in Greenmount cemetery, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-four years, both dying in Springfield. They had but two children, and the daughter Mrs. Sarah Coman, died in this city im 1902, at the advanced age of more than ninety. years.

John Rayner, their son and the father of our subject, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1820 and was a lad of sixteen years when with his parents he came to Ámerica, the family settling at Buffalo, New York. There he became familiar with the lakes and witk marine life and traffic, and to prevent his becoming a sailor the family removed to Springfield, Ohio, in the latter part of the '30s. In early manhood John Rayner learned the carpenter’s trade and followed that continuously for forty years, doing a

He devoted his time largely to the erection of fine residences and many of the leading homes built in Springfield during his day stand as monuments to his skill and handiwork. He was also a leading and influential member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was one of the organizers of the Center Street church and was also among those who colonized the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, and he put forth every effort in his power to advance the cause of Christianity and of the denomination with which he was affiliated. He occupied various offices in the church and was a licensed exhorter but did not regularly engage in that branch of Christian activity. In politics he was a Republican where matters of state and national importance were involved, but at local elections he voted independently. In early mangeneral contracting business.

hood he wedded Ann Johnson,: who was ‚born in Yorkshire, England, in 1821, and when child came to this country with her mother. „She was the youngest of three children, the others being Richard and Mrs. Amelia Stickney.. The family resided in Columbus, Ohio, for several years, and there ‚the children were educated. but all are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rayner were born the following named: Sarah, the widow of Frank Matoon, who. resides at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; Richard, who was a soldier of the Civil’war and is a machinist of this city; Margaret, the wife of A. J. Chatfield, who conducts a steam laundry in Xenia, Ohio; John, who is living in Rochester, Pennsylvania; and Thomas S., of this review. The parents were married in Springfield and the children were all born, reared and educated here. The old home place of the family was built by the father at No. 177 West High street. Both he and his wife died while visiting their daughter in Xenia, but were buried in Springfield. The father passed away in 1898 and the mother’s death occurred in December, 1901, and she was laid by his side in Greenmount cemetery. Both were earnest Christian people of the highest respectability. Generous to a fault, benevolent and kindly, they took a very active part in church work, Mr. Rayner being a leader in advancing the cause of his denomination in this community. He was a man of strong personality, of marked force of character and sterling worth, and he drew around him a large circle of friends, who entertained for him the highest regard and respect. He left the impress of his individuality not only upon the material development of Springfield but also upon its moral progress and improvement, and his memory yet remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him. Thomas S. Rayner was the third child and second son in his parents’ family. He

- spent his early years in attending the public schools and at the age of fourteen he went into the country, where he worked upon the farm during the summer months, while the winter season was spent in attending the district schools. At the age of nineteen, however, he returned to the city and here followed carriage painting for one year, in the employ of John A. Shannon. On the expiration of that period he became an apprentice to his father at the carpenter’s trade and worked with him for two years, after which he was employed by J. M. Deardorff for a time. He also worked with others, wishing to learn the business methods of other men and broaden his mind and opportunities in business affairs. When he had mastered the trade he worked as a journeyman until 1880, when he opened a general jobbing shop at the west end of the city building on South Center street. There he conducted business for seven years, during which time he not only secured a good trade but also formed a wide acquaintance among business men, so that his patronage steadily increased. He began the general contracting business on a small scale, for it was necessary to make a reputation in order to comthe business however, his pete with older in than himself. Gradually, skill and ability became recognized, his field of labor extended and he is now acknowledged to be one of the leading contractors and builders of the city, employing ten men during the busy season. When James Johnson, Sr., was serving as postmaster of Springfield, Mr. Rayner was appointed a mail carrier and also held that position under the administration of F. M. Hagen and during a part of the term of office of P. M. Cartwell, serving in that capacity altogether for five years. He then returned to his trade which he has followed continuously since. He has erected three additions to the Bushnell building, also built the St. John’s Lutheran church, remodeled the Second Presbyterian church and has erected many residences including A. W. Grant’s home, which now adorn the city. He was also superintendent of construction of the Masonic Home during the entire time of its building. He has a thorough knowledge of his trade in all its departments and possesses natural mechanical genius, which has been developed through experience and labor until Mr. Rayner is a thorough master of the builder’s art.

On the 27th of October, 1882, in Springfield, occurred the marriage of Mr. Rayner and Miss Mary A. Kizer, who was born in:

German township, Clark county, in 1863. Her parents died during her early girlhood and she was reared by an aunt. To our subject and his wife have been born two children: Nellie G., who was born in 1883; and Benjamin D., born in 1887. Both have received high school education. Mr. Rayner purchased a lot and erected a pleasant home for his family at No. 398 West Cedar street. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he belongs to Clark Lodge, No. 101, F. &'A. M; and Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. In politics he is a Democrat and has frequently served as a delegate to county and state conventions and has been a member of the central committee. His entire life has been passed in Clark county and with the exception of the short period devoted to farm work he has always lived in Springfield. He has a wide acquaintance in his native citv and that many who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends is an indication that his career has ever been honorable and upright, worthy of the regard of those with whom he has been associated. The success, which crowns persistent labor, guided by sound judgment is his, and Springfield now num-

` bers him among its substantial citizens.

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.