My Genealogy Hound

EDWIN RITENOUR HOTSENPILLER. There is probably not a citizen of Clark County more widely or favorably known than he with whose name we introduce this biographical outline, and whose portrait* is presented on the opposite page. He is practically independent, financially, being an extensive landowner, and having one farm of seven hundred acres, besides other choice land in Clark County. In 1879 there was discovered in Union County the famous magnetic springs, now a popular resort for a large number of individuals, especially those afflicted with rheumatic and other ailments, for which the springs furnish an almost certain cure. The proprietor has erected convenient buildings, thoroughly equipped with everything necessary for the comfort of patrons, and the springs have attained a wide reputation throughout this and adjoining States.

The subject of this notice was born in the city of Chillicothe, Ross County, this State, and is the son of Charles and Amelia (Ritenour) Hotsenpiller, both of whom were born and reared in Frederick County, Va. The paternal grandfather was Jacob Hotsenpiller, who traced his ancestors to Prussia, and who was a regularly ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The family was represented in America probably during the Colonial days, and were numbered among the early pioneers of the Old Dominion. The first transfer made in real estate, in the State of Virginia, was in the name of Hotsenpiller.

The father of our subject accompanied his parents from Virginia to Ross County, this State, in 1830, they locating in the then infant town of Chillicothe, where Charles embarked in mercantile business, also carried on farming and became an extensive grain dealer. Owing to the dishonesty of those with whom he was associated in partnership, he lost heavily. His death took place in 1872. The wife and mother is still living and, notwithstanding she is quite aged, is active in mind and body. The five children of the parental family, are recorded as follows: Mary E. is the wife of J. W. Coles, junior member of the firm of Schindler & Coles, undertakers; Edwin R., our subject, was the second born; Charles W. for many years was a Captain in the United States Army, and is now retired Eliza H. is the wife of John B. Crain; Kate I. makes her home with her mother, in Springfield.

Mr. Hotsenpiller pursued his early studies in the common schools of his native city, and later entered the Ohio Conference High School, after which he became a pupil of the Cincinnati College, from which he was graduated in 1852. His father’s failure in business threw him upon his own resources, and he learned the printer’s trade, also stereotyping, during the intervals of his attendance at college in Cincinnati. After completing his studies he went to Sandusky, this State, and purchased the Sandusky Register, of which paper he was editor and publisher two years, and which under his good management became a great financial success. Owing to ill-health, however, he was obliged to retire from the arduous duties of a morning daily paper.

Early in the year of 1852, Mr. Hotsenpiller went to Dayton, and entered the employ of a stereotyper, to whom he became a very valuable assistant on account of his experience in the business and his natural adaptability to it. Not having occasion to use the money which he earned, he allowed it to remain with his employer until the amount aggregated $1,000. He took a note for the amount, which he subsequently applied to the purchase of a stock of books, stationery and notions, at Springfield, giving his note for the balance, his stock being valued at $5,000. He soon had his goods arranged in a convenient store, and in a short time built up a large trade, which resulted in the rapid accumulation of money. The man, however, from whom he took the $1,000 note failed in business before it became due, thus necessitating the enforced payment of the same by Mr. Hotsenpiller, and this caused him to sell his business in order to meet it.

After settling his claim Mr. Hotsenpiller was still left with some means and, in 1880, began dealing in real estate, and in this enterprise was also successful, handling not only local property, but reaching out into different States adjoining. In 1881 he laid out what is known as Hotsenpiller’s Addition to the city of Springfield, from which he has realized handsome returns. Later, owing to the condition of his health, he went to the magnetic springs in Union County, which afforded him relief in such a short time that, in 1885, he determined upon purchasing the springs, which he did, and soon had arranged for the erection of various needed buildings, including the Park Hotel and magnetic bath house, cottages and various other structures. Near by is the lake which receives the surplus water from the springs, by which it is partly surrounded, and which forms a beautiful sheet of water. The hotel has the capacity for accommodating one hundred and fifty guests, while the numerous cottages adjacent are conveniently furnished suitable for the temporary use of families. The springs are not only a healthy resort, but furnish a quiet retreat for any who wish to avail themselves of summer rest and recuperation.

Mr. Hotsenpiller spends most of his time, especially during the summer months, at the springs, while at the same time he looks after his lands and the Rock Point Mills, in Clark County, of which e is proprietor. He was one of the original stock-holders of the Springfield Brass Company, of which he was made President, and he is also a stockholder in the Champion Electric Light Company at Springfield. Socially, he belongs to Clark Lodge, No. 101, A. F. & A. M., and Moncrieffe Lodge, No. 33, K. of P.

Mr. Hotsenpiller is unmarried. He is possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, and that genial and companionable disposition which has drawn around him hosts of friends. He is recognized as one of the most valued citizens of Clark County, and has contributed his full quota to the furtherance of its best interests.

*A portrait was included in the original printed volume.