Col. Baldwin Hartzell Millikan
Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens ot Fayette county within the pages of this work, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored community, and whose interests have been identified witli its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number was the late Col. B. H. Millikan—distinguished soldier, successful business man and public benefactor—whose name needs no introduction to the reader. His death removed from Fayette county—and. indeed, from Ohio—one of her most substantial and highly esteemed citizens and the many beautiful tributes to his high standing in the world of affairs and as a man and citizen attested to the abiding place he had in the hearts and affections of those who knew him and of his work and accomplishments. His eminently honorable and successful career was not altogether a path of roses, for he fought against and conquered many adverse conditions, which would have discouraged one of less sterling mettle. His military record was marked by courage and ability of a high order, his business record showed that he possessed sagacity, energy and integrity to a pronounced degree, while his philanthropy was of that practical kind that is of real permanent value to the common weal. As a member of a great and prosperous commercial house he contributed in a very dehnite way to the business advancement of Washington C. H. and built for himself a monument that perpetuates his name among those who come after.
Col. B. H. Millikan was born in South Bend, Indiana, on the 12th day of July, 1842, and was the son of Jesse L. and Margaret (Hartzell) Millikan, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Jesse Millikan was reared in Washington C. H. and there received his public school education, upon the completion of which he took up the study of medicine, to the active practice of which he devoted himself until his death, which occurred in 1850. He and his wife were Methodists in their religious faith. He was the son of William and Ann Millikan, who also were natives of this state. William Millikan was a soldier in the War of 1812 and marched from Cleveland to Chillicothe, in charge of British prisoners captured with Perry's victory. His death occurred at Chillicothe, and his widow survived until well advanced in years. They were the parents of four children, William, Jesse, Nathaniel and Ann. Colonel Millikan' s maternal grandparents, — and Margaret Hartzell, were natives of Germany, who came to the United States and became early settlers in Greenville, Ohio. There he lived the remainder of his life and died, being survived by his widow, who died in Washington C. H., at an advanced age. Their children were Margaret (mother of the subject) and Charles.
To Jesse L. and Margaret (Hartzell) Millikan were born the following children: Francis M., of Penryn, California; Miranda, who died, unmarried; Jared L., deceased; Baldwin Hartzell, the immediate subject of this memoir; Vasco, deceased, and Mrs. Margaret Ann Reed, of Florida.
Colonel Millikan, though a Hoosier by birth, was practically a lifelong resident of Ohio, having been brought to Washington C. H. by his parents when but a child, and here he remained continuously, with the exception of the period spent in the military service of his country, up to the time of his death. He received a good practical common school education and, while still a youth, began clerking in a store. Soon he was appointed deputy county clerk, which office he was filling when there came to him the realization that his country needed his services to assist in the suppression of the great Rebellion. On August 20, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company C, One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served faithfully for three years, or until the close of the war. He took part in some of the most hotly contested engagements of that great conflict, including the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post. Thompson's Hill, Champion's Hill, Big Black River, Vicksburg, Graham's Plantation, Avoyelle's Prairie, Bayou de Glaize, Mobile and Fort Blakely.
Upon his return from the army. Colonel Millikan became deputy collector of internal revenue, holding the position for eight or ten years, and then, in partnership with George Melvin, he engaged in the drygoods business in Washington C. H., which commanded his attention for several years, after which he was in the carpet business until 1885. In the year mentioned the Colonel became affiliated with the Dahl &: Baer Grocery Company, later known as Dahl, Baer & Company, and then as the Dahl-Millikan Company. In 1906 the firm was consolidated with the Midland Grocery Company, Colonel Alillikan becoming treasurer of the affiliated companies, and also serving as vice-president of the Dahl-Millikan branch.
The Dahl-Millikan Grocery Company is one of the best known wholesale concerns in Ohio, fifty years of substantial growth and development having expanded its activities from a modest beginning to its present immense proportions, a success which has been due to the fact that it was founded on sound business principles and conducted according to methods which have ever been in the van of advanced ideas. The company's fifty salesmen now cover practically the entire state of Ohio, representing a business generally recognized as the leader in this territory. To a very large extent the splendid success which attended this great enterprise was due to the sound judgment and indefatigable efforts of Colonel Millikan, whose splendid abilities were freely conceded by all who had dealings with him or knowledge of his work.
Aside from the business interests referred to, Colonel Millikan was identified with business affairs of his home city, in the successful prosecuting of which he took a keen interest. Among these should be mentioned the Fayette County Bank, of which he was a director, and the Fayette County Canning Company, of which he was president. The Colonel was also a large land owner, possessing some of the most valuable and extensive farming properties in Fayette county, and these farms were to him a keen source of delight.
Broad gauged in his views of men and things, Colonel Millikan always stood ready to identify himself with his fellow citizens in any good work and extend a co-operative hand to advance any measure that was calculated to better the condition of things in his community, that would give better government, elevate mankind, insure higher standards of morality and the highest ideals of refined culture. A firm believer in practical education for the masses, he was always intensely interested in the schools of his city and for many years was a member of the school board. In 1909 he was president of the city council and at all times worked for the city's best welfare.
After the close of the Civil War and he had settled down in active business life, he became aftiliated with the local militia, and later was in command of the company which became known as the Millikan Guards. Later he was elected lieutenant-colonel and from that time was generally known as Colonel Millikan.
Of the Grand Army of the Republic, Colonel Millikan was a most enthusiastic member from the close of the great civil struggle until his death, and for a generation he was one of the most influential factors in the R. B. Hayes Post, of Washington C. H. He served the post as commander for several years and it was largely through his efforts and influence that the state encampment of the Grand Army was brought to Washington C. H. in 1913. The Colonel was ever solicitous for the welfare and comfort of his old comrades and performed many acts of kindness in their behalf. In testimony of their love and esteem for him, the members of the post presented a beautiful silver loving cup to him but a short time before his death. One of his last services in connection with the Grand Army of the Republic was his untiring efforts in the securing of the Memorial hall for this city, and later the installation of the bronze tablets in commemoration of the Fayette heroes of the Rebellion.
Politically, Colonel Millikan was an earnest supporter of the Republican party, though he was in no sense a seeker after publicity and did not take a very active part in the campaigns of his party. Fraternally, he was an appreciative and appreciated member of the Free and Accepted Masons, being affiliated with Fayette Lodge No. 107; Fayette Chapter No. 103, Royal Arch Masons, and Garfield Commandery No. 29, Knights Templar. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Religiously, Colonel Millikan was a member of Grace Methodist Episcopal church, to which he gave generous support.
On the 30th day of January, 1878, Col. B. H. Millikan was united in marriage with Lizzie B. Dahl. who was born in Washington C. H., the daughter of George and Ruth (Bereman) Dahl. She was one of four children, the others being Harris B., Anna Victoria and Ethel. On the paternal side, Mrs Millikan was descended from German ancestry, while her maternal grandparents were Joel S. and — (Thompson) Bereman. To Colonel and Mrs. Millikan were born the following children : Ruth M., who is the wife of William W. Westerfield, of New Orleans, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth Millikan Westerfield. Jesse H. Millikan is identified with the interests formerly belonging to his father. The mother of these children died in December, 1899, at the age of forty-three years, secure in the love and affection of all who were so fortunate as to be numbered among her acquaintances.
Colonel B. H. Millikan died, very suddenly, at Columbus, Ohio, on March 20, 1914. He had left his home city in the morning of that day, apparentlv feeling well and exhibiting the same jovial, cheerful disposition which was one of his characteristics, but within a few hours after reaching Columbus he felt the touch of the Grim Reaper and Washington's first citizen had entered into his long rest.
The cause of humanity never had a truer friend than Colonel Millikan, and in all the relations of life he displayed that consistent Christian spirit, that natural worth, that endeared him to all classes. His integrity and fidelity were manifested in every relation of life, for he early learned that true happiness consisted in ministering to others. He leaves to his family the rich memory of an unstained name, and to the city he loved so well the record and example of an honorable and well spent life.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)