Charles E. Arbogust
This gentleman has a high reputation in the business circles of Xenia and wherever his trade extends, as one who is strictly honorable in all business transactions and possesses a high moral character. He is engaged in the manufacture of blank books and office stationery, making a specialty of the latter and having an extensive trade, his goods selling in seventy-four of the eighty-eight counties of the State. He was born in Xenia, September 22, 1862, and in this city has spent the greater part of his life. His father, Charles Arbogust, a native of Springfield, there grew to maturity and learned the trade of a blacksmith. He married Miss Rebecca W. Sellers, of Xenia Township, daughter of John and Elizabeth Sellers, whose farm lay one mile southeast of Xenia. Her father was an early settler of the county, in which his sons, George, Luther and Addison, still reside.
The parents of our subject resided in Springfield until a short time before his birth, when they removed to Xenia. The father died when our subject was about a year old, but the mother is still living. Both parents held membership in the Baptist Church, and the mother has conscientiously endeavored to bring up her son in the way he should go, the result being that he is living a useful and honored life. He grew to maturity in the city of his birth, finishing his education in her schools and identifying himself with her business men.
In 1879, in connection with W. B. Chew, our subject started the bindery, the association between the two gentlemen continuing two years. Mr. Arbogust then purchased his partner’s interest, and since that time has been conducting the business himself. He is also interested in the millinery and fancy goods store of C. B. Arbogast, and holds considerable city property. He likewise has a considerable interest in the Building & Loan Association of which he was one of the organizers. It was incorporated September 1, 1885, with a capital stock of 500,000.
Mr. Arbogust has for many years been an active worker in the Young Men’s Christian Association, and is a member of the Board of Directors, of the society which was organized in this city in July, 1884. They have a free lease for five years, with the privilege of holding it ten years, with a strong membership and good rooms in which to assemble and carry on various instructive and useful occupations. The member’s parlor and prayer meeting room can be thrown into one room, private office, complete gymnasium—over which a competent physical director has charge—and complete bathrooms with shower and tub bath and hot and cold water at all times, complete the establishment. The annual fee is $5, which admits to all the privileges and benefits. The fine furnishings of the Association rooms were secured entirely through the individual efforts of the members.
January 22, 1883, the interesting ceremony took place which transformed Miss Lida Robinson, of Xenia into Mrs. Charles E. Arbogust. The bride is a daughter of George F. and Jennie Robinson, the former of whom is still living. She was born in this city in 1863, secured a good education in its excellent schools, and acquired the graces of manner and virtues of character which secure her the regard of many friends and acquaintances. The marriage has been blessed by the birth of two sons—George Edward and Charles Orin. The family attends the Baptist Church in which Mr. Arbogust is an honored member. He also belongs to the social order of the Knights of Honor.
From Portrait and Biographical Album of Clark and Greene Counties, Chapman Bros., Chicago, published 1890