William Cromwell Row
William Conwell Row, ex-County Surveyor and Civil Engineer for the State Canal Commission, is a man of education and learning, and well posted in all that pertains to his business. Like many of the most active and enterprising residents of Circleville, he is a native of Pickaway County, born one mile southeast of Circleville, in Washington Township, on the 25th of September, 1849, and no doubt takes a deeper interest in the welfare of his native place than any stranger could.
His father, Samuel Row, was born in this county (see sketch of Dr. George Row) and followed the occupation of a farmer in Washington Township. On this farm our subject passed his yonthful days, and in addition to the common-school education he received in the home district, he attended the High School in Circleville for one year, being possessed of more than the ordinary degree of learning and good sense, he began teaching school in Washington Township when eighteen years of age, and, meeting with much success in this occupation, he continued it for nine years, teaching during the winter months for the most part. After this, he attended school for three years, during 1869. 1870 and 1871, taking a miscellaneous course. He studied engineering, and worked at this, and also taught school in his native State until 1876. He then became Deputy County Treasurer under John L. Seall, for eighteen months, or until he was elected to the position of County Surveyor, when he resigned.
In the year 1877, he was nominated and elected to the last-mentioned office on the Democratic ticket, and so ably did he discharge the duties of this position, and so well did he meet the requirements of the people, that he was re-elected in 1880, and again in 1883, and held the office until the 1st of January, 1887. During this time, he was actively engaged in county surveying. In 1890, he was appointed by the Canal Commission as Civil Engineer; has held this position for two years, and during eighteen months of that time he was on the road and traveled all over the State. He does his office work here, and finds time outside of his regular duties to interest himself in, and extend a helping hand to, all worthy enterprises.
He chose for his life companion Miss Olive Bennett, a native of Pickaway County, born in Circleville, and their union was celebrated in the year 1879. She is the daughter of A. J. and Sarah Bennett, of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Row's union has been blessed by tlie birth of five interesting children: Edith, Fayne S., William C. Jr., Leslie, and Helen. Mr. Row has done a great deal of work for the city since he has held his present position. He laid out a cemetery in Walnut Township, this county, and also one in Fairfield County; also an addition to Circleville, and numerous other equally important duties. He assisted in organizing the State Association of Surveyors and Engineers, and was an active member until 1888, when he withdrew. He is a Democrat in politics, and socially is a Kniglit of Pythias.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]