David C. Throckmorton
David C. Throckmorton, proprietor of the American Furniture Store, and one of the leading citizens of Circleville, was born in Pickaway Township, Pickaway County, on the 18th of October, 1846, and is of Welsh descent. His grandfather, Ezekiel Throckmorton was a native of Wales. After his marriage, he emigrated to America and made a location in Ross County, Ohio, where he was engaged in broom making. He afterward removed to Missouri, settling near St. Louis, where he followed the occupation of farming until his death. The father of our subject, Thomas Throckmorton, was born in Ross County, Ohio, and learned the trade of broom making with his father. He afterward carried on that business at Jeffersonville, and established the first broom factory at that place. While on his way West in 1847, his death occuried in Waterloo, Fayette County, Ohio. His wife bore the maiden name of Jale Jones, and is a daughter of John D. Jones, a native of Scotland. Her father was a school teacher, and followed that profession first in Virginia, and afterward at Pickaway, Ohio. In 1837, he became a teacher in Jefferson, after which he became a stock dealer, buying and shipping stock. His last days were spent in Washington C. H. where he died in 1860, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a soldier in the Mexican War and served as a Sergeant under Gen. Taylor. The mother of our subject has, since her husband's death, become Mrs. Hickman, and resides in Circleville.
D. C. was the only child born unto Thomas Throckmorton and his wife. He was reared in his native county until ten years of age, when he removed with his mother to Lexington, Ky., and in 1859, went to Richmond, Ky., where he attended school. The year 1862 witnessed his return to Ohio. He was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade under John Lisinger, and worked in that line until February, 1864, when he responded to the country's call for troops. He was then only seventeen years of age, but he became one of the boys in blue of Company K, Ninetieth Ohio Infantry. He was mustered in at Camp Douglas, became a musician and was sent South, joining Sherman's Army. He participated in the battles of Resaca, Dallas, Buzzard's Roost, Snake Gap, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain, and all the engagements in which his regiment bore a part in the Atlanta campaign. He also fought in the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin, Columbia and Nashville. His regiment then returned home, but Mr. Throckmorton and a few recruits were sent to Texas with Gen. D. Stanley. Our subject served as his Orderly until discharged at Victoria on the 3d of October, 1865, being mustered out at Columbus in November following. He was one of the youngest soldiers in the service, but was none the less true and loyal, and may well be proud of his army record.
On his return to Circleville, Mr. Throckmorton was apprenticed to J. M. Duffy, a carriage maker, with whom he remained nine years. He became foreman of the factory, and during the last three years had almost control of the entire business. In 1883, began his connection with the furniture business. He worked with B. Kath for three years, during which time he did some fine cabinet-work, and for eighteen months was with Mr. Kath's successors, Maddy & Probst. In May, 1887, he began business for himself, establishing the American Furniture Store in the American House Block. His sale-room is 22x78 feet, and is well filled with a good stock of furniture of excellent designs. In connection with this he also does an extensive business in the manufacture of picture frames.
In Circleville, in 1877, Mr. Throckmorton married Miss Martha Forquer, a native of Perry County, Ohio, and a daughter of John Forquer of this place. Six children have been born of their union, five of whom are yet living: John, Martha, James, Thomas and Florence. Arthur, the first child, died at the age of two and a half years.
In April, 1891, Mr. Throckmorton was elected a member of the City Council on the Democratic ticket, and is still filling that office. He has proved himself a capable officer and well merits the honor conferred upon him. Socially, he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is the youngest member of Groce Post, G. A. R. He also belongs to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and is a member of the Knights of St. John, and a stanch advocate of Democracy. He is recognized as one of the leading business men of Circleville and is now enjoying a liberal patronage, of which he is well deserving, and his courteous treatment and upright dealings have won the high regard of all with whom he has come in contact.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]