Walter H. Shupe
The late Walter H. Shupe built a steam grist mill at Rome and resided there for awhile. Mr. Shupe was prosecuting attorney of Richland County in 1854-55. He afterwards engaged in the newspaper business in New York City, and later instituted an order known as the "Son of Columbia" of which he became the president or "father" was their executive officer was called, and which led him to finally have hi named changed from Walter H. Shupe to "Father Columbia". He was talented but somewhat visionary. He died at Cleveland a few months ago.
From The Bellville Messenger, October 2, 1903