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250 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


Forced Into Liquidation —In May, 1821, the Miami Exporting Company made a public statement in the hope of satisfying the people and, notwithstanding the excellent board of directors—all men of good ability and strictly honorable—one morning a crowd gathered on upper Main Street and marched down the street toward the Miami Bank, intending to get what they could from the bank. The proposed "run on the bank" terminated rather in a mob A dray with a huge coffin, inscribed "Miami Bank No More," headed the procession down the street, the crowd increasing at every street crossing en route. When it reached Fourth Street, Mayor Isaac G. Burnet stood in front of his office, at the corner, and succeeded in dispersing the mob without violence. Thus the bank was saved from actual demolition, but it was soon forced into liquidation.


The period of liquidation, with no banks open, lasted a long time. The suspended debt of the Cincinnati office of the United States Bank amounted to $2,528,000 in 1822, when George W. Jones was made the first agent of the bank. Collections of debts proceeded—the United States Bank was forced to take over an immense amount of real estate, as it was usually the only bidder when it had been foreclosed, no one having any credit. From the autumn of 1821 until 1825 there were no banks in Cincinnati and general depression obtained everywhere.


In 1825 matters looked better and Peter Benson was sent out from Philadelphia to establish another branch of the United States Bank, of which he became cashier, and J. Reynolds, president. This institution had a capital of $1,329,000. The agency of the first branch was moved to the second floor of the bank building, and Cincinnati again had a banking institution in operation. Immigration increased rapidly, the population reaching 16,000 in 1826, a gain of 4,000 in two years.


The directors of the United States Bank in 1828 were : Bellamy Storer, William Phillips, James Gest, James Reynolds, M. M. Cassily, Henry Emerson, William Greene, William Neff, J. W. Mason, Luman Watson, John H. Groesbeck, C. W. Gazzam and Benjamin Urner.


As the city grew it felt the need of better banking facilities, so prominent citizens obtained a charter from the Legislature in the fall of 1829 for the Commercial Bank. Stock was sold and the institution was opened to the public in April, 1821, at No. 45 Main Street, with an authorized capital of $500,000. The first officers were : Robert Buchanan, president; Augustus Moore, cashier ; Robert I. Dunlap, teller ; Rowland Ellis, bookkeeper.


There had been much talk of starting a savings institution ever since 1819, but nothing was effected until March, 1831, when the Cincinnati Savings Institution was organized and incorporated at the following legislative session. The office was opened at Goodman's Exchange Office on West Third Street, where deposits were received on Mondays from


BANKS AND BANKING - 251


ten to one o'clock. The president was George W. Jones and H. H. Goodman secretary. There was a board of directors, including twenty-four excellent business factors of Cincinnati.


Thus at the commencement of 1832 Cincinnati had a branch of the Bank of the United States, the State Bank and a savings institution, as well as two exchange offices—those of G. R. Gilmore & Company and Goodman's Exchange Office.


In February, 1833, the Franklin Bank was chartered with a capital of $1,000,000. John H. Groesbeck was president and Augustus Moore cashier. During the same year the old Miami Exporting Company, which had closed up in 1821, opened a new office at Main and Court streets, having an authorized capital of $600,000. J. C. Wright was president and J. C. Lamb cashier.


In February, 1834, two new banks were incorporated—the Lafayette Bank of Cincinnati and the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company.


The United States Bank's charter expired and a new one was not obtained. Accordingly, the offices were closed and Timothy Kirby acted as agent for the bank, combining the new agency office with the old one, which had still been managing the real estate holdings of the first branch. A few years later the affairs of this institution were entirely wound up.


Banks in 1836 —The following banks were in existence in 1836, according to a directory published that year : Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company, Fourth and Main streets ; Commercial Bank, Main Street, between Third and Fourth streets ; Franklin Bank ($i,000,000), Main, between Third 'and Fourth streets ; Lafayette Bank, $1,000,000 capital ; Miami Exporting Company, Court and Main streets, $600,000 capital ; Cincinnati Savings Institution, No. 5 West Third Street ; Exchange Bank and Savings Institution, a private institution.


The great panic of 1837 was felt all over the country, including here in Cincinnati vicinity. But for all that, in 1838, two new banks were started in Cincinnati, the Mechanics' and Traders' Bank, Main and East Third streets, and Delafield & Burnet's Bank, both private institutions.


Banks Were Mobbed —January Jo, 1842, the Miami Exporting Company assigned. The next morning a crowd collected about the doors of the closed bank. News reached the crowd that the Bank of Cincinnati had not opened it doors that morning. By eleven o'clock the crowd grew to be an angry mob, which broke into the bank, destroyed all movable property, scattered notes and books about the floor, and carried away a large sum of circulating notes. Shots were fired and several men were wounded. The mob proceeded down the street to John Bates' Exchange Bank, where they sacked the place, scattering notes and papers all about the rooms and threw some into the street. They also broke into Noah Lougee's Exchange Office next door, but failed to enter the safe. Next


252 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


the crowd, though it was smaller, entered the street in front of the Mechanics' and Traders' Bank, but that institution paid all demands in specie, and the mob then dispersed. The Miami Exporting Company had paper stolen valued at $25,850, but it was later recovered, but the bank soon went into liquidation, their paper being worth fifty-eight cents on a dollar. Mr. Bates redeemed his notes, but retired from banking.


In 1844 The Citizens' Bank opened at 25 East Fourth Street. This was the private bank of which W. Smead was main owner. In 1848 there were six chartered banks, the agency office of the United States Bank, and the private banks and bankers had increased to ten in number. When Charles Cist published his work, entitled "Cincinnati in 1851," he listed six incorporated banks and sixteen private banks and bankers. He mentioned the private banking interest as follows : "From the limited amount of banking capital heretofore allotted to Cincinnati by the Ohio Legislature, the business of private banking has become an interesting feature in the growing commercial operations of our city."


Incorporated Banks in 1851—Ten years before the breaking out of the Civil War these incorporated banks in Cincinnati were engaged in business : Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company, $2,000,000 capital ; Commercial Bank, capital $1,000,000 ; Franklin Branch Bank, $1,000,000 capital ; Lafayette Bank, capital $1,000,000 ; Mechanics' and Traders' Branch Bank, capital $500,000; City Bank—North Side ; B. F. Sanford & Company, or Ohio Savings Institution, paid eight and ten per cent. on deposits ; S. O. Almy's Bank ; The Central Bank of Messrs. Langdon and Hatch ; Gilmore & Brotherton ; Western Bank of Scott and McKenzie ; Burnet Shoup & Company ; The Phoenix Bank, established in 1848; The Merchants' Bank of Cincinnati, using English money ; The People's Bank of P. B. Manchester ; the Union Bank of Brown and Ramsay, A. J. Wheeler, A. G. Burt, Wright Clark & Company.


In 1855 the Trust Company Bank (Ohio Life Insurance & Trust Company) had about $1,700,000 deposited with them, and occupied the position of the largest bank in Cincinnati, but were prohibited from issuing circulating notes, but their checks went everywhere.


In the year 1856 Cincinnati had twenty-five active private banks, not counting some of the smallest exchange brokers, while there were but three chartered banks, The Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company, the City Bank, and the Commercial Bank.


Panic of 1857 —On the afternoon of August 24, 1857, news came from New York that the New York office of the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company had closed its doors, and it soon became known that the Cincinnati office would not be open the following day. The next morning the newspapers contained the announcement, signed by Mr. Bishop, the assistant cashier, that the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company, hav-


BANKS AND BANKING - 253


ing very unexpectedly heard of the closing of the New York office, would close its doors until it had time to hear more from New York ; that all collection paper would be found in the office of Groesbeck & Company, and all due paper at their own office. This suspension was utterly unlooked for, as the stock of the trust company had sold at ninety-eight cents only two days before the suspension. By reason of this suddenness Cincinnati was all the more disturbed, as the "Morning Commercial" put it : "Cincinnati is destined to receive a blow as severe to her business prospects as it was unexpected."


The author' of the banking chapter in the last history of the Queen City, a banker himself, John J. Rowe, wrote on this panic period as follows :


Third Street was the center of interest on this morning. Details of police were stationed at the Trust Company's building and along the street, for fear of mob violence being felt. Bank riots of 1842, although fifteen years before that time, were still vividly recalled. As one man worded it, "Third street during banking hours was full of men, kindling with feeling."


A number of depositors gave notice to Smead, Collard & Hughes that they would want their deposits in thirty days, under the terms of the law. The Citizens Bank, however, was the only bank which had any serious run. Wesley Smead, active manager of the bank, addressed the crowd, making a long speech assuring the depositors that matters were sound and explaining banking methods and the impossibility of any bank paying all its depositors at once. Matters became quieter towards the close of the day.


During the next few days it was announced that the New York office of the trust company had sustained losses due to the shrinkage in value of stock exchange securities held as collateral. Several attachment suits were entered against the institution, and the final settlement of the affairs of the company was greatly protected because of the legal complications.


During the week the exchange brokers did a lively business, many people who held various bank notes, coming in and buying gold, at a premium from two per cent. up.


September 2d the Central Bank of Hatch & Langdon suspended.


By September 1st, claims against the trust company were selling at fifty cents on a dollar, and the stock had fallen to 10 1/2, or 88 points in twenty days. The Citizens Bank suspended September 13th. By the end of the month the trust company's affairs were generally realized to be a matter of long settlement, and the assets were assigned to Charles Stetson, John C. Wright, Samuel Fosdick, Samuel J. Broadwell, Abraham M. Taylor, George Crawford, and Clement Dietrich.


October 14th, the New York banks suspended specie payments, and the whole country immediately followed the example.


Cincinnati now entered a period of financial distress which lasted a long time. During the winter months large contributions were collected to care for the poor, the hard times bringing actual starvation into some parts of the city, until organized charity helped care for the situation. General depression of business and suspension prevailed for many months, necessarily it being the topic most discussed. Many criticisms of the general banking and monetary conditions were offered, and the period from 1857 to 1862 was the period which the new national banking laws were planned and the need for some radical change more and more felt. In this movement Salmon P. Chase was one of the foremost men who were making a deep study of the matter and finally aided in solving it for all time.


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As bank note circulation increased in the early years of the Civil War, specie decreased, and small change was very scarce. General coinage of small copper cents, or "hard times" tokens were undertaken, and they passed generally as small change. Pike's opera house, and the Burnet house issued small notes from five cents to fifty cents. The government issued a large amount of fractional currency and postage currency. Even postage stamps were used as small change, while some merchants put stamps under a mica covering, on a round metal disc with their card on the reverse side, thus preserving the stamp and making it fit for general circulation. The Cincinnati houses putting this necessity money into circulation were: John Shillito & Co., Ellis, McAlpin & Co., Pierce, Tolle & Holton, L. C. Hopkins & Co., and G. G. Evans & Co., issuing stamps of denominations from one cent to twenty-four cents.


National Banking Act —On February 20, 1863, the National Bank Act was passed, approved on the 25th, and the establishing of National banks began at once. This act was slightly changed in June, 1864.


The first National Bank received its charter ahead of the other banks organized in Cincinnati, being the twenty-fourth charter granted under the new law. The capital of $1,000,000 was all subscribed by May II, 1863. For further history of this institution, see elsewhere in this work. The Second National Bank, located at Main and Court streets, was next in order among the National banks of this city. The Third National Bank opened offices at the corner of Third and Walnut streets, with a capital of $500,000, electing A. L. Mowry as president and Frank Goodman cashier. The Fourth National Bank of Cincinnati, at No. 31 West Third Street, with a capital of $500,000, had for its president B. T. Stone. The organization of more National banks went steadily forward here as all over the country. The Ohio National Bank was organized with a capital of $500,000 ; C. G. Rodgers, president ; G. W. Forbes, cashier. Early in 1865 the firm of Fallis, Young & Company nationalized as the Merchants' National Bank, with Daniel J. Fallis president and J. T. Allen cashier. Later, the Central National Bank was formed and had a capital of $500,- 000. Its president was J. D. Thompson and its cashier W. T. Perkins. By July, 1866, Cincinnati had seven National banks, a large number of private banks and banks with State charters.


The first National bank merger here took place during August, 1867, when the Merchants' National Bank absorbed the Ohio National. This made the consolidated capital stock of the Merchants' National $1,000,000, with D. J. Fallis president, John Young vice-president, H. C. Yergason cashier.


The panic of 1873, occasioned by the financial failure of Jay Cooke & Company, bankers of New York City, who were connected with the interests of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, of course, had its immediate effect on the banking concerns of Cincinnati, in common with all other cities. Hence it was that on September 25 the Cincinnati Clearing House followed the example of the New York Clearing House and passed resolutions to relieve the situation. These resolutions stated that


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the banks would not pay out currency except for small checks and where there was actual need of currency for pay rolls, and provided for the issuance of clearing house certificates, to be secured in settlement of balances between members, such certificates to be secured by a deposit of securities in the Safe Deposit Company, to be accepted at seventy-five per cent. of their current value. The men selected to carry out these resolutions were : William Hooper, W. W. Scarborough, R. R. Springer, Jason Evans and Oliver Perin. Within six weeks' time after their selection, $515,400 in clearing house certificates had been redeemed. Thus Cincinnati banks proved that they were able to care for the deposits of the people even during times of financial stress.


The year 1880 opened with six National banks—the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Merchants', and National Lafayette and Bank of Commerce ; five State banks—the Commercial, Franklin, German Banking Company, Western German, and Bank of Cincinnati ; one savings bank—the Cincinnati Savings Society ; and eight private banks—H. W. Hughes & Co., S. S. Davis & Co., A. G. Burt & Co., J. F. Larkin & Co., Espy Heidelbach & Co., Seasongood Sons & Co., S. Kuhn & Sons, and the Real Estate Savings Bank ; twenty banks and bankers all together, in addition to the Safety Deposit Co., of which sixteen were members of the clearing house.


In November, 1880, was organized the Citizens' National Bank, with a capital of $1,000,000, with B. S. Cunningham as president and George W. Forbes as cashier. One year later the German National Bank was formed, with a capital of $500,000. The same year the Union National Bank was formed, with a capital of $500,000, with H. W. Hughes as its president and 0. H. Tudor cashier. In 1882 were established the Exchange National, the Cincinnati National, the Queen City National. During that year the Third National Bank doubled its stock, having $1,600,000--the most of any bank in Ohio at that date. A. G. Burt & Co. discontinued business during 1882, they having been in the banking business since 1853.


The Panic of 1893 —Panics had not bothered the finances of Cincinnati since the Jay Cooke & Co. failure of 1873, until 1903, when a flurry in financial matters spread throughout the entire country, the same being caused largely by too great an expansion of business—many lines of trade were greatly over-stocked, and credit inflated. Over-production is the word best representing the true cause of this slight panic, which crippled many industries for sometime. The Cincinnati Clearing House passed the subjoined resolution, which should here appear as a matter of banking history, to be referred to by future generations, possibly :


"It is hereby agreed by the members of the Clearing House Association of Cincinnati, Ohio, that in view of the present demand on the reserves of the banks, and for the protection of our industry and commer-


256 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


cial interests, the Clearing House Association, through its committee, is authorized to issue, not to exceed one million dollars, represented by loan certificates, which shall be received in settlement of the daily balances between the members thereof, and the same will be furnished to the members on the delivery of approved securities, at seventy-five per cent. of their market value. Said certificates shall not be negotiable and shall be used only for the purpose of settlement between member and the clearing house. Securities so delivered shall be valued by a committee of three, consisting of the following members : L. B. Harrison, William A. Goodman, James Espy, who shall serve in connection with the president of the association (M. M. White being the president at the time) and same shall be received at seventy-five (75) per cent. of the value so fixed. Each member shall receive a receipt for securities deposited. Said committee shall have charge of the securities, of different kind, deposited by said members, and shall place the same in a safe deposit company for safe keeping. Said committee shall be called together upon the application of any member of the clearing house who may desire to obtain said certificates, notice being given to the president or manager of the association, or in the absence of either of them, to any member of the committee, and the said certificates shall bear interest at the rate of eight per cent. (8 per cent.) per annum, which interest shall be paid by the member to whom the same are issued, and for the time so used. The committee has authority to employ clerical force, if necessary, to carry out the objects proposed. The expense incurred by the said committee shall be assessed and paid by the members receiving the certificates proportionately. The following committee, consisting of the president of the First National Bank, the president of the National Lafayette, and the president of the Fourth National, shall determine the time when such certificates shall be issued."


This resolution was made in view of impending danger, but the panicy period soon passed away and there was no necessity of using a single certificate, in which respect Cincinnati showed itself better able to handle its business than several other of our clearing house cities which had passed similar resolutions.


By the beginning of 1900, Cincinnati had thirteen National banks, one savings society, one private bank, two trust companies and five State banks, of which sixteen were members of the clearing house. From 1900 to 1910 there was a great increase in the number of banks in Cincinnati. The increase in population and wealth with the popularity of savings institutions all tended to demand more banks, which are now distributed over the city.


From 1903 to 1905 many banks moved to other quarters, or were merged one with another. Third Street, had always been the "Wall Street" of Cincinnati, but at this period many moved to Fourth Street.




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The First National Bank Building at Fourth and Walnut streets, a splendid nineteen-story structure, was completed in June, 1904; the Ingalls Building was erected, with the Merchants' National Bank occupying the second floor ; the Citizens' National built at the corner of Fourth and Main ; the German National at Fourth and Vine ; the Third National on Fourth, between Vine and Race, and the Fourth National on Fourth, between Vine and Walnut. Thus it was that the early banks, which had been centered on lower Main Street, later moved to Third Street, as business pushed back from the river district, to remain many years, but finally to follow the march of business up to and beyond Fourth Street.


In August, 1904, the Ohio Valley National Bank was absorbed by the First National, making the combined capital $3,700,000, with W. S. Rowe president and T. J. Davis cashier. The following January, 1905, the First National merged with the National Lafayette, increasing the capital to $5,000,000. Another merger was that of the Equitable National, which was absorbed by the Merchants' National, whose capital was then increased to $1,200,000.


From 1905 to 1907 ten new banks were chartered by the State and opened at different sections of Cincinnati, as follows : The Queen City Savings Bank and Trust Company; Walnut Hills Savings and Banking Co.; the Stockyards Bank and Trust Company ; West End Bank ; East End Bank Company ; Hyde Park Savings Bank ; Liberty Banking and Savings Company ; Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company ; Pearl Street Market Bank.


The Panic of 1907 —The financial world has upheavals quite frequently; the reader's attention has already been called to a number of panicy periods, beginning in the thirties and ending in 1893. The next time of depression felt throughout the entire country was that of 1907, really the fifth period of financial troubles, so far as Cincinnati was concerned. The suddeness with which the lack of enough currency became felt necessitated prompt action upon all parts of the land. The Cincinnati Clearing House appointed a committee of W. S. Rowe, president of the First National Bank, chairman; G. P. Griffith, vice-president of the Citizens' National Bank ; W. W. Brown, vice-president of the Merchants' National Bank ; George Guckenberger, president of the Atlas National Bank ; Charles A. Hinsch, president of the Fifth National Bank ; Casper H. Rowe, vice-president of the Market National Bank, to act together and handle the crisis. In the matter of caring for currency enough to do ordinary daily business with Cincinnati was depended upon for this section of the country.


Late in October, 1907, the condition was serious—retail trade, pay rolls, labor, the country sections, etc., created a great demand for currency, in small denominations especially. Accordingly, the Clearing


Cin.-17


258 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


House Committee realized that the situation must be met by their action. Hence cashier's checks, known as "script," were issued .by each of the fourteen clearing house banks, in denominations of two, five, ten and twenty dollars, payable through the clearing house, well secured by securities pledged for their redemption. The committee received from each bank various securities, either bonds or customers' notes, which they delivered to each bank not in excess of seventy-five per cent. of the value of the securities, in script to the various banks, which were then signed by the banks and put into circulation ; the first one appeared November 4.


So keenly was the state of affairs felt that the merchants cooperated with the banks in aiding circulation of the script, advertising that they would receive script for purchases, and in some instances advertised a special discount for script or cash. Thus, if there had been any doubts of the acceptance of the script for practical use in pay rolls for paying labor, the aid of the citizens and the press dispelled it, and cashier's checks went as freely as "real money." It was from such experiences in money affairs which finally brought about the present system of Federal Reserve Banks, twelve or more now in existence throughout the country.


In 1908 The Third National Bank consolidated with the Fifth National Bank, creating what is now known as the Fifth-Third National Bank, with a specified capital in 1908 of $2,500,000.


In 1909 there were organized five more banks in Cincinnati—the Mohawk German Banking and Savings Company ; the Commerce and Deposit Bank ; the Evanston Bank ; the Courthouse Savings Bank, and the German-American Commercial and Savings Bank. In December, 1909, the First National and the Merchants' National banks consolidated, the First National increasing its capital to $6,000,000.


In January, 1910, the private bank of S. Kuhn & Sons was absorbed by the Fifth-Third National Bank, its deposits transferred and Louis Kuhn becoming a vice-president. This marked the disappearance of private banks in Cincinnati, where previous times they were named only by the one word—Legion.


In 1911 the combined capital of the National banks was $13,900,000, and that of the State banks and trust companies $5,743,910. The total deposits in September, 1911, in both National and State banks, amounted to $134,000,000.


Cincinnati is Leader in Ohio —The September banking reports from Washington, D. C., 1925, shows total resources of Ohio National banks had increased $35,732,000 in the one-year period between June 30, 1924, and June, 1925. Toledo was the only one of the Federal Reserve cities in the State where National bank resources diminished during the year. In that city the drop was from $29,000,000 to $13,000,000, a decrease of over $15,000,000.


Cincinnati's National bank resources, which are the largest in Ohio,


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increased from $145,442,000 to $159,173,000, or $13,731,000. Those of Cleveland increased from $107,186,000 to $115,651,000, while those of Columbus increased from $87,102,000 to $92,355,000.


Cincinnati also leads the State in the amount of its Postal Savings deposits, with a total of $475,000,076. Columbus was second with a total of $412,792, and Cleveland came in third, with $318,542. Though the fifth city in population in the United States, Cleveland ranks thirty-fifth in the size of its postal deposits, having $5,000 less than Sioux City, Iowa, whose population is less than 100,000.


Postal deposits in other Ohio cities were : Toledo, $245,650; Dayton, $127,119; Akron, $115,438. Each showed less than the year before.


The present (1925) banking statistics for Cincinnati include the figures presented by various sworn to statements, issued by the banking institutions in 1924-25, and from other reliable sources, and are summed up as follows :


First National Bank—This institution is the twenty-fourth National Bank established in the United States. The date of its charter was in 1863. It received its charter ahead of the other banks organized in Cincinnati. The National Banking Act was passed February 20, 1863, and signed as approved by President Lincoln on the 25th. The First National of Cincinnati started on a capital of $1,000,000, all subscribed by May II, 1863. John W. Ellis was the first president ; Lewis Worthington vice-president ; James A. Frazer, L. B. Harrison, Gardner Phipps, A. S. Winslow, William Glenn, Robert Mitchell and Michael Werk being the original directors, and J. D. Thompson cashier. The bank was opened for business early in August, near the northeast corner of Third, just east of Walnut Street. The law exacted, after July, 1866, a tax of ten per cent. on all State bank notes, hence these institutions speedily went out of business. In 1866 Cincinnati had seven National banks, a very large number of private banks and bankers, as well as the banks with State charters ; the Franklin, Commercial, Lafayette, and Bank of the Ohio Valley, the State banks being now banks of discount and deposits only. They were not permitted to issue bank notes like National institutions.


The present First National Bank Building is a modern seventeen-story structure, located at the southeast corner of Fourth and Walnut streets. The various departments found in this financial institution include commercial banking, savings department, trust department, United States bonds, foreign department, steamship department, safe deposit department, with securities and investment departments.


At the close of business, September 28, 1925, the condition of this bank was as follows :


RESOURCES.



Loans and Securities  

Overdrafts  

Banking House  

Other Real Estate

$41,439,459

739

967,239

3,803

260 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE

Redemption Fund, U. S. Treasurer

Cash and Due from Banks

Other Assets

Total

32,460

12,075,536

43,302

$54,562,540

LIABILITIES.

Capital Stock

Surplus Fund

Undivided Profits

Reserved for interest and taxes accrued

Circulation

Deposits

U. S. Bond Account

Bills Payable

$6,003,000

1,200,000

3,826,437

264,531

649,200

41,678,971

443,400

500,000

Total

$54,562,540



The present (1925) officers are as follows : President, W. S. Rowe ; vice-presidents, Joseph Rawson, T. J. Davis, J. J. Rowe and Robert McEvilley. The cashier is P. E. Kline ; assistant cashiers, A. R. Luthy, J. H. White, W. Linn DeBeck, C. A. Stevens, R. J. Fischer and H. L. Schwab ; savings department, Abram Wise, manager.


Fifth-Third National Bank of Cincinnati—An account of the establishment of this banking concern is given elsewhere in this chapter. At the close of business, September 28, 1925, in its banking house at No. 14 Fourth Street, it rendered the following statement:


RESOURCES.

Loans

Acceptances

United States Bonds

Bonds and Securities

Federal Reserve Bank Stock

Banking House

Cash due from Banks and U. S. Treasury

$32,801,333.79

122,801.80

6,035,586.50

3,347,668.73

150,000.00

600,000.00

11,266,051.15

Total

$54,323,441.97

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock

Surplus

Undivided Profits

Reserves and Taxes, Interest, etc.

Circulation

Bonds Borrowed

Acceptances

Deposits

$3,000,000.00

2,000,000.00

849,011.97

107,937.61

2,000,000.00

1,530,050.00

2,044,801.80

42,791,640.59

Total

$54,323,441.97



The present officers are as follows : President, Charles A. Hinsch ; vice-presidents, Edward A. Seiter, Mont J. Goble, Louis G. Pochat, Charles T. Perin, Louis E. Van Ausdol ; Charles H. Shields cashier. The assistant cashiers are : Samuel McFarland, Edward A. Vosmer, G. William Gale, William B. Huesing, Harry Nagel, Louis C. George, Gustavius G. Hampson, Claude E. Ford, Charles N. Evans, William C. Shanks.


The Fifth-Third National Bank is combined with the Union Trust Company. The combined capital, surplus and profits amount to $11,064,-


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869. Combined deposits amount to $74,48o,324. Combined resources are $91,523,569.53.


The statement required by law, issued by the Union Trust Company, September 28, 1925, was as follows :



RESOURCES

Loans and Discounts

Real Estate Loans

United States Government Securities

Other Bonds and Stocks

The Company's Buildings

Letters of Credit

Cash and due from Banks

$7,879,922.71

8,144,401.19

2,341,192.24

12,051,687.38

2,341,192.24

102,995.00

4,232,716.45

Total

$37,200,127.56

LIABILITIES.

Capital Stock

Surplus

Undivided Profits

Reserve for Taxes, Insurance, etc.

Letters of Credit

Deposits

$1,000,000.00

3,500,000.00

715,857.71

192,681.26

102,995.00

31,688,593.59

Total

$37,200,127.56


The present officers of the Union Trust Company are as follows : President, Charles A. Hinsch ; vice-presidents, Louis E. Miller, Charles H. Deppe, Edward Senior, Edward F. Romer ; Edgar Stark, vice-president and trust officer ; secretary, William L. Thede ; assistant secretaries, Frank J. Loewe, Joseph C. Lohrey ; treasurer, William E. Gray ; assistant treasurers, Henry J. Mergler, William B. Thesing. There is a board of directors with seventeen members.


Lincoln National Bank—This institution deals in municipal and United States Government bonds, foreign exchange bought and sold. Letters of credit are issued, accounts of individual firms, corporations and banks solicited. The present officers are : President, Louis J. Hauck ; vice-president, William C. Wachs ; cashier, J. Edwin Sohn, Jr. ; assistant cashier, Charles Sindlinger. There is a board of directors consisting of twelve members. The published statement of this bank, September 28, 1925, as is provided by law, was as follows :



RESOURCES

Loans and Discounts

United States Bonds

Cincinnati and other Municipal Bonds

Bank Building and other realty

Cash and due from Banks

$4,558,031.86

1,544,750.00

1,660,857.21

330,000.00

1,969,563.09

Total

$10,063,202.16

LIABILITIES

Capital

Surplus

Undivided Profits

Circulation

Bills Payable

Deposits

$500,000.00

750,000.00

359,336.16

463,500.00

745,000.00

7,245,366.00

Total

$10,063,202.16


262 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


The Citizens' National Bank & Trust Company—This institution issued the following statement on September 28, 1925 :


-Row 1, Cell 1-

RESOURCES

Loans and Discounts

Overdrafts

United States Government Securities

Municipal Bonds

Other Bonds and Securities

Stock in Federal Reserve Bank

Banking House and Real Estate

Cash and Due from Federal Reserve Bar

Due from Other Banks and Bankers

$11,093,176.04

696.21

2,977,386.64

1,901,065.88

163,658.50

109,500.00

371,600.00

2,312,954.37

1,150,271.01

Total 

$20,090,308.65

LIABILITIES

Capital

Surplus

Undivided Profits

Circulation

Rediscounts and Bills Payable, etc.

Deposits

$2,000,000.00

1,650,000.00

613,962.27

1,620,000.00

400,312.50

13,796,033.88

Total

$20,080,308.65



This banking house is directed by a board of directors consisting of fourteen members. The principal officers are as follows: Chairman of the board, G. P. Griffith ; president, Charles W. Dupuis ; vice-president, W. A. Julian ; vice-president and trust officer, Edward A. Sisson ; vice-president, William D. Knox ; cashier, R. Cliff Smith; assistant to the vice-president, Edward J. Hoff; assistant cashier, Benjamin R. Emley; assistant cashier, Max C. Rieker ; assistant trust officer, Louis Gulden.


The Fourth and Central Trust Company—This concern was formerly the Fourth National Bank, established in 1863, and the Central Trust Company, established in 1883. It is now a member of the Federal Reserve System, and has branches at East Hill, Avondale, Price Hill and Mariemont, and is the oldest incorporated trust company in Ohio. The bank's present officers include these: Chairman of the board, Charles E. Wilson ; president, A. Clifford Shinkle ; vice-presidents, G. W. Williams, Hugh P. Colville, Charles Bartlett ; cashier, J. F. Klein ; secretary, G. E. McCubbin. In the trust department Philip Hinkle is trust officer and A. H. Cochnower is superintendent of the safe deposit department. R. B. Taylor is auditor. The board of directors includes twenty-two members.


The financial statement rendered September 28, 1925, has figures as follows:



ASSETS.

Cash and Due From Banks

Loans and Discounts

Bonds and Stocks

Real Estate

Vault Furniture and Equipment

$5,166,939.24

16,253,510.58

2,986,067.75

965,672.99

316,862.95

Total 

$25,689,053.51

BANKS AND BANKING - 263

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock

Surplus

Undivided Profits

Deposits

Bond Account

Due Federal Reserve Bank

Bills Payable

$2,000,000.00

2,000,000.00

622,448.83

19,927,404.68

172,200.00

467,000.00

500,000.00

Total 

$25,689,053.51


A recently written history of this concern, by one of its officers, reads as follows, and gives additional data to the above article:


The Fourth and Central Trust Company was originally The Fidelity Safe Deposit and Trust Company, organized January 25, 1883. The first board of directors was made up as follows :


Julius Dexter, president ; C. W. West, A. T. Goshorn, John Mitchell, H. B. Morehead, Thomas J. Emery, Gazzam Gano, Abe Furst, William A. Proctor, Charles Robson, Preserved Smith, Patrick Poland, Frank J. Jones, Lewis Ballauf, F. Marmet. This was the first incorporated trust company organized in Ohio and the capital was $500,000. At various times George Hafer, William Howard Doane, Richard Dymond, Levi C. Goodale and Nat Henchman Davis served as presidents. On January 3, 1889, the name of the corporation was changed by court action to The Central Trust and Safe Deposit Company.


Shortly after the Civil War The Cincinnati Safe Deposit Company was organized and this corporation, later, became The Cincinnati Safe Deposit and Trust Company. In 1898 The Central Trust and Safe Deposit Company took over its business and the safe deposit boxes were removed to 115 East Fourth Street, then the home of The Central Trust and Safe Deposit Company.


In October, 1919, because of largely increased business, the corporation moved to its present spacious quarters in the Union Central Life Insurance Company Building, at Fourth and Vine streets. On March 1, 1917, the name of the corporation was changed to The Central Trust Company.


On November 15, 1923, The Fourth National Bank, incorporated in 1863, was merged with The Central Trust Company, and the name of the combined banks was changed to The Fourth and Central Trust Company. Mr. Charles E. Wilson, president of The Fourth National Bank, became chairman of the board of The Fourth and Central Trust Company, and all officers and employees were retained. The capital was increased to two million dollars and the surplus to two million dollars. Branch banks were opened at 2818 Woodburn Avenue, Walnut Hills ; 3114 Reading Road, Avondale ; 3766 Warsaw Avenue, Price Hill ; Oak and Chestnut street, Mariemont. In February, 1926, The Stock Yards Bank, at Spring Grove and Hopple streets, was purchased and became the Stock Yards Branch of The Fourth and Central Trust Company.


264 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


The present officers of the company are : Charles E. Wilson, chairman of the board ; A. Clifford Shinkle, president, since 1911 ; G. W. Williams, vice-president ; Hugh P. Colville, vice-president ; Charles Bartlett, vice-president ; J. F. Klein, cashier ; G. E. McCubbin, secretary; F. S. Mygatt, assistant cashier ; F. B. Baldwin, assistant secretary ; F. W. Weissman, assistant secretary. In the trust department are : Philip Hinkle, trust officer, A. M. Hopkins, assistant trust officer and manager of the real estate department ; Charles H. Cheeseman, assistant trust officer ; Albert W. Schwartz, assistant trust officer ; A. S. Bowling, assistant trust officer ; Fred Lindsey, assistant secretary; A. H. Cochnower, superintendent safe deposit department. B. R. Taylor is the auditor. The directors are : William P. Anderson, Jesse R. Clark, Jr., Hugh P. Colville, Frederick A. Geier, James J. Heekin, Reuben A. Holden, Charles D. Jones, Maurice Joseph, W. E. Keplinger, B. W. Lamson, R. K. LeBlond, Harry M. Levy, Joseph K. Pollock, A. Clifford Shinkle, Frank 0. Suire, Stuart B. Sutphin, Charles P. Taft, G. W. Williams, Charles E. Wilson, Edward Worthington and Lucien Wulsin.


Washington Bank & Savings Company—This institution is known by many "A Friendly Bank." Its present officers are : President, Joel C. Clore ; vice-presidents, W. R. Galloway, George C. Kolb, Frank J. Zumstein ; cashier, Louis F. Wormus ; acting branch manager, T. F. Stoffregen. The board of directors consists of fourteen members. The various departments in this institution are these : Commercial, collections, loans and discounts, savings accounts, insured savings accounts, certificates of deposits, bonds, foreign exchange, travelers' cheques, safe deposit department and service and new business department. (See elsewhere in this chapter for date of founding and present bank building's location.)


On June 30, 1925, the following public statement was issued from the

offices of this banking house:



RESOURCES.

Loans and Discounts

Bonds and Securities

Bank Buildings and Fixtures

Cash on hand in Bank

Letters of Credit—Customers' Liability

$2,386,989.09

99,367.64

281,926.39

339,859.29

1,000.00

Total

$3,109,142.41

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock

Surplus and Undivided Profits

Semi-annual Dividends

Other Liabilities

Deposits

$250,000.00

114,311.75

7,500.00

105,478.96

2,631,831.70

Total

$3,109,142.41



The Provident Savings Bank & Trust Company—The capital, surplus and undivided profits of this institution is in excess of three million dollars. It is a member of the Federal Reserve System and is quoted as


BANKS AND BANKING - 265


being "as solid as the oak." Its home office is at the southeast corner of Seventh and Vine streets, Cincinnati. Its branches are located as follows: Walnut Hills, West End, Northside, Price Hill, University-North Cincinnati, Findlay Market Branch, Madison Road, Main Street and Madisonville. Its board of directors is composed of seventeen persons. Its present officers are as follows : President, B. H. Kroger ; vice-president, Leo J. Van Lahr ; secretary and treasurer, J. E. Hodge.


At the close of business, September 28, 1925, the following financial statement was made public



RESOURCES.

Loans and Real Estate

Loans and Collateral

Other Loans and Discounts

Overdrafts

United States Government and Municipal Bonds

Other Bonds and Securities

Banking House and Lots

Furniture and Fixtures

Cash on Hand and Due from Banks

Letters of Credit—Customers' Liability

$7,438,368.60

6,572,680.76

3,068,535.94

5,608.10

7,382,689.77

349,465.99

1,716,211.14

321,650.78

4,402,725.71

35,557.60

Total

$31,293,494.39

LIABILITIES.

Capital Stock Paid In

Surplus Fund

Undivided Profits

Premium on Bonds

Bills Payable with Federal Reserve Bank

Deposits

Letters of Credit Executed for Customers

$1,500,000.00

1,500,000.00

349,801.36

54,008.36

600,000.00

27,254,127.07

35,557.60

Total

$31,293,494.39



The Southern Ohio Savings Bank and Trust Company—This bank was organized in 1903 and its present officers are as follows : President, Arthur Espy ; vice-president, Malcolm McAvoy; treasurer, G. F. Barrett; secretary, G. E. Roberts ; trust officer, David Reece ; attorney, George D. Harper. The directors are six in number. The location of this banking concern is No. 515 Main Street. The following was its legal financial statement issued June 3o, 1925 :



RESOURCES

Loans on Real Estate

Loans on Collateral

Overdrafts

United States Bonds and Certificates

Other Bonds and Securities

Furniture and Fixtures

Cash and Due From Banks

$2,818,114.97

610,674.72

314.86

208,027.83

1,286,951.34

30,663.03

652,639.60

Total 

$5,607,386.35

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock Paid In

Surplus Fund

Undivided ProfitS

Deposits

$250,000.00

250,000.00

54,712.69

5,052,673.66

Total

$5,607,386.35



266 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


The Cosmopolitan Bank & Trust Company—This concern, located at the corner of Fifth and Walnuts streets, was established in 19o3, and has branch banks at the East End, North Cincinnati, Cumminsville and Evanston. It pays four per cent. on all savings deposits. Its condensed statement, dated September 28, 1925, contains these facts :



RESOURCES

Loans and Discounts

Overdrafts

U. S., County, Municipal Bonds, etc.

Furniture and Fixtures

Cash and Due From Other Banks

Other Assets

$5,539,690.22

3,623.07

2,111,587.48

164,750.25

810,087.55

38,370.77

Total

$8,668,109.34

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock  

Surplus and Undivided Profits 

Reserve for Interest and Taxes 

Other Liabilities  

Deposits

$350,000.00

303,810.18

38,724.03

403,250.00

7,572,316.13

Total 

$8,668,109.34



The following are the present officers : President, John H. Meiners ; vice-presidents, Frank J. Dorger, Jesse E. McClain ; cashier, Elmer J. Johanigman ; assistant cashier, Leo L. Meiners ; Edward J. Berkemeyer, assistant cashier ; George Peter, assistant cashier.


The directors include seven members. This is among the newer and rapidly growing banking houses in Cincinnati.


The Cincinnati Morris Plan Bank—This bank is working under the supervision of the State Banking Department, with resources amounting to over one million dollars. The present officers are : President, F. A. Geier ; vice-presidents, W. E. Keplinger, Maurice J. Freiberg ; vice-president and manager, H. Y. Lissender ; treasurer, Fred W. Hinkle ; secretary, Max Hirsch ; assistant treasurer, Herb F. Koch. The board of directors is composed of a membership of fourteen persons. The present location of this bank is at No. 117 East Sixth Street. The September statement for 1925 gives the following figures :



RESOURCES.

Loans on Real Estate

Loans on Collateral

Other Loans

Bonds and Securities

Banking House and Lot

Furniture and Fixtures

Cash Items

Due From Reserve Banks and Cash

Exchange for Clearing

Cash Short

Other Assets

$25,240.00

88,332.08

899,297.06

93,197.50

80,000.00

8075.09

851.00

54,577.67

2,270.67

40.51

6,484.42

Total

$1,258,367.80

BANKS AND BANKING - 267

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock

Surplus

Undivided Profits

Reserved for Taxes

Dividends Unpaid

Time Certificates of Deposits

Savings Deposits

Deposits Assigned to Loans

Public Funds

Other Liabilities

Other Reserves

$250,000.00

55,000.00

28,781.66

3,211.76

4,120.65

271,708.11

124,837.38

372,442.18

100,000.00

181.58

48,077.07

Total

$1,258,367.89



The Bank of Commerce & Trust Company—This institution is located at No. 118 East Fourth Street ; it was organized in 1924. It is a convenient, courteous and conservative bank with six separate departments and where four per cent. interest is allowed on deposits. They recently published a statement showing resources in February, 1924, at $819,684.46 ; February, 1925, $1,454,797; June 30, 1925, $1,904,626.56.


The present officers are : President, E. H. Matthews ; vice-presidents, Charles Eisen, David G. DeVore; cashier, H. C. Lucas ; assistant to president, John Flanagan. The board of directors has a membership of fourteen persons. This bank issued its required financial statement on June 3o, 1925, which shows these significant figures :



ASSETS.

Cash on Hand in Bank

Bonds and Securities

Loans and Discounts

Loans on Collateral

Loans on Real Estate

Furniture and Fixtures

$234,100.06

196,750.00

410,219.79

807,141.51

207,989.20

48,426.00

Total Assets

$1,904,626.56

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock

Surplus

Undivided Profits

Reserved for Interest

Reserved for Taxes

Unearned Interest

Deposits

Certified and Cashier's Checks

Discount on Bonds

Bills Re-discounted

$250,000.00

50,000.00

27,134.46

3,012.19

2,500.00

1,448.37

1,432,088.16

33,425.28

5,018.10

100,000.00

Total Liabilities

$1,904,626.56


 

NOTE—Since the above was written this bank has merged with the Guarantee Trust Company.

The Brotherhood of Railway Clerks' National Bank—This unique National bank was established in the month of October, 1923, and now has nearly $4,000,000 in resources ; 8,000 patrons ; is a member of the Federal Reserve System ; depository of Hamilton County, Ohio; also of the city of Cincinnati. It opened its doors October 6, 1923, with deposits


268 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


amounting to only $10,081.80. One year later it had $2,575,553, and at the end of the year following (October 6, 1925), it had $3,449,929.97.


This bank is situated at Vine and Court streets and has officers including the following: President, Joseph J. Castellini ; vice-presidents, M. G. Heintz, James A. Wilson ; cashier, Lyman E. Norris. The bank is managed by a board of twelve capable business men. At the close of business, October 6, 1925, the following public statement was made concerning the financial condition of the bank :



RESOURCES.

Loans and Discounts

United States Government and City Bonds

Other Bonds and Securities

Cash on Hand and in Banks

Furniture and Fixtures

Redemption Fund with U. S. Treasury

Other Resources

$1,441,428.44

255,647.14

1,598,191.56

507,006.38

53,723.94

10,000.00

71,593.36

Total

$3,937,590.82

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock

Surplus

Reserve for Taxes, etc.

Circulation

Deposits

Other Liabilities

$200,000.00

50,000.00

39,169.67

192,400.00

3,449,929.97

6,091.18

Total

$3,937,590.82



The Columbia Bank and Savings Company—This bank is situated at the southwest corner of Vine and Court streets and now works with a capital of $100,000.000, with surplus of $250,000.00. The present list of offices are as follows : President, W. P. Stamm ; vice-presidents, Frank L. Pfaff, Richard B. Witt ; cashier, George C. Fahnestock. The board of directors is made up of fourteen capable business men. The latest public statement issued reads in part as follows :



RESOURCES.

Loans on Real Estate

Loans on Collateral

Other Loans and Discounts

Overdrafts

U. S. Bonds and Other Securities

State, County and Municipal Bonds

Other Bonds and Stocks

Furniture and Fixtures

Cash Items

Due from Reserve Banks and cash in vault

Exchanges for Clearing

$391,662.49

807,069.56

610,516.47

398.98

160,388.17

364,189.00

38,417.50

5,025.00

3,353.72

289,005.75

8,424.68

Total

$2,678,451.32

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock paid in

Surplus Fund

Undivided Profits, net

Individual Deposits

Cashier's Checks Outstanding

$100,000.00

250,000.00

26,523.92

1,158,701.70

3,857.09

BANKS AND BANKING - 269

Certified Checks Outstanding 

Dividends Unpaid  

Time Certificates of Deposit 

Savings Deposits

7,826.34

30.60

204,819.50

926,692.17

Total

$2,678,451.32



The Second National Bank of Cincinnati—This bank was established in 1863 and was the thirty-second National bank chartered in the United States. Its present officers are : C. A. Bosworth, president ; J. G. Gutting and Harry W. Bauer, vice-presidents ; A. L. Shreve, cashier. The board of directors consists of eleven members. The location of this bank is at the corner of Ninth and Main streets. On September 28, 1925, its published statement shows the following:



RESOURCES

Loans

Overdrafts

United States Bonds

Municipal Bonds

Stock in Federal Reserve Bank

Other Bonds and Securities

Bank Building

Vault and Fixtures

Other Real Estate

Cash and Due from Banks

$6,931,602.81

29.48

2,095,350.00

813,740.00

45,000.00

124,199.00

420,000.00

50,000.00

100.00

1,626,397.01

Total

$12,106,418.30

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock

Surplus Earned

Net Profits

Reserved for Interest

Circulation

Discount on Bonds

Bills Payable with Reserve Funds

Deposits

$1,000,000.00

500,000.00

323,712.53

33,500-00

723,000.00

67,678.32

800,000.00

8,658,518.45

Total

$12,106,418.30



Atlas National Bank—This is one of the numerous excellent financial institutions of Cincinnati. Its public statement on September 28, 1905, shows the condition to have been at that date as follows :



RESOURCES

Loans and Discounts

Overdrafts

U. S. Government Securities Owned

Other Bonds, Stocks and Securities

Banking House, Furniture, Fixtures, etc.

Earned Interest Not Yet Collected

United States Five Per Cent. Redemption Fund

Cash on Hand and Due from Banks

$2,885,437.01

47.29

1,884,709.41

2,493,782.26

838,825.93

5,353.69

8,000.00

1,548,616.00

Total

$9,664,771.59

LIABILITIES.

Capital Stock

Surplus Fund Earned

Undivided Profits

Reserved and Accrued Interest

$400,000.00

800,000.00

318,326.71

55,000.00

270 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE

Reserve for Depreciation

Interest Collected and Not Earned

Circulation

Deposits

55,920.00

12,951.94

160,000.00

7,862,572.94

Total

$9,664,771.59


 

The officers of this bank in 1905 were as follows : President, William Guckenberger ; vice-president, Charles J. Ziegler ; cashier and trust officer, Joseph F. Partl ; assistant cashier, Robert J. Ott. The board of directors include nine excellent business men.


The various departments found in this institution include: Commercial banking, savings department, U. S. bonds, bonds and securities, safe deposit boxes, foreign department, steamship department, trust department, transfer and register departments.


Pearl-Market Bank—This bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and pays four per cent. interest on savings accounts. Its present main office is at Seventh and Race streets, with branches at Pearl and Main streets and Reading Road and Rockdale Avenue. Its officers are : Samuel Lehman, president ; Joseph A. Helmers, cashier ; Walter A. Ryan and Charles J. Stern, vice-presidents. The board of directors includes eleven members, all of excellent financial standing in Cincinnati. Its present capital and surplus amounts to $600,000.00.


The last financial statement rendered by this bank was September, 102c. and shows the condition to be as follows :



RESOURCES.

Loans on Real Estate

Loans on Collateral

Other Loans and Discounts

Overdrafts

United States Bonds and Securities

State, County and Municipal Bonds

Other Bonds and Stocks

Banking House and Lot

Furniture and Fixtures, etc.

Cash Items

Lawful Reserve With Federal Reserve Bank

Stock of Federal Reserve Bank

Other Items With Federal Reserve Bank

Exchanges for Clearing

Due From Banks and Bankers

Items in Transit

Repurchase Agreement for Securities

Letters of Credit

Interest on Bonds

$3,033,998-00

2,221,326.30

1,568,90448

1,873.94

381,138.95

1,159,010.00

159,250.00

245,276.42

52,926.87

40,063.53

456,054.98

18,000.00

127,847.65

96,855.69

161,062.90

8,004.37

300,000.00

28,891.10

2,830.10

Total 

$10,063,365.28

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock Paid in

Surplus Fund

Undivided Profits, Less Expense

Reserve for Taxes, Interest, etc.

United States Postal Savings

Securities Sold Under Agreement

Premium on Bonds

Bonds Borrowed

$400,000.00

200,000.00

299,053.44

38,181.70

8,401,507.83

300,000.00

63,379.68

73,800.00

BANKS AND BANKING - 271

Rediscount With Federal Reserve Bank

Other Liabilities

Letters of Credit Executed For Customers

258,500.00

51.53

28,891.10

Total

$10,063,365.28


 

The Western Bank and Trust Company—This institution is located at the corner of Twelfth and Vine streets, with branches at Clifton Heights, Bond Hill, McMillan and Clifton avenues, Paddock Road and California Avenue. This concern operates under a $1,000,000.00 capital and surplus of the same amount. Its present officers are : Frederick Hortenstein, president ; Henry Hoppe and Adolph Dryer, vice-presidents ; Albert Widmann, cashier ; Edward C. Wehmer, trust officer ; Albert J. Tenoever, auditor. This bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System and directed by a board of nine capable business men. Their latest financial statement shows the following figures :



ASSETS

Cash and Due From Banks

Real Estate Mortgage Loans

Other Loans and Investments

Bank Property and Equipment

Other Assets

$1,519,083.42

3,961,222.05

12,893,183.05

475,090.83

215,420.81

Total

$19,063,999.96

LIABILITIES

Deposits

Due to Federal Reserve Bank

Other Liabilities

Reserves

Profits

Capital

Surplus

$16,027,203.91

352,750.00

129,522.40

94,000.00

460,523.65

1,000,000.00

1,000,000.00

Total

$19,063,999.96



The People's Bank & Savings Company—This bank institution is located at the northeast corner of Fourth and Elm streets, with branches on Reading Road, Parkland and Twain avenues and Sayler's Park. Its present officers are : Alfred M. Cohen, president ; William Frieder and Leslie V. Marks, vice-presidents ; Harry H. Friedman, secretary ; James B. Whittle, cashier. On September 28, 1925, this financial statement was rendered as required by law :



RESOURCES.

Loans on Real Estate

Loans and Collateral

Other Loans and Discounts

Overdrafts

U. S. Bonds and Securities

State, County and Municipal Bonds

Premium on Bonds, Stocks and Securities

Other Bonds and Stocks

Banking House and Lot

Furniture and Fixtures

Cash Items

Due From Reserve Bank and Cash in Vault

Exchanges for Clearing

$1,456,811.65

894,202.17

1,453,462.35

2,615.39

93,300.00

659,405.50

3,118.99

70,665.00

11,501.90

13,609.45

5,598.02

390,318.89

143,059.42

272 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE

Due From Other Than Reserve Bank

Items in Transit

Other Items

7,704.75

19,197.24

894.22

Total

$5,224,527.94

LIABILITIES

Cash Stock Paid In

Surplus Fund

Undivided Profits

Individual Deposits

Cashier's Checks Outstanding

Certified Checks Outstanding

Due to Banks and Bankers

Dividends Unpaid

Time Certificate Deposits

Savings Deposits

Bonds Borrowed

Other Liabilities

$200,000.00

200,000.00

95,764.85

2,231,193.93

26,243.09

3,924.73

18,679.79

321.79

113,049.12

2,228,607.49

57,500.00

10,243.44

Total

$5,224,527.94



The Cincinnati Clearing House Association —On March 20, 1866, the following men met at the Lafayette Bank for the purpose of considering the proposition of the establishment of a clearing house in Cincinnati : John W. Ellis, of the First National Bank ; Thomas B. Page, of the Third National Bank ; William Hooper, of the Central National Bank ; C. G. Rodgers, of the Ohio National Bank ; D. J. Fallis, of the Merchants' National Bank; S. S. Rowe, of the Second National Bank ; Joseph C. Butler, of the Lafayette Bank. Mr. Ellis acted as chairman and Mr. Rowe as secretary of the meeting. On March 3o, 1866, a second meeting was held at the Lafayette Bank, at which articles of association were submitted by Mr. Butler and Mr. Hooper, the same being approved with slight amendments. Copies were sent to all banks in Cincinnati, hoping all would become members. At the meeting held at the same place on April 14, 1866, the Cincinnati Clearing House Association was organized, the articles of association were signed, and the following officers were duly elected : William Hooper, president ; Joseph C. Butler, vice-president ; D. J. Fallis, Thomas B. Page and William Dunlap, Committee of Management.


Quarters were established on Third Street, in the center of the banking district, and the clearing house commenced doing business, and from that day to this, has gone forward successfully. In 1916 its daily clearings were in excess of $5,000,000.


For the first few weeks G. P. Griffith, then cashier of the Third National Bank, acted as temporary manager, opening the books and putting into practical operation the machinery for clearing, and instructing George P. Bassett in the work. Mr. Bassett was then elected manager and continued as such until April, 1885, when he resigned and was succeeded by W. D. Duble. In this connection it will be of interest to learn that Mr. Duble was the dean of the clearing house manager corps in the United States, he having served longer in that capacity than any living


BANKS AND BANKING - 273


man. During almost sixty years of its existence, the clearing house has been guided by wise and truly capable officers and the banks comprising its membership have, with few exceptions, weathered every period of financial storm. Other parts of this chapter have treated the periods of panics and the part which this clearing house took in holding finances level in this part of the country.


The Aldrich-Vreeland Act, providing for the issuance of emergency currency by National Currency associations became a law in 19o8, and by its terms was to expire June 3o, 1914. While the Federal Reserve law was being discussed in Congress, the life of the Aldrich-Vreeland Act was extended one year, to June 3o, 1915. It was a fortunate thing that this was done, the Federal Reserve Act not becoming a law until December 23, 1913, and the Federal Reserve banks were not in actual operation until November 16, 1914. The European War broke out the first of August, 1914, and the currency emergency was upon us in a few days thereafter. The war seemed to have completely paralyzed the financial, commercial and manufacturing interests, and demoralized the foreign exchange system over all the exchanges of Europe. Fortunately, the amendment extending the life of the Aldrich-Vreeland Act had been enacted, and under its provision the finances of the country were able to meet the demands made upon them for currency by an issue of about five hundred million dollars, all of which was redeemed within a period of from three to six months, without the loss of a dollar to anyone. That was the only time any currency was taken out by any bank under the Aldrich-Vreeland Act.


The officers and executive committee of the National Currency Association of Cincinnati, Ohio, were : W. S. Rowe, president ; C. A. Hinsch, vice-president ; Casper H. Rowe, secretary ; Charles E. Wilson, treasurer; G. P. Griffith (chairman), George H. Bohrer and William Guckenberger, executive committee. These gentlemen constituted the committee having full charge of the issuance of the nine and a half million dollars emergency currency.


In 1912 one of the members was found to be in need of assistance in order to preserve the interests of its depositors and stockholders, and joint action was taken by the banks of this association to preserve its g00d name and to fully protect its depositors.


In the autumn of 1914 the Cincinnati Clearing House banks obligated themselves for one and a half million dollars in gold to sustain the gold fund, formed to protect American credit abroad ; and a few weeks later responded to the request of the Secretary of the U. S. Treasury by assuring two million dollars in the formation of the cotton fund, to protect the price of that staple.

Connected with the event of the fiftieth anniversary of this clearing


Cin.-18


274 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


house, the following well-timed words were written by Griffith P. Griffith, April, 1916:


Our existence covers more than one-third of the period of the existence of the United States of America as an independent nation. Let us go back fifty years, when there were no telephones, no wireless telegraphy, no electric cars, no typewriters, no adding machines, no phonographs, no automobiles, no moving pictures, no air-ships, no submarines, no Panama Canal, no suffragettes, and no rail communication with the Pacific Coast; and then realize what changes in the world have taken place in transportation, in all business methods, in banking, in mechanics, and be thankful this has happened during our lifetime. Fifty years ago the Civil War had just closed, leaving behind it terrible evidences of destruction of property and values. The National Banking system was then in its infancy and an experiment. Our business system has developed under care of men of good judgment; we have rebuilt the waste places, opened up through railroad construction the fertile plains and valleys of the virgin West and Northwest; builded cities and towns—so that now, instead of no rail communications to the Pacific Coast, there are ten railway systems, connecting like a spider's web the entire fabric of our Continent.


Up to a decade ago this clearing house association had paid checks exceeding ($35,000,000,000) thirty-five thousand million dollars.


Presidents and Managers—Since the organization had an existence its presidents and managers have been as follows : Presidents, William Hooper, April, 1866, to April, 1869; H. W. Hughes, April, 1869, to April, 1871 ; Theodore Cook, April, 1871, to April, 1875 ; D. J. Fallis, April, 1875, to April, 1877 ; James Espy, April, 1877, to April, 1889 ; M. M. White, April, 1889, to April, 1898 ; G. P. Griffith, April, 1898, to 1902 ; George H. Bohrer, April, 1902, to April, 1905; C. B. Wright, April, 1905, to July, 1907 ; Casper H. Rowe, July, 1907, to April, 1909 ; George Guckenberger, April, 1909, to April, 1911 ; W. W. Brown, April, 1911, to April, 1913 ; C. A. Hinsch, April, 1913, to April, 1914; Frederick Hertenstein, April, 1914, to April, 1916; T. J. Davis, April, 1916, to a date unknown to the compiler of this record.


The managers have been as follows : G. P. Griffith, for the first few weeks only ; George P. Bassett, April, 1866, to April, 1885; W. D. Duble, April, 1885. His son succeeded him and has been the manager ever since.


Members of the Clearing House—These banks are regular members of the association : First National Bank, Second National Bank, Lincoln National Bank, Western Bank & Trust Co., Citizens' National Bank, Fifth-Third National Bank, Atlas National Bank, Fourth & Central Trust Co., Union Trust Co., Provident Savings Bank & Trust Co., Federal Reserve Bank (no vote), Brighton Bank & Trust Co., United States Postoffice Department (no vote).


Other Cincinnati banks allied indirectly, though not members of the Clearing House Association, include these : First National Bank of


BANKS AND BANKING - 275


Norwood, Norwood National Bank, Stock Yards Bank, Washington Bank, Cosmopolitan Bank, People's Bank and Savings Co., Liberty Bank, Southern Ohio Bank, Central Bank & Trust Co., Bank of Commerce.


Building and Loan Associations —The city of Cincinnati has been greatly benefited by the establishing of numerous building and loan companies, which have aided thousands of families to possess their own homes during the last third of a century. The following is a partial list of such institutions, all of which are, of course, regulated by law, and are highly responsible for the contracts they draw with home-builders :


Bank Street Building & Loan.

Big Four Building & Savings Co.

Chevoit Building & Loan Co.

Eagle Savings & Loan Association.

Glenway Loan & Deposit Co.

Home Savings & Loan Co.

Kentucky Building & Loan Association.

Lick Run Building & Loan Co.

Milford Building & Loan Savings Co.

Reading Building & Loan Co.

Woodward Building & Loan Co.

Beekman Street Building & Loan Co.

Central Fairmount Building & Loan Co.

Clark Street Building & Loan Co.

Enterprise Building & Loan Association.

Globe Building & Savings Co.

Hyde Park Building & Loan Co.

The Liberal Savings & Loan Co.

Miami Township Building & Loan Co.

Mt. Lookout Savings & Loan Co.

San Marco Building & Loan Association.


CHAPTER XVII.


THE POSTOFFICE.


The "Centinel" of the Northwestern Territory, of June 28, 1794, announced : "We learn that there is a post established from Pittsburgh to this place and that Albert M. Dunn is appointed deputy postmaster-general in this place." Cincinnati, then a mere village, was all astir over this news item in the pioneer newspaper. Two weeks later the route was established from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati, and the postoffice here was located in the home of Albert M. Dunn. The first postmaster was Abner M. Dunn. His cabin at the corner of Butler Street and Columbia Road, now Second Street, beyond Fort Washington, was the first post-office. The newspaper man, not having enough local news, published word that the space in his paper would be partly filled with Laws of the Territory.


In March, 1795, postmaster Dunn notified "those who have a right to calculate on receiving letters or papers at his office that in the future they must come prepared with ready cash in hand or no letters or papers."


In 1795. one M. T. Green, of Marietta, agreed to carry the mails between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in a canoe equipped with poles and paddles. On the down-stream journey Green carried some freight and now and then passengers. A line of boats with row-locks attached was soon in operation between the last named two points, with frequent relays at different stations to carry the mail. Later, when postoffices were established further up in the Miami region mails were carried on horseback by William Olim.


The pioneer and original postmaster in Cincinnati, Abner Dunn, died July 18, 1795. He was succeeded in office by William Maxwell, the founder of the first newspaper in the Northwest Territory. His appointment was followed by the notice : "Gentlemen and others wishing to send letters by post may leave them at the printing office where the post-office is now kept." An early mail carrier announced : "I will arrive at Cincinnati at twelve o'clock noon on Monday and remain until the following morning, which will give a sufficient time for the inhabitants of Cincinnati to answer their letters."


In April, 1796, the Cincinnati postmaster gave notice to all indebted to the postoffice to pay at once and that such as were looking for newspapers in the mail should come and pay the postage.


The first mails to a postoffice in neighboring Warren County were carried by a post-rider. The route was from Cincinnati to Lebanon, Xenia, Urbana, thence across to Piqua, down through Dayton, Franklin and Hamilton into Cincinnati, taking a full week to make the round trip.


THE POSTOFFICE - 277


People boasted of having a weekly mail along that route. The stagecoach took the place of the post-rider in 1825.


Postage Rates —Within the memory of men and women still living, the postage rates were very expensive and complicated in their classification. Letters must be written on a single sheet of paper, if carried between Cincinnati and New Orleans for twenty-five cents. The freight on a barrel of flour was less than that figure. Under the Congressional Acts of 1825-27 these rates were charged. On a single letter composed of one sheet of paper—Any distance not exceeding thirty miles, six cents ; over thirty miles, and not exceeding eighty miles, ten cents ; over eighty miles and not over 150 miles, twelve and a half cents ; over 150 miles, not over 400 miles, eighteen and three-fourths cents ; over 400 miles twenty-five cents.


In case two sheets of letter paper were mailed it cost twice as much as the single sheet ; if three sheets made up a letter, it cost eighteen cents, and so on up, six cents per sheet.


Newspaper postage rates were one cent per each paper going not over one hundred miles ; over that distance a half cent additional ; but if carried to any office in the State in which it was printed, whatever the distance, it was one cent.


Coming down to 1855 the rate of postage was for 3,000 miles, three cents if prepaid, and five cents if not prepaid. By Act of March, 1885, the rate of postage on letters was reduced from three to two cents for each half ounce or fraction thereof. These are substantially the rates of today.


General Postal Information —Free delivery was first established in July, 1863. Railway mail service came into use, 1864. Special delivery service 1885. Rural free delivery, October, 1896. The first postage stamp was issued in New York, July 1, 1847. The first stamped envelope June, 1853 ; first newspaper wrapper, 1861 ; first postal cards, May 1, 1873. The first registered letter was at the New York City office July, 1855. The first letter returned to the writer was dated 1829. The first money order issued was November 1, 1864. First newspaper at pound rates was sent March 3, 1879.


From a former history of this city an article on postal business gives the following facts—from the pen of Rev. Charles F. Goss :


"The number of mails to and from Cincinnati in 1826 was twenty each week. A portion of these was carried on ten stage coaches, three on the Chillicothe route, three on the Lebanon, three on the Dayton and Columbus route, and one on the way to Georgetown, Kentucky. Ten mails were carried by post-riders. In 1826 the income of the postoffice at Cincinnati was $8,100. During that year there were delivered 3,753 free


278 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


letters. The income of the Cincinnati office in 1828-29 was $12,150, an increase of fifty per cent in three years.


"The postoffice was removed about 1836 to Third Street between Vine and Walnut streets. In November, 1841, it was moved to a new building on East Third Street, between Main and Sycamore streets."


Concerning other locations of the postoffice let it be said that in 1851 the government purchased land at Fourth and Vine streets, paying $50,000 for the same, and in 1856 the new government building was completed. In March, 1874, the government sold its old building to the Chamber of Commerce for $100,000. In 1873 the government had purchased ground at Fifth Street, between Main and Walnut streets, for the present beautiful structure. The ground on which it stands cost $696,768. It required eleven years to erect the building, the cost of which was $4,553,287. The office was moved to its present location in May, 1885.


It should be added that this is not merely a postoffice building, but a general government building, containing the postoffice, custom house, internal revenue department, weather bureau, federal courts, and other government departments. It is 364 feet front and 164 feet deep, four stories high above ground, with a fourteen foot basement. The attic is 170 feet from the curbing of the street.


List of Postmasters —The subjoined is supposed to be a complete roster of the Cincinnati postmasters since the establishment of the office in 1794: Abner M. Dunn, who served until his death in July, 1795 ; William Maxwell, editor and founder of the first newspaper in the Northwest Territory, who was succeeded by Daniel Mayo in 1797; William Ruffin commenced January I, 1799, serving until his resignation at the close of 1814; William Burke ("Father Burke" the Methodist preacher) was inducted into office January 1, 1815, served until 1841, when President Tyler relieved him and appointed W. H. H. Taylor, who served until his removal by President Polk, who appointed as postmaster George Crawford, who served until May 2, 1849, and he was succeeded by Major William Oliver, who was appointed by President Zachary Taylor. He died in office, James C. Hall being appointed February 4, 1852, to serve out his unexpired term. April 29, 1853, Dr. John L. Vattier became postmaster, but was removed by President Buchanan and James J. Faran was appointed June 4, 1855. Dr. Vatter was again appointed postmaster October, 1859, and served until April, 1861. The thirteenth postmaster for Cincinnati was J. C. Baum, who took office April 15, 1861, and was succeeded May 12, 1864 by F. J. Mayer, and he in turn by William H. H. Taylor, November 6, 1866. Calvin W. Thomas was appointed April 20, 1867, and Thomas H. Foulds, April 5, 1869. January 9, 1874, Gustave R. Wahle became postmaster and was succeeded January 25, 1878, by John


THE POSTOFFICE - 279


P. Loge, who served until the appointment of S. A. Whitfield January 31, 1882. The next postmaster was John C. Riley, appointed August 6, 1886, and served until February, 1891, when John Zumstein was made postmaster. He was followed by Charles E. Brown, March 30, 1895. The twenty-fourth postmaster was Captain Elias R. Monfort, who had been a brave soldier of the Civil War ; he became postmaster March 2, 1899, and held the office until January 6, 1915 ; John L. Shoff, January 7, 1915, to January 31, 1916; Joel C. Clore, February 1, 1916, to February 28, 1922; Arthur L. Behymer, March I, 1922, still serving as postmaster.


Present Roster of Cincinnati Postoffice —The following is a list of assistants and department heads, together with the names of superintendents of postoffice stations acting in 1925: Oscar C. Fisher, assistant postmaster ; George Wiebell, superintendent of mails ; A. A. Tucker, postal cashier ; William D. Baker, money order cashier ; William C. H00ver, chief book-keeper ; Charles S. Speer, assistant superintendent of mails ; John P. McClelland, superintendent of mails (stations) ; Raymond 0. Brinkman, superintendent of mails (stations) ; John H. Meyer, Jr., superintendent at registry station ; Otto H. Katterjohn, superintendent ; Robert C. Cochnower, superintendent ; Loraine F. Andres, superintendent parcel post ; Joseph Conway, station examiner ; Mark B. Greene, station examiner.


During the last fiscal year there were issued from this office money orders to the amount of $4,609,523.34, the fees of which amounted to $38,011.72; International orders issued—$107,402.06, fees $1,377.20; number mails received daily seventy-five ; letter-carriers, 423 ; rural carriers, seventeen. Total number postal clerks 657; number United States motor trucks, 109.


A Half Century Ago —In 1875, from a hand-book of the "Queen City," the following were the facts concerning Cincinnati's postal business:


The Cincinnati post office forms one of the departments of the United States Government building upon Fourth and Vine streets. Its front upon Vine Street is 150 feet, on Fourth Street, 8o feet, of sawn freestone, three stories high, and of a Roman-Corinthian style of architecture. The space allotted to the post office is wholly inadequate to the demands of the business transacted and the new buildings already begun on Fifth Street will not be too large for the department. The offices of the Postmaster, the Assistant Postmaster, the Cashier, and the Chief Clerk, the Money-order and the Registry Bureau are up-stairs, in a long room opposite the United States Treasury offices. The offices of the Superintendent of Mails and of Carriers are downstairs, in the basement. There are 36 clerks, five of whom are ladies, employed in the office, 63 carriers, and 105 postal clerks are engaged upon the Railways in making up and distributing Cincinnati postal matter. The office is open from 7.30 A. M. to 12 midnight. There are in the city several deliveries a day, some carriers making four, some three, some two, and some only one trip, according to business and distance. There are 241 drop boxes attached to the city lamp-posts, and ',10o delivery boxes


280 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


rented to business and professional men, in the eastern and southern front of the building under cover of the portico. The average number of mail letters received in the city during the past year has been 27,000 daily, of drop letters, 6,000, with an average weight per diem of 43o pounds. The average of daily papers sent out is 192,114 pounds a week. About 400 dead letters a week are sent to Washington, and about 300 advertised; but the Exposition adds tens of thousands to these numbers. There are 161 distributing boxes for the daily papers, and 16o for the weeklies. The employees are engaged eight hours in the twenty-four.


CHAPTER XVIII.


CINCINNATI FIRE DEPARTMENT


Early and Later Fire Departments —The author is indebted to the treatment of this subject in the "Centennial History of Cincinnati" by Grove, for the following paragraphs :


"The matter of protection against fire occupied the serious attention of the villagers. The inadequacy of the water supply and the fact that the buildings in the settlement were all frame and that throughout the clearings were many dry and decaying stumps and logs, combined with the compactness of the settlement, necessitated by the fear of the Indians, made the community particularly susceptible to danger from this source. A good sized fire would have wiped out the settlement. There was reason to believe t00 that many of the little conflagrations were of incendiary origin. The soldiers were charged with these offenses, whether with justice or not it is hard to tell, but after the garrison had moved across the river the fires decreased very considerably in number. No regular department was in operation during the village life of Cincinnati.


"The 'Spy' of December 19, 1801, contains a call for a public meeting to take measures towards procuring a fire engine. The engine was not procured at this time, but on July 17, 1802, and later during the year provision was made by ordinance for an organization to fight the fire. Every freeholder and every person being a householder and paying an annual rental as high as thirty-six dollars must be provided with a blackjack and leather bucket of a capacity of two and one-half gallons and contribute the use of it and his own physical exertions whenever he should hear a cry of fire. Every male between sixteen and fifty years of age had to serve. Such was the first step for fire protection in that Cincinnati was to produce the first fire engine to be operated by steam—a blessing that the entire world now appreciates."


The city directory of 1819 gives some account of this topic at the time of the incorporation as a city. It had the following:


There are two engines owned by the corporation, but, strange as it may appear, neither of them are kept in proper repair. A most unpardonable apathy on this subject pervades our citizens generally. Almost destitute of ladders, fire-hooks, buckets (or even water in most parts of the city), should the fiery element assail us in a dry and windy season, the denouement of the awful tragedy would be a general devastation of our now flourishing city. The most practicable means ought immediately to be taken for creating a supply of water, the number of engines increased and put in working condition, and every other apparatus procured which can be of service in restricting the ravages of this powerful destroyer. Otherwise the "good easy man," who retires to his couch meditating on the competency of his fortune, may stalk forth a beggar in the morning.


282 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


The Cincinnati Fire Warden's Association was organized shortly afterwards as a result of the fire ordinance of October 2, 1819, reestablishing the department. The presidents of this association from the date of its organization, October 30, 1819, to the introduction of the paid department in 1853 were Benjamin Mason (1819-21), Davis Embree (1821-25), R. L. Coleman (1825-29), J. L. Avery (1829-31), Oliver Lovell (1831-36), George W. Jones (1836-38), Archibald Irwin (1839-43), William Stephenson (1843-46), Aaron Valentine (1846-47), S. Hogan (184748), and D. H. Horne (1848-52). The secretaries were Moses Brooks and Fred H. Oehlmann.


The Independence Fire Company was organized in November, 1819, with Thomas Tucker, a book seller, as foreman.


The Franklin Fire Engine and Hose Company was organized in 1819 as Company No. 4. Its engine was named "Nereide," which was supplied with fire buckets.


The Protection Company was formed in 1820. It existed many years and it had a limit of membership amounting to one hundred.


By 1825 the directory shows the city fire department consisting of four engine companies, a hose company, a hook and ladder company and the Protection Society. This all included 155 firemen and sixteen fire wardens.


In 1826 the Eagle Fire Company (No. 4) was added to the department and Company No. 5 was organized in 1829 ; its headquarters were located over the canal at Vine and Canal streets.


A very destructive fire took place on the last day of 1829 and this brought forth great discussion regarding better fire protection.


An organization known as the Cincinnati Fire Association was formed in 183o and had for its object caring for the sick and disabled members of fire companies and the settling of all disputes. It was composed of members selected from the various companies. Its first president was John L. Avery.


The Cincinnati Fire Guards were instituted in August, 1832, for the purpose of affording quasi police protection at fires. They formed a line around the fire, kept out intruders, protected property and were empowered to press by-standers into the service. The first director of this company was Joseph Gest. The company existed until 1854.


Records show that in 1834 Cincinnati owned fifteen engines and 10,150 feet of workable hose. It was divided into seven brigades, each with two engines and a hose reel, buckets and 150 members. In those days the chief engineer over the cisterns and fire-plugs was William Hedley. The location of the cisterns gives some idea as to the territory occupied by the city. The northernmost one was at Eighth and Main streets ; there was also one on Sixth and Broadway ; three on Sycamore ; two were in Western Row—one at Fourth and the other at Sixth Street.


CINCINNATI FIRE DEPARTMENT - 283


Coming down to 1851 it is found the fire department consisted of eighteen companies of firemen in addition to two hook and ladder companies and one company of fire guards. The various companies included 1,800 members. Ten years later (1861) as a result of the request of the citizens of Mount Auburn for the location of a fire company in their locality a new steam engine was purchased and an engine house located on Webster Street, between Main and Sycamore.


The fire alarm telegraph was established during the year 1866 after a long drawn out contest in which many were "penny wise and pound foolish" concerning the expenditures for this needed improvement. This was established with an office on the southwest corner of Sixth and Vine streets and the first operator was B. B. Glass.


The patrol wagon service was established December 5, 1881, by Ed. C. Armstrong, who equipped and maintained for a time this service at his own expense. Further mention will appear of this in the section on police department.


In 1871, during the great Chicago fire, a detachment of Cincinnati firemen were sent to the scene of that famous conflagration.


Reorganization of the Fire Department —The entire organization of the Cincinnati Fire Department was changed by the act of April 29, 1873, when a Board of Fire Commissioners was instituted who had entire charge of the department. The mayor, G. W. C. Johnston, appointed the board which was constituted as follows : P. W. Strader, president ; W. B. Folger, secretary ; and Charles Kahn, Jr., Henry Hanna, George Weber and George C. Sargent. At that date the force was constituted of 149 officers and men, divided into eighteen steam engine companies, four hook and ladder companies, fuel and supply wagons and the department telegraph corps.


Another reorganization of the fire department was effected in 1877 when it was placed in the hands of a Board of Police Commissioners by what was known as the "Ransom Ripper Bill." Those holding membership on this new' board were Charles Jacob, Jr., president ; and George W. Ziegler, Enoch T. Carson, Charles Brown, and Daniel Weber as police commissioners. The law creating this board was repealed at the next session of the General Assembly by the act of February 14, 1878, and as a result of this Judge Moses F. Wilson, of the police court, appointed the following fire commissioners : George C. Sargent, William Dunn,

C. J. W. Smith, George Weber and John L. Thompson.


While out of its chronological order, it is deemed best at this juncture to insert the following, showing how careful the early citizens were with regard to fire precautions in Cincinnati ; the item is found in the records of the Cincinnati Fire Department, page 67:


The care that was exercised by the citizens in the matter of fires was shown at the time of the reception to General Lafayette as described elsewhere. He was received


284 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


most enthusiastically and everything that could be suggested to do him honor was cheerfully agreed upon. One suggestion, however, was overruled by reason of the fear of danger to the community; this was the suggestion of having a street illumination. The fire wardens on September 29, 1825, reported to the City Council that in their opinion an illumination of the city would be attended with danger and suggested that a committee be appointed to confer with the committee for the reception of General Lafayette to request that the illumination be waived. This request was conformed to and as a result the citizens passed the night without any fear of fire.


The Present Fire Department —With the passing years many changes in the management and operation of this great city protective department have necessarily been made, until today the city is known far and near as having a thoroughly up-to-date equipment for fighting the fires coincident to a city of near half a million people.


A Marked Contrast —Before giving the present-day equipment and strength of the present Cincinnati Fire Department it may be of interest to note the following, taken from Cist's "Cincinnati in 1851," in which reads : "There are eighteen companies of firemen belonging to the Fire Department, as follows :

No. 1. Washington.

2. Relief.

3. Independence.

4. Franklin.

5. Invincible.

6. Eastern.

7. Northern.

8. Marion.

No. 9. Union.

Independent, No. 1.

Independent, No. 2.

Independent, Western.

Eagle.

Mohawk.

Brighton.


"Each of these companies is provided with fire and suction engines and hose reel ; so that every company possesses the full apparatus to extinguish fires, without depending on the aid of other independent companies, to furnish any part of the apparatus on the ground. There are thus forty-five carriages, of the best construction and materials, dispersed all over the city, and as many all in attendance as can work to advantage.


"There are beside, two Hook and Ladder companies, and one company of Fire Guards, to render appropriate services, as they may be required. There are 1,800 members of these various companies, the large share of whom are young men, and in unmarried life.


"There are eighty-three public cisterns, and seventy-nine fire-plugs employed for the extinguishment of fires exclusively."


First Paid Fire Department —Cincinnati claims to be the first city to establish a full paid Fire Department. The date was in the spring of 1853. The result of the dissatisfaction coming at a time when the progress of invention first brought steam fire engines into use was the abandonment of the volunteer system and the inauguration of a paid department. The first annual report of the chief engineer of the department,


CINCINNATI FIRE DEPARTMENT - 285


issued in April, 1854, has a frontispiece with a picture of the first steam fire engine, "The Uncle Joe Ross," the first to be used in Cincinnati and, except one which had been used for a short time in New York, the first used in America. This pioneer apparatus had been built according to the plan of A. B. Latta, of the firm of Shawk and Latta, in the shops of John H. McGowan in the years 1852-53. It is described as being peculiar in its method of construction : "It had a square fire-box, like that of a locomotive boiler, with a furnace open at the top, upon which was placed the chimney. The upper part of the furnace was occupied by a continuous coil of tubes opening into the steam-chamber above, while the lower end was carried through the fire-box, and connected with a force-pump, by which the water was to be forced continually through the tubes throughout the entire coil. When the fire was commenced the tubes were empty, but when they became sufficiently heated, the force-pump was worked by hand and water was forced into them, generating steam, which was almost instantly produced from the contact of the water with the hot pipes. Until sufficient steam was generated to work the engine regularly, the force-pump was continuously operated by hand, and a supply of water kept up. By this means the time occupied in generating steam was only five or ten minutes ; but the objections to this heating the pipes empty and then introducing water into them are too well known to be insisted upon.


"The engines built upon this pattern were complicated and heavy, but were efficacious, and led to their introduction in other cities, and also to a quite general establishment in cities of a paid fire department in place of the voluntary one, which had theretofore prevailed."


In spite of its great weight, the lightest one weighing 10,000 pounds, it was regarded as a great improvement over the engines that had hitherto been used, by reason of the great distance it was able to throw water. It is said to have played 210 feet through a thousand feet of hose, getting its supply from a cistern, and afterwards, when taken to New York on exhibition in 1859, it threw 375 gallons a minute, playing about 237 feet through a nozzle measuring an inch and a quarter and getting its supply through a hydrant. It was the invention of this engine as well as the abuses that always seem to attend a volunteer fire department that brought about a change of so much importance in the history of the city. For this particular reform the city is especially indebted to Jacob Wykoff Piatt, Miles Greenwood, James H. Walker and Joseph S. Ross.


Finally the invention of the Latta engine made in this city by Abel Shawk, brought about the success of the movement. This engine, known as "Uncle Joe Ross," was tested by a commission of experts and finally accepted.


For many years the one fire tower in the city stood on top of the Mechanics' Institute building at Sixth and Vine streets. At this point


286 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


the lines dividing the city into four fire districts intersected. The tower contained glass windows from which a clear view could be had of every part of the city and two watchmen remained on duty there night and day, relieving each other every six hours. In the center of the tower was a large wooden cylinder resembling the mast of a ship, through which, by means of machinery, worked four glass globes covered with red flannel cloth and fastened upon a shaft. During the day they appeared at a distance like solid balls but at night when illuminated they were brilliant red. Upon the discovery of a fire, the watchmen immediately hoisted one, two, three or four balls above the tower, according to the district where the fire was located. Without leaving his place, with the aid of a lever, he also struck an alarm upon a mammoth bell weighing 6,549 pounds placed at the further end of the roof of the Institute Building. Next to the Institute Building where the Gifts' Engine House now stands, was the frame building of the Fourth District Engine House. A speaking tube connected the tower with the engine house and through this the watchmen announced the location of the fire to the firemen below. The other engines, as they passed the engine house, also learned where they were needed. (Cincinnati Fire Department, p.


Engineers and Chiefs —Miles Greenwood was president of the Cincinnati Volunteer Fire Association from May, 1836, to May, 1840; from 1840 to 1842 Josiah Stratton. In 1842 Miles Greenwood was again chosen and was succeeded in 1843 by Fenton Lawson, who was followed by Mark Taylor, who retained the office many years.


Upon the organization of the first paid Fire Department, Miles Greenwood was chosen first chief engineer from 1855 to 1857 ; Enoch G. Merue, 1857-1878; Joseph Bunker, 1878-84; Lewis Wisbey, 1884-189o; W. H. Hughes, 1890-93; John A. Archibald, 1893-1912; Henry Bunker, 1912-16; Barney J. Houston, from 1916 to the present time, 1926.


Some comparisons may not be considered out of place in this connection : In 1853-54, when first organized, the department had a total of 16 captains, 15 lieutenants, 47 pipe men, 29 drivers, 3 watchmen, membership, 419—total 529 men. At that date there were 14 fire companies ; one hose company, one hook and ladder company, 109 cisterns, 128 fire plugs in the city. The apparatus consisted of 28 fire engines—hand pumps ; 29 hose carriages or reels, 24,750 feet of leather hose and fifty horses.


In 1925 the department had 15,95o feet of three inch hose ; 68,85o feet of two and a half inch hose ; 11,330 feet one inch hose ; ladders, 68; ladders (short) on hose wagons, etc ; 6,141 feet total length of all ladders in use now. The number of men in department January 31, 1925, was 617, as follows.



Chief

Marshals

Assistant Marshals

1

2

7

CINCINNATI FIRE DEPARTMENT - 287

Acting Assistant Marshals

Superintendent of Equipment

Assistant Superintendents of Equipment

Supervisor Fire Prevention Bureau

Clerks

Captains

Lieutenants

Auto Engineers

Steam Engineers

Assistant Auto Engineers

Firemen (314)-

1st year

2nd year

3rd year

Regular Firemen, 3rd year, assigned as auto drivers.

Substitute Firemen

Captain Supervisor of Utility Men

Utility Men

Superintendent of Fire Alarm Telegraph

Assistant Superintendent of Fire Alarm Telegraph

Chief Telegraph Operator

Telegraph Operators

Telephone Operators

Linemen

Auto Mechanicians

Batteryman

2

1

2

1

2

55

52

34

5

33


12

25

277

43

21

1

20

1

1

1

3

3

7

4

1

617


 

There are thirty-three fire stations, housing fifty-one companies, two repair shops, one hydrant service store house, six vacant fire houses, one fire house rented. The chief's office, located first floor at the Ninth Street entrance of City Hall, consists of private office and general office, equipped with complete set of records of department. Fire Prevention Bureau's office, located on second floor, Eighth and Central corner, City Hall, is equipped with complete set of records of inspections and fires. Fire alarm telegraph central office, known as Fire Tower, located on second floor, Ninth and Central corner, City Hall, has private office of superintendent, locker room, and one large dispatch r00m, equipped fully. During the year 1925 this department successfully transmitted 763 bell alarms, 1686 still alarms and 885 miscellaneous alarms. Underground cable installed totalled 21,991 feet ; old cable pulled out and not replaced, 4,518 feet, making a net gain of 17,473 feet, and a total of 616,110 feet of cable in service. There are a total of 491 fire alarm boxes piped with conduit and equipped with condulets and insulating joints. There is now a grand total of 399 miles of aerial wire service in the city.


The fire-alarm telegraph system headquarters are located in the City Hall. The new central station was placed in service January 8, 1908, and has, at present, one superintendent, one assistant superintendent, four telegraph operators, three telephone operators, seven linemen and batterymen.


1925; Financial Statement—



 

Expenditures

Salary, Wages, etc 

Services other than personal

$1,028,503.83

13,301.26


288 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE



Supplies and Material

Purchase of Equipment

Rents

62,876.40

5,970.61

600.00

 

$1,111,252.10



There are now on the department pension rolls for retired members, widows of deceased members, mothers of deceased members, a total of 353 members.


Water Supply —The city is divided into 49 districts for hydrant inspections, each of which is assigned to an engine, hose or ladder company. There are 5,376 fire hydrants, 162 cisterns, also a separate fire main known as the high pressure system, consists of 12,566 feet of 12-inch, 6,227 feet of 16-inch, and 12,526 feet of 20-inch pipe, making a total of 31,319 feet. All pipe is cast iron, designed for working pressure of 347 pounds, under standard specifications of the American Water Works Association. The pipe has two grooves in both hub and spigot ; lead joints are used. Pipe was tested under a hydrostatic pressure of 600 pounds at foundry, and a second test of 400 pounds was made in trench before backfilling. Valves are located at curb lines, four at each cross and three at each tee. The maximum length of main between valves is 425 feet. Valves are of semi-steel bronze mounted type, set in brick chambers on a 6-inch concrete base. None is larger than 16-inch, reducers being used on larger sizes of pipe ; 16-inch valves are geared and bypassed, specials are of semi-steel. Hydrants are of the Baltimore flush type, with 8-inch grated connections to mains. The portable heads have four 2 1/2-inch outlets on top for monitor nozzle ; all outlets are equipped with independent gates. The fire department carries the heads to be attached to hydrants for operation.


In summer, hydrants, high pressure heads are inspected weekly by firemen ; in freezing weather twice a week or oftener and daily in the congested value district. They are flushed and oiled spring and fall, before cold weather, and after use in cold weather are pumped out. There are over 800 miles of water mains in the City of Cincinnati at present time. Chief Houston completely motorized the Cincinnati Department in 1922, using "standard" equipment throughout.


Present Chief —Barney J. Houston was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 28, 1886, and attended

the city public schools and high school. He is a married man, has no children, and is a member of the Episcopalian Church and holds membership in the following societies : Masonic Fraternity, to thirty-second degrees, and Syria Temple ; Eagles, Moose, Elks, Hercules, and also belongs to the Cuvier Press Club, Director of Hyde Park Business Men's Club ; Cincinnati Business Men's Club ; Chamber of Commerce ; Free Setters Union ; Cincinnati Fireman's Protective Association ; International Association Fire Engineers. He enjoys all sports, especially fond of base ball.


CINCINNATI FIRE DEPARTMENT - 289


He entered the Cincinnati Fire Department as a substitute fireman September 6, 1906, having been honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps and was made a regular fireman April 19, 1908, chief inspector January 1, 1915, supervisor Fire Prevention December 27, 1915 and made chief of the department July r, 1917. While a member of the Marine Corps he experienced several fires and determined at that time to choose the vocation of a fireman, knowing that life would be full of thrills and of which he has many during his connection with the department. He has also had several serious accidents and it seems marvelous that he escaped death in some of his experiences as a fire fighter.


Perhaps the most important and interesting incident in his work was the organizing of the Fire Prevention Bureau and motorizing the Fire Department, thereby closing fifteen houses and saving the city great expense.


Firemen's Strike of 1919 —The subjoined facts concerning the Firemen's strike in Cincinnati is from the "Fireman's Standard Magazine," of May 1, 1919:


Another firemen's strike has been a complete failure. Another attempt by labor unions to control the full paid or permanent force fire departments of the principal cities of this country has resulted in absolute defeat, and another labor union of active firemen has ceased to exist.


At Cincinnati, Ohio, April 12, at 7 A. M. 436 of its 556 firemen of 71 companies in 54 stations went out on a strike by the resignation method. Seven days later the strike collapsed and all the strikers who could, returned to their positions. It was the most complete failure of any of the thirteen firemen's strikes that have taken place the past two years. It was a forlorn hope from the start. Other labor unions did not approve of it and would not support it with a sympathetic strike.


The cause of the strike was to compel the recognition of their labor union and the restoration of their positions in the department of four men who had been discharged because they refused to resign from the union, the existence of which is prohibited by the department rules.


Within an hour after they left their stations their places were filled by members of the Home Guard. The 120 officers and privates who remained on duty included the chief, assistant chiefs, district chiefs, 27 captains, 17 lieutenants and other department officers. Almost every station had a company office to take charge of and instruct new men and privates who remained on duty were sent to command at other stations.


There were no unpleasant incidents as the firemen departed and the Home Guards came on duty. During the day hundreds of citizens volunteered their services if required. During the night before the walkout chief B. J. Houston received some forty telephone inquiries from firemen,


Cin.-19


290 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


including officers, asking if they would be kept on the roll and in good standing if they continued on duty, and they were informed that they would be, if they would resign from the union.


The Home Guard not only filled the strikers' places, but they provided extra men to protect apparatus and acting firemen at fires. One policeman was assigned to each fire station. Applications for appointment as firemen began to come in within a few minutes after the striking firemen went out. Among those were several former firemen of other cities.


The strike was a failure from the start. On Friday, April 18, the striking firemen, realizing the utter collapse of the strike, sent a commit--tee to Mayor Galvin and informed him that they were willing to come back under any condition he suggested. The conditions prepared by the mayor and safety director, John R. Holmes, under which the men, or as many of them as were required to fill vacancies in the department, could return Saturday, April 19, under certain strict rules and conditions which were readily accepted. Thus ended the last firemen's "strike" in Cincinnati.


CHAPTER XIX,


CIVIC SOCIETIES.


Freemasonry —This fraternity now has no connection whatever with practical building and is called "speculative Masonry" to distinguish it from practical building, which is called "operative Masonry." Freemasonry is said to have had its origin in 1646 with Elias Ashmole, who operated speculative Masonry and systematized its mysteries. In 1666, after the great fire in London, Sir Christopher Wren, the great architect, was chosen grand master of the order.


After this Freemasonry declined, so that at the beginning of the eighteenth century there was practically only one lodge in England, that of St. Paul's, London. In 1717, four lodges assembled at the Apple Tree tavern, Covent Garden, and constituted themselves the Grand Lodge of England. In 1725, Freemasonry extended into France, in 1729 into Ireland, and within the following ten years into Scotland, Holland, Spain, Italy and Germany. In 1733, a lodge was opened in Boston, Massachusetts, and thereafter there were organized lodges in the different colonies. George Washington was long known as a Master Mason in a lodge in Virginia and a favorite picture among Masons in this country is one representing George Washington standing at the altar in the east, in the regalia of Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge. In no country in the world has Freemasonry flourished as in the United States. When originally established in this country, it had, as in England and Scotland, certain convivial features which have long ago disappeared.


The first Masonic lodge organized in Cincinnati was Nova Cesarea Harmony Lodge, No. 2, that received its charter from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey under date of September 8, 1791. The officers appointed by the Grand Lodge were : Dr. William Burnet, master ; John S. Ludlow, senior warden ; Dr. Calvin Morrell, junior warden. Owing to the absence of Dr. Burnet, the lodge was not organized until December 27, 1794, when the following officers were elected : Edward Day, master ; Dr. C. Morrell, senior warden ; Gen. John S. Gano, junior warden. The first stated meetings were held in the lodge room, on Third, between Main and Walnut streets.


Miami Lodge, No. 46, and Lafayette Lodge, No. 81, together with the above-mentioned Masonic lodge, were all in operation in 1841, as is seen by the records of lodges in Cincinnati at that date. Also Cincinnati Encampment of Knights Templar and Cincinnati Council, No. 2, of Royal and Select Masters and Cincinnati Royal Arch Chapter, No. 2.


Coming on down ten years later, or to the date of 1851, the record shows the Masonic bodies to have been N. C. Harmony Lodge, No. 2;


292 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


Miami Lodge, No. 46; Lafayette Lodge, No. 133; McMillan Lodge, No. 141 ; Cynthia Lodge, No. 155. In Charles Cist's sketch of Cincinnati, published in 1850-51, he gives the following concerning the history of the Masonic Hall :


"This fine edifice stands at the northeast corner of Walnut and Third streets, occupying a front of one hundred and fifteen feet on its southern, and sixty-six feet on its western exposure, and is eighty feet high from the pavement to the top of the angle buttress. It was erected at an expense of $30,000, and its appropriate furniture and decorations cost $5,000 more. It is in the castellated style of the Gothic architecture of the Elizabethan era. The lower story is partitioned into five store rooms and a spacious banking hall and offices occupied by Ellis & Morton for banking purposes.


"The front is divided by buttresses, two feet face, and eight inches projection. These buttresses run above the battlements, the tops of which are finished with openings in the ancient castle style. The windows to the principal hall are sixteen feet high, and are divided by a heavy center mullion and cross rail, making four parts each. Each window is surmounted by a hood of fine cut stone. The windows of the third story are nearly of the same size, order and finish. At each end of the building, on the south front, two of the buttresses are elevated a few feet above the center, and returned on the west front the same distance. Each angle of the west front is made to correspond with each angle of the south front. The center of the west front is gabled ; in the center of which is a shield, with an inscription bearing the name of the building and date of its erection, together with the era of Masonry. An iron balcony surrounds the building, on a level with the floor of the main hall in the second story. This is designed for public assemblages, and is one of the most spacious in Cincinnati, being fifty-one by one hundred and twelve feet, fronting west, and twenty-three feet high, with an orchestra on the east end. The ceiling and cornice of this hall are finished in the richest style.


"The third story is designed as a hall, for the use of the several lodges of the city, together with the Chapter, Council and Encampment, and is eighty by fifty-one feet on the floor, and twenty feet in height. There are various passages, antechambers, and committee rooms, which fill the residue of this story. The chapter room proper is fifty-one by eighty feet. The finish of these rooms, especially the ceilings and cornices, are truly elaborate. The exterior of the edifice is rough cast and the roof slate.


"The furniture of the Chapter room is of a mahogany, with Gothic open panel work, on a rich crimson satin ground. That of the Masonic Hall is of bronzed work of the same character, excepting that the satin is of mazarine blue. The carpets are of ingrain, of the best quality of


CIVIC SOCIETIES - 293


Mosaic work pattern, with tessellated borders. Seven splendid Gothic chandeliers ornament the various halls—these are lighted by gas."


With the passing years and growth of Cincinnati the Masonic order in its numerous degrees has prospered and kept pace with the increased population. In 1904, in what is known as the "Centennial History of Cincinnati," appears the following on Masonry of that date : "Thirteen Lodges and Chapters meet in the Masonic Temple at the northeast corner of Third and Walnut streets ; three Commanderies meet at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, recently torn down to make room for the present new temple ; in addition there are enumerated eighteen other Lodges and Chapters, as well as a Masonic Employment Bureau, Masonic Relief Association and Masonic Library Association. The office of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio is in the Masonic Temple. The various bodies classed under the heading Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, meet at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, as do also the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.


Roster of Present Masonic Lodges —The recent lodge directory for the city of Cincinnati gives the following roster of Masonic bodies, the same all being operative in 1925 :


The office of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio is located at No. 304 Walnut Street, and the present secretary is Harry S. Johnson.


Avon Lodge, No. 542; Enoch T. Carson Lodge, No. 598; Carthage Lodge, No. 573, at Carthage ; Cheviot Lodge, No. 140, Westw00d ; Cin cinnati Lodge, No. 133 ; Cynthia Lodge, No. 155 ; Excelsior Lodge, No. 369; Hanselmann Lodge, No. 208 ; High Noon Lodge, No. 635 ; Hoffner Lodge, No. 253; Hyde Park Lodge, No. 589; Kilwinning Lodge, No. 356; Lafayette Lodge, No. 81; Liberty Lodge, No. 464; Linwood Lodge, No. 567; McMillan Lodge, No. 141 ; Madisonville Lodge, No. 419; Miami Lodge, No. 46; Monitor Lodge, No. 445 ; Mt. Washington Lodge, No. 642 ; N. C. Harmony Lodge, No. 2 ; Oakley Lodge, No. 668 ; Pleasant Ridge Lodge, No. 282; Price Hill Lodge, No. 524; Queen City Lodge, No. 559; Vattier Lodge, No. 386; Walnut Hills Lodge, No. 483; Winton Lodge, No. 614; Yeatman Lodge, No. 162; Sabina Circle, Ladies' Auxiliary of Hanselmann Lodge ; Society of Past Masters, Free and Accepted Masons of Cincinnati and vicinity. The newest is Calvary Clifton Lodge, No. 700, chartered in 1926.


Chapters of Royal Arch Masons—Acacia, No. 195 ; Cincinnati, No. 2 ; Cummingsville, No. 158; Delta, No. 179; Kilwinning, No. 97; McMillan, No. 19; Price Hill, No. 164; Walnut Hills, No. 151; Willis Chapter, No. 130.


Cincinnati Council, No. T Royal and Select Masters.


Cincinnati Commandery of Knights Templar; Hanselmann, No. 16, and Trinity, No. 44.


294 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masons—Gibulum, No. 14o; Dalchio Grand Council ; Cincinnati Grand Chapter Rose Croix ; Ohio Sovereign Consistory, thirty-second degree.


Syrian Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ("Shriners").


Masonic Library Association, No. 306, Walnut Street ; Masonic Relief Association ; Masonic Employment Bureau ; Masonic Club, Emery Hotel.


Order of Eastern Star —Alva Chapter, No. 104; Avon Chapter, No. 434; College Hill Chapter, No. 469; Columbian, No. 339; Daylight Chapter, No. 399 ; Dorcas Chapter, No. 277 ; Golden Rod Chapter, No. 55 ; Hoffner Chapter, No. 286; Hyde Park Chapter, No. 313; McKinley Chapter, No. 143 ; North Fairmount Chapter, No. 352 ; Ohio Chapter, No. 218 ; Pleasant Ridge Chapter, No. 278 ; Sapphire Chapter, No. 362 ; Sayler Park Chapter, No. 387 ; Violet Chapter, No. 45 ; Walnut Hills Chapter, No. 213; Westwood Chapter, No. 200; Winton Chapter, No. 386; Hanselmann Chapter.


The Blue Lodges —Lafayette Lodge, No. 81, was organized January 19, 1825, with a charter membership of ten. The present membership is 625 and they are now joining with others in the erection of a fine new Masonic Temple, of which see elsewhere. The 1926 officers of this lodge are : William B. Guckenberger, worshipful master; Philip M. Cronimus, senior warden ; Clarence J. Neare, junior warden ; George M. Blum, treasurer ; Rolland L. Kraw, secretary ; William F. Story, senior deacon ; Albert H. Bader, junior deacon ; Stanley E. Harper, senior steward ; Charles J. Mathein, junior steward ; Gordon D. Rowe, chaplain ; Emil C. Hertstein, tyler.


This Masonic Lodge was named in honor of the great and much esteemed Frenchman, Lafayette, who took so important a part in the early wars between this country and England. The following is his response on the occasion of his reception by the Cincinnati Lodge on May 19, 1825 :


Worshipful Master and Brethren of Lafayette Lodge : I want language to express my feelings on the occasion of being received into the body of this lodge; the compliment offered me, in its formation is a novel one, and is as delicately tendered as it is gratefully accepted.


Since my return to this happy country many things have struck me with wonder and amazement; the scene now passing is not among the least surprising; it is one, the memory of which I will cherish, with the most pleasing sensation to the last hour of my life. To find a splendid and populous pity in a place which, when I last quitted your shores, was exclusively the haunts of the savage and wild beasts, presents a fact not less astonishing than it is pleasing to me, as one of the asserters of your independence. These emotions are much enhanced by meeting in such a place, so many respectable members of that Order, whose leading star is philanthropy, and whose principles inculcate an unceasing devotion to the cause of virtue and morality.


I sympathize with you, Worshipful, in your regret for the indisposition of the Master of this lodge, Brother Morgan Neville. I have already visited him and forbidden his coming out on this occasion. If I feel gratified, and believe me I do most


CIVIC SOCIETIES - 295


highly, at finding a lodge instituted as a mark of respect for me, be assured that this gratification is much increased at finding at its head the son of my ancient aid, my dear General Neville, and grandson of my friend, the gallant Morgan.


Accept for yourself and Brother, my sincere thanks for the pleasing compliments you have paid me. If I have in any way benefited the cause of Masonry, the reflection will add to my enjoyment, when far away from you and your charming city. Persevere in the glorious cause of benevolence, and believe me, when I assure you that although an ocean will separate me from this beloved country, the recollection of the events of this day will assist much in cheering an old man in the evening of his days.


The General sat down much affected, and every brother present sympathized in his feelings. A procession of fully five hundred Masons then formed and accompanied the gallant Lafayette to his quarters at the Cincinnati Hotel. On May 19, 1925, occurred the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of this lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.


McMakin Lodge, No. 120, of Mt. Healthy, Ohio, was formed April 8, 1844, with eight charter members, but now has a total of 234 members, with elective officers (1926) as follows : C. D. Duteil, worshipful master ; C. D. Korn, senior warden ; W. C. Recher, junior warden ; P. H. Smyth, treasurer ; L. J. Steinbrecker, secretary ; A. G. Hochscheid, senior deacon ; A. E. Jansen, junior deacon ; H. C. Slete, tyler. This lodge now owns a two-story brick building erected about 1880, purchased by the lodge in 1910 for $6,500, but its present value is $15,000.


Yeatman Lodge, No. 162, located on Columbia and Delta avenues, Cincinnati, was organized in 1848 with twelve charter members. The 1926 total membership is 1,366. The lodge owns its own hall, acquired in 1904; it is a brick structure at above named location. The 1926 elective officers are : Walter P. Clark, worshipful master; Charles F. Werpup, senior warden ; William M. Jud, junior warden ; Walter Miller, treasurer ; John W. Smith, secretary ; George R. Stewart, senior deacon ; John A. Fry, junior deacon ; James M. Sudlow, tyler.


Wyoming Lodge, No. 186, organized October 18, 1850, with a charter membership of twelve, today enjoys a total membership of 445. This lodge owns a building located at the corner of Wyoming and Grove avenues, Wyoming, Ohio. Its cost was $65,000. The present (1926) elective officers are : John L. Barton, worshipful master ; Clayton P. Stearns, senior warden ; David Trap, junior warden ; Newell H. Grove, treasurer ; William H. Rogers, secretary ; Samuel K. Morrow, senior deacon ; Alfred P. Voorhis, junior deacon ; Paul E. Feldkamp, tyler.


Sharonville Lodge, No. 204, was instituted in July, 1851, with nine charter members, but today enjoys a total of 15o active members. They lease their lodge r00ms. The 1926 elective officers are : W. F. Crain, worshipful master ; P. M. Gerst, senior warden ; A. W. Muchmore, junior warden ; C. F. Sanger, secretary ; W. W. Meyers, treasurer ; F. Zeno, senior deacon ; W. C. Gower, junior deacon ; F. C. Wilson, tyler.


High Noon Lodge, No. 635, was organized with sixty members,


296 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


November 23, 1916. Its present total membership is 263. The lodge room home is at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Ninth and Plum streets. Its 1926 elective officers are : Jacob Bruehl, worship master; Fred W. Biere, senior warden ; Joseph Weissmann, junior warden ; Howard C. Dhonau, treasurer ; Charles L. Bose, Jr., secretary ; Clifford Schaffert, senior deacon ; A. Huston, junior deacon ; W. Walker, chaplain ; W. W. Norman, tyler. This lodge meets the needs of those Masons whose occupations being in the evening, would not permit them to attend evening sessions.


Madisonville Lodge, No. 419, with ten charter members, was organized July 27, 1868, with the first officers as follows : A. L. Cosby, worshipful master; D. C. Martin, senior warden ; W. M. Brooks, junior warden. The present (1926) officers include these : D. C. Welch, worshipful master ; H. F. Lendsley, senior warden ; B. R. Hill, junior warden ; W. A. Story, treasurer ; F. E. Stapleford, senior deacon ; J. C. O'Brien, junior deacon ; Theo. Ellis, tyler. The present lodge room was built in 1886 at a cost of about $1o,000, at 4904 Whetsel Avenue. Only one of the charter members still survives—M. M. Brooks.


Hoffner Lodge, No. 253, located at 4120 Hamilton Avenue, was granted a charter October 19, 1854. The first officers were : Cornelius Carpenter, worshipful master ; William Mount, senior warden ; J. W. McMakin, junior warden ; Jacob Hoffner, treasurer; William B. Smith, secretary ; M. S. Turrill, junior deacon ; William Campbell, Sr., tyler. This lodge now has a membership of 620. The original charter members only numbered eleven. The lodge owns its own hall, erected A. D. 1886.


Calvary Clifton Lodge, No. 700, was granted a charter in October, 1926. They are now working as Hanselmann Temple. The first elective officers were : Benjamin F. Lyle, worshipful master ; Albert D. Alcorn, senior warden ; Walter C. Mardorf, junior warden ; William T. "(Aland, treasurer ; Charles H. Porter, secretary ; Robert A. Otto, senior deacon ; Stanley S. Taylor, junior deacon ; Alfred G. Allen, tyler. The present officers are substantially the same as in 1925. The present membership of the lodge is fifty against the forty-two charter members.


Kilwinning Lodge, No. 356, located on the northeast corner of Ninth and Plum streets, was constituted October 17, 1866. The present (1926) officers are : Carl H. Gross, worshipful master ; Charles E. Weber, senior warden ; John W. Davis, junior warden. There were eighteen charter members in this lodge ; the present number is 818. This lodge works in a leased hall, and will occupy quarters in the new Cincinnati Masonic Temple.


Walnut Hills Lodge, No. 483, at 1216-26 East McMillan Street, was chartered February 28, 1874. The first elective officers were : Thomas Z. Riley, worshipful master ; Jesse Beeson, senior warden ; D. Rice Kemper, junior warden. The 1926 officers are: Clarence C. West,


CIVIC SOCIETIES - 297


worshipful master ; Willis D. Gradison, senior warden ; French H. Callaway, junior warden. The lodge was organized with thirteen members and now has a membership of 674. Its Temple is valued at $146456, located at 1216-26 East McMillan Street ; was dedicated May 30, 1924. The lodge's property is valued at $187,920.


Norwood Lodge, No. 576, located in the city of Norwood, was organized July 4, 1895, with a membership of fifty, which has grown to be 1,178. The first officers were : William S. Cadman, worshipful master ; Dr. T. V. Fitzpatrick, senior warden ; George Puchta, junior warden. The present (1926) officers include : C. D. Valentiner, worshipful master ; George Backstrup, senior warden ; Noyes R. Stront, junior warden. This lodge recently sold its Temple and the brethren are erecting a new one on Hopkins Avenue, Norwood, to cost $250,000.


Carthage Lodge, No. 573, was organized November 23, 1894, and constituted U. D. April 3, 1895. Its home is at Gas Hall, Carthage, Cincinnati. The original officers included J. F. LeRoy, worshipful master ; Samuel B. Hammel, junior warden ; C. C. Ward, secretary ; S. Jones, treasurer. The 1926 officers are : Walter L. Kemper, worshipful master ; C. P. Kennedy, senior warden ; J. D. Kohstall, junior warden ; Albert H. Apking, secretary ; E. T. Smith, treasurer ; W. H. Schlotman, senior deacon ; L. L. Hopkins, junior deacon ; C. J. Reeves, tyler. This lodge started with a charter membership of thirty-one and has grown very rapidly.


Hanselmann Lodge, No. 208, was organized October 12, 1851, with eight Masons, and now has over 500. Its original officers included C. F. Hanselmann, worshipful master, after whom the lodge was named ; Theo. Keckler, senior warden ; August Tieman, junior warden ; Carl F. Adae, secretary ; Henry Brachmann, treasurer ; Andrew Pfirrmann, senior deacon ; Valentine Sliker, junior deacon ; Levi Friedmann, tyler. The location of this lodge is 3043 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati. The Temple at the above address was dedicated in 1915. The present officers (1926) are : Arthur H. Heitz, worshipful master ; George C. Rost, senior warden ; Edwin Bergelt, junior warden ; George Heibertshausen, secretary ; Fred G. Dethlefs, treasurer ; Andrew Hitz, senior deacon ; Edwin Tiemeyer, junior deacon ; P. M. George, A. Muenzenmaier, tyler ; Charles Prophetor, acting tyler. The trustees are : Walker M. Schoenle, J. Harry Brockmann and Gottlieb Hiller.


Excelsior Lodge, No. 369, was organized January 26, 1866, with eighteen members. Its present membership totals 440 in good standing at last annual report. The present (1926) officers are : J. E. Chambers, Jr., worshipful master ; George Nagel, senior warden ; W. C. Retzsch, junior warden ; E. R. Gwinner, treasurer ; C. F. Kleine, secretary ; H. Kettenacker, senior deacon ; Dr. H. L. Hoffman, junior deacon ; J. H. Ritzi, senior steward ; Henry Beebe, junior steward ; tyler, F. H. Wilms,


298 - GREATER CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE


and chaplain, W. C. Fricke. The present trustees are : E. R. Gwinner, NV. G. Garver and 0. N. Miller.


Avon Lodge, No. 542, was organized in 1885. Its location is Windham Avenue, Avondale. It now enjoys a membership of 662. Its worshipful master is Julius J. Hoffman ; secretary, Charles E. Basler. This lodge owns its own lodge room.


Melrose Lodge, No. 671, was organized July 7, 1920, and has a present total membership of 343. This lodge meets in Norwood Masonic Temple owned by Norwood Lodge. The 1926 officers are : John H. Wadsworth, worshipful master ; Joseph R. Rohrer, senior warden ; George W. Cross-well, junior warden ; Harry F. Anderson, treasurer ; Otto C. Decker, secretary ; Andrew E. Roadston, senior deacon ; Walter L. Runk, junior deacon ; Robert J. Kelly, chaplain ; Clifford J. Wahl, senior steward ; Gus A. Fischman, junior steward ; Fred J. Benz, tyler.


Evaston Lodge, No. 965, was organized November 27, 1925, with one hundred charter members. There are 117 members, who occupy leased quarters on Meyer Avenue, Norwood, but expect within a couple of years to build. The present (1926) officers are : Percy W. Yowler, worshipful master ; L. J. Bellonby, senior warden ; William W. Carlton, junior warden ; Paul N. Runk, secretary ; M. P. Seibel, treasurer ; Garland P. Fryer, senior deacon ; H. A. Schuster, junior deacon.


Winton Lodge, No. 614, is at Epworth and Edgewood avenues, Winton Place, Cincinnati. Given dispensation December 28, 1911 ; chartered October, 1912 with sixty-eight charter members ; total present membership 479. At present the lodge leases rooms, but the members have under contemplation the erection of a fine temple to cost between $75,000 and $100,000. The 1926 officers are : William H. Spreen, worshipful master ; Clinton C. Rau, senior warden ; Louis F. Greyer, junior warden ; William R. Kirby, treasurer; Fred G. Flatt, secretary ; William E. Foertmeyer, senior deacon ; William R. Sypher, junior deacon ; Owen A. Whithan, chaplain ; Edward Dickmeier, tyler.


Oakley Lodge, No. 668, located at Hyde Park Masonic Temple, Erie and Michigan avenues, was organized November 9, 1921, with 147 charter members, now grown to 268 members. Its first officers included Worshipful Master, Fred Schmidt ; Senior Warden, R. Ruzicka ; Junior Warden, Carl Zink ; Treasurer, D. C. Keausmeyer ; Secretary, Al Zutterling ; Senior Deacon, E. H. Reinking ; Junior Deacon, H. H. Rutledge ; Tyler, J. C. Gains ; Prelate, S. F. Pottschmidt ; Chaplain, Frank Lewis. This lodge has purchased the Ben T. Archer homestead located at No. 3846 Drake Avenue and in the near future the brethren hope to build a Temple of their own at this location. The present building that stands is used as a club-house for the membership and is styled Oakley Square Club.


The officers serving this lodge at present are inclusive of Worshipful


CIVIC SOCIETIES - 299


Master, Henry H. Rutledge ; Senior Warden, Fred Pottschmidt ; Junior Warden, F. E. Meeko ; Treasurer, F. Schmidt, Sr.; Secretary, William G. Schmidt ; Chaplain, Frank Lewis ; Senior Deacon, F. Schmidt, Jr.; Senior Steward, Howard B. Woods ; Junior Steward, Charles M. Jackson ; acting Tyler, George Thompson ; Trustees, H. W. Echenroth, G. P. Grandolf and William Hoffmeister.


Hyde Park Lodge, No. 589, was organized December 5, 1904, with 82 charter members. The lodge now enjoys a membership of 86o. The first elective officers were : Worshipful Master, J. S. Hart ; Senior Warden, A. A. Kumler ; Junior Warden, P. E. Kline : Treasurer, R. C. Weber; Secretary, J. G. Walber ; Senior Deacon, F. H. Kinney ; Junior Deacon, H. P. Kent ; Trustees, H. C. Smith, R. J. H. Archiable and B. S. Wydman.


The present (1926) officers are : Worshipful Master, J. C. Lohrey ; Senior Warden, F. C. Whittkamper ; Junior Warden, C. P. Williams ; Treasurer, S. L. Hagans ; Secretary, R. A. Villatte ; Senior Deacon, H. W. Schlemsker ; Junior Deacon, H. F. Knodel ; Tyler, J. 0. Neill ; Trustees, H. C. Smith, F. M. Barnes, J. M. Stoner. The hall occupied by this lodge was built in 1895 and cost $4o,000. It stands at the northeast corner of Erie and Michigan avenues, Hyde Park.


It was originally the City Building of the village of Hyde Park and became the property of the city of Cincinnati when said village was annexed to the city. In 1915 it was purchased from the city and in 1919 was remodelled into the present handsome edifice. Past Master, Thomas B. Fox was the first Master in the new Temple and that year proved to be a banner year as 117 candidates were made Master Masons. It is now the home of the following bodies : Hyde Park Lodge, 589 ; Oakley Lodge, 668; Queen City Lodge, 556; Willis Chapter, 131, Royal Arch Masons ; Hyde Park Chapter, 313, Order of Eastern Star ; Hyde Park Masonic Club ; Hyde Park Council, 341, Junior Order United American Mechanics ; Hyde Park Chapter, Daughters of America, and, at present writing, the home of the Hyde Park Methodist Church.


McMillan Lodge, No. 141, Cincinnati, was organized May 18, 1847. None of the charter members are living at this date. The present total membership of this lodge is 65o. The first elective officers were : John L. Vattier, worshipful master ; John N. Ridgeway, senior deacon ; William Hoffman, junior warden. The present elective officers are : Frederick H. Goosmann, worshipful master ; Henry D. Hopf, senior warden ; Otto Shaffer, junior warden ; William F. Anschutz, treasurer ; H. Wurst, senior deacon ; Edwin Wright, junior deacon ; Frank Schoffer, tyler.


Liberty Lodge, No. 646, instituted December 3, 1918, was granted its charter October 16, 1919, with members numbering 102. The original elective officers were : Frederick Gerhardt, worshipful master; Joseph S. Levi, senior warden ; David Rammelsburg, junior warden ; Harry