DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 177 abled him to understand and utilize conditions and to make his way along the path of continuous and substantial success. Mr. Callahan's efforts were by no means confined to one line of undertaking or activity. His sound judgment and his undaunted enterprise were influencing factors in the management of various important business concerns. He was the president of the Gem City Building & Loan Association, also a director of the City National Bank, the Dayton Gas Light & Coke Company, the Royal Remedy & Extract Company and the Miamisburg Hydraulic Company. He was likewise the president of the Ohio Paper Company, whose plant was also located at Miamisburg. He had marked ability in coordinating forces into a unified whole and thus producing a strength that could not otherwise have been achieved. His business judgment was recognized by all as most sound and reliable and constituted a moving force in the attainment of success for many enterprises. In 1891 Mr. Callahan was married to Miss Lida Ohmer, a daughter of George Ohmer, of this city. Mrs. Callahan died seven years later leaving a daughter, Charlotte. Mr. Callahan had extensive fraternal relations, having attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite of Masonry, while with the Mystic Shrine he was also identified. He was likewise a charter member of the Elks society and was in hearty sympathy with the fraternal spirit underlying those organizations. There was nothing narrow nor contracted in his nature, nor was he ever led to endorse any movement inimical to the city's best good. He wrought along large and beneficial lines in public affairs as well as in business and ever sought the welfare of his native city. ELIHU THOMPSON. Elihu Thompson, senior partner of the law firm of Thompson & Thompson, has long occupied an enviable position at the Dayton bar, nor have his influence and labors been inconsequential factors in molding municipal affairs. In all that he does he is practical, being a man of action rather than theory, and his efforts have wrought along the lines of the greatest good to the greatest number. He is one of Montgomery county's native sons, his birth having occurred about ten miles north of Dayton in Randolph township, October 13, 1837. His parents, James F. and Mary Ann (Riley) Thompson, were both natives of Pennsylvania but about 182o became residents of Montgomery county, Ohio, James F. Thompson accompanying his father, Aaron Thompson, of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, who at that time brought his family to this state. Mrs. Thompson was a daughter of Isaac Riley, who died in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, the mother afterward bringing her family to Montgomery county, Ohio. Reared to the occupation of farming, James F. Thompson always followed that pursuit and was recognized as a leading representative of his calling and as a citizen of genuine worth. His fellow-townsmen, appreciating his ability and his loyalty in public affairs, called him to the office of constable, in which he served for fifteen years in Randolph township, while for six years he was justice of the 178 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY peace in Jackson. township. Twice he was elected land appraiser and was sent to the state legislature, faithfully representing the interests of his district in the general assembly. His wife died in 1887, when seventy-four years of age, and he survived until December 10, 1890, passing away when nearly eighty years of age. Reared on the home farm to the age of eighteen years, during which time he pursued his early education in the district schools, Elihu Thompson afterward entered the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and at the age of nineteen took up the profession of teaching, to which he devoted his energies for eight years. During the summer months he continued his own education and while teaching he devoted his leisure to the mastery of legal principles, largely equipping himself through private study for the practice of the profession. However, he attended for a time the law college at Cleveland and was graduated therefrom, May 26, 1862. On they 4th of August of the same year he responded to the country's call for 'military aid and at Miamisburg, Ohio, enrolled as a member of Company E, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was in a• hospital at Lexington, Kentucky, when the Union forces were there defeated by General Kirby Smith and was taken prisoner. A week later he was paroled but was held within the rebel lines for ten days longer. When he left their lines near Patriot, Switzerland county, Indiana, he. made his way to Camp Chase at: Columbus and on the 29th of October, 1862, was honorably discharged because of physical disability. On the 9th of December, 1863, Governor Tod commissioned him adjutant of the Second Regiment of Ohio Militia, with which he served as first lieutenant as long as the organization was maintained. Following the termination of his military experience Mr. Thompson entered upon the practice of law. March 10, 1864, in Dayton, and for forty-five years has been a representative member of the bar of this city. The court records give the proof of his ability, which has been manifest in much important legal work both as counselor and advocate. For five years he practiced in partnership with W. H. Belville and for three years was associated with James P. Whitmore, while for one year he was a .partner 'of James A. Mumma. He then practiced alone for. some time but on the .1st of January, 1907, formed a partnership with his nephew, .Francis M. Thompson, who is also his legally adopted son. Soon after his return from the army :Kr. Thompson was married in May, 1865; to, Miss Elina Jane. Gregg, of Springboro, Ohio, who died in September, 1866. For his second wife he' chose Miss Bell Whitmore, of Dayton, whom he wedded in September, 1868, and in this city they have long been accorded a prominent place in social circles where intelligence is regarded as. a necessary attribute .to .congenial companionship. Mr. Thompson holds to the Unitarian views, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church.. He has. given much attention to the study of theology and has written several valuable papers on theosophy . and delivered several lectures on that subject in Cincinnati, Dayton and other cities. He is a profound thinker and logical reasoner, strong in his deductions and. clear in statement. The same qualities are manifest in his discussion of political ques- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 179 tions. He has always been a stalwart advocate of the principles of democracy and in 1869 was elected on the party ticket prosecuting attorney for Montgomery county and by reelection continued in the office for four years. As a member of the board of education through two terms he has done effective service for the cause of the public schools and afterward became a member of the city board of police commissioners, serving for two terms and acting as president of the board for one year. Under his direction the excellent police force of Dayton was organized and his service in the department was characterized by great efficiency. In 1890 the bar association of Dayton: elected Mr. Thompson substitute for Judge Elliott of the common pleas court and he ably presided on the common pleas bench for six months. Although he is now in his seventy-second year, he still remains an active and valued member of the profession and his opinions on every subject of vital import, being largely judicial in cast, are listened to with interest and attention by those who hear his expression. HENRY BLUST. Henry Blust, successfully engaged in business as a wholesale .and retail butcher of Dayton, is a worthy native son of this city, his birth having occurred at .the corner of Troy and Air streets on the 28th of December, 1869. His parents were Joseph and Anglies (Zink) Blust, the former a native of Germany, who came to the United States in: early manhood and took up his abode in Montgomery county, Ohio. He has been numbered among the respected and esteemed residents of this county for sixty years and is now a retired agriculturist, making his home on the Blust place in Wayne township. During. the Civil war he .served his adopted country as a soldier of the Union army. Unto him and hjs wife.. were born eight children, as follows : William and Joseph, who are deceased ; Leon ; Mary ; John ; Henry, of this review ; Frederick ; and Laura. The. parents are still living. Henry Blust was reared and educated in Dayton, attending the common schools until fourteen years of age, when he began learning the butchering business and has since been identified with that line of activity. Twelve years ago he established his present business and by unremitting energy. and capable management has built up an extensive and profitable trade, being now one of the prosperous and enterprising representatives of the .butchering business in the county. About a year ago his sausage factory was. destroyed by fire, incurring a loss of three thousand dollars, but he soon rebuilt and now has a good modern factory. With undaunted spirit he set to work to retrieve his lost possessions and that his efforts have been crowned with success is indicated by the large and increasing patronage which is accorded him. The family home, which he erected, is a handsome and commodious structure and is doubly attractive by reason of the generous and cordial hospitality dispensed. by its .inmates. In former years Mr. Blust was in very poor health and was obliged to undergo several Operations but is now completely cured. 180 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY On the 22d of June, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Blust and Miss Amye Stiner, a daughter of John and Clara (Heiser) Stiner, both of whom are still living. Her father is a butcher in the employ of our subject. She has two sisters : Laura, the wife of J. I. Geiger, and Ella, the wife of Jesse Woodman, both of Dayton. Mr. and Mrs. Blust have a daughter, Catharine, now three years of age. The family are devoted and consistent members of the Emanuel church, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence. Mr. Blust also belongs to the Young Butchers Association and to the Moose and in all the varied relations of life has displayed those sterling traits of character which have won him the friendship and esteem of those with whom he has been associated. He has lived a life of activity and has depended upon his own labors to win success in face of the competition which is always to be met with in the business world and which constitutes the stimulus of every activity. JACOB ZINK. Jacob Zink, a wholesale and retail butcher of Van Buren township, where he owns about three acres of land and one of the finest homes in that part of the county, was born January 2, 1845, at the old Four Mile House in this county. His parents were Joseph and Teresa (Nann) Zink. The father came from Baden, Germany, when he was a boy and attended school both in the old country and in the new world, being afforded good opportunities for acquiring an education. He afterward learned the brick making trade and later turned his attention to the butchering business, with which he became connected in Dayton. He always lived near the city and in the conduct of his business affairs met with substantial and gratifying success. When death claimed him his remains were interred in a cemetery on Main street but later were removed to Calvary. He was the father of ten children : Frances ; Jacob, of this review ; Joseph, a resident of Ohio ; John, living in Indiana ; Frank, of Dayton ; Charles, of Tippecanoe ; Edward, deceased; William, of Indiana ; August, living in Springboro, Ohio ; and Emma, whose home is in St. Louis. The family comes of good old German stock, the grandparents being Jacob and Regina Zink, who came from Germany and located in Pennsylvania. Subsequently they removed to Ohio and resided with the subject of this review. Jacob Zink was reared in the usual manner of farm lads and in his youthful days attended the Kiser school. When twenty-four years of age he embarked in business on his own account, having up to this time worked for his father save for two years which he spent in the employ of a brother-in-law. He first started in the butchering business for himself on West Third street and later removed to North Dayton, where he remained for some time. Subsequently he made his way to the section of the county in which he now lives, having here made his home for the past twenty years. He conducts a successful business as a wholesale and retail butcher, having a large patronage which makes his business one of importance and also a gratifying source of revenue. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 181 On the 12th of January, 1879, Mr. Zink was married to Miss Helena Jergens. Unto this union twelve children have been born : Frances, the wife of Clifford Espy ; John, who married Rhoda Hurless and has five children, John, Edna, Harry, Ralph and Charlotte ; Helen, who is living at home ; Dan, a resident of Dayton ; Benjamin, who married Mrs. Laura (Wollenhopt) Muth and has a son Norbert ; Samuel, who married Myrtle Bellmar and has a son Frederick ; Tressa, the wife of R. J. Lehman, by whom she has three children, Geneva, Cecelia and Clarence ; Lawrence, at home ; Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Hirish ; Anthony, Philip and Viola, all at home. Mr. Zink and the members of his household are all communicants of the Catholic church and are prominent in church affairs. He has led a busy, active and useful life and has won success by his unfaltering diligence and perseverance. In 1904 he erected a fine residence, which is one of the best in his part of the county and in the rear stand large and commodious outbuildings, while upon his place are all modern equipments. The house is at the corner of East drive and Lebanon pike and is celebrated for its warm-hearted hospitality. CLEMENTS JACOB HOCHWALT. Clements Jacob Hochwalt is the owner of five acres of arable land excellently adapted for gardening, on College street, about two miles from the courthouse in Dayton. He is the son of Fred and Catherine (Schmidt) Hochwalt, the account of whose coming to this country is given in the sketch of Charles Hochwalt. Clements Jacob Hochwalt grew up with the other members of his family on the home place and has made Harrison township his abode during all his life. He attended the schools of this section until he had completed the required course of study and during this period of training worked for his father on the farm. In the days of his boyhood he suffered from a severe illness that left its mark in a slight lameness, which, however, is not sufficient to impede his walking or to attract attention to himself. Aside from this the years of his life have passed quietly enough, the varying tasks from day to day occupying most of his waking hours, and each bringing with it its own measure of reward for good work per formed. On the 20th of April, 1890 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hochwalt and Miss Elizabeth Theis, the daughter of Theodore and Elizabeth (Brandenburg) Theis, who are farmers of Montgomery county. This union has been blessed with nine children. Leona, the eldest, is at present living at home. She is a young girl who has evinced more than the usual fondness for study and has enjoyed many advantages in schooling, for in addition to the county schools she attended the school of the Sacred Heart, and then finished her education in the convent at Notre Dame. Richard, the second of the family, assists his father on the farm. Alfred has passed away. Irvin, Edith and Lillian are still in school, while Ethel, Jeanette and Clemens keep the home joyous with their childish play. The family belong to the Sacred Heart church, are regular in attendance at its services, and their daily life gives evidence of their adherence to its teachings. 182 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Mr. Hochwalt is one of those stalwart men upon whom the strength of the nation is builded ; he fulfils his obligations as a citizen of this republic quietly but effectively. He is earnest and diligent in his work, has won his measure of success, and has the respect of all who know him. HENRY CHAMPLIN GRAVES. Henry Champlin Graves is a retired capitalist of Dayton, who for many years was connected with industrial interests but when his business enterprise had brought to him a handsome competence he retired to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He is yet financially interested in some of the important business enterprises of the city but leaves, active management to others. His record indicates that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously for his business principles and actions have always been based upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and industry. Mr. Graves is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Horseheads, New York, in 1836. His father, Dr. Henry NI. Graves, was born in that state in 1794 and died in Horseheads, near Elmira, in 1846 when about fifty years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Wilcox, was a native of England and, following her husband's demise, she came with her little family to Dayton, where her remaining days were passed, her death occurring in this city in 1886. The daughter of the family is Mrs. Isabella Gilbert, the widow of Jacob B. Gilbert and a resident of Florida. Henry C. Graves spent the first twelve years of his life in the place of his nativity and then accompanied his mother on her removal to Dayton, where in the public schools he continued his education which had been begun in Horseheads. He attended school to the age of twenty years and entered business life as a clerk in the employ of J. B. Gilbert & Company, a wholesale grocer with whom he continued for twelve years, during which period he gained a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the trade 'and the methods in vogue in the business world at that date. On the expiration of that period he and his brother bought out Mr. Gilbert and carried on the business for twelve years, after which Henry C. Graves retired in order to concentrate his energies upon other business ventures. He began the manufacture of agricultural implements under the firm style of Marshall, Graves & Company, the business being thus continued until 1883, when it was merged into the Ohio Rake Company, at which time Mr. Graves became a stockholder. In 1883 he turned his attention to the manufacture of boilers as senior partner of the firm of Graves & Marshall and was associated with the industrial interests of the city for ten years, or until 1898, when the business Was turned over to the sons of the founders and is yet conducted by them. Mr. Graves has made judicious investments in excellent dividend paying enterprises. He is still a director of the Dayton Gas, Light & Coke Company, of which he was the vice president for twenty-six years, and is also a director in the City National Bank. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 185 In Dayton in 1863 Mr. Graves was joined in wedlock to Miss Sarah J. Dickey and they have two sons : William Dickey, the secretary of the Ohio Rake Company ; and Henry C., of the firm of Graves & Marshall, manufacturers. Mr. Graves belongs to no secret order. He votes with the democracy and for four years was police commissioner. He has learned to correctly value life's contacts and experiences, has sought connection with those things which constitute factors in the world's progress in material, social, intellectual and moral lines and wherever known is honored and respected because of his close conformity to such principles as command respect and confidence in every land and clime. ROBERT R. DICKEY, SR. The life work of Robert R. Dickey, Sr., was so varied, so extensive and so honorable in its purposes that his history is inseparably interwoven with the annals of Dayton through a period of more than a half century. Fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, he was honored wherever known and most of all where he was best known. He stood as a representative of the best type of citizenship and when he passed from the scene of earthly activity it was the uniform expression throughout Dayton that the world was better for his having lived. His life record began during the pioneer epoch in the history of Ohio, his birth occurring near Middletown in Butler county, October 26, 1816, his parents being Adam and Mary (McKee) Dickey. The father was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, where he was born in 1768. As a young man of eighteen years he made the long and tedious voyage across the Atlantic in a sailing vessel and located near McConnellstown, Pennsylvania, in 1784. He had been a resident of that place for about six years when, in 1790, he wedded Mary McKee, a native of Pennsylvania and a second cousin of George Washington. Three children were added to the family while they maintained their residence in McConnellstown, whence, in company with an uncle, they started westward to Ohio, locating at Cincinnati, then known as Fort Washington. The trip was made on the Ohio river on flatboats which Mr. Dickey had built and on which he brought two four-horse teams and two wagons. While at Fort Washington he was joined by two brothers who came from the Emerald isle to the new world. He devoted his attention to the manufacture of brick and from the brick of his kilns was built the first brick house in Cincinnati. After four years there passed he took up his abode near Middletown, Butler county, in 1863, and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, milling and distilling, making shipment of his produce to the New Orleans markets on flatboats of his own construction. His activity and enterprise constituted features in the early development of that part of the state, where he continued his residence until his death in 1828, while his wife survived until 1844. From the age of eleven years, when his father died, Robert R. Dickey was dependent upon his own resources. Prosperity had attended the father through his business activities for many years, but shortly prior to his death, he met 186 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY with reverses occasioned by fires and other misfortunes, and there was little left to the family when he passed away. At a time when most boys were attending school Robert R. Dickey therefore was providing for his own support, but in the school - of experience he. learned many valuable lessons and was constantly broadening his knowledge through investigation and contact with the world. He made his initial step in business life as an employe in a brickyard, where he was paid less than five dollars per month in compensation for labor that averaged fourteen hours per day. Subsequently he was employed at farm work at five dollars per month and in 1830 he was employed, upon the public work of Ohio and Indiana by his brothers, who were made contractors. His adaptability and ready resource enabled him to advance until at the age of seventeen he was made superintendent of a large gang of men, his sound judgment well equipping him for this position of responsibility. It was in the year 1842. that Mr. Dickey became a resident of Dayton, where he engaged with his two elder brothers, John and William, in quarrying stone until 1853. Ever watchful of opportunities, he sought out new lines of business that would yield profitable returns, and in 1847, in connection with his brothers, placed a line of packet boats on the Wabash and Erie canal and later, as a member of the firm of Doyle & Dickey, built the locks at St. Mary's and at Delphos. Extending his activities in still another direction, he became one of the organizers of the Dayton Bank in 1845 and served for several years as one of its directors. Thus through his energy and keen business discernment he became recognized as one of the foremost representatives of industrial, commercial and financial activity in his adopted city. In 1852 he became one of the stockholders in the Exchange Bank with Jonathan Harshman,. Valentine Winters and J. R. Young. The following year chronicled his connection with the Dayton Gas, Light & Coke Company, of which he became a large stockholder, while in 1855 he was elected its president, He served as its chief executive officer for three years, when ill health compelled' him to resign, although he continued as a director. In 1880, however, he was once more chosen chief executive officer and continued in the position until January, 1907, when the infirmities of age necessitated his retirement and he was succeeded by his only son, Robert R. Dickey, Jr. He was also extensively identified with other important business concerns. From 1868 he was one of the directors and largest stockholders of the Dayton National Bank and from 1894 to 1897 was the head of the Globe Iron Works. He was also president of the Dayton & Western Railroad Company, now a part of the Pennsylvania system, and was one of the directors of the Cooper Hydraulic Company. Whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion. He was watchful of every opportunity and had the ability to coordinate forces, bringing them into harmonious unity, resulting in the attainment Of the desired end. His labors were always of a character that contributed to the city's development and progress as well as to individual prosperity, and at no time was he too busy with his private concerns to take an active and helpful interest in matters of general moment. On the 17th of June, 1850, Mr. Dickey was married to Martha J. Winters, a daughter of Valentine Winters and a representative of one of the well known pioneer families of Dayton, her native city. Her father was for some years a DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 187 leading financier of the community and her grandfather, the Rev. Thomas Winters, was an honored pioneer minister of the Miami valley. Mr. and Mrs. Dickey became parents of three sons but two passed away ere the father's death. William W. Dickey, who was born in 1852, died July 15, 1896, and Valentine, born in 1855, died March 30, 1890. Extended mention is made of the surviving son, Robert R. Dickey, Jr., on another page of this work. The death of the husband and father occurred September 14, 1908, when he was in the ninety-second year of his age. He was one of Dayton's oldest citizens, not only in years but also in length of his residence here, having for sixty-six years made his home in the Gem city, which was a place of only about six thousand population at the time of his arrival. His labors were an important factor in making it one of the most prosperous and beautiful cities of Ohio. It was characteristic of him that he was neglectful of no duty, either of a public or private nature. Every movement of progressive citizenship received his endorsement and his cooperation, and in his business life he was notable as one who never made engagements that he did not keep nor incur obligations that he did not meet. Denied the advantages of any but the most meager educational discipline, he nevertheless won a place among the far-sighted, intelligent men—men who learned to correctly value life's opportunities and its purposes. His own success never affected in the least his interest nor his friendship for others less fortunate. He judged men by their character worth and not by their possessions, and yet his own life stands as a splendid example of the success to which an individual may attain by persistent, honorable effort. His friends were numbered among the young and old, the rich and poor, and there is none who does not entertain for Robert R. Dickey the most sincere respect and confidence. His reputation for business integrity was unassailable and he ever maintained the strictest justice in his dealings. He ever held to the highest standards of manhood in every relation, and at last passed to his reward full of years and honors, but his memory is yet cherished in the hearts of all who knew him. ROBERT R. DICKEY, JR. It has been said that the most difficult position in which any man can be placed is that in which he must stand comparison with a successful and honored ancestry, for the world is apt to judge of his work not by its individual merit but rather to claim that its accomplishment has its rise in inherited tendency or in favorable influence. In the control of important business interests, however, Robert R. Dickey, Jr., has proven his own strength and given indication of his enterprise, his initiative spirit and a strong and stalwart purpose. Born in Dayton in 1867, his youthful days were spent in the home of his father, Robert R. Dickey, Sr., and his preliminary education was acquired in the public schools. The father determined that the son should not be handicapped by a lack of education as he was in his youthful days and sent him to a preparatory school in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Desirous of enjoying still higher educational 188 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY facilities, Robert R. Dickey then entered Yale University, from which he was graduated in 1888. Following his return to Dayton, he started in business life as assistant secretary in the Dayton Globe Iron Works, continuing in that position until 1893, when his previous experience and developed powers led to his selection for the position of secretary. Four years later, in 1897, he was chosen president and treasurer of the company and now occupies this dual position, in which connection he is devoting his energies to executive control and administrative direction. In other fields of labor he has also given proof of his keen business discernment and powers of systemization. He was one of the organizers of the Acme Sign Printing Company in 1894, became its first president and so continued for eleven years, while at the present time he is secretary and treasurer of the American Board & Box Company, their successors. He is also the vice president of the Cooper Hydraulic Company and from 1899 until 1908 was secretary of the Dayton View Hydraulic Company. For four years he has been director and for two years vice president of the Winters National Bank, is a director in the Oakwood Realty Company, in the City Railway Company and in the Dayton Country Club Company, while since 1907 he has been president of the Dayton Gas Light & Coke Company. In all these positions he has proven that he is liberally equipped with the force of character and ambitious spirit that are necessary in the accomplishment of results in the business world, and in all of his undertakings he keeps in close touch with the spirit of business enterprise and progress. In 1894 in Dayton Mr. Dickey was married to Miss Myrtle Thacker, a daughter of Newton Thacker, and they have one son, Robert R. Dickey, III. The parents hold membership in the Episcopal church, in which Mr. Dickey is serving as a vestryman, and their attractive personal qualities have won them notable social prominence. OSWALD CAMMANN. The insurance business is a comparatively recent enterprise but its benefits are so obvious that it has grown with remarkable rapidity and there is no town that does not have its representative of one or more of the old line insurance companies. The volume of business which Oswald Cammann has secured in this direction makes him one of the substantial citizens of Dayton, where he has lived for three decades or more. He was born in New York city in 1869, a son of Oswald and Susan (Harshman) Cammann. His father's birth also occurred in the eastern metropolis in the year 1842 and he died there in 1868, when but twenty-six years of age. In the meantime he had done active duty with the famous Seventh New York Regiment in the Civil war and was with that command in all, of its engagements and military experiences, including the suppression of the draft riots in New York in 1863. He married Miss Susan Harshman, of an old and prominent family of that name in Dayton. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 189 After his removal to the middle west Oswald Cammann continued his education in private schools of Dayton. Pursuing his studies to the age of twenty years, he then entered the Winters National Bank, where he continued for three years. Since that time he has been in insurance lines and has thoroughly informed himself concerning every branch of insurance and its manifold advantages. In the year 1895 Mr. Cammann was married in Dayton to Miss Nellie Hanna and they have one son, Oswald. Mr. Cammann belongs to Christ Episcopal Church, in which he has been vestryman for a number of years and in the work of which he is deeply and helpfully interested. In politics he is a democrat but not active. He served on the Dayton Park Commission for some years and is interested in all those movements and measures which- are relative to the city's up-building, progress and improvement but he cares nothing for the emoluments and. honors of office as such. He is' the secretary of the Miami Valley Hospital and is the treasurer of the Dayton City Club. His interests are those of a broadminded man, who recognizes the trend of the times as manifest in the keen, alert interest seen at the present day in many lines of thought and action.. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents and the directing of his efforts along lines where mature and sound judgment has led the way. BARRY S. MURPHY. It is a notable fact that a large majority of able attorneys are of Irish birth or trace their parentage to the Emerald Isle. This perhaps may be accounted for in part by the versatility which is a national characteristic and which enables the individual to readily appreciate and understand each situation of a legal procedure and place a correct value thereon. As the name indicates Barry S. Murphy is of Irish lineage although one of the native sons of Montgomery county, in which he is now successfully practicing law as senior member of the firm of Murphy, Elliff & Emanuel. His birth occurred on a farm, August 26, 1863, and he is a son of Dennis Murphy, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1828, and came to America in 1849. For twenty-five years he was a member of the Dayton police force and his death occurred in this city in June, 1900. When a little lad of five years Barry S. Murphy was brought by his parents to this city, acquiring his early education in St. Mary's Institute, while subsequently he was graduated from the high school. He entered business life as a reporter on the Journal and also engaged in teaching in the country schools for a time but, thinking to find the practice of law more congenial and profitable, he began reading in the office of Iddings & Iddings and in due time was admitted to the bar. He remained, however, in the office of Iddings & Iddings for seven years, having varied experiences in legal work, both in the preparation and trial of cases. On the expiration of that period Mr. Murphy formed a partnership with the late J. C. Patterson, which continued for thirteen years, and after its dissolution he was joined by C. W. Elliff in a partnership in which A. Emanuel became associated in July, 1908. Their law business is now important and of a repre- 190 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY sentative character, bringing them into close connection with the work of the courts in the trial of various notable cases. Mr. Murphy was for two years-attorney for the Dayton school board. He is well known socially as a member of the Elks lodge, the Foresters, Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus, while his religious faith is manifested by his membership in the: Catholic church. THOMAS A. LEGLER. Thomas A. Legler, whose name is an honored one in commercial and financial'. circles, is numbered among those whose intelligently directed industry in former years has brought them to a position where it is possible to live in business retirement without recourse to further labor. Moreover, he is honored and re-. spected by reason of the fact that he is of that class of self-made men who have not feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way, possessing the courage to meet conditions as they arise and a resolute will that has enabled him to overcome the difficulties and obstacles which continually beset the paths of business. Born in New York city in 1832, he was a son of Joseph Legler, a native of Baden, Germany, in which country he was reared and married Christina Yagley. Coming to America, they remained in the eastern metropolis until 1833, when they removed to Dayton. The father was a millstone cutter. He continued. his residence in this city until his death, which occurred when he was forty-six years of age, four sons and two daughters surviving him. Of this family three sons and the, daughters are yet living and all are residents of Dayton. In this city Thomas A. Legler was reared and acquired his education in the public schools of that day. Dayton was then a city of eight thousand population and Mr. Legler therefore, in the intervening years, has witnessed much of its growth and progress and through his business activity has contributed to the promotion of its commercial development. He was first employed in the office of the Journal, then a tri-weekly paper, published by Richard and William Cumley, with whom he continued for a year. He then entered a clothing store, where he remained for three or four years, after which he sold goods from a wagon for his employer, Salvator Schafer. On discontinuing that work he entered the wholesale dry-gocds house of Pryne, Lytle & Shaw, remaining with that firm as a salesman for several years, when he felt that his previous experience and the capital which he had saved from his earnings justified him in en-• gaging in business on his own account. He then joined John Fink in a partner--ship under the firm 'style of Fink & Legler, furnishing his experience and eight hundred dollars capital. They established a clothing store and the business was successfully continued for four or five years, when Mr. Legler withdrew and established a wholesale dry-goods store under the firm name of T. A. Leg. ler & Company. After two or three years the firm became Legler & Barlow, the junior partner, Theodore Barlow, having been the silent partner in the original firm. This relation was maintained continuously until the retirement of DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 193 Mr. Legler in 1906, and the house throughout that period ranked as one of the foremost wholesale enterprises in this part of the state, its ramifying trade interests covering a wide territory, while its close conformity to a high standard of commercial ethics won for it a most enviable and unassailable reputation. Mr. Legler still remains a director of the Third National Bank and a director and the vice president of the Teutonia Fire Insurance Company. His investments are well placed and his former success makes his name an honored one on commercial paper. In 1860 Mr. Legler was married in Dayton to Miss Mary Barlow, a daughter of Theodore Barlow, and they have two daughters and two sons : Clara, now the wife of Edward Ohmer, of Dayton ; Ella, the wife of E. D. Grimes, Theodore Barlow and Thomas A., both of this city. Mr. Legler votes with the democracy but has never yet taken an active part in politics. He belongs to the Dayton City Club and to the Sacred Heart Catholic church. A broad humanitarianism is manifest in his active cooperation with many measures for the benefit of the unfortunate and his generous support of various charities. For ten years he served as a trustee of the Children Home in Dayton and was also at one time a trustee of the State Hospital for the Insane in this city. Dayton numbers him among its oldest residents, for through seventy-six years he has here resided, watching with interest the growth and development of the municipality. Events which are to others matters of history are to him matters of personal experience and his reminiscences concerning those things which have featured in the annals of Dayton are interesting and instructive. He has at all times rejoiced in the city's growth and cooperated in many plans for its improvement and advancement. NATHAN MORY. Nathan Mory, deceased, was for many years a prominent merchant and business man of Dayton, the extent and importance of his activities making him a leading factor in the upbuilding and commercial progress of the city. Throughout his entire career, too, he was so careful to conform his activities to a high standard of commercial ethics that over his record there fell no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil. His example indeed was one well worthy of emulation and although ten years have passed since he was called to his final rest his memory is honored by those who were associated with him. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1822 and came to Dayton in early manhood with his widowed mother and with his brother Albert. Here he turned his attention to merchandising, engaging in the hat, shoe and fur business, which he followed for many years, building up an extensive and profitable trade in that direction. At length, however, he ,retired from mercantile life and engaged in the real estate business, in which he continued up to the time of his demise, in 1899. The spirit of enterprise and determination, and the ability which he displayed gave him a prominent place in the ranks of the leading and successful business men in the city. 194 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Mr. Mory was married in Dayton in 1862 to Miss Sarah C. Casad, and unto them were born three sons : Bert C., a Mason and an Elk, who died unmarried in 1889 ; Walter, who died in infancy ; and Harry Casad, who belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Dayton City Club. He is well known in the social circles of this city and also in the First Baptist church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while he is in thorough sympathy with its principles he is not an active partisan. COLONEL EDWARD A. KING. Thrilled with the love and pride of country, it is well for the individual to pause and think that the present stability of this great republic rests upon the sacrifice of thousands of our loyal sons who laid down their lives on the altar of the nation that its unity might be preserved. It was thus that the record of Colonel Edward A. King was brought to its close. He was born in Cambridge, New York, April 3, 18.14, and was killed in the battle at Chickamauga, Georgia, on the l0th of September, 1863. In early. life he was a well-known man in Dayton, where he had lived for a number of years prior to the war and took an active and helpful part. in promoting its business development and its progress along various lines. In 1842 at Cincinnati, Ohio, he was married to Miss Sarah McNaughton, who died in Dayton, November 17, 1866. When Texas struggled against Mexico and won her independence, becoming a republic in herself in the southwest, Colonel King was among those who aided in attaining this result, being associated with many of the leaders in that struggle. Later when the war between the United States and Mexico occurred, ne volunteered for service and participated in General Scott's campaign leading up to the capture of the City of Mexico. He held the rank: of captain of the Fifteenth United States Infantry. In 1853 he was appointed postmaster of Dayton, which Position he acceptably filled for eight years. That the fire of patriotism burned brightly within his breast is indicated by the ready response which he gave whenever military aid was needed. His age would have released him from service in the Civil war, but prior to that conflict he studied the questions which were bringing about the division between the north and the south and considered the o nstitutionality of the movement of the Confederacy, and, believing in the right of the government to hold all of its territory and its people, he offered his service:: in the opening year of the Civil war, at once reporting to Governor Denison of Ohio with his company. He was placed in command of Camp Denison and without solicitation was appointed lieutenant colonel of the Nineteenth United States Infantry, being ordered to Indianapolis to organize his regiment. In the summer of 1862, when Kirby Smith invaded Kentucky, he temporarily took command of the Sixty-eighth Indiana Regiment to resist the enemy, and his regiment was one of those captured at the battle of Mumfordville when the Union troops were defending the garrison at that place. Colonel King, however, saved the regimental flag by wrapping it around his body and carrying it there until he was exchanged. Shortly before his death he was DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 195 promoted to colonelcy of the Sixth United States Infantry. In the Chickamauga campaign he was in command of the Second Brigade, Reynolds' Division. Fourteenth Army Corps, and with his brigade he participated in the hard fighting September 19, 1863, at Chickamauga, where on the afternoon of the 20th he was killed by a Confederate sharp-shooter during a lull in the fight. His body was carried on the field on a caisson and buried at Rossville, being the only body taken off the field. The national government has erected a hansome shell monument on the spot where he was killed. CHARLES CHATLAND BOSLER. Charles Chatland Bosler is well known in business circles of Dayton by reason of his connection with various enterprises, chief among which is the bakery business in which he is engaged in connection with his father. He was born in this city April 14, 1859, and is a son of Theodore Bosler. He acquired his education in the public schools of Dayton and in his early youth learned the baker's trade. After graduating from the local schools with honor he began his business career in connection with the dry goods house of D. L. Rike & Company, where his promotions were rapid. He was soon placed in charge of the silk department and his labors constituted a valuable asset of the house. In 1888, however, he returned to the business with which he was first connected, joining his father, Theodore Bosler, in the conduct of a bakery which they now carry on in their own property on South Main street. Charles C. Bosler is also interested in other enterprises and has been successful in all his undertakings, for he seems to see from the center to the utmost circumference of possibilities and at all times wisely utilizes the opportunities at hand. On the 19th of September, 1888, in Dayton Mr. Bosler was married to Miss Ida Best and they have four children : Charlotte, Elizabeth Manton, Edwin Best and Theodore. In his political views Mr. Bosler is a republican interested in the success and growth of the party but never seeking office as a reward for party fealty. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian. In all respects he js a thorough Christian gentleman, highly esteemed by those who know him and he lives in a beautiful and happy home in Dayton View. ALBERT L. SHEARER. Albert L. Shearer is the junior partner of the firm of Roney & Shearer, hardware merchants of Dayton, who for twenty-one years have conducted business in this city, maintaining throughout an unassailable reputation for commercial activity, increasing their business along the legitimate lines of trade and in harmony with the progressive ideas of the present day. Mr. Shearer was born on a farm in Montgomery county, Ohio, June 11, 1851, and is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of this locality. His grandfather, Moses 196 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Shearer, was a native of Pennsylvania and during the formative period in the history of Montgomery county established his home within its borders upon a farm in Wayne township where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for many years, his death occurring in 1874. His son, Christopher Shearer, was born on the home farm in 1827 and, having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Harriet Wright, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, October 6, 1829. Their marriage, however, was celebrated in Montgomery county, December 19, 1849, and they retained their residence in the latter county until 1856 when they removed to Shelby county, locating in Jackson township. There they lived until the spring of 1864, after which they spent one year in the city of Sidney and then located on a farm near Swanders, where they continued to make their home until the death of Mrs. Shearer, with the exception of four years passed in Montgomery county. Mrs. Shearer was an invalid for five years before she departed this life, December 2, 1908. Mr. Shearer still resides in Shelby county, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. In their family were six sons and six daughters and the family circle remained unbroken by the hand of death until the mother passed away. The sons and daughters are as follows : Albert L. ; John H., who is living in Los Gatos, California ; Martha, Mary, Clara, Effie and S. E. Shearer, who are on the home farm near Swanders, Ohio ; Charles, living in Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Will E., a resident of Cleveland ; Warren W.. of Washington, D. C. ; Mrs. E. McCormick, of Jackson Center, Ohio ; and Mrs. E. W. Richards, of Sidney, Ohio. The eldest of the family, Albert L. Shearer, was reared under the parental roof to the age of nineteen years and completed his education by two years' study in the Dayton high school. He put aside his text-books when about twenty years of age and later canvassed and made collections for an agricultural implement firm. Subsequently he accepted a position as clerk in the hardware store of R. Barnett & Company and during his six years association with that house he gained comprehensive understanding of the trade and laid the foundation for his success in the same line in later years. He afterward became manager for the west side branch of the lumber business of C. White & Son, with whom he continued for eight years, after which he spent one year in the office of the Barney & Smith Car Works. On the expiration of that period he returned to the hardware trade in 1888, forming a partnership with H. Roney under the firm style of Roney & Shearer. They began business in the store which they now occupy and have been located here continuously since. Theirs is one of the old established hardware enterprises of the city with a large patronage and an extensive and well selected line of goods. From the beginning theirs has proved a profitable venture and that Mr. Shearer is widely. recognized as a prominent representative of the hardware trade in the state is attested by the fact that he was honored with the presidency of the Ohio Hardware Association in an election to that office in 1908. Through the preceding three years he had served as its financial secretary and his efforts have been a potent force in promoting hardware interests and in bringing to the dealers such knowledge and experience as will prove of benefit in promoting individual interests. Aside from his activity in hardware lines, Mr. Shearer became one of the charter members of the West Side Building & Loan Company, of which he has now been the president for several years. He is also DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 197 a director in the Farmers & Merchants Bank on the west side of the city and is a business man whose judgment is uniformly regarded as sound and reliable. In 1881 in Dayton Mr. Shearer was married to Miss Julia B. Folkerth, a daughter of K. R. H. Folkerth, whose father, Russel Folkerth, was one of the first justices of the peace of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer have a daughter, Edith L., now the wife of H. N. Hall, of Joliet, Illinois. Mr. Shearer has been active and prominent in various lines outside of busryness. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum and is a trustee of Howard Council, No. 161, of Dayton. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party, strongly endorsing the principles which have been its basic elements for years. For a long time he was actively interested in the Young Men's Christian Association, which he represented for some years in official capacities. He belongs to the First Reformed church, in which he has held all of the offices and is new a member of the board of trustees of the Central Theological Seminary of Dayton. He acted for a long period as superintendent of the Sunday school in his church and was for a considerable period a member of the advisory board of the home mission board of the Reformed church of the United States. If will thus be seen that he takes a keen interest in religious work and the various activities of the church, giving much of his time and influence to promoting these varied interests. In all things he measures up to the full standard of honorable, upright manhood and justly merits the high position which he occupies in the regard of his host of friends and his business colleagues. ABRAHAM BAKER. Abraham Baker, a farmer of Jefferson township, living on the outskirts of Dayton, which is his post-office via rural route, No. 6, was born August 8, 1854, at the county infirmary, of which his father, Aaron Baker, was superintendent at the time. The latter came to this state from Maryland, but his mother, who in her maidenhood was Miss Nancy Simpson, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania. Soon after settling in this county Aaron Baker became identified with local politics, and as he exhibited an aptitude for that kind of work was appointed superintendent of the county infirmary, holding the office first in 1850 and for several terms thereafter. Seven children were born to him and his wife : Abraham, David, Charles, Webster, John, Alice and Marilda. Abraham Baker, the eldest of this family, grew to manhood under the wise guidance of his parents. His early years were not marked by anything of great importance, though in their course he decided that he should like to learn the carpenter's trade, which he did, and in it acquired not a little skill, for he pursued it steadily for some time, but of late years he has been able to give less and less time to it as he has devoted hmself with greater zest to the cultivation of his farm. Not only does he look to improving his own place and conditions, he also works eagerly in the councils of the Agricultural Board of Montgomery county, in which he sits as a representative of Jefferson township, for the advancement of farming and the betterment of farm life throughout the county. His unselfish devotion to this 198 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY worthy cause and his many and untiring efforts in its behalf should obtain for him the gratitude of his fellow-citizens. On the 22d of November, 1878, Mr. Baker wedded the woman of his choice, Miss Mary Caylor, who was born on the 9th of October, 1853, a daughter of Uriah and Sarah Caylor, who live in this county. Mrs. Baker is a member of the Mount Carmel Reformed Church, to which, both in its work and social affairs she gives generously of her time and energy. Mr. Baker is not a member of any church though the life he leads is exemplary and evidences those qualities which we customarily denominate Christian. Mr. and Mrs. Baker live in a cozy little home, where they are always most cordial in their reception of their friends. BRADBURY CILLEY COLEMAN. Bradbury C. Coleman, a well known representative of fire insurance in Dayton, Was born on a farm in Colerain township, Hamilton county, Ohio, February 23, 1853, and when five years old was taken by his parents to Danville, Illinois, where he lived until fourteen years of age and then with his parents moved to a farm near the city. Up to that time his attention was largely occupied with the work of the schoolroom but when a youth of fifteen he put aside his text-books and began earning his own living by work on a farm with his father in Vermillion county, Illinois. There he continued until 1880, when he visited his father, who had located in Dayton about three years previously. It was in May, 1881, that our subject became a resident of Dayton, where he soon afterward became connected with the insurance business. In this line he has continued to the present time. He makes a specialty of mutual fire insurance, representing all of the mutual companies who do an agency business in the state. He annually writes a large amount of insurance, thoroughly understanding the business and the benefits to be derived by both the company and the clients. He faithfully serves the former and is also loyal to the interests of the latter, and his ability and enterprise in business have won for him continued advancement. In 1906 he incorporated the Dayton Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of which he is now the secretary and manager. This has been constantly growing in the intervening years. When he began in 1881 he confronted many difficulties and obstacles as the old line companies were strongly represented. It required just such a man as Mr. Coleman, a man of unfaltering determination and indefatigable enterprise to clearly demonstrate to the public how much more beneficial the plan of mutual insurance is to the insuring public by way of securing good indemnity at actual cost. He now represents sixteen mutual companies and is connected with eleven others and is considered one of the leaders in Dayton in fire insurance circles. While he is associated with these various companies and, as stated, has built up one of the largest agencies in Ohio, the public generally does not fully appreciate what he deserves for so doing but men competent to judge of what he has accomplished speak in the highest terms of what he has done and of the manner in which he has achieved his success. In addition to his insurance interests Mr. Coleman owns and operates a farm of one