250 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY flower brought its first complement of passengers to the new world. Since th representatives of the name have gone forth into various sections of the country. L. A. Knight, after studying law with Governor Hall, of Vermont, was milted to the bar, but never engaged in practice, devoting almost his in life to educational work. He became principal of the Madisonville school a was widely recognized as one of the most capable educators of the state died April 22, 1887, at the age of forty-eight years, and was buried in Lau cemetery, Madisonville. His intellectual powers, genial personality and sterl Worth had gained him the friendship and high regard of those with whom came in contact. His widow died December 16, 1911, at her home in Madisonville. Walter A. Knight obtained his early education in a private school conduct by his mother and thus continued until he entered the Madisonville high school wherein he pursued his studies under Dr. F. B. Dyer, until he reached nineteenth year. He was first employed in Closson's Art Store as salesman occupying that position for six years, when he started in business for himself. For a year thereafter he engaged in the art business on his own account but a the end of that time sold out and returned to the store in which he had be formerly employed. He afterward entered Pape Brothers' Art Store but aga returned to Closson's, with which establishment he was connected in various capacities for eight and one-half years. During that period he employed leisure hours in studying law in the night class of the Young Men's Christian Association and at length completed the regular course, and also his high-school course and received his diploma from the Madisonville high school. He received the degree of LL. B. on the 17th of March, 1899, when he was admitted to the bar, having passed the required examination, after which he practiced alone for seven months, having offices with Lewis M. Hosea. On the 1st of November, 1899, the firm of Hosea, Knight & Jones was formed. Following the time when Major Hosea became superior court judge, on the 1st of May 1903, the firm became Knight & Jones, retaining its old offices in the Johnston building. After the retirement of Judge Hosea from the bench on the 1st of January, 1908, the old firm relation was resumed under the name. of Hosea, Knight & Jones, which connection was maintained until the retirement of Mr. Jones from the firm, on the 1st of January, 1909. The partnership between Judge Hosea and Mr. Knight still continues and is regarded as one of the leading law firms of the city with a clientage that places them prominently in the front rank with the leading lawyers of Cincinnati. Mr. Knight has ever been a man of varied interests and activities and his interests have centered in lines which work for progress and advancement. He is a member of the Madisonville Round Table and was a member and organizer of the Madisonville Civic League. In Pleasant Ridge he became a charter member and is an ex-president of the Pleasant Ridge Welfare Association and is likewise secretary of the Federal Improvement Associations of Hamilton county. He also belongs to the City Club and the Cincinnati Business Men's Club and is a delegate to the United Constitution Committees. He has been active for five years past in civic work, particularly that to better transportation conditions. He has been a close student of the political, economic and social questions of the day and as such keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the age. CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 251 On the 23rd of July, 1897, Mr. Knight was married in Madison, Indiana, to Miss Theresa L. Richards, a daughter of Captain John C. Richards, a veteran of the Civil war, whose widow is still living. Mr: and Mrs. Knight have three children: Norma N., Bennett R. and Arthur L., the first, two being now pupils in the public schools. The family residence is at No. 5955 Lester Road, Pleasant Ridge. Both Mr. and Mrs. Knight are widely known there, where as a citizen Mr. Knight ranks high because of his public-spirited devotion to the general good. At the Cincinnati bar he has won an honored name and place, confining his attention to general civil practice and patent litigation. JAMES MONROE ROBINSON. James Monroe Robinson, whose life was one of serviceableness in the world and yet whose work was done in a most quiet and unassuming way, grew year by year in the respect and regard of his fellowmen as his personal worth was recognized and he made his influence felt for good on the side of moral progress, of charity, of benevolence and of intellectual advancement. In business circles he was well known as the head of the firm of J. M. Robinson & Company, manufacturers of presses, dies, tobacco tags, shears and special machinery. His birth occurred in Napoleon, Ripley county, Indiana, March 7, 1839, his parents being James and Marianna (LeClere) Robinson. The mother was born in Switzerland on the French side of the Alps. and possessed all of the thrift and energy characteristic of her race—traits which were inherited by her son and were manifest throughout his entire life. The father devoted his attention to farming in Indiana and the usual experiences of farm life came to James Monroe Robinson in his boyhood, his work in the fields through the summer months limiting his opportunities of education to a three months' term in the winter. He was twelve years of age when his mother's family removed to Cincinnati and in this city he continued his education in the old tenth district, in a school building then situated on Vine between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. The necessity of providing for the support of his widowed mother, however, forced him to leave school and he entered the office of the Enquirer as printer's devil, the equipment of the office including an old hand-power press. His salary was two dollars per week. His duties were arduous and his hours were long, but when the labors of the day were over he attended night school and also supplemented his knowledge by a wisely selected course of reading. His next position was that of clerk with Myers & Company, candy makers on Main street, and afterward he began learning the machinist's trade with Miles Greenwood & Company, continuing with that house for thirteen years. He was employed for a time by the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad and then, his previous labors having brought him the capital to engage in business on his own account, he began the manufacture of machinery as the junior partner in the firm of Thomas & Robinson. Their combined capital stock consisted of only seven or eight hundred dollars. They were associated in business for five years when, in 1878, Mr. Robinson purchased his partner's interest and adopted the firm style of J. M. Robinson & Company, although he was sole 252 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY proprietor. In March, 188o, however, he admitted J. R. Paddack to a partnership and in. September G. Moser also became a member of the firm with which he continued until 1893, while Mr. Paddack remained a partner for seven years. The capital stock of the company was increased from time to time until it represented an investment of about ninety thousand dollars. This, too, is indicative of the growth of the trade, the large output of presses, dies, tobacco tags, shears and special machinery finding ready sale on the market. Mr. Robinson as the executive head of the business capably controlled its interests and derived therefrom substantial returns. The accumulation of wealth, however, was never the ultimate purpose of his life. He rejoiced in his success because it enabled him to provide a comfortable living for his family and to give largely to charity and for the assistance of his fellowmen. On the 30th of June, 1868, he was married to Elizabeth H. Cheeseman, the eldest daughter of William and Mary Ann Cheeseman. Her father, a native of England, who was born in 1815, came to Cincinnati in 1832 when seventeen years of age and for forty-three years was connected with Charles Davis, a pork packer and commission man, making for himself a creditable position in business circles. He was a public-spirited citizen and aided in protecting Cincinnati during the period of the Civil war. He held membership in the Baptist church and gave his political allegiance to the republican party. His wife was a native of England and came to America when ten years of age. Unto them were born twelve children, six of whom are now living in Cincinnati. The death of Mr. Robinson occurred June 15, 1908. It was said of him that only a few of his friends really realized the extent of his usefulness because his manner was so unassuming and his work in behalf of others so quietly done, yet his hand was ever reaching out to aid a fellow traveler on life's journey and his loss has been most deeply felt in the church, by society in general and by his family. He joined the Christie Methodist church, January 15, 1873, and was thereafter one of its active and helpful members. He served as president of its board of trustees and as superintendent of its Sunday school and was also a trustee of the Elizabeth Gamble Deaconesses' Home Association. He belonged to the Cincinnati Humane Society and below the quiet exterior of the man was a deep sympathy that reached out to all living things. He was entitled to wear the Grand Army button, for following the outbreak of the Civil war he was among the first to respond to the call for troops and served under Captain Hadley in the Third Ohio Infantry. He faithfully served his country and afterward became a member of Noyes-McCook Post, G. A. R. In politics he was a lifelong republican with independent proclivities, never voting according to party dictation, and at local elections he often cast his ballot for candidates regardless of party affiliation. He was never an office seeker yet at times the public demanded his service and then it was willingly and ably given. In 1887 he was elected a member of the board of education, receiving a majority of two hundred in the sixteenth ward, which up to that time had always been democratic. He served for one year and was then reelected for two years and in 1892 was chosen for a three years'. term. He was made a member of the union board of high schools and served for one term as president of that body. He was twice appointed a member of the board of directors of the Cincinnati University, the first time to fill out the CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 253 unexpired term of Judge Alphonso Taft, the second time for a term of six years, As a member of the school board and of the university board his labors constituted an element for the upbuilding of the schools and for raising their standard. His counsel was always on the right side in educational matters, for his views were broad and liberal and his ideals high. His business ability, too, constituted an element in placing the university upon a paying basis. In It 189o, he was recommended by the Board of Trade and elected by the board of public affairs as an expert engineer to examine into the condition of the pumping. machinery of the waterworks. For a number of years he served as a Director of the Board of Trade and Transportation and for two years was its vice president, while in 1894 he was elected its president. He belonged to the Lincoln and Blaine Clubs and ever regarded it as a part of the duty of citizenship to fearlessly support his political belief. He was a 'prominent member of the Odd Fellows society and the Odd Fellows Temple at Seventh and Elm streets was constructed under the personal supervision of a building committee of which he was an active member. He was also prominently identified with Christie Chapel and was president of its board of trustees. He was a director of the Wesleyan Cemetery Association and a director of the City Hall Bank. Every movement or organization with which he was connected felt the stimulus of his activity and benefited by his sound judgment and high purpose. His life was indeed one of usefulness and reached out along constantly broadening lines for the benefit of others. Those who knew him, and his friends were many, had a warm place in their hearts for him. HERMAN A. BAYLESS. Although he has engaged in the practice of law only a few years, Herman A. Bayless has gained substantial standing as a member of the Cincinnati bar and is regarded as one of the highly promising young attorneys. of Hamilton county. He has been studious and painstaking, never counting time or labor expended in making preparation for the cases entrusted to his care, and, being a good speaker and sound reasoner, he has from the beginning of his practice moved steadily forward. He comes of Revolutionary ancestry and is a son of Herman G. and Mary Ann (Strong) Bayless, both natives of Kentucky, the former born in Covington and "the latter in Augusta. Philip Buckner, the great-great-grandfather on the maternal side, served in the patriot army at the time of the American revolution as quartermaster and after the war was over, was presented with a large body of land, embracing a whole county, in which Augusta, Kentucky, is now located. By virtue of his services in behalf of freedom of the colonies, Mrs. Bayless now holds membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Herman A. Bayless Was the only child of his parents. He received his early education in the public schools of Augusta and in a private school at Knoxville, Tennessee, later continuing his studies at Louisville, Kentucky, and Los Angeles, California. He was a good student and apt scholar and, having shown talents which pointed toward a professional life, he matriculated at Cin- 254 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY cinnati University and in 1903 received the degree of B. A. During the last year of his course at the university he began the study of law in the office of Morrison R. Waite, who later became a partner of Harlan Cleveland, the firm being known as Cleveland & Waite. In 1905 Mr. Bayless was graduated at Cincinnati University with the degree of LL. B. and he continued for several years thereafter in the office of his preceptor. In 1910 he opened an office on his own account in the Carew building and engages in general practice, specializing in probate and corporation law. He is a close student and displays marked energy in carrying forward to a final decision any cause in which ,he is engaged. He is thoroughly interested in his profession and the faithfulness he has shown in behalf of this clients. is a bright prophecy of continued success in years to come. Professionally he is identified with the Cincinnati Bar Association. In politics he gives his support to the republican party and is in hearty sympathy with its principles. He has recently been elected a director of the Stamina League. He is a sincere believer in the Bible and is a member and officer of the Presbyterian church. GEORGE MENDENHALL, M. D. The generation in which Dr. George Mendenhall lived is fast passing awa but the life of a good, true man leaves an influence that is felt for generation to come, and such was the record made by Dr. Mendenhall that his memory is possession more cherished than any which has tangible form and material vain He was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of May, 1814, and came o Quaker ancestry, being descended from a family that was founded in America by representatives of the name who came from England with William Penn in 1682. His lineage is traced back to Sir Ralph de Milldale, 1267. In the village school he pursued his studies until he reached the age of fourteen, at which time, owing to the death of his father, he was obliged to go to work and thus provide for his own support. Behind the counter in the store in which he was employed he always kept his Latin grammar and used every available moment for study. Even in his youthful days he held the aspiration of one day becoming a physician and it was by study in the country store that he prepared himself to enter the University of Pennsylvania when nineteen years of age: His long journey over the mountains on horseback amid snow and sleet would have been most dismal to the lad had it not seemed the first step toward the realization of his dream. When he arrived in Philadelphia he was obliged to sell his horse in order to defray his immediate expenses, for there were no monthly checks arriving from home in those days. Instead of athletics, tutoring and reading served as recreation—and this in addition to his daily college work. His hardships were all forgotten, however, upon the happy day when he was graduated from the medical department at the head of his class in 1835, two months before he was twenty-one years of age. His diligence and his scholarship gained him the notice and esteem of the faculty, composed of men like Dewes, Horner Gibson, Hare and others well known in the medical world. A tempting position was offered him in Cleve- CINCINNATI-THE QUEEN CITY - 257 land, then a young city of six thousand inhabitants, and he decided to try his fortune there. Before leaving Philadelphia, however, a beautiful young Quaker girl of sixteen summers crossed his path. She was attending a boarding school in one of the suburbs of the city and from the first moment he saw her, he said he would never wed unless he could marry her. He went to Cleveland but left his heart in Philadelphia. A vigorous correspondence ensued during the next two years, at the end of which time he returned to claim her for his bride. Her name was Elizabeth S. Maule. She was of gentle birth, her family dating back to Sir Ansold Maule, of France, who flourished in 996, A.D., and to Sir Patrick. Maule, Earl of Pammure, Baron Brechin and Navarre, of England. They were married October 5, 1838, and went to Cleveland where they received a warm welcome, Dr. Mendenhall having established quite an enviable practice and reputation for a young man during those two years. However the northern climate proved too severe and in 1844 they removed to Cincinnati where Dr. Mendenhall resided until he entered into rest.. Soon after his arrival here 'he became one of the physicians of the Cincinnati Dispensary and a short time later became a lecturer in the Miami School of Medicine, which was conducted for several years. In 1852 he was one of the organizers of the Miami Medical College,- taking the chair of obstetrics and diseases of women and children. In 1857, upon the consolidation of that school with the Medical College of Ohio, he was appointed to a like professorship, holding it until the union was dissolved in 1860. Five years later, upon the reorganization of the Miami. Medical College, he resumed his former chair, which he continued to fill until his death. In 1869 he was elected president of the American Medical Association and in 1872 was honored by election to the Fellowship of the Royal Obstetrical Society of London. For two years, from 185o until 1852, he was an associate, editor .of the Western Journal and early published a "Vede Mecum" for students, which ran through many editions. It is said that during the great cholera epidemic of .1849 Dr. Mendenhall labored courageously and unceasingly at the bedside of the sufferers and during the Civil war he rendered valuable assistance to the sanitary commission and hospitals. Dr. Mendenhall died June 4, 1874. He never seemed to have the least spirit of professional jealousy and the delight of his heart was to advance the earnest young physician. No one held a higher regard for rectitude and temperance, and, always animated with the highest sense of duty toward God and 'man, he stood ever ready to help an unfortunate brother as well as to minister to the sick poor. "His worship was to work." To quote from the Book he most loved, "He (lid justly, he loved mercy and walked humbly with his God." GEORGE GEORGE . George George was one of the early representatives of transportation interests in Cincinnati, becoming well known as a steamboat mate on runs between this city and New Orleans. Later he engaged in brick manufacture here and eventually turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was born 258 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1811, and on attaining his majority came to Cincinnati, which in 1834 was a small town of comparatively little industrial or commercial importance. Its few hundred inhabitants, however, constituted an enterprising class of citizens, who were laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present great city. After coming here he entered into active connection with river transportation interests, becoming mate of a steamboat which made periodical trips from Cincinnati to New Orleans. After a brief period, however, he turned his attention to industrial interests, believing that success could be secured more rapidly along other lines. He turned his attention to the manufacture of brick and the wisdom of his judgment in so doing was demonstrated in the success which was his for many years. He had a well equipped factory on Richmond street that annually turned out a large quantity of brick, the sale of which made him one of the substantial residents of the city. He also built a beautiful residence On Eighth street from brick which he had manufactured. The house stood in the midst of an acre and a half of ground and constituted one of the fine homes of that day. The latter part of his life he was interested to a large extent in real estate in Cincinnati and it was from this source that he derived substantial profits. A quarter of a century before his death, however, Mr. George purchased a farm of two hundred acres at. Jones Station and there resided for about sixteen years, his attention being given to agricultural interests. He spent the remainder of his life in Wyoming, living with his two daughters, Mrs. J. R. Brown and Mrs. Ault for ten years before his death. While making his residence there, Mr. George served for about three years as mayor of Wyoming. Mr. George was united in marriage to Mary Ann Bryant, who came from one of the old Cincinnati families, and passed away about twenty-two years prior to his demise. They were the parents of a large family of five sons and five daughters, of whom one son and three daughters are yet living. Mr. George gave his early political allegiance to the whig party, which he supported until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party, of which he ever afterward remained a stalwart champion. In his religious faith the family were Presbyterians, and for years he was an active and loyal member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In every relation of life, he commanded the confidence of good-will of those with whom he was associated and he reached the ripe old age of eighty-eight years, receiving the veneration and respect which should be accorded those who travel far on life's journey and whose pathway is free from those faults and vices which are ever an in-cumbrance and stumbling block to progress and advancement. ROBERT LOUNSBURY BLACK. Robert Lounsbury Black, of Cincinnati, began the practice of law in this city five years ago and has -applied himself with such zeal and ability that he has gained an acknowledged standing as one of the successful lawyers of the Hamilton county bar. He is a native of Cincinnati, born September 15, 1881, a son of Lewis C. and Abigail (Lounsbury) Black. In the public schools he CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 259 acquired the foundation of his education and in 1899 he became a student of Andover College, Massachusetts. Later he transferred his allegiance to Yale University from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1903. He was a student of the Cincinnati Law School in 1903-4 and completed his law course at Harvard Law School, graduating with the degree of LL. B. in 1906. He has since practiced in this city. Politically he is identified with the republican party. He is not a blind follower of leaders but is an intelligent, progressive citizen with independent tendencies, especially in local affairs. He is an earnest advocate of reform and of the application of recognized business principles to municipal government. Socially he is connected with the University and Yale Clubs and in religious belief he adheres to the Protestant Episcopal church. In youth and early manhood he availed himself of every desirable advantage of education and training, and as he is actuated by motives of :the highest good to all, he ably represents the intelligent and progressive element which is coming forward in American citizenship and promises new life and hope for the republic and the attainment of ideals in government, which until a few years ago existed only in the visions of a few. He is the fortunate possessor of individuality and independence of character so necessary in the accomplishment of worthy aims and in his practice as a lawyer has displayed tact, skill and judgment which are the essential characteristics of a successful practitioner. He is a good judge of human nature, an interesting public speaker and a worker who spares no labor in becoming acquainted with any subject which attracts his interest. It is to young nien of this character that the best minds of the country are looking for relief from the recent growing evils of popular government. The friends of Mr. Black confidently prophesy that he will perform a manly part in the great work which Theodore Roosevelt and others are undertaking in America. GERSON J. BROWN. Through a practical knowledge of business affairs Gerson J. Brown has advanced to the responsible position he now occupies in Cincinnati as president of the J. B. Moos Company, jobbers of cigars, tobaccos and pipes. This company is the largest concern of the kind in Ohio and has general headquarters in this city with branch offices at Dayton, Toledo and Cleveland. Mr. Brown is a . native of Buffalo, New York, and was born in 1877, a son of Jacob S. and Lena (Light) Brown. The father engaged for many years in the manufacture of cigars at Buffalo and died when his son Gerson was in his boyhood. The public schools of Syracuse, New York, afforded opportunity for the preliminary education of Gerson J. Brown and he later became a student of Cornell University. After leaving the university he became connected with the Syracuse Courier, on which he filled various positions up to that of city editor for about five years. At the end of the time named he went to New York city and was connected with The Sun for one year: He came in touch with the cigar business as advertising manager for T. J. Dunn & Company, of Philadelphia, and subsequently opened a distributing branch for the house, at Chicago, from 260 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY . 1901 to 1908, during the latter part of the time being manager of the cigar department of the Steele-Wedeles Company. In 1908 he came to Cincinnati to fill the position of manager of the J. B. Moos Company, having also been elected vice president of that organization: This company originated. from the J. F. Weiffenbach Company, of Dayton, Ohio, jobbers of cigars, tobaccos and pipes, which was founded about 1899. In 1906 the J. B. Moos Company was incorporated as its successor, with J. B. Moos, president, Gerson J. Brown, vice president, and W. A. Johnston, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Moos resigned the presidency of the company in 1909 and Mr. Brown was elected to that position. They purchased the business of the Voige & Winter Company 1909, which was one of the oldest concerns of the kind in Cincinnati and now gives employment to about one hundred and fifty persons in connection with its 'various offices, each year showing a gratifying increase in its popularity. The officers are men of ability and large experience who understand the wants of the public and readily adapt the business to the varying conditions of' the trade. In 1901 Mr. Brown was married to Miss Minna Snellenburg, a daughter of the late J. J. Snellenburg, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, :and they have three children, Kenneth M., Mabel S. and Elizabeth S. Mr. Brown has been for many years a student of Free Masonry and holds, membership in, Evanston Lodge. A. F. & A. M., of Evanston, Illinois.; Oriental Consistory, S. P. R. S. of Chicago, and Medinah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Chicago. He is well known in business and social circles and is a valued member of the Commercial Association, the Business Men's Club, the Automobile Club and the Phoenix Club. His business methods have always been strictly honorable and he is now enjoying the fruits of his wisely applied efforts. FRANK R. MORSE. Frank R. Morse, a well known attorney of Cincinnati, where he has been successfully engaged in practice for the past twenty-two years, has since May, 1904, been a member :of the law firm of Morse, Tuttle & Harper. His birth occurred at Tiro, Crawford county, Ohio, on the 17th of May, 1854, his parents being Amos and Mehitable (Carlisle) Morse. His paternal grandfather, Ru- dolphus Morse, participated in the war of 1812. The mother of our subject was a direct descendant of Peregrine White, who was born on the Mayflower. Amos Morse, the father of Frank R. Morse, was born in Ohio in February, 1818, and passed away in 1898. For quite a number of years he served as provost marshal of the northern district of Ohio. His wife, whose birth occurred in New York in January, 1818, was called to her final rest in 1906. They were the parents of three children, as follows: Frank R., of this review ; Adelia, the wife of Samuel Stock; and. Amanda, twin sister of Adelia, who is the wife of M. W. Griffith. Frank R. Morse obtained his early education in the public schools of his native town acid subsequently entered the Denison University at Granville, Ohio, from which institution he. was graduated with the class of 1885. The same year he came to. Cincinnati and read' law with the firm of Cowan & Ferris, being ad- CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 261 mitted to practice before the supreme court at Columbus in 1889. Immediately thereafter he began practice in Cincinnati and this city has. since remained the scene of his. professional labors. In 1891 he formed a parthership with 'Hon. James B. Swing, the relation being maintained under, the firm name of Swing & horse until December 1, 1903, when the senior partner was elected to the common pleas bench. In May, 1904, he organized the firm of Morse, Tuttle & Harper, which has since been engaged in general civil -practice exclusively. Their offices are in the Mercantile Library building. Their clientage is large and of a distinctly representative character, bringing them into close touch with much of the important •litigation tried in the courts of the district. On the loth of November, 1873; Mr. Morse was :united in marriage to Miss Alvira B. Stock, a native of Tiro,. Ohio, and a daughter of John and Christiana (Shafer) Stock. Her father, who was an agriculturist of Crawford county,, this state, loyally defended the interests of the Union at the time of the Civil war, being with Ben Butler's army below the James river. He became ill, however, and died while enroute to Philadelphia, being buried in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Morse had one son, Walter, who died in 1888 when five and a half years of age. Since age conferred upon him ,the right of- franchise, Mr. Morse has supported the men and measures of the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and also belonging to the Mystic Shrine. He is past master of Linwood Lodge, No. 567, F. & A. M.,. in which he has occupied all of the chairs. In the line of , his profession he holds membership relations with the Cincinnati Bar Association. He has attained an enviable position in professional circles, having comprehensive knowledge of jurisprudence, while his devotion to his clients' interests has become proverbial. THE FERDINAND BRENNER LUMBER COMPANY. The Ferdinand Brenner Lumber Company, with offices in the First National Bank building of ' incinnati, is one of the substantial concerns of the country and the name is well known among dealers in the United States and also in Europe and South America. The business which has grown to large proportions, was established about' fifteen years ago by Mr. Brenner, after whom the company is named. It was conducted as a firm until 1899, when the company was incorporated under the laws of Ohio, the officers being Ferdinand Brenner, president; L. G. Banning, vice president and treasurer ; and Roy C. Witbeck, secretary. The company manufactures and exports hardwood lumber. Its mills are at Alexandria, Louisiana, and Salisbury, North Carolina, and have a capacity of about twenty-five, million feet per year. The company exports its products to the principal centers of Europe and South America and under capable and progressive management the business has become established upon a basis which yields handsome annual returns. 262 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY Ferdinand Brenner was born in Hesse, Germany, September 10, 1865, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Neuroth) Brenner. He passed his boyhood under the parental roof and in the public schools secured the rudiments of an education. He was early imbued with a desire to take advantage of the best opportunities available for moving forward in the world and at sixteen years of age bade farewell to associates and friends and went aboard a vessel which was bound for America. After arriving under the friendly protection of the republic, he made his home ,in New York but later moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. He became acquainted with the lumber business and about 1896 entered the same on his own account. His' advancement has been the direct United States as his country, for he has not only gained a competency but has made friends and has assisted materially in promoting the best interests of result of his foresight and energy and he has no cause to regret adopting the many with whom he has been associated. In 1887 Mr. Brenner was married to Miss Lizzie Becker, a daughter of Henry Becker, of New York city, and to this union five children have been born, namely : Harry J., who is associated with his father in business ; and Estella, Edwin, William and Ferdinand, Jr. Mr. Brenner was reared in the Lutheran faith and he and his family are members of the Lutheran church of Walnut Hills. He is also identified with Hyde Park Lodge, No. 589, F. & A. M., and the Ohio Consistory. He can claim many friends among men in the same line of business 'as himself and is a valued member of the Lumbermen's Club of Cincinnati. Landing in America a poor boy from a foreign country, he grew to manhood under' free institutions, where he possessed ample opportunity for the exercise of his natural talents. He is now the head of an important busi ness corporation and can look back with just pride upon the steps he has taken in arriving at his present happy stage of financial independence. The company of which he is the head is a fitting reminder of his ability and of the possibilities that are available in many who like himself must depend upon their own resources for advancement. THE JOHN CHURCH COMPANY. Cincinnati has many manufacturing enterprises which constitute elements of her greatness, growth and prosperity, but few have been of more substantial benefit than that of The John Church Company, manufacturers of pianos and publishers of sheet music and music books. The present officers are : Frank A. Lee, president ; W. N. Hobart, vice president ; and Augustus Beall, secretary. This is the oldest concern of the kind in Cincinnati and was founded by John Church, who died in 1890. He established the business in 1859, after coming to this city from Boston. Three years later John B. Trevor became a partner in the undertaking and the firm name was changed to John Church & Company, under which title business was transacted until 1885, when The John Church Company was incorporated, with a capital stock of one million, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. From 1859 until 1885 the house was located at 66 West Fourth street, but the rapid development of the business created a demand for CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 263 larger quarters and a removal was made to Nos. 72 and 74 West Fourth street. A further removal was necessitated April 1, 1893, when the company established business at its present location, occupying the entire seven floors and basement of what is known as the Hooper building. The first floor is utilized for general offices and for the conduct of the retail business. The second floor contains an extensive stock of pianos, and the upper floors are used for the exhibition of other musical instruments and for the storage and sale of .sheet music and music books. Theirs is one of the most extensive establishments of this character in the world and in their house can be obtained not only music by American composers but also by foreign composers as well, catalogued and arranged in such a systematic manner that any employe can readily find any piece of music desired. The company manufactures the Everett piano, with the exhibition and sale rooms on the second floor. The factory is in Boston and each year the output increases, for today the Everett piano is one of the most popular of the country. Mr. Lee, now at the head of this business, became connected with the Everett Piano Company in November, 1883. Two years later the Harvard Piano Company was organized, with a factory at Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, and in 1889 this was removed to Cincinnati. Mr. Lee remains president of both companies. The officers of the Everett Piano Company are : Frank A. Lee, president; John Andrews, superintendent ; and G. H. Cummings, treasurer. The main offices of this company are at Boston, Massachusetts. The Harvard Piano Company at its last election again chose Frank A. Lee for the presidency, with Otto Sestina as superintendent of the factory and Augustus Beall as secretary. Both the Everett and Harvard pianos are handled at the Cincinnati house of The John Church Company: The guitars, mandolins, drums and other musical instruments handled by the company are made in Cincinnati. The John Church Company owns the leading musical establishment of Cincinnati and has no rival who can compete with them as publishers of sacred music. There is no branch of business pertaining to music that is not successfully conducted by this company, whose work includes lithographing, publishing, importing and distributing music and musical instruments. Their stock includes every musical instrument manufactured, while their line of publications is known throughout the country. They are well known publishers of gospel hymns and also of the Moody and Sankey book, the sales of which are now numbered not only by the thousand but by the million. The list of their musical publications also include the Musical Curriculum, the Song King, Great Awakening, Lebert & Stark's Piano School and others and a copy of any kind of sheet music published can be had from them at a moment's notice. At the main house in Cincinnati and at the branch houses in New York and Chicago a market is found for the entire output of pianos made in the Boston and Cincinnati factories. The success of the business is due in a large measure to the executive force, keen discernment and carefully formulated and well executed plans of the president, Frank A. Lee, Who was born in Madison, Indiana, November 4, 1852, a son of Robert E. and Virginia A. (Lodge) Lee. In his boyhood he accompanied his parents to Woodburn, one of the suburbs of Cincinnati now included within the city limits, and after acquiring a common-school education he attended the Woodward high school: He then became a clerk with the Enterprise Insurance Company and was afterward associated with the Wilstach-Baldwin Company for 264 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN: CITY many years, prominent Cincinnati publishers. He next turned. his attention to the lumber trade and while thus engaged received from The John Church Company inducements which were sufficient to cause him' to abandon the lumber business and become connected with the music trade. Since that time he has gradually worked his way upward to the presidency of the business, which in volume and importance has few equals and no superiors. GUSTAV BILLING. Gustav Billing, deceased, was born at Eschwege, Germany, July 4, 1840. His parents died there and he came to the United States about 1860, when a young man of twenty years, settling in New York, where he engaged in clerking in a store. On the l0th of November, 1863, he responded to the call of his adopted country for aid, enlisting in the United States army at New York for three years' service as a member of Company L of the Fifteenth New York Regiment of Artillery. He took active part in all the engagements with his regiment, was twice wounded and on one occasion his injuries were so serious that he was forced to remain in the hospital for more than three months. He went all through the Wilderness campaign and the siege of Petersburg and was in various other battles. He was discharged July 1, 1864, that he might be promoted and was soon commissioned second lieutenant and later advanced to the rank of first lieutenant of a company, receiving his final discharge August 27, 1865, at Washington, D. C. When the war was over Mr. Billing returned to New York and afterward came to Cincinnati, where he was employed as a clerk. On the 27th of May, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Billing and Miss Henrietta Schneider, a daughter of Dr. Carl A. Schneider, of Cincinnati. They then started for the west, hoping to make a fortune, and Mr. Billing lived to realize this hope owing to his close application, keen business discernment and his unfaltering industry. They located first at Salt Lake City, after a trip of seven days over the Union Pacific Railroad. He was one of the first men to engage in the smelting business, putting up a plant at Salt Lake, where they remained for about seven years. They then went to Denver, Colorado, and afterward to Leadville and on leaving that place removed to New Mexico, Where Mr. Billing also installed a smelting plant at Socorro. At the different places where he resided he had operated a smelter, save in Denver, and was thus closely associated with mining interests. As the years passed by he accumulated a handsome fortune but in the early days of their residence in the west he and his wife experienced many hardships. Labor, determination and perseverance, however, won their reward and he became recognized as one of the prosperous and ,prominent representatives of the mining development of the west. The death of Mr. Billing occurred while he was on a visit to Germany, passing away in Berlin, February 16, 1890. His remains, however, were brought back to Cincinnati for interment in Spring Grove cemetery. He had been, a member of the Mining Engineers Association and was regarded as an authority upon many subjects relative: to the mining interests, of the southwest While in New Mexico he was sent to Washington during President Cleveland's administration to CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 267 promote its interests as regards statehood, and in other ways he was connected with public affairs. In religious faith he was a Unitarian and he was a member of the Queen City Club.. Following the death of her husband Mrs. Billing returned to Cincinnati but continued to manage her mining and smelting interests in the southwest until 1906, making four trips each year to New Mexico. For a considerable period she was the only woman owning and Operating a mine but a length she disposed of her interests in that section of the country. She has erected a fine home in Cincinnati—one of the most beautiful in the city—and the grounds display the most attractive designs of the landscape gardener. Her home is located on University Court, Clifton Heights, opposite the home of her father, and there she now resides. Of her four children, the first bprn died in infancy. The others are: Helena, who was born at Salt Lake City and is the wife of Howard Wurlitzer, of Cincinnati, by whom she has three children—Raymond, Louise and Valeska ; Gustav, who was born in Denver, died in childhood there ; and Ilse, who was born in Cincinnati and is the wife of Edward Bering of this city. Mrs. Billing is well known here and has an extensive circle of warm friends. She has been prominent in club affairs, serving as a director of the Woman's Club, of which she is a charter member, and she was also a charter member or the Literary Club of Salt Lake City, one of the first woman's clubs in the country. Her husband left her in very Comfortable financial circumstances, enabling her to enjoy many of the luxuries of life. Moreover, he left to his family an untarnished name, which the Psalmist has said is rather to be chosen than great riches. His business record was at all times honorable and his efforts contributed to the substantial development of the districts in which he operated as well as to his individual success. G. DALTON MYERS. G. Dalton Myers, one of the young business men of Cincinnati, is well established in a congenial field and each year gives new evidence of his ability and progressiveness. He was born ,in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1879, a son of Jacob and Amanda (Schrieber) Myers. The father was also born in Tuscarawas county. He is now engaged in the hardware business at Canal Dover and -has gained a position as one of the substantial men of the community. In politics he is a republican, but he has never aspired to the honors or emoluments of office, as his interest is centered in his business. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias. G. Dalton Myers possessed good advantages of education in the public schools of his native town. At the age of seventeen he secured employment in the office of the Reeves Iron Works and Rolling Mills and applied himself so industriously that he was advanced through various positions until he became assistant superintendent of one of the divisions of the plant. In 1901 he assisted in the organization of the Edwards Manufacturing Company, of which he has since been secretary. The company started at. No. 119 Sycamore street and Vol. IV-14 268 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY during the next four years its business increased to such an extent that new quarters were necessary. Accordingly, in 1905, the company purchased the property that had been occupied by the Anchor White Lead Works and erected a large plant which is provided with the best modern facilities for the manufacture of sheet metal building material. The company employs about two hundred and fifty persons .and its products are sold in all parts of the United States and also exported to foreign countries. This concern is capitalized at thirty thousand dollars and has a surplus of three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The officers are : Edward W. Edwards, president ; George R. Edwards, vice president ; G. Dalton Myers, secretary ; Howard W. Edwards, treasurer ; and Walter A. Edwards, superintendent. Mr. Myers is also president and treasurer of the Myers Brothers Company, of Canal Dover, Ohio, manufacturers of hot-air furnaces and sheet-metal supplies. In 1903 Mr. Myers was married to Miss Daisy Hollinger, a daughter of George Hollinger, of Canal Dover, and they have two children, Robert and Donald. He is a member of the Hyde Park Country Club and also of the Business Men's Club. Fraternally Mr. Myers is connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge of Canal Dover and religiously he is identified with the English Lutheran church of Walnut Hills. He is now serving as deacon of the church. Actuated by worthy ideals from his boyhood, he has steadily advanced and the responsible position he now holds is proof of his intimate knowledge of his business to which he has given his best thought. He belongs among the wide-awake and enterprising citizens of Cincinnati and is fully entitled to the respect in which he is held by all with whom he comes into contact. HON. CHARLES D. ROBERTSON. If “biography is the home aspect of history," as Wilmott has expressed it, then it is entirely within the province of this volume to present the life records of those who have been most active in promoting the material development and upbuilding of the city and in advancing its professional, educational, political and moral interests. For forty years Charles D. Robertson has been connected with the Cincinnati bar and has attained eminence in his chosen calling, for he has remained throughout this period a close student of the principles of jurisprudence and with unrelaxing attention and care has prepared his cases. The honor, too, of election to the bench was well merited and his record as a judge was in harmony with his record as a man and a lawyer, distinguished by devotion to duty and by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution. Mr. Robertson is a native of Scotland born on the 6th of March, 1839. His early years brought him varied and interesting experiences. When a youth of eighteen he went to India in the capacity of civil engineer, his seryice in that connection continuing from 1857 until 1862. Thinking the opportunities of the western hemisphere were superior to those of the far east, he accordingly left India and sailed for New York city, where for some time he was associated with Horace Greeley in the preparation of the History of the American Conflict. Attracted to the profession of law and believing that he would find therein CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 269 a congenial life work, he began studying in x866 and was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School with the class of 1872. Immediately afterward he opened an office in this city. No dreary novitiate awaited him. His equipment was good and he advanced steadily to a prominent position among the representatives of the Cincinnati bar. His clientage grew both in volume and importance and connected him with much leading litigation held in the courts of the district. The ability which he displayed as a practitioner before the courts, indicating the possession of certain judicial qualities, led to his election to the office of judge of the common pleas court in 1883. While on the bench his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, "winning him golden opinions from all sorts of people." He served for five years, his record having the indorsement of leading members of the bar as Well as of the general public. On his retirement from office he again engaged in the active practice of law, in which he has since continued and he stands today among the eminent representatives of the profession in Cincinnati, his large clientage being the best evidence of his capability and success. In December, 1867, Judge Robertson was married to Miss Cynthia Buck, and their home is one of the attractive residences in Avondale. Judge Robertson is prominent in the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Avon Lodge, No. 542, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master, in Cincinnati Commandery, K. T., and in Ohio Consistory, S. P. R. S., in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In all matters of citizenship relative to the welfare and progress of this district he takes an active and helpful interest, his influence being always on the side of advancement and improvement. He served as one of the commissioners having in charge the annexation of Clifton, Avondale and other suburbs to Cincinnati, and from 1876 until J883 he was a trustee of the University of Cincinnati. A further vote of confidence was given Judge Robertson, when in January, 1911, he was chosen a member of the board of trustees of the Sinking Fund. With thorough understanding of men and the motive springs of human conduct, with large knowledge of general literature and with comprehensive understanding of the principles of jurisprudence he has long since been ranked as the peer of the ablest members practicing at the bar of Hamilton county. FREDERICK ROELKER, M. D. Cincinnati had not progressed far toward metropolitan proportions and interests when Dr. Frederick Roelker became .one of her residents, and in the period of her early development he was closely associated with her educational interests and also became very prominent as a practioner of medicine. He was born in Osnabruck, Hanover, Germany, March 14, 1809, was educated at the Collegium Carolinum, there, and for a short time engaged in teaching in his native town, but in 1835 he sailed for the new world and in 1837 became a resident of Cincinnati. Here he resumed the profession of teaching, becoming instructor in German in the public school on Sycamore street. He occupied that position for two years and 270 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY was afterward made principal of . the Catholic Trinity school but later resigned. While engaged in teaching he also took up the study of medicine which he followed in the Ohio Medical College, being a pupil under Dr. Drake and other prominent physicians and educators of that day. He was graduated on the completion of his course and at once began practice, following his profession successfully until 1848, when he went abroad for further study in Vienna and Paris, coming under the instruction of some eminent members of the medical profession in those cities. He then returned to Cincinnati and resumed practice, becoming very prominent here as a representative of the profession and also as a man and citizen actively interested in the early development of the city. He never ceased to feel a deep interest in educational affairs and in 1843 was elected to the school board and was appointed chairman of the committee on instruction in German, to which position he was reelected in 1844. He was made the first president of the German Reading and Educational Society, which he had aided in founding. His efforts aid much toward holding high the standard of the schools and to stimulate an interest in others. Dr. Roelker was married early in life, wedding a Miss Fuller of New England, who was a relative of Margaret Fuller and who died only a few months after their marriage. In 1853 he married again, his second union being with Catherine Ray Greene, who died in 1864, leaving six children : William Greene, who is now deceased; Annie Lyman; Frederick Greene and Henry Greene, both of whom have passed away ; Katharine Elizabeth, who is the wife of Lucien Wulsin; and Emil, who died in childhood. William Greene, who was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, January 1, 1797, graduated from Brown University and later from a law school at Litchfield, Connecticut, came from Rhode Island to Ohio, in 1817, making the journey on horseback and by boat, accompanied by a son of Governor Brown. He first settled at Chillicothe, spending two years in that neighborhood, acting as secretary to Governor Brown. About 182o he removed to Cincinnati and hung out his shingle and devoted some years to the practice of his profession. While yet a young man, however, he withdrew from the pracitce of law in order to devote his entire time to the care and management of his private interests, which were fast becoming of importance, he having made extensive investments in real estate. He was always prominent in. the public life of the community, was one of the founders of the Unitarian church and was an active worker in behalf of the system of public education, serving for a time on the school board. He was active during the presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison and had friendly relations with Webster, -Clay and other men of prominence of that day, with whom he held correspondence. Later in. life he lost his eyesight and was thus forced to put aside the active interests which had so long engaged his attention. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Abigail Brackett Lyman, .came from Northampton. and died in 1862. Mr. Greene then returned to Warwick,. Rhode Island, where he spent the remainder of his life and served one term as lieutenant governor of the state: In 1867 he married again, his second union being with Mrs. C. B. Mathewson, a widow. He died. in 1883 at Greene Farm, Warwick, Rhode .Island, the estate of his forefathers, where he was buried. He had but two daughters and only one reached adult age—Catherine Ray, who became Mrs. Roelker. CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 271 In 1867 Dr. Roelker took his family abroad and resided in Europe until 1876, when he returned to Cincinnati, where he lived retired until his death on the 1st of September, 1881. He had been a member of the various medical societies here and at all times held to high standards in his professional service. Nature endowed him with keen intellectual force which he wisely used for the benefit of others along various lines. CLINTON C. ROBINSON. Clinton C. Robinson, vice president of The Ohio Paper Box Company, manufacturers of paper boxes for the shoe trade, was born at Evansville, Indiana, hi 1855. He completed the grammar grades and spent one year in the high school of his native city, after which he laid aside his text-books preparatory to beginning his business career. Leaving his home town he came to Cincinnati, where he obtained a position as shipping clerk with the Franklin Alter Shoe House in 1873. He applied himself so diligently and persistently to acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business and trade that in 1875 the firm sent him out on the road as a salesman. After being connected with the house in this position for a year he withdrew from their service to enter the employment of Stribley & Company in the same capacity. He continued with' this company for ten years, when he engaged with The Krippendorf, Dittmann Company as salesman, remaining with them until 1897. At the present, time he is connected with The Val Duttenhofer Sons Company, which is also a Cincinnati house. During the entire period of his career as a salesman Mr. Robinson has been traveling in the same district, the section known to the wholesale trade as the southern territory. He has been very successful in his vocation, having made steady and permanent progress from the very first until he is now recognized as one of the best salesmen in his territory. He considers that the interests of both his house and customers are coordinate, and by making a conscientious study of the needs and requirements of his trade convinces his patrons that he takes a personal interest in them, thus winning their confidence and good-will. Recognizing the large and constantly increasing demand for shoe cartons among the Cincinnati manufacturers, in 1904 Mr. Robinson conceived the idea of establishing a plant for the manufacture of boxes for the exclusive shoe trade, feeling convinced that such a venture would Prove lucrative. The shoe industry in Cincinnati has been rapidly growing during the past decade, and has reached such proportions that this city is now regarded as one of the centers of the women's and children's shoe trade. Being known to be fully informed on this fact Mr. Robinson met with little difficulty in interesting others in his proposed scheme, and soon The Ohio Paper Box Company was not only discussed as a possibility, but was an established reality. He is vice president, a director and sales manager of the enterprise, but it is his personal connection and large acquaintance among the. members of the shoe industry that has enabled the business to thrive from its inception. The present output of their plant is practically all disposed of to the local trade. 272 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY Mr. Robinson married Miss Carrie Isabelle Stevens, a daughter of Dr. Edward. E. Stevens, a prominent physician of Cincinnati, who for many years was located on Elm street. By their marriage, which occurred in 1876, they are the parents of two sons : Clinton Bruce, who is a prominent and well known photographer On Fifth avenue, opposite the custom house ; and Edward S., who is still in high school. The family residence is located in Norwood, where Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have spent the entire period of their domestic life. Mrs. Robinson is quite prominently identified with the social life of the 'suburb and takes an active and earnest interest in the work of the Floral Avenue Presbyterian church of which she is a member. She was educated in the old Wesleyan College of Cincinnati, being. a member of the class of 1874, and although this institution has long been out of existence, the members of its alumni in this city continue to have their annual meeting. Mr. Robinson is a charter member of the Masonic fraternity of Norwood, and he is a prominent member of the Southern Shoe Travelers' Association, whose headquarters are at Boston, Massachusetts. He is also affiliated with the Cincinnati Business Men's Club, in the work of which he has taken an active and earnest interest, ever having been loyal in his allegiance to the, Queen city and its enterprises. Mr. Robinson is a man whose enthusiasm is 'not permitted to consume his energy before it has been productive of results, in the promotion of any undertaking with which he may identify himself. MAX LEVY. Some men are never discouraged by obstacles. The greater the obstacles that arise in their path the keener is their desire to win, and these brave spirits in many instances conquer every difficulty and finally realize the object of their ambition. Max Levy, a successful lawyer of Cincinnati, started heavily handicapped in his boyhood to secure an education, and in the face of the most adverse circumstances he succeeded. Today he can claim among his clients many of the leading institutions of the city. He has won recognition entirely through his own efforts and is, therefore, entitled to full credit for all he has accomplished. He is a native of Kovena, Guberina, Russia, and was born August 1, 1876, a son of Jacob and Rachel Levy. The father came to the new world with his family and engaged in the cigar manufacturing business in Cincinnati. He retired from active labor several years ago and is still living in this city. Max Levy came with his parents to Cincinnati in 1884. He received his preliminary education in the public schools and at the age of fourteen started out in the world to make his own way. He secured employment in the stock room of a wholesale furnishing-goods house at a salary of two dollars and a half per week. He lost his position on account of asking for car fare to be applied in conveying bundles after business hours. He next turned his attention to teaching foreigners how to read and write the English language and by the most careful economy saved enough money to pay for tuition at the Cincinnati Business College. While attending this institution he also worked at any honorable employment that he could find. At the age of sixteen he was capable CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 273 of taking a position as stenographer and bookkeeper, but he continued assiduously to perfect himself in stenography and became an expert in this branch, being employed by newspapers to report conventions and court proceedings. From his early boyhood he had aspired to become a lawyer and he began the study of law in the course of which he attended the Cincinnati Law School for one year. He completed his law studies alone and in 1899 was admitted upon examination by the supreme court of the state to practice in the courts of Ohio. He has applied himself earnestly and persistently to his profession and as he brings to his work a well informed and well balanced mind, he has gained the confidence and respect of the courts and of his brother practitioners. As an attorney and counsellor he has met with a gratifying measure of success and he represents a number of important estates and corporations of Cincinnati and Hamilton county. Politically Mr. Levy is a stanch supporter of the republican party. He has served as acting police judge and is now a member of the republican city executive committee. Highly energetic and competent in everything he undertakes, he generally carries to success any cause he espouses and his services, therefore, are in constantly increasing demand. Socially he holds membership in the Jewish Order of B'nai B'rith. He is identified with various fraternal and charitable organizations and is a member of the governing board of many of them. He is especially active in the Improved Order of Red Men and now fills the honored position of Great Sachem of the Great Council of Ohio, I. O. R. M. DAWSON BLACKMOR E. Dawson Blackmore, who for many years was a leading figure in commission circles in Cincinnati, was born June 23, 1831, in Columbiana county, Ohio. His education was there acquired in the public schools, his liberal training preparing him to meet life's responsible duties. For some years after attaining his majority he traveled in the interests of the firm of Dubois & Auger, of this city. In 1862 he took up his residence in Cincinnati, at which time he was given a position in the office of the firm. This well supplemented his training upon the road and a year later he embarked in business on his own account with a Mr. Barton as partner under the firm name of BlackMore & Barton. Later the junior partner sold his interests to F. A. Laidley and the firm of Blackmore & Laidley continued for many years. After business had been successfully established in Cincinnati and was continued for some years, it was decided to branch out and enlarge the scope of their activities by opening an office in New Orleans. Mr. Blackmore then went south where he remained for a year, establishing favorable trade relations. An immense business was developed, opening up the river traffic, and the warehouses at Vine street and the river front were kept overflowing with the produce in which the firm dealt, together with flour, grain, pork and provisions. Their business became one of the most important commission enterprises of this city and its continuous growth was due in very large measure to the efforts, close application and wisely directed management of Mr. Blackmore. In 1878 Mr. Kinsey bought Mr. Laidleys interest, and when the latter 274 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY withdrew from the firm some time afterward, the business was conducted under the name of Dawson Blackmore & Company. In 1872 occurred the marriage of Mr. Blackmore and Miss Mary J. Jones, a daughter of John, and Sarah (Glover) Jones. Her father was a prominent pioneer of Greene county and owned large tracts of land. He was also a leading figure in commercial circles as a dealer in general merchandising and was equally prominent in politics, being recognized as one of those, whose opinions carried great weight in political councils. He served both as county auditor and also as the representative of his district in the state legislature. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blackmore were born four children: Dawson J., who is still a resident of Cincinnati; George G., who is a civil engineer by profession; Charles C., connected with the Citizens Motor Power Company ; and Josephine, the wife of Harry C. Sherrick, Jr. In his political views Mr. Blackmore was a democrat and for one term he served as a member of the state council from Walnut Hills, but preferred that his public activities should be of a different character and felt that he could do equally valuable work for the city in other directions. However when in office he was loyal to the best interests of Cincinnati, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many valuable public measures. He was very active in the Chamber of Commerce, serving on its board of directors and stood very high in the organization. He was held in high esteem by his friends because of his attractive social qualities and by his commercial colleagues because of his business capacity, which was remarkable. He was both the architect and builder .of his own fortune and an obstacle in his path seemed but to call forth greater energy and determination than he had hitherto displayed. Difficulties with him seemed to act as an impetus for renewed effort and he met competition with the courage that comes of conscious personal ability and a habitual regard for what is right in one's relations with his fellowmen. Mr. Blackmore died January 5, 1898.. RICHARD SMITH. The press has always been both the mirror and the molder of public opinion. While it expresses the views of others, its logical deductions concerning a situation often prove the balancing force in changing the public opinion and thereby the ultimate result. For a considerable period Richard Smith was numbered among the noted journalists of Cincinnati, a conscientious writer who realized the responsibilities devolving upon him in the position which he filled. Moreover, his memory should be perpetuated, inasmuch as he was one of the founders and chief promoters of the Chamber .of Commerce, who throughout' its existence up to the day of his death proved a most helpful member of that organization. He was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, January 3o, 1823, a son of Richard and Elizabeth (Kidd) Smith, the family coming to America after the death of the father, arriving in Cincinnati, where an older son, William, had preceded them. William Smith was one of the prominent citizens of the city; he was the inventor of manifold paper and one of the organizers of the Chamber of Commerce and served for many years as one of its officers. Richard CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 277 Smith was a youth or eighteen years when he came to the United States in 1841, settling in Cincinnati, of which he remained a loyal and progressive resident until he was called from this life on the 22d of April, 1898. His connection with newspaper work covered the entire gamut of service, from the most humble position in the newspaper office to that of prominent journalist of the middle west. His training was thorough and practical and there was no branch of the business with which he was not acquainted. For many years he was connected with the Cincinnati Gazette and after that paper was consolidated with the Cincinnati Commercial his good work continued. His views on vital questions reached beyond local interests, took in the entire situation and sought expression in efforts to further the general welfare. He was indeed a prominent factor in shaping public sentiments and his position was often an influencing one in matters of national moment. He wielded a ready pen, was a virile writer and his utterances, though comprehensive, were .at once clear and decisive. He displayed remarkable knowledge and comprehension of the underlying principles governing business and civic affairs. He was never boastful of what he could do and the spirit of self-laudation was utterly absent from his writings. His splendid business and executive forces as well as his literary ability were brought into requisition in promoting the interests' of the Gazette and his labors proved a power in winning for the paper the high reputation enjoyed.. He was one of the advocates of the Associated Press work and took an active part in the movement, long maintaining his identity as a director of operations which the peculiar nature of such an enterprise called for. To him the possibilities of newspaper publication seemed limitless and he was continuously seeking out new plans to improve upon the old methods in vogue. Progress was the keynote of his character and all his work, yet he was content to see honors fall to others, happy himself in the consciousness of duty faithfully performed. Coming into the closest touch with the great vital problems relative to the city and her upbuilding, he stood as a strong champion of what he believed to be right and was an active worker in behalf of many projects whose influence has been of immeasurable value and benefit to the City. He served both as president of the board of review and of the board of. supervisors. He was associated with others in organizing the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and took a very active part in its work from an early period in its history. When there were occasions for framing resolutions expressive of the chamber's sentiments concerning important matters he was almost without exception placed on committees named for this purpose and frequently was made chairman. In 1846 he was appointed assistant superintendent of the Chamber of Commerce under Adam Peabody, and in 1849 succeeded to the position of superintendent, which he filled with honor and credit to himself and to the organization. For five years he also acted as its secretary. In 1850 he took an active part in securing the organization of the association and for many years was the only survivor of the incorporators of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Exchange. A notable work which he did in this connection was in conducting negotiations with the United States government, in 1879, for the possession of the site upon which was erected the Chamber of Commerce building. In 1893 he was elected an honorary member of the organization and upon the pages of its 278 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY history his name. is deeply inscribed as one who wrought long and well in its service. On the 26th of November, 1846, -Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Mary Quin, a daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth (Lucky) Quin. Their children were eight in number, George, Charles Edwin, Frances, Elizabeth, Mary Frances, Richard, Laura and Clara, of whom four are living, namely : Elizabeth, the wife of Henry W. Andrews, of Yokohama, Japan ; Mary F., co-principal of the Bartholomew-Clifton School ; Richard, managing editor of the Indianapolis News; and Laura, chief of the catalogue and reference department of the Cincinnati Public Library. The death of Mrs. Smith occurred December 28, 1903, and Mr. Smith passed away on the 22d of April, 1898. His political views were in accord with the principles of the republican party and he had a statesman's grasp of affairs. He was an earnest and devoted member of the Presbyterian church and attained high rank as a Scottish Rite Mason. Public-spirited, generous and warm-hearted, he stood as a man among men and his heart's inspiration was duty. HARRY BRENT MACKOY. Harry Brent Mackoy, attorney at law, which profession he has continuously followed since January, 1899, was born in Covington, Kentucky, July 18, 1874. His father is William H. Mackoy, the senior member of the law firm of Mackoy & Mackoy, practitioners in the courts of both Kentucky and Ohio. William H. Mackoy has been numbered among the representatives of the Cincinnati bar since 1866. He is of Scotch descent, tracing his ancestry back to James Mackoy, who came from Scotland to the new world prior to 1718 and settled in King William county, Virginia. His grandson, John Mackoy, the grandfather of Wiliam H. Mackoy, was born in King William county, but early in the nineteenth century went to Greenup county, Kentucky, and purchased and settled upon land near the town of Greenup. His son, John Mackoy, resided upon that farm during his boyhood days and subsequently became a resident of Covington, Kentucky, where he remained until his death, or for a period of more than a half century. For many years he was a leading member of the First Presbyterian church of Covington and a prominent wholesale merchant in that city. He married Elizabeth Hardia, a daughter of William Hardia, of Fredericksburg, Virginia. William H. Mackoy, the son of John and Elizabeth (Hardia) Mackoy, was born in Covington, November 20, 1839, and there spent his youthful days, attending the local schools and afterward the University of Virginia, from which he was graduated with the degree of Master of Arts. A good literary training prepared him for the study of law, which he systematically pursued until 1866, when he was admitted to practice before the courts of Kentucky and of Ohio. He has since followed his profession in Cincinnati and in his native state as well, and is regarded as one of the able and representative lawyers of this section of the country. In 1890 he was a member of the Kentucky constitutional convention from the second legislative district of Kentucky, and in that body CINCINNATI—THE. QUEEN CITY - 279 served upon the committees upon corporations and municipalities and drafted the parts of the constitution relating to those subjects. At the adjourned session of the convention held in September, 1891, he was made a member of the committee on revision and rendered important and valuable service in making corrections in the draft of that instrument which were necessary to make it consistent in all its parts. On November 18, 1868, William H. Mackoy was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Chambers Brent, a daughter of Hugh Innes and Margaret Brent of Paris, Kentucky. Her father was a planter and mill owner, and was the first president of the Northern Bank of Kentucky, at Paris, that state. His daughter, Mrs. W. H. Mackoy, passed away January 5, 1899, leaving a son and daughter, Harry Brent and Elizabeth Cary. The eldest child of the family, Lewis D. Mackoy, is deceased. Harry B. Mackoy . was reared in Covington, where he attended the public and private schools, later spending a year as a student in the University of Virginia. Subsequently he entered Yale, from which he was graduated in 1894 with the degree of B. A. He then returned to Cincinnati and entered the law school here. In May, 1897, he was graduated from the law school and admitted to the bar in both Kentucky and Ohio. His mother's health being poor, he spent the two succeeding years in traveling with her, that she might be benefited by the change of climate, but this proved unavailing and she passed away in 1899. Mr. Mackoy then joined his father in the practice of law under the style of Mackoy & Mackoy, the firm being regarded today as one of the strong representatives of legal interests in Cincinnati and Covington. At the present time Mr. Mackoy is president of the Kenton county (Ky.) Bar Association, and is a member of the Hamilton County (Ohio) and American Bar Associations. On the 18th of November, 1905, Harry B. Mackoy was married to Miss Ruth B. Simrall, a daughter of Charles Barrington Simrall, who was a prominent attorney of Covington, Kentucky, and general counsel in Kentucky for the Cincinnati Southern Railroad up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Harry B. Mackoy have two children, Harry Brent, Jr., and Margaret Barrington. Mr. Mackoy is a member of the Masonic order and also of the Delta Kappa Epsilon and the Phi Delta Phi fraternities. He also belongs to the University Club, the Literary Club, the Ohio Society of Colonial Wars and the Sons of the Revolution in the state of Ohio. He is an ex-state president of the latter organization and ex-governor of the Society of Colonial Wars for the state of Ohio. He is also president of the Ohio Valley Historical Association. He makes his home across the river in Covington and is vice president of the board of education and a director of the Central Savings Bank & Trust Company, of that city. His interests are constantly widening and reaching out along continuously broadening lines. He is a vice president of the Kentucky Anti-Tuberculosis Society, of the Kentucky Child Labor Association, the Covington (Ky.) Santa Claus Association and a member of the Volunteer Commission appointed by Governor Willson for the study of the condition of working women in Kentucky. He is also a member of the Filson Club, of Kentucky, and the Kentucky State Historical Society. He has contributed Articles to the magazines and has spoken before tile American Historical Associations and other organizations of a similar char- 280 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY acter. While recognized as a strong and able lawyer he does not confine his attention to his profession to the exclusion of other interests, but recognizes and meets the obligations and responsibilities of life and contributes his share toward public progress and improvement. STANLEY W. MERRELL. The Merrell family is well known in Cincinnati and for several generations has been closely identified with the development of the city. Stanley W. Merrell, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Cincinnati in 1876, a on of George and Cornelia (Spear) Merrell. The grandfather on the paternal side was William S. Merrell, a native of New Durham, Greene county, New York, born January 8, 1798. His parents located in Greene county in 1795, having come from Hartford, Connecticut. In 1801 the family moved to Oneida county, New York, and in the public schools of that county William S. Merrell received his preliminary education. At the age of sixteen he arrived in Cincinnati as a protege of his uncle, Major William Stanley, who was at one time mayor of this city. Major Stanley died three months after the arrival of young Merrell in this city, and the latter returned to his old home and entered Hamilton College, from, which he was graduated in 1824. He once more came to Cincinnati and opened a preparatory school, making a specialty of chemistry and allied sciences. A year later he went to Augusta, Kentucky, where he served for three years as principal of a seminary. At the end of the time named he resigned and was elected president of a female college at Tuscumbia, Alabama. His interest, however, was centered upon chemistry and in 1830 he opened a drug store in this city at the corner of Chestnut street and Western Row, now Central avenue. Later he moved his store to Court and Plum streets, where he carried on original investigations in indigenous materia medica, and in 1847 discovered and introduced podophyllin, which was generally used by physicians throughout the country. During this time his brother, A. S. Merrell was associated with him as a partner in business. In 1852 the establishment was moved to the northeast corner of Pearl. and Vine streets and afterward was located at several downtown points. The commodious buildings now occupied by the company were erected in 1881. Mr. Merrell was the first educated chemist to take up his residence west of the Alleghany mountains and he gained a world-wide reputation on account of his remarkable talents. He was a valued member of the American Pharmaceutical Association and served for a number of years as president of the Eclectic Medical College of this city. He died September 4, 1880. The maiden name of his wife was Mehitable Poor. George Merrell, president of the William S. Merrell Chemical Company, was born in Cincinnati, February 19, 1845. He received his early education in the public schools, after which he entered the Hughes high school. It was his intention to pursue a regular college course, but in 1863, while he was a student in the high school, his brother died. The brother was manager of the business of which the father was the head and George Merrell was obliged to abandon his proposed system of education and entered at once upon his active business CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 281 career. He has ever since applied himself to the manufacture of chemical and pharmaceutical preparations and the William S. Merrell Chemical Company is now one of the great manufacturing concerns of America. Mr. Merrell is president of the board of directors of the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy and is a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association and of the Society of Chemical Industry of London, England. Fraternally he is identified with Harmony Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M. ; Ohio Consistory ; and Syrian Temple. He is also connected with the Sons of the Revolution, the Society of Colonial Wars and the Queen City Club. He was married to Miss Cornelia Spear, a daughter of S. B. Spear, of this city. To this union four children have been born : Charles G., who is associated with his father in business ; Alice Walton ; Stanley W., of this review ; and Thurston. In the public schools of Cincinnati, Stanley W. Merrell received his early education. He attended Hughes high school for two years and completed his preparation for college at the Franklin school.. He then entered Harvard University, from which he was graduated in 1899, with the degree of A. B., and in 1901 with the degree of LL.B. Immediately after receiving his diploma as a lawyer he was admitted to the Ohio bar and for many years was associated in practice with C. B. Matthews under the title of Matthews & Merrell. Since 1906 he has practiced alone. He is now serving as assistant city solicitor and has shown an understanding of the law and a tact and ability in the management of cases which give brilliant promise as to his future. On April 27, 1905, Mr. Merrell was married' to Miss Louise Caldwell, a daughter of William G. Caldwell, of this city, and they have two children, Alice and Mina Louise. Politically Mr. Merrell has .given his support to the democratic party ever since he arrived at voting age and has been active and enthusiastic in support of its principles. He served from 1906 to 1908 as a member-at-large of the city council and later served as assistant prosecuting attorney for Hamilton .county until January I, 1912. Fraternally he is connected with Avon Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and is now past master of that organization. He is a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, of which for a number of years he has been corresponding secretary. He is a gentleman of fine social characteristics, generous, frank, straightforward and modest, and in public and private life has won the respect of all with whom he has been associated. He is an able lawyer, a useful citizen and is justly accorded the honor which belongs to a man who has sincerely attempted to perform his duty. MURRAY COLEGATE SHOEMAKER. Murray Colegate Shoemaker, who was a distinguished member of the Cincinnati bar and prominently connected with corporation interests, was born in Tiffin, Ohio, September 18, 1844, a son of Robert Myers and Mary Colegate (Steiner) Shoemaker. His father was One of the pioneer railroad contractors of this section of the country. The son was provided with excellent educational opportunities, supplementing his public-school course by' study in Kenyon College at Gambier, Ohio, from which he was graduated in June, 1862, with the 282 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY degree of Bachelor of Arts. He next entered Yale College at New Haven, Connecticut, and also won the A. B. degree upon graduation with the class of 1864. His professional training was received in the Cincinnati College Law School, from which he was graduated in June, 1865, and in the Columbia College Law School, of New York city, which conferred upon him his LL.B. degree upon graduation in 1866. He thereafter devoted his attention to the practice of his profession, becoming a resident of Cincinnati in 1866. He concentrated his energies upon civil law practice, giving particular attention to railway and other corporation interests. His knowledge was comprehensive and exact and his application of legal principles sound, while his arguments were at all times strong and convincing. In 1867 he was appointed assistant land commissioner and attorney for the Kansas Pacific Railroad Company. Five years later he was made attorney for the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway and in the same year was elected secretary of the Cincinnati & Springfield Railroad. In 1878 he was made secretary of the Cincinnati Southern Railway, thus holding a number of positions of trust and responsibility in connection with different corporations. Throughout his connection with important interests he displayed a judgment and capacity which were the result of conscientious attention to worthy ideals. On the 3d of June, 1869, Murray C. Shoemaker was united in marriage at Saratoga Springs, New York, to Miss Frances Barnum Marvin, a daughter of James M. Marvin. The two living children of this union are : Murray Marvin Shoemaker, now a well known member of the Cincinnati bar ; and Mrs. Henrietta S. Thompson, who has one son, Nash Rockwood, by a former marriage. Mr. Shoemaker was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, Lambda Chapter, '63, and Phi Chapter, '64. He also held membership in the Phi Beta Kappa and he belonged to the Yale Club of Cincinnati, the University Club and the Queen City Club. His military experience came to him in early manhood, covering service as a private of the Ohio Militia in 1862, when but eighteen years of age. His social qualities rendered him popular in the various clubs and fraternities with which he was connected and his ability and high professional worth at all times commanded the confidence and contemporof his colleagues and contempoaries. He became recognized as one of th foremost representatives of the bar and railway interests of this section of the state, being ever regarded as an able, conscientious and worthy minister in the 'temple of justice. Mr. Shoemaker's death occurred on April 8, 1885. SIGMUND STRAUSS. Sigmund Strauss, who, is a member of the firm of Lindenberg, Strauss & Company, wholesale jewelers and diamond importers, was born in Frankfort-on-the-Main on the 1st of October, 1869. His parents were H. and Caroline Strauss. The father, who was a high-school teacher, passed away in 1901, at the age of seventy-seven years, but the mother survived until 1905, being seventy-one at the time of her demise. CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 283 The elementary education of Sigmund Strauss was obtained in the Walnut Hill high school, following which he entered the Bartlett Business College, from which institution he was graduated at the age of seventeen. Having decided upon a commercial career after leaving the latter institution he entered a wholesale jewelry house, where he remained for seven years. He applied himself closely during that period and became thoroughly familiar with every detail of the business, thus qualifying himself to engage in business on his own account. His venture into the realms of commercial activities was on a very small scale at first, the business being conducted under the firm name of Strauss & Company. He continued in this until 1902, when he bought out the interest of Mr. Bene, of Bene, Lindenberg & Company, which company has ever since operated under the name of Lindenberg, Strauss & Company. They are located at No. 25 to 29 Carew building, where they have been since the building was erected in 1886, and are enjoying an excellent patronage. Mr. Strauss, who has been a citizen of the United States since 1890, at which time he took out his naturalization papers, gives his political support to the man he deems best adapted to the office, regardless of party affiliation. He is identified with the Phoenix Club and the Cincinnati Commercial Association, and resides at 2217 Fulton avenue. He is one of the enterprising and capable business men of the city, whose best energies have been concentrated upon the development of the interest in which he is meeting with such notable success. CHRISTOPHER VON SEGGERN. At the time of his death, which occurred on the 4th of July, 1911, Christopher Von Seggern was the oldest member of the Cincinnati bar and throughout the greater part of his life was numbered among the honored and respected residents of the city. He was born in the year 1827, in the duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, and was a son of Frederick Von Seggern, who brought his family to Cincinnati when. Christopher Von Seggern was not quite two years of age. For a short time prior to that they had lived in Wheeling, Virginia, now West Virginia, where the father worked at the trade of carriage blacksmithing. Corning to Cincinnati, he followed his trade in a shop located on the site of the old National Theater. Soon afterward he started in business for himself, being the pioneer German in his line in Cincinnati. He died of cholera in 1849. Christopher Von Seggern learned the blacksmith's and wagonsmith's trade with his father and worked along those- lines and as a cooper until 1848, when he secured a position in making up the title index used in the recorder's office. He was employed in that way until 1856. He filled a number of local positions, becoming in 1850 deputy sheriff under C. J. W. Smith, who was a prominent democratic politician at that day. He remained for six years in the recorder's office and in the meantime took up the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1857. He then entered an office in company with the late Frederick Hassaurek, with whom he remained until Mr. Hassaurek was appointed United States minister to Ecuador. While engaged actively in the practice of law Mr. Von Seggern was from time to time called to public office. In 1851 he represented 284 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY the ninth ward in the city council and at the time of his death was the oldest ex-member of the council in Cincinnati. When he was the incumbent in the office, the best council chamber the city afforded was a room in the second story of the Volunteer Fire Company building, on the north side of Fourth street, between Walnut and Main streets. Mr. Von Seggern had himself been a member of Volunteer Fire Company No. 7, which he joined when a youth of sixteen, remaining in active connection therewith for several years. His service in the city council covered the years 1851, 1852, 1855, 1858, 1859, 1860, 1863 and from 1869 until 1871. He served on a number of important committees and did not a little toward shaping legislation and guiding the policy and destiny of the city. He was also a member of the board of trustees and visitors of the common schools of Cincinnati, as the board of education was then known, filling the position during 1859, 1863 and 1868. He was long a familiar figure on the streets of Cincinnati and commanded the respect and goodwill of all who knew him. On August 15, 1848, Mr. Von Seggern was married to Miss Louise Wagner, who was born January 6, 1831, and unto them were born twelve children. His wife passed away in 1906. They had traveled life's journey happily together for fifty-eight years and the death of the wife was undoubtedly one of the causes which hastened the end of Mr. Von Seggern. Up to the last Mr. Von Seggern maintained an office, although in 'his later years his attention was given mostly to the supervision of his private business affairs. He was from 1856 a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and strongly espoused the noble principles of that organization, exemplifying in his life many of its sterling teachings. The wisdom, energy and success with which he marked out his path in life constitute a study for American youths. He was at his death the oldest member of the Cincinnati bar and the solitary living link that bound the legal profession of today with that of the past. CLINTON CRANE. Clinton Crane is secretary, treasurer and general manager of the firm of C. Crane & Company, whose business is as well known in Europe as, on this side of the Atlantic, for they are one of the most extensive manufacturers of hardwood lumber in the world. The life of Mr. Crane has been crowned with notable, desirable and commendable success, yet through it all he has been a most approachable man, whose sincerity quickly impresses one and who commands the regard, confidence and good-will of all with whom he comes in contact. He has all of those qualities which make for success in business and is a big man physically, mentally and morally. His birthplace was about three miles southwest of Eaton, Ohio, and his natal day was October 11, 1844. He is a son of William and Maria (Harbison) Crane and the father probably was born in Virginia, but lived the greater part of his life in Preble county, Ohio. He was a farmer and handled produce and stock of the neighborhood, making one trip each week to. Cincinnati. He was taken suddenly ill' at the old Blackbear Hotel, where he died in 1845. CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 289 Clinton Crane was reared on the old home farm near Eaton and was educated in the public schools, such as they were in those days. When he was twelve years of age he began buying stock which he drove to the Cincinnati market. He was thus engaged until the spring of 1861, when he. established a cattle ranch about five miles southeast of Kent Station, Indiana, near the Illinois line on Sugar creek. This business he carried on for about three years and, in the spring of 1864, turned his attention to logging and getting out timber at Peru, Indiana, for a Canadian firm. In this enterprise he was associated with his brother, W. B. Crane, under the firm name of C. Crane & Company. Their business connection was dissolved. in 1868, after which Clinton Crane continued alone until 1871, when he formed a partnership with James O. Cole, of Peru, Indiana, under the firm name of C. Crane & Company, which was maintained until February, 1894, when they incorporated the business, Mr. Cole becoming president of the company and Mr. Crane treasurer and general manager. They handled lumber, and bought and sold in a wholesale way until the spring of 1880, when they built their first sawmill in Cincinnati, located on the site now occupied by their mill No. 2. At that time they brought about thirty men to this city to operate the mill. Since that day the business has steadily grown and the capacity of the mill has been increased from ten million feet of lumber annually to one hundred million. They own extensive timber lands and also stumpage lands in West Virginia and eastern Kentucky. Something of the growth of their business is indicated by the fact that they now employ four hundred people in Cincinnati and in West Virginia and Kentucky employ between two hundred and fifty and three hundred people in their logging camps. They make shipments to all parts of the United States, Canada and to various European countries, and they became one of the leading hardwood lumber firms of the country. The partnership which was formed between Mr. Cole and Mr. Crane, in 1871, has since continued and in all those years there has never, been an unpleasant word nor a misunderstanding between the two men, who are almost like brothers. The president of the company, J. O. Cole, resides in Peru, Indiana. He was born in Ohio, but his father removed with the family to Peru when the son was six years of age. In 1850, when a young man of twenty-two years, he went to California, where he remained for about eighteen years engaged in merchandising and mining. In the fall of 1867 or the spring of 1868, he returned to Peru and entered the business circles of that city by buying an interest in what was known as the Peru Brewery, his associate in this undertaking being George Rettig, who had gone to California with Mr. Cole in. 1850, but returned to Peru after three or four years spent on the Pacific coast. Mr.. Cole has been a very active and conservative business man and has accumulated much property outside of his interests with Mr. Crane. He is considered one of the best business. managers either in the state of Indiana or of Ohio. Since the establishment of the business in Cincinnati the plant has been from time to time increased to meet the growing demands of the trade and now covers sixty-five acres, extending for a mile and a quarter along the river -front. The company has ever maintained the highest standards in quality, in the promptness of its service and in the personnel of the house, and has always enjoyed the regard and confidence of the purchasing public. Vol. IV-15 290 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY Mr. Crane was married, in 1868, to Miss Isabelle Blake, a daughter of Major Horace Blake, of Peru, Indiana, and they have two children: Fannie, now the wife of John E. C. Kohlsaat, of Cincinnati ; and Gertrude Maria, who is the wife of Albert Krippendorf, a shoe manufacturer of this city. Mr. Crane was at one time a member of the executive board of the Chamber of Commerce of Cincinnati, with which he still holds membership. He likewise belongs to the Hard. Wood Manufacturers Association of the United States and the Lumbermen's Club and the Business Men's Club of Cincinnati. He has become widely known and has made many friends during his residence here, for outside of business circles he has displayed those social qualities which everywhere win favor and regard. He is entirely without pretense or ostentation and his sterling worth is recognized by all. In business he has displayed splendid ability, has ever been watchful of all details pointing to success and has been energetic, prompt and notably reliable. Added to these has been his power to plan and execute the right thing at the right time and also the quality which is known as common sense and which is too often lacking in man. In his active career he has accomplished important and far reaching results, contributing in no small. degree to the expansion and material growth of the nation and from which he has himself derived substantial benefits. GUSTAF J. ALMS. The death of Gustaf J. Alms, occurring when he was thirty-five years of age, seemed most untimely, for he had hardly reached the zenith of his powers, although he had given ample proof of his business ability in the position of financial manager of the Alms-Doepke Company, dealers in dry goods in Cincinnati. This was his native city and its public schools afforded him his educational privileges, successive promotions at length bringing him to the Woodward high school, from. which he was graduated. in due time. He then entered the house of Alms-Doepke Company, of which his brother Fred was an active partner. He won his promotions and did not depend upon the influence of relationship to secure him advancement. He was diligent, determined and energetic and made his service of such worth to the house that he was called to the position of financial manager and was active in the control of the house in relation to its moneyed interests at the time of his demise. In 1882 Mr. Alms was married to Miss Augusta Girten, a daughter of John D. and Henrietta (Miller) Girten. The father, who for years was a merchant tailor of this city, came from Alsace-Lorraine, France, when a young man. Here he married Henrietta Miller, who was born in. Saxony. He was also active in the affairs of this city and in early days was a member of the volunteer fire department. He died at the comparatively early age of forty-six years, while his wife, long surviving him, passed away in 1901. It was their daughter who became the wife of Gustaf J. Alms, and by this marriage there was born one son, Lester Girten, who is now with the Alms-Doepke Company. Mr. Alms held membership in the English Lutheran church. His interests centered in his business and in his family and when not occupied with the demands of trade his CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 291 time was given to the enjoyment of the companionship of his wife and friends. He died in 1888 at the age of thirty-five years. The work of the world is carried on even though an individual passes on, but the memory of a well spent life remains as a cherished possession and a blessed benediction to those with .whom the individual was associated. Gustaf Alms can never be forgotten by those who were close to him in commercial and social relations, for his strongly marked characteristics were those which win enduring regard. and friendship. LOUIS F. GIEBEL. It is a recognized fact in the business world that progress is best conserved through close application, diligence and unfaltering purpose—a fact that finds w proof in the life record of L. F. Giebel, ho as a stock boy entered into connection with The Kruse-Bahlmann Hardware Company, of which he is now one, of the directors, the manager and superintendent of the shipping department. His advancement through intermediate positions has come in recognition of his faithfulness and ability and the story of his life is one .of persistent and well directed effort. He was born in Cincinnati, May 14, 1862, a son of Heinrich and Katharine Giebel. The surname indicates his German, lineage. His father was born in Germany but the mother was a native of America. She died when her son Louis was but five. years and he was left an orphan by his father's death when eleven years of age. Heinrich Giebel had been a cabinetmaker in the employ of the old firm of Mitchell & Ramelsberg, then the oldest furniture manufacturers of Cincinnati. Louis F. Giebel attended the public schools until sixteen years of age, when he began earning his living in the employ of Mitchell & Ramelsberg, where his father had worked until his death several years before.. A year was thus passed, after which he entered the employ of Kruse & Bahlmann and has been continuously connected with the house to the present time, his association with the firm beginning on the loth of February, 1879. The business at that time was a copartnership concern between Louis Kruse and Herman Bahlmann, both of whom are now deceased. They were then Occupying a four-story building at what was, No. 15 West Pearl street, just west of Main street, and were jobbers of hardware. The business grew until eventually they were occupying the four-story buildings from No. 11 to No. 17 West Pearl street, and today they occupy the immense building extending from 408 to 422 Pioneer street and running from 409 to 421 East Sixth street. In 1884 Mr. Giebel was sent upon the road as a traveling salesman, covering southern Ohio territory and was thus engaged until 1902. At the dissolution of the old firm of Kruse & Bahlmann a company known as The Kruse-Bahlmann Hardware Company was incorporated with a capital stock of three hundred thousand dollars. This was in 1902, at which time Mr. Giebel became a director of the firm and was placed in charge as superintendent and manager of the shipping department of their immense business. His long experience, covering ,thirty-two years, acquainting him with many details of the trade, has well qualified him for the onerous and responsible duties that now devolve upon him. The success of The Kruse-Bahlmann Hard- 292 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY ware Company is attributable in considerable measure to his sales ability and he has complete knowledge of the business. This is now the largest jobbing house in southern Ohio. They conduct a wholesale trade in hardware and cutlery and the officers of the company are all men who stand high in business and financial circles. These are : John W. Swift, president, who is also president of the Eagle White Lead Company ; Frederick Hertenstein, vice president, who is also president of the German-American Bank and prominently identified with the Charles Moser Paint Company ; J. Gordon Taylor, secretary, who is also secretary of the Eagle White Lead Company and now commander of the Ohio Commandery of the Loyal Legion ; and Albert L. F. Claussen, treasurer, while Louis F. Giebel and W. W. Schueler are the managers. The last three named are the active men in the company, having control of the business in its various departments and phases. The company erected and took possession of their 'present immense plant in 1902, having attractive modern brick buildings, with all of the latest equipment and with a floor space of two hundred and sixty thousand square feet. Both Mr. Giebel and Mr. Schueler started in with the company as young lads in minor positions and they worked their way upward, gaining a thorough understanding of the business and thus qualifying for the positions of executive management as superintendents which they now occupy. In 1889 Mr. Giebel was married to Miss Louise Freytag, of Cincinnati, and to them have been born two children, Edwin and Robert. Mr. Giebel is a member of the Avondale Lodge of Masons and also holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and the American Insurance Union. For many years he has been an enthusiastic member of the United Commercial Travelers and in that organization, as in other associations to which he belongs, he has many warm friends. America is justly proud of her self-made men and delights in the records of those individuals who prove that inherent force of character and determination can triumph over environment and the lack of early advantages, and rise to positions of prominence where they become a dominant force in the business world. Such is the history of Louis F. Giebel and his record should serve to stimulate and encourage others. CHARLES L. ARZENO. Charles L. Arzeno, of Cincinnati, is well known as the principal precious metal mining operator in this vicinity. He has had extensive experience in mining camps in various parts of the country and is at the present time operating mines in lower California, Colorado, Oregon, Arkansas and other western states. He also handles investment securities. He is a native of Cincinnati, horn in the year 1868. At the age of nineteen he became a partner with his father and brother John in the grocery business, which was conducted after the death of the father under the title of Joseph Arzeno's Sons. In 1893 he sold out to his brother and a cousin, as he had become interested in Colorado mines, being identified with the Woods Investment Company of Victor, Colorado. Later he went to the Rocky mountains and was actively engaged in the management of mines, especially in those of the Cripple Creek region, for about twelve CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 293 years. He was one of the founders of Victor and Cameron and served as mayor of the latter place for two years. Although he devoted a large part of his time to the development of mining properties, he also maintained an office at Cincinnati, the headquarters for his business then being located where the Citizens National Bank building now stands. In 1901 he organized the Augusta Metal Mining Company, which was incorporated the same year by investors of Cincinnati and Charleston, South Carolina. A partnership was formed by eight members of the company to control the corporation and this partnership was afterward incorporated in Colorado as the Standard Mining Investment Company and enlarged to nine members. The main office of the company was located in Cincinnati and Mr. Arzeno has since been in charge. He also holds leading official positions in many other companies, among which is the Blue Mountain Mining Company of Oregon, of which he is president and general manager. He is interested in the development of gold, silver, copper and lead deposits and has gained an enviable reputation in mining circles. Being a man of good address, marked determination of character and great perseverance after he has once started in any undertaking, Mr. Arzeno generally carries his enterprises through to success. He has traveled extensively in mining regions and speaks from personal observation, when talking of mines in which he is interested. Prospectors under his direction recently discovered what is believed to be a large nickel deposit—the only one of importance as yet found in the United States—and an offer of five hundred thousand dollars for this property was rejected. Socially Mr. Arzeno is a member of the Cuvier Press Club and he can claim many friends and acquaintances in Cincinnati and in all the principal states Of the Union. LOUIS B. SAWYER. Among the well established attorneys of Cincinnati is Louis B. Sawyer, a man whose resourcefulness and clear judgment command the confidence of his associates and have won for him gratifying success. He is a native of Kentucky, born at Bowling Green, August 8, 1872, but has spent nearly his entire life in Cincinnati, having arrived here early in his boyhood. After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools of this city he entered the Wyoming high school, from which he was graduated in 1891. For two years he engaged in newspaper work and then, having decided to devote his life to the profession of law, he became a student of the Cincinnati Law School, graduating with the degree of LL.B. in 1895. Immediately after receiving his diploma he began practice in this city, becoming a member of the firm of Littleford, Morris, Ballard & Sawyer. This partnership terminated in 1900 and since that time Mr. Sawyer has been alone in practice and has the reputation of being one of the thoroughly capable, earnest and successful members of the bar of Hamilton county. He served as assistant county prosecutor from 1901 to 1908 and then resigned in order to devote his entire attention to his clients. From 1896 to 1901 he also served as solicitor for the village of Hartwell, occupying this office during three terms. He engages in general civil practice, making a specialty of corporation 294 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY law. Possessing thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles of the law, he is indefatigable in preparation for each case entrusted to his care and as an advocate has proved remarkably efficient and successful. Professionally Mr. Sawyer belongs to the Cincinnati Bar Association and the Ohio State Bat Association. In politics he is a firm adherent of the principles of the republican party. Being a man of genial sociable character, he is prominent in fraternal organizations. He is a Scottish Rite Mason of the thirty-second degree and a Shriner, being also a past chancellor in the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Khorassan. He is well known as a club man and is identified with the Queen City, Cuvier Press, the Cincinnati Automobile and the Wyoming Clubs. Having through life been actuated by an ambition to accomplish a worthy purpose, he has earnestly applied himself and his efforts have won for him deserved recognition. His influence is always exerted in behalf of progress and good citizenship. He is the owner of a well selected library of professional and literary works and his books are to him a constant source of inspiration and delight. WILLIAM KISKER Ever since his boyhood William Kisker has been actively connected with the produce commission business at Cincinnati and he has made a success of it, being a member of the flourishing firm of John V. Kisker & Company, at Nos. 11-13 Main street. He is a native of Cincinnati, born May 7, 1879, a son of William and Elizabeth Kisker. The father was a soldier in the Union army at the time1881the Civil war. He died in 188i and was buried in the German Lutheran cemetery at Cincinnati. in his family were three children, John V., Kiskeram and Charles. John V. Kisker was the founder of the commission business, of which the other two brothers are now. in charge. He was a man of excellent business ability and his death, at the age of forty-two years, in 1902, caused deep regret among a large circle of friends and acquaintances. William Kisker received his preliminary education in the public schools and his two brothers also enjoyed .advantages of training under the same conditions. He continued his studies in a night school of the Young Men's Christian Association at fifteen years of age, taking a commercial course which assisted him materially when he became actively connected with business. At the age of sixteen he began assisting his brother in the commission business and after the death of the latter formed a partnership with his brother Charles which has proved highly satisfactory. Today the firm enjoys a large patronage and ranks as one of the reliable and growing commission houses of the city. Mr. Kisker spares no time or energy in meeting the wants of customers and his efforts have been crowned with deserved. success. On the 20th of June, 1906, in this city, he was married to Miss Amanda Eickhoff, a daughter of Henry and Sophie Eickhoff. The father of Mrs. Kisker is a well known farmer of Hamilton county and one of its old residents. Two sons have come to bless this union: Carl Henry, who was born June 6, 1907; CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 295 and William Adam, Jr., born August 15, 1910. Socially Mr. Kisker is identified with Humboldt Lodge, I. O. O. F., and his life has in an important measure been controlled by the beneficent principles of this order. He .resides with his family in a beautiful home at No. 3738 Woodland avenue, Hyde Park, having found in his wife a sympathetic companion whose presence and encouragement have been to him a constant inspiration. Although a. young man, he is well established in his business, in which he has infused an energy that gives promise of gratifying financial returns. FREDERICK E. CLARKE. Genuine merit seldom fails to receive recognition and although the individual may be obliged to face many obstacles, if he possesses the necessary grit and energy it is rare indeed that he does not reach a position of responsibility. The truth of this statement is illustrated in the lives of many men whose records appear in this work. Frederick E. Clarke, assistant manager of the yeast department of the Fleischmann Company, Cincinnati, belongs to this class. He started out to meet the world with nothing to depend upon but a good constitution and an unalterable ambition to win and is now recognized as a growing factor in one of the largest enterprises of Cincinnati. He is a native of St. Louis, born September 14, 1873, and is a son of Hiram F. and Mildred (Atchison) Clarke. The family has traced its ancestry to England and the first of its members in America settled at Hamilton, Ontario, about 1835. The father of our subject came from Hamilton to the United States in 1850 and engaged in the mercantile business, being closely identified with the Queen City Awning & Supply Company of Cincinnati for many years. He is now living retired in this city. During the Civil war he served 'with high credit as paymaster in the Union army. The Atchison family, of which the mother of our subject is a member originated in England and has been well represented in this country for several generations.' At the age of four years Frederick E. Clarke was brought to Cincinnati by his parents and in the public schools of this city he secured the rudiments of a good education, to which he has since largely added by reading and observation. At the age of seventeen he entered the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company as check boy, but after one year gave up this position to become identified with the Erie Railroad Company as assistant ticket agent. Eighteen months later he became connected with the Fleischmann Company as telegraph operator-and stenographer. This position he held a short time when he advanced to that of private secretary to Julius Fleischmann. He performed his duties so acceptably that in 1906 he was appointed assistant manager of the yeast department of the house, an office which he now holds. On February 14, 1906, Mr. Clarke was married in this 'city to Miss Alice McKenna, a daughter of Arthur and Cecilia McKenna. Mr. McKenna was a well known building contractor of this city. He died in 1891 and his wife died in 1904. They are buried in St. Joseph's cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke are the parents of four sons Arthur, Robert, Donald 'and Woods, and the family residence is at No. 1536 Ruth avenue. He is an active member of the Business 296 - CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY Men's Club and in politics he gives his support to the republican party. He is well and favorably, known in the city as a man whose word is as binding as his bond and whose salient characteristics are such as to gain for him the confidence and good-will of all with whom he has business or social relations. DWIGHT S. MARFIELD. Dwight Steel Marfield, an attorney and counsellor at law, occupies and merits a prominent place among the lawyers of this city. He was born at Circleville, Ohio, on the 11iithf December, 1868. On his father's side, his great-grandfather, John Marfield, emigrated to America with his family at the latter end of the eighteenth century from the town of Bardenburg on the lower Rhine, Germany. He settled in Baltimore, Maryland, where Samuel Marfield, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born January 17, 1818. Harriet M. Wright, who became the wife of Samuel Marfield, was of Welsh parentage. In 1839 Samuel Maxfield removed to Ohio and located in Circleville, where. he became a hardware merchant and afterward a banker. Samuel Marfield, Jr., the father of Dwight S. Marfield, was born in Circleville, Ohio, on the 20th of April, 1844. He was an able newspaper editor and later a successful manufacturer of railroad cars. He was the founder of the Knoxville (Tenn.) Journal in February, 1885, in conjunction with William Rule. Prior to that time he had owned and edited the Circleville Union-Herald. His brother, Lieutenant James T. Marfield, second lieutenant in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry of the Union Army under General William T. Sherman, was killed before Vicksburg, in a charge on the Confederate lines on the 29th of December, 1862. Samuel Marfield, Jr., did not enlist in the army, but was a member of a volunteer troop organized to resist the famous Morgan raiders. He passed away in Tennessee on the 27th of April, 1905. His wife, the mother of Dwight S., bore the maiden name of Florence Thompson and was born at Kingston, Ohio, on the 24th of May, 1848, and is still living. Her father, Dr. A. W. Thompson, of New England and British ancestry, was a pioneer in the introduction of anaesthetics in Ohio and a pioneer medical, practitioner, coming to this state in October, 1839. Her mother, Diantha En trekin Thompson, derived her ancestry from Scotch, Irish and German sources, her father being John Entrekin, son of James Entrekin, the original representative of that family in America and a native of the highlands of Scotland, where he resided in a mountain pass known as the Entrekin Pass. Her mother, Nancy Crouse, was the daughter of John and Catherine Crouse, who emigrated to Ross county, Ohio, in 1798, from near Baltimore, Maryland. John Crouse was of German and Nancy Crouse of Welsh extraction. John Crouse served his country with credit in the Revolutionary war. Dwight S. Marfield is the eldest of six children, five of whom are yet living, namely : Dwight S., of this review ; William, who is a national bank examiner, of Knoxville, Tennessee ; George, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Kansas City, Missouri; Elizabeth, who resides with her mother in Knoxville, CINCINNATI—THE QUEEN CITY - 299 Tennessee; and Paul, the general manager of a tool manufacturing company, of Cincinnati. Mr. Marfield, after a few years of business experience in Knoxville, Tennessee, as a young man, prepared for the Episcopal ministry as a student in the General Theological Seminary in New York city, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1891. Subsequently he pursued a post-graduate course in Oxford University, England. In April, 1892, he took charge of St. Andrews Episcopal church in Dayton, Ohio, remaining there as rector until April, 1895, when he became rector of Grace Episcopal church in Avondale, Cincinnati. In November, 1898, he resigned the pastorate, preaching his last sermon on December 11, his thirtieth birthday. He withdrew from the Episcopal ministry on 'account of fundamental changes in his theological convictions. In March, 1899, he took up the study of law in the Cincinnati Law School, receiving the degree of -Bachelor of Laws, in June, 1901. He began the practice of his profession in Cincinnati with Frank Freericks, a fellow graduate, and remained with him until February, 1910, when he joined Charles M. and Edgar W. Cist in the practice. They maintain their offices in the First National Bank building. Mr. Marfield enjoys a general corporation and commercial practice. He has been instrumental in organizing a number of manufacturing corporations and is now the secretary and treasurer of the American Valve & Meter Company and is active as attorney and director of numerous other corporations. On the 25th Of June, 1895, Mr. Marfield was united in marriage to Miss Antoinette Hunter Parrott, of Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph S. and Mary (Van Cleve) Parrott, the latter of Holland ancestry. Joseph S. Parrot, who was a Dayton manufacturer, has long been deceased. Three children, all living now, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Marfield, namely : Mary Louise, born August 16, 1898; Dwight Hunter, born November 10, 1907 ; and John Antony, born February 25, 1911. The wife and mother passed away February 25, 1911. In politics, Mr.. Marfield is a stanch republican. He is a member of the Business Men's Club, the Hamilton County Golf Club and other social organizations. He possesses a genial, courteous manner that has won him many friends among those whom he has met in his professional capacity, while those whom he meets socially have retained for him a warm regard. CHARLES D. BAKER. Charles D. Baker, treasurer of The Clemens Oskamp Company, wholesale and retail jewelers, was born in Cincinnati in 1881, a son of Christian Edward and Mary (Opp) Baker. The father was a native of Germantown, Ohio, but has been a resident of this city since his infancy. The Queen City has always been the home of Charles D. Baker, to whose public schools he is indebted for his education. When old enough to begin to fit himself for the responsibilities of life, he entered a flag factory, but 'remained there for only a brief period. In 1894 he came to the firm of which he is now the