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who donated the land for the building to be located on. Much of his time was devoted to the work of the fields and the care of the cattle, but finally deciding that he preferred a commercial to an agricultural career, he left the farm and went to Indianapolis. He arrived in the city with jut five dollars, intending to take a commercial course in the National Business College. In order to realize his ambition it was necessary for him to seek a position, in order to acquire the money to defray the expenses of his tuition and living. He left this institution at the age of twenty-one and immediately entered the employ of the Louisville & Memphis Railroad Company in the capacity of telegrapher, continuing in this position for two years. At the expiration of that period he came to the Union Stock Yards in Cincinnati, taking a position as cattle weigher with Robinstein, Harris & Connor. He remained in their employ for seven years, during which time he was promoted to buyer, in which capacity he was serving at the time of his resignation. On the 1st of January, 1904, he became associated with T. J. Snowdon and J. M. Richey in dealing in live stock. They continued to operate under the firm name of Snowdon, Seal & Richey until 1908, since which time the business has been conducted under the name of C. C. Seal & Company. Mr. Seal has been very successful in his undertakings and in addition to his interest in the business that bears his name is one of the stockholders and directors of the Cincinnati Live Stock Company.
On the 6th of March, 1897, Mr. Seal was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Bantly, a daughter of Andrew and Augusta Bantly, the father a hotelkeeper in Chester Park, Ohio. By a former marriage there have been born two sons, Max E. Clerk and Herbert, who is assisting his father. The family residence is located at 3873 Isabelle avenue, Hyde Park, where Mr. Seal has erected three other houses, according to plans drawn by his wife, which he rents.
Fraternally Mr. Seal is a member of the Knights of Pythias, being identified with Myrtle Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Covington, Kentucky. Politically he is an ardent supporter of the democratic party, but his extensive personal interests absorb so much of his time that he never participates in municipal activities. His success, Mr. Seal attributes entirely to his unremitting energy and business integrity, which he has never found it necessary to compromise in any transactions.
E. B. ROGERS.
One of the successful business men of Cincinnati is E. B. Rogers, president and manager of The Thayer Company, manufacturers of rugs, carpets and wall paper cleaners, with offices and factory at Nos. 2209-2217 Eastern avenue. Mr. Rogers has been engaged about tbusinessin the manufacturing bcisiness and has shown an ability and progressiveness which places him among the leaders in his line of industry. He is a native of Missouri, born at Hannibal in 1874. The mother wgs a schoolmate of the celebrated author and humorist, "Mark Twain," who was also born in Hannibal and their families were quite friendly with each other. Mr. Rogers of this sketch was personally acquainted
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with Mr. Clemens and still retains pictures taken by himself of the rendezvous of "Huckleberry Finn" and "Tom Sawyer."
In the public schools of Hannibal E. B. Rogers received his preliminary education but as his assistance was necessary in the support of the family, he gave up school attendance at the age of fourteen and secured employment at St. Louis. About 1901 he entered the rug and carpet manufacturing business at Davenport, Iowa, and later engaged in the same line at Louisville, Kentucky. Since 1901 he has been head of The Thayer Company in this city. This company was organized by George Thayer in 1884 and managed by him until disposed of to Mr. Rogers, who has enlarged the plant and extended the field of operations. The plant now has three times the capacity it had five years ago and the volume of business has been doubled. This gratifying increase has been accomplished through the introduction of modern methods and the ability of the management to give satisfaction to patrons.
In 1903 Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Margaret Laird, a native of Quincy, Illinois; and of Scotch descent. Her father is now seventy-six years of age but still retains his vigor of mind and body and is one of the successful traveling salesmen for The Thayer Company. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, five of whom are now living, Mildred and Dorothy, twins, Virginia, Margaret and James.
Mr. Rogers is prominent socially and is a member of the Business Men's Club, the Rotary Club and the Pen and Pencil Club of Cincinnati. He is also connected with the Ohio Pet Stock Association, of which he is secretary. He is a fancier of fine poultry and a few years ago began breeding White Orpington chickens. He began keeping chickens on a small scale several years ago and today is the owner of a chicken farm at Hyde Park which has gained a statewide reputation. He has carried off a number of ribbons at fancy stock shows and has chickens that he values at five hundred dollars each. This line of business, originally started as a pastime, has grown under his care to handsome proportions. His religious belief is indicated by membership in the Baptist church and he is now serving as a member of the board of trustees of the Hyde Park Baptist church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order and has taken the degrees of both the York and Scottish Rites. His residence is at No. 136o Herschel avenue, and he is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of that suburb.
FRANK E. BURNETT.
Frank E. Burnett was born in Cincinnati, July 28, 1881, and is a son of Clarence and Susan Burnett. His grandfather, Alfred Burnett, was a soldier of the Civil war and after being mustered out became a reporter for the Associated Press and was a very prominent newspaper writer, his articles having been compiled into book form. He also possessed remarkable histrionic skill and won more than local fame as an amateur. He instructed various pupils in the art of the stage, including Joe Emmett, Sol Smith Russell and others
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who have become. famous. It was Alfred Burnett who first produced the monologue now used so extensively in vaudeville. His son Clarence Burnett, was a mail carrier of Cincinnati, where he resided until his death, which occurred June 25, 191o, when he was fifty-four years of age. His widow still survives and makes her home with her son Frank.
Frank E. Burnett was graduated from the Norwood high school with the class of 1899, this being the first class to complete the full course in that institution. He then began learning the more difficult lessons in the school of experience, his training being received as an employe of various concerns. There awakened in him an ambition and desire to accomplish more than he could do with the training that he had received and he began studying law at night in the classes of the Young Men's Christian Association and was graduated therefrom in 1906, at which time he won his LL. B. degree. Immediately thereafter he began practice and his success is the best indication of his ability. Mr. Burnett is a partner of the firm of Ruskin & Burnett, attorneys-at-law, a firm which enjoys an enviable reputation among the profession. He is also interested in newspaper publication as a part-owner of the Norwood Gazette, a weekly current in Hamilton county.
At Covington, Kentucky, on the 29th of June, 1910, Mr. Burnett was united in marriage to Miss Mellie Pugh, a daughter of Joseph W. and Cynthia Pugh, of Covington, Kentucky, and they have become the parents of one son, Frank A., born August' 15, 1911. Mrs. Pugh's father was chief of police of Covington for twelve years and was long a recognized leader in the ranks of the democratic party there, but is now living retired on his farm. Mr. and Mrs. Burnett reside at No. 2030 Elm avenue, Norwood.
Mr. Burnett gives his political allegiance to the republican party. From 1908 to 1911 he was a member of the board of education at Norwood and served as its president for three years, during which term he was instrumental in having built two capacious and very attractive schools. He was one of the organizers and is now the chief council of the Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati, the purpose of which is to gratuitously render legal aid to the poor of Cincinnati and vicinity.
MILLER OUTCALT.
Miller Outcalt is a power in the legal profession and has also been active in political circles, and yet there are few men who more quietly and systematically attend to the labors of each succeeding day. His standing and his influence are due to a weight of character that has naturally made him a leader of public thought and opinion, and gained for him high rank in his chosen profession. At the outset he recognized that advancement at the bar depends upon individual effort, and close study and deep research into the intricacies of the law have placed him in a foremost position among the representatives of the Cincinnati bar, especially in the practice of corporation law. He was born January 9, 1855, in this city, his parents being Peter and Ruth (Miller) Outcalt. His father was descended from Dutch ancestors, who came from Holland to settle
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in New Amsterdam, now New York, and afterward became residents of New Brunswick, New Jersey, where Peter Outcalt was born. The mother came of Puritan ancestry. Her grandfather, Captain Edward Miller, was a soldier of the Continental army from Connecticut and was afterward commandant of Fort Washington in 1799, before Cincinnati was named. His son, Samuel R. Miller, father- of Mrs. Outcalt, was a lieutenant in the service of the United States during the war of 1812 and was afterward, in 1823, commissioned judge of the court of common pleas of Hamilton county.
In the public schools of his native city, Miller Outcalt pursued his education until graduated from the Hughes high school with the class of 1873. He at once began preparation for the bar, studying law in the office of Stanley Matthews, afterward a justice of the supreme court of the United States. He was admitted to practice in 1876 and from the outset of his professional career has made continuous advancement until his practice has more and more centralized on corporation law, to which he is now largely devoting his energies. In the early period of his professional career he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney of Hamilton county and thus served in 1879-80. The following year he was elected prosecuting attorney for the county and had William Howard Taft, now president of the United States, as his first assistant. He has devoted himself entirely to the law and recognition of his increasing power and ability was given him in an election to the position of judge of the court of common pleas of Hamilton county for a term of five years. On the expiration of that term, in December, 1893, he resumed the active practice of law, in which he has since continued, and the extent and importance of his clientage at once establishes his position at the bar.
As previously indicated, Judge Outcalt has been an influencing factor in political circles and yet has never employed the methods of the modern politician. In 1884 he organized the Young Men's Blaine Club, which has since become a very strong republican organization. His discussion of leading questions and issues shows a statesman's grasp of affairs and the keen analytical trend of the lawyer.
On the 13th of October, 1881, in Sandusky, Ohio, Judge Outcalt was united in marriage to Miss Sophie ,Haskell Brown, a daughter of Judge William C. Brown, of Ogdensburg, New York. They became parents of a son and daughter, William Miller and Ruth, both of whom are now married. The family have long been prominent socially in the city and Judge Outcalt is especially well known in those circles where intelligent men are gathered for the discussion of vital and significant questions.
ELLSWORTH D. HAYNES.
Ellsworth D. Haynes, who since 1889 has been with the Union Central Life Insurance Company,—since 1907 as auditor and one of its .directors,—was born in Dearborn, Indiana, January 25, 1845. His father, John D. Haynes, was a native of Dutchess county, New York, born in February, 1814, and died in 1890, at Dearborn. In early manhood he took up the study of law and
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throughout the greater part of his life practiced as an attorney before the Indiana bar. In the public schools of Indiana, Ellsworth D. Haynes acquainted himself with the elementary branches of learning and in the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons. During the first twenty-two years of his connection with business life he was .in the internal revenue department of Indiana as chief deputy collector of internal revenue in the fourth and sixth districts. Desirous, however, that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he turned his attention to merchandising and was engaged in the grocery and produce business from 1873 until 1880. In the latter year he became interested in farming in Clermont county, Ohio, having the actual• work, however carried on by a tenant. His identification with the insurance business dates from 1889, in which year he became connected with the Union Central Life Insurance Company, of Cincinnati, which has since been his business connection.
On the 5th of May, 1867, Mr. Haynes was married in Aurora, Indiana, to Miss Katherine Langtree, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of James and Mary (White) Langtree. Her father, who followed the profession of teaching, is now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Haynes have been born two children: Samuel. L., who is married and lives at Canton, Ohio, where he is general agent for the Union Central Life Insurance Company ; and Josephine, the wife of A. B. Gatch, the treasurer of the Bromwell Brush & Wire Goods Company. of Cincinnati.
Mr. Haynes votes with the republican party but has never been an aspirant for office, feeling that his business affairs have demanded all of his time and attention. His religious faith is that of the Methodist denomination and he is now serving as trustee in the church in which he holds membership. His life has been quietly passed in the faithful performance of duty and while there have been no spectacular phases in his history, there are lessons which may he learned concerning the value of persistent industry and resolute purpose as factors in the attainment of success.
HENRY JOHN COOK, M. D.
Dr. Henry J. Cook, physician and surgeon of Cincinnati, was born at Twelve Mile Creek, in Campbell county, Kentucky, on the 26th of April, 1866, and conies of a family of German origin who originally spelled the name Koch. His father was Simon Augustus Cook, a native of Westphalia, Germany, who, attracted by the opportunities which he heard were to be enjoyed in the new world, left his native land at the age of nineteen years and came to America, settling in Cincinnati. There he turned his attention to the draying business and when his industry and perseverance had brought him sufficient capital he purchased a farm in Kentucky. He was meeting with prosperity in his agricultural undertakings when the fortunes of war robbed him of much of his means. He married Syblia Doerr, a native of Bavaria and a daughter of Henry Doerr, who brought his family to. America when Mrs. Cook was but four years of age. She is still living at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, making her home with her son Henry,
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and is a well preserved woman. Her husband passed away in 1891 at the age of sixty-two years.
The return of the family to Cincinnati when Dr. Cook was six years of age enabled him to pursue his studies in the public schools of this city and later he began learning telegraphy, in which connection he worked steadily upward until he had charge of the gold and stock department of the Western Union, occupying that position of responsibility for four years before taking up the study of medicine. However he determined at length to enter professional circles and was graduated from the Ohio Medical College in April, 1893. He. was clinician at the German Deaconess Hospital, and has since been engaged in general practice and his work has become annually of greater extent and importance. He is also serving on the staff of St. Mary's Hospital and he holds membership in the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Cook was married November 1, 1899, to Miss Louise Liebel, of Cincinnati, and they now have two children, Augustus and Walter. Dr. Cook has various pleasant fraternal relations, holding membership with the Royal Arcanum, the Maccabees, the National Union, the Tribe of Ben Hur and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. In politics he has ever been a republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party. He has never been an office seeker yet is interested in the welfare and progress of the city and in its development along material, intellectual and social lines. In April, 1909, he was appointed a member of the school board to fill the unexpired term of James Robinson who had resigned when elected to the city council in 109. Dr. Cook has been made chairman of the hospital committee and was reelected to the office in 1911. He is a strong advocate of the new tubercular hospital and believes that in every possible way the public should be safeguarded from the spread of this disease. In fact he advocates broadcast knowledge concerning it and the means whereby it may be checked and at all times he stands for that which is highest and best in the medical service.
EDWIN RICKER FREEMAN, M. D.
Advancing in his profession to a point where broad scientific research and investigation supplement the knowledge gained from text-books, Dr. Edward Ricker Freeman is one of the prominent medical practitioners of Cincinnati and equally well known as lecturer and medical educator. He was born in that city, May 8, 1865, his parents being Professor Edwin and Rosella (Ricker) Freeman, the former a distinguished physician whose splendid example has been a stimulus to the efforts of the son. In 1866 he removed with his family to New York city and became professor of anatomy in the Eclectic Medical College there, retaining the chair until 1871, when he returned to Cincinnati.
Dr. Freeman, of this review, devoted three years of his life to the acquirement of an education in the country schools of Clermont county, Ohio, and from 1876 until 1879 attended the public schools of Cincinnati. In the latter year he entered the Woodward high school, wherein he completed the regular
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four years' classical course and during that period was also one of the editors of the Woodward Bulletin. Following his graduation in 1883 he matriculated in the University of Cincinnati, taking the B. S. course in chemistry and natural history, with special studies in ichthyology. He was also a leader in athletic sports during his college days, serving on both the football and baseball teams. He was likewise one of the editors of the college paper and president of the literary society. Since 1884 he has held membership in the Sigma Chi fraternity.
Dr. Freeman, however, left the university before graduation in order to take up the study of medicine and in 1887 was enrolled among the pupils of the Eclectic Medical Institute, from which he was graduated with the class of 1889. His work there was supplemented by courses in microscopy, histology, pathology and gynecology in the Ohio Medical College in 1888 and 1889, and in addition he availed himself of special instruction in the Cincinnati Hospital in diseases of women and obstetrics, physical diagnosis and pathology. All through his student days and later he has availed himself of every opportunity to promote and broaden his knowledge and render his professional services of greater efficiency in checking the ravages of disease.
Owing to his father's ill health Dr. Freeman accompanied him to Fresno California, in 1889, and entered upon active practice there, but in May, 1892, returned to Cincinnati. In the same year he became connected with the Eclectic Medical Institute as lecturer of minor surgery. Two years afterward he resigned his position in the educational field to enter upon the general practice of medicine and surgery and in the autumn of 1901 was appointed demonstrator of anatomy in the Eclectic Medical Institute, which position he still fills. He is now professor of and lecturer of dermatology and genitourinary diseases in the Eclectic Medical College.
Dr. Freeman belongs to various societies and organizations for the dissemination of knowledge concerning the 'practice of medicine and through their proceedings keeps in touch with what is being done among the most advanced members of the profession throughout the country. He belongs to the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Association, the Ohio Eclectic Medical Association and the National Eclectic Medical Association, and is also a member of the Alumni Association and the Eclectic ;Medical Institute. In more strictly fraternal and social lines he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Sons of St. George and the Cincinnati Gymnasium, and that his activities reach out in the broader fields, which touch the physical, mental and moral development of the race is evidenced by his membership in the Young Men's Christian Association.
FREDERICK H. BEROLD.
Frederick H. Berold is one of the younger representatives of the buisness fraternity of Cincinnati, whose successes and achievements conclusively prove that the lack of capital need be no hinderance to the progress of any man, if he possesses initiative, ambition and sufficient determination of purpose to compel the recognition of his powers. He was born in this city on the 11th of January,
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1874, and is a son of Frederick H. and Christina (Uthe) Berold. The father was born and reared in Germany, and there he was given the advantages of an excellent musical education, becoming a teacher of orchestra and band instruments. He also taught the turnvereins and in his earlier years he composed and edited numerous musical publications.
Cincinnati has always been the home of Frederick H. Berold, who received his education in the public schools and then learned the printer's trade. Prom his earliest childhood he manifested considerable mechanical skill and inventiveness, that developed with the passing years and has been the most prominent factor in promoting his career. He was too ambitious to be satisfied to remain an employe and while yet very young he opened a printing establishment of his own. Although the greater part of his time was occupied in promoting his business, he yet found opportunity to work on a clever device to be used in the manufacture of paper bags, that he felt convinced when once placed on a commercial basis would prove most lucrative. That this was not an idle dream is manifested by the flourishing condition of The Western Paper Goods Company, located at the corner of Third and Lock streets. They manufacture paper bags, making a specialty of one designed for the exclusive use of tobacco manufacturers that has proven so satisfactory that they now provide the bags for ninety per cent of the tobacco put out in this form in the United States. This enterprise was started with very limited capital and two employes, but Mr. Berold possesses the ability to carry to a successful issue almost anything with which he is identified, and they now occupy a modernly equipped plant of four stories, while it requires the services of sixty people to fill their orders. Their location is ideal for the business they are in and practically their entire output is consumed within a radius of a few hundred miles of Cincinnati, thus greatly decreasing the expense of placing their commodity on the market and also insuring a more rapid development of their undertaking.. The business was incorporated in 1905, with Mr. Berold as president ; Walter H. Miller, vice president ; and F. W. Galbraith, as secretary and treasurer. In addition to this flourishing activity, Mr. Berold is also president of The Printing Machinery Company, originally founded under the name of the Automatic Specialty Company. They engage in the manufacture of printing presses and have recently added to their other specialties the Warnock sectional block and register system, and they also put out various other machines found in modern printing establishments. Everything produced in their factory is protected by patents, thus their machines are to be found in up-to-date printing concerns throughout the world, as several of them possess devices that are most advantageous and desirable, greatly excelling in their special features any other similar machine now on the market. This company was incorporated three years ago to succeed the Automatic Specialty Company,
Mr. Berold being president ; Walter H. Miller, vice president ; and Walter Angert, secretary and treasurer. The printing machinery business is rapidly growing and gives evidence of developing even faster into an enterprise of greater importance than the paper bag industry and for the past year the company has been obliged to operate continually extra time to be able to keep up with its orders.
Mr. Berold chose for his wife .Miss Marie Collins, a daughter of Michael Collins, of Cincinnati. In every sense of the word he is a self-made man, as he has attained the position he now holds through his own unaided effort, having
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started out without either capital or any special influence to assist him in his achievements. Yet he never seemed to feel the handicap, but was in business for himself before the average young man is supposed to be qualified to assume the responsibilities of directing an enterprise of such magnitude as his has grown to be.
HARRY W. WANNENWETSCH.
Harry W. Wannenwetsch, secretary of the Western & Southern Life Insurance Company, dates his connection with insurance interests from his entrance into business circles following the completion of his education. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, he was born on the 28th of December, 1866. His great-grandfather in the paternal line was a prominent Russian general but on account of political disturbances was compelled to leave his native land and thereafter settled in Würtemberg, Germany, where his descendants lived until Charles G. Wannenwetsch, the father of our subject, came to America to make this country his future home. He resided in Baltimore continuously until his death, which occurred about twenty years ago. In early manhood he had married Marie Plesse and she has been a resident of Baltimore from 1830 to the present time, still living in that city well advanced in years.
Harry W. Wannenwetsch completed his education by graduating from Scheib College of Baltimore with the class of 1880 and in the same year, when the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company began the work of developing its industrial department, he engaged with that company as cashier in its branch office in Baltimore, serving in that capacity for six years, when he was promoted to a field position which he held until the organization of the Western & Southern Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati in 1888. In June of the latter year he entered the employ of the Cincinnati corporation, with which he has since been connected, promotion bringing him to his present important and responsible position as secretary of the company in April, 191o. He is thoroughly familiar with the insurance business in all of its phases and has aided in working out the careful systematization of the business of this company in such a manner that its standard is equal to that of any of the older insurance companies. He is also serving as a director of the Western & Southern Life but has no outside interests, confining his attention entirely to this field.
Mr. Wannenwetsch was married about eight years ago to Miss Edna Shropshire, a former society favorite in Bellevue circles, having a host of friends not only in Cincinnati but also throughout the Blue Grass state. Their home is a favorite resort with their many friends, its hospitality being of a most attractive character.
The military experience which Mr. Wannenwetsch has had, came to him through his connection with the Maryland National Guard. He served in the Fifth Regiment until the organization of the Fourth Maryland Regiment, when he was elected captain of its Company D, continuing with that command until he left Baltimore to make his home in Cincinnati. In national politics he is republican but draws no distinct party lines in local and state politics, being
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sympathy with the independent movement which is seeking a business-like administration where no political issues are involved. He is now one of the directors and secretary of The White Villa Club, an incorporated social organization owning one hundred and twenty-seven acres of land in Kentucky about eighteen miles from Cincinnati. Its members are representative business men of Cincinnati and Covington and one-third of the number own their own homes at this resort, where fishing, outdoor sports and social features are leading attractions through the summer. Mr. Wannenwetsch has an ideal bungalow at this charming resort which, being easy of access to Cincinnati, allows him to spend six months of the year there.
FRANCIS PEDRETTI
In the death of Francis Pedretti on the 13th of June, 1891, not only Cincinnati but the entire country suffered a loss in one who had done much to introduce fresco painting and interior decoration and raised its standard in America to a great height. Trained in some of the best art centers and under some of the best masters of Europe, he came to the new world well qualified for the work which he took up, and the development of his native talents placed him with the foremost representatives of the art on this side the Atlantic. He was the pioneer fresco artist west of the Alleghany mountains. He had come to the new world when a young man of about twenty years, his birth having occurred in Chiavenna, Italy, June 22, 1829. He belonged to a family of artists and the development of his talent in that direction began at a very early age. When a mere child he displayed much ability with the pencil and brush and his parents encouraged his efforts, giving him every advantage in their power to cultivate the skill which had its root in an innate love of the art. He was entered as a pupil in the historic Academy of Fine Arts at Milan as soon as his age permitted, and making continuous advancement there, he was graduated from that institution with the highest honors. Still he did not consider his studies and preparations completed and became a pupil of Scruzatti and later of Marriani, who were at that period the leading masters of decorative art in Italy.
The revolution of 1849 which swept over Europe interfered with the artistic career of Francis Pedretti and resulted in his determination to come to America, for he was an enthusiastic follower of Garibaldi and when the liberties which he sought were denied him in his native country, he resolved to gain them by emigration to the United States. Settling first in New York city, he there engaged in fresco painting and his ability was so pronounced as to win him almost immediate recognition as one of the foremost representatives of the art in the metropolis, his skill in ornamental design being regarded as marvelous. Among those who first recognized his talent and became his patrons were Professor S. F. B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph, and A. T. Stewart, the merchant prince of New York. After residing for about five years in the east, Mr. Pedretti came to Cincinnati in 1854 to fresco the Burnet House and here made his permanent home. His reputation as an artist had preceded him and in time became world-wide. Specimens of his work adorn many of the most magnificent homes
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of Cincinnati and he displayed a skill that made the name of Pedretti synonymous with all that is best and most attractive in fresco painting and interior adornment.
On the 17th of June, 1853, occurred the marriage of Mr. Pedretti and Miss Catherine Maitland, a daughter of Richard Maitland, who was a barrister of Aberdeen, Scotland. They became the parents of three children, Raphael M., Charles A. and Eugenia M., and the two sons became successors of their father in the business. Since an Italian became the discoverer of the new world comparatively few of the sons of that sunny land have failed to win at least a substantial measure of success in their efforts to establish homes in the United States but the records of few of the native sons of Italy are more creditable to the land of their birth and the land of their adoption than that of Francis Pedretti. He carefully, wisely and conscientiously used the talents with which nature endowed him and which brought him to a position of distinction to which his personal worth as well as his artistic ability well entitled him.
JOHN O. ECKERT.
John O. Eckert, who has been successfully engaged in the practice of law at Cincinnati for the past twelve years, has also been a member of the city council since January, 19o8. His birth occurred in Scioto county, Ohio, on the 27th of November, 1875, his parents being Anton and Catherine (Drott) Eckert. The father was born in the village of Scheidt, Baden, Germany, in 1846, while the mother's birth occurred in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1847. Anton Eckert, who was engaged in business as a lumberman throughout his active career, passed away in 1901. The mill in Baden, Germany, which was operated by representatives of the name for several hundred years is still in possession of the family. The Eckerts were represented in America prior to the Revolutionary war and several of the name came to Ohio, making their way over the mountains in wagons. Mr. Eckert of this review is the eldest of four children, the others being as follows : Charles A., who is a resident of Cincinnati; Edward A., living in the south ; and Clarence', who also makes his home in this city.
John O. Eckert obtained his early education in the common schools of Cincinnati and pursued his professional studies in the Young Men's Christian Association Law School, being graduated from that institution in 1899. During the intervening years he has enjoyed a liberal clientage as a practitioner of civil law. In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human righs and privileges. Unflagging ,application, intuitive wisdom and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice ; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for success does not perch
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on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the. diametrical result of capacity and unmistakable ability. Possessing all the requisite qualities of the able lawyer, Mr. Eckert has gained an enviable place in the ranks of the profession in Cincinnati.
In September, 1903, Mr. Eckert was united in marriage to Miss Luella Klayer, a native of Cincinnati and a daughter of Dr. Charles T. and Sophia (Cordes) Klayer. Mr. and Mrs. Eckert have one child, David E., born January 12, 1909.
Mr. Eckert is a republican in politics and has ably served as a member of the city council since January, 1908. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the commandery and the shrine. He is also a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, the Blaine Club and the Stamina League, having served as secretary of the last named organization for five years. He has been an incessant worker and is an excellent example of the modern, self-made man, ambitious, courteous, honest and progressive.
WILLIAM L. DOEPKE.
William L. Doepke, vice president of the Alms & Doepke Company and One of the most active and efficient young business men of Cincinnati, was born at Avondale, July 17, 1883. He is a son of William F. and Leonora S. (Sohn) Doepke, the latter of whom was born at Hamilton, Ohio, in 1861. Mr. Doepke, Sr., was born in Cincinnati in 1838 and died in 1908, having become one of the leading business men of the city. He served in the Civil war as' a member of the Guthrie Grays, a military organization which was absorbed by the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he continued in this regiment until the close of the conflict. In the fall of 1865 he associated with Frederick and William Alms in the firm of Alms & Doepke which developed into the most flourishing department store of the city. He was vice president of the company at the time of his death. He was also one of the founders of the City Hall Bank and gained recognition as one of the most public-spirited men of Cincinnati. He assisted very materially in advancing the permanent welfare of his native city. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs Doepke, William L. and Robert Henry.
William L. Doepke received his education in the public schools of Cincinnati and Avondale, the Cincinnati Technical School and the Asheville University at Asheville, North Carolina. After spending three years abroad he returned to Cincinnati in 1903 and entered in his father's real-estate business, with which he has ever since been connected. In the fall of 1903 he entered the Alms & Doepke Company and later was elected second vice president, and after the death of his father, in 1908, was elected vice president of the company, a position he now holds. He is also vice president of the Doepke Company, the operating company of his father's estate, and is interested in the City Hall Bank and in numerous real-estate investments in Cincinnati and elsewhere. He ranks among the leading business men of the city.
On the 12th of January, 1910, Mr. Doepke was married to Miss Ethel Page, a (laughter of C. E. and Alice C. ( Jones) Page, of Cincinnati and Norwood,
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the father being a banker of this city. Mr. Page's family came from New York state and Mrs. Page's family are old settlers of Cincinnati. Mr. Doepke is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Queen City Club. Although comparatively a young man, he has won high standing in business circles on account of his industry and good judgment. A worthy scion of a family which is widely and favorably known in Ohio and adjoining states, his talents well qualify him for the position of large responsibility and executive control which he now holds.
LOUIS S. LEVI.
Although Louis S. Levi, of Cincinnati, retired from active business affairs some years ago he has maintained his interest in philanthropic and educational work and has been highly useful along those important lines. He served as president of the United Jewish Charities ; president of the Plum Street Temple; and was a member of the board of governors of the Hebrew Union College, also contributing freely toward the promotion of many worthy movements. He was born in Cincinnati, November 24, 1855, a son of Solomon and Hannah Levi. The father was a native of Germany and after growing to maturity engaged as a school teacher there. He emigrated to America from Hechingen, Hohenzollern, in 1846, and located at Cincinnati where he became naturalized. He was a well known distiller. He died May I, 1882, at the age of fifty-seven, hut his wife survived until February, 1908, passing away at the age of eighty-nine years. They are both buried in the Walnut Hills cemetery.
Louis S. Levi received his early education in the public schools of this city. At the age of fifteen he became connected with the distilling business under his father and advanced through various departments until 1877. He was then made a partner of the firm of S. Levi & Brothers and continued in that firm until it went out of existence. He is a member of the board of directors of the German National Bank, a position he has held continuously for twenty-five years.
On the 7th of November, 1877, Mr. Levi was married in this city to Miss Pauline Levi, a daughter of Leopold Levi, who is engaged in the distilling business in Cincinnati. Four children have been born to this union : Solomon L., who is connected with the Star Distillery Company ; Ruth E., a graduate of the University of Cincinnati ; Miriam S., who is a graduate of Smith College, of Northampton, Massachusetts ; and Morton P., who is now a student in the Ohio Medical College, a department of the University of Cincinnati.
Mr. Levi and his family reside in an elegant home which he erected at No. 532 Prospect place, Avondale, in 1894. Politically he is independent, preferring to cast his ballot in support of the individual rather than in advancing the cause of any party organization. Fraternally he is identified with the blue lodge, chapter and council of the Masonic order and also with the B'nai B'rith of this city. 4 In addition to the important offices heretofore named which he has filled, he I he is now vice president of the Jewish Orphan Asylum of Cleveland and treasurer of the Tuberculosis League of Cincinnati. Lately he was appointed on the
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new hospital commission by Mayor Hunt. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and socially is connected with the Phoenix Club and the Cincinnati Club. He early observed the value of education and his children have been given every opportunity of educational training that may be desired. An intelligent, broad-minded and public-spirited man, he has generously assisted in relieving the wants of those less fortunate than himself, and is fully entitled to the great respect in which he is held by all worthy citizens.
GEORGE F. AHLERS.
The road to success in business is open to any aspiring young man who is willing to concentrate his abilities upon any honorable vocation and to labor unceasingly until the early difficulties that beset every undertaking are overcome. He needs strength of mind and body, unalterable determination to win and he should cultivate an inflexible integrity of character as an indispensable element in the establishment of a substantial reputation in the business world.
It is along the lines here suggested that George F. Ahlers, of Cincinnati, has gained prominence as a manufacturer. He is president of the Hoffman-Ahlers Company, coppersmiths ; with factories in Cincinnati and Louisville. He occupies a position of large responsibility and discharges his duties in a way that indicates his complete familiarity with every detail of the business. A native of Cincinnati, he was born July 26, 1872, and is a son of George F. and Sophia Ahlers. The father was born in Germany, in 1847, and emigrated to America about 1864. He engaged at his trade as coppersmith in Cincinnati and began in business on his own account upon a small scale in 1871. Under competent management the business grew to large proportions and was incorporated in 19o1, its founder being elected president. This position he held during the remainder of his life. He resided in Covington, Kentucky, and for many years took a lively interest in public affairs, being elected to the city council and also as member of the state legislature of Kentucky. He was an intelligent and progressive man and assisted materially in promoting the welfare of those with whom he associated. He died January 18, 1910, at the age of sixty-three. Mrs. Ahlers is still living and has arrived at the age of sixty-two years. She makes her home at Covington.
George F. Ahlers received his early education in the public schools and carried his studies further at Woodward high school. At the age of sixteen he entered the employ of Alms & Doepke, a leading dry-goods firm of the city, and continued with this establishment as shipping clerk for eighteen months. He then became connected with the coppersmith business under his father and passed through the various departments, being appointed superintendent of the works in 1899. This position he held until after the death of his father, when he was elected to the office of president, the duties of which he has discharged to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.
On the 5th of February, 1896, Mr. Ahlers was married to Miss Lissetta Gildehaus, a daughter of Henry Gildehaus. The father was born in Germany and came to Cincinnati about 1865. He was for many years identified with the undertak-
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ing business in this city. He died in 1910, at the age of sixty-three, and his wife passed away in January, 1909. They are buried in Spring Grove cemetery. Mr. Ahlers and his family reside on the Gildehaus homestead at 435 Riddle road, Clifton. He is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally lie is identified with Masonry, and is a thirty-second degree member of the order, a Knight Templar and a Shriner. In politics he votes independently, being governed in his selection of candidates by the character of the individuals and their fitness for office rather than their political affiliation. He keeps well informed on the progress of the world and especially as to all matters pertaining to the development of his native city. He is intelligent, wide-awake and progressive and in the opinion of his friends will be able as the years pass to give a good account of his stewmeship.
JAMES MURDOCK, JR.
James Murdock, Jr., is well known throughout this city from his many years connection with the stamp cutting, engraving and die sinking business. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, November 15, 1839, and came to Cincinnati at the age of eleven with his parents, James and Barbara (Kelso) Murdock. He was one of the first students at the first intermediate school, which was made up of the brightest pupils of all public schools and had for its principal B. 0. M. DeBeck and for its assistant principal Mr. Treeror, who later was president of the John Church Company. After leaving school Mr. Murdock began work in the stamp cutting business, with John Stanton, remaining with him ten years. In connection with W. M. Spencer he later bought out Mr. Stanton's business and five years later bought out Mr. Spencer and conducted the business alone. In 1906 he incorporated as the James Murdock Jr. Company and continued in active charge until June 12, 1911, when he retired from active work. His establishment is now managed by his son Winslow, who is holding the good reputation that was made by his father and is also interested financially.
After many years of prosperity in business fo himself Mr. Murdock's first employer, Mr. Stanton, came to work for him and remained with him for five years. The Murdock establishment is the direct descendant of the Z. Bisbee Stamp Cutting shop, established in 1835, which was the first of its kind in Cincinnati. It has been very successful from the start, and its prosperity has been due entirely to Mr. Murdock's energy and business foresight.
During the Civil war Mr. Murdock. was fife major of the Hundred and Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted for one hundred days. Colonel Len Harris; who was also mayor of Cincinnati at the time, told Mr. Murdock to get ten fifers and to take those men that he thought could play and make fifers out of them. Accordingly he started in to the service with one man and came out at the end of his term of service with seven. Mr. Murdock has been very successful in the business world. He now owns a beautiful home at Point VieW on Price Hill, corner of Grand and Murdock avenues, having there a tract which is situated about four hundred feet above the Ohio river.
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Mr. Murdock was united in marriage to Miss Susan P. Phelps, a daughter of Winslow Seth Phelps, of Dayton, Ohio, and to them have been born three sons and two daughters, as follows : Winslow, who married Anna Hecker ; Carruth, who married Lulu Wilder and has one child, James Winston; Luke, who married Ethel Carr and has two children, Luke, Jr., and Mabel ; Hattie, who married P. B. Sullivan and has one child, Mildred ; and Sue, who married Harry A. Redfield and has two children, Sue Margaret and James. All of the children are still living in Cincinnati.
In his political views Mr. Murdock is a republican and he is an earnest member of the Presbyterian church. In his business relations he has been eminently successful from the start and his prosperity is due to his own labor, enterprise and good management. He has many stanch friends among the trade, all of .whom are still customers and some have been so for the past fifty years. He is widely and favorably known throughout the city for his many sterling traits of character and his business progressiveness.
PETER MOUGEY.
Pierre Mougey, for such is the French form of the name, was a life-long resident of Cincinnati, and during the period of his connection with business interests was well known as a representative of the wholesale grocery trade. He was born February 23, 1865, and died on the 13th of February, 1908, when about forty-three years of age. His father was Desire Mougey, a native of France.
In the public schools of this city, Peter Mougey pursued his education,. and after putting aside his text-books and turning his attention to business interests, he became connected with commercial pursuits. For a considerable period he was a representative of the wholesale grocery trade in Cincinnati, building up an establishment of large and gratifying proportions, its ramifying trade interests covering a wide territory. His business methods, too, were always strictly fair and honorable and lie was most careful concerning the personnel of the house and maintained a high standard in connection with the character of service rendered the public. Mr. Mougey carried on the business in partnership with W. A. Boje, the most harmonious relation existing between them up to the time of Mr. Mougey's death.
Mr. Mougey was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Feiler, a daughter of Adam and Magdalene Feiler, of Cincinnati. The children of this marriage are : Edwin E. ; Gilbert F. ; Lillian, the wife of Fred Gilsy, of New York ; and Gordon P.
In his political faith Mr. Mougey was a republican and while he did not seek nor desire office kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He belonged to the Roman Catholic church and was a very charitable man, who gave freely and generously, but unostentatiously, to assist the poor and needy. He was also one of the most noted coin collectors of the country and left one of the largest collections of American coins in the United States. He was a lover of all that is beautiful in art and in nature and in his life surrounded himself
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with those influences which work for advancement and improvement along esthetic, intellectual and moral lines. He avoided everything that was sordid, nor would he choose the second best but sought that which is most worth while and utilized his opportunities for making his career a serviceable one in the world's work.
CHARLES W. IRELAND.
From the position of clerk in a picture store to that of a leading contractor is a far step, but this Charles W. Ireland has accomplished within the course of his life, and as monuments to his ability and his business enterprise, there stand many of the fine structures of this city.
He was born in Cincinnati, March 25, 1859, a son of William Ireland and Ann Ireland. Both were natives of Devonshire, England, and both were born in the year 1827 and died in 1904. In 1850 his parents came to Cincinnati, where the father followed his trade of brick mason, thus becoming closely associated with the building operations here. Spending his youthful days under the paternal roof, Charles W. Ireland received his education from the public schools.
He began earning his living and for two years was employed as clerk in a picture store. He then took up the trade of bricklaying, spending four years in thoroughly mastering the work. He became an expert in his chosen line and before his time of apprenticeship was over, he was appointed foreman. He followed his trade in that capacity for three years after the close of his apprenticeship and then began contracting on his own account in 1885. He has since been engaged in the business and has been very successful, owing his advancement to his strict attention to his work, his expert knowledge of the trade and his thorough reliability. For the past eighteen years he has made a specialty of working for the largest estates in the city and has the confidence and patronage of their managers. There stands to his credit such buildings as the Louis Stix building, The John Hibben Dry Goods Company's building, The Rauh & Mack and Harrison buildings, buildings of The American Oak Tannery, Fire Proof Storage building, Chatfield & Woods building, Mock-Berman building, C. L. & E. P. Harrison's residences, A. H. Chatfield's residence, R. A. Holden's residence and Louis Levi's residence. He has likewise erected a modern flat building which he has called the Devonshire apartments in memory of his father and mother.
Mr. Ireland was united in marriage in 1881 to Miss Mary Groves, a daughter of William Groves, one of the oldest volunteer firemen of this city. They have become parents of two children, Jessie and Faith. The former is the wife of Thomas J. Foley, manager of the Cincinnati Automobile Club, and they have one child, a little daughter, Mary Anna.
Mr. and .Mrs. Ireland hold membership in the Mount Auburn Presbyterian church. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party and he exercises his right of franchise in support of its men and measures. Fraternally he is a Mason and Mystic Shriner, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the board of governors of
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the Cincinnati Automobile Club and is a prominent member of the Builders' & Traders' Exchange, of which he served as secretary for one year, while for two years he was honored with the presidency. In his chosen field he has made continuous progress and public opinion places him in a conspicuous position as one of the foremost builders of the city.
MAJOR ALBERT MELVILLE HENSHAW.
Major Albert Melville Henshaw is commandant of the Ohio Military Institute and in all of his educational work is actuated by a progressive spirit that has made the institution one of the foremost schools of this character in the middle west. He was born at College Hill in 1871, and is a son of Edward and Mary (Knight) Henshaw. His grandfather was George Henshaw, a native of London where he grew to manhood and learned the cabinet-maker's trade. He came to America in 1844 with the intention of becoming a farmer in Edwards county, Illinois, but not finding that pursuit congenial he returned to England the same year. In 1845, however, he brought his wife and eight children to the United States and settled in Cincinnati, where he began the manufacture of furniture on his own account. He was long identified with the trade relations of this city and was a prominent factor in promoting industrial interests which have contributed largely to general progress and prosperity. He died in 1882 at the age of seventy-six years. His son, the father of our subject, was born in 1828, learned the cabinet-maker's trade with his father and was active in that line of business as king as he lived. His death occurred July 17, 1902, in London, England, while he and his family were on a visit to the home of his ancestors. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, all of whom are yet living: George, who is vice president of the Henshaw Furniture Company ; Lida; Edward, Jr., who is engaged in the furniture business ; Mary, the wife of Sidney F. Carter, of Chicago; Percy J.; Richard L. ; Stanley K., an attorney ; Alice C., the wife of Fred H. Wagstaff, of Croydon, England ; Albert M.; and Ellen Ann.
Major Henshaw began attending the Military Institute of Cincinnati in 1890, and was graduated with the class of 1897. He was afterward connected with business enterprises for three years and then took up special work at the University of Cincinnati. He also traveled abroad and thus added largely to his general knowledge and experience. In 1900 he became instructor at the Military Institute and in September, 1905, he took charge of the school which has an average attendance of eighty-five pupils. In addition to the management he also engages in teaching history and civics. He keeps in close touch and is in thorough sympathy with modern ideas concerning the training of young men and boys. While all needful discipline is maintained in the control of the school he also enjoys the friendship and loyalty of the pupils. He has sound judgment, studies individual needs of his pupils, is a splendid executive and keeps firm grasp upon all details connected with the school. In fact he knows all that is going on. His long identification with the school, either as pupil or as an instructor, has made him thoroughly acquainted with all of the ins and outs so that the boys cannot
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take any-advantages of him. He makes it his purpose, however, to rule by winning the boys' confidence rather than to manage by reason of their fear, and a most excellent spirit of sympathy prevails throughout the school.
Major Henshaw was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Ely, a daughter of the Rev. John H. Ely, of College Hill, and they have one son, Albert H. Both Major and Mrs. Henshaw are members of the Episcopal church and he belongs to Macken Lodge, No. 120, F. & A. M. They are prominent socially and have an extensive circle of warm friends. Major Henshaw is yet a comparatively young man who keeps in close touch with all the modern ideas concerning the training of pupils. The work which he has accomplished in the Military Institute ranks him with the leading educators of the Ohio valley and at the same time his personal traits of character have gained for him the warm regard and friendship of all with whom he has been associated.
L. W. RADINA.
L. W. Radina is a lumberman of twenty-seven years' experience, having become thoroughly familiar with the various phases of the business during the first fifteen years of this time, when serving in the capacity of employe. For the past twelve years he has conducted a lumber business on his own account, under the name of L. W. Radina & Company, which he both organized and developed. He was born in 1868, a son of Michael A. and Julia (Klostermayer) Radina. The . family was of German lineage, the grandfather, Caspar Radina, who was born in 1800, coming to America in 1840. He settled in Cincinnati and here followed horticultural interests, having a hothouse and gardens on Fifth street. During the ensuing twenty-nine years he built up a prosperous business and was one of the well known florists in the earlier days of this city. His death occurred in 1869. Michael A., the son of Caspar Radina and the father of the subject of this review, was born in Germany, November 26, 1836. When he was four years of age the family emigrated from their native home and came to America. He was educated in the public schools of
Cincinnati and here became a meat inspector for the firm of Roots & Coe, whose business was situated on the present site of the Grand Central depot. Always active and full of energy, he lived to he sixty-six years of age, passing away in 1902.
Cincinnati has always been the home of L. W. Radina. He received a public-school education and in 1884, when only sixteen years of age, entered the business world, securing a position with William Hanna & Company, lumber dealers. He remained in their employ until 1888 and thereafter worked for several different lumber companies until the end of 1898. Feeling that he was capable of successfully handling a lumber business on his own account, he determined upon this course and on the 12th of December, 1898, accomplished his purpose in the incorporation of the lumber company of which he is now at the head. Evolved from a small beginning, the business of L. W. Radina & Company has grown to large proportions, the products being shipped especially to points north and east. They handle chiefly hardwood lumber and have several mills of which the output is about twelve million feet a year. They have occupied their present
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lumberyards for about eleven years, starting with very limited space on Ninth and Freeman streets. The concern, which now gives employment to many people, has been developed along modern business lines and through the careful management of. its owner gives every indication of increasing growth and prosperity.
For his helpmate Mr. Radina chose Miss Katherine Lengrich, a daughter of William Lengrich, who was engaged in agriculture in Shelby county. He was a native of Germany and worked on the canal when it was first constructed. To Mr. and Mrs. Radina four children have been born, L. W., Jr., Eleanor, Elizabeth and Allan Paul. Fraternally Mr. Radina is connected with the Knights of Columbus, belonging to Price Hill Lodge No. 1359, of which he is trustee. He keeps in close touch with improvements of particular interest in his business by his membership in the Lumbermen's Club. He has at all times closely applied himself to the conduct of his business and by his undivided attention to his duties and his executive ability has achieved well earned success.
J. B. FORAKER, JR.
As vice president of the Cincinnati Traction Company since its organization in 19o1, a director of the Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company and also a factor in the financial support and control of other corporate interests, J. B. Foraker, Jr., has become well established in the business circles of Cincinnati. He was born in Norwood, a suburb of Cincinnati, and of his father, the Hon. J. B. Foraker, extended mention is made elsewhere in this work.
In the public schools J. B. Foraker, Jr., acquired his early education and afterward entered the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. His college training was received in Cornell University, of which he is an alumnus of 1893. His preparation for the practice of law was made in the Cincinnati Law School as a member of the class of 1895. He then joined his father in the active work of the profession in which he remained for two years, but in 1898 was appointed by President McKinley assistant adjutant general on the staff of Major General James F. Wade for service in the Spanish-American war. He accompanied General Wade to Cuba and while engaged in military duties there contracted yellow fever. It was his good fortune to recover, as very few do, and he served until the close of the war.
Both before and after his military service Mr. Foraker acted as secretary to his father, who was United States senator from Ohio. His identification with the Cincinnati Traction Company dates from 1901 in which year the company was organized with Mr..Foraker as its vice president. He has since remained as its second executive officer and his plans have constituted an effective force in the management and control of the system. He practically gives his entire time to this work, although he is also a director of the Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company and of the United States Lithograph Company. He is a man of quick discernment with a faculty for the separation of the important features of any subject from its incidental or accidental circumstances. His election of means
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and methods has produced substantial results in the conduct of the business activities with which he is associated.
In other connections too Mr. Foraker is well known. He has for some years been a trustee of the Ohio University at Athens. He belongs to the Methodist church and his fraternal relations are with the Sons of Veterans and the Loyal Legion. His political support is given to the republican party and in social circles he is prominent, his name being on the membership rolls of the Queen City, Business Men's, Hamilton County Golf and other clubs. He is a man of broad interests and activities, his social and intellectual pursuits constituting an even balance to his business life.
THE UNION CENTRAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.
Early in the year of 1867, Dr. John P. P. Peck, Israel Williams, J. W. Davis, Peter Murphy, and several other prominent business men of Hamilton, Ohio, formed the idea of organizing a life insurance company. It was soon found, in order speedily to give the company a standing and influence in the community, that it would be of very great advantage also to interest some of the substantial business men of Cincinnati, and to make that city its headquarters. The men above named, were, with one or two exceptions, members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they naturally turned for help to men of the same faith in Cincinnati, so that the first meeting of the organizers was held in the rooms of the old Methodist Book Concern, then located at the corner of Eighth and Main streets. The meeting was presided over by Dr. John M. Reid, at that time the editor of the Western Christian Advocate. At that meeting, a preliminary organization was effected and the first subscriptions to the stock were made. The raising of this stock was necessary on account of a law that but recently had been passed, compelling any company organized, before commencing business, to make a deposit of one hundred thousand dollars with the state treasurer at Columbus, Ohio.
Later there was much discussion as to the choice of a name. The war for the preservation of the Union had been ended a short time before, and the love of the Union was at fever heat. Some insisted that the name should be "The Union Life Insurance Company." Others thought, that as the center of population was then near Cincinnati, "The Central Life" would be the better name. Finally Bishop Davis W. Clark, suggested that they unite the names "Union" and "Central," and that the name of the company be THE UNION CENTRAL. This pleased everybody and the name UNION CENTRAL—signifying the center of the Union—was selected.
After the election of a board of directors, the organization was effected, by electing John Cochnower, then a prominent coal merchant of Cincinnati, president of the company. John P. P. Peck was elected vice president and N. W. Harris was chosen secretary and insurance manager. The first office of THE UNION CENTRAL was at No. 19 West Third street (old number) and was shared with a local fire insurance company ; it was several years before larger quarters were found necessary.
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Upon Mr. Harris devolved the heavy work of the organization of the agency force. He was a man of brilliant parts, and resigned after faithfully serving the company for about twelve years.
The company received its charter in January, 1867, and commenced business in March. At the end of the first calendar year, December 31, 1867, it had in force upon its books, only four hundred and five policies. The first death loss was in December, 1868, and was in the amount of three thousand dollars—policy No. 684, held by John Dionne, of Georgetown, Brown county, Ohio. THE UNION CENTRAL ADVOCATE was first issued in February, 1869. It was described as "A journal of Household and Fireside Reading." THE ADVOCATE is still being issued periodically.
At that time there were two other local life companies in Cincinnati—the Cincinnati Mutual and the Home Mutual. The rivalry between the companies was so great that it soon became a question as to the survival of the fittest. The climax came in the fall of 1871, when the Home Mutual, having been somewhat careless in its management, was in danger by reason of having a very high mortality. THE UNION CENTRAL made an offer to the Home Mutual to reinsure its risks. The offer was accepted. On the 14th day of October, 1871, the contract between the companies was signed and the Home Mutual went out of business. This put THE UNION CENTRAL so far ahead that negotiations were at once opened with the Cincinnati Mutual, with the result that on the 1st day of November, 1871, a contract of reinsurance was also entered into with that company. THE UNION CENTRAL then had the entire field to itself, and as a result the statement of January I, 1872, showed a large increase in the assets, they having advanced nearly a half a million dollars, due to this consolidation of the three companies. THE UNION CENTRAL, however, had taken on a heavy load, and it was only by the most adroit, careful and painstaking management that the company was able to pull through and to weather the storms which followed the panic of 1873 and the succeeding years of depression and distrust, when so many life insurance companies went out of existence.
On October 1, 1874, having purchased the building on the southeast corner of Fourth and Central avenue, opposite the then new Grand Hotel, the company fitted up the first floor, and moved its offices from Fourth and Vine streets, and this location has been its home for the past thirty-eight years.
John M. Phillips was the second president. After his removal to New York, John Cochnower was again president of the company. John Davis was the third president. He was one of the foremost physicians of Cincinnati. Dr. John P. P. Peck, of Hamilton, Ohio, was the first vice president, the first general agent of the company and its first policy holder.
In January, 1881, Mr. Harris, secretary and insurance manager, resigned, and Hon. John M. Pattison was elected vice president and insurance manager. Mr. Pattison, ten years before, had been a general agent of the company at Bloomington, Illinois, but was then practicing law at the Cincinnati bar. He brought new life and energy into the company. Under his management the company made onward strides each year, the growth being regular and continuous. Upon the death of Dr. John Davis, in 1890, Mr. Pattison was made president, which position he held with great honor to himself and the company,
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until his death June 18, 1906. In the fall of 1905 he was elected governor of Ohio.
Upon the death of Governor Pattison, Mr. Jesse R. Clark was elected president and now holds that office. He had entered the employ of the company in 1873, and had been its treasurer since 1886. He is a son of the late Bishop Davis W. Clark, of the Methodist Episcopal church, one of the founders of the company. Under his direction. as treasurer, the financial department of the company made a marvelous and enviable record. Since his election to the presidency; the company has been most prosperous in every way, and its growth rapid, as will be seen from the figures below.
The founders of the company were men of integrity and high character in the religious and business world. There are found among them the names of Adam Poe, John M. Reid, R. S. Rust, D. D., Rev. A. Meharry, Asbury Lowrey, D. D., Bishop John M. Walden, Bishop Davis W. Clark ; and among the business and professional men of the Queen city, and adjacent thereto, such names as John M. Phillips, James Gamble, William A. Procter, Dr. John Davis, James Beatty, Joseph F. Larkin, Justice Stanley Matthews, Dr. William B. Davis, William M. Ramsey, and Professor W. G. Williams.
Dr. William B. Davis, with his brother, Dr. John Davis, had been medical director of the company since its organization in 1867, and at the time of his death in February, 1893, was its chief medical director. Dr. Davis was a man of rare ability as a medical examiner. He had achieved distinction in his pro. fession and was recognized as an authority among the medical fraternity throughout the entire country.
Elbert Pike Marshall, the present vice president, was first employed by the company as assistant secretary, in 1869, and has been in the service of THE UNION CENTRAL ever since. In 1881 he was made secretary and vice president in 1906.
THE UNION CENTRAL now ranks eighth in point of size in the United States, or tenth, if two companies which do also industrial business are included. The year 1911 was the most prosperous in the history of the company, the new insurance written and paid for being over $37,000,000. A record of its growt from 1867 to 1912 is as follows :
