DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 125 `Long days have passed, old friend, since we First met in life's young day, And friends long loved by thee and me Since then have dropped away. But enough remain to cheer us on And sweeten, when thus we're met, The glass we fill to the many gone And the few who are left us yet.' " In 1895 General Wood was appointed a member of the board of visitors at West Point by President Cleveland, this being the fiftieth anniversary of his graduation from the academy. When the Spanish-American war broke out though long past the age limit he offered his services to the war department. In 1902 he attended the one hundredth anniversary of the military academy at West Point and responded for the Mexican war. Then in his eightieth year but full of vigor and life he enjoyed to the uttermost that brilliant occasion. During the next three or four years his health gradually gave way and in accordance with a desire he had expressed he was laid to rest in the West Point cemetery. CHARLES E. SWADENER. Charles E. Swadener, for thirty-five years a member of the Dayton bar, is now specializing in the practice of real-estate law. He is well qualified for general practice because of his comprehensive understanding of legal principles but his ability in this particular line has enabled him to concentrate his energies upon one department and gain therein a large and growing clientage. Born on a farm in Montgomery county, Ohio, on the 2d of January, 1853, Charles E. Swadener spent his youthful days in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Swadener. The father was also a native of Montgomery county, born in 1818. He was long identified with educational interests in this part of the state, devoting the greater portion of his life to school teaching, although for four years, from 1869 until 1873, he served as sheriff of Montgomery county, proving a capable officer, prompt, fearless and efficient in the discharge of his official duties. His family numbered five children, two sons and three daughters, all of whom are yet living. Upon the home farm Charles E. Swadener spent his youthful days to the age of sixteen years, when the father was elected sheriff and the family removed to Dayton. Prior to this time he had attended the country schools and had also pursued his studies in St. Mary's Institute near Dayton. Continuing his education after the removal to the city he was graduated from the Dayton high school with the class of 1873 and then, determining to make the practice of law his life work, he began reading in the office of George D. Nauerth, a well known attorney, with whom he remained until admitted to the bar in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 4, 1874. He located for practice in Dayton and later formed a partnership with W. C. Howard, which was maintained until Mr. Howard was appointed clerk of the district and circuit courts in. Cincinnati. Mr. Swadener 126 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY then practiced alone until 1889, when he formed a partnership with the late Judge D. A. Haynes and they were thus associated until Judge Haynes retired from active practice. Mr. Swadener has since been alone and has made a specialty of real-estate law, in which department of the science of jurisprudence he is particularly well versed, his comprehensive knowledge thereof causing his opinions concerning real-estate law to be largely accepted as authority. In Dayton in 1875 Mr. Swadener was united in marriage to Miss Leila L. Deuel, a daughter of the late Stephen Deuel. Unto this marriage have been born a son and two daughters : Edward E., who is secretary of F. A. Hardy & Company, of Chicago, Illinois ; Leila E., wife of Russell L. Whitney, of San Francisco, California ; and Julia L., who is a graduate of the. Women's College at Baltimore, Maryland, where she won the degrees of Bachelor and Master of. Arts. In his political views Mr. Swadener is an earnest republican, well informed on the questions and issues of the day but without aspiration for office. He belongs to the Episcopal church and is interested in all those movements which work for good citizenship and for individual progress. In his profession he is noted for his devotion to his clients' interests and this combined with his comprehensive knowledge of the law and correct application of its principles has carried him into important professional relations. RUDOLPH PRETZINGER. Rudolph Pretzinger, who was for many years one of the best known druggists of Dayton and a man whose business ability carried him into important commercial relations and brought to him substantial success, was born in Germany, February I, 1847. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob J. Pretzinger, in whose family were five children. The parents remained residents of the fatherland during the early youth of their son Rudolph and .then came to the new world, crossing the Atlantic in 1854. The same year they arrived in Dayton and during the greater part of his life Rudolph Pretzinger continued to reside in this city. At the age of sixteen years he was compelled to shoulder the burdens incident to the support of a large family for his father died, leaving the widow and children with practically no financial resources. The following year Rudolph Pretzinger went to Indianapolis, where he took up the study of pharmacy, receiving his diploma in 1865. He then returned to Dayton and made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in the employ of J. W. Deitrich, who at that time conducted a pharmacy in the Philips House block. After acting as salesman for some time, during which period he carefully saved his earnings, he started a pharmacy at 412 Third street and after carrying on the business one year he admitted a brother as partner, the business then being carried on under the name of R. Pretzinger & Brother. The subject of this review remained as the senior partner of the firm until his death, which occurred on the 14th of February, 1909. As the years passed they built up an excellent trade, DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 129 stocked their store with a large line of high grade drugs and by earnest effort to please their customers and by reliable business methods secured a patronage which was most gratifying. In 1896, after three years of experimenting, Mr. Pretzinger placed on the market his now celebrated catarrh balm, of which he was the originator. Besides gaining him much scientific recognition the income from his discovery enabled him to enjoy the pleasures of life in a manner which had hitherto been impossible. The drug found a ready sale on the market and his income was materially and substantially increased thereby. On the 31st of January, 1889, Mr. Pretzinger was united in marriage to Miss Fannie B. Welty, a daughter of Francis Joseph and Anna (Spratt) Welty, of Dayton, both now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pretzinger was born one son, Walter. Mr. Pretzinger was never a member of fraternal or secret societies, for while he realized and acknowledged the pleasures and benefits that might be derived from such organizations, he preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business and family interests, devoting his leisure time to the enjoyment of social relations in his own home. In politics he was a republican and he served as a member of the board of education for some time and also as park commissioner. Mrs. Pretzinger still survives her busband and now makes her home at the corner of Main and Apple streets in Dayton. She has many friends here, the cordial hospitality of many of the leading homes of this city being freely accorded her. With the exception of the period spent in pursuing his pharmaceutical course, Mr. Pretzinger remained continuously a resident of Dayton from the time of his arrival in America, and the splendid record which he made as a business man, his high qualities of citizenship and his sterling traits of character as manifested in private life, gained him a firm hold upon the affectionate regard of his associates. CHARLES H. KUMLER. For more than twenty years Charles H. Kumler has been a conspicuous member of the Dayton bar. His ancestors belonged to that class of honest, sturdy and determined men who raised the little republic of Switzerland to its proud place among the nations of Europe. Their desire for even larger political and religious liberty brought Mr. Kumler's great-grandparents to this country in the middle of the eighteenth century, and they settled in what is now known as Pennsylvania, joining those pioneers who taught freedom of thought and action ; interested themselves in education and good government ; believed in universal peace ; and cherished religion, pure and undefiled, as the essential of character and usefulness. Henry Kumler, grandfather of Charles H., was foremost among the founders of the United Brethren church, becoming one of its bishops as did his eldest son and namesake. In the early part of the last century, John Kumler and Sarah Landis were brought as children from Pennsylvania to Ohio, where they grew up and in 1836 were married. The young couple settled upon a farm near Trenton, Butler county, 130 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Ohio, where they continued to reside until the spring of 1873, and where eleven children, eight boys and three girls, were born to them. In those days, when prices of farm products were comparatively low, toil from early dawn to dewy eve, on the part of the parents and children alike, was required for food, clothing and education. A farmer's boy at thirteen made a "hand" in the harvest field, binding grain behind a seven foot reaper, and the girl at ten ably assisted her mother with the cooking and the housework. It was under these conditions that Charles, the youngest son of John and Sarah Kumler, was born, November 22, 1855, and lived until his seventeenth year, working in the fields during the summer and getting such limited instruction as the country schools of those days afforded during the winter months. In 1873 his family moved to Dayton, Ohio, and with great eagerness and industry he took advantage of the opportunity to attend the graded schools of a city system. He enrolled as a pupil in the Perry street school, passed from this to the old Central high school, where, in three years, he prepared to enter Michigan University. This he did in 1877, took a full classical course and was graduated in 1881. Immediately after graduation Mr. Kumler became a student of law with N'evin & Kumler (the latter his brother, the late Judge Alvin W. Kumler) and in two years was admitted to the bar. It is a remarkable fact that he was the sixth of the eight boys of the family to enter the legal profession, and all of them have received recognition for distinguished ability and unimpeachable integrity. Three of them, Philip H., Daniel B. and Alvin W. Kumler, were at the same time serving as city solicitors of Cincinnati, Ohio; Evansville, Indiana; and Dayton, Ohio, respectively, and three, Philip H., Alvin W. and John F. Kumler, were later elevated from the bar to the bench and were common pleas judges of the courts of Hamilton, Montgomery and Lucas counties. In 1886 the law firm of Van Skaik & Kumler was formed and continued until January I, 1894, when Mr. Kumler assumed the duties of prosecuting attorney of Montgomery county, to which he had been elected and for which he was again chosen in 1896, serving with marked distinction for six years. Among the hundreds of cases of felony prosecuted by him during that period, one known as the Frantz case, was truly a cause celebre, chiefly on account of conviction by a perfect chain of circumstantial evidence. During these busy years of professional labor, Mr. Kumler found time also to perform a citizen's duty toward his community. In 1885 he was elected by the republican party to be a member of the board of education and from 1887 to 1889 inclusive he was president of the board. As a presiding officer he compelled the prompt dispatch of business, and the two great enterprises carried through by the board during his administration, the completion of the Dayton public library and the building of Steele high school, showed excellent judgment and careful financial management. While a member of the school board, Mr Kumler met Miss Marie Jacque, principal of the very district school which he first attended after coming from the farm to the city, and June 26, 1890, they were married and have since resided on Grafton avenue, Dayton, Ohio. Upon his retirement from the office of prosecuting attorney, Mr. Kumler resumed the practice of the law without a partner. Six years spent in the almost daily trial of criminal cases developed and trained his unusual ability in the exam- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 131 ination of witnesses, the conduct of trials and arguments before a jury. This ability has ever since been generously recognized by courts and fellow lawyers in frequent assignments for the defense, when cases were of special importance and responsibility, and in his employment by other lawyers to assist in trials requiring able and skillful conduct. Although he engages in the general practice of the law, he is frankly admitted to be preeminent as a trial lawyer. During his career he has either prosecuted or defended in twelve first degree murder cases, and in those cases where he appeared as counsel for the defense he has always been able to save his clients from the death penalty. Mr. Kumler is widely known and highly esteemed, a clever after dinner speaker and a man whose companionship is valued and sought. JUDGE EDWIN P. MATTHEWS. Judge Edwin P. Matthews, whose services on the common pleas bench and connection with the professional interests has been characterized by signal and faithful performance of duty combined with marked ability in the profession which he has chosen as a life work, was born in Dayton, March 22, 1858, a son of Judge Fitch-James and Frances A. (Parrott) Matthews, the latter a daughter of Thomas Parrott, one of Dayton's prominent pioneer settlers. The father, long distinguished as a member of the Ohio bar, served on the bench of the superior court at Columbus. Environment, inherited tendency and natural predilection may have constituted forces in Judge Edwin P. Matthews' choice of a profession. At all events, that the choice was a wise one is indicated in the success which he has achieved and by the prominent position accorded him by the consensus of public opinion. When he had mastered the branches of learning that constituted the public-school curriculum in Dayton in his youthful days, he entered Kenyon College as a member of the class of 1879. When he ceased to pursue his studies along literary lines he began reading law in the offryce of Warren Munger of Dayton, and since his admission to the bar on the 5th of May, 1880, has given close and unremitting attention to the duties of his profession and has made continuous progress until for some years he has been recognized as a representative in the front rank of his calling. Following his admission he became a partner of George 0. Warrington and on the dissolution of the partnership five years later Mr. Matthews began practicing alone. An excellent presence, earnest manner, marked strength of character and thorough grasp of the law and the ability to correctly apply its principles, make him an effective and successful advocate. He is a vigilant, attentive observer of men and measures and this enables him to correctly determine the motive springs of human conduct and to reason from effect back to cause—always an essential of successful law practice. The great care with which he associates all of the facts bearing upon every case and the clearness with which he presents these before the court, are conspicuous elements in his success. At different times Mr. Matthews has been called from private practice for the performance of official duties, being first elected to office in 1888 when he 132 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY was chosen to represent the first ward in the city council. He received endorsement of his work during his first term of two years when in 1890 he was reelected. In 1889 he was president of the council and in this connection proved himself an unbiased parliamentarian while his influence and support were always given for the advancement of measures and interests calculated to promote municipal progress. In 1892 he was a member of the board of deputy supervisors of elections of Montgomery county and on the 1st of May, 1895, was appointed city solicitor, in which position he served for more than ten years or until November, 1905, when he was elected judge of the common pleas court. On the 31st of December of the same year, because of ill health, he resigned his position on the bench, to which he had been elected without opposition. On the 5th of October, 1894, he was appointed United States commissioner for the southern district of Ohio and in that office, continued until he resigned on be- ing elected to the bench. On the l0th of February, 1886, he had been admitted to practice in the United States courts. On his retirement from office at the close of the year 1905 he resumed the private practice of law and on the 1st of April, 1907, became a member of the firm of Rowe, Shuey, Matthews & James. Aside from professional interests he is known in business circles of this city as president of the Dayton Lighting Company, to which he was elected in February, 1906. Pleasantly situated in his home life, Judge Matthews was married October 12, 1883, to Miss Edna M. Mills, a daughter of William M. Mills of Dayton. They have five sons and a daughter : William Mills, Margaret A., Fitch-James, Edwin P., Jr., David T. and George T. Judge Matthews has spent his entire life in this city and his record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that "a prophet is never without honor save in his own country," for here, where he has been known from his boyhood he has attained prominence in municipal affairs, while his professional ability has made him known even beyond the city of his residence. OSCAR M. GOTTSCHALL. Oscar M. Gottschall, senior partner of the well known law firm of Gottschall & Turner, also a veteran of the Civil war, joining the army when but eighteen years of age, is numbered among Ohio's native sons and throughout this entire life has stood for progressive citizenship, for municipal progress and individual advancement. Born on the 14th of August, 1843, in Newark, Ohio, he is a son of John and Abigail Jane (Conklin) Gottschall, of German and New England descent respectively. The father was born and reared in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but in early manhood removed westward to Ohio. His wife represented one of the old New England families and her grandfather was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, fighting with the American army throughout the period of hostilities that won independence for this nation. Oscar M. Gottschall was only two years of age when brought to Dayton by his parents and in this city he pursued his public-school education until he was DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 133 graduated from the high school with the class of 1861. Attracted by the profession of law he at once began preparing for a career at the bar as a student in the office and under the direction of Edmond S. Young, then one of the most prominent representatives of the legal fraternity in Dayton. He had continued his law reading for about a year when he felt that his duty to his country was paramount to all other interests and, constrained by patriotism, he enlisted in August, 1862, in defense of the Union cause, being assigned to duty with the boys of Company K, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Soon afterward he was promoted to quartermaster sergeant of his company, while in January, 1863, he became sergeant major of his regiment and the following year was promoted to adjutant, acting with that rank until mustered out on the 25th of June, 1865. The Ninety-third Ohio was first attached to General Gilbert's brigade in Kentucky and later formed a part of McCook's corps in the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Gotschall participated in many hotly contested engagements from Stone River to Atlanta, was afterward under the command of General Thomas and witnessed the final overthrow of Hood's forces in Tennessee. At the battle of Chickamauga he was wounded and again at Missionary Ridge. His valor and gallantry on the former battlefield led to his recommendation for promotion to the adjutancy by his superior officer. When the country no longer needed his military aid Mr. Gottschall returned to Dayton and resumed his law studies, remaining in the office of Edmond S. Young through the period of his preparation and afterward as a law partner in the firm of Young & Gottschall. A change in the partnership occurred by the admission of George R. Young in 1878 under the firm style of Young, Gottschall & Young, the connection being continued until Mr. Gottshall withdrew in 1879. In that year he became junior partner in the law firm of Marshall & Gottschall, his associate being R. D. Marshall. This firm was dissolved in September, 1883, after which Mr. Gottschall practiced alone until February, 1885, when he was joined by O. B. Brown under the firm name of Gottschall & Brown. For eight years they practiced together and then the name of Crawford was added through the admission of Ira Crawford to the partnership. In 1898 Colonel Gottschall became senior partner in the firm of Gottschall, Crawford, McConnaughey & Limbert, this connection continuing until January 1, 1903. In January, 1907, the present firm of Gotschall & Turner was formed. While the foregoing indicates in some measure the advance which Mr. Gotschall has made in his profession, it tells little of the unwearied industry which has characterized him in all of his law work. He has secured many cases and lost a few. No one better knows the necessity for thorough preparation and no one more industriously prepares his cases than he. His course in the courtroom is characterized by a calmness and dignity that indicates reserve strength. He is always courteous and deferential toward the court, kind and forbearing toward his adversaries and examines the witnesses carefully and thoroughly, treating them with a respect which makes them grateful for his kindness and forbearance. His handling of his cases is always full, comprehensive and accurate, his analysis of the facts is clear and exhaustive and he sees without effort their relation and dependence and so groups them as to enable him to throw their combined force upon the point they tend to prove. In 134 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY his practice he has always made a specialty of corporation and commercial law and his clientage is now extensive. At a recent date friends of Mr. Gottschall have urged his appointment by congress to succeed the late General Anderson as resident manager of the National Soldiers Home. Speaking of him in this connection Judge Dennis Dwyer said : "He is a first-class business man and would in every way, in my judgment, make fitting successor to the gentlemen who have occupied the position in the past. I have known him since he was a little boy going to the public schools and since he grew up to young manhood our relations have always been intimate and more especially during the twenty-four years that I served as judge in the several courts of this county. I can, therefore, truthfully say of him that as a lawyer he is always courteous to the courts, to his associates and to counsel opposed to him in cases ; that he stands in the front rank of his profession as able, painstaking and holiest, and is always faithful to the interest of his clients. As a citizen in all the relations of life Mr. Gottschall's character is above reproach and in her hour of need he gave to his country all that any patriot can give—his services as a soldier to preserve the integrity of the Union." Mr. Gottschall was married April 15, 1869, to Miss Octavia True Soule, the daughter of Charles Soule, the artist, and Elizabeth Mead Soule, and they, happily mated, were separated by the death of Mrs. Gottschall July 19, 1908. HARRY MORSE ESTABROOK. Harry Morse Estabrook, vice president and general superintendent of the Barney & Smith Car Company of Dayton, was born in Cambridge City, Indiana, December 25, 1864, but in his infancy his parents removed to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was reared. His father, Warren D. Estabrook, now deceased, was a native of Holden, Massachussets. The American progenitor of the family came from England in the seventeenth century, being one of two brothers who sought homes in the new world at that time. In the public schools of Terre Haute, Indiana, Harry Morse Estabrook pursued his education through consecutive grades until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1883. He afterward entered Chaffee's Business College, where he completed a course by graduation in 1884. Entering business life he began working for the West Shore Railroad Company at Frankfort, New York, in the motive power department, and there remained until August 17, 1885, when he came to Dayton and accepted a stenographic position in the 'office of the Barney & Smith Car Works. There his ready adaptability, faithful performance of every duty and entire willingness to serve his employers in the way they desired, led to his promotion from time to time until he became assistant superintendent, superintendent, then vice president and general manager. He is also one of the directors of the company and now occupies a position of executive control in an extensive enterprise which he entered in a humble capacity. Here is another indication of the well known fact that employers are constantly seeking competent assistants who readily take up ideas connected with DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 137 the business, bring to bear common sense in the discharge of their duties and manifest at all times an unfaltering industry. He is also vice president and a director of the Kay & Ess Company. On the 13th of September, 1888, Mr. Estabrook was married in Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Lulu B. Schaeffer and unto them have been born three children, Charles B., Mary A. and William H. The parents belong- to the Grace Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Estabrook is identified with no secret order. His social nature, however, finds expression in his membership in the Dayton City Club, The Dayton Country Club and in the Bicycle Club, the members thereof finding him a congenial companion, always courteous and entertaining. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the republican party but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him as he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his constantly expanding business interests. JOSEPH WILLIAM DEVERS. Joseph William Devers, a conspicuous figure in financial and industrial circles of Trotwood, his native city, was born July 26, 1867, of German parentage. His grandfather was one of the early settlers in Pennsylvania, where he spent most of his life. Thomas Devers, the father of our subject, came to Ohio from Hancock, Maryland, when about thirty years old, and settled in New Antioch, Clinton county, where he still lives, being one of the oldest men of that city at the present time. He was a blacksmith by trade and the character of his work brought to him a good patronage. He wedded Amanda Michael and unto them was born one child, Alice D. After the death of his first wife he was again united in marriage, his second union being With Amanda Easterby. The children of this second marriage were Joseph William, Roy, Lena, Bessie and Ollie, while one child died in infancy. Reared under the parental roof, Joseph William Devers acquired his education in the schools of his native city, and during the time not spent in the schoolroom he worked in his father's blacksmith shop or was engaged in farm work. When he at length put aside his text-books he went to Johnsville, Ohio, where he started in the blacksmith business on his own account. Although his beginning in the business world was a humble one, yet as the years passed they chronicled a steady increase in his patronage, while his diligence and perseverance have placed him among the prosperous, representative citizens of Trotwood. From a small blacksmith trade his business has developed until today he is proprietor of a flourishing carriage manufactory and general blacksmith shop. The building occupied by the enterprise was erected by Mr. Devers about two years ago and is one of the largest in the city, being a two story brick structure, located in the heart of the business district. From time to time, as he has prospered, Mr. Devers has extended the field of his activity along other lines and is today president of the Citizens Bank of Trotwood, having been elected to this position a year ago. He is also a stockholder in the Citizens Bank of 138 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Trotwood and is associated with various other important enterprises of the city. On May 8, 1889, Mr. Devers was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Reese, a daughter of Henry and Elmira (Fenner) Reese, the father being a prominent farmer of Clinton county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Devers have been born eight children : Grace, living at home ; May ; Ethel ; Iona and Blanch at school ; William; Opal ; and Don D. Mr. Devers political allegiance is given to the republican party and fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 754, and also holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is that of the Christian church. He is an enterprising business man, whose success is due to the fact that he has put due valuation upon industry and close application, and the exercise of these qualities has brought him to his present prominent position in the business life of Trotwood, and he is held in high esteem by his fellow townsmen. GEORGE A. McHENRY. George A. McHenry, conducting a general insurance business in Dayton, while for twenty-five years he has been connected with this line of business here, is also a director of the Royal Remedy & Extract Company. His birth occurred on a farm in Hamilton county, Ohio, November 11, 1867, and in 1872 he arrived in Dayton with his father's family. He is a son of Samuel and Roselia E. (Fagaley) McHenry. The former was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, and devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits in that locality, passing away there in 1868. In early manhood he wedded Miss Fagaley and unto them were born six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom one daughter died in infancy, while the five reached adult age and four—George A. and his three sisters are still living. The mother also survives and yet makes her home in Dayton. The three sisters are : Mary A., the wife of the Rev. W. Kilbourn, a United Brethren minister of Piqua, Ohio ; Nannie E., the wife of A. R. Harlacher, of Dayton ; and Maria M., the wife of W. A. Gilbert, of Dayton. It was about four years after the father's death that the widowed mother removed with her children to Dayton and in the public schools George A. McHenry, the youngest of the family, pursued his education until eleven years of age, when he began earning his own livelihood. He entered the employ of the United Brethren Publishing House in the book store where he remained for four years, after which he was variously employed for six months. Realizing how valuable is education as a preparation for the practical duties of business life, he resolved to supplement his early advantages by further study and with this end in view entered Otterbein University at Westerville, Ohio. After leaving that institution he secured a position in the offryce of Benjamin Marot, an insurance man, and since that time has continued in the insurance business. He remained with Mr. Marot for eleven years and in 1896 established a general insurance agency on his own account. In the meantime he had become thoroughly DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 139 familiar with the business in all of its diverse interests and was therefore well qualified to build up a business of his own. In October, 1897, Mr. McHenry was married in Dayton to Miss Mabel Eleanor Conover, a daughter of A. J. Conover, a prominent manufacturer and banker. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McHenry has been blessed with two sons, Adams C. and Albert Eugene. Mr. McHenry was secretary of the Dayton Commercial Club in which he is a popular and valued member. He also belongs to the Dayton City Club and Dayton Country Club and is a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and at no time is he remiss in the duties of citizenship but puts forth effective effort in promoting the welfare and progress of this city along various lines. His enterprise in business has been the foundation of his present prosperity, making him well known in insurance circles. JACOB EBY. Jacob Eby is the owner of four hundred and thirty acres of fine farming land just on the edge of Carrollton, Ohio, and is well known as one of the leading and representative agriculturists of the community. Moreover, he belongs to one of the oldest families of this part of the state. He was born in Harrison township, May 2, 1849, and is the son of Adam and Susan (Mullendore) Eby. Adam Eby was a son of Christian Eby and the latter was an only son of Christian Eby, of Pennsylvania. The family is of Swiss lineage. Christian Eby, Sr., was born December 28, 1777, and died December 10, 1859. He removed to what was then Frederick county but is now Carroll county, Maryland, where he resided from 1830 until 1838. In the latter year he arrived in Montgomery county, Ohio, where three of his children had previously settled—Mrs. Elizabeth Cohler, John Eby and Christian Eby, all having taken up their abode near Farmersville, in Montgomery county, between the years 1832 and 1834. Samuel Eby had left Ohio and settled in Kosciusko county, Indiana, before Christian Eby reached the state and later John Eby also went to Indiana. :Christian Eby followed farming in Montgomery county and was identified with its early development for a number of years. He passed away here, December 10, 1859. The grandfather of our-subject, Christian Eby, married Susanna McDaniel. He was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, and first settled in Jackson, Ohio, in 1832. Later he removed to Preble county, Ohio, where his remaining days were passed. He still has a sister in Missouri, Mrs. Levina Baile, who ,is living at a very advanced age. Adam Eby, the father of our subject, was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, July 10, 1814. He became one of the wealthy farmers of Montgomery county and lived to the very venerable age of ninety years, when he passed away. He was the father of thirteen children but Jacob Eby is the only one living near West Carrollton or in this part of the county. The other living children are: Christian ; James W., of Boston , Iowa Ephraim, of Preble county, Ohio ; Adam, of Orchard, Florida ; C. L. V., 140 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY of North Dakota ; and Mrs. Susan Ulrich, of Jackson township, Montgomery county, Ohio. Jacob Eby was educated in the schools of Montgomery county and was reared to habits of thrift and industry. Throughout his entire life he has been identified with agricultural pursuits. In his youth, through the training of his father, he became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil, and as the years went by he made steady progress in the business world and is now one of the leading agriculturists of Miami township, owning and tilling five hundred and nine acres of fine farm land. The place is situated just at the edge of Carrollton and is equipped with all modern improvements and accessories. On the 8th of December, 1887, Mr. Eby was united in marriage to Miss Alice Baker, a daughter of Aaron and Nancy (Simpson) Baker. They have become the parents of six children : Dolly, Susan, Owen A., James, Jacob and Ethel. In his fraternal relations Mr. Eby is an Odd Fellow, becoming a charter member of the lodge at West Carrollton. His brethren of that organization entertain for him high regard and in fact he is held in the highest esteem throughout the community. Moreover, he is known as one of the worthy self-made men of the county who owes his prosperity entirely to his own labors, careful management and business activity. What he undertakes he accomplishes if it can be done through earnest, honorable and persistent labor. He believes in progress, whether in agricultural or other lines, and his progressive spirit is manifest in the excellent appearance of his place. He is one of the best known men in this part of the county and his record has at all times been most commendable. JOSEPH STRAUB. Among the business enterprises which are contributing in stubstantial measure to the development and growth of Dayton is the Permanent Building & Savings Association, of which Joseph Straub is secretary. His life record began in this city, September 26, 1854. His father, Joseph Straub, was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, in 1829, and in 1848 came to America as a young man of twenty years, locating in Montgomery county, Ohio. In 1851 he took up his abode in Dayton, where he carried on a business as a cooper and brewer. He served for about a year as a soldier in the Civil war, becoming a member of the Fifty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was married in Dayton in 1852 to Miss Kunigunde Maier and unto them were born six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom are now living. The mother still survives but the father passed away on the l0th of February, 1909, after a residence of almost fifty-eight years in this city. Joseph Straub, the oldest member of the father's household, acquired his education in the parochial school of the Holy Trinity parish, but put aside his text-books at the age of thirteen years and entered the employ of John Wenz, a retail grocer, with whom he continued for four years. On the expiration of that DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 141 period he entered the employ of Bunstine, Moses & Boyer, wholesale dealers in dry goods and notions in Dayton. He was with that house for four years, a part of the time as a representative in this city and during the remainder of the time as a traveling salesman on the road. In 1876 he entered the employ of C. C. Moses, wholesale dealer in notions, who was formerly of the firm of Bunstine, Moses & Boyer. A part of his two years' connection with that business was spent upon the road, and subsequently, after an experience in the candy business, he entered the employ of William Focks & Sons, meat packers. He was employed in different capacities by that firm for four years, when he opened a retail grocery on his own account, conducting it until May, 1907, when he accepted his present position as secretary of the Permanent Building & Savings Association. In 1876, in Dayton, Mr. Straub was married to Miss Josephine Clemens, a daughter of Nicholas Clemens, and they have four living children : Henrietta : Ida ; Marie and Helen. Mr. Straub belongs to the Knights of Columbus and to the Holy Family parish, which indicates his faith in the Catholic church. In politics he is independent and yet he is not unmindful of the duties of citizenship nor does he withhold his support from movements that are calculated to promote public progress. WILLIAM J. HARRIS. William J. Harris, office manager of the department of water in Dayton, his native city, was born December 5, 1866, and here spent his youthful days, while his education was largely acquired in St. Joseph's school. Leaving school at the age of seventeen years, he then made his start in the business life by securing employment in a queensware store in Dayton, where he remained for two years. He was afterward connected with the firm of Shaffer & Cooper, manufacturers of harness appliances, for five years, during which period he had charge of piece work. His first public service was in connection with the postoffice, being appointed to a clerkship there in 1886. He spent about two years in connection with the mail service, after which he returned to Shaffer & Cooper, remaining with the firm until April 19, 1890. He was then appointed inspector and collector in the department of water and on the 4th of May, 1903, was promoted to the position of cashier. On the 1st of January, 1906, he left that position and became associated with his brother, John F. Harris, in an undertaking business, the relation between them existing until January 1, 1908, when William J. Harris retired from the firm to accept his present position as manager of the department of water in the city of Dayton. He has proved most capable in this office, his record being entirely creditable to himself and satisfactory to the general public. Mr. Harris was married May 31, 1909, to Miss Alice Murray, a daughter of Charles W. Murray. He is a democrat in his political views, having stanchly supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Modern Woodmen Camp and St. Joseph's church. These associations indicate much of the character of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. 142 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY He has a wide acquaintance in his native city, where from early boyhood. the circle of his friends has constantly increased and he is popular among the different city officials who recognize his personal as well as his official worth. EDWARD E. BURKHART. In accordance with a noticeable tendency of the times to select business men of well known enterprise and public spirit to fill positions of trust and administer the affairs of the city, Edward E. Burkhart in November, 1907, was elected to the office of mayor of Dayton, in which connection he has given a businesslike administration, characterized by practical reform and improvement. A native of Sidney, Ohio, he was born October 27, 1872, and in the attainment of his education contjnued his studies through successive grades until he completed the high school course by graduation with the class of 1890. In that year he came to Dayton, where he entered the Miami Commercial College and subsequently, with the desire to make the practice of law his life work, he became a student in the office of Gottschall & Brown, well known -attorneys, who directed his reading for eight months. At the end of that time he became connected as cashier and assistant manager with the Standard Wheel Company of Chicago, having plants at Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1895 he returned to Dayton and was associated with R. D. Marshall, general counsel of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Company, as a law student. To further qualify for practice, in 1896 he matriculated in the University of Michigan and two years later was graduated with the class of 1898. On leaving the university Mr. Burkhart returned to Dayton and for a year thereafter was in the law office of Marshall & Marshall. He then entered the law firm of Van Deman, Burkhart & Cline, which relation was maintained for three years, when Mr. Cline, who had been appointed city solicitor, was succeeded by John C. Shea, who was with the firm three years, when Wellington C. Smith succeeded him and the firm style of Van Deman, Burkhart & Smith was assumed. This is one of the leading law firms of the city, enjoying a large general practice that has connected them with much important litigation tried in the courts. Holding to high standards in the profession, giving to his clients the benefryt of unwearied industry and of large talent, Mr. Burkhart became so widely recognized as an able, conscientious and progressive lawyer that his appointment to office followed almost as a logical sequence. In 1903 he was made a member of the board of health by Mayor Charles A. Snyder and served upon that board until it was abolished in 1905. In November, 1907, he was elected on the democratic ticket as mayor and is now serving as chief executive of the city. One of the local papers, some months after he had assumed the office, in an editorial said of him: "Mayor Burkhart went into office- at a trying time. Previous administrations had bankrupted the city—left it floundering in a sea of debt, without funds to carry on the business of government and things generally were in a run-down condition. Then, he had been in offryce but a few weeks until the panic broke above him, and there were thousands and thousands of DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 145 people thrown upon the city for sustenance. The mayor did not shun any duty but took hold of the helm and went to work. It is admitted in all cities that Dayton handled her relief problem advantageously. In fact, Mayor Burkhart and those associated with him handled the local situation in such a way as to win the praise of the people not only of this city but of other cities. There was not a single city in this country where the relief work was more effectively done. and not one where it was carried on with so little complaint. Not a breath of scandal was connected with the relief work here, and it must be remembered, too, that the mayor was wholly inexperienced in such work when he took hold. One of the favorable comments heard about Mayor Burkhart's administration is that he is always at his office, attending to business, and willing and anxious to meet every one who has a grievance or a suggestion. He is easily approachable, pleasant in his manner, honest and sincere in his demeanor and has more friends today than he ever had in his life. The mayor who is able to increase the number of his friends is making good." Those who know Mr. Burkhart, and he now has a wide acquaintance in Dayton, recognize the fact that in all he does he is actuated by high and honorable principles. He belongs to the Lutheran church and to the Young Men's Christian Association and does not relegate to an inferior position, as an unimportant factor in his life, his duties and obligations in this connection. Prominent in Masonry, he has taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite and of the Mystic Shrine and also belongs to the Elks lodge, the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arcanum and the Dayton Order of Harugari. His appreciation for the social amenities is manifest in his membership in the Dayton City Club, the Dayton Bicycle Club, the Comus Club, the Mystic Club and the Keystone Club. Thus Mr. Burkhart stands before the people today, worthily wearing the highest honors that they can confer upon him, known moreover as an able lawyer and a gentleman in whom the qualities of unfailing courtesy and upright principle are harmoniously blended. EDWARD NEDER. Edward Neder, editor of the Volks-Zeitung of Dayton, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1852 and in 1863 came to America, joining his father, George Neder, who had crossed the Atlantic the preceding year and had located in Buffalo, New York. The father's birth occurred June 15, 1828, in a small hamlet in the kingdom of Bavaria and he had the educational advantages offered by several of the leading European colleges so that he was well qualified to take a high position in the field of journalism. Ere leaving his native land he founded and edited the Wurzburger Journal, which has had continuous existence since 1854. In 1862 he sought the opportunities of the new world and became editor of one of the leading German papers of Buffalo, New York, where he resided until 1866, when he came to Dayton and founded the Daytoner Volks-Zeitung, of which he remained the owner and chief editor until his death. The publication was begun as a weekly paper, was afterwards made a tri-weekly and in 1876 became a daily. The 146 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY paper has always been an influential factor among- the German-American residents of this part of the state and has been conducted in keeping with the most advanced ideas of modern journalism. Mr. Neder was recognized as a man of sound judgment and keen discrimination, of broad mind and of liberal education. He never sought to figure in public affairs aside from the path of his profession yet was called to serve as a member of the board of education for two terms and was for several years a member of the library board. He gave earnest support to many measures calculated to prove of public good and did valuable service for his countrymen in many ways. In 1849 he married Marianna Eckert and unto them were born eight children of whom four are now living. His wife passed away in 1893 and following his death, which occurred July 19, 1895, he was laid by her side in Calvary cemetery. Edward Neder was a youth of fourteen years when the family removed to Dayton where he has since made his home. His education, begun in his native country, was continued in the schools of Buffalo and of this city and when he put aside his text-books he began learnidjrectioninter's trade under the direction of his father. In 1876 he left Dayton but returned in 1883 and was associated in business with his father until the latter's death, becoming successively foreman, manager and editor, assuming the duties of the last named position in 1893. He has always kept the paper up to its original high standard and it remains, therefore, an influencing factor in German-American circles. Mr. Neder is a member of various German social societies. He is independent in politics, caring not to ally himself with any party but rather remaining as a free lance to champion the cause which he deems vital as a force in municipal, state or national affairs. CHARLES M. KINZIG. Charles M. Kinzig, president of the Peerless Laundry Company of Dayton, has always resided in Montgomery county, his birth having occurred upon a farm within its borders on the 28th of April, 1873. His youthful days were quietly passed in the work of the fields and in the acquirement of an education as a pupil of the country schools, but not desiring to make agricultural pursuits his life work, he came to Dayton at the age of twenty-five years and secured employment in the grocery store of C. L. Coy, with whom he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he began business in the same line on his own account, so continuing for seven years, but thinking to find the laundry business a more profitable venture, in November, 1907, he organized the Peerless Laundry Company, of which he became the president and general manager. The enterprise has now been in existence for about two years, during which time the trade has constantly, increased until the business is now a profitable and substantial one. Moreover, it is the visible evidence of the life Kinzjgift and industry which Mr. Kinzig has lead. The laundry is equipped with the latest improved machinery and employment is furnished about fifty hands. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 147 In 1899 occurred the marriage of Charles M. Kinzig and Miss Mary Bender, of Dayton, who died in 1907, leaving two children, Elmer and Marie. Mr. Kinzig belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Catholic church.. His political views are in accord with the principles of the democracy and while he does not seek nor desjre office, he gives to the organization his loyal support. His life N preeminently that of the business man who diligently day by day pursues his course, knowing that persistent and well directed effort constitutes the surest and most stable foundation upon which to build prosperity. WILLIAM N. ARTZ. William N. Artz, conducting a prosperous business as a furniture dealer of Dayton, was born in Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio, September 3, 1859. He was seven years of age when his parents removed to this city, where he has since resided. His father, Joseph S. Artz, is a representative of one of the old families of the state. He was a son of Peter Artz, who was born in Maryland and made an overland trip to Ohio prior to the era of railroad building. He was in fact one of the early settlers of the state, locating here when much of the land was still unclaimed and uncultivated, where the forests were uncut and the streams unbridged. He settled on a farm near Fairfield, Ohio, but spent his last days in Dayton, where for years he was engaged in the wholesale grocery business, becoming one of the early prominent merchants of the city. His family included Joseph S. Artz, whose birth occurred on a farm in Greene county, Ohio, in 1824, and he was reared to the work of the fields. Subsequently he engaged in the lumber and undertaking business in Germantown. On account of deafness he was rejected when he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union at the time of the Civil war. Removing to Dayton in 1866, he here established a lumber business, which he conducted for about eleven years and in 1877 he bought out the furniture firm of Chadwick & Beaver, and continued in that line of business for a number of years. He became well known as one of the enterprising merchants of the city, subsequently conducting an enterprise, which under his capable management constantly grew in volume and importance. He was married in Germantown, this county, to Miss Elizabeth Negley, a daughter of Captain W. H. H. Negley, and unto them were born eight children, of whom three died in infancy, while five reached years of maturity and still survive, namely : Ella, the widow of Henry Zell, of Columbus, Ohio ; John D., a resident of Dayton ; William Negley ; Abraham Lincoln, who makes his home in Boston, Massachusetts ; and J. Elam, a resident of Dayton. The mother of these children passed away in September, 1881. On the removal of the family to Dayton, William N. Artz entered the public schools of this city and continued his education in that manner to the age of fifteen years, when he started out in the business world, entering the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in the Dayton yards. He there remained for five years, rising to the position of conductor, after which he went to the Dayton & Ironton Rairoad and served that line as conductor for a year. He next entered 148 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY the employ of the firm of Artz & Ozias, the senior member being his father. They were dealers in furniture and William N. Artz, entering their employ, began delivering for them at a salary of seven dollars per week. He had been receiving one hundred and twenty dollars per month, but he wished to acquaint himself with the furniture trade and started in that humble capacity, knowing that the opportunity for advancement always comes to the man who is willing to work for it. Later he was made shipping clerk, afterward became salesman and eventually became one of the three owners of the store. Later the establishment became the property of Artz Brothers, but in 1904 William N. Artz purchased the interest of his brother and is now conducting the business under his own name. He has a large and well appointed furniture store, carrying a carefully selected line of goods of varying prices in order to meet the demand of the trade. His continuous endeavor to please his patrons, his reliable business methods and his activity and enterprise have brought him the measure of success which he is now enjoying and which he well merits. On the 6th of April, 1882, Mr. Artz was married in Dayton to Miss Anna Baile, a daughter of Reuben Baile, and they have one child, Elizabeth Negley Artz. The parents attend the Grace Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Artz holds membership in Comus Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which are constantly growing in volume and importance and are bringing to him substantial and well merited success. There has been no esoteric phase in his career, nor has he ever sought by devious methods to win his prosperity, his record as a merchant being one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. CHARLES T. GAUVEY. Charles T. Gauvey, possessing the requisite qualities of successful hotel manager, has devoted almost his entire life to this line of work and is now manager of the Algonquin Hotel of Dayton. He manifests much of the spirit of the pioneer in that he inaugurates new methods and executes original plans which work out in practical form for the comfort and convenience of the guests and for the benefit of the hotel. Mr. Gauvey is a native of New Lebanon, Ohio, born January 13, 1876. His father, John G. Gauvey, was born in the same place in 1847 and there died July 29, 1908, when sixty-one years of age. Throughout his entire active life he was connected with the hotel interests of New Lebanon. He married Sophia Eckhart, and they had four children, namely : Cordie I., the wife of Samuel Blosser, of New Lebanon ; Charles T., of this review ; and Howard G. and John William, residents of New Lebanon. Charles T. Gauvey was reared in the place of his nativity, attended the public schools there and after mastering the branches of learning taught in consecutive grades, came to Dayton, where he pursued a course in the Miami Commercial College. He completed the work there in 1894 and immediately afterward ac- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 149 cepted the position of clerk in the Beckel House, where he remained for eight years. He was, as it were, "to the manner born," his father having always been a hotel proprietor, so that his interests and experiences from early boyhood were along that line. In 1901 he went to the Algonquin as clerk, proving a popular and efficient representative of the house in that connection, and in January, 1907, he became its manager and so continues. He displays excellent business ability and executive force in this position and his capable control is evidenced in the gratifying patronage which the house receives. In 1898, in Dayton, Mr. Gauvey was married to Miss Effie M. Wolf, a daughter of Joseph Wolf, and their three children are : Marguerite Eva, Alice Elizabeth and Charles S., Jr. In his fraternal relations Mr. Gauvey is an Odd Fellow and he also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is not a partisan in politics but is opposed to all misrule in municipal affairs and stands for progressive citizenship. In his chosen field of labor he is meeting with success and is not only recognized as a capable business man in his line but also has the social qualities which render him popular with patrons and many friends. JAMES AUGUSTINE GREER. There is in all the universe hardly an individual who is irresponsive to a tale of heroism as manifested by one who serves his country on sea or land. The record is one of unfaltering, unswerving fidelity to principle from which there is no lapse, and when promotion comes it is the indication not only of loyalty but of capability, readiness and resource in emergency and the possession of those commending qualities which enable the individual to obtain the instant obedience and cooperation of those who serve under him. The life history of James Augustine Greer, if written in detail, would furnish a story more thrilling than any tale of fiction. Entering the United States navy as midshipman on the l0th of January, 1848, he rose through successive promotions and remained in the service until retired on the 28th of February, 1895. In this connection he sailed on many seas, faced the guns of the enemy in the Civil war, made a trip to the polar regions on a relief expedition, was in charge of a ship whereon the youth of the younger generation were trained for naval duty, and at last was in command of the European squadron. Such are the outlines of a picture which, when filled in, is full, of life, color, action and variety. Admiral Greer was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 28, 1833, and his life record covered the intervening years until the 17th of June, 1904, when he passed away in Washington, D. C. There was in him in his youth an intensely patriotic strain that prompted him to enter his country's services when n'ot quite fifteen years of age. He became a midshipman on the l0th of January, 1848, passed through all of the necessary drill and service of a minor character until successive promotions brought him to the position of master in 1855. The same year he was commissioned lieutenant and in the ensuing six years of peace was stationed at various points. When the Civil war was inaugurated, however. on beard the steamship San Jacinto, in 1861, he assisted in the re-