DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 275 turned to Dayton and has again built up a large and remunerative practice. His keen mind, business acumen and wide experience have brought Mr. Nauerth lavish returns from a profession that is often spoken of as being overcrowded and won for him room on the upper rounds of the ladder of success. In 1879 Mr. Nauerth was united in marriage to Miss Emma Seifert, daughter of Charles and Sophia (Summer) Seifert. Charles Seifert was horn in Alder-burg, Saxony, and was educated in Germany. He came to this country in his thirty-fifth year and established his business, that of a leather merchant, first in Frederick City, Maryland, and later in Springfield, Ohio, where he became a prominent citizen. It was in this latter city that he died. Of his ten children Mrs. Nauerth was the third, Alfred and Frank Seifert being her elder brothers. Mr. and Mrs. Nauerth attend and support the Methodist church of Dayton. JAMES M. COX. Selling newspapers and assisting in shaping national legislation constitute the two extremes in the life of the Hon. James M. Cox, now representing Dayton in congress. He is also widely known in the field of journalism as the publisher and proprietor of the Dayton News and the Springfield News. He was born in Jacksonburg, Butler county, Ohio, on the 31st of March, 187o, a son of Gilbert and Eliza Cox. In the paternal line he comes of English ancestry, while through the maternal line he inherits the sturdy traits of the German race. On both sides he comes of a family noted for longevity as the average age of his four grandparents was approximately ninety years. His youth was passed on the home farm, his time being divided between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and such tasks as were assigned him by parental authority. He pursued his early education in the district school at Jacksonburg, Ohio, and later his love of literature became the dominant force in his life and he entered the high school at Amanda, Butler county, Ohio. Moreover, he has been an apt student in the more difficult school of experience, early learning to correctly judge his own capacities and those of the people and circumstances that make up life's contacts and experiences. The joy that is experienced in earning one's first dollar came to him in selling newspapers and his inquiring turn of mind 'convinced him that he would find the making of the paper an interesting process. Accordingly he secured a situation in a printing office and began learning the trade, which he later abandoned, howeyer, to take up the work of teaching in the country schools. Subsequently he returned to the newspaper field, becoming a reporter at Middletown, Ohio, and his talents soon won him a position on the editorial staff of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Alert and enterprising, with a mind receptive and retentive, manifesting moreover that priceless quality of knowing when to speak and when to keep silent, the value of his services were recognized and in 1894 he accompanied the Hon. Paul J. Sorg to the fifty-third congress to act as his secretary. With the keen interest that he has always manifested in every vital question he began a mental investigation of the issues before the national legislative body 276 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY and the political situation of the country and all his impressions and the knowledge that he gained added to that reservior from which he constantly draws to meet the demands of the newspaper publisher and the man of affairs. Following his return from Washington on the 15th of August, 1898, Mr. Cox became the owner and publisher of the Dayton News, which he has made one of the foremost journals of the Buckeye state. In 1903 he acquired the Press Republic of Springfield, Ohio, and changed its name to the Daily News, conducting both the Dayton and Springfield papers under what is now known as the News League of Ohio. He manifests keen discrimination in his management of affiairs and his selection of an able corps of assistants and such methods which he deems of value in the development of the business and in the selection of questions for presentation through the columns of his journal, questions relative to the needs of the city and the individual or bearing upon the trend of national thought and progress. A man in Mr. Cox's position could not be other than deeply interested in politics and yet the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him nor has he ever consented to become a candidate until he accepted the nomination and was elected representative from the third Ohio district to the sixty-first congiess on the democratic ticket. His election coming in a republican state stands in incontrovertible proof of his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him as a man and citizen, his plurality having been more than thirteen thousand over his nearest opponent. On the 23d of May, 1893, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Mayme L. Harding at Cincinnati, and they have three children, Helen, James and John. Forceful and resourceful, the record of Mr. Cox is a story of a man's life that seems to have been an orderly progression under the steady hand of one who is a consistent master of himself and whose organism is harmonious and always well balanced. THEODORE C. LINDSEY, JR. Theodore C. Lindsey, Jr., an attorney at law of Dayton, his native city, was born April 16, 1878, and is a sort of Theodore C. Lindsey, Sr., a well known jeweler, prominent in mercantile .circles of this city. The son was reared and educated here, entering the public schools at the usual age and passing through the consecutive grades to his graduation from the Steele high school with the class of 1897. In that year he entered the law office of Gunckel, Rowe & Shuey, with whom he continued for a year, and then in further preparation for the bar became a law student in the University of Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1901. Among his professors were President William Howard Taft, the Hon. Judson Harmon, and other noted professors of the day. He had been admitted to the bar in 1900 and following his graduation in 1901 he opened an office in Dayton in July of that year and practiced alone for two years. On the expiration of that period he entered into partnership with Sol Flatau in September, 1903, the relation being maintained until February, 1908, at which time it was mutually and agreeably dissolved. Since then Mr.. Lindsey has been alone DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 279 in practice. He is now well established in his profession with a large clientage that connects him with much of the important work of the courts, and he is making a specialty of commercial and probate law and is identified with several large corporations. In June, 1900, Mr. Lindsey was married in Louisville, Kentucky, to Miss Jean Curry, and they now have one son, Robert Fulton Lindsey. Mr. Lindsey holds membership with the Sons of Veterans and has served as judge advocate of Ohio for that organization. He is also a member of the Masonic order. He belongs to the First Reformed church and takes an active interest in the various lines of church work. He is also a stalwart supporter of the republican party and his efforts in its behalf have been far reaching and beneficial, but he has not sought political office. He has been a close student of the problem of citizenship as advanced and retarded through the exercise of franchise and is ever able to support his position by intelligent argument. HENRY CALLAHAN. Henry Callahan, conducting a profitable business as a dealer in stoves in Dayton, has been a resident of this city for more than half a century and throughout almost the entire period has been known as an enterprising and progressive merchant and reliable business man. His name indicates his Irish lineage. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, August 7, 1835, and was brought to America by his mother in 1840, his father, Alexander Callahan, having preceded them in 1336. The father was at that time proprietor of a hotel at Ridgeville, Ohio, and the mother and son joined the husband and father at that place. His death occurred there a few years later and in 1850 Henry Callahan, with his mother, sister and brother went to Yellow Springs, Ohio, where they lived for three years and in 1853 removed to Dayton. Mr. Callahan of this review was at that time about eighteen years of age. He had pursued his education in the schools of Ridgeville and of Yellow Springs and after locating in this city he entered the tin and stove store of Henry Yost, under whose direction he learned the tinner's trade. Later he and John Reese formed a partnership in the same line of business, the connection continuing for thirty years, or until 1888, since which time Mr. Callahan has been alone. His success is undoubtedly due in part to the fact that he has always continued in the line of business in which he embarked as a young tradesman and in which he gained comprehensive knowledge concerning the business in principle and detail. As the years have gone by he has carefully watched all indications pointing to success, has closely studied the market and the demands of the purchasing public and year by year has added to his prosperity. The only interruption to his continuous business activity came in April, 1861, when in response to the country's first call for troops he enlisted for three months' service as a private of Company A, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1864 he reenlisted as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served for nearly four months at Baltimore, being sta- 280 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY tioned at Fort Federal Hill and at Fort Marshall. This service entitles him to wear the Grand Army button and he is now a member of Old Guard Post, No. 23, G. A. R. In 1871 Mr. Callahan was united in marriage in Dayton, to Miss Lovie Cline, and they have had three children, of whom one died in infancy while two are still living—Alexander H., and Callie Cline, the wife of William M. Burkhardt. The family attend the United Brethren church and Mr. Callahan gives his political allegiance to the republican party. For fifty years a merchant of this city, he has throughout this entire period sustained an unassailable reputation for business integrity and progressiveness, seeking his success along the legitimate lines of trade without the adoption of a single esoteric feature. Although he has now passed the psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten he yet remains a factor in commercial circles, honored and respected by all who know him. FRANK KUNTZ. Frank Kuntz, a gardener of Mad River township and the owner of eleven acres of fine land just west of the Troy pike and about two and a half miles north of the Dayton courthouse, was born on the old home place, which is known in. this locality as the Joseph Kuntz farm, on the 16th of June, 1868. He is the son. of Joseph and Magdalena ( Wolf) Kuntz. The father, who was born in 1833, and his parents were the first of the Kuntz family to come to this country, from Germany, which had been their home for generations. They came direct to Montgomery county, where they were among the early settlers and the pioneers of Dayton. The city had been founded but a short time, for the family had to clear their own land before they could even think of entering upon a cultivation of the soil. In the course of time Joseph Kuntz became a naturalized citizen of this country and started in general farming. After a few years' experience, however, he realized that his land was better adapted to truck gardening, and so turned his efforts entirely to developing one of the most modern and productive of truck farms around Dayton. Joseph Kuntz built a small house of two rooms, but his son has been able to put up one of the best and most modern houses in this part of the county. Ten children, all living in this county, were born to Joseph Kuntz and wife : John, Joe, Margaret, Catherine, George, William, Frank, Magdalena, Mary and Clara. Joseph Kuntz received all his training for life before coming to this country. That it was good training any one who knows him and the noble industry with which his days are filled cannot deny, for Mr. Kuntz is a citizen highly respected among those who have come in contact with him. Frank Kuntz received his early education in the schools of the township. This he supplemented by attendance at the public institutions of instruction in the city. During his whole school period, however, he also worked with his father on the farm, acquiring in this way, without loss of time, a practical knowledge of that phase of life which has been his vocation. His industry DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 281 brought him material returns and he was soon able to add to and beautify the old red house. He has also recently built a hothouse, which when completed will be one of the largest in the township. On the 11th of November, 1891, Frank Kuntz was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Zimmerman, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Mearkley) Zimmerman. Five children have blessed this couple: Laurence Joseph, who is in school ; Walter. Frank William, Helen, Marie and Romeo. The family are consistent members of the church of the Holy Rosary and by their lives evince the wisdom of its teaching. Mr. Kuntz takes an active interest in several fraternal organizations ; he belongs to the Elks Lodge, No. 58, of Dayton ; to the Knights of St. John of that city, of which he was at one time inspector ; and he is also a prominent member of St. Michael's Society. Despite the many other demands upon his time he is able to devote many hours to the service of the people, who have shown their appreciation of his interest by electing him township trustee, a position he has filled for eight years, six of which were in the capacity of president of the board. During the years of his incumbency his duties have been fulfilled with ability and honor, so that the people feel that their confidence has not been misplaced. IRLEY E. JONES. Irley E. Jones, manager of sales for the Brownell Company, president of the Dayton Iron Stove Company and secretary and treasurer of the Globe Electric Company, is thus prominently connected with the business interests of Dayton. He was born in this city, February 15, 1868, and comes of a family of Welsh origin. His ancestors, however, have lived in America since colonial days, the great-grandfather being Jonathan Jones, a native of Pennsylvania, who was a colonel in the Revolutionary war. The grandfather, Levi B. Jones, was born near Philadelphia, .Pennsylvania, in 1807, and in 1832 came to Dayton, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in this city n 1898. His son, John D. Jones, was born in Dayton in 1842 and for many years was connected with mercantile interests in this city and also owned and operated a stone quarry in Montgomery county. In 1864 he joined the Union army for one hundred days service. He married Evaline S. Bidleman, and unto them were born four children : Irley E., of this review ; Evaline B., the wife of Eugene Morrison ; Anna Laura, the wife of Edwin A. Robison ; and Charles D. The husband and father passed away in 1885, leaving the two sons, Irley E. and Charles D. Jones, to perpetuate the family in this city, where its representatives have been prominently known for more than three quarters of a century. Charles D. is general manager of the East Broad Top Railroad coal mines, which are the largest in central Pennsylvania in successful operation. At the usual age Irley E. Jones entered the public schools, therein continuing his studies through successive grades until he had reached the age of sixteen years, when he made his initial step in the business world as an employe in the dry-goods store of Elder, Hunter & Johnston. He spent two years as a clerk in 282 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY that establishment and was afterward for two years with Deweese & Bidleman, also dry-goods merchants of this city. On the expiration of that period he accepted the position of city buyer with the National Cash Register Company, with which he continued for eight years, when he resigned. In the meantime he had been promoted and was assistant purchasing agent. As salesman he became connected with the Ohio Fence Company at Piqua, Ohio, and was with that company for two years. In 1898 he returned to Dayton as purchasing agent for Brownell & Company, now the Brownell Company, and in 1896 was advanced to his present position as sales manager. This is one of the most extensive and important business concerns of the city and in his position as sales manager Mr. Jones is controlling large interests. He has also extended his activities into other fields and is now president of the Dayton Iron Stove Company, dealers in heavy hardware, and secretary and treasurer of the Globe Electric Company. He has brought to every position which he has filled the qualities of unfaltering energy, laudable ambition and a determination to thoroughly acquaint himself with his duties and to discharge them with ability. All his affairs have been carefully systematized until the maximum results are reached with minimum expense, time and labor. This is the real secret of success in any business—a fact which Mr. Jones has thoroughly realized and toward which end he has constantly worked. Investigation into his career shows that his actions have ever been based upon the rules which govern unfaltering industry and unswerving integrity. Moreover, he has the power to bring various factors in business life into harmonious relations and to coordinate forces and develop enterprises of great magnitude. Mr. Jones was married in Piqua, Ohio, in 1893, to Miss Claire J. Kitchen, and they have two children : Katharine Evelyn and Anna Cornelia. Mr. Jones is a Royal Arch Mason and belongs to the Dayton City Club. He is also a member of Christ Episcopal church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party but is without ambition or desire for office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which, carefully directed, have brought him to a prominent position in commercial circles. His record is one which reflects credit upon the city of his nativity. LEVI HOLLER. Levi Holler, a prominent and successful agriculturist residing on section I I, Jefferson township, was born in that township on the 4th of March, 1844, his parents being George and Lydia (Hoffman) Holler. The paternal grandparents, Frederick and Esther Holler, were natives of Germany and, emigrating to the United States, became residents of Ohio. Levi Holler was reared under the parental roof and lessons concerning the value of industry and perseverance were early impressed upon his mind. During the early years of his business career he operated a sawmill and thresher, owning the first traction engine in Jefferson township. For a long time the threshing was done by horse power but subsequently he purchased a steam out- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 283 fit and as the years went by won a commendable and gratifying measure of prosperty in his undertakings along this line. At the present time, however, he gives his undivided attention to the work of general farming, his labors in this direction also being attended with well merited success. Rich harvests annually pay tribute to his enterprise and diligence and he is numbered among the representative agriculturists of his native county. On the 17th of November, 1868, Mr. Holler was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Eby, whose birth occurred on the 23d of September, 1847, her parents being Daniel and Anna (Miller) Eby. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Holler have been born the following children : George Vernon, born in 1870 ; Vietta Pearl, in 1872; Charles, in 1874 ; Perry, in 1876 ; Grace Olive, in 1881 ; and Bertha, who was born in 1884. The family are devoted members of the German Baptist church and for many years Mr. Holler has been a deacon in the church. He has made his home in this community from his birth to the present time and his life of uprightness and honorable business activity has won for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. GUSTAV E. DECKER. Among the successful representatives of the insurance business in Dayton is Gustav E. Decker, who was here born on the 13th of April, 1868. He has sought his success not in strange fields but in the community where he has always lived, trusting to enterprise, energy and persistency of purpose to win him that success which is the legitimate goal of all business endeavor. He was born April 13, 1868, and at the usual age entered the public schools, where he mastered various branches of learning. He was also for some time a student in St. Mary's Institute, from which he was graduated in 1889. He then entered the office of the treasurer of Montgomery county and was there employed for three years as bookkeeper. This was his initial step in business and he not only performed his daily tasks but also learned therefrom many valuable lessons which have been of immense benefit to him in later life. Subsequently he entered the postoffice as registry clerk, later was appointed assistant postmaster and so continued until the expiration of J. C. Ely's term as postmaster. He then went with Mr. Ely, who was elected city treasurer of Dayton, acting as his assistant until 1905, when he resigned his position to give his attention to general insurance. His clear insight into business situations, his accurate judgment concerning people and events that go to make up life's contacts and experiences, combined with a commendable desire to win advancement have been salient features in the continued progress that has marked his course since he entered this field of endeavor. Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Decker, was married April 13, 1898, to Miss Elizabeth A. Shantz, a daughter of the late Adam Shantz, and unto this marriage there were born five children, Jacob A., Frances M., Myrtle K., Ruth C. and Thelma S. Mr. Decker is a valued and worthy member of the Masonic 284 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY fraternity and has pleasant relations with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, belonging to lodges of both organizations. His political support is given the democracy and he desires the success of the party, yet does not seek office although in former years he held some positions by appointmEnt. His religious belief is indicated in his membership in the German Lutheran church. Having spent his entire life in Dayton he is thoroughly familiar with the history of the city during the last forty years and therefore has witnessed much of its growth and progress. Those who know him respect him for his sterling personal worth as well as for the business ability he manifests, and in all relations of life he measures up to the full standard of honorable, upright manhood. ALEXANDER RAMM. No history of commercial Dayton would be complete without extended and prominent reference to Alexander Ramm, who is conducting the only exclusive ladies' tailoring establishment of the city and his ability and high grade workmanship in this line has brought to him an extended patronage which makes his business one of the leading productive industries here. High standards are maintained in the grade of workmanship, in the personnel of the house and in the character of service rendered to the public, and Mr. Ramm, therefore, draws his patronage from among the most prominent people of the city and surrounding districts. He is now located at Nos. 1306-7-8-9 United Brethren building, the business demanding large quarters because of the increasing volume of trade. Mr. Ramm was born in Antwerp, Belgium, on the 12th of December, 1869, and pursued his education in the schools of that country. He learned the tailoring trade in Paris under the famous French ladies' tailor, M. Swittgall, in whose establishment he remained for more than four years. Later he was connected with others in the same line until his ability brought him to a prominent place among those similarly engaged. Believing that the business opportunities of the new world were superior to those offered in European countries, he perfected his arrangements to come to the United States in 1883. He held various positions in New York, Cleveland and Chicago and was for eleven years in charge of the ladies' tailoring department in one of the largest establishments of its kind in Chicago as designer and fitter. Upon the request of many satisfied customers he came to Dayton in 1908 and within the year his business has enjoyed almost phenomenal success so that he now employs considerable help in his establishment nor is he able to take care of all his customers. He has the only exclusive ladies' tailoring establishment in Dayton and only high grade work is turned out. While it is an acknowledged fact that ladies are much more difficult to please than men he has yet to receive his first complaint concerning his work. His long connection with the leading house of Chicago gained him a wide reputation and his ability places him prominently before the public as one worthy of the most liberal patronage. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 287 In 1892 Mr. Ramm was married to Miss Rosa Boskin, of Cleveland, and they have two children : Lena and Leopold, who are with them in their pleasant home at No. 9 Locust street, Riverdale. Mr. Ramm, however, expects soon, to erect a new residence. His time and energies are largely given to his chosen field of labor and with a nature that could never be content with mediocrity he has steadily worked upward, holding to high ideals in all that he undertakes. Appreciative of all that can be accomplished through line, material, style and workmanship, the garments which he turns out from his establishment are evidences of an artistic taste, while in finish as well as design, they are unexcelled. Mr. Ramm well deserves the success which has already come to him and which argues well for a successful future in his adopted city. HENRY T. LAMSDALE. Henry T. Lamsdale, engaged in general farming and also devoting some time to the dairy business, is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred June 22, 1861, on the old Lamsdale homestead in Jackson township, Montgomery county. The family comes of English stock, the grandparents of our subject, John and Martha Lamsdale, having. spent their entire lives in England. There William Lamsdale, the father of Henry T. Lamsdale, was born and 'attended the schools of his native country until the age of nine years, when he was compelled to lay aside his text-books in order to assist his father. Ere leaving England for the United States he learned the carpet weaver's trade and upon establishing his home in Ohio he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, later purchasing a farm. He married. Mary Firth, a native of England, and unto them were born eight children, namely : Henry T., of this review ; Martha E.; James A.; a child who died in infancy; Mary A. ; Rena; Lillie, deceased; and Nellie. Born and reared on the old homestead farm, Mr. Lamsdale attended the country schools in the pUrsuit of an education. He early became acquainted with the tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and as his age and strength increased he became more and more familiar with the work of the farm until he was able, through experience and close observation, to master the problems which present themselves to those who would become successful agriculturists, for in this line of buSiness, as well as in industrial or 'commercial lines, problems arise which must he dealt with. He remained on the home farm for a number of years and then purchased for himself seventy-six acres of fine, productive land in Madison township, Montgomery county, located on the Eaton pike about seven miles west of Dayton, where he is at present residing. He here carries on general farming and devotes some attention to the dairy business, shipping his milk to Dayton, where it finds ready sale. He also engages in stock-raising to the extent of supplying his own needs in this direction. The major portion of his time and attention, however, is devoted to the raising of tobacco, which he makes his main crop, and he is knOwn as one of the largest tobacco growers in his part of the county. 288 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY On the 25th of February, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lamsdale and Sarah Heeter, a daughter of Sebastian and Catharine (Ernst) Heeter, and they have become the parents of three children : John F., who married Clara Perry and resides in Montgomery county ; Vernon, who has completed his education and is at home ; and Edna May, a student in school. On the 6th of July, 1906, Mr. Lamsdale was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. She had been an invalid for a number of years when she contracted the measles which caused her death within a week. Her remains were interred in Wooden cemetery. Mr. Lamsdale is a member of the Lutheran church, has served as one of its deacons and as the superintendent of the Sunday school for twelve years, while his wife also was very prominent in all of the departments of the church work and was one of the first Sunday school teachers. A stalwart champion of education, he served for nine years on the school board, while, notwithstanding the fact that his private business affairs make heavy demands upon his time and attention, he maintains a public-spirited citizenship, being interested in all measures and movements pertaining to the material, intellectual and moral development of the county. That he has been signally successful in his several business enterprises is indicated by the .fact that his home is one of the finest in this part of the county and has been a favorite resort among a large circle of friends who entertain for Mr. Lamsdale warm regard and high esteem. JULIUS V. JONES. Julius V. Jones, well known as one of the younger representatives of the legal profession in Dayton and also numbered among those who enlisted .in the Spanish-American war, was born September 11, 1881, in the city of his present residence, and to its public-school system is indebted for the substantial start which he made in educational lines. He afterward attended the Ohio Northern University at Ada, completing the course by graduation in 1903, subsequent to which time he began reading law in the office and under the direction of Judge Oren B. Brown of this city, while in 1903 he was graduated from the Cincinnati Night Law School. In the same year he was admitted to the bar and on the 1st of January, 1904, opened a law office. A year later he .formed a partnership with his father, the late Walter D. Jones, the connection being terminated six months later by the father's death. At that time Julius V. Jones became a member of the law firm of Frizell, Corwin & Jones, which continued until April, 1907, when Mr. Jones withdrew and has since been alone in the practice of his profession, in which he has made steady advance. His clientage is such as many an older practitioner might well envy, for it has brought him into prominent relations with the works of the courts. On the 24th of September, 1907, in Dayton, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Louise Anderton, a daughter of James Anderton, and they have one daughter, Julia Mary. Mr. Jones belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the United Brethren church. He has been called to official service, acting as president of the board of education in 1906, while in 1907 he served as acting police DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 289 judge. His spirit of patriotism was manifest at the time of the Spanish-American war by his enlistment on the 26th of April, 1898, as a private of Company I, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which command he spent six months in Tampa but was not called to active duty in the field. In all matters of citizenship, however, he is progressive and public spirited, and his influence in support of those who seek advancement in lines that will bring the greatest good to the greatest number. DANIEL J. SIXSMITH. Daniel J. Sixsmith, who for many years was one of the best known traveling salesmen of Dayton, is now successfully engaged in the wholesale tea and coffee business in this city. His long experience in placing goods upon the market gave him a familiarity with values and an understanding of. trade conditions that have enabled him to meet the demand of his present business connections and through his well directed efforts and keen discernment he is winning substantial success. His birth occurred in Jackson township, Montgomery county, Ohio, October 5, 1856, while his mother was visiting upon a farm in that township which belonged to her parents. Her home, however, was in Dayton, and it was in this city that the subject of this review was reared. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Sixsmith, was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and there he was married. Subsequently he removed to England and resided for some time in the city of Manchester. He acted for a considerable period as purchasing agent in the commissary department of the British army and died in Manchester a number of years ago. The name was originally Sexsmith, which is of Scotch-Irish origin. Samuel S. Sixsmith, the father of our subject, was born in Manchester, England, in 182o, and was an engineer- in the British navy before coming to America. In early manhood, however, he made the voyage across the broad Atlantic, going first to New Orleans, but subsequently he came to Montgomery county, Ohio. He was married in this county to Miss Susanna C. Drayer, a daughter of Daniel Drayer, and unto them were born eight children, of whom five reached adult age, as follows : Elizabeth C. ; Daniel J. ; Samuel A., who is deceased ; Lillian D. ; and Katharine L., the wife of Rev. Harry O. Harbaugh. The father of this family was numbered among the valued veterans of the Civil war, enlisting as a private of Company H, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On the expiration of his term of service of one hundred days, he reenlisted in the marine corps and served until the close of the war. He was assigned to the "tin clad" gunboat, Baltic, which made many trips up and down the Mississippi and Red rivers, being frequently under fire, facing the enemy's bullets. Following the war Mr. Sixsmith became a member of Old Guard Post, No. 23, G. A. R., and was a most valued and loyal representative of the organization. He also belonged to the old volunteer fire department in the early days of its existence and in many other ways he contributed to the city's welfare and 290 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY progress, being intensely interested in everything relative to its upbuilding. His death occurred in 1870. He is survived by his wife, who is now in her seventy-seventh year. At the usual age Daniel J. Sixsmith entered the public schools and further continued his education by study in Miami Commercial University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1875. He then took up commercial life, going upon the road for the firm of H. & T. Wyatt, wholesale cracker manufacturers. He continued upon the road without interruption for twenty-eight years, or until 1903, and during that time traveled for only four firms. . His ability was manifest in his continuation with these different houses and he formed an extensive acquaintance among his patrons, many of whom became close and. lasting friends. Desiring, however, to engage in business on his own account, he left the road in 1903 and since that time has been a representative of the wholesale coffee and tea trade, in which connection he has built up a satisfactory and constantly growing business. On the 29th of July, 1880, Mr. Sixsmith was married in Dayton, to Miss Mary Ellen Slentz, a daughter of David Slentz, deceased, and they have three children : Edward J., Louella Junietta and Adaline Gertrude. Fraternally, Mr. Sixsmith is connected with the Masons, holding membership with St. John's Lodge. He also belongs to Iola Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles and the United Commercial Travelers, No. 3. He is also a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, in which connection he manifests a deep interest in everything relative to the welfare of the city. He is likewise a member of Garfield Club and of the First Reformed church. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and he served as councilman from the second ward in Dayton in 1906 and 1907. He is very widely and prominently knoWn in military circles, having for twenty-eight years been interested in the military affairs of the government, and is now drum major of the Third Regiment of Ohio National Guard. He was the first captain and drill master of the famous team of Iola Lodge, No. 83, K. P., and brought this famous team to its present perfection. traveling all over the country in the interest of the work of the organization. He drilled this team for .three and a half years and it won fame by reason of its notably fine work. Mr. Sixsmith is a man of genial, cordial disposition and possesses that tact which enables him to know how to approach people and place them at their ease. At the same time he is an alert, energetic and progressive man, seeking prosperity in the legitimate lines of trade, and all .that he possesses is the visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift. and energy. WILLIAM McCOY KINNARD. While the world instinctively pays deference to one whose success has been honorably gained, the fact that one is manager of an extensive business concern does not mean that he has strong hold upon the affections and regard of his fellowmen. That depends upon individual traits of character and arises DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 291 from a sincere and abiding interest in those with whom one comes in contact. Mr. Kinnard was peculiarly blessed with those qualities which win and retain warm friendship and enduring esteem, and thus it was that the news of his demise brought a sense of personal bereavement to all who knew him either personally or by reputation. He had the keenest appreciation for good qualities in others, was hopeful, courteous and cordial and shed around him much of the sunshine of life. A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Kinnard was born in Harrisburg, on the 22d of August, 1855, and after acquiring his education in the schools of his native city he learned the trade of book-binding in Philadelphia and came to the west with a knowledge of that undertaking that would enable him to provide for his own support and give him opportunity to work upward. In 1877 he arrived in Dayton and continued to make his home in this city until his demise. He at once sought and secured employment in the book bindery of Thomas Odell, then one of the leading establishments of that character in this city. He was ambitious to engage in business on his own account, however, and when his industry and careful expenditure brought him sufficient capital he became junior partner in the firm of Troup & Kinnard, manufacturers of 'stationery supplies. That undertaking was successfully- conducted for a time but later Mr. Kinnard sold out and became a stockholder in the firm of Crume & Sefton, manufacturers of paper novelties. This concern was finally merged into the Carter-Crume Company and at last became the Kinnard Manufacturing Company, with William M. Kinnard as its president. The house manufactured paper buckets and boxes for many years and enjoyed an extensive business, its output being widely shipped. As Mr. Kinnard met With prosperity in his undertaking he extended his efforts to other lines and the various enterprises with which he was associated constituted sources of substantial profit, for his judgment was sound and he possessed excellent powers of management. One of the greatest tests of the businessman is the feeling entertained for him by those in his service. Mr. Kinnard had the fullest respect of his employees for he ever had a pleasant and encouraging word, recognizing their .ability in merited promotion when opportunity offered. On the 18th of October, 1883, Mr. Kinnard was united in marriage to Miss Grace Gebhart; a daughter of Joseph Gebhart, a prominent manufacturer of Dayton, and unto them was born one son, Joseph Ritner, who was twenty-two years of age at the time of his father's demise. Mr. Kinnard held membership in the First English Lutheran church and his life was at all times in consistent harmony with his profession. He belonged to Dayton Club, Buckeye Gun Club, the Buz Fuz Club and the Golf Club and was also an influential member of the Board of Trade and the Chamber of Commerce. He took keen interest in everything pertaining to Dayton's improvement and upbuilding and his loyalty and citizenship were .manifest in his hearty cooperation in many measures for the public good. The death of Mr. Kinnard occurred February 7, 1908, when he was fifty-two years of age. Death came after a very brief illness so that the news of his death was a distinct shock to many. Perhaps no better estimate of his character can be given than by quoting from the local papers. One paper said : "The fact that he counted his friends among the high and low is an indica- 292 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY tion of his amiable and friendly disposition. He had a winning way and a certain charm that endeared many people to him." James M. Cox, the editor of the Dayton News, wrote : "He permitted each and every man to live his life as he saw fit. He condemned no one, judged no one, and if he ever uttered an unkind word against any man it is not so recorded. He was content to grant to others that which he asked for himself—the liberty of thinking as he pleased, of acting honestly and honorably, of keeping to himself, if he had any, the judgments of his fellowman. If there is trouble in the world, it was not caused by 'Billy' Kinnard. If there is in this universe a single sentence of condemnation, unjustly issued, 'Billy' Kinnard never had anything to do with its promulgation or its subsequent encouragement. And so the books are closed, the debits and credits passed on to the recording angel for final entry. No evil report, no unkind word of anything or any man in his life—such a man should live longer, and there ought to be more like him." MICHAEL KURTZ, SR. Michael Kurtz, Sr., an old soldier and a gardener of Harrison township. Montgomery county, has about seventy acres of land in different tracts along the Covington pike, just outside of Dayton. He was born in 1842 in Wurtemberg, Germany, the son of Michael and Treasse Kurtz. The father was a weaver by trade, but shortly after coming to this country he purchased the farm on which he lived the remaining years of his life. The mother died in Springfield, Ohio, very shortly after her arrival in the United States. Michael Kurtz, Sr., the subject of the sketch, was the third in order of birth in a family of six children, of whom his sister Lena, next younger, is the only other survivor ; Fred, Christ, George and an, infant having passed away. He was ten years of age when his parents came to this country, and though he had started in school in Germany the greater part of his education was acquired in this county. He was a small boy, unaccustomed to English and the school methods which prevailed here, so he had to study a great deal at night, in fact obtained almost all of his education by work after the light of day had gone. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private of Company A, and served with honor and distinction under Colonel Anderson in the Army of the Cumberland throughout the Civil War. Mr. Kurtz married Miss Margaret Stack, by whom he had three children, William F., who married a Miss Appenzeller, and is the father of three children, Grace, Dorothy and Edward ; Julia, who lives at home ; and Michael, Jr., who married a Miss Bordscher. Mrs. Margaret (Stack) Kurtz died and was buried in Shilo cemetery, and subsequently Mr. Kurtz married Miss Elizabeth Diehl, daughter of Carl Diehl, of Dayton. Of this second marriage there have been born four children: Bertha ; Carrie, who is the wife of Bird Thealgy and the mother of one child, Charles ; Hattie, the wife of Walter Farmer ; and one who died in infancy. The family attend the Lutheran church. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 295 Mr. Kurtz is a public-spirited man, deeply interested in educational matters and willing to give generously of his time and energy for their advancement. For twenty-two years he was a member of the school board and during this time rendered. valuable service to both the schools and the community, and this despite the fact that he has the care of a good sized berry farm. JOHN WEISMANTEL. The commercial history of Dayton would be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make reference to John Weismantel, who is today the oldest grocer, in years of continuous service, in this city. He is, moreover, a high type of the self-made man, and his record is an illustration of what may be accomplished by young men of foreign birth who are willing to dare and to do. His position among his. fellow countrymen is indicated in the fact that he is now honored with the presidency of the German Pioneer Society of Dayton. A native of the kingdom of Bavaria, John Weismantel was born in the town of Oberssenn, February 4, 1843, and there lived to the age of eighteen years when he heard and heeded the call of .America, which is continually drawing to it the ambitious young men of the old world who desire to enjoy the broad business opportunities afforded on this side of the Atlantic. He came direct to• Dayton, where he had relatives living, and on reaching the city turned his attention to tailoring, which he followed for a year. Finding that in that employment he did not have opportunity to learn the English language as rapidly as he desired he then entered the grocery store of Jost Durst as a clerk, knowing that this position would demand his continuous use of the English tongue. He had served in that capacity for a year when on the 4th of December, 1863, he responded to a further call of the country for troops, enlisting at Dayton in the Second Kentucky Heavy Artillery. Owing to the failure to fill the battery he was transferred to Company L of the Seventh Kentucky Cavalry. and went to the .front as a private, but rose to the rank of corporal ere he was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, September 6, 1865. He participated in the battle of Resaca, the engagement near Graysville, Georgia, with -General Joseph Wheeler, and with Sheridan started for Louisville, Kentucky, in the late summer of 1865. The regiment had previously been unmounted, but was mounted at Louisville and thence started for Nashville, Tennessee, the first fight as a cavalry force taking place at Selma, Alabama: Later Mr. Weismantel participated in the engagements at Montgomery,' Alabama, and Macon, Georgia, which was the last battle of any importance in which he took part. His command was one of those in pursuit of President Jefferson Davis. Later they proceeded southward to Tallahassee, Florida, and afterward returned to Louisville, Kentucky, where Mr. Weismantel was mustered out. When the war was over he returned to Dayton and on the 1st of January, 1866, opened a grocery store in this city. He has since continued in the business, and is today the oldest grocer in Dayton in years of continuous connection 296 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY with the trade. His business ability and integrity have been constantly manifest, and his success is the well merited reward of his enterprise and diligence. Mr. Weismantel has always been well known in local political circles. He gives his support to the democracy and served for five years, beginning in 1876, as assessor of. the seventh ward. In 1880 he was appointed general appraiser for his ward, and filled the position for one term, while from 1888 to 1890 he was a member of the city council. He also served for six years on the board of workhouse directors, so continuing until the board was abolished by a change in the law. All of his public duties have been discharged with a diligence of purpose that is most commendable, his labors constituting a progressive element in the municipal welfare. Mr. Weismantel was married in Dayton, in 1870, to Miss Dorothea L. Wuellmer, and unto them were born twelve children, of whom two sons and a daughter died in infancy, while another daughter Clara J., died in 1903 at the age of twenty-eight years. The eight surviving children are: Sophia L., the wife of Barnhart Zimmer, of Dayton ; Anna C., the wife of Gustave Keck, of Los Angeles, California ; Louis A., Ida, Minnie, Henry, Albert C. and Margaret. all yet at home. Mr. Weismantel is a member of the Independent Order of Red Men and the Harugari. He belongs to the German Lutheran church and is president of the German Pioneer Society, of Dayton. He has always been an influential factor in German-American circles here, and is a splendid type of the valued citizen that the fatherland has furnished to the new world. In this country he found the opportunities which he sought and which, by the way, are always open to ambitious, energetic, young men, and in the improvement of the chances which came to him, none of which he passed heedlessly by, he has attained success and an honored name. JOHN ANDREW COOK. John Andrew Cook, of Mad River township, is the owner of ten *acres of valuable land on the Troy pike near the Canal bridge, which he devotes to truck farming. It was on this place that his birth occurred on the 25th of January, 1853, his parents being Frederick and Catharine (Frank) Cook. The father, who was the first representative of the name to take up his abode in Montgomery county, came here from Germany in 1840 and cleared the farm on which our subject now resides. His family numbered three children, as follows : Anna, living in Dayton, who first became the wife of John Rousch and after his death gave her hand in marriage to John Beck ; John Andrew, of this review ; and Maggie, the wife of John Zinc, of Indiana. John Andrew Cook has always continued to make his home on the farm where his birth occurred and in his youthful years he attended the schools of the vicinity, also giving his father the benefit of his services in the cultivation of the home place. Since putting aside his text-books he has given his undivided attention to market gardening and his efforts in this direction have won him a gratifying and commendable measure of prosperity. As before stated, he owns DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 297 a well improved and arable tract of land of ten acres and has erected a modern and attractive residence, it being one of the finest on the pike. As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Cook chose Miss Christina Melberth, a daughter of Peter and Catharine Melberth, of Montgomery county. Three children have been born of this union, namely : Frederick H., a farmer and machinist, who wedded Amanda Bruski, by whom he has four children, John H., Florence, Clarence and Joseph ; Margaret, who has completed her education and is living at home; and Elizabeth, also at home. The different members of the family belong to the Reformed church, taking a deep and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Cook is ever loyal to the interests of the community and is a progressive citizen and public-spirited man as well as an enterprising farmer. All who know him esteem and respect him and his circle of friends in his native county is an extensive one. MICHAEL J. OLT. Among the energetic, enterprising and prosperous farmers of Madison township, Montgomery county, who are meeting with success in agriculture and kindred lines, is Michael J. Olt, who was born on the farm where he now resides February 20, 1859. The Olt family had its origin in Germany, where Frederick Olt, the grandfather of Michael J., served as burgomaster of the village of Breidenbrun. He spent his entire life in the fatherland and was a very prominent man in his section of Germany. It was there that Michael Olt, the father of our subject was born, reared and educated. With the hope of obtaining better business opportunities in the new world than were offered in his native country, he came to the United States in 1850, settling in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in soap-making for two years. In 1852 he removed to Ohio and established himself in the butchering business. He was married in 1855 to Miss Frances Walther, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, who came to the United States in company with her sister, Margaret. In their family were the following children : Mary ; Michael J. ; John P. ; William F. ; Frederick C.; Louis G. ; Emma F. ; Lucy, deceased ; and an infant who died. Although the father conducted business enterprises in several different parts of the county, he continued to make his residence in Madison township. Michael J. Olt acquired his education in the schools of this locality and at the same time assisted his father in his business interests. He thus early gained experience and business training that served him in good stead when later he took up farming 'independently, and in addition to his agricultural labors he also became a wholesale butcher. He has been an earnest, diligent and persevering worker, and the prosperity whichi e now enjoys is due entirely to his energy and determination to succeed. In connection with his butchering interests he also deals extensively in cattle, and aside from his industrial enterprises he owns considerable property which he has purchased from time to time as he has prospered. Among his holdings are two hundred and twenty-five acres of finely cultivated farm land, one hundred and fifty acres located on the Liberty road 298 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY near the Soldiers Home, and fifty acres on the Union road a half mile north of the Eaton pike. The old Olt homestead, where he now resides and upon which his entire life has been spent, constitutes seventeen acres of land, and it is here that all of his business is conducted. On September 17, 1889, Mr. Olt was married to Miss Caroline Knecht, a daughter of Christ and Mary (Geiser) Knecht, the former a butcher by trade. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Olt have been born two children, Mary Frances and Michael, Jr. The daughter is a graduate of Steele high school and has an extensive acquaintance among the younger people of Dayton. The son is yet a student of the high school. The family attend St. John's Lutheran church of Dayton, of which Mr. Olt is a member. He was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and now holds membership in the Masonic Lodge and Humboldt Lodge, K. P. He is likewise a prominent member of the Butchers' Association and has held all of its offices, while he is a stockholder in the First Saving & Banking Company. Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Olt has never permitted his business interests to exclude him from participation in measures and movements pertaining to the general welfare and upbuilding of the community, and he occupies a high place in the respect and esteem of his fellowmen. The family residence, which was built by Mr. Olt ten years ago, is an up-to-date structure of fourteen rooms equipped with all modern conveniences, and is situated about a mile from Dayton, so that the family are in a position to enjoy all of the delights of life in the country combined with the conveniences of the city. LLEWELLYN G. KLEPINGER, M. D. Dr. Llewellyn G. Klepinger, who is widely recognized as a successful and popular representative of the medical fraternity of Montgomery county, has offices in the -Arcade building in Dayton, while his home is on Fairview avenue, just outside the corporation limits of the city. He was born on the 24th of June, 187o, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Klepinger, both of whom still survive and enjoy excellent health. George Klepinger, the paternal grandfather, was the first representative of the name to come to Ohio, making the journey from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Henry Klepinger, the father of our subject, was born on the old Klepinger homestead in Montgomery county and has long been numbered among the most prominent and influential citizens of his community. He holds membership in the German Baptist church and his life has ever been in conformity with its teachings. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, namely : David ; George, deceased ; Alfred ; Ellsworth ; Charles ; Mary, who has also passed away ; Llewellyn G., of this review ; Edwin ; and Howard. Llewellyn G. Klepinger obtained his preliminary education in the district schools of Madison township and when not busy with his lessons he worked at farm labor, thus earning enough money to enable him to go to college. For three terms he was a student in the Northern Indiana Normal School and sub- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 299 sequently was connected with manufacturing interests for about two years. He afterward pursued a course in the Miami Commercial College of Dayton and then, having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, entered the Ohio Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in 1901. In 1905 he took a special course of study in Chicago and on returning to Dayton opened an office in the Arcade building, where he has remained to the present time. An able and skilled practitioner, his labors .have been attended with Well merited success and, although still young in years, he has already gained an enviable reputation as a representative of the medical profession. On the 15th of October, 1901, Dr. Klepinger was joined in wedlock to Miss Grace Markey, a daughter of Nathaniel and Anna (Wampler) Markey, of Montgomery county. By this union there is one child, Paul Markey. The family attend the United Brethren church, while fraternally Dr. Klepinger is identified with the Modern Woodmen. He is a worthy and respected native• son of Montgomery county and his life has been actuated at all times by high and honorable principles, manifested in his professional labors and in his private life. WILLIAM F. GLOYD. A most honorable record of business activity and enterprise has brought William F. Gloyd to his present responsible position as president of the American Loan & Savings Association of Dayton. He was born in Sparta, Morrow county, Ohio, July 1, 1835, and is a representative of an old New England family. His father, Isaac Gloyd, and his paternal grandfather were both natives of New Hampshire and the former died about 1837, when thirty-four years of age. William F. Gloyd was at that time but two years old. When a youth of fifteen he left his native town for Lima, Ohio, having previously acquired his education in the public schools of Sparta. On his removal to Lima he entered upon his business career as an apprentice in the foundry and after six months went to Delphos, Ohio, where he continued until the winter of 1856. At that date Mr. Gloyd returned to Sparta and in 1857 came to Dayton, where he has now made his home for more than half a century. Throughout this period he has made an unassailable reputation as a reliable, industrious and progressive business man, gradually working his way upward, his responsibilities increasing, while each forward step. has also brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunity. On his arrival in this city he secured employment in a foundry, where he remained for a number of years, his ability, diligence and faithfulness securing him promotion from time to time until he had become recognized as a worthy representative of business interests in this city. He was then chosen president of the American Loan & Savings Association in 1876 and for a third of a century has remained at the head of this business, its growth and success being attributable in very large measure to his continued supervision. He has been close student of financial conditions and is a prominent representative of moneyed interests of this city.