350 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY tion, having been elected from the fifth ward the preceding November. He filled that position until August, 1908, when he was chosen superintendent of instruction of the Dayton schools.. Thus he made continuous advancement, his ability winning him recognition that has resulted in promotion from time to time until he now occupies a position of much more than local distinction in the ranks of the representatives of public instruction in Ohio. On the 3d of July, 1892, in Dayton Professor Brown was united in marriage to Miss Minnie A. Miller, a daughter of Dr. J. W. Miller, deceased. They now have four children : Lincoln M., D. Grant, Martha E. and Elizabeth J. In his political views Professor Brown is a republican, interested in the success of the party because of a belief in its principles and yet without desire for political preferment. His fraternal relations have brought him into connection with various societies. He is now a chapter and Scottish Rite Mason, belongs to the subordinate lodge, the encampment and the Rebekah lodge of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Tribe of Ben Hur. He is a trustee of the Broadway Methodist Episcopal church and is interested in all those movements, measures and influences which are for the betterment of his city and its people. He not only holds to high ideals in his profession but in citizenship as well, and his honorable, upright manhood has gained him an enviable position in the regard of his fellow townsmen. JOHN S. BECK, M. D. Dr. John S. Beck is a distinguished physician of Dayton whose professional labors have been of a practical character. He has stood for high ideals in all professional service and at the same time what he has attained represents the fit utilization of the innate powers which are his. He has always worked upon the theory that it is the duty of the physician to prevent as well as to check disease and to this end he has labored untiringly and effectively to bring about conditions that will advance the general health average by making individuals cognizant of what will prevent illness. His work has indeed been of a most creditable and valuable character and entitles him to the gratitude and respect of his fellowmen. The birthplace of Dr. Beck was a farm three miles west of Lancaster and the date of his nativity was May 19, 1842. His father, Jacob Beck, was born in Germany in 1804 and was only a year and a half old when his parents brought their family to the new world. He lived to a very venerable age, passing away in his ninety-fifth year. In early life he followed the blacksmith's trade, giving up work of that character when elected to the position of treasurer of Fairfield county. His first term's service received strong endorsement in his reelection, and after he had capably filled the office for two terms he took up the occupation of farming three miles west of Lancaster, and as the years passed by he added to his possessions until he became the owner of seven hundred acres of valuable land in one body. He was widely known and honored for his business integrity and thorough reliability under all conditions, being frequently called DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 351 upon to act as administrator of many estates. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Susan Kerns, a daughter of Jacob Kerns, one of the early settlers of Ohio. Their sons and daughters numbered seven : Mary A., the wife of Zebulon Peters, who resides two miles west of Lancaster ; George W., who follows farming near Lancaster ; Jacob K., an agriculturist of the same locality ; Henry S., president of the Pierce National Bank of Pierce, Nebraska ; Joseph, a Lutheran minister ; John S.; and Clara, the deceased wife of William Huges. Dr. Beck was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, no especial event occurring to vary the routine of the work of the fields for him until he was sixteen years of age. He had in the meantime pursued his education in the district schools and when he reached the age of sixteen his father sent him and his brother Joseph to the Capital University at Columbus, where he matriculated as a member of the freshman class. There he pursued his studies until he had entered upon the work of the senior year. The country had become involved in Civil war, however, and he could no longer content himself to remain at his studies, so in 1862 he returned to his father's home in Lancaster, Ohio, and on the loth of August of that year joined the boys in blue of Company D, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a regiment being then organized at Circleville, Ohio. This command was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, with which Dr. Beck' saw active service throughout the war, participating in all the engagements in which his regiment took part from August, 1862, until June, 1865, including the military movements from Louisville, Kentucky, to Atlanta, Georgia. On the 13th of June he was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, having in the meantime, by meritorious conduct and unfaltering valor, won promotion to the rank of first lieutenant. Soon after his return home Dr. Beck thoughtfully considered the question of a life work and in August took up the definite plan of preparing for the practice of medicine. Accordingly he entered the University of Pennsylvania, completing the course in the medical department in the spring of 1868. He located in Miamisburg, Montgomery county, in the spring of 1869 but in December, 187o, removed to Dayton, where he has now continued in the practice of his profession for almost four decades. His ability is ,widely acknowledged and the success which attends his efforts attests his thorough knowledge of the principles of medicine and surgery. Aside from private practice Dr. Beck has done much active and valuable work of a professional nature. For many years he was a member of the United States pension board in Dayton, serving through President Cleveland's administration by the endorsement and courtesy of the influential democrats of the county. He has since 1872 been a member of the pension board of the National Military Home of Ohio and has served for one term as a member of the board of health, while twice he has been chosen physician of the county jail. He is one of the most prominent and valued members of the Montgomery County Medical Society, of which he has four times been honored with the presidency. He is now treasurer of the milk commission of this society and chairman of the tuberculosis committee. It was he who introduced into the society the measures which were adopted and resulted in the organization of the milk commission, 352 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY the medical inspection of the public schools of Dayton, and the appointment of a tuberculosis committee in the society with a view to the orbAnization of a tuberculosis society in Montgomery county. This society has since been organized and is doing a splendid work to prevent the spread of the white plague, with the Hon. Oren B. Brown, judge of the common pleas court, as its president. Dr. Beck certainly deserves great credit for what he has done in these connections. He has put forth most earnest effort to prevent the spread of disease through the adoption of sanitary and health measures and through the dissemination of knowledge pertaining to health laws. He has recently been selected as the trustee from the county for the new district tuberculosis hospital which is soon to be built and when completed will be a credit to the people of the state. Dr. Beck has for many years been a member of the Auxiliary Legislative Committee of the Ohio State Medical Society and in this connection his labors have also been far-reaching and effective. He is a member of the Mississippi Valley Medical Society and the American Medical Association and was the third delegate from Ohio to the Convention that met in Atlantic City in 19o4. He was also a delegate from Montgomery county to the ninth international medical convention which met in Washington, D. C., in 1887. For seven years he served as visiting physician to St. Elizabeth Hospital but resigned on account of his important and growing private practice, after which he was given a position on the consulting staff. He was one of the building committee on the erection of the Deaconess Hospital of Dayton, and in this connection did a work the beneficial influences of which are today strongly felt. He was made chief of staff by the board of trustees of this hospital and in this work has secured the adoption of many practical improvements which are a source of direct worth in its work. He has held this position for nineteen years. Dr. Beck was married to Miss Sarah A. Work, a (laughter of John and Mary (Webb) Work, of Lancaster, Ohio. There are two daughters of this marriage: Clara Lusetta, who was married in Dayton in 1897 to Edward W. Curtis, of Chicago ; and Mary Ann Robert, who was married in Dayton to Dr. Harry H. Hatcher, of this city. Dr. Beck is no less esteemed for his professional service than for his personal worth, receiving the respect and honor which the world instinctively pays to the man whose life has been well spent and whose efforts have been fruitful of good. HARVEY V. RIKE. Harvey V. Rike is conducting a general mercantile store at Fort McKinley in which position he succeeds J. N. Reed. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the 28th of December, 1874, and was a son of Levi and Margaret (Puls) Rike. The father was a son of Adam and Sarah (Hardin) Rike. The family was established in America in colonial days and Adam Rike came from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Montgomery county, casting in his lot with the pioneer residents of this part of the state. Comparatively few settlements had been made in this district when• he took up his abode here to aid in reclaiming the DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 355 region from the red men, that it might be converted, through the process of civilization and improvement, into its present high state of cultivation. He made the journey from his old home to Montgomery county by wagon, for it was long prior to the period of railroads, and in fact comparatively few wagon roads had been laid out, many of the highways being little more than trails. On reaching his destination he resolutely set himself to the task of cutting down the trees and clearing away the forest that he might cultivate a farm in the midst of the wilderness. He was among those who aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which the present prosperity of the county has been builded. His son, the Rev. Levi Rike, was a minister of the German Reformed church, very prominent in the work of that denomination, to which he gave his time and energies with great zeal. He was a man of liberal education and strong intellectual force and not only delivered forceful and instructive sermons but also wrote considerable poetry. Unto him and his wife were born five children : Eoline Arabella, deceased ; David Prugh McClelland, who is a graduate of Heidelburg College, of Ohio ; Bert Venson, deceased ; Bertha, the wife of Elmer Girard, of Miamisburg, by whom she has one child, Edith Margaret ; and Harvey V. The last named acquired his education in the public schools supplemented by a commercial course which he pursued in Middletown, where he was graduated. Throughout his entire life he has been connected with mercantile pursuits, entering this line of business when sixteen years of age as a clerk. Gradually he has worked his way upward until he is now proprietor of an excellent establishment in which he enjoys a good trade, being the owner of a general mercantile store at Fort McKinley. He is a self-made man who has depended upon his own resources from a comparatively early age and has ever realized that persistency of purpose and diligence are the basis of all honorable success. Since coming into possession of his present business, about a year ago, he has improved both the stock and store and now has a well appointed establishment. Mr. Rike belongs to the Junior Order of American Mechanics and to the Reformed church. His mother is still living and acts as his housekeeper at Fort McKinley. She, too, is identified with the church and is prominent in its work. M. B. FLOYD, M. D. Dr. M. B. Floyd, city bacteriologist of Dayton, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1877 and in 1879 was brought to Dayton by his parents. D. Calvin Floyd, his father, was a soldier of the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry and served for four years in defense of the Union cause. He remained for a long period a resident of this city and died in November, 1905. Reared in Dayton, Dr. Floyd entered the public schools at the usual age and mastered the work in consecutive grades until he was graduated from the Steele high school with the class of 1898. A review of the field of business, with the opportunities offered in each line, led him to the conclusion that he would find the practice of medicine congoial and, he hoped, profitable. He therefore began preparation for the profession and in 1903 was graduated in 356 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY medicine at the University of Michigan, after which he supplemented his theoretical training by broad practical experience through sixteen months' service as house physician in the hospital at Ann Arbor. There is no better equipment for general practice than hospital service, as it is of most varied character and must perforce bring out the latent talent and ability and develop the professional judgment of the practitioner. In the fall of 1904 Dr. Floyd returned to Dayton and entered upon his chosen life work here. He now has a good private practice, with office and residence at No. 224 North Main street, and in 1906 he was appointed to his present position as city bacteriologist, continuing in the office to the present time. He has established a modern laboratory in Dayton, well equipped in every particular for doing scientific work in analysis and experiment. In all things Dr. Floyd keeps in touch with the progress of the profession through investigation and research and through the interchange of thought and experience coming to him through his membership in the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Dayton Academy of Medicine. In April, 1898, Dr. Floyd enlisted at Columbus in the United States army hospital corps for the Spanish-American war and was on active duty for six months in the general hospital at Chickamauga, Tennessee. He belongs to the Lambda Sigma, a college fraternity, and to the Masonic order, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is interested in the political questions and situation of the country but his chief attention is given to his profession, in which he is making substantial progress. EDGAR H. BRANDENBURG. Edgar H. Brandenburg is one of the leading citizens of Trotwood, and as a manufacturer of closed spring wagons is recognized as a factor in the industrial development and upbuilding of the community. A native of Ohio, his birth occurred July 1, 1853, in Vandalia, his parents being David and Rhoda (Hutchins) Brandenburg. The family are old settlers of Ohio, the grandparents, Jacob and Salonia Brandenburg, having removed to this state from Frederick county, Maryland, while the land was still in an uncultivated condition. Upon his arrival here Jacob Brandenburg purchased the property upon which the State Hospital now stands, which then consisted of one hundred and sixty acres. Here, after clearing the land, he built a cabin on the top of the hill for himself and family. David Brandenburg, his son and the father of our subject, was born in Butler township, Montgomery county, on a farm. He was a carriage manufacturer, having learned the trade under the direction of a distant relative in Sulphur Grove, Ohio, and was one of the oldest manufacturers in this line in the county, having carried on his business for about fifty years in Vandalia, Ohio. Edgar H. Brandenburg received a good education in the common schools of Vandalia and assisted in his father's shop, where he acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. He continued in his father's employ until the year 1890, DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 357 when he removed to Trotwood, Madison township, where he established himself in the closed market wagon manufacturing business in connection with blacksmithing and general repair work. He has fully realized the value of unremitting energy and perseverance, and these have proven salient qualities in his success, for he stands today as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Trotwood, while his business enterprise ranks among the leading industries of the city. Mr. Brandenburg was married October 19, 1880, to Caroline Jordon, a daughter of N. W. and Esther (Scott) Jordon, the former a very prominent farmer of Warren county, Ohio. Unto them were born three children, all of whom are now deceased : Foster and Hettie who died in infancy ; and Blanch. Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg reside in a large two-story house adjacent to the factory. Mr. Brandenburg is a member of the United Brethren church, of which he was also a prominent member while living in Vandalia. He has not allied himself with any fraternal orders, preferring to devote his time and attention entirely to his business affairs, which, properly conducted, are proving a source of financial profit to him. He does not, however, permit his business affairs to exclude him from participation in those matters which are of vital importance to the true citi7en, for he is deeply interested in all measures that tend toward the growth and development of the city. In all of his business dealings his honesty and integrity is unquestioned, and he commands the respect and confidence of all who know him, while by reason of his sterling worth and blameless life he has gathered around him a large circle of warm friends. HORACE BONNER, M. D. Dr. Horace Bonner, who in the practice of his profession has made a specialty of the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, in which connection he has displayed marked skill and ability, placing him prominently in the front rank of those whose labors are thus directed, was born on a farm in Greene county, Ohio, March 19, 1851. His youthful days were there passed, and as his age and strength increased he assisted more and more largely in the work of the fields. Athirst for knowledge, he supplemented his country school course by study in Xenia College, at Xenia, Ohio ; in Earlham College, at Richmond, Indiana ; and the Ohio Wesleyan at Delaware. He was graduated from the last named in 1873 and then began equipping himself for a professional career by study in the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, where he remained for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he became ill with typhoid and on his recovery went to his home in Greene county, Ohio. When he had somewhat recuperated he accepted the principalship at Xenia, filling the position from 1875 until 1877. He did not abandon the idea of becoming a member of the medical fraternity, however, and at the close of the school year, in the spring of 1877, he again made plans for resuming his study in the Miami Medical College, which he reentered in the fall, being graduated therefrom with the class of 1879. Dr. Bonner located for practice in Creston, Iowa, where he continued for three years, and then returned to. Ohio, opening an office in Xenia, where he con- 358 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY tinued in general practice until May, 1886. In that year he came to Dayton, where he began the study of eye, ear, nose and throat work, associated with Dr. D. W. Greene, an association that was maintained for eleven years. On the expiration of that period Dr. Bonner opened an office for independent practice and has since given his attention to his specialty, his ability in this direction winning him a large practice and a most enviable reputation. He is now oculist and aurist of St. Elizabeth's Hospital, and he belongs to the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association, the Montgomery County Medical Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology. On the 26th of December, 1881, Dr. Bonner married Miss Carrie Parker at Creston, Iowa. They have 'a son, William Parker, and a daughter, Ella C. Dr. Bonner is a republican in his political belief but not an active worker in the party ranks. He is a communicant of the Episcopal church and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is serving as a vestryman in Christ church, in which capacity he has acted for fourteen years, while in the various departments of the church work he is actively and helpfully interested. Those who know Dr. Bonner socially find him a genial gentleman, whose cordiality and deference for the opinions of others makes him a favorite wherever he is known. He is a man of studious nature and to this may largely be attributed his continual advancement in his profession for at all times he is conversant with the latest ideas and discoveries of the profession in relation to the laws of health. JOHN BRAYTON PARMALEE. John Brayton Parmalee, who has been characterized as a thorough business man of marked force of character and with ability to comprehend the value of every business detail, is now the secretary of the Davis Sewing Machine Company of Dayton. He was born in a small town in Oneida county, New York, in 1864 and was there reared to the age of eighteen years, a son of W. B. Parmalee, who is still living in the Empire state. In the place of his nativity John B. Parmalee remained to the age of eighteen years, during which time he mastered the branches of learning taught in the home schools and also attended the Whitestown Seminary at Whitestown, New York, from which he was graduated in the class of 1882. He further supplemented his early education by study in Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, and after leaving the last named institution was employed in various ways until he seems to have found the task for which nature intended him when he became connected, in 1884, with the western office of the Davis Sewing Machine Company, then at Cleveland. On the removal of the plant to Dayton he came to this city to continue in active connection with the business and in 1897 his recognized ability won him promotion to the position of secretary. He is thus actively concerned .with the management and control of a large and important industry and few men are so thoroughly informed concerning every interest bearing upon or having to do with so large and complex a business concern as that of the Davis Sewing Machine Company. He dis- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 359 played special aptitude in the management of affairs and, acquainting himself with the business in a most thorough manner, he is now active in the control of an enterprise which is not only a source of gratifying revenue to the stockholders but is also a factor in the industrial activity of the city. Mr. Parmalee gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is well known in several of the leading social organizations of Dayton, including the Country Club, Bicycle Club, Dayton City Club and the Garfield Club. There has been nothing spectacular in his life record but is none the less essential and none the less valuable from the fact that he belongs to that class who uphold the political and legal status and stand for good government and who, in pursuing the even tenor of their way, constitute a safe balance for those whom emotion or prejudice swerves from the regular order of things. FRANK BAUMHECKEL, JR. Frank Baumheckel, Jr., engaged in the wholesale and retail butcher business, was born November 2, 1861, on Valley street in North Dayton and comes of German ancestry. His parents were Frank and Elizabeth (Nack) Baumheckel. The father was a native of Germany, and came to America about 1857. He was reared and educated in the fatherland and ere his removal to this country followed river pursuits. After his arrival in Ohio he was engaged in butchering and became one of the best known operators in this line of activity in Dayton. He is, however, living retired at present in the enjoyment of well earned rest. Reared under the parental roof, Frank Baumheckel, Jr., acquired his early education as a pupil in the public schools of Dayton, his native city, and subsequently pursued a course of bookkeeping in the Miami Commercial College, from which he was graduated in course of time. He then accepted positions in various parts of the city and was thus engaged for some time, during which period he made himself familiar with the butchering business. Subsequently he went into this line of business activity on his own account and has been thus connected for about thirty-six years. In the meantime, however, he became identified with racing interests and engaged in buying, selling and racing horses in different parts of the country. He has been the owner of some excellent race horses and has today a fast trotter in training. He owns about twenty-five acres of fine farm land on the Troy pike, about two miles from the Dayton courthouse, and here engages in the wholesale and retail butcher business, while he devotes some time to general agricultural pursuits. He is constantly adding to his present plant, which is a new one and as yet incomplete, but it is nevertheless proving a very profitable enterprise. He has been signally successful in his various business interests and today ranks among the well known and influential representatives of Mad River township. On January 23, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Baumheckel and Emma Adams, and unto this union were born three children: Frank III, now deceased ; Adele, the wife of Dr. J. E. Potts, by whom she has one child, Frank IV ; and Carrie, also deceased. Mrs. Baumheckel is the daughter of Thomas 360 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY and Caroline (Taylor) Adams. The father was a son of William and Rachel (Douglas) Adams and was a native of New Jersey, removing to Ohio about fifty years ago. He was a mechanic by trade and made his home in Dayton. In addition to his present home Mr. Baumheckel is also the owner of property in the city of Dayton situated on the corner of Finley and Valley streets, where he lived prior to his removal to his present location. He is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while he also holds membership in the Young Butchers' Association. His life has been an active one in which has been accorded due recognition of labor and in his buSiness life he has made good use of his opportunities, has utilized his possibilities to the best advantage and as the years have passed has attained to his present creditable position entirely through his own energy and labors. A. L. EBERLY. A. L. Eberly, a well-known and popular farmer of Jefferson township, was born on the 1st of January, 1863, in Butler County, Ohio, a son of Elias and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Eberly. The paternal grandparents, Peter and Maria (Snyder) Eberly, came to this state from Pennsylvania in the year 1834. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Jacob and Elizabeth Hoffman, who came to this state from Pennsylvania in 1832. Elias Eberly, the father of A. L. Eberly, was identified with farming and stock-raising interests throughout his active business. career and for many years made his home on the farm which is now in possession of his sons, A. L. and Joseph. He was well and favorably known as one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the community and a township trustee and member board of education many years, and his demise, which occurred in 1884, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Unto him and his wife were born the following children : two who died in infancy; A. L.; Joseph ; Emma; and Ward, who died in 1894 weighing four hundred and twenty-six pounds, being known as the fat boy. In his youthful days A. L. Eberly attended the common schools in pursuit of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of later life. His has been a most active and useful career, for in addition to carrying on the work of the farm he is also acting as a sale clerk and as such his services are in demand for many miles around, his accuracy and thoroughness being widely recognized. In association with his brother Joseph he owns and operates the old homestead farm of one hundred and forty acres, raising tobacco as well as the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate. He is meeting with gratifying success in his business affairs and this is well merited, for it has come to him through his own well directed labors and close application. In 1898 Mr. Eberly was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Lambert, a daughter of John and Christina Lambert, of Jefferson township. In politics Mr. Eberly is a stanch democrat and has served as clerk of the school board for fifteen years, while for a similar period he acted as clerk of Jefferson township, ever DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 363 discharging his official duties in a prompt and capable manner. He has always . taken a great interest in public affairs and is connected with a number of public enterprises. Having spent his entire life in this county, he is well and favorably known within its borders and is a worthy representative of a family that has now figured prominently and honorably in the annals of this section of the state for three-fourths of a century. FRANK WEBSTER, M. D. The name of Webster has long stood as a synonym for ability in the practice of medicine and surgery in the middle west, and the life work of Dr. Frank Webster is in harmony with the reputation of the family in this connection. With the lasting work of his father before him as an example and a source of inspiration, he is achieving renown because of his own comprehensive understanding of scientific principles and his correct application thereof to the needs of suffering humanity. Dr. Webster was born in Middletown, Ohio, April 6, 1854, a son of Dr. William and Sarah (Harkrader) Webster. The family is of Welsh lineage, the ancestry being traced back direct to John Webster, who left the little rock-ribbed country of Wales and became a resident of New Jersey in 1691. William Webster, the great-grandfather, was born in Essex, New Jersey, in 177r, and about 1803 removed to Pennsylvania, while in 1806 he became a pioneer of the Miami valley. in Ohio, settling in Butler county, where he continued his residence to the time of his death in 184.4. One of his sons, Hon. Taylor Webster, was for nearly a half century identified with the democratic press of Butler county, Ohio, and in 1829 was clerk of the general assembly, while in 1830 he was sent by Butler county to the house of representatives and was chosen its speaker. From 1832 until 1838 he was in congress as the representative of the district comprising Butler, Preble and Darke counties, and his public services continued through incumbency in the office of clerk of the court of common pleas Butler county and afterward on the supreme bench. He did much in molding the policy and shaping the destiny of the state during the first half of the nineteenth century and died generally lamented in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 27, 1876, when seventy-one years of age. The family of William Webster numbered nine children, including Dr. Elias Webster, who was born in Butler county, October 31, 1805, and in early manhood became a medical practitioner of the allopathic school. About fifteen years later, however, he took up the practice of homeopathy, a system then comparatively new. In 1866 he removed to Connersville, Indiana, where he remained in practice until his death. He was recognized as a leader in democratic circles and also took deep interest in religious matters, being a close Bible student as well as a wide reader upon other themes. His sterling integrity, force of character and genial disposition won him the respect and friendship of young and old, rich and poor. He wedded Mary Lain of Lebanon, Ohio, who died in 1867, while he reached the venerable age of eighty-six years, passing away in 1891. Their 364 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY children were William, Samuel, Hugh, James K., Joseph R., Taylor, Daniel, Mrs. Sarah Ann Tevis and Mary J. Two of this family became physicians. Dr. William Webster, father of Dr. Frank Webster, was born in Butler county, Ohio, January 12, 1827, and his youthful days were spent upon a farm until his fourteenth year, when he became a pupil in Monroe Academy. He afterward studied in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, during the years 1845 and 1846, and then entered Farmers College near Cincinnati, being graduated therefrom with honors in 1848. During his senior year he devoted his leisure hours to reading medicine and subsequently matriculated in the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, being numbered among its alumni of 1851. During a cholera epidemic at Middletown, Ohio, prior to his graduation, he had opened an office and engaged in practice, but when the disease was checked he closed his office and returned to college. During his senior year Dr. Storm Rosa, of Paynesville, Ohio, delivered before the college a course of lectures on homeopathy with the result that nearly all of the faculty and the class became adherents of the new school. During the first year or two of his practice Dr. Webster gave considerable time to investigating and experimenting with both allopathy and homeopathy and became convinced that the latter was preferable, adopting therefore that school as his life work. After nine years of practice in Middletown he sought the broader field offered in Dayton and remained a resident of this city until his death, May 19, 1894. Dr. Webster was one of the organizers of the Miami Valley Homeopathic Society, in which he served as an official for many years. For a long period he was honored with the presidency of the Ohio State Homeopathic Medical Society and was also a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, while various leading homeopathic journals regarded him as a valued contributor. In his profession he attained prominence and was the loved family physician in many households of Dayton. He was long an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity and for fifty-five years held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was also actively interested in the Young Men's Christian Association and at all times gave liberally to church and religious work, to charity and wherever individual aid was needed. His life was honorable in its purposes, far-reaching and beneficial in its influence and Dayton numbered him among its honored residents. Dr. Webster was married three times. He first wedded Mrs. Catherine Martin, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, July I, 1827, and died July 21, 1851. On the 28th of May, 1853, he married Miss Sarah Harkrader, who died soon after the birth of their only child, Frank, passing away August 9, 1854. Her parents were David and Nancy (Gallagher) Harkrader, pioneer residents of Warren county, Ohio. For his third wife Dr. Webster chose Miss Rosalinda Brashear and their children were Edward and William H. Dr. Frank Webster, whose name introduces this record, was a young lad at the time of his parents' removal to Dayton and this enabled him to pursue his public school course in this city. He was graduated from the high school in the year 1874 and afterward from the Miami Commercial College of Dayton, while subsequently he spent three years in the music business in this city. Determining to follow in the professional footsteps of his father, he began reading DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 365 medicine under the direction of Dr. William Webster and later attended the Pulte Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1882. He then joined his father in practice, this association being maintained until the father's death, after which he was joined in partnership by his brother, Dr. William H. Webster. He is justly ranked with the leading homeopathic physicians of Dayton, for wide reading and continued study have made. his a most capable physician, bringing him into close touch with the most advanced knowledge of the profession. He is conscientious in the performance of all professional service and finds in the capable discharge of each day's duties courage and inspiration for the labors of the succeeding day. On the 30th of January, 1879, Dr. Webster was married to Miss Anna A. Turner, a daughter of Hamilton M. Turner, of Montgomery county, Ohio, where Mrs. Webster was born. The three children of this marriage are Howard H., Rome M. and Margaret K. The elder son was graduated in 1903 from Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia and is now successfully practicing. The younger son was graduated from the same school in 1907 and from the New York Opthalmic College of New York city in 1908. He was married in December, 1907, in Dayton to Miss Stella Schneider, a daughter of Jacob F. Schneider. Dr. and Mrs. Frank Webster are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are prominent in the social circles in which they move. He is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and is prominent and popular in professional circles in Dayton. For thirteen years he served as secretary of the Miami Valley Homeopathic Medical Society and for one term was its president. He has also twice been honored with the presidency of the Dayton Homeopathic Medical Society and has gained high reputation in that field of medical practice in which his grandfather and father were pioneers and in which his own efforts have met with well merited reward. FRANK I. JOYCE. Frank I. Joyce, president of the Joyce-Cridland Company, manufacturers of lifting jacks in Dayton, was born in Cincnnati, Ohio, on the 6th of March, 1860, a son of Jacob Osler and Josephine (Ingals) Joyce. The father was born in Colestown, New Jersey, in 1823, and in 1829 was taken by his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was reared and learned the trades of a carpenter and pattern maker. He followed those pursuits in Cincinnati until 1861 when he removed to Dayton where, he soon after began the manufacture of pumps. Subsequently he abandoned that field of activity to take up the manufacture of lifting jacks in 1873 in connection with Thomas H. Cridland under the firm style of Joyce & Cridland, which connection continued until 1882. The business was then reorganized under the firm style of Joyce, Cridland & Company, and was incorporated in 1893 as the Joyce-Cridland Company. Before his removal from Cincinnati Jacob O. Joyce had wedded Josephine Ingals, a native of that city and unto them were born four children, of whom one died in infancy while three are yet 366 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY living : Cora Adelaide, the wife of Thomas H. Cridland ; Frank Ingals ; and Fannie R., the wife of George W. Shroyer. While the more remote ancestral history of the family is not obtainable it is known that James Joyce, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of New Jersey, his birth having there occurred January I, 1795. His last days were passed in Dayton, for in 1861 he became a resident of this city and here remained until his demise in 1874. Frank I. Joyce was but a year old when his parents came to Dayton so his youthful days were here passed and in the improvement of the educational opportunities offered by the public schools he acquired his education, being graduated from the Central high school with the class of 1878. He then entered the manufacturing plant of Joyce & Cridland, where he was employed for four or five years, closely applying himself to the mastery of the business. At the end of that time he became a member of the firm on its reorganization under the style of Joyce, Cridland & Company, which so continued until 1893 and was then incorporated under the present name, J. 0. Joyce becoming president and so continuing until his death in 1905, after which Frank I. Joyce succeeded him in the presidency. The business is thoroughly systematized and conducted on the plan which constitutes the basis of every successful business undertaking—of accomplishing maximum results at a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material. However, quality is never sacrificed and the reputation of the house for its manufactured product is a most enviable one. In 1885 in Dayton Mr. Joyce was married to Miss Catharine Ralston, a daughter of John Ralston, deceased, and they have five children as follows : Jeannette Leona, Marguerite, Katharine Frances, Cora Belle and Frank Ralston. In his fraternal relations Mr. Joyce is a Mason who has taken the degrees of Capitular and Chivalric Masonry. He also belongs to the Scottish Rite and has crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise connected with the Knights of Pythias and belongs to the Dayton City Club, while his name is on the membership roll of the Chamber of Commerce and his active cooperation is given to its various plans for promoting the business activity of the city. In politics he is a republican but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him as he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business interests in which he is meeting with signal success. RICHARD S. GAUGLER, M. D. Thorough preparatory training well qualified Dr. Richard S. Gaugler for a professional career and since entering upon active practice his constantly expanding powers brought him into prominent professional relations. He has ever believed in holding to a high standard of professional ethics, recognizing the fact that the work of the physician is ever of a most important and responsible character. He has won success at the cost of earnest, self-denying labor and well deserves the high regard in which he is held not only by reason of his ability but also owing to the fact that he never refuses to respond to a call for aid, his ready sympathy prompting his immediate action, even at the sacrifice of his own comfort or welfare. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 367 Dr. Richard S. Gaugler was born in Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania, July 20, 1868, and in that place was reared and acquired his primary education. Recognizing the value of mental training beyond that afforded in the public schools, at the age of seventeen years he entered Freeburg Academy, at Freeburg, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1887. Later he attended the Normal School at Middleburg, Pennsylvania, completing the course in two years, after which he engaged in teaching in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, for five years, proving a successful educator, who imparted readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. While engaged in teaching he took up the study of medicine, his reading being directed by Dr. Wagenseller, at Selins Grove, Pennsylvania. Subsequently he matriculated in Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1894. He also had two years undergraduate work in the Lying-in Hospital of that city and later entered the National Military Home near Daytop, Ohio, as assistant surgeon, filling that position for about four and a half years. Dr. Gaugler then resigned and pursued a post-graduate course of study in Jefferson Medical College. He has always made earnest effort to thoroughly equip himself for the responsibilities that devolve upon him and in addition to his postgraduate course he has done much private reading and study. Returning to Dayton, he entered upon general practice here and in recent years he has been recognized as one of the most able representatives of the profession in this city. He holds membership in the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association, the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Dayton Academy of Medicine and has been honored with office in some of these organizations. He was president of the Dayton Academy of Medicine in 1901-2 and a member of its program committee for seven years. He is likewise on the program committee of the county society and is a member of the faculty appointed by the board of the Union Biblical Seminary to deliver lectures on physiology and anatomy to the medical missionaries. On the 16th of November, 1898, in Germantown, Ohio, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Gaugler and Miss Laura Rohrer, a daughter of C. J. Rohrer. They now have two children : Richard S., and Mary Cathryn. Dr. Gaugler is a member of the Masonic lodge and of the First Lutheran church—associations which indicate much of the nature of his interest and the rules which govern his conduct. He is a man of genuine personal worth, highly respected by all who know him, while his professional ability is gaining him an enviable reputation in that direction. SAMUEL S. KELLER. Samuel S. Keller, well known as a progressive and prosperous agriculturist of Madison township, is the owner of a fine farm of eighty-six acres situated on the Dayton and Lexington road, about five miles west of Dayton. He was born in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, his parents being John and Sarah (Zentmyer) Keller. Samuel Keller, the paternal grandfather, made his way to this state from Pennsylvania, becoming one of the earliest settlers of Mont- 368 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY gomery county. John Keller, the father of our subject, likewise made the journey from the Keystone state to this county. He became the father of six children, namely : Lawson, Ida, Samuel S., Nellie, Edith and Harry, all of whom are residents of Montgomery county. Samuel S. Keller acquired his education in the common schools and was reared on the old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On attaining man's estate he chose the occupation to which he had been reared and owing to his untiring industry, indefatigable energy and capable management, has met with a gratifying- and well merited measure of success in his farming operations. He has a stand in the market and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he also raises some stock for his own use. He owns a modern brick residence of nine rooms and is recognized throughout the community as an up-to-date and enterprising farmer, as well as representative citizen. On the 18th of December, 189o, Mr. Keller was united in marriage to Miss Emma Kleppinger, a daughter of Newton and Sarah (Wolf) Kleppinger, the former being a native of this county and an agriculturist by occupation. John and Elizabeth Kleppinger, the paternal grandparents of Mrs. Keller, came from Pennsylvania to this county at an early day and were among the first settlers in this part of the state, the grandfather clearing the land now known as the old Kleppinger farm. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keller have been born two children: Marcus, at home, who is a graduate of the public schools ; and Eldon, who is attending school. The religious faith of Mr. Keller is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, in which he is serving as financial secretary. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the community in which they have spent their entire lives, and they are moreover worthy representatives of two of the oldest and most highly respected families of Montgomery county. JOHN SIEBENTHALER. Among the prominent German-American residents of his section of the county is numbered John Siebenthaler, now engaged in the nursery and fruit-growing business in Harrison township, Montgomery county. Born in 1854 in Franklin county, Indiana, he is a son of George and Margaret (Moerschel) Siebenthaler. The father, a native of Bavaria, Germany, came to the united States in 1831 and settled first in Cincinnati, Ohio, later going to Franklin county, Indiana, where he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. The deed for the land was signed by Andrew Jackson, then president of the United States. There he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1866, in which year he sold his farm and removed to Ohio, purchasing a farm in Harrison township, Montgomery county, where his remaining days were spent. His wife passed away in 1867, while his demise occurred in 1900. In their family were twelve children, namely : Henry; Adam ; Margaret ; John, of this review ; Balser ; and the following all deceased: Jacob W., Gottfried, George B., Mary, Louisa, David, and Philip. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 371 In his father's home John Siebenthaler spent his youthful days, acquiring his early education in the country schools of his native state, attending the sessions three months in each year. After his father's removal to. Ohio he attended a district school in Harrison township, Montgomery county, and later supplemented his training by a course of study in Dayton for two winters. Having thus prepared himself, he engaged in teaching for two terms in the Miami county schools and then, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial and profitable, he withdrew from that profession and entered the nursery and fruit-growing business, in which connection he has since remained. It has proven a successful undertaking and by earnest labor, indefatigable energy and untiring diligence he has won a prominent place among the citizens of his section of the county. His business is constantly growing and yields to him a comfortable annual income. In 1890 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Siebenthaler and Miss Mary Appenzellar, a daughter of David and Elizabeth Appenzellar of Montgomery county, and unto this marriage have been born five children, namely: Wilber, a graduate of the high school ; and Clarence, John, Mary and George, who are yet students. Fraternally Mr. Siebenthaler is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias at Iola, and in politics gives his allegiance to the democratic party. In June, 1908, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who was laid to rest at Shiloh, and her loss is regretted among a wide circle of warm friends. Having spent the greater portion of his life in this county, Mr. Siebenthaler's acquaintance here is an extensive one and that he is best liked where best known is an indication that his salient characteristics are those which command respect and good will. CLAUDE NORTH CHRISMAN, M. D. Dr. Claude North Chrisman, who is well qualified for the practice of both medicine and surgery, the expression of public approval of his work coming to him in a large and gratifying patronage, was born in Kingston, Ross county, Ohio, December 3o, 1869, a son of William and Nancy (North) Chrisman, who are yet residents of Dayton, the father having for a number of years been engaged in business as a railroad contractor. The son was only two years of age when his parents became residents of Tarlton, Pickaway county, Ohio, where they lived for six years and then removed to Delaware, Ohio, where the succeeding three years were passed. He was about eleven years of age when the family home was established in Dayton and here he continued his studies in the public schools, also attending the Central high school, from which he was graduated in 1888, after which he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, where he remained for three years, being graduated in 1892. Dr. Chrisman pursued his early professional studies in the office and under the direction of Dr. J. M. Weaver, of Dayton, and afterward entered the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, completing the regular course by graduation in 1895. He located for general practice in Dayton and soon won an excellent reputation as a capable, earnest and conscientious physician. He has now repre- 372 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY sented the profession here for fourteen years, during which time he has steadily advanced toward the goal of gratifying success. He has become particularly well known as a competent surgeon, possessing comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and the component parts of the human body, together with delicacy of touch that makes his surgical work most successful. For five years he was assistant surgeon to St. Elizabeth's hospital. In 1896 Dr. Chrisman was married in Kenton to Miss Elsie Castor and they have two sons, Paul Castor and William. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and Dr. Chrisman is also associated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Phi Gamma Delta society. Politically he is a republican but without desire for office, nor does he take active part in political work. In strictly professional lines he is connected with the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association, the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Dayton Academy of Medicine. He has served in the county and the local society as secretary and censor. He is a broad-minded man, thoroughly conversant with the different schools of practice, his discriminating judgment enabling him to take the best from each and use it for the advantage and benefit of his patrons. NOAH TYLER BISH. A self-educated and self-made man, his force of character, unfaltering perseverance and laudable ambition have brought Noah Tyler Bish to a creditable position among the successful merchants of Dayton, where he is now conducting a grocery business as the senior partner of the firm of N. T. Bish & Son. He was horn near Westminster, Carroll county, Maryland, September 20, 1843, and represents one of the old families of that state founded in America by his great-grandfather, who was born in Germany and with two brothers came to the new world, settling in Baltimore. The grandfather, Adam Bish, was born in Maryland in the eighteenth century and died in 1854. William Bish, the father of our subject, was a native of Carroll county, Maryland, and died upon a farm there in 1875, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife passed away in the same year. Their children besides our subject were Ephraim S. and Alfred W., both deceased ; Anna M., deceased wife of Jonas Warner ; Henry J. and David, both deceased; Joel B. and Reuben G., residents of Carroll county, Maryland ; Mary J., deceased ; Ezra M. and Silas M., also living in Carroll county, Maryland ; and Catherine, who died at the age of two years. Noah Tyler Bish spent his youthful days in the county of his nativity, where he remained until he attained his majority, pursuing his education between the ages of nine and seventeen years. His opportunities, however, were quite limited, his longest term being twenty-eight days. He has been, however, an apt student in the school of experience, learning from each new condition and interest of life the lesson which it contained. On leaving home he removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he was employed on a farm for three seasons. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 373 Mr. Bish completed his arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage, November 11, 1869, to Miss Sarah C. Clemmer, a daughter of George L. Clemmer, who died in Dayton, January 20, 1902. Her mother passed away in the same city on the 8th of October, 1887. At an early date her grandfather, Andrew Clemmer, came to this state from Rockingham county, Virginia, in company with his two brothers, John and David, and entered land in Montgomery county under the homestead law. Mrs. Bish is one of a family of five children, the others being David, a resident of Johnsville, Ohio ; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Josiah Hull ; Lewis D., of Dayton ; and John W., who died at the age of seven years. The year following his marriage Mr. Bish purchased forty acres of land in Perry township, there carrying on general farming from 1870 until 1884, during which time he brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, while the rich crops which he gathered enabled him to continuously add to his capital. He then came to Dayton and invested in a stock of groceries, opening his store on the same site where he now carries on business. From the beginning he has prospered in his commercial pursuits and now has a large and well appointed store and a liberal patronage is accorded him. His trade is of a most gratifying character and the reliability of his methods is indicated by the fact that many of his patrons have been with him for years. Admitting his son to a partnership, the business is now continued under the firm style of N. T. Bish & Son. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bish have been born three children : George William, his father's partner ; Susan Addie, who died in 1889 at the age of sixteen years ; and Ray Clemmer, born in 1890. The parents hold membership in the Grace Reformed church and their influence is always on the side of justice, truth and progress. Mr. Bish votes with the democracy but has never sought the rewards of office for party fealty. His life has been quietly passed in devotion to the duties that have devolved upon him through his business relations, and the secret of his success lies in his trustworthiness, industry and commercial integrity. ROBERT J. CARROLL, M. D. Dr. Robert J. Carroll, who for ten years has been a representative of the medical fraternity in active practice in Dayton, was born in Huntsville, Logan county, Ohio, in 1870, and was there reared and attended school. His preliminary education was supplemented by a two years' course in the Normal College at Ada, Ohio, and when he had determined upon the practice of medicine as his life work he took up a course of study in the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, being graduated therefrom with the class of 1892. He first located for practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later made his home for a time in Indianapolis, Indiana, after which he returned to his native state and has since practiced in Dayton, opening an office here in December, 1899. He is an industrious man, imbued with the laudable desire to make the most of his opportunities, and the value of his professional service is indicated in his growing prac- 374 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY tice. He is a member of the American Medical Association, as well as local organizations among the medical fraternity. In 1896, in Dayton, Dr. Carroll was married to Miss Elizabeth Diemunsch, and they have two sons, Charles A. and Thomas J. The family residence is at 1728 Brown street and the Doctor's office is at 1007 the same street, He belongs to the Catholic church and in politics is somewhat independent. He is, however, interested in matters of general progress and improvement but confines his attention and labors largely to his professional duties. Of late years he has become much interested in the treatment of disease by means of electricity and is making a specialty of electro-therapeutics, with which he has had excellent success, especially in the treatment of malignant growths and chronic diseases, having already succeeded in curing cancers incurable by other means. CHARLES E. WEAVER. Charles E. Weaver, principal of the schools of district No. 9, Harrison township, and the owner of ninety acres of fine farm land in Preble county, near Manchester, Ohio, was born in Liberty, Montgomery county, September 23, 1858, his parents being Martin V. and Eliza Weaver. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Weaver, came to this state from Maryland early in the nineteenth century, being one of its early settlers. He first located in Greene county, where he lived upon a farm with a Mr. Sanders, and later came to Montgomery county, clearing one hundred and sixty acres of land which became the Weaver homestead. Upon this farm he passed his last years in retirement from active labor. His wife in her maidenhood had been Miss Catharine Jordan. Martin V. Weaver, the father of our subject, was born near Spring Valley in Greene county, Ohio, and in early life worked as a mechanic but later turned his attention to farming. He married Miss Eliza Zehring, who died at Johnsville, May 20, 1896, and his death occurred at the same place on the 17th of January, 1900. In the family of this worthy couple were eight children, namely : Warren A., a resident of Grangeville, Newton county, Missouri ; Allen R., deceased ; Alvin C. and Alma M., both residents of Dayton ; Helen I., deceased ; Charles E., of this review ; and Edward L. and Arthur G., both deceased. Charles E. Weaver obtained a good education at many schools and colleges, though the larger part of his higher training was acquired after he began teaching. For after a course at Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio, which supplemented the schooling obtained in Johnsville, he began his career as a teacher and spent his summers in study and wider preparation for his profession. These summer courses began in 1882 at Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, folTowed two years later by work at the Northwestern Normal at Danville, Indiana. In 1885 he went to Oberlin, where he took a commercial course, and in 1892 went to Lebanon. Two days before Christmas, 1894, Mr. Weaver was united in marriage to Miss Iva A. Ziler, a daughter of Daniel and Maria (Bennett) Ziler, of Darke county, Ohio. Her mother, who was born in Johnsville, October 21, 1842, died in Ansonia,