DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 451 He is one of the board of directors of the Poland China Record Association ; has been president of the Ohio State Swine Breeders Association ; and is a member of the Indiana State Swine Breeders Association. On many occasions in this and neighboring states he has been called upon to exercise the prerogatives of expert swine judge at the fairs. At these he was formerly a successful exhibitor, but of late years he has not entered, in this way generously giving others an opportunity to carry off some of the honors. However, he continues having his annual. stock sales. On the 31st of January; 1886, Ezra E. Coler and Miss Ida E. Kline, the daughter of Peter and Mary A. Kline, were united in marriage, and shortly after their union began farming on one of the largest and best farms in the township which they now own. Besides this, Mr. Coler also owns property in the city of Dayton. Two children, Everett Earl and Charles Ray, bless the couple. Everett Earl Coler, born April 17, 1890, is a graduate of the Jefferson township and the Dayton Steele high schools, and has been a student at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. He has taught in District No. 12, of Jefferson township, and is now principal of Liberty school. The younger son is still attending the township high school. Both boys have shown a liking for their father's business, and the latter has taken them into partnership, so that his stock breeding industry is known as that of E. E. Coler & Sons. Mr. and Mrs. Coler are members of the Bear Creek Brethren church, of which Mr. Coler has been a trustee for ten years, and his wife treasurer for a like period. Mr. Coler occupies a prominent position in the life and industry of the township, by reason of his success in his vocation, and his wife has fulfilled her slightly different duties with equal distinction and tact. So that the couple may be considered as representative citizens of Jefferson township, and in many respects are deemed leaders in church and social affairs. J. C. SOWARD. Death often claims those whom we can ill afford to lose because of their value as citizens and business men and their worth as factors in the community. To this class belonged J. C. Soward whose position of prominence as a music dealer of Dayton through thirty-five years had made him well known in the city. Moreover he displayed those sterling qualities that hold one's friends as with hooks of steel. He left the impress of his individuality for good upon the interests of the community and it will be years to come before his influence will cease to be felt as a moving force in the lives of those who knew him. Mr. Soward was born on a farm near Bellbrook, Ohio, about 1845. His mother, Mrs. Julia Soward, still survives at the venerable age of ninety years, while his sister, Mrs. I. L. Crowell, is well known as a representative of the millinery trade in Dayton and a brother, I. N. Soward, is a resident of Urbana, Ohio. J. C. Soward spent his youthful days on the old homestead, early becoming familiar with the work of the fields where he labored through the summer season while in the winter months he pursued his education in the public schools. 452 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Agricultural life, however, did not prove entirely congenial to him as he believed there were broader opportunities in the business circles of the city. Accordingly he came to Dayton when twenty-nine years of age and entered business life as a dealer in musical instruments on South Jefferson street. Later he identified himself with J. T. Kenney and the firm conducted a general music business on East Third street for a number of years. Later he became junior partner of the firm of Du Bois & Soward, the senior partner being J. D. Du Bois. This house for some years occupied a leading position among the dealers in all forms of musical instruments. The partnership was terminated by the death of Mr. Du Bois, at which time a stock company was organized under the name of J. C. Soward & Company and for some years the enterprise has been one of the leading commercial houses on North Main street. Throughout the long years of his connection with commercial interests Mr. Soward sustained an unassailable reputation. He would never stoop to anything that was not strictly honorable nor would he countenance anything of the kind as a representative of the firm. His record indicates that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously, for in the legitimate lines of trade through his industry and perseverance he won a substantial measure of prosperity and came to be recognized as one of the most reliable merchants of the city. In early manhood Mr. Soward was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca James, who died twenty-four years prior to his demise, leaving a son, Herbert Soward, who is now president and treasurer of the Soward Music Company. For his second wife he chose Miss Georgiana Weaver, who survives him and unto this union were born three children of whom two are living, Roscoe and Helen. To his family Mr. Soward was most devoted, his best traits of character always being reserved for his own fireside. While. he was an indulgent he was also a wise father and always sought out those things which were for the best and permanent good of his loved ones. He had the happy faculty of winning warm friendships and enjoyed the highest regard not only of those whom he met in social relations but of those with whom he became connected in business life. To his employes he was always fair and just and even went beyond that, proving his friendship to them on many occasions. He extended his kindness in every walk of life where his course led him. It was a dominant characteristic of the man that he was never heard to utter any careless remark belittling or condemning anybody. His code of ethics was a high one that sought the greatest good for the greatest number, with belief in righteousness, justice, sobriety and truth. He never rated men by their material acquisitions but by character worth and he numbered his friends among young and old, rich and poor. FRANK S. BREENE. For more than a quarter of a century Frank S. Breene has practiced at the Dayton bar and, recognizing at the outset of his career that industry and close application are as indispensable in professional advancement as in industrial or commercial circles he has put forth persistent effort, mastering the legal prin- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 453 ciples involved in the litigation which he has handled and never failing to give a thorough preparation before he brings his case into court. Mr. Breene is one of Dayton's native sons, his birth having here occurred November 20, 186o. His parents are William G. and Margaret Breene, long time residents of Dayton and highly respected of all. At the usual age the son entered the public schools, where he passed through consecutive grades to his graduation from the Central high school with the class of 1879. Determining to make the practice of law his life work he became a student in the office of the firm of Marshall & Gottschall, who directed his reading until his admission to the bar in May, 1883. He has practiced alone almost from the beginning of his professional career, working earnestly for the success which is now his and which places him in a prominent position among the strong and able representatives of the Dayton bar. His social qualities, too, have made him many friends and he is most widely and favorably known in the city of his nativity. JACOB SPITLER. Jacob Spitler is well known in Brookville as the senior partner of the firm of Spilter & Spilter, dealers in agricultural implements, heavy merchandise and buggies at Brookville. He was born in Montgomery county, October 12, 1853, his parents being David and Nancy Spitler, the former a farmer by occupation. During the formative period of this part of the state the grandfather, Jacob Spitler, arrived in the county, coming early in the nineteenth century. He set- tled near Brookville and began the development of a farm. At that day it was necessary to drive to Cincinnati for supplies and also to effect the sale of farm produce. No railroads had been built and comparatively few roads had been made. Much of the land was still covered with the native forest growth and gave little evidence of the development and improvement which was soon to transform this district into one of the most populous and prosperous parts of the state. In the common schools Jacob Spitler of this review pursued his education and, after putting aside his text-books, he' began farming on his own account, cultivating a tract of land until 1899. He then entered mercantile circles, dealing in agricultural implements, heavy merchandise and buggies at Brooksville under the firm name of Spitler & Spitler, his son Charles R. being his partner. He has since continued in this field of activity and the firm now enjoys an extensive and gratifying trade. Their business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and their enterprise and energy have carried them into important commercial relations. In 1871 Jacob Spitler was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Overholser, of Brookville, and they have become the parents of four children: Elliott 0., of Brookville Charles R., who is his father's partner in business ; Jesse C., also of Brookville ; and Lola E., the wife of Arthur Norris, who is engaged in the coal business of Brookville. Mr. Spitler is a member of the junior order of United Order of American Mechanics and also of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He has served as a trustee of his township and also as a school director and is 454 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY very interested in those measures and movements which pertain to the welfare and progress of the community. His life has been well spent and he is now numbered among the representative merchants of this part of the state. He was equally well known in his connection with agricultural interests and at all times his sterling qualities have gained him the friendly regard of those with whom he has been brought in .contact. CHARLES R. SPITLER. Charles R. Spitler, junior member of the firm of Spitler & Spitler of Brookville, his native city, was born October 12, 1875, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine Spitler, also natives of Montgomery county. At the usual age he was sent as a pupil to the public schools and mastered the various branches of learning taught in consecutive grades until he became a high-school student. He was born and reared on a farm and there remained until 1890, when he came to Brookville. In 1898 he joined his father in their business under the firm style of Spitler & Spitler and have conducted the enterprise to the present day, building up an extensive and gratifying trade. In 1908 they extended the scope of their activities by becoming extensive dealers in coal and have had large sales in that commodity in the intervening period. In 1895 Mr. Spitler was united in marriage to Miss Olive Belle Mills, a daughter of Truman B. Mills, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. They now have one child, Herbert, ten years of age. The parents are members of the United Brethren church and Mr. Spitler has also been identified with the junior order of United Order of American Mechanics for the past fourteen years. In politics he is a stanch and stalwart democrat, giving freely of his time and means to the support of his party. He has been a delegate to the democratic convention to this district and is a member of the board of health. Aside from his mercantile interests he is connected with the Brookville Manufacturing Company and he has settled more estates than any other one man of the locality, acting as administrator and executor, and at all times having the entire confidence of the general public. He is a man whose business reliability is above question and in no business undertaking has he been known to take advantage of his fellowmen in even the slightest degree. JOHN JAMES HALL. John James Hall has for some years engaged in the abstract and title guarantee business, while various other interests have also felt the stimulus of his energy and determined business policy. He was born in Dayton, August 7, 1860, and spent his youthful days in the acquirement of an education in the parochial schools, but at the age of fourteen put aside his text-books to provide for his own sup- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 455 port, his first employment being in the office of the recorder of Montgomery county, where he occupied a clerical position until eighteen years of age. In 1894, in partnership with Edward T. Hall, he established an abstract business, in which he has continued until the present time. He soon became recognized for his accuracy, promptness and reliability—qualities which have secured for him a liberal patronage. He has not confined his efforts alone to one line, however, but has sought out other profitable fields and various enterprises have been benefited by his cooperation and sound business judgment. He is now the president of the Phillips House Hotel Company ; president of the Miami Land & Title Company ; president of the Dayton Saw Mill & Lumber Company ; vice president of the American Loan & Savings Association ; president of the Enid (Okla.) Development Company ; a director in the Enid Street Railway Company ; a director in the Dayton Breweries Company ; and vice president of the Dayton Street Railroad Construction Company. His investments have been judiciously placed and his interests now cover a wide range, so that his financial returns are substantial. In business affairs he manifests sound judgment and keen discrimination being rarely, if ever, at fault in his judgment concerning the value of a situation or its opportunities. He is also connected with the Dayton Chamber of Commerce and is thus allied with many movements for promoting the welfare of the city. In 1883 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hall and Miss Jennie Crowe, of Dayton, and they now have two children, Adelaide M. and Robert J. Mr. Hall belongs to St. Joseph Catholic church and in politics is a democrat, but not active in the work of the party. He has always preferred t0 concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and as he has felt that experience has developed his powers he has extended his efforts into various lines and is today recognized as a valued factor in the commercial and financial circles of the city. LEONARD UHRIG. Leonard Uhrig, a nurseryman of Harrison township, is the owner of about twenty-five acres of fine farming property situated on the northern edge of Darton. It was on this farm (the old family homestead) that his birth occurred, his parents being Peter and Margaret Elizabeth (Marquardt) Uhrig. The paternal grandfather of our subject, who came to this country from Germany, served as a soldier in the Prussian army. Peter Uhrig, a stonemason by trade, became one of the early settlers of Montgomery county and was well known and highly esteemed as a substantial and progressive citizen. His family numbered six children, namely : Kate, Mary, Philip, John, Leonard and Peter. Leonard Uhrig obtained his education in the schools of his home neighborhood and when not busy with his lessons he worked in the nursery. He has conducted a nursery throughout his entire business career and has met with well merited and gratifying success in this undertaking, having long been numbered among the prosperous, enterprising and representative citizens of the community. 456 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY On the 17th of January, 1881, Mr. Uhrig was united in marriage to Miss Annie Eickhoff, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Eickhoff, who were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Uhrig now have four children : Clarence, a resident of Canada ; May, the wife of Dr. Cotturn, of Marine Mills, Minnesota ; Clara, living in Dayton ; and Birdie, who is attending school. The members of the family belong to the German Lutheran church, in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested. Having spent his entire life in this county, Mr. Uhrig is widely and favorably known within its borders and his salient traits of character are such as commend him to the confidence and good will of all with whom he comes in contact. GEORGE W. BARTHOLOMEW. George W. Bartholomew is the manager of the Miami Floral Company, of Dayton, which he has helped to make the largest concern of its kind in the state. It is situated at the foot of Broadway and River road in Harrison township, Montgomery county, and its size and extent may be judged from an enumeration of some of the buildings in which the many varieties of plants are grown. The greenhouses proper consist of four buildings, two hundred and fifty feet in length by thirty in width, all devoted to roses, of which there are thirty-five thousand plants. Carnations are another flower to which the firm gives a great deal of attention, having fifty thousand plants under cover and one hundred thousand in the field. The demand for Easter lilies is met by a growth of seventy-five thousand plants, while the popular calla lilies are represented by a stock of five thousand plants. In addition to these the company imports upwards of one hundred thousand different bulbs. A considerable space is given to bedding stock, smilax and ferns of various kinds. Four houses, three hundred and sixty-five by thirty-four feet are given over to carnations, while fifteen thousand square feet are devoted to miscellaneous stock, which includes about thirty thousand aster plants. Mr. Bartholomew, who takes such a pride in the greenhouses and the plants he grows, was born in Hampshire, England, May 19, 1863, the son of Mathew and Sarah (Thatcher) Bartholomew. The father was a gamekeeper on the estate of Lord Calthorpe at the time of George Bartholomew's birth, but is now living in retirement after a life of arduous work. He is a man of a fine English type, was a hard worker during his active years and also a good manager, and is highly respected among his circle of acquaintances. He is the father of eight children, of whom there are living: Ellen, Anna, Edith, Ada, John, Frederick and George. Charles is deceased. George is the only member of the family who has come to the United States, and he did not come until he had compassed his early manhood, after he had received his education and after he had had some experience in the business in which he is now engaged. He entered this occupation at the age of fourteen and has devoted all the subsequent years of his life to attaining an enviable position among those engaged in like pursuit. Six years ago he came to Dayton, Ohio, to take charge of this plant and has been chiefly instrumental in bringing about its great growth and in placing it in the fore ranks of floral DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 459 concerns in the country. When he assumed the management of the plant, there were only fifteen thousand square feet of glass, whereas now there are some three hundred thousand square feet—a fact which may serve to indicate the manner in which he entered into the spirit of his duties. On the 20th of April, 1884, Mr. Bartholomew was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ewings, whose parents have come to this country and are living with their daughter. Five children have been born of this union : Ruby, who has completed her school course ; Raymond, who is married to Miss Charlotte Bittner ; Herbert J., who assists his father ; and Elsie and Bessie, who are still in school. The family profess allegiance to the Episcopal church and are in regular attendance at its services. Mr. Bartholomew is a member of Court Cooper, Independent Order of Foresters, in whose ideals and welfare he has demonstrated practical interest. Among his fraternal brothers he has made many friends, but it is in the world of work and endeavor that he has distinguished himself. He has been a hard, enthusiastic toiler, setting up high ideals of achievement and rising ever higher in their attainment. The success that has come to him in consequence is both gratifying to himself, as a palpable reward, but also to the community and the city where he lives, for they have profited, if only indirectly, by his labors. WILLIAM WEBSTER ENSEY, M. D. Dr. William Webster Ensey, for fifteen years a well known representative of the medical fraternity in Dayton, his native city, was born December 3, 1869. He represents one of the old families of this part of the .state and in fact the name of Ensey has been associated with the development and progress of Dayton for almost a century. His grandfather, John Ensey, a native of Frederick county, Maryland, born in 1783, came to Dayton during the period of its villagehood. He was married in 1810 to Miss Sarah Thompson, who died in 1864. She, too, was a representative of one of the oldest families in this portion of Ohio, her parents being Samuel and Catharine (Van Cleve) Thompson, who traveled westward with a party by boat from Losantiville, now Cincinnati, in 1796, at which time Mrs. Ensey was but two years of age. The family established their home here upon the western frontier and her father was actively associated with the pioneer development of this part of the state. Isaac Van Cleve Ensey, son of John and Sarah (Thompson) Ensey, was born in Dayton in 1831 and in early manhood went to Lafayette county, Indiana, where he was residing at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism he offered his aid to the government and was assigned to duty with one of the companies of the Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. Although he entered the army as a private his valor and meritorious conduct won him the rank of second lieutenant. He had been married in Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Louisa Dorn in 1868. His death occurred July 16, 1885, and he is still survived by his widow. 460 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Dr. Ensey, the only child of this marriage, was reared in Dayton and attended the public schools, while subsequently he pursued the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. William Webster, of this city. At a later date he entered the New York Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, from which he was graduated on the 7th of April, 1892. In that year he began practice in Cumberland Street Hospital of Brooklyn, New York, where he remained for two years and then returned to Dayton, where he has continued in active practice to the present time. Hospital experience is an excellent training for professional duties, however varied and onerous. Well equipped by his service in Brooklyn, Dr. Ensey took up the work of the profession in his native city and has made substantial advancement since that time, doing excellent work in solving the intricate problems that daily confront the physician. He belongs to the. Ohio State Homeopathic Medical Society, the Miami Valley Homeopathic Medical Society and the Dayton Homeopathic Medical Society and at all times, through reading and research, keeps in close touch with the advancement of the profession. In September, 1898, in Dayton was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Ensey and Miss Bertha B. Davis, a daughter of John I. Davis. They had one daughter, Catharine Van Cleve, who was the light and life of the household, but she passed away in the early morning of May 31, 1909, at the age of three years and nine months. Dr. Ensey is a republican in his political views but without aspiration for political preferment. The only office that he has ever held was in the direct path of his profession, having served as a member of the health board of Dayton for three years, beginning in 1896. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and medical examiner for the local council. He also belongs t0 the American Insurance Union and to the Raper Methodist Episcopal church. His salient qualities are such as win for him favorable regard in professional circles and warm friendship in social circles. EDWARD T. HALL. Various business interests claim the attention and profit by the energy and keen sagacity of Edward T. Hall, who perhaps is best known, however, in connection with the abstract business. One of Dayton's native sons, he was born November 22, 1863, and his youthful days were here passed, his time largely being given to the acquirement of an education in the parochial schools until he reached the age of fifteen years. Since that time he has been in the business world. He first entered a law office in Dayton, where he remained until 1894, or for a period of fourteen years, keeping books and abstracting titles. His long experience gave him thorough knowledge of the business and in 1894 he gave up his position to join his brother, John J. Hall, in the abstract business. They have since continued in this line and in the fifteen years which have since come and gone have secured a very extensive clientage, the firm sustaining an unassailable reputation for reliability. Mr. Hall is also the treasurer of the Phillips House Company of Dayton, and realizing the opportunities offered in DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 461 the growing southwest he directed his energies to Oklahoma and became secretary of the Enid Development Company, which is one of the important features in the upbuilding and substantial improvement of one of the enterprising towns in that newly created state. He is likewise secretary of the Enid City Railway Company and secretary of the Thomas Real Estate Company. Other interests of Dayton, too, have claimed his attention and he is now director of the Dayton Saw Mill & Lumber Company and a director of the Dayton Street Railway Company. Preeminently a man of affairs he has wielded a wide influence in business circles and enjoys the entire confidence and respect of his colleagues and associates. Mr. Hall's study of political questions has led him to the belief that his views are mostly in harmony with the principles of democracy, yet he is not active as a party worker. He belongs to St. Joseph's Catholic church. His marriage was celebrated September 3o, 189o, in this city, when Miss Margaret G. McGrath became his wife. They now have two children, James E. and Edward W. Throughout his entire life Mr. Hall has resided in Dayton and that his record is a creditable one is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from boyhood to the present time. He is a man of well balanced mind, even temper and conservative habits, nor is he lacking in that enterprise which leads to great accomplishments. PHILIPP DEGER. Prominent among the German-American residents of Mad River township, Montgomery county, Ohio, is Philipp Deger, a well known butcher residing on the Brandt pike about three miles north of the Dayton courthouse. A native of Germany, he was born in Bavaria on the 5th of January, 186o, his parents being Melchior and Margaret (Weis) Deger. The former was also a native of Germany and a man of excellent habits. He was a farmer and large landowner, and his entire life was passed upon the farm where he was born and reared. In his family were four children : William, a resident of Philadelphia; Margaret, deceased ; Philipp, of this review ; and Godfrey, deceased. In the common schools of his native country Philipp Deger acquired his early education and in the fatherland became familiar with the butcher's trade. Thinking to find better business opportunities, however, in the new world, he sailed for the United States when about twenty-four years of age and took up his abode in Dayton, Ohio. Here he worked at his trade for some time, but being imbued with the laudable ambition to one day have a business of his own, by dint of hard labor and careful expenditure, he saved sufficient money with which to purchase his present tract of land and establish a butchering enterprise on his own account. The property consists of two acres of land on Brandt pike about three miles north of the Dayton courthouse, where he conducts all of his business. He has been very successful in his chosen line of activity and as the years have passed has extended his trade to gratifying proportions. He now has two stands, one at No. 46 in the Wayne avenue market and the other No. 157 in the 462 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Arcade, and is recognized as one of the prominent representatives of this line of business. In the year 1883 Mr. Deger was united in marriage in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Miss Johanna Burmeister of that city and unto them were born four children : Joseph, attending the Dayton schools and also assisting his father ; William, employed at one of his father's stands in Dayton ; Catharine, also employed in Dayton ; and Margaret, at home. Mr. Deger is a member of the Holy Rosary church, the Knights of St. John and also belongs to the Young Butchers' Association, while he likewise holds membership with the Orphans Home Society, associations which indicate somewhat the nature of his interests. Public-spirited in his citizenship, he lends his influence and cooperation to measures which have for their object the growth and upbuilding of the community. Honorable and upright in all of his business dealings, he has won the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. Never has he had occasion to regret his determination to leave his native land and seek his fortune in this newer and more progressive country, where one is unhampered by caste or class and due recognition is accorded honest labor. ADOLPH NEWSALT. The life record of Adolph Newsalt is an exemplification of what may be accomplished by a young man of energy and determination who early realizes that there is no royal road to wealth but that success and advancement are the direct outcome of persistent and intelligently directed effort. A native of Prussia, Mr. Newsalt was born December 25, 1853, and was in his ninth year when he accompanied his mother to the United States. They sailed for New York and in the public schools of the eastern metropolis the boy continued his education. Later they went to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and there Mr. Newsalt made his initial step in the business world and in 1860 by entering upon a four years' apprenticeship to the jeweler's trade, during which time he gained a comprehensive knowledge of the business in all of its different phases. In 1869 he came to Dayton and joined his mother, who had removed to this city four years before. Almost immediately he secured employment in the jewelry establishment of Henry Kline, with whom he continued for a. year, after which he went to Springfield, Ohio, and for a little more than a year was employed in the jewelry house of A. Aaron of that city. Industry and economy brought him a capital which enabled him to engage in business on his own account. The beginning was small for he had been able to save only three hundred dollars, but returning to Dayton he opened a little store on Fifth street and for two years had no assistant. He not only tended to the trade but did all of his own repairing and bookkeeping. Gradually, however, his business increased, forcing him to seek more commodious quarters and competent assistants. Later he removed to a large store that had been erected on Fifth street, occupying this for fifteen years, while later he sought still more commodious quarters. at Fourth and Main streets. Today Mr. Newsalt is one of DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 463 the foremost representatives of the jewelry trade not only in Dayton but in the state of Ohio and has many patrons throughout the surrounding country and as far west at St. Louis. His store is most attractively equipped and appointed and the stock is tastefully and artistically arranged, so that the establishment presents a splendid appearance. Moreover, Mr. Newsalt is careful in his purchase, selecting the goods of latest style and workmanship, his own appreciation of beauty in gems and in settings enabling him to present to the public goods of rare attraction. He now employs a large force of salesmen and has a most profitable business which has come to him as the logical sequence of his close appliction, earnest purpose and unfaltering enterprise. On the 10th of November, 1870, Mr. Newsalt was married in Dayton to Miss Sarah Wise, formerly of Paducah, Kentucky. Their only child, T. A. Newsalt, was educated at Poughkeepsie, New York, and is now his father's associate in business. Meeting Mr. Newsalt, one is immediately impressed by his quietude of deportment, his easy dignity, his frankness and cordiality of address. He is ever ready to meet the obligations of life with the confidence and courage that come of conscious personal ability, right conception of things and a habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities. GEORGE D. GOHN, M. D. Dr. George D. Gohn, physician and surgeon of Dayton, was born on a farm in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1872, six months after the death of his father. When he was six years of age the family removed to Buckstown, Somerset county, and from there went to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where the mother, Mrs. Martha Gohn, died on the 13th of January, 1906. There were six children : Anne E., the wife of Charles A. Cable, of Johnstown ; Mary E., a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana ; John C., a contractor and builder of Dayton, Ohio ; Elmer, a resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania ; Charles, of Johnstown ; and George D. of this review. On his father's side the Doctor had two uncles who lost their lives while serving in the war, and two of his mother's brothers were severely wounded in the same struggle. Dr. Gohn spent his youthful days in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and acquired his early education in the public schools of that city. He was ambitious, however, for continued, training in educational lines and afterward entered Otterbein University, where he spent two years. His excellent knowledge constituted a good foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning and, entering the Baltimore Medical College, he was graduated therefrom in 1897. In that year he established an office in Dayton, Ohio, for general practice and through twelve years has represented the profession here, enjoying the patronage of many of the best families of the city. Dr. Gohn was also physician to the Montgomery county infirmary in 1901 and 1902 and was physician to the Montgomery county jail in 1908. He is an able follower of the profession, thoroughly conversant with the scientific principles which underline his work and accurately applying his knowledge to the 464 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY daily needs of his patients. He belongs to the American Medical Association ; the Ohio State Medical Association ; the Montgomery County Medical Society ; the Dayton Academy of Medicine, of which he is vice president ; and the Physicians Business League. of Montgomery county, of which he is also the second officer. In more strictly social lines Dr. Gohn is connected with the Junior Order United American ,Mechanics, the Tribe of Ben Hur and the Protected Home Circle. His religious faith is manifest in his membership in the First United Brethren church, and his political views are evidenced in his endorsement of the men and measures of the republican party. Pleasantly, situated in his home life Dr. Gohn was married in Baltimore, Maryland, September 5, 1900, to Miss Lillie J. E. Rice, and they have one son, George Rice Gohn. Mrs. Gohn's father, Rev. Amos H. Rice, was a prominent member of the Pennsylvania conference of the United Brethren church and held various offices therein, filling pulpits in New York, Harrisburg and Baltimore. He was pastor of a church in the last named city for twelve years. He died in Dayton, on the 13th of December, 1904, and his widow now makes her home with Dr. and Mrs. Gohn. Mr. Rice had a brother, Andrew H., who is a prominent manufacturer and merchant of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. HARRY E. KIMMEL. Harry E. Kimmel, a well known farmer and stock raiser of Miami township, operates his father's farm about one mile south of Alexanderville. He and his brother also own about ninety-one acres of fine farm land in Mad River township, on the Kemp road, which is accounted very valuable. November 17, 1865, was the day upon which Harry E. Kimmel first opened his eyes to greet the day, in Jefferson township, near where the new schoolhouse now stands. His paternal grandfather, Lewis Kimmel, came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was among the first to settle in Montgomery county. The latter wedded Miss Mary Niswonger and their son Joseph Kimmel, the father of Harry E. Kimmel, was born in Jefferson township. He became well known as a farmer, stock raiser and dealer. Some years ago he left the farm, and, removing to the city of Dayton, is now engaged in the stock business at that place. He resides at 925 North Broadway and though well advanced in years is still active in the pursuit of his calling. In the years of his early manhood he married Miss Amanda Kemp, and to them were born two sons, C. L. and Harry E. The latter received his fundamental education in the public schools of West Carrollton, and his substantial preparation for life on the farm under the guidance of his parents. During his school life he assumed his share of the responsibilities of the home place and took an active interest in the business side of the work. In 1878, when his father commenced dealing in horses, Mr. Kimmel was but a young boy, and so might be said to have grown up with that part of the business. The farming and the stock raising have been conducted together, and when with advancing years the father decided to relinquish part of his cares, the younger man remained on the home farm to manage it and to take charge of DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 467 such horses as might be sent from the city for care. His interests in farming are increased through his participation with his brother C. L. Kimmel, in the conduct of the fine farm in Mad River township. Though a man who gives his best time and energy to his work, Mr. Kimmel has many interests of a social nature that keep him in full touch with the world of men. He is a member of the Miamisburg lodge of the Knights of Pythias. His allegiance in matters of religion is given to the Methodist Episcopal church of West Carrollton, in the work of which he takes an active interest. A man of ability and capable of any amount of hard work, Mr. Kimmel has advanced steadily in the calling to which he chose to devote himself. His efforts have been generously recompensed in the past and the outlook for the future appears bright. WEBSTER S. SMITH, M. D. With full appreciation of the duties and responsibilities that devolve upon him in his official connection Dr. Webster S. Smith is giving to the public excellent service in his professional capacity and the substantial qualities of his manhood are winning for him the high regard as well of those whom he meets socially. He was born in Dayton, in 1856, a son of Isaac M. and Phoebe (Wellbaum) Smith. His grandfather was Richard Smith and his great-grandfather in the maternal line was Charles Wellbaum, who was one of the hired Hessian troops sent to this country to aid the English at the time of the Revolutionary war. His sympathies were aroused on behalf of the colonies, however, and he deserted the English ranks and is supposed to have done all in his power to aid in establishing American independence. Isaac M. Smith, the father of Dr. Smith, was born in 1830 and came to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1854. He was a carpenter by trade and was identified with building operations in this locality until after the inauguration of the Civil war when, constrained by a spirit of patriotism, he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting as a private in Company G, Sixty-six Illinois Sharp Shooters, with which he served for three years. In the early part of the war he was taken prisoner by the Confederate troops and was held by them for about two months. He married Phoebe Wellbaum, the wedding being celebrated in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1855. Two children were born unto them, the younger being Harry M. Smith, now of New York city. The father died April 25, 1907. Dr. Smith was reared in Dayton and is indebted to its public-school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed prior to taking up preparation for a professionnal career. In ,1877 he entered the Ohio Medical College and was graduated in 188o on the completion of a three years' course. He then located for practice in Salem, Montgomery county, Ohio, where he remained for two years when he removed to West Milton, Miami county, Ohio, where he continued for thirteen years. During that period his constantly increasing practice was promoting his efficiency as he learned the lessons which one may always gain from experience in any walk in life. In 1895 he sought the broader field of labor offered by the city and came to Dayton, where he has continued in active 468 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY practice. His ability is recognized by many patrons and in his daily round of professional duties he has demonstrated his skill in coping with the complex problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to check the ravages of disease and restore health. Dr. Smith was married in Dayton in 1881 to Miss Margaret E. Shriver, a daughter of the late Dr. John W. Shriver, and they now have two sons, Howard S. and Charles S. Dr. Smith belongs to the Masonic fraternity, to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Sons of Veterans and in his fraternal relations has gained many warm .friends. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is known, moreover, as a valued member of several professional organizations. He is now visiting physician to the Miami Valley Hospital and he belongs to the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association and the Montgomery County Medical Society, of which he has served as secretary sand censor, while at the present time he is filling the position of president. He enjoys the warm regard of his brethren of the medical fraternity by reason of the fact that lie holds to a high standard in practice and closely conforms to professional ethics. DAVID W. KLEPINGER. David W. Klepinger, one of the farmers near Dayton, is well known through his activity in local affairs. His farm embraces thirty acres of excellent land about five miles north of this city, on the Covington pike. It is a well cultivated tract, in this giving evidence of the character of the man who owns it. The subject of the sketch was born January 2, 1859, on the old Miller farm on Wolf creek, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Klepinger, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Alfred Klepinger in another part of this volume. At home on the farm and in the schools of the county David Klepinger received his preparation for life, for work at home and at school were not dissociated, but went side by side, each supplementing and enhancing the value of the other. In comparatively recent years he sold about sixty acres of the old estate, including the homestead, and but a short distance from it built his present house, a fine modern building of eleven rooms fully equipped with all the conveniences provided for the householder today. In 1882 Mr. Klepinger was married to Miss Laura Wampler, a daughter of Jesse and Susan (Peterbaugh) Wampler. One daughter, Gertrude, was born to the union, but did not long survive life's struggle. When he married a second time, Mr. Klepinger chose as his bride Miss Ida Slonaker, a daughter of George and Belle (Myers) Slonaker. The parents came from West Virginia to Ohio and are still living the useful lives of farmers in Miami county, this state. The people of Harrison township have given more than one indication of their confidence in Mr. Klepinger as a man interested in promoting the welfare of the community. During the past eight years he has served at their behest as a trustee of the township, and at the sitting of the national republican convention DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 469 he was the delegate elected by the voters of Harrison township. He has also for years been a factor in advancing the cause of education in this locality, and for seven years has been a member of the school board, of which body he was for four years president. By his life he has given evidence that his adherence to the Christian church is not a matter of form. He takes an efficient interest in both the religious and social work of this body, which in appreciation of his services has elected him deacon and clerk. Mr. Klepinger is a man not slightly to be put aside, one whose views are not to be held in small regard. GEORGE BANCROFT SMITH. Commercial and industrial activity are the foundation upon which rests the upbuilding and prosperity of every city. Dayton finds in George Bancroft Smith a prominent and well known representative of its business life, for he is the president of The Kinnard Manufacturing Company, his executive ability and keen discrimination proving vital elements in the successful control of this important enterprise. Mr. Smith was born in Phillipsburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, November 16, 1867, and is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the state. His father, Lewis R. Smith, was born near Canton, Ohio, October 24, 1827, and served for a time with the Eighteenth United States Regulars and also in a regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry. His military service covered four years during the period of the Civil war and he took part in the hotly contested battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Perryville, Chickamauga and others of almost equal prominence. Reared at the place of his nativity to the age of twelve years, George Bancroft Smith then accompanied his parents on their removal to Brookville, another town of Montgomery county, where he continued until 1888. In the meantime he had acquired his preliminary education in the public schools and was graduated in 1887 from the Miami Commercial College. On attaining his majority he came to Dayton to secure the broader business opportunities afforded in that city and here entered the Tiger Hat Store as salesman and bookkeeper, remaining in that position for eight months. He next became bookkeeper for The Smith & Vaile Company, continuing with that house for seventeen years through the different changes in partnership, it being now conducted under the name of The Platt Iron Works Company. He gradually rose as his ability was recognized and as his powers in this specific line increased they brought Mr. Smith to the position of assistant secretary and treasurer, but at length he resigned to accept the position of confidential secretary to Eugene J. Barney, in which capacity he still continues. Since that time, however, he has extended his labors into other fields and in April, 1896, was made secretary and treasurer of The Craig-Reynolds Foundry Company in which Mr. Barney is largely interested. In January, 1907, he was elected a director of The Kinnard Manufacturing Company and in January, 1908, was chosen its secretary. On the death of the president, W. M. Kinnard, in February, 1908, Mr. Smith was placed in temporary charge and in May of the same year wag chosen president and 470 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY general manager. He is thus in a position of executive control and his understanding of the business in its various phases well enables him to carefully manage its interests. Mr. Smith is equally active and influential along lines of moral development and progress, and in these connections occupies various official positions, being at the present time a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association ; secretary of the Door of Hope Association ; secretary of the First Reformed church and superintendent of its Sunday school. He was at one time a member of the board of education and is a member of the executive committee of the Dayton branch of the University Extension. He is the first vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and is an interested cooperant in all of the movements which the organization puts forth for municipal progress. He is a member of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, belongs to the Sons of Veterans and in all of these different relations labors for advancement where progress is proving a factor in the world's work. His political allegiance is given to the republican party where state and national questions are involved but at local elections he votes independently. In 1900 Mr. Smith was married in West Alexandria to Miss Holly Denny and they have one daughter, Martha Catharine Smith. The life history of our subject is another illustration of the fact that ability and worth will come to the front and that intelligently directed effort and fidelity will eventually win its merited reward. He possesses many substantial qualities, is respected wherever known and most honored by his immediate associates who have best opportunity to judge of his worth. HOLLIS A. WILBUR. There is perhaps no single agency to which in later years is more directly attributable substantial moral advancement than the Young Men's Christian Association. Broad in its scope and wide in its influence, it has wrought for the higher physical, intellectual and moral development among the young, receiving the endorsement of all who desire progress and improvement. It is to such a work that Hollis A. Wilbur is giving his time and energies as general secretary of the local organization of the Young Men's Christian Association in Dayton. He was born at Honeoye, New York, April 19, 1873, and there spent his youthful days, entering the public schools at the usual age and mastering the branches in successive grades until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1891. He afterward took up the profession of teaching in Egypt, a little school district in Ontario county, and subsequently came to Ohio, continuing his own education as a pupil of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. There he was graduated with the class of 1896, and, making deliberate choice between the influences which are malevolent and the influences which are helpful and uplifting, he entered upon the work of the Young Men's Christian Association as traveling secretary, filling the position for four years. He was afterward occupied in a different capacity for three years as a general supervisor and in DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 471 1903 came to his present position in Dayton as general secretary. Here he is working along the most progressive lines, seeking to .bring into the lives of the young those helpful, healthful and beneficial influences which work for man's best development in the wise use of one's physical, mental and moral forces. In 1901 in Seville, Ohio, Mr. Wilbur was married to Miss Mary I. Matteson and they have two children, Elizabeth Grimball and Clarence Martin. Mr. Wilbur belongs to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a college fraternity. His church relations are with the Baptist denomination and he is now serving as deacon in the church in Dayton in which he has his membership. REV. W. A. HALE, D. D. For almost a third of a century the labors of Dr. W. A. Hale have been a most potent element in the religious work and moral progress of Dayton, for throughout this period he has been pastor of the First Reformed church—loved by the people of his own denomination and honored and respected throughout the city. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, June 29, 1847, and completed his education in Harlem Springs College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1868. Immediately thereafter he entered the ministry and has devoted his entire life to this holy calling, his consecrated zeal and unfaltering interest in all the branches of church work constituting a constantly expanding power for good in the localities where he has labored. For three years he was pastor of a church in Tuscarawas and had charge of four different congregations in Stark county, Ohio. He was pastor of Grace Reformed church at Lancaster, Ohio, for five years and from there came to Dayton. It was on the 1st of October, 1876 that Rev. Hale was called to Dayton as the pastor of the First Reformed church and here for almost a third of a century his sermons have been a theme of wide comment and commendation. As an able and learned minister he has presented the purposes and principles of the Christian religion in a way that has called forth wide attention, while in his pastoral labors, and daily ministries, as Browning expresses it, he "awakens the little seeds of good asleep throughout the world." Indeed his influence has been of no restricted order and he has not been denied the full harvest and the aftermath. The history of the First Reformed church is in reality the history of the Reformed denomination in Dayton and the history of that church is practically the history of the life work of Dr. Hale. It was in 1833 that the church was organized by the Rev. Daniel Winters, D. D., and the work of the parish grew and strengthened as the years passed until when Dr. Hale came to Dayton as the tenth pastor of the First Reformed church its membership numbered one hundred and eighty-four. He came here to take charge in the full vigor of manhood, determined to make his presence felt and fired with the determination to succeed in his great task that the cause of Christianity might be advanced in this community. He had been in Dayton but a brief time when the church edifice became so crowded at the services which he held that it was necessary for 472 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY him to form other congregations, the result being that four additional Reformed churches are now instruments for good in the life of the city, the Second, the Trinity, the Fourth and the Memorial all being outshoots of the First Reformed. Notwithstanding that all of these branches have been set off from the parent church, its membership is many times what it was when he took charge and its influence is constantly expanding as his parishioners carry away with them the words of wisdom and encouragement which he utters and which in time bear fruit in their lives. While his pastoral work takes up the greater part of his time he has gained, during his residence in Dayton, the reputation of being not only one of the most popular and thoroughly advised ministers of his own denomination but also in the entire city. He has probably officiated at more funeral services and marriages than any other minister in Dayton, being called upon so often because of his large personal acquaintance and his constantly growing popularity. For six years he served on the Ohio state board of charities under Governors Bushnell and Nash. While it would be tautological in this connection to enter into any series of statements as showing Dr. Hale to be a man of superior attainments and broad general information, for these have been shadowed forth between the lines of this review, it, is but justice to add that he is, moreover, a man of deep and abiding sympathy and charity, whose words are rather those of encouragement than of criticism, of inspiration rather than of reproof. The young and old, rich and poor of his congregation recognize him not only as pastor but as friend. On the 22d of July, 1868, in Harrison county, Ohio, Dr. Hale was married to Miss Anna C. Duffield, a daughter of Dr. George W. Duffield, of that county, and to them were born two children : Mrs. Grace W. Charch, living in Dayton, who has two children, William Hale Charch, aged eleven years, and Anna Elizabeth Charch, eight years old ; and George Finley Hale, who married Miss May Morey, daughter of Dr. C. W. Morey, of Port Huron, Michigan. CHARLES JOSEPH HOCHWALT. Charles Joseph Hochwalt, a truck gardener of Dayton, owns fifteen acres of fine land on College street just at the edge of town. He was born November 4, 1862, where the St. Elizabeth Hospital now stands and is the son of Fred and Catherine (Schmidt) Hochwalt, both of whom are living in Dayton. The paternal grandfather, Henry Hochwalt, with his wife Eva, Was the first of this large family to settle in this country. He was a comparatively young man when he left Germany, his native land, where he had received his education and training for life. On coming to America he settled first in Baltimore, Maryland, later coining to Montgomery county, Ohio. He was very well known in German circles in this part of the country, for he took an active part in all that concerned his fellow countrymen. His son, Fred Hochwalt, was born on the Atlantic ocean when his parents were on their way to their new home. He obtained all his schooling in this land and is a thorough American in his ideas and sympathies. His youth was passed in Baltimore, but he was still young when he came to Mont-