DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 475 gomery county, settling in that section of Dayton which is now known as Edgemont. For a few years of his life he worked at the shoemaker's trade, but he gave this up to engage in truck gardening, to which he devoted all his time and attention with good results, for he was one of the largest gardeners in his section of the county and was accounted a man of means. About four years ago he retired from active participation in the work of the farm and is now enjoying a life of comfort in Dayton. Charles Joseph Hochwalt received all his education in the schools of Dayton. In fact Harrison township has always been his home and the scene of his labors. During his school life he worked for his father on the farm, but though he was thus ready early to assume the charge of a piece of land for himself circumstances did not so shape themselves to this end until he was about thirty years of age. Then he was able to purchase land and has since made a success of the work which he chose as a vocation. His long period of preparation stood him in good stead, and he has made the best use of his opportunities, so that it is but a matter of course that success has attended his efforts. On the 9th of November, 1886, Mr. Hochwalt was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Kuntz, a daughter of Joseph and Magdalena (Wolfe) Kuntz, of North Dayton. Of this union there have been born eight children. Harry F., the eldest, assists the father on the farm. He completed the course of study prescribed by the local schools but is continuing his education by means of some correspondence courses. Stella is also at home, as are the remaining children, Lorette, Victor, Irene, Marcella and Helen. Walter, the fourth child, has passed away. Mr. Hochwalt takes an active interest in all public affairs, though he has not aspired to any office within the gift of the people. He always throws his influence on the side of good government .and progressive citizenship. Of St. John's Catholic church, which the family attend, he' is one of the guiding members, being upon the official board. He is also one of the directors of the cemetery. But it is as a gardener that he is best known, and to the people of the city of Dayton, for he has a stand at No. 45 Central Market, and also one on Wayne street, where he offers to discriminating buyers the results of his diligent culture of his garden tract. Here in his business dealings he exhibits those qualities that make possible his rise in his work and he holds the good will of those who know him. J. SPRIGG McMAHON. J. Sprigg McMahon, practicing law at the Dayton bar, has in his native city won a creditable position as a representative of the legal fraternity. He was born in February, 1868, and at the usual age entered the public schools, also receiving instruction in private schools ere his matriculation in Yale University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1889. Well qualified by collegiate training for the responsible duties of life, he returned to Dayton and entered the law office of his father, the Hon. John A. McMahon, continuing his legal studies and assisting in the work of the office until December, 1891, when he was admitted to the bar. In January, 1892, he formed a partnership with his father and has since 476 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY been engaged in practice in this city, devoting his attention to a profession in which parental influence or standing availeth little or naught. In no profession does advancement depend more entirely upon individual merit and, recognizing this fact, J. Sprigg McMahon has by discriminating study, careful analysis and thorough preparation of cases won notable successes at the bar that numbers many prominent representatives. In 1894 occurred the marriage of Mr. McMahon and Miss Mary D. Schenck, a daughter of the late Robert C. Schenck. They have two children : Julia D., and Mary S. His political views are that of the democratic party and he has served for one term on the library board but prefers to give his undivided attention to his professional duties, which are constantly increasing in volume and importance. HOWARD H. HERMAN, M. D. Dr. Howard H. Herman, who throughout his entire, life has manifested a habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities, while in his professional career he has held to high standards, was born in West Alexandria, Preble county, Ohio, May I, 1872. His father, H. M. Herman, D. D., has been a minister of the Reformed church in Ohio for forty-nine years, and now at the age of seventy-five is still actively engaged in ministerial work at Miamisburg. Dr. Herman was a lad of nine years when his parents removed from the place of his nativity to Miamisburg, where he was reared and obtained his early education. He attended Heidelberg University in 1890-91, and in 1894 he was graduated from Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, having there completed the classical course. Desiring to enter professional circles, his mental review of the situation led him to the conclusion that he would find the practice of medicine most congenial, to which end he entered the Cleveland University of Medicine & Surgery, completing the full course. Following his graduation in 1897, he came to Dayton as house physician of the Miami Valley Hospital, thus serving for a year. His broad experience in this connection well qualified him for the duties of general practice. Since 1898 he has thus engaged in Dayton and has been accorded a- very liberal patronage, his office and residence being at 111 North Jefferson street. His reading is comprehensive, his study thorough and his ready adaptability enables him to soon make his own that with which he becomes conversant through his investigations. He follows the most advanced ideas of practice and yet is not quick to discard the old and time-tried methods, the value of which has long been proven. He belongs to the State Homeopathic Medical Association, the Miami Medical Society and the Dayton Medical Society. He has been a member of the medical staff of Miami Valley Hospital since 1900 and is also a member of its board of trustees. On the 30th of April, 1902, Dr. Herman was married in Dayton to Miss Daisy Alice Johnson, a daughter of the late William Johnson, and they have two children, Ruth Howard and Susanne Marian. The parents hold membership in the Memorial Presbyterian church and Dr. Herman belongs also to the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias lodge and to the Dayton Country Club DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 477 —associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests. His political views endorse the principles of the republican party and his influence is always on the side of practical reform and substantial progress. His professional worth is manifest in the large practice accorded him and in the high regard entertained for him by his professional brethren. PERLE L. SAGEBIEL. Perle L. Sagebiel, an. optometrist of Dayton, whose qualificatipns well entitle him to the success which he is now enjoying, was born in Kenton, Ohio, in 1873. His youthful days were there passed and he attained his education as a public-school student, continuing his studies to the age of seventeen. With life and its responsibilities yet before him, be went to Wheeling, West Virginia, where he learned the optical business, feeling that in that pursuit he would find a congenial as well as a profitable field. He continued in Wheeling for two years and in 1893 came to Dayton. A year later he began business on his own account as an optician and has since continued in this line. His thoroughness in his work, his knowledge of the scientific as well as the practical side of his business and the conscientious obligation with which he discharges his professional duties have been the salient features in his growing success. He now occupies an enviable position among Dayton's optometrists with a volume of business that gives to him a substantial annual income. He is also a director in the Union Building & Loan Association, and secretary of the Dayton Astronomical Society, of which he is one of the founders. Mr. Sagebiel was married in Dayton in 1898 to Miss Frances Houck, a daughter of Martin S. Houck of this city, and they have four children, Frederick Houck, James Lambert, Robert Martin and Elinor Ruth. The parents hold membership in the First English Lutheran church and Mr. Sagebiel belongs also to the Young Men's Christian Association. He is interested in all that pertains to the moral development of the community and to the uplifting of his fellowmen, realizing the importance of well formulated principles and habits as a basis of all that is valuable and permanent in life. His personal characteristics have won him kindly regard and unqualified respect and he is justly accounted one of the representative residents of his adopted city. ANTON MADLINGER. Anton Madlinger, successfully engaged in truck farming in Mad River township, has stand No. 50 in Central Market. His birth occurred on his father's farm on the Troy pike, January 6, 1855, his parents being Anton and Victoria (Striebel) Madlinger. The paternal grandfather spent his entire life in Germany. Subsequent to the demise of her husband, the grandmother crossed the Atlantic to the United States and spent her remaining days with her children, liv- 478 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY ing with her son Anton during the greater part of the time. Anton Madlinger, the father of our subject, obtained his education in Germany and in early manhood emigrated to America, establishing his home in Montgomery county, Ohio. He was a shoemaker by trade, following that pursuit to some extent in the winter seasons, and also carried on agricultural interests on his valuable farm of ten acres in the vicinity of Dayton. His family numbered seven children, namely : Mrs. Lena Ward ; Mrs. Sophia Hambert ; Mrs. Mary Walt ; Mrs. Catharine Kohler ; Anton, of this review ; Mrs. Josephine Knox ; and Mrs. Pauline Glaser. Anton Madlinger received his education in the schools of this county and when not busy with his text-books assisted in the work of the home farm. On starting out in business life f0r himself he took up truck farming on a small scale but as time passed and his financial resources increased he added to his holdings until he is now the owner of thirteen acres of fine truck land situated on the Valley pike, about three miles east of the courthouse, on the south side of the road. The success which has attended his efforts and which entitles him to recognition among the leading gardeners of his native county, is entirely the result of his own well directed labors and unremitting energy. His home is an attractive and commodious brick residence and in his gardening interests he is ably assisted by the other members of the family. On the 30th of May, 1881, Mr. Madlinger was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Nock, a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Brett) Nock. The father, who was an agriculturist of Montgomery county, is now deceased but the mother still survives and yet makes her home in this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Madlinger have been born eight children, as follows : Anton, Jr., who assists his father in the work of the home farm ; Charles, who has completed his education and is at home ; Clara, Ida and Clarence, all of whom are still under the parental roof ; Edward and 011ie, who are attending school ; and William, who is deceased. Politically Mr. Madlinger is a democrat and has capably served his fellow townsmen. in the position of township trustee. He is a valued member of the Holy Rosary church, of which he has acted as trustee. Well known in the county where he has resided throughout his entire life, he has a wide acquaintance here and has won uniform trust and good will by reason of a career which in all of its phases has been straightforward and honorable.. J. T. BARLOW. J. T. Barlow, who since the Civil war has been connected with commercial interests in Dayton, and is now at the head of the wholesale dry-goods house of the J. T. Barlow Company, has a business record of which any man might well be proud, for his success is the direct result of his well directed labors and throughout his entire career he has never made engagements that he has not filled nor incurred obligations that he has not met. He therefore enjoys the unqualified regard of his business associates and contemporaries. A native of Dayton, Mr. Barlow was reared and educated in this city and was a young man of about twenty-one years when in response to the country's DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 479 call for aid he enlisted as a private of Company I, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until May, 1865. He was frequently under fire in hotly contested engagements, first doing duty in West Virginia under General Crook, while later he was with the Fourteenth Army Corps in the Army of the Cumberland under General "Pap" Thomas—the familiar address being indicative of the love which his soldiers bore for him. Mr. Barlow participated in the engagements at Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, the Atlantic campaign to Jonesboro and afterward returned to Chattanooga, there remaining until mustered out at the close of the war. He sustained a flesh wound at Mission Ridge and went through all of the hardships which constitute military experience. When the war was over Mr. Barlow returned to Dayton and here engaged in the clothing business with T. A. Legler. Subsequently he became connected with the dry goods trade as a member of the firm of Legler, Barlow & Company, which relation was continued until 1904, when the J. T. Barlow Company was organized with the subject of this review as the president. In this position he displayed marked executive ability and capable management and is constantly alert, watching for opportunities for expanding his business in accordance with the progressive ideas of modern business life. The house now enjoys an extensive patronage and is recognized as one of the important commercial concerns of the city. Mr. Barlow's political endorsement is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. He prefers to give his undivided attention to commercial interests and in that line has met with signal success. W. L. ADAMSON. It is a well known fact that industry constitutes the key that unlocks the portals of success and, realizing this fact early in life, W. L. Adamson has put forth persistent and well directed effort throughout his business career, wherein steady advancement has brought him to his present enviable position as president of the wholesale grocery house conducted under the name of the W. L. Adamson Company. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1848 and his youthful days were there passed, while the public schools of the town afforded him his educational privileges. He was a youth of seventeen when in 1865 he entered business life as a bookkeeper in a wholesale grocery house in Zanesville, there remaining for ten years, during which time. he became somewhat familiar with the trade. On the expiration of that period he felt that his experience and earnings justified his embarkation in business on his own account and he became a partner in a wholesale dry goods enterprise in Zanesville, the firm being known as Black & Company. A year later, however, Mr. Adamson sold out and sought the broader field offered in the larger city of Dayton, removing hither in 1881. Here he entered 480 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY into partnership with the late George W. Kneisley, under the firth style of G W. Kneisley & Company, in the conduct of a wholesale grocery house. This partnership was maintained for four years, at the end of which time Mr. Adamson disposed of his interest and succeeded John Bright in the firm of Bright & Crosley, the name being then changed to Crosley & Adamson. When Mr. Crosley died in 1896 the business was incorporated under the name of the W. L. Adamson Company and has so continued to the present time. The volume of trade has constantly increased and the house enjoys an excellent reputation for dependable methods, for promptness in delivery and also for the excellent line of goods carried. The resourceful business ability of Mr. Adamson has led him into other commercial and industrial connections and he is now a director of the Western Ohio Creamery Company of Greenville, Ohio, a director in the Green & Green Company: cracker manufacturers of Dayton, and a stockholder in the Fourth National Bank. Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Adamson was married in 1871, in Zanesville, Ohio, to Miss Catharine E. Manley and they now have four daughters and two sons, the family occupying a prominent position in the social circles of the city. In politics Mr. Adamson is an independent republican, voting at national elections for the candidates of the party but never considering himself bound by party ties at local elections. He belongs to the Grace Methodist Episcopal church, is a director of the Young Men's Christian Association and is interested in all those lines of activity which tend to promote material, intellectual, social and moral progress in his adopted city. His life has at all times been actuated by high and honorable principles and his sterling traits of character are the foundation upon which he .has builded his success, his record being at all times such as will bear close investigation and scrutiny. F. P. BROWN. The growth and prosperity of a city does not depend upon a single enterprise but upon the aggregate effort of various business concerns capably managed and well directed. At the head of such a business is F. P. Brown of the firm of Brown Brothers Parcel Delivery. His labors are in accord with modern business ideas and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents. He was born at Sugar Grove, Ohio, December 5, 1861, a son of Peter Brown, who died in Dayton in 1894 at the advanced age of seventy-eight years: He was a valiant soldier of the Mexican war and when the country again became involved in warfare lie joined an Ohio regiment of infantry, serving with the rank of captain. In days of peace he devoted his attention to farming and milling and was an industrious, energetic business man. His family numbered four sons and two daughters, who yet survive. F. P. Brown was only about two years old when his parents removed to Canal Winchester, Ohio, where he remained for twenty-seven years, when he came to Dayton. At the usual age he had entered the public schools and had pursued his studies through consecutive grades until he was graduated from the high DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 483 school of Canal Winchester. Coming to Dayton in 1889, at the age of twenty-nine years, he secured a position as shipping clerk for the Farmer's Friend Manufacturing Company, remaining in active connection with that house for five years. He then entered his present business and in fact had established it a short time previous to giving up his place as shipping clerk. Associated with F. P. Brown was his brother S. A. Brown who however withdrew two years later leaving F. P. Brown as sole proprietor although the old firm style has been retained. He is doing an extensive business in parcel delivery a constantly increasing patronage bringing to him a substantial financial return. On the 29th of October 1885 Mr. Brown was married in Canal Winchester to Miss Mary Schrock and unto them have been born six children : Stanley W., Grace M., Hilda, Birch L., Frank E. and Carl H. The family are well known in Dayton, where they have many friends. Mr. Brown is a member of the Reformed church and gives his political support to the republican party, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day and manifesting at all times a public-spirited citizenship. CHRISTIAN F. ROHRER. Christian F. Rohrer, a retired agriculturist of Mad River township, owns a farm of one hundred and twelve acres on the Valley pike, about four miles from the courthouse. He was born on the old Rohrer homestead, about one-halt mile north of his present home, on the 18th of October, 1840, his parents being Samuel and Rebecca (Wise) Rohrer. At an early day the father drove across the mountains from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, to Montgomery county, this state, taking up his abode on a tract of about two hundred and fifty acres, which he at once began to clear and improve. He became a substantial and respected citizen of the community and here reared his family of nine children, the record of whom is as follows : John and George, both of whom are deceased; Mary ; Susan; Christian F., of this review ; Samuel H., who has also passed away ; Adaline ; Caroline; and Martin, who is deceased. Christian F. Rohrer acquired his education in the district schools and when not busy with his text-books he assisted in the work of the home farm. In early manhood he studied veterinary surgery under the direction of his father, who was very proficient along that line. On the 5th of August, 1862, in Dayton, he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of the Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Burch. He did duty with the Army of the Cumberland and for three years loyally fought for the preservation of the Union, participating in a number of hotly contested engagements, including Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Orchard Knob and Kenesaw Mountain. When the country no longer needed his aid he returned home to once more become identified with farming pursuits and as the years went by won the competence that now enables him to live retired without further recourse to labor. As stated above, he resides on his valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and 484 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY twelve acres in Mad River township and is widely recognized as a substantial, progressive and representative citizen of his native county. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Rohrer chose Miss Irene D. Newcome, a daughter of Edward and Cynthia (Urbin) Newcome, and they were married in May, 1866. Unto them have been born eight children, namely : Webb E., who is married and has one child ; Ella, the wife of Sanford Bradford, by whom she has one son, Warren ; Adaline ; Caroline, who is the wife of John Bayless and has a son, Robert ; Frank ; Bessie ; Vernell ; and Edward, who is deceased. In his political views Mr. Rohrer is a stanch republican and has served as township trustee for a number of years, while for twenty years he has been a member of the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He and his family are valued members of the United Brethren church in Mad River township, which he was instrumental in erecting. His entire life has been passed in Montgomery county, where he has now lived for almost sixty-nine years. He has therefore witnessed many of the changes which have occurred and the advancement which has been wrought, bringing it to its present condition of growth and prosperity. At_ all times his life has been active, useful and honorable and it is his genuine personal worth that has gained for him the favorable position which he occupies in the regard of those who know him. JOHN JACOB FROMM. John Jacob Fromm, a fruit grower and gardener of Harrison township and the owner of eleven acres of land on the Covington pike just at the edge of Dayton, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 28, 1851, the son of Michael and Frederica (Muller) Fromm. Michael Fromm came to this county when fifty-six years of age and was well known in Dayton as a stone mason; He was a hard-working man and at the time of his death was w0rth considerable money. Our subject and two sisters, Mary and Katie, are the only surviving children of a family of seven, the eldest son David, Katie, Lewis and an infant having died. John Jacob Fromm, after the educati0n received in the schools of Dayton, wandered somewhat until he reached man's estate and came to Dayton to remain permanently. He went first to Preble county, Ohio, where he lived two years, leaving there to go to Indiana, but after two years he returned to Preble county, where he remained until he removed to Dayton. In 1874 he started in the nursery business in this city and shortly after purchased the piece of land on which he now lives. Upon his place he has all kinds of fruit and shade trees, ornamental shrubs, currants and grapes. At first he put up a little two story house, but this he has replaced with one thoroughly modern, it being one of the most attractive in this part of the county. Mr. Fromm is devoted to his garden and fruit farm, perhaps inheriting his love of the outdoors and growing things from his paternal grandfather, Peter Fromm, who was a gardener in Germany and could never be induced to leave his home to come to this country, where his son had located. But whether his at- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 485 tachment is inherited or not, Mr. Fromm was glad to return to his farm after his one important absence, when he considered going into the hotel business in Hamilton, Ohio. He had made all his arrangements and had even engaged the man to assist him in running the hotel, but the call of the country was too great and he returned to his old home and his friends. For his long residence in this county has gained for him a host of friends, and his membership in the Lutheran church, of Dayton, and in the Iola lodge, of the Knights of Pythias, No. 83, of Dayton, and the Montgomery County Horticultural Society has surrounded him with associates he would be reluctant to leave. Of the Horticultural Society Mr. Fromm is president, and but few meetings have been called to order without his presence. On the 22d of December, 1874, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Fromm and Miss Catharine Uhrig, daughter of Peter and Margaret (Marquardt) Uhrig. Peter Uhrig was of German birth and a farmer prominent in this county. Eight children were born to him : Philip, Leonard, John, Peter, Jr., Catharine, Mary and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Fromm have also been blessed with a large family : John P., deceased ; Edith, wife of David Davis, and the mother of three children—Harold, Alice and Robert ; John P., who married Miss Minnie Hawk and is the father of one child, Catharine ; Jennie, Harry and Nettie, who live at home ; and Marie, deceased. WILLIAM R. CRAVEN. The progressive steps in the business career of William R. Craven are easily discernable and have brought him to his present position of responsibility as secretary of the Dayton Savings Bank & Trust Company. He thus figures prominently in the financial circles of the city and few, if any, are more thoroughly informed concerning important questions of finance. A native of Butler county, Ohio, Mr. Craven was born in the town of Monroe in 1862 and the following year his parents removed to Middletown, Ohio, coming thence to Dayton in 1869. He was thus largely reared in this city and its public-school system afforded him his educational privileges. He made good use of his opportunities in that direction until he reached the age of eighteen years, when in 1880 he entered business life, securing a clerkship in the office of the American Express Company. There his close application, industry and reliability won him promotion from time to time until he became cashier and in 1891 he was appointed agent in Dayton for the Adams Express Company, in which connection he controlled an extensive business for the corporation. For three years he thus served and in 1894 entered into active relations with the financial interests of the city as teller in the Third National Bank. Nine years were devoted to that work and in 1903 he accepted his present position as secretary of the Dayton Savings Bank & Trust Company, for which his previous experience well qualified him. As the years have gone by his activities have reached out into other fields and have brought him substantial results. He is now the vice president of the 486 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Enterprise Building & Loan Assoiciation and is one 0f the directors of the Home Telephone Company. In 1892; in Union City, Indiana, Mr. Craven was married to Miss Mary Pierce and they have one daughter, Dorothy. Mr. Craven has become prominent in Masonry as he has advanced through the different degrees and is now a representative of the Commandery, the Consistory and the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Royal Arcanum, while religiously he is connected with the Grace Methodist Episcopal church. He votes with the republican party but otherwise is not active in politics. As a financier Mr. Craven ranks among the ablest and in business affairs is prompt, energetic and notably reliable. He is watchful of all details and of all indications pointing to success and the prosperity that has crowned his efforts is the merited reward of a life of industry. He started out when a young man of eighteen years without capital or influential friends to aid him, but, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by honest effort, he has worked his way steadily upward until he has left the ranks of the many and stands among the successful few—a man honored and esteemed wherever known and most of all where he is best known. JACOB F. SEYBOLD. Jacob F. Seybold is actively engaged in farming and stock-raising on his farm of eighty acres in Madison township, situated on the Shiloh Springs road, about two and a half miles north of Trotwood. His birth occurred in Madison township, this county, on the l0th of May, 1867, his parents being David and Rebecca (Wolf) Seybold. The paternal grandfather, who came to this country from Germany, took up his abode on what is now the old homestead farm of the family, cleared the land and developed and improved the property until it became one of the finest farms in this part of the state. David Seybold, the father of our subject, always resided on this place, which is located on the Salem pike, and became widely recognized as a most prominent and successful agriculturist. He and his wife reared a family of nine children and his demise occurred when our subject was still quite young. The names of the children are as follows : Martha, Ella, Sarah, Mary, Amanda, Jacob F., Thomas, John and Isid0r. Ella, who married a Mr. Crow, makes her home in Canada but nearly all of the remaining members of the family reside in this county. In the acquirement of an education Jacob F. Seybold attended the schools of his native township and when not busy with the mastery of the lessons assigned him, he aided in the work of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the 'occupation which has claimed his time and energies throughout his active business career. In addition to general farming he is also engaged in stock-raising and, owing to his well directed and untiring labor as Well as capable business management, has met with a merited and gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings. He built a commodious and modern residence and large barns and in fact his place is lacking in none of the equipments and accessories DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 487 of a model farming property of the twentieth century. He is a lover of fast horses and keeps a few for his own use. For the past four years he has been a member of the Montgomery county fair board and is also one of the directors of the Trotwood Bank, being well known and widely recognized as a most substantial and public-spirited citizen of his native county. On the 29th of September, 1894, Mr. Seybold was united in marriage to Miss Anna Etherington, a daughter of Lewis and Rebecca (Bryan) Etherington, the latter being a relative of the famous Nebraska statesman. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Seybold have been born two children, namely : Amy Irene, who is in her thirteenth year and is a high school student ; and Susan Almedia, attending the district school. Mr. Seybold is a prominent member of the Christian church and is an honored representative of one of the old pioneer families of the county, the name of Seybold having long figured creditably in connecti0n with the agricultural development 0f this section of the state. ADAM BALLMANN. Adam Ballmann is a man of considerable prominence in Mad River township, Montgomery county, Ohio. As a means of livelihood he follows gardening on a farm on the north side of the Valley pike, about three miles from the courthouse in an easterly direction from Dayton. He was the only son of Gabriel and Sophia (Ruhsam) Ballmann. The grandfather, Andrew Ballmann, was a butcher by trade and a man of not a little influence in the German town which was his home, for he was accounted a good workman and a person of sterling qualities of character. He could never be persuaded, however, to leave the land of his birth, preferring to die and be buried where he had passed the greater part of his life. Following in his father's footsteps, Gabriel Ballmann learned the butcher's trade, but after attaining some proficiency in the work he came to America, Dayton becoming his first home. Here he followed his trade intermittently along with various other pursuits for a few years, and then when an opportunity offered went into the butcher business for himself. In this he was very successful until he forsook it to go into the truck gardening business. He purchased his farm of thirty acres, and since that time he has devoted all. his time and energy to raising a fine quality of vegetables. Adam Ballmann was born in Dayton, December 19, 1864, and has spent all his years in this county. At the Trinty school in the city he received his first formal training for life, working at home with his father while he prosecuted his lessons. The years of his early life did not differ greatly from those of the average young man who accepts as they come the days and the tasks they bring, and gleans from them the kernels of experience that make for the soundness of a . man's character. On the 15th of January, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ballmann to the woman of his choice, Miss Lena Kuntz, the daughter of Joseph and Lena (Wolfe) Kuntz. The Kuntz family were among the oldest settlers in Dayton and its vicinity, having located in this part of the county at a time when it was neces- 488 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY sary for the pioneers to clear their own ground before they could plant their crops. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ballmann: Gabriel S., Adam, Jr., and John, who have finished their school course ; George, Joe A., Laurence and Clara who are still attending school ; Charles, deceased ; and Viola, Philip, and Emma. Mr. Ballmann belongs to the church of the Holy Rosary and is one of its trustees. Two fraternal organizations connected with the church claim him as a member—the Knights of St. John, No. 104, and St. Michael's Society of the Holy Rosary church. With both of these Mr. Ballmann is intimately identified and is active and untiring in whatever work in connection with them that falls to his share. For a time he has served as pike commissioner in his township, fulfilling the duties of his office with honor and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Ballmann is well known in Dayton, especially by those who frequent Central Market, for he always maintained a stand there at Nos. 21 and 23. There he sells the products which his toil has won from the land, and demonstrates repeatedly that those who give him their custom and rely upon his judgment will not be ill satisfied. ISAAC LENTZ. Isaac Lentz enjoys the reputation of being the leading dairyman of Montgomery county and is the owner of a valuable tract of land of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Madison township on the old Lexington road, about two miles south of Trotwood. Here he lives a life of well-directed energy and enterprise, his capable management of his business affairs bringing him substantial success. He was born on the 23d of August, 1859, on the old Sanger farm near Taylorsburg, and is a son of George W. and Catharine (Blessing) Lentz. His paternal grandparents were Jacob. and Frederica (Moselman) Lentz. The grandfather left Germany in his boyhood days and came to the United States, imbued with the desire to enjoy the opportunities which he had heard were offered in this country. He secured a tract of land near Dayton and at once became identified with .the agricultural interests of this part of the state, while later he purchased the old Sanger farm and there continued to till the soil until he purchased what is known as the present Lentz farm, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He led a busy and useful life, possessing the characteristic German, thrift and perseverance, and thereby he gained for himself a creditable position among the successful agriculturists of the county. His son, George W. Lentz, who was born in this county, became one of the prominent farmers and carpenters of his locality. In early life he acquainted himself with the builder's trade and later did some contracting. However, farming claimed much of his attention and he was known as a most industrious worker and a good manager. He carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook, basing his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 491 Isaac Lentz was afather leftyears of age when his father left the old Sanger farm and came to his present place. Here Isaac Lentz has resided continuously since. He acquired his education in the district schools and in the summer months worked in the fields, so that there were few leisure house in his youth. In fact, throughout his entire life he has been a very busy man and in addition to managing the old home farm he also owns another tract of thirty-three acres on the Lexington road, about a mile north of his place of residence. A quarter of a century ago he took up the dairy business and now has the distinction of being the largest distributor in the city of Dayton. He keeps about sixty head of cows, all of which are of high grade, and he employs competent help to assist him in carrying on his business. Everything about the dairy is most clean, neat, sanitary and attractive, and his extensive patronage is indicative of the fact that his patrth are well satisfied. On the 11th of January, 1883, Mr. Lentz was united in marriage to Miss Ida E. Beeghley, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Beeghley. They, too, were farming people and her father also engaged in the dairy business. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lentz have been born eight children : Alice, now the wife of Benner Bright, by whom she has one son, Russell ; Edith E., the wife of Earl Cleo Landis, who is living on the farm with her father ; Sarah, who was graduated from the Trotwood high school in the spring of 1909 ; Orben, Laura and Roscoe, who are still in school; Edward, deceased ; and Ray Clifford, born March 29, 1909 Mr. Lentz is a representative of one of the old families of the county and throughout the years of their connection with this part of the state they have been known as good citizens, reliable and enterprising in business0fnd loyal to the best interests of the community, giving substantial support to many measures for the public good. Isaac Lentz sustains the excellent reputation always borne by the family and is regarded as a substantial and reliable business man, who owes his success not to any fortunate combination of circumstances but to his own well directed efforts and unremitting diligence. He is a member of the conservative branch of the German Baptist church and has been a teacher in the Sunday school for five years. In politics he is a republican but cares nothing for the honors or emoluments of office. JOSHUA ZWEIFEL. America has drawn to herself world-wide attention by reason of the marked advance she has made in many lines of invention but in none has the progress been more marked than in the processes of photography. The accomplishment in this line partakes of the marvelous so great has been the improvement since Daguerre first gave to the world a means of transmitting the human likeness to paper and other materials through the use of the sun's rays. Keeping fully abreast with the improvements that are being continually involved in photographic work Joshua Zweifel well merits the success which he is meeting as one of Dayton's photographers. 492 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY He was born in Canton Glarus, Switzerland, in 1874 and came to America in 1882 with his mother. They first went to Monroe, Wisconsin, where the son largely acquired his education and on leaving that place in 1891 removed to Duluth, Minnesota, where he spent six years. There he was engaged in the photographic business with his brother until 1898 when he returned to Monroe. Wisconsin, where he continued for three years. In 1891 he came to Dayton and opened a photographic studio in this city, where he has since continued in business. Not only thoroughly familiar with all of the mechanical processes thereof, he also possesses much artistic skill and ability, which is sh0wn in the readiness with which he catches a natural pose or expression that makes a likeness largely perfect. He is now accorded a liberal patronage, his success continually increasing as the years go by. In 1890 in Monroe, Wisconsin, Mr. Zweifel was married to Miss Nora Roderick. His political support is given to the republican party and his fraternal relations are with the Odd Fellows and the Masons. In the latter organization he has taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite and of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs also to the First Baptist church, the Young Men's Christian Association and the Chamber of Commerce, these connections indicating his interest in all of the varied phases which go to make up the life of the community and promote its progress along the lines of intellectual, material, political and moral advancement. WILLIAM HALL. Electricity in all of its adaptable qualities is such a comparatively new element in the working forces of the business world that it seems astounding when one pauses for a moment to consider what has been attempted and accomplished through its dynamic power. There is, however, no hamlet or village so small in all America that has not felt the benefit to be derived therefrom. Mr. Hall is numbered among those who are putting this force to practical use in carefully managed and capably directed business enterprise, being now at the head of the William Hall Electric Company of Dayton. While Mr. Hall has been almost a lifelong resident of Dayton another of the metropolitan centers of the state. was the place of his nativity. He was born in Cincinnati in 1860 and in 1865 was brought to Dayton where his youthful days were passed. He obtained his education as a public-school student, continuing his studies until fifteen years of age when he became connected with electrical work and throughout the entire period of his business life has continued in this line. Undoubtedly one of the strong factors of his is the fact that he has continued in the same department of labor in which he embarked as a young tradesman. In 1883 he began business on his own account and in 1905 the enterprise was incorporated under the name of the William Hall Electric Company, Mr. Hall becoming president. The concern occupies a prominent place in this department of labor, having a well equipped plant and a corps of competent employes under the able direction of Mr. Hall and his associates who are well versed in the business. He is thoroughly familiar with electrical DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 493 work from both the practical and the scientific standpoints and is thus competent to judge the worth of an employe or to compute the cost connected with the execution of any contract. In regard to the interests outside of business which constitute forces in the life of the American citizen Mr. Hall is a democrat, although not active in party ranks, and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic fraternity. In the latter he has taken the degrees of the Commandery and the Consistory and with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine has crossed the sands of the desert. He is in hearty sympathy with the beneficent spirit of the craft and its recognition of the truth of universal brotherhood. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is recognized as a dependable man about whom there is nothing sinister or anything to conceal and who, on the contrary, is ready to meet any obligation of life with a confidence and courage that come of conscious personal ability and right conception of things. WILLIAM J. JONES. While William J. Jones has figured in commercial circles in Dayton for more than four decades, for almost a quarter of a century he has been in a position of administrative direction and executive control, bending his energies to the successful conduct of the interests of the Stoddard Manufacturing Company, controlling one of the largest agricultural implement manufactories of the c0untry. Along well defined lines of labor his success has been won, his history being another illustration of the fact that diligence, perseverance and intelligently directed effort constitute a broad and safe foundation upon which to build the superstructure of success. A native of Hamilton county, Ohio, he was born November 22, 1843, his parents being David C. and Eliza (Shumard) Jones, also natives of Ohio. The father was a farmer by occupation and on leaving Hamilton removed to Butler county, Ohio, about 1850, giving forty years of his life to agricultural pursuits there. In 1890 he came to Dayton, where his remaining days were passed in honorable retirement, his death occurring in May, 1893, while his widow survived until December, 1894. They were people of the highest respectability, who for many years held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, ever conforming their lives to its teachings. The youthful experiences of William J. Jones were those of most farm boys. The period of his minority was given to the acquirement of a common-school education and to the work of the fields on the home farm, his parents living in Hamilton and. in Butler counties while he was still under the parental roof. His taste was rather in mechanical than in agricultural lines, however, and when nineteen years of age he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for about three years. In February, 1866, he entered as a student Greer's Commercial College and pursued the full course but ere receiving his diploma he left the school to take temporary charge of a set 0f books for the firm of Haas & Mitchell. Two months later he returned to the college, intending to remain 494 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY until he obtained his diploma, but the principal regarded his proficiency such as to entitle him to the diploma without further study and it was given him. His next step in business life made him bookkeeper for the lumber firm of William Seeley & Company, with which he remained for three and a half years, when he severed his connection with that house to take charge of the books for D. W. Stewart & Company. Seven years were passed in that position, during which time he became recognized as an expert accountant. He was next bookkeeper with C. Wright & Son and when he left that firm on the 1st of December, 1879, it was to occupy a similar position with J. W. Stoddard & Company. That his business capacity was soon recognized here is indicated by the fact that on the incorporation of the Stoddard Manufacturing Company in 1884, Mr. Jones was taken in as 'stockholder and in 1886 was elected treasurer, which position he has now filled for twenty-three years, his keen discrimination and capable management being factors in the successful control of this important industry. He has also become connected with other business interests, being one of the incorporators of the Buckeye Building & Loan Association, which was organized April I, 1893. He was elected secretary and treasurer of the Kinsey Manufacturing Company of Dayton in July, 1907. In 1869 occurred the marriage of Mr. Jones and Miss Luvina McClellan, of Springdale, Ohio, a daughter of James McClellan. Their son, Frank McClellan Jones, was married in 1894 and has two children, Marie R. and William Wallace. Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Jones are members of the Park Presbyterian church. Since entering business life forty-two years ago he has made steady progress toward the goal of prosperity and for some years has been numbered among the men of affluence in Dayton, his success being the merited tribute of earnest, persistent and honorable labor. Throughout the entire period he has maintained a reputation for unsullied integrity in business affairs, while his salient qualities in other relations of life are equally commendable, bringing to him the warm regard of a large circle of friends. JOHN PETER NEFF. John Peter Neff is the owner of a tract of twenty-one acres of limestone land in Madison township and is here successfully engaged in the nursery business, growing berries, fruits, etc. The farm is situated on the Union road, about two and a half miles south of Trotwood. Our subject was born in Stringtown, Montgomery county, Ohio, January 17, 1864, his parents being Michael and Margaret (Rausch) Neff. The. paternal grandfather, John Neff, spent his entire life in Germany and was prominent as an agriculturist and carpet weaver. The maternal grandfather, Peter Rausch, likewise spent his entire life in the fatherland and was a carpet weaver by trade. When twenty-seven years of age Michael Neff, the father of John Peter Neff, crossed the Atlantic and after reaching the shores of the new world, took up his abode in Stringtown, Ohio, where he resided until called to his final rest. By occupation he was a shoemaker. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Rausch, also came to this country DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 495 from Germany and is still living in Stringtown, having now atttained the age of seventy-six years. John Peter Neff obtained his education in the schools of Madison township and throughout his active business career has been engaged in the nursery and berry business. As before stated, his place comprises twenty-one acres of limestone land on the Union road and the success which has attended his labors as a horticulturist is but the merited reward of his unfaltering energy and capable management. On the 12th of February, 1885, Mr. Neff was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Cripe, a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Brandt) Cripe. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, came to this county from Illinois when Mrs. Neff was about seven years of age. She was educated in the sch0ols of Trotwood and by her marriage has become the mother of twelve children, as follows : Earl, twenty-three years of age, who is a graduate of the Trotwood schools and is now attending college at Chicago ; Elmer, twenty-one years of age, who is likewise a graduate of the Trotwood schools and is now engaged in teaching ; Ora, eighteen years of age, who is attending school and is still on the farm with his father ; Margaret, who passed away at the age of six years ; Ruth and Ira, aged fourteen and twelve years respectively, who are likewise attending school ; Walter, who is deceased ; Lawrence, seven years of age, who is attending school; Paul, who has atttained the age of six years ; one who died in infancy ; Ray L., two years of age; and Bertha M. Mr. Neff belongs to the conservative branch of the Dunkard church and his interest centers in those lines of life and public activity which have for their object the welfare and substantial development of the community. Having spent his entire life in Montgomery county, he has a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders and is recognized as one of its prosperous and representative citizens. CHARLES W. SLAGLE. Charles W. Slagle, cashier of the Merchants National Bank of Dayton, which position of trust and responsibility he has filled since the 1st of April, 1906, was born in Troy, Ohio, on September 25, 1864. His father, Jacob Slagle, who served for one hundred .days as a soldier of the Civil War, died during the childhood of his son Charles, who in 1867 was brought to Dayton and in this city was reared and educated. When he had mastered the branches of learning that constituted the public-school curriculum he was graduated from the Central high school with the class of 1881 and then in preparation for a business career pursued a course in the Miami Commercial College at Dayton. On leaving that institution he put his training to the practical test in the Merchants National Bank, securing a position as messenger there in October. He applied himself closely to the mastery of the duties entrusted to him and his diligence, reliability and faithfulness were elements that won for him promotion from time to time until in March, 1885, he was made receiving teller and on the 1st of July, 1889, became general bookkeeper. His varied service brought 496 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY him comprehensive familiarity with the business in all of its departments. On the 1st of January, 1906, he was made assistant cashier, this being followed by rapid promotion t0 the position of cashier on the 1st of April, 1906. He is regarded as a worthy representative of financial interests in the city, his labors constituting an element in the continuous progress and success of the bank. On the l0th of April, 1892, in Dayton, the marriage of Charles W. Slagle and Miss Belle Hyers, a daughter of William H. Hyers, was celebrated. They attend the Presbyterian church and Mr. Slagle belongs to the Stillwater Canoe Club. His political allegiance is given the republican party and his influence is always on the side of those things which are beneficial to the city and to the individual, yet the demands of his business interests leave him little time for active participation in public movements. ABRAHAM FILMORE ALLAMAN. Abraham Filmore Allaman, a successful and leading agriculturist of Madison township, is the owner of one hundred and two acres of fine farming land, situated two miles northwest of Trotwood on the crossroad of the Wolf Creek pike and near the Pennsylvania railroad. His birth occurred on the 17th of January, 1849, about a mile west of Englewood on the National pike, his parents being David and Catherine (Zimmerman) Allaman, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and came to this county shortly after their marriage. The paternal grandfather, Henry Allaman, who was of German descent and also a native of the Keystone state, made his way to this county and passed away here. David Allaman, the father of our subject, followed the trade of carpentering and contracting for a number of years but eventually took up agricultural pursuits and was thus engaged until the time of his demise, his remains being laid to rest in Polk Grove cemetery. He was twice married and by his first wife had nine children, as follows : Abraham Filmore, of this review ; Jacob ; Ella ; and Dan, Charles E., David F., Sarah J., an infant child and Mary Catherine, all of whom have passed away. By his second wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha Cassel, Mr. Allaman also had nine children, namely : Ida; Grant ; Emma; Nora ; Viana ; Lyman ; William E. ; Perry; and one who is deceased. Abraham Filmore Allaman obtained his education in the common schools and early became familiar with the duties and labors of an agriculturist as he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm. After putting aside his text-books he worked by the month as a farm hand and was thus engaged until his well directed energy and careful expenditures had brought him capital sufficient to enable him to purchase the place upon which he now resides, then known as the Snyder farm. As the years passed by and he prospered in his undertakings he added to his original purchase until his farm now comprises one hundred and two acres of rich and productive land that responds readily to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it. He markets his butter, etc., in Dayton and in addition to his general farming interests he also raises some stock for his own use. He resides in a commodious two-story frame dwelling, DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 499 which he erected two years ago, and is known throughout the community as a substantial and public-spirited citizen, as well as an enterprising business man. Mr. Allaman has been married twice. He was first wedded, in January, 1871, to Miss Melvina Carmony, of Champaign county, by whom he had three children. Roscoe U. married Miss Sarah Weaver and has five children: Rebecca, Noel, Edna. John and Ralph. Jane is the deceased wife of Albert Riley, who has one son, Charles D. The youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Allaman died in infancy. For his second wife Mr. Allaman chose Mrs. Martha (Brookins) Snyder, whom he married on the 1st of September, 1887, her parents being Richard and Christina (Holsapple) Brookins. Her paternal grandfather passed away in the east but her father, Richard Bro0kins, came to this county from Pennsylvania in early manhood and followed the trade of brickmaking. At the time of the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south he enlisted as a member of the Ninety-third Ohio Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and died while in Libby prison, thus laying down his life on the altar 0f his country. By her first husband, Isaac Snyder, Mrs. Allaman had a son, Charles Albert. Mr. Allaman has five children, namely : Noah H.; Frank D.; Ray A. and Roy F., twins ; and William Webster. In his fraternal relations Mr. Allaman is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge, N0. 696, at Little York, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Brethren church, in the work of which the members of his family are also helpfully interested. Always a resident of Montgomery county, he is classed with its industrious and prosperous farmers and in the conduct of his business affairs he has displayed a reliability and progressiveness that have gained him admiration as well as success. FRANK T. HUFFMAN. For fourteen years Frank T. Huffman has been connected with the Davis Sewing Machine Company and for twelve years has been its president, being thus closely connected with an important industrial concern which is contributing to the business growth of the city as well as to individual remuneration. Born in Dayton in 1857, he is a son of William P. and Anna M. (Tate) Huffman. The family comes of German ancestry, the line being traced back to the great-grandfather, William Huffman, who was of German descent, while his wife, who was of English lineage, crossed the Atlantic from Holland to the new world in the decade between 1730 and 1740. This worthy couple were residents of Monmouth county, New Jersey, where William Hoffman, the grandfather of our subject, was born May, 24, 1769. Having arrived at years of maturity he was there married on the 14th of June, 1801, to Miss Lydia Knott, who was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, January 19, 1779. On removing westward they settled in Dayton, where William Huffman died January 23, 1866, having for several months survived his wife, who passed away March 21, 1865. Their family numbered a son, William P. Huffman, and four daughters. After acquiring his preliminary education the son devoted some time to reading law,