DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 525 kitchen is equipped to prepare the foods needed by the different classes of patients and the cuisine is excellent. Dr. Ratliff, belongs to the Ohio State Medical Society, the Montgomery County Medical Society and the American Medical Psychological Association. His membership relations in fraternal lines include Scottish Rite Masonry and the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Grand Army of the. Republic, being entitled to membership therein by reason of his service as a private in the One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which he joined in May, 1864, continuing at the front for four months, during which time the regiment was on duty in Virginia and West Virginia. He took part in several skirmishes and was also for a time in Maryland. He was only fifteen years of age when he joined the army, few men of his years having an active military record to their credit. In 1871 Dr. Ratliff was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Miss Mary E. Asbury and they have three living children, as follows : Raymond, a practicing attorney of Cincinnati, Ohio ; Joseph M., Jr., a resident of New York city ; and Thomas Asbury Ratliff, wh0 was graduated from the academic department of the University of Pennsylvania and is now in the medical department of the same school. Such in brief is the history of one who, concentrating his energies along a special line of practice, has won superior skill and ability, which he is using for the benefit of his fellowmen as well as for individual success. The love of scientific research and a broad humanitarian spirit are both elements in his capable service as a medical practitioner. JOHN P. BREEN. In the life of John P. Breen subjective and objective forces are well balanced, enabling him to correctly judge of his own capacities and powers and at the same time to place a just valuation upon advantages and opportunities. As the years have passed he has achieved well merited and gratifying success, placing him in a prominent position among the business men of Dayton. He was born in Xenia, Ohio, April 21, 186o, and there resided to the age of twenty-two years, in the meantime attending the public schools. In 1882 he went to M0rrow, Ohio, where for two years he occupied a position as manager in the depot restaurant. Subsequently he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, for the Ohmer Brothers, whom he represented in the Columbus, Hocking & Dayton and the Pennsylvania depot restaurant as manager. In 1888 he came to Dayton, where he took charge of the Union depot restaurant as manager for the Ohmer. Brothers, continuing in control for them for several years, after which he purchased the business. His long experience in this line well qualified him for the work and brought him thorough understanding of the needs of the restaurant business in this connection. In 1897 Mr. Breen was appointed receiver of the Phillips House and so acted for two years, since which time he has been manager of that hostelry. From 526 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY time to time he has extended the scope of his activities until he is now controlling an extensive business, which includes the conduct of the depot restaurants at Chattanooga, Tennessee ; Lexington, Kentucky ; Marion, Ohio, and Dayton, Ohio. He is widely recognized as a man of keen business discernment, readily determining that which is essential as a factor in successful management and discarding all that is of little value. The recognition of his ability has led to his cooperation being sought in other connections, and he is now a director of the Dayton Savings & Trust Company and of the Dayton Street Railway Company. He is likewise a director in the Dayton Reduction Company and in the Dayton Lighting Company, all 0f which corporations have benefited by the impetus received from his indefatigable energy and intelligently directed activity. In January, 1886, Mr. Breen was married in Cleveland, Ohio, to Miss Catharine A. Beckman, and they have three children : John, Mary Louise and Edward Grimes. In his social relations Mr. Breen is connected with the Bicycle Club and he belongs to Sacred Heart chapel. In matters of citizenship he is public-spirited and yet has had little time to cooperate in matters of public moment, owing to the extent and importance of his business affairs, which have constantly increased in volume. Moreover, in all of his business connections he manifests the spirit of modern progress, meeting the demands of the public for attractive and pleasing service, and in the control of hotel and restaurant interests he, moreover, displayed much of the spirit of the pioneer in inaugurating new methods. OLIVER J. SMITH. A farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres in Madison township yields a substantial annual revenue to Oliver J. Smith in reward for the care and labor which he bestows on the fields as the years pass by. This place is pleasantly and conveniently located about six miles north of Dayton, so that the advantages of the city are easily obtainable. Mr. Smith was born September 23, 1861, in the county which is still his home, his father being the Rev. John Smith, a resident of Trotwood. The paternal grandfather, Abraham Smith, came from Pennsylvania only a few years after the admission of Ohio into the Union and about 1910 settled on what is now the old Smith, homestead where his grandson, Oliver J. Smith, now resides. There he faced all the hardships, privations and dangers of pioneer life at a time when Indians still lived in the state and when the forests were frequented by various wild animals and much wild game. In many portions of the state there were no roads, only the light Indian trails, but one by one the early settlers came and reclaimed the region for the purpose of civilization. Abraham Smith bore his full share in the work of general progress and became a well known and prominent farmer. His son, Rev. John Smith, was for many years active in the ministry of the Dunkard church. He is now one of the oldest native residents of the county, his birth having occurred on the farm which is occupied by his son Andrew W. In all of his business affairs he displayed keen judgment and careful management and became one of the largest landowners in the county. While he is now DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 527 practically retired from business life, he is still active in the work of the church at the age of eighty-two years and yet preaches to some extent in different churches in this part of the county. His influence has long been a strong and potent element for good for he has spoken many words of truth and wisdom which have sunk deep in the hearts of his hearers and in time have brought forth the fruits of righteousness. He married Susan Wolfe, who shared with him in his interest in the church and did all in her power to assist him in its upbuilding. In his youthful days Oliver J. Smith was sent to the district schools and when not busy with his text-books his time was occupied with the work of the fields. He has been very successful in farming, which he chose as a life work, and his persistent labor finds its manifestation in well tilled fields and bountiful harvests. His place comprises one hundred and thirty-five acres of fine farm land on the Dayton and Salem pike about six miles north of the courthouse in Dayton and bordering the main road and also the Dayton & Northern Traction line. His residence has been recently erected and is built in modern style of architecture, containing all the conveniences and improvements of the present age. There is a large barn upon the place and also substantial outbuildings so that his stock is well housed and his grain kept from the inclement weather. His residence sets some distance back from the roadway and is surrounded by a well kept lawn adorned by many fine trees. It is one of the pleasing features of the landscape and the entire place is pervaded by an air of neatness and thrift. Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Smith was married May 23, 1886, to Miss Amelia Cart, a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Bosore) Cart. The father was a farmer by occupation and came to this part of the country from New York. He was a son of Philip and Louise (Kuntz) Cart, who were natives of Germany and became the founders of the family in the new world. The grandmother became a resident of this county and died in Madison township. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith was blessed with seven children. Roger C., who was born June 7, 1888, has engaged in teaching but is now further pursuing his own education in Oxford, Ohio. Mabel S., born September 25, 1889, is at home. Homer C., born November 19, 1891, assists in the operation of the farm. Carrie I., born September 25, 1893, is attending high school. Walter W., born January 3, 1895, is a pupil in school. Florence M., born October 24, 1896, is pursuing her education. Grace E., born April 29, 1904, completes the family. The parents and children belong to the German Baptist church and take a most helpful interest in all of its activities. They are people of genuine personal worth, occupying an enviable position in the social circles in which they move, while the hospitality of the best homes of the township is freely accorded them. GILBERT P. BURROWS. Gilbert P. Burrows is manager of the National Theater of Dayton and throughout his business career has been connected with this field of activity. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on the 12th of October, 1868, and in 1870 was brought by his parents to Ohio, the family home being established in Cin- 528 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY cinnati, where he attended the public schools. In 1883 he put aside his textbooks and began providing for his own maintenance by entering business life as assistant treasurer in the employ of John H. Havlin, owner of the Havlin Theater of Cincinnati. For five years he there remained, on the expiration of which period he removed to Dayton and was made manager of the old Park Theater, his previous experience having brought him br0ad knowledge c0ncerning theatrical management. In 1904 he took his present p0sition as manager of the National Theater and has made this an attractive play h0use, giving to the public a class of plays that win a large following. He is a man of excellent business ability, keen discernment and undaunted enterprise, who closely studies the popular taste and brings to the National such productions as are desired by the theater-going public. In 1887 in Covington, Kentucky, Mr. Burrows was married to Miss Nellie Thomas, a granddaughter of Charles Thomas, the noted philanthropist of Cincinnati, whose generosity made possible the work of various charitable and benevolent institutions. Mr. and Mrs. Burrows have two sons, Harry Gilbert and Dickson Talbott. In his fraternal relations. Mr. Burrows is well known, for he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Mas0nic order, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He v0tes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never been an active partisan in the sense of office seeking for his time and attention are fully occupied with his business duties. He is a man of social, genial nature, popular with a host of warm friends. GEORGE W. MILLER, M. D. Dr. George W. Miller, practicing medicine with ability that has brought him prominently into public notice, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 18, 1870, his parents being Charles H. and Hannah C. (Combs) Miller, representatives of old families of Cincinnati. The former was a son of George C. Miller, who established his home in Cincinnati when it contained only about three thousand population. He had previously been a resident of New Jersey and came of R evolutionary stock. He established the first carriage factory west of the Allegheny mountains and his output included the first iron-tired buggy manufactured in this section of the country, the tires being forged by hand from scraps of iron. On his retirement from business at an advanced age he was succeeded by his two sons. His labors, however, were an indispensable factor in the early growth and progress of the city. He not only contributed to its industrial development but was also one of the founders of the Commercial Bank of Cincinnati and as one of the founders of the Seventh Presbyterian church was a factor in moral advancement there. His son, Charles H. Miller, father of Dr. Miller, was for some time engaged in the manufacture of plows and carriages in Cincinnati, so that the DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 531 family was long associated with industrial life. He was the father of five children. Pursuing his education in the public schools, Dr. Miller eventually became a high school student and thus completed his literary course. Later he pursued a commercial course and in 1887 entered Pulte Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1891. Dr. Miller began practice in Cincinnati and a year later was called to the chair of anatomy in Pulte Medical College, being thus identified with educational interests for two years. He has practiced continuously in Dayton since 1893, in which year he became a partner of Dr. Joseph E. ',owes. His practice has constantly increased, for he has given proof of his ability to cope with intricate problems of the pr0fession. He is now a member of the Miami Valley Homeopathic Medical Society, the Montgomery County Homeopathic Medical Society and the Ohio State Homeopathic Medical Society. In November, 1897, Dr. Miller was joined in wedlock, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Miss Jennie D. Tuttle, a daughter of Lucius Tuttle, president of the Boston & Maine and the Maine Central Railroads. They have two children, Mary and Ruth. In his political views Dr. Miller is a republican but not an active worker in the party ranks. He belongs to the Dayton Bicycle Club and is a member of the First Presbyterian church, in the work 0f which he is helpfully interested. He is also a representative of the Masonic Lodge, the Knights 0f Pythias and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a most genial gentleman, whose good will is manifest in deference for the opinions of others, kindliness and unfailing courtesy. JOHN BAPTISTE FORSTER. John Baptiste Forster, successfully conducting business interests as seni0r partner of the firm of Forster, Hegman & Company, is now engaged in dealing in carpets with an extensive and growing trade. Dayton classes him with her representative business men and he is also numbered among those who have sought the opportunities of America, realizing that success in business is more rapidly achieved in the new world than in the old. He therefore came to the United States on attaining his majority. Mr. Forster was born in the grand duchy of Baden, Germany, in 1845, and in 1866 sailed across the Atlantic, for the reports which reached him concerning the new world were most favorable. He did not tarry on the eastern coast but made his way at once into the interior of the country, settling first at Germantown, Montgomery county. There he attended school for six months that he might acquaint himself with the English language and also learn something of the customs and manners of the people among whom he had now, cast his lot. He attended St. Mary's Institute during the summer and fall of 1866. He secured a clerkship in a dry goods store in Miamisburg, where he remained for two years. He then came with his employer, David E. Bauers, to Dayton, in 1869, and remained in the service of Mr. Bauers until the latter's death in 1882. He 532 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY then formed a partnership with Mrs. Bauers and her son Charles E. under the firm style of Bauers, Forster & Company, which relation was maintained for eleven years, or until 1893, when the store was destroyed by fire. Mr. Forster did not allow himself to become discouraged over this, but with resolute spirit again entered mercantile circles, opening a carpet h0use, which he conducted alone for eighteen months. He then removed to larger quarters and organized the present firm of Forster, Hegman & Company. They today have a very extensive line of furniture, carpets, rugs and floor coverings, keeping the newest and latest designs and some of the best made goods that the market produces. They also carry a line of more moderate priced goods, so that they are able to satisfy the wants of all classes of patrons. From the beginning the trade has steadily grown and the house has come to be known as a most reliable one, its business policy commending it to the continued support of all. In 1870 Mr. Forster was married, in Dayton, to Miss Elizabeth Wilhelm and unto them have been born four children : Flora N., now the wife of Frank A. Hahne ; Walter C. ; Marie Jeanette; and Charles Richard. The last named was born in 1876, became a member of the firm of which his father is senior partner, and departed this life in 1903. He was a man of much business promise and his loss was deeply regretted by many friends. Mr. Forster belongs to the Knights of Columbus and to the Catholic church. He has never held office for political preferment has no attraction for him. He is, however, loyal in his citizenship, manifesting fidelity to the best interests of the country equal to that of any of our native sons. He found here the opportunities which he sought and through their utilization has made steady advancement, reaching a prominent position in commercial circles, his enterprise being evidenced in the success which he has achieved. FREDERICK WEIS. Frederick Weis, formerly connected with commercial interests but long associated with the public service, is now a member of the Soldiers! Relief Commission of Dayton. His birth occurred in Bavaria, Germany, March 14, 1841, and in 1844 he was brought to America by his parents, who at once came to Dayton, so that he was reared and educated in this city, pursuing his studies in the public schools. He passed through the consecutive grades until he reached ,the age of fifteen years, when he began learning the more difficult lessons in the school of experience. Starting out in the business world he was employed by the firm of Rogers & Fowler, manufacturers of saddle trees, with whom he continued for three years. He then entered a planing mill, where remained until he joined the army. He had watched with interest the progress of events in the south, noted the threatening attitude of the people of that district and carefully considering the question came to the conclusion that it was unconstitutional to attempt to secede. Accordingly he determined to stand firmly by the Union in case war was inaugurated and hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when, on the DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 533 16th of April, 1861, he offered his services in a military capacity, joining the Dayton Light Guards, which became Company C of the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The first troops were mustered in for a three months term and on its expiration Mr. Weis was honorably discharged, August 17, 1861, and was mustered out at Columbus. His regiment, however, volunteered to stay in service for the battle of Bull Run, recognizing the fact that an engagement was imminent. On the 16th of September, of the same year, Mr. Weis reenlisted, joining Company B of the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a corporal. He remained with that command until August 17, 1864, when he was mustered out at Chattanooga, Tennessee, as duty sergeant. During his long service in the south he participated in many important engagements, including the battle of Vienna, Virginia, Bull Run, Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, the retreat to L0uisville, and the battle of Frankfort. Then came the fight with Kirby Smith, at Chaplain Hill, Kentucky, and the engagements at Perryville, Murfreesboro, Liberty Gap and Tullahoma, Tennessee. Later he participated in the two days' battle at Chickamauga and was also at Missionary Ridge. He afterward went to the relief of Burnside. His first fight was at Dandridge, Tennessee, after which the troops went into camp for the winter at Clinch Mountain. In the following spring the Atlanta campaign was inaugurated, beginning with the engagement at Rocky Face Ridge and on down to Peach Tree creek, where another battle occurred. As the term of enlistment of the First Ohio had then expired the command was mustered out at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Although in many hotly contested engagements, Mr. Weis was never wounded nor captured. His service, however, was arduous and included many long and difficult marches. After being mustered out of the army Mr. Weis returned to Dayton and entered the planing mill of Baird & Brothers. Here he continued until 1869 and then went on the road for J. V. Nauerth & Son, being thus employed for seven years. At the end of that time be became connected with George W. Kneisley & Company, wholesale grocers, whom he represented as a traveling salesman for seven years. At the end of that time he was called to public office through his appointment as chief deputy county clerk, by 0. B. Brown, county clerk, in which capacity he remained for three years. In 1884 he was elected sheriff of Montgomery county and served for one term. In 1892 he was appointed gauger in the revenue service and filled the office for a year, after which he was appointed deputy in the revenue service, being connected with the Fifth Division. He remained in that position to the end of Harrison's administration, in 1894, and since that time he has been a member of the Soldiers' Relief Commission. His public service has at all times been characterized by the utmost unfaltering devotion to the public good, his record at all times being commendable. Mr. Weis has been married twice. In June, 1865, in Dayton, he wedded Henrietta Walters, who died January 16, 1894, leaving two children: Ida K., the wife of George Gerdes ; and Edward R. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Weis was married again December 16, 1895, in Dayton, his second union being with Mrs. Mattie Knauss, nee Wike. Mr. Weis belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to Humboldt Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He is also connected with the Blackstone Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men and with St. John's lodge and Unity chapter of the Masonic fraternity. He maintains pleasant re- 534 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY lations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Old Guard Post, G. A R. In politics he has ever been a republican, standing by the party which was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and progress. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in St. John's German Lutheran church. EZRA F. KIMMEL. Ezra F. Kimmel, an operator in the field of real estate, being senior partner in the firm of Kimmel & Freehofer, made his entrance into life's activities in Dayton, October 20, 1863, and has always remained a resident of his native city. His father, Christian Kimmel, had located here upon his arrival from Germany in 1846 and for almost a half century continued his residence in Dayton, but met death in a railroad wreck in September, 1893, while returning from the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He had for thirty-five years occupied_ the position of superintendent of the machine shops of the Buckeye Iron & Brass Works. It was after his arrival in the new world that he married a daughter of Jacob Ecki and his widow still resides in Dayton. She had accompanied her husband to Chicago and in the wreck sustained severe injuries but escaped with her life. Their family numbered six children, five of whom survive and are residents of Dayton : William H., who is secretary of the Mutual Home & Savings Association ; Mrs. Louise Bard, the wife of 0. J. Bard, attorney at law ; Anna, the wife of A. 0. Freehofer ; Gustave B., a minister in the Evangelical church, now located in Indianapolis ; and Ezra F. At the usual age Ezra F. Kimmel entered the public schools and when he put aside his text-books he had completed high school, having been graduated with the class of 1879. The following year saw him an active factor in business circles for in May, 1880, he became bookkeeper for R. C. Anderson, 3 manufacturer of plows, and he thus served for four years. In March, 1884, he entered the office of the Mutual Home & Savings Association and again acted as bookkeeper for four years, while for three and half years he was its auditor. On the 15th of July, 1891, he organized the John Dodds Manufacturing Company of which he became vice president and superintendent, remaining thus in active control of the business until December 1, 1896, when he accepted the management of the affairs of the National Improvement Company and also became agent for E. J. Barney. When he severed active relations with the Mutual Home & Savings Association he was made a member of its directorate and also of its financial committee. He has always been appreciative of opportunities and has improved them to good advantage. He aided in organizing the Walker Lithographic & Printing Company of which he was a director until the latter part of 1895, when he sold his interest in the business. In 1896 he joined Mr. Freehofer in organizing the real estate firm of Kimmel & Freehofer and is now giving his energies to this business with the result that he is today well informed concerning realty values in the city and has many clients who appreciate his comprehensive knowledge which is turned to account in their service. He continues as secretary and man- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 535 ager of the Arcade Company, is a director of the Mutual Home & Savings Association, is president of the Dayton Clark Land Company and treasurer of the Miami Valley Hospital. He quickly notes the possibilities of success and utilizes his opportunities in a manner that makes them resultant factors in attaining the goal of prosperity. In November, 1885, Mr. Kimmel was married to Miss Ida M. Steffey, a daughter of the Rev. M. W. Steffey, a minister of the Evangelical Association, at one time pastor of a church of this denomination in Dayton. Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel have a daughter and son, Florence M. and Russell Ezra. The parents hold membership in the Wayne Avenue Evangelical Association and Mr. Kimmel is also vice president of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is also in hearty sympathy with the beneficient spirit of Masonry and has attained high rank in the order, having became a Knight Templar of the Commandery and a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret in the Consistory. He is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. His friends are true and loyal to him because he displays the same qualities and, as Emerson says : "The way to win a friend is to be one." There are no exciting chapters in his life work but it is a history of a man who in the workaday world knows that chances for success are before every individual and that within one's own self lies the power to utilize or to reject these, the one course leading to continuous advancement and the other to failure. In all things he has wisely chosen the better part and in his career he has not only won success but what is more, an honorable success. ALLAN O. FREEHAFER. Allan O. Freehafer, junior partner in the firm of Kimmel & Freehafer, is well known in real estate circles in Dayton. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, in 1870 and spent his youthful days there to the age of fourteen years, when he accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Nebraska and several years were passed on the plains of that great prairie state. He afterward went to Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1886 and continued his residence in the capital until 1893, when he came to Dayton, here completing his education as a student in the Miami University. On leaving that institution Mr. Freehafer became bookkeeper for the John Dodds Manufacturing Company, with which he remained for two years, when he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, E. F. Kimmel, in the establishment of a rental agency, while later they became real estate agents as well. They now have a large clientage in this connection, having control 0f much valuable property, and they have negotiated many important realty transfers. Mr. Freehafer and his partner were also the proprietors of the Universal Credit Rating Company of Dayton, of which Mr. Kimmel is now president and Mr. Freehafer, vice president. They are likewise the partners in the French Dry Cleaning Company, incorporated, and hold the same relative official position in connection therewith. Their varied interests are capably managed and the careful conduct of their affairs has brought them to a prominent position as strong 536 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY and forceful business men of the city, their achievements in various lines being crowned with creditable and gratifying prosperity. In 1895 Mr. Freehafer was married in Dayton to Miss Anna M. Kimmel, a daughter of Christian Kimmel, now deceased. They have two children, Sarah Kimmel and Charles Arthur. Mr. Freehafer belongs to the Royal Arcanum and to the Young Men's Christian Association, taking an active and helpful interest in the latter, for he regards it one of the potent elements for good as an agent in promoting the physical, intellectual and moral progress of the youth of the city. He is also a member of the Wayne Avenue Evangelical church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and, unlike many successful business men, he does not regard politics as something with which he has n0 concern. On the contrary he recognizes the duties and obligations of citizenship and in 1902 accepted the position of member of the school board from the ninth ward, serving for three years. His influence is always given on the side of progress in municipal affairs and he labors earnestly for those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. REV. HENRY HARNESS FOUT. Rev. Henry Harness Fout, editor-in-chief of the Sunday-school literature of the United Brethren church of the United States, with headquarters in Dayton, was born on a farm in Grant county, West Virginia, October 18, 1861. His youthful days were passed there, his experiences being those that come to most farm boys. The country schools afforded him his primary education and with ambition to make further intellectual progress, in 1882 he went to Shenandoah, Virginia, and entered the Shenandoah Collegiate Institute, a college under the auspices of the United Brethren church. On the completion of the regular course he was graduated with the class of 1886. He next entered the Union Biblical Seminary, now known as the Bonebrake Theological Seminary, at Dayton, completing his course there in 1890. In 1897 the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the American Temperance University of Tennessee. Following his graduation from the biblical seminary in Dayton he was called to the pastorate of the Oak Street United Brethren church, where he remained from 1891 until 1899, and during his connection therewith its new house of worship was erected. In 1899 he was made presiding elder of the Miami conference and so acted for two years or until 1901, after which he traveled abroad, spending five months in Egypt and the Holy Land, familiarizing himself with the places where occurred the important scenes that are mentioned in Holy writ. In the same year he was chosen to fill his present position as editor-in-chief of Sunday-school literature and has charge of such publications, in which connection his service has been of the utmost value and benefit. He has now acted in this capacity for eight years, his work being entirely satisfactory to his colleagues in the publication of the literature of the church. Dr. Fout was married in Dayton in 1900 to Miss Adah Catherine Pierson, a daughter of Christopher H. Pierson of Dayton, and they have one daughter, DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 539 Lois Virginia. Mr. Fout is an honorary member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He has been indentified with the religious, social and educational work of the city. His life has been given almost entirely to the upbuilding of the church and its kindred interests and with zealous spirit he devotes his attention to his work as editor-in-chief of Sunday-school literature, knowing how important is the training of a young mind in preparation for the responsibilities of life. He is a man of scholarly attainment, broad and charitable in his views, recognizing the opportunities for good in his present connection and with zealous interest using his chance to plant the seeds of truth in good soil. Dr. Fout is known in the literary field beyond the bounds of the Sunday-school papers and periodicals which he edits. After returning from Palestine a book was published of which he is the author, dealing with the experiences and observations of the journey. The chapters are prepared after the manner of a Biblical student whose knowledge has been supplemented by close personal observation in travel. Dr. Fout is a joint editor with Bishop W. M. Weekley of a United home mission book entitled, "Our Heroes," which brings to light many unpublished incidents in the lives of the advance guard of the church they represent. This is the first denominational mission-study book ever projected or issued by any church, and has had a great sale. The general church interests always have had a loyal friend in Doctor Fout, and he has been given a directing voice in Sunday-school, home-mission and evangelistic matters. Besides being on the committees and governing boards, his work in 0fe field has been in demand and of especial value in furthering these interests. His influence in the denomination at large is exceeded by that of few men in his church. This is evidenced by the many calls to officiate at church dedications and reopenings to which response is. made as the work in the office permits. He is a frequent and forceful speaker at ministerial institutes, young people's conventions, and annual conference gatherings. On the general conference floor his counsel is safe, and his views on that account find ready acceptance. Strong in debate, clear in presentation of ideas, earnest in manner and conscientious in purpose, he 'is one of the leaders in the highest legislative body of his church. GUSTAVE A. HODAPP. Gustave A. Hodapp, president of the Permanent Building & Savings Association and also well known as a contractor and builder of Dayton, was born in Harshmanville, this county, on the 12th of July, 1866. Only the first six years of his life, however, were there passed, for in 1872 his parents removed to Lairema, Shelby county, Ohio, where Gustave A. Hodapp remained for fourteen years, or until 1886, and in that time acquired his education in the public schools. He put aside his text-books, however, at the age of sixteen years and started out to earn his own livelihood, working for three years on a farm in Shelby county. In 1886 Mr. Hodapp came to Dayton and began learning the carpenter's trade, serving a full term of apprenticeship, during which time he became an ex- 540 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY pert workman. He was employed by others until 1890, when he began contracting on his own account and has since conducted a, profitable and prosperous business in this line, his patronage reaching large proportions. As he has given proof of his ability his contracts have become of a more important character and his work is seen in some of the most substantial structures of this city. He has also improved his opportunities for investment in real estate and has been very successful in dealing in property which he has profitably handled, adding materially to his income in this manner. He also became connected with the Permanent Building & Savings Association and in 1907 was elected its president. Mr. Hodapp was married in Dayton in 1892 to Miss Louisa M. Lang, and they had six children, Clarence G., Louisa K., Lauretta E., Albert A., Dorothy I., and Rosella M. In his fraternal relations Mr. Hodapp is connected with the Elks and lie also has other social connections, belonging to the Gun Club, of which he is now president, and to several German clubs. A Catholic in religious faith, he has his membership in St. Mary's church and was a member of the building committee at the time of the erection of its house of worship, which is the finest in the city. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he is interested in its success, although he has never desired office as a reward for party fealty. He has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and his capable direction of his interests has carried him into important trade and financial relations. However, on the 16th 0f July, 1909, he was appointed a member of the city council to fill a vacancy in the eighth ward. DANIEL COFFMAN. Daniel Coffman, owning and operating a valuable tract of land of forty-five acres on the Lexington road just at the edge of Stillwater Junction, in Madison township, was born near Salem, Ohio, in Montgomery county, on the 24th of July, 1855. His parents were Frederick and Mary (Hyer) Coffman and the paternal grandparents were Daniel and Mary (Stauffer) Coffman. Daniel Coffman came here from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and cleared the land now comprised within the boundaries of the old Coffman farm. Frederick Coffman, the father of our subject, was born and reared on this farm and followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. Unto him and his wife were born five children, namely : Daniel, of this review ; Sarah ; Allen ; Benjamin, who is deceased ; and Martha. Daniel Coffman attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and early in life came to Madison township. In his youthful days his time was divided between the duties of the schoolroom and the labor of the fields, so that he early became familiar with the occupation which he chose as a life work. As the years have gone by he has carefully and successfully conducted his agricultural interests, the fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. On the 5th of December, 1883, Mr. Coffman was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Hickman, a daughter of David and Hannah (Brumbaugh) Hickman DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 541 and a representative of a very old and well known family of Montgomery county. They have no children of their own but reared a child, Stella Miltenberger, daughter of George and Emma Alice (Stump) Miltenberger, of this county. In early womanhood Miss Miltenberger gave her hand in marriage to Vernon Beeghly. Mr. Coffman belongs to the conservative branch of the Dunkard church, of which he is a very active member, having several times served as a trustee. He has always lived in the county which is yet his place of residence and his life record has been honorable and upright, winning him the respect of his fellowmen and gaining for him a measure of prosperity that now classes him with the substantial farmers of his community. EDWARD FEY. Edward Fey, who for more than a quarter of a century has been a gardener of Harrison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, owns thirteen acres of excellent land about three miles from Dayton, in a northerly direction. Berries of many kinds have been his principal produce, and he has devoted the larger part of thirty-two years to learning the esoteric secrets of growing the best of their kind. He was born in Shelby county, Ohio, May I, 1851, the son of Henry and Margaret (Dinehart) Fey. The father was the first of his family to come to this country, for the grandfather, who like his son bore the name of Henry Fey, could never be induced to leave his native Germany, where he had been very successful as a miller and was accounted a man of considerable means. Henry Fey, Jr., was a tailor by trade, but upon coming to Shelby county, bought forty acres of land and turned his attention to agriculture. By hard work and good management he was able to add to his property from time to time until he had a tract of more than one hundred acres. This farm he sold on the presentation of a good offer and removed to Maryland, where he lived a retired life until his death. Edward Fey received from the public schools of Shelby county his first formal preparation for life, and in the schools of this county completed his education. During all this period of training he had been learning the secrets of the cultivation of the soil, for work on the farm was never intermitted for the demands of school, but it and the lessons had to be mutually adjustable and both had to be accomplished. He had gained some skill and success in his life's occupation when he persuaded a woman to share his endeavors with him, and in 1873 he married Miss Mary Uhrig, the daughter of Peter and Margaret Uhrig. The couple have been blessed with four children and several grandchildren. Margaret, who is the oldest of the family, is the wife of George Zimbrun and the mother of two children, Wilbur and Miriam M. Perry O., the second child, is a painter by trade and lives at home. Two daughters, Nettie May and Flora B., follow. Nettie is living at home and is a young woman of many attainments, for after graduating from the Harrison township schools she took some courses at Oxford, Ohio, including normal work, and spent last winter in study at Den- 542 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY ison University. She has many friends in Dayton and is frequently a member of social gatherings in that city. Flora is also a graduate of the Harrison township schools and has received besides a diploma for work done at Miami Commercial College. The family are all members of the Lutheran church and are active in its work of whatever kind. Mr. Fey's long residence in this county and his success in his chosen branch of farming make him a man well known in this vicinity. He is a man, too, highly esteemed among those who know him at all intimately, for besides the qualities of character that have brought him his success in his line of work he possesses those equally valuable qualities that attract to him warm friends and enable him to retain their esteem. FREDERICK W. BERK. Frederick W. Berk belonged to that class of foreign-born citizens who have found in the freedom and appreciation of this great and growing western country the opportunities for advancement which they sought. He came to America in 1847 as a young man and here, where labor is unhampered by caste or class, he made steady progress in the business world, winning success and an honorable name by his well directed efforts. Mr. Berk was born in Germany, December 6, 1824, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 8th of July, 1904. His education was acquired in his native country and he was twenty-three years 0f age when he left that land and came to America. Immediately establishing his home in Dayton, he remained here until called to his final rest. He was a cabinetmaker by trade and followed that pursuit for a number of years but in April, 1865, he dropped cabinetmaking and turned his attention to the undertaking business, which he successfully managed until 1903, when he retired from business life and was succeeded by his two sons, Frederick W. and Louis F. Berk. His remaining days were then spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest but in the following year he passed away, his death occurring July 8, 1904. He had been one of the leading funeral directors of the city and the satisfactory manner in which he conducted his interests won for him an extensive patronage. Mr. Berk was married in Dayton to Miss Christina Waltemathe, and unto them were born eleven children, of whom three died in infancy, while eight reached adult age, namely : Frederick W. ; Matilda, the wife of David D. Men-tel, of Dayton ; Caroline, who died at the age of nineteen years ; Katharine, the widow of Samuel Tressler ; Emma, who has departed this life ; Elizabeth, the widow of Samuel Raper ; Charles A., who is deceased ; and Louis F. The wife and mother died on the 26th of February, 1890, in New Orleans, Louisiana, while on a pleasure trip in the south. Mr. Berk was well known in social and fraternal organizations. He was a charter member of Schiller Lodge, I. O. O. F., was an honorary member of the Harugari, was also a member of the German Pioneer Society of Dayton, and belonged to the German Lutheran church. He never took any active part in DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 543 politics nor desired office. His record was that of a business man, who devoted his time closely to his interests, of a citizen who stood for progress and improvement in municipal affairs and of a man who was always loyal to the ties of home and friendship. S. RUFUS JONES. In an age where competition is rife there are certain qualities indispensable to success in any line of endeavor. These are close application, watchfulness of all details and a progressive spirit leading to the adoption of new principles for the expansion of trade interests. Possessing all these requisite qualities, S. Rufus Jones has capably controlled the interests of the Mutual Home and Savings Association, of Which he is general manager. His wide and favorable acquaintance in Dayton makes his history one of interest to a large majority of his fellow townsmen. He was born upon a farm near West Milton, Miami county, Ohio, in 1859 and passed his youth in the usual manner of farmer lads to the age of sixteen years, pursuing his education in the country schools and working in the fields through the periods of vacation. More advanced educational opportunities were offered him in his privilege of attending the academy at Spiceland, Indiana, a Quaker school, wherein he pursued his studies for three or four years. Later he entered Haver ford College near Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where he continued for eighteen months. Mr. Jones dates his residence in this city from 1882, at which time he entered the employ of A. A. Winters, attorney for and secretary of the Mutual Home and Savings Association. He was employed as office boy and gradually worked his way upward, successive promotions coming to him in recognition of his trustworthiness, his reliability and his undaunted energy. In 1895 he succeeded A. A. Winters as general manager and has thus been in the position of executive control for fourteen years, the continued growth of the business being largely attributable to his efforts and keen discernment. He was also the president of the Ohio Building Association League from 1902 until 1908 inclusive—a fact indicative of the high regard entertained for him by those in a similar line of business. In 1888 in Pennsylvania occurred the marriage of S. Rufus Jones and Miss Mary Adele Yost. They have four living children : Rufus B., Robert H., Alfred W. and Marianna. They also lost a daughter, Dorothy, in 1904. They are well .known in social circles in Dayton, having many warm friends whose regard is freely tendered them in recognition of their sterling traits of character. Mr. Jones is a very prominent Mason, having attained high rank in the order, in which he has also been honored with various official positions. He belongs to Mystic Lodge, N0. 405, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master ; is also past high priest of Unity Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M. ; and belongs to Reese Council, No. 9, R. & S. M. He has taken the degrees of Chivalric Masonry, belonging to Reed Commandery, No. 6, K. T., of which he is past eminent commander. His membership relations extent to Gabriel Lodge of Perfection ; Valley of Dayton ; to 544 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Miami Council of the Princes of Jerusalem, of which he is now sovereign prince; to Daytont0hapter oConsistore Croix ; and to Dayton Consistoiy. On the 17th of September, 1907, he was raised to the thirty-third degree, an honor conferred only in recognition of exemplary official service and loyalty to the craft. He belongs to the Grace. Mep0liticalpiscopal church and his political views accord with the principles of the republican party. He is well known in Dayton as a representative and reliable business man and throughout this and other states as one of the eminent and valued representatives of the Masonic fraternity. SAMUEL JUDY. The success which attended the efforts of Samuel Judy while he was actively connected with farming interests now permits him to live retired in the enjoyment of a handsome competence which is the merited reward of his persistent, earnest and indefatigable labor. He was one of the most extensive farmers of •German township, owning and cultivating about five hundred acres of land which has been in possession of the Judy family since 1805 and is now being tilled by his brother, the rich land responding readily to the care and labor which is bestowed upon it. Samuel Judy was born in 1821 and is 0fday the oldest native resident of the county, having passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life's journey. He has, therefore, witnessed the development of this part of the state from pioneer times and can tell many interesting tales of the early days when there were various log cabins scattered through the forests in districts where the timber had scarcely been touched. Comparatively few lots had been laid out and the settlers depended upon private conveyances, or the old stage routes, if it was necessary for them to travel from one place to another. The homes were largely heated by fireplaces and lighted by candles and there remained to the settlers the arduous task of clearing away the forests for the development of new farms. The years passed by and Mr. Judy witnessed many changes as the work of improvement was carried steadily forward. In his youthful days he attended the Brown Run school but his education was largely secured through experience and study at home in the evening hours, for he worked on the farm during much of the period that boys usually give to the acquirement of an education, as his services were needed on the old homestead. His parents were Jacob and Catherine (Hetzler) Judy. The former was a son of Christian Judy, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was the first representative of the family in Ohio, becoming one of the early settlers of Montgomery county. He was a shoemaker by trade but turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and as the result of his industry, economy and judicious investment became the owner of seven hundred acres of fine land. He was very energetic and diligent and as the years passed was accounted one of the wealthiest farmers of the community. He was a public-spirited citizen, always interested in the welfare and progress of the county, giving active aid and cooperation to many movements for the general good. In religious faith he was a Lutheran and assisted in building DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 547 the old State Road church. He married a Miss Cooper and their family included Jacob Judy, who was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. He, too, became a farmer, devoting his life to the tilling of the soil. He removed to Ohio with his father and assisted in clearing the land of the Judy estate. He married Catharine Hetzler and unto them were born seven children: John and Mary, both deceased; Samuel, of this review ; Catharine, who has also passed away ; Susan and Jacob, who are living ; and Elizabeth, deceased. As previously stated Samuel Judy was reared on the old homestead farm and having arrived at years of maturity was married October 26, 1842, to Miss Madeline Bean, of this county. They became parents of seven children: Jacob, who enlisted in the Union army in the Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry under Colonel Moore, was wounded in battle and died in the hospital. Martin married Clara Hendricks and their children were: Joseph, deceased; Samuel, who married Lena Emminger, and had a son, Harold ; John ; Helen; and Bessie. Catharine, the third of the family is the wife of George Hanger and their children are: Ernest; Lea ; Lily, the wife of John Robbins and the mother of Wallace Robbins; Wallace; Clara and Elizabeth. Abraham, the fourth of the family, married Lindley Poffenbarger and their children are: Mary, the wife of Charles Carney by whom she has one child, Carl ; and Chalmer. Mary is the wife of Henry Flickinger. Charles married Mary Michael and their children are: Hazel, Mildred, Dorris, Evelyn and two others. Lettie is the wife of Irwin Coleman and the youngest of the family. After losing his first wife Samuel Judy wedded Mrs. Williamson, a widow and the daughter of Samuel and Edith (Ford) Frances. His present wife was formerly Helen Kern of. Germantown, a daughter of Fred and Maria (Carter) Kern. Mr. Judy belongs to the United Brethren church and the fact that he is held in the highest esteem by all who know him is an indication that his life has ever been an honorable and upright one. He has now attained to a venerable age and his record is such that he can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. He has ever endeavored to live peaceably with his fellowmen, has been reliable in business affairs and his business honesty and personal honor have made his example one well worthy of emulation. CAPTAIN JOHN NELSON BELL. In a review of the records of leading men, noting that which has drawn to them the attention and respect of their fellows, it is not difficult to determine the salient characteristics of Captain John Nelson Bell, f0r certain facts and elements in his life stand prominently forth. These include a three years and three months' service in defense of the Union in the Civil war, a creditable business record and twenty-three years' service as grand recorder of the Grand Cornmandery of Knights Templar of Ohio. Now having reached the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he is still active as a representative of the craft and by reason of the sterling qualities of his life he enjoys those things 548 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY which Shakespeare has termed the accompaniments of age, "honor, love and troops of friends." A native son of Dayton, he was born December 18, 1838, and is descended from old American families, the ancestry on the maternal side being traced back to the Mayflower, while ancestors in the paternal line established homes on the shores of Maryland at an early period in the colonization of that state. His grandparents were residents of Greene county, Ohio, in the opening years of the nineteenth century, his paternal grandfather, John Bell, having been drowned in the Little Miami river in 1810. His parents became residents of Dayton as early as 1830. Spending his boyhood days in the home of his parents, John S. and Zipporah (Cock) Bell, Captain Bell attended the public schools 0f Dayton until he had completed a course at the Central high school and then, making his way westward, he engaged in teaching for a time on the prairies of Minnesota. Later he was for several years a local reporter on the Hawkeye at Burlington, Iowa, and during that period watched with interest the progress of events in the south, noting the discontent and the threats 0f secession engendered by the growing opposition to the practice of slavery, and resolved that if a blow were struck to overthrow the Union he would strike one in its defense, and thus it was when Fort Sumter was fired upon and the call was made for troops to serve for three months, he immediately joined the army. On the expiration of his first term he returned to Burlington and raised a company of volunteers, being commissioned, in 1862, captain of Company E, Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, his own valor and courage inspiring his men to deeds of bravery. He did active duty in the campaigns under Generals Grant and Sherman in the south and southwest and later participated in the siege of Vicksburg, in the storming of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, the campaign of Atlanta, the march through Georgia and the Carolinas, and then when the war was brought to a successful termination he marched with the victorious army through the streets of the capital city and before the reviewing stand on which stood the president and others high in authority, welcoming back the returning troops. While at the front Captain Bell was appointed assistant adjutant general and assistant inspector general on the staffs of General James S. Williamson and General George A. Stone, in Sherman's Fifteenth Corps, and received the commendation of his commanders in general orders for his faithful discharge of duty. For some years after the war Captain Bell was actively engaged in merchandising in Iowa and following his return to Dayton acted as bookkeeper until 1885, when he became secretary of the Ohio Fire Insurance Company, which connection he maintained until about ten years ago. Captain Bell has also been very active in Masonry and is most widely known in this connection, being one of the leading representatives of the craft in the state. He was made a Master Mason in Des Moines Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., at Burlington, Iowa, October 18, 1868 ; was exalted in Iowa Royal Arch Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M., October 2, 1869 ; and created a Knight Templar in St. Omer Commandery, No. 15, K. T., February 22, 1871. He is affiliated with the various York Rite bodies in Dayton since 1872 and has received the various de- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 549 grees of the Scottish Rite from the fourth to the thirty-second degree in the Valley of Dayton and in the Ohio Consistory at Cincinnati. In 1888 he was crowned a sovereign grand inspector general, thirty-third degree, and was made an honorary member of the Supreme Council, N. M. J., of the United States at Boston, September 18, 1888. He has been honored with many offices in the different branches of Masonry and, as stated, is serving for the twenty-third year as grand recorder of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, to which office he was first elected in October, 1886. He is also a member of the military order of the Loyal Legion and the Old Guard Post, G. A. R. During the interval between his first and second enlistment for service in the Union army, Captain Bell was married, the wedding being celebrated in Burlington, Iowa, November 3, 1861, the lady of his choice being Miss Annie Acres, a (laughter of Stephen F. Acres, of Gibraltar. As the years passed their family numbered six children : Charles W., William A., George H., Walter H., Mary V. and Nelson. The family are members of the Episcopal church and in politics Captain Bell has always been a stalwart republican, standing loyally by the party which was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war. Loyalty has ever been one of his strong characteristics and a review of his life work manifests the fact that his allegiance has been given to those things which work for honorable manhood and for progressive citizenship. HARRY FRENCH. Harry French, who is the head of the French family in Harrison township and works his mother's farm on the Beardshear road, about three miles from Dayton, in a northerly direction, was born July 7, 1872, on the Dan Booker farm, the son of George and Mary (Beardshear) French. The father, who was the son of George and Mary (Booker) French, was born in this state, but received his schooling in Richmond, Indiana. At the age of nineteen he came from Sidney, Ohio, to this county, where he 'engaged in his life's occupation of farming. On the 21st of September, 1870, he was married to Miss Mary Beardshear, and died a little less than two years afterward, on the 3d of August, 1872. Harry French received the beginning of his education in the public schools of Harrison township, but necessity compelled him to supplement this as best he could by study at home under the guidance of his mother, who had to fill toward him the place of a father as well. His experiences in the world of work have embraced many pursuits.. He started in at the carpenter's trade, but after working at it for some time he engaged in the creamery business. This he forsook to go into the railroad business with the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Company, with which he remained eight years. He next entered the employ of the National Cash Register Company, but after about nine years spent with this firm, he returned to the old farm and to cultivating it has devoted all his time and energy since.