600 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Infantry and was elected captain of Company H of the Third Infantry on the loth of April, 1900. On the 5th of July of the same year he became major of the Third Infantry and on the 21st of November, 1904, was elected colonel, with which rank he is still serving. He is prominently known in the military circles of the state and is very popular with officers and men. In politics he has been a life-long republican, active in the local ranks of the party and at one time was a candidate for congress but resigned before the time of election. He, therefore, wields a wide influence in political circles, his opinions carrying weight in the councils of his party. He is a valued and exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and was for seven years master of Minerva Lodge, No. 98, F. & A. M. He has also been high priest of Trinity Chapter, No. 44, R. A. M., belongs to Council Reese, R. & S. M., of Dayton ; and to Reed Commandery, K. T. ; and to the Consistory at Dayton. He has. likewise crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, holding membership in Antioch Temple at Dayton. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge, the Benevolent and Protective Order of. Elks and the Junior Order of American Mechanics, while his church relationship is with the Lutheran denomination. He is one of the popular, prominent and valued citizens of Miamisburg, where his genial manner, his freedom from ostentation, his business reliability and his genuine personal worth have gained him friendship, confidence and regard. While he is now ranked among the capitalists of this part of the state, he does not hold himself aloof from his fellows but is always genial and approachable, and true worth can always win his friendship. JOHN S. GREENWALD. John S. Greenwald, of Harrison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, holds perhaps the most prominent place among the fruit growers of this section, for the farm on which he makes his home is a tract of one hundred and ten acres of excellent land, lying about three and a half miles north of Dayton. The paternal grandfather, John Greenwald, was a successful farmer in Germany, and though he came to this country on a visit, he could not be persuaded to remain, but returned to his native land where he died. His son, Michael, the father of the subject of the sketch, came from Germany to Dayton, Ohio, when a young ,man. He had received all of his education in the land of his birth and had also had some experience as a farmer. He settled at first in Darke county, Ohio, but later removed to Logansport, Indiana, where our subject was born. In his early manhood Michael Greenwald had married Miss Annie B. Sauers, and the union was blessed with five children : Annie, Elizabeth, John, Sarah and Lydia. With the exception of Annie, who is in Alberta, Canada, the children are all living in this county. John S. Greenwald was born in Logansport, Indiana, January 1, 1863. He received the first lessons of life at home and from the schools of the county derived his first insight into education. With him, as with many boys raised in the country, work on the farm went hand in hand with school lessons ; it was DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 603 a wholesome combination, for it inculcated those habits of industry and application which have proved invaluable to him since going out into the world to make his own way. His experiences in making his own living differed little at the first froth those of the average young man who starts out to fight and win his own battles, but his industry soon enabled him to acquire some real estate in Dayton. Later, by dint of hard work and good management he was able to accummulate sufficient to purchase his present fine farm. On the 30th of November, 1890, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Greenwald to Miss Maggie M. LeCompte, of Dayton. Two 'children, Estella and J. Frederick, both in school, have been born to the couple. The family attend the Shiloh Christian church, of Harrison township, of which Mr. Greenwald is a trustee, and are very active in promoting its interests and work. The house in which they make their home is a very pretty building, attractively situated among a number of fine trees, and is but one of group of buildings that are pleasing and kept in the best condition. Mr. Greenwald has improved his heritage as a descendent of a stalwart race of men.' He is one of those who wins to the fore ranks in whatever they undertake, as the success of his fruit farming demonstrates ; and his fortune is the sweeter in that it has been attained by his own efforts and not through the misfortune of others and brings with it the good will and not the. dislike of those who know him. Being a man whose days are given up to hard work, he seeks his rest and diversion in the heart of a united family. CHARLES McNELLY. Charles McNelly, who is identified with the educational interests of Montgomery county as a teacher of district school No. 3 in Madison township, also owns a good farm of twenty-five acres on the Wolf Creek pike, about three miles west of Trotwood. He was born on the old McNelly homestead, which is located near his present farm, on the 30th of April, 1865, his parents being Daniel and Catharine (Shank) McNelly. The father, an. agriculturist by occupation, was also a native of this county and became well and prominently known within its borders. His family numbered ten children, namely : Warren; Calvin ; Clara ; Martha, who is deceased ; Charles, of this review ; Elizabeth and Katie, who have also passed away ; Edward; Althea ; and Charles McNelly pursued his preliminary education in the school in which he is now engaged in teaching and in fact received practically all of his mental training in Madison township, though he also attended Otterbein College at Westerville, Ohio. He is widely recognized as a successful educator, imparting' clearly and readily to 'others the knowledge that he has acquired and by his zeal and enthusiasm inspiring his pupils to do their best at all times. As stated above, he is also the owner of an excellent farm of twenty-five acres on the Wolf Creek pike and is well known and highly esteemed as a substantial, public-spirited and representative citizen of his native county. 604 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY On the 25th of June, 1899, Mr. McNelly was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Weidman, a daughter of Gottlieb and Barbara (Guehring) Weidman, who were natives of Germany and, crossing the Atlantic to the United States, took up their abode in Montgomery county. Mr. McNelly is a consistent member of the United Brethren church and has gained a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county in which his entire life has been spent, while his many sterling characteristics have gained him kindly regard and warm friendships. CHARLES A. KLINE. Charles A. Kline figures prominently in the business circles of Liberty as a member of the firm of Kline Brothers, general merchants, and also as the secretary of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Association of Montgomery county. He was born in Perry township, this county, on the 13th of April, 1863, and is a son of Peter and Mary A. (Lehman) Kline. The father was a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, while the mother's birth occurred in Montgomery county, Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation and devoted many years to general agricultural pursuits but also conducted a hotel at Johnsville for about ten years. He died in 1879 while his wife passed away in 1894. Charles A. Kline supplemented his early education, pursued in the public schools of this county, by study in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. In 1887 he began teaching in Jefferson township and for twenty-one years has been engaged in educational work in that township, contributing in large measure to the intellectual development of the community. For seven years he was principal of the schools at Liberty and, imparting readily, concisely and clearly to others the knowledge he had acquired, his work was eminently satisfactory to all concerned. In 1908 he purchased a general store in Liberty and now conducts the enterprise in connection with his brother Harvey C. Kline under the firm style of Kline Brothers. They carry a well selected line of goods, tastefully and attractively arranged and Charles A. Kline owns the store building in which the business is conducted. A man of resourceful ability he has not confined his attention to either commercial or professional interests but has extended his labors and since the 12th of May, 1902, has been secretary of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Montgomery county. This was organized July 14, 1877, and- has had a continuously successful existence since that time. The business has grown year by year and the total amount of policies in force on the 1st of December, 1908, was seven million, two hundred and fifty-seven thousand and two hundred and seventy-five dollars. Policies to the amount of almost two million dollars were written in 1908 and the total amount of policies in force on the 1st of January, 19o9, amounted to seven million, eight hundred and thirty-seven thousand, five hundred and fifty dollars. Mr. Kline has also figured in political circles and public affairs and his record has at all times been characterized by devotion to the general good. He was appointed postmaster of Liberty on the 1st of April, 1905, and is, therefore, filling the office at the present writing. He has also been township assessor for DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 605 the past three years, serving now for the second term. He is likewise the local manager of the United Home Telephone Company, in which capacity he has served since 1905. On the 1st of September, 1898, Mr. Kline was married to Miss Daisy E. Watson, a daughter of John W. and Elizabeth Watson. Her father was a farmer but is now living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Kline have one child, Robert Earl, born July 4, 1899. The parents are members of the Brethren church at Bear Creek and are actively interested in its work, Mr. Kline serving as secretary of the board of trustees for the past fifteen years. For many years he has been a valued representative of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is loyal to its teachings and its purposes. FRANK W. HOWELL. Frank W. Howell, attorney-at-law, practicing at the Dayton bar as a member of the firm of Powell & Howell, was born on a farm in Montgomery county, June 17, 1869. He was there reared and for six years attended the country schools, while spending his youthful days in the home of his father, W. F. Howell. He traces his ancestry back to Jonathan Howell, his great-great-grandfather, who was a native of Wales but left that little rock-ribbed country with four brothers to establish a home in America. He located in Maryland where he conducted business as a trader. At the time of the Revolutionary war his interests were on the side of the American troops and he aided in winning national independence. Throughout the period of his residence in America he made his home in Maryland and there passed away. Lampkin Howell, the great-grandfather, was for many years a resident of Maryland and later of Bracken county, Kentucky, where he died when his son, John M. Howell, was nine years of age. His old home place in that locality is still known as the Howell farm. John M. Howell, grandfather of Frank W. Howell, was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, and in early life followed blacksmithing but afterward gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. At his father's death he became a resident of Clermont county, Ohio, where he spent his remaining days. He wedded Mary M. Fee, a native of Clermont county and a daughter of Elijah Fee, who became one of the early settlers of that county and was well known in pioneer times as a farmer, justice of the peace and local preacher. He died in Clermont county when more than sixty years of age. . His daughter, Mary, became the wife of John M. Howell and they continued their residence in Clermont county until called to their final rest, Mr. Howell passing away in 1877 in his seventy-first year, while his wife died at the age of eighty-four. They were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and throughout the community in which they lived were known as people of the highest respectability and sterling worth. Their family numbered nine children including William F. Howell, who was reared in Clermont county, Ohio, and remained on the home farm until he was twenty years of age when he became a student in a commercial college in 606 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Cincinnati. For ten years he was connected with business interests in that city and in 1859 took up his abode on a farm three miles west of Dayton, where he still lives. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party. He has been well known as a representative business man, acting as a director of the Home Avenue Railroad and also of the Teutonia National Bank. He was at one time owner of one-hundred and seventy-five acres of land and still retains one hundred acres. He was married July 9, 1857, to Miss Sarah C. Applegate, a daughter of James and Mary (Snyder) Applegate, the former connected with the Applegate Publishing Company of Cincinnati, while for many years he was a prominent and influential citizen of Dayton. Mr. and Mrs. William F. Howell are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is still living on the old home farm at the age of eighty-two years and receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to one of advanced years, whose life record has at all times been honorable and upright. Unto him and his wife were born four sons and a daughter : Joseph A., deceased ; John W., who married Miss Anna Fee ; Thomas E., who wedded Miss Elizabeth Blackwell ; Frank Webster : and Mary. After completing his district school education Frank W. Howell entered the central high school of Dayton, from which he was graduated in 1886. He afterward spent two years in a private school and in 1889 continued his studies in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, completing the course there by graduation with the class of 1893, at which time the Bachelor of Science degree was conferred upon him. He pursued his legal studies in the Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated in 1895, coming immediately afterward to Dayton, where he entered upon active practice. In T898 he formed his present partnership, becoming junior member of the firm of Powell & Howell. He is filling the office of United States commissioner and in his law work is making steady advancement. Mr. Howell was married in Dayton to Miss Beatrice M. Sonders and they have three daughters : Kathryn, Beatrice and Pauline. Mr. Howell belongs to the Grace Methodist Episcopal church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party hut at no time has he ever been identified with secret orders. With laudable ambition to advance in his profession he feels that his time must largely be given to his work in this connection and his diligent research and study in the office always well qualifies him for the presentation of his case before court or jury. GEORGE W. HARTZELL. The simple weight of his character and ability has carried George W. Hartzell into important commercial relations and he is now conducting an extensive and profitable business as a wholesale dealer in hardwood lumber in Dayton. He was born in Union City, Indiana, in 1869 and in 1880 his parents removed to Greenville, Ohio, where he acquired a common school education. He turned his attention to the manufacture of hardwood lumber in 1882, in Greenville, Ohio, DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 607 and in 1904 he came to Dayton but still retains large interests in Greenville. The plant, which is located in Piqua, Ohio, is devoted exclusively to the manufacture of walnut plank, boards, panels and veneers ; also a line of black walnut furniture. Because of the durability and rarity of this wood and its possibilities for taking a high polish it has become one of the most valuable woods today used in furniture manufacture and Mr. Hartzell's business is now of an important character and brings to him substantial, annual profit. He is also the president of The American Wagon Stock & Walnut Company at Piqua, Ohio. Mr. Hartzell was married in 1890 in Greenville, Ohio, to Miss Deborah Norris, a daughter of Robert Norris, a United Brethren minister who for twenty-five years devoted his life to the work of the church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hartzell have been born three children, Ruth V., Robert N. and Rose V. The parents are connected with the. United Brethren, their membership being in the Oak street church. In his political views Mr. Hartzell is a republican but political preferment has little or no attraction for him. He is, however, serving on the school board of the village of Oakwood, a suburb of Dayton, where he maintains his home. In all matters relative to the general welfare he is interested and in as far as possible cooperates in movements for the public good. His business, however, is making increasing demands upon his time and energies for his trade is constantly growing in volume and importance. He is classed with the representative business men of Dayton although his residence here covers a period of but five years, and he enjoys the respect and unqualified regard of his colleagues and associates. CONRAD J. SCHMIDT. It is a trite saying that there is always room at the top and yet its truth is continually manifest in the business world where the men who are in control of affairs are ever seeking competent assistance. Intelligence, energy and perseverance are ever effective and forceful factors in winning advancement and have been the salient factors in the record of Conrad J. Schmidt, who stands today as one of the foremost representatives of his profession in Ohio, being now chief departmental examiner of accounts in Dayton. He was born in Canton Solothurn, Switzerland, November 26, 1858, and was brought to the new world in 1860, so that his training was distinctively American. Since T861 he has been a resident of Dayton and here acquired his education in the public and parochial schools but put aside his text-books at the age of twelve years in order to enter business life and provide for his own support. He began learning the cigarmaker's trade, which he followed for twenty years, in the employ of others, during which time he became familiar with the business in principle and detail. His long experience and efficiency well qualified him to carry on business on his own account when, in 1883, he established a cigar manufactory which he conducted successfully until 1894. In that year he was appointed deputy county treasurer under Thomas A. Selz and served for four years or two terms. On retiring from office he became bookkeeper for the Stillwell, Bierce & Smithvaile Company, with which he was connected until that corporation was succeeded 608 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY by the Platt Iron Works, of which he became chief accountant and so continued until December, 1907, when he was appointed chief departmentel examiner of accounts of Dayton and has since acceptably filled the position. He has also done other important public service. In November, 1907, he was elected a member of the board of education, was made a member of its finance committee and in January, 1909, was elected its president, in which connection he has labored earnestly and effectively for the interests of the schools. His political support is given to the democratic party and he is active in promoting its interests and securing the adoption of its principles. In 1880 Mr. Schmidt was married in Piqua, Ohio, to Miss Theresa M. Schunk, and they now have three children : Edgar C., Helen J. and Thekla L. Mr. Schmidt belongs to both the subordinate lodge and uniform rank of the Knights of Pythias, in which he has become major. He is also affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and is a worthy exemplar of the craft. He possesses a genial nature and an unfailing courtesy which render him a favorite in social circles and he has many friends in the city where he has maintained his residence for forty-eight years. JOHN KIRBY, JR. John Kirby, Jr., organizer and since its inception general manager of the Dayton Manufacturing Company, is a splendid example of that class of men who by sheer force of energy and ability have made their way toward success without any special advantages at the outset of their career. Learning valuable lessons in the practical school of affairs, he has turned each experience to good account and with keen sagacity has recognized and improved the opportunities of the business world until in his chosen field of labor he has become a recognized leader. At the same time business to him has been but one phase of existence never excluding his active participation in and support of the other vital interests which go to make up life. A native of Troy, New York, Mr. Kirby was born May 16, 1850, and in that city passed his first seventeen years, acquiring his education in the public schools. He sought the opportunity of providing for his own support when but twelve years of age, at which time he secured a position at 'tapping stove nuts in a stove works at Waterford, New York, where he remained for about six months. As there were no street cars in those days he was obliged to walk a distance of four miles night and morning to and from his work. When a half year had thus passed he entered the service of a photographer at Troy, New York, as errand boy and in the course of two or two and a half years was advanced to the position of photographer printer and toner. Five years' connection with the photographic business was terminated by his removal to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the fall of 1867 and there he was employed by an elder brother in repairing and manufacturing jewelry. In the summer of 1869 he engaged with the Illinois Manufacturing Company of Chicago and since that time has been closely associated with the manufacture of railway brass and bronze supplies. That connection gave him intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the business and he thereby became qualified for the conduct of a similar DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 611 enterprise on his own account. In December, 1870, the Illinois Manufacturing Company removed its plant to Adrian, Michigan, and Mr. Kirby went with it. While there residing, he was instrumental in organizing the Working Men's Mutual Aid Association which became a strong, influential and very beneficent organization in that community. On the 1st of August, 1875, Mr. Kirby accepted a position with Post & Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, as superintendent of the works of that concern, also engaged in the manufacture of railway brass and bronze supplies. He spent about eight years with that service, during which period his increased salary and careful expenditure combined to bring his sufficient capital to enable him in January, 1883, to organize the Dayton Manufacturing Company, and as its general manager, begin the manufacture of goods of the same character. He has since been in active control of the plant and his executive ability, mechanical skill and keen business discrimination have been the salient features in the success which has crowned the enterprise, making it one of the foremost productive industries of the city. It has been a successful venture from the start and its ramifying trade interests now reach out to a large territory. Mr. Kirby's resourceful ability has been further demonstrated in his connection with other business concerns. For fifteen years he was the president of another large manufacturing corporation, is vice president and director of .two mining companies, a director in another mining company and a member of the board of directors of two manufacturing companies. At all times his judgment has been found to be strong and reliable and the course that he has pursued has awakened the admiration and respect of his contemporaries and his colleagues. During his residence in Dayton he has cooperated in large and helpful measure with various movements inculcated for the benefit of the city along the line of its industrial and commercial development. In 1898 he was elected president of the Dayton board of trade, which position he filled for eight years or until the organization was merged into the Dayton Chamber of Commerce. He is now acting as a member of the executive committee of the latter and has been a co-operant factor in forming and executing many plans which has been directly beneficial to the city. Mr. Kirby was among the first to recognize the necessity of an organization of employers for the purpose of resisting encroachments of labor unions on the rights of employers and non-union men and restraining their excesses. He assisted in organizing the Dayton Employers' Association in 1900 and was elected president, which position he still fills. As this association was the first local organization of men engaged in all kinds of business, manufacturing, building, mercantile, etc., and is two years older than any other similar organization in the country, it is evident that Mr. Kirby anticipated the future in this important matter and met it with characteristic prudence and wisdom. He served as member of the Administrative Council of the National Metal Trades Association for five years, ending in 1908, and was one of the twelve men who organized the Citizens Industrial Association of America in 1904, since which time he has been a member of its executive committee. The welfare of the public in all matters of business, charity and philanthropy finds an advocate and champion in this prominent citizen of Dayton. His time, influence and money are always at the disposal of the city's public-spirited and 612 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY humanitarian enterprises, and were employed in the building of the Dayton Young Men's Christian Association which was recently erected at an expense of five hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Kirby was chosen chairman of the committee of one hundred which was charged with the responsibility of financing the proposition, also a member of the building committee. The dedicatory address was delivered by President Taft last year. Mr. Kirby was one of the first and foremost advocates of a tariff commission and was elected a member of the executive committee of the committee of one hundred which was appointed by the tariff commission convention, held in Indianapolis last February, for the promotion of a tariff commission. The early lesson of the success which follows industry and economy was not lost on Mr. Kirby, but has influenced his actions through life. This conviction of the duty and interests of the wage-earning class, combined with his experience with fellow workmen as members of the workingmen's association at Adrian, led him to believe that the present form of trades-unionism is not promotive of the best interests of workmen or the community. As a friend to workingmen he saw the abuses to which they were subjected and deemed it a duty to oppose what he regarded as an abuse by labor leaders and a menace to our form of government. Since that time he has led in the movement against organized labor as represented by the American Federation of Labor, the injunction obtained by his company against the Metal Polishers' Union being one of the first and most important of actions of this character. He has been a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Manufacturers for the past six years, and was recently elected president of this largest, most representative and influential organization of business men in the country. On the 25th of October, 1871, occurred the marriage of John Kirby, Jr., and Miss Marietta Smith Filkins, of Troy, New York, a daughter of Chester A. Filkins. They have two children, Edward Rollin and Marietta A. The former, who is carrying on a sales agency business in Cleveland, was married to Katharine Irwine, of New York city, and they have two children, aged twenty-eight and six months, respectively. The daughter, Marietta A., is now the wife of Hon. William H. Speer, judge of the circuit court of Jersey City, New Jersey, and they have three children, nine, five years and sixteen months, respectively. In politics Mr. Kirby is a republican, deeply interested in the party and its success. He has used his influence to further its interests and is a stalwart champion of its recognized principles. Whatever his hand has found to do he has done with his might and with a sense of conscientious obligation. His success in business has been notable. From the beginning he has studied closely the possibilities of the business which he organized and has wrought along new lines, manifesting that initiative spirit which passes beyond the methods in use and brings out new processes that are based upon wide experience and practical skill. The business of the company has been developed until it is one of the important and valuable industries of Dayton, the growth of the enterprise being attributable in large measure to the efforts of Mr. Kirby, who manifests keen discernment and far-sighted business sagacity. The same spirit prompts him in his cooperation with those movements which have direct bearing upon the municipal progress. In an analyzation of his career it is found that the subjective and objec- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 613 tive forces of his life are well balanced, making him cognizant of his own capabilities and powers while at the same time he thoroughly understands his opportunities and his obligations. To make his native talents subserve the demands which conditions of society impose at the present time is the purpose of his life. DANIEL W. KLEPINGER. Daniel W. Klepinger, superintendent of the Harrison township public schools of Montgomery county, was born October 7, 1862, in Madison township and represents one of the oldest families of the county. It is known that John Klepinger was the ancestor of the Klepinger people. He was born in Germany January 31, 1774. On the 31st of December, 1799, he married Elizabeth Benkard, who also was born in Germany. Unto this union were born ten children. The two oldest were George, who was born October 19, 1800 ; and John, born May 26, 1802. All of the Klepingers now living in Montgomery county are descendants of these two sons. John Klepinger, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and his wife removed with their family from Pennsylvania, where they first settled after coming to this country, to Ohio in 1815 and settled on a farm in Madison township, Montgomery county. Later they removed to Indiana, locating near Lafayette on the Tippecanoe battleground. This John Klepinger died October 12, 1833. Daniel W. Klepinger was a grandson of the second son of the above mentioned union and is the third child in a family of six children born unto Newton and Sarah Klepinger. His boyhood days were spent on the farm in Madison township, a mile southeast of Trotwood. While a boy he did such work as naturally falls to the lot of a farm lad, working diligently in the fields through the summer months, while in the fall he entered the rural school, therein pursuing his studies until with the return of spring he was again obliged to assist in the farm work. Determining to become a teacher, Mr. Klepinger entered the Ohio Normal university at Ada in the fall of 1882. After spending thirty weeks in this university, he began to teach in subdistrict No. 9, Madison township, then known as the Keener school. Two years later he temporarily gave up teaching for further study and was graduated from the university at Ada in 1888. Since that time he has been continually engaged in the profession of teaching, having had charge of elementary schools in Harrison, Jefferson and Van Buren townships. After which he served as superintendent of Washington township for two years and of Madison township for four years. During the past ten years he has been superintendent of the Harrison township schools. He has always regarded the profession of teaching as a very responsible but also as a delightful one. Under his supervision the high schools of both Madison and Harrison townships were placed upon a firm foundation. As an educator he has done excellent work, holding to high ideals and continually seeking out new methods to improve the schools and enhance the grade of work done therein. On the 614 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY 1st of September, 1908, he was appointed a member of the county board of school examiners for a term of three years. In 1892 Daniel W. Klepinger and Jennie May Miller were united in marriage and unto them were born five children, one son having died in infancy. The others are : Miriam Edna, Troy Emerson, Robert Miller and Evangeline. The family home is now in Harrison township near Dayton. Mr. Klepinger has thus far spent his life in this county, giving his attention to educational work. He has displayed much ability to impart readily and clearly to others and the power which he has manifested as an organizer have made the schools under his supervision of the highest grade. H. J. DREESE. In a review of Ohio's history one must be impressed with the fact that the development of its coal fields has been a most potent source of its commercial strength and substantial upbuilding. Closely associated with its mining interests, H. J. Dreese is now treasurer of the S. J. Patterson Coal Company, secretary and treasurer of the White Star Mining Company and Weyanoke Coal and Coke Company, the Tom Corwin Coal Company and the Gulf Coal Company. In these various connections his keen business insight and executive ability have constituted forceful factors in his success. Mr. Dreese is a native of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred near Perryville, January 25, 1863. His parents were Joseph and Amelia (Freed) Dreese. The father was born in Beavertown, Pennsylvania, in 1838, and the mother's birth occurred there in 1842. They are still living and enjoying good health. Joseph Dreese engaged in farming until his removal to Dayton about twenty years ago and is now stockkeeper for the Reynolds & Reynolds Printing Company. Both he and his wife are members of the English Lutheran church. Their family numbers two children. The younger, Mary, lives at home. She, too, is a member of the First English Lutheran church. The elder is H. J. Dreese of this review. His educational opportunities were only those offered by the common schools and he is a self-made man, being both the architect and builder of his own fortunes. He acquired his business education in the Eastman Commercial College at Poughkeepsie, New York, and remained upon the farm until coming to Dayton on the 30th of March, 1882, at which time he accepted the position of weight clerk and office boy with S. J. Patterson. In the intervening period, covering twenty-seven years, he has been continuously connected with S. J. Patterson, his ability winning him successive promotions until he became confidential secretary. In 1908 the business was reorganized as an incorporated company and Mr. Dreese became its treasurer. They conduct a wholesale coal business. Mr. Dreese is interested in mines in West Virginia and Ohio. Their main office is in Dayton with branch offices and selling agencies in Chicago and Detroit. They ship to all points of the United States east of the Mississippi river and their business has reached Mammoth proportions. The Weyanoke Coal and Coke Company's mine at Giatto, DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 615 West Virginia, has a capacity of from ten hundred to fifteen hundred tons of Pocahontas coal per day, and the Gulf Coal Company's mine, now being developed in West Virginia, will also be a very large mine. Mr. Dreese has been married twice. He first wedded Ella B. Harris, on .the 25th of September, 1887, and to them was born one' child, Burns H., whose birth occurred January 21, 1898, and who is now attending the Dayton schools. Mrs. Dreese was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of H. C. Harris. Her mother passed away about five years ago and Mrs. Dreese died on Christmas day of 1907. For his second wife Mr. Dreese chose Mrs. John C. Axe, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, whom he wedded January 6, 1909. She is a daughter of William Johnson, a retired shoe merchant of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, who is now deceased. Her mother, however, is still living. She has one brother, Thomas S., and a sister, Marie H., who are residents of Lewistown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Dreese is prominent in Masonry, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the United Commercial Travelers, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Grace Methodist Episcopal church. A man of high intellectual and moral worth, he is prominent in the business circles of the city, possessing that strength of character which comes from the development of one's native powers and talents in harmony with the principles of honorable manhood. BENJAMIN W. McCLARY. Montgomery county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her public offices, for with few exceptions they have been citizens of sterling worth, devoted to the best interests of the community at large and placing the public welfare before personal aggrandizement. To this class belongs Benjamin W. McClary, now serving as county recorder. He was born at Pemberton, Shelby county, Ohio, February 12, 1864, and in 1869 was brought to Dayton by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John B. McClary. His great-grandfather was a native of Scotland and became the founder of the family in the new world. The grandfather, John McClary, Sr., was born in New Jersey in 1806 and died in that state in 1886. His son, John B. McClary was born in Asbury county, New Jersey, in 1837, and in early life became a resident of Ohio. He served his country as a soldier in the Civil war, doing active duty with General Fremont's body guard. At his death he was a member of the county infirmary board and he passed away in Dayton in 1898, honored and respected by all who knew him because he had lived an upright, useful life. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Wilkinson, was born in Shelby county, Ohio, and still resides in Dayton. Benjamin W. McClary is one of seven surviving members of a family of eight children. He was only five years of age at the time of the removal to Dayton and in the public schools he pursued his education and at an early age put aside his text-books to start in business life as a messenger boy. Subsequently he became press feeder in the Journal office and in that connection rose through 616 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY successive promotions that came in recognition of his ability to the position of advertising manager, in which place of trust and responsibility he was capably serving when in 1906 he was elected county recorder, which position he is still filling. He led the ticket, receiving the highest vote of any candidate of the republican party at that election—a fact which is indicative of his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him. In 1908 he was again nominated and reelected to the office of recorder, his term expiring in 1911. In 1899 in Dayton Mr. McClary was married to Miss Maude Retter and they have one son, Harold B., born in 1902. Mr. McClary holds membership relations with the Knights of Pythias and also with the First Reformed church and is a member of the consistory. He is a substantial business man and has brought to his official duties the same qualities of enterprise, determination and unfaltering industry. CHARLES W. BARR. Charles W. Barr, a well known and successful stock dealer of Montgomery county, is also the owner of about seventy-five acres of fine farm land situated on the Valley pike about three miles north of the Dayton courthouse. He was born February 26, 1861, on the Yellow Springs pike on what was known as the old Harshman farm. The family was originally founded in Montgomery county by Henry Barr, the grand father of our subject and a native of Pennsylvania. At a time when this county was largely an undeveloped district he arrived here with his family and with characteristic industry and zeal set about clearing the land and established his home on the site where the city of Fairfield, Ohio, now stands. His son Abraham Barr was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, April 15, 1830, and was but a lad when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio. He married Catharine Louck and followed the occupation of farming throughout his life. In their family were twelve children, namely : Lemuel ; Elizabeth, now deceased ; Lillie ; Charles, of this review ; Venetta ; Henry ; Delilah, also deceased ; Oleva ; Russell ; Forrest ; Amos ; and Albert. Charles W. Barr was reared on his father's farm and the days of his boyhood and youth were passed in the acquirement of an education in the neighborhood schools and in the work of the farm. After laying aside his text-books he learned the butchers trade under Charles Mack and others and at the age of twenty-one years started out in business on his own account on West Fifth street in Dayton. His venture proved successful from the start and by dint of hard labor and careful management he acquired sufficient capital with which to purchase his present tract of seventy-five acres of fine farm land outside of the city of Dayton. In 1886 he built a fine country home, equipped with all modern conveniences, and has also erected large, substantial barns, which furnish ample shelter for his grain and stock. Here he deals in stock, conducting a wholesale butchering business, marketing beef and mutton. He formerly had one of the best known stands in Central Market and his business is proving a source of gratifying annual income. He is today recognized .as one of the well known DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 617 and prominent representatives of business life in his section of the township and whatever success has come to him is the logical result of close application and unfaltering diligence and perseverance. Mr. Barr has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Fannie Hafer, the daughter of Henry and Mary Hafer, and unto them was born one child, Bessie, who has now completed her school course. She has shown special aptitude for music and, having graduated in a course in music, is now engaged in teaching this art. After the death of his first wife Mr. Barr was united in marriage to Miss Emma Kern, a daughter of Adam and Catharine Kern. The family belong to the German Lutheran church and are prominent among a large circle of warm friends. He is enterprising and up-to-date in all his business methods, energetic and progressive, and his honorable and upright dealings have gained him the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens. ANDREW ASHBY MAYSILLES. Andrew Ashby Maysilles, who is well known as an educator throughout Montgomery county, has been closely and helpfully identified with educational interests for many years. He was born in Preble county, on the 21st of April, 1870, a son of Benjamin F. and Rachel F. (DeVinney) Maysilles, the former a well known blacksmith and manufacturer. He was nine years of age when he came with his parents to Montgomery county and his early education was acquired in the public schools of Brookville. Subsequently he attended the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio, from which he was graduated and received his teacher's certificate in 1896, while in 1904 he was granted a high-school life certificate. Mr. Maysilles has since devoted his time, energy and thought to the profession of teaching, his first position in that capacity being in the schools of Randolph township. He also taught in Madison township for three and half years and later for one term in Clay township, while he was teacher in the high school of the latter township for five years. He then was identified with the Brookville high school for ten years, during a part of which period he served as superintendent of that institution. For the past ten years, however, he has been superintendent of schools in Clay township and for two years--1907 and 1908—has acted in similar capacity in the schools of German and Miami townships. He has been a most capable and successful instructor, clearly and readily imparting to others the information which he himself has acquired, while at the same time he has gained a wide reputation as an-excellent disciplinarian, commanding at all times the obedience as well as the respect of his pupils. He has continued to remain a close student, ever seeking to broaden his own information by careful study and research and the high rank to which he has attained in his profession evidences his ability in his chosen calling. He served for two terms, or for six years, as a member of the board of school examiners for Montgomery county, and the high opinion in which he is held by his professional brethren is manifested in the fact that he was elected and is now serving as secretary of the Ohio State Association of Township Superintendents. He likewise holds membership in the Ohio Teachers' 618 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Reading Association. He is recognized as a very strong debater, having devoted considerable attention throughout his life to the study of argumentation, and his opinions on this subject are largely received as authority. On the 6th of October, 1901, Mr. Maysilles was united in marriage to Miss Mary Alice McNelly, of Brookville, a daughter of Warren and Sarah McNelly. Mr. and Mrs. Maysilles are members of the United Brethren church and are active in its work, while Mr. Maysilles is the teacher of the largest men's class in the Sunday school, it numbering one hundred and fifty members. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, is past chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias and past worthy master of the Grange. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has been a stalwart advocate of the principles of the democracy and has taken an active interest in the local politics of the community, his ability as a speaker making him a forceful factor in the campaigns of that party. When only twenty-two years of age he was a candidate for legislature on the democratic ticket but was defeated by his republican opponent. Recognized as one of the leaders of the party in this city, he was elected and served for one term as mayor of Brookville. His interest has also extended along other lines of activity and he is now a director of the Citizens Banking Company and has been for the past three years, and is likewise a director of the McNelly Brothers Mercantile Company. His life has been one of continuous activity and each step in his career has been a forward one, bringing him a broader scope and wider relations. His horizon has never been bounded by the limits of his profession but on the contrary he is found as a broad-gauged man, of public spirit, with constantly expanding interests, his native talents being continually developed through wide reading. WILLIAM FRANKLIN ROUDEBUSH. William Franklin Roudebush, a truck farmer of Mad River township, is the owner of nine acres of land on the Troy pike, about three miles from the courthouse. His birth occurred in Ellerton, Montgomery county, on the 2d of January, 1864, his parents being Frank and Sarah (Gebhart) Roudebush. The paternal grandfather was a manufacturer of Pennsylvania. Frank Roudebush learned the trade of a mechanic in the Keystone state and in early manhood made his way to this county, becoming one of the pioneers settlers here. He first took tip his abode near Centerville and later removed to Ellerton, where he was married and successfully carried on his interests for a time. Subsequently he went to Indiana, where he purchased a farm which he cultivated for five years, on' the expiration of which period he sold the property and returned to the old home place in Montgomery county, once more becoming identified with the blacksmith's trade. He was one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of his community, his labors contributing in no small degree to the early development and upbuilding of the county. William Franklin Roudebush obtained a good practical education in this county and while attending school also worked at farm labor and gave his father DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 621 the benefit of his assistance in the shop, thus gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the blacksmith's trade. He has likewise worked in a shop in Dayton and is an expert machinist. For five years he remained in the service of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, being promoted to a position as conductor after three years' service as brakeman. At present, however, he gives his time and energies to truck farming on his place of nine acres in Mad River township and in this business is meeting with a well deserved and commendable measure of success. He expects soon to build a new residence on the place and will equip it with all modern comforts and conveniences. In April, 1885, Mr. Roudebush was united in marriage to Miss Libby Leis, a daughter of Swingilis and Emma (Cotterman) Leis, the former being a truckster and cabinetmaker of Montgomery county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Roudebush have been born four children, namely : Mabel E., who is a grammar school graduate and also attended the Dayton high school for two years, while at present she is teaching music ; Clarence, who attended the Dayton high school for one year after completing his grammar school education and now assists his father on the farm ; Russell, who has also finished his education and resides on the home farm ; and Ruth, who is attending school. Mr. Roudebush and his family are consistent and devoted members of the Reformed church at Miamisburg. He is a lover of music and displays considerable talent as a musician, his children following in his footsteps in this regard. They are often called upon to play at entertainments and have given much pleasure to their many friends at both private and public functions of a social character. Mr. Roudebush is a worthy native son of Montgomery county and in his social and business life is recognized as a man of genuine personal worth, who has won the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. T. A. McCANN, M. D. Dayton, with its pulsing, industrial activity, has drawn to it many men of enterprise .who are continually striving to lift the standard of business and professional interests. To this class belongs Dr. T. A. McCann, recognized as one of the most able and successful physicians of this city. He was born on a farm in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1858, and there spent his youthful days working in the fields through the summer months while in the district schools he acquired his early education which was supplemented by a course in Denison University in Granville, Ohio. He afterward entered the Michigan University at Ann Arbor and in 1891 completed his preparation for the profession by graduation from the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, although he has remained a student of the science-of medicine to the present time, his reading and research keeping him in touch with the advanced ideas brought forth by the medical profession. In the year of his graduation he located in Dayton where he has since remained, and in the intervening years he has won a large and growing practice, his ability carrying him into important professional relations. He is always careful 622 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY in the diagnosis of his case and is seldom if ever at fault in predicting the outcome of the disease. He belongs to the Dayton Homeopathic Medical Society, the Miami Valley Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the American Institute of Homeopathy. In the first three he has been honored with various offices, serving as president of each. The Doctor is also a member of the state board of examiners and has been surgeon of the Miami hospital since its foundation. In 1899, in Dayton, Dr. McCann was united in marriage to Miss Jeanette Kratochwill and unto them have been born five children, namely, Harriett, Thomas A., Jr., James, Richard and Joseph. Dr. McCann is prominent in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second degree of Scottish Rite. He also belongs to the Sigma Chi and to the Baptist church. His life is actuated by high and honorable principles and his professional ideals place him with those who are striving to advance the work of the profession in every way. JOHN V. LYTLE. John V. Lytle is filling the office of treasurer of Montgomery county, in which connection he is giving acceptable service as the custodian of the public funds. He is actuated in all that he does by a public-spirited devotion to the general good and in the work of the office he displays the qualities of an enterprising business man who carefully systematizes his labors and thoroughly understands the duties and obligations that devolve upon him. Mr. Lytle was born in Dayton, April 21, 1870, a son of John S. and Mary (Voorhees) Lytle, the latter a daughter of Peter Voorhees, who was one of the earliest residents of this part of the state and owned the old stage line between Dayton and Cincinnati. John S. Lytle was born in Huntington, Pennsylvania, in 1821 and arrived in Dayton in the early '40s, continuing his residence here up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1900. His wife passed away in 1906. A brother of John V. Lytle, is Harry V. Lytle, superintendent of the Golf department of the Dayton Last Works ; and his two sisters are Jeannette ; and Lizzie H., now the wife of Harvey J. King, of Dayton. At the usual age John V. Lytle entered the public schools and pursued his education through the consecutive grades for a number of years, after which he spent two years in a private school. He then entered the wholesale shoe house of his father, John S. Lytle, who was operating in that line under the firm style of Lytle & Company. In 1893 the firm withdrew from the jobbing trade and began the manufacture of shoes in Dayton, continuing in the business until 1898. In that year John V. Lytle became assistant postmaster, which position he occupied for eight years under Ira Crawford and his successor, F. G. Withoft. In 1905 he was elected to his present office as treasurer of Montgomery county and has since continued in this position, his official record winning him high commendation, confidence and respect. In 1894 Mr. Lytle was married in Dayton to Miss Emma I. Crume, a daughter of William E. Crume, now deceased. There is one child of this Marriage, DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 623 Emelyn. Mr. and Mrs. Lytle have many friends in Dayton and enjoy the high regard of those whom they meet socially. Mr. Lytle is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and holds membership in the Grace Methodist Episcopal church. His political support has always been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has been active in political circles in Dayton, his efforts in behalf of the party being forceful and effective in promoting its successes. He served as secretary of the board of education in 1892 and 1893, and as secretary of the police board in 1905 and his present position as treasurer of Montgomery county has come to him as a merited tribute of his effective services, and he is well known as a public-spirited citizen. LOUIS H. SACKSTEDER. Louis H. Sacksteder, of Harrison township, is the owner of twenty-five acres of land which he devotes to market gardening. His birth occurred on Cincinnati street in Dayton, Ohio, on the 18th of August, 1865, his parents being John and Mary (Cetone) Sacksteder. The paternal grandfather, Peter Sacksteder, brought his family from Germany to the United States, establishing his home in Montgomery county, Ohio, and clearing the land on which our subject now resides. His demise occurred when he had reached the venerable age of ninety-one years, his remains being interred in Calvary cemetery. John Sacksteder, the father of Louis H. Sacksteder, was the first representative of the name in this county and was only five years of age when he accompanied his father on his emigration to the new world. After residing for a time in Rochester, New York, he made his way as a boy to Dayton in a canal boat, locating co what is now known as the old family homestead on the Cincinnati pike. His family numbered eight children, as follows : Katie ; Louis H., of this review ; Frank, a resident of New York ; Laura, of Louisville, Kentucky ; William ; Anna ; John ; and Margaret. Louis H. Sacksteder supplemented his preliminary education, acquired in the common schools, by a course in St. Mary's Institute at Dayton, of which he is a graduate. Early in life and while still attending school he assisted in the cultivation of the home place, thus gaining a thorough knowledge of truck farming, which line of activity has claimed his time and energies to the present date. Starting out in business life on his own account with a capital of but two hundred dollars, he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now classed with the prosperous and representative citizens of his native county and may rightfully be termed a self-made man. On the 23d of October, 1889, Mr. Sacksteder was united in marriage to Miss Frances Nock, of Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Nock, her father being a gardener of North Dayton. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sacksteder have been born five children, namely : Gertrude, Lawrence, Alma and Raymond, all of whom attend St. Mary's Institute ; and Thomas. In his political views Mr. Sacksteder is a stanch democrat and has served as a member of the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stal- 624 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY wart champion. He is a valued and consistent member of St. John's church and also belongs to the Catholic Knights of Ohio and the Knights of St. John. His life has been passed in conformity with the most honorable principles and his success has been so worthily won and is so richly merited that all rejoice with him in what he has accomplished. Having lived in Montgomery county from his birth to the present time, he has gained a wide and favorable acquaintance here and has won many friends by reason of a social, genial nature which everywhere commands regard and confidence. GEORGE B. EVANS, M. D. Dr. George B. Evans, physician and surgeon of Dayton, was born in Franklin, Ohio, in 1855, a son of Dr. Otho and Jane (Ballentine) Evans. The family is of Welch descent. The grandfather, who also bore the name of Otho Evans, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on the 9th of September, 1797, and in March, 1800, came to Highland county, Ohio. He began the study of medicine in 1818 with Dr. Jesse Smith, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was authorized to practice in 1823. For over sixty years he made his home in Franklin and was one of the leading physicians of that section of the state in early days. On the 3oth of December, 1824, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann C. Schenck, the eldest daughter of John N. C. Schenck and a niece of General William C. Schenck, the founder of Franklin, Ohio. The groomsman at this wedding was Admiral Schenck, who was also present at their golden wedding, celebrated on the 30th of December, 1874. Our subject's grandfather lived to be eighty-seven years of age and died in Franklin. The father, Dr. Otho. Evans, Jr., was born in that city, April 15, 1833, and died on the 15th of April, 1908. The birth of his wife occurred in the same city, August 31, .1833, and she passed away on the 27th of May, 1905. In their family were three children, of whom George B. is the eldest, the others being: Mortan H., a dentist of Toledo, Ohio ; and Anna E., the wife of Edward Moore of Dayton. Our subject's maternal grandfather was George Ballentine, who was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1793, and was married May I, 1823, to Miss Mary Patterson, who was born in Franklin township, Warren county, Ohio, December 22, 1803, a daughter of John and Jane Patterson. Eight children blessed this union. George Ballentine died December 18, 1852, and his wife passed away in 1887. Dr. George B. Evans continued a resident of Franklin until the spring of 1878, when at the age of twenty-three years he removed to Middletown, Ohio. In the meantime he had pursued his education in the public schools of his native town until he was graduated from the high school, while later he attended Hanover College, Indiana, and was graduated in 1875 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. That school has also conferred upon him-the Master of Arts degree. Subsequently he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, completing the full course by graduation as an alumnus of 1878. He then located for general practice in Middletown, Ohio, where he remained for two years, after which he entered the Ohio State Hospital for the Insane at Dayton as assistant physician, there continuing until November 15, 1882. His experience there was of much benefit to him,