950 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY active part in business affairs, but is now practically living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. On the 11th of December, 1866, Colonel Platt was united in marriage to Miss Mary Louise Barney, of Dayton, who was born. February 1, 1841, and they became the parents of six children, four of whom are still living, namely : Bertha, now the wife of E. M. Thacker, of Dayton ; Edwin F., mentioned above, who married Alice Stoddard, a daughter of John Stoddard ; Pauline, the wife of Frederick W. Ohie, who lives in Virginia ; and James D., Jr., who .married Anne Evans and makes his home in Dayton. The Colonel's summer home is on the old farm where he was born "at Schroon Lake, New York. He is very fond of outdoor sports and many of his leisure hours have been devoted to hunting, golf, etc. He usually supports the republican party, being in sympathy with its principles, but votes for the men whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices regardless of party ties. Socially he is a member of the Dayton Club and also of the Whist Club of New York. His active connection with business affairs made him widely known in this city and throughout much of the United States, and today Dayton has no more honored or highly respected citizen than Colonel James D. Platt. FRANK M. COPENHEFER. Frank M. Copenhefer, whose farm of two hundred and five acres in Wayne township, is a well improved place on which he lives, about nine miles north of the center of Dayton, on the Valley pike. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania,—the birthplace of the Copenhefers for three generations,—May 29, 1870, and is the son of John H. and Susan (Musser) Copenhefer. His great-grandfather John Copenhefer, was the first member of the family to come to this country and was but a young boy when he left his native Switzerland to start life afresh in the United States. His son Henry, and his grandson John H., the father of the subject of this sketch, were both born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where the latter grew up, was educated, and began his life's work. He was a prominent farmer, owning a large tract of land, with many other interests besides those of agriculture. When opportunity afforded he sold his Pennsylvania farm, and removed to this county, where he purchased another tract of considerable size, and on this passed the remaining years of his life. He was the father of five children : Harry, of Clark county ; Joe, of Dayton ; Frank M. ; Elizabeth, who lives at home ; and Jennie, now deceased, who was the wife of Cyrus Niffly and 'the mother, two sons and two daughters : 'Susan, Anna, Frank and John. Frank M. Copenhefer was but six years of age when he came to this county. He was reared at home and received the larger part of his education in the schools of Clark county. Work on the farm consumed much of the time that was not given over to the preparation of lessons, so that by the time that he had reached man's estate he was fully equipped to cope with problems of the soil. In farming of a general kind he has been very successful and of late years he has also engaged in stock raising to some extent, and has bought and sold many heads of cattle. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 951 He has many interests besides his farm and stock, being a public-spirited citizen and a man who appreciates to the full the pleasures to be obtained through close association with his fellows. For the space of ten years he has served the people diligently as clerk of the township, and.they have had no reason to complain of the way he has discharged his duties but trust that he will not soon be persuaded to resign them. Seven fraternal organizations claim him among their members, to all of which he gives devoted allegiance, and in whose welfare he is much interested. He is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Encampment, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the Woodmen of the World, all of Osborn. He also belongs to the Pythian Sisters and the Daughters of Rebekah, of which his wife is a member. Of the Garfield Club he is a prominent member as well. In the year 1892, Mr. Copenhefer was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Beyl, the daughter of Sol and Mary Beyl. Her father came here from Pennsylvania and is a farmer prominent in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Copenhefer three children have been born, two daughters and a son : Hettie, John and May, all of whom are in school. The family are all stanch members of the Methodist church of Osborn and, following Mr. Copenhefer's lead, are active in all its work. He is one of those men who is generously endowed with traits of character that endear him to his fellows and make for sound friendships. He is also possessed of those firmer traits that make for success in the struggle for life. SIMON SMITH. Simon Smith richly deserves the proud American title of a self-made man for, starting out in life for himself at a very early age, he has since worked his way steadily upward until today he ranks among the progressive and influential farmers of Butler township. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland county, on the loth of March, 1844, and is a son of Simon and Mary (Rodcrdaugh) Smith. On account of the early death of his parents he knows but little concerning the family history. The father passed away in Greensburg, where his remains were laid to rest, while the mother's demise occurred in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 185o, her remains being interred in a cemetery of that city. When but a little lad of four or five years Simon Smith accompanied his aunt on her removal to Dayton, Ohio, and in the common schools of that city he acquired his education. When little more than a child, he lost both of his parents and he was thus early thrown upon his own responsibility. After setting aside his text books he at once took up the occupation of farming and has since been actively engaged in this connection. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-three acres of fine farm land in Butler township, Montgomery county, to the improvement and cultivation of which he is directing his energies. He early learned that there is no excellence without labor, no royal road to wealth, and he toiled early and late to overcome the obstacles and difficulties that beset his path, ere he attained the gratifying degree of prosperity which he now enjoys. His indefatigable energy, 952 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY his undaunted enterprise and his untiring perseverance have been the salient elements in his present success. In 1869 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Alice Crosby, a daughter of James and Lydia Ann (Baner) Crosby, natives of Philadelphia and Cape May, New Jersey, respectively. Her father, who was born in 1812, came to Ohio at the age of eighteen, settling in Warren county, and he was engaged in general farming until his demise, which occurred in September, 1884, in Montgomery county. His wife, whose birth occurred in 1817, passed away in June, 1886, her remains being interred in Greencastle cemetery, where her husband was also buried. She was an orthodox Quaker and an earnest, conscientious Christian woman. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Simon Smith were born ten children, namely : Mattie, born July 2, 1870 ; Albert; born July 7, 1871 ; Lottie A., born June 13, 1872 ; Etta May, born January 7, 1874; Oella, born February 13, 1875 ; Rollo J., born April 3, 1876; Wilmer S., born March 19, 1880; Harry C., born August 17, 1881 ; Walter B., born March 1, 1885 ; and Warren B., born June 1, 1892. Of this number three have now passed away, namely : Lottie, whose death occurred August 25, 1872; Etta, who died July 12, 1874 ; and Oella, who passed away on the 12th of July, 1875 here. They are all buried in the cemetery at Greencastle. The eldest daughter Mattie, is now the wife of F. E. Dixon and makes her home in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They have two children, Marguerite and Marie. Albert married Elizabeth Norton and resides in Jackson, Mississippi. They have five children, Chester, Roy, Helen, Alice and Mary. Rollo J. wedded Eva Keeton and with their three children, Bessie, 1-Tanis and Wilber, resides at Knobel, Arkansas. Wilmer and Warren are both living at home. Harry, who married Floy Holbert, by whom he has one child, Lester, resides on the home farm, and Walter B., who also lives at home, is a stenographer for the Barney Smith Car Company. During the dark clays of the Civil war, Mr. Smith was a loyal defender of the Union, serving from October, 1861, until July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. In politics he votes with the democratic party and is public spirited in his citizenship. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of honest labor. Starting out in life without any favoring circumstances, through the exercises of his dominant powers—ambition, energy and industry—he has worked his way up and is now classed among the prosperous and influential farmers of Butler township. GABRIEL IZOR. Gabriel Izor, a farmer and fruit grower of New Lebanon, Montgomery county, started upon his life's journey in Preble county, this state, on the 7th of July, 1850, the son of Philip and Mary (Beachler) Izor. The Izor family had for two generations been identified with the life of Preble county, for Peter Izor, the grandfather of Gabriel, was one of the early settlers there, coming from his native state of Pennsylvania, and settling in that county, long ere it had attained the development it enjoys at present. DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 953 Gabriel Izor from his childhood's days has devoted himself to farming. As a young boy, from the time he was large enough to perform the simplest of the tasks about the home, he became habituated to methods of agriculture under the guidance of his father and even when attending school, he assisted in the- work of the farm. For many years, he pursued that vocation in the county in which he was born and at other places, but about fourteen years ago removed to the farm in Montgomery county, which he occupies at present. Of late years, he has gone into fruit raising to quite an extent, but continues to follow general farming. Shortly after attaining his manhood, Mr. Izor was married on the l0th of April, 1873, to Miss Adeline Zeck, the daughter of Solomon and Sarah (Lindermuth) Zeck.. Five children have been born to them : William, who came into the world in 1873 ; Charles, born in 1875 ; Sadie Alice, in 1878; John Wesley, in 1882 ; and Dorsey, in 1887. The family are all active members of the Lutheran church and are closely identified with both its social and religious work. Mr. Izor is a man who has been prominent in the life of his township, for he is possessed of considerable public spirit which has been appreciated by his fellow-townsmen, who have elected him to many offices in the township, all of which he has filled with marked distinction and honor, but it is in matters pertaining to education that he takes the greatest interest, realizing that a good schooling is one of the best preparations the young obtain for the battles of life. His voice is ever raised on the side of progress in these matters. Indeed he is a man with whom steady progress goes hand in hand with conscientious work and devotion to the daily tasks of life. He is respected and honored by all who know him and has the good-will of those who have witnessed his success, for- this has come through his own efforts, not through the exertions of another. JACOB STINE. Jacob Stine, a well known resident of Perry township, his home being near Lewisburg, is a native of Montgomery county, born in Jefferson township on the 21st of May, 1852, and is a son of George and Margaret (Beachler) Stine. The father was a native of Maryland, born June 7, 1821, his parents being John and Catherine (Gilbert) Stine, who in company with their three sons came to Ohio in February, I6323, from their old home in Frederick county, Maryland. The journey was made in covered wagons and it was six weeks before they reached their destination, having spent one whole day in crossing the river at Wheeling, West Virginia. That night his wagon was robbed and the five hundred dollars which he had saved from his earnings to purchase land was taken from him leaving him only twenty-five dollars in his pocket. Nothing daunted, however, he determined to establish a home for himself and family in Montgomery county, and his hopes were later realized. Shortly after locating here one of his sons died and subsequently two sons and one daughter were born here, making six children who lived to marry and rear families of their own. Today his descendants number two hundred and twenty-two, and with the exception of fifty-three all live in Montgomery county, Ohio, forty-two being residents of Shelby county, 954 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Indiana, five of Columbus, Indiana, two of Edinburg, Indiana, and four somewhere in Illinois. Soon after his arrival in Dayton, which was then a very small place, he located on the ground now occupied by the National Soldiers Home and a few years later purchased a small tract of land a few miles distant, where he reared his family. Most of his descendants have devoted themselves to agricultural pursuits. George Stine, the father of our subject, was married December 13, 1845, to Miss Margaret Beachler, and they became the parents of eight children, namely: Sarah E., born July 31, 1847 ; Mary M., June 21, 1849 ; Jacob, May 21, 1852 ; Margaret Ellen, April 18, 1854; Amanda Catherine, April 21, 1856 ; Malinda, December 10, 1858 ; Lovina Rachel, November 15, 1861 ; and George Monroe, September 11, 1866. Jacob Stine was reared and educated in much the usual mariner of farmer boys of his time and locality. Soon after reaching manhood, he was married, on the 14th of October, 1875, to Miss Eliza Ann Fortney, who was born July 23, 1857, her parents being Samuel N. and Frances (Brooker) Fortney, residents of Jefferson township, Montgomery county. Mr. and Mrs. Stine have two children living, while one son, Charles Adam, born March 13, 1877, died July 19th of that year. Harvey Wilson,the second son, was born April 25, 1878, and was married on the 14th of January, 1900, to Miss Bertha Ann Miller, who was born December 17, 1881. They have two daughters: Nina Marie, born August 14, 1901; and Erma Irene, born December 31, 1902. Harry Elmer, the youngest son of our subject, was born April 24, 1884, and was married May 22, 1903, to Miss Edith Estella Poe, whose birth occurred December 7, 1883. They have one son, Everett Monroe, born November 28, 1904. Mr. Stine belongs to that class of men who are termed self-made, owing their success entirely to their own unaided efforts, their good business ability and sound judgment. He is public-spirited and progressive and takes an active interest in educational affairs, having served efficiently as school director for some time. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church and have the respect and esteem of all who know them. THOMAS DE ARMON. Thomas De Armon is president of the City National Bank of Dayton and 'is officially connected with various other institutions of this city. He was born in the vicinity of Dayton, Montgomery county, this state, in 1842, and comes of Scotch, Irish and French lineage. His grandfather, David De Armon, a native of County Down, Ireland, came to America at the age of seventeen and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he married a Miss Le Van. His son, Alexander De Armon, the father of our subject, was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and married Isabel McGregor, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and a daughter of Thomas and Janet McGregor, who came to America when Isabel was six years of age. Thomas De Armon attended the public schools of Dayton until fifteen years of age. He laid aside his text-books, however, at the end of his first year of high DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 957 school and went to work in the paper mill of Mead & Weston, where he remained for two years. At the age of eighteen years he entered the machine shop of Thompson, McGregor & Company and mastered the details of that trade. As his ability and experience increased he was promoted from time to time and continued with the firm throughout the various changes in its ownership. Their first change was to McGregor & Callahan and subsequently the firm conducted business under the name of W. P. Callahan. This in turn became W. P. Callahan & Company and is now known as The W. P. Callahan Company, of which Mr. De Armon is president. His present official position came to him as the logical result of indefatigable energy, untiring industry and unfaltering perseverance, and throughout the intervening years, as he has prospered, he has extended his interests along other directions until today he is the president of the City National Bank of Dayton ; president of the Equitable Loan & Savings Association ; and president of the Ohio Paper Company at Miamisburg, Ohio. In his various official capacities he is exerting his efforts toward administrative direction and executive control and his business sagacity and keen discernment are proving potent elements in the success of the several enterprises with which he is connected. The only interruption in his active business career came when, responding to his country's call for aid, he went to the front as a private of Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, his term covering one hundred days. In 1873, in Dayton, Mr. De Armon was united in marriage to Miss Lila G. Ensey, a daughter of Dennis and Margaret (Wilson) Ensey. As the years passed their home was blessed with three children, namely; Margaret, the wife of Frank K. Neill ; Helen I. ; and Robert L. Religiously Mr. De Armon is a Presbyterian, a member of the Third Street church, while politically he gives his support to the republican party. He has served as tax commissioner and as a member of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a stanch champion. He is a prominent figure in fraternal circles, being a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, a Knight Templar and also a member of the different subordinate bodies. He is likewise identified with the Knights of Pythias, also holds membership in the Dayton City Club and is popular with a large circle of warm friends. He is eminently a man of affairs, while in his citizenship he is true to those principles which stand for high and honorable manhood. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Dayton and at the same time he has carried forward Ills private business interests, being conspicuous among his associates not only for his success but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods. CLEMENT R. GILMORE. Clement R. Gilmore, enjoying an extensive clientage as a practitioner of law in Dayton, his position in the legal circles of the state being indicated by the fact that for five years, he has been honored with the position of treasurer of the Ohio State Bar Association, was born at Eaton, Preble county, Ohio, September 5, 1858. 958 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY His father, William J. Gilmore, was a native of Virginia, born in Bedford county, in 1821. When but four years of age, he was brought to Ohio by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Eli Gilmore, who in 1825, located in Preble county. Their son, William J. Gilmore, was here reared and educated and in early life engaged in teaching school but, desiring to become a member of the legal profession, he studied in preparation therefor and in 1847 was admitted to the bar. He then located for practice in Hamilton, Ohio, where he remained for two or three years, after which, he removed to Eaton, where he soon established himself in a successful and growing law business. In 1852, he was elected prosecuting attorney in Preble county and served for two terms while in 1857, he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term on the common pleas bench. Proving a capable incumbent in that position, his decisions being characterized by equity and a comprehensive knowledge of the law. In 1862 retiring from the bench, he resumed the private practice of law in Eaton, but in 1867, was again chosen for judicial honors, being elected to the common pleas bench whereon he served until 1875. Higher judicial honors awaited him for in that year, he was chosen a judge of the supreme court of Ohio and for five years acted as a member of the highest tribunal of the state, proving himself the peer of the ablest members, who have sat upon the bench of the court of last resort. When his term was expired, he located for practice in Columbus, where he remained as an active, honored and influential member of the profession until his death in 1896. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party, but at the time of the Civil war, he was a stanch advocate of the Union cause and served with the Squirrel Hunters in pursuit of General Morgan. Clement R. Gilmore spent his youthful days in the place of his nativity and in the common schools pursued his education through successive grades, until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1877. He then entered the University at Wooster, Ohio, but did not graduate because impaired health caused him to put aside his studies. For two years afterwards, he was engaged in civil engineering and in 1881, he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he spent two years as special examiner in the state insurance commissioner's office and was active in routing out of Ohio the "graveyard insurance companies." Subsequently, he filled the position of bookkeeper for two years in a wholesale grocery in Columbus, after which he entered upon the study of law in his father's office in the capital city and was admitted to the bar in 1888. He then practiced with his father in Columbus, until the latter's death in 1896, after which Clement R. Gilmore went to California, where he remained for a year. On returning eastward, Mr. Gilmore located at Eaton, Ohio, where he practiced for two years and in 1903, came to Dayton, where for six years, he successfully followed his profession. He now has a large and important clientage and his superior ability enables him to successfully handle the litigated interests entrusted to his care. He is a member of the local and state bar associations and of the latter, has served as treasurer for five years. Aside from his professional interests, he is known in business circles as the director of several corporations. In 1889, Mr. Gilmore was married in Cleveland to Miss Ellen Porter Gardner, a daughter of Commodore George W. Gardner, of Cleveland, who was for two DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 959 terms mayor of Cleveland and one of its most honored and prominent citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore now have two sons and one daughter. In his fraternal relations, Mr. Gilmore is a Royal Arch Mason. He belongs to the Phi Delta Theta, a college fraternity and to the Saturday Club, while his religious convictions are indicated in his membership in the First Presbyterian church, of which he is now serving as a trustee. In politics, he is an ardent democrat, taking an active interest in the party and frequently serving as a delegate to state conventions. His influence is strongly felt in those lines to which he has directed his activity and he is now one of the prominent and successful lawyers and business men of Dayton. SAMUEL HARRISON BASORE. Samuel Harrison Basore is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits on his valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Madison township, situated about a mile and a half northeast of the Salem pike. It was on this farm that his birth occurred on the 8th of January, 1859, his parents being Samuel and Lydia (Fetters) Basore. The paternal great-grandfather, who emigrated from Germany, was the first representative of the name in this country, taking up his abode in Berks county, Pennsylvania. The first representative of the name in Montgomery county, was Benjamin Basore, the grandfather, who, leaving the Keystone state, cast in his lot with the early settlers here. Samuel Basore, the father of our subject," was eighteen years of age when he made the journey from Pennsylvania to this county, finding the district largely an unsettled and undeveleped region. He was numbered among the first settlers in this part of the state and assisted in clearing the land of the timber. He purchased from David Lord the property which is now known as the old Basore homestead and is owned and operated by Samuel H. Basore, of this review. His family numbered eight children, namely : Absalom and Sarah, both of whom are deceased ; Catherine ; Elizabeth ; Lydia ; Susan ; John ; and Samuel Harrison. The surviving members of this family are all residents of Montgomery county. During the period when Samuel H. Basore attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education, he also assisted in the work of the home farm, thus early gaining extensive and practical knowledge of the occupation to which he has devoted his time and energies throughout his active business career. He has remodeled the large brick residence which was built by his father about sixty years ago, has brought the old homestead property under a high state of cultivation and improvement and in his general farming interests, has met with a most gratifying measure of prosperity. On the farm there is also an old log cabin, which was erected in 1797 and is still in comparatively good condition. Mr. Basore intends remodeling the same, so that it may be preserved as a relic. On the 28th of February, 1884, Mr. Basore was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Dohner, a daughter of Henry Dohner. She came to this county from Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, about twenty-seven years ago and by her marriage has become the mother of three children, as follows : Harry, who wedded 960 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Miss Lillie Wolf and has one child, Mabel ; Alice, the wife of George Murray ; and Ida, who has completed her education and is living at home. Mr. Basore is now serving as county trustee, which position he has capably filled for the past two years. He has also acted as a school director for six years, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. The name of Basore has been closely associated with the agricultural development of this county throughout the entire period of its growth and improvement and Samuel H. Basore, like his father and grandfather, has made a creditable record by his activity, enterprise, integrity and success in his chosen field of labor. JOHN V. WHITE. John V. White, a prosperous farmer of Miami township, lives upon his farm on the Springboro road, about one mile east of Alexanderville. He was born August 29, 1855, in a log cabin on this farm and is a son of James V. and Hester Ann (Nevinger) White. The father, who was the son of John V. and Elizabeth White, was born in this county and bought the place upon which his son lives. It had already been cleared and upon it he engaged in general farming, but being in poor health the care and responsibility of the place early devolved upon his son, John V. White. The latter was the only son of his parents. He was reared at home and there and in the common schools of the county acquired those fundamental lessons of life that have made possible the success of his later years. From the time that he was able to assume the smallest responsibility about the home he has done his share of what there was to do, and as he grew older and his father lost in strength, the burden of the farm fell more and more upon his shoulders. For a time, however, he worked at the trade of a wagonmaker, in which he had some experience, but it was for only a short time, and the large part of his life has been spent in the cultivation of the soil. On the 16th of November, 1879, was solemnized the. marriage of Mr. White and Miss Margaret Christman, who is the daughter of John and Catherine (Couterie) Christman. But one child, Dotty, has been born to them. She is now the wife of John H. Musselman, who is engaged in the plastering business in Dayton, and is the mother of a daughter, Catherine, who is two years old. To the Presbyterian church the family give their religious adherence and are regular in their attendance at its services and eager in their work for its welfare. Though so skillful a farmer, Mr. White does not permit his home duties to absorb all his time and energy to the detriment of his enjoyment of the simpler joys of life and of the spirit of public service that has actuated him for years. For three terms he has been justice of the peace, and at the last election was given a large majority, but would not accept the honor which the people would thrust upon him. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to the Marion Lodge, No. 18, and to Encampment No. 82. In both the organization and its members he takes an active interest and is ever ready to exert himself in its or their behalf. In short he is a man who, not shirking responsibility when it came to him, by the simple DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 961 performance of his duties, has built for himself a character of stability and worth. His public service was all that could be asked of any man, and it is only regretted that he saw fit to resign the office he had so well filled for many years. ALFRED LEO SILBERMAN. Alfred Leo Silberman, a druggist and pharmacist of Miamisburg, where he was born November 10, 1879, is numbered among the more successful of the young and enterprising business men of the city. His paternal grandfather, John .Silberman, was one of the early settlers of Dayton, where he established and conducted a blacksmith shop. He married Miss Margaret Bauer and unto them were born two sons and three daughters. John Silberman died when more than sixty years of age, while his wife reached the advanced age of seventy-nine years. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Philip Elsass, who was born in Germany, near the French line. He was a farmer by occupation and on coming to the United States, settled near Canton in Carroll county, whence he afterward removed to Auglaize county, taking up his abode near Wapakoneta. There he died at the age of sixty-eight years, while his wife, Mrs. Magdalena (Young) Elsass, passed away at the age of seventy-six years. They were the parents of eleven daughters. Adam Silberman, the father of our subject, is a native of Dayton and has always been engaged in the shoe business. He has spent his entire life within the borders of Montgomery county and has made his home in Miamisburg, since March, 1876. He and his wife are still living in Miamisburg and are among its most respected and worthy citizens. In early manhood, he wedded Miss Margaret Elsass, who was born near Canton, Ohio, and they became the parents of two sons and two daughters : Laura May, the wife of C. M. Schuber ; Clara Louise; Alfred L.; and Carl Elsass. The last named is now deceased. Alfred Leo Silberman was reared in Miamisburg and attended the public and high schools. He then began clerking in Mr. Bohn's drug store and studied pharmacy, being graduated from the Ada College of Pharmacy with the class of 1899. He was afterward employed for a few months in Dayton and subsequently engaged in clerking in a drug store in Cincinnati for six years. In March, 1906, he bought a drug store in Miamisburg, known as the Central Drug Store, owned by the firm of Albrecht, Niswonger & Rogers and is now proprietor of that establishment. He has a well appointed stock, neatly and tastefully arranged and his business has been continually growing as he proved himself worthy of the public patronage, both by, his knowledge of the drug business and his reliability in his commercial transactions. On the 29th of September, 1903, Mr. Silberman was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Emma Deitsch, a daughter of Colonel Philip and Anna Jane (Johnston) Deitsch, of Cincinnati. She was born in that city while her father was a native of Germany and her mother of Ireland. For seventeen years, her father occupied a prominent place in municipal affairs as chief of police of Cincinnati. Unto Mr and Mrs. Silberman, have been born two children, Dorothy Jane and 962 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY Carl Auswell. The parents are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Silberman belongs to Hoffner Lodge, No. 53, F. & A. M., of Cincinnati ; and to Cumminsville Chapter, No. 158, R. A. M. He is also connected with the Junior Order of American Mechanics, belonging to Star City Council, No. 277. Politically he is a republican and he lives on South Seventh street. His success in business and his active connection with the work of general improvement and progress gain him classification with the representative and honored residents of Miamisburg. EUGENE J. BARNEY. For almost six decades the name of Barney has figured continuously in connection with the industrial development of Dayton and for forty-two years Eugene J. Barney has been a factor in the city's growth in this connection as a member of the extensive enterprise now operated under the name of the Barney & Smith Manufacturing Company. As a financier he has also occupied a position of prominence, and in other fields his activity has been a source of substantial benefit to the city and state as well as a factor in his individual prosperity. When the city of Dayton had scarcely merged from villagehood his father, Eliam E. Barney, took up his abode here and the son was born in Dayton, February 12, 1839. The father's interest in education naturally led him to give his son excellent opportunities in that direction and when he had mastered the branches taught in the public schools here he went to Rochester, New York, and pursued a course in the Rochester University. Returning to Dayton in 1866 he purchased the interest of S. F. Woodsum in the Barney & Smith Car Works and bent himself to mastering the business in principle and detail, knowing that successful management must ever depend upon a thorough knowledge of the enterprise under control. In a few years Mr. Barney had displayed such aptitude and readiness in understanding the business in its different departments that he was made superintendent of the works and upon the retirement of Mr. Smith he was elected vice-president and superintendent, so continuing until 1880, when upon the death of his father, he was chosen to the presidency. Since that time he has been the chief executive Officer and the history of the Barney & Smith Manufacturing Company through more than a quarter of a century is largely the record of Eugene - J. Barney's commercial advancement. In other lines, also, he has demonstrated his ability in his successful solution- of intricate and complex business problems. He is now the president of 'the Dayton Manufacturing Company, -president of the Cooper Hydraulic Company and the Dayton Arcade Company and a director of other concerns. He has become associated with financial concerns as a director of the Fourth National Bank and of the Union Safe Deposit & Trust Company. His name is also on the directorate of the National Improvement Company, the City Street Railway Company, the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company, the New York, Lake Erie & Western Rail- way Company, the Davis Sewing Machine Company and other concerns. What he undertakes he carries forth to successful completion nor has he been slow to en- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 965 courage others who are seeking through their own efforts to attain something of the prominence and success which have crowned his labors in the business world. On the 12th of February, 1862, Mr. Barney was united in marriage to Miss M. Belle Huffman, the eldest daughter of the late W. P. Huffman, of Dayton, and the children born to them are Mrs. Anna B. Gorman ; Julia, deceased ; Mrs. Marie B. Reynolds ; and Eugene E., who has also passed away. The wife and mother died in January, 1905, and later Mr. Barney married Mrs. Elinor M. Chapman, of Dayton. The history of Mr. Barney is another illustration of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously. The recognition and utilization of opportuities have been salient features in his career, bringing him into important business relations. He is well poised at all times, careful and conservative in his judgment, yet progressive in his methods, and what he has done in the business world is but the measure of his ability. He succeeded his father as trustee in Denison University and held that position for twenty-nine years. During this time he has contributed liberally towards the support of that institution being one of the most liberal contributors and he has also been very liberal in his gifts to the Young Men's Christian Association. WILLIAM B. IDDINGS. The name of Iddings has long been a synonym for ability and for success in the practice of law at the Dayton bar. William B. Iddings has for a third of a century been identified with the legal profession here and with the passing of the years his powers have expanded and his success has grown until he stands today as one of the foremost representatives of the legal fraternity of this city. One of Dayton's native sons he was born in 1855, his father being Daniel W. Iddings, who was also born in Dayton, his natal year being 1819. It will thus be seen that for about a century the family has been represented in this city and with progress and development along many lines its members have been actively associated. Reared in Dayton, Ohio, Daniel W. Iddings continued his residence here up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1883, when he was sixty-four years of age. He completed his literary course by graduation from the Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, and after preliminary reading was admitted to the bar and entered upon active practice in which he continued until his death. He gave his attention to general law practice, keeping well informed on all departments of jurisprudence and remaining throughout his life a close and discriminating student of principles and precedent. He wedded Miss Maria Rebecca Atkin and unto this marriage were born three sons : Charles D., who died in 1899 ; William B. ; and Alexander, who died in infancy. The mother still survives. In political circles Daniel W. Iddings was very prominent, taking an active interest in the work of the party and doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. Well fitted for leadership in this connection he was twice called to serve as mayor of Dayton and gave to the city a business-like administration, instituting various needed reforms and improvements. He also served for many 966 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY years in the city council and exercised his official prerogatives in support of all that he believed would prove beneficial in municipal affairs. He acted as president of the council for about ten years and as presiding officer his rulings were always characterized by justice and equity. In 1867 he became registrar in bankruptcy and filled that office until the law was repealed. He is yet remembered by his associates and colleagues as a man of irreproachable political and professional integrity, who at all times was actuated by high ideals in his relations to the public. William B. Iddings is indebted to the public school system of Dayton for the educational privileges that enabled him to lay a strong foundation for professional learning. After leaving the public schools he took up the study of law, in 1873, in the office of his father, Daniel W. Iddings, who directed his reading for two years. He next entered the law department of Union University at Albany, New York, and was graduated in 1876, being at the same time admitted to the bar of that state. Following his return to Ohio he was admitted in the same year to practice in the courts of this state and, locating in Dayton, joined his father and his brother, Charles D. Iddings, in a partnership which continued until dissolved by death, the father passing away in 1883, while the brother's death occurred in 1899. Since that time Mr. Iddings has practiced alone and has been accorded a large clientage for his ability is widely acknowledged. Of a family conspicuous for strong intelligence, indomitable courage and energy he entered upon his career as a lawyer and such is his force of character and natural qualifications that he has made steady advancement and has long been numbered mong the prominent members of the Dayton bar. In 1903 in this city Mr. Iddings was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Van Ausdale, daughter of the late Isaac Van Ausdale. They are well known socially and are valued members of the Third Street Presbyterian church. Mr. Iddings gives his political allegiance to the republican party while in fraternal relations he is connected with the Masons. As many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood it is useless to cite other evidence of a life of well directed activity and honorable purpose. ROSCOE T. STAUTER. Roscoe T. Stauter is one of the younger representatives of the Dayton bar, yet his comparative youth does not seem to impede his progress as already he has obtained a position in legal circles that many an older practitioner might well envy. He was born on a farm in Clark county, Ohio, January 12, 1881, and was yet an infant when his parents removed to Springfield. There he resided until 1897, when he came to Dayton. He had completed his preliminary education in the schools of Springfield, Ohio, and his collegiate course, was pursued in the university at Ada, Ohio, where he was graduated with the class of 1903, the degree of Bachelor of Law being at that time conferred upon him. In the same year, he was admitted to the bar and began practice in Dayton, where for six years, he has followed his profession. Realizing that industry is as essential in professional as in industrial life, he bends his energies toward the successful man- DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 967 agement of every litigated interest entrusted to him, and in the trial of cases, he gives evidence of careful and thorough preparation in the able manner in which he handles the points of his case and meets the attack of the opposing counsel. While Mr. Stauter votes with the republican party and is in sympathy with its purposes, he takes no active part in the work of the campaigns. He belongs to no secret orders, but holds membership with the United Brethren church. J. M. FAUVER. J. M. Fauver, who is at present filling the office of clerk of Van Buren township, is also successfully engaged in general merchandizing in Belmont. A native of Montgomery county, Ohio, he was born March 2, 1864, a son of John and Catherine (Darner) Fauver. The family, which originally came from England, has been represented in this country since early colonial days, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, having arrived in America during the Revolutionary period and participated in the war for independence. The grandparents of our subject, John and Annie ( Johnson) Fauver, were among the oldest settlers of this county, the former, a native of New Jersey, arriving here when it was yet an uncultivated district. With his family, he drove across the Alleghenies, his destination being the state of Ohio. Here he located in Montgomery county and cast in his lot with the pioneers, aiding in the work of transforming the wild region into productive fields. He spent his remaining days here and when he passed away, was laid to rest in Woodland. His son, John Fauver, the father of our subject, was but two years of age at the time of the removal from New Jersey, and during the trip was lost in the forest, but was found before he had suffered any injury. He acquired his education in the common schools of the district and assisted on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, when he became identified with the stone-quarry business and was thus connected for thirty-five years, at the expiration of which time, he retired from active business. He had in the meantime, taken up a farm which he cleared and operated. He passed away in 1905. J. M. Fauver, whose name introduces this review, was one of the youngest members of his father's household and acquired his preliminary education in the schools of this county and also at Dayton, Ohio. He enjoyed the advantage of a course of study at Wilts Commercial College, and thus well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life, he took his initial step in business life in connection with the dairy business. He purchased six cows and by careful management, indefatigable industry and untiring perseverance, he built up the business until, when he withdrew from that line of activity some time later, he had made considerable money out of the enterprise. The two years succeeding his withdrawal from the dairy business, were spent in travel and then he went into the coal business, continuing in that connection to the present time. He had been most successful in this venture, being accorded a large and constantly growing trade. He has also gained a wide local reputation as a horticulturist, his products being considered the standard en the Dayton market. 968 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY In 1893, occurred the marriage of Mr. Fauver and Miss Alice Manning, a daughter of Fred and Elizabeth Manning, and unto this union, were born three children, Fred McClellen, Robert Bruce and Margaret Eileen, the first two being students at school. Mr. Fauver holds membership in the United Brethren church and takes a deep interest in all of its affairs. He is a member of the school board and has served thereon for several years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He has also been a member for several years of the American Insurance Union. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and although. the honors and emoluments of office have held no attraction for him, he nevertheless is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, but lends the weight of his influence at all times toward those matters which have for their object the material, intellectual and moral welfare of the community. He is well known in this county where his entire life has been spent and during this period his genuine worth, his active life and his high principles have commended him to the respect, trust and good will of all with whom he has been associated. CHARLES W. DIEHL. Charles W. Diehl, a gardener of Harrison township and his sister Julia, are the last of the old family of Diehls, who were among the early settlers in this part of the county. Charles W. Diehl was born September 16, 1863, on the truck farm which is his home today, and is the son of Carl and Mary Diehl. The father was about thirty years of age when he came to this country from Germany, the land of his birth. In the old country, he had received all of his education and had already had some experience as a farmer, had in fact made a considerable reputation for himself as a cultivator of the soil, before he came to the United States. Upon his arrival here, he worked at various pursuits, but finally purchased the present homestead and devoted all his energies to bringing from the land the best that it had to give. It was shortly after he became a landholder that he married. His parents, Philip and Elizabeth Diehl, were never induced to leave Germany, their native land. In the schools of Greencastle, both Charles Diehl and his sister were educated. During the period of their youth, however, work on the farm went hand in hand with the lessons of the school, so that they were both fully equipped, the boy especially, for the responsibilities that later life brought upon them. Upon the death of his father, Charles Diehl took entire charge of the farm, though he had been the virtual manager from the time he was fifteen years old, when his father began to lose his sight and had to resign many of the cares and burdens of life. The farm is located on the Big Four Railroad, whose tracks run through it, and shows the results of its owner's hard work in its well tilled fields, the thorough repair of all buildings and appurtenances, and its general air of prosperity. Though so much of his time is of necessity given to the cultivation of his garden, Mr. Diehl does not forget that wholesome intercourse with his fellows is one of the joys of life, but gives himself many a pleasant hour in the company of DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 969 his fraternal brothers among the Red Men and in Pocahontas lodge. In both of these organizations. he takes a deep interest and is intimately identified with their purposes and ideals. In matters of religion, Mr. Diehl gives his allegiance to the Lutheran church and is loyally faithful to its creed and teachings. In the city of Dayton, he finds a market for the produce of his garden and has built for himself a reputation for honesty and faithfulness that many another might envy. EDWARD R. MUELLER. Edward R. Mueller, practicing law at the Dayton bar, was born in this city, February 25, 1872. His father, Joseph Mueller, born in Germany in 1837, came to America in 1852 as a youth of fifteen years. America proved to him such an irresistible attraction that he ran away from home and came alone to the United States. For a short time, he remained in New York and then came westward to Ohio, retaining his residence in Cincinnati for a period of seven years, during which time he worked at the baker's trade, with which he had become somewhat familiar ere leaving the fatherland. On the expiration of that period, he went to Muncie, Indiana, where he continued until 1861, opening a bakery there. In the latter years, he responded to the country's call for troops and served with an Ohio regiment. Following the close of the war, he returned to Muncie, Indiana, in 1866, and there established a bakery which he conducted for several years. On coming to Dayton, he engaged in the bakery business with his father-in-law, Andrew Haberer, and continued in that line until his death which occurred in Dayton in 1901. He became recognized as one of the representative and well known citizens of the community, conducting a successful business for many years. He held membership in the Catholic church and was also a member of the Old Guard Post, G. A. R. In Dayton, he was married to Miss Mary Haberer and unto them were born four children, of whom two died in infancy, while two are yet living, the elder brother being Frank S. Mueller of Dayton. After the death of Mrs. Mary Mueller, the father afterward married again, his second union being with Miss Catharine Haberer, a sister of his first wife. They became the parents of three children, of whom two are living: Minnie May, now the wife of Wilford P. Glaser, of Dayton ; and Ida F., Mrs. Catharine Mueller, departed this life in 1893. In the city of his nativity Edward R. Mueller was reared and his education included the regular public school course and two years' study under a private tutor. In preparation for the practice of law, he entered the Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated in 1898. On account of his health, he did not take up the active practice of the profession for two years thereafter, but in 1999 opened an office and has since continued in the general practice of law with a growing clientage that is indicative of his ability and his thorough understanding of legal principles. Realizing the fact that industry is as essential in this calling as in any industrial or mercantile pursuit, he applies himself with untiring energy to the mastery of the legal problems presented and has been con- 970 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY nected with much of the important work of the courts in the opening years of the present century. Mr. Mueller is a communicant of the Catholic church in which he was reared and in politics is independent as he does not consider himself bound by party ties, but votes as his. judgment dictates. NICHOLAS THOMAS. Among the citizens of Dayton who have long been prominently identified with her business interests is Nicholas Thomas, president of The N. Thomas Brewing Company and today the only survivor of the pioneer brewers of the city. A native of Germany, he was born on the 14th of December, 1825, in Esterwege, Hanover, and is a son of John and Regina (Neibers) Thomas. The father, who was a farmer and sheep raiser, died when our subject was only fourteen years of age. At that time the educational facilities in the smaller provinces of Germany were very poor and Nicholas Thomas was only able to attend school for a few years, studying the common branches in a Catholic parochial institution at Esterwege. During the summer seasons he assisted his father in the work of the farm and in herding the sheep. After leaving school he continued to aid in the operation of the farm until about twenty-one years of age. Up to this time he had been restrained from leaving the old country on account of army regulations, but was subsequently rejected for service, owing to his inability to pass the medical examination. As soon as he was permitted to leave Germany Mr. Thomas sailed for the United States and after a voyage of ten weeks landed at New Orleans, Louisiana, from which point he traveled by boat up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Cincinnati. From Cincinnati he walked to Dayton in his stocking feet, carrying his shoes in his pack, although the weather was severely cold. He arrived at Dayton about the middle of January, 1848, but remained in this city for only two weeks at that time, however, working at cleaning the canal. Then in company with three of his fellow countrymen, he started on foot to Decatur, Indiana, reaching that point with only seven dollars in his pocket and having walked the entire distance. He remained there until the following spring, engaged in hauling wood from his uncle's farm to the soap factory, and later, accompanied by a cousin, he went to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he secured employment on a canal boat transporting stone from Huntington to Fort Wayne. After a lapse of nine months, during which time he was ill with ague, he walked to Minster, Ohio, where he took a canal boat for Dayton. At that time Mr. Thomas located permanently in this city and during the first three years of his residence here was in the employ of the Dickey stone quarry. He next drove a team for Dan Beckel and later acted as foreman during the excavation of the cellars for the Beckel House and in making and keeping up the turnpikes. He drove a four-horse team, hauling the logs and lumber for the Long-stead sawmill, which was then located on the present site of the N. Thomas brewery. Saving some of his earnings, he was at length able to purchase a horse and dray and in 1857 embarked in the drayage business. which he carried on until 1871, DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 973 and in the following four years was employed as night watchman by several banks in Dayton. With a little accumulated capital Mr. Thomas then opened a grocery at the corner of Third and Front streets, being engaged in that business until 188o, when he purchased the Brown brewery, which then had a capacity of about six hundred barrels per year. Through persistent effort he increased the business and was at length able to purchase the buildings and land from Henry Ferneding. In 1900 the business was incorporated under the name of The N. Thomas Brewing Company with Mr. Thomas as president, and at that time the output amounted to eleven thousand barrels per year. In 1906 this plant was merged with thc. Dayton Breweries Company, Mr. Thomas becoming a director and holding the position of general manager of the N. Thomas plant, which now has a capacity of eighty thousand barrels per year. He is also interested in a number of other enterprises, being president of the Thomas Real Estate Company and a director of the Equitable Loan & Savings Association, both of Dayton. On the 22d of November, 1852, at Emanuel church, Dayton, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Margreth Hilgefort, who had emigrated from Oldenberg, Germany, the wedding ceremony being performed by Rev. Junker. Of the five children born to them all are now deceased with the exception of one daughter, Katherine A., now the wife of William F. Breidenbach, who is associated in business with Mr. Thomas, and all reside at their present home at No. 2206, East Third street. Mrs. Thomas is now eighty-one years of age, while her husband is eighty-four years. A life-long communicant of the Catholic church, Mr. Thomas was one of the founders of Holy Trinity, with which he still holds membership. He is also a charter member of the Knights of St. John and the Society of St. Lawrence, and is a retired member of the Uniform Rank, Knights of St. John. He is a life member of St. Joseph's Orphan Association and has ever been a liberal contributor to church and charitable work. Although he has passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey, he is still actively engaged in business, his health being exceptionally good, and he is daily found at his office. It is a remarkable fact that Mr. Thomas was more than fifty-five years of age when he entered into business on his own account, an age when most men retire, and the wonderful success that he has achieved is due to his own unaided efforts, good business ability and sound judgment. PHILIP JERGENS, JR. One of the most comfortable and most modern homes in Mad River township, is that of Philip Jergens, Jr., a wholesale and retail butcher, who has a stand at No. 17 Central Market, Dayton. He is also the owner of four acres of land on the Old Troy pike, which he uses in his business. He was born September 22, 1855, in Montgomery county, at a place called Brushtown, which was the site of the old homestead, and is the son of Philip and Mary (Steffin) Jergens. His grandfather, William Jergens, a native of Baden, Germany, was a carpenter by trade and came to this country when a young man, becoming one of 974 - DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY the early settlers of Cincinnati. Later, after he had retired from business, he came to Montgomery county, where he lived with his son Phillip, Sr., to an advanced age. Philip Jergens, Sr., was born in Warsaw, near Cincinnati, and in his early manhood, he bought twenty acres of land in the vicinity of his home, upon which he engaged in truck gardening, finding a market for his produce in Cincinnati. After a few years, he removed to Montgomery county and bought the old homestead, which is now valued at one thousand dollars an acre because of its proximity to Dayton. On this were all his family of nine children reared. Three of these, Margaret, Jacob and William, have died, while the others, Lena, Mary, Elizabeth, Philip, Jr., Peter and Joseph, are all living in Montgomery county. Mrs. Philip Jergens Sr., was the daughter of Peter Steffin, who had come to this country from Germany, when he was about forty years old. He purchased land in Campbell county, Kentucky and was one of the early settlers in that locality. A long and useful life of ninety-seven years was allotted to him, and his death resulted from an accident—the kick of a colt. Philip Jergens, Sr., is a man of means and a citizen highly respected for the fine qualities of his character, which he has transmitted in no small degree to the son who bears his name. Philip Jergens, Jr., received his early training for life under the parental roof and in the schools of Dayton. During this period, he made good use of the opportunities at hand and since has let no chance for self-improvement slip by him, so that he is a well educated man. In his youth, he combined school work with the duties of the home and farm, on which he worked until he was seventeen. He then started to learn the butcher's trade, which he followed for three years. The next period of an equal number of years, he spent at home, after which he entered the butcher business for himself, opening a shop at Bride and Monroe Avenue. A few years later, he removed to No. 17 Central Market, where he is now established. On the 29th of April, 1879, Mr. Jergens married Miss Mary Abele, a daughter of John and Barbara (Finkmeyer) Abele, of Dayton. Her father was a cooper by trade and like his wife, was a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Jergens are the parents of a son and a daughter. Philip Peter Jergens married Miss Riola Blazer and is now the father of two children : Philip Andrew and Mary Catherine. He is in business with his father and lives in a very pretty home which the latter built for him in his own yard. Ida Mary Magdalen, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jergens, lives at home but has all her social interests in Dayton. She is a young woman of many attainments, for besides being a graduate of the high school, she holds a gold medal in music and was the recipient of honors when she completed her course at Notre Dame. She takes an active part in the work of the young people of the church of the Holy Rosary and is a charter member of the sodality of that body. Mrs. Jergens is also identified with the interests of the church, for she is a member of the Woman's Society, of the Orphans, and of the Tabernacler Society of Notre Dame. Like the rest of his family, Mr. Jergens takes an active part in the affairs, both social and business, of the church of the Holy Rosary, of which he has for the past year been a trustee. The several organizations connected with this body, the Orphans; St. Joseph's Society and the Knights of St. Joseph, No. 115,