HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 821

LOUIS JOHN MILLER, mill and freight elevator manufacturer, was born May 20, 1847, in Germany, and is the second of three surviving children born to Lewis Miller by his first wife; the father and mother were both also born in Germany. The father is still living and resides in Cincinnati. The mother died in 1860, and is buried in Vine Bill Cemetery.

Our subject came to this city with his parents when but six years old, and was educated in the public schools. He served his apprenticeship at the machinist business with Messrs- Stanley & Johnson, and afterward worked for the Diamond Mill Company as foreman, going into business for himself in 1872. He was married to Barbara, daughter of Philip and Margaret Heid, natives of Germany; Mrs. Miller was born in Cincinnati. They have had born to them six children: Charles P., Louis, William, Margaret Amelia, Laura and Emma, all of whom are living. The brothers of the subject of this sketch, William V. and Christian, are still living, and reside in Cincinnati. Mr. Miller is the solo proprietor and manufacturer of the nonpareil crashing and grinding mill, for grinding all kinds of feed, roots, etc., and is also an extensive manufacturer of heavy and light freight elevators; he employs from ten to twelve men. All work is done under his personal supervision, and the success which has attended his business is a proof of the class of work turned out by him.

FRANK M. WIELAND, millwright, a member of the firm of Freeman & Weiland, machinists and millwrights, whose place of business, located at Nos. 12 and 14 Ninth street, Cincinnati, is referred to in another part of this volume, was born August 7, 1839, in Bavaria, Germany, on the Rhine, and is a son of Michael and Frances (Hammer) Weiland, both natives of Bavaria. Our subject was educated in the schools of Bavaria, and came to America from his native home in 1867, reaching New York on the 26th of Jane, that year, and came to Cincinnati August 1, 1868. Before leaving his native land he worked at the carpentering business, and also in flourmills, and continued to follow the same occupations in the United States. He worked nine years for Frederick Wolf, three years for Frederick Schultz. six years for the Ross, Mover Manufacturing Company, and several years for P. W. Reinshagen previous to going into business in connection with Mr. Freeman.

He was married, May 17, 1869, to Margaret, daughter of John and Josephine (Winstel) Thomas, both natives of Bavaria, and two children have been born to them, one of whom, Carrie Augusta, still survives. Mr. Weiland is an expert in his business in which he is ably assisted by his partner, Mr. Louis G. Freeman. and the firm enjoy the entire confidence of ail who have had dealings with them-

GEORGE: HEATLEY, tinner and hardware dealer, was born in Toronto, Canada, June 17, 1843, son of George and Mary (Verner) Heatley. His father was a native of Ireland; his mother was born March 23, 1819. The father's business was that of a tailor, and he emigrated in 1838 to Canada, where he died in 1854. His widow resides in Cincinnati- Their family consisted of the following children: Thomas, John, George, William, Anthony (deceased), and Benjamin.

George, the subject of this notice, was reared and educated in Toronto, and at the age of eleven years was bound as an apprentice to learn the tinner's trade. When a young man he became a member of the " Queen's Own " Rifles, of Toronto, and served in the Fenian Raid of 1866. On September 25, 1867, he was united in marriage, with Miss Mary, daughter of Martin Crosier, of near Scarboro, Canada, and the fruits of this marriage have been two children, Harry and Mable Pearl,


822 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY,



who both reside with their parents. About 1880 Mr. Heatley removed to Cincinnati, and began business at his present stand, No. 1537 Eastern avenue. Mr. Heatley is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Uniform Rank, and is also a Master Mason. He and his family are members of the Protestant Methodist Church. Politically he is a Republican.

JOHN HOYES MCGOWAN, president of the company which bears his name, was, born February 19, 1830, in Aberdeen, Scotland, and is the son of John Henderson and Amelia byes McGowan. His father came to America in 1831, and the following year sent for his wife and John, then the only living child, who arrived in New York in April, 1832. They proceeded via the Erie canal and the lakes to Detroit. in which city the Territorial Land Office was located, where they entered and took up government land in Monroe county, the patent of which, signed by Andrew Jackson, is still in the possession of Mr. McGowan. In 1835 the elder Mr- McGowan, who was a leather tanner and dresser by trade, engaged in business at Monroe, Mich. The tannery was located on the bank of the river Raisin, at the main dam, just above the mouth, but his property was entirely destroyed by the flood of the following year. Thomas McGowan, the grandfather of our subject, was also a tanner by trade and was well-to-do in Scotland. His maternal grandfather, John Hoyes, was a ship chandler, but later emigrated to Monroe county, Mich., where he engaged in farming.

In 1836 John Henderson McGowan left Monroe for Cincinnati, Ohio, and, as there were no regular means of transportation at that early date, most, of the trip was made on foot. After reaching his destination, he at once resumed his trade as journeyman. In the following year his wife and four children-John, Theodore, Catharine and Helen-all of whom are now living, came to Cincinnati, via the lakes to Cleveland, and thence via the Ohio and Erie canal to Portsmouth, Ohio. As the stage of water in the Ohio was not sufficient to permit the regular boats to run, the family were compelled to take a flatboat to the point of their destination. They arrived at Cincinnati in the latter part of October, their trip occupying a little over one month. The husband and father of this flock died in 1871, at the ago of sixty-six years. His widow, who still survives, lives with her son, John H. McGowan, and is remarkably well preserved at, the age of ninety years.

Our subject's education was limited to the meager advantages offered by the public schools of his boyhood, and that only until the age of twelve years. His first start was made at the age of twelve years, his employer being a man engaged in the nursery business, and who at the same time carried on a dairy on a small scale. His duties were to deliver milk about the city during the winter months until work could be resumed in the nursery. The place was located on what is now known as Price's Hill, a little north and west of the present incline. The compensation was $3 per month and board, which at that time was considered good wages. His employer was a friend of the McGowan family, and was looked upon by young John H. as a thoroughly conscientious man, so he allowed his wages to accumulate in his employer's hands. When entering upon the second year of employment it so happened that John H. learned that his employer was bankrupt- and was trying to dispose of his property. He immediately went and requested him to pay him the amount due, not having drawn one cent of pay during the time he was employed. He informed his employer of the report that was circulating regarding his finances, and not being able to secure the money, he informed him that he would take one of the cows as settlement. In less than five minutes his limited stock of clothing was tied up in a bandanna handkerchief, and he was on his way with the cow to his father's home, on Plum street, between Ann and Mason. His family were amazed at this procedure, and upon being questioned by his mother in regard to it, he replied that their old family friend tried to beat him out of his hard earnings, but he was determined to save what he could, so he took the cow to offset his claim. After a.


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 823



few months at school he was next employed in a grocery and provision store located on the northeast corner of Catherine and Baymiller streets, the salary agreed upon being the same as he arranged with his former employer. The hours of duty at this place were from 5 A. M. until 9 P. M. It was during his employment at this place that he concluded that the tricks of the trade did not suit him, and he determined to make preparations for bettering his circumstances. At this time he commenced to make a working model of a sawmill, devoting what spare time he had to this work, and as it happened his employer found the model and called him to account. He complimented him upon the accuracy of the work, but remarked that a merchant had no time to devote to mechanics, and informed him that if he persisted in working on such things, he would dispense with his services. Shortly afterward he again found him working on the model, and took this opportunity to discharge him. He then got a situation as cook and towpath driver on the Miami canal, at a salary of $10 per month, serving in this capacity for two months, when a friend secured him a place as apprentice with George L. Hanks in his bell and brass foundry. His first experience taught him to collect his wages promptly, which he did afterward as long as he had wages to draw. During his first year's apprenticeship he was paid $2.50 per week, $2 of which he paid to his parents, retaining the balance to help educate himself. The second year he retained $1 per week, paying $2 to his parents. He attended a class in mechanical drawing, and kept this up until he was twenty years of age. Before he was twenty-one years old he was given full charge of the factory, which employed about one hundred and fifty men, and remained in the employ of that company until they sold out to Nelson Newman & Co. It was in their shops in 1851 that the first successful experimental steam fire engine in the world was built, under the supervision of Mr. McGowan, Alex. Latta and Abell Shawk being the inventors, and Mr. McGowan the designer of the pumping engine with its appliances. When this engine was tested it was found, in a few seconds over four minutes from the time the match was applied to the fuel, water was flowing from the nozzle at the end of three hundred feet of hose, Having viewed this, Mr. McGowan at once foresaw the revolution which the application of steam would make in fire machinery, and he advised his employers to change their business. which they did as soon as possible. Later the firm of Nelson Newman & Co. sold out to Moss & Bicker, who afterward dissolved. Mr. McGowan was also connected with this company, as they were manufacturing under patents upon which he received a royalty. He was later superintendent for Winchell & Bro., and finally for Charles C. Winchell & Co., but continued to control his own patents, which were advertised as the John H. McGowan Pumps and Machinery. In 1862 Mr. McGowan formed a partnership with his brother, T. J. McGowan, who is now in charge of the branch house of the company at Richmond, Va. This partnership was dissolved in 1870, and Mr. McGowan continued the business alone until 1881, when the present company was incorporated. The concern has always manufactured chiefly Mr. McGowan's inventions, which extend to all kinds of pumping and plug tobacco manufacturing machinery. As early as 1852 he received a medal from the Ohio Mechanics' Institute for the best force and lift pumps. In 1855 they built the machinery fur pumping the foundation and for cutting the timber for what is now Fort Jackson, near New Orleans, La., and during the war built extensively for the government. The whole civilized world has looked upon Cincinnati, Ohio, as the cradle of steam fire apparatus, and it is unquestionably one of the greatest centers of pumping machinery in the world, which is largely due to the ingenuity and business energy of John H. McGowan.

Mr. McGowan is truly a self made man, due to his own perseverance and integrity, and no employer of labor has ever treated his men with more consideration and fairness. No better proof of this is needed when it can be said that during his whole business career he ,has not failed to remember his employes with a substantial


824 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY,



present at the close of each year. He always manages to keep his business upon a sound financial basis. During his lone term of business, although he passed through some of the most severe panics in the history of our country, he never had his paper go to protest. The business pays a large annual dividend, and is steadily growing. Four tinges within the last ten years has it outgrown its quarters. The territory over which they operate includes the entire world, consequently Mr. McGowan can truly say that, the sun never sets on his machinery. In 1868 Mr. McGowan made an extended tour of Europe, visiting, among other places, the island of Iona. He has also traveled all through Canada, In the winter of 1885-86, accompanied by his son, Robert B., he traveled through Mexico and along the Pacific coast of the United States and British Columbia, accomplishing the feat of visiting the Yosemite Valley in the dead of winter. Mr. McGowan was married June 27, 1855, to Miss Mary Ellen, daughter of James Green, of Cincinnati, who formerly lived in Virginia, his native State, but being opposed to slavery, liberated his own slaves and came north. Mr. and Mrs. McGowan have had born to them eleven children, seven of whom are living: Mrs. Clara Reiter, Mrs. Florence Mittelstaedt, Robert Bruce, Mary Ellen, Bertha Eleanor, Ida Martha, and John Harry. Robert Bruce is engaged in business with his father, and is vice-president of the company. The deceased members of the family are John Webster, Nelly Cora, William Wallace, and George Albert, who was engaged in business with his father, but met, his death August 18, 1880, by drowning, while on a visit to other members of the family who were summering at Lake Chautauqua. He was in his twenty-first year, a splendid specimen of manhood, and the loss was a very sad one. When the news reached his father he was nearly overcome. and even yet is deeply torched when he recalls the loss of his eldest son. Mr. McGowan and family worship at the Methodist Episcopal Church and reside at Pleasant Ridge, Ohio. He is a member of the Caledonian Society of Cincinnati, was formerly a Whig in his political views and is now a Republican.

WALTER LAIDLAW, vice-president and general manager of the Laidlaw-Dunn Gordon Company, manufacturers of steam pumping and hydraulic machinery, and brother of the president of that company, was born in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland, March 21, 1847. He received his early education in the public schools of his native country, and at the age of fifteen years commenced an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade in Innerleithen, Scotland. He finished his apprenticeship at the age of twenty, and soon afterward entered the employ of Caird & Co., ship-builders, Greenock, Scotland, where he worked about two years building marine engines. Bong desirous of gaining a larger experience, he went to London, and entered the employ of the old and well-known engineering firm of Robert Moreland & Son, and after being there a short time accepted a position in the English Lighthouse Department, where for a few years he was chiefly employed in the superintendence and construction of work around the English coast. erecting lighthouses, electric light plants and gas works in connection with the lighthouses. He assisted Prof. Tyndall in a long series of experiments on fog signals for the protection of the shipping trade around the British coasts, which experiments resulted in the adoption of the Steam Siren, presented to the department by the United States government. He erected the first dynamo electric machines used for lighthouse illumination, at the Lizard lighthouses in 1877, together with the other machinery at that station, and had charge of the station for about two years when he was promoted to the position of engineer in charge of experiments at, Trinity House, Tower Hill, London. the headquarters of the English Lighthouse Department, which position he held for about two years. After serving ten years in the Lighthouse Department. he resigned his position to come to this country, arriving in May, 1881, and shortly afterward entered the employ of the John H. McGowan Co., as a machinist, but, soon after was promoted to draughtsman. A few months later he accepted the position of draughtsman with the Lane & Bodley Co., in whose employ he remained about two years,


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 825



when he accepted a position to make the plans for the new and extensive works of Procter & Gamble, at Ivorydale, the result of this work being the production of one of the finest and most complete plants in this country, and it will be a lasting monument of his skill as a constructing engineer. When the works of Procter & Gamble were nearly completed, he, with his brother Robert Laidlaw, and John W. Dunn, organized the Laidlaw & Dunn Company, now the Laidlaw-Dunn-Gordon Company, a concern well known for its prosperity and rapid growth.

Mr. Laidlaw was married June 18, 1878, to Miss Jane Ewart. of Stobo, Scotland, and by this union he has one child. Robert Euman Laidlaw. Mr. and Mrs. Laidlaw are members of the Bond Hill Presbyterian Church. He is a Royal Arch Mason; vice president of the Ohio Mechanics Institute; chairman of the Industrial and Art Schools, and was formerly instructor of this department. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and a member of the Engineers' Club of Cincinnati. In his political views he is a Republican. He has been twice mayor of Bond hill, president of the board of health, president of the school board, and member of council.

ROBERT LAIDLAW, president of the Laidlaw-Dunn-Gordon Company, manufacturers of steams pumping machinery, was born in Innerleithen, thirty miles south of Edinburgh, Peebleshire, Scotland, :March 22, 1849, and is a son of Robert and Janet (Euman) Laidlaw, both of whom are still living in their native country. Of their children, the following survive: Walter; Robert; Elizabeth, now Mrs. James Campbell. of Scotland; Isabella, now Mrs. William Russell, of Scotland; Helen, now Mrs. William Beveredge, of Scotland. and Henry, who is a traveling salesman for the above named company.

Our subject received his education in his native country, but left school at the age of eleven years to work in a woolen-mill, and afterward with his father who was in that line of business. At the age of twenty-two he was general manager of a large woolen-mill. but in 1875, haying decided to seek his fortune in the New World, he emigrated to the United States, locating in Cincinnati, where he found employment in the office of John H. McGowan as shipping clerk. after one year being admitted as a partner. When the John H. McGowan Company was incorporated in 1881, he became secretary and treasurer of the new company. In 1887 he organized the present company of winch he has since been president. One very conclusive proof of the prosperity of this company is the fact that the number of their employes has increased from ten men in 1887 to over three hundred in 1893. Their machinery is fully abreast of the progress of invention, and is of the best material and workmanship. The territory over which they operate, and into which they are daily shipping their machinery, includes the whole world. Many large shipments having been made to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, and all parts of Great Britain.

Mr. Laidlaw was married December 29, 1871 to Miss Bessie. daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Paton) McDougall. all natives of Edinburgh. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Walnut Hills, of which he is an elder. Re is also interested in the Calvary Presbyterian Church. which was built and equipped by Thomas McDougall. He is a director of the Young Men's Christian Association. and was a member of the committee who built the present excellent structure. He is treasurer of the John D, Coffman Mission, and of the City Evangelization of the Presbytery of Cincinnati. In 1892 the Ohio Mechanics' Institute appointed hire a member of the World's Fair Committee, and in the same year he was appointed by the Chamber of Commerce a member of the smoke committee. He has taken an active interest in the Republican party, and is a member of the Lincoln Club; but close attention to business, to which may be largely attributed his high degree of success, has prevented him from accepting any political honors from his party.


826 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.



JOHN WESLEY DUNN, secretary and treasurer of the Laidlaw & Dunn Manufacturing Company, was born in Lockland. Ohio, March 23, 1854, and is the son of Elnathan and Nancy (Friend) Dunn. Charles Howard Friend was born in Virginia, July 5, 1789, and died in Lockland, Ohio, January 23, 1808. His wife, Elizabeth Scratch, was born in Gosfield, Canada, July 25, 1793, and died in Lockland, Ohio, July 7, 1853. They were married in her native place May 31, 1809. and had nine children, of whom Nancy was the eighth. She was born in Beavertown, Penn., November 15, 1221, and died in Lockland, Jane 25. 1892. Elnathan was born in Lockland, Ohio, flay 17, 1815, and died September 7, 1870. Elnathan Dunn and Mary Friend were married September 6, 1838, and the issue of this marriage was children as follows: Andrew H., of Springfield, Ohio; George F., in Detroit. Mich. ; Silas S.; John Wesley; Sarah E. (Mrs. Alexander Wigle) and Emeline A. L.

Our subject was educated in the public schools of his native town, and then for twelve years was employed in a paper mill. In 1882 he engaged with the John H. McGowan Company as traveling salesman, he also having some stock in the company, and in 1587, in joint action with Robert Laidlaw, organized the present company, Mr. Dunn being secretary and treasurer. Mr- Dunn was married October 14, 1880, to Miss Fannie, daughter of G- G. and Mary (Bachelor) Palmer, of Lockland. They have live children: Mary, Harry A., Elsie, Robert, and Bessie. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lockland, in which town they reside. He is a 32° Mason; a Republican in his political views, and has served two terms as president of the Lockland board of education.

SANFORD S. HOLBROOK, lumber dealer, was born in Windham county, Vermont, February 4, 1829, the youngest son of Freeman and Sylva (Smith) Holbrook. His father, who was also a native of Vermont was born May 8, 1785, and died July 29, 1843, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. He was a farmer and live stock denier. which occupation he followed successfully during his residence in Vermont. In the summer of 1829 he removed with his family to Waterborough, N. Y., where he engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber, for a time in partnership, and then on his own resources, until within about two years of his death. His wife, Sylva, was also a native of Vermont, born August 14, 1786, and, in the faith of the Baptist Church, died March 20, 1870. at the home of her son, Sanford S., in Columbia. She attained a much greater age than her husband, being in her eighty-fourth year at the time of her decease, having outlived him twenty-seven years. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom died in infancy. Those who grew to maturity were: Clesta, born October 9, 1808, died January 7, 1860; Laura Ann F.. born October 20, 1818, died January 1, 1848; Galutia F.. born March 10, 1822, died September 24, 1841; Wales F., born February 7, 1827, resides in New York, and Sanford S., the subject of this sketch.

Sanford S. Holbrook received his literary education in the schools of Poland, N. V., and his business education in Jamestown, same State. At the early age of fourteen he went to clerking in a general store, where he remained a number of years. In 1852, at the age of 23, being imbued with the laudable ambition of achieving something higher in life, he turned his face westward, finally landing in the glorious land of California, whither so many young men were bending their steps at that time. After working successfully for four years in the gold mines, he gathered together his savings, and returned to Jamestown. In December 1856, he bought an interest in a sawmill and valuable timber lands in Forest, county, Penn., where, with two others, he entered into the manufacture of lumber, the title of the firm being Allen, Morris & Holbrook. Sometime afterward Morris sold his interest, to Allen and Grandin, and the firm did business until 1864, when Mr. Holbrook purchased the equal shares of Dascum Allen, and Allen & Grandin, and one year later he sold his entire interests in this Pennsylvania property. In the fall of 1866 he came to Cincinnati, and in 1867 engaged in the lumber business. In a short time


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 827

thereafter. in the same year, T. D. Collins was admitted to a full partnership, and this firm also purchased the mill and timber lands formerly owned by Allen, Morris & Holbrook. They continued to conduct these enterprises in Cincinnati and Pennsylvania until 1879, when Mr. Holbrook sold the mills and lands to Mr. Collins. Mr. Holbrook, however, continued to sell lumber at Columbia until 1885, when he abandoned that and gave his attention to cultivating a fine farm in Spencer township, which he had purchased in 1866 and which he still owns. In 1890 he bought his present mill on Eastern avenue, which was erected about 1880 by James Mack. It is a well-equipped circular-saw mill, having a capacity of six million feet per year. Mr. Holbrook manufactures, principally, oak and poplar lumber, and gives employment to from twenty. six to thirty men. Mr. Holbrook was married December 23, 1868, to Florence E., daughter of Samuel Phillips, of Cincinnati, and the union has been blessed with four children: Wales H., Walter Leroy, Sylva Grace, and Freeman C., all of whom reside with their parents. Samuel Phillips, the father of Mrs. Holbrook, removed to Cincinnati about 1860, and engaged in the lumber trade with his brother, Asa Phillips. Some three years later he died.

Mr. Holbrook is a member of the Masonic Order; politically, he is a Republican. He is the artificer of his own fortune, his success in life having been achieved by industry. economy and frugal dealing, and a strict adherence to the principles of the golden rule. Socially, he is a gentleman highly respected by all who know him. He has always given his means and influence to everything tending to build up the community in which he has so long resided.

HENRY THOMAS OGDEN. superintendent of the printing; department of the Robert Clarke Company, was born March 31, 1824, near Augusta. Bracken Co., Ky.. a son of Henry Ogden and Lucy C. (Metcalfe) Ogden, by birth of Maryland and Virginia, respectively.

Our subject received his education at Lexington, Ky., and here at an early age began to learn the printing business in the office of Finnell &, Zimmermann, publishers of a semi-weekly newspaper known as the Observer and Reporter, one of the early publications of that commonwealth. In 1841-42 he was engaged as a compositor in Louisville and Cincinnati, and in 1843 was associated with Basil Cruikshank in the publication, at Maysville. Ky., of a Democratic campaign sheet, The Spirit of '44. In 1845-46 he was variously employed in Missouri, and in June of the latter year, at the beginning of the Mexican war, he enlisted in the First Regiment of Missouri Volunteers, during this service being promoted to a lieutenancy. In 1848 he returned to Cincinnati, and engaged in the printing business with that veteran printer of Cincinnati. Ephraim Morgan: for some years he operated a printing office of his own, and was for a time identified with the Elm Street Printing Company. In 1868 he accepted the superintendency of the printing department of the Robert Clarke Company, in which capacity he has since been employed. For nearly thirty years Henry T. Ogden has been a most earnest and active advocate of temperance, giving freely of his means and devoting much of his time to advancing the interests of that cause. Up to 1883, he was a zealous Democrat. but in that year renounced his allegiance to that party. becoming identified with the Prohibition party. He has been tendered various nominations by the Labor and Prohibition parties, having been upon the ticket of the former for mayor of Cincinnati, and member of Congress from the Second District, and upon the latter for member of Congress and lieutenant-governor of the State. In November, 1850, Mr. Ogden was married in Cincinnati to Nancy. daughter of Britton and Susan Ross, who were among the pioneers of the city. Of the children born of this marriage three survive, viz.: Harry Martin Ogden, of the Cincinnati Enguirer, William Britton Ogden, a merchant of Milford, Ky., and Mrs. Lutie Ogden Tingly, wife of Edward P. Tingly, bookkeeper for the Citizens National Bank of Cincinnati.


828 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.



Both of Mr. Ogden's sons have been actively identified with the Labor party, the latter having, in 1892, been its candidate for Congress from Campbell county, Kentucky.

JOHN OMWAKE, treasurer of The United States Printing Company, and manager of the playing-card branch of their business, factories on Eggleston avenue and Fifth, Sixth and Lock streets, was born in Pennsylvania in 1855, a son of Henry and Eveline (Beaver) Omwake, both of American nationality and residents of Pennsylvania.

John Omwake was educated in the public schools of Pennsylvania. In 1889 he was married to Carrie A, Brough, daughter of Governor John Brough and Caroline A. (Nelson) Brough, all of American ancestry. One daughter, Evelyn Brough Omwake, blessed this union. Mrs. Omwake died in the summer of 1893. Mr. Omwake is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is a Republican in his political views.

JAMES E. MOONEY, president of the American Oak Leather Company, and the Cincinnati Coffin Company, was born in Shelby county. Indiana, May 4, 1882. son of Edmund and Mary (Nicholson) Mooney, of North of Ireland ancestry on the paternal side. His father was born in Fayette county, Penn., and in his youth he migrated to Kentucky where he served an apprenticeship to the tanner's trade. His wife, Mary (Nicholson), a lady of Welsh descent., was born in Culpeper county, Va-, and soon after their marriage, in 1818, they removed to the wilderness of Indiana. locating near the present site of Waldron, Shelby county. About 1838 they located in Shelbyville. where the education of our subject was begun, and continued for live nears in the seminary there, when it. was interrupted by the last- removal of the family to Edinburgh. Johnson Co., same State, where it was resumed and continued about two years with such facilities as the schools of the vicinity afforded, The sharp struggle for the comforts of life, at that time in a new and undeveloped country, rendered it necessary that the children by their services should become healthful contributors to the family welfare, at as early an age as possible: hence, in this case the young man's studies were continued in the shop, store, office and factory, as time and opportunity permitted. About the age of twelve he became an assistant in the sale of leather, harness and saddlery manufactured by his father and older brothers. and in keeping the accounts, also as an apprentice in the harness department, for a year or more. His preference for a commercial career receiving consideration, he became clerk in a neighboring general store, the proprietor of which was a well-trained methodical merchant of high character and sound business principles, which largely contributed to the development and proper direction of such abilities as nature endowed him with. In 1849, soon after the first, railroad in Indiana (the Madison & Indianapolis) was completed, he secured employment in the first exclusively wholesale store established in the latter city; and, notwithstanding his youth, he advanced in position, being; detailed for lengthy collection winter tours on horseback, the only available means of communication through the western portion of the State., then a comparative wilderness. From 1851 to 1853 he held the responsible position of accountant and cashier with an important pork packing establishment at Madison, Indiana. In the autumn of 1853, with his first employer as non-resident partner, and with savings from a salary then small compared with the present day for similar services, as his contribution to the capital, he established a general store at Edinburgh, Indiana. The firm had a prosperous career of five years. At, the beginning of 1858, he returned to the leather business destined to form a large portion of his future notable career, by purchasing his father's interest, in the tannery establishment, and with his elder brother forming the firm of W. W. & J. E. Money, which soon after built an extensive tannery at Columbus, Indiana. The firm continued fifteen years, and on his retiring from it he was succeeded by his nephews. Later in the same year (1858) be established the


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 829



firm of Mooney & Company at Indianapolis, as wholesale leather dealers, in which his interest continued for about thirty years. he making that city his house a portion of the time. In 1866, he organized a successful leather arid jobbing business at Louisville, Ky., from which he retired five years later to give attention to the large leather manufacturing interest which he had in the meantime organized there; he continued the chief stockholder, and exclusive officer of the Ohio Falls Oak Leather Company, which has recently greatly enlarged its works. His first investment in this city was recognized through a subscription to the capital stock of the Mount Adams & Eden Park Inclined Railway Company, organized in 1872. Previous to that time, during his occasional visits to the city, he had observed that the trend of improvement and population was to the west and northwest, into Mill creek valley, while the territory north and northeast, magnified in its extent and natural beauty, was, on account of its inaccessibility by cheap and quick transit facilities, comparatively neglected. He there readily responded to the solicitations of a friend to become interested in the proposed enterprise, not expecting to give it personal attention. The intervention of the panic of 1873, however, changed these calculations, and it became necessary that he should give it much personal attention during several years, and largely increase his investment in fully developing and carrying the system to a practical success, safely reached in the spring of 1880. His frequent visits to the city, during the period covered by the development of the railroad enterprise, led, in 1876, to an investment in the Cincinnati Coffin Company, then a new and comparatively weak corporation which has since greatly enlarged its business and capital, and now furnishes employment to several hundred operatives, In 1880, he organized, and has continued the chief stockholder and executive officer in, the American Oak Leather Company of Cincinnati, and during that year its extensive works were constructed on two and one-half blocks bounded by clean and Dalton avenues, and Kenner and Flint streets, Notwithstanding omits disastrous experience with two destructive floods and the destruction of its works twice by fire, the company has achieved success, and furnished employment to over five hundred men. The products are sold through its branches located in Boston, Chicago, St. Louis, and No. 144 Main street, Cincinnati.

The career of such a mail as Mr. Mooney exemplifies the possibility of our progressive country, aids to build up its industries, and serves as a useful lesson to the rising generation. To succeed was to apply ambition of a worthy kind, perseverance, and all the honorable qualities which go to make up the really first-class business man. While giving close attention to his private business, he has not been unmindful of public interests, and he has come to be regarded by his fellow citizens as eminently public-spirited and helpful. He has brought to bear on every important interest. which he has directed or assisted, a broad-minded and comprehensive influence which has marked him as one of the progressive men of his time,

JULIUS ENGELKE, a native of Germany, born in the Province of Hannover. August 9, 1834. was the youngest of four sons born to Henry and Henrietta (Koch) Engelhe. They were natives of Herzberg, a manufacturing town situated at. the. foot of the Hartz Mountains, where the father for many years followed the vocation of gunsmith, until his death, which occurred in June, 1834; here, also, the mother died in June, 1842. Of our subject's brothers, Frederick (the eldest) is at present one of the leading bakers of Cincinnati, located on Central avenue; Charles died in Germany, and William is a prominent farmer near Ghent, Kentucky.

Our subject received a good education in the common schools of his native town, and when fourteen years of age was apprenticed to his uncle in Herzberg, to learn the trade of harness making. Here he remained five years, at the end of which time he came to this country, arriving in Cincinnati just forty years ago. Here he began working at his trade, and continued until March, 1863, when he began the harness business for himself on Vine street, near Fifteenth, remaining at this loca-


830 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.



tion twenty years. He then removed to Main street, continuing in the same business until in August, 1891, when he removed to the southeast corner of Sixth and plain streets, where the Engelke Saddlery' Company is at present located. On October 17, 1857, he was married to Charlotte Ehrhardt, a native of Germany, by whom he had twelve children, five Of whom are living: Frederick, at present foreman in his father's factory; Augusta, who resides with her parents; Henrietta, the wife of Henry Morrison, residing on Mt. Auburn; Minnie, also living at home, and William, bookkeeper in his father's Office. Mr. Engelke is a consistent member of the Protestant Lutheran Church; politically, he is a Republican, and at present is register of elections. He hay been a member of the German Turners Society for thirty-five years and is now its president; was one of the founders of the Turners' Building Association, and has for twenty years been One of its officers. In 1858 he became a member of the I. O. O. F., and in 1885 united with the Masonic fraternity. In 1873 he was elected a member of the common council of Cincinnati, and served with credit till 1881; was a member of the " Old lively twos " fire company from 1855 until 1862, In 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-filth O. V. I., in the one-hundred day service, under Col. Bolander, and served until the close of the war. For a number Of years Mr. Engelke has been identified with the financial interests Of the city, and he is at present a director of the Atlas National Bank. In 1883 he visited his boyhood home in Germany, and traveled many thousand miles viewing the wonders of the Old World. The Engelke Saddlery CO- has grown from small proportions to be an immense concern, and one of the most prosperous in the city.

JOHN PHILLIP THOMPSON, proprietor of the Hilltop Carriage Company, located at Nos. 635 and 637 Gilbert avenue, No. 645 Gilbert avenue, was born at Pontefract, Yorkshire, England, and is the younger of two living children who were born, to James and Catherine (Saul) Thompson, both natives of England.

The father, who was a hotel keeper, died in 1856; the mother died in 1858. A sister, Mary, wife of Henry Marcum Cooke. resides in St. Louis,

Our subject was educated in the public schools of Yorkshire., and after leaving school went to sea as cabin boy for about one year, He then served seven years at the carriage-making business in York, after which he went to London and for about two years worked tit carriage ornamenting. In 1867 he came, to the United States, arriving in New York, where he joined the United States navy, in which he served five years as ship painter. After being honorably discharged from the navy he went to St. Louis, where be remained about six months, removing from there to Cincinnati. He worked for James Kidney a short tune, afterward, until 1891, was foreman for J. W. Goselin, and in that year entered into partnership with T. J. Orr, whose interest in the business he purchased in 1892. Mr. Thompson was married July 7, 1874, to Annie J., daughter of George and Catherine (Mintchin) Kidney, and to then have been born three children, two of whom, George and Arthur, are yet living. Our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Knights of Workmen; the family attend the Episcopal Church. Mr. Thompson is recognized as one of the most expert carriage painters in the city. He gives his personal attention to the business, and the quality of the carriages manufactured being of a superior grade, he has succeeded in building up an extensive and rapidly increasing business.

HENRY JOHNSON REEDY, president of the H. J. Reedy Elevator Company, was born in County Tipperary. Ireland, March 22, 1842. His parents carrie to this country during his early childhood, and at the age of twelve years, Henry started out to earn his livelihood, becoming the " devil " in the printing Office Of the Cincinnati Enquirer. He abandoned this employment, however, to learn the trade of carpenter, in which he was engaged, after learning his trade, until his twentieth year, when be established a small factory for the building of hand-power elevators, inventing and patenting the various devices which entered their construction. He conceived the


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 831

idea of a valve for the operation of hydraulic elevators, which he patented, then entered into the manufacture of these elevators on an extensive scale. He next invented and patented a safety device to enter into the construction of steam elevators, the manufacture of which be then added to the business. His latest invention, known as the Climax Steam Passenger Elevator, combines the greatest safety, the smoothest operation, and the highest rate of speed thus far obtainable in elevator construction, and embodying the best features of his own inventions, and a number of valuable devices invented and patented by other experts in the same line of work, and purchased by him. The company is now incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio.

Mr. Reedy is a Republican, and has held but one office, that of member of the board of aldermen, to which he was returned by a handsome majority from that historic Democratic stronghold, the Fourth Ward. Mr. Reedy introduced the original motion for the building of new City Hall. He has been twice married, his first wife being Mary, daughter of Ennison Shea, a wholesale grocer of Newport. Of the children born of this marriage, four survive. The eldest. Daniel V. Reedy, completed his education at the Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana, in 1800, and is now associated with the H. J. Reedy Company; the remaining children are Bertha, Charles and Henry J., Jr. Mrs. Mary (.Shea) Reedy died in 1878, and in 1884 Mr. Reedy married Miss Josephine Burke, daughter of Christopher Burke, of Cincinnati. The living issue of this marriage are: Howard, Henrietta, Laura and Jeannette. The family resides on Harper avenue, Norwood: they are members of St. Xavier's Church.

MICHAEL ANGELO McGUIRE, trunk manufacturer and dealer, was born near Thurles, Ireland, on September 29, 1839. His parents, who were also natives of Ireland, as were their ancestors for many generations, came to this country in 1844, and located at once on Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, where they conducted a dairy.

Our subject received but little schooling, and at twelve years of age was indentured to learn the trunk-manufacturing business with Hise & Williams, remaining with them five years. He was employed in various trunk-making establishments in Cincinnati until the breaking out of the war. On April 25, 1861, he enlisted for three months in the Tenth O. V. I., and re-enlisted in the same regiment June 10, 1861, for three years or during the war. In August. 1862, he was, upon the recommendation of Col. Wm. H. Lytle, promoted, receiving a commission to recruit a company in Cincinnati, which he did, the company so recruited being Company B, assigned to the One Hundred and Eighth O. V. I., of which he was commissioned second lieutenant, and afterward became first lieutenant, then captain. Capt. McGuire was wounded four times during his service, the last time at the battle of Resaca, Ga.. in 1864. When this last wound had partially healed he resumed duty; but the wound proving obstinate, and breaking open no less than five times, he was in November, 1864, compelled to resign. After leaving the service. he was commissioned as brevet major " for gallant and meritorious service at the battle of Resaca." Capt. McGuire has been three times reported dead. In September, 1861, the newspaper accounts of the battle of Carnifex Ferry, Va., contained his name as among the killed, and in 1864 be was named in the official report as one of the dead upon the field of battle at Resaca. In November, 1885, while duck hunting on the Tennessee river near Chattanooga, the boat containing' himself, two companions and a colored boy was overturned. Capt. McGuire, who was the only one of the party who could swim, saved one of his companions, J. L. Shannon, who had been his comrade in the Tenth O. V. I.; the other succeeded in gaining shore, and the colored boy was swept down the stream clinging to the overturned boat.. Capt. McGuire, divesting himself of some of his clothing, succeeded in reaching the boy, and after a protracted struggle effected a landing several miles below, after nightfall, in a thoroughly prostrated condition. Meantime his companions, unable to find any trace of him,


832 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

gave him up for lost, and searched for him the following day. The news of his supposed drowning in an heroic attempt to save another after having saved one life was telegraphed to the press of the country, and thus conveyed to his home. In company with the colored boy, he had found his way to the cabin of a negro family, and there he fell asleep and remained over night.

Capt. McGuire, though deprived of schooling advantages in his youth, has been self-taught to great advantage. He speaks French fluently, and is as conversant with the German language as he is with his own. After the war he embarked in the trunk-manufacturing business, in which he has since been engaged, and he is now the leading custom trunk-manufacturer in the city. He has been frequently urged to become a candidate on his party (Republican) ticket, but has always declined to accept a nomination for political office. He was married July 5, 1865, to Camilla L., daughter of Charles Vogel, an old resident and druggist of Cincinnati, and seven children born of this marriage survive: Horace G. and Camilla, both graduates of Hughes High School, the latter also of the Normal School; Edmund B., Lily, Rosa, Ida and Ella. The family reside on Kirby avenue, Cumminsville. They are members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Cumminsville.

BENEDICT HENRY BRUNSWICK, a stockholder and one of the directors of the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, was born in Cincinnati, February 18, 1860. His father, John Moses Brunswick, was born in Bremgarten, Canton Argau, Switzerland, in 1819, coming to this country when a boy. From the humble employment of an errand boy in New York he rose by dint of indefatigable industry, pluck and enterprise to become the founder of the greatest manufacturing establishment of its kind in the world. The billiard table manufacturing business of this immense concern, which now has great factories in Cincinnati, Chicago, New York, St. Louis and San Francisco, and branch offices and salesrooms in all of the large cities of the United States, was started in Cincinnati, John Moses Brunswick making the first table with his own hands in an upper room of a small house on Main street. He was a public-spirited citizen; served in the State Legislature; as a member of the board of aldermen of Cincinnati, and was sought as candidate for numerous offices within the gift of the people, including that of mayor. He died July 25, 1886. Four daughters and one son born of his marriage survive. The daughters are Hannah, wife of M. Marks, of Cincinnati; Eleanora, wife of M. Bensinger, president of the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, with headquarters at Chicago; Clara, wife of A. Reis, manager of the Bensinger Cigar Company, of Cincinnati; Eliza, wife of I. S. Deutsch, manager and stockholder of the George W. McAlpin Company, of Cincinnati.

The son, whose name introduces this sketch, attended the public schools and Woodward High School, Cincinnati. He was employed for one year with Reis Bros. & Company, and then became associated with the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, with which he is still connected. He was married May 24, 1888, to Belle, daughter of Simon Rothschild, of the firm of S. Rothschild & Brother, of New York. Mrs. B. H. Brunswick died October 27, 1893. One child born of this marriage, Jerome M. Brunswick, survives.

WILLIAM HOWE BALDRIDGE, secretary of the Cincinnati Church and School Furniture Company, southeast corner of Fifth and Sycamore streets, Cincinnati, and a popular resident of Norwood Heights, was born at Hamilton, Ohio, March 7, 1867, a son of John Wood and Mary Jane (King) Baldridge, natives of Four Mile Creek, Ohio, and Allegheny, Penn., respectively, and of English and Irish origin. The father began his business career as a druggist at Hamilton; in 1869 he removed to Pittsburgh, Penn., and six years later came to Newport, Ky. There he lived two years, and then moved to Covington, his present residence. He is vice-president of the City Hall Bank of Cincinnati, in which his son, Robert King, is clerk.


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 833

The subject of this sketch was educated at the public schools, Chickering Institute, Cincinnati, and at Butler University, Irvington, Indiana, which he left, just before graduating, to accept a business position as secretary and treasurer of the company with which he has since been connected, and which does an extensive jobbing and retail business. On December 23, 1891, he married Fannie, daughter of A. O. Russell, of Norwood, and they are the parents of one child: John Lakin. While at college, Mr. Baldridge took an active interest in athletics, and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM V. PECK:, late of Baldridge and Peck, constituting the Cincinnati Church and School Furniture Company, now manager of the Cincinnati Church Sealing Company, was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, March 9, 1859, son of William V. and Harriet E. (McCollister) Peck, natives of Ohio, and of English and Scotch origin. His father, who was a physician, and served in the army under a special call, died at New Richmond, Ohio, in 1877, at the age of forty-two; his widow still survives. and also their family of nine children: William V. ; Mary A., wife of J. C. Willenbrink, of New Richmond, Ohio; Helen W., wife of John H. Smith, of New York; Maggie S.; Lewis D., of the Snow Flake Laundry, Cincinnati; Paul Summer; Charles Catlin; Ralph; and John Hugh. The family moved to New Richmond, Ohio, in 1861, and there the father died. Our subject attended the public schools of that town, and completed his education at Parker Academy. He began his business career as assistant storekeeper at Kenton Furnace, Kentucky, which position he filled nine months, and was there assistant manager a year and a half. In 1881 he came to Cincinnati, and was in the employ of the Excelsior School Furniture Company six years; afterward junior member of Baldridge & Reis for seven years, and then became general manager of the Cincinnati Church Seating Company. On June 20, 1884, Mr. Peck married Lizzie Stephenson, of Cincinnati, and they are the parents of one child: William V. Mr. Peck is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and a Republican in politics.

WILLIAM A. BENNETT, senior member of the firm of Bennett & Witte, wholesale dealers in poplar lumber, was born in Dover, Mason Co., Ky., January 8, 1854. His father, George W. Bennett, a farmer by occupation, and a native of Vermont, born of English descent, in 1844 located in Mason county, Ky., where he married Matilda Nichols, a resident and native of that county, whose family were Virginians by birth.

The subject of this sketch was the sole issue of this marriage. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Dover, and completed at the Kentucky University. In 1872, he entered the employ of C. W. & L. G. Boyd, leading lumber dealers of Cincinnati, with whom he remained until January, 1884, when be formed the partnership above mentioned with Charles H. Witte, who had been connected with Messrs. Boyd as bookkeeper. The firm transacts an extensive business in the sale of poplar lumber, in which they deal exclusively, buying their lumber in logs in Kentucky and Tennessee, having it sawed at the nearest point to the place of purchase as practicable, and selling throughout the territory bounded by the Alleghany Mountains and the Mississippi river. Mr. Bennett was married December 19, 1879. to Miss Alice E., daughter of J. N. Henry, of New Vienna, Ohio. and two children blessed the union: George W., who died in 1887, and Julia A. The family reside on Chase street., North Side, and attend the Central Christian Church.

ANTHONY VAN AGTHOVEN, barrel manufacturer, was born in Holland in 1822, and came to America in 1848, landing at New Orleans with the intention of taking up his residence in St. Louis, but., being advised to come to Cincinnati, did so, and has made this city his home ever since. He has been engaged in his business for over forty years, formerly where the Southern Railroad Station now stands, but for the past, sixteen years at No. 187 Commerce street., where his main business is now




834 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

located. Our subject was married, in 1854, to Nellie Dow, also a native of Holland, and they have had born to them seven children, four of whom are still living. Mr. Van Agthoven is an expert at his business, and ranks high among our most enter. prising business men.

GEORGE HENSHAW, senior member of the firm G. Henshaw & Sons, extensive manufacturers of furniture, Cincinnati, was born in London, England, July 17, 1805. His education he obtained at one of the boarding schools in the suburbs of his native city, until he was fifteen years old, at which age he was apprenticed to the cabinet-making trade with a prominent manufacturer of London, with whom he thoroughly learned the art of making all kinds of furniture. At the age of twenty-one he married, and started in business for himself in that city, soon establishing a reputation as a first-class business man, and a manufacturer of elegant and substantial goods. In 1843 he sailed with his family for the United States, and located in Edwards county, Ill., intending to follow farming. Unaccustomed to that kind of life, however, he soon found his way to Cincinnati, where a large field for his energy and enterprise awaited him. In this city he commenced the manufacture of furniture, which at that date was nearly all made by hand. His former experience was brought into requisition, and his business grew rapidly, while he himself grew no less rapidly in favor with the public for his excellent personal traits and qualities and business capabilities. Upon the invention of machinery, and the application of steam in the manufacture of furniture, he was among the first to adopt the innovations, and in succeeding years he kept abreast of all such inventions and methods as he deemed an acquisition in the development of his industry. It was not long before he had a large manufacturing establishment, with which was connected an extensive store and salesroom. In this, his chosen vocation, his life was chiefly spent, laboring zealously in behalf of his interests, which was rewarded with great success in a financial point of view, but none the less than by the honorable name and position he acquired among his fellow-citizens; and his name and character will be engraved in the memory of many who knew him as a man of great personal worth, probity of character, and of noble and generous impulses. His career forms an important part in the industrial history of Cincinnati. In 1873 he retired from active business, and spent in a quiet way the remainder of his days at his home on College Hill, a beautiful suburb of Cincinnati, where he died at the age of seventy-seven, leaving a widow, four sons and three daughters. Since then, on October 16, 1883, the wife and partner of his life for fifty-five years entered into her rest. Two of the sons, Edward and George, both men of high character and business standing, continue the business left by their worthy father.

JOHN WILHELM GOLDKAMP, contractor and builder, senior member of the firm of Goldkamp & Son, Madison avenue, Walnut Hills, was born in Osnabruck, Hanover, Germany, May 12, 1835, and is the only surviving one of two children born to J. Frederick and Maria E. (Stoppelkamp) Goldkamp, Mary, the sister, having died in 1858. The father of our subject was born January 17, 1803, and died at Minster, Ohio, in 1862. The mother was born April 17, 1802, died in 1873, and is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Cincinnati; both parents were natives of Hanover, Germany.

Our subject came to the United States with his parents when seventeen years of age, arriving in New Orleans in September, 1852, and Cincinnati January 5, 1853. He had received but a limited education in the common schools of Osnabruck, Hanover, but later on attended night school in Cincinnati. At different periods after his arrival in this country he worked at the cabinet-making business, in railroad car shops, on the Miami canal, and other business. He embarked in the contracting and building business on his own account at East Walnut Hills in 1865. Mr. Goldkamp was married in June, 1857, to Louise Frederiecke (Knemuller), who was born in Prussia, March 2, 1837, and their union has been blessed with twelve children: Anna M. (wife of B. Woste), born March 4, 1858; Louis G., born April 24, 1860, at




HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 835

present residing at Hyde Park, this city, and is a partner in his father's business; Louise A. M., born December 21, 1862, died in 1892, was the wife of Frederick Keifel; Amelie C. M., widow of George Schaefer, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was born August 4, 1865; Rosa M., born January 20, 1868, wife of Joseph Ronnebaum, of Cincinnati; Fred. E. William, born January 9, 1870, died in infancy; Carolina J., born January 4, 1871; August J., born April 3, 1873; Albert B., born March 3, 1875: Wilhelmina F., born April 23, 1877; Mary W., born August 15, 1879, died in 1881, and Emilia, born December 16, 1881.

The firm of Goldkamp & Son is among the largest and best known of Cincinnati's contractors and builders. Their business is one of the most extensive in the city, giving employment to some forty or fifty men, and doing a business of more than one hundred thousand dollars a year. Some of the notable buildings erected by them are the Lunatic Asylum at Carthage, the Cincinnati Exposition building, St. Francis de Sales School building, and Sisters of Notre Dame School building, East Walnut Hills. Mr. Goldkamp was for a number of years a trustee of St. Francis de Sales Church, of which he has been treasurer. He is a member of the German Pioneer Society; politically he is a Democrat.

FRANK HELLER, builder and contractor, office and place of business No. 647 Gilbert avenue, residence on Fairview avenue, Walnut Hills. This prominent business man was born in the Province of Alsace, and is the second eldest in a family of five children born to Charles and Madeline (Diss) Heller, both of whom were also natives of Alsace. He was educated in the schools of his native home, and after leaving school worked at the trade of file cutting for about two years, when he was enlisted in the French army, and served during the Franco-Prussian war. He was made a prisoner at New Brissoe, and taken to Germany, where he was kept a prisoner for five months. After being released he returned to his home, and in 1872 immigrated to the United States, arriving in Cincinnati July 19 of that year. He went to work at the carpenter business with his uncle, F. J. Diss, at Avondale, in 1876 going into business for himself, and by his strict integrity, good business qualifications, and constant study of the wants of his patrons, he has made an enviable reputation and gained a trade that is rapidly increasing.

Mr. Heller was married, May 3, 1876, to Mary, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Lessel, natives of Bavaria, and to them were born four children: Charles, George, Frank and Elsie. The father of our subject died January 9, 1861; the mother died May 26, 1893. The other members of the family are Alphonse, Elenore, Caroline, and George, all of whom are living, and reside in their native home, the Province of Alsace.

ANTHONY STOEHR, senior member of the firm of A. Stoehr & Co., stair builders and wood manufacturers, was born in the southern part of Germany, February 5, 1847, and is the second eldest of a family of six children born to Raymond and Mary (Keminich) Stoehr.

Our subject came to the United States in June, 1867, and after residing some nine months in Cambridge City, Ind., removed to Cincinnati, where he has ever since remained. Up to the year 1873, he worked at the cabinet-making business, and ever since that time has been engaged at stair building. In 1883 he went into business for himself at No. 99 East Eighth street, and removed to his present place of business in 1889. Our subject was married, January 2, 1872, to Julia Rothan, daughter of Joseph and Barbara Rothan, natives of Alsace, and three children have been born to them, as follows: John A., born in 1876; Joseph R., born in 1879, and Julia Augusta, born in 1878. The firm manufactures everything in the line of stair building, and constantly employs from fifteen to twenty men. The career of a business house is the rule and standard by which the public test its general worth. Where the progress of a firm has been uniformly and steadily increasing, under able and efficient management, it necessarily imparts confidence to its patrons, as


836 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

in the case of the above, who, by making a constant study of how to please, and by turning out good work, has made an enviable reputation and gained a trade that is rapidly increasing. Mr. Stoehr is a member of the German Young Pioneer Society of Cincinnati.

FRANCIS S. ROHAN, stair builder, Charles street., was born in Cincinnati, in May, 1852, and is the youngest of two children born to David and Mary Ann (Stonebraker). Rohan. The father of our subject was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1809, and in 1818, when only nine years old, came to the United States with his parents, who settled in Somerset, Perry Co., Ohio. He came to Cincinnati in 1831, and in 1840 engaged in general building, but later on gave his attention entirely to stair building, his place of business being situated on the southwest corner of Fifth and Race Streets, where the Glenn building now stands, afterward on Jackson street, between Canal and Twelfth streets, and still later at No. 372 Elm street. He retired from business in 1878, and was succeeded by his son, Frank S., the subject of our sketch. He died December 9, 1887, and is buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Price Hill. The mother of our subject was born in Frederick, Md., and was some eight years the junior of her husband. She was the daughter of Francis and Nancy (Greenwell) Stonebraker; she died in February, 1854, and is buried in the old St. Peter's Cemetery. The brother, Archibald Hamilton, died December 8, 1878, and is also buried in St. Peter's Cemetery. In February, 1858, David Rohan married, for his second wife, Mary Bardsley, a native of Stockport. England, and to this union were born three children: John and Thomas, both dead, and David, still living. The second wife died July 3, 1872. The grandfather of our subject, who was a native of Ireland, died in 1849, having attained the good old age of one hundred and four years; when he was one hundred years old he walked from Wheeling to Cincinnati, refusing to ride on a railway train.

Our subject was married, in August, 1875, to Clara, daughter of David and Mary Jane (Freel) Trovinger, and to them have been born six children: Frank W., born September 11, 1877; Olive E., born February 23, 1882; Louisa Ethel, born June 30, 1884; Arthur Leo, born February 19, 1886; Willard Sylvester, born September 10, 1887, and Lawrence Trovinger, born June 9, 1890. Mr. Rohan received his education in the public schools of Cincinnati. He is a member of the National Union and also of the Catholic Young Men's Institute. Mr. Rohan is an active, progressive business man, and has built up a reputation by his high ability, keen intelligence, and unswerving integrity.

CHARLES MARTINDILL, carpenter and builder, whose business is situated at No. 1514 Eastern avenue, and who resides at No. 44 Tusculum avenue, was born in Vinton county, Ohio, and is the second youngest of six surviving children born to David and Margaret (Murphy) Martindill, of German and Irish nationality, the remaining members of the family being Sophia Jane, wife of John Miller, of Vinton county; Harriet Maria, wife of William West, of Ottawa county, Mo. ; Joseph Austin, residing in Cincinnati; Arthur M., residing in Hamilton, Ohio, and Narcissus, wife of Lafayette Hawkins, of Athens county, Ohio.

Our subject was educated in the public schools of Cincinnati, and ever since the time of his leaving school has worked at the carpenter business. He was married October 19, 1879, to Nancy Ellen, daughter of Samuel B. and Sarah Ann (Myers) Coffinbargar. She died April 2, 1886; their union was blessed with two children, who survive: Nora Ellen and Ennie May. Mr. Martindill is a practical mechanic, thoroughly posted in all the branches of the carpenter business, and although only a little over a year in business for himself, has, by his strict integrity and constant effort to please his patrons, made an enviable reputation and gained a constantly increasing trade. The father of our subject was also a carpenter and builder, and died in Vinton county in 1889. His mother, who still survives, resides with her youngest daughter in Athens county, Ohio. Mr. Martindill is a member in good standing of Spencer Lodge No. 347, I. O. O. F., and politically is a Republican.


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 837

JOHN FEARNLEY, carpenter and builder, a member of the firm of Sievers & Fearnley, contracting wreckers, office and yards situated at the corner of Eighth and Harriet .Streets, was born in Indianapolis, Ind., April 12, 1835, a son of John and Ann Duke Fearnley. He received such education as was obtainable in the schools of that date, and after leaving school learned the carpenter business, which he followed in Indianapolis until his removal to Cincinnati in December, 1869. Since his arrival in this city he has been engaged in the carpenter business, together with manufacturing of different kinds, and of late years has been engaged in the wrecking and removal of old buildings. He was married October 31, 1860 to Caroline, daughter of Royal and Lucia (Huntington) Mayhew, and their union has been blessed with six children, all of whom survive, as follows: Harry S.; Hattie M., a teacher in the public schools of Cincinnati; Blanche E.; Mary; Sarah. and Lawrence. Politically, Mr. Fearnley is a Democrat; he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and he and his family attend the Presbyterian Church.

The parents of our subject were of English and Irish extraction. His father was a butcher by profession. They both passed away in Indianapolis, the father October 31, 1844, and the mother December 16, 1861. They had born to them five children, three of whom still survive, viz, : Priscilla, widow of the late Jacob Smith, residing in Olympia, Oregon; John, our subject, and Mary, widow of the late Stanton J. Batchelor, residing in Pittsburgh.

EDWARD A. WOERZ, wood turner, was born in Cincinnati, September 16, 1859, and is the eldest son of Ignaz and Elizabeth (Knoff) Woerz, natives of Germany, who carne to this country about the year 1850. Ignaz Woerz, the father of our subject, was engaged in wood turning up to the time of his death, in 1891, when our subject, Edward A.. succeeded him in business. Mrs. Elizabeth Woerz. the mother of our subject, is still living, as are also three sisters and one brother, who all reside in Cincinnati. Our subject was married in 1887 to Nellie Bonnell, daughter of Stephen and Bridget Bonnell, and they have had born to them three children, all of whom are living. Mr. Woerz is an active, experienced business man, and furnishes employment to a number of men in his factory, doing all kinds of wood turning for building and other purposes. His factory is situated at the corner of Hunt and Abigail streets.

ARTHUR T. BLENNERHASSETT, wood turner, whose place of business is situated at No. 208 West Pearl street, corner of Plum, was born March 29, 1823, in County Kerry, Ireland, and is the second eldest of eight surviving children who blessed the union of Thomas A. and Susan (Hill) Blennerhassett. He was educated in the common schools of Ireland, receiving only a limited education, such as was afforded by the schools of that day. On the 14th of April, 1852, be left Ireland for the United States, reaching New York on the 26th of May after a very stormy and eventful passage. He remained in New York but a few weeks proceeding thence to Castleton, Rutland Co., Vt.. where he worked for one year at the agricultural implement business; in March, 1853. he removed to Cincinnati, and worked at carpenter work for about a year. In 1854 he was employed by Squire Johns, when his business was situated where the gas house now stands, and worked for him about eighteen months. He afterward engaged with the Royer N. heel Company, and remained in their employ for twenty-eight years, doing all their carriage wood-work business, and has been doing business on his own account for about five years.



Mr. Blennerhassett was married in 1856 to Euphenia, daughter of James and Susan (Slater) Murray, and two children were born to them, Thomas and Susan. The mother of these died, and our subject married, for his second wife, Susan, a sister of the first wife; this union has been blessed by three children., James, Mary and Charles. The parents of our subject were both natives of County Kerry, Ireland, where the father engaged in farming; be lived to the age of eighty-five years; the another attained the age of ninety-Live years before her decease. Mr. Blennerhassett


838 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

was present at the death of his great-grandfather and great-grandmother, who lived to the ripe old ages of one hundred and four and ninety-eight years, respectively. Our subject and family are active members of the Methodist Church, and he is a Republican in his political views.

CHARLES H. WITTY, junior member of the firm of Bennett & Witte, was born at Cincinnati, March 14, 1862, son of Charles and Mary (Borcherding) Witte, natives of Germany who came to Cincinnati in 1846. His father was a builder by trade,. and died in 1882, at the age of fifty-four years. His family numbered seven children, six of whom are living; the two sons are E. R. C., secretary of the William Miller Range and Furnace Company, and Charles H. The last named graduated at Woodward High School, and attended the University of Cincinnati one year. He was bookkeeper for C. W. & S. G. Bond four years, and formed his present partnership with Mr. Bennett in 1884. On September 1, 1887, he married Louise Vosmer, daughter of August and Louise (Henke) Vosmer, natives of Germany, and now residents of Cincinnati, where Mr. Vosmer is president of the Central Furniture Association. Mr. and Mrs. Witte are the parents of two children: Raymond Charles and Russell Bennett. They are members of the Second German Methodist Church, and in politics Mr. Witte is a Republican.

Cincinnati as a Carpet Market-One of America's Largest Distributors of Carpets and Floor Coverings. Near the center of the country's population, in the heart of one of the continent's richest valleys, and, relatively to her peerless tributary mercantile territory, equipped, as the terminus of fifteen different railroad systems, with magnificent railway connections and also with superb canal, river and steamboat facilities, Cincinnati, the "Queen City of the West," towers aloft among the metropolitan commercial cities of the country as one of the largest and foremost distributors of carpetings and all kindred floor coverings upon the American continent. Her annual output in this line reaches far into the millions. Perhaps in no, one other branch of her commerce has she made such gigantic strides of progress in recent years, as in the province of a wholesale jobber of carpetry. Controlling, as she does, through her immediate mill connections, a great part and in many instances the entire output of some of the best and most prominent carpet, rug and oil cloth mills of the country. and directly importing, through her foreign and eastern agencies, hundreds upon hundreds of Oriental carpets, and cargoes upon cargoes of China and Japan straw mattings of every known brand, she proffers directly to the carpet merchants of the South, the West and the entire Southwest, at actual mill and import figures, anything and everything in the way of domestic and foreign wholesale carpeting in unexcelled cosmopolitan variety and assortment of makes, designs and qualities, from the humblest and most inexpensive to the most popular, the finest and the most, costly. The duplicate stocks carried in her carpet warehouses are something enormous. The carloads upon carloads of carpetings that come rolling into her marts from month to month, and particularly during the spring and fall, are one of the wonders of her railroad and transfer circles.

One house alone in this city is noted as the second largest handler in the world of the renowned Tapestry Brussels of the famed Alexander Smith Mills, the greatest Tapestry Brussels mill in the world. Well has the carpet merchant of the South and West come to appreciate that " Westward the star of Empire has taken its coarse " in the American carpet world, and in the light of the substantial advantages presented here at home. he no longer looks to the far distant East as his Mecca for values. The Western jobber has become the monarch of the field once usurped by the jobber of the East, and before his triumphant onward march some of the oldest and most famous carpet houses of Boston, New York and Philadelphia have been compelled to suspend or discontinue the wholesale business. In the battle royal that has waged between the West and the East, no city in this broad Union has taken a more conspicuous and honorable part than has Cincinnati; no city has contributed


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 839

more to the ultimate triumph of the Western jobber, and wherever this commercial conflict has been the hardest and longest, there, in the front of the fray, has been found the white plume of her progress. Guaranteeing actual mill prices that meet any and all competition, she offers to her carpet merchant visitor the closest figures obtainable; presenting, in her highly equipped and thoroughly metropolitan sampling room, stocks unsurpassed in magnitude and quality, she meets his every want; assuring to every southern and western point shorter hauls, prompt shipments and quicker deliveries, she saves him a clean gain of both time and freight; and above and beyond all, as one grand co-operative nearby warehouse for all her tributary territory, carrying the year round whatever the carpet merchant may at any time want, she offers him unequalled opportunities for prompt, accurate and dependable duplicating, obviates his unnecessary heavy buying, and thereby economizes for him his capital, expense, insurance and rent, the most vital elements of his business life. These paramount facts, these priceless advantages, the younger, the newer, the greater Cincinnati has brought clearly into the noon-day light of the western and southern carpet merchant's vision, and great. has been her reward and practically unlimited is her field and her future as a wholesale carpet center. Wherever her steamers ply, wherever her locomotives speed, are found the representatives of her carpet interests. Fearing no rival and defying competition from any quarter, every day sees her becoming a stronger and a stronger factor in the American carpet world; sees her achieving new conquests in the territory already hers, and sees her broadening, extending and unifying that territory. wherever a carpet is made, bought or sold, the names of her wholesale carpet houses are known, and wherever they are known they are synonyms of aggressive progress and spotless integrity. Where a decade ago she stood an infant in the carpet world, she to-day stands a reigning sovereign, and one of the greatest and most highly capitalized industries of the country, the manufacture of carpets, looks to her and depends upon her as the certain dispenser of one of the largest shares of its product. Well may Cincinnati, and well she does, stand by in pride as her wholesale carpet interests say to the country, and in particular to every city, town and hamlet in the entire South, West and Southwest: " We stand by our goods, we stand by our prices, we stand by our character."

LOWRY & GOEBEL, Importers. Wholesale Jobbers and Retailers of Carpets: Founded July, 1881, at No. 118 W. Sixth street, Cincinnati, Ohio; founders, William Lowry (deceased), Justus Goebel; present firm, Justus Goebel. Robert J. Bonser, Arthur Goebel. So rapid has been the growth and rise of the firm whose name is our caption that it could not, if it would, forget the "day of small things," the day when it was but a stripling in the business world of Cincinnati, not to mention the entire country. Thirteen years ago, in one small store room and basement at No. 118 W. Sixth street, it opened its doors to the public and unfurled its banner to the mercantile air. Of its founders, the one, advanced in years, had seen service, acquired experience and achieved a reputation as a merchant; the other, almost twenty years his junior, schooled in the school of necessity, and by nature endowed with the genius of unrest, was eager to work and to strive, and ambitious to rise. The elder admired the younger, and drew him unto himself; the younger looked up to and followed the elder as his exemplar as a merchant and a man. They linked their fortunes, joined their unites, and the house of Lowry & Goebel was born. From that day to this, the business code of the house has been " work," its policy has been "liberality," its history has been "progress," its reward has been " success."

Small indeed was its beginning, but its champions had in them the faith and courage of their cause. Before the opening day, advertising contracts were secured with seven leading English and German dailies, and an uninterrupted conservative and judicious use of the Press has been an abiding characteristic. The initial stock consisted of seventy-nine rolls of ingrain, forty-three rolls of tapestries,


840 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

seventeen rolls of body Brussels, and a proportionately small aggregate of rugs, oil cloths, mattings and curtains. The original invoice book of this stock, the first ledger in the hand of Mr. Lowry, and the day book in that of Mr. Goebel, are to-day cherished as precious mementoes of earlier days. The first patron is still a patron and a warm friend, and the recurring seasons see his return and bear him say in pride that he bought the first carpet, a tapestry, this house sold, and that a better never was bought. Under the impetus of an indefatigable industry the business grew apace, stocks had to be increased, and more spacious quarters became a necessity. March, 1883, saw the removal to the present location, No. 167 Elm street. where three floors were taken and occupied. Though the firm were the first pioneers in a business sense upon this thoroughfare, its patrons followed it and brought with them their friends; and here, under the inspiration of the same characteristic tireless energy and ceaseless effort to please, fortune was kind and trade grew with an accelerated rapidity. In their implicit mutual confidence, in their common determination to succeed at the cost of every toil, vigilance and self-sacrifice, both partners saw but brightness in the future, and but waited for the morrow, hand in hand, to court further success; but fate unfortunately had decreed otherwise, and in November of the same year (1883), Mr. Lowry, after a brief and apparently trifling illness, died, leaving to his younger copartner a business full of promise, but at once full of countless cares and grave responsibilities. All too soon had passed away the elder of these two more than partners-but withal not so soon but that he had left upon the younger the indelible impress of his sterling manhood. Unfavorable were the judgments of some in regard to the prospects of the house under the guidance of the remaining partner-but superficially had they observed and little did they know of the sterner stuff that within him lay. Smooth-faced and youthful looking at the early age of twenty-five, Justus Goebel, a stranger and unknown for the first time, stepped into the marts and mills of the American carpet world as a merchant to buy his stock. Mill owners and proprietors gray in the service placed their hand upon his shoulder, smiled, and told him he looked young. All were kind, some were more than kind. Such men as the elder Higgins, Walter Law, Joseph Wild, and William Judge, saw something more than usual in this young merchant aspirant.; they admired him, they saw the grit in his clear gray eve, they took him by the hand, they encouraged him. Cognizant of the weight of the burden that rested upon him, he applied himself to his business with redoubled energy. By nature endowed with a hardy constitution, and a trained athlete in youth, he drew deeper than ever upon his physical endurance, and unswervingly devoted to the achievement of success every possible hour of the day and night and every available force of body and mind. Sole helmsman of his bark, he set every sail and breasted the storm, and bravely the bark sailed on into the haven of a greater and a swifter prosperity than could have been anticipated even in the brightest moments of the most sanguine expectation. From season to season, from year to year, the business grew and multiplied, new features were added, new store rooms and warehouses, a wholesale cut carpet department, and a wholesale jobbing department, with its quota of travelers, until in July, 1889, Robert J. Bonser, who had already achieved the reputation of being Cincinnati's prince of successful salesmen, severed other mercantile associations, became the associate of Mr. Goebel, devoted himself to the general management of the house, and especially to the development of the wholesale department, and by the herculean work of himself and his corps of travelers upon the road brought the house into national repute as one of the country's foremost wholesale carpet houses.

Two years later, is July, 1891, the present youngest member of the firm, Arthur Goebel, who strikingly resembles his brother, became a copartner, and under his general supervision the retail department of the house, in particular, has enjoyed an unprecedented prosperity. With its final accession the firm seems in its union of


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 841

qualifications complete, and presents a personnel remarkably strong and difficult to duplicate. Though every man is yet young and far this side the prime of life, there is a combination of experience, vigor and intellect seldom found united in one establishment a union highly auspicious of a future as brilliant as has been the remarkably brief but wondrously successful past. The house is to-day one of the greatest importers of China and Japan straw mattings in the West, handling many times more than all others in Cincinnati combined; it is one of the most extensive jobbers of oil cloths, linoleums, cocoa mattings, rugs and curtains west of New York; it is the second largest handler in the world of the celebrated Smith tapestry Brussels; and its ingrain carpet business, twice that of all other houses in this city combined, and representing controlling outputs of several of the country's best mills, constitutes one of the, strongest ingrain accounts in America. Its freight account, which consists of nought but carpetry and drapery, is the second heaviest merchant freight account in the State of Ohio. It to-day occupies sixteen floors at Nos. 165, 167 and 169 Elm street, and six great floors at its Second street warehouses. Its sample rooms for the exhibition of wholesale carpetings are in the acme of perfection with which in a twinkling they show ranges upon ranges of goods, the equal of anything on the continent. Its travelers, numbering front twelve to fourteen, more than are traveled by any other house between Philadelphia and Chicago, and more than any two other Cincinnati carpet houses travel, penetrate every corner of Cincinnati's commercial territory, and, unexcelled in fabrics and invulnerable in price, they go beyond and are ready to meet competition from any point of the compass. Its agencies for the sale of carpetings by sample dot the map of the entire South and West, and reach a grand total of over two thousand. Its annual business exceeds a million and a half. Froth the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Gulf to the Lakes, it is known as Cincinnati's representative carpet house. Its career is unparalleled in the annals of the American carpet world in the last quarter of a century.

WILLIAM LOWRY, deceased carpet merchant, Cincinnati, Ohio, former residence Covington, Ky., was born in Quincy, Ill., February 28, 1843, son of Joseph A. and Jane (Campbell) Lowry, natives of the North of Ireland. The parents came to America in 1836, were married in Philadelphia in 1838, and migrated at once to Adams county, Ill. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1862; the mother died in 1881, leaving a family of eight children.

William Lowry received his education in the public schools of Quincy, Ill. Owing to the failure of his father's health, he was compelled to leave school at the age of fourteen, from which date he supported himself, and assisted in maintaining his mother and her family. At the age of fifteen he removed to Lexington, Ky., where he entered the carpet store of his maternal uncle, William Campbell. Here he rose rapidly to the position of salesman, and at the age of twenty-one took charge of a carpet store in Peoria. Ill. At the end of the first year, being offered a partnership with his uncle. William Campbell, he returned to Lexington, Ky., and was in the carpet business there until 1870. While here he made his first trip East to purchase goods for their trade. He soon became recognized as one of the most expert buyers in the West, and as a man of superior business qualifications. His health failing, he went to the country and engaged in raising Shorthorn cattle, but, returned to the carpet business in 1877, accepting a position with The John Shillito Company, where he remained until 1879, and where he. first knew his future partner, Justus Goebel, as a stock boy. He then took charge of the carpet department at Alms & Doepke's. In the fall of 1880 he returned to the Shillito Company, and took charge of the wholesale carpet department. In July, 1881, with Justus Goebel, as above stated, he began the carpet business at No. 118 W. Sixth street. Their accommodations soon proving inadequate they in March, 1883, removed to No. 167 Elm street, where, with his business, to which he gave his every power, upon the threshold of a magnificent career, he took sick and retired to his home in Covington


842 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

where, after a short illness, he passed away November 14, 1883, Cincinnati losing in his death one of her most enterprising business men, and the community deprived of one of its best citizens. In personal appearance Mr. Lowry was of medium height, having a rather heavily framed figure; of lofty expansive brow and dark hair; of well rounded mobile features, heavily bearded face, and dark sparkling eyes. Well-read, genial in temperament, calm and affable in address, giving the impression of much reserve force, he was the typical active merchant. He was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (Leslie) McCabe, and to this union were born six children, four of whom are living: Margaret, married to George Beers, a professor of Yale Law School; Elizabeth, residing with her mother; William, who bears a strong likeness to his father, and is connected with the house of Lowry & Goebel. and John, a student. Mr. Lowry was a Presbyterian in religion, and in politics a Democrat.

JUSTUS GOEBEL, the present senior member of the firm of Lowry & Goebel, was born on a farm in Luzerne county, Penn., July 21, 1858, He is the second of four children born to William and Augusta Goebel, natives of Goettingen, Germany. In 1853 his parents came to the United States, and located in Pennsylvania. The father was a carpenter by occupation, and in 1866 migrated west, settling in Covington, Ky., where he became connected with the Kentucky Central railroad shops. After about three years he embarked in the hotel business in Covington, continuing this line until his death, which occurred in October, 1877. He was a man of strong character and much practical benevolence, and his wide popularity redounded ill after years in no small degree to the benefit of his children. The mother, a woman of most lovable and noble character, died in July, 1880. Their children were as follows: William, residing in Covington, a prominent attorney with the most remunerative practice in northern Kentucky, one of the most conspicuous figures in her late Constitutional Convention, and the present State Senator from the Covington District; Justus; Minnie; and Arthur, junior member of the firm.

Our subject attended the public schools of Covington, and assisted in the hotel business until the death of his father. Subsequently he was employed by Culbertson & Company, of Covington, as a sawyer in one of their mills for one year and a half. Then, after undergoing many discouragements, he was offered the position of stock-keeper in the carpet department, of The John Shillito Company, Cincinnati, at a salary of four dollars a week. He accepted it; at the end of two months he was made a salesman, and his salary doubled. Here it was he first, met William Lowry, and in January, 1879, following him, he engaged with the Alms & Doepke Company, remaining with them about one year. Shortly after the death of his mother he entered the employ of T. M. Snowden & Company, East Fourth street, Cincinnati, as one of their salesmen. Next, in July, 1881, came the formation of the partnership with William Lowry, and the launching of their Own small enterprise that was to become the great representative wholesale and retail carpet house of the present. The life, the work, the character of Justus Goebel, are found in the history of the house of Lowry & Goebel from that day to this. Its cares have been his toils, its progress has been his success. Mr. Goebel was married in August, 1886, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Reynolds (deceased) and Elizabeth Reynolds, of Cincinnati. Mr. Reynolds was the proprietor of The Stone Lake Ice Company, one of the most extensive ice plants in Cincinnati. Mr. Goebel is at present a director in the company, and its president. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Goebel: William Arthur, aged six years; Lillie, aged four years, and Justus, aged two years. In appearance Mr. Goebel is of medium stature and of wiry, athletic frame. Smooth-faced and with deep, keen gray eyes, he wears in repose the cast of thought and rugged strength, but in personal contact kindles into inviting smiles and genial affability. With the calm conservatism of responsibility, he yet appears in many ways even younger than he is. In 1890 he was a


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 843

director of the Mercantile Library, being at the time the youngest man ever elected to the Office. The same year he became a Mason, has taken the thirty-second degree Of that Order, and is a member of Willis Chapter and Trinity Commandery. In religion he is a Methodist; politically he is liberally inclined.

ROBERT J. BONSER, of the firm of Lowry & Goebel, was born in London, Canada, March 5, 1863, the eldest of four children born to Edward E. and Sarah (Potter) Bonser. The mother, a daughter of Col. Robert Potter, of the English army, was born in the West Indies, while her father was fulfilling his military duties there. The father of our subject came to the United States and in the spring of 1861 settled in Cincinnati, where he followed the vocation of painter and paper hanger. He remained here until 1872, when he established himself in the wall-paper business in Lafayette, Indiana, soon after becoming a member of the firm of Ward & Company, and upon the dissolution of this partnership, returned to Cincinnati in 1877; removed to Topeka, Kans., in 1884-; to Tacoma, Wash., in 1888, and recently settled again in Cincinnati, where he at present resides.

Our subject received his education in the public schools of Cincinnati. In 1879 he entered the employ of C. R. Mabley as a salesman in the collar and cuff department, from which he was soon transferred to the men's wearing department, and then to the men's clothing department, where he remained nine years, and by his inherent merit and exceptionally effective work made himself its foremost salesman, and finally its manager. Already the remarkable qualifications with which nature had endowed hint had appeared in forcible manifestation. He was a born salesman, and peerless and unrivalled, he was acknowledged to be the prime minister of the salesman's art in the mercantile world Of Cincinnati. Wherever the abilities of salesmanship were appreciated, he was known and sought after. On July 6, 1889, he permanently associated himself with Mr. Justus Goebel, and purchased a partnership interest in the wholesale and retail carpet business of Lowry & Goebel. Though he had never handled a carpet, and though he had but a fortnight to educate himself in the mysteries Of his newly-chosen vocation, his genius did not forsake him, and he donned his armor, took the road the same month, and achieved instant success, From that day he has been a gladiator in the active field. The marvellous progress the house has made is in no small measure due to the force of his character and the might of his work. Powerful in frame, leonine in appearance, magnetic in presence, and with piercing dark eyes, he is to-day the acknowledged monarch of American carpet road men. Mr. Bonser was married March 5, 1884, to Miss Ella, daughter of Philip and Mary Metzger, of Cincinnati, and to this union have been born two children; Horace, aged seven, and Isabella, aged five years. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias eight years, became a Mason in 1890, has taken the thirty-second degree of that Order, and belongs to the Willis Chapter and Trinity Commandery. In religion he is a Presbyterian, in politics a Republican,

ARTHUR GOEBEL, of the firm of Lowry & Goebel, was born March 22, 1863. at Carbondale, Luzerne CO., Penn., in an humble cabin, son of William and Augusta Goebel. With his parents he removed at the age of three years to Covington, Ky. Here he received a primary-school education, and generally stood at or near the head of his classes. In 1875 he entered the Hughes High School in Cincinnati, from which, preeminent as a writer, he graduated with high honor, and with the rank of second in scholarship, in 1882. He then entered the Academic Department of Yale University, New Haven, Conn. While at Yale, he was a member of his class crew, a member of the Phi Beta Kappa scholarship fraternity, and was the only man in his class of 153 men who was a successful competitive writer for participation in every public college oratorical contest during the entire course of four years. In 1886 he was graduated from Yale with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, with high honors as a scholar, and standing in the front rank of the university as a writer, a debater and a,


844 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

speaker. He then matriculated in the Law Department of the University of Virginia, Virginia, where he took the degree of International and Commercial Law in one year, Overwork broke down his health, and he was compelled to abandon his career as a student. At the direction of his physicians he went west, "roughed it." four years, and traveled afoot and on horseback through the Rocky Mountains, the Coast range, the Sierras and the Cordilleras, spending most of his time in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, and acquiring, during this period, interests in ruining property and in coal and timber lands. In July, 1891, with restored health, he returned, at the solicitation of his brother, to Cincinnati, and bought a proprietary interest in the business of Lowry & Goebel. He is the head of the retail department, is the director and author of the firm's advertising, and has in charge the general management of the house. Unmarried and residing in the city near his place of business, he is at his post of duty early and late; an aggressive and persistent worker by nature and acquisition, there is nothing in the routine that is too trifling to receive his supervision and, if need be, his personal attention; thoroughly acquainted with every branch of the business and appreciative of its demands, there are few, if any, of its aspects that escape the penetrating vision of his vigilant observation, and the efficient touch of his comprehensive and progressive direction. The honor, integrity and trustworthiness Of the house-its character-are his highest daily care and the keenest ambition of his business life. Tall and erect, lithe and athletic in figure, direct and candid in speech, decisive, energetic and determined in action, frank in expression, dignified in demeanor and courtly in address, a reader and a student, and with the resultant equipment of his travels and his education at his spontaneous command, he typifies the gentleman, scholar, and successful young merchant, and constitutes a fit complement Of the young but strong triumvirate within whose hands rest the destinies of Lowry & Goebel, the representative wholesale and retail carpet house of Cincinnati, and one of her foremost mercantile institutions.

LEWIS VOIGHT was born in Cincinnati January 7, 1836. His parents, Henry and Margaret (Helmuth) Voight, were natives of Hanover, and in 1833 came to this city, where the former established a transfer and drayage business, which he conducted until his death in 1838. In 1840 his widow married Christopher Stager; both are now deceased.

Lewis Voight attended the public schools until thirteen years of age, when he entered the employ of Irwin & Foster, steamboat agents, attending night school during this period. He was next employed by P. W. Strader, in the Little Miami railroad ticket office, under Major Tillotson, and was then transferred to the charge, as conductor, of the large omnibus known as the "Ben Franklin," In 1852 he began to learn the trade of paper-hanging, and in 1855 became a journeyman. In 1860 he established the Senate Exchange, on Main street,, near Court, and was doing a good business when the Civil war broke out. He sold out, and in June, 1861, enlisted as captain of Company H, Twenty-third Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out in December, 1862, having been compelled to resign on account of rheumatism contracted from exposure during the battle of Perryville. After the battle Of Murfreesboro Capt. Voight's resignation was accepted. During this campaign he was provost marshal at Scottsville and Glasgow, Ky. Returning to Cincinnati in January, 1863, he bought out the paper store of George W. Reed, located on Central avenue, between Longworth and Sixth streets. In 1865 he moved into the Hart building, on the northwest corner of Longworth and Central avenue, and there remained until 1891, when he removed to his present location, Fosdick building, No. 57 West Fourth street. In 1881 he established a wholesale department and warehouse on Seventh street, west of Central avenue. In 1887 he removed his wholesale department to Nos. 258 and 260 West Fourth street, and again removed that branch of his business to the new building erected by the company, Nos. 90,


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 845

92, 94 and 96 John street, below Fourth. In 1879 Mr. Voight took his eldest son, William, into the business, and in 1887 the second son, Elmer C., became identified therewith. The former is now manager of the wholesale, and the latter of the retail, department. In 1890 the Lewis Voight & Sons Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, a third son, Lewis, Jr., being one of the company. The concern does the largest jobbing business in the West, is the second largest jobbing house of its kind in the United States, and was the first jobbing house of its kind in Ohio.

Mr. Voight has been an active worker in the Republican party, and was one of the organizers of the Lincoln Club, of which he has been a director and vice-president. He was for six years a member of council; for two years one of the board of aldermen, and for two years a member of the Ohio Legislature. The office has invariably in his case sought the man. When nominated and elected to council be was in New Orleans, and when elected to the board of aldermen, in New York. He is a 32 Mason, a Knight Templar, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Voight was married, April 28, 1857, to Susannah, daughter of Michael Friedel, a vinegar manufacturer of Cincinnati. Besides the sons named above, there is one child, Florence Gertrude. The family reside at the northwest corner of Kemper lane and Windsor street, Walnut Hills. The eldest son, William, is married to Carrie, youngest daughter of John H. Sandmann, a former partner of the late Herman Lachman; Mr. and Mrs. William Voight have one child, Edith.

JOHN G. FRITSCH, president and treasurer of the Francis Fritsch Manufacturing Company, was born in Cincinnati July 7, 1860, son of Francis and Clara (Roessler) Fritsch, natives, respectively, of Alsace and Bavaria. His father came to America in 1847, and located at New Orleans, where he remained one year, and then worked his way up the river. Upon his arrival at Cincinnati be worked at his trade, that of machinist, for Reynolds, Kite & Tatem (predecessors of the Lane & Bodley Company), two years, and then, in partnership with several others, started a shop at Vine and Mary streets. It passed through several changes of proprietorship, but Mr. Fritsch finally, in 1884, became sole owner. In 1883, having become cramped for room, the present site was purchased from the Dallas, Marsh and Harwood estates. It fronts 100 feet on McMicken street, 190 feet on Stark street, and 200 feet on Dunlap street. The plant is devoted to general foundry and machine work. Brewing machinery receives special attention, and some of the largest breweries in the country have been equipped by this establishment. Mr. Fritsch died October 17, 1884. The management of his estate devolved upon his son, John G., but the expansion of the business was such as to render incorporation desirable, and in 1889 the present company was organized, with John G. Fritsch, president, Otto C. Arens, secretary, and John Brauer, superintendent.

Francis and Clara (Roessler) Fritsch were the parents of five children: Anna, John G., Emma, Frank H., and Joseph L. Frank H. is a draughtsman. and mechanical engineer. Joseph L, graduated at St. Xavier College in 1893. John G. received a public-school education, served a three-years' apprenticeship as machinist, served as bookkeeper in his father's establishment from 1876 to 1884, and since that date, as previously stated, has directed the business. On January 29, 1890, he married. Dora, daughter of Henry Roeck, of Cincinnati. He is a member of the Catholic Church, the B. P. O. E., the Board of Trade, the Republican party, and various social clubs.

JOHN HASKFL GRAY, assistant superintendent at factory of The Cincinnati Dessicating Company, at Gilead Station, Hamilton Co., Ohio, is an old Cincinnati boy. He was born at Marietta, Ohio. March 7, 1856, and removed to Covington, Ky., with his parents at the age of five years. His mother dying one year later, his father and family removed to Cincinnati, where he received his education in the public schools, attending same as far as the A Grade Intermediate school, on Bay-


846 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

miller street. When not quite fifteen years of age he went to Boston, Mass., and was in the employ of his brother-in-law (Arthur H. Bailey) in the canned goods business, remaining there nearly five years, when he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, the home of his childhood, On October 26, 1880, he was married to Miss Nellie Johnson, of Ironton, Ohio, at his parents' residence, No. 357 West Seventh street, Cincinnati, by Rev. Mr. Fitch, pastor of the Seventh Congregational Church. For several years he was connected with The Cincinnati Freight Weighing and Inspection Bureau, as weigher and freight inspector under Mr. H. Coupe, and later under Mr. J. A. Gance. He was also deputy city weigher under Mr. William Broadwell and Mr. Harry H. Maddux: For three years previous to his accepting his present position he was in the local cor accountant's office of the C. C. C. & St. L. railway under Mr. J. A. Rothier, when he resigned in 1892 to accept his present position. Mr. Gray has never been discharged from any position, can refer with pride to any of his past employers, and bears a good reputation for honesty, integrity and sobriety. He resides with his family at No. 916 York street, Newport, Ky., and is a member of the First Baptist Church of that city. His family consists of himself and wife and two bright boys, Atherton Lyon, born November 29, 1883, at No. 98 Broadway, Cincinnati, and Frank William, born July 28, 1887, in Lombardy building, Cincinnati. Both are attending the public schools of Newport, Ky. His first child, Harry Walter, was born June 30, 1882, and died August 3, 1882, aged five weeks; he has buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati.

Mr. Gray is a Republican, but never took any active part in politics. He is a son of William Ide Gray, who died in Tullahoma, Tenn., March 7, 1893, of pneumonia, aged seventy-nine years, five months and twenty-five days, and who was well known to the older members of the Seventh Street and Vine Street Congregational Churches of Cincinnati, of which he was a devout member. The following copies of two notices of the death of William Ide Gray speak for themselves. From the Tullahoma Semi-weekly Guardian, Tullahoma, Tenn., March 8, 1893: "Death of W. I. Gray. Mr. W. I. Gray died at his residence in this city at 5 A. M., Tuesday, March 7, 1893, aged seventy-nine years, five months and twenty-five days. He was born in Rhode Island and came west at twenty-five years of age, and started the Marietta (Ohio) Chair Works, to-day the largest in the country. He had led a very active life up to the last, though in ill health for many months. He united with the church at fifteen years of age, and had been an active worker ever since. he leaves a widow, three sons and a daughter. The funeral services, conducted by Revs. L. B. Cheney and J. C. Putnam, took place at the Presbyterian church at 3:30 P. M. yesterday, after which the remains were forwarded to Cincinnati in charge of his son John for burial in Spring Grove Cemetery, which will occur at 4 P. M. this evening, in the presence of his old friends and relatives. Mr. Gray had been a resident here only a few years, but was greatly esteemed as an upright citizen and a conscientious, Christian gentleman, and left the impress of his life and example for good."

From the Christian Observer, Louisville, Ky., Wednesday, March 29,1893: " W. I. Gray, a life and example worthy of notice. William I. Gray, who was an elder in the Tullahoma (Tennessee) Church, died March 7, 1893. in his eightieth year. He was born at Little Compton, R. I., September 15, 1813. He came of the old Puritan stock of which he was never ashamed. At the age of fifteen he was received into the communion of the Congregational Church. He came west at twenty-five. For many years he was an active worker and officer in the old Seventh Street Congregational Church of Cincinnati. In 1885 he removed to Tullahoma, Tenn., and soon thereafter he was elected an elder in the Tullahoma Church. Through a long life he was a faithful and hopeful worker in the church. He did not get too old to attend the night service, prayer meetings and Sunday-school. He lost only two Sundays from the Sunday-school the last two years of his life, when he was confined to his bed. At the time he was stricken he was teacher of the Bible


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 847

class. He was always fond of children, and of course they were no less fond of him. When the church was opened for service `Old Brother Gray' was present, walking quietly up and down the aisles, showing strangers and visitors to seats and furnishing them with hymn books. He loved the Church, he loved God's people, he loved to serve. His wife told me that she had never known him to have a doubt, and they lived together nearly thirty years. Why no doubts? Because he was regularly using the means of grace and serving. This left neither time nor place for doubt. He worshiped God in his own house, was interested in the Church; in the Sunday-school, in the home missions and in foreign missions. That which I wish to emphasize is this: be was faithful, even down to old age, in his attendance upon all the services of the sanctuary. Ordinarily he was there to greet the pastor, to receive the children, to welcome strangers. He was quite feeble during the last five years of his life. For several years he and his wife lived alone, but when she was too feeble to go to church be did not find it necessary to stay at home with her. If the night was dark and stormy he would pull his cap close over his ears, take his lantern and march off to the services, several blocks distant, and not a very good walk. Can one wonder that he was free from doubt, and that when the end came he said, ' I am ready.' He had faults, of course, but they are buried and will be forgotten, whereas his virtues will live. He was a man of faith, and by it he being dead yet speaketh. A wife, three sons and a daughter survive him, but these ' sorrow not as those who have no hope.' His remains will be taken to Cincinnati for interment." [L. B. Cheney.

John Haskell Gray, the subject of this sketch, is a descendant of the old Puritan stock, and is proud of his ancestry, which be can trace back eight generations, as the following record, mostly copied from his grandfather Gray's Bible, will show. Joseph Church and Col. Benjamin Church (the great Indian warrior) were brothers; no record of birth or death. Joseph Church, 2nd, was son of Joseph Church, 1st; no record of birth or death. Caleb Church (son of Joseph Church, 2nd); no record of birth or death. Capt. Ebenezer (son of Caleb), born January 25, 1725, and Hannah Wood, his wife, born 1734; they were married March 7, 1754. Ebenezer died February 10, 1825, aged one hundred years and four days; his wife died February 3, 1815, aged eighty-four years. Their children were Mary, born December 30, 1754; Joseph, born February 25, 1757; Elizabeth, born May 30, 1761; Joseph, born February 27, 1764; Hannah, born July 18, 1766; Nathaniel, born February 12, 1769; Abagail, born September 30, 1771 ; Sarah, born March 28, 1774; William, born November 24, 1776, An article in the Newport Mercury, of Newport, B. I., February, 1825, says: "Captain Ebenezer Church, of Little Compton, R. L, was on February 5, 1825, one hundred years old, and then in good health, never been confined to his house by sickness but one week, and that in childhood. Mowed his farm eighty-five years in succession, and is now able to mount his horse from the ground. In his ninety-ninth year he caught a mess of bass four miles from his house, and in the last year be went out in a boat and caught a mess of fish. He has a number of children, nearly one hundred grandchildren and some great-grandchildren. He is a descendant of Col. Benjamin Church, the great Indian warrior. Capt. Church sustained through life the character of temperance, regularity and unimpeached integrity."



The children of Samuel Gray and Deborah, his wife, were: Hannah, Faller, John, Simeon, Lydia, Elizabeth, Samuel, Thomas, Jonathan, Joshua L., Nathaniel, Loring and Benjamin. John Gray was born March 20, 1756; Elizabeth Church, his wife, was born May 30, 1761. Their children were: Simeon, born March 3, 1785; Church, born April 13, 1787, married to Sallie Ide on April 5, 1812; Hannah, born March 2, 1788, married to Wright Wilber; Deborah, born September 26, 1791, married Christopher Brown; John, born November 11, 1793; Lydia, born March 19, 1796, married John Shorey; Eliza, born July 22, 1798, married Christopher Brown;


848 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

Sally. born October 8, 1799; Amasa, born January 8, 1801, married (twice) to Mary and Phoebe Irish; Mariah, born April 27, 1803, married George Bailey; Ira, born June 14, 1805, married Harriet Sukill. Elizabeth Church Gray died May 30, 1847, aged eighty-six years.

Jonathan Ide, born July 4, 1760, married Sarah Ide,, who was born November 25, 1765. Their children were Elpalet and Ezra. William Ide, born April 11, 1765, married Sarah Ide (her second husband). Their children were: Sally Ide, Sally Ide, William and Betsy Ide. Nathaniel Ide, Jr., born August 28, 1774 married Sarah Ide (her third husband), and their child was Betsey Ida. Sarah Ide married three men by the name of Ide, none of whom were related to each other. William Ide died January 22, 1803, aged thirty-seven years, nine months and eleven days. Jonathan Ide at his death was thirty years, four months and sixteen days old. Nathaniel Ide was fifty-three years and twenty-six hays old when he died. Sarah Ide died December 17, 1819, aged fifty-four years and twenty-two days. Church Gray, born April l3, 1787. and his wife, Sally Idle, born October 15, 1794, were married April 5, 1812. Their children were: William Ide Gray, born September 15, 1813, who married Philena Bert Barnaby and Jennie Cunningham; Sally Ann, born November 26, 1814, married to J. W. Stanley, of Marietta, Ohio: Church Gray, Jr., born June 26, 1816, married to Ann Emily Allyn, of Seekonk, Mass. ; Samuel Gray. born February 18, 1818, married to Angeline Moore, of New Orleans, La.; Alvah Gray, born February 4, 1820, who married Elizabeth Bromley and Josephine Perry; Eliza Gray, born October 17, 1821, died August 30, 1829; Abby Maria Gray, born May 20, 1824, married Oliver Chaffee, of Seekonk, Mass.; John Gray, born December 7, 1828, married Mrs. Sarah C. Shepherd, of California; Henry Walter Gray, born July 23, 1832, died March 15, 1834.

William Idle Gray and Philena Bert Barnaby were married at Dighton, Mass., September 5, 1838. Their children were: Annie Church, born September 5, 1839, at Fearing, Ohio, died August 17, 1840, aged eleven months and eighteen days; Henry Walter, born September 23, 1846, at Coolville, Ohio; Ellen Elma, born April 10,1850, married Arthur H. Bailey, of Boston, Mass., died February 9,1874, aged twenty-three years, ten months and one day; John Haskell, born- March 7, 1856, at Marietta, Ohio, married Nellie Johnson, October 26, 1880. Philena Bert Gray died October 10, 1862, at Covington, Ky., aged forty-four years, nine months and two days. William Ide Gray and Jennie Cunningham (his second wife) were married at Cincinnati, Ohio, October 5, 1863. Their children were: Florence Edna, born July 10, 1865, at, Cincinnati, Ohio, married Frank C. Haymaker, of Clarksburg, W. Va., December 28, 1886; Horace Cunningham, born March 1, 1867, at Purdy. Tenn., married Allie Wade, of Murfreesboro, Tenn. John Haskell Gray, born March 7, 1856, and Nellie Johnson, born July 22, 1859, were married at No. 357 West Seventh street, Cincinnati, by Rev. Mr. Fitch, on October 26, 1880. Their children were: Harry Walter, born June 30, 1882, at No. 98 Broadway, Cincinnati, died August 3, 1882; Altherton Lyon, born November 28, 1883; Frank William born July 28, 1887, in the Lombardy building.

JOSEPH R. BROWN, general commission merchant, at No. 34 Walnut street, was born in Cincinnati, July 24, 1838, and is a son of Charles L. and Annie M. (Bacon) Brown, natives of New Jersey and of English origin. He is a grandson of John and Lavina (Roberts) Brown, the latter of Welsh ancestry. His great-grandfather Brown was an officer in the English army, but at the outbreak of the American Revolution joined the colonists, for which he was disowned by his family. His grandfather was a contractor arid builder of bridges, canals, roads, turnpikes, etc. His father followed the same business. On coming to Cincinnati the latter was accompanied by the grandmother of our subject, and her three brothers, Thomas, Robert and Dr. Joseph Roberts. Charles L. Brown died in 1847, at the age of thirty-three years. His wife survived him until May 15, 1890, when she passed


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 849

away at the age of seventy-four years. The family consisted of five children, four of whom are living: Joseph R,. ; Maria S., who was first. married to Edward L. Tozier, and after his decease to M. J. Louderback; Martha A., married Charles M. Story, who, together with Charles A. Brown, the youngest surviving child, is associated in business with Joseph R.

Our subject was educated in the public schools of Cincinnati, and also attended the public schools of Peoria, Ill., for a short time, completing his education in Gundry's Commercial College, Cincinnati. He then engaged as shipping clerk for the firm of Conkling & Bacon, where he remained one year, after which he went to Peoria, Ill., and engaged as a clerk in the grocery business. One year later, however, the junior member of Conkling & Bacon went to Peoria, and induced him to again enter their employ, and be remained until the dissolution of the firm in 1861. He then embarked in the commission business under the title of J. R. Brown & Company, and two years later entered into partnership with F. Jelke, forming the firm of brown & Jelke, which existed nine years. His next partner was H. Morgenthan, the style of the firm being Morgenthan & Brown, fish and general commission merchants. Three years later, in 1883, the business of the firm was dissolved, Mr. Morgenthan taking for his part their fish trade, and Mr. Brown with his brother, Charles A., the commission part, forming the firm of J. R. Brown & Company, which still exists. In August, 1892, Mr. Brown was made president of the Swift Powder & Cartridge Company, of Tallapoosa, Ga., where he spent the following winter constructing their mills, which are the finest of the kind in the United States.

Mr. Brown was married, May 17, 1866, to Miss Mary A., daughter of George George, of Cincinnati, now of Wyoming, Ohio. The issue of this marriage is three children, two of whom are living: Edna G. and Luella M.. graduates of the Wyoming High School in the classes of '93 and '94, respectively. Mr. Brown's family are members of Wayne Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, of Wyoming, where they reside. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, and member of the Knights Templar and Mystic Shrine. He is a Republican in his political views. In 1872 be was made director of the Chamber of Commerce, two years later was made second vice-president, a year later vice-president, and in 1891 was acting president of that institution, although many of his colleagues, including the candidate for vice-president, were defeated. This is the highest; honor which the commercial world of Cincinnati can bestow.

WILLIAM S. MERRELL AND His SUCCESSORS. The business of manufacturing chemical and pharmaceutical preparations now conducted by the William S. Merrell Chemical Company was founded by William S. Merrell, A.M., M.D.. in 1830, and its uninterrupted growth and success, through three generations, attest its established character, the value of its products, and the integrity of its methods. The efforts of the company are directed more to the perfection of all medicines for physicians' use than to the introduction of new remedies, and their investigations, conducted by and under the supervision of Charles G. Merrell, S.B., of the third generation of the active directors of this historic business, have special reference to this important and much neglected line of work.



William S. Merrell. the original founder of this enterprise, was born at New Durham, Greene Co., N. Y.. January 8, 1798, three years after the removal of his parents to that locality from New Hartford, Conn. In 1801 the family removed to Oneida county, N. Y., and there he received his primary education in the country schools. He pursued his studies at the preparatory school of Hamilton College, and at the age of sixteen came to Cincinnati to be adopted by his uncle, Major William Stanley, after whom he was named, one of the earliest merchants here. He made the long and lonely journey on horseback, a considerable undertaking for one so young, but one from which his resolute spirit did not shrink. Three months after his arrival his life plans were suddenly changed by the death of Major Stanley.


850 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

He made another horseback journey back to his old home in Oneida county, and after completing his preparatory studies was graduated from Hamilton College in 1824, in the same class with many others who have attained national prominence. Chemistry had always possessed an irresistible charm for him, and upon his graduation he returned to Cincinnati and opened a preparatory school, making a specialty of chemistry and allied sciences. It is a matter of historical moment that he was undoubtedly the first educated chemist who had located west of the Alleghany Mountains. A year later he went to Augusta, Ky., and became principal of a then popular seminary. The liberality of his theological views did not accord well with the timid orthodoxy of that old town in that day and the friction which was engendered impelled him after three years to resign the position. Going to Tuscumbia, Ala., he became president of a female college at, that place, but his devotion to chemistry, loading him into the pathway to success which he pursued with such distinguished honor, brought him back to Cincinnati, where in 1830 he opened a drug store at the corner of Chestnut street and Western row (now Central avenue). Thence he subsequently removed to Court and Pluto streets, where he prosecuted his celebrated investigations in Indigenous Materia Medica, and in 1847 discovered and introduced podophyllin, the well-known substitute for calomel, which at this time probably enters into more physicians' combinations than any other drug.

During this period his brother, A. S. Merrell, became a partner in his enterprise. In 1852 the concern was removed to the northeast corner of Pearl and Vine streets. In 1858 the Messrs. Merrell bought the large building at No. 110 West Third street, two doors from the "Burnet House." There the business was continued until 1875 with some changes in management, and always with increasing success, notwithstanding the fact that the establishment was burned out four times during the six years from 1866 to 1872. In 1875 the enterprise was removed to-No. 5 West Fifth street, where it was located until 1881. William S. Merrell died September 4, 1880. He was president of the Eclectic Medical College, and a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association. After the death of his father, George Merrell, who had long been a partner in the concern and the active manager of the business, purchased the interest of his father's estate, and, having acquired the interest of his uncle, organized the William S. Merrell Chemical Company, of which George Merrell is president, J. B. Hargrave secretary, and Charles . Merrell is vice-president and superintendent, and among the stockholders of which are included some of Cincinnati's wealthiest and most prominent business men. In 1881 the familiar buildings at. Sixth street and Eggleston avenue were erected and occupied by the company until the completion of the new laboratory. warehouses and offices, covering nearly an acre of valuable land, at Fifth and Butler streets.

George Merrell, the sole survivor of the original firm, succeeding the individual enterprise of William S. Merrell, was born in Cincinnati in February, 1845, and was educated at the high schools of this city. Upon the death of his brother be relinquished the idea of entering college, and, identifying himself with his father's business, soon acquired an interest therein and has since been the head and active manager of the concern. He is a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association and of the Society of Chemical Industry, and is also identified with the College of Pharmacy.

Charles G. Merrell, son of George Merrell, and vice president and superintendent of the William S. Merrell Company, was born in Cincinnati in August, 1867, and was educated at the Woodward High School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, graduating from the last named institution with the degree of Bachelor of Sciences. As head of the chemical laboratory of the company, he has, by his researches. added not a little to the value of its well-known products. Many of the more valuable preparations from the loading American drugs originated with this concern at different periods in the sixty-five years of its history, and the investigations in its scientific department are directed to the development of pharmaceutical


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 851

preparations of the highest standard of excellence. The products of the company find a ready sale throughout the United States, and many of its specialties go to supply a large export trade.

REUBEN A. HOLDEN. JR., proprietor of the company which bears his name, was born on Mount Auburn, May 23, 1859, and is a son of R. A. Holden, Sr., whose biography and portrait appear in this work. Our subject received his education in the public schools of Cincinnati and at Chickering Institute, graduating from the latter in 1877. In the following year he established his present business of importing and exporting dried fruits. He is a shrewd, energetic business man, and has built up one of the finest trades of the kind in the West. He is also vice-president and treasurer of the Cincinnati Syrup and Molasses Company. Mr. Holden is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and University Club, and treasurer of the Riding Club, and of the Second District of Associated Charities. He has also served on the board of trustees of the Young Men's Mercantile Library and the Cincinnati Natural History Society. Mr. Holden was married, April 28, 1886, to Miss Grace Hillyer, a graduate of Vassar College, and a daughter of Mark P. and Hannah (Goodrich) Hillyer, of Granville, Ohio, The issue of this marriage is three children: Hillyer, Reuben A. (third) and Ira Stansbury. Mr. Holden is a Scottish Rile Mason, a Knight Templar, and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, and is a member of the Lincoln Club.

FREDERICK DIEM, senior member of the firm of Diem & Wing, manufacturers and dealers in all kinds of paper at Nos. 170-176 Main street, their manufactory being located at Dayton, Ohio, was born in Switzerland, December 31, 1845, and is a son of John Jacob and Frena (Seigrist) Diem, natives of that, country, who came to the United States in 1850, and soon after located in Cincinnati. The father was a butcher by trade. They reared a family of eight children, three of whom are living. Frederick Diem received his education at the public schools, and at the age of sixteen began clerking in a grocery store, continuing in this eight or nine years, after which he engaged in the business individually, for about the same period, being highly successful. He then opened a paper store at No. 5 West Pearl street, and in 1877, in partnership with Nicholas Biedinger, bought the mills of the Rutlidge Paper Company. at. Dayton, Ohio, which have a daily capacity of ten thousand pounds of wrapping paper. Biedinger's interest passed to Christian Blickle in 1885, and in 1888 to Charles B. Wing, the present junior partner of the firm. The combined experience, good business principles and energy of these gentlemen, have caused their trade to increase until it is one of the largest in the West. Their stock includes everything in the paper line, and their territory extends throughout several States. In 1893 the growth of their business necessitated their removal from Nos. 70--80 Walnut street to their present more commodious quarters. Mr. Diem has been a director in the Western German Bank since its organization in 1875, and is president of the West Turner Hall, He was married, January 26, 1868, to Bertha, daughter of Frederick Schmidt, of Cincinnati, and they are the parents of two children: Albert, who is associated with his father's business, and Bertha. The family adhere to the German Lutheran Church, of which he is a generous supporter. In politics Mr. Diem is a Republican, but he has never been a seeker of public office.

BURR WRIGHT BLAIR was born April 13, 1849, in Cincinnati, on Eighth street near Main. He was educated in the common schools, and attended Hughes High School for three years. After finishing his studies, at the earnest solicitation of his father, John M. Blair, he learned bricklaying with the latter, and, after working four years at the trade, entered the law office of Mallon & Coffey, and attended the Cincinnati Law School. from which he was graduated in April, 1875. After practicing law three years, at the request of his father he took charge of the steam brick plant Hear New Richmond, Ohio, and has remained there ever since, having full charge of the practical part of the business. After the death of the founder of the business, John


852 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

M. Blair, the concern was incorporated under the name of The J. M. Blair Brick Company, and B. W. Blair wag elected vice-president and general manager. Mr. Blair has introduced some valuable labor-saving devices, and has made quite a study of the different methods of making and burning brick in different parts of the world,. At the organization of the National Brick Manufacturers Association, in 1886, he was, one of the charter members, and was elected vice-president of that body in 1888, at their annual meeting held in Chicago. At. the annual meeting held in Louisville, in 1893, he was again elected vice-president. Mr. Blair has contributed with pert and: voice to the literature of his calling, reading all address in 1886 at Cincinnati, on "Mining Clays;" at, Chicago, in 1888, on the " Progress of our Art," and at Columbus, Ohio, in 1890, on the " History of Brick Manufacturing.'' He is a clear and forcible speaker, and at many gatherings delivered after-dinner speeches that were well received. In his younger days he was a member of the Cincinnati Shakespearean Club, and also the Cincinnati Zouaves Battalion. Mr. Blair has never been called to, any political office, but being a ready speaker would fill any public station. He represented the Cincinnati Builders Exchange as delegate to the National Builders Association held in St. Louis, in January, 1893.

Mr. Blair is a Mason, holding offices in the various bodies of which he is a member: Valtier Lodge No. 386, F. & A. M. Walnut Hills Chapter No. 151, Ohio Consistory 32°, and Syrian Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Blair married in,. 1880, belle F. Thrasher, daughter of D. W. Thrasher, and two bright children, a boy and a girl, blessed their union: Webster Thrasher Blair, aged nine years, and Eliza Taylor Blair, aged seven years. His wife is the granddaughter of David Fisher, a member of Congress from Ohio, who caught John Quincy Adams in his arms when the latter was struck with his fatal illness in the House of Representatives. At the present writing Mr. Blair is a well-preserved man of forty-five years, and gives fair promise of many years of usefulness in the community.

MARTIN DONAHUE, designer and builder of monuments, chapels and mausoleums, office and place of business No. 2319 Spring Grove avenue. This popular and progressive business man is an artist of true genius, his love for the picturesque and beautiful exhibiting itself in every detail of his business. His fidelity to detail, brilliancy of stroke and symmetry of outline, stamp him a man of rare merit, and animated with but one aim, to excel in his chosen profession. He is the designer and builder of the Garfield pedestal of the Garfield statue in Garfield place (Cincinnati), which challenges criticism. In the selection of its materials, in massiveness, accuracy of construction, and in artistic design and finish, competent judges concede that it is unexcelled. Hon. A. F. Perry, chairman, speaking for the board of trustees at the unveiling exercises, stated that the design and construction of the pedestal had been awarded to Mr. Donahue among a number of competitors, and that the trustees had no occasion to regret their choice. In a work of art the design is a matter of individual taste, and in this matter Mr. Donahue always seeks to please his patrons. Numerous specimens of his work in monuments can be seen in his yards and in Spring Grove Cemetery, that will compare favorably with any works of the kind that can be found anywhere.

Mr. Donahue was born November 10, 1853, in the western part of Leland, and is the second eldest of seven children who blessed the union of Martin and Mary Donahue, both also natives of Ireland. When but, twelve years of age he came to the United States, and locating in Concord, N. H.. served his apprenticeship at the stone cutting business, working through the day and attending school at night. After learning his profession, he worked at different times in Rhode Island, Richmond (Va.), and Piqua (Ohio), and later came to Cincinnati, where, for a time, he continued as journeyman, establishing his present business in 1885. Mr. Donahue was married, in 1891. to Lulu (Spear), a native of this State, widow of the late Andrew J. Hodson. Mr. Donahue is a Presbyterian in his religious views, and his wife is a


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 853

Methodist. He is a member, in good standing, of Warren Lodge, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and also of Cincinnati Commandery, Knights Templar. He has always voted the Republican ticket. He served for five years in Company F, Third Regiment, O. N. G., Piqua, Ohio.

W. H. SARVIS. wholesale marble and granite dealer, mill and yard No. 601 West Fifth street, office and salesrooms Nos. 549 and 551 West Fifth street, was born in Cleveland. Ohio, March 5. 1842, and is a son of George and Emma (Barnicoat) Sarvis. He was educated in the public schools of Cleveland, and graduated in 1857. In 1858 he was assistant principal of Folsom Commercial College, in 1859 a railroad clerk, in 1861 a bookkeeper. daring 1865 was engaged in the oil refining business, and in 1866 went into the wholesale marble business in Cincinnati.

Mr. Sarvis was married May 16, 1861, to Miriam A., daughter of John and Mary Pearson, natives of Newburyport, Mass., and their union has been blessed with nine children, seven of wham survive, as follows: George Herbert, Walter B., Charles F., Emma J., Alice, Augustus T., and Frederick W. Mr. Sarvis and family are members of the Episcopal Church; he is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and politically is a Republican. The parents of our subject, who were of English nationality, immigrated from England to Canada, and thence to the United States about 1843. The father was a carpenter and builder, and died in 1885, and the mother died in 1859, The surviving members of the family are George, 'a teacher in the public schools of Eureka, Cal., and John B., a farmer, residing in Defiance county, Ohio. Thomas, a brother of our subject, went to Nebraska in 1857 and became a Government Land Commissioner; he was nominated for the Legislature in 1858. but about, that time he mysteriously disappeared and nothing has ever since been heard of or from him.

LEE H. BROOKS. In this free country, abounding in opportunities and rich in resources, where so many have risen from obscurity to eminence, we can scarcely avoid measuring each man's ability by the successes he has achieved, and regarding him as the creator of his own standing in the community, whether it be high or low. Such judgments are found to be not lacking in justice, and though it may be true that many men of ability fail in achieving eminence, yet we may generally feel assured that, those who have succeeded have done so by force of their inherent talents, and superior energy and enterprise. Such a decision is pre-eminently just in the case of the subject of this sketch, who, purely by force of his native endowments, has risen to occupy a high position as a citizen and business man.

Lee H. Brooks, president of the Globe Tobacco Warehouse, the largest establishment of its kind in the world, was born at Bristol, Addison Co., Vt., May 18, 1840, and is a son of Cyrus S, and Sophia (Hasaeltine) Brooks, of English and Scotch origin. Their family consisted of three sons: Lee H.; William, a contractor and builder, and Edwin, a boot and shoe merchant of Ironton, Ohio. The father died in 1860 at the age of forty-eight, from the effects of a kick from a horse: the mother still lives at the advanced age of seventy-six. Our subject is of an old New England family, his ancestor, John Brooks, having emigrated to this country from England about one hundred and fifty years ago, and settled in the State of Now York, where his three sons were born. It was one of these brothers who settled in Vermont one hundred and twenty-five years ago and surveyed a large tract of land in Addison county reclaiming it from a wilderness and living there all his life, This land has been handed down from father to son, and is still in the possession of the family. One of the sons of this early pioneer was Mr. Brooks' father, so he is purely an American by birth and descent. On his mother's side he is related to the noted Col. Hawkins, of war fame. In 1848 the family removed to Orleans county, Now York State, where young Brooks received his early education. It would seem drat his father had an inclination for commercial life rather than agricultural pursuits, for he learned the practical part of the shoe trade and started a boot and shoe busi-


854 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

ness at. Shelby Center, Orleans Co., N. Y., where he was recognized as one of the prominent citizens of the county. But he was of a somewhat roving disposition, and after two years moved westward and settled in Wheelersburg, Scioto Co., Ohio. His stay here, however, was not destined to be a long one. He preferred his former home to the less civilized and ruder West, and after two years returned to Shelby. Here his son received his education at the Shelby High School.

At the early age of sixteen. however, young Brooks began his business career as a clerk in a grocery store. The family were at this time in but moderate circumstances, and young Brooks' extraordinary endeavors to gain an education under difficult circumstances was an excellent proof of the character of the man, revealing, even in those early days, the stuff of which he was made. He worked industriously during the day and studied diligently at night, at the same time carefully saving his earnings, so that at the end of the year he was enabled to leave the store and go to Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y., where he finished his education at the Albion Academy. For two years he devoted himself to study here, and at the end of that time came to Portsmouth, Ohio, where, like so many others, he became a school teacher. No other profession has so frequently been made a stepping-stone to greatness. Here he remained for four years, but at the end of that time` his spirit could no longer brook the confinements of the school-room, and be accepted the position of clerk on an Ohio river passenger steamer, continuing in the river service five }.ears, during which time he occupied every position on the steamer from clerk to captain. During this time he also obtained a license as a pilot from the government, which to-day he still preserves as a memento of his youthful days. Having attained and filled the highest position possible on the river, Mr. Brooks now desired to turn his endeavors to a broader field, where his enterprise and energy might secure him the rewards he deserved. In 1868, therefore, he left his pleasant life on the river and accepted a position in Cincinnati as secretary and treasurer of the Planters Tobacco Warehouse, and there be began to give evidence of the energetic, acute and successful business man, whose clear sightedness and sound judgment enabled him to accomplish great results in business and financial affairs. So valuable were his services to the company that at the end of a year be was made a partner in the house and remained there until 1873. At that time he determined to start a new business, and having sold his interest in the firm, he formed a partnership with William Waterfield, under the name of the "Globe Tobacco Warehouse." In this Mr. Brooks showed his ability in the conduct of commercial affairs to such an extent that in 1883 the business had increased so immensely that they were compelled to enlarge their ware-rooms. They accordingly purchased the adjoining building, and erected the largest tobacco warehouse in the world. At this time also the firm was reorganized, under the name of " The Brooks Waterfield Company," Mr. Brooks becoming president of the concern, which office he has held ever since with the accompanying results of an ever-increasing and successful business. In 1888 Mr. Waterfield died, leaving his share in the business to his widow, who still retains the stock, and "The Brooks Waterfield Company" are known throughout the world as the most extensive tobacco merchants in this or any other country.

Mr. Brooks' early experience on the river created in him a great love for the life, and he takes a warm interest in all that pertains to it. holding no inconsiderable stock in the various steamboat companies. One of his river friends has paid him the compliment of naming a fine passenger steamer after him, and the " Lee H. Brooks" is well-known as one of the fastest and best boats on the Ohio river. Mr. Brooks is also president of the company owning the famous resort, "Coney Island,'} whose cool and pleasant groves accommodate so many thousand visitors during the summer months. He is also a director of the Ohio National Bank and of the Central Trust and Safe Deposit Company, and holds leading positions in various other business enterprises. Mr. Brooks' high standing, however, is not limited to the com-


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 855

mercial world, for he also occupies a noteworthy position in secret societies. He first entered a Masonic lodge in 1864, and has taken all the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites, but he is proudest of all of being entitled to be called a " Shriner." Although a resident of Covington, Mr. Brooks is fully identified with the interests of Cincinnati, which is abundantly proven by the fact of his being elected, in 1889, president of the Chamber of Commerce, the most influential body in the city. Such an election is regarded as the greatest honor that can be bestowed upon any one in the commercial world, and is due only to the most able and influential briskness men. He filled this position with perfect satisfaction to all until October, 1890, He was also a commissioner representing that body at the Cincinnati Centennial Exposition in 1888, of which he was vice-president.

Mr. Brooks was married in 1866 to Miss Laura A. Tone, daughter of Hiram D. and Leanna (Wagner) Tone, of Locust Corner, Clermont Co., Ohio, and this union is blessed with an interesting family of two sons and two daughters: Charles G. and George A., who arc connected with their father in the tobacco trade; Ada E. and Rosa H., who is at the Thane Miller Young Ladies Institute. Mr. Brooks, with his varied career, his indomitable will and energy surmounting any and all difficulties, and rising to his present high position in the business world, is a perfect type of the American citizen, an example which may serve many an ambitious youth, showing what may be done, even with limited resources and few opportunities. Solely by his own efforts and native talents, beginning without aid or influence, he has steadily risen until he is among the most honored business men of the community, and in his special line holds one of the most influential positions in the world.

JACKSON TURPIN, leaf tobacco broker, at No. 87 Water street, Cincinnati. was born at Richmond, Va., October 26, 1847, son of Miles and Rebecca M. (Garthnight) Turpin, natives of Henrico county, Va., where their ancestors resided for some generations. This family numbers five children: Lelia, wife of Larkin Willis, farmer and merchant at. Locustville, Madison Co., Va. ; Jackson; Bettie F,, wife of Dr. W. W. Dickis, of Alabama; Rebecca; Mary B., widow of the late Robert B. Turpin, of Richmond.

Jackson Turpin was educated in the private schools of his native county, and at Locust Dale Academy, Virginia. His father's firm, Turpin & Yarbrough, was one of the oldest tobacco manufacturing firms in Richmond, and with this house he learned the tobacco business. After the dissolution of the firm of Turpin & Yarbrough, Miles Turpin, father of our subject., became partner with E. S. Turpin, conducting business under the firm name of Turpin & Brother and he became superintendent of their factory. Subsequent to the Civil war Turpin & Brother purchased the building known as "Castle Thunder," which they occupied until its destruction by fire; though one of the oldest and best established tobacco firms in Richmond, they became involved in the failures of others, and deemed it best to go into liquidation, although urged by creditors to continue business, By the death of J. B. Royster, a vacancy existed in the office of city auditor, to which the senior Mr. Turpin was appointed by the city council. At the ensuing election there were two opposing candidates in the field, but he was elected by a majority of seven hundred, and continued in office until he died, January 20, 1893, at the age of seventy seven, He was a resident of Richmond sixty-five years, and a prominent member of the Baptist Church in that city. After the suspension of his father's firm Jackson Turpin conducted business individually at Richmond until 1888, when he Came to Cincinnati. Here he has enjoyed continuous prosperity, and conducts a steadilyincreasing business. He lived at Covington, Ky., until December, 1892. when he moved to his present residence at Norwood. On May 25, 1871, he married Susan Latane, daughter of A. J. and Ann (Latane) Clopton, natives of Virginia, and of English and French descent. To this union eight. children have been born: Annie Latane, Miles, Edward C., Jackson, Susan B., Marshall, Julia, and Brantley. The


856 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

family is connected with the Baptist Church, and Mr. Turpin is a Democrat in politics.

FREDERICK WILLIAM DOHRMANN, senior member of the firm of F. W. Dohrmann & Son, tobacco brokers, Cincinnati, was born in Bremen, Germany, July 23, 1834, and is a son of Frederick William and Margaret (Knoop) Dohrmann. In his father's family there were three children, of whom he is the only survivor. His brother, Henry, who was a member of the limn of Frederick Delius & Son, one of the largest tobacco importers of Europe, died in 1876. Many of his maternal relatives reside in and about. Bremen,' and are the possessors of great wealth: among them may be mentioned Baron Julius Knoop.

Mr. Dohrmann was educated in his native country, and at the age of sixteen years emigrated to America- He located at. New Orleans. where he found employment as clerk at a commission house, and there he remained, engaged in various pursuits, until 1859, when he came to the Green river district, in central Kentucky. Here he engaged in business, tit first representing New Orleans parties, and later for himself, until 1873, when he carne to Cincinnati. His first place of business was on the northeast corner of Front and Vine streets, and in 1892 he removed to his present location, at No. 80 Race street. The business of the firm has steadily increased, until it is now one of the largest and most progressive in the Cincinnati market, having then largest export trade. This is largely due to the fact that in 1872, again in 1883, and the last. tithe in 1885, Mr. Dohrmann, while traveling in Europe, visited many of the largest European tobacco markets, thus establishing the greater confidence of his patrons by personal acquaintance. The firm deals in Barley leaf tobacco, which is grown in what is known as "The Mason County District," and also in Ohio seed leaf, grown in the Ohio valley.

Mr. Dohrmann was married in New Orleans, July 28, 1854, to Miss Mary Seipel, also a native of Bremen, and this union has been blessed with three children: William F., Who succeeded the late William G. Morris as auctioneer for the Globe Tobacco Warehouse Syndicate, was married June 5, 1893, to Miss Natalia Bloch, of Clarksville, Tenn.; Louis F. is engaged in the seed-leaf tobacco business at Greenville, Ohio: Theodore S., who engaged in business with his father in 1885, was harried December 5, 1893, to Miss Lelia Sample, of Covington, Ky. The last named gentleman is a fine sketch artist, though he never took a lesson ill the art, in which he indulges only as a source of amusement and recreation outside of busy hours. His associates are frequently surprised at. finding themselves sketched true to life in some of their most ordinary positions, in the act of sampling, selling. buying, or bidding on sales or elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Dohrmann and sons have a natural talent for music, to the cultivation of which they have given sufficient attention to reach a fair degree of proficiency. Mr. Dohrmann is a member of the F. A M., a Knight Templar, and 32° Scottish Rite Mason; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F., and is independent, in his political views. He formerly resided in Hartwell, Ohio, but at present, has his borne in Covington, Kentucky.

CHARLES E. TABB, tobacco inspector, office Front and Vine streets, residence Broadway and Fourth streets, Cincinnati, was born at Dover. Mason Co., Ky., in January, 1843. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, after which for six years he was deputy sheriff of Mason county, which position he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. In 1865 he embarked in the manufacturing business as a manufacturer of plows for the southern market, in which line he continued for ten years, meeting with good success. With businesslike propensity, he in 1875 went into business as a dealer in tobacco and stock, in which he continued nine years, or until he was appointed tobacco inspector for the Cincinnati market in 1866, a position which he holds to this date. His affability and genial way have loon for him numerous friends, He married, December 4, 1872, Miss Katie C., daughter of Lambert and Louisa (Cooper) Nowland, who were


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTS'. - 857

natives of Maryland and Kentucky, respectively. One child blessed this union, Katherine C.

Our subject is a Democrat in his political views, and in religious faith he and his family are Methodists. His father, William E. Tabb, was a native of Kentucky, and conducted a mercantile business in Mason county. He was married four times, and was the father of twelve children, four of whom survive. His first, wife died without issue: his second wife, Sarah Evans, mother of our subject, died in December, 1845, his third wife, Amanda Elerod, was the mother of I. F. Tabb, merchant, of Mount Sterling, Kentucky, and Ruth, wife of John Pied, farmer, of Bourbon county, Ky. ; his last wife. Mary Metcalf, is the mother of Hattie Tabb Bassit, of Montgomery county, Ky. William E. Tabb died in 1889.

WILLIAM C. BLADES, of the firm of Tabb & Blades, tobacco inspectors of the Cincinnati market, was born near Dover, Mason Co., Ky., in August, 1841, and is the son of William and Amanda (Gates) Blades, natives of Kentucky. The Blades family were originally from Maryland. and the Gates family were early settlers in Kentucky, both being of early English origin. His father was a farmer and reared a family of Live children, three of whom are living: William C. ; Frank, of Sterling, Kans , and Azalia, Mrs. William Gash, of Rice county. Kansas.

Mr. Blades received his education in the public schools of Bracken county, Ky.. and afterward found employment in a dry-goods store at Monroe City, Mo., where he remained two and one-half years. Ho then served four years in the Confederate army under Gen. Price, and in November, 1865, came to Cincinnati, where he found employment as shipping clerk in the office of J. T. Sullivan & Bro.. later becoming bookkeeper, and remaining with that firm in all four years. He then accepted a similar position in the office of B. F. Power, well-known in the tobacco market of Cincinnati, where he remained until 1878. He then engaged in the leaf tobacco trade. and followed same until 1888, when he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Blades was married, October 4, 1870, to Miss Minnie, daughter of John and Abbie (Sullivan) Gates, natives of Mason county, Ky. This wife died March 16, 1888, Mr. Blades was married, the second time, June 12, 1893, to Miss Rosa J. Rabb, in Chicago. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South of Covington, where he resides. He is a member of the Knights Templar, and politically is a Democrat.



F. A. PRAGUE, of the firth of Prague & Mitson, tobacco dealers, with establishments in Cincinnati and Covington, was born in Maryland, January 18, 1837, and is the sort of E- T. Prague. His father, who is a farmer. removed to Ohio, and settled near Glendale, where he and his wife still reside. Of his father's children, six reached majority, and three are living, F. A. being the eldest.

Our subject began his education under private instructors at home, completing it, at, Farmers' College. In 1885 he took a position as clerk in the office of Fosdick Foulds, commission merchants. Cincinnati, where ho remained until the dissolution of the firm a year later. He then entered the employ of Thomas H. moulds, who c continued the business, and in 1858 became a partner of his former employer, with whom he remained two years, dealing in grain and agricultural implements. In 1860 Mr. Prague went to Memphis, Tenn., and engaged in the cotton and produce business, but a year later returned to the North and operated a flourmill in Covington, Ky., for two years. He then succeeded Smith Ford in the manufacture of plug tobacco in Cincinnati, which he followed until 1871, when he became the assignee of J. T. Sullivan & Company, proprietors of the Kenton Tobacco Warehouse of Covington, of which (B. F.) Power &; (F. A.) Prague subsequently became owners, continuing until 1871, when Mr. Prague was selected as inspector of the Cincinnati market. He served in that responsible position with entire satisfaction for eight years. and declined re-election, whereupon the present firm was established. Mr. Prague was married, in April, 1863, to Miss Mary Edna, eldest daughter of Dr.


858 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

R. Pretlow. of Covington. They have one child, Bettie. Mr. Prague is a Democrat in his political views, a bosom friend of John G. Carlisle, and has served his city as president of the council and board of education, member of the board of police commissioners and water works, serving in the latter capacity for over twenty-five years. He is a member of the Commercial Club, of Cincinnati, a director of the Cincinnati and Ohio Bridge Company, and is also director of the City National and Covington Trust Company.

WILLIAM D. SPALDING, agent for Spalding & Merrick, of Chicago, was born September 14, 1841, in Maysville, Ky., son of Daniel and Matilda (Campbell) Spalding, natives of Nova Scotia and Virginia, and of English and Scotch origin. His father manufactured cigars and twist tobaceo, and for years sold his product, by wagon throughout Ohio and Kentucky. He proved from Maysville to Louisville, Ky., in 1849, and now resides there, at the age of eighty-two. His wife died in 1887, at the age of seventy-six. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living.

William D. Spalding received his education at, public and private schools in Louisville, where he began his business career as a clerk in a bookstore, where he remained one year. He was then associated with his brother, in the handling of plug tobacco, at Evansville, and in the leaf tobacco business with his father, at Louisville. In the fall of 1875 he came to Cincinnati, as buyer for Spalding Merrick, of Chicago, whom he has since represented in this capacity. The bulk" of tobacco manufactured by this firm consists of Burley leaf, and is purchased in the Cincinnati market by Mr. Spalding, who is recognized as one of the leading tobacconists of this city. He has several times been honored with the presidency of the Association of Cincinnati Tobacco Trade. Mr. Spalding was married, September 8, 1864, to Melville M., daughter of Amos P. and Almyra S. Parker, of Louisville, Ky., and of this union eight children have been born, five of whom are living: Richard Young, Almyra P., Mellie C., Lee M. and Irving D. Those deceased are Lawrence F., William D. and Charles L. Richard Y. was one of the best known tobacco auctioneers of Cincinnati and Louisville (Ky.), but resigned at the latter place May 1, 1894, to accept a position as resident buyer in the Cincinnati Leaf Tobacco for the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co., of St. Louis, Mo., the most extensive plug tobacco manufacturers in the world; although but twenty-nine years of age he is filling a very responsible position. His purchases in this market for The Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. will amount to something near 10,000 hogsheads yearly. He acquired his first experience in the business in his father's office, and was subsequently employed with the Cincinnati tobacco inspectors. The family is connected with Trinity Episcopal Church, of Covington, in which Mr. Spalding has been vestryman four Years. He is also connected with the I. O. O. F., and is a Democrat in his political affiliations.

CLAY C. RUNYAN, dealer in cigars and tobacco at No. 106 John street, was born in Cincinnati May 14, 1842. the only son of George W. and Sarah (Hoffner) Runyan, natives of New Jersey and Maryland. respectively, the former of whom was a descendant of the La Boiteaux family, of historical renown. They wore married at Mt. Pleasant, Hamilton county, and at an early day settled in Cincinnati, where for many years he followed the vocation of contractor, carpenter and builder, erecting many of the largest buildings in Cincinnati. He was councilman several terms, and served two terms in the Legislature; he was also commissary-general under Gov. Dennison, and fed the first soldiers coming to Cincinnati during the Civil war. He died August 7, 1871, his wife June 15, 1858. They had three children: Emma, Mrs. E. B. French, of Cincinnati; Clay C., our subject, and Adda, who died February 15, 1845.

Clay C. Runyan received a good common-school education, and was one of the first pupils who attended the intermediate schools of Cincinnati. He afterward


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 859

attended Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. Returning to Cincinnati he enlisted, April 17, 1861, in the "Woodward Guards," Company D, Second Kentucky Regiment, which was made up of pupils and graduates of the old Woodward High School, and first saw active service at Barboursville, W. Va., against Jenkin's Cavalry. His command was soon afterward transferred to the army of the Ohio, and later to the army of the Cumberland, under Geo. Rosecrans. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Peach Tree Creek, Stone River (serving as chief of couriers on the staff of Gen. John M. Palmer at this time), Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Dalton, Buzzard's Roost, and Resaca. He was honorably discharged in June, 1865, and returned with his regiment to Cincinnati. He then entered the employ of John Deters & Company, wholesale manufacturers of shoes, as shipping clerk, being employed later in a general store at Taswell, Tenn., and afterwaid at Knoxville. In 1868 he went on the Ohio river as steamboat clerk, and followed the river in that capacity until August, 1875, when he was given charge of the wharf boat at Golconda, Ill, In 1877 a stroke of paralysis ended his business career, and compelled him to abandon his duties and return to Cincinnati. In 1887 he embarked in the cigar and tobacco business at his present location. In religion the family are Universalists. Politically he is Republican. In 1874 he served as a guard at the workhouse under Ira Wood; at present he is judge of elections in Precinct D, Eighteenth Ward, and has for four years served as special under John H. Simmons, U. S. M., S. D. O. For twelve years he has been connected with the official work of the Cincinnati Music Hall. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias, the Grand Army of the Republic, and the I. O. O. F.

JOHN L. HITE, of the firm of Hite & Heizer, dealers in and dryers of tobacco, was born in Higginsport, Brown Co., Ohio, March 25, 1843, son of James M., and Elizabeth H. Hite, natives, respectively, of Westmoreland county, Va., and Ohio. They are the parents of six sons and five daughters, and nine of their children are living. James M. Hite being a merchant, the subject of this sketch began his business career as clerk in his store. He came to Cincinnati in 1864, and clerked in a hardware store three years. In 1867, he engaged in the tobacco business on Front street, in partnership with his father. He assumed individual control of the business in 1868, and so conducted it until 1890, when he admitted Joseph B. Heizer as a partner. Since 1891 their place of business has been No. 25 Vine street, instead of Nos. 67-69 West Front street, as formerly. The business of the firm consists in buying from country dealers, and selling at wholesale in the Cincinnati and other markets. Mr. Rite resides at No. 200 Dayton street- On September 14, 1869, he married Emma E., daughter of Robert Walker, of Cincinnati, and one child has been born to this union,

CHRISTIAN MOERLEIN, brewer, Cincinnati, son of Conrad Moerlein, was born in Truppach, Bavaria, May 13, 1818. He attended the village school until he was thirteen years old, when he commenced life by learning blacksmithing and farming with his father, obtaining also an insight into the brewing business. He followed these occupations until he was eighteen years of age, when he started out as a journeyman blacksmith, and continued to follow that trade for five years, receiving a Prussian dollar per week and board. He was anxious to get married, but found it impossible to support a wife on such meager wages, and was sorely perplexed. He thought of the United States, and was desirous of fretting there, but, his means were so small that he could barely clothe himself. In this emergency his father offered him one hundred guilders, or about forty dollars of our money, and he started for Bremen on foot., with a knapsack and kit of tools on his hack, so that be could support himself on the way by working a day or two occasionally. In this way he reached Bremen, footsore and weary after his tramp of three hundred miles. on St. John's day. After waiting three weeks, daring which time he obtained work at his trade, he sailed on the ship " Rebecca " for Baltimore, where he arrived after a


860 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

tempestuous voyage of fifty-eight clays. His capital on landing consisted of just twelve dollars, out of which he paid eight dollars for his passage by canal and rail to Pittsburgh. Finding no work he started on foot for Wheeling. At Hendrysburg. Belmont Co., Ohio, he obtained employment at seven dollars per month with board, these wages being gradually increased until he received fifteen dollars per month. In 1842 be went to Wheeling, and thence to Cincinnati, where he found work at fifty cents a day digging a cellar, but his board costing one half this sum, he had but little left. He soon found work at his trade, however, and continued at it until October of the same year, when he commenced business for himself on Findlay street. In 1843 he was married to Miss Sophia Adams. a lady from Strasburg, France. Trade prospering with hint he soon after bought a dwelling house and lot on Elm street, and erected a small shop on the same premises, where he developed a business in the course of ton years requiring from six to ten journeymen. During the cholera season of 1849 he lost his wife, who left him three children, one of them dying the same year, and another in 1853. John survived, grew up and became a great, help to his father, He was married again in the fall of 1849 to Miss Barbara Och, also a native of Bavaria, and nine children blessed this union, seven of whom are still living.

Having sold out his blacksmithing business in 1853, Mr. Moerlein formed a partnership with Adam Dillman, and built a small brewery on the same lot, where the blacksmith shop stood. They sold their first beer March 1, 1854, acid in the following May, Mr. billman dying, he conducted the business alone about one mouth, and then formed a partnership with Conrad Windisch. Business steadily increased until it assumed large proportions. In September, 1866, he purchased the interest of his partner for $130,000, and made further improvements for the enlargement of the business. His success and prosperity will be found fully described in the chapter on manufactures. In 1873 he was elected one of the trustees of the water works, and was re-elected. His success in accumulating an ample fortune, after his humble beginning, is an example of what young men may accomplish in this country. when they bring to their task industry, frugality and high integrity of purpose.



JOHN HAUCK. Among the German citizens of Cincinnati, who by their own exertions have not only achieved a highly enviable position in the commercial world, but. ;it the same time have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the community, Mr. John Hauck, president of the ",John Hauck Brewing Company," stands without, a peer.

Mr Hauck was born August 20, 1829, in Muelhofen, Bergzabern, Bavaria. His father was a farmer, and, though not wealthy, was in fair circumstances. During a happy childhood in the home of his parents young " Johann " received his first education in the village school, the teacher of which took a great, liking to the talented boy. His school years ending at the time of his confirmation, the youth aided his father in his agricultural pursuits. Mr. Hauck was one of the few fortunates who, by drawing " a high number,'' got free from military service, for at that tune it, was possible to escape this necessity, now inevitable in the whole German Empire, in the manner mentioned, or, if rich enough, by buying a substitute. Young Hauck at that tithe was but twenty-two years old, but, his mind had grown in a proportion far beyond the narrow, though pleasant, conditions surrounding him. Relatives and friends who had gone to America had sent glowing descriptions of the " promised land," and soon the young man made up his mind that he too should try his luck in the Now World. Though his parents at first opposed this resolution, the young roan finally prevailed, and began his voyage to New Orleans, January 24, 1852, on beard the sailing vessel "Chesapeake." Mr. Hauck did not tarry long in New Orleans, however, but came to Cincinnati, where his uncle, Mr. Herancourt.. owned a brewery, and it was here he found his first occupation in his


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adopted country. His sojourn in this city was not of long duration. He wanted to see the world, so he traveled east. In Philadelphia he found a position in a brewery, where he remained one year to improve his knowledge in this line of business. Upon the urgent request of his uncle he returned to Cincinnati, where he was gladly received and given an important position. Mr. Hauck was a man of efficiency and of a practical turn of mind, and understood so well the necessities of Mr. Herancourt's business, that He soon became quite indispensable to him.

Mr. Hauck was married, May 15, 1838, to Miss Katherine Billiod, and soon after accepted a situation as brewing master in the Lafayette Brewery, of which his father-in-law, Mr. Billiod, was proprietor. This position he filled for more than four years and then, in 1863, associated himself with Mr. John Ulrich Windisch, also a practical brewer, establishing the firm of Hauck & Windisch, the brewery of which was built on Dayton street. The excellent quality of the beer brewed in that establishment soon won a prominent name for the young firm, and their products found a ready market. To satisfy the constantly growing demand they were obliged to enlarge the capacity of their brewery by increasing the number of their cellars and by erecting additions to their buildings from year to year, until finally they had finished the present, gigantic establishment. Their capacity, which in 1869 was about forty thousand barrels a year, had grown in 1881 to nearly four times that amount. In 1876 Mr. Hauck. by an unfortunate fall, received a very painful and dangerous injury, a compound fracture of his ankle which confined him to his bed for a long time. Mr. Windisch dying in 1879, Mr. Hauck bought the interest of his deceased partner for $550,000; this immense sum gives some idea of the considerable value which the property represented at that time, and the transaction was the largest that had ever taken place in the recorder's office of Hamilton county. Up to the year 1881 Mr. Hauck managed the business of the brewery in his own name, and then organized a stock company, under the present title, the officers of which are: John Hauck, president; P. W. J. Hauck. vice-president, and Fred J. Werner, secretary.



Mr. Hauck's position in the business world of Cincinnati is both enviable and prominent, and inasmuch as his success was solely due to his indefatigable efforts and his efficiency in his peculiar branch of trade, the German population of Cincinnati has just cause to take great pride in counting him among their number. Honorable political positions have frequently been offered him, but he has always refused, giving his exertions solely to his own business. He only accepted the presidency of the German National Bank, and the brilliant success of that institution during his connection with it showed the confidence which the business world reposed in him. Mr. Hauck has always stood ready to support till enterprises of public interest, and indeed during his entire business career there has been no public enterprise of any consequence in which he (lid not, take a prominent part. When, after the death of Mr. Andrew Erkenbrecher. the founder of the "Zoological Garden." this enterprise seemed likely to founder, it was Mr. Hauck who, for the good of his fellow citizens and the city of Cincinnati, intervened and saved this great and worthy institution. Not only did he pay all debts of the garden, but he, also bought the ground in which it was established, paying the considerable amount of $135,000 out of his own means. In a most generous manner he then leased that property to the '` Zoological Garden Company" for the term of ninety-nine years, with the privilege for this company of buying it at any time. Without Mr. Hauck's timely aid the Zoological Garden, now a permanent resort, of which the city is justly proud, would be a thing of the past, and this deed alone should suffice to keep his memory ever fresh in the hearts of a grateful and admiring public.

Mr. Hauck has two children: Amelia L., who married Mr. Charles H. Heine one of the leading wholesale grocers of Cincinnati; and Louis J., who has succeeded his father as president of the John Hauck Brewing Company. Mr. Hauck is a member of the F. & A. M, and the I. O. O. F., and worships at St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church.


862 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

FREDERICK J. WERNER was born September 14, 1830, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, whence he came to this country as a refugee on account of his too pronounced Republicanism, landing in New York July 4,1849. Two years later he came to Cincinnati, and was for a time in the office of County Clerk Charles Cist. For several years thereafter he was associated with the Marmet Coal Company, and was then for six or seven years identified with the Western German Bank, for the last four years of which period he was cashier of that, institution. He then became connected with the John Hauck Brewing Company, of which since 1880 he has been secretary and treasurer. He was one of the organizers of the Cincinnati Turnveroin, and one of the organizers of the Republican party in this county. At the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted, being mustered in as first lieutenant of Company A, One Hundred and Sixth O. V. I., and was the first officer mustered into the service in this regiment. He served throughout as regimental quartermaster. He was compelled to resign on account of disability sustained while in the service. Mr. Werner is a Mason, being a member of Hanselman Lodge, of which he was Master for nine years; he is also a member of the Loyal Legion. He served several years as a member of the board of education from the old Tenth Ward.

Mr. Werner was married February 19, 1854, to Lena, daughter of the late Christian Meyer, of Cincinnati, by whom he has eight surviving children, namely: Louisa M. Werner; Anna, wife of Theodore Kempf, of Cincinnati; Frederick H. Werner, bookkeeper; Gustav R. Werner, attorney at law, a biographical sketch of whom is contained in this volume; Paul William Werner, tin employe of the John Hauck Brewing Company; Emily C., wife of Edward Doerler, secretary of the Jones Electric Light Company, of Cincinnati; Martha, wife of Julius Beushausen, and Walter G. Werner, musician. The family reside on Addison street; they are members of the Roman Catholic Church.



GEORGE WIEDEMANN, SR., one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of Newport, Ky., died at his residence May 25, 1890. He was born and educated in Saxony, Germany, and in 1853, at the age of nineteen years, emigrated to the United States, first locating in Williamsburg, N. Y., where be found employment in the brewing business, of which he had obtained a thorough knowledge in his native country. He remained there but three months, and after six months spent in the same business in Louisville, Ky., came to Cincinnati, where he soon entered the employ of Mr. Frank Eichenlaub, who was then conducting a brewery on Walnut Hills. In 1860 Mr. John Kaufmann became a member of the firm, and they built the Vine street brewery in Cincinnati, of which Mr. Wiedemann was made foreman, occupying this position until 1870, when he united in business with the late John Butcher, then operating a small brewery of fifteen barrels per clay in Newport. The business tact of Mr. Wiedemann, and the fact that he understood his business practically, having learned it in the Fatherland, soon made itself felt, and the small brewery began to feel the effects. The increase in trade brought about, by his skill made the little brewery a large business concern. The quality of the brew, and the promptness with which the increasing; demands were met, without the slightest diminution in the quality of the goods, compelled the respect of their competitors, and the name of Wiedemann was recognized as a synonym of fair dealing, promptness and the finest and purest products of the West.

In 1878 the firm was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Butcher selling his entire interest to Mr. Wiedemann, who carried on the constantly growing', business himself, never permitting the slightest retrograde movement in his brew. In 1882 Mr. Wiedemann came into possession of the Constans brewery, and operated it in connection with the old plant for some years. In 1885 the business had grown to pro- portions so great as to require very much more space, and the present malt house and storage elevator, with a mulling capacity of 200,000 bushels and a storage capacity of 100;000 bushels, were erected on the site of the old Constans brewery. The capacity of the brewery being found at that time altogether inadequate to supply


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the trade, he began in 1888 the erection of the present immense and magnificent works, which were equipped with every known and improved appliance, without regard to cost, the supply of the trade and the quality of their output being alone regarded. In 1893 the large bottling house, with a capacity of one hundred barrels, or 15,000 bottles, per day, was built; the capacity of the brewery is over 100,000 barrels per annum. Two gentlemen are in charge of the immense business; both young, energetic, skilled, and determined to keep up the name and the fame of the founder of the enterprise. George Wiedemann, Sr. They are Charles Wiedemann and George Wiedemann, Jr. The former is the general business manager, the latter being in charge of the brewing, and admirably dues each fulfill the earliest of the training they received from their father and their studies in Germany. The institution was founded when its present president was a handsome lad in knickerbockers going to school, and its present superintendent was a little fellow in kilt skirts, both being now among the solid and respected business men of the city.

The brands of beer produced are "The Standard," " Bohemian " and "Muenchener Lager," the bottled beers being the "Bohemian" and the "Muenchener Export" and well do they merit their high and even unapproachable standard. Mr. George Wiedemann, Sr., died full of years, enjoying the unbounded respect of his fellow citizens of Newport among whom he had lived for so many years, and who so well knew his sterling qualities. With rare business tact, be had incorporated the George Wiedemann Brewing Company a short time before his death, so that the immense interests he had built up by his integrity and business capabilities were carried on without interruption and without the cessation which otherwise might have come from the settlement of his estate by law. The stockholders were members of his family only. After his death his two sons took active charge of the business for which their strict training and education most thoroughly fitted them. Charles Wiedemann became president and general manager of the concern, and George Wiedemann, Jr., the superintendent. There are perhaps no younger men than the Wiedemann brothers in charge of a business so vast; there are few, if any, who could so thoroughly justify the confidence reposed in them by their father, or by the business and social community in general, as they do. Charles Wiedemann is but thirty-seven, and George Wiedemann but twenty-eight years of age. They have not only inherited the sterling qualities of their father, but have kept abreast with the times, as he would have had theca do. They are accomplished gentlemen, possessed of the soundest business principles, and have the confidence of the business community, for the very best of reasons----they deserve it. The high standing of the company in the financial world is clue in the main to the business capacity of Charles Wiedemann; the superior and incontestable qualities of the product of the brewery is clue to the skill of George Wiedemann, who took a course in die famous college in Munich, Bavaria. But the brothers Wiedemann work together; and the harmony and accord is not the least of the reasons for their high standing.

Mr. Wiedemann was married in 1856 to Miss Agnes Bohnan, of Cincinnati, also a native of Germany. The issue of this marriage is six children: Charles, Bertha (Mrs. Albert Will, of Rochester. N- V.), Victoria (Mrs. Harry Legg. of Minneapolis, Minn. ), George, Louisa and Matilda, all of whom with their mother still survive. The family worship at the Protestant. Episcopal Church, of which they are generous supporters. Mr. Wiedemann was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Good Fellows and the Druids. He was never a seeker of public office, and was independent in his political views.

CHARLES WIEDEMANN. president of the George Wiedemann Brewing Company, was born in Cincinnati June 16, 1857, and is a son of George Wiedemann, founder of the institution of which he is now executive and business manager. He was educated in the public schools of Cincinnati, St. Xavier College, and Nelson's Business College, graduating from the last named in 1874. He was then employed in learn-


864 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

ing the brewing trade in his father's brewery till 1870, when he went to Munich and took a course in chemistry and the science and art of brewing in the Royal College of Bavaria, which has its seat in Weihenstephan, a small town eighty miles front Munich. After his return to America in 1877, he spent one year in the employ of the Ph. Best Brewing Co., of Milwaukee, and on his return home his father made him superintendent of the brewery, in which capacity he continued until 1890, when upon the incorporation of the company he became vice-president, and soon after the death of his father succeeded him as president. As the head of this gigantic concern, though young in years, he has displayed a knowledge of the business in all its workings, and a soundness of judgment and purity of purpose in the management of affairs which assure his patrons that the high standard of the George Wiedemann Brewing Company is to be maintained. Mr. Wiedemann was married March 18, 1884, to Miss Elizabeth Wagner, daughter of Adam Wagner, of Newport, and this happy union has been blessed with two children: Irma and Carl Frederick, Mr. and Mrs. Wiedemann worship at, St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, Newport. He is a 32 Mason. a Knight Templar, a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; he is a director of the First, National Bank of Newport, Ky., and of the Evergreen Cemetery Association.

GEORGE WIEDEMANN, vice-president and superintendent of the George Wiedemann Brewing Company, was born in Cincinnati February 6, 1866, and is a son of George Wiedemann, whose biography and portrait appear in this work. He received his early education in the public schools of Cincinnati, and was graduated from the Chickering Institute in 1886. He then spent one year in the employ of the Bartholomew Brewing Company, of Rochester, N. Y., for the purpose of enlarging the practical knowledge of brewing which he had already acquired in his father's brewery. Desiring to make himself complete roaster of the science, he then went to Europe and took a course in the Munich Practical Brewing Academy, spending several months there; then in a large brewery, in order to make himself familiar with their methods. In the autumn of 1888 he returned to Newport, and when the present new plant of the company was occupied in the spring of 1889, he became foreman. After the death of his father in 1890, he succeeded his brother Charles as vice-president of the company and superintendent of the brewing, positions he is well qualified to till, on account of his thorough training at home and abroad in the science and art of brewing. Mr. Wiedemann was married September 24, 1890, to Miss Naomi V. Boal, daughter of W. K. Boa], president of the Favorite Stove and Range Company, formerly of Newport, now of Piqua, Ohio. They have one child, George Stanhope. Mr. and Mrs. Wiedemann worship at St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, Newport. He is a 32 Mason, and a member of all the different orders of speculative Masonry.

HENRY FOSS was born in Germany, June 23, 1817, and died in Cincinnati August 13, 1879. After attending the common schools until he was between thirteen and fourteen years of age he was given to understand that from that time he would be expected to "paddle leis own canoe," so he at once commenced the life of a farm laborer, and, to the credit of his industrious habits, it is said that, he followed this kind of work faithfully until he was nearly twenty years old. But at that time he somehow or other began to get dissatisfied with the result of his six years' hard work, so he thought he would "take stock" to see how much he had made, and calculated how much he would he worth in forty years, if he continued at the same business at the same wages-about twelve or fourteen dollars a year. He had nothing at the start; he had wasted no money; had only kept himself clothed, and still he had nothing to show for all his labor but a few dollars, barely sufficient to take him over the sea to the New World. Yet, nevertheless, he was determined to go with a party that. was about to leave the village for America. Leaving home on the tenth day of May, 1837, the party, consisting of himself and three others, traveled


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by wagon to Bremen, where they took passage on the ship " Richmond " bound for Richmond, Va. After paying his passage money he had but five cents left, so that it was no trouble for him to conclude to rely solely upon his efforts in the New World of the West-in fact, there was no choice in the matter. After being at sea for several clays they encountered a storm of great severity, during which they lost their mainmast and much of their rigging, and were driven back so far that the distance lost was not regained for fourteen days. Besides the above disasters the cook's galley, with all the cooking apparatus, was swept clean overboard, so that it was three days after before they had a particle of anything warm to eat or drink. At last, however, after twenty-two days, they landed safely at Richmond, Va., our subject having, we suspect, had enough of "life on the ocean wave " to satisfy him, as he never re-crossed it.

After looking around for a day or two, Mr. Foss went to work on the James River canal, at seventeen dollars per month and board. At this he continued for about seven mouths, when, having saved something like one hundred dollars, he thought he was rich at once, and would soon buy all the land he wanted. Like thousands of his countrymen ho judged that the West was the place for him; so he joined a party of twenty-two possessed of the same idea. Clubbing together, the party procured a large team, and started over the mountains to the Kanawha canal, by which they arrived at Wheeling, where they took steamer for Pittsburgh, and at once proceeded down the river to Cincinnati. On landing here Mr. Foss found things so dull that he determined to proceed to St. Louis. Finding matters much the sauce there, he began to think he had made a mistake in coming west; but he passed over into Illinois with the expectation of going to work on a turnpike at Belleville. It was so swampy there, however, that almost every one who worked there was seized with fever and ague. In this emergency he returned to St. Louis, and from there again came to Cincinnati, where he was advised by his friends to go to work on the Whitewater canal, at, Brookville, some forty miles from the city. He walked this distance with his knapsack on his back, and at once began to work at seventeen dollars per mouth and board. At the end of three months he went to Cincinnati, and sent fifty dollars home to his parents to help smooth the path of life for them. After working on the canal two months longer he was made foreman of a squad of quarry men; while at this work he conceived the idea of learning the stone-cutting trade, and after instructing another in his duties, he went to the yard to learn the trade. In nine months the locks of the canal were completed, at the end of which time Mr. Foss came to the city, and was employed at dressing stone until he saw all opening at the locks of the Licking canal, Kentucky. After working there about six months he commenced as a stone nason, and having a good eye for mechanics he soon proved an efficient workman, and thereafter could either cut or lay stone. After continuing in this way two years, during which he had sent .$400 home to bring out the whole family, and saved. $500 besides, on the arrival of his parents and his brothers and sisters they found that Henry had rented and furnished a house complete for them to go into.

With the $500 in hand he commenced business for himself on a small scale, which he gradually increased from year to year until he employed from fifty to sixty journeymen, and nearly as many laborers. In 1848-49, in connection with Henry Atlemeier, he built the House of Refuge; and while thus engaged the cholera was raging so fearfully that the funerals moving from the city to the cemetery formed a constant procession. The architect of their job, Henry Walters, and many of their workmen fell victims to the epidemic. In 1851 be built the foundations of the Hamilton and Dayton depot, which consumed some 5,000 perches of stone, and completed the job in about three months. He built the church on the corner of Mound and Barr, and adjoining gymnasium in 1857-58, also the foundations of St. Philomena church on Congress and Butler streets; St. Joseph's, on Linn; Holy Trinity,


866 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

on Fifth; likewise that of the large block on the corner of Ninth and Walnut; and the church of the Holy Angels (all of stone), Fulton; and the south wing of Bishop Purcell's seminary, besides a vast number of dwelling houses. He continued this business until 1856, when he sold off his teams and building apparatus generally, and built a distillery on the Plank road, now Gest street, for himself and his partner, with a capacity of 900 bushels per day. After its completion his partner was somewhat alarmed at their great undertaking, so, to make the matter lighter, sold a quarter interest to two other gentlemen, retaining a quarter himself. After conducting the business together for about three months, hard times carne upon them, and Mr. Foss' original partner again became alarmed for fear all would be lost; but not so Mr. Foss, who at once bought the interest of that gentleman, and continued the business with the owner of the fourth interest. The scale soon turned in their favor, and, after eight years of success, having considerable surplus rooney, Mr. Foss bought the interest of his partners, and carried on the business alone for about two years, then sold out to Mr. John Pfeffer, concluding that he would work a little in his garden, and take things easy the rest of his life.. But to his surprise he did not know what to do with himself, and, after laying off about two months, he came to the conclusion that doing nothing was the hardest work in the world. He then formed a partnership with Adam Heitbrink for the purpose of building the foundation of the city Work House. After this was finished he formed a partnership with William P. Snyder and John Brenner, and went into the manufacture of lager beer, the capacity of their works at the commencement being about sixty-five barrels per day. This was in December, 1867; in the spring of 1868 it became necessary to enlarge their works, and their business continued to increase. The further connection of Mr. Foss with the great brewing establishment, now known as the FossSchneider Brewing Company, is contained in the personal history of his son and successor, John H. Foss, president of that company, and which is contained in this volume.

Mr. Henry Foss was married in 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Rumpeing, a German lady, who was every way worthy to be his wife. Of this union five children were born, all of whom, together with their mother, have died, the latter in 1854. Mr. Foss was married again, during the same year, to Miss Adelaide Te Veluwe, of Zutfen Lechtenforde, Holland, and by her eight children were born to him, seven of whom-John H., William, Edward, Philomena, Lizzy, Rosey and Bernidena-are still living, as is also Mrs. Foss.

JOHN H. FOSS, president of the Foss-Schneider Brewing Company, is the eldest son of the late John Henry and Adelaide (Te Veluwe) Foss. He was born in Cincinnati, November 30, 1859, received his education at St. Xavier College, and became the junior partner of the firm of Foss & Schneider in 1879. In 1883 he made an extensive tour, inspecting many of the greatest breweries of Europe, and obtaining ideas therefrom that have proved of incalculable benefit in his management of the business of his company. Upon his return from Europe, and the incorporation of the business in 1884, he was elected its secretary and treasurer, in 1890 becoming its president. On November 4, 1885, Mr. Foss was married to Katherine Marie, daughter of B. H. Moorman, a retired merchant and capitalist of Cincinnati. She died May 15, 1893, leaving two children, Adele and Robert.

The foundation of the Foss-Schneider Brewing Company was laid in 1849 when Louis Schneider transformed his little cooper shop on Augusta street into a brewery. The new industry thrived, and became known as the Queen City Brewery. Soon a removal to more commodious quarters was necessitated. In 1863 new buildings were erected on the site of the present plant on Fillmore street. Four years later Mr. Schneider, on account of ill-health, sold out to Foss, Schneider and Brenner, the son, Peter W. Schneider, taking up the burden of active interest in the business laid down by the father. In 1877 Mr. Foss purchased the interest of Mr. Brenner.


HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 867

The business was then continued under the name of Foss & Schneider until the death of John Henry Foss, August 13, 1879, when his interest became the property of his widow and her eldest son, John H. Foss, P. W. Schneider still retaining his interest. In 1884 it was incorporated under the name of The Foss-Schneider Brewing Company. The year 1884 was one of annoyance and disaster to the young corporation. The flood which devastated the city that year undermined and caused the collapse of the malt house burdened with over sixty thousand bushels of malt. This calamity, however, caused no cessation of work, and, in spite of the disaster, the business of that year showed an advance over the preceding year. It was determined at this time, too, to erect an entirely new plant, and in less than one year the Foss Schneider Company was installed in one of the finest and most completely equipped brewery structures in the country. The product, of this great establishment is celebrated, and finds a ready market throughout the United States and in many foreign lands, the annual output being 80,000 barrels.

LOUIS HUDEPOHL was born in Cincinnati, July 20, 1842, and was educated in Cincinnati. At an early age he had manifested a predilection for finance, and in 1860 began to assist in the office of his father, who was well known to the citizens of the Queen City as a member of the wholesale liquor house of Hudepohl & Kotte, No. 372 Main street, where it was established in 1861. In the course of years young Hudepohl was admitted into partnership, and in 1885, with George H. Kotte, established the Buckeye Brewery, one of the ablest managed breweries in the United States. Its growth, its executive possessing tremendous push and enterprise, has been phenomenal, and no brewery has ever deserved more favorable encomiums. The Buckeye brewery is situated at Nos. 77-97 Clifton avenue, formerly Buckeye street. This site was formerly known as the Koehler brewery. The premises have a frontage of 240 feet and a depth of 120 feet, extending back to a wide alley, affording exceptional facilities for shipping and receiving. This plant is modern, and Frederick Wolff, one of the leading architects in this country, was its designer. No expense has been spared to obtain all the most modern ideas. There are two ice machines, an eighty-five ton Frick, placed in 1887, and a one-hundred-and-fifty-ton Frick, placed in 1894, their joint capacity being 235 tons. The business was established in 1885. There has been but one location and one title. The output of 1886 was 25,000 barrels, that of 1890, 40,000 barrels, and that of 1893, 60,000 barrels. This phenomenal increase has awakened admiration and respect for the push and enterprise of the gentlemen constituting the executive. Louis Hudepohl has manifested during his whole business career talent of a high order. His large acquaintance and popularity has proved invaluable in the pushing of this business, and his strict integrity has been recognized. He has long since been known to the citizens of Cincinnati as a lover of music, and a strong advocate of voice culture. He is a member of numerous musical societies, and founded, in 1861, the Maennerchor which bears his name, "The Hudepohl Combination."

Our subject was married in October, 1886, to Diary Elizabeth, daughter of Bernard Weyer, of Ferdinand, Indiana. Five children born of this marriage are: Mary Schilderink (wife of John Schilderink, a merchant of Cincinnati), Louisa, Amelia, Ceilia, and Caroline. The family reside on Kline street, Walnut Hills; they are members of St. Francis de Sales Church.

GEORGE HENRY KOTTE was born in Germany in 1837, and died in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 1, 1893. Having great faith in the United States, and being a carpenter by trade, which was that of his father, be came to Cincinnati when a young man. He was very ambitious, and anyone seeing the youth engaged in various lines of business, yet finding time, while engaged during the day, to attend night school for two years, thus acquiring a knowledge of our language and mastering bookkeeping, could have safely prophesied a future to one who could bring to bear such energy, such indomitable will and self-denial. In 1860, being by that time


868 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

well qualified therefor, he took a position as bookkeeper with Louis Hudepohl, Sr.,, and was admitted to partnership in the firm of Hudepohl & Kotte, wholesale liquor dealers, in which he was engaged twenty-two years. In 1880, becoming interested in the Fairmount Distilling Company, he was elected president. This business was sold to the trust in 1888, Mr. Kotte having previously established with Mr. Hudepohl the Buckeye Brewery. Mr. Kotte before he became interested in this concern had made a reputation as one of the shrewdest and ablest business men in the city of Cincinnati. The great growth and phenomenal increase of the business of the Buckeye Brewery is conclusive proof of his executive ability and tremendous push.

Mr. Kotte was married in 1870 to Mary Kate, daughter of John H. Taphorn, an old resident and business man of this city. Nine children were born of this marriage, namely: Clara. Harry, Edward, Louis, William, Frank, Albert, Katherine, and George. The eldest child is the wife of Henry C. Kaiser, manager of the Buckeye Brewery, and Harry, Edward and Lewis are also connected therewith. The family reside on Ohio avenue; they are members of St. George' Church.

GEORGE M. HERANCOURT, who was long known in Cincinnati as one of its principal producers, was of Huguenot stock, and was descended from John do Herancourt, who moved from France in 1685, after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, to Muehlhofen, Rhein Pfaltz, Bavaria, where the subject of this sketch was born July 4, 1807. The father, George Michael Herancourt, was a farmer in good circumstances, and put the son to school until he was fifteen years of age, when he was sent to learn the brewing and distilling business, for which the proprietor was paid eighty-eight florins. This he followed two years, then obtained employment in another establishment, where he remained one year; then traveled and worked his way through the cities of France, Germany and Switzerland for four years, after which he returned to his native place, thoroughly imbued with Republican principles, and with a desire to go to America. The monarchical government of Bavaria was soon made more obnoxious to him by his being drafted into the army before he had been home two weeks. His father, however, purchased a substitute for him, and would have established him in business, but being; bent on going to the great Republic of the West, to try his fortune, he preferred a passport to Havre, France, where on the thirteenth of June, 1830, be took passage in a sailing vessel, and crossing the ocean landed at New York, August 27. During the few days he was in that city, he ascertained that there were only four ale and porter breweries there. From New York he went to Philadelphia, where he was employed in the ale and porter brewery of Badenheimer & Drexel until the following spring, when the works were stopped, as the manufacture of those beverages was not carried on during the summer until several years after, by Reichert, of Philadelphia, and Lauer, of Reading, Penn. He then traveled through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana. Cincinnati he visited for the first time in 1833, during the prevalence of the Cholera, and found half of the stores on Main street, between Fifth street and the river, closed, some of the parties having died, and some removed to the country. The first day he was here no less than sixty. five deaths occurred, the largest number of any one day during the epidemic. He then returned to Philadelphia for a few months, but again came west, this time to Columbus, where he engaged in the jewelry and music business, continuing in same from 1834 to 1844, when he sold out, as his health was suffering from confinement. Being one of the charter members of the Ohio Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Company, be was appointed its general agent, and served in that capacity about five years. In Connection with a partner be also carried on brewing; in 1836 he formed another partnership, building the City Brewery, and this business connection he maintained some twenty-eight years, although he came to Cincinnati in 1847, and started a separate establishment. In 1834 he first tasted lager beer in the saloon of a Mr.


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Fleishman, on Main street, between Ninth and Court streets, who merely brewed enough to supply his customers over the counter. One year later he built a lager beer vault on the corner of Main and Twelfth streets; but it was closed the following year, because the beer would not keep during summer. In 1843 or 1844 two others commenced the manufacture of lager in an alley between Fourth and Fifth streets, on Western row, and continued about two years. In 1846 Fortmann & Muenzenberger were manufacturing it on Main near Twelfth streets, and continued the same for two years. Next in order came Peter Noll, who also brewed lager in a small way on Vine street, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets; from which it can be seen that the growth of this branch of business has been very remarkable within the last forty-five years. Mr. Herancourt erected his brewery on the site of the present extensive establishment, with a capacity, at first, of fourteen barrels per day, but increased to forty-five per day the second year, and continued to increase until 1851 when he commenced brewing lager. From that time forward the business developed rapidly, and became correspondingly remunerative. In 1852 he built the first large cellars in Cincinnati for keeping lager during hot weather, making his contracts at Christmas for the whole year, and when others wished to buy from him they were refused, on the ground of not having bought of him in winter. His connection with the City Brewery was continued until 1864, when be disposed of his interests to his partner, Mr. Huster. Besides this, Mr. Herancourt purchased a brewery built by his brother in 1854, on the corner of Central avenue and Denman street, and successfully operated it for five years, and then leased it to other parties.



In 1840 Mr. Herancourt was married to Miss Louise Ampos, of Columbus, a native of Bavaria, by whom were born to him two children; she died in 1843. He was married, the second time, in 1847, to Mrs. Barbara Juengling, and the fruit, of this union was children as follows: Christina, married to H. Heuck, of Memphis, in 1865, and died in February, 1870, at the age of twenty-six, leaving three children; Elizabeth (Mrs. Henry Faehr), Paulina, W Wilhelmina, Louis Albert, George L., Edward S., Robert H., Lilly C. and William. Mr. Herancourt died June 29, 1880. He acquired an abundance of this world's goods, and spent 'the eventide of life quietly and comfortably. As a man of business, Mr. Herancourt had the reputation of being prompt, energetic and methodical; one whose foresight in reference to mercantile probabilities was remarkably correct. He never withdrew from an enterprise in which he was fairly engaged, until success was evolved from it, although the prospect at times might be very poor. He was a than of a thoughtful turn, and kept pace with the times in all that pertained to trade, commerce and natural science, and might be emphatically called a man of progress. He had an enviable reputation for candor and integrity among his fellow citizens; was possessed of high ambition, and was thorough in all his undertakings. To be able to appreciate him, it was first necessary to gain his confidence; for, after he was assured of the real worth of a person. there was hardly anything he would not do for hite. To the truth of this many flourishing business men in the city can testify. In fact he was possessed of many wanly virtues that made him worthy of the remarkable success that followed him through life, and gathered about him a host of ardent, friends. He was president of the board of trustees of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church of Cincinnati, and a thirty-second degree Mason.

WILLIAM EDWARD BRACHMANN was born in Frankfort on the Oder, Prussia, October 21, 1837, His parents, Ernest and Ernestina Brachmann, were also born in Prussia, the former in Nordhausen, the latter in Berlin. Both paternal and maternal ancestors were native to Prussia, as far back as the genealogy of the families is traceable. William's parents came to this country in 1840, locating at once in Cincinnati, where an elder brother of his father, Henry Brachmann, was at that tune, and for many years thereafter. a prominent merchant. Ernestina Brachman died in 1868, Ernest Brachmann in 1891,


870 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

William received a public-school education. Upon attaining his majority, he had alternately the charge of a farm and distillery in Ohio, both of which were owned by his Uncle Henry. Upon the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, he enlisted in the Forty-seventh Ohio (known as the old Wilstach Regiment). At Charleston, W. Va., in the fall of 1862, while on detached service as acting sergeant with a mountain howitzer battery, word was sent to Private Brachmann, by his captain, that he had been promoted to corporal, and ordered him to rejoin his company. The battery having been deserted by its officers, Acting-Sergeant Brachmann determined to remain at his post, where he was found by Lieut.-Col. A. C. Perry, who ordered him to remain. For this service, Corporal Brachmann was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. To the Atlanta campaign he was made first lieutenant, and in the March to the Sea he was promoted to a captaincy. Capt. Brachmann's war record embraced active service in many of the greatest battles of the war (fifty-two engagements in all), including Vicksburg, Jackson, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Knoxville, the engagements of the Atlanta Campaign, and the March to the Sea. While in charge of a battery at Vicksburg, Capt. Brachmann was wounded by a minie ball which passed through the body of one of his cannoneers, killing him. After participating in the Grand Review at Washington, where all drafted men were mustered out, the remainder of the division proceeded as far as Little Rock, Ark. (en route to meet Maximilian's forces in Mexico), but, were there mustered out of service August 11, 1865.



In 1866 Mr. Brachmann went into the wholesale wino and liquor business with C. J. Glossner under the firm name of Brachmann & Glossner, which partnership was dissolved two years later. He then formed a partnership in the same line with John Peter Massard, and the business still continues to be conducted under the firm name of Brachmann & Massard. Mr. Brachmann was for several years treasurer and general manager of the Cincinnati, Georgetown & Portsmouth railroad, of which his uncle, Henry Brachmann, was for some years owner and president. Capt. Brachmann was married, in May, 1872, to Georgiana Robb, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Robb, of Highland county, Ohio, and they have four children: Jessie D., Willard G., Sarah E. and Frederick Edward. The two eldest children are students at Oxford, Ohio, and the two youngest are attending the public schools in Cincinnati. The family reside in Morris place, Tusculum. Capt. Brachmann is a member of the Ohio Commandery, of the Loyal Legion, of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Veteran Union League Corps. He is a Republican in politics.

HENRY VARWIG, president of the Banner Brewing Company, was born in Hannover,. Germany, November 30, 1835, son of Joseph H. and Maria (Dickman) Varwig. His mother died in Germany. His father immigrated to Cincinnati in 1841, and died here in 1857, at the age of forty-four. He was a brickmaker by trade, but engaged in the grocery business at Cincinnati. He had three children: one died in Germany, and one on the ocean, during the voyage out. Henry being the only survivor.

Henry Varwig received a public school education at Cincinnati. Upon the death of his father he succeeded to his grocery business, which he continued two years. From 1859 to 1870 he conducted a bakery, and since 1870 has been engaged in his present business. In 1885 he was elected secretary of the Banner Brewing Company, of which he became president in 1888. He is also interested in the manufacture of electric fans, having organized the Varwig Manufacturing Company for that purpose, and is a stockholder in the Bedgood Artificial Stone Company. Mr. Varwig resides at Carthage, where he is now a member of the village council. He also served eight years as alderman of Cincinnati; he is independent in politics. On November 9, 1858, he married Emily S. Brenner, of Cincinnati, and they are the parents of four children: Ida, wife of Alexis Darusmont, secretary of the Banner Brewing Company and president of the Cincinnati Stamping Company (Mr. and Mrs. Darusmont reside at Mt. Auburn; are the parents of one child, Alexis, Jr.);


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Emma, who married Frank M. Le Boiteaux, machinist and electrician, and has two children, Elsie and Beatrice (they reside at Carthage); Rudolph, who married Ruth Bouser, and Harry, who married Winifred Ferrell. Mr. Varwig is a Unitarian in religious faith; be is a member of the Knights of Pythias, I. O. O. F., and the Masonic Fraternity, in which he is Master Mason.


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