Butler County, Ohio - Chapter 6, 1905 (part 13 of 18)

Rudolph Thiem

Rudolph Thiem, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Berlin, Germany, bom on the 22d of October. 1859. His parents were Ferdinand and Pauline (Moritz) Thiem, both of whom were natives of Berlin. where their lives were spent. The father, who was a prosperous manufacturer of billiard tables and fixtures, died in his native country well-advanced in years. Rudolph Thiem scarcely knew the depths and fervency of a mother's love, since he was bereft of her tender care at the age of four years. Two of the three children of these parents remained in their native country. Tlie eldest of the two is Marie, who is now the wife of a Mr. Kanow. The subject of this article is the second born, and his brother Hermann completes the family circle. He is overseer of a large and valuable estate in Germany and lives in Berlin. He has three children, the eldest of whom is named for the absent brother Rudolph and the others are Dorothy and Otto. Mr. Thiem received a thorough collegiate education in Berlin and early developed an aptitude for an art profession. He learned model making and sculpture under some of the great masters of Europe and followed that fascinating profession in his native land for some years.

In 1881 he decided to seek a new field for his talents and leaving behind his relatives and friends, sought a home in the new world. Landing at New Orleans, he remained in that southern city some five years, when he met one of the Kahn brothers, owners of stone works of Hamilton, Ohio. A contract was soon made for one year, and Mr. Thiem came to this city in April, 1886, as an employe of Kahn Brothers as a model maker and designer. He remained with this firm over three years, during which time he had fully demonstrated his ability and established a reputation as a thoroughly competent and skilled designer. He then severed his connection with Kahn Brothers and established himself in business on his own account, as a model maker, designer and ornamental carver. Mr. Thiem met with success from the start and soon established a large and lucrative business in his line. During the presidential campaign of 1896 he made plaque figures of the two contending candidates which he sold at good figures to their respective admirers. He sent a specimen of his handiwork to Major McKinley and received a very complimentary acknowledgment and letter of thanks, which is now among the family treasures. Mr. Thiem was the successful bidder on the contract for a bronze statue to adorn the top of the Pioneers, Soldiers and Sailors' Monument in Hamilton. The contract was awarded to him in close competition with foreign bidders, principally because of his known ability and high standing. He submitted an original design, the like of which is not known to exist in the world today. The figure is designed to represent "Victory," a private soldier in full equipment, with cap in hand above his head and mouth open, as in the act of shouting. The figure stands sixteen feet in height from base to the cap, and is proportioned throughout with mechanical accuracy. A distinguishing characteristic of this figure is the fact that all previous statues of this character have represented female figures. This is the largest piece of work which Mr. Thiem has ever undertaken and he very properly feels a great interest in it. The monument committee and surviving soldiers are highly pleased with this artistic production. Mr. Thiem has made a number of medallion figures to adorn regimental monuments on southern battlefields and in national parks, but he considers this effort as the crowning feature of his life work. Only words of praise are heard from those most interested and great credit is given him for his originality and painstaking care.

Mr. Thiem was married, in the city of Hamilton, to Miss Anna Margaret Martin, who was born, reared and educated in this city, and is a lady of refinement and culture. They have an interesting family of three children, the eldest of whom, Alma Olga, is just budding into womanhood. She is a student in the city high school,, while her sister and brother, Mabel Pauline and Ru- dolph Ferdinand, are pursuing their studies in departments suited to their years. The family are members of St. John's German Evangelical Protestant church, of which Mr. Thiem is a member of the board of trustees. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In his political affiliations he is independent of party lines, casting his ballot for men rather than measures.

John J. Holbrock

John J. Holbrock, a well-known citizen of Hamilton, occupies the building in which he was bom and where his entire life has been spent in the shoe trade. His birth occurred on the 25th of Novemljer, i860. His parents, John H. and Maria Anna (Schumacher) Holbrock, were natives of Oldenburg, Germany. The father came to America in 1847, and located at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was engaged as a shoemaker until 1854, when he came to Hamilton and opened a shoe store. In 1856 he built the house known as No. 112 South Third street and opened a stock of goods in the lower room, while the upper story was occupied as the family residence. He handled boots, shoes, leather findings and shoemakers' supplies, and also did an extensive business, in manufacturing new work. Being thrifty and economical, while possessing a thorough and practical knowledge of his business, he soon became very well-to-do, and died possessed of valuable property interests in the city of his adoption. His death occurred in September, 1903, as the result of being thrown from a street car in Hamilton. The mother of

John J. Holbrock came with her parental family from Germany and located in Cincinati about the time Mr. Holbrock did, and they were married in the Queen City. The mother's death occurred in this city in 1902. Both husband and wife were well advanced in years. These parents reared a family of five children, who attained to years of maturity. The eldest of these is Mrs. Mary Segers, whose husband is a well-to-do business man in Hamilton. The second and third born died in infancy, and John J. was the fourth in order of birth; Mrs. Minnie Strieker died in young womanhood, leaving two children ; George H. and William G. are partners in a large dry-goods establishment in Hamilton.

John J. Holbrock was educated in the parochial school connected with St. Stephen's church. He grew to manhood in his father's business and learned the trade of a shoemaker under his father's tuition. He worked on the bench for several years, as occasion required, but his life has been mostly spent behind the counter and in superintending the business. Before the father's death the building was enlarged and the floor space of the store greatly increased. Two large rooms are now occupied with a carefully selected stock of footwear, embracing every feature of the shoe business. The leather-findings department has also been continued, while competent workmen are employed to attend to the repairing department or manufacture new work, as required. The establishment gives steady employment to seven persons in the two departments. Mr. Holbrock has been very successful in his business career and stands very high in the social and commercial affairs of his native city.

The subject was married on the 16th of May, 1887, to Miss Rosa P. Hepting, of Middletown, Ohio, a daughter of Matthew and Rosa (Ritter) Hepting. Her father was a cooperage contractor, in which business he became wealthy and during the later years of his life he was one of the heaviest taxpayers in Butler county. He is now deceased. The mother is still a resident of Middletown, where the family is well and favorably known. There were three children in the family. Mary, widow of Bernard Keuping, resides in Middletown, and John, the only son, is a prosperous grocer in Hamilton. Mr. and Mrs. Holbrock have no children. They are active working members of St. Stephen's Catholic church, and members of the various societies connected therewith.

Wallace E. Beach

Wallace Eade Beach, the popular and gentlemanly ticket agent at the Union depot, Hamilton, is a native of Cincinnati, and was born on the 12th of June, 1870. Almost from infancy he has been self-dependent, his parents, who were William and Abbie (Carey) Beach, having died when he was a child. He is the only survivor of his family and knows of the existence of no near relatives except his paternal grandmother, Mrs. William Beach, of this city. Mr. Beach received the elements of an English education in the public schools of Cincinnati, and began his independent career in the capacity of an errand boy in the employ of Mablev & Carew, merchants, in Cincinnati, where his holidays were spent at fifty cents a day. On leaving school Mr. Beach secured a position as errand boy in the book store of Robert Clark & Company, and remained there two years, his next engagement being in a like capacity at the general offices of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Company. After one year he was promoted to file clerk, a position he held one year, and was then freight-earning clerk for a year. His next promotion was to the position of assistant ticket agent at the depot ticket office, where he served for two and a half years and was then assigned to other lines of work. He went on the road as a fireman, next we find him a brakeman on a freight train, promoted to brakeman on passenger train, then assistant conductor, then brakeman for five years on a fast freight. He came to Hamilton January 1, 1900, as assistant ticket agent, and after one year in that capacity he was promoted to full charge of the office of the Erie and the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton. Mr. Beach is entitled to great credit for his persistency and faithfulness and his legion of friends are as pleased as he that he has received the recognition which he so justly merited.

Wallace Beach is a universal favorite among his co-laborers and acquaintances. His genial nature, always having a smile and pleasant word for everyone, has made him many warm friends among the traveling public and established a record for the Hamilton ticket office entirely different from that usually found in places of like character. Mr. Beach was married in this city, September 28, 1892, the lady of his choice being Miss Carrie, oldest daughter of Samuel W. Brock, a well-known jeweler of Hamilton. Miss Brock was reared and educated in Hamilton and was well know n in the social circles in girlhood. This happy union has been blessed with the birth of a son and a daughter, Donald and Edith. Mr. Beach is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and himself and wife are members of the First Presbyterian church.

Ralph C. Sullivan

The subject of this review is one of the prominent and popular young business men of the city of Middletown, being manager of the Journal Printing Company and managing editor of the Daily Journal. Ralph Chenoweth Sullivan is a native of the city of Washington, D. C., where he was born on the 19th of April, 1879, being a son of William M. and Jennie Sullivan, his father being at that time engaged with the bureau of engraving and printing in the national capital, whence he came to Middletown in 1880, being at the present time postmaster in this city and the head of the printing and publishing business with which the subject is identified. He was a valiant soldier in the war with Spain, having been captain of Company L, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

The subject received his preliminary educational training in the public schools of Middletown, being graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1897, after which lie. completed a special course of study in the training school in Dayton, Ohio. From the time of leaving school to the present he has been connected with his father's business, that of publishing the Middletown Journal, which has daily and semi-weekly editions, and of conducting a finely equipped general printing establishment, which has the best of modern facilities for turning out all kinds of work, including books, catalogues, etc. He has held his present managerial and editorial position since 1890, and has shown much discrimination and business acumen, besides a marked power and facility as an editor. His prominence in connection with local affairs is indicated in his having been elected vice-president of the Middletown Business Men's Club for the years 1903-4. In April, 1899, Mr. Sullivan enlisted in the First Regiment of Infantry of the Ohio National Guard, as a private, and served two years as quartermaster sergeant of' Company L, being later pror moted second lieutenant and battalion adjutant of his regiment, and from this grade he was promoted to first lieutenant, with the same auxiliary office, and is now captain and commissary of the regiment, on the staff of Colonel Charles F. Hake, Jr., of Cincinnati. In politics Mr. Sullivan is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party.

Thomas Connor

Thomas Connor, the well-known wholesale liquor dealer, is a native of Hamilton, where his entire life has been spent. He is a son of Peter and Mary (O'Brien) Connor, natives of County Roscommon, Ireland. They came to America in childhood and settled in Hamilton about 1850. Peter Connor was during his productive years a hard-working mechanic. As prosperity smiled upon his efforts, he went into business on his own account, and was for many years a cooperage contractor of this city, supplying barrels to the two distilleries then operating in Hamilton. But during his later years in business he supplied flour barrels to the mills of the city. He has been retired from active business for the last fifteen or twenty years. Both parents are living, enjoying the fruits of their early industry and frugality. They had a family of four sons and two daughters, five of whom are living.

''Tom" Connor, as the subject is familiarly known, was educated in the city of his birth, and, in early life learned the cooper's trade in his father's shops. He followed this business for a number of years, but the aggressions of machine-made goods upon the trade rendered that business unprofitable and he turned his attention to other lines. In the scramble for wealth and influence he noticed that liquor dealers were among the most successful and he engaged in the business as a retail dealer, some twenty-five years ago. His means were limited and he prosecuted the business on a small scale for many years. It was his aim then, as now, to keep a quiet and orderly place, discountenancing drunkenness and lawlessness with as much zeal as men in other lines of trade, but with passing years Mr. Connor became affluent and in 1901 he enlarged his business to the capacity of a wholesale establishment. His stock is large and carefully selected, while his patronage is not confined alone to local consumers. Mr. Connor is a careful, conservative business man, whose personal habits are correct and temperate. He is not specially social by nature, and this characteristic in his make-up has doubtless saved him from many of the temptations of more convivial nature.

Mr. Connor was married on the 28th of April, 1891, to Miss Hanna Sauer, a native of Hamilton and a representative of a wellknown and prominent family in Butler county. The two children born to this union died in early infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Connor are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. In fraternal relations Mr. Connor is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. In political views he is a Democrat, though not specially active in local politics.

Charles A. Shaeffer. M. D.

The subject of this article is a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and was born in Kittanning on the 21st of May, 1867. He was reared and educated in his native state. His first independent effort after leaving school was in the capacity of a school teacher, but he soon took the study of medicine under the tutorship of his brother. Dr. Samuel A. Shaeffer, then a prominent and well-known physician who did not live to see the full fruition of his professional ambition. He was a graduate of the Western Pennsylvania Medical College of Pittsburg, and had been in successful practice for a number of years. But he died at the age of thirty-six years from typhoid fever, a disease which shows an unusual rate of fatality in the Shaeffer family. After completing the preliminary work in the office of his brother. Dr. Charles Shaeffer entered the well-known Baltimore Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1892. The year following he was engaged in the Baltimore Hospital, and in 1894 came to Butler county, Ohio. Dr. Shaeffer opened an office in the village of Darrtown and soon established a large and lucrative country practice. After eight years in practice in that place, the Doctor decided upon removing to a larger place where there were opportunities for professional growth. Being but a few miles removed from his former location, he still retains the patronage of many of his Darrtown customers, while adding largely to his sphere of usefulness in a rapidly-growing city practice. The Doctor is a careful, methodical student of his profession and keeps fully abreast of the onward march of medicine and surgery by surrounding himself with the latest literature of these sciences and by attendance at. and participation in, the deliberations of medical societies. He is a member of the Butler County Medical Society, the Union District (or Tri-state) Medical Society and the Ohio State Medical Association. In November, 1903. the Doctor was appointed police surgeon of the city of Hamilton, a position which he still occupies. He has a large and favorable acquaintance throughout Butler county, and should his ambition lead him to seek higher professional positions the ermine of official station could not be more worthily bestowed.

Dr. Shaeffer is a son of Josiah J. and Lucinda (Fiscus) Shaeffer, both parents American born, but of German antecedents. They are both deceased, father dying at the age of forty-six years and mother at fiftytwo. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters, only two of whom are living, the mother, two daughters and one son dying of typhoid fever within a comparatively short space of time. The surviving brother of Dr. Shaeffer is Wilson A., a sa.femaker in the employ of the Mosler Safe and Lock Company in this city. The father of the subject served three years as a soldier in the One Hundred and Twelfth Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil war, and remained in the commissary department as a government employe for one year after the close of hostilities. He served twentyfive years as justice of the peace in Armstrong county and one term as county prothonotary.

Dr. Shaeffer was married January 24, 1889. in Indiana. Pennsylvania, to Miss Belle Lukecart, who was born in Indiana county, in the Keystone state. She. is a daughter of John S. and Rebecca (Keel) Lukecart, both natives of Pennsylvania. The only son of these parents is DayicJ Nelson, a soldier in the regular army of the United States, now stationed at Fort Brown. Texas. There are eight daughters in the family, three of whom are married, and all. except Mrs. Shaeffer, are living' in their native locality. A rather peculiar coincidence in the family of Mrs. Shaeffer is the fact that her mother and herself and her daughters were all born on the 18th of July. Dr. and Mrs. Shaeffer have an interesting little family of one son and one daughter, the former being Arthur L., who was born May 26. 1891. and the latter, El da F., born July 18, 1896. Mrs. Shaeffer is a member of the Baptist church and the Doctor is a Methodist in his religious affiliations. He is prominently associated with various social and beneficial orders, viz : Knights of

Pythias, and Uniformed Rank; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, Sons of Veterans, Independent Order of Foresters. Protected Home Circle. Knights of Ancient Rome and Columbia Mutual Aid Society.

Prof. Leonard P. Shideler

The subject of this sketch is a native of Preble county, Ohio, and was born on the 14th of September, 1852. His early years were spent on the parental farm and in attendance upon the district school. After mastering the curriculum of the public schools he became a student in the Eaton high school, finally entering the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, where he pursued a special course in preparation for teaching. He entered the army of pedagogues at the age of twenty, and has been a teacher for considerably more than thirty vea re. Nine years were spent in the schools of his native county and twenty-three years in Butler county. For many years the Professor confined his work to the country and village schools, but for the last four years he has been identified with the public schools of Hamilton. Two years of this time he was principal of the Columbian school, on the west side, and for the two years following he has been principal of the Straub school, in the second ward.

Mr. Shideler is an educator of broad experience in every phase of child life and his kindly disposition and sympathetic nature endears him to his pupils and broadens his influence for good. Under his present engagement he has within his charge an enrollment of three hundred and twenty-five pupils, under the instruction of eight teachers. The building is first-class in all its appointments and one of the best in the city. Being located in a German neighborhood, the children of those parents desiring to preserve their mother tongue receive instruction in the German language, this being a special provision for their accommodation. Professor Shideler has devoted his life to the profession of teaching, in which sphere of usefulness he has rendered incalculable benefit to the rising generation in the shaping of human character. Xo other profession in life brings the conscientious man or woman so close to the hearts of the people as the teacher, nor have any as great an influence in shaping the destinies of those who are soon to assume the reins of government. Mr. Shideler is a man of exemplary life and character, greatly interested in the work of his chosen calling and fully abreast of the time in the onward march of his profession.

A brief ancestral history of the subject of this review is as follows ; He is a sou of Hon. Henry Shideler, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, in 1820. He was a thrifty farmer in that county, a man of superior intelligence and an honored and useful citizen. He served two terms as a state senator in the Ohio legislature and was a justice of the peace for many years. He was a leading Democratic politician who took an active interest in all public affairs, both local and general. He died at the age of seventy-three years. The mother of Professor Shideler was in maidenhood Miss Hannah Ann Dunn. She was born in Pennsylvania, in 1829, and married in Preble county, where her life was ended at the age of seventy years. They were tfie parents of twelve children, of whom eight are now living. Of these. Mrs. S. E. Litehiser, of Preble county, is the eldest. Leander P., of this sketch, is the second born of those surviving; Jacob H. is a traveling salesman, with his residence at Dayton. Ohio; Mrs. Marv Patterson is also a resident of Davton ; Mrs. Allen Harp resides in West Virginia; Charles D. is engaged in insurance

Professor Shideler was married on the 7th of October, 1885, to Miss Lizzie Helwig, a native of Warren county, Ohio. She is a lady of culture and refinement, whose greatest virtue lies in her efforts to render the home a happy one and in her devotion to the interests of the home circle. Two sons have come to brighten the domestic fireside and share in the happiness of loving and indulging parents. The eldest of these is William H., a graduate of the Hamilton high school in the class of 1904, while his brother, James Leslie, is just entering upon his high-school course. Both are exceptionally bright and promising boys, who appreciate their opportunities and will render a good account of themselves in later life. This prediction seems to be fully justified in view of present achievements.

Mr. and Mrs. Shideler are Presbyterians in their religious views, though not at present affiliated with any church organization. Mr. Shideler has always supported the candidates of the Democratic party, though in no sense a politician. He believes in exercising his right of suffrage independently in local affairs, and in supporting men and measures best calculated to enhance the public interests.

Daniel Smith Rose

This utilitarian age has been especially prolific in men of action, clear-trained men of high resolves and noble purposes, who give character and stability to the communities honored by their citizenship, and whose influence and leadership are easily discernible in the various enterprises that have added so .greatly to the high reputation which Ohio enjoys among her sister commonwealths of the Union.- Conspicuous among this class of men in Butler county is the enterprising farmer and progressive citizen under whose name this article is written,, and to a brief outline of whose career the biographer is herewith pleased to address himself.

Daniel Smith Rose, an Ohioan by birth, is proud to call Butler as the county of his nativity. His father, Jasper Rose, was born in New Jersey, near the city of Philadelphia, and as early as the year 1814 was brought to Ohio by his parents, being but six months old when the family migrated west. After stopping for a short time in Warren county, the elder Rose changed his residence to the county of Butler, and located in what is now Union township when the settlements were few and far between and when all the vicissitudes and hardships incident to life in a new country were being experienced by the pioneers. The father of Jasper Rose was a true type of the strong, rugged, resourceful men of his time and bore his full share in promoting the growth and general welfare of the community in which he founded his home. He purchased a tract of wild land in the township of Union, cleared and otherwise developed it and in due time became a thrifty farmer and a citizen whom all his neighbors and friends were pleased to honor and respect. He departed this life many years ago on the place which labor redeemed from the forest, as did also his faithful wife and companion, and the ashes of both now rest side by side beneath the soil where so many of their years were spent and so much of their success achieved. Jasper Rose was reared on the home farm and assisted in clearing and cultivating the same, the meantime, as opportunities afforded, attending the indifferent subscription schools of the neighborhood, where he obtained the rudiments of an education. Like his father, he became a tiller of the soil, and by industry and proper management succeeded well in his life work. He was thrifty, economical and possessed excellent judgment in matters of business, which sterling qualities enabled him in the course of time to accumulate the handsome estate which with considerable private means he left to his children when called to the great beyond. Jasper Rose was twice married, the first time to Jennie Pocock, who bore him eleven children, the following of whom survive : F. R., a prominent business man of Kansas City,' Missouri; Noah W., an engineer at the Dayton National Soldiers' Home; Jennie R., widow of the late Joseph Taylor, of Marion county, Indiana, and Daniel Smith, whose name appears at the head of this review. Mr. Rose's second marriage was without issue.

Daniel Smith Rose, whose birth occurred m Union township, August 23, 1842, was reared on the home farm, and acquired a fair education in the district schools, while he received from his parents the lessons of wisdom and practical industry* which has had so much influence in shaping him for a career of usefulness the whole trend of his subsequent life. During his early youth he labored early and late as his father's able helper, when a little older grown he gave full play to a natural inclination for business by trading ^nd trafficking in various articles among his neighbors and associates.

Mr. Rose is a born trader and while still young he turned his ability in that direction to good account, but all of his transactions were conducted fairly and honorably. The beginning of his independent career dates from the time when he bought a farm and went in debt for every dollar of the purchase price, giving a mortgage on the land for the same with the object in view of selling at an advance at the first favorable opportunity. After keeping the place a short time, a purchaser presented himself and in due time a bargain was mutually agreed upon which when consummated netted young Rose the neat sum of three thousand dollars over and above what the mortgage called for. The fortunate outcome of this transaction inspired the young man with confidence and from that time forward he devoted his attention largely to trading and met Avith encouraging success in nearly all of his ventures. In addition to buying, selling and trading real estate, lie has dealt quite extensively in all kinds of live stock, and at one time he was a large shipper of cattle and hogs, which he bought for various eastern markets. Although to a considerable extent a trader still, he is not so extensively engaged as formerly, the greater part of his attention for some years being devoted to the pursuit of agriculture, in which he has been quite fortunate, owning at this time one of the most productive and highly improved farms in the township of Liberty.

Mr. Rose is a man of excellent judgment, which accounts for his uniform success as a trader, and he also possesses clear ideas in matters of business. Careful in his calculations, resourceful in his dealings and eminently honorable in his relations with others, people have always reposed confidence in his word and his integrity has ever been above criticism. As a zealous Democrat. well-grounded in the cardinal principles of the old historic party, he is widely and favorably known in political circles, being one of the wheel horses of Democracy in Liberty township, while his influence in campaign vears is felt far beyond the jurisdiction in which he resides. He served by appointment as one of the trustees of Liberty, was a member of the board of education for a period of twelve years and during President Cleveland's second administration was postmaster at Hughes, being the only Democrat to hold the latter position since the office was established in 1873.

Mr. Rose has been interested in various public enterprises, including among others the Hughes Home Telephone Company, of which he was one of the promoters and in the organization and management of which he has been an influential figure. He is still connected with the company, spares no pains in looking after its interests or in promoting the efficiency of the line, and ever since the organization went into effect he has served as its treasurer.

In his domestic relations Mr. Rose has been exceedingly fortunate, being the father of a most estimable family, every member of which is not only devoted to him, but mutually devoted to each other's interests, a family that has deserved all the affection of his heart, stimulated his pride, increased his hopes and contributed much to his happiness and success in life. His first wife was formerly Miss America Cassidy, a native of Warren county. Ohio, and a lady of fine mind, sterling qualities and rare judgment, as all who enjoyed the privilege of her acquaintance will bear witness. Three children resulted from this union, the first born being a son by the name of Samuel Lee Rose, a gifted young man whose brief but honorable and promising career was terminated by the cruel hand of death on March 30, 1903. After laying the foundation 6f his education in the public schools. Samuel entered the National Normal School it Lebanon, which he attended for several . years with the object in view of fitting himself for the profession of teaching. Finishing his course in that institution at the early age of seventeen, he taught one term with most gratifying success, but shortly after taking charge of his second school was induced to resign in order to accept the more remunerative position of deputy treasurer of Butler county, to which he was appointed by his uncle, R W. Whitaker. After serving in the latter capacity for four years, he was made deputy clerk of the courts, but a little later resigned the place to become prin- ' cipal of the graded school at Venice, this county, which position he filled until the close of the term of school. At the expiration of the time noted he took the road for a wholesale house, but the position of traveling salesman not being entirely to his taste he soon gave it up and became principal of the Fourth Ward school in Hamilton, which place he filled so satisfactorily that he was afterwards promoted to the higher and more responsible office of superintendent of the citv schools. This position calls for a high order of intellectual and professional ability, both of which Mr. Rose possessed in an eminent degree and the educational system under his capable management was making rapid advancement when the dread summons came which put a premature end to a life so promising and full of hope. Charles, the second of the subject's sons, is engaged in business in Hamilton and is one of the popular young men of that city. Fannie, the youngest of the family, married Frank Garwood, of Laporte county, Indiana, and is now living in that state. The mother of the above children died on the 9th day of September, 1893, and on January 3, 1895. Mr. Rose married his present wife, Mrs. Martha Ann Slade, whose maiden name was Cassidy and who is a cousin of his first companion.

In closing the brief review of the career of one of Butler county's most estimable and praiseworthy citizens, it is needless to state that he combines the sterling qualities that win success and gain the good will and approbation of his countrymen. Vigorous in action, resolute in purpose and with a will that hesitates at no discouragement, he has made his presence an influence for good in the community and the esteem in which he is held has been honorably earned by a life devoted to the right as he sees and understands it. His home, which is model in all of its appointments, is a favorite place of resort and the hospitability which reigns within its ample walls has become proverbial. The farm now in the possession of Mr. Rose is the birth-place of the late Hon. Daniel W. Voorhees, of Indiana, long popularly known as "The Tall Sycamore of the Wabash" and for many years one of the most distinguished statesmen in public life. Senator Voorhees revisited the scenes of his birth in the year 1884, an<^ was handsomely entertained by Mr. Rose at a sumptuous dinner to which the distinguished guest did ample justice.

Edward Veidt

The subject's father, John Veidt, a substantial German-American citizen, lives in one of the beautiful suburbs of Middletown, where he is spending the evening of a long and useful career in comparative retirement, though still active for one of his age and mentally as keen and alert as in his younger days. Mr. Veidt was bom March 25, 1837. and spent his early life in Germany. having been reared by his step-father, his father dying when he was an infant only two months old. Until his fourteenth year he attended the public schools of his native place, following which he took up the trade of brick laying and within a comparatively short time became a rapid and proficient workman. Finding nearly all kinds of handicraft in the fatherland overcrowded and poorly paid, he decided to come to the United States; accordingly in 1854 he carried out this desire by taking passage for New York, which port he reached in due time after a long and somewhat tedious voyage. From New York Mr. Veidt proceeded direct to Cincinnati, where he soon found employment in a meat market, entering the same with the object in view of learning the butcher's trade and becoming familiar with the meat business. Being industrious, quick - and apt to learn, it was not long until he was accounted an expert butcher and from the time of mastering the trade he never had to search for remunerative employment. After spending five years in Cincinnati he disposed of his interests there and came to Butler county, locating in Milford township, where during the ensuing three years he lived at what is known as the Seven-Mile

The domestic life of Mr. Veidt began the same year in which he changed his residence to Butler county, being married in 1859 to Miss Barbara Kern, who, like himself. was bom in Germany. This union was blessed with a family of thirteen children, all but one of whom are living, their names being as follows : Charles, John, Henry, William. Edward. Mary, Louis, Selma, Catherine, Barbara, George. Harry and Albert, deceased.

Although retaining warm feelings for the fatherland and tender recollections of his home and the scenery of his youthful enjoyments and sports. Mr. Veidt is a loyal citizen to the country of his adoption and as true to its laws as any citizen born and bred on American soil. Ever since coming to the Lhiited States he has appreciated the peculiar privileges of its free institutions, and, recognizing his duties to the government under which his life work has been achieved, he tries bv every means at his command to discharge the same in a manner befitting his station as well as to the mutual good of his fellow men. In his political belief he is a Republican, but has never taken a very active part in political or public affairs, although keenly alive to the leading questions of the day and a close observer of the trend of current events, Mr. Veidt's career has been long, active and, in the main, successful. He reared his large family well, provided liberally for his children as they grew to manhood and womanhood. and as they left the parental fireside to make their several ways in the world, gave to each all the material assistance within his power to bestow. After the family separated he became an inmate of the home of his son. Edward Veidt, with whom he now lives, spending his declining years in quiet and content, though by no means idly, as he is still active and prefers to be employed rather than to rust out as too many old people do. Possessing the genial characteristics of his nationality, among which. are an amiable nature, fine social qualities and genuine hospitality, he is not without many warm friends, being popular among his neighbors and associates and a favorite of the circles in which he moves.

Edward Veidt, fifth son of John and Barbara Veidt, was born at Seven-Mile, Butler county, Ohio, on November 7, 1864. His childhood was passed in the little town of Collinsville, where he attended the public schools until a youth of fourteen, discontinuing his studies at that age for the purpose of engaging in business for himself to the end that he might contribute to the support of the large family which so taxed his father's financial resources, and at the same time lay a foundation for his own future. Young Veidt possessed a natural talent for business and for one of his immature age his success was something outside the ordinary. With a capital of only fifteen dollars, he began his career as a stock buyer, but his operations were such that this sum was soon augumented many fold so that by the time he was twenty-one years of age he had a substantial start in life and was considered one of the well-to-do young men of Collinsville. During his seven active years in that village he dealt quite extensively in all kinds of live stock, buying for the different eastern markets and his business ventures succeeded beyond his most hopeful expectations. At the expiration of the time noted he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was similarly engaged for a period of four years and in 1891 came to Middletown, where he has since resided and devoted his attention to buying and selling hogs and cattle and occasionally horses, all of which operations returned him literal profits. Mr. Veidt owns large feeding grounds in one of the suburbs of the city and is well prepared to care for all the stock he can handle, having ample shipping facilities and every other advantage in the way of making his business profitable and easily managed. He buys throughout a large area of Butler and adjoining counties, handles thousands of animals every year and everything to which he turns his attention appears to prosper. His careful management, supplemented by natural judgment, keen foresight, resourcefulness and practical experience, have enabled him to accumulate a literal share of this world's goods and, as already indicated, his continued financial success has made him one of the solid men of the county, the ample fortune which he now commands placing him not only in independent circumstances but in a position of affluence as well.

Mr. Veidt is a man of sound intelligence and his opinions and advices carry much weight; he exercises a strong influence in business circles, not only locally but in the' leading centers of his own and other states, in all of which his rating financially is very high. His dealings have always been honorable and free from the slightest suspicion of unfair advantage, his integrity is incorruptible and against his character and good name nothing savoring in the least of disreputable practice has ever been uttered. The life of Mr. Veidt, while strenuous, useful and eminently honorable, has been uneventful, being that of a plain, common man of the people, who has always attended strictly to his own affairs instead of concerning himself very much with public matters or disturbing his quiet and neglecting his business interests in his efforts to achieve official preferment. , While not a politician, he never loses sight of his obligations to the government as a factor of the body politic ; therefore, as every good citizen should, he takes an interest in the wise administration of the law and locally gives his support to the test claimants for office, in state and national issues voting the Democratic ticket. It can be truly said of Mr. ' Veidt that he is a public-spirited man, as he has ever manifested a lively interest in the material development of his city and county and gives an earnest and undeviating support to all measures and movements having for their object the moral welfare of his fellow men. He is a friend of the church and School and other laudable agencies whereby the good of the community may be promoted, and in a quiet and unostentatious way has been liberal in his benefactions to worthy charities and to the aid of * the deserving poor and unfortunate. Religiously he is a Presbyteriqn and, while making no display of his piety by loud profession, his influence like the quiet sunshine and gentle rain, has been patient and abiding and fruitful in its beneficial effects upon those with whom he has been brought into contact. Mr. Veidt comes from a strong, virile, energetic family whose industry and whose good name shines with peculiar luster. By a useful, straightforward and eminently commendable career, he has added to the worthy reputation of his ancestors and his upright life and strong character have tended greatly to strengthen and give moral tone to the reputation of the community in which he resides.

Edwin F. Rosencrans

There are men in nearly every community who, by reason of intelligence arrd force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and dominate in their respective spheres of endeavor or become leaders and directors of important interest. Among the progressive men of this class in Butler county is Edwin F. Rosencrans, an enterprising farmer and stock raiser of Liberty township and a public-spirited citizen whose abiding interest in whatever tends to the material advancement of his community and the welfare of its people, have given him a prestige such as few of his contemporaries enjoy. Mr. Rosencrans is a native of Butler county and was born in Union township on the 25th of April, i860, being a son of Simeon and Sarah Rosencrans, who were also of Ohio birth. Robert Rosencrans. grandfather of Edwin F., emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio about one hundred years ago, and purchased from John Cleves Symmes, the farm in Liberty township which the subject now owns and cultivates and on which Simeon Rosencrans was born June 12, 1824. Sarah C. Slade, wife of Simeon Rosencrans, was bom in Butler county March 26, 1828, and departed this life on March 26, 1898, her husband surviving her until the 26th of November, 1901.

was spent amid the stirring scenes of country life and he grew up under the rugged but wholesome discipline of the farm, and. while still a young man, became accustomed to the various duties which such an experience entails. At the proper age he entered the district schools and after finishing the branches constituting the curriculum, he became a student of the National Normal University of Lebanon, Ohio, where he assiduously prosecuted his studies and laid the solid intellectual foundation upon which his subsequent success has largely depended.

Leaving the above institution in 1880, Mr. Rosencrans began to make his own way, and since that time has devoted his attention assiduously to agricultural pursuits, preferring the freedom and outdoor life of the farm to any allurements which a professional career can produce. His success in his chosen vocation has been most gratifying, and he ranks today with the most enterprising and progressive agriculturists in his township, owning a finely improved farm, which under his consecutive industry and judicious management has been reduced to a high state of tillage and which has returned the liberal income that has made him practically independent. Mr. Rosencrans appreciates the dignity of his calling and has made it the subject of much careful and painstaking study and investigation. Being familiar with the quality of soils and their adaptability to the different grains and vegetables grown in this latitude, he is seldom mistaken in the matter of crops, and as a rule he realizes liberal returns from the time and labor expended on his fields. In brief he is a modelv farmer, fully up to date in all things relating to modern agricultural methods, and has done much to advance the

Mr. Rosencrans is a reader and thinker and, being a well-educated man, has strongly defined opinions on the leading public and political questions of the times. He was reared a Republican, early manifested a lively interest in the success of his party and was proud to cast his first presidential ballot for the gallant and distinguished statesman and the idol of his followers, James G. Blaine. Becoming incensed at the party for its indifference in rallying to the support of the "Plumed Knight" and permitting his defeat, he remained lukewarm politically until 1896, since which time he has acted with the Democracy on state and national issues, in local matters being independent.

Mr. Rosencrans is a gentleman of pleasing presence and great force of character, which, with his wide reading and general intelligence, give might to his opinions and influence to his personality. His fair dealing and high sense of honor have earned him a reputation of which he is exceedingly jealous, and the universal esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens attest the care he has taken to keep his integrity and good name above reproach.

On February 18, 1885, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Rosencrans and Miss Laura B. Harkrader, the latter born in Warren county, Ohio, February 21, 1862, the daughter of John and Wilhelmina (Bender) Harkrader, of this state. Mr. and Mrs. Rosencrans have had three children, two of whom, Stella E. and Mina, are living, the youngest, a son by the name of Edwin F., having died in infancy. Mrs. Rosencrans is a member of the Presbyterian church and deeply interested in the good work of the congregation with which identified. Although not connected with any religious organization, Mr. Rosencrans has profound respect for Christianity and believes the church to be a great power for good and one of the essential factors of modem civilization. He is a frequent attendant of the church to which his wife belongs, contributes of his means to its material support and encourages it by his actions and influence.

The subject of this review is one of the representative members of the medical profession in Butler county, and is established in the practice of medicine and surgery in the attractive village of Trenton, where he has built up an excellent business and where he holds prestige as a popular, loyal and public-spirited citizen, being influential in local affairs and commanding the high regard of all who know him. He may, in a sense, be said to have inherited a predilection for the noble profession in which he has attained so unequivocal success, since his father, grandfather and great-grandfather in the agnatic line all attained to distinction in the same vocation, while his mother also was an able physician.

Dr. Schoenfeld was bom in Miamisburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, on the 24th of April, 1857, and is a son of Drs. Henry and Emma (Shell) Schoenfeld, the former of whom is one of the old and honored physicians and surgeons of the town mentioned, while his wife was also engaged in the practice of medicine at the time of her death, which occurred in 1887. The subject had the advantages of a cultured and refined home, and his early educational discipline was secured in the public schools of his native town, where he completed the curriculum of the high school, supplementing this by an effective course of study in a commercial college in the city of Dayton. Having determined to adopt the profession so signally honored and dignified by his parents and forbears, he began the study of medicine under the direction of his father, and in 1875 was matriculated in the Ohio Medical College, in the city of Cincinnati, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1882, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine and having so thoroughly improved his opportunities in the connection as to be specially well fortified for the active work of his profession. He forthwith became associated with his father in practice, and continued to follow his profession in Miamisburg until the spring of 1884, when he came to Butler county and located in Trenton, where he has since continued in practice, being one of the leading and most successful physicians of this section of the county, and being held in high regard in professional, business and social circles. In his political proclivities the Doctor is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and both he and his wife are members of the German Reformed church, in Miamisburg, while they attend the United Presbyterian church in Trenton, as there is no organization of the German Reformed denomination here. The Doctor is affiliated with Minerva Lodge, No. 98, Free and Accepted Masons; Trinity Lod^e, No. 49. Royal Arch Masons; Miamisburg Lodge, No. 44, Knights of Pythias ; Uniform Rank, No. 33, of the same order, in his native city : and Court Alpha, No. 1610, Independent Order of Foresters, in Trenton. Dr. Schoenfeld takes a deep interest in local affairs of a public nature and specially in educational matters, having served for the past seven years as a member of the board of education and having been one of the leading factors in securing the dispensation by which Trenton was made a special school district and finally provided with a high school.

On the 23d of August, 1883, in his native town, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Schoenfeld to Miss Kate C. Britton, who was likewise born in Miamisburg, being a daughter of Isaac and Mary Britton. They have one daughter, Esther L., who was graduated in the Trenton high school as a member of the class of 1900 and *in the Hamilton high school as a member of the class o.f 1903. She has shown distinctive musical talent and is being accorded the best possible advantages in her study of the "divine art." She was born in Miamisburg, on the 29th of June, 1884, and is one of Trenton's most accomplished and popular young ladies.

Otto I. Ehresman

Whether the elements of success in life are innate attributes of the individual or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial development, it is impossible to clearly determine. Yet the study of a successful life, whatever the field of endeavor, is none the less interesting and profitable by reason of the existence of this same uncertainty'. So much in excess of those of successes are the records of failures or semi-failures, that one is constrained to attempt an analysis in either case and to determine the measure of causation in an approximate way. The march of improvement is accelerated day by day, and each successive moment seems to demand of men a broader intelligence and a greater discernment than did the preceding. Successful men must be live men in this age, bristling with activity, and thus the lessons of biography may be far-reaching to an extent not superficially evident. A man's reputation is the property of the world. The laws of nature have forbidden isolation. Every human being either submits to the controlling influence of others or individually wields an influence which touches and guides or misdirects others. There can be no impropriety in justly scanning the acts of any man as they affect his public, social and business relations. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of endeavor, investigation will brighten his fame and point the way along which others may follow with like success. Not alone are those worthy of biographic honors who have moved along the loftier planes of action, but to an equal extent are those deserving who are of the rank and file of the world's workers, for they are not less the conservators of public prosper ity and material advancement. Through all the gradations of life recognition should be had of the true values, and then should full appreciation be manifested. In the collation of material for the biographical department of this publication there has been a constant aim to use a wise discrimination in regard to the selection of subjects and to exclude none worthy of representation within its pages. Here will be found mention of worthy citizens of all vocations, and at this juncture we are permitted to offer a resume of the career of one of the substantial and highly esteemed representatives of the agricultural interests of the county, where he has passed his entire life and where he has attained a high degree of success in his chosen field of labor and enterprise.

Mr. Ehresman, who is the manager of a fine farm located in Madison township, is a native of said section of the county, having been bom on the 4th of February, 1854, and being a son of Christian and Marie Ehresman, both of whom were born in Germany. The father of our subject was bom about the year 1822 and was reared and educated in his fatherland. As a young man he severed the home ties and set forth to seek his fortunes in America, with whose development and progress so many of his sterling countrymen have been conspicuously identified. He finally took up his abode in Ohio, having come to Butler county about the year 1840 and having here devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits, in which he met with excellent success. He was a man of inviolable integrity and ever commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact in the various relations of life. His death occurred in 1867. His wife was bom in Germany, in 1826, and when she was twelve years of age her parents came to the United States, becoming early settlers of Butler county, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Ehresman is still living and maintains her home in Trenton, this county. Of this union were born six children, of whom five are living, the subject of this sketch having been the first in order of birth.

vigorating discipline of the home farm and early began to assist in its work, while he has ever continued to find in the agricultural industry ample scope for successful endeavor, being fully appreciative of the independence and many other attractions of his chosen vocation. His educational advantages were such as were offered by the public schools, and he initiated his independent career at the age of twenty-one years, up to which time he had been associated in the management of the home place, which still belongs to his mother. This farm comprises one hundred and nine acres and is located in the second bottoms of the Great Miami valley, which is notable as being one of the most fertile and productive sections of the state. The family home is a substantial and attractive brick residence of two stories and basement, the same having seven rooms and being equipped with modern improvements, while the other buildings on the place are in harmony with this elegant home. In politics Mr. Ehresman has been aligned as a stanch supporter of the Democratic party from the time of attaining his legal majority, having cast his first presidential vote for General Hancock. His religious faith is that of the Mennonite church, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran church.

On the 20th of January, 1885, Mr. Ehresman was united in marriage to Miss Mary Deuscher, who was bom in Butler county, this state, February 9, 1855, being a daughter of H. T. and Ellen (Ball) Deuscher. Her father was born in Germany, whither he came to America with his parents when a boy, the family locating in Butler county, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood. Mrs. Deuscher was bom in Ohio.

Philip Borger

One of the venerable and honored citizens of Madison township is the subject of this sketch, who has here maintained his home for many years and who has ever commanded the uniform confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He is now living retired in his attractive home in the town of Trenton and is enjoying the rewards of his former years of earnest toil and endeavor. He still owns his farm of eighty-two acres.

Mr. Borger is a native of Germany, where he was born on the 20th of June, 1820, and he was reared and educated in his native land, where he remained until 1844, when, as a young man of twenty-two years, he severed the home ties and set forth to seek his fortunes in America, having become convinced of the superior advantages here offered for the attaining of success and independence through individual effort. He came forth to Butler county, and later removed to the city of Cincinnati, where he worked at the butcher's trade for three years, at the expiration of which he returned to Butler county and was here in the employ of others for two years. He then engaged in business on his own responsibility, taking up his residence in the village of Trenton, where he continued to be engaged in the butchering business until his retirement, about a decade ago. His farm is a valuable property, is improved with good build- ings and is under a high state of cultivation. In politics Mr. Borger is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, of which he has been a member from his childhood days. Mrs. Borger also was a devoted member of the same church and was a woman of noble character and gracious presence, endearing herself to all with whom she came in contact.

In the year 1850 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Borger to Miss Christina Dasher, who was born on a vessel on the Atlantic ocean, in 1832, her parents being at the time en route from Germany to America. She was a daughter of Michael and Christina Dasher, who first settled in Pennsylvania, whence they came to Butler county about T833. being numbered among the early settlers of Madison township, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Borger was summoned to the life eternal in 1895, and her memory remains as a benediction to all who came within the sphere of her influence. Mr. and Mrs. Borger became the parents of seven children, all of whom are living except Elizabeth, who died at the age of two years. The names of the others are as follows: Mina, Henry, Jacob, Philip, Jr.. Anna and Charles.

Throughout Butler county Dr. Macready is known and honored as a successful and skilled physician and surgeon and loyal and influential citizen, having been actively engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in the attractive little city of Monroe for two score years and having gained the confidence, esteem and affectionate regard of the people to whom he has ministered so unselfishly and effectively during this long interval. He has those inherent attributes so essential to the maximum of success in his chosen calling, being sympathetic, patient and cheerful, while in the hour of extremity he is cool and courageous, having the power of making sympathy a motive as well as an emotion. Though his large practice has engrossed so much of his time and attention he has not failed to keep pace with the advances made in the sciences of medicine and surgery and has availed himself of the remedial agents and various methods of advanced surgery which have done so much to lighten the burden of human suffering and to prolong life. The Doctor was in active service as a surgeon in the Union army during the Civil war, and he has ever been found at the post of duty in his private labors, as Avas he during that climatic era in the history of the nation. As one of the representative members of his profession in the county we are gratified in being able to present in this work a brief review of his career.

The Doctor is a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Warren county, on the 17th of March, 1835, and being a son of John and Mary (Hart) Macready, both coming of stanch Irish stock, though the respective families were early established in America. The father of the subject was born in the state of Pennsylvania, in the year 1808, and while an infant was brought by his parents to Ohio, the family settling in Columbia, which is now an integral part of the city of Cincinnati, and in this state he was reared to manhood, becoming a suc- cessful farmer of Warren county, where both he and his wife died when the subject of this sketch was a lad of about six years, there having been three children in the family, all of whom are living. The mother was born in Warren county, in 1814, and her death occurred on the 27th of March, 1841.

After the death of his parents Dr. Macready was taken in charge by his paternal grandparents and was reared to manhood in their home, his grandfather having been a successful farmer of Warren county. During his boyhood days he assisted in the work of the farm, while his preliminary educational discipline was secured in the district schools. Later he continued his studies in Mainville Academy, and thereafter was a student for one year in Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio. In 1901 his alma mater conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts, in recognition of his professional prestige and advanced intellectual attainments. The Doctor was to a very large extent dependent upon his own resources in defraying the expenses of his literary professional education, and it stands to his credit and honor that he fixed a definite aim and never swerved until he had attained the desired object. He took up the study of medicine under private instruction of the late Dr. Joshua Stevens, of Lebanon, Ohio, in the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1859. He initiated the active practice of his chosen profession by locating in Bethany, Butler county, where he continued his labors until there came the call to higher duty, when the dark cloud of civil war spread its gruesome pall over the national horizon. In 1863 he enlisted in the Union army, being appointed assistant surgeon of the Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he continued to serve until the regiment was mustered out, on the 26th of June, 1864. Soon after the close of his service in this connection Dr. Macready took up his residence in Monroe, where he has ever since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession and where his services are retained by the leading families of this section of the county. He has ever shown a lively interest in local affairs of a public nature, and has been specially influential in promoting the cause of education, having been a school officer of his district consecutively since 1878. He has taken part in furthering the interests of the political party with which he has ever been affiliated, being a stanch advocate of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor. The Doctor is identified with the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Warren County Medical Society, the Butler County Medical Society, the Union District Medical Society and the Society of United States Pension Examining Surgeons, being a member of the board of pension examiners for Butler county at the present time. He is not apathetic in his allegiance to the various bodies, but takes an active part in their deliberations, and is especially alert in availing himself of the advantages thus afforded for conference and discussions with his professional confreres. He is past grand of Miami Lodge, No. 89, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a charter member of Hill City Lodge. No. 571, Knights of Pythias.

Sarah Elizabeth Keyt, who was bom in Illinois, on the 15th of May, 1837, being a daughter of Edwin Keyt. She secured her education in the schools of the city of Cincinnati, and was a teacher in the public schools of that place at the time of her marriage. She became specially accomplished in music, and her children have all inherited talent in this pleasing line. Of the four children of Dr. and Mrs. Macready we enter brief record as follows : Edwin Keyt, who was born on the 6th of October, 1862, died on the 8th of February, 1864. Etta De- Camp, bom September 16, 1 866, was married to D. E. Voorhis, September 16, 1889, and they reside on a farm near Monroe, having two children. John Hart was born January 5, 1868/ and was graduated in Miami University as a member of the class of 1889, while in 1892 he was graduated in the Ohio Medical College, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, being now engaged in the practice of his profession in the citv of Cincinnati. On the 5th of January, 1895, he was married to Miss Caroline Curbs. Charles Foster, who was born October 28, *&79, was graduated in Miami University as a member of the class of 1902, and is now a student in the Miami Medical College, where he will be graduated in 1906. Mrs. Macready died February 23, 1897.

Gay Bevis

Although a young man, the subject of this review occupies a prominent position among the representative business men of Middletown, and as a member of an important manufacturing firm has won an honorable reputation not only in the industrial circles of the city, but throughout the state. Few of his age and experience have so impressed their individuality upon the public, none stand higher in the esteem of their fellow men and in view of his achievements it is eminently proper to bespeak for him a continuance of the useful and worthy career which has characterized his life to the present time. Gay Bevis, son of M. V. and Mary H. (McLean) Bevis, was bom in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 23, 1874, being the sixth of a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, all living. M. V. Bevis, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio a number of years ago and settled in Cincinnati, where he devoted a considerable part of his life to mechanical pursuits, being a wood-worker by trade. He was. a skilled artisan, provided well for his familv and reared his children to useful pursuits, the majority of whom are comfortably situated and much esteemed in their respective communities.

Gay Bevis spent his early years in his native city and after obtaining a good education in the public schools of the same, taught one term in Butler county, at the close of which he became bookkeeper in a printing office. After filling this position for some time, he turned his attention to the printer's trade and in due season mastered the same, following which he engaged with the managers of the office and spent the ensuing four years in their employ.

In the year 1899 Mr. Bevis purchased an interest in the Blair & Shartle manufacturing plant at Middletown, and became manager of the same, the name of the firm after his admission being changed to that of the Bevis & Shartle Machine Company. The concern, which now is one of the leading industries of the city, makes all kinds of machinery and appliances used in the manufacture of paper, 'and from a small beginning has steadily grown until it stands among the largest and most successful establishments of the kind in southern Ohio. The plant covers a large space of ground, is supplied with the latest and most valuable machinery and the demand for its product is such that its capacity is taxed to the utmost to meet the same, from twenty to thirty skilled workmen being constantly employed, at wages aggregating from two hundred and sixty to three hundred dollars per week. In the management of this important and steadily growing enterprise Mr. Bevis demonstrates executive and general business ability of a high order, and to his deep interest and masterly oversight may be attributed a large measure of the remarkable success which has characterized the establishment ever since he became identified therewith. His sound judgment, practical experience and ability to master details have tended greatly to enlarge and extend the scope of the company's operations and influence, and under his efficient leadership it is destined at no distant day to take a distinctly leading place among the representative industrial establishments in the southern part of the state.

In politics Mr. Bevis is an earnest advocate and unflinching supporter of the Republican party, but has never manifested an iota of political ambition in the seeking of official preferment. In the domain of citizenship he discharges his duties worthily and well, and with due regard to the best interests of the public; as a neighbor he is kind and generous, thoughtful of the good

In the year 1896 Mr. Bevis was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Miss Mary Cannon, of Cincinnati, and his home is now enlivened by the presence of three little daughters, who answer to the names of Blanch. Mary and Martha.

Joseph John Pater

Joseph J. Pater, the subject of this sketch, was born in Hamilton April 9, 1858, on South Front street, where his parents owned several acres of land, on which they raised vegetables for market. His parents were Gerhard and Mary Pater, thrifty Germans, respected by all who knew them. His father was born at Merzen. in the kingdom of Hanover. Germany, on the 15th of August, 1826, and emigrated to America in June, 1850. Gerhard Pater died in this city January 6, 1871. from pneumonia, aged forty-five years, and his death was regretted by his many friends. He was a devout Catholic and one of the original members of St. Joseph's congregation. He was known for his strong will and force of character. and was upright in all his dealings with his fellow men.

The mother of Mr. Pater, whose maiden name was Mary Strieker, was born at Damme. Oldenburg, Germany. December 22, 1821. After landing on American soil, she made Cincinnati her home for several years, and there married Gerhard Pater. Later they moved to Hamilton, where she died February 20, 1886, at the age of sixty- five years. She was endowed with a wonderful memory. It was a pleasure to hear her relate events which happened many years back with as much accuracy as though they happened but yesterday. She was of a kind and charitable disposition and a faithful worker in all charities. Her family was known for longevity. Her grandmother died at the age of one hundred and two years and her grandmother's sister at the age of one hundred and five vears.

Joseph J. Pater was the eldest of five children. Two sisters, Josephine and Elizabeth, died when very young. His other sisters are Philomena, Mrs. Joseph Schumaker, who was born February 26, i860, and Catherine, Mrs. George Deinzer, born January 23, 1862, died April 10, 1902. Mr. Pater attended St. Joseph's parochial school until thirteen years old and was then sent to St. Mary's Institute, Dayton, Ohio, where , he graduated with high honors. He later on took a course of classics to prepare himself for the medical profession. For some time he read medicine with Dr. Dan Millikin, but later abandoned his studies and took a position as teacher in St. Joseph's school, where he taught five years with success. April 20, 1882, he was married to Miss Annie M. Endress and their union was blessed with five children, Carl. Alphonse, Eugene, Mary and Louise.

In all city affairs Mr. Pater has taken an active interest and never misses an opportunity to boom its material interest. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and was elected twice as a member of the board of water works trustees. He was for four years a member of the board of control, which board had absolute control of the affairs of the city. He was a candidate in

He was the first state president of the Catholic Knights of Ohio, which insurance organization was organized in this city. He was an untiring worker for the good of the order and its fine success at present is due to his ability as an. organizer and the unselfish services rendered to the society. After being organized six years the society numbered one hundred branches and four thousand five hundred members. Today the Catholic Knights of Ohio is one of the best fraternal insurance societies in the state.

But the monument which he has erected to his memory and which will be as enduring as time itself is Mercy Hospital. For many years he strove to establish a hospital in Hamilton, but as the various religious orders who have hospitals in Cincinnati had no Sisters to spare, he was continuously put off with promises for the future. In 1892 he called on Archbishop Elder and explained to his Grace the necessity of a hospital in Hamilton. The following day the Archbishop telegraphed Mr. Pater that the Sisters of Mercy woud accept and conduct a hospital at once. These good sisters arrived a few days later and opened a hospital on Dayton street, where the present new hospital is being built. It is open to all creeds and nationalities and will forever be kept » out of the turmoil of politics. The hospital was opened October 5, 1892, and to November 22, 1904, when the new hospital was dedicated to suffering humanity and charity, there were received and treated two thousand four hundred and twenty-three patients, of whom one thousand seven hundred and thirty-four entirely recovered, four hundred and fifty-two materially improved and two hundred and thirty-seven died, which includes those who met with fatal accidents and were brought to the hospital in a dying condition. This record speaks for itself, but also shows the necessity of a hospital in our community. The Sisters are experienced nurses from the Mercy Hospital of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Pater was a director from the inception of the hospital and chairman of the building committee, which erected the present magnificent building, one of the finest and most complete hospitals in the state. He was the active chairman of the soliciting committees, for both the old and the new hospitals, which collected over twenty thousand dollars, donated by the citizens of Hamilton. His love for charity, the firmness of his character, and the fidelity with which he clings to what he believes is right, and for the good of the community has justly won for him the respect of his fellow citizens.

The record of a busy life, a successful life, must ever prove fecund in interest and profit as scanned by the student who would learn of the intrinsic essence of individuality, who would attempt an analysis of character and trace back to the fountain head the widely diverging channels which mark the onward flow of such individuality. All human advancement, all human weal or woe, - in short, all things within the mental ken, - are but mirrored back from the composite individuality of those who have lived and labored. "The proper study of mankind is man," says Pope, and aside from this, in its broader sense, what basis of study and information have we? Thus biography of contemporary order exercises an important function and it is fitting that record be perpetuated concerning those who have proved worthy elements in the civic personnel of all communities, while the data thus secured, both genealogical and personal, will prove a valuable contribution to the generic history of every such community. He whose name initiates this paragraph is a representative of one of the old and honored families of Butler county, where he has lived from the time of his birth and where he has gained personal prestige and success in one of the most noble and exacting of all vocations to which a man may devote himself, being engaged in the practice of his profession in Trenton and controlling a large business as a physician and surgeon, while he has gained precedence by reason of his devotion to his profession and his marked ability as an exponent of advanced and practical medical science.

Dr. Grafft was born on the homestead farm, in section 22, Wayne township, on the 25th of February, 1867, anfl a son Abraham and Jane Grafft, the former of whom was bom in Butler county, this state, in 1839, while the latter was bom in Franklin county, Indiana, in 1841. George P. Grafft. grandfather of the Doctor, was likewise a native of Ohio, having been born in Butler county in 1804, the year which marked the admission of the state to the Union, while his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Moorehead, was bom in the same county, in 1805, so that it may be seen that our subject is a scion of one of the very early pioneer families of the Buckeye commonwealth. Abraham Grafft served three years as a valiant soldier in the Union army during the war of the Rebellion, having been a member of the Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and having been mustered out, in Galveston, Texas, on the 30th of August, 1867. He then returned to his home and devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits, having been one of the prominent and influential farmers of Wayne township, where he died in 1892, honored by all who knew him. His wife was the daughter of Dr. A. B. James, who was a prominent physician of Scipio, Franklin county, Indiana, said town lying on the line between Ohio and Indiana, and she was bom in that portion of the village which lies in Franklin county, Indiana. She is now dead.

Dr. Grafft passed his boyhood days on the homestead farm and early began to assist in its work, in the meanwhile prosecuting his studies in the public schools of the locality. He completed a course in the high school at Jacksonboro and in 1885 was matriculated in Wooster University, at Wooster, this state, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1890, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. In the meanwhile he had formulated definite plans for his future career, having determined to prepare himself for the medical profession, and with this end in view he entered Miami Medical College, in the city of Cincinnati, in which celebrated institution he completed the prescribed technical course and was graduated in 1893, receiving his coveted degree of Doctor of Medicine and coming forth admirably well equipped for the practical work of his chosen profession. He located in Trenton soon after his graduation and has ever since been engaged in active professional work here, having built up a large and representative practice and being held in the highest confidence and regard both as a physician and a citizen. He is a close and devoted student, keeping in touch with the advances made in the sciences of medicine and surgery and having recourse to the best standard and periodical literature pertaining to his profession. In politics the Doctor is found stanchlv arrayed as a leal and loyal supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratic party., for the furtherance of whose cause he lends his aid and influence to the fullest extent, his first presidential vote having been cast for Cleveland. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church and fraternally he is identified with Jefferson Lodge, No. 90, Free and Accepted Masons; the chapter of Royal Arch Masons; and Hamilton Commandery, No. 41, Knights Templar; while he is also affiliated with Court Alpha, No. 1610, Independent Order of Foresters.

On the 1 8th of October, 1892, Dr. Grafft was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Williamson, who was born in Milford township, this county, being a daughter of John H. and Rachel Jane Williamson, her father being one of the representative farmers of the county. She secured her preliminary educational training in the public schools and thereafter was for two years a student in the Oxford Female College, at Oxford, this state. Dr. and Mrs. Grafft have three children, namely : Helen, who was bom on the 1 8th of October, 1894; Jennie, who was bom on the 27th of August, 1896; and Walter, born on the 6th of September, 1898.

William Harvey Banker

Within the pages of this work will be found specific mention of many sterling citizens who are native sons of Butler county and who have here passed their entire lives, becoming identified with the industrial activities of this favored section of the old Buckeye state and ably upholding the high standard of the honored names which they bear. Of this number is the subject of this brief sketch, who is one of the progressive and highly esteemed fanners of Madison township. He is familiarly known by his second name.

Mr. Banker was born on the old family homestead in Madison township, this county, on the ioth of November, 1862, and is a son of David W. and Julia A. (Lucas) Banker, both of whom were likewise born in this county, the former on the 1st of April. 1821, and the latter on the 3d of February of the same year. The father of our subject grew up under the conditions of the pioneer era in this section and contributed his quota to the work of development and progress, while he continued to be actively identified with agricultural pursuits during the long years of his active life. He attained the venerable age of eighty years, having been summoned into eternal rest on the 17th of February, 1902. He was a man of sterling integrity of character, of strong mentality and generous heart, while to him was ever accorded the fullest measure of esteem and good will in the county which was his home during the entire course of his life. His marriage to Julia A. Lucas was solemnized on the 9th of October. 1842, and thus they walked side by side down the pathway of life, with its alternating clouds and sunshine, for more than half a century, sharing each other's joys and sorrows and being sustained by mutual love and confidence. The venerable mother of the subject now resides with him and is accorded all of filial care and solicitude, while she is held in affectionate regard by all who know her, being numbered among the oldest of those now living in the county in which they were bom and reared. Of the children of this union we are able to enter the following brief record : Samuel L., who was born November 22, 1848, died at the age of forty years; Charles David, who was born November 23, 1859, died in November, i860, and William Harvey is the immediate subject of this sketch. He is a representative of the third generation of the family in Butler county, since his grandfather, David Banker, who was born in FVederick county, Maryland, on the 26th of March, 1778, was the founder of the line in Ohio, having immigrated hither in 1800. He first settled in Ross county, and there married Miss Mary McDill. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812, after which he continued his residence in Ross county until 1819, when he came with his family to Butler county, where he had taken up government land in 1815.

David Banker was one of that sturdy band of earnest and devoted pioneers who opened the way for the march of civilization. He cleared his land and placed much of the same under cultivation, the tract having been covered with the native timber at the time when he located on the same, while the Indians were still much in evidence and wild game of all sorts plentiful. He became one of the influential men of the county and here continued to reside until his death, which occurred on the 25th of January, 1862, a few months prior to the birth of his grandson to whom this sketch is dedicated. On his farm was located the first gristmill placed in operation on the Great Miami river, and he became the owner of the same. The mill and its entire mechanical equipment were built by Elijah Mills, who hewed out from the rough stone the diminutive sixteen-inch millstone which was first utilized, principally for the grinding of com, while this primitive mill supplied the major portion of the flour for the settlers throughout a wide radius of country.

William Harvey Banker was reared to manhood on his father's old homestead farm on which he now resides, and his early educational discipline was received in the public schools, which he continued to attend until he had attained the age of nineteen years. Much of the care and management of the homestead early devolved upon him and he proved his earnestness and capacity in no uncertain way. He has a finely improved farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres, the greater portion of which is under effective cultivation, the land being of particular arability through its location in the beautiful river valley. On the place is a substantial two-story brick residence which constitutes one of the most attractive rural homes of the county, and the other farm buildings are in harmony therewith. Mr. Banker brings the most approved and scientific methods to bear in all departments of his farming industry, realizing that in this, as in all other lines of business enterprise, the highest results are to be attained only by means of discrimination, careful attention to details and the utilization of all available facilities.

He does not permit himself to consider only his personal success and advancement, but maintains a public-spirited attitude and ever stands ready to do his part in the support of all enterprises for the general good. He is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and while he has never been ambitious for official preferment he shows a lively interest in the party cause and never fails to utilize his franchise, though in local affairs he does not confine himself to strict party lines, no issue being involved and eligibility being the paramount consideration. He has affiliated with Lafayette Lodge, No. 37, Knights of Pythias, at Middletown.

It is pleasing to enter in this publication reviews of the life histories of such worthy native sons of the county, and the records thus incorporated will prove of perpetual value as later generations take up the work, even as has the present one received the inheritance from the former, which touched the pioneer era, thus making the narrative consecutive and complete if equal care is taken in the future by the publication of such personal data.

On the 30th of December, 1882. Mr. Banker was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Stout, who was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on the nth of October, 1864, being a daughter of Levi and Sarah (Conover) Stout. When she was but two weeks of age her mother died and she was reared by her maternal aunt, Mrs. John L. Schenck, whose maiden name was Eleanor Conover. When *Mrs. Banker was but four weeks old she was brought to Butler county to her foster parents and here she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Banker have six children, whose names, with respective dates

James E. Banker

The annals of Butler county bear distinctive evidence that the Banker family has been identified with its history from the early pioneer epoch and with that of the state for more than a century, David Banker, grandfather of our subject, having taken up his residence in Ohio in 1800, while it was still a territory. These facts lend added interest to a consideration of the individual career of our subject, who has passed practically his entire life in Butler county, of which he is a native son, and who is one of the prominent citizens and successful farmers of Madison township, where he has a finely improved and valuable landed estate, the same being an integral portion of the tract secured from the government by his grandfather more than four score of years ago, the property having always remained in possession of the family.

That honored pioneer, David Banker, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, on the 26th of March, 1778, and was reared to manhood in that state, where the family was established in a very early day. In 1800 he emigrated to Ohio and located in Ross county, where he wooed and won as his wife Miss Mary McDill, a member of another prominent and honored pioneer family. They there continued to maintain their home until 1819, when they came to Butler county, locating in Madison township, where he purchased land, this section being at the time essentially an unbroken and sylvan wilderness, the virgin forests standing where are now to be found valuable farms and thriving cities and villages. Mr. Banker here passed the residue of his long and useful life, and his name merits an enduring place on the roll of those honored pioneers who here laid broad and deep the foundations on which rest the magnificent civilization and great material prosperity of the county at the present day.

David Banker operated the first gristmill established on the Great Miami river, the same having been located on his farm in Butler county. The mill was built by Elijah Mills, who constructed every portion of its equipment, including the little sixteeninch millstone, utilized principally for the grinding of corn. This stone is still retained in the possession of the Banker family and is a highly prized heirloom, being owned by the subject of this review. In case it is ever permitted to pass out of the possession of the family it should certainly be donated to some local or state historical society, in order that it may be permanently retained and exhibited as a relic of the early pioneer epoch. The stone is about six inches thick and was dressed from the rough stone by Mr. Mills, who also erected the mill building. In later years this primitive stone was replaced by a substantial com buhr, and the mill supplied for a number of years the principal supply of bread stuff for the settlers for miles around.

James E. Banker, whose name initiates this sketch, was born on the ancestral homestead in this county, on the 6th of March, 1859, being a son of Jacob and Catherine