Butler County, Ohio - Chapter 6, 1905 (part 9 of 18)

William F. Mason, of this sketch, was bom in Hamilton May 26, 1869. He acquired a thorough business education in the public schools and at Nichols' Commercial College. For seven years after leaving school he was employed as bookkeeper* in the well-known H. P. Deuscher manufacturing establishment, where he demonstrated his ability and integrity in a clerical capacity. His employer, Captain Deuscher, became interested with Martin Mason in the Eagle Brewery, and the subject became the bookkeeper in that concern. With the development of this industry and the merging of the plant into the Martin Mason Brewing Company, he became the secretary and treasurer and so continued for a number of years, and is at present concerned extensively in the business, though occupying a less onerous position. Mr. Mason was city auditor of Hamilton for three terms, beginning in April, 1894. He has extensive interests in various enterprises in the city and is one of the capable and successful men of Hamilton.

Mr. Mason was married on the 20th of June, 1900, when he chose for his life companion Miss Antoinette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Rupp, of this city. For a fuller sketch of her family see article headed George Rupp. Mr. and Mrs. Mason have two children, William R. and Charles R. Mr. Mason is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and closely allied with the dominant party in Hamilton and Butler county. He has served as a member of the Democratic state central and executive committees and served as receiver for the large Campbell estate.

George Boger, principal of the Mosler school, in East Hamilton, is a native of Butler county, Ohio, his birth having occurred at Venice, Ross township, on the 23d of October, 1865. He was reared to young manhood on a farm, and spent his early years in the district school and in farm labors, as required by his environments. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Hinger) Boger, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father died when the subject was a child of six years, having been always in delicate health and passing away at the age of thirty-six years, of consumption. Of five children bom to these parents, four are living. The eldest of these is William, a stationary engineer in Hamilton. He is married and has one child. Wilhelmina and Anna are young ladies at home with their mother, while the subject of this sketch, who is the third in order of birth, also resides under the maternal roof. Professor Boger was graduated from the Venice high school while in his teens. Following this, he taught for several years in the country schools. He then attended Miami University for one year, after which he resumed teaching for two years. Being ambitious to complete his college course, he enrolled himself as a student at the Ohio State University, but after six months' study there he was obliged to retire by reason of failing health. He was out of educational work for a year, during which time his health was restored, and he then returned to Miami University in order to be near home in case his health again became impaired by study and confinement. But he was able to complete the prescribed course and was graduated, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, in the class of 1894.

Professor Boger is a progressive and successful educator, greatly interested in his work and anxious to keep abreast of the onward march of his profession. The year of his graduation he was elected principal of the Mosler school, in East Hamilton, and has been continued in that position without intermission ever since. In connection with his teaching, he has also completed a special non-resident course at Athens College.

Mr. Boger is a social and genial gentleman, of kindly nature and generous impulses, devoted to his profession and the children entreated to his care. The only secret society with which he sustains relations is the Monkey Mutual Aid Society. This is distinctively a Hamilton product - a social and beneficial fraternity numbering among its members many of the best young men in the city. The members are progressive and wide-awake, always alert in the interests of the "brotherhood" and zealous in providing entertainment for the general public. The famous street fair in Hamilton during the second week in May, 1894, is a sample of the class of entertainments provided for the public amusement. The society is organized on the broad principle of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, regardless of name or creed.

Frederick W. Gradolph

The city of Hamilton is specially honored in the number and character of her promising young men. It is a popular though erroneous idea that the rising generations can have no part in the making of local history. The boys of today will be the men of affairs tomorrow, and the traditions of the past must be perpetuated through the interest of present-day citizens. Mr. Gradolph, the subject of this article, stands at the head of the generation in Hamilton succeeding the Civil war. He is a progressive and highly intellectual young gentleman, whose brief career has been of prominence and usefulness.

Fred Gradolph was born in the city of Hamilton, on the 30th of May 1872. After receiving a good education in the city schools, he began his business life as a salesman in a mercantile establishment. His next engagement was in the capacity of clerk and salesman in the drug store of Dr. C. Markt. Three years were thus spent, during which time he became quite proficient as a pharmacist, but the business was uncongenial and he sought other employment. The succeeding three years were spent as correspondent and manager of Music Hall Theatre. While thus employed he was elected a member of the board of education, from the second ward, and has been re-elected each two years from April. 1899, to the present time. On the organization of the board, April 15, 1901, Mr. Gradolph was elected secretary, in competition with several candidates for the position, and since that time he has been chosen at each annual organization, without opposition. He is thoroughly familiar with the details of this work, active and industrious in the discharge of his duties, popular with his co-laborers and thoroughly conversant with the oftchanging laws governing the schools. The hundred and more teachers employed in the ten schools are all personally acquainted with Mr. Gradolph and look upon him as a friend and counsellor. His long continuance in the responsible position which he holds is the best evidence of his special qualifications for it. His parents were John and Louesa (Humbach) Gradolph, the former a native of Germany, who came to Hamilton at the age of twenty years. Here he married Miss Humbach, who represents a prominent family and is also descended from German ancestors, though born in Cincinnati. Both parents are now living and well advanced in years. John Gradolph, the father of Frederick, spent his active years in mercantile pursuits along various lines of that calling, but is now retired from active business, and in comfortable circumstances. Five children were born to these the eldest born, died in youth ; Frederick W., of this sketch, was the second in order of birth; Edward is engaged in mechanical pursuits; Caroline is the wife of Lyman P. Bland, a merchant, and Valentine is a machinist. All are residents of Hamilton, their native city.

The marriage of Mr. Gradolph with Miss Anna Myers occurred on the 18th of July, 1893. She is a daughter of Henry and Catherine Myers, both now deceased. Her father was a prominent business man in this city during his lifetime, being concerned in the manufacture of artificial ice and in other business enterprises. The only Child of Mr. and Mrs. Gradolph is little Miss Hilda, whose age since her last birthday is written with two figures. She is busy with her school work and music and in the entertainment of her "young lady" friends.

Mr. Gradolph is a prominent member of the Monkey Mutual Aid Society, a fraternal and beneficial organization unknown outside of Hamilton. It numbers among its members nearly two hundred prominent young men, who are all interested in concealing from the public the reasons for adopting a name which no other kindred organization is liable to want. He is also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. In religious affiliations, he is a member of St. John's German Evangelical Protestant church. Mr. Gradolph is not a politician in any sense and has never been a candidate for official honors outside of the positions which he now holds. He is, however, a stanch and uncomprising Democrat in his political views and an able defender of his party's principles.

Frank L. Dickinson

This well-known photographer in Hamilton is a native of New Richmond, Clermont county, Ohio, is the eldest child of Well D. and Eliza M. Dickinson, and was born on the 21st of August, i860. His father spent his life, principally, in the art which his son naturally chose as his life profession. The father was a noted artist in his time, progressive and influential, and added many new features to the business, being among the first to introduce a thorough system of copying and enlarging pictures. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Clermont county until the age of nine years, when the family home was transferred to Cincinnati, and there he continued his studies in the Woodward high school, of that city, but he was a delicate youth and poor health has followed him through life, hence he was obliged to leave school temporarily. After a year's -rest, he went to college at Moore's Hill, Indiana, and was able to continue his studies there for two years. He then abandoned the idea of ever completing a collegiate education and returned to the parental home and learned the photograph profession. His father's business was extensive and lucrative and he was not surrounded with the restrictions as to steady work and full hours required of the stranger apprentice. Mr. Dickinson took up the work with earnestness and personal interest and soon evinced special talents in the photographic art. He traveled for three years in charge of his father's copying and enlarging business, seeming to recover his health somewhat by reason of his out-door employment.

After leaving the road, in 1888, Mr. Dickinson went into business on his own account on West Fifth street, Cincinnati, and was thus employed for three years, when he sold his business and removed to Hamilton. He purchased the studio over the First National Bank, and conducted a successful business there for twelve years. Realizing that his growing business required larger quarters, and that both his own interests and the comfort and convenience of his patrons would be best concerned by removal to a ground-floor studio, he decided to make the change. Accordingly he removed to a fifteen-room brick residence building at No. 109-m North Third street, where he fitted up a large and handsome ground-floor studio. This is unquestionably the finest business place of the kind in the city of Hamilton, if not in southern Ohio. It is tastefully furnished with every modern convenience and comfort, features which are thoroughly appreciated by his large and growing patronage of the best citizens. Mr. Dickinson has been phenomenally successful in his professional career, and very justly gives much credit for it to his faithful and tireless wife. Had it not been for her intelligent management during his long spells of illness, the business must have suffered greatly, if it had not been entirely lost. But with the aid of competent assistants, the business has been kept fully abreast of the times in the onward march of the photographic art.

Mr. Dickinson enjoys the . distinction of having been admitted a member of the Cincinnati Art Club, the only non-resident of that city ever so honored. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a past grand in that order. He also

The subject of this article was married in 1887, in the city of Cincinnati, chosing for his companion Miss Ida M., daughter of Elliott and Ruth Lanham, of New Richmond, 'Ohio. Six children have come to bless this happy union, their names being Ida May, Ralph E., Lillian D., Edith R., Eleanor J. and Ruth Elizabeth.

Capt. George J. Zellner

The subject of this sketch is a native of Hamilton, born on the 3d of December, 1866, and is a son of the late Henry Zellner, who came to Hamilton from Germany, in early life, and owned and operated a cooperage establishment for many years. He was born on the 26th- of November, 1833, and died in Hamilton August 11, 1901, having, a few years before his death, retired from active business. Henry Zellner was married to Miss Caroline Held, who was bom in Stark county, Ohio, on the 6th of April, 1839. She still resides at the old homestead in Hamilton, and the unmarried members of her family are pleasantly cared for in the maternal home. There were eleven children born to Henry and Caroline (Held) Zellner, ten of whom are now living. The eldest of the family was Charles, who was bom on the 2d of February, 1859. He was in business with his father during his manhood years, and died on the 4th of December, 1897. Henry, Jr., was born September 6, 1861, and has been long an employe of the Semler Milling Company in the cooperage department. Maggie is the wife of George Gunderman, of Marysville, Ohio, and she was born on the 12th of February, 1863. George J., of this sketch, was the next in order of birth. Katie, who was bom January 30, 1869, married Harry Kimball, a machinist in Hamilton. John, who was born May 2, 1871, is a stone cutter by occupation, and married Miss Anna Geiler, by whom he has four children. Lizzie was born October 20, 1873, married Andrew Waldsmith, a machinist in this city, and they have one child. William, who was born February 27, 1876, and who is a moulder by occupation, married Minnie Pohle, and they have one son. Augustus, who was born July 6, 1878, is a painter and decorator in Hamilton. Edward was bom December 26, 1881, and is an iron molder by occupation. Miss Edith, a young lady at home, who completes the family circle, was born September 28, 1886.

George J. Zellner was reared, and educated in his native city. During the earlier years of his young manhood he was employed in various avocations, until 1893, when he was selected as a member of the Hamilton police force. After serving eight years in that capacity, the legislature enacted a new law which complicated matters pertaining to municipal officers and he left the force for two years. In the meantime the force was reorganized to comply with the new requirements and the position of police inspector, with the rank of captain, was tendered to him. He accepted this office and entered upon the discharge of its duties on the 15th of August, 1903. Captain Zellner is specially fitted for this position. in that he has had large experience as a member of the force, and is endowed by nature with some Special characteristics which render him conspicuous. He is a splendid specimen of physical manhood, being almost six feet in height, well proportioned and erect in stature. Were it not for the fact that the Captain is a modest bachelor, the historian would say that he is a remarkably handsome man.

The Zellner family, both father and sons, have been uncompromising Democrats in political views. None of them have ever aspired to political offices, other than such as are often thrust upon the residents of wards and election precincts. Captain Zellner has never allied himself with lodges, clubs or societies, and spends his off-duty hours in the company of his mother, who seems to be his special care. While holding himself aloof from the society of young people, to some extent he is nevertheless very popular and sustains the esteem and high regard of his associates among the city's guardians.

M. J. Adams, the popular agent of the Panhandle Railroad system at Hamilton, is a native of Preble county, Ohio, born at Hambery, on the 16th of July, 1854, a son of Martin C. and Mary (Shewmon) Adams, who were also natives of Preble county. Martin Adams spent most of his mature life in mercantile pursuits at Galveston, Indiana, and died in that town at the age of fifty-five years. His widow is now a resident of Kokomo, while her seven sons and daughters are variously distributed, though mostly in the Indiana gas belt. The eldest of the family is Harriett, who is the wife of Amos French, of Bluffton, Indiana; Madison J., of this sketch, was the second in order of birth; Alice married Robert Cox, of Alexandria, Indiana; Florence is the wife of Edmond Leech, of Fairmount, in the Hoosier state ; Daniel is a prosperous farmer at Hague, Illinois; Lincoln is train dispatcher of the Northern Pacific Railroad at Spokane, Washington, and Grant has a lucrative clerkship with the Pennsylvania lines, at Kokomo, Indiana, his position being designated as that of cash clerk. All of the family, except Lincoln, are married and the heads of happy families of their own.

M. J. Adams was reared and educated at Galveston and Kokomo and his life thus far has been devoted to railroading and its contingent employments. As early as 1878 he was employed as telegraph operator in the office of the Pennsylvania Company, at Frankton, Indiana. After four years* service there, he was promoted to a more lucrative position as agent at Elwood, remaining there until 1886, when he received another deserved promotion and was placed in charge of the company's business as agent at Kokomo. He remained there eleven years, and in October, 1897, he took charge of the office in Hamilton. Mr. Adams has been in the employ of the Pennsylvania company, continuously, for twenty-six years, each of the three changes during that time representing an increase of salary and an increase of responsibilities. These facts are sufficient evidence of the high standing which Mr. Adams sustains with his employers, as well as of the company's estimate of his business capacity. There are two assist- ants employed in the Hamilton ticket office, and five clerks are required in the freight office to handle the large volume of business in this city.

On the 20th of March, 1880, Mr. Adams was united in marriage with Miss Louise Edson, then a resident of Frankton, Indiana, but a native of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have an interesting family of three children, the eldest of whom. Miss Ethel, is a student in the senior class of the Hamilton high school. Her educational advancement, at the age of sixteen, gives evidence of superior intellectual talents. Charles is a bright boy of twelve, and little Miss Lena, at eight, takes greater pride in being the family pet than in mastering the intricacies of class-room exercises.

Mr. Adams is a member of the Masonic order, still continuing his membership in the home lodge at Kokomo, Indiana. He is also a member of Esther Court, Tribe of Ben Hur. in Hamilton. In political views he is a Republican. Mrs. Adams is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

George P. Sohngen

The subject of this article was born in Hamilton, on the 25th of June, i860, and is a representative of one of the early established and prosperous German families, his father, the late Louis Sohngen, having located in Hamilton in 1850. He was a native of Weilminister, Germany, and was born in 1824. Louis Sohngen was a cabinetmaker by trade and followed that vocation two years in Cincinnati before locating in Hamilton, and also for a year or two after coming to this city. In 1851 he engaged in the grocery business, and at the same time dealt extensively in grain and country produce. In 1858 he established the malting business, which, under his own and his sons' jurisdiction, has grown to be one of the leading industries in Hamilton. In the experimental stage, the business was conducted under intelligent and conservative management and. with numerous additions to the original plant, became the largest malting business in southern Ohio.

Louis Sohngen married, in this state. Miss Eliza Schmidt, who was born near. Frankfort, Germany, and accompanied her parental family to this country in girlhood. They became the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living and the heads of prominent families in Hamilton. Charles, the eldest of the family, continues the malting business established by his father; George P., of this sketch, is the second born ; Mary: Edward; Paul; Lutie, who is the wife of Judge Clarence Murphy; Richard; Ida, the wife of Robert Kennedy.

George P. Sohngen was educated in the Hamilton public schools and at the Ohio State University. He began his business life in 1879. in the malting business with his father, becoming the secretary and treasurer, his brother Charles being the president after the father's retirement in 1878. Mr. Sohngen has retained his connection with the malting business throughout the varying stages of advancement and business changes and is now the president of the Edward Sohngen Malting Company, a more recent business venture and the second corporation of this class by members of the family. The original plant is now known as the American Malting Company. Mr. Sohngen has other large business interests in Hamilton and elsewhere, and in recent years he has given his attention more exclusively to these. He was one of the incorporators of the Hamilton Dime Savings Bank, organized in 1879, and has been its president from organization to the present. This institution was originally capitalized at fifty thousand dollars, but the capital has been increased to one hundred thousand dollars with surplus and undivided profits of thirtyfive thousand dollars. This is one of the popular financial institutions of Hamilton, transacting a general banking business, as well as being a safe depository for the savings of working people. The bank bears upon its directory and official list many of the leading financiers of Hamilton, and has correspondents in all of the principal cities of the country. Mr. Sohngen is vicepresident of the Second National Bank of Hamilton, and is president of the C. D. Alathes Dry Goods Company, one of the principal mercantile establishments in the city. In addition to these, he has many minor business interests, not the least of which is a splendid farm and beautiful country home near the village of Overpeck, in this county. His city residence is probably the finest in Hamilton, its location being a feature of its prominence and beauty. It is large and commodious, architecturally perfect, and located on a commanding eminence overlooking the city. It is constructed of red pressed brick, handsomely penciled.

Mr. Sohngen was married December 14, 1881, to Miss Ida Conner, a native of Hamilton and a lady of culture and refinement. An interesting family of seven children have came to brighten with their cheery presence the happy parental home. Lee is the treasurer of the C. D. Mathes Dry Goods Company; and Harry L. is bookkeeper of the Edward Sohngen Malting Company. The others, who are attending school are Mark, Marie, Louis, David and George P., Jr.

The family are members of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Sohngen is an uncompromising Republican in his political views. He has never sought official honors and has never held a political position, except that he is a trustee of the State Hospital, at Dayton, an appointment coming through the governor of the state. He has been too busy with multitudinous business affairs to take special interest in fraternal organizations and the only society' of this character with which he is affiliated is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, ever alert to the interests of his native city and county. No man in Butler county stands higher in the estimation of the people, and his deserved popularity is the result of an honorable business career, prosecuted with vigor and determination, yet tempered with a kindly regard and an open hand towards those less fortunate than himself.

John W. Foster

All Hamiltonians personally know and have a good word for the irrepressible Colonel Foster. Genial, jolly and wholesouled, with an inexhaustible supply of ready wit, quick at repartee, but chaste and genteel in his language, Mr. Foster is an ideal entertainer whether on the stage or in the private walks of life. He is distinctively a self-made man. Born in Cattaraugus county, New York, July 7, 1853, during a temporary residence of his parents in thatstate, he has since been a resident of nearly every state, province and territory of North America. He is a son of Michael G. and Mary Jane (Butler) Foster, both of whom were natives of the Emerald Isle. They came to America in youth, with their respective families, and were married in Buffalo, New York. The father was a graduate of the University of Dublin, and chose civil engineering as his life work, though for the most part he was a contractor on public works. Being in the South at the beginning of the Civil war, he was impressed into the Confederate service and commanded a transport steamer on the lower Mississippi river during the war. He died in Cleveland, Ohio, as a result of injuries received in the service, his death occurring in July, 1865. The mother survived until November, 1892, when she passed away at Cincinnati. They were the parents of seven children, viz : Julia, John W., Frank, Mary, William, Susan (who died in childhood) and Henry.

The subject of this article had but limited educational opportunities and attended school about six months at a private institution at Memphis, Tennessee, but from early youth he has "paddled his own canoe" and made his own way in the world. During the Civil war he and his brother Frank ran away from home and went South. In time the brothers became separated and did not meet again for sixteen years, coming together by accident, in Cincinnati, through the intervention of a mutual friend. John W. had in the meantime become an actor and was playing an engagement at the National Theater, in the Queen City. A gentleman who knew both parties noticed a striking resemblance between them, and knowing that they both bore the same name and that each had lost a brother, interested himself in bringing them together, with the result that there was a happy reunion and a renewal of former relations very satisfactory to both. Frank had been adopted into the family of the late General Hickenlooper, through whose benevolence he inherited a competence for life. He is a prominent retired business man in Cincinnati. These are the only members of the family who keep in touch with each other, an estrangement having arisen between them and the others by reason of religious matters. John W. Foster early allied himself with the show business and has appeared in almost every capacity known to the profession, traveling many thousands of miles in his work. He has been connected with the circus, opera. vaudeville, spectacular and dramatic entertainments, and has commanded good salaries in all phases of his work. But his specialty in recent years has been as a dialect comedian. In his rendition of German, Irish and French dialects he is a star whose services are sought by high-class companies and lyceum bureaus. In 1898 he came to Hamilton as the hired manager of the entertainment features of Lindenwald Park. After two years thus employed he rented the grounds and proceeded to fit up the park after his own ideas of a suburban summer resort. He interested the Hamilton & Lindenwald Street Railway Company in the improvement of the place to the extent that the company joined him in the erection of a suitable theatre building, and Mr. Foster has added other features of improvement at his own expense. The grounds are comfortably seated throughout, lighted with electricity, has a dancing pavilion and other useful and ornamental buildings, and the seeker for an afternoon's rest and recreation must be fastidious indeed if he can not find a cool nook at Lindenwald where he can enjoy a temporary respite from business. During the season from May until October a high-class entertainment is presented each evening, and three times a week or oftener the children and their busy mammas may attend an afternoon matinee.

Mr. Foster's long experience in the business enables him to select features of interest and to avoid the threadbare entertainments which have 'outlived their day of usefulness. But invariably the appearance of Foster brings down the house, regardless of what he may do or say. The performances are always chaste and high-class, yet intended to amuse and edify, in which they never fail.

Mr. Foster was happily married on the 2d of December. 1885, to Miss Josephine Beck, of Cincinnati. She is a daughter of George and Josephine Beck, both of whom died during her childhood. Mrs. Foster is the able assistant of her husband, presiding over the culinary department and looking after the details of home life as well as business interests. Her sister. Miss Caroline Beck, completes the family circle.

Mr. Foster is a worthy member of the Cincinnati Lodge. No. 5. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Butler Aerie. No. 407, Fraternal Order of Eagles, at Hamilton. and Eagle Lodge, No. 69, Knights of Pythias, at Buffalo. New York. His father was prominently allied with the Masonic

Tom A. Smith

Everybody in Hamilton knows the genial Tom A. Smith. For many years he has been a central figure in providing entertainment for people and in catering to the amusement of theatre goers. He was bust ness manager of the Globe Opera House for about nine years, and on the completion of the Jefferson, in 1903, he transferred his allegiance to the new building. The Jefferson Theater is a modern, up-to-date building. situated hetvveen the court house square and the high school building, on South Second street. The building is fully equipped with all modem appliances and, since the great disaster in Chicago, has been carefully examined and pronounced safe by the most competent inspectors. The interior arrangements are extremely handsome and appropriate, and the stage capacity, dressing rooms and sanitary conditions are all could be desired. The passerby is very liable to form a wrong opinion of the New Je ferson, bv a casual observation of the very plain external appearance. But an examination of the handsome interior, the part \ which the public is concerned, will convince him of his error. Mr. Smith is thorough* schooled in his work, the result of ten twelve years' experience as a theater ager. and makes a specialty ot ')ro'' .

T. A. Smith

the wants of his patrons enables him to supply the demands with unerring certainty. Since the opening of the Jefferson it has been a favorite resort of the people of Hamilton and has been the scene of some highclass amateur theatrical and literary entertainments. It brings within its comfortable and capacious seating capacity the elite of Hamilton and the surrounding country territory.

Mr. Smith is a native of Hamilton, bom on the 6th of August, 1867, a son of Thomas G. and Lou (Hermann) Smith. He was reared and educated in his native city. For a few years after leaving school he was employed in various avocations, though he never chose a profession. In 1889 he was appointed on the police force, and in recognition of his clerical ability he was assigned to duty as clerk to Mayor John Dirk. His services were so satisfactory that he was continued in that position through the administration of Mayor L. M. Larsh, and two years during the administration of Mayor Charles S. Bosch. This service led up to the time of his assuming charge of the Globe Theater, as previously intimated.

Mr. Smith is active and energetic in his chosen calling and deservedly popular with all classes of citizens. He is an affable and courteous gentleman, generous and openhearted, a lover of innocent sports, and, withal, an intelligent and influential citizen of high standing in the community.

Tom A. Smith was united in marriage, on the 29th of May, 1889, to Miss Emma D. Dirk, of Hamilton, and a daughter of Mayor John Dirk, deceased. Her father was also a native of Hamilton, born in 1848, and a prominent citizen - soldier in the Civil war - mayor, constable, councilman, and died a member of the board of managers of the Ohio penitentiary, appointed by Governor McKinley. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two sons, Clyde Dirk and Tom Cody. Mr. Smith is a prominent member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a past exalted ruler of Hamilton Lodge, No. 93, and a member of the grand lodge of the United States.

James N. Kimball

The subject of this review is a representative of one of the old and highly respected families of Butler county and inherits many of the sterling qualities for which his ancestors were long distinguished. James N. Kimball, of Middletown, is a native of this county and the son of Dr. Edward and Mary J. Kimball, the former born in Salem, Massachusetts, and the latter in the county of Butler, where her parents settled as early as the year 1800. Edward Kimball was brought to Ohio when four years of age, grew to maturity and was educated in Butler county, and later graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College, after which he practiced for a number of years at Blue Ball, removing from that place to Monroe, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1892, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years.

Mary J. Stewart, who became the wife of Dr. Kimball, was, as already stated, the daughter of one of Butler county's pioneers, her father having entered land in Lemon township at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and it is a fact worthy of note that the old homestead remained in the Stewart name until transferred to the Kimballs in January, 1903, a period of one hundred and three years. Two years after the death of her husband Mrs. Kimball changed her abode to Middletown, where she continued to reside until called to the other world, which event occurred May 4, 1902, when she was seventy-nine years old.

Dr. and Mrs. Kimball were the parents of ten children, of whom the following survive: Alonzo, a veteran of the Civil war; Fannie S., living in Middletown; Webster, an insurance agent, of Middletown; Harry C., whose home is in Dayton, this state; Laura E., and James N., of this review, who is the tenth in order of birth.

James N. Kimball was born on the old homestead in Lemon township, February 28, 1867, and received his education in the public schools of Monroe, having been graduated from the high school of that place in the year 1887. He remained with his parents until 1890, when he severed home ties and accepted a position with the P. J. Sorg Tobacco Company, of Middletown. He entered the employ of this large concern in a minor capacity, but in six months was promoted to first assistant bookkeeper, and from that position, five months later, rose to head bookkeeper, which important position he still holds. When the factory was purchased by the Continental Tobacco Company, he acted in the twofold capacity of bookkeeper and stockclerk. He is an accomplished accountant and thoroughly reliable business man, and kind and obliging in his relations with the .public. Mr. Kimball possesses clerical abilities of a high order and his manifold duties are so systematically arranged as to cause him little trouble or inconvenience. Since engaging with the large and important concern with which he is now identified his record has been honorable and upright, never having swerved from the strict path of rectitude, but always proving able to discharge worthily the duties and responsibilities devolving upon him. He has labored faithfully and earnestly to promote the success of the company, subordinating every other consideration to this one object, and the confidence reposed in him attests the high esteem in which he is held by his superiors.

Aside from his connection with the P. J Sorg branch, Mr. Kimball is a factor of no little consequence in the general business and industrial interests of Middletown, every enterprise calculated to advance the city, materially or otherwise, receiving his support and hearty co-operation. He is a young man of excellent standing, unwavering in behalf of whatever he considers right or for the public good, and he upholds his honest convictions at the sacrifice of every other interest. Conscientious in the discharge of the duties of citizenship, his aim has ever been to shape his life according to the highest standard of excellence and that he has succeeded in this laudable ambition his present position in business circles and in the social world sufficiently attests. Fraternally, Mr. Kimball is a member of the Modern Woodmen and the National Union, and in religion subscribes to the Calvin istic creed, belonging with his wife to the First Presbyterian church of Middletown. A Republican in politics and wpll in" formed relative to the leading questions and issues of the day, he is not a partisan nor has he ever sought office or any kind of public distinction, being first of all devoted

Mr. Kimball's domestic life dates from 1892, in which year he was united in marriage with Miss Louise Ball, of Butler county, a young lady of much more than ordinary culture and refinements, a graduate of the Amanda high school and for some time bookkeeper at the Wren Paper Mill. This union has been blessed with one child, a daughter by the name of Mary Josephine, whose birth occurred on February 24, 1893.

Solon T. Harwood

In the respect that is accorded to men who have fought their own way to success through unfavorable environment we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic worth of a character which can not only endure so rough a test, but gain new strength through the discipline. The gentleman to whom the biographer now calls the reader's attention was not favored by inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance, industry and wise economy, he has attained a comfortable station in life.

Solon T. Harwood is a native of the Old Dominion state of the Union, having first seen the light of day near Richmond, Virginia, where he was bom October 21, 1850, the son of James A. and Georgella Harwood. The emigrant ancestors of the Harwood family were originally* from England, and in the subject are exemplified many of the sterling attributes which characterize the natives of the "merrie little isle." The subject was reared in his native state, his early educational advantages being necessarily somewhat limited. However, what he lacked in book learning was made up by habits of keen observation and careful thinking, so that upon attaining mature years he was fairly well equipped for life's battles. His first employment was in connection with the tobacco industry and he has ever since been identified therewith. He started in as a tobacco sorter in the employ of Crump & Christian, of Richmond, Virginia, in 1868, in whose employ he remained about one year, when he accepted employment as box brander and shipping clerk for T. C. Williams & Company, of Richmond, remaining there also for a year. He next became shipping clerk and manager of the press room for David Baker, Jr., remaining with him about two years, and was then for about the same period with S. W. Wise, manufacturer of plug tobacco, at Richmond. His next employer was James B. Pace, with whom he remained for nine years in the capacity of foreman of the twist tobacco department. In 1877 went t° Quincy, Illinois, and became manager of the casing department for Harris, Beeby & Company, remaining with that firm until 1879, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and for a short time was manager of the casing department for Charles Allen. Going then to Covington, Kentucky, he became an employe of Lee & Smith, in the same capacity as formerly, remaining with them until about January, 1881, when he came to Middletown, and entered the employ of P. J. Sorg & Company, as manager of the press room. During his various removals and changes from one factory to another, Mr. Harwood had been observant of the various methods and modes of operation and thus became thoroughly conversant with the bus'ness nil its details, so that when, m 1883. Mr- Sorg found it necessary to select a superintendent for his factory he had not far to seek, as he had long recognized m Mr. Harwood a man well-qualified to fill the position The subject ably filled this position until Januarv. 1885. when another company was formed known as the P. J. Sorg Company, the subject becoming a member of the new organization. Under the new regime he Still retained his old position of superintendent of the factory, so continuing until 1898. when the plant was sold to the Continental Tobacco Company. So efficient had been the performance of his duties under the former organization, he was now continued as superintendent of the factory and was also made assistant resident manager, in which dual capacities he is still serving.

On the 7th day of September, 1880, at Covington, Kentucky, Mr. Harwood was united in marriage with Miss Louise Kaeltz, of that city, and the union has been blessed by the advent of one son, Edwin S., born in June. 1881. Edwin received his preliminary education in the graded and high schools of Middletown, which was supplemented by a full course in the Cincinnati Business College. He is now assistant manager of the Luhman & Wilbern Tobacco Company's plant, at Middletown, Ohio, which is also owned by the Continental.

Socially Mr. Harwood is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias, belonging to the lodge at Middletown, and in his daily life he exemplifies the beneficent principles of this noble order. Though a member of no church he is a liberal supporter of all movements having for their object the uplifting of mankind and the advancement of the interests of the community, morally, educationally or materially. In politics he is fice Without much outside assistance, the success he has achieved is due largely to his own efforts. Strong determination, persistence in the pursuit of an honorable purpose, unflagging energy and careful management - these are the salient features of his career, and his life stands in unmistakable evidence that success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is the outcome of earnest and well-directed effort.

Charles E. Gaumer

came to America prior to tbe war or n dependence and were among the substanh German settlers of Pennsylvania the ante cedents of the branch of the fami y he belongs having located in the vici ^ Allentown and borne a conspicuous P the developments of that section of the tone state Dr. Thomas M. Gaume . subject's father, was a distingufe^^ cian and practiced his profession blica. ber of years until engaging m ohio policies, directing its campaigns and leading it to victory in a number of hotly contested struggles. He possessed great force of character, made his presence felt in whatever circles he moved, and excelled in all of his undertakings. He achieved eminence as a physician and surgeon, as well as a journalist and politician, and adorned his profession by a number of years of successful practice. He was a leading spirit in establishing the new Epileptic Hospital at Gallipolis, served as a member of its first board of trustees, and in many other capacities looked after the progress and welfare of this excellent institution. The maiden name of Mrs. Dr. Gaumer was Elizabeth M. Cone. She was a native of Muskingum and bore her husband three children, the subject of this review being the first of the family.

Charles E. Gaumer spent his childhood and youth in Urbana and received his educational training in that city, graduating from the high school in 1894. His father dying a few months before the completion of his scholastic course, young Gaumer took charge of the father's paper and from that time until his graduation was obliged to divide his time between his studies and the management of the office. He discharged his exacting duties in a very efficient manner and the day following his graduation took sole charge of the Democrat, which he continued to publish until 1899, during which time the circulation was increased many fold and the paper became one of the most prosperous and influential local sheets in the state of Ohio.

Bulletin, a weekly Democratic paper which soon obtained a wide circulation and became a power in the political circles of that city and throughout a large section of the country. After issuing the Bulletin for two years he sold out and in 1901 purchased the Daily Signal at Middletown, Ohio, which he has since published and which, under conservative management, has been made to take a prominent position among the leading dailies of the state.

Mr. Gaumer comes from a family that has long been active in the Democratic party and, like his predecessors, he too has won a prominent and influential position in its councils, and through the medium of his able editorials has done much to strengthen its interests and promote its success wherever he has wielded the pen. As a writer, he is polished and trenchant ; thoroughly informed in the history of political parties, he brings to his aid a well-disciplined mind, a memory of men and measures seldom at fault, and, though ordinarily calm and genial in the use of his pen, he is at no loss when the subject requires those keener thrusts which tell upon the position and vitality of an antagonist. Essentially dignified and fair in discussing the live issues of the day, he has little patience with what is popularly termed "yellow journalism," and such papers as come under this head he either ignores altogether or dissects with the merciless analysis which utterly vanquishes the contestant. -Since taking charge of the Signal Mr. Gaumer's ambition has been not only to make it an influential political sheet and the reflex of party sentiments in this part of the state, but also to raise it to the standard of a creditable family paper whose columns shall vibrate with the public pulse and through the medium of which all the news of the day shall be given in a terse and attractive form. He has an office well-equipped with the machinery and devices necessary to do firstclass work, and his paper is in every respect a model of typographical art and a credit to the enterprising spirit in the sanctum. With a constantly increasing circulation and a liberal advertising patronage, it has already proved the source of a handsome income and, judging by past success, it is destined to grow in strength and influence with the passing years, and to retain in the future the proud position it has already won in the great Democratic party, of whose principles and doctrines it claims to be a fair and impartial exponent.

Fraternally Mr. Gaumer is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen and the Royal Arcanum, and religiously is a Presbyterian, belonging, with his wife, to the church in Middletown. He has a pleasant home and a happy and mutually agreeable family circle, including a wife and two children. The former before her marriage, on the 7th day of September, 1898, was Miss Alletta Landis, of Champaign county. The children are a daughter, Lois, born November 3, 1899, and a son by the name of Edmund, whose birth occurred on January 29, 1901.

Professional success results from merit. Frequently in commercial life on^ may come into possession of a lucrative business through inheritance or gift, but in what are known as the learned professions advancement is gained only through painstaking and long-continued effort. Prestige in the healing art is the outcome of strong mentality, close application, thorough mastery of great underlying principles and the ability to apply theory to practice in the treatment of diseases. Good intellectual training, thorough professional knowledge and the possession and utilization of the qualities are attributes essential to success that have made the subject of this review eminent in his chosen calling and he stands today among the scholarly and enterprising physicians in a county noted for the high order of its medical talent.

S. D. Logan is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been born on the 4th of January, 1854, in Clinton county, Indiana. He is the son of David and Elizabeth (Morgan) Logan, the latter having been' a cousin of the noted General Morgan of Civil war fame. The subject's parents were early settlers of Clinton county, Indiana, and there the father gained considerable prominence as a leading citizen and was for many years a minister in the Methodist Protestant church. He died on the 13th of October, 1884. The subject was born and reared upon a farm and was early taught the lessons of industry and thrift. He was given the advantage of attendance at the district school and, later, at a high school. After his graduation from the latter, he was granted a license to teach and was so engaged for some time. He subsequently entered the employ of the Monon Railroad Company as a member of the engineering corps, remaining so employed until October. 1882. The science of medicine had long fascinated him and his leisure moments had been employed in reading along that line.

At this time he definitely decided to make the medical profession his life work, and, with this end in view, he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in which he was graduated June 7, 1887. Upon receiving his degree he located at College Corners, Indiana, and was there engaged in the practice for three years. Feeling that his opportunities were necessarily restricted there, he, in January, 1890, came to Middletown, Ohio, and has since been engaged here in the practice, with a success most gratifying. He now stands admittedly in the front rank of Butler county's professional men, possessing a thoroughly disciplined mind and keeping in close touch with the trend of modern thought relating to the noble calling to which his life and energies have been devoted. He has ever maintained his high standing, never descending beneath the dignity of his profession nor compromising his usefulness by countenancing any but legitimate practice.

On the 1 st day of December, 1886, Dr. Logan was married to Miss Augusta L. Mason, who was born in Brookville, Indiana, June 5,. 1853, daughter of William P. and Rebekah (Stalcup) Mason. This union has been a most felicitous one and has been blessed by the birth of three children, namely: Warren D., born September 12,

1888; Howard M., born May 20, 1890, and Mildred V.. born July 8, 1894. Religiously the subject and his family are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they are live and active members. Fraternally Dr. Logan belongs to the Order of United American Mechanics and the Protected Home Circle, while in politics he votes in harmony with the Democratic party, though the demands of his profession preclude the possibility of his taking a very active part in public affairs. He has been financially successful and has made a number of business investments which promise to make good returns, among which are the Jerome Canyon Copper Company and the Clune mines, both in Arizona. As a means of rest and recreation, the Doctor has long been fond of the game of checkers and has, by his successive victories over other leading players, earned the title of champion checker player of Ohio, and he has also had the pleasure of beating the champion of Indiana. The Doctor is possessed of strong social qualities, which have in a large way aided him in his professional career and have made for him many warm friends. There are few men of Middletown who stand higher in the esteem and regard of those who know them and a biographical history of this section would be incomplete were there failure to make mention of him.

Prominent among the* successful medical men of Butler county is the well-known and popular physician and surgeon whose name furnishes the caption of this review. Belonging to the younger generation of his profession, he has already won the esteem and confidence of the people in his field of practice, not alone by reason of the eminent ability displayed in his chosen calling, but also on account of his candid mien, generous nature and freedom from duplicity and deceit. Dr. W. T. Shipe, of Middletown, is a native of Clarke county, Virginia, and the son of Andrew and Jennie (Bromby) Shipe, both parents born and reared in the Old Dominion state, the father a farmer by occupation, as were his ancestors for several generations before him. The Doctor was born on March 23, 1867, and spent his childhood and youth on the farm, assisting his father with the cultivation of the same as soon as old enough to be of service and of winter seasons attending the district schools of the neighborhood. After acquiring a knowledge of the common branches, he entered a normal school at Harrisonburg, Virginia, where he pursued his studies for about three years and subsequently became a student of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the scientific course of which institution he completed in due time.

Having decided to make the medical profession his life work, the Doctor, in the fall of 1891, entered the Baltom Medical College, where he prosecuted his studies and research with great assiduity until the spring of 1894, when he was graduated with an honorable record, standing among the first in the class of that year. By reason of meritorious work as a student, he was appointed, immediately after receiving his degree, to a position in the hospital connected with the college, in which capacity he continued one year, during which time he became familiar with the practical duties of his profession under the direction of some of the most distinguished medical men of the day. At the expiration of the period noted he returned to the state of his birth, where he practiced with encouraging success during the five years following, after which he took a post-graduate course in the Post-Graduate Medical College, of New \ork city, where he made a special study of diseases peculiar to the nose and throat. Finishing the above course, the Doctor sought a larger and more favorable field of practice in Middletown, Ohio, where he located in the year 1899, since which time he has built up a large and lucrative practice and risen to a high place among the leading physicians and surgeons of Butler county.

Bringing to his life work a mind thoroughly disciplined by severe professional training. Dr. Shipe was not long in establishing a remunerative practice, and by his skill in the treatment of diseases, which formerly baffled the skill of old and experienced medical men, in due time won much more than a local reputation. Although a young man, he is considered not only one of the best informed physicians of Middletown, but as a practitioner familiar with the nature of prevalent diseases and the ability to apply successfully his wide and varied knowledge particularly in his special lines of treatment, he easily ranks with the eminent men of his profession in the southwestern part of the state. The Doctor is a close and critical student and, taking advantage of every opportunity to increase his knowledge and efficiency, keeps himself conversant with the leading professional thought of the times. Familiar with the ideas of the world's great minds through the medium of their writings, he delights to exchange opinions with his professional brethren, in addition to which he devotes a part of the leisure at his command to original research and scientific investigation. IJe has a well-equipped office and uses in his practice only the latest and most approved devices and appliances. He is a member of several medical societies and organizations, in the deliberations of

In addition to his high professional standing. Dr. Shipe is also a public-spirited citizen, keenly alive to everything that benefits his city and county and foremost in all reforms for alleviating and improving the condition of the people. Politically he is a Republican, but takes little part in party matters further than supporting his favorite candidates and maintaining the soundness of his opinions. He is a wide reader of the world's best literature and a close observer of current events, and his knowledge of the leading questions and issues of the day is both general and profound.

Notwithstanding his professional ability and the conspicuous place he occupies in social as well as medical circles, he is a gentleman of becoming modesty, seeking rather to conceal his attainments and success than exhibit them by ostentatious display.

On December 20, 1894, Dr. Shipe was happily married to Miss Ellen Pine, a cultivated and refined young lady of Virginia and a creditable representative of one of the old and highly esteemed families of that state. With her husband she moves in the best social circles of Middletown, and presides over his home with a grace and dignity becoming the ideal housewife and true helpmeet.

Mrs. Phoebe J. Wikoff

ances who hold her in such high esteem, is a native of Warren county, Ohio, and a descendant of an old Dutch family that settled in New Jersey some time during the Colonial period. Her name before her marriage was Phoebe Vanderveer, her father. Benjamin Vanderveer, whose birth occurred in Monmouth county. New Jersey. November 15, 1793, was the son of a well-to-do Holland immigrant who in an early day migrated from New Jersey to Warren county. Ohio, and entered one thousand acres of land near the present city of Carlisle, where in due time he became a prosperous farmer and public-spirited citizen. Benjamin Vanderveer was quite young when his parents moved west and he spent his early life on the frontier, assisting in clearing and otherwise developing the family homestead. In 1813. when but twenty years of age, he married Miss Jane Vanderveer, who was only fifteen years old at the time, and, settling on a tract of land containing one acre of cleared ground, addressed himself manfully to the task of its development. Being a man of great industry and remarkable energy, his labors were quite effective, and it was not long until he had a fine farm cleared and in a high state of cultivation, besides taking an active interest in advancing the general welfare of the community. Benjamin and Jane Vanderveer lived to be quite old and died many years ago on the old homestead in Warren county, where they set up their first domestic establishment. They reared a family of eighteen children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows : Martha Ann, October 18, 1814; Catherine, February 11, 1816; .Lvdia, November 28, 1817: Tunis. September 22, 1819; Phoebe J.. July 15, 1821;

Phoebe J. Vanderveer, who first saw the light of day on the old farm in Warren county, eighty-three - years ago, was reared to the habits of industry and thrift peculiar to those times and from youth up her daily life was a ceaseless round of toilsome duty faithfully and uncomplainingly done. While still a mere child she learned how to spin wool and flax, devoting the winter time to the former and the summers to the latter, and when a little older she became an adept at weaving the coarse cloth which for many years constituted the only material from which the wearing apparel of - the family was made. Owing to the ab- , sence of schools, her educational advantages - were greatly restricted, but the few terms she was privileged* to attend enabled her to obtain a fair knowledge of reading and spelling, her acquaintance with the art of writing having been acquired after she reached the years of womanhood.

Miss Vanderveer remained with her parents until 1845, on February 5th of which year she gave her heart and her hand into the keeping of a gentleman by the name of William Wikoff, whose antecedents, like her own, came from Holland and whose birth occurred in the state of New Jersey. M*r. WikofFs family moving to this part of

Ohio as long ago as the year 1808 and locating near Blue Ball in what is now Lemon township. He accompanied his parents to their new place of abode when a child, was reared on a farm in the above township and after his marriage turned his attention to agriculture, which he followed the remainder of his life, the greater part of the time as a renter. Mr. and Mrs. Wikoff began housekeeping upon quite a modest scale, the sum total of their furniture and general household fixtures not exceeding in value the sum of thirty dollars, given them by her father. While not as successful as some in the matter of acquiring property, the husband was a hard worker and a liberal provider, and as long as he lived looked carefully after the comfort of those dependent upon him. He earned the reputation of an honorable man and a praiseworthy citizen, lived at peace with his neighbors and acquaintances and exercised a wholesome, moral influence in the community with which he was for so long identified. Mr. Wikoff departed this life October 1, 1871, leaving to mourn his loss a widow and several children, the names of the latter being Benjamin, Samuel, Henry. Morton. Charles and Jennie. After the husband's death Mrs. Wikoff took upon herself the management of his business affairs and dur ing the several years following looked aftei the interests of her children and planned for their future in an able and creditable manner. Thrown upon her own resources she soon developed remarkable business ability, and some idea of her success in material affairs may be obtained from the fact that within a comparatively brief period she was able to purchase a fine and well-improved farm of one hundred and seven acres, on which she lived until her removal to Middletown in the year 1892. Disposing of her farm in the latter year, Mrs. Wikoff bought a beautiful brick cottage in Middletown which she has since occupied and she is now living a life of retirement, surrounded by an abundance of this world's goods to satisfy all of her wants, while the large circle of friends with whom she associates appear to vie with each other in showing her the tender attentions and conferring the kind favors which go so far to rob old age of its disagreeable features and make it what it should be, a bright and agreeable experience and one of the most pleasant periods of a well-spent life. When a young lady of nineteen years, Mrs. Wiffok united with the Presbyterian church, and from that time to the present she has lived faithful to every Christian duty, active in all good works for the dissemination of religious truth and devoted to the best interests of those with whom she has been accustomed to mingle. She is one of the most highly esteemed members of the church in Middletown and has frequently made liberal contributions for its support, besides giving generously to various interests under the auspices of her own *and other denominations. Mrs. Wikoff is a remarkably strong and wellpreserved woman for one of her age, being able to attend to all of her household duties and she manages her business affairs with the mental clearness characteristic of her younger years. She is connected, by ties of consanguinity, with several noted families of Ohio, New Jersey and other parts of the union, being a double cousin of the late Garrett A. Hobart, vice-president of the United States, between whom and herself a warm personal friendship was maintained during the life of the latter. Mrs. Wikoff has in her possession a number of interesting relics and family heir-looms, which she prizes very highly, among the most valuable being a looking-glass one hundred and fifty-two years old which was purchased in Hull and sent by her greatgrandmother, shortly after the latter came to America in the time of the colonies. Later the mirror passed into the hands of her grandmother, who in turn left it to her mother, from whom the subject received it writh other articles which she today prizes among her richest legacies. Mr. Wikoff's children are married and well settled, and she now has grandchildren to the number of twenty-three, besides seven great-grandchildren. Her descendants rise up to call her blessed and leave nothing undone whereby her comfort may be promoted or her interests advanced. She is experiencing a calm and placid old age, contented with her lot, and looks forward towards the twilight of the journey's end with an abiding trust in Him who has so mercifully guided her steps thus far and who will not fail her when the time comes to bid farewrell to the scenes of her earthly labors and triumphs.

Mrs. Tobias Lefferson

Nearly eighty-four years have dissolved in the mists of the past since the birth of the venerable and beloved lady whose name appears above. To give in connected detail the facts and experiences crowded into such a long and useful life would be a difficult if not impossible task, many interesting events having faded from memory, while others through the lapse of time have become somewhat confused, thus rendering an absolutely correct biography a matter of doubt. Sufficient is known, however, to narrate in succinct form the leading facts in the career of a woman who has lived long and well, whose influence has always been for good, and whose gentle presence amid the lengthening shadows of a tranquil old age is a benediction to all with whom she comes in contact.

The maiden name of Mrs. Lefferson was Elizabeth DuBois. Her paternal ancestors were Dutch and the progenitors of the American branch of the family came to America early in the eighteenth century and established homes in the colonies of New Jersey and New York. Among the first of the name to come to this country appears to have been one Daniel DuBois, who settled in New Jersey, and about the year 1730 his brother Benjamin located at Catskill, New York, of which place he was one of the earliest pioneers. These brothers were the sons of Benjamin DuBois, who spent his life in Holland. Benjamin was a prominent minister of the Dutch Reformed church and did much to establish that faith in New York, having preached in many parts of the colony and organized a number of congregations which subsequently grew into strong and influential bodies. Daniel DuBois, Jr., son of Benjamin DuBois, was l)orn in New Jersey and in early life became a cabinetmaker. He married Elizabeth Conover, a direct descendant of Walpert Conover, who came to America from Utrecht, Holland, and was one of a company of Dutch colonists that settled at Albany, New York, in the year 1630. Later certain of the family, including the antecedents of Mrs. DuBois, moved to New Jersey and it was there that she was born, reared and married. After the birth of their first child, which died while young, Daniel and Elizabeth DuBois disposed of their possessions in New Jersey and moved to Warren county, Ohio, where he purchased land and cleared a farm and devoted the remainder of his life to tilling the soil. Eleven children were born to this couple after their removal to Ohio, of which number only three survive, namely: Mrs. Tobias Lefferson, of this review, now in her eighty-fifth year; Mrs. J. P. Chenck, of Franklin, this state, who has reached her eighty-third year, and Mrs. Mary Marquis, of Bloomington, Illinois, a well-preserved old lady of seventy-six years.

Elizabeth DuBois, the seventh of the family, was born in Warren county, Ohio, on December 10, 1819. When old enough to be of service to her mother she was allotted her daily tasks in the house and later assisted her father and brothers in the fields. Industry was the watchword of the household and the necessity of honest toil and thrift was early impressed upon her mind. She never ate the bread of idleness, but grew up to the full stature of well-developed womanhood, familiar with all kinds of labor on a well-regulated farmstead, devoting the greater part of the time to the ceaseless round of domestic duties, but at times she was to be found in the fields helping plant and cultivate and harvest the crops and in many other ways making herself useful. Like the majority of young ladies of those times, she knew how to spin, cut and make garments and to attend to the hundred and one other homely vocations in which the dutiful daughter was supposed to be skilled. Her first educational experience was ob- tamed in such schools as the country afforded and later she was sent to a select school in the town of Franklin, where, under the direction of more competent teachers, her progress was rapid and commendable.

Miss DuBois remained at home until 1844, in February of which year she was united in bonds of wedlock with Tobias Lefferson, whose parents, Arthur and Eliza (Burklow) Lefferson, were among the early settlers of Warren county, moving to that part of the state from New Jersey. Later Arthur Lefferson changed his residence to Butler county and purchased the land on which nearly if not quite half of the city of Middletown stands. He became a prosperous farmer and quite a prominent citizen and accumulated a handsome property, a part of his estate being still in the possession of the subject of this review, who is now living in the brick house which he built in 1827 and in which the closing years of his life were spent.

Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lefferson moved to the farm near Middletown where their son now lives and, setting up their domestic establishment, resolutely faced the future with the determination of making the most of their opportunities and achieving success. Mr. Lefferson succeeded in his undertaking and within ten years the farm was not only cleared and in a high state of cultivation, but entirely free of debt. He was a man of excellent judgment and managed his afairs so judiciously that he soon became one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Lemon township, as well as one of the country s most public-spirited and exemplary citizens. He acquired wealth rapidly, but did not make this the main object of his life, as he was frequently called to positions of honor and trust and for many years was looked upon as a leader in business affairs bv the people of his community. Religiously he was a Presbyterian and gave liberally of his means to the support of the church in Middletown, besides contributing generous sums to the aid of worthy charities of whatever name or order. His ideals of manhood and citizenship were high, but he always tried to live up to them and that he succeeded in a large measure in this laudable desire is attested by the esteem in which he was always held by the public and the unusual confidence with which he was ever regal ded by all classes and conditions of people. In 1872 Mr. and Mrs. Lefferson left the farm and moved to Middletown, where the former spent the remainder of his long and useful life, dying in 1887. To Mr. and Mrs. Lefferson four children were born, . only one of whom a son. by the name of Daniel D., is now living, the others, Arthur. Eliza and Clara, having died in childhood.

Mrs. Lefferson, like her husband, has always been deeply interested in religious and benevolent work, and all enterprises for the promotion of these objects enlist her hearty sympathy and support. For years she has been one of the most influential and liberal members of the First Presbyterian church of Middletown, and when the new temple of worship was in process of erection she contributed the sum of one thousand three hundred dollars, besides giving several hundred dollars for a parsonage, to say nothing of the many generous donations , . she has made from time to time to advance the moral interests of the city and to help the deserving poor and unfortunate. Her hand is ever open to the needy and distressed, her cheerful words and kindly admonitions have brought sunshine into many an abode where poverty reigns, and all who enjoy the privilege of her acquaintance and friendship are better and happier by reason thereof. She has indeed been a mother in Israel and the gentle, quiet influence emanating from her gracious personality has been the means of moulding more than one character aright and of directing many lives into proper channels. Mrs. Lefferson's life has been fraught with good to the world and the memory of her good deeds is destined to linger like a heavenly benediction long after her body returns to the earth from whence it came. Her present strength and vitality bespeak for her many years in which to round out a ripe old age and her numerous friends unite in the prayer that she may long be spared to bless the world with her presence.

Adam Becker

The efficient and highly honored chief of the fire department of the city of Hamilton is a man to whom is most safely and consistently entrusted the responsible duties devolving upon him in this office, and he has shown the utmost discrimination, good judgment and personal bravery in the handling of his forces for the protection of life and property. Chief Becker is a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, where he was born on the 8th of January. 1847. and there he was reared and educated, receiving the advantages of the excellent schools of the fatherland. In 1867, at the age of twenty years, Mr. Baker severed the home ties and set forth to seek his fortunes in America. He landed in the city of New York and thence came forthwith to Hamilton, where his brother John had taken up his residence in the preceding year. The parents, Adam and Catharine (Kittler) Becker, both passed their entire lives in their native land, where the father followed the vocation of contractor. He died at the age of fifty-seven years, and his wife was fifty-eight years of age when she was summoned to the "land of the leal."

For the first two years after his arrival in Butler county the subject was engaged in farm work, and he then took up his residence in Hamilton, where he was employed in a malt house and brewery for the ensuing twelve years, after which he served as engineer in a local manufacturing plant for somewhat more than three years. In 1883 he became a member of the Hamilton fire department, beginning at the foot and rising to his present position as chief, to which he was promoted from the rank of captain in April, 1903, this being a due and just recognition 'of his long years of able and faithful service and an advancement which was advisable as a matter of municipal policy, as his able handling of the work has clearly proved. Fraternally the chief is a member of the Tribe of Ben Hur and the German Benevolent Society. He and his wife are valued members of St. John's German Evangelical church. In politics he has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, in whose cause he has been an active worker. The family have a pleasant home at 706 South Front street, and there a cordial welcome is ever assured to their many friends and acquaintances.

riage to Miss Katherina Brooks, who was born in Prussia, whence she came with her parents to America when a child of five years. Of this union were born six children, of whom three are living, Robert, William and Camilla. Robert married Miss Amarilla Killinger and they have one child, Ray. William married Mary Halpretton John and he also resides in Hamilton.

The present age is essentially utilitarian and the life of every successful man carries a lesson which, told in contemporary narrative, is productive of much good in shaping the destiny of others. There is. therefore, a due measure of satisfaction in presenting, even in brief resume, the life and achievements of such men, and in preparing the following history of the scholarly physician whose name appears above it is with the hope that it may prove not only interesting and instructive, but also serve as an incentive to those who contemplate making the medical profession their life work.

Among the popular and successful physicians of Middletown, Butler county, Ohio, is Dr. George D. Lummis, a native of this county, born at Middletown on the ioth of May, 1863, the son °f J- G. and Mary F. (Deardorff) Lummis. The father was also a native of this county, having been born in Lemon township December 3, 1830. John Lummis, the subject's grandfather, was likewise born in the same township, the date of his birth having been in the year 1804. Joseph Lummis, the great-grandfather, was a native of the Old Dominion and came to Ohio in about 1802. On the maternal side the subject traces his American ancestors back equally as far. They were all tillers of the soil, conducting extensive farms, and the subject's father was for many years engaged as a merchant in Middletown, serving also for four years under President Cleveland's first administration as postmaster of Middletown. All the voting members of the family have been Democrats iri their political persuasion, and the subject's father stood high in the confidence of the party leaders, having for over half a century taken an active -part in the campaign work of the party. He was the father of three children, namely : George D., the subject: Charles A., a resident of Memphis, Tennessee, and John H.. bookkeeper for the Continental Tobacco Company.

The subject of this sketch is indebted to the graded schools of Middletown for his rudimentary education and was graduated from the high school in 1881. He had long cherished a desire to enter the medical profession, and in the furtherance of this plan, he entered, in the fall of 1881, the Medical College of Ohio, in which he pursued the regular course' and graduated therefrom in 1884, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine. During 1884 and 1885 he was retained as house physician in the Good Samaritan Hospital, at Cincinnati. Ohio, and then entered upon the active private practice of his profession in Cincinnati. In 1889 he removed to Middletown, where he has since remained, and where he has firmly intrenched himself in the confidence of the public, who have not been stingy in according to him a generous share of their patronage.

Lummis was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth S. Rarkelew, of Middletown, the daughter of C. H. and Robina T. Barkelew, the family having come to this county from New Jersey in 1890. This union has been a most congenial one and has been blessed by the birth of one son, G. D., Jr., born December 22, 1899.

Tn religious affiliation the subject has followed, the family traditions and has always been a stanch Methodist, it being a matter of family record that ever since the organization of the Methodist Episcopal church in Butler county the members of the Lummis familv have been among its most faithful adherents. Tn matters political the Doctor is a Democrat. The exacting duties of his profession preclude him from devoting much time to public matters, though he has been prevailed upon to serve as health officer of Middletown, which position he is now holding.

Hon. Edward H. Jones

E. H. Jones, probate judge of Butler county, Ohio, was born in Gomer. Ohio. February 2, 1865. He is a son of Edward and Ann (Evans) Jones. His father was a native of Wales and his mother was of Welsh descent, though a native of Ohio. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Edward Jones, was a farmer in Wales, and came to America in 1842, dying at Gomer, Allen county, Ohio. He was a devout member of the Congregational church, in which faith he zealously reared his family of two sons and two daughters. The maternal grandfather of Edward H. Jones was John Evans, a native of Wales, born in 1795. He located, with his family, at Shandon, then known as "Paddy's Run," in Butler county. There his days were ended in 1890, at the age of ninety-four years. He spent his life in agricultural pursuits and, by industry and prudent investments, accumulated a handsome property.

Edward H. Jones, of this review, was reared and educated mostly in Butler county. He began his educational career in the public schools at Shandon, and then he was engaged in the mercantile business for about two years. He entered the employ of an uncle at Gomer, Ohio, and remained there as a clerk in a general store for a year or more. He was employed as a teacher in the public school at Shandon for four years, and while thus engaged began the preliminary work in the study of law. He was a student of Miami University for a time and spent his vacations in reading law in the office of Morey, Andrews & Morey, in Hamilton. Mr. Jones was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School in 189.1, and admitted to the bar immediately thereafter. He began his professional career in Hamilton, and was successful from the start as an attorney and counsellor at law.

Mr. Jones was elected clerk of the board of deputy state supervisors of elections in 1891, and served several years as a member of that board. He also served the city of Hamilton in the office of city solicitoi, a ' position he held for two terms. His success in the practice of law and the popularity attained through his geniality made him a logical candidate for higher official honors, and he received the nomination for the office of probate judge, as a Democrat, and was triumphantly elected in 1899, being his own successor in 1902. Judge Jones is a thor-

(High student and well vrersed in the intricacies of legal lore. He is popular with all classes, and is an active, public-spirited citizen who stands very high in social and political functions of the city and county.

Edward H. Jones was married on the 6th of August, 1891, to Miss Elba, daughter of C. E. and Phoebe Butterfield, to which union have been born two children, Gordon B.. aged ten years, and Frances C., aged six years. Judge Jones is an active member of the Knights of Pythias.

Hon. Lawrence M. Larsh

Hon. Lawrence M. Larsh, an ex-mavor of Hamilton and a prominent business man of this city, was born on a farm in Preble county. Ohio. February 9, 1851. He is the youngest of two sons born to Major Newton and Eleanor W. (Pottinger) Larsh, both parents being natives of Ohio. Major Kewton Larsh was a son of Paul Larsh. who became thoroughly identified with the eai ly history of Preble county and was a man of prominence and influence. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and took up his home in the then far West soon after peace ''as restored, coming from Pennsylvania in early manhood. He was one of the early sheriffs of Preble county, but subsequently removed farther west, and died at Kaskaskia, Illinois, at the age of eighty-six years. He reared a family of six sons and four daughters. On the maternal side, the ancestors of L. M. Larsh were Virginians, his grandfather, John Pottinger, emigrated to Butler county from the Old Dominion. He ''as a farmer by occupation. Major Newton Larsh was a man who attained prominence and influence in his native county. His* principal life work was that of farming, in which he was successful. He served two terms in the Ohio legislature from the district embracing Preble county. He died, at the age of forty-six years, on the farm which his father had pre-empted in the early days. His wife survived him until 1883, and died at the age of seventy-three years. The eldest son of these parents was John M. Larsh, who is in the employ of a railroad at Peru, Indiana.

Lawrence M. Larsh remained on the parental farm until he attained his majority, enjoying excellent educational advantages. After leaving the public schools of his district, he took a course in Antioch College at Yellow; Springs, Ohio, supplementing this by a course at Miami University. He then entered a commercial college at Dayton, Ohio, and there prepared for the practical business of life. He came to Hamilton in 1874 and from 1875 until 1890 he was engaged in the grain business with the firm of D. M. Kennedy & Co. In the spring of 1891 Mr. Larsh was elected mayor of Hamilton, serving two years in that capacity. and being one of the very few' Republicans wdio have attained to that honor in Hamilton. He gave the city a clean, conservative and impartial administration.

In May. 1893, L. M. Larsh and Walter Sherer organized the Sherer Milling Company. Through the impetus gained by the energy and business ability of the newr organization the business venture proved a success, and on the retirement of Mr. Sherer, a few years later, the title w^as changed to the Fort Hamilton Milling Company and is now one of the solid and prosperous manufacturing industries of the city.

Charles 'Howald is the president and Mr. Larsh is the secretary and treasurer. The firm transacts a general exchange business in connection with mercantile manufacturing.

L. M. Larsh is a man of great energy and perseverance. He believes in honest labor, and through personal industry - at manual labor if necessary - he has established himself in affluent circumstances and attained to a position of prominence in the commercial world. He is genial in his nature and social in his habits. He is publicspirited and enterprising, a zealous worker in any public position to which he is elected or appointed, and scrupulously exact and honorable in all his dealings with men.

Mr. Larsh was for several years a member of the commission having charge of the affairs of the Butler County Agricultural Society, and it is largely due to his efforts that the society was placed on a solid financial basis. He is prominently associated with various secret societies and is held in high esteem by those associated with him in fraternal work. He has attained exalted rank in the Masonic fraternity, being a thirty-second-degree member, and sustains membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Befievolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Jacob Sipp

The city of Hamilton has reason to take pride in its well-equipped and finely disciplined police department, and it is largely due to the efforts of its able chief, the subject of this sketch, that it has attained so high a degree of proficiency.

Mr. Sipp is a native of Butler county, having been born on the parental farmstead, in St. Clair township, on the 24th of November, 1862. His father, William Sipp, was born in Germany, on the 5th of April, 1818, and as a young man he emigrated to America and finally took up his residence in Butler county, Ohio, in the early pioneer days. Here was solemnized his marriage to Miss Katerine JBaehr, who was likewise born in Germany, whence she came with her family to Butler county in the pioneer epoch. This worthy couple contributed their quota to the development and upbuilding of this favored section of the Buckeye state, being honest, industrious and God-fearing people and commanding the respect and confidence of all who knew them. Their names are well worthy of being permanently inscribed on the roll of the honored pioneers of the county. The devoted wife and mother was summoned into eternal rest on the 23d of November, 1883, and her husband survived her by almost a score of years, passing to his reward on the 2d of January, 1903, at the venerable age of eighty-three years and nine months. They became the parents of five sons and one daughter. The daughter, Wilimina, became the w'ife of John L. Smith, and died at her home in Urbana. Ohio, at the age of fifty-six years. The sons are all living and all are successful and respected citizens, their names, in order of birth, being as follows : William, John, Christian, Valentine and Jacob. William and John are successful farmers and extensive land owners in Douglas county, Illinois; and Christian and Valentine are numbered among the prosperous farmers of Butler county. Jacob, the subject of this review, is the "baby of the fanv ily," and to resort to an appropriate colloquialism, "he looks the part," since he is about six feet in height and tips the scales considerably above the two hundred notch.

Jacob Sipp was reared to the invigorating discipline of the homestead farm, and his educational advantages were those afforded in the public schools of his native township. He continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits until 1893, and was known as one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of St. Clair township. He was called upon to serve in various offices of local trust, having been for six years a member of the board of township trustees and having served two terms as township assessor, besides holding minor official preferments. Mr. Sipp took up his residence in the city of Hamilton in 1893, and here he has been successful as a contractor, dealing in moulding sands and being a general contractor along that line. He has served for a total of six years as a member of the board of education, representing the first ward, having been several times elected to this office. He has always taken an active interest in local politics and has been a prominent factor in the councils of the Democratic party in his home county and city. He was a member of the Democratic county central committee in 1885 and 1886, and has at all times evinced a genuine and public-spirited interest in the supremacy of the doctrines of the Democracy. Mr. Sipp has never been an office seeker, and the honorable and responsible position of which he is now incumbent came to him without personal solicitation, while his preferment came as a great surprise to others who were aspiring to the office. He is honorable and upright in all the relations of life and as a city official has proved himself signally faithful and capable, his administration as chief of the police department having been such as to gain him unequivocal popular endorsement. He and his family are prominent members of St. John's German Evangelical church, and with utmost respect for the present pastor, Mr. Sipp states with appreciative regard that he was christened, confirmed and married by the Rev. C. A. Hermann, D. D., who for thirty-seven years was the pastor of the church and one whose labors have been attended with a generous and grateful harvest, both spiritually and temporally. Chief Sipp is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of various other fraternal and religious societies, and as a citizen and an official he enjoys the highest popularity in his home city and county.

On the 20th of December, 1883, Mr. Sipp was married to Miss Lizzie Turner, who was born and reared in Butler county, being a daughter of Leonard and Margaret Turner, and this happy union has been blessed with four children, all of whom remain beneath the home roof, namely : Clara, Eva, Mamie and Leonard.

Dr. Stewart, who is numbered among the prominent and successful representatives of the dental profession in Hamilton, was born in Lemon township, this county, on the 1 6th of April, 1864, being a son of John W. D. and Martha E. (Mallory) Stewart, both of whom were likewise born in Butler county, being representatives of hon- ored pioneer families of this favored section of the Buckeye state. John \Y. D. Stewart was horn on the 2d of August, 1818. being a son of Charles Stewart, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio- in. 1803, the year in which the Buckeye state was admitted to the Union. He located near the present village of Monroe, in what is now Lemon township, Butler county, securing a tract of government land in the midst of the primitive forest and there developing a farm, the same being the birthplace of the father of our subject, while a portion of this ancestral homestead is still retained in the possession of the family. The father of the subject became one of the successful and influential farmers of the county, honorable and steadfast in all the relations of life, and while he was public-spirited and a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party he never had aught of ambition for official preferment. # He passed to his reward on the 23d of July, 1902, ten days prior to the eighty-fourth anniversary of his birth. Soon afterward his widow removed from the old homestead farm to the village of Monroe, where she now makes her home with her children, all of whom accord her the utmost filial devotion. Of the eight children of this union seven are living, and a brief record concerning them is here entered: Catherine is the wife of Bland S.

Levering, a prominent carriage manufacturer in Piqua, this state; Miss Ruth remains with her mother; Charles died at the age of eighteen months; Miss Flora is also with her mother, in Monroe; John E., who married Miss Etta Fisher, of Blue Ball, this county, is engaged in the shoe business in Middletown; James E. B., subject of this sketch, was the next in order of birth; Maggie remains at#the maternal home, and William M. is engaged in the grocery business in Monroe.