Dayton City (part 19 of 50)

The marriage of Mr. Webber took place in Christiana, Del., in 1875, to Miss Florence Southgate, a native of Baltimore, Md., and of English descent. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children - Emma E., Florence L., and Willard - the first two of whom are now attending the Steele high school. The family are connected with the Third street Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Webber is a stanch republican, although he has never sought public office. He is a Freemason, and is also a member of the Dayton club, a social organization, and of the political body known as the Garfield club. Mr. Webber's energy, skill and industry have earned him a place in the front rank of the successful business men of Dayton.

HOMAS ELDER, a leading merchant of Dayton, Ohio, and senior member and founder of the extensive dry-goods house of Elder & Johnston, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., in the year 1845. His parents were Robert R. and Elizabeth G. Elder, both of whom were of Scotch descent. The boyhood of young Elder was spent in a manner common to boys of his station in life. He attended the public schools of Harrisburg, securing a good English education. At the age of seventeen years he resolved to leave his native place and try his fortune in the broader field of a large city. Accordingly, in 1862, he set out for Philadelphia, which city he reached with but few possessions and little money, but with sound health, good habits, ambition and a determination to get on in the world. He was willing to turn his attention to anything he could do and soon found employment. He remained in Philadelphia eight or nine years, engaged in different capacities in various lines of business, and in 1872 he went to Boston, Mass. In Boston he secured a position with the blanket house of Thomas Kelley & Co., as a traveling salesman. After remaining with the above firm three years, in 1875 he entered the service of Jordan, Marsh & Co., of Boston, one of the largest dry-goods houses in the world, as general traveling salesman, where he remained until 1883. At this time he decided to embark in business on his own responsibility, and the same year he came to Dayton and, associating himself with Messrs. Johnston & Hunter, founded the present business of Elder & Johnston, which is now the leading dry-goods establishment in Dayton and one of the largest in western Ohio. Mr. Hunter retired from the firm in 1886. The business was begun originally upon a very modest basis and with a limited capital, at Nos. 1 14 and 116 East Third street. In about two and a half years, however, it had grown to such proportions that larger quarters were necessary, and they removed to Nos. 24 and 26 East Third street, where the business was established on a much larger scale. From year to year it grew and spread, and a wholesale department was added, together with other features, until again it became necessary to find more commodious quarters, and in November, 1896, they removed to the new Reibold building on South Main street, where they now occupy two floors and the basement. They carry a complete stock of dry goods, cloaks, etc., doing both a wholesale and retail business, and employing over 100 people. Their store rooms are the largest and handsomest in the city, and their trade, while already the leading one, is constantly increasing. It is the firm's intention eventually to convert their business into a modern department store, there being no enterprise of that character in Dayton.

In 1872 Mr. Elder was married to Miss Tacie E. Jarrett, who was born in Philadelphia, of Quaker parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Elder the following children have been born: Mary M., Robert, Elsie, Helen, and two deceased in infancy. Mr. Elder is a member of the Third street Presbyterian church and president of the Y. M. C. A. In the Sabbathschool he has also been an earnest worker, taking great interest in all of its useful activities.

Mr. Elder's life has been a busy one, and success has come to him through his own efforts. He may well be termed a self-made man, as he began at the bottom, starting in life with no capital save that of energy, industry and ambition, and relying entirely upon his own ability and natural resources. Still a man in his prime, he has risen from an humble clerical position to that of senior member of one of the largest mercantile houses in a great state, and his prosperity has been well deserved. His position in the business world has not overshadowed his position in life as a citizen, friend and neighbor. He has always been found ready to lend his aid and influence to all worthy movements designed to benefit the community at large. He is regarded as a broad-minded and public-spirited citizen, recognizing and discharging faithfully all the duties incumbent upon him.

ROE. CLAUDE MICHELON, instructor in the French, Italian and Spanish languages, with his residence at the corner of Third and Perry streets, Dayton, was born in Chambery, near L^yons, France, December 8, 1869. He was a student in the college Louis le Grand, at Paris, and at the Lyceum of Lyons, where he was educated in literature and philosophy. On October 1, 1894, he came to America; on the 1 2th day of the same month he was dispatched by Prof. Berlitz, of New York, to Cincinnati, Ohio, to become an instructor in a French school, and on June 12, 1895, he came to Dayton and opened his present polyglot school of instruction, in which he has met with success. His classes comprise about 180 pupils, drawn from the most cultured and intellectual circles of the city, and these pupils are taught in so simple a manner that, at the conclusion of forty lessons, they are prepared to conduct a reasonably intelligent conversation in the special language acquired. Beside his home class, he teaches in the Y. M. C. A. school, also in Miss Thomas's academy for young ladies, and has a large class at the Soldiers' home.

Prof. Michelon has, in his comparatively brief residence in Dayton, awakened a new interest in language study, and is now recognized as the most skillful anti accomplished teacher of French that has ever conducted classes in this city.

ICHAEL WALTER, funeral director and a leading business man of Dayton, is a native of Germany, born December 17, 1840, in the kingdom of Bavaria. His parents, Martin and Barbara (Schnabel) Walter, were both natives of the above country, where the father, for many years, carried on the cabinetmaking business, and where his death occurred in 1856, at the age of sixty-three; the mother having died in 1855, at the age of fifty-six years. Their son, Michael, is the youngest of ten children. Three sisters and one brother died in America, and one brother and two sisters still live in Germany; the only member of the family in the United States, with the exception of Michael, is Henry, who makes his home at Celina, Ohio.

Michael Walter was educated in the schools of his native country and there learned cabinetmaking, which he followed, in connection with the undertaking business, until 1863, at which time, he came to the United States, locating at Dayton, Ohio, where for a period of seven years he was in the employ of his brother Martin, one of the leading undertakers of the city. In 1870, Mr. Walter embarked in the undertaking business upon his own responsibility on Franklin street and has since continued the same with most gratifying success, being at this time the head of one of the largest establishments of the kind in the city. From a rather limited beginning he has gone forward year by year, building up a constantly increasing trade, and, at this time, he enjoys much more than a local reputation in business circles. He has spared no reasonable effort to make himself thoroughly familiar with every detail of his trade and in 1883 graduated from the Cincinnati school of embalming, one of the largest and most thorough institutions of the kind in the United States. Mr. Walter's place of business on Franklin street is fully equiped and supplied with all that pertains to the successful prosecution of undertaking and the necessary equipment and stock of caskets, etc., represent a capital of about $10,000. Mr. Walter is a member of an undertaking association of Ohio, of which he has served as treasurer during the past ten years. He is a man well known in the community where he has lived so long and sustains a reputation for integrity and honesty surpassed by none. Personally Mr. Walter is very popular, a genial companion and a good citizen.

In 1868 Mr. Walter was united in marriage with Miss Philomena Steile, a native of Cincinnati, but born of German parentage; three sons and three daughters have been born of this union - Joseph C. , who is employed in his father's business house; Clara, Leo, Flora, Amelia and Edward. The family are members of the Emanuel Roman Catholic church, of Dayton, and Mr. Walter affiliates with the following societies: Catholic Knights of America; Catholic Knights of Ohio; Knights of St. George; St. Charles Benevolent society ; Gesellen society; St. Joseph's Orphan society; the Bavarian society and the Cincinnati Life association. Politically Mr. Walter is a democrat.

ABBI MAX WERTHEIMER, Ph.D., pastor of B'nai Yeshurun temple, Dayton, Ohio, is a native of Buffalo, N. Y. , and was born December 6, 1864. He was primarily educated in the public schools of the city of his birth, and later studied for eight years in the Cincinnati university, from which institution he graduated June 14, 1887, with the degree of bachelor of letters, and two years later he was graduated from the Hebrew Union college, of the same city, which conferred upon him the title of rabbi. In March, 1889, he was unanimously elected by the congregation or synagogue of

B'nai Yeshurun to his present eminent position, and September 6, 1889, he delivered his inaugural sermon or lecture, which was recognized as the result of deep thought and ripe scholarship, and of great power and beauty of expression.

Since assuming his pastorate, Rabbi Wertheimer has taken a post-graduate course at Martyn college of philosophy, from which he was graduated in June, 1895, with the advanced degree of Ph. D. The doctor has also traveled quite extensively since first locating in Dayton, lecturing before many learned societies, as well as to popular gatherings, in many cities of the west.

The marriage of Rev. Dr. Wertheimer took place in Peru, Ind., December 27, 1893, to Miss Hannah Affelder, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Affelder.

Mrs. Wertheimer is a lady of rare accomplishments, and is especially talented in instrumental music. She has borne her husband one child, Lester Henry, who was born January 5, 189s.

Rabbi Wertheimer is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was for two years chaplain of his lodge; he is also a member of the B'nai Brith, or Sons of the Covenant, and was formerly president of the Kersher Shelbarzel, a Jewish society of Dayton, as well as an active member of the Present Day club. He is a scholar of unusual literary attainments, is a forcible and eloquent speaker, is possessed of indomitable energy, and his philanthropic disposition has won for him the esteem of all who know him.

EV. EDWARD LORENZ, of Dayton, Ohio, German editor for the United Brethern Publishing house, was born in Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, No- 26, 1827. He received his preliminary education in the excellent public schools of his native land, and learned the trade of shoemaking, made illustrious by the many great men who began life in this calling. At the age of twenty-one years he came to America. Several years later he married Mrs. Adam Geil, formerly Miss Barbara Gueth, whom he had but passingly known in the fatherland. His wife had come to America several years earlier with her first husband, who died soon after their arrival, leaving her a widow with two small children, a stranger in a strange land at the age of twenty. With characteristic courage and fortitude she faced the situation, and despite the loss of her inheritance in Germany by the bad management of friends, supported herself and her little ones until her marriage with Mr. Lorenz. But she has borne the marks of this trying experience in the protracted invalidism of nearly half a century due to a broken nervous system. Mrs. Lorenz is a woman of unusuil force and straightforwardness of character, somewhat reserved in manner and of few words, but with a kind heart and full of practical helpfulness. In this she resembles her father, whose young manhood was spent in Spain in the army of Napoleon. Taken captive by the English he was sent to England. Released on parole and sent home with 400 comrades, their ship was wrecked on the coast of Holland and only twenty-six of them were saved. He subsequently wrote a graphic narrative of this terrible experience, the original manuscript being now in the possession of E. S. Lorenz.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lorenz were born three children, viz: Edmund Simon, Daniel Edward, and Justina. Of these a full biographical sketch of Edmund S. follows this memoir; Daniel Edward is pastor of the Presbyterian church of the Good Shepherd, on Sixty-sixth street, New York city, and Justina is professor of the German language in the Norwich (Conn.;

Free academy. Rev. Daniel Edward Lorenz received his preparatory education in the Dayton high school, graduated from Otterbein university in 1884, became assistant secretary of the Young Men's Christian association of New York city, attended Union Theological seminary, of that city, and married Miss Etta, daughter of Bishop J. W. Hott. Justina Lorenz married J. O. Stephens, August 14, 1883, but her husband died October 18 following of typhoid fever, and since his death she has devoted herself exclusively to teaching. Since she accepted her present position she has been invited to fill important situations in other institutions, but has steadily declined to consider or accept them.

Edward Lorenz was converted the year after his reaching America (1849). He united with the United Brethren church in Canal Fulton, Stark county, Ohio, in 1859, and at once began preaching in the same town. After many years spent in the pastorate, preaching in most of the important cities of Ohio, he was appointed in May, 1889, by the United Brethren missionary board, as general manager of its missions in Germany, and was located at Berlin for four years, where his daughter, Justina, improved the opportunity in completing her advanced studies in the German language. During these years Mr. Lorenz traveled in all parts of the German empire, superintending the extensive missionary efforts of his church. On his return to the United States, in 1893, he was chosen pastor of the Otterbein (German) church on Xenia avenue, Dayton, and held the charge for two years, or until 1895, during the last year of his pastorate filling also the important position he at present occupies. He has exclusive editorial charge of all the publications issued in the German language by the United Brethren Publishing house, which include the P'roehliche Botschafter, weekly; Jugend Pilger, semi-monthly;

Lektionshefte, quarterly. Beside editing these, he reads the proofs of all German publications issued from the United Brethren Publishing house and also attends to all the German business correspondence of the house.

Rev. Mr. Lorenz has been a man of wonderful vitality, and now, though past sixty-nine years of age, is hale and hearty, being remarkably well preserved and still as affable, dignified and courteous as when he was in his prime. He attends to all his manifold and taxing duties without fatigue, and, it may be added, has lost but one day from illness during his forty years of active labor.

HILIP E. GILBERT, the prominent contractor and builder of Dayton, was born in Miltonville, Butler county, Ohio, November 21, 1845, his father and mother having been respectively of Pennsylvania and Maryland parentage. In 1848 the family settled in Miamisburg, Montgomery county, where Philip was educated in the public and select schools, and at the age of thirteen began an apprenticeship of five years at carpentering, serving at the trade during the intervals between school sessions. The conclusion of his apprenticeship brought him up to 1864, when he enlisted in company D, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio national guard, under command of Col. John G. Lowe, and at the conclusion of his term of enlistment was honorably mustered out. In 1865 he moved to West Sonora, Preble county, where he was engaged in saw-milling and carpentering for several years, and during his residence there was united in marriage, June 14, 1866, to Miss Mary Ann Scharf, of Franklin, Warren county. In the spring of 1868 Mr. Gilbert, with no considerable means, ventured upon a removal with his wife and child to Dayton, for the purpose of improving his worldly condition.

Here, soon after his arrival, he became acquainted with the late William P. Huffman, in whom he found a sincere friend, and from whom he received many kindnesses. Through him Mr. Gilbert was enabled to enter into contracting and building, and this, with the manufacture of builders' supplies, has been his business up to the present time. That he made a success of his enterprise may be shown by the fact that, in the spring of 1878, he began the year in March with 125 contracts to build houses, and by the close of the season had erected 165. Among the heavier contracts handled by Mr. Gilbert may be mentioned those for the construction of the Ninth district school-house, Sacred Heart church, the Central Baptist church, the Fourth National bank, the Ohmer Canby block; the Barney block on Third and Wayne streets and the Barney blocks on Fifth street; the Lowe brothers and Ware Coffee company's blocks on First street; the J. P. Wolf and J. S. Antrim blocks on First street; the residences of E. J. Barney, J. P. Wolf, Col. F. T. Huffman, George P. Huffman and W. H. Crawford, and also many of the largest manufacturing plants in the city, including those of the Davis Sewing Machine company, the Zwick & Greenwald Wheel company, the Dayton Manufacturing company, the Woodhull Carriage company, the Dayton Last company, the Crume & Sefton factories, the Dayton Spice-mills, and scores of other large and substantial buildings.

In politics Mr. Gilbert is a strong republican ond takes an active interest in his party's welfare, having served as its delegate to its county, state and national conventions; he has served two terms of two years each on the board of education from his ward, was appointed on the board of city affairs for a term of four years by the tax commissioners in 1892, and was reappointed for four years by Mayor C. G. Mc- Millen in 1896. He has been a member of the Garfield club since its organization; is a member of the Dayton club, of the Old Guard post, G. A. R. , of Dayton lodge, F. & A. M., is a Knight Templar, and also a member of lola lodge, K. of P. In religion he is a Baptist and has been a member of the Linden avenue church since its organization and its Sunday-school superintendent for eleven years. Mr. Gilbert has always been a public-spirited citizen, devoted to the material interests of his adopted city. Of the ten children born to his marriage, the following-named still survive: Erminie P. , now Mrs. Ira Crawford; Florence E , wife of J. Frank Kiefaber; Hattie B. ; William P., book-keeper for the Huffman Stone Co.; Edwin D. , a student, and Helen E.

OHN CHARLES PATTERSON, son of Prof. William J. and Anna (Ford) Patterson, whose biography is elsewhere given, is a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, and was born July 26, 1862. He passed his youthful days on a farm, performing the severe physical labor incident to such a life, but by no means neglected the cultivation of his mental powers. Aided by his father and other competent teachers he was able, at the age of nineteen' years, to assume the duties of a schoolmaster, and for three years followed this profession as a vocation. He then entered the law office of Boltin & Shauck, of which firm the junior member is now a judge of the supreme court of Ohio. Through diligent study young Patterson was soon prepared for the bar, to which he was admitted in 1887, when he immediately entered upon the active practice of his profession. His abilities were promptly recognized, and in 1890 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Montgomery county, upon the democratic ticket, and his performance of the duties of that office served to add to his reputation as a lawyer. He now holds a prom-

Mr. Patterson was united in marriage, June 19, 1883, with Miss Mary A. Douglass, of Oxford, Ohio, and this union has been blessed with one son, John M., born August 2, 1885.

ZRA F. KIMMEL, manager of the National Improvement company, and among the best known young business men of Dayton, was born in this city October 20, 1863. His father, Christian Kimmel, was one of the old settlers of Dayton, having come here from Germany in 1846. He resided in this city the rest of his life, being killed in September, 1893, in a railroad wreck while on his way home from the world's fair. For thirty-five years Mr. Kimmel was superintendent of the machine shops of the Buckeye Iron & Brass works. His widow, who still lives in Dayton, was a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob Ecki. She was also in the wreck in which her husband was killed, and sustained severe injuries. To them there were born six children, five of whom are still living, and residing in Dayton, as follows: William H., secretary of the Mutual

Home & Savings association; Mrs. Louise Bard, wife of O. J. Bard, attorney at law; Mrs. Anna Freehofer, wife of A. O. Freehofer, bookkeeper for the John Dodds Manufacturing company; Gnstave B., a student in college at Napierville, 111., and Ezra F.

Ezra F. Kimmel was reared in Dayton and was educated in the public schools of that city, including the high school, from which he graduated in 1879. In May, 1880, he began working for R. C. Anderson, manufacturer of plows, as bookkeeper, in which position he remained for four years. In March, 1884, he entered the office of the Mutual Home &

Savings association, having charge of that association's books for four years, and being its auditor for three years and a half. On July 15, 1891, he organized the John Dodds Manufacturing company, of which he became vicepresident and superintendent, in which capacities he acted until December 1, 1896, when he accepted the position of manager for the National Improvement company and agent for E. J. Barney. At the time he left the Mutual Home & Savings association, he -was made a director and a member of the finance committee of the institution, positions which he still retains. He aided in organizing the Walker Lithographic & Printing company, and was a director of that company until the latter part of 1895, when he sold his interest in the business.

Mr. Kimmel was married in November, 1885, to Miss Ida M. Steffey, daughter of Rev. M. W. Steffey, a minister of the Evangelical association, formerly of Dayton, Ohio, but now of South Bend, Ind. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel there have been born two children, Florence M. and Russell Ezra.

Mr. Kimmel is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the church of the Evangelical association, and is a member of the board of trustees of that church. In both fraternity and church he enjoys a high slanding and is held in sincere esteem by his many friends in the community.

ENRY W. KAISER, one of the commissioners of Montgomery county, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 21, 1850. As the name indicates, he is of German antecedents. He was reared in Cincinnati and was there educated in the public schools, learning both German and English, and being confirmed in German. After leaving school he learned the trade of saddle cov- ering and worked at this occupation for a number of years. Since November I, 1875, he has been a resident of Dayton, to which city he removed for the purpose of taking charge of the business of the Fleischmann Yeast company, as general agent, which position he has held ever since, a period of more than twenty years.

Mr. Kaiser was elected county commissioner in the fall of 1893, the term being for three years and expiring in the spring of 1897. He is a republican in politics, and a popular man in Montgomery county. He was married, September 17, 1874, in Cincinnati, to Miss Emma Rheinhardt, who was born in that city October 17, 1855, and who was the daughter of Frederick Rheinhardt. She became the mother of three children, as follows: Harry

F. ; Maude N. , and J. Edward, and died December 22, 1895. Mr. Kaiser is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, holding at the present time the presidency of the Grand trustee board of Ohio of that order. He is also a member of the Knights of Maccabees. He is a member of St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran church, in good standing, and is one of the useful and esteemed citizens of Dayton.

LIAS LEWIS ACTON, draftsman, and supervising architect, with his office in the Callahan Bank building, Dayton, Ohio, was born in London, Madison county, Ohio, May 21, 1851, and is a son of Richard and Minerva (Lewis) Acton. Thet father, also a native of the Buckeye state, was a carriage builder by occupation, and died in London at the age of sixty-two years; the mother still resides in that city, and is passing the closing years of her life in religious work in the interest of the Universalist church. These parents had born to them four children, viz: Lina and Elias L., who are twins -

Lina being now the wife of G. P. Cross, of Minneapolis; Peyton H., who was a journalist at Sioux Falls, Dak., for a number of years, and died in that city at the age of thirty-five; and Maggie who is still the companion of her mother.

Elias L. Acton left his native city in 1869, and went to Cincinnati, where for about seven years, he made his home with his uncle, Bolly Lewis, and entered upon his business life as a clerk or salesman, in a carpet store, in the meantime taking lessons in isometric and ornametal drawing, thus laying the foundation of his after skill as an architect; he next spent two years in New Orleans, La., in a carpet store, and also continued the study of drafting. In 1878 Mr. Acton returned to his native city, where he was engaged, in association with his brother, Peyton H., in the publication of the Madison County Times. In 1881 Mr. Acton came to Dayton, re-engaged in the carpet business, and was also employed as a designer of ceiling decorations. About 1888 he turned his attention to architectural work exclusively, and for several months was employed by Williams, Otter & Dexter as draftsman and designer. He then embarked in business as an architect on his own account, and during the past eight years has designed and constructed many fine edifices in Dayton and elsewhere, notably, the Hotel Atlas, the Armory, and the Gem Shirt company's building, besides many of the better class of private residences. He is at present engaged in the construction, on Fifth street, of the Ridgway apartment building, which comprises seven distinct structures under one roof. Mr. Acton is also superintending the erection of an architecturally beautiful double stone front building for George Fair, costing $16,000, which will be an additional evidence of the skill of its designer and an ornament to the city.

tember 27, 1879, to Miss Anna Nolan, of Columbus, Ohio, a native of Madison county. Mrs. Acton bore her husband three children, but at the early age of thirty-six years was laid to eternal rest, dying in Dayton, February 13, 1895. The three children are: Richard, who, now at the age of fifteen years, is an assistant in his father's office, but is also attending school; Thomas, aged twelve years, and Minerva, aged nine, are still the companions of their father, and are also attending school. Mrs. Acton was a conscientious Catholic in her religious faith, and her children have been baptized in that church. Mr. Acton was formerly a democrat, but became a republican at about the time of the resumption of specie payment by the government.

ERBERT HENRY WEAKLEY, president and general manager of the Herald Publishing company, of Dayton, Ohio, was born February 1, 1837, on the Weakley farm, in the vicinity of Dayton, and is the son of Edward Thomas and Catherine (Gunckel) Weakley. The Weakley family is of English origin, the first to come to America having been five well-to-do brothers, who emigrated together prior to the coming of William Penn. Three of them located in Pennsylvania, while the other two went south. The latter became the progenitors of large families. Weakley county, Tenn., was named for one of them. The grandfather of Herbert H. was Thomas Weakley, who was born in Cumberland county. Pa.., and whose wife was Ann Alexander; her father was a staff officer of Gen. Washington.

Edward Thomas Weakley, their only son, was also born in Cumberland county, Pa., and came with his parents to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1828. The original family residence, located on the old Weakley homestead, near the soldier's home, was built by Thomas Weakley, and still stands. In its time it was the finest farm residence in Montgomery county. At Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1834, Edward Thomas Weakley was married to Catherine Gunckel. She was the daughter of the late Col. Michael Gunckel, and sister to William, Henry S., George W., and Lewis B. When Herbert H. was a child, his parents removed to New Carlisle, Clark county, Ohio, and there his father embarked in the tanning and leather business, which he carried on successfully for a number of years. His death occurred in New Carlisle, in 1890, that of his widow occurring about two years later. To Edward Thomas Weakley and wife children were born as follows : Herbert Henry, Mrs. Dr. William W. Crane, of Tippecanoe City, Ohio; Mrs. Dr. G. A. Billow, of New Carlisle; Mrs. Charles Neff, of Columbus, Ohio; Capt. T. J. and George Willis, of Dayton.

Henry Herbert Weakley attended the public schools of New Carlisle until he reached his fifteenth year, when he was sent to a grammar school at Springfield, Ohio. He next entered Antioch college at Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he spent one year, and then entered Miami university, at Oxford, Ohio, where he took the regular collegiate course, and graduated in the class of 1858. In the fall of the same year he came to Dayton and entered the law office of Gunckel & Strong, where he spent two years studying law. He was admitted to the bar in i860 and spent several years in practice in the office of his preceptors.

In 1863 Mr. Weakley organized a local fire insurance company with R. B. Harshman as president ; as secretary and manager Mr. Weakley conducted that business, the company taking and holding high position through his efforts, at the same time carrying on the practice of law and the collection of claims against the government until the fall of 1871, when he resigned his position to accept that of land commissioner of the West Wisconsin Railroad company (now the St. Paul line of the C. & N.-W. R. R.J, with headquarters at Hudson, Wis. Mr. Weakley was one of the most efficient officers of the company and during his connection with the railroad sold over 750,000 acres of land. In the fall of 1878 he resigned this position, and, with his wife, made a general tour of the United States, including the territories. Following this he located at Troy, Ohio, and established the Miami county bank, succeeding the banking firm of W. H. H. Dye & Son. As president and owner Mr. Weakley coducted very successfully this banking house for seven years, becoming, in the meantime, a partner in the wholesale grocery firm of Weakley, Worman & Co., of Dayton. Selling his banking interests in Troy, in 1879, Mr. Weakley, accompanied by his wife and daughter, spent nearly two years in traveling in central Europe. Upon his return he located permanently in Dayton, and has continued to reside here. After having been a citizen of Dayton for about eight months Mr. Weakley assisted in the organization of the Dayton board of trade, and for two years was president and manager of the board, during which time he gave to that organization an impetus which made it an assured success, and when he severed his official connection with it he had won the highest respect and esteem of the business men of Dayton. From time to time Mr. Weakley has been interested in different enterprises in Dayton, and still retains a number of important connections in business affairs; but it is to the Herald Publishing company that he gives his time and attention, and in which he takes a just pride and pleasure. It was in September, 1889, that he purchased the controlling interest in the Herald company. The Evening Herald was then a fourpage paper with a weekly edition of the same size. Mr. Weakley purchased the building now known as the Herald building, corner of Second and Jefferson streets, and there developed the business, enlarging the daily and weekly editions to eight-page papers. Under his active direction as president, general manager and principal owner, the paper has proved to be one of the most successful in the city, and justly lays claim to being the largest and enjoying the greatest circulation of the several papers published in Dayton. He has been a member of the Dayton club since its organization, and is connected with other social organizations.

married Miss Sarah Culbertson, of Troy, Ohio, a daughter of H. H, Culbertson, one of the old families of Miami count}7. A daughter was born to them - an only child - who married Charles Van Ausdal, on January 31st, 1888. Mrs. Van Ausdal received a fine education, completing her studies with Mrs. Reed, of New York, after which she accompanied her parents on a lengthened tour in Europe.

Mr. Weakley has been successful in every business enterprise with which he was personally identified. He has never had any political ambition, and although preferment of that character has been offered him, he has invariably declined. Decided in character, warm in friendship, he has always enjoyed much personal popularity. He has always had charge and control of large transactions and his business capacity is of a very high order. His education and literary tastes have fitted him for any walk in life. Age is coming along apace, and with an ample fortune, a handsome home and a fine library, enjoying the highest respect and confidence of the people, he can pleasantly look back upon a successful life.

He Dayton College Of Music

HE DAYTON COLLEGE OF MUSIC had its origin in the school known as the Boulevard Conservatory of Music. The founders of this school, the Misses Lillie C., Louie M., and Viola M.Butz, seeing the success attending their new enterprise, concluded that a college organization should be perfected and duly incorporated under the laws of the state of Ohio, which was accordingly effected October 17, 1892. The hopes of the founders have been more than realized. The press, the standing of the college, the rating of its pupils, the hearty endorsement of the citizens of Dayton, Ohio, have shown that the conception and developement of the plan for musical education in the minds of its founders was no mere theory, but a clear discernment of the needs of the city and surrounding territory, in the sphere of musical culture. With the ample facilities and acknowledged strength of the faculty a thorough collegiate education is afforded to students of the institution.

In establishing the College of Music, the Misses Butz associated with themselves their brother, Clarence A. Butz, Anthony J. Schath, and Miss Josephine H. Holbrook. The faculty engaged in the institution are not only successful teachers but concert artists of confirmed ability, having appeared with great success on the concert stage of Europe as well as America. The principals of the various departments are Lillie C. Butz, Louie M. Butz, Viola M. Butz, Clarence A. Butz, Anthony J. Schath, and Josephine H. Holbrook, whose extensive studies have given them a perfect understanding of the best methods existing, and who are gifted with the faculty of successfully imparting this knowledge to their pupils. The most approved European methods are used at this college, which professes to be a true model in teaching the same method to all grades of its pupils and uniting all of its teachers in one scientific plan for the development of the best musical results. There is an inspiration in association with others engaged in the same work. The college has for its object the foundation and diffusion of a high musical education, which, based on the study of the classic masters, embraces whatever is good in modern art. The curriculum comprises the art of singing, instruction of piano, violin, pipe organ, harp, viola, violoncello, flute, oboe, clarinet, French-horn, cornet, trombone, and full induction in theory, harmony and ensemble. The voice method strictly observed, is the pure Italian method of singing. The Stuttgart and Leipsic piano methods are used, embracing thorough study through preparatory, academic and collegiate courses, carrying the student from the first elements of musical education to the highest proficiency. The violin course comprises the study of Hermann, Spohe, Schubert, Schroeder and David's Hoch-schule methods. For all the other instruments the best European methods extant are used.

The Misses Lillie, Louie and Viola Butz and Clarence Butz are descended from musical parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Butz, Jr., who, from a life of study and constant association with music, together with fine talents, have always occupied and still enjoy a prominent place among the leading musicians of Dayton, and have earned an enviable reputation in many cities in which they have appeared in concert. Lawrence Butz is bass soloist in Holy Trinity Catholic church, Dayton, Ohio, which position he has held for many years. His wife, Mrs. Lawrence Butz, is the capable organist of the church, having successfully filled that place for the past twelve years, previous to which time she had been the leading soprano for a number of years. Having so assiduously brought out and cultivated their own musical tendencies, Mr. and Mrs. Butz spared neither pains nor money properly to direct the qualifications of their children. At the age of five, respectively, the three daughters were placed under the best local teachers until they had reached twelve years. They were then sent to Mount Notre Dame, an excellent academy near Cincinnati, where for a period of five years they pursued a thorough theoretical and practical study of music - voice, piano and pipe organ - following also a collegiate course of art, science, mathematics, history and languages, taught at this school. After receiving each a gold medal and diploma, their study continued under eminent teachers in New York, and after several years they placed themselves under the best masters in Europe.

Clarence Butz, like his sisters, is possessed of a fine voice which has been highly cultivated, and has studied piano and pipe organ to a creditable dxtent, yet his favorite instrument is the violin, of which he is a most successful teacher and at the same time a soloist on the concert stage. This young man's talent showed itself at a very early time in life. He began the study of the piano as a preparation for the violin, beginning on the latter instrument at the age of nine years. He, too, was placed under the best local instructors'for the first years, and at the age of fifteen began study in Cincinnati under Prof. A. J. Schath, who afterward became one of the faculty in the Dayton College of Music. Mr. Butz rose to eminent proficiency under Mr. Schath, with whom he studied assiduously for years, when he placed himself under the instruction of Max Bendix, of Chicago, whose capable pedagogic worth is universally acknowledged.

Mr. Butz is the teacher of a large class of students at the College of Music, whose progress ably attests his qualifications as a firstclass teacher of violin.

they have appeared in concert. Among the musical celebrities with whom these young artists have been associated are Sig. Albino Gorno and John S. Van Cleve, critic and lecturer both of the College of Music, Cincinnati; Mile. Verlet, of the Opera Comique, Paris; Mme. Moriani, Mile. Poisson and Monsieur Van Doren, of Brussels; William H. Sherwood, of Chicago; and Victor Thrane, the impressario, of New York.

The College of Music is centrally located, occupying the fifth floor of the Louis block, southwest corner of Fifth and Jefferson streets. The scholastic term opens each year with Septemebr i, continuing until June 30. From July 1, to September 1, the college summer term is in session. Every facility for practice and study is given the pupils at the college. Beside the students' concerts that are given at stated periods during the scholastic term, a number of artist concerts are given by the faculty and eminent people of the concert world, for the purpose of educating the public to a love of the divine art. The Dayton College of Music is one of the most refining of the educational institutions of the city and well deserves the extended patronage it enjoys.

BRANK ANDERSON, engineer of the Steele High School building, Dayton, Ohio, was born in this city May 25, 1854, a son of Benjamin and Maria (Wall) Anderson, of whom the former was born in Washington township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and reared to manhood in Centerville; the latter was a native of Maryland, and their marriage took place in Dayton.

Benjamin Anderson was a merchant tailor in the Gem City from 1840 until about 1867, when he engaged in the produce commission business, in which he continued a few years only, and was living retired at his death, when fifty-four years of age, in 1882. His widow survived until 1893, when she died at the age of seventy-two years, leaving six children, viz.: Mrs. Hattie Thompson; Charles, who, though a mere boy at the close of the Civil war, enlisted at Dayton in 1865, served 100 days, is now married, and is a clerk in his native city of Dayton; Addie and Josephine, who are twins, the former being now Mrs. George W. Heath'man and the latter the widow of P. E. Morton, both sisters being residents of Dayton; and William, who is a carpenter of the same city, Frank being the youngest of the family.

Frank Anderson was educated in the Dayton public schools, and early learned the trade of steam and gas fitting, at which he worked for about fifteen years, and then began general engineering. In 1895 he was chosen engineer of the Steele High School building, a position of great responsibility and requiring a sound knowledge of machinery, and in which he has given the most faithful and efficient service up to the present time.

In 1889 Mr. Anderson married Mrs. Sallie Clarke, a native of Preble county, Ohio, but at the time of her marriage to Mr. Anderson a resident of Dayton. She bore the maiden name of Kirtland, and by her first marriage is the mother of one son - Delbert Clarke - now sixteen years of age and a member of Mr. Anderson's household.

Mr. Anderson is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and, with his wife, of the Daughters of Liberty. They belong to the congregation worshiping at the Central Baptist church, and in politics Mr. Anderson is a sound republican of the Mc- Kinley school. He has led a quiet, industrious life, confining himself to his own affairs, and has made many warm friends in Dayton, where those who best know him honor him the most. He and his family hold the respect and esteem of their neighbors to a marked degree.

EV. JOHN KERFOOT LEWIS, chaplain in the United States navy, with his residence at No. 304 South Jefferson street, Dayton, Ohio, was born in York, Pa., March 18, 1835, a son of Thomas M. and Ann Jane (Kerfoot; Lewis.

Thomas M. Lewis was a native of Bucks county, Pa., from January 17, 1808, and on September 11, 1832, married Miss Ann Jane Kerfoot, in Lancaster, Pa. In October, 1838, he brought his family to Dayton, Ohio, and engaged in the clothing business, which he followed until shortly before his death, which was caused by a railroad accident and took place in Dayton, July 14, 1884.

His widow, the mother of John K. Lewis, still resides in Dayton. She was born in Dublin, Ireland, October 5, 1810, and came to America with her parents in 1818. She is the second child who grew to maturity of Richard Kerfoot, of Castle Blarney, county Monaghan, Ireland, of the baronial family of Kerfoot, of Berwick manor, in the south part of Scotland, on the border of England, a branch of which family settled in Ireland in the time of Queen Elizabeth, of England. Her mother was a daughter of Hugh Cumming, an attorney of Armagh, Ireland, who was, according to tradition, confirmed by the coat of arms borne by his ancestor, Alexander Cumming. The brothers of Mrs. Lewis were persons in high official station, in both England and Ireland, but the only one now living is a leading real estate dealer in Chicago, 111., where he settled in 1848.

William D. Lewis, the paternal grandfather of Rev. John Iv. Lewis, was born in Bucks county, Pa., of Welsh parentage. To the marriage of his son, Thomas M., with Ann Jane Kerfoot, were born, beside the subject of this sketch, four children, viz.: Samuel S., who died in 1863 at the age of twenty-nine years; Mary A., who was married to George H. Lane, an attorney of Dayton, and about 1856 removed to Burlington, Iowa, where she died, in 1871, at the age of thirty-four years; and Emily M., who died in Dayton, in 1887, aged forty-one years.

The education of John K. Lewis was begun in the pioneer schools of Dayton, where he was under the instruction of Mr. Gaylor and Mr. Chipman, and also, in his early days, was a pupil under Mr. and Mrs. James Walters, of Sixth street. At the age of about eleven years he left the public school and became a student under Milo G. Williams, in the old academy, which afterward became the first high school of the city, under the management of James H. Campbell and Dr. Crook, and later under that of John W. Hall. At the age of nearly fifteen years, Mr. Lewis entered the Ohio Wesleyan university, but was dissatisfied with its curriculum and returned to Dayton, where for three years he was employed as a clerk in a book store. He then entered Saint James college, an Episcopal institution, near Hagerstown, Md. In passing, it may be said that the president of this college was a brother of his mother; that the college was discontinued during the Civil war and was never rehabilitated, and that its president later became president of Trinity college, Hartford, Conn.

At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Lewis was graduated from Saint James and was at once installed as head master of the grammar school of the same - a position he held for four years, or until the outbreak of the Rebellron. In 1858, while still in the institution, he was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal church, and in i860 was invested with full orders. In 1861 he entered upon his ministerial duties as assistant to the pastor of the Episcopal church at Elizabeth, N. J., and in 1862 was placed in charge of Saint Luke's Episcopal church at Buffalo, N. Y. , where he officiated four years. He next established Saint Mark's school, at Southborough, Mass., under the auspices of the church, and this school is still in existence and in a most flourishing condition. A year later he was given charge of a mission in Syracuse, N. Y., and after four years of labor succeeded in building a church edifice - now the second Episcopal church of that city.

In November, 1869, Rev. Mr. Lewis was appointed a chaplain in the United States navy, and although his time since then has chiefly been passed in shore duty, he has nevertheless seen seven or eight years of sea service, during which period he has visited Europe, Asia, Africa and the South Sea islands, according to sailing orders issued by the navy department to the commander of the man-of-war or fleet to which he happened to be detailed. While performing shore duty as United States naval chaplain, he often conducted religious services, not only for his crew, but for the landsmen, among whom he may have happened at the time to be stationed. For the past ten years he has considered Dayton to be his permanent home, and, if he live until March, 1897, he will be placed on the retired list of United States officers.

The first marriage oi Rev. Mr. Lewis was solemnized in Elizabeth, N. J., in 1862, with Miss Susan W. Moore, a native of that city. This union resulted in the birth of five daughters, in the following order: Catherine E.,

Martha, Mary, Margaret and Florence. Of these Catherine E., is the wife of William E. Abbey, of Philadelphia, and Martha is married to Mr. Hill, of Newport, R. I. The second marriage of Rev. Mr. Lewis was with Miss Anne E. Keble, of Dayton, daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Keble - the parents being of English birth.

Scottish rite Mason. In politics he is independent, but is an advocate of the single tax theory. In early times his father was one of the foremost of Ohio abolitionists, and, with Dr. Hibbard Jewett and John A. Sprague, had the courage to maintain his convictions of right in the face of the strong pro-slavery element the day. He was well understood as one of the managers of "the underground railroad," and assisted many a fugitive slave to freedom, and rejoiced that he lived to see America free in fact as well as in name.

a APT. THOMAS G. ADKINS, bandmaster at the National Military home, near Dayton, Ohio, and one of the most accomplished musicians and band leaders in the United States, was born in London, England, March 4, 1823, and, veteran as he is, still stands at the head of his profession. His parents were Thomas and Catherine (Robinson) Adkins, the former of whom was a soldier of the Twenty-fourth "foot" regiment in the British army.

When a child of two years of age, the son was taken through Ireland by his parents, his father following the fortunes of his regiment in that island, and his wife accompanying him. At the age of six years young Adkins first saw America, the regiment to which his father was attached being ordered to Quebec, Canada, where the father died in 1833 - and the mother and son were returned to England by the government. At the age of nine years, Thomas was placed in the Royal Military school in London, where he received a military and musical education, and, having developed a decided taste and talent for musical art, was entered, at the age of fifteen years, as musician, in the Second regiment of life guards - the bodyguard of the sovereign. After passing ten years in this regiment, Mr. Adkins came to the United States, and made his first engagement as a musician as master of the Washington band of New York city; he was also a member of the orchestra which played at the concerts of the Swedish nightingale, Jenny Lind, in her earliest concerts in this country, he playing cornet solo, and still has a program of the third concert given by that famous showman, Phineas T. Barnum - possibly at Castle Garden, New York. During this time Mr. Adkins still retained his position as leader of the Washington band, which was attached to or employed by the aristocratic and "crack" regiment, known as the Seventh New York militia, but four or five years later the band dissolved its connection with the Seventh and attached itself to the Eighth New York militia. In a short time, however, Mr. Adkins withdrew from this connection and went to New Orleans, La., and for a while was solo cornetist in a theater orchestra during the winter of 1855-56. In the spring of the latter year he organized a band of twenty-five men to accompany the "grayeyed man of destiny," Gen. William Walker, who departed, with a body of "fishermen," to aid in the liberation of Nicaragua, but he was not long a band-master with that little army, as it soon became necessary to shoulder a musket and fight in person. Penned up in the little city of Rivas, the patriot army defended itself against a siege of three months, living on horseflesh, dogs, lizards and whatnot, and in the meantime slaughtering about 1,000 of the besiegers, but at last compromised, marched out, and the greater part of the 250 fighting men were deported for New York. Mr. Adkins, however, wandered to the Pacific coast and at Point d'Arenus formed a troupe of minstrels - the first heard in the country - composed of seven musicians. The British consul at the Point was a cornet player, had several instruments, which he loaned the troupe, and banjos, etc., were constructed through the ingenuity of the band. Through this means the performers were enabled to travel several hundred miles afoot and make a livelihood.

While on this memorable trip Mr. Adkins was engaged by a local priest to play at a celebration over the defeat of Gen. Walker, and, though this engagement was not to his taste, playing dance and other profane music at the head of the military procession on Sunday, while the cannon were booming, yet it netted him considerable "dinero" and he was well treated. Mr. Adkins was also offered a position as leader of a fine band at Walla Walla, but declined. He received, however, a purse of $30 and a liberal supply of provisions from the friendly priest - Padre Cabaisa - and went on his way rejoicing. On reaching Aspinwall he boarded a vessel for New York, but found that he had only $25 in his possession, while the passage rate was fixed at $60; but by a Masonic arrangement he was permitted to embark for the voyage. When the vessel stopped at the way port of Havana, Cuba, Mr. Adkins was seized with the Chagres fever, a disease known only to Central America, but continuing the voyage, he arrived in New York July 4, 1857, where he was confined in bed during the three months following. He was then able to resume his place as master of the Washington band, and in the latter part of 1857 was offered by Col. Colt (the inventor of the revolving firearm), of Hartford, Conn., a liberal compensation as leader of his band in that city, which was accepted and filled until 1861.

Mr. Adkins then organized a band of twenty-four musicians for the Fourteenth United States infantry, and for five years and eleven months was connected with this regiment, serving through the Civil war, the greater part of the time at headquarters, but nevertheless in the field through the battle of the Wilderness. At the close of the war the widow of Col. Colt recalled Capt. Adkins to Hartford, Conn., and placed him once more in charge of the Colt factory band, which position he retained until 1881. This was an especial recognition of his merits as a musician and band leader, as he was thus employed, save during the war, from 1857 until 1881. ' During the last engagement of Capt. Adkins at the Colt firearms factory, Gen. Franklin was its superintendent, and it was through his influence that the captain was admitted to the National Military home at Dayton.

In May, 1881, Capt. Adkins was placed in charge of the Home band, and a recent report rendered by the United States inspector, Gen. Breckinridge, shows this to be one of the best military bands in the country - it being composed of thirty-three pieces.

Capt Adkins was first married, in England, to Miss Mary Walker, who there died, leaving one son, who sacrificed his life in our late Civil war. His present wife, whom he married in Portland, Oregon, in 1866, was Miss Jane Millard, a native of Ireland. To this union eight children have been born, viz. : Catherine,

Alice, Frederick William, Thomas, Alfred, Maud, Mabel and Edward. Of the sons, Alfred served three years in the United States cavalry service, receiving his discharge in 1895 ; the daughters, inheriting the musical talent of their father, have developed as most excellent performers on the piano.

There is one fact in regard to the family of Capt. Adkins which ought to be mentioned, and that is that, although he is an Englishman born, his relative, Nathan Adkins, was a soldier in the Second regulars of Virginia in the war of the Revolution, and aided in attaining the independence of the country in which the captain has now found a home.

New York city, in 1852, in Worth lodge ; he was dimitted thence to Mystic lodge, No. 405, at Dayton, Ohio, and has attained to the Thirty-second degree - a very exalted position in the order. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in religion he and his family are members of the Episcopalian church. In his politics he is a republican, and he and his sons furnish four straight votes annually for that party.

AJ. CARL BERLIN, assistant adjutant general of the Central branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers near Dayton, Ohio, was born near Ystad, in the northern part of Sweden, May 17, 1834, was graduated from a university and the military academy, entered the Swedish atmy at the age of twenty years, as a non-commissioned officer, received his commission as second lieutenant in 1856, and as first lieutenant in 1862, serving in all nine years. In the fall of 1863 he came to the United States, was at once commissioned first lieutenant of company C, Eighth New York volunteer cavalry, and faithfully served against the rebels until mustered out with his regiment in December, 1864. The day of his muster out he was commissioned first lieutenant of the First New York light artillery, and served with this rank until the close of the internecine struggle. He took part in all the engagements of the army of the Potomac during the years he was in the service, doing duty as aid-decamp to the chief of artillery, Gen. Henry J. Hunt, and as inspector of the artillery brigade, Fifth army corps. He was brevetted captain and major for brave . and meritorious conduct at Spottsylvania Court House and Petersburg. After the close of the war he engaged in planting and in mercantile business in South Carolina, but his experience in these lines was not altogether gratifying, and he relinquished them in 1884. In 1885 he was appointed adjutant and inspector of the Central branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. He is a member of the Loyal Legion and of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a Knight of the Royal Order of the Sword, which decoration was conferred on him by the king of Sweden.

Maj. Berlin is not' only one of the most popular officers connected with the government of the home, but he numbers among his friends very many of the best citizens of Dayton.

HDAM ADELBERGER, ex-member of the Dayton city council from the Second ward, and who was a well-known butcher, residing at No. 315 and 317 Xenia avenue, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, December 31, 1848. Having received his education in his native country, he left home on June 17, 1866, and came to the United States, landing in New York and coming thence direct to Dayton, which place he reached July 22, 1866. His trade of butcher he acquired in Dayton, working for Leonard Stockert, one of the oldest butchers of the city, where he still resides. For some four years after retiring from the service of Mr. Stockert, Mr. Adelberger worked for various employers, and then engaged in business for himself. For one year he was in business on Webster street, and then removed to Mad River township; but in Ma/, 1885, he returned to Dayton and opened a place of business on Xenia avenue, where he remained until his death.

On April 28, 1870, he was married to Elizabeth Wassum, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to this country in May, 1868. To them were born ten children, five of whom, all daughters, are still living. Mr. Adelberger was, and his family are, members of St. John's German Evangelical church, of which Mr. Adelberger was a trustee at his death, and of which he had formerly served as trustee for four years. He was also a member of the Odd Fellow fraternity, A. O. U. W. and of the order of Chosen Friends, besides several other beneficiary organizations. He was elected to the council of Dayton in June, 1894, to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Kronauge, and in April, 1895, he was re-elected, his term to expire in 1897.

In 1888 Mr. Adelberger paid a visit to his native country, remaining abroad three months with his relatives and friends. There his father and mother, three brothers and one sister are still living. Mr. Adelberger was one of the successful business men of Dayton, and his judgment in business, as well as in political matters, was frequently sought.

Mr. Adelberger met with a sudden and melancholy death August 18, 1896, by being thrown from a wagon, and his untimely end was sincerely mourned by all who knew him.

OHN NEWTON ALLABACK has long been associated with the commercial and laboring interests of Dayton, and for the past ten years has been a most efficient and useful member of the police force of the city. Capt. Allaback was born in the village of West Point, Morrow county, Ohio, November 15, 1857. The removal of his parents to Dayton brought him to this city, which has been his home for twenty years or more.

to respond. He enlisted in a company that went out from Gabon early in the summer of 1861, served throughout the war, and was mustered out as captain of company K, Eighty-first regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. After the return of peace, he returned to Gabon, where he engaged in business as a contracting plasterer for several years, until his removal for a second time to this city, which has since continued to be his home. Despite his long and arduous services as a soldier, he is still active and vigorous, and carries on an extensive business.

John N. Allaback remained with his father, working with him in his business, until he had reached the age of twenty-two years. At this time he also determined to try military life, and accordingly enlisted in Cincinnati, March 26, 1879, in the cavalry service of the United States. His first assignment was to Jefferson barracks, where he made a stay of some two months, undergoing a preliminary drill and general training for the service. When thought ready for the field, he was assigned to the Second United States cavalry, troop M, with headquarters at Fort Custer, Mont. The first three years of his stay with the troopers were principally occupied in scouting and field service, many of the northwestern Indians being openly hostile. He participated in two engagements of proportions sufficient to warrant them a place in history, one on the Milk river with the Sioux, and the other on the Rosebud with the Ogallas, both battle fields being in what is now the state of Montana. The Indians were active and aggressive, and the soldiery qualities of the Second were often severely tried. But it was a gallant company of brave men, and won a great reputation as Indian fighters. And our young soldier was well to the front in every time of danger. He won promotion from the ranks by his gallant behavior, was made corporal, and at the time

Ex-Cavalryman Allaback returned to Dayton after leaving the service, and at once resumed the business he had put aside five years before. But the piecision of his habits and the strength* of his character, which he had gained from military life, were recognized, and he was called to the police department of the city, being appointed on the force June 16, 1886, and in this service he is still engaged. As a police officer he has acted in almost every capacity, and wherever he has been assigned to duty he has acquitted himself with high credit. He has followed the line of promotion; was first roundsman, then sergeant, and his commission as police captain bears date March 8, 1893. Capt. Allaback was married, on September 16, 1884, to Miss Alice Francis, a native of Dayton. Her father, Amon Francis, has been for many years one of Dayton's best millwrights. To this happy union there have been born three sons and one daughter: John Clifford, Wilbur Newton,

Helen Catherine, and an infant, deceased. Capt. Allaback is a member of the Order of Foresters, and of the Police Benevolent association. He is still a young man, but has already won an honorable place in the estimation of the community, to whose interests he has been faithful in a place of responsibility and trust.

OBERT MORRIS ALLEN, who holds the position of joint weighmaster and inspector of all railway lines centering in Dayton, is a native of this city, and was born March 30, 1847. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth (Simpson) Allen. The father came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1831, and at once located in this city, and here he lived until his death, which occurred in 1872, after he had passed his seventy-first birthday. During his youth he learned the cooper and stone-cutting trades, and after coming here he worked at the cooperage business until 1856. He was then appointed to the position of city wood measurer, and, following that, was elected to the same office, which he continued to hold until the spring of 1864. From that time on he ceased active employment. His wife was born in Dayton, and was the daughter of Moses and Eliza (Baker) Simpson. Her father and her grandfather (Aaron Baker) were early citizens of Dayton, and contributed not a little to the history of the growing town. They came from New Jersey, and found much delight in the soil and climate of southwestern Ohio. Robert and Elizabeth Allen became the parents of ten children, of whom three are now living, Robert M., and two younger sisters, of whom Sarah is the wife of William Sellman, of Dayton, and Annie resides with her brother.

Robert Morris Allen was reared in this city, attended its schools until he had reached the age of fourteen, when he felt called upon to care for himself, and began at that early age a business career that has been long and successful. His first employment was in the warehouse of Robert Chambers. Later he became a house and carriage-painter of acknowledged skill. In 1866 the railway service attracted him, and he became a brakeman on the old Dayton & Michigan railway. This position he held until 1871, when he received station work from the Atlantic & Great Western (now the N. Y. , P. & O.). He entered the revenue service of the United States in September, 1885, and was first appointed as deputy collector in the Sixth Ohio district, making his headquarters at Dayton until the consolidation of this district and the First. He was then stationed at Cincinnati, where he remained for two years. He then came back to this city to take charge of the position of stamp deputy. This place Mr. Allen held until a change of national administration called for his resignation from the service, to give office to a republican. The railway officials were quick to recognize the value of his ready and accurate mind, and he was offered the the chief clerkship in the Dayton car service bureau. This he accepted and held until 1892, when this bureau was consolidated with a similar organization at Cincinnati. Mr. Allen was then put in charge of the weighing and inspection of all lines at Dayton, and here he is now engaged. He is also secretary of the Freight Agents' association and of the Dayton freight committee.

As a citizen Mr. Allen has been both active and public spirited. He was first elected to the board of education in 1873, and, with the exception of three years, has held a continuous membership to the present time. For three years he was president of the board, and has always exerted great influence in the educational affairs of the city. He was president of the board at the time the plans for the city library were perfected, and was instrumental in obtaining the consent of the city council to the location of the library building in the city park. He was on the board of education until about the time of the completion of the library, when the legislature passed a law creating a board of library trustees. Of this board he was made a member, with much unanimity of feeling, as a deserved tribute to a hard worker in the cause of public education. He was afterward returned to the board of education, and continues in both bodies. Mr. Allen is much engaged in fraternity work, and is a member of several of the leading brotherhoods of the city. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Honor, a member of the Order of Elks, and of the Chosen Friends, and is much esteemed in all these relations.

AMES M. ALLAN, infirmary director of Dayton and superintendent of the W. P. Levis & Co. paper-mill, was born in Dayton, February 20, 1856, and is a son of John and Jessie (Cooper) Allan, natives of Kirkintilloch, Scotland.

John Allan, the father, came to the United States in 1848, and at once settled in Dayton, Ohio, where he found work at his trade in the old McGregor paper-mill. He was a man of fine education, and for some years taught school in Montgomery county. In 1851 Miss Jessie Cooper came to America and was married to Mr. Allan in the same year. She died in 1874, a member of the Presbyterian church, and on February 15, 1896, her husband, who was an attendant of the same church, also passed away in the seventy-second year of his age. Of their six children, four are still living, viz: Jennet, the wife of Samuel

James M. Allan attended the public schools of his native city until eleven years of age. On March 4, 1867, he was employed by the paper-making firm of W. P. Levis & Co., learned the trade, and by this firm he has ever since been retained, reaching his present responsible position, by well-merited promotions, in September, 1892. At the April election of 1896 he was elected, on the republican ticket, director of the city infirmary of Dayton, an office also of great responsibility, and which he has filled to the approval of the public and with credit to himself.

November 21, 1879, Mr. Allan was happily married to Miss Annie M. Shiftier, daughter of William and Elizabeth Shiftier, old residents of Dayton. To this union have been born four children - Charles E., William E., Jessie E., and Mabel E. In their religious connection Mrs. Allan and her eldest son are members of the Lutheran church, while Mr. Allan is a Presbyterian.

IUS P. ALTHOFF, senior member of the well known firm of P. P. Althoff & Son, coal dealers of Dayton, Ohio, was born in Emmittsburg, Md., December 8, 1821, of German parentage. Until 1847 he worked at farming and lumbering in his native state. In 1849 he came overland by teams to Ohio and since that date has been a resident of Montgomery county. After moving to Dayton he engaged in contracting, and building the narrow-gauge railroad, and was an excavating contractor for many years. In 1884 he engaged in the coal trade at Dayton, which was discontinued during the absence of his son, Henry F., in the west, and resumed on his return.

Mr. Althoff married, in Maryland, April 26, 1846, Miss Kate Welty, a resident of Maryland but a native of Karlsruhe, Germany, born June 20, 1821. To this union were born eleven children, nine of whom are still living, viz: Mary, Henry F., Carrie, George, Kate, Charles, Emma, Rose and Lillie, - all married, excepting Henry F., Carrie and Kate; the two deceased were named Harry and Willie. Mary is the wife of Redmond P. Sage, and lives in Dayton; George is a resident of Butte, Mont.; Henry F. and Charles are in Dayton; Rose is married to Frank Saxteller, also of Dayton; Lillie, now Mrs. Arnold Greiner, resides in Miamisburg, Ohio.

Although not a pioneer, Pius P. Althoff was an early settler in Montgomery county and came here a poor man. Of the sixteen companions who accompanied him over the National pike in 1849 but four are now living, while he and his wife have lived to celebrate their golden wedding, at which festival twentyfour children and grandchildren were present. Although now a solid citizen, the first year's experience in Montgomery county was, nevertheless, discouraging - the prospect being only for hard work and poor compensation, while, to add to the troubles of Mr. and Mrs. Althoff, a child sickened and died, and serious thoughts were entertained of going back to Maryland. But Mr. Althoff had a strong will and an industrious disposition, and after working on the railroad, as already mentioned, he began to buy wood in the timber and to haul it to town for the difference in price, which was very small; then worked on a farm for a year, saved his earnings and moved to Dayton. He next traded for a farm, on which the family lived for three years. He then exchanged his farm for city property, and engaged in contract work, as noted, and thus, by steady and persistent effort, he wrought out success and ultimate propensity.

Mr. Althoff was reared in the faith of the Catholic church, and is to-day a devoted member of the Sacred Heart congregation of Dayton, of which his wife and children are also members. He is, beside, a director of the Calvary cemetery. In politics he has been a life-long democrat, but has never been an office-seeker.

The parents of Pius P. Althoff were Henry and Catherine (Diffendall) Althoff, natives of Germany, but who died in Maryland, aged respectively seventy-two and sixty-three years. They were the parents of nine children, viz: John, now over eighty years of age and a resident of Houston, Tex. ; Ann, widow of Dr. Flatt, and residing in Reedsburg, Wis. ; Henry, a plasterer, who died in Hagerstown, Md., in his twenty-first year; Pius P. ; Francis, a painter by trade, who died of a fever in Alton, 111., where he was engaged in the grocery business; Ambrose, a retired mechanic, who lives near the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains, in

Frederick county, Md. ; Aloysius, who is a mechanic of Dayton; and Felix, also of Dayton, who is a painter and decorator, and another deceased.

Henry F. Althoff, son of Pius P. Althoff, was born in Liberty, Ohio, August 29, 1850, and was educated in the district school. Until 1882 he worked with his father and lived at home; then went west, but shortly afterward returned. March 17, 1884, he went to Montana, worked at silver mining in the Parrott and Anaconda mines, then went to Idaho and worked in the Bunker Hill and Tiger mines; was for two years a cowboy, and in 1892 returned with his savings and engaged in business with his father, handling coal, wood, lime, cement, etc., and doing a prosperous trade. He is still unmarried and resides with his parents at No. 226 South Warren street, Dayton. In politics he is a democrat.

OSEPH W. ALLISON, manufacturer of wood and metal patterns and models, at the corner of Third and Canal streets, Dayton, Ohio, was born in Shelby county June 4, 1836, and is a son of James C. and Jane (Graham) Allison, natives of Pennsylvania, and doubtless of^ Scotch- Irish descent.

James C. Allison was in early life a shoemaker, but later became a teamster, and in 1853 came to Dayton with his family, and here his wife died in 1878, at the age of seventy-six years, and he in 1885, at the advanced age of eighty-six years - both having lived in the faith of the New Light church. They were the parents of nine children, of whom three are now living in Dayton, one in Cincinnati, Ohio, and one in Carlisle, Ohio.

learned the trade of carriage making, at which he worked until his enlistment in October, 1861, in company G, Fourteenth Missouri volunteer infantry, in which he gallantly served until honorably discharged, in July, 1862, on account of disability. By advice of his physicians he then relinquished carriage making and devoted his attention to pattern making, in which business he began, in a small way, in Dayton, but has made an increasing and deserved success. He is an expert, and employs none but the bes t artists as his assistants, and has thus achieved a reputation second to that of no other designer in the state. In 1893 he associated his son with himself in the business, and assumed for the firm the style of the Allison Pattern works, under which name it has since greatly prospered. Mr. Allison is also a director in the West Side Building & Loan assocciation, and is a member of the Hiram Strong post, No. 79, G. A. R. Politically he is a republican, and has served two terms in the Dayton city council, being for one year its president.

The marriage of Mr. Allison took place May 12, 1859, with Miss Isabella Kiler, a native of Dayton and a daughter of Daniel W. Kiler. This union was blessed with three children, viz: Charles L., now a patternmaker, with Stilwell, Bierce & Co., and married to Cora Romaine; Daniel K. , who is his father's partner in business and is married to Miss May E. Bryce, daughter of S. T. Bryce; Russell W. , patternmaker, in the employ of the Buckeye Iron & Brass works, and married to Miss Jennie Atchison, The mother of this family became somewhat frail in health in 1 893-94, and was taken by her husband on a tour through the west, and passed several months in California, Mexico, etc., but in May, 1895, she died in Dayton, a member of the Disciples' church, of which, for thirty years, Mr. Allison has also been an active member.

Daniel K. Allison, second son of Joseph W. and Isabella (Kiler) Allison, and now associated with his father in business, received his preliminary education in the public schools, and later attended Bethany college; he then read law with Hon. Samuel Craighead, was admitted to practice March 1 8 , 1888, but followed his profession for twelve months only, preferring to devote his attention to mechanical industries.

Joseph W. Allison is one of Dayton's reliable business men and has always kept in view the material progress of the city, contributing freely to all projects designed for the promotion of the public good. He was for ten years at the head of the pattern department of the Dayton Malleable Iron works and one year with the Farmers' Friend Manufacturing company.

OHN AMAN, a prominent citizen of Dayton, was born in Koenigheim, in the grand duchy of Baden, German, October 16, 1 836, and is a son of Frank and Sophia Aman, both natives of Germany. Emigrating to the United States the family landed at Baltimore, Md., October 4, 1852, going from there to Washington, D. C., where they located permanently, and where Frank Aman followed his trade, that of tailor, until the time of his death, which occurred in 1855. Mrs. Aman died there in 1865, and both are buried in Washington. They were the parents of four children, as follows: Andrew, now a resident of Hyattsville, Prince George's county, Md., and who has been in the railroad service for more than forty years; Martin, who was accidently shot at Wabash, Ind., in 1861, died from the effects of the wound and is buried in Dayton; John, the subject of this

John Aman received most of his education in his native town in Baden, but attended night school during one winter in Dayton. While in Washington he learned the cabinetmaker's trade, working for one employer for five consecutive years. In 1857 he removed to Dayton, and there entered the service of the Dutton Agricultural works, and after six months' employment in connection with this firm, became an employe of the Barney & Smith Manufacturing company. In 1858 he went to Richmond, Ind., where during the summer of that year he worked at house carpentering. In December, 1858, he was married to Mary Goellner, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, the marriage taking place in Dayton. After spending the succeeding winter in Richmond he returned to Dayton and resumed his position in the car works of Barney & Smith, remaining with them until November, 1881, and having been foreman during the last nine years of his service there.

In 1882 he purchased a lot on the corner of Johnston and Perrine streets, and built his present place of business, where he has ever since carried on business as a retail grocer. Politically Mr. Aman has always been a strong democrat and as such has been both active and prominent in city politics for many years. In 1867 he was elected to the city council from the Sixth ward, and served two years. In 1870 he was elected to the board of education from the Eleventh ward, the boundaries having been so changed as to throw his residence into this ward. In 1872 he was reelected to that office for a second term of two years. In 1882 he was elected assessor of the Eleventh ward, serving one year. In 1885 he was elected from the Seventh ward to the city board of education, and was twice re-elected, thus serving six years consecutively at this time, or ten years in all. In 1890 he was elected infirmary director and was re-elected in 1893. In all of these offices Mr. Aman has proved himself efficient and alive to duty, laboring for the good of those whom he represented, rather for his own aggrandizement.

To the marriage of Mr. Aman and his wife there have been born eight children, as follows: Annie, wife of Joseph Unger, of Dayton; Carrie, wife of Dennis J. Madden, of Dayton; Louisa, widow of William Roney; John, Jr., cornice worker of Dayton; Emma, wife of William Staffen, of Dayton; Josephine, wife of Eugene Chapin, of Dayton; William, an employee of the National Cash Register company, of Dayton, and Charles, also with the Cash Register company. Mr. Aman is a member of Humboldt lodge, No. 58, Knights of Pythias, and of Dayton lodge, A. O. U. W. He was one of the charter members of the Baden society of Dayton, and in all of these societies is not only in good standing but is a man of usefulness and influence. He was secretary of the Miami, the Union and the Montgomery Building & Loan Associations, all of which have now gone out of existence through the terms of their organization.

ILLIAM J. AMBROSE is the manager for the C. F. Adams company, of Dayton, dealers, on the installment plan, in household goods. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, May 11, 1852, and is a son of William M. and Susan (McCandless) Ambrose.

William M. Ambrose was born in Berks county, Pa., of German descent, and although reared on a farm, was in his early manhood engaged in merchant-tailoring and in mercantile business. He first married Susan McCandless, who became the mother of five children, viz: William J. ; Flora, wife of C. A. Meek, of Davenport, Iowa; Walter, deceased; Charles, a traveling salesman for the Simmons Hardware company, of Saint Louis, Mo., and residing in Lincoln, Neb.; and Edward C. , a traveling salesman of Oakland, Cal. The mother of these children was called away in 1861, at the early age of twenty-seven years, and the father, who is now farming east of Urbana, was again married, and became by this second union the father of three children, viz: Nettie, Judson W. and one that died unnamed.

William J. Ambrose, after passing through the public schools, for two terms attended the Swedenborg college at Urbana. At the age of seventeen years he began learning the carpenter's trade, and came to Dayton in 1871, when he accepted a position as salesman for the C. F. Adams company, and for six months acted as such in the Dayton store; he was then sent to Springfield, Ohio, as manager of the company's establishment in that city, where he was so efficient that the company, at the end of six months, recalled him to Dayton, which afforded a broader field for the exercise of his superior executive ability, and in his present position he has ever since been employed, widening and broadening the trade of the Adams company from year to year. Mr. Ambrose now employs in the Dayton establishment from fifteen to twenty salespeople.

In politics Mr. Ambrose is a republican. I11 fraternal matters he united with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1774, has passed all the chairs of the subordinate lodge, is a member of the Gem City encampment, was one of the charter members of the Gem City lodge, and is, beside, secretary of the Montgomery County Aid association of I. O. O. F. He is a charter member of Crown council, No. 35, Junior O. U. A. M., also of Mayflower council, No. 33, O. U. A. M.

Mr. Ambrose was married December 4, 1874, to Miss Elnicia G. Fitch, a native of Newberry, Ohio, and to this union have been born three children, Annabel, Bernice V. and Estella G. The eldest daughter, Annabel, is an accomplished vocalist, and is now the leading soprano in Saint Paul's Methodist church, is a member of the Philharmonic society, and also of the East End Choral society. The family are all members of Saint Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Ambrose being a class leader and superintendent of the Sundayschool, and taking an active part in both church and Sunday-school work.

EV. CHARLES S. KEMPER, D. D., chaplain of Central Branch National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, at Dayton, Ohio, was born in Wallhausen, Prussia, July 6, 1851, a son of John and Catherine Kemper, the former of whom died in Prussia and the latter is now a resident of Dayton, in her eighty-fourth year.

At the age of eight years Charles S. Kemper was brought to America by his mother, passed two years in school in Philadelphia, Pa., and at ten years of age was brought to Dayton. At thirteen years he went Bardstown, Ky., and passed two years in Saint Thomas' college ; from there he went to Mount Saint Mary's seminary, in Cincinnati, where he remained for five years. He then went to Europe and studied theology three years at Innspruck, Austrian Tyrol, following this with one year's study in the German-PIungarian college in Rome, Italy, where he received the degree of doctor of divinity. In September, 1875, Dr. Kemper returned to America, and for two years was instructor in classics at Mount Saint Mary's, Cincinnati, and then took charge of the parish at Greenville, Ohio. In May, 1880, he was appointed Catholic chaplain of the

Central branch, as noted above, where his duties are similar to those in parish work, except that there is greater demand for his presence with the sick and dying.

Father Kemper has been a priest of vast usefulness among the soldiers of the Central Branch, and is honored and revered by all with whom he comes in contact, regardless of religious faith. Of the 5,000 or more inmates of the home nearly one-third are of Catholic creed, and their spiritual care is found to be no easy task.

Father Kemper has two brothers and three sisters, all in America. Of these, Philip A. Kemper is a wholesale merchant and importer, of Dayton ; Jacob is a merchant in Philadelphia ; one of the sisters is wedded to a Mr. Rotterman, and the remaining two are still unmarried.

aHARLES ANDERTON, Sr., sheriff of Montgomery county, and a wellknown and honored citizen of Dayton, was born in this city on October 1 1, 1844, and is the son of James and Frances (Wilbey) Anderton. The parents were natives of England, and came to the United States early in life. They were among the old and well-known people of Dayton. The death of the father occurred in 1850, and that of the mother in 1890. Sheriff Anderton obtained his education in the Dayton public schools, and early entered upon the practical duties of life, beginning as a clerk in a city store. In April, 1862, he began business for himself by opening a fruit store in Dayton, but in August of the same year he enlisted in company A, Ninety-third Ohio volunteer regiment, with which he served until May 17, 1865, when he was mustered out of the service by general order of the war department. At the battle of Missionary Ridge he was wounded, and at

Dandridge, Term., he was again wounded, on January 17, 1864. Returning to his home in Dayton, after having been honorably discharged from the service, Mr. Anderton bought a news stand located in the old Post Office building, then at the corner of Third and Jefferson streets, now occupied by the Third National Bank, and continued in business until 1893. In November, 1894, he received the nomination for sheriff of Montgomery county at the hands of the republican party, and was elected by a handsome majority, and in 1896 he was re-nominated and re-elected by an increased majority, being the first republican sheriff who has succeeded himself in Montgomery county since i860. For five years Sheriff Anderton served as a member of the city board of equalization. For years he has been an active and prominent member of the republican party, and served during one campaign as chairman of the county central committee. Mr. Anderton is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., G. A. R., Union Veteran Legion, Legion of Honor, and the A. E. O. He was married in April, 1867, to Miss Lucy Henderson, who was born in Dayton, and is a daughter of -the late Ebenezer Henderson, once sheriff of Montgomery county. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderton two children have been born, only one of whom - Charles, Jr. - is still living. The one deceased was Emma, who died in May, 1891, aged nineteen years.

Harles Forsman Anderson

HARLES FORSMAN ANDERSON is to be classified as one of the representative business men of the city of Dayton, being a member of the photographic firm of Anderson & Hartshorn. He is an artist of much technical skill and discriminating taste, having made a thorough and systematic study of photography in all its branches.

A son of Benjamin Dickey Anderson and Sarah (Forsman) Anderson, our subject was born in Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, on the 16th of June, 1855, tracing his lineage through Scotch, Irish and English strains. The father also was a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Adams county. He became well known throughout the state as a breeder and driver of fine standard-bred track horses, and was a man of inflexible honor and marked individuality. He was an active member of the United Presbyterian church of Xenia, and for many years acted as chorister of the same. He was possessed of exceptional musical ability, and in his early manhood had devoted his attention for some time to the teaching of vocal music. He lived a long and useful life, secure in the esteem and confidence of his fellow-men, and his death occurred in 1883, at which time he had attained the venerable age of seventy-one years. He had been twice married, and the one child of the first union is now deceased. By his marriage to Sarah Forsman he became the father of four children: James W. , who is a traveling salesman, living in Dayton; Charles F. ; Ella, the wife of Charles Bigelow, of Boston, Mass; and Carrie, wife of Henry Henderson, of Los Angeles, Cal.