USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. II, Pt. 2 > Part 1
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
ic 77.102 :49gr 1.2,pt.2 1963887
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
2
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02481 0670
JEN
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CENTENNIAL
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
.
BY ..
CHARLES THEODORE GREVE, A. B., LL. B.
"History is Philosophy Teaching by Examples."
V. 2, Pt. 2
VOL. II.
PUBLISHED BY BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY. GEO, RICHMOND, PRES .; C. R. ARNOLD, SEC'Y AND TREAS. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.
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was married, May 3, 1892, to Mary F. Veerkamp, whose father was a promi- nent manufacturer of the city, and to this union were born two children : Edward B., born May 28, 1893; and Mary Beatrice, who died in infancy. Ada Kate Loughead, the only surviving daughter of our subject, is living in Cincinnati with her mother. Charles Wilber Loughead, the only surviving son of our subject, is one of the prominent business men of Cincinnati. He was born November 13, 1867, and received his educational training in the public schools and Nelson's Business College. He went west in 1893, but in 1900 returned to his native city and established the dyeing and French dry cleaning business conducted by C. W. Loughead & Company, maintaining stores at No. 717 Race street, and Nos. 104-106 Court street. On November 20, 1890, he was married to Jeanette Bromley, a daughter of Robert Brom- ley, and they have one son, Wilber, born November 15, 1891.
ROBERT F. LEAMAN. 1963887
To have lived so useful and eminent a life as to call forth both public and private commendation, is surely an example worthy of emulation. In recalling the valued citizens of Cincinnati who have attained this meed of praise, the name of the late Robert F. Leaman presents itself. A loyal sol- dier in the time of the country's need, a business man of the highest integrity, a promoter of all those things which go to the enlightenment and education of the masses, a sincere friend, delightful companion and a devoted husband and father,-such was the subject of this record.
Robert F. Leaman was born December 3, 1841, in Bucks County, Penn- sylvania, and was a son of Robert Fulton Leaman, who removed to Mont- gomery County, Ohio, when Robert was still quite young. He attended the academy at New Carlisle, Ohio, and later a high school in Dayton, Ohio, and also entered upon the reading of the law in that city. The outbreak of the Civil War interrupting his studies, with loyal enthusiasm he offered his services to his country, joining the 13Ist Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served through the war as orderly sergeant of the color company. At the close of the war, he entered the employ and later became a partner in the great firm of Sargent, Wilson & Hinkle, and at a later date became a member of the firm of Van Antwerp, Bragg & Company, the largest school-book publishing house
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in the United States. He was particularly fitted for this line of business, being a man of literary tastes and acquirements, and in its legitimate opera- tion he amassed a large fortune. Although a man of business, keen, alert and ready to meet competition, he was deeply interested in other matters and contributed generously of time and means to literary, charitable and social organizations. For many years Mr. Leaman thus represented the best citizen- ship of Cincinnati and is entitled to a place among the builders of its com- mercial and social prominence. He was president of the Young Men's Mer- cantile Library Association; was one of the organizers of the Country Club; a valued member of the Literary Club of Cincinnati; and one of the direc- tors of the Queen City Club.
On April 15, 1875, Mr. Leaman was married to Kate Phillips, a daugh- ter of Thomas and Sarah (Samson) Phillips, the former a prominent iron merchant of Cincinnati. Four children were born to this union, of whom three are now living, as follows : Katherine, Thomas P. and Nellie P. Katherine Leaman married William G. Kittredg, son of Edward Kittredg, and they live at Cole's Ferry, Charlotte County, Virginia, where they own and operate a plantation ; they have three children,-Virginia, Robert Leaman and Mar- garet Gray. Thomas P. Leaman, who is president of The Columbia Foun- dry, of Cincinnati, married Annabel Bragg, daughter of Charles and Ella (Spence) Bragg. Charles Bragg was a member of the school-book publish- ing house of Van Antwerp, Bragg & Company. Miss Nellie P. Leaman resides with her mother at the family residence, No. 425 Oak street, Cincin- nati.
L. H. GRATIGNY, M. D.
L. H. GRATIGNY, M. D., one of the most prominent physicians of Cin- cinnati, passed out of life at his home, No. 2525 Essex place, on March 7, 1902, after an illness of but five days, the immediate cause of death being congestion of the brain and cerebral hemorrhage. Dr. Gratigny was born in 1840, and was a son of Louis Gratigny. He received careful preparation . for both the dental and medical professions, and was graduated from Star- ling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio.
In the Civil War Dr. Gratigny entered the Union Army as assistant surgeon, and was assigned to the First Ohio Brigade. His skill soon re-
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sulted in his promotion to surgeon in charge of the brigade, with the rank of major, and on March 25, 1865, he was appointed chief operating sur- geon of the brigade. After the war, Dr. Gratigny resided until his death in Cincinnati where he was well and widely known, both personally and pro- fessionally.
Dr. Gratigny was married at Louisa, Kentucky, March 26, 1866, to DeQuinn Shannon, who came of good old Southern stock. They are sur- vived by four children, as follows: Mrs. Harry Archey; Mrs. George Saw- yer ; Ralph, a chemist living in New York City; and Raleigh, who at pres- ent resides in California. A brother of our subject, Thaddeus Gratigny, lives in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Gratigny was a Mason, being a member of Cincin- nati Commandery, No. 3, Knights Templar.
W. W. GRANGER.
W. W. GRANGER, president of the Chamber of Commerce, ranks among the most prominent business men of Cincinnati, as he is interested in numer- ous enterprises. Mr. Granger, who is manager of the Union Grain & Hay Company, was elected councilman from the Second Ward in 1897, and hav- ing taken care of the interests of his constituents in a most creditable manner he was reelected in 1900 with a great majority. He is one of the directors of the Market National Bank and member and, at present, president of the Chamber of Commerce. At one time he was also president of the Grain, Hay & Flour Dealers' Association and treasurer of Cincinnati Lodge, No. 5, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His office is at the foot of Race street.
WILLIAM C. BILES.
WILLIAM C. BILES, who is at the head of the well known commission firm of William C. Biles & Company, is a substantial citizen of Cincinnati, and is held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens.
Mr. Biles was born at Quincy, Florida, October 26, 1857, and is a son of Alexander and Hannah J. (Kingsbury) Biles. His father was born in
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his mother in Lancaster, South Carolina, Our subject has been engaged in business in Cincinnati for a period of 20 years, and gradually worked up to his present high position in the business world.
On June 21, 1888, William C. Biles was united in marriage with Hannah Mary Webb, a daughter of John and Mary (Kingsworth) Webb. Her father was born at Frome, Somerset, England, and was 20 years of age when he accompanied his parents to the United States. Here he engaged in the wholesale and retail millinery business, and has grown to be one of the best known business citizens of Cincinnati. He is a man of charitable im- pulses, and through his many kindly acts has endeared himself to all who know him. Mrs. Biles is one of five children born to her parents, as follows: John B., who is engaged in the millinery business in New York City; Henry Storrs, who is at the head of the electrical department of the International Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Mrs. J. W. Sims, of Brooklyn, New York; Mrs. Charles E. Sorin, of Cincinnati; and Hannah Mary, wife of our subject.
Mr. Biles is a prominent member of the Cincinnati Chamber of Com- merce; and has always evinced a deep interest in the welfare and develop- ment of the city. He is a Mason and a member of Cincinnati Commandery, No. 3, Knights Templar.
JOHN C. MEYER, D. V. M.
JOHN C. MEYER, D. V. M., died in this city January 16, 1899. Dr. Meyer was born September 13, 1824, in Canton Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and was left an orphan at the age of 11 years. His early education was ob- tained in Zurich and his veterinary schooling in Zurich, Stuttgart and Vienna, graduating from the college of this branch of medical science in the last named city, in 1846.
Five years later, Dr. Meyer came to the United States and began the practice of his profession at Reading, Pennsylvania, later going to Trenton, New Jersey. In 1859 he located in Cincinnati, being the pioneer veterinary surgeon in this city. His knowledge of his science was complete and during a long and successful practice, he was called upon for many operations of
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a dangerous and delicate nature. His advice and services were often re- quested by owners of valuable animals and his success was so constant that he became noted all over the State.
In 1893 Dr. Meyer retired from active business. He was an honored member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Ohio Veter- inary Association, the Deutscher Literarischer Klub, the Deutscher Pionier Verein of Cincinnati and several benevolent associations. Dr. Meyer was survived by a widow and four daughters, and one son, J. C., Jr., who con- tinues the business.
SAMUEL W. SMITH.
SAMUEL W. SMITH, for a number of years the senior partner in the business house of S. W. Smith & Company, of Cincinnati, and one of the city's pioneer business men, died at his home, on Gilbert avenue, November 29, 1897. He was born in Barrington, Bristol County, Rhode Island, Jan- uary 24, 1816, and was a son of Samuel and Lucy ( Armington) Smith, the former of whom died when his son was 10 years old.
At that early age there fell upon the lad the support of his mother, who was left with a family of six children, and hence his educational opportunities were limited. He worked faithfully on the neighboring farms until he was 16, and then decided to find a new field. At that time, Cin- cinnati was in its infancy, but it was to this point the youth's travels were directed. Embarking at Providence, in October, 1832, he went by water to Philadelphia, thence to Pittsburg, and then down the river to Cincinnati. He was strong and willing and soon found employment in a boat store on Front street, this deciding his future career. After remaining there for six years, he engaged in a flat-boat business for himself, and in 1840 re- moved his business to its later location, No. 29 Water street, at the same time entering upon a partnership with Richard G. Hunting. The business continued to enjoy great prosperity and in 1874 Mr. Smith retired, the possessor of ample means. He had watched the city, almost from its business beginnings, become a great commercial center, and took the deepest interest in its wonderful development.
In 1845 Mr. Smith was married to Mary Caroline Woolley, daughter of
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John and Lydia Woolley. At her death she left five children, viz. : Rev. Will- iam A., who died in Seattle, Washington, in 1890; Edward W., of Kansas City; Lucy A .; Lydia D .; and Hon. Samuel W., judge of the Common Pleas Court of Hamilton County, Ohio, who was elected in the fall of 1896, and reelected in the fall of 1901.
Mr. Smith avoided the arena of politics, but he was identified with many of the leading business enterprises of the city and served on many boards of directors. He was a faithful member of the Cincinnati Chamber of Com- merce, and was highly valued there, having been interested in it from the date of its organization, and frequently serving as one of its directors. He voted with the Republican party. Mr. Smith was a man whose personality made him a leading man in whatever circle he entered, and as he possessed sterling traits of character and a kind and charitable nature, he was both respected and beloved. With other pioneers, his memory will long be kept green.
ROLLA L. THOMAS, M. S., M. D.
ROLLA L. THOMAS; M. S., M. D., president of the National Eclectic Medical Association, who fills the chair of the principles and practice of medi- cine in the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, and is one of the associ- ate editors of the Eclectic Medical Journal, is one of the leading exponents of the Eclectic medical school. He was born August 17, 1857, at Harrison, Hamilton County, Ohio, and is a son of Dr. Milton and Susan J. Thomas, the former of whom was a very eminent physican and medical instructor.
Dr. Thomas completed the common and high school courses at Harrison, and in the fall of 1874 entered De Pauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana, where he was graduated four years later; and three years later received the degree of Master of Science. After leaving the University, Dr. Thomas immediately entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, and in June, 1880, received the degree of M. D. He returned to his native place and engaged in the practice of his profession until November 14, 1887, when he removed to Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, where he still resides, occupying beautifully appointed offices at No. 792 East McMillan street.
On January 27, 1887, Dr. Thomas delivered his first lecture as adjunct
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professor of the principles and practice of medicine, an effort that immedi- ately brought him into local prominence. In 1894 he was placed at the head of this important branch of the Institute's work, and this chair he still admirably fills. In addition to his lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute, he fills many appointments at other institutions and also attends to a large private practice. Dr. Thomas is well known to the medical world through his pen. He is one of the associate editors of that ably conducted paper, the Eclectic Medical Journal, and his late work, "The Practice of Medicine," has brought him approval from both the medical and the literary worlds. He is a prominent member of the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Society, the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Association, and the National Eclectic Medical Asso- ciation, of which he is at this writing president, being active and useful in all these organizations.
Dr. Thomas was married in July, 1880, to Sallie B. Cook, and has a beautiful home on Walnut Hills. For many years he has taken an active part in the Methodist Church and is a leading factor of the Sunday-school. Dr. Thomas is a man of genial nature and engaging personality and easily wins confidence and esteem.
WILLIAM J. MUNSTER.
WILLIAM J. MUNSTER, one of the well known business citizens of Cin- cinnati, who as public accountant has been identified with many public and private concerns, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, November 19, 1850, and is a son of Herman J. and Christine (Garrell) Munster. Our subject's parents were both born in Hanover, Germany, and after coming to America resided at St. Louis, Missouri, where the father of our subject was engaged in busi- ness as a builder and contractor. He died in 1861, having previously lost his wife.
William J. Munster was afforded a university training, graduating at the St. Louis University, in 1867. He then perfected himself in shorthand and for a number of years was stenographer for the Life Association of America. From 1871 to 1875 he served as chief clerk of the Board of Re- vision of Army Tactics, under General Schofield, and then came to Cin- cinnati in the capacity of bookkeeper for the Cincinnati Coffin Company, later
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becoming its secretary and sales manager. In 1884 he embarked in business as a public accountant, his work embracing the investigation of accounts both public and private. After his scrutiny of the books of the City In- firmary Board and the Board of Public Works, reorganizations of both bodies took place. He has also audited and examined the books of the State, city and county offices and of many of the leading business houses. It was Mr. Munster who originated the system of accounts and vouchers which is now in general use, both in this and in many other municipalities. On June I, 1893, Mr. Munster entered into partnership with Allen W. Dunning, formerly auditor and treasurer of the Cleveland, Akron & Columbus Railroad. Mr. Munster has won the deserved confidence of the business world and enjoys a position of supremacy in his chosen profession.
Mr. Munster is a stockholder, director and secretary of The Julian & Kohenge Company, manufacturers of shoes, and also of The Overman & Schrader Cordage Company, both of which are among the largest manufac- turing concerns in this vicinity.
Mr. Munster was married on March 16, 1872, to Catherine Layman, and a family of six children have been born to them, namely: Clara, Edwin, Oliver, Bessie, Howard and Garrell. The family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHARLES B. WILBY.
CHARLES B. WILBY, a member of the Hamilton County bar and formerly a member of the law firm of Wilby & Wald, has offices in the Blymyer Build- ing in Cincinnati and practices in all the courts. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 8, 1849, and is a son of Joseph H. and Mary (Hinman) Wilby. His father was a prominent business man of the city, the founder of the firm of Rawson, Wilby & Company, which was well known from 1850 to 1866.
Charles B. Wilby received his early education in private schools, in Chickering Institute, and as a student under Professor Bliss. He then attended Harvard University from which he was graduated in 1870. He entered upon the study of the law and in 1872 was graduated from the Cin- cinnati Law School, having received instruction under such distinguished
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men as Hon. Aaron Fyfe Perry, who was then a member of the firm of Perry & Jenney. After his graduation, Mr. Wilby taught school for two years, and also read law under the direction of Judge J. B. Walker and the firm of Sage & Hinkle. In September, 1876, he formed a law partnership with Gustavus H. Wald, a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. The firm of Wilby & Wald continued until the death of Mr. Wald in the summer of 1902, since which time our subject has practiced alone. The success he has attained is a matter of record, and the Supreme Court Reports of Ohio reveal his connection with many of the important cases tried in Cincinnati.
On June 3, 1879, Mr. Wilby was married to Harriet E. Mitchell, the daughter of that great lawyer, Thomas G. Mitchell, and the granddaughter of Judge Charles D. Coffin. Four children have blessed this union, namely : Mitchell, Martha Coffin, Joseph Clark and Mary Hinman. Mr. Wilby is a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, the Harvard Club of Cincin- nati, the Cincinnati Civil Service Reform Association, the Literary Club of Cincinnati, Council of Reform League, National Civil Service Reform Asso- ciation, New England Free Trade League, and a member of the executive committee of the American Anti-Imperialist League. For many years he has been a member of the board of directors of the Fresh Air Society, and for 25 years a member of the board of trustees of The Associated Charities of Cin- cinnati. Politically, Mr. Wilby is independent,-a Free Trader, a Lincoln Republican and an Anti-Imperialist.
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JONATHAN D. HEARNE.
JONATHAN D. HEARNE, president of the Third National Bank of Cin- cinnati, whose business achievements and solid services to the Queen City have for many years made his name an honored one, occupies a leading posi- tion among the city's financiers. Mr. Hearne was born August 7, 1829, in Bourbon County, Kentucky, and is the third child of Cannon and Sallie (Owen) Hearne, and a grandson of Clement Hearne, who was a worthy rep- resentative of a distinguished family of the State of Delaware. Clement Hearne was married in Delaware to Keziah Cannon and together they journeyed, in 1795, into the wilds of Kentucky. He accumulated land near
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the present town of Leesburg and died there in 1851. His son, Cannon Hearne, was born in 1798 in Kentucky, where he became a prominent and influential man. His death took place in 1839 when his son Jonathan was IO years of age, his widow surviving but a short time.
Left an orphan at this early period of his life, Jonathan Hearne was soon thrown entirely upon his own resources. He grew to young man- hood with the advantages that come to the farmer boy in the way of physical development, while his ambition led him to use his earnings to provide for himself mental stimulus such as a common country school course could not give. Varying farm duties with clerking in a country store, he reached the age of 17, and then apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade. In 1849 Mr. Hearne became chief salesman for the leading merchant of North · Middletown, Kentucky, and the ability he displayed so attracted the approval of several of his relatives that they assisted him in the purchase of the stock of his employer. In a remarkably short time the young man had justified their faith in him by becoming the leading tradesman in the neighborhood, although still lacking some time of his majority. In 1857 he removed his business to Paris, in Bourbon County, where he successfully engaged in business until the outbreak of the Civil War disturbed the whole business and social fabric of the country.
. This was indeed a crucial period in the life of Mr. Hearne, but the same calm judgment which he had heretofore displayed in the management of his personal and business affairs came to his aid now and enabled him, with the eye of patriotism, to see and follow the right path. In association with his friend, Hon. Garrett Davis, he took speedy and decisive steps to prove loyalty to the government, and assumed an attitude which gave courage and support where it was needed and thus contributed in saving his State from secession. Through the dark days which followed, he gave unwaver- ing support to the Union cause. During 1861-62 Mr. Hearne retired from business, removing to Covington, Kentucky, where he still resides in one of the beautiful old homes of that city and where he and his family have long been most highly valued.
In Covington Mr. Hearne entered into a shoe business and later engaged in shoe manufacturing in Cincinnati, an enterprise which prospered and be- came an important industry of this city. In 1870 he was elected president of the branch at Covington of the Farmers' Bank of Kentucky, a position he
HON. OTTO PFLEGER.
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later resigned, when he organized the City National Bank of Covington, a large and important financial institution. Mr. Hearne also accepted the pres- idency of the Cincinnati & Newport Iron & Pipe Company, a concern which furnishes cast-iron water and gas pipes to the largest cities of the West. In January, 1882, Mr. Hearne resigned the presidency of the City National Bank and also that of the Cincinnati & Newport Iron & Pipe Company and assumed the duties of president of the Third National Bank of Cincinnati. which position he has capably and becomingly filled ever since. This insti- tution was organized in 1863, with a capital of $300,000, which, in 1871, after the purchase of the Ohio Valley Bank, was increased to $800,000. Shortly after Mr. Hearne accepted the presidency of this bank, it was en- tirely reorganized, with a capital of $1,600,000, and a surplus of $160,000.
In March, 1852, Mr. Hearne was united in marriage with Emily Duke Meyers, who is a daughter of Isaac and Caroline Meyers of Garrard County, Kentucky. Both Mr. Hearne and wife have long been prominent members of the Methodist Church of Covington. While his social life and family in- terests have centered in the old city of Covington, Mr. Hearne's business interests have been confined for many years to Cincinnati. For a long period he has been a valued member of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, and an important factor in the city's commercial development. Prominent alike in the business and social life of these sections of two States, Mr. Hearne is widely known and enjoys the acquaintance and close friendship of the leading citizens of both communities.
HON. OTTO PFLEGER.
· HON. OTTO PFLEGER, judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Hamil- ton County, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born in Cincin- nati, April 20, 1861, and is a son of John M. and Josephine ( Emmert) Pfleger. His father, now deceased, founded the first German library of the city. His mother was a sister of the late Dr. F. L. Emmert.
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