USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. II, Pt. 1 > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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
The times having become self-supporting, in 1890 a stock company was formed and Mrs. Storey turned her entire interest over to William Watts Taylor, who became present of the concern. The quarters on Eastern ave- nue were outgrown, and in 1890 the company determined to erect quarters which should both externally and internally be suitable for the high purpose for which Rookwood was founded. \ site on' Mount Adams was secured. overlooking both the river and the city, and an imposing building was erected. The grounds were laid out with a view to the cultivation of the flowers used in the decoration of the pottery. The kilns are unexcelled in construction, . admitting of the use of crude oil, vaporated by air pressure, making a gaseous flame and an equally distributed heat. A view of the Rookwood Pottery is
.
189
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
shown on another page of this work. In regard to the quality of the output of Rookwood, it may be said to be the perfection of the art, ranking with that of Europe and Japan. In an effort to attain a higher art, rather than cheaper processes, the pottery is managed on lines opposite to the prevailing factory system. Mechanical repetition is avoided. Each piece is a freshi and independent rendering of its motive. 'Of course no printing patterns are ever used. The artists employed were educated for the purpose in the Cin- cinnati Art Academy, with one exception, the well known Shiriyamadani. a native of Japan. Several artists of the plant, including Albert R. Valentien and Artus Van Briggle, studied in Europe, as did the analytical chemist, Stanley G. Burt. Joseph Bailey, who comes from a family of potters in Tunstall, Staffordshire, England, was superintendent of Rookwood until his death in 1898. The clay used is mainly found in the Ohio Valley, and in- cludes a variety from Buena Vista, Hanging Rock, a white or cream colored clay from Missouri, and many others, all of American origin. The com- pany is managed by 15 shareholders, who are able and willing to uphold Rookwood in its best purposes without regard to pecuniary benefit. The officers are William Watts Taylor, president and treasurer; J. H. Gest, vice- president ; and Albert G. Clark, secretary.
GEORGE A. FACKLER, M. D.
GEORGE A. FACKLER, M. D., whose prominence among the physicians and surgeons of Cincinnati has long been recognized both by the profession and the public, was born in this city May 6, 1861, and is a son of John E. and Bertha ( Mathes) Fackler.
John E. Fackler came to America from Germany in 1847 and was well known to the citizens of Cincinnati on account of his preminence in the grocery business. His death occurred October 19, 1888.
Dr. Fackler received his education in the public schools of Cincinnati and was graduated from the Woodward High School in 1878, immediately after entering the Medical College of Ohio, where he was graduated in 1881. Dr. Fackler has been successfully engaged in practice ever since, and during these years has taken advantage of all opportunities for close and scientific study. A visit to Europe in 1893 gave him a chance to visit London's great
.
190
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
hospitals, the Pharmacological Institute at Strasburg, Germany, and to in- vestigate into the wonderful researches of the medical scientists of Berlin. Upon his return to Cincinnati he opened his second office at No. 93 West Eighth street, later removing to his present most desirable and well ap- pointed office at No. 108 Garfield avenue.
Dr. Fackler has held many prominent and responsible positions in the leading medical institutions of this city. For six years he served as secretary of the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine, of which he is a valued member, and its able president during 1892-93; in 1885 he was appointed assistant in materia medica and therapeutics at the Medical College of Ohio, an office he resigned in 1891 in order to accept the same position in the Woman's Medical College of Cincinnati, in the same year being elected dean. On January I, 1893, he accepted the chair of materia medica in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, where he was also clinical instructor in diseases of the chest for two years. He has been a member of the medical staff of the Cincinnati Hospital since 1895 and president of this staff since 1900. He is a member of the American Medical Association and his lectures and writings are gladly welcomed by his brothers of the profession.
Dr. Fackler was married January 2, 1884, to Amelia Von Seggern, who is a daughter of Christopher and Lousia (Wagner) Von Seggern, the for- mer being a prominent citizen of Cincinnati, whose sketch appears in this volume. Dr. Fackler occupies most desirable apartments in the Parkside Flats, where he and his family enjoy a pleasant home, ever hospitably open to their large circle of warm personal friends.
HENRY RUSSELL PROBASCO.
HENRY RUSSELL PROBASCO, a prominent lawyer and well known citizen of Cincinnati, Ohio, was born in this city, May 12, 1856, and is a son of William B. and Mary Jane ( Russell) Probasco, both of whom were of Revo- lutionary descent.
William Boswell Probasco, father of our subject, was born July 6, 1824. at Lebanon, Ohio, where he received his educational training in the public schools. He prepared himself for the legal profession and after his admission to the bar began practice in his native town, attaining considerable prominence.
.
191
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
In 1852 he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he formed a partnership with William M. Ramsey, under the firm name of Probasco & Ramsey, one of the strongest legal combinations then existing in the city. They acquired a large clientage and continued together until the death of Mr. Probasco, at Lebanon, July 31, 1864, after a short illness. He was a broad and liberal minded man, taking a deep interest in public affairs and politics, although but once did he run for an office; in 1857 he was nominated by the Republicans as candidate for city solicitor of Cincinnati on the first Republican ticket-under the title of the "American Reform Ticket"-ever nominated in Cincinnati. Mr. Probasco was a brother of Judge John Probasco, who was a partner of Hon. Thomas Corwin, and brother-in-law of Gen. Durbin Ward and Hon. Zebulon Baird, the latter of Lafayette, Indiana. He was married February 22, 1849, to Mary Jane Russell, of Lebanon.
Henry R. Probasco, after receiving a liberal preliminary education, entered upon the study of the law, having as preceptors Hon. Stanley Matthews and Hon. William M. Ramsey. He was admitted to the bar in Cincinnati when 21 years of age, and immediately thereafter entered upon an active and successful practice. He became actively interested in politics as a Republican and has held a high rank in party councils and been honored with a number of official positions. His practice has been almost exclusively in connection with large and important interests. He is now attorney of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway Company and counsel for the C. H. & D. Traction Company, the Miami & Erie Canal Association, the Cincinnati Brew- ers' Protective Association, the Brewers' Protective Association of Cincinnati, Covington & Newport, and was corporation counsel for Glendale. He was Gen. Nelson A. Miles' counsel in what is recorded as the "Bad Beef Investigation" He was attorney for the defense in the famous Huldeman-Richardson murder case, and secured the acquittal of his client, Huldeman. He was counsel for Frederick S. Chase, father of Moses Fowler Chase, in the contest that extended over five years, for the control of the former's insane son from his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Duhme, of Cincinnati, which contest ended in the appointment of the father as guardian.
During the investigation of the political frauds of 1884, 1885 and 1886 lie was associated with Senator Foraker and Governor Noyes in behalf of the Republicans, and had much to do with the reform of election practices in
11
192
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
Cincinnati and the construction of the present election laws. He organized the committee to fight political fraud that was known as the "Committee of One Hundred." In connection with his services in weeding out election frauds and in prosecuting the offenders, E. O. Eshelby, in a letter introduc- ing Mr. Probasco as a candidate for United States district attorney, said, among other things: "To him, more than any other citizen of this county, are the Republicans indebted for the exposure and prosecution of election frands ;" and Gen. C. H. Grosvenor, in the same connection and in the same behalf, said of him: "He rendered as much valuable service to the Republican party, in my judgment, in Hamilton County, as any man now living."
Mr. Probasco has from time to time been an organizer and member of political and social organizations and clubs, and has taken an active interest in public enterprises. He was a charter member of the Young Men's Blaine Club, and was the chairman of the committee on permanent organization, and the first vice-president.
On June 28, 1877, Mr. Probasco was joined in marriage with Minnie Sherman Moulton, a daughter of Col. C. W. Moulton of the Cincinnati bar, and a niece of Gen. W. T. Sherman and Senator John Sherman. To them have been born two sons: Charles Moulton and William Ramsey, the latter of whom is a member of the law firm of Probasco & Probasco.
HUGH F. KEMPER.
HUGH F. KEMPER, whose death occurred August 4, 1887, belonged to. that body of men whose high standards of business and civic life laid the foundations of Cincinnati's present prosperity. Mr. Kemper was born on Walnut Hills, February 18, 1824, and was the eldest child of David R. and Sarah Hall (Fulton) Kemper, and a grandson of Rev. James Kemper, who was the first Presbyterian divine to settle west of the Alleghany Mountains.
Rev. James Kemper settled in Cincinnati in 1790 and purchased of John Cleves Symmes 140 acres of land, extending from about what is now McMil- lan street on the north to Morris street on the south, and from Gilbert avenue on the west to South Elm street on the east. He settled on this land in 1800, building a block-house to protect himself and family from the Indians. In 1805 he built a residence of walnut logs, on the west side of Kemper lane,
t
.
-
1
Louis Youdisable.
195
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
nearly opposite the entrance to Windsor street. His children settled on farms near their father and his son David R. purchased 100 acres adjoining on the east. It was in this home that our subject was born.
Mr. Kemper attended the old Woodward High School, and began his business life as a commission merchant on Water street. Later he became the senior partner in the firm of Kemper Brothers, wholesale dealers in car- riage goods and trimmings, this connection lasting from 1860 until the date of his death. His whole business career was marked with integrity and he filled every commercial demand to the satisfaction of the public as well as of his associates. Mr. Kemper was called upon to fill many positions of trust and responsibility and never failed to prove liis efficiency. He was a member of the Board of Improvements of Cincinnati in the days when that board served without compensation, and was one of the trustees of Lane Theo- logical Seminary. He was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church on Walnut Hills and was a large contributor to the fund raised for the erection of the new church structure, which was built under his supervision. Sim- plicity and generosity were the prominent traits in Mr. Kemper's character and few realized into how many benevolent channels his wealth flowed.
· In 1853 Mr. Kemper was married to Mary Jane Miller, who was born at New Lexington, Ohio, and whose death preceded his own by two years. Six children were born to this union, namely : Willis M., a leading attorney of Cincinnati, who married Emily F. Runyan, now deceased; David R., who married Harriet M. Tucker, a daughter of Johnson M. Tucker; Frank H., also a prominent attorney of this city, the president of the first Board of Legislation of Cincinnati, who married Elizabeth Oliver Perkins, daughter of Henry A. Perkins of Cincinnati; and Hugh F. and Howard W., who are engaged in mining in Arizona.
LOUIS HUDEPOHL.
LOUIS HUDEPOIIL, deceased, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was president of The Hudepohl Brewing Company and was widely known as one of Cincinnati's largest brewers. He was born in Cherry alley, now known as Commerce street, Cincinnati, July 20, 1842, and was a son of Louis Hudepolil, Sr., who was an extensive wholesale liquor dealer in Cincinnati at an early day.
.
.
196
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
Mr. Hudepohl received a good home training and attended St. Paul's Parochial School, after which he became an apprentice to the surgical instru- ment trade, under Drs. S. N. and N. C. Daniels. He followed this business until 1866, when he entered the wholesale whiskey business, forming a part- nership with the late George H. Kotte. In 1885 our subject and his partner sold their whiskey business and purchased the Koehler Brewery, which is now known as the Buckeye Brewery. George H. Kotte died in 1893, and his widow continued in the partnership until her death in 1899. After the settle- ment of Mrs. Kotte's estate, Mr. Hudepohl organized The Hudepohl Brewing Company, of which he was president until his death, which occurred April 27, 1902, since which time the business has been conducted by Mrs. Hudepohl, who is president of the company. 1
Mr. Hudepohl was one of the most popular German residents of the city. He was very fond of music and a good singer, and in 1861 organized the Hudepohl Combination and Saengerrunde, one of the best known German singing societies of this city, which has been in existence ever since and has attained prominence. He was a member of the board of directors of the Golden Jubilee Saengerfest in 1899, a member of the board of directors of St. Aloysius German Orphan Society, and a member of the Catholic Knights of America, the Deutsche Schuetzen Gesellschaft, the Plattdeutsche Vogelscheiten Gesellschup, the Golden Jubilee Mutual Aid Association and the Brewers' Exchange.
On October 30, 1866, Mr. Hudepohl was united in marriage with Eliza- beth Weyer, a daughter of Bernard H. Weyer, who was a member of one of Cincinnati's most prominent German families. To this union were born six children, five of whom survive, namely : Mamie, wife of John - Schilderink ; Louise, wife of Henry J. Hamberg; Amelia, wife of Anthony L. Schroer ; Cecilia J .; and Cora M., wife of William A. Pohl. Cecilia J. resides with her mother in the comfortable family home on Cleinview avenue, Walnut Hills. The family are members of the Catholic Church.
ABRAHAM HOFFHEIMER.
ABRAHAM HOFFHEIMER was born February 25, 1830, and died in Cincinnati, July 7, 1901, after having spent 55 years in this city,
197
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
where he arrived at the age of 17 years. So thoroughly identified with Amer- ican institutions and principles did he become that his sentiments were wholly American. He was a man of stern integrity, and his business life was one of honor and uprightness. He was noted for an enormous business capacity. Few men were better adapted for the various phases of a commercial life than he. His energy was unbounded and with a keen mind he looked far into the future, and the intricate business problems which sometimes pre- sented themselves in his important transactions were successfully mastered. He was noted for his kind and genial manner, and thereby acquired and retained many friends. He was liberal and generous, was always charitable to the poor, and thus lightened the burdens of many. He took a deep interest in anything pertaining to the good of his former home. Few men, if any, had a larger circle of friends, and his death was lamented by scores of people beyond his own family circle. Few, if any, more enterprising or progressive citizens has Cincinnati had in the last half century. He took a keen interest in the Chamber of Commerce, and was ever an active and faithful member of that institution. The place he occupied will be hard to fill, but his good, kindly and generous deeds will long be remembered.
Mr. Hoffheimer was a quick thinker, was always ready to act, and was never borne down by discouragement. At any gathering of business men for deliberation, his word and advice had weight; he spoke to the point, and his suggestions were generally observed. He was identified with the leading charities, in which he took an unusual pride, and was connected with many important enterprises. His death was the end of a long period of suffering, in which he bore up bravely.
Abraham Hoffheimer was one of a family of nine children. He was born in Germany and there secured all his school education. ·
In association with his brothers, Solomon and Max, Mr. Hoffheimer engaged in a distilling business in Cincinnati at an early date, and together they built up the well known business house of Hoffheimer Brothers, dis- tillers, re-distillers and extensive wholesale liquor merchants of Cincinnati, and Louisville, Kentucky. Max Hoffheimer died in 1888 and Solomon in 1891. After the death of these two brothers, the entire management of the business devolved upon Abraham Hoffheimer until 1901, when the firm of Hoffheimer Brothers was incorporated under the style of The Hoffheimer Brothers Company, of which he was president up to the time of his death.
!
198
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
The reputation of this firm is second to none in the United States. The sons of Abraham and Solomon Hoffheimer are now the chief officers and directors of the company.
The subject of this sketch left a widow and seven children, of whom Clarence A., Samuel A. and Herbert A. are connected with The Hoffheimer Brothers Company. Abraham Hoffheimer was identified with the Jewish faith, and affiliated with the Masons, Odd Fellows and B'nai B'rith. The Chamber of Commerce was deprived of a valuable member, and the city of Cincinnati lost a good citizen, in the death of Mr. Hoffheimer, and his family and those who knew him well mourn the loss of one whom they will ever hold in loving remembrance.
RABBI ISAAC M. WISE.
RABBI ISAAC M. WISE, who was called to eternal rest in 1900, shortly before the 81st anniversary of his birth, was truly the "Light of Modern Israel," and will long live in the memory of his people, the work he performed during a long and useful career forming an important part in the church history. For nearly a half century he had charge of the Bene Yeshurun Con- gregation of Cincinnati, and was the head of the great Jewish weekly, The American Israelite. Judaism in the United States was indeed plunged into darkness, gloom and sorrow by the passing away of this distinguished divine. He was the great luminary, by the light of whose bright rays the Jews of the United States have found their way out of the darkness of mediaval superstitions, mysticism and ceremonialism, in which they had been aimlessly wandering for centuries. A brief sketch of this most interesting life came from the pen of a grandson, Attorney Max B. May, and appeared in the New York Times, which is owned by Dr. Wise's son-in-law, Adolph Ochis, on his birthday in 1898. It follows :
"The year 1819 is renowned as the birth year of many eminent persons, among whom the most noteworthy are Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, George Eliot, John Ruskin, James Russell Lowell, Charles Kingsley and Elias Howe. On April 3rd of that year Isaac Mayer Wise was born at Steingrub, Bohemia. Ilis father was a teacher and gave his son religious instruction ; his grand- father, with whom he spent some time, was a physician who had studied at
:
.
199
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Padua. Early in life he was ambitious for knowledge, and as soon as he was able he attended the University of Prague, of which he is to-day ( 1898) the oldest living graduate.
"After leaving the University he settled in Radnitz, Bohemia, where he became a rabbi-a teacher in Israel. Here he married Theresa Bloch. During these years all Europe was in turmoil, and there seemed to be no future for a young Jew of liberal and progressive ideas. The young rabbi, who was the contemporary of all the distinguished German and Austrian Jewish literati, realizing that the problems of Judaism could not be solved in any monarchical country, and having acquired a knowledge of English by reading the Bible, Shakespeare, 'The Federal Farmer' and the novels of. J. Fenimore Cooper, emigrated with his family to America, and arrived at New York, July 26, 1846.
"At the time of the arrival of young Dr. Wise in America, Judaism was in a chaotic state; there were many congregations scattered over the land, mostly ultra orthodox, but many of the worshipers were beginning to tire of the strict laws which the legalism of the Talmud imposed, and were grad- ually drifting away from Judaism and its institutions. There were, how- ever, reform congregations at Charleston, South Carolina ; Baltimore, Mary- land; and New York, and able men like Rev. Dr. Isaac Lesser, of Philadelphia, and Dr. Max Lilienthal, of New York, were doing good work in educational matters, but they were not yet prepared for reform.
"Dr. Wise, before his departure from Europe, had already formu- lated a plan for the reform of Judaism. The young enthusiast was welcomed by Dr. Lilienthal, and was appointed as his representative at the dedication of synagogues at New Haven, Connecticut, and Syracuse, New York. En route to Syracuse he stopped at Albany to officiate there, and was elected rabbi of the Beth-El Congregation of that city. In his inaugural sermon he set forth his plan of reform, which may be briefly stated as follows: 'Religion is intended to make man happy, good, just, active, charitable and intelligent, and whatever tends to this end must be retained or introduced, and what- ever opposes this must be abolished.'
"In those days this was indeed a startling and radical programme; it was a declaration of war against the meaningless formalism of Talmudical Judaism. At Albany he opened a school in which English, as well as Ger- man and Hebrew, was taught for the purpose of Americanizing Jews. He
200
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
at once began his congregational reforms by introducing a choir composed of men and women. This innovation paved the way for liturgical changes, the most important of which was the excision of the conventional prayers for the restoration of David, the coming of a personal Messiah, and the returning of Israel to Palestine. Notwithstanding the fierce protests raised on all sides, the young rabbi kept steadily on, working 15 to 18 hours a day, spending much time at the State Library at Albany, where he soon became a familiar figure.
"Being in ill health in 1850, he went to Charleston, South Carolina, and was present at a public debate between a reform and orthodox rabbi. On being asked by the orthodox minister whether he believed in the coming of a Messiah and the resurrection of the body, he unhesitatingly answered : 'No; the Talmud is no authority for me in the matter of doctrine.' The proceed- ings of this debate were published in the East, and the Albany reformer was denounced as a heretic. On Rosh Hoshhorah (New Year) the president of his congregation assaulted hin in the pulpit, and a disgraceful scene fol- fowed. On the following day the abused rabbi's friends seceded, and a re- form congregation, called Anshe Emeth, was organized. Within a year a new temple, with an organ and family pews, was built.
"In 1853 Dr. Wise received a call from Bene Yeshurun Congregation of Cincinnati, which he accepted on condition only of being elected unanimously for life and at a salary that would make him independent. The conditions were promptly accepted. Early in 1854 appeared Dr. Wise's 'History of the Israelite Nation,' in which was set forth in English the first rational definition of Judaism, its history, its origin and its aims. The book was denounced im- mediately by orthodox Jew and Christian alike, and so rancorous were thie criticisms that Dr. Wise offered to release the Cincinnati congregation from its contract. The latter refused the offer and urged the rabbi to come to them as soon as possible.
"Accordingly on April 26, 1854, Dr. Wise arrived at Cincinnati, and from that day Cincinnati has been the center of Jewish learning in America and the Mecca for all Jewish reformers. Dr Wise immediately set to work to carry out his cherished ideas, conceived many years before in Bohemia. In July, 1854, he issued the first number of The Israelite, now The American Israelite, with the motto, 'Let there be light,' a weekly publication which he still edits, and which is the champion not only of American Israel but of
1 -
-
:
201
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.