USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. II, Pt. 1 > Part 19
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Colonel Arnold was married in 1879 to Elizabeth M. Jones, who is a daughter of Col. Thomas L. Jones, who served the Sixth Congressional Dis- trict of Kentucky three times in Congress, and a granddaughter of Col. James Taylor, son of Gen. James Taylor. His son, Brent Arnold. Jr., was gradu- ated at Yale University in 1903.
RICHARD HENRY STONE.
RICHARD HENRY STONE, a lawyer of prominence and a well known citi- zen of Cincinnati, was born August 29. 1822, at Charlestown. Jefferson County, Virginia (now West Virginia ). He is a son of the late Richard I .. and Sarah ( Ainsworth) Stone. His father, who was of English descent. was a native of Virginia ; he came to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1832 and lived here until his death.
Richard H. Stone received a common school education, after which he read law with Judge Nathaniel C. Reed, and later with Messrs. Morris and Rairden, attorneys of Cincinnati. He attended the Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated in 1844 and was admitted to the bar the same year. He has been associated in practice with several well known attorneys, among them being Judge R. B. Warden, C. D. Champlin and R. H. Stone. Jr., but during the greater part of his professional life he has been engaged in practice alone, as he is to-day. He is a Democrat in politics, and was a
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member of the first Ohio Legislature under the present Constitution, 1852-53. He was clerk of the courts in Hamilton County from February, 1858, to Feb- ruary, 1861. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
On November 26, 1846, Mr. Stone was united in marriage with Saralı W. Landrum, a daughter of Francis Landrum, a Methodist minister of Augusta, Kentucky, whose family after his death moved to Cincinnati. They have three sons and a daughter living, namely : Richard H., Jr., an attorney- at-law, who is retired from practice; George W., who is practicing law in Cincinnati; O. W., formerly an employee of the Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific Railway Company in this city, but later engaged with the American Cotton Oil Company, with headquarters in New York City, and now with the Robert B. Brown Oil Company, of St. Louis, Missouri; and Fanny M. Those deceased are: Frances L. and Cora. Mr. Stone resides with his family in Clifton. The family are members of the Methodist Church.
COL. PETER RUDOLPH NEFF.
The name of this prominent citizen of Cincinnati brings to mind one who for many years was known to the business world as a member of the great hardware firm of Peter Neff & Sons, and also one who has through a long period of years been identified with many of the leading organizations of the city. Colonel Neff was born June 19, 1832, in Baltimore, Maryland. and is a grandson of Rudolph Neff, who emigrated from Switzerland to America in 1749, and a son of Peter and Isabella (Freeman) (Lamson) Neff. Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was Freeman, died in March, 1844.
In 1835, the father of Colonel Neff moved to Cincinnati, where with his brothers, John, Rudolph, William and George, he founded the hardware house of Neff Brothers. This partnership continued until 1848, at which time there was a change, and from then until 1871 the business was conducted under the style of Peter Neff & Sons, our subject being then taken in as his father's partner. He had been well prepared by careful education to fill so important a position, although it was in accordance with his mother's wishi that he gave up a professional life, in order to be so closely associated with his father.
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Our subject very early displayed unusual mental power, and was but 10 years of age when he applied for admission to Woodward High School, where he spent two years under the eminent Dr. Joseph Ray. After a period of attendance at the Cincinnati College, he was given private tutors in many branches, some of whom later became very distinguished in their lines. In mathematics he was instructed by Charles E. Matthews; in Greek by George C. Lindley ; in Latin, by Thomas S. Milligan, while his teachers in French, elocution, music and drawing were no less eminent. Thus equipped, it is not a matter of surprise that Peter Rudolph Neff, when released from busi- ness cares, should have developed so many characteristics which have contributed to the lasting benefit of Cincinnati.
In 1878, with Col. George Ward Nichols, Reuben R. Springer and others, he became one of the founders of the College of Music of Cincin- nati, and, accepting no compensation, consented to be its first treasurer. At the death of Colonel Nichols, he was chosen the latter's successor as presi- dent. In 1883, he was chosen one of the trustees to administer the Wood- ward Fund. In 1885, he was elected one of the trustees of the Union Board of Cincinnati High Schools; for two years he was a member of the com- mission for the inspection of the charitable and correctional institutions of Hamilton County ; for 25 years he has been one of the managers of the Cin- cinnati Relief Fund and its vice-president for five years ; was president of The Associated Charities of Cincinnati; president of the Philharmonic Or- chestra ; and connected with the May Festival. He was an active mem- ber of the Committee of Public Safety, Tax Payers' League and Citizens Committee during the different periods of their existence. When the Mili- tary Committee of Hamilton County was organized, he was appointed its secretary by Governor Dennison and continued in that capacity until the close of the Civil War.
On May 5, 1850, Colonel Neff united with the Second Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati and in the following August was made superintendent of the German Mission Sunday-school, which, under his guidance, became a religious power in the city, attracting an attendance of Goo pupils. In 1870, with others he organized a mission which had an average attendance of 440 pupils for 10 years. In 1883 he decided to organize a Presbyterian Church on Price Hill, leased a hall for three years, invited 21 persons, in- cluding members of his own family, to meet at his residence, and on No-
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vember 1, 1883, was founded the Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was elected and installed a ruling elder and its first service was held No- vember 11, 1883. Colonel Neff was also one of the founders of the Home Missionary Society of the Second Presbyterian Church, and one of the early members of the Society for Religious Inquiry which developed into the Young Men's Christian Association. He has filled almost every office of this society, was an advocate for the purchase of its present property and has always been an active supporter. For three years he was a trustee of Lane Theological Seminary, vice-president and a member of its executive com- mittee.
In the early part of 1901, Colonel Neff established the Grandview Sani- tarium, which is located on North Price Hill and is especially equipped for the care of cases of mental and nervous diseases, and of the alcohol and drug habits. ' The main building is a beautiful stone mansion with extra large rooms and high ceilings, which was formerly the homestead of Colonel Neff. At the time it was converted into a sanitarium, he erected an addition to it of brick for the special care of patients. The sanitarium consists of 26 rooms and is now accommodating 15 patients. Colonel Neff is business manager and the patients are treated under the direction of Dr. Brooks F. Beebe, resident medical superintendent. This institution employs the most skillful nurses, and the surroundings are all that could be desired. The grounds comprise a beautiful tract of wood and lawn extending from Glen- way avenue on the south nearly to Lehman road i the north, and stretch- ing along the brow of the hill, overlooking the entire city. From this plateau may be had also a complete cycloramic view of Price Hill, Westwood, Mount Airy, College Hill, Clifton, Clifton Heights, Mount Auburn, Walnut Hills, Eden Park, Mount Adams, Kentucky Heights, the tower at Fort Thomas. Newport, Covington, Ludlow and its lagoon, and the great Queen City itself. lying below and encircled by these picturesque hill tops. As a sanitarium it is well deserving of the liberal patronage it is receiving from the citizens of Cincinnati and vicinity.
On June 30, 1853. Colonel Neff was married to Caroline Margaretta Burnet, who died August 6, 1864, leaving a family of five children. A sec- ond marriage was contracted on June 19, 1867, with Josephine C. Burnet. both wives being granddaughters of Judge Jacob Burnet. Seven children were born to the second union.
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JOHN GOETZ, JR.
Among the leading citizens of Cincinnati the late John Goetz, Jr., whose portrait accompanies this sketch, long occupied a prominent position, being identified with a number of the city's public spirited movements and social organizations. During a long life of unusual business and public activity, he won to him many admirers and personal friends on account of admirable qualities, while the bar of Cincinnati, of which he was a member, and the business men generally, entertained for him the highest esteem.
He was born January 28, 1855, and was a son of John and Rosina F. Goetz. A liberal education was secured in the schools of his native city, and his legal studies resulted in his graduation from the Cincinnati Law School in 1876. His ability as a practitioner was soon recognized in Cin- cinnati, and he received the appointment of assistant city solicitor, under Judge Clement Bates, in which capacity he served with distinction for two years. Upon resuming his general practice he was soon retained as the legal ad- viser of one of the largest brewing companies of the world, The Christian Moerlein Brewing Company, of Cincinnati, and soon after became its vice- president, continuing in that responsible position until his death, January 23, 1899. Mr. Goetz was appointed by Mayor Amor Smith, Jr., a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners in 1888 for a term of five years ; he had served but three years of the term when the change in the city charter occurred, whereupon the Mayor immediately appointed him a member of the new board for a term of four years, and in 1895 he was reappointed to the same position by Mayor Caldwell; he served for two terms as president of the board. Mr. Goetz served in a number of other public and semi-public posi- tions with great efficiency. For two terms he was president of the board of directors of the Lincoln Club; in 1888 he was a member of the Exposition Committee; and he served one term as president of the Board of Trade. Mr. Goetz also belonged to the Blaine Club; the Elm Street Club; and the Cham- ber of Commerce. He was a Mason of high standing, having attained the 32nd degree, and being a Knight Templar and Mystic Shriner. He was also a mem- ber of the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias, and of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks.
In October, 1881, Mr. Goetz was united in' marriage with Lizzie Moer- lein, daughter of Christian Moerlein, founder of The Christian Moerlein
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Brewing Company. The children born to this union were: Christian J., Emma R., George W., who died March 25, 1892; and Robert A. The family residence is located at No. 151 McMillan street. The family has long been prominent in the German Lutheran Church. In every way Mr. Goetz was an admirable citizen, generous, public spirited, proud of his city and anxious to promote her interests, while at the same time he was one who commanded the respect and affection of those who knew him in private life.
HON. HENRY MACK.
Among those citizens of Cincinnati who will long be recalled with feelings of esteem is the late Henry Mack, whose death occurred December 23, 1896. He liad rounded out a useful life of 76 years, during which time, by his ability, honesty and loyalty, he had contributed to the prominence and advancement of this city and State. He was born in Demmelsdorf, Bavaria, and obtained his education in the schools of his native land.
It was in 1841 that Henry Mack, in the early days of his majority, came to Cincinnati and soon assumed responsibilities and entered into business connections which long made him a factor in the business world of this city. For many years he was the senior member of the firm of Mack Brothers, which was later reorganized as Mack, Stadler & Company, a commercial house of great importance. In 1859 he was elected to the City Council and continued a useful member of that body until 1862. It was Mr. Mack who introduced a bill granting the franchise for the first city railway, an impor- tant step in Cincinnati's onward march. No less notable were his efforts in the other lines of improvement, and it was mainly through his energy that the city made its first move in the direction of a substantial sewer system. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Governor Tod appointed him a member of the military commission and a reappointment by Governor Brough con- firmed him in the office, where he faithfully served until the close of the war. Defeated for the Senate in 1869, he was elected by the Republican party in 1887, and was chairman of the committee on corporations. In 1876 he was appointed by the Superior Court a trustee of the Cincinnati Southern road. Every progressive movement found favor in his eyes and he was particularly
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interested in the public schools and served on the Board of Education for 14 years, being the chairman of the committee having charge of the building of the Public Library.
Mr. Mack was prominently identified with Jewish affairs in the city and was one of the most generous dispensers of charity. He founded the Talmud Yelodin Institute, which at that time was acknowledged to be the best primary school in the city. For 50 years he was a member of the Plum Street Temple, was a member of its board of trustees, its secretary and for two terms its president. He was chairman of the Lodge Street Synagogue and he laid the corner-stone of the Plum Street Temple, to which he was always liberal. Other connections were: President of District Grand Lodge, No. 2, Independent Order of B'nai B'rith; President of the Mutual Endow- ment Association; for years treasurer of the Covenant Endowment and one of the board of trustees of Covenant Hall. Mr. Mack always took a deep in- terest in the Hebrew Union College and was president of its first board of governors. His life was one of honor and integrity and he left to his family that gift above all riches,-an unsullied name.
On September 15, 1846, he was united in marriage with Rosalie Mack, a lady of most estimable characteristics, a leader in charitable and benevolent work, who with seven children survived him.
Mr. Mack's funeral obsequies were attended by representatives of the many organizations of which he was a valued member, viz. : German Pioneer Association; Mount Carmel Lodge, No. 20, I. O. B. B .; Lafayette Lodge, No. 81, F. & A. M .; Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3. I. O. O. F .; and Gibuluni Grand Lodge of Perfection.
EMANUEL MARKS.
EMANUEL MARKS, one of the most prominent and wealthy Hebrew merchants of Cincinnati, died at his beautiful residence, No. 3305 Reading road, Avondale, April 17, 1901. Mr. Marks was born in Forbach, France, February 20, 1834, and was a son of the late Joseph Marks, of Cincinnati. Of the five children born to the late Joseph Marks, but one survives, Henry Marks, of this city.
Emanuel Marks became a resident of Cincinnati in 1849, soon after obtaining a clerical position in a wholesale clothing store. His business
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ability combined with other qualifications secured him a partnership in the clothing firm of Leon, Marks & Company, the firm name being changed at a later date to Marks & Sons. Mr. Marks retired from the firm some ten years ago.
On September 10, 1860, Mr. Marks was married to Fannie Bamberger, the ceremony being performed by the late Rabbi Isaac M. Wise. Mrs. Marks belongs to one of the prominent families of the city. She and nine children survive Mr. Marks: Harry and Louis D., of Cincinnati; Mrs. Alexander Hyman and Mrs. Meyer Shane, of Kansas City; Mrs. Morris Joseph, of Chicago; and Mrs. Louis Moore, Mrs. S. Block, Mrs. I. Newton Trager, and Leah, of Cincinnati. One son, Joseph E., died in this city on June 24, 1897, and left a widow and one child-Clarence Joseph.
Mr. Marks was popular in business life and a valued member of numer- ous charitable and social organizations. He was one of the governors of the Hebrew Union College, a member of the B'nai B'rith and a Mason. Mr. Marks left a large estate and the family is one of social prominence.
JOHN F. WILTSEE.
JOHN F. WILTSEE, whose entire business life was spent in Cincinnati, where be became a man of large means and one of the city's most highly es- teemed citizens, passed out of life on March 29, 1899, at the age of 76 years. He was born at Camden, New Jersey, June 15, 1823, and was one of a family of nine children born to Thomas and Catherine ( Pharo) Wilt- see.
He was two years of age when taken by his parents to the city of Cin- cinnati, where his father engaged in teaming and the livery business on Sixth street, between Plum and Elm streets. Our subject was, educated in the public schools of the Queen City, and here his social and business in- terests were always centered. He was one of the first to operate a bus line in the city (Fourth and Vine streets to Seventh street to Freeman avenue to Court street and return) at a time when cars were unknown to Cincin- nati, and rented stables from Jesse Grant, father of Gen. U. S. Grant. He learned the undertaking business under the direction of Mr. Rust, who was the first and foremost undertaker in those days, the latter's office being at
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Plum and Longworth streets. He started for himself in a small way, but by energy and enterprise established a business which was not excelled in the city, the total number of burials performed by him exceeding 12,000. He was a useful member of the Cincinnati, Newport and Covington Under- takers' Protective Association, and served on several important committees. In 1866 he was chairman of the committee of the Ohio & Mississippi Rail- road, when they laid their first tracks in Cincinnati. He was also chairman during the same year of the Fire Alarm Telegraph, which is now in use, having been purchased from the Gamewell Company, of Baltimore, Mary- land. The business established by him is now conducted by his only sur- viving son, George A. Wiltsee, at No. 435 West Sixth street.
On October 24, 1845, Mr. Wiltsee was united in marriage with Susan Lyon, a daughter of Moses Lyon, who was born in Cincinnati on Walnut street, below Fourth, in 1794, and was a son of James Lyon. Mrs. Wiltsee was born in Cincinnati, in her father's home on Main street, May 14, 1827. But one child of this union, George A. Wiltsee, survives. Mr. Wiltsee was a man of public spirit and was identified with all public measures of im- provement, and with pleasure watched the growth of his adopted city. He was colonel of the 2nd O. V. M., which was organized to defend the city against the threatened raid of Gen. Kirby Smith in 1863. Owing to sterling traits of character, he enjoyed public esteem, and his death brought regret to many who sincerely missed his genial presence. He had fraternal mem- bership with Cynthia Lodge, No. 155, F. & A. M .; Hanselmann Com- mandery, No. 16, K. T .; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He became a member of the Methodist Church when seven years of age, and was active in church work until his death. Politically, he was a member of the Republican party.
E. W. CUNNINGHAM.
E. W. CUNNINGHAM, deceased. In glancing over a life that has been profitably spent, one that has made the best use of the faculties which God has given to man, many lessons may be learned and taken to heart and an example set that it would be wise for the rising generation to follow. Great men appear npon the horizon of human existence, perform the duties assigned
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to them and go the way of all flesh; but while the mortal remains may vanish from the sight of loving eyes, and leave a void within the hearts that remain to mourn, the deeds accomplished can never perish and the memory will ever cherish fond recollections of the kindly spirit that has passed to its eternal reward.
Our subject, E. W. Cunningham, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in September, 1812, and received his early education in the common schools. When a young man, he engaged in the river traffic, in which capacity he remained for some years, meeting with great success. He later engaged in Cincinnati in the wholesale grocery business, the style of the firm being Messick & Company. In 1860 he engaged in the pork packing and meat curing business as a member of the firm of Cunningham & Son, and was connected with this concern as long as he remained in active business, thereby accumulating a large estate, which he managed judiciously and successfully until his death.
Mr. Cunningham was noted for an enormous business capacity. Few if any of his associates in the commercial world of Cincinnati were better adapted for the various phases of a business life than he. His energy was unbounded and with a keen mind he looked far into the future, and the busi- ness problems that came up in his business were successfully mastered. He was a man of intelligence and integrity and proved himself equal to conduct- ing large commercial operations. He was noted for his kind and genial manner, thus acquiring and retaining many friends. He was liberal and generous, always charitable to the poor and served to lighten the burdens of many. He was ever ready and willing to extend a helping hand to the needy and took a deep interest in anything pertaining to the good of the city. He had an extremely large circle of friends and his death was not only felt by his own immediate family and relatives, but also by scores of others who were associated with him in the walks of life. Cincinnati has had few if any more enterprising or progressive citizens than Mr. Cunningham in the past half century. He took a keen interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the Chamber of Commerce, of which he was ever an active and faithful member.
In 1838 Mr. Cunningham was married to Lucy Swift. To this union was born one child, Briggs S., who is president of the Citizens' National Bank of Cincinnati.
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WILLIAM ERNST.
WILLIAM ERNST, who for almost 50 years was associated with the Northern Bank of Kentucky at Covington, being its able president from 1867 to 1888, and one of the leading financiers of. the Blue Grass State, died at his home in that city, October 9, 1895. He was born near Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, December 9, 1813, and was a son of John C. and Amelia Sybilla (Steinman) Ernst, the latter being a daughter of John - Frederick Steinman, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
In 1822 the father of our subject removed to a farm near Lancaster, thus giving the son an opportunity of attending the city schools during the winter months. In 1830 he accompanied his father to Pottsville, where the father became interested in coal mining and merchandising, William being placed in charge of the store. Four years later, however, influenced by glowing accounts of the business possibilities of the Western country, he left home in November, 1834, his objective point being Circleville, Ohio. He went by stage coach to Pittsburg, intending to go thence by steamer down the Ohio River to Portsmouth, Ohio, thence by canal to Circleville, which was then considered a very expeditious route when the high water did not prevent. This was one of the occasions when the rise in the river did prevent and it made a change in Mr. Ernst's future career. At Pitts- burg he met a fellow traveler, Maj. John Tilford, a merchant and the presi- cent of the branch of the United States Bank, at Lexington, Kentucky, and, with him, James Saul, who was cashier of the New Orleans branch of the same bank. After considerable interchange of sentiments, Major Tilford offered Mr. Ernst a position as salesman in his large dry goods house at Lexington, and the offer was accepted, and he accompanied Major Tilford to that city. In the following October, Mr. Ernst received a proposition from Mr. Saul, his manliness and evident business qualifications having attracted both Mr. Saul and Major Tilford. Mr. Saul offered him a position as private secretary in conducting the large correspondence incident to the closing up of the New Orleans branch of the United States Bank, whose charter ex- pired in 1836 and a renewal of which was defeated by the veto of President Jackson. Mr. Ernst accepted the offer and arrived in New Orleans in No- vember, 1835, and it was there that he gained valuable knowledge of the · details and principles of sound banking.
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