USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. II, Pt. 1 > Part 32
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GEORGE WILLIAM HARDING.
GEORGE WILLIAM HARDING, whose law offices are conveniently located at No. 141 East Fourth street, has made a success in the practice of his pro- fession and by reason of his ability as a counsellor and pleader has a place among the leading attorneys of the city. Mr. Harding was born in Novem- ber, 1847, at Ripley, Brown County, Ohio, and is a son of James S. and Lavina (Frazer) Harding, the latter of whom was born in Pennsylvania and came of Scotch-Irish ancestors.
James S. Harding was born in Virginia and belonged to a family noted for military prowess, his grandfather having been a Revolutionary patriot, and his father, a gallant soldier in the War of 1812.
George W. Harding was educated in the schools of Ripley and entered upon the study of the law under Hon. W. H. Sly of that city. He was ad- mitted to the bar in the District Court of Clermont County in 1871. After two years of successful initiatory practice, at Aberdeen, Mr. Harding located in his native town and there met with deserved success. At a later period he
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formed a partnership with J. R. Moore, at' Georgetown, an association which continued until he removed to Cincinnati. From the time the Queen City counted him as a citizen until April 1, 1893, Mr. Harding was in partner- ship with A. E. Moore, but since the latter date he has carried on an indi- vidual practice. He has won great success at the bar, being gifted with all the requisites for a legal career.
On June 30, 1873, Mr. Harding was united in marriage with Emma E. Simpson, who is a daughter of Thomas Simpson of Adams County, Ohio, and three children were born to. this union, namely: Mayme, who is the wife of James M. Cox, who is the editor of the Dayton Daily News, of Day- ton, Ohio; William G., who is a reporter on a New York newspaper; and Alma, who is now the wife of George V. Richards. The family home is at the Eden Building on Grand street, Walnut Hills. Mr. Harding is a Re- publican. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias. In his profession and in the social circles of the city he is widely known and most highly esteemed.
ADOLPH L. BROWN.
ADOLPH L. BROWN, deceased, was for many years a prominent attorney- at-law of Cincinnati and ranked high among the foremost members of the profession in this city. He was a man of strong mind and intellect and irreproachable character, and was esteemed as one of the substantial men of the community.
Mr. Brown was born in Cincinnati, January 13, 1857, and was a son of Louis and Louisa ( Elsbach) Brown. His father took rank as one of the leading clothing merchants of the city, and was engaged in that line of busi- ness until his death. Adolph L. Brown, after careful preliminary prepara- tion, took up the study of the law as a student in the Cincinnati Law School, from which institution he was graduated in 1879. Immediately thereafter he entered upon practice, and soon commanded a lucrative clientage. He was identified with many cases of importance, and was recognized as a lawyer of superior ability. He was a close student, and was not only well grounded in the law, but as well in all matters of interest to the public. Some 10 days prior to his death, Mr. Brown took a stroll through one of the hospitals of this city with a physician of his acquaintance and was particularly interested
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in those patients who were suffering from pneumonia. He studied them as best he could on this occasion, and his friend asked why he was so interested in those patients. He replied that he believed that when he came to die, it would be that disease which would carry him off. It was but a few days later that he was attacked with the malady, and it did cause his death.
On April 1, 1896, Mr. Brown was joined in marriage with Blanche Oppenheimer, the accomplished daughter of Charles Oppenheimer, who was a well known citizen of Cincinnati. Our subject was a member of the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Masons. He was a stanch Republican in politics and in 1896 was prominently spoken of as candidate for judge of the Common Pleas Court, but as the German newspapers insisted on a German for the place Mr. Brown was not nominated. In religious belief, our subject and wife were adherents of the Jewish faith. Mrs. Brown has a comfortable home at No. 3316 Reading road.
MARION L. AMICK, M. D.
MARION L. AMICK, M. D., one of the leading physicians of Cincinnati, was born in Jennings County, Indiana, September 13, 1843, and is a son of Obed and Mary Amick, the former of whom was born in North Carolina. The paternal great-grandparents were Peter and Catherine (Ingold) Amnick, the latter of whom was born in Pennsylvania. The grandfather, Nicholas Amick, with his family removed from North Carolina to Indiana about 1818; his children bore the names of Daniel, John, Matilda, Abraham and Obed. On the maternal side of the family, the great-grandparents, George and Catherine (Overly) Black, were natives of Virginia.
Dr. Amick obtained his early education in the schools of Indiana, and in 1867 was graduated at Hanover College. He then entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery where he graduated in 1869, and was then appointed demonstrator of anatomy there, where he continued for two years. He was appointed professor of anatomy in 1871, and filled that chair until 1892, when he found it necessary to resign in order to pay attention to his absorbing private practice. Dr. Amick gave some of the best years of his life to this great medical institution and during his long connection with it was popular with both the faculty and the students. His expert knowledge
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of anatomy made his lectures of the highest possible value to those in his classes; the charts that he employed in illustrating his lectures were prepared by himself,-they are still made use of in the college and are considered invaluable.
In 1879, Dr. Amick was united in marriage with Maggie Taylor, who is a daughter of the late John Taylor, of Cincinnati.
HON. LEWIS G. BERNARD.
HON. LEWIS G. BERNARD, of Cincinnati, is well known to the public as lawyer, journalist and political leader. For many years he has aided mater- ially in bearing aloft the noble escutcheon of the Democratic party in the Buckeye State, and while he has been recognized as a power in the party councils of Hamilton County and the State of Ohio and marked honor paid him as a leader, yet strangely enough he has not in recent years been a can- didate for political preferment. There has been no political campaign dur- ing the past 20 years in which he has not taken a conspicuous part. As a public speaker, he has rare tact, power and eloquence, and his reputation as a party leader is by no means confined to the limits of Ohio.
Mr. Bernard was born in the city of New York, October 4, 1845, and was one of a family of three children born to Gustavus and Betsie (Judah) Bernard. His father was a distinguished rabbi and was closely associated with the noted Rabbi Isaac M. Wise.
In his boyhood, Lewis G. Bernard attended public and high schools of his native State, after which he pursued a course of study in the Normal School at Albany, New York. Immediately after graduating therefrom, he entered the Albany Law School to complete his preparation for the profes- sion he had chosen in life. He read law under the prominent jurist, Judge Ira Harris. After graduation, he came to Cincinnati in 1865 and engaged in the iron business for a period of 10 years. In the fall of 1875, he was elected clerk of the Board of Improvements, served as such one year, and in 1876 was elected clerk of Hamilton County, which position he filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the citizens of the county for a period of three years. He then entered the field of journalism and has since been on the staff of the Cincinnati Enquirer. In 1883, he was elected chair-
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man of the Democratic Executive Committee of Hamilton County, and has been unanimously chosen to fill that office at every election since. The es- teem in which Mr. Bernard is held by his fellow men is evidenced in an ar- ticle which appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer, bearing date of December 6, 1902. It reads as follows :
"The leading Democrats of Hamilton County yesterday paid to Lewis G. Bernard the highest compliment that he has received during his long career as a leader of the local Democracy. He was sustained, without solicita- tion on his part, in his position as chairman of the County Executive Com- mittee in the face of determined and questionable effort upon the part of some few men to force him to resign as chairman. During the time that the movement looking toward the ousting of Mr. Bernard has been in process of incubation, he has never at any time asked anyone to support him, and naturally he felt elated over the spontaneous and sincere way the best ele- ment of the party rallied around his standard yesterday. Of the 198 men who gathered at Richelieu Hall yesterday, only 82 voted for a resolution request- ing Mr. Bernard's resignation, and the majority of the votes for the reso- lution were proxies. It is no secret that the authenticity of a number of these proxies is open to question."
Mr. Bernard was united in marriage with Julia Furst, a daughter of Jacob Furst, and a cousin of Abe Furst. Mr. Bernard and wife became the parents of four children, of whom three survive. Religiously, the family attend the Mound Street Temple. Such in brief is the life record of one who has attained distinction in professional life, high honor in political circles, and high regard and popularity in social circles.
COL. LEONARD A. HARRIS.
COL. LEONARD A. HARRIS, deceased, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, was for many years identified with Cincinnati's public affairs, serving twice as mayor, and was a participant in the Civil War, bringing distinction to his command and State. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 11, 1824, and died July 5, 1890.
Colonel Harris, after completing his studies in the local schools, attended higher institutions of learning, and with improved natural talents a brilliant
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public career followed. The outbreak of the great Civil War found him, with other loyal, enthusiastic men, ready to put aside the most flattering busi- ness prospects in order to defend and, if necessary, to die for a united coun- try. His ability and standing were recognized by Governor Dennison and he was commissioned a captain in the 2nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was with his regiment immediately ordered to the front, taking part in the first battle of Bull Run. His valor displayed on that occasion brought him prominently to the attention of President Lincoln, by whom he was authorized to raise a volunteer regiment. His personal popularity made it possible for him to present an enlisted regiment of the flower of Ohio youth in the short space of one month, and he took the field as colonel of that gallant body. In the terrific battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862, during which he was in com- mand of the Ninth Brigade, when 550 brave soldiers were killed and wounded and 4I missing at roll call, Colonel Harris' conspicuous gallantry brought him commendation on the field from General Rousseau, who warmly recommended still further promotion in his official report. The hardships of army life had, however, brought on a state of ill health which made it necessary for him to resign and return home. His popularity in his native city was shown by his election as mayor of Cincinnati late in 1862, and he entered on the duties of the office at a time when, perhaps more than at any other time, the prosperity of the city and the preservation of civic peace needed the firm directing hand of a man of Colonel Harris' character. It was during his terin of service that the law was drafted for the enlistment of 100-day men, under which Ohio sent 30,000 volunteers into the field. Colonel Harris became colonel of the Seventh Regiment, Ohio National Guard. It was mainly through his excellent management that the city was able to build the City Work House and Hospital, both of them remaining highly creditable institutions. Many honors were tendered Colonel Harris, some of which he accepted and many he declined. He was twice trustee of the City Hospital, and in 1865 was reelected mayor of the city by so large a majority that it seemed almost unanimous. This office he filled until in August, 1866, when President Johnson nominated him collector of internal revenue for the First Ohio District. The House of Representatives of the 44th Congress appointed him one of the trustees of the National Soldiers' homes, and he served as such for many years with credit to himself and the institutions, which are located in the various States of the Union. He could
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leave his home on business or on a pleasure trip with the satisfactory knowl- edge that Mrs. Harris knew how to attend to the whims and representations of the veterans who were always calling at the residence. In 1877, Colonel Harris refused the nomination of the Democratic party for State Senator, and also the place on the Board of Police Commissioners tendered by Gov- ernor Bishop.
Colonel Harris was an enthusiastic sportsman with rod and gun. As such he recognized the necessity for laws to protect game in certain seasons, and so became prominent in the first steps for the organization of the Cuvier Club of Cincinnati, of which he was president from 1874 until the time of his death. All of the property he accumulated, including large real estate holdings in Cincinnati and timber land in Northern Michigan, was left to Mrs. Harris, with the exception of a handsome bequest to the Cuvier Club.
On April 18, 1854, Colonel Harris was united in the bonds of matrimony with Catherine Griffith. Mrs. Harris is a lady of culture and refinement, moving in the best social circles of the city, and makes her home at the Hotel Sterling. She possesses a charming personality and has scores of friends in Cincinnati, some of whom she has known for a great many years.
GEORGE HENRY KOTTE.
GEORGE HENRY KOTTE, who was one of the founders of the Buckeye Brewery, and one of the best educated and most widely known German busi- ness citizens of Cincinnati, died at his home in this city November 1, 1893. Mr. Kotte was born in Germany in 1837, the son of a carpenter, and with his father he learned that trade.
In young manhood he came to Cincinnati and his industry soon gained him a foothold, but he was too ambitious to be contented with the mere results of his craft. Recognizing the necessity of mastering the English lan- guage, he became a pupil in the night schools as his necessities required him to work during the day, and in the course of two years had accomplished his desire. In 1860 he accepted a position as bookkeeper with Louis Hude- pohl, the well known breweryman, a sketch of whom appears in this volume, and in the course of time was admitted to a partnership with his employer. For 22 years the wholesale liquor firm of Hudepohl & Kotte was well known
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to the trade, both partners accumulating fortunes. In 1880 Mr. Kotte be- came interested in the Fairmount Distilling Company, having previously, in association with Mr. Hudepohl, established the well known Buckeye Brewery. The great expansion of the latter enterprise brought many duties and respon- sibilities, the business being mainly under charge of Mr. Kotte. He was a shrewd, careful and enterprising man of business, always alert in his own interest but at the same time honorable in his dealings with others.
In 1870 Mr. Kotte was married to Mary Kate Tophorn, a daughter of John H. Tophorn, one of the older residents of Cincinnati. A family of nine children were born to this marriage, as follows: Clara, who is the wife of Henry C. Kairer, formerly manager of the Buckeye Brewery, now proprietor of the Star Bottling Works at No. 2268 Spring Grove avenue, with a beau- tiful residence at No. 2012 Jefferson avenue; Harry; Edward; Louis; Wil- liam; Frank; Albert; Katherine and George.
For a long time Mr. Kotte was an active and valued member of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. He was charitable and public spirited and his career reflected credit upon the city. The family belong to St. George's Catholic Church.
HENRY A. LAHMANN.
HENRY A. LAHMANN, deceased, formerly one of Cincinnati's most pro- gressive business men, was in the fruit and produce business and a member of the firm known as Lahmann & Beeching. Mr. Lahmann was born on Au- gust 3, 1830, in Dielingen, Westphalia, Germany, and there received his schooling. In 1849, he embarked for the United States, and lived in Cincin- nati until his death. When he first landed here he was a poor boy, but being ambitious and industrious he very soon accumulated a sufficient amount to engage in the grocery business, in which he was very successful. He con- tinued in this until 1864, when, with John Beeching, he engaged in the fruit and produce business. This firm continued in business until the death of Mr. Lahmann, which occurred January 11, 1900. They built up an extensive and profitable business which was known throughout the adjoining States, and in a short time the concern became one of the leaders in the fruit and produce business of Cincinnati.
Mr. Lahmann was kind and generous, and one who loved his home.
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Although plain and unassuming, he was an earnest and energetic business man. He was benevolent, and a liberal giver to the needy. His associates and friends will long miss his pleasant smile and cordial greetings. He was for a long time a member of the Chamber of Commerce and by his death that body has lost a valuable member and the city of Cincinnati has been · deprived of one of its most highly respected and prominent citizens.
Mr. Lahmann was united in marriage with Elizabeth Schnedeker, and their union resulted in one child, Willie, who died aged nine years. At the time of his death, Mr. Lahmann was identified with the Third German Metho- dist Episcopal Church. Few men if any had a larger circle of friends.than the subject of this sketch.
CHARLES ANSON MILLER.
CHARLES ANSON MILLER, who for many years has taken a prominent part in the public affairs of the city of Cincinnati, is one of the leading business men and is the oldest living funeral director of the city. He was born at Portageville, Chautauqua County, New York, August 19, 1842, and is a son of George A. and Esther (Fuller) Miller, and grandson of George A. and Louise ( Haven) Miller.
Charles A. Miller received a very limited education in the public schools, and at a very early age came to Cincinnati with his parents in 1845. Here he was reared and when the Civil War broke out enlisted in the 5th Reg .. Ohio Vol. Cav., later in the 33rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., serving three years and three months with credit. In 1876 he engaged in the undertaking busi- ness, at which he has been engaged continuously to the present time, and is now the oldest living funeral director of the city. For the past 18 years he has been treasurer of the National Funeral Directors' Association, and is president of the Ohio Funeral Directors' Association. On July 26, 1902, he was appointed by Governor Nash as a member of the board of trustees of the Hamilton County Memorial Association.
Politically, Mr. Miller is a Democrat and has frequently been elected to public office. In 1881 he was elected by his party as treasurer of Hamilton County, and served until 1884. For a period of 15 years and three months he was a member of the Board of Elections. He, with James M. Glenn, Robert Allison and Thomas Paxton, was appointed by the Trustees of the
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Sinking Fund of Cincinnati, as trustee to build and construct the beautiful City Hall, in which the citizens take so great pride. He served in this capac- ity from 1888 until the completion of the structure in 1894. In 1878, Mr. Miller was elected township clerk of Millcreek township and was the first Democrat elected in a period of 16 years. At the close of the Civil War, Mr. Miller received a lieutenant's commission; he is a charter member of .Israel Ludlow Post, No. 76, G. A. R., and was its first commander. He is a member of Hoffner Lodge No. 253, F. & A. M., of which he is a trustee ; and a member of Hanselmann Commandery, No. 16, K. T.
On August 11, 1866, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Melissa R. Campbell, a daughter of James C. and Phoebe (Hammell) Camp- bell of Cincinnati, and they have the following children: Charles E., engaged in lead and zinc mining at Fortuna, Missouri, who was married March 29, 1887, to Mary Cappeller, a daughter of William S. and Elizabeth Capeller ; Hal, associated with his father in business, who married Millie Hess of Cincinnati; Warren C., a stock raiser of Cheviot, Ohio, who married Florence Brazell of Cincinnati and has two children,-Charles A. and Nelson: and George A., who married Hattie Moore, and is associated with his father in the undertaking business. Our subject is a member of the Northside First Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been a member of its official board for many years. He is a man of excellent character and of charitable dis- position, liberally aiding in all movements for the alleviation of the suffering and assisting the poor and unfortunate. He possesses a strong personality and has friends by the hundreds who appreciate him at his true worth and hold him high in their esteem.
W. H. MACKOY.
W. H. MACKOY, a member of the legal profession who has been in con- stant practice in Cincinnati since 1866, was born in Kentucky. He is of Scotch ancestry, his great-grandfather, James Mackoy having come to this country from Scotland prior to 1718, settling in King William County. Virginia. There his son, John Mackoy, grandfather of our subject, was born but early in the 19th century moved to Kentucky, purchasing a farm near the town of Greenup. His son, John, father of W. H. Mackoy, resided on
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his father's farm during his boyhood days, then moved to Covington, Ken- tucky, where he lived until his death, a period of more than 50 years. He became a man of prominence there, and identified himself with all the best interests of the community. For many years he was prominently identified with the Presbyterian Church. His wife was Elizabeth Hardia, a daughter of William Hardia of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
W. H. Mackoy was reared in Covington where he received his early educational training, then entered the University of Virginia, from which in- stitution he was graduated with the degree of Master of Arts. He pursued the study of the law, and in 1866 entered upon the work of his profession, practicing both in the courts of Kentucky and Ohio. His office is in the Union Bank Building in Cincinnati. In 1890 he was a member of the Ken- tucky Constitutional Convention from the Second Legislative District, of Covington. In that body he served upon the committees on corporations and municipalities, and drafted the parts of the Constitution relating to those subjects. At the adjourned session of the convention held in September, 1891, he was made a member of the committee on revision, and rendered im- portant and valuable services in making corrections in the draft of that instru- ment which were necessary to make it consistent in all its parts.
W. H. Mackoy was united in marriage with Margaret Chambers Brent, a daughter of Hugh Innes and Margaret Brent, of Paris, Kentucky. The issue of this marriage was three children: Lewis B., now deceased; Harry Brent, a member of the Cincinnati bar, and Elizabeth.
SAMUEL NEUKOM.
SAMUEL NEUKOM, who for many years has been one of the prominent business citizens of Cincinnati, was born January 15, 1826, at Neckarzim- mern, Baden, Germany. In 1847 he came to America and in the following year located in Cincinnati, his business foresight anticipating the prosperity of this city. Until 1891 Mr. Neukom was actively engaged in an extensive contracting business, but since that date has lived practically retired.
On February 20, 1853, Mr. Neukom was united in marriage with Mrs. (Gerth) Koch, who was born December 19, 1823, at Renchen, Baden, and came to Cincinnati in 1846, with her first husband, Nick Koch. Seven chil-
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dren have been born to them, four of whom died in infancy. The survivors are : Mrs. Emma Montag; Samuel Neukom, Jr .; and Charles Neukom. Mrs. Neukom has two surviving children of her first marriage: Mrs. Karo- line Lepere and Nick Koch.
The handsome home of Mr. and Mrs. Neukom is situated at No. 47 East Clifton avenue and there on February 22, 1903, was delightfully celebrated the 50th or golden wedding anniversary. A guest of honor upon this happy occasion was John Efflein, who had acted as best man, a half century before. The whole family was present and all contributed to the pleasure of the venerable couple, who possess not only the love and reverence of their own family, but of a very wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
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