USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. II, Pt. 2 > Part 22
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 | Part 40 | Part 41
Colonel Kennett was united in marriage with Mary C. Wade, a dangh- ter of David Wade, and granddaughter of David E. Wade. The last named
1
766
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
was born at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and became a prominent citizen of Cincinnati, being identified with the Longworths in a business way. Three children of this union are now living, namely: Grace, who has gained prominence in the field of sculpture; John M., of Toledo, Ohio; and Mary Elizabeth (Murry). Mary Elizabeth Kennett was married at Newport, Kentucky, to Capt. Alexander Murry, a captain in the regular army at the time. They are parents of the following children : Kennett Verner Murry ; Alexander Murry, Jr., a well known attorney-at-law of Cincinnati; Mary Murry, wife of James C. Bridges of Madisonville, Ohio; Bessie G. Murry ; Harrison L. Murry, who married Alice Conner, by whom he has a daughter, Elizabeth; Grace Kennett Murry ; John M. Murry; Margaret Newell Murry ; Clay Murry, who died at the age of 15 years; and two who died in infancy.
In 1890, Colonel Kennett joined the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and until his death was one of its most interested members. He was one of the charter members of the Chamber of Com- merce, and was the last survivor of the original members. He was elected an honorary member of that body in 1892. He was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church of Avondale, of which he was an elder. Memory of him will long remain green in this city, representing as it does, a patriotic citizen, a successful business man and a genial, courteous gentleman.
-
.
1
EDWARD COLSTON.
EDWARD COLSTON, an attorney-at-law of Cincinnati, is a native of Vir- ginia, having been born in Berkeley County, April 22, 1844, and comes of distinguished ancestry. His father, Edward Colston, Sr., attained promi- ence as a farmer, lawyer and statesman, and served one term, 1825-27, in the United States Congress. A sister of his father was the wife of Chief Justice John Marshall. His mother was a daughter of Judge William Brockenbrough. In the light of such ancestry it would have been unnatural for him to enter any other profession than that of the law.
Edward Colston was fitted for college near Alexandria, Virginia, but before graduating from college left school to take up arms as a Confederate soldier. He became a private in the Second Virginia Cavalry in the Army
1
767
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
of Northern Virginia in 1862, and remained until the close of the war. In the engagement of Sailor's Creek, that took place three days before the sur- render of Lee's army, Mr. Colston had the misfortune to receive a serious wound,-in a cavalry charge losing an arm. After the war's close, he took up his studies in Washington and Lee University and was graduated in 1867. In 1869 he removed to Cincinnati, and the following year was admitted to the bar by the District Court of Hamilton County. He then entered upon the practice of the law in the office of the late Isaac M. Jordan, and in 1874 be- came junior member of the famous firm of Hoadly, Johnson and Colston. This firm continued until 1887, when the partnership was dissolved by the removal of Governor Hoadly and Mr. Johnson to New York. The new law firm of Harmon, Colston, Goldsmith & Hoadly was then organized and still continues.
Mr. Colston was married October 19, 1875, to Sally Coles Stevenson, a daughter of ex-Governor and ex-United States Senator Stevenson of Ken- tucky. His wife died June 28, 1890. In 1896 Mr. Colston was married to Mary W. Stevenson, a sister of his former wife. They live on Mount Auburn. Mr. Colston has two children, the issue of his first marriage.
ALFRED GAITHER.
Among Cincinnati's conspicuous citizens the late Alfred Gaither was one whose life and work built for him an enduring monument. During his years of absorbing business activity, he became a familiar and almost necessary factor in the development of the leading commercial enterprises . of his city, and by reason of his ripe judgment, his complete and rapid com- prehension of business propositions, was always in the forefront in public undertakings. As one of the directors of the Adams Express Company and resident manager of the Western Division of that colossal business enter- prise, he showed himself to be a man richly endowed with energy, ideas and capacity.
Alfred Gaither was born in Georgetown, District of Columbia, Novem- ber 23, 1819, and at his death had just passed his 61st birthday. The quick, alert mind of boyhood was strengthened by a liberal education, and upon leaving school he entered upon his business career in a clerical position,
.
1
768
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
with the wholesale mercantile establishment of George R. Gaither, of the city of Baltimore, Maryland. It was while connected with that house, a youth of 18 years, that he contracted inflammatory rheumatism, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. Soon after this period, he removed with his parents to Montgomery County, Maryland, about 1839, and for several succeeding years taught a country school near his father's home. But this was not destined to be the field of usefulness for this ambitious young spirit. In 1841, receiving an appointment as chief clerk of the Mary- land State Tobacco Warehouse, through the kind interest of Governor T. G. Pratt, he returned to Baltimore, and at the expiration of his term of office assumed the position of bookkeeper in the hardware house of Penneman Brothers. A few years later through his reputation as a close and careful student of commercial affairs, he was selected for the position of chief clerk at Calvert station of the old Baltimore & Susquehanna Railroad Company. There he developed the necessary qualifications of a thorough railroad man and promotion was offered him in the superintendency of the Baltimore & Susquehanna Railroad, since known as the Northern Central. It was while holding that position that a wider horizon appeared. During a trip to the west, he was tendered the advantageous position of assistant superintendent of what was then known as Adams & Company's Express Company, George W. Cass being then resident manager at Cincinnati.
Upon the subsequent retirement of Mr. Cass, a reorganization of the company followed, and the result was the formal organization of the Adams Express Company, with Alfred Gaither as superintendent of the Western Division. Subsequently he was appointed a director in the company and made resident manager, with headquarters at Cincinnati, responsible posi- tions that he continued to fill until his death. No just tribute could be paid to this prominent citizen without briefly recapitulating some of the business situations which he had to face and the affairs of the concerns with which his alert mind had to grapple.
When he first assumed the duties of his office in Cincinnati, the Adams Express Company was a concern of limited usefulness, hampered on many sides and in many ways, requiring for its marvelous growth and expansion a manager possessing just that enterprise and grasp of affairs found in Alfred Gaither. At that time the company had been able to operate but a few unimportant lines of travel, one of the great avenues for later business,
1
-
-
769
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, being not yet completed. After it had been opened up for travel, he assumed charge of the express business on that road, and subsequently put lines on the Kentucky Central, Indianapolis & Cincinnati, and Ohio & Mississippi railroads, and developed the busi- ness over the whole surface of the Western country, becoming in fact its head and front. His colleagues on the board of directors were all solid, substantial and prominent business men of the city of New York, and they all looked upon Mr. Gaither as one of their ablest counsellors.
Aside from the affairs of this well known transportation company, which is so much indebted to his ability, Mr. Gaither was identified with numerous other business projects, all of which profited by his business energy, fore- sight and experience. He was president of the St. Louis Transfer Company and the Cincinnati & Newport Bridge Company, a member of the original St. Louis Transfer Company and of the New York Transfer Company. He was a director of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, of the Southern Railroad Company, an original director of the Cincinnati Consolidated Rail- road, of the Lafayette National Bank of Cincinnati, of the Eads Bridge in St. Louis and of the Southern Express Company. He was also a member. of the Queen City Club and the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, and also served some years as park commissioner. That the death of Alfred Gaither should have occurred while in attendance upon what he considered a very important meeting of the board of directors of the Adams Express Company, was only in accordance with one of the guiding stars of his life, duty. Al- though ill prior to leaving his own fireside, a sense of duty made him go to New York, and there he was stricken with his fatal illness, passing away, with his wife, son and daughter close by his side, at the Gilsey House, on the morning of November 25, 1880. Among his surviving relatives was a
sister, Mrs. W. H. Waters, of St. Louis, wife of the rate superintendent of the Adams Express Company; and Mrs. B. B. Brown of Hartwell, Ohio. The funeral obsequies of Mr. Gaither were simple but imposing, taking place at Christ Episcopal Church on Fourth street and being attended by one of the largest concourses of people that has ever gathered there to pay tribute to the memory of one whose loss was so deeply mourned by the people of his city. Among the distinguished friends who considered it a privilege to reverently follow him to his last resting place were: Jolin Hoey, J. C. Babcock and James C. Fargo of New York; J. M. Thompson, of Spring-
770
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
field. Massachusetts; W. Adams, of Boston; H. Kip, of Buffalo; C. L. Howe: Murat Halstead; Henry Hanna; E. W. Woodward; W. W. Scar- borough; W. H. Clement ; R. R. Springer ; Henry Ware; C. W. West; and J. N. Kinney.
Dr. Alfred Gaither, the only son of Alfred Gaither, deceased, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1863. He attended Phillips-Exeter Academy, and was graduated from Harvard University and from Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati. He is a member of the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine, American Medical Association, and Ohio State Medical Society. He is one of the best known physcians of Cincinnati, where he has always lived and practiced, and maintains offices in The Groton. Dr. Gaither was united in. marriage with Louisa Wright, a daughter of Thomas H. Wright, by whom he has two sons: Alfred and Thomas.
LOUIS WERNER.
LOUIS WERNER, a retired capitalist of Cincinnati, who had filled many offices of public trust,-as a member of the City Work House Board, of the Board of Education, of the Board of Police Commissioners and of the Board of Supervisors,-died at his home in Clifton, February 18, 1902, at the age of 62 years. The city of Cincinnati has nurtured, claimed, and lost many notable citizens, in whose energy was found the motive power that promoted and developed her leading industries and increased her wealth and promi- nence, and among these the late Louis Werner was a prominent figure.
Born in Germany, a son of Jacob Werner, who was a man of promi- nence in his native country, our subject had the misfortune to be deprived of a father's care at the early age of six years. Although his subsequent career was one of success, he was essentially a self made man. His education was pursued and completed in the city of Cincinnati where he later became so prominently identified with business and public interests. The foundation of the substantial fortune left to his family was acquired in the grocery and daily market which he organized in the West End and conducted for a term of years at George and Mound streets ; so well was he naturally equipped for commercial life, that before he had reached the comparatively early age of 40 years, he had accumulated an independent fortune. This was done, .
:
771
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
however, at the expense of health and his friends at that time insisted upon his resigning the reins into other hands and retiring from great activity.
Mr. Werner's subsequent entrance into political life again called forth energy beyond his strength. His first political position was as a member of the City Work House Board by appointment of Mayor Amor Smith, Jr., before the City Work House passed under the control of the Board of Police Commissioners. For several terms he served on the Board of Education from the 16th Ward, and was appointed by Governor Foraker, during the latter's last term of office, a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, in which capacity he served four years with that sincerity and singleness of purpose that characterized all his acts. During Mayor Caldwell's incumbency, Mr. Werner was appointed a member of the Board of Supervisors and during this service he impressed his fellow members with his efficiency and un- tiring energy. It was this exceptional devotion to duty that had much to do wth his final breakdown. The immediate cause of Mr. Werner's decease was an attack of nervous neuralgia affecting the heart, weakened by domestic . affliction and overexertion while acting as receiver for the firm of Dodd, Werner & Company, which lately went out of business.
In June, 1859, Mr. Werner was united in marriage with a daughter of Charles Rentrop, a prominent citizen of Cincinnati, by whom he is survived, with one accomplished daughter, who is a graduate of a college in Wash- ington, D. C. For a number of years the Werner home was on York street, but now occupies a beautiful site in Clifton on Middleton avenue, opposite Thrall avenue, built by Mr. Werner some time since. He was a member of the Republican party and zealously advocated its principles. With his family he had long been attached to the Lutheran Church.
In marked degree Mr. Werner possessed those characteristic attributes of his German ancestry,-honesty, energy, ambition and tenacity of pur- pose, and other admirable qualities,-which made him also a tender husband and father, faithful friend and efficient official.
GEORGE B. MAGOUN.
GEORGE B. MAGOUN, whose sudden death occurred at Babylon, Long Island, New York, in December, 1902, bringing pain to many relatives and
772
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
attached friends in Cincinnati, was a prominent banker of the firm of Magoun Brothers of New York City, also a member of the New York Stock Exchange. His father, George C. Magoun, was junior member of the great banking firm of Baring, Magoun & Company, and died about 1892.
Because of many sterling attributes and agreeable qualities, Mr. Ma- goun won many friends in this city, although his residence was in New York City. On May 9, 1895, his connection with Cincinnati was cemented by his marriage with Katherine Jordan, a daughter of Isaac M. and Elizabeth (Phelps) Jordan, the event being well remembered as one of the notable social events of the season, on account of the prominence and wealth of the contracting parties.
Isaac M. Jordan, father of Mrs. Magoun, was one of the greatest law- yers of his day in Ohio. He arose to the height of his profession, and at- tained some prominence politically, serving one term in the United States Congress, but declined a renomination because of onerous business duties. He also received a personal letter from President Grover Cleveland, during the latter's first administration, tendering to him the office of Assistant Secretary of the Interior, but this high honor Mr. Jordan felt bound to de- cline for business reasons. He was a representative of the highest type of manhood, and his many estimable traits of character endeared him to the citizens of Cincinnati.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Magoun resided in a beautiful home at Babylon, Long Island, New York. It was a sad shock to all to hear of his sudden demise. The immediate cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage. He is survived by his bereaved widow and little daughter.
-
HON. HARRY M. HOFFHEIMER.
HON. HARRY M. HOFFHEIMER, who has attained prominence as a member of the legal profession of Cincinnati, is at the present time efficiently serving as prosecuting attorney of the city. He is a native of this city, born August II, 1868, and is a 'son of Max Hoffheimer.
Max Hoffheimer emigrated from his native country, Bavaria, to Amer- ica as early as 1836, locating in Cincinnati, where he played an important part in the business life of the city. Coming to the Queen City in its early
-
773
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
days, from the first he was active in building up the city. He was a member of the distilling firm of Hoffheimer Brothers, and aside from his business operations took an active interest in charitable work and in fostering chari- table institutions. He was for many years a member of the German Pioneer Society.
Harry M. Hoffheimer had the advantages of a thorough education. After completing the prescribed courses in the public and high schools of Cincinnati, he acquired a musical education in the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He then took a special course of study in Harvard University, after which he entered Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated in 1889. After his admission to practice, he became associated with Attor- ney Brown and later with Theodore Horstman. The latter firm was dis- solved when Mr. Hoffheimer was elected prosecuting attorney of Hamilton County in 1900. However, he had previously held positions of public trust, having been a member of the 74th General Assembly of Oliio and at one time assistant to Corporation Counsel Horstman. He succeeded John C. Schwartz as prosecuting attorney, and in 1903 was reelected to the position. Ile has his offices in the Union Trust Building.
Mr. Hoffheimer is a loyal citizen and takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the growthi, improvement and welfare of his city. He is a member of the Blaine Club, the Stamina Republican League, the Masonic order, and is past chancellor of Highland Lodge, No. 166, K. of P., and president of Cincinnati Lodge, No. 465, Independent Order of B'nai B'rith.
JACOB EZEKIEL.
JACOB EZEKIEL, who for many years was secretary of the board of governors of the Hebrew Union College and one of the most charitable, phil- anthropic and prominent citizens of Cincinnati, died at his home in Avon- dale, May 16, 1899, at the age of 87 years. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and was a son of Jacob and. Rebecca Ezekiel, who emigrated from Holland to America early in the 19th century. He was reared in the tenets of the Hebrew religion and always lived in accordance with its principles.
Mr. Ezekiel was one of four children, all of whom were given good
1
774
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
educational advantages. After serving an apprenticeship to a bookbinder, in 1834 he-went to Richmond, Virginia, and later embarked there in a mer- cantile business. That city was his home until 1869, when he removed with his family to Cincinnati. In Richmond he was secretary and treasurer of Congregation Home of Peace, and a charter member of Rimmon Lodge, No. 69, Independent Order of B'nai B'rith, being the oldest member of that organization.
On June 10, 1835, Mr. Ezekiel was married to Catherine DeCastro, in Richmond, Virginia, and a family of 14 children were born to them, 12 of whom survive, one of these being the distinguished sculptor, Sir Moses J. Ezekiel, of Rome, Italy. Mrs. Eekziel died July 11, 1891. The surviving children are: Mrs. Levi J. Workum, Mrs. Samuel Bernheim, Henry C. Ezekiel, Walter A. Ezekiel, Louis P. Ezekiel, Mrs. Seymour Samuels and Sallie I. Ezekiel of Cincinnati; E. M. Ezekiel, of Springfield, Massachu- setts ; Mrs. A. A. Collier, of Brooklyn, New York; Mrs. Frederick C. Brauer and Mrs. William Brauer, of Richmond, Virginia ; and Sir Moses J. Ezekiel of Rome, Italy. Mr. Ezekiel was one of the prominent and liberal members of Mound Street Temple and belonged to the various charitable organiza- tions in which Jewish people are leaders in Cincinnati. He was secretary of the board of governors of the Hebrew Union College for many years. He was a man of reading and observation and was very familiar with the early history and subsequent development of all the cities in which he had resided. Even in his advanced age, his counsel was sought and his judgment and advice followed in the administration of the affairs of the great institu- tion with which he was connected. His burial was in that quiet and beautiful spot known as the United Jewish Cemetery.
FREDERICK L. RATTERMANN.
FREDERICK L. RATTERMANN, who for 25 years was the vice-president of The George F. Otte Company, of Cincinnati, dealers in carpets, curtains and draperies, died at his handsome home, on Brookline avenue, Clifton, November 25, 1897. Mr. Rattermann was born in 1840, in Cincinnati, and was a son of Burnett Rattermann. He was reared in this city, being educated in St. Xavier College.
MICHAEL RYAN.
1
777
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
After 25 years of connection with the above named firm, Mr. Rattermann withdrew and retired from active business. During his long business career he was regarded in commercial circles with the highest esteem. He pos- sessed a faculty for trade and accumulated a large independent fortune. In all public movements he took an active interest and was a generous giver to charities. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party. Frater- nally, he was a Mason and a Shriner. Mr. Rattermann was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, of which his widow is a member.
Mr. Rattermann was married, November 25, -1868, to Louisa Schweg- mann, daughter of Henry Schwegmann. She survives him with one adopt- ed daughter, who is the wife of Louis Voss, one of Cincinnati's progressive business men. Mrs. Rattermann resides in Clifton, in beautiful apartments in the Matamoras Flats, occupying suite No. 12.
MICHAEL RYAN.
When announcement was made that the venerable Michael Ryan had succumbed to the ailments incident to old age, many of the older resi- dents of Cincinnati felt ready to testify to the many estimable characteristics of their fellow citizen.
Michael Ryan was born 87 years ago and probably few men, for as long a period, so capably filled a peculiar position. He was one of the best known men in Cincinnati during the "seventies," when he was .morgne keeper under Undertaker Habig, who operated the County Morgue under contract. For 25 years Mr. Ryan had charge of cases which through crime and accident came to the morgue, and his kind heart as well as his compre- hension of his duties kept him well informed as to the details of the numer- ous cases he handled. He had charge of many a celebrated case and his reminiscences of this branch of the city's service would, if collected, fill many a gap and supply the missing link of evidence in cases which baffled the public investigators. He was so faithful in his duties, distasteful as they often were, that he was retained in the service until within four years of his death.
Mr. Ryan was married to Helen Considine, who with these children survive: John J., the well known turfman; Michael, Bessie, and Honey.
1
778
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
Michael Ryan's death took place in March, 1903, at the home of his son, John J., at Park avenue and Windsor street, Walnut Hills. The funeral took place at the Cathedral and burial was at St. Joseph's Cemetery. A portrait of Michael Ryan accompanies the foregoing brief sketch of his life.
JOHN WEBB, JR.
JOHN WEBB, JR., whose long and successful business career in Cincin- nati anel whose identification with her progressive movements, commercial enterprises and wide charities, entitles him to be named a representative citizen, was born August 5, 1823, at Frome, in Somerset, England. He is a son and the only surviving child of the late John and Hannah ( White) Webb, who were married at Frome in 1814. The birth of the former took place in 1793, and that of the latter in 1795.
In 1843 the parents came to America, accompanied by our subject, who became associated with his father in a wholesale and retail millinery business in Cincinnati, on Fifth street, between Race and Elm streets. At a later date he purchased his father's interest, the latter then returning to England, and Mr. Webb continued the business on Fifth street, near Elm, for a period of over 50 years.
On August 5, 1848, Mr. Webb was united in marriage with Mary Kingsnorth, by Rev. N. L. Rice, D. D., then pastor of the Central Presby- terian Church. Mrs. Webb was born in Kent, England, October 29, 1828, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary ( Ashford) Kingsnorth. The Kingsnorth family came from England on the same vessel that carried the Webb family to American shores, but the two families did not become acquainted until some years later. The children born to this marriage are these : John B., engaged in a millinery business in New York City, who is a graduate of Marrietta College, Marietta, Ohio, and is unmarried ; Henry Storrs, who, after graduating at the Boston School of Technology, held a professorship at Lehigh University, went from there to Scranton, Penn- sylvania, where he accepted a position as head of the electrical department of the International Correspondence Schools,-he married Jennie Slocum; Mrs. J. W. Sims, of Brooklyn, New York, whose one daughter is named Helen M .; Mrs. Charles E. Sorin, whose hisband is a prominent business
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.