USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. II, Pt. 2 > Part 23
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man of Cincinnati; and Mrs. William C. Biles, whose husband is at the head of the large commission firm of William C. Biles & Company, dealing in whiskies and distillers' supplies,-Mr. and Mrs. Biles' two daughters are named Marie Carolyne and Ruth Hannah. Mr. and Mrs. Webb reside with their daughter, Mrs. Sorin.
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Although Mr. Webb gave his close attention to a business which pros- pered exceedingly, and was widely known for so many years as a very important factor in commercial life, business cares and responsibilities sat- isfied only one side of his nature. The people of Cincinnati need not be told concerning his faithful concern for the help of the helpless and the aid for the needy, so apparent in every great and populous center. For 12 years he has been connected with the Home for the Friendless and Foundlings and for 30 years with the House of Refuge, and is the present treasurer of the former charity. He was one of the first members of the Cincinnati Relief Union at the breaking out of the Civil War and cooperated with C. W. Starbuck, owner of the Times, in the distribution of money and supplies. He was one of the directors and had charge of the 18th Ward. He was a member of the dispensary at the beginning of homeopathy in Cincinnati, and since the opening of Pulte Medical College has been one of its directors, at present being secretary of the board. He has been treas- urer of the Western Tract Society for many years. Mr. Webb belongs to Magnolia Lodge, No. 83, and Wildey Encampment, No. I, I. O. O. F., and for 10 years he has been an elder in the Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church. Few men have been more philanthropic or more esteemed by the public and lie enjoys, in the evening of life, honor, respect and affection.
LEOPOLD .FEISS.
LEOPOLD FEISS, who for a long period was a very prominent business citizen of Cincinnati and a leader in Jewish circles, passed away from the cares of earth, at his beautiful home on Grandview avenue, Walnut Hills, April 5, 1901. He was a member of the extensive shoe manufacturing firm of Krohn, Fechheimer & Company, whose interests he had promoted for many years.
Leopold Feiss was born in Germany, and was a son of Aaron and
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Susanna (Finotte) Feiss. His father was a typical German, while his mother was of French descent. Our subject's education was obtained in France, and his early mercantile experience was also received there. In 1864 he located in Cincinnati, where he engaged in the wholesale tobacco and cigar business. He was identified for a few years prior to his death with the wholesale tobacco business, which was conducted under the firm style of Krohn, Feiss & Company.
Although immersed in the cares and responsibilities attendant upon great commercial transactions, Mr. Feiss found time to encourage public improve- . ments in his city and to give especial attention to those institutions of charity and philanthropy that have done so much to lessen suffering and to encourage higher education in Hebrew circles. For many years he had been a member of the board of trustees of the Mound Street Temple and had also served as treasurer of the congregation. He filled the same position on the board of governors of the Hebrew Union College, and many of its op- portunities for usefulness were the results of his unfailing interest.
On September 30, 1869, Mr. Feiss was married to Sarah Wyler, daugh- ter of Adam Wyler, now deceased, who, was one of Cincinnati's most ex- tensive wholesale clothing men. This union was blessed with three chil- dren. The family are identified with Rabbi Philipson's congregation and reside at their beautiful home on Grandview avenue, Walnut Hills. The remains of this esteemed and lamented resident of Cincinnati rest under a beautiful monument in the United Jewish Cemetery, and at his funeral Dr. Philipson took occasion to recall the virtues of one who will be sadly missed.
MAY FECHHEIMER.
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No record of the business men of Cincinnati, whose business ability and high personal character have contributed so successfully to the making of this city one of the commercial centers of the country, would be com- plete without an extended mention of the late May Fechheimer, who for a number of years led the clothing interests in this section of the State.
The family of Fechheimer is of German origin and Jewish religion, and can trace a Bavarian ancestry back to the great musical composers, Mendelssohn and Meyerbeer, both of whom were kindred.
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Mr. Fechheimer was born February II, 1847, in Cincinnati, and was a son of Samuel and Caroline ( Barnett) Fechheimer, both of whom came from Ba- varia to America in 1842, and were married in this city in 1846. They were the children of Meyer and Rosa Fechheimer and Jacob and Bertha Barnett. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Cincinnati, and in 1868 entered into business life as a salesman for the wholesale clothing firm of Fechheimer, Frenkel & Company, the senior member of this firm being his uncle Marcus Fechheimer. His adaptability was soon shown and his promotion was rapid, in 1873 being accepted as a partner. In 1883 this firm was dissolved and our subject became a member of the newly organized firm of Fechheimer Brothers & Company, in the wholesale clothing busi- ness, then located on Third street. In 1888 the present commodious quar- ters were secured on Fifth street, when an extensive retail department was added, this making the business one of the most extensive enterprises of its line in Cincinnati. Through all business changes Mr. Fechheimer had much to do with the policy of the house, his excellent business sense and discrim- inating judgment being almost invaluable.
On November 19, 1873, Mr. Fechheimer was united in marriage with Carrie Frenkel, third daughter of Benedict and Charlotte Frenkel, also natives of Bavaria and residents of Cincinnati. The five children born to this union are: Ruth, Samuel Tilden, Tessie, Delia and Louis, who still sur- vive and reside in their beautiful home located at No. 516 Rockdale avenue, in the aristocratic suburb of Avondale. . Mrs. Fechheimer's father died May 18, 1895.
Mr. Fechheimer was a most valued citizen, one who took a public spirited pride in his city, was glad to encourage home enterprises and was one of the old, active and enthusiastic members of the Chamber of Com- merce. His efforts were always directed to increasing its usefulness and he was highly valued by other members. In his political convictions he was a Democrat and was honored by appointment to positions of trust and respon- sibility. For five years under the appointment of Governor Hoadly, he served as chairman of the board of directors of the Longview Insane Asy- lum, and he was also one of the appointees of Mayor Mosby upon the non- partisan Board of City Affairs. His public duties were performed with the same exactness which he used in his personal business. Fraternally he was a Royal Arch Mason. The death of Mr. Fechheimer on May 28, 1898,
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was deeply regretted by his fellow citizens and many were the testimonials given as to his high business character and sterling qualities. His personal life was above reproach, his home and family, with their interests and wel- fare, always being his first consideration. The family are identified with the Plum Street Temple.
ALFRED WHITE.
ALFRED WHITE, who, for many years was at the head of the great monumental house of Thomas White & Son, succeeding his father, and being in turn succeeded by his sons, was born in Darlington, England, May 16, 1835, and died at his home in Madisonville, Ohio, April 30, 1900. He was a son of Thomas and Martha English ( Stobbart) White, both of whom were of English birth and rearing.
In 1852 Thomas White came to America with his family, and lo- cated at Keokuk, Iowa, establishing there a monumental business. In the following year Mr. White removed to Cincinnati, and here founded what has developed into the greatest works of the kind in the city, establishing the monumental house of Thomas White & Son, which is continuing a long and successful career under the present style of Alfred White's Sons. The old firm, consisting of our subject and his father, was the first in this coun- try to import, to any great extent, the now well known Scotch granite.
Alfred White was educated in his native land and with a local firm learned the principles of civil engineering and architecture. After his father located at Keokuk, Iowa, Alfred, on account of his ability, very soon obtained employment as a topographical engineer and was a member of the party which made the first survey for the Vicksburg, Shreveport & Pacific Rail- road. During his father's life, Alfred was associated with the former in the expanding of the monumental business, later assuming full charge and continuing at the head of the business until his death. Its success represents business ability and commercial enterprise of a high quality.
In 1856 Mr. White married Mary Cost, who was a daughter of Henry C. and Mary Cost. Mrs. White died in Cincinnati, leaving five children, namely : Walter T .; Arthur E .; Alfred R .; Clara, who married Frank McCord, who is a contractor of Cincinnati; and Bertha, who married H. H.
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Belding of Chicago. Alfred R. White of this family is a sculptor of note, having perfected himself in his art at both Florence and Carrara, Italy. He has been decorated with medals by the Royal Academy and the Beaux Arts of Paris.
Mr. White was long prominent in Masonic circles and had received the 32nd degree. He also belonged to the Odd Fellows and Knights of Honor. In his political convictions he was a Republican, but gave less attention to politics than to business. For many years he was a member and a vestryman of the Church of the Advent, on Walnut Hills. He was a man of the highest integrity, and this, coupled with excellent business ability, gave him commer- cial success. His genial, lovable disposition won him friends all along the way and to these, as to his devoted family, his death brought regret and sorrow.
HON. MELVILLE E. INGALLS.
HON. MELVILLE E. INGALLS, one of the best known citizens of Cin- cinnati, is president of the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Rail- way Company, and has attained great prominence in railroad and financial circles, in which he has been a leading figure for over 30 years. He was very successful as a lawyer during his younger days.
Mr. Ingalls was born at Harrison, Maine, September 6, 1842. He was reared on a farm and attended the district schools when his assistance was not required at home. At the early age of 16 years he obtained a teacher's certificate and secured a school which he taught for six consecutive years. He had not, however, relinquished his plans for securing a liberal education. He fitted himself for college at Bridgton Academy and at the age of 17 years matriculated at Bowdoin College. His means were limited and he deemed it advisable to begin the study of the law, the profession upon which he had decided, before completing his college course. He entered the law office of A. A. Stront, of Harrison, Maine, and in 1862 Harvard Law School, from which he was graduated the following year, receiving one of the prizes offered for a dissertation. In 1864 he returned to his native State and began practice in the town of Gray. Deciding that a city presented greater opportunities, he removed to Boston the same year, entering the office of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished members of the Massachusetts bar. His ad-
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vancement in his profession was rapid. In 1867 he was elected to the Mas- sachusetts Legislature from the Sixth Senatorial District, served one term and declined a renomination. His practice constantly increased, surpassing his fondest hopes. He became counsel for several large and influential corpora- tions and continued as such until 1871, when he was persuaded by the stock- holders of the Indianapolis, Cincinnati & Lafayette Railway Compay to re- move to Cincinnati and become receiver of the company. In this capacity he displayed great executive ability and in three years time placed the road in such condition that a reorganization was possible. He was elected president of the company and continued until 1876 when the company was again thrown into bankruptcy. He was again made receiver, and in this trying position his transcendent abilities as a financier were more clearly manifested than ever before. He obtained voluntary subscriptions from the stock- holders, and with money thus raised paid the debts of the company and secured the release of the railroad from litigation. In February, 1880, his arduous work was completed and he organized the company under the name and style of the Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis & Chicago Railroad Com- pany, of which he was elected president. He retained the presidency until 1889, when the company was consolidated with the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway Company (Big Four), of which he has since been president. A glance at the phenomenal development of this system affords the most ample proof of Mr. Ingalls' wonderful executive ability. It began with 175 miles of railway; to-day it comprises 2,300 miles, with 10,000 operators on its pay-rolls, and an annual expenditure of $15,000,000. Even in this age of marvelous development, a similar record of development can scarcely be produced. Mr. Ingalls was also president of the Kentucky Central Railroad Company from 1881 to 1883, and president of the Chesa- peake & Ohio Railway Company from 1888 until 1900.
As a public speaker Mr .. Ingalls excels and has frequently been called upon to deliver addresses. In the public affairs of Cincinnati, he has always taken an active interest. He was one of the founders of the Art Museum, and for many years has been president of that institution. He served as pres- ident of the Cincinnati Exposition Company in 1880, and delivered an address at the dedication of the City Hall in 1893.
On January 19, 1867, Mr. Ingalls was united in marriage to Abbie M. Stimson, of Gray, Maine, and to them four sons and two daughters were born.
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They have a beautiful home on East Walnut Hills, surrounded by a park of 16 acres. Our subject is a Democrat in politics, but the duties of his business have been too onerous to permit of much active participation in political affairs.
GUSTAVUS SELMER JUNKERMAN, M. D., D. D. S.
GUSTAVUS SELMER JUNKERMAN, M. D., D. D. S., dean of the Cin- cinnati College of Dental Surgery, is a well known citizen of Cincinnati, whose labors in the professional and educational fields have brought him into promi- nence with the people of the Middle West.
Dr. Junkerman was born in Cincinnati February 14, 1859, and is a son of Gustavus F. and Elwine ( Kuchenbuch) Junkerman. His mother was a member of an old and prominent German family that came to Cincinnati early in the history of the city.
Dr. Junkermann received the rudiments of his education in the public schools of Cincinnati. In 1879 he entered the Ohio Dental College, from which he graduated in 1881. Afterward he studied at the Medical College of Ohio, and graduated from that institution in 1884. In 1893 he founded the Cincinnati College of Dental Surgery, of which he has been dean since the college was organized. The success of this institution has been chiefly due to his efforts in its behalf.
On June 3, 1890, Dr. Junkerman was married to Pearl Hall, daughter of Joseph L. and Sarah J. (Jewell) Hall, of Cincinnati, the former, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, being the founder of the great bank lock and safe manufacturing house now known as The Hall's Safe Company. Dr. and Mrs. Junkerman have two children,-Hall L. and Elwine J.,-and reside in Avondale, at the northwest corner of Dana and Dakota avenues.
SAMUEL BAUER.
SAMUEL BAUER, whose sudden death took place at his home on South Crescent avenue, Avondale, July 5, 1901, was widely and favorably known in Cincinnati. Mr. Bauer was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 24, 1845, and was brought in childhood to the United States. Although as a
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member of the great iron firm of Hilb & Bauer he gained a prominence which made his name known to the trade all over the country, and amassed a fortune of large proportions, he began life at the lowest rung of the busi- ness ladder ..
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Equipped with a good common-school education, he put forth his best efforts, which were made easier, perhaps, by reason of the sturdy stock from which he came, but nevertheless much industry, perseverance, frugality and ability were required to obtain for him the prominent position in the iron world he acquired and held until his death. He founded the house which bore his name and continued an active member of it as long as life lasted.
Mr. Baner is a consistent member of Holy Congregation of Brethren in Love, of which he acted as president, and took a great interest in the orders of B'nai B'rith and the Keshor Shel Barsal. He was honored in both the Masonic fraternity and in the German pioneer Association, and held various official positions.
On December 25, 1865, Mr. Bauer was married to Mina Prager, who survives, with these children: Emanuel F., Sarah, Mrs. Abram Jacobs, Mrs. Samuel Horwitz and Mrs. Hattie Shafer. Mr. Bauer was distin- guished for his great generosity and kindness of heart. It is safe to say he had no enemies and every one of his army of workmen regarded him in the light of a friend. His accession to wealth did not cause him to forget his friends of earlier days, and through life he continued a man of simple man- ners, sympathetic nature and tender regard for the happiness of others. Such men are never forgotten.
MICHAEL MULLEN.
MICHAEL MULLEN, who represents the Eighth Ward in the City Coun- cil of Cincinnati, has long been a prominent figure in the public eye. He has devoted his time and energy toward the advancement of the city's interests, for which he has the gratitude and confidence of his fellow citizens to a marked degree.
Mr. Mullen was born at Littleton, Virginia, now West Virginia, May 22, 1857, and was one of 10 children born to Hugh and Mary (Powers)
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Mullen, who came to America from Ireland in 1842. Hugh Mullen came to Cincinnati some years after our subject's birth, and engaged in the roof- ing business at the corner of Court street and Broadway, being a member of the well known firm of Madden & Mullen. At an early day they did an extensive business in the roofing of steamers.
Michael Mullen's early education was acquired in St. Thomas and St. Xavier colleges, after which he followed the river life for some years, serv- ing on various steamers, the last of which was the "Will Hyle." He left river work to accept the appointment of clerk on the Board of Equalization, made by Julius Adler in 1880. He was appointed a member of the police force in 1882 and served until January 3, 1885, when he retired as a lieutenant. The following September he was reappointed to the police force as a lieu- tenant and in October of the same year was promoted to captain, and served until May, 1886, when by act of the State the entire police force was retired. Having gained a wide acquaintance and popularity, it was without much difficulty that he was elected councilntan from the Fifth (now the Eighth) Ward of Cincinnati, in which capacity he has since served. In 1888 he founded the Mullen Detective Agency, which has been of great value to the city. When matters relative to the public interest come before the municipal body of which he is a member, Michael Mullen is always to be found on the right side, the side which promises the greatest benefit to the city. He looks well after the interests of his constituents and in his ward has friends without number.
Mr. Mullen is a man of originality and on June 25, 1903, further en- trenched himself in the good will of the people of his ward by giving them a picnic. As is characteristic of all that he undertakes, the picnic was a grand success and during that day the Eighth Ward was almost depopulated. He supplied his constituents with free tickets for passage on the "Island Queen" and other boats to Coney Island, and although more than 17,000 of these tickets were given out by his committee, thousands of others went to the island by car. He gave more than 25,000 tickets to the amusements of Coney Island, and supplied his guests with refreshments, which included 225 gallons of ice cream, 400 gallons of milk, 3.750 bananas, 30 barrels of lemonade, flavored with 26 gallons of claret. Field sports were held and to the winner of each event a silver medal was given, a gold medal being given to the best all around athlete. His son, John M. Mullen, who is a well
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trained athlete, won the greatest number of events and was awarded the gold medal. An unexpected incident of the day was the presentation of a large diamond ring, set in a circlet of Roman gold, to Mr. Mullen by his friends in the ward, expressive of their friendship for him and appreciation of his efforts, a neat speech of presentation being made by Judge William H. Lueders. It was a tired, but happy and appreciative crowd which wended its way homeward at a very late hour, after a day of uninterrupted gaiety.
On August 17, 1880, Mr. Mullen was married to Barbara Connley, a daughter of Coleman and Mary (Dunlap) Connley, and they have the fol- lowing children: Mary Theresa, Barbara Agnes and John M. Religiously, our subject is a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, and con- tributes liberally to its support. He is a member of the Blaine Club, and has been a Republican since 1897.
BERNHARD BETTMANN.
BERNHARD BETTMANN, who for some years has served as internal revenue collector, is a well known citizen of Cincinnati and has identified himself with numerous institutions which have been of lasting benefit to the city and added materially to its fame. He was born at Weidnitz, Bavaria, August 29, 1834, and is a son of Jacob and Jeanette Bettmann, the father in his lifetime being extensively engaged in the mercantile business.
Bernhard Bettmann attended the common schools until he was 13 years old, then supplemented his education by an advanced course of study at Bamberg. His tastes inclined him to literary pursuits, especially in the field of poetry, in which he has unquestioned talent. He has written many beauti- ful poems and many articles for magazines and newspapers. He has been a lifelong student, and devotes a portion of each day among his books. He immigrated to the United States after the defeat of the bill providing for the granting of equal political rights to the Bavarian Jews. He arrived in Cincinnati, July 5, 1850, and for some years was employed as clerk in various mercantile establishments. January 1, 1856, he embarked in the wholesale gentlemen's furnishing business in company with his brother-in-law, S. Shohl,; a firm which continued with uninterrupted success until the death of Mr. Shohl in 1866. Our subject then established the firm of B. Bettmann &
DANIEL M. SECHLER.
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. Company, and attained a high degree of success and became known as one of the city's substantial business men. He is one of the most prominent of his race in the city, and has been closely identified with various Jewish enter- prises and institutions. He was instrumental in establishing the Hebrew Union College in 1874, and has since been president of its board of gov- ernors. He was one of the founders of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, and has been a member of its executive board since its in- ception. He has attained distinction as a writer in the German language, being fluent and forcible, and his writings have been exceedingly popular with the German people in this country.
On October 26, 1859, Mr. Bettmann was united in marriage with Tillie Wald, who was born in New York City. Five children were born to bless this union and all grew to maturity. Mr. Bettmann has a beautiful home located at No. 858 Lexington avenue, Avondale. Religiously, he is a member of the Reform Congregation. He is a Republican in politics and has refused to run for numerous offices, including that of State Senator, although his nomination practically meant election. He was appointed to his present office by Presi- dent Mckinley, and has since discharged its duties with great satisfaction to the people. Fraternally he is a member and past master of Hanselmann Lodge, No. 208, F. & A. M. He was also the first vice-president and has been, ever since it was established, a director of the Ohio Valley National Bank. He held for the first seven years of its existence the office of president of the United Jewish Charities and is now on its executive board.
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