USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. II, Pt. 2 > Part 30
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
. 868
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
tion, while the English language was spoken almost exclusively at home, the father having the intention of returning to the United States later on. After graduating from a gymnasium (high school), young Nippert went to the universities of Zurich, Freiburg and Carlsruhe, devoting his time mainly to studying mathematics, natural sciences and languages. Before leaving the old country in his 24th year, to take up his abode in the United States, he married Elisa Hitschrich of Carlsruhe. The young couple went to Phila- delphia, where Judge Nippert had succeeded in obtaining a lucrative position with the Centennial Commission in charge of the Centennial Exposition. At the close of the fair, lie came to Cincinnati where a younger brother of his was living. As a result of his good education he passed with credit the examination for the position of teacher. In 1877 he became German prin- cipal, only to be advanced later to the position of principal of the 13th Dis- trict School, at that time the largest public school in the city.
In his leisure hours Judge Nippert studied law and in 1891 he gradu- ated from the Cincinnati Law School. Shortly afterward, he resigned as school principal and started to practice law with a considerable amount of success. His German fellow citizens appreciated his industry, his energy and his honesty and within a few years he attained a large clientage. Mayor Caldwell, in 1894, appointed him prosecuting attorney of the Police Court, in which position he served his city honestly and conscientiously for three years. Having, once again, returned to private life he founded the law firm of Nippert & Powell, which enjoys not only an excellent reputation but a large clientage.
In 1899 he had the honor of being elected to the State Senate, being the only candidate elected on the local Republican ticket. Through his efforts he brought about many drastic reforms in the municipal government. After his return from Columbus, he was appointed a member of the Board of Education and resigned from this board when, in 1901, he was elected Lieu- tenant-Governor of the State of Ohio. Before his term was at an end he resigned the position to accept the appointment of judge of the Probate Court of Hamilton County, to which office he was elected by the people in the fall of 1902.
In politics, Carl L. Nippert is a devoted Republican, ever ready to fight for the principles of his party. He is deeply interested in the efforts, work and ideas of the German community of his city; he is a member of the
·
869
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
German Literary Club, of which he was the president for several years. He also belongs to the German Masonic lodge as well as to several benevo- lent societies.
In 1898 death robbed him of his truly beloved wife after a lingering illness. The only daughter born to them had years before departed while still very young. Judge Nippert did not enjoy the life of a lonesome widower, being accustomed to the comforts of home life. He took for his second wife Katie Brill, who has succeeded admirably in making their cozy home, situated in Clifton, one of the happiest in the city. A portrait of Judge Nippert accompanies this sketch.
CAPT. PRESTON LODWICK.
CAPT. PRESTON LODWICK, for many years a prominent business man of Cincinnati, and probably one of the best known river men along the Ohio, was called from the scene of his labors, January 17, 1888. Captain Lod- wick was born October 25, 1810, in Adams County, Ohio, and was a son of Colonel Lodwick, a gallant officer in the War of 1812.
In 1824 Captain Lodwick engaged in a dry goods business in associa- tion with his brother James, at Portsmouth, Ohio, but in 1828 he came to Cincinnati and became a member of the mercantile firm of Barr, Lodwick & Company. In 1832, in partnership with Thomas Huff, he purchased the store of Graham & Close, located on the corner of Main and Second streets, and several months later they removed their stock to a store boat and this was Captain Lodwick's introduction to river life, a career which brought him large means and a wide acquaintance. Later he purchased the steam- boat "Argo" from Armstrong & Barkley, the former of whom is recalled as the pioneer commander of the mail service between Louisville and Cin- cinnati, which was the first regularly established mail line along the river. Captain Lodwick took the "Argo" to Southern ports and entered her in the Natchez and Shreveport trade. After a successful season, he returned to Cincinnati, shortly after selling the boat to Texas parties. He then bought the "Sylph," later selling a half interest to Captain Preston, and they ran her between Louisville and Owensboro, their trade increasing so rapidly that soon they bought the "Gallant." The next business enterprise
870
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
in which Captain Lodwick embarked, the purchase of an interest in the Burgess Steel & Iron Works, did not prove a success. In 1874 he built the "Eldorado." In 1880 he commanded the. Kansas packet, "Virginia Lee". for a season. From that time until his death he devoted his time to the handling of real estate.
In 1864 Captain Lodwick was married to Sarah C. Halsey, and to this union one child was born, C. Ross Lodwick, on November 19, 1865, at Portsmouth, Ohio. The son came to Cincinnati with his parents, at the age of six months, and his life has always. been identified with this city. He was educated in the public schools and later at a collegiate school of note, on Fourth street, kept by William S. Ricks. After leaving college, Mr. Lod- wick devoted some time as agent and telegraph operator for the commis- sion house of W. J. Lykins & Company, and after the death of Mr. Lykins, he administered the latter's estate. After closing up the affairs of the estate, Mr. Lodwick embarked in the undertaking and embalming business for which he has better facilities than any other establishment in the city.
On September 16, 1892, C. Ross Lodwick was married to Laura F. Zins, who is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Foster) Zins, and a rela- tive of Seth C. Foster, of the large cotton manufacturing firm of Stearns, Fos- ter & Company. They have two sons : Preston L., born December 25, 1893, and David F., born February 4, 1895. Mr. Lodwick is much esteemed in Cincinnati for his business enterprise and for his honorable and upright character.
CONRAD WINDISCH.
CONRAD WINDISCH, a promnent business man of the city of Cincin- nati, who died July 2, 1887, was one of the founders of the Lion Brewery, which is to-day one of the largest and best known brewing plants of the State of Ohio. He was born in Egloffstein, Bavaria, March 6, 1825, and was a son of Ulrich Windisch, who was a farmer and brewer by occupa- tion. Conrad Windisch received his education in the schools of his native home and at the age of 13 began work in his father's brewery, where lie continued until 23 years of age. He decided to make his own way in the world and on November 1, 1848, sailed from Bremen for the United States. He landed in New York, February 1, 1849, and shortly after trav-
.
871
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
eled over the mountains in a stage coach to Pittsburg, where he found employment in a brewery. He later went to St. Louis, Missouri, and thence to Belleville, Illinois, where he was again employed in a brewery. Owing to ill health he returned to St. Louis where he was employed in the old Camp Spring Brewery. Not feeling satisfied, he decided to locate in Cincinnati, in which city he spent the remainder of a very useful life. His first position in this city was with the Herancourt Brewery, and later he was superin- tendent of the Buckeye Brewery for three years. Being economical in his habits, he saved enough money to enable him to enter business for himself, which he did in partnership with Christian Moerlein and Adam Dillman, establishing a brewery in 1854. Shortly after the construction of the new building Mr. Dillman died, and the two remaining members of the firm continued the business until 1866, when Mr. Windisch disposed of his in- terests to his partner. He then formed a partnership with Gottlieb and Henry Muhlhauser and founded the Lion Brewery, which is now one of the most substantial concerns of the city. Our subject was a most enterprising citizen, his energy and ambition being unbounded. He had a great capacity for business and his business life was one of honesty and uprightness. By his death Cincinnati lost a valuable citizen.
In 1854, Conrad Windisch was joined in marriage with Sophia W. Kobmann, who was born and reared in his native place. She survived her husband many years, dying December 6, 1901. They left five children, of whom Charles F. Windisch is secretary of the Lion Brewery and has taken many of the responsibilities on his shoulders that his father bore before his death.
Charles F. Windisch was born in Cincinnati September 24, 1864. and was educated in the public schools and Woodward High School, from which he graduated in 1882. Later he took a course in the University of Cincinnati, receiving the degree of B. S. in 1886. He then entered the Cincinnati Law School, and later became secretary and treasurer of the Queen City Coal & Mining Company. After one year he became identi- fied with The Windisch-Muhlhauser Brewing Company, of which he has been secretary since 1891. He is sole executor of his father's estate and is one of Cincinnati's most prominent and energetic business men. On September 12, 1894, he was united in marriage with Amanda C. Mul- hauser, a daughter of Henry Muhlliauser, and they are parents of three
1
872
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
children, namely: Margaret S., Richard P. and Frederick C. Charles F. Windisch was a member of the University Board of Cincinnati for a number of years. The brewing company of which he is secretary has had a most prosperous existence, and its future success is assured. They have a large plant at the corner of Wade and Plum streets, to which they have recently added a large five-story building adjoining.
CHARLES MENDENHALL.
CHARLES MENDENHALL, whose long connection with the iron and steel interests of the country gave him prominence, died May 6, 1898. He was one of the most careful, conservative and successful business men ever de- veloped in Cincinnati. His name was identified for years with great under- takings, and is recalled in the history of the Anchor Iron & Steel Company, which emerged from that of Pomeroy, Mendenhall & Company, a great house of his founding.
The late Charles Mendenhall was born at Cleveland, Ohio, July 20, 1840, and was the eldest son of Dr. George and Elizabeth S. Mendenhall. A sketch of the late distinguished Dr. George Mendenhall appears elsewhere in this volume. Charles Mendenhall was four years of age when he ac- companied his parents to Cincinnati, where he became a student at E. S. Brooks' school; later he entered Brown University at Providence, Rhode Island. Called from college halls by the outbreak of the Civil War, he re- turned to Cincinnati in 1861 and enlisted for the three-months service, being one of the first of that band of loyal and patriotic young men who answered the call of country. On account of his youth he was prevented by his parents from reentering the service at the end of his term of enlist- ment.
Immediately upon his return to civilian pursuits, Mr. Mendenhall em- barked in business and at the time of his death ranked with the leading men in the commercial and manufacturing world of Cincinnati. His busi- ness career was always closely associated with iron and steel interests, and for a number of years he was associated with an uncle in operating an iron furnace at Martin's Ferry, Ohio. He was also one of the controlling mem- . bers of the firm of Norton, Mendenhall & Company at Bellaire, Ohio, one
873
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
of the largest nail manufacturing organizations in the East. He founded the firm of Pomeroy, Mendenhall & Company, which upon reorganization became that present great factor in the iron and steel trade, the Anchor Iron & Steel Company.
Mr. Mendenhall was not only a man of business importance, but was also one of Cincinnati's prominent and progressive citizens, ever alert to advance its interests, contributing generously to education, art and charity, and promoting all movements to place the Queen City well before the world. His private life was exemplary and he counted among his personal friends those who fulfill every demand of modern and social life.
On October 16, 1867, Charles Mendenhall was united in marriage with Fanny Carlisle, a daughter of George Carlisle one of Cincinnati's pioneer · bankers and business men, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
The remains of Charles Mendenhall were interred in beautiful Spring Grove Cemetery. He is survived by his widow and by five children, named as follows: Emma, Fanny C., Grace M., Clara C. and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his aged mother, who is spending her declining years in the Lombardy Flats; by his sister, who married Larz Anderson, whose death occurred June 26, 1902, and whose biography will be found else- where in this work; and by his brother, Lawrence, who is one of Cincin- nati's progressive business men.
Mr. Mendenhall's life work has ended. His achievements were those of an upright, public spirited and generous man, one who ever gave his influ- ence in the direction of what was best and most uplifting. His death was a .distinct and irreparable loss to Cincinnati. The family still retain the beautiful home on Grandin road in the aristocratic part of Cincinnati, in which home Mr. Mendenhall took so much pride and spent so many happy years.
GEORGE TORRENCE HARRISON.
GEORGE TORRENCE HARRISON, who was one of the brightest and most successful lawyers of the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, was called to his eternal reward at the early age of 45 years, his death being sadly mourned by his relatives and many friends. He was born October 22, 1847, in Cincinnati, and was a son of William Henry and Mary (Torrence) Harrison.
·
874
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
George T. Harrison received his education at Chickering Institute, and this was supplemented by a full course at Yale College, from which institution he was graduated in 1869. Returning home he entered upon the study of the law in the Cincinnati Law School and after graduation was admitted to practice. He displayed all the qualifications which go toward the making of a successful lawyer and had established a lucrative practice, when his career of brilliant promise came to a sudden end on August 14, 1892. He was a man of pleasing personality and strength of character, who had endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact.
Mr. Harrison was united in marriage, June 6, 1876, with Sallie Perin, a daughter of Oliver and Mary J. (Nelson) Perin. Oliver Perin, whose death occurred November 29, 1880, was one of Cincinnati's most success- ful business men, and acquired a large fortune. His wife, who died in the fall of 1903, was a member of an early Cincinnati family that came from Virginia. Mrs. Harrison is an only daughter and has but one brother now living,-Frank L. Perin, of Cincinnati. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Har- rison was blessed by the birth of two children: Mary Perin Harrison and William Henry Harrison. Mary Perin Harrison was married in Novem- ber, 1901, to Dudley V. Sutphin who is a graduate of Yale University and now a lawyer of this city. William Henry Harrison is at present finishing his course in Yale University.
HERMAN LACKMAN, JR.
HERMAN LACKMAN, JR., whose death occurred October II, 1894, was prominently connected with The Herman Lackman Brewing Company, of Cincinnati, and was a well known member of the Chamber of Commerce. He was born in Cincinnati in 1867, and was one of the four sons of the late Herman Lackman, Sr., the founder of the house and business which bears his name.
Herman Lackman, Sr., was born in Germany, September 15, 1826, settled in the United States in 1847, and established the brewing business in Cincinnati in 1855. He died June 30, 1890, and his business was con- tinued by his four sons. Herman Lackman, Sr., was a man of generous nature, was liberal in his charities, and was ever foremost in benevolent
-
877
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
enterprises. He was deeply interested in the German General Protestant Orphans' Asylum and at one time was president of the board which con- trolled its affairs. He was trustee of the Bodmann German Protestant Widows' Home and was connected with various other organized charities. At one time he served on the Board of Education, his intelligence and good judgment making him a valuable member.
Until failing health interfered, Herman Lackman, Jr., maintained the high reputation enjoyed by his father, and like him, he was prominent in charitable and public spirited enterprises. He continued one of the directors of The Herman Lackman Brewing Company until his death. He is remem- bered by his personal associates and friends, as a man of honor and integ- rity, one who possessed many of those attributes which win and keep regard.
On April 27, 1892, Mr. Lackman was united in marriage with Anna Busch, who was a daughter of the late Henry Busch, who died in 1891, after a business connection of many years with the shoe trade. One son, Robert H., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lackman. The beautiful family home is in Avondale. Mrs. Lackman is identified with the German Protestant Church, of which her late husband was a member.
BENJAMIN B. WHITEMAN.
BENJAMIN B. WHITEMAN, one of the oldest and best known men in the insurance business of Cincinnati, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was called to his long home on December 23, 1903, after a life of more than usual activity and of unusual length. Mr. Whiteman was born in 1810 in Clifton, Greene County, Ohio, and was a son of Gen. Benjamin and Catherine (Davis) Whiteman.
The early education afforded Mr. Whiteman in his own neighborhood was the best the times afforded, and he supplemented it by attendance upon Augusta (Kentucky) College. His ambition brought him to Cincinnati while still a youth, and very early in his business career he became identified with insurance, a line with which he was more or less identified as long as he continued to be actively engaged in business. He filled many positions of trust and responsibility for many years, and until within 15 years of his decease, was the president of the Merchants' & Manufacturers' Insur-
47
878
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
ance Company of Cincinnati. He was a man of much public spirit and a believer in practical charity. He liberally supported educational and relig- ious movements and financially assisted in many of the enterprises which have contributed to the making of Cincinnati.
In 1838 Mr. Whiteman was married to Henrietta Cassilly, who is a daughter of the late Michael Cassilly, one of the pioneer merchants of this city. Mrs. Whiteman and one daughter, Clara (Mrs. B. F. Strader), still survive. Sophia, also a daughter, married Charles E. Smith, son of Richard Smith, former editor and proprietor of the Cincinnati Commercial Gazette. Mrs. Whiteman, although 84 years old, enjoys the best of health, and is as active as most women 20 years younger. She is spending the sunset years of her life in comfort and ease in her beautiful home in Clifton.
Mr. Whiteman was a vestryman in the Protestant Episcopal Church and was devotedly attached to its services. Upon the occasion of his funeral, Rev. George C. Cox, rector of Calvary Church, took occasion to recall to the large concourse, gathered to pay the last token of respect, the many Christian attributes of Mr. Whiteman. The family home at Clifton will long miss the venerable figure and the kind and thoughtful interest that he felt in all surrounding him.
The detailed story of a life as long as that vouchsafed to Mr. White- man would be of absorbing interest, covering as it did the most remarkable period in the world's history. Mr. Whiteman ' never lost interest in local enterprises and his advanced age did not prevent him from following the course of public events, the beginnings of which he had witnessed. He was a man of upright life, of practical sympathy and ready generosity and passed away surrounded by all that makes old age desirable,-honor, ease, friends and gratitude.
SAMUEL FOSDICK.
In recalling the life events of the late Samuel Fosdick, whose death occurred August 5, 1881, the whole page of Cincinnati's early history is laid bare, his name being indissolubly connected with many of the movements which have resulted in the city's present commercial importance. Samuel Fosdick was born in 1801 in New London, Connecticut, and was a son of
879
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Capt. Richard Fosdick, an early pioneer of Cincinnati from Connecticut, who came, as did other notable men, by way of team and flat-boat and selected a home in what now proudly boasts the name of "Queen City."
Capt. Richard Fosdick was a man of most excellent judgment and he was able to discern a bright future for the straggling river town. At the date of his arrival, many of the blockhouses erected for protection from the Indians were still standing and old Fort Washington had not then been torn down. The United States Arsenal had just been established at New- port, but the population of Covington was represented by one family. As may be judged, the educational advantages here were of a very primitive character and Captain Fosdick took his young son to Long Island to have better opportunities. It was during his sojourn there at school that young Samuel witnessed the wreck of the British war vessel, the "Sylph," this occurring on the same day on which General Jackson won the battle of New Orleans. Capt. Richard Fosdick was treasurer of Hamilton County for two terms. In 1816 the father and son made a trip with keel-boats to the Kanawha salt regions, the business instincts of the former seeing profit in that direction.
By the time Samuel Fosdick was 33 years old he had grown into the acquaintance and confidence of his fellow citizens to such a degree that he was elected sheriff of Hamilton County, and in 1836 he was reelected. After the close of his second term of office, he embarked in a general com- mission business which he conducted prosperously for 15 years on Sycamore street. In 1843, in association with Anthony Harkness and Jacob Strader, he built the first and only cotton factory in Cincinnati, where business was successfully conducted for almost 16 years, the plant finally coming into his possession at the death of both partners. Mr. Fosdick was connected with many enterprises, many of which have developed into great corpora- tions and important industries. He owned much property and probably, with one exception, handled more real estate than any individual in Cincinnati.
Mr. Fosdick possessed those old-fashioned principles of the sturdiest kind of honesty, and while he amassed a large fortune it was through only legitimate channels. Both in business and official life he enjoyed the es- teem of his fellow citizens and his memory is perpetuated as one of the business builders of Cincinnati.
On January 12, 1836, Mr. Fosdick was married to Sarah A. Wood,
1
880
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
who was a daughter of John Wood of Cincinnati, and a family of eight children were born to them, the survivors being: Wood and Frances D., the wife of Maj. Frank J. Jones, one of the leading attorneys of the Ham- ilton County bar. The religious connection of Mr. Fosdick was with the Protestant Episcopal Church and his contributions for the support of its various charities were always liberal.
HON. A. J. PRUDEN. -
HON. A. J. PRUDEN, deceased, was a prominent member of the Ohio bar and an able judge in the city of Cincinnati. He was born January 19, 1818, in Cincinnati, and was one of seven children born to Ebenezer and Mary (Leonard) Pruden, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. They came to Cincinnati by way of coach and flat-boat in 1808. Here Ebenezer Pruden followed the trade of brick mason, and much of his superior work is to be found in some of the finest old buildings of the city. He died in 1863, at the age of 87 years.
Our subject attended the common schools of the city and in 1835 began work on his father's farm in Warren County, where he spent two years. Upon his return to Cincinnati, he entered Woodward College, where he remained two years, in the meantime formulating plans for the study of the law. Finally he began his reading with David Van Matre, and suc- ceeded in being admitted to the bar in December, 1841. He began practice at once and continued until the date of his death. He early made his ability felt and he came first prominently before the public, when he was elected, in 1846, a member of the City Council, and was subsequently reelected four .
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.