History of Cincinnati, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 140

Author: Ford, Henry A., comp; Ford, Kate B., joint comp
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Cleveland, O., L.A. Williams & co.
Number of Pages: 666

USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > History of Cincinnati, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 140

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HISTORY OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

1872, where he remained until 1874. In 1877 he started his present business, keeping on hand a full line of hard- ware, stoves, etc. Mr. Hopf was married in Hamilton county to Augusta Gahn. They have five children.

B. H. Lammers, brick manufacturer, residence, Camp Washington, was born in Prussia, November 27, 1817. Came to the United States and landed in New York city in 1847, coming direct to Cincinnati. His first work was in a foundry, where he remained for a short time, when he entered the brick manufacturing business, which he has continued ever since. ' In 1852 Mr. Lammers moved to Camp Washington, where he started in busi- ness for himself. In 1850 he was married to Miss Fred- ericka Heillebrandt, of Germany. They have seven children. Mr. Lammers has been very successful in the manufacturing of brick. He is now owner of some very valuable real estate which he has obtained by his hard labor and good management. He is one of the oldest pioneers of Camp Washington, respected and honored by all.

S. Rittee was born in Baden, Germany, January II, 1835, and emigrated to the United States, locating in Cincinnati, in 1854. He came here very poor, having only one dollar, which he gave for his supper, lodging, and breakfast. He went to work for a gardener for nine dollars per month. After working here about six months he went to Baltimore, thence to Philadelphia, then to Pittsburgh, steam-boating to New Orleans ; he finally returned to Cincinnati. He was for one year in business in Lawrenceburgh. He enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, company C, and served one year in the late civil war; did good service and was honorably mustered out. He came to Camp Washing- ton in 1861, commencing in business in 1865. Mr. Rittee was married in 1860 to Miss Louisa Lauhel.

Joseph Haarmann, principal of the Catholic school, was born in Germany November 22, 1849, receiving his education in his native country, graduating from a leading institution of learning in 1866. He taught school in Ger- many for six years. He, in 1872, emigrated to the Uni- ted States, coming direct to Cincinnati, where he has been very actively engaged in school teaching in the city ever since. He has been teaching at his present place for the last three and a half years, and is acknowledged a fine teacher by all.

Rev. Henry Paul, pastor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic church, Camp Washington, was born in Alf- hausen, province of Hanover, Germany, October 27, 1848. At the age of ten years he came to America and located in Cincinnati. Here he received his education, graduating from the Xavier college June 19, 1871. He was ordained as minister by the Most Rev. Archbishop Pur- cell, February 28, 1874. His first appointment was at Marysville, where he remained from 1874 to 1876, when he was on missionary work, visiting and working at the ministry at different places, Mechanicsburgh, Milford Centre, Liverpool, Richwood, Peoria, Woodstock, etc. On the fifteenth of May, 1876, he received a call from his present charge, where he has been serving very active- ly and faithfully since, establishing a large congregation.

Rev. J. A. Voss, pastor of the German Reformed church, was born in Holland, August 27, 1850. He received his education in Germany. Coming to the United States in 1873, he was for a short time in charge of the German Reformed church at Covington, Ken- tucky. In 1874 Rev. Voss came to Camp Washington, and has been very actively engaged with the German Reformed church ever since. His congregation is very large, and since his pastoral work here he has done wonderful good.

Major James Morgan, superintendent of the city work- house, was born in the county of Cork, Ireland, April 12, 1835, and is the son of James and Katie (Conn) Mor- gan, both parents born in Ireland. Our subject when very young came to America, and in 1847 located in Cincinnati. Here he began to learn his trade in an edge- tool manufactory, continuing at work until the breaking out of the late civil war, when he, in 1861, enlisted as a private in company B, Twenty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry. He was made first lieutenant of the same com- pany, and in 1862 was made its captain, which position he filled until 1864, and then was made major of the Twenty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry. Here he served until the close of the war, having participated in the battles and marches with this regiment through the entire service. He returned to his home in Cincinnati, and soon after entered the edge-tool business, which he followed very successfully for a number of years. Jan- uary 1, 1874, Major Morgan was appointed to the office of superintendent of the city workhouse, which position he has filled with honor and credit ever since, with the exception of some two years. He was a member of the city council for some seven years, being a very active worker. Major Morgan is a Republican in politics, and in 1879 was chairman of the Republican county com- mittee, being a hard worker in his party ranks.

T. J. McCoy, M. D., was born in Warren county, Ohio, April 2, 1857, and is the son of Isaac and Lucinda (Allen) McCoy, both parents natives of Ohio. Our sub- ject, after receiving a thorough education, began to study medicine. He attended three terms of lectures in the Medical college in Cincinnati, when he went to Louis- ville, Kentucky, and entered the Kentucky School of Medicine, which institution he graduated from June 29, 1880, with the highest of honors, receiving a gold medal for the best notes on medicine. After graduating, Dr. McCoy located in Camp Washington, where he is meet- ing with very good success, and is recognized as being the best educated physician of that place.

William Hoffmeister, saloon keeper, residence, Lick Run, is one of the successful men of that locality. He was born in Germany January 31, 1827. He came to the United States and landed in New York in 1847, then came direct to Cincinnati, arriving here July 12th of the same year. Here he went to work at his trade as a cigar maker, which he had learned in Germany. He continued working at this trade for some five years, when he entered the grocery business. After four years he entered the brewery business in Lick Run, in the rear of his present homestead, which he continued up to 1871,

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since in his present business. Mr. Hoffmeister has held several offices of public trust, was trustee of Mill Creek township for three years, was clerk of the school board and treasurer of the same for fourteen years; was assist- ant assessor of the United States internal revenue for two years. These offices he filled with honor and credit. He was married in Cincinnati to Anna Margaret Biegler, of Germany. They have ten children. He is a member of the German Protestant church.

Michael Gries, butcher, residing in Lick Run, was born in Baden, Germany, February 5, 1826. He came to America and landed in New York city in 1847. He worked at the butcher business in Baltimore, Washington and Pittsburgh. In the fall of 1848 Mr. Gries came to Cincinnati in poor circumstances, in fact five dollars in debt. He went to work by the day in the slaughter- house. In 1849 he moved to Lick Run, a place then very thinly settled. Here our subject began the butcher business for himself in a small way. Since then, with hard work and good management, he has built up a very profitable business, and is one of the most successful butchers of Cincinnati. He has erected a very conveni- ent slaughter- and packing-house in Lick Run. He em- ploys five men. Mr. Gries was married in Cincinnati. He has four children living. He is an active member of the Catholic church.

John Ridder, butcher, residing in Lick Run, was born in Prussia, Germany, February 26, 1845. He came to the United States, and landed in New York in 1868, coming direct to Cincinnati, where he commenced the butcher business. In 1869 he moved to Lick Run, and is now doing a leading business in his line, carrying on a whole- sale business, employing five men. Mr. Ridder was married in Cincinnati to Lizzie Tense, who died. He was married to Aggie Roter, and they have now five children.

H. W. Schorfheide, grocer, resident of Lick Run, was born in Germany July 3, 1824. He landed in Baltimore in 1850, and from thence came to Cincinnati. Here he started the dairy business, and in 1854 he moved to Lick Run, continuing in the dairy business until about 1866 when he entered the grocery business, being among the oldest merchants in this vicinity. He was married in 1852 to Miss Mary Ann, his present wife. She is a native of Germany, and came to Cincinnati about 1841.

Frederick Gaefe, bristle manufacturer, residence in Lick Run, was born in Hanover, Germany, March 23, 1827. Came to the United States, landing in New York city in 1849; thence to Rochester, thence to Ohio, where he worked as a day laborer until 1852 when he came to Cincinnati. He soon after commenced to work in Bul- lock's hair manufactory, driving a team. From this he was appointed as superintendent, remaining in the em- ploy of this house for about twenty years. In 1874 Mr. Gaefe commenced business for himself, in a small way, in Lick Run. By his enterprise and good management he is gradually increasing his business, building up a very profitable trade. He employes nine men in his manufactory, turning out work not excelled. Mr. Gaefe moved to Lick Run in 1853 and is now one of its oldest

settlers. He was married in Cincinnati in 1856 to Miss Wilhelmina Huster, of Germany. She came to America in 1850. They have six children. Mr. Gaefe is a mem- ber of the Protestant church. He was elected a mem- ber of the school board, filling that office with acknowl- edged ability.

John A. Staab, retired, of Lick Run, was born in Ba- varia, Germany, February 10, 1816, and came to America in 1847, thence to Cincinnati, arriving here August 25, 1847. He came here in poor circumstances and went to work as a laborer. In 1860 he had accumulated a little money and started a business, which he continued until 1877, being very successful. Mr. Staab worked for some thirteen years in the hair factory in Lick Run. In 1848 he married Anna M. Metzer, a native of Ger- many, by whom he has one child. After her death he married his present wife, in 1860, Mary A. Harris, of London, England. Mr. Staab has been a resident of Lick Run since 1851, being among the oldest living. He is a member of the German Pioneer society.

Barny Freckers, grocer, Barrsville, was born in Ger- many July 10, 1823. He came to America, landing in New York city in 1851; coming direct to Cincinnati, ar- riving here July 12th of the same year. Coming here in meagre circumstances he worked at day's labor; he soon after commenced in the dairy business in Cincinnati, thence moved to Barrsville, commencing here in the dairy business with some eighteen cows, His business gradually increased by his good inanagement until he owned as high as fifty head of cows, doing a good busi- ness in the dairy trade. In 1874 Mr. Freckers started in the grocery business-the first to start in Barrsville. He married Miss Anna Morrien, of Germany. She came to Cincinnati in 1849. They have one child. Mr. Freckers is an active member of the Catholic church.

Henry Brune, dairyman, of Barrsville, was born in Oldenburg, Germany, February 21, 1838; came to the United States, landing in Baltimore in 1858, thence to Cincinnati. Here he began to work as a laborer. He soon after entered the dairy business, which he has now been in for the last eighteen years, being one of the first dairymen to locate in Barrsville. He commenced busi- ness with twenty-five cows; now owns forty and is doing a good, profitable trade. His stables and dairy busi- ness are kept in the best of order, employing four hands. He was married in Cincinnati in 1862 to Elizabeth Hunighake, by whom he has four children.

Henry Menke, dairyman, a resident of Barrsville, was born in Germany February 9, 1839; came to the United States and landed in New Orleans in 1857, coming directly to Cincinnati. Arriving here December of the same year, he went to work in a furniture factory; thence in 1865 he entered the dairy business, commenc- ing with twenty-one cows. He now owns a first-class dairy with forty cows, employing two hands. He was married in 1865 in Cincinnati, to Miss Kate Witerede, of Germany. By this marriage they have three children.

Henry Rakers, retired, resident of Barrsville, was born in Germany March 9, 1819, and in 1845 came to the United States and landed in New Orleans, thence to Cin-

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cinnati July 2, 1845, which has been his home ever since. He commenced to work at his trade as carpenter which he followed for a short time; then commenced the dairy business in 1852, with four or five cows; located on Mohawk street. In 1856 he moved to the present place. Here, with hard work and fair dealing, he at one time owned seventy-five cows, doing a leading dairy business successfully for a number of years. Mr. Rakers retired from business, which is now carried on by his son-in-law, Augustus Osterfeld, who is operating the business very successfully. Mr. Rakers was married in Cincinnati to Catharine Karner, of Germany; by this mariage, they have one child, a daughter. Mr. Rakers is a member of the Catholic church.

William Brickley, principal of the Carthage schools, a resident of Cincinnati, was born in Herkimer county, New York, August 28, 1809, where, after receiving suffi- cient education at seventeen years of age, he began to teach school. He graduated at the Union college of Albany, New York; taught school in his native county, also in St. Lawrence county, being at the head of some of the leading schools of those counties. In 1855 he came west to Hamilton county, Ohio, and taught school in Stors township in the Stone high school; has taught in other schools very successfully, and is to-day the oldest school-teacher of Hamilton county.

John Kauffman, jr., foreman of the Vine Street brewery, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the son of John Kauffman, proprieter of the Vine Street brewery. Our subject was brought up in the brewery business. He was appointed to the present position some one and half years ago. He is now twenty-two years of age, and is the youngest foreman of the Cincinnati breweries.

Adrian Bok, foreman of the Bellevue brewery, is a native of Germany, where he commenced, at eighteen years of age, to learn his trade as a brewer. In 1860 he came to America and first located in Terre Haute, In- diana, where he worked at the brewery business for a short time, when, in 1860, he came to Cincinnati, where he was employed in the Jackson brewery for some twelve and a half years, and also worked in other leading brew- eries of the city. February 14th he was made foreinan of the Bellevue brewery, which position he is filling very satisfactorily.

Albert Carry, foreman of the Dayton Street brewery, is a native of Germany. At the age of fourteen he be- gan to learn the brewer's trade, which he followed while in Germany. In 1869 he came to the United States, and went to Jersey City, where he worked as a brewer some two years. In 1871 Mr. Carry came to Cincin- nati, and began work in the Western brewery. The last two and a half years of his stay at this brewery he was foreman, but left to take the foremanship of the Dayton Street brewery. He is recognized as one of the best posted brewers in the city.

Lewis Mark, foreman of J. C. Sohn & Co.'s brewery, was born in Germany January 2, 1834, where, at the age of fourteen he began to learn the brewer's trade. In 1854 he landed in New York city, and for three years worked in a brewery at Pittsburgh. In 1858 he came to

Cincinnati, and accepted a position at J. C. Sohn & Co.'s brewery. At the outbreak of the late civil war, he en- listed in company A, Ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served bravely and efficiently for three years, participa- ting in all the engagements and marches of that regi- ment. He was mustered out as orderly sergeant, and returned to his old position in the same brewery, where he has since remained. He is the oldest foreman and one of the best brewers in the city.

William Gerst, foreman of the Elm Street brewery, was born in Germany, and at the age of sixteen began to learn the cooper's trade. His father and brother are both in the brewing business in Germany. In 1866 he left the old country, and came by way of New York city direct to Cincinnati, where he worked in several of the leading breweries before securing his present position. Mr. Gerst made a visit to the leading breweries of the old country, and has gained a wide experience that makes him a leading man in the business.

Andrew Wollenberger, foreman of the Jackson brew- ery, was born in Germany, where he began to learn his trade as a brewer at the age of fourteen years. In 1868 he left his native land and came by way of New York city direct to Cincinnati, where he began work in the Jackson brewery. After being employed there for two years, he worked in other breweries in the city, being foreman of one of them for two years and a half. In 1880 he returned to the Jackson brewery as foreman, and has given entire satisfaction to his employer, as well as won the respect of the men under his charge.

Mrs. R. B. Herancourt was born in Germany, and is the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Harch, who, with a large family, came to America and located in Cincin- nati in 1832. Soon after their arrival they were taken sick with that dreadful disease, cholera, and out of the family of ten persons, seven died, including father, brother and five sisters. They were buried near where the Music hall is now located. In 1843 Mrs. Heran- court was married to the late G. M. Herancourt, one of the pioneer brewers of the city. He carried on a suc- cessful business until 1880, when he died, respected and honored, leaving a wife and nine children to mourn his loss.

Mrs. Margaret (Becker) Wust was born in Germany and came to Cincinnati in 1842, and is the wife of the late Jacob Wust, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1817. He learned his trade as a stocking weaver in Ger- many. In 1840 he came to America and located in Cin- cinnati. He then went to work at day labor. In 1843 he went to work for his brother, and in 1845 he entered business for himself in the manufacturing of woollen hosiery, which business he was very successful in and continued up to his death, which occurred September 6, 1878. Thus passed away one of the city's honored and respected pioneer manufacturers. He had been located in the building now occupied by his sons since 1847. He was married in 1845 to Miss Margaret Becker, and at his death left a wife and seven children to mourn his loss. The manufacturing of wollen hosiery is carried on by the sons, who are very industrious and doing a very suc-

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cessful business. They employ eighteen hands in their business.

Rev. William Daly, pastor of the Catholic church, was born in Roscommon, Ireland, June, 1841. He came to the United States and located in Cincinnati in 1851. He graduated from Mt. St. Mary's college in 1870. After being ordained as minister he was located at Oxford at St. Mary's church. Some two years ago he took charge of his present congregation, where he has remained since, being a very active worker.

Jacob Frey, Vine street, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, November 15, 1799. At thirteen years of age he began to learn his trade as a tailor, working at his trade in Germany until 1833. Mr. Frey was married in Germany, November 30, 1830, to Miss Johanna Henri- etta C. Haffly. She was born in Baden, Germany, Feb- ruary 27, 1811. In 1833 he, with his wife and three children, sailed for America, landing in New Orleans in May, after being on the trip from Bremen to New Or- leans fifty-six days. They then came direct to Cincin- nati. Finding no work at his trade, he went to work here as a laborer on the canal, where he worked some three weeks, when he went to work at his trade, tailoring, which he continued up to 1849. He then entered the book and newspaper business, being agent for the Volks- blatt newspaper until 1877, when he retired, his son now filling that position. Mr. Frey is one of the organizers of the old tailor's association, which was organized in 1843, he being one of its honored presidents. By their marriage they have had fourteen children, of whom seven are living.

John B. Ahlers, Central avenue, was born in Olden- burg, Germany, January 9, 1809. He came to the United States and landed in New York city in 1835; then came to Cincinnati, arriving here August 9, 1835. Here he went to work at day labor. He also, for a while, worked in Natchez, Mississippi. Returning to Cincin- nati he, in about 1845, began keeping a grocery on the southeast corner of Liberty street and Central avenue, one of the first to start in the grocery business in this neighborhood, then very thinly settled. Here he con- tinued in business for about eight years. He made a trip to Germany, and after returning he moved on a farm on Colerain pike. Here he remained some eight years, en- gaged in farming, when he retired to his present home, where he has remained since. Mr. Ahlers has made three trips to his native country, where he spent some two and a half years visiting friends and relatives. He has been married twice, and has had the sad misfortune of losing both wives. His last wife died some eight years ago. He has two children living-one by his first wife and one by the second.

Charles Hess, baker, was born in Baden, Germany, learning his trade as a baker. In 1857 he came to the United States, locating at Cincinnati, working at his trade a short time, He then went west, seeking gold, visiting Pike's Peak. Remaining west one and a half years, he returned to Cincinnati. He entered the service of the Ninety-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry as baker, where he served for some three years. At the close of the war

Mr. Hess returned to Cincinnati. Here he worked at odd jobs until 1866, when he established his present business, being one of the first bakers to locate in this vicinity. Here, by hard work and good management, Mr. Hess has been successful and won a host of friends. He was made alderman of his ward in 1880, which office he is now filling with entire satisfaction. He was married in Cincinnati to Miss Minnie Peters, of Germany. By this union they have five children.

Wendel Gruesser, saloon-keeper, was born in Germany, March 3, 1825, and in 1848 sailed for America, landing in New York city on the eleventh day of October of the same year, and in November located in Cincinnati. He is a machinist by trade, which he learned in Germany. Not finding anything to do at his trade, he went to work as a laborer on the canal. He then found work repair- ing musical instruments, for which he was swindled out of his wages. He soon after went to work in the Fulton locomotive works, and thence to Cleveland, Ohio. He worked on a farm in different places; also in a saw- mill on Licking river. He went south, seeking work in Woodville, Mississippi; New Orleans, Algers, Carroll- ton, but finding work for a short time. He then went to steamboating on the Mississippi. In 1851 he returned to Cincinnati, and worked at his trade, which he con- tinued up to 1858, when he removed to Tell City, In- diana, being one of the pioneers of that place. He, in company with others, entered the saw-mill business, which not being successful he returned to Cincinnati. In 1861 he entered his present business, which he has continued ever since. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Mary Kaemmerling, of Germany, and has two children living. Mr. Gruesser is a member of the German Pioneer association.

Mrs. Mary Engle, is the wife of the late David Engle, who was born in Baden, Germany, in 1827, and at seven years of age came to America and landed in New York city, coming direct to Cincinnati, his home un- til his death, which occurred in 1879. He worked on a farm near Cincinnati burning charcoal, which he would bring to Cincinnati by the wagon load and peddle to customers. He then went to work gardening. In 1853 he married Mary Klunz, of Germany, who came to Cin- cinnati in 1849. After he married he began keeping a saloon and boarding-house. He soon after embarked in the mineral water manufacturing business. In each line of business he was very successful. He had accu- mulated a good property, which he left to his wife and family. Mr. Engle was one of the honored members of the German Pioneer association. The business is carried on by the sons, David having charge of the mineral water department, and Chris the saloon. John is attending school.

William Sedler, saloon-keeper, was born in Germany, May 18, 1836. He came to the United States, and landed in New York city in 1846, coming direct to Cin- cinnati, arriving here about June of the same year. He went to work as a laborer, working at different places. He carried on the fish business for some fourteen years. He was also a fireman on the Pittsburgh & Marietta

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History of Cincinnati, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 140

Author: Ford, Henry A., comp; Ford, Kate B., joint comp Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Cleveland, O., L.A. Williams & co. Number of Pages: 666

Author: Ford, Henry A., comp; Ford, Kate B., joint comp
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Cleveland, O., L.A. Williams & co.
Number of Pages: 666