USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 100
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 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103
VIRGIL L. BROOKS.
Among the leading business men of Dayton is Virgil L. Brooks, of the well known firm of Brooks Sons, plumbers, who was born in the city of Cleveland in 1857, and is a son of John L. Brooks, whose birth occurred in Oxford, England. On coming to the new world he first located in New York city and from there re- moved to Buffalo, where he made his home until going to Cleveland. In 1860 he became a resident of Dayton and here engaged in business as a contracting heating plumber for a number of years. He died while on his summer vacation at Wick- ford, Rhode Island. In his family were three sons and two daughters, of whom our subject and the two daughters are still living, the latter being Nellie B., the wife of Charles F. Reynolds, of Providence, Rhode Island, and Carrie G., the wife of Alvin H. Plummer.
Virgi! L. Brooks was only three years of age when brought by his parents to Dayton and in this city was reared and educated, attending the public schools until after he was seventeen years of age. He then entered the plumbing shop of his father and learned the trade. Becoming thoroughly conversant with the business in every department he was admitted to a partnership with his father under the firm name of Brooks & Son, carrying on the business under that title until the death of the father in 1898. The firm name was then changed to Brooks Sons, by which it is still known. They do a very large and profitable business and stand
1
1048
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
high in business circles. Mr. Brooks is also vice president of the Ashley Falls Marble Company.
In 1894 he was married in Mansfield Center, Connecticut, to Miss Nellie M. Sumner and they have since made their home in Dayton where they have a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Fraternally Mr. Brooks is identified with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias, while religiously he holds member- ship in the Linden Avenue Baptist church. In politics he is independent but he takes an active and commendable interest in public affairs and gives his support to all measures which he believes will prove of public benefit.
WILLIAM D. WHITEHEAD.
William D. Whitehead merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held for his life has ever been an upright and honorable one, characterized by activity in business and devotion to honorable principles. He is the owner of a ninety- acre farm in Madison township and the cultivation of his fields brings him a substantial annual income. He was born on the 12th of November, 1868, on the farm on which he still makes his home, for his present property is a part of the old Whitehead homestead. His parents were David and Mary (Wolfe) White- head. His grandfather came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was one of the first settlers in this part of the state. He drove across the country and after reaching his destination he turned his horses out and they ran away, going back over the trail nearly to Pennsylvania. He followed them and at length re- covered them. All of the conditions of pioneer life were here to be found when he took his abode in Montgomery county, building one of the first houses in Madi- son township. The entire region was covered with a dense growth of timber, so that the early homes were largely log cabins in which was a big fire-place over which the cooking was done and which also served to heat the pioneer home. There were wild animals in the forests and wild game could be had in abundance. The early settlers had many difficulties and dangers to meet in thus reclaiming the frontier, but in course of time the seeds of civilization were thickly sown in this western wilderness and today it seems hardly possible to realize that less than a century ago this was an unsettled and unimproved tract.
David Whitehead, the father of our subject, was born at the old family home on the farm now occupied by his son William, and was here reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life. As the years passed he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits and his capable management and un- daunted enterprise brought to him a measure of success that was most gratify- ing. As his financial resources increased, he added more and more largely to his place until his landed holdings were extensive and his capital was also con- siderable. He became one of the best known and most influential farmers of Madison township, promoting not only his own prosperity, but also contributing. to the general welfare through his co-operation in many movements for the public good. Upon the old home farm he reared his family of thirteen children, namely : Daniel, Julian, Amanda, Susan, Jacob, Lucinda, Lydia, Ella, Anna, Jessie, Oliver,
1049
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
William and Catharine. The last named and also Amanda and Susan have passed away.
The uneventful life of the farm pictured the youthful days of William D. Whitehead, who gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits when not occupied with the task of acquiring his education in the public schools. Through the summer months he labored diligently and became acquainted with the best methods of tilling the soil, of cultivating the crops and gathering the harvests in the late autumn. To his father, he gave the benefit of his services throughout the period of his minority. Since coming into possession of the farm, he has made all of the necessary improvements and now has an excellent place. In the midst of his fields stands a comfortable and commodious residence of nine rooms, which is one of the most modern and attractive homes of the township. The barn is also large, the loft giving ample shelter for the hay, while below there is much room for the stock. His farm comprises ninety acres of land that responds read- ily to the care and labor he bestows upon it, and his place is situated on the Salem pike about five miles northwest of Dayton.
On the 26th of January, 1890, Mr. Whitehead was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Lightner, a daughter of Daniel and Lucinda (Froutz) Lightner. Her father lived in this county for many years and was a leading and well known agriculturist here. His children were eight in number: William, Harvey, Ira, Edward, Olive, Perry, John and Amelia. Of these all are yet living with the exception of Ira, Edward and Olive. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead has been blessed with three children: Harry, who remains at home and assists in the operation of the farm; Bessie May, and Ira Lester, both of whom are attending school.
Mr. Whitehead is classed with the younger and representative farmers of the county, who carries on his work along modern methods and understands the scientific as well as the practical side of farming. He realizes the value that comes through the rotation of crops and through the judicious use of fertilizers, keeps the soil in good condition and gives careful attention to the time of plant- ing and plowing. Year after year, he harvests good crops of the grains best adapted to the conditions here found, and that he has prospered in his work is indicated in the well kept and thrifty appearance of his place. While managing his personal business affairs, he is not unmindful of the interests of the community and for a period of three years did active work for the cause of education as a member of the school board. He is an active and prominent member of the church of the Brethren and believes in the adoption of all movements and measures that tend to promote material, intellectual and moral progress.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON ROMSPERT.
Alexander Hamilton Romspert, now deceased, was a worthy and respected citizen of Montgomery county, well known also as a representative agriculturist. He was the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of fine farm land on the Lebanon pike about three miles south of the courthouse in Dayton. He was born
1050
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
April 16, 1853, and died January 9, 1892. His life record, therefore, covered less than forty years, but in that time accomplished much and the methods which he followed were ever straightforward and honorable. He was born on the old Coy farm in Greene county, Ohio, and there obtained his early education. He also engaged in teaching school in that county and when a young man re- moved to Montgomery county, where he continued his educational labors, con- ducting a school for a time in Van Buren township. He was later in the office of Munger & Munger and subsequently opened an office in the Conover building, where he remained for thirteen years. At length he retired on account of his health, putting aside business cares when still a young man. He then went to his farm in Preble county, Ohio, where he remained until his death but even his cessation from active business cares did not prove availing in restoring his health.
Mr. Romspert was married to Miss Laura Long, a daughter of Henry and Harriet (Shroyler) Long. Her father was one of the most prominent farmers in this section of the state and Mrs. Romspert became recognized as one of the leading ladies of this part of the county. By her marriage, she became the mother of three children. Maud, now living at home, completed a course of study in the district schools and is now very prominent in Dayton social circles. Harry H., who is the active head of the Romspert family at the present time, acquired his early education in the township schools and for three years attended the Beaver- town high school. He also went to Professor Shoup's Preparatory school, from which he was graduated and he is now in his freshman year at college. He ex- pects to finish the course and then take up his father's work.
The family belong to the Reformed church and are very active in all branches of its work. Mr. Romspert was also identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Garfield Club. He was a public-spirited man and was always looking to the interests of the community at large. Although a self-made man, he came to be recognized as one of the best representatives of the Montgomery county bar, his ability and enterprise bringing him into important professional relations .: Wherever he was known he was honored for what he accomplished and his gen- uine worth won for him the respect of all with whom he was associated.
EZEKIEL S. CONOVER.
Ezekiel S. Conover is a representative farmer of Van Buren township, where he owns sixty-five acres of land on the Springboro road, about two and a half miles from the courthouse of Dayton in a southerly direction. He is the son of Crynons and Helen (Denise) Conover, who were identified with the life of Miamisburg. The family on the father's side were among those who knew this section of the state in its most primitive days, for William Conover, our subject's grandfather, came here from New Jersey in 1808. He was a blacksmith by trade and lived to witness the many important changes which the passing years brought about, and to which his own efforts, modest and unostentatious though they were, contributed their share. His father, who was also named William,
1051
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
never left his Pennsylvania home. Crynons Conover was born and reared in this county, and when he entered the world of labor found that his abilities suited him for the work of a mechanic. In Miamisburg, he followed his trade for a consid- erable number of years and then turned his attention to farming, which he pur- sued during the closing period of his life.
Ezekiel S. Conover was born in Miamisburg and there received his early edu- cation, being twelve years of age when his family moved to the farm on which he has continued to live. After coming here, he attended the country schools, ac- quiring from them such training for life as they were able to give at that time. During the vacation periods his days were spent in work about the home place and on reaching manhood, he was fully competent to assume entire charge of the farm and to follow his chosen vocation with success. He soon realized that his soil was better suited for truck gardening than for general farming, and as a man who raises fine vegetables, he has been known in Montgomery county of late years. For a period of twenty-five years, he was identified with the farming in- terests of Darke county, where the people showed their appreciation of his ster- ling qualities as a man by electing him a member of the school board.
On the 30th of November, 1873, Mr. Conover was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Green, the daughter of Edward and Lydia (Fearer) Green, who were known as prominent farmers of Warren county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Conover: Victor is engaged in the ice cream business in Day- ton. Edward S., was born in Darke county, where he received the greater part of his education, and has always been fond of the farm and its life and work, being now the actual head of his father's place. On the 8th of August, 1900, he was married to Miss Amelia Hoelscher, a daughter of William and Caroline (Grote) Hoelscher, who came to Darke county from Germany. Three children have been born of this union : Logan, Harold and Catharine. Ellen, the youngest of Mr. and Mrs. Conover's family, has completed her school course and is at present liv- ing at home with her parents.
Mr. Conover is a member of the Greenville Lodge, No. 161, the Knights of Pythias, and is closely identified with its work and interests. He gives his al- legiance in religious matters to the Christian church, and by his daily life, proves his right to membership in that body. On more than one occasion, he has given proof of a strong and fine character, and when the public has relied upon his good judgment, he has demonstrated that their confidence has not been mis- placed.
JOHN COLLINS.
John Collins, official stenographer in Dayton, was born in Angelica, Allegany county, New York, on the 14th of September, 1849, and was one of the four children who were born unto Charles and Elizabeth Hyde (Cardell) Collins. The father was a native of Geneva, New York, born in 1813, and was graduated from the Geneva College. For many years, he engaged in the practice of law in Angelica, but at length retired from the profession and came to Dayton, where his remaining days were passed. His wife died in Northumberland, Pennsyl-
1052
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
vania, in 1873. They were the parents of four children but one daughter died at the age of nine years. Three of the number reached years of maturity and still survive, namely: John, of this review; Helen, who is the widow of David Reimer ; and Mrs. Florence Pringle. The Collins family was established in New England at an early date. The grandfather, John Collins, was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, in the eighteenth century, and died in Angelica, New York, where for many years he made his home. He was an attorney at law and served as county judge at Angelica. His wife bore the maiden name of Ann Gregory.
John Collins, whose name introduces this review, spent the first sixteen or seventeen years of his life at Wellsville, New York, and in the place of his nativity, during which period he attended the public schools and also Angelica Academy. On leaving that institution, he went to Northumberland, Pennsylvania, remaining there and at Sunbury, just across the river, until 1875, during a part of which period he was engaged in book binding. In that year, he came to Ohio, settling first at Dela- ware, where he continued in the same business for two years, after which he spent one year in Columbus, Ohio, as assistant to the official court stenographer. In May, 1879, he was appointed to his present position, which he has now occupied for thirty years. He is regarded as an expert stenographer, his ability being plainly evidenced in his long continuance in office. He is also a popular official in the courts, having the good will, friendship and high regard of attorneys and the court.
In 1877, Mr. Collins was married in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, to Miss Sarah J. Leighon, and they have three children, Helen, Bertha and Lucy. In his political views, Mr. Collins is a republican, and keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, is thus able to support his position by intelligent argument. He does not seek official preferment, however, outside of the one position which he has filled for three decades.
WILLIAM F. WAGNER.
William F. Wagner, commissioner of highways in district No. 2, Madison township, is also the owner of a good farm of fifty acres on the McNelly road, situated about two and a half miles northwest of Trotwood. His birth occurred on the old Wagner homestead near Trotwood on the 5th of March, 1865, his parents being Jesse and Mary (Olinger) Wagner. George Wagner, the pater- nal grandfather of William F. Wagner, was born in Maryland and came to this state subsequent to the arrival of his son Jesse. He took up some land in Mont- gomery county and here spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of seventy-two years, while his wife survived him for several years. In early manhood, Jesse Wagner made his way from Maryland to this county, settling on the farm which is now known as the old Wagner homestead. Here he success- fully carried on agricultural pursuits and was well known and highly esteemed throughout the community. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the German Baptist church. In his family were nine children, namely: Delia ;
1053
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
William F., of this review; Emma; John; Jesse, deceased; Alice; Enos ; and Eugene and George, who have also passed away.
William F. Wagner pursued his education in the common schools and through- out his active business career has been identified with agricultural interests. As before stated, he has a well improved farm of fifty acres in Madison township and in addition to its cultivation, he also carries on business as a bridge contrac- tor, doing repair work on bridges. His well directed labors and excellent busi- ness ability have brought him a creditable measure of prosperity in his undertak- ings and he has long been numbered among the substantial, representative and enterprising citizens of his native county.
On the 14th of February, 1888, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Rilla McNelly, a daughter of Daniel and Catharine McNelly. Unto them have been born three children: Warren J. and Ethel N., who are attending school; and Catharine.
Mr. Wagner gives unfaltering allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and is now serving as superintendent of roads in district No. 2. He is a prominent member of the Modern Woodmen of America, No. 7393, at Trot- wood, and also belongs to the United Brethren church. He has gained his pres- ent enviable position of prosperity through his own labors and the exercise of indomitable perseverance and energy, guided by sound business judgment and practical common sense. He has always resided in the vicinity of Trotwood and at all times his life has been active, useful and honorable, his genuine personal worth having gained for him the favorable position which he occupies in the re- gard of those who know him.
FRANKLIN W. ROUSH, M. D.
Dr. Franklin W. Roush, who is filling the position of surgeon at the National Military Home, with the rank of major, has practiced his profession since 1899, and since December of that year, has been connected in a professional capacity with the home. He was born in New Haven, Mason county, West Virginia, in 1877. His father, Dr. L. F. Roush, was also a native of West Virginia, and is now successfully practicing his profession in Pomeroy, Ohio. While living in his native state, he served as a member of the West Virginia legislature and was quite prominent in political circles.
Dr. Franklin W. Roush remained a resident of his native town for fifteen years and at the usual age entered the public schools, where he passed through consecutive grades until he was qualified for entrance into Carrollton College in Meigs county, Ohio. He continued his studies there for a time and in 1895, he went to the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he prepared for his profession, continuing his studies in Cincinnati until he was graduated with the class of May, 1899. He was succeeding in establishing himself in practice when in December, he was appointed to a position on the medical staff of the National Military Home. Here he has continued to the present time and on the 5th of November, 1905, was appointed to his present position. His ability well quali-
1054
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
fies him for the work which devolves upon him in this connection. He has by constant reading and investigation along scientific lines kept. abreast with the medical fraternity in its constant march of progress. He belongs to the Ohio State Medical Society, the Montgomery Medical Society and the Dayton Acad- emy of Medicine. He is likewise identified with the Masonic order, in which he has taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite. He also belongs to the First Pres- byterian church and is interested in its work and the extension of its influence.
Dr. Roush was married in 1906 at the National Military Home, Ohio, to Miss Edith E. Evans, a daughter of Thomas P. Evans, who was chief engineer of the National Military Home for twenty years. A gentleman of culture, genial and courteous, he has made many friends during his residence here and is greatly esteemed by the inmates of the home.
JOHN W. LIGHTCAP.
Enterprise, industry, thrift and economy are the characteristic elements in the life of John W. Lightcap, who is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of Miami township, where he owns and operates a farm of thirty-two acres. He was born on a farm in the same township on the 22d of July, 1846, and is a son of Solomon and Catharine (Smith) Lightcap. The father, who was born in the same neighborhood, was a farmer and also a mechanic by occupation and was well known in the community, where he wielded a wide influence. In connection with agricultural pursuits, he raised the first crop of tobacco in this section of the country. In his family were nine children: Catharine, Elizabeth, Fannie, Jacob, Fred, Henry, David, Tom and John, of whom Elizabeth, David, Tom and John still survive. The grandparents of our subject, John and Catharine (Stett- ler) Lightcap, came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, at an early day and were among the pioneer settlers of Montgomery county.
The early childhood of John W. Lightcap was spent upon his father's farm and he attended the common schools in the acquirement of his education. At the age of seven years, however, he became dependent upon his own resources and was engaged as a farm hand until sixteen years of age. Early in life, he became imbued with a spirit of patriotism and a desire to aid his country in her hour of need, and he enlisted as a soldier in the Civil war, becoming a member of Com- pany E, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Anderson, which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He saw considerable active serv- ice and for two months was incarcerated in Libby prison. When he was released, he received an honorable discharge and returned to his home. He then again became employed by the month as a farmhand and so continued up to the time of, his marriage. Being desirous that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he purchased a farm and bent his energies toward its further improvement and cultivation. His property consists of thirty-two acres in Miami township, located on the lower Germantown road about a mile and a half south of Miamisburg. He is a general farmer, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and he also raises stock for his own use, while he is considered one of the best tobacco
1055
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
raisers in Montgomery county. Perseverance, industry and determination have been the salient elements in his business career, and through close application and good management of his affairs, he has met with a most substantial success in his agricultural pursuits.
It was on the 2d of September, 1866, that Mr. Lightcap was united in mar- riage to Miss Lauretta Sharrits, of Virginia, a daughter of Hezekiah and Eliza- beth (Stettler) Sharrits. Her parents were farming people from the south, al- though the mother was a native of Montgomery county, Ohio. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lightcap has been blessed with the following children: William, who married Rebecca Fox and has one daughter, Eva; Howard, who wedded Anna Switzer, by whom he has ten children, Lula, Clyde, Arthur, Israel, Dewey, Carl, Raymond, Robert, Mildred and Lawrence, of which number Lula is now deceased; John Irwin who has now passed away; Elizabeth, the wife of William Emily ; Carrie, who married Charles Leis and has four children, Lauretta, Alta, Tites and Eva; and Mayme, the wife of Guy Hart, by whom she has one child, Alvadore.
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.