USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 11
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Dr. Funk assumed the management of the United Brethren Publishing House, July 1, 1897, without any previous experience as a publisher but immediately de- veloped a business tact which has proven phenomenal. He found the publishing house with a debt of sixty-six thousand dollars and an invoice greatly enlarged by stock accumulation, part of which was unsalable and proceeded to reduce both the debt and the invoice. At the close of his first term of office in 1901 he re- ported the debt entirely cancelled and immediately inaugurated a rebuilding enter- prise which resulted in the complete erasing of the small buildings which oc-
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cupied the ground at the corner of Fourth and Main streets and the present mag- nificent fourteen-story office building, with an eight-story manufacturing plant in the rear, is the result of his efforts. These buildings are modern in every par- ticular, being constructed of brick and steel and equipped with the latest me- chanical appliances for light, water, sanitary and elevator service, while the manu- facturing department has been provided with the best models of printing, bind- ing and engraving machinery, making it the most imposing business structure of the city of Dayton, as well as the largest printing plant in the middle west, seven- teen periodicals being issued from its presses besides the general commercial patronage in books, pamphlets and job printing. The assets of the institution are almost one million dollars, which yields annually large profits to the church.
Dr. Funk is recognized as one of the leading men of his denomination, occupy- ing responsible positions on church boards and committees and, although occupy- ing a business relation to his church, yet he is a preacher of great force, his ser- mons showing the marks of the keenest intellect and knowledge of theology. Hav- ing the confidence of his people he is most successful in raising funds for colleges and at church dedications, in which field his time is much in demand.
As a citizen of Dayton he is classed as one of the most progressive, being a member and director of the Chamber of Commerce and also a Scottish Rite Mason. With his family, which consists of his wife, Lottie M., Nellis Rebok, Mary Ad- rienne and Alford Zumbro, he is most pleasantly situated in their home on Yale avenue, Dayton View. The family all hold membership in the First United Brethren church of Dayton. Dr. Funk has never held any political office but takes an active interest in advancing civic reform, both as a writer and a speaker as occasion demands.
HENRY LOY.
Henry Loy, senior partner of the firm of Loy & Wood, merchandise brokers of Dayton, has resided in this city for twenty years, and throughout the entire period has been connected with the merchandise brokerage business. Columbus numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in the capital city, Decem- ber 17, 1865. He was there reared and pursued his education until he was gradu- ated from Capital University with the class of 1883. He afterward worked for a while on the Columbus Journal and in 1885 turned his attention to the field of activity, in which he has since operated. After four years spent as a merchandise broker in Columbus, he removed to Dayton in 1889 and for twelve years was alone in business here but in 1901 formed a partnership with Captain George H. Wood, which now continues. He is one of the most energetic business men of the city, of strong intellectual force, enabling him to readily discern the drawbacks or the advantages of any business situation and thus eliminate the unessential, while adopt- ing those forces essential to the attainment of success.
Pleasantly situated in his home life Mr. Loy was married on the 24th of Feb- ruary, 1900, in New York city, to Miss Katharine Gunckel, a daughter of the late L. B. Gunckel, who was one of the leaders of the Ohio bar. Mr. Loy champions
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the cause of the republican party, believing in the efficacy of its principles as conducive to good government, yet without political ambitions for himself. His social life is more particularly in connection with the Dayton City Club and the Buzfuz Club, while his interest in moral progress is manifest in his support of and membership in Hope Lutheran church. He is an extremely busy man with little leisure and one is at once impressed with the fact that he belongs to that class who accomplish results while others are but formulating plans.
ATLAS L. STOUT.
Investigation into the history of Dayton indicates that Atlas L. Stout left the impress of his individuality and ability in large measure upon the public life of this city in various phases. He was particularly prominent in shaping its business development, showing much of the spirit of the initiative in formulat- ing plans and carrying them forward to successful completion. He always recog- nized the fact that the present and not the future holds one's opportunity and he utilized his chances in practical manner, coming to be recognized as one of the foremost representatives of the commercial enterprises of Dayton.
Atlas L. Stout was born in this city in 1822. Since 1815 the family has been represented in Dayton. His ancestors were among those who colonized New York, New Jersey and New England, various representatives of the name figur- ing prominently in connection with the religious and political history of New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Patriotism and progress have always been strongly marked characteristics of the family and were manifest in prac- tical efforts for the public good. It was in 1815 that Moses Stout, the grand- father of Atlas L. Stout, came to Dayton with his wife and son David. He was connected with many of the early industrial concerns of Dayton and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which the present prosperity of the city has been built. He was a zealous member of the First Baptist church, which he aided in organizing, and thus he became associated with the moral as well as the material progress of the community.
His son, David Stout, turned his attention to the sale of general merchandise on Main street, north of Second, in 1817, and thus made his initial step in the business circles of Dayton. He prospered in that undertaking and a few years later added the sale of dry goods, on Main between Second and Third streets. He then erected a building on the present site of the Kramer & Viot hardware store, it being the first brick structure in Dayton which was built from the inside instead of from the outside and hence was a matter of marvel to his fellow towns- men. Subsequently David Stout established the first stove and iron store in Dayton, its location being on Third between Main and Jefferson streets. In a short time an extensive business in iron had been developed and for sixty years he continued in that location as a representative of the iron trade, which for many years has been a foremost industrial enterprise of the city and the source of Dayton's wealth. The house sustained a high reputation throughout this
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A. L. STOUT
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part of the state and its business expanded through the growth and development of Ohio and with the improvement of transportation facilities. At the time it was established there were no railroads and even the canal had not been put through, so that the pioneer proprietor experienced not a little difficulty in mak- ing shipments. Later, however, the canal was constructed and as the years passed railroad lines were built, so that the advantages of rapid transportation contributed largely to the increase of the business. David Stout became recog- nized as one of the foremost representatives of the iron trade in northern Ohio. He did not, however, confine his attention and energies to one line, for many business concerns felt the stimulus of his sound judgment and profited by his cooperation. He was one of the first to become interested in Crutchett's Gas Light Company and was afterward one of the promoters of the Dayton Gas Light. & Coke Company, of which he was treasurer for many years. He mort- gaged his private property for the use of the gas company but lived to see this become a very profitable industry, so that he was reimbursed for his early in- vestment. He was also active in the organization of the Cooper Cotton Mill & Carpet Company, was a stockholder in the Woodland Cemetery Association and a director and one of the organizers of the Dayton branch of the State Bank. He was also interested in the bridges and turnpikes leading out of the city. He built one of the early brick houses in Dayton, which he occupied as his home until 1839, when he removed to his new residence at the corner of Second and Perry streets, where in 1840 he entertained one hundred and eight guests who were attending the Harrison convention. In all matters relative to public progress and the general welfare he was deeply interested. He took an active part in shaping the history of Dayton in the early days, was a member of the town coun- cil and for twenty years was town and city treasurer, manifesting the same forceful and resourceful qualities in the conduct of the public business that he did in the management of his private affairs. He died in 1858 and although more than a half century has since passed his name is indelibly inscribed on the pages of Dayton's history as one who aided in shaping its policy and molding its destiny during its formative period.
Atlas L. Stout, son of David Stout, acquired his education under the direc- tion of E. E. Barney and Judge Daniel A. Haynes. He took up the duties of business life at an early age and manifested the strength of his character and of his purpose in becoming a factor in Dayton's enterprises, in many of which he was interested. He manifested intelligent appreciation of opportunities, which he utilized to good advantage, making safe and judicious investments in different business concerns which were paying properties. His first business venture was a partnership in a foundry and machine shop, which was conducted under the name of Westerman & Stout, which was the predecessor of the present Globe Iron Works, one of the most extensive and important industrial concerns of Dayton, and one of the first in the country to perfect the turbine water wheel. The development and growth of this business was largely attributable to his capable management and keen discernment in solving complex trade problems.
Mr. Stout was also interested, particularly in early life, in military affairs and was prominent as first lieutenant in the Dayton Artillery. He also served as a captain in the Ohio volunteer service in the Mexican war, enlisting in 1846
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In 1848 Mr. Stout was united in marriage to Miss Virginia E. Crane, of Dayton, who was a native of the Old Dominion. They were the parents of five children, and at the time of his death there were four living: Mrs. Albert Nelson Sutton, whose husband was an attorney who died in Dayton; Irene, who occupies the old homestead; Mrs. Annie S. Gooch, a resident of Covington, Kentucky ; and Mrs. M. W. Van Sant, who died in 1900.
Family rather than public life appealed to Mr. Stout, the welfare and hap- piness of his wife and children being ever his foremost interest. He was, how- ever, prominent in Masonry, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite. He also be- longed to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Few men realized more fully the obligations of wealth and he was a most generous contributor to those in need, his gifts, however, being made in a quiet and unostentatious way. He had a warm, sympathetic heart and a nature that reached out in helpful spirit to all mankind. With the close of his life, in 1898, there passed the third gener- ation of a family in Dayton, a family whose history constituted one of the most valuable assets in the annals of the city.
JOHN A. SMITH.
John A. Smith, the superintendent of Greencastle cemetery, Harrison township, and the owner of several pieces of property in the city of Dayton, is one of the oldest settlers in his part of the township. He was born in 1828 and is the son of Richard and Catherine (Albrecht) Smith. The father was born in England and went to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, when he first came to the United States. Subsequently he came to Ohio, where he made his home until his death. He had devoted his life to farming and was a man active and prominent in all affairs.
John A. Smith made the best use he could of such educational facilities as the schools of this county afforded in that early period of formation. Upon the completion of his education he entered the railroad business, although he had worked somewhat at the carpenter's trade, subsequently abandoning the former occupation in favor of the latter. After a few years he undertook numerous build- ing contracts in connection with which he finally engaged in house moving. This period of his activity in the world of labor was broken by his participation in the great war that threatened to disrupt the Union. When the call for men to fight in its defense spread through the country, Mr. Smith was among the first to re- spond and enlisted in the Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He saw three years of active service and took part in several battles that have been regarded as important in the history of the war. In one of these he was disabled by having his arm broken. He was a valiant man and a good soldier and bears a record of which no one need be ashamed. After the war he took up carpentering and house- moving which he followed until about 1875, and then followed house-moving alone until 1906.
On the 27th of June, 1852, Mr. Smith married Miss Amelia C. Boyer, the daugh- ter of Joshua and Susanna (Buck) Boyer. Her father was a plasterer by trade
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and came to Ohio from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he was born. During his life he was a man well known and respected in the community where he lived. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had a family of five children. Frances, the eldest of the family, is the wife of Jacob Hains, of Dayton. Amanda has passed away. Dayton W., a car- penter by trade, married Miss Emma Barthel and is the father of five children, Ma- bel, Martha, Robert, Bessie and Elwood. Of these Mabel is married to Harvey Deeter, and is the mother of one child. Ellen, the fourth child of the family, married Martin Messler and is the mother of eight children and the grandmother of two. Her eldest daughter, Grace, married Alanda Hart and has one son, Howard, a great-grandchild to the subject of this sketch. Edward and Harry follow in the Messler family, and Martha comes next. She married John Dishong and is the mother of Eugenia, another great-grandchild. Maud, Irvins, Roy, Fay and Rich- ard are the other members of this family. Hattie, the fifth child born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, was married to Otto Jones, and they are survived by two sons, John J. and Smith E.
Mr. Smith belongs to the United Brethren church in Dayton and is one of its oldest members, besides being among those most zealous in the propagation of its doctrines by silent example. His life, of a span of years more numerous than are allotted to the majority of mankind, has been filled with earnest endeavor, and he is reluctant to give up active duties even at his advanced age. A life such as his cannot but have its lessons for the younger generation, though perhaps its greatest influence rests in his blue soldier's uniform that serves as a constant re- minder of what every citizen should be willing to endure for the land to which they owe allegiance.
EDWARD L. McCONNAUGHEY.
Edward L. McConnaughey, collector of the port of Dayton, and well known as a local political leader in the ranks of the republican party, was born an a farm in Miami county, Ohio, November 9, 1872. His youthful experiences were those which fall to the lot of most farm boys who are instructed in the work of the fields and at the same time depend upon the country schools for their early educational discipline. He supplemented his preliminary studies by a course in the Miami Commercial College and thus well equipped for entrance into business life he came to Dayton in 1893. Soon afterward he accepted a position as messenger in the Third National Bank and was in that institution for four years. In 1898 he became connected with the firm of Reynolds & Reynolds, manufacturers, and has since been identified with that house which he now represents in the capacity of book- keeper. His connection therewith for eleven years is manifest evidence of his loyalty, fidelity and capability.
In October, 1900, in Osborne, Greene county, Ohio, was celebrated the mar- riage of Mr. McConnaughey and Miss Mary Musselman. They attend the Second Lutheran church, in which they hold membership, and Mr. McConnaughey is also identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Garfield Club. From early youth he has manifested an interest in political circles that has grown with
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the passing years. He has never regarded lightly the duties of citizenship but on the contrary has been mindful of his obligations and has made a creditable public record as a member of the city council, having been elected alderman at large in Dayton in 1907, taking the office in 1908. On the 31st of May, 1900, he was ap- pointed collector of the port and is now acting in that capacity, his record in this connection being in harmony with his previous record in citizenship and in busi- ness life.
JOHN G. KUNS.
John G. Kuns is a well known and popular representative of the financial inter- ests of Montgomery county, having since January 1, 1908, served as cashier of the Farmers & Citizens Bank at Trotwood. He was born March 28, 1853, on the farm owned by him north of the Wolf Creek pike, just outside the corporation limits of the city, the place comprising about seventy-five acres of rich and pro- ductive farming land. His parents were Daniel and Mary (Zumbrun) Kuns and the father, whose birth likewise occurred on this farm, passed away about six years ago. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Kuns, was one of the earliest settlers of this county, coming from Pennsylvania to this district at a time when the In- dians still displayed active hostility toward the white race. He took up his abode on a section of land granted to him by the government by a patent deed, signed by President Madison, which is now in possession of our subject. The claim com- prised some of the best land in this section of the country and has remained in possession of the Kuns family to the present day, but its members have extended its boundaries from time to time and are among the best known agriculturists in this part of the state. Unto Daniel and Mary (Zumbrun) Kuns were born six children, as follows: Samuel, Emma and Catharine, all of whom are deceased ; Jacob ; Jolin G., of this review ; and Clara, who has likewise passed away.
When five years of age John G. Kuns began attending school in Madison town- ship and when he had completed his education gave his attention to agricultural pursuits as a farm hand. At the age of eighteen years, his mother having died, he started out in life on his own account as a farmer, and owing to his un- tiring industry and capable management, met with gratifying success in his under- takings. At the age of twenty he entered the Miami Commercial College and was graduated therefrom after having finished the prescribed course. Subsequently he was elected secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company and thus served acceptably and faithfully for about five years, on the expiration of which period he resigned. In October, 1907, he was one of the organizers of the Farmers & Citizens Bank at Trotwood and has since acted in the capacity of cashier of this institution.
In April, 1879, Mr. Kuns was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Garber, a daughter of Jonathan Garber, who was among the earlist settlers in this part of the country, coming from Virginia. The father carried on agricultural pursuits as a life work and was a prominent representative of that line of activity. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kuns have been born seven children, namely: Guy, who married Miss Grace Kohler, by whom he has two children, Ruth, and Etie; Glenn, who is
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engaged in teaching school; Opal, at home; Ray, a student in Oxford College; Ethel and Hazel, who are also yet under the parental roof ; and one who died in infancy. The children are all high school graduates.
In his political views Mr. Kuns is a stalwart democrat and his fellow towns- men, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust and responsibility. For two terms he served as township treasurer and has becn the incumbent in most of the minor township offices. The cause of education has ever found in him a stanch champion and for about ten years he was a member of the school board, acting as president thereof for four years. His re- ligious faith is indicated by his membership in the church of the Brethren, in the work of which the members of his family take an active and helpful interest. Having spent his entire life in this county, he has a wide acquaintance here and has bcen a most interested witness of its growth and progress, manifesting a public- spirited devotion to the general welfare. That many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood days to the present time is an indi- cation that his life has been honorable and straightforward.
HOWARD CLEVELAND GEBHART.
Howard Cleveland Gebhart is the manager of the Mound farm of ninety acres of rich and arable land located southeast of Miamisburg, on the Mound road. He was born on the old family homestead on the Alexanderville road, southeast of Miamisburg, his natal day being March 3, 1888. His parents are Arthur and Elizabeth (Leasure) Gebhart. The father was educated in Mont- gomery county and has been actively and successfully identified with agricultural and stock-raising interests throughout his entire business career, being now the owner of a valuable and well improved farm in this county. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, namely: Myrtle; Bessie; Howard C., of this review; Arthur; Richard; Edna; Clyde, deceased; and one who died in in- fancy.
Howard Cleveland Gebhart acquired his education in the common schools of Miami township and since putting aside his text-books has devoted his time and energies to general farming pursuits. As above stated, he now operates a tract of land comprising ninety acres, known as the Mound farm, and in its cultivation is meeting with gratifying success, the well tilled fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He likewise raises some stock and expects to take up that branch of business on an extensive scale in the near future. Though he has just at- tained his majority, he has already won a measure of prosperity in his under- takings that augurs well for the future, and he is well known and highly es- teemed throughout the community as a most enterprising and progressive citi- zen.
On the 8th of January, 1908, Mr. Gebhart was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary H. King, a daughter of Nicholas D. and Mary Jane ( Watson) King, of Kentucky. Her paternal grandparents werc Abel and Mary (Dunn) King and
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the former was one of Kentucky's early settlers, having made his way to that state from Virginia. Nicholas D. King, the father of Mrs. Gebhart, is a prom- inent and prosperous citizen and a veterinary surgeon by profession. Unto him and his wife were born twelve children, as follows: Samantha ; John W., who is now deceased; Lida B .; William N .; Martha; Willis, who has also passed away ; Elizabeth M .; Eli; James N .; Alexander ; Mrs. Gebhart ; and one who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart now have one child, Truman C. They belong to the Reformed church, in the works of which they take an active and helpful in- terest. Mr. Gebhart fully realizes the benefits of travel and has taken a number of trips for educational purposes, as well as for the pleasure to be derived there- from. He has a large circle of warm friends throughout the county in which he has resided from his birth to the present time, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which everywhere command admiration and regard.
ELVIN HENRY COE.
Elvin Henry Coe, who for many years was closely, successfully and honor- ably connected with the insurance interests of Dayton, was born in Commers, Oakland county, Michigan, his parents being Alonzo and Hannah (Lee) Coe, both being of Irish descent. His father was a physician of note. Our subject was but sixteen years of age when on the Ist of August, 1862, he enlisted in the United States volunteer army in defense of the Union, becoming a member of Company I, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Infantry. He continued at the front throughout the remainder of the war, being mustered out at Greensboro, North Carolina, June 17, 1865. He participated in the siege of Knoxville, Ten- nessee, in the battles of Bull's Gap, Tennessee, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Spring Hill and Nashville. At the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, he had three horses shot from under him. After sharing in the capture of Fort Fisher, North Carolina, he participated in the campaign northward through the Carolinas in 1865 and took part in the grand review at Washington, D. C., the most celebrated military pageant ever seen on the western continent. During the last years of his service he was detailed for duty on the staff of General J. M. Scofield. His' record was that of a brave and loyal soldier who knows no fear when defending his principles and his country.
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