USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 15
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the employ of the firm of Artz & Ozias, the senior member being his father. They were dealers in furniture and William N. Artz, entering their employ, began de- livering for them at a salary of seven dollars per week. He had been receiving one hundred and twenty dollars per month, but he wished to acquaint himself with the furniture trade and started in that humble capacity, knowing that the opportunity for advancement always comes to the man who is willing to work for it. Later he was made shipping clerk, afterward became salesman and even- tually became one of the three owners of the store. Later the establishment be- came the property of Artz Brothers, but in 1904 William N. Artz purchased the interest of his brother and is now conducting the business under his own name. He has a large and well appointed furniture store, carrying a carefully selected line of goods of varying prices in order to meet the demand of the trade. His continuous endeavor to please his patrons, his reliable business methods and his activity and enterprise have brought him the measure of success which he is now enjoying and which he well merits.
On the 6th of April, 1882. Mr. Artz was married in Dayton to Miss Anna Baile. a daughter of Reuben Baile, and they have one child, Elizabeth Negley Artz. The parents attend the Grace Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Artz holds membership in Comus Club. His political allegiance is given to the republi- can party but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which are con- stantly growing in volume and importance and are bringing to him substantial and well merited success. There has been no esoteric phase in his career, nor has he ever sought by devious methods to win his prosperity, his record as a merchant being one which will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.
CHARLES T. GAUVEY.
Charles T. Gauvey, possessing the requisite qualities of successful hotel man- ager, has devoted almost his entire life to this line of work and is now manager of the Algonquin Hotel of Dayton. He manifests much of the spirit of the pioneer in that he inaugurates new methods and executes original plans which work out in practical form for the comfort and convenience of the guests and for the benefit of the hotel.
Mr. Gauvey is a native of New Lebanon, Ohio, born January 13, 1876. His father, John G. Gauvey, was born in the same place in 1847 and there died July 29, 1908, when sixty-one years of age. Throughout his entire active life he was connected with the hotel interests of New Lebanon. He married Sophia Eckhart, and they had four children, namely: Cordie I., the wife of Samuel Blosser, of New Lebanon; Charles T., of this review; and Howard G. and John William, residents of New Lebanon.
Charles T. Gauvey was reared in the place of his nativity, attended the public schools there and after mastering the branches of learning taught in consecutive grades, came to Dayton, where he pursued a course in the Miami Commercial College. He completed the work there in 1894 and immediately afterward ac-
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cepted the position of clerk in the Beckel House, where he remained for eight years. He was, as it were, "to the manner born," his father having always been a hotel proprietor, so that his interests and experiences from early boyhood were along that line. In 1901 he went to the Algonquin as clerk, proving a popular and efficient representative of the house in that connection, and in January, 1907, he became its manager and so continues. He displays excellent business ability and executive force in this position and his capable control is evidenced in the gratify- ing patronage which the house receives.
In 1898, in Dayton, Mr. Gauvey was married to Miss Effie M. Wolf, a daugh- ter of Joseph Wolf, and their three children are: Marguerite Eva, Alice Eliza- beth and Charles S., Jr. In his fraternal relations Mr. Gauvey is an Odd Fellow and he also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. . He is not a partisan in politics but is opposed to all misrule in municipal affairs and stands for progressive citizenship. In his chosen field of labor he is meeting with success and is not only recognized as a capable business man in his line but also has the social qualities which render him popular with patrons and many friends.
JAMES AUGUSTINE GREER.
There is in all the universe hardly an individual who is irresponsive to a tale of heroism as manifested by one who serves his country on sea or land. The record is one of unfaltering, unswerving fidelity to principle from which there is no lapse, and when promotion comes it is the indication not only of loyalty but of capability, readiness and resource in emergency and the possession of those commending qualities which enable the individual to obtain the instant obedience and cooperation of those who serve under him. The life history of James Augustine Greer, if written in detail, would furnish a story more thrill- ing than any tale of fiction. Entering the United States navy as midshipman on the 10th of January, 1848, he rose through successive promotions and re- mained in the service until retired on the 28th of February, 1895. In this con- nection he sailed on many seas, faced the guns of the enemy in the Civil war, made a trip to the polar regions on a relief expedition, was in charge of a ship whereon the youth of the younger generation were trained for naval duty, and at last was in command of the European squadron. Such are the outlines of a picture which, when filled in, is full of life, color, action and variety.
Admiral Greer was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 28, 1833, and his life record covered the intervening years until the 17th of June, 1904, when he passed away in Washington, D. C. There was in him in his youth an intensely patriotic strain that prompted him to enter his country's services when not quite fifteen years of age. He became a midshipman on the 10th of January, 1848, passed through all of the necessary drill and service of a minor character until successive promotions brought him to the position of master in 1855. The same year he was commissioned lieutenant and in the ensuing six years of prace was stationed at various points. When the Civil war was inaugurated, however. on board the steamship San Jacinto, in 1861, he assisted in the re-
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moval of Mason and Slidell from the English mail steamer Trent. In 1862 he was made lieutenant commander and at different times commanded the iron- clads Carondolet and Benton. He was also in command of a division of Ad- miral Porter's squadron on the Mississippi river and in passing Vicksburg on the 16th of April, 1863, he fought the batteries at Grand Bluff and was there almost forty-five days. Subsequently he had charge of the naval station at Mound City, Illinois, and soon afterward, in 1864, was given command of the flagship Blackhawk, thus serving until February, 1865. The succeeding year he was commissioned commander and in 1873 was in command of the steamship Tigress when she was sent in search of the Polaris, on which the celebrated Arctic explorer John Hall, made his last ill-fated expedition. The lost ship was found on the coast of Greenland. In 1876 further promotion came when he was commissioned captain and as such he commanded the training frigate Constitution, the old vessel which had been in active service in the war of 1812, again in the Mexican and also in the Civil wars and which has ever had a strong hold on the affections of the American people. Subsequently Captain Greer was assigned to the sloop Constellation, on which the government ex- hibits were sent to the Paris exposition of 1878, and his next assignment made him a member of the naval board of inspection and president of the naval exam- ination and retiring board, in which capacity he served from 1885 until 1887. In 1886 he was commissioned commodore and in 1887 as acting rear admiral and was given command of the European squadron, so continuing until 1889. In the latter year he was made president of the naval examination and retiring board and so continued in active connection with the navy until, having reached the age limit, he was retired on the 28th of February, 1895.
Admiral Greer had been married in early manhood in Norfolk, Virginia, to Miss Mary Randolph Webb, the wedding being celebrated on the 26th of November, 1857. His record is without a blot, his promotions followed as the logical sequence of his ability and fidelity. Early in his career he learned that the soldier's first lesson is that of obedience and he became in later years an excellent disciplinarian, at the same time commanding the entire respect and good will of those who served under him. If there were ever wearisome hours in his life they were those of forced inactivity. He ever preferred active duty and his efforts were a potent force in maintaining the high standard of the navy which has recently had such signal triumph in its world tour. His closing years were passed at the seat of national government and for him the final roll call was sounded June 17, 1904. He was buried at Arlington with full military honors.
CHARLES H. BOSLER.
Charles H. Bosler is yet comparatively a young man but a review of his life indicates that his accomplishments would be creditable to many a man of older years. In public service and in private connections his labors have been attended with substantial and desirable results and Dayton honors him as a cit-
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CHARLES H. BOSLER
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izen of worth whose activities have always been of a progressive and beneficial character.
Mr. Bosler is one of Dayton's native sons, his birth having here occurred on the 8th of November, 1866. His youthful days were passed in the usual man- ner of lads of the period, his time being divided between the pleasures of the playground and the duties of the schoolroom until he had passed through con- secutive grades to his graduation from the Central high school with the class of 1885. Soon afterward he entered upon the study of law in the office of Gunckel & Rowe, well known attorneys of Dayton, with whom he continued for a year. He next entered Denison University, at Granville, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1890 with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He felt that more advanced education along literary and scientific lines was essential as a foundation for a preparation for the bar and, following his graduation, he re- sumed his law studies with his former preceptors and in March, 1893, was ad- mitted to practice. He then opened an office and for a number of years con- tinued in active connection with the profession, his ability winning him continual advancement. In the fall of 1893 his activities were called forth in legislative fields, for he was elected to represent his district in the general assembly, public approval for his first term's service being accorded in his reelection for a second term, during which time he served as speaker pro tem of the house. He was also on a number of important committees and was actively associated with much valuable legislation during those two terms. In 1896 he was appointed assistant city solicitor, which position he filled for a year, and then resigned to become chief counsel for the Ohio dairy and food department of the state service. To his duties in that connection he gave his undivided attention for several years and then resumed the private practice of law in Dayton. He did not confine his attention to one special department but represented many legal interests in var- ious lines, in which he displayed comprehensive and thorough understanding of the principles of jurisprudence.
Mr. Bosler has now retired from the practice of law, however, and is engaged in the construction and operation of street railways. He built and is president of the street railway systems at Tulsa and Enid, Oklahoma: constructed the Dayton Street Railway of Dayton, Ohio; and has built several interurban roads in and near Dayton. He is also president of the Dayton Street Railway Con- struction Company, and the Burlington Gas Company of Burlington, Kansas ; a director of the Enid Development Company, of Enid, Oklahoma ; and is president of the Ada Water, Heat & Light Company, of Ada, Ohio. A man of resource- ful ability, he has put forth his efforts in various lines and his well formulated p'ans are easily carried forward to success for they are based upon practical experience and thorough understanding of the needs of the situation.
In 1896 Mr. Bosler was married in Dayton to Miss Bessie Kumler, and they have two sons, Barrett Kumler and Richard Grayson. Mr. Bosler belongs to St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks nor is he neglectful of the higher, holier, duties of life, giving generous support to and manifesting deep interest in the First United Brethren church, in which he holds membership. In politics he has always been a stalwart repub-
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lican, recognizing the obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship and hold- ing to the belief that every loyal American should support the principles which he deems most valuable in promoting the welfare and progress of the nation. His opinions have carried weight in the local and state councils of his party and he has frequently been a delegate to state conventions. Tireless energy, keen perception and a genius for devising the right thing at the right time joined to every-day common sense have constituted the salient qualities in his political and legislative services, in his law practice and in his development and control of various corporate interests.
REV. HOWARD PRIMROSE WHIDDEN, D. D.
Rev. Howard Primrose Whidden, D. D., pastor of the First Baptist church of Dayton, was born July 12, 1871, at Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. His parents were Charles Blanchard and Eunice Caroline (Graham) Whidden, the former a son of the Rev. John Whidden, a Baptist clergyman and the latter a daughter of David Graham, who was a ship owner. Charles Blanchard Whidden, successful in his business undertakings, was for many years a wholesale and retail dealer in provisions and groceries and was also well known as a ship owner and in other business connections. He was likewise for many years a leading layman in the Baptist denomination of the maritime provinces of Canada, was a trustee of Acadia College, and was likewise connected with the political and moral progress of his native province. Two brothers of the Rev. H. P. Whidden are yet living : D. Graham Whidden, a manufacturer of St. Lin, Quebec ; and C. Edgar Whidden, a wholesale and retail provisioner and ship owner of Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
In early youth the Rev. H. P. Whidden had a strong desire to go into busi- ness life but later a definite conviction that the work of the gospel ministry should be taken up led to his immediate preparation therefor and his subsequent en- trance therein at the completion of a regular course of training. He began his education in the public schools of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and at the age of fourteen left home to prepare for college at the Horton Collegiate Academy, at Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Later he entered Acadia College in the autumn of 1887 when sixteen years of age and was graduated therefrom in the class of June, 1891, on the completion of the liberal arts course. The academy and college are both Baptist institutions of the maritime provinces of Canada. Be- fore entering upon active preparation for the ministry he had experience in home mission fields during the summer vacations of 1890 and 1891. In September of the latter year he entered the Newton Theological Institution, at Newton Center, Massachusetts, while in January, 1892, he became a student in the divinity school of McMaster University at Toronto, Canada, where he completed the regular theological course and was graduated with the class of 1894. While pursuing his theological studies there he also filled the position of instructor in public reading and speaking. He has since taken post-graduate work in the Newton Theological Institution and the University of Chicago, and in 1906
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the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Denison University, of Ohio.
Following his graduation in the spring of 1894 Dr. Whidden accepted the call to the pastorate of the Baptist church of Morden, Manitoba, and was or- dained in July. On the Ist of October, 1896, he entered the University of Chicago for post-graduate work and after a serious break down in health in 1897 and a subsequent recuperation he accepted a call to the First Baptist church of Galt, Ontario. During the college year of 1899-1900 he gave instruction in the divinity school of McMaster University in addition to performing his regular pastoral duties in Galt and in the spring of 1900 he continued his educational work by accepting a call to the chair of biblical literature in Brandon College at Brandon, Manitoba, there continuing until January, 1904, when he came to Dayton as pastor of the First Baptist church, in which connection he has since been closely identified with the moral progress of the city.
Dr. Whidden was married in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, October 4, 1894, to Miss Katherine Louise Ganong, a daughter of James H. and Susan B. Ganong. Her father was a leading merchant of that point, while her eldest brother, William F. Ganong, Ph. D., is head professor of botany in Smith Col- lege. Her second and third brothers, James Edwin and Arthur D. Ganong, are manufacturers of St. Stephen and her fourth brother, Walter K. Ganong, is professor of electrical engineering in the University of Maine. Her only sister, Miss Susan B. Ganong, is principal of the Netherwood School for Girls at Rothe- say, New Brunswick. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Whidden have been born six chil- dren : Charles Ganong, Susan Gwendolen, Evan Macdonald, James Gilbert, Wil- liam Francis and Reginald Wilbur. Of these James G. died in infancy and Wil- liam F. on the 9th of July, 1905, at the age of three years.
Dr. Whidden is recognized as one of the able representatives of the Baptist ministry and while his labors have largely been across the border in Canada he is well known to the denomination in the United States because of the ex- cellent work he has done in connection with different pastorates and in educa- tional lines. In the five years of his residence in Dayton he has endeared him- self to the hearts of his parishioners and has enjoyed the good will and respect of the general public, who recognize that his labors are a telling force in the religious development of the city.
PETER D. BERRY.
Peter D. Berry is the proprietor and general manager of the P. D. Berry Company, conducting one of the most extensive nurseries in the county. He was born in Virginia on the 10th of July, 1860, a son of George and Mary (Connor) Berry. His maternal grandfather, Thomas Connor, was a native of Virginia and of Irish descent. George Berry, the father of our subject, was an agricul- turist by occupation and participated in the Civil war as a soldier of the Con- federate army. He died while in the service, having been stricken with fever.
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His family numbered five children, namely: Feba, Susan, Peter D., George A. and Anna A.
Peter D. Berry obtained his education in the common schools and when not busy with his text-books gave his attention and interest to the cultivation of his home farm. When he had attained his majority he made his way to Mont- gomery county, Ohio, and here continued agricultural pursuits until twenty- seven years of age. About twenty-five years ago he organized his present bus- iness, established a nursery on the Brandt pike, about three miles north of Day- ton, and began the growing of small fruit on a limited scale. By dint of unre- mitting and persistent labor, guided by sound judgment, he has gradually en- larged the concern until it is now one of the most extensive of this character in the county, having a wholesale mail order trade. He grows more raspberry tips than any other man in the entire state, also makes a specialty of gooseberry layer plants and in fact is very successful in the propagation of numerous other small fruit, trees, shrubs, etc. His success is directly attributable to his own energy and perseverance and he may justly be classed among the most sub- stantial, progressive and leading citizens of the county.
On the 14th of March, 1886, Mr. Berry was united in marriage to Miss Clara B. Hyre, a daughter of John and Martha (Davis) Hyre. Her father was a prominent and prosperous agriculturist of Randolph township, Montgomery county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Berry have been born three children: Walter Glenwood and Edgar Earl, who are associated with their father in the conduct of the nursery ; and Marie, who is at home. The parents are widely and favor- ably known throughout the community and their home is justly celebrated for its gracious and warm-hearted hospitality.
FRANK EYLER.
Frank Eyler, a farmer and breeder of thoroughbred horses, owns a well improved tract of land on section 4, Jefferson township. He was born in Fred- erick county, Maryland, on the 8th of November, 1859, his parents being Daniel and Sophia (Chreshaugn) Evler, of Maryland. In the year 1876 Frank Eyler made his way to this state, locating in Jefferson township, Montgomery county. He has followed agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood and owing to his untiring industry and indefatigable energy, has met with a gratifying measure of success in his undertakings, being now the owner of a valuable and productive farm on section 4, Jefferson township. He also has several fine stallions and is a well known breeder of thoroughbred horses, having recently imported a fine Percheron stallion from France.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Eyler chose Miss Almeda Hunter, whose birth occurred October 17, 1863, her parents being Charles and Susan Hunter, residents of Jefferson township. By this union there have been born eleven children, namely: May, whose birth occurred in 1884; Ada, born in 1886; Charles, in 1888; Howard, in 1891; Hazel, in 1893;
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Ruth, in 1894; William, in 1897; Roscoe, in 1901 ; Florence, in 1900; Franklin, in 1903 ; and Bertha, who was born in 1905.
Mr. Eyler is a stanch advocate of the principles of the democratic party and served for two terms as pike commissioner on the Germantown pike in Jefferson township. He belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics at Dayton, Ohio, and is a respected and highly esteemed citizen of this county, where he has now made his home for almost a third of a century. He owes his advancement in life entirely to his own perseverance and well directed labor and is wholly worthy the regard which is uniformly accorded him.
CHARLES W. SCHAEFFER.
No city depends for its growth and upbuilding upon one or even a few in- dividuals. It is the united and concerted effort of many who produce the re- sult. He whose name introduces this review is well known in business circles as the senior partner of the firm of Schaeffer & Gengnagel, dealers in coal and building materials. His close application and unfaltering energy constitute the basis of his success, which has gained him place among the substantial residents of Montgomery county.
One of Dayton's native sons, he was born January 20, 1867. His father, David W. Schaeffer, was a native of Germantown, Montgomery county, and removed from the village to the city, where his remaining days were passed. He was well known as an insurance man and continued in that line until his death, which occurred in Dayton in 1894. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting September 15, 1861, at the age of thirty-five years. He enrolled for three years' service and was transferred as a private from Company I to Company H of the Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry. He was ap- pointed first sergeant and was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, Oc- tober 24, 1862, while on the 19th of March, 1864, he became first lieutenant, being mustered out with the rank of captain on the 8th of September of the same year. The regiment was mustered in on the 24th of September, 1861, at Camp Hamilton, Ohio, by P. H. Breslin, captain of the Eighteenth Infantry, U. S. A., and was mustered out September 27, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tennessee. by William G. Wedemeyer, first lieutenant Sixteenth United States Infantry. The battles in which he participated were as follows: siege of Corinth, Missis- sippi, April 30, 1862; Perryville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862; Tullahoma cam- paign, June 23 to 30, 1863 ; Chickamauga, Georgia, September 19 and 20, 1863; Missionary Ridge, Tennessee, November 25, 1863; Buzzards Roost, Georgia, February 25 and 27, 1864; Dalton, Georgia, May 9, 1864: Resaca, Georgia, May 13 to 16, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 30, 1864; Pine Mountain, Georgia, June 14, 1864; Pine Knob, Georgia, June 19, 1864; and Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, July 20, 1864. Mr. Schaeffer was also at one time on active duty as deputy sheriff of Montgomery county and in every relation of life, whether in political, military, business or social circles, he was ever an honored and honorable gentleman. He married Catherine Starr and unto them were born
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