USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 16
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two sons, Charles W. and George S. The wife and mother passed away in February, 1909, at the age of seventy-nine years.
Charles W. Schaeffer spent his youthful days in Dayton and at the usual age entered the public schools, wherein he pursued his studies to the age of eighteen years. He was afterward graduated from the Miami Commercial College, in 1885 and immediately afterward accepted a position as bookkeeper with C. H. Starr, being thus employed for a period of seventeen years or until 1902. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Gengnagel, under the firm style of Schaeffer & Gengnagel, for the purpose of dealing in coal and building ma- terials and during the seven years of its existence the firm has enjoyed con- stantly growing patronage that makes their trade a very profitable one at the present time.
In 1892 Mr. Schaeffer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Gengnagel and they have one daughter, Kathryn Alberta.
Mr. Schaeffer is prominent in Masonic circles. He has attained the Knight Templar degree in the Scottish Rite and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Knights of Pythias and to the United Commercial Travelers, No. 3, of Dayton. He is also a mem- ber of the Stillwater Canoe Club and the Commercial Club, while his religious belief is indicated in his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church in River- dale. In politics he is an active republican, taking much interest in the work of the party and doing all in his power to secure the adoption of its prin- ciples. He has twice acted as secretary of the republican executive committee. Those who know him in political, in business or in social relations all speak of him in terms of high respect and regard. He has worked his way upward in business life, achieving success not through any occult methods but by reason of his persistent energy, guided by resistless will power and by the most straight- forward principles.
WILLIAM F. KRAMER.
William F. Kramer whose sterling traits of character won him the unqual- ified regard of all with whom he was associated while his business interests car- ried him into important relations with the industrial and manufacturing affairs of Dayton, was a native of Montgomery county, having been born in this city on the 14th of June, 1853. Here his entire life was passed and his record was in contradistinction to the old adage that "a prophet is never without honor save in his own country," for in the city of his birth, where he spent his entire life, he was accorded the honor and respect which are logically given in recog- nition of high principles and upright manhood. His parents were William and Caroline (Egry) Kramer. The father, a native of Germany, became a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio, when it was still a largely undeveloped region. He was a wine manufacturer and owned a fine farm near Dayton, on which he raised fruits and grapes from which he made select wines, the excellence of his product insuring him its ready sale upon the market. He had a wide acquaint-
WILLIAM F. KRAMER
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ance in Montgomery county and the sterling qualities of himself and his family won them free entrance into the best homes of the city.
William F. Kramer, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the schools of Dayton, after which he learned the trade of blacksmithing and wagon- making, following those pursuits for many years. He made gradual advance- ment in his business and as each forward step brought him a wider outlook and broader opportunities he at length determined to extend the scope of his activities and organized the Buckeye Wagon Works for the manufacture of everything needed in the construction of vehicles. From a small beginning this enterprise developed rapidly and substantially until it became one of the leading industries of the city. He was also the inventor and patentee of the low-down, short-turn, gear wagon. The factory is located on Canal near Third street and constitutes one of the leading productive industries of the city. Mr. Kramer was also in- terested in several insurance companies and his name was on the directorate of the Cooper Insurance Company.
On the 2d of February, 1876, Mr. Kramer was united in marriage to Miss Philipena Fahnert, of Dayton, and unto them were born three children, but the eldest, Minnie, is now deceased. Those still living are Mrs. Charles Wallenhaupt, of Dayton, and Mrs. William L. Wirsching, also of this city.
Mr. Kramer held membership in Mystic Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He was likewise connected with Humboldt Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and with Howard Council of the Royal Arcanum. His life was always in harmony with the beneficent teachings of these organizations and he was in hearty sympathy with their basic principles of universal brotherhood and mutual helpfulness. Death came to him on the 16th of August, 1908, when he was fifty-five years of age, and his demise was the cause of deep regret among his business associates and friends. He had builded an important industry in the city, had at all times been a cooperant factor in measures for the general good, and in private life had manifested those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.
W. D. McKEMY.
W. D. McKemy, who for nine years served as judge of the probate court and is now engaged in the general practice of law in Dayton, where his personal characteristics as well as his legal ability make him an honored and respected member of the profession, was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, February 14, 1843, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Kirkpatrick) McKemy. He is descended in both paternal and maternal lines from north of Ireland families although the Kirkpatricks came of Scotch ancestry while the McKemys are purely Irish in the ancestral strain. The American branch of the family was founded by John McKemy, who in his youthful days crossed the Atlantic and established his home in Virginia, where the remainder of his life was passed. He was a farmer by occupation and the only interruption to his agricultural pursuits came when he served his adopted country as a soldier in the war of
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1812. His son, William McKemy, born in the Old Dominion. spent his entire life in that state and there married Elizabeth Kirkpatrick. Unto them were born eight children but Judge McKemy is now the only survivor.
In the picturesque Rockbridge county of Virginia Judge MeKemy spent his youthful days on his father's farm and in a country school acquired his educa- tion. He was only eighteen years of age when on the 5th of August, 1861, he espoused the cause of his loved southland and joined the Confederate army, becoming a member of Company H, Twenty-fifth Virginia Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was attached to the brigade and division commanded by General "Stonewall" Jackson and Judge McKemy was present when that brilliant mili- tary leader lost his life through a mistaken volley fired by his own troops. Judge MeKemy continued at the front until June 30, 1865, when he was discharged. He had been captured May 12, 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness and was sent to Point Lookout, Maryland, whence he was transferred to Elmira, New York, remaining there until after the close of the war. When released he at once re- turned to his home, continuing a resident of Virginia until 1866, which year witnessed his arrival in Ohio.
Locating in Darke county, Judge MeKemy there remained until the spring of 1868, since which time he has been a resident of Dayton. Owing to the fact that his early educational advantages were somewhat limited he had resumed his studies in the common schools of Virginia after his return from the war and had also been a high-school student in Greenville, Ohio, until his graduation with the class of 1867. Subsequently he engaged in teaching for a year or two but his attention was drawn to the legal profession through his connection with the probate court, in which he served as deputy clerk while in Darke county. He oc- cupied a similar position with Judge Dwyer after removing to Dayton and held other public offices, filling the position of deputy recorder under Johnson Snyder for three years. For two and a half years he acted as deputy sheriff and book- keeper under Sheriff Patton and then became deputy county treasurer, filling the position for three years under H. H. Laubach.
In the meantime Mr. McKemy had taken up the study of law, devoting every available hour to the mastery of legal principles. He was admitted to the bar in 1878 and the following year became a candidate for probate judge but was defeated by a few votes. Entering upon the active practice of law he spent three years in the work of the profession, after which he was nominated and this time was elected probate court judge. At the close of his term of three years he was again made the democratic candidate and later was chosen for a third term so that his incumbency in the office covered nine years. In 1890 he resumed the private practice of law and his ability has been manifest in his able handling of various important cases, some of which have been of much more than local interest. He has a mind of judicial cast, largely free from per- sonal bias or prejudice and with a strongly developed analytical trend that en- ables him to readily determine and utilize the strong points in his case.
In March, 1873, Judge McKemy was united in marriage to Miss R. Florence Haise, of Union city, Randolph county, Indiana, and unto them have been born a daughter and two sons: Gertrude L., John W. and Harry G. The family is prominent in the social circles of the city and one of the strong characteristics
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of Judge McKemy is his loyalty in citizenship. In fact he never wavers in his allegiance to any cause or to any person in whom he is particularly interested. His fraternal relations are with the Odd Fellows, and for a number of years was connected with various orders but has lately dropped his membership, pre- ferring to spend his spare time in the family circle. He has always given stalwart support to the democracy and has served as a member of the city board of elections. In 1884 he was a delegate to the democratic national con- vention in Chicago which nominated Grover Cleveland. His opinions have car- ried weight in the councils of his party for his judgment relative to political activity is sound and reliable.
JAMES DYE CETONE.
James Dye Cetone is a gardener of Harrison township, and the owner of nine acres of fine land on South Broadway, about two miles from the courthouse. He is the son of Stephen Cetone, by his second wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Ellen Dye. Stephen Cetone came to this country from France at the age of sixteen and located in Dayton. He had received some of his education in the land of his birth but spent several years in the schools here after his arrival, becoming proficient in the language and habituated to the customs of his coun- try which was to be his new home and at the same time supplementing the formal part of his education. Different pursuits claimed his attention for a number of years until he finally took up gardening, cultivating a piece of land he had acquired in Miami county. About the time he decided to rest from the active cares of life he came to this county, which he made his home until his death. Mr. Cetone was married twice. Of his first wife and her children men- tion is made in the sketch of George Cetone in another part of this volume.
James Dye Cetone was born April 8, 1858. He completed the course of study laid down by the schools of Miami county and later attended the Miami Com- mercial College, from which he was graduated. During the years of his school life, however, he worked diligently on his father's farm, so that he was well prepared to enter either the business world or assume the cares of life on a farm. The call of the outdoors, with its cultivation of numerous fresh edibles, even- tually proved stronger than the confining life of the city and to it he devoted his energies. In 1890 he came to Montgomery county and bought his present farm. Then it was not its present size, however, or in its present excellent con- dition, for many an acre represents a great number of hours of patient toil and careful planning. Gradually he was able to add to its extent and steadily he increased its productiveness, until now it is regarded generally as one of the most valuable truck farms in the county.
On the 5th of May, 1890, Mr. Cetone was united in marriage to Miss Ade- line Bossler, the daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Hoover) Bossler, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and never left that state. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cetone: Ethel, who was graduated from school in the spring of 1909; Estelle and George F., who are still attending school. The
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family attend the Miami chapel of the United Brethren, of which Mr. Cetone is a trustee and of whose official board he is secretary.
Mr. Cetone has fraternal relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, for he is a member of Lodge No. 243, at Troy, Ohio, in which he is con- spicuous as a man deeply interested in the welfare of his fellows and in ad- vancing the standard and ideals of the lodge. He is also a member of that spirited band that denominates itself the Protective Home Circle. Perhaps his greatest interest in public affairs is evinced as a member of the school board of Harrison township, upon which he has served for the past two years. Here he exerts his influence for the betterment of the township institutions of instruc- tion and is ever in the vanguard of those who work for progress. His efforts meet with the approval of the community where he lives, and he is widely re- spected as a man and a citizen.
HON. WILLIAM BROADWELL SULLIVAN.
Hon. William Broadwell Sullivan, an able and representative attorney of the Dayton bar, who creditably served as police judge and is now giving his at- tention to the private practice of law, was born February 13, 1856, in the city which is still his home, in fact having never moved from the limits of the terri- tory which is now included in the first ward. His father, Stith M. Sullivan, was born in Dayton in 1822, a son of William Sullivan, a native of Virginia, who arrived in this city during an early epoch in its history and continued his residence here until his demise in 1844. With the upbuilding and development of Dayton during its formative period as well as in its later years of progress and improvement the Sullivan family has been active and helpfully connected. Stith M. Sullivan was here reared and educated and in 1848 was admitted to the bar, giving his attention to the profession throughout the years of a long and active career. For many years he also served as commissioner of insolvents. He married Miss Amy H. Broadwell, also a native of Dayton, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom four sons and two daughters are yet living. The mother died in 1891, while the father survived until 1894. One daughter of the family, Lucy W. Sullivan, has for twenty years been a mis- sionary in India, representing the Methodist Episcopal church.
William B. Sullivan, entering the public schools at the usual age, displayed special aptitude in the studies and at the age of seventeen years was graduated from the Central high school with the class of 1873. He afterward entered La- fayette College at Easton, Pennsylvania, and was graduated therefrom in 1878. Returning to Dayton he took up the study of law under the direction of the well known law firm of Gunckel & Rowe and was admitted to the bar in October, 1880. He then entered upon active practice in his native city and, imbued with laudable ambition, he has steadily worked his way upward, never neglecting the arduous work of the office which must always precede the successful presen- tation of a case before the courts. In 1885 and 1886 he was in partnership with A. A. Thomas, after which he continued in practice alone until February. 1904,
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when he was appointed by Governor Myron T. Herrick as police judge, to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion of Judge E. T. Snedeker to the common pleas bench. At the regular election in November, 1904, Judge Sullivan was chosen for the full term of three years and during his incumbency proved a capable presiding officer in the court, his decisions being based upon equity and a comprehensive knowledge of the law, so that his opinions were invariably sus- tained by the higher courts. On retiring from the bench he resumed the private practice of law and has been accorded a liberal clientage for it is well known that his preparation of cases is thorough, while his arguments are characterized by perspicuity, logic and a correct application of legal principles.
On the 21st of April, 1891, at Xenia, Ohio, Judge Sullivan was married to Miss Helen Hypes and for the past fifteen years they have occupied. the same residence on Robert boulevard. They are well known in the social circles of the city. Being very fond of travel, they have several times toured the continent as well as visited the principal places of interest in the United States.
Judge Sullivan is a prominent representative of the Masonic fraternity and is now serving as senior warden of Dayton Lodge, No. 147, A. F. & A. M. He belongs to Unity Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M .; Reese Council, No. 9, R. & S. M., of which he is deputy master; Reed Commandery, No. 6, K. T., of which he is now eminent commander ; while in the Scottish Rite he is a past potent master of Gabriel Lodge of Perfection ; while on the 18th of September, 1906, he was especially honored in that he was crowned with the thirty-third degree in the Supreme Council at Boston. For ten years and up to the time of the dedication of the new Masonic Temple he was secretary of the Masonic Temple Company which completed the Masonic building on South Main street. The Judge like- wise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; takes great inter- est in his college fraternity, the Phi Delta Theta; and is at present the secretary and treasurer of the Pan Hellenic Association. Nor is he neglectful of the higher and holier duties of life but gives to religious work his earnest endorse- ment as an active member of Grace Methodist Episcopal church, of which he served for twenty years on the official board. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is observant of all the duties of citizenship and in sympathy with movements that tend to promote the intellectual, social, ma- terial and moral progress of Dayton.
HARVEY SWANK.
Harvey Swank, who is successfully engaged in general merchandising at Trot- wood and is a prominent citizen of the town, was born on the 21st of September, 1867, his parents being David and Mary (Baker) Swank. Eli Swank, the grand- father of our subject, was one of the early settlers of Pennsylvania and subse- quently journeyed across the mountains to Darke county, Ohio, taking up his abode on a tract of timber land. His son, David Swank, who was a native of Darke county, there carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his active busi-
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ness career and owned a two hundred acre farm, known as the old Swank home- stead, of which Harvey Swank, of this review, is one of the heirs.
In his youthful days Harvey Swank divided his time between the work of the home farm and the duties of the schoolroom and after putting aside his text- books he continued on the home place until about thirty years of age, when he became engaged in general merchandising at Laura, Ohio. On selling out his in- terests there he removed to Georgetown and about seven years ago returned to Trotwood and for four years was engaged in the elevator business and later became the successor of T. M. Wagner in the mercantile circles. Although his residence here covers a comparatively brief period, he has already won for himself an en- viable reputation as a progressive and enterprising business man, owing to his well selected and attractive line of general merchandise, reasonable prices and honorable, straightforward methods. His establishment is one of the largest coun- try stores in the county and in addition to its management and control he is also serving as assistant postmaster of Trotwood.
On the 19th of February, 1887, Mr. Swank was united in marriage to Miss Lydia E. Miller, a daughter of David and Sarah (Stoltz) Miller, who lived in the vicinity of the Swank home near Georgetown, the father being a very prominent agriculturist. By this union there are two children. Raymond. who is a high school graduate, is engaged in teaching school at Trotwood and is also a student in Oxford College, pursuing the classical course. Sylvia, who is likewise a high school graduate, resides at home. Mr. Swank and the members of his family attend the Church of Christ and take an active and helpful part in the work of the church and the extension of its influence. In manner he is genial and cordial and his good qualities are such as have endeared him to those with whom he has come in contact and brought him warm friendships.
EDWARD A. DEEDS.
Edward A. Deeds, the second vice president and assistant manager of the National Cash Register of Dayton, was born on a farm near Granville, Ohio, March 12, 1874. Marked business ability and scientific attainments have brought him to the present position of responsibility which he occupies. His advance- ment has come through his wise utilization of his opportunities. His youth was spent amid rural surroundings and his early education was that offered by the public schools. Later he entered Denison University at Granville, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the class of 1896, and subsequently he had one year's training in special electrical engineering in Cornell University.
Entering into active connection with the business interests of Dayton in 1897 he was employed by the Thresher Electric Company for two years and then took charge of the engineering department of the National Cash Register, his special college course well equipping him for this work. After two years he resigned that position to take charge of the construction work of the National Food Company, a plant costing over two million dollars. He was occupied with that mammoth task for two years, after which he returned to Dayton and
EDWARD A. DEEDS
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again entered into active connection with the National Cash Register Company as second vice president and assistant manager. He is not only well equipped by his practical and scientific knowledge of engineering to direct much of the work done by the company but also displays excellent ability in administrative direction and executive control. Recognizing the fact that there are continually problems to be solved in connection with the control of any important business concern he bends his energies to their successful solution and his keen discern- ment and unwearied industry are as well factors in the success of the business.
On the 5th of June, 1901, Mr. Deeds was married in Dayton to Miss Edith Walton, a daughter of the late Samuel Walton and they have two sons, Charles Walton Deeds, and Edward Andrew Deeds, Jr. In his political views Mr. Deeds is a republican because of a belief in the principles of the party, but is without aspiration for office. He belongs to the First Baptist church and in more speci- fically social lines is connected with the Dayton City Club, the Dayton Country Club and the Automobile Club of America. Fraternally he is associated with the Masons, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, while in lines relative to the science in which he is particularly interested he has be- come a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and the American Electro-Chemical Society. Since his entrance into business life his advancement has been uniform, indicat- ing the continual growth of his business powers and capacities, and a laudable ambition and unfaltering enterprise will undoubtedly lead him into still more important connections with business circles.
JOHN S. CETONE.
Among the younger class of men of Van Buren township, Montgomery county, who are meeting with a creditable degree of success in their business venture is John S. Cetone, a native of this county, who was born in the old Smith home- stead on Olive street in Dayton on the 5th of August, 1870. He is a son of Henry and Anna (Rote) Cetone, the former one of the oldest gardeners in this section of the county. Born in Miami county, Ohio, he came to this county when a young man and has since made his home here, remaining today an active factor in the business circles of Van Buren township. John S. Cetone is the oldest member of a family of seven children, the others being: Harry, Edward, Leo, Frank, William and Mamie.
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