USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 27
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
276
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
and the political situation of the country and all his impressions and the knowl- edge that he gained added to that reservior from which he constantly draws tu meet the demands of the newspaper publisher and the man of affairs.
Following his return from Washington on the 15th of August, 1898, Mr. Cox became the owner and publisher of the Dayton News, which he has made one of the foremost journals of the Buckeye state. In 1903 he acquired the Press Republic of Springfield, Ohio, and changed its name to the Daily News, conducting both the Dayton and Springfield papers under what is now known as the News League of Ohio. He manifests keen discrimination in his manage- ment of affairs and his selection of an able corps of assistants and such methods which he deems of value in the development of the business and in the selection of questions for presentation through the columns of his journal, questions rela- tive to the needs of the city and the individual or bearing upon the trend of na- tional thought and progress.
A man in Mr. Cox's position could not be other than deeply interested in politics and yet the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him nor has he ever consented to become a candidate until he accepted the nomination and was elected representative from the third Ohio district to the sixty-first congress on the democratic ticket. His election coming in a republi- can state stands in incontrovertible proof of his personal popularity and the con- fidence reposed in him as a man and citizen, his plurality having been more than thirteen thousand over his nearest opponent.
On the 23d of May, 1893, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Mayme L. Harding at Cincinnati, and they have three children, Helen, James and John. Forceful and resourceful, the record of Mr. Cox is a story of a man's life that seems to have been an orderly progression under the steady hand of one who is a consistent master of himself and whose organism is harmonious and always well balanced.
THEODORE C. LINDSEY, JR.
Theodore C. Lindsey, Jr., an attorney at law of Dayton, his native city, was born April 16, 1878, and is a son of Theodore C. Lindsey, Sr., a well known jeweler, prominent in mercantile circles of this city. The son was reared and educated here, entering the public schools at the usual age and passing through the consecutive grades to his graduation from the Steele high school with the class of 1897. In that year he entered the law office of Gunckel, Rowe & Shuey, with whom he continued for a year, and then in further preparation for the bar became a law student in the University of Cincinnati, from which he was grad- uated in 1901. Among his professors were President William Howard Taft, the Hon. Judson Harmon, and other noted professors of the day. He had been admitted to the bar in 1900 and following his graduation in 1901 he opened an office in Dayton in July of that year and practiced alone for two years. On the expiration of that period he entered into partnership with Sol Flatau in Sep- tember, 1903, the relation being maintained until February, 1908, at which time it was mutually and agreeably dissolved. Since then Mr. Lindsey has been alone
T. C. LINDSEY, JR.
279
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
in practice. He is now well established in his profession with a large clientage that connects him with much of the important work of the courts, and he is making a specialty of commercial and probate law and is identified with several large corporations.
In June, 1900, Mr. Lindsey was married in Louisville, Kentucky, to Miss Jean Curry, and they now have one son, Robert Fulton Lindsey. Mr. Lindsey holds membership with the Sons of Veterans and has served as judge advocate of Ohio for that organization. He is also a member of the Masonic order. He belongs to the First Reformed church and takes an active interest in the various lines of church work. He is also a stalwart supporter of the republican party and his efforts in its behalf have been far-reaching and beneficial, but he has not sought political office. He has been a close student of the problem of citizenship as advanced and retarded through the exercise of franchise and is ever able to support his position by intelligent argument.
HENRY CALLAHAN.
Henry Callahan, conducting a profitable business as a dealer in stoves in Dayton, has been a resident of this city for more than half a century and through- out almost the entire period has been known as an enterprising and progressive merchant and reliable business man. His name indicates his Irish lineage. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, August 7, 1835, and was brought to Amer- ica by his mother in 1840, his father, Alexander Callahan, having preceded them in 1836. The father was at that time proprietor of a hotel at Ridgeville, Ohio, and the mother and son joined the husband and father at that place. His death occurred there a few years later and in 1850 Henry Callahan, with his mother, sister and brother went to Yellow Springs, Ohio, where they lived for three years and in 1853 removed to Dayton. Mr. Callahan of this review was at that time about eighteen years of age. He had pursued his education in the schools of Ridgeville and of Yellow Springs and after locating in this city he entered the tin and stove store of Henry Yost, under whose direction he learned the tinner's trade. Later he and John Reese formed a partnership in the same line of business, the connection continuing for thirty years, or until 1888, since which time Mr. Callahan has been alone. His success is undoubtedly duein part to the fact that he has always continued in the line of business in which he embarked as a young tradesman and in which he gained comprehensive knowl- edge concerning the business in principle and detail. As the years have gone by he has carefully watched all indications pointing to success, has closely studied the market and the demands of the purchasing public and year by year has added to his prosperity.
The only interruption to his continuous business activity came in April, 1861, when in response to the country's first call for troops he enlisted for three monthis' service as a private of Company A, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1864 he reenlisted as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served for nearly four months at Baltimore, being sta-
280
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
tioned at Fort Federal Hill and at Fort Marshall. This service entitles him to wear the Grand Army button and he is now a member of Old Guard Post, No. 23, G. A. R.
In 1871 Mr. Callahan was united in marriage in Dayton, to Miss Lovie Cline, and they have had three children, of whom one died in infancy while two are still living-Alexander H., and Callie Cline, the wife of William M. Burk- hardt. The family attend the United Brethren church and Mr. Callahan gives his political allegiance to the republican party. For fifty years a merchant of this city, he has throughout this entire period sustained an unassailable reputation for business integrity and progressiveness, seeking his success along the legiti- mate lines of trade without the adoption of a single esoteric feature. Al- though he has now passed the psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten he yet remains a factor in commercial circles, honored and respected by all who know him.
FRANK KUNTZ.
Frank Kuntz, a gardener of Mad River township and the owner of eleven acres of fine land just west of the Troy pike and about two and a half miles north of the Dayton courthouse, was born on the old home place, which is known in this locality as the Joseph Kuntz farm, on the 16th of June, 1868. He is the son of Joseph and Magdalena ( Wolf) Kuntz. The father, who was born in 1833, and his parents were the first of the Kuntz family to come to this country, from Germany, which had been their home for generations. They came direct to Montgomery county, where they were among the early settlers and the pioneers of Dayton. The city had been founded but a short time, for the family had to clear their own land before they could even think of entering upon a cultivation of the soil. In the course of time Joseph Kuntz became a naturalized citizen of this country and started in general farming. After a few years' experience, however, he realized that his land was better adapted to truck gardening, and so turned his efforts entirely to developing one of the most modern and productive of truck farms around Dayton. Joseph Kuntz built a small house of two rooms, but his son has been able to put up one of the best and most modern houses in this part of the county. Ten children, all living in this county, were born to Joseph Kuntz and wife: John, Joe, Margaret, Catherine, George, Williamn, Frank, Magdalena, Mary and Clara. Joseph Kuntz received all his training for life before coming to this country. That it was good training any one who knows him and the noble industry with which his days are filled cannot deny, for Mr. Kuntz is a citizen highly respected among those who have come in con- tact with him.
Frank Kuntz received his early education in the schools of the township. This he supplemented by attendance at the public institutions of instruction in the city. During his whole school period, however, he also worked with his father on the farm, acquiring in this way, without loss of time, a practical knowledge of that phase of life which has been his vocation. His industry
281
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
brought him material returns and he was soon able to add to and beautify the old red house. He has also recently built a hothouse, which when completed will be one of the largest in the township.
On the IIth of November, 1891, Frank Kuntz was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Zimmerman, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Mearkley) Zimmerman. Five children have blessed this couple: Laurence Joseph, who is in school; Walter Frank William, Helen, Marie and Romeo. The family are consistent members of the church of the Holy Rosary and by their lives evince the wisdom of its teaching.
Mr. Kuntz takes an active interest in several fraternal organizations; he be- longs to the Elks Lodge, No. 58, of Dayton ; to the Knights of St. John of that city, of which he was at one time inspector ; and he is also a prominent member of St. Michael's Society. Despite the many other demands upon his time he is able to devote many hours to the service of the people, who have shown their appreciation of his interest by electing him township trustee, a position he has filled for eight years, six of which were in the capacity of president of the board. During the years of his incumbency his duties have been fulfilled with ability and honor, so that the people feel that their confidence has not been misplaced.
IRLEY E. JONES.
Irley E. Jones, manager of sales for the Brownell Company, president of the Dayton Iron Stove Company and secretary and treasurer of the Globe Electric Company, is thus prominently connected with the business interests of Dayton. He was born in this city, February 15, 1868, and comes of a family of Welsh origin. His ancestors, however, have lived in America since colonial days, the great- grandfather being Jonathan Jones, a native of Pennsylvania, who was a colonel in the Revolutionary war. The grandfather, Levi B. Jones, was born near Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, in 1807, and in 1832 came to Dayton, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in this city n 1898. His son, John D. Jones, was born in Dayton in 1842 and for many years was connected with mercantile interests in this city and also owned and operated a stone quarry in Montgomery county. In 1864 he joined the Union army for one hundred days service. He married Evaline S. Bidleman, and unto them were born four children: Irley E., of this review ; Evaline B., the wife of Eugene Morrison; Anna Laura, the wife of Edwin A. Robison; and Charles D. The husband and father passed away in 1885, leaving the two sons, Irley E. and Charles D. Jones, to perpetuate the family in this city, where its representatives have been prominently known for more than three quarters of a century. Charles D. is general manager of the East Broad Top Railroad coal mines, which are the largest in central Penn- sylvania in successful operation.
At the usual age Irley E. Jones entered the public schools, therein continuing his studies through successive grades until he had reached the age of sixteen years, when he made his initial step in the business world as an employe in the dry-goods store of Elder, Hunter & Johnston. He spent two years as a clerk in
282
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
that establishment and was afterward for two years with Deweese & Bidleman, also dry-goods merchants of this city. On the expiration of that period he ac- cepted the position of city buyer with the National Cash Register Company, with which he continued for eight years, when he resigned. In the meantime he had been promoted and was assistant purchasing agent. As salesman he became connected with the Ohio Fence Company at Piqua, Ohio, and was with that com- pany for two years.
In 1898 he returned to Dayton as purchasing agent for Brownell & Company, now the Brownell Company, and in 1896 was advanced to his present position as sales manager. This is one of the most extensive and important business con- cerns of the city and in his position as sales manager Mr. Jones is controlling large interests. He has also extended his activities into other fields and is now president of the Dayton Iron Stove Company, dealers in heavy hardware, and secretary and treasurer of the Globe Electric Company. He has brought to every position which he has filled the qualities of unfaltering energy, laudable ambition and a determination to thoroughly acquaint himself with his duties and to discharge them with ability. All his affairs have been carefully systematized until the maximum results are reached with minimum expense, time and labor. This is the real secret of success in any business-a fact which Mr. Jones has thoroughly realized and toward which end he has constantly worked. Investi- gation into his career shows that his actions have ever been based upon the rules which govern unfaltering industry and unswerving integrity. Moreover, he has the power to bring various factors in business life into harmonious relations and to coordinate forces and develop enterprises of great magnitude.
Mr. Jones was married in Piqua, Ohio, in 1893, to Miss Claire J. Kitchen, and they have two children: Katharine Evelyn and Anna Cornelia.
Mr. Jones is a Royal Arch Mason and belongs to the Dayton City Club. He is also a member of Christ Episcopal church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party but is without ambition or desire for office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which, carefully directed, have brought him to a prominent position in commercial circles. His record is one which reflects credit upon the city of his nativity.
LEVI HOLLER.
Levi Holler, a prominent and successful agriculturist residing on section II, Jefferson township, was born in that township on the 4th of March, 1844, his parents being George and Lydia (Hoffman) Holler. The paternal grandparents, Frederick and Esther Holler, were natives of Germany and, emigrating to the United States, became residents of Ohio.
Levi Holler was reared under the parental roof and lessons concerning the value of industry and perseverance were early impressed upon his mind. Dur- ing the early years of his business career he operated a sawmill and thresher, owning the first traction engine in Jefferson township. For a long time the threshing was done by horse power but subsequently he purchased a steam out-
283
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
fit and as the years went by won a commendable and gratifying measure of prosperty in his undertakings along this line. At the present time, however, he gives his undivided attention to the work of general farming, his labors in this direction also being attended with well merited success. Rich harvests an- nually pay tribute to his enterprise and diligence and he is numbered among the representative agriculturists of his native county.
On the 17th of November, 1868, Mr. Holler was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Eby, whose birth occurred on the 23d of September, 1847, her parents being Daniel and Anna (Miller) Eby. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Holler have been born the following children : George Vernon, born in 1870; Vietta Pearl, in 1872; Charles, in 1874; Perry, in 1876; Grace Olive, in 1881; and Bertha, who was born in 1884.
The family are devoted members of the German Baptist church and for many years Mr. Holler has been a deacon in the church. He has made his home in this community from his birth to the present time and his life of uprightness and honorable business activity has won for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact.
GUSTAV E. DECKER.
Among the successful representatives of the insurance business in Dayton is Gustav E. Decker, who was here born on the 13th of April, 1868. He has sought his success not in strange fields but in the community where he has always lived, trusting to enterprise, energy and persistency of purpose to win him that success which is the legitimate goal of all business endeavor. He was born April 13, 1868, and at the usual age entered the public schools, where he mastered various branches of learning. He was also for some time a student in St. Mary's Institute, from which he was graduated in 1889. He then entered the office of the treasurer of Montgomery county and was there employed for three years as bookkeeper. This was his initial step in business and he not only performed his daily tasks but also learned therefrom many valuable lessons which have been of immense benefit to him in later life. Subsequently he entered the postoffice as registry clerk, later was appointed assistant postmaster and so continued until the expiration of J. C. Ely's term as postmaster. He then went with Mr. Ely, who was elected city treasurer of Dayton, acting as his assistant until 1905, when he resigned his position to give his attention to general insur- ance. His clear insight into business situations, his accurate judgment con- cerning people and events that go to make up life's contacts and experiences, combined with a commendable desire to win advancement have been salient features in the continued progress that has marked his course since he entered this field of endeavor.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Decker was married April 13, 1898, to Miss Elizabeth A. Shantz, a daughter of the late Adam Shantz, and tinto this marriage there were born five children, Jacob A., Frances M., Myrtle K., Ruth C. and Thelma S. Mr. Decker is a valued and worthy member of the Masonic
284
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
fraternity and has pleasant relations with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, belonging to lodges of both organizations. His political support is given the democracy and he desires the success of the party, yet does not seek office although in former years he held some positions by appointment. His religious belief is indicated in his membership in the German Lutheran church. Having spent his entire life in Dayton he is thoroughly familiar with the history of the city during the last forty years and therefore has witnessed much of its growth and progress. Those who know him respect him for his sterling personal worth as well as for the business ability he manifests, and in all relations of life he measures up to the full standard of honorable, upright manhood.
ALEXANDER RAMM.
No history of commercial Dayton would be complete without extended and prominent reference to Alexander Ramm, who is conducting the only exclusive ladies' tailoring establishment of the city and his ability and high grade work- manship in this line has brought to him an extended patronage which makes his business one of the leading productive industries here. High standards are maintained in the grade of workmanship, in the personnel of the house and in the character of service rendered to the public, and Mr. Ramm, therefore, draws his patronage from among the most prominent people of the city and surrounding districts. He is now located at Nos. 1306-7-8-9 United Brethren building, the business demanding large quarters because of the increasing volume of trade.
Mr. Ramm was born in Antwerp, Belgium, on the 12th of December, 1869, and pursued his education in the schools of that country. He learned the tailoring trade in Paris under the famous French ladies' tailor, M. Swittgall, in whose establishment he remained for more than four years. Later he was connected with others in the same line until his ability brought him to a promi- nent place among those similarly engaged. Believing that the business oppor- tunities of the new world were superior to those offered in European coun- . tries, he perfected his arrangements to come to the United States in 1883. He held various positions in New York, Cleveland and Chicago and was for eleven years in charge of the ladies' tailoring department in one of the largest estab- lishments of its kind in Chicago as designer and fitter. Upon the request of many satisfied customers he came to Dayton in 1908 and within the year his business has enjoyed almost phenomenal success so that he now employs considerable help in his establishment nor is he able to take care of all his customers. He has the only exclusive ladies' tailoring establishment in Dayton and only high grade work is turned out. While it is an acknowledged fact that ladies are much more difficult to please than men he has yet to receive his first complaint concerning his work. His long connection with the leading house of Chicago gained him a wide reputation and his ability places him prom- inently before the public as one worthy of the most liberal patronage.
ALEXANDER RAMM
287
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
In 1892 Mr. Ramm was married to Miss Rosa Boskin, of Cleveland, and they have two children: Lena and Leopold, who are with them in their pleasant home at No. 9 Locust street, Riverdale. Mr. Ramm, however, expects soon, to erect a new residence. His time and energies are largely given to his chosen field of labor and with a nature that could never be content with mediocrity he has steadily worked upward, holding to high ideals in all that he undertakes. Appreciative of all that can be accomplished through line, material, style and workmanship, the garments which he turns out from his establishment are evidences of an artistic taste, while in finish as well as design, they are un- excelled. Mr. Ramm well deserves the success which has already come to him and which argues well for a successful future in his adopted city.
HENRY T. LAMSDALE.
Henry T. Lamsdale, engaged in general farming and also devoting some time to the dairy business, is one of Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred June 22, 1861, on the old Lamsdale homestead in Jackson township, Montgomery county. The family comes of English stock, the grandparents of our subject, John and Martha Lamsdale, having spent their entire lives in England. There William Lamsdale, the father of Henry T. Lamsdale, was born and attended the schools of his native country until the age of nine years, when he was com- pelled to lay aside his text-books in order to assist his father. Ere leaving Eng- land for the United States he learned the carpet weaver's trade and upon estab- lishing his home in Ohio he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, later purchasing a farm. He married Mary Firth, a native of England, and unto them were born eight children, namely: Henry T., of this review ; Martha E .; James A .; a child who died in infancy ; Mary A .; Rena ; Lillie, deceased; and Nellie.
Born and reared on the old homestead farm, Mr. Lamsdale attended the country schools in the pursuit of an education. He early became acquainted with the tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and as his age and strength increased he became more and more familiar with the work of the farm until he was able, through experience and close observation, to master the problems which present themselves to those who would become successful agriculturists, for in this line of business, as well as in industrial or commercial lines, problems arise which must be dealt with. He remained on the home farm for a number of years and then purchased for himself seventy-six acres of fine, productive land in Madison township, Montgomery county, located on the Eaton pike about seven miles west of Dayton, where he is at present residing. He here carries on general farming and devotes some attention to the dairy business, shipping his milk to Dayton, where it finds ready sale. He also engages in stock-raising to the extent of supplying his own needs in this direction. The major portion of his time and attention, however, is devoted to the raising of tobacco, which he makes his main crop, and he is known as one of the largest tobacco growers in his part of the county.
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.