USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 51
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Mr. Forster was born in the grand duchy of Baden, Germany, in 1845, and in 1866 sailed across the Atlantic, for the reports which reached him concerning the new world were most favorable. He did not tarry on the eastern coast but made his way at once into the interior of the country, settling first at German- town, Montgomery county. There he attended school for six months that he might acquaint himself with the English language and also learn something of the customs and manners of the people among whom he had now cast his lot. He attended St. Mary's Institute during the summer and fall of 1866. He se- cured a clerkship in a dry goods store in Miamisburg, where he remained for two years. He then came with his employer, David E. Bauers, to Dayton, in 1869, and remained in the service of Mr. Bauers until the latter's death in 1882. He
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then formed a partnership with Mrs. Bauers and her son Charles E. under the firm style of Bauers, Forster & Company, which relation was maintained for eleven years, or until 1893, when the store was destroyed by fire.
Mr. Forster did not allow himself to become discouraged over this, but with resolute spirit again entered mercantile circles, opening a carpet house, which he conducted alone for eighteen months. He then removed to larger quarters and organized the present firm of Forster, Hegman & Company. They today have a very extensive line of furniture, carpets, rugs and floor coverings, keeping the newest and latest designs and some of the best made goods that the market pro- duces. They also carry a line of more moderate priced goods, so that they are able to satisfy the wants of all classes of patrons. From the beginning the trade has steadily grown and the house has come to be known as a most reliable one, its business policy commending it to the continued support of all.
In 1870 Mr. Forster was married, in Dayton, to Miss Elizabeth Wilhelm and unto them have been born four children: Flora N., now the wife of Frank A. Hahne ; Walter C .; Marie Jeanette; and Charles Richard. The last named was born in 1876, became a member of the firm of which his father is senior partner, and departed this life in 1903. He was a man of much business promise and his loss was deeply regretted by many friends.
Mr. Forster belongs to the Knights of Columbus and to the Catholic church. He has never held office for political preferment has no attraction for him. He is, however, loyal in his citizenship, manifesting fidelity to the best interests of the country equal to that of any of our native sons. He found here the opportuni- ties which he sought and through their utilization has made steady advancement, reaching a prominent position in commercial circles, his enterprise being evidenced in the success which he has achieved.
FREDERICK WEIS.
Frederick Weis, formerly connected with commercial interests but long asso- ciated with the public service, is now a member of the Soldiers' Relief Commis- sion of Dayton. His birth occurred in Bavaria, Germany, March 14, 1841, and in 1844 he was brought to America by his parents, who at once came to Dayton, so that he was reared and educated in this city, pursuing his studies in the pub- lic schools. He passed through the consecutive grades until he reached the age of fifteen years, when he began learning the more difficult lessons in the school of experience.
Starting out in the business world he was employed by the firm of Rogers & Fowler, manufacturers of saddle trees, with whom he continued for three years. He then entered a planing mill, where remained until he joined the army. He had watched with interest the progress of events in the south, noted the threat- ening attitude of the people of that district and carefully considering the question came to the conclusion that it was unconstitutional to attempt to secede. Ac- cordingly he determined to stand firmly by the Union in case war was inaugurated and hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when, on the
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16th of April, 1861, he offered his services in a military capacity, joining the Dayton Light Guards, which became Company C of the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The first troops were mustered in for a three months term and on its expiration Mr. Weis was honorably discharged, August 17, 1861, and was mustered out at Columbus. His regiment, however, volunteered to stay in service for the battle of Bull Run, recognizing the fact that an engagement was im- minent. On the 16th of September, of the same year, Mr. Weis reenlisted, joining Company B of the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a corporal. He remained with that command until August 17, 1864, when he was mustered out at Chat- tanooga, Tennessee, as duty sergeant. During his long service in the south he participated in many important engagements, including the battle of Vienna, Vir- ginia, Bull Run, Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, the retreat to Louisville, and the battle of Frankfort. Then came the fight with Kirby Smith, at Chaplain Hill, Kentucky, and the engagements at Perryville, Murfreesboro, Liberty Gap and Tullahoma, Tennessee. Later he participated in the two days' battle at Chick- amauga and was also at Missionary Ridge. He afterward went to the relief of Burnside. His first fight was at Dandridge, Tennessee, after which the troops went into camp for the winter at Clinch Mountain. In the following spring the Atlanta campaign was inaugurated, beginning with the engagement at Rocky Face Ridge and on down to Peach Tree creek, where another battle occurred. As the term of enlistment of the First Ohio had then expired the command was mustered out at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Although in many hotly contested en- gagements, Mr. Weis was never wounded nor captured. His service, however, was arduous and included many long and difficult marches.
After being mustered out of the army Mr. Weis returned to Dayton and en- tered the planing mill of Baird & Brothers. Here he continued until 1869 and then went on the road for J. V. Nauerth & Son, being thus employed for seven years. At the end of that time be became connected with George W. Kneisley & Company, wholesale grocers, whom he represented as a traveling salesman for seven years. At the end of that time he was called to public office through his appointment as chief deputy county clerk, by O. B. Brown, county clerk, in which capacity he remained for three years. In 1884 he was elected sheriff of Montgomery county and served for one term. In 1892 he was appointed gauger in the revenue service and filled the office for a year, after which he was ap- pointed deputy in the revenue service, being connected with the Fifth Division. He remained in that position to the end of Harrison's administration, in 1894. and since that time he has been a member of the Soldiers' Relief Commission. His public service has at all times been characterized by the utmost unfaltering devotion to the public good, his record at all times being commendable.
Mr. Weis has been married twice. In June, 1865, in Dayton, he wedded Hen- rietta Walters, who died January 16, 1894, leaving two children: Ida K., the wife of George Gerdes ; and Edward R. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Weis was married again December 16, 1895, in Dayton, his second union being with Mrs. Mattie Knauss, nee Wike. Mr. Weis belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to Humboldt Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He is also connected with the Blackstone Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men and with St. John's lodge and Unity chapter of the Masonic fraternity. He maintains pleasant re-
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lations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Old Guard Post, G. A R. In politics he has ever been a republican, standing by the party which was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and progress. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in St. John's German Lutheran church.
EZRA F. KIMMEL.
Ezra F. Kimmel, an operator in the field of real estate, being senior partner in the firm of Kimmel & Freehofer, made his entrance into life's activities in Day- ton, October 20, 1863, and has always remained a resident of his native city. His father, Christian Kimmel, had located here upon his arrival from Germany in 1846 and for almost a half century continued his residence in Dayton, but met death in a railroad wreck in September, 1893, while returning from the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He had for thirty-five years occupied the position of superintendent of the machine shops of the Buckeye Iron & Brass Works. It was after his arrival in the new world that he married a daughter of Jacob Ecki and his widow still resides in Dayton. She had accompanied her husband to Chicago and in the wreck sustained severe injuries but escaped with her life. Their family numbered six children, five of whom survive and are res- idents of Dayton: William H., who is secretary of the Mutual Home & Savings Association ; Mrs. Louise Bard, the wife of O. J. Bard, attorney at law ; Anna, the wife of A. O. Freehofer; Gustave B., a minister in the Evangelical church, now located in Indianapolis; and Ezra F.
At the usual age Ezra F. Kimmel entered the public schools and when he put aside his text-books he had completed high school, having been graduated with the class of 1879. The following year saw him an active factor in business circles for in May, 1880, he became bookkeeper for R. C. Anderson, a manufacturer of plows, and he thus served for four years. In March, 1884, he entered the office of the Mutual Home & Savings Association and again acted as bookkeeper for four years, while for three and half years he was its auditor. On the 15th of July, 1891, he organized the John Dodds Manufacturing Company of which he became vice president and superintendent, remaining thus in active control of the business until December 1, 1896, when he accepted the management of the affairs of the National Improvement Company and also became agent for E. J. Barney. When he severed active relations with the Mutual Home & Savings Association he was made a member of its directorate and also of its financial com- mittee. He has always been appreciative of opportunities and has improved them to good advantage. He aided in organizing the Walker Lithographic & Printing Company of which he was a director until the latter part of 1895, when he sold his interest in the business. In 1896 he joined Mr. Freehofer in organizing the real estate firm of Kimmel & Freehofer and is now giving his energies to this business with the result that he is today well informed concerning realty values in the city and has many clients who appreciate his comprehensive knowledge which is turned to account in their service. He continues as secretary and man-
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ager of the Arcade Company, is a director of the Mutual Home & Savings Asso- ciation, is president of the Dayton Clark Land Company and treasurer of the Miami Valley Hospital. He quickly notes the possibilities of success and utilizes his opportunities in a manner that makes them resultant factors in attaining the goal of prosperity.
In November, 1885, Mr. Kimmel was married to Miss Ida M. Steffey, a daughter of the Rev. M. W. Steffey, a minister of the Evangelical Association, at one time pastor of a church of this denomination in Dayton. Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel have a daughter and son, Florence M. and Russell Ezra. The parents hold membership in the Wayne Avenue Evangelical Association and Mr. Kim- mel is also vice president of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is also in hearty sympathy with the beneficient spirit of Masonry and has attained high rank in the order, having became a Knight Templar of the Commandery and a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret in the Consistory. He is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. His friends are true and loyal to him because he displays the same qualities and, as Emerson says: "The way to win a friend is to be one." There are no exciting chapters in his life work but it is a history of a man who in the workaday world knows that chances for success are before every individual and that within one's own self lies the power to utilize or to reject these, the one course leading to continuous advancement and the other to failure. In all things he has wisely chosen the better part and in his career he has not only won suc- cess but what is more, an honorable success.
ALLAN O. FREEHAFER.
Allan O. Freehafer, junior partner in the firm of Kimmel & Freehafer, is well known in real estate circles in Dayton. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, in 1870 and spent his youthful days there to the age of fourteen years, when he accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Nebraska and several years were passed on the plains of that great prairie state. He afterward went to Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1886 and continued his residence in the capital until 1893, when he came to Dayton, here completing his education as a student in the Miami University.
On leaving that institution Mr. Freehafer became bookkeeper for the John Dodds Manufacturing Company, with which he remained for two years, when he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, E. F. Kimmel, in the estab- lishment of a rental agency, while later they became real estate agents as well. They now have a large clientage in this connection, having control of much val- uable property, and they have negotiated many important realty transfers. Mr. Freehafer and his partner were also the proprietors of the Universal Credit Rating Company of Dayton, of which Mr. Kimmel is now president and Mr. Freehafer, vice president. They are likewise the partners in the French Dry Cleaning Company, incorporated, and hold the same relative official position in connection therewith. Their varied interests are capably managed and the care- ful conduct of their affairs has brought them to a prominent position as strong
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and forceful business men of the city, their achievements in various lines being crowned with creditable and gratifying prosperity.
In 1895 Mr. Freehafer was married in Dayton to Miss Anna M. Kimmel, a daughter of Christian Kimmel, now deceased. They have two children, Sarah Kimmel and Charles Arthur. Mr. Freehafer belongs to the Royal Arcanum and to the Young Men's Christian Association, taking an active and helpful interest in the latter, for he regards it one of the potent elements for good as an agent in promoting the physical, intellectual and moral progress of the youth of the city. He is also a member of the Wayne Avenue Evangelical church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and, unlike many success- ful business men, he does not regard politics as something with which he has no concern. On the contrary he recognizes the duties and obligations of citizenship and in 1902 accepted the position of member of the school board from the ninth ward, serving for three years. His influence is always given on the side of pro- gress in municipal affairs and he labors earnestly for those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
REV. HENRY HARNESS FOUT.
Rev. Henry Harness Fout, editor-in-chief of the Sunday-school literature of the United Brethren church of the United States, with headquarters in Dayton, was born on a farm in Grant county, West Virginia, October 18, 1861. His youthful days were passed there, his experiences being those that come to most farm boys. The country schools afforded him his primary education and with ambition to make further intellectual progress, in 1882 he went to Shenandoah, Virginia, and entered the Shenandoah Collegiate Institute, a college under the auspices of the United Brethren church. On the completion of the regular course he was graduated with the class of 1886. He next entered the Union Biblical Seminary, now known as the Bonebrake Theological Seminary, at Dayton, com- pleting his course there in 1890. In 1897 the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the American Temperance University of Tennessee. Fol- lowing his graduation from the biblical seminary in Dayton he was called to the pastorate of the Oak Street United Brethren church, where he remained from 1891 until 1899, and during his connection therewith its new house of worship was erected. In 1899 he was made presiding elder of the Miami conference and so acted for two years or until 1901, after which he traveled abroad, spending five months in Egypt and the Holy Land, familiarizing himself with the places where occurred the important scenes that are mentioned in Holy writ. In the same year he was chosen to fill his present position as editor-in-chief of Sunday-school lit- erature and has charge of such publications, in which connection his service has been of the utmost value and benefit. He has now acted in this capacity for eight years, his work being entirely satisfactory to his colleagues in the publication of the literature of the church.
Dr. Fout was married in Dayton in 1900 to Miss Adah Catherine Pierson, a daughter of Christopher H. Pierson of Dayton, and they have one daughter,
REV. H. H. FOUT
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Lois Virginia. Mr. Fout is an honorary member of the Junior Order of Ameri- can Mechanics. He has been indentified with the religious, social and educa- tional work of the city. His life has been given almost entirely to the upbuilding of the church and its kindred interests and with zealous spirit he devotes his at- tention to his work as editor-in-chief of Sunday-school literature, knowing how important is the training of a young mind in preparation for the responsibilities of life. He is a man of scholarly attainment, broad and charitable in his views, recognizing the opportunities for good in his present connection and with zealous interest using his chance to plant the seeds of truth in good soil.
Dr. Fout is known in the literary field beyond the bounds of the Sunday- school papers and periodicals which he edits. After returning from Palestine a book was published of which he is the author, dealing with the experiences and observations of the journey. The chapters are prepared after the manner of a Biblical student whose knowledge has been supplemented by close personal observa- tion in travel.
Dr. Fout is a joint editor with Bishop W. M. Weekley of a United home mis- sion book entitled, "Our Heroes," which brings to light many unpublished inci- dents in the lives of the advance guard of the church they represent. This is the first denominational mission-study book ever projected or issued by any church, and has had a great sale.
The general church interests always have had a loyal friend in Doctor Fout, and he has been given a directing voice in Sunday-school, home-mission and evangelistic matters. Besides being on the committees and governing boards, his work in the field has been in demand and of especial value in furthering these interests. His influence in the denomination at large is exceeded by that of few men in his church. This is evidenced by the many calls to officiate at church dedications and reopenings to which response is made as the work in the office permits. He is a frequent and forceful speaker at ministerial institutes, young people's conventions, and annual conference gatherings. On the general conference floor his counsel is safe, and his views on that account find ready ac- ceptance. Strong in debate, clear in presentation of ideas, earnest in manner and conscientious in purpose, he is one of the leaders in the highest legislative body of his church.
GUSTAVE A. HODAPP.
Gustave A. Hodapp, president of the Permanent Building & Savings Asso- ciation and also well known as a contractor and builder of Dayton, was born in Harshmanville, this county, on the 12th of July, 1866. Only the first six years of his life, however, were there passed, for in 1872 his parents removed to Lairema, Shelby county, Ohio, where Gustave A. Hodapp remained for fourteen years, or until 1886, and in that time acquired his education in the public schools. He put aside his text-books, however, at the age of sixteen years and started out to carn his own livelihood, working for three years on a farm in Shelby county.
In 1886 Mr. Hodapp came to Dayton and began learning the carpenter's trade, serving a full term of apprenticeship, during which time he became an ex-
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pert workman. He was employed by others until 1890, when he began contract- ing on his own account and has since conducted a profitable and prosperous busi- ness in this line, his patronage reaching large proportions. As he has given proof of his ability his contracts have become of a more important character and his work is seen in some of the most substantial structures of this city. He has also improved his opportunities for investment in real estate and has been very suc- cessful in dealing in property which he has profitably handled, adding ma- terially to his income in this manner. He also became connected with the Per- manent Building & Savings Association and in 1907 was elected its president.
Mr. Hodapp was married in Dayton in 1892 to Miss Louisa M. Lang, and they had six children, Clarence G., Louisa K., Lauretta E., Albert A., Doro- thy I., and Rosella M. In his fraternal relations Mr. Hodapp is connected with the Elks and he also has other social connections, belonging to the Gun Club, of which he is now president, and to several German clubs. A Catholic in religious faith, he has his membership in St. Mary's church and was a member of the building committee at the time of the erection of its house of worship, which is the finest in the city. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he is interested in its success, although he has never desired office as a reward for party fealty. He has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and his capable direction of his interests has carried him into im- portant trade and financial relations. However, on the 16th of July, 1909, he was appointed a member of the city council to fill a vacancy in the eighth ward.
DANIEL COFFMAN.
Daniel Coffman, owning and operating a valuable tract of land of forty- five acres on the Lexington road just at the edge of Stillwater Junction, in Madison township, was born near Salem, Ohio, in Montgomery county, on the 24th of July; 1855. His parents were Frederick and Mary (Hyer) Coffman and the paternal grandparents were Daniel and Mary (Stauffer) Coffman. Daniel Coffman came here from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and cleared the land now comprised within the boundaries of the old Coffman farm. Fred- erick Coffman, the father of our subject, was born and reared on this farm and followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. Unto him and his wife were born five children, namely: Daniel, of this review; Sarah; Allen ; Benjamin, who is deceased ; and Martha.
Daniel Coffman attended the common schools in the acquirement of an edu- cation and early in life came to Madison township. In his youthful days his time was divided between the duties of the schoolroom and the labor of the fields, so that he early became familiar with the occupation which he chose as a life work. As the years have gone by he has carefully and successfully conducted his agricultural interests, the fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.
On the 5th of December, 1883, Mr. Coffman was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Hickman, a daughter of David and Hannah (Brumbaugh) Hickman
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and a representative of a very old and weil known family of Montgomery county. They have no children of their own but reared a child, Stella Miltenberger, daughter of George and Emma Alice (Stump) Miltenberger, of this county. In early womanhood Miss Miltenberger gave her hand in marriage to Vernon Beeghly.
Mr. Coffman belongs to the conservative branch of the Dunkard church, of which he is a very active member, having several times served as a trustee. He has always lived in the county which is yet his place of residence and his life record has been honorable and upright, winning him the respect of his fellow- men and gaining for him a measure of prosperity that now classes him with the substantial farmers of his community.
EDWARD FEY.
Edward Fey, who for more than a quarter of a century has been a gardener of Harrison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, owns thirteen acres of excel- lent land about three miles from Dayton, in a northerly direction. Berries of many kinds have been his principal produce, and he has devoted the larger part of thirty-two years to learning the esoteric secrets of growing the best of their kind. He was born in Shelby county, Ohio, May 1, 1851, the son of Henry and Mar- garet (Dinehart) Fey. The father was the first of his family to come to this country, for the grandfather, who like his son bore the name of Henry Fey, could never be induced to leave his native Germany, where he had been very suc- cessful as a miller and was accounted a man of considerable means. Henry Fey, Jr., was a tailor by trade, but upon coming to Shelby county, bought forty acres of land and turned his attention to agriculture. By hard work and good man- agement he was able to add to his property from time to time until he had a tract of more than one hundred acres. This farm he sold on the presentation of a good offer and removed to Maryland, where he lived a retired life until his death.
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