USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 52
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Edward Fey received from the public schools of Shelby county his first formal preparation for life, and in the schools of this county completed his education. During all this period of training he had been learning the secrets of the culti- vation of the soil, for work on the farm was never intermitted for the demands of school, but it and the lessons had to be mutually adjustable and both had to be accomplished. He had gained some skill and success in his life's occupation when he persuaded a woman to share his endeavors with him, and in 1873 he married Miss Mary Uhrig, the daughter of Peter and Margaret Uhrig. The couple have been blessed with four children and several grandchildren. Mar- garet, who is the oldest of the family, is the wife of George Zimbrun and the mother of two children, Wilbur and Miriam M. Perry O., the second child, is a painter by trade and lives at home. Two daughters, Nettie May and Flora B., follow. Nettie is living at home and is a young woman of many attainments, for after graduating from the Harrison township schools she took some courses at Oxford, Ohio, including normal work, and spent last winter in study at Den-
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ison University. She has many friends in Dayton and is frequently a member of social gatherings in that city. Flora is also a graduate of the Harrison town- ship schools and has received besides a diploma for work done at Miami Com- mercial College. The family are all members of the Lutheran church and are active in its work of whatever kind.
Mr. Fey's long residence in this county and his success in his chosen branch of farming make him a man well known in this vicinity. He is a man, too, highly esteemed among those who know him at all intimately, for besides the qualities of character that have brought him his success in his line of work he pos- sesses those equally valuable qualities that attract to him warm friends and en- able him to retain their esteem.
FREDERICK W. BERK.
Frederick W. Berk belonged to that class of foreign-born citizens who have found in the freedom and appreciation of this great and growing western coun- try the opportunities for advancement which they sought. He came to America in 1847 as a young man and here, where labor is unhampered by caste or class, he made steady progress in the business world, winning success and an honorable name by his well directed efforts.
Mr. Berk was born in Germany, December 6, 1824, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 8th of July, 1904. His education was acquired in his native country and he was twenty-three years of age when he left that land and came to America. Immediately establishing his home in Dayton, he remained here until called to his final rest. He was a cabinetmaker by trade and followed that pursuit for a number of years but in April, 1865, he dropped cabinetmaking and turned his attention to the undertaking business, which he successfully man- aged until 1903, when he retired from business life and was succeeded by his two sons, Frederick W. and Louis F. Berk. His remaining days were then spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest but in the following year he passed away, his death occurring July 8, 1904. He had been one of the leading funeral directors of the city and the satisfactory manner in which he conducted his interests won for him an extensive patronage.
Mr. Berk was married in Dayton to Miss Christina Waltemathe, and unto them were born eleven children, of whom three died in infancy, while eight reached adult age, namely: Frederick W .; Matilda, the wife of David D. Men- tel, of Dayton; Caroline, who died at the age of nineteen years; Katharine, the widow of Samuel Tressler ; Emma, who has departed this life; Elizabeth, the widow of Samuel Raper ; Charles A., who is deceased; and Louis F. The wife and mother died on the 26th of February, 1890, in New Orleans, Louisiana, while on a pleasure trip in the south.
Mr. Berk was well known in social and fraternal organizations. He was a charter member of Schiller Lodge, I. O. O. F., was an honorary member of the Harugari, was also a member of the German Pioneer Society of Dayton, and belonged to the German Lutheran church. He never took any active part in
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politics nor desired office. His record was that of a business man, who devoted his time closely to his interests, of a citizen who stood for progress and improve- ment in municipal affairs and of a man who was always loyal to the ties of home and friendship.
S. RUFUS JONES.
In an age where competition is rife there are certain qualities indispensable to success in any line of endeavor. These are close application, watchfulness of all details and a progressive spirit leading to the adoption of new principles for the expansion of trade interests. Possessing all these requisite qualities, S. Rufus Jones has capably controlled the interests of the Mutual Home and Savings As- sociation, of which he is general manager. His wide and favorable acquaintance in Dayton makes his history one of interest to a large majority of his fellow townsmen.
He was born upon a farm near West Milton, Miami county, Ohio, in 1859 and passed his youth in the usual manner of farmer lads to the age of sixteen years, pursuing his education in the country schools and working in the fields through the periods of vacation. More advanced educational opportunities were offered him in his privilege of attending the academy at Spiceland, Indiana, a Quaker school, wherein he pursued his studies for three or four years. Later he entered Haverford College near Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where he continued for eighteen months.
Mr. Jones dates his residence in this city from 1882, at which time he entered the employ of A. A. Winters, attorney for and secretary of the Mutual Home and Savings Association. He was employed as office boy and gradually worked his way upward, successive promotions coming to him in recognition of his trust- worthiness, his reliability and his undaunted energy. In 1895 he succeeded A. A. Winters as general manager and has thus been in the position of executive control for fourteen years, the continued growth of the business being largely attributable to his efforts and keen discernment. He was also the president of the Ohio Building Association League from 1902 until 1908 inclusive-a fact indic- ative of the high regard entertained for him by those in a similar line of business.
In 1888 in Pennsylvania occurred the marriage of S. Rufus Jones and Miss Mary Adele Yost. They have four living children : Rufus B., Robert H., Alfred W. and Marianna. They also lost a daughter, Dorothy, in 1904. They are well known in social circles in Dayton, having many warm friends whose regard is freely tendered them in recognition of their sterling traits of character.
Mr. Jones is a very prominent Mason, having attained high rank in the order, in which he has also been honored with various official positions. He belongs to Mystic Lodge, No. 405, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master ; is also past high priest of Unity Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M .; and belongs to Reese Council, No. 9, R. & S. M. He has taken the degrees of Chivalric Masonry, belonging to Reed Commandery, No. 6, K. T., of which he is past eminent commander. His mem- bership relations extent to Gabriel Lodge of Perfection; Valley of Dayton ; to
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Miami Council of the Princes of Jerusalem, of which he is now sovereign prince ; to Dayton Chapter of the Rose Croix; and to Dayton Consistory. On the 17th of September, 1907, he was raised to the thirty-third degree, an honor conferred only in recognition of exemplary official service and loyalty to the craft. He be- long's to the Grace Methodist Episcopal church and his political views accord with the principles of the republican party. He is well known in Dayton as a rep- resentative and reliable business man and throughout this and other states as one of the eminent and valued representatives of the Masonic fraternity.
SAMUEL JUDY.
The success which attended the efforts of Samuel Judy while he was actively connected with farming interests now permits him to live retired in the enjoy- ment of a handsome competence which is the merited reward of his persistent, earnest and indefatigable labor. He was one of the most extensive farmers of German township, owning and cultivating about five hundred acres of land which has been in possession of the Judy family since 1805 and is now being tilled by his brother, the rich land responding readily to the care and labor which is bestowed upon it.
Samuel Judy was born in 1821 and is today the oldest native resident of the county, having passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life's journey. He has, therefore, witnessed the development of this part of the state from pioneer times and can tell many interesting tales of the early days when there were various log cabins scattered through the forests in districts where the timber had scarcely been touched. Comparatively few lots had been laid out and the settlers depended upon private conveyances, or the old stage routes, if it was necessary for them to travel from one place to another. The homes were largely heated by fireplaces and lighted by candles and there remained to the settlers the arduous task of clearing away the forests for the development of new farms. The years passed by and Mr. Judy witnessed many changes as the work of improvement was carried steadily forward. In his youthful days he attended the Brown Run school but his education was largely secured through experience and study at home in the evening hours, for he worked on the farm during much of the period that boys usually give to the acquirement of an education, as his services were needed on the old homestead. His parents were Jacob and Catherine (Hetzler) Judy. The former was a son of Christian Judy, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was the first representative of the family in Ohio, becoming one of the early settlers of Montgomery county. He was a shoemaker by trade but turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and as the result of his industry, economy and judicious investment became the owner of seven hundred acres of fine land. He was very energetic and diligent and as the years passed was accounted one of the wealthiest farmers of the com- munity. He was a public-spirited citizen, always interested in the welfare and progress of the county, giving active aid and cooperation to many movements for the general good. In religious faith he was a Lutheran and assisted in building
SAMUEL JUDY
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the old State Road church. He married a Miss Cooper and their family included Jacob Judy, who was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. He, too, became a farmer, devoting his life to the tilling of the soil. He removed to Ohio with his father and assisted in clearing the land of the Judy estate. He married Catha- rine Hetzler and unto them were born seven children: John and Mary, both deceased; Samuel, of this review; Catharine, who has also passed away; Susan and Jacob, who are living; and Elizabeth, deceased.
As previously stated Samuel Judy was reared on the old homestead farm and having arrived at years of maturity was married October 26, 1842, to Miss Madeline Bean, of this county. They became parents of seven children: Jacob, who enlisted in the Union army in the Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry under Colonel Moore, was wounded in battle and died in the hospital. Martin married Clara Hendricks and their children were: Joseph, deceased; Samuel, who married Lena Emminger, and had a son, Harold; John; Helen; and Bessie. Catharine, the third of the family is the wife of George Hanger and their children are: Ernest; Lea; Lily, the wife of John Robbins and the mother of Wallace Robbins; Wallace; Clara and Elizabeth. Abraham, the fourth of the family, married Lindley Poffenbarger and their children are: Mary, the wife of Charles Carney by whom she has one child, Carl; and Chalmer. Mary is the wife of Henry Flickinger. Charles married Mary Michael and their children are : Hazel, Mildred, Dorris, Evelyn and two others. Lettie is the wife of Irwin Coleman and the youngest of the family. After losing his first wife Samuel Judy wedded Mrs. Williamson, a widow and the daughter of Samuel and Edith (Ford) Frances. His present wife was formerly Helen Kern of Germantown, a daughter of Fred and Maria (Carter) Kern.
Mr. Judy belongs to the United Brethren church and the fact that he is held in the highest esteem by all who know him is an indication that his life has ever been an honorable and upright one. He has now attained to a venerable age and his record is such that he can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. He has ever endeavored to live peace- ably with his fellowmen, has been reliable in business affairs and his business honesty and personal honor have made his example one well worthy of emulation.
CAPTAIN JOHN NELSON BELL.
In a review of the records of leading men, noting that which has drawn to them the attention and respect of their follows, it is not difficult to determine the salient characteristics of Captain John Nelson Bell, for certain facts and ele- ments in his life stand prominently forth. These include a three years and three months' service in defense of the Union in the Civil war, a creditable business record and twenty-three years' service as grand recorder of the Grand Com- mandery of Knights Templar of Ohio. Now having reached the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, he is still active as a representative of the craft and by reason of the sterling qualities of his life he enjoys those things
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which Shakespeare has termed the accompaniments of age, "honor, love and troops of friends."
A native son of Dayton, he was born December 18, 1838, and is descended from old American families, the ancestry on the maternal side being traced back to the Mayflower, while ancestors in the paternal line established homes on the shores of Maryland at an early period in the colonization of that state. His grandparents were residents of Greene county, Ohio, in the opening years of the nineteenth century, his paternal grandfather, John Bell, having been drowned in the Little Miami river in 1810. His parents became residents of Dayton as early as 1830.
Spending his boyhood days in the home of his parents, John S. and Zip- porah (Cock) Bell, Captain Bell attended the public schools of Dayton until he had completed a course at the Central high school and then, making his way westward, he engaged in teaching for a time on the prairies of Minnesota. Later he was for several years a local reporter on the Hawkeye at Burlington, Iowa, and during that period watched with interest the progress of events in the south, noting the discontent and the threats of secession engendered by the growing opposition to the practice of slavery, and resolved that if a blow were struck to overthrow the Union he would strike one in its defense, and thus it was when Fort Sumter was fired upon and the call was made for troops to serve for three months, he immediately joined the army. On the expiration of his first term he returned to Burlington and raised a company of volunteers, being com- missioned, in 1862, captain of Company E, Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infan- try, with which he served until the close of the war, his own valor and courage inspiring his men to deeds of bravery. He did active duty in the campaigns un- der Generals Grant and Sherman in the south and southwest and later partici- pated in the siege of Vicksburg, in the storming of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, the campaign of Atlanta, the march through Georgia and the Carolinas, and then when the war was brought to a successful termination he marched with the victorious army through the streets of the capital city and be- fore the reviewing stand on which stood the president and others high in au- thority, welcoming back the returning troops. While at the front Captain Bell was appointed assistant adjutant general and assistant inspector general on the staffs of General James S. Williamson and General George A. Stone, in Sher- man's Fifteenth Corps, and received the commendation of his commanders in general orders for his faithful discharge of duty.
For some years after the war Captain Bell was actively engaged in mer- chandising in Iowa and following his return to Dayton acted as bookkeeper until 1885, when he became secretary of the Ohio Fire Insurance Company, which connection he maintained until about ten years ago.
Captain Bell has also been very active in Masonry and is most widely known in this connection, being one of the leading representatives of the craft in the state. He was made a Master Mason in Des Moines Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M., at Burlington, Iowa, October 18, 1868; was exalted in Iowa Royal Arch Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M., October 2, 1869; and created a Knight Templar in St. Omer Commandery, No. 15, K. T., February 22, 1871. He is affiliated with the various York Rite bodies in Dayton since 1872 and has received the various de-
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grees of the Scottish Rite from the fourth to the thirty-second degree in the Valley of Dayton and in the Ohio Consistory at Cincinnati. In 1888 he was crowned a sovereign grand inspector general, thirty-third degree, and was made an honorary member of the Supreme Council, N. M. J., of the United States at Boston, September 18, 1888. He has been honored with many offices in the dif- ferent branches of Masonry and, as stated, is serving for the twenty-third year as grand recorder of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, to which office he was first elected in October, 1886. He is also a member of the military order of the Loyal Legion and the Old Guard Post, G. A. R.
During the interval between his first and second enlistment for service in the Union army, Captain Bell was married, the wedding being celebrated in Bur- lington, Iowa, November 3, 1861, the lady of his choice being Miss Annie Acres, a daughter of Stephen F. Acres, of Gibraltar. As the years passed their family numbered six children: Charles W., William A., George H., Walter H., Mary V. and Nelson.
The family are members of the Episcopal church and in politics Captain Bell has always been a stalwart republican, standing loyally by the party which was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war. Loyalty has ever been one of his strong characteristics and a review of his life work mani- fests the fact that his allegiance has been given to those things which work for honorable manhood and for progressive citizenship.
HARRY FRENCH.
Harry French, who is the head of the French family in Harrison township and works his mother's farm on the Beardshear road, about three miles from Dayton, in a northerly direction, was born July 7, 1872, on the Dan Booker farm, the son of George and Mary ( Beardshear) French. The father, who was the son of George and Mary (Booker) French, was born in this state, but re- ceived his schooling in Richmond, Indiana. At the age of nineteen he came from Sidney, Ohio, to this county, where he engaged in his life's occupation of farm- ing. On the 21st of September, 1870, he was married to Miss Mary Beardshear, and died a little less than two years afterward, on the 3d of August, 1872.
Harry French received the beginning of his education in the public schools of Harrison township, but necessity compelled him to supplement this as best he could by study at home under the guidance of his mother, who had to fill toward him the place of a father as well. His experiences in the world of work have embraced many pursuits. He started in at the carpenter's trade, but after work- ing at it for some time he engaged in the creamery business. This he forsook to go into the railroad business with the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Company, with which he remained eight years. He next entered the employ of the National Cash Register Company, but after about nine years spent with this firm, he re- turned to the old farm and to cultivating it has devoted all his time and energy since.
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On the 20th of June, 1895, Mr. French was united in marriage to Miss Alice Campbell, daughter of John and Ellen (Queen) Campbell. The father was a carpenter by trade and is still living in Chillicothe, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. French have four children: Russell L., Mary G., Ruth M. and George Eldon. The three eldest are attending school.
During his connection with the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, Mr. French joined the insurance company established by the corporation and retains his membership in the organization. He also belongs to the Independent Foresters, No. 1640, of Dayton, and is most loyal in his support of the ideals of the society and active in promoting the interests of his fraternal brothers. To the church of the United Brethren he gives his religious adherence and is ever ready to exert himself in fostering its work. The responsibilities of life early descended upon Mr. French's shoulders but even those of his younger years were borne with courage and determination, while perseverance marks the industry of his later life, and when the blessings were bestowed upon this generation. Mr. French was not passed by without receiving his share.
CLIFTON HAYES CORD.
Clifton Hayes Cord, engaged in the life insurance business in Dayton, was born at Tobasco, Clermont county, Ohio, on the 8th of July, 1858, and in 1860 was taken by his parents to Williamsburg in the same county, where the family home was maintained until 1868. A removal was then made to Cherry Grove, Hamilton county, Ohio, and Clifton Hayes Cord there largely acquired his educa- tion as a pupil in the public schools. He was eighteen years of age when he left that place and in August, 1876, went with his father to Cincinnati, Ohio, where the latter opened a carriage manufactory. The son then entered the shop and learned the trade and for two years was employed in that way.
In 1878 Mr. Cord removed to Amelia, Ohio, where he embarked in the same line of business, after disposing of his Cincinnati plant. Clifton Hayes Cord re- mained in Amelia for a little less than two years and then severed his business connection with his father, returning to Cincinnati in the fall of 1879, there en- tering the employ of his cousin, Enos Woods, a carriage manufacturer. About ten months later he removed to Mount Washington, Ohio, where he began the manufacture of carriages on his own account, spending four years and two months in that place. On selling out he returned to Cincinnati, where he en- tered into a partnership with Enos Woods, under the firm style of Woods & Cord, which continued to the ist of August, 1888. Mr. Cord then disposed of his in- terest and turned his attention to the life insurance business in Cincinnati, whence he removed to Dayton on the 28th of June, 1893. He has now been a resident of this city for sixteen years and has built up a fine business, writing a large amount of insurance each year. Few men are more thoroughly informed concerning in- surance in all of its various phases. and representing a number of the old line com- panies he has been very successful in placing many policies as the result of his en- terprise and his clear presentation of the value of personal insurance.
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On the 21st of August, 1879, Mr. Cord was married at Amelia, Ohio, to Miss Frances J. Tuttle and unto them were born three children : William O., who was married in Dayton in 1904 to Miss Clara McQuality; Sherley Estelle, the wife of David H. Hendrick of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Helen Laura, who is yet with her parents.
Mr. Cord votes with the republican party but otherwise is not active in sup- port of partisan measures. He is well known as a prominent representative of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge, has been a member of the grand lodge, and is a past representative there- to. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and has represented the subordinate in the grand lodge. A devoted member of the Memorial Bap- tist church, he served as one of its trustees for twelve years and is now president of the church organization. Very early there came to him a recognition of the indispensable elements of success, and seeking advancement along the straight road of persistent, earnest labor, he enjoys a near approach to the goal of pros- perity.
FREDERICK WOLF.
Living a contented and happy life, Frederick Wolf is enjoying well earned rest on his farm of one hundred and forty-four acres situated in Madison town- ship, near Fort Mckinley. He was born in Taylorsburg, Montgomery county, March 19, 1852, a son of Frederick and Christian (Myers) Wolf. The father, born in Germany, emigrated to the new world when a young man. He followed mechanical pursuits in Taylorsburg for many years, his death there occurring.
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