USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 55
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"There has been instituted a Mckinley memorial known as 'The Carnation League of America,' the sole purpose of which is to commemorate, annually, the life and works of William McKinley and foster national patriotism. His pure, clean private life and his distinguished public services mark him as worthy of especial honor. The same loyal impulse that prompted the stopping of almost all the wheels of industry for those moments on the day of his burial has found annual expression in this simple tribute instituted by 'The Carnation League of America.' It can be taken part in by the old and young of either sex. To wear the president's favorite flower, in the lapel of the coat, or in the hair, or at the throat, in silent memory of a departed public servant, whose life was forfeited because he was our servant, is what is contemplated by this movement. The fact that the carnation was President McKinley's favorite flower and was always found in his buttonhole is the reason for its choice as a league symbol, to be worn on each recurring 29th day of January, the anniversary of the late president's birth. The custom was first observed on January 29, 1903, with the greatest unanimity throughout the country and by Americans all over the world."
The "creed" of The Carnation League, which is as follows, was composed by Mr. Reynolds and declared by President Roosevelt to be a little classic which should be subscribed to and memorized by every man, woman and child in the nation :
THE CREED.
"Believing that the future greatness of my country can best be assured by a growth of good citizenship among all the people, and that good citizenship may
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be promoted by keeping fresh in our hearts and minds the best traditions of our country, and that this can, in a measure, be accomplished by a proper observance of all our national days, I charge myself from this time forward, to give thought- ful consideration to the patriotic lesson presented by each such day, and en- deavor to have others do the same."
Mr. Reynolds has always been known for a spirit of patriotism and for an admiration of those great men whose splendid qualities may well entitle them to be called representative citizens of the nation and his work in connection with the Carnation League of America is especially commendable.
ABRAM SCHACHNE.
Among the business enterprises of Dayton an important one is that owned and carried on by Abram Schachne, now prominently known as an interior deco- rator, the nature and extent of his business being indicated in the fact that he has recently been awarded the contract for decorating the capitol at Frankfort, Kentucky. His birth occurred in Buffalo, New York, in 1869, and in 1874 his parents moved to New York city, going thence to Columbus, five years iater. Abram Schachne was therefore largely reared in this state and in 1893 he came to Dayton as head salesman for W. C. Mayer and took full charge of his busi- ness, having had several years experience in that line, in which connection lie gained comprehensive knowledge of everything pertaining to decorating. He continued with Mr. Mayer for four years and next became associated with the P. M. Harman Company of Dayton, spending ten years in that establishment.
At the end of that time he felt that his broad experience as well as the capital which he had saved from his earnings was sufficient to enable him to start in business on his own account. Accordingly, in November, 1906, he and his present partner bought out his former employer, W. C. Mayer, and are today conducting business under the name of The T. A. Schachne Company. The business was incorporated for fifty thousand dollars with Mr. Schachne as the president of the company. They carry a stock of fancy decorations valued at fifty thousand dollars and are conducting a very extensive business. Later Mr. Schachne took the contract for the decorations in the capitol at Frankfort, Kentucky, while many important and extensive contracts have been awarded him, indicating his fine workmanship and liberal business methods. The furnishings and decora- tions for the new Young Men's Christian Association building of Dayton were planned by The A. Schachne Company. To them was also awarded the contract for the Egyptian room in the new Masonic temple, considered one of the best ex- amples of Egyptian decoration in the United States. Mr. Schachne has worked in all the cities within a radius of one hundred miles of Dayton and the trade of the house is constantly growing. His reputation is an unassailable one because of its straightforward trade relations, its promptness in executing a contract and the splendid character of the work done.
In 1891 Mr. Schachne was married in Columbus to Miss Nona E. Legge and unto them have been born five daughters: Helen Josephine, Erma Eldine, Sara
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Cromwell, Virginia Cromwell and Rosemary. Mr. Schachne belongs to Blue Lodge of Masons and to the Dayton View Club. His advancement to his pres- ent enviable position has followed as a logical sequence of his well directed efforts and the development of the artistic taste and talent with which nature endowed him.
EDWIN BEST.
The jewelry house of H. Best & Son has long been a leading feature in the mercantile life of Dayton and the name has ever stood as a synonym for pro- gressiveness and reliability in the conduct of commercial interests. He whose name introduces this review was born in Dayton in 1839. The family is of Eng- lish lineage and was founded in America by Thomas Best, a native of England, who was born in the eighteenth century. Coming to the new world he located in Cincinnati. He was accompanied on his voyage to the United States by his brother Robert, and a year later a third brother, Samuel Best, also came. The three brothers then became partners in the jewelry business in Cincinnati but in subsequent years Thomas Best removed from that city to Lebanon, Ohio, where he established a jewelry store. This was probably about 1810 or 18II and while there living he made drums, buttons, etc., for the soldiers of the war of 1812. He died in Paducah, Kentucky, May 24, 1844. His wife who bore the maiden name of Sarah Margaret Greenham, was a native of England and they had five daughters and three sons.
Henry Best, the father of Edwin Best, was born in Cincinnati in 1804. The city, now of metropolitan proportions, was then a little village and only a year or two before Ohio had been admitted to the Union. Dayton, too, was of little commercial or industrial importance when he located here in 1828. He estab- lished the jewelry business, which he conducted up to the time of his death in 1873 and which has had a continuous existence to the present time, covering a period of more than eighty years. Henry Best was married in Dayton to Miss Ann S. Drill and they became the parents of eight children, five of whom reached years of maturity: Newton, of Union City, Indiana; Edwin, of this review ; Emma, the wife of D. O. Stout, of Dayton, Ohio; William H., whose demise occurred in December, 1907; and Carrie, the wife of a Mr. Richardson. The death of the husband and father occurred in 1873 and was not only the occasion of deep regret to his immediate family but also brought a sense of distinct loss to the city where he had been so long known as a prominent and enterprising merchant.
Edwin Best spent his youthful days in his parents' home, his time being largely given to the acquirement of an education in the public schools. He lacked but six months of completing the course of study in the Central high school when he put aside his text-books and entered his father's store, since which time he has been closely associated with the jewelry trade of the city. He learned the business under his father's direction and in 1860 was admitted to a partnership in the enterprise, at which time the present firm style of H. Best & Son was
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assumed. At the time of his admission to the firm the father practically retired, although he was nominally interested in the enterprise until his demise. The jewelry establishment of H. Best & Son is today one of the largest and finest in Dayton, an extensive line of goods being carried, including fine importations of diamonds and jewelry of foreign make. The store is splendidly appointed in all of its fixtures and cases and the attractive display of goods constitutes a feature in its sales. The house, too, has ever maintained an unsullied reputation for commercial integrity and reliability and has largely set the standard for ac- tivity in jewelry lines in Dayton.
Edwin Best was married in this city, in September, 1861, to Miss Mary C. Collins, a daughter of Gilbert and Caroline (Jacobs) Collins. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters, as follows: Ida B., the wife of Charles Chate- lin Bosler : Etta M., the wife of Walter W. Bishop: and Florence, the wife of Edward C. Philipps.
In his political views Mr. Best has long been a stalwart republican, giving . to the party his first presidential vote. He has been unfaltering in his advocacy of its principles and belongs to Garfield Club. He also affiliates with the Pres- byterian church and is the president of the Montgomery County Fish and Game Protective Club. While he has reached the age of three score years and ten, he is still an alert, energetic and enterprising business man, whose powers in the management of important mercantile affairs have increased rather than dimin- ished as the result of his broad and varied experience and close study of the line of trade to which he has directed his energies. To omit the history of the Best family from the mercantile records would be to leave out one of its most impor- tant chapters, for through eighty years the name has figured in connection with the trade interests of the city and in Dayton no man is more honored and re- spected in mercantile and financial circles than Edwin Best, not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward and com- mendable business policy that he has ever followed.
DAVID C. LICHLITER, M. D.
On the list of medical practitioners in Dayton appears the name of Dr. David C. Lichliter, who for thirty years has been in active practice here. During this time his mistakes have been few and his successes many. He was not only thoroughly grounded in the principles of medical science when he left college but has remained a close student of the profession, continually augmenting his knowl- edge by reading, experiment and investigation.
Dr. Lichliter is a native of Woodstock, Shenandoah county, Virginia, his birth having there occurred in September, 1852. His youthful days were passed in the place of his nativity and he there obtained his primary education .. In 1872 at the age of twenty years, he left home to enter Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he pursued a four years' course and was grad- tated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1876. Ten years afterward his alma mater conferred upon him the Master of Arts degree.
DR. D. C. LICHILITER
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When he had completed his literary course Dr. Lichliter returned to his old home in Virginia but the following year matriculated in Jefferson Medical Col- lege at Philadelphia and was graduated in 1879, securing the honorary prize offered by Professor E. Wallace. Immediately thereafter he established him- self in practice in Dayton and has gradually advanced to a foremost place in the rank of the medical fraternity here. In addition to his private practice he was at one time connected with St. Elizabeth Hospital. He holds membership in the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association and the Montgomery County Medical Society and in the last named has held all of the different offices save that of censor. In all that he does he is imbued with a pro- gressive spirit and this has kept him informed concerning the latest ideas, theories and discoveries of the medical profession. He was medical examiner for the National Life Insurance Company of Montpelier, Vermont, for twenty-three years, and also medical examiner for the Royal Arcanum and National Union.
In 1886, in Dayton, Dr. Lichliter was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Burrowes, who died in 1892. In his political views the Doctor is a republican, though somewhat independent in voting for he does not feel that he must be bound by any political machine but will control his own franchise, supporting can- didates whose qualifications, in his opinion, best equip them for office. The Doctor belongs to the Reformed church and the strong and salient characteristics of his life are such as have gained for him the unqualified esteem and good will of his fellowmen and of his brethren of the profession.
JOHN M. WAGNER.
John M. Wagner, who for the past seven years has lived retired in Trotwood, was for many years numbercd among the most prominent and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Montgomery county. His birth occurred in Carroll county, Maryland, September 12, 1830, his parents bcing George and Catharine (Mil- liard) Wagner. The father camc to Ohio subsequent to the arrival of his son, John M., in this county and purchased a good farm near Union, on which he resided for about ten years, when he passed away, being survived by his wife about twelve years. Their remains were interrcd in the Happy Corner cemetery.
The year 1854 witnessed the arrival of John M. Wagner in Montgomery county, Ohio, and he at once became identified with agricultural interests here as a farm laborer. Subsequently he camc into possession of the old John K. Olinger farm and was continuously engaged in its cultivation and improvenicht until the time of his retirement from active business life, when he divided his property among his children. In addition to cultivating the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also engaged in stock-raising on quite an ex- tensive scale and for a long period was classcd with the best known and most prosperous agriculturists and stockmen of the county. When, by reason of his capable management and well directed industry, he had at length accumulated a handsome competence he put aside the active work of the fields and for the
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past seven years has lived retired in Trotwood, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease.
Mr. Wagner has been married twice. On the 24th of December, 1854, he wedded Miss Susanna Olinger, a daughter of John K. and Nancy (Kuns ) Olinger, her father being one of the most prominent farmers in the county. By this union there were four children. Charles E., who follows farming in Montgom- ery county, wedded Miss Mary Barnes, by whom he has the following children : Corbin E., who married Miss Cora Weimer; and Maud, the wife of Frederick Stock. Sarah Ann is the deceased wife of Daniel C. Flory. Nancy C., who has also passed away, became the mother of four children, the record of whom is as follows: Wilson, now deceased, married Miss Lizzie Miller and had two chil- dren, Harvey and Bessie, who are great-grandchildren of John M. Wagner. Cora is the wife of Leroy Denlinger and has three children: Arden, Louis and Eunice, also great-grandchildren of our subject. Arthur married Miss Hazel Revolt, by whom he has one son, George. John is the youngest child of Daniel C. and Sarah Ann (Wagner) Flory. Clara, the youngest child of John M. and Susanna (Olinger) Wagner, became the wife of Henry Sollenberger, by whom she has three children: Corwin, Roy and John. For his second wife John M. Wagner chose Miss Edith Warner, a daughter of David and Sarah (Snyder) Warner. Her father made his way from Pennsylvania to Montgomery county, Ohio, and became well known here as a successful agriculturist.
Mr. Wagner is a prominent and valued member of the Brethren church. Having resided in this county for more than a half century, he is well known within its borders and is now enjoying in honorable retirement the accumulations of a profitable, successful and upright life.
GEORGE PENDLETON DALE, M. D.
Dr. George Pendleton Dale, whose well developed ability in the line of his chosen profession has given him a prominent place in the ranks of the medical fraternity in Dayton, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 1, 1873. His youthful days were largely passed in the acquirement of an education in the public schools until he had completed the course in the Woodward high school by graduation with the class of 1892. Immediately afterward he entered busi- ness circles by securing a situation in Cincinnati, where he remained for four years, but a professional career seemed more attractive to him and believing that the practice of medicine would be a congenial calling he took up a course of study in that line and in 1900 was graduated from the Miami Medical College. Later he entered the Cincinnati Hospital, where he spent two years acquiring broad and comprehensive knowledge through the varied experiences and de- mands of hospital practice. Thus well equipped for the onerous duties of the profession he came to Dayton in January, 1902, and has since become well known as a representative of the medical fraternity here. He stands high with his brethren of the profession and the mere fact that he is on the staff of the Miami Valley Hospital is prima facie evidence of his ability and character. He belongs
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also to the Montgomery County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Asso- ciation and the American Medical Association.
On the 6th of August, 1902, in Dayton, Dr. Dale was married to Miss Edith Barnes, a daughter of Rhodolphus Barnes. He belongs to the Grace Methodist Episcopal church and is a man whose high personal character, as well as his professional knowledge and skill, have gained for him an enviable position in his adopted city.
WILLIAM A. HOSKIN.
William A. Hoskin, junior partner of the insurance firm of Bell & Hoskin, of Dayton, Ohio, was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1873. During his infancy his parents crossed the border into the United States with their family, locating in Ionia county, Michigan, where William A. Hoskin pursued his education as a public-school student, passing through consecutive grades until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1890.
Mr. Hoskin has been a resident of Dayton since 1892 and the year following his arrival turned his attention to the insurance business in connection with J. N. Bell, the firm of Bell & Hoskin being then formed. That it still exists is in- controvertible proof of the success which has attended their efforts. The years have witnessed their activity in insurance lines in which they have won a con- stantly increasing clientage as representatives of some of the old line companies. Their business has long since assumed extensive and profitable proportions and they are well known as prominent insurance men of the city.
In 1899 in Dayton Mr. Hoskin was united in marriage to Miss Estella M. Meeks. Their home is attractive by reason of its warm-hearted hospitality and is regarded as a most delightful resort by their many friends. Mr. Hoskins be- longs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Third Street Presbyterian church, while in politics he is an ardent republican, believing it to be the duty as well as the privilege of every true American citizen to stanchly uphold the prin- ciples which, in his opinion, constitute the basis of substantial and progressive government. His friends, and they are many, find him congenial and wherever he is known he enjoys the respect of those with whom he is associated.
MOSES ULLERY.
Moses Ullery, a retired agriculturist residing in Trotwood, is now the oldest man in Madison township, having attained the venerable age of eighty-three years. His birth occurred in this township, October 16, 1825, on the Ullery homestead on the Wolf Creek pike, his parents being Samuel and Susan ( White- head) Ullery. In the year 1811 Samuel Ullery drove across the country from Pennsylvania to Montgomery county, Ohio, here clearing a tract of land. As time passed he added to his holdings by additional purchase and eventually be-
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came the owner of about thirteen hundred acres of valuable land, being widely recognized as one of the most prosperous and influential citizens of the county. His family numbered ten children, namely: Lydia, deceased; Moses, of this review : Anna and Aaron, who have also passed away; Stephen; Mary, who is also deceased; David; Samuel; Christopher ; and Valentine.
Moses Ullery obtained his education in the district schools and has always continued a resident of his native township. Throughout his active business career he was identified with agricultural interests, owning a rich and productive farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which he sold and divided a part of the proceeds among his children, having put aside the work of the fields in order to enjoy his remaining days in well merited rest.
In 1848 Mr. Ullery was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ehrstine, by whom he had nine children, as follows: Amanda; Jane, deceased; Marion; Warren ; Martha ; Laura ; William A .; Charles E .; and Emma, who has also passed away. For his second wife Mr. Ullery chose Mrs. Nancy Beeghley, a daughter of Abra- ham Landis, of this county.
Mr. Ullery is a valued member of the Dunkard church. He has so long wit- nessed the growth and development of this county that he has intimate knowledge of its history and relates many interesting incidents of pioneer times. He has long since rounded the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten but though the snows of many winters have whitened his hair he has the vigor of a much younger man and in spirits and interests seems not to have passed his prime. Old age is not necessarily a synonym for weakness or inactivity. It need not suggest, as a matter of course. want of occupation or helplessness. There is an old age that is a benediction to all that comes in contact with it, that gives out its rich stores of learning and experience and grows stronger intellectually and spiritually as the years pass. Such is the life of Mr. Ullery-an encouragement to his associates and an example well worthy of emulation to the young.
CHARLES SYLVESTER BILLMAN.
Charles Sylvester Billman, cashier of the Farmers & Merchants National Bank of Dayton, was born on a farm in Montgomery county, Ohio, in July, 1861. His grandfather was Jacob Billman, one of the pioneer residents of the middle west. His father was Abraham Billman, whose birth occurred near Connells- ville, Indiana, in 1824. He left there at the age of nine years in company with his parents, who located on a farm near West Carrollton in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1833. His remaining days were devoted to general agricultural pur- suits and he lived a life of great usefulness and activity, his death occurring in West Carrollton, Ohio, in 1908. He was married in this county to Miss Sarah A. Loree, and unto them were born seven children, of whom five reached adult age: Amanda, now the widow of Isaac Young, of Eaton, Ohio; Nettie B., the wife of John M. Murray, of Dayton; Francis Marion, who died in 1903; Charles S .; and Nora L., the wife of Joseph S. Parker, of West Carrollton, Ohio.
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Charles S. Billman spent the days of his boyhood and youth on the old home farm, where he remained to the age of nineteen years, his youth being devoted to the work of the fields, to the pleasures of the playground and to the acquire- ment of an education. After attending the country schools he continued his studies in the normal school at Ada, Ohio, and after leaving that institution, in 1883, took up the profession of teaching in Montgomery county. For three years he was thus connected with the country schools, on the expiration of which period he accepted a position as teacher in the Miami Commercial College, where he remained for nearly twelve years, proving a capable educator whose instruc- tions were clear, concise and forceful. Leaving that school in 1896 he was then associated with the Weston Paper Company for a time, and in August, 1901, he became secretary of the West Side Building & Loan Company and was made cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank organized in 1906, in which capacity he has since served, making for himself a creditable name in financial circles.
In December, 1885, Mr. Billman was married to Miss Lillie May Myers, and they have three children: Bess M., Nellie May and Charles M. Mr. Billman belongs to the Garfield Club and is a favorite in that organization because of his appreciation of the social amenities of life and his unfailing courtesy and con- geniality. He is much interested in republican politics, believing that the prin- ciples of the party are most conducive to good government, and he labors for the success of its candidates, although he does not seek office for himself. Since starting out in life on his own account he has made steady progress, the simple weight of his own character carrying him into important relations in the financial circles of the city.
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