USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 56
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ADOLPH HEINZ.
The student carrying his investigations into the history of commercial and industrial development in northern Ohio find that the rapid growth and progress of the county along those lines is attributable in large measure to the establish- ment and conduct of the great iron furnaces and kindred interests. With the development of the rich iron fields of the Lake Superior regions their product was brought over the waters of the Great Lakes to different points of northern Ohio adjacent to the rich coal fields that have furnished the heat necessary for the conversion of the crude material into the finished and marketable product. Adolph Heinz is numbered among those who are prominently associated with the iron trade in Dayton, being now treasurer of the Dayton Malleable Iron Com- pany. He was born in this city, April 24, 1863, and was here reared and acquired his education, passing through consecutive grades in the public schools, while in 1882 he was graduated from the Miami Commercial College. He next entered the employ of the Malleable Iron Company as bookkeeper and acted in that capacity until 1891 when he was made treasurer. In this position he is giving his attention to the financial concerns of the great enterprise with which he is associated and in a position of executive ability and administrative control is proving his right to be classed with the prominent representatives of industrial life in his native city.
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Mr. Heinz was married in Dayton in 1887 to Miss Dora Kuntz and they are well known in social circles. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and gives his political support to the republican party where state and national issues are involved but at local elections where the only question for considera- tion is capability and reliability of the candidate he casts an independent ballot. His entire life has been passed in Dayton and he is preeminently here a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence.
HENRY ESHBAUGH.
Henry Eshbaugh, filling the position of county sheriff, to which he was elected in November, 1898, has always been a resident of this part of the state. His birth occurred on a farm in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, on the 9th of July, 1873, and his life record is another proof of the fact that the country-bred lad is usually a strong factor in city life when he chooses to ally his forces with urban interests. He was reared on the home farm and was educated in the dis- trict schools, which he had attended to the age of sixteen years. He has since been connected with general agricultural pursuits, giving his time to the cultiva- tion of the crops best adapted to soil and climate until elected to his present office.
Mr. Eshbaugh is a stanch supporter of the democratic party, interested in the political problems of the day and always well informed concerning the domin- ant issues between the parties. He served for five years as a trustee of Jefferson township and was then again called to public office in his election to the shrievalty in November, 1908.
On the 25th of September, 1901, Mr. Eshbaugh was married in Montgomery county to Miss Sarah Olt, and they have four daughters and one son: Christina, Catharine, Marie, Alice Elizabeth and Henry Leo. Mr. Eshbaugh was reared with the Baptists although he is not a member of any denomination. He belongs to the Junior Order of American Mechanics, the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles, and the Modern Woodmen, and although he has not figured actively in fraternal or club circles he is well known in the county as a substantial citizen who in his present office is standing as a safe conservator of the interests of law and order.
ISIDOR A. SEYBOLD.
Among those who figure prominently along educational lines in Montgomery county is Isidor A. Seybold, now acting as principal of school district No. I, Madison township. Moreover, he is well known in the community as a prosper- ous and successful agriculturist and stock raiser. He was born in 1874 on the old Seybold homestead in this county and comes from German ancestry. The founder of the family in America was John Seybold, the grandfather of our subject, who came from Germany and settled first in Franklin, Ohio. Later he removed
HENRY ESHBAUGH
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to this county where he spent his remaining days. He was an extensive traveler and during his lifetime acquired a very wide acquaintance. His son, David Sey- bold, was born on his father's homestead farm and was a veterinary surgeon by profession, while he devoted much time also to farming. He continued to make his home in Madison township throughout his life and became recognized as one of the best known representatives of this community. He married Re- becca Wolf and died in the year 1880. In their family were nine children, namely : Martha, Ella, Sarah, Mary, Amanda, Jacob F., Thomas, John and Isidor.
The last named was reared under the parental roof and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education, while the summer months were de- voted to the work of the farm, the duties of which became familiar to him at an early age. After completing his preliminary course he entered the Trotwood high school, from which he was graduated with honors with the class of 1897. He then pursued a preparatory course of study at the Normal School at Yellow Springs, Ohio, and having completed his senior year there he took up the pro- fession of teaching as his chosen life work. Conscientious performance of the duties of the schoolroom, combined with earnest labor and indefatigable energy, has brought its just reward and he today is filling the responsible position of principal of the school district No. 1, Madison township. He has never ceased, however, to be a student, but on the contrary, by extensive reading, research and investigation at home, has broadened his knowledge and extended his powers. He is a capable instructor, readily imparting to others the knowledge he has himself acquired, and his labors along educational lines are doing much to uphold the standard of the public-school system. He is also the owner of a very fine farm of one hundred acres of land lying between Creek and Liberty pikes about a mile and a half northwest of the town of Trotwood. This property is a part of what was originally known as the McMullin & Philip Glass place. It is un- der a high state of cultivation and in addition to cultivating the grains and cereals common to this vicinity he has also an excellent fruit orchard upon his farm. He carries on his agricultural pursuits when not actively engaged in teaching and also devotes some time to stock-raising, making a specialty of horses and cattle, having on hand at the present time, twenty head. His stock is of a high order and therefore commands good prices on the market, while this branch of his agricultural interests is proving most important and profitable.
On January 31, 1900, Mr. Seybold was united in marriage to Miss Florence Kuns, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (McMullin) Kuns, and unto them have been born two children, Oden and Howard, the former a student in school. The family home is situated just off Liberty pike about one-sixteenth of a mile and is a fine eight-room house with all modern conveniences.
In his political allegiance Mr. Seybold is a republican and for three years he served as clerk of the township. He is a member of the Christian church and has been ordained by that denomination. He is the treasurer of the church and one of its deacons, while he is also a teacher in the Sabbath school, taking an active interest in all phases of the church work. He is a public-spirited citizen, being interested in all matters that pertain to the material, intellectual, political and moral upbuilding of the community. Although classed among the younger
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generation who are gaining for themselves a place in the front ranks in this section of the township, the success which he has already attained is but an evi- dence of what the future has in store for one whose salient characteristics are unfaltering diligence and unwearied perseverance. His business methods have at all times been such as to command the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact, while his admiral personal qualities have won him a large circle of warm friends who entertain for him the highest regard and esteen1.
GEORGE WAMBAUGH HEATHMAN.
Among Dayton's residents whose activity in business in former years now permits of well earned rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of former toil, is num- bered George Wambaugh Heathman. His connection with commercial interests in this city was of a most creditable character and his labors were at all times of a nature that contributed to the civic prosperity and growth as well as to his individual success.
Dayton is proud to number him among her native sons. His birth occurred here January 13, 1850, his parents being Elias and Mary Sophia (Wambaugh) Heathman. His paternal grandfather was George Heathman and the family is of Scotch extraction. Elias Heathman was born on a farm in Hancock county, Ohio, in 1823, and in 1845 came to Dayton, where his remaining days were passed, covering a period of four decades. He died in this city in 1885 and is survived by his widow and their eight children, four sons and four daughters.
George W. Heathman became a public-school student at the usual age and continued his studies until he reached the age of fifteen years when he began providing for his own support as an employe of the firm of Van Ausdal & Har- man, with whom he continued from the fall of 1866 until November, 1869. He represented the house as a clerk, but when he left their employ he turned his attention to the baking business and was so engaged until the spring of 1872 in company with his brother-in-law, C. W. Nickum, under the firm style of Nickum & Heathman. In that year the business was reorganized and Mr. Heathman became senior partner of the firm of G. W. Heathman & Company, so continuing until 1885, when his father, who was the silent partner, passed away. Mr. Heathman then carried on the business alone until 1889, when he sold out to the United States Baking Company, now the National Biscuit Com- pany, but was retained as manager until the spring of 1905, when he retired. From the time when he entered into active connection with the baking business his advance was steady and continuous. He manifested marked discernment and discrimination in managing his business affairs, gave to the public an output that was entirely satisfactory and therefore secured a liberal patronage, so that when he retired from active life he was in possession of a comfortable competence that was the gratifying reward of his years of earnest and persistent labor.
In 1872 in Dayton, Mr. Heathman was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Anderson, a daughter of B. F. Anderson, now deceased. Unto this union four
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children were born, namely: Edward M .; Frank D .; Effie S., the wife of H. E. Allen of Dayton ; and Luella, at home. In his fraternal relations Mr. Heathman is well known as a prominent Mason, having taken the thirty-second degree and the Knights Templar degree in the Commandery. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for two terms he served as tax commissioner at Day- ton, but has never been active as a political leader, although interested in the suc- cess and growth of the party and the adoption of its principles. He belongs to the First Reformed church and his salient qualities are such as have commanded for him the respect, confidence and good will of his fellowmen throughout his entire life. Moreover, his business record may well serve as a source of emula- tion and encouragement, being a creditable demonstration of what can be ac- complished when persistency of purpose and indefatigable energy are guided by common sense and intelligent perception.
JOHN FREDERICK BAKER.
John Frederick Baker has been connected with the hardware trade through- out his entire life, embarking in this line as a young tradesman at the outset of his business career. His close application through all of the passing years has developed his latent powers and capacities and his keen sagacity and sound judg- ment bring a ready solution to complex commerical problems.
Born in Dayton on the Ioth of October, 1851, his youthful days were spent in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John G. Baker. The father was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1808 and came to America in 1848, locating first in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was married to Miss Dorothea S. Schreiver. In 1850 they removed to Dayton and Mr. Baker opened a retail grocery store on East Fifth street near the canal, the first store of the kind to be established on that thoroughfare. For about eleven years he successfully conducted the busi- ness and then sold out that he might give his undivided attention to his invest- ments, for from time to time he had purchased property and was the owner of considerable real estate. His death occurred, however, in 1862. He was long survived by his widow, who died in 1890 at the advanced age of eighty-two years. A daughter and three sons survived her death: Mary A., now the wife of Charles Sholz, of St. Louis, Missouri; the Rev. William J. Baker, of Amelia, Ohio; John F. Baker, of this review ; and Charles A. Baker, who makes his home in St. Louis.
At five years of age John F. Baker entered the public schools, wherein he continued his studies until he had completed the first year's work in the high school. Then, when in his fourteenth year, he entered the hardware business, be- coming an employe of A. C. Marshall in the same room which he now occupies. He started in a humble capacity but gradually worked his way upward by successive promotions until in 1874 he was admitted to a partnership under the firm style of Marshall & Baker. This relation was maintained until May, 1884, when Mr. Baker purchased his partner's interests and has since conducted the business under his own name. Thus for forty-four years he has been a factor in the
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hardware trade of the city, business being carried on at the same location all of that time, and his establishment has largely set the standard for activity in this line. The business has been conducted in accordance with the most modern commercial ideas and with such strict regard for commercial integrity that the house sustains an unsullied reputation in all of its trade relations. Mr. Baker is also a stockholder and one of the directors in the Merchants National Bank and is regarded as one of the safe and sound business men of his native city.
In 1882 in Dayton occurred the marriage of Mr. Baker and Miss Ella B. Marshall, a daughter of Samuel Marshall, a prominent citizen of Dayton, whose death occurred in 1875. There were two children of that marriage: Frederick Marshall and Dorothea Margaret. Mr. Baker has ever been devoted to the welfare of his family, considering no effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would enhance the happiness of the members of his household.
His political support is given to the democracy but he does not seek nor desire office. He has never relegated his religious duties to a secondary place in his life but on the contrary has for many years been a faithful and devoted member of the Third Street Presbyterian church and gives generous cooperation to many good works done in the name of charity and religion. He is one of the directors of the Young Men's Christian Association and also of the Associated Charities. In his life business ability, humanitarianism and public-spirited citizenship are well balanced factors.
ELMER E. NISWONGER.
Elmer E. Niswonger is president of the Excelsior Laundry Company and identified with other important and remunerative business concerns of Dayton. He was born in West Sonora, Preble county, Ohio, in 1861 and his youthful days to the age of nineteen years were there passed. He completed his education by a course in an academy at Euphemia, Ohio, being graduated with the class of 1879 and in 1881 he came to Dayton as stenographer for the John Dodd Manu- facturing Company. For ten years he remained with that house, winning pro- motion from time to time but severed his connection to accept the position of corresponding clerk with the National Cash Register Company. His capability and ready adaptability there won him advancement until he became secretary of the company and a member of the board of directors. In 1901, however, he withdrew from that organization to enter business fields which he believed would prove still more remunerative, being elected to the presidency of the Excelsior Laundry Company. He is also president of the Star Laundry Company of Co- lumbus and president of the National Laundry Machinery Company of Dayton. In the position of administrative direction he displays excellent executive force in the management and in the control of financial affairs. His constantly ex- panding business powers, his unwearied industry and his close application have enabled him from the outset of his career to rise steadily, step by step, to his present place of prominence and success.
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In 1888 in Darke county, Ohio, Mr. Niswonger was married to Miss Ger- trude Burtch. He belongs to the Masonic lodge, holds membership with the Garfield Club and is also a director of the Chamber of Commerce, these different associations making him widely known in Dayton. He is also an active republi- can, believing the party platform adequate to meet the needs of the country in shaping legislation that has to do with the financial and trade interests of the country and its foreign policy. He is an effective worker in the local ranks of the party and, as in other relations of life, commands the confidence and esteem of his political associates.
C. PRESTON FLOYD.
C. Preston Floyd, whose name appears on the roster of the city of Dayton as city clerk and clerk of the council, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 26, 1872, and came to Dayton in 1880. Here he acquired his education in the public schools and entered business life as a commercial traveler, remaining on the road for ten years. At the expiration of that period he became a factor in official service in Dayton, entering the county recorder's office as deputy in 1900 and serving until 1903 when he was elected to his present position by the city coun- cil. Systematic, accurate, methodical, prompt and faithful, the qualities which he displays in his official service have won him high commendation.
In 1902 Mr. Floyd was united in marriage in Dayton to Miss Alice Beachem and they have an attractive home whose hospitality is enjoyed by a large circle of friends. Mr. Floyd is well known in fraternal circles, being connected with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. In politics he has always been a stalwart republican and is one of the active and effective workers in the ranks of the party.
CHRIST BURKHARDT.
From a humble apprenticeship Christ Burkhardt has worked his way steadily upward in the business world until he now occupies a leading position in com- mercial circles as the president of the Dayton Biscuit Company. Investigation into his life record shows that his rise has followed as the logical sequence of unwearied industry and unfaltering application. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1869, and came to Dayton in 1889 as a young man, ambitious to enjoy the superior business opportunities offered in the new world. His youthful days had been passed in his native country in the home of his father, Gottlieb Burkhardt, who still lives in Germany and ere he attained his majority he served an apprenticeship in a bakeshop of his native land. On reaching Dayton he sought employment in the line of his trade and remained in the service of others for about seven years or until 1896 when his careful expenditure and energy brought him sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business on his own
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account. He, therefore, opened a grocery and bakery at the corner of Curtis and Burkhardt avenues in Dayton and for six years conducted the enterprise but sold out in July, 1902. He then organized the Dayton Biscuit Company, of which he was made president and is, therefore, today at the head of one of the important productive industries of the city, the output of which, owing to its excellence, finds a ready sale on the market while the reliable business methods of the house insure to the company a continuance of a liberal and growing trade.
In 1893 Mr. Burkhardt was united in marriage in Dayton to Miss Barbara Haas and they have three children: Helen, Irma and Christian William. Mr. Burkhardt belongs to the lodge and chapter in Masonry and is also a member of the German Lutheran church. He has never had occasion to regret his deter- mination to seek a home in America, nor has he ever felt that the favorable opin- ion which he formed concerning this land was in any way exaggerated. He did not hold any visionary ideas but realized that industry and perseverance must ever constitute the basis of success and upon those qualities as a foundation he has built the superstructure of his present prosperity.
DAGOBERT A. SCHEIBENZUBER, M. D.
Dr. Dagobert A. Scheibenzuber, devoting his attention to the practice of medicine, in which connection he has displayed considerable power in coping with the intricate problems that continually confront the physician, was born near the Danube in Austria on the 5th of December, 1868. His father, Dr. Anton Scheibenzuber, was a graduate of the University of Vienna and a man of broad scholastic attainment. In 1870 he came with his family to the new world, es- tablishing his home in Hamilton, Ohio, where he practiced medicine for a few years, and then removed to Dayton. For a considerable period he was known as one of the best qualified and most eminent physicians in this state. His death occurred in this city in 1891 at the comparatively early age of forty-nine years.
Dr. D. A. Scheibenzuber was in his second year at the time his parents crossed the Atlantic and was still in his youthful days when the removal was made to Dayton. Here he was reared and pursued his education in public and private schools. When his literary course was completed he took up the study of medi- cine with his father, and in 1886 became a student in the University of Vienna, where his father had previously been a student. There the son attended lectures for four years and also spent six months in study in Prague. Pursuing his course under some of the most distinguished physicians, surgeons and scientists of the old world, he returned to Dayton well equipped for his chosen profession. In 1891 he was graduated from the Cincinnati School of Medicine & Surgery and has since practiced in Dayton, his ability making him the peer of the ablest rep- resentatives of the profession here. He was professor of pathological anatomy and histology at the Cincinnati College of Medicine & Surgery for one year and was the first pathologist appointed for St. Elizabeth Hospital in this city, acting in that capacity for five years. He is now physician and surgeon of St. Joseph's Orphans Home in Dayton and is medical examiner for the Cleveland Life In-
DR. D. A. SCHEIBENZUBER
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surance Company in this city and for the American Accident Assurance Com- pany of Pennsylvania. He keeps in touch with the advancement of the profes- sion through his membership in the Ohio State Medical Association and the Montgomery County Medical Society, as well as through private reading and research.
Dr. Scheibenzuber possesses a social nature and genial manner that makes him popular with a large circle of friends that is constantly growing as the circle of his acquaintance broadens. He now belongs to the Einundzwanziger Club of Dayton and of the Telsebal Club.
COLONEL DAVID BRUEN CORWIN.
Not in fortuitous circumstances or a propitious environment lies the cause of success ; on the contrary it is inherent in the individual and the man who has determination and who recognizes and utilizes his opportunities may always work his way upward undeterred by any difficulties or obstacles that may arise. Among those prominent in the business circles of Dayton is Colonel David Bruen Corwin, formerly president of the City Railway Company, whose powers of or- ganization and well formulated plans found expression in the establishment and successful control of this company.
When Dayton was a little village with but slight industrial and financial im- portance Colonel Corwin entered upon the scene of earthly activities here, his natal year being 1839. He was reared, however, in Lebanon, where the family home was maintained for some time. There he spent his youthful days to the age of twenty years and acquired his education as a pupil in the public schools and in the Normal Academy. In March, 1862, he responded to the country's call for aid and became a lieutenant colonel of the Second Regiment of the In- dian Brigade, this regiment being composed of Cherokee Indians, who were recruited in southern Kansas and the Indian Territory. Colonel Corwin served for two years with the Army of the Frontier, being engaged in suppressing the movements of the guerrillas and lawless characters in that section of the coun- try. His valor and efficiency won him promotion to the rank of colonel of the Fifth Regiment of the Indian Brigade but only three hundred troops were re- cruited and they were then consolidated with another regiment so that he was not in active command in that capacity. He participated in the battle of Prairie Grove and in a number of minor engagements in the southwest and was mus- tered out in 1864.
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