USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 66
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Previous to engaging in business for himself Mr. Glaser had enlisted in the army to fight for the preservation of the Union. He joined Company E, Fifty- eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the cessation of hostilities, when he was honorably discharged, returning home with a most creditable military record. He had fought under Lieutenant Colonel William S. Frizzner in the Army of the Potomac.
On the 7th of October, 1869, Mr. Glaser was united in marriage to Miss Thekla Schneider, a daughter of Joseph and Louise (Ritterbusch) Schneider, who are farming people of Auglaize county, Ohio. Ten children were born of this union, namely: Henrietta M., whose demise occurred on the 12th of July, 1909; Amanda B., a teacher in the Dayton schools; Lillian, who is the wife of Harry Heck; Leo B., a bookkeeper ; Rudolf C., a gardener; Vernon F., who in
MATHIAS GLASER
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association with his father, has charge of the home garden plat ; and four who died in infancy. The family belong to the Emanuel Catholic church.
Mr. Glaser is active in several organizations, being a valued member of the Knights of Columbus, the Foresters, the Elks Lodge, No. 58, and the Old Guard Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. He also belongs to the German Pioneer Society and is a member of the Miami Valley Law and Order League, being closely identified with the ideals and purposes of this order.
GEORGE K. CETONE.
An attractive individuality as well as capability and unassailable devotion to the public good has been a feature in placing George K. Cetone in his present position of prominence in connection with the political interests of the state. He is now serving as senator from the third district following acceptable public service in minor capacities. He was born on a farm in Miami county, Ohio, September 27, 1866, and is a son of Stephen Cetone, a native of Paris, France, born in 1813. Arriving in America in 1833 when a young man of twenty-two years he located in Dayton, which was then a city of but a few thousand inhabi- tants. He served as a member of the old volunteer fire department and was otherwise connected with prominent interests of the early days. In the '60s he removed from this city to Miami county, where he was identified with agri- cultural interests for about three decades. He also conducted an extensive busi- ness as a gardener but in 1890 returned to Dayton where he spent his remaining days in well earned rest, passing away in 1892. In early manhood he had wedded Ellen Dye who still lives in Troy, Ohio, at the age of eighty-two years. They were the parents of four children: Elizabeth J., who became the wife of John A. Webb and died in 1884; James D., William A. and George K., all of whom are residents of this city.
The last named was reared on the home farm in Miami county to the age of nineteen and during that period attended the country schools between the ages of six and fifteen years. The periods of vacation were largely devoted to the work of the farm and he was trained to habits of unfaltering industry. About 1886 he entered the postoffice at Troy, Ohio, as a clerk, the position coming to him without his solicitation. He had previously taken an active part in poli- tics for' several years which undoubtedly brought him prominently before the public in that locality. He remained in the postoffice for about two years, after which he was appointed to the position of postal clerk and so served during the last two years of President Cleveland's first administration. On retiring from the office he was employed as salesman and collector in a nursery at Troy, his association with that business covering eight years. In 1898 he entered the employ of the Central States Bridge Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. He had made his home in Dayton since 1890 and continued his residence here under his new position. He owns a fine farm in Van Buren township, Montgomery county, and is greatly interested in horticultural matters, successfully conduct- ing fruit raising interests upon his farm.
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Throughout his entire life Mr. Cetone has been deeply interested in political questions and has long been recognized as one of the leaders of democracy in this state, laboring earnestly for the adoption of the party principles because of his belief that they will best subserve the interests of good government. His activity in political circles and his public-spirited citizenship made him a logical candidate for the office of state senator on the democratic ticket in November, 1908, and the public expressed confidence in his ability at the ensuing election so that he is now sitting in the upper house of the Ohio assembly.
In 1894 Mr. Cetone was married in Bedford, Iowa, to Miss Rena Pierce and they have one son, Eugene Pierce. Mr. Cetone is well known in connection with various societies, holding membership with the United Commercial Trav- elers of Dayton, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites and of the Mystic Shrine. He is a very approachable, genial gentleman, good fellowship being one of his strong characteristics. It is the expression of a genuine interest in his fellowmen. It is the expression of a genuine interest in his fellowmen. With not the slightest tendency toward pessimism he appreciates those things which make life agreeable, interesting and worth living and is always a favorite in social circles.
JOHN ZEHNDER.
Throughout the history of the world mere success has never, save in a few rare instances, been the cause of any man being remembered by his fellows, and never has the mere accumulation of wealth won honor for the individual. The methods employed in the attainment of success in business, however, may awaken approval and admiration, for the world pays its tribute to him who through enterprise, unrelaxing effort and clear sighted judgment makes advance- ment in the business world without infringing on the rights of others. Such was the record of John Zehnder, who during the long years of his residence in Dayton never deviated from a course that he believed to be right but stood through several decades as a leading representative of the German element, which has so largely conserved the interests and upbuilding of this city.
Mr. Zehnder was born in Bulzhauzen, Bayem, Germany, in 1826, and while yet a young man came to America, interested in the new world, its opportunities and advantages. He first settled near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and after liv- ing there but a short time removed to Illinois, where he resided for a few years. On the expiration of that period he came to Dayton, where he spent the last half century of his life. During the early period of his residence here he engaged in the hotel business on Market street, which was then one of the city's most attractive and prominent thoroughfares. His hostelry was a favorite resort with many visitors to Dayton and through its conduct he formed a wide ac- quaintance. Later he turned his attention to the lumber trade and in the con- duct of that enterprise was associated for about ten years with Hoglen & Hauck and John Hoglen and later with Hoglen Brothers, having charge of their yards.
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He next turned his attention to the grocery business, establishing a store at the corner of High and Richard streets. He had supervision over that establish- ment for thirty-five years, or until failing health forced him to abandon active pursuits. The store was then conducted under the management of members of his family. As a business man Mr. Zehnder ranked high, being actuated in all that he did by laudable ambition and sterling principles. Among his salient characteristics were thrift and industry, which, intelligently directed, brought him a substantial measure of success.
On the 4th of January, 1857, in Dayton, occurred the marriage of Mr. Zehn- der and Miss Francisco. They became the parents of three sons and two daugh- ters, who are yet living, namely: John, Joseph and Peter Zehnder, Mrs. Mary Ryan and Mrs. Lizzie Roth. Mr. Zehnder had the faculty of acquiring friends, and once acquired they became more steadfast in their loyalty to him as the years passed. His death was consequently mourned by many who learned to appreciate his sincerity and genuine worth. In business life his record ever con- formed to the highest standard of commercial ethics but he never allowed his life to become self centered. On the contrary, it reached out in its interests to those movements and measures relative to the general welfare. He took great pride in his home city and frequently recited instances connected with its early history. He watched with interest its growth and upbuilding as the years passed, seeing its transformation from a comparatively small village to one of the rich industrial and commercial centers of Ohio. Wherever he was known he was honored and most of all where he was best known. His life record covered eighty-two years, death coming to him in 1908. The world is better for the example of every honorable, upright man and through the long years of his residence here John Zehnder left the impress of his individuality for good upon the community.
JOSEPH ENDRESS.
A spirit of enterprise and progress characterizes the business record of Joseph Endress, who in partnership with A. C. Kircher is engaged in busi- ness in Germantown under the name of the Pioneer Leaf Tobacco Com- pany. They own one of the largest factories of this part of the state, where the tobacco trade of Ohio centers, and Mr. Endress' long connection with this line of business makes him one of its foremost representatives. He was born in Cincinnati, March 6, 1865, and is a son of Joseph and Mollie (East) Endress. The father was a native of Germany and was still a boy when he bade adieu to that country and made the long voyage across the Atlantic to the new world. On reaching America he came direct to Montgomery county, settling in Day- ton, where soon afterward he secured employment in the cigar factory, learning the trade in principle and detail. About the time of the Civil war he removed to Germantown where he engaged in the manufacture of cigars for a time, while later he also turned his attention to the leaf tobacco business, continuing both enterprises for a long period. He became recognized as one of the leading rep-
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resentatives of the tobacco trade and as the years went by scured an extensive patronage that made his business one of large and profitable proportions. At length, however, he retired to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He was a very prominent man of his community and a most public- spirited citizen, keenly alive to general interests and active in support of all measures which he deemed beneficial to the locality.
Joseph Endress, Jr., coming to Germantown in his early boyhood, pursued his education in the schools of this place, continuing the course through con- secutive grades until he was graduated from the high school. All of this time he was interested in the tobacco business, being a keen observer of the work that was carried on in his father's factory, and when a young man he took up the business and became his father's successor upon the latter's retirement. By earnest effort, close application and unfaltering diligence he has brought the business up to its present high standard and its extensive proportions, his trade reaching a large figure annually. He is considered an expert judge of tobacco and is thoroughly familiar with the modern processes of manufacture, while his success is indicative, moreover, of his capable management of the trade.
On the 17th of June, 1886, Mr. Endress was married to Miss Josie Raines, a daughter of Andrew and Sophia (Greenwood) Raines. They have become the parents of one child, Nellie, now the wife of Harry Wolf. Mr. Endress is a promi- nent Mason of Germantown and holds membership in the Elks lodge, of Day- ton. He belongs also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Improved Order of Foresters. He has spent almost his entire life in Germantown and his salient qualities are such as have gained for him the high position which he now occupies in public regard.
PETER WERT KLINGER.
It is a noticeable fact that the young men are rapidly forging to the front and are occupying the positions of responsibility in business circles. A proof of this fact lies in the record of Peter Wert Klinger, now superintendent of the Barney & Smith Car Company of Dayton. He was born near Greenville, Ohio, October 29, 1874, a son of A. J. Klinger, who was born near West Alex- andria. Our subject was reared at his birthplace, spending much of his youth in the acquirement of a knowledge of those branches of learning which were taught in its public schools. He afterwards entered the Rose Polytechnic In- stitute at Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was graduated in 1896 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Returning home on the completion of his course, he became associated with his father in the operation of a flour mill at Greenville, but thinking to find better opportunities for advancement in the city, he came to Dayton and on the 2d of March, 1897, entered the employ of the Barney & Smith Car Company as electrician, installing the first electric plant at the car shops. Subsequently he was also assigned to the position of foreman of the machine shop and in the fall of 1902 entered the office, where he performed various duties that were assigned him, his work, however, being largely that of
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assistant superintendent. He so continued until the fall of 1908 and during the last four and a half years was known as assistant superintendent. At that date he was promoted to his present position as superintendent and his practical ex- perience in mechanical lines as well as his executive force and thorough un- derstanding of the demands of business well qualify him for the onerous and important duties which devolve upon him.
Mr. Klinger has been twice married. In 1897 he wedded Harriet Sater in Greenville, Ohio, who died in July, 1902, leaving two daughters, Mildred and Helen. In 1905, in Greenville, Ohio, Mr. Klinger was again married, his second union being with Susan Leonard Dills. Mr. Klinger is a member of the Baptist church, interested in all that tends to work for progressive citizenship and for the development of the community in intellectual and moral lines. His political allegiance is given to the republican party where national questions are involved but at municipal elections he casts an independent ballot, knowing that there is no issue before the people, the paramount consideration being the capa- bility and reliability of the men who seek office. He is a dependable man, one in whom trust may well be placed, it being through his own worth and dili- gence that he has reached his present enviable position in the business circles of Dayton.
CHARLES F. KNECHT.
Charles F. Knecht, fire insurance adjuster of Dayton, was born in the old Knecht hotel on East Second street in this city, October 19, 1863. He is a represen- tative of one of the oldest and best known families of Montgomery county and his record is a credit to the untarnished family name. His father, Christ Knecht, was born in Germany, in 1814, and in early manhood came to America, at once making his way to Dayton. Here he was married to Miss Elizabeth Schieble, and unto them were born twelve children, eight of whom reached years of ma- turity, while five are still living. The father served as a soldier in the Mexican war, going to the front as a private but returning as captain, his promotion com- ing to him in recognition of his meritorious service on the field of battle. He was well known in Dayton for many years through his business connections and his personal worth, his name being closely associated with the events of early days. He was the organizer of the Montgomery Cavalry Company, com- posed of many of the older citizens of the county, and the hand painted silk flag which they carried is still in the possession of the family.
Charles F. Knecht was the tenth child and eighth son in his father's family. He was reared and educated in Dayton, pursuing his course in the public schools to the age of seventeen years, when he became connected with the Dayton In- surance Company and so continued from 1881 until 1885. In the latter year he entered the cmploy of the Firemen's Insurance Company of Dayton, which he represented for five years, and on the expiration of that period became special agent and adjuster for the Ohio Insurance Company of Dayton. There he con- tinued until 1894, when he became secretary of the Dayton Board of Under- writers, to ratc all property in Montgomery county. He acted in that capacity
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for three years, at the end of which time the board dissolved. He then became an independent fire insurance adjuster, rather responsible work, virtually handling for his companies thousands of dollars annually, and has so continued to the pres- ent time. He possesses keen discrimination in pointing out all the points of the case, attempts to secure absolute fairness and justice to both the insurance com- panies and their claimants in the adjustment of all business matters and as the years have gone by he has become widely known in insurance circles as a man of discriminating judgment and marked business ability. He has always been interested in fine trotting horses, was the first secretary of the Dayton Driving Club, serving as secretary, treasurer and president for five years, and much of its success can be attributed to his hard labor.
In 1897, in Detroit, Mr. Knecht was married to Miss Minne Hanawalt, a native of Ross county, Ohio. Mr. Knecht belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Pathfinders and to the Blue Goose Club, a national social organization of insurance men. He is appreciative of the social amenities of life and not only wins but retains the warm friendship and kindly regard of those with whom he is being continually brought in contact.
FRANK BLESSING.
Frank Blessing, actively engaged in farming interests in Madison township, Montgomery county, where he owns one hundred and sixty-two acres of fine farm land, was born May 14, 1870, in Cass county, Indiana. He is a son of John and Sarah (Miller) Blessing, the former at one time a prominent and well known farmer of his native county, but now living retired. His father, Absalom Blessing, was a native of Maryland and came to Ohio, where he took up his abode in Greene county. At the time of his arrival here much of the territory was still in its primitive condition and he was compelled to clear the land upon which he made his home and undertake the difficult task of converting it into productive fields. Both he and his wife, Mary Blessing, lived to a very old age. John Blessing originally owned a farm in. Cass county, Indiana, which he successfully operated for many years, but eventually he sold his property and came to Ohio, where he lives retired with the subject of this sketch.
Reared under the parental roof, Frank Blessing attended the common schools of his native county and during the vacation periods assisted in the work of the farm. After completing his education he continued to engage in farm work in Cass county, Indiana, until twenty years of age, when he came to Ohio. Care- fully saving his earnings until he had acquired sufficient means wherewith to purchase a farm of his own, in 1904 he bought the property upon which he now resides, consisting of one hundred and sixty-two acres of excellent farming land on the Union road about two and a half miles south of the town of Trotwood. This farm, known as Bell Acre, through indefatigable energy and unremitting labor, has been brought under a fine state of cultivation, yielding annually to its owner a very gratifying income. On this property Mr. Blessing has erected a fine eight-room house with all modern improvements, as well as large barns
FRANK BLESSING AND FAMILY
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DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
and outbuildings in the rear. The air of neatness and prosperity surrounding the place is indicative of the care bestowed upon it and bespeaks the success which he has attained in his agricultural pursuits.
On December 29, 1893, Mr. Blessing was united in marriage to Miss Anna Bell Lentz, a daughter of George and Catharine Lentz, very prominent farmers, and unto them have been born three children, Glenn, Ivy and Martha, all attend- ing school. Mr. Blessing is a member of the conservative branch of the Dunkard church, and exerts his influence toward extending the good work of the church throughout the community. In harmony with its teachings his life has at all times been an honorable and useful one, and he and his wife have the regard and esteem of a number of warm friends. In politics he is a republican.
REV. BERNARD P. O'REILLY.
Rev. Bernard P. O'Reilly, president of St. Mary's Institute at Dayton, was born in Rochester, New York, in 1874, and there his youthful days were passed, his primary education being acquired in St. Patrick's School of that city. In 1889, when a youth of fifteen, he came to Dayton and entered the seminary de- partment of St. Mary's Institute, where he spent three years in further study. In 1892 he went to Europe, completing his classical course abroad and won the Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Besancon, France. He next went to Brittany, and at St. Brieuc acted as professor of English in the Naval Academy. In 1900 he went to Paris, France, to complete his theological studies and on the 14th of April, 1903, he was ordained by Monseigneur Richard, arch- bishop of Paris. Upon his return to Dayton in 1903 he acted as professor in St. Mary's Institute, thus continuing for three years. On the expiration of that period he was made vice president and so served for two years, while in 1908 he was chosen to the presidency and is now at the head of this well known Catholic institute, which under his guidance is doing good work, the courses of study being carefully systematized, while he has also spent much thought upon the best way to use time and effort in the acquirement of knowledge that shall be a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties.
NORTH WIGGIM.
An excellent farm of one hundred and ten acres pays tribute to the care and labor of North Wiggim. He has spent his entire life in the county of his nativ- ity, his birth having occurred in January, 1859, in Mad River township, Mont- gomery county. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hawker) Wiggim, na- tives of Ohio. The father was born in 1836 in Montgomery county and attended the common schools in the acquirement of his education. He engaged in general farming as an occupation but retired from active life several years prior to his dcmise, which occurred in the fall of 1906, his remains being interred at Wood-
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land cemetery in Dayton. He was a member of the First Reformed church of Dayton. His wife was a native of Greene county and her father, who also en- gaged in farming, was a minister of the Reformed church and preached until his death. They have both passed away, being buried in the Hawker cemetery.
North Wiggim learned the occupation of agriculture under the direction of his father and acquired his education in the common schools of Montgomery county. When he reached years of manhood he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared and has since continued to engage in general farming in his native county. He owns a farm of one hundred and ten acres in Wayne township and the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it are evidenced in its neat and attractive appearance. He is up-to-date in his methods and through his close application, his industry and perseverance and his well directed energies he gained for himself a place among the successful and progressive farmers of the township.
On the 10th of February, 1898, Mr. Wiggim was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Bock, a daughter of John and Martha Bock, the former a farmer who is still actively engaged in that occupation. Mrs. Wiggim was born in May, 1894, in Greene county, Ohio, and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education. She was a member of the Bethel Reformed church and passed away on the 3d of May, 1909, her burial taking place in David cemetery. Her death was due to heart trouble. She was an excellent woman, whose many good traits of heart and mind caused her loss to be mourned by a large number of friends. She leaves besides her husband one son, Herbert, who was born March 4, 1901, and is now a pupil at the Oak Grove school. They also lost one child, Lawrence, who was born March, 1898, and only lived two weeks. Mr. Wiggim is a member of the Bethel Reformed church and his life has at all times been in harmony with his professions. Having spent his entire life in this county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends, the consensus of public opinion according him a high place among the valued and representative citizens of the community.
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