USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 67
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BENJAMIN FRANKLIN McCANN.
Benjamin Franklin McCann is of Scotch-Irish ancestry and was born near Zanesville, Muskingum county, Ohio. His mother, whose maiden name was Jane McKee, was said to be a woman of rare parts. His father, Thomas A. Mc- Cann, was a school teacher and farmer and a man of influence in the community. Judge McCann's boyhood was spent on the farm. He received his early educa- tion in the common schools and afterward completed the classical course at Deni- son University. He studied law in the office of Gunckel & Rowe of Dayton and was admitted to practice in June, 1890. Upon the establishment of the police court in Dayton in 1891, he was appointed by the board of police directors as the first prosecutor therein. He was elected judge of the probate court on the democratic ticket in 1899 and reelected in 1902 by a majority of over three thou- sand two hundred, although the county went republican by majorities ranging from
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two thousand five hundred to five thousand for all other republican candidates. Upon the enactment of the law establishing juvenile courts in Ohio, he was se- lected by the common pleas judge as judge of the juvenile court for Montgomery county in addition to his duties as probate judge and as such performed a note- worthy public service. He was renominated for probate judge again in 1905 against his expressed wish but refused to accept the nomination and became a prominent candidate that year for governor of Ohio.
Since that time Judge McCann has refused all suggestions of political prefer- ment and has given his entire time and attention to his professional work, in which he has been eminently successful. He is endowed with the persistence char- acteristic of his ancestry. Studious by nature, he has taken advantage of his op- portunities and brings to his work a mind well equipped for his professional du- ties. Positive in character and frank in the expression of his views, his judg- ment on matters is sought after and valued. His official life was noted for a con- scientious and fearless discharge of duty and he enjoys today the confidence of the entire community, regardless of political affiliations. Possessed of a genial dis- position and an approachable manner, the Judge has never lacked for friends, and his acquaintance among all classes is perhaps not surpassed by any other member of the bar. His work among the boys and girls of the city will not soon be for- gotten, and the friendly salutation of the newsboy or bootblack is sure of recogni- tion.
Much of his spare time has been devoted to matters of public interest to the community, chief among which, perhaps, is the work of the Young Men's Chris- tian Association. The Judge has always said that he owed the organization and its former secretary, D. A. Sinclair, a debt of gratitude for providing a homelike abiding place for him as he came to the city, a student, years ago. As a mem- ber of its board of directors and especially as its president for a number of years, he has been recognized as a leading spirit in the work of the organization and has given liberally of his time and effort in securing the new building which it now occupies.
Judge McCann was married in 1900 to Miss Laura H. Thresher, a most es- timable young woman and a member of one of Dayton's old families. They occupy a cozy home on the Boulevard with their three children. Surrounded by them and a fine library of books, which have been carefully selected, the Judge insists that home is the best spot on earth and that his work is the only counter attraction that can be offered.
CHARLES EDWARD KINDER.
Charles Edward Kinder, editor and proprietor of the Miamisburg News pub- lished at Miamisburg, Ohio, his native city, is a son of John E. and Elizabeth (Clark) Kinder, both of whom were natives of this state, the former born in Franklin and the latter in Miamisburg. The paternal grandfather of our subject was George Kinder, one of the pioneer residents of Franklin, Ohio, who in the course of years became a prominent contractor. He built a portion of the Miami
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and Erie Canal and also a section of Cincinnati and Dayton pike. He was born in Pennsylvania but came to Ohio with his parents about 1798 when a little boy of only three years. Through the period of his manhood he was closely and promi- nently associated with business affairs in his locality and for many years ran a line of canal boats but at length retired to enjoy a season of rest through the evening of life. He died in 1861 when about seventy years of age. His wife was Mrs. Eliza (Schnorff) Kinder, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, near Lebanon in 1802.
The maternal grandfather of Charles E. Kinder was Nelson Clark, one of the very early settlers of Miamisburg. He was born in New York, was a gunsmith by trade and became famous as a manufacturer of rifles which he made entirely from the raw material. He died in Miamisburg in 1859 when more than sixty years of age. His first wife, who was the grandmother of our subject, bore the maiden name of Sarah Tapscott and was born in New Jersey. In addition to manufactur- ing rifles Nelson Clark engaged in the milling business and was also connected with a number of other interests. He likewise built the first three-story house in Miamis- burg-the Valley house on North Main street.
John E. Kinder, father of our subject, was born in Franklin, Ohio, and be- came a miller, following that pursuit for several years. He afterward served as postmaster at Franklin for nine years and also held various political positions of an official character. For five years he acted as the United States store-keeper and then in middle life was called to his final rest, passing away in 1877 when but forty-six years of age. His wife still survives him and lives in Miamisburg in a home which she has occupied for nearly sixty years and which her father gave to her when she was a little girl. In their family were five children, a son and four daughters: Charles Edward; Anna, who for nearly twenty years was a clerk in the Miamisburg postoffice; Mary and Bertha, who are teachers in the public schools of Miamisburg; and Sallie, the wife of Hon. H. F. Cellarius of Cincinnati.
Charles Edward Kinder was reared in Miamisburg and, passing through con- secutive grades in the public schools, was at length graduated from the high school. He then learned the printers' trade in the office of his uncle, George D. Kinder, of Ottawa. Ohio, there remaining for four years, during which time he gained an intimate knowledge of the business and was thus well qualified to carry on business on his own account at a later day. On the expiration of that period he came to Miamisburg and established the Miamisburg News in 1880, since which time he has conducted it. He has several times been favored by elec- tion to office and in his various public duties has proven himself capable, faithful and resourceful. In 1886 he was elected mayor and served for one year when he resigned to become postmaster in 1887, receiving his appointment during Pres- ident Cleveland's administration. In 1892 he was again elected mayor but re- signed in 1894 to again become postmaster under a second appointment from President Cleveland. He held that office altogether for seven years, carefully sys- tematizing the work and giving a public-spirited administration of the affairs con- nected with the position. He has always taken an active interest in the city's wel- fare and his cooperation in many movements has been largely conducive to the general good. He was secretary of the Board of Trade and is now secretary of
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the Citizens Civic Club, in which connection he put forth earnest labor in sup- port of all those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
Mr. Kinder is a thirty-second degree Mason and takes a great interest in the craft. His membership is with Minerva Lodge, No. 98, F. & A. M .; Trinity Chapter, No. 44, R. A. M., in which he occupies an official position ; Rees Coun- cil, R. & S. M .; and Dayton Consistory, S. P. R. S. He likewise belongs to Miamisburg Lodge, No. 44, K. P. Politically he has always been a democrat and his work in behalf of the party makes him one of its leaders. He is a member of the Methodist church, is one of the church trustees and has served for several terms as Sunday school superintendent. His influence is ever on the side of progress and improvement, of reform and advancement and at the same time he is a capable business man who is not only publishing a paper creditable to the city but also has a finely equipped printing office and is conducting a large job printing business.
SAMUEL HARRISON .MILLER.
Samuel Harrison Miller, who as secretary of the Harshman Improvement Com- pany, has charge of the firm's land in Montgomery county and also the supervision of the Miller estate-a large tract located in Greene, Clark and Champaign coun- ties, Ohio-was born October 22, 1843, in Lebanon, Ohio, the son of Abraham and Susannah (Downey) Miller. The father's parents were of German descent and came to Ohio from Virginia. In the latter state Abraham Miller was born, received his education, and was married, though he was still a young man when he came to Ohio. He was a mechanic by trade and settled near Lebanon.
Samuel Harrison Miller was the seventh in a family of twelve children, his brothers being Hamilton, Jacob, William, George, John and Lewis. He began his education in the school of Lebanon but after the death of his parents went to Cincinnati, where he finished his schooling. For his first business experience he went to Pendleton, Ohio, where he engaged in railroading up to the outbreak of the Civil war, when he responded to the call for men to uphold the Union and en- listed in the Twelfth Ohio Infantry. He served in the one hundred days' service with the Army of the Potomac and through the latter part of the war, and it was always with honor and credit to himself, his company and his nation. Before the close of the war he went south, where he engaged in the United States mili- tary railroad business. Returning some time later to Ohio, he took a course in Nelson College, after which he again engaged in railroading, his run being be- tween Dayton and Sandusky. A few years later he entered the employ of the Wabash Railway and made St. Louis his headquarters. From there he went to New Mexico, where, seeing so many opportunities at hand, he engaged in the cattle business, which demanded all his attention for the space of five years. Then again he returned to the railroad business, this time in Iowa, where he remained for eight years or until he came to Harshman, which he has made his home since 1898.
On the 16th of April, 1878, Mr. Miller and Miss Alice Harshman were united in marriage. Mrs. Miller is the daughter of George W. and Virginia (Roher)
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Harshman, well known in this county. This union has been blessed with five children: Virginia ; Susan, the wife of Dr. H. Lyons Hunt, of New York; Jose- phine ; Alice, the wife of Dr. W. C. Tobey, of Pyrmont, Ohio; and Warner, who is still attending school and is taking a course that looks to a commercial career. The family are members of the Episcopal church of Dayton and are intimately identified with its work.
Mr. Miller is a respected member of the community where he lives and in whose welfare he takes an especially deep interest. He served one year on the board of education, but on account of his other business had to resign, although much interested in educational matters. His record as a soldier is a constant inspiration to youths with whom he comes in contact so frequently. His duties as manager of the Harshman Improvement Company are not slight, yet they are assumed and fulfilled with ability and to the satisfaction of all concerned.
GUSTAVE A. HOCHWALT, M. D.
Dr. Gustave A. Hochwalt, who since 1895 has continuously engaged in the prac- tice of medicine in Dayton and is visiting physician to St. Elizabeth's hospital, was born May 13, 1872, in the city which is now his home but, as the name indicates, is of German lineage. His father, George Hochwalt, was a native of Germany and after coming to this country was married to Theressa Lothammer, a native of Canton, Ohio. His maternal grandfather served under General La Fayette in the Revolutionary war. For a long period George Hochwalt was one of the most successful shoe merchants of Dayton. He carried on business along well defined lines of trade, sought success through honorable methods and earnest effort to please his customers and in the course of years had gained a competence sufficient to permit him to retire from the cares of active life in 1890. His remaining days were then spent in honorable retirement until his death, which occurred April 25, 1894. His widow still survives and yet makes her home in Dayton. They were parents of four sons and two daughters: Edward, a resident of Dayton; Charles C., of Cleveland ; Emma, the wife of Frank Burkhardt; Anna, deceased; Albert, of Dayton; and Gustave A.
The Hochwalt family are all devout Catholics and Dr. Hochwalt was sent as a pupil to the Brothers school of St. Mary's in Dayton, from which he was grad- uated in his eighteenth year. He took up the study of medicine with Dr. George Goodhue as his preceptor and after thus reading for two years he matriculated in the Starling Medical College of Columbus in 1892, devoting three years to faithful study. He received his diploma in 1895 and thus well equipped for his chosen calling returned to Dayton, since which time he has been an active representative of the profession in this city. His practice has steadily grown as the years have gone by and the results which attend his efforts are the manifestation of his thorough understanding of the laws of health and the principles of medicine. In 1899 he was appointed by the board of health the first city bacteriologist of Dayton and so served until 1906. In 1899 he was made visiting physician of St. Eliza- beth's hospital and has so continued to the present time. In 1898 he became pa-
DR. G. A. HOCHWALT
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thologist to the Miami Valley Hospital and thus continued until 1906, when he resigned. In 1898 he pursued a post-graduate course in the New York Post Grad- uate Medical School and Hospital, particularly for the study of clinical microscopy and pathology, and he has always been a close student of the profession, inter- ested in everything that tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life. He belongs to the Montgomery County Medical Society, the Ohio Medical Society and the American Medical Association and thus keeps in close touch with the onward progress of the profession.
On the 17th of October, 1900, Dr. Hochwalt was married in Dayton to Miss Erma Gondert and they have two children, William Richard and Aida. In his political views Dr. Hochwalt is a democrat but is not active in the work of the party. He is a member of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, and is interested in all that pertains to the progress of the city along material, intellectual and moral lines. Until recently the Doctor took a great interest in musical affairs, being the leading tenor in a number of church choirs in Dayton, and was a member . of the Phil Harmonic Concert. He also had the honor of singing a solo with Wat- kin Mills, of London. He has served on the board of trustees of the Dayton As- tronomical Society.
CHARLES W. SHOCK.
Charles W. Shock, who has been closely identified with educational interests of Montgomery county for several years, is also clerk of Jefferson township, in which position he has served since January 1, 1905. He was born on a farm in Jefferson township, this county, April 27, 1881, a son of Beniah and Rhoda A. (Wineland) Shock. The grandfather of our subject, Jonas Shock, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and came to Jefferson township, Mont- gomery county, with his parents when but six years of age. He cast in his lot with the early settlers here and became one of the pioneer farmers of this dis- trict. His son Beniah Shock was here born on the 25th of April, 1837, and was here reared and married, devoting his life also to the occupation of farming. In his family were two sons and two daughters, namely: Winona, born in 1866; Ira Lee, born in 1868; Amy C., born in 1873 ; and Charles W., of this review. The family were all members of the German Baptist Brethren church and were well known and prominent in the community.
Charles W. Shock, whose name introduces this review, was reared upon his father's farm and during the days of his boyhood and youth attended the common schools in the acquirement of his early training. He later attended the Trotwood high school, in Madison township, from which he was graduated with the class of 1899; he also had the advantage of a course of bookkeeping and business training at the Miami Commercial College in Dayton, Ohio. Thus well equipped, he took up the profession of teaching, at which work he has since been engaged during the winter seasons. In 1902 he began teaching in Jackson township, where he remained for two terms, and then came to Jefferson township, where he has followed the profession for five years. He is a very good instructor, imparting
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clearly and readily to others the information he has himself acquired. He has never ceased to be a student, however, but he is constantly broadening and extend- ing his information by wide reading and research.
Mr. Shock is also a notary public, having been commissioned to this office by Governor Andrew L. Harris on February 19, 1907, and by the great care, skill and judgment which he exercises in the execution of deeds, mortgages, affidavits, etc., which he has executed, he has gained the entire confidence of the many persons who have intrusted such work to him.
On the 19th of October, 1902, Mr. Shock was united in marriage to Miss Anna May Fryer, a daughter of Frederick and Carrie (Carson) Fryer, and unto them have been born three children, namely: Ross, born in 1903; Zana May, born in 1904 ; and Frieda Catherine, born in 1908.
Mr. Shock has not allied himself with any secret or fraternal order, preferring the companionship to be found at his own fireside. He gives his political support to the republican party and on this ticket has been called to the office of township clerk, his election occurring in 1904, in which capacity he is still serving. He is loyal and public spirited in his citizenship, and at all times he is keenly appreciative of the responsibilities that devolve upon him in both his professional and public capacities, performing all duties that come to him with a faithfulness and conscien- tiousness that have gained for him the hearty endorsement of his fellowmen, while his own personal qualities are such as win the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated.
JOHN RICHARD MANN.
The characteristic feature of the latter part of the nineteenth and the opening years of the twentieth century lies in the way in which man has combined scien- tific principles and natural resources in inventions to meet the needs and demands of our modern civilization. Only a few years ago ice was unknown save as was produced through the natural freezing processes. Today in all of the warmer latitudes and in many of the northern cities as well the ice plant is a common feature and it is to a kindred line of manufacture that John Richard Mann is now giving his attention as the president of the Dayton Ice Machine Company, con- trolling one of the important manufacturing interests of the city. Since he en- tered business life the passing years have chronicled his continued advancement and for twelve years he has been associated with the productive industries of Dayton. He was born in London, Ontario, Canada, January 19, 1867, and in his infancy was taken by his parents to Brantford, Ontario, where he was reared, pursuing his education in the public schools. He also attended the Woodstock College, a school near Brantford conducted under the auspices of the Baptist church. After putting aside his text-books he returned to Brantford, where he entered his father's lumberyard, being there engaged for sixteen years, first as employe and later as a member of the firm. In 1890 he went to Sarnia, Ontario, where he was engaged in the fuel business on his own account until 1897 when he crossed the border into the United States, knowing that he would find greater
-
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competition here but also that advancement is more quickly secured on this side the division line. Making his way to Dayton he began the manufacture of cord- age and twine and was so engaged until 1896 when he sold out and in 1907 be- came interested in his present business. He now has a well equipped plant for the manufacture of ice machines and has already built up a substantial trade which makes his enterprise one of growing importance.
In 1889 occurred the marriage of Mr. Mann and Miss Batie Lowes, a daughter of the late Dr. J. E. Lowes. The wedding was celebrated in Brantford, Ontario, and to them have been born three children: Batie Lorienne, Joseph L., and John Edwin. Mr. and Mrs. Mann have won many friends during the period of their residence in Dayton, their good qualities gaining for them the high regard of those with whom they have been associated. They attend the Methodist Epis- copal church and Mr. Mann gives his political support to the republican party. Fle found in the conditions of this city a good basis for business progress and has constantly promoted his trade interests through his diligence and capable management.
W. W. HETZLER, M. D.
W. W. Hetzler, one of the prominent physicians of Germantown, Ohio, was born near Lewisburg, Ohio, April 9, 1852, and is the son of Daniel and Eliza (Francis) Hetzler. The great-grandfather on the father's side came to Ohio from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was one of the early settlers of Butler county in 1800. He accomplished the journey from the old home to the new by wagon over the mountains, and when he arrived had to clear the ground before he could begin its cultivation. His son George Hetzler was born near Brown's Run, Butler county, and became one of the largest land owners and farmers there. His fields extended into Montgomery county, so that the latter county claimed him as one of her citizens, and in her affairs he took a prominent part. He died on the old Hetzler homestead in Butler county at the advanced age of ninety-six years. Of his union with a Miss Trapp was born Daniel Hetzler, the father of Dr. W. W. Hetzler. His birthplace was the old Hetzler homestead near the Oxford road, about four miles southwest of Germantown. He became a farmer and died in 1898 at the age of eighty-three, his wife still surviving him at the age of eighty-seven.
W. W. Hetzler received his early education in the school of district No. II. In 1872 he went to Otterbein University, and three years later to Oxford, where he took a normal course under the guidance of Professor Bishop. Subsequently he entered the Ohio Medical College, receiving his degree in 1884. Upon gradu- ation he went to Union City, where he began to practice his profession, coming later to Germantown, which has been the scene of his labors ever since. Here he has built up an extensive practice and enjoys the unwavering confidence of a large number of people.
On the IIth of February, 1886, Dr. Hetzler was united in marriage to Miss Addie A. Clapp, of Union City. She is the daughter of Daniel and Matilda (Wenger) Clapp. Her father is a farmer and general merchant of Union City,
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where he also conducts a large hardware business. Three children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Hetzler. The eldest, Earl F., was graduated from the high school and is now a teacher there. Glenn R. has followed in his brother's foot- steps. Marie is still in school. The family are members of the United Brethren church and are closely identified with all its work, social and religious. Mrs. Hetzler is president of the local Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and for a number of years has been very prominent in this organization.
The extent of Dr. Hetzler's practice has left him little time for other con- cerns and is perhaps the best reward for his devotion to the good of his patients and constituents. Their welfare he considers his first interest, and he is ever unremitting in his efforts to promote it. In his professional activities he is both conscientious and intelligent, and his opinions are held in respect and confidence by those who have come in contact with him.
DANIEL W. IDDINGS.
Daniel W. Iddings, capably serving in the position of law librarian in Dayton, was born April 14, 1879, in this city, and is a representative of one of the old and well known families here. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Iddings, was a resi- dent of Montgomery county while the grandfather, Daniel W. Iddings, was born in this county and within its borders spent his entire life, his activity and ability bringing him into prominence in various relations. He became a leading lawyer of Dayton and was also an influential factor in movements and measures contribut- ing to the progress and prosperity of this city. He did not a little toward molding public thought and action as editor of one of the papers here, and for twenty years he was president of the councils of Dayton and for many years was regis- trar in bankruptcy. Honored with the highest position within the gift of his fellow townsmen, he served so capably during his first term as mayor that he was reelected and for two years administered the affairs of the city in a most businesslike manner, his efforts being resultant factors in promoting municipal welfare.
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