USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 90
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103
Pleasantly situated in his home relations, Mr. Hollencamp was married May 16, 1876, to Miss Kate Greulich, and unto them were born six children, but Emma and Barbara died in infancy. The others are Charles H., born April 18, 1878; Frank Andrew, born August 7, 1879; Mary Theresa, born March 10, 1882; and Henry Herman, born August 1, 1889. The last named was a student of St. Mary's In- stitute, is a graduate of Steele high school, and is now a student in the Ohio State University. The daughter, Mary T., was married May 16, 1904, to Sergeant D. Williamson, who is receiving teller in The Dayton Savings & Trust Company. They now have one son, Joseph. The parents hold membership in the Catholic church and Mr. Hollencamp belongs also to The Dayton City Club. In social rela- tions he is known as a gentleman of unfailing courtesy and kindly spirit, and in every association of life he is just and straightforward.
942
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Charles Henry Hollencamp was united in marriage May 20, 1903, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Hollenkamp, while Frank A. Hollencamp was married October 27, 1903, to Miss Adele Witchger, a daughter of August Witchger, and they have one son, Francis. Both young men were educateil at St. Mary's Institute, Dayton, are enterprising, active and thorough, and in positions of executive control are manifesting keen discernment in the solution of intricate commercial problems.
RICHARD M. GEBHART.
Richard M. Gebhart, who is at present capably serving as county commis- sioner of Montgomery county, owns and operates a fine farm of eighteen acres on the Dayton and Lebanon pike. His birth occurred on the old family home- stead in Miami township, Montgomery county, on the 22d of September, 1849, his parents being John A. and Mary Anna (Gebhart) Gebhart. The paternal grandparents were Andrew and Elizabeth (Miller) Gebhart, the grandfather coming to this state from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He drove across the mountains and took up his abode on the farm on which the birth of our subject occurred, first clearing the land of the timber. He also engaged in business as a contractor and was awarded a contract for the construction of a certain por- tion of the Erie canal. The work was completed within the allotted time and has proven of a most excellent and durable character, the banks being in good condition at the present day. He was widely recognized as one of the most promi- nent and respected pioneer settlers of the community and lived to attain the venerable age of ninety-two years. His wife was one year his junior.
John A. Gebhart, the father of Richard M. Gebhart, was also born in Miami township on the farm which the grandfather had cleared on coming to this coun- ty. In early manhood he drove a stage coach from Dayton to Cincinnati but subsequently returned to the home farm and through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests gained a gratifying measure of prosperity and became a landowner. His success was due entirely to his own well directed labor and industry and throughout this county, in which his entire life was passed, he was well known as a most substantial and public-spirited citizen. He was twice married and by his first wife had seven children, namely: John A .; Richard M., of this review ; Frank E .; Augustus A., who is deceased; Arthur A .; Clarence ; and George G., who has also passed away. Subsequent to the death of his first wife John A. Gebhart was again married, his second union being with Anna Skiles, by whom he had one child, Lillie May.
Richard M. Gebhart was brought to Van Buren township when but four years of age and here obtained his education, the school being about three miles distant from his home. He supplemented his early mental training by a course at St. Mary's Institute and subsequently went to Lebanon, where he completed his education. After the death of his mother the care of the younger children devolved upon him and he continued to look after their interests until the time of his father's second marriage. He is now the owner of a valuable and well improved tract of land of eighteen acres in Van Buren township and has been
943
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
very successful in his farming and stock-raising interests, having long been numbered among the progressive and enterprising citizens and business men of the community. In 1904 he erected his present residence-a modern and at- tractive dwelling containing eight rooms-and also has a new barn which is con- sidered one of the best in the county.
On the 21st of December, 1869, Mr. Gebhart was united in marriage to Miss Catharine G. Lamme, a daughter of James and Susan (Otey) Lamme. The father, a native of Miami township, was one of the county's most prominent and prosperous agriculturists. His parents were Robert and Catharine (Ridgley) Lamme, the former, who came from Maryland, being the first representative of the name in this county.
In his political views Mr. Gebhart is a stalwart democrat and is an active worker in the local ranks of the party. He served as pike commissioner of Miami township for three terms and also acted in that position in Van Buren township for a similar period. For three terms he was a member of the fair board and is now assessor, which position he has held for four or five years. That his services in this office have proven entirely satisfactory to all concerned is indicated by the fact that at the last election he was chosen by a handsome ma- jority. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias at Dayton. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart have an extensive circle of friends throughout the county in which they have always resided and are worthy representatives of two of the prominent and honored pioneer families whose labors contributed to the early development and upbuilding of this section of the state.
WILLIAM PIERCE RICE.
William Pierce Rice, well known as a coal operator of Dayton, was born in this county, August 17, 1863. His youthful days were spent in the usual manner of farm lads, for he was reared upon the old homestead to the age of twenty-three years, his time being busily employed during the summer months in the work of the fields while in the winter seasons he attended the country schools to the age of twenty years. He afterward devoted his entire time to farming for three years and then, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial and remunerative, he turned his attention to commercial interests, entering the coal office of S. J. Pat- terson. A year later, in 1888, Mr. Patterson sent him to Jackson county, Ohio, to take charge of his mines. It was a difficult experience for during the two and a half years in which he remained there several very serious strikes occurred. The fact that Mr. Patterson sent Mr. Rice to the mines so soon after he had entered Mr. Patterson's employ speaks volumes concerning the confidence which the latter had in him and his ability. During a strike which occurred Mr. Rice was in daily peril several times and only his courage saved him but he was ever loyal to the trust reposed in him, faithful in looking after the interests of his em- ployer and at the same time doing everything possible to quell the laborers' dis- turbances.
944
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
After two and a half years spent in control of the mines in Jackson county Mr. Rice traveled for Mr. Patterson for a year and a half and then embarked in business for himself in 1893, forming a partnership with C. K. Davis, of Detroit. They engaged in the operation of mines near Wellston, Ohio, and from the begin- ning their efforts were successful. Mr. Rice is now well known as a coal operator and his business has reached large proportions bringing him a very substantial financial return.
On the 8th of November, 1883, near Dayton, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Rice and Miss Martha Patterson, a daughter of W. J. Patterson. They have become the parents of three sons: James, Corwin and Harry Dwight. Mr. Rice belongs to Gem City Council, No. 3, U. C. T., and affiliates with the Reformed church. He is,a democrat in politics but is not an active partisan. Throughout his active connection with the business world his time has been given in almost undivided manner to the duties that have devolved upon him in connection with his business affairs and his forcefulness and enterprise in this connection have brought him a creditable and gratifying measure of success.
MARTIN L. MOWRER.
Martin L. Mowrer, of Dayton, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1835, and there resided until 1854, during which period he learned the miller's and millwright's trade. He was a young man of nineteen years when he came to Dayton, making the journey partly by rail and partly by canal. He reached his destination in May 1854, and at once sought and obtained employment in a grist mill just on the edge of Dayton. He was so engaged in 1865 when he abandoned milling and went upon the road, taking orders for milling machinery. In that line of activity he continued until 1879. In the meantime he had secured patents on corn milling machinery, on which he yet receives royalties. To the development of the business in connection therewith he turned his attention, selling the ma- chines and building the mills to hold them. The business was conducted by the firm of Nordyke & Marmion, with which Mr. Mowrer was associated until 1885. In that year he began putting up mills under contracts which he personally took and placing them in operation. In this he continued until 1890 and since that time he has been interested in and connected with the America Hominy Company of Indianapolis, Indiana, which is capitalized for five million dollars. In 1887 Mr. Mowrer patented the Quick Malt Flake, manufactured by the American Hominy Company, from which he received royalties for seventeen years. Though he has now covered three-fourths of a century on the journey of life he is yet a keen and active business man and that his physical powers remain unimpaired to a notable degree are indicated in the fact that between the Ist of January, 1909, and the 15th of August following he has traveled over eighteen thousand miles in the United States.
In 1857 Mr. Mowrer was married in Dayton to Miss Isabelle Jane Anderson, a daughter of James and Louisa (Opdyke) Anderson. Unto this marriage were born three daughters: Mary L., now the widow of Sylvester Troup ; Emma E.,
945
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
the wife of Charles A. Silsby, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; and Jennie E., the wife of Frank Blum. The wife and mother died in February, 1907, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends as well as by her immediate family.
Mr. Mowrer has been active in affairs relating to public progress and at all times is a stalwart advocate of movements for the general good. He twice served by appointment as tax commissioner of Dayton and in politics he is a stalwart re- publican, having supported the party since voting for John C. Fremont in 1856. Mr. Mowrer is well known in Masonic circles, being a Knight Templar and Scot- tish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. Indeed he is one of the best known representatives of the craft in this city and is a life member of all Masonic bodies in Dayton. He was made a Noble of the Mystic Shrine at Mecca Temple in New York city in 1880, the first temple established in the United States. He affiliates with the Episcopal church and loyal to its teachings his life is at all times conformed to a high standard of ethics.
HARRY D. WOLFENSPARGER.
The steps in the orderly progress of Harry D. Wolfensparger are easily dis- cernable and they led him from a humble position in commercial circles to honor and prominence. His is another illustration of the fact that without special ad- vantages at the outset of one's career honorable success may be obtained through unfaltering industry and careful management. One of Ohio's native sons, Mr. Wolfensparger was born in Osborne, Greene county, July 27, 1870, a son of David H. and Martha Wolfensparger. His father was a native of Waynesboro, Pennsyl- vania, born in 1826. Throughout his business career he followed merchandising and for a long period was thus connected with business interests in Ohio. His last years were passed in Dayton where his death occurred in 1902. He was married in Osborne, Ohio, to Miss Martha, a daughter of Richard and Maggie Burrows, and by this marriage were born two sons, the younger, George Delmont, now a resi- dent of Reno, Nevada.
The elder son, Harry D. Wolfensparger, spent the first ten years of his life in the place of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Win- chester, Virginia, where they lived for four years, the subject of this review pur- suing his education in the public schools during that period. In 1884 the family returned to Osborne where he again pursued his studies. On reaching the age of sixteen years, however, he put aside his text-books and for a year worked in his father's confectionary store, after which he engaged in clerking in the City Hotel in Osborne. He became a resident of Dayton in 1888 and here accepted a position in a retail grocery house and gained comprehensive knowledge of the trade and of commercial methods during the thirteen years which he devoted to clerk- ing in the service of various employers. Through this period he was actuated by a laudable desire to engage in business on his own account and when he felt that his experience and careful expenditure justified this step he purchased a grocery and bakery at the corner of Burkhardt and Curtis avenue and has built up a large trade there, having a thoroughly modern establishment, complete in all of its equip-
946
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
ment and in the large line of staple and fancy groceries which is carried. Reason- able prices, honorable methods and an earnest desire to please his patrons have been the salient features in his success, making him one of the prosperous mer- chants of his section of the city.
On the 15th of October, 1902, Mr. Wolfensparger was married in Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Daisy H. Eckman, a daughter of Daniel and Maria (Haverstick) Eckman. They now have one son, Clarence Edward. Their home is attractive by reason of its warm-hearted hospitality and is a favorite resort of their many friends.
Aside from his business connections Mr. Wolfensparger has figured promi- nently in municipal affairs and in fraternal circles. He gives stalwart support to the democracy and in 1898 was elected a member of the board of education from the third ward. In 1900 he was reelected to the office and served for two terms or four years, proving himself a stalwart champion of progressive education. In. November, 1907, he was elected a member of the city council from the tenth ward and reelected November 2, 1909, in which connection he exercises his official pre- rogative for the support of practical measures of reform and improvement. He belongs to both the subordinate lodge and the uniform rank of the Knights of Py- thias, is a member of Elks Lodge, No. 58, and is a prominent Mason, holding mem- bership with Mystic Lodge, No. 405, F. & A. M .; Unity Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M .; Reese Council, No. 9, R. & S. M .; Reed Commandery No. 6, K. T., and Antioch Temple of Mystic Shrine. While there have been no unusual or exciting chapters in his life record, his course has been marked by steady progress which indicates fit utilization of the innate talents which are his. Diligence and perseverance have been the salient characteristics in his career and he has reached a prominent and enviable position in the mercantile circles of Dayton.
COLONEL JAMES DELANEY PLATT.
For many years Colonel J. D. Platt has been a prominent factor in the busi- ness life of Dayton and has helped to build up some of its most important indus- tries. A native of New York, he was born at Schroon Lake, October 19, 1838, and traces his ancestry back to Sir Hugh Platt, of England. The first of the family who came to the new world was Richard Platt, who came from Huntingdon or Norfolk, England, and landed at New Haven in 1638. From him our subject traces his ancestry through John, John II, Ebenezer and Abial to Jabez Hall Platt, who was the grandfather of the Colonel. Jabez Hall Platt was born July 30, 1772, and married Rachael Beebe, who was born in 1771 and died November 23, 1843. About 1810 he removed from his old home in Lanesboro, Massachusetts, to Schroon, New York, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying on the 18th of September, 1852. In his family were ten children, of whom Daniel Platt, the fa- ther of our subject, was the second in order of birth. He was born in Lanesboro, Massachusetts, March 29, 1798, and accompanied his parents on their removal to Schroon, New York. He was first married on the 13th of November, 1820. to Miss Phebe Potter, who died March 22, 1824, and on the 5th of September of
1
COL. J. D. PLATT
949
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
that year he married Caroline Wyman, who was born March 22, 1806, and passed away on the 6th of October, 1859. For his third wife he wedded Elizabeth Wy- man, their marriage being celebrated on Christmas Day, 1861. She departed this life December 3, 1889, and he died at his home in Schroon, August 5, 1882. He was the father of fifteen children, namely : Edward Francis, a Baptist minis- ter, who first married Martha A. Moore and after her death married Agnes E. Barney ; Harvey Page, who died in childhood; Phebe, the first child by the second union, who also died in childhood; Harvey P., a lawyer, who married Mary Os- wald; Lucy Augusta, the wife of S. Frank Crockett, of Moorhead, Minnesota ; Nahum Wyman and Alfred G., both of whom died in childhood; Edwin S., a law- yer, who married Lida S. Suydan and died in Denver, Colorado; Salome E., who died in infancy ; James Delaney, of this review ; William Wyman, who died in in- fancy ; Daniel Starr, who married Annie E. Fuller; Caroline E., the wife of Philip P. Farnham, a Baptist minister of Kensington, Michigan ; William H., who died at the age of eighteen years; and Mary Cornelia, the wife of Douglas H. Lamb. Three of the sons were soldiers of the Civil war. Our subject's mother, who bore the maiden name of Caroline Wyman, belonged to an old Vermont family but she was reared and married at Schroon Lake, New York.
Colonel James D. Platt began his education in the public schools of Schroon Lake and later continued his studies at Fairfax, Vermont, and Fort Edward, New York. After laying aside his text-books he worked on his father's farm during the summer months and engaged in teaching school for five winters. In the spring of 1860 he removed to Toledo, Ohio, and was there located when the Civil war broke out. Learning that his country needed his services, he volunteered and remained at the front until hostilities ceased, being honorably discharged and mustered out in September, 1865. He participated in all the engagements under General Sherman from Chattanooga to the Atlantic coast, taking part in the fa- mous march to the sea and through the Carolinas, at which time he was serving as lieutenant-colonel. He was a member of the Tenth Ohio Cavalry which was in command of General Kilpatrick.
On leaving the service Colonel Platt returned to Ohio, and as soon as E. E. Barney, of Dayton, learned that he had located in this state, he sent for him to come to Dayton and to enter into business with him. His three brothers, however, wished him to remain in Toledo with them, but being pleased with Mr. Barney's offer he decided to come to Dayton for a six months' stay until he should decide where he wished to make his future home. Pleased with the prospects here, how- ever, he has since resided in this city and has been prominently identified with the business interests here. He was given an interest in the Barney-Smith Car Works from the very start and has held almost every office in the company, being raised from secretary to vice-president and treasurer, and later president, which position he retained until he resigned in November, 1908. He also became identified with other important enterprises, buying out the Stillwell Bierce Manufacturing Com- pany, which he reorganized and reincorporated under the name of the Platt Iron Works. He was the sole owner of that business until November, 1908, when he sold out and his son, who is interested in the enterprise, is now vice-president of the company. In connection with E. J. Barney he started the Dayton Manufac- turing Company, manufacturing car trimmings, and for many years took a very
950
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
active part in business affairs, but is now practically living retired in the enjoy- ment of a well earned rest.
On the IIth of December, 1866, Colonel Platt was united in marriage to Miss Mary Louise Barney, of Dayton, who was born February 1, 1841, and they became the parents of six children, four of whom are still living, namely : Bertha, now the wife of E. M. Thacker, of Dayton; Edwin F., mentioned above, who married Alice Stoddard, a daughter of John Stoddard; Pauline, the wife of Fred- erick W. Ohie, who lives in Virginia ; and James D., Jr., who married Anne Evans and makes his home in Dayton.
The Colonel's summer home is on the old farm where he was born at Schroon Lake, New York. He is very fond of outdoor sports and many of his leisure hours have been devoted to hunting, golf, etc. He usually supports the republican party, being in sympathy with its principles, but votes for the men whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices regardless of party ties. Socially he is a member of the Dayton Club and also of the Whist Club of New York. His active connection with business affairs made him widely known in this city and throughout much of the United States, and today Dayton has no more honored or highly respected citizen than Colonel James D. Platt.
FRANK M. COPENHEFER.
Frank M. Copenhefer, whose farm of two hundred and five acres in Wayne township, is a well improved place on which he lives, about nine miles north of the center of Dayton, on the Valley pike. He was born in Lancaster county, Penn- sylvania,-the birthplace of the Copenhefers for three generations,-May 29, 1870, and is the son of John H. and Susan ( Musser) Copenhefer. His great-grand- father John Copenhefer, was the first member of the family to come to this coun- try and was but a young boy when he left his native Switzerland to start life afresh in the United States. His son Henry, and his grandson John H., the father of the subject of this sketch, were both born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where the latter grew up, was educated, and began his life's work. He was a prominent farmer, owning a large tract of land, with many other interests besides those of agriculture. When opportunity afforded he sold his Pennsylvania farm, and removed to this county, where he purchased another tract of considerable size, and on this passed the remaining years of his life. He was the father of five chil- dren : Harry, of Clark county ; Joe, of Dayton ; Frank M .; Elizabeth, who lives at home ; and Jennie, now deceased, who was the wife of Cyrus Niffly and the mother, two sons and two daughters : Susan, Anna, Frank and John.
Frank M. Copenhefer was but six years of age when he came to this county. He was reared at home and received the larger part of his education in the schools of Clark county. Work on the farm consumed much of the time that was not given over to the preparation of lessons, so that by the time that he had reached man's estate he was fully equipped to cope with problems of the soil. In farming of a general kind he has been very successful and of late years he has also engaged in stock raising to some extent, and has bought and sold many heads of cattle.
951
DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY
He has many interests besides his farm and stock, being a public-spirited citizen and a man who appreciates to the full the pleasures to be obtained through close association with his fellows. For the space of ten years he has served the people diligently as clerk of the township, and they have had no reason to complain of the way he has discharged his duties but trust that he will not soon be persuaded to resign them. Seven fraternal organizations claim him among their members, to all of which he gives devoted allegiance, and in whose welfare he is much inter- ested. He is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Encampment, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the Woodmen of the World, all of Osborn. He also belongs to the Pythian Sisters and the Daughters of Rebekah, of which his wife is a member. Of the Garfield Club he is a prominent member as well.
In the year 1892, Mr. Copenhefer was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Beyl, the daughter of Sol and Mary Beyl. Her father came here from Pennsyl- vania and is a farmer prominent in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Copenhefer three children have been born, two daughters and a son: Hettie, John and May, all of whom are in school. The family are all stanch members of the Methodist church of Osborn and, following Mr. Copenhefer's lead, are active in all its work. He is one of those men who is generously endowed with traits of character that endear him to his fellows and make for sound friendships. He is also possessed of those firmer traits that make for success in the struggle for life.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.