USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II > Part 96
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Charles Jacob Benner has received all his education in the schools of this county and is accounted one of the self-made men of this locality, for he has always been dependent upon his own efforts since the age of nine, when he was de- prived of a father's advice and guidance. To farming he has devoted all of his years, giving particular attention to the raising of tobacco. This latter branch of his work has proved very profitable and to his liking, and he is one of the largest tobacco growers in Montgomery county. On the 29th of November, 1892, in West Carrollton. Mr. Benner was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Meienberg, a daughter of Arnold and Fredericka (Buehner) Meienberg. Her father, a saddler by trade, is still living, but her mother passed away on the 21st of June, 1899. In their family were four children, namely: Clara, the wife of John J.
C. J. BENNER AND FAMILY
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Farrell of Miamisburg; Rosa, the wife of our subject ; Albert, also a resident of Miamisburg; and Minnie, the wife of David Crickbaum, of Covington, Ohio. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Benner: Arnold P., who is at home and assists on the farm; Lawrence J. ; Paul M. ; June R .; Pauline L. ; and Burnett Benjamin, born September 15, 1909. The family are all members of the Lutheran church and by the uprightness of their lives bear witness to the wisdom of its teachings.
Besides his church interests Mr. Benner has fraternal relations with two or- ganizations, for he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. In the work of both societies he is active and is one of those who is ever ready to assist either when it is a case of helping a fellow member or advancing the interests of the lodge. Dependent upon him- self from such an early age, one might be inclined to marvel at the success which has attended his efforts and the powers Mr. Benner has exhibited did they not know his diligence, his capacity for hard work and the good management which has ever distinguished him. These characteristics have not only achieved success for him in his line of work but have also won for him the respect of his fellow citizens.
JAMES C. MARTIN.
Prominent among the enterprising, progressive and successful merchants of Dayton is James C. Martin, who is engaged in the sale of pianos. He has con- ducted business here for a quarter of a century and, representing some of the best manufacturing houses in this line, he has secured a liberal patronage which is also indicative of his close conformity to a high standard of commercial ethics in all business transactions. He was born on a farm in Madison county, Ohio, in 1849 and was there reared amid rural surroundings, his time being divided between the tasks assigned him in the district schools, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the home farm, as he was trained to the labors of the fields under the direction of his father. At the age of eighteen he began teaching school and after- ward entered Holbrook's Normal school, where he spent five months each year for four years. In 1871 he went to Little Rock, Arkansas, and continued reading law which he had begun in 1870. He was admitted to the bar by the examination in Little Rock in 1872, and the same year was there appointed clerk of the criminal court, in which capacity he served until 1874, also acting as chief clerk in the office of the attorney general of the state. The dual service brought him wide and varied experience concerning the practice of law and on the 27th of June, 1874, he returned to Ohio and was admitted to practice before the courts of the state on the 22d of September following. In the fall of the same year he was a candidate for prosecuting attorney of Madison county, Ohio, but was defeated. He then removed to Columbus, Ohio, where he engaged in teaching school and in 1876 became connected with the schools of Liverpool, Ohio.
During that year on the 27th of December, 1876, Mr. Martin was united in marriage in Champaign county, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Athens Pence. He re- mained to finish his term of school in Liverpool and then went to Lafayette, Madi-
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son county, Ohio, where his father had a general store. He taught three months in Lafayette in the summer of 1877, after which he returned to Liverpool, to take charge of the school for an eight-months term. In 1878, again in 1879 and in 1880-I he taught in Liverpool, after which he withdrew from educational circles to become interested in commercial lines. He accepted a position as salesman in a piano house in Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained until 1883, when he came to Dayton and at once opened a store for the sale of pianos and musical instruments. The first day he sold two pianos and has since enjoyed substantial success result- ing from his constantly increasing patronage.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Martin have been born three children, who are yet living : Rodney Webster; Gretchen Elaine, the wife of H. S. McMullen, of Dayton; and Mildred Mary. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and are highly esteemed socially. Mr. Martin gives his political support to the republican party and at different times has been active as an office holder. In April, 1878, he was elected justice of the peace for Deer Creek township in Mad- ison county, where he served for three years. A year later, having removed to Pike township in the same county, he was there elected justice of the peace and again served for three years, during which time he was also township assessor and for two years was road supervisor of the township. He now prefers to concen- trate his energies upon his commercial interests and has become recognized as one of the leading piano merchants of Dayton, building up a business of large and gratifying proportions.
WILLIAM BENTON WEAVER.
William Benton Weaver is an enterprising and progressive young farmer, man- aging his father's interests on the homestead property of sixty-five acres, situated in Miami township on the Germantown road, a mile west of Miamisburg. His birth occurred on this farm, January 28, 1889, and he is the second in order of birth in a family of four children born to Noah and Nattie Weaver. The former was born and reared in Montgomery county and for many years was actively en- gaged in farming, becoming one of the prominent and well known citizens of this section of the state. He is now living retired, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. The other children of the family are: Ella, who is now deceased; N. Ellwood, who was married August 18, 1909, in West Carrollton, to Edna, daughter of Henry Eicher of that place; and Anna, who died March 17, 1909.
William B. Weaver, the eldest son of the family, acquired his education in dis- trict school No. 9 and gained his knowledge of farming under the able direction of his father on the home place. He now manages and operates the home farm, consisting of sixty-five acres in Miami township, and is known as a hard worker and a man of progressive methods. In addition to his farming interests he also raises some stock, which he ships to the city markets, and he likewise handles lum- ber, each branch of his business bringing him a good income.
Mr. Weaver gives his political support to the democratic party and is iden- tified with the Lutheran church, to which the other members of the family also
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belong. His fraternal relations are with Ben Hur Lodge, No. 7, at Dayton. Fond of travel, as a means of higher education, Mr. Weaver in the spring of 1909 made a trip to Mexico and is planning an extensive trip for the near future. He believes in constant progression and puts forth strenuous efforts that today may find him farther advanced than yesterday in a social and financial position. He is pop- ular among the young people of this section, being a worthy representative of the Weaver family who has long been known in agricultural circles.
HORACE GREELEY PFOUTZ.
An excellent farm of eighty acres situated on the township road about three miles west of Trotwood, in Madison township, is the property of Horace Greeley Pfoutz, and he derives therefrom a substantial annual income. His entire life has been given to general agricultural pursuits and everything about his place in- dicates the spirit of enterprise and progress which has actuated him in all of his work. He was born in this county, July 23, 1851, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Wogomar) Pfoutz. The former was a son of Samuel and Rebecca (Rine- hart) Pfoutz. The grandfather of our subject came from Carroll county, Mary- land, and travelling westward by wagon, became one of the first settlers of Mont- gomery county, Ohio. He took up a tract of land from the government and with characteristic energy began the development of a farm which in the course of years was brought under a high state of cultivation. He assisted materially in the early development of his part of the county, particularly in promoting the agricul- tural progress. His son, Samuel Pfoutz, the father of our subject, also made farming his life work and for a number of years resided upon the place which is now the home of his son Horace. He worked diligently and persistently until he had acquired a handsome competence which now enables him to live retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. Unto him and his wife were born five chil- dren : Cynthia ; Horace G. ; Mary ; Laura R., deceased ; and Amy.
Reared in the usual manner of farm lads, Horace Greeley Pfoutz pursued his education in the district schools, mastering all the branches of learning therein taught. Under his father's direction he received ample training in the work of the fields, learning the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. He soon learned to know when it was best to put in crops and how to care for them until they were brought to fruition. As the years have gone by his business affairs have been capably manager and he is now the owner of an excellent tract of land of eighty acres, which he has brought under a high state of improvement. His farm is equipped with all modern conveniences and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also raises some stock. The dwelling, which is just off the road, is a large two-story brick structure, tastefully and comfortably furnished. In the rear are good barns and outbuildings and everything about the place indicates the enterprise of the owner.
On the 2d of January, 1881, Mr. Pfoutz was married to Miss Katie Ullery. a daughter of Stephen and Catherine (Mumma) Ullery. Their children are three in number. Etta E., the eldest, became the wife of Charles Shank, a farmer.
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Guy E. was a student in the Trotwood high school at the time of his death, which occurred when he was twenty years of age. Glenn Greeley is now a student in the high school and makes his home with his father on the farm. The wife and mother passed away in January, 1907, and her remains were laid to rest in Pleasant Hill cemetery. She was a member of the Brethren church and an earnest consistent Christian, whose many good traits won her the love and esteem of those with whom she was brought in contact. Mr. Pfoutz also belongs to the United Brethren church and his children are likewise connected therewith. The family has always been a most highly respected one, the name of Pfoutz standing for good citizenship and progress in all lines of life since the grandfather came to the county in pioneer times.
CHARLES INSCO WILLIAMS.
Charles Insco Williams, one of Dayton's skilled and successful architects, is a native of Cincinnati, his birth having there occurred in 1853. He remained a resident of that city until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he accom- panied his parents on their removal to Dayton. He had previously attended the public schools and in 1870 he was graduated from the Chickering Institute of Cin- cinnati, after which he received technical training in the Troy Polytechnic School of New York. From early youth he had manifested a strongly developed taste in scientific lines and his reading and education had qualified him for responsible un- dertakings of that character. In 1873 he was employed in civil engineering along the line of the Northern Pacific railroad, after which he returned to Dayton and for seven years maintained an artist's studio.
On the expiration of that period he entered the employ of the John Rouzer Company, lumber dealers of Dayton, with whom he continued for two years, when in 1882 he opened an office as an architect and has since continuously fol- lowed the profession in which he has made steady advance, being now recognized as one of the most prominent representatives of this calling not only in Dayton but in the state. His standing in the profession is indicated by the fact that he was the architect of the Stivers Manual Training High School of East Fifth street, the Algonquin Hotel, the Reibold Building, the Sacred Heart church, the Insco apart- ment house, the Bellevue apartment house, the old Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation building on Fourth street, the Trinity Reformed church, on Jefferson street, the Dayton City Club and the Callahan Bank building, all of Dayton, and was also the architect of two school houses in Riverdale, a school building in North Dayton and the Methodist Episcopal church in North Dayton. Many of these structures are ornaments to the city, indicating as well the superiority which Mr. Williams manifests in his profession.
In 1879 Mr. Williams was united in marriage in Dayton to Miss Susan Doro- thy Boyer, a daughter of D. K. Boyer, and they have four sons, Howard Insco, Louis Boyer, Dick K. and Roger. Mr. Williams exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, manifesting intelligent appreciation of its sterling principles and the policy pursued in the management
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of government affairs. He is an exemplary representative of Masonry and holds membership in the Commandery, the Consistory and the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Dayton City Club, to the Christ Episcopal church and his interests thus touch many vital affairs in the life of the city and the individual. An artistic temperament makes him keenly appreciative of the beautiful and moreover his in- fluence is always on the side of right, truth and progress.
CHARLES RENCH.
Charles Rench, a veteran of the Civil war, who throughout his entire business career has been connected with the Third National Bank of Dayton, of which he is now the vice president and cashier, is recognized as a man whose history is the story of orderly progression under the steady hand of one who is a consistent mas- ter of himself and who displays mature judgment, not only of his own capacities but also of the people and circumstances that make up his life's contacts and experiences.
Born in Dayton, in 1844, he is a son of John and Mary (Croft) Rench, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. The interests of his youth were those which usually claim the time and attention of the city bred boy. He was educated in the public schools, mastering the work of consecutive grades until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1861. The fol- lowing year, on the Ist of August, 1862, when he was a youth of but eighteen, he offered his services to the government, constrained by a spirit of patriotism, be- coming a private of Company B, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years, after which he was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, in June, 1865, receiving his honorable discharge a little later at Camp Denison, Ohio. He was orderly sergeant when he left the service and for a time had com- mand of his company. While but a boy in years he displayed valor and loyalty equal to that of many a veteran twice his age. He was in all of the engagements from Chattanooga to Atlanta, also in the battle of Nashville and in others of lesser importance, but never did he falter in the performance of duty, whether on the firing line or the picket line.
When the country no longer needed his military aid, Mr. Rench returned to Dayton and engaged in clerking for a time, but soon entered the Second National Bank and continued with its successor, The Third National Bank, when it was re- organized in 1882. His initial position was a comparatively humble one but grad- ually he has worked his way upward as he has mastered the principles and details of banking until 1890 he was made cashier, while in January, 1909, he was chosen vice president and now occupies the dual position. The bank follows a progres- sive policy which, however, is tempered by a safe conservatism and in its con- tinted success Mr. Rench has been an active factor.
In June, 1866, Mr. Rench married Miss Fannie B. Long, of Dayton, who died in January, 1867, and he was again married in November, 1869, his second union being with Miss Mary F. Gilliland, who departed this life in 1907. In his family are seven children, namely: Glena, who married C. E. Ainsworth, of Dayton, and
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has one child ; Alice, who married Edward Wuichet, also of this city, and has one child; Mary, who is the wife of W. P. Galloway, living on a plantation in Lou- isiana, and they have three children ; Jeannette, at home; Lewis L., who is in the collection department of the Third National Bank; Robert, who is with the Ohio Automobile Company ; and John C., who is attending the high school of Dayton.
Fraternally Mr. Rench is connected with both the subordinate lodge and en- campment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is a past officer in both and for twenty years was the efficient and valued secretary of Wayne Lodge No. 10. He is also a member of Old Guard Post, No. 23, G. A. R. His political endorse- ment is given to the republican party but he is not an active worker in its ranks. However, he served for two years as city treasurer of Dayton, filling the office in 1870 and 1871. While his financial interests make heavy demands upon his time he is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, his influence and support being given to various movements which are essential elements in the city's growth.
JACOB B. GEBHART.
Jacob B. Gebhart, a leading farmer of Miami township, Montgomery county, owns one hundred and twenty-two acres of fine land on the Centerville road about two miles from Miamisburg. He is one of the oldest agriculturists of this county and comes from a family who have for generations been identified with agricultural interests. His father, Peter Gebhart, was also born here and was one of its best known men. He was a farmer all his life, but was also a man of af- fairs, taking an active part in the local matters of government. He was very prom- inent in the councils of the democratic party. He married Miss Margaret Bro- sius, who bore to him nine children : George; Jacob B .; Amos ; Wilson, deceased ; Elmore ; Perry ; Elizabeth ; Sarah and Lucinda.
Jacob B. Gebhart was born in Montgomery county and attended the common schools here. As was natural he soon commenced farming, even before the close of his school period, and when he attained to man's estate he engaged in that line of work for himself. His industry and his knowledge of the principles of soil culture have united to reward his efforts with more than the average amount of success and to give him a comfortable income.
When Mr. Gebhart looked forward to establishing a home of his own he chose as the woman to be his helpmeet Miss Louisa Heinecke, the daughter of Henry and Catherine (Hertel) Heinecke. Her father had come from Germany to this county, where he became one of its well known farmers. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart, of whom six are still living : William Henry, Charles L., Albert T .. Minnie R., Elmer, Anna A., deceased, and Edmund H. Charles L. is the virtual head of the family and upon him devolves the respon- sibility of the farm.
In both church work and local affairs Mr. Gebhart takes an active and efficient interest. He belongs to the Lutheran church, being one of its oldest members, but his participation in the work of the church is not so active as a few years back, though he is still devoted to its welfare and is regular in his attendance at its ser-
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vices. In local affairs, he has on many occasions served the people as judge of the elections and always with discrimination and justness, and in other matters and on other occasions has given evidence of his concern for the welfare of the community in which he lives and of the good judgment that is characteristic of him. Aside from this he is a man who finds his greatest delight and recreation in the bosom of his family ; and although he is a sociable neighbor, he could never be persuaded to join one of the fraternal organizations that aim to promote good feelings and kindly intercourse among the people in whose midst they are located. But after all is said Mr. Gebhart remains a man who is respected and honored for the ster- ling qualities of character he exhibits, for his industry and his integrity.
W. S. ARTZ.
The stock interests of Montgomery county have indeed found a worthy rep- resentative in W. S. Artz, who is well known throughout the entire county as a raiser of and dealer in fine stock. Moreover, he is engaged in general agricultural pursuits, owning and operating an excellent farm in Wayne township, Montgom- ery county. His birth here occurred July 2, 1860, and he is a son of Henry and Susan (Crow) Artz, natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively. The father, born in 1822, near Fredericksburg, in Washington county, Maryland, was but nine years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, the family home being established near Fairfield, and at the age of fifteen years he took up his residence upon the farm which has since continued to be his home. He attended the district schools and in early life engaged in teaching for two or three years. Subsequently he took up the occupation of farming and was thus con- nected until his retirement from active business life. He now makes his home at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, upon the old farm, but he leaves the active management of the place to his son, P. W. His wife, whose birth occurred in 1827, came to Ohio when but two years of age. She was married to Mr. Artz in Miami county in 1847 and was called to her final rest in 1892, her remains being interred in the cemetery at New Carlisle. She was sixty-five years of age at the time of her demise and was a conscientious Christian, holding membership in the Osborn Methodist church, of which Mr. Artz is also a member and in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest.
W. S. Artz, whose name introduces this review, acquired his early education in the common schools and later supplemented this training by a course of study at the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio. Thus well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life, he began his business career as a farmer and has since directed his efforts along agricultural and stock-raising lines. He carries on general farming, owning an excellent farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Wayne township, which is one of the well improved and productive prop- erties of the community. A large portion of his time and attention, however, is devoted to his stock-raising interests, being recognized as one of the most promi- nent and successful stockmen of the county. He makes a specialty of fine horses and sheep, having on hand eighty head of full blooded Hampshire Down sheep,
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while he raises heavy draft horses of the Clyde, French and Belgian varieties, as well as horses for general use. He has exhibited his stock at various fairs and has been awarded several prizes. He also has a good breed of dairy cows and made the first shipment of cattle from Dublin, Indiana, to Germantown over the traction line. He resided in Indiana, near Cambridge City, for about six years, and during that period engaged in farming and stock dealing. He returned to his present farm on the Ist of September, 1906, and prior to his removal to Indiana and while there sold a large number of pure bred hogs. His stock interests have become very extensive and constitute him one of the prosperous and substantial business men of Montgomery county.
On the 22d of January, 1885, Mr. Artz was united in marriage to Miss Min- nie B. Leffel, a daughter of Peter and Jane (Brandburg) Leffel, who was born June 4, 1864. Her father, who followed the occupation of general farming, was born near Donnelsville, in Clark county, and her mother was also a native of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Artz became the parents of nine children. Harry, the eldest, was born January 12, 1886, and March, 1907, married Ulmer Ward, of Indiana. Blanch, born January 14, 1888, is now the wife of Carl Curtis, of Fayette county, Indiana, who is a general farmer and stock-raiser. They have one child, Grace Elizabeth, born in August, 1908. The remaining members of the family all re- side at home and the older ones attend the common schools. They are: Paul, born August 10, 1890 ; Floy, born August 20, 1892; Martha, born January 19, 1895 ; Robert, born February 23, 1897 ; Ralph, born June 2, 1899; Mary, born May 17, 1902 ; and Helen, born January 4, 1905.
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