Person:Ambrose Winters (1)

He pulled Dayton out of the mud, literally, by initiating a drive to clear the mud and pave the streets.

Birth: Sep. 16, 1847
Ohio, USA
Death: 1895
Ohio, USA
Son of John and Sarah Winters. Attorney at Law in 1880 census.
Burial:
Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum
Dayton
Montgomery County
Ohio, USA
Created by: Ronipony
Record added: Oct 25, 2009
Find A Grave Memorial# 43528028

Name: Ambrose A Winters
Birth Date: 16 Sep 1847
Birth Place: Ohio
Age: 30
Passport Issue Date: 29 Apr 1878

U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989
Name: Ambrose A Attorney Winters
Residence Year: 1878
Street Address: Notary 1 ub
Residence Place: Dayton, Ohio
Occupation: At
Publication Title: Dayton, Ohio, City Directory, 1878

Name: Ambroso A. Winters
Age: 32
Birth Year: abt 1848
Birthplace: Ohio
Home in 1880: Dayton, Montgomery, Ohio
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Ohio
Mother's Birthplace: Ohio

Occupation: Attorney At Law
living alone

Name: John P Winters
Age: 28
Birth Year: abt 1822
Birthplace: Ohio
Home in 1850: Tiffin, Defiance, Ohio
Gender: Male
Family Number: 690
Household Members: Name Age
John P Winters 28
Sarah Winters 28
Mary M Winters 8
Currence A Winters 5
Ambrase A Winters 3
Charles E Winters 4 months old
Edward Myers 11
Thomas Winters 71
Susannah Winters 67

Thomas is listed as a clergyman, born in Maryland
Susannah is also listed as born in Maryland

1870 United States Federal Census 1870 United States Federal Census
Name: John Winters
Age in 1870: 50
Birth Year: abt 1820
Birthplace: Ohio
Home in 1870: Springfield, Clark, Ohio
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Springfield
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members: Name Age
John Winters 50
Sarah Winters 50
Mary Winters 25
Carrie W Winters 23
Ambrose Winters 21 student at school
Charles Winters 19
Robert Winters 16
Berriah Winters 14
Littie Gray 16
William Gardner 21
David Groscop 21
Source Citation: Year: 1870; Census Place: Springfield, Clark, Ohio; Roll: M593_1180; Page: 284B; Image: 574; Family History Library Film: 552679.

Name: J P Winters
Age in 1860: 40
Birth Year: abt 1820
Birthplace: Ohio
Home in 1860: Lanier, Preble, Ohio
Gender: Male
Post Office: West Alexandria
Household Members: Name Age
J P Winters 40
Sarah Winters 40
Mary Winters 18
Curence Winters 14
Abrase Winters 11
Charles Winters 9
Robert Winters 7
Beniah Winters 5
Thomas Winters 84
Mary Alexander 74
Source Citation: Year: 1860; Census Place: Lanier, Preble, Ohio; Roll: M653_1026; Page: 140; Image: 283; Family History Library Film: 805026.

page 385) The New Franklin Building Association was established May 9, 1879, on the permanent plan, and was incorporated with a capital of five hundred thousand dollars. Each share was one hundred and fifty dollars. The incorporators were Louis Ritter, Edward Pape, Louis H. Poock, Adam Weber, Daniel Schroer, John Trangenstein, Christ. Kastner, August Hessler, Adam Hilde, and Jacob Renner. The first officers were as follows : President, L. Ritter; vice-president, John Danner; secretary, Louis H. Poock; treasurer, John H. Trangenstein; attorney, C. L. Bauman. Since then the officers have been as follows: President-Louis Ritter, 1880 and 1881; Edward Pape, 1882 to 1889 inclusive. Vice-president-Edward Pape, 1880 and 1881; John Robert, 1882 to 1889 inclusive. Secretary-Louis H. Pooch, 1880 to 1884 inclusive; Albert H. Poock, 1885 to 1888 inclusive; J. E. Sauer, 1889. Treasurer-John H. Trangenstein, 1880 to 1889 inclusive. Attorney-C., L. Bauman, 1880 to 1889 inclusive.

The Mutual Home and Savings Association was organized in 1873, for the purpose of raising money to be loaned among its members for use in buying lots and houses, in building or repairing houses, and for such other purposes as were authorized by law. The capital stock of the association was at frst one million dollars. In 1881 it was increased to two million dollars, and in 1884 it was raised to five million dollars. The last increase was in 1888, when it was made to ten million dollars. From 1873 to 1880, the association had a continual struggle for existence, but in the latter year it began to prosper, and ever since that time, as may be inferred from the rapid and great increase of its capital, it has made rapid strides of progress. The officers at the time of organization were as follows: William H. Dill, president; Josiah E. Boyer, secretary, and James Anderton, treasurer. This organization continued until 1874, when Mr. Boyer resigned the secretaryship, and after a short interval the present secretary, A. A. Winters, was elected to fll the vacancy. A year or two later, Mr. Dill removed from the city and resigned the presidency, and Josiah E. Boyer was elected to the place. In 1880, James C. Reber, the cashier of Winters' National Bank, succeeded Mr. Anderton as treasurer, and the above-named officers are at the present time the officers of the association.

When the association was first organized it was conducted on the plan usually adopted by such associations. Its want of success, however, led the management to look about for new methods. Changes were adopted as they seemed to promise better results, and by 1880 the methods of the association had been completely revolutionized. Originally shares in this association were one hundred dollars each. (page 386) Afterward five hundred dollar shares were added, still later shares of one thousand dollars, and later still shares of two thousand five hundred dollars.

Since 1880, the association has grown very rapidly in the city, as set forth by the following statistics: Net assets January 1, 1880, $35,968.16; January 1, 1881, $77,525.51; January 1, 1882, $134,201.37; January 1, 1883, $207,043.09; January 1, 1884, $415,352.56; January 1, 1885, $567,365.01; January 1, 1886, $714,628.25; January 1, 1887, $901,174.47; January 1, 1888, $1,154,148.06, and on January 1, 1889, $1,512,756.95. The annual receipts in

1880 amounted to $101,865.18, while in 1888 they reached $1,354,530.30. The association now numbers about seven thousand members, and has about fifty-five thousand shares subscribed. This association has loaned the money to build more than fifteen hundred homes in Dayton, in sums ranging from five hundred dollars to twenty-five thousand dollars, and on business buildings in sums reaching as high as fifty thousand dollars.



The effect of the establishment of building associations on the rate of interest charged in Dayton is worthy of attention. In general terms it may be said that interest has been lowered three per cent.- Formerly interest was as high as ten per cent, whereas now it does not average over seven per cent. Building associations are patronized in Dayton to an extent which is phenomenal. This patronage is not alone from workingmen, but is also from business men, and even women and children. The smallest amount received by this association is twenty-five cents per week, upon which interest is paid according to what the association earns. For the last five years it has averaged over seven per cent, and the interest is compounded every six months. The rooms are open like every other business house, every day in the week, Sundays of course excepted, and also on Monday and Saturday nights. The patrons of the association are coming and going all the time, and constantly keep the officers and clerks at work.

One of the difficulties with which this association has to deal, is that of finding use for the money that constantly flows into its treasury. From the nature of its business the association is compelled to receive book deposits at all times, but the issuance of paid-up stock is optional with the association. And when money comes in too freely the issuance of paid-up stock is for the time being discontinued. Paid-up stock is therefore used as a kind of financial regulator. The association also has the right to call in outstanding stock in case of necessity; that is, in case of money coming in too freely by means of the book deposits. If, however, at any time the demand for money becomes greater than the supply on hand, it is only necessary to permit it to be known (page 387) that the association is ready to issue paid-up stock, that being a favorite investment, and then money pours in until the equilibrium is restored. Were it not for this means of regulating .the supply of money at will, large balances of money would accumulate at certain seasons of the year, and lie idle, while at other times members desiring to borrow money or withdraw their deposits, would be subject to embarrassing delays. By the means thus indicated, the association was enabled during the year 1888, to keep the balance down below fifty thousand dollars, with one exception, and the average balance for the year was $19,298.84.

The advantages to those who desire to borrow money are numerous in dealing with a building association. The money may be drawn in installments, as needed, and interest begins only when the money is actually drawn. Loans are made up to two thirds of the value, of the security, including improvements. The weekly payments amount to only thirteen dollars per year on each one hundred dollars of the loan. This is but six dollars more than the interest, and if the borrower does not wish to pay anything on his loan be will scarcely feel this additional small sum, and at the same time he is paying of his indebtedness in such a way as hardly to be aware of it. The loan is thus paid of so gradually that there is no uneasiness on account of a note of considerable size falling due all at once. Each week takes care of itself, and thus the burden is evenly distributed throughout the whole year. A minimum payment of twenty-five cents on each one hundred dollars is required, while at the same time, all payments in excess of the minimum count as payments ahead, and no one is in arrears until all over-payments are used up. Besides these obvious advantages the entire loan may be paid of at any time, and premium and interest are charged only up to the date of canceling the indebtedness. Thus it will be seen that a borrower from a building association is enabled to utilize at any moment any money that may come into his hands. This is an advantage not easily to be overestimated. And it is only possible for such an association to conduct business in this way, because it has a steady stream of money pouring into and out of its treasury.

Central Building Association was organized in 1875, with a capital of one million dollars. John S. March was its president from the date of organization until 1888, since when the president has been Edward Pape. A. Ebel was secretary until 1887, since when that office has been filled by Joseph Schumacher. M. Schneider and Leonhard have been treasurers since the organization, and C. L. Baumann attorney.

Washington Building Company was organized in 1874, with a (page 388) capital of three hundred thousand dollars. Andrew Ritzert was president until 1877, Frank Bucher until 1882, August Wehner until 1887, and since then J. Joseph Stephan. Herman Soehner has been secretary since the organization, Alexander Mack treasurer, and C. L. Baumann attorney. Permanent Building and Savings Association was organized in 1874, with a capital of one million dollars. The officers, since the organization, have been Conrad Diehl and Louis Fry, presidents; Henry Cellarius, secretary; Henry Fry, treasurer; and C. L. Baumann, attorney. Homestead Aid Company was organized in 1881, with a capital of two million dollars. The officers have been as follows: President, G. W. Kneisley until 1884, E. F. Sample until 1886, and T. B. Hanna until the present time; vice-president, D. L. Rike until 1884, T. B. Hanna until 1886, and H. R. Groneweg until the present time; secretary, O. F. Davisson from the organization until the present time; treasurer, Third National Bank from the beginning until 1885, Charles Rench from 1885 until the present time; attorney, James Linden from the beginning until 1884, 0. F. Davisson from then to the present time.

Montgomery Building Company was organized in 1884, with a capital of nine hundred thousand dollars. The officers have been, president, Joseph Wellmeier,1884 to present time; vice-president, John Aman, 1884 to the present time; treasurer, Martin Popp, 1884 to 1886, George H. Jeckering, 1886 to the present time; and attorney, C. L. Baumann, 1884 to the present time.

American Loan and Savings Association was organized in 1885, with a capital of one million dollars. The officers have been, president, W. F. Gloyd; secretary and attorney, Charles A. Waltmire; treasurer, Frank L. Allen, 1885 to 1888; Charles L. Hubbard, 1888 to the present time.

Centennial Loan and Savings Association was organized in 1885, with a capital of one million dollars. its offcers have been, president, Henry Dornbusch; treasurer, John P. Lutz; secretary and attorney, Sumner T. Smith.

Dayton Loan and Deposit Company was organized in 1885, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. The ofcers have been president, W. 0. McCabe; secretary, Theodore Meuche until 1887, and since then A. B. Nugent; treasurer, J. A. Romspert; attorney, A. H. Romspert.

Equitable Loan and Savings Association was organized in 1885, with a capital of five million dollars. The officers have been president, Joseph E. Lowes; treasurer, M. A. Nipgen; secretary, J. "C. Turner until 1886, and since then 11. W. Surface; attorney, C. D. Iddings.

Miami Loan and Trust Company was organized in 1887, with a capital of five hundred thousand dollars. The officers have been (page 389) president, William Huffman; vice-president, Philip E. Gilbert; treasurer, Ziba Crawford; and secretary and attorney, C. J. McKee.

Dayton Building Company was organized in 1888, with a capital of two million dollars. The officers have been president, Edward Meissner; secretary, Henry Kley; treasurer, Frederick Kuebler; and attorney, J. L. H. Frank.

Gem City Building and Loan Association was organized in 1888, with a capital of one million dollars. The officers have been, president E. B. Kelly; secretary and attorney, C. W. Dustin; and treasurer C. D. Kidd, Jr. Mechanics' Loan and Savings Association was organized in 1888, with a capital of two million dollars. The officers have been president, B. N. Davis; vice-president, John Kiser, secretary and attorney, J. A. Wortman; and treasurer, C. J. Moore.

The building associations of Dayton formed a league for mutual benefit on March 6, 1889. All associations doing business in the county are eligible to membership. The league is called the "Building Association League." The officers elected at the time of the formation of the league were: A. A. Winters, president; Louis H. Poock, vice-president; 11. F. Cellarius, secretary, and D. Leonhard, treasurer. The associations represented in this league at the time of its organization are as follows: The American Loan and Savings Association, the Central Building Association, the Dayton Building Company, the Equitable Loan and Savings Association, the Gem City Loan and Savings Association, the Germania Building Association, the Homestead Aid Association, the Mechanics' Loan and Savings Association, the Miami Loan and Trust Company, the Mutual Home and Savings Association, the New Franklin Building Association, the Permanent Building Association, the Washington Building Company, and the West Side Building Association. All the associations in the city except two were represented.

Available in full text at http://www.daytonhistorybooks.com .

Page 551 and 552

The Mutual Home And Savings Association was organized in 1873, for the purpose of raising money to be loaned among its members for use in buying lots and houses, in building and repairing houses, and for such other purposes as were authorized by law.

The capital stock of the association was at first one million dollars. In 1881, it was increased to two million dollars, and in 1884, it was raised to five million dollars. The last increase was in 1888, when it was made to ten million dollars.

From 1873 t0 1880, the association had a continual struggle for existence, but in the latter year it began to prosper, and ever since that time, as may be inferred from the rapid and great increase of its capital, it has made rapid strides of progress.

The officers, at the time of organization, were as follows: President, William H. Dill; Secretary, Josiah E. Boyer; and Treasurer, James Anderton.

This organization continued until 1874, when Mr. Boyer resigned the secretaryship, and after a short interval, A. A. Winters was elected secretary to fill the vacancy. A year or two later, Mr. Dill removed from the city and resigned the presidency, and Josiah E. Boyer was elected to the place. In 1880, James C. Reber, the cashier of Winters National Bank, succeeded Mr. Anderton as treasurer.

No further change was made in the officers until 1893, when A. A. Winters became general manager and William H. Kimmel, secretary. On the death of A. A. Winters in 1895, S. Rufus Jones was made general manager to fill the vacancy. In 1903, Jonathan H. Winters, president of Winters National Bank, succeeded James C. Reber as treasurer. On the death of Josiah E. Boyer in 1905, John E. Viot was elected president.

page 559.
There is no city in the United States where building associations have been so successful and popular as they have been in Dayton and the man above all others who made this condition possible was A.A. Winters He it was who developed and put into practice plans and methods which have revolutionized the business not only in Dayton but also in the whole state of Ohio. Recognizing the debt of gratitude which was due him the associations of the state united in erecting to his memory a granite fountain in Cooper Park at Dayton which was dedicated during the meeting in Dayton of the State Building Association League in 1905.

available on free Google Books

What's become of the memorial to Ambrose Winters that used to be in front of the old public library building downtown? Memorial was in the form of a bronze drinking fountain mounted in a granite monument. - Mrs. L. R.


It's been replaced by a tablet in the new library's garden. Tablet reads: "In recognition of the services rendered by Ambrose A. Winters to the building and loan associations of the state of Ohio." Eight-foot monument was dedicated in 1905 during 17th annual state convention here of the League of Building and Loan associations of which Winters was a founder. Marker was installed after vandals damaged the fountain while it was stored in a park department building. It last stood in front of the library in 1960.
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After sitting in storage for 43 years, the part of the monument which remained was put back in Cooper park in spring of 2013 as part of the Patterson Boulevard Canal Parkway sidewalk and park improvements.