Miami Union

August 18, 1910

AMMON, JOHN WILLIAM - William Ammon, of the firm of Levi Ammon's Sons of Potsdam, and one of the wealthiest and most prominent merchants of this section, died quite suddenly last Thursday afternoon in Dayton at the hardware establishment of Kramer, Hadeler & company where he was accustomed to trade.  He had complained of not feeling well and although refusing to summon a physician had gone upstairs to lie down and was found later dead having passed away without a struggle.  Death was due to heart trouble.  John William Ammon was born at Liberty in Montgomery county May  7, 1848.  At the age of 12 he came with his parents to Potsdam when he was brought up in the mercantile business and at the age of twenty became a partner in the firm and remained the same until death.  The store is one of the largest in the state in a town of that size and has always had an immense trade.  He and his brothers, Edward and Charles, have operated it and another at Gordon.  Their savings went into land and their combined holdings have been estimated to be worth as high as $2,000,000.  Besides the brothers there is a sister, Mrs. P. Ditmer.  April 28, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Mast, who with their son, Harry D., survive the husband and father.  He was president of the Miami Valley Retail Merchants' association from its origin until a year ago.  He was president of the Gem City Acetylene Generator company of Dayton.  While not a member of the church he loved and respected it and was a trustee of the U. B. church of Potsdam.  He was ever a gentleman, a good citizen and a staunch friend.  The regard in which he was held was attested by the outpouring at the funeral which was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 13, at the Potsdam U. B. church.  The number in attendance was estimated at 1,500 there being representatives from nearly every community for twenty miles around.

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