Col. Anton Beck
Col. Anton Beck came to Dayton in 1876, and located on what was then "the Commons." In 1882 he built the commodious house shown here, and started the business which he still continues. Beck's Hall is the meeting place of many associations, clubs, etc. The Colonel has reared a family of six boys and three girls. Colonel Beck has served three terms in council, and, whether in or out of office, has been a prominent figure in local affairs. His military title is genuine, having been conferred by an appointment on the staff of Gov. John Y. Brown. He wears the honor modestly, but looks every inch a colonel. He has been president of the Citizen's Building and Loan Association for five years, and in president of the German Workingmen's Association, the oldest of its kind in all this section
The GAR (a short history of the organization is at this site) held it's annual encampment in Dayton in September,1898. All of the Dayton images and texts dated 1898 are from the souvenir booklet prepared for the occasion.