Theodore Groene
It was on the 25th of April, 1911, that Theodore Groene departed this life. For twenty-eight years he had been closely associated with the business activity of Cincinnati, establishing an enterprise which is still conducted under the firm name of Rombach & Groene. His birth occurred in this city September 25, 1860, his father being H. H. Groene, who at an early date had come form Germany to Cincinnati, where he engaged in business. The son was sent as a pupil to St. Xavier College, where he pursued his studies to the age of fifteen years, and then entered the employ of Charles Wolbach, a pioneer photographer and engraver of this city. Subsequently he secured a position with Charles Muhrmann whom he served until 1883 when in connection with Louis Rombach he purchased the business of his employer. They were located at Third and Park streets until 1888, when a removal was made to their present location at Nos. 812-814 West Fourth street. An extensive business is conducted in photography and engraving. The former is entirely outside work and does not include portrait photography. The partners held to high standards in the conduct of the business and because of the excellence of their work were accorded a liberal patronage. The safe and commendable policy instituted by Mr. Groene and his business associate has always been maintained. Many of the illustrations in this volume were made from photographs, which are the property of the firm. About fourteen people are employed and the business is enjoying substantial growth.
In 1885, Mr. Groene was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Weiss, of Cincinnati, and they became parents of five children: Charles H., Clara, Etta, Marie and Arthur. The eldest son was born in 1891 and after attending St. Xavier College, pursued a course of study in Nelson's Business College. He then worked for the Baldwin Piano Company for two years but in 1909 joined his father in business, thoroughly acquainting himself with the work in every department so that upon the death of his father was well qualified to take over the management of the business of which he now has full charge although but a young man of twenty years.
Mr. Groene did not confine his attention alone to one line of business. He was a member of the Cincinnati Furniture Exchange and of the Queen City Furniture Club, and was a director and one of the organizers of the Brighton German Bank. His strongly marked sagacity and unabating industry were salient features in the success, which crowned his labors. He led a diligent, busy life, and faltered not when difficulties or obstacles barred his path, but when one avenue of advancement seemed closed sought out another path whereby he might obtain the result desired. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was well known in the organization as well as in industrial circles. His record proof of the fact that the way of usefulness and success is open to all and that the worth of the individual may triumph over many difficulties. He was indeed the architect of his own fortunes and as such built wisely and well.
From Cincinnati, The Queen City, Volume III by Rev. Charles Fredric Goss, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1912