1300 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY slovakia. From December, 1921 to July, 1923, he was medical supervisor in Russia with the American Relief Administration. In 1923 he returned to the University of Vienna where he completed his post-graduate course in November of that year. He then went to Kobe, Japan, where he was engaged in the general practice of medicine during the years 1924-25-26. In 1926 he returned to Columbus where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Doctor Godfrey is a member of the American Medical Association, Ohio State Medical Association, Columbus Academy of Medicine and the General Practitioners Association of Columbus. He is visiting physician to Mt. Carmel and Grant Hospitals. His work is limited to diagnosis and consultation. Also member of Morton Lodge, No. 63, F. & A. M. at Hempstead, New York, and the A. R. A. Association, New York, N. Y. David S. Benbow.—Outstanding among the representative business men and substantial citizens of Columbus is David S. Benbow, who is president and treasurer of the Sowers-Benbow Lumber Company, located at 483-549 Neilston Street. He was born in Columbus, May 5, 1883, the son of Stephen S. and Elizabeth (James) Benbow. Stephen S. Benbow is a native of Wales, and has been a resident of Columbus since 1879. He entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in 1880 and remained with the company continuously until his recent retirement. He is now seventy-eight years of age. His wife, also born in Wales, died in 1928 at the age of eighty-one years and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Benbow three sons survive: James D., who is chief engineer for the Western Wheel Scraper Company, Aurora, Illinois ; David S., the subject of this sketch ; and Richard T., a draftsman in the employ of the Western Wheel Scraper Company, Aurora, Illinois. David S. Benbow obtained his education in the public schools of Columbus and throughout his entire business career has been identified with the interests of the lumber company, of which he is now president and treasurer. He began as a stenographer with the company in June, 1900, and advanced steadily to his present responsible HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1301 position. A complete sketch of the history of the Sowers-Benbow Lumber Company appears elsewhere in this history. Elizabeth H. Sowers is now vice president of the company. On July 12, 1906, Mr. Benbow married Miss Lucy E. Richart, who was a teacher before her marriage. She is the daughter of Laura E. Richart, of Brice, Ohio. Three daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Benbow : Elizabeth, a graduate of Ohio State University, class of March, 1930, is now assistant dietician at the Peoples Hospital, Akron ; Ellen Mary is a student of fine arts at Ohio State University ; and Julia Alice, attends Upper Arlington school. Another child died in infancy. Mr. Benbow is an active member of the First Community Church, and belongs to Columbus Lodge No. 30 Free & Accepted Masons, Scioto Consistory and Aladdin Shrine, Community Chapter R. A. M. and is a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, No. 37, Columbus. He is a charter member of the Kiwanis Club, and takes a prominent part in the affairs of the Builders and Traders Exchange, Columbus Lumbermens Exchange, and Columbus Employers Association, and Columbus Home Builders Association. He is president of the Village Commission and mayor of the village of Upper Arlington for 1930 and 1931. Mr. Benbow and his family live at 2095 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington. The Sowers-Benbow Lumber Company.—Fair prices, sound lumber and efficient service naturally draw the patronage of those interested in building lines. The Sowers-Benbow Lumber Company, with office, mill and yards at 483-549 Neilston Street, by virtue of its well stocked lumber yard and efficient organization, has a background of many years of successful operation. Primarily the business was organized in 1899 by Messrs. W. A. Smith, John K. Sowers, George D. Cross, and Daniel H. Sowers. Originally located at 451 West Broad Street, it was moved to the present location in 1906. During B. A. Leach's association the business was operated as the Sowers-Leach Lumber Company. In 1912 John K. Sowers died and in 1922 the name was changed to the Sowers-Benbow Lumber Company, of which David 1302 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY S. Benbow is now president and treasurer. Mr. Benbow practically grew up in the business, advancing from a stenographer to the head of the organization. The company is engaged in both wholesale and retail lumber. Mr. Benbow has been ever active in his efforts with the principal lumber interests of Columbus, in advancing their mutual welfare. The company is a member of the Home Modernizing Bureau, likewise allied with the Builders Exchange, and Columbus Home Builders Association, and Mr. Benbow for some eight years has been a director in the H. H. Giesy Bros. Co., in which they are stockholders. The Sowers-Benbow Lumber Company, distributor since 1914 for the fine Century Oak Flooring, manufactured by the M. B. Farrington Company of Cincinnati, has also added the Cromar fine factory finished flooring, further carrying a wide line of nationally known special building materials. A modern, electrified mill working plant produces fine mill and cabinet work to order. The establishment occupies some two acres, with private trackage on the Norfolk & Western Railway, and gives employment to twenty skilled workmen. A fleet of six trucks extend expedient delivery service throughout Franklin County. Close co-ordination with architects and builders of substantial homes is a feature appreciated by patrons. Many prominent residence builders have been steady customers these many years. Close attention to the finer details of the business and maintaining a reliable lumber supply are factors responsible for the fine record made by the company. George Harrison Bonnell, M. D., has been for more than ten years established in the successful practice of his profession at Worthington, with offices at 696 High Street. He was born at Winchester, Guernsey County, Ohio, September 24, 1881, the son of Thomas Corwin and Margaret (Hursey) Bonnell. Thomas Corwin Bonnell was born at Winchester, Ohio, in 1841. Throughout his life he engaged in general farming and stock raising and was the owner of a well improved farm near Winchester. He died in May, 1928. Margaret (Hursey) Bonnell was born at New- HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1303 ton, Ohio, in February, 1847. She lives at Worthington. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bonnell : Clarence, farmer, married Myrtle Buck, lives at Burton, Ohio ; Thomas Austin, who died in April, 1927, while serving as Probate Judge of Guernsey County ; George Harrison, the subject of this sketch ; and Arlington, married Eula Nicholson. He is a funeral director at Cambridge, Ohio. After his graduation from Winchester High School in 1901, George Harrison Bonnell entered Muskingum College, from which he was graduated. He then entered the medical department of Ohio State University, from which he received a degree in 1906. He served as interne at St. Francis Hospital, Columbus, and engaged in the general practice of his profession at Jersey, Ohio, from 1907 until January, 1919. He has since been located at Worthington. Doctor Bonnell married Miss Monita Harrison, of Jersey, Ohio, the daughter of Frank E. and Elizabeth (Merrill) Harrison, natives of Licking County, Ohio, now residents of 51 West Franklin Avenue, Columbus. Doctor and Mrs. Bonnell are the parents of three children: George Harrison Jr., born September 22, 1912 ; Betty Jean, born October 7, 1919 ; and Margaret Hursey, born November 27, 1921. Doctor Bonnell is a Republican, a member of the Universalist Church of Columbus, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Brookside Golf Club. Raymond C. Snouffer is one of the representative young business men of Worthington, where he has the agency for the DeSoto and Chevrolet automobiles. He was born at Worthington, May 13, 1905, the son of Stanley W. and Verna (Harding) Snouffer. Stanley W. Snouffer was born at Linworth, Ohio. In early life he was a farmer and also followed the carpenter's trade. He sold his farm near Worthington in 1919 and has since engaged in the building business at Columbus. His wife was born at Worthington and died in 1917. She is buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Worthington. To Mr. and Mrs. Snouffer were born four sons : Elmer, who is engaged in the furniture business at Worthington ; Stephen M., and Leslie R., who are engaged in the automobile business at Worthington ; and Raymond C., the subject of this sketch. 1304 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Raymond C. Snouffer obtained his education in the public schools of Worthington and was graduated from high school in 1925. He spent almost two years in the employ of the Columbus Oil Company as an attendant in their Worthington station, and then went with the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, Columbus, as a mechanic, for three years. Since 1927 Mr. Snouffer, in partnership with his brothers, Stephen M. and Leslie R., has engaged in the automobile business at Worthington as agent for the DeSoto and Chevrolet automobiles. They are also exclusive dealers at Worthington for Firestone tires and tubes and have an up to date service station and repair shop. On August 17, 1928, Mr. Snouffer married Miss Mary B. Boyd, of Worthington. Mr. Snouffer is a Republican, a member of the Worthington Methodist Episcopal Church and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Michael B. Cain is a well known citizen of Columbus, where he has been prominent in labor circles for many years. He was born in Wayne County, Indiana, September 23, 1875, a son of Michael and Rachel E. (Morrow) Cain. The Cain family were early pioneers of Wayne County. Michael B. Cain lived on a farm there until he was seventeen years of age and received a common school education. When he left home he entered a glass factory, learned the trade of glass blower in which he became an expert. He came to Columbus in 1907 and entered the service of the Winslow Glass Company. In December, 1916, he went to Glasgow, Scotland, to introduce the American system for the North British Bottle Company. He was abroad when the United States entered the World War, and at once offered his services to the American Consul at Glasgow. On his return to Columbus in February, 1918, he was assigned to work as special investigator under Fred C. Croxton, state food administrator. In 1919 Mr. Cain was elected president of the Columbus Federation of Labor. He has been identified with the labor movement for a great many years. He resigned as president of the Federation in HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1305 November, 1921, to associate himself with the Central Securities Company. Subsequently he promoted the Arra Mortgage Bond and Abstract Company, and the Columbus Securities and Realty Company, and was president of the latter. In February, 1924, he resigned as president of the Columbus Securities and Realty Company to again take an active part in the labor movement. He was again elected president and business representative of the Columbus Federation of Labor and continued in that capacity until February, 1930. On March 3, 1924, he was appointed by the County Auditor, Mr. Thatcher, as one of a committee of seven deputies for the reappraisal of Franklin County property. In the summer of 1923 Mr. Cain became a candidate for the Columbus City Council, indorsed by the Federation of Labor and the Home Rule Association and at the primaries in August he was one of the eight to receive the nomination. In the election following in spite of the fact that he received 22,000 votes he was defeated. Since 1928 he has been devoting his time to a "Modern Scientific Industrial Development" in Franklin County, and it has been submitted to some of the greatest students of labor and high officials in the industrial world and has been acclaimed a great piece of work. On December 6, 1898, Mr. Cain married Mrs. Laura R. Wallace of Liberty, Indiana, and they have one adopted son, Michael B. Cain, Jr., now a student of West High School in the class of 1931. Mrs. Cain had two children by her first marriage, George E. and Edna M. Wallace. Mrs. Cain died in April, 1930, and is buried in St. Joseph Cemetery, Columbus. George Julius Richard.—As chief clerk to the Attorney General of Ohio, George Julius Richard ranks among the leading young attorneys of Columbus and Franklin County. He was born at Newcomers-town, Ohio, December 13, 1902, the son of Julius Roman and Anna (Hosfelt) Richard. Julius Roman Richard was born at Strasburg, Baden, Germany, July 7, 1872, the son of an innkeeper. He learned the miller's trade in Germany and came to the United States in 1892, where he subsequently learned the trades of moulder and coremaker. At various in- 1306 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY tervals Mr. Richard lived in Cleveland, New Philadelphia, Ohio, Wheeling, West Virginia, Lorain, Elyria and Newcomerstown, Ohio. He has followed foundry work almost continuously since coming to this country. Anna (Hosfelt) Richard was born at Newcomerstown, Ohio, October 22, 1873, the daughter of Peter Hosfelt, a leading citizen of that place. He was a cabinet maker and merchant, and also conducted a furniture and undertaking establishment. Mr. and Mrs. Richard live at 474 South Carlysle Street, Newcomerstown, Ohio. They have only one son, George Julius, the subject of this sketch. George Julius Richard attended the public schools of Newcomerstown, Ohio. He then came to Columbus, where he entered Bliss Business College. He began his business career as a stenographer in the Citizens Military Training Corps Office at Ft. Hayes, United States War Department. After a year he resigned to accept a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, with whom he remained for almost six years. He then became associated with the Ohio Fuel Gas Company, and resigned from that company in January, 1929, to accept his present appointment as chief clerk to the Attorney General of Ohio. Mr. Richard attended the Columbus College of Law, from where he received the degree of L. L. B. and L. L. M. Mr. Richard was married to Elsie Helen Brunst, August 25, 1930, in New York City, she being the only daughter of Louis Brunst and Mrs. F. D. Wilson of Columbus, Ohio. William H. Thompson.—One of the representative business men and substantial citizens of Columbus is William H. Thompson, who is secretary and treasurer of the Ohio Gas & Oil Men's Association, with offices at 33 North High Street. He was born at Welcome, Ohio, July 27, 1869, the son of Charles C. and Jane (Shrimplin) Thompson. Charles C. Thompson, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Amity, Knox County, Ohio, in 1840, and died in 1911. Mr. Thompson studied law and became a prominent attorney. His wife was born in Holmes County and died in 1919 at the age of seventy-nine years. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were born three children: William H., the subject of this sketch; Kate, married HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1307 Charles Ammerman, of East Cleveland, Ohio, both deceased ; and Darwin G., deceased. The boyhood of William H. Thompson was spent at Killbuck, Ohio, where his parents had removed when he was a small child. He was educated in the district schools and studied law at Ohio State University, being admitted to the bar in 1894. He then practiced his profession at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, until 1911, when he went to Cleveland, Ohio, as a lawyer. After a period of eight years in that city, Mr. Thompson came to Columbus as secretary and treasurer of the Ohio Gas & Oil Men's Association. He has since been a resident of the city and lives at 2482 Sherwood Road, Bexley. On December 30, 1891, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Miss Florence Schwan, of Tiffin, Ohio. They have no children. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Bexley Methodist Church, and is a member of the official board. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the Columbus Athletic Club, Columbus Country Club and Chamber of Commerce. He has been identified with the Supreme Body of the National Union Assurance Society for a period of thirty-four years, and held the office of president for a number of years. He is now a member of the Board of Trustees. Harry S. Mesloh, who is successfully engaged in the insurance business in Columbus, with offices at 180 North High Street, is a native of Ohio. He was born at New Bremen, in May, 1883, the son of J. H. and Wilhelmina Boesel Mesloh. J. H. Mesloh was born at New Bremen, Ohio, in 1843. He was interested in the insurance business for a number of years and was secretary of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Association. He was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature in 1874 serving two terms, and throughout his life took an active part in politics. He died in 1919 and his wife died during the same year. Harry S. Mesloh was reared and educated at New Bremen. He spent some time at Springfield, Ohio, and also lived at Rochester, New York. In 1911 he came to Columbus as a dairy food inspector for the state of Ohio and was later appointed chief dairy inspector 1308 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY in which capacity he served for a period of eight years. In 1923 he became interested in the general insurance business as a local representative of the United Firemen's Insurance Company, Harmonia Fire Insurance Company, Phoenix Indemnity Company, Detroit Fidelity & Surety Company, and Atlas Casualty Company. He also represents several other important companies. In 1916 Mr. Mesloh was united in marriage with Miss Lula B. Werner, of Delphos, Ohio. They have a daughter Lula Mina, born in November, 1917. Mrs. Mesloh takes an active part in church work and is also interested in the Parent-Teacher movement in Columbus. She is a member of the Eastern Star. Mr. Mesloh is affiliated with the University Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, York Chapter, York Council, Columbus Commandery and Scioto Consistory. Worthington Franklin Griswold.—A most picturesque, forceful and public-spirited figure was the late Worthington Franklin Griswold, who was a member of the oldest and an honored family of Worthington. He was a descendant of Edward Griswold, who with his brother Matthew came from Kenilworth County, England, to Connecticut in 1639 in company with the Rev. Mr. Huit's party. The pioneer Ezra Griswold was born at Simsbury, Connecticut, December 6, 1767, and died at Worthington, Ohio, October 22, 1822. He was the son of Elisha and Eunice Viets Griswold. He spent his early life in Simsbury. He was married November 8, 1789, to Ruth Roberts, who died May 31, 1847. She was a daughter of Lemuel Roberts. Ezra Griswold was the father of the following children : Ruth, born August 23, 1790, married Noah Andrews, died October 28, 1856 ; Ezra, born May 25, 1792 ; George, born April 17, died April 22, 1794 ; George Harlow, born May 21, 1795, died March 9, 1876 ; Melissa, born May 18, 1789, married Caleb Howard, died June 3, 1836 ; Edwin Jarvis, born July 15, 1801, died January 19, 1821; Emily, born January 28, 1803, died June 21, 1820 ; Hiram Robert, born May 15, 1805 ; Sylvia, born August 6, 1808, married Deloss Warren and she HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1309 died May 23, 1825 ; Harriet, born November 15, 1810, married Erastus Burr. Ezra Griswold was a brother of Bishop Alexander Viets Griswold and a friend of James Kilborne and joined in the latter's plans for emigration to Ohio. He subscribed for 500 acres of land in the Scioto Company's agreement of September 15, 1802, and at the age of thirty-six he, with his family, left Connecticut through unbroken forests over almost impassable roads to the wilderness called Ohio. The Griswold family used ox teams for the journey while the rest of the company used horses. Such was the condition of the roads that the oxen naturally completed the journey sooner by several days. The Griswold family, therefore, was the first family to settle in Worthington. They left Simsbury September 15, 1803, and reached Worthington October 26, 1803. Ezra Griswold was very active in the affairs of the settlement. He served as clerk of the first parish meeting which was held April 3, 1804, and was also elected reading clerk. He was second in the list of incorporators in 1804 and at a meeting in 1805 was elected second trustee and held that office for many years. He opened the first tavern in 1803 and built the first frame house there in 1805. He is also said to have been the town's first merchant. In 1808 he was elected justice of the peace and held that office during most of the remainder of his life. Upon the organization of New England Lodge No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons, he became the first secretary. Mr. Griswold was admirably qualified for public service but was of a retiring disposition and never sought public office. The present Griswold home in Worthington was built by Ezra Griswold in about the year 1811. He also built the brick house across the street from the homestead, just a little north of it. The trees which surround the old house were planted in 1861. George Harlow Griswold, son of Ezra Griswold, was born in Simsbury, Connecticut, May 21, 1795, and died in Worthington March 9, 1876. He came to Worthington with his father in 1803 at the age of eight years. He was the first mayor of the town in 1837 and was the recorder when Worthington was incorporated in 1836. For many years he served as postmaster and held various other local public 1310 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY offices. For more than fifty years he was one of the most influential men of the town. At the formation of the Whig party he became an ardent supporter of its principles. Later he joined the supporters of President Tyler and became a stanch Democrat. Like his father and his son, he was much interested in the cause of education and was one of the founders and promoters of the Worthington Academy, of which institution he was the treasurer for many years. With his father he, during a scarcity of currency, issued his individual currency to a large amount, all of which he afterwards fully redeemed. He held successive military positions in the militia up to brigadier general. On May 21, 1820, he married Mila Thompson, daughter of Judge William Thompson, of Worthington. They were the parents of eight children, as follows : Emily, born May 20, 1821. Married April 16, 1840, to B. F. Johnson, and died January 16, 1848. Caroline, born December 22, 1822, married February 8, 1844, to Cicero Comstock. Harriet, born May 7, 1825, married February 20, 1856, to William Lawrence. Martha born December 9, 1828, married January 19, 1855, to James W. Comstock. Worthington Franklin, born February 2, 1831, died August 5, 1833. Mary, born November 14, 1833, married June 12, 1855, to Henry W. Comstock. Lemora, born February 1, 1837, married May 21, 1857, to John Malcolm Gilbert. And Worthington Franklin, born February 14, 1842. Worthington Franklin Griswold was born in Worthington, where he received his early education. He was a civil engineer by profession and throughout his life took a prominent part in public affairs. He was particularly interested in education and did much to raise the standard of the local schools. He was of a modest, retiring disposition and never sought election to public office, though he held many and various such local offices during his life. In 1863 he married Fondelia Ruth, daughter of Rev. Peter Stout and Sarah Cannon Ruth. Mr. Griswold died on October 11, 1912. His wife died July 7, 1930. Both are buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery. To Worthington Franklin and Fondelia (Ruth) Griswold were born fourteen children, as follows : Franklin William, deceased ; Mary Comstock, married Col. Sherrard Coleman, lives at Washington, District of Columbia ; George Harlow, married (1) Mary Hopkins, (2) HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1311 Amy Schwarts, lives in Chicago ; Harriet, married Edward Miles McCullough, lives in Columbus ; Caroline Hulburd, married William H. Fletcher, lives in Cleveland, Ohio ; Lawrence William, married Georgia Johnson, lives at Atlanta, Georgia; Mila, married Harlan P. Knapp, lives in Delaware ; Ruth, lives in Worthington ; Howard Lee, married Cora Roberts, lives in Columbus ; Edwin Viets, married Olive Snyder, lives in Chicago ; Herbert Worthington, married Jeannette Phillips, lives in Worthington ; Edith, married Victor Paul Ligda, lives in Oakland, California; Emily, deceased ; a son died in infancy. Mr. Griswold was a Republican. He was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a member of the Franklin County Pioneer Association. He was a communicant of the Episcopal Church. Forrest R. Detrick.—As vice president of The Worthington Savings Bank and vice president of the Suburban Savings & Loan Company, Forrest R. Detrick is numbered among the representative business men of Worthington. He was born at Bellefontaine, Ohio, March 7, 1895, the son of Andrew P. and Cynthia Ann (Wellman) Detrick. Andrew P. Detrick has spent his entire life at Bellefontaine, where he is widely known as a contractor. For a number of years he was identified with the International Harvester Company as a salesman. His wife is deceased and is buried at Bellefontaine. To Mr. and Mrs. Detrick were born the following children: Herbert W., physician, lives at Hammond, Indiana ; Ethel L. Corzine, lives at Cleveland Heights, Ohio ; and Forrest R., the subject of this sketch. Forrest R. Detrick was reared and educated at Bellefontaine and attended Ohio Wesleyan University. He graduated at Ohio State University. He studied law and began the practice of his profession in Worthington in 1920. He has specialized in corporation work and at the present time is also serving as attorney for the Suburban Savings & Loan Company, of which he was an organizer. On June 12, 1920, Mr. Detrick married Miss Margaret May Smith of Bellefontaine, Ohio, the daughter of William E. and Helen (May) Smith. Mr. Smith died May 9, 1928, and his widow lives at Belle- 1312 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY fontaine. To Mr. and Mrs. Detrick have been born two children: Forrest William, and Cynthia Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Detrick are members of the Presbyterian Church and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, University Club of Columbus, Odevene Country Club, Delaware, Phi Gamma Delta, and Phi Delta Phi fraternities. He is also a member of the Franklin County Bar Association. Mr. Detrick is a veteran of the World War, having enlisted for service March 11, 1918. He spent eleven months in actual service in France and was discharged May 10, 1919, with the rank of sergeant. Mr. Detrick has always taken an active part in the civic life of Worthington and it was mainly through his efforts that the public library became a reality. Bernard C. Lang.—One of the active and progressive young business men of Columbus is Bernard C. Lang, who is general manager of the J. E. McNally Lumber Company. He was born in this city, June 11, 1899, the son of Charles J. and Elizabeth (Trogus) Lang. Charles J. Lang is a leading building contractor of Columbus, where he has engaged in business for almost half a century. He was born here in 1870. Some of the outstanding contracts completed by Mr. Lang are : Holy Name Catholic Church ; St. Francis Nurses Home ; and St. Mary's School. Mr. and Mrs. Lang have the following children : Bernard C., the subject of this sketch ; Alphonse H., and Joseph M., both associated in business with their father in Columbus. Bernard C. Lang attended the parochial schools of Columbus and is a graduate of Aquinas College and the University of Dayton, having received a B. A. degree from the latter institution in 1918. He began his business career as a clerk with the J. E. McNally Lumber Company, of Columbus. Later, he became bookkeeper, secretary and treasurer, and in 1927 accepted the office of general manager of the business, in which capacity he now serves. The business is located at 2008 Leonard Avenue. HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1313 On May 15, 1922, Mr. Lang was united in marriage with Miss Anna Welsch, daughter of August and Anna Welsch, of Newark, Ohio. To them have been born three children : Bernard C., Jr., born June 20, 1923 ; James J., born February 4, 1926 ; and Mary Ann, born July 20, 1929. Mr. Lang is a member of St. Joseph's Cathedral, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, third degree, and Lumbermen's Club, and Chamber of Commerce. He makes his home at 107 Brunson Avenue, Columbus. He is fond of hunting and fishing. He plays golf and is a football enthusiast. Walter O. Pontius, M. D., who for twelve years has been medical examiner for the Norfolk & Western Railway, with offices at Williamson, West Virginia, is a highly esteemed resident of Columbus. He was born at Tarlton, Ohio, the son of Charles A. and Virginia (Swaney) Pontius. Charles A. Pontius, a retired farmer, was born at Tarlton, December 27, 1849, and has spent his entire life in that section. His wife, who died January 11, 1908, was the daughter of Rev. William H. and Rebecca Swaney. Both deceased. William H. Swaney was a minister of the German Lutheran Church. There were five children in the Pontius family : Walter 0., the subject of this sketch ; Leslie L., of Circleville, Ohio ; Charles W., Columbus ; Edna B., wife of William Arnold, of Newark, Ohio ; and Bernice E., wife of Frank Swaney, of Prospect, Ohio. Walter O. Pontius spent his boyhood on his fathers' farm and attended the district school. After his graduation from Tarlton High School in 1892 he came to Columbus, where he was employed for twelve years in a drug store. In 1905, upon the advice of his employer, he took up the study of medicine and entered Eclectic Medical College, Atlanta, Georgia, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1909. He engaged in practice at Cecil, Georgia, for one year, and was then located at Atlanta until 1916, when he spent a year in post graduate work at Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College. In 1917 Doctor Pontius was appointed assistant medical examiner of the Pennsylvania Railroad with offices in Colum- 1314 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY bus. The following year he accepted his present responsible position as medical examiner of the Norfolk & Western Railway. He has maintained his residence in Columbus and lives at 452 East Rich Street. On December 31, 1908, Doctor Pontius married Miss Lucy M. Hull, the daughter of Willard J. and Elizabeth A. (Kilts) Hull, of Buffalo, New York. Mr. Hull was for many years a publisher of the "Light of Truth," a religious periodical, which was later transferred to Chicago. Mr. Hull died May 30, 1930, at Norwich, Connecticut. Doctor and Mrs. Pontius have no children. Politically Doctor Pontius is a Democrat. He is a member of Magnolia Lodge No. 20, Free and Accepted Masons, and Temple Chapter No. 155, R. A. M. Throughout his life Doctor Pontius has been interested in the collection of Indian relics, of which he has a most extensive assemblage. Leonard Insley is recognized as one of the substantial business men of Worthington, where he is owner and publisher of "The Worthington News." He was born near McComb, Hancock County, Ohio, August 12, 1882, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth Ann (Smith) Insley. Isaac Insley, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, and spent his early life on a farm. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted as a member of Company D, 123rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in nineteen important battles of the war, including Winchester, Lynchburg, Petersboro, and Appotomax Court House. He served with the rank of corporal. At the close of the war Mr. Insley returned to McComb, Ohio, where he was interested for several years in the lumber business. He later became a successful farmer of Portage Township, Hancock County, and was the owner of 138 acres of well improved land. Mr. Insley died April 27, 1905. His wife was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, and died June 13, 1923. Both are buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hancock County. Their children were : Jay W., superintendent of Hancock County Schools, lives at Findlay, Ohio ; Albert M., retired farmer, lives at Findlay; Cora B., married HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1315 Delos Brown, lives at McComb ; Rosetta May, deceased, was the wife of Bert Wells, of Findlay ; Leonard, the subject of this sketch ; George R., farmer, lives at North Baltimore, Ohio ; Viola, who died at the age of five years ; and Lester Ray, lives at Findlay. Leonard Insley received his education in the public schools of McComb and was graduated from high school in 1900. He attended a normal school and later Bliss Business College at Columbus, and in 1906, became associated with the Marion Steam Shovel Company. While in the latter's employ he studied mechanical engineering at the Marion Y. M. C. A. and was soon transferred to the company's engineering department. He remained with that firm until 1915, three years of which were spent as assistant foreman in the engineering department. Mr. Insley conducted a night school course in mechanical engineering at Marion, but in 1915 returned to McComb, where he purchased the Leader fruit farm, which he successfully operated for almost two years. In the latter part of 1917 he became associated as a mechanical engineer with the Willys-Overland Company, of Toledo, Ohio, with whom he remained until October, 1922. He has since been a resident of Worthington. For a time Mr. Insley was employed in the engineering department of the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company. On April 9, 1925, Mr. Insley founded the Worthington "News," a weekly publication, which has enjoyed a phenomenal growth. Its circulation has increased from 500 to 1500 subscribers. Beginning as a small tabloid paper it has been enlarged three times and is now an eight page, six column newspaper. Originally it was printed in Columbus, but now owns and operates its own printing plant in Worthington. In July, 1928, Mr. Insley compiled and published the first city directory of Worthington. He proved that the village, which had been listed by the government census of 1920, had a population of 1,563 for 1928 as compared with 705 for 1920. Mr. Insley thus convinced post office officials that Worthington was entitled to free mail delivery service, since all towns of 1,500 and upward enjoy that privilege. On March 14, 1906, Mr. Insley married Miss Modesta M. Trapp, of LaRue, Ohio, daughter of Gustave and Modesta (Commons) Trapp, natives of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in about 1316 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 1871. Mr. Trapp died in 1890. To Mr. and Mrs. Insley were born three children : Paul Leonard, born June 27, 1907 ; Warren Eugene, born October 21, 1912 ; and Betty Ruth, born January 8, 1915. Politically Mr. Insley is a Republican. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club, a member and president of the Worthington Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Ohio Newspaper Association, a member and vice president of the Buckeye Press Association. He is also active in other civic projects and activities in Worthington. Don M. Casto, who is successfully engaged in the real estate business in Columbus, is a veteran of the World War, and one of the prominent young business men of the community. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, February 14, 1898, the son of Frank and Grace (McCormick) Casto. Frank Casto was a native of Blanchester, Ohio. His wife was born at Millersburg. At the age of sixteen years Mr. Casto went west and engaged in government work for about five years. Upon his return to Chicago he became associated with the McCormick Harvester Company, and later went to Quincy, Illinois, as a company representative. He was transferred to Columbus in 1912 as general manager of the eastern division of the International Harvester Company, and served in that capacity until the time of his death in 1915. His wife died in 1902. Both are buried at Akron, Ohio. Their children were: Thelma, married Floyd Southard, lives at East Orange, New Jersey ; and Don M., the subject of this sketch. Jonathan Casto, father of Frank Casto, was killed at the battle of Vicksburg during the Civil War and it was in his honor that the Blanchester, Ohio, post of the Grand Army of the Republic was named. Don M. Casto left Cleveland with his parents when he was five years old. He was educated in the public schools of Quincy, Illinois, and came to Columbus in 1912. After his graduation from North High School in 1917 he enlisted for service in the World War and was sent to Camp Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he remained until Au- HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1317 gust 22nd. He was then sent to France and his company was identified with the Thirty-fifth French Division. Mr. Casto saw active service in the front lines throughout the war period and was severely gassed and wounded at St. Quentin. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with two citations for bravery in action, the first one in the spring of 1918 in the Noyon defensive and the second in September, 1918, at St. Quentin offensive in the Somme. At the close of the war he was in service in Belgium. He later served with the Army of Occupation in Germany, and upon his return to the United States was discharged in April, 1919. After his return to Columbus, Mr. Casto attended Ohio State University, after which he became interested in real estate, being associated with the King Thompson Company until 1921. He then became a member of the firm of Campbell & Casto and in 1923 established his own business, with offices at 36 West Gay Street. Mr. Casto is considered one of the leading realtors of Columbus, operating under the firm name of Don M. Casto, and is president of the C. & L. Real Estate Company, Inc., and president of the C. & 0. Construction Company. On February 24, 1921, Mr. Casto married Miss Ruth Strait, of Columbus, the daughter of Milton and Amelia (Ramlow) Strait, natives of Ohio. Mr. Strait died in 1926 and his widow now lives in Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Casto have two children : Don M., Jr., born January 21, 1922 ; and Nancy Ann, born January 21, 1925. Politically, Mr. Casto is a Republican. He is a member of the Indianola Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Republican Club, Scioto Country Club, Columbus Athletic Club, and University Club. Mr. Casto is an extensive traveler. It was his privilege to be one of the few passengers aboard the dirigible "Graf Zeppelin," on the first commercial flight from the New World to the Old, starting from Lakehurst, New Jersey, to Germany in October, 1928. Of the ship's passengers, Mr. Casto was the only one to claim residence west of the Alleghenies. Both Mr. and Mrs. Casto enjoy air travel and have done much of it, especially in European countries. 1318 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Raymond L. Southwick is numbered among the representative young business men of Columbus, where he conducts an up-to-date and well equipped funeral home. He is also a veteran of the World War, having seen active service in France throughout the entire war period. Mr. Southwick was born in Columbus, November 23, 1894, the son of Frank Wilson and Anna (Bryant) Southwick. Frank Wilson Southwick was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1854. He was a resident of Columbus for almost half a century and became widely known as a manufacturer of carriages, being associated for thirty years with the Warren & Southwick Carriage Company. The plant was located on Cleveland Avenue. Mr. Southwick died in 1919 and is buried in Union Cemetery, Columbus. His wife was born in Yorkshire, England, and was eight years old when she came to the United States with her parents and settled at Chillicothe, Ohio. She is now living at 86 Woodruff Avenue, Columbus. To Mr. and Mrs. Southwick the following children were born : Grace, married Roy D. Prushing ; Gertrude, married C. R. Davis ; Gladys, married G. L. Jackson ; Clifford W. ; and Raymond L., the subject of this sketch. All are residents of Columbus. Raymond L. Southwick grew up in Columbus and is a graduate of North High School. He was graduated from the Columbus College of Embalming in 1923, and was associated with the undertaking firm of P. E. Rutherford for some time. Later, he was identified with Myers & Owens Company and the R. E. Jones Company. From 1927 until 1929 he was in partnership with John William Lake, mortician, their place of business being located at 2561 Cleveland Avenue. Since 1929 Mr. Southwick has conducted his own funeral home at 3119 North High Street. During the World War Mr. Southwick served in France as a member of the 11th Machine Gun Battalion, 4th Division. He also served in France with the Army of Occupation. On April 21, 1921, Mr. Southwick was united in marriage with Miss Marian Weber, of Columbus, the daughter of Clarence H. and Ruversa (Wilder) Weber. Mr. Weber is prominent in local politics and now holds the office of county recorder of Franklin County. He has been identified with the Ralston Steel Manufacturing Company as auditor and also held that office with the Crystal Ice Company. HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1319 Mrs. Southwick is a graduate of North High School and attended Ohio State University. Mr. and Mrs. Southwick have a son, Robert, born May 14, 1922. Politically, Mr. Southwick is a Republican. He is a member of Indianola Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to Magnolia Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, Maccabees, and American Legion, and the R. L. King Chapter No. 340 Order of the Eastern Star. William G. Poole is a representative young business man of Canal Winchester, where he is identified with The Beck Company, hardware dealers. He was born at Chillicothe, Ohio, September 17, 1896, the son of J. E. and Minnie B. (Whetstone) Poole. J. E. Poole is a well known building contractor of Chillicothe, Ohio, where he has engaged in business for thirty-five years. He was born in Ohio and his wife is a native of Marietta, Ohio. Their children are : Gladys L. Botkin, lives in Columbus ; Irene E. Hess, lives at Shelby, Ohio ; Edna M. French, lives at Columbus ; Lillian F. Heintzelman, lives at Columbus ; and William G., the subject of this sketch. William G. Poole attended the public and high schools of Chillicothe, Ohio, and also was a student at Ohio University. His first employment was as a railway dispatch clerk with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and after two years he went as an ambulance driver for the General Hospital, at Nitro Nitro, West Virginia, General Ordnance Department. Mr. Poole began his business career with the Beeber-Fickes Coal Company, at New Philadelphia, Ohio, and subsequently came to Canal Winchester with The Beck Company. Since January 1, 1927, he has been a member of the firm. On April 6, 1927, Mr. Poole married Miss Mary Genevieve Wolfe, a native of Kentucky, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Canal Winchester. Mr. Poole is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Masonic Lodge, Phi Delta Theta and Phi Sigma Chi fraternities. 1320 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Lieut. Col. John Edwards.—As Ohio state secretary of the United Spanish American War Veterans Association, and state secretary of the Thirty-seventh Division Association, Lieut. Col. Edwards is among the most colorful military figures in Ohio. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, July 18, 1879, the son of James Edward and Eliza (Mourish) Edwards. James Edwards was born in Cornwall, England, as was his wife. They came to this country in 1875 and located at Cleveland, Ohio, where Mr. Edwards spent the remainder of his life. He was employed in the mills. Mr. Edwards died in 1918 and his wife died in 1883. Both are buried in Cleveland. They were the parents of the following children : Minnie, married M. H. Clarkson, lives at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; John, the subject of this sketch ; and Anna, married Hugh Graham, deceased, and she lives in Cleveland. John Edwards received his education in the public schools of Cleveland. He enlisted in Cleveland, February 17, 1899, in Battery G, Sixth United States Artillery, and served on the Islands of Panay, Cebu and Luzon. He was discharged from the service February 16, 1902, at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming, and again enlisted in the First Ohio Engineers at Cleveland, Ohio, on November 30, 1913. He was promoted to sergeant on December 1, 1913. He was discharged June 22, 1916, to accept a commission as second lieutenant in the First Ohio Engineers, and served in that capacity on the Mexican border from September, 1916, until March, 1917. He was promoted to first lieutenant of the Engineers on August 6, 1917, and on December 21, 1917, he was commissioned as captain of the One Hundred and Twelfth United States Engineers, where he served as captain and supply officer of the 112th Engineers at Montgomery, Alabama, and Camp Lee, Virginia. He sailed for overseas on June 21, 1918, and arrived in France on July 5, 1918. He returned to the United States on April 1, 1919, and was discharged at Camp Sherman, Ohio, on September 3, 1919. Mr. Edwards was appointed captain in the Quartermaster Corps, Ohio National Guard, September 15, 1919. On May 25, 1922, he was appointed as a major in the Ordnance Department of the Ohio National Guard, and on April 27, 1925, he was appointed a major in HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1321 the Ordnance Reserve. He was recently appointed lieutenant colonel, state staff and corps department. Lieut. Col. Edwards is a member of Garretson Camp No. 4, United Spanish War Veterans and was assistant adjutant general during 1924 and 1930. He served as assistant department adjutant in 192122-23-25, and as department adjutant in 1926-27-28-29 and 30. On December 31, 1917, Lieut. Col. Edwards married Miss Edna Mabel Langham, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have a son, Jack, born January 8, 1919. Mr. Edwards is a member of Emmanuel Lodge No. 605, F. & A. M., Scioto Consistory, thirty-second degree, and Achbar Grotto. He holds membership in the Episcopal Church. The family residence is located at 603 Binns Bolevard, Columbus. Lieut. Col. Edwards has been a resident of Columbus since 1916. Grover C. Raver.—Outstanding among the successful attorneys of Franklin County is Grover C. Raver, who is identified with the firm of Clark, Evans & Raver, 8 East Broad Street, Columbus. Mr. Raver also has offices at Canal Winchester, where he was born July 25, 1884. He is the son of Noah and Elizabeth (Brixner) Raver. Noah Raver was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. He was a farmer and an early settler of Fairfield County, Ohio, his father having entered land here from the government in 1812. This well known farm remained in the Raver family until the death of Noah Raver, September 1, 1916. He is buried in Jobs Cemetery, Fairfield County. The original Raver home was a three room cabin, built of timber found on the land. The Brixner family came from Germany and were early settlers of Franklin County. Alonzo Brixner removed to Washington when a young man and took up a homestead there, and remained in that section for a period of forty-three years. He now lives in Michigan and is eighty-three years of age. Another son, Charles, lives in Columbus. Elizabeth (Brixner) Raver lives at Canal Winchester. To Mr. and Mrs. Noah Raver were born the following children : Francis M., lives in Columbus ; Mary A. England, lives at Pickerington, Ohio ; Clement, lives at Canal Winchester ; 1322 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Samuel, lives at Pickerington, Ohio ; Harley A., lives at Canal Winchester ; Grover C., the subject of this sketch ; and Drusilla M. Kemmerling, lives at Canal Winchester. Grover C. Raver attended the public schools of Canal Winchester, and is a graduate of Carroll High School. He then entered Ohio University and later studied law at Chicago University. Before taking up the study of law Mr. Raver taught in the district schools of Fairfield County for four years. He began his professional career at Canal Winchester with the firm of Lane & Raver. Since June, 1927, he has also had offices in Columbus as a member of the firm of Clark, Evans & Raver. Mr. Raver and his family continue to live at Canal Winchester. On September 3, 1913, Mr. Raver was united in marriage with Miss Blanche E. Tussing, of Basil, Ohio, the daughter of Henry W. and Mary C. (Reilhorn) Tussing. They have a daughter, Dorothy Maxine, who is a student. Mr. Raver has held the office of mayor of Canal Winchester and has been a member of the local school board for sixteen years. He and his family hold membership in the United Brethren Church, and he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Grange. He is a Republican and a member of the Buckeye Republican Club. Rev. James Heffley, deceased, was an influential and highly esteemed citizen of Canal Winchester, where he served as pastor of the David Reformed Church for half a century. He was born at Berlin, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, the son of John and Eliza (Keifer) Heffley. James Heffley spent his boyhood in Pennsylvania, and received his early schooling at Berlin, Pennsylvania. About 1856 he entered Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the highest honors. He was ordained as a minister of the Reformed Church and in 1860 accepted a call as pastor of the David Reformed Church at Canal Winchester. He was identified with this church for a period of fifty years. HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY - 1323 In June, 1862, Reverend Heffley was united in marriage with Miss Ada V. Bregstresser, of Canal Winchester, the daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Baker) Bregstresser, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Franklin County. To them were born three children : Harry W., who died in infancy; Bertha Blanch, unmarried, is a teacher in the Columbus schools ; and Minnie Mae, who died in 1907. Mrs James Heffley died in November, 1922, and is buried with Reverend Heffley in Union Grove Cemetery. Reverend Heffley was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge, and at one time belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. S. E. Heller, who is successfully engaged in the general insurance business at Canal Winchester, is a highly esteemed and well known resident of Franklin County. He was born near Carroll, Bloom Township, Fairfield County, Ohio, February 17, 1866, the son of William and Minerva (Kesler) Heller. William Heller, deceased, was a representative farmer and stockman of Bloom Township, Fairfield County, for many years. He was born there and spent his entire life in that section. Mr. Heller died in 1914 and his wife died in 1907. Both are buried in the Lithopolis Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Heller were born the following children: Clara Moore, deceased ; H. E., farmer, lives at Carroll, Ohio ; S. E., the subject of this sketch ; Nancy Chambers, lives near Canal Winchester ; Luther, lives at Columbus ; Margaret Cannon, lives at Canal Winchester ; C. W., lives at Columbus ; Ida Spangler, lives at Columbus; Myrtle Reed, lives in Pickaway County, Ohio; V. O., teacher, lives at Cincinnati, Ohio ; and Mary, who died at the age of sixteen years. The early education of S. E. Heller was received in the schools of Bloom Township. He is a graduate of Carroll High School, class of 1888, and spent the following ten years as a teacher at Fairfield College, Pleasantville, Ohio, and Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio. In 1898 he came to Canal Winchester and was identified with the public school system here for fifteen years. He served as principal of Canal Winchester grade schools from 1907 until 1912, and at that 1324 - HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY time resigned from the teaching profession to enter the insurance business. At the present time Mr. Heller is agent for various old line insurance companies. On June 6, 1893, Mr. Heller was united in marriage with Miss Mary Alspaugh, of Bloom Township, Fairfield County, the daughter of J. E. and Hannah (Benson) Alspaugh, both deceased. Mr. Alspaugh died in September, 1929, and his wife died in August, 1923. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heller : Lewis C., who is state agent for the Providence Washington Insurance Company, with offices in Columbus ; and Edna Mae, a graduate of Ohio State University, class of 1929. Mr. Heller has held the office of village treasurer for six years. He and his family are members of the United Brethren Church, and he belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His son is also affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Thirty-second degree. John D. Corwin, who is popular in Canal Winchester as the proprietor of the restaurant and confectionery business, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Groveport, January 15, 1884, the son of Marion and Mary V. (Dildine) Corwin. Marion Corwin was born at Zanesfield, Ohio. For a number of years he lived at Groveport but later came to Canal Winchester, where he engaged in the grocery business for eighteen years. He died in 1920 and is buried in Unionville Cemetery. His widow lives at Canal Winchester. To Mr. and Mrs. Corwin were born two children: John D., the subject of this sketch ; and Mary M. Van Atta, lives at Kansas City, Missouri. John D. Corwin received his education in the public schools of Groveport and is a graduate of Canal Winchester High School, class of 1904. He began his business career as bookkeeper for the Roseville (Ohio) Brick Company and was later identified with F. D. Dildine, hardware dealer, Canal Winchester. He spent eight years as a clerk in the Franklin County court house and since 1920 has been interested in the restaurant and confectionery business at Canal Winchester.