(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 551 after examination was assigned to the Invalid Corps, but was rejected. He then underwent a medical examination and was finally discharged after 13 months of most trying experiences. Mr. Kelly then returned to his home in Washington township, whither his wife had moved in the meantime, and where she owned a farm of 40 acres, which is now the residence property of Mr. Kelly and his family. He was ill for a long time after returning from the war, but upon his recovery engaged in farming. He bought 40 acres of land in Liberty township in 1865, which he later sold and bought 80 acres in section 12, Washington township ; he has also 20 acres in section 24. He has cleared the greater part of this land and has left about 30 acres of timber. Mr. Kelly was married in 1861 to Cynthia Kannard, a daughter of George Kannard, and they have had seven children, namely : John, who was educated at the Western Ohio Normal Scho0l, at Middlepoint, later taught school three years and is now interested in a stone quarry at Middlepoint—he has a family of five children; George Albert, who is married and resides on his 40-acre farm in Recovery township ; Rusha, who married Robert McQueen and lives on her father's farm in section 12, Washington township; Viola, who married Michael Konrath and at her death left one child, which lived only a week; William; Etta, who married Jacob Clouse, lives in Kansas and has three children; and Estella, who lives at home. Mr. Kelly is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and belongs to Washington Grange, P. of H. JOSEPH S. SPRINGER JOSEPH S. SPRINGER, owner and proprietor of tile works and a sawmill in Center township, is one of the most active and progressive business men of the county. Starting with nothing but a will to work, he has prospered in everything he has undertaken and to-day stands among the township's most substantial citizens. Joseph S. Springer was born in Center township, September 11, 1856, and is a son. of Abraham and Mary Ann (Zartman) Springer. Abraham Springer was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 14, 1824, and died in December, 1900. He was a on of Jacob Springer, who came from R0ckingham County, Virginia, with his father, George Springer. Abraham Springer lived in Fairfield County until after his marriage. He was 18 years old at the time of his marriage to Rebecca Mohler; they moved to Mercer County in the spring of 1852 and his wife died shortly after they located in Center township, leaving five children, as f0ll0ws: Mrs. Cassie Bupp, deceased ; David, who lives in Center township; Abraham, who lives at Van Wert, Ohio ; 552 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Rebecca, deceased, who was the wife of L. D. Conner; and Levi E., who lives at Montezuma. On April 1, 1855, Mr. Springer was married to Mary Ann Zartman, who was born and raised in Perry County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Solomon Zartman. Her death occurred in March, 1885. The following were the children of the second marriage : Joseph S.; Mary Jane, who married A. J. Fast and resides at St. Marys; and Lucy Ann, who married E. E. Hayes and lives at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Our subject's father continued to live in Center township until about the year 1893, when he rented his farm and went to St. Marys to live. Joseph S. Springer's boyhood was spent on the home farm assisting his father. In 1878, soon after his marriage, he rented the homestead. As the place was too small to keep him busy all the time, he farmed in summer and in the fall ran a threshing machine with some success. In the fall of 1882 while running a hay bailer for "Uncle" Wesley Copeland, the latter asked him why he didn't start a tile kiln, which the substantial farmers of the vicinity felt the need of. The reply of Mr. Springer was that he had no money, whereupon Mr. Copeland remarked that he and others had money and asked him to consider the project. After considerable urging, Mr. Springer agreed to establish the plant upon the condition that the men who advanced the money would accept his notes, secured only by such property as he himself possessed, the notes to be paid in tile. This being satisfactory, $1,500 was raised in one day in sums of $roo and less. He leased of G. W. Raudabaugh the 12 acres on which his plant and home is now located, and set about clearing a place of sufficient size on which to build. In the following spring (1883) he erected a log cabin, which was not entirely finished, although the family had moved in, at the time of the great snowstorm of May loth and 21st of that year, when 16 inches of snow fell. It sifted through the cracks to a depth of six inches on the second floor. Mr. Springer took his brother-in-law, E. E. Hayes, into partnership with him and they started the tile-manufacturing business together. At the end of two years, Mr. Hayes was succeeded by a brother of our subject, Levi E. Springer ; since the fall of 1887, Joseph S. Springer has been sole owner and proprietor. As his business increased, he found it necessary to enlarge his plant, which he did not wish to do on rented land: In the fall of 1892 he contracted with G. W. Raudabaugh for the purchase of the 12-acre tract on which he was located, the deal being consummated the following spring. As soon as the contract was entered into, Mr. Springer began clearing more of the land, starting a sawmill in the fall of 1892 in order to work up his own timber. That was the beginning of the mill branch of his business, which he has continued ever since. In the spring he began building new sheds and had the work nearly completed, when almost the entire family contracted typhoid fever, Mr. and Mrs. Springer and seven THERE APPEARS TO BE TWO PAGES MISSING AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 557 ing to St. Paul's congregation. He is a man who commands the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. BERNARD LEUGERS BERNARD LEUGERS, one of .the prominent agriculturists of Marion township, residing on his valuable farm of 243 acres in section 33, was born on this, the old home farm, July 15, 1845, and is a son of George and Catherine (Herkenhoff) Leugers. The parents of Mr. Leugers were born in Germany and came to America about 1835, locating at Cincinnati, where they lived some two years and then came t0 Mercer County. The father bought a farm of 80 acres from the government, for which he paid $1.25 per acre, and with German thrift continued to add t0 his possessions until he had 300 acres. His family consisted of five children, namely : Henry, deceased, who married Theresa Post; George, residing at Burkettsville, who married Mary Rumping; Mary, who married Henry Mesker—both now deceased; Sophia, who died in childhood; and Bernard. Bernard Leugers attended the schools nearest to his father's farm in his boyhood, his path leading through the woods that then surrounded the homestead. Deer were very plentiful in that neighborhood and he remembers seeing a herd of 27 one day on his way to school. Like other boys of his day he had a rifle, one his father bought in Cincinnati, and which he still owns, which did good service in supplying fresh meat for the family larder. It has provided many a wild turkey feast and in one fall Mr. Leugers killed 80 raccoons. The first house on the farm was a round-log cabin, but it was full of comfort as he recalls it. The father died on the old farm in 1880 and our subject, who had always remained at home assisting him, came into the possession of the farm and he still continues some of the industries his sensible, far-seeing father started. One of these is bee-keeping. He has a large assortment of bees and derives a large income from the sale of honey. Mr. Leugers resides in a house his father built, it being the third one erected on the place, each one better than the one before, but he, himself, built the barn and other farm buildings and has made many substantial improvements. He operates, with the help of his capable sons, 243 acres, carrying on general farming, but has, owned, at times, as much as 400 acres, some of which he has given his sons. On February 8, 1872, Mr. Leugers was married (first) to Caroline Ording, who died January 4, 1880, the mother of four children, namely : Catherine, deceased; George, residing in Darke County, who married Mary Sum-bring, and has four children—Anna, Carrie, Henry and August ; Henry, re- 558 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY siding in Mercer County, who married Philomena Sumbring and has one child, Rose; and Mary, who married Edward Hessalmann, lives in Mercer County and has had four children—Cecilia, Anna, Frances (deceased) and Bernardina. In August, 1880, Mr. Leugers was married (second) to Catherine Laux, who died in 189.5. She was a daughter of Adam Laux. They had three children : Catherine, who married Henry Geise, resides at New Weston, Darke County, and has three children—Laney, Freda and Frances; Barney, residing in Marion township, who married Elizabeth Heckman and has two children—Clement and Joseph; and John (born April 2, 1885), Gerhard (born August 22, 1887), and Herman (born August 24, 1889), who resides at home. In February, 1898, Mr. Leugers was married (third) to Mrs. Elizabeth (Stearwal) Eyink, widow of Engelbert Eyink, and a daughter of Henry Stearwal. Elizabeth Stearwal was born in Germany and came to America lone, when 17 years of age. She was married (first) to Clemmens Heckman and after his death she married Engelbert Eyink, and was again left a widow. To her first marriage were born: Elizabeth, Rose and Joseph, and to her second, Anthony. Mr. and Mrs. Leugers are devoted members, of St. Rose's Catholic Church. Politically our subject is a stanch Democrat. He has served two years as road supervisor and during that period proved himself a faithful and capable public official. Mr. Leugers is a very pleasant man to meet and his fund of stories of his boyhood and early days on the farm and in the woods is inexhaustible and full of interest. WILLIAM LEWIS BOLTON WILLIAM LEWIS BOLTON, who has been engaged for the past 27 years in teaching school throughout Mercer County, is also engaged in farming in Union township. He was born December 29, 1859, and is a son of Lewis and Mary (Parker) Bolton. Lewis Bolton died in 1860, shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. He was the father of four children, namely : Matilda, deceased in childhood; Mary Loretta, wife of Ira T. Wollam, of Union township Simon Peter, who married Martha Hinkle and resided at Mercer, where he died; and William Lewis. After her husband's death, Mrs. Bolton was married to Noah Pile, and had one child by the second marriage, namely, Basil T. Pile, who resides in Van Wert County, 10 miles west of Van Wert. The mother of our subject was living with her daughter, Mrs. Ira T. Wollam, at the time of her death, which occurred about 1872. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 559 William L. Bolton first attended school at the Frisinger school in Dublin township and his first teacher was David Counterman, who is now a resident of Mercer. His stepfather, Noah Pile, then sold the Bolton home farm in Union township, which consisted of 160 acres, and located on the Nathan Frisinger farm in Dublin, township for a time; it was while living here that our subject began his school attendance. A little later Mr. Pile bought an 80-acre farm in Jefferson township, After a five years' residence in Dublin and Jefferson townships, the family returned to the old home farm in Union township, as the purchaser had been unable to pay for the place. In 1872 the house; which is now occupied by Mrs. Ira T. Wollam, was erected, and Mr. Bolton resided here with his sister for several years after the death of his mother. Rev. Timothy Hankins, of Center township, who was a firm friend of his parents, was appointed his guardian and our subject resided with him for some time, after which he went to Celina and other places in.order to learn some trade, but not being able to get an apprenticeship he attended- a select school conducted by John W. Loree, who is at present one of the leading members of the bar at Celina. The following spring he attended a select school at Mendon conducted by Prof. Rush Hooper, where he received a certificate and then taught until he attained his majority, when he received his legacy and purchased the 40 acres of land where his house now stands. He spent two or three terms at the Ohio Normal University at Ada and has since been engaged in teaching school during the winter terms and alsq during some of the spring terms. With the exception of three terms, he has always taught in Union township, north of the St. Marys River ; he has taught one winter term in Jefferson township, one in Dublin, and one term (winter of 1906) in York township, Van Wert County. Mr. Bolton has always been active in educational work and is regarded as one of the most successful instructors in the county. His farm, which consists of 8o acres, has all been cleared with the exception of 20 acres, and has been tiled and drained since he purchased it. He moved on the farm in 1889 and erected a new barn and residence. Mr. Bolton was married on October 11, 1882, to Emma Brown, a daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Bevington) Brown. Mr. Brown was born near New Castle, Pennsylvania, and moved, when scarcely a man in years, to Van Wert County, Ohio, where he and William Heath bought 40 acres of land, that became the nucleus of the Alexander Brown homestead. Brown was obliged to borrow $50 of his uncle, William Heath, to make the first payment on the place. He was the father of eight children and at his death left to each child 4o acres of land. Mr. Brown died May 26, 1896, aged 69 years and his wife, who was a native of York township, Van Wert County, Ohio, died December 17, 1896, aged 65 years. The maternal 560 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY grandparents of Mrs. Bolton were John and Elizabeth Bevington, who among the earliest settlers of Van Wert County. The paternal parents of Mrs. Bolton were Robert and Margaret Brown, who were early settlers of Van Wert County, coming from New Castle, Pennsylv at a very early date. Mr. and Mrs. Bolton have had eight children, namely: Ray Rudolph,. born April 20, 1884, who is a student of the Ohio University at Athens; Edgar William, born March 1, 1886, a graduate of the Mendon High' School, who is a student at the Ohio University at Athens; Ross Lee, born October 15, 1888, who will graduate from the Mendon High School in the class of 1907; Bessie Ethel, born September 15, 1891, who will enter the Mendon High School in 1907; Louis, born October 24, 1893; Margaret Albina, born June 15, 1896; Harold 0., born December 29, 1898; Bernice Loretta, born July 29, 1901 ; and Garland and two other children that died in infancy. Mr. Bolton is a member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church and is a member also of the fraternal insurance organization known as the Home Guards of America. He is a Republican in politics, but exercises the' privilege of voting for the best man for the office, regardless of party. SAMUEL J. VINING SAMUEL J. VINING, who is engaged in a real estate and insurance business at Celina, being one of the representative men of the village, was born in Randolph County, Indiana, in 1864, and is a son of the late Robert M. Vining, who was in his day one of the most prominent men of Mercer County. When he was about six months old, the parents of Mr. Vining removed to Darke County, and he was educated there and at Portland, Indiana. In 1880 he located at Chattanooga, Mercer County, where he engaged in farming and also taught school in Black Creek township for 14 years. In 1896 he was elected clerk of the courts of Mercer County, and in 1899 he was reelected and served through six years, making a record for efficiency. Since leaving the clerk's office, he has been engaged in a real estate and general fire insurance business and represents the leading fire insurance companies' of the country, some 23 in all. In his realty dealings he mainly buys and sells for himself, acting the part of a broker as occasion offers and placing safe investments when so desired. He is recognized as an honorable business man and enjoys the confidence of all who know him. He is a director in the Citizens' Banking Company, and is secretary of the Mercer County AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 561 Agricultural Society. He has also served as a member of the Board of Education of Celina for a period covering nine years. In 1887 Mr. Vining was married to Addie Ellsworth, of Mercer County, and they have three children, viz : Vernon Ellsworth, who is a recent graduate of the public schools; Valley Echo and Leo Heath. Mr. Vining is a man of social instincts and is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias, Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan, Odd Fellows; Woodmen of the World and Eagles. JOSEPH PLEIMAN JOSEPH PLEIMAN, who died May 31, 1896, on his valuable farm of 95 acres, located in section 4, Butler township, was born at Philothea, Mercer County, Ohio, in 1848. Mr. Pleiman was married. in 1883, in Butler township, to Theresa Zumberge, a daughter of Henry and Kate Zumberge, who died in Germany. Mrs. Pleiman was born and reared in Germany and when 21 years old came to America. She lived first in Minster, Auglaize County, but since her marriage has resided on the farm which she has capably managed since her husband's death, and to which she has added 18 acres, making 113 acres in all. Mrs. Pleiman had six children, namely : Josephine, who married Joseph Ullerrnan and has two children, Rosella and Annie; Joseph; George; Frances; and Rosa and John, who died in infancy. The family belong to St. Mary's Catholic Church at Philothea. Mr. Pleiman was a widower with four children at the time of his marriage to Theresa Zumberge. The children by his first marriage were as follows: Mary, who married Henry Neiberding; Katie, who married Charles Stukenborg; Elizabeth, who married Henry Renz; and Anna, deceased, who was the wife of Henry Shearer. JOSEPH A. KUHN JOSEPH A. KUHN, who resides on his well-developed farm of 4o acres, situated in section 9, Jefferson township, was boa]. in Jackson County, Ohio, October r, 1866, and is a son of Anthony and Hester Ann (Swartz) (Bu-canon) Kuhn. Anthony Kuhn and wife were the parents of five children, three of whom are still living. The record is as follows: Emma, who died aged 20 years; James, who lives in California ; Joseph A.; Margaret, who mar- 562 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY ried William Webster and lives in Piqua, Ohio; and William, who died aged three years. After the death of Mr. Kuhn, his widow married Jonathan Botkin. At the time of her marriage to Mr. Kuhn, she was the widow of Joseph Bucanon, and had one son, John L. Bucanon, a resident of Butler township. Mrs. Botkin died March 15, 1893. Joseph A. Kuhn was reared and educated in Butler township, Mercer County, where his parents settled when he was but three years old, his father having purchased a farm of 80 acres. Mr. Kuhn resided in Butler township until after his marriage, when he moved to Jefferson township, purchasing the farm upon which he now lives in April, 1904. Mr. Kuhn was married on November 15, 1894, to Rosa Goodnick, a daughter of John and Catherine (Schilling) Goodnick, both natives of Germany, who were brought to America by their respective parents when children. At the time of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Goodnick, she was the widow of Joseph Royer, of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Goodnick died August I, 1884, his wife surviving him until March 9, 1903. Mr. Kuhn has two children, namely : John Anthony, who was born January 8, 1896; and Eugene Robert, who was born February 2, 1905. Mr. Kuhn is also raising a niece, Millie Maria Goodnick. Mr. Kuhn is a Democrat and was elected by that party, in the fall of 1905, to serve a term of three years as township trustee. J. B. SCHMITT J. B. SCHMITT, a well-known citizen and one of the leading grocers of Celina, was born in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, August 24, 186r, and is a son of Barney Schmitt. Barney Schmitt was born in Mercer County, where his father, a native of Germany, was one of the pioneer settlers, and where they both became prominent farmers. J. B. Schmitt was reared on a farm in Marion township and was educated in the district schools, remaining on the farm until 26 years of age. After leaving the farm, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, hoping to find suitable employment. Within a few days after his arrival in the city, he secured employment with Eckert Brothers, wholesalers and retailers of notions, and remained with them for three and a half years, at the end of which time he was employed by I. W. Klaw & Company, clothiers, and remained with them for the next three years. He then moved to Celina and engaged in the grocery business, in which he has since been engaged. Mr. Schmitt also has interests in several stock companies. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 563 Mr. Schmitt was married on November 13, 1893, to. Josephine Schweitermann and has one child, Hilda. He and his family are members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Celina. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of St. John, St. Joseph's Aid Society, and the German Independent Aid Society and the Eagles. IRA T. WOLLAM IRA T. WOLLAM, a prosperous farmer of Union township, whose well-developed farm of 8o acres is located in section 5, was born March 15, 1847, in Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a son of Alfred and Nancy (Thomas) Alfred Wollam, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, was born February 8, 1820, and died in January, 1898, in his 78th year. He was a son of Jacob Wollam, a native of Virginia, and a resident of Columbiana County during the latter years of his life, who was always engaged in farming. He was a son of Balsam Wollam. Alfred Wollam was married to Nancy Thomas in his native county, after which he moved to Fairfield County and lived there for a period of 16 years, then removing to Mercer County my 1865 and locating two miles east of Celina in Jefferson township, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Wollam were the parents of seven boys and two daughters, as follows: Ira T.; Hiram, a preacher of the Society of Friends, who resides in Richmond, Indiana; Warren J., carpenter by trade, residing at Hood River, Oregon; Byron, a painter by trade, living at St. M arys, Ohio ; Emma, who married Ellsworth Green and lives on a farm near Celina; Joseph M., who resides in York township, Van Wert County, where he is engaged in farming; Maria, who married Walter Townsend, of Neptune; George H., who resides on the home farm two miles southeast of Celina; and Michael H., who resides on the line between Van Wert and Paulding counties. Mrs. Wollam died in\ 1902 at the age of 80 years. Ira T. Wollam 'passed his early boyhood days in Columbiana County. He was about 16 years old when his parents moved to Mercer County, and he has resided in this county since that time. Mr. Wollam purchased the farm upon which he now resides in the spring of 1876, at which time it was wholly unimproved. He has made many improvements, having built a fine barn and other buildings and having cleared a greater part of the farm, which was chiefly timberland when he became the owner. On February 25, 1869, Mr: Wollam was married to Mary Loretta Bolton, a daughter of Lewis and Mary (Parker) Bolton, who came from 564 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Knox County, Ohio, and settled in Mercer County just south of Mendon. Mr. Bolton was born January 12, 1825, and died November 25, 186o. Mary Parker was born December 25, 1824, and was married to Mr. Bolton on October 3o, 1845. 'They had four children, namely : Matilda, deceased; William Lewis, who resides on a farm in Union township; Simon Peter, deceased; and Mary, the wife of our subject. After the death of Mr. Bolton, his widow again married, this time to Noah Pile, and has one son by this marriage, Basil T. Pile. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wollam, namely : Ella, who married Isam Ross and lives in Union township; Mattie, who married Parker Rhodes, resides on a farm in Union township and has three children—Hazel, Frank and Lena ; Charles, deceased at the age of io years; Alice, who married Oscar Waltz, of Van Wert County, and has two children—Edna Pauline and Ira Kenneth; and Nannie and Bessie, who live at home. In the Civil War, Mr. Wollam served in Company D, 193rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Gen. Winfield S. Hancock. He was mustered in at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, and participated in battles throughout West Virginia and Maryland. He was mustered out at Winchester, Virginia, and discharged at Camp Chase. He is a member of McKendree-Murlin Post, No. 318, G. A. R. Mr. Wollam is a Republican and was first elected township trustee in 1884, serving for seven years. After an intermission of nine years, he was again elected, in 1899, and has since, served seven years. In 1903, while Mr. Wollam was trustee, the splendid Town Hall at Mendon was erected jointly by Union township and Mendon village at a cost of about $12,000. It is one of the finest buildings in the county, being in every way modern in architecture, construction and appointments. The same building at the present time would cost at least $14,000. Mr. Wollam makes a popular officer and his services have been entirely satisfactory to his fellow-citizens. Mr. Wollam began life entirely on his own resources and to-day stands among the most prosperous farmers of the township. He has bought and paid for his home and farm of 8o acres. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge at Mendon, and is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. CASPER CLUNE CASPER CLUNE, a substantial farmer of Marion township, who resides on his 160-acre farm in section 10, was born on this farm January 28, 1866, and is a son of Gerhard and Bernardina (Wabler) Clune. Gerhard Clune and his wife were both natives of Germany. He came AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 565 to America when a young man and settled in Mercer County, purchasing a small farm of 4o acres in Marion township, which is part of the farm now owned by Casper Clune. He was engaged in working on the canal in Anglaize County for a time, as well as managing the farm, to which he kept adding until at the time of his death, September 25, 1875, at the age of 48 'years, he owned 200 acres. He was married to Bernardina Wabler, who died in May, 1904, aged 66 years. They became the parents of children, namely : Frank, who died aged 20 years; Mary, who died in childhood; Barney, who married, a Miss Bolsinger; Bernardina, deceased, who married John Betke; Joseph,. residing at St. Joseph; Josephine, who married Henry Meyer; Casper; Henry, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Catherine, who married John Kroger; and Gerhard, who married Miss Gabbel. Casper Clune was reared on'his father's farm and assisted with the work until the time of his marriage at the age of 26 years. He bought his present farm from his mother in 1893. The first house built on the Clune farm was a log cabin, in which Casper was born, and the six-room house which Mr. Clune and his family occupy was built in 1871 by his father, who made his own brick and hewed his own timber. Mr. Clune remembers the time when the turnpike on which he now lives was a plank road, and also when his father was obliged to carry his grain on his back through the woods and brush, to the mill at Piqua, Ohio. In the spring of 1906, Mr. Chine bought a partnership in the Chickasaw Grain & Milling Company. Mr. Clune has been married three times, (first) to Catherine Dabbelt, who had four children—Nora, Rose (deceased), Minnie and John—and died in 1900. He was married (second) to Josephine Schroeder, who died April 24, 1906. One child was born to this union, Joseph, who is deceased. Mr. Clune was married (third) to Anna Ashman, a daughter of Henry Ashman, a native of Germany, residing at Cassella, Mercer County. Mrs. Clune is one of a family of nine children born to her parents, namely : Elizabeth, who married Anthony Foscal; Mary, who married Dick Bieler; John; Joseph; Anna; Agnes; Catherine; Henry and Philomena. Mr. Clune has been a member of the School Board for four years. He belongs to the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church at Chickasaw. PETER LINN PETER LINN, a prominent citizen of Liberty township and a member of the Board of County Commissioners, resides on his finely improved farm of 80 acres, which he has placed under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Linn 566 - HISTORY. OF MERCER COUNTY was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 4, 1859, and is a son of Philip and Gertrude (Fuchs) Linn. The parents of Mr. Linn were also natives of Bavaria. His mother died when he was years of age and he was 14 years old when his father brought the children to America and settled in Liberty township, Mercer County, Ohio. Two years later the father went back to Germany, where he died. Peter Linn grew to manhood in Mercer County. The schooling he had received in Bavaria was supplemented by that he obtained in Liberty township, and as a large part of his life has been spent among intelligent people and as he has held important offices in his neighborhood, in the discharge of the duties of which offices he has been obliged to use great good judgment, Mr. Linn may be fairly considered one of the best informed men in his locality. He has resided upon his present farm since 1882. In 1881 Mr. Linn was married to Caroline Menchofer, who was born in Mercer County, Ohio, and they have had six children, namely: Mary who died aged two months ; Saloma, Adrienne, Annie, Bertha and Walter. Politically Mr. Linn is identified with the Democratic party. For three years he was a trustee of Liberty township, ,of which he has also been land appraiser. In the fall of 1902 he was elected county commissioner and entered upon the duties of this important office in September, 1903, and is still serving, having been reelected in the fall of 1905. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. He stands as one of the representative citizens of his township and personally is held in high esteem. JOHN HENRY MORROW JOHN HENRY MORROW, a well-known citizen of Hopewell township, formerly assessor of the same for several years, resides on his home farm of 80 acres, in section 22, and owns 40 additional acres in the vicinity. Mr Morrow was born in Hopewell township, Mercer County, Ohio, Janual 27, 1856, and is a son of William and Mary (Wilson) Morrow, both native' of Ohio. Mr. Morrow was reared on his father's farm in his native township and attended the local schools. His occupations have always been of an agricultural nature, and as he was thoroughly trained in practical farming he has met with very satisfying success since he has been engaged on his own account. His 120-acre estate is valuable land and his home is one of comfort and convenience. Mr. Morrow married Mary Weaver, the estimable daughter of John AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 567 Weaver, of Hopewell township, and they had four children, as follows : Stella, Perry, Clara and Nora. Stella is the only survivor. With his family, Mr. Morrow belongs to the United Brethren Church, in which he is serving as a trustee. He is well known in his neighborhood and is held in esteem on account of his sterling qualities and good citizenship. ORLIGTON BARKER ORLINGTON BARKER, a substantial farmer of Butler township, residing on a farm of 120 acres situated in section 25, was born near Rushville, Fairfield County, Ohio, January 3, 1862, and is a son of William J. and Nancy E. (Palmer) Barker. William J. Barker was born in Perry County, Ohio, in 1831, and died in Franklin township, Mercer County, August 31, 1905. His wife was born in 1832, and is now residing on the home place. In 1863 they moved from Fairfield to Mercer County. Orlington Barker was reared and educated in Franklin township and attended the district schools. In 1884 he bought 40 acres of farm land in Butler township, which he farmed while living at home. In 1891 he erected a large frame house, and three years later added a large barn to the many other improvements. In 1894 he purchased 40 acres more farm land, across the road from his original purchase of 40 acres, and in 1901 added another 40 acres adjoining his second purchase, making, in all, 120 acres of valuable farm land. Mr. Barker engages in farming and stock-raising and takes a great deal of pride in his fine stock. He owns some pedigreed Shorthorn cattle, high-grade Percheron horses and Cotswold sheep, his collection being as fine as any produced in the county. On October 8, 1890, .Mr. Barker was married to Lavergnie Walmire, a daughter of Joseph Walmire, both of Perry County, Ohio. They have two children : Joseph Walmire and Elsie Leah. Mr. Barker has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 15 years of age, is a trustee of the church and for the past 15 years has been a steward. In politics he is a Democrat. GEORGE W. BECHER GEORGE W. BECHER, a well-known and successful agriculturist of Liberty township, residing on his well-improved farm of 90 acres, situated in section 7, was born in this township February 29, 1868, and is a son of 568 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY John and Anna Maria (Baker) Becher, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Pennsylvania. John Becher was a boy when he accompanied his parents to America his father, Frederick Becher, locating in Black Creek township, Mercer County, Ohio, among the pioneers. After his marriage, John Becher settled in Liberty township and was a prosperous farmer and substantial citizen here for many years. His death occurred on July 25, 1883. The mother of our subject survives and is in her loth year. George W. Becher was educated in the schools of Liberty township and until his marriage resided on the homestead farm. He has always followed an agricultural life. His farm is a valuable one from every point of view. For the past three years the Darby Oil Company has been developing both oil and gas on his property and has sunk II wells, with quite a large degree of success. Mr. Becher was married to Mary Schlenker, a daughter of the late John Schlenker, formerly a resident of Celina, and earlier, of Liberty township. Mr. and Mrs. Becher have five children, namely : Mabel L., William J., Clarence E., Otis L. and Edith L. Politically Mr. Becher is a Democrat. He belongs to the Lutheran Church. NELSON MAFFETT NELSON MAFFETT, residing on his 145-acre farm in Jefferson township, in section 4, township 6 south, range 2 east, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, January 2, 1844, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Cheetham) Maffett. The father of Nelson Maffett was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and was a son of William Maffett, who was a native of Loudoun County, Virginia. William Maffett married Catherine Lodge and they owned slaves and a large plantation, which they sold when they moved to Columbiana County, Ohio. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a man of some prominence in his locality. He died in 1865, aged 96 years, his sturdy strength having come from Scotch ancestors. When Joseph Maffett was six years old he was taken by his parents to Carroll County, Ohio, where he later married Mary Cheetham, who was a daughter of John and Jane (Brown) Cheetham, substantial farmers, who were natives of Manchester, England. Mr. and Mrs. Cheetham both died in Carroll County. Mrs. Maffett was seven years old when she accompanied her parents to America. Nelson Maffett was reared on his father's farm in Carroll County until AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 571 the age of 12 years, when the family removed to Wyandot County, where his parents died, the father in 1880 and the mother in 1885. Mr. Maffett lived in Wyandot County until the fall of 1884, when he sold his farm of 40 acres and bought a farm of 105 acres in Jefferson township, Mercer County, mainly timberland. This land he has cleared and developed and has continued to improve, building here a large, comfortable frame house and substantial barn. He pays intelligent attention to the raising of Black Polled Angus cattle and Percheron horses. Mr. Maffett's property would command a high price in the market and its value is mainly due to what hq has accomplished by his persevering industry and excellent methods. On October 6, 1874, Mr. Maffett was married to Julia Landon, a daughter of James and Ruth Landon, of Ada, Ohio. Mrs. Maffett is a direct descendant of the ill fated Lady Jane Grey, of English history, and her mother came from the noble old family of Dudley. Mr. and Mrs. Maffett have four children, namely : Alberta, who married Newton Petrie, lives in Jefferson township and has two children, Harry and Gladys; Elmer Joseph, residing at home; Mary, who married William Preston Finley, lives in Jefferson township and has three children—Ruth, Irma and Berle; and Addie, who lives at home. Our subject and children, through his great-grandfathers, are eligible to the societies of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, both of these worthies having fought under General Washington. Mr. Maffett does not take any very active interest in politics, but he is always concerned in the progress and development of his community. He is serving as a member of the township Board of Education and is one of the reliable, honorable citizens who reflect credit upon any neighborhood. HON. FRANKLIN S. COLLINS HON. FRANkLIN S. COLLINS, one of the leading citizens of Mercer County, conducting an extensive oil business at Celina, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was formerly probate judge of the county and for a period was mayor of Celina, as well as mayor of Mendon for two terms. He was born at Shane's Crossing (now Rockford), Mercer County, November 23, 1852, and is a son of Jacob and Adeline V. (Davis) Collins. The Collins family is an old pioneer one of Mercer County, the grandfather, Moses Collins, having settled here at a very early date. Jacob Collins, father of Franklin S. Collins, was born in Miami County, Ohio, in May, 1832, and was married in Mercer County. The mother of our subject was born in 572 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Green County, Ohio, August 6, 1832, and was reared by an uncle in Mercer County. Our subject was i8 months old when his father died, leaving a widow and two children, Franklin S. and Emma, the latter now the wife of Dr. W. W. Small, of Toledo, Ohio. Some years after her husband's death, Mrs. Jacob Collins married H. F. Holbrook. When Franklin S. Collins was about 15 years old, his mother left Shane’s Crossing and removed with her children to Ashland County, where she settled on a farm. She gave her son every possible educational advantage that she could, which included one year at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio. Upon his return home, he became a clerk in his uncle's mercantile establishment at Mendon, and after two years of commercial training he purchased the business and carried it on for some five years. After disposing of it, he farmed for some three years in the vicinity of Mendon and then returned to town and embarked in a hardware and grocery business there. In 1889 he sold out and went back to the farm, where he continued to follow agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1893 when he came to Celina. He has served as mayor of this city and for three years was deputy United States marshal under United States Marshal Updegraff. During his residence at Mendon he was one of the leading business and public men. He was a member 0f the first Council of the village and served two terms as mayor, subsequently 0ne term as trustee of Union township, and one term as assessor, these offices coming to him through the Republican party. In the meantime he had somewhat changed his political views and when he was elected justice of the peace, it was on the Populist ticket. On the same ticket he was nominated by the Populists, in 1893, as probate judge, and in his candidacy he was endorsed by the Republicans and the Independent Democrats. His personal popularity had much to do with the successful result, as he had to overcome a Democratic majority of 2,200 votes, which he did by 352 votes. He served three years as probate judge and during this period proved himself an efficient public officer. His administration reflected credit upon him and his constituents. Since returning to private life, he has been engaged in a coal business at Celina, also dealing in plaster, cement, lime and stone. He is also extensively interested in the production of oil. In 1873 Franklin S. Collins was married to Elvira Murlin, who was born in Auglaize County, Ohio. They have six children, as follows: Maud L, art teacher in the Celina sch0ols; Orel, wife of Dr. E. F. Heffner, of Wapakoneta, Ohio; James Plaine, a dentist; Adna D.; Cyrus A. and Ray. The 14 family home is situated on East Livingston street, Celina. Mr. Collins is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, and belongs also Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, the Grange and to social organizations AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 573 of Celina. He has always been a most active citizen and all matters of moment to the village receive his attention and he can be depended upon to give support to undertakings which promise to benefit the community. MRS. SARAH ANN BEAUCHAMP MRS. SARAH ANN BEAUCHAMP, widow of the late Martin Luther Beauchamp, who was a prominent agriculturist of Franklin township, is a lady who is well known and highly esteemed throughout Franklin township. She resides on her fine farm of i90 acres, which is situated in section 31. Airs. Beauchamp was born in Mercer County, Ohio, February 25, 1839, and is a daughter of John J. and Elizabeth (Peck) Johnston. The grandparents of Mrs. Beauchamp were Stephen and Anna (Armstrong) Johnston, who came to America from Ireland when their son John was five years of age. They settled first in New Brunswick whence they subsequently removed to Ohio and located in Shelby County, finally removing to Franklin township, Mercer County. They had these children : Sarah, who married John Wilson—both now deceased; Ann, deceased, who was the wife of John Alexander; Jane, deceased, who was the wife of John McGee ; Christopher, deceased, whose wife was Mary Peck; Stephen, who married Susanna Pence and resides in Shelby County; and John J., the father of Mrs. Beauchamp. It was in Shelby County, Ohio, that John J. Johnston married Elizabeth Peck. Afterwards they became pioneer residents of Mercer County. They had eight childfen, namely : Sarah Ann, the subject of this sketch; Samuel P., a resident of Shelby County, who married Martha Campbell; Barbara, who married Finley Wilson, and lives in Shelby County; Jennie, residing in Shelby County, who is the widow of James Weymer, who died June 30, 1906; Mary, I\ Ito married Joseph A. Wilson and lives in Miami County; Stephen T., who married Ella Davis and lives at Piqua, Ohio; Martha, wife of Reuben G. Singles, a grocer at Piqua, Ohio; and Emma, who married Charles A. Hetzler and lives at Sidney, Ohio. Samuel P. Johnston served as a ioo-day soldier in the Civil War. The father of Mrs. Beauchamp died aged 81 years and the mother, aged 84 years. Mrs. Beauchamp was reared in Mercer County and was educated in the district schools. On March 4, 1858, she was united in marriage with Martin Luther Beauchamp, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, and after a long and useful life died January 29, 1878. Martin Luther Beauchamp was a son of Wesley and Jane (Davis) Beuchamp, and a grandson of William Beauchamp, who was one of the 574 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY founders of Montezuma and was known as "Dr. Beauchamp." William Beauchamp was of French extraction but was born in North Carolina. Later he left Montezuma and went to live with his daughter near Columbus. Of his large family, the names preserved are as follows : Mrs. Levina Thomas; Mrs. Ann Vickers; Sarah, who married Frank Miller; Mrs. Emily Lacey; Willis; Asa; Noah; Wesley, and William. Wesley Beauchamp married Jane Davis in Delaware County and later moved to Franklin township, Mercer County. Of their children, Martin Luther was the third eldest, the others being as follows : William, Monroe, Isabel, Catherine, Cordelia and Calista. Martin Luther Beauchamp was a farmer all his life and was well and favorably known throughout Mercer County. A part of the farm came to Mrs. Beauchamp from her father and the remainder of it was purchased by her husband. It is a valuable property 190 acres all in one tract. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beauchamp, as follows: Laura, who died in girlhood; John, who married Nevada Bennett and has five children–Rae, Reed, Ross, Ralph and Worth; Wesley W., a graduate of Starling Medial College, at Columbus, who married Hattie White and is a practicing physician at Rockford; Elizabeth, who married Gordon Botkin, resides at St. Marys and has one child, Lowell; Hortense, who died in 1900, aged 28 years; Herbert K., a graduate of the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, who served as an interne in the Fort Wayne Hospital and is now practicing at Phoenix, Arizona—he married Maude Adams. Mrs. Beauchamp is a member of the Disciples' Church at Montezuma. Her husband was also a member of the same church. The male members of the family are all Republicans. Mrs. Beauchamp still resides in the beautiful old home where she has lived since her marriage. She has witnessed many changes in the neighborhood in all these years and many of her old friends have passed away, but health and vigor remain with her and she finds much enjoyment as the center of an affectionate family of children and grandchildren. JOHN BOHMANN JOHN BOHMANN, whose fine farm of 92 acres, situated in section 31, Marion township, attracts attention on -account of its excellent improvements and good cultivation, has been a resident here for the past 17 years. Mr. Bohmann was born in Franklin County, Indiana, September 29, 1856, and is a son of Joseph and Bernardina (Kessens) Bohmann. In 1848 Gerhard Bohmann, a Prussian by birth, left his home in Oldenburg, Germany, with his two motherless children, Joseph and Henry, and AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 575 crossed the great ocean to. America. They had little means and these were exhausted by the time they reached Wheeling, (West) Virginia, but Mr. Bohmann found employment there in a glass factory,--and they remained there three years. It was the father's desire, however, to establish a home in the country and secure farming land, and as soon as he was able he turned his steps in the direction of the fertile lands he had heard of in Indiana. By steamboat the father and sons reached Cincinnati and there the boys went to school for a year. By that time the father had secured a farm in Franklin County, Indiana, near Oldenburg. This farm was in the midst of a green forest and it took hard work and the united efforts of Mr. Bohmann and his sons to clear up a farm. On this farm the father died in 1874, when 74 years of age. He had prospered and in recognition of his sons' early services he bought each of them a farm. In Indiana he married for his third wife, Mary Teesing, who still survives at the age of 94 years. One son, Frederick, was born to his second marriage, but no children were born to his third marriage. Joseph Bohmann, the eldest son of Gerhard Bohmann, was eight years old when he accompanied his fa‘ther to America. He lived in Indiana from the time they located there until his death, in July, 1901. He was married (first), in Indiana, to Bernardina Kessens, who died when Joseph was three years old. The latter is the only survivor of the three children of this marriage, his brothers Theodore and Herman dying when children. The father married (second) Elizabeth Hannakamp, , and to this union were born five children, as follows : Mary, who married John Wanstrath and lives in Decatur County, Indiana; George, who married Elizabeth Wendeln and lives in Granville township ; Catherine, who married Henry Wendeln and lives in Shelby County, Ohio; Theodore, who married Anna Hoyng and lives in Decatur County, Indiana; and Anthony, also married, who is a resident of Indianapolis. The mother of these children died in January, 1903, and the father died in 1898. Joseph Bohmann remained on the home farm until he was 20 years of age, when he left Indiana, thinking to better his prospects in Ohio, and located in Auglaize. County, where, he engaged with a farmer, Benjamin Melcher, for whom he worked for three years. After his marriage, in 1881, he rented the farm on which he was working and remained operating it for some eight years. In 1888, in partnership with Henry Wendeln, his brother-in-law, he purchased the sawmill then owned by Frank Stineman, and the partners conducted a: very successful business for over seven years. During this period Mr. Bohmann did all the contracting and buying for the firm. In July, 1895, he withdrew from the business and again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, having, in the meantime, purchased his present farm from Charles Stineman. It was not a very attractive appearing place when he set- 576 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY tied on it, being covered with unsightly, old stumps which gave to it a very desolate air. Mr. Hohmann possessed foresight enough, however, to see how to turn the stumps to good account and they provided the fuel for many a roaring winter fire; the mellow soil from which they were removed proved the most fertile spots in his whole domain. It took many years to convert the place into the orderly, well-cultivated farm that now renders an ample return for all the time, labor and expense devoted to its improvement, but a very valuable body of land has resulted. Mr. Bohmann carries on farming and stock-raising. He has a comfortable, seven-room, frame dwelling, fitted with all those conveniences which make for ease and happy living, while his substantial barns and 0ther farm buildings indicate a productive harvest. On November 21, 1881, Mr. Bohmann was married (first) to Mary Wendeln, who died in September, 1895, and who was a daughter of Frederick Wendeln. To this union six children were born, four on the farm first occupied and two on the present farm. They are as follows: Frederick, who married Mary Synck and has one child, Hedwick ; Anna, who married Andrew Schwietermann and has one child, Mary ; and William, Rose, George and Joseph, all of whom live at home. In October, 1896, Mr. Bohmann was married (second) to Catherine Synck, a daughter of Henry and Catherine Synck, who live at Cranberry Prairie. Mrs. Bohmann was b0rn in Mercer County, but her parents came from Germany. Five children have been born to this marriage, as follows:, Henry, Eleanor, Edward, John and Millie. Mrs. Bohmann was born on April 24, 1878, being the elder of her parents' two children. Her sister Mary married Frederick Bohmann, the eldest son of our subject. Mr. Bohmann and family are valued members of St. John's Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat. OTTO RENTZSCH, JR. OTTO RENTZSCH, JR., one of Celina's prominent young business men and leading dry goods merchants, was born in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1877, and is a son of Otto Rentzsch, Sr., who for many years was one of Celina's influential business men. Otto Rentzsch, Jr., spent his boyhood days in Ohio and Indiana, finally locating in Celina, on March 25, 1899. Here he engaged in the dry goods business with his father, under the firm name of Otto Rentzsch & Son, until! April 1, 1906, when the senior partner retired from the business, having been actively engaged in business for nearly half a century. Otto Rentzsch, Sr., is now a resident of New Castle, Indiana, where he is engaged in looking after his real estate interests. Since his father's withdrawal from the busi- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 577 ness, our subject has been sole Proprietor of the business, and is considered one of Celina's most prosperous and energetic young business men. Mr. Rentzsch was married in 1902 to Katherine Baumgardner, a daughter of Rev. Stewart Baumgardner, who was pastor of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal. Church in 1899-1900. Fraternally, Mr. Rentzsch is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Celina. JOHN WILLIAM RIDENOUR, M. D. JOHN WILLIAM RIDENOUR, M. D., who is practicing medicine at Mendon, was born March 20, 1868, in Milford township, Defiance County, Ohio, and is a son of Augustus L. and Elizabeth (Stahl) Ridenour. The paternal grandparents of Dr. Ridenour were John and Susanna (Hilbert) Ridenour, the former of whom was born February 14, 1807, and the latter in October, 1811, in Jefferson County, Ohio. Later they moved to Wayne County, and in 1844 to Defiance County, where John Ridenour purchased a farm and lived upon it until his death, in 1860. His widow survived until 1898, dying. in her 87th year.. They had nine children, namely : Alfred, who died in 1899; Augustus L. Rebecca, who married Jacob Lane and resides at Williams Center, four miles from Bryan, Ohio; Loman, who is a farmer in Defiance County; Martha, who married Aaron Sellers and resides on a farm in Defiance County ; David and Daniel, both farmers in Defiance County; and two that died in infancy. Augustus L. Ridenour, father of the Doctor, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, and was three years old when his parents removed to Defiance County. His birth took place on July 3, 1841, in Canaan township, near Canaan Center, some eight miles from Wooster, but his life has been spent in Defiance County. On November 29, 1864. he married Elizabeth Stahl, who was born July 3, 184o, near Jewett, Harrison County, Ohio, and is a daughter of William Stahl. The other members of her father's family were : Sarah, deceased; Maria, wife of James Shambaugh, of Harrison County; and James, formerly of Harrison County, but now ,a resident of Hicksville, Defiance County. Augustus L. Ridenour and wife had four children, namely: Loma, wife of Walter Battershell, of Defiance County; John William; Anna, at home; and Charles, who married Stella McCullough and is the home farmer. Until he was 16 years of age, John W. Ridenour attended the district schools, then spent one terra in the township schools, after which he entered the normal school at Fayette, Ohio. He spent the succeeding two years teaching district schools and during this time completed a business course at Fayette, and in the fall of 1888 he taught a private school at Greensburg, 578 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Pennsylvania. In 1889 he returned to Middlepoint, where he attended schools, and at the same time taught some 0f the classes and thus prepared himself for Thiel College, where he was graduated in the class of 1894. In the fall of 1896 he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati and was graduated in the class of 1899. Dr. Ridenour settled first at Edgerton, removing one year later to Hicksville, where he continued in active practice until the spring of 1906, when he came to Mendon. In 1901 he received the degree of A. M. from Thiel College. On June 20, 1894, Dr. Ridenour was married to Sarah Almeda Avery, a daughter of John and Salome (Foster) Avery. Mrs. Ridenour was born and reared at Middlepoint, Van Wert County. They have one daughter, Florence Gulia. Dr. Ridenour is associated with a number of medical organizations. He belongs to the Knights 0f Pythias, and was a charter member of the lodge at Middlepoint, and of the National Protective Legion at Hicksville. J. H. WINDKER J. H. WINDKER, one of the representative men and prominent farmers of Butler township, wh0 resides on his finely-improved farm of 211 40-100 acres, which is situated in section 31, was born September 2, 1838, in many. His parents were John Henry and Elizabeth Windker. The parents of Mr. Windker were born, reared and married in Germ.. and emigrated to the United States when he was about 10 years of age. They left their country in September, 1848, and landed from the sailing vessel, at New Orleans, in the middle of December. They came north to Cincinnati, which they reached just after Christmas, where the father found work as a laborer, although he had been sick on the v0yage and continued in poor health for some time. Three of his children, Herman, Bernard and Catherine, died in December, and in January, 1849, his wife died. In 1849 Cincinnati passed through the great cholera epidemic and both John Henry Windker and his son, J. H., contracted the disease; but both survived. Mr. Windker remembers that he was not able to walk down stairs until the 4th of the following July. During the four years that his father remained in Cincinnati, J. H. spent nine months 0f the time with an uncle in Tennessee, but the death of this relative caused his return to his father at Cincinnati. In 1853 John Henry Windker came to Mercer County and bought 40 acres of land two miles east of the present home, in Butler township, and in the '70's he came to this farm in section 31. Here the father of J. H. Windker died, February 22, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 579 1893. He was an honest, industrious and worthy man, who was respected by all who knew him. On April 18, 1861, Mr. Windker was married to Gertrude Lennartz, who is a daughter of John Henry and Catherine Lennartz. Mrs. Windker was born in Germany and came to America in 1848, landing at New York. Her parents lived for a time at Cincinnati and came to Mercer County in 1849.. Mi. and Mrs. Windker have had eight children, namely : Elizabeth, who is the wife of Barney Dues, a prominent farmer; Catherine, who is the wife of John Vagedes; Henry; Mary, residing at Celina; Anna, who is the wife of Frank Strietholdt; Gertrude, who died aged 34 years; Pauline, who married William Dues and died at the age of 23 years, leaving one child, William; and Herman, who died aged three years. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Windker lived for several years on the old home place. In 1875 he moved to his present farm which he has greatly improved, where he carries on general farming and stock-raising. He served as township trustee for many years, was a member of the School Board for nine years and for several years its president, and has been district clerk. He is one of the leading members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Philothea, in which he served for many years as church clerk and treasurer. BERNARD BIRKMEYER BERNARD BIRKMEYER, a representative farmer of Butler township, who owns a fine farm of go acres, situated in section 22, was born at St. Johns, Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, on July 1, 1868, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hausfield) Birkmeyer. John Birkmeyer, the grandfather of Bernard Birkmeyer, was born in Germany and emigrated with his family to Anierica, settling in Huron County, Ohio, where he died in 1846. After his death his widow removed with her children to Mercer County, and died in the house now occupied by her grandson, Bernard. Joseph Birkmeyer was born at St. Alphonse, Huron County, and was 12 years Of age when his father died. In 1871 he removed from Marion to Butler township, Mercer County, settling on land but partly improved but which he developed through his industry, into a fine farm. He married Elizabeth Hausfield and they had io children, the survivors being: Clemens, Bernard and Henry. The mother died here June 11, 1902, and was survived by the father until July 1904. The latter left an ample fortune, and a part of it is represented in the present excellent farm of our subject, and the substantial brick residence which was built in 1878. 580 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Bernard Birkmeyer was reared in Butler township and attended the country schools. When about 23 years of age he started to learn the wagon-making trade with Frank Martz at Coldwater, and after serving an apprenticeship of three years worked for some six years at this trade, gaining the reputation of being a first-class machinist. Since then he has devoted his attention to general farming and stock-raising. On November 3, 1897, Mr. Birkmeyer was married to Louisa Desch, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Desch, and a granddaughter of John Desch, who was an early German settler in Mercer County. The parents of Mrs. Birkmeyer now reside at Dayton. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Desch were: Louisa, Frances, Bertha, Matilda, Rosa, Edward, Clarence, Albert and Robert, the two last named being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Birkmeyer have three children, namely : Eleonora, Joseph Lawrence and Clemens Edward. The family belong to Holy Trinity Catholic Church at Coldwater, in which Mr. Birkmeyer is one of the wardens. He belongs to the Knights of St, John.   GEORGE GARMAN GEORGE GARMAN, a well-known citizen and prosperous farmer of Jefferson township, owns a 105-acre farm 0f valuable land, 65 of which, where the home is located, is in section 2, township 6 south, and 40 in section 32, township 5 south, both in range 2 east. He was born in Hopewell township, Mercer County, Ohio, July 24, 1857, and is a son of Rolandus and Lena (Myers) Garman. Frederick Garman, the paternal grandfather, was born in Germany, emigrated to America, settled first in Pennsylvania, and later came to Mercer County, where he was a very early settler. He entered 240 acres from the government, which he developed into fine farming land. Grandfather Myers also came from Germany and became the owner of 140 acres of land in Hopewell township, Mercer County. Rolandus Garman, father of George, was born in Pennsylvania, but his wife was of German birth. Of their children, two s0ns and one daughter survive, viz.: Stephen, who is a farmer of Hopewell township; Rebecca, who is the wife 0f James Monroe, of Jefferson township; and George. George Garman resided in Hopewell t0wnship until he was 18 years of age. He lost this mother when but eight years old and his stepmother was killed in a cyclone in Jefferson township, on May 14, 1886. His father, who still survives and is in his B0th year, resides in Jefferson township, where he purchased land in 1875. With the exception of two years, during which he AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 581 conducted a grocery at Celina, Mr. Garman has been a farmer all his life and has resided on his present farm ever since his marriage. He carries on general farming and raises some very good stock. On March 1, 1878, Mr. Garman was married to Sarah Lincoln, a daughter of Alfred Lincoln, who died during the Civil War. They have four children, viz. : Alfred Leroy, a bookkeeper at Warren, Indiana, who married Vista Marsch; William E.; Stephen; and Ethel Zenobia. Mr. Garman is an enterprising citizen of Jefferson township and takes an active interest in the public schools and in the improvement of agricultural conditions throughout this section. ANTON STREACKER ANTON STREACKER, one of the substantial farmers of Butler township, residing on a farm of 80 acres located in section 34, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, near Egypt, Auglaize County, May 19, 1872, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Brandvine) Streacker. Henry Streacker, who is a native of Germany, came to America with his father, Gerke Streacker, when four years old. The latter settled in Auglaize County, where Henry was reared. Henry was married at the Streacker home place, where he lived for 5o years and reared nine children, six of whom are living. He now resides at Berlin, Shelby County. Anton Streacker was reared in Shelby County, where he continued to live until March 6, 1906, when he moved to his present farm, which he had purchased December 23, 1905, of. Henry Hoyng. He has made a great many changes on the place, an important one being the erection of a large barn and other necessary outbuildings in 1906. In the spring of 1896 Mr. Streacker was married to Sophia Zacaarias, a daughter of Christian Zacaarias, and they have five children : Martha, Annie, Bernard, Bertha and Leonard. Mr. Streacker is a member of the Catholic Church. FRANK C. STARK FRANK C. STARK, one. of Celina's active and enterprising business men, leading in the line of gentlemen's furnishings, was born in Celina in 1874 and is a son of John Stark. John Stark was born in Germany, but was a citizen of Ohio for manly years and during a large number of these was engaged in business at Celina, where he died in 1884, respected by all who knew him. 582 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Frank C. Stark attended school until he was 13 years old and then became a clerk for H. F. Juneman & Company, dealers in gentlemen's furnishings. He learned the business pretty thoroughly before entering the employ of Betz & Meyer, at Celina, with whom he remained for a little over 10 years. In 1900 the firm of Dysert, Howick & Stark was formed, which continued for three and a half years, when Dysert & Stark succeeded and this style continued until June, 1905, when Mr. Stark bought out Mr. Dysert's interest and since then the business has been conducted under the firm name of Frank C. Stark. In 1904 Mr. Stark was married to Julia Rentzsch, who is a daughter of Otto Rentzsch, Sr., wh0 was a well-known merchant of Celina, now residing at New Castle, Indiana. Mr. Stark is a member of the Catholic Church. He belongs to St. Joseph's Society and to the German Independent Aid Society. Mr. Stark stands very high in the estimation of his fellow-citizens, both as a business man and as a citizen. JAMES L. MORROW JAMES L. MORROW, 'justice of the peace and prominent citizen of Hopewell township, owns two fine farms in this township which aggregate 200 acres of land. He was born February 22, 1858, in Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Mary (Wilson) Morrow. William Morrow and wife were both born in Ohio; the former still survives but the latter died in 1901. William Morrow came from Perry County, Ohio, to Mercer County and settled about 1841 in Hopewell township, where he has spent his life and is now one of the most highly respected citizens. For a number of years he served as a justice of the peace, was also township assessor and township treasurer and is probably as well known as any man in the township. He has always supported the Democratic party. Of his children, the six survivors are: Jennie, widow of the late Dr. A. J. Lininger, of Celina; John .Henry, of Hopewell township ; James L., of this sketch; Louisa, wife of Jacob M. Weaver, of Hopewell township; George W., of Celina; and Thomas C. James L. Morrow was reared in Hopewell township where he obtained his primary education. Later he attended the normal school at Valparaiso, Indiana, and subsequently became a teacher. For 14 consecutive years he taught winter schools in his township. In the spring of 1892 he removed to Celina, where he embarked in a mercantile business which he continued until 1898, returning then t0 Hopewell township and settling on the farm he now occupies, which is located in section 14. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 583 Mr. Morrow was united in marriage with Dellie Weaver, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Weaver, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. Weaver still survives, in his Both year, and is one of the most venerable and highly respected citizens of his neighborhood. Of the eight children born to our subject and wife, the seven survivors are : Daisy, Minnie, Maud, Russell, Dillon, Marie and Glen. Letitia is deceased. Mr. Morrow is now serving in his second term as justice of the peace, having given satisfaction to all concerned in his first term. Politically he is a Democrat, like his father, and has always taken an active part in campaign work. He is a member and one of the board of trustees of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Morrow is a very busy man, having business interests of various kinds, at Celina in particular. He is interested in the marble works in that city and he is also secretary of the Mercer County Mutual Telephone Company. W. A. J. McDANIEL W. A. J. MCDANIEL, who is at the head of a large furniture and undertaking establishment at Celina, established here in 1884, was born in Lima, Ohio, in 1861 and is a son of M. McDaniel, who was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business practically all his life. M. McDaniel died in 1901. The subject of this sketch lived in Troy, OhiO, until about seven years of age, his parents having moved there from Lima in his infancy. His parents afterward moved to Greenville, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood, learning his present business of his father, who had a furniture and undertaking establishment. After attaining his majority, he became a member of the firm. of M. McDaniel & Son. In 1884 the firm moved to Celina and engagedln the same business and since 1885 it has been owned and under the charge of W. A. J. McDaniel. Mr. McDaniel was assisted in the undertaking department by Asa W. Meister until August, 1905, when the latter became a partner, in the undertaking business. Our subject is an Odd Fellow and Knight of Pythias. JOHN BEIERSDORFER JOHN BEIERSDORFER, one of the progressive and enterprising business men of. Celina, who has met with success in several lines of activity, was born in Auglaize County, 04io, August 20, 1849, and was there reared and educated. Mr. Beiersdorfer learned the carpenter's trade and worked at this in 584 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Auglaize and Shelby counties until 1888, when he joined his brother Philip in the meat business at Celina ; together they ran a butcher shop and also engaged in the buying and selling of live-stock. They continued in this business until 1903, when our subject opened a grocery store and carried that on for 18 months. Mr. Beiersdorfer has also been interested in brick manufacturing, in dealing in timber lands and in oil production. He has been instrumental in opening up some 22 oil-wells. He was also one of the promoters of the canning factory at this point, which has become such an important industry. In fact he has been one of the active, enthusiastic men needed in every community to open the eyes of the residents to the business opportunities within reach. He has served on the Village Council much to the advantage of the municipality and takes a lively interest in all, public matters. On October 3, 1873, Mr. Beiersdorfer was married to Mary Brueninger, of Shelby County, Ohio, and they have eight children, yiz. : Cornelia, wife of A. J. Wolf, of Dayton, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of John Beckman, a merchant at Celina ; Charles, a jeweler at Atlanta, Georgia; Albert, who is employed on the Pacific Coast ; Edwin B. and William B., of Dayton; and Paul and Ernest, at home. Mr. Beiersdorfer is a member of the Catholic Church. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and for the past 13 years has been president of the German Independent Aid Society, an important charitable organization of Celina. PRESTON WILEY FISHBAUGH PRESTON WILEY FISHBAUGH, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Mendon, was born on a farm in Washington township, near Erastus, Mercer County, Ohio, February 22, 1864, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Morton) Fishbaugh. The Fishbaugh family was established in Fairfield County, Ohio, by the grandfather of Dr. Fishbaugh, Mordecai Fishbaugh, who was a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and was a blacksmith by trade. He married a Miss McDonald and they reared a large family, many of whom still reside in Fairfield County. Samuel Fishbaugh, father of Dr. Fishbaugh, was born in Fairfield County, in 1829, and located in Mercer County in 1863, purchasing 160 acres of land, which he still owns, although for the past 10 years he has been a resident of Bellefontaine, Logan County. In Fairfield County he married Elizabeth Morton, who died in 1878, aged 42 years. They had seven children, the three eldest born in Fairfield County, as follows: Emma, wife of Samuel Cormack, residing at Erastus; Anthony, an attorney and surveyor, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 585 living at Celina; Laura, wife of Moore McMillan, of Xenia, Ohio; M. Byron, a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, formerly a medical practitioner at Coldwater and St. Henry, who is now practicing at Wabash; Francis Mahlon, a traveling salesman, residing at Toledo ; Preston Wiley ; and Ann Isabel, who was accidentally killed at the age of seven years. Preston W. Fishbaugh attended the normal school at Portland, Indiana, for two years and then spent a year at the Ohio Normal University at Ada. The next five years he spent in the educational field in Mercer County, in the meantime reading medicine, and in 1890 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, from which he was graduated in the class of 1893. In the spring of that year he located at Mendon and here he has continued in the practice of his profession, building up a large and satisfactory practice by his skill and faithful attention to his patients. Dr. Fishbaugh was married on August 25, 1894, to Ida May Schenck, a daughter of Rev. Daniel and Mary (Chillcote) Schenck, of Decatur, Indiana. They have four children, viz. : Paul Schenck, Anthony Wayne, Mary Belle and Grace Lenora. Dr. Fishbaugh keeps closely in touch with the advance of professional thought and is a member of the Mercer County Medical Society and the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association. EDWARD LANDFAIR EDWARD LANDFAIR, who for six years served the village of Celina as mayor, is one of Mercer County's prominent citizens. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1845, and was about six years old when his parents moved to Washington. township, Mercer County, settling on a farm in the woods. Edward remained at home, giving assistance to his father in clearing up the farm, until he was about 17 years of age, when he went back to Fairfield County and for a time engaged there in farm work. In the meantime he took advantage of every opportunity to secure an education and when about 20 years of age returned to Mercer County and for a time taught school during the winters and attended school as much as possible, during the summers. He thus became very well known and in 1870, when he came to Celina, he was invited to take charge of the village schools. During the four years that he remained at their head, they made great advances. He was too intelligent a man not to be interested also in public affairs and became something of a politician. In 1868 he was appointed a member of the County Board of School Examiners, a position he held for 17 consecutive years. In 1871 Mr. 586 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Landfair was elected recorder of Mercer County and served in that position for six years. In 1881 he was elected clerk of the courts of Mercer County and assumed the duties of the office in 1882, which office he held for six years being twice reelected. From 1899 until 1903 he was mayor of Celina. Since retiring from public life, Mr. Landfair has been in the loan and investment business. In 1868 Mr. Landfair was married to Adarene Blake, who died in April, 1903, leaving one son, Robert B. The latter was educated in the schools at Celina and Lexington, then studied law, was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School and was admitted to the bar before the Supreme Court of Ohio Columbus, all this before he had reached his majority. He is one of the successful young law practitioners at Celina. HENRY FULLENKAMP HENRY FULLENkAMP, one of the leading farmers and solid, substantial citizens of Marion township, who resides on a fine farm of 240 acres in section 2, and owns another tract of 40 acres, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of this section 0f the State. Henry Fullenkamp was born November 4, 1848, in Jackson township, Auglaize County, Ohio, on the farm on which his father had settled in the woods, and is a son of Nicholas and Mary Mary Adaline (Vonderhar) Fullenkamp. The Fullenkamp family is of German 0rigin and it was establish in America by the grandparents 0f Henry Fullenkamp, who crossed the Atlantic Ocean and penetrated into what was then a wilderness, settling in Jackson township, on the county line of Auglaize County, Ohio, where they died. The name of the grandfather was Herman Fullenkamp. They had three children, namely : Nicholas; Henry ; and Elizabeth, who became the wife of H.. Bertke. Nicholas Fullenkamp, who was 15 years of age when he accompanied his parents to Ohio, spent the remainder of his life in Auglaize County, where he. died in 1891. He married Mary Adaline Vonderhar, who came to Amelia. with her cousin, from Hanover, Germany. She was born May 20, 1826, still resides on the old farm. Nicholas Fullenkamp and wife had to children as follows : Catherine, now deceased, who married (first) Clement Smith, (second) Henry Bisick; Henry ; Joseph, who married Mary Knapke; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Jacob Brown; an infant, deceased; Barney, who married (first) Anna Brown, and (second) Mrs. Fisher; John, who Mary Bruns ; Nicholas, who married Mary Hausfeld and lives on the AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 589 farm; Anthony, who married Anna Westgardes; and Frank, who married Anna Bruns. Henry Fullenkamp was reared in Jackson township, Auglaize County, on the home farm and had few educational advantages as the country was little settled. He remained at home, assisting in the clearing and developing of the farm until his marriage, when his father gave him 80 acres. To this he sub- sequently added 160 acres, which he bought from Peter Barnhard, and still later he acquired 40 more acres, which he bought from the Schrage estate. His land is under a fine state of cultivation, improved methods of farming being the rule and large returns are realized. The pleasant farm house is beautifully shaded from the heats of summer and protected from the winds of winter by a large orchard situated in front. On August 21, 1873, Mr. Fullenkamp was married to Mary Hulskamp, who is a daughter of Dietrich and Elizabeth (Tangeman) Hulskamp. The parents of Mrs. Fullenkamp were both born in Germany, the mother being two years old when she was brought to America. Mr. and Mrs. Fullenkamp have six children, namely : Elizabeth, who married Frederick Voskuhl, resides in Recovery township and has had seven children—John, Frank, Vincent (deceased), Catherine, Mary, Joseph and Edward; Anna, who married Henry Dwenger, lives at St. Rosa and has tw0 children—Elizabeth and Mary; Catherine, who married Henry Buddendick, lives at St. Peter and has two children —Anna and Mary; John H., born February 10, 1882 ; Bernard, born December 27, 1884; and Joseph, born April 8, 1886. The three sons work for their fatter on the home farm. They are fine specimens of young manhood. The family belong to the Catholic Church; the sons are members of St. Al0sius' Society and the father, of St. Joseph's Society. CAPT. SAMUEL A. NICKERSON CAPT. SAMUEL A. NICKERSON, formerly county treasurer of Mercer County, and the well-known proprietor of "Lake View Farm," a body of 80 acres of excellent land in Jefferson, township, situated in sections 4 and 5, township 6, range 3 east, is also a surviving officer of the great Civil War, in which he distinguished himself by gallant service. Captain Nickerson was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 17, 1834, and is a son of. Joseph Colby and Anna (Everman) Nickerson. The Nickerson family is of English extraction and its American founders came to Massachusetts Bay Colony as early as 1637. The old home seems to have been in the vicinity of Norwich, England, and from there came one 590 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY . William Nickerson, who landed at Boston, June 20, 1637, after a stormy crossing of the Atlantic in a frail little sailing vessel of the time. Afterwards he bought land of the Indians in what is now Chatham, which forms the albow of Cape Cod, and from that point noted for its fishing and ship building have spread the sturdy family of Nickersons of which our subject is a worthy member. From the coast of Massachusetts the Nickerson adventured north and a branch found a home in Maine and there Rev. Joshua Nickerson, the grandfather of Captain Nickerson, was born, as was also his son, Joseph Colby Nickerson. Rev. Joshua Nickerson served in the Revolutionary War under General Washington at Valley Forge. About 1815 Joseph Colby Nickerson came to Ohio and settled near Eaton, in Preble County, where he entered 80 acres of land. He had already had a somewhat adventurous life, having served in his youth as a sailor and also worked along the coast as a ship carpenter. He had also served as soldier in the War of 1812, under Generals Wilkinson and Harrison, and participated in the battles of Shady Four Corners and Stone Mill, along the Canadian border. After settling .permanently in Preble County he worked as a carpenter and millwright and built the first mill and the first jail in that county. About 1837 or 1838 he brought his family to Mercer County, Ohio our subject being then about three years old, and settled in Recovery township, where he entered land on the Wabash River at the point called the. Second Crossing. In Preble County he married Anna Everman, a daughter of Samuel Everman. Her only brother, Philip Everman, was in General Hall's army at the surrender of Detroit. At the little settlement of Second Crossing, Samuel A. Nickerson was reared and his education was secured in the neighboring district schools. He was a young man of 26 years of age when the call came for loyal soldiers to go out to defend the Nation's flag and he was one of the first to respond, entering Company I, 17th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served as a private through the three months of his first enlistment, passing the most of this period at Camp Anderson; Lancaster, Ohio. He returned home only to volunteer under Captain Stone and went with his company to Lima, where he was appointed an orderly sergeant and was sent home to recruit. While engaged in this duty the regiment went on to Cincinnati, where Sergeant Nickerson later reported with his volunteers and the company was assigned to the 118th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. On the reorganization of the regiment, Sergeant Nickerson was promoted to 2nd lieutenant of Company I, receiving this commission on August 13, 1862. On February 1, 1864, he was promoted to 1st lieutenant of Company B, 118th. Regt., Ohio Vol. Inf., and on October 12, 1864, he was made AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 591 captain of Company B. His honorable discharge was received April 15, 1865, at Mosely Hall, North Carolina, on account of ill health brought on by exposure and the vicissitudes of a soldier's life. During the siege of Atlanta he was very seriously injured, and on numerous occasions his life was in momentary jeopardy for hours at a time. Captain Nickerson's army record is that of. as brave a soldier as ever wore the Union blue, his rapid promotion giving testimony to this fact. Among the many adventures in which he was prominently concerned, the complete routing of the Confederate raider Caldwell was a typical one and may be briefly related here. Extracts are made use of from a Celina publication many years after the events took place. “The notorious Jim Caldwell of the Rebel army was in the habit of visiting every few weeks, a place known as Morris Mills, in the upper part of Campbell County, North Carolina, where he obtained recruits, horses, supplies, etc., a regular correspondence and communication being kept up with sympathizers in the border counties of Kentucky." As a result, Lieutenant Nickerson with 13 men was detailed to capture Caldwell and to break up his line of communication. In referring, years after, to this event, Captain Nickerson said : "After all these years, looking back over the many hard campaigns which we passed through during the war, I can think of none fraught with more danger or that produced better results according to the number engaged in it. We pursued, met and defeated a force twice our size and advanced so far into the enemy's country that our entire force could have been surrounded and cut to pieces. As to the fatigue we had endured, the first night Out we had moved over 20 miles on foot, the greater portion of the time on the double quick. For two days and two nights we were almost continually in the saddle. As to the results, it not only drove Caldwell out of Kentucky, but put an end to the Rebels sending spies through our lines into Covington and Cincinnati to spy around General Burnside's headquarters. It also broke up their mail routes from Cincinnati into the Rebel lines, stopping the sending of supplies and recruits into Humphrey Marshall's army and it effectually quieted that part of Kentucky." Thee capture of Caldwell was not accomplished, as he fled at the first approach of Lieutenant Nickerson's brave men, who, however, captured three other prisoners, two of whom were officers of the Confederate Army, viz.: the notorious Major McGraw and Capt. William Corbin, on whose persons were found contraband goods and letters to the enemy. Strange as it may seem, neither Lieutenant Nickerson nor his men ever received any special recognition from the government for one of the bravest raids ever made by that command and one which had far-reaching consequences. After his retirement from the army, Captain Nickerson returned to Mercer County and settled down to farming. On June 13, 1877, he married 592 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Lucinda Myers, a daughter of George and Eliza Myers, old residents of Mercer County. Mrs. Nickerson's great-grandfather, John Myers, was a Hessian soldier who fought in the Revolutionary War in the British Army, having been pressed into the service; at his earliest opportunity he deserted and afterwards settled in Hamilton County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Nickerson have no children of their own, but they have reared George and Savella Myers, a nephew and niece, as a son and daughter. For a number of years Captain Nickerson and resided at Fort Recove while living there he carried on a livery business. He was also made justice of the peace and filled this office for 12 consecutive year to the satisfaction of all concerned. While residing at Fort Recovery, he also was engaged in a drug business and was one of the leading citizens of the village. Politically he is a stanch Democrat and it was on the Democratic ticket that he was elected treasurer of Mercer County, in which office he served for four years, proving a capable official, devoted to the interests 0f his fellow-citizens. After retiring from that office, he purchased his present farm near Celina, to which he gave the pleasant name of "Lake View," and here he is surrounded by all that is calculated to make the evening of life a compensation for all the hardships or disappointments which may have gone before. He is active in the Grand Army of the Republic and is president of the Mercer County Pioneer Association. Portraits of Captain and Mrs. Nickerson accompany this sketch. PHILIP BEIERSDORFER PHILIP BEIERSDORFER, one of Celina's substantial men and leading business citizens, who has offices on West Livingston street, is identified with the grain and elevator interests, a large creamery enterprise and has long been a successful buyer and shipper of stock. Mr. Beiersdorfer was born March 31, 1853, in Auglaize County, Ohio, and was mainly reared and educated there. Mr. Beiersdorfer learned the butchering business and was engaged in that several years prior to moving to Lima, where he continued in the same line for several years more. In 1879 he came to Celina and entered upon the same business, which he carried on c0ntinuously until 1906, when he retired; a portion of this time he was in partnership with his brother John. His markets were well known for the fine quality of their goods. He has, in the meantime. been interested in other successful enterprises, has a large grain and elevator business and was one of the early buyers and shippers of livestock in this locality. In partnership with John E. Hamburger and Julius Theiman, he has established a creamery with every prospect of doing an extensive business. He is also interested in a stave factory at Ada, Ohio. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 593 Beiersdorfer is a very able business man and an enterprising, valuable citizen. In 1882 .Mr. Beiersdorfer was married to Sarah Ungerer, and they have three children, viz.: Leona, Frank and Hazel B. With his family he belongs to the Catholic Church. He is als0 an active member of the Knights of St. John, and is a member of the German Independent Aid Society. WESLEY W. BEAUCHAMP WESLEY W. BEAUCHAMP, M. D., a leading medical practitioner at Rockford, was born in Franklin township, Mercer County, Ohio, August 13, 1863, and is a son of Martin Luther and Sarah Ann (Johnston) Beauchamp. The Beauchamp family was established in Mercer County by the grandfather of Dr. Beauchamp, who was a native of North Carolina. The family originated in France, fled to Scotland on account of political troubles and later crossed the ocean and made a home in North Carolina. Wesley Beauchamp, the grandfather, was one of the pioneer settlers at Montezuma, where he died in 1852. He acquired a large amount of land, his farm including a large part of the present site of St. Marys. Wesley Beauchamp had three sons and four daughters, namely : Monroe, William and Martin Luther, sons, and Cornelia, Isabel, Catherine and Calista, daughters. The sons have all passed away. Monroe died when about 21 years of age. William moved to Shelby County and later to Darke County, Ohio, where he died in 1905. Cornelia, deceased, was the wife of Isaac Selby. Isabel was married (first) to Salathiel Hale and later, to Morris Kelly, now deceased; she resides in Franklin township, Mercer County. Calista also resides in Franklin township, and is thee widow of George Miller. The father of Dr. Beauchamp was born in 1830 and died January 29,1878, at the age of 48 years. The mother of our subject was born February 25, 1839, and was the eldest daughter of John J. and Elizabeth (Peck) Johnston, both of whom were natives of Enniskillen, Ireland. John J. Johnston accompanied his parents to New Brunswick in childhood, and later they came to Franklin township, Mercer County, as pioneer settlers. The great-grandmother of our subject died at the age of g0 years. John J. Johnston was about 21 years old when he came to Mercer County ; he died in 1897 in Shelby County, aged 80 years. The children born to John J. and Elizabeth (Peck) Johnston were six daughters and two sons, all of whom survive, as follows : Sarah Ann, the mother of Dr. Beauchamp, who was born in Mercer County and is still a resident. there; Jennie, residing in Shelby County, who is the widow of James Weymer, deceased June 30, 1906; Barbara, wife of Finley Wilson, residing in 594 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY Shelby County; Mary, wife of Joseph A. Wilson, residing in Miami County; Martha, wife of Reuben G. Singles, a grocer at Piqua, Ohio; Emma, wife of Charles A. Hetzler, of Sidney, Ohio; Samuel P., of Shelby County, who married Martha Campbell; and Stephen T., of Piqua, who married Ella Davis. There were three sons and three daughters born to Martin Luther and Sarah Ann (Johnston) Beauchamp, as follows: Laura, who died in girlhood; John, who is, a farmer, residing in Franklin township; Wesley W., of this sketch; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Gordon Botkin, of St. Marys; Hortense, who died in 1900,, aged 28 years; and Herbert K., who is a practicing physician at Phoenix, Arizona—he is a graduate of the Indiana Medical College, at Indianapolis and formerly practiced at Keystone, Indiana. Wesley, W. Beauchamp received his literary training in the schools of Montezuma and Celina. In 1892 he entered Starling Medical College, at Columbus, where he was graduated in 1895. In April of the same year he entered upon the practice of his profession with Dr. A. Stephenson, at Fort Recovery. One year later, in April, 1896, he came to Rockford and was in partnership here for three and a half years, with Dr. Kirby. In April, i905, he gave up practice on account of fail* health and spent a year at Piqua, recuperating. In April, 1906, he returned t0 Rockford, where he has practiced ever since, meeting with satisfactory success. He is preparing to take up special work in diseases of the eye. On July 4, 1895, Dr. Beauchamp was married to Hattie C. White, a daughter of Cornelius S. and Sarah E. (Brubaker) White. They had one child but it died in infancy. Politically Dr. Beauchamp is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason and belongs to Shane's Lodge, No. 377, at Rockford. Personally he is a man of pleasant address and bears the marks of a student. As man and physician he is held in very high esteem in Rockford. VALENTINE W. BREHM VALENTINE W. BREHM, a well-known citizen and representative farmer and stock-raiser of Liberty township, residing on his valuable farm in section 16, was born January 11, 1861, in Montgomery County, Ohio. His parents were John and Mary (Lower) Brehm. John Brehm, who is now a resident of Liberty township, was born in Germany. After coming to America, he resided for a time in Montgomery County, Ohio, but came to Mercer County in 1872. The mother of our subject died when he was a boy. Valentine W. Brehm was reared on his father's farm until he reached AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 595 manhood, and was educated in the public schools. He has always devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits and is numbered with the successful farmers of Liberty township. He settled on his present farm in 1893, finding it little more than a timber tract then, but he has developed it into a very valuable farm. Mr. Brehm was married on December 24, 1885, t0 Sophia Alt, a daughter of John Alt, a well-known resident of Liberty township. Mr. and Mrs. Brehm have two children, Philip J. and Annie L., both of whom have been educated in the local schools and reside at home. Mr. Brehm is a stanch Democrat. He is a man wh0 takes a great deal of interest in the public school system and has given his time t0 serve as school director of District -No. 5. Both he and his good wife are members of the Lutheran Church.   E. J. BROOKHART P. J. BROOKBART, attorney-at-law at Celina and referee in bankruptcy for Mercer County, was born August 8, 1881, in Hopewell township, Mercer County, Ohio, some five miles north of Celina. He is a son of J. C. Brookhart. The father of E. J. Brookhart was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, but has been a citizen of Mercer County for many years. He still 0ccupies and operates his farm in Hopewell township. E. J. Brookhart was reared on his father's farm and was mainly educated at Mendon, graduating from the Mendon High School before entering upon the study of the law. In 1903 he was graduated in law at the Ohio Northern University at Ada, and in March, 1904, he entered into practice, locating at Celina. In February, 1906, he was appointed United States referee in bankruptcy for Mercer County, the duties of which 0ffice he has efficiently filled ever since. On December 25, 1902, Mr. Brookhart was married to Dora Montgomery, a daughter of Dr. West Montgomery, of Ada, Ohio, formerly of Mercer County. Mrs. Brookhart is a talented musician and has been the leader of the choir of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church ever since taking up her residence at Celina. Both she and Mr: Brookhart are very active in church circles, he being a member of the board of stewards and she, of various benevolent organizations connected with its philanthropic activities. Mr. Brookhart still retains his membership in his college fraternity society of Theta Nu Epsilon. In politics Mr. Brookhart is a Republican. He takes a lively interest in 596 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY public matters and is one of the influential local managers, serving at present as chairman of the county executive committee. JACOB HUWER JACOB HUWER, one of Butler township's prosperous farmers, residing on a farm of 120 acres in section 29, was born at Cranberry Prairie, Mercer County, Ohio, September 10, 1857, and is a son of Jacob and Bari (Kart) Huwer. Jacob Huwer, Sr., owned a fine farm of 160 acres and always folly agricultural pursuits. He died April 25, 1906, and his wife died in i8 They had seven children, as follows: .Jacob; Mary, who married Stachler, of Dayton, Ohio; Kate, who married Henry Wolfe; Annie, married Charles Bier; John; William; and Fred, who died from the eff a rattlesnake bite, when six years old. Jacob Huwer, our subject, was reared on a farm at Cranberry Prai and after his marriage lived on a farm of 85 acres near this point, which sold in April, 1903, and purchased his present place. He resides in a fine, large brick house.  Mr. Huwer was married on August 8, 1882, to Maggie Rindler, a daughter of Constantine Rindler, and they have had 13 children, as follows: Christine, deceased; Jacob, who married Dina Spoltman; John; William Mary; Christine (2) ; Henry; Leo; Charles, who died aged three years six months; Roman, who died aged seven weeks; Clara, who died in infancy; Raymond and Carl. Mr. Huwer is a member of the Catholic Church and also of St. Joseph's Society. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN TENNENT JOIN TENNENT, a well-known contractor of Celina, where he has resided for the past 17 years, was born at Gettysburg, Darke County, Ohio,; August 14, 1856. He was reared in his native town and was five years old. when his father died. At an early age he was bound out on a farm where he remained until 21 years of age; thus his educational advantages were very limited. After leaving the farm, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in connection with farming near Gettysburg. In 1889 he moved to Celina, where for the past 15 years he has been engaged general contracting. Mr. Tennent has built 37 of the finest residences in Celina, seven of the village's business blocks, the Celina Free Public Library AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 597 and many minor buildings of the village. He was recently awarded the contract for erecting Celina's new public school building. Mr. Tennent was married in 1886 to Lyda Martin, of Piqua, Ohio, and has seven children, namely: Maud Pearl, who married Otis Monroe of Montezuma, Ohio; F. C., who is in partnership with his father; H. C., of Greenville, Ohio; Jennie and Sallie (twins) ; Guy and Emma. Politically, Mr. Tennent is a Republican. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge at Gettysburg and a member of the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church at Celina. BERNARD BORGER BERNARD BORGER, a well-known resident of Celina, where he was engaged in business for a number of years, and a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors, was born October 27, 1854, in Granville township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of Joseph and Katherine E. (Ronnebaum) Borger. The father of Mr. Borger was born in Germany and came to America when 21 years of age, locating immediately in Cincinnati. He worked there until 1835 when he bought government land in Granville township, Mercer County, and walked the distance between Cincinnati and Wapakoneta, carrying his purchase money, $300 in silver, in a bag on his back. He lived to become one of the large landowners in Mercer County. He married Katherine E. Ronnebaum, who was also born in Germany, and they had seven children, one of whom died in infancy. Three are living at the present time: Bernard, of this sketch; Frederick, of St. Henry; and Mary, wife of Henry Dorger, a farmer in Granville township. Henry, Joseph and Frances died, leaving families. The father and mother lived to a good old age, the former dying March 17, 1887, aged 74 years, and the latter surviving the death of her husband but six days, being aged 72 years. They were most worthy people and were honored and beloved by those who knew them. Bernard Borger was educated in Granville township and followed farming there until June 15, 1891, when he removed to Celina, where he ran a grocery store for one year, later was in a lumber business and then clerked in a hardware store for seven years. On January 1, 1901, he became a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors of Mercer County, and has been clerk of the board ever since. While residing in Granville township he served as trustee, and was always interested in the educational affairs of his neighborhood. Since retiring from business, he has given the larger part of his time to looking after his valuable real estate interests. Mr. Borger was married October 20, 1885, to Mary A. Depweg, a 598 - HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY daughter of Barney Depweg, and they have one son, William J., who is a clerk in a wholesale and retail hardware store in Toledo. Mr. Borger is a member of the Catholic Church. He belongs to the Knights of St. John, uniform rank, and is also a member of St. Joseph’s Society. His residence is on West Logan street, Celina. AUGUST FRAHM AUGUST FRAHM, a well-known farmer of Hopewell township, who resides on his excellent farm of 80 acres situated in section 7, was born September 29, 1856, in Hopewell township, Mercer County, Ohio, and is a son of John H. and Sophia (Smith) Frahm. John H. Frahm and wife were natives of Germany. They emigrated to America about 1852 and became early settlers in Hopewell township,. Mercer County. John H. Frahm became a prominent citizen of the township and county, serving in the former as a trustee and in the latter as county' commissioner for six years. He was a stanch Democrat in his political views and a worthy member of the Lutheran Church. He died in April, 1899. August Frahm was reared with his brothers and sister on the home farm in Hopewell township, and they were all educated in the public schools, our subject enjoying also a short period of instruction in the Celina schools. He owns a good farm and the greater part of his time is given to its further improvement.. Mr. Frahm was united in marriage with Anna Copman, who was born in Germany, and they have three children, namely : Lizzie, Rudolph and Ricka. Politically Mr. Frahm is a stanch Democrat. He has served as school director of District No. 4 at various times, and has proved a valuable member of the board. In 1900 he was made land appraiser in Hopewell township. He is a leading member of the Lutheran Church, in which he is a trustee and also a deacon. Like other members of his family, he is held in high esteem throughout Hopewell township.   JOSEPH McDONALD JOSEPH MCDONALD, who resides on his valuable farm of 8o acres in Jefferson township, situated in section 2, township 6 south, range 2 east, was born in Darke. County, Ohio, October 21, 1835, and is a son of John and AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 599 Maria (Baker) McDonald and a grandson of Joseph McDonald, a native of Scotland, who came to this country when quite young and settled in Miami County, Ohio. John McDonald, father of Joseph, was reared in Darke County. He married Maria Baker, a daughter of Lewis Baker, a pr0minent farmer of Darke County, who had been a soldier in the Indian Wars. Joseph McDonald was reared and educated in his native county and in 1851 accompanied his parents to Mercer County. They located in Jefferson township, in which township he has ever since resided. He has lived on his present farm for 47 years, having taken possession shortly after his marriage. On September 10, 1869, he was married to Lydia Smith, who was born at Celina, Ohio, and, is a daughter of Matthias and Elizabeth (Molder) Smith, both of whom were natives 0f Germany, but were married in Mansfield, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have had 10 children, six of whom are still living, namely: Hettie, who lives at home; Lizzie, who married Ward Raudabaugh, resides at South Lebanon, Ohio, and has one child, Mabel Margaret; Arthur, who lives at home; Lucy, who lives at home; Grace; and Mabel. Grace received her early education in the country schools, then graduated from the Celina High School and has since taken a course in the Ohi0 State University at Columbus, graduating in the class of 1906. Prior to entering the Ohio State University, she taught school in the country for one year, and is now teaching at Nelsonville, Ohio. Mabel graduated from the Celina High School in 1906. JOSEPH PAX JOSEPH PAX, one of Mercer County's progressive farmers, residing on a well-improved tract of 120 acres in Jefferson township, situated in section II, township 6 south, range 2 east, was born in Germany, November 11, 1861, and is a son of John and Josephine (Ast) Pax. John Pax and family came to America when Joseph was five years old and located in Franklin County, Indiana. There were six children in the parental family, as follows: Joseph ; John; George; Mary, deceased; Mrs. Lena Hartman; and Anna, who is the wife of Pius Pfister. Prior to his death, in 1896, John Pax sold his farm and went to live with his son Joseph. Joseph Pax was reared and educated in Franklin County, Indiana. After his marriage he moved to Cincinnati and spent the following 10 years in Hamilton County. He then purchased a farm in Jefferson township, Mercer County, where he has since resided. He has made many improvements