AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 775 established the Hillside Nurseries, having a plant at Casstown and also one at Troy. At present his Troy plant has a cellar with dimensions of 33 by 63 feet, while a second one is in course of construction, the dimensions of which will be 86 by 105 feet. Mr. Hartley has been an unusually successful business man and this success must be attributed to his own efforts and the possession of natural good judgment and foresight. He says that when he came to Troy it was on borrowed money, and now, in addition to his large business interests, he owns large tracts of land in the farming districts and pays city taxes on thirty-three town lots. In 1874 Mr. Hartley was married to Miss Lizzie M. Lewis, a daughter of Edmond Lewis, of Casstown. Mrs. Hartley died March 16, 1904, leaving three children —Mary Lizzie, Alonzo Lewis and Ruth. Mr. Hartley is a Knight Templar Mason and is also a member of the Odd Fellows. Alonzo Lewis Hartley married Lina Yount, June 15, 1904, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth Kyle. They live in Troy. B. J. FORD, who conducts the only drug store in West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, is an enterprising and progressive business man and commands a large trade. He was born in West Manchester, Preble County, Ohio, October 15, 1878, and is a son of Orlando and Margaret (Studebaker) Ford. Orlando Ford, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Greene County, Ohio, and in early life learned the trade of a brick mason. He later followed this trade in Preble County, whither he moved, and his home continued there until his death at the age of fifty-nine years. He married Margaret Studebaker, and they became parents of two children: Aldus, who is deceased ; and B. J. Ford. B. J. Ford attended the public schools of his native county, after which he worked in a drug store for a time. He then entered Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, and completed a two-year course in pharmacy. On November 9, 1899, he purchased the store in West Milton of which he is now proprietor ; he carries a complete line of drugs and wall paper and enjoys the patronage of the people for many miles surrounding the village. The store is located on Miami Street. Mr. Ford was united in marriage with Miss Sylvia Davis, of Preble County, and they have one son, Byron, who is attending the public schools. Politically, he is a Democrat. In fraternal affiliation, he is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a Pythian Knight. JOHN ODA, a leading agriculturist of Washington Township, Miami County, Ohio, has a well improved farm of fifty acres located about three and one-half miles southwest of Piqua. He was born near Dayton, Ohio, November 22, 1858, and is a son of Frederick and Louisa (Trost) Oda. His parents were natives of Germany and were married prior to their removal to the United States. They located on a farm in Montgomery County, Ohio. John Oda was reared on the home farm in Montgomery County, and at the age of nineteen years moved to Darke County, Ohio. There he engaged in farming a short time, then moved to a farm near Covington, in Miami County. He later sold his farm there and in 1902 purchased his present excellent property of fifty acres. He remodeled the brick house on the place and 776 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY now has one of the best improved farms in that locality. Mr. Oda was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth R. Wolf, a daughter of Ephraim Wolf, and they have two children, namely : Minnie C. and Russel C. Religiously, they are members of the Lutheran Church of Piqua, of which he is an elder. JOHN E. BILLINGSLEY, owner of eighty acres of excellent farm land, which is situated two miles east of Covington, on the old Covington-Piqua Road, on the Washington Township line, in Newberry Township, has always lived on this farm, on which he was born, June 28, 1850. His parents were Thomas and Mary E. (Luckey) Billingsley. Thomas Billingsley was born in 1823, near Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a boy of nine years when his father came to this county, April 5, 1832, and settled in the woods. At that time, Grandfather John Billingsley was an old man, being then seventy-five years of age, but it is said of him that he was still so vigorous that he bore hardships better and did more work than any of his sons. He lived to be ninety-seven years of age. His wife was also of the old type of women, strong and courageous, and she lived to be ninety-five years of age. Thomas Billingsley followed farming all his life and died on the old homestead on November 8, 1886. He married Mary E. Luckey, who was born in Athens County, Ohio. Her father was John Luckey, who brought his family to Washington Township, Miami County, in her girlhood. John E. Billingsley was an only child and never had any occasion to leave the old farm, which came to him through in heritance. He has greatly improved it, having fine buildings and modern comforts. He carries on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of fast horses. He keeps fourteen head of horses and raises fifty head of hogs yearly. Mr. Billingsley 's agricultural methods are along modern lines and he proves on his own farm that the best grade of stock is the most profitable. Mr. Billingsley married Miss Emma C. Harwood, who was born in the State of New York, and died here March 12, 1909. She was a daughter of Rev. John Harwood, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Billingsley is survived by three children, Thomas, Roy and Bert, the two younger sons residing at home. Thomas Billingsley, who is now city solicitor of Versailles, Darke County, and is a law partner with J. Guy 0 'Donnel, of Covington, was admitted to the bar in 1902 and is looked upon as one of the rising young men of his section. He spent two years in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and one year in the Ohio State University, at Columbus. He married Ottie Hartle and they have one child, Richard. FRED SCHUESSELIN conducts the meat market of the firm of Charles F. Schuesselin & Sons at West Milton, and is a member of that firm, which also has a market at Pleasant Hill. He was born in Pleasant Hill, in 1885, and is a son of Charles F. and Louise (Staehlin) Schuesselin, both natives of Germany. Charles F. Schuesselin was reared to maturity is his native land and learned the trade in Greenville, Ohio. He came to this country, in 1883, prior to his marriage, and located at Pleasant Hill, Miami AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 777 County, Ohio, where he began butchering. He was married at Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Louise Staehlin, and they became parents of six children, as follows : Fred ; Albert ; Emilie, deceased ; Edward ; Arthur ; and Hermina. Mr. and Mrs. Schuesselin reside at Pleasant Hill. Fred Schuesselin attended the public schools at Pleasant Hill, and afterward the Dayton Commercial College, where he completed a thorough business course. He then became a partner in the firm of Charles F. Schuesselin & Sons, and in 1908 came to West Milton and opened their present shop. They have a neat and attractive place of business, and as they slaughter all the meat that goes over the counter, the trade receives none but the best. They run one wagon from West Milton, another being run from Pleasant Hill, and also attend Piqua Market every Saturday, having a stand on the corner of Wayne and Market Streets. They have a full line of fresh meats there and have a regular trade built up. Mr. Schuesselin was united in marriage with Miss Laudie Hunt, of Dayton, Ohio, and they have a comfortable home at West Milton. Religiously, they are members of the Christian Church. He is a Republican in politics. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. LEVI DIVENS, residing on a farm of eighty acres in Section 23, of Newton Township, is a progressive farmer and a well known citizen. He was born in Newton Township April 18, 1864, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Switzer) Divens. Samuel Divens was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1811. He came from Pennsylvania when a young man twenty-one years of age, and at the age of forty-nine years—September 16, 1860—he was married to Miss Mary Switzer and settled down in Newton Township, where he lived the remainder of his life. He died there April 17, 1885, and lies buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. He was a member of the German Baptist Church. In politics he was a Republican. His wife Mary was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Konkle) Switzer, and they had three children, Ella, Levi and William. Mrs. Divens now resides at Pleasant Hill. Levi Divens attended the Fairview School west of Pleasant Hill, and after leaving school farmed for his father until his marriage. He then located on the sixty-five-acre farm on which his father had lived, and continued to reside there for thirteen years. He and his wife then purchased the eighty-acre farm where they now live from Frank M. Blackmore. It is a well improved farm, provided with a good comfortable residence and other substantial buildings, and is under a high state of cultivation except four acres, which is still in timber. Mr. Divens is engaged in general farming and tobacco raising, having about eight acres devoted to the latter commodity each year. October 1, 1891, Levi Divens was married to Huldah Mowery, a daughter of Martin L. and Elizabeth (Ullery) Mowery, and they have had seven children whose record in brief is as follows : May Virgil and Ray Virgin (twins) were born June 30, 1892. Ray Virgin died July 8, 1892, aged eight days ; May Virgil died July 17, 1892, aged seventeen days. Leroy was born August 24, 1893, and died May 31, 1894, aged nine months and seven days. The living children. are : Treva Blanche, 778 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Iva Pearl, Hazel Irene, Clarence Arthur, all of whom are attending the public school. Religiously, the family attends the Brethren Church. Politically, the subject of this sketch is a Republican. CORTEZ M. SMITH, one of Troy's most enterprising and successful young business men, who has been identified with the horse and mule business for many years, was born in 1873, at Casstown, Ohio, and is a son of the late Martin P. Smith. The father of Mr. Smith was born in Maryland and came to the vicinity of Casstown, Ohio, in 1854, where he followed farming during his active years. He died in 1906. Cortez M. Smith attended school at Casstown during boyhood and very early learned to depend entirely upon his own efforts to advance himself. He earned his first capital by working by the day and then traded for a time in Bantam chickens, which was the stepping-stone to his larger operations subsequently in the handling of horses and mules. This business he has carried on with much success and -he now owns a fine farm of 190 acres in Miami county, besides improved property at Troy, including his own handsome residence on East Main Street. For some time, in addition to his horse and mule business, which he built up entirely by himself, he has been handling real estate, his excellent business qualifications being shown also in this line. Mr. Smith is entirely a self-made man and takes justifiable pride in the fact. In 1894 Mr. Smith -was married to Miss Lucy E. Hathaway, and they have two sons, Carlton Clay and Melvin Frederick. Mr. Smith is a member of the Troy Club and the Troy Business Men's Association. THOMAS L. DRAKE was a prominent farmer and respected citizen of Washington Township, Miami County, Ohio, and his death, which occurred November 7, 1897, was mourned as a loss to the community. He was born on the farm of 220 acres on which his widow now lives, August 23, 1847, and was a son of Daniel Drake, who was prominent among the early citizens of Washington Township. Thomas L. Drake was reared and educated in Washington Township, and spent his entire life on the home farm. He attended the district schools and Piqua High School, leaving the latter institution six weeks before the time for him to graduate. He then taught school for two terms, after which he farmed the remainder of his life, meeting with a high degree of success. The farm consists of 220 acres and is located about two and one-half miles south of the Piqua postoffice. In 1893 he erected one of the finest brick houses in the township and the farm was maintained on the same high plane as to its other improvements. April 4, 1878; Mr. Drake was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Knouff, a daughter of George and Lettie A. (McKlveen) Knouff. George Knouff was born in Pennsylvania and was a son of John Knouff, who died in the eastern part of Ohio. The father of Mrs. Drake was a young man when the family moved to Harrison County, Ohio. and after his marriage he came west to Miami County, Ohio, settling on a. farm in Washington Township. Here he lived until his death on February 10, 1885, being survived by his widow, who passed away on October 3, 1893. Mrs. Knouff was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. and was a daughter of AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 779 Thomas MeKlveen. who came to this country from Ireland. Mrs. Drake was born in Harrison County. Ohio, and was ten years of age when her parents came to Miami County. Mr. and Mrs. Drake had a son born to them, Forest. who died at the early age of nine months and seven days. Religiously he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which Mrs. Drake also belongs. She is a lady of refinement and excellent business qualifications, and has many friends in this community, in which she has lived since the early clays of her life. HENRY REHMERTH, a. representative citizen and business man of Staunton Township, Miami County, Ohio, is the owner of a splendid farm of 189 acres. He was born in Prussia, Germany, January 5, 1845, and is a son of John Henry and Sophia (Dohm) Rehmerth, both natives of Germany. John Henry Rehmerth learned the trade of a blacksmith when a young man and then engaged in making cutlery, principally knives, forks and files. Upon coming to the United States in 1853. he abandoned his trade and took up farming. Their voyage across the ocean consumed six weeks' time, and they passed another week at Dayton, Ohio, prior to becoming residents of Staunton Township. in Miami County. Here Mr. Rehmerth purchased a small place and farmed the remainder of his days, dying at the age of seventy-three years. He was twice married, his first union being with Henrietta Hidison, who died in Germany. leaving three children, as follows: Mary. wife of Charles Miller; Caroline, deceased wife of Henry Martin; and William. His second marriage was with Sophia Dohm, who survived her husband some years ; they had two sons, Henry and Frederick. Henry Rehmerth was a little past the age of eight years when brought by his parents to this country. He attended school one year in his native land and but one week in this country, but notwithstanding his limited training is a broad-minded and well informed man. He worked about home until he was fourteen, then worked out by the month. He was in the employ of Henry Eikmeier one year, of Henry "Adage two years, and of Benjamin Enyeart seven years. He turned his earnings over to his parents until he was twenty-one, after which he began saving his money. The earnings he saved during the first summer, together with $125 that he borrowed from John Farver, he invested in the rhubarb wine business in partnership with Mr. Enyeart. There proved to be no demand for their product and at the end of one year his entire capital was gone. He then continued to work out by the month until he was twenty-six, when he and his brothers began farming together. He had in the meantime saved about $500, with which, added to what his brothers could command, they purchased land in the southern part of Staunton Township. Industrious and ambitious, of frugal and saving habits, they prospered and added to their holdings until they were possessed of 450 acres of the most valuable land. They continued in association until 1899, when the land was divided, Henry Rehmerth receiving 189 acres as his share. He erected the home in which he now lives and made many improvements on the place. He may well take pride in the success he has attained, which came solely 780 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY through his own efforts and the helping hand of his wife and sons. December 21, 1871, Mr. Rehmerth was united in marriage with Miss Mary Norther, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Herzog) norther. Three children were the issue of this union : William Jacob it actin J., who married Emma McCool, January 13, 1904, and has one son, named Herbert and George, who was married January 24. 190G, to Elsie Davis, who formerly was a tea ..her in the public schools. Religiously, the family is German Lutheran, and for twenty years Mr. Rehmerth served as a deacon of the church. He is a Republican in politics, and was at one time pike superintendent. W. A. ZINK, well known as a prosperous business man of West Milton, is proprietor of the oldest meat market in the village and in addition deals quite extensively in live stock, hides and tallow. He was reared to the business, in which his father and his grandfather were engaged before him. Some of his mother's family also followed that occupation, his brothers all are butchers, and his sisters married butchers. Mr. Zink was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1873. and is a son of Josept and Mary (Gergens) Zink, being one of twelve children born to his parents, of whom ten are now living. Joseph Zink was born and reared in Montgomery County, Ohio, his father being the oldest butcher in that county. He started his market and conducted it some years, then moved to Vandalia, Ohio, where he conducted a market one year. About the year 1888 he became a resident of West Milton and actively continued butchering here until 1907, since which time he has led a retired life. W. A. Zink attended the public schools at West Milton, and from his boyhood days has been identified with the butchering business. In 1902 he purchased the shop of his father and has since continued with great success. He has a new cement front building under course of construction, adjoining the postoffice, and when completed it will be one of the most up-to-date buildings of the place, and a credit to the town. He has a large and well established trade, running two wagons and giving employment to three men. He is a man of hustle and enterprise, and is exceedingly popular among his fellow citizens. Mr. Zink was united in marriage with Lora Iddings, a daughter of William Iddings, of Ludlow Falls, and they became parents of two children, Oneda and Harold. Politically, he is a Democrat. WILLIAM JACOB REHMERTH, son of Henry and Mary (norther) Rehmerth, was born in Staunton Township, January 19, 1873, and received his education in the public schools. He assisted his father on the farm from the time he was quite young, and for the past nine years has carried on the operations thereon. He has always evinced a deep interest in political affairs and been a consistent supporter of Republican principles. He made an unsuccessful campaign for the office of township assessor, but at the succeeding election was elected to that office and served one term. In 1905 he was appointed township trustee to fill the unexpired term of Joseph West, who moved away, and in November, 1907, was elected to that office. His colleagues AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 781 in office are Democrats. He was appointed as a member of the Board of Education to fill the unexpired term of E. B. Duncan. Religiously, he is a member of the German Lutheran Church. WILLIAM W. WOOD, who is secretary and treasurer of the Wood Shovel & Tool Company, of Piqua, Ohio, was born in this city in March, 1878, and is a son of H. K. and a grandson of William Webster Wood. The Wood family is an old colonial one that came to New England from England in 1637 and established itself in New Hampshire. William Webster Wood, the grandfather of William W., came from Hollis, New Hampshire, to Piqua, Ohio, in 1837, and shortly afterward the father of William W. Wood was born, the latter being in the third generation of the family in this city. William W. Wood went from the Piqua High School to Phillips Academy, at Exeter, New Hampshire, where he was graduated in the class of 1898. When he returned home he went to work for the Piqua Electric Company, remaining until December, 1899, and then entered the employ of the Philadelphia Clay Manufacturing Company, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Two years later he retired from that company and came back to Piqua and soon afterward was one of the incorporators of the Wood Shovel & Tool Company, of which he continues to be secretary and treasurer. The industry is one of importance and Mr. Wood possesses the energy and enterprise to make it a leading one of this section. In politics, Mr. Wood is an ardent Republican and stands very high in the councils of his party. He is chairman of the Republican County Central and County Executive Committees and possesses the tact and diplomacy which are so necessary to make these offices effective in maintaining party harmony and securing tangible results. Socially he is a member of the Piqua and the Cosmopolitan Clubs, and fraternally he is a Mason. He has membership in the Green Street Methodist Episcopal Church. A. J. IDDINGS, president of the Citizens' Bank of West Milton and for many years a prominent citizen of Union Township, is located on a farm between West Milton and Pleasant Hill and is the owner of 440 acres of land, all located in Miami County. He was born in Newton Township, in 1842, and is a son of Benjamin and Barbara (Hill) Iddings. His grandfather was one of the pioneers of Newton Township. Benjamin Iddings was born on the same farm as the subject of this sketch and lived in Newton Township all his life. He always farmed as a business and lived to reach the age of eighty-eight years. He married Barbara Hill, and ten children were the offspring of their union. A. J. Iddings attended the district schools of his native township, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits which he has always followed. A man of great industry and foresight, he made steady advancement and accumulated land piece by piece until he was possessed of 440 acres of valuable land. He was one of the organizers and second president of the Citizens' Bank of West Milton, which was incorporated with a capital stock of $30,000. The other officers are : A. Pfifer, first vice president; C. Emerich, second vice-president Ira Minnich, 782 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY cashier; and Ada Gnagey. assistant cashier. The Citizens' Bank, hacked as it is by men of substance and officered by men of demonstrated business capacity, takes high rank among the financial institutions of Miami County. At the present time there is in the course of construction on Miami Street a new building. with marble front, to be devoted entirely to the business of this institution. Mr. Ridings was united in marriage with Miss Melinda Haskell. who prior to her marriage lived west of West Milton, in Miami County. They have one son, Esty, who lives across the road- from his father and follows farming. The last named was married to Miss Lulu Coate and they have two children, John and Nellie. The subject of this record is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in 1864 as a member of Company H, 147th Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served until the expiration of his term of enlistment. In politics, he is independent and not bound by any party ties. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masons, and also the Patrons of Husbandry. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian Church. JOSEPH M. FINK, county commissioner-elect of Miami County and a representative business man of Piqua, was born in Washington Township, Miami County, Ohio, in 1853. and is a son of the late D. P. Fink, who came to Perry County, Ohio, when a small boy, from Pennsylvania, and to Miami County about 1845. He engaged in farming in Washington Township, where he died in 1880. When his school days were over, Joseph M. Fink learned the machinists' trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years with Bowdel Brothers, and then going to Dayton, where he worked for three years more as a machinist. Mr. Fink then moved to a farm near Piqua and was engaged in agricultural pursuits for the next twenty-two years. In h104 he sold his farm and came to Piqua. where he has since been engaged in a general contracting business, doing a large amount of work for the county in the way of ditching and making a specialty of sewer construction. He has always taken an active interest in politics, his father being also an ardent Republican. and Mr. Fink has frequently been elected to responsible offices. For six years he served as township trustee of 'Washington Township, for fourteen years was a member of the township board of education, and for two years was president of the Piqua Farmers' Institute. In November, 1908, he was elected a county commissioner of Miami County and will assume the duties of this office in September, 1909. In 1881 Mr. Fink was married to Miss Lida M. Hunter, who was born and reared in Miami County and is a daughter of James W. Hunter. They have two daughters, Fannie M. and Elsie B. Mr. and Mrs. Fink are members of the First Presby- terian Church at Pigua. JOHN MUMMERT, one of Newberry Township's most respected retired citizens, resides on his valuable farm of 1311., acres, which lies on the Stillwater Turnpike Road, two miles north of Bradford, Ohio, was born in York County. Pennsylvania, October 6, 1844, and is a son of Joseph and Catherine (Orris) Mummert. The father of 'Mr. Mummert died in Parke County, Ohio, when aged twenty- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 783 five years. His widow later married Joseph Risser, and she died in March, 1901. She was brought to York County from Germany, in infancy. and there grew to womanhood and married Joseph Mummert. Three years later they came to Miami County, Ohio. and settled first at Troy but later moved to near Horatio, in Darke County. John Mummert was reared by his stepfather on his farm in Darke County, and there he attended the district schools in his boyhood. He continued to live at home until he married, and remained in Darke County until 1878. when he came to Miami County and bought his present farm in Newberry Township. Mr. Mummert found the buildings in poor shape on the place and replaced nearly all of them, building a fine frame residence. and has made many excellent improvements. He no longer engages in farm labor himself. having rented the property to a good tenant. In November, 1868. Mr. Mummert was married to Mils Eliza Ann Miller, who died July 19, 1908. This estimable woman was born in York County. Pennsylvania, but was reared in Miami County. Ohio. by her parents, who were Dayid and Nancy Miller. Mr. anti Mrs. Mummert had four children. of whom the only suryiyor is the youngest, Kathryn, who is the wife of John Eikenberry; they reside with Mr. Mummert. The three older children—a babe, Joseph and David, all died in infancy. Mr. Mummert is a deacon in the Brethren Church. CHARLES A. HARSHBARGER is engaged in general farming and tobacco raising on his farm of fifty acres, located two miles northwest of West Milton, and is a representatiye of one of the old and prominent families of that vicinity. He was born in Union Township in 1870, and is a son of Lloyd and Electa (Sherer) Harshbarger, and a grandson of George and Mary (Penny) Harshbarger. His parents now reside about two and one-half miles west of West Milton. Charles A. Harshbarger attended the public schools of Union Township and at an early age took up agricultural pursuits. He farmed in different parts of the township until 1900, when he purchased his present excellent farm of fifty acres. He remodeled the house and erected a tobacco shed, and has one of the most attractive places in this section of the county. He has always followed general farming and at the present is meeting with much success at tobacco growing. In January, 1891, Mr. Harshbarger was united in marriage with Florence E. Black, a daughter of Joseph E. Black, who is a well known resident of Miami County. They have one daughter, Gladys. In religious attachment they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of West Milton. Politically, he is a Republican. GEORGE SIEGEL, owner of 150 acres of farm land in Concord Township, located on both sides of the Troy and Covington Pike, about one and a half miles northwest of Troy, comes of an old and prominent family of Miami County. He was born in the outskirts of the city of Troy, February 22, 1870, and is a son of William and Mary (Shaffer) Siegel, who were natives of Germany. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was engaged in farming in that country. William Siegel, the father.lived in Germany until after his marriage and the 784 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY birth of three of their children, and at that time set sail for the United States. Upon arriving in New York City, he bought transportation to Troy, Ohio, and arrived at this place with but one dollar in his pockets. He went to work in a brick yard at a salary of but fifty cents per day, and continued at that employment for three years. Although the wages were small, by a rigid practice of economy and a denial of all but the necessaries of life they made steady progress toward better things. For some years they used their old trunk for a dining table, and it is now numbered among the treasured possessions of their son, George. At the end of the three years he went with his family to live in a log cabin on the farm of old Mr. Harter in Elizabeth Township, by whom he was paid to clear the land. He was paid for cutting and hauling cord wood, and was given what he could raise on the place. Upon leaving that farm, he for thirteen years was in charge of the big farm of Mr. Harter's, which now is included within the incorporated limits of Troy, at that time a small place. While living there he purchased the farm of Lee Rollands, which was mostly cleared and is located in Concord Township. He erected all the buildings now standing and lived on this farm the remainder of his days. From an humble beginning he attained a respected position in the community. His death occurred on the morning of the inauguration of President Cleveland in 1893, he being at that time seventy years of age. His widow still survives him and at the advanced age of eighty-one years makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Connor. William and Mary (Shaffer) Siegel were parents of the following children : Floyd; Tiny; John ; Caroline, deceased ; Mary ; Charles ; William; George; and Joseph. George Siegel spent his boyhood on the home farm and attended the nearby district school, which his two daughters also have attended, the eldest graduating in the spring of 1908. At an early age George began working upon the home farm and managed its affairs for some years before his father's demise. He then resided in Clark County for a period of three years, after which he again took up his residence at the old home. He has 150 acres of good land which he devotes to general farming and is meeting with good results. He has four acres devoted to tobacco culture, and has found it a remunerative crop. February 28, 1892, Mr. Siegel was united in marriage with Miss Ella Martin, who was born in Newton Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Levi and Catherine (Lewis) Martin. Her mother died at the age of fifty-six years, and her father still lives in the county at the advanced age of eighty-six. She is one of the following born to her parents: Mary, John, Marilda, George, Harrison (deceased), Ella, Barbara and David. Our subject and his wife have two daughters—Grace, who has been educated in the Troy High School ; and May. Fraternally, Mr. Siegel is a member of the Odd Fellows. He is a Democrat in politics. ISAAC N. HILL, one of Newton Township's sterling citizens, a general farmer residing on his valuable property of ninety-four acres, ten of which are still covered with timber, was born April 4, 1848, in Newton Township, Miami County, Ohio. His father was John William, his grandfather was Nathan and his great-grand- 785 - AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS father was Thomas Hill. This is an old American family. Nathan Hill was born March 15, 1788, near Ellicott Mills, Maryland, and from there in 1800, he came in company with Michal Williams (later his father-in-law), to Miami County, taking up a half section of land southwest of Pleasant Hill, in Newton Township. He was married to Francis Williams on June 29, 1809. On that farm was born his son, John William Hill. The latter spent his life in Newton Township and was a man who was well and favorably known. Although he seemingly enjoyed excellent health, being of robust appearance and weighing 317 pounds, he was a sufferer from Bright's disease of the kidneys and from a severe attack of this he died, after a sickness of a few days, on March 5, 1891, at the age of sixty-six years. He was twice married, (first) to Susan Weddle, a daughter of Isaac Weddle, who died January 4, 1874, and was buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The eight children of this marriage were : Henry H., Sarah, Isaac N., John Calvin, Madison J., Eunice, Mary Elizabeth and John. He was married (second) to Miss Josie Banty, a daughter of Peter Banty. She survives and resides at Pleasant Hill. Isaac N. Hill attended school at Pleasant Hill and spent one winter in an excellent school in Illinois. After he came back to Newton Township, he assisted his father on the home farm until he married, then lived for a time on the homestead, moving from there to a farm situated on the opposite side of the river. He cultivated that land for nine years and then came to his present farm, purchasing all but twenty-five acres, which he has since added, from the old Jacob Stichter estate. He has made many improvements here but had little clearing to do. He has two sets of buildings on the farm, some of which he has put up and all of which he has repaired. In order to ensure good drainage, Mr. Hill put down 250 rods of tile. On January 1, 1866, Mr. Hill was married to Miss Mary E. Stichter, a daughter of Jacob and Louisa Stichter, and they have three children: Cynthia, Charles and Isaac W. Cynthia married Arthur Teage and they have three children, I. J., Mary and Echo. Charles married Mary Bald-ridge and they have five children, Viola, Charles, Leo, Marie and Edward. Isaac W. married Myrtle Coate, a daughter of Dorsey and Ida Coate, and they have two children, Boyd and Verne. Mr. Hill and family are members of the Christian Church at Pleasant Hill. He is a Republican in his political views but is in no sense a politician, only a good citizen. A. H. KESSLER, a railway postal clerk running between Springfield, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana, on the Big Four Railroad, resides just south of Ludlow Falls, Miami County, Ohio. He was born in Miami County, July 2, 1861, and is a son of William B. Kessler, coming from an old and prominent family of the county. Mr. Kessler received his early educational training in the district schools, after which he attended Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio. During his early days he engaged in teaching school and continued for some eight years, at the end of which time he entered the Cincinnati Law School. He graduated from that institution and practiced his profession in Troy, Ohio, for a period of ten years. He then 786 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY accepted appointment to the railway mail service at which he has since continued, being now clerk in charge of the car. His duties keep him on the road continuously for six days, and then he remains at home eight days. The latter time is spent on his tract of three and a half acres south of Ludlow Falls and is devoted to the raising of fancy poultry, at which he has met with much success. He erected the fine home which stands on the place, and also made the many other improvements. Mr. Kessler was united in marriage with Miss Anna C. Fritz. a daughter of John Fritz of Miami County, and they have one daughter, Bertha K., who married Harvey B. Boyer, a painter residing in Piqua. Politically the subject of this record is a Republican and has frequently in the past served in official positions. He served as constable and also one term as justice of the peace at Laura, and when living at Pleasant Hill served two terms as clerk of Newton Township. He is member of the Blue Lodge, F. & A. M., at Pleasant Hill, and the Chapter at West Milton. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. ANSON HILDEBRAN. a representative citizen of Newton Township, Miami County. Ohio, has a farm of eighty acres in Section 26 of this township and a tract of twenty acres lying south of that location, hut is now retired from business activity. He was born in Newton Township, August 16. 1848, and is a son of John. Jr.. and Rachel (Tucker) Hildebran, and a grandson or John Hildebran. Sr. John Hildebran. Sr., was born in Pennsylvania where he lived until after his marriage and then Moved west to Mont gomery County. Ohio. He later located in Newton Township, Miami County, and many years later removed to White County, Ohio, where he was living at the time of his death in 1S81., at the age of eighty-four years. He was born in 1797. He was united in marriage with Esther Long, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1791, and they had the following children: Michael; Solomon. who died in infancy ; Solomon (second); Labeman; John. Jr. ; Mary ; Anna ; Sarah ; Elmira ; and Harriet. Mrs. Hildebran died in March. 1864. at the age of seventy-three years. Religiously they were members of the Christian Church. John Hildebran, Jr.. was born in Miami County, Ohio, about the year 1826, and always lived in Newton Township. He was a successful farmer and at the time of Ins death was the owner of 160 acres of good land. he was a man of high standing in the community, and his death, which occurred March 5, 1909, was mourned as a loss to the community. He was buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Mr. Hildebran was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Tucker, a daughter of Nicholas and Charity Tucker, and they became parents of two children. Anson and Esther. Mrs. Hildebran is living and passes the time at the home of her son in Newton Township and that of her daughter at Laura. Religiously. she is a member of the Society of Friends, to which her husband also belonged. he was a Republican in politics. Anson Hildebran attended school at Possum Hollow and Pattytown, after which he assisted his father on the farm. After his marriage he settled on a farm south of the home place. but later moved to the old homestead. where he has since resided. Ile erected all the buildings now AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 787 standing on the place and set out all the trees. He follows general farming and stock raising. May 22, 1869, Mr. Hildebran married Amanda Jane Davis, a daughter of Jonathan and Nellie Davis, and they became parents of the following children: Charles E., who married Anna Street, a daughter of Joseph Street ; Lulu May, wife of Elzie Coppock, who is a son of Wesley and Jane Coppock; John Walter, who married Elizabeth Trost, daughter of Joseph Trost; Clara Belle, who is the wife of John Noll, son of P. S. Noll ; William, who died at the age of four years ; and Minnie, who died in infancy. Religiously, they are members of the Society of Friends and Mr. Hildebran has been an elder of the church for many years. He is a Republican in politics. J. C. HENDERSON, who resides on a farm of eighty acres in Union Township, is a man of prominence and affluence and was at one time commissioner of Miami County. In addition to the farm named, he is the owner of three good farms in Darke County, Ohio, and of a half interest in a farm of 147 acres located near Laura. He was born in Brown County, Ohio, July 22, 1837, and is a son of Jonathan and Nancy (Carl) Henderson. Jonathan Henderson was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and was a young man when he moved west to Brown County, Ohio. He followed farming all his days and died in 1865, at the age of sixty-eight years. His marriage to Nancy Carl resulted in the birth of eight children. J. C. Henderson attended the public schools of his native county and worked on the home place until 1862, when he got up a train and went with the army. Ile was with Burnside at Knoxville at the time of the siege. Upon returning from the front, he located in Hamilton County, Ohio. and shortly afterward in Miami County, where he engaged in the sawmill business. While engaged in that business he lived for five years in Darke County, and during that time served a term as trustee of Twin Township. In 1875 he purchased the farm of eighty acres on which he now lives, and from time to time added other property until he now is the owner of several hundred acres. He erected all the buildings on his home farm and has followed general farming and tobacco raising, having some fifty acres in the latter commodity. He is a man of great energy and oversees the work on his various properties, in addition to which he is with his son proprietor of a tobacco warehouse at West Milton. He has always been active in the affairs of the township, which he has served several terms as trustee. He was elected county commissioner on the Democratic ticket, receiving a majority of 310 votes in Union Township, notwithstanding the fact the township is normally Republican by from 500 to 700 votes. He also served in that office through appointment to fill a vacancy, and during his in- cumbency the present court house was erected. Mr. Henderson was first married to Miss Elizabeth Markley, who died in 1884, and they had three children: Caroline, deceased; Emma; and J. W. Henderson, who is in the elevator business at West Milton. He formed a second union with Miss Mary Harmon. They spend their winters in Florida, where he has a comfortable home, and thus they escape the rigors of the 788 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY northern climate. Religiously, they are members of the United Brethren Church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at West Milton. JOSIAH W. RUHL, president of the Citizens' National Bank of Covington, is a man of large and varied interests in the business world and has been prominently identified with the growth and development of the village in which he lives. He is proprietor of the well known Rocky Branch Quarry at Covington, dealing in crushed stone, lime and ground limestone, and has large realty holdings. In addition to the twelve acres in Covington, on which the quarries are located, he has a farm of 215 acres in Newberry Township, which he farmed until two years ago and on which are located three separate sets of farm dwellings. He and his wife also own another tract of sixty-five acres in Newberry Township, which is well improved. Mr. Ruhl was born at Galion, in Crawford County, Ohio, February 18, 1837, and is a son of Levi and Mary (Folckemer) Ruhl, and a grandson of John Ruhi, who removed from York County, Pennsylvania, to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1828, and purchased 1,300 acres of land, on which the city of Galion now stands. The parents of the subject of this sketch in 1848 moved to Springfield, Ohio, where they died. Josiah W. Ruhl was reared to maturity in Springfield, and in 1861 moved to Covington, Miami County, Ohio, where for a few years he devoted his energies solely to farming. In 1869 he opened his quarries in Covington, and after a time operated them on an extensive scale, employing a force of forty men. He in 1871 erected his present home near the quarries. In 1876 Mr. Ruhl and his brother, Albertus M., opened a general store, which they operated about nine or ten years in Covington. He was for ten years a member of the City Council, seven years trustee of Newberry Township, and for ten years a member of the School Board. He is at the present time president of the Board of Public Safety, and president of the Highland Cemetery Association. Mr. Ruhl was first married to Zipporah Lindsey, and they became parents of two children : Dr. L. A. Buhl, a successful physician and surgeon, of Covington, and vice-president of the Miami County Medical Association; and Eva M., wife of R. W. Shuman, secretary of the Y. M. C. A. at Camden. New Jersey. Mrs. Ruhl died in 1888, and Mr. Ruhl subsequently formed a second marital union with Miss Sarah Royer. Religiously they are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a deacon. He has been an officer and director of the Citizens' National Bank ever since it was established in 1900, serving as vice-president until January 1, 1909, when he was elected president of the institution. He is a man of sterling worth and integrity, and is most highly esteemed by his fellow men. FRANK X. HEMM, who resides on a splendid farm of eighty-eight acres lying just south of the corporation line of Piqua, is a prominent citizen of Washington Township, Miami County, Ohio. He was born in Germany, February 12, 1845, and is a son of John and Catherine (Ott) Hemm, who farmed in their native land and conducted a country hotel. The mother died there on October 16, 1865, and the father on August 9, 1867. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 789 Frank X. Hemm was reared in Germany and was twenty-four years of age when, in 1869, he came to the United States. He located at Sidney, Ohio, and was employed by his brother, George Hemm, who was engaged in the nursery business there. He remained in Sidney twelve years and then came to Miami County and engaged in the nursery business. He purchased his present farm, which then consisted of 121 acres, from Dr. Warren Dorsey. He built an addition to the fine old historic house which adorned the place, and has resided on this farm since March 9, 1889. He sold off a portion of his property to the Statler Stone Quarries, and retains eighty-eight acres. He engaged in the nursery business with a high degree of success until 1896, since which time he has followed general farming. On two different occasions he made pleasure trips to Germany, visiting members of the family who remain in that country. After coming to Miami County, Mr. Hemm was joined in marriage with Miss Barbara Butz, also a native of Germany, and seven children were born to them : Anthony ; Mary, wife of Stephen McCarty ; Philip ; John ; Frank ; Valentine ; and Nettie, who is Sister in a convent at Cincinnati. Religiously, the family belongs to the German Catholic Church at Piqua. CLARINDON A. HAWORTH, residing on a farm of ninety-two acres located two and one-half miles southwest of West Milton, has been a resident of Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, all his life except for a period of three years spent in Indiana. He was born in that township September 27, 1868, and is a son of Harvey and Marietta (Albaugh) Haworth. His grandparents came from the east and located near Georgetown at a very early period. Harvey Haworth was born in Miami County, Ohio, and has farmed all his life except the last five years, during which time he has been living in retirement at Georgetown. He still owns a fine farm of eighty acres. He was married to Marietta Albaugh and they became parents of the following children : Clarindon A.; Dr. Albert H., who is in practice at West Milton; Preston, who resides near Bradford; Zerelda, who lives near Pittsburg, Ohio ; Nora, who lives near Potsdam ; and Ellis, who lives on the old home place. Clarindon A. Haworth attended the public schools of his native township and continued to live on the home place until after his marriage. He then began farming the property owned by his wife's mother in Union Township, but after a time moved to Indiana, where he remained three years. At the end of that time he returned to Union Township and in 1905 rented his father's farm. Two years later he purchased ninety-two acres of Mr. M. Dohner, and he has since lived upon this place. He follows general farming and tobacco raising and is meeting with considerable success. He is a Republican in politics, and served some time as constable and truant officer. Mr. Haworth was united in marriage with Miss Ida Wellbaum of Miami County and they have a son and a daughter, namely, Lee and Mabel. JEFFERSON S. COMBS, vice-president of the Hobart Electric Manufacturing Company, and a highly esteemed business man of Troy, Ohio, has been a resi- 790 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY dent of this city several years. He was born at Leonardtown, St. Mary's County, Maryland, in 1870, and received his educational training in the public schools. At the age of twenty years, Mr. Combs moved to Washington, D. C., where he was engaged in the dry goods business some eight years, and at the end of that time moved west to Dayton, Ohio. He was identified with the Hayner Distilling Company for five years. and then for three years represented the Burroughs Adding Machine Company in New York City. At the solicitation of several friends, he came to Troy, Ohio, and began his connection with the Hobart Electric Company as secretary. At the election of officers for this company in September, 1908, Mr. Combs was made vice-president, which office he now fills. He is a stockholder and director of the First National Bank of Troy, and was a member of the building committee when that institution erected one of the finest bank buildings in the state of Ohio. He also is a stockholder and director in the Troy Carriage Sunshade Company. November 22. 1905, Jefferson S. Combs was intermarried with Miss Sybil Harter Coleman, who comes of one of the oldest and most respected families. Her maternal grandfather, S. K. Harter, was one of the most prominent and influential men of Miami County. and resided in Troy. Mr. Combs is a member of the order of Elks, and the Troy Club. DAVID C. FALKNOR is a progressive citizen and prosperous farmer of 'Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is located on a farm of fifty acres two and one-half miles southwest of West Milton. He was born in Clay Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. October 12. 1850, his paternal grandparents having moved there at an early date from Pennsylvania. Levi Falknor, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, and lived there all his life, dying at the age of eighty-two years. He always followed farming. He married Nancy Herr, also a native of Montgomery County, and the following were the offspring of their union: One who died in infancy ; Canis, who lives in Montgomery County, Ohio ; David C.; Frances (Good) ; Loren E., who lives at West Milton ; Mary A. (Martindale) ; Theodore, who is engaged in farming; and Jerome, who lives in Dayton, Ohio. David C. Falknor attended the district schools of Clay Township, after which he learned the trade of a painter. He followed that trade in the vicinity of Dayton for eight years, after which he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He rented property in Montgomery County some fourteen years, and in 1891 moved to Union Township, Miami County, where he purchased his present farm from Daniel Wheelock. He has made most of the improvements on the place, set out all of the trees, erected tobacco sheds, and built file first silo in this part of the country. He follows general farming and tobacco raising, and by his untiring industry and progressive methods has met with deserved success. Mr. Falknor was united in marriage with Miss Clara Morse, who was born in Parke County, Ohio. but was reared on the farm west of where she now lives. Politically, he is a Democrat and takes a deep interest in the success of that party. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 791 D. B. MAURER, a leading business citizen of Bradford, dealing in dry goods, notions and groceries, and carrying a complete stock in each line, has been established here since June, 1882. He was born on a farm in Darke County, Ohio, three miles from Bradford, May 3, 1857, and is a son of Henry and Julia Ann (Bigler) Maurer. D. B. Maurer was reared on the home farm and trained in agricultural pursuits by his father, who was one of the substantial farmers of Darke County. When he left the farm he learned the carpenters' trade and worked at that for five years, after which he came to Bradford. His older brother, A. B. Maurer, had been engaged in a mercantile line at this place for twelve years and sold out to D. B. Maurer, in 1882, who continued at the same location, and for forty years the Maurer store has been one of the principal ones in Bradford. Their town patronage is satisfactory and they do an immense country business. Their honorable methods have always commanded the confidence of the public and their stock is bought with particular attention to the demands of their trade. Families have dealt with the Maurers from the time when the store was a small one, with a stock representing the outlay of a few hundred dollars, up to the present, when thousands have been expended. Mr. Maurer was married in Miami County to Miss Lavina Hartle, a daughter of James Hartle and a sister of 0. L. Hartle, a prominent lumber merchant of Covington. In politics, Mr. Maurer is a Democrat. He has served two terms as treasurer of Bradford and one term as mayor, and at present is deputy tax collector, a position he has held for two years. He is always more or less interested in public matters when the welfare of the community is at stake and in all that is of importance he is sure to make his influence felt. He has held many offices of trust, having settled several estates and acted as guardian for a number of wards. Since the above was written Mr. J. B. Walker has purchased a half interest in the business and the firm name now is Maurer & Walker the firm will carry on the business in the same agreeable manner as formerly, with Mr. Maurer as general manager. ROBERT F. WILSON, a trustee of Concord Township and a representative citizen of Miami County, Ohio, resides on the McKaig Road, where he has a fine home and ten acres of land. He owns a farm of eighty acres located on the Wilson Pike in Concord Township, and also farms the one hundred acre farm of his father's, which adjoins. He was born in that township, April 4, 1852, and is a son of William W. and Bathena (Dilts) Wilson. The Wilson family is an old one in Miami County. Robert Wilson, grandfather of the subject of this record, was born and reared in England, where in early life he followed the trade of a weaver. Upon coming to the United States, he first located in Maryland, where he entered the employ of a man who bore the name of Wilson, but who was not related to him. He subsequently married Susan Wilson, daughter of his employer, and continued to live there for some years. He left because of his antipathy to slavery, although his father-in-law, who was a prosperous man and slave owner, urged him to remain. He first located in Montgomery 792 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY County, Ohio, but shortly after became established in Miami County, settling on what is now the Troy and West Milton Turnpike, on the farm now owned by Anson Williams, in Concord Township. It was a heavily timbered tract which was cleared by his boys, while he followed his trade as weaver. He knew nothing of farming, in fact could scarcely hitch a horse. He later disposed of the farm and purchased one in Shelby County, south of Sidney, Ohio. Upon retiring from business activity he moved to Sidney, where he passed away at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. His widow died at the same age, but survived him about eight years. They had ten children, all born in Ohio except the eldest ; their names were as follows : John, deceased ; William W.; Martha ; Robert, deceased ; Christopher ; James ; Richard ; and three daughters who died within one week of each other. William W. Wilson was born on the old homestead in Concord Township in 1828 and until he retired and moved to Troy, where he now lives, never lived out of the township. He helped clear the farm and did most of the teaming. Deer and other wild animals abounded during his boyhood and he derived much pleasure in hunting. He and his brother, John, often hunted at night and many times they were chased home by panthers. He always farmed and bought and sold stock during his active career and met with more than average success. After his marriage he left the home place and his first purchase was a tract of forty acres near the farm he now owns. This he sold and purchased eighty acres of his present farm, to which he added from time to time. His first marriage was with Bathena Dilts, whose father, Francis Dilts, came from Pennsylvania to Montgomery County, Ohio, and later located in Concord Township, in Miami County. Mr. Dilts was a timber man and a large land owner. William W. and Bathena Wilson had the following children : Susan, wife of John Shoupp of Troy, Ohio ; Robert Francis, who was named in honor of both his grandfathers ; Alfred of Troy ; Ella, wife of J. H. Brown of Troy ; and Margaret, wife of J. T. Houser of Troy. Mr. Wilson's second marriage was with Mary Jane Dilts, half-sister of his first wife, and she died leaving one daughter, Gertrude, who is the wife of Ellis Gillespie of Troy. Robert F. Wilson has always lived in Concord Township ; he helped clear the farm and when a young boy hauled wood to Troy, which was then a small place. He attended the public schools and lived at home until his marriage. His father then turned the farming operations over to him, but they continued the stock buying and selling in partnership. He later purchased thirty acres from his father and fifty acres of the old Jennings farm from E. Neves Weaver. He continued to make his home on that place until 1906, when he bought his present home on the McKaig Road. He has frequently been honored with various township offices, was land appraiser in 1900, and since that time has served capably as township trustee. In May, following his twenty-first birthday anniversary, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Rosanna Brown, a daughter of Andrew Brown, who is well known in Darke County, Ohio. Six children were born to them : Minnie (Favorite) ; Fred, a farmer residing on the Fenner Turnpike AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 793 in Newton Township, who married Bessie Shuman and has a daughter, Reva. Bertha, who is the wife of Edward Sweitzer, and lives on Pleasant Hill in Concord Township ; Emma, who is the wife of Adolphus Jones of Concord Township, and has a son, Robert; Effie, wife of Ira Hollinger of Concord Township, who has a son, John ; and Edward J., who married Marie Gillis and resides on his father's farm. Minnie Wilson first married Henry Kropp, by whom she has a daughter, Hazel Kropp. He died four years after marriage and she formed a second union with Charles Favorite and lives in Washington Township, Miami County. Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics, and takes an active interest in the success of that party. He is a progressive and public-spirited man and has always been among the foremost in the development and improvement of the township. JOSEPH ZIMMERMAN is engaged in farming operations in Newton Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is the owner of fifty-four acres located in Section 14 of that township. He was born in Montgomery County, Ohio. November 3, 1856, and is a son of Charles and Sophia (Trost) Zimmerman. Charles Zimmerman was born in Germany, February 11, 1822, and after his marriage came to the United States. He located at Dayton, Ohio, and for some three years worked out by the day. He then bought a farm of thirty acres in Montgomery County but after a couple of years sold out and farmed on shares near Harrisburg for two years. At the end of that time he moved to Newton Township, Miami County, Ohio, where he purchased an eighty-acre farm. He was subsequently the owner of a forty-acre tract in that township, which he afterward sold. He continued to live on the former place until his death on January 23, 1896. He was married in Germany to Sophia Trost, a daughter of John and Dora Trost, and they reared the following children: Charles, Fred and Henry (twins). Katherine, Joseph, John, Samuel, Margaret, Mary, and Emma. Religiously, they were members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Zimmerman died in the fall of 1894. and both she and her husband were buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Joseph Zimmerman attended the Quaker School and the Inglewood School in Montgomery County, and the Fall Branch School in Miami County. He worked on his father's farm until he reached the age of twenty years, after which he worked out by the month for four years. At the end of that time he farmed the home place one year for one-third of the crop. After his marriage in 1881 he settled on a farm south of the home place and there rented and farmed for a period of twenty-two years. He then purchased his present farm of fifty-four mores from John Cox. He has added to the house and barn and has made many desirable improvements throughout the place. He follows general farming and has about two acres out in tobacco. He rents out seven acres to others for tobacco raising. Mr. Zimmerman is a wide-awake and progressive citizen and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He is a Republican in politics, and has served twelve years as school director, supervisor one year and pike superintendent eight years. He also served two terms on the Petit Jury. 794 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY January 29, 1881, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Miss Annie E. Jay, a daughter of Jonathan M. and Mary Ann Jay, and they have been blessed with the following children : Edna, who married Frank Zumbrink and has two children, Glen and Herbert; Meda, who is the wife of Lewis Slegle and has a daughter, Mildred; Jud C.; and Roxie. Religiously, the family attends the Christian Church at Pleasant Hill. Mr. Zimmerman is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Pleasant Hill. LLOYD HARSHBARGER is a prominent farmer of Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, and resides two and one-half miles west of West Milton, where he owns a farm of fifty-six acres. He is a native of the township in which he lives, having been born April 11, 1848, and is a son of George and Mary (Penny) Harshbarger. George Harshbarger was born seven miles from Dayton, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and was a young man when he moved to Miami County. He engaged in farming in Union township thereafter until his death at the age of sixty-four years. He was married after his removal to this county to Mary Penny and they had the following children: Mary Jane of Piqua.; Samuel of Ludlow Falls ; Lloyd; George of Bradford, Ohio; and Anna, who died young. Lloyd Harshbarger received a good common school education and in the meantime assisted his father in the work about the farm. He farmed various places in Union Township until 1895, when he purchased his present farm of fifty-six acres. He put up most of the buildings on the place, set out a good orchard and made various im provements of an important nature. Mr. Harshbarger was married to Electa Sherer, who was born in Montgomery County but lived in Miami County prior to her marriage. They have had eight children, namely : Charles ; Anna ; William; John, deceased ; Lorain ; Howard, whose death resulted from drowning at the age of twenty-two years; Roy; and Russell. Religiously, they are members of the Friends' Church. Politically, he is a Republican. WILLIAM WILGUS, SR., one of Lost Creek Township's most substantial farmers and business men, is the owner of 250 acres of well improved farm land, located about ten miles northeast of Troy, on the Lost Creek Extension Pike. He was born on this farm, June 20, 1837, and is a son of Thomas and Hannah (Robinson) Wilgus, and a grandson of William Wilgus. The members of the family were in early days Quakers and haye long been established on American soil. William Wilgus, the grandfather, was born in New Jersey and was a tailor by trade. At an early date he moved with his family to Cincinnati. Ohio, in wagons. Not liking that city. he started to make the return trip to New .Jersey. About four miles east of Lebanon, in Warren county, Ohio, he encountered a Quaker settlement and one of his horses dying while there. it was necessary for him to remain for the winter. Being himself a Quaker and the surroundings and people congenial, he finally decided to make this his home. Ile purchased the farm of 120 acres on which he first stopped, and for a period of eighty years this farm continued in the Wilgus name. He carried on his trade for a num- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 795 ber of years and engaged in raising horses extensively, meeting with very good success. About the year 1833 he came to Miami County, Ohio, and with his sons, Thomas, purchased a farm of 320 acres in Lost Creek Township. of which a part now forms the home place of the subject of this sketch. He also purchased three other quarter sections for his other sons in Miami County. However, he continued to make his home in Warren County until his death, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. His wife, Elizabeth Wright in maiden life, died some years before. They had the following children : Thomas ; William; Dr. Samuel; James; Daniel ; Henrietta ; Angeline. wife of M. McKinley; Mary, wife of Joseph Nedrey ; Lydia, wife of William Dunan ; and Harriett, wife of Arnold Sabin. All of this family are now deceased. Thomas Wilgus, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in New Jersey and was a baby of about three years when he was brought by his parents to Warren County, Ohio. There he grew to manhood and was married, living there until he and his father purchased the half section of land in Lost Creek Township in 1834. He received a fair education in the district schools, and his son, William, now has in his possession a book his father used in figuring when in school. He became a successful farmer and affluent citizen in Miami County. His first marriage was consummated October 28, 1830, and was with Miss Anna Hunt. who died October 29, 1834, about three weeks after their arrival in Miami County. They had two children : John, deceased : and Mary, deceased wife of John Babb, who also is deceased. Mr. Wilgus formed a second union with Hannah Robinson, who was one of four children brought from New Jersey by their widowed mother. Four children were born to them: William; Michael, who resides at Casstown; Thomas, of Fletcher, Miami County; and Anna, deceased wife of II. Brecount. Mr. Wilgus died in March, 1885, having survived his wife about two years. William Wilgus has always resided in Lost Creek Township. He attended the district schools and when young began helping his father on the home farm. After his marriage he started out for himself by buying of his father 100 acres, which is now being farmed by his son, Carl. Later he and his brother, John, purchased the interests of the heirs to the home farm, and finally he bought out the latter. He has followed general farming and stock-raising and has been more than ordinarily successful. The house which stands on the farm, the largest on this road, was erected by his father in 1862 to replace the one destroyed by fire. The other structures on the place are in keeping with it, and makes it one of the best improved farms in the township. He is a Republican in politics and has served several years on the school board. He was for twelve years a member of the Miami Agricultural Board. September 6, 1864, M. Wilgus was united in marriage with Miss Mary Throckmorton, a daughter of George and Sarah (Lafferty) Throckmorton, who were of Quaker families and came west from New Jersey to Warren County, Ohio. The following children blessed this union : Howard, of Clark County, Ohio, who married Della Jenkins and has two children, Horace and Lucile; Sallie, wife of Daniel 796 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY Drake, of Lost Creek Township, by whom she has a son, Harry ; Hannah, who married Frank Lane and lives in Fletcher; Lydia, who is teaching in the high school at Franklin, Ohio ; Carl, a twin, who married Clara Pruden and has one child, Virginia ; Carrie, a twin to Carl, who lives at home; Ellen, wife of Lewis Roberts, of Michigan; and three who died in infancy. Religiously, the subject of this sketch is a Methodist and a member of Wesley Chapel, which was started by his father on the Wilgus estate. ALBERT B. JONES, who is general manager for the firm of Henderson & Cop-pack, elevator operators of Laura, Union Township, was born in Franklin Township, Darke County, Ohio, April 14, 1876, a son of H. H. and Jane (Graham) Jones. The father, H. H. Jones, was a native of Darke County and a carpenter by trade. He followed his trade most of his life but for the last few years of it was station agent for the Big Four Railroad at Laura, Miami County. His death took place in 1903—April 11th. He married Jane Graham, of Missouri, and their family numbered thirteen children. Albert B. Jones was educated in the schools of Laura and eighteen years ago began industrial life in the employ of the firm with which he is now connected. He was then but fifteen years of age. Beginning in an humble station, he has worked his way up until he is now a partner in the company, and has full charge of the Laura branch of the business. The company's elevator at this point has a capacity of 20,000 bushels and is located on the Big Four tracks. It is the only one in this section and does an excellent business. Mr. Jones is a Republican in politics. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge in Laura and to the Masonic lodge at West Milton. He has taken a useful part in local affairs, has been councilman for six years and has served as town treasurer four years. Mr. Jones married Lauda Jones, a daughter of Albert Jones of this county. He and his wife reside in Union township. They have a daughter, Frieda, who is attending school. JOHN MAURER, the genial proprietor of the Dewey Hotel, at Bradford, Ohio, is one of the town's prominent and substantial citizens. He was born in Germany, March 22, 1838, and is a son of Philip and Catherine Maurer. Mr. Maurer was reared on a small farm and remained there until he was twenty-seven years of age. Finding it impossible to accumulate any considerable fortune in that place and condition, he decided to cross the Atlantic Ocean and find out if his industry could not advance him faster in America. He landed at the port of New York almost without capital, August 14, 1865, and from there went to Philadelphia for two months. He then found farm work near Piqua, Ohio, and when the season was over, secured work in a livery stable. On March 16, 1867, he entered the employ of the Pan Handle Railroad, and in this connection found that his qualities of honesty and industry were recognized and for over thirty-one years he remained with that road, becoming a well paid and thoroughly trusted employe. He retired from railroad work on March 23, 1898. In 1873 he established his home at Bradford and for twenty-six years was car inspector for the Pennsylvania system. Mr. Maurer at AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 797 different times invested in property and besides owning his hotel, a first class house containing sixteen rooms, which he has been operating since February, 1899, he has six valuable town lots and a substantial ten-room house which brings him a good rental. Mr. Maurer is an entirely self-made man and through his own personal effort has accumulated enough to make him an independent capitalist. Mr. Maurer was married (first) at Piqua, Ohio, to Catherine Billiger, who, at death, left three children, George, Charles and Mrs. Catherine Weldy. His second wife, now deceased, was Catherine Hoover. His third marriage was to the estimable lady who assists in the management of the hotel, Mrs. Barbara Staub. As an indication of the confidence felt in him by his fellow citizens, Mr. Maurer has served three terms in the Town Council. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and of the Odd Fellows. O. C. MOTE, who for many years was engaged as an instructor in the schools of. Miami County, is at the present time engaged in agricultural pursuits in Union Township, where he owns a farm of forty-eight acres about two miles from West Milton. He was born near Laura, in Union Township, in 1870, and is a son of Daniel and Lavina (Glunt) Mote. Daniel Mote, who has been a resident of Union Township for many years and is now past sixty-five years of age, is a veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted in 1862 as a member of the 110th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served with credit until the close of the war, participating in many of the important engagements. Upon his return from the front he took up farming, which he has always followed. He was united in marriage with Lavina Glunt, also of Miami County, and they became parents of the following children: Cora, who died young; Clara ; O. C. Mote, whose name heads this record; Edith; Jasper, deceased; Elizabeth; Jennie ; William, deceased; and Minnie. O. C. Mote received a good educational training in the public schools of Union Township, and Darke County, and at Pleasant Hill, after which he engaged in teaching. He taught school for a period of seventeen years and with marked ability. In 1905 he began devoting his entire time to farming, and by following modern and approved methods has been more than ordinarily successful. He follows general farming and tobacco growing. Mr. Mote was joined in marriage with Miss Emily Pearson and they have had six children, namely : Harry ; Rollie ; Nellie ; Della, deceased; Portia; and Donna. Religiously, they are members of the Church of Christ. He is an independent in politics, exercising his franchise in favor of the man he deems best fitted for the office in issue. FRED ZIMMERMAN is a prosperous farmer and tobacco grower of Newton Township, Miami County, Ohio, and is the owner of a tract of forty acres located in Section 23. He was born at Dayton, Ohio, December 12, 1853, and is a son of Charles and Sophia (Trost) Zimmerman. Charles Zimmerman was born in Germany and lived in that country until after his marriage. Upon coming to the United States he located at Dayton, Ohio, where his first work was in helping to clean the canal and build the railroad. He worked 798 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY by the day in the vicinity of that city for three years, then bought thirty acres of land east of Little York, which he farmed some years. He sold that place and then for two years farmed near Harrisburg, at the end of which time he purchased eighty acres in Newton Township, Miami County, of which one-half is the forty acres now owned by the subject of this sketch. He cleared some twelve acres of the land and made various improvements. He also was the owner of the Trost farm, which he later sold to Z. Pierce. He was a hard worker and prospered. His wife, who also was born in Germany, died in August, 1894, and he survived her about seventeen months. He died January 23, 1896, and both were buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. They were parents of the following children: Charles, Fred, Henry, Katherine, Joseph, John, Samuel, Margaret, Mary and Emma. In religious attachment they were members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Zimmerman was a Democrat in politics. Fred Zimmerman first attended the Quaker school near Chambersburg, and afterward the Harrisburg and Fall Branch schools. Upon leaving school, he worked at farming by the month, being in the employ of one man for nine years. After his marriage he settled on his father's farm in Newton Township, where he has resided continuously since. He has remodeled the buildings and in addition erected a good tobacco shed. In addition to general farming, he has in from three to five acres of tobacco each year, and has been very successful with that crop. He has put in about 800 rods of tile for drainage purposes and has a well improved place throughout. December 20, 1885, Mr. Zimmerman married Miss Mollie Jennings, a daughter of William and Sarah (Karns) Jennings, and they have one son, William, who is unmarried and lives at the home place. Religiously, they are members of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the Fair Board. ROLLAND R. DU BOIS, one of Bradford's enterprising young business men, ea I lug in notions and groceries and carrying a full and well selected stock, was born at Wapakoneta, Auglaize County, Ohio. in 1881, and is a son of L. T. and Mary Ellen ( Brown) Du Bois. L. T. Du Bois, one of Bradford's leading citizens, a member of the Town Council and president of the Bradford Building & Loan Association, was born in Warren County, Ohio. May 16, 1849, and is a soil of Tunis and Elizabeth Du Bois. In his boyhood his parents moved on a farm in Darke County and lived there until he was a young man. They then retired to Wapakoneta, where Mr. Du Bois lived for eight years and then, having married in Parke County, he shortly afterward settled on his farm there and remained until 1907, when he came to Bradford. At Greenville. Ohio, he married Mary Ellen Brown and they have had seven children, namely : Laura, who is the wife of Edward Moore and has one child, Rachel; Benjamin, the only member of the family who died; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Guy Weybright; Rolland R., of Bradford; Carrie, who is the wife of Alton Campbell : Lottie, who is a teacher in the public schools of New Harrison, Darke County; and Harry, who makes his home in Colo-