150 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Herr was born in Maryland, but as a young man came to Ohio and for some years carried on milling as the owner of a mill of some pretensions in Miami county. When the struggle came on between the forces of the North and South, he entered the Union Army, was commissioned a captain, took brain fever, died, and was buried the day his company left for the South. He married Margaret James, who belonged to the well-known James family of Indiana, and they had four children : Mary, who became the wife of I ames H. Kinna ; Rudolph, who is deceased ; Mrs. Fannie Horton, and Charles Benjamin. Charles Benjamin Herr attended the graded and high schools of Miami county and a commercial school at Dayton, following which he learned the trade of miller in the enterprise of his uncle, John K. Herr. He continued to be engaged in milling and the grain business in Miami county for many years and in the meantime became interested in public and political affairs. Under Sheriff Louis Paul, he acted as deputy sheriff of the county, and subsequently filled a like position under Sheriff Barnett, whom he succeeded in office, being elected sheriff in 1918. He has made a good sheriff, preserving law and order and being untiringly conscientious in his tracking down of criminals. A man of spirit and courage, he has discharged his duties capably and has thoroughly won, the confidence of the citizens who chose him for this responsible office. Sheriff Herr was married to Eva H., daughter of George W. Huffman, of Miami county, Ohio, and to this union there was born one daughter : Edna, who married Carl C. Moser, of Springfield, Ohio, and has one son, Charles B. During the war period, Mr. Herr was generous in his 'support of all measures. He is prominent fraternally, holding membership in the Masons, the Mystic Shrine, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Eastern Star. Mr. Herr was again elected sheriff in the fall of 192o. Clark E. Hetherington, M. D., one of the successful medical practitioners of Piqua, Ohio, was born in this city, January 2, 1879, a son of William and Lida E. (Wells) Hetherington. William Hetherington was also a native of Piqua, and was long numbered among the city's prominent business men, having been superintendent of the Piqua Handle Manufacturing Company. In his death, which occurred in Macon, Ga., in 1916, Piqua lost one who had contributed much toward the development of the city. To him and his wife were born Clifford, now the wife of Walter O'Kane, of Durham, N. H., who is a professor in the State Agricultural School of that state and also is State entomologist ; Helen, who is secretary to Professor Detrick, superintendent of schools at Piqua ; William W., who is associated with the Anchor Sawmills Company, of Memphis, Tenn. ; Earl S., who is with the Sante Fe Railroad, in Jonesboro, Ark. ; Wells is associated with the Williamson Heating, Company, of Cincinnati, and Clark E., the subject of this biography. Clark E. Hetherington received his preliminary education in the Piqua public schools, after completing which he attended Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he took the MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 151 degrees of A. B. and A. M. Having decided to take up the medical profession as his life work, he next went to the Chicago Hahnemann Medical School, where he took the degree of M. D. in 1gor. Convinced that his native city would afford him a profitable field for the practice of his profession, he came here immediately following his graduation from the medical school, and so gratifying has been the confidence shown in his evident ability that his clientele has grown with the years, until Doctor Hetherington is now accounted a successful man. He was married to Miss Clifford Kerns, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kerns ,of Piqua. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is examining physician for the Woodmen of the World and the Maccabees. During the recent war Doctor Hetherington did his full duty as a citizen, and gave unstintingly to all local war campaigns. George W. Higgins, one of the highly esteemed business residents of Piqua, where he is a member of the drug firm of Hedges & Higgins, is a native of Shelby county, Ohio, and a son of J. G. and Elizabeth (Knox) Higgins. His education was secured in the rural schools of his native county and in 1893 he came to Piqua, where he secured employment in the drug store of A. H. Bates. Later he was with C. G. Piercey, from whose employ he went to that of P. I. Hedges. In 1904 he went to St. Mary's, Ohio, where he was identified with the same line of business until 1911, then returning to Piqua and acquiring an interest in the business of P. I. Hedges, the firm since having been known as Hedges & Higgins. This is one of the modern establishments of Piqua, carrying a full line of drugs, medicines, toilet articles, etc., a feature of its business being the prescription department. Mr. Higgins is not only a good business man of known integrity and worth, but a citizen who has lent his public-spirited assistance to the furtherance of various beneficial enterprises. During the war period he served as a recruiting agent for the merchant marine service. He is active socially, being a member of the Piqua and Rotary clubs, and a consistent member of the Green Street Methodist Episcopal Church. James C. Hilliard. For one of the most interesting landmarks and one of the oldest and most honored families of Spring Creek township, one should visit the farm of James C. Hilliard. There, at 417 Staunton street, on the old Troy road, is to be found an old stone house which has been in the family for three generations and is now 104 years old. It was erected by the grandfather of Mr. Hilliard, one of the sturdy pioneers of Miami county, who passed his life as a farmer in Spring Creek township and was a man of recognized worth and standing in his community. Here was born the son of the pioneer, as well as the grandson and great-grandson of the builder, all of whom have been identified honorably with the agricultural progress of the community. James C. Hilliard was born in this house, a son of James and Rosanna (Gill) Hilliard, and still resides therein. His entire life has been passed on the farm and at the present time he is the owner of 168 152 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY acres of valuable land, all under a high state of cultivation. In addition to the home, which is still in a good state of preservation, there are other buildings of substantial character, more modern in style, and good equipment and appurtenances for the carrying on of farming and stock raising under twentieth-century methods. Mr. Hlliard is a capable and intelligent farmer and a public-spirited citizen, and during the war period was an active supporter of all war movements, while Mrs. Hilliard was a willing Red Cross worker. Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Hilliard was Miss Josephine Lawrence, of Marysville, Union county. C. C. Hobart. By reason of the importance and extent of his business connections, C. C. Hobart, president of the Hobart Brothers Company, is accounted one of the leading factors in the business life of Troy. He was born at Westford, Vt., in 1856, a son of Charles and Adelaide (Sabin) Hobart, and comes of English ancestry an the paternal side, while his maternal forebears were men of distinguished accomplishments and his grandfather Sabin was a minister of the Gospel, a member of the bench of New England and at one time congressman from -Vermont. After attending the public schools of Fairfax, Vt., Mr. Hobart took a course in Colgate Academy, also in the University of New York, then going to the law school of the University of Chicago and likewise pursuing a law course at Iowa State University and was admitted to the bar in 1879. Returning to Vermont, he taught school for a time, as he did later at Middletown, Ohio, and at the latter place operated a paper mill, serving part of the time as bookkeeper and manager. Subsequently he operated the Central Light station at Middletown and was secretary and treasurer of the Parent Paper Company, and finally established the Hobart Company at Middletown, which was engaged in the manufacture of dynamos, motors, etc. The plant was later removed to Troy, where the business adopted the style of Hobart Manufacturing Company, and new lines were added, including electrically driven coffee mills, food choppers, etc. Eventually Mr. Hobart disposed of his interests in this concern and at present is giving a large share of his time to the presidential duties and development of the Hobart Brothers Company, founded by his sons, for the manufacture of motor generator sets and filing cabinets, a separate factory being maintained for each of these industries. Approximately zoo men are given employment in these plants and a thriving business is being developed rapidly along both lines. Mr. Hobart is a successful manufacturer, but has not allowed himself to be tied down by business duties, his broadness and superior education bringing him into close touch with many sides of life. He was active in all war movements during the war period and has always given generously of his time, ability and means in the furtherance of worthy civic enterprises. Mr. Hobart married Louise, daughter of Edward Jones, of Middletown, and they have three sons : Charles, Edward and William, who are interested in the Hobart Brothers Company. A complete history of this concern will be found in the industrial chapter of this work. MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 153 Arthur Benjamin Himes, one of the substantial business citizens of Covington, where he is proprietor of a leading jewelry establishment, was born at Covington, November 23, 1880, a son of Robert W. and Jennie L. (Ullery) Himes. Robert W. Himes was a lad when brought by his parents to Covington, where he was a member of the first graduating class of the Covington High School. Subsequently, he adopted the vocation of teaching, which he followed practically all of his life and became one of the most popular and efficient educators of this locality. He was a man who also took a prominent part in civic matters, being a member of the board of public affairs for some years and a member, of the city council, and his honorable life and capable services made him respected and esteemed by all. He and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom four are living: Clara, the wife of D. C. Odell, of Springfield, Ill. ; Miss Ruth, identified with the Buckeye State Mutual Fire Insurance Association, of Covington ; Miss Alice, assistant cashier of the First National Bank, of West Milton, and Arthur Benjamin. Arthur B. Himes was educated in the public schools of Covington, and, having decided upon a career as a jeweler, pursued a course at the Bradley Horological School. On his return to Covington he began working in the jewelry store of his uncle, and in July, 1917, purchased the business, which he has conducted with ever-increasing success to the present time. Mr. Himes carries a complete line of jewelry, silverware, watches, etc., and maintains a skilled watch repairing department, and has won and held the patronage of the best people of Covington by his business promptness and rectitude and his unfailing affability. He has had some experience in public affairs, having served as corporation and township treasurer for several years, and is fraternally affiliated with the local lodge of Masonry. His public spirit has always been evident and was markedly so during the war period. Mr. Himes married Ione, daughter of Allen Reiber, of Pleasant Hill, who died August 7, 1915, and they had one son, Charles R., who is attending the public school. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Himes married, June 25, 1917, Anna, daughter of Cyrus and Priscilla Long, of West Milton.. Both Mr. and Mrs. Himes are very popular at Covington, where they have numerous friends. Dorsey Honeyman. One of the most prosperous and successful agriculturists of Miami county, Dorsey Honeyman is a representative of the best class of exponents of modern farming, and his splendid tract of 235 acres in Monroe township gives evidence of his good management and progressive tendencies. He has passed his entire life in this community, having been born on his father's farm in Monroe township, June 24, 1866, a son of Andy and Mary (Pearson) Honeyman. His parents were lifelong farming people here and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all with whom they were associated. Of their four children, two are living: Dorsey ; and Esther, the wife of Albert McManus, now a resident of California. Dorsey Honeyman received a public school education in his youth and was reared to the vocation of farming, which he 154 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY adopted when he entered upon his independent career. Possessed of intelligence, ability and industry, he made rapid headway in his chosen calling, and his career has been one of continued advancement, characterized by his timely acceptance of such opportunities as have appeared. As he has prospered, he has added to his holdings from time to time, and now farms his entire 235 acres alone, save for the occasional assistance of his daughters. His improvements are modern character and his buildings large, well-equipped and attractive. Mr. Honeyman is primarily a general farmer, but also raises some live stock, and has been equally successful in both departments of his work. He married, March 31, 1887, Anna, daughter of John and Sophia E. (Keller) Stockslager, well-known farming people of Union township, Miami county. To Mr. and Mrs. Honeyman there have been born five children : Guy. C., who has a position under the United States Government, at Dayton ; Bertha, who died in infancy, and Ethel, Dessie Ellen and Clara Golden, who reside with their parents. While Mr. Honey-man has not sought public or political preferment, he has been at all times a good citizen and a supporter of worthy movements, both in times of war and peace. His business integrity is unquestioned and he has numerous friends in Monroe township of long standing and established sincerity. Willis R. Honeyman. Miami county is indebted for some of its best citizenship to the emigrants from Virginia, who have contributed materially to the agricultural development of this region. From this eastern community of settled conditions and ideals have journeyed many whose names stand for sterling worth in the Miami valley and among them none are more typical than the Honeyman family, a worthy representative of which is found in Willis R. Honeyman, of Monroe township. Mr. Honeyman was born December 11, 1865, in this township, a son of Eli and Annie (Miller) Honeyman, natives of the same county, and a grandson of an early settler from Virginia. The parents passed their entire lives in agricultural pursuits in this county, where both were held in the highest esteem. They had seven children, of whom only two are living: Willis R., and Oliver, who is now living retired at Dayton after many years of agricultural activities, having sold his share in the home estate to this brother. Willis R. Honeyman acquired his education in the public schools after leaving which he began farming on the home place, and after the death of his parents obtained a share of the home place. Later he bought the interest of his brother, and at this time is farming 118 acres, all in a high state of cultivation and with excellent improvements. Mr. Honeyman is a farmer and stock raiser of intelligence, experience and capability, a business man with an excellent reputation for soundness and integrity, and a citizen who has supported all worthy movements both in times of peace and war. He married, November 3, 1886, Hattie Cordelia, daughter of Philip and Mary (Schrader) Vance, of Troy, and to this union there have been born six children : Bertha, the wife of Harvey Gray, of Tippecanoe City, and Robert, John, MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 155 Albert, Glenn and Roy at home. During the recent war period, Robert and Albert were particularly active in the sale of war savings stamps, and the other members of the family also did their share in the various movements. Mr. Honeyman is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Thomas E. Hook, superintendent of schools at Troy, Ohio, has brought to his labors a natural aptitude for his work, a splendid enthusiasm and an unfailing store of energy that have combined to make him one of the most popular and most result attaining men who have ever occupied this office. He is a native of Holmes county, Ohio, born in 1880, a son of B. F. and Rosetta (Watson) Hook, and a grandson on the maternal side of a Union soldier of the Civil war. His father was a merchant in Holmes county and the early education of the youth was acquired at Holmesville, following which he attended Ohio Northern College at Ada, at intervals from 1903 to 1908. He was graduated in the latter year, in civil engineering, and since that time has attended the Ohio State University and Miami University, during the summer sessions of 1913 and 1914, and has also specialized in school administration work at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, from Which institution he has secured the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts. Likewise Mr. Hook has worked on land survey and spent two years in Government geological survey in southeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Mr. Hook began teaching school in Holmes county, where he was thus engaged for six years, being superintendent of schools at Versailles for three years and principal of the Versailles schools two years. He next was elected principal of the high school for two years and superintendent of schools at South Haven, Mich., for three years, following which he came to Troy, in 1919, succeeding Mr. Cookson as superintendent of schools. Mr. Hook possesses pronounced ideas in regard to school curriculum and has introduced a number of innovations since assuming the duties of his present position, included among them, courses in public speaking, community civics, occupational training and musical programs. He has fostered the latter in raising funds for special equipment, and these have met with decided success, the junior high school program netting $265, another musical program $380 and the high school minstrels $425. The art exhibit realized $300 and the proceeds of this were expended in securing suitable pictures for the schools. The proceeds of the other entertainments have been used in securing special equipment for the schools not regularly provided for, among these being a Brunswick phonograph and records, teachers' reference library, playground apparatus, etc. Three effective parent-teachers' associations were organized in the fall of 1920 that have proved to be decided assets to the welfare of the school and the children in securing greater co-operative work from the parents and the teachers. A complete and thorough medical inspection of all pupils in the elementary grades and high school was urged by him and approved by the board of education. This work was carried out by a very competent woman physician 156 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY from Cincinnati with the hearty assistance of the local physicians. It is also the ambition of Mr. Hook to equip thoroughly all playgrounds with apparatus and to introduce educational moving pictures in the schools, having a distinctive program each week. His work has proven decidedly popular with school authorities, public officials, parents and pupils and has done much to elevate the educational standard at Troy. Mr. Hook is a member of the National Educational Association and is a Mason. During the war period, while a resident of South Haven, Mich., he was a member of the war board as well as of all committees which embraced the work of schools in war activities. Mr. Hook married Miss Bess Roop, of Versailles, a graduate (1908) of Ohio Wesleyan University and formerly a popular school teacher of Versailles. They are the parents of one child, Robert Thomas. Vernett Hufford. Among the enterprising business men of Troy, one who is making a success of his operations because of his industry and thorough understanding of his business is Vernett Hufford, a partner in the automobile garage business of Hufford Brothers. Mr. Hufford was born at New Lexington, Perry county, Ohio, a son of F. F. and Athlinda (Hill) Hufford, and received his education in the public schools. As a young man he went to the State of Oregon, where he followed the trade of blacksmith, which he had learned in his youth, and this led to his taking up the business of automobile repairing. After spending fourteen years on the Pacific coast, he returned to Ohio, with his brother, George, who had also been in Oregon, and they formed the firm of Hufford Brothers and opened their present garage at No. 13 West Water street, Troy. They have buiLt up a paying business, and their good workmanship and honorable dealing have caused them to make many friends and to attract steady custom. George and Vernett Hufford are men of sound standing in their community and, during peace and war times, have fulfilled their full obligations as good citizens. Another brother, Joseph, saw service during the war. Mrs. Vernett Hufford was formerly Miss Catherine Alexander. C. M. Hunt. Among the prominent citizens of Troy, one who during a long and successful career was identified with various lines of enterprise is C. M. Hunt. Mr. Hunt was born in Darke county, Ohio, in 1868, a son of Ralph and Lydia (Walker) Hunt, his father being a well-known agriculturist and influential citizen of Darke county, where he served as a justice of the peace for many years. C. M. Hunt received a country school education in Darke county and was brought up as a farmer's son. His boyhood and youth were devoted to the pursuits of the soil and for several years after attaining manhood he continued to be engaged in farming, later removing to Laura, Ohio, where he applied himself to the restaurant and butcher business. From Laura, Mr. Hunt went to Xenia, this State, where he embarked in the hardware business, but in 1905 disposed. of his interests there and came to Troy, here founding an implement and hardware business, which he conducted with much success for ten years. During this time he was elected MIAMI COUNTY - BIOGRAPHICAL - 157 a member of the board of Miami county commissioners, on which he served creditably for four years, and after leaving office established the Melodia Company, for the manufacture of phonographs. Subsequently he disposed of his holdings therein to his son, Hiram Hunt, and W. R. Hudson, and retired from active business affairs. Mr. Hunt was known during his active years as a shrewd, energetic and capable business man, of sound practicality and unquestioned integrity. During the World war period he was active in all local war movements, and at all times has been known as a public-spirited citizen and supporter of worthy enterprises. He is prominent fraternally, belonging to the Masons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias and Improved Order of Red Men, in all of which orders he has numerous friends. Mr. Hunt married Elvira, daughter of John Wright, of Darke county, and they have had five children : Myrtle, who married Earl McDonald, and they are the parents of four children, Katherine, deceased, Juanita, Charles Joseph and Gladys M. ; Hiram W., who married Blanche Brady, and has one son, Richard E. ; Harry, who married Florence Wooley, and Harry, who married Helen Deihl, and they have four children, Charles J., Bobby R., Louis B., and Betty Joan. Mrs. Hunt's father was a farmer of Darke county, where he lived his whole life. He married Susan Penny, of the same county, and both are now deceased. To their union had been born eight children, in order of birth as follows : Mary E. ; Calvin, deceased ; John W., Susanna, deceased ; Martha A. ; Elvira (Mrs. Hunt) ; Arren E. ; Elna, also deceased. All surviving live in Ohio, except Arren E., who lives in New York. J. M. Huntsberger. With the exception of two years, when he was employed as a salesman, J. M. Huntsberger has spent his entire life in connection with agricultural pursuits in Miami county, and at the present time is the owner of a well-cultivated property consisting of 118 acres located in Monroe township. Mr. Huntsberger was born in Newton township, Miami county, September 6, 1882, a son of Jacob and Annabelle (Cappock) Huntsberger, his parents. having been lifelong residents of this county, where they won a gratifying success through industry, and gained and held the respect and esteem of those among whom their home was made. Jacob Huntsberger died when his son was five weeks of age. Mrs. Huntsberger later married John Gray. By the first union there were three children, one who died in infancy ; Alma, who is the wife of Lyman Ebersole, a grocer of Pleasant Hill, and J. M. By the second union there were two children : Ethel, the wife of James Snell, a grocer of Fidelity, Ohio, and one who died in infancy. J. M. Huntsberger acquired his education through attendance at the local public schools in Newton township, and as a youth began to apply himself to farming. Later he turned his attention temporarily to mercantile pursuits, and for two years was employed as a salesman, but eventually turned his attention to farming, and in 1917 settled on his present property, a highly improved tract of 118 acres. Here he has so directed his activities as to become known as one of the 158 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY progressive and enterprising agriculturists of his community. Mr. Huntsberger has given his support to all worthy civic movements and extended his co-operation to include national activities during the period of the war. February 18, 1905, he married Edna, daughter of John and Harriett Rebecca (Miller) Wheelock, of West Milton, and she and her husband are the parents of seven children : Frank, Erla, Carl, Jean, Helen, Max and Dorotha. The family attends the Christian church. V. W. Hunt, D. D. S., a successful dental practitioner of Piqua, Ohio, was born at St. Paris, Champaign county, Ohio, a son of Dr. H. B. and Mary (Leedon) Hunt. The father has been a practicing physician for many years, his offices being located at St. Paris, where is also situated the family home. V. W. Hunt attended the graded and high schools of St. Paris for his preparatory education, following which he pursued a course at the Cincinnati College of Dentistry, from which institution he received his degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He came to Piqua in 1909, and at this time occupies a suite of offices in the Orr-Flesh Building. In 1909 Doctor Hunt married Miss Lotta Neilson, whose two brothers, Earl and Cornelius Neilson, were in the United States service during the great war, Earl serving as a first lieutenant in the army and Cornelius being a naval officer. Two children have been born to Doctor and Mrs. Hunt, namely : Mary Jane and Catherine. Doctor and Mrs. Hunt were active in the Government's and other war movements during the period of the great struggle in Europe. Doctor Hunt is a member of the Piqua Golf Club and the Piqua Club, and is also a Mason. Claude M. Kemper, D. D. S. While still one of the younger-members of the dental profession of Miami county, Dr. Claude M. Kemper, of Tippecanoe City, has had wide and varied experience, including the valuable training to be secured as a member of the United States Army dental corps with service in foreign lands. Doctor Kemper was born at Freemansburg, W. Va., August i 1, 1894, a son of A. H. and Rebecca (Musser) Kemper, and comes of an agricultural family, his father still being a farmer in the vicinity of the place of his birth and one of his community's highly respected citizens. One of a family of thirteen children, Claude M. Kemper secured his primary education in the public schools of West Virginia, and after due preparation entered the Ohio Dental College, Cincinnati. Graduated in 1916, with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, he was admitted to practice and began his professional career as an associate of his brother, Dr. R. K. Kemper, at Germantown, Ohio. He was making rapid progress in his calling when the United States entered the World war and interrupted his career as it did the careers of so many young men, and in 1917 he entered the United States Army dental corps, securing a lieutenant's commission. He was assigned to the Three Hundred and Twenty-ninth Infantry at Camp Sherman and went overseas with this contingent December 26, 1917, being stationed at Camp Hospital No. 33, Brest, France. There he remained for about sixteen months, finally MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 159 returning to his native land May 29, 1919, and subsequently receiving his honorable discharge as captain. Shortly after his return, Doctor Kemper took up his residence and centered his professional activities at Tippecanoe City, where he has since been located and where he has built up a large and remunerative practice. He is recognized as one of the rising young dental practitioners of Miami county and has already placed himself high in the confidence of his patients and is making a recognized place for himself among his fellow-practitioners. Doctor Kemper belongs to the Miami County Dental Society and the Ohio State Dental Society, as well as the dental fraternity of Psi Omega. He likewise holds membership in the local Blue lodge of the Masonic order, is a member of the Scottish Rite and order of the Shrine. Doctor Kemper married Zenna Agnes, daughter of J. L. Bailey, a farmer of Freemansburg, W. Va. There were six children in this family, of which Mrs. Kemper is third in the order of birth. Ira Jackson. The distinction of being the most successful breeder of swine in Miami county undoubtedly rests with Ira Jackson, of Monroe township, whose accomplishments in this field of activity have gained him a reputation extending far beyond the limits of his county. Like many other specialists in this region he has not confined his efforts to this line, as he is also a leading farmer, but in his special field he has won his greatest success. Mr. Jackson is a native of Miami county, born January 28, 1867, a son of Jesse L. and Katherine (Smith) Jackson. His father, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Miami county in young manhood and followed farming throughout his life, winning material success and the respect and confidence of the people of his community. One of a family of eleven children, Ira Jackson was reared on the home farm and early began to take an interest in stock raising, "paying particular attention to hogs. After obtaining a public school education he entered actively into agricultural work, and in 1907 settled on his present farm, a splendid tract of goo acres, on which he has recently erected a modern home, attractive in appearance and commodious in size. The improvements on the farm are such as to impress the observer with the progressive spirit and good management of the owner. For a number of years Mr. Jackson has made a careful study of breeding swine and his animals always bring top prices in the markets. He has also conducted annual sales on his farm, and at a recent sale secured what is supposed to be the highest price ever obtained for a single hog. He has also been an exhibitor at various fairs and expositions, where the stock from the Jackson farm has taken numerous prizes. Primarily a farmer and stock raiser, his private interests have been of a nature to demand the greater part of his attention, but he has not failed in the duties of citizenship, and during the World war was a most generous contributor to the various drives, including the War Chest of Miami county, and especially directed his efforts in behalf of the financial support of the Salvation Army. Mr. Jackson also served efficiently as a member of the board of Miami county commissioners for two 160 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY terms, rendering his county and his community excellent and conscientious service. He is treasurer of the Jersey Hog Record Asso-ciation, and his own record as a breeder of swine will be found in the Miami county section of this work devoted to such matters. Mr. Jackson married Minnie, daughter of George Eidemiller, of Miami county. Harry C. Jeffery, president of the Cron Manufacturing Company, and a leading and influential citizen of Piqua, was born at Pittsburg, Pa., August 31, 1874, a son of Charles and Eleanor (McGill) Jeffery. Charles W. Jensen, one of the leading business men of Tippecanoe City, where he is engaged in contracting, was born in this city, in 1874, a son of N. A. and Dorothy (Duce) Jensen. His father, a native of Denmark, immigrated in young manhood to the United States, settling first in Cincinnati and coming later to Miami county, where he rounded out a long- and honorable career. Of the seven children in the family, five are living. Charles W. Jensen was educated in the public schools of Tippecanoe City and as a youth learned the trade of carpenter. After working at his trade for some years and gaining the needed experience and self-reliance, he developed into a contractor, a business in which he has met with well-merited success. He has erected many of the leading structures here, including the Citizens National Bank building, the Timmer Building and the Superior Underwear Company's plant, and his skilled workmanship and fidelity to agreements have served to make his name one honored in business circles and to give him the confidence of those with whom he has been associated. Mr. Jensen has also been prominent in public affairs, having served two years as a member of the board of Miami county commissioners, and one term as a member of the Tippecanoe city council, where he rendered constructive service. He likewise conducts an extensive coal business and has a number of important civic and social connections. During the time that the United States was engaged in the World war he gave freely and cheerfully to all movements promulgated for the success of American arms, and in his home locality has been a substantial supporter of worthy enterprises. Mr. Jensen married Elizabeth, daughter of L. H. Westfall, and to this union there have been born two sons : Franklin, a student at Oxford College, and Edward, attending the public schools. Brooks J. Johnson, whose long and capable service as clerk of the common pleas and district appellate courts of Miami county has been such as to merit the greatest confidence of the members of the county bar and the public at large, was born at Troy, Ohio, August 14, 1878, a son of Alonzo and Mattie (Bowers) Johnson, and a grandson of Dr. J. Bowers, one of the pioneer physicians of Miami county. The only child of his parents, Brooks J. Johnson secured his education in the public schools of Troy, after leaving which he applied himself to learning the trade of telegrapher. For some time thereafter he worked as a telegrapher at various points throughout the country, engaged in railroad and commercial teleg-- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 161 raphy, and in 1904, while serving as an operator for the Postal Telegraph Company, was made chief deputy to the clerk of the courts. In 1909 he was appointed chief deputy under Sheriff R. N. Gibson and served as chief deputy sheriff during his administration and that of Sheriff Louis Paul. In 1912 Mr. Johnson was elected to his present position, now serving his forth term therein. So firmly has he established himself in the confidence and goodwill of the members of the bar, that on several occasions prior to his re-elections he has been petitioned by them to continue in office if elected. A man who assumed the duties of office as a public respon-sibility, he gives of the best of himself in their discharge and his public record is one of splendid efficiency and unwavering fidelity. Mr. Johnson is also a well-known fraternalist, being past exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, past president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. During the war period he was Miami county explosives agent for the United States Government, 'and was also active in the war movements of the Young- Men's Christian Association, the American Red Cross and the Miami County War Chest. He married Daisy, daughter of Charles Marshall, of Troy, and they have two children : Persis M. and James. Jones-Washburn Motor Company. Among the ambitious young business concerns of Piqua, one which has made rapid strides forward since its inception in 1916 is the Jones-Washburn Motor Company, the proprietors of which are Victor R. Washburn and John Edward Jones. This company has recently completed new quarters, erected on Ash street, and this is perhaps the best service station and display room to be found in the community. Victor R. Washburn was born at Celina, Ohio, December 20, 1890, a son of James M. and Elizabeth (Kreusch) Washburn. One of his parents' four children, he was educated at Notre Dame University, South Bend, Ind., and after his graduation therefrom became associated with his father in a retail business. Subsequently he was a retail automobile salesman, and in 1916 came to Piqua, where he became associated in business with Mr. Jones. Mr. Washburn has an honorable army record, having served seven months at San Antonio, Tex., as a member of the Motor Transport corps during the World war. He is a young business man of ambition, energy and resource, and has made an excellent impression upon the public and upon those with whom he has come into contact in the course of business transactions. John Edward Jones was born at Columbus, Ohio, November 16, 1892, a son of Edward M. and Emma (White) Jones, and a brother of Robert W. Jones. After graduating from the Columbus High School, he was variously employed until 1912, when he received his introduction to the automobile business in his native city. In 1916 he came to Piqua, where he became associated with Mr. Washburn in the founding and subse-quent development of the Jones-Washburn Motor Company, this concern being- agents here for the Dodge automobile. Mr. Jones III-11 162 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY was in the United States Army for twenty months, during twelve months of which time he was overseas, and saw active service on the Meuse-Argonne front during the great World war. Like his partner, he is a young man of marked ability and fertility of resource, and has established himself firmly in the confidence and respect of the business men of the city of his adoption. Dr. Jacob Kendell, one of the old and honored citizens of Covington, where he is cashier of the Stillwater Valley Bank, was born on a farm in Newton township, Miami county, November 16, 1847, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Boggs) Kendell. The Kendell family originated in Maryland, while the Boggs family had its origin in Virginia and both have been residents of the Miami valley for many years. Benjamin Kendell, who served as a soldier during the Mexican war, followed milling throughout his life in Miami county and was a man who well merited the high esteem in which he was universally held. He and his wife were the parents of three children : Jacob, Ezekiel and Oliver H. P. Jacob Kendell attended the public schools of Miami county, following which he began the study of medicine at the Ohio' Medical College. He was graduated from that institution with his degree in 1869, and for nearly forty years practiced his profession at Covington, where he rose to a high place in his calling and in the confidence and respect of the people of the community in which he ministered to the ills of his fellow-men. A number of years ago he had become interested in the Stillwater Valley Bank, of which he eventually became president, but in 1908, when he gave up his professional labors, he entered actively upon the duties of cashier of this institution, a position which he has since filled with honor and ability. Doctor Kendell took an energetic part in the various war activities and was a member and active worker of all the local committees. During his career he has acted constructively and efficiently as a member of the school board and the city council. He is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, of which he has been a member for many years. Doctor Kendell married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Brump, of Tippecanoe City, Ohio, and they have been the parents of two sons, both physicians : Dr. B. J., now deceased, who formerly practiced at Tippecanoe City, and Dr. H. W., a skilled physician of Covington. Abraham Kahn, manufacturer and exporter of farm tools and handles, and one of the leading and highly esteemed business citizens of Piqua, Ohio, was born at his father's home in Alsace-Lorraine, in 1846. As a youth he was given splendid educational advantages, as his father was a man of some means, and during his rearing he mastered several languages. At the time he reached his majority, in 1869, he decided to seek his fortune on his own account, and accordingly immigrated to the United States and first located at Wapakoneta, Ohio, where he established himself in a dry goods business in a small way. This he developed into a paying business, but later found a better field for his abilities in the manufacture of farming tools and handles, and for the carrying on of such a busi- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 163 ness established a factory at Wapakoneta. Under his progressive methods, he soon developed this enterprise to large proportions, and came to Piqua, where he founded his interests, although still retaining his holdings at Wapakoneta. At Piqua he is manager of the United States Handle Company, an exporting agency, which does business with leading concerns all over the world. Mr. Kahn is still active and alert, and goes around his daily routine of duties with the clear mind and active step of a man who had led a clean, active and healthful life. He has the confidence of his associates and his standing in the business world is that of a level-headed, clear-sighted man of affairs, of the highest integrity and strictest probity. A man of broad and practical philanthropy, he is secretary of the Associated Charities of Piqua, and president of the Jewish congregation. He is favorably known also in social circles and is president of the Piqua Club. Mr. Kahn married Rosa Friedlich and to this union there have been born two children : Forest E. and Mabel. Charles Karns. Among the farmers of Miami county the results of whose operations render a good account of their skilled husbandry, one who is entitled to mention is Charles Karns, a progressive tiller of the soil of Bethel township. Mr. Karns has passed his entire life in this community, having been born on a farm in this township, in 1883, a son of J. C. and Phoebe (Studebaker) Karns. The parents of Mr. Karns, natives of Ohio, passed their careers in this county amid the peaceful pursuits of farming and through good citizenship, and a display of qualities of kindness, consideration and neighborliness won the regard and affectionate confidence of those among whom their lives were spent. The boyhood of Charles Karns resembled that of other youths of his day and locality, his education being acquired in the public schools of Bethel township and his summers being passed in assisting his father on the home place. He likewise had the benefits of attendance at a school at Juniata, Pa., after leaving which he commenced farming again on the home place, the old Karns homestead, on which he still resides. He is a careful and thorough farmer and his labors have been attended with gratifying results. During the World war period Mr. Karns was at the head of the war chest campaign in his township and was also an active Liberty Loan worker. He married Mary, daughter of Solomon and Lovina (Snyder) Hershberger, and a sister of John Hershberger, who saw overseas service with the American Army during the World war. They are the parents of one son, Willis. B. F. Kendig. Among the well-known farmers of Monroe township whose careers have been especially remarkable for enterprise, perseverance and tenacity of purpose, and who have advanced themselves from modest beginnings to conditions of substantial prosperity, is B. F. Kendig, who has resided on his present farm for a period of forty-five years. Mr. Kendig was born in Monroe township August 29, 1854, a son of Benjamin and Eleanor (Perry) Kendig. His parents, early residents of this locality, both passed away when our subject was eleven years of age. They had two 164 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY children : B. F., and Elizabeth, who is deceased. B. F. Kendig received the usual common school education in the rural districts and until he reached his majority, had a guardian, and worked as a farmhand. At the age of twenty-one years he commenced farming ventures on his own account, and for forty-five years has been the occupant of his present farm, a highly fertile and productive property, with a comfortable residence located on Tippecanoe City R. F. D. No. 3. Mr. Kendig has been a public-spirited citizen and has given his unqualified support to all worthy measures both in times of war and in peace. He married, April 6, 1879, Sarah, daughter of Solomon and Emely (Yount) Smith, agricultural people of Miami county, who resided in Monroe township until their death. He was one of the prominent and influential farmers of Miami county. There were twelve children in the family, of whom six are living, and to this union there have been born four children : Emma, the wife of Irvin Furlong, and they live near West Milton and have one son, Kenneth ; Anna, the wife of Ira Beegley, and they live west of Dayton ; Leona, the wife of Charles Campbell, and they reside in Dayton, Ohio, and have three children : Kendig, Byron and Martha Ellen, and Independence, single and living at home. Raymond A. Kerr, prosecuting attorney of Miami county, and one of the leading younger members of the State bar, was born at Tippecanoe City, Ohio, November 10, 1880, a son of Ellis and Etta (Tenney) Kerr. Mr. Kerr probably owes at least a part of his ability in the law to inheritance, as his father was one of Miami county's prominent attorneys and a graduate of the Cincinnati Law School. There were three children in the family : Raymond A.; Loran A., a successful realtor of Southern California, and Vera K., the wife of R. W. Kessler, commander in the United States Navy, who saw service during the World war in convoying transports. Raymond A. Kerr attended the public schools of his native place, following which he took a course at Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. His law studies were prosecuted at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, which conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws, and in June, 1905, he commenced practice at Tippecanoe City. In November, 1916, he was elected prosecutor of Miami county, and the splendid manner in which he conducted the affairs of his office in his first term led to his re-election in 1918. He is a Mason and Odd Fellow, belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and maintains membership in the Methodist church. Mr. Kerr married Myra W., daughter of W. H. Wehrly, district superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal church, Cincinnati district. To this union there have been born two children : Ellis Wehrly and Robert. Wirt Kessler, secretary of the Milton Loan and Savings Association, of West Milton, was born in Union township, Miami county, a son of William and Mary (Albaugh) Kessler. He secured a good public school education and as a youth taught school in Union township, as well as in Darke county, and for some years assisted his father in his farming operations. Coming then to West MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 165 Milton, he became associated with his brother, W. S. Kessler, in the practice of law, and in 1910 became secretary of the Milton Loan and Savings Association, a position which he has held to the present time. While he has occupied this position the association has enjoyed great prosperity and its affairs have shown a consistent and healthy growth. Mr. Kessler has been prominent also in public matters, being a former mayor of West Milton and a former clerk of Union township. He was also postmaster of West Milton for thirteen years, and his entire public record is an enviable one, well worthy of emulation. During the World war period he was chairman for Union township of all the loan drives and was active in the movement resulting in the accumulation of the Miami County War Chest. Mr. Kessler married Harriet, daughter of John and Mary (Faulkner) Cornor, of Miami county, and to this union there have been born four children : Maud, who married A. S. Swank ; Estella, who married William Keck ; Clarence R. who married Edna Cassel, and Maurice, who married Corinne R., Mr. Kessler is recognized as an able business man, a capable financier and an excellent judge of land and property values, and his standing is that of a man of sound integrity who has merited public confidence because of the straightforward character of his dealings. His good citizenship has never been questioned and no movement for the betterment of the community is considered complete until it has his support. He is prominent as a fraternalist, being a Knight Templar Mason and Shriner, and a member of the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in all of which orders he has numerous friends. George W. Kight has been a resident of Miami county since 1880 and both Bethel and Elizabeth townships have benefitted by his industry and resourcefulness as an agriculturist and his services as a citizen. He was born in Monongahela county, W. Va., May 28, 1860, a son of George W. and Hattie (Koontz) Kight. His father, a farmer in early life, enlisted in the Union Army during the war between the States and saw much service under the greatly-beloved "Little General," George B. McClellan. At the close of his military service he resumed farming, and in 1883 came to Ohio and settled in Clark county, near New Carlisle, where he rounded out a long and honorable career as. an agriculturist. He was a man greatly respected in his community and was a worthy representative of the best type of men engaged in his calling. George W. Kight, the younger, was given a public school education in his native county, and at the age of twenty years left the parental roof and came to Miami county, where for a number of years he followed farming in Bethel township. Eventually he came to Elizabeth township,. where he has since developed a handsome property, on which he carries on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Kight married, January 13, 1886, Sarah, daughter of Charles and Anna (Works) Hales, of New Carlisle, and to this union there have been born five children : Anna, now the wife of Marvin G. Benson, of Dayton, Ohio ; Mary E., the wife of Charles Grady, who resides 166 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY in Dayton, Ohio ; Harold, Helen and Virginia. Mr. Kight's nephews, Earl and Harry Hess, saw service in the United States Army during the World war period, the former being called overseas and being in action in a number of battles. The family attends the Methodist church. J. A. Kerr, of Tippecanoe City, one of the leading corporation lawyers of Miami county, was born at Chambersburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, July 7, 1853, a son of J. T. and Matilda B. (Westlake) Kerr. The latter was a daughter of Col. Josiah and Sallie (Williams) Westlake, Sallie Williams being a daughter of George and Polly (Hill) Williams, while Polly Hill was a daughter of Henry Hill, one of the earliest pioneers of this part of the Miami Valley and a member of the first conference of the Christian church, which was held at his home on Pleasant Hill, in 1819. Col. Josiah Westlake was a volunteer in the Mexican war and rose to a colonelcy in that conflict. He later became a leader in the Democratic party in his locality, and was likewise prominent in Civil war activities. Both the Williams and Hill families originated in Maryland. J. T. Kerr was a son of James Kerr, who was born near Marietta, Ohio, his mother being Sallie, daughter of Jonathan Thompson. During the early days she was taken prisoner by the Indians near Fort Meigs and held a prisoner for two years, although finally returned to the whites at Fort Johnson, near Piqua, Ohio. She had been carried captive by Indians from Canada in 1812. James Kerr was a son of George Kerr, who came from Virginia, his mother being Patty Newell, who was descended on her mother's side from the distinguished Hamilton family. Newell Kerr, a relation of J. A. Kerr, was a captain in the Union Army during the Civil war, and one of the first United States senators from Ohio bore the family name. J. T. Kerr, father of J. A. Kerr, was a volunteer during the Mexican war, and was a school teacher by vocation, as had been his father-in-law, Col. Josiah Westlake, who was one of the first educators in Miami county. To the parents of J. A. Kerr there were born the following children : James M., a prominent attorney of California, widely known as an author of legal works, among them "Kerr's Pocket Codes of California," "American and English Encyclopedia of Law," "Kerr's Real Property," "American Edition of Benjamin on Sales," "Kerr on Homicide," "American and English Railway Cases," "Water Rights and Mining," etc., whose son, Noel Kerr, was a soldier of the American Expeditionary Forces during the World war and met a hero's death on the battlefield of the Argonne ; Ellis H., a graduate of Cincinnati Law School, formerly mayor and a well-known attorney of Tippecanoe City, who married Esther Tenney, and had three children, Loren A., of South Carolina ; Raymond A., prosecuting attorney of Miami county, and Vera, the wife of Rob Kessler ; John, deceased ; Owen, who fought as a soldier during the Spanish-American war, later a farmer of Miami county and business man of Tippecanoe City, who married Salome Miller ; Clara, who married J. A., son of Joseph Connery, and removed to Montana and afterward to Los Angeles, Calif., MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 167 where she died in 1914, and J. A. J. A. Kerr was educated in the public schools of Miami county and a normal school, following, which he enrolled as a student of the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in law and civil engineering in 1871. He taught school and practiced his profession in conjunction for two years, but his law practice soon became so large as to need all his attention. In 1874 he became delegate to the Democratic congressional convention, and in 1884, was elected city solicitor of Tippecanoe City. Mr. Kerr is known as a thorough, capable and learned lawyer, particularly in the field of corporation law, in which he has a large and important clientele. He is attorney for the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which carries $21,000,000 insurance on 7,000 members, and which has had but one lawsuit since its inception in 1877, when Mr. Kerr became its attorney. He belongs to the various organizations of his profession, and has numerous civic, business and social connections. During the war period he was active in all movements, and served capably as a four-minute speaker and in other capacities. Mr. Kerr married Elizabeth J., daughter of Lemuel F. and Rosanna (Pierson) Coates, and a granddaughter of Henry and Jane (Fincher) Coates. Rosanna Pierson was a daughter of Hiram Pierson, who was a son of Samuel Pierson, one of the earliest pioneers of the Miami valley. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kerr : Lillian V., who died at the age of fifteen years, and Floyd Ellis, president of the State Bank of McBee, S. C., who married Viola Dunning and has three children, Floyd E., Jr., Enona and Newell. William R. Kinder, county surveyor of Miami county, and widely known as an efficient civil engineer, paving and drainage expert, has occupied this office since 1919 and during his administration of its affairs has contributed materially to the development of the locality under his jurisdiction. Mr. Kinder, a resident of Troy, was born in Staunton township, this county, October 21, 1878, a son of Albert and Lettie (Rusk) Kinder, and a grandson of John Kinder, who was born in Pennsylvania and was an early settler of Warren county, Ohio. Albert Kinder was born in Warren county, but has lived the greater part of his life in Miami county and is well and favorably known as an influential farmer and stock raiser in this county. Lettie (Rusk) Kinder, the daughter of William and Mary Rusk, was born in Shelby county but came to Miami county with her parents in her girlhood, where she resided after her marriage with her husband until her death. Albert Kinder and his wife were the parents of five children : William R. ; Albert, a resident of Texas ; John, who resides at Casstown, Ohio ; Mary, who married Charles P. Rogers of that place, and Effie, who is unmarried. William R. Kinder attended the graded schools of Lost Creek township, following which he pursued a course in civil engineering at Ohio State University and completed his preparation for his profession by taking a like course at the Ohio Northern University, from which he was duly graduated with the degree of civil 168 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY engineer in 1904. When he left college he became engaged in construction work first with the Springfield, Troy & Piqua Traction Company, then for the Big Four Railroad Company and subsequently was identified with construction work at Buffalo, N. Y., for the Buffalo & Lake Erie Traction Company. After leaving this work, Mr. Kinder spent six years as resident engineer on an irrigation project for the Bitter Root Valley Irrigation Company in Montana. Here he contributed materially to the development of this semi-desert country, helping to transform a large area from a sagebrush plain to a prosperous farming and orchard community, to establish churches and schools and taking part in all other movements so necessary in the development of a new country. After the completion of his part in this big enterprise he returned to Ohio and became deputy county surveyor of Miami county, a position which he retained for five years, in the meantime acting as resident engineer at Troy for the State Highway Department. In 1918 he was elected county surveyor of Miami county, taking office in September, 1919, and being elected for a second term in 192o. He has had charge of the greater part of the road paving done in Miami county, and has established numerous methods which has put his office on a business-like basis, and enjoys a well-merited reputation for efficiency in engineering, paving, and drainage work. Mr. Kinder married Emma R., daughter of James and Anna Gross, of Casstown, Ohio, and they have had two children : James Albert, deceased, and Ruth Analetta. Mr. Kinder took an active part in all war activities and has identified himself with various civic movements. He is an active member of the Ohio Engineering Society and the Northwestern Ohio County Surveyors' Association. He is also a member of the Presbyterian church. John McKelveen Knouff. During a period of fifty-six years John M. Knouff has been engaged in agricultural operations on the property on which he now makes his home in Washington township, and in this time has been the chief factor in its development from mediocre productiveness and poor buildings and equipment to the height of fertility and modern improvements of all kinds. Mr. Knouff was born in Harrison county, Ohio, November 21, 1853, a son of George and Lettie Ann (McKelveen) Knouff, both deceased. One of a family of five children, of whom four are still living, Mr. Knouff received a public school education, and as a young man began farming on his own account. In the long period that he has resided on his present -Washington township farm, he has installed improvements that make his property one of the most valuable and attractive in the locality and that place him in the class of his township's most progressive and substantial citizens. Mr. Knouff married; October 13, 1892, Ida, daughter of Jehial and Nannie (Morrow) Lyon, of Spring Creek township, Miami county. Mr. Lyon passed away in 191o. His wife now resides in Piqua, Ohio. To this union there have been born three children : Margaret Elvie, Nannie Marie and Lester Burdett, all at home. During the World war period Mr. and Mrs. Knouff were active participants in all MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 169 movements to aid the Government in its successful prosecution of the war, and were liberal contributors to the Liberty Loan, Red Cross, war chest and Young Men's Christian Association drives. Mr. Knouff is a great friend of education, and for many years served efficiently as a member of the Washington county school board. L. O. Koester. One of the native sons of Piqua who has reached a position of business preference in his home community is L. O. Koester, secretary-treasurer of the Orr Felt and Blanket Company. Born at Piqua, a son of John and Elizabeth Koester, he received his education in the graded and high schools here, and entered upon his career as an employe of the Cron Kilns Company. Later he transferred his services to the American Linseed Oil Company, and after being associated with that concern for several years accepted a minor position with the Orr Felt and Blanket Company. Here his abilities and industry were recognized and through successive promotions he has' risen to his present post of secretary-treasurer. He contributes materially to the success of this enterprise and during his career with his concern has won and held the implicit confidence of his associates. Mr. Koester is a member of the Piqua Club. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of which he is a thirty-second degree. During the war period he was a conspicuous figure by reason of his connection with the various movements which assisted in the winning of the war. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a member. John A. Kraus, a leading and energetic dealer in automobiles and accessories at Covington, was born at this place, May 24, 1876, a son of John G. and Anna C. (Gensley) Kraus. His father, a native of Germany, immigrated to the United States in young manhood and settled at Covington, having assisted in the building of the Miami canal. Later he took up railroading which he followed during the remainder of his long and honorable life. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom four survive : Emma, who married Charles Dunkle, of Greenville, Ohio ; Clara, who married Roy Wieland, of that place ; Addie, who married DeWight Diltz, of Greenville, and John A. John A. Kraus received his education in the Covington public schools, after leaving which he worked for a time on a farm. Later he went to Dayton, where he was engaged in candy-making for four years, this being followed by a period spent as a traveling salesman. For eighteen months he was in the employ of the National Cash Register Company at Dayton, his next employment being with the United States Express Company, in the service of which concern he remained for about two years. Eventually he embarked in the leaf tobacco business with a partner, as Hoeflich & Kraus, which constituted in existence from 1908 to 1915, inclusive. In 1916 Mr. Kraus disposed of his interests in the leaf tobacco business and embarked in the automobile industry, as a member of the firm of Kellenberger & Kraus. In the following year he assumed control of the business by purchasing his 170 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY partner's holdings, and at this time the enterprise is conducted by him as John A. Kraus. Mr. Kraus deals in pleasure cars and trucks and carries a full line of standard automobile accessories and has built up a splendid business in these lines. He is energetic, progressive and a good manager, and has gained a substantial business position solely through the medium of his own efforts and ability. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodge of the Improved Order of Red Men, in which he has numerous friends. He has seen quite a good deal of public service, having acted as marshal and constable of Covington for eight years and was also deputy sheriff of Miami county for one year and his public record is a good one. Patriotic and public-spirited, he gave his unqualified support to all activities of the Government and local authorities during the war period. Mr. Kraus married Sylvia, daughter of John J. and Mary A. White, of Eaton, Ohio. F. D. Kiser, M. D., a skilled and prominent practicing physician of Tippecanoe City, and a member of the city council, was born in 1886, at Fletcher, Ohio, a son of Benjamin L. and Mary (Hetzler) Kiser. His father, a soldier during the Civil war, received a wound in that struggle that crippled him permanently. There were four children in the family : Dr. I. C., a practicing physician of Piqua ; Dr. F. D.; E. D., who served two terms as county treasurer of Shelby county, Ohio, and Minnie, the wife of William Kiser. F. D. Kiser was educated in the public schools of Fletcher and at Ohio Wesleyan University, following which he entered upon his professional studies at Sterling Medical College, where he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine and was graduated with the class of 1910. For a time he served as interne in the Protestant Hospital, at Columbus, then commencing his practice at Casstown, whence he came to Tippecanoe City in 1914. He has since followed his profession here and had made rapid advancement, being possessed of a large and representative clientele and having gained recognition as a man of superior professional attainments. At the outbreak of the war, Doctor Kiser attempted to enlist in the Medical Reserve corps, but on account of minor disabilities was rejected. However, he rendered valuable service to the Red Cross and the various committees, and was liberal in his contributions to the various drives. Doctor Kiser is a member of the Tippecanoe City council, where his work is of a valuable character, and fraternally is affiliated with the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Masons, Modern Woodmen of America, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He married Edith, daughter of J. A. and Jennie (Murphy) Covault, of Fletcher, Ohio, and they have two children : Maynard C. and Robert Benjamin. W. J. Kroger, secretary and treasurer of the Troy Body Company, of Troy, has been identified with this concern since the time of its organization and is accounted one of the substantial and capable business men of his native city. He was born at Troy, June 6, 1888, a son of Fred and Elizabeth Kroger, and received his early MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 171 education in the public schools. When he was still little more than a lad, he learned telegraphy and secured a position as telegrapher and station agent, a capacity in which he continued for a number of years. When the Troy Body Company was founded at Troy, in February, 1919, Mr. Kroger became cashier of the new concern, a position from which he has since advanced to the post of secretary and treasurer. Mr. Kroger, while still a young man, has already gone far in the business world, and has the unqualified confidence of his associates, while his standing in business circles of the city is that of a man who has impressed his ability upon others. The Troy Body Company is one of the important manufacturers of automobile bodies, and at this time makes the bodies for the Chalmers, H. C. S. Special, Liberty, Grant, Monroe, Sears-Scoville, Louisiana, Texas and Tulsa cars. Mr. Kroger is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He married Miss Edith Maley, of Piqua, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Maley. Henry M. Lair, a leading merchant of West Milton, and an honored veteran of the Civil war, was born April 13, 1844, on a farm now located in the village of Gordon, Darke county, Ohio, a son of David and Sarah (Gordon) Lair, who came to Ohio from New Jersey in 1839. After a number of years spent in agricultural pursuits, David Lair laid out a town on his farm, which he named Gordon in honor of his father-in-law, and of which he later disposed by sale. He and his worthy wife were greatly respected in their community and were the parents of twelve children. The country schools of Darke county furnished Henry M. Lair the medium through which to gain his education, and when he was sixteen years of age he left the parental roof and went to southern Indiana, where he spent the summer and fall and came to West Milton in 1861. At that time he became an apprentice to the trade of shoemaker, but the Civil war came on to interrupt his career, just as it did the careers of so many young men of the land, and in September, 1861, he enlisted in the Forty-eighth regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He is the only survivor in this locality who fought with this gallant organization. Mr. Lair saw much active service until the battle of Shiloh, when he was wounded in the thigh. The wound was not taken care of properly and as a result he was temporarily incapacitated and was honorably discharged on account of disability, returning to his home in October, 1862. By the following spring he had recuperated and again took up shoemaking, a business which he followed at Middletown until the fall, then going to Troy, where he was employed by Simon Hustler. In February, 1864, he again enlisted for service in the Union Army, at this time joining the Eighth Ohio cavalry, with which he remained until the close of the war in 1865. During his latter enlistment he had numerous stirring adventures, narrowly escaping death on several occasions, particularly when he was captured by the enemy, from whose prison he effected a spectacular escape. Mr. Lair returned to West Milton July 31, 1865. At that time Mr. Lair's brother-in- 172 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY law and W. I. Tenney were conducting a shoe shop at this place, and Mr. Lair purchased Mr. Tenney's interest and went into partnership with his brother-in-law. This association continued until 1881, when he assumed entire control of the enterprise by purchase, and from that time to the present he has been the directing head of the business. This is conducted under the style of H. M. Lair & Sons Company, and of recent years the active work of the store has been carried on by Mr. Lair's three sons. This is the largest store at West Milton and carries a complete line of shoes and men's furnishings. Its large and representative patronage has been built up by many years of honorable dealing and honest representation, and the place which it occupies in public confidence is a high one, reflecting as it does the esteem and respect in which the people of this community hold its venerable head. As a public-spirited citizen Mr. Lair has interested himself in various movements pertaining to the welfare of his community and has always supported progressive enterprises of a civic character. As a fraternalist, he holds membership in the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined in 1866, and he is likewise a valued comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization in which he attained membership in 1885. When a young man, at West Milton, Mr. Lair was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Ann Yount, daughter of Elam Yount, of West Milton, and to this union there have been born three sons and six daughters, of whom three sons and three daughters are still living : Byron H., Frank B. and Howard K., who are engaged in conducting the store for their father ; Theodosia, the wife of A. Willoughby, of West Milton, and mother of Harry Willoughby, who served in France during the World war and was wounded by shrapnel when still a mile from the fighting line, subsequently spending the greater part of his overseas service in the hospital. Mrs. Theodosia Willoughby is also the mother of three other children : Richard, Robert and Laurabelle. Mary Frances, the wife of Jesse Pfeifer, of Syracuse, N. Y. They are the parents of one son, Bernard, and two daughters, Mildred and Hester ; and Margaret, a graduate of Oxford and Ohio State Colleges and Columbia University, who was a teacher at Clifton Springs, N. Y., but is now a teacher at Greenville, Ohio. John W. Landrey, junior member of the firm of Strock & Landrey, men's furnishing goods, is one of the enterprising and capable business men of Troy and one who has worked his own way to success. Mr. Landrey has spent his entire life at Troy, where he was born, and belongs to an old and honored family of this community, his grandfather having been the first constable of the village. His parents were John and Viroma (Hopkins) Landrey, natives of this place, who had four children : Martha, Mamie, John W. and one who died in infancy. The public schools of Troy furnished John W. Landrey with his educational training, and when he put aside his schoolbooks he entered life on his own account. His introduction to business affairs came through his employment as a clerk in a shoe store and that continued to be his status during MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 173 a period of fourteen years, in which he assimilated many of the principles of sound business dealing. With this experience, in 1907 he formed a partnership with Glen C. Strock, the firm of Strock & Landrey thus coming into existence. They now have a splendid patronage, built up through honorable methods. Mr. Landrey married Edith, daughter of Albert Brunse, of Troy, and they have one child, Richard. Mr. Landrey is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows, and was a generous contributor to all war movements. Albert W. Landis, who as cashier of the Citizens National Bank of Covington has won the confidence and esteem of his associates and the public of his community, was born at Circle Hill, Ohio, June 24, 1883, a son of Simon and Samantha (Compton) Landis. There were four children in the family : Theodore, Ella, Albert W. and Emma. Albert W. Landis acquired his education in the country schools and the high school at Covington, and in 1905 became identified with the Citizens National Bank, of which he was made cashier in 1908. He has continued to discharge the duties of this position to the present time, and has contributed in no small degree to the success and prosperity of his institution. During the World war period he was an indefatigable worker in behalf of the various war loans, and in other ways has demonstrated his good citizenship and public spirit. He has several civic and social connections and takes an active part generally in the life of his community. Mr. Landis married Estella, daughter of George and Carolyn (Heitzmann) Rike, of Covington, and they have two children : Mary Catherine and Helen Carolyn. Edward W. Lape, Sr., vice-president of the Favorite Stove and Range Company, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, March Ts, 1848, a son of William Henry and Martha A. (Taylor) Lape. He belongs to a family which contributed of its members in the support of American industries and institutions, one of his grand-uncles serving as a soldier during the Indian wars. His father acted as a deputy United States provost marshal during the war between the North and the South. His parents had four children : Edward W. ; William Rufus ; Carrie L., the wife of S. S. Church, an attorney of Cincinnati, and Sallie C., a widow. The education of Edward W. Lape was acquired at Newport, Ky., and Chickering Academy, Cincinnati, following which he pursued a course in the Bryant, Stratton and De Han Business College, of that city. For three years he was employed by Nicholas Patterson & Company, and for a like period was identified with the W. C. Davis Stove Company. For four years he was with the Favorite Stove Works at Cincinnati, but in 1888 was transferred to Piqua, where he has since been connected with the Favorite Stove and Range Company, gradually working his way upward through merit and industry to the position of vice-president. A history of this leading enterprise will be found in the industrial section of this work. Mr. Lape married for his first wife Machir P. Simmons, of Felicity, Ohio, and they had one child, Bessie Louise, who married Herbert Hoffman, of Piqua. 174 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY For his second wife Mr. Lape was united with Jeanette F. Smith, now deceased. They had four children : Edward Walter, Jr., chemist of the Davis Sewing Machine Company, of Dayton ; Martha, who resides at home, and Robert F. and Catherine Jean, who are attending high school. The business connections of Mr. Lape are numerous and important and include the vice-presidency and treasurership of the Favorite Stove and Range Company, of Piqua, Ohio. He is a Mason of high standing and a member. of the Church of Christ. Rev. John F. Lampe, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, at Tippecanoe City, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, July 20, 1884, a son of George and Elizabeth (Schloemer) Lampe. After attending the parochial schools of his native parish, Father Lam.pe pursued a course at St. Xavier's College, Cincinnati, then entering St. Meinrad's Seminary, in Indiana, after leaving which he enrolled at Mount Mary's Theological Seminary, Cincinnati, where he completed his theological training. He was ordained to the priesthood of the Catholic church in 191o, by Archbishop Moeller, his first charge being as assistant pastor of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament at Cincinnati. He subsequently became assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church, Urbana, and then spent five years at Dayton, whence he came in 1918 to Tippecanoe City to accept his present charge, succeeding Father Louis Bergheger. In connection with his duties at Tippecanoe City, Father Lampe fills the pulpit of the missions at Bedford and St. Paris. A man of great learning and splendid intellect, he has governed the affairs of his church with excellent executive ability, and as the spiritual advisor, business counsellor and devoted friend of his people has won their reverence, respect and affection. Frederick Laufer. During a period of fourteen years, Frederick Laufer has been identified with the business interests of Troy, being a member of the firm of Laufer Brothers, proprietors of a grocery establishment that is rated among the better known enterprises of the city. He was born at Tippecanoe City, Ohio, July 9, 1882, a son of Fred and Bertha (Eckerle) Laufer, and one of a family of five children. His educational advantages were acquired in the public schools of Troy, to which city he had been brought as a child, and here he was introduced to his first experience with business, while working at Peters' Tree Nursery. Later Mr. Laufer was employed in a factory, but finally, in 1903, turned his attention to the grocery business, and in partnership with his brother, John Edwin Laufer, founded the firm of Laufer Brothers, which, during the fourteen years of its existence has developed into the proportions of a necessary commercial asset. This establishment carries a full line of staple and fancy groceries, attractively arranged and moderately priced, and the excellence of service, fair representation and general courtesy extended have brought the concern into public confidence and favor. Mr. Laufer was active in all local movements during the great war period and in civic affairs has always taken a public-spirited citizen's interest. He is fraternally affiliated