50 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Piqua, but in August, 1919, resigned his position and came to Troy, where he opened his present shoe establishment at No. 4 West Main street. Here he has been successful in building up a large and profitable patronage and in establishing a reputation as a sound and reliable merchant. He interests himself in all that pertains to the Welfare of the community, and is a valued member of Miami County Council of the American Legion. Andrew W. Burton, director of public service of the city of Piqua, and a man of broad experience and constructive capability, was born at Casstown, Miami county, Ohio, January 22, 1863, a son of Joel and Sarah (Rogers) Burton, the former of whom was born in the same county in 1826. Mr. Burton's maternal grandfather, William Rogers, was an early settler, and, with Isaac Sheets, built a raft and transported goods down, the Miami and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. Joel. Burton passed practically his entire life as a farmer in Miami county, although he also operated a sawmill in Lost Creek township. He and his wife were the parents of seven children : John, Lew, George, Andrew W.; Elizabeth, the wife of Will Sampson ; Kate, the wife of Chris Lauer ; and Flora, the wife, of Will Stewart. Harvey Burton, a son of George Burton, served in the American Expeditionary Forces during the great war, and Horace Stewart, son• of Mrs. Flora Stewart, served in the Engineering carps during the period of that struggle. Andrew W. Burton was given his education in the public schools of Casstown, following which he pursued a commercial course at Dayton, and then secured a position with his father. In 1888 he married Katie, daughter of Thomas C. and Nancy Robinson, and following his marriage moved to Piqua, where he entered the employ of the Cron Kilns Company. During this time, from 1910 to 1914, he acted as director of public service. In November, 1917, Mr. Burton entered the Bureau of Aircraft Production, through enlistment in the United States Army, a position for which he was admirably fitted by his extensive business training, as an inspector of lumber in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.' He was mustered out of the service in April, 1919, and subsequently bought a one-third interest in the Wilgus Grain Company, of Lena, and this occupied his attention until he was again .appointed director of public service, in 1919, by Mayor Smith. He has since devoted himself to the duties of his office, where he is rendering his city and his fellow-citizens the highest type of conscientious and efficient service. Director Burton is a member of the Masons and the Elks. He and Mrs. Burton are consistent members of the Methodist church and reside in a pleasant home at No. 324 South Main street, Piqua. John Butts. Few more pronounced studies in contrast are available among the agriculturists of Miami county than that presented in the career of John Butts. Mr. Butts' twentieth century status is represented by the ownership of 106 acres of valuable laud in Newberry township. Between the labor-enslaving days of his youth and the prosperous ones of the present have occurred many varied and developing experiences, the very existence of which MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 51 stamps him as a man of courage, initiative and purpose. He was born on a farm in Shelby county, Ohio, July 3, 1869, a son of Rev. Thomas N. and Wilhelmina (Schmeding) Butts. In the family there were five children : Edward ; Latimer ; John ; Ada, the wife of Bert Bacome ; and Viola. Mrs. Bert Bacome has one son who served in the United States Army during the World war. John Butts was given the advantages of an ordinary education in the public school in a rural district in Shelby county, and when not engrossed in his studies he was engaged in assisting his father in the work of the home place. When still a young man, however, he expressed a preference for a trade, and accordingly left the farm and after several years was working as a mechanic. Some years later he became a skilled workman in the employ of the Wood Shovel and Tool Company, at Piqua, whence he went to Chicago and was employed in the big plant of the Inland Steel Company. Eventually, however, he turned his attention to the occupation of his youth, and, returning to Ohio, settled in Miami county, where he has since developed his Newberry township farm. At this time Mr. Butts is the owner of 106 acres, all under a high state of cultivation, which he devotes to general farming and the raising of a good grade of live stock. He has made a study of his calling, and carries on his operations in a modern manner than cannot help but be prolific of satisfying results. While he has sought no public offices, he has always taken a good citizen's interest in public affairs and can be counted upon to support movements calculated to be of benefit to the general community welfare. Mr. Butts married September 3, 1896, Anna, daughter of Elias and Laura (Farner) Jones, who had four other children and were well known farming people of Miami county. To Mr. and Mrs. Butts there have been born the following children : Margery, the wife of William Timmerman ; Ruth, the wife of Carl Grunert, who served in the United States Army during the World war ; and Elsie May, John, Jr., and Edwin C., who reside at home with their parents. J. F. Caven. Three generations of the Caven family have contributed to the development of the present farm owned by J. F. Caven, a magnificent estate of 596 acres in Brown township. Mr. Caven, who is one of the highly respected retired residents of Piqua R. F. D. No. 6, was born on this farm in 1852, a son of G. B. and Catherine (Simmonds) Caven. The family was founded in this region by the grandfather of Mr. Caven at a time when the Indians were still here in large numbers. The original log cabin home of the family was very near to the scene of the Dilhane massacre and at that time the grandparents of Mr. Caven fled to the protection of a stockade which had been erected some distance to the south of their farm, remaining there until the Indians had been driven from the region. The original buckskin deed, issued at Washington early in the nineteenth century, and conveying the land to the grandfather of Mr. Caven, is still in the latter's possession. G. B. Caven was born on this farm and here spent the entire active portion of his life, carrying on general farming and specializ- 52 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY ing in the raising of Short Horn cattle and a good grade of Sheep. In the evening of life he and his worthy wife retired to the village of Fletcher, where they died within six weeks of each other, in 1915. Mr. Caven was an exemplary citizen and served his community as school director and township trustee for twenty years. He and his wife were held in the highest esteem in their community, and were the parents of six children : J. F. and a child who died in infancy ; two sisters living in Fletcher and two deceased, one of whom was the wife of Robert Morrow. J. F. Caven received his education in the public schools and was reared on the home farm, which he has never left. He is the owner of 596 acres of highly-cultivated land, and although he retired from active pursuits nineteen years ago, still takes a keen interest in the operation of his land and supervises its management. For many years he has been an active participant in local affairs, and has served as a member of the school board and the township board of trustees during a long period. His war activities included membership on committees for the selling of bonds, etc., and in local affairs he has always been a keen supporter of worthy enterprises. In 1885 Mr. Caven married Florence, daughter of A. M. Berryhill, of Fletcher, a member of an agricultural family, and to this union there were born two children : Maude, who married Ralph Brown, an Oregon farmer, and has one son and two daughters ; and Carey, the wife of Charles Wiles, of Sidney, Ohio, an agriculturist, and has one son and three daughters. The first Mrs. Caven died and Mr. Caven married Milly B., daughter of J. B. and Josephene (Fletcher) Moore, farming people of the Piqua community of Miami county. To this union there have been born two children : Herbert Milton, a graduate of Piqua High School ; and Martha Blanche, who is attending the high school in Brown township. H. A. Cosley, proprietor of the leading hardware establishment at Troy, and one of this city's old and honored business men, was born at Xenia, Ohio, in January, 185o, one of a large family of children born to James and Margaret (Cromer) Cosley. He began his schooling at Xenia, but when he was fourteen years of age the family moved to Miami county and there he completed his education in the country schools. He was about twenty years of age when he became identified with the hardware business at Troy, and for fifty years has continued to center his activities and abilities in this line of endeavor, being widely known to the trade in the Miami Valley. Mr. Cosley has built his business up to be the leading establishment of its kind at Troy, and its record is an honorable and successful one, reflecting the integrity of the proprietor and the high busi- ness ethics which have governed its policy. As a citizen, also, Mr. Cosley has won the respect and confidence of the people of Troy, and during the war period was chairman for Miami county of the Belgian Relief Fund and took part in other war activities. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Cosley married Sarah E.. daughter of Rev. P. M. Weddell, of Troy and Piqua, and to this union there have been born the following children : John W., who MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 53 is manager of the Cosley hardware business ; George, a salesman for this concern ; Harvey H., office manager of the Cambria Steel Company's branch at Chicago, Ill. ; Robert E., who went overseas as a lieutenant in the Thirty-seventh division, being later transferred to the One Hundred and Forty-eight division and finally to the One Hundred and Forty-fifth division, and a participant in much active fighting at the front, now in Texas with the Delco concern ; Anna H.. the wife of Will Wright, of Dayton ; Helen, the. wife of Ed Conrad, of Cleveland ; and Martha, the wife of S. H. Pulliam, of Chillicothe, now a resident of Troy where he is connected with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Charles H. Coble. Among the rising institutions of the city of Tippecanoe City, a substantial force is that of the jewelry business conducted by Charles H. Coble. Mr. Coble was born in Ashland county, Ohio, January 25, 1881, a son of Henry and Mary E. (Young) Coble, the father being a blacksmith by trade and for many years one of the reliable and respected residents of Ashland county, where he commanded an excellent business. One of a family of eight children, Charles H. Coble secured his education in the country schools. He inherited his father's mechanical ability, but it was directed in a different direction, and when he was still a youth he began to learn the jewelry business. For eleven years he conducted an establishment of his own at Forest, Ohio, whence he came to Tippecanoe City in 1917. No branch of merchandising is slower in its growth or more conservative than is the jewelry business. Non-fluctuating values are largely responsible for the condition. It follows, therefore, that men engaged in this line of business are naturally of calm and non-speculative minds, reliable as to morals, definite in their purposes and not easily led from accustomed grooves. No exception to this conclusion has been found in the career of Mr. Coble, who has built up his business through conservative and strictly legitimate methods and at the same time has gained a position of recognized substantiality in the confidence of his business associates and the public at large. Mr„ Coble is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has several other fraternal connections, being also a member of civic bodies, through which he has co-operated with other public-spirited men in advancing the interests of his community. The present Mrs. Coble was formerly Edith N., daughter of L. A. Disher, of Sycamore, Ohio. William T. Coffing. A worthy representative of the best farming element of Spring Creek township, is found in the person of William "I'. Coffing, who has resided on his present property for nearly forty years. He was born in Warren county, November 25, 185o, a son of Elijah and Sarah (Anderson) Coffing, and comes of an agricultural family, whose members, however, have not been unknown to other walks of life and who have served with honor in civil and military offices. Mr. Coffing's maternal grandfather was a soldier during the War of 1812. One of three children born to his parents, William T. Coffing acquired his education in the public schools of Miami county, coming to this county at the age of six 54 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY years with his mother from Warren county. He lived two years in Shelby county, then his mother moved to Miami county, where he has since lived, and was reared on the home farm to habits of industry and honesty and was thoroughly trained in all the arts of husbandry. In 1881 he was married and settled on a farm belonging to his wife's father, of which they inherited fifty acres, to which he has since added until he is now the owner and operator of 15o acres, all under a high state of cultivation. He had many improvements of a modern character, including a set of attractive and substantial buildings, and is justly rated one of the progressive agriculturists of the locality. As a public-spirited citizen he has been a supporter of worthy civic movements and during the period of the World war he was a generous contributor to the various drives carried on to assist in winning the war. Mr. Coffing's first wife, who bore the maiden name of Laura Campbell, and was a daughter of Joseph Campbell, of Miami county, died in 1878, without issue. Subsequently he was united in marriage with Harriet T., daughter of Mathias Lyon, also of this county, and five children were born to them, of whom three are living : LeRoy D., one of the progressive and enterprising farmers of Miami county, who married Birdie Small, and they have one child, William T. ; Stella May, who married Benjamin Moore and has two children, Beneta and Lucille ; and Cora Myrtle, who married Clarence Maxwell and has one child, Mildred. Two children, Nellie, aged ten, and an infant, are deceased. Warren Coleman, M. D. In medical circles of Miami county there are no names better known than that of Coleman, three generations of this family having been represented by medical men of skill and distinction at Troy. The present representative of the name in this profession is Dr. Warren Coleman, who has gained an assured place among the learned and capable practitioners of the art in this part of the Miami Valley, and who is also widely and prominently known in Masonic circles. Warren Coleman was born at Troy, Ohio, September 22, 1865, a son of Horace and Mary L. (Aldrich) Coleman, and a grandson of Asa Coleman. The well-known and honored family which bears this name was founded at Troy in 1810 by Dr. Asa Coleman, one of the earliest of Miami county's physicians, who followed his calling after the style of the old-time country physician, traveling many miles, through all kinds of weather, in visiting the bedsides of his patients, located all over the surrounding country. This much-loved old physician was succeeded by his son, Dr. Horace Coleman, who practiced throughout his life at Troy, his birthplace, where he also became widely known and greatly esteemed both for his professional qualities and by reason of his sound integrity and stable citizenship. Dr. Horace and Mary L. (Aldrich) Coleman were the parents of six children : Horace, who is deceased ; Edward, whose home is in the West ; two sons who died in infancy ; Warren ; Tessie, and Mrs. Rebe McKimme. After attending the graded and high schools of Troy, Warren Coleman entered upon his medical studies at the Ohio MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 55 Medical College, Cincinnati, from which he was graduated with the class of 1888. He began the practice of his profession at Logansport, Ind., where he remained for one year, then returning to Troy, where he has since been in the enjoyment of a professional patronage that has increased steadily in importance and emoluments with the passing of the years. During the past nine years he has maintained a private hospital at Troy. He was conscription board surgeon for Miami county during the war period and in various other ways assisted the Government in carrying out its policies to secure aid for our fighting forces. Doctor Coleman is prominent in Masonry, belonging to all Masonic bodies and being past eminent commander of Coleman Commandery, Troy. He likewise holds membership in the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is identified with the Rotary Club. In 1901 he married Frances, (laughter of E. F. Rinehart, of Troy. Charles A. Conroy. Among the younger business element of Piqua, one who has made rapid strides toward the front in. recent years is Charles A. Conroy, the proprietor of a flourishing shoe business and one of the organizers of the Textile Products Company. Mr. Conroy was born at Covington, Ky., July 13, 1887, arson of Charles J. and Catherine (O'Rourke) Conroy. From Covington the family removed to Piqua, where the father followed his trade of stove-moulder and in which city the following children were reared : Rev. James, a graduate of St. Mary's Catholic Theological Seminary of Cincinnati, and now priest of the Catholic .church at Sharonville ; Rev. William, a graduate of the same institution and now priest of the Catholic church at Oxford, Ohio ; Charles A.; and Nora, the wife of Anthony Hemm. Charles A. Conroy was educated in the parochial schools of Piqua and as a youth learned the moulding trade. This, however, did not prove congenial, nor was it satisfying to his ambitions, which ran along mercantile lines, and he accordingly turned his attention to the shoe business, in which he established himself at Piqua in 1913. He now has a modern establishment at No. 208 North Main street, where he carries a full line of footwear and enjoys a splendid patronage. His rating is high in commercial circles and he enjoys prestige as one of the organizers of the Textile Products Company, manufacturers of gloves and other articles, a growing business that promises to be one of Piqua's largest enterprises in the not far distant future. He holds an official position with this concern and has the unqualified confidence of his associates. Mrs. Conroy served as secretary of the local Red Cross Society. They are consistent members of St Mary's Catholic Church, and Mr. Conroy is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Conroy married Nellie, daughter of John Snowball, chief clerk in a railroad office at St. Louis, Mo. Arthur S. Conway, a worthy representative of the younger class of the farming element of Miami county, who is engaged successfully in carrying on general farming and poultry raising in New-, berry township, was born in Miami county, August 21, 1882, a son 56 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY of Leo Edward and Katherine (Seas) Conway. His parents were long identified with agricultural affairs in this county, where they were held in the highest esteem. In the family there were five children : Clarence, who is identified with the Young Men's Christian Association at Bradford ; Edith, the wife of Orville Durst, of that place ; Ruth, the wife of Charles Sloneberg, of Cumberland, Md. ; Frances, the wife of Milton Dorman, of Bradford ; and Arthur S. Arthur S. Conway was educated in the public schools, and during his youth he made himself serviceable in assisting his father in the routine of the home place. After he reached his majority he commenced farming for himself, and his labors have been attended by well-merited returns. He now has his home place of seventy-nine acres, and both properties are under a high state of cultivation. In addition to farming he devotes a considerable portion of his time to poultry raising, which he has made a profitable feature of his business life. During the recent war period, Mr. Conway was solicitor in various drives, and is credited with having obtained more contributions than any other farmer in Newberry township. Mr. Conway married Myrtle, daughter of William and Anna Wise, of Miami county, and to this union there have been born six children : Luther, Naomi, Lawson, Woodrow, Robert and Dean. Mr. Conway is a Democrat, but has not sought political preferment or public honors. John Sherman Corwin. in the career of John Sherman Corwin, of Covington, there is found a lesson which may be studied with benefit by the youth of our land, and particularly by those who feel that they are laboring under disadvantages. Mr. Corwin, totally blind, has not allowed his infirmity to discourage him, and today is not only a leading piano and music dealer, but is engaged in ambitious plans for the future, including the enlargement of his business and a pleasurable participation in the active life going on about him. He was born September I, 1864, the date of the fall of Atlanta during the Civil war, at Covington, a son of Ichabod and Margaret Elizabeth (Orr) Corwin. His father, who was born February 29, 1836, recently celebrated his twenty-first birthday in eighty-four years. Ichabod Corwin hauled the first freight on the Pennsylvania Railroad to Covington, in 1859, and for four years was a soldier of the Union during the Civil war. For many years he was a leading contractor and builder at Covington, but eventually accepted the superintendency of the natural gas office at Covington and was the incumbent of that position for thirty years. He and his wife were the parents of the following children : Sybil, who died as Mrs. Hill, leaving one daughter, Martha M., who as a child of five years was taken into the home of her grandparents, with whom she remained until her marriage to G. W. Weston, of New London, Ohio ; 011ie, who is deceased ; Will, a resident of South Charleston, Ohio ; and John Sherman. John Sherman Corwin received his education in the public schools of Covington and after his leaving high school learned the trade of electrician. It was MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 57 while thus working, at the age of twenty-three years, that he lost the sight of one eye through an accident, and later his remaining eye became affected through sympathetic inflamation and he became totally blind. Subsequently ,Mr. Corwin attended the School for the Blind, at Columbus, and began to arrange his career to conform with the new conditions by which he found himself surrounded. His savings he invested in a piano and music business at Covington, and with undaunted courage and persistent cheerfulness has fought his way, alone and unaided, to a place among the substantial business men of his city. Mr. Corwin's business is already a large and lucrative one, but he is now completing arrangements for the enlargement of his establishment, the plans for which he has drawn himself. Mr. Corwin is very popular in his community, not alone because of the admiration that has been extended to him because of his brave struggle against adverse conditions, but because of a cheerful, courteous personality that of itself readily attracts friendships. Public-spirited in a high degree, he was a-liberal contributor to the various drives during the war period, and the local public library has benefited greatly as to equipment through his donations. Rosalbo W. Crofoot, who is now living in comfortable retirement at Troy, was for a quarter of a century one of the well-known lumbermen of this community, where during his business career lie built up a well-merited reputation for high business principles and stalwart integrity. Mr. Crofoot was born at Painesville, the county seat of Lake county, Ohio, April 9, 1845, a son of Andrew and Mary (Greene) Crofoot. His father, a stove-moulder by trade, worked at that vocation at Painesville, Ohio, and Saginaw, Mich., and was a man who was highly respected in these communities. He and his worthy wife were the parents of six children : Rinaldo, a retired clothier now residing in the State of California ; Emery, deceased ; Lomalino, a resident of Saginaw, Mich.; Isabelle, the wife of Joseph M. Jones, of Saginaw county, Michigan, who was a lieutenant in the Union army during the Civil war ; a daughter deceased ; and Rosalbo W. R. W. Crofoot secured his education in the public schools of Painesville, Ohio, and Saginaw, Mich., and after leaving school was attracted to railroad work. From brakeman he rose to the position of locomotive engineer and piloted an engine for fourteen years, but in 1893 resigned and came to Troy, where, November 10, he embarked in the lumber business. For more than a quarter of a century he was identified with the lumber industry, in which he won a worthy success in an honorable manner. Recently he disposed of his interests, and, to occupy his time, purchased a garden, where he now finds exercise, pleasure and profit, in growing flowers, plants and vegetables. Mr. Crofoot has shown a tendency to take an interest in civic affairs, and, as a great friend of education, served as a member of the school board for sixteen and one-half years and still retains his place in that body. He is likewise chairman of the library board and in other ways has con- 58 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY tributed to his city's well-being. With his family, he belongs to the Methodist church. Mr. Crofoot married Miss Mary Hurley, of Troy, and to this union there were born two daughters : Iva, the wife of Prof. William Cairns, of Troy, who occupies the chair of mathematics at Oberlin College ; and Catherine, the wife of Pratt Tracey, of Toledo. Horatio G. Cress. From the creative ingenuity of a country school teacher has grown the important toy manufacturing concern of H. G. Cress Company, of Troy, one of the leaders in its lines in the Middle West. The creator of these instructive playthings, and the head of the present large concern, Horatio G. Cress, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1859, a son of George and Ruth (Mann) Cress. Educated primarily in the public schools of his native county, and at West Milton he furthered his preparation by courses in a commercial school and at Valparaiso University, and Ada, Ohio, following which he began teaching school in the country districts of Union and Monroe townships, Miami county. It was while he was thus engaged that Mr. Cress conceived the idea of advanced methods of teaching reading and spelling for the use of children. These met with almost instant popularity and were followed by other toys. The full history of the growth and development of this industry will be found in the Troy section of the General History of Miami County, a part of this work. Mr. Cress has also been identified with financial undertakings which have proven successful, having been the organizer of the Citizens Bank of Brookville in 1895, the Farmers Bank of Arcanum in 1902 and the Farmers Bank of Englewood in 1911. He likewise has been interested in civic affairs, and during the period of the World war was a generous contributor, of time and money, to the various enterprises outlined by the administration at 'Washington. Mr. Cress married Amanda, daughter of Abijah Shearer, of West Milton, and to this union there have been born four daughters : Stella, the wife of H. G. Weisenberger, of Troy ; Blanche, the wife of S. K. Yarman, of Fort Wayne, Ind. ; Helen, the wife of L. N. Graessle, of Troy ; and Mary E., the wife of A. F. Eidermiller, major, U. S. A., stationed at Panama. Ross O. Cromer. The success of Ross O. Cromer, of Piqua, has come as the result of the development of a definite idea, and today he is the proprietor of a flourishing plumbing business which stands as a monument to his industry and good management. Mr. Cromer was born at Lima, Ohio, November 17, 1887, a son of I. F. and Lillian (West) Cromer. Among the seven sons and three daughters in the family were Neal, who served in the United States Army during the recent World war ; Stella, who married M. G. Bailey, a member of the Oklahoma bench, and Ralph, a well-known newspaper man of Oregon. Ross O. Cromer attended the public schools of Sidney, to which place his parents had removed when he was a small boy, and when he had completed his studies turned his attention to learning the plumber's trade. After master- MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 59 ing this vocation, he applied himself to its practice at Sidney for a number of years, and in 1914 came to Piqua, in the capacity of journeyman. In 1915, being ready to embark upon an enterprise of his own, Mr. Cromer established himself in business as a plumber, and at this time is located at No. 120. West Ash street. He has developed an extended patronage, and has equipped many of the larger buildings of this community. In 1908 Mr. Cromer was united in marriage with Mildred, daughter of Elmer Dill, of Sidney, and three children have been born to this union : Netta Bell, Paul and Betty Ross. Mr. and Mrs. Cromer are members of the Baptist church and have .always willingly and generously supported all worthy movements. During the recent great war they were especially active in their support of the Red Cross Society and the Young Men's Christian Association. C. C. Cross, president and general manager of the Troy Body Company, of Troy, Ohio, has been identified with the automobile manufacturing industry since 1904 and is one of the best-known men in his line in this part of the State. He was born at Narragansett, R. I., a son of James F. and Sallie (Tucker) Cross, and belongs to one of the old and prominent families of New England, one of the early progenitors of which served as the first mayor of the city. of Newport, R. I. After attending the public schools of his native place, Mr. Cross pursued a course in the Rhode Island State College, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Science, and following this took a special course in mechanical engineering at the same college. Subsequently, he was employed by the Nicholson File Company, of Providence, R. I., and then for two years traveled through the West with Mrs. Cross, who was in ill health. Going to Philadelphia he became manager of the Black Diamond File division of the Nicholson File Company, and in 1904 entered the automobile industry with Colonel Pope. He was later associated with the colonel's son, Harold Pope, having charge of the department of the Tribune Motors Company, at Hagerstown, Md. From this concern Mr. Cross went to the Buick Automobile Company and later became assistant superintendent of the Maxwell-Briscoe Automobile Company's plant at Newcastle, Ind. For four years, also, Mr. Cross was identified with the Chalmers Motors Company, after which he assisted in the organization of the Saxon Motors Company, of which he served as general manager until buying in 1916, a one-third interest in the Troy Manufacturing Company, of Troy, manufacturers of automobile bodies, spoken of in the Industrial chapters of this work, which company discontinued operation in 1918. Through his efforts the Troy Body Company was formed in 1919 and he became president and general manager of the new. concern. During the war period this company was engaged extensively in making parts for aeroplanes, the company's product including 300 different parts. At this time the concern manufacturers bodies for the Chalmers, H. C. S. Special, Liberty, Grant, Monroe, Sears-Scoville, Louisiana, Texas and Scoville cars. Mr. 60 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY Cross has a number of important business connections and is also well known in club life of Troy, Dayton and Detroit, Mich., being president of the Pere Marquette Rod and Gun Club. By. his first marriage, he had one son : Fulton. His second wife was formerly Miss Olive D. Doucet, of Boston, Mass., and they are the parents of four children : Constance, James, Olive and Laurence. William G. Crozier, a native son of Piqua, Ohio, whose achievements entitle him to representation in a work of this sort, was born in this city January 3, 1853, a son of William R. and Katherine A. (Statler) Crozier, the former of whom was a pioneer carriage manufacturer at Piqua, having engaged in that business in the year 1835. To him and his wife were born nine children of whom only two are now living : Fannie C., the widow of Ed M. Wilbee, of Canada ; and William G. of this review. William G. Crozier was educated in the schools of Piqua, and subsequent to his graduation went into the carriage business with his father, with whom he was associated for thirteen years. He then formed a connection which endured for ten years as shipping clerk with Snyder & Son, of the Pole and Shaft Company. At the expiration of his association with this concern, he bought stock in the L. C. and W. L. Cron Furniture Company, and for two years served this firm in the capacity of shipping clerk. He next went with the Pullman Manufacturing Company in the interest of the Citizens National Bank, and continued in this employment for another period of two years. However, his interest had always been in the pole and shaft business. He entered the employ of the Pioneer Pole and Shaft Company, successors to the Snyder & Son Company, and in June, 1903, his executive ability was recognized by the appointment to the managership of the Piqua plant of this enterprise. Mr. Crozier was first married to Laura A., daughter of H. W. Dorwin, of Gettysburg, Ohio, and to this union was born one child, Henry Dorwin Crozier, who is in Rochester, N. Y., with the North East Electric Company. For his second wife, Mr. Crozier married Della V. Camp. Fra ternally Mr. Crozier is a popular member of all bodies of the Masonic order and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In addition to the business activities already outlined, he has been for the past fifteen years a member of the directorate of the Third Savings and Loan Company. He has always taken an active interest in all movements which tended toward the public welfare, and at present is giving excellent service to his fellow citizens as a member of the city council. His stand during the recent war was beyond question, and he gave unstinted aid to all Government activities. Oliver F. Cutter. During a period of twelve years Oliver F. Cutter has been a resident of Brown township and in this time has not only gained success as an agriculturist but has established a substantial place for himself in the confidence and esteem of the people of his community. He was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, August 3, 1869, a son of Henry H. and Sophia (Ehler Cutter, who were married in that county. Henry H. Cutter was MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 61 born in Germany and was ten years of age when he came to the United States with his parents, the family settling in Dubois county, Ind., where he was reared. As a young man he removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he married and engaged in farming until the outbreak of the war between the states, when he enlisted in the company of Captain King, in the Fifty-second regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served three years and three months. During his military experience Mr. Cutter suffered several wounds, from the effects of which he never fully recovered, and complications which followed caused his death when his son was only six years old. His wife had passed away four and one-half years before. Left an orphan at a tender age, the boyhood of Oliver F. Cutter knew much of hard work, and his education was an indifferent one, gained in the public schools of Montgomery county. He early learned to depend upon himself, and as he was a youth of ambition and determination his experience in his youth served to bring out the best efforts that were in him and to develop his native abilities. After being identified with farming in several capacities in Montgomery county, he came to Miami county and was married, July 28, 19o1, and in 1908 bought his wife's father's farm of .sixty acres in Brown township, which he now occupies. He has made a success of his subsequent activities and is now classed with the well-to-do men of his locality, being the owner of a sixty-acre tract, all under a good state of cultivation and improved with commodious structures and modern equipment. While he has not sought public office or preferment he has taken a public-spirited interest in all matters which have pertained to the wellbeing of his locality. Mr. Cutter married Miss Laura Shank, who belonged to a farming family which originated in Pennsylvania, and they had one daughter : Sophia, the wife of Floyd Hill, an engineer at Dayton, who served in the United States Navy during the World war. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Cutter married, July 28, 1901, Miss Stella Hoblit, a member of a farming family of Delbrook, Warren county, Ohio, and three children have been born to this union : Mary, born April 13, 1902, who in February, 1920, married Emerson Wert, a farmer of Fletcher ; Laura, born in November 29, 1907, who is attending school at Fletcher ; and Ruthie T.. born June 25, 1912, who is attending school also in Fletcher. Mrs. Cutter is the daughter of Benjamin Franklin, and Martha ( Emery) Hoblit. They married in Indiana and came to Ohio. The mother died when Mrs. Cutter was six months old and her father died April 1, 1908. John Vinton Daganhardt, lawyer and author, is one of the most scholarly members of the Piqua bar, and has become well and favorably known in literary fields, in the domain of jurisprudence and in civic affairs. Mr. Daganhardt was born near Piqua, December 10, 1881, a son of Henry F. and Malinda (Bixler) Daganhardt, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. His father was for many years a well-to-do farmer of Miami county 62 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY and also operated a sorghum mill. James H. and Harold V., sons of August Daganhardt, a brother of John V., served in the army during the World war. After attending the country schools and the Piqua High School, John V. Daganhardt pursued a course in the Ohio State University, from which he was duly graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws and at once commenced practice at Piqua, where he has since attained a position of recognized importance in his profession. He was elected and served for some time as a justice of the peace, and has taken an active part in politics. Mr. Daganhardt is the author of a number of poems which have been published in various newspapers and periodicals in this country. These include the following titles : "My Dog," "The Flag," "To the Future," "Pumpkin Pie," "Grand New Army," and "Where Lilies Bloom for You, Mother Mine." One of his best-known poems, "There's an Old Home in Ohio," was set to music and has had a wide sale throughout the country. It is as follows : There's an old home in Ohio That I'm thinking of tonight; Where I spent my happy childhood, Where the moonbeams gleamed so bright. And I seem to see the old folks With each well-known pleasant scene, Come the happy thoughts of childhood, Thrown by mem'ry on the screen. The same old moon's a shining O'er the old home midst the trees; And I wander back to childhood And the old farm's memories. And I seem to live in fancy With each ling'ring scene that glows, As I dream of old Ohio Where the Great Miami flows. There's a tender recollection Of the faces that I knew; And the graceful little maiden With her eyes of brownish hue. But she's sleeping where the breezes Carry perfumes from the rose To her home in dear Ohio. Where my heart so often goes. There's a pleasing retrospection Of old days long past and gone, While I'm dreaming of the old home With its joys and mirth and song. And that is why I'm dreaming Of the days sweet as the rose; And my old home in Ohio Where the Great Miami flows. Mr. Daganhardt is past president of the Cosmopolitan Club and has several other connections, professional and social. Charles Dale, one of the prominent and representative citizens of Troy, Ohio, where he has been a factor in journalistic circles and civic affairs, was born at Monticello, Ind., February 26, 1865, a son MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 63 of Daniel D. and Ophelia (Reynolds) Dale. His father, who fought as a Union soldier during the war between the States, was seriously wounded at the battle of the Wilderness, and upon his return to civil life resumed his professional duties as an attorney and held numerous civic offices at Monticello, where he was a leading citizen. In the public schools of that city, Charles Dale received his educational training, and upon the completion of his studies became interested in journalistic work. In 1901 he came to Troy, where he bought the Troy Democrat, a newspaper which he has since published and edited, and was likewise the founder of the Troy Daily News. In addition to being a leader in newspaper circles, he has always shown a constructive interest in the civic affairs of his community, and in 1916 was appointed postmaster of Troy, the duties of which position he has discharged in an efficient manner, having been instrumental in improving the service for the people of the city and the surrounding community. He has likewise served as tax commissioner, and at present is a member of the board of trustees of Knoop's Children's Home in the country. Mr. Dale was very active in the sale of war stamps during the war period and acted as the conductor of the campaign in his district which made a very creditable showing, and he likewise took an earnest and unselfish part in promoting and carrying through other measures for the success of American arms. He married Miss Estella Emshwiller, of Hartford City, Ind., and to this union there have been born three children : Dorothy, who married John K. Knoop and has three children, Mark, Janet, and Barbara ; Lawrence, who was lieutenant of a depot brigade in the United States service during the great war, and Katherine, who married Griffith Knoop and has one son, John. Charles Oscar Davis. Among the bankers of Tippecanoe City who in recent years have contributed materially to the financial stability of this section, one of the best known is Charles Oscar Davis, cashier of the Citizens National Bank. Mr. Davis was born at Ginghamsburg, Ohio, in 1861, a son of Jacob and Louisa (Fair) Davis, the Davis family being of Virginia- origin and the Fair family having been founded in this country in Maryland. Jacob Davis fought as a soldier of the Union during the Civil war, during which struggle, at the battle of Gettysburg, his brother, Lieut. Jeremiah Davis, was killed. The paternal grandmother of Charles Davis was a sister of the Rev. Jacob Young, a minister of the Methodist church and one of the noted early preachers of Miami county. Jacob and Louisa Davis were the parents of two children : Charles and Dora. Charles Davis received his education in the public schools, following which he pursued a course at a commercial college at Dayton and took for his first employment a position as telegraph operator and station agent at Bowling Green, being later employed in a like capacity at Tippecanoe City. He continued to follow the same vocation for many years, but in 1907 entered actively into the big business life of the community when he became cashier, a director and a stockholder in the Citizens National Bank, positions which 64 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY he has since retained. This institution is one of the most progressive in the county, owning its own handsome modern fire and burglar-proof banking house, and there is a pronounced optimistic atmosphere pervading and surrounding the institution that strikes the interested observer favorably. As a result, the bank is taking a leading place among the financial enterprises of the county. Mr. Davis is a man of Civic spirit and enterprise and his personality has much to do with the success of the bank. During the war period he was untiring in his efforts to attain the quotas sent for his community in the various war drives, and for his constructive services received a certificate from the United States Government. In addition to holding.the cashiership of the bank, Mr. Davis is secretary and treasurer of the telephone company of Tippecanoe. City and vice-president of the Northern Manufacturing Company. He is a great friend of public education and is serving capably as vice-president of the local school board. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and the members of his family belong to the Methodist church. Mr. Davis married Miss Margaret A. Moss, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, daughter of Thomas Moss, a prominent merchant of that community. To this union there has been born one daughter, Florence, the wife of Thomas Camby, of Dayton, with one child, Margaret. George W. Davis, whose contribution to the business prestige of Piqua is a successful drug business at the corner of Ash and Wayne streets, is one of the men of his city who have attained business prominence through their own efforts. He was born at Delphos, Ohio, April 16, 1875, a son of Charles S. and Mary (Hall) Davis, his father being a manufacturer of hoops, staves, etc., at Delphos for many years.. There were three children in the family : Jessie ; George W., and Grace, the wife of Will Ott, mayor of Bucyrus, Ohio. George W. Davis attended the public schools of Delphos, following which he took up the study of pharmacy at the Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio. When he graduated from that institution he came. to Piqua, where he was first employed by C. G. Piercey, a druggist, and later by the drug firm of Greenameyer ce Company,, with which concern he remained for twelve years. In 1917 he bought the drug store at the corner of Ash and Wayne streets, and this he has since conducted with growing success, at this time having one of the best patronized enterprises of its kind in the city and carrying a full line of drugs, medicines, toilet articles, etc. He is a man whose high ideals of business integrity have been reflected in the actions of his entire career, winning and holding for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated. Mr. Davis was married to Miss Bessie Patterson, who died leaving one son, John A. Later Mr. Davis married the present Mrs.. Davis, who bore the maiden name of Cora Russell. Mr. Davis has been interested in the business welfare of his city and is an active and working member of the Piqua Chamber of Commerce. He also is identified with the work of the Young Men's MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 65 Christian Association, of which he is a member, and his fraternal affiliation is with the local lodge of Masons. He and Mrs. Davis belong to the Presbyterian church. During the war period he took an active part in Red Cross and other work, and contributed his full share of time, means and ability in the discharge of the duties of public-spirited and patriotic citizenship. John Deady. Identified with the same line of business for thirty years, John Deady is widely known to the implement trade, and since 1909 has conducted a thriving enterprise at his present location at Troy. Mr. Deady was born in Hardin county, Ohio, April 7, 1863, a son of John and Anna (Davis) Deady. His father, who joined the Union army in 1861, as an infantry volunteer from Ohio, saw nearly three years of service during the Civil war, and after receiving his honorable discharge, in 1864, came to Troy, where he established himself in business as a contractor, a line which he followed throughout his career. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom five are still living: Joseph, William, George, Minnie and John. John Deady received a public school education at Troy, and as a young man moved to Casstown, where he embarked in the threshing business. For seven years he operated his machine on farms in various parts of this section, and then retired from that line of endeavor to embark in the implement business. In one way or another he has been associated with the sale of implements and machinery for over thirty years, and there arc few men better informed in this line than he.- In 1909 he opened his present establishment at Troy, and here has built up a large and representative patronage, for whose custom he carried a complete and up-to-date line of implements, machinery, etc. Mr. Deady is a good business man who maintains a policy of fair dealing and honorable representation and who has. made his name synonymous in business circles with integrity. He is a popular member of the local lodges of the Masons, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. As a citizen he has supported all worthy civic enterprises, and during the war period was a liberal contributor to war movements. Mr. Deady married Molly, daughter of Jacob Easty, of Huntington, Ind., who died leaving two children : Clara, the wife of Kenneth McClure, of Bellefontaine, and Carleton, who is associated with his father in business. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Deady was united in marriage with Minna, daughter of Linley Clark, of Clinton county, Ohio. Hon. Van S. Deaton, M. D. Because of his high standing in the medical Profession and the value of his services in official affairs, Dr. Van S. Deaton is justly accounted one of the most prominent citizens of Troy, of which city he is at present mayor. He was born at Christiansburg, Ohio, in 1847, a son of Nathan and Sarah (Scobey) Deaton, and a grandson of George Deaton. George Deaton, who was a native of Virginia, fought as a soldier during the War of 1812, and married Susan Ream, who was born in Virginia in 1787. Sarah Scobey, the mother of Doctor Deaton, was III-5 66 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY a daughter of William Scobey, of Christiansburg, The parents of Doctor Deaton had the following children : Lydia, who became the wife of Jason Cutler, of St. Paul, Kans. ; Emory G. (Grover), who was a neighbor of the famous John Brown, of Kansas ; Emma D., who became Mrs. John McMorrow, of St. Paris, Ohio ; William Dyke, who married Mary Stafford and is a resident of New Carlisle, Ohio, and Dr. Van S. Van S. Deaton was primarily educated at Christiansburg, subsequently attended the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, for two years, and in 1864 entered the Union army and saw service at New Orleans. Subsequently, he taught school and during this period began to read medicine. His professional education was furthered at the Medical College of Cincinnati, from which he was duly graduated June 9, 1873, and at that time began practice at Christiansburg. Later he established himself at Alcona, but about 1885 came to Miami county, locating near Troy, and in 1915 took up his residence in this city, where he has an excellent practice. He stands high in his profession, and in the respect of his fellow-practitioners and the confidence of his patients. Doctor Deaton's first political position of any consequence was that of coroner of Miami county. He was a member of the board of examiners for teachers for twelve years, and pension examiner for soldiers for more than twelve years, likewise serving on the school board. Doctor Deaton was elected to the State legislature in 1893 and served eight years in that body, during which time he rendered valuable services to his community, constituents and State. He was the author of the bill providing pensions for all dependent blind persons who have been residents of Ohio for five years or more and of the bill for the placing of American flags on all schoolhouses, and was one of the floor leaders in the house of representatives during his terms. He became a candidate for the office of mayor of Troy and was elected thereto in 1919 by the largest majority ever given a candidate for that position. His administration has been characterized by municipal reforms, enforcement of the laws and the acquirement of needed improvements. He has always been a supporter of enterprises for civic betterment, was instrumental in placing state archaeological and geological reports in all high schools of Miami county and was prominent in the movement to enact a law which, by treatment of all children's eyes at birth, provided for prevention of blindness. During the period of the great war, he was a four-minute speaker. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Grand Army of the Republic. Doctor Deaton was married to Laura, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Shidaker and to this union there were born two sons : Ross, and Dr. Ernest Heber, who graduated from Ohio Medical College, served three years in the regular army and saw service in the Philippines, and at his death left one child, Laura Ernestine. Lewis H. Dershem, of Newberry township, who has been long and closely identified with its agricultural development and prosperity, and is now living in practical retirement on Covington R. F. MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 67 D. No. 2, was born in Darke county, Ohio, March 24, 1855, a son of Abraham and Hulda (Hale) Dershem. The parents were highly respected farming people of Darke county, where they passed peaceful and useful lives, and were esteemed by all who knew them. They had six children : Lewis H., and Harvey, an attorney of Greenville, Ohio, and four daughters deceased. Lewis H. Dershem attended the district schools in the rural community in which his uncle Aaron Dershem's farm was located in Darke county, and as a lad assisted the elder man in the cultivation of the home acres. ie rented land in Franklin township, Darke county, until 1902, when he came to Miami county, and located in Newberry township, where three years previously he had purchased seventy-four acres of land. In 1912, he bought twelve acres, on which he moved and retired. In 1918, he sold the home farm to his son, who now makes his home there. Mr. Dershem is now living practically retired on the twelve acres on which he has a comfortable home and modern conveniences and is spending the evening of life amid pleasant surroundings, in the knowledge of a well-spent career. Mr. Dershem married Callie W., daughter of Peter and Anna (Rudy) Wefler. She was born at Circleville, Piqua county, Ohio, whence her parents moved to Darke county and later to Miami county, she being one of seven children, of whom six grew to maturity. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dershem : Orrie M., Harley A., Aaron 1.. Frank O., and Glenn W. During the World war period the members of this family took an active part in working for the various movements formulated for the success of American arms, and the youngest son, Glenn W., made quite a record in the way of selling war saving stamps. The family is greatly respected in Newberry township, where its members have numerous friends. Milton T. Dilts. During a period of nearly thirty years Milton T. Dilts has been almost constantly before the people of Troy in positions of public preferment, and his record therein fully entitles him to the confidence of his fellow-citizens as a conscientious and capable public servant. At present a member of the board of commissioners of Miami county, he was born in Concord township, this county, a son of William B. and Frances (Taylor) Dilts, and a nephew of Frank R. and John Dilts, who served as soldiers of the Union during the war between the North and South. Mr. Dilts is the eldest of three children: Milton T., Charles F., and Mrs. Luella Palsgrove. After attending the public schools of Chesterfield and Muncie, Ind., where his parents resided during his boyhood, Mr. Dilts learned the trade of brick layer, from which he developed into a contractor. On coming to Miami county he soon took his place among the leading building contractors, and among the structures which stand as monuments to his skill and workmanship may be mentioned the Masonic Temple at Troy, the First National Bank, the Haynes Distillery, and numerous residences. He also did consirable construction work at Piqua, Ohio, Louisville, Ky., and Anderson, Ind. At one time in his career, Mr. Dilts was the owner and operator of a brickmaking yard near Anderson, Ind., which had 68 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY a capacity of 50,000 bricks daily. Early in his career Mr. Dilts interested himself in politics and was elected a member of the city council. After twenty-five years of splendidly constructive service, in 1914 he was elected mayor of the city, and when his term expired was chosen a member of the board of commissioners of Miami county, entering upon his duties in that position in 1919. Mr. Dilts has a wide acquaintance among prominent men and is deservedly popular. As a fraternalist he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the Improved Order of Red Men. He married Nannie H., daughter of Daniel Knisely, and they are the parents of two daughters : Pearl L., the wife of J. Forest Stephens, of Troy, and Miss Edith May, who resides with her parents. Charles W. Douglass. Among the old and honored citizens of Troy who have lived in well-earned retirement after many years of honorable identification with the city's business interests, none were held in higher regard than Charles W. Douglass, former treasurer and a director of the Troy Carriage and Sunshade Company. Mr. Douglass was born at Ithaca, N. Y., March 26, 1843, a son of William and Caroline Douglass, and died November 3, 192o. His father, who was a tobacconist, was in business at various points, principally Geneva, N. Y., and was a man of worth and standing who had the confidence of his associates. There were three children in the family : H. F., who is now president of the Troy Carriage and Sunshade Company Charles W., and a daughter who died in infancy. Charles W. Douglass attended the country schools of Cayuga county, New York, and the Seneca Falls Academy, and upon the completion of his education was attracted to the railroad business, as were many youths of his day and locality. He accordingly studied telegraphy, the mastering of which gained him a position as railroad telegraph operator, a line of work which he followed for five years. After this he entered the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company, at Cleveland, Ohio, with which concern he was identified for thirty-seven years, rising from operator to superintendent clerk. Coming to Troy in 1903, Mr. Douglass and his brother, H. F., became identified with the Troy Carriage and Sunshade Company, Mr. Douglass as treasurer and his brother as president. A full history of this concern will be found in the industrial part of this work. Mr. Douglass retained the treasurership of this concern until 1915, at which time he resigned and retired from active affairs, although he still retained his connection with the company as a member of the board of directors. Mr. Douglass was largely instrumental in outlining the policy by following which this company rose to a place among the leading manufacturers of Troy, and during a long period of years his connections with business and financial affairs in the city have been varied and important. He also had numerous social and civic attachments, and during the war period was a liberal contributor to all war movements. Mr. Douglass married Julia, daughter of Harley and MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 69 Mary (Horton) Brownell, of Cayuga, N. Y., and to this union there have been born two children : Charlie, who died in infancy, and Edwin, a vocalist and teacher of vocal music of Cleveland. Mr Brownell was one of the first conductors of the Cleveland-Toledo Railroad. H. Franklin Douglass, president of the Troy Sunshade Company, is one of the citizens of this thriving community who has firmly established his status as a sound and reliable business man of worth and judgment. He was born at Geneva, N. Y., a son of William and Mary Caroline (Felthousen) Douglass, and as a youth was taken by his parents to Seneca Falls, N. Y., where he was given the advantages of a public school education. There also he learned the art of telegraphy and subsequently followed that vocation at Cleveland, where he had as neighbors the Rockefeller brothers, John D. and William, at that time engaged in the grain business in the Forest City. Coming to Troy some years ago, Mr. Douglass embarked in the coal business, and, after having been identified with a number of enterprises, all of which benefited through his wise judgment and business acumen, he associated himself with August G. Stouder and others in the formation of the Troy Carriage Sunshade Company, of which concern he has since been president. Not only through the development of this enterprise, but through his connection with other business concerns and with civic affairs, Mr. Douglass has been a material factor in the upbuilding and development of Troy, and no public ,enterprise is considered complete that does not have his name on its list of supporters. A complete history of the Troy Carriage Sunshade Company will be found in the industrial section of this work. He is married and has one daughter, the wife of Bond Houser, of this city. Mr. Douglass was married in 1911 to Lillian Thurber, a daughter of Wm. F. and Florence (Turk) Thurber, of Addison, N. Y. There were two children in this family : W. H. and Mrs. Douglass. Lee Albert Dunham, a veteran of the World war and a progressive young business man of Covington, was born at Laura, Miami county, October 22, 1894, a son of Frank and Grace (Myers) Dunham. Mr. Dunham was educated in the public schools of Covington and as a youth learned the barber's trade under his father. His career was interrupted by the entrance of the United States into the great World war, and July 24, 1917, Mr. Dunham enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to Company A, One Hundred and Forty-eight regiment, Thirty-seventh division. He was subsequently transferred to the medical detachment at Camp Lee, and was assigned to the first aid contingent overseas, seeing active service on the front line in Belgium and France. He was gassed at the first drive in Belgium, also in the Argonne Forest ; was wounded several times, though not seriously. His contingent saw much active fighting, as is shown in the history of this valiant organization in the military section of this work. On his return to the United States and his subsequent recovery from his injury, Mr. Dunham joined his father in the proprietorship of the leading 70 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY tonsorial parlors at Covington. The business is a thriving and growing one and Mr. Dunham is one of the most popular young men of his community. He married Carrie, daughter of William Seng, of Covington. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, the American Legion, and the Presbyterian church, and is a Republican in politics. C. W. Duvall. During a period of more than a quarter of a century, C. W. Duvall has conducted a tailoring establishment at Piqua, and in this time has built up a substantial reputation for honest and reliable workmanship and honorable dealing. He is a native of Delaware, Ohio, and a son of George F. and Sarah (VanHorne) Duvall, the latter a member of the well-known VanHorne family, three of whose brothers, LeRoy, Marion and Gerard fought as soldiers of the Union during the war between the States. When C. W. Duvall was still a child, his parents removed from Delaware, Ohio, to Columbus, and at the state capital his father established himself as proprietor of a tailoring business. The lad secured his education there in the public schools, after leaving which he became .apprenticed to the tailor's trade under his father, who taught him thoroughly and comprehensively in every branch of the vocation. About 1893 C. W. Duvall came to Piqua and engaged in the tailoring business and for twenty years continued at the same location, in 1913 coming to his present store. Here he has the latest selection of high grade goods, and, being a practical merchant tailor, cuts, fits and finishes all garments sold at his establishment. He is likewise a designer of taste and talent, while as a business man he possesses many good qualities. Mr. Duvall married Edith, daughter of J. V. Seibert, of Piqua, and they were active in the various movements carried on during the period of the war, being particularly generous in their support of the Red Cross Society. E. E. Edgar, one of the leading business citizens of Troy, and treasurer .and general manager of the Hobart Manufacturing Company, was born at Wilmington, Ohio, November 11, 1870, a son of Rev. George M. and Mary B. (Brindle) Edgar. His father, who was a minister of the Methodist church, was a circuit rider in Miami county and adjoining territory during the early days, and later filled many pastorates. E. E. Edgar secured a public school education and when a youth took employment with the Troy Carriage Sunshade Company, subsequently becoming one of the principal factors in the development and growth of that enterprise. Later, with A. G. Stouder and others, he purchased into the Hobart Manufacturing Company, a full account of which concern will be found in the Troy section of the industrial history of Miami county, in this work. Through his capable management, he has aided materially in bringing this concern to its present prestige. He is interested in the Troy Metal Products Company, an enterprise organized for the manufacture of devices used by the United States Government in prosecution of the war, one of its principal products, for which it received and filled large contracts, being an adapter for use MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 71 in shells. The concern was originally established at Cincinnati, to insure the securing of ample labor, but was later moved to Springfield, where it is now engaged in the manufacture of metal products. Mr. Edgar is also a director in the Troy National Bank. He married Elizabeth 'M., daughter of John M. and Anna (Carver) Campbell, and they are the parents of one son, John Campbell. During the period of the World war, Mr. Edgar was active in all local war movements. In this work he was assisted by Mrs. Edgar, who became noted for her tireless efforts in behalf of movements that claimed the attention of patriotic women, a full account of which will be found in the Troy section of this work. Con F. Drees, one of the leading manufacturers and merchants of Covington, who is engaged in manufacturing toys and dealing in coal, was born at Covington, January 20, 1873, a son of Henry and Agnes (Neth) Drees, natives, respectively, of Westphalia and Wurttemburg, Germany. Henry Drees came to the United States in 1855 and for many years was the proprietor of a dry goods establishment at Covington, which is now conducted by his son, J. H. Drees. There were eight children in the family : Rosa, the wife of William Deubner ; George, who is engaged in general merchandising at Bradford, Ohio ; J. H., successor to his father's dry goods business at Covington ; William, the proprietor of a sawmill business; Agnes, the widow of George Brooks, of Piqua ; Katherine, also a widow, and the mother of one daughter ; Paul, who is the proprietor of a grocery at Covington, and Con F. Con F. Drees received his education in the public schools of Covington, and after being variously employed in minor occupations was made assistant postmaster of Covington, a position which he retained two years. At that time he heard the call of the West and went to the state of Washington, but after one year came back to Ohio and located at Covington, where he secured a position as salesman with the Beaver Soap Company, for which concern he acted as traveling representative for four and one-half years. His next connection was with the Andrew Jergens Company, of Cincinnati, as salesman in the service of which company he also spent four and one-half years, and then entered business on his own account as a manufacturer of talcum powder. The start of the World war made a change in Mr. Drees' business, just as it did in thousands of other cases. and he began the manufacture of sheet metal toys, an enterprise which he built up to large proportions. Unsettled industrial and other conditions have affected this business to some extent, but it is still a large and important concern, with customers in various parts of the world. In addition to his manufacturing business, Mr. Drees is a dealer in coal, and the people of Covington practically depend upon him alone for their supply of this fuel. He has an excellent reputation for business integrity, built up through years of honorable dealing. Mr. Drees is a thirty-second degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, a Royal Arch Mason and one of Covington Blue lodge's most popular members. He has long been a leader in Democratic politics at Covington, where he is a member of the cen- 72 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY tral committee of his party and was formerly chairman of the Democratic county organization for two years. In 1913 he was a presidential elector, for Woodrow Wilson. In 1918 Mr. Drees was a candidate for the State senatorship of his district, but met with defeat by a small margin, and in 1920 is again the candidate of his party for membership in the State senate. During the World war period, he was a four-minute speaker and campaigned in behalf of funds for the different drives with splendid results. Mr. Drees married Sarah V., daughter of Jacob G. Wagner, a manufacturer of tile and brick at Covington, and to this union there have been born two children : Gail Conrad, who is deceased, and Harriet, who is attending the Covington public school. George Harry Edmunds, the genial and courteous proprietor of the Depot Restaurant, at Troy, has been a resident of this city since childhood and has conducted his present establishment since 191o. He was born at Eaton, the county seat of Preble county, Ohio, September 24, 1879, a son of George H. and Caroline (Davidson) Edmunds. His father, a native of the northern part of Ohio, -was a traveling salesman by vocation and he and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom four are living: Frances, Hazen, Ruby, and George Harry. George H. Edmunds received his education in the public schools of Troy, after leaving- which he was variously connected with the restaurant business until 1910, When he opened the Depot Restaurant. During the ten years of its existence this establishment has become popular with the traveling public, as well as with a large local patronage, and its excellent cuisine and efficient and courteous service has caused it to acquire a high standing and a reputation that has greatly enhanced its prosperity. Mr. Edmunds is a popular member of the local lodges of the Masons and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He married Harriet, daughter of Lon Covault, of Miami county. Levi Falknor, than whom few among the representative farmers of Newberry' township have accomplished more substantial progress, is living on his finely cultivated farm in the vicinity of Covington, where he is greatly esteemed and respected. This veteran of the Civil war was born in Newberry township, January 21, 1840, a son of Jacob and Hannah (Grubb) Falknor, the former family having originated in Pennsylvania. Mr. Falknor secured his education in the public schools and remained at home on the farm until his marriage, at which time he embarked in operations on his own account. Shortly thereafter his career was interrupted by the exigencies of war, and August 7, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Union army, under Captain Drury and Colonel Brezell, of Greenville. In an engagement near Richmond, Ky., Mr. Falknor was wounded and captured by the enemy, and after his exchange was honorably discharged on account of disability, and returned to his home. Since that time he has applied himself industriously to farming, and his labors have been crowned with well-merited success. The same loyalty and patriotism that he showed during the Civil war were displayed by him during the World war, when he MIAMI COUNTY—BIOGRAPHICAL - 73 gave his generous support to every movement tending toward the success of American arms and the support of the Government. In 1862 Mr. Falknor was united in marriage with Zephora, daughter of John and Lydia (Rike) Lindsay. Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay were the parents of five children, of whom one, Charles, served in the Civil war. To Mr. and Mrs. Falknor there have been born six children: Lon, an attorney and ex-member of the state legislature of Seattle, Wash., who had two sons in the World war, Judson and Bennett, the latter a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis; Mrs. Mollie Slick, of South Bend, Ind., who had two sons in the United States Army during the World war, Glen and Ralph, the former of whom saw active service in France; Mrs. Bessie Harst, of South Bend, Ind.; Mrs. Grace Albaugh, who had one son, Worley, who served in the army during the World war, and who is now an instructor at Carnegie Institute; Greeley, who is unmarried and resides with his parents ; and Lester, who married Martha Routson, and resides on the home farm. Sterrett Faulkner, secretary and treasurer of the Dayton and Troy Automobile Company, and one of the progressive and energetic business men of Troy, was born in this city, a son of E. M. and Ella (Sterrett) Faulkner. E. M. Faulkner was for years the owner of a drug store at Troy, and after his son had completed a public school course he took a course in pharmacy at the Ohio Northern University at Ada and embarked in the drug business as his father's associate. In 1909 Mr. Faulkner turned his attention to the automobile business, and after having had several connections became secretary and treasurer of the Dayton and Troy Automobile Company, distributors of Ford automobiles at Dayton, Troy, Sidney and Piqua, with buildings at all of these cities. The business has grown and developed to large proportions,. and at this time the company has an annual sale of 1,800 cars: Mr. Faulkner is an energetic and enterprising business man, possessed of fertility of commercial resource and being held in the highest confidence by his associates. He has several social and fraternal connections and has interested himself in civic affairs according to the dictates of good citizenship. His religious connection is with the Presbyterian church. Mr. Faulkner married Sadie, daughter of Arthur Beadle, of Troy, and they are the parents of one daughter, Dorothy. During the war period, Mr. Faulkner was in charge of the advertising and publicity departments of the Troy section in the various campaigns formulated to arouse interest in war activities. Oran Webster Fenner. Self-obtained property, liberal views, ambitions expressed in promoting farming, education, religion and honesty of purpose, as well as unquestioned public and private integrity, constitute the fundamentals upon which rest the enviable standing of O. W. Fenner, one of the substantial agriculturists of Monroe township. Mr. Fenner has resided in this township all his life, having been born on his present farm January 5, 1857, a son of Allen and Delilah (Yount) Fenner, and on both sides of the family comes ancestry which formed a part of the sturdy pioneer element 74 - MEMOIRS OF THE MIAMI VALLEY of this locality. His paternal grandfather, August Fenner, was one of the early residents of Monroe township, having been the original settler of the property on which his grandson now makes his home. Three of the grandfather's sons, A. C., T. K. and J. B. Fenner, fought as Union soldiers during the Civil war. Allen Fenner, the father of O. W., was born in Monroe township and passed his entire life here in the pursuits of agriculture. He was a man of sound principles and was held in the greatest respect by those among whom he spent his life. He married Delilah Yount, whose father, Solomon Yount, was one of the pioneers of Montgomery county, and to their union there were born four children : James H., Sarah Caroline, Arnold and O. W. O. W. Fenner acquired his education in the rural schools and was reared amid agricultural surroundings. Early trained in the duties of the farm, when he reached man's estate he adopted the vocation of farmer for his own and has followed it with continuing success to the present time. He is now the owner of a goodly part of the old homestead, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation and on which he has made numerous improvements of a modern and attractive character, including a commodious and comfortable home, good barns and substantial outbuildings. Mr. Fenner married, February 8, 1880, Clara, daughter of John and Rosanna (Sheets) Becker, and to this union there have been born four children : John A., who is a building contractor, who married Edith Fox. They reside at Shiloh, Ohio, and have one daughter, Madge ; Howard, who attended Miami University and during the World war ,went into training at Camp Taylor. He is now a traveling salesman for the Burroughs Adding Machine Company, of Detroit, Mich. He married Pauline Tafel and they reside in Toledo, Ohio ; Myron, who attended the Ohio State University, went into military training at Camps Custer and Taylor, and is now a student at Cornell University ; and Bessie, the wife of A. W. Klepinger, and they reside on a farm near Englewood, Ohio. They have five children : Robert, Frank, Aletha, Miriam and Carl. The position of Mr. Fenner in the community is that of a man who has lived according to the best that he knew, whose abilities have been trained upon the things that are worth while, and whose general character is such as to win him those most splendid and satisfying of rewards, the consciousness of well doing, and the esteem of his fellow-men. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has been a member of the school board and attends the Christian church. Eli B. Duncan, who is numbered among the energetic and thriving agriculturists of Newberry township, and a citizen who has rendered sterling service to his community, has been a lifelong resident of Miami county. He was born on a farm in Monroe township, October 9, 1863, son of Amos and Sarah (Hollingsworth) Duncan, his parents being farming people of that community who were highly esteemed by their fellow-townspeople. The only child of his parents, Mr. Duncan was given a district school education and grew up on the home farm, where he was associated with his