1050 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO ants. He was born at Palestine, Green Township, Shelby County, December 27, 1893, the son of William and Hattie (Sturm) Anderson. William Anderson was a native of Shelby County, born in Green Township. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools. He served as postmaster of Palestine for several years and also owned a general store there. Later, he lived at St. Paris, Ohio, and owned a laundry business at that place at the time of his death, July 3, 1898. He is buried at Port Jefferson, Ohio. Mr. Anderson was a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife was a native of Champaign County and died in 1897. Their children were: 1. Lee O., lives at Indianapolis, Indiana. 2. William Raymond, the subject of this sketch. W. Raymond Anderson acquired his education in the public schools of St. Paris, and began his business career with the Wells-Fargo Express Company, at Sidney. He remained there during 1910-13 and then was transferred as agent by the company to Tippecanoe City. In 1915, as mentioned elsewhere, Mr. Anderson became associated in the restaurant business with his uncle, Joseph B. Cook. They are owners and proprietors of restaurants at the present time at Sidney, Springfield, Lima, Athens, and Zanesville. On June 21, 1916, Mr. Anderson married Miss Helen Irene Eli, born at Piqua, Ohio, July 11, 1893, the daughter of Charles and Caroline (Bescenansey) Eli. Both are deceased. Mrs. Anderson is a graduate of Piqua High School and Ideal Business College, at Piqua. She holds membership in the Newman Club, and is past president and secretary of the Federation of Women's Clubs at Sidney. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have two daughters: 1. Emily Louise, born July 9, 1917. 2. Ruth Ellen, born April 1, 1920. Mr. Anderson is a Democrat, a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1051 Edwin Ellsworth Millen—Since 1919 Mr. Miller has served as superintendent of the Shelby County Home, at Sidney, and he is recognized as one of the dependable citizens of the commu-nity. He was born on a farm in Brown Township, Miami County, November 5, 1867, the son of David W. and Nancy (Wooley) Miller. David W. Miller was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Adams County. His wife was born in Warren County, Ohio. They died in 1902 and 1914, respectively, and are buried at Sidney. The early life of Mr. Miller was spent in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and he was interested in general farming throughout his life. After his removal to Miami County, he resided near Fletcher. Mr. Miller was a Democrat. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born six children: 1. George C., who died in 1923. 2. William L., retired, lives at Piqua, Ohio. 3. Mary Caroline, who died in 1928, was the wife of William Pokorney, of Piqua. 4. Franklin Grand, lives at Lima, Ohio. 5. Edwin Ellsworth, the subject of this sketch. 6. Nellie L., married Walter Jackson, lives at Pasco, Ohio. Edwin Ellsworth Miller grew up on his father's farm in Miami County and attended the district schools. He remained on the home place until 1893 and then until 1903 was engaged by M. B. Fulton, of Orange Township, Shelby County, as a horticulturist. Mr. Miller resumed his farming interests during 1903-14 in Clinton Township, and from 1914-18 owned a farm in Perry Township. During the following year he was a salesman in the employ of E. C. Quellhorst, of Sidney. He received his present appointment as superintendent of the Shelby County Home in 1919. Mr. Miller is also the owner of a fine farm of forty acres in Perry Township. On May 14, 1893, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Clara Isabelle Morrs, born December 1, 1873, the daughter of David and Dorcas (Dye) Morrs, natives of Indiana. Mr. Morrs died in 1898 and his wife died in 1929. They are buried at Sidney. 1052 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO He was a farmer and during the Civil War served with a company of Indiana infantry. He was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Grand Army of the Republic. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller: 1. Esther Eleanor, born June 30, 1895, a graduate of Sidney High School and Miami University. She is a teacher in the schools of Concord Township, Miami County. 2. Mary Morrs, born July 10, 1898, a graduate of Sidney High School, Memorial Hospital, of Piqua, and General Hospital, of Cincinnati. She is public health nurse at Troy. 3. Robert Lewis, born July 26, 1907, lives in Clinton Township, where he is interested in farming. Politically, Mr. Miller is a Democrat. He holds membership in the Baptist Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and B. P. O. Elks. Edward A. Calhoun.—Numbered among the well known citizens of Sidney is Edward A. Calhoun, who is superintendent of the Shelby County Children's Home. He was born in Jackson Township, Shelby County, June 16, 1872, the son of Benjamin and Sarah (Tobias) Calhoun. Benjamin Calhoun was born and reared on a farm in Jackson Township, and received his education in the district schools. He was a farmer throughout his life. Mr. Calhoun died in Sep-tember, 1911, and is buried at Sidney. His wife was also born in Jackson Township, and died in 1912. Both are buried at Sidney. To Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun were born the following children: 1. Peter Frank, who died in January, 1916. 2. Ida Josephine, the widow of G. C. Pence, lives at Covington, Kentucky. 3. Ed-ward A., the subject of this sketch. 4. Milton Clarence, lives at St. Marys, Ohio. 5. Victor Vernon, lives at Piqua. 6. Cloyd C., lives at Berkley, California. Edward A. Calhoun acquired his education in the district schools of Shelby County, and was identified with his father's HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1053 farming interests until 1893. He then operated 100 acres of land in Jackson Township until 1908, at which time he operated a farm of 240 acres in Dinsmore Township. In 1910 Mr. Calhoun removed to Orange Township, and he still owns fifty acres there as well as a farm of 128 acres in Perry Township. He received his appointment as superintendent of the Shelby County Children's Home in January, 1920, and has continued in office to the present time. The institution takes care of sixty-one children and is thoroughly modern in its equipment and furnishings. Boys specialize in the study of manual training and girls study home economics. A fine farm of 120 acres surrounds the home. On February 18, 1894, Mr. Calhoun was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Castle, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 8, 1870, the daughter of James and Susan (Smith) Castle. They were born in Logan County, and died in 1920 and 1930, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun was born a daughter, Beryl Ethel, born Nov. 20, 1894. She is the wife of Fred Shaw, and resides at Sidney. Mr. Calhoun served as assessor of Orange Township for a six year period, and is an active Democrat of Shelby County. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they are members of the West Central District Superintendents and Matrons Association. Cyril Christopher Hussey, M. D.—Holding high rank in medical circles in Shelby County, Dr. C. C. Hussey is a well known citizen of Sidney, and a member of one of its leading families. He was born there March 2, 1894, the son of Dr. Millard F. and Bridget (Hennessey) Hussey. Dr. Millard F. Hussey is a native of Port Jefferson, Ohio. He attended Lebanon College and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the Cincinnati Medical College in 1892. Before taking up the study of medicine he had taught in the district schools 1054 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO of Shelby County. The entire professional career of Dr. Hussey has been spent at Sidney. He has been superintendent of the Lima State Hospital for the Insane, and has also served as coroner of Shelby County. He is identified with the Shelby County Medical Society, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations. He is a member of the staff of Wilson Memorial Hospital at Sidney. Dr. Hussey married Miss Bridget Marie Hennessey, who is a native of Sidney. They are the parents of two sons: 1. Cyril Christopher, the subject of this sketch. 2. Millard E., attorney and city solicitor of Sidney. Cyril C. Hussey is a graduate of Sidney High School, and in 1915 received the degree of Bachelor of Science at Ohio University. After his graduation from Johns Hopkins University in 1919 Dr. Hussey served as interne at the Hospital for Women, at Baltimore, Maryland, for one year, and was also an interne at St. Agnes Hospital for two years. After a year in private practice at Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Hussey returned to Sidney where he has since been associated with his father. They have offices at 212 North Ohio Avenue. Dr. Hussey was coroner of Shelby County during 1924. On September 4, 1921, Dr. Hussey married Miss Helen M. Hayward, born at Baltimore, Maryland, January 4, 1895, the daughter of Sidney F. and Nettie (Eichelberger) Hayward. They live in Baltimore. Doctor and Mrs. Hussey have five children: Mildred Louise, Helen Ann, Cyril C., Jr., Eugene Hayward, and Michael B. Dr. Hussey is a Democrat, a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus, Sidney Country Club, and Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He is past commander of Sidney Post No. 217, American Legion. Dr. Hussey holds membership in the Shelby County Medical Society, Ohio State, and American Medical associations, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1055 Dr. Hussey is descended from Clem Hussey, who served during the Spanish American War as a member of Company L, Third Ohio Volunteer Regiment. During the World War Dr. Hussey served in the United States Navy, stationed at Baltimore, Maryland. Stephen V. Willcutts.—Identified with numerous business interests in the city of Sidney, Stephen V. Willcutts, public accountant, is widely known throughout Shelby County. He was born at Carthage, Indiana, July 28, 1883, the son of William H. and Emma (Galloway) Willcutts. William H. Willcutts, who died in 1929, was a native of Indiana. He vvas reared and educated at Fountain City, and spent twenty years there as a successful cattle dealer. He later conducted a grocery business at Greentown, Indiana, for fifteen years, and was living retired at Sidney at the time of his death. Mr. Willcutts was a Republican and held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His widow is a native of Indiana and lives at Sidney. Their children were : 1. Carrie Maud, the widow of T. M. Miller, lives at Syracuse, New York. 2. Stephen V., the subject of this sketch. 3. Susette, married G. D. Brown, lives at Baltimore, Maryland. 4. Harrison D., lives at Indianapolis, Indiana. 5. Morton D., M. D., serving with the medical department United States Navy, stationed at Pekin, China. 6. Ruth, married Dr. Ralph Kerr, dentist, lives at Sidney. Stephen V. Willcutts acquired his early education in the public schools of Greentown, Indiana, and attended Marion State Normal School. He was connected with the National Glass Company, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as factory statistician during 1901- 07, and then came to Sidney as secretary of the Bimel Buggy Company, in which capacity he served until 1909. In that year he established himself as a public accountant in the city, with offices in the Shelby County Building & Loan Building. He 1056 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO removed his offices to the Mills Building in 1912. Mr. Willcutts is secretary of the Shelby County Acceptance Company. Mr. Willcutts was married June 25, 1908, to Miss Estella Chamness, born at Kokomo, Indiana, November 5, 1885, the daughter of Arthur M. and Henrietta (Kerr) Chamness. Both were born at Kokomo, Indiana. The former died in 1927 and the latter resides at Kokomo. Mr. and Mrs. Willcutts have three sons: 1. William Arthur, born March 28, 1909, a graduate of Sidney High School and Purdue University. He is manager of the Horseshoe Stock Farm at Sidney. He is a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. 2. Richard Kerr, born September 19, 1915, attends Sidney High School. 3. Thomas C., born July 10, 1921, a student. Mr. Willcutts is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the Elks Lodge. Col. Roy E. Layton.—A notably long and important career as a lawyer has been that of Roy E. Layton, who is identified with the firm of Layton & Vaubel, at Wapakoneta. He was born in this city, July 23, 1873, the son of Hon. Fernando Coello and Amelia C. (Wehrmann) Layton. A complete biography of Fernando C. Layton appears else-where in this history. Following his graduation from Blume High School, at Wapakoneta, in 1891, Roy E. Layton entered Ohio State University, from which he received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and LL. B. in 1895 and 1897 respectively. After his admission to the bar in 1897 he became identified with the law practice of his father at Wapakoneta, and the partnership of Layton & Son con-tinued until 1910, at which time the father was elected common pleas judge. During 1910-12 Mr. Layton practiced alone; was associated with Herman S. Vaubel during 1912-18, when Mr. Vaubel was appointed probate judge; and during 1919-21 Mr. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1057 Layton was a partner of W. T. Copeland, as a member of the firm of Copeland & Layton. Mr. Layton maintained a private practice from 1921 until 1928, and since the latter date has been associated with Mr. Vaubel. Mr. Layton has taken a prominent part in public affairs, having served as city solicitor during 1900-17, and as prosecuting attorney of Auglaize County during 1929-33. He was attorney for the Kentucky Joint Land Bank (Ohio branch) during 1922-23, and at the present time is attorney of Auglaize County for the Home Owners Loan Corporation of the United States. During the Spanish-American War, Mr. Layton served as a second lieutenant of Company L, Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and during his term of service was also acting battalion adjutant and brigade judge advocate of three different brigade court-martials. Upon the close of the war he became captain of the local company of Ohio National Guards, and retired from that organization May 28, 1903. At the present time he is a lieutenant-colonel in the National Guard, being senior judge advocate of the 37th Division of Ohio. During the World War he was ap-pointed adjutant-general of Ohio by Governor Cox, and served in that capacity for two and one-half years. He is a member of the United Spanish War Veterans and served as department commander during 1923-24. Mr. Layton married (first) May 1, 1905, Miss Clara Vaughn, of Rockford, Ohio, who died in 1914. They had no children. He married (second) Miss Anna Myers, who was born in Washington Township, Paulding County, Ohio, January 26, 1882, the daughter of Daniel and Amelia Myers. They are residents of Defiance, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Layton have reared and educated a niece, Catharine Myers. Mr. Layton has always been a Democrat, has been chairman of the Democratic County Committee, and is still an active mem-ber of the Executive Committee. He is an active member of the Methodist Church, a charter member of B. P. O. Elks, and belongs 1058 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO to the Loyal Order of Moose, Eagles Lodge, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Y. M. C. A. He is identified with the Auglaize County, Ohio State, and American Bar Associations. Fay W. Moritz.—A dependable young business man of Sidney is Fay W. Moritz, who is manager of the Citizens Ice & Coal Company. He was born at Ottoville, Allen. County, Ohio, October 9, 1903, the son of Joseph J. and Carrie (Castle) Moritz. Joseph J. Moritz, retired, is a native of Ohio. He was born at Blakesley, but spent his early life on a farm near Rock Falls, Illinois. He spent a number of years in the employ of Russell Burgess & Ward Company, wire manufacturers of Rock Falls, after which he located at Lima, Ohio, with the Crystal Ice & Coal Company. After ten years in the latter's employ Mr. Moritz was located at Detroit, Michigan, with the United States ship-yards. He has been retired since 1932. Mr. Moritz is a Republican, a member of St. Gerard's Catholic Church at Lima, and belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle. His wife was born at Rock Falls, Illinois, and died in March, 1910. She is buried there. To Mr. and Mrs. Moritz were born four children: 1. Mildred L., who died in 1899. Fay W., the subject of this sketch. 3. Robert O., lives at Lima. 4. John J., lives at Blakeslee. Fay W. Moritz spent his boyhood at Rock Falls, Illinois, and at Lima. He was educated in the public schools, and also is a graduate of LaSalle Institute at Chicago. His entire business career has been identified with the Crystal Ice & Coal Company of Lima. He was transferred to Sidney as manager on January 1, 1933. Mr. Moritz was married March 30, 1925, to Miss Kathryn Mary Neu, born at Ada, Ohio, August 7, 1907. She is the daughter of William and Catherine (Callahan) Neu. The former was born at Ada and died in 1933. The latter is a native of Columbus Grove, Ohio, and now lives at Sidney. To Mr. and Mrs. Moritz HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1059 have been born three sons: 1. Donald Joseph, born November 4, 1926. 2. Myron Norman, born August 1, 192,8. 3. Ramon Neal, born August, 1930. Mr. Moritz is a Democrat, a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, B. P. O. Elks No. 786, F. O. Eagles Aerie No. 1403, and Chamber of Commerce. He also is an active member of the Retail Credit Association of Sidney. William R. Joslin.—Outstanding among the progressive and successful farmers and stockmen of Shelby County is William R. Joslin, who is a member of a prominent pioneer family of Sidney. He was born there June 6, 1885, the son of Byron W. and Elizabeth (Doering) Joslin. Byron W. Joslin, retired, is a veteran of the Civil War and a representative citizen of Shelby County. He was born at Sidney, March 22, 1845, the son of Robinson Joslin, whose grandfather, Benjamin Joslin, was a corporal in the Revolutionary War. The family homestead on North Miami Avenue in Sidney was received by the family in exchange for 400 acres of land in Boone County, Iowa, together with $1500 in cash. As a young man Byron W. Joslin spent some time farming in Iowa but returned to Sidney in 1869. He served as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, throughout the Civil War and was discharged August 31, 1864. He was interested in the building and contracting business at Sidney in partnership with his father and brother, and they also owned a lumber business in the city. In 1885 Mr. Joslin purchased a farm southwest of Sidney, where he lived until his retirement in 1900. He has since resided at Sidney, and has been retired since 1911. His wife was born at Sidney, November 8, 1847, and died May 11, 1911. She is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Sidney. Since 1866 Mr. Joslin has held membership in the Sidney Methodist Episcopal 1060 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Church, and since 1868 he has been affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and regularly attends the state and national encampments, at which he has served as aide-de-camp to many of the commanders. He is the only member of Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment, now living in Shelby County, and one of three surviving members of that organization. A total of eighty-six members were in the service. Mr. Joslin has in his possession the first set of by-laws and ordinances writ-ten by William J. Martin for the city of Sidney, and printed in 1849. Among the articles is "A fine of one dollar to any one turning a four legged animal in the public square,” and "A fine of twenty-five cents for hitching to the fence about the square." There were two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Byron W. Joslin: 1. Ada A., married W. D. Stockstill, lives at Sidney, R. F. D. No. 2. 2. William R., the subject of this sketch. William R. Joslin is a graduate of the district schools of Clinton Township. After his graduation from Sidney High School in 1903, he spent one year at Ohio State University. He then lived in Wyoming for six years and was the owner of a large sheep ranch. Upon his return to Sidney in 1911, he moved to the "Old Homestead," and in 1921 he purchased the Joslin home-stead of 190 acres, where he now resides. He specializes in dairying and is also a breeder of registered Jersey cows. During 1921-33 he was the owner of Avon Lake Amusement Park near Sidney, which he operated in partnership with A. F. Kauffman, its present owner. Mr. Joslin is also a director of the Sidney Farmers Exchange Elevator. On June 29, 1911, Mr. Joslin was united in marriage with Miss Pearl Ellen Stockstill, of Green Township, Shelby County, the daughter of William Franklin and Ella Barbara (Finkenbine) Stockstill. Mr. Stockstill was born in Orange Township, Shelby County, and died in 1916. His widow, born in Franklin Township, was the wife of Martin Foster, deceased, and she resides HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1061 at Sidney. There were three children in the Stockstill family: 1. Pearl E. Joslin. 2. Minnie, married Charles E. Bertch, lives in Orange Township. 3. Thomas John, lives at Eugene, Oregon. To Mr. and Mrs. Joslin have been born three children: 1. June Maxine, born June 16, 1913. 2. William R., Jr., born February 26, 1918. 3. Mary Bess, born May 23, 1925. Mr. Joslin has always been a Republican. He is affiliated with the Elks lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is vice president of the Shelby County Farm Bureau, president of the Clinton Township Farm Bureau, and a member of the Jersey Cattle Association. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Woman's Literary Club. Edward Henry Maurer.—One of Sidney's best known citizens is Edward Henry Maurer, civil engineer, and owner of the Universal Sales Store, at 1121/2 West Avenue. He was born on a farm in Van Buren Township, Shelby County, October 25, 1887, the son of Adam and Caroline (Sunderman) Maurer. Adam Maurer, deceased, was a successful farmer of Van Buren Township, where he spent his entire life. He was the son of Philip Maurer, who came to the United States from Germany with his parents at the age of five years, his father, Jacob Maurer, being one of the first settlers of Van Buren Township in 1833. The latter also owned land in German Township, Auglaize County. Philip Maurer died in 1908 and is buried in German Township. His son, Adam Maurer, was a Democrat and held membership in the Lutheran Church at Ketterlersville, Ohio. He died in 1895 and his wife, a native of German Township, died in 1931. Both are buried in Van Buren Township. Their children were: 1. Frank P., lives at Sidney. 2. Lewis Henry, civil engineer, identified with the American Bridge Company of Gary, Indiana. 3. Allen A., who is assistant engineer, Ohio State highway department, and former surveyor of Shelby County, lives at Sidney. 4. Ed- 1062 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO ward Henry, the subject of this sketch. 5. Homer, who died in 1902. 6. Walter P., farmer, lives on the Maurer homestead in VanBuren Township. 7. Theodore, farmer, lives near Troy, in Miami County. The boyhood of Edward Henry Maurer was spent on his father's farm in VanBuren Township and he attended the district schools. In 1911 he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in civil engineering at Ohio Northern University. He then went to Paragould, Arkansas, as a civil engineer with the Morgan Engineering Company in whose service he remained for two years. Upon his return to Sidney Mr. Maurer became deputy county surveyor under C. A. Maurer, during 1914-16, from 1916 to 1920 he worked in the same capacity under Charles Counts, and served in the same capacity under Oscar F. Shilling during 1920-24. In the latter year he was elected surveyor of Shelby County and capably filled that office until 1932. He has since engaged in private engineering work in Shelby County, and in the latter year also organized the Universal Sales Store. He has been highly successful as a dealer in farm implements and supplies, as well as road equipment. He is a member of the Ohio Engineering Society, and president of the Northwestern Ohio County Engineers Association. On December 31, 1912, Mr. Maurer was married at Paragould, Arkansas, to Miss Carrie Roettger, born in VanBuren Township, January 4, 1889, the daughter of Henry and Adeline (Koch) Roettger. The former died in 1912 and the latter in 1893. They are buried in Schwabroe Cemetery, Van Buren Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Maurer were born five children: 1. Carolyn M., born April 26, 1914, a clerk in the office of the County Sur-veyor, at Sidney. 2. Esther S., born in 1916. 3. Magdalene, died in infancy. 4. Dorothy, born May 22, 1922. 5. Philip Edward, born May 22, 1924. Mr. Maurer is a Democrat, a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church and belongs to B. P. O. Elks. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1063 Merrill B. McKee, who is vice president and general manager of the Gartland & Haswell Foundry Company, at Sidney, is among the prominent business men of Shelby County. He was born at Logansport, Indiana, May 10, 1887, the son of Bruce Carr and Ida M. (Eurit) McKee. Bruce Carr McKee and his wife were natives of Indiana. He was born at Logansport, received his education in the public schools, and engaged in business there. He died in 1888 at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. McKee was a Republican and held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His widow later married William Dalezell. There were two children born to Mr. and Mrs. McKee: 1. Anna L., married James Knight, lives at Pine Village, Indiana. 2. Merrill B., the subject of this sketch. After his graduation from Logansport High School in 1909, Merrill B. McKee entered Marion (Indiana) Normal Col-lege. He spent some time in the employ of the Cloverleaf Railway Company at Frankfort, Indiana, and was also employed by the county surveyor of Grant County, Indiana, under F. M. Baldwin during 1910-11. He then went to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, as a salesman for the Baker Realty Company, but the following year returned to Marion, Indiana, as a stenographer in the offices of the Marion Malleable Iron Company. He subsequently was employed by the Marion Gray Iron Company, and resigned in 1920 as plant superintendent. In that year he came to Sidney as plant manager for the Gartland & Haswell Foundry Company, at the same time being elected secretary and treasurer of the concern. He has been vice president and general manager since 1925. During 1925-28 Mr. McKee was also identified with the Pioneer Body Company, at Sidney, as vice president, and in 1927 was director and second vice president of the Uni-Flow Stoker Company of Sidney. On October 11, 1929, Mr. McKee married Miss Esther Ruth Karch, who was born at Celina, Ohio, January 19, 1064 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO 1898, the daughter of John W. and Sarah (Dickas) Karch. The former was born in Mercer County, Ohio, and died in 1928. The latter is a native of Indiana and resides at Celina. Mrs. McKee is a graduate of Celina High School and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Ohio State University and Bachelor of Science at the University of Cincinnati. She taught school for seven years, and was supervisor of the State Normal School at Anna, Ohio, and assistant county superintendent of schools in Shelby County during 1925-26. She also was identified with the schools of Cleveland, Canton, and Dayton. Mr. and Mrs. McKee have no children. Mr. McKee has always been a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the Masonic and Elk lodges, and Sidney Country Club. During 1928 he was president of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club during 1922, and was chairman of the Kiwanis Club Committees of Ohio in 1926, 1927, and 1929, being international chairman of the music committee of Kiwanis Clubs in 1928. John G. Sailor, who is identified with the "Jackson Center News", at Jackson Center, as editor and manager, has a wide acquaintance throughout Shelby County and is highly esteemed. He was born in Adams Township, Champaign County, Ohio, November 7, 1865, the son of Milton and Deborah (Heath) Sailor. Milton Sailor was born at DeGraff, Logan County, Ohio, and his wife was a native of Concord Township, Champaign County. He was a carpenter and farmer and became the owner of a farm of 120 acres in Concord Township, where he lived until the time of his retirement. Mr. Sailor was a Republican and held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 1916 and his wife died in 1888. They are buried in Concord Township Cemetery, Champaign County. There were three children born HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1065 to Mr. and Mrs. Sailor: 1. Margaret, the widow of David Speece, lives at Quincy, Ohio. 2. Mary, married George Sailor, lived at Chillicothe, Missouri, before her death in 1890. 3. John G., the subject of this sketch. John G. Sailor acquired his education in the district schools of Concord Township and is a graduate of Woodville Schools. He began his newspaper work on the old "Urbana Citizen-Gazette", at Urbana, and in 1887 went to Eris, Ohio, where he conducted a grocery business until 1893. During the following seven years Mr. Sailor operated a farm of 400 acres in Adams Township, Champaign County. In 1900 he went to Rosewood, Ohio, and spent a year there with the Rosewood Creamery. He next was located in the same capacity at Petersburg, Michigan, and Jackson Center, Ohio, and in 1911 returned to newspaper work as owner of the "Jackson Center News", which he purchased from Carter Brothers. Mr. Sailor continued as owner of the publication until 1918, and in that year sold his interests to the Yale Newspaper Syndicate, of Waynesfield, Ohio, which retained him as editor and manager. On September 8, 1887, Mr. Sailor was united in marriage with Miss Rose Toomire, born in Concord Township, Champaign County, July 18, 1867. She died August 7, 1927, and is buried in Concord Township Cemetery. Her parents were Aaron and Elizabeth (Epla) Toomire, natives of Concord Township, who died in 1911 and 1929, respectively. To John G. and Rose (Toomire) Sailor were born four children: 1. Alva F., born June 4, 1888, associated with the Ohio Bell Telephone Company, at Columbus. He married Miss Hildegard Griffith, of Columbus, and they have a son, William Sailor. 2. George Raymond, born July 14, 1892, a farmer, lives in Perry Township, Shelby County. He married Miss Florence Gross, of Jackson Center and they have two sons: James D. and William Ned Sailor. 3. Ruth Jardenia, born August 15, 1895, married Ward Beer, lives at Sidney, and they have three children: Sailor E., Donald Raymond, and Ward 1066 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Beer, Jr. 4. Paul L., born October 17, 1901, lives at Jackson Center, and he is employed in the Carl Clayton Store. He married Miss Margaret Brockman, of Jackson Center, and they are the parents of five children: Robert, Richard, John F., Marylyn, and Ralph. Mr. Sailor is independent in politics. He served as mayor of Jackson Center during 1908-12 and 1914-24. He also has been justice of the peace for many years. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Order of Redmen. Albert P. Wilt, who is successfully engaged in the general mercantile business at Anna, is a veteran of the World War, and a well known resident of Shelby County. He was born at Jack-son Center, Ohio, July 20, 1894, the son of Jacob D. and Catherine (Gross) Wilt. Jacob D. Wilt and his wife are natives of Jackson Township, Shelby County. Throughout his life he has been interested in general farming and since 1903 has been a resident of Dinsmore Township, Shelby County. He has also been interested in the manufacture of tile at Pemberton, Ohio. Mr. Wilt is a Democrat and holds membership in St. Jacob's Lutheran Church at Anna. and he was educated in the district school. In 1914 he went to The boyhood of Albert P. Wilt was spent on his father's farm Hiawatha, Kansas, where he was employed on a farm of 160 acres for one year. Upon his return to Dinsmore township he engaged in general farming with his father. As a machinist he was employed by the following concerns: Wagner Manufac-turing Company, Sidney Machine Tool Company, and Monarch Machine Tool Company. At the outbreak of the World War he enlisted for service and spent eleven months in France as a private in Company G, Fifty-second Infantry, Sixth Division. He was discharged June 8, 1919, and upon his return to Anna HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1067 was employed by the Farmers Exchange Elevator until 1921. He was subsequently identified with grain elevators at Swanders and Kirkwood, after which he purchased the general store of George Delvis at Kirkwood. He was located in business at Kirk-wood for several years, and in September, 1928, purchased the store of Willmans Brothers, at Anna. In May, 1933, he purchased another store from Harley Davis and operates both stores in Anna. He also represents the Sexauer Bakng Company in this community. Mr. Wilt was married June 30, 1921, to Miss Fredonia Wessel, born at Sidney, March 10, 1901. She is the daughter of Nicholas and Catherine (Doseck) Wessel. He was a native of Germany, and she was born at Germantown, Ohio. They reside at Sidney. Mr. and Mrs. Wilt have two sons : 1. Philip Windle, born July 23, 1923. 2. Arthur Wayne, born July 2, 1925. Mr. Wilt is a Democrat and holds the office of school director, and was a former justice of the peace, and assessor of Franklin and Anna. He is a member of St. Jacob's Lutheran Church and president of the Young Men's League. He is Commander of Heiland Post No. 446, American Legion. Lawrence McMillin.—As auditor of Auglaize County and clerk of the board of commissioners, Lawrence McMillin has long been identified with public affairs in the county and is a highly esteemed and widely known resident of St. Marys. He was born on a farm in Salem Township, Auglaize County, July 19, 1881, the son of John J. and Susan Elizabeth (Dietrich) McMillin. John J. McMillin, who died July 25, 1928, was a prominent citizen of Auglaize County. He was born near Bellefontaine, Ohio, as was his wife. She died June 25, 1929. Both are buried at St. Marys. As a young man Mr. McMillin lived on a farm in Logan County and taught in the district schools. In 1877 he removed to a farm of eighty acres in Salem Township, Auglaize 1068 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO County, and remained there until his retirement in 1903. He then lived at St. Marys until the time of his death in 1928. Mr. McMillin was a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge and the Grange. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McMillin: 1. Lynn B., lives at Cincinnati. 2. Izar W. 3. Lloyd V., who died in September, 1922. 4. Lyman B., who died in August, 1917. 5. Lawrence, the subject of this sketch. 6. Zell R., lives at Kenton, Ohio. Lawrence McMillin grew up on his father's farm and received his education in the public schools of Mendon. He taught in the schools of Salem Township, Auglaize County, for two years, then in Union Township, Mercer County, for two years, and at Middlepoint, Van Wert County, for six years. Mr. McMillin then entered the offices of the Standard Oil Company of Ohio, at Van Wert. He was subsequently transferred to the company's offices at Cleveland as secretary to H. A. Anderson, and after almost seven years in the latter capacity, Mr. McMillin became a sales representative for the National Refining Company, at Cleveland. He continued in that position for seven years and in January, 1924, assumed the duties of city auditor at St. Marys, which office he capably filled until March, 1931. He then took over the office of auditor of Auglaize County, to which he had been elected during the previous fall for a four year term. Mr. McMillin was married September 10, 1902, to Miss Osia Shaw, born at Jamestown, Ohio, July 1, 1883, and a resident of Middlepoint, Ohio, at the time of her marriage. Her parents were Greenbury and Emma (Bragg) Shaw, natives of Green County. The former died in 1903 and the latter in 1890. They are buried at Jamestown. Mr. and Mrs. McMillin are the parents of seven children: 1. W. Reginald, born June 21, 1903, served for eight years in the United States Navy. He is now a radio engineer with the National Broadcasting Company in New York City. He married Miss Helen DeLambly, of Boston, Massachusetts, and they have a son, W. Reginald, Jr. 2. Thomas L., born HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1069 August 2, 1905, died March 14, 1932. 3. Harry A., born November 30 1907, a graduate of the Columbus College of Embalming, at Columbus, Ohio. He is associated with the business of John A. Vore, funeral director, at St. Marys. He married Miss Eunice Engelman, of St. Marys. 4. Robert A., born March 16, 1911, lives at Cleveland, Ohio. He married Miss Marian Pittson, of Cleveland. 5. Lawrence, Jr., horn January 27, 1918, at home. 6. Phyllis I., born June 18, 1920. 7. Elsie Jean, born May 2, 1924. Politically, Mr. McMillin has always been a Democrat. He holds membership in the Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at St. Marys. Kenneth G. Hawver, M. D.—Perhaps one of Shelby County's best known young physicians and surgeons is Doctor Hawver, of Jackson Center. He was born in Jackson Township, Shelby County, August 24, 1904, the son of Christopher L. and Ida B. (Parent) Hawver. Christopher L. Hawver was a native of Jackson Township, and spent his entire life as a farmer in that community. He was a Democrat and held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in October, 1929, and is buried at Port Jefferson. His widow, born in Darke County, resides at Jackson Center. Their only child was Kenneth G., the subject of this sketch. After his graduation from the public schools of Jackson Center in 1921, Kenneth G. Hawver attended Miami University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1926. He was graduated from the College of Medicine, Ohio State University, in 1930, and served as interne at St. Rita's Hospital, Lima, during 1930-31. He then established a private practice at Jackson Center. Doctor Hawver is a member of the staff of Wilson Memorial Hospital, at Sidney, and is identified with the 1070 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Shelby County Medical Society, Ohio State and American Medical Associations. He is also a first lieutenant in the Medical Reserve Corps, United States Army. On November 7, 1930, Doctor Hawver was united in marriage with Miss Velma Johnson, born in Delaware County, Ohio, the daughter of Nelson T. and Almeda (Herriott) Johnson. They are residents of Delaware, Ohio. Doctor and Mrs. Hawver have a son, William Dean, born August 19, 1932. She is a graduate nurse, University Hospital, Ohio State University, with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education. Politically, Doctor Hawver is a Democrat. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Hawver belongs to the Christian Union Church. He also belongs to Phi Chi fraternity. Otto J. Boesel.—One of the leading members of the Auglaize County Bar Association is Otto J. Boesel, who is identified with the firm of Tangeman & Boesel, at Wapakoneta. He was born at New Bremen, Ohio, February 6, 1882, the son of Hon. Jacob and Louise (Wolf) Boesel. Hon. Jacob Boesel, deceased, was a representative citizen of Auglaize County, and also served as a member of the Ohio State Legislature. He was born at New Bremen, February 6, 1842, and died there in 1897. His wife, a native of Germany, died in 1907. Both are buried at New Bremen. Mr. Boesel received his education in the public schools there, and for thirty years was a successful merchant of New Bremen, being identified with the firm of Boesel & Kunning. He later owned the Boesel Bank, a private banking institution. He served in the Ohio State Legislature for two terms, and was chairman of the finance committee. He also held the office of mayor of New Bremen for several terms. Mr. Boesel was a lifelong Democrat, and he and his wife were prominent members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, at New Bre- HISTORY OF 'WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1071 men. Their children were : 1. Adolph, who died in 1931. 2. Ida, married E. G. Conradi, lives at New Bremen. 3. Alma, died in April, 1933, was the wife of F. T. Purpus, of New Bremen. 4. Otto J., the subject of this sketch. 5. Walter J., lives at New Bremen. The boyhood of Otto J. Boesel was spent at New Bremen and he was educated in the public schools. He is a graduate of New Bremen High School, class of 1901, and received his Certificate in Law at Ohio State University in 1906. He was admitted to the bar in the same year, and immediately became associated with Theodore Tangeman at New Bremen, as a member of the firm of Tangeman & Boesel. The partnership continued until 1912, at which time Mr. Boesel came to Wapakoneta as a law partner of Henry J. Goeke, who died in 1924. During 1924-26 Mr. Boesel practiced law with R. B. Anderson, and in 1926 he again became associated with Mr. Tangeman, who is now Director of Commerce for the State of Ohio. They have offices in the Brown Building at Wapakoneta. In 1920 Mr. Boesel was appointed probate judge of Auglaize County and resigned after a year in office. He also was prosecuting attorney of Auglaize County during 1924-28, and state superintendent of the Board of Elections in Auglaize County during 1914-20. The firm of Tangeman & Boesel specializes in corporation and industrial work and represent numerous leading banking and business houses in Auglaize County. On October 10, 1906, Mr. Boesel was united in marriage with Miss Bessie L. Stone, born at Decatur, Indiana, April 13, 1881, the daughter of Michael M. and Mary M. (Elsey) Stone, the former a native of New Bremen and the latter of Decatur, Indi-ana. Mr. Stone died in 1898, and his wife died in 1930. They are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, St. Marys. Mr. and Mrs. Boesel have three sons : 1. Paul O., born March 30, 1911, a graduate of New Bremen High School, attends the College of Law, University of Michigan. 2. Kenneth S., born March 30, 1913, a graduate of New Bremen High School, and Ohio State University, 1072 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Bachelor of Arts, 1933. He is now an examiner with the Ohio State Building & Loan Department, at Columbus. 3. Jacob J., born December 3, 1917, attends Wapakoneta High School. Mr. Boesel is a prominent Democrat. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is affiliated with the Masonic and Elk lodges, and Chamber of Commerce. He also holds membership in the Auglaize County Fish & Game Protective Association. Hon. Fred P. Elsass.—One of the recognized business men of Shelby County is Fred P. Elsass, general contractor, with headquarters at Anna. He has also served as a member of the Ohio Legislature (1929-32), and is a prominent Democrat. Mr. Elsass was born in Van Buren Township, Shelby County, September 9, 1891, the son of George and Emma (Brockman) Elsass. George Elsass is a member of a well known pioneer family of Shelby County. He was born in Dinsmore Township, the son of. Philip Elsass, a native of Germany, and one of the early settlers of Dinsmore Township. The son, George Elsass, successfully engaged in general farming in Dinsmore and Van Buren townships until his retirement in 1927. He is a Democrat and has served as justice of the peace and school director. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Anna. She is a native of St. Mary's, Auglaize County, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Elsass were born eight children: 1. Clarence H., farmer, lives in Dinsmore Township. 2. Harvey E., farmer, lives in Van Buren Township. 3. Fred P., the subject of this sketch. 4. F. G., farmer, lives in Dinsmore Township. 5. LeRoy, general contractor, lives at Anna. He is a World War veteran. 6. Harry, lives at Anna. 7. Raymond, lives at Anna. 8. Roger, lives at Sidney. The early education of Fred P. Elsass was received in the schools of Van Buren Township, and in 1912 he was graduated HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1073 from Botkins High School. He then taught school in Dinsmore Township for one year, after which he entered Ohio Northern University. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at that institution in 1917, and on May 28, 1918, enlisted for service in the World War. He attended an officers' training school at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, and later was transferred to Camp Sherman, Ohio, where he received the commission of second lieutenant. He was then sent to Camtp Lee, Virginia, and from there to Camp Merritt, New Jersey, where he was discharged in April, 1919. Mr. Elsass was superintendent of schools at Botkins during 1919-20, and in the latter year became interested in the general construction business. Organized the Elsass-Meyer Construction Company in 1922, which has specialized in bridge building and has completed contracts for practically all bridges on U. S. Route 25 in Shelby County, which includes numerous overhead and underhead passages, during the relocation of the Big Four Rail-road in Sidney. He has also had construction work at Delta and Marietta, which includes construction of two steel bridges on U. S. Route No. 7. Other contracts include bridges on U. S. Route No. 21 near Freeport, Ohio, in Harrison County; two 50-foot concrete spans near Caldwell, in Noble County ; three 80-foot bridges on U. S. Route 8 near Loudonville, in Holmes County; and exten-sive construction work in Indiana. On August 21, 1918, Mr. Elsass married Miss Marjorie R. Ludwig, born in Franklin Township, Shelby County, September 2, 1892, the daughter of Fred and Josephine (Kratt) Ludwig. They are natives of Franklin Township and reside at Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Elsass have two children : 1. David Gordon, born January 28, 1925. 2. Eleanor Marjorie, born March 21, 1929. Mr. Elsass has always been a Democrat and during his term in the Ohio Legislature served as a member of the finance com-mittee and motor vehicles committee. He was one of the spon-sors of the relief bill which called for the diversion of gasoline tax funds in the state and also was an ardent supporter of the 1074 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Engineer's registration bill which was carried during that session but vetoed by the Governor. The latter bill became a law during the session of 1933. Mr. Elsass promoted the minimum wage bill for public works and was a strong advocate of uniform rule in taxation. It was through his influence that Representative J. Freer Bittinger of Ashland County was made minority floor leader in 1931-32. He has been chairman of the Farm and Home Protective Committee since 1932. Mr. Elsass is a member of the Shelby County Jeffersonian Club, of which he served as president during 1931-32, and he is now a member of its advisory board. He has been president of the Anna Board of Education since 1926. Mr. Elsass and his family are active members of St. Jacob's Lutheran Church at Anna. Ralph R. Vogelsang.—Among Shelby County's well known business men is Ralph R. Vogelsang, who is proprietor of the Fort Loramie Hotel and Cafe, at Fort Loramie. He was born there, November 20, 1900, the son of Benjamin J. and Josephine (Martz) Vogelsang. Benjamin J. Vogelsang, who died in October, 1928, was a representative citizen of Shelby County. He was born at Minster, Auglaize County, and as a young man was employed as a clerk in the drug store of Dr. R. R. Rulhman, at Minster. He later operated a dairy business at Fort Loramie for five years, and in 1900 opened a cafe and restaurant at that place. In 1917 he entered the hotel business as proprietor of Fort Loramie Hotel, and was identified with that business at the time of his death. Mr. Vogelsang was a Democrat, a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, and belonged to the Elk and Eagle lodges. His widow was born at Fort Loramie and still resides there. Their children were: 1. Elmer, proprietor of Vogelsang Inn, at Fort Loramie. 2. Edward, who died in 1909. 3. Ralph R., the subject HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1075 of this sketch. 4. Homer, who died in 1909. 5. Mary, married John Klinker, lives at Fort Loramie. 6. Mildred, who died in 1909. 7. Elizabeth, married Jesse Rudy, lives at Fort Loramie. After his graduation from Fort Loramie High School, Ralph R. Vogelsang attended Miami Jacobs Business College, at Dayton. His first position was with the Stephens Tool & Die Company, of Dayton, during 1915-16, and he then went to Sidney, as a machinist with the Sidney Machine Tool Company. He later was identified with the Monarch Machine Tool Company, of Sid-ney, 1918-19, and the Minster Machine Company, of Minster, 1919-20. He came to the Fort Loramie Hotel as manager in 1920, and upon the death of his father in 1928 became owner and proprietor. He has also conducted a cafe and restaurant in con-nection with the hotel since 1929. Mr. Vogelsang was married on January 18, 1920, to Miss Irene Walkup, born at Fort Loramie, November 29, 1899, the daughter of John and Frances (Reiger) Walkup, natives and residents of Fort Loramie. He is a retired farmer. Mr. Walkup is a Democrat. Mrs. Walkup is a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Vogelsang have been born three children: 1. John Robert, born July 29, 1921. 2. Treva Irene, born July 19, 1925. 3. Mary Jane, born June 13, 1930. Mr. Vogelsang is a Democrat, a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, and is affiliated with the Elks lodge. He is also a member of the Ohio Restaurant Association. Alfred W. Veit, M. D.—One of Wapakoneta's prominent men is Alfred W. Veit, who is serving as coroner of Auglaize County and city health officer. He was born here, October 8, 1896, the son of Joseph W. and Ida Isabel (Schemmel) Veit. Joseph W. Veit, deceased, was a native of Auglaize County. He was born in Pusheta Township, June 10, 1864, and met with an accidental death September 25, 1930. He is buried in Green- 1076 -HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO lawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. His widow resides in this city. As a young man Mr. Veit followed the trade of harnessmaker, later was proprietor of a mercantile establishment in the city, and for two years was employed by the Wapakoneta Milling Company. He spent thirty-five years as a traveling representa-tive of the U. S. Whip Company of Westfield, Massachusetts, and later sold sporting goods and athletic equipment in Ohio and Indiana. Mr. Veit was a Democrat, a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church, and belonged to the Masonic, Elks, and Eagle lodges. To Mr. and Mrs. Veit were born three children: 1. Clarence E., lives at Wapakoneta. 2. Beatrice, who died in infancy. 3. Alfred W., the subject of this sketch. Joseph W. Veit was the son of Valentine and Catherine Veit, who were pioneer settlers of Auglaize County. Ida Isabel (Schemmel) Veit is the daughter of Charles M. Schemmel, who served as a soldier during the Civil War. His father was Rudolph Schemmel, who emigrated to this country from Germany in 1841 and settled on a farm in Pusheta Township, Auglaize County. The family homestead, four miles south of Wapakoneta, is still in possession of the family, being owned by Edwin Schemmel. Rudolph Schemmel kept a diary of his personal activities from 1841 until the time of his death, and it has been continued by his descendants to the present time. It is now in the possession of Dr. Alfred W. Veit, the subject of this sketch. The original forty acre homestead owned by Rudolph Schemmel was obtained by him in a Land Grant signed by Andrew Jackson. Alfred W. Veit is a graduate of the public schools of Wapakoneta and received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Michigan. He served as interne in the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company Emergency Hospital at Youngstown, Ohio, and at City Hospital, Cleveland. He has been established in practice at Wapakoneta since November, 192A. Dr. Veit was elected coroner of Auglaize County in November 1928, and since 1929 has served as city health officer. He is iden- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1077 tified with the Auglaize County Medical Society, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations. On August 23, 1924, Dr. Veit was united in marriage with Miss Agatha Lyons, born at Sharon, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1897, the daughter of John T. and Maria (Flynn) Lyons, natives of Ireland. Mr. Lyons resides at Sharon. His wife is deceased. Doctor and Mrs. Veit have two children: 1. Sally Lou, born Octo-ber 23, 1925. 2. Joseph W., II., born January 24, 1929. During the World War Dr. Veit served as a private and was attached to the Medical Enlisted Reserve Corps, United States Army. His wife also served during the war as a nurse in the Red Cross, being attached to Base Hospital No. 54, in France. She is a graduate of St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Youngstown, Ohio, and after her discharge from the service in 1919, she was attached to Emergency Hospital, Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company. She is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion. Dr. Veit is a Democrat, a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church, and belongs to the Masonic, Elk, and Eagle lodges, and Alpha Kappa Kappa fraternity. American Legion. Earl W. Taylor—A representative citizen of Auglaize County is found in Earl W. Taylor, of Uniopolis, who is serving as county recorder. He was born at Uniopolis, July 29, 1893, the son of Charles J. and Thersa (Perkins) Taylor. Charles J. Taylor has spent his entire life at Uniopolis and is recognized as one of the community's dependable citizens. As a young man he was employed in the store of Henry Taylor, and from 1890 until 1902 was a clerk in the store of Benjamin Beer. He has since conducted a grocery business of his own at Uniopolis. Mr. Taylor is a Democrat and has held the offices of township treasurer and city councilman. His wife was born in Union Township, Auglaize County, and died in 1904. She is 1078 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO buried in Tam Cemetery, Uniopolis. Her father was Louis Y. Perkins, who served as a private throughout the Civil War. There were seven children in the Taylor family, as follows: 1. Caddie, who died in 1898. 2. Leah, married W. G. Reese, lives at Spencer, Ohio. 3. Earl W., the subject of this sketch. 4. Orpha, who died in 1898. 5. Don M., identified with the woolen Mills of Mishawaka, Indiana. 6. James Ray. 7. Fay, who died in 1902. Earl W. Taylor is a graduate of the public schools of Uniopolis and International Business College, at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has spent his entire business career in connection with his father's grocery business at Uniopolis, and retired only to assume his duties as county recorder, to which office he was elected in November, 1930. His term of office expires in January, 1935. On February 20, 1915, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss Grace E. Frazier, born at Uniopolis, April 11, 1896, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Bustetter) Frazier. They were born in Union Township, Auglaize County. Mr. Frazier resides at Lima. His wife died in 1912 and is buried in Fairmount Cemetery, Union Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been born two sons : 1. Earl W., Jr., born June 28, 1916. 2. Joseph Edward, born December 15, 1919. Mr. Taylor is a Democrat, and has served as township clerk (1918-24) and treasurer of the village of Uniopolis (1918-24). He is affiliated with the Elks Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member of the Church of Christ and Foreign Missionary Society. She also is identified with the Auglaize County Democratic Club. George B. Faulder, M. D.—A leader in the medical affairs of Auglaize County is Doctor Faulder, widely known surgeon of Wapakoneta, who is a veteran of the World War. He was born in Salem Township, Shelby County, January 26, 1892, the son of George and Caroline E. (Fergus) Faulder. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1079 George Faulder, who died in 1924, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Frederick County, Maryland, and was two years old when his parents, James and Louisa (Appleby) Faulder, came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Shelby County. James Faulder was a cooper by trade, but spent the latter 20 years of his life on a farm in Salem Township. His son, George, also was a farmer and was the owner of a sawmill in partnership with his father-in-law, Joseph Fergus. Their mill was located near Sidney. After a period of 12 years in that business Mr. Faulder retired to a farm of 80 acres in Salem Township, which he successfully operated from 1894 until 1912. He then removed to Sidney. Mr. Faulder was a Republican and held the offices of school trustee and township assessor. He and his wife were members of St. Paul's German Evangelical Church. She died in July, 1915. Both are buried in Graceland Cemetery, Sidney. Their children were: 1. Harry B., M. D., retired, lives at Wapakoneta. 2. Walter, who died in infancy. 3. Charles V., building contractor, lives at Sidney. 4. Taylor A., identified with the Studebaker Motor Sales Company, at Sidney. 5. Edward L., who died in 1916. 6. Clementine, married Elmer Shroyer, lives on the Faulder homestead, in Salem Township. 7. Nellie B., married Earle Fristoe, lives at Piqua. 8. Mary H., married Simon T. Wones, lives at Sidney. 9. Donnie F., married Robert Lytel, lives at Maplewood, Ohio. 10. Chester A., lives at Kirkwood, Ohio. 11. George B., the subject of this sketch. George B. Faulder acquired his early education in the public schools of Sidney, from which he was graduated in 1910. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the University of Michigan in 1914, and during the following year was an interne in the Metropolitan Hospital of New York City. During 1915-17 he was assistant gynecologist and obstetrician at University Hospital, Columbus, and in December, 1917, enlisted for service in the World War. He became a lieutenant in the U. S. Medical Corps and was stationed at Camp Oglethorpe, Georgia, before 1080 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO his departure for overseas duty with Evacuation Hospital No. 6. His unit saw active service at Chateau Thiery, Aisne-Marne, St, Mihiel, and the Argonne, and was the only surgical unit sent into Germany after the Armistice. He returned to the United States in April, 1919, and was discharged as a captain June 25, 1919. During the following three months Dr. Faulder was connected with University Hospital at Columbus, and has since been established in private practice at Wapakoneta. He is a member of the staff of St. Rita's Hospital at Lima, and is identified with the Auglaize County Medical Society, Ohio State and American Medical Associations. Dr. Faulder was married July 31, 1914, at Rochester, New York, to Miss Margaret Jacobs, born near Findlay, Ohio, Septem-ber 23, 1895, the daughter of Mabel (Moorehead) Jacobs, native of Ohio. Mrs. Jacobs resides at Wapakoneta. Doctor and Mrs. Faulder have two children: 1. Catherine Ann, born February 11, 1916, attended 2 years at St. Mary's of the Springs, at Columbus, now a student at Ohio State University High School. During 1932 she made an extensive trip throughout Europe and visited England, France, Belgium, Spain, and Africa. 2. George B., Jr., born April 22, 1920, attends Blume High School, Wapakoneta. Dr. Faulder is an independent Republican and is serving as a member of the local board of education. His lodge and club affiliations are: Masonic and Elk Lodges, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce, and Theta Kappa Psi fraternity. Daniel Dyke McKeever.—A popular attorney and representative citizen of Wapakoneta is D. D. McKeever, who is city solicitor and justice of the peace. He was born at Wellston, Jackson County, Ohio, February 19, 1898, the son of Charles and Alice (Strait) McKeever. Charles McKeever was born in Jackson County, Ohio, and now resides at Lima. His wife is a native of Lawrence County. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1081 He worked in the coal mines as a boy and later was employed as a telegraph operator for five years. For a number of years he was chief clerk for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in their Lima offices, and since 1916 has been identified with the Ohio Steel Foundry Company, at Lima. He is a Democrat. To Mr. and Mrs. McKeever were born the following children: 1. Mar-garet L., married James Hickey, lives at Massilon. 2. Catherine J., married David DeHarp, lives at Lima. 3. Daniel Dyke, the subject of this sketch. 4. Thomas R., who died in 1920. 5. Charles Francis, lives at Lima. 6. William, lives at Lima. 7. John, lives at Lima. Daniel Dyke McKeever attended the grade and public schools of Lima. He was a messenger boy in the offices of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and later was employed in the freight offices. At the outbreak of the World War he enlisted, May 28, 1917, and served in France as a private in Company B, 146th Infantry, 37th Division. He was injured in the service during the Meuse-Argonne drive and after convalescing in a French hospital was returned to the United States and treated at U. S. General Hospital No. 2, Ft. McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland. He was discharged on April 1, 1920. He was awarded the "Order of the Purple Heart." In 1920 he became a timekeeper in the employ of the Carrol Machine Company, at Bucyrus, Ohio. In June, 1921, he entered Ohio Northern University as a vocational student, and studied at that institution until 1926. He also studiel law there and was admitted to the Ohio state bar in June, 1926. Mr. McKeever began his professional career at Lima, and remained in that city until September, 1931. He has since been established in private practice at Wapakoneta, and since November, 1932, has been justice of the peace. He was elected city solicitor in November, 1933, taking office January 1, 1934. Mr. McKeever was married December 25, 1926, to Miss Vera Cornell, born in Pusheta Township, Auglaize County, October 10, 1906, the daughter of Merle and Blanche (Shaffer) Cornell. They 1082 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO live at Wapakoneta. To Mr. and Mr's. McKeever have been born two sons: Dan Cornell, born May 19, 1929; 2. Thomas L., bon May 28, 1931. Mr. McKeever is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the American Legion and "40 and 8" society. He also is identified with the Auglaize County and Ohio State Associations. Max Richard Menschel, who is superintendent of city schools at Wapakoneta, is a prominent citizen of Auglaize County. He was born in Saxony, Germany, August 5, 1893, the son of August Karl and Emelie (Scholz) Menschel. August Karl Menschel lives retired at Wapakoneta. Both he and his wife are natives of Saxony, Germany. They emigrated to this country in 1902 and at that time settled on a farm in Washington Township, Auglaize County. The family removed to Wapakoneta in 1919 and Mr. Menschel spent the following three years in the employ of the Hollowware factory. He then was identified with the Western Ohio Traction Company until 1930, and has since lived retired. He is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of St. Paul's Evangelical Church. Their only child is Max Richard, the subject of this sketch. Max Richard Menschel was nine years of age when he came to this country with his parents. He spent his early life on a farm in Washington Township and attended the rural schools. After his graduation from Blume High School in 1913, he entered Ober-lin College, from which he received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in 1917, and Master of Arts from Columbia University in 1924. He was a member of the faculty of Blume High School during 1917-18, and on May 30, 1918, enlisted for service in the World War. He was attached to Company C, 212th Field Signal Battalion, 13th Division, and sent to Camp Taylor, Kentucky. He was discharged at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, January 30, HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1083 1919. He spent the remainder of the year as a teacher in Portage County, Ohio, and during 1919-20 taught at Blume High School. He was principal of that institution during 1921-22, and from 1922 until 1927 was principal of Van Wert High School. He assumed his present duties as superintendent of city schools at Wapakoneta in 1927. Mr. Menschel is a member of the National Education Association, Ohio State Education Association, and Department of Superintendents, N. E. A. On September 2, 1922, Mr. Menshel married Miss Mary Louise Black, born at Grand Forks, North Dakota, November 30, 1895, the daughter of George Edgar and Mary (Hogue) Black. They are natives of Wisconsin and Ohio respectively, and live at Grand Forks, North Dakota. Mrs. Menschel is a graduate of Oberlin College, Bachelor of Arts, class of 1919. She is a member of the Women's Club, Mother's Club, Order of Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary and Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Menschel have two sons, Robert Blackburn, born November 2, 1923, and Richard George, born July 8, 1927. Politically Mr. Menschel is independent. He and his family are members of St. Paul's Evangelical Church, and he belongs to the Masonic Lodge and American Legion. Hon. Herman S. Vaubel, a prominent lawyer and Democrat of West Central Ohio, has practiced law at Wapakoneta for twenty-two years, being the junior member of the firm of Layton Vaubel. He was born at Wapakoneta, February 21, 1889, the son of Christian and Margaret (Gumbrecht) Vaubel. Christian Vaubel was born at Dayton, Ohio, in 1836, and died June 21, 1892. His wife was a native of Bavaria, Germany, born in 1849, and died at Wapakoneta, Ohio, on July 30, 1921. They are buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Wapakoneta. Mr. Vaubel was reared on a farm in Pusheta Township, and spent his early life as a farmer. He went to California in 1857 and was engaged 1084 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO there as a gold miner for eleven years and returned via Panama, locating at Freyburg, Ohio. He became a resident of Wapakoneta in 1868, and until his death successfully conducted a tailoring establishment at that place. Mr. Vaubel was a Democrat and held membership in St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Vaubel: 1. Christian J., lives at Toledo. 2. Anthony C., lives at Payne. 3. John, who died September 15, 1913. 4. William, who died in October, 1892. 5. Mary, unmarried, lives at Wapakoneta. 6. Peter J., farmer, lives in Moulton Town-ship, Auglaize County. 7. George F., a professor in the Harvard private school for boys at Chicago, Illinois. 8. Joseph W., identi-fied with the California Packing Corporation at San Diego, California. 9. Herman S., the subject of this sketch. 10. Catherine, who died July 20, 1933, and was the wife of Dr. H. J. Couchlin, of Wapakoneta. Herman S. Vaubel acquired his early education in the paro-chial schools of Wapakoneta and is a graduate of Wapakoneta High School. He studied law in the offices of Judge F. C. Layton & Son., in this city, and subsequently entered the College of Law, University of Michigan, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in June, 1911. He had been admitted to the Ohio State Bar in December, 1910, gained admission to the Michigan State Bar in June, 1911, and was admitted to practice in the Federal courts in 1913. Immediately after his graduation he returned to Wapakoneta, where he was associated with the Layton law offices. He became a partner of Roy E. Layton in October, 1912, and the firm of Layton & Vaubel continued until November 14, 1917, at which time Mr. Vaubel was appointed Judge of the Probate Court for Auglaize County by Governor James M. Cox, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Otto J. Boesel. He later was elected for the balance of the term as Probate Judge. He was defeated, however, for reelection in 1920. Mr. Vaubel has always been a strong Democrat, and in 1916 became chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1085 After the completion of his term as Probate Judge in February, 1921, Mr. Vaubel continued in private practice at Wapakoneta, until March 1, 1929, at which time he resumed his former association with Roy E. Layton. In 1912 Mr. Vaubel was appointed Justice of the Peace of Duchouquet Township, and served an unexpired term of one and one-half years. In 1928 he was defeated for the Democratic nomination for the office of prosecuting attorney by eighty-four votes, by his present partner Mr. Layton. He was elected city solicitor of Wapakoneta in 1929, reelected in 1931, and now holds that office. He served as secretary of the Auglaize County Executive Committee from 1924 to 1932, and elected chairman of that committee in 1932, which position he now holds. On February 16, 1920, Mr. Vaubel was united in marriage with Miss Elsie C. Orphal, born at Wapakoneta, January 13, 1890, the daughter of Julius and Dora (Heisler) Orphal, natives of Auglaize County. They reside at Wapakoneta. Mr. and Mrs. Vaubel have four children: 1. Herman S., Jr., born November 29, 1920. 2. Dorothy Margaret, born December 15, 1921. 3. Martha Rose, born January 25, 1926. 4. George David, born March 26, 1931. Mr. Vaubel is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and is affiliated with B. P. O. Elks and Knights of Columbus. He is a member of Auglaize County Bar Association. Carl Forest Swartz.—A member of one of the oldest and best known families of Auglaize County, Carl Forest Swartz has a wide acquaintance in the community, and is superintendent of the Auglaize County Home, at Wapakoneta. He was born on a farm in Clay Township, Auglaize County, March 22, 1891, the son of Henry and Mary (Lusk) Swartz. Henry Swartz, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Lithopolis, Ohio, the son of John Swartz, who came 1086 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL 01110 to this country from Germany during the early days. The latter settled at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later came to Colum-bus, Ohio, and then to Clay Township, Auglaize County, in 1844. He purchased a homestead of 136 acres, and became one of the outstanding pioneers of this section. He had four sons who served in the Civil War: John, who died in action; Noah, who died of sickness; Jacob; and Henry, father of the subject of this sketch. Henry Swartz served as a member of the 134th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, being the last surviving member of Kyle Post. He became the owner of a fine farm of 400 acres in Clay Township, and was a prosperous farmer. He was a Democrat and served as road supervisor and school director. He was an active mem-ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was his wife. He died May 19, 1933, and is buried in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, Clay Township. His wife was born in Clay Township, and died in 1916. Their children were: 1. John W., lives at Chicago, Illinois. 2. May B., married A. H. Mertz, lives at St. Johns, Ohio. 3. Granville, farmer, lives in Clay Township. 4. Clarence Eugene, who died in 1883. 5. Carl Forest, the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of Carl Forest Swartz was spent on his father's farm in Clay Township, and he attended the district schools. At the age of 21 years he rented a farm of 136 acres in Clay Town-ship, and operated that place from 1912 until 1926. He then purchased a fine farm of 205 acres in the same township where he now raises pure bred stock. He received his present appointment as superintendent of the Auglaize County Home in 1933. On February 25, 1913, Mr. Swartz was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Flossie Dobie, born in Clay Township, Auglaize County, April 16, 1893, the daughter of Charles M. and Pauline (Knoch) Dobie. Mr. Dobie resides on a farm in Clay Township, His wife died January 16, 1930, and is buried in Mt. Tabor Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz have no children. Mr. Swartz has always been a Democrat. He served as treas-urer of Clay Township during 1921-27; township clerk during HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1087 1927-31; and as township Democratic Central Committeeman from 1915 to the present time. Mr. Swartz is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Gutman, and is affiliated with Jackson Center Lodge F. & A. M. No. 458, Wapakoneta Chapter ; and St. Mary's Council. Clyde William Berry, M. D.—Among the successful young professional men of Auglaize County is Dr. C. W. Berry, of Wapakoneta, who is also identified with Berry Emergency Hospital. He was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, November 27, 1904, the son of Ernest B. and Edith M. (Beck) Berry. Ernest B. Berry is a well known resident of Portsmouth, where he was born. He has been identified with various business interests in that city throughout his life and from 1918 until his retirement in 1932 was a sales representative of the Glockner Chevrolet Sales Agency. Mr. Berry is a member of the First Christian Church. His wife was born at Bethel, Green County, Ohio. They are the parents of the following children: 1. Clyde William, the subject of this sketch. 2. Charles Donald. 3. Helen Louise. 4. James Forest. All are at home. Clyde William Berry is a graduate of the public schools of Portsmouth. For several years he was connected with the Wheeling Steel Corporation in Portsmouth, and later he entered the University of Cincinnati, from which he received the degrees of Bachelor of Science in 1930, Bachelor of Medicine in 1931, and Doctor of Medicine in 1932. He served as a junior interne at Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, and as interne at the Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, and in July, 1932, established his present practice at Wapakoneta. His well equipped Emergency Hospital, located at 131/2 South Blackhoff Avenue, has met one of the necessary needs of the community, and has already gained a reputation in this section of the state. On December 22, 1926, Dr. Berry was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Reedy, born at Hamilton, Ohio, September 7, 1905, 1088 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO the daughter of John H. and Margaret (Biegert) Reedy, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. They live at Hamilton. Mrs. Berry is a graduate of Hamilton High School and Christ Hospital at Cincinnati. She is a member of the Women's Club at Wapakoneta. Doctor and Mrs. Berry have a daugh-ter, Jacqueline Lee, born June 21, 1928. Politically Dr. Berry is independent. He is a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and belongs to B. P. O. Elks, F. O. Eagles, and Nu Sigma Nu fraternity. He is identified with the Auglaize County Medical Society, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations, and is a member of the staff of St. Rita's Hospital, at Lima. Hon. Henry A. Miller.—With over 45 years of practice, inclusive of prominent association and office holding in attorneyship, Mr. Miller is one of the successfully established group of lawyers in West Central Ohio, and has served as judge of the Common Pleas Court of Mercer County since 1915. He was born at Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio, February 12, 1858, the son of Cornelius and Caroline (Storandt) Miller. Cornelius Miller was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1815. He emigrated to the United States in 1853, and at that time adopted the English spelling of the German name, Mueller. He was inter-ested in the tobacco business and became a well known grower of Columbiana and Mercer counties. At the time of his death in 1902 he had been a resident of Celina for 40 years. He is buried in Celina Cemetery. His wife was also a native of Germany, They were the parents of eight sons and a daughter, four sons being prominent members of the Mercer County bar. The early education of Henry A. Miller was received in the public schools of Celina and following his graduation from high school he taught in the district schools of Mercer, Auglaize and Shelby counties for nine years. While connected with the New HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1089 Bremen schools he began the study of medicine and later was enrolled at the Pulte Medical College at Cincinnati. However, in 1886, he decided to take up the study of law and in that year entered the Cincinnati Law School, from which he received the degree of LL. B. in 1887. He was immediately admitted to the bar and returned to Celina, where he engaged in practice with his brother, C. G. O. Miller. The partnership continued until the latter's death in 1908, and Henry A. Miller continued in private practice in Celina until his election as judge of the Common Pleas Court. He has been reelected to office three times without opposition in either the primary or general election. His present term expires January 1, 1939. Judge Miller has held numerous other public offices. He served as prosecuting attorney of Mercer County for six years, as mayor of the city of Celina for one term, and as city attorney for several years. During his present term of office as common pleas judge, he has been frequently complimented by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio by being requested to participate in trials held at Toledo, Cleveland, and elsewhere. He also took a prominent part in the building and supervision of plans for the new Mercer County Court House, which has recently been completed at a cost of $560,000. On December 20, 1884, Judge Miller married Miss Dora A. Herbst, of St. John, Auglaize County, Ohio. She is of German descent. Judge and Mrs. Miller have no children. Judge Miller has always been a Democrat and is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Celina. He also has held membership in the Knights of Pythias for 35 years, and for a great many years was a member of the Ancient Order of the Knights of Korrassan. Judge Miller finds his recreation in fishing and for a number of years has enjoyed fishing trips to Kosciusko County, Indiana, where he makes record bluegill catches. 1090 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Theodore Ambrose Campbell, M. D.—Among the most prominent physicians and surgeons of West Central Ohio is Doctor T. A. Campbell, of Wapakoneta, where he has successfully engaged in practice for more than 35 years. Doctor Campbell was born in Goshen Township, Auglaize County, January 2, 1875, the son of George and Sarah A. (Chiles) Campbell. George Campbell was a Virginian by birth and at the age of three years came to Ohio with his parents, who settled on a farm near Columbus in Franklin County. His parents died when he was a child, and he was bound out to a farmer and at the age of 18 years ran away and was married. He came to Clay Township, Auglaize County, Ohio, where he purchased a farm, and reared his first family. He later sold that farm and owned several other farms in that township. After the death of his first wife he came to Union Township, where he again married and spent the remainder of his life, with the exception of one year's residence in Wapakoneta. He was also interested in stock raising and was widely known as a stock dealer throughout Auglaize County. Mr. Campbell died May 4, 1885, and is buried in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Union Township. His wife was born in Union Town-ship, and died November 1, 1929. Her family was among the oldest families in Auglaize County and were prosperous farmers. Mr. Campbell was a Democrat. To George and Sarah A. (Chiles) Campbell were born six children: 1. Dr. Theodore Ambrose, the subject of this sketch. 2. Viola, who died in November, 1888. 3. J. M. Guy, who lives on the Campbell homestead in Union Town-ship. 4. Elsie, who died in November, 1885. 5. Zelia, married Clinton Armstrong, lives at St. Louis, Missouri. 6. Tyra O., who died in November, 1885. The early education of Theodore A. Campbell was received in the public schools of Wapakoneta, and he is a graduate of Blume High School, class of 1893. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at Cincinnati Medical College in 1897, and immediately established a private practice at Uniopolis. After five months, HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1091 however, Dr. Campbell removed to Wapakoneta, where he has continued in practice to the present time. He is identified with the Auglaize County Medical Society, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations, as well as the International Medical Society. Dr. Campbell enlisted in the Medical Corps, U. S. Army, October 1, 1918, and was sent to Camp Greenleaf, Georgia. He was later attached to Greenhut Hospital at Hoboken, New Jersey, and throughout the remainder of the war he served as evacuation officer, his duties being to examine soldiers at debarkation hospitals as to fitness for travel. It was also his duty to supervise their medical treatment until they reached inland hospitals. Dr. Campbell received his discharge July 1, 1919, as a first lieutenant. Dr. Campbell married (first) Miss Virgie Williams, of Wapa-koneta, who died in February, 1895. She is buried in Wesley Chapel Cemetery. He married (second) in October, 1897 Miss Sarah Blanche Jarman, of Maysville, Kentucky. She died June 20, 1911, and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. Their children were : 1. Pera, born March 3, 1899, unmarried, lives at home. 2. Zenith G. E. born January 24, 1902, married Thomas R. Stevens, Jr., lives at Dayton. Dr. Campbell married (third) February 14, 1912, Miss Emma J. Flory, of Piqua, the daughter of Aaron Flory, a native of Miami County. Dr. Campbell is a Democrat and holds membership in the American Legion, Chamber of Commerce, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America, Woodmen's Circle, and Modern Brotherhood of America. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Hon. Robert F. Kaser.—High achievement marks the career of Robert F. Kaser, of Sidney, Ohio, who is serving as a member of the House of Representatives from this district. He is also interested in the general insurance and investment business at 1092 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Sidney. Mr. Kaser was born in this city, August 27, 1897, the son of Frank R. and Laura (Elliott) Kaser. Frank R. Kaser is a native of Sidney, born March 17, 1871. He was educated in the public schools and began his business career with the Anderson Wheel & Spoke Company, with which he was identified until 1908. He then entered the employ of the American Steel Scraper Company. He is now employed by the city schools as custodian of Sidney High School. Mr. Kaser is a Democrat, a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife was born at Port Jefferson, Ohio. September 11, 1873. Their children are: 1. Ruth Marie, married Homer Stang, lives at Sidney. 2. Robert F., the subject of this sketch. 3. Frederick R., who is deputy auditor of Shelby County. 4. Mildred, who died in 1912. The boyhood of Robert F. Kaser was spent at Sidney, where he attended the public schools. He spent one year at Miami University following his graduation from Sidney High School in 1916, after which he entered the First National Bank at Sidney in a clerical capacity. During 1917-18 he was assistant to the manager of the American Steel Scraper Company, and in the latter year enlisted in the Student Army Training Corps at Miami University. He was discharged December 24, 1918, and immediately went to Detroit, Michigan, as a security salesman for the Detroit Finance Company. Two years later he returned to Sidney as proprietor of the Tri-State Coal Company, and in 1924 was appointed assistant secretary of the Chamber of Commerce at Marion, Indiana. He was secretary of the Chamber of Commerce at St. Mary's, Ohio, during 1928, and in that year was appointed secretary and treasurer of the Uni-Flow Stoker Company at Sidney. When the business was sold to the Cleveland Stoker Company in 1930, Mr. Kaser organized the Stoker Equipment Company, with which he was identified until 1932. In that year he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1093 Since January, 1933, he has conducted an insurance and investment business at Sidney, with offices at 122 North Ohio Street. As a legislator, Mr. Kaser took a prominent part in opposition against the general sales tax during 1933, and was among those successful in preventing its enactment. He was an ardent supporter of the Old Age Pension and Unemployment Insurance measures and was instrumental in the House in obtaining the passage of the resolution for the reduction of real estate taxes from fifteen to ten mills. He has proven himself in favor of the masses of the people and an enemy of the professional lobbyist. Mr. Kaser was married June 28, 1933, to Miss Carrie Lutterbeck, of New Knoxville, Ohio, the daughter of George and Magdalene (Kuck) Lutterbeck. Both are natives of Washington Township, Auglaize County, and reside near New Knoxville. Politically, Mr. Kaser is a Democrat, and resigned as a member of the city council to assume the duties of state representa-tive. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and belongs to Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Phi Delta Kappa fraternities, being past national president of the latter organization. He also belongs to the Sidney Kiwanis Club and American Legion. Mr. Kaser is a first lieutenant of Company I, 148th Infantry, Ohio National Guard. Elsworth Burden, of Wapakoneta, is well and favorably known throughout Auglaize County as a saw mill owner and operator at Wapakoneta. He was born in Duchouquet Township, Auglaize County, March 23, 1866, the son of John M. and Rachael (Bechdolt) Burden. John M. Burden was a Civil War veteran. Both he and his wife were natives of Pennsylvania. They settled in Ohio in early life and lived on a farm in Pusheta Township. Later Mr. Burden followed the trade of cabinet maker. He became the owner of a large saw mill at VVapakoneta in 1894, and was identified with its 1094 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO operation until 1917, when he sold the business to his son, Elsworth Burden, and retired. He died in 1925 and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. Mr. Burden was a Republican and served as councilman of the Second Ward. He held membership in the English Lutheran Church and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. He served as a member of the 180th Ohio Volunteer Infantry throughout the Civil War. Mr. Burden married (first) Miss Rachel Bechdolt, who died in 1878, leaving the following children : Elsworth, the subject of this sketch; William; Luella; and Fred. He married (second) Miss Hannah Kentner, a native of Union Township, Auglaize County. She died in 1923 and is buried at Wapakoneta. Their children were: Emil, Stella, Pearl, Harley, Gerald, and Myrtle. Elsworth Burden spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Duchouquette Township, and attended the public school of Wapakoneta. After his marriage in 1886 he rented a farm in Union Township and resided there until 1896. He then became identified with his father's saw mill business, and in 1908 engaged in the lumber business at Wapakoneta, as a buyer and shipper of timber. He purchased his father's mill in 1916, in partnership with his brother, Fred Burden, and they have continued as owners to the present time. They also operate a mill at New Bremen. Mr. Burden specializes in heavy timber for construction work, and also does custom sawing. On March 27, 1886, Mr. Burden married Miss Anna Morris of Union Township, Auglaize County, the daughter of Henry and Helena (Hartung) Morris. They are natives of Union Township and reside at St. Johns. There are ten children in the Burden family: 1. John Henry, who died in infancy. 2. Effie, married Vernon Kentner, lives at Wapakoneta. 3. Harry, associated in business with his father. 4. Emma, married Anthony Eckensweiler, lives at Dayton. 5. Ferdinand, lives at Wapakoneta. 6. Della, who died in infancy. 7. Antoinette, married Dewey Harshbarger, lives at South Bend, Indiana. 8. Luther Martin, lives at HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1095 Wapakoneta. 9. Marie, at home. 10. Lena, married Conrad Veit, lives a Wapakoneta. Politically Mr. Burden is a Republican, and he has served as a member of the city council for four years. He and his family are members of the English Lutheran Church. Walter Brookhart.—Associated with the firm of Siferd & Brookhart, funeral directors, Mr. Brookhart is recognized as one of the dependable and highly successful young business men of Wapakoneta. He was born at Lima, Ohio, June 11, 1903, the son of Clarence W. and Mabel (Ballinger) Brookhart. Clarence W. Brookhart was born in Allen County, Ohio. He was reared and educated there, and as a young man learned the machinist trade. He spent some time in the employ of the Lake Erie Railroad Company, at Lima, and later was employed by the Lima Locomotive Works, and the Solar Refining Company, at Lima. He died in February, 1931, and is buried at Lima. His widow was born in Logan County, and now resides at Lima. Mr. Brookhart was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Order of American Mechanics. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Brookhart was Walter, the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of Walter Brookhart was spent in Lima, where he was educated. He is a graduate of South High School, class of 1921, and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Ohio Wes-leyan University in 1926. In January, 1931, he completed a course of study at the Columbus Training School for Embalmers. During his early business career he was identified with the Detroit Timkin Axle Company, at Detroit, Michigan, and later was a bookkeeper in the offices of the Cleavenger Auto Sales Company, at Lima. He was superintendent of schools at Cridersville, Ohio, during 1928-29, and in the latter year came to Wapakoneta as a partner in the undertaking business of Ralph A. Siferd, who had 1096 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO previously been associated with his father, D. A. Siferd. The firm of D. A. Siferd & Son was one of the leading funeral establishments in West Central Ohio, and the newly organized partnership of Siferd & Brookhart has continued the original policies in business. On October 19, 1927, Mr. Brookhart was united in marriage with Miss Luella Siferd, born at Wapakoneta, December 18, 1903, the daughter of David A. and Nettie (McClintock) Siferd. The former died in November, 1928, and the latter resides at Lima. Mr. and Mrs. Brookhart have a daughter, Elizabeth Anne, born August 18, 1928. Mr. Brookhart is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic and Elk Lodges, Modern Woodmen of America, and Kappa Sigma fraternity. Samuel Henry Sibert, M. D., is one of the best known physi-cians and surgeons of Auglaize County, and is engaged in prac-tice at Wapakoneta. He was born at St. Marys, Ohio, April 13, 1858, the son of James F. and Catherine Ann Marie (Brandenburg) Sibert. James F. Sibert, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1826, and received his education in the district schools. He taught school at Uniopolis and St. Mary's, and during the summer months engaged in farm-ing in Auglaize County. In 1863 he enlisted for service in the Civil War as a member of Company D, 180th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After the close of the war Mr. Sibert located in Linn County, Missouri, where he taught school for 20 years. He then owned and operated a stock farm in Texas until his retirement. Mr. Sibert was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Epis-copal Church and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Grand Army of the Republic. He died in March, 1905, and is buried in Huffsmith, Texas. His wife was born at HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1097 St. Marys, April 28, 1836, and died December 17, 1916, and is buried at Elmgrove Cemetery St. Mary's, Ohio. Their children were: 1. Samuel Henry, the subject of this sketch. 2. Albert A., who died in 1888. 3. Joseph Franklin, retired, lives at Toledo, Ohio. 4. Rosalia, died in infancy. 5. Verne T., lives at Clarksville, Arkansas. Catherine Ann (Brandenburg) Sibert was the daughter of Henry T. and Elizabeth (Benner) Brandenburg. He was born in Frederick County, Maryland, January 31, 1805, and at the age of 15 years settled at Dayton, Ohio, with his parents. He removed to St. Mary's in 1833 and was employed there as a clerk in the tavern of John Pickrell and Samuel Statler. Following his marriage he engaged in the general mercantile business at St. Marys until 1855, after which he operated a farm near there until 1871. In the latter year he retired and returned to St. Mary's, where he died February 16, 1891. His eldest son, Christian Branden-burg, was a soldier during the Civil War, and died in the service at Camp Nelson, Kentucky. After his graduation from Lima High School in 1878, Samuel Henry Sibert entered Ohio Eclectic Medical College at Cincin-nati. He also studied at Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, and was graduated from Starling Medical College at Columbus in 1881. He spent the following year in private practice at St. Mary's, and during 1882-1925 carried on a successful practice at Freyburg, Ohio. He has been located at Wapakoneta since 1925 and is prominent throughout Auglaize County as a successful surgeon. He was coroner of Auglaize County from 1902 until 1918. Dr. Sibert is a prominent member of the Auglaize County Medical Society, Ohio State, and American Medical, and Eclectic Medical Associations. He is also a fellow of the American Col-lege of Surgeons. In 1884 Dr. Sibert was united in marriage with Miss Flora C. Katterheinrich, who was born at New Knoxville, Ohio, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Weirville) Katterheinrich. He died 1098 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO while in service during the Civil War and is buried at New Knoxville. His widow died in 1921. To Doctor and Mrs. Sibert were born three children : 1. Cleola Rosina Catherine, born January 8, 1892, married Charles Frech, lives at Wapakoneta. They have a daughter, Shirley, who married Charles Weisner, of Wapakoneta. 2. Aldo Verne, born September 5, 1896, a graduate of Starling Medical College, now engaged in the practice of medicine at West Palm Beach, Florida. He served during the World War with the rank of captain, U. S. Medical Corps, and later became major, and is now a colonel. He was discharged with that rank at the age of 26 years. He married Miss Mildred Mumauh, of Lima. 3. LaVera Mildred Elizabeth, born January 1, 1901, married Philander R. Sammetinger, a World War veteran, lives near Freyburg, Ohio. They have three children : Howard William, Neil Henry, and Alice Catherine. Dr. Sibert is a Democrat, a member of the English Lutheran Church and is affiliated with the Masonic, Elk and Eagle Lodges. During the World War Dr. Sibert served as a first lieutenant in the Medical Corps, U. S. Army and was stationed at Camp Sherman, Ohio. John R. Coffin.—Prominent throughout Auglaize County, and highly esteemed, is John R. Coffin, who is probate judge and judge of juvenile court, at Wapakoneta. He was born in Wayne Town-ship, Auglaize County, November 17, 1888, the son of Howard C. and Lenora (Parkins) Coffin. Howard C. Coffin was born on a farm near Lima, Ohio, and his wife was a native of Wayne Township, Auglaize County. She died in 1913 and is buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Goshen Township, Auglaize County. Her father was John A. Parkins, a native of Virginia, who was among the earliest settlers of Allen County. He served throughout the Civil War as a member of the 81st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in action. He then HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1099 returned to Allen County and after a number of years became a resident of Wayne Township, Auglaize County. He was a Demo-crat and served as sheriff of Allen County. He held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. Howard C. Coffin spent many years as a farmer and also conducted a general mercantile establishment at New Hampshire. He purchased the business of H. S. Chapman, at that place, and was successfully identified with the business interests of New Hampshire until his retirement in 1932. He sold his store in that year to C. E. Wilt, and has since lived retired. Mr. Coffin has always been an ardent Prohibitionist and holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Masonic Lodge. To Mr. and Mrs. Coffin were born four children: 1. John R., the subject of this sketch. 2. Cecil B., married Burleigh Howell, lives at Waynesfield, Ohio. 3. Nina E., nurse, connected with Battle Creek Sanitarium, at Battle Creek, Michigan. 4. Nelva, unmarried, lives at New Hampshire. The boyhood of John R. Coffin was spent in Wayne and Goshen Townships and he attended the public schools of Waynesfield and New Hampshire. He was graduated from Wayne high school in 1905. He attended Defiance College and Bliss Business College, at Columbus. He also studied law at the American Extension University of Chicago, Ill., and during 1907-12 was a teacher in the public schools of Goshen Township, and at the high school at New Hampshire. He served as principal of the Second Ward School at Wapakoneta during 1912-13, and during the following five years was superintendent of District No. 3 in Auglaize County. In the latter year he became associated with the oil business of Neely & Clover, at St. Mary's, as an accountant, and in 1919 was transferred by the company to Winchester, Kentucky. He returned to the St. Mary's office in 1922, and in April, 1926, was appointed probate judge by Governor Donahey, to fill an unexpired term. He was then elected to the office in November, 1928, and reelected in 1932. On December 23, 1909, Mr. Coffin was united in marriage with Miss Besse L. Morris, who was born in Goshen Township, Aug-