1150 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO and belongs to Elks Lodge, Order of Red Men, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and F. O. Eagles. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heil: 1. Minnie, married John Tohle, lives at Lima. 2. Ernest J., the subject of this sketch. 3. Emma, married Amos Long, lives at Lima. 4. Carl A., lives at Lima. 5-6. Herman and Wilbur, both died June 29, 1909. Ernest J. Heil has always lived in Lima. He is a graduate of the public schools and attended Lima Business College. Until 1920 he was identified with the South Side Building & Loan Association as assistant secretary. He then spent three years in road construction work as a member of the firm of Stone & Heil. The company completed highway contracts on U. S. Route No. 25 be-tween Cridersville and Lima; U. S. Route No. 22, between Fos-toria and Fremont; Route No. 68, between Sidney and Port Jefferson; and U. S. Route No. 6, between Napoleon and Bryan. Since 1923 Mr. Heil has successfully carried on the contracting business which was established by his father. He is the owner of the Val Heil & Son, dealers in coal and cut stone. On December 31, 1914, Mr. Heil was united in marriage with Miss Anna Hoegner, born at Lima, May 24, 1891, the daughter of Fred and Mary (Scheffler) Hoegner; both were born in Germany. The former resides at Lima and the latter died in 1924. To Mr. and Mrs. Heil have been born three children: 1. Eugene Richard, born July 22, 1916. 2. Robert Fred, born February 14, 1923. 3. Anna Elizabeth, born May 24, 1927. Mr. Heil is a Democrat and served as city commissioner from January 1, 1930, to January 1, 1934. He and his family are active members of the First Reformed Church, and he is affiliated with, the Masonic Lodge; Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; B. P. O. Elks, and Shawnee Country Club. Mr. Heil is a director of the Citizens Loan and Building Company, director of the Shawnee Finance Company, and also a director in the Better Business Bureau and Credit Bureau of Lima. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1151 He was chosen by Mr. F. S. Callander, who is manager of the R. F. C., Federal Reserve District of Cleveland, to represent him in the first annual stockholders' meeting of the National Bank of Lima, which was held January 9, 1934, at Lima, Ohio. Joseph P. Ingmire, M. D., is numbered among the successful young professional men of Morrow County, and is engaged in practice at Mt. Gilead. He was born at Union Furnace, Hocking County, Ohio, June 23, 1906, the son of Albert and Caddie (Bowen) Ingmire. Albert Ingmire is a well known resident of Union Furnace, where he is interested in the oil business. Both he and his wife are natives of that place. He is a Republican and holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Ingmire were born five children: 1. Dr. Bernard E., physician, lives at Plain City, Ohio. 2. Dr. Joseph P., the subject of this sketch. 3. Ruth. 4. Kathryn. 5. Elizabeth. All live at home. Joseph P. Ingmire acquired his early education in the public schools and is a graduate of Logan's High School. He attended the College of Medicine, Ohio State University, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine there in 1932. After serving as interne at St. Francis Hospital, Columbus, Dr. Ingmire established his present practice at Mt. Gilead in May, 1933. He is physician for the Morrow County Home, and holds membership in the Morrow County Medical Society, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations. In July, 1933, Dr. Ingmire was united in marriage with Miss Alice Atkinson, of Cambridge, Ohio, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Atkinson. Dr. Ingmire is a member of the Kiwanis Club, and belongs to Phi Rho Sigma fraternity. Dr. Ingmire is a first lieutenant in the U. S. Medical Reserve Corps. 1152 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO C. A. Rusler, who now is serving his second term as Allen County auditor, is a descendant of one of the earliest pioneer families of Ohio, and a member of the Rusler family which for three generations has done much to bring Shawnee Township into the public limelight. Mr. Rusler, who is known as "Bert" to all his friends and even the most casual of acquaintances, was born in the family home in Shawnee Township, Allen County, about six miles west of Lima on the Fort Amanda road. The appellation of "Bert" was attached to him in his school days, and he has carried it through an unusually varied career as farmer, school teacher, justice of the peace, Allen County school examiner, and county auditor. To say that Mr. Rusler is an intellectual product of the "little red school house," so much a part of history of his beloved community in which he was reared, by no means does him justice. He is of genial personality, always ready to aid a friend, a staunch believer in efficiency whether it be in the field of agriculture or in bookkeeping in his court house office. His physical bulk belies his dynamic disposition. He is perpetually on the go, seeking new data, becoming acquainted with new methods, displaying an eagerness to discuss this or that new idea in his quest for fact and truth. He is distinctly a "progressive" in his undertakings, busy each day keeping pace with the trend of modern times. Mr. Rusler is justifiably recognized as one of the best informed men in Allen County in regard to new movements that in any manner would interest the farmer, the taxpayer or the man who would be a good and substantial citizen. True to his unselfishness, he does not lay personal claim to the development of what praiseworthy characteristics he may possess. Mostly he attrib-utes such to the faithful, understanding and loyal support of his wife. Whatever his gains, accomplishments, or optimistic outlook for the future, he credits to her. An omission of the foregoing personal portrait of Mr. Rusler would be a grave injustice because the man is vitally alive, emanating the sociability of the age, and the counterpart of contagious enthusiasm. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1153 He was born November 28, 1877, the son of William and Anna (McClintock) Rusler, and throughout his 56 years has scrupulously watched and then reaped harvests from the 60 acre tract that was a part of the original farm, acquired by his grandfather, Philip Rusler, in 1847, and which later was tilled by his father, the late Hon. William Rusler, who so well represented Allen County in the State Legislature, 1894-96. Although always prominently identified with the farming industry, "Bert" nevertheless found a calling in the school room after having studied nearly two years at Ohio Northern University in Ada. He taught school in Shawnee Township for 24 years. Shortly after reaching his majority he was elected justice of the peace in his township. During his two terms on the rural bench he was noted for his square deal policy, and innate ambition to see justice done regardless of the consequences. Taking further note of his political heritage, Mr. Rusler successfully entered the field for the office of Shawnee Township clerk in 1910, and served two terms at this post. In 1912 he was appointed county school examiner, and his two years' experience in this position provided him with a rich background for the next two public offices he was to hold—those of deputy county auditor in 1914, and county auditor in 1926. He resigned his post as examiner to take the position as county auditor. Mr. Rusler was married June 11, 1903, to Maude M. Zurmehly, the daughter of P. F. and Alice Zurmehly. Two children were born of this union. They are Charles A. Rusler, Jr., who is married and lives at 414 North Woodlawn avenue in Lima, and who is now principal of the Cridersville High School. The other is Miss Kathryn Rusler, who lives at home and is a teacher in the Shawnee Centralized school. Mr. Rusler always has been active in all civic enterprises, and his wide interest in other fields is demonstrated by his fraternal and social affiliations. He is a member of Shawnee Grange; K. of P. Lodge, No. 91, Lima; the Modern Woodmen of America, and also an active member of the Lions Club of Lima. Mr. Rusler 1154 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO belongs to Trinity M. E. Church and is active in religious life of the community. His enviable record as auditor of Allen County influenced his appointment as general chairman of the Allen County Centennial three years ago. Clyde Allen LaDoyt Purmort.—A leading figure in the business affairs of Van Wert for many years and an influential citizen of the community is Clyde Allen LaDoyt Purmort, retired. He was president of the Central Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company, and also an officer in practically every insurance business in West Central Ohio. Mr. Purmort was born at Van Wert, November 2, 1865, the son of Minor LaDoyt and Fidelia S. (Watson) Purmort. Minor LaDoyt Purmort, deceased, was one of the founders of the Central Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company, organ-ized in 1876, and for many years he ranked among the leaders in the city's business, civic and social life. He was born at Jay, New York, April 16, 1834, and died at Van Wert, October 18, 1888. Mr. Purmort first lived in Delaware County, Ohio, and as a young man entered the mercantile business at Casey, Illinois, where he remained four years. He came to Van Wert about 1860 and conducted a general store here until the panic of 1873, at which time he lost his holdings. He then went with the Van Wert County Mutual Insurance Company as secretary and served in that capacity until 1876, when the Central Manufacturers Mutual In-surance Company was organized with Mr. Purmort as secretary. He held that office until the time of his death in 1888. Mr. Purmort was a Republican and had served as a member of the local board of education. He held membership in the Methodist Church, and was affiliated with Van Wert Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 218. His wife was born at Sunbury, Ohio, January 27, 1841, and is also deceased. They are buried at Van Wert. Their chil- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1155 dren were: 1. Frank Walworth, who died in 1908. 2. Sanford, who died in 1921. 3. Clyde A. L., the subject of this sketch. 4. Wayland R., married Mrs. G. A. Berger, lives at Van Wert. 5. Charles M., lives at Van Wert, where he is president of the Central Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company. 6. Ellen, unmarried, lives at Van Wert with her brother, Charles M. The Purmorts are directly descended from Philemon Purmort, who founded the first public school at Boston, Massachusetts, in 1643. It was called the "Boston Latin School," and a bronze tablet may be found there today, which marks the spot, in memory of its founder. Clyde Allen LaDoyt Purmort attended the public schools of Van Wert, and as a young man was interested in newspaper work, first as a local reporter on the Van Wert Bulletin, and later on the St. Louis Presbyterian Religious Newspaper, which was published at St. Louis, Missouri. He was assistant to the manager of the company for five years, and in 1890 resigned to enter the insurance business at Van Wert, as one of the founders of Purmort Brothers Insurance Company, a local agency which is still one of the leading insurance firms of the city. He was postmaster of the city from 1898 until 1906, and also was identified with the Central Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company from September, 1896. He succeeded to the presidency of the concern on July 24, 1908, and held that responsible position until his retire-ment, December 31, 1931. Mr. Purmort also was president of the General Mutual Life Insurance Company; president of the Ohio Underwriters Mutual Fire Insurance Company; vice president of the Lumberman's Mutual Casualty Company; president of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies; president of the Ohio Millers Mutual Insurance Company; chairman of the board of directors of the National Retailers Mutual Insurance Companies; vice president and later president of the Federation of Mutual Insurance Company; president of the National Association of the Automotive Mutual Insurance Company; and a director of the American Mutual Alliance. 1156 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO On October 19, 1892, Mr. Purmort was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Marie Gleason, born at Van Wert, March 15, 1871. She is the daughter of Francis W. and Elvira (Slade) Gleason, natives of Van Wert and New York, respectively. Both are deceased and are buried at Van Wert. Mrs. Purmort is a graduate of Van Wert High School and Oberlin College. She is past local regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution. To Mr. and Mrs. Purmort were born five children: 1. Louise Elvira, born August 27, 1893, died March 25, 1899. 2. Fidelia Marie, born August 5, 1895, married Roger Thompson of Van Wert, and they have two sons, Roger K. and James Purmort Thompson. 3. Grace Wayland, born November 10, 1899, married Robert K. Belt, of Chicago, Ill., and they have a son, Robert K. Jr. 4. Paul Walworth, born December 26, 1902, is assistant secretary of the Central Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company, Van Wert. He married Miss Dorothy Wells of Jacksonville, Florida, and they have two sons, Paul W. Jr., and Clyde Allen LaDoyt, II. 5. Marcia Ellen, at home. Politically Mr. Purmort is a Republican. He is a director of the Van Wert Foundation, president of the Van Wert Community Clearing House, and member of the Rotary Club. He is affiliated with Van Wert Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 218; Van Wert Chapter, No. 71; Van Wert Council; Ivanhoe Commandery, K. T.; and Knights of Pythias. Gus Owen Ickes is highly esteemed and widely known in Van Wert County, where he is identified with the Van Wert Hatch-eries, R. F. D. No. 3, Van Wert. He was born at Ohio City, Van Wert County, September 18, 1891, the son of Lew and Rose (Yahn) Ickes. Lew Ickes resides at Saginaw, Michigan. Both he and his wife were natives of Ohio City, Ohio. She died in 1911 and is buried there. As a young man Mr. Ickes conducted a meat busi- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1157 ness at Ohio City. He served as city marshal for a number of years and in 1920 purchased a farm on the outskirts of Saginaw, Michigan, where he resides. He is a Democrat, a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Ickes was Gus Owen, the subject of this sketch. Gus Owen Ickes attended the public schools of Ohio City and was graduated from high school there in 1909. He then attended Fort Wayne (Indiana) Business College, and began his business career in the freight offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at Fort Wayne. Later he was a bookkeeper in the Bowe Johnson Hardware Company, at Ohio City, after which he returned to Fort Wayne as cashier for the Fruit Dispatch, a subsidiary of the United Fruit Company. Mr. Ickes went to Dubuque, Iowa, after two years for the same company, and at the end of that time became a bookkeeper for his uncle, James Yahn, who operated the Ford Motor Company agency at Ohio City. He enlisted for service in the World War in April, 1917, at Lima, Ohio, and served as sergeant of Headquarters Company, Second Ohio Infantry, being later transferred to the 43rd Field Artillery. He was stationed at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, and was later sent to Del Rio, Texas, as a member of a cavalry unit. He was discharged at Camp Knox, December 23, 1918, and upon his return to Van Wert became sales manager for Mr. Yahn. In 1922 Mr. Ickes organized the Van Wert Hatcheries, and two years later erected his present hatchery which is located on the outskirts of Van Wert. He is interested in the following breeds of chickens: Barred and White Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, White Wyandottes, and Leghorns. He has an extensive business throughout the Middle West and operates incubators which have a capacity of 150,000 eggs. Mr. Ickes was married December 23, 1919, to Miss Olive Grosjean, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, born August 16, 1891, the daughter of Edward and Martha Grosjean. The former lives retired at 1158 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Fort Wayne, and the latter died in 1922. Mr. and Mrs. Ickes have a daughter, Martha Rose, born December 5, 1921. Mr. Ickes is affiliated with Ohio City Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 592; Van Wert Chapter, No. 71; Van Wert Council, No. 73, R. A. M.; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 54, K. T.; Scottish Rite, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R., Toledo; and Kosair Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Louisville, Kentucky. He also is a member of the American Legion, "40 and 8" Society, and the Y. M. C. A. Politically he is a Democrat. Charles E. Stadler, M . D., who has been engaged in successful practice at Lima during the past 20 years, is a native of Ohio. He was born near Urbana, Champaign County, October 19, 1863, the son of Louis and Dana (Klickow) Stadler. Louis Stadler and his wife were natives of Hanover, Germany, and died in 1910 and 1909 respectively. They are buried at Urbana. About 1850 they emigrated to the United States and settled in Champaign County, Ohio, where Mr. Stadler became a progressive farmer. He was a Democrat, a member of the German Lutheran Evangelical Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stadler: 1. Emma, lives on the homestead in Champaign County. 2. George W., retired, lives at Urbana. 3. Charles E., the subject of this sketch. 4. William, farmer, lives on the homestead. 5. Louis A., farmer, lives in Afton, Missouri. Charles E. Stadler attended the district schools of Champaign County and is a graduate of Nelson's Business College, at Springfield. He spent two years at Ohio Northern University, after which he entered Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, where he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1896. Dr. Stadler began his professional career at Harrison, Ohio, and later was located at West Cairo, until 1913, when he removed to Lima. He is a member of the Staffs of Saint Rita's and Memorial hospitals, HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1159 Lima, and holds membership in the Lima and Allen County Aca-demy of Medicine and the Ohio State, and American Medical Associations. On May 20, 1896, Doctor Stadler married Miss Oma J. Abbott, born in Champaign County, October 14, 1873, the daughter of William J. and Emma (Compton) Abbott. Mr. Abbott was born in Shelby County and died in 1923. His wife, a native of Virginia, died in 1917, and is buried at Urbana. To Doctor and Mrs. Stadler were born three children: 1. William L., born August 27, 1897, a graduate of the University of Michigan. He is identified with the brokerage firm of W. E. Moss & Company, at Detroit, Michigan. He married Miss Ruth Randall, of Detroit, and they have two children: Charles Edward and William R. 2. Ralph Abbott, born March 20, 1900, a graduate of the University of Michigan, now a civil engineer with the Ohio State Highway department, lives at Ottawa, Ohio. He married Miss Dorothy Bartholomew, of Detroit, and they have three children: Dorothy Jane, Daniel A., and John B. 3. Lois M., born March 14, 1904, a graduate of Wittenberg College, lives at home. Doctor Stadler is a Democrat and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree. Clarence R. Huffer.—Among the dependable young business men of Lima is Clarence R. Huffer, funeral director, of 519 West Market Street. He was born at Elida, Allen County, July 23, 1900, the son of George and Elizabeth (Rozelle) Huffer. George Huffer, who died in 1906, is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida. He was an electrical contractor and spent many years in business at Elida and Lima. He held membership in the Lutheran Church and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To George and Elizabeth (Rozelle) Huffer were born three children: 1. Clarence R., the subject of this sketch. 2. Edgar, D. D. S., lives at Toledo, Ohio. 3. Ruth, married Stanley A. Welker, lives 1160 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO at Lima. Elizabeth (Rozelle) Huffer was born in Pennsylvania, and now resides at Elida. She is the wife of William Beeler, and they are the parents of two children: 1. Willis, lives at Elida. 2. Ada, married Ernest John Moser, lives at Lima. Clarence R. Huffer is a graduate of the public schools at Elida, and for several years was employed in a clerical capacity at Elida and Lima. He was graduated from the Cincinnati Col-lege of Embalming in 1921, and was then associated with John J. Gilligan & Son, at Cincinnati, Ohio, for two years. In 1923 he went with the Earl Spivey Funeral Home, at Dayton, but on April 19, 1926, returned to Lima as a clerk in the Sills Shoe Store. He again entered the undertaking business here in October, 1931, as one of the owners of the Warren-Huffer Funeral Home, at 709 West High Street. He became sole owner of the establishment in October, 1932. He holds membership in the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. On June 16, 1920, Mr. Huffer was united in marriage with Miss Ruthela Preble, born at Lima, May 9, 1901, the daughter of Claude and Bertha (Brown) Preble, natives of Ohio, and resi-dents of Dayton. Mrs. Huffer is a graduate of Lima High School and the Ypsilanti State Teachers College, at Ypsilanti, Michigan. Before her marriage she was a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Huffer have a son, Robert Preble, born April 20, 1923. Politically, Mr. Huffer is a Democrat. He holds membership in the Central Church of Christ, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Lions Club. Harold L. Stelzer, M. D., has engaged in the practice of his profession at Lima during the past ten years, and is numbered among the capable young physicians of Allen County. He was born at Spencerville, Ohio, April 26, 1900, the son of Jacob and Glenzola (Coffman) Stelzer. Jacob Stelzer resides at Spencerville, where he is interested in the oil business. He is a native of Germany and has lived in HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1161 Allen County since boyhood. His wife was born at Spencerville. He is a member of the German Reformed Church and she belongs to the Baptist Church. Their children are : 1. Harold L., the subject of this sketch. 2. Mildred, married Ora Leis, lives at Spencerville. 3. Mary. 4. Myrtle. 5. Mabel. All live at home. After his graduation from Spencerville High School in 1917, Harold L. Stelzer entered Ohio State University where he re-ceived the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1923. He then served as interne for 15 months at the Lima City Hospital, and on July 15, 1924, established his private practice at Lima, with offices in the Steiner Building. Dr. Stelzer holds membership in the Lima and Allen County Academy of Medicine, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations, and is a member of the staffs of Saint Rita's and Memorial hospitals. On January 1, 1926, Dr. Stelzer was united in marriage with Miss Grace Jolley, born at Montpelier, Indiana, September 13, 1903, the daughter of Ralph and Flossie (Bonham) Jolly. They are natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively, and live at Lima. Mrs. Stelzer is a graduate of Lima Central High School and Lima City Hospital. Doctor and Mrs. Stelzer have a son, Harold L., Jr., born April 17, 1928. Politically Doctor Stelzer is independent. He and his wife are members of the First Baptist Church. Dieter Stelzer, who is president of the Stelzer Furniture Company, is among the most progressive business men of Lima. He was born in Germany, April 28, 1879, the son of John and Cather-ine (Grist) Stelzer. John Stelzer and his wife were natives of Germany, and died in 1893 and 1903, respectively. They are buried at Spencerville. The family emigrated to the United States in 1881 and settled at Spencerville, Ohio. Mr. Stelzer was a Democrat and held mem-bership in the First Reformed Church. There were 15 children in the Stelzer family, six of whom survive. 1162 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO The education of Dieter Stelzer was received in the public schools of Spencerville, and as a boy he was employed in the Spencerville Stave Factory. Later, he worked in the Kolter Mill, at Spencerville, for a salary of $14.00 per month, plus a supply of flour for his family. At the age of 15 years he worked in the oil fields of Northwestern Ohio in different capacities. Mr. Stelzer had various employment during his early life, and since 1909 has been interested in the transfer business. He located at 401-11 Findlay Road in 1928 and in that year also established a retail furniture business. His trucking business extends over a large radius of the state, and at the present time he operates five large motor trucks. He is a director of the Ohio Association of Com-mercial Haulers, and is chairman of the local association of Ohio Highway Users Association, which includes Paulding, Putnam, Hancock, Van Wert, Allen, Harding, Mercer, Auglaize, Logan and Shelby counties. On June 30, 1900, Mr. Stelzer was united in marriage with Miss Ada Hammond, born in Franklin County, Ohio, June 29, 1876, the daughter of David and Mary (Gatton) Hammond. They are natives of Franklin County, and reside near Columbus Grove, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Stelzer have no children, but have adopted and reared Richard Baughman. Politically, Mr. Stelzer is independent. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, B. P. O. Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, the Macca-bees, and Lions Club. Edward Foster Fields.—Active and progressive in the business affairs of Lima is Edward F. Fields, who is the proprietor of a commercial blue print business at 304 West Market Street. He was born here, January 4, 1900, the son of William F. and Orpha (Lindsay) Fields. William F. Fields lives retired at Lima. He is a native of Marion County, as is his wife. His early life was spent in that HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1163 section and he attended Ohio Northern University, at Ada. As a young man he became a telegraph operator for the Erie Railroad Company, and after 20 years in that service, he spent 10 years as general freight agent for both the Ohio Electric and Western Ohio Railroad Companies, at Lima. He next was appointed assistant secretary of the Lima Water Works, and served in that capacity for 19 years. He has lived retired since 1928. Mr. Fields is a Republican, a member of the First Baptist Church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fields: 1. Edward Foster, the subject of this sketch. 2. Harry P., identified with the Lima Telephone & Telegraph Company, at Lima. After his graduation from South High School, Lima, in 1918, Edward Foster Fields attended Carnegie Institute of Technology at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for three years. During 1918-23 he represented several Lima business firms as a traveling salesman, and in the latter year became identified with the blue print department, Ohio State Highway Department. Two years later he established his own business in the city of Lima. On August 23, 1926, Mr. Fields was united in marriage with Miss Gladys Clevenger, born at Lima, January 4, 1902, the daughter of Gustave F. and Adelia (Remackle) Clevenger, natives of Ohio. The former resides at Tiffin and the latter died in 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Fields have two children: 1. Rita Jean. 2. William A. Mr. Fields is a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and belongs to the Lions Club, and Chamber of Commerce. His wife is a member of St. John's Catholic Church. R. L. Triplett—As president and general manager of the Readrite Meter Works, and president and treasurer of the Triplett Electrical Instrument Company, at Bluffton, Mr. Triplett has taken a prominent and important part in the business affairs 1164 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO of West Central Ohio for a number of years. He was born at Bluffton, Allen County, November 13, 1883, the son of Will A. and Mabel (Spooner) Triplett. Will A. Triplett is a native of Ohio, born at Newark, Licking County. His wife was born at Plain City, Ohio, and died in 1889. He was educated in the district schools and for many years has been a successful business man of Bluffton, where he is the proprietor of a commercial photographic studio. He formerly conducted the same type of business at Plain City, Ohio. Mr. Triplett is a Republican, and has served as city clerk. He and his family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel-lows. To Mr. and Mrs. Triplett were born three children: 1. Mor-ris L., who died in 1908. 2. R. L., the subject of this sketch. 3. Cleon A., who is identified with the Readrite Meter Works, at Bluffton. R. L. Triplett is a graduate of Bluffton High School, class of 1902. He also attended night courses at the Lewis Institute and Central Y. M. C. A., at Chicago, Ill. He then became a laboratory assistant at the Jewell Electrical Instrument Company, at Chicago, and in 1904 went with the International Electrical Meter Company. During the same year Mr. Triplett came to Bluffton and at that time organized the Readrite Meter Works, manufacturers of electrical measuring instruments. The company operated as a joint stock company until 1911, and in that year Mr. Triplett was elected general manager, and the business was merged with the Diller Manufacturing Company. He has since been president and general manager. The company products are sold throughout the world and rank high in the field of accurate electrical equipment. Approximately 133 men are employed. The company also operates an industrial training school under the Smith-Hughes Act, with the direct supervision of the Bluffton High School. Mr. Triplett was married on June 8, 1916, to Miss Etta Mabel Lantz, born at Bloomington, Illinois, February 12, 1890, the daugh- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1165 ter of Milo P. and Lydia (Ropp) Lantz, natives of Illinois. Mr. Lantz resides in Oregon. His wife died in 1927 and is buried near Bloomington, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Triplett are the parents of four children: 1. Margaret Mabel, born September 15, 1917. 2. Milo Morris, born January 25, 1919. 3. William Ropp, born September 25, 1920. 4. Barbara Jean, born July 25, 1925. Mr. Triplett is a Republican and has been a member of the Board of Public Affairs in Bluffton. His family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. Rev. Otto Mueller.—A leader in the religious and educational life of Mercer County and West Central Ohio, is Reverend Mueller, who is superior of Saint Mary's Seminary, at Burkettsville. He was born at Neuenburg, Baden, Germany, February 20, 1893, the son of Conrad Mueller. Conrad Mueller was born in Baden, Germany, in 1859, and died there in 1926. He was connected with the courts of Baden practically throughout his life and was a representative citizen of his community. He and his wife were the parents of 13 children, of whom Otto, the subject of this sketch, was the fourth in order of birth. After receiving his early education in his native land, Otto Mueller emigrated to the United States in 1906 and came immediately to Mercer County, Ohio, where he located with relatives. He completed his early schooling and later studied at Rensselaer, Indiana, being a member of the college graduation class of 1913. He then entered Saint Charles Seminary, at Carthagena, Ohio, where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1918. Upon his return to Burkettsville, Father Mueller became an instructor at Saint Mary's Seminary, as a teacher of economy. He assumed the duties of superior of the institution in 1931, and still serves in that capacity. 1166 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Saint Mary's Preparatory Seminary.—For half a century this institution has served as a novitiate and preparatory seminary of the Society of the Precious Blood, and it has gained a national reputation in the Middle West as a superior educational center. It is located at Burkettsville in Mercer County. In 1884 the Society of the Precious Blood acquired an extensive farm one and one-half miles northeast of Burkettsville, in southern Mercer County. The original farm house on the place served the purpose of a convent for the little community that established itself there at that time. Almost immediately, however, a large frame building was erected to accommodate the steadily increasing enrollment, and it was later enlarged several more times. A residence was built for the Sisters of the Precious Blood, who were in charge of the culinary department, refectory, etc. In 1893 another substantial three-story brick building was erected on the campus. The seminary has served as a preparatory school for postulates, and its courses covered the first two years of High School. At the completion of this course at Burkettsville, the students are transferred to St. Joseph's College, at Collegeville, Indiana, and later to Saint Charles Seminary, at Carthagena, where they are ordained to the holy priesthood. In 1919 the superior of the Society determined to develop the novitiate school at Burkettsville into a preparatory seminary, and from that date to 1931 it has been thus used. A splendid new building has recently been built, and this houses the dormitory and gymnasium. The following list names the superiors of Saint Mary's Novitiate and Preparatory Seminary and their terms of service: Rev. William Russ, February, 1884, until April, 1890; Rev. Joseph Heitz, April, 1890, until January, 1910; Rev. Francis X. Schalk, January, 1910, until January, 1916; Rev. Richard Schwietermann, January, 1916, until August, 1919; Rev. Didacus Brackman, August, 1919, until July 1925; Rev. Francis Beuke, July, 1925, HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1167 until July, 1929; Rev. Aloysius Brunswick, July, 1929 until June, 1930; Rev. Eugene Omlor June, 1930, until October, 1931; and Rev. Otto Mueller, October, 1931, until the present time. All are members of the Society of the Precious Blood. Herman J. Dues is well known in financial circles in Mercer County as the efficient assistant cashier of The First National Bank at Celina. He was born at Philothea, Ohio, May 18, 1891, the son of Barney and Elizabeth (Windker) Dues. Barney Dues was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, April 18, 1852, and died in 1932. He is buried at Philothea. Throughout his life Mr. Dues was interested in general farming and also owned and operated sawmills in Mercer County. He was married in 1881 to Miss Elizabeth Windker, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Lennertz) Windker, of Cincinnati. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom Herman J., the subject of this sketch, was the sixth. Barney Dues was the son of George Dues, who came to Mercer County from Cincinnati with his family in 1857. He was a farmer and died in 1900. He is buried at Philothea. Following his graduation from the public schools of Coldwater in 1910, Herman J. Dues taught school there and during the summer months attended Miami University at Oxford. In 1913 he entered the offices of Probate Judge of Mercer County as an assistant, and remained there until 1917. During the following year he was assistant state examiner, auditing city accounts and inspecting city department records. He was inducted into service during the World War but was rejected on account of physical disability. He went with the Knights of Columbus, as general secretary and served in that capacity until August, 1919. Upon his return to Celina he accepted the position of deputy clerk of court in Mercer County. He has been identified with the First National Bank of Celina since March, 1920, and at the pres-ent time is assistant cashier and director of that institution. 1168 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO In November, 1919, Mr. Dues was united in marriage with Miss Kate Sauquinet, the daughter of Ferdinand and Mary J. (Woods) Sanquinet, of Pensacola, Florida. They are the parents of three children: 1. Paul S., born in November, 1920. 2. Donald E., born in July, 1923. 3. Betty Jane, born in March, 1927. Mr. Dues is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, and Fraternal Order of Eagles, of which he is treasurer. He is past president of the Lions Club of Celina and belongs to the American Legion. Mr. Dues is the owner of a fine farm in Liberty Township, Mercer County, and also has a summer home at Highland Park, which is two and one-half miles east of Celina. The family residence is at 220 West Livingston Street, Celina. Horace E. Gray.—Identified with the real estate business in the city of Dayton for many years, Horace E. Gray is numbered among the representative business men of Montgomery County. He was born in Piqua County, Ohio, December 1, 1886, the son of Terry A. and Ella J. (Pinkerton) Gray. His father was born in Piqua County and in early life settled at Washington Court House, Fayette County. He was a successful farmer until his death in 1928. His wife was born in Fayette County. Following his graduation from the public schools of Washington Court House, Horace E. Gray attended Stivers High School at Dayton, where he specialized in commercial work. He then became associated with the National Cash Register Company, and after several years engaged in the real estate business in the offices of the Wright Realty Company, at Dayton. He served as sales manager for that company for ten years, and in 1925 established a business of his own which he has since conducted under the name of Horace E. Gray, realtor, with offices at 801-04 Third National Bank Building. He is a specialist in business properties and also has been active in the development of Oak- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1169 wood and Dayton View. He is a director of the Dayton Real Estate Board and holds membership in the Ohio Real Estate Board, and National Association of Real Estate Boards. In 1912 Mr. Gray married Miss Bertha Briggs, of Washington Court House. She died in 1927. Their children were: Jane, Eugene B., and Robert C. Mr. Gray is a member of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, a charter member of the Civitian Club, of which he is also past president, Miami Valley Golf Club, charter member of the Moraine Park Country Club, Nomad Club, Noontide Club, Y. M. C. A., Dayton Automobile Club, and Young Men's Athletic Club. He is a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge, being affiliated with Dayton Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 147; Victory Chapter, R. A. M.; Reese Council, R. & S. M.; Dayton Commandery; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; and Washington Court House Lodge, B. P. O. Elks. In politics Mr. Gray is independent. He is actively identified with the Childrens Bureau of Dayton, of which he has served as treasurer and vice president. Charles Hugh Murlin.—As postmaster of Celina, Charles Hugh Murlin is a well known figure in the social, civic and fraternal life of Mercer County. He was born in Mercer County, October 20, 1859, the son of John H. and Amelia Jane (Shepherd) Murlin. John H. Murlin was a veteran of the Civil War, being a member of the 56th Ohio Volunteer Infantry for two years. He was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, November 15, 1838, and died in August, 1873. During his entire life Mr. Murlin was interested in general farming and spent many years in Mercer County. He was married July 4, 1850, to Miss Amelia Jane Shepherd, the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Upton) Shepherd, of Mercer County. They were the parents of ten children. 1170 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO John H. Murlin was a direct descendant of John Murlin, who was born in the parish of St. Stephen, Cornwall, England, in 1722. He was a minister and one of a group of 100 men who founded the Methodist Church in association with John Wesley. John H. Murlin, father of the subject of this sketch, was a brother of Rev. Orlando Murlin, a prominent pioneer minister of the Meth-odist Church in West Central Ohio. His son, Dr. L. H. Murlin, had been identified with Baker Methodist University, at Baldwin, Kansas, as president for many years, and later president of Boston Methodist University, Boston, Massachusetts, and later president of DePauw Methodist University at Greencastle, Indiana, and now lives retired at Wayland, Michigan. Charles Hugh Murlin attended the district schools of Mercer County and Valparaiso (Ind.) Normal School. He was graduated from Ohio Northern University and was a student at Fremont Normal School, at Fremont, Nebraska. He spent many years in the teaching profession, being identified with the schools of Mercer County, Nebraska, and Kansas. He taught at Baldwin, Kansas, during 1907-11; was professor at Arkansas Conference College, at Saloam Springs, Arkansas, for two years; member of the high school faculty at Dewey, Oklahoma, for one year; member of the faculty at Nowata, Oklahoma, for one year; city Superintendent of schools at Salisaw, Oklahoma, for three years; and city superintendent of schools at Gibson, Oklahoma, for two years. In 1912 he was awarded the degree of Master of Philosophy at Ohio Northern University. He also was identified with the schools of David City, Nebraska, as superintendent for two years, and had taught in the county schools there for four years. Mr. Murlin came to Celina in May, 1919, as a partner in the real estate business of his brother, L. M. Murlin. He received his present appointment as postmaster in 1921 and has continued in office to the present time. Mr. Murlin was married August 18, 1889, to Miss Alberta C. Hull, the daughter of James Hull, of Ness City, Kansas. They HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1171 have eight children: 1. Lucille, born June 3, 1890, a graduate of Baker University, where she specialized in the study of music. She married Herman W. Smith of Parsons, Kansas, and they have a son, Herman, Jr. 2. Lela, born February 26, 1892, also a graduate of Baker University, where she majored in the study of music. She has taken voice culture in New York City. She is the widow of Thomas McComb, attorney, and resides at Kansas City, Kansas. 3. Cecile, born December 26, 1894, a graduate of Baker University, Bachelor of Arts, married Gerald Preshaw, cost accountant, lives at Alhambra, California. They have a child, Jerry. 4. Marie, born July 4, 1896, a teacher of music in the public schools of Kansas City, Mo. 5. Charles, Jr., born Feb-ruary 4, 1898 a graduate of Talaqua (Oklahoma) Normal College, now the proprietor of a restaurant at Los Angeles, California. 6. James Ralph, born February 24, 1900, a World War veteran, now a member of the Celina post office department. 7. Nadine, born August 1, 1902, a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, married William H. Brinkmeyer, lives at Saint Marys. They have two children, William H., Jr., and Jean Ann. 8. Maxine, born August 21, 1904, married Harold G. Ricketts, lives at Celina, and they have a daughter, Ronda Lee. Mr. Murlin is a Republican, and is a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He also is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and for 36 years was a member of the Knights of Pythias. For many years he has been an ardent supporter of the Boy Scout movement in Mercer County, to which he has devoted much time and energy. He is a member of the National Association of Postmasters. Edward J. Hierholzer.—As cashier of the Commercial Bank Company, Mr. Hierholzer is recognized as one of the outstanding business executives of Celina and is widely known throughout the State of Ohio. He is a member of an honored pioneer family of 1172 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO this city. He was born here, July 18, 1874, the son of Conrad D. and Mary (Buscher) Hierholzer. Conrad D. Hierholzer, deceased, was president of the Commercial Bank Company, of Celina, and was identified with that institution for many years. He was born at New Riegal, Seneca County, February 17, 1850, and died July 1, 1920. As a boy he was brought to Mercer County by his parents, and he spent his youth on a farm. In 1873 he came to Celina where he engaged in the mercantile business, becoming the owner and manager of a large department store, with which he was identified for 35 years. He was elected vice president of the Commercial Bank in Janu-ary, 1911, and became president of the institution in January, 1915. He was a pioneer in the good road movement in Mercer County, and it was largely through his influence that the first good road was built along the west bank of the reservoir. Mr. Hierholzer was married in September, 1872, to Miss Mary Buscher, of Cincinnati. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Edward J., subject of this sketch, was the oldest. After his graduation from the parochial schools of Celina, Edward J. Hierholzer entered Notre Dame University at South Bend, Indiana, being a member of the class of 1896. In the mean-time he had been employed in the Commercial bank of Celina, and he has continued with that institution to the present time, being one of its incorporators in 1900. He was advanced from book-keeper to teller and later was made assistant cashier. He has been cashier of the bank since 1921. Mr. Hierholzer was married October 28, 1902, to Miss Mary Roemer, the daughter of Joseph A. Roemer, well known clothing merchant of Celina. They had two children: A daughter, born in 1903, died at the age of fifteen months. Louis Joseph, born August 28, 1920. Mr. Hierholzer has always been independent in politics. He is a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, and Celina Country Club. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1173 He is an enthusiastic golfer and has been prominent in amateur tournaments. During the World War Mr. Hierholzer was chairman of the Mercer County Liberty Loan Committee, and in that capacity received commendation and high recognition for his services rendered. His success in that capacity was especially outstanding because of the fact that the population of Mercer County is largely of German origin and it was feared that a pro-German sympathy might prevail. However, results gained by Mr. Hierholzer in his campaign work showed results to the contrary. The following letter was received by Mr. Hierholzer from the chairman of the Central Liberty Loan Committee: "The part played by you in the winning of the World War for America and her allies was a definite and valuable one. That victory for civilization could not have been achieved without the services of just the kind given by you. It is in testimony of that work, carried through in splendid manner and with unswerving loyalty, and in appreciation of the sacrifices often entailed in its performance that I express in the name of the Central Liberty Loan Committee the recognition of your active and effective patriotism. Signed D. C. Willy, Chairman." Mr. Hierholzer for the past 15 years has been identified closely with the banking interests of Ohio, having been a member of various committees of the Ohio Bankers Association. In December, 1933, he was selected as a member of the Ohio Bankers N. R. A. Committee, each member of the committee representing one of the nine groups making up the parent organization of the State. Mr. Hierholzer is chairman of the N. R. A. Committee of group two, consisting of eleven counties in the West Central part of Ohio. Mr. Hierholzer has written numerous articles on financial topics, and during the period of depression from 1929-33, in his article written for the papers on "Ups and Downs of Business during the Past Century," has closely defined business which runs 1174 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO in cycles. His articles have appeared in many publications in the United States. Rev. Othmar F. Knapke.—Among the highly esteemed and widely known citizens of Mercer County is Rev. Othmar F. Knapke, who is rector of Saint Charles Seminary, at Carthagena. He was born at Cranberry Prairie, Mercer County, Ohio, January 15, 1886, the son of Bernard J. and Anna (Vandenbosch) Knapke. Bernard J. Knapke, deceased, was a native of Mercer County. He was born at Cranberry Prairie in 1842. Throughout his life he engaged in general farming. He was married in 1865 to Miss Anna Vandenbosch, the daughter of Peter Vandenbosch, a native of Holland, and an early settler of Carthagena. They were the parents of ten children, the youngest being Othmar F., the sub-ject of this sketch. Bernard J. Knapke was the son of Bernard Knapke, a native of Germany, who came to this country in 1837 and settled in Mercer County. He became a successful farmer of Cranberry Prairie where he owned a tract of 80 acres, which he secured in a government land contract, which bore the signature of Martin Van Buren, at that time President of the United States. Bernard Knapke had two sons, and two daughters. He died in 1870 and is buried in Saint Henrys Cemetery. Othmar F. Knapke received his early education in the public schools at Cranberry Prairie, and in 1906 was graduated from St. Joseph's College, at Collegeville, Indiana, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then entered Saint Charles Seminary at Carthagena and prepared for the priesthood, being ordained there in 1911. He at once entered the graduate School of Philosophy at the Catholic University of America, at Washington, D. C. There he majored in the history of philosophy under the personal supervision of Doctor Turner. His minors were psychology and ethics under Doctor Pace and Doctor Fox, respec- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1175 tively. He also studied theories of knowledge, cosmology, and psychology of education. Upon his graduation in 1915, Rev. Dr. Knapke returned to Saint Charles Seminary as an instructor, and two years later be-came procurator. He served in the latter capacity until 1925 and in that year was electer rector or president of the seminary. St. Charles Seminary.—In 1861 Saint Charles Seminary, at Carthagena, was founded by Rev. Joseph Dwenger, who later served as the Bishop of Fort Wayne (Indiana) diocese. It was established by him as a seminary for the Fathers of the Precious Blood, and the new seminary was named Saint Charles Borromeo Theological Seminary. The history of this institution of learning dates back to the Emlen Institute, which was founded on the present site of Saint Charles Seminary as a manual training school for Negro and Indian boys. It was established in 1839 by Augustus Wattles. This territory, including Marion and Granville townships, in Mercer County, had originally been settled by Negroes who were former slaves from Cincinnati. Gradually, on account of hostility manifested toward the colored people by the white settlers of the re-gion, the negroes began selling their land and leaving the county until in 1857 the Emlen Institute, so named for Samuel Emlen, of New Jersey, who had left a sum of $20,000 for the education of Negro and Indian boys, for want of support, was sold to John C. Schmidt, of Greenville, Ohio. As mentioned above, the property was purchased in 1861 by Rev. Joseph Dwenger. This humble building was the original home of the superiors, students, and brothers, of the C. P. P. S., during 1860-76. Part of it was used as the chapel where the Carthagena parish also worshipped. In 1876 it was found necessary to erect a new and larger building to accommodate the ever increasing enrollment. A three-story building was built, which served the institution until 1922, when the present fireproof structure was erected. 1176 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO The present Seminary accommodates 100 students. Besides its beautiful chapel, it contains spacious lecture halls, study halls, professors' and missionaries' quarters, libraries, offices of the Society, and its archives. Exactly 100 private rooms are maintianed for the students of theology. The institution has a library of over 10,000 volumes. The basement is used as a printing establishment for the publication of "The Messenger" and "Botschafter," widely read magazines published by the Order during the past 40 years. The Seminary has in its possession 500 acres of land, 40 of which are maintained as parks, gardens, recreation grounds, etc. Willard Allison Montgomery.—One of the prominent young professional men of Logan County is Willard A. Montgomery, who is engineer and surveyor of Logan County, with offices at Bellefontaine. He was born at Huntsville, Logan County, March 24, 1891, the son of Dr. John S. and Kate C. (Allison) Montgomery. Dr. John S Montgomery, deceased, was a successful and widely known physician and surgeon of Logan County for many years. He was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1861, and died in 1919. As a graduate of the public schools of Logan County, John S. Montgomery entered Cincinnati Medical College, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1889. He immediately established a private practice at Huntsville, where he continued until the time of his death. Doctor Montgomery was married in 1889 to Miss Kate C. Allison, the daughter of James A. Allison, of Seaman, Adams County. To them were born two sons: 1. Willard Allison, the subject of this sketch. 2. John McDowell, a pharmacist, lives at Columbus, Ohio. Willard A. Montgomery received his early education in the public schools of Huntsville and was graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1911. He then entered Ohio Northern Uni- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1177 versity, at Ada, and was graduated from that institution as a civil engineer in 1914. During the following three years Mr. Montgomery was identified with federal work, attached to the geological survey, and did extensive work in Illinois, Kentucky and Iowa. Two years were then spent in the offices of Brown & Clarkson, topographical engineers, of Washington, D. C., as field representative. In January, 1919, Mr. Montgomery was appointed deputy county engineer in Logan County, and retained that position for ten years before receiving his present position as county engineer. He was re-elected to the latter office in 1932 for a four year period. On December 29, 1915, Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage with Miss Hazel P. McKirahan, the daughter of John and Matilda (Downs) McKirahan, of Belle Center. They are the parents of three children: 1. Lois Allison, born October 2, 1916, attends Bellefontaine High School, class of 1934. 2. John Willard, born June 12, 1918. 3. Donald Mac, born July 29, 1923. Politically, Mr. Montgomery is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and trustee, also having been an elder of the Huntsville Presbyterian Church for eight years. He is affiliated with Belle Center Lodge F. & A. M., No. 347, Master, Lafayette Chapter No. 60, R. A. M.; Logan Council, No. 85, R. & S. M.; Bellefontaine Commandery, K. T., and Knights of Pythias. He also is a member of the Ohio Engineering Society. August J. Spieler.—One of the representative citizens and substantial business men of Mercer County, is August J. Spieler, who is president and treasurer of the Celina Stearic Acid Company, at Celina. He was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, March 16, 1874, the son of Titus and Catherine (Hoelecher) Spieler. Titus Spieler, born in 1838, was a native of Aschafensburg, Germany. He emigrated to the United States about 1863 and settled at Hamilton, Ohio. He later removed to Cincinnati, where 1178 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO he became successful as a barrel manufacturer. He died in 1895 and is buried at Saint Marys Cemetery, Cincinnati. Mr. Spieler was married in 1866 to Miss Catherine Hoelecher, the daughter. of Maximillian Hoelecher, of Cincinnati. They were the parents of six children, of whom August J., subject, was the second in order of birth. August J. Spieler attended Saint Francis parochial school for boys at Cincinnati and spent two years at the Ohio Mechanics Institute in that city. He then became assistant chemist in the employ of the Emery Candle Company of Cincinnati, and in 1898 accepted the position of superintendent of the Stearic Acid plant at Syracuse, New York, for the Will & Baumer Candle Company. He continued in that capacity for five years and during 1903-07 was manager of machinery department of Joslin Schmidt & Company, chemical engineers, of Cincinnati. He came to Celina in 1907 and in that year organized the Celina Stearic Acid Com-pany, of which he has since served as president and treasurer. He has been active as a member of the National Association of Stearic Acid Manufacturers, and has served as vice president for three years, and as treasurer four years. On June 6, 1906, Mr. Spieler was united in marriage with Miss Bertha G. Pulskamp, the daughter of Henry and Magdalena (Schunk) Pulskamp, of Celina. To them have been born ten children: 1. Mary Catherine, born in October, 1908, a graduate of Miami University, class of 1931, Bachelor of Science, and Radcliffe College, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, Master of Arts, 1932. She is an instructor at Miami University. 2. Bertha A., born in 1910, a graduate of Miami University, Bachelor of Arts, class of 1932, Radcliffe College, Cambridge Massachusetts, Master of Arts, 1934. 3. Magdalene, born in 1912, a graduate of Miami University, class of 1933, Bachelor of Science in Education. 4. Eva, born December 24, 1913, attends Miami University. 5. August J., Jr., born in 1915, attends Miami University. 6. Rose Mary, born in 1917, attends Celina High School, class of 1934. 7. Anita, HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1179 born in 1918, attends Celina High School, class of 1935. 8. Luke Titus, born in 1922. 9. Marjorie, born in 1925. 10. One child died in infancy. Mr. Spieler is a Republican and has served as a member of the Board of Public Works. He and his family are prominent members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus and North Shore Country Club. Mr. Spieler is widely known as an amateur photographer. He has also made a hobby of lens grinding, and is such an expert workman that he has successfully constructed a telescope which contains a six inch lens. Col. Arthur James McCracken, M. D.—For almost 30 years Doctor McCracken has been a successful and leading physician and surgeon of Bellefontaine, and he has also served as city health commissioner since 1910. He was born at Xenia, Clay County, Illinois, October 9, 1873, the son of James Erskine and Mary L. (Cook) McCracken. James Erskine McCracken was a farmer during his entire life. He was born at Morning Sun, Greene County, Ohio, April 25, 1849, and spent his early life in Logan County, Ohio, as his parents had located there when he was six years old. He removed to Xenia, Clay County, Illinois, in 1871, but returned to Ohio again four years later, and continued his farming interests in Logan County until his death, February 14, 1923. Mr. McCracken was married September 26, 1870, to Miss Mary L. Cook, the daughter of Thomas Cook, a farmer, of Logan County. To them were born six children, Arthur James, subject, being the second in order of birth. Arthur James McCracken acquired his early education in the Bellefontaine public schools, and in 1892 was graduated from the local high school. A year later he entered Monmouth College, at 1180 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Monmouth, Illinois, and received the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts at that institution in 1897 and 1898, respectively. In the latter year he entered the College of Medicine at Indiana State University, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1901. He spent the following two years in the office of a prominent physician at Indianapolis, and also was a graduate assistant at the university during that time. After three years as a member of the staff of the Indiana State Hospital for the Insane, Doctor McCracken located at Bellefontaine in private practice, January 20, 1906. He has offices at 140 East Court Street, and has a well established practice. Doctor McCracken holds active membership in the Logan County Medical Society, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations, and is a member of the Military Surgeons of America and the American Public Health Association. During the World War Doctor McCracken received the commission of captain, Medical Corps, United States Army, and served in France for six months, as well as in Germany with the Army of Occupation. He was discharged from the service, July 23, 1919. He holds a commission as a lieutenant colonel in the Medical Reserve Corps. On June 25, 1907, Doctor McCracken was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jenkins, of Indianapolis, Ind. She is a graduate nurse and physician, and before her marriage was identified with federal work in connection with Indian reservations in Colorado as a physician and surgeon. Doctor and Mrs. McCracken are the parents of two children: 1. Mary Jane, born October 12, 1910, a graduate of Bellefontaine High School, and Monmouth College, Bachelor of Arts, 1931, and the Library School of Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, class of 1933. 2. Arthur James, Jr., born September 4, 1912, a graduate of Bellefontaine High School attends Monmouth College. Doctor McCracken is a Republican and holds membership in the United Presbyterian Church, of Bellefontaine, also being HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1181 financial agent and treasurer of the local Presbytery. He is a 32nd degree Mason, and belongs to the American Legion and Kiwanis Club. Edward Eyre Hunt, widely known author and engineer, resides at Kenton Farm near Springfield. He was born at Bellwood, Nebraska, August 1, 1885, the son of Edward Cassilly and Juliet Sears (Davis) Hunt. Edward Eyre Hunt received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Harvard University in 1910. During 1910-12 he was secretary for appointments and assistant in English at Harvard Univer-sity, and during 1912-14 was a member of the editorial staff of the American Magazine, New York City. In 1914 Mr. Hunt was a war correspondent in Europe, and from 1914-16 was American delegate of the Commission for Relief in Belgium in charge of the Province of Antwerp. From March until September, 1917, he was director of publicity for the American Red Cross, at Washington, D. C., and in 1917-18 he was overseas as Deputy Commissioner for Europe with the rank of Major. He was head of the economic rehabilitation work for the Red Cross in France. He also was head of civilian relief work for that organization in Italy, and in 1920 was labor manager of the clothing industries in New York City. Mr. Hunt was a member of the Committee on Elimination of Waste in Industry, Federated American Engineering Societies, in 1920, being appointed by President Hoover, and in 1921 he was secretary of the Conference on Unemployment called by the late President Warren Harding. During 1922-23 he was secretary of the U. S. Coal Commission, and in 1927 was appointed American Expert on Scientific Management at the World Economic Conference at Geneva. He also was a member of the Committee on Re-cent Economic Changes during 1928, and in 1920 was secretary of the President's Research Committee on Social Trends. Mr. 1182 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Hunt served as secretary in 1930-31 of the President's Emergency Commission for Employment, and in 1931 was a member of the World Economic Depression Inquiry from America. Mr. Hunt is author of the following books: "Sir Orpheo"; "War Bread," a personal narrative of the war and relief in Bel-gium, written in 1916; "Haj.," 1916; "Tales of a Famished Land," 1918 (With Herbert Hoover and Others) ; "Waste in Industry," 1921; "Business Cycles and Unemployment," 1923; "Seasonal Operation in the Construction Industries," 1924; he is also author of "Conferences, Committees, Conventions, and How to Run Them," 1925; and editor of "Scientific Management since Taylor," 1924; "What the Coal Commission Found," 1925; "Recent Economic Changes in the United States," 1929., On May 15, 1920, Mr. Hunt married Miss Virginia Lloyd Fox, the daughter of Hugh Francis Fox, of Greenwich, Connecticut. They have two children, Edward Eyre, Jr., and Virginia Lloyd, both students. Mr. Hunt is a member of the Harvard Club and Town Hall Club, both of New York City; Cosmos Club, of Washington, D. C.; the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity and various engineering societies. He was decorated for war service by Belgium, France, and Italy. The Hunt family resides at Riverside, Connecticut, as well as on the Hunt Farm near the city of Springfield. Harry W. Hodson, who is superintendent of schools at Wilmington, ranks high in the educational affairs of Clinton County, and is a representative citizen of the community in which he lives. He was born in Wayne Township, Clinton County, October 11, 1883, the son of Joseph W. and Lily (Jones) Hodson. Joseph W. Hodson, deceased, was a native of Highland County, Ohio, and his wife was born at Lexington, Ky. He was a farmer and stockman, and spent many years in Wayne Town- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1183 ship. Mr. Hodson died in June, 1933, and is buried in Lee's Creek Cemetery, Wayne Township. FIe was a Republican, and had served for many years as school director. He was superintendent of the Friends Church Sunday school for a quarter of a century and was an active supporter of that church. To Mr. and Mrs. Hodson were born four children: 1. Charles, deceased. 2. Bert, lives at Martinsville. 3. Harry W., the subject of this sketch. 4. Clemma, deceased. Harry W. Hodson grew up on his father's farm in Wayne Township, and attended the district schools. In 1902 he was graduated from Highland High School, and then began his teach-ing career at Dublin, Highland County, and Melvin, Clinton County, where he taught for five years. He was principal of Reesville High School for three years, superintendent of Port William High School for two years, and district superintendent in charge of three high schools for four years. In 1916 Mr. Hodson received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education at Ohio University, and the degree of Master of Arts at Columbia University in 1923. He also was awarded a diploma for city supervision from the latter institution in 1923. From 1918 until 1928 Mr. Hodson was superintendent of schools in Clinton County, with headquarters at Wilmington, and in 1928 he came to Wilmington as city superintendent. Mr. Hodson is past treasurer and a member of the executive committee of the Southwestern Ohio Teachers Association, and also holds membership in the Superintendents of Southwestern Ohio Round Table, Ohio Education Association, and National Education Association. He was a member of the State Board of School Examiners for five years and president for two terms of the State Board of Pupils and Teachers Reading Circle. In 1910 Mr. Hodson was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Swingley, the daughter of Frank and Lucy Swingley, the former a native of Clinton County and the latter of Peebles, Ohio. They live at Sabina, Ohio. Mrs. Swingley died in December, 1932. To Mr. and Mrs. Hodson has been born a daughter, Helen Joan. 1184 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Hodson is a member of Friends Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Rotary Club, and Commercial Club, of Wilmington. Leslie Reid.—Identified with the firm of Reid & Davidson, with offices in the Lima Trust Building, Leslie Reid is recognized as one of the able and highly successful young lawyers of Allen County. He was born at Paterson, New Jersey, July 3, 1891, the son of William L. and Elizabeth (Hammond) Reid. William L. Reid and his wife were natives of New Jersey, born at Paterson and Newark, respectively. As a youth he entered the employ of the Rogers Locomotive Works, at Paterson, New Jersey, and later was with the American Locomotive Company, at Dunkirk, New York. He became superintendent of the latter company's plant at Schenectady, New York, and also held the positions of manager and general manager of the company's various plants. His next connection was with the Baldwin Locomo-tive Works, at Eddystone, Pennsylvania, and in 1918 he became vice president of the Lima Locomotive Works, in which capacity he now serves. While a resident of Schenectady, Mr. Reid was a director of the Schenectady Trust Company, and was also chairman of the board of directors of the Lima First American Trust Company, at Lima. He is an active Republican in politics, and in 1932 was a delegate to the Republican national convention, at Chicago, Illinois. Elizabeth (Hammond) Reid died in 1926 and is buried at Paterson, New Jersey. To Mr. and Mrs. Reid were born five children: 1. John I., lives at Rochester, New York. 2. William H., lives at Lima. 3. Leslie, the subject of this sketch. .4. Ralph D., M. D., lives at Lima. 5. Elizabeth A., at home. Leslie Reid is a graduate of the public schools of New Jersey and New York, being a graduate of Schenectady High School in 1909. He received the degree of LL. B. at Cornell University in 1913 and in the same year was admitted to the New York state HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1185 bar. He then became associated with the law firm of Brown, Cooksey & Myers, of New York City, and two years later went with DeForest Brothers, lawyers, of New York City. In January, 1918, he entered the third officers' training camp at Camp Upton, L. I., and in April of that year sailed for France with the 77th Division. He was commissioned second lieutenant of infantry in June, 1918, and assigned to the 168th Infantry, 42nd (Rainbow) Division. Later, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and during his enlistment he participated in numerous important battles and engagements of the war. He was discharged in May, 1919, and resumed his law work with the firm of Palmer & Serles, New York City. He remained with them until December, 1924, and at that time came to Lima. He was admitted to practice in Ohio, and in January, 1925, be-came a law partner of William L. Parmenter. Mr. Parmenter died in 1926 and the firm of Parmenter, Goeke & Reid continued, the new partner being Henry Goeke. He died in 1929, and in that year Mr. Reid became identified with the firm of Reid & Davidson. In 1923 Mr. Reid was united in marriage with Miss Mary Parmenter, the daughter of William L. and Hattie A. (Crippen) Parmenter. To Mr. and Mrs. Reid have been born three children: William P., aged nine; Harriet E., aged three; and David P., aged one. William L. Parmenter was a native of Lima, born May 12, 1867. He died in 1926 and is buried at Lima. His parents were Cornelius and Mary E. (Boyer) Parmenter, natives of Greene County, New York, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, respectively. They were early settlers in the city of Lima and Cornelius Parmenter was a prominent factor in the growth and development of the city. He served as postmaster during the administrations of Presidents Lincoln and Grant. His son, William L. Parmenter, was educated in the public schools of Lima and in 1888 received the degree of LL. B. at the University of Michigan. He was sub- 1186 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO sequently admitted to the Ohio state bar and practiced law with D. J. Cable for a period of 25 years. He then conducted a private practice until 1924, and in that year became associated with his son-in-law, Leslie Reid, as a member of the firm of Parmenter & Reid, as mentioned above. Mr. Parmenter was a Republican and served as chairman of the State Central Committee. He was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, and belonged to B. P. O. Elks. He also was president of the Shawnee Country Club, and a trustee of the First Baptist Church. Mr. Parmenter was married June 2, 1891, to Miss Hattie A. Crippen, and they had two children: Warren C., and Mary (Parmenter) Reid. Mr. Reid has always been a Republican. He has served as a member of the executive committee and as chairman of the Grievance Committee of the Allen County Bar Association, and also is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association. He is a director of the Y. W. C. A., Lima Chapter of the Red Cross, and a member of the Shawnee Country Club. Garfield March.—Outstanding among the highly successful business men of Bellefontaine is Garfield March, leading drug-gist, and a member of one of the oldest families of Logan County. He was born on a farm near this city, April 8, 1883, the son of John W. and Mary H. (Clingerman) March. John W. March, deceased, was a well known farmer of Logan County, where he spent his entire life. He was born in 1862 and died in October, 1933. His wife, born in Logan County, July 10, 1863, died April 14, 1933. She was the daughter of Gideon and Mary (Royer) Clingerman, prosperous farmers and representative citizens of Logan County. Mary (Royer) Clingerman was the daughter of John Royer, a pioneer of this section. He served throughout the War of 1812. To John W. and Mary H. (Clingerman) March was born only one child, Garfield, the subject of this sketch. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1187 Garfield March is a graduate of the public schools ofBellefontainee. He was employed for six and one-half years in the drug store of G. M. Frazer, of Bellefntainee, after which he entered the Philadelphia School of Pharmacy, being a member of the class of 1907. Upon his return to this city, Mr. March again entered the employ of Mr. Frazer, and continued as a registered pharmacist in his employ until November 1, 1922, when he purchased the well established drug business of A. W. Murdock, of Bellefontaine. This store, established at 116 West Columbus Street during the Civil War, is one of the city's business land-marks. Mr. March holds membership in the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association, National Association of Retail Druggists, and Drug Institute of America. On August 13, 1908, Mr. March was united in marriage with Miss Florence Baker, the daughter of Mifflin Baker, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They have a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born July 5, 1912. She is a graduate of Bellefontaine High School, class of 1929, and spent one year at Wittenberg College. Mr. March is a Republican and he and his family are active members of the Lutheran Church. He is a member of the Bellefontainee Lodge No. 209 F. & A. M.; Lafayette Chapter No. 60, R. A. M.; Logan Council No. 85, R. & S. M.; BellefontaineCommanderyy No. 61, K. T.; Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and the Royal Arcanum. Willis Tredwell Augur, who is manager of the Kenton division of the Ohio Power Company, is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of Hardin County. He was born at New Haven, Connecticut, May 15, 1889, the son of Willis Lincoln and Nellie (White) Augur. They are natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively, and now reside at Ipswich, Massachusetts. Following his graduation from Ipswich High School, Willis T. Augur attended night school, Yale University, during 1907-09, 1188 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO and specialized in the study of electrical engineering. He then became an electrical contractor and in 1915 located at Urbana. Five years later he removed to Delphos, and in 1925 came to Kenton as branch manager of the Ohio Power Company. On January 1, 1917, Mr. Augur was united in marriage with Miss Marguerite Glendenning, of North Lewisburg, Ohio, the daughter of William P. and Anna Glendenning. They have two sons, William Tredwell, and Ted, and an adopted daughter, Ethel. She married Robert Marquardt, and resides at Columbus. Mr. Augur is independent in politics. He is president of the Kenton Automobile Club, secretary of the Kiwanis Club, and director of the Chamber of Commerce. He holds membership in the Church of Christ, and belongs to the Masonic and Elks lodges. Mr. Augur is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and served as chairman of the organization's convention held in 1926-27. Charles B. Fink, deceased, was a prominent business man and life long resident of Kenton, where he died October 27, 1926. He was born here March 17, 1865, the son of Benedict and Martha (Moy) Fink. A pioneer business man, and the son of a pioneer business man, Charles B. Fink was an integral part of the business life of Kenton. As the head of a business house which stood out among the leading and most successful business institutions of Kenton for more than three-quarters of a century, he enjoyed a high place in the confidence of the citizens of this community since early manhood. The business was founded in 1850 by his father, the late Benedict Fink. As a young man the son became affiliated with the business and became its head upon the father's death in 1905. Associated with Charles B. Fink for many years was his son, Fred S. Fink, the firm being known as C. B. Fink & Son. Mr. Fink was also a director of the Kenton Savings Bank HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1189 & Trust Company, Home Savings & Loan Company, and Kenton Telephone Company. He was a charter member of the Kenton Chamber of Commerce and held membership in the Ohio Retail Dry Goods Association, and National Music Dealers Association. On October 24, 1888, Mr. Fink married Miss Sallie Strong, the daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Luther M. Strong, who survives him. They have a son, Frederick S. Fink. Mr. Fink was a musician of ability and in his earlier life gave much of his time and attention to the advancement of music in this community. He conducted the Grand Opera House Orches-tra for many years, and starting as a young boy played in all the local bands, including the famous Second Regiment Band. As an accomplished violinist he contributed much to the musical life of Kenton. Mr. Fink became affiliated with Latham Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 154, in 1897, past master, and also was a member of other local Masonic bodies, Valley of Toledo, Aladdin Temple, Colum-bus. He was a charter member of B. P. O. Elks, Kenton. Clyde Kress Startzman, M. D.—Identified with the civic, social and fraternal life of Logan County, Doctor Startzman is recog-nized as one of the leading professional men of Bellefontaine, where he has engaged in the practice of medicine since 1916, and he is also a veteran of the World War. He was born near Quincy, Logan County, November 16, 1890, the son of Lloyd Garrison and Laura May (Kress) Startzman. Lloyd Garrison Startzman was born at Hedgesville, West Virginia, June 2, 1867. He died in 1931 and is buried in the Quincy Cemetery. For more than a quarter of a century he was fore-man for the Bellefontaine Bridge and Steel Company, and resided at Bellefontaine. At his retirement, he returned to his farm southeast of DeGraff, Ohio, in 1919. Mr. Startzman was married October 2, 1889, to Miss Laura May Kress, the daughter 1190 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO of Capt. Jacob and Nancy (Curl) Kress of DeGraff, Ohio. To them were born five children, of whom Clyde Kress, the subject of this sketch, was the first. The early education of Clyde Kress Startzman was received in the public schools of Bellefontaine, and he was a member of the high school class of 1909. He spent one year at Northwestern University, after which he entered the University of Indiana, at Blooming-ton. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at the latter institution in 1912 and the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the University of Indiana Medical School in 1915. He then served as interne at the Robert Long Hospital, at Indianapolis, Ind., and for a time was identified with the Indianapolis City Hospital. He returned to Bellefontaine in 1916 and at that time was associated with Dr. P. D. Covington, who had successfully engaged in prac-tice in this city for a period of 40 years. Doctor Covington died, however, in 1917, and his practice was continued by Doctor Startzman, who has most ably filled his position in the professional life of the community. In May, 1917, Doctor Startzman enlisted for service in the World War and received the commission of first lieutenant in the Medical Corps, United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison until August, 1917, and was then sent to France, where he was attached to the 62nd Hospital Train. Later, he was senior officer of the 52nd Ammunition Train and 31st Regiment Coast Artillery. He participated in the engagements at Chateau Thierry, Soissons, Rheims, Saint Mihiel, and Argonne Meuse, as well as other important battles and drives. He received his discharge from the service in February 1919, and holds a commission in United States Medical Reserve Corps as a major. On June 23, 1915, Doctor Startzman was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Seaney, the daughter of Thomas and Ella (White) Seaney, of Bloomington, Indiana. They are the parents of four children: 1. Elizabeth Jane, born October 9, 1920, at-tends Bellefontaine High School. 2. Ruth Lois, born November HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1191 23, 1921, also a high school student. 3. Clyde Kress, Jr., born November 17, 1924. 4. Thomas Lloyd, born October 20, 1929. Politically, Doctor Startzman is a Republican, and at the pres-ent time is chairman of the Republican County Executive Committee of Logan County. He was one of the Ohio presidential electors in 1932. Doctor and Mrs. Startzman are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a 32nd degree Mason. He also belongs to the American Legion, Kiwanis Club, Kappa Sigma and Nu Sigma Nu fraternities, and holds membership in the Logan County Medical Society, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations. He is serving as a member of the Bellefontaine Board of Education. Frank C. Dougherty.—In the death of Frank C. Dougherty on June 8, 1908, the city of Kenton lost one of its most influential citizens. He was a man of rare ability and attainments both as a lawyer and scholar and was generally recognized as a leader of the Hardin County Bar Association. He was perhaps more widely known throughout the State of Ohio than any of his contemporaries. He had served as prosecuting attorney of Hardin County, and in 1881 was the Democratic candidate for attorney general of Ohio. Frank C. Dougherty was born at Kenton, September 14, 1851, the son of William and Helen (Cessna) Dougherty. William Dougherty was a native of Steubenville, Ohio, born February 12, 1815. Died June, 1887. He came to Kenton in 1848 and spent the remainder of his life there in the men's clothing business. He was married December 13, 1849, to Miss Helen Cessna, born in November, 1821, and died in January, 1910. They were the parents of five children: 1. Frank Cessna, the subject of this sketch. 2. James Wallace, mention of whom is made below. 3. Howard Perry, born July 28, 1856, died September 20, 1933. 4. Charles, born October 22, 1858, died March 18, 1859. 5. Kate May, 1192 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO unmarried, resides at the family homestead, 323 North Detroit Street, Kenton. James Wallace Dougherty was born at Kenton, April 28, 1854, and died June 19, 1923. He was graduated from the public schools and in 1872 entered Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he was graduated in 1876. He then served for two years as superintendent of union schools at Orrville, Wayne County, and in June, 1878, took up the study of law, being admitted to the bar March 4, 1879. Mr. Dougherty was then associated in practice at Kenton with his brother, Frank C. Dougherty, now deceased. Frank C. Dougherty acquired his early education in the Kenton union schools, and in 1867 entered Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he received a degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1870. As an educator he served as superintendent of Galion High School for two years, and during that time studied law. He then entered the Cincinnati College of Law in 1872, and after his graduation was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1873. He began his professional career as a member of the firm of Cessna, Kernan & Dougherty, at Kenton. In September, 1873, Mr. Dougherty became principal of the high school at Wooster, Ohio, and in June, 1875, was appointed superintendent of schools at Wooster. He returned to Kenton, however, in 1875, and in that fall was elected prosecuting attorney of Hardin County. He served as a member of the Kenton Board of Education for many years, and took a prominent part in all civic affairs. A. J. B. Longsdorf.—As Superintendent of the Bluffton-Richland Public Schools, at Bluffton, Ohio, Mr. Longsdorf is widely and favorably known in the educational affairs of Allen County. He is a native of Ohio, born near Orrville, Wayne County, July 14, 1884, the son of James C. Longsdorf and Lydia E. Flickinger-Longsdorf, both deceased. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1193 The early education of Mr. Longsdorf was acquired in the public schools of Wayne Township, Wayne County, Ohio. He was graduated from the Smithville Normal College, Smithville, Ohio, in 1903; and was a teacher in the rural schools of Wayne County, Ohio, in 1903-04 and 1905-07. Following this he entered the University of Wooster in 1908 and was graduated in 1912 from that institution with the Ph. B. degree. His graduate work was done at Columbia University, whence he was awarded the A. M. degree by Teachers College, in 1921. Further graduate study has been done at the Ohio State University. In February, 1912, Mr. Longsdorf was appointed to fill a vacancy in the principalship of the high school at Cygnet, Ohio, and after finishing this school year, was immediately elected superintendent of the schools there, in which capacity he served six years, 1912-18. He was then located at North Baltimore, Ohio, as superintendent of schools from 1918-25, at which time he was elected to head the Bluffton Public Schools, where he is now serving his ninth year as superintendent of schools. On December 25, 1913, Mr. Longsdorf was married to Miss Bessie N. Landis, of Wooster, Ohio, the daughter of Martin Landis and Ellen Houser-Landis. Mr. and Mrs. Longsdorf have no children. Mr. Longsdorf has been active in civic, religious and educa-tional activities, wherever he has resided. He has served as an officer in the Wayne, Wood, and Allen County Councils of Religious Education, and on the Adult Division work of the Ohio Council of Religious Education. He has promoted and seen established school district libraries in North Baltimore and in Bluffton. He has served on the County Board of School Examiners for several terms in both Wood and Allen Counties. Mr. Longsdorf is listed in "The Ohio Blue Book or Who's Who in the Buckeye State", 1918; and in "Who's Who and Why in After-War Education" published by the Institute for Public Service, New York City, 1921. 1194 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL 01HO Mr. Longsdorf is a member of the Allen County Teachers Association, the Northwestern Ohio Teachers and the Ohio Education Associations, and the National Education Association. He also holds membership in the Department of Superintendence of the National Education Association, where he is at present working on a committee of that association on "Financing Public Education." He has been instrumental in promoting and in crystallizing sentiment that has resulted in the creation of the enlarged Bluffton-Richland school district, and the erection of the magnificent high school building that is a matter of civic and educational pride to the citizens of Bluffton and community. In religious affiliation, Mr. Longsdorf is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he is a Republican, and fraternally has the following lodge and club affiliations: Bluffton Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 432; Findlay Chapter, R. A. M. No. 58; Findlay Council, R. & S. M. No. 50; Order of the Eastern Star, Bluffton Chapter, No. 380; Pi Gamma Mu social science fraternity; the National Thespians; a Director of Lima Chapter Association of Torch Clubs; Lima Open Forum; and First Vice-President of the Lions Club of Bluffton, Ohio. Col. Luther M. Strong, deceased, was an influential citizen of Kenton and Hardin County. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, June 23, 1838, and was one of a large family whose parents came from Maryland in the early pioneer days. He became a teacher in 1857 and followed that profession until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he raised a company of volunteers. He served as captain of Company G, 49th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and campaigned with his regiment through Kentucky until the organization of the Army of the Cumberland. He shared all the hardships of that historic division, and participated in all its battles, including Chickamauga, where he received honorable mention for bravery in the official reports; Missionary HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1195 Ridge, where he earned the promotion to Major; and a score of other battles in which this Division engaged. After the fall of Atlanta, Major Strong was placed in command of his regiment and commissioned lieutenant colonel. In the historic charge at Pickett's Mills, in Georgia, in May, 1864, Col. Strong was shot through the shoulder. But the wound did not put him out of the service. He remained with his command, but in December of that year, while leading his regiment in a charge at Nashville, his left forearm was shattered by a bullet and permanently crippled. He remained in the service, however, until March, 1865, when the wound forced his resignation. He came home to Tiffin, studied law, was admitted to practice early in 1857, and located at Kenton soon after. In 1879 Colonel Strong was elected to represent this senatorial district in the state legislature, and he was reelected in 1881. In 1883 there was a vacancy on the bench, of this common pleas sub-division, and Governor Foster appointed Colonel Strong as judge. In 1892 he was nominated and elected to congress from the Eighth District and reelected in 1894. In all official positions Colonel Strong was honest and earnest and creditably filled each. He was a Republican, but was of such make up that he could condemn evil or trickery in his own party, which he frequently did. Colonel Strong married Miss Mary Milliman, a native of New York. Their children were: Milton, John, and Sallie. The latter is the widow of Charles B. Fink, of Kenton. Colonel Strong died April 16, 1903, and is buried in Grove Cemetery, Kenton. F. LeRoy Allen.—Numbered among the able and resourceful members of the legal profession in Union County is F. LeRoy Allen, of Marysville, who is judge of the court of Common Pleas. He was born at Millersport, Fairfield County, Ohio, December 3, 1892, the son of Frank C. and Rosa (Bishop) Allen. 1196 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Frank C. Allen is a native of Madison County, born at Plain City, and his wife was born in Fairfield County. Practically his entire career has been spent as a farmer in Union County, and he is the owner of one of the fine farms near Richwood. Mr. Allen is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Knights of Pythias. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen were born three children: 1. F. LeRoy, the subject of this sketch. 2. Starling, married Elmer Barker, farmer, lives near Richwood. 3. Robert F., attorney, lives at Richwood. F. LeRoy Allen attended the rural schools of Jackson Township, Union County, being admitted to Richwood High School by the Boxwell Examination as then provided, and following his graduation from Richwood High School in 1911, he was a teacher in the Jackson Township schools for three years. Mr. Allen then entered Ohio Northern University, where he received the degree of LL. B. in 1918. After his admission to the bar in June, 1918, he enlisted for service during the World War and served at Camp Sherman, Ohio, with the rank of sergeant. Following his discharge December 10, 1918, Mr. Allen engaged in general farm-ing with his brother-in-law, Elmer Barker, until 1920, at which time he established a law office at Richwood, Ohio, and continued the general practice of law until August of 1930 at which time with his brother Robert the law firm of Allen & Allen was estab-lished at Richwood. F. LeRoy Allen was elected Common Pleas Judge of Union County and has served in that office since February 9, 1931. He has also been city solicitor and was twice candidate for prosecuting attorney. On February 10, 1919, Judge Allen was united in marriage with Miss Hazel Herring, the daughter of Daniel and Laura Herring. Mr. Herring is deceased and his widow is now the wife of Grant West, of Sidney, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have a daughter, Edna Marzetta, born August 2, 1922. Judge Allen has always been a Democrat. He is affiliated with Mount Carmel Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 303, Knights of HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1197 Pythias, No. 452, American Legion, and also belongs to the Richwood Commercial Club, Ohio State Bar Association, and the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. H. C. McKinley.—Ranking high among the successful educators of Champaign County is H. C. McKinley, who is superintendent of schools at St. Paris. He was born at Springfield, June 16, 1902, the son of A. W. and Mary E. (Toomire) McKinley. A. W. McKinley and his wife are natives of Champaign County. He spent his early life on a farm in Logan County and attended the rural schools of Logansville. For a number of years Mr. McKinley has owned a well improved farm in Champaign County. He is a Republican, a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belongs to the Knights of Pythias and Grange. He has served as school director in Concord Town-ship. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McKinley: 1. Herman, lives in New York. 2. H. C., the subject of this sketch. 3. Mrs. Arthur Calland, lives in Harrison Township, Champaign County. 4. Wallace, who lives at Wapakoneta, Ohio. 5. Ruth, a teacher, lives at home. 6. Paul, at home. H. C. McKinley is a graduate of Concord Township High School, class of 1921, and in 1926 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College. His Master of Arts degree was obtained at Ohio State University in 1933. During 1924-27 Mr. McKinley taught in the public schools of Woodstock, Ohio, and in 1927 went to Bellefontaine as a member of the high school faculty. Since 1930 he has been located at St. Paris as superintendent. He is an active member of the Logan County Historical Association, and during 1933 was the author of the History of Logan County. Mr. McKinley married Miss Ruth Wiseman of Concord Township, Champaign County, the daughter of W. C. and Parnie (Tope) Wiseman, the former a native of Lawrence County and 1198 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO the latter of Gallia County. He is a well known farmer of Concord Township. Mrs. McKinley is a graduate of Miami College and attended Wittenberg College and Ohio State University. Before her marriage she was a teacher in the schools of Concord, Woodstock, and Bellefontaine. To Mr. and Mrs. McKinley have been born two children: 1. Jack Stanley, born February 18, 1929. 2. Jean Ann, born August 17, 1930. Mr. McKinley is a member of St. Paris Methodist Episcopal Church and is active in Boy Scout work as scoutmaster of Tecumseh Council, and member of the Troop Committee. He is affiliated with Bellefontaine Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 209; and Pharos Chapter, 132, R. A. M., St. Paris. W. Crawford Craig, who is vice president and general manager of the Hooven & Allison Company, manufacturers of cordage, rope and twine, is well and favorably known at Xenia, and is a highly esteemed citizen of Dayton, where he resides. He was born at Kilmalcolm, Scotland, March 4, 1890, the son of James and Jessie (McLelland) Craig. James Craig is a native of Scotland, where he resides. Although 84 years of age he is still actively engaged in business and has extensive lumber interests in Scotland. For a number of years he was an importer of sugar. At the age of 81 years Mr. Craig visited his son, W. Crawford Craig, at Dayton. He is an Elder of the Scottish Presbyterian Church. Jessie (McLelland) Craig died in 1913. To Mr. and Mrs. Craig were born 13 children, five of whom are deceased. W. Crawford Craig spent his early life in Scotland and Eng-land and as a young man entered the employ of J. W. Davidson, Cookson & Company, chartered accountants. After five years in their service he became a chartered accountant and in 1913 went to Winnipeg, Canada, where he made his headquarters as a traveling accountant. Two years later he located at Xenia, but HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1199 during 1915 went to Toronto, Canada, to enlist in the Royal Flying Corps for service in the World War. After six months in service he was transferred by the English government to a munitions plant at Trenton, Ontario. Shortly before the close of the war the plant was destroyed by a terrific explosion and Mr. Craig was severely gassed. He spent five months recuperating in the West Indies and then went to England for a visit of six months. In 1920 he returned to Xenia as an auditor for Hooven & Allison Company, later being elected secretary and treasurer of the company. In January, 1929, he was appointed general manager and three years later became vice president and general manager. He travels extensively for the company and lives with his family at 311 Lonsdale Avenue, Dayton. In 1914 Mr. Craig married Miss Edith Williams, of Cheshire, England, the daughter of Richard and Annie Williams, both natives of England. They are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Craig have no children. Mr. Craig is affiliated with Xenia Lodge, F. & A. M., Dayton Consistory, and Antioch Temple. James J. Weadock, Jr.—A member of the firm of Mackenzie, Weadock and Weadock, Attorneys, with offices in the Old National City Bank Building, Mr. Weadock ranks high among the prom-inent young lawyers of Lima and Allen County. He was born in this city, March 30, 1904, the son of James J. and Mary Ann (Cunningham) Weadock. James J. Weadock, Sr., is widely known throughout Allen County and West Central Ohio as one of the most prominent attorneys of the section, and he is a representative citizen of Lima, where he has spent his entire life. He was born there, September 4, 1873, the son of Thomas M. and Catherine (Gormley) Weadock, natives of Canada and Brooklyn, New York, respectively.