1250 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Monroeville, Indiana, where he was a contractor. He was a Republican, a member of the First Christian Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. To Mr. and Mrs. Glancy only one child was born, George M., the subject of this sketch. Following his graduation from the public schools of Monroeville, Indiana, George M. Glancy learned the printing trade and began his newspaper work with John D. Alleger, publisher of the Monroeville Breeze, and he remained there for a period of 12 years. In 1903 he located at Scott, Ohio, where he began publication of "The Scott Review," and he was connected with that work for seven years, at which time he went to Ohio City as owner of the "Ohio City News," which was renamed "The Ohio City Progress." After a period of almost five years Mr. Glancy came to Convoy and purchased "The Convoy Signal." In 1917 he became owner of "The Convoy News," and combined both papers as "The Convoy Signal News." His son, Charles C. Glancy, is associate editor and publisher. The firm also does job printing and has an extensive trade throughout that section of Van Wert County. On June 26, 1892, Mr. Glancy was united in marriage with Miss Anna J. Geyer, who was born at Van Wert, October 23, 1870, the daughter of Charles and Catherine (Gehres) Geyer, natives of Germany and both now deceased. He was a Democrat and held membership in the English Lutheran Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Glancy were born four children : 1. Cleo M., married A. C. Reidenbach, lives at Ft. Wayne, Indiana. They have a son, John Reidenbach. 2. Lawrence H., deceased. 3. Charles C., a graduate of Convoy High School and Ohio Northern University, now identi-fied with his father's newspaper business at Convoy. He married Miss Phyllis Underhill, of Silver Lake, Indiana, and they have two children, Robert and Sharon. 4. Florence, married O. P. Wooding, lives at Ft. Wayne, Indiana. They have two children, Richard and Beverly Wooding. Mr. Glancy has always been a Republican, and while a resident of Monroeville held numerous public offices. He and his family HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1251 are members of the English Lutheran Church, and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias. John Benjamin Wilkinson.—As president and general manager of the J. Ben Wilkinson Company, Mr. Wilkinson, insurance broker, has been successfully identified with the business interests of Piqua for more than 40 years. He was born at Dayton, Ohio, April 14, 1873, the son of Berdit and Nancy Jane (Haise) Wilkinson. Berdit Wilkinson was a native of Dayton and died in that city in 1879. His wife, also born in Ohio, died January 28, 1930. Both are buried at Piqua. Their children were : 1. Bertha, married C. B. Jamieson, lives at Piqua. 2. John B., the subject of this sketch. 3. Florence, married F. Ballou, lives at Denver, Colorado. 4. Jennie Ivers, who is a half sister of J. Benjamin Wilkinson. Nancy Jane (Haise) Wilkinson had married (second) W. H. Ivers, who died at Piqua in 1928. After his graduation from the public schools of Piqua, J. Benjamin Wilkinson became interested in the insurance business, being employed in the offices of Grafflin & Mendenhall, of Piqua, as a bookkeeper. After several years Mr. Wilkinson purchased the interest of Mr. Grafflin in 1893, and the business was reorganized as Mendenhall & Wilkinson. In 1908 the company moved from its original home in the old Piqua National Bank Building. to the Orr-Flish Building, and in 1910 Mr. Wilkinson bought the entire holdings of the company, which was incorporated at that time as the J. Ben Wilkinson Company. Mr. Wilkinson is president and general manager, with C. W. King as vice president. On June 17, 1897, Mr. Wilkinson was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Hughes, of Piqua, born May 19, 1876, the daughter of Dr. Thomas L. and Hortense (Clare) Hughes, natives of Ohio. Doctor Hughes, a minister of the Presbyterian Church, died in 1890. His widow resides at Piqua. To Mr. and Mrs. Wil- 1252 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO kinson were born two daughters : 1. Hortense W., born May 1, 1898, a graduate of Piqua High School and Western Reserve University. She married Stantine W. Tafel, of Piqua, and they have two children, Anne and Stantine W., Jr. 2. Ruth Clare, born Sep-tember 21, 1899, a graduate of Piqua High School and Western Reserve University. She married Harry L. Bell, of Piqua, and they have two children, Craig and Catherine. Politically, Mr. Wilkinson is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is affiliated with Piqua Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Piqua Council and Chapter ; Dayton Shrine and Commandery ; B. P. O. Elks; Rotary Club, Past Presi-dent; and Piqua Country Club, vice president during 1933. William Willard Collins.—Among Van Wert's best known business men is William Willard Collins, owner and manager of a grocery business which was established by his father many years ago. He was born in this city, November 20, 1894, the son of William Willard and Katie (Reidenbaugh) Collins. William Willard Collins, Sr., deceased, was a representative citizen of Van Wert County. He was born at Baltimore, Maryland, April 27, 1865, and died at Van Wert, November 23, 1932. His widow is a native of this city, where she still resides. Mr. Collins was eight years old when his parents came to Ohio and settled at Middle Point. As a young man he was employed by David E. Evans & Sons, general merchants, the elder Mr. Evans being the father of E. J. and T. G. Evans, of Van Wert. Later Mr. Collins became associated with E. J. Evans and they established a retail grocery business at Van Wert. In the meantime Mr. Collins was a traveling representative of the Toledo Spice Company. He was identified with the retail grocery business at Van Wert for 45 years, thirty-eight years of which he owned the business exclu-sively. A fine new store was built in 1930 and is located on North Washington Street, adjacent to the old store building. Mr. Col- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1253 lins was a Republican, a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, and belonged to the Elks Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Maccabees, and Willow Bend Country Club. Mr. and Mrs. Collins had only one child, William Willard, the subject of this sketch. After his graduation from Van Wert High School in 1913, William Willard Collins became identified with his father's busi-ness in this city, and succeeded to the ownership and management of the business following his father's death. During the World war Mr. Collins enlisted for service and was sent to Camp Taylor, Kentucky. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant, December 15, 1918. On October 29, 1919, Mr. Collins was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Kreider, who was born at Van Wert, July 30, 1899, the daughter of Jerry R. and Mary (Johns) Kreider. Both are natives of Van Wert County and reside at Van Wert. The Johns family were among the first settlers of the town and built the third log house to be erected in Van Wert County. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have two children : 1. Mary Catherine, born October 23, 1920. 2. William Willard, III, born July 2, 1925. Mr. Collins is a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Willow Bend Country Club, and Chamber of Commerce. He is a Republican. William B. Swonger.—A man of business ability and experience is William B. Swonger, public accountant, who is identified with the business interests of Sidney as secretary-treasurer of the Les Ramos Cigar Company, St. Marys Packing Company, Ohio Building Company, and Rose-Marie Candy Company. Mr. Swonger was born at Bellefontaine, Ohio, July 18, 1897, the son of Elmer and Minta Ann (Naugle) Swonger. Elmer Swonger was born at Bellefontaine as was his wife. He was educated in the public schools of Pleasant Township. He engaged in general farming there for 20 years, and for a number of 1254 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO years conducted a trucking and produce business at DeGraff, Ohio. Mr. Swonger has lived retired at Sidney since 1923. He is an active Democrat and has served as a member of the Democratic Executive Committee. He also has been township clerk and treasurer. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. They have three sons : 1. Ceceil C., who is manager of the St. Marys Packing Company, lives at St. Marys. 2. Jesse C., who is treasurer of the S. M. A. Corporation, lives at Cleveland. 3. William B., the subject of this sketch. After his graduation from DeGraff High School in 1914, William B. Swonger attended Western Reserve University at Cleveland. He then taught in the district schools of Pleasant Township, and during 1917-18 was freight agent for the New York Central Railroad Company at Leipsic, Ohio. He spent the following two years in the Internal Revenue Department at Washington, D. C., as an accountant, and in 1920, Mr. Swonger located at Sidney. He has offices in the Ohio Building. On September 5, 1925, Mr. Swonger was united in marriage with Miss Faye Voisard, who was born at Sidney, November 17, 1895. She is the daughter of William and Jennie (Brandon) Voisard, natives of Darke County. Mr. Voisard died in 1903 and is buried at Versailles. His widow lives at Sidney. Mr. and Mrs. Swonger have no children. Mr. Swonger is a Democrat and is chairman of the County Executive and Central committees. He is also serving as a member of the city council. He is a 32nd degree Mason, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Kiwanis Club, and Sidney Country Club. He is a director of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce. John H. Henke is among the most prominent citizens of Sidney, and is widely known in educational circles as the superintendent of schools in Shelby County. He was born at New Bremen, Ohio, May 18, 1870, the son of Christian and Christina (Beyer) Henke. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1255 Christian Henke and his wife were natives of Germany. He came to the United States with his parents, who settled at New Bremen, Ohio. During the Civil War he enlisted as a private and served with Company G, 37th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Henke spent many years as a stationary engineer, and was employed in sawmills in Auglaize County. He was a Republican and held membership in the German Evangelical Church. Mr. Henke died in 1876 and his wife died in 1870. Both are buried at New Bremen. Their only child was John H., the subject of this sketch. By a former marriage Mr. Henke had a daughter, Anna, who married Edward F. Ruese, of Sidney. John H. Henke was reared in the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Burmeister at New Bremen. He attended the district schools of Butler Township and after two years as a student at New Bremen High School he received a license to teach in the rural schools. During the summer months he continued his high school work and from 1892 until 1895 was a student at Indiana State Normal School. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Indiana University in March, 1896, and during the following year was an assistant instructor at the latter institution. For one year he was principal of the high school at Westville, Indiana, and later returned to Indiana State Normal School as an instructor during the summer sessions. During 1898-1905 he was principal of schools at Shelbyville, Ohio, and during the summers of 1901-05, was enrolled in the summer school at Columbia University. Mr. Henke was appointed supervisor of German in the public schools of Evansville, Indiana, in 1905, and served in that capacity until 1917, being in charge of 3,600 pupils and 22 teachers. He then spent two years as superintendent of schools in Auglaize County, and during 1919-22, was city superintendent at Anna, Ohio. Dur-ing the following four years he was located at Fort Recovery, Ohio, as city superintendent, and in 1926 received his present appointment as county superintendent, in Shelby County. During Mr. Henke's term as supervisor of German in the Evansville public schools he was appointed a member of the board 1256 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO of trustees of the German American National Seminary at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in this work was associated with Dr. Fick, supervisor of Cincinnati public schools ; Dr. Leo Stern, assistant superintendent of schools at Milwaukee ; Dr. Otto Heller, professor of German at Washington University; Dr. Hohlfeld, professor of German at the University of Wisconsin ; and Dr. Snyder, world known linguist of Milwaukee. In the summer of 1912 Mr. Henke was associated with Max Greibsch, also a director of the German American National Seminary, in the establishment of a modern direct method of teaching German. It had its introduction in the German department of the University of Indiana. In 1914 Mr. and Mrs. Henke made an extensive stay in Germany, and he attended Marburg University at Hessen, Germany, where he specialized in the study of pronunciation. On July 16, 1896, Mr. Henke married Miss Sophia M. Tangemann, who was born at New Bremen, Ohio, September 2, 1872, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Berghorn) Tangemann. Both were natives of New Bremen, and died in 1917 and 1923, respectively. They are buried there. Mr. Tangemann was a prosperous farmer of Auglaize County. He was a Democrat and held membership in St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church. His son, Lewis Tangemann, of St. Marys township, is prominent as one of the two master farmers of Auglaize County. Mrs. Henke is a niece of Herman Tangemann, who is serving as director of commerce for the state of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Henke have a son, Arnold H., born July 6, 1897. He is manager of the Anna branch of the Sidney Dairy Products Company. He is a graduate of Evansville High School and Purdue University, class of 1919, having specialized in the study of dairying. He married Miss Naomi Komminsk, of New Bremen, and they have two children, John Richard and Marjorie Ann. Mr. Henke is a Democrat and is a prominent member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Sidney. While a resident of Evansville he held membership in the Zion Congregational HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1257 Church, and was a delegate to the National Church Convention of Evangelical churches at Rochester, New York. He was also a delegate to their convention held at Cincinnati in October, 1932. Albert Herzing.—Among the most outstanding business men of West Central Ohio may be mentioned Albert Herzing, who is president of the St. Marys Woolen Manufacturing Company, at St. Marys. He was born here, October 15, 1859, the son of Philip V. and Elise (Pauck) Herzing. Philip V. Herzing was born at Wurzburg, Bavaria, Germany, in 1808. He was educated there and was a graduate of the University of Wurzburg. Prior to coming to this country he was employed in the custom service. He arrived at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1834, and immediately went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and on to Wapakoneta, where he conducted a general store for several years. He then came to St. Marys and for a time conducted a hardware business in the city, later being the owner of a flour mill there. Upon the organization of the St. Marys Woolen Manufacturing Company in 1865 Mr. Herzing became president and continued in that office until his death in May, 1883. He is buried in Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys. The original St. Marys Woolen Manufacturing Company was begun in the old flour mill of William Gibson at St. Marys, and in 1865 a modern three story woolen mill was built on the original site of the mill. Woolen goods were manufactured and the mill also did custom work. In 1866 the company became an exclusive blanket mill, and specialized in the manufacture of moderately priced goods. Later, in 1895, the plant was known as the makers of the finest wool blankets on the market. In that year the mill was destroyed by fire, and in the following year was rebuilt and ready for operation on January 1st, as manufacturers of blankets, exclusively. Its product is known throughout the entire country and enjoys the reputation of being one of the finest wool blankets 1258 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO to be found anywhere in the world. It is entirely made of virgin wool. Philip V. Herzing was a Republican, and had held the offices of school director and member of the board of public works in the State of Ohio. He was a prominent member of St. Paul's German Reformed Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife was born in Germany in 1824 and died in 1911. Their children were : 1. Louise, married Albert Althausen, de-ceased. 2. Caroline, married Henry Althausen, deceased. 3. August, who died in 1870. 4. Julia, married Charles Theodore Stephan, deceased. 5. Amanda, who died in infancy. 6. Albert, the subject of this sketch. Albert Herzing grew up at St. Marys and attended the public schools. Since 1876 he has been identified with the interests of the St. Marys Woolen Manufacturing Company, and assumed the office of president in 1912, after having served as secretary. He also was identified for several years with the Home Banking Company, of St. Marys. At the present time he is president of the St Marys Hardware Company. On March 16, 1882, Mr. Herzing was united in marriage with Miss Fredericka Moser, born at Wapakoneta, March 17, 1862, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Jacob Moser, natives of Germany and early settlers of Wapakoneta. Mr. Moser died in 1881 and his wife died in 1882. Fredericka (Moser) Herzing died June 25, 1924, and is buried in Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys. To Mr. and Mrs. Herzing were born four children : 1. Helen Henrietta, born March 2, 1887, married Walter E. Meyer, lives at St. Marys, and they have two sons: Walter E., Jr., and Thomas. 2. Norma Bertha, born July 2, 1889, married Dr. Clinton W. Clark, lives at St. Marys, and they have three children : Clinton W., Jr., Nancy, and Helen Clark. 3. Wanda, born November 17, 1892, married Lowell P. Rietger, lives at Dayton, Ohio, and they have two sons: James Herzing and Fred Lowell Rietger. 4. Philip Henry, born August 14, 1903, is superintendent of the St. Marys Woolen Man- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1259 ufacturing Company, lives at St. Marys. He married Miss Ruth Harrington, of Columbus, and they have two sons : Philip H., Jr., and Albert Herzing. Politically, Mr. Herzing is an independent Republican. He and his family are active members of St. Paul's German Reformed Church, and he holds membership in St. Maryians Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. Welty Raymond Hires is well and favoraloly known at Lima, where he is manager of the Hires News Agency, at 212 East Wayne Street. He was born at Mark Center, Ohio, July 3, 1899, the son of John A. and Florence M. (Welty) Hires. John A. Hires, who died January 7, 1915, was a native of Ohio, born at Middle Point. His wife was born in Wyandotte County, and died February 22, 1898. They are buried at Hicks-ville, Ohio. He owned and operated a general mercantile business at Mark Center for twenty-two years, and later was the proprietor of a hoop and stave factory at New Washington, Ohio. At the time of his death he was manager of a retail shoe store at Toledo. Mr. Hires was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hires : 1. Charles O., shoe dealer, lives at Toledo. 2. Welty Raymond, the subject of this sketch. 3. Negley J., identified with the Toledo Trust Company, lives at Toledo. 4. Fred E., who died in 1918 while serving with the U. S. Marines. Welty Raymond Hires attended the public schools of New Washington and entered Tri-State Business College at Toledo, following his graduation from high school in 1907. During 1908- 09 he was employed as a bookkeeper by the Burdick Hardware Company at Toledo, after which he went to Colorado. He was also located at Salt Lake City, Utah, for a time with the engineering department of the D. R. G. & W. Railroad, and later went to 1260 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Los Angeles, Calif. He also spent some time in the employ of the Sun Oil Company at Bakersfield, California, and in 1915 returned to Toledo as a bookkeeper with the Hendricks-Jones Company, wholesale fruits and vegetables. He subsequently became secre-tary of the concern. Mr. Hires came to Lima in 1922 and in that year purchased the McCandless News Agency, which he now operates. In March, 1917, Mr. Hires married Miss Sarah Esther Skidmore, of Stockbridge, Michigan, the daughter of Clinton and Emma Skidmore. They are residents of Stockbridge. Mrs. Hires is a graduate of Ypsilanti State Teachers College. She holds membership in the Sorosis Club, Womens Club, and the Order of Eastern Star. Mr. and Mrs. Hires have a daughter, Emma Jane, born January 21, 1920. Politically Mr. Hires is independent. He and his family are members of Trinity Methodist Church and he belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, and Chamber of Commerce. Ralph E. Yauger, who is manager of the Crystal Ice & Cold Storage Company, at Kenton, is a progressive young business man of Hardin County. He was born in Wyandotte County, Ohio, September 8, 1897, the son of Edward and Ida (Willey) Yauger. Edward Yauger, retired, is a native of Hardin County, born in Goshen township, February 9, 1868. His wife was also born there. Mr. Yauger is a retired mail carrier. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a Sunday School teacher. Politically he is a Democrat. To Mr. and Mrs. Yauger were born four children : 1. Ralph E., subject of this sketch. 2. Harriet, married S. C. Kroeger, lives at Kenton. 3. Gladys, married Charles W. Wilson, lives at Kenton. 4. Catherine Rebecca, who died in infancy. Ralph E. Yauger was nine years old when his family located at Kenton. Following his graduation from Kenton High School HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1261 in 1918 he attended Ohio State University. He then was employed in a clerical capacity for two years with the Kenton Savings & Trust Company, and later was associated with the Combs Pharmacy. He has held his present position as manager of the Crystal Ice & Cold Storage since 1925. On June 27, 1925, Mr. Yauger was united in marriage with Miss Catherine McCoy, daughter of R. H. and Ida (Rice) McCoy. Mr. and Mrs. Yauger are the parents of two children, Robert E., and Barbara Lee. Politically Mr. Yauger is independent. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge, being Junior Warden. He is also a director of the Chamber of Commerce. The Crystal Ice & Cold Storage Company was founded in 1904, and throughout its history has been numbered among the leading business establishments of the city. It has a modernly equipped plant and refrigerating system, and supplies the city and surrounding territory with a fine quality of manufactured ice. The following business men of the city were identified with its organization : John S. Rice, A. G. Ahlefeld, J. F. Andrews, E. S. Neeley,. and W. P. Bowman. J. S. Wetherill served as the company's first secretary and manager. Gardner H. Townsley.—Among the most prominent and successful newspaper men of West Central Ohio is Gardner H. Townsley, who is editor and business manager of the "Western Star," of Lebanon, and secretary of the Brown Publishing Company. He was born at Vincennes, Indiana, October 11, 1898, the son of Edward L. and Mary L. (Gardner) Townsley. Edward L. Townsley was born in Kansas and his wife is a native of Vincennes, Indiana, where they now reside. He is a retired postal employe, having been identified with the mail serv-ice for 45 years. He is a Republican, a member of the Elks Lodge, 1262 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO and past president of the Indiana State Letter Carriers Association. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Townsley have two sons: Gardner H., the subject of this sketch ; and Harrison M., lives at Lebanon. Edward L. Townsley is the son of Hamilton and Lucinda Townsley, natives of Fountain County, Indiana. He was a building contractor at Vincennes, Indiana, for many years, and also served as postmaster at Perrysville and Vincennes. He and four brothers served throughout the Civil War, and his wife, Lucinda, had nine brothers in the service of that war. Gardner H. Townsley is a graduate of Vincennes High School, class of 1916, and in 1920 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Ohio Wesleyan University. While a college student he was editor of the "Transcript," a university publication. During 1920 he was a reporter on the Columbus Citizen, at Columbus, and from November, 1920, until August, 1923, was identified with the Delaware Gazette as city editor. Since the latter year he has been associated with the interests of the "Western Star," at Lebanon, as editor and business manager, and he also is secretary of the Brown Publishing Company. This newspaper was founded in July, 1806, and has had a continuous publication since that date. In 1920 Mr. Townsley was united in marriage with Miss Audrey E. Nourse, the daughter of C. E. and Bertha M. (Cook) Nourse, natives of Portsmouth, Ohio. Mr. Nourse resides at Fellsmere, Florida, and is a retired contractor. His wife is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Townsley have been born two sons : 1. James G., born in December, 1923. 2. Robert N., born in October, 1925. Mr. Townsley is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Lebanon Lodge F. & A. M. No. 26; Lebanon Chapter R. A. M. No. 5; Phi Delta Epsilon fraternity; Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity; Ralph P. Snook Post, American Legion; Rotary Club, past president; Miami Valley Press Association; HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1263 Ohio Newspapers Association; and National Editorial Association. He is president of the board of education, at Lebanon. John B. Stambaugh.—As the owner of a fine farm of 500 acres in Liberty Township, Hardin County, Mr. Stambaugh is known as a substantial citizen of the community, and is also prominent throughout this section of the United States as an extensive and highly successful grower of onions. He was born near Blain, Perry County, Pennsylvania, October 18, 1856, the son of John and Catherine (Faust) Stambaugh. John Stambaugh and his wife were natives of Pennsylvania. Both are deceased. They were the parents of seven children, of whom John B., subject of this sketch, was the fifth in order of birth. John B. Stambaugh acquired his education in the district schools of Perry County, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1888. He settled first in Marion Township, and bought a farm there in 1892. He then came to his present farm in Liberty Township, Hardin County, in 1900 and has since been recognized as the leading onion grower of the county. Approximately 200 acres of his farm are planted to onions and 280 acres to potatoes. Mr. Stambaugh produces his own onion seed, which is known as "Ohio Yellow Globe," and he also raises the red and white onion. He stores 80 carloads annually in his fine onion sheds at McGuffey for winter shipment and deals direct with the retail trade. He is also a feeder of cattle and has registered stock. On September 26, 1882, Mr. Stambaugh was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Jane Johnston, born at New German-town, Pennsylvania, September 29, 1859, the daughter of Alexander and Letitia Anne (Russell) Johnston, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Stambaugh has in her possession the genealogy of the Johnston-Anderson families. To Mr. and Mrs. Stambaugh were born seven children, as follows : 1. Alexander Armstrong, 1264 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO identified with the Standard Oil Company, at Cleveland, Ohio. He married and they have two sons, A. A., Jr., and Russell. 2. John F., lives at Ada, is associated in business with his father. He is married and has a daughter, Margaret. 3. Sarah L., married T. T. Swartz, lives at Shiloh, Ohio, and they have two children, Margaret and John. 4. Margaret, at home. 5. Anna, at home. 6. Jennings lives at Ada. He is married and has four children : John, Richard, Mary and Roberta. 7. Alma, married J. C. Connor, lives at Cleveland. Mr. Stambaugh has always been a Democrat in politics. During 1897-1903 he served as county commsioner in Hardin County. He has also been school director. In 1908 Mr. Stambaugh was elected to the Ohio State Legislature from this district and served until 1912. During that period he was instrumental in obtaining appropriations for the building of the women's reformatory at Marysville, Ohio, and also succeeded in having that institution made an annex of the Ohio State Reformatory. For many years Mr. Stambaugh has been a director of the First National Bank of Ada, and since 1924 has been vice president. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church. He also has been president of the Ohio Onion Growers Association. James B. Malone.—A leading figure in the legal affairs of Springfield is James B. Malone, who has successfully engaged in practice in this city since 1906. He was born at South Charleston, Clark County, Ohio, June 2, 1881, the son of James and Catherine (Sweeney) Malone. James Malone was descended from the Malone family which settled in Philadelphia in 1753, coming here from Ireland. Bernard Malone, great-grandfather of James B., subject of this sketch, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and his son, James Malone, was a Civil War soldier. The latter married Catherine Armstrong, and their son, James, father of the subject of this sketch, was raised in the faith of the Baptist Church. Later, how- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1265 ever, he became a Catholic. His wife, Catherine (Sweeney) Malone, was the daughter of James and Mary (Roddy) Sweeney, both natives of Ireland. The only child born to James and Cath-erine (Sweeney) Malone was James B., subject of this sketch. After his graduation from the public schools of South Charleston in 1900, James B. Malone entered Ohio State University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1904. He then was graduated from the Law School of Georgetown Univer-sity in 1906, being admitted to the Ohio State Bar during that year. His entire professional career has been spent in Spring-field and he has specialized in corporation work. He has gained admission to the State, Federal and United States Supreme Courts. During the World War Mr. Malone acted as food admin-istrator for Clark County and was a member of the legal advisory board. He has extensive real estate interests in the city and in 1932 purchased a building at 109 East Main Street, where he now maintains an attractive suite of offices. On January 8, 1908, Mr. Malone was united in marriage with Miss Alice Wren, the daughter of Edward and Kinnane Wren, of Springfield. Mr. Wren, who died in 1917, was a prominent merchant in this city. His wife died in 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Malone are the parents of two children, Wren and Margaret. Politically, Mr. Malone is a Democrat. He is a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Delta Chi fra-ternity, Beaver Valley Golf Club, Springfield Country Club, and Chamber of Commerce. He also holds membership in the Clark County and Ohio State Bar Associations. Harry J. Sousley.—One of the widely known citizens of Har-din County is Harry J. Sousley, who is mayor of Ada, and one of that city's progressive business men. He was born at Ada, November 11, 1886, the son of Edward G. and Belle (Poling) Sousley. 1266 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Edward G. Sousley was a native of Kentucky and his wife was born in Perry County, Ohio. Both died in 1889, when Harry J., subject of this sketch, was three years old. Another son, David, resides on a farm in Liberty Township, Hardin County. Harry J. Sousley was reared and educated by an uncle, Walter Sousley. The latter was a prominent business man of Ada, where he was engaged in the coal and feed business. He was also a road contractor. He was killed August 23, 1930, when struck by a freight train on the Pennsylvania Railroad at Ada. He had served as a member of the city council for many years and was a Democrat. He was vice president of the Ada Savings & Loan Company. Fraternally he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To his numerous friends Mr. Sousley was known as "Uncle Walter." He was unmarried. Following his graduation from Ada High School in 1904, Harry J. Sousley attended Ohio Northern University for two years. Until his uncle's death in 1930 he was his business asso-ciate, and at that time assumed control of his interests. Besides his extensive coal business, Mr. Sousley became interested in the florist and green house business in 1930 in partnership with Harry Mohler. He has been sole owner of the enterprise since 1932, the business being conducted as the Sousley Floral Company. In 1917 Mr. Sousley enlisted for service in the World War and was assigned to Company C, 112th Ammunition Train, 37th Division. He saw active service in France and received his discharge in 1919. In June, 1920, Mr. Sousley married Miss Lelia McElroy, of Lima, the daughter of Raymond and Irene (Slusser) McElroy, early settlers of Ohio. Mrs. Sousley attended Ohio Northern Uni-versity. Mr. and Mrs. Sousley have two sons, Walter Scott, and Harry J., Jr. Mr. Sousley is a Democrat. During 1920-24 he served as mayor of Ada, and in 1932 was again elected to that office. During his second term the boulevard lighting system has been installed, as well as the widening of Main Street. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1267 Mr. Sousley is a trustee of the Presbyterian Church, a 32nd degree Mason, and belongs to the Elks lodge. He is active in Red Cross work and during the past eight years has been chairman of the local organization, being in complete charge of relief work. Charles W. Cookson.—As superintendent of public schools at Urbana, Charles W. Cookson is widely and favorably known among the successful educators of West Central Ohio. He was born in Perry County, Ohio, the son of William R. and Adeline Maria (Skinner) Cookson. William R. Cookson and his wife were natives of Perry county, and are both deceased. He was a farmer throughout his life, and a substantial citizen of the community in which he lived. He was a Republican in politics and for 60 years was an elder of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1916. To Mr. and Mrs. Cookson were born three sons : 1. Charles W., the subject of this sketch. 2. John, lives at New Lexington, Ohio. 3. Harry H., lives at Roswell, New Mexico. Following his graduation from the district schools of Perry County, Charles W. Cookson attended Fultonham Academy. He then taught school for several terms, after which he spent two years at Wooster College. He also attended Ohio University and Ohio State University, and continued his teaching career. Mr. Cookson served as superintendent of schools at Troy, Ohio, for 13 years, and was superintendent of schools in Franklin County, Ohio, for almost six years. During the summer sessions he has taught at Miami University, Antioch College, Wittenberg College, and Akron University. He has also engaged in Chautauqua work. In 1894 Mr. Cookson was united in marriage with Miss Madge E. Davis, of Shawnee, Ohio, the daughter of Jackson and Mary Jane (Devitt) Davis, natives of southern Ohio. The former died in 1920 and the latter in 1927. Both are buried at Shawnee. Mr. and Mrs. Cookson are the parents of two children: 1. Ernestine, 1268 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO a graduate of Troy High School, attended Miami University and Wellesley College. She married Clyde Milner, who is dean of Guilford College in North Carolina. She is director of personnel and associate professor of psychology. 2. Forest Eugene, a graduate of Troy High School and U. S. Military Academy, class of 1918. He is a lieutenant in the U. S. Army and is now an instructor at West Point. He served in China for three years and also was stationed at Washington, D. C., as a personal aide to Gen. Farns-worth. He married Miss Ruth Sentner of New York City. Mr. Cookson has always been a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, of which he is Sunday School teacher. He also is affiliated with Urbana Lodge, F. and A. M., Chapter and Council, and belongs to the Kiwanis Club. George H. Donovan.—As chief of the fire department, George H. Donovan is among the better known men of Urbana, where he has lived for many years. He was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, January 8, 1871, the son of J. C. and Mary H. (Hoffman) Donovan. J. C. Donovan was born in Virginia and his wife was a native of Meigs County, Ohio. In early youth he went to Cincinnati, where for a number of years he followed the trade of blacksmith. He served as volunteer fireman in that city until 1861, at which time he became a member of the department. In 1864 he resigned from the fire department and organized a company of soldiers of which he became captain. They were sent to Point Lookout, Virginia, for duty. After the war was over he returned to the fire department. He was promoted to captain in 1874 and assistant fire chief in 1884. He continued in the latter office until his retirement in 1902. Mr. Donovan died at Cincinnati in 1926, and his wife died in 1929. They are buried there. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To Mr. and Mrs. Donovan were born five children: 1. J. C., Jr., lives at Cincinnati. 2. Jeremiah Joseph, who died in 1932. 3. George H., the subject of this HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1269 sketch. 4. Margaret, who died at the age of three years. 5. William Henry, lives in Georgia. George H. Donovan received his education in the public schools of Cincinnati. In 1896 he became a member of the Cincinnati fire department, was made lieutenant in 1903, and captain in 1906. He retired from the department in 1916, and for a time was associated with the offices of the R. K. LeBlonde Company. He also spent a year in a government nitro plant, and on February 1, 1920, Mr. Donovan came to Urbana as chief of the local fire department. On July 12, 1899, Mr. Donovan married Miss Anna Louise Muhle, of Cincinnati, the daughter of John B. and Anna (Fette) Muhle, natives of Alsace-Lorraine and Indiana, respectively. Both are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Donovan were born six children: 1. Mary Rose, born in 1900, a graduate of the University of Cincin-nati, teacher in the Cincinnati public schools. 2. Lawrence Francis, born in 1903, has been a member of the local fire department since 1920. 3. Eugene Joseph, born in 1904, attended St. Xavier College, Cincinnati, lives in the West. 4. George Anthony, born in 1906, attended Ohio State University and is a graduate of the Columbus Art School. 5. Gertrude Louise, born in 1912, a graduate of Winthrop College, attended the University of Cincinnati, now a student at Edam Park Art Academy, Cincinnati. 6. James Richard, born in 1918, attends St. Mary's High School, Urbana. The Donovan family holds membership in St. Mary's Catholic Church, and Mr. Donovan is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Knights of Ohio, of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Fireman's Association. Ambrose I. Voke.—As recorder of Champaign County, Ambrose I. Voke is one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of Urbana. He was born at Kennard, Salem Township, Champaign County, the son of Lawrence A. and Helen (Phillips) Voke. 1270 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Lawrence A. Voke is a substantial citizen of Champaign County, and one of the successful farmers of the community. He was born near West Liberty and his wife is a native of Madison County. About 1909 Mr. Voke removed to Logan County, and after several years located on his present farm near West Liberty. His father was a well known resident of West Central Ohio and was a soldier of the Civil War. Mr. Voke is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Voke: 1. Emma Elizabeth, married Sherman T. Winter, a World War veteran, lives at Middleburg, Ohio. 2. Ambrose I., the subject of this sketch. 3. Annie N., married F. S. Dunham, lives at Russelvania, Ohio. 4. James Croft, lives at home. 5. Thurman Joseph, at home. Ambrose I. Voke grew up on his father's farm in Salem Town-ship, Champaign County, and attended the township public schools. He was graduated from the Willis Business College, at Springfield, in 1927, and at that time went to southwestern Kansas, where he spent seven months in farming. He made a short return visit to Ohio and then engaged again in farming in Kansas. Mr. Voke has been serving as recorder of Champaign County since January, 1933. Politically, Mr. Voke is a Republican. He holds membership in Kings Creek Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Lions Club. Mr. Voke is unmarried. George L. Mott is among the popular young business men of Urbana, where he is identified with Mott's Grocery stores. He was born in this city, August 30, 1904, the son of George P. and Mary (Sticksel) Mott. George P. Mott, who died in 1926, is buried in Oakdale Cemetery, Urbana. He was born at Cincinnati where he received his education in the Parochial schools. In 1899 he came to Urbana and HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1271 during the following seven years conducted a grocery business at 114 Miami Avenue. He then spent seven years in the employ of the United Box Board Company, after which he resumed his interest in the grocery business. He purchased the store of Orville Boyer at 639 Russell Street in 1926, and was identified with that store until the time of his death. It is still owned and managed by his widow and children. A second store at 304 East Ward Street, and known as Mott's Grocery Store No. 2, was purchased by the widow in January, 1933. The latter is under the management of her son, George L. Mott. Mr. Mott was a Democrat, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and belonged to the Knights of Columbus and Eagles Lodge. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mott: 1. Norbert P., a graduate of Dayton University, is advertising manager of the Boston store at Springfield. 2. George L., the subject of this sketch. 3. Louis H., who is manager of one of the Clauer stores, Springfield, Ohio. 4. Mary V., married Clarence Nigh, lives at Dayton. 5. William Bernard, who is manager of Mott's Grocery Store, No. 1. 6. Charles L., also identified with Store No. 1. George L. Mott is a graduate of St. Mary's parochial school, Urbana, class of 1923. He was associated with his uncle, Sylvester Nylan, for a time and during 1920-23 was a clerk in the Powers Home Store. Since the latter year he has been identified with the grocery business which was founded by his father and upon the death of the latter, Mr. Mott assumed full management of the business in partnership with his mother and brothers. He is secretary of the Serve-Well Grocery Association of Urbana. On August 21, 1929, Mr. Mott was united in marriage with Miss Helen Frawley, of Urbana, the daughter of Edward and Nellie (Dorsey) Frawley. The former resides at Urbana and the latter died in 1927. Mr. and Mrs. Mott have a son, George L., Jr., born June 6, 1932. Mr. Mott is a Democrat and has served as precinct committeeman of the Fourth Ward for four years. He has also been coun-cilman at large for the city of Urbana since 1931, being the first 1272 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Democrat to be elected to that office as well as one of the youngest men in the council. He is secretary of the Democratic Executive Committee of Champaign County. Mr. Mott is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and Eagles Lodge, and is president of St. Mary's Alumni Association. L. D. Wilson.—As president and general manager of the Wilson Engineering & Construction Company, of Xenia, L. D. Wil-son holds a responsible position in the business life of Greene County and West Central Ohio. He was born at Xenia, February 7, 1882, the son of M. Durbin and Frances (Morris) Wilson. M. Durbin Wilson, who died at Xenia in December, 1921, was a native of Huntington, Pennsylvania. His wife was born near Spring Valley, Greene County, Ohio, and died in March, 1930. Both are buried at Xenia. As a young man, Mr. Wilson came to this city with his parents in 1865. He conducted a grocery business for a number of years and in later life was a traveling sales-man. He was retired for 15 years before his death. Mr. Wilson was a Republican, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge and Inde-pendent Order of Odd Fellows. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson : 1. Gertrude, the widow of Waldo Sawin, lives in New York City. 2. L. D., the subject of this sketch. The boyhood of L. D. Wilson was spent at Xenia and he received his education in the public schools. For a short time he was employed as a clerk in the offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and also worked on his grandfather's farm. He later went to Worcester, Massachusetts, with an engineering corps in charge of construction of a traction line there. After six months Mr. Wilson accepted a position under John P. Martin and was employed on the preliminary survey of the Springfield & Xenia Traction Company. He then returned to the employ of the Worcester Construction Company as a member of the engineering corps and spent three years with that company in railroad work HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1273 in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Wilson returned to Xenia in 1904 and was identified with the county and city engineering offices during the construction of the first sewage system and the city's first paving program. During the following year he went to New York City with John C. White & Company, engineers, as a resident engineer, and was in charge of construction of railroads between Rochester and Buffalo. He later spent a year with that company in survey work for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company in Kentucky and in Indiana. He also was in their New York offices for three months in charge of the building of a railroad between Lockport and Rochester. Mr. Wilson returned to Xenia in 1907 and at that time became associated with George Schlesinger as a member of the engineering firm of Wilson & Schlesinger. In 1908 he purchased his partner's interest and continued alone until the incorporation of the Wilson Engineering & Construction Company in 1910. He has since been president and general manager. In 1913 the company added the sale of coal and building material and continued its engineering and contracting work until 1920, at which time it was merged with the Shawnee Refrigerator Company. The firm operates a modern ice manufacturing plant and maintains delivery throughout Greene County. A retail coal yard was established at Jamestown, Ohio, in 1923, and is still operated by the company. The Wilson Engineering & Construction Company completed the contract for the building of the first state highway in Greene County and has also constructed many miles of highway throughout West Central Ohio, as well as bridges. In 1924 Mr. Wilson married Margaret (Anderson) Chew, of Xenia, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Anderson. Mr. Anderson was born in Greene County and died at Xenia in 1925. His widow, a native of Hamilton, Ohio, resides here. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have no children. Politically Mr. Wilson is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 1274 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO being a member of Xenia Lodge, Chapter, and Council, Antioch Temple, and Dayton Consistory. Members of the Morris family came to Ohio from Delaware in 1826 and settled in Greene County, where they acquired several hundred acres of land near Bellbrook. The maternal grandfather of L. D. Wilson settled at Xenia in 1854. Sarah Bull, also an ances-tor of Mr. Wilson, came to Greene County from Martinsburg, Virginia, in 1806. She is buried in Middle Run Cemetery, near Bellbrook. George Stipp, great-great-grandfather of Mr. Wilson, also came to Greene County from Virginia during the early history of this section, and his son, George Stipp, was a pioneer physician and newspaper publisher of Xenia. The latter subsequently located at Bloomington, Illinois, about 1825 and there became a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. Orton G. Rust.—The name "Rust" is first mentioned in England in 1311 when Hugh Rust was said to have forbears who could be traced back to the coming over with William the Conqueror from Normandy where the name was written "Le Rus." From Hugh Rust descend by unbroken genealogy Jacob Rust who landed at Higham, Massachusetts, about 1632. There are two histories of the Rust family, one of the Nova Scotia Rusts and the other of these Massachusetts Rusts. The name appeared in Virginia with Henry Rust in 1672. The immediate ancestors of the Clark County, Ohio, Rusts were Matthias and Isaac Rust, two brothers who came from the Shenandoah Valley about 1811. Previous to this John and Matthew Rust had gone down the Ohio in 1775 or 1776 with a party of ten surveyors and were among the first settlers of northern Kentucky. Matthias Rust settled at what is now Lawrenceville, earlier Noblesville, Clark County. Matthias and Abraham Rust on leaving the Shenandoah freed their slaves. From the residue of their property Matthias purchased a large tract of land in German HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1275 township. One of his sons, William, married Leannah May, whose mother was an Orbaugh. She was also from the Shenandoah. To them were born: J. L. Rust, who married Lida Fuller; Sarah, who married George Lethly; Jane, who married Samuel Sutton; Ira, who married Adeline Almeda Sturgeon; Helen, who married William Thompson; Alice, who married Charles Shiddenhelm; Asher and Emory were unmarried, Emory dying in childhood. On the maternal side Mr. Rust is the descendant of William and Sarah Sturgeon of Pennsylvania. The Sturgeon family came to Ohio from Adams County, Pennsylvania, near Gettysburg. U. S. Senator Daniel Sturgeon and Major William Sturgeon of Revolutionary fame were members of this family. Orton G. Rust, youngest son of Ira Rust and Adeline Almeda Sturgeon, was born August 14, 1882, one-half mile west of Dialton, Pike Township, Clark County, on a tract of land bought from his grandfather, William Rust's quarter section being the N. W. quarter section at Dialton cross roads and being possessed by William Rust according to county maps of 1851. Mr. Rust's family moved to Springfield when he was one year old and returned to Dialton when he was five. He attended school at Dialton until 1895, when his mother having died January 15, 1894, he went at the age of 12 to live with Peter and Sarah Rockel in Moorefield Township, attending Franklin school and later the National Normal University at Lebanon. He taught school from 1901 to 1903 when he entered the employ of J. W. Parmenter, Springfield, and with him and O. R. Rust, a brother, organized in 1904 the J. W. Parmenter Company, where he remained until 1922 when he became city treasurer of Springfield, holding office until 1924. From March 7, 1925, until the date of writing, Mr. Rust has been connected with the Springfield Sun and since May, 1928, with the combined Sun and News. He was married October 29, 1906, to Helen Dorothy Twomey of Springfield. They are parents of two children, Adeline and Margery. 1276 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Aside from local political activities Mr. Rust's main interests have lain along the development of a historical consciousness in his section, bearing fruit in the planning and outlining of the Ohio Revolutionary Memorial Trail and the Ohio Revolutionary Memorial sesquicentennial at Springfield, October, 1930, measures for which he organized publicity and support for legislation in com-pany with other West Central Ohio citizens. Paul W. Kemper.—Prominent among the successful business men of Preble County is Paul W. Kemper, who is president of the Kemper Brothers, Inc., manufacturers of kitchen furniture. He was born at Richmond, Ind., January 3, 1889, the son of Adam H. and Louise H. (Koelring) Kemper. Adam H. Kemper was born in Germany in 1843 and at the age of 16 years emigrated to the United States and settled at Richmond, Ind. He conducted a retail liquor business in that city for a number of years, and died there in 1932. Mr. Kemper was married in 1865 to Miss Louise H. Koelring of Richmond. They were the parents of twelve children. The boyhood of Paul W. Kemper was spent at Richmond, Ind., where he received his education. He became a cabinet maker and for many years was employed by the Richmond Furniture Company and the Richmond Cabinet Company. He also was identified with the Locke & Hill Company. At the present time he is identified with Kemper Brothers, Inc., of which he has served as president for three years. On September 20, 1916, Mr. Kemper married Miss Eva O. Harter, the daughter of Ivan and Rose Harter, of New Madison, Ohio. They are the parents of two children: 1. Rosamond Lou-ise, born in 1918, attends Richmond High School. 2. Paul W., Jr., born in 1930. Mr. Kemper is a Democrat, a member of the English Lutheran Church of Richmond, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and B. P. O. Elks. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 1277 Mr. Kemper is extensively interested in real estate and has made numerous investments in Indiana and Ohio. Paul H. Creswell.—As the United States Marshal of the Southern District of Ohio, Paul H. Creswell is widely known and highly esteemed throughout the forty-eight counties comprising the district. The main office of the district is at Cincinnati, with branches located at Dayton, Columbus, Portsmouth and Steubenville. Fifteen deputies under his personal supervision carry out the many responsible duties of the marshalship. Mr. Creswell was born near Cedarville, Ohio, the son of James H. and Louisa (Blair) Creswell. James Creswell is a progressive stockman and farmer of Greene County, and still resides on and operates the farm he purchased more than fifty-seven years ago. It adjoins his birth-place and contains 140 acres. His wife was a native of Sparta, Ill., and both have been lifelong members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Mr. Creswell having served as a Ruling Elder for nearly sixty years. Their children are: S. Frank, who is manager of the Co-operative Live Stock Shipping Association at Cedarville ; Mrs. Alberta Lyle, the wife of a cotton planter in Arkansas, and Paul H,. the subject of this sketch. Paul H. Creswell grew up on his father's farm and attended the public schools of Cedarville and later Morgan Training School at Fayetteville, Tenn. From 1911 to 1915 he attended Ce-darville College. During 1916-17 he was a member of the faculty of St. Albans (W. Va.) High School and directed athletics. While engaged at St. Albans the war broke out and in July of 1917 he volunteered for military service in the newly formed aviation division. He received his ground training at Ohio State University and in October was attached to the Squadron which was sent to Italy under the command of Major Fiarello H. LaGuardia, now Mayor of New York City, where as a lieutenant he served for fifteen months as pilot of Caproni bombing planes. On Janu- 1278 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO ary 16, 1919, he was discharged from service, and returned home and in October of that year was appointed a deputy in the County Auditor's Office by Ralph O. Wead. Shortly thereafter he became Chief Deputy, and creditably filled that office for nearly ten years. When Mr. Wead resigned July 1, 1929, to become Deputy State Auditor, Paul Creswell succeeded him as Auditor of Greene County. He was elected to succeed himself in November of 1930, but December 31, 1930, resigned to accept appointment by President Herbert Hoover to his present position. In 1920 Mr. Creswell married Grace Estellyn Thomas and they established their residence in Xenia and are the parents of three daughters: Ann Joyce, born in March of 1926; Alicia Jane, born August 24, 1929; and Mary Carol, born July 10, 1932. Mrs. Creswell was the daughter of F. M. and Lovona Thomas of near Xenia, Ohio. Mr. Creswell has always been a Republican. In addition to his duties in the County Auditor's Office he served as Clerk of the County Board of Elections from 1920 to 1922, in 1924-5-6 he was a member of the Republican State Central Committee for the Seventh Congressional District. In the spring of 1928 he managed the Hoover primary in the Seventh District and later that same year was secretary of Ex-Service Men's Organization for Hoover in Ohio. In 1929 and 1930 he was a member of Governor Cooper's Committee on the Revision of the Tax Laws of Ohio. At the Republican National Convention at Chicago in 1932 Mr. Creswell was Chief Sergeant-at-Arms for the Resolutions Committee which drafted the party platform. For many years he has been an intimate friend of former Postmaster-General Walter F. Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Creswell are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Xenia, and he is affiliated with Cedarville Lodge, F. & A. M., Dayton Consistory and Antioch Temple of the Shrine. He also belongs to the Joseph P. Foody Post of the American Legion at Xenia, Aviators Post, New York City, and to the local Voiture of the 40-8.