600 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO to the present is covered by local historians and elsewhere in this work. Out of the flood of 1929 grew the demand for conservation work in Buck Creek. A long drawn out court fight covering years finally eventuated in the collapse of the conservancy scheme, the prospective costs having intimidated the electorate, coming as they would have upon the pyramided improvements inaugurated under the Flack administration. Friday, August 8, 1924, the fraction of an acre on the Piqua battlefield was dedicated as a state park and a statue of George Rogers Clark, the work of Charles Keck, a New York sculptor, was unveiled. The work of acquiring the appropriation from the state was carried out by a committee consisting of A. L. Slager, W. W. Keifer, Gen. J. Warren Keifer, Dr. B. F. Prince, George W. Winger, A. D. Hosterman and George S. Dial of the Clark County Historical Society. The statue was unveiled amid appropriate ceremonies, with J. B. McGrew as grand marshal of the parade, and Dr. William Oxly Thompson as principal speaker, Doctor Prince presenting the statue to Ohio and Ex. Gov. J. E. Campbell accepting it for the state. On July 4, 1928, the Lagonda Chapter of the D. A. R. unveiled the Ohio Madonna of the Trail with equally fitting ceremonies. The statue was awarded to Springfield by the National D. A. R. as marking the most historic spot on the National Trail in Ohio, the spot where the national government ceased construction of the pike, and commemorating Clark's victory at Piqua in 1780 and the birthplace of Tecumseh and the Prophet. These locations all being within a radius of three miles from the statue. The statue was obtained during the regency of Mrs. Frank W. Harford and unveiled under the regency of Mrs. C. C. Cory. In 1928 commenced the work which resulted in the purchase of the George Rogers Clark state park of 205 acres, the creation of the Ohio Revolutionary Trails system over Ohio, and the holding of the Ohio Revolutionary Memorial Sesqui-centennial, Octo- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 601 ber 8-9-10, 1930. Vice President Charles Curtis was the principal speaker at the sesquicentennial which attracted 70,000 people. The work of marking the trails was carried out by A. D. Hosterman, using historical data for the main trail prepared by the writer and that for the additional trails prepared by A. L. Slager. During the CWA work of 1933-1934 the project of obtaining Federal aid for developing the park was pushed through by a committee of West Central Ohio citizens and the work entrusted to A. D. Hosterman as chairman of the state commission. A large body of citizens gave unstinted effort to the furtherance of these movements relating to the George Rogers Clark state park. From 1930 to 1934 in Clark County, in common with the rest of Ohio, the one predominant thing which dwarfed all other events was the increasing tension of the depression. It can be said that in this period the individual's problems seemed so hooked with the national and world condition that local happenings took on an apparent insignificance. In proportion as local history coincides with the main drift of events, it becomes dwarfed and impossible to measure separately; it is then but a small part of a tremendous whole. January 13, 1934, it was announced by federal officials that Springfield had been singled out as one of three cities in the United States along with Waco, Texas, and Bridgeport, Connecticut, as typical American cities in which to conduct the "Trial Census of Unemployment" in connection with a governmental study of American industrial and living conditions. This selection was made because Springfield was said to have a diversified industrial setup with typically American conditions. This pronouncement of January, 1934, fortifies the original premise of this book, that West Central Ohio is America in miniature and that America can be best studied here at close range. CHAPTER LVI GROWTH OF TOWNS AND CITIES ON NATURAL LINES OF COMMUNICATION-NAVIGATION, EARLY INFLUENCE- INFLUENCE OF RAILROADS-THE COUNTY SEAT A FACTOR. Geography and men make cities. Nature blue prints a terrain and man interprets it. Wise is the man who can read, "Build a city here," yet the alphabet is simple. Where natural lines of communication cross there will exist exchange and transfer which means work, trade and commercial intercourse. Secondly, where a natural line of communication begins, there will men gather to forward out their goods and receive back the necessary wares. Thirdly, where for convenience to the greatest number, men ordain their governmental seat will be located, there men must go to pay taxes, and try cases. This means official residences, taverns, stores and the like; fourthly, where unusual intellects of an industrial tendency are born, there, if the conditions are at all favorable, will be given an added impetus to that community. Nature ordained two main drifts or lines of communication in West Central Ohio, first in evidence, that between the Ohio River and the Lakes; secondly, those east and west, the continuation of the natural path of empire or short cuts thereto. Where these two main lines cross there exist towns today; where nature thrust in fingers of water and made natural water roads, there at headwater grew up the depot for shipments in and out. Where man established county seats, there arose towns small or large according to the presence of the other mentioned factors. - 603 - 604 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO To be specific, along the lakes-river road with its natural carriage there grew up Toledo, Defiance, Saint Marys, Sidney, Piqua, Troy, Dayton, Middletown, Hamilton and Cincinnati. The first and last are the larger since they are also on the great east and west roads. Dayton is next largest since it was also on the headwater of natural flatboat navigation into the Miami Country, earlier settled—and with a mid-location. East of this north and south natural route ran another parallel but not nearly so advantageous: the Little Miami-Mad River-Sandusky River route which is marked by Lebanon, Xenia, Springfield, Urbana, Bellefontaine, Kenton, Findlay, Fremont and Sandusky; of these Springfield is the larger since it hooks into the greater route on the west and is on the portage between Mad River and the Little Miami, also on the National Pike. Springfield had, however, the best natural mill site in West Central Ohio; we speak of mill sites such as could be utilized by the first arrivals with the least effort and cost, and which were commensurate to the small power necessary for primitive mills. The Mill Run stream tumbling over the limestone cliff at Springfield was waiting for a wheel to be slung under it, such a wheel as the hands of a few men might make and hang with little assistance. It would grind enough for a small community. James Demint seized this mill site in 1799; he anticipated Simon Kenton by a few months. Kenton knew the territory, thanks to his captivity and scouting, better than any other Kentuckian. He had undoubtedly seen the mill site and sought such for he afterwards located one farther up on Buck Creek, utilizing a race which was not possible to first corners dependent upon their own resources. Demint has never been given the credit in Springfield which he deserves as a founder. He had the eye for a good location and the breadth of vision to lay off a better town plan than exists today. Demint has suffered from a variety of reasons: first he was not a successful business man nor did he leave a prosperous HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 605 family to bolster his claims through the generations; nothing succeeds like success in the city of Springfield; Demint was a Kentuckian and the rancor of the Civil War flamed high in Clark County and denied credit to anything Southern. Lastly, Demint was a distiller and Clark County has long been predominantly and often aggressively dry. Demint was a distiller in the day when practically every aggressive business man was likewise. The difference between being a distiller and a tavern keeper where liquor was sold is the difference between twiddle-de-dum and twiddle-de-dee, and yet Demint's rival, Griffith Foos, the tavern keeper has been elevated to practically the status of first citizen of Springfield, so far as prestige goes. Foos was a far better business man, politician and leader than Demint and it is to be suspected that when Foos brought the first road to Dayton past his tavern on South Street, and made it into Main Street in consequence, thereby eliminating the Main Street of that day and converting it into Columbia Street, Foos thereby, thanks a bit to a swamp, definitely took the leadership from Demint. The latter's energy was not equal to his vision and his convivial habits could not cope with the more self-contained and shrewd Foos. The smaller towns of West Central Ohio will be found upon examination to conform to the general principles laid down—they are small or minor in proportion as they are on the crossroads of minor lines of communications, or on a main line without a cross communication of consequence, or have limited territory tributary to them, or lack natural facilities in the way of water supply, proper elevation, drainage. That natural lines of travel follow the rivers and streams is shown by the course of the later railroads. First the rivers had started the towns. Naturally the later railroads sought these centers, but above all the river valleys by their easy natural gradients provided the best routes for railroads, and led them by easy stages to the watersheds. The railroads north and south today follow the Miami, Mad River and Scioto valleys in prefer- 606 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO ence, while the east and west lines tend to hug the height of land country where the river valleys to be crossed are not so wide or the cuts so deep. In general, in West Central Ohio, it can be said "Follow the river and you follow the white man's first and main paths of entrance and find his towns, just as you followed the divided and high ground to find the Indian and found him where the high ground hit the river. Always the river; literally the water of life. Springfield was also head of transitory flatboat navigation during spring freshet period, like Xenia, Urbana, Bellefontaine, it is also on the later railroad lines east and west. West of the Cincinnati-Dayton-Defiance-Toledo line is another north and south range in which the growth of towns was more largely determined by man's fiat : Eaton, Greenville, Fort Recovery, Celina, Van Wert. The military movements of Saint Clair and Wayne located forts at or near Eaton, Greenville, Fort Recovery, and drew the nucleus which was later reinforced by the establishment of county seats. Where the county seat was the main factor, or the sole factor, in creating a town, these towns have not had the growth such as has marked towns where the additional factors entered, the growth of the county seat towns has been largely dependent upon the relative richness of the adjacent territory to which it acted as social clearing house. This is particularly true of Lebanon, London, Marysville, Kenton, and Mount Gilead. As for Delaware and Marion, these two towns are on the north and south lake and river line that runs up the Scioto, and Marion is on one of the minor east and west lines. When the canal period was past, the main north and south line was shortened, swung away from Saint Marys and Defiance and followed the railroad through Wapakoneta and Lima, the latter becoming a railroad crossroads with a large natural distributing territory. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 607 Dayton, in addition to north and south and east-west lines and the headwater of the flatboat navigation of the Miami, has had the greater number of additional factors supplied by man : first the National Soldiers' Home; secondly, capacity to draw business or inventive genius such as John H. Patterson, Edward Deeds, Charles Kettering and the Wrights. Dayton was also first in the natural line of settlement and had five years headstart of Springfield due to that fact and held similar advantage over Troy and Piqua. Springfield had one sole natural advantage over Dayton and lacked several that Dayton had. Springfield lacked steady flatboat stages of water; was off the main north and south line marked by the Miami-Maumee travel, and later by the Miami canal. Biographical Charles Franklin Kettering.—As inventor, manufacturer and industrial leader, Charles Franklin Kettering occupies a distinguished place among those whose efforts have contributed notably to the advancement of American industry. He was born on a farm in Ashland County, near Loudonville, Ohio, August 29, 1876, the son of Jacob and Martha (Hunter) Kettering, both now deceased. Charles Franklin Kettering received his early education in the country district schools near his home, subsequently attending Loudonville High School, Wooster College, and Ohio State University. He was graduated from the latter institution in 1904. Early in his career Mr. Kettering taught for a time in the Ohio country schools. His talent for mechanics and engineering, however led him to enter the employ of the Star Telephone Company, at Ashland, and for a short time he served with this organization as installment man, meanwhile carrying on private studies in research work. Later he became an inventor and engineer with The National Cash Register Company at Dayton, and during that time was laying plans for an independent venture. Finally, when the opportunity offered, he organized The Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (Delco), in association with Edward A. Deeds, for the purpose of manufacturing one of Mr. Kettering's most important inventions, the Delco starting, lighting and ignition system for automobiles, now in universal use in the automobile industry. The various Delco projects were all developed by Mr. Kettering or under his personal guidance. The importance of his work soon won him wide recognition in the industry, and - 609 - 610 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO at length an alliance was formed between the Delco and Mr. Kettering on one hand and the General Motors Corporation on the other. He is now president of the General Motors Research Corporation, and vice president of the parent corporation, as well as an officer or director of other enterprises. These include: The Flxible Company, of Loudonville, of which he is president and director; C. F. Kettering, Inc., of which he is president; Uplands Realty Company, Inc., of which he is director; and The Domestic Building Company, of which he is president. He is also chairman of the board of directors of The Winters National Bank and Trust Company of Dayton. Mr. Kettering has been largely responsible for the carrying on of General Motors research and development, particularly in the electrical field, but he has also given his executive talents in the general direction of its affairs. His activities, however, have not been confined to this organization alone, even in recent years, and to all those enterprises with which he has been connected his services have been of very great value. During the World War his inventive genius and ingenuity were placed freely at the disposal of the government, and in many ways he contributed to the development of useful devices for his country's use in electrical and mechanical engineering and aeronautics. The ignition system used in Liberty motors was his invention. Mr. Kettering is a member of the American Chemical Society, American Physical Society, American Geographic Society, American Society for Testing Materials, American Institute of Electrical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Academy of Political and Social Science, National Academy of Sciences, American Philosophical Society, Ohio Society of New York, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Society of Automotive Engineers, and an honorary member of the American Society for Steel Treating. Of his election to the last named Society and its significance, the "Iron Trade Review," of September 22, 1927, wrote: "Honors and HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 611 distinctions achieved in the field of industry and science have been many for Charles F. Kettering, but few men are selected to receive the tribute just offered him in his election as an honorary member of the American Society for Steel Treating, as an honorary member of the Steel Treaters. Mr. Kettering adds his name to the small list including the late Judge Gary and C. M. Schwab. Mr. Kettering, who is a vice president of the General Motors Corporation, has been an important factor in the development of the electrical phase of automotive manufacture." Mr. Kettering was one of the founders of the Engineers Club of Dayton and is also a member of the Dayton Club, Dayton Country Club, Miami Valley Hunt and Polo Club, Moraine Park Country Club, Miami Valley Golf Club, and Engineers Club, all of Dayton; Athletic Club of Columbus; Detroit Club, Detroit Yacht Club, Recess Club, Old Club, Grosse Point Yacht Club, all of Detroit; Montauk Yacht Club of New York; and Surf Club and Bath Club, of Miami Beach, Florida. Mr. Kettering has maintained a constant interest in Ohio State University, where he received his degree in electrical engineering and his master's degree. He has been an important contributor to the enlargement and development program undertaken by the university. Among his most notable gifts may be mentioned his donation of funds for the erection of Kettering Science Hall, Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, and joint donor with Col. Edward A. Deeds, of the Engineer's Club property of Dayton. He was also the founder of the Charles F. Kettering Foundation for the Advancement of Human Knowledge, and has given many other tangible expressions of his interest in scientific research and educational progress. On August 1, 1905, Mr. Kettering married Miss Olive Williams, of Ashland, Ohio. They have one son, Eugene Williams Kettering. Mr. Kettering's Dayton offices are located in the Winters Bank Building, and his residence at Ridgeleigh Terrace. 612 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Frank M. Shelton.—Engaged in educational work for over 30 years, Frank M. Shelton, who in 1924 became superintendent of schools at Springfield, possesses a well won reputation as a man of intellectual power, broad experience and natural talents as an instructor. During his career he has been influential in advancing the cause of education in various ways, and in a number of communities, particularly in Ohio, where the greater part of his life has been passed. Mr. Shelton was born on a farm near Salem, Ohio, June 2, 1877, and is a son of David and Elizabeth (Atterholt) Shelton. David Shelton, who passed his active years in agricultural operations, was born at Teegarden, Columbiana County, Ohio, and died February 22, 1911. His wife was born at Dungannon, Ohio, and died in 1925. Both are buried at Lisben, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Shelton were born the following children: 1. Charles, deceased, buried at Canton, Ohio. 2. Alice, married L. A. Lee, lives at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. Frank M., the subject of this sketch. 4. Evelyn, a teacher in the McKinley High School, at Canton, Ohio. Frank M. Shelton attended the district school in the vicinity of his birth and the high school at Lisbon, from which he was graduated in 1895. For further preparations for his career he went to Mt. Union College, and in order to pay for his tuition and other expenses he taught school for four winter terms. Graduating in 1899, he secured a place as a teacher at Louisville, Ohio, where he remained one year, following which he spent two years each at Fostoria High School and Canton High School. For the next seven years he taught in the Central High School, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then becoming principal of the senior high school at Canton, where he remained for five years. In 1916 Mr. Shelton became superintendent of the city schools of Elyria, where he continued until his resignation in January, 1924, to go to Springfield. Mr. Shelton, in addition to the foregoing, taught two summers at Mt. Union College and a like period at Wooster HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 613 College, and he has also taken graduate work at Harvard, Cornell and Columbia Universities, from the last named of which he received his Master's degree from Teachers College in June, 1911. Through his untiring industry and talent for organization, the Elyria school system during his eight years of service was built up and developed into one of the best in any city of the same size. Mr. Shelton has engaged in various other activities. While at Canton he was superintendent of the First Methodist Episcopal Sunday School. In connection with the Sunday school he held the first "father and son" dinner, a function which became immediately popular and which has been adopted by cities throughout the country. In 1913, at Canton, Ohio, Mr. Shelton was a member of the first charter commission of that city, and was chairman of the committee of ten that organized the Canton Chamber of Commerce. He was also on the Board of Directors and served two years as vice-president of the Canton Park and Playground Association. At Elyria he helped to organize the Rotary Club, of which he served as its first president. Mr. Shelton has contributed numerous articles for educational journals and magazines and is recognized as a leading figure in his chosen profession. In August, 1903, Mr. Shelton was united in marriage with Miss Mary Gertrude Packard, of Oberlin, Ohio, the daughter of A. C. and Mary (Comstock) Packard, of Lorain County, Ohio. They have two children: Mary Elizabeth and Robert Frank, both students. Mr. Shelton is a member of the official board of the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church, is an independent Republican, and holds membership in Phi Delta Kappa, a graduate educational fraternity; Kappa Phi Kappa, undergraduate educational fraternity; Sigma Alpha Epsilon; King Solomon Lodge No. 56, F. and A. M., Elyria, Ohio; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; Springfield Rotary Club; Central Ohio Educa- 614 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO tional Association; Ohio State Educational Association, member of its executive committee for six years; National Educational Association; department of superintendents of the National Educational Association; National Committee on Teachers' Allowance of the National Educational Association; Western Ohio Superintendents' Round Table, former member of its executive committee and past president; Ohio Congress of Parents and Teachers, fifth vice-president; director of the Y. M. C. A., Springfield; director of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce; and member of Clark County District Committee, Boy Scouts of America, Tecumseh Council. Hon. Harry G. Gram.—One of the most prominent figures in public affairs in West Central Ohio is Harry G. Gram, who is Probate Judge and Judge of the Juvenile Court of Clark County. He is a native of Dayton, Ohio, born October 17, 1877, the son of Cornelius L. and Rebecca S. (Guy) Gram. Cornelius L. Gram was born in Clark County, Ohio, September 1, 1844, and died in 1923. He spent several years as a merchant at Osborn, Green County, and later was interested in farming. His wife was born at Geneva, Ontario County, New York, May 20, 1848, and died in 1921. Both are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. Mr. Gram was a Democrat. His wife held membership in the Episcopal Church. Their only child was Harry G., the subject of this sketch. Cornelius L. Gram was the son of Henry Gram, who was among the first settlers of Clark County. He came to this section of Ohio from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and became an extensive land owner. Harry G. Gram acquired his early education in the public schools of Springfield, and was graduated from Springfield High School in 1896. He then entered Wittenberg College from which HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 615 he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1901. He read law in the offices of the late J. Warren Keifer, and also attended Cincinnati Law School, being admitted to the Ohio bar in December, 1904. He was subsequently admitted to practice in the United States District and the United States Supreme courts. He served as private secretary to General Keifer from 1905 until 1910, and served as court reporter of Clark County Common Pleas Court from 1910 until 1921. Mr. Gram was elected as Probate Judge of Clark County in 1920, and reelected in 1924, 1928, and 1932. Since January, 1923, he has served as judge of the Clark County Juvenile Court. He has a state-wide reputation as an authority on child welfare work and during 1927-28 served as president of the Ohio Welfare Conference. On July 27, 1905, Mr. Gram was united in marriage with Miss Bertha A. Tibbetts, the daughter of Ephraim N. and Abba S. (Tibbetts) Tibbetts, natives of Maine and New Hampshire, respectively. Mr. Tibbetts was a pioneer in the development of the city of Springfield and among its most prominent citizens. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Gram have no children. Mr. Gram is a member and vestryman of Christ Episcopal Church, and is active in the department of social service of the Southern Diocese of Ohio. His lodge and club affiliations are: Clark Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 101, past master and trustee; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery, K. T. No. 33, past commander; Grand Master (1930-31) of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. and A. M.; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; elected to the Supreme Council 33rd degree, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction September 21, 1932, receiving the 33rd degree in Boston, September 27, 1933; Norris Chapter 0. E. S. No. 426, charter member; Springfield Masonic Temple Company, director; Antioch Temple; Y. M. C. A., president; Clark County Chapter American Red Cross, chairman; Springfield Chamber of Commerce, past direc- 616 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO tor; Springfield Community Fund, chairman during 1928; Knights of Pythias; Junior Order United American Mechanics; Fraternal Order of Eagles; Young Men's Literary Club; Tecumseh Area Boy Scouts of America; Clark County and Ohio State Bar associations. He has been secretary of the Probate Judges Association of Ohio since 1925. Politically Judge Gram is a Republican. William A. Bilikam, Jr.—Both as a member of the legal profession and as a citizen, William A. Bilikam, Jr., stands high in public esteem in Springfield, where he is associated in the law practice with William. V. Mahar. Mr. Bilikam was born at Columbus, Ohio, January 20, 1900, the son of William A. and Elizabeth 0. (Louis) Bilikam. William A. Bilikam, Sr., and his wife are natives of Columbus. Throughout his business career he has been associated with the Standard Oil Company and since 1907 has served as factory sales representative in Springfield. He is a Republican and holds membership in the First Lutheran Church. The only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Bilikam was William A., Jr., the subject of this sketch. William A. Bilikam, Jr., attended the public schools of Springfield, being a student at the old Southern school. After his graduation from Springfield High School in 1919, he attended Wittenberg College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1923. At the latter institution he was a member of the inter-collegiate debating team for two years. Mr. Bilikam was graduated from the College of Law, Harvard University, in 1926, and on July 31st of that year was admitted to the Ohio State Bar. He has practiced in the United States District Courts since November, 1929. He began his professional career with Edwin S. Houck and Arthur Todd, and in November, 1927, became asso- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 617 ciated with the late George A. Beard, the latter being a former partner of Judge Summers of the Ohio Supreme Court. Since April 23, 1930, Mr. Bilikam has been associated with William Mahar. Politically Mr. Bilikam is a Republican. He is a member of the First Lutheran Church and belongs to Harvard Lodge F. and A. M., B. P. 0. Elks, No. 51, and Tau Kappa Alpha fraternity. He also holds membership in the Temple Club, Y. M. C. A., Thayer Law Club of Harvard, Wittenberg Alumni Association, Clark County and Ohio State Bar associations. Hon. Albert Henry Kunkle, of Springfield, Ohio, is a member of the Court of Appeals, Second Appellate District of Ohio. He has been an honored and representative member of the bar of Clark County for many years, and his influence has been beneficial in the public affairs in this section of the state. Judge Kunkle was born at Vandalia, Montgomery County, Ohio, the son of the late David and Susanna (Stouffer) Kunkle. David Kunkle and his wife were natives of Montgomery County, Ohio, and were representatives of sterling pioneer families. They moved to Springfield, Ohio, in 1878 and spent the remainder of their lives in the city. Albert Henry Kunkle was educated in the public schools of Vandalia and in 1882 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College. He later was awarded the degree of Master of Arts at the same institution. Upon leaving college he read law in Springfield and was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1885 and served as city solicitor for eight years. During 1905-13 he was judge of the Court of Common. Pleas of Clark County, and in the latter year resigned to assume his duties as a member of the Court of Appeals. He was later elected Chief Justice of that Court, and has been reelected to that office every six years since 618 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO 1913. Judge Kunkle has been a prominent member of the Clark County and Ohio State Bar Associations for many years. Judge Kunkle married Miss Margaret P. McCulloch, the daughter of the late William McCulloch. Their children are: 1. Albert, agriculturist, married Miss Mary Fehr of Springfield, Ohio, and they have two children, David; Hugh. 2. Virginia, married Robert Jones of Lebanon, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Joan. 3. Susanna, at home. Judge Kunkle is a member of the Fourth Lutheran Church. He is a member and past chancellor of Red Star Lodge, No. 205, Knights of Pythias, and in 1924 was Grand Chancellor of Ohio. He has also been a Supreme Representative from Ohio for a number of years. He belongs to St. Andrews Lodge, No. 619, F. and A. M.; Springfield Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M.; Springfield Council, No. 17, IL and S. M.; Springfield Council, No. 240, Junior Order United American Mechanics; the Loyal Order of Moose, and Phi Kappa Psi college fraternity. He is a member of the Springfield Country Club and of the Columbus Club, Columbus, Ohio. Hon. Fred A. Wagner.—Representative of the prominent and influential men of West Central Ohio is Fred A. Wagner, who is Judge of the Court of Appeals, Second Appellate Division, at Springfield. Mr. Wagner is a native of Sidney, Ohio, born June 11, 1882, the son of Jacob G. and Anna (Martz) Wagner.  Jacob G. Wagner was born in Pennsylvania. He was a carpenter by trade and spent the greater part of his life in Ohio. He died in 1906 and is buried at Sidney. His widow was born at Lexington, Missouri, and resides at Springfield. Their only child was Fred A., the subject of this sketch.  Following his graduation from Sidney High School in 1903, Fred A. Wagner was employed in the law offices of Hon. J. D. Barnes, who is now Judge of the Court of Appeals, Second Appel-  HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 619 late Division. Mr. Wagner was admitted to the bar in 1906 and upon his removal to Springfield he became associated with the law firm of Keifer & Keifer. He was appointed chief deputy of the Probate Court in 1916, and became judge of the Municipal Court in December, 1928, being appointed to that office by Governor A. V. Donahey. In November, 1929, Judge Wagner was elected to the latter office. July 14, 1925, Judge Wagner was united in marriage with Miss Helen M. Oates, the daughter of Fred W. and Elizabeth (MacKay) Oates, natives of Ohio. Mr. Oates resides at Springfield, where he is a well known building contractor. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have a son, John Frederick. Judge Wagner is a Democrat, a member of Central Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to Clark Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 101; Masonic Temple Club; and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He also belongs to the Clark County and Ohio State Bar associations. Orville Wear.—One of the leading members of the Clark County bar is Orville Wear, prosecuting attorney, with offices at Springfield. He was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, March 8, 1905, the son of Edward and Ella (Taylor) Wear. Edward Wear, who died in 1910, was a native of Ohio. He spent many years with the Selby Shoe Company, of Portsmouth. His wife was born at Siloam, Kentucky, and died September 6, 1931. Mr. Wear was a member of the First Christian Church and belonged to the Woodmen of the World. There were four children in the Wear family: 1. Garnet, deceased. 2. Lorin, lives at Springfield. He was wounded in service during the World war while serving as a member of Company B. 148th Infantry, 37th Division. 3. Irene, deceased. 4. Orville, the subject of this sketch. The early education of Orville Wear was received in the public schools of Springfield. He studied law in the office of R. Stanley 620 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Lucas, with whom he was later associated in practice. In November, 1930, Mr. Wear was elected prosecuting attorney, and was reelected in 1932. On November 9th, 1931, Mr. Wear married Miss Mary Louise Bunnell, the daughter of John and Minnie (Peifer) Bunnell, natives of Indiana. Mr. Bunnell is a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Wear have a daughter, Nancy Golden. Mr. Wear is a Republican and is chairman of the Republican Central Committee. He holds membership in the Central Christian Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Eagles Lodge, and Omicron Pi Sigma fraternity. He is past secretary of the Clark County Bar Association. Malcolm Earl Spencer.—One of the most prominent figures in public affairs in West Central Ohio is Malcolm Earl Spencer, who has served as city solicitor of Springfield since 1923. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on January 29, 1893, the son of George W. and Amelia (Strait) Spencer. George W. Spencer, who died October 18, 1904, was a native of Ohio, and was born at Straitsville, Perry County. He was educated in the public schools of Columbus and became construction engineer for the Central Union Telephone Company at Westerville. Later he was transferred to Columbus. His wife died in April, 1905. Malcolm Earl Spencer was left an orphan when less than ten years of age. He was educated and reared at the Odd Fellows Home, Springfield, where he remained until 16 years of age. In 1910 he was graduated from Wittenberg Academy and four years later received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College. He then read law in the office of Donald Kirkpatrick, being admitted to the Ohio State bar in 1917. He also practices in the United States District and Federal Court of Appeals. In 1921 he HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 621 was appointed as the first assistant prosecutor ever had in Clark County and two years later was appointed city solicitor of Springfield, Ohio, in which capacity he is still acting. On June 24, 1914, Mr. Spencer was united in marriage with Miss Mabel A. Furlong, the daughter of Isaac and Millie (Rose) Furlong, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer are the parents of four children: 1. Malcolm Earl, Jr., deceased. 2. Gerald Elden, born May 18, 1920. 3. Phyllis Adele, born June 19, 1921. 4. Jane Lou, born April 12, 1925, deceased. Mr. Spencer is a Republican, a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, and has the following lodge affiliations: Springfield Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., No. 33; Mad River Encampment, No. 16; Canton Occidental No. 21, past master; Fidelia Lodge, No. 12, Daughters of Rebecca; H. S. Kissell Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 674; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Kadgar Grotto, M. 0. V. P. E. R. Marion; and Masonic Temple Club. He is a member of the Clark County and Ohio State Bar Associations. William White Keifer.—As the son of the late General J. Warren Keifer, the distinguished citizen of the city of Springfield, William White Keifer had for many years been associated with his honored father in the practice of law, and has a son in the same profession, making three successive generations represented in one law firm until the death of General J. Warren Keifer on April 22, 1932. William White Keifer was born at Springfield, May 24, 1866, second son of four children. As a boy he attended the public schools, Antioch College, and Ohio State University, at Columbus, from which he was graduated in 1886 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1888 he was graduated from the Cincinnati School of Law. Soon afterward he engaged in practice at Springfield 622 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO with his father, and is now the senior member of the law firm of Keifer & Keifer. On June 13, 1894, Mr. Keifer married Miss Martha Steele, the daughter of Marshfield and Martha (Lehman) Steele. Her father, who died in 1898, was a well known Springfield business man. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Keifer were: Horace S., William W., Jr., Martha and Penelope. Horace S. Keifer enlisted, May 7, 1917, for service in the World War and entered the officers' training school at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 332nd Infantry, 83rd Division. He continued his training at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, and sailed from Hoboken, New Jersey, in June, 1918. Soon after landing in France his regiment was sent, the only one from the American Expeditionary Forces, to the Italian front during the campaign against the Austrians. He was on active duty there until the armistice. Horace S. Keifer married Miss Margaret Merickel, of Toledo, Ohio. He is a graduate of Williams College, class of 1917, and from the Law School of Ohio State University, class of 1922. As mentioned above, he is now associated with his father in practice in Springfield. He was elected representative to the General Assembly of Ohio from Clark County in 1924 and is still serving in that capacity. William W. Keifer, Jr., was graduated from Williams College in January, 1918, and in that year entered training at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant and assigned to duty at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, with the 801st Pioneer Infantry. He went overseas during the last months of the war. He married Miss Virginia Paine, of Massachusetts, and is in business in New York City. Martha Keifer was graduated from Wells College, class of 1923, Bachelor of Arts, and took post graduate work in philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. She married Robert Shafer, a professor of English in the University HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 623 of Cincinnati. Penelope Keifer graduated in 1930 from Wells College and took graduate work in Radcliffe College. She married Earle Carr and is living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. William White Keifer, Sr., and family are members of the Covenant Presbyterian Church. He also is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and belongs to the Clark County, Ohio State, and American Bar Associations. General J. Warren Keifer.—Among the many able men produced by Clark County, whose life and service have kept up many vital points in the affairs of state and nation, is General J. Warren Keifer, who passed away April 22, 1932. He was a young lawyer trying his first cases before the Civil War broke out and in that war he gained imperishable fame as a soldier and Union officer. General Keifer since the Civil War had practiced law, had been a banker for half a century, and had a long and honorable record in public affairs, serving 14 years in Congress, one term in the 47th Congress (1881-83) as speaker of the House. He was born on a farm on Mad River, in Bethel Township, Clark County, January 30, 1836, a son of Joseph and Mary (Smith) Keifer. His father, who was born at Sharpsburg, Maryland, December 28, 1784, was a pioneer of what is now Clark County, having settled there in 1812. He was a well qualified civil engineer and though his main occupation was farming, his professional knowledge was of use in developing a new country, particularly in establishing common schools and the construction of highways. He died in Clark County, April 13, 1850. His wife, Mary Smith, was born January 31, 1799, in Columbia, near Cincinnati, and died at Yellow Springs, Clark County, March 23, 1879. Her family was of English ancestry, and early settlers in New Jersey. One branch of the name was established in Ohio as early as 1790. 624 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO General Keifer was educated in the public schools and at Antioch College, and while working on the home farm he took up the study of law. He also studied in the law office of Anthony and Goode. He was admitted to the Ohio State Bar at Springfield January 12, 1858, before he was 22 years old, and then began his work as a practicing lawyer in that city. He had just three years in which to win for himself a measure of success and proficiency as a lawyer before the Civil War came on. He was one of the first to offer his services in Clark County, enlisting on April 19, 1861. On April 27th of the same year he was commissioned a major in the Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry for a period of three months, and soon afterward was re-commissioned for three years. His first important engagement was the Battle of Rich Mountain, July 11, 1861, the first general field battle of the Civil War. He was at other points in the West Virginia campaign, being on the field of Cheat Mountain and Elk Water. On February 12, 1862, he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and during the events of that year in Kentucky and Tennessee he was at the capture of Bowling Green, at Nashville, at Huntsville and Brindeport, Alabama, and in April, 1862, led an expedition into Georgia and performed an important service by destroying the saltpetre works at Nickajack Cave. September 30, 1862, he was commissioned a colonel of the 110th Ohio Infantry, then at Piqua, Ohio. He was assigned to General Milroy's command in West Virginia, and was assigned to command a brigade and the post at Moorefield. General Keifer was wounded during the Battle of Winchester in June, 1863. On July 9th of that year he was assigned with his regiment and brigade to the Third Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, and took part in the pursuit of General Lee's troops after the Battle of Gettysburg. He fought at Wapping Heights and in August he was dispatched with his command to New York City to suppress the draft riot and to enforce the draft. After this service was accomplished he retired to the main theatre of war in September, and on Novem- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 625 ber 27, 1863, was in the Battle of Mine Run. March 24, 1864, he was transferred with his brigade to the Sixth Army Corps. At the Battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864, he was seriously wounded, but in spite of his disability soon resumed command of his brigade. With his wounded arm in a sling he took his place at the head of his troops under Generals Sheridan and Wright in the battles of Opequan, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley campaign. At Opequan, September 19, 1864, a horse was shot from under him and he was again wounded. October 19, 1864, he commanded the Third Division, Sixth Army Corps in the Battle of Cedar Creek, the Sheridan Ride battle. President Lincoln brevetted him Brigadier General of Volunteers "for gallant and meritorious services in the battles of Opequan, Fishers Hill, and Cedar Creek, Virginia," and on December 29, 1864, President Lincoln assigned him to full duties as a brigadier general. In December, 1864, with his own corps, Gen. Keifer rejoined the Army of the Potomac in front of Petersburg. March 25, 1865, he led a successful assault, commended in General Order, and on April 2nd charged with his division in the final assault which carried the main works and resulted in the capture of Petersburg and Richmond. On April 5th his command aided in cutting off the retreat of Lee's Army, and forced it to give battle on the 6th at Sailor's Creek, Virginia, during which movement Gen. Keifer and Gen. Frank Wheaton, each commanding a division of the Sixth Army Corps, with some cavalry and artillery, defeated Gen. R. S. Ewell's wing of Lee's retreating army and succeeded in effecting the capture of over 10,000 of the enemy, including Gen. Ewell and many other officers of high rank. Soon after this result Gen. Keifer was given information that a body of the enemy lay concealed in a dense forest to the right. He rode in person to ascertain the correctness of the information, and coming suddenly upon the Confederate troops and taking advantage of the gathering darkness and the smoke of battle he shouted to the 626 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO confederates the command "forward," and they followed after him, suspecting nothing. On reaching the edge of the wood they discovered that they were being led by a Union officer, and General Keifer's troops soon surrounded the Confederate body and captured them all, about 2,000, a marine brigade, including Commodore John Randolph Tucker, their commander. Following the conclusion of the scene leading up to Appomattox, where Gen. Keifer was present at the surrender, he started with his corps to North Carolina to aid in the capture of Gen. Joe E. Johnston's army, but was too late to be present at its capitulation to General Sherman. General Keifer was wounded four times during the Civil war. He was honorably mustered out June 27, 1865. On November 30, 1866, he was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 26th U. S. Infantry, but declined this opportunity to continue a military career. He was one of a number of veteran officers of the Civil war from both sides who took up active duty again in arms at the time of the Spanish-American war. In April, 1898, though 62 years of age, he was appointed Major General by President McKinley and had command of troops at Miami and Jacksonville, Florida, and from Savannah embarked with 16,000 men for Cuba, establishing his headquarters at Buena Vista, just outside of Havana. He was in command of the American military forces when they took possession of the city, January 1, 1899. He was mustered out May 12, 1899. At the conclusion of the Civil War Gen. Keifer resumed his law practice, and law remained his profession, although many weighty matters and interests came between him and his practice. In later years he took in as associates his sons, William W. and Horace C. Keifer, and later included his grandson, Horace S. Keifer, who was an officer overseas during the World War. In 1873 Gen. Keifer became president of the Lagonda National Bank and was the head of that institution for nearly half a century. Soon after the Civil War he was drawn into politics, was HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 627 elected and served in 1868-69 as a member of the Ohio Senate, was a delegate at large to the Republican national convention in 1876, and 32 years later a delegate to the convention of 1908. In 1876 he was elected to his first term in congress, the 45th congress, and served continuously in that body as representative of the Seventh Ohio district from 1877 to 1885. Gen. Keifer had the distinction of being the first and only Ohio man, prior to Nicholas Long-worth, who was ever chosen to the speakership of the House of Representatives. After an interval of just 20 years, Gen. Keifer again consented to represent the Seventh district in congress, being elected in 1904 and serving in the 59th-60th and 61st congresses from March 4, 1905, to March 4, 1911. Gen. Keifer was an organizer of the Board of Control in 1868 for the Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home at Xenia, Ohio, and was one of the trustees of this institution from 1870 to 1878 and in 1903-04. He had long been prominent in Grand Army circles and was department commander during 1868-70 and vice commander in chief during 1872-73. In 1903-04 he was commander of the Ohio Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. Gen. Keifer helped organize and was the first commander in chief during 1900-01 of the. Spanish War veterans. He was a trustee of Antioch College from 1873 until his death. Gen. Keifer was a well known Ohio orator, and in political campaigns he delivered many formal addresses on various occasions. He was a life member of the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society, and during 1895-96 he devoted much of his time to the writing of an important historical work known as "Slavery and Four Years of War," which was published in 1900. On March 22, 1860, Gen. Keifer married Miss Eliza Stout, of Springfield. She died March 12, 1899. To them were born three sons and one daughter: 1. Joseph Warren, Jr., who moved to Nebraska and became a member of the legislature of that state. 2. William W., whose sketch appears elsewhere. 3. Major Horace C., who served in the Spanish-American War, and died in 1918. 4. Margaret E., deceased. 628 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Harold M. Fross.—As auditor of Clark County, Harold M. Fross is recognized as one of the influential citizens of Springfield. He was born at Donnelsville, Ohio, March 17, 1896, the son of Milford W. and Elizabeth (Burman) Fross. Milfred W. Fross, who died in 1919, was a native of Ohio and during his early life engaged in farming near Donnelsville. He located at Springfield in 1902, and at the time of his death was connected with the William Bailey Company. Mr. Fross was independent in politics and held membership in the Third Lutheran Church. His wife was born at Donnelsville and resides at Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Fross were born four children: 1. Jessie, married E. C. Rinehart, lives at Springfield. 2. Bessie, twin sister of Jessie, married Henry Snow, lives at Springfield. 3. Estella, deceased. 4. Harold M., the subject of this sketch. Harold M. Fross is a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1914. He attended Wittenberg College and Ohio State University and in 1917 enlisted in the U. S. Navy for service in the World War. He was discharged at Pelham Bay, New York, in 1919 with the rank of ensign, and in that year became identified with the engineering department of the Detroit-Toledo & Ironton Railroad. He went with the engineering department of the Wescott Motor Car Company in 1920, and on January 1, 1921, was appointed chief deputy county auditor for Clark County. He was elected to the office of auditor in November, 1930. On January 1, 1919, Mr. Fross married Miss Edna Little, the daughter of A. F. and Rebecca (Haley) Little, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. They are residents of Covington, Ohio, where Mr. Little is publisher of the Covington Gazette and president of the Little Publishing Company. Mr. and Mrs. Fross have a daughter, Martha Jeanne. Mrs. Fross was graduated from Wittenberg College, class 1915, with a degree of Bachelor of Arts. Mr. Fross and his family are members of the First Lutheran Church, and he belongs to the Kiwanis Club, Alpha Tau Omega HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 629 fraternity, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and "40 and 8 Society." He also is affiliated with Clark Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 101. Mr. Fross is a Republican. Harvey O. Portz.—One of the best known men of West Central Ohio is Harvey O. Portz, who is executive of Tecumseh Council, Boy Scouts of America, with headquarters at Springfield. He was born at Newcomerstown, Ohio, March 11, 1886, the son of Henry and Caroline (Gebhardt) Portz. Henry Portz and his wife were natives of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. He was a farmer and for a number of years owned and operated 223 acres of land in Coshocton County. He died in 1928 and his wife died in 1915. They are buried at Bakersville, Ohio. Mr. Portz was a Democrat, a member of the United Lutheran Church, and belonged to Coshocton Grange. There were five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Portz: 1. Albert, lives at Fresno, Ohio. 2. Edna, married Edward Oaklief, lives at Newcomerstown, Ohio. 3. Cora, married Guy Garber, lives at Bakersville, Ohio. 4. Harvey O., the subject of this sketch. 5. Rev. Clarence A., who is pastor of Edgewood Lutheran Church, Wheeling, West Virginia. Following his graduation from the Everal School in Oxford Township of Coshocton County, Harvey O. Portz attended Ohio University preparatory school. He was graduated from Wittenberg Academy in 1909 and received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College in 1913. He was president of the junior class and took a prominent part in college athletics. During 1913-14 Mr. Portz was athletic coach and mathematics instructor at Maysville High School, Maysville, Kentucky. He entered Columbia University in 1914 and in the following year received the degree of Master of Arts. From 1915 until 1917 he served as superintendent of schools at Tarpon Springs, Florida, and at that time also was Scoutmaster. In 1917 he was appointed 630 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO scout executive at Wheeling, West Virginia, where he remained until 1923. He then came to Springfield in the same capacity. Five years later the counties of Logan, Champaign, Green and Clinton were added to his district, and in 1931 Highland County was added to form the present Tecumseh Council. In 1918 Mr. Portz married Miss Hallie Plant Wright, the daughter of George and Ella (Jennings) Wright, natives of Tennessee and Virginia, respectively. They are residents of Wheeling, West Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Portz two sons were born; 1. Matthew, born March 11, 1921. 2. Henry George, born November 9, 1924. Politically Mr. Portz is independent. He is an active member of the Lutheran Church and belongs to Beta Theta Pi fraternity. J. Harvey Rust, who is treasurer of the Springfield Savings Bank, has been identified with that institution for the past 30 years, and is recognized as one of the business leaders of the community. He was born at Northampton, Pike Township, Clark County, July 23, 1872, the son of Nathaniel and Guliaelma (Sturgeon) Rust. Nathaniel Rust, who died in 1923, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Pike Township, Clark County, and spent his early life on his father's farm. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted as a member of Company I, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and later was attached to the 44th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Rust was wounded severely in battle at Shenandoah, and suffered serious injury to his left arm. Throughout his life Mr. Rust engaged in farming. He was a Democrat, a member of the German Reform Church, and belonged to Tremont City, Grand Army of the Republic. His wife was also a native of Pike Township and she died in 1913. To Mr. and Mrs. Rust the following children were born: 1. J. Harvey, the subject of HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 631 this sketch. 2. Adele, married John W. Harris, lives at Springfield. 3. Anson Alvira, deceased. J. Harvey Rust acquired his education in the public schools of Northampton and is a graduate of Nelson Business College, Springfield. After a period of ten years in the employ of the Springfield Paper & Merchandise Company, Mr. Rust entered the services of the Springfield Savings Bank in 1903 as a bookkeeper. He subsequently became teller, and in 1917 was made treasurer. In 1895 Mr. Rust was united in marriage with Miss Isabel Garst, the daughter of Joseph Garst, a native of Ohio. He was widely known as a successful farmer and specialized in the breeding of pure bred stock. He is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Rust have no children. Paul C. Martin.—One of Springfield's most prominent citizens is Paul C. Martin, attorney, who is a member of the firm of Martin & Corry, with offices in the First National Bank Building. He was born in this city, August 16, 1876, the son of Oscar T. and Mary S. (McCoy) Martin. A complete sketch of Oscar T. Martin appears elsewhere in this history. Paul C. Martin has always lived in Springfield. He attended Wittenberg Academy and Wittenberg College, and in 1898 received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Princeton University. He subsequently entered the Cincinnati Law School from which he was graduated in 1900. In the following year he became a junior partner in his father's firm, and continued in that capacity until the latter's death in 1913. Mr. Martin then engaged in private practice until 1921, at which time he became associated with Homer C. Corry, the firm being known as Martin & Corry. Their associates are John C. Durfey and Oscar T. Martin, II. The firm specializes in corporation law. 632 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL 01110 On April 9, 1901, Mr. Martin was united in marriage with Miss Bessie Black, the daughter of William and Laura (Coles) Black, the former a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and the latter of Springfield. Both are deceased and are buried in Fern Cliff Cemetery. Mr. Martin is a Republican. His lodge and club affiliations are: Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 455, past master; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Springfield Country Club; University Club of New York; Springfield Rotary Club; Beta Theta Pi, Phi Beta Kappa, and Phi Delta Phi fraternities. He is a charter trustee of Princeton University and trustee of Western College, at Oxford, Ohio. Mr. Martin has also been president of the Springfield Board of Education. He is president of the Clark County Bar Association and also belongs to the Ohio State, and American Bar associations. He is an elder of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Oscar T. Martin.—In the death of Oscar T. Martin on May 1, 1913, the city of Springfield lost one of its most valued citizens and able professional men. He had engaged in the practice of law here for 40 years and was also president of the Springfield Railway Company and president of the First National Bank of Springfield. Mr. Martin was born at Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1848, the son of David M. and Mary (Brenneman) Martin. The Martin family came to Ohio from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1854, and located in Green County. David M. Martin became a justice of the peace and was widely known. Oscar T. Martin spent his boyhood in Green County and attended the district schools. He taught school for several terms, and in 1868 was graduated from Wittenberg College. He was interested in newspaper work, first as a reporter and later as HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 633 editor of the old Advertiser. Mr. Martin also read law in the offices of Keifer & White, and in 1873 was admitted to the Ohio State bar. Until 1901 he practiced law alone, and in that year became associated with his son, Paul C. Martin, the firm being known as Martin & Martin. Mr. Martin was attorney for his life long friend, the late Governor Asa Bushnell, whom he succeeded in 1904 as president of the First National Bank of Springfield. He was a prominent member of the Clark County, Ohio State, and American Bar associations. In 1873 Mr. Martin was married to Miss Mary S. McCoy, a native of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. She resides at Springfield. Mr. Martin was a Republican and held membership in the Presbyterian Church. Mitchell Wagner Raup.—Secretary-treasurer of the Springfield Metallic Casket Company, Mitchell Wagner Raup, was born at Constantine, St. Joseph County, Michigan, June 9, 1879, the son of Rev. Gustavus P. and Fannie M. (Mitchell) Raup. A complete sketch of Rev. Gustavus P. Raup appears elsewhere in this history. The early education of Mitchell Wagner Raup was acquired in the district schools of Moorefield Township, Clark County, and he attended Wittenberg Academy. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College in 1897, and is also a graduate of Willis Business College. He began his business career in the advertising department of Mast, Crowell & Kirkpatrick, now the Crowell Publishing Company. Later he spent six years as cashier of Warder, Bushnell & Glessner Company, now the Champion Division of the International Harvester Company, Springfield. He has been associated with the Springfield Metallic Casket Company since 1903, and has held the offices of cashier, assistant 634 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO treasurer, treasurer, and secretary-treasurer, having assumed his present duties in 1917. He has been a director of the concern since 1907. On May 1, 1902, Mr. Raup was united in marriage with Miss Margaret E. Detwiler, the daughter of Christian Detwiler, a native of Ohio. He died at Chicago, Illinois, in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Raup are the parents of three daughters: 1. Mary M., lives at Springfield. She is a graduate of Wittenberg College and also attended Western College, Oxford, Ohio. 2. Fannie L., lives in New York City. She attended Western College, Oxford, Ohio, and is a graduate of Wittenberg College and Harper Hospital Training School, Detroit, Michigan. She married Dr. Thomas E. Bamford, Jr. 3. Grace E., a graduate of Wittenberg College. Mr. Raup is a Republican, a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and belongs to Clark Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 101; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R.; Antioch Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S. Rev. Gustavus P. Raup.—The Lutheran clergy numbers among its members of broad education, religious enthusiasm and enlightened views, men whose example and teaching exercise an influence that must be counted as one of the great factors in advancing any community. Not alone do they serve as spiritual guides to their people, but invariably possess a large measure of the practicality which enables them to advise and teach in the ordinary events of life, and to protect the interests of their parish while also promoting its temporal affairs. Much, in fact, is demanded of those who choose the unselfish life of the Lutheran clergy. Not all, as in other walks of life, are fitted by nature for the same sum of responsibility, and influence as was enjoyed by the late Rev. Gustavus P. Raup. Reverend Raup was born at Turbotville, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1851, the son of Henry and Sarah Raup, natives of West- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 635 moreland County, Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather, Philip Raup, a native of Germany, was a soldier during the War of 1812, and also in the Indian campaigns, seeing service in different parts of Ohio. The Raups have always been Lutherans in religion. After attending the public schools, Gustavus P. Raup entered Missionary Institute, at Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, which was only a few miles from his home, and after a year at that school he entered the preparatory department of Wittenberg College, at Springfield, in 1869. In June, 1874, having completed the college course at Wittenberg, he was graduated with a class of 15 young men, of whom 11 entered the ministry of the Lutheran Church. In the autumn of the same year he entered the Wittenberg Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1876, and in that year he accepted a call to Messiah Lutheran Church, at Constantine, Michigan, but his work in the ministry was of short duration, for ill health, followed by a stroke of paralysis, caused his physicians to advise him to live as much in the open air as possible, and, resigning his pastorate, he returned to his farm near Springfield in 1879. Notwithstanding the relinquishment of the active work of the ministry, he never lost interest in the work of the church and its institutions, nor got out of touch with it. He was always very active along the lines of Sunday school work and temperance, and having a deep insight into the teachings of the Bible, he was a very successful Bible class teacher. For nearly 35 years he was identified with the Lutheran Synod, and was highly esteemed by those of the brethren in the ministry who knew and understood him. With his family he was identified with the Third Lutheran Church, of Springfield, and was deeply interested in its welfare. On communion occasions he was always an assistant to the pastor, a service which was deeply appreciated by all. He was for many years a trustee of Wittenberg College and a member of its finance committee, and was also a member of the board of trustees of the Clark County Children's Home for many years. 636 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Reverend Raup was present at a meeting of the board of trustees of Wittenberg College, held June 8, 1914, and on the following day he and Mrs. Raup entertained the members of his graduating class, it being the 40th anniversary of that event, and in the evening of the same day he attended the alumni banquet. On the following day he attended the commencement exercises and witnessed the graduation of his daughter. On Saturday, June 20th, following, he died at home. Reverend Raup married Miss Fannie Mitchell, the daughter of Ross and Catherine (Miller) Mitchell, natives of Perry County, Pennsylvania. They are both deceased and are buried in Fern-cliff Cemetery, Springfield. Mr. Mitchell was a manufacturer, associated with the firm of Warder & Mitchell. Later, the firm was known as Warder, Bushnell & Glessner, which is now the Champion Division of the International Harvester Company, of Springfield. To Reverend and Mrs. Raup were born the following children: 1. Mitchell Wagner, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 2. Henry R., lives at Lamed, Kansas. 3. James R., lives at Timken, Kansas. 4. Helen, lives at Springfield. 5. George S., attorney, graduate of Harvard Law School, and a World War veteran, lives at Springfield. 6. Robert B., a World War veteran, member of the faculty of Columbia University, New York City. 7. Chandler P., lives at Springfield. 8. S. Catherine, lives at Springfield. 9. Gus A., a World War veteran, writer, lives in New York City. 10. Hugh M., instructor, Harvard University. George S. Raup is recognized as one of the able attorneys and representative citizens of Springfield, with offices in the Mitchell Building. He was born in Moorefield Township, Clark County, September 30, 1885, the son of Rev. Gustavus P. and Fannie (Mitchell) Raup. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 637 A complete biography of Reverend Gustavus P. Raup appears elsewhere in this history. George S. Raup acquired a public school education and after his graduation from Springfield High School in 1904 he attended Wittenberg College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1908. He then taught school at Lyons, Iowa, during 1908-09, and at Geneva, Illinois, during 1909-10. In the latter year he entered Harvard Law School and received the degree of LL. B. there in 1913, being admitted to the bar in the same year, and subsequently to the U. S. District Court of the Southern District of Ohio. From 1913 until 1919 Mr. Raup was associated in practice with Paul C. Martin, and since 1919 has practiced alone. He is identified with the Clark County, Ohio State, and American Bar associations. Mr. Raup is also director and treasurer of the Mitchell Building Company, and director and secretary of the Berryhill Nursery Company. In 1919 Mr. Raup married Miss Ada V. Bryant, the daughter of John T. Bryant, a native of Champaign County, Ohio, and well known manufacturer of Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Raup are the parents of two children, George Bryant and Elizabeth. Mr. Raup is a Republican and is a member of the Springfield Civil Service Commission. He is a prominent member of the High Street Methodist Church, and belongs to Clark Lodge F. & A. M. No. 101, Kiwanis Club, George Cultice Post No. 6, American Legion, and Chamber of Commerce. During the World War Mr. Raup enlisted for service and was about to enter an officers' training school at the close of the war. He was attached to a coast artillery corps. Charles Henry Hiser.—A widely known citizen and influential business man of Clark County is Charles Henry Hiser, who is president and general manager of the Springfield Metallic Casket Company, at Springfield, Ohio. He was born at Wooster, Ohio, 638 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO October 2, 1861, the son of Daniel Burtnut and Sarah (Fickes) Hiser. The Hiser family is of German origin, and was founded in Pennsylvania by three brothers, one of whom was Henry Hiser, grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He was an inventor of agricultural implements and machinery and gained an almost national reputation in this particular field. His descendants have in their possession a patent certificate granted to Henry Hiser on June 27, 1842, and signed by Daniel Webster, at that time Secretary of State during the administration of John Tyler. Daniel Burtnut Hiser, son of Henry Hiser, was born in Wayne County, Ohio. He located at Springfield in 1883 and was one of the organizers of the Springfield Metallic Casket Company, being the inventor of the sectional cast metal casket. His wife was born in Columbiana County, Ohio. Both are deceased and are buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, at Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Hiser were born the following children: 1. Charles Henry, the subject of this sketch. 2. Arthur, deceased. 3. Sherman Newton, manufacturer, lives at Springfield. 4. Mrs. W. E. Emery, lives at Springfield. 5. Mrs. William Reeser, lives at Urbana, Ohio. 6. Martha, married Charles Stuart, lives at Corapolis, Pennsylvania. Charles Henry Hiser is a graduate of the public schools of Wooster, Ohio. He has been a resident of Springfield since 1884, and throughout his business career has been identified with the interests of the Springfield Metallic Casket Company. He served as superintendent until the death of E. N. Lupfer, February 12, 1933, and at that time succeeded to the presidency. He is also widely known as an inventor. He holds membership in the American Funeral Directors Association, and Casket Manufacturers Association of America. He is vice president of the Ridgley Trimmer Company. On August 23, 1913, Mr. Hiser married Miss Katharine H. Rubsam, who died November 18, 1932. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Hertzler) Rubsam, natives of Ohio and promi- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 639 nent citizens of Springfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Hiser were born two children: 1. Charles Henry, Jr., born December 29, 1915, a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1933, a student Ohio State University, and a member of the Beta Theta Phi Fraternity. 2. Mary H., born January 1, 1918. Politically Mr. Hiser is a Republican. His lodge and club affiliations are: Clark Lodge F. & A. M. No. 101; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17, trustee; Palestine Commandery, K. T. No. 33; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; Royal Jesters Club; Rotary Club; Van Dyke Club, treasurer; Springfield Country Club, director. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church. Paul W. Krapp.—Numbered among Springfield's outstanding young attorneys is Paul W. Krapp, who has offices in the Zimmerman Building. He was born in this city, May 25, 1903, the son of William M. and Effie J. (Ream) Krapp. William M. Krapp is a substantial and well known citizen of Springfield, where he is superintendent of the Southern District of Ohio, for the Inter-Cities Oil Company. He was born in Cincinnati, and for a number of years engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Krapp is a Republican. His wife was born at Northampton, Ohio. She is a great-granddaughter of Peter and Elizabeth Bassinger. He platted the town of Northampton, Ohio, in the early part of the 19th century. They have four children : 1. Russell, lives at Columbus. 2. Harold, D. D. S., lives at Springfield. 3. Helen M., who was assistant principal in four of the Springfield Public Schools, and now is in primary work at the McKinley School, Springfield, Ohio. 4. Paul W., the subject of this sketch. Paul W. Krapp acquired his early education in the Springfield public schools, and in 1925 received the degree of Bachelor 640 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO of Arts at Wittenberg College. He then took graduate work there in French, and subsequently studied law in the offices of his uncle, the Hon. Frank Krapp. In 1930 Mr. Krapp received the degree of LL. B. at Western Reserve University, and was admitted to the bar during that year. He is associated in practice with Chase Stewart. Politically Mr. Krapp is a Republican. He is a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Omega Phi Delta and Beta Theta Pi fraternities. He holds membership in the Clark County Bar Association and is active in the affairs of the alumni associations of Wittenberg College and Western Reserve University. Rev. Dr. Samuel E. Greenawalt, prominent in Lutheran circles of Springfield and Clark County as president of the Board of the Ohio Lutheran Oesterlen Orphans Home, and a man beloved by hundreds of friends, died May 11, 1933, and his passing took one of the greatest church and civic leaders of Springfield. Doctor Greenawalt was born in Harlan, Indiana, near Fort Wayne, February 27, 1859. He was the youngest of four sons of Jesse and Susanna Greenawalt. He received his early education in the country schools near his home and began teaching school at the age of 16 years. He taught for a few years prior to entering Valparaiso University in Indiana. Later, under the influence of President J. B. Helwig, he entered Wittenberg College, from which institution he was graduated in June, 1884, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was a member of the first class to be graduated from Hamma Divinity School after that institution was made a three year theological seminary. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him in 1887, and the degree Doctor of Divinity, causa honoris, in June, 1906. During his senior year at Hamma Divinity School he received a HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 641 call to become pastor of the Osborn, Ohio, charge of the Lutheran church. The charge, at that time, consisted of the Osborn, Donnelsville and Brandt Lutheran congregations. He was ordained to the ministry by the Miami Synod, which is now a part of the Ohio Synod, United Lutheran Church of America. During his ministry Doctor Greenawalt served four charges: Osborn, six years; Findlay, Ohio, eleven years; Bellefontaine, Ohio, six years; and the Fourth Lutheran Church of Springfield, eight years. He became Ross Mitchell Memorial Professor of Bible and Comparative Religion by appointment of the board of directors of Wittenberg College in 1916. He resigned from the professorship in June, 1931, and the board of directors at the semi-annual meeting appointed him professor emeritus of Bible and Comparative Religion. He was a member of the Board of Inner Missions, United Lutheran Church in America, having just begun a second term of six years under appointment from that body. During his ministry he was at one time secretary and later president of the Miami Synod, secretary and president of Wittenberg Synod, and a member and at one time president of the board of directors of Wittenberg College. The Oesterlen Orphans Home, Springfield, was made possible by a financial grant from Mrs. Oesterlen. Doctor Greenawalt was very influential in receiving the bequest for the Lutheran Church, and as personal advisor to Mrs. Oesterlen had labored conscientiously to direct the board in administering the funds in accord with Mrs. Oesterlen's intent and desires. He became president of the board of directors at the first meeting in 1903, and had achieved much deserved commendation for his success in developing the institution to the present state of usefulness. Doctor Greenawalt was interested in civic affairs of each city in which he lived. In Springfield he was a member of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Conservancy Board, Kiwanis Club, Young Men's Literary Club, and 642 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Archaeology Society. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi, being one of the oldest members of the Alpha Gamma chapter at Wittenberg. In 1916 Doctor Greenawalt erected the Greenawalt Industries Building on West Main Street. He was interested in several business firms and formerly was vice president and treasurer of the James Carson Company, which is now the Carson branch of the Midland Grocery Company. In May, 1889, Doctor Greenawalt married Miss Anna Mary Mitchell, a daughter of the late Ross Mitchell, a pioneer manufacturer of Springfield. To this union were born four children: 1. Mrs. C. G. Shatzer. 2. Ross M., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. 3. Dr. E. Paul, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. 4. Mrs. W. Wendell Wildman. In 1916 Doctor and Mrs. Greenawalt gave $30,000.00 to Wittenberg College, establishing the Ross Mitchell Memorial Chair of Bible and Comparative Religion as a memorial to Mrs. Greenawalt's father, the late Ross Mitchell. Doctor Greenawalt was also instrumental in bringing a gift of $30,000.00 to the college from his sister-in-law, Mrs. George Greenawalt. That gift endowed the chair of biology at the college. E. Paul Greenawalt, M. D.—Numbered among the most prominent physicians and surgeons of West Central Ohio, Dr. Greenawalt is also recognized as one of the most valued citizens of Springfield. He was born at Findlay, Ohio, February 7, 1895, the son of Rev. Dr. Samuel E. and Anna Mary (Mitchell) Greenawalt. A complete sketch of Rev. Samuel E. Greenawalt appears elsewhere in this history. The early education of E. Paul Greenawalt was obtained in the public schools of Findlay and Bellefontaine, Ohio, and in 1911 HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 643 he was graduated from Wittenberg Academy. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College in 1915, Master of Arts at Wittenberg College in 1916, and degree of Doctor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University in 1920. After three months as an interne in Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Doctor Greenawalt was connected with Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, for two years, and he also served as resident surgeon at the Crile Clinic, Cleveland, for 18 months. After a year as resident gynecologist at Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, Doctor Greenawalt established his present private practice at Springfield. During the World War he held the rank of first lieutenant in the Medical Corps. He is vice president of the Clark County Medical Society, and holds membership in the Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is secretary of the sectional district. On March 6, 1931, Doctor Greenawalt married Miss Margaret McClenahan, the daughter of David A. McClenahan. He was dean of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and is now deceased. Politically Doctor Greenawalt is a Republican. He holds membership in the Fourth Lutheran Church, is a director of the Kiwanis Club, and belongs to the Springfield Country Club. He also is affiliated with Saint Andrew's Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 619, past master; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M.; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R.; Antioch Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S.; Masonic Temple Club; and George Cultice Post No. 6, American Legion, William C. Jordan.—Recognized as a leader among the progressive young business men of Clark County is William C. Jordan, who is general manager and director of the Steel Products Engineering Company of Springfield. He was born at Cleveland; 644 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Ohio, April 25, 1898, the son of William E. and Anna (Hoppensack) Jordan. William E. Jordan, who died in 1932, was a native of Germany. He studied mechanical engineering and in 1886 came to the United States and settled at Cleveland, where he spent many years in the employ of the Van Dorn Iron Works as a mechanical engineer. He was a Democrat in politics and a trustee of the Lutheran Church. His widow was born in Cleveland, where she resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Jordan were born seven children: 1. Lydia, deceased. 2. Arthur, lives at Huntington, West Virginia. He is a World War veteran, having served in France and with the Army of Occupation in Germany with the rank of first lieutenant. 3. Edwin, lives at Cleveland. He is a World War veteran, having served in France with the Motor Transport Corps. 4. Amandus, lives at Detroit, Mich. He is a World War veteran, having served in France as a first lieutenant of infantry with the 83rd Division. 5. William C., the subject of this sketch. 6. Adele. 7. Ruth. Both live in Cleveland. Following his graduation from East Technical High School, Cleveland, in 1917, William C. Jordan received an appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy, from which he was graduated in 1922. He saw service on the U. S. S. "Connecticut," "Wisconsin," "Utah," and "Arizona," and resigned from the service in 1924. In 1920 he was a member of the world champion crew, which participated in the Olympic games at Antwerp, Belgium. Since 1924 Mr. Jordan has been identified with the Steel Products Engineering Company, of Springfield, and has held the offices of sales engineer, sales manager, and factory manager. He has been general manager since 1929. He is also vice president and director of the Combustioneer, Inc. In 1923 Mr. Jordan married Miss Pauline McAdams, of Dayton, Ohio. They are the parents of five children : William McAdams, Jo-Anne, Robert Edward, Joseph Conrad, and James Stewart. HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 645 Mr. Jordan is a trustee of Covenant Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with Anthony Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 455; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree; Antioch Temple; Temple Club; and George Cultice Post, No. 6, American Legion. He is president of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, past general chairman of the Springfield Community Fund, past president of Tecumseh Council, Boy Scouts of America, and past vice president of the Rotary Club. He also holds membership in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Army and Navy club of Washington, District of Columbia, United States Naval Institute, and the Springfield Country Club. Stewart L. Tatum, of the Clark County bar, has had a wide and successful practice at Springfield for almost 35 years, and is active in the public life of that community. He was born at Cleveland, Ohio, July 9, 1871, the son of Lawrence W. and Agnes (Marshall) Tatum. The Tatum family dates its beginning in the United States to the arrival of John and Mary Tatum who came to this country from England in 1689. They purchased land in the Park Plain plantation near Woodbury, New Jersey. Their son, David, married Hannah Butler, a native of Ohio. He was a leader in the Friends Church and a widely known author and lecturer. Both David Tatum and his wife are buried at Denver, Colo. Their son was Lawrence W. Tatum, the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in Iowa and his wife was a native of England. By profession Lawrence W. Tatum was a mining engineer, and throughout his life he traveled extensively in the United States and Mexico. He died January 2, 1929, and his wife died September 22, 1927. Both are buried at Joplin, Missouri. Mr. Tatum was a Democrat and held membership in the Friends Church. There were five children in the Tatum family: 1. Stewart L., the 646 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO subject of this sketch. 2. Elizabeth McCurdy, lives at Glencoe, Illinois. 3. Marie Carqueville, lives at Highland Park, Illinois. 4. Hadley, lives at Joplin, Missouri. 5. Edward H., lives at Los Angeles. Stewart L. Tatum acquired his early education in the public schools of Cleveland. He attended Earlham College and in 1898 received the degree of LL. B. at the University of Michigan. He was admitted to practice in Michigan and Illinois during that year and in 1899 came to Ohio and located at Springfield. During 1903-08 he served as city solicitor, and in 1913 was president of the commission which drafted the Springfield city charter. Mr. Tatum holds membership in the Clark County, Ohio State, and Federal District Bar associations. He is also vice president of the Steel Products Engineering Company. In 1899 Mr. Tatum married Miss Grace M. Cowan, a native of Springfield. In politics Mr. Tatum is identified with the Democratic party. He belongs to the Kiwanis Club and Springfield Country Club, and has the following lodge affiliations: St. Andrews Lodge, F. & A. M.; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17; Palestine Commandery, K. T. No. 33; Dayton Consistory 32nd degree, A. A. S. R.; Antioch Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Temple Club; and the Knights of Pythias. Nelson W. Lemen.—Few men are more prominent in Clark County than Nelson W. Lemen, who is executive secretary of the Springfield Community Fund. He was born near Catawba, Pleasant Township, Clark County, December 5, 1875, the son of Enos and Matilda (Ferguson) Lemen. Enos Lemen, who died in 1926, was a member of a well known pioneer family of Clark County. He was born on a farm in Pleasant Township, the son of Newton R. and Jane (Neer) HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 647 Lemen. Both were natives of Ohio and are buried in Pleasant Township. Matilda (Ferguson) Lemen died in 1929. She was the daughter of Joseph and Jane (Neer) Ferguson. The Neer family is numbered among the first to settle in Pleasant Township, Henry Neer having located here in 1800. He was a native of Virginia and his son, Enos, served throughout the War of 1812 and died April 25, 1843. The latter was the father of Jane Neer. The old Neer homestead was located on the present site of Catawba. Enos Lemen, father of the subject of this sketch, was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of the Golden Eagle. There were three children born to Enos and Matilda (Ferguson) Lemen. 1. Charles, deceased. 2. Nelson W., the subject of this sketch. 3. Lena, married Arthur G. Pearson, lives at Springfield. Nelson W. Lemen is a graduate of Catawba High School and attended Ohio State University. He taught school for 19 years in Clark County and resigned as superintendent of the Eastern district. He also served as county school examiner for a nine year period. During 1917-19 Mr. Lemen was chief deputy to the county auditor. In the latter year he became a representative of the G. and C. Merriman Company, and later represented the Columbus Blank Book Company. Since July 1, 1923, Mr. Lemen has held the office of executive secretary of the Springfield Community Fund. In 1906 Mr. Lemen was united in marriage with Miss Grace VanMeter, the daughter of Rev. Harry and Locie (Smith) Van-Meter. Mr. VanMeter is deceased. His widow, a member of a pioneer family of Champaign County, Ohio, resides at South Charleston. To Mr. and Mrs. Lemen were born two children : 1. Charles, a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1926, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Wittenberg College in 1930. He is a representative of the William Bailey Company of 648 - HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO Springfield. He married Miss Emily Sollars, and they have a daughter, Nancy Jane. 2. Elizabeth, a graduate of Springfield High School, class of 1931, attends Wittenberg College. Politically Mr. Lemen is a Republican and for 16 years has been a member of the executive committee. He is an active member of the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with Kissell Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 674; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. No. 48; and Springfield Council, R. & S. M. No. 17. Frank A. Crothers, assistant superintendent of the Springfield Hospital. Few persons in Clark County are better known than the subject of this sketch. His lifelong association with positions of public trust and responsibility have brought him into contact with a large proportion of the public. He is of a type that embodies in physique, mentality and character, many of the traits developed in the old American stock. The changing conditions of the early rural life of the state developed the need of adaptability and the capacity to take over new sets of circumstances. In short it set a prize on individuality. The old American type could and did adjust itself quickly and keenly to varying conditions. Mr. Crothers in his business and political career has touched capably many of the political and business phases of Springfield and Clark County as a city and county official, and as a Springfield business man engaged in dealing with manufacturing and real estate. He was born in Springfield, December 7, 1878, the son of William and Sara (Anderson) Crothers. Both were of the pioneer stock, his father, William Crothers, being born in Greenfield, Ohio, and his mother in Fayette County. William Crothers was a merchant in Springfield from 1867 to 1882, a Republican in politics and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Frank A. Croth- HISTORY OF WEST CENTRAL OHIO - 649 ers was the only child of this couple. From them he inherited a quiet, contained habit of mind, illuminated with a quirk of humor; a disposition to approach subjects in a conservative fashion but with a mind open to progress; endowed with a more than usual critical faculty, Mr. Crothers has been marked by a cautious appraisal of new things while at the same time keeping abreast of the best thought of his day. His disposition has been rather that of a student of men and conditions and an appraiser of trends and drifts than an enthusiastic and excited advocate of each new ism. His judgment of men and events especially in the political field has been marked by keen and alert understanding of developments. This has come about from Mr. Crothers' extensive contact with both municipal and county politics. He was city clerk? 1906-07; deputy city auditor, 1908-09; deputy county treasurer, 1910-12; county treasurer, 1913-17; secretary of the Clark County War Chest, 1918-19. He has been assistant superintendent of the City Hospital since early in 1933. In a business way, Mr. Crothers began life as an office boy for the P. P. Mast Co. where he remained in various office capacities until 1906. From 1920 to 1933 Mr. Crothers was manager of the First National Bank Building, the largest office building of the city and was also identified with the Kissell Real Estate Company, one of the prominent real estate offices of the state. May 20, 1914, Mr. Crothers was united in marriage with Miss Grace V. Dugan, the daughter of Dr. P. and Carrie M. Dugan, natives of Clark County. Dr. Dugan was a prominent and successful surgeon and physician of Springfield for years. Religiously, Mr. Crothers is a member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church; he is affiliated with Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree, and Antioch Temple. As a Republican, Mr. Crothers has been a member of the Republican Central Committee. During his political and business career, Mr. Crothers achieved a reputation for integrity, capacity, grasp and dependability which has made him one of the valued citizens of his section.