650 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY an assured success from the first. They have experienced a constantly growing demand for their carriages and buggies. Mr. Owen, with J. B. Palmer and John W. Swan, owns and operates the Lima Motor Car Company, and his public spirit and enterprise have made him a valuable acquisition to the city. Mr. Owen was married March 5, 1892, to Austa Lynch, a daughter of Alonzo Lynch, of Kenton, Ohio. Mr. Owen is an active worker in Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member, and is also connected with the Masonic fraternity. WILLIAM H. HOLMAN, a prominent farmer of section 34, Jackson township, is a native of Allen County, having been born in Jackson township on January 20, 1854. His parents were Daniel and Rebecca (Snyder) Holman, the former: a native of Ross County and the latter, of Perry County, this State. Daniel Holman went from Ross County to Delaware County with his parents at an early day and lived there until 1845 when, with a brother and sister, he came to Allen County and took up a tract of timberland in Jackson township. He was a cripple for the greater part of his life, but was able to oversee the cultivation of his farm, upon which he died in his 66th year, a little less than one month after his wife had been laid to rest. Their family consisted of six children, namely : William H. ; Sarah Elizabeth, who was twice married—first to a Mr. Hesser and after his death to a Mr. Austin, of Harrod ; Edward ; Alice, wife of Henderson Fackler, of LaFayette ; John, of Harrod ; and Amos, of Lima. Mr. Holman was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the public schools. He has always been engaged in agriculture and moved to his present farm about 16 years ago. Previously he had rented the land he tilled. He cleared the timber and underbrush from 55 of his 80 acres, and erected the buildings which are now on the place. His wife was formerly Susan Fisher, who was born on this place, her parents being Michael and Elizabeth (Anspach) Fisher, who came here from Perry County and acquired a large amount of land. Mr. and Mrs. Holman have but two children, Lily and Arthur. They are members of the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Holman has been trustee for nine years. He does not take a great deal of interest in politics, but votes the Democratic ticket. GEN. O. H. HOLLISTER, assistant quartermaster general of the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Ohio, and a valued citizen of Lima, now lives at his pleasant home at No. 557 West Spring street, retired from active business life, but with many memories of the strenuous years now past, during which he earned honorable distinction on the field of battle, in public office and in commercial affairs. General Hollister was born at Warrensville, near, Cleveland, Ohio, January 30, 1837, and is a son of Samuel C. Hollister. General Hollister comes of Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, Appleton Hollister, having served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His father followed the peaceful pursuits of agriculture in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, but was also a man of loyal spirit and deeply concerned in public affairs. He was one of the early abolitionists and concerned in nearly all of their movements. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Ohio, whither, the family removed at an early day. He remained on the home farm until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted, June 5, 1861, in Company I, 10th Reg., Pennsylvania Reserves, being mustered into the United States service at Pittsburg. His regiment reached Washington City on the night after the first battle of Bull Run, and the command assisted in the building of Fort Pennsylvania, on Georgetown Heights. The young soldier faced the enemy first at a point called Dranesville, then to Mechanicsville, Virginia, and AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 651 on the third occasion, at Gaines' Mill. Although this last battle was by no means the most serious of the war to the country at large, it was most memorable to our subject, as it was here that he was wounded so severely as to necessitate the amputation of his left arm, on August 9, 1862, at Washington. His honorable discharged followed on September 12th, when he returned to Pennsylvania where his people were then living. In the course of time Mr. Hollister recuperated from the injury which closed his military career, and received the appointment of deputy collector of internal revenue, which recognition of his worth was followed in October, 1863, by his election as clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions in the Orphans' Court. He was reelected in 1866, and served in that position with the greatest efficiency for a period of six years. In 1870 he was appointed county enumerator, and took the census that year at Meadville. In 1871 he was chosen clerk of the Board of County Commissioners and directors of the poor, and for 20 years he continued to satisfactorily perform the duties of that position. During the administration of President Harrison, he served for three years as postmaster at Meadville, Pennsylvania. During all the years when he was under public observation, it is certainly to his credit that no breath of scandal ever touched his honorable name. In 1898 he came to Lima, and continued with the Buckeye Pipe Line Company for a year and a half, when he resigned, he was succeeded by his son. In 1904 he was appointed assistant quartermaster general of the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Ohio, a body in which he has taken the deepest interest. He is also the adjutant of Mart Armstrong Post, No. 202, G. A. R., of Lima, and is very prominent in everything pertaining to the welfare of the order. General Hollister was married April 21, 1864, to Mary E. Wilson, who is a daughter, of Maj. Robert Wilson, of the Pennsylvania National Guard, who also served as County Auditor of Crawford County, Pennsylvania. General and Mrs. Hollister have two children, viz : Anna I., wife of Roland B. Thomps0n, a merchant of Meadville, Pennsylvania, and. Charles W., who is with the Buckeye Pipe Line Company, at Lima. Since 1866 our esteemed subject has been a member, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and still takes an active interest in the work and aims of the fraternity. LON S. BROWER, 0ne of the well-known residents of German township, resides on his valuable farm of 100 acres, which is just three and a half miles west of the Court House in Lima, and just south of the Allentown road. Mr. Brower was born in Sugar Creek township, Allen County, Ohio, November 22, 1854, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Stevens) Brower. The great-grandfather of Mr. Brower came to America from Holland, settled in Pennsylvania and later moving to Virginia. There his son, John Brower, was born and spent his whole life. Joseph Brower, father of Lon S., was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, and came to Allen C0unty, when 16 years of age, settling in Sugar Creek township, where he lived all through his active life, casting every vote there until 1896, when he took up, his home with our subject. He married Elizabeth Stevens who was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of John Stevens. who emigrated from Carmarthenshire, South Wales. They had three sons and one daughter viz : Rachel, who died aged nine years ; J0hn, who died aged six years ; Abraham L., a college graduate of Lebanon, Ohio, and later principal of the schools of Seattle, Washington, where he resides, who married Ella Steman, of Logan County, Ohio ; and Lon S., of this. sketch. Lon S. Brower was reared and educated in Sugar Creek township and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. For eight years after his marriage he lived in Sugar Creek township, and then purchased his present farm from his brother-in-law, A. Young. It is one of the most valuable farms in the 652 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY county; while Mr. Brower carries on general farming, he makes a specialty of raising corn, as do many of his neighbors. Mr. Brower was married December 18, 1879, to Martha Pfiefer, who is a daughter of Nicholas Pfiefer, one of the pioneers of German township. The ceremony took place in the home which they now occupy, Mrs. Brower at that time residing with her sister, Mrs. Young. Mr. and Mrs. Brower have two daughters—Blanche and Hazel. The former was born June 28, 1881, and was married to Jacob Bowers of Canton, Ohio, November 24, 1904. They were classmates at Lima College, where both graduated. They reside at Fostoria, Ohio, where Mr. Brower is principal of the schools. Hazel, the second daughter, was born August I, 1885, and is an accomplished young lady, a graduate of the Lima High School. Mr. Brower is a stanch member of the Republican party and is serving his township as a member of the School Board. FREDERICK PHILIP BEUTNER, one of Allen County's prominent farmers and good citizens, who resides on his well-improved farm of 169 acres, located in section 27, Marion township, belongs to one of the pioneer families of this locality. He was born at Delphos, Allen County, Ohio, April 7, 1862, and is a son of Frederick and Johanna (Frombach) Beutner. Frederick Beutner was born in the same year that witnessed the birth of Queen Victoria, of England. His parents were honest, industrious Germans and he was born in Germany, February 25, 1819, and learned the trade of shoemaker when he was still a very young man. As a journeyman he traveler over a large part of Europe. After working for some years in that way, he decided to try his fortune in America. He landed from a sailing vessel at New York, with but 5o cents in his pocket. From this small capital Mr. Beutner, by industry and frugality, built up a comfortable competency and now, in the evening of life, living as a beloved member of the families of his sons, as best pleases him, he is able to command a capital of no mean size. From New York he went to Buffalo and thence in 1854 to Delphos, where he opened a shop; he also bought a farm of 120 acres in section 22, Marion township. He now owns 130 acres in Allen County and a tract of 8o acres in Van Wert County. Frederick Beutner was united in marriage, in 1854, at Buffalo, New York, to Johanna Frombach, who was born in Germany, September 4, 1827, died in Ohio, December 15, 1904, and was laid to rest December 18, 1904. They had four sons : Frederick, Carl, John Ludwig and Frederick Philip. The two older children died in infancy. John Ludwig Beutner is a prominent farmer of Marion township, residing in section 23. Frederick P. Beutner attended school at Delphos until he was 14 years old. He then became a cash boy in a grocery store and subsequently worked under his father for a year at the shoemaking trade. Later he engaged in a harness business and worked for five years with Longsworth at Delphos. An accident by which he suffered the l0ss of several of his fingers compelled him to abandon work at this trade and he then went t0 farming, his father giving him a fine pr0perty of more than 169 acres in section 27, Marion township. Our subject has reditched the farm, has built a number of substantial buildings upon it and remodeled others, each improvement adding to the value of the property. It was formerly known as the "Beutner Picnic Grounds." On December 24, 1887, Mr. Beutner was married to Delma A. Patton, who was born March 9, 1868, in Marion township, Allen County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Andrew Jackson. and Mary Jane (Moyer) Patton. The four children of this marriage are : Carl Fredrick, born January 2, 1889, Robin Adair, born January I, 1891; Donald Clair, born August 4, 1894 ; and Helen, born August 26, 1899. In his religious views Mr. Beutner is liberal. He is an independent voter, casting his ballot for the candidate he judges to be most efficient. ANDREW JACKSON PATTON, father of Mrs. Beutner, was born September 16, 1826, in Al- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 655 len County, Ohio, on the farm n0w occupied by Minor T. Long. He is the eldest of 10 children born to John and Rachel (Clawson) Patton, who were from Pennsylvania. The children of these Ohio pioneers were : Andrew Jackson, now in his B0th year ; Hannah, Ann, Mary, Frederick, William, Philip and Susanna. John Patton died on his 40 acre farm in Allen County. His son William, who is a farmer in Marion township, was a member of the 99th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., from 1862 until June, 1865. He took part in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Ringgold, Georgia. He was with Sherman in the great "March to the Sea" and with Thomas in the campaign against Hood. In April, 1866, he married Catherine Jacobs, who was born in 1846 in Seneca County, Ohio, and they have 10 children. In 1877 he bought 23 acres of land in section 18, Marion township, on the Spencerville road. The children of Andrew Jackson Patton and wife were 10 in number ; of these the following survive : F. R., W. E., Franklin B., Josephine (Mrs. Nelson Bryan), Jacob S. and Delma A., wife of our subject. The two youngest members of the family (twins) died at birth, with their mother. Mr. Patton is one of the representative men of Marion township and he has done much in the way of its material development. As the result of his individual efforts, 220 acres were cleared from the native forest. ABRAM PHILANDER KIPLINGER, the well-known horticulturist of Perry township, has a productive fruit farm of 67 acres in section 27, where he raises the most delicious fruits to be found in this part of the State. Mr. Kiplinger was born in Clark County, Ohio, near the city of Springfield, December 21, 1843, and is a representative of one of the oldest families in the State. His parents were Philip and Mahala (Shockey) Kiplinger and his grandparents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Pence) Kiplinger. The family was founded in America more than 200 years ago and its members have been residents of Ohio for more than a century, the great-grandfather of our subject having settled in Clark County where his remains were laid to rest. Daniel Kiplinger was a native of Virginia, whence he came by ox team to Clark County and where he died April 8, 1867, at the age of 74 years. His wife, Elizabeth Pence, was also a native of Virginia. They entered 300 acres of land in Clark county, and some idea of the honorable character of the man may be gleaned from the following endorsement which is found on the deed to the property : "I this day walked to Cincinnati to make final payment of one dollar and fifty cents on this land." A man whose conscientious scruples would induce him to walk that distance to discharge so paltry a debt certainly left the impress of his nobility upon his descendants, while he himself was held in the highest esteem. He reared four children—Jacob, Daniel, Philip and Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Loudenbach. Philip Kiplinger was born in January, 1804, in the Luray Valley, Virginia. When a child of two years his parents removed to Ohio, and from that time, his entire life was passed on a farm in Clark County. He was a member of the State militia and acted as guard against the Indians at Fort Defiance. He married Mahala Shockey who was born in Kentucky, October 29, 1806. Her parents were William and _____ (Casseldine) Shockey, of North Carolina, who bore their, part in the frontier Indian wars of Kentucky. In addition to doing her housework and rearing a family of 15 children, she wove the cloth which she afterward made into their garments, and, when her husband was away from home, assumed his work, even to the extent of sawing lumber. She died January 2, 1887, leaving behind a blessed memory. The children of Philip Kiplinger and his wife were as follows : Daniel, a resident of Lima; William, James and Louisa, deceased ; Elizabeth (Senseman) and Hannah (Moles) twins ; John Wesley, who died in infancy ; Wesley Harrison ; Isaac Emory, deceased ; Samuel, who died of smallpox in the Civil war; Philip Anthony and Joseph Conray, twins—the former a resident of Louisiana and the latter, of Findlay, Ohio ; Abram Philander ; Lucetta Caroline, 656 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY who married Rev. A. J. Fish ; and Brazellas Franklin, who died in Springfield, Ohio, at the age of 54 years. Abram P. Kiplinger attended the common schools and remained at home until his 18th year, when, in January, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, as a member, of Company E, 60th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. At Harper's Ferry he was taken prisoner and later sent to Chicago on parole, remaining there seven weeks until his term of enlistment had expired. Re-enlisting in Company H, 32d Ohio Regiment, he became a member, of the Third Brigade, Fourth Division, 17th Army Corps, under the command of General Blair and was sent to Vicksburg where he joined a command detailed for guard duty. He returned home on a veteran's furlough for 30 days, and, after he had recuperated and visited relatives and friends, once more sought the scene of army activities. He first went to Cairo, where he took a steamer to Clifton, Tennessee, and thence assumed a wearing march which only terminated when General Sherman's army was reached near Atlanta. The siege of Atlanta continued 120 days and on the 22d of July, 1864, from 11 o'clock in the morning until 9 o'clock at night the contest was a hand-to-hand fight between the contending forces, the latter part of the engagement being fought in darkness. In this fierce engagement Mr. Kiplinger's regiment lost 140 men, but it was the beginning of the end of that great struggle. In October a 300-mile dash was made after General Hood, which ended in the latter's army being scattered and broken up. After this came the memorable "March to the Sea." The army left Marietta, Georgia, with 70,000 head of cattle, which were to furnish fresh meat for the men on the march ; but, like the marches, the meat was tough and little enjoyed by the weary soldiers. Leaving Savannah after a three-weeks' stay there, the army made a 55 days' march through the Carolinas, c0vering a distance of 550 miles by way of Columbia, which they burned. Then on through Orangeburg to Raleigh, being compelled to wade through swamps in order to reach the Rebels, who felt secure in the belief that the undertaking would be too great for the Yankees to attempt. At Raleigh the last fight with Johnston occurred, the soldiers marching thence to Washington where the Grand Review was held. After going into camp at Louisville, they went to Columbus where they were discharged. Mr. Kiplinger was .a carpenter by trade, and he now returned to that occupation, for 17 years being engaged in that calling in Lima. In September, 1883, he moved to his present residence in Perry township where he has 67 acres of land and devotes his time to farming and fruit-raising. Mr. Kiplinger has given especial and successful attention to cultivating strawberries and small fruits and vegetables. Mr. Kiplinger was married June 23, 1868, to Orissa Kelsey, by whom he has three children— Velora, Ella and Ethel. Velora was .born December 1, 1869, and is the wife of Milliard Winegardner and the mother 0f three children —Imogene, Doyle and Lester L. Ella was born March 7, 1874, and married A. C. Smith, of Auglaize County. Their children are Beatrice and Albert Nolen. Ethel was born September 26, 1884, and married Doc. Horn, October 25, 1905. Mrs. Kiplinger is a native of Vermont and was born September 5, 1848. Her parents were Elias and Mary Ann (Gilbert) Kelsey, the father a native of Vermont and the mother of Plainfield, New Hampshire. Her maternal ancestors were "Mayflower" pilgrims ; her grandfather Kelsey and grandfather Gilbert took part in the war of 1812, and her great-grand father Kelsey was a soldier in the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Kiplinger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are consistent Christian people. Mr. Kiplinger is a prominent member of the G. A. R. and a stanch Republican. A group picture of Mr. and Mrs. Kiplinger and family accompanies the foregoing sketch, being presented on a preceding page. OTTO G. TAGUE, who is extensively engaged in the oil industry in Ohio and Indiana oil fields, is also well-known through this section as a newspaper man and since 1902 he has been proprietor and editor of the Oil News, a monthly journal which he founded and AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 657 which is entirely devoted to the oil industry. Mr. Tague was born in 1877 in Switzerland County, Indiana, and is a son of James Tague, who superintends his son's large oil properties. Mr. Tague was educated in the public schools of Ohio and when his education was complete he went out on the road for the publishing firm of Rand, McNally & Company of Chicago, and was connected with their advertising department for four years. In 1900 Mr. Tague left off traveling in order to accept the editorship of the Van Wert Times, at Van Wert, Ohio, but in less than a year he came to Lima where the field was larger and was connected with the Republican-Gazette until 1902 when he established the Oil News. This journal filled a long-felt want and its circulation extends all over the world, subscribers being found in South America and in South Africa. Mr. Tague has not been satisfied with literary laurels but has been interested in a very practical way in large oil interests for some years. He is president of several oil companies in the Ohio and Indiana fields and he is also interested in Dr. S. A. Baxter's copper mines in South Dakota. In 1902 Mr. Tague was married to Laura M. Watts, who is a daughter. of A. H. Watts, superintendent of the motive power department of the Cincinnati & Northern Railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Tague are the parents of one daughter,—Beatrice. Fraternally Mr. Tague has membership with the Masons and the Elks. His offices are in the Opera House Block, Lima. He is one of the city's busy and successful men.   M. P. COLT, local manager of the National Supply Company, of Lima, has been connected with this company for the past 12 years, eight of which have been spent in Lima in his present office. He was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, in 1870, was there educated and reared on a farm, which was his home until he reached his ma- - 34 - jority. He then came to the Ohio Oil field, and secured employment with the Manhattan Oil Company. Two years later he accepted a. lucrative position in the clerical department of the National Supply Company, of Wood County, and has worked his way up by the interest and energy he has shown in the business. The main offices are at Toledo, Ohio,. with 70 branch offices, where all the tools used. in the production of oil are handled. Mr. Colt has operated in every oil field in. the Union, except Texas. He established the first supply store opened in Kansas, and started the store for the National Supply Company. in California. In 1897 he came to Lima as the local manager of the company and conducts-a very successful business. He has large business interests, being engaged in oil production in the field of Ohio and. Indiana ; director, in The Lima Trust Company; stockholder in the-Crystal Ice & Coal Company ; stockholder of the First National Bank of Cuba, New York and also in the Lima Driving Park Association. He is a genial, affable gentleman who, notwithstanding his complex business interests, finds time for recreation and a social hour with his friends. Mr. Colt was married in 1894 to, Hattie. Clayton, of Bluffton, Indiana. ANDREW J. CHAPMAN, one of the substantial farmers of Allen County,. was born in Butler County, Ohio, May 22, 1833. He has been a resident of Perry township since 1837,. and is the owner of a fine farm in section 35.. His parents were Lewis and Catherine ( McTaggert) Chapman, who moved from Pennsylvania to Allen County in 1837. Eight years. later Lewis Chapman, who was a farmer, died.. He was a Democrat and a member of the Hard-Shell Baptist Church at Lima. There was born' to him and his wife, Catherine McTaggert,. five children, three of whom died in infancy.. The two surviving are J. H., who was born August 16, 1834, and Andrew J. Mrs. Chapman passed away in the autumn of 1877. Andrew J. Chapman attended school in 658 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY the same district in which he now lives excepting the time spent in the Civil War, and remained at home until his marriage. He first enlisted in September, 1861, in Company D, 54th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. After serving for 19 months and 18 days he received a certificate of discharge from the surgeon on account of disability. Having regained his health, he re-enlisted in 1864 in Company B, 151st Ohio, and served i00 days, receiving his discharge August 27, 1864. The first important engagement in which he participated was at Washington City, when General Early made his raid upon it. Returning to Ohio, he again took up farming and has continued in that occupation ever since. He bought 90 acres of land in section 35, Perry township, and about 1875 built a comfortable modern residence and otherwise improved his property, making it one of the most desirable in the township. In addition to this farm, Mrs. Chapman owns 38 acres in section 25, Perry township, which she inherited from her father. Mr. Chapman has been twice married. On Nay 2, 1866, he was married to Letitia Kerr, daughter of Alexander E. Kerr, who resided in Auglaize township. She died in November, 1867, and on May 9, 1869, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage to his present wife who was formerly Anna Bowdle. Mrs. Chapman was born April 23, 1845, and is a daughter of Jesse L. Bowdle, of Perry township. To this union seven children were born, as follows : Harley Weston, born February 28, 1870, who married Ora Sherfey and resides in Lima; Effie W. (Stevenson), born January 3, 1872, who has three children, Lucille, Walter. and Evelyn, and lives in Perry township ; Laura :L. (Moyer), born July 14, 1874, who is the mother of four children-Naomi, Doyle, Charles and Ernest; Sarah E. (Naylor), born April 24, 1878, who is the mother of one child -Vera ; Jesse G., born December 11, 1880, who married Bessie Baker, has one child, Pansy, and resides in Kossuth, Auglaize County ; Bessie M., born October 29, 1883, and Charles H., born August 31, 1886, who lives at home. Mr. Chapman is a Republican and has served as assessor and township treasurer. He is a member of Armstrong Post, No. 202, G. A. R., and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. CAPT. C. F. DONZE, one of the prominent citizens of Lima, who is identified with the city's material development and its business and social life, is a native of France, a country which has contributed largely to the good citizenship of America. Captain Donze was born June 5, 1844, and accompanied his parents to America at the age of five years. The parents of our subject settled in Williams County, Ohio, and there the boy was reared and educated, and imbibed the patriotic feelings which induced him, a youth of but 17 years, to enlist in the defense of the flag of his adopted country. In August, 1861, he became a member of Company A, 38th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., remaining with the same company when it veteranized two years later. He was with the same regiment until the close of the war, with the exception of the times when on detached duty. His service covered three years and 11 months, and he was mustered out on July 22, 1865 at the close of the war. He took part in every engagement of the regiment, participating in the whole campaign under General Rosecrans through Kentucky and Tennessee, the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, then on to Atlanta, thence to Jonesboro, back to Kingston, and under General Sherman in his famous "March to the Sea ;" then up through the Carolinas to the Grand Review at Washington. Captain Donze did not escape injury during these years of exposure and dangers. He was wounded on several occasions, the most serious one being received at the battle of Jonesboro, Georgia, on September 1, 1864. Enlisting as a private, he was rapidly advanced, later becoming sergeant and color-bearer. With him it is a cherished privilege to meet his old comrads at the yearly reunions and to carry again his old flag, which he so gallantly upheld when bullets rained about him AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 659 and the enemy's deadly shells were exploding above his head. His company went out with a membership of 101 ; 120 recruits were mustered into the service during the war, and of the original muster, 29 answered the muster-call at the close of the war. After his army life was over, Captain Donze returned home and spent his first winter attending school. In the spring of 1866 he engaged in a hardware business at Bryan, Ohio and at other points under the firm name of Garver, Donze & Company. In 1878 he came to Lima and continued in the hardware business for some seven years, later in the furniture line and still later became interested in milling. In April, 1904, he sold out his milling interests and since then has not been in active business life. Although this is true, it does not mean that he has retired from all activity as to public concern and public-spirited movements, for he is now, as formerly, alive to everything which closely concerns his city. He is a large owner of real estate and built the Donze & Krauss Block, on North Main street and the fine three-story Donze Block on South Main street, which is 5o by 90 feet ; also a block on Spring street, which has 50 feet frontage and a part of which is 60 and the remainder 97 feet deep. Captain Donze is a member of the City Board of Review of Lima, a member of the board of trustees of the Masonic Hall Company and a member of the executive committee and of the board of directors of the Lima Progressive Association. He belongs also to the Country Club. In addition he is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Council and Commandery at Lima and to Antioch Temple, of the Mystic Shrine at Dayton. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. WILLIAM WARLOW POWELL, a retired butcher of Lima, resides on a farm in section 13, Bath township, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, May 20, 1830, and is a son of James and Mary Harriet (Cowdal) Powell. His mother, was related to Nelson and. Warlow and both parents were natives of Wales, as were their ancestors as far back as can be traced. 'Squire Thomas Powell, the grandfather of our subject, was a magistrate of Wales and an earnest follower, of John Wesley, taking an active part in the religious strife of that age. One of his sons, Matthew Powell, led the Welsh guerrillas at the famous battle of Waterloo. The family were remarkable for their longevity, the grandparents passing their 8oth milestone and the father being past 90 at death. James Powell was a leather dresser, having learned that trade with his father. William Warlow Powell was one of eight children, five sisters and three brothers, and was the only one of the family to leave Wales. He lived on a farm until he was about 22 years of age when he learned the trade of a butcher, working at the business both in Wales and England. After mastering the trade in Shropshire, he opened a shop for himself in Newtown, where he did a good business for that country. Having made the acquaintance of a butcher in London, who catered to the wants of the royal family, Mr. Powell supplied him with Welsh mutton for the royal table for three years. In the fall of 1865 he came to America and proceeded from New York to Dayton, Ohio, where he remained a short time before coming to Lima. Here he opened a butcher shop which he conducted for 20 years, and soon worked up a lucrative patronage, which continued with him until his retirement from the business. He then turned his attention to agriculture, moving on the farm with his wife's father. Mr. Powell has been equally successful in his farming operations and now owns three adjoining farms in Bath township —one of 4o acres, one of 54 acres and the homestead on which he lives, which consists of 80 acres. Mr. Powell was married in 1868, to Martha Jane Cobean, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, February 9, 1840, but has been a resident here since early girlhood, her father, Samuel Cobean, having brought his family to this locality when it was little more than a wilderness. Their family consists of the following children, viz : Mary H., wife of C. H. Palsor, 660 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY of Lima ; Emma R. ; Ida Bell, wife of Joseph I. Thayer, of Perrysburg, Ohio ; Susan; Sarah ; and Thomas E., a farmer. of Bath township, who married Dona Stinson ; whose father lives in Bath township. Mr. Powell is a devout Methodist, having joined that church in Wales when a lad of 17 years. J. W. ROWLANDS, one of Lima's leading citizens, a prominent merchant and vice-president of the Lima Driving Park Association, was born in this city in 1861, and is a son of Daniel Rowlands, one of its honored retired citizens, who was formerly largely interested in real estate. Daniel Rowlands built the paper mills at Piqua and Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and for a number of years was manager of the Lima Paper Mills. He also served on the Water Works Board at Lima. J. W. Rowlands was educated in the public schools of Lima and the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio. With the exception of a period of eight years, during which he traveled in Indiana, Dakota and the West, he has lived continuously at Lima, where his business and social interests are centered. In 1886 Mr. Rowlands became associated in the furniture house of C. Betzer & Company, but in 1893 embarked in the same line of business for himself and, through enterprise and ability, has established the largest trade in the city. Mr. Rowlands has a fine location at No. 204 North Main street, where he utilizes 560 feet of floor space in displaying his goods, while his warehouse gives him 300 more feet. His stock is up-to-date in every particular, and, in addition to all the new conceits of fashion, includes all the old standard goods, with prices to suit the workingman and millionaire alike. In addition to his large business in this line, he is financially interested in a number of other successful enterprises. He is a large operator-in Lima real estate, is one of the original stockholders in the Lima Trust Company, a stockholder in the Lima Telephone & Telegraph Company, and a director and vice-president of the Lima Driving Park Association, giving his personal attention to these various interests and being naturally, one of the busiest men of the city. In 1883 Mr. Rowlands was married to Lizzie M. Koller, of Tiffin, Ohio, who is a daughter of Henry O. Koller. They have two. sons—Carl K. and Walter D. Mr. Rowlands has served on the City Council and has been president of that body. Fraternally he is a Mason and an Elk. ADAM D. LUGIBIHL, who conducts the leading hardware store at Bluff-- ton, was born about six miles north of Bluffton, August 24, 1848. His parents were Christian and Barbara (Hilty) Lugibihl, both of whom were natives. of Alsace, France. The father was born November 21, 1809, and came to the United States in 1824 with his father, Christian Lugibihl, Sr. Later he came to Ohio, where in 1835 he entered a quarter section of land in Riley township, Putnam County, which he farmed until his death. On February 1, 1838,. he was married to Barbara Hilty, who was born April 5, 1814, and died October 3, 1853, just two years before her husband, who. passed away on October 3, 1855. Nine children were born to them and eight of this number grew to adult years. Adam D. Lugibihl was a child of five-years when his mother was taken from him; when his father died two years later he came-to Allen County and made his home with his uncle, David Lugibihl, for five years. The-following four years he lived with a sister, then one year was spent with a cousin and one with a brother at the home. He had by this time reached the age of 18 and was ready to do for himself. He secured employment with a carpenter in order to learn the trade, which he followed in various places until he entered his present business. In this manner he managed to see considerable of the Western country and at the same time to keep constantly at work. The summer of 1867 was spent in St. Clair County, Illinois, and the-two years following that in Kansas City. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 663 In 1870 he was employed on the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, and during 15 months he was with the company the principal meat provided him was buffalo meat. Two months were spent in Denver and then in December, 1871, tired of the life of a rover. he returned to Ohio. In June, 1872, Mr. Lugibihl and Peter Diller purchased the small stock of hardware at Bluffton, which had been carried by Ransom Bartlett, and opened the store under the firm name of Diller & Lugibihl. At that time the railroad had not yet reached Bluffton, but under the excellent management of the new firm the business grew and prospered until it was necessary to have additional room for the stock. Having erected a handsome brick building in 1873, they purchased the adjoining building in 1885, thus securing one of the best locations in the city and enabling them to make a much better showing of their goods in the large double store thus acquired. For 26 years these gentlemen conducted this large hardware business together, until November, 1898, when Mr. Diller retired and Mr. Lugibihl purchased the entire business, which he has since conducted very successfully by himself. It would be almost impossible to call for any article in the hardware line which is not to be found in his stock, from a tin cup to agricultural implements and builders' materials. About five years ago he became associated with H. D. Zerbach in manufacturing the "Boss' cream separator, the latter gentleman being manager of the plant, which is known as the Bluffton Cream Separator Company. Mr. Lugibihl is also a stockholder in the Bluffton Cement Block Company, and is not afraid of showing his confidence in Blufton enterprise by investing his money in her industries. In 1874 Mr. Lugibihl was married to Emma Reed, who was born in Hancock County, Ohio, November 18, 1855. Her parents were James and Susan K. (Lapham) Reed, the former from State of Pennsylvania and the latter of New England birth. Four. children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lugibihl, namely : Edith, born in 1876, who is the wife of Bert Mann, a resident of Bowerston, Ohio: Pearl, born August 21, 1878, who died April 26, 1883 ; Harley, born January 4, 1882 ; and Myron, born March 30, 1887. Mr. Lugibihl is a Republican, but has devoted little time to politics. He was a member of the Bluffton Council for three terms and gave the same energy to the transaction of the city affairs that he does to the conduct of his own business. DAVID W. STEINER, M. D., who is associated with his two brothers, Dr. Isaac F. and Dr. Oliver S. Steiner, in the practice of medicine and surgery, at Lima, is one of the eminent men in his profession in this section of the State. He was born near Bluffton, in Putnam County, Ohio, and is a son of Rev. Isaac and Mary Paulina (Rothen) Steiner. The mother of Dr. Steiner was a daughter of Rev. David Rothen. Rev. Isaac Steiner, the father, was a minister of the Church of God and was actively engaged in ministerial work until his death. He owned a farm in Putnam County, where his children were reared. Dr. David W. Steiner was educated primarily in the district schools and later entered the Northern Ohio University, where he was graduated with the degree of M. A., in 1880. He then became a student in the medical department of the University of Michigan, graduating in 1883, and becoming assistant professor of physiology and also an interne in the university hospital, where he remained until 1886. On January 10, 1887, he located for practice at Lima, where he has become one of the leading men of his profession. In 1897, a brother, Dr. Isaac Franklin Steiner, became associated with him, and in 1901 a second brother, Dr. Oliver S. Steiner, became a member of the firm. They are located in the Steiner Building at No. 123 North Elizabeth street, which they built in 1903. It was erected mainly as an office building and the Drs. Steiner occupy the first floor. The upper stories are rented as apartments. The structure is one of the finest in Lima, four stories high, with 664 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY marble floors, and is finished in oak. It is modern throughout. Dr. David W. Steiner is consulting physician in the Lima Hospital and also controls a large and lucrative practice. He is examiner for a number of the leading insurance companies, these including the New York Mutual Life, Michigan Mutual Life, Home Life, of New York, and John Hancock Mutual Life. He is a member of the Ohio State and the Allen County medical societies and of the Northwestern Ohio and the American medical associations. His portrait accompanies this sketch. ISAAC FRANKLIN STEINER, M. D., who is associated with his two brothers, Dr. David W. and Dr. Oliver S. Steiner, in the practice of medicine at Lima, was born November 3, 1867, near Bluffton, Ohio. He spent his youth and boyhood on his father's farm in Putnam County, obtained his early education in the local schools and later taught school for, several terms. He then entered Findlay College, at Findlay, Ohio, where he remained through the junior year, and next entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he spent one year taking a special course in pharmacy and chemistry and then completed the regular medical course, receiving his degree in 1897. Coming to Lima after his graduation in medicine, he became associated in practice with his brother; Dr. David W. Steiner. Dr. Isaac F. Steiner was married October 19, 1903, to Elizabeth Keil, who is a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Keil. Dr. Steiner is a member of the Allen County Medical Society, and of the Northwestern Ohio and the American medical associations. He is medical examiner for the Masachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company; Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company ; Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers ; Knights of the Maccabees and other organizations. He is also visiting physician at the Lima Hospital. OLIVER S. STEINER, M. D., physician and surgeon at Lima, associated in practice with his brothers, Dr. David W. and Dr. Isaac F. Steiner, is the youngest member of the firm. Dr. Steiner was born near Bluffton, Ohio, January 2 I , 1874, and his youth was passed on his father's farm. From the public schools he went to Findlay College until the senior year, and then by examination for the senior year entered Wooster University at Wooster, Ohio, where he was graduated with the degree of Ph. B. He then entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, where he was graduated in 1901. Since then he has been associated with his brothers in the practice of his profession at Lima. In May, 1904, he received the appointment of surgeon for the C., H. & D. Railway. In November, 1905, he was elected to the office of coroner of Allen County on the Republican ticket. CHARLES E. ECKERT, senior member of the firm of Charles E. Eckert & Son, funeral directors and embalmers, at Lima, was born at Miltonville, Ohio, in 1853, and is a son of the late Capt. George Eckert. Capt. George Eckert was one of the pioneer pottery manufacturers of Ohio, establishing his business in that line in 1837. His title was gained as captain of a company of "Squirrel Hunters," called to the defense of the State during the Morgan raids. Charles E. Eckert was reared and educated in Butler County, Ohio, and his first work was done in his father's pottery. He learned the trade and followed it there until he was about 3o years of age, when he went to Canada, where he remained three years, operating two large brick plants which he built. Upon "his return to Butler County, he was made superintendent of the Middletown Cemetery, and later entered the employ of A. T. Wilson, the Middletown undertaker. Five years later he came to Lima and was employed for five years by Mr. Grosjean, the undertaker. On April 23, 1902, he went into business for himself, establishing the firm of Charles E. Eckert & Son, which is one of the leading ones in its line in Lima. He is a graduate of the Clarke Cincinnati College of Embalming. His establishment is fitted with everything pertaining to modern embalming and the directing of funerals. He is a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors' and Embalmers' Association. Mr. Eckert was married in 1873 to Delia AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 665 Antrim, who died in 1893, leaving two children, George W. and Keturah. In 1897 he was married to Minnie Dietz, of Trenton, Ohio. Mr. Eckert belongs to the Royal Arcanum, the Knights of the Maccabees and to Solar Lodge, No. 783, I. O. O. F. He is a man of sterling character and enjoys the respect of his fellow-citizens. WILLIAM H. SMITH, an expert stationary engineer of Allen County, residing in section 22, German township, was born in this township, December 4, 1856. His parents, William B. and Barbara (Conrad) Smith, came here from Fairfield County, later they returned to that county where they lived five years until the death of the father. The widow and children returned to Allen County after the death of the father in 1863 and she is still a resident of German township. There were eleven children, viz : Taylor, Harrison, George W., Martin A., Jacob H., Richard E., William H., Isabelle, wife of David Reed ; Mary C., wife of Jackson Kellar of Michigan ; Barbara E., wife of John Baumgartner, and Sarah E., wife of Gilbert Snook. William H. Smith began life as a wage earner in the sawmill of Isaac East in German township. Later he learned to run a threshing machine engine and now has a license as a stationary engineer and is one of the most competent engineers in the county. He is at present traveling for the International Harvester Company, as an expert operator. Mr. Smith was married in 1877 to Margaret Remegan, daughter of Peter Remegan, of German township. They have one son, Delvert, born September 22, 1879, who is now in the employ of the Fort Wayne, Van Wert & Lima Traction Company, as motorman. Mr. Smith is a member of the United Brethren Church, of Elida, Ohio. In politics he is a Republican and was assessor of German township during 1904. He has served a number of years on the School Board and also as road supervisor. R. L. ARMSTRONG, well-known among the attorneys of Lima, is a native. of Mercer County, having been born in Celina, where he reached manhood. His father, Judge Stephen A. Armstrong, is a leading member of the legal profession in Mercer County, and for more than a quarter of a century, an honored and esteemed citizen of Celina. Judge Armstrong is a native of Canada, but has resided in Mercer County for the past 40 years. He has practiced his profession in Celina for more than 25 years and was, for a time, associated with ex-Senator J. D. Johnson. Judge Armstrong was prosecuting attorney of Mercer County several years, and is now serving his second term as judge of the Court of Common Pleas. R. L. Armstrong graduated from the Celina High School previous to matriculating at the State University of Ohio at Columbus. He graduated from that institution in the class of 1900, and successfully passed his examinations; for the bar, when he at once located in Lima, opening his office in August of the same year. He is a promising young practitioner, having already established a clientage, whose personnel speaks well for his ability and character. Mr. Armstrong is an active worker in the interest of good government, and takes a lively interest in political questions. During the' Spanish-American War he enlisted in. Company A, First Ohio Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, and entered the service as 1st corporal early in 1898. He was mustered out in November of the same year. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is also a Knight Templar Mason. He was married December 29, 1904, to Della D. Dow, daughter of Colonel C. F. Dow, proprietor of the Hotel Norval. PHILIP WALTHER, one of Lima's representative business citizens, identified with a number of her largest enterprises, and engaged in the manufacture of wood-fiber wall-plaster, established the first plant of its kind in this section. Mr. Walther was born in 1860 at 666 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and is a son of George J. Walther. In 1864 the parents of Mr. Walther removed to Monroe township, Allen County, Ohio, where they resided for 18 months and then located at Lima, the father conducting a hotel here for a number of years. He died in 1892. Philip Walther was educated in the public schools of Lima and subsequently took a business course in a commercial institution, after which he was employed in a furniture factory. After three years' there, he accepted an office position with a large local firm, and then assisted his father in the hotel business until 1887, when he entered the government service as a letter carrier. This position he resigned in 1889 to become a deputy under Auditor Cyrus D. Crites, and in 1893 he was elected to the auditorship itself. He entered upon the duties of the office in September, 1894, was reelected in 1896, and completed his public service in 1900. From early manhood he has taken an active interest in politics and on many occasions has been selected for public offices, his acceptance of these honors often being impossible, however, on account of the press of private interests. He is at present a member of the Board of Review of Lima. In 1884 Mr. Walther was married- to Mary Thoring, who is a daughter of the late Henry Thoring, and they have three children. viz : Charles F., Bessie and Pauline. The family belong td the German Reformed Church of Lima. In addition to the successful business connections previously mentioned, Mr. Walther is a director of The Crystal Ice & Coal Company, Feltz Brothers & Company and Citizens' Loan & Building Company. He holds fraternal relationship with the Odd Fellows, Elks, Knights of Pythias and Lodge No. 267, Improved Order of Red Men (German). His long experience, both in business and in public life, has brought him into contact with a large percentage of his fellow-citizens, who hold him in esteem, both for his business integrity and genial personality. His present business enterprise was started in 1900 and promises to become one of the most important in this locality, the new chemical compound meeting a long-felt want of the trade. WILLIAM A. McBETH, a prosperous farmer of Shawnee township, was born July 20, 1861, in Placerville,- California, to which place his parents had moved during the gold fever. before their marriage. He is a son of James and Eliza (Gardner) McBeth, who were the parents of one other son, J. 0., who resides in Lima. James McBeth was born in Scotland in 1827, and came to America when he was about 21 years of age. He was a carpenter on a steamboat which plied between Boston and the Carolinas until he went to California. He remained there until about three years after his marriage, when he returned as far East as Ohio, and soon after enlisted in the 55th Ohio Regiment in which he served until the close of the war. He belonged to the Pioneer Corps which went in advance of the main army to build bridges, etc., and was with Sherman in his advance on, Atlanta. He married Eliza Gardner, who was a native of West Virginia, but was reared in the vicinity of Mansfield, Ohio. After coming to Allen County, James McBeth became a farmer and purchased a farm of 180 acres. This land had, at one time, been owned by the Indian chief Turkey Foot, who had sold it to one Edwards, from whom Mr. McBeth bought it. The house then on the property had been built by its Indian owner. Later Mr. McBeth purchased the 70 acres upon which our subject resides, and still later he bought the 97 acres known as McBeth Park. He was county commissioner for two terms. He died at the age of 68 years. His wife died in November, 1890. James McBeth built the beautiful lake which ornaments McBeth Park, and conducted a private park and pleasure resort for about 10 years, when the ground was leased to the Western Ohio Railway Company. It is one of the most delightful spots in Allen County and is AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 669 a favorite resort of those who wish to while away a few pleasant hours. The lake covers i0 acres of ground and is 14 feet deep in many places, furnishing fine rowing and fishing, as it is stocked with perch, bass, catfish and sunfish. William A. McBeth now owns the lake, having inherited it from his father. The immediate subject of this sketch was a child of one year when his parents located on the farm about one mile from his present residence in section 3. Here he grew to manhood and received his education, later entering the Lima High School and from this institution going to the Ohio Normal University located at Ada. He followed farming and stock-raising, and lived at home until his marriage, after which he moved to a farm of 35 acres which was born November 18, 1858. They have been some oil found on his land and a few wells sunk, but not in any number. Mr. McBeth was married February 3, 1886, to Aldulia Reed, daughter of Emanuel and Elizabeth (O'Hara) Reed, and a native of Shawnee township, where she was born November 18, 1858. They have five children, viz. : James, a violinist and cornetist of rare ability, who is devoting his time to music and lives at home; Harry Gardner, a student ; Dwight C. and Hazel D. (twins) and Quay W. Mr. McBeth is a Democrat and has held a number of township offices. In religion he affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternally he belongs to Lima Lodge, No. 205, F. & A. M. F. E. HARMAN, one of the leading business men of Lima, where he has been established since 1877, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1857, and was about 10 years old when he moved with his parents to Ohio. The boyhood and school days of our subject was spent at Lima, and until 1877 he made himself useful to his father in the latter's general merchandise store, which the elder Mr. Harman carried on for a number of years. In that year he became bookkeeper and general manager for J. R. Hughes, who conducted a large business in the line of house furnishing goods. In 1886 Mr. Harman bought an interest in the business and the firm name became Hughes & Harman, which continued for three years, when Mr. Harman sold his interest and established his present line, in association with his brother-in-law, under the firm style of Harman & Bell. In 1894 Mr. Harman purchased Mr. Bell's interest in the business and has since continued to conduct it individually. Its original main feature was crockery and house furnishings generally, and to this Mr.. Harman has added a fine line of furniture and carpets, pushing his business into the front ranks and enlarging his quarters to accommodate its expension. He is now using 40,000 square feet of floor space and transacts a business which reaches annually into many thousands of dollars. Mr. Harman is also a member of the directing board of The Ohio National Bank. In 1883 Mr. Harman was married to Clara M. Bell, who is a daughter of William Bell, a pioneer of this section. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Harman belongs to the Masonic fraternity. J. W. DOBBINS, a citizen of Lima, who is held in general esteem, for. a long period very active in the business affairs of this city and exceedingly prominent in Masonic circles in the State, was born at Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio, April 26, 1834, and is a son of Joseph Dobbins. Mr. Dobbins comes of sturdy ancestry, a combination of Scotch and Welsh stock, with an added Irish strain. The family originated in Scotland, but during the days of religious persecution fled to the North of Ireland. From that section came the paternal grandfather of our subject, who settled in Maryland in 1797. His movements later were to Washington County, Pennsylvania, and thence to what is now Mahoning County, Ohio, where he settled with other early pioneers. The maternal 670 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY grandfather, Thomas Williams, came from Wales and settled in Maryland. Mr. Dobbins had the common experiences of other farmer's sons in his locality, but in early manhood turned his special attention to carpentry. He also taught school for several terms and spent several years in Missouri, where he was employed as a surveyor of government lands. Shortly before the opening of the Civil War, he returned to Ohio and continued his former, occupations until 1864, when he enlisted as a private in the 180th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., in which he served until the end of the struggle. While this was the extent of his army service, he has been connected with military affairs previously, having served throughout the year 1862 as provost-marshal. He was a strong supporter of the Union cause and testified to his loyalty in a very practical way. Since 1863 Mr. Dobbins has been a resident of Allen County, and of Lima, since 1880. For some years he was engaged in fanning and bridge-building, but since locating in the city his main interests have been in the lumber trade. He is treasurer of Garrett Wykoff Lodge, No. 585, F. & A. M. He was secretary and treasurer of Woodlawn Cemetery for, several years, and is at present one of the trustees. He sold the property which became the sites of both the Woodlawn and Gethsemane cemeteries, the latter being the Catholic burial-ground. Mr. Dobbins was one of the first members of the board of trustees of the Lima Water-Works. During his residence in Shawnee township he served for a number of years as justice of the peace. Endowed with excellent business capacity, he has accumulated a competency and has always thoughtfully considered the welfare of his family. Mr. Dobbins was married in 1861, to Jane Fenn, and they had seven children born to them, viz : Mary Olive ; Carrie, wife of George Sifert, of Lima ; William F., manager of the Laurens Hull Lumber Company ; Joseph ; Grant, deceased ; Arthur, with the Lima Telephone & Telegraph Company, and Emma and Cloyd, both deceased. Clarence Sifert, the eldest son of Mr. Dobbins' second daughter, was one of the 14 telephone and telegraph operators on duty at the notable meeting of the Peace Commissioners of Russia and Japan, at Portsmouth. Another son of Mrs. Sifert is in the telegraphic department of the Buckeye Pipe-Line Company, of Lima. For the last 30 years Mr. Dobbins has held some official position in the Masonic fraternity at Lima. He is a 32d degree Mason ; is a member of the Blue Lodge, Council, Chapter. and Commandery, at Lima is one of the older members of the Shrine at Dayton ; belongs to the Consistory at Toledo, and has long been a member of the Shrine Club. He is also identified with Mart Armstrong Post, No. 202, G. A. R. Mr. Dobbins and family belong to the Presbyterian Church, and William F. is one of the elders. Mr. Dobbins resides in a very pleasant home at No. 120. West Spring street. His portrait accompanies this sketch. IRA R. LONGSWORTH, a prominent attorney at Lima, and a manufacturer and oil producer, has been a resident of this city since 1878. He was born at Van Wert, Ohio, October 2, 1859, and is a son of Dr. William N. Longsworth. Dr. Longsworth was a native of Maryland, born in 1818, and came West in 1850. He studied medicine with Dr. Leander Firestone, of Wooster, and obtained his professional degree from the Fort Wayne Medical College. He died in 1903, one of the old and honored members of the profession. He was also engaged in a manufacturing business, and was quite prominent in politics. Ira R. Longsworth was educated at Van Wert, and in 1876 was graduated from its High School. He was prepared by a tutor for the junior year at Wooster College, but in 1878 located at Lima and, finding a business opening as manager of his father's manufacting plant, forever terminated his collegiate career. He continued to manage his father's establishment, which was engaged in the manufacture of handles for farming implements,. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 671 until 1882, and then purchased it and conducted the business at Lima until 1888, when he removed it to Anderson, Indiana. In 1898 he removed the plant to Somerset, Kentucky, and still continues its operation. Although Mr. Longsworth deemed it expedient at the time to give up his collegiate course, it did not prevent his studying for the law, and he was admitted to the bar in 1889, and opened an office at Lima. In his first partnership the business name was Longsworth & Dotson, which was existent for one and a half years, and his last association was with Mr. Kephart, the firm of Longsworth & Kephart continuing for one year. With these exceptions Mr. Longsworth has practiced alone, and is favorably known in his profession throughout this section of the State. Mr. Longsworth is also interested in the operating of oil wells, and is a producer in the Trenton rock fields of Ohio and Indiana. He is secretary of several successful companies. Mr. Longsworth is a Republican in politics, and in 1890 was elected mayor of Lima, serving the city for two years. In 1883 Mr. Longsworth was married to Esther Metheany, of Lima, who is a daughter of Charles A. Metheany, a business citizen of this place. They have three children, viz : Mary Esther, Walter I. and Helen Olivia. The family belong to the Baptist Church, Mr. Longsworth being one of the deacons in that body. The family are also prominent in the city's social life. DAVID E. BAXTER, a sturdy, reliable citizen of Allen County, residing on his farm in section 31, German township, was born on the old homestead in Amanda township, on April 3, 1847, and has been a life-long resident of this county, he is a son of James and Melissa ( John) Baxter. His venerable father, now in his 88th year, still resides in the house in which our subject was born, a little more than a mile North of Kempton. He has always carried on farming and can well appreciate the many improvements made in farm machinery since the day of the mold-board plow, cradle, etc. He has done his share towards the development of Allen County, and is a man who is honored by all who know him. His father was Samuel Baxter, another. old-time resident of the county, who first settled in Ross County, after com ing to the United States with his parents from Scotland. Mrs. Melissa Baxter, who was born January i0, 1820, was the daughter of Griffith John, prominent in the early history of the county. Her sister, Mrs. Martha Crites, of Lima, is the only one of her brothers and sisters now living. Mrs. Baxter died April 8, 1890, leaving the memory of a noble life. David Baxter was reared and educated in Amanda township where he engaged in farming until recent years, when he came to his present farm of 44 acres in German township. He was married March 25, 1866, to Mary Adaline Crites, daughter of Jacob Crites, of German township. A family of eight children blessed this union, three of whom are living.. A brief record of their lives follows : Idora E., born in Amanda township, December 25, 1866, and deceased July I I, 1884 ; Jacob C., born. February 29, 1868, a resident of Bath township ; James Hix, born in Shawnee township,. June 20, 1871, and deceased August 28, 1893 Nettie Bell, born April 10, 1873, who married Jacob Barnt, of Marion township, has two children-Grace and Mary E. and resides in German township ; Melissa Ella, born November 19, 1874, and deceased November 7, 1904; Eliza A., born June 24, 1876, who became the wife of Harry Osman, of Bath township (killed by lightning in 1903) and died May 1, 1905, leaving three children,-Helen D., Carl B., and Merle,-who are living with their grandfather. Baxter; Mary J., born January 25, 1878, who married Charles Cantieny, of Lima ; and Alta, the youngest, born January 13, 1880, who died October 5, 1887. Jacob C. Baxter, the second oldest of the children of David Baxter, has been twice married ; first on January 30, 1893, to Nettie Baumgartner, daughter of Jacob Baumgartner, of German township ; she died May 1 1, 1896, leaving a little daughter, Beatrice, who resides with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Baxter, and is now 672 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY in her 12th year. Jacob then married Amy Custard, daughter of John Custard. This marriage has been without issue. David Baxter was superintendent of the Allen County Infirmary from 1893 to 1903. He was anxious to enter the army in the Civil War, but, in deference to his father's wishes, waited until he was 18 years old. Three days later, on April 6th, he enlisted in the 36th Ohio, being the last man enlisted from Allen County.   HON. JAMES E. LOWERY, general agent of the Union Central Life Insurance Company at Lima, and president of the National Oil Company of this city, is a native of Richland County, Ohio, where he was born in 1847. He is a son of Williamson B. Lowery, who was a prominent farmer of Richland County, Ohio, and whose death occurred in 1850. Mr. Lowery attended school at Mansfield, Ohio, until he was 16 years old, when he became a telegraph operator on the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1866 he was appointed agent at Ada, Ohio, and remained there until December, 1871, when ill health necessitated his retirement. He then took up the work of the Union Central Life Insurance Company, and became their special agent in the home office at Cincinnati. Later he was appointed superintendent of agents, with headquarters at Cincinnati, where he remained until 1881, when he severed his connection with the company to assume the office of probate judge of Hardin County, to which he had been elected. He was re-elected to this office in 1884, serving in all six years. In January, 1888, he was elected clerk of the Ohio Senate and acted in that capacity two years, when he again became associated with the Union Central Life and was transferred to Washington, D. C., where he remained three years. At the expiration of that period, he was advanced to the general agency of that company at Lima, having the supervision of the work in Auglaize, Allen and Hancock counties, Ohio. He took charge of the offices here in 1894, but did not bring his fam ily to the city until some three years later. In 1902 he became a stockholder of the National Oil Company, being now its president and treasurer. In 1868 Judge Lowery cast his first vote for Gen. U. S. Grant, and has always been allied with the Republican party. He was a member of the Republican State Central Committee from 1882 to 1892, its chairman in 1885-86, and the following three years served on the executive committee. He was identified with the Sherman wing of the party during the life of that statesman, and had the honor of being a close friend of Maj. William McKinley during the latter's congressional, senatorial and presidential careers, but never would accept office from Major McKinley, although the proffer was urgently made. Judge Lowery was married, in 1868, to Linda Bushnell, a daughter of Thomas Bushnell, of Ashland County, Ohio. Their children are : Daisy, wife of Frank Horner, of the Piper Grocery Company, of Lima, and William B., who resides on a farm on the outskirts of Ada, Ohio. Judge Lowery took his first degree as a Mason in 1868, and in 1874 he was exalted to the rank of noble in Shawnee Commandery. He is also a prominent Elk.   A. L. WHITE, president and general manager of The Lima Locomotive & Machine Company, is one of the most public-spirited and prominent citizens of Lima, although he has been a resident of the city but five years. He is a native of Knox County, Ohio, was born in 1861, and is a son of the late John W. White, who was for years connected with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He was educated in Knox County and then entered the shop of the C. & G. Cooper Company, manufacturers of "Corliss" engines. He remained with this firm 25 years beginning at the age of 15 as an office-boy and steadily advancing as he grasped the details of the business until he was made superintendent of the great plant. He remained in charge of the works for eight years, resigning in 1900 to AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 673 accept the general management of the Lima Locomotive Works. The Lima Locomotive & Machine Company was incorporated in 1893 with a capital stock of $300,000, and made a specialty of manufacturing the "Shay" locomotive. More recently they have built a large number of direct locomotives and logging-cars, the extensive business giving employment to about 600 men. The company was reorganized in 1901 with the following officers : A. L. White, president and general manager ; Ira P. Carnes, vice-president ; and W. T. Agerter, secretary and treasurer. Mr. White is also a stockholder of the C. & G. Cooper Company. Mr. White is president of the Lima Progressive Association and president of the Lima Young Men's Christian Association. He is always interested in any movement that pertains to the best interests of the city, and his influence is always on the right side of every question. Mr. White was a zealous politician in Knox County, but has not been active since coming to Lima. He is a prominent Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery at Lima, and Alladin Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Columbus. He enjoys social life and takes great pleasure in the Lima Club and the Shawnee Country Club, of both of which he is a member. Mr. White was married June 26, 1900, to Lucy Spindler, daughter of J. C. Spindler, deceased, a mechanical engineer of Mount Vernon, Ohio. They have one child—Janet. HENRY MILLER is a prosperous farmer of Allen County, residing in section 7, Monroe township, where he owns a fine farm of 180 acres. He was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, April 29, 1841, and is one of six sons born to Michael and Katherine (Kunkelman) Miller. His parents came with their children to this country in 1849, landing in New York in August of that year and going at once to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where they lived for about three years in the vicinity of McKeesport. Early in the spring of 1852 they started for Allen County, floating down the river to Cincinnati, thence up to their destination in a canoe, arriving here in April. They settled on the farm adjoining that on which our subject now resides and bent every energy to make a home for themselves and children. That Michael Miller was successful in his struggle to secure a competency is shown by the fact that he had acquired 200 acres of land at the time of his death. He was 73 years of age and his wife was 8o when the summons came to them. They had these children : John; Christian; Daniel, who died in infancy and was buried in the fatherland ; Leonard, who was killed in a coal mine in Pennsylvania ; Henry and Adam—all are deceased except the subject of this sketch. Henry Miller was married on November 14, 1864, to Mary Sauer, a native of Prussia, who was born January 21, 1846, and when a child of nine years came to America with her parents, Francis and Katherine (Harmon) Sauer. To this union 14 children have been born, viz : Margaret M., wife of William L. Hofferbert, of Monroe township ; John F., of Putnam County ; Emma L., wife of P. J. Altstaetter, of Monroe township; Anna Katherine, wife of Jacob P. Miller, of Lima ; Alice M., wife of Anthony Geib, of Lima ; Sarah A., wife of Charles Irwin, of Putnam County ; Caroline R., wife of James Irwin, of Putnam County ; Bertha A., living at home; William H., who resides on his mother's farm; Harmon M., who has but recently been married; Louis P. ; Clara Isabel, wife of Frank Slusser, of Sugar Creek township ; Grace N. ; and Arthur M. Henry Miller left his, parents' home when he was married and moved to a rented farm. He rented for a number of years before he purchased a small tract in section 7 and moved onto it about 35 years ago. He added to this land later and now owns 18o acres, which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. In addition to this, his wife owns 60 acres in section 10, which is cultivated by their son, William H. Miller. They are members of the 674 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY Presbyterian Church. Mr. Miller is a Democrat and has held a number of offices, such as school director, road supervisor, etc., and has always been loyal to the trusts reposed in him. CHARLES CHRISTIAN MILLER, Ph. D., president of Lima College, at Lima, Ohio, ex-commissioner of the common schools of Ohio, and a distinguished institute instructor and lecturer, has been intimately associated with the educational interests of his native State almost from boyhood. He was born November 26, 1856, at Baltimore, Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of Enos S. Miller, a representative business citizen of that county. Dr. Miller's early educational training was secured in the common schools, from which he entered Fairfield Union Academy, at Pleasantville, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1876. Prior to this, however, he had taught school, being but 16 years old when he obtained his first certificate. As he was mainly dependent upon his own resources, he again began to teach in the first place, in order to procure the means with which he could secure collegiate advantages, and in the second, because his natural inclinations and evident talents lay in this direction. In the spring of 1877 he became a student at the Ohio State University, and in 1883 he was graduated from this institution with the coveted degree of A. B. During a portion of his university career, he was instructor in Latin and Greek. He enjoys the distinction of being the first graduate of the Ohio State University ever appointed a member of the board of trustees of that institution. On June 16, 1903, Ohio University, at Athens, Ohio, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor 'of Philosophy. Recognizing very early in his career the call of his nature in the direction of educational work, Dr. Miller bent every energy to advance himself along this line of endeavor, meeting with public recognition and substantial promotion, while still in early manhood. He continued to teach from 1874 until 1884, when not a student himself, his schools being located at Rushville, Pleasantville and Eaton, Ohio. In the latter year he was appointed superintendent of the schools at Eaton, where he continued in this position until 1886, when he accepted a similar one at Ottawa, for a period of four years, going then to Sandusky, and in 1892 to Hamilton, each change being to his material benefit and professional advancement. In order to accept the responsible position of superintendent of the city schools at Hamilton, Dr. Miller was obliged to resign his office of State commissioner of common schools, to which he had been appointed in 1891 by Gov. James E. Campbell. In 1901 he was again called to public office, being appointed State school examiner. In 1895 Dr. Miller came to Lima to assume the superintendency of the public schools of this city, and during his incumbency of 10 years he succeeded in advancing their educational standard to a point which could not help reflecting the greatest credit upon his intellectual abilities and executive qualities. To the regret of his fellow-citizens, Dr. Miller resigned his superintendency at the close of the school year in June, 1905, to accept the presidency of Lima College, which had been tendered him. In addition to the above enumerated honorable and responsible positions efficiently filled by Dr. Miller, he ,has served as county school examiner in Preble, Putnam and Butler counties and as city school examiner of the cities of Sandusky, Hamilton and Lima. For a number of years he has also been prominently identified with institute work, his field of labor extending over Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. As an interesting and effective lecturer, Dr. Miller has few equals. His subjects embrace the different branches taught in the public schools, which are particularly appropriate for institute work, and p0ints and periods in history and literature, which are presented and discussed in a happy style peculiar to himself. They show thorough research, wide knowledge, close observation and a critical faculty. The barest theme, taken up by Dr. Miller and clothed in his beautiful and AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 677 appropriate language and presented with his oratorical ability, becomes a subject of ever recurring interest to his auditors. Crowded houses greet him when he fills a lecture appointment and the various journals of the towns and cities where he has spoken are invariably pronounced in their praise. Being the exponents of the attitude of their communities, this praise is genuine. His gifts as a lecturer are such as to cause his favorable comparison with other notables in the field. Dr. Miller was married, in 1891, to Nellie C. Wilbur, who was born in New York. The domestic circle includes two sons and a daughter, installed in a beautiful home at Lima, where, when not absent professionally, Dr. Miller enjoys the resources of an extensive library and, on occasion, dispenses hospitality to a large social circle. He is a member of numerous educational organizations, both local and national, and belongs to the fraternal orders of Masons and Knights of Pythias. He is a man of striking personality, gifted both in mind and person. He possesses the courtesy that invites confidence, the geniality which attracts friends and the dignity which belongs to the eminent position in the educational world to which his own abilities have advanced him. Dr. Miller is the editor of the historical department of this work. His portrait is shown on page 16. -P. N. C. H. L. LEILICH, secretary and treasurer of the large industry of Delphos, known as the Delphos Can Company, is identified with many of the successful enterprises of this section, and is favorably known for his business enterprises throughout the State. Although an acknowledged factor in the city's largest business concerns, Mr. Leilich is still a young man, in the very prime of life. He was born July 9, 1865, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Schowoebel) Leilich. The parents of Mr. Leilich have never left Germany. After a successful mercantile career, the father now lives retired. He has reason to feel gratified with the material prosperity of every one of his 10 children. H. L. Leilich enjoyed excellent educational advantages and the comforts of a happy and well appointed home, but his ambition led him to look toward America for a career. He had an aunt living at Delphos, Ohio, and, with the intention of joining her, he left home and arrived in New York City in July, 1881. After joining his relatives at Delphos, he secured employment of various kinds and in the meantime studied the English language, making such rapid progress that his teachers were surprised. In naming the various kinds of work this carefully nurtured youth assumed, in order to make his own way and prove to his father that he possessed independence of character, it may be stated that he worked on a railroad, in a woolen mill, on the bench in a shoe shop, and as clerk in the store attached, then as a blacksmith in the "Clover Leaf" railroad shops, again as a shoe clerk and then as a clothing salesman. This brought him to 1893, in which year he purchased a half interest, with Felix Steinle, in the Delphos Brewing Company. The partner attended to the practical work, Mr. Leilich taking charge of the office and outside business. He erected what are now the buildings of the Delphos Hardware Company, remaining with that concern for a period of four years, during which time he not only reaped large financial benefits for himself, but, through his energy and executive ability, developed the business into one of the most prosperous in Northern Ohio. His spirit of enterprise also led him to become interested in the oil industry, and for six months he was actively engaged in opening up nearly all the wells in the vicinity. He then became manager for R. G. Gillespie of Pittsburg, in the latter's large oil business. He left this position in order to take charge of the Delphos Can Company. This great industry was then in its infancy, the business of the concern being transacted in two rooms on East Second street, which are now occupied by the Fort Wayne, Van Wert & Lima Traction Company for depot purposes. He succeeded F. C. Almy. In this connection he has been as successful as in previous enterprises. 678 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY The officers of the Delphos Can Company are : A. B. King, of Delphos, president C. Bruce Hartman, traveling salesman for the Columbus (Ohio) Buggy Company, vice-president ; and H. L. Leilich, secretary, treasurer and general manager. He prepared the sketch for Leech & Leech, architects of Lima, for the new brick building, which was completed in September, 1904, and it was under his personal direction that all the machinery has been installed and set in operation, he having previously purchased it, with the consent of the board of managers. The large factory of the Delphos Can Company, is located on Pierce street, near the tracks of the P., Ft. W. & C. Railway, thus being supplied with excellent shipping facilities. It is three stories high, of brick and concrete construction, is fitted throughout with all modern conveniences and can accommodate a large force of men. The building is 120 feet deep, with a 6o foot frontage, together with a warehouse 3o by 70 feet, and well-arranged office 20 by 43 feet. The machinery, which consists of 18 standing power presses, 8 foot presses, and 4 double seaming machines, 3 to a set and 4 sets in use—are propelled by a 35-horse power engine of the most modern construction, with gasoline as fuel, which, when necessary, will be replaced by a larger one. The equipment include machinery for the making of every kind of can, including special dies and tools. The plant has a capacity of one car-load a day, besides local shipments. The output of cans for August, 1905, was 22,000. A full automatic double seamer is now in use, by which one can is turned off while another is being prepared. It is a joint invention of Mr. Leilich, and is so simple in construction that a child can operate it. Mr. Leilich has withdrawn all individual rights to it. The company is preparing to add largely to its manufactured articles. The management now makes use of factory scraps, thereby utilizing all waste by converting this material into caps, fills, etc. They also manufacture wooden mallets, and have automatic turning lathes and various other articles of the greatest utility. The company prides itself on using only the very best material and employs only skilled labor. Among the many products of the factory which have gained merited public approbation may be mentioned—the "Delphos" gem pan ; the "Delphos" non-overflow can ; the "Delphos" druggists' dispenser; the never-leak spout and faucet cans; the "Delphos" non-overfilling factory dispenser ; the long-handled dust pan ; the "Delphos" oil can ; the "Delphos" rotary corn popper, an improved device, with the handle so constructed that the hands can never be burned. The company has lately purchased another factory—that of the Toledo Tinware Manufacturing Company—and this addition will give them almost unlimited resources in their line of business. Mr. Leilich has a most complete system of bookkeeping. He issues a statement to the company every six months, and the auditing committee has access to his books at all times. He is a large advertiser, and at present has. over $6,000 invested in the columns of various farming journals, mainly exploiting the company's non-overflow pump can and other, specialties. By advice of their attorney the company bought every patent overflow can patent,. which has been issued since 1890. A great suit between the Delphos Can Company and the Standard Can Company (through Church & Church, Washington attorneys, and Owen & Owen and Seaney & Johnson, of Toledo), in the United States Circuit Court for the Northern District of Ohio, was pending nearly two years, the public and the newspapers of that section being greatly interested in the outcome. The Delphos Can Company now has a patent under way in connection with their non-overflow any-length can, and is preparing to push its merits throughout the United States. Mr. Leilich was married October 29, 1884, to Louise Warner, who is a daughter of the late Jacob Warner, formerly a well known contractor at Delphos. They have one son, Clarence, a partner in the drug store of King, Williams & Leilich and preparing for entrance at a college of pharmacy. The family belong to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Leilich is a member of the Elks. Since 1896 he has been serving on the board of directors of the Delphos National AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 679 Bank, and is vice-president, stockholder and director in the Delphos Building & Loan Association. He has been identified with every recent improvement of the city of Delphos, and a notable fact is that everything to which he has given his special attention has proved a success. His portrait accompanies this sketch. JACOB CLOYD RIDENOUR, one of Lima's leading attorneys, senior member of the law firm of Ridenour & Halfhill, was born in Lima, March 9, 1860, and is one of a family of five children born to his parents, Jacob and Dorcas (Dixson) Ridenour. Mr. Ridenour is of Scotch and German descent. His ancestors came to this country at an early date and located in the States of Maryland and Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather was a soldier in the American Army during the War of 1812. His grandfather removed from Maryland to Ohio in 1820, and settled in Perry County—after 10 years' residence there locating in Allen County as one of its pioneer settlers. Jacob Ridenour, the father of our subject, was born and reared in this county. His wife, Dorcas, was a daughter of Jacob Dixson, deceased, who in early life was a prominent farmer of Licking County, Ohio, and later a resident of Allen County. In 1862, when his son, Jacob Cloyd, was two years of age, Jacob Ridenour joined the Union Army as a private in the 118th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf. He served in the East and took part in many of the hard fought battles waged by the Army of the Potomac under Hooker, Burnside, Meade and Grant. He died in camp at Washington, D. C., February 5, 1865. Jacob Cloyd Ridenour was reared on a farm near Lima and obtained his preliminary education in the common schools of this county. He then entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada where he was graduated in the scientific department in 1882, and then became a student of law in the State University of Iowa, from which he graduated in June, 1885. On the - 35 - 23rd of that month he was admitted to practice in both the State and Federal courts of Iowa.. Soon afterward he returned to Ohio, and accepted the principalship of the LaRue High School. On June 2, 1886, he was admitted to the Ohio bar, after successfully passing the examination before the State Supreme Court. He at once engaged in practice in his native city, soon showing that ability which has made his career one of unusual success. On June 21, 1886, he formed a partnership with Gideon Ditto, which continued until the latter's death in July, 1887. On September 1887, Mr. Ridenour formed his present partnership with James W. Halfhill, which combination of legal talent has proved one of great strength. The offices of the firm are at No. 51 Public Square. In all the attributes necessary for legal success, Mr. Ridenour has. been liberally endowed, and it is safe to say that no name in the various courts of Northwestern Ohio, is more favorably known than his. He is a member of the Allen County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association. Mr. Ridenour was married to Maggie Bowsher, a daughter of Anthony Bowsher, and they have three children. The family res idence is located at No. 631 West Market street. In political matters and public affairs Mr. Ridenour has taken a very active interest. He is a stanch Democrat and from January 1894, to January I, 1900, was prosecuting attorney of his county. In 1900 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention from the Fourth Congressional District of Ohio. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows and Elks. R. T. GREGG, one of Lima's leading business men, is a member of the mercantile firm of R. T. Gregg & Company, and has been a resident of the city since 1901. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, December 4, 1861, and is a son of the late Thomas Gregg, a well- 680 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY known merchant who died in (airfield County, in 1886. R. T. Gregg was a small boy when his parents removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. His business life has been devoted almost entirely to mercantile pursuits, being inaugurated as a clerk in a dry goods house at Baltimore, Fairfield County. In 1887 he engaged in a mercantile business at Tiffin, as a member of the firm of C. F. Hansberger & Company, which continued for 14 years as the leading establishment of its kind in that city. In 1901 Mr. Gregg located in Lima and established the firm of R. T. Gregg & Company, in the Black Block. He has sole charge of this concern, which is classed among the leading mercantile enterprises of the city. He enjoys an enviable reputation both for the excellence of his complete stock of merchandise, as well as for the business integrity on which his success is founded. In 1886 Mr. Gregg was married to Emma Beery, who is a daughter of Louis Beery, one of the leading men of Fairfield County. Mr. and Mrs. Gregg have, three children : Ray Beery, a student in the Lima High School ; Margaret Kathryn, and Robert T., Jr. Mr. Gregg is a member and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church at Lima, and is identified, fraternally, with the Knights of Pythias. ADAM STEIN ER, who is engaged in carrying on agricultural operations on his farm in Richland township, in section 35, was born on this farm September 16, 1854, and has always lived in Richland township. He is a son of John S. and Katherine ( Steiner) Steiner. The grandfather, John Steiner, was a hative of Alsace, France, where John S. Steiner, the father of our subject, was born in 1816. Three years later the family removed to Switzerland, and in 1826 came to the United States. They -took up their residence in Wayne County, Ohio, and for many years struggled with pioneer conditions. At the age of 21 years John S. Steiner was married to Katherine Steiner, a second cousin, and the young people at once located in Allen County, where they entered a tract of 160 acres, which has been the homestead since. Later Mr. Steiner bought 80 acres more and still later another 80, a great part of which was cleared and put under cultivation. Mrs. Steiner was born in Switzerland, which was also the birthplace of her parents, Ulrich and Barbara Steiner, and she was a child of three years when her parents came to America. The children of John S. Steiner and wife were as follows : Levi, deceased ; Joseph, of Richland township; Emanuel, deceased ; Aaron, deceased ; Emma, deceased ; Adam ; Regina, of Richland township ; Leah, of Hancock County ; Magdalene, of Richland township ; Barbara, deceased ; Fannie, deceased ; and one that died in infancy. John S. Steiner was a Democrat and a consistent member of the Mennonite Church. He died in the spring of 1900, having rounded out a useful and honorable life. His widow still resides on the home farm and is tenderly cherished by her children. Adam Steiner has always resided on the old farm, assisted in clearing and improving it and now owns 80 acres in sections 30 and 35. He also cultivates 8o acres for his mother and sisters. Part of the land is pasture, as he raises large numbers of cattle; the remainder of his land is devoted to the raising of corn and wheat. He was married in March, 1877, to Anna Spollinger, a native of Richland township, Allen County, Ohio, and a daughter of Ulrich and Barbara (Geiger) Spollinger, who came to this country from Switzerland. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Steiner are as follows : Josephine, deceased ; Albert ; Lena ; Edwin, deceased ; Jesse ; Fannie ; Aldine ; Bertha ; Cyrus; Sarah ; and Ella. None of the children have left the parental roof. Mr. Steiner is a Democrat. WALTER M. SCOTT, court stenographer of Allen and Shelby counties, has been a resident of Lima since February, 1892. Mr. Scott was born in 1874 in Van Wert County, Ohio, and is a s0n of W. P. Scott. The latter is tie and timber agent for the St. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 681 Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company, and resides at Springfield, Missouri. Walter M. Scott is a young man of remarkable ability in his profession. He completed the ordinary common and high school courses at Springfield, Missouri, and then learned telegraphy in the railroad office at Exeter, Missouri, becoming an operator for the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad. Subsequently he was made train dispatcher at Fort Smith, Arkansas, thus continuing until 1892 when he came to Lima and was operator for three months for -the C., H. & D. Railway. Mr. Scott then entered the office of Court Stenographer Emerson Price, and remained as his assistant for 10 years, when he was appointed court stenographer for Van Wert, Auglaize and Mercer counties. This position he held for two years, efficiently performing its exacting duties. In May, 1903, his ability and faithfulness secured him the appointment as court stenographer for Allen and Shelby counties. In November, 1897, Mr. Scott was married to Nellie A. Gates, who is a daughter of the late William W. Gates, formerly gauger for The Buckeye Pipe Line Company. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar and an Elk. Socially he is connected with the Lima Club and, in a business way, with the Lima Progressive Association.. J. E. SULLIVAN, manager of the store-house of The Buckeye Pipe Line Company at Lima, has been in the employ of this company since August, 1890, at which time he located here. He was born in 1868 in Salamanca, Cattaraugus County, New York, where he was reared and where his father, Michael Sullivan, still lives and is engaged in railroading. Mr. Sullivan received his common-school education in Salamanca and then entered the Slocum Business College, of Buffalo, graduating from that institution about 1885. He at once began working as a stenographer and shortly after was appointed court stenographer of Cattaraugus County, a position he held for two years, when he resigned to accept a more lucrative offer. Having accepted the position of private secretary for Daniel J. O'Day, who was in charge of The Buckeye Pipe Line Company at Lima, Mr. Sullivan continued in that capacity for 13 years. Having become thoroughly conversant with every detail of the business, he was well fitted for the place which was then tendered him as manager of the company's storehouse, in charge also of the timekeeping department and the fuel business. Mr. Sullivan was married, in 1901, to Winona Reichelderfer, daughter of A. C. Reichelderfer, of the Lima Gas Light Company. They have one child, Marion Margaret. He is a member of St. Rose Catholic Church and the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, and a charter member of Lima Council, Knights of Columbus, in which he has held various offices. Mr. Sullivan has identified himself with business interests in Lima, aside from those of which he is manager, and is one of the reputable, substantial men of the city. He is a member of the Shawnee Country Club, and an enthusiastic golf player who finds healthful, as well as pleasant recreation in the sport. W. S. KIMBALL, notary public and attorney-at-law at Delphos, was born in Delphos in 1877, and is a son of Edward E. and Ida (Breece) Kimball, and a lineal descendant of Stephen Kimball, from whom he takes his second name. Stephen Kimball, the paternal grandfather, was born in Connecticut and there married Mary Read, who was a representative of that family which was so prominent in the early history of Reading, Pennsylvania, as to give the name to that great industrial city. The children of this union were : George, who was killed during the Civil War while serving under Admiral Farragut ; Edward E., father of W. S.; Oliver, of LaFayette, Indiana ; Mrs. Julia Harter, deceased ; and Mrs. Charles Smith, of South Bend, Indiana. James Alexander, one of the venerable residents of Delphos, is our subject's great-grand- 682 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY father on the maternal side. He was one of the first captains on the canal and propelled a boat of his own for a number of years. Edward E. Kimball, father of W. S., was born at Portland, Indiana, April 17, 1857. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and carried on farming until he came to Delphos, Ohio. For the past 20 years he has been connected with the Adams Express Company, and also operates a dray line. He married Ida Breece, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Alexander) Breece, whose father came to Delphos from Delaware, Ohio. Of the five sons born to the above marriage, the three survivors are : W. S., of this sketch ; and Charles and Ora, both connected with the Delphos Can Company. W. S. Kimball was educated in the Delphos schools, graduating therefrom in 1895. He then read law for two and a half years under Judge M. Brotherton, of Van Wert County and, after a term in the law department of the Ohio Normal University at Ada, was admitted to practice in 1901. Mr. Kimball has found a useful and lucrative field for professional work at Delphos. Politically a Democrat, he has served his party in many important positions, being for two years chairman of the Democratic Central Committee, of which he is still a member. He is also serving- on the Delphos Board of Education. He is a member of the National Union Fraternal Insurance Company and has been financial secretary of that body. In November, 1899, Mr. Kimball was married to Edna Holliday, a daughter of Kimmel Holliday, and to their union one son, Paul Holliday, was born September 24, 1900. Mr. Kimball and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. FRANK HOBERHOUR conducts a successful business in staple and fancy groceries in Lima, and is a man of sterling worth and upright character. Mr. Hoberhour was born in Bluffton, this county, in 1862, and is a son of Matthew Hoberhour, who was a shoemaker by trade and later operated a grist-mill. He died in 1867, when our subject was a child of five years. After leaving school in Bluffton, Frank Hoberhour became a carriage painter and worked at that business about 12 years before coming to Lima. Here he secured a position in the C., H. & D. Railway shops as coach painter and was so employed 12 years, leaving them only to engage in business for himself. Erecting a business block at No. 747 North West street, he fitted it with a complete stock of staple and fancy groceries and has established a substantial trade because of his honest, courteous obliging treatment of customers,, and his executive ability. Mr. Hoberhour was married, in 1883, to Rebecca A. Stevenson, daughter of the late H. K. Stevenson, who was a real estate dealer and insurance agent of Columbus Grove, Ohio. Of the children born to this union, three are liv ing, namely : Edward B., a student in Lima College ; Bessie Emeline and Francis. Mr. Hoberhour is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Royal Arcanum. C. L. ACKERMAN, wholesale liquor dealer, is one of the influential merchants of Lima, of which city he has been a resident a little more than i0 years. He was born in 1866 in Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio, where he was educated and commenced his business career. For about four years he con, ducted a restaurant and cafe in Mansfield, then came to Lima and also opened a cafe, which he continued until November, 1903, when he engaged in the wholesale liquor trade. This enterprise has proved most remunerative ; two salesmen are kept constantly on the road. Mr. Ackerman is identified with several of the leading industries of Lima, being a director of the Allen County Oil Company, and of the Imperial Brewery, now in process of construction. Mr. Ackerman was married, in 1895, to Kate Ziegler, daughter of Godfried Ziegler, of Wapakoneta. One child, Margaret Louise, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 683 has been born to them. Mr. Ackerman is a member of the Odd Fellows, the Eagles, the Red Men and the United Commercial Travelers' Association, and has formed many warm friendships since locating in Lima. JOHN AMSTUTZ, one of the prominent citizens of Allen County, formerly County Commissioner, resides upon his well-improved farm of 80 acres, located in section 2, Richland township. He was born February 7, 1846, in Riley township, Putnam County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Steiner) Amstutz. In many ways the father of our subject was one of the most notable men that ever lived in Richland township. He was born November 22, 1811, in Alsace, France, during the clays of Napoleon, and remained cultivating the patrimonial acres until he was 21 years of age. In every sense a self-made man, he was one who deserved the esteem and respect in which he was held until the close of his life and the admiration expressed for his acquirements which, in many ways, were equal to those of the fortunate ones who enjoyed collegiate advantages. Yet the only schooling John Amstutz ever had was a period of three months in a German school, three days in .a French one and two lessons in English. For years he both spoke and wrote all three languages correctly and easily. In 1833 John Amstutz crossed the Atlantic Ocean, filled with the hope that in a new land he would find opportunities for both mental and material advancement. The old sailing vessel landed him at the port of New Orleans during a yellow fever epidemic and he was one of those who survived its ravages. He remained one year in New Orleans before he commanded enough capital to take him up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Cincinnati, where he worked by the clay at wagon-making until 1835. He then came to Allen County and bought 0 acres of land and on this little tract he built the first wagon shop erected in Northwestern Ohio. It is said that he made the first school globe ever constructed in the State. He continued work at his trade until he retired from active life, at the age of 63 years, and his death occurred at the home of our subject at the age of 80 years and 11 months. This really remarkable man so appreciated learning that it was always his great desire to advance the educational opportunities of the community. He accumulated the largest private library then in the county and not only absorbed the contents of his books, was conversant with the best literature of the day and was one of the locality's best informed men, but he was generous in his assistance to others. He helped in the organization of Richland township and was the first school director, the township having but one district at that time. His character was so unimpeachable that his fellow-citizens would gladly have elected him to every office. He served as township treasurer for 20 years and for 27 years was justice of the peace. Politically he was a stanch Democrat. His faculties were remarkably preserved and it is related by his son that his B0th birthday he celebrated by writing, without glasses, which he never used, the whole of the Lord's Prayer on a bit of paper which a silver dime could cover. In 1836 John Amstutz was united in marriage, in Allen County, with Elizabeth Steiner, who was born March 17, 1815, in Alsace, France, near his own birthplace. She died on the present farm of our subject at the age of 53 years. Her parents were Rev. Christian and Elizabeth (Sutter) Steiner. Her father was born in Canton Bern, Switzerland, and went from there to Alsace, France, and in 1835 came to Allen. County, by way of the city of New York. He was the first Mennonite preacher in this section and in 1836 organized the present Mennonite Church, which is the largest church of that religious body in this vicinity. According to the manner of filling the ministry, he was allotted to this church and, although he also engaged in farming, he was one of the most active pioneer ministers of his time. John and Elizabeth (Steiner) Amstutz had 12 children born to them, our subject being the 684 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY fifth member of this family, the record being as follows : Barbara; Mary Annie ; Katherine, residing with our subject ; Elizabeth, a resident of Richland township; John ; Emma ; Jacob, of Oregon ; Alexander ; Louis ; Christina (2) and Alexander. (2). But four members of the family still survive. John Amstutz, our immediate subject, and his father's namesake, has always resided in Richland township. When he was 13 years of age, he entered his father's wagon shop and was thoroughly taught the business, remaining there until he was 23 years old. He then rented a farm and settled down to an agricultural life, continuing as a renter for 0 years, when he bought 8o acres of land in section 2, Richland township. There has been 3o acres of this cleared but the only building on it was a log cabin. Now the farm is noted for its fine appearance, all of it being cleared with the exception of two acres of timberland. Mr. Amstutz has always engaged in general farming. For three years he conducted a large quarry business at Bluffton, in partnership with his son Wilhelm A. Amstutz, under the name of Amstutz & Son, which gave employment to from 20 to 3o men. In July, 1905, our subject sold out to his son and partners and a stock company was formed with five members, the business being continued. Mr. Amstutz was married February 28, 1871, to Sarah Klinger, who was born in Monroe township, Allen County, Ohio, August 25, 1851, and is a daughter of John Adam and Margaret Eve (Hoffer) Klinger, who were born in Hessen, Germany. They came from their native land to Allen County, Ohio, in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Amstutz have had five children : Lona; Paulina ; Philip, who died aged two and a half years ; Wilhelm Albert; and Malinda, who is a member of the class of 1906 in the Bluffton High School. Wilhelm Albert Amstutz, the only son, is one of the most highly esteemed young men of the township, one who combines business ability with the admirable personal characteristics which go far toward the making of an honorable and useful citizen. He is of an earnest, thoughtful disposition and has always shown a helpful interest in the affairs of the Reformed Church. For two years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school, the youngest who has ever held this responsible position in this church. He has made many friends over the State and through the county, as he has frequently been sent as a delegate from the Bluffton church. He is a graduate of the Bluffton High School. All his life John Amstutz has been closely. identified with the Democratic party and has frequently been elected to important offices. He served seven years as township supervisor, seven years as township trustee, 14 years on the School Board, seven years as county commissioner, and in every case performed his duties with signal fidelity. He belongs to the Reformed Church, of Bluffton, of which he is a charter member and for one year was trustee. He holds fraternal relationship with the Masonic lodge at Bluffton, the Odd Fellows at Bluffton and the Elks at Lima. GEORGE W. KNITTLE. Among the well known farmers of German township, none is more deserving of mention than George W. Knittle„ whose farm of 80 acres is located in section 17. He has lived all his life in Allen County. He was born in Sugar Creek township, March 3, 1856, and is a son of Jacob and Eliza (Hamilton) Knittle, and a grandson of William and Rebecca (Tester) Knittle. William Knittle came with his wife from Fairfield County, Ohio, to Allen County at a very early day, and here entered 4o acres of land from the government. George W. Knittle was reared on his father's farm and has always been an agriculturalist, the greater part of his life having been passed in German township. On October 21, 1875, he was married to Ida Belle Tester, daughter of Frederick and Sarah Jane (Umpstead) Tester, residents of German township. Mrs. Knittle was born February 20, 1860, and has had four children, only two of whom are now living. The record is as follows : William B., born April 16, 1876, who married AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 685 Alice Snow, of Elida and is employed in the oil field ; Charles Frederick, born May 5, 1879, deceased in infancy ; Orla Guy, born April 22, 1889, now a student in the schools of Elida; and Beulah May, born January 19, 1897, who died at the age of seven days. When Mr. Knittle was married he brought his bride to their present home where they have lived continuously except for a period of six years, three of which were spent in Lima and the remainder in Elida.. Mr. Knittle is a member of the lodge and encampment, I. 0. 0. F. at Lima.   VICTOR CARDOSI, wholesale fruit dealer, located at No. 127 West Market street, Lima, is one of the city's enterprising and successful business men. He was born at Barga, Italy, in 1862, and came to America in 1884. Mr. Cardosi's commercial success has been most remarkable. He was engaged in a retail fruit business at Wellston, Jackson County, Ohio, whence he removed to Lima in 1886, continuing exclusively in the retail line until 1891, when he became a wholesaler. Formerly all the banana trade was carried on by jobbers, but Mr. Cardosi now handles it within a radius of 25 miles. He is an extensive dealer in all domestic and tropical fruits, his stock comprising the very best and choicest to be found in the world's market. In addition to really controlling the fruit trade in this section, Mr. Cardosi has invested largely in real estate. He owns five residence properties in Lima, and is proprietor of the fine Hetrick Block, built of pressed brick, one of the most substantial and ornate business structures in the city. It is situated on Market street, within half a block of the Public Square, has a frontage of 51 feet and a depth of 86 feet, and is four stories in height. Mr. Cardosi is a stockholder in the home telephone company, and is interested in other enterprises. Since coming to Lima he has made the city's interests his own ; is a member of the Lima Board of Trade and a man who commands the respect and confidence of his business associates. Mr. Cardosi was married in 1889 to Susie Vitoi, who was also born in Italy. They have four children, viz : Mary, Edward, Hazel and Alvina.   ISAAC SNIVELY MOTTER was born in 1852 at Williamsport, Maryland. He received his early education in the public and private schools of his native county, and later entered Roanoke College, Virginia, where he remained five. years, graduating in 1872 from that distinguished institution of learning. Mr. Motter began the study of the law quite early in life. After most careful research in the various branches of learning leading up to the study of the law, he began active study with Col, George Schley, at Hagerstown, Maryland. He was admitted to practice at the bar in the State of Maryland in 1877. In 1881 Mr. Motter came to Lima, his future home. Under the State laws of Ohio, he was required to be reexamined to enter upon the practice of the law. Accordingly he appeared before the Supreme Court in 1881, and upon examination was admitted to practice in Ohio. On October 20th of the same year, he formed a law partnership with Hon. W. L. Mackenzie, under the firm name of Motter & Mackenzie. The firm has long been regarded one of the strongest law firms in Lima, and its is both wide in range and lucrative. In 1887 Mr. Motter was elected prosecuting attorney of the county of Allen and entered upon the duties of that important office in January, 1888, filling the position successfully in every way for six consecutive years. In 1894 he was chairman of the Democratic County executive committee in which capacity he conducted one of the most important campaigns of the county, bringing to Lima as speakers no less distinguished men than Senator Calvin S. Brice and Ex-Governor David B. Hill, of New York. Mr. Motter has always been more or less active in Democratic politics. He has always taken a deep interest in affairs of the 686 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY State and nation, and is one of the best posted men in the country upon State and national affairs. In 1886 Mr. Motter was most happily united in marriage to Harriet Amelia Meily. They have one child, Benjamin Snively, born in 1893, who is a bright, prepossessing boy interested in his studies, with a great future before him. Mr. Motter is an active member. of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Free and Accepted Masons, choosing Garrett Wykoff Lodge as his Masonic home. He is an active member of the Lutheran Church, and has been for many years superintendent of the Sunday-school of that church organization. The confidence which the public has in Mr. Motter is further shown by the fact that he was selected as president of the Lima Library Association, which p0sition he fills with signal ability. Mr. Motter is widely read in many departments of literature; he is a refined and cultured orator, frequently called upon for addresses upon moral and scholastic topics. As an advocate he is one of the strongest in the country, making a personal appeal that goes direct to the hearts of the jurors and the judge. He is recognized as one of Allen County's stanchest citizens—always found battling for the right. REV. I. J. MILLER, a retired pastor of the Lutheran Church and a member of the grocery firm of Miller & Company, at Lima, is one of the well-known and much valued citizens of the county. He was born in 1850 in Mahoning County, Ohio, and is a son of George Miller, who was a successful agriculturist of that county. Mr. Miller was educated at Union Seminary, Poland, Ohio, Sand at Wittenberg being graduated in theology in 1876. During his period of study he taught school some six seasons prior to entering Wittenberg Theological Seminary. After ordination he served the church at Berlin Center for 1 2 years, and then removed to Wayne County, Ohio, where he had charge of two churches for a period of six years. In April, 1894, he came to Lima and assumed charge of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he continued for eight years. During his active service in the ministry, covering 25 years, he made very few changes. In 1871 Mr. Miller was married to Louise Spait, who is a daughter of Jacob Spait, a prominent farmer of Mahoning County. The two children of this marriage are : C. E., our subject's partner in business, and Cora A., who is the wife of James W. Halfhill, a prominent attorney of this county. Since Mr. Miller's son, Clark E., has been in business at Lima, his father has taken a half interest. They conduct a very successful grocery business at Nos. 407-411 West Spring street. W. D. HEFFNER, one of Lima's most respected citizens, who has been connected with the railroad affairs for over a quarter of a century in this locality is also a veteran of the Civil War in which he bore himself with a bravery that brought honorable promotion. Mr. Heffner was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1846, and is a son of David and Catherine ( Measel) Heffner. The father of Mr. Heffner was a native of Maryland and was born and reared at Frederick City. By trade he was a farmer and millwright. He moved to Miami County, Ohio, and from there to Auglaize County, where his death subsequently occurred. He married Catherine Measel and they had a family of four sons and five daughters of these, two sons and three daughters still survive. Of the four sons who entered the Union service, Joseph, who is now deceased, lost a leg at the battle of Chickamauga ; Charles died after the close of the war ; and George and W. D. are residents of Lima. W. D. Heffner was five years old when his parents moved to Auglaize County, and it was from his father's farm that 0ur subject, then AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 689 but a youth of 15 years, entered the service of his country. It was in November, 1861, that he enlisted in Company E, 67th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.,was mustered in at Columbus and proceeded with the command to Martinsburg, Virginia, and in the spring of 1862, but a few months after leaving the peaceful surroundings of his home, that he participated in his first battle, that of Winchester. On March 23, 1862, he fought against General "Stonewall" Jackson, his regiment facing the 26th Mississippi Tigers, Jackson's favorite command. Then followed the weary marches and various hardships of a soldier's life, and before he had attained man's estate he had faced danger and death on a score of battle-fields. During his service, which extended until the close of the war, he participated in these battles : Front Royal, Fort Republic, Harrison Landing, Bermuda Hundred, Folly Island, Morris Island, charge on Fort Wagoner, siege of Fort Sumter, Johnson's Island, Wire Bottom Church, the long seige of Petersburg, Chapin's Farm (where he was wounded), the battle before Richmond, Bunker Hill, New Market, Strausburg, charge on Fort Gregg, and was present at the final surrender of General Lee at Appomattox. Entering the army as a private, Mr. Heffner was mustered out of the service as a sergeant. After the close of the war, Mr. Heffner returned to his home in Auglaize County, and in 1870 came to Lima and entered into the employ of the C., H. & D. Railway Company. He served one year. as brakeman, was then promoted for efficiency, and for 28 years continued on the road in the capacity of freight and pas- senger conductor. He sent in his resignation in 1895, but did not sever his connection with this corporation, as since that year he has been foreman of its freight house at Lima. He is also interested in city real estate. In 1869 Mr. Heffner was married to Sarah Spyker, who was a daughter of Samuel Spyker, a pioneer of this county. Mrs. Heffner died in 1872, leaving a daughter, Hattie, who is the wife of George Darling, a business man at New Castle, Ohio. In 1875 Mr. Heffner was married to Urania F. Bowers, a daughter of Jacob Bowers, and they have three children, viz : Mettie, wife of E. M. Stradley, and Ethel, wife of J. R. Meiley, both of Lima and Ray, living at home. The family is connected with the First Baptist Church. Mr. Heffner is quartermaster of the Mart Armstrong Post, No. 202, G. A. R., Lima, Ohio, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. FREDERICK O. OLSON. Americans are very proud of their prominent and successful business men, but they are equally generous in awarding praise to natives of other lands whose ability enables them to reach the front rank in any line of endeavor. It is the man who counts, instead of the land of his birth. These few remarks are given as an introduction to the sketch of F. 0. Olson, one of the leading railroad men of Ohio. He has been a resident of Lima since 1903, but he was born in Sweden, in 1869, and is a son of the late John Olson. John Olson was for many years a right-hand man to President Hill of the Great Northern Railroad, whom he assisted by his practical advice and was most useful to him because of his long experience in railroad building in Sweden. His death occurred in 1903. F. O. Olson was reared and educated in Sweden until he was 15 years old, and immediately after coming to the United States secured a position in the auditor's office of the Great Northern Railroad Company at St. Paul, Minnesota. After two years of office work, he entered the mechanical department, and during the following four years worked as a machinist in the locomotive works. The next three years were spent in Chicago, with the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad—one year as a working machinist and two years as foreman. Then he accepted a position in the emergency department of the Great Northern road, and 18 months later went to Duluth, where he took a contract for railroad building. From there he came to Ohio and constructed the greater portion of the Toledo & Western Railroad, still later becoming one of the active 690 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY promoters of the Sandusky & South-Western Railroad and the Lima & Eastern Railroad. His knowledge of railroading covers every detail and, in addition, he is a practical electrician, having spent six months with the Westinghouse Company. His present railroad connections are important, and, considering that he is yet a comparatively young man, indicate the possession of a very high order of ability. He is president and general manager of the Sandusky & South-Western Railroad—a line projected from Wapakoneta to Sandusky and from Lima to Bellefontaine, 40 miles of which is already graded ; vice-president of the Lima Eastern Railroad, a line to run from Lima to Kenton, via Marion; president of the Missouri, Oklahoma & Western Railroad, and a controlling director in the Guthrie & Oklahoma Railroad. In 1896 Mr. Olson was married to Edith Sturdeven, of West Virginia. They have three daughters: Melba, Emily and Gene. Fraternally Mr. Olson is a member, of the Elks. He takes no active personal interest in politics, but is always ready to assist the political ambitions of his friends. A portrait of Mr. Olson accompanies this sketch. FRANCIS Y. DAVIS, who has a fine home and 80 acres of land in the southeast quarter of section 8, Perry township, has been a resident of this township during almost the entire period of his active business career. Mr. Davis was born in Orange County, Vermont, October 29, 1827, and is a son of Francis and Lydia (York) Davis. The Davis family is of Scotch-Welsh origin, and the ancestral line can be traced to the birth of Sir Francis Davis, in 1590. His home was in Cardiganshire, Wales. Three of his sons, Gideon, Philip and Francis (2) crossed the ocean in search of fame and fortune, but of these only Philip and Francis (2) safely reached Halifax, Nova Scotia, Gideon having been lost at sea during the voyage. Francis Davis(2)has passed his 21st birthday at this time and and with his other possessions brought a cane, which his father had presented him when he had reached his majority. This cane is still in the possession of the family, being owned by a Francis Davis, the subject of this biography. The wood of this ivory-headed cane was cut in the Grampion Hills of Scotland by the grandfather of Sir Francis Davis, in 1550. It has survived generations of its owners and typifies the solidity of the Scotch hills on which it grew, affording support to youth, feebleness and age for more than 300 years. Francis. Davis (2), son of Sir Francis, remained with his brother in Halifax for about one year. There in 1749 Philip married Mary Wells; he subsequently settled in Virginia. The above Francis Davis (2) was born in 1626 and died in 1709. He married Gertrude Emerson, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, wh0 was born in 1629 in England and died in 1715. They settled at West Amesbury, Massachusetts, in 1652, bringing the old cane with them. Francis Davis (3), son of Francis (2), was born in 1653 in Massachusetts and died there in 1737. In 1673 he married Mary Taylor, a daughter of Walter Taylor, of Amesbury; she was born in 1657 and died in 1733.. The old cane came into the hands of this Fran cis and was in turn given to the next Francis. Francis Davis (4), son of Francis (3), was born September 29, 1687, and died October 9, 1753, at Amesbury, leaving the old cane to his son, Captain Francis Davis. His wife, to whom he was married at Haverhill, Massachusetts, September 6, 1716, was born September 6, 1693 and died December 3, 1775. Capt. Francis Davis, the fifth of the name, was born October 26, 1723 and died November 26, 1784. He was married September 3, 1745, to Elizabeth Ferran, who was born September 20, 1724, and died December 20, 1793. It was Capt. Francis Davis, who took the old cane from Amesbury to Davisville, Warren County, Vermont, a town he founded in May, 1766. In 1740 he had built a mill there which was destroyed by fire in 1746, and he built a second one. He was a Revolutionary soldier and a man of influence and wealth, and was the first representative to the General Assembly from Warren County. Francis Davis (6), son of Capt. Francis AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 691 Davis, was born at Amesbury, Massachusetts, May 27, 1758, and died at Barre, Vermont, October 30, 1840. He married Philena Thurber, who was born at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, August 26, 1758, and died at Barre, Vermont, December 21, 1841. These ancestors were the grandparents of the subject of this sketch. The family resided at Warren until the fall of 1794, when they removed to Barnard, Vermont, taking. with them the old cane. There it remained until the grandfather's death, when it came into possession of Francis Davis (7), father of its present owner, who is in the eighth generation from Sir Francis Davis. Francis Davis (7) was born March 7, 1788, at Warren, New Hampshire, and was six years old when he accompanied his parents to Barnard, Vermont, where he was given as good educational advantages as the times afforded. He worked at the carding and fulling business for some years. When the War of 1812 became imminent, he enlisted in a cavalry company which was ordered by the Governor to proceed from Montpelier to Plattsburgh, New York. After three days, the company reached that place and took part in the closing engagements of the battle there. He was discharged at the end of the war. After the passage of many years, he received 16o acres of land in recognition om his military services. After his marriage he lived in Orange and in Washington counties, Vermont, and owned and operated a sawmill and also dealt in tombstones. He was an expert worker in stone and samples of his work took first premium when exhibited at Montpelier. In the autumn of 1834, with his wife and four children, the oldest being nine years and the youngest, five months, he started Westward to find a new home. The wagon was filled with bedding and articles of wearing apparel. After a pleasant driving journey of six weeks, a pause was made at the town of Keene, Coschocton County, Ohio. Here Mr. Davis found a few settlers from New England and, tired of traveling, decided to stop a least over the winter. In the spring, on March 21, 1835, he purchased 100 acres of land for which he paid $200. Three acres had been cleared, a. small orchard had been set out and a log cabin built. Later he cleared about 40 acres of this land and entered into farming and stockraising, also cutting and selling many tombstones. from a quarry situated on the property. He built the first sawmill ever erected here, which was run by the waters of the Buckloo, a small stream which meandered through his farm. In 1842 Mr. Davis leased the farm and moved to the town of Keene where he engaged in the tombstone and monument business but soon tired of village life and returned to the farm. In 1843 he purchased another 100-acre tract, but in 1846 he sold out and again made preparations to move westward. On April 6, 1846, with his wife, two sons and the youngest daughter, a grandson and a young neighbor who was starting West with some household goods, Mr. Davis started his prairie schooner, drawn by oxen, in the direction of the setting sun. The horses which 12 years previously had assisted to move the family from Vermont to Ohio, were again made use of, being hitched to a farm cart and a flock of sheep and a herd of cattle were also taken along. On the eighth night of the journey the family camped in a vacated cabin which they found near the center of a seven by 20 mile forest, which then stood in its native state in Hardin County, Ohio. Here the hoots of the owls and the howls of the wolves made the night hideous. On the ninth day of the journey the family reached a point four miles east of Lima, in Perry township, Allen County, Ohio. Here Mr. Davis decided to locate, buying an 80-acre farm on which he lived and carried on farming and stock-raising. In 1863 he sold his farm and in 1864 moved to Defiance County, Ohio, where he purchased a farm of 120 acres on which he continued farming and stock-raising operations, assisted by his adopted grandson, Lucius, who lived with him until his death, which took place March 31, 1875. In politics he was a Whig and later a Republican. In his dealings with his fellowmen, he was honest and upright and his religion consisted more in good works than in profession. In 1850 he and his wife made an ex. 692 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY tended visit to relatives in Vermont and upon his return he brought with him the old family cane. On October 21, 1813, in Randolph, Orange County, Vermont, he married Lydia York, a daughter of Gershom York, and they had 11 children. Mrs. Davis died March 1, 1863. In the course of time he married Mrs. Elizabeth Gilbert, a widow, who also preceded him to the grave. Of the 11 children, those who reached maturity were : Roxanna. P., deceased, who was the wife of Ira Fox ; Francis Y ; George E.; and Fannie, deceased, who was the wife of John Bond. Francis Y. Davis, our immediate subject, was 19 years old when he accompanied his father to Perry township, and he assisted in the clearing of the home farm. In 1852 he bought 40 acres in section 3, which is now known as the William Robert's farm, which he cleared and converted from timberland to fields of unusual fertility and productiveness. In 1863 he settled upon 80 acres in section 16 on which he lived and made extensive improvements until 1882, when he located upon a quarter-section in section 19, a part of which still remains in the family. He reclaimed a part of this farm from the forest and converted it into a productive farm and made his home there until 1894, when he purchased 40 acres of his present farm in section 8, to which he subsequently added 40 more acres. Mr. Davis here erected a fine residence and has made other substantial improvements until now it is an example of one of the best rural homes in Perry township. In addition to being fertile, his farms have have been noted for the presence of oil; he had had a number of producing oil-wells and the three located on his present farm have brought him handsome returns. Mr. Davis has a military record which should give him a very pardonable measure of pride. When the Civil War broke out and he recognized the fact that he was needed at the front, he put aside his previous ambitions and enlisted in the service of his country. His first enlistment was in September, 1861, in Company D, 54th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He was discharged in August, 1862, on account of disability, having been injured by the exploding of a shell at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. On September 22, 1864, Mr. Davis reenlisted, becoming a member of Company A, 180th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and continued in the service until the close of the war, his last battle being at Kingston, North Carolina. He was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and returned to his home in Perry township. During a part of his time in early manhood he engaged in teaching school and he worked also at brick-making, but since he was 30 years of age he has devoted his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits, with some attention given to the production of oil, as mentioned above, having had an interest in some 20 wells. Mr. Davis owns 120 acres of fine land in Allen County. On May 5, 1852, Mr. Davis was married to Sarah Coats, a daughter of Rufus and Nancy (Dawson) Coats. She died April 1, 1893, leaving the following children : Lydia R. M., born July 26, 1854, who married Jefferson Shade, of Perry township; Ira E., born January 31, 1856; Albert E, born November 30, 1857; William F., born January 19, 1867, who lives in Franklin County, Kansas ; Clara B., born July 25, 1868, who married John Howbert, of Allen County ; Charles L., born November 25, 1869 ; Harmon C., born October 15, 1871 and Daniel E., born May 28, 1873, who died July 23, 1898. One child died in infancv. Mr. Davis remained single until November 20, 1897, when he married Mrs. Rhoda J. (McPheron) Howbert. In politics Mr. Davis is a Republican and he is a valued member of Mart Armstrong Post, No. 202, G. A. R., of Lima. He is widely known in Allen County and is held in the highest esteem. Mr. Davis grew up at a time and in a section where educational advantages were meager but he has always been a great reader and has mixed with intelligent people and thus has acquired a broad and comprehensive knowledge of the affairs of the world. He is possessed of a truly remarkable memory and without effort recalls the day, month and year of many happenings of earlier, days. During the period of 6o years covering his residence AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 693. in Perry township, he has been foremost in its business affairs and has contributed his full share in the developing of this section into one of the most prosperous, progressive and best improved communities in the State. ULYSSES REICHENBACH, a prominent agriculturist of Allen County, is a native of Canton Neuchatel, Switzerland, where he was born on August 15, 1845. When he came to this country he was a poor man and his present property represents years of patient toil. In addition to the 146-acre homestead in section 34, Richland township, Mr. Reichenbach owns 80 acres in Putnam County, His parents were John and Margaret (Guntner) Reichenbach, who came to America in 1873 and made their home here for the rest of their lives. Ulysses Reichenbach was one of 10 children, seven boys and three girls. At the age of 19 he left the parental roof to try his fortune in a new country, landing in New York in 1866. He first stopped in Wayne County, Ohio, where he worked on a farm by the month for one year, and then came to Allen County and for four years worked by the month in Richland township. By dint of saving every penny, he managed to get sufficient together to buy 80 acres of woodland in Putnam County. Renting a farm there he cultivated it for a year. He cleared off the timber on the 80-acre tract and erected a dwelling. Later he bought 106 acres in Allen County which, with the 40 acres received from his father-in-law, comprise his present homestead. He has two good dwellings on this farm, one of which is occupied by his son-in-law. Mr. Reichenbach was married in November. 30, 1869 to Fannie Basinger, who was born September 14, 1841, on the farm where she now lives, her parents being Seymour and Barbara (Steiner) Basinger. Eight children have blessed their union, namely : John, Leah, Henry, Lydia, Maggie, Emma, Lena, and Amos. John, who resides on the 80-acre farm in Putnam County, married Barbara Leichty and has three children—Lillie, William and Titlam. Leah resides at home with her parents. Henry, who is engaged in farming in Richland township, married Emma Batcher and has one child, Mildred. Lydia died at the age of nine years. Maggie married William Steiner and has two children, Mabel and Odula. They live in Putnam County. Emma, who was the wife of Fred Beiderman, left at death one child, Sylvia, who lives with her grand parents. Lena married Samuel Augsburger and had one child, Hazel, who died in infancy. They live on Mr. Reichenbach's farm in Richland township. Amos married Mary Welty, a daughter of Christ Welty, a farmer of Putnam County. They have one child, Stella, and reside on the home farm. Mr,. Reichenbach has always supported the Democratic ticket. In religion he is a conscientious and consistent member of the Mennonite Church. W. H. DUDEN, a contractor and builder at Lima, whose excellent Work and honest methods of doing business have brought him prominently before the public, has. been a resident of this city since 1890. He was. born on the line between Fairfield and Miami. counties, Ohio, in 1852. The father of our subject was John A. Duden, who was a soldier in the War. of 1812. He learned and followed the trade of a locksmith, as long as it proved profitable, and then turned his attention to cigar manufacturing. In 1858 he moved to Clinton County, Ohio, and in the fall of 1861 to Allen County. W. H. Duden was eight years old when the family settled in this county. He attended school until he was 15 years old and then learned the trade of a shoemaker. He was thus employed at Cridersville, Auglaize County, for some 12 years, after which he mastered the carpenter's trade, having always had a natural bent in that direction. This line 0f work he has since followed continuously, and for the past 26 years .has been engaged in a general contracting business, during 15 years of which period he has been located at Lima. His work here is shown in some of the finest and most 694 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY substantial structures of the city—among others, the St. Rose parsonage, the Holland Block, and the residences of W. L. Parmenter, M. Cohn, J. C. Ridenour, D. C. Dunn, James Cory and Dr. Van Note. In 1873 Mr. Duden was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary A. Church of Cridersville, and they have three children, viz : Elmer, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, located at Walhalla, North Dakota ; James Harvey, a painter by trade; and Ray, who is associated with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Duden are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics Mr. Duden is a Republican. Socially he is a member of the A. 0. U. W. NEWTON SAGER, M. D. Among the eminent physicians and surgeons of Allen County, the Sagers have been distinguished for two generations and the subject of this record bears the name of a father who was the pioneer physician of Jackson township, and, indeed, one of the earliest practitioners of medicine in Allen County. Dr. Newton Sager, of LaFayette, was born in this village, in a home on the site of his present residence, on December 18, 1846, being the eldest son of Dr. Newton and Bethiah (Gilbert) Sager. The Sager family probably originated in England and later established a home in Virginia, where the grandparents of Dr. Sager, Henry and Lovina (Haines) Sager, were born and whence they removed to Union County, Ohio, at a very early date. Of their eight children, Dr. Newton Sager, Sr., was born in Union County, Ohio, October 31, 1817, and died at LaFayette, Allen County, on August 13, 1903, having been one of the most highly esteemed men of his day in this section of the State, both in private and professional life. He enjoyed better educational advantages than were afforded many of his associates, for after he had completed the common-school course at the age of 19 years, he was entered at Oxford University, later pursued a medical course in Pleasant Valley, Madison County, Ohio, and in 1843 was graduated in medicine at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. The young physician settled in Jackson township, Allen County, Ohio, although it might be thought so sparsely settled a district as it was then would have little need for his services. In fact for some years his professional visits covered a very wide territory. The settlement of the county meant a greater tax on his time and strength and for years he knew no rest from professional labor. He was one of the earliest settlers at. LaFayette and established the first drug-store in the village which he continued for many years. On account of the prevailing malaria, which is the cause of much of the sickness in any newly settled community, the necessity for quinine was very great and it was difficult to obtain it in sufficient quantities, on short notice, in the days when journeys were made on horseback and by ox-team. It was in order to be able to supply the drugs he found it necessary to prescribe that Dr. Sager established his own drugstore. Not only did Dr. Sager occupy a prominent place in his locality as a man of science, but he was also a dominating influence in all public affairs, a leader in educational movements and, had not his professional duties prevented, would have probably become his party's representative in many of the higher offices in its gift. He was a lifelong Democrat and on several occasions served as township treasurer, but the duties of his profession precluded but little more than a good citizen's attention to public affairs. He found time, however, to lend his influence and give support by word and purse to various public-spirited enterprises, one of the most important of these being the building of the direct railroad line from Upper Sandusky to Lima. Although a member of no religious denomination, he was a liberal supporter of all, possessing the broadened mind and trained understanding which enabled him to see the good in every creed. Dr. Sager was charitable, in his daily life, for years, practicing that Christian charity which perhaps, men of his profession understand best of all. His memory is perpetuated in Allen County in the hearts of AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 697 those who knew him best and those who benefited so often by his professional skill. The late Dr. Sager was twice married. Prior to coming to Jackson township, he was united to Hannah Custard, a daughter of Daniel Custard, who became a merchant in Lima. She died in 1840, leaving one daughter, Araminta, who married a Harrison Tingle and moved to the Pacific Coast, where she died. The second marriage of Dr. Sager was to Bethiah Gilbert, who was born in Vermont, September 2, 1820, and is a daughter of Josiah Gilbert, who Came to Allen County in 1840. She still survives, an honored member of our subject's family. The children of this marriage were : Newton, the subject of this sketch ; Norval, who died unmarried, in 1883 ; Annetta, who is the wife of Wesley Biterman, of LaFayette; Norton, who lives on a farm in Jackson township ; Lavina, who is the wife of Doddridge Kinzie, of LaFayette; Mary Belle, who is the wife of George B. Muir, living one mile north of LaFayette ; and Nellie, Arthur, Ina and Norman, who died in youth. In closing the record relating to the late Dr. Sager, mention must be made of his many years of active interest in the Masonic fraternity. Soon after the organization of the Masonic lodge at Lima, he became a member of that body and continued his interest in the order as long as he lived. He was a charter member of Sager Lodge, No. 513, F. & A. M., at LaFayette, which was named in his honor. Newton Sager, our immediate subject, was reared at LaFayette and became a student in the village school when a child of six years. He continued to study in the LaFayette schools until he was about 20 years old, when he entered Baldwin University, at Berea, near Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained one year. He then read medicine with his father for a period of four years and went from this excellent instruction to the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. After several terms there, he entered the medical department of the University of Worcester, at Cleveland, where he was graduated and received a diploma in February, 1871. After graduation Dr. Sager returned to LaFayette and entered into practice with his father, at first relieving the older physician, who was beginning to feel the weight of years, of his heavier duties and gradually taking, over the larger burden of the practice, continuing the partnership until the close of the father's life. Dr. Sager is a regular general practitioner and, by his fellow-citizens, has been deemed worthy to take his father's place. His methods are those of the younger school of practitioners and his reputation is that of an eminent man in his profession. In April, 1871, Dr. Sager was united in marriage with Sarah M. Hughes, of Knox County, Ohio, who is a daughter of Hiram and Emily (Lane) Hughes, who came to Ohio from Connecticut. They have two daughters —Grace and Georgiana. The former married John E. Myers, of LaFayette, and has one daughter, Evadne. The latter married Albertson Watt, of LaFayette, and has two children —Namona and Rodney. The family has always been a leading one of this section and is prominent socially. Like his late father, Dr. Sager is identified with the Democratic party and for years has been more or less a leader of its movements in this locality. He has served three terms as township treasurer. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a member of Sager Lodge, No. 513, F. & A. M., which was named for his father who was instrumental in having it established at LaFayette. CARL W. E. BOEGEL, proprietor of the Star Carpet Cleaning Works, at No. 430 North Pierce street, Lima, has been a resident of this city for the past 14 years. He was born in Hesse-Nassau, Germany, November 16, 1866, and came to America in 1890. Mr. Boegel was educated in his native land, and there learned the tanning business, at which he worked in Athens, Ohio. From Athens he came to Lima, in April, 1892, and for three years was in the employ of Schultheis Brothers, tanners. In order to perfect himself in American business methods, he then took a course in the Lima Business College. Shortly afterward 698 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY he established the Star Carpet Cleaning Works. In this establishment all the cleansing is done by compressed air it being the first of its kind in this section, if not in the State. The use of compressed air has completely revolutionized the industry, and Mr. Boegel's enterprise has met with most satisfying results the new method being acknowledged as both labor-saving and sanitary. Mr. Boegel has also both oil and real estate interests and is one of the city's substantial men. On September 7, 1893, Mr. Boegel was married to Barbara Stelzer who was born in Rhein-Hessen Germany and was 11 years old when her parents brought her to America. They located at Spencerville, Ohio, where she was reared. Mr. and Mrs. Boegel have two children—Katharina Christina and Elizabeth Ruth. The family belong to the German Reformed Church, in which Mr. Boegel has been Sunday-school superintendent for over four years. His fraternal associations are with the Knights of Pythias and the Masons, being a Knight Templar. With his wife he belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Boegel is a man whose honorable business methods and straight-forward, exemplary life have brought him the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. His portrait accompanies this sketch. F. E. WOOD, one of the leading contractors and builders at Lima, of which city he has been a resident for the past 13 years, was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, in 1872, and is a son of John Wood. The father of Mr. Wood still survives and is engaged in farming. During the Civil War he was a soldier in the Army of Virginia and for 18 months was a prisoner of war at Fort Delaware. F. E. Wood was reared and educated in Virginia and after completing the common-school course pursued a special course in civil engineering, under the well-known instructor, Professor Taylor, following that profession in his native State for three years. In 1892 Mr. Wood came to Lima and turned his attention to general contracting and building, meeting with very satisfactory success. He has erected many of the substantial buildings of the city, among which may be mentioned the Stamets Block, the Blattenberg flats, the Campbell Block, and the Golly & Finley Iron Works. He is thoroughly conversant with his business and has won the entire confidence of the building world. Mr. Wood was married, in 1899, to Susie Schell, who is a daughter of Jacob Schell, of Upper Sandusky. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have three children—Serelda, Thelma and Corola.. Fraternally Mr. Wood is an Odd Fellow. WALTER S. MILLS, chief of police at Lima, is one of the city's reliable, valued and respected citizens. He was born in 1869 in Amanda township, Allen County, Ohio, and is a son of Squire and Maria Jane ( Sutton) Mills. Rev. Nathan Mills, the grandfather of Mr. Mills, was born in 1764, and became a well-known teacher and Quaker preacher. Prior to 1824 he moved to Noble County, Ohio, and in that year the father of our subject was born. In 1835 with the first settlers Squire Mills. came to Allen County and has seen it converted from a wilderness into a fertile farming country. He cleared the land on which the Metropolitan Block in Lima now stands, as well as the tract from that point north to the Pennsylvania Railroad. He still owns the 80-acre tract of land which he received from Congress and preserves as an interesting relic the old parchment deed. Mr. Mills, who is 81 years of age, now resides in Amanda township, being its oldest voter, and next to the oldest resident. He has always lived at peace with his neighbors, and takes pleasure in the fact that he never was entangled in a single law suit. In his day those things were not honorable. Since the days of Andred Jackson Mr. Mills has been deeply interested in politics. Formerly a strong Whig, later he became an equally stanch Republican. Mr. Mills married Maria Jane Sutton, a AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 699 daughter of Thomas Sutton, who was a pioneer along the Anglaize river and they reared a family of five children, namely : Loretta, who is the wife of G. W. Morgoet, of Lima ; Thomas, who for some years has been a resident of Muncie, Indiana ; Susan E., who is the wife of Rev J. H. Winans, a prominent Baptist clergyman now located at Bellefontaine, Ohio ; Annie V., who is the wife of J. M. Reeves, of this county, formerly identified with a Chicago cream separator company, also dealers in creamery supplies; and Walter S., of Lima. Walter S. Mills was reared and educated in the schools of the county and in the Ohio Normal University at Ada. He began his business career by learning telegraphy in the office of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and for a year prior to entering the university followed that occupation, passing a like period in Indian Territory as a cattle herder and coal miner. After his experience as a telegrapher Mr. Mills entered the employ of the Standard Oil Company and remained with that corporation for four years, being at different times foreman of a pipe gang and in charge of the still in an oil refinery. He was also employed by the LaFayette Car Company for one year, in the car repairing department, and during that period was in the shops at Pullman, Illinois. For some four years he was with the freight department of the L. E. & W. Railroad. In 1900 he came to Lima, and for 14 months served as patrolman on the city police force, and was then appointed chief of the department. Mr. Mills married Lethia A. John, daughter of Jesse J. John, one of the representative citizens of Elida and a pioneer of the county. They have four children, viz : Anna J., Carlton J., Helen J., and Elizabeth Avenella. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church at Lima. Politically Mr. Mills is a Republican and two years ago was nominated for the position of sheriff of Allen County, but he declined to make the canvass. He is a member of Garrett Wycoff Lodge, No. 585, F. & A. M. ; and of the Odd Fellows, Eagles, Maccabees and Pathfinders. - 36 - REV. DOMINIC ZINSMAYER, pastor of the Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, at Landeck, was born at Constance, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, July 29, 1844. From the college at Constance, Father Zinsmayer went to the schools of Freiburg, where he completed his literary and theological training. In 1869 he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Rappe, of the diocese of Cleveland, Ohio. This prelate was at that time on his journey to Rome to attend a council at the Vatican. A few weeks after his ordination, Father Zinsmayer came to America, reaching New York in February, 1870. He was domiciled for a short period at Brooklyn, New York, and was then given charge of the Defiance missions under the auspices of the Cleveland, Ohio, diocese. After 15 months of exhausting labor in that charge, he became. the first resident Catholic ,priest at Bucyrus, Ohio, where he continued for six years. Father Zinsmayer established schools at that point, erected a church edifice and built a new parochial residence. From Bucyrus he was transferred to the Shelby settlement of Richland County, where he labored for seven years, during which time he succeeded in paying off the church debt and in placing the church on a sound financial basis. He also secured for the church there a fine pipe organs which cost $1,700. His next charge was at Sheffield, Lorain County, Ohio, where he remained 11 years, and there, as at other points, he proved himself not only a man of great spiritual power but also one of executive ability. When he left that church, it had almost been transformed by improvement and he is affectionately remembered by a large congregation. Since September 15, 1894, Father Zinsmayer has been pastor of the Church of St. John the Baptist at Landeck. The church to which Father Zinsmayer came in 1894 was organized in 1866. The father of the movement was Peter Gengler, one of the zealous churchmen of his day, the father of Dominick N. Genzler, justice of the peace at Landeck. He soon interested others and a frame building was erected under the charge of Rev. F. Westerholt, who came here