50 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY
and. Dyeing Company. This is a prosperous business which he still owns at 219 West High street. In 1911, from his own special plans, he built a modern dyeing plant, brick, steel and cement, fireproof, and in this does an extensive wholesale business, handling all the work of retail dyers and cleaners for fifty miles around Lima. He gives his personal management to the plant, while his son Ralph looks after the other features of the business at Lima.
Mr. Massman is also a director of the Lima Coal Company, and is a stockholder in the Monarch Rubber Company and in various industries in and about Lima. He also has some valuable real estate and other property interests.
In 1886 he married Mary Hall, a daughter of Thomas and Ellen Hall, of Hancock, Michigan. Their two sons are Arthur R., born in 1888, who is married and has a son, Robert Charles; and Ralph George, born in 1894, actively associated with his father in the business at Lima. Mr. Massman is a Republican voter, is affiliated with Lima Lodge of Masons and Knights of Pythias and is a member of the Congregational Church.
ROY H. HOVER. Energetic and enterprising, with a natural aptitude for mechanics, Roy H. Hover, head of the Hover Tire & Repair Company of Lima, is actively identified with the automobile interests of this section of the county, being especially concerned with the lengthening of the life of the automobile tires, not only by repairing the damaged ones, but by retreading and vulcanizing them when necessary, work in which he is an expert. A native of Ohio, he was born in 1880 on a Logan county farm, the descendant of one of the earlier settlers of the United States, the home of his ancestors for many generations. His father, John L. Hover, has acquired a competency as an agriculturist, and is now living in Cridersville, Ohio, retired from active business cares. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Van Ness, two children were born, Roy H., the special subject of this brief personal record, being the elder.
Acquiring his early education at Jackson Centre, Shelby county, this state, Roy H. Hover was graduated from the high school with the class of 1898, and soon after that important event opened a bicycle repairing shop there, and operated it for a short time. Going then to Cincinnati, he served an apprenticeship of seven years at the machinist's trade, after which he came to Lima as machinist at the Locomotive Works, a position that he filled most satisfactorily from 1907 until May, 1919. Wise in his savings and prudent in .his expenditures, Mr. Hover accumulated considerable money, and in that month opened a tire supply house and repair shop at his present location, 321 South Main street, and has won an extensive patronage, his skill, prompt attention, and genial courtesy to all being recognized and appreciated by the traveling public. In addition to managing his repair shop most ably M r. Hover keeps a good supply of automobile accessories on hand, and as agent for the Firestone Tire has many customers.
Mr. Hover married in 1900 Louise Wirtz, daughter of Paul and Katharine Wirtz, of Saint Marys, Ohio, and of their union three children have been born, namely: Theodore Paul, now, in 1920, seventeen years old; Charles Tilden, fifteen years of age; and Helen Louise, five yea old. Politically Mr. Hover votes for the be men and measures being independent as regal party affiliations. Fraternally he is a member Lima Council, Junior Order of United American.
Mechanics. Religiously he belongs to the Zion Lutheran Church.
CHARLES H. RONEY. Remembered as a man high courage who was faithful to the trust posed in him, and who won a lasting reputation for his shrewdness in handling criminal proble the late Charles H. Roney did not live in vain for his example has stimulated others to a who hearted endeavor, and the effect of his efforls maintain law and order are still felt at Li where for years he was a member of the city lice force, and later became one of the he quarters detective force.
Charles H. Roney was born at Wapakoneta Ohio, October 6, 1860, a son of William J. Anna M. (Werner) Riney, both of whom w born in Auglaize county, Ohio, to which the respective parents had come from Pennsvlya many years ago. Charles Roney, the pater grandfather, was one of the early settlers Wapakoneta, where he conducted a baggage er press business for a number of years, and death was occasioned by an accident in which he was thrown from his wagon, he passing as July 19, 1898. His wife died May 20, 1906.
Growing up at Lima, Charles H. Roney atten ed its public schools, and then began working the Lake Erie & Western Railroad shops, but a short time was appointed a member of the Li police force, and was promoted to the detect' branch, holding the latter position for ten year. For four years he served as a constable, a then, in 1910, his health having failed through his close application to his duties, he went Lawton, Oklahoma, with the hope of recovery but two years later returned to Lima, and di in this city, May 3, 1914. His widow continue to make Lima her home.
On February 12, 1885, Mr. Roney was unite in marriage with Caroline Conrad, who was bo in Bath township, Allen county, a daughter Jacob J. and Celestine (Bohrer) Conrad, nati of Switzerland and Wayne county, Ohio, respectively. John J. and Elizabeth (Lugabill) Conrad, the paternal grandparents of Mrs. Roney came to the United States from Switzerland and settled near Beaver Dam, Richland township Allen county, Ohio, in 1852. At that time country was undeveloped, and after they had settled on their farm there was much hard work ahead of them before they cleared off their land. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Roney were John and Elizabeth Bohrer, who were also natives of Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Roney has no children.
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad, the parents of Mr Roney, moved to Lima about 1868, and Mr, Conrad became the janitor of the West Street school and remained in that position for thirty consecutive years, when, on account of old age, he retired, with the highest recommendations from the school board, teachers and pupils of the school, who as a token of their appreciation the service he had rendered them bought the finest Morris chair on the market and presented it to him. His death occurred October 6.
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY - 51
1904, his widow surviving him until July 17, 1915. Mrs. Roney was the only child of her parents, and she was graduated from the Lima High School, and was engaged in teaching school in Lima for four years prior to her marriage. She is now living in lhe old home of her father at No. 317 Wesl Wayne street, and owns the adjoining residence, which she rents to a tenant. Mr. and Mrs. Roney early became connected with Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Roney was a Republican. For twenty-eight years he was an Odd Fellow, and in that order, as from the public generally, he won appreciation and admiration, and deserved the confidence he inspired, for he was a fine man in every respect.
ADAM VANDIVIER. One of the most important branches of business activity in any community is that connected with the providing for proper housing for families and industrial and commercial industries, and the men who go about meeting lhis demand intelligently not only are fairly cerlain of success but render their fellow citizens an appreciated service which can scarcely be over-estimated. One of these thoroughly represenlative men is Adam Vandivier, sole owner of the City Realty Company, real estate and building contractors at 414-415 Holmes Building.
Adam Vandivier was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, in 1882, a son of Shafer and Malvina (Stevenson) Vandivier, both of old American families which came of Holland-Dutch and English stock originally. For many years the Vandivier family has been in Auglaize and Allen counties, Ohio, and interested in agricultural matters. While attending the country schools of Auglaize and Shelby counties, Ohio, Adam Vandivier assisted his father with the work of the homestead, until he was eighteen years old, and then for three years had practical charge of it. He then came to Lima, and for the subsequent fifleen years was with the Pennsylvania Railroad as brakeman, freight conductor and an employe in the shops.
During the latter part of his period with the railroad Mr. Vandivier had begun to build houses in his spare time on lots he bought with his savings, and then selling them at a profit. After a time he found that this line was more profitable than working for the railroad, so left his position and in 1917 opened an office in his present location, and has since then built up a large and growing business. Among other important contracts awarded him may be mentioned the $75,000 Adams Apartments and the Brice Apartments, and others equally modern and convenient. Mr. Vandivier studied draughting and architecture through the International Correspondence School of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is his own architect. Without doubt he is one of the best instances in the city of the self-made man, and his remarkable success ought to be a stimulus lo others. However, he could not have so developed his faculties if he had not put his whole soul into his work and utilized his spare time instead of wasting it, as do so many men of real ability but without the power of concentration he has always cultivated.
In 1903 Mr. Vandivier was married at Lima to Theresa Heil, a daughter of John Heil. Mr. and Mrs. Vandivier have three children, namely: Helen Lucile, Clementine Laura and Paul. Mr.
Vandivier is a Republican. He belongs to the Lima Real Estate Board, the Lima Chamber of Commerce and the Lima Builders Exchange. The Elks and Knights of Pythias furnish him with congenial fraternal connections. The United Brethren Church holds his membership and is the beneficiary of his generous donations.
FRANKLIN BENJAMIN HOWARD. An eminently trustworthy and respected citizen of Lima, Franklin Benjamin Howard, head of the firm of Howard & Son, wholesale and retail dealers in eggs and poultry, has been the architect of his own fortunes, and a brief review of his life may well furnish to the coming generation a forcible example of the success to be obtained by persevering industry, thrift and economy. A native of Ohio, he was born May 6, 1854, in Sidney, Shelby county, of Irish and German lineage.
Edward Howard, his father, emigrated from Ireland to the United States in early life, settling in Kentucky, where he was first employed in tilling the soil. He later took contracts for constructing railroads and canals, and in that capacity helped build the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. He died while yet in manhood's prime, his death occurring in Sidney, Ohio. He married in Covington, Kentucky, Sarah Dougherty, who survived him, dying in 1904, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. They were the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the youngest child.
Left fatherless in childhood, Franklin Benjamin Howard attended the winter terms of school until thirteen years old, when he was forced to take 'his place in the ranks of the world workers. Securing a position in a woolen mill, he began work when he was so small that the foreman of his room had to have a bench made for him in order, that he might reach as far and as high as his companions had to. At the age of eighteen years he had become an accomplished spinner, and was receiving nine dollars a week for his labors. He subsequently worked in Sidney, Ohio, for M. Thomas & Son, commission merchants, dealing in poultry and eggs, for seven years. Coming from there to Lima, Ohio, in 1894, Mr. Howard continued with that same firm as a buyer of eggs and poultry, and was its local representative for thirty-three years, when it dissolved. Starting in business on his own account in 1906, under the name of F. B. Howard, he was first located on Spring street. Successful in his undertakings he admitted his son, Raymond Edgar Howard, to partnership in 1911, and the firm of Howard & Son has since carried on a large and highly profitable business, buying and selling eggs and poultry at both wholesale and retail.
Mr. Howard married May 31, 1875, Jennie Soyster, daughter of William and Rebecca Soyster, of Sidney, Ohio, and of the seven children born of their union, six are now living, namely: Mrs. Bessie Osman, of Lima; Mrs. Clara Clark, of Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. Maude Burden, of Flint, Michigan; Mrs. Hazel Myers, of Lima; Raymond Edgar, in business with his father; and Harold K., living at home. In national affairs Mr. Howard is identified with the Democratic party, but in local affairs is independent. Religiously both Mr. and Mrs. Howard are members of the South Side Church of Christ.
52 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY
CHARLES C. KITTS, sole proprietor of the flourishing agricultural implement business at Lima, with branches at Delphos and Ottoville, Ohio, is one of the representative men of Allen county, and one who has developed a valuable connection through his own efforts and astute commercial sense. He was born at Luttrell, Tennessee, in 1881, a son of Calvin and Caroline (Whitlock) Kitts, the latter of whom died in 1888, but the former survives and is still engaged in farming his homestead in Tennessee.
Charles C. Kitts is the only child of his parents, and he attended the country schools until he was fifteen years old, and from then on until he reached his majority he helped his father on the farm. At that time, with a partner, he bought an established store at Knoxville, Tennessee, and until 1909 was there engaged in a harness and vehicle business under the name of Kitts & Dailey. In the latter year Mr. Kitts came to Allen county and established himself in the same line of business at Delphos, remaining there until January, 1919, when he moved his headquarters to Lima, making the Delphos store a branch, conducted by a manager. A little later he opened a second branch store at Ottoville, Putnam county, Ohio. During 1914 he added the handling of agricultural implements to his business operations, and this line has proved so profitable that he has made it the main feature. His implements include power farming machinery of the latest and most approved type, and he holds the agency for the International's line of tractors and farming equipment. His trade comes from a radius of fifty miles and he is doing an immense business.
In 1909 Mr. Kitts was united in marriage with Sarah Miller, a daughter of J. W. and Eliza (Leonard) Miller, of Cincinnati, Ohio. They have no children. Mr. Kitts is independent in his political views. He is a member of the Rotary Club and is very much interested in it, and has a firm belief in the value of the influence it exerts and the encouragement it affords to civic enterprises and local progress.
ARTHUR WILLIAM LUGABILL, president of the Lugabill Fuel & Building Material Company, is one of the substantial men of Lima and a citizen of the highest character, who has built up his present establishment through his own energy and abilities. He was born at Lima, December 11, 1875, a son of Daniel and Susan (Naas) Lugabill, he born near Bluffton, Ohio, and she near West Cairo, Ohio. The grandparents on both sides were early settlers of Allen County. The parents were married at Lima, where Daniel Lugabill long labored at blacksmithing. His death occurred in August, 1888, his widow surviving him until 1893, when she, too, passed away. They had two children, of whom Arthur William was the elder. His brother, Elmer, is now a resident of Sebring, Ohio.
Arthur William Lugabill attended the public schools of Lima and the Ohio Normal School at Ada, Ohio, until he was seventeen years of age, at which time he began to be self-supporting, beginning to work for the Eureka Cornice Company, with which concern he served an apprenticeship. When he was twenty-two years old this concern failed, and Mr. Lugabill was made its receiver, for young as he was, he had impressed people with his depend-
ability. Three months later he organized
National Cornice Company with Alexander Fin and James Smith, and the business was conduc by these three men for three years, when Isles Lugabill and Smith sold their interests to the partner and formed the firm of Smith & Luga and were together for about three years, Bur this period doing metal work and spouting. the end of this time they sold their business a Mr. Lugabill associated himself with the Nation Roofing Tile Company, becoming its estimator a maintaining these connections for five years. then left and began selling clay products as a manufacturer's agent, and prides himself on being the o to introduce the use of facing brick for all gene purposes, in which he was the pioneer in this section. For six years he conducted the business and his own name, and then organized the Lugabill F & Building Material Company, of which he since been president, those associated with him the concern being : J. E. Lugabill, vice president Brice B. Applas, treasurer, and Mrs. Grace Fe secretary. The company handles all kinds of and building material and products excepting and lumber. They built large warerooms and office, and have a yard covering 13/4 acres, with about 1,000 feet of private side track. In the very n future they propose to increase their plant a outfit it with all modern appliances, which enable them to greatly expand the volume of business. At present they are located at the c of Brice Avenue and Metcalf Street, on the Pe sylvania Railroad.
On November 3, 1905, Mr. Lugabill was united marriage with Mayme Dibling, of Lima, a Baugh of Martin and Catherine (Walther). Dibling, born near Custer, Ohio, and she at Lima, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Lugabill became the parents of children, namely: Eugene M., who died in infant and Betty, who is at home. Mr. Lugabill belong to the First Reformed Church. He is independent his political views. Fraternally he belongs to Blue Lodge, Council and Chapter Masons, Lima Lodge No. 91, Knights of Pythias ; Lima Lodge No. 199, Loyal Order of Moose, and is active in all of these organizations. In business he is alert reliable and energetic, and is recognized as one of the leaders in his line not only at Lima but throughout Allen County.
FRANK W. SCHENK, of Lima, has always shown that admired ability to promote himself on the basis of usefulness and service, and today is the active manager and a third owner in the largest and finest grocery and meat establishment in Allen county, the Harry Thomas grocery on West Market street.
Mr. Schenk was born at Celina in Mercer county, Ohio, in 1886, oldest of the ten children of John and Catherine (Miller) Schenk. His father was a nstive of Heidelberg, Germany, came to this country at the age of eighteen, locating at Celina, and dppm afterward entered the railroad service. He is still living, but retired, at Lima.
Frank W. Schenk when three years of age was brought to Lima by his parents. He grew up in this city, and attended the public schools and the St. Rose and St. John parochial schools. At the age of seventeen he went to work for himself. The first year and a half he was employed as a messenger boy by the Postal Union Telegraph Company, then for
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY - 53
nine months did the heavy labor required of a worker in a brick yard, and for six months was janitor of St. John's Church. With this experience and equipment he joined the Harry Thomas grocery as a delivery boy at seven dollars a week. Harry Thomas had entered business in the same capacity and had achieved a partnership and eventually ownership, and Mr. Schenk showed the same qualities of service and earned steady promotion and responsibility until at the death of Mr. Thomas he was well qualified to carry on the business. In 1916 he also acquired a third interest and in 1920 became a third owner.
In 1910, at Lima, Mr. Schenk married Miss Ida Patterson, a daughter of Moses and Elizabeth Patterson. They have two children, Francis Joseph, horn in 1914, and Paul, born in 1919. Mr. Schenk votes for the man rather than for the party, is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, is a member of St. Rose Church, and is now president of lhe Grocers Association of Lima, is secretary of the Lima Merchants Association and a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club and the Automobile Club.
WILLIAM MAXSON was for a decade an active railroad man but left that profession to enter the bakery business, and has succeeded in building up one of the largest and most profitable retail and wholesale bakeries in Allen county. His business is on North Elizabeth street in Lima.
Mr. Maxson has spent nearly all his life in Ohio but was born in Coffeyville in southern Kansas in 1878, a son of L. A. and Ella (Sterman) Maxson. He is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and in all the generations they have been practical farmers. His falher died at Van Wert, Ohio, in 1918, and the mother passed away in 1882.
William Maxson, second among a family of six children, was two years of age when his father moved to Van Wert county, and he lived, there and acquired a public school education until he was sixteen. For two years he did general farm work and at the age of nineteen started out with an outfit for hay baling, and for four years made that his chief business and acquired some capital. The next ten years he was in the train service of the Cincinnati Northern Railroad, and then combined his capital with the capital and experience of his cousin R. Maxson and entered the bakery business under the name of Maxson & Maxson. After a year and a half he bought out his partner and has continued lhe business to the substantial proportions it now enjoys. He has also acquired other interests in Lima.
In 1907 Mr. Maxson married Miss Bertha Hire, a daughter of W. G. and Margaret (Norris) Hire. Their four children are Robert Jerome, born in 1908, Horace Sterman, born in 190, James Richard, born in 1912, and Margaret Rose, born in 1915. Mr. Maxson is a Republican voter, is affiliated with the Friends Church, and is active in the Merchants Association and Chamber of Commerce at Lima, and the State Bakers Association.
ALEXANDER MILLER is one of Allentown's able business men, though he started a few years ago on a very small scale as a rag and junk buyer. He is now sole proprietor of the Lima Iron and Metal Company.
His story is one of inspiration and illustrative of the opportunities in America open to a young man of determined ambition. A son of Benjamin and Lena (Blum) Miller, he was born in the Province of Minsk, Russia, December 3, 1884, of Russian Jewish parentage. He attended school to the age of thirteen and the following five years worked as an apprentice or journeyman in the carpenter's trade. In the meantime he saw much and to some degree experienced the oppressive conditions under which his people lived in Russia, and the chief incentive to his labors was to earn money enough to come to the land of the free. At the age of eighteen he landed at New York city with only seventy-five cents in money. The next three years he spent at Newark, New Jersey, following his trade as a carpenter.
In the meantime he had accumulated a modest capital and brought it to Lima in 1906, buying a horse and wagon and traveling out over the country buying junk, metals and rags in Allen county. That was his work for five years. He also developed a poultry commission business and at one time conducted a stock of clothing, but sold both these lines. While at first he had only an office, he has developed the iron and metal business to an important jobbing, retail and wholesale business, and in order the more adequately to accommodate this business he erected a modern brick, three story fireproof building at South Union street.
Mr. Miller is also a stockholder in the Merchants Building & Loan Company of Lima and the Gramm-Berstein Motor Truck Company. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is a member of the Beth El Synagogue and in politics is independent. In 1915 he married Miss Ida Blum, daughter of Harry and Anna Blum, of Lima, and they have one daughter, Sarah Frances.
JOHN WILLIAMS. The wonderful growth which has attended the advancement and development of Lima during the past several decades has been witnessed and participated in by John Williams, whose contributions to this growth have taken the form of substantial and constructive work in the field of contracting and building. Mr. Williams is a native of Lima, born March 3, 1868, a son of George and Lucy (Atmur) Williams, the former a native of Arlington, Ohio, and the latter born near Champaign, this state.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Williams was Abraham Williams, a native of Pennsylvania, who became an early settler of Lima. Levi Atmur, the maternal grandfather, was born in Virginia and about 1836 removed to Champaign, Ohio, whence he came to Allen county in 1843 and secured a farm in Bath township, on which he carried on agricultural operations until his death at the age of eighty-one years, his wife passing away when sixty-two years of age. Mr. Atmur burned the brick which was used in the construction of a large residence on the side of a hill, consisting of two stories and a basement, which was much of a curiosity during the early days. Following their marriage George and Lucy Williams lived for a few years at Arlington, where Mr. Williams followed the trade of carpenter, and then came to Lima, where he engaged in contracting. Later he was occupied extensively in
54 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY
the buying and selling of property, and at the time of his death, May 25, 1906, was one of his community's prominent and substantial business citizens. He is survived by his widow, eighty-four years of age, who resides at 622 East North street, Lima. They were the parents of four children: Emma, deceased, who was the wife of Dr. E. E. McCall; Ida, the widow of Albert L. Johnson, residing on Ontario street, Lima; Anna, the wife of William Kelley, of Oakdale, Pennsylvania; and John.
John Williams attended the grammar and high schools until reaching the age of fifteen years, at which time he secured employment in the wheel factory of the Woolery Company, with which he was identified three years. He then began working for his father and others as a journeyman carpenter, but at the age of thirty years embarked in business on his own account as a contractor and builder. He has erected many of the largest residence and business structures at Lima, and is widely known for his good workmanship, fidelity in completing contracts and general business integrity. He is the owner of two residences on South Jackson street, while his wife is the owner of the property at No. 347 East Market street. They are members of the Church of Christ, to the movements of which they have contributed liberally. In political matters, Mr. Williams maintains an independent stand. He has passed through the chairs of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Williams first married Miss Clara Willour, who was born at Sidney, Ohio, and married in 1890. Mrs. Williams died April 5, 1891, leaving one daughter, Edith, who was reared by the mother of Mr. Williams, but who now makes her home with her father. Mr. Williams was married in December, 1891, to Mollie Findley, who was born in Pennsylvania, daughter of Joseph Findley, and to this union there were born four children: Margaret, Frank, George and Ruth, of whom George died in infancy, the other residing with the father. Mrs. Williams died, and May 17, 1916, Mr. Williams married Mrs. Elizabeth (Buchan) Roach, of Dayton, widow of Edwin Roach, whose children are all deceased.
EMMA C. BUCHHOLTZ. Four years of competition in the wholesale hay, grain and feed trade of Ohio has established the fact that the Hurley-Buchholtz Company, of Lima, is entirely capable of holding its own with its competitors in this field of business endeavor. This concern occupies the somewhat unique position of being the only one of its kind in the city whose members belong to the gentler sex, but the prosperity which has attended its efforts would seem to indicate that this distinction has been a handicap in no way. In fact, since its inception it has proven itself one of the most able and progressive of the enterprises devoted to this line of activity and its members today occupy acknowledged places of prestige in the trade.
Emma C. Buchholtz, the second member of the firm, is a native of Middle Point, Van Wert county, Ohio, and a daughter of Lewis and Mary (Hurley) Buchholtz. Her educational training was confined to attendance at the public schools, after which she displayed her early independence by accepting a position as a telephone operator at the Middle Point Exchange. When she left this ocupation it was to enter the service of the Scott & Son Grain Company,
which maintained a grain elevator at Middle Point, and with this concern she remained five years, acting as bookkeeper and stenographer, her knowledge of these acquirements being self-gained while she was performing the duties of these positions. During this time she found opportunity to study the grain business and to familiarize herself with all its details, while a year's employment as stenographer in the Middle Point Bank gave her a knowledge of financial matters that has since proved helpful to her. On June 1, 1916, being ready to enter upon a business career of her own, she came to Lima, and with Miss Edna D. Hurley organized the Hurley-Buchholtz Company, wholesale dealers in hay, grain and feed. The new enterprise established offices at 511-512 Citizens Building and has its own grain elevator at West Cairo, Ohio.
While the start of the concern was a comparatively modest one, its ultimate success was not left long in doubt. Energetic and progressive tactics, directed by a thorough knowledge of the trade and the market, soon brought patronage of a most desirable kind to the aspiring venture, and from that time to the present it has constantly broadened the scope of its activities. Its product is purchased throughout northeastern Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and is shipped to markets at leading points in the East and South, where the firm enjoys an excellent reputation and standing in trade circles. Miss Buchholtz is a student of the trade and of the markets and keeps herself fully abreast of all developing factors therein. She is a member of the Pythian Sisters at Middle Point, and of the Luther. an Church at Lima.
JAMES FRAUNFELTER. Presenting as it does worthy example to the rising generation, the life of James Fraunfelter, a substantial farmer Amanda township, which from early boyhood has been one of assiduous industry, untiring energy and unquestioned integrity, is worthy of being sketched, however briefly, in the pages of this work. His career has been devoted to agricul tural pursuits, and at the present time he rs ing on a productive farm known as the Isaac Crites farm, seven miles west of Lima, on th Lima and Spencerville road.
Mr. Fraunfelter was born on a farm in Ame ican township, Allen county, September 2, 186 a son of Israel and, Leanna (Goodman) Fraunfelter, the former a native of Pennsylvania an the latter of Hocking county, Ohio. The parenl were married in Pickaway county, this stale where they resided until coming to Allen count, at which time they settled on a farm in Amen ican township, there passing the remaining year of their lives in the peaceful pursuits of the sail They were people who were highly respected in their community because of their industry an upright lives, and were faithful members of th Lutheran church, where Israel Fraunfelter wa a member of the board of trustees. They wen the parents of five children: Frank, a resides of Lima; Otis, who resides at Allentown; S. W. engaged in farming on the old home place in American township; Alpha, who is associated with her brother in the operation of the home farm; and James.
James Fraunfelter and his brothers received ordinary educational advantages in the public schools of Allen county, although Alpha later
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY - 55
graduated from the Lutheran College at Lima and for several years in her youth followed the teacher's vocation. Reared as an agriculturist, James Fraunfelter remained on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, at which lime he commenced farming operations on his own account. General farming has always received a due measure of his attention, and at this time he is likewise meeting with success as a breeder of Jersey cattle, a field of endeavor in which he is becoming recognized and an authority. His reputation for integrity and fair dealing has been built up through many years of straight-forward fidelity to contracts and engagements.
On June 25, 1893, Mr. Fraunfelter was united in marriage with Miss Etta Crites, who was born in Amanda township, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Ireland) Crites, the former now deceased, while the latter still survives and makes her home with her daughter and son-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Fraunfelter have no children of their own, but are raising Gladys Mayor, aged fourteen years, whose parents are now deceased, and who is being educated in the public schools. Mr. Fraunfelter is a Democrat in politics and is active lc interested in local affairs, being a member of the school board of Shawnee township and a 'former member of the board of trustees of Amanda townhsip. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Acadia Lodge No. 306, A. F. & A. M., and Spencerville Chapter, R. A. M. He and Mrs. Fraunfelter are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM CROFT. From the pioneer period of Allen county to the present members of the Croft family have been identified with its good citizenship, its industrious farming population, and one of the active representatives of the present generation is William Croft, whose farm and home are a mile and a half southwest of Kemp in Amanda township.
Mr. Croft was born in the same township May 1, 1866, a son of Lewis and Phoebe (Metzger) Croft. His father was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1833, and died in October, 190. The mother was born in Germany in 1834, and nine months later was brought by her parents to the United States. The Metzgers were ninety days on the ocean by sailing vessel, and after reaching this country they settled in Marion county, Ohio, where she grew up and lived until after her marriage. Lewis Croft on coming to Allen county located in Amanda township, and though he began his career comparatively poor he developed and owned a fine place of a hundred seventy-five acres. Both he and his wife died in the year 1910. She was a member of the German Methodist church and in politics he was a Democrat. Six children were born to their marriage: Samuel of St. Louis, Missouri; Charles of Auglaize county, Ohio; William; John of Bucklin, Auglaize county; Emma, wife of John Rampford, a retired farmer in Auglaize county; and Ella, wife of Wesley Hoss of Auglaize county.
William Croft grew up in the rural districts of Amanda township, attended the district school, and found opportunity for usefulness at home to the age of twenty-one. On October 14, 1890, he married Roe Sunderland, who was born in Amanda township August 3, 1873. She is ;a
daughter of C. P. and Mary J. (Bird) Sunderland, both natives of Amanda township, her father having been born close to the historic site of Fort Amanda. Her father died in Auglaize county in 190 and her mother is still living. In the Sunderland family were eleven children, and those still living are Roe, Mercy, Hubert, Dye, Thomas Ola, John, James and Mary. Mrs. Croft was educated in the common schools and lit cd at home until her marriage.
To Mr. and Mrs. Croft were born seven sons: Clarence who married Iva Hixenbaugh; Arthur, who was in the World war for eighteen months, was wounded, went over the top thirty times, spent eight months with the Army of Occupation in Germany and is now in the butcher business at St. Mary's, Ohio; Charles, who is also in the butcher business at St. Mary's; Forest, Roy, Ben and Teddy, are the younger sons all at home. The family are members of the Methodist church, and Mr. Croft is a Democrat. For many years his industry has been successfully applied to his farm of a hundred seventeen acres, and at the same time he has taken a helpful interest in a spirit of co-operation in community affairs.
JACOB J. CULP. For many years Jacob J. Culp has been associated with agricultural activities in Illinois and Ohio, and still owns 400 acres of valuable land, although he now resides at Lima, where he is regarded as one of the city's dependable citizens. He was born in Logan township, Auglaize county, Ohio, May 31, 1858, a son of James Allen and Ann (Crouse) Culp, natives of Pickaway county,' Ohio. The paternal grandparents were Peter and Susan (Racheldapher) Culp, and they, too, were born in Pickaway county, Ohio, the Culp family being one of the old-established ones of the country.
Married in Pickaway county, Ohio, James Allen Culp and his wife resided there until 1840, but in that year moved to Logan township, Auglaize county, Ohio, bought land and farmed it until 1867, and then moved to another township in the same county. In 1879 they moved to the farm in Shawnee township, near Hume, Ohio, where he died June 26, 1904, she having passed away on it March 22, 1892. Their children are as follows: Jerome, who lives in Montana; George, who lives at Decatur, Illinois; John W., who lives in Macon county, Illinois; Jacob J., whose name heads this review; and Susan, who is Mrs. Nelson Bowsher, of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Ann Marion, Mary C., Emma Jane, Henry and Theodore are deceased.
Jacob J. Culp attended the district schools and grew up a farmer. He was married in August, 1879, to Rebecca Young, who was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, a daughter of Eli and Margaret Young, natives of Cincinnati, Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Culp took up his residence on his father's homestead, section 25, Logan township, Auglaize county, Ohio, but some years later left it for Macon county, Illinois, where he bought 00 acres of land that had been improved, and operated it for four years. Then he sold that farm and returned to Auglaize county on account of the poor health of his wife. Upon his return to Ohio he bought forty acres of land and was engaged in farming it for seventeen years, during that period adding to the place until he owned 170 acres in one piece. In 1903 he sold that farm
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and moved to Hume, Shawnee township, Allen county, at that time buying his father's last farm of 207 acres, and farmed it, together with 160 acres in Logan township that had belonged to his father, and another 160 acres he owned in the same township. He still owns 400 acres, but is now taking things somewhat easier than he did in former years, and has a comfortable residence at No. 863 West Spring street, Lima.
Mr. and Mrs. Culp became the parents of the following children: Jessie, who is Mrs. Fred Kay, of No. 336 West Spring street, Lima; and Guy, who was first married to Bessie Rusler, who passed away in 1907, and he subsequently mar,. ried Hattie McFarland. Mrs. Culp died August 26, 1917. On July 12, 1919, Mr. Culp was married to Mona M. Lotz, born in Logan township, Auglaize county, Ohio, a daughter of Peter and Johanna Lotz. Mr. Culp has long been a member of the Christian Church, and while living in. Auglaize county held all of the lay offices in the local body of that denomination. For nineteen years he was a director of his school district in Auglaize county, and for four years held the same office in Shawnee township, Allen county. Believing in the value of the Grange, he joined that organization of Shawnee township, and takes a prominent part in its work. In politics he is a Republican, but aside from being a school director he has had no public experience. A hardworking and thrifty man, he has gone far on the road leading to success and deserves the confidence he inspires among his neighbors, for it is accorded him because of his many excellent characteristics.
FRED JORDAN WATSON, manager of the Ideal Tire & Rubber Company of Lima and Cleveland, Ohio, the latter city being the home of the plant, is one of the live business men of Allen county. He was born on a farm in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1880, a son of William Thomas and Mary (Jordan) Watson, of English stock, although both families have been established in America for many generations, and for years have been prominent in Washington, Morgan and Athens counties, Ohio. Mrs. Watson, the paternal grandmother of Fred Jordan Watson, was born in Athens county, and lived to be almost one hundred years old.
The boyhood of Fred J. Watson was passed in the ordinary way of a farmer's son of his generation and neighborhood. He was sent to school during the winter months and in the summer he was expected to make himself useful on the farm, and he was also taught the carpenter trade by his father, who did quite a good deal of building in the rural districts.
After he reached man's estate Mr. Watson came to Lima and for two and one-half years was engaged in the gas and oil business for himself, and also laid pipe for the Buckeye Pipe Line. He then went to Cleveland, Ohio, and for twelve years was general manager and co-partner in the Kundtz Gas Company and was also foreman of the East Ohio Gas Company, in the latter capacity being engaged in laying pipe lines all over the city of. Cleveland. Mr. Watson's business interests then took him into eastern Kentucky, and he was occupied with operating oil wells for several years, but lost heavily in this venture. Seeking to retrieve his fortunes, he went into the oil fields of Texas for the Birk-Bennett Company, and is still interested in oil producing properties, In 1919 he came to Lima, formed connections with his present company, and contemplates making this his permanent home.
Mr. Watson was married to Scota Gemmill, who died on March 28, 1919, leaving two sons, namely: William Winfield, and Paul Gemmill, Well known in Masonry, Mr. Watson is a thirty. second degree Mason and a Shriner, maintaining his membership with the Consistory and Temple at Lexington, Kentucky; and he also belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Cleveland, Ohio. The Methodist Episcopal Church affords him expres. sion for his religious faith. A man of strong personality, he prefers to pick his own candi. dates and usually votes independently of party lines.
Mr. Watson is proud of the fact that he is eligible to membership in the Sons of Veterans because of his father's military record as a Union soldier. He enlisted in 1861 rn Company I, six ty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Zanesville,. Ohio, as a private, but rose to be sergeant during the three years and two months he was in the army. During his period of service he was wounded in the left knee, but was not captured
SAMUEL C. KLECK. Although a resident of Allen county but a comparatively short time. Samuel C. Kleck has impressed the force of his person. ality on all with whom he has come into contact, in either a business or social way. He has shown marked ability in business affairs and is numbered among the wide-awake and progressive business men of his adopted city. Mr. Kleck was born near Archbold, Ohio, on October 6, 1888, and is the son of Jacob and Mary (Nofsinger) Kleck, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter born in Fulton county, Ohio. The family remained in Fulton county until 1906, when they moved to Florence, Arizona, where the father bought a farm, on which he still lives and in the operation of which he is meeting with suc cess. Samuel C. Kleck attended the public schools of Fulton county, Ohio, and his early years were devoted to farming. He remained with his par. ents until he had attained his majority, accom panying them in 1906 on their removal to Arizona, In 1909 he engaged in farming on his own ac count, but three years later bought a dairy farm, to which he devoted his energies for some time He then moved into Phoenix, Arizona, where for a short time he was employed as a clerk in a grocery store. He was then appointed deputy' sheriff, filling that position for two years. O July 3, 1918, Mr. Kleck came to Lima, Ohio, an became a mechanic in the Gramm-Bernstein Moton Truck Factory, remaining connected with that company until June 6, 1919, when he entered into a partnership with M. M. Hilty and L. Dackin and opened the Jordan Automobile Agency. which already has proven one of the most pop ular and successful houses of the kind in Lim They handle Jordan, Allen and Seneca automobiles, of which they have sold a large number ! this county, and they also handle a large numb of used cars of all makes. In connection with the agency they also run a garage, which is con. pletely equipped for the necessary care and re pairs of automobiles.
In October, 1911, Mr. Kleck was married Lovina Zimmerman, of Fulton county, Ohio, the
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY - 57
daughter of Jacob and Fannie (Amshitz) Zimmerman, natives of Ohio. Politically Mr. Kleck is not bound by party ties, but supports every movement which he deems for the advancement of the general welfare. His chief characteristics appear to be keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and everyday common sense, and because of these things and his genial disposition he has won and retains lo a marked degree the esteem and good will of lhe entire community.
ONO E. ROSS. The development of fresh interests and the building up of sound resources arc work for a lifetime of endeavor. All men cannot succeed, for many fail to discover their natural bent until too late to follow it, and so do not live up to their early promises. When a man does accomplish that which the world holds as success, those with whom he has been associated may well he proud of such a career of usefulness. The endorsement of such a man is an aid to others, and his example urges others to forge ahead and accomplish as well as he. In reviewing the lives of Allen county's representative men it becomes evident that one of the most salient characteristics is the power of application, which of course is essential in the raising and maintenance of all standards. Orlo E. Ross, proprietor of the Ross Automobile & Garage Company at Elida, is a man who has demonstrated in his career all of the above. No matter what his discouragements he has had the will to stick to his business and to carry out his plans as originally conceived, and he certainly deserves the success to which he has now attained.
Mr. Ross was born on a farm near Elida, a son of Walter Andrew and Fanny (Good) Ross, and comes from Scotch and German stock. Walter Andrew Ross was born in Virginia, but was brought to Allen county when four years of age by his mother, and he was reared on a farm in the vicinity of Elida. All of his life he has been engaged in farming, and now owns 05 acres of 'very valuable land. Of the eight children born to him and his wife Orlo E. is the eldest. A man of strong convictions, Walter Andrew Ross prefers to keep clear of party alignments, and votes for the man he deems best fitted for the office in question.
Orlo E. Ross attended the country schools at Pequod, Allen county, until he was eighteen years old, at which time he began working for neighboring farmers. He then attended the Elida High School for a time, following which he took a urse in the Dayton Automobile School at Day, Ohio, in order to learn the auto trade, and r he had completed it he returned to Elida d worked at it. In 1919 he and his father established the Ross Garage at Elida, and have the agency for the Elcar automobile. The trade comes m the city and country for a radius of fifteen miles, and is already a large one. Mr. Ross is arried.
LEWIS GOTTFRIED. Some of the men who contributed toward the present prosperity of Lima have passed away, but the result of their useful lives and unselfish actions remain and stand as a monument to their memory. One of these men deserving of special mention is the late Lewis Gottfried, ho for many years was connected with the brick manufacturing industry of this city. He was born at Altusheim, Baden, Germany, January 27, 1830, a son of Andrew and Barbara Gottfried. In 1846 his parents brought him and five brothers to the United States, locating at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, where he was reared and learned the trade of brick making.
Lewis Gottfried was married first to Miss Elizabeth Veith and they had three children. After the death of his first wife he was married to Miss Mary Trish, who was born at Bucyrus, Ohio, January 5, 1839, a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Trish, natives of Germany. After his second marriage Lewis Gottfried moved to Warsaw, Indiana, and established himself in a brick manufacturing business, which he carried on there until 1870, in which year he came to Lima, and from then on until his demise he was connected with brick manufacturing, owning and operating a plant here. His death occurred April 28, 1884, his widow surviving him until August 8, 1918, when she too passed away. The children born to Lewis Gottfried were as follows: Mary Lois, who lives at the home place, Number 772 West North street; Grace, who died in 1888; Lillian M., who is also at the old home; Frederick J., who died in 1913, when thirty-nine years of age; Lorena, who died in 1915; and Lee, who died in 1917, married Florence Steffens of Lima. All of these children were born of the second marriage. By his first marriage his children were as follows: Charles Lewis, who died June 21, 1920, married Rebecca Bell Elliott of Lima and had four children, Roy C., of Lima, who married Vaud Dotson, Lenora, who married Rolla McKinney, living in California and has one daughter, Lillian Elizabeth, Kate, who married Frank Shealy, of Upper Sandusky, and has one daughter, Florence Edith and one son, Leroy, and Adam, who passed away in young manhood, Florence Lucile, who married Harry Orebaugh of Lima, Ohio, has one daughter, Mary Louise, Margaret Evelyn is at the old home. Mr. Gottfried was a Lutheran and his second Wife was a Methodist. The daughters belong to Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Lima, and are members of the home and foreign missionary societies of that church. In his political belief Mr. Gottfried was a Democrat, but he could never be induced to accept office. He was a hard-working, thrifty man, strictly honorable in all of his transactions, and he was held in high esteem by his associates in business, church and civic affairs.
MARTIN C. SCHRICKER, proprietor of the Conservatory Hotel and block bearing the same name, is one of the enterprising men of Spencerville. He was born in Germany on July 15, 1864, a son of John and Margaret (Debeimer) Schricker, both of whom were born in Germany and spent their entire lives in that country. John Schricker was a musician and became music director for the Wagner Opera Company, and held this position until his death. For four generations members of his family had been musicians, and all of them, including him, were graduates of the Conservatory of Music, Leipzig, Germany. There were three sons and three daughters born to John Schricker and his wife, namely: Martin C., who is the eldest; John C., who is a natural musician, came to the United States many years ago, located at Detroit, Michigan, studied medicine, and
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is now one of the physicians and surgeons connected with the Ford Automobile Works of that city; Adam, who was also a musician in his youth, is now an attorney at law; Catherine, who is married, is living in Germany; Margaret, who is unmarried and Sophia, who is also unmarried, are musicians of note in Germany.
Martin C. Schricker attended the public schools of his native country and also studied music in the Conservatory at Leipzig, Germany, for five years. After his graduation from the Conservatory, he came to the United States, arriving here in 1881, and after a short stay in New York City, went to Chicago, Illinois, and for the subsequent eighteen years was engaged in teaching music. Too close devotion to his art brought about a failure in health, and he went to Springfield, Missouri, and bought two stock farms. These he stocked and conducted, taking at a little later date a position in the State Normal School as a director of music, and held that responsible position for ten years, when he resigned, and came to Spencerville, Ohio. Buying the Keith Block he established a music school in it and conducted it a year, and then went into the hotel business, but continues his school. In memory of the old days at Liepzig, he has named both his hotel and business block "Conservatory," and has brought his school to such a state of perfection that it, too, is entitled to the name.
On September 24, 1888, Mr. Schricker was married to Miranda Powers of Huntington, Indiana, a daughter of John T. and Mary (Wheeler) Powers, born in that city on February 3, 1867, and educated in its schools, Mr. and Mrs. Schricker became the parents of the following children: Earl, who is unmarried and living at home, was born on February 11, 1890; John W., who was born on February 23, 1892, was graduated from the high school, college and normal school at Springfield, Missouri, is manager of the Lyons store at Toledo, Ohio, and during the World war served as a first lieutenant in the aviation branch of the United States forces; Melba M., who was born April 16, 1896, was graduated from the Spencerville High School, the Lima Business College and is now employed in the civil service department at Washington, District of Columbia; Irene L., who was graduated from the Spencerville High School and the Lima Business College, is now a stenographer of Toledo, Ohio ; and Glenn T., who was born on February 27, 1904, in Morrisonville, Missouri, is attending the Spencerville High School. Mr. Schricker belongs to the German Reformed Church, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a deacon in the former body, and she an active worker in the ladies' organizations of the latter. While never very active in politics, Mr. Schricker has voted the Republican ticket since he has received his citizen papers. A man of marvelous musical ability, he also possesses those qualities not usually found in connection with artistic talent, shrewd business ability and a knowledge of the demands of the public, which make him able to conduct his hostelry on a paying basis, and at the same time give an excellent service in every way. The Conservatory Hotel is one of the popular hotels of this part of Ohio and those forced to be on the road try to so arrange their business as to make their longest stops at Spencerville so as to enjoy its hospitality.
OTTO W. MILLER. An example of enterprise a progressiveness is found in the commercial venture of Otto W. Miller, who conducts a groceny and gasoline filling station at McBeth's Park, in Shawnee township. This business has been buihet up under Mr. Miller's personal management an its success reflects the industry, initiative and p gressive spirit of the proprietor.
Mr. Miller was born at Bluffton, Ohio, in October, 1875, a son of Daniel B. and Mary (Dell) Miller, the former a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and the latter of Germany. Daniel B. Miller one of the substantial citizens of Lima, where is engaged in extensive realty operations. Then. were six children in the family: Otto W.; Clare who is deceased; Harry and Charles, of Lima Della, deceased; and Fred, of Lima. Otto Miller attended the public schools of Bluffton but has been a resident of Lima since 1890. 1888 he started working in a grocery store, an one year later was employed in a dry goods stor of which the proprietor was D. Bell. After only year with Mr. Bell he entered the employ of the Solar Oil Refinery, and continued in the sales department of that concern until 1910, when opened a laundry at Ottawa. This he sold aft five months and returned to Lima, where he entered the Gramm-Bernstein Motor Truck Company's office, remaining one year. He next kept books for F. W. Drake for three years, and th purchased a store building at McBeth's Park, Shawnee township, where he installed a stock o groceries and established a gasoline filling s tion. He has built up an excellent patronage an is accounted one of the substantial business men of his community. Mr. Miller is a Republican and has been confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He belongs to the United Commercial Travelers an to Lima Lodge No. 54, Benevolent and Protection native Order of Elks, in both of which he is very popular.
Mr. Miller was married in September, 1897, to Flora Hanenstein, of Lima, daughter of John and Amelia (Amelung) Hanenstein, and they have three children: Carolyn, a teacher in the public schools; and John and Daniel, twins, at home.
OSCAR WARREN HOLTZAPPLE is proprietor of Holtzapple Hatchery, a local industry that done much to make the name of Elida well know outside of Allen county. The Holtzapple Hatchery is one of the most successful enterprises in the production of day old chicks in Ohio. Mn. Holtzapple, its proprietor, took up and developed the business from a very small and experimental stage. He is a young man, but has had a log:, experience in poultry raising. He began hatchi chickens while a high school boy, and he is a master of the trade, and every year has added new facilities to his plant until his season's hatches now aggregate about fifty thousand. To accommodate this thriving industry he owns three acres of ground within the corporation limits of Elida.
Mr. Holtzapple was born in German township of Allen county May 31, 1885, son of A, D, and Jemima (Miller) Holtzapple. The family has been in America for five generations or more. It was founded by his great-great-grandfather Holtzapple, who settled in Pennsylvania, whene his son also lived. Grandfather John Holtzapple was an early settler in Auglaize county, Ohio,
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY - 59
and later moved to Allen county and spent the test of his life near Elida. A. D. Holtzapple was the third in his father's family, and has for many years been a successful farmer of Allen county, he and his wife still living at Elida.
The youngest of three children, Oscar W. Holtzapple acquired a thorough education and was a teacher before he settled down to his present business. He graduated from the Elida High School in 1903, and did his first work as a teacher in Sugar Creek township, teaching there two terms and one term in the Sandy Point School and two terms at Eastburn and Germantown. In
1909 he entered the Ohio Northern University, pursuing the civil engineering course for one rm.
While at Ada he met as a fellow student, Miss Olive Holton, and they were married in 1910.
She is a daughter of Branson and Medora Belle Violet Holton, of Ada, her mother being of French ancestry. Her father has been a prominent Ohio citizen, and for six years served as judge of the Probate Court of Waverly, Ohio, being elected as a Democrat. Mrs. Holtzapple was fourth among nine children, and is a woman of good education, devoted to her home and much interested in her husband's business. They have two children, Branson Holton, born in 1911, and Victor Warren, born in 1918.
Mr. Holtzapple continued his interest in the chicken business all the time he was teaching,
during the past ten years, since his marriage, he has devoted practically all his time to the industry, has a large amount of capital invested in his plant at Elida, and has seen his patience, study and labor well rewarded. At the beginning he produced only one strain of day old chicks, the Rhode Island Reds, but now breeds and hatches all the standard varieties. For several years he shipped his day old stock as far away as Colorado, Oklahoma and South Carolina, but has since developed a very satisfactory business, practically equal to the capacity of his plant, in Allen and adjoining counties. Mr. Holtzapple is a Democrat, independent in local politics, and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church.
CHARLES BANNER HULLIBARGER, senior member of the real estate firm of Hullibarger & Sneary of No. 57—Metropolitan Building, is one of the successful men in his line of endeavor at Lima, and an important factor in the business life of Allen county. He was born on a farm near Lima in Allen county, a son of W. C. and Sarah (Austin) Hullibarger, of Dutch and Irish stock, and farming people. The father is still living and reticles at Bowling Green, Ohio, being a retired farmer, but the mother died in 1911. Charles Banner Hullibarger is the seventh child born in their family of twelve, of whom nine still survive.
Growing up on the farm, he passed his boyhood as did the majority of the boys in his neighborhood, alternating attendance at the district school during the winter months with agricultural labor in the summer. His parents moved from Allen to Hardin county, Ohio, and when he was twelve years old went to Greenbrier, Tennessee. At the later place he had better educational advantages, and he attended the public schools until he was twenty years old, completing the high school course.
After completing his studies Mr. Hullibarger began working for the neighboring farmers, and was so employed for two years, when he went to Bowling Green, Ohio, and learned the carpenter trade, at which he worked for five years, and he also learned the painter's trade. In 1903 he came to Lima, and for a short time was employed as a grocery clerk. For the subsequent year he was with the Lake Erie Railroad shops as a toolroom employe. Mr. Hullibarger then began contracting as a painter, and held a number of important contracts during the twelve years he was in the business, but in 1918, sold his interests and began handling real estate, with offices in the Gazette Building. A year later he moved to his present location and formed his present partnership. The firm handles farm and city property and does a general real estate business, with gratifying success,— being recognized as being among the leading realtors of Allen county.
In 1906 Mr. Hullibarger was married to Caroline Scholl, a daughter of Jacob Scholl, of Kossuth, Ohio. There are no children. Mr. Hullibarger is a Republican( but has not taken any active part in politics. He belongs to the Order of Moose, the Moose Legion, the Protected Home Circle and the Real-Estate Board. A man of sound judgment and wide experience, he brings to the conduct of his present business just those qualities which make for a sane conduct of any enterprise, so his prosperity is not to be wondered at, for it is but the logical outcome of existing conditions. z
J. J. MAGINN. One of/the prominent railway officials whose home and headquarters are at Lima is J. J. Maginn, superintendent of 'motive power for the Lake Erie and Western Railway Company. Mr. Maginn, while not an old man, is a veteran in the mechanical side of railroading, and through a number of years has won steady promotion to increased responsibilities until he now has under his direction the motive power of seven hundred miles of railroad and over two thousand employes.
Mr. Maginn was born in New York city August 15, 1878, son of Patrick and Catherine (Smith) Maginn. His parents were born and married in County Cavan, Ireland, and after/ coming to this country lived in New York city, where his father was a journeyman shoemaker. When J. J. Maginn was eight years of age his parents moved to Norwalk, Ohio„ His father died in 1901 and his mother in 1910. Of a family of eight children J. J. Maginn is the older of two sons.
He lived at Norwalk to the age of sixteen and acquired his early education in St. Mary's parochial school. As a boy he spent one year running a sand belt in a planing mill. His first position with the railroad was as call boy for the Wheeliq- & Lake Erie. He served in that capacit3H six months and then began a thorough apprenticeship at the machinist trade in the Norwalk shops of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad. Altogether he remained there seven years, being a journeyman for three years. For a time he was a machinist with the Pere Marquette Railway at Saginaw, Michigan, spent one year at Oelwein, Iowa, as a machinist with the Chicago and Great Western, was at Waterloo, Iowa, as a machinist for the Illinois Central, spent one year in Indianapolis as roundhouse foreman of the
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Lake Erie & Western, then five years as roundhouse foreman of the Big Four Railway, and one year as roundhouse foreman at Newcastle, Pennsylvania, for the Baltimore & Ohio. The Cincinnati Northern Railway next acquired his services as general foreman at Van Wert, Ohio, where he remained two years in that office and five years as master mechanic. After leaving the Cincinnati Northern Mr. Maginn came to Lima as superintendent of motive power. He is a member of the Master Car Builders Association, the Master Mechanics Association, the Western Railroad Club at Chicago, the International Railroad Fuel Association, and is widely known among railway men all over the middle west. Mr. Maginn is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus at Norwalk, Ohio, the Lodge of Elks at Van Wert, and attends worship in St. Rose Catholic Church at Lima.
In 1904 he married Elizabeth McDermott, daughter of John and Ann (Mullaney) McDermott, of Sandusky, Ohio. They have-two children: Geraldine M. and Robert E.
JOHN C. DAVIS has had a long experience a manufacturer of clay products, and Since coming to Lima has been manager of the Acme Mantel & Tile Company.
He was born at Paterson, New Jersey, August ,21, 1868, a son of William atAdj Jane (Jones) Davis. His parents came from Glamorganshire, South Wales, in 1866, locating in Paterson, where his father was an iron mill worker. In the -fall of 1868, soon after the birth of their son John, they moved to Wyandotte, Michigan, where William Davis died during the summer of 1870. The widowed mother continued to live in Michigan for three years and then became a housekeeper in Cleveland. John C. remained in Michigan with a sister until he was fifteen years of age. For two years he lived with his brother-in-law, Lee -Lyons, near Ypsilanti on a farm and later worked at monthly wages as a farm hand, attending school in winter and doing chores to pay for his board.
Leaving Michigan, Mr. Davis went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for three weeks worked in an iron mill, and then began and served an apprenticeship in a mantel and tile works. After concluding his apprenticeship he was in business for himself six years, and removing to Toledo was employed as a journeyman by the Toledo Mantel and Tile Company six years. F\rom Toledo he removed to Lima, where he has had much to-do with the growth and substantial character of the Acme Mantel & Tile Company as its manager.
December 17, 1890, Mr. Davis married Mary Ann Lloyd; who was born at Pittsburgh. Her parents, Elias and Mary (Watkins) Lloyd, came from Swansea, Wales. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Davis were as follows: John Hadin, who died at the age of twenty-one months; Mary Jane, at home; Sarah, Mrs. Walker Bradley, of Toledo; William E., now at home, Who during the war served twenty months as a.truck driver at Newport News, Virginia; Catherine, who died in infancy; Walter, who died at the age of six months; Bessie, who died when six months old; and Russell, at home. Mrs. Davis and her children are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Davis is a Republican, and is a past master of Wil Lodge No. 287, F. and A. M., at Pittsburgh,
JESSE CLINTON JOHN is a member of a family was established in Allen county nearly a century ago, and his own active career has been identified almost entirely with farming. He has me farming a real business, has operated a very extensive acreage in his time, and from that indus try achieved a prosperity that enables him to practically retired in a comfortable home in Elida.
His great-grandfather, named John Grifit came from Wales, locating at Shamokin, Pennsylvania, and in this country changed his, non: to Griffith John. The grandfather of Jesse C John, named Griffith John, was a surveyor profession, and during the early twenties cant to Allen county and helped run some of the Ens of survey in this section of northwest Ohio. Fr the greater part he lived on a farm, and died'. 1855, at the age of fifty-nine. Jesse Jones John father of Jesse C., spent his active life as a farming near Elida. He married Mary Roush, who was of Pennsylvania Dutch stock.
Their son Jesse Clinton John was born ht Elida March 23, 1862, was educated in the pubItt schools of his native town, and while in schc: and afterward found employment for his energitt on the homestead.
In 1882 he established a home of his own bt his marriage to Dora Strawbridge, daughter Christian Strawbridge. He then farmed independently on his father's place, subsequently operated a hundred eighty acres near Elida, and still later the old homestead of a hundred ninety acres Finally he bought a smaller place of thirty acres north of Elida, and after making that his home for some years sold out and is now living at hit town home of Elida.
Mr. John is a Republican normally, but in lord politics at least votes for the man. He is a men. ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. an Mrs. John had six sons and three daughters, sere of whom are still living. Earl Strawbridge, the oldest, was born in 1883, and lived in Hancock county, Ohio. Ernest Emerson is married and lives at Lima. Gladys is the wife of Chad Jones, of Harvard, Illinois. Donald Dwight isi resident of Lima and has three children. Howard LaVerne lives in Toledo. Adrian Armond went into the Government service at the age seventeen, served with the American Expeditionary Forces and the Army of Occupation, and now living in Toledo and is married. The younger children are Ralph DeWitt, aged seventeen; Mary, Mrs. John Edward; and Blanche Marie,
ORA M. GREEN. A prominent and prosperous business man of Lima, Ora M. Green is actively identified with the industrial affairs of this part of Allen county, and as secretary of the Lima Builders' Exchange and senior partner of the Ora Green Company, building contractors, has long been an important factor in the upbuilding of city and county. A son of Joseph W. and Malinda (Burris) Green, successful farmers, he was born in November, 1882, in Celina, coming from Scotch and Irish ancestry.
Educated in Celina, Ora M. Green attended the local high school two years, after which he worked with his maternal grandfather, Joseph
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Burris, a building contractor, for about four years. He subsequently worked for other building concerns until 1911, when he formed a partnership with William Heffner, and as head of the firm of Green & Heffner began contracting on his own account. Succeeding well as a building contractor, Mr. Green in 1916 purchased his partner's interest in the firm and continued the business alone for four years. Admitting A. G. Sawyer to partnership in 1920, Mr. Green organized the Ora M. Green Company, which has since conducted an extensive and very successful business, having filled contracts of importance in both city and country. This enterprrsing firm makes a specialty of taking contracts for the erection of school, bank, church and public buildings, and has recently, in 1920, erected the Citizens Bank Building on Main street, Lima; a large factory building for the Garford Truck Company; and has rebuilt the Elks Home for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In 1916 he was elected secretary of the Lima Builders' Exchange, and has held the position since.
Mr. Green married, in 1907, Catherine Tohle, daughter of Barney and Mary (Hogan) Tohle, of Lima, and of their union one child has been born, Lucille Edna Green, whose birth occurred in 1909. Politically Mr. Green supports the Democratic principles in national matters, but in local affairs votes for the best men and measures without regard to party affiliations. Fraternally he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Loyal Order of Moose. He is also an active member of the Lima Rotary Club, the Lima Club and the Shawnee Country Club.
LESTER CURTIS BAXTER, senior partner and majority owner in the general grocery and market at 804 West North street, under the firm name of Baxter & Durbin, is a native son of Allen county, but for many years his business interests and the chief source of his prosperity were in other states, chiefly Missouri and Arkansas, where he was actively identified ,with the manufacture of wood products.
Mr. Baxter was born in Marion township of Allen county January 26, 1867, oldest of the four children of Samuel and Mary Jane (Miller) Baxter: He is of Scotch-Irish ancestry and his people have been largely professional men and farmers. His father spent his early life on a farm, later as a stock buyer, and is now living retired in Van Wert, Ohio. The mother died in 1878, and in 1880 Samuel Baxter married Ellen Cahill, of Crawford county, who died in 1917, without children. In 1920 he married Delilah Truesdall, of Allen county.
Lester Curtis Baxter acquired his early education in the country schools of Marion township, in Jackson township of Van Wert county, and spent three terms in the Middlepoint Normal School of Ohio. He taught four terms of country school in Jackson township of Van Wert county, but since then has been engaged in commercial pursuits. For—two years he was weigh- master of the Churchill Elevator Company at Grover Hill in Paulding county, was then elected and served during 1898-99 as city marshal of Grover Hill, following which he became interested financially as foreman of the Louisiana Stave & Heading Company at Louisiana, Missouri, remaining there five years. Continuing his interest in the manufacture of hardwood products, he was foreman and a stockholder in the United States Cooperage & Handle Company at Malden, Missouri, for seven years, then organized a company of his own, known as the Weldon Stave Company at Weldon, Arkansas, and remained the active head and president of the business for three years. Selling out, he organized another company, known as the Baxter Stave Company at Jelks, Arkansas, and was its president two years.
Disposing of these industrial interests Mr. Baxter came to Lima. and established himself in a general market and grocery business at his present location. He is a stockholder in the Weldon Canning Company in Arkansas, and has some valuable real estate interests, including a hundred sixty acres of farm land near Independence, Missouri, and also city property.
Mr. Baxter is a Republican and a member of the Central Church of Christ at Lima. In 1896 he married Miss Lillian Hill, a daughter of Bradford and Molly (Michael) Hill, of Paulding county, Ohio. They have one daughter, Mary Frances.
JAMES EDWARD DEXTER, A. B., D. D. S. Almost without exception the professional men of any community are to be found among the citizens who are doing constructive work for their locality, and there is a good reason for this. The long and careful training which is necessary in order that a man may be fitted for his calling develops his mentality and awakens his sense of responsibility, and it is almost impossible for to pass through life without assuming some crvic duties. Lima is no exception to the rule that its professional men are among the foremost ones in forwarding community interests, and one of these is Dr. James Edward Dexter, one of the city's dependable dental surgeons.
Dr. Dexter was born at Providence, Bureau county, Illinois, February 12, 1873, a son of Thomas S. and Emily (Anthony) Dexter, and a member of one of the old established families of English stock in this country. For generations the family lived at Providence, Rhode Island, and its members hate been either professional men or farmers. Thomas S. Dexter was a farmer all of his active life, and died at Oberlin, Ohio, August 16, 1919. His widow died January 21, 1920, at Lima, Ohio.
The eldest of the three children born to his parents, Dr. ,Dexter grew up in his native place and attended' its schools, and when he was seventeen years of age he entered Oberlin College, from which he was graduated in 1897 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in 1903 with the degree of Dental Surgery from the Marquette University \at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was president of his Greek letter college fraternity, and was valedictorian of his class. Between his first and second graduation Dr. Dexter was engaged in teaching school, and was instructor in mathematics and science at the Tiskilwa High School for two years. Following the completion of his dental course he was engaged in the practice of his profession at Oberlin, Ohio, until 190, at which time he carne to Lima, where he has since remained. In 1914 he took a post-graduate course in dentistry at the Northwestern Dental College at Chicago, Illinois. In addition
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to his practice he has other interests and owns some real estate.
In 1904 Dr. Dexter was married to Laura May/ Walker, a daughter of C. E. and Elizabeth (Roberts) Walker. Mrs. Dexter is a graduate of the Rollins College of Music. Dr. and Mrs. Dexter have two sons: James Alfred and Robert Morton. In politics he is a Republican and takes an active part in local affairs, now being committeeman from the Fourth Ward. For a number of years he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is now president of its Board of Deacons. He is a Mason and also belongs to the Maccabees. At present Dr. Dexter is, serving as president of the Oberlin Alumni Association of Lima, to which he was first elected in 1912 and to which office he has been re-elected three times. A man of ability and scholarly tastes, Dr. Dexter stands among the leaders in his profession and /county, and his influence is far-reaching and powerful.
JOHN ROBB CARNES. It is oftentimes considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking that the history of so-called great men only is worthy of preservation and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praise of the historian or the appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made/ It is not a history of the lucky stroke by which some achieve lasting fame that benefits humanity most, but the persistent study and continuous effort which in the course of time makes the lucky stroke possible. Among the citizens of Allen county who are achieving success along steady lines of action is John R. Carnes, whose life record thus far has entitled him to the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
John Robb Carnes is a native son of the county now honored by his citizenship, having been born in Lima in February, 1892, and he is the son of Ira P. and Anna R. (Robb) Carnes. His father was born in Barry, Vermont, and the mother in Bellefontaine, Ohio. His paternal grandfather was John Carnes, who came from Vermont to Ohio, locating first at Upper Sandusky, and later locating in Lima, where he spent the remainder of his. days. The father, who was employed in the Lima Locomotive Works, died on December 10, 1913, and was survived but a short, time by his
widow, whose death occurred in June, 1916. By a former' marriage Ira P. Carnes left two children, Walter B., of New York city, and Sabine, the wife of H. H. Phelps, of Tacoma, Washington.
John R. Carnes received his elementary education in the public schools of Lima, after which he was a student in the Miami Military School at Germantown, Ohio, where he was graduated. He then entered the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1915, and after which he became an employe of the Lima Steel Casting Company, being at first assigned to office work, but his abilities and faithful service won promotions for him /until today he occupies the responsible position of purchasing agent for that company. He has applied himself indefatigably to the performance of every duty assigned him in the various positions he has occupied, and his present position is his only by virtue of meritorious service.
In June, 1917, Mr. Carnes was married to Catherine Wyre, who was born and reared in Lima, the daughter of John and Ada (Hay) Wyre, both of whom are natives of the Buckeye state, her father having been born in Wayne county and her mother in Hardin county. To Mr. and Alm Carnes has been born a daughter, Catherine H.
Politically Mr. Carnes gives his support to the Republican party and his religious affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraterna ly he is a member of Lodge No. 585, Free Accepted Masons, and he has attained the thir second degree in the Ancient Accepted Scot Rite. He is also a member of Lodge No. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lima. His career, though comparatively brie, has been well rounded in its motive and action. he has done his full duty in all the relations life, and because of his business success and his high personal character he enjoys the sincere re gard and good will of all who know him.
HARRY L. DICKSON. Another of the sterling na tive sons of the Buckeye state who has locat Permanently in Allen county and here become well established through his industry and righ living is he whose name forms the caption these paragraphs, Harry L. Dickson, proprie of the Buckeye Welding and Repair Shop Lima. Because of his success and his fine per sonal character he has merited in every way the fine success which he has achieved in a material way and the esteem of his fellow citizens, which all who know him freely accord.
Harry L. Dickson was born in Unionapolis, Ohio, on November 15, 1888, and is the son of C. N. and Amelia (Herruff) Dickson, who were born and reared in Auglaize county, Ohio, The father was a successful farmer, and followed that vocation until 1912, when he moved to Lima where he is engaged in carpenter work. Harry L. Dickson attended the public schools and re mained on the home farm until he was twenty two years of age. He then went to work as a fireman on the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, but six months later was employed as a clerk in the hardware store of Thomas R. Jones, where he remained about a year. He then went to work in the ,Locomotive Works, where he became a helper in the acetylene welding department, and for over a year was employed as a welder, dur ing which time he acquired a thorough knowledge of the technique of that work and other valuable information in the way of mechanics. During the following year he was employed in the Fisher Automobile Body Company at Detroit, Michigan, Later he went to Jacksonville, Florida, where he spent about a month, and then stopped for about the same length of time at New Orleans, Louisiana, Mobile and Birmingham, Alabama. He then returned to Lima and again went to work in the Locomotive Works, where he followed his trade until 1913. He then formed a partnership wr E. A. Daymon and established the Buckeye We ing and Repair Shop at No. 318 West Mark street. They remained there in successful oper tion until January, 1918, when the shop w moved to the present location on Water str On April 15, 1920, Mr. Dickson bought his part. ner's interest in the business, which he has since conducted alone and in which he has been yea successful. He does all kinds of acetylene an
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electric welding and machine shop and repair work, and his shop is now recognized as one of the most important of its kind in this community.
In 1910 Mr. Dickson was married to Mearle Focht, who was born in Auglaize county, Ohio,
but they later separated. In 1916 Mr. Dickson was married to Hazel Boyer, a native of Hancock county, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Dorothy, born June 20, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson are members of the First Christian Church, of which he is chairman of the Board of Trustees. He takes a deep interest in all things pertaining to the phases of church activity, and recently contributed one thousand dollars to the great Interchurch Movement. In political matters he is independent, while fraternally he is a member of the American Insurance Union. He is widely known and is well liked by all who know him.
GEORGE L. BREESE. There are no more intelligent and far-seeing business men in the country than the successful agriculturists. The life of the farmer is exacting, in that he may not choose his own times and seasons for exertion, nature adjusting such matters, but it is not likely that any other occupation gives such large and certain returns for effort expended. When a farmer successfully produces large crops he may be called a careful and capable husbandman, but when he is also capable of profitably handling the crop he is entitled to be considered a man of excellent business capacity. A well-known citizen of Allen county who has thus qualified both as a capable agriculturist and man of business is George L. Breese, whose large and productive farm is found in Shawnee township.
Mr. Breese was born in Allen county, December 8, 1851, a son of David and Mary (Valentine) Breese. His paternal great-grandparents were John and Nancy (Jones) Breese, natives of Wales, who immigrated to the United States just after the closing of the Revolutionary war and settled at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Griffith Breese, the grandfather of George L., was born in Wales and was a small child when brought to this country by his parents. He grew up at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he married Mary Mowen, a native of that locality', and after the birth of two children there took his family across the mountains to Pittsburgh, then going down the Ohio River on a flat-boat to Fort Washington, now Cincinnati, Ohio. From that point he traveled overland to Butler county, and there resided several years. In 1831, with three other men of his community, he started out on horseback for a journey to old Fort Dearborn, the present site of Chicago. Arriving there, conditions did not strike him favorably, as he found the land largely covered with water and fever very prevalent. In his opinion the locality was not a healthful one, and he accordingly rejoined his family and in 1832 brought them to Shawnee township, Allen county. Mr. Breese secured eighty acres of Government land on the later site of Shawnee village, and other lath& which had been taken up by fellow-pioneers, was subsequently purchased by him to the extent of more than 2500 acres of which he improved a part. This continued to be his home. during the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1848.
David Breese was born in Butler county, Ohio, February 27, 1825, and married Mary Valentine, who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, March 23, 1827, a daughter of Crane and Mary (Harper) Valentine, the former a native of New York and the latter of Virginia. The Valentines traced their ancestry to a Valentine who was one of the original settlers of Long Island in 1640. Crane Valentine located at Lima in 1831, his family being the eighth family of whites to settle at that place. Mr, Valentine was a cooper by trade, but occupation, as proof of which statement evidence is produced that on one occasion he was retained to repair the town jail so that it would hold a demented man, one Uriah Martin. Mr. Valentine moved later to Michigan, where he died when over ninety years of age.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. David Breese bought a tract of land in Shawnee township which had been formerly partly improved, the work of improvement and clearing on which, however, was completed by Mr. Breese. There they rounded out long and honorable lives as agrrculturists, the father dying July 30, 1909, and the mother March 26, 1907. They were the parents of three children: Ella, of West Kibby street, Lima, -Who is the widow of T. A. Maltby; George L.; and Emmet, who died at the age of seven years.
David Breese was a member of Company B, 99th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and also a member of the 151st Regulars, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
George L. Breese was born in an Indian log but and grew up amid agricultural surroundings on the home farm, securrng his education meanwhile in the district school. Following his marriage in 1876 he rented the home farm for a period of ten years, then buying eighty acres of improved land in Shawnee township. To this original purchase he kept adding from time to time until he is now the owner of 318 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation with the exception of sixty acres which is in timber pasture land. Mr. Breese carries on general farming and raises many cattle, and his operations are as successful as they are extensive. He formerly conducted a large dairy and operated a milk route in Lima for a period of five years, but this he has since discontinued, although at this time he maintains a small dairy and has a herd of Guernsey catty. His buildings are substantial and com modrous, and of modern and attractive architecture, and all of his improvements are up-to-date, typifying the progressive spirit of the owner.
Mr. Breese was married September 6, 1876, to Miss Susan Nye, who was born on a farm in Shawnee township, Allen county, October 21, 1851, a daughter of Jacob and Kittie Ann (Clippinger) Nye, early settlers and life-long farming people of Shawnee township, where they were held in high esteem. Mrs. Breese passed away May 3, 1896, having been the mother of three children, including twins, one of whom died in infancy and the other, Clarence N., who is his father's associate in the work of the home farm, served as Corporal of the 2nd Ohio in the Spanish-American war. The daughter Mabel is unmarried and acts as housekeeper for her father. While the greater part of Mr. Breese's education came from the school of hard knocks, he has been an intelligent observer, and today possesses a broad fund of useful knowledge. He is an active member of the Shawnee Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been a member of the
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Board of Trustees for many years. Politically he is a Republican. He is well known fraternally having held the offices of prelate or chaplain and master-at-arms in the Knights of Pythias at Lima and belongs likewise to the Patrons of Husbandry and Shawnee Grange, in the Xatter of which he has held practically all of the offices.
SAMUEL JAMES RILEY was the eighth child of the Allen County pioneer, Rev. George Riley. He had many of the interests of his father intellectually and in the line of social service, and achieved prominence as an educator.
In the early days of the Civil war he enlisted in the First Ohio Cavalry, Buckmaster's Company, McLaughlin's Squadron, and served his country three years three months. After the war he entered Mount Union College at Alliance, and in 1876 graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware with the Master of Arts degree. Subsequently for his attainments in the field of education the honorary degree Bachelor of Laws was conferred upon him.
While there is still a generous appreciation of the splendid service he rendered as an educator, he eventually retired from school work and engaged in merchandising, owning a general store at West Cairo and still later a similar eslishment at Alger in Hardin County. He took an active interest in political affairs of the county. He was a speaker of unusual ability, also a writer. Without doubt he was one of the best informed men in the country on all modern affairs.
Samuel J. Riley was living near Lima when he died in 1912. He married Mary Etta Harpster in 1886. She now resides at Columbus, Ohio. There were five children: D. P. Riley of Harrod and O. L. Riley of Vaughnsville, both of whom are married; Okla, wife of Major Cliffe Deming; Victor H., who operates the old homestead and farm of 120 acres ; and William S., attending high school at Lima.
ELZA O. ZURMEHLY. Agriculture has become so important an industry, that some of the most intelligent men of the country find in it congenial employment and are devoting their whole attention to this line of endeavor, although formerly they were engaged in some other calling. Allen county, Ohio, farm land has increased so in value that those fortunate enough to own any of it realize the worth of their investment and are seeking to further improve it both through individual effort and public enterprise. One of the men of this regiqn deserving of special mention, not only on account of his success in farming, but also because of the fact that formerly he was one of the popular educators of this part of the state, is Elza O. Zurmehly, of Shawnee township.
He was born in Shawnee township August 17, 1875) a son of John W. and Anna (Bevans) Zurmehly, natives of Shawnee township and Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, respectively. The paternal grandparents, Samuel and Catherine (Book) Zurmehly, were born in Pennsylvania, but the paternal great-grandfather was born in France and immigrated to this country many years ago. The maternal grandparents were William and Druscillä (Yoakam) Bevans, the former being county judge of Knox county, Ohio. The Zurmehlys came to Allen county from Ross county, Ohio, in 1840, settling in Shawnee township, and there John W. Zurmehly was born in 1848, and he was married in 1872, after which he and his wife settled on the State Road in Shawnee township. His original farm contained ninety-seven acres of land, and when he died in 1902 he had increased this to 211 acres. His widow resides at Lima. During the war between the North and the South John W. Zurmehly served in the Union army, enlisting in May, 1864, and remaining in the service until the close of the war, as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He and his wife had the following children: Elza G., who was the eldest born; Claude, who died in infancy; and Rollin, who is in the attorney general's office at Columbus, Ohio.
Elza O. Zurmehly was reared on the homestead and attended the local schools and the Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, from which he was graduated in the scientific course. From 1898 until 1903 he was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Shawnee township, and was so fine an educator that great regret was felt wh he left the schoolroom to devote all of his ti to his farm. From 1902 until 1913 he continued to reside on the farm ,in Shawnee township, but then went to Lima, Ohio, and was employed by the Spyker Hardware Company for four years but in 1917 returned to the home farm in section 22, Shawnee township, which comprises 211 acres, all of which he farms, owning seventy acres of it Here he is raising registered Short-horn cattl Percheron horses and carrying on general farm ing.
In November, 1902, Mr. Zurmehly was mutt to Gertrude Franklin, born in Perry township Allen county, a daughter of James S. and Lau (Dixon) Franklin, natives of Perry and Shawn townships of Allen county, respectively. Mrs. Zurmehly died in 1913, having borne her husband two children, Ruth, who is living with her father, and Helen, who died at the age of ten month In June, 1916, Mr. Zurmehly was married Mary Adgate, born in Shawnee township, daughter of Hart C. and Lydia (Beal) Adgate, natives of Shawnee township and New Y state, respectivevly. Mr. Zurmehly belongs the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has be superintendent of its Sunday School since 1916. He is a Republican and served as a member the Board of Education for four years. Fraternally he belongs to Solar Lodge No. 783, I. O. F., of Lima, and to the Lima Camp of Modern Woodmen of America. At present he belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry, and for two term he served as master of Shawnee Grange, thoroughly progressive, well-educated man, If Zurmehly is a strong force in his neighborhood and his influence is always directed toward seem ing for it a betterment of living conditions and raising of intellectual standards. In his chur and Sunday School he is doing fine work, and would be difficult to find a man in the county who is connected with more constructive endeavor than he.
ALBERT LEWIS BAECHLER. Visitors to Woodland Cemetery of Lima are impressed with the beauty of this "City of the Dead," and are sure to make favorable comments with reference to the exquisite care shown in every detail of the management. Many do not know that the present con-
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ditions are the outgrowth of the skill and conscientious performance of duties assigned to three men, father and two sons. The elder son, Edward, succeeding the former as superintendent of this cemetery. The present incumbent, Albert Lewis Baechler, is not only carrying out his father's and brother's ideas, but some of his own, and the results are eminently satisfactory. Albert Lewis Baechler was born at Woodlawn Cemetery, Lima, Ohio, August 20, 1880, a son of Christian and Magdaline Baechler, natives of Switzerland, who came to this country many years ago. Christian Baechler was the first superintendent of Woodlawn Cemetery, and held that position until he retired in favor of his son Edward. Edward in turn was succeeded on January 1, 1907, by Albert L. Baechler.
After attending the district schools of American township and the public schools of Lima Albert Lewis Baechler assisted his father in the cemetery and on the farm the latter owned in American township, and in 1904 was made assistant superintendent of Woodlawn Cemetery, continuing as such until he became superintendent in 1907. During the summer he has fifteen men under him, and in the winter from four to five, and the utmost care is exercised to keep everything in first-class order,
In September, 1904, Mr. Baechler was united in marriage with Goldie V. Cremean, born in Allen county, Ohio, a daughter of James and Augusta (Baty) Cremean, natives of Allen county, Ohio, and Germany, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Baechler became the parents of three children, namely: Gladys, who was born January 19, 1906; Clarence, who was born September 25, 1907; and Gertrude, who was born September 12, 1913. Mrs. Baechler and the children belong to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church of Lima. In his political views Mr. Baechler is independent, preferring to cast his vote for the man he deems best suited for the office rather than tie himself down with party restrictions. His family is one of the honored ones of Allen county, and he is living up to the high standards hitherto raised and maintained by its representatives. Having spent his entire life in Allen county, it is but natural that Mr. Baechler should be interested in its progress and willing to aid in bringing about such improvements as may be deemed necessary from time to time.
WATKIN R. LLOYD. One of the substantial and dependable citizens of Sugar Creek Township who is prominently identified with his community's agricultural interests and civic affairs is Watkin R. Lloyd, the owner of a well-cultivated farm three miles west of the Village of Gomer, and an active and constructive member of the Board of Township Trustees. Mr. Lloyd is a native of Wales, born March 20, 1870, a son of Watkin and Anna (Davis) Lloyd, natives of that country, where both passed their lives. The father was born in 1830 and died in 1890, while the mother was born in 1832 and died about the same time as her husband. They were faithful members of the Church of England and the parents of eleven children, of whom five sons and two daughters are living, all as residents of Wales except two sons : David, who is deceased, and Watkin.
Watkin R. Lloyd was reared and educated in Wales, but when eighteen years of age emigrated to the United States and secured employment as a farm hand in the vicinity of Gomer. He continued farm work until his marriage, January 13, 1896, to Eva Bussert, who was born in Sugar Creek Township, Allen County, a daughter of J. W. Bussert, and sister of Frank W. Bussert. She received her education in the public schools. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd lived with Mr. Bussert for one year, and at the time of his death purchased ninety acres of land, on which Mr. Lloyd has since made his home. In addition to being a general farmer, he is 'a breeder of registered Duroc hogs and a good grade of cattle, and his operations, governed by good management and directed by industry, have been uniformly successful. He is a stockholder in the Elida Equality Exchange and bears an excellent reputation for integrity in business circles. In politics he is a republican, and for several years has served very efficiently and conscientiously as a member of the Board of Sugar Creek Township Trustees. With his family he holds membership in the Gomer Congregational Church, of which his son Ellis is treasurer.
By his first marriage Mr. Lloyd had two children: Ellis, born June 28, 1899, a graduate of the Gomer High School, who is one of the popular and efficient school teachers of Allen County; and Eva, a graduate of the graded schools, now attending high school. Mrs. Lloyd died in 1904, and in 1906 Mr. Lloyd married Catherine James, who had come to the United States in that year from her native Wales. They have two daughters: Anna and Margaret.
ERNEST E. MCELWAIN. Nothing is more certain than that thrift, industry and perseverance will eventuate in success when backed by ability, and this has been proven by Ernest E. McElwain, one of the substantial agriculturists of Jackson Township, Allen County, who is the owner of a well-tilled farm in section 4. His career has been one in which he has striven honorably and accomplished effectively, and the record of his life is that of the achievements of a man of sound integrity and good citizenship.
Mr. McElwain was born on a farm in Marion County, Ohio, January 21, 1868, a son of Andrew and Catherine (Halliwill) McElwain. His father was born in 1840, in Pennsylvania, and as a young man moved to Crawford County, Ohio, where he met and married Miss Halliwill, who had been born in that county. After their marriage in 1865 they moved to Marion County, and for some time lived on a farm and later returned to Crawford County, whence, in 1881, they came to Allen County and _settled in Jackson Township. Here they rounded out their careers as tillers of the soil, honorable and honored people and earnest members of the United Brethren Church, in which Andrew McElwain was a local preacher for a number of years. He was a republican in politics and a veteran of the Civil war, in which he fought as a Union soldier from 1861 to 1865, and in one of the battles of which he received a wound. Mr. and Mrs. McElwain were the parents of six children : Ernest E.; Bertha, the wife of John N. Patterson ; Grace, the wife of John Boyd; Minor L., a farmer of Jackson Township ; Carrie B., the wife of Richard Clark; and Ottie E., the wife of David Driver.
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Ernest E. McElwain was given his early educational training in the district school in Jackson Township, following which he pursued a course at Beaver Dam High School and then enrolled as a student at the Ohio Northern University at Ada. After his graduation from the latter institution he entered upon his career as a school teacher, and for fourteen years taught in the rural districts, becoming a well known and popular educator. When he gave up his labors in the schoolroom Mr. McElwain began farming in Jackson Township, and later bought his present property of eighty acres, situated in section 4. Here he has carried on general farming, also having specialized in Percheron horses, Jersey cattle and thoroughbred poultry. In each department of his work he has achieved success through an intelligent application of time-proven and practicable principles backed up by modern methods and equipment, and is today accounted one of the most thoroughly skilled farmers and stockmen of his township. His property has been made valuable and attractive by the erection of substantial buildings and the installation of up-to-date improvements, and reflects the progressiveness and enterprise of its energetic owner.
Mr. McElwain was united in marriage with Miss Ora E. Jennings, of Allen County, who is a high/ school graduate and also a graduate of the Ohio Northern University, and to this union there have been born two sons: Edgar M., born September 13, 1890, is a graduate of the Ohio State University, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and is now a teacher of vocational agriculture at Vaughnsville, Ohio. He married Lola Cotner ; Carl W., born August 4, 1899, is a member of the Ohio State University graduating class of 1922. He saw army training during the World war in the Students' Army Training Corps of his alma mater. Mr. McElwain and the members of his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a \member of the Golden Ridge Grange, and is a stockholder in the elevators at Beaver Dam and Lafayette. His political support is given to the republican party.
DANIEL LESTER BRENNEMAN. The man who works, pays his way, earns hrs town capital and gradually, step by step, advance to independent prosperity is always an object of admiration to his fellow citizens. That has been in brief the career of Daniel Lester Brenneman, one of the substantial farmer citizens of American township. Mr. Brenneman was for many years a renter, and on land owned by others achieved a gratifying degree of success, enabling him eventually to acquire his present homestead.
Mr. Brenneman was born in Marion township, Allen county, in 1871; son of John G. and Mary A. (Laman) Brenneman. His great-grandfather Brenneman came from Germany at an early date, two of his brothers accompanying him, one locating in Virginia. His place of settlement was in Pennsylvania, and the next generation, the grandfather of Mr. Brenneman, moved to Fairfield county, Ohio, driving overland with ox team. John G. Brenneman left Fairfield county when a young man, came to Allen county and married here, and by his industry acquired a good farm of eighty-three acres, on which he reared his family of ten children, nine of whom are still living. Daniel L. was the seventh child.
Only a few months each winter was he permitted to attend school. The rest of the time worked on the home farm, also hired out an gave a full day's labor for fifty cents pay. Af leaving school he worked in a stone quarry at dollar and fifteen cents a day. He was twenty. two when he married, and for several years he provided for his family by his wages at day and month employment. He finally rented eighty-eight acres in American township, farmed that for eight years, then lived on another' place of a hundred four acres a year, until it was sold, and subsequently was renter of eighty acres in the same location for nine years. In 1919 Mr. Brenneman bought his present valuable place of eighty acres on rural route No. 3 out of Elida, and has now reached a stage in his affairs where he a enjoying every evidence of material prosperity and a high degree of civic esteem. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Equity Exchange at Elida, is an independent Democrat in politics and a member of the Methodist Church at Allentown
Mr. Brenneman married Mary Elizabeth Davidson, of Amanda township. They have three children: Edith Estelle, the oldest, is the wife of Russell Wolfe, of American township, and has a daughter, Helen. John William Brennem born in 1896, was educated in country schools the the age of fifteen, graduated from the Lima High School in 1915, and since then has been associated with his father on the farm. The third and youngest child is Wallace D. Brenneman.
LON S. BROWER. The Browers came at an early date to Allen county, distinguished themselves as contributors to the material upbuilding and improvement of their community, and as a family they have been people of consequence for many years. One of them is Lon S. Brower, who fon over thirty years was one of the leading farmers of the county and is still living on a farm, though practically retired, having only thirty-two acres in his home place in American township, on rural route No. 7 out of Linda.
Mr. Brower was born in Sugar Creek township of Allen county November 22, 1854. His parent were Joseph and Elizabeth (Stevens) Brower. Through the various generations the family has been closely identified with the soil, though three of Mr. Brower's uncles were also preachers of the Dunkard Church. Grandfather John Browen came from Holland, settled in Rockingham county, Virginia, and was a farmer and planter and oil mill merchant at Richmond. He married in Virginia and had fourteen children, Joseph being the youngest.
Joseph Brower was fourteen years old when he came to Allen county, Ohio, with his mother and his brother Daniel, who married Elizabeth Leedy. The family located in Sugar Creek township on a virgin farm of a hundred sixty acres. Joseph Brower helped clear this land. The home of the family was a brick house, one of the first in Allen county, the brick being made on the land by the Browers. Joseph Brower married and afterward bought eighty acres in the woods, clearing it up and developing a farm. It was on that farm that Lon S. Brower was born.
Lon S. Brower was one of four children, and acquired his early education in Sugar Creek town. ship. He attended school about three months in the year, and otherwise assisted in the work of
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of the farm. In 1879 he married Martha Margaret Pfeifer, daughter of Nicholas and Eva (Zeor) Pfeifer, of American township. Her parents were natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. where her father was a shoemaker. Three years after their marriage in 1840, they came to America and settled in Fairfield county, Ohio. Of their eleven children Mrs. Brower was the youngest, and five of them are still living.
After his marriage Mr. Brower farmed forty acres in Sugar Creek township for eight years, and in 1887 moved to American township on a larger farm of a hundred acres. This was his home and the scene of his industrious efforts for nearly thirty years, until 1915, when he practically retired and has since had only a moderate routine of duties on his place of thirty-two acres. Mr. Brower is a stockholder in the Auto Music Company of Grand Rapids. He is a Republican, and a man ever alert to the responsibilities of good citizenship. He has enjoyed life as he has gone along, and is one of the many progressive farmers of the county whose horizon of experience and travel has been greatly broadened by the advent of the automobile. Some years ago Mr. Brower and wife made an interesting automobile trip carrying them over the same route from Rockingham county, Virginia, to Ohio, which his father had traveled with horses and wagons many years earlier, when the family came to Allen county. Their road led over the historic National Pike, along which many of the old milestones are still standing, silent witnesses of a century of travel and traffic between the east and the middle west.
Mr. and Mrs. Brower have two children. Lena Blanche is the wife of Jacob Bowers, of Canton, Ohio, and Mary Hazel was married to Hugh A. Little, of Pontiac, Michigan.
LEWIS E. FEIGHTNER gave almost a third of a century of efficient service to the Lima Locomotive Works, and since leaving that great- industry has indulged his inclination for country life on his farm of eighty acres in American township, on rural route No. 3.
Mr. Feightner, who is widely known\ and esteemed both in the city of Lima and in his country neighborhood, was born at Lima, June 13, 1869, son of Amos B. and Sarah (Hill) Feightner. His first American ancestor was his great-great-grandfather, who came to this country in 1736 and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He was one of the very early pioneers there and was killed during an Indian raid in that section. Some of his descendants are still living where he first settled. The great-grandfather of Lewis E. Feightner was a soldier in the Revolution under General Washington. The grandfather, Solomon Feightner, spent his active life in Wayne county, Ohio, as a farmer and mailer, and died in 1864. Second among his seven children was Amos B. Feightner, who lived , at Lima and for many years was in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He died at Lima in 1908. His widow now lives with her son Lewis and is seventy-eight years of age. She is of Scotch ancestry. Her father was born in 1812, came from South Carolina over the mountains, and cleared up a farm in Darke county, Ohio.
Lewis E. Feightner is the younger of two children, and acquired his earl} education in the public schools of Lima to the age of fourteen. He began his employment with the Lima Locomotive Works at the age of seventeen. At first he was a utility hand, but while earning his living he was also increasing his abilities for service, and by study and practical experience taught himself the profession of drafting, and for many years was a draftsman in the Geared Locomotive Department. He was in the service of the company for thirty- two years. He resigned in 1916 for the purpose of occupying his farm, but responded to the emergency call to duty during the World war, and served two years at the East Iron & Machine Company. Mr. Feightner bought his property in American township in 1904, but for a number of years handled it through a renter. He has eighty acres of good soil, and the farm has responded splendidly to his efforts as an agriculturist. He built the only circular barn in the township, constructing it after his own plans. This barn is a model of efficiency in arrangement and equipment, and the same characteristics hold everywhere else on the farm. Mr. Feightner has never been in politics and casts his vote independently.
In 1894 he married Miss Erma Kruse, daughter of Henry and Doretta (Bauman) Kruse. She attended the public schools of Elida when they were under the direction of Mr. Crites, and also attended the Lima High School. Mr. and Mrs. Feightner have two sons, Amos Evan, born in 1895, and Robert Lewis, born in 1901. The older son married Mary Story Roth, and has two children, Virginia May and Edwin Lewis.
JOHN HENRY ALLGIRE. The rapid growth and development of Lima are matters of much pride to her citizens, and explanations are not far to seek. This is a city of steady workers. It is not only the home of great industrial concerns that are a part of the commerce of the world, but within her borders are also found what may be termed foundation stones, these being the many substantial, well managed business houses under the personal supervision of their founders and owners Which through good judgment and prudent methods, are large contributors to civic prosperity. One of these of considerable importance is the Allgire Auto Supply Company, the business quarters of which are at Nos. 125-127-129 South Elizabeth street, and the founder and owner of which is John Henry Allgire, one of Lima's well known, reliable and respected citizens.
John Henry Allgire was born on a farm near Columbus in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1875, the youngest of six children born to Henry and Eleanor (Holbert) Allgire. On the father's side the ancestry was German and on the mother's was English, but both families have been in America for many years. Mr. Allgire's people have been farmers for generations back. His mother died at Houston in Shelby county in 1900, and his father passed away in 1912. They had four sons and two daughters, all of whom survive.
Mr. Allgire assisted his father on the farm during boyhood and youth while attending the country schools. He had high school advantages for one term at Greenville, Ohio, and afterward taught a country school near that place. Later on he took the teacher's training course at Lebanon College, returning then to the home farm, of which he had charge until he was twenty-nine years old.
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In 1905 Mr. Allgire came to Lima, and here became identified wrth the Newson-Bond Department Store, with which he continued for seven years in a responsible position. Afterward he spent some time in the field of salesmanship, on the road, being with the Toledo Scale Company for six months, the McCaskie Register Company for three months, and after that until 1914 had a prosperous connection with the Prudential Life Insurance Company. During this interval he had made business acquaintances by the score and widened his circle of friends, and when he decided to embark in business for himself found hearty encouragement on every hand. In 1914 he bought the company of which he is now sole owner. The Allgire Auto Supply Company has high standing among many business competitors and does business all over the city and within a radius of thirty miles in the country. He carries a complete line of packing, hose and belting and is agent for the Goodyear tires.
In 1896 Mr. Allgire was united in marriage to Miss Blanche W. Nicholson, who is a daughter of William and Caroline (Shipley) Nicholson, old and substantial residents of Miami county, Ohio. They have one son, William L., who is associated with his father. Mr. Allgire and wife are members of the Christian Church. He belongs to the order of Elks at Lima and is a member of the Kiwanis Club. Interested in all public matters as a good citizen, Mr. Allgire belongs to that wide class that prefers to do its own political thinking, and when he casts his vote it is for a candidate that measures up to a standard far removed from the selfish aims of mere party politics.
JACKSON MILLER LONG. The Long family is one which has been connected with the agricultural activities of Allen county for a number of years, and one of its representatives who is making a success of his undertakings as a farmer is Jackson Miller Long, owner of 150 acres of land in American township, He was born in Amanda township, this county, November 9, 1855, a son of Christopher and Keturah (Miller) Long, and grandson of David Long, a native of Germany, who first settled in Pennsylvania and from there came to Allen county.
Jackson Miller Long had the misfortune to lose his parents when he was only six years old and was bound out to Henry Kiracofe, a farmer living five miles north of Lima, and there he lived until he was eighteen years old, receiving but a limited education in the country schools, which he attended during the winters, his whole time being absorbed in farm _work during the other months of the year. After obtaining his freedom Mr. Long worked for Thomas Montague for nine months, being paid nineteen dollars a month, and he then worked during a winter for Henry Kiracofe. During the next year he worked as a teamster on some road improvement that was being done in Allen county. However, he had the inclination toward farming possessed by his family, and it was his ambition to acquire land, so he rented 140 acres in American township conducted it for fifteen years, doing genera, farming. Leaving this farm he went to Wells county, Indiana, and for two and one-half years rented and conducted 120 acres of land, and was quite successful, and his profits, added to his former savings, enabled him to buy fifty-two and one- half acres. He also operates 10 acres additional, which he rents. Since he was thirty-six years old Mr. Long has made a specialty of raising blooded Percheron and Belgran horses, and sells them all over the county. At present he has six stallions, which are very valuable. In this line he has been eminently successful, and his stock is recognized as being of so excellent a quality that he commands very high prices for it.
In 1875 Mr. Long was married to Elizabeth A, Casiday, a daughter of Washington and Elizabeth (Andrews) Casiday, farming people of American township, who came to Allen county from Rock. ingham county, Virginia. They became the parents of the following children: Cora May, who married C. Miller, of American township, has one son, Harold; William Jackson, who married Myrtle Bowersock, has two children, Verney and Everett; Charles Henry, who lives in American township, married Cora Armstrong, of Elida, Ohio, has three children, Neva, Clyde and Ira; Bertie Cleveland, who died at the age of one year and one day; Floyd Emmett, who died in 1918, when twenty-eight years old, lived in the Garden- dale Addition of Lima, was married to Louise Locke, and they had one child, Princess; Nannie Fay, who married Wesley Bowers, of Lima, has three children, Franklin, Ray and Paul; Homer Freeman, who married Helen Wright, of American township, has one child, Otho; and Arthur Edward, who is at home.
Mr. Long is a Democrat. The United Brethren Church holds his membership, and he is generous in his donations to it. The success which has attended him is all the more remarkable in that it is the outcome of his own efforts, for he has never had any backing, and has had to work hard for everything he has today.
THOMAS CLINTON LONG, owner of 254 acres of land in American township, is not only one of the prosperous farmers of Allen county, but he also is proprietor of the T. C. Long Stone Company of this township, so that his interests are varied. He was born in Sugar Creek township, Allen county, Ohio, April 23, 1853, a son of Christian and Keturah (Miller) Long, and grandson of David Long, who with his wife came to Allen county from Pennsylvania many years ago, and died in this county. The parents of both of them were of German birth. For as many generations as the family can be traced its members have been farmers, and the love of the soil was born in them all. Christian Long was a native of Allen county, his birth taking place many years ago, and he died here in 1861, his wife passing away the following year. They had five children, of whom Thomas Clinton Long was the third.
Thomas Clinton Long was bound out to Samuel Miller of American township for a period of nine years, with the stipulation that he receive a proper amount of schooling, but was only sent to school two months a year. When he was eighteen years old he began working for the farmers of American township, and saved his money until he had sufficient to invest in forty acres of land which is included in his present farm. He added to his farm from time to time until it now contains 254 acres, well improved, In 1877 Mr. Long discovered blue limestone on
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his property, and opened a quarry, hauling his product to different points in Allen and Auglaize counties for road work. Until 1919 he carried on general farming, but later rented his property and now devotes himself to quarrying. He is also a stockholder in the Lima Coal Company of Lima, with mines in West Virginia, and is interested in other concerns. The Methodist Episcopal Church holds his membership and he is active in the local congregation. Fraternally he belongs to Lima Lodge No. 54, B. P. 0. E.
In 1876 Mr. Long was married to Mary Benedum, of American township, and they became the parents of six children, one of whom died. Della is the wife of Mr. Garrigus, and lives in American township. William T. lives in Oklahoma. He married Vida Breese of Allen county, and they have five children. John B., the Second son of Mr. Long, lives at Allentown. He married Alta Myers, and they have one child. Harvey E., the fourth child, lives in American township, is married and has four children. Amos 0., the fifth child, is unmarried. Iva died in infancy in 1877.
The Long family is one of the old ones of Allen county, and its members have always been associated with its development since locating here. In opening up his quarry Mr. Long not only provided employment for a number of men, but he is furnishing suile stone for the constriction of good roads in his vicinity, in this way giving an impetus to the movement in favor of them that could not be furnished in any other way. Personally he is well liked, and his stand. ing in his neighborhood is of the highest.
WILLIAM THOMAS KIMES. The late William Thomas Kimes was one of the substantial agriculturalists of Allen county for a number of years, and owned and improved the farm in Shawnee township now owned by his widow. He was a man of kindly intent, hardworking and thrifty, and when he died his neighborhood lost one of its best citizens. He was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, November 16, 1841, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Spear) Kimes, natives of Adams and Franklin counties, Pennsylvania, respectively. She was a daughter of Robert Spear, of Ireland.
After the death of his mother, in 1847, William Thomas Kimes lived with her father, and was reared by him. When the war broke out between the North and the South Mr. Kimes was one of the loyal young men of the country, and he enlisted in the Union army in August, 1862, rn Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served for nine months, participating in some of the hardest fought engagements of the war, including those of Shephardsville, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and had the good fortune to escape injury. In April, 1867, he came to Allen county and bought sixty-four acres of land in Shawnee township, and thoroughly improved the place, living on it until his death, which took place on February 20, 1911. Mr. Kimes belonged to Mart Armstrong Post, G. A. R., of Lima, and was active in it. For one term he served as township trustee, and while in office safeguarded the interests of the taxpayers. For several years he was also a member of the Board of Education. Saint Paul's Lutheran Church held his membership, and his widow and children still belong to it,
On October 21, 1869, Mr. Kimes was united in marriage with Maria Mechling, who was born in Perry township March 16, 1846, a daughter of Joshua and Sophia (Weimer) Mechling, natives of Pennsylvania, and granddaughter of William and Esther (Mechling) Mechling, natives of Pennsylvania, who in 1812 moved to Hopewell township, Perry county, Ohio. He was twice married, first to Esther Mechling, by whom he had five children, namely: Joshua, William, Louisa, Jacob and Daniel; and, secondly, to Catherine Rice, whose maiden name was Saum, and they also had five children. Mr. and Mrs. Kimes became the parents of the following children: Jennie 124, married Albert E. Wolf, of Perry township; Sophia E., who lives with her mother; Frances Edna, who is Mrs. Thomas H. Graham, of Union township, Auglaize county, Ohio, and has six children, George, John, Esther, Mildred, Elizabeth and Earl; Walter A., who conducts the home farm for his mother; Esther L., also at home with her mother; and William R., who was born October 1, 1890, died December 25, 1890. The Kimes family is one of the most highly respected in Allen county, and Mrs. Kimes has every reason to be proud of her children who are all doing exceptionally well and are credit to her and her husband and the watchful care they exercised over their upbringing.
LEWIS WELLINGTON MOWERY. The business interests of Lima cover a wide field of activity, and each year those pertaining to the great automobile industry increase in number and importance. Men of keen foresight invest capital and give personal attention with the certainty that reasonable prosperity will attend them, providing they possess the necessary mechanical knowledge and limit their interests to well proved cars and accessories. One who has shown marked good judgment and is meeting with very satisfactory returns in this line is Lewis Wellington Mowery, who is sole proprietor of the Lima Rubber & Auto Supply Company, South Main street.
Mr. Mowery was born in 1865, in Bath township, Allen county, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Clarissa (Heffner) Mowery, and a grandson of Samuel Mowery, who was of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. It was the grandfather who established the family in Allen county, bringing with him the sturdy habrts and thrift that have made the state of Pennsylvania rich in agricultural production. Samuel Mowery reared his large family comfortably and passed out of life respected by all who knew him. He was succeeded by his son, Jacob Mowery, who inherited his habits of thrift and industry, emulated his high character, and he, too, died on the old homestead.
Lewis W. Mowery was reared in his native township, and until he was sixteen years old attended the country schools. Although he had a preference for mechanics and from boyhood was apt with tools, he remained at home to assist his father until he was twenty-one years old, when he learned the carpenter trade with a local workman and did carpenter work over the neighborhood for the next three years. He then came to Lima, this being in 1888, found employment as a
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carpenter and afterward went into contracting and followed that line for twelve years. Mr. Mowery, however, is what may be termed an all round mechanic, for he is equally at home in other trades. After retiring from the contracting field, he opened a general wood and metal repair shop, conducting it for two years, at which time he went into the plumbing business and carried that on for the next two years.
Mr. Mowery then had his interest aroused in the line in which he has been so successful, and at No. 448 South Main street started the tire business which is now known as the Lima Rubber & Auto Supply Company. Two years later he removed to No. 114 East Elm street, remaining at that location for three years, removing then to No. 30o South Main\ street, and five years afterward to his present desirable situation from a business standpoint, at No. 20 South Marn- street. Mr. Mowery carries standard goods only, being agent for the Racine and the Oldfield tires, has a full line of auto accessories and has a trade territory that covers the city within a radius' of twenty miles in the country. He understands his goods and has the reputation of being a trustworthy and accommodating dealer. He has additional business interests.
In 1886 Mr. Mowery was,, married to Miss Esther Blair, who is a daughter of Edmund and Eliza (Williams) Blair, of Westminster, Ohio, and they have the following children: Clifford Albert, who was a wife and three children; Florence, who is Mrs. Frank Hoffer; Nora, who married Floyd Good, and they have three children; Homer, who has a wife and one child; and Jacob Lester and Orlan Edmund. Mr. Mowery and his family belong to Calvary Reformed Church. He does not consider himself much of a politician but always considers carefully before he casts his independent vote, being identified with no particular political party.
DAVID E. BERRYMAN. The qualities which have made David E. Berryman one of the prominent and successful men of Spencer township, Allen county, have also brought him the esteem of his fellow men, for his career has been one of well directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods. It would be hard to find in this section a more industrious or progressive agriculturist and stock raiser than he, and he is strongly intrenched in the favor and esteem of all who know him.
David E. Berryman, whose well cultivated farm of forty acres is located about one and a half miles east of Spencerville, was born in Shawnee township, Allen county, on June 1, 1874, and is the son of Ephraim and Deborah B. (Blackburn) Berryman. His father was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, in June, 1840, and died in 1896. The mother was a native of Carroll county, Ohio. They were married and settled on a farm in Auglaize county, living there for a time and then moving to Allen county and settling on a farm in Shawnee township, where they lived until 1878. In that year they moved to Spencer township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were members of the Baptist Church, in which they took an active interest. Mr. Berryman was a member of the Grange, and was a Democrat in his political belief. He was prominent in the public affairs of the community and served as a director of the County Infirmary an a member of the Board of Directors of the Alle County Fair Association. He was an up-to-dat farmer and successful business man, and was held in high regard by all who knew him. To him and his wife were born eight children, as follows: Harley, who is engaged in farming in southern California; John G., who is connected with the of industry in Texas; Elbert S., a farmer in Spencer township; George, who is engaged in the oil business in Kansas; Alma M., who graduated from the Ohio Northern University at Ada, and was a successful teacher, is the wife of Jasper Brown, a farmer and fruit raiser in California; David E., the subject of this sketch; Ira P., of Spencerville; and Flora E., the ,wife of Aldon Loomis, of Illinois.
David E. Berryman was about three years of age when the family located on the farm which he now owns. He received his educational training in the district schools and has always carried on the operation of the home farm, which he maintains at a high standard of cultivation. He is thoroughly up-to-date in his agricultural meth. ods, and by persistent industry and sound judgment has achieved a distinct success. In addition to the raising of all the crops common to this locality he also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, in which also he has been successful.
Mr. Berryman has been twice married, first to Bertha Monfort, who died four months after their wedding. For his second wife Mr. Berryman was married in 1905 to Caroline Fisher, who was born and reared in Auglaize county, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph Fisher. They have an adopted child, Estella, born in 1909. Mrs. Berryman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which she takes an active part. Mr. Berryman is a member of the American Insurance Union and is a stockholder in the Farmers Union Elevator at Spencerville. Politically he gives his support to the Democratic party and takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he lives. Because of his public spirit, his business success and his fine character he occupies an enviable position in the estimation of his fellow citizens.
CLEO C. REED. The possession of a well-equipped farm of 130 acres and large stock interests
by no means represents the claim of Cleo C. Reed upon the consideration and appreciation of his fellow townsmen at Spencerville. He is a genial man, who has been thrown in contact with all classes of people by a diversity of occupations, and as a public servant has contributed materially to the welfare and advancement of his community.
Mr. Reed was born in Champaign county, Ohio, July 7, 1879, a son of John T. and Eliza (Bodey) Reed, natives of the same county, where they were reared, educated and married. After their marriage they settled on a farm near Millersburg, John T. Reed also adding to his income by teaching school during the short .winter terms. In 1883 they removed to Auglaize county, Ohio, where they still make their home on a farm four miles south of Spencerville. They have been industrious people who have accumulated a comfortable share of this world's goods, and who have in so doing held the respect and esteem of their neighbors. Mr. Reed, who is a Democrat
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in his political affiliation, has held the position of townshrp clerk for many years, and he and Mrs. Reed are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of their six children three are living: Cleo C.; Walter S., an agriculturist of Auglaize county, Ohio; and Hattie, the wife of William McMillan, of Allen county, Ohio. The deceased children were: Rachel, who was the wife of Peter Leffel; Minnie, who was the wife of Fred Rabley; and George A. George A. Reed enlisted in the machine gun corps of the Second Division during the World war and rose to the rank of lieutenant. During the Argonne offensive he was wounded October 4, 1918, and failed to recover, passing away at the age of thirty-five years.
Cleo C. Reed was five years old when he accompanied his parents to Auglaize county, and there his education was acquired in the public schools. His boyhood and youth were passed much the same as those of other farmers' sons, and he remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty-three years. On September 30, 1902, he was united in marriage with Ethel May Miller, who was born on a farm in Amanda township, Allen county, Ohio, July 18, 1882, a daughter of Orlando and Margaret C. (Marbaugh) Miller, Following their marriage they rented a farm in Auglaize county, but later purchased their present property in Spencer township, Allen county, a tract of 130 acres, on which Mr. Reed devotes the greater part of his attention to livestock. He is a shipper whose operations are considered important, and a stockholder in the Farmers Union Elevator.
Mr. Reed has passed through the chairs of the American Insurance Union and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while Mrs. Reed holds membership in the Rebekahs. They are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics a Democrat, Mr. Reed is at present serving as chairman of the board of town trustees. He and Mrs. Reed have two children: Kenneth L., born in 1906; and Merle S., born in 1912.
FREDERICK HIRN, a retired business man of Spencerville, is one of the highly respected men of Allen county, of which he has been a resident for many years. He was born in Germany on August 26, 1844, a son of Christopher and Veronica (Shaub) Hirn, both of whom were born in Baden; Germany, where they were reared and married and became farming people. In 1851 Christopher Him sold his land and came to the United States, and, buying a farm near Galion, Crawford county, Ohio, lived on it until after the close of the war between the states, when he sold his property and moved to Van Wert county, Ohio. There he bought 160 acres of land and lived on this farm until his death. He was a member, steward and trustee of the Reformed Church at the time of his demise. After receiving his papers of citizenship he espoused the principles of the Republican party. There were nine children in his family, four of whom survive, namely: Frederick, whose name heads this review; Philip, who is a retired farmer of Delphos, Ohio; Englehardt, who is a ranchman and cattle dealer; and Adam, who is a retired farmer now engaged in a real-estate and insurance business at Spencerville. Those deceased are : Louisa, John, Barbara, and two who died in infancy.
Frederick Hirn was in his sixth year when the family came to this country, and he attended the public schools of Crawford county. When the war broke out between the states he was occupied in assisting his father on the farm, but in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until in January, 1864, when he veteranized, and continued in the service until January 3, 1866, at which time he was discharged at Columbus, Ohio. During his king service he took part in twenty- four battles, and was wounded at the one at Jonesboro.
Following his discharge Mr. Him returned to the old homestead in Van Wert county, and remained with his parents until he was married in June, 1867, to Miss -Margaret McCoy, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Sarah McCoy, who brought their daughter to Auglaize county, Ohio, when she was six years old, and she continued to live in that county until her marriage. In 1878 Mr. Hirn moved to Spencerville, where he established himself in a butchering business and conducted it until he retired a few years ago, after many years of successful operation.
Mr. and Mrs. Hirn became the parents of the following children: Harvey E., who married Grace Flavin, a daughter of Doctor Flavin; Minnie, who was graduated from the Spencerville High School, married Charles Bailey, but is now deceased; Leroy, who is a merchant of Toledo, Ohio; Elva, who was graduated from the Spencerville High School, married Wilda Rupert; Loa, -who was a graduate of the same school as her sisters, is the wife of Charles A. Truax, of Toledo, Ohio; Lenora, who is also a high school graduate, married Harry Withrill, of Toledo, Ohio. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Hirn is an official member. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been very prominent, serving as a member of the City Council, city clerk and city marshall. He belongs to Fair Post No. 322, G. A. R.; and Deep Cut Lodge No. 311, I. 0. 0. F., of which he is a past grand.
SIMON S. FISHEL. To handle real estate successfully comprehensive knowledge is a necessity, tact and diplomacy desirable, and a solid foundation of public confidence obligatory These are entirely outside the matter of the essential worth of the property handled. A prominent and enterprising firm in this line that is doing a large volume of business at Lima is that of Michael & Fishel, the junior member of which is Simon S. Fishel, who has additional substantial interests here.
Simon S. Fishel was born in Michigan, a son of Herman and Jennie Fishel, who had a family of ten children, seven sons and three daughters. Of this family Simon was the third born. His father came to the United States from Bohemia when a young man, settled at Traverse City, Michigan, in 1880, was married there and for fifteen years was a merchant in that place. Simon S. attended the public schools of Kalamazoo, Michigan, after which he completed a commercial course in Parsons' Business College at Kalamazoo. During the next three years he was asso-
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ciated with his father in a general store business. He then accepted an offer from the Smith Premier Typewriter Company and went on the road as a traveling salesman, making such a fine record during the seven years of travel that he was called to Kansas City as office salesman, and in 1911 came to Lima as office manager for that widely known company. In 1912 Mr. Fishel resigned in order to accept another selling proposition, and this marked his entrance into what has proved a large and prosperous business connection. He subsequently entered into partnership in the real estate business with Samuel Michael, under the firm name of Michael & Fishel. They handle allotments and subdivisions, business and residence property, are builders of homes, apartments and store buildings, and have such favorable trade relations with building contractors that their patrons are given advantages in the matter of improving the properties they buy. This firm is recognized in business circles as honest and upright, punctual and reliable.
In March, 1917, Mr. Fishel was united in marriage to Miss Clara Michael, who is a daughter of Lephold and Betty Michael. They have two sons: Leonard Milton and Walter Judson. They all belong to the Hebrew congregation, El Bethel Temple, Mr Fishel being trustee of the same.
Although only interested as a good citizen, jealous of his rights and cheerfully bearing his responsibilities, Mr. Fishel keeps well posted on political questions and gives his support to the Republican party. He is a trustee of the Lima Chamber of Commerce, is a stockholder in and a member of the Lima Manufacturers Association, and is both a stockholder and a director in several realty companies here. He is a leader in many charile movements and personally very generous, and belongs to such well known social organizations as the Kiwanis club, Lima Club, Elks Club, and the I. O. B. B. and is president of the Lima Real Estate Board.
EDWARD C. COLE. Of the contracting builders who have contributed much to the past of Spencerville and who because of their superior equipment and progressive ideas may be counted upon to share in the future development of the enterprising little city, mention is due Edward C. Cole, who has had experience in various parts of the country and whose completed structures stand as monuments to his good workmanship.
Mr. Cole was born at Lima, Ohio, December 25, 1866, a son of Chauncey W. and Margaret (Wagner) Cole, natives of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, respectively. They met and were married in Medina county, this state, and after !residing there for two years removed to Lima, where Chauncey W. Cole operated a sawmill. After conducting the old Lima Mill for a number of years he sold out and removed to Rina, Ohio, where he conducted a mill, but continued to maintain his home at Lima. In 1878 he went to Nebraska, where he engaged in farming, with his home at Lincoln, but after nine years went to Holt county, where he remained five years. During his residence there he carried on contracting, as he did subsequently in Missouri, in which state his death occurred. A Republican in his political adherence, at various times during his career he was the incumbent of public offices of trust and responsibility, and his record therein was an excellent one. For many years he held membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which order he was a past grand, and he and his wife were faithful and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. After the death of her husband Mrs. Cole returned to Holt county, Nebraska, where she died. There were thirteen children in the family, of whom seven are living at this time: Henry, Charles W., Edward C., Curtis A., Clifford D., Remelia and May.
Edward C. Cole passed his boyhood at Lima, where he attended the public schools until he was twelve years of age, at that time accompanying his parents to the west and living in Nebraska until he reached his majority. He next went to Chicago, Illinois, where he spent ten years in the contracting business, and about 1897 came to Spencerville, where he has Since been engaged in business as a building contractor, and from the first has received encouraging support from the town and country. Mr. Cole has the kind of enthusiasm for his work that not only enables him to master it thoroughly, but impels him to seek its broadest and most interesting manifestations. He has a keen eye for the artistic and practical, and that his labor will stand the test and approbation of years admits no doubt.
Mr. Cole married Mary Hanks, who died without issue. He then was wedded to .Grace Pierce, who was born in Mercer county, Ohio, April 27, 1884, and was educated in the public schools, a daughter of William and Jane (Kennedy) Pierce. To this union there have been born three children: Ruth J., Charles S. and Francis T. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. As a fraternalist he belongs to Arcadia Lodge No. 306, A. F. & A. M., and the Knights of Pythias, in which latter he is a past chancellor and a member of the Grand Lodge of the state. He holds Republican sympathies on political questions, but has not sought personal honors as an office holder.
ROBERT I. MITCHELL. In touching upon the life history of Robert I. Mitchell, well known citizen of Amanda township, Allen county, the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown .the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life—a life characterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well defined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon the man by the people who have known him long and well.
Robert I. Mitchell, who lives on the old and well-known Mitchell homestead in Amanda township, three miles east of Spencerville, was born on this farm and is the son of Matthew and Mary (Ihrie) Mitchell. Matthew Mitchell also was born on this farm and was the son of David and Mary (Merriman) Mitchell, the former a native of Ohio and the latter born near Kendallville, Noble county, Indiana. She came to Allen county to make her home with an uncle and was here married to Matthew Mitchell. They settled on the parental farmstead, of which he eventually became the owner and where he lived until his death, which occurred as the result of a kick by a horse. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. They were the parents of three children, as follows: Robert I., the
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immediate subject of this sketch; Howard R., who after his graduation from the Spencerville High School, became a student in the Ohio State University; and Charles E., who also graduated from the Spencerville High School and became a student in the State University. Howard R. Mitchell was a participant in the recent World war, having enlisted in the Medical Corps. He was later transferred to the Officers Training Camp, where he won a commission as second lieutenant. He was married on the 25th of August, 1920. Charles E. Mitchell also enlisted and was assigned to the One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Regiment, which became a part of the Forty-second division. He saw active service in France, being in the front lines, and was wounded twice.
Robert I. Mitchell was a member of the National Guard for eight years, and saw service on the Mexican border. He has spent his entire life on the farm where he now lives and secured his educational training in the Amanda township schools. He is now the owner of the old homestead, which comprises eighty acres of land, which he maintains at the highest standard of cultivation and improvement. He is thoroughly up-to-date in his methods, and has met with splendid success in his operations.
In 1917 Mr. Mitchell was married to Gladys Moorman, who was born in Amanda township in 1896. She received a good practical education and prior to her marriage was a teacher in the public schools of Amanda township. To them has been born a son, Robert P., born on March 4, 1918. They are members of the Baptist Church, of which Mr. Mitchell is one of the trustees. Fraternally he is a member of Acadia Lodge No. 306, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is the present worshipful master, and is also a member of, the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. He and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star, Mr. Mitchell being a past worthy patron of the local Chapter. Politically he is a Republican. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Union Elevator at Spencerville. Every worthy movement for the advancement of the general welfare finds in him an earnest supporter, for he consistently stands for the best things in community life. Because of his business success, his industry and his excellent personal character he stands deservedly high in the estimation of all who know him.
CHARLES ADGATE HOVER. Included among the residents of Allen county whose lives have been devoted to the pursuits of agriculture and who have won their way to success in this field of endeavor is Charles Adgate Hover, a substantial farmer of Shawnee township. Mr. Hover' has taken part in the advancements made in this locality since log cabin days, and has contributed to the general progress attained by developing a flourishing and productive estate. He was born in a log cabin in Allen county, November 22, 1861, and is a son of David E. Hover. After attending the public schools of his native locality Mr. Hover became his father's assistant on the home place, and so continued until his marriage, February, 29, 1888, to Susan Jane McCoy, who was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, daughter of Alexander and Margaret Ann (Maltbie) McCoy. Alexander McCoy was born in Madison county, Ohio, October 18, 1831, a son of David W. and Esther (Gillespie) McCoy. David W. McCoy was born in West Virginia, in 1805, was married in Fayette county, Ohio, in 1830, later moved to Madison county, and in 1837 went to Van Wert county, where he entered 320 acres of land and there passed his life in farming. Alexander McCoy was married March 7, 1861, to Margaret Ann Maltbie, who was born at Centerville, Montgomery county, Ohio, daughter of Rev. Harrison and Susannah (Dowling) Maltbie, the former a son of Benjamin Maltbie, a native of Connecticut, who became an early resident of Dayton. Rev. Harrison Maltbie attended Lane 'Seminary, Walnut Hill, Cincinnati, Ohio, walking five miles daily. For some years he taught at Centerville and other places, and in 1847 came to Allen county, where he had entered a large tract of land, and with the exception of a few years this continued to be his home during the remainder of his life. His death occurred May 28, 1892, and that of his wife in March, 1840.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Hover started housekeeping in a log cabin on a part of his father's farm, and this continued to be his home until 1891, when he erected a modern frame house. He has always carried on agricultural pursuits in a practical and progressive way, and of recent years has had the capable assistance of his son. Mr. Hover is highly esteemed in the community as a man of strict integrity and good citizenship. He is a member of the Farm Bureau and fraternizes with the Patrons of Husbandry and Lima Lodge No. 91, Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Republican, and his religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal Church, where he is acting as steward. He has always been a friend of education and has rendered valued service thereto as a member of the local board of school directors. Mr. and Mrs. Hover are the parents of two children: Ethel is the wife of Dr. E. N. Hoopman, of Columbus, and they have one daughter, Anna Jane. Harry Howard, his father's associate in farming, married Goldina Baer, and has two children, Silas Dale and Howard Eugene.
JOHN M. MORGAN. In the great building operations that count so vastly in industry, no branch of the whole constructive body is of such importance as the plumbing and heating. The defective systems of long ago have given place to modern ones of seeming perfection, and in no part of the world are they so carefully inspected as in the United States, for we are a comfort-loving people. It is a fact that many of the noble castles of other lands across the sea that drew admirers to their architectural beauties very often were found to have less sanitary plumbing and less provision for heat than many a humble cottage in this country. One of the leading firms in this line at Lima is the John M. Morgan Plumbing & Heating Company,• doing business at Nos. 135-137 West Spring street.
John M. Morgan was born at Youngstown, Ohio, in 1868. His parents were John M. and Anna (Griffiths) Morgan, the former of whom died at Youngstown in 1893, and the latter when their son was fourteen years old. They were of English-Welsh stock and the father and his father and grandfather had been steel workers, all being men strong of frame and of frugal and industrious life.
Mr. Morgan continued to attend the public schools
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until sixteen years old, then spent four years with L. B. Scheible at Youngstown, learning the plumbing trade. From there he went to New York city, and afterward for two years was with the Charles Husse Company on Siegel street, Brooklyn, following which he returned to Ohio. He soon became established at Dayton, Ohio, and continued working at his trade for four years there, when he accepted an offer to take charge of the plumbing department for the Logan Motor Car Company at Chillicothe, where he continued until 190.
In the above year Mr. Morgan came to Lima for Mr. Gramm and installed the plumbing and heating systems in what is now the Garford Plant. Prior to this, back in 1908, he had started a plumbing business of his own in Chillicothe, but sold when he recognized better business opportunity at Lima. Since that time Mr. Morgan has handled many large contracts and has completed them satisfactorily and expeditiously. In addition to the Garford plant he was the contractor for the Gramm plant, the Lima Locomotive Works, the Gramm-Bernstein plant, the Allen County Savings Bank, the Harry Thomas Building, the South Side and the Central High School buildings, and numerous structures outside the city.
Mr. Morgan was married first to Hattie McCoy, who died without issue. In 1913 he was married to Lulu Gast, a daughter of Gregory Gast, of New Bremen, Ohio, and they have one son, John M.
Mr. Morgan has led a busy life and has never felt that he had time to devot to any public office, al- though men of such sturdy life and character command the confidence and respect of their fellow citizens, very often in a surprising way when given an opportunity to show it. He votes the Republican ticket. He is active in the Chamber of Commerce, and is ,a member of the Master Plumbers' Association of the state of Ohio. In his own business he employs twenty-five expert workmen, and his payroll covers a large sum. Among other business interests he is a director of the Chalmers Pump & Manufacturing Company.
Mr. Morgan is a thirty-second degree Mason, belongs to Shawnee Commandery and to Zenobia Shrine, Toledo. He belongs to the Y. M. C. A. at Lima, to the Lima Club and the Rotarian Club, and has passed all the. chairs in the Knights of Pythias at Lima.
LEONIDAS H. POST. In the rich and prosperous agricultural section of Allen county, characteristic of Amanda township, one of the leaders in agricultural affairs is Leonidas H. Post, whose farm is both a sightly and valuable one, and had become noted through Mr. Post's efforts as a Jersey cattle breeder.
This farm was originally land entered nearly a century ago by his maternal grandfather, Samuel Stewart, who came from Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and in 1824 made settlement in Amanda township of Allen county. He became a large land owner and successful farmer, and was a man of consequence in the county for many years. He died in April, 1873.
His daughter, Eliza J. Stewart, mother of Leonidas H. Post, was horn in 1830 and was married in 1854 to Leonidas H. Post, Sr., w ho was born in Knox county, Ohio, August 9, j832. She died September 16, 1912, while he passed away October 4, 1904, after having spent half a century as farmers in Amanda township.
Leonidas H. Post was born September 11, 1875, and grew up On the Post farm three and a half miles east of Spencerville. Ile made good use of the advantages of the district schools, and assisted his parents on the farm to the age of twenty-two. He acquired an interest in the old Stewart farm, and in 1897 married Altha Moorman, daughter of James and Amanda (Dohner) Moorman. Her parents were natives of Allen county, and for many years have been well known farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Post after their marriage began housekeeping in a log house on the old Stewart property, and they have lived there for nineteen years, have improved a good home, and made a success of their enterprises. Their farm contains a hundred and ninety-two acres, Mr. Leonidas H. Post has in his possession certificates of patents of his present farm dating back to 1825 and 1846, respectively. The one issued in the year 1825 bears the signature of John Quincy Adams and the one in 1846 is signed by James K. Polk.
To Mr. and Mrs. Post were born nine children: Martha J. and Mildred, both high School students, Sarah, Alice, Catherine, Mary, Howard, Edward and Frederick. Mr. Post is a stockholder in the Farmers Union Elevator at Spencerville, is a Republican voter, is affiliated with Arcadia Lodge No. 306, F. and A. M., and the Royal Arch Chapter.
CHRISTIAN B. LEHMAN. One of the old and highly respected residents of Allen county, who has spent sixty-three years within its borders and is now a retired resident of Shawnee township, is Christian 13 Lehman, a veteran of the great Civil war and a citizen who has contributed in various ways to the upbuilding and development of his community. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, June 25, 1840, a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Bookwalter) Lehman, natives of the Keystone state.
During the winter of 1841-42 the parents of Mr. Lehman removed with their family to Richland county, Ohio; and in 1847 settled in what is now American township, Allen county, the father purchasing 160 acres of land on what is now North Cole street, just north of the city limits of Lima. The place was all timber at that time, and Christian Lehman cleared a small space, on which he erected a log cabin, this being the family home while he carried on the greater work of removing the timber from the rest of the property. He did not live long enough to complete his task, however, his death occurring in 1850. Christian B. Lehman remained on the farm with his mother for four years, in the meantime acquiring a district school education, but when she moved to Lima he went to Mercer county, Ohio, and for one year lived at the home of his brotherin-law. Later he went to Lima, where he made his home with another brother-in-law, and it was there that the Civil war found him. On August 15, 1861, he enlisted at Lima in Company B, Eighty- first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the West at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, remaining in service in that state until the spring of 1862. Returning with his regiment to Jefferson Barracks, he received new equipment and then embarked on a vessel to Pitts-
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burgh Landing, Tennessee, subsequently taking part in the two-day battle of Shiloh. His command then advanced to Corinth, Mississippi, and participated in the fight there, in which Mr. Lehman received a gun-shot wound in his right shoulder. After spending about a month in the hospital at St. Louis he rejoined his regiment and took part in all the battles, including the Atlanta campaign. Honorably discharged at Kaliska, Tennessee, he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, and fought through to the close of the war, participating in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., and receiving his honorable discharge July 15, 1865.
Returning to Lima, the brave young soldier secured employment cutting cord wood, an employment which he followed until the summer of 1866, when he began working at farming by the month and also added to his income by following the carpenter trade in Mercer county. Returning to Lima, he was married September 12, 1867, to Amelia Ridenour, who was born in Perry township, Allen county, a daughter of John and Lydia (Ridenour) Ridenour. Following his marriage he leased a farm in Shawnee township for three years, and then rented a farm in German (now American) township for ten years. His resources were now such that he could become a proprietor in a modest way, and he accordingly bought forty acres of land in Shawnee township, all in timber with the exception of five acres that were cleared. For two years he lived in a log cabin home while he engaged in the work of clearing, then buying forty acres across the road, where he moved into a small frame house. This land was partly cleared and Mr. Lehman completed the work of clearing this land, as well as that of his former purchase, making the whole into a splendid property. The Lehman farm boasts of, modern improvements, including a set of substantial modern buildings, and its prosperity and productiveness testify to the good management and farming ability of the proprietor. Mr. Lehman continued to operate this land actively until 1910, when he retired from hard work and since then has confined himself to supervising the work done by younger hands. He is also the owner of the home farm, consisting of 154 acres of farming land, and is accounted one of the substantial and well-to-do men of his locality.
Mr. and Mrs. Lehman are the parents of three children: Leroy H., of Wyoming, a rancher, whose wife died leaving ten children; Viola B., who is unmarried and makes her home with her parents; and Artie P., an enterprising agriculturist of Shawnee township operating the home farm. He married Catherine Bowersock and has one son, Lloyd Christian. Mr. and Mrs. Lehman and their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the work of which they take an active interest, Mr. Lehman having held several church offices. He has also contributed to the good government of his community as the incumbent of several civic offices, having been a member of the township board of trustees four terms and assessor three terms, his official record being an excellent one. In his political allegiance he supports the candidates and principles of the Democratic party. He has never forgotten his old army comrades, and is a popular and valued member of Mart Armstrong Post No. 202, Grand .Army of the Republics at Lima.
JOHN H. O'CONNOR. As is a family, so is a city, proud of the achievement of a native son, and that this feeling is mutual has been proven by John H. O'Connor, a leading member of the Lima bar, who has made his native city his permanent home and the field of his professional effort.
The O'Connor family was founded at Lima by the grandfather, John O'Connor, and here John H. O'Connor was born on April 7, 1882. He is one of a family of thirteen children born to John S. and Bridget (O'Neill) O'Connor, both of Irish parentage. The paternal grandfather, John O'Connor, was born in Ireland, an adventurous youth who ran away from his home in Abbeyfeale, Killarney, when but twelve years old, came across the ocean to America, landed at New Orleans, Louisiana, and subsequently found a permanent home at Lima, Ohio. For a number of years he worked in the railroad shops of the C. H. & D. System and then went into business for himself. He was entirely self-made, and notwithstanding his early handicaps became a well informed and valued member of society, the father of a large family and a faithful member of the Roman, Catholic Church. He died July 21, 1898, and in his death Lima lost a worthy citizen. He married Sarah O'Connell, and John S., father of John H. O'Connor, was the eldest of their children. He spent his life at Lima, married Bridget O'Neill, and John H. was the second born of their children. The father died March 21, 1904, but the mother survives.
John H. O'Connor was primarily educated ^ in the St. Rose parochial school, later attending St. Gregory College, Cincinnati, and in 1903 entered the Western Reserve University, from which he — was graduated in 1906 with the degree of LL, B. He was admitted to practice and in 1906 entered into partnership with Bernard O'Connor, under the firm name of O'Connor & O'Connor, general law practitioners. He has been a very active member of the firm, which has handled some of the most nole court cases in the past few years, a celebrated example being the prosecution of Dorrance S. Riddle. He has made a reputation as a sound counselor, and his best efforts are always given to his clients irrespective of their social or financial standing. During 1915 and 1916 he served as assistant prosecuting attorney.
Notwithstanding the great number of political complexities that confront a young man when he enters responsible citizenship there are certain principles that appeal most strongly, and in answer to these Mr. O'Connor has always been a Democrat but has never accepted any political office except as mentioned above. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and maintains fraternal relations with the Knights of Columbus, the Elks and the Order of Moose. He has always been an earnest and public-spirited citizen, and many times has demonstrated his sentiments of civic pride.
JAMES LEE JOLLEY has been an active business man in Lima for a number of years, and the family is one widely known over Allen county.
His father, Cass M. Jolley, was born at Marion, Ohio, and married Grace Weiler, a native of Smithsville, Ohio. After their marriage they located in Lima, where Cass Jolley followed his trade as a boot and shoemaker. He left his shop to enlist in Company H of the 4th Ohio Infantry
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as a drummer boy, and subsequently bore a musket as a private. He was in General Sherman's army at the siege and battle of Atlanta and in many other battles of the war, and made the march to the sea and was in the Grand Review at Washington at the close of the war. On returning to Lima he continued the boot and shoe business for ten years, and then for several years sold groceries. Leaving his business at Lima, he moved to American township and engaged in the manufacture of nitroglycerine for use in the oil districts. Subsequently he moved his plant to Shawnee township, and continued the manufacture of this explosive in Allen county for fifteen years, and later was located at Montpelier, Indiana for five years. Mr. C. M. Jolley passed away January 18, 1920, at Lima. His good wife passed away in September, 1910. They were the parents of five children: Dot, wife of Bert S. Wilson, of Lima; Iva, wife of William Hixenbaugh, of Allen county; James Lee; Earl, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Ralph, of Lima.
James Lee Jolley was born at Lima January 26, 1878, and attended district schools and the public schools of Lima. January 1, 1901, he married Bessie Brown, a native of Lima, and they have two children, Mary and John. Mr. Jolley is active in the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, is a member of the Brotherhood Bible Class, and fraternally is affiliated with Lima Lodge No. 54 of the Elks, has filled various chairs in the Knights of Pythias, is a member of the Lima Club and a Republican voter.
JAMES K. ROCKEY. Among the active young attorneys at law in Lima is James K. Rockey. He was born July 4, 1886, and patriotism is one of his characteristics. Mr. Rockey is a son of James P. and Melissa (Strachm) Rockey, the father a native of Perry and the mother of Hardin county, Ohio. They live on a farm in Hardin county. Mr. Rockey supplemented his common school education by attending the Ada High School and the Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio, receiving his B. S., B. Ped. and LL. B. degrees and completing the law course there in June, 1911. Since 1914 he has been practicing law in Lima.
On May 29, 1916, J. K. Rockey married Edna B. Wiley. She was born near Richwood, Union county, Ohio. She is a graduate of the School of Art in the Ohio Northern University. Mr. and Mrs. Rockey have one son, Paul J., born August 9, 1917. They are 'members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Rockey is a member of F. and A. M., at Lima, and of the L. 0. 0. M. of Lima. His vote is cast with the Democratic party.
JOHN B. HAINES, M. D. That life is the most desirable that results in the greatest good to the greatest number, and though all do not reach the heights to which they aspire, yet in some measure each can win success and make life a blessing to his fellow men. In the list of Allen county's successful citizens Dr. John B. Haines occupies a prominent place. In his record there is much that is commendable, his professional career as well as his private life being such as to win the sincere respect of the entire community.
John B. Haines was born in American township, Allen county, Ohio, on the 9th day of September, 1852, and he is the son of Jeremiah D. and Harriett E. (Baum) Haines, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of eastern Ohio. Dr. Haines' grandparents, Edwin Haines and George and Elizabeth Baum, were all born and reared in eastern Ohio. There the Doctor's parents were married and immediately afterward came to what was then German township, Allen county, where- Jeremiah Haines bought a tract of timber land. This was sometime during the '40s, at a time when settlers were few and far between in this locality, but Mr. Haines applied himself vigorously to the task of clearing the land and in the course of time developed a good, fertile farm, on which he lived until 1890. In that year retired from active business affairs and moved to Lima, where he and his wife spent their remaining days, his death occurring in October, 1906, and hers in November, 1899. They were the parents of the following children: George E., Rebecca, Eli D. and Ralph E., all of whom /are deceased; John B., the subject of this sketch; Mahlon B., of Toledo, Ohio; Elizabeth, the wife of John Shambarger, of Bradford, Ohio; Shelby T., deceased; Colonel Elsworth, deceased; and Bertha, the wife of Samuel Krause, of Lima.
John B. Haines attended the district schools of his home neighborhood and at the age of twenty years began teaching school, which vocation he followed for seven winter seasons, being employed at farm work during the summer months. He also attended the Normal school at Lebanon. Then, having determined to devote his life to the practice of medicine, he matriculated in the Fort Wayne Medical College, where he was graduated in 1879, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immediately thereafter he entered upon practice at Mendon, Mercer county, Ohio, where he remained until 1889, when he moved to Beaver Dam, Ohio, and there was engaged in practice for twelve years. In 1907 Doctor Haines came to Lima and has practiced here continuous. ly since, winning not only a large and remunerative practice, but also gaining a wide reputation as a man of superior personal qualities.
In May, 1884, Doctor Haines was married to Laura E. Parrott, of Mercer county, Ohio, the daughter of George G. and Rachel (Hussey) Parrott, who were natives of Virginia. To Doctor and Mrs. Haines have been born the following children: Shelby S., born November 14, 1885, died in September, 1886; Myrtis Gail, born June 14, 1887, a teacher in the public schools; and Mary Louise, born February 28, 1895, is the wife of Delbert J. Cummings.
Doctor and Mrs. Haines are members of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is an earnest supporter of the Republican party, and while living in Mendon served one term as township treasurer. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Beaver Dam and served for many years as its medical examiner. He is a member of the Allen County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. The Doctor is emphatic in his loyalty to his country and its institutions and ideals—in fact, the Haines family has proven its loyalty on the field of battle, for the Doctor's father, when past forty-five years of age, enlisted in an Ohio Volunteer Infantry regiment during the Civil war, serving several months, or until the close of the war. The Doctor's brother, George, enlisted in the Eighty-first Regiment, Ohio Vol-
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unteer Infantry, under Captain Armstrong, who, while walking beside George, was killed in battle by a bullet in his head. George later veteranized and served until the close of the war.
NATHAN I. COON, who owns a lumber yard in Lima, was born June 2, 1889. He came into the world the year the figure 9 came into the calendar to remain 111 years, and he is in the race to equal it. He will never address or date a letter without using a 9 in doing it. The 9 drops out of the calendar in the year 2000, and Mr. Coon will be an old man if he wins the race with it. He is a son of Sanford S. and Matilda (Fairchild) Coon, the father born in Amanda township and the mother was born at Valparaiso, Indiana. Isaac and Sarah (Cobbs) Coon, the paternal grandparents, came from Van Wert county. The Fairchild ancestry all lived in Indiana. Mrs. Coon is a daughter of Nathan S. Fairchild.
When S. S. Coon married he settled at Kemp, where he owned and operated a saw mill and a brick yard for six years. When he left Kemp he continued the saw mill business in Lima, and in 1905 he opened a lumber yard in partnership with L. E. Stamets. They engaged in both the wholesale and retail trade, and in December, 1914, N. I. Coon purchased the Stamet interest and continued the partnership arrangement with his father. S. S. Coon died March 2, 1919, and since that time N. I. Coon has continued alone.
On November 9, 190, Mr. Coon married Gail Bowdle, of Lima. She is a daughter of Elisha and Sarah Almeda (Rudy) Bowdle. They have one daughter, Greta, born July 7, 1913. Parents and daughter were alike educated in the Lima public schools, and Mr. Coon attended Lima College. While they are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, Mrs. Coon is organist in the United Brethren Church. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the B. P. O. E. No. 54 and of the L. O. O. M. No 199 of Lima. He votes with the Republicans, and is a charter member of the Kiwanis Club in Lima.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM BERDELL WILCOX is an honored citizen of Lima, not only due to his long, faithful and efficient service in the fire department, but also because of his military record. He had the distinction of serving with the same regiment in France as his son.
Captain Wilcox was born at Custer in Wood county, Ohio, May 29, 1872, a son of William and Sarah (Older) Wilcox. His parents were natives of England, his father born in 1846 and his mother in 1831. They came to the United States with their respective families, were married in Wood county, and after retiring from the farm moved to Weston, Ohio. Captain Wilcox grew up on the farm in Wood county, and after completing a common school education came to Lima and for four years was employed in a local paper mill. He also followed other occupations, and eventually joined the regular army as a private in the 19th United States Infantry. For three years he was on duty at Fort Mackinaw in northern Michigan, and then received an honorable discharge.
On July 20, 1892, Captain Wilcox married Ida May Marsh, who was born at Burnside, Michigan, daughter of Amos and Harriet (Swales) Marsh. Her father was a native of Canada and both were of English parentage. Three children were born to Captain Wilcox and wife: Marsa H., who married in 1920 Henry Kerwin and they are now living in Lima; and Robert Emerson and Helen Lena, at home. After his return to Lima Captain Wilcox was employed in the grocery business until December 31, 1903, when he entered the Lima Fire Department as a fireman. July 15, 1910, he earned his promotion to captain of No. 4 on the west side, and has since been captain of Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5, and is now captain f NO: 5 station at Shawnee and Elm streets. He is a very active man and is performing an almost indispensable service for his home city. For a number of years he had been active in the National Guard, enlisting in Company C on November 29, 1899. He joined as a private, was promoted to second lieutenant December 14, 1912, and then first lieutenant. His son Robert enlisted June 16, 1916, in the National Guard of Ohio and both were members of the 2nd Ohio Regiment, stationed at the Mexican border from September 26, 1916, until March 8, 1917. On the reorganization of the Ohio National Guard W. B. Wilcox was transferred to the 146th Infantry Supply Company with the rank of first lieutenant. Robert Wilcox was also transferred to the Sanitary Department of the same regiment, which went into training at Camp Sheridan until May, 1918, and sailed for Brest, France, in June of that year with the 37th Division.
Both father and son participated in some of the drives that gave glory to the American Expeditionary Forces, including the Argonne Forest, the Meuse, St. Mihiel and some of the important defenses of Belgium.
Marsa H. Wilcox enlisted as a nurse and was ordered to the embarkation port when the armistice was signed.
Captain Wilcox is a member of the Episcopal Church, a Republican, has been through the chairs of the Improved Order of Red Men and is a member of the Tribe of Ben Hur. He is also active in the American Legion Post at Lima.
JAMES POLING BISHOP M. D. For a number of years the name of Dr. James Bishop Poling, of Lima, has been a household word in Allen county, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice, being numbered among the representative citizens of this locality, having ever been known to be an able, reliable and progressive physician and patriotic in citizenship. James B. Poling is a native son of Allen county, having been born in Amanda township on September 22, 1877, and is a son of William D. and Keziah (Baxter) Poling, the former a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and the latter of Amanda township, Allen county. The Doctor's paternal grandparents were Benjamin and Elizabeth (Short) Poling, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Allen county, Ohio, in 1846. The maternal grandparents were James and a Miss (Johns) Baxter. After their marriage William D. and Keziah Poling settled on the old Baxter farm, their first home being a log cabin, where they lived for a number of years. He was a carpenter by trade and taught school during the winter months. He served two terms by election as county auditor and ten months in that office by appointment, comprising the period between 1882 and 1889. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and now resides on his farm in Amanda township. To
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him and his wife were born the following children: Minnie, the wife of David Kessler, of Casper, Wyoming; Arthur, of Casper, Wyoming; Elizabeth, the wife of Doctor Roush, of Springfield, Ohio; Jaynes B., the subject of this sketch; Bertha, the wife of Clinton Cheek, of California; Augusta, the wife of Amos Miller, of/Amanda township; Brice, of Knoxville, Tennessee; Clarence, of Casper, Wyoming; and Carl, who died at the age of four years.
James B. Poling was reared at home and attended the public schools, later becoming a student in the Lima Lutheran College. He then matriculated in the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1904. He entered upon the practice of medicine in Youngstown, Ohio, but eighteen months later came to Lima, where he has since been continuously engaged in his profession. He is also serving as city health commissioner. He is thoroughly qualified by nature and training for the calling to which he has devoted his efforts and has been notably successful in the practice, being numbered among the progressive and able physicians of his community.
Doctor Poling has been twice married, first, on October 6, 1906, to Caroline Wright, of Van Wert county, Ohio, to which union was born a son, James. Mrs. Caroline Poling died in December, 1908, and on December 27, 1911, the Doctor was married to Catharine Deyell, of Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada.
Doctor and Mrs. Poling are members of the Presbyterian Church and in politics the Doctor is Independent. Fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has attained the degree of a Knight Templar. He also is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Tribe of Ben Hur, the American Insurance Union and of the Lima Club. Professionally he holds membership in the Allen County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. During the World war Doctor Poling gave evidence of his patriotism by enlisting on August 15, 1918, in the United States Medical Corps, and spent six months in service at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, receiving an honorable discharge on March 24, 1919. He is a man of sympathetic and generous nature, a pleasant companion, and especially congenial to those who cultivate the highest and best in life, and because of these characteristics and his public spirited attitude toward the welfare of the community he enjoys a well merited popularity throughout the community.
HERBERT A. THOMAS, M. D. The medical profession of Allen county has an able exponent in Dr. A. Thomas of Lima, who has firmly established himself in his profession and won the confidence and esteem of the people and his professional brethren, for he has the natural endowments that go to make up the twentieth century, and also the necessary training, having been a close student and leaving no stone unturned whereby he could advance himself. He has also shown a public spirit that is commendable, ever willing to do his full share in the development of his community, and so ordering his course as to deserve the popularity which he enjoys.
Herbert A. Thomas was born in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, on October 26, 1879, and is the son of Rev. J. G. and Elizabeth (Waters) Thomas. These parents were natives of Wales, where they were reared and married, later immigrating to America and locating in Toronto, Canada. The father was a minister of the Congregational Church and was entitled to some distinction as the inventor of the individual communion cups, now so universally used by many Protestant churches throughout the world. In 1870 he moved to Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, where he remained for twelve years, moving at the end of that period to Newark, Ohio, where he remained until 1890, when he was called to the pastorate of the Congregational church at Vaughnsville, Ohio. His service there during a period of three years was very successful, his labors including the erection of a new building. He then came to Lima, and thereafter directed his attention to the perfecting of the communion cups which he had originated. He and his wife are both deceased, she dying on August 6, 1913, and his death occurring on November 15th following. They were the parents of the following children: Daniel, deceased; Oscar, of Lima; Arthur, manager of the Thomas Green Commission Company of Lima; Mollie, of Lima; Ernest, deceased; and Herbert A.
Herbert A. Thomas received his educational training in the public and high schools of Lima and in Adelbert College of Western Reserve University, Cleveland, where he graduated in 1903, with the Ph. B. degree. Following this he was for three years engaged as a teacher in the high school of Lima. Having determined to de vote himself to the practice of medicine, he then matriculated in the medical department of Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1909, with the degree of Dot. for of Medicine. During the following two years he served as interne in the Lakeside Hospital at Cleveland, where he gained much valuable experience, and on April 1, 1911, established him. self in practice in Lima. Later he moved to Lake. view, Ohio, where he engaged in practice for about two and a half years, at the end of which time he returned to Lima and has since then been engaged in professional work here. Besides possessing a wide and thorough knowledge of the ordinary technique of medical practice, Doctor Thomas is also an expert X-ray operator, owning one of the best machines of this kind to be had, and he has done much efficient work in the way of Xray examinations. He keeps thoroughly up to date in everything pertaining to his profession and is numbered among the enterprising and successful doctors of Allen county, where he enjoys a large and remunerative practice.
On March 15, 1911, Doctor Thomas was married to Annabel Ailing, who was born near Warren, Ohio, the daughter of Charles and Anna Alling, and they are the parents of two children, Elizabeth Anna and Herbert Ailing. They are members of the First Congregational Church, while in politics he gives his support to the Republican party. Fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery of that order at Lima, and to the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Cincinnati. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen
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of America, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Lima. He is a member of the Allen County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Amer-. ican Medical Association and the Radiological Society of North America. In addition to his creditable career in his profession, Doctor Thomas has proved an honorable member of the body politic, rising in the confidence and esteem of the public, and in every relation of life he has maintained the dignity of true manhood.
HARRY M. STEMEN. A young man of sterling worth and integrity, possessing undoubted business and financial ability, Harry M. Stemen, of Lima, has been associated with the monetary interests of Allen county for many years, and as secretary of the Lima Home & Savings Association is filling the position with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. A son of Jacob Stemen, he was born May 3, 1887, in Allen county, Ohio, near Elida. His paternal grandfather, Andrew Stemen, married Jane Sawmiller, whose parents were pioneer settlers of Allen county, where she was a life-long resident.
Jacob Stemen, an esteemed and respected resident of Allen county, is still living in Sugar Creek township, where he settled on taking upon himself the responsibilities of a married man. He married Alice Morris, daughter. of William and Sarah (Bechtol) Morris, the former of whom was a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. Three children blessed their union, all of whom reside in Allen county, as follows: Irvin E., of Marion township; W. Cloyd, of American township; and Harry M., of whom we write.
Receiving his preliminary education in the district school at Dutch Hollow, Harry M. Stemen completed his early studies at the Lima Business College. Beginning life for himself in 1907, he became bookkeeper and stenographer for the Allen County Savings & Loan Company of Lima, and there performed the duties devolving upon him so efficiently and -satisfactorily that he retained the position thirteen years, a long and honorable record of service. On the first day of March, 1920, Mr. Stemen was made secretary of the Lima Home and Savings Association, of which C. H. Cory is president and J. E. Morris, first vice president, while its directors are C. H. Cory, Joseph Potter, J. E. Morris, R. W. Parmenter, R. T. Gregg, W. C. Bradley and Frank E. Mead, attorney.
Mr. Stemen married Anna Davis, who was born In Allen county, near Gomer, a daughter of Ebenezer and Maria (Evans) Davis, and into their household thus established five children have been born, namely: Clarence J., H. Merlin, Frederick H., Ruth Ann and Donald H., but the last named passed away at the age of twenty months. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stemen are members of the United Brethren Church. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Stemen served as a member of the Village Council of Elida four years, and has served on the Elida Board of Education as clerk and as a director. Fraternally he is a member of Lima Lodge No. 818, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed all the chairs; and of Lima Encampment No. 581. He has a pleasant and attractive home at 126 South Jameson street, and its latch string is ever out to his many friends and acquaintances, both Mr. and Mrs. Stemen being very hospitable.
WILBUR R. MUMAUGH. A well known and prosperous real estate dealer of Lima, Wilbur R. Mumaugh handles city and country property of all descriptions, and by paying close and conscientious attention to the wants of his numerous customers has built up a large and profitable business. A native of Allen county, he was born August 10, 1888, in Bath township, which was likewise the birthplace of his parents, Charles L. and Bertha E. (Roush) Mumaugh, and of his paternal grandfather, Isaac H. Mumaugh, whose parents were among the very early pioneers of the county.
Born in the log cabin that his father erected in the heavily timbered tract .of land that he took up from the Government, Isaac H. Mumaugh began as soon as old enough help reclaim a farm from the wilderness, in the meantime actively assisting in the development of this now fertile and productive region. In 1849 he started on an overland trip to the California gold fields, but unable to undergo the hardships incident to such a journey was forced on reaching Iowa to return home. Subsequently marrying Elizabeth Chenowith, he settled in Bath township, Allen county, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits the remainder of his life.
Growing to manhood on the parental homestead, Charles L. Mumaugh chose the free and independent occupation to which he was reared, and was prosperously employed in tilling the soil until 1917, when he retired from active pursuits and moved to his present home, at No. 411 East Kibby street, Lima. His wife, whose name before marriage was Bertha E. Roush, was born in Allen county, Ohio, where her father, Franklin Roush, settled on coming to Ohio from Pennsylvania, his native state.
Acquiring his elementary education in the Bresler District School, Wilbur R. Mumaugh continued his studies at Lima College, and after teaching in a rural school three years took a business course of study in Lima. Going then to Cleveland, Mr. Mumaugh was with the National Quarries Company a year, and during the following year was engaged in the general insurance business in Lima. Embarking then in the automobile business, he was salesman for five years, handling the Ford and Maxwell cars. Becoming associated with T. W. Blackburn in 1917, he has since dealt extensively in city and country real estate, his office being located at 135 1/2 North Main street. He and his partner also handle valuable farming properties, not only in Allen county but in Putnam, Auglaize and Hardin counties.
On May 7, 1913, Mr. Mumaugh was united in marriage with Gail McAdams, who was born in Wayne township, Auglaize county, a daughter of George and Minnie (Pepple) McAdams, of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Mumaugh have no children. Both are active members of the Central Church of Christ. Politically Mr. Mumaugh supports the principles of the Republican party; fraternally he is a member of Lima Lodge No. 54, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is likewise an active member of the Lima Real Estate Board and a member of the Kiwanis Club.
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VIRGIL H. HAY, M. D. A rising young physician and surgeon of Lima, Virgil H. Hay, M. D., has established a large and lucrative practice, and is fast winning for himself an honorable and prominent name in the medical profession of Allen county. A native of Indiana, he was born September 24, 1889, in Allen county, and being yet on the sunny side of manhood's prime may look forward to a long future career of usefulness, both in the sphere of professional activity and in his more private relations as a man and a citizen.
His father, the late William H. Hay, was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, and early in life settled on a farm in Allen county, Indiana, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in July, 190. His wife, whose maiden name was Cinderella Krick, was born in Allen county, Indiana, and is now living with her son Virgil in Lima.
Laying a good foundation for his future education in the public schools of Allen county, Indiana, Virgil H. Hay was graduated from the Monroeville High School. Having decided upon a professional career, he then entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, and was there graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1912. He spent the following year as an interne in Saint Francis Hospital in Columbus, there acquiring useful knowledge and experience. Locating in Lima, Ohio, in 1913, Dr. Hay began practice as a physician and surgeon, and met with most encouraging success. On April 0, 1917, laying aside his professional ambitions, the Doctor enlisted in the medical department of the United States Army, and, havrng received his commission was assigned on June 21, 1917, to the Thirty-seventh Division, in which he was lieutenant. After spending three months at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, he was sent with his division to Camp Sheridan, Montgomery, Alabama, where he was located several months.
On June 15, 1918, the Doctor sailed with his command for France, where he saw actual service, his division having been on several sectors, including Baccarat, Avocourt, Meuse-Argonne, Pannes, and Ypres-Lys, where he went "over the top" twice. On March 16, 1919, he sailed for the United States, and on April 28, 1919, was discharged from the service at Camp Sherman Ohio, with the rank of major. Returning to Lima, Dr. Hay resumed his practice, and has since met with characteristic success, his patronage extending throughout the city and its suburbs.
Dr. Hay married on April 12, 1917, Marie M. Kelley, who was born in Muncie, Indiana, a daughter of Patrick and Martha M. Kelley, and their only child, Robert H. Hay, was born February 22, 1918, at Montgomery, Alabama. A stanch Democrat in politics, the Doctor was elected coroner of Allen county, Ohio, in November, 1916, being the youngest man ever elected to that office in the county, and served satisfactorily until entering the army, when he resigned the position. He is a regular attendant of the Lutheran Church, and a liberal contributor towards its support. Fraternally Dr. Hay is a member of Monroeville, Indiana, Lodge No. 283, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Lima Lodge No. 54, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
WALTER ARMSTRONG NOBLE, M. D. Occupying a place of prominence among the successful physicians and surgeons of Lima, Walter Armstrong Noble, M. D., is devoting himself exclusively to the treatment of diseases affecting the eye, ear, nose and throat, a special branch of study, in which he is greatly interested, and in which he is eminently skillful. This tendency toward specialties in all lines of industry and profession, it is said, is one of the chief indications of the progress that so clearly marks this age of brilliant achievements. A native of Ohio, Dr. Noble was born March 20, 1891, in Auglaize county, being a son of Albion B. Noble, and a grandson of William Noble, an early settler of Auglaize county.
Albion B. Noble, a life-long resident of Augalize county, married Mattie Whetstone, and was subsequently actively and prosperously engaged in general farming until 1909, when, having accumulated a competency, he moved with his family to Saint Marys, where he has since lived retired from bus Mess cares, enjoying all the comforts of life.
Having completed the course of study in Saint Marys High School, Walter Armstrong Noble entered the Starling Medical College in Columbus Ohio, and was there graduated with the class of 1913, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine Continuing in Columbus, he spent a year as an interne in the Mount Carmel Hospital. Previously, while yet a college student, he had spent all of his vacation time with Drs. Rogers & Clark, eye, ean, nose and throat specialists, of Columbus, Ohio, From 1914 until September, 1916, the Doctor was associated with the Bureau of Juvenile Research in Columbus, and was subsequently professionally con. nee with the Trachoma Hospital in Tazewell, Tennessee, and with the Welch Hospital in West Virginia, having charge of the latter in the Govern. ment Public Health Service.
On May 15, 1918, Dr. Noble enlisted in the Med. ical Corps, and having received his commission as first lieutenant was sent to Camp Greenleaf, Geon. gia, from there being transferred to Camp Wheelen at Macon, Georgia. A month later he was sent to Mineola, Long Island, where he was associated with the aircraft division in the medical research laboratory until receiving his honorable discharge fron the service December 31, 1918. Returning to Lima the Doctor opened an office in the Cincinnati Building, and has since devoted himself to those branches of medicine and surgery that he has made a specialty, and his practice along these lines is already large and constantly increasing.
Dr. Noble married, February 5, 1919, Mildred Conner, who was horn in Huron county, Ohio, a daughter of Frank and Jessie Conner. The Doctor is an independent voter, belonging to no political party or organization. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Saint Marys, Ohio. He belongs to the Allen County Medical Society and to both the Ohio State Medical and the American Medical Associations. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Shriner and a mein ber of Al Koran Grotto, and a member of Wapakoneta Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Dr. Noble spends much of his leisure in study, and has taken special instruction in his branch of work at Saint Bartholomew's Hospital, and from January 1, 1917, to May 15 of that year, studied in the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, taking a post graduate course.
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY - 81
JOHN SCHAUBLIN, general manager of E. S. Wittle & Son, lumber and mill work, is one of the efficient business men and skilled wood workers of Lima, Ohio, and whose standing in his community is unquestioned. Mr. Schaublin was born in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio, on January 0, 1881, a son of Nicholas and Louisa (Leiber) Schaublin, natives of Switzerland and Allen county, Ohio, respectively. The paternal grandparents, Henry and Mary Schaublin, were born in Switzerland and came to the United States in 1845, and located in Allen county, Ohio, and engaging in farming. Their son Nicholas Schaublin was also a farmer until his death, which occurred in 1915. His widow survives him and makes her home at Bluffton, Ohio.
Growing up on the farm in Richland township, John Schaublin attended the public schools of his neighborhood until he was nineteen years old, at which time he came to Lima, Ohio, and for a year worked at the carpenter trade. He then entered his present mill, which was established by J. H. Walter, a general contractor, as a lumber mill. Mr. Walter died in 1916, and E. S. Wittle & Son became the proprietors. They are residents of Shortleaf, Alabama. In the meanwhile, during 1904, Mr. Schaublin had been made general manager, and he was retained in the same position by the new owners. Having spent practically all of his business life with this mill Mr. Schaublin is thoroughly experienced and understands the requirements as few men would, and the success of the mill is largely due to his efforts.
On April 20, 1904, John Schaublin was united in marriage with Emma Rable, born in Germany, a daughter of Adolph and Catherine (Wahl) Rable. Mr. and Mrs. Schaublin have two children: Ralph Nicholas and Harold W. A man of religious instincts, both natural and fostered, Mr. Schaublin is a member of the First Reformed Church of Lima. Believing in a man's inherent right to exert his free will in politics, he is an independent Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose. The advance made by Mr. Schaublin has been steady, and while not marked by anything spectacular, has brought with it prosperity and the confidence of his associates. He has not cared to go into politics, but when the occasion demands gives a courageous support to measures which meet with his approval, and is correctly numbered among the really worth-while men of Allen county, if not of this part of the state.
CHARLES G. MEYER. Probably the most effective way of bringing goods to the notice of the public, especially in the congested districts, is that of advertising them through the medium of electric signs. The remarkable achievements in electric signs are distinctive of this country, and foreigners are apt to be more impressed by them than by any other feature of this, to them, new land. However, the admiration of the beauty and ingenuity of these remarkable creations which combine artistic merit and mechanical skill are not confined to those coming from other countries not so far advanced in these lines as the United States. Few can look upon them without marveling at them, and the majority who see them enjoy the magnificent display, and are so impressed with the commodity thus advertised that when they come to make an investment they are
Vol. 11-0
very liable to be influenced by this same impression. Some of the most dependable business men have gone into this line of advertising, recognizing as they do its wonderful possibilities, not all of which have yet been developed, and one of the firms of excellent standing at Lima is that formed by the association of Charles G. Meyer, Gaston A. Shumate and Joseph Franck to manufacture electric display signs.
Charles G. Meyer was born in Westphalia, Germany, on May 19, 1892, and his parents are still living and reside in Germany. On September 9, 1913, Charles G. Meyer arrived in the United States from Germany, landing in ,New York city on that date, and from then on has been a loyal supporter of his adopted country. Going to Newark, Delaware, he worked to carry him through a two year course in the Delaware State University. In 1917 he went to Chicago, Illinois, where he learned the business of constructing electric signs, and remained there until November 1, 1919, when he came to Lima, Ohio, and formed his Present partnership with Messrs. Shumate and Franck for the purpose of manufacturing electric display signs. The firm has its headquarters at Nos. 41o-18 South Elizabeth street. Being men of practical experience as well as artistic ideas, the members of the firm are able to render a very effective service and have built up a desirable business.
Mr. Meyer is unmarried. He is interested in Christian Science, believing that in the teachings of this religious organization he finds expression for his own views. He belongs to the Greek Letter college fraternity Omega Alpha.
JOHN SCULLY. Within recent years the importance of proper and scientific plumbing has been brought prominently before the public through the exploitation of correct sanitation, and this has resulted in a consequent demand for the best in material and workmanship, which has made it profitable- for men of ability and business standing to engage in this line of business and to expand their operations beyond the ordinary. One of these skilled practical plumbers and astute business men who are devotrng themselves to giving the city of Lima expert service in this important line is John Scully, of 1115 North Elizabeth street.
John Scully was born at Lima, Ohio, on November 11, 1876, a son of Peter and Mary (Welch) Scully, natives of Ireland, who came to the United States as young people and were married at Lima. He was a blacksmith by trade and had a shop at Lima, which he conducted until his death in 1908. She survives him and lives at 816 North Main street, Lima.
Growing up in his native city, John Scully attended the public schools and Saint Rose parochial school until he was sixteen years old, at which time he began learning the plumbing trade, working as a journeyman plumber until 1918, when he established his own business and has developed a very fine trade. He gives employment to three or more men, according to the season.
In January, 1898, Mr. Scully was married to Frances Lawler, born at Louisville, Kentucky, a daughter of John and Johanna Lawler. Mr. and Mrs. Scully became the parents of the following. children: Winona, who is a resident of Detroit,
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Michigan; Loretta, Marie, Joseph, John and Clayton, all of whom are at home.
Born and bred in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, it is but natural that Mr. Scully should embrace it as his own, and he and his family are consistent and earnest members of Saint Girard's parish. While he is a Democrat in his political convictions, he does not participate very actively in public affairs, although he never misses casting his vote for the candidates of his party. Fraternally he belongs to Lima Council No. 43o, K. of C., and to Lima Aerie No. 199, L. O. O. M. Lima is his birthplace; here he attended school, learned his trade, founded his business and has made his money, and here his home is located, so, naturally, Mr. Scully's interests are all centered here and he can be depended upon to take a whole-hearted part in any movement which has for its fundamental object the advancement of this locality.
WILLIAM H. BEERY, M. D. In the present century of expanding horizons in medical science, of marvelous discoveries and undreamed of surgical skill, the profession seems to have almost reached a time when its accomplishments are no less than miracles. The modern physician and surgeon, taking advantage of every opportunity for knowledge, must often realize with professional elation his great power over disease and disability, and be encouraged in his struggles to conquer the strongholds that have not yet been overcome. Possessing the steady nerve, the patience that never tires, the trained understanding, through his long period of special study, he must yet possess, in order to be a successful surgeon, a courage that never quails, together with a supurb technical manual skill. In every physician's life must come emergencies which make just such demands upon him.
It is scarcely possible in these days for a man to be a successful physician without being also a man of learning and of solid, scientific acquirements. Often the youth that feels the inspiration that ultimately leads him into the medical profession finds his progress one of difficulty from lack of encouragement, opportunity or capital, and when all these drawbacks are overcome through personal effort, battles have been won that make firm the foundations of character.
One of the men of Allen county who embodies in his life and work all of the above requirements and has won an enviable distinction as a physician and surgeon is Dr. William H. Beery of Lima. He was born in Perry county, Ohio, on March 20, 1870, a son of John W. and Eliza J. (Miller) Beery, both of whom were born in Perry county, Ohio, and grandson of Samuel H. and Mary (Moyer) Beery, natives of Pennsylvania, and Samuel and Elizabeth (Steman) Miller, natives of Rockingham county, Virginia. The grandparents all became early settlers of Ohio, and the parents of Doctor Beery were married in Perry county, Ohio. In 1890 they moved to Monroe township, Allen county, and are now residents of Monroe Center, this county. Their children were as follows: Doctor Beery, who was the eldest born; Frank, who is a resident of Algiers, Ohio; and Mary Alice, who died in infancy.
Doctor Beery attended the district schools of the locality in which he was living, the Monroe Center High School and the Northern Ohio University at Ada, Ohio. Later he became a student of Lima College, and then took his medical course at Hahnemann. College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1907. For the subsequent seven years he was engaged in the practice of his profession at Middlepoint, Ohio, and during that period took up post graduate work at Chicago, Illinois. He then came to Lima, and for the first eighteen months was alone, but then formed a partnership with Doctor Buchanan, and they maintain offices in the Savings Building.
On August 21, 1900, Doctor Beery was married to Hattie J. Bowers, born in Monroe township, Allen county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Anna (Cook) Bowers, natives of Allen and Richland counties, Ohio, respectively. Doctor and Mrs. Beery have the following children: Alice, Mary, Robert J., Walter C. and Emerson B. The Market Street Presbyterian Church holds the membership of Doctor Beery and his wife and family. He is a Republican, but not active in politics. Professionally he belongs to the American Institute of Homeopathy, the Ohio State Homeopathic Society, the Allen County Medical Society and the Ohio State Medical Society. In his fraternal relations he maintains membership with Lima Lodge No. 91, K. P.; Lima Lodge No. 581, I. O. O. F., and Lima Lodge No. 142, K. O. T. M. During the time he has lived at Lima Doctor Beery has made many warm personal friends, and he is held in high esteem not only as a skilled medical man but also as a fine citizen and upright individual whose aim in life is to live up to the highest standards of his profession, his church and his country.
ROBERT A. BUCHANAN, M. D. In every profession there are a few men who lead by no happy accident of fortune, no pride of birth, no favor of exalted patronage. Their intrinsic merit, manifested not as a sudden inspiration nor as an occasional performance, but day after day under the strain of protected effort, has put them where they are. The inferior material in the cheap man develops a structural flaw somewhere, and he goes to pieces where the strong man endures and holds his peace and completes the work.
Doctor Buchanan was born in Linesville, Pennsylvania, on July 21, 1877, a son of Sampson J. and Nancy (McMichael) Buchanan, natives of Ireland, who were married in the United States. Sampson J. Buchanan was for many years engaged in farming in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, but later in life he came to Lima and made his home with his son Doctor Buchanan, and there died in March, 1919. His widow survives him and still lives with their son.
After attending Grove City College at Grove City, Pennsylvania, Doctor Buchanan entered Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College of Cleveland, Ohio, and after completing the regular course was graduated therefrom in 1901, and on May 30th of that year entered upon the active practice of his profession at Lima, Ohio. On January 1, 1916, Doctor Buchanan took Dr. W. H. Beery into partnership with him, and they carry on a general medical practice, their association being one of the strong professional ones of Allen county.
In January, 1914, Doctor Buchanan became associated with the Ohio National Guard, and from June, 1916, until March, 1917, he was with the
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Second Ohio Infantry as medical officer on the Mexican border, receiving his honorable discharge with the rank of captain on April 7, 1917. On May 20, 1917, Doctor Buchanan enlisted in the Medical Volunteer Corps, and belongs to the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States. At present he is consulting surgeon of the Lima City Hospital. He and his partner have a suite of eight rooms at 507 Savings Bank Building.
In April, 1900, Doctor Buchanan was married to Lura A. Painter, born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of J. A. and Eliza (Smith) Painter. Doctor and Mrs. Buchanan have two children, Stuart and Lydia, both of whom are at home. Doctor Buchanan is a Presbyterian and has been very active in church work and held nearly all of the offices in the local organization. His political faith is such as to make him adhere to the principles of the Republican party. His fraternal connections are those which he maintains as a member of Lima Lodge No. 91, K. of P., in which he has held all of the offices, and is now past chancellor. He belongs to the American Institute of Homeopathy and the Ohio State Homeopathic Association, and is president of the Northwestern Homeopathic Society.
PETER M. HULSKEN is one of the young, enterprising and successful professional men of Lima. An architect, trained in the technique and practice of his profession in schools and environment both abroad and in the United States, he has carried out many of the more ambitious building projects in Lima and vicinity during the past decade.
Mr. Hulsken was born in Arnhem, Holland, on September 21, 1881, and was there reared and educated. After completing the elementary course he attended the Arnhem schools and the high schools at Roermond, Holland, learning the French, German and English languages in addition to his own. He then applied himself to the study of architecture and building, .becoming a draughtsman and superintendent. His technical studies were prosecuted at Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin, and thus he secured the best ideals of the three national types.
Mr. Hulsken came to the United States in 1904, landing at New York city, where he was employed for a short time. He then attended the Louisiana Exposition at St. Louis, after which for four years he was employed in his profession at Detroit. He was then similarly employed at Toledo for a time, and in 1909 came to Lima and, deciding to locate permanently here, formed a professional partnership with T. D. McLaughlin. Their relationships were continued until January 1, 1921, and after the dissolution of this firm Mr. Hulsken formed his present association with Lyman D. Strong. Both are accomplished men in the technique of their profession, represent a high type of business men, governing their actions by the highest standards of business ethics, and have therefore earned the confidence and esteem of all with whom they have dealings in any way. They recently removed to their new offices at 216 West Market Street, where they occupy a modern suite of offices.
Thoroughly qualified for his work, one of the leaders of his profession in Ohio, Mr. Hulsken has specialized in the planning of school house buildings and courthouses, and has designed many in Ohio and adjoining states. He has designed practically all of the newer and better buildings in Lima and vicinity. Some of these that may be mentioned are the Court House of Portland, Indiana, the Court House of Celina, Ohio, the Elks Club House and Savings Building of Lima, Telephone Building at Lima, school buildings at Findlay, Napoleon, Bucyrus, Lima and Fostoria, and many of the finest homes in Allen county.
Successful in his business affairs, Mr. Hulsken owns the Hotel Verdun building at Petersburg, Virginia. In May, 1907, he married Elizabeth Lewis, of Anderson, Indiana. Mr. Hulsken is a member of the Rotary Club, the Gridiron Club, the Lima Club and the Lima Automobile Club, and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His religious affiliation is with the Catholic Church. A man of marked professional ability and high personal character, he is deservedly popular in every circle in which he moves.
GEORGE WASHINGTON KING, M. D. Knowledge increases, old philosophies become obsolete, new sciences widen out the horizons of the world, new aspirations fill the hearts of those who are true humanitarians, and in no other line are these changes more clearly indicated than that of medicine. There are no finer body of men in the world than those composed of the physicians and surgeons of today, whose skill and experience are being directed not only to effect cures but also to prevent and where possible, eradicate disease. One of the able representatives of this honored profession in Allen county is Dr. George Washington King of Lima.
Doctor King was born at Ansonia, Connecticut, on May 23, 1886, a son of Adolph William and Mary (Eggers) King, the former of whom was born in Germany, but came to the United States at an early day and became superintendent of the shipping department of a factory manufacturing webbing for suspenders at Derby, Connecticut, and he was holding this position at the time of his death, which occurred on December 13, 1911. His widow survives him and still resides at Derby, Connecticut.
After completing his studies in both the graded and high schools George Washington King began to be self-supporting by working in the office of Coe Brothers Brass Manufacturing Company, and remained with that concern for one year, leaving it to enter the Booth Preparatory School at New Haven, Connecticut, in 1904. Still later he entered Yale Medical College and was graduated therefrom in 1909, and for the subsequent six months was an interne in Saint Raphael's Hospital at New Haven, Connecticut. From there he went to Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was in the General Hospital of that city for sixteen months. For five months thereafter Doctor King was interne at the Manhattan Eye, Nose and Throat Hospital of New York city. He still later took post graduate work with Dr. Peter Callan at Saint Bartholomew Hospital and the New York Eye, Ear and Throat Infirmary. On August 19, 1912, Doctor King came to Lima as assistant to Dr. William B. Van Note, with whom he formed a partnership in April, 1919, and on September 1 of that same year bought out Doctor Van Note's interest and is now practicing alone, with offices at
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304-305 Opera House Block. Between April and September, 1919, he took an additional six weeks' post graduate course in New York city.
During the great war Doctor King, like so many of the physicians and surgeons of this country, enlisted on May 22, 1917, rn the Thirty-seventh Division, Field Hospital No: 148. For three months he was at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and then was sent to Camp Sheridan, Montgomery, Alabama. From there he was sent on June 17, 1918, to Camp Upton, and ten days later sailed for France. After landing overseas he was connected with field hospital work as a specialist in ear, eye, nose and throat diseases, until March 15, 1919, when he returned to the United States, and was mustered out of the service on April 13, 1919, and returned to Lima.
On October 15, 1914, Doctor King was married to Grace May Newman, born at Lima, Ohio, a daughter of Edward J. and Eva May (Moyer) Newman. Doctor and Mrs. King have two children: Gwendolyn May, who was born on October 4, 1915; and George William, who was born March 26, 1920. Doctor King is a member of the Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. Professionally he belongs to the Allen County Medical Society and to the Ohio State Medical Society. He has rendered a very important service in his expert examination work for the United States Government with reference to ex- Union soldiers, and is now equally efficient in his examinations of ex-service men in reference to eye, ear, nose and throat affections. As would be expected, Doctor King is an enthusiast with reference to the American Legion, and is one of the early members of the Legion at Lima.
JOHN A. HARLEY. The biographies of the representative men of a county bring to light many hidden treasures of mind, character and courage, well calculated to arouse the pride of their family and of the community and it is a source of regret that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men, in the ranks of whom may be found farmers, business men, professional men and those of varied vocations. John A. Harley is one of the credile representatives of the business element in Allen county, and as such has made his influence felt in Lima, while in addition thereto he has a military record of which he has just reason to be proud.
John A. Harley was born at Kenton, Ohio, on September 11, 1878, and is a son of James and Sarah E. (Wright) Harley, the father a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and the mother of Darke county, Ohio. His paternal grandparents, Andrew and Martha (Mackenzie) Harley, immigrated to the United States, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he established the first artificial gas plant in that city. Later he went to Montgomery, Alabama, where he managed a similar plant, and sometime later established a plant at New Orleans, Louisiana. His later years were spent on a farm in Greene county, Ohio. The maternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth Wright, were early settlers in Ohio, locating in Write county, where he followed farming pursuits. James and Sarah E. Harley were married sometime in the early '70s and soon afterward came to Lima, where he and a brother ran a gun shop. In 1876 he was elected constable of Lima, later became city marshal, and when the regular police force was organized he became the first chief of police, holding that position for several years. Then for several years he was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as a detective. His death occurred in 1903, and he was survied several years by his widow, whose death occurred in 1912.
John A. Harley, who was the only child born to his parents, attended the public and high schools of Lima until the age of eighteen years, when he became yard clerk for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. In the meantime he had joined the Ohio National Guard in January, 1897, and at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he volunteered and enlisted in the Second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was sent to the camp at Chickamauga, Georgia, where they remained until the close of the war and Mr. Harley was mustered out in February, 1899, without having seen service in Cuba. On his return to Lima, he again took up his duties as yard clerk for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, but in 1901 resigned and became manager of the City Transfer Company. On April 1, 1905, in partnership with D. L. Goodyear, he organized the Lima Truck and Storage Company, which has developed into the most important enterprise of the kind in Lima. They do a general trucking and storage business and enjoy a large and prosperous business.
After Mr. Harley returned from the Spanish- American war he re-entered the Ohio National Guard, in which he was appointed first sergeant; in 1901 he was commissioned second lieutenant; was made a first lieutenant in 1902, captain in 1908, and a major in 1913. In June, 1916, he was ordered to El Paso, Texas, and on March 25, 1917, was sent to Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He returned to Lima on a two months leave, and then went to Camp Sheridan at Montgomery, Alabama, where he was transferred to Division Headquarters. In March, 1918, Major Harley was transferred to the Ammunition Train of the Thirty-seventh Division. In June, 1918, he sailed from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for over-seas service, going by the way of Halifax, Nova Scotia, thence to Liverpool, England, the voyage requiring nineteen days. From there he sailed for Cherbourg, France, and then entered the training school at Camp DeSouge. In September of that year he went into line at Pont Mousson, being in support of the Ninety-second United States Artillery. He also served for a short time with the French Seventeenth Colonial Corps and with the Twenty-eighth and Thirty-third United States Divisions. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel October 29, 1918, and placed in command of the Ammunition Train, and was held on that front and in the reserve of the Army of Occupation until ordered .home. He landed at Newport News, Virginia, and received an honorable discharge at Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, on May 6, 1919, after a military record which reflected great credit on him. Since returning home Colonel Harley has devoted his attention closely to his private business interests, principally in connection with the truck and storage company.
On September 24, 1904, he was married to Effie L. Anderson, of Delphos, Ohio, the daughter of John Anderson. Mrs. Harley is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Colonel Harley is an earnest supporter of the Republican party, and
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has been active in local public affairs, having served one term as director of Public Safety and one term as district oil inspector. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and is a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; the Knights of Pythias; a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being a past exalted ruler of the lodge at Lima; the Rotary Club; the Spanish-American War Veterans, and the American Legion, of which he is vice commander.
Thus, in the particulars related, he whose name appears at the head of this review has conferred honor and dignity on his city and county, and as an elemental part of history it is entirely consonant that a history of his county should incorporate a resume of his career, with the object in view of noting his sterling qualities as a citizen, his capacity for high and unselfish effort and his devotion to the public welfare.
ELLIOTT ELSWORTH CLAPPER. An alert and resourceful merchant, business man and citizen of Lima, the late Elliott Elsworth Clapper had achieved a high degree of success and esteem be fore his life was cut short prematurely, and a proper record of his career has an appropriate place in this publication.
He was born in Allen county September 19, 1875, a son of John and Sarah (Stuckey) Clapper. Mr. Clapper grew up on a farm near Elida, and lived in that community to the age of twenty- two. He made good use of his advantages in the local schools, attended a business college, and for a time was a teacher in Van Wert county. His inclinations, however, were for commercial pursuits, and he gained his first practical experience in the Linkenstetter's department store at Lima, where he worked in the clothing and shoe departments and eventually was placed in charge of the shoe department. He remained there a few years after his marriage, and formed a partnership with Harry Boose, establishing a shoe store at 142 South Main Street. The firm soon changed to Clapper & McKay, and they enjoyed a highly prosperous business until the death of Mr. Clapper on June 11, 1913. Mr. Clapper's death was a tragic occurrence. While riding a bicycle he was struck by a motorcycle in front of the Memorial Hall and died four days later in the hospital.
Mr. Clapper did more for his community than to serve as a successful business man. He was a very active member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, being a member of its choir and superintendent of its Sunday School. At the time of his death he was representing the First Ward in the City Council. Politically he was a Republican.
On May 15, 1901, Mr. Clapper married Mary E. Peltier, who was born in Shelby county, Ohio, a daughter of John Wesley and Sarah E. (Leech) Peltier. James Peltier, distinguished as the first merchant at Lima, put up a log building on the west side of the Square and sold goods to some of the first settlers of Allen county. This pioneer merchant married Jane Clark. Mrs. Clapper's maternal grandparents were Jesse and Susanna (Friend) Leech, natives of Virginia. John Wesley Peltier, father of Mrs. Clapper, was born in Allen county and served as a Union soldier in the Civil war in Company B of the 81st Ohio Infantry, enlisting in 1862 and serving until wounded by gunshot in the left knee. He remained a cripple the rest of his life and died January 19, 1906. He married Sarah E. Leech, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and is still living at Lima.
ALDOUS WILLIAM CANTWELL. At no time in the history of a famrly or community does the need become more imperative to have a dignified and appropriate service than when death comes. No pains should be spared to make the last rites impressive, and proper respect for the loved ones demands that everything be carried out so as to render a last tribute to the departed. The time has gone by when the family and neighbors can render these services. The demands of civilization require the services of a licensed undertaker, and popular approval has set its stamp upon a funeral director who can conduct the services appropriately. One of these dignified and skilled men of Lima is Aldous William Cantwell, one of the best in his line in Allen county.
The birth of Aldous William Cantwell took place at Bellefontaine, Ohio, November 11, 1896. He is a son of William P. and Josephine (Hennessy) Cantwell. The paternal grandfather, John Cantwell, was born in County Cork, Ireland, from whence he came to the United States in young manhood, landing in New York city, from whence he moved to Logan county, Ohio, and there operated a quarry, and in time became an extensive contractor at Bellefontaine. Of his nine children William P. Cantwell was the fourth in order of birth, and he followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a contractor. He has erected some of the most important buildings at Lima, including the City Bank, the Norval Hotel, Black's Block and the Argonne Hotel.
Aldous William Cantwell attended Saint Rose parochial school at Lima, and then for a year was a day student in the scientific course at Notre Dame University at Notre Dame, Indiana. From there in 1914 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and spent four years in the undertaking establishment of J. J. Sullivan, the oldest funeral director of that city. Mr. Cantwell took a course in the Columbus School of Embalming, and received a special degree and receivevd a Class A license. Returning to Cincinnati, he spent two years with W. Mack Johnson, undertaker, and then came to Lima and opened his own business at 215 North Elizabeth street. He has built up a large city and country clientele, extending over a radius of ten miles.
Mr. Cantwell is unmarried. In politics he is an independent voter and thinker. Both by inheritance and conviction he is a Catholic and belongs to Saint Rose parish. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Kiwanis Club, the Wayfarers Club, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
CHARLES DAVID O'CONNELL. Occupying a noteworthy position in the business life of Allen county, Charles David O'Connell is identified with the manufacturing and mercantile interests of Lima as general manager of the business of Lu-tietsky Brothers & Kleiner, wholesale cigar manufacturers and dealers, with a factory at Lima and
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two in Michigan, one being in Ludington and the other at Grand Rapids. A son of John E. O'Connell, he was born June 22, 1884, at Lansing, Michigan, coming on both sides of the house of substantial Irish stock.
John E. O'Connell came from Michigan to Ohio in 1886, locating in Lima. He married Mary Daley, who was born in Lansing, Michigan, where her parents settled when coming from Limerick, Ireland, to the United States, her father having been a farmer. Of the ten sons and two daughters born of their union, six children are now living.
The seventh child in succession of birth of his parents, Charles David O'Connell was two years old when the family settled in Lima, Ohio, where he obtained his early education, attending first the parochial school and later Saint Rose School. At the age of sixteen years he began life as a wage earner, for two years serving as call boy. He was afterward in the employ of the Biesel- Wermer Cigar Company until 1902, during which time he learned the trade of a cigar maker. Continuing with that company, Mr. O'Connell was made foreman of the factory, and at the end of a year and a half was promoted, becoming superintendent of the Sidney branch of the Biesel-Wermer Company. Establishing there the plant for the firm, Mr. O'Connell managed it ably for three years, keeping 175 employes busy.
Going then to Toledo, Ohio, Mr. O'Connell opened a new plant in that city, and served as its superintendent for four years, placing it on a paying basis. Resigning that position, he had charge of the productions of the Bauch Company, cigar manufacturers, at Indianapolis, Indiana, for two years. Returning to Lima, he opened the cigar factory belonging to Lubetsky Brothers and Kleiner, and has since managed its affairs with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the firm, employing in the work 260 people and turning out two popular brands of cigars, the Mungo Park and the Odein. Mr. O'Connell is a fine business man, and is financially interested in the business with which he is so actively associated.
He married Ella Madeline Harrington in Oil City, Pennsylvania, in 1905. Five children have been born of their union, namely: Mary Margaret, Patricia Elizabeth, Jane Frances, Agnes and Cornelius Bernard. Politically Mr. O'Connell is an independent Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of Lima Council, Knights of Columbus, a member and past grand knight of Sidney Council, and is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Religiously he is a trustworthy member of the Saint Rose Catholic Church.
DORSEY BIRDELL HUBER. One of the most responsible exponents of the business life of Lima is Dorsey Birdell Huber, senior member of the firm of Huber & Breo, harness headquarters and dealers in luggage and accessories, and agents for the Auburn automobile and Republic trucks. He was born on a farm south of Bluffton, Ohio, May 13, 1882, a son of Erastus and Sarah (Phillipps) Huber. The Huber family is of German extraction and that of the Phillipps of Scotch origin.
The paternal grandfather came to the United States from Germany while yet a child, being brought here by his parents, and they settled in Richland township, Allen county, Ohio. The paternal great-grandfather was Charles Huber, and he, too, was a native of Germany. William Huber reared a family of five sons and four daughters, and gave all of them farms from his 900 acres as they had need for the land, and not waiting until his death for them to take possession of the property. Of these children Erastus Huber was the fourth in order of birth, and all of his active life he was engaged in farming, but some years ago retired and is now living retired at Clyde, Ohio. His wife is also living.
Until he was eighteen years old D. B. Huber remained at home and secured a public school education in the neighborhood of his father's farm, giving to his father his help during the winter months of that period. At the age of eighteen years he commenced to have a desire to learn a trade, and so began to learn the harness making trade at Bluffton, Ohio, spending three years with Simon Herr, and seven years with Mell Bogart, of Bluffton, Ohio. For the subsequent two years he was in a restaurant business at Bluffton, and was a successful business man from the start. Selling his restaurant, Mr. Huber then for three years was the proprietor and operator of The Nemo, a moving picture house, and having built it up to successful proportions he disposed of it at an excellent figure, and in 1911 came to Lima and went into the harness business at 126 East Market street, buying the harness business of thirty-five years standing from J. N. Fleet, Mr. Huber conducted this business alone until in 1914 he took J. H. Breo into partnership with him. About that time he began handling the Auburn automobiles in Allen, Anglaize and Hardin counties, and he is district representative for the Republic trucks in Allen, Auglaize, Hardin and Mer. cer counties. Mr. Huber is giving his attention to the automobile and truck business and his partner is managing the harness part, and both gen- tlemen are experts in their several lines, so that their concern is showing a natural increase in the volume of business with each succeeding year. In 1905 Mr. Huber was united in marriage with Sylvia Watkins, a daughter of William and Susan Watkins. Mrs. Huber was born on a farm near Bluffton, Ohio, and was there reared and educated. There are no children. In his political faith Mr. Huber is a Republican, but he has never sought political preferment. Both he and Mrs. Huber are consistent and valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his fraternal connections Mr. Huber maintains membership with the Loyal Order of Moose and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In every particular he measures up to the highest standards of citizenship and is not only a well known man in this part of the state but he is also one who merits and holds the full confidence and respect of all who do business with him, for they appreciate that he is a man of his word.
ISAAC FOSSE JUDKINS since leaving the army after a clean and efficient record overseas has been active in business affairs at Lima, where he is president of the Lima Office Supply Company and is secretary of the Hoover-Roush Furniture Company.
Mr. Judkins was born near Elida in Marion township, Allen county, in 1888, son of William J. and Eliza Jane (Baxter) Judkins. In the pa-
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ternal line he is ScotchIrish and through the Baxters is of English-Welsh ancestry. The Judkins family came to Allen county from Highland county when William J. Judkins was six years of age. The latter is still living at Lima, but his wife died in 1912. The Baxters were also early settlers in Allen county, Curtis Baxter being a pioneer who helped build that portion of the old Eric Canal near Delphos.
Isaac F. Judkins, who is popularly known I among his associates as Dick Judkins, acquired a rural school education and attended the Ohio Northern University at Ada from 1908 to 190. For several years he gave much of his time to the management of his father's five hundred acre farm, but also taught country schools in Marion township, teaching three nine months terms. After the death of his mother in 1912 he left the farm and came to Lima, where for a year and a half he was a salesman in the clothing department of the Deisel Company. Also director of the Lima Merchandise Company for whom he traveled about two years. Severing these connections he then went on the road as a traveling salesman for the Watterson & Denio Company of. Rochester, New York, haberdashers, and sold their goods in Ohio, southern Michigan and eastern Indiana for seven years.
From a successful career as a commercial salesman Mr. Judkins entered the army as a private, enlisting at Lima July 13, 1917. He was assigned to the 37th Division, and three days after his enlistment was made a sergeant. He was at Columbus from July 14 to August 8, 1917, and was trained at Camp Sheridan until June 17, 1918. He was then transferred to Camp Upton, New York, on June 21st left for Hoboken, and on the 28th of June sailed on the steamship Mentor, an English cattle boat, in a convoy of thirteen vessels carrying sixty-four thousand troops, the second largest convoy that crossed the waters during the war. The fleet encountered one submarine, which was sunk, and also one floating mine. He landed at Birkenhead, England, July 9, 1918, spent one day at Winchester, thence to Southampton and crossed the channel on a side wheeler to Le Havre. At Beaumont, France, the troops were equipped and were then sent direct to the trenches in the Lorraine sector. Mr. Judkins was in some of the tremendous fighting of the Argonne, for twelve days, beginning September 24, 1918, participated in two drives during a period of three weeks in the St. Mihiel salient, and thence was transferred by motor truck across France to Belgium, reaching Pessendale Ridge, where he participated in two drives before the signing of the armistice on November 11th. He was with troops assigned to the Army of Occupation, but eventually was returned to America, leaving Brest on March 20, 1919, and landing at Hoboken March 27th, thence going to Camp Mills on Long Island, and on coming west paraded at Columbus and received his honorable discharge at Camp Sheridan April 17, 1919. He was in the army nearly two years, and completed a clean record with the rank of sergeant. Mr. Judkins is a member of Paul Gallagher Post of the American Legion at Lima. He is a York and Scottish Rite Mason, being affiliated with Lodge No. 214, F. and A. M., and the Knight Templar Commandery. He is also a member of the Lima Lodge of Elks, the Merchants Association, the Kiwanis Club, U. C. T.'s, the Wayfarers Club, and the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church.
His sister, Mrs. Myrtle Judkins Bliss, is also a partner in the Lima Office Supply Company and was the oldest child of her parents. She acquired a public school education in Allen county, attended Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and in 1900 was married to Lester L. Bliss of Chicago. She has one daughter, Martha Olive. During 1905 Mrs. Bliss attended the Chautauqua School of Nursing at Jamestown, New York, and followed that profession for fifteen years, her services as a competent nurse being in great demand. In March, 1920, she joined her two brothers, Isaac F. and J. D. Judkins, and Mr. M. W. Shreves in the incorporation of the Lima Office Supply Company, a business that has proved very successful, and she has given her time to her duties as secretary and treasurer of the corporation. Mrs. Bliss taught one term of school in Marion township at the age of eighteen. She is a member of the University Club and the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOSEPH WHITE. The record of the subject of this sketch is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way from a modest beginning to a position of comfort and influence in his community. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable methods he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens of Allen county, whose interests he has ever had at heart and sought to promote whenever practicable.
Joseph White, vice president and general manager of the Lima Brass and Iron Foundry Company, was born in New York city in 1850, and is of sturdy Irish stock, being the son of Richard and Saray (Farley) White. His father was born in the parish of Robinstown, county of Meath, Ireland, and immigrated to the United States, locating in New York city, where he followed his vocation, that of a house carpenter, during the remainder of his active life. He died in 1864, and was survived many years by his widow, whose death occurred in 1898. Joseph White received his educational training in the Thirty-fifth street public school, New York, but at the age of eleven years he quit school and became an errand boy in a cigar factory. Later he worked in a paper mill, and afterward learned the trade of a brass molder in the foundry of Jones & Miller. His next employment was as a brass molder with the Pennsylvania Railroad at Crestline, Ohio, where he was employed for twelve years. In 1882 Mr. White came to Lima as foreman of shops in the brass foundry of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, remaining with that company until 1907. In the latter year he decided to enter business on his own account and established the Lima Brass Foundry Company, his first location being at the junction of High street and the C. H. & D. tracks. His success was so pronounced and his business increased to such an extent that at the end of seven years he found it necessary to secure a larger location and moved to North Main street, where he remained for three years. Recently the company has had a modern brick and steel building erected at Nos. 220230 East McKibbin street, where they are now established. They are prepared to make any kind of a casting in brass, iron
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and aluminum, shipping their products to all parts of the United States. They employ thirty-one men and the enterprise is considered one of the leading plants of its kind in northwestern Ohio. In August, 1919, the Lima Brass and Iron Foundry Company was incorporated, and Mr. White became vice president and general manager.
In 1869 he was married to Emma Coats, of Coventry, England, and to them have been born eight children, three sons and five daughters: Hannah, the wife of John Baker of Phebous, Virginia; Sadie, the wife of Dr. Dominic Cantieny of Cleveland, Ohio; Harriet, deceased; John T., with his father; Mary, the wife of Harry Redrup of Cleveland; Joseph White, Jr., deceased; Margaret, the wife of Frank Clay of St. Louis, and Richard, who died in infancy. Mrs. White died on July 30, 1918, and subsequently Mr. White was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Spivey, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Harrison, of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Politically Mr. White is independent in politics, though a strong admirer of William Jennings Bryan. During the life of the Populist party he was very active in its support, having during his youth been inclined to radical ideas on political economy. In 1893 he was the nominee of the Populist party for county treasurer, and received eleven hundred votes in Allen county, five hundred more vote s than were received by his party's candidate for governor. In 1894 he was that party's candidate for Congress and received twenty-two hundred votes. Mr. White has ever held the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the people of his community, and those who know him well are unstinted in their praise of his genial disposition and his excellent qualities of character.
RUDOLPH F. KIPP is numbered among the industrious and progressive citizens of Delphos, Ohio, where he is serving efficiently as superintendent of the Steinle-Delphos Company. He is a man of steady habits, reliable opinions and an expert workman, so that he has not only gained the confidence of his employers, but the good will and esteem of his fellows as well.
Rudolph F. Kipp is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Mercer county, Ohio, on the 13th day of May, 1879, and is the son of William and Frances (Buschore) Kipp. William Kipp was born in Tippecanoe City, Ohio, while his wife was born at St. Peter, Mercer county, Ohio, and died on March 4, 1918. She is still survived by her husband, who is living in Delphos and following his life vocation, that of a carpenter and contractor. They were members of St. John's Catholic Church, and in politics Mr. Kipp was a supporter of the Democrat party. To them were born three children, namely: Rudolph F., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, who is a bottle foreman in the Steinle-Delphos Company's plant; and Frieda, who is the wife of Henry Smith of Lima, Ohio.
Rudolph F. Kipp's earliest years were spent in his native town of Celina, whence he accompanied his parents on. their removal to Kansas City, where he secured his education in the public schools. His first employment was as a clerk in the clothing store of the Bruggman Company in Kansas City, where he remained for two years, after which for eighteen months he worked for
the Bernheimer Dry Goods Company. Then his father removed to a farm at Little Blue, Missouri, and he gave his attention to farm work for two years. Then the family moved to Piqua, Ohio, where he obtained employment in a furniture factory for about six years. At the end of that period he came to Delphos and for a time worked in a saw mill, later being employed in a saloon. He then entered the employ of the Steinle-Delphos Company as an ordinary workman, but by faithful and efficient service he was promoted to foreman, and still later to the superin. tendency of the plant, which position he is still occupying.
On April 20, 1909, Mr. Kipp was married to Edna Wulfhorst, and they are the parents of four children: Edward, Charles (deceased), Robert, and one daughter, Ruth Edna. The family are members fo the Catholic Church, while in politics Mr. Kipp gives his support to the Democratic party. He is quiet and unassuming in manner, but nevertheless takes a keen interest in public affairs, especially as pertaining to the community in which he lives, and by his industrious habits and excellent personal qualities has attained to an excellent position among his fellows.
BERNARD L. JAUMAN. One of the worthy native sons of Allen county is Bernard L. Jauman, a progressive business man and the present mayor of Delphos, who is easily the peer of any of his fellows in the qualities that constitute correct manhood and good citizenship. He is what he is from natural endowment and self culture, having attained his present standing solely through the impelling force of his own strong nature. In his daily affairs he manifests a generous regard for his fellows, and he therefore commands the good will of the people of his section of the county.
Bernard L. Jauman was born in Delphos, Ohio, on the 0th day of August, 1876, and is the son of Anthony and Crescentia (Graf) Jauman. Both of these parents were natives of Germany, where they were reared, educated and married. Eventually they emigrated to the United States, landing here in July, 1859, and coming at once to Delphos, Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Here the father engaged in the dairy business, his farm being the present site of the San Felice addition to the city of Delphos. He was a man of high moral standards and stood high in the esteem of his fellows. To him and his wife were born eight children, namely: Joseph, Rufus, Crescentia, Bernard L., Edward, John, Adolph and Anthony, Jr.
Bernard L. Jauman received his education in the German department of the Delphos schools and when old enough helped his father operate the dairy business until seventeen years of age, when he entered the employ of the Krieft Furniture Store, where he remained three years. He then went to Defiance, Ohio, and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business on his own account, remaining there six years. He entered the Cincinnati College of Embalming, where he was graduated in 1902, and then engaged in the undertaking and funeral directing business in Delphos, where he has continued to the present time. Owing to his kindly manner, prompt attention to business and his expert ability he has built up a large business and is probably the leader in his line in this locality.
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Mr. Jauman was married on October 8, 1906, to Julia B. Frick, who was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, on October 8, 1878, and who received her educational training in the public schools and a business college of that city. She became an expert stenographer and was private secretary to the Graham-Morton Boat Company of Chicago, To Mr. and Mrs. Jauman have been born two daughters, Mary C., born on December 12, 1907, and Frances R., born on October 6, 1908.
Mr. Jauman and family are members of St. Johns Catholic Church, in the work of which they are actively interested. Mr. Jauman is secretary of the Board of Trustees of this church and served efficiently as a member of the building committee for the church and school house. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in the latter order received distinctive preferment, being a past grand knight of the Grand Lodge. Politically he is a Democrat, served as a member of the City Council, and in the fall of 1919 was elected mayor of Delphos, being the present incumbent of that office. He has taken a deep interest in all the affairs of the community affecting the general welfare, and because of his public spirit he has earned the confidence of the people. He is especially interested in the Free Clinic which has been established at Delphos for the free medical treatment of children who need such attention.
HARRY H. HAMILTON. Having developed an appreciative patronage among the very best people of Allen county, Harry H. Hamilton, a dependable undertaker of Lima, takes pride in that fact that he is prepared to render those services which are so necessary in the sad hour of bereavement in a highly efficient and dignified manner and afford the conveniences given by a strictly funeral chapel, his being the only one in the county. He is a native son of Ohio, having been born in Orange township, Hancock county, on April 24, 1886. His parents, Jonathan and Sarah Ann (Anderson) Hamilton, both came of Irish stock, although both families were founded in the United States many generations ago. The representatives of the Hamilton family have as a general rule been agriculturalists. During the war between the states Jonathan Hamilton did a man's part in defending the Union as a soldier, and after the war was over resumed his peaceful occupation of farming. His death occurred in 1906, he having survived his wife for six years. They had nine children, of whom five were sons and four daughters, and there are three sons and three daughters still living, of whom Harry H. Hamilton is the youngest.
Reared as any farmer's son of his day and neighborhood, Harry H. Hamilton attended the local schools until he was nineteen years old, and assisted in the farm work. He then came to Lima to take the normal school course, following the completion of which he entered the Barnes School of Anatomy and Sanitary Science of Embalming at Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1908. Having thus prepared himself for what he had decided was to be his life work, he came to Lima and spent a year in the employ of W. H. Bennett, undertaker. He then left Lima and going West to South Haven, Kansas, went into the undertaking business for himself, and made an excellent record there for professional skill and sympathetic service, but in 1917 sold his business, returned to Lima, and has since then developed into one of the leading funeral directors of Allen county. Mr, Hamilton passed the state examinations for his profession rn Ohio, Oklahoma and Kansas, and is exceptionally well qualified by training and ability for his work. His patrons come to him from a radius of twenty-five miles. He is a stockholder in the Mid-West Glass Casket Company, and owns a forty-acre farm at Sanderson, Texas.
In 1907 Mr. Hamilton was married to Ora F. Kimmel, a daughter of J. W. and Rebecca (Montgomery) Kimmel, of Bluffton, Allen county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have one son, Willis Paul, a bright lad of twelve years. In his politics Mr. Hamilton gives a hearty support to the Republican princrples and candidates. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen, the Moose and Protected Home Circle. Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Lima holds his membership and benefits by his generous support. It is characteristic of Mr. Hamilton that the helpful sympathy he expresses in his every act when rendering his services is so sincere and heartfelt that through it warm friendships are made which endure, and he is recognized to be a man of fine qualities and one actuated by the highest principles.
JOHN HERBERT JENKINS, M. D. If definite accomplishment in the utilization of subject power and ability is to be the criterion of success, than Dr. John H. Jenkins, of Delphos, one of the best known physicians and surgeons of Allen county, certainly has achieved success in one of the noblest of callings. Looking into the clear perspective of his career, there may be seen the strong lines of courage, persistence, determination and self-confidence—qualities which alone work forward to the goal of definite achievement.
John Herbert Jenkins was born in Gallia county, Ohio, on November 10, 1874, and is the son of Dr. Daniel T. and Mary M. (Evans) Jenkins, the former a native of Wales and the latter born in the United States, though her parents were born in Wales. Daniel T. Jenkins was brought to the United States by his parents when he was but a boy, and he was reared in Gallia county, Ohio, where the family located. A few years later they moved to Marion township, Allen county, where he attained maturity and where he completed his public school education in the Leatherwood school. He then matriculated in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1863, after which he located at Oak Hill, Ohio, where he practiced his profession for several years. He spent practically the remainder of his life in Gallia county, where his death occurred in 1906. He was a prominent member of the Masonic order, in which he was a past master of his lodge, and he also took a prominent part in political affairs, having served as the treasurer of the school board at Centerville for twenty years. He was a member of the Calvinistic Methodist Church. Daniel T. Jenkins married Mary M. Evans, the daughter of Thomas and Margaret Evans, who were among the first Welsh settlers of Gallia county, Ohio, having come down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Gallipolis was a French town, and the early settlers there were glad to welcome new corners, especally Welsh families. John H. Jenkins' maternal great-grandfather was Esquire Evans, of Ty Mawr Llanon, South Wales, while his paternal great-grandfather was from Montgomeryshire, North Wales.
John H. Jenkins attended the public and high schools of Centerville, Ohio, completing his academic studies in the Rio Grande College, after which he matriculated in the Eclectic Medical College, and was graduated on June 4, 1895, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. At the Mime of his registration as a practitioner he was the youngest doctor in active practice in the state of Ohio, being but twenty-one years of age at the time. He first located at Rushmore, Ohio, where he was successfully engaged in the practice for twenty-four years, enjoying a wide reputation as an able and popular practitioner. In August, 1919, Doctor Jenkins came to Delphos and has since been engaged in practice here, enjoying a steadily increasing and representative patronage.
In 1893 Doctor Jenkins was married to Catherine Lewis, who also was a student in Rio Grande College. To them was born one child, who died at the age of fourteen months. Doctor and Mrs. Jenkins are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while politically the Doctor gives his support to the Republican party. As he has been prospered financially he has invested in various enterprises and is now comfortably situated in his material affairs. He is the owner of three farms in Marion township, aggregating 260 acres; is a stockholder in the Old National Bank at Lima, Ohio; is a stockholder in the Commercial Bank of Delphos; and in other ways has shown a live interest in the welfare and development of the community. He gives his support to every enterprise of a worthy benevolent nature and is numbered among the most public-spirited men of his county. Professionally he is a member of the Northwest Eclectic Medical Society, is a member and was formerly president of the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Society, and is a member of the National Eclectic Medical Society, as well as the Putnam County Medical Society. Personally the Doctor is genial and unassuming, and by his gracious manner and high qualities of character he has won and retains the esteem and confidence of the entire community.
J. A. MILLER is well known among the farmers of Allen county through his enterprise as a stock dealer at Spencerville. He has bought and sold stock in the local markets many years, a business that his father also followed, and the Millers are an old and prominent family in Allen county agriculture.
J. A. Miller was born in Amanda township December 7, 1856, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Saber) Miller, His father was also a native of Allen county, while his mother was born in Virginia and was a small girl when her parents came to Allen county. Henry Miller and wife were married by Rev. William Moorman, and at once located on a farm in Amanda township. While he bore the reputation of an industrious farmer, Henry Miller was best known as a stock dealer and carried on that business from early manhood until his death. He was a good business man and accumulated a large estate, comprising at one time thirteen hundred acres. He was a Demo. crat, served as township treasurer, and he and hi wife were members of the Christian Church. They moved to Delphos, lived there several years and then went to Spencerville, where the mother died. The father afterward removed to Delphos and spent his last days there. Of ten children six are still living: Minerva J., wife of John T. Vandervert, of Frankfort, Indiana; J. A. Miller; John H. Miller, of Allen county; R. N. Miller, of Buffalo, New York; Charity J., wife of Frank Schufeldt, of Kokomo, Indiana; and C. B. Miller, of Spencerville. J. A. Miller's early education was supplied by the district schools of Amanda town. ship. While growing up on his father's farm there he also received a training under the elder Miller in buying and handling stock, and that to. gether with farming has given him abundance of opportunity to exercise his abilities and skill.
April 6, 1877, Mr. Miller married Catherine E. Layman. They are the parents of a family of seven children: Mary E., wife of Lewis Young; Bessie B., wife of Griffith Thomas; Myrtle, unmarried; Icie D., wife of Carl Werner; Mabel, wife of Virgil Sheldon; William and Evaline. Mr, Miller is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, is a Democrat politically and was elected and served one term as a member of the Board of Commissioners of Allen county, making a creditable record in that office, as he has done in all other relations whether of a private business or a public nature. He is now a member of the Town Council of Spencerville.
Catherine E. Layman, his wife, was born in Marion township, Allen county, at the home of her parents, seven miles southeast of Delphos. She is the daughter of John A. and Mary (Miller) Layman, her mother also a native of Allen county. Her brothers and sisters were George, Joseph, Abram J., Mary A., Anna, Almina and William. Mrs. Miller being the oldest of the fam. ily had little opportunity to get an education beyond the common schools. She has been a very fine home maker and has given the very best years of her life to the training of her own children.
GEORGE HENNE. Probably the oldest business house in Spencerville operated continuously by one family is the firm of Henne & Son, dealers in harness and automobile accessories. While the automobile end belongs to modern times, as a harness shop it has been a feature of the business activities of Spencerville for more than half a century.
The veteran founder of the business, who only recently retired, is Gale Henne, who was born in Germany February 2, 1848. Ten years later he came with his parents to the United States, grew up in Marion county, Ohio, learned his trade as a harness maker in the city of Marion, and moving to Spencerville in 1869 opened a shop of his own. He followed his trade, looked after the shop, built up the business, and was a steady worker until he had rounded out half a century in his line, when he very properly shifted the burdens to younger shoulders and is now enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. On April 27, 1872, Gale Henne married Catherine Smith, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in April, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Benne after their marriage began housekeeping in a place nearly opposite
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the site of the present business. Subsequently he built a dwelling on Canal street, and that is still the family home. Mrs. Henne died in 1886, the mother of eight children, six of whom lived to cherish her memory: George; Estella, unmarried and at home; Daisy, wife of F. F. Fryer, of Mercer county, Ohio; Annetta, at home; Margaret, wife of H. M. Bowles, of Mercer county; and Milo, who is still at home. Three of the daughters, Annetta, Daisy and Margaret, are graduates of high school.
George Henne, who now carries the chief responsibilities of the firm Henne & Son, was born at Spencerville April 12, 1882. He grew up in his native town, attended both the grammar and high schools, and made himself proficient in the same trade as his father. During the last twelve or thirteen years he has supplied much of the energy to the conduct of the business, and has had the satisfaction of seeing it grow and expand. Mr. Henne is also a very popular member of the community. He is a partner in the Spencerville Realty Company, is a Democrat, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In April, 1905, he married Miss Clara Eisley, who was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, in 1880 and was educated in the public schools of that county. They have two daughters, both attending school, Dorothy and Lois.
N. ELMER THOMAS. Beginning work as a boy with responsibilities in advance of his age, through a long apprenticeship serving and learning, N. Elmer Thomas eventually reached a plane of independence in business, and as a member of the firm of the Evans & Thomas Hardware Company is identified with one of the leading concerns in Lima.
He was born in Lima January 24, 1872, son of Louis and Margaret (Jones) Thomas. Both his father and mother were of Welsh parentage, and the families first settled at Dayton. Louis Thomas and wife spent all their lives in Lima, where he died in 1888 and his wife in 1908.
N. Elmer Thomas was the seventh in a family of eight children. He was able to attend school regularly to the age of sixteen, and then on account of his father's death became a wage earner and worked for a time driving an express wagon. Not long afterward he began his apprenticeship at the hardware trade as a handy man for Ewing & Emrick, hardware merchants in the Holmes Block. He spent sixteen years with that firm, and when he left them he was head salesman. Another old time employe was E. A. Evans, who had been with the firm for twenty-two years. In 1907 these two men joined forces and established a hardware business of their own in the Metropolitan Block under the name Evans & Thomas. They have had the satisfaction of seeing their business grow and prosper steadily through successive years, and now have a large trade both in the city and over a country district twenty-five miles around.
Mr. Thomas is also interested in many other lines of business. He is a Republican and is affiliated with Lima Lodge of Elks. In 1906 he married Miss Rowena Knox, daughter of John and Margaret Knox, of Lima.
ANDREW J. BOYD who has had a long and noteworthy experience as a merchant and oil producer both in Pennsylvania and Ohio has for a quarter of a century been a resident of Spencerville and in years past has had his share in the development of oil territory in this part of Ohio.
Mr. Boyd was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1855, son of Joseph and Nancy (Weese) Boyd. His father a native of County Cork, Ireland, came to America when a young man and spent the rest of his active life on a farm in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. He was married in .Mercer county, though his wife was a native of Greepe county, Pennsylvania. For many years he was closely identified with the Methodist Church and in politics was a Republican. Of his seven children five reached mature years, but only two are now living, William D. of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and Andrew J.
Andrew J. Boyd spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Mercer county, and was educated in the country schools. In 1874 at the age of nineteen he left the farm and in the subsequent forty-five years has had a great variety of business experience and achievements. For three years he was employed as a clerk in a general store at North Washington in Butler county. He then engaged in business for himself in Clarion county, handling groceries and feeds for five years. Selling out he continued in the same line at North Clarendon in Warren county, Pennsylvania, and was a factor in the business life of that town for ten years. In 1892 Mr. Boyd having disposed of his interests in Warren county became a wholesale lumber merchant on Fourth avenue in Pittsburg.
From Pittsburg he transferred his residence to Spencerville, Ohio, in 1895. His chief work since then has been as an oil producer and contractor in oil fields: He has experienced the various vicissitudes of men in this industry, but the final summary of results show him strongly on the credit side of prosperity, and at this writing is the only active oil producer remaining in Spencerville. He is also interested in some valuable oil properties in Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio.
Mr. Boyd married Lida Morten, who was reared on a farm midway between Fort Wayne and Decatur, Indiana. While not a member Mr. Boyd is a liberal supporter of church activities. He is a Past Grand of Deep Cut Lodge No. 311, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is also Past Chief Patriarch of the Encampment, has sat in the Grand Lodge, and he and his wife are members of the Rebekahs, while politically a Republican, his vote has always been for men of efficiency in township, county and state, regardless of party affiliation.
GEORGE A. LUTZ. Some of the best land of Allen county is in Amanda township, so there also are found some of the best and most progressive farmers. One of them is George A. Lutz, proprietor of the Riverside Farm of 147 acres, located six and a half miles northeast of Spencerville. Mr. Lutz has made good in every sense of the word, has built up and developed a fine farm, and has responded to many demands upon his time and influence to help in matters of general good to the community.
Mr. Lutz was born in Amanda township August 26, 1856, a son of John and Betsy A. Lutz. His parents were married in Fairfield county,
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Ohio, and about 1854 settled in Allen county, where they lived out their lives. Politically he was a Republican. In their family were four children: Sarah J., deceased; William M. and Samuel, both of Amanda township, the latter on the old homestead; and George A.
With his early life spent on the homestead George A. Lutz acquired a good education in the local schools, and did his part on the home farm until he reached his majority. For six summers he worked out by the month, and for about a year lived in. Iowa. He returned to Ohio to claim his bride Iona May, and they lived in Iowa for about a year after their marriage. On returning to Ohio they bought the farm where they have since lived. On this farm Mr. Lutz's energies have registered a very successful showing and out of his prosperity he has been able to take an interest in other enterprises. He is a partner and owner of a third interest in the elevator at Southworth. For many years Mr. Lutz has been a breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle.
Mr. and Mrs. Lutz reared a large family, eight of their children reaching mature years. Their daughter Carrie M. is deceased. The living children are: Iva, wife of Otis Barnt; Irvin W., a fireman on the Erie railroad; Alarty Clayton, deceased, was employed by the Government, died April 16, 1921; Dexter N., was a teacher in the University of Tennessee, after which he took ups aviation in which he spent two years and was in the aviation section during the war, receiving his training at Columbus, Ohio, and was ready to go across when the armistice was signed; he is now in Corea, China; Walter W., who was also registered in the classified draft; Mildred, wife of Carl Baxter, who was a teacher in public schools; and Zelma, who after graduating from high school was a teacher and is now a student in the Ohio Northern University at Ada. The family are active members of the Zion Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Lutz is a Past Master of Marion Grange and politically a Republican voter.
JOHN EDWARD MCPHERON is a machinist by trade, and is now senior partner of McPheron, Shaw & Hutchinson, proprietors of the Superior Vulcanizing & Tire Company at 129 West Spring street in Lima.
Mr. McPheron is a native son of Allen county, born in Bath township, a son of I. B. and Della (Burden) McPheron. He grew up on a farm, acquired a country school education, and for a short time worked as a farm hand. He then came to Lima and served an apprenticeship of four years at the machnist's trade in the Lima Locomotive Works, after which he was a journeyman five years in Cleveland, Akron and Toledo. During the war and until November, 1919, he was a machinist at Newport, Rhode Island, at the Torpedo Station. Returning to Lima, he joined Carl B. Shaw and Robert Ross Hutchinson in establishing the present flourishing business of the Superior Vulcanizing & Tire Company. This firm has the exclusive agency in Allen county for the Mason tires, and does a very large business in repairing.
Mr. McPheron is an independent voter, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge in Rhode Island and with the Loyal Order of Moose at Akron. He is a member of the Auto Trades Association.
JOHN H. SNEARY. During the past several years one of the increasingly important factors in realty circles of Lima has been the new firm of Hullibarger & Sneary, which in keeping pace with the growth of this community has contributed largely toward the advantageous disposal of property and the honorable and satisfactory transaction of business upon a large scale. While he has been variously employed during a somewhat active and varied career, John H. Sneary, junior member of this concern, has always been interest. ed in the real estate business, although it has not been until recently that he has had the oppor. tunity of realizing its full advantages or of test. ing his own abilities in this field of endeavor.
Mr. Sneary was born at Vaughnsville, Putnam county, Ohio, January 4, 1872, a son of Henry Shafer and Sarah (Delaney) Sneary, and comes of GermanIrish ancestry. His paternal grand. father, John Henry Sneary, went from Pennsylvania, the original family home, to Kalida, Putnam county, in which community he spent the rest of his life in agricultural pursuits, in the meantime rearing a family. Henry S. Sneary was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and began his career as a farmer, but later became a contractor on public works at Vaughnsville, where he died February 2, 1914, being survived by his widow.
The fourth in order of birth in a family of eight children, John H. Sneary attended the public schools of Vaughnsville until he was sixteen years of age and then became his father's associate in the cultivation of the home farm. Leaving home at the age of seventeen years, he worked on other farms for one year, and then, like other country youths, was attracted by railroading and joined a construction train gang in the service of the Pittsburgh, Akron & Western Railroad, with which he was connected for one year. In this way he became connected with the business of contracting and ditching roads, which he followed for himself at Vaughnsville for one and one-half years, then becoming a trained nurse, a vocation which he continued for six years. Mr. Sneary then became a detective in the employ of the Northern Ohio Railroad, and remained as such until he decided to give his entire attention to the realty business.
For some years he had been interested in the possibilities attaching to real estate and had operated on a small scale at Lima and in the vicinity. In 1919, when he took up his permanent residence at Lima, he embarked in the realty business with the firm of Walker, Hullibarger & Sneary, which has since become Hullibarger & Sneary, rapidly becoming one of the important concerns of its kind at Lima and operating within a radius of 100 miles of this city. The success which Mr. Sneary has achieved augurs the possession of worth-while and reliable business qualities. He is independent in politics, voting for the man rather than the party. As a frater nalist he belongs to the Elks, the Red Men and the Eagles. Mr. Sneary has never married.
AUGUST CHRISTIAN KETTLER, senior member of the firm of Kettler Brothers, butchers, is one of the substantial and highly respected men of Lima. He was born in Shelby county, Ohio, on February 24, 1870, a son of Gottlieb and Matilda (Dorma) Kettler, and grandson of Christian Kenttler, who came to the United States from Ger-
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many, settling at New Bremen, Ohio, but later moved to Kettlerville, Ohio, named in his honor because of his prominence as a Shelby county farmer and public-spirited citizen. He had six sons and one daughter, and of these children Gottlieb Kettler was the fourth son.
Gottlieb Kettler was a farmer of Shelby county and was also engaged in milling, and later went to Auglaize county, and was there engaged in farming at the time of his death in 1877, when he was forty years old. His widow survived him many years, dying in 1918. Of their seven children August Christian Kettler is the fourth in order of birth.
Until he was fourteen years old August Christian Kettler attended the district schools of Van Buren township, Shelby county, for a few months each winter, but after that assumed the responsibilities of a grown man and conducted the home farm of 115 acres until he was twenty-nine years old. In 1898 he came to Lima and for the first six months of his residence in this city he was a track walker for the Lake Erie Railroad freight house. He then bought an established grocery store on Metcalf and Kibbe streets, and conducted it for eighteen years, when he sold it and became an employe of Hamisher Brothers, grocers, remaining with this concern for fourteen years, and making an acquaintance which was to afterward prove of great value to him. During all of his time he saved his money, and was able to invest it in a department store, but unfortunately his associates in the business lacked good judgment, and he lost by this venture. With the dogged determination which is a part of his nature, Mr. Kettler went right to work again so as to gain a new start, being in the employ of the grocery house of Jacob Piper for six month s, and then embarked in his present business in partnership with H. A. Hamisher and Leo Walters, under the firm name of Hamisher, Kettler Company. Subsequently Mr. Kettler bought the interest of Mr. Hamrsher, and for two years the name was Kettler & Walters, at the exipration of which time William T. Kettler, a brother of August Christian Kettler, bought the interest of Mr. Walters and the present firm was organized. The brothers have a first-class market and enjoy a fine trade. In addition to his store Mr. Kettler has other interests and has invested quite extensively in Lima realty.
In 1900 Mr. Kettler was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hamisher, a daughter of Henry Hamisher, of Shelby county, Ohio, and they have one child: Merlin Edward, who was born on July 8, 1902. A man of decided opinions, Mr. Kettler prefers to select his own candidates and is an independent voter. He belongs to the Elks and the Merchants Association, and is popular with his business associates and fraternal brothers. Saint Paul's Lutheran Church of Lima gives him a medium for the expression of his religious faith, and he has long been a valued member of its congregation. .Essentially Mr. Kettler is a business man, and he naturally views matters from that standpoint, but he is broad enough to recognize that unless a community and rts people keep abreast of the times progress is uncertain, and therefore practical movements for the betterment of civic conditions have always found in him an effective supporter and generous contributor, but he is not in favor of visionary schemes which are liable to result in a waste of the taxpayers money without giving them an adequate return.
HERBERT L. ARMSTRONG, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Lima, was a lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps during the World war, and has a wide experience in the Government service and in private practice of his profession.
Dr. Armstrong was born on a farm near Jeffersonville, Fayette county, Ohio, and lived in a country district of that county to the age of fourteen. He is a son of Albert and Alice (Underwood) Armstrong. He acquired his early education in the Jefferson High School, and in 1915 graduated with the degree D. V. M. from the Ohio State University. For a year and a half he practiced at Sabina, Ohio, and then became a veterinary inspector for the Government in December, 1916. His duties for nine months were in the plants of Armour & Company in Chicago, after which for a year he was at Dayton, Ohio, in the plant of the Henry Burkhardt Packing Company. July 16, 1918, he enlisted in the Veterinary Corps of the United States Army at Columbus, receiving the rank of second lieutenant in the Officers' Reserve Corps. He was on duty at Camp Sherman for eleven months and one day, getting his honorable discharge June 17, 1917. He then re-entered Government service as field inspector for the Bureau of Animal Industry at Charleston, West Virginia, holding that post from June 23, 1919, to April 1, 1920. Since then he has been at Lima engaged in general veterinary practice and also as field veterinarian for the Smylie Serum Company of Omaha, the largest manufacturers in the United States of anti-hog cholera serum.
Dr. Armstrong married Miss Bessie Stout, of Piqua, Ohio. He is a Democrat in politics, is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Lodge at Sabina, and belongs to the Indiana Consistory. He is a member of Alpha Psi veterinary fraternity at the Ohio State University, and a member of the Ohio State Veterinary Medical Association. He has a five year commission as first lieutenant in the Officers' Reserve Corps.
JESSE EDGAR COCHRAN. Conspicuous among the representative citizens of Lima and Allen county is the gentleman whose name forms the caption to these paragraphs. He has made his influence felt for good in his community, his life having been closely interwoven with its history for a number of years. His efforts for the material advancement of this locality and the well regulated life he has led have gained for him the respect and admiration of all with whom he has come into contact.
Jesse Egar Cochran, superintendent of lines and substations of the Ohio Electric Railway, was born at New Albany, Indiana, on March 17, 1868, and is the son of Dr. Samuel A. and Catherine (Moore) Cochran. Mr. Cochran is of sturdy old Scotch stock, his paternal great-grandfather and two brothers having imigrated from near Edinborough, Scotland, to the United States, settling first in Pennsylvania, and later moving to Kentucky. The great-grandfather was a physician, being a graduate of the University of Chicago. His father, Mr. Cochran's great-great-grand-
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father, held the chair of medicine in the University of Edinborough, and it is noteworthy that in each generation of the family down to Jesse E. Cochran, the oldest son in each family followed the vocation of Medicine. The grandfather, true to the family tradition, took up the vocation of medicine in Kentucky, moving to New Albany, Indiana, after his marriage. Samuel A. Cochran was a graduate of the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College and was a successful and popular practitioner up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1915. His widow died in the following year. Of the seven children born to them the subject of this review is the eldest.
Jesse N. Cochran received his educational training in the public and high schools of New Albany, Indiana, after which he taught school for three terms in the country districts near New Albany. He then attended the State Normal School at Terre Haute, Indiana, taking the teachers' course. He also gave the greater part of his leisure time to the study of engineering and electricity, in both of which subjects he had a great interest. He entered the employ of the Clover Leaf Railroad at Charleston, Illinois, as foreman of car repairs, remaining there about one and a half years, and then for a time he was interested in construction and electrical work as a contractor, with headquarters at New Albany. Later he went to Elwood, Indiana, where he was similarly engaged, becoming superintendent of construction for the Elwood Mining and Construction Company. During 1900-1904 he had a part in the construction of the Wabash River Traction Company and had charge of the line after its completion. He then entered the employ of the Ohio Electric Railway as foreman of lines and sub-stations, and had charge of the construction of the electrical equipment of the line, first on the Lima- Fort Wayne division, then on the Toledo, Springfield and Defiance divisions. He has immediate charge of the most important phase of the operation of the road and has made a splendid record in his present position. Since 1918 Mr. Cochran has acted as instructor in electricity in the Smith-Hughes Night School at Lima, and he also taught a preparatory class in electricity as a part of the war training work with the class of 1918.
Politically Mr. Cochran gives his support to the Republican party, and he is a member of the First Christian Church of Lima. Fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. He also belongs to the Ohio State Electric Light Association, the Central Electric Railways Association, and the Lima Rotary Club.
In 1897 Mr. Cochran was married to Cora Willia, the daughter of William and Martha Willis, of New Albany, Indiana, and to them have been born the following children: John William, of Toledo; Earl A., of Toledo; Elmer A., of Lima; Jesse E., Charles Elbert, Thomas Willis and Catherine Cora. In his chosen field of endeavor Mr. Cochran has attained splendid success and a high reputation, his services being duly recognized and appreciated by all familiar with his work. He has also proved an honorable member of the body politic, rising in the confidence and esteem of the public, and in every relation of life easily ranking with his compeers in all things affecting the life of the community.
CLARENCE FLOYD BUTTURFF. Allen county, Ohio, enjoys a high reputation because of the high order of her citizenship, and none of her citizens occupy a more enviable position in the esteem of his fellows than the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. A residence here of many years has given his fellows a full opportunity to observe him in the various lines of activity in which he has engaged, and his present high standing is due solely to the honorable and upright course he has pursued. As a representative citizen of his community he is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character.
Clarence Floyd Butturff was born at Sulphur Springs, Crawford county, Ohio, in 1882, and he is the eldest of the five children who were born to Rev. D. H. and Jennie Elizabeth (Sly) Butturf. On the paternal side he is descended from old Pennsylvania Dutch stock, the family having been established in this country since the days of early settlement in the state of Pennsylvania, while on the maternal side he inherits English and Swiss blood, the Sly family having long been established in Wood county, Ohio. Rev. D. H, Butturff was a well-known and successful minister of the Evangelical Church. Clarence F. Butturf received his educational training in the common schools of his native county, which he attended during the winter months until seventeen years of age. He then worked as a hired man on neighboring farms until he was twenty-three years of age, when he came to Lima and went to work in the frame department of the Lima Locomotive Works, where he remained for a year and a half. Then for five months he was employed as a salesman in J. J. Ewing's hardware store at Lima, but at the end of that time again took up farming, working for eight months on farms in Logan and Auglaize townships. Again he came to Lima and entered the employ of Mr. Ewing, with whom he remained for about eighteen months, or until Mr. Ewing sold out. Then for six and a half years he was employed as a salesman with the Lima Hardware Company, and at the end of that time he formed a partnership with J. W. Zerkel, under the firm name of Zerkel and Butturff, and engaged in the feed business, first at No. 119 South Spring street and later at their present location at the Market House. Under the name of the Market House Mills they have conducted a large and prosperous business, which has steadily grown in volume until they are now one of the best-known firms in their line in this community.
Mr. Butturff was married in 1904 to Mary Jane Zerkel, a sister of his business partner and the daughter of Michael Lafayette and Margaret (Pierson) Zerkel, of Lima. To them have been born four children, Harold Cloyd, Clyde David, Dorothy Marie and Claire Eugene.
Politically Mr. Butturff gives his earnest support to the Democratic party, and for eight years has been a member of the election board of Precinct C in the Sixth Ward of Lima. He and his wife are earnest members of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, and give their support to every worthy benevolent movement. Personally Mr. Butturff is a man of generous impulses and genial disposition, and has won a host of warm and loyal friends. He is numbered among the enterprising and wide-awake merchants of Lima
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and occupies an enviable position among his fellows.
ARTHUR MAURICE GAGE. A man boldly faces the responsibilities of life and by determined and untiring energy carves out for himself an honorable success exerts a potent influence on others. Such men constitute the foundation of our republic institutions and are the spice of our civilization. Their lives are bound up in their duties, they feel the weight of their citizenship, and to them life is so real that they find no time to plot either mischief or vice.
Arthur M. Gage, stock keeper for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad at Lima, was born at Berea, Ohio, on September 0, 1883, and is the second in order of birth of the three children born to Robert D. and Clara (Gassner) Gage, who were of Yankee-English stock, many generations of the family having lived in America. Mr. Gage's father was for many years a railroad man, having worked thirty-two years for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern road, but he and his wife are now living in Lima. Arthur M. Gage secured his education in the public schools at Collinwood, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where he attended until sixteen years of age. He then went to work for a hardware store in Cleveland, where he remained three years. His duties were those of stock clerk, and during this period he made himself an expert in that line of work. He then entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad at Cleveland as a shipper, and one year later was made a shipping clerk, holding this position also a year. He was then made stock clerk in the general store house in Cleveland, from which position he was promoted to foreman of the general store house, holding that position four years. He was then appointed stock keeper for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad at Alliance, Ohio, where he remained for six months, followed by a year's service in the same capacity with the New York Central at Englewood, Illinois. He was then transferred to Elkhart, Indiana, as traveling stock keeper for the New York Central, but a year later was sent to Collinwood, Ohio, as foreman of the general store. house. A year later he returned to Englewood, Illinois, in the same capacity, but in June, 1912, he came to Lima as stock keeper for the Lake Erie & Western road, a position which he is still filling. He long ago demonstrated his efficiency and capability in the important line of work to which he has applied himself, and he stands high in the estimation of the officials under whom he has worked.
Mr. Gage was married to Edith N. Mussen, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mussen, of Cleveland, and they are the parents of two children, Ruth Edythe and Arthur Dale. Mr. Gage is a member of the Railway Stock-keepers Association and of the American Railway Association. He is a modest and unassuming man, faithfully performing to the best of his ability the duties of life as he sees them, and because of his excellent qualities of character and genial disposition he enjoys a well-merited popularity among all who know him.
GUY SEIBOLD. One of the younger business men of Lima, in all his relationships and activities Guy Seibold has earned the confidence and trust of his employers and associates, and for the last
several years has been identified with the Lima branch of the Ohio Hide and Tallow Company.
Mr. Seibold was born at Lima August 5, 1885, a son of Andrew Jackson and Mary (Shultz) Seibold. His parents were both natives of Allen county and his grandfather, John Seibold, was of Scotch parentage. Andrew J. Seibold for many years was a popular barber in Lima, and died rn that city January 23, 1920. His widow is still living at 227 Calumet avenue.
Guy Seibold grew up in his native city, attended the public schools, and at the age of seventeen went to work in a grocery store. He remained in that service for seven years, and then for nine months was a fireman with the Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Railroad. On leaving the railroad he entered the service of the Watson Cement & Coal Company, and left that in December, 1918, to become purchasing agent and bookkeeper for the Lima branch of the Ohio Hide & Tallow Company, the agent and manager of which is Philip Bucher. This is one of the largest organizations in the middle west handling hides, fur, wool, tallow and pelts, the home office being at Marion, Ohio.
Mr. Seibold married Miss Gertrude Worst on September 23, 1916. She was born at Chicago, Illinois. They have one daughter, Mabel, born April 2, 1918. Mr. Seibold was reared in the United Brethren Church and politically he casts his vote as an independent.
SAMUEL E. CROUSHORN. One of the industrious and enterprising young merchants of Lima, Samuel E. Croushorn has started out in life with fair prospects for a prosperous future, his energy, ability and excellent business tact being sure to win him success in any line of industry. The third child in succession of birth of the five children born of the union of George and Elizabeth (Homel) Croushorn, he was born on a farm in Rockingham county, Virginia, his birth occurring in 1887, in the month of January. His grandfather Croushorn imigrated from England to the United States, and having taken up land in Virginia was there a tiller of the soil during the remainder of his years. A farmer by occupation, George Croushorn spent his entire life in Virginia, dying there while yet in manhood's prime. His widow survived him and is still a resident of Rockingham county, Virginia.
As a boy and youth Samuel E. Croushorn attended the winter terms of the rural schools of his native county, but during seed time and harvest assisted his father on the home plantation. Beginning the battle of life on his own account at the age of nineteen years, he made his way to Lima, Allen county, Ohio, where he obtained work on the Lake Erie Railway. During the next seven years, while employed in different places, he learned the blacksmith's trade, becoming quite skillfull in that work. Subsequently securing a position with Gladwell & Crossley, repairers of bicycles and motorcycles, he remained with that firm four years, learning the business thoroughly.
Mr. Croushorn then, in company with a friend, opened a bicycle repair shop on East Spring street, Lima, and as junior member of the firm of Marshall & Croushorn there carried on business for a year. Moving then. to his present location, 237-9 South Main street, the company continued the business for eighteen months,
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building up a good patronage. Mr. Croushorn then bought his partner's interest in the business, and has since conducted it alone. In addition to his repair work he deals in both the Columbia and Excelsior bicycles, and carries a general line of sporting goods, his trade being extensive and rapidly increasing.
Mr. Croushorn married in 1912 Hazel Ashton, a daughter of William F. and Anna Ashton, and they have one child, Dora Belle Croushorn.
JAMES FOSTER WHITE. There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city or county, or even of a state and its people, than that which deals with the life work of those who by their own endeavor and indomitable energy have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "progressive," and in this sketch will be found the re cord of one who has not only refused to be subdued by obstacles but has made them stepping stones to higher things, and at the same time that he was winning his way in the material affairs of life has gained a reputation for uprightness arid honor.
James Foster White, head of the Holland Furnace Company at Lima, Ohio, was born in Darke county, Ohio, in 1890, and is the son of J. A. and Lillian L. (Jenks) White. He is descended from sterling old Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, his paternal great-grandfather having driven through from the Keystone state to Darke county, Ohio, where he obtained a tract of Government land, which he cleared and developed into a good farm. He was a successful farmer there for many years and his descendants have mainly followed the same vocation. The subject's parents are now retired from active labor and are living at New Paris, Ohio. Of the five children who blessed their union the subject of this sketch is the fourth in order of birth. He received his educational training in the schools of district No. 0, Darke county, which he attended during the winter months until sixteen years of age, the summer months being spent in work on his father's farm. He remained at home until nineteen years of age, when he went to work for the Westcott Motor Car Company at Richmond, Indiana, starting in the testing department and completing his service with that company in the sales agency at Dayton, Ohio, where he was stationed for about one and a half years, his service at Richmond amounting to about two years. Mr. White then became connected with the Holland Furnace Company at Richmond, being employed throughout the surrounding country in the construction of warm air furnaces for about a year. He next opened a branch office for the Holland Furnace Company at Bedford, Indiana, where he remained about a year and a half, and then for a similar period he served in a like capacity at Shelbyville, Indiana. He then was appointed a district manager by the Holland people, being assigned to the southern district, embracing the states of Ohio and Indiana, with his headquarters at Indianapolis, where he remained about a year. Mr. White then took over the Lima branch of the Holland Company, which he has conducted ever since. He has three counties and gives employment to twelve persons. In addition to the fact that he is handling a high-class furnace, Mr. White possesses those qualities which will inevitably win success, namely, industry, good business judgment and courts ous treatment of his customers.
In 1915 he was married to Leona Grimes, thr daughter of Charles F. and Eliza G. (Garrity) Grimes, of Bedford, Indiana. To them has beet born a daughter, Elizabeth. Politically Mn. White gives his support to the Democratic party. while fraternally he is a member of the Benevol ent and Protective Order of Elks. He is an as tive member of the Lima Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club. He and his wife ant members of the Baptist Church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Genial and unassuming Manner, Mr. White has won a host of warm and loyal friends since locating in Lima and is well liked by all who come in contact with him.
FERDINAND BEELER. Among the leading cities of Shawnee township was the late Ferdinand Beeler, who for many years took a prominent part:: agricultural affairs. A man of sound practicality a and marked industry, he won his way to a worth. while farming success, and at the same time s: conducted his actions as a citizen and a neighbor that he won and held the confidence and respec of all with whom he came into contact.
Mr. Beeler was born in Shawnee township Allen county, May 6, 1865, a son of Geotge an Mary (DeLong) Beeler, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Fairfield county, Ohio, and a grandson of Jacob and Rosena Beeler, cart settlers of Shawnee township. The parents of Mr. Beeler passed their lives in agricultural pin. suits in Shawnee township, where the mother died when her son Ferdinand, the youngest in a family of seven sons and one daughter, was fifteen years of age. Ferdinand Beeler acquired his educational training in the district school the vicinity of his country home in Shawnee town. ship, and was his father's associate on the home place until his marriage in 1886. At that time hr and his wife began housekeeping on one of Mr Beeler's father's farms in the same township, which he operated for seven or eight years, H: then bought three acres, on which he built an; rebuilt a house, barns and other buildings, an: subsequently received twenty-five acres by inheritance. On this twenty-eight-acre farm he passed the rest of his life, his death occurring March 11, 1914. He was a worthy Christian man, and for ten years served as deacon of St, Matthew's Lutheran Church. In his political allegiance he was a Democrat, but never sough: political preferment, being content to apply him, self to the work of his farm and the comforts of his home.
On September 5, 1886, Mr. Beeler was unites in marriage with Miss Amanda Mowery, who was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, March 18, 186: a daughter of Isaac and Lydia Ann (Danner) Mowery, the former a native of Ross county and the latter of Clark county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs Beeler had no children. Mrs. Beeler, a lady of many accomplishments, rents out the home farm, although she still lives thereon. She has miner ous sincere friends in this community and is a devout member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, in the work of which she takes a helpful interest.
GEORGE W. SOLLERS, junior member of the reliable firm of Poage & Sollers, home of the Harley.
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Davidson motorcycles and bicycles of Lima, is one of the alert business men of Allen county, and one who stands very well in public estimation. He was born at Lima July 19, 1889, a son of G, B. and Nancy (Hose) Sollers. The paternal great-grandfather, Charles Sollers, came from Scotland to the United States and settled at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. When the war broke out between the north and the south Charles Sollers, the grandfather of our subject, entered the Union army and commanded a company of Pennsylvania cavalry. He was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, and died in 1867 from the effects of that injury. G. B. Sollers, the father of George W., is a master car builder and lives at Lima. He and his wife had five children, of whom George W. is the third in order of birth. George W. Sollers attended the public schools of Springfield, Ohio, until he was fifteen years old, and then began learning the machinist trade at Kenton, Ohio, working at it for eighteen months there when he returned to Springfield and entered the employ of the International Harvester Company as an assembler. Four months later he was placed in the experimental department and had charge of it for three years. Mr. Sollers then went to New Orleans, Louisiana, and spent a year in that city, during which time he was with the Cumberland Telephone and Telegraph Company, but then returned to Lima and was fireman on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad for three years, being on both freight and passenger trains running between Cincinnati and Toledo, Ohio. His career on the railroad was terminated by an accident. He was injured in a collision between two trains, and had to spend eleven months in the hospital and three months at Mount Clemens, Michigan. For the subsequent year he was in Florida with his father, who had charge of a branch of the Seaboard Airline Railroad in that state. Coming back once more to Lima, he and Howard Poage bought the business of Z. L. Bedford, dealer in motorcycles and bicycles at 125 and 127 East 'High street, and formed the firm 'of Poage & Sollers. This firm have the agency for the Harley-Davidson motorcycles and bicycles for Allen, Hardin and Auglaize counties, and are doing a very large business.
In 1912 Mr. Sollers was married at Detroit, Michigan, to Cleta Berry, a daughter of Thomas and Mildred (Earl) Berry, of Lima, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Sollers have one child, Mildred Nancy. In politics Mr. Sollers is a Republican. He belongs to Lima Chapter No. 49, R. A. M., and to Lima Lodge No. 54, B. P. 0. E. The Lima Chamber of Commerce has in him an energetic member In spite of the serious accident which at one time threatened to overshadow his life, Mr. Sollers has succeeded very well indeed in his business undertakings and has other interests at Lima, which he regards as his permanent place of residence, and in which he takes a public- spirited part.
CLAUDE M. GARRIGUS. Any line of business connected with the supplying of pure foodstuffs to the public is an important one, and has to be conducted with skill and ability to meet the competition which is now so strong. Only the dependable men are weathering the storm of scarcity of goods and restrictions of all kinds, but those who do have a trade upon which they can place reliance. One of these representative dealers of Lima who has proven his worth to his customers and his community is Claude M. Garrigus, sole proprietor of the Empire Market at 518 North Jackson street.
Mr. Garrigus was born at Kokomo, Indiana, February 21, 1887, a son of Walter Scott and Alice Viola (Beard) Garrigus. The family is an old one in this country, having sought refuge in America from the persecutions waged against the Huguenots in France generations ago. Claude M. Garrigus is the fifth child in the family of six born to his parents. When he was still small he was brought to Lima, Ohio, and here attended the public schools until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he commenced to work, first acting as delivery boy for Fred Pflum's two markets for six years, and then leaving Lima he went to Chicago, Illinois, and entered the employ of Franklin McVeagh, whose house is now operated under the name of Reid, Murdock & Company, and spent six months in the shipping department. Leaving that place, Mr. Garrigus spent two months as assistant purser on the steamer "Eastland," later the scene of a heartrending tragedy when it sunk in the Chicago River when crowded with an excursion party, entailing the loss of hundreds of lives. Mr. Garrigus then went west and spent four months near Hot Springs on a horse ranch. Once more he came to Lima, and for the succeeding five years was meat cutter for Holgner & Cantieny. Leaving that concern, for two years he was manager of the meat department for Newson & Hawisher. Going into another line of business, for three years he was in charge of the renting and collection department of Elmer Webb's real-estate concern. Having learned considerable about business methods and understanding the meat industry thoroughly, Mr. Garrigus felt qualified to open his own market in December, 1918, and his success proves that his judgment in doing so was excellent. He owns considerable realty in Lima, and is now numbered among the men of affairs of the city.
In 1907 Mr. Garrigus was married to Lillian Burgoow, a daughter of Newton and Nora Burgoow, of Uniopolis, Auglaize county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Garrigus have one son, James Edward. Mr. Garrigus is an independent Republican. He belongs to the First Baptist Church of Lima and is a member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 91, of Lima. He is a self-made man, and owes all of his present prosperity to his industry, thrift and good management, so he has every reason to be proud of what he has accomplished.
JAMES CHRISTOPHER KELLEY, sole proprietor of Kelley's grocery at Jackson and McKibben streets, is one of the representative business men of Lima, and one who has traveled far on the road to success. He was born in White Oak, township, Highland county, Ohio, in 1863, a son of James Christopher and Adaline (Gaymon) Kelley. The grandfather, Daniel Quellet, came from Alsace-Lorraine, France, to the United States, bringing his wife and six children with him, the elder James Christopher Kelley then being about fourteen years of age. After the family had located near Niagara Falls, New York, and begun farming the name was Americanized
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to Kelley, and has since been spelled that way. The grandfather with the help of his children cleared the land which they had secured from the Government, cutting and making shingles by hand and hauling them to Buffalo, New York, for three years. These people were primarily pioneers, and once they had made some improvements they were ready to sell and move on further westward. Therefore they packed their household possessions in a wagon and traveled in it and by boat to Ripley, Brown county, Ohio, and thence to Highland county, where settlement was made in White Oak township, and there the grandfather died in 1850, the grandmother having passed away some years previously. Of their six children James Christopher Kelley, the elder, was the first born. He was a cooper and farmer, and followed both callings all his life, which was terminated in 1888, although his widow lived until January 18, 1920, when she passed away at the age of eighty-five years.
Of the six children of his parents James Christopher Kelley, the younger, was the fifth in order of birth, and he was brought up to hard work. His educational opportunities were limited and confined to those offered during the winter months by the district school. He continued to be a farmer until he was thirty-one years of age, and then for thtee years was engaged in a furniture business at Marytown, Highland county, Ohio. Selling that concern he came to Lima in 1897 and opened his grocery business at the corner of Vine and Saint John streets, where he remained until 1918, when he moved to his present location. A reliable man of affairs, he has built up a very dependable trade, and is rightfully regarded as one of the leading grocers of the city. He also owns stock in F. J. Banta & Son Company.
In 1885 Mr. Kelley was married to Emily Frances Fenwick, a daughter of Gideon and Luella (Kay) Fenwick, of Highland county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley became the parents of the following children: Bert LeRoy, who lives at Oxford, Ohio; Harriet Luella, who enlisted in the Salvation Army in 1919 to work for the American soldiers at Coblentz, Germany, where she is still stationed; Marie Margarite, who is the third: and James Fenwick, who is the youngest. Miss Kelley is very highly valued by her organization and is a lady of great strength of character and kindness of disposition. She tried to get to France during the great war, but failed of attaining her object. She was affianced to Captain Bert Peart, who was killed the day before the signing of the armistice.
Mr. Kelley is a Republican in his political faith. He belongs to Olivet Presbyterian Church, and carries his religion into his everyday life. A man with an intense love for his home and community, he is interested in everything 'which looks toward the improvement of local conditions, and is glad to do all that lies in his power to bring about needed reforms.
SILAS REED. The career of Silas Reed, of Shawnee township, is an illustration of the possible control over early limitations and of the wise utilization of ordinary opportunities. His life has been identified with Allen county for a long period of time, and the substantial fortune which enables him to live in comfortable retirement was acquired through farming. He was born in Fair. field county, Ohio, January 18, 1840, a son of Samuel and Mary (Aker) Reed, and a grandson of Noah Reed, a native of Ohio.
The parents of Mr. Reed were born in Fairfield county, where they were reared, educated and married, and in 1853 came to Allen county, where the father bought land in. Shawnee township. During his earlier years he added to his income by working at the trade of coopet, a vo. cation which he had mastered prior to his marriage, but later in life his entire attention was demanded by his farming interests. He and his worthy wife passed away in Shawnee township and were laid to rest in the Shawnee Cemetery. There were ten children in the family: Silas; Salem, a resident of Shawnee township; Isaac and John, deceased; Freeman, of Lima; Nelson, of Cridersville; Emma, the wife of Charles Andrew, of Shawnee township; Laura, the wife of Clarence Redmond, f Bath township, Allen county; Clara, deceased; and Almeda, who died as the wife of the late Cyrus Nye.
Silas Reed received a district school education, and at the age of seventeen years began working out by the month on farms owned by members of the Hover family in Allen county. He was thus employed until he enlisted in April, 1861, in Company A, Twentieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which contingent he served for three months, his duties consisting of guarding the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in Virginia. Discharged in August, 1861, he returned to his home, but in August, 1862, reenlisted, becoming a member of Company B, Ninety-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as corporal, and was assigned to the command of General Braag, with which he was under fire in Kentucky and Tennessee. In the spring of 1863 he was promoted second sergeant, and took part in the battle of Perryville and all the engagements from Stone River to Atlanta. Subsequently he went to Johnsonville, Tennessee, where the men of his command became scattered, but Mr. Reed took part in the battles of Nashville, Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain. He received his honorable 'discharge July 17, 1865, and was mustered out of the service with a splendid record rn August, 1865. Returning to his home, the gallant soldier purchased a forty-acre farm, all timber except ten acres, and there he lived, engaged in the work of clearing and cultivation, until 1873, when he sold this farm and bought forty acres of partly-cleared land in section 14, Shawnee township. Here he remodeled the buildings and rebuilt the residence, made other improvements, erected new structures, and in general developed an attractive and valuable property, in the meantime adding to its original acreage by the purchase of an additional twenty. In 1909 he retired from active pursuits after a long, successful and markedly honorable farming career, and since then has rented his land to tenants,
Mr. Reed was married August 8, 1865, to Harriet B. Napier, who was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, daughter of William and Sarah (Huff) Napier, of that county, and to this union there have been born the following children: Florence, who died at the age of four years; Alta M., the wife of S. M. Leedom, of Ohio and Michigan; Sarah Adella, who is married to John Gerlitz, of Flint, Michigan; William, who died at the age of
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twenty-two years; Mary, who died at the age of seventeen years; Ethel M., who died when twenty- nine yeats of age; Leroy, who died in infancy; and Zelpha, the wife of Edwin Pryer of Shawnee township, a builder of oil tanks, and they have four children, Edwin Reed, Harriett Adeleyne, Charles Robert and Mary Adella. The family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Reed has held various offices and is now acting in the capacity of steward. He is a Republican in politics, and a valued member of Mart Armstrong Post, G. A. R., of Lima. Mr. Reed has invested all of his life interests with honest and honorable intentions. The consciousness that he has treated all men fairly and won their lasting regard is one of the chief compensations of his serene and comfortable retirement.
ROBERT D. OWEN, a resident of Lima for eighteen years, has been one of the partners in Owen Brothers and has assisted in guiding and directing one of the important industries and manufacturing establishments of the city. Owen Brothers are manufacturers of motor hearses and ambulances, and their plant and business at 115-117 South Central avenue serve to give added distinction to the well justified fame of Lima as an industrial center.
Mr. Owen was born on a farm in Hardin township, Hardin county, Ohio, in 1809, a son of James and Hannah (Haynes) Owen and is of Welsh and English ancestry. His father for many years was in the contracting business at Kenton, Ohio. Robert D. Owen was educated in country schools, and after ten years of age attended school in Kenton. When he was thirteen the circumstances of the family were such that he had to begin immediate preparation toward a self sustaining career, and he therefore became a blacksmith's apprentice. At the age of sixteen he was doing the work of a journeyman blacksmith, and he remained at Kenton as a competent mechanic until 1902, being fifteen years with one firm.
On removing to Lima he was employed in the firm of Palmer & Owen with his brother for five years. He and his brother, M. D. Owen, then bought the business and has since been associated as Owen Brothers. This firm for many years were carriage manufacturers, but with the rapid development of the automobile industry they have specialized their business as manufacturers of motor hearses and ambulances. Their output is now a recognized standard of excellence and perfect equipment for motor hearses and ambulances. They build the bodies for the Owen Motot Hearse and Owen Motor Ambulance, and their product is sent all over the United States. The plant and business require the services of fifty employes.
Mr. Owen, who has some other business interests at Lima, is a Republican voter, is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and a member of the Methodist Church. In 1913 he married Rosa- belle Keene, a daughter of Samuel and Ida (Hudson) Keene, of Lima. Their two children are Rose Margaret, born in 1914, and Hannah, born in 1916.
VICTOR CARDOSI. Before he retired from the active responsibilities of business Victor Cardosi had given thirty years of his life to the retail and wholesale fruit business at Lima. He has always been a hard worker, beginning as a boy, and no one could grudge the prosperity he enjoys and the position he has achieved among the business men of Lima at the age of sixty.
Mr. Cardosi, who still owns some valuable real estate properties in Lima, was born at Lucci, Tuscany, Italy, in 1861, son of Anthony and Teresa (Biagi) Cardosi. His father was a vineyardist and farmer in Tuscany. Victor Cardosi when thirteen years of age accompanied his oldest brother, John, to London, England, and for six years they employed their skill and time in manufacturing and selling statuary on the streets of London. Victor then returned to Tuscany and served his regular time in the Italian army, with the 12th Regiment of Cavalry, first stationed at Vircelli in the Piedmont and later at Turin. He was in the army four years, and part of the time was corporal in the Commrssary and Paymaster Department.
At the age of twenty-six he came to America, and going west from New York spent several years at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Here he resumed the ornamental statuary business, making and selling his goods. He first entered the retail fruit business at Wellston, Ohio, and in 1889 came to Lima and for nineteen years engaged in the retail fruit business, and then for ten years did a general wholesale and commission fruit business, supplying the retail trade for a radius of fifty miles around Lima. Mr. Cardosi retired from business January 1, 1920, and his establishment is now conducted by his son, Edward. He is a stockholder in the American Bank of Lima.
Mr. Cardosi is a third degree Knight of Columbus and a trustee of the order at Lima, is affiliated with the Elks, the Lima Club, the Chamber of Commerce and St. John's Catholic church. He was married to Assunta Vetoi in Italy. They have three children living, Edward J., Alvina and Louise.
MORRILL DAVID OWEN, junior member of the dependable industrial house of Owen Brothers, manufacturers of motor hearses and general automobile works, is one of the successful business men of Lima, and one well known all over Allen county. He was born at Kenton, Ohio, on November 11, 1872, a son of James and Hannah (Haines) Owen. The grandparents on the paternal side came from Wales to the United States, settling in Virginia, where they engaged in farming. They had eight children, and of them all James Owen was the youngest. His wife was also of Welsh stock. By trade James Owen was a stone mason, and he became quite an extensive contractor in stone work at Kenton, Ohio, where he died in 1887, when only thirty-six years of age. He and his wife had three sons and two daughters, of whom Morrill David was the youngest.
Growing up in his native city, Morrill D. Owen attended its public schools until he was fourteen years old, at which time he had completed the eighth grade work. He then began learning the blacksmith trade, beginning at $1.50 per week in the employ of the Kaiser Buggy Company, and remained with that concern for seven years, during that period learning his calling. Leaving Kenton, Mr. Owen went to Washington Court House, Ohio, to enter the employ of the Tuttle Carriage Company as a journeyman, but remained there only a short time, as a better opening was given