REVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY I During the War of 1812 a dreamer passed through Marion County and dreamed his dream. He was a soldier on the march. As with all soldiers of all wars, he dreamed of the future and of a home for himself and his family; and he chose Marion County. There were others like him and from that nucleus the future was born, a future in which Marion County has contributed much—in agriculture, in industry, and in government, having given many men to high offices, including the Presidency of the United States. Undoubtedly, the Mound Builders were early inhabitants of Ohio. The mounds discovered in Marion County, though they are not numerous, have yielded many human skeletons, specimens of ancient pottery, stone axes, spearheads and arrow points of flint, stone beads, and pick-shaped instruments. It is not known what became of the Mound Builders, but they were probably the immediate predecessors of the ancient Eries, who later were defeated by the Iroquois who conquered this area in order to make it into a hunting ground. The Wyandots arrived in Ohio about 1745, coming down from the north and settling on Sandusky Bay. They later spread further south. The Ohio watershed crosses the northern part of Marion County, dividing north-flowing waters from those flowing to the south. The northwestern tip of the county drains into the Little Sandusky which flows into the Sandusky (Sah-un-dus-kee, clear water) which empties into Lake Erie whose waters eventually find their way to the Atlantic. The drainage of the major part of the county is to the south, down the Olentangy, the Scioto, the Ohio, and the Mississippi into the Gulf of Mexico. It is said that the house of pioneer settler William Everett in Big Island Township was located directly on the watershed and was so built that rain water from the eaves on one side of the roof found their way to the north and water from the other side ran to the south. The Ohio watershed had an especial interest to the Indians of the Great Lakes region since it lay on their route to the south. For centuries the Indians north of the Ohio River were at war with the Indians south of the Ohio and as a result of the constant warfare, the banks of the Ohio were not inhabited, being used only as a battleground and as a hunting ground. It abounded in game and was much sought for hunting by both sides of the warring Indians. In those days, the land was uncleared and it was necessary for the Indians to travel primarily by river and stream to reach the Ohio. They probably ascended the Sandusky from the shores of Lake Erie to the mouth of the Little Sandusky, then up the Little Sandusky for about four or five miles. At this, point they would cross the [4] portage to the Little Scioto to continue traveling south. The portage they used to cross the watershed was probably in Marion County, southwest or south of the present site of Mortal in Salt Rock Township. The Wyandots were the leading tribe northwest of the Ohio River. They were extremely brave and they were the only tribe to which flight in battle, under even the most adverse conditions, was a disgrace. Other Indian inhabitants of this general area were the Shawnees, the Delawares, and the Mingoes. The Shawnees had been a wandering tribe from the South and they sought the protection of the Delawares and Wyandots. They settled along the Scioto and gave the river its name, Seeyotah, which means "hairy", so naming it for the numerous branches which the river has. They were the most aggressive of the tribes and they constantly harrassed and killed white men, women, and children in border settlements. They also were allies of the French during the French and Indian War and of the British during the Revolution and again during the War of 1812 under the leadership of Tecumseh. It was in 1782 that this area first saw organized troops move against the Indians. Col. William Crawford led the army to fight against the Wyandot, Delaware, and Shawnee Indians who were incited and led by the white renegade, Simon Girty, and The Pipe, a Delaware chief. Girty, whose parents were of questionable character, had been taken prisoner by the Senecas at the age of eight years, during the French and Indian War. He was one of the white captives who was surrendered by the Indians and he later was in the army and a friend of Col. Crawford. When Girty was denied a captaincy in the regular army in 1778, he deserted and returned to the Indians, leading the savages against the white settlers. Col. Crawford's expedition was ill-fated, ending with the retreat of a remnant of the army and the capture and burning of Col. Crawford. The description of the treatment of the captured soldiers and officers, as recounted quite fully in old histories, show the tortures to be among the most cruel and barbaric acts imaginable. Enroute to the place of execution, about seven miles northeast of Upper Sandusky in Wyandot County, Col. Crawford and his companion, Dr. John Knight, were beaten by almost every Indian they passed. Before the execution, the colonel's clothes were removed, he was tied to a stake, and, with guns, the Indians shot about seventy loads of powder into the colonel's naked body. The Indians then took up burning poles of hickory from a fire near the stake to which the colonel was tied and they applied these burning pieces of wood to his body. They later threw burning embers on him and scalped him and otherwise tortured him until his death a few hours later. Throughout, the savages were incited by Col. Crawford's former friend, Girty. The story was told by Dr. Knight who later managed to escape, his trail crossing a portion of Marion County. The United States acquired the Northwest Territory at the close of the Revolutionary War and on Jan. 1, 1785, made a treaty with the Wyandots and Delawares allotting them land now comprising Marion and adjoining counties. But the Indians remained hostile and all attempts to subdue them failed until President Washington put Gen. Anthony Wayne in charge of a large army which defeated the Indians at the battle of the [ 5 ] Fallen Timbers in 1794. This defeat resulted in the Treaty of Greenville, at Greenville, Darke County, Ohio, in 1795, by which the land south of the Greenville Treaty Line was given to the United States for settlement. This line goes through Marion County, forming a part of the boundary line between Richland and Waldo townships and passing through about the middle of Prospect Township. The demarcation of this line is still obvious in the Boundary Road which marks the northernmost border of white settlement by terms of the treaty. It hasn't been too many years since the last of the old log houses and fences along the Treaty Line were torn down. Thus it was that the earliest settlements in this county were made south of what is now the Boundary Road. The first permanent settlers in the area now comprising Marion County were Nathaniel Brundige and Nathaniel Wyatt, Sr., who came to what is now Waldo Township in 1806, just three years after Ohio attained statehood, Mar. 1, 1803. At some time during the War of 1812 a blockhouse called Fort Morrow was built in Waldo Township for the protection of settlers south of the Greenville Treaty Line. The fort and Wyatt's hotel were contained in one enclosure of pickets made from split slabs about three inches thick and from five to six feet in height. It covered an area of about one-half to three-fourths of an acre, on a knoll about thirty feet high on the west bank of the Olentangy. It contained two blockhouses, one at the southwest corner and one at the northeast: one was made of round logs and the other of hewed logs. On the top of the latter was painted, "Fort Morrow. Built by Capt. Taylor." These, blockhouses were built with a full upper story projecting out all around about four feet, over a basement six feet high. The fort had portholes and one cannon. Whenever there was an Indian alarm, the pioneers hurried to the fort, remaining there until the danger had passed. Wyatt's hotel, which operated until about 1830, was two stories high and was built of brick, covering an area twenty feet by thirty-six feet. The site of the fort and hotel is now a cemetery, the oldest in Marion County. Called Wyatt's Graveyard, it holds the graves of unknown soldiers of the War of 1812. It also contains the grave of Ruth Wyatt who was probably the first white child born in Marion County. She was born in 1807 and she died Aug. 20, 1820. As the number of white settlers increased, it was obvious that more land was needed for expansion, so the government made another treaty with the Indians, Sept. 20, 1817, opening the lands north of the Greenville Treaty Line to the pioneers. By the terms of the treaty there were some lands retained as reservations by the Indians. A Delaware tribe occupied a small reservation in what is now the corner of Grand Prairie and Salt Rock townships in Marion County and extending into Wyandot County. Another reservation was just north of the Delaware and belonged to the Wyandots who ceded their land to the United States in 1842, moving out West in 1843. The Indians were mainly friendly to the whites in this area after 1817 and often spent the night sleeping on the floors of the pioneers' cabins. They usually repaid the white men's hospitality by leaving venison and other game by the cabin doors. There were a few "bad Indians," and there [6] were a few who overimbibed "fire-water" when they came into Marion to trade, but they did little violent harm to the settlers. There was one, Tom Lyons, an ancient Delaware, who boasted that he had scalped ninety-nine whites in his day and his greatest desire was to make the number an even hundred. This inspired fear in some of the white men, but as far as is known, Tom Lyons never accomplished his wish. During the War of 1812, what is now the city of Marion was only a patch of forest and swale on the military road leading to Lower Sandusky, now Fremont. This military road was approximately on the line of the Delaware and Marion and Upper Sandusky roads. Through Marion, it ran somewhere near the line of Delaware Ave. and South Main St., cutting across to Prospect St. a little north of its intersection with Center St. The locality was then known only as "Jacob's Well." There are two theories as to the reason it was so named. One is that the place was named for Jacob Foos, who supposedly traveled through this territory with a group of commissioners at some time previous to the War of 1812. The group was amply equipped with food when they encamped in what is now the southern part of Marion, on the hill not far from the bottom, south of Columbia St. and east of Main St. But apparently the food was salty and there was no water at hand to slake the camper's thirst. About eleven o'clock, Jacob Foos abandoned his attempt to sleep. He fashioned a wooden shovel and, finding a moist place in the earth, he began to dig a well, saying that he would "dig down to a very hot country or find water." At a depth of about four feet, his work was rewarded and the well he struck was later used as a watering place by the army of General Harrison and by pioneers. The other theory is that the well in the wilderness was named for the biblical Jacob's Well. The sale of land north of the Greenville Treaty Line opened at Delaware on Aug. 15, 1820, and there were immediate buyers. These, along with a few squatters, were the first settlers. G. H. Griswold was the first official arrival, settling at Rocky Point in Pleasant Township, about midway between Newman's Bridge and Green Camp. He had seen the land while a teamster in the service during the War of 1812. Eber Baker, the founder of Marion, arrived at "Jacob's Well" in the Spring of 1821. He had been born at Litchfield Corners, Maine, Apr. 27, 1780, of English lineage. He migrated to Ohio with his wife and children in 1814, later coming to Marion County, having been hired by Alexander Holmes, a resident of Newark, who sent Mr. Baker to this county to dispose of his large holdings of land. Later Mr. Holmes' son, Samuel, lived in this county for several years and it was he who surveyed the town plat which was laid out on Apr. 3, 1822, and was recorded with the recorder of Delaware County on Apr. 18, 1822. When Eber Baker arrived, John and Ebenezer Ballantine, Mr. Chandler, Edmund Hanford, Alexander Berry, and Calvin Barnett were already in the neighborhood. When the town plat was laid out, the proposed village was located in Center Township, having been so designated when the county was formed and the name of the township was changed to Marion on Dec. 5, 1827. In the plat, five lots were given for the courthouse and jail, four lots for churches, two lots for schools, and several acres of land for a cemetery. [7] This last is now known as "Old Cemetery" and is located on Quarry St., the first street to the east off North State St., north of the railroad tracks. The county had been formed, though its boundaries were somewhat different from what they are today, by act of Feb. 20, 1820, and it had been named in honor of Gen. Francis Marion, the "swamp fox" of the American Revolution. It was attached to Delaware County until Dec. 15, 1823, when it was organized into a separate county. It originally lay entirely to the north of the Greenville Treaty Line and included parts of what are now Wyandot, Crawford, and Morrow counties, but boundary changes were made in 1845 and again in 1848. On Jan. 28, 1822, the General Assembly passed a resolution appointing commissioners to decide the seat of Marion County. Competition was high, principally between Marion, Claridon, Big Island, and a paper-town called Bellevernon, five miles east of Marion where the Claridon Pike crosses the Columbus-Sandusky Pike. The commissioners were royally entertained by the sponsors of each location and they finally chose Marion, "on account of the ease with which water could be obtained on Eber Baker's land." In the final analysis, the choosing of the site of Marion must be accredited to two squatters, John Chandler and Edmund Hanford who had built the first cabin and later moved away. It was this cabin in the forest which became the home of Eber Baker and his family and the first tavern in the town. At the time Marion was designated as the county seat there were only about five acres of cleared ground and the one house which had been left by the squatters. This was located on the east side of the present Main St., south of Center. The nearest neighbor was Alexander Berry who owned 160 acres of land, including what was called "Berry's Hill" and later became know as "Gospel Hill." Eber Baker was a public-spirited individual and he built a four-hundred-dollar jail at his own expense in consideration of Marion's being chosen as the county seat. The celebration of Marion's being so chosen was an impromptu but festive occasion during which, since there was no cannon with which to fire a salute, holes were bored in several large oak trees and filled with powder which was exploded. On Feb. 22, 1830, Marion was incorporated and given municipal rights by the legislature, but since the citizens were so law-abiding it was felt the charter was unnecessary so it was repealed by legislature on Feb. 23, 1843. The town of Marion was again given a charter on Feb. 8, 1847, and it was advanced to the status of a city on Jan. 2, 1890. Even before the formation of the county, some of the townships had been organized, though with the increasing settlement, reorganization and formation of new townships took place. Grand Prairie Township was probably in existence at the time the county was organized. It undoubtedly received its name from the fact that it lies wholly within the limits of the Sandusky plains. One of the famous Indian trails passed through this township to the Sandusky River and the Wyandots frequently traveled through in groups, worrying the white settlers with their petty thieving. The Delaware Indians had held their reservations and their exciting ring-hunts on these prairies. During a ring-hunt, the prairie grass was set on fire in a circle around deer hiding [8] in the tall grass. As the fire burned, the circle was narrowed, driving the deer out so that the Indians could shoot them. It was probably this sort of burning over of the land which kept the area prairie rather than allowing it to grow into forest. Among the pioneers of this township was James Swinnerton who bought the cabin of a Mr. Ridenour who had lived there previously. In 1824, John Van Meter, a captain in the War of 1812, arrived. Henry May settled there in 1827 and opened an inn which was used until about 1854. Salt Rock Township was organized at some time prior to the organization of Marion County and it received its name at the suggestion of Platt Brush after listening to an anecdote related by the township's first settler, Ebenezer Roseberry. Soon after his arrival he had shot and wounded a large buck which ran away. As he pursued, Mr. Roseberry stumbled over a rock and fell. Surprised at the whiteness of the rock, he broke off a piece of it, "which I declare was pure salt." The village of Morral was laid out Sept. 1, 1875, by Thomas E. Berry and was incorporated on Mar. 30, 1904. Among early inhabitants were members of the Morral family. Green Camp Township is said to be so named because during the War of 1812 a Capt. Green. encamped where the Little Scioto empties into the Scioto. Another interpretation is that the location was named because of its green, grassy appearance. It is not .known exactly when the township was formed, but it was probably during the time this county was attached to Delaware County. On March 5, 1838, the township was given its present boundaries. The first settlers arrived in 1819, Alexander Porter, Daniel Markley, and Mr. Wicks. Other pioneers arrived through the years and, in 1832, a colony of Germans settled about four miles west of the Scioto. This colony began developing the land, but when several of their company died of milk sickness in 1838, the remainder sold their holdings and moved away. The village of Green Camp was originally called Berwick and was laid out by David Beach in June of 1838. The name was changed when the village was incorporated in 1875. Scott Township, which was organized Mar. 5, 1822, was named in honor of Abraham Scott, one of the early settlers. The Columbus and Sandusky turnpike was built through this township in 1828 and many of the pioneers worked on the construction of the road, earning money to pay for their land. The road was nearly impassable in winter and bad weather, and one old traveler has been quoted as saying he thought, on driving over the road, his "horse and bogy would die." In June, 1833, Mathurin Letimbre, a Frenchman, laid out Latimbreville which was later changed to Kirkpatrick. Big Island Township was organized Mar. 5, 1823, and it possibly received its name from a big grove of trees in the midst of prairie land. The late Judge C. H. Norris believed that there was in that location an actual island cut off from the surrounding territory by little rivulets which were more numerous and well-filled before the lands were cleared for farming. The township was one of the first to be settled. Squatters Joshua Cope and Jacob Cory built their cabins there in the Spring of 1819. Mr. Cope's daughter, Lydia, was the first white girl born in the township. Soon after the land sale began, many families moved in to pioneer, including Dr. [9] Alson Norton who laid out the town of Big Island and was also the first county coroner. The first church in the county, the Free Will Baptist, was organized in this township by Rev. David Dudley on July 6, 1822, and he served as its pastor for eighteen years. In 1831, Big Island had three stores and two taverns and the advocates of Big Island as a county seat did not give up hope of having it relocated until the courthouse was built in Marion in 1832. Claridon Township was organized June 4, 1823, and its first settlers were mostly from England or of English lineage. Joseph Hornby who arrived in 1820 was perhaps the first. Vincent Douce brought his family of ten children in 1822. On Aug. 25, 1821, a town was laid out near the Olentangy on the land of Joshua B. Bearss. It was platted and surveyed by Col. James Kilbourn who named the town Claridon. Since it was hoped that the town would become the county seat, it was elaborately planned and, being the first town in the county, it flourished until Marion was named as the county seat. Caledonia was surveyed and platted on Apr. 11, 1834, by Samuel Holmes. Its proprietors were John Parcel and William T. Farrington who, for several years, had run two small stores on the site. On Nov. 12, 1873, Caledonia was incorporated as a village, having more than five hundred inhabitants at the time. Grand Township, now the smallest township in the county, was originally the largest, including Montgomery and Bowling Green townships, and its establishment, on June 7, 1824, was one of the first acts of the commissioners after the organization of the county. The township undoubtedly received its name because of its size at the time. It was re-organized Mar. 23, 1845. Early settlers were Enoch Clark who arrived in 1820 and James Stiverson who settled on the Tymochtee in 1821. Pleasant Township was organized June 8, 1824, and its name was suggested by Humphrey Mounts who moved his family from Delaware County in the Fall of 1820. That part of the county was almost unbroken forest and was extremely beautiful. Perhaps the first settler was Rev. Jacob Idleman who arrived in February of 1820 and settled on the mil- itary road about a mile north of the Treaty Line. At the land sales in August, he purchased 160 acres farther north. Richland Township was organized June 8, 1824. It is so named because its soil is so fertile and well-watered by springs and creeks and the Olentangy which passes through the township. First settlers, in 1820, were Amos A. Gleason, Peter Dunklebarger and family, John and Catharine Emery, Samuel Scribner, Adam Conklin, and Joseph Oborn. Many settlers arrived within the next few years, including in their numbers, Israel Clark, an old Revolutionary War veteran, and John Jacoby and his family. Tully Township, the last township in the county to be settled, was organized in 1828 and was named by Alanson Packard in honor of the township of that name in New York State from which he had come. Martel, at first merely a station on the railroad called Three Locusts, was surveyed and platted in August 1881. Montgomery Township was originally a part of Grand Township and was set off from that township Dec. 5, 1831. It included Bowling [10] Green Township until the latter was separated. Daniel Markley was the first settler in what is now Montgomery Township, building in 1820. He kept a wilderness tavern until 1824. In 1821 a squatter, Samuel Franklin, settled near the present site of Meeker but he was "entered out" by Col. William Cochran two years later. It was at Col. Cochran's house on the horseback-mail route from Marion to Bellefontaine that a post office was established, being named Cochranton. In 1837, the colonel moved away and later Herman Scott bought some of the land, established a store in 1844, and renamed the place Scott Town, now Meeker. William LaRue settled in the township in 1825 and by 1851 he owned 307 acres of land on the east bank of the Scioto. On June 3, 1851, he laid out the plat of LaRue, adding to its chances of development by giving the expanding Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad right-of-way through his land, plus a subscription of one thousand dollars, on condition that LaRue be a watering place for all trains which, therefore, must stop enroute through the village. New Bloomington has been variously known, as Carey Station, Belfast, and Agosta. The first name was for W. W. and Wingate Carey who, with Armstrong Smallwood and C. A. Darlington, laid out the village plat in 1856. Bowling Green Township was organized Mar. 5, 1838, and its name was suggested by Thomas Parr, a leading pioneer who had come from Bowling Green Township, Licking County. Mr. Parr laid out a town in the center of the township, called "Holmesville." At one time that town was fairly large and important for those days. The first permanent settler was Jesse Bell who settled on the east bank of Rush Creek in February 1831. Before that, Moses Dudley had arrived and it was due to the efforts of Mr. Dudley and Maj. LaRue in raising corn that the township became so popular as a place for settling. A tornado had swept through the township in 1824, leaving behind a strip of fallen timber land called the Windfall. Each year the Indians burned over this strip to facilitate hunting and this seemed to have benefited the land, making the corn crop yields especially high. In 1829, Mr. Dudley and some other men planted corn in this strip and the resultant crop brought a rush of settlers, including among others Mr. Parr, David Harraman, John D., Joseph and I. F. Guthery, and William Price. Prospect Township probably received its name from the fact that the Scioto River showed a promising future to the pioneers. It was organized in 1848, although for more than thirty years before its organization there had been extensive settlement on its lands, a great portion of which had been in Delaware County. Robert Cratty settled one mile east of the village of Prospect in about 1820 and he later helped build the first house in the village and the first schoolhouse in the county. The village of Prospect was surveyed and laid out by Christian Gast on Dec. 17, 1835. It was known as Middletown until changed in 1876 in order to avoid confusion in the mail since there were several other towns in Ohio called Middletown. Waldo Township includes the oldest settled portion of the county although the major portion of it was not a part of Marion County until 1848 when it was detached from Delaware County. The site of the town of Waldo was once owned by Robert Hayes, of Baltimore, father of President [ 11 ] Rutherford B. Hayes. It was laid out in 1831 by Milo D. Pettibone, a Delaware attorney, who named it Waldo in honor of his son. The township took its name from the village. Marion County is located north and west of the center of Ohio, with an area of 409 square miles. The greatest distance north and south is eighteen and one-half miles, and east and west, twenty-nine miles. It is bounded on the north by Wyandot and Crawford counties, on the west by Union and Hardin, on the south by Delaware, and on the east by Morrow. At the time of settlement, the portion of the county west of the Scioto belonged to the Virginia Military District of Ohio, a region reserved by Virginia for the payment of bounties to her soldiers and officers of the American Revolution. The county south of the Greenville Treaty Line was on United States Military lands, and the remainder of the county was part of Congress lands, lands which the colonies had ceded outright to the United States government. Marion County lies in the central plain which includes central and western Ohio and is the greatest agricultural section of the state. Since the county is on the watershed, the streams are shallow and not navigable and in early days, before the land was cleared, water was retained and in times of heavy rains much of the area was converted into swamp. The first settlements in the county were made on hill country or second-bottom lands. The soils are rich silty clay loam with black prairie soil in the valleys. The area is characterized by gently rolling hills, river valleys, and level plains which resulted from the glaciers which crept over the land, leaving hilly moraine deposits as they later retreated northward. The western and central portions of the county are underlaid with limestone, the quarrying of which has provided many inhabitants with employment through the years. Shale is to be found in the Olentangy banks and there is some sandstone in Tully Township. The highest point in the county is one-half mile east of Kirkpatrick, with an elevation of 1,013 feet. The elevation of the city of Marion is 985 feet at the courthouse. The pioneers who settled Marion County were mainly simple folk, attracted by the richness of the soil. They came by ox-wagon, by foot, and on horseback. They were sturdy and they had good traits of character and integrity and common sense. They came to stay and make their homes. They were poor but money wasn't important in those days. Courage and ingenuity were more necessary and the early settlers had those qualities. Their cabins were rude, as was their furniture. Beds were made of poles and tables were made of puncheons, or slabs of logs, set on poles. Their clothing was homemade, spun, woven, and sewed by the women in the families, and fabrics were often dyed with walnut bark and poke. Jackets were of deerskin or linsey-woolsey and hats and caps were usually made of fur. It was hard work, clearing the land, but the pioneers knew how to play too. The building of a new cabin would become a festive occasion, a building bee. Harvests also were cooperative ventures, neighbor helping neighbor and enjoying himself at the same time. Hunting was good sport, as well as providing the pioneer families with food. More than one hundred years ago there was a large pond at the end of the Radnor trail which ran north- [12] ward through Radnor in Delaware County, through Rayl's Corners, near Green Camp, and on through Big Island. This large pond, called Goose Pond, covered about fifty acres, and since it was a stopping place in Spring and Fall for thousands of geese and ducks in migration, it was known to all sportsmen west of the Alleghenies. There were so many birds that it was possible for one firing of an old flintrock rifle to bring down as many as five geese. Goose Pond is no longer in existence, due to drainage, but its basin forms rich farmland. The Ququa, now a drainage ditch, was once a pond and stream which ran east of Marion, then near Waldo, and on into the Olentangy. The mortality rate was high among the first settlers. The swampy lands encouraged fevers, and life among the early doctors was short since they traveled long hours to reach the bedsides of the sick and dying, thus weakening their own resistance to disease. But with the drainage of the land, living conditions became conducive to good health and the pioneers triumphed. II By 1830, Marion County had a population of 6,551 and the town of Marion flourished. The office of Postmaster had been established in Marion in 1821 and the first to hold the office was John Ballantine. Dr. Robert Holmes, a son of Alexander Holmes, was made Postmaster in 1828, a most logical appointment since the doctor could carry the mail in his silk hat and deliver it as he made the rounds of his patients. A few years later, Samuel Calvert was Postmaster in a small frame building on the east side of Main St. between Center and Church. The postoffice was in several different locations before being moved to its present site in January 1911. The coinage of money by the United States was limited up to the time Marion was founded; therefore, it is no wonder the inhabitants used the barter system of exchange, trading in grain, furs, powder, and bullets in settlement of both private debts and government taxes. The stock of goods in the stores included the staples—whiskey, tobacco, powder and lead, cotton cloth, and calico. Crops were taken to the markets on the lake and it was a long and arduous journey by wagon train. There would sometimes be as many as fifty covered wagons loaded with grain in one such train, toiling over the difficult route and stopping overnight along the way. These trips, however, were probably quite enjoyable, since the men gathered around the campfires at night telling stories and singing. In the early years, the two most popular vocations seem to have been farming and tavern-keeping. The tavern rates in Marion in 1825 were six and one-quarter cents for lodging, twelve and one-half cents for feeding a horse, and eighteen and three-quarters cents for a meal. There were three stores, one of which was owned by W. and J. H. Holmes, sons of Alexander Holmes. There were two blacksmith shops, Rev. George W. Baker, a son of Eber Baker, had a horsemill for grinding corn, A. C. [13] Priest owned a tanning yard, J. L. Withrow a shoe shop, and John O'Harra a chair and bedstead shop. There were two doctors, one lawyer, and one minister. There was also one jail and there were times when it was quite well-filled, minor offenses being the most frequent, perhaps resulting from the custom of each store's having on hand a barrel of whiskey from which customers were expected to help themselves free-of-charge. By 1828, the first schoolhouse in Marion had been built and it was used, not only as a school, but for all public gatherings, including church meetings and court proceedings. The first town elections were held May 15, 1830, and Nathan Peters was elected mayor. The mayor chosen at the first elections after the re-incorporation of Marion in 1847 was William Brown. The town council was established in July 1852. Among the oldest residences in the city is the home of Henry True, on the southwest corner of S. State and Church streets. It was built in 1848 by Mr. True's grandfather, Dr. Henry A. True, and is probably the oldest home in Marion which has always belonged to a member of the family of the original owner. Another early residence was built by Charles Baker, a son of Eber Baker. It is located on the southeast corner of Church and S. Vine streets and is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. William C. Beatty. There have been four county courthouses in Marion, counting the first which was used for all public gatherings. The cornerstone of the present courthouse was laid July 4, 1884, with a copper box filled with deposits such as samples of wheat, barley, and timothy, a short history of Marion County, copy of the courthouse specifications, and others. The box was deposited by the commissioners, George Retterer, Samuel Mahaffey, and Wilson Imbody. Two thousand people attended the ceremony. The first county jail was built on the site of the present one in 1824 and was replaced in 1842 by a stone jail. This one seemed to house principally horse thieves who were quite successful throughout Ohio in those days. This jail was not too secure, the prisoners sometimes escaping by picking stones out of the walls, and it was replaced by the present structure in 1878. The first school was established soon after the founding of Marion but for many years the public school system was inadequate and many private schools were started, though they were never able to last long financially, the best known of which was the old Marion Academy where the more ambitious young men and ladies of Marion and surrounding territory learned their letters. Church services were first held in homes and in the schoolhouse until the several denominations could build their own churches. Inasmuch as the first newspaper in the United States to advocate emancipation of slaves was an Ohio paper, in Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson County, it is only to be expected that the anti-slavery sentiment would have extended into Marion County. The Underground Railroad, a chain of homes of Abolitionists where escaping slaves found refuge enroute to freedom in Canada, operated through Marion County for more than twenty years before the Civil War. There were several stopping places in the county, and the one used most frequently was the home of Joseph Morris, a Quaker who brought his family to Richland Township in 1837. The base- [14] ment and attic of his home were cleverly built to conceal the fugitives and an underground passage and tunnel ran to the barn and corncrib. It was the anti-slavery sentiment of some of the citizens that first brought Marion into the national limelight. In the Fall of 1838, Bill Mitchell arrived in the village professing himself to be a free negro and he soon became indispensible to the town as a worker and entertainer. The people fondly called him "Black Bill." But in July 1839, eight men from Kanawha County, Virginia, showed up in Marion, claiming Black Bill as the runaway slave of Adnah Van Bibber; and Black Bill was placed in the county jail to await trial. The case was tried on Aug. 26, 1839, before Ozias Bowen, presiding judge, and Thomas J. Anderson and George Gray, associate judges. A large crowd filled the old courthouse to overflowing as testimony was heard, and decision was rendered the morning following the trial. It was decided that the evidence did not support the case and Black Bill was set free. Immediately the southerners seized the negro and demanded a new trial. The crowd protested, but the southerners were armed and they dragged the negro from the courthouse to the office of John Bartram, Justice-of-the-peace, demanding a new trial. Then there developed a riot which made newspaper headlines throughout the country. The townspeople, upset as much by the violation of their court and laws at the hands of the southerners as by the issue of slavery, pressed against the violators, breaking into the arsenal for arms. The sheriff was unable to enter the guarded office, but at last Judge Anderson braved the armed defiance and entered. Black Bill escaped and, in a street fight which followed, he managed to push north through town to a point from which he could be transported into Canada. Fighting was furious that day and several were wounded. The stones and other material waiting to be used in the paving of North Main St., which was being done at that time, were hurled by those not fortunate enough to be armed with a pistol or bowie knife. The southerners and their attorneys were arrested on a charge of contempt of court and later were indicted. All the indictments but one were afterward nolled, and that one man was acquitted. Editorial comment on the affair was in all the newspapers of the country and feeling ran high for a time. It has been stated that the Civil War might have been touched off by this event had it not been an election year. Later, Marion County men were quick to enroll in the army during the Civil War and the citizens subscribed generously to a relief fund for the support of the needy families of those who had enlisted. During the war there were probably about 1800 men from the county who served. Travel through Marion County was difficult in early days due to the fact that there were no navigable streams and the early roads were primitive affairs, following the old Indian trail and General Harrison's War Road. A state road was established in 1822 and in 1826 an act incorporated the Columbus and Sandusky Turnpike Co. to construct a serviceable road from Columbus to Sandusky through Delaware. This was the first of several toll roads, the tolls varying with the type of conveyance using the road. People going to church services on Sunday and militiamen traveling to and from muster grounds were exempt from paying toll. The road was poorly [ 15 ] constructed and was in reality a fraud, being more of a mudpike than a turnpike as it should have been. The matter was rectified in time—but not before the author, Charles Dickens, had suffered its discomforts. In his American Notes, Dickens comments thusly for posterity on the phase of his trip which carried him through Marion County in 1841: "... the road we went over that day, was certainly enough to have shaken tempers that were not resolutely at Set Fair, down to some inches below stormy. At one time we were all flung together in a heap at the bottom of the coach, and at another we were crushing our heads against the roof. Now one side was down deep in the mire, and we were holding on to the other. Now, the coach was lying on the tails of the two wheelers, and now it was rearing up in the air, in a frantic state, with all four horses standing on the top of an insurmountable eminence, looking cooly back at it, as though they would say, `Unharness us. It can't be done.' The drivers on these roads, who certainly get over the ground in a manner which is quite miraculous, so twist and turn the team in forcing a passage, corkscrew fashion, through the bogs and swamps, that it was quite a common circumstance on looking out of the window, to see the coachman with the ends of a pair of reins in his hands, apparently driving nothing, or playing at horses, and the leaders staring at one unexpectedly from the back of the coach, as if they had some idea of getting up behind. A great portion of the way was over what is called a corduroy road, which is made by throwing trunks of trees, into a marsh, and leaving them to settle there. The very slightest of the jolts with which the ponderous carriage fell from log to log, was enough, it seemed, to have dislocated all the bones in the human body . . . Never, never once, that day, was the coach in a position, attitude, or kind of motion to which we are accustomed in coaches... " . . We alighted in a pleasant wood toward the middle of the day, dined on a fallen tree, and leaving our best fragments with a cottager, and our worst with the pigs (who swarm in this part of the country like grains of sand on the sea-shore . . . ), we went forward again, gaily. "As night came on, the track grew narrower and narrower, until at last it so lost itself among the trees, that the driver seemed to find his way by instinct. We had the comfort of knowing, at least, that there was no danger of his falling asleep . he was fain to hold on pretty tight and pretty quick, to keep himself upon the box . . . the horses had enough to do to walk; as to shying, there was no room for that . . . ". . . the trees were so close together that their dry branches rattled against the coach on either side, and obliged us all to keep our heads within . . . "At length, between ten and eleven o'clock at night, a few feeble lights appeared in the distance, and Upper Sandusky, an Indian village, where we were to stay till morning, lay before us." It is quite difficult now with the cleared farmlands and spaced highways to visualize the road over which Dickens passed. There now are in Marion County more than 773 miles of roads, not more than thirty-nine miles of which have an earth surface and 225 miles of which have a stone surface. There are more than 163 miles of state roads and the rest are county and township roads which fall under the supervision of the Coun- [ 16 ] ty Engineer's Office. Roads now are all numbered, though they are sometimes still referred to by their old names, usually called for families who lived along the roads. This naming often led to confusion in identifying roads which might be called by one family's name for a certain distance, and then by another's. The Engineer's Office has about thirty-five employees and they take care of ditch drainage and other necessary services on the roads. At the presenttime, the policy is to change from stone to black-top and the change is being made at the average of about ten miles per year. As early as 1832, there was an attempt made to connect Marion with other cities by rail, although at the time there were no railroads in Ohio and only 229 miles of track in operation in the United States. The first railroad built in the county was the Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad and it was completed on Aug. 28, 1852, connecting Marion with Galion where it met the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway Co. There was much contention as to whether the tracks should run down Center or Mill St. The latter was finally chosen. There are now four railroads, the Erie, Pennsylvania, New York Central, and Chesapeake and Ohio, and passengers and freight may leave Marion to go east, west, north, or south. In 1902, the Union Depot was built, ending local complaints as to the inadequacy of the stations provided by the various railroads, one of which was fashioned from an old private railroad car which had once belonged to Jim Fisk. Electric railways put in their appearance in 1895 and interurban service was provided by the C. D. & M., which was established about 1906. Bus service is now used locally and to other cities. Mention should be made of the Asiatic Cholera which was carried to Marion in the Summer of 1854. The plague lasted about six weeks, forcing terrorized residents to flee the village and killing sixty-five citizens. The bodies of the victims of the cholera are buried in Old Cemetery. Marion Cemetery was founded in 1857 when it was realized the old burial grounds were inadequate to meet the needs of a growing community and their location near the newly laid railroad tracks was not desirable. At that time, there must have been at least a few active grave-robbers since it was the custom to hire people to watch the graves of the recently-dead at night for a period after burial. This custom was stopped after the vault was built with funds raised by popular subscription. The coffins were then placed in the vault for a period before final burial. There is now a second large cemetery, north of town, called Chapel Heights Memory Gardens. St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery is to the West of Marion Cemetery. Marion's Diamond Jubilee, commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of its founding, was held Aug. 18, 19 and 20 of 1897, with fitting celebrations. It remained for the Centennial Celebration to be one of the most important occasions Marion County has ever known. At the time, Warren G. Harding was president of the United States and attended the festivities. The Presidential party was met in Columbus by a group of men in five automobiles who escorted them to Marion. The celebration, with J. Wilbur Jacoby as general Centennial chairman, started Sunday, July 2, 1922, with sermons and programs in the [17] churches and a concert by Kadgar Grotto Band at Garfield Park in the afternoon. Charles E. Baker, grandson of Eber Baker, came from Chicago to be a guest of honor, and a former Marionite, William Z. Davis, who had been Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, was a speaker. During the Centennial the residents of Marion were brought up to date on the history of both the city and county, in newspaper articles and speeches. It seemed as strange then as it does now to think of pigs roaming wild through the county as was mentioned earlier in this chapter in the quote from Charles Dickens. As a matter of fact, the wild pigs were so numerous in the early days of Marion that the hunting of pigs in the woods was a vocation. They were rounded up and driven south to markets in Baltimore. Times had changed through the hundred years to the Centennial, and they have continued changing. In view of our present annoyance with defective sparkplugs of passing automobiles which create havoc with our television sets we now have in addition to our taken-for-granted radios, it is surprising to remember the excitement of many of us when we read the following newspaper article not thirty years ago. The telephone company was to give a demonstration of a broadcast from the "powerful plant" at Arlington by the Marine Band in Washington: "Just as the town clock strikes the hour of seven, the device will be placed in operation. All the telephone patron has to do is to lift the receiver off his machine and place it to his ear. It is particularly requested that patrons will not ring up for the two minutes of the concert. The demonstration is simply to acquaint patrons with the novelty of wireless telephony, and is for this date only." III Warren Gamaliel Harding was born Nov. 2, 1865, on a farm near Bloomingrove, Ohio, son of Dr. George Harding and Phoebe Elizabeth Dickerson Harding. He was educated in Caledonia and at Ohio Central College at Iberia, and he rose to the most prominent position a man can hold in this country. Owner and editor of the Marion Star for many years, Mr. Harding also served in the State Senate, as lieutenant governor of Ohio, and in the United States Senate. He was nominated to the Presidency of the United States and, after his famous Front Porch Campaign conducted from the porch of his home on Mt. Vernon Ave., he was elected President on Nov. 2, 1920. Marion Republicans and Democrats alike were proud that Harding was President and many Marion residents still are fond of reminiscing about their visits to the White House during his term of office. With his charming and intelligent wife, Florence Kling DeWolfe Harding, he visited Marion during the Centennial in 1921. Mrs. Harding was a native of Marion, her father having been Amos H. Kling, a leading citizen of this city. All Marion mourned at the time of Harding's death on Aug. 2, 1923. For several years, until the Memorial was completed, Harding's body [18] remained in the vault at Marion Cemetery. During all that time, a military guard was placed at the vault twenty-four hours a day, and a group of selected soldiers was stationed in Marion specifically for the purpose of guarding the grave of the late president. The beautiful Memorial south of the city stands as a tribute to Harding's memory. It was built with funds raised by popular subscription throughout this and other countries and much of the money for its construction was donated by school children. It is a magnificent white marble structure, beautifully landscaped, and is like a round Greek temple. Surrounded by huge columns, it is open to the sky and a small garden plot surrounds the tombs of President and Mrs. Harding. The cornerstone was laid on May 30, 1926, and the Memorial was officially dedicated on June 16, 1931, by Herbert Hoover who was President of the United States at that time. Former President Calvin Coolidge was also present at the dedication ceremonies. This beautiful Memorial draws many tourists to Marion each year. The Harding Museum, which is filled with interesting exhibits of the life and times of Harding, is located on Mt. Vernon Ave. It was built by Mr. and Mrs. Harding just before their marriage ceremony which was performed in the newly completed house. It was their home for many years until they moved into the White House in Washington. The Museum is operated under the jurisdiction of the Harding Memorial Association. There is another museum in Marion, privately owned. Dr. F. A. Stengel, resident of Marion and one of the world's foremost hobbyists, purchased Dr. Harding's home on East Center St. from the Harding estate. This house was built in 1883 and '84 by Warren G. Harding and his father. After his death, President Harding's body was returned to this home to lie in state before the funeral service. More than 110,000 people filed past the body. Dr. Stengel has furnished the house throughout with furniture and other items which once belonged to members of the Harding and Dickerson families. Nearly 3,000 people have visited this museum which is open to the public free-of-charge, by appointment. Norman Thomas, several times the Socialist Party's candidate for the Presidency of the United States, is a native of Marion and a graduate of Old Marion High School. He was born in 1884 and his father was Rev. Welling E. Thomas, minister of First Presbyterian Church for a number of years. His mother was a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Stephen Mattoon, well-known missionary to Siam. Marion's library is located on S. Main St. It had its very beginning in a small reading room for working men which was established by John Crawley, aided by the encouragement and financial support of Edward Huber, pioneer manufacturer in Marion. The first books were donated by citizens of the town and Mr. Crawley went from house to house, gathering up the books in a wheel barrow. After about five years, in May 1891, it became a public library, financed by the town. In 1905, Andrew Carnegie contributed funds and the library was moved into its present building in 1907. It has about 60,000 volumes. The library in LaRue is a branch of the Marion Library. [ 19 ] Also a branch of The Marion Public Library is the Fred Keller Dix Memorial Library in Prospect. This library was opened Jan. 21, 1937, as Prospect Public Library. It was sponsored by the All Arts Club and there were nearly one thousand books donated at that time. The late Judge Oscar Gast donated about 100 books and many other Prospect citizens have been donors. The library now has more than 3,000 volumes. In 1948, Mrs. Fred Keller Dix bequeathed to the library a double business building on N. Main St. in Prospect in honor of her late husband. One-half of the building is to be used as a library and rent from the other half is to be used toward its maintenance. Harding High School was so named in honor of Warren G. Harding. It is the alma mater of all Marion public high school graduates since the name was changed from the old Marion High School. There are three junior high schools, Central, Vernon Heights, and Edison, and ten grade schools. There is one parochial school, St. Mary, which has both primary and secondary education. Marion Business College provides advanced training. The present-day schools, though awaiting new buildings and more classrooms which will be provided within the visible future, are a far cry from the earliest school whose first board adopted a resolution by which they determined not to employ any teacher unless qualified to teach reading, writing, arithmetic, English grammar, and geography. The first schoolteacher who was hired received the munificence of twenty-two dollars a month! In Marion County there are twelve county consolidated schools under the direction of County Superintendent D. T. Mills. In addition to academic training, most of these schools have courses in vocational, commercial, agricultural, and home economics training. The schools are Caledonia, Claridon, Grand Prairie, Green Camp, Montgomery, Morral, New Bloomington, Pleasant, Prospect, Tully, Waldo, and LaRue. The last one-room school house in the county, Marion Township Local which was located southwest of Marion, was closed in 1948. Each of the county schools has its local school board of five members and one clerk. There is also the Marion County Board of Education with five members and the superintendent of schools who is automatically clerk. Marion County Infirmary, for the needy elderly people of the county, was first established on what is now Fairground St. The exact date of its founding is not known, but it was moved to its present site on the Claridon Pike about 1850. The Marion County Children's Home is located on a farm two and one-half miles south of Marion on the Delaware Road. The land and buildings were presented to the county for this purpose by Benjamin Waddell who also established and built Waddell Ladies Home. This home for elderly ladies is now located on E. Center St. near the city limits; but originally it was housed in the building erected for that purpose by Mr. Waddell in 1905, and which is now Marion City Hospital. Marion City Hospital purchased its building from the Waddell estate Jan. 24, 1921. It was partially remodeled and, although the exact date of its establishment as a hospital cannot be confirmed, it is known that the ninth patient was admitted in July 1920. In April 1944, a temporary addi- [20] tion was built, primarily with government funds. There are 125 beds, three county health clinics, two major and one minor surgery rooms, one emergency room, and one fracture room. There are accepted X-ray, clinical, and pathology laboratories and it is licensed as a maternity hospital. The Y. M. C. A. has contributed much to Marion youth, with physical education, social activities, and Christian training. The local Y. M. C. A. was organized in 1891 and the present "Y" building was dedicated in 1893. It has served the community well, and the citizens of the county are now joining together in a drive to raise funds by popular subscription so that a new building may be constructed east of the Post Office to meets the present day needs of children, men, and women. The Marion Chapter of the American Red Cross has done a great amount for the welfare of the community. The Salvation Army has done much to help the needy of the city and has organized the youth of the community toward constructive activities in connection with its playground. A new organization of women in Marion, the junior Service Guild, is doing a great amount to improve the lives and thinking of needy and delinquent minors. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, and other local organizations benefit from the Community Chest whose annual Drives provide the necessary financial support. There are three parks in Marion, and Crystal Lake, north of the city, provides excellent swimming facilities. The country club provides golf as does a public golf course, south of Marion. During the baseball season, Marionites turn out to watch the games. There are also sulky and auto races at the Fairgrounds during the Summer. The newly completed coliseum adds appreciably to the number and type of recreational facilities provided. There are several hotels which accommodate visitors to the city, the two largest of which are Harding Hotel and the Hotel Marion. The Marion County Fair is held annually for one week at the Fairgrounds. At that time, both agriculture and industry display their very best products. And the housewives show, and are awarded prizes for, the preserves and vegetables they have canned and the knitting, crocheting, and other handwork they have done. The Marion County Farm Bureau is a very strong association in the community. Most farmers are members and they find the Bureau extremely valuable in providing information about crops, cultivation, finances, and other important matters. Also, the Granges play a high role in the life of every farm family. The vast majority of the citizens of Marion County are church members. In the city of Marion there are twenty-three denominations represented by forty-nine churches. The Masonic Order in Marion is quite large and active, having been so since the local order was formed in 1840. Other large organizations which have active chapters in the city are the Eagles, Elks, I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias, and Moose. Service Clubs are Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, and Exchange clubs. Veterans of the two World Wars are organized in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and AMVETS. There are two airports in the county, Miller's Airport south of Marion and Baker's Airport, east of the city. The new Municipal Airport, east of Marion, is now being built to take the place of the present City Airport, [21] and, when completed, will provide a regular landing place for established airline routes. During World War II, Marion was chosen as the site of an Engineer Depot by the U. S. Army. It still is in operation, though on a smaller scale, east of town. To the north was the Scioto Ordnance during the war and part of this area is still retained for the purpose of atomic research. Another part of this area is being made into a State institution; a Training School for first offenders. The Marion Chamber of Commerce acts as service adviser to the many businesses and industries of Marion. It is also instrumental in bringing new concerns to the city. Until 1863, the county was primarily agricultural but in that year Edward Huber invented a revolving hay rake which he began manufacturing. The Huber Manufacturing Co. was incorporated in 1874 and is the oldest industry in Marion. When Henry H. Barnhart invented the steam shovel in 1883, he sought the help and advice of Mr. Huber and, after a short time, the Marion Steam Shovel Co. was incorporated. Now called The Marion Power Shovel Co., this concern has brought wide fame to Marion, which has become known as the Steam Shovel City. The Houghton Sulky Co. is another old organization, having been first organized as a company in 1904. The principal products of Marion County today include power shovels and cranes, agricultural implements, castings, sulkies, soy bean products, food stuffs, and steel products. The Marion Star is the only newspaper in the city and it furnishes local, national, and international news. There have been many newspapers in the city of Marion since it was founded, the largest of which have been the Star and the old Marion Tribune, successor to Marion Mirror. The first newspaper of the county, The Peoples' Advocate and Marion and Sandusky Advertiser, came into being Oct. 8, 1828. It published no local news and ceased to exist Mar. 9, 1830. Henry True now owns a file of most of the issues of this early newspaper. Radio Station WMRN broadcasts regularly every day and evening from their studios on N. Main St. and they provide local programs as well as programs by national hookup with the American Broadcasting Co. The first attempt at banking in Marion County came about when J. S. Reed & Co. lent their receipts to cattle dealers. This bank was organized in 1839 by J. S. Reed and Dr. H. A. True, and it was from this beginning that the Marion County Bank has descended. The Fahey Banking Co. was established in 1865 by Timothy Fahey. Mr. Fahey, known as "Judge" Fahey, was president from 1893, when it was incorporated as a state bank, until his death in 1917. The bank has always remained at the same location on N. Main St. The present officers, W. G. O'Brien, President, and Francis B. Huber, Cashier, are both grandsons of Timothy Fahey. National City Bank is Marion's third banking institution. It has been said that Marion is a city situated on a rock. And it was an accident that led to the discovery of this fact. Back. in 1857, Christian Haberman was out tracking a rabbit which had been gnawing his young apple trees. The tracks disappeared into the ground between two rocks. When he tried to dig out the rabbit, Mr. Haberman realized he had found [22] a good deposit of blue limestone. He immediately bought a half-acre of land for $150 and began quarrying the stone. The site was just about three or four blocks northeast of the courthouse! Immense quantities of limestone have been quarried from the land in Marion County and shipped to all parts of the country, and quarrying is still a flourishing business today. The city of Marion is governed by a mayor and ten councilmen elected by the people, and the city offices are located in the Eagles' Building. At the present time, Harold F. Robinson is Mayor. City ordinances and rulings are enacted by the council. Until 1925, the mayor also functioned as a judiciary officer, but, at that time, the Municipal Court was founded. There have been only two municipal judges since the office was created, the first being William R. Martin, and the present, Dexter Hazen. The Court has countywide jurisdiction over all criminal matters, having final jurisdiction over all misdemeanors and preliminary jurisdiction of all felonies. In civil matters the court has jurisdiction up to and including $1,000. It has civil jurisdiction of the city of Marion and of Marion Township, and in matters of forcible detainer, it has county-wide jurisdiction. The county has always been under a governing body of three county commissioners, each chosen for a term of three years. The first commissioners were Enoch B. Merritt, Amos C. Wilson, and Mathew Merritt who were elected in May 1824. The present commissioners are Carl Lehner, William Risch, and Ray Reidenbaugh. There are three county courts, presided over by two judges. Paul D. Smith is Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, the Superior court of the county. It receives appeals from municipal or justice or probate courts. It also has jurisdiction in civil matters from $100 up and is the only court in the county which has equity jurisdiction. The Court also tries all divorce cases and all criminal cases including felonies. The Probate and Juvenile courts are presided over by Edward Ruzzo. The office of probate judge was created in 1851 by the state legislature and it has jurisdiction in administration of descedents estates, appointment of guardians, adoptions, assignments for benefit of creditors, delayed registration of birth certificates, correction of birth records, adjudication of mental illness and commitments, and changes of name. The Juvenile Court was established and created within the probate court in 1904. It has jurisdiction over any child who is neglected, delinquent, dependent, or crippled. It works in close relationship with the schools and police department. The sheriff of Marion County at the present time is Leroy Retterer who is assisted by three deputies and several volunteer deputies who may be called in case of emergencies. The Sheriff's Office maintains law and order throughout the county and in rural areas and unincorporated villages. It serves all Probate and Common Pleas courts papers and has supervision of the county jail, seeing that prisoners are properly fed and given necessary medical attention. The Sheriff also is in charge of traffic control and the transportation of mental patients to state institutions and of people sentenced to prisons and reformatories. The Sheriff's Office works in close association with the Marion Police Department of which William Marks is chief. The Marion Police Depart- [ 23 ] meat is staffed by an adequate force of officers and policemen and has radio equipment in the patrol cars. The Marion Fire Department, under the supervision of Chief Owen Sifritt, has ample equipment and men and is housed in three different stations. The middle of the Twentieth Century finds Marion County a growing and flourishing community. The 1950 census report lists a population of 49,830 in the county, an increase of eleven per cent over the 1940 count. The county has made its share of contributions to our country and to other nations in times of peace and in times of war. Nor is the development coming to a halt. This year will see the official opening of the new Municipal Airport, the completion and use of North State St. Junior High School, the one hundredth annual County Fair, and the beginning of construction of the new 750,000 Y. M. C. A., the funds for which were raised this year in a highly successful and civic-minded campaign. With the present advancements and the pleasant prospects for the future, we can all be thankful that early settlers were tempted by the fertile lands and so made their homes here. [24] BIOGRAPHIES OF MANY RESIDENTS OF MARION COUNTY, OHIO HENRY AYER TRUE was born in Marion in the house where he now resides which was built in 1848 by his grandfather, Dr. True. Mr. True was educated at Lawrenceville and Princeton. He has been a director and officer in the Marion County Bank and the Home Federal Loan Co. for many years. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Masonic bodies, and Elks Lodge. His father, Henry True, was born in a house on the lot now occupied by the family home and was moved into the present house when six months of age. He was educated at Lawrence Scientific School of Harvard University and was connected with the family bank for many years, becoming its president. His parents were Dr. Henry A. True and Elizabeth P. (Reed) True. Mrs. True was born in Deerfield, Mass., lived in Pittsfield, Mass., and New York City, and was a first cousin of the Rev. George H. Houghton, founder of the Little Church Around the Corner. Dr. True was born in Union, Knox County, Me., and graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine where he was a student of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He studied medicine in Boston, practiced in New York City, and in 1839 with his brother-in-law, J. S. Reed, came to Marion where they established a general store and lent money, eventually separating the two. The banking department became the Marion County Bank, one of the four oldest banks' in the state and one of the 250 oldest banking institutions in the country. His grandfather, Henry True, was a chaplain in the French and Indian War. His mother's father, Amos Barrett, fought in the battle of Concord. Henry Ayer True's mother, Flora P. (Bowen) True, was born in Marion. Her father, Judge Ozias Bowen, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., was thrown on his own resources in his early life, and came to Marion where he married, first, Lydia, daughter of Eber Baker. After her death he married Eliza McIntire, the mother of Mrs. True, who was born in Charlton, Worcester County, Mass., and came to Marion to teach in the old Academy. Judge Bowen was a member of the Supreme Court of Ohio for a period, and was one of the electors who cast the vote of Ohio for Lincoln and Johnson. FREDERICK CLEVELAND SMITH, Congressman in the House of Representatives of the United States and physician and surgeon of Marion, was born at Shanesville, 0., July 29, 1884. His father, Philip Smith, was born in Ohio to German immigrant parents who had come to America in 1848. His mother, Delilah (Bixler) Smith, was a direct descendant of Jacob Hofstetler, a Swiss who came to Philadelphia in 1736. She was loved by her neighbors and always ministered to the ailing in her community. Dr. Smith was reared on a farm in Tuscarawas County and attended the district school. At sixteen he began working twelve hours a day for $1.60 as a laborer at a blast furnace. He also worked in the local coal [25] mines, mining coal and driving mules. At nineteen he returned to school and later studied medicine. In 1906, Dr. Smith married Mary Elizabeth Dennis, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Norris E. Dennis. They have two sons, Dr. Frederick G. Smith, of Marion (see Index), and Dr. Philip William Smith of Marion. Congressman Smith came to Marion in 1908 and began the practice of medicine. In 1924 and 1925 he did post graduate study in Europe. After his return to Marion, he founded The Frederick C. Smith Clinic. In 1935 he was elected mayor of Marion. He served as mayor without pay, donating his salary to improve facilities at the city hospital and other civic services, and also to provide an annual Christmas dinner for underprivileged children of Marion. In 1938, Dr. Smith was elected Representative to Congress for the Eighth Ohio District of which Marion is a part. He has served continuously as Congressman since that time. He is a member of the House Committee on Banking and Currency. JOHN A. ABEL, Chief Auditor and Financial Adviser of the Grand Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Kansas City, Mo., was born in Prospect, Jan. 14, 1886, son of J. Christian and Catherine (Issler) Abel. His father moved his carriage manufacturing business from Prospect to Marion in 1890. Mr. Abel graduated from Marion High School and Marion Business College and during his residence in Marion held various official positions in several industries. From 1934 to 1935 he was in charge of all relief programs for Marion County and of all W. P. A. and F. E. R. A. relief programs for the city and county relief agencies which were under state and federal supervision. In 1913, Mr. Abet who is listed in Who's Who in America (1940-1941) became secretary of Buckeye Aerie 337 Fraternal Order of Eagles and in 1928 he became state president of State Aerie F. O. E. He then became a trustee of Grand Aerie F. O. E. in 1929, grandworthy president of F. O. E. in 1939, grand secretary in 1941, chief auditor in 1944 and financial adviser Oct. 1, 1949. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church. On Feb. 4, 1907, Mr. Abel married Florida Churchill who was born in New York, daughter of Frank and Emily (Paugh) Churchill. Children: (1) Dorothy (Mrs. James W. Rein), of Kansas City, Mo. She has six children: (a) Robert Eugene, a junior in Manhattan College of Agriculture at Manhattan, Kans; (b) John Edward; (c) Phillip Allen; (d) James Keith; (e) Judith Lynn; and, (f) Pamela Kay. (2) Marion Lucile who died in infancy. (3) John Churchill who died in 1931 at the age of eight years. FLORENCE M. YOUNG was born in Huron County, daughter of W. S. and Marietta (Wiard) Chamberlain. Mrs. Young graduated from Marion High School and Ohio State University with an A. B. degree. She taught in the Marion schools about seven years. She was director of Marion County Normal School and was on the Board of Teachers Examiners of the city of Marion. Mrs. Young is a member of the Board of Trustees of Marion Carnegie Public Library, having been appointed in 1922. She is also a member of [26] the Girl Scout Council and is a Life Trustee of the Florence M. Young Girl Scout Camp. Mrs. Young gave the camp of about forty acres to the Girl Scout Organization and they named the camp in her honor. The organization voted a Girl Scout Thank Badge, the second one to be awarded in Marion, to Mrs. Young. Mrs. Young for about three years had a weekly program over WMRN on books and authors. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, W. S. C. S., Association of University Women (past president), Current Topic Club, Shakespeare Club, Auxiliary to Marion County Academy of Medicine, and Marion Country Club. She is chairman of the program committee of Federation of Women's Clubs, president of Town and Country Garden Club, and regional director of District Number Seven of the State Association of Garden Clubs. She married, on February 21, 1917, Dr. Fillmore Young, a heart specialist. Dr. and Mrs. Young traveled extensively. Dr. Young, a brilliant and prominent man, studied continuously during his career, taking post graduate work in Berlin, London, Vienna, Paris, and Edinburgh, to promote advancement in medicine and to assist in medical research. He died Nov. 20, 1939. In addition to her church, civic, radio, social, and club activities, Mrs. Young finds time to enjoy flower gardening and her collection of books, first editions, autographs, fine bindings, sea shells, linens, china, glass, and semi-precious jewels. FREDERICK A. STENGEL, practicing optometrist in Marion, was born in Marion Apr. 12, 1870, son of John A. and Barbara (Schlecht) Stengel. John A. was one of the early settlers in Marion, coming here from Switzerland in 1841. He conducted a carriage shop on Canal Street (now Columbia Street) until his death in 1900. Dr. Stengel received his early education in the Marion schools and learned the jewelry trade with C. O. Drew in Marion. In 1891, he opened a jewelry store in Nevada, and in 1894, he moved to Altoona, Pa. He later attended and graduated from Northern Illinois College and in 1901 he graduated from McCormick College in Chicago. Dr. Stengel then returned to Marion where he has practiced optometry continuously since that date. He organized the Ohio Optometric Association and is a past president, secretary, and treasurer of the group, of which he is also a life member. He is a past president of the State Board of Examiners. Dr. Stengel has been a member of the National Optometric Association since 1902, and he has held various offices for the past forty-two years. At the present time he is its treasurer, which office he has held for twenty-five years. He was awarded a fifty-year button last year at Atlantic City, N. J. Dr. Stengel is a fifty-year life member of the Masonic Lodge and Life Member Number 1 and Fifty-year Member of B. P. O. Elks. He is a charter member of Kiwanis Club. He is a trustee of Marion Carnegie Public Library and Waddell Ladies Home in Marion. He is also a member of the Board of Marion Cemetery Assn. He attends First Presbyterian Church. [27] Dr. Stengel is one of the greatest hobbiests in the United States, having started collecting at the age of seven. He has never sold any of his collections. He is the owner of complete collections of the evolution of time, illumination, and firearms. He also has collections of stamps, United States coins and currency, antique furniture, china, glass, pewter, Indian relics, and numerous other items. From the Harding estate, Dr. Stengel purchased the Harding homestead at 498 East Center Street in Marion. Here he has a collection of the old possessions of the Hardings and Dickersons. The home is open and free for public inspection by appointment. MARTIN EDWIN HOLLENSEN, pastor of Emanuel Lutheran Church and Sunday radio speaker over WMRN for the past five years, was born Nov. 14, 1906, in Chicago, youngest of four children of Hans and Mathilda (Behn) Hollensen, natives of Chicago. In 1911, the family moved to East St. Louis, Ill., where the father engaged in the lumber business. Rev. Martin Edwin Hollensen graduated from East St. Louis High School in 1924. He received his A. B. degree and graduated magna cum laude from Capital University in 1928. He attended the School of Theology at Capital University from 1928 to 1931, receiving the Bachelor of Divinity degree, with honors. He was ordained a minister in the American Lutheran Church in Chicago, June 14, 1931. Mr. Hollensen was installed as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Eaton, O., July 26, 1931. He served there until Oct. 31, 1937. On Nov. 1, 1937, he moved to Marion where he accepted the pulpit of Emanuel Lutheran Church. Each Sunday, services of Emanuel Lutheran Church are broadcast over Marion radio station WMRN. Mr. Hollensen is a member of Ohio District of American Lutheran Church, North Central Conference of Ohio District (president), Publication Board of American Lutheran Church, and Marion Kiwanis Club. On June 20, 1931, Mr. Hollensen married Ruth Boyer, of East St. Louis. There are two daughters, Dorothy Ruth, born May 26, 1933, and Carol Jean, born Apr. 10, 1938. PAUL DAVID SMITH, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Marion County, was born Aug. 29, 1904, in Prospect Township, son of Samuel David and Emma (Price) Smith. Mr. Samuel Smith is a farmer in Prospect Township. Hon. Paul David Smith graduated from Prospect High School in 1922, and Ohio State University with an A. B. degree in 1926. He then taught in the Waldo School two years before attending Ohio State University Law School from which he graduated in 1931 with an LL. B. degree. He was admitted to the Bar in Ohio in 1931 and started the practice of law in Marion. He practiced law until Aug., 1944, when he was appointed by Governor Bricker as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Marion County, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge Hector S. Young. In the Fall of 1944, he was elected to fill the unexpired term of Judge Young. judge Smith was elected, in 1946, for the regular term of six years, beginning Jan. 1, 1947. [28] He is a member of: the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, United States Circuit Court, United States District Court, and District of Columbia; the Lutheran church; Prospect Lodge F. & A. M. (past master) ; Prospect Chapter O. E. S. (past patron) ; Scioto Consistory A. A. S. R. (32nd̊); Bethlehem Grange; Elks; Eagles; Kiwanis; and Marion Chamber of Commerce. His interests, aside from his professional duties, are in hunting, fishing and riding. ROBERT T. MASON, President and Treasurer of Marion Broadcasting Co., Station WMRN, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Oct. 3, 1900, son of George F. and Cora L. (Tussing) Mason. His paternal ancestors came to Ohio from Virginia in 1803 and settled in Caroll County. In 1922 Mr. Mason received his B. A. degree from Ohio State University where he was a member of Delta Chi, Sigma Delta Chi, Bucket and Dipper (Junior honorary society), and Sphinx (Senior honorary society). He was editor of the year book for his class. From 1922 to 1938, Mr. Mason held various positions as associate editor, promotion manager, circulation director, secretary, and director with Penton Publishing Co., in Cleveland. He then was associated with Newsweek Magazine. In 1940 he became president and treasurer of Marion Broadcasting Co. Mr. Mason was a lecturer at Ohio State University (1947-48) and is a member of Alumni Advisory Committee of the College of Commerce at O. S. U. In 1947 he was a member of Radio Advisory Council at O. S. U. While in Cleveland Mr. Mason was for a time president of Cleveland O. S. U. Alumni Assn. He was a regional director from 1944 to 1949 for the O. S. U. Development Fund and president of Marion County O. S. U. Alumni Assn. (1949) . He was director-at-large and a member of the program executive committee of National Assn. of Broadcasters (1948). He was a member of the music advisory committee of N. A. B. in 1947 and of the small market stations committee from 1943 to 1947 and chairman of its research committee in 1949. He was a director of Broadcast Measurement Bureau (1945-48). He is a member of Ohio Assn. of Broadcasters (president 1945). He was radio chairman of Marion County P. T. A. from 1943 to 1946. He is active in chamber of commerce work and was president of Marion Chamber of Commerce (1946-48) and a board member from 1944 to 1946. He is regional counselor for Ohio State Chamber of Commerce. In 1947 and '48, he was a member of the nominating committee of Ohio Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of: St. Paul's Episcopal Church of which he has been a vestryman and lay reader; Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M.; Marion Chapter, Council and Commandery and Valley of Columbus Consistory (32nd̊) of Masonry; Kadgar Grotto; Aladdin Temple Shrine in Columbus; Marion Elks; Marion Inter-Club Council (president 1945-46) ; Marion Kiwanis Club (president 1945) ; Marion Club; Players Club of New York City; and Marion Country Club (director 1946-48). Active in American Red Cross Work, Mr. Mason was chairman of Marion County Chapter for several years during World War II. He also was a blood donor committee chairman. He is a member of the Executive Committee Harding Area Boy Scouts of America, was chairman of public [29] relations (1945-46) and Marion district chairman (1945), and he is now a member of National Council and director of Region Four (1948-49). In 1946 Mr. Mason was a member of public relations committee of Marion Y. M. C. A. He is a member of Marion City Recreation Commission (chairman 1944-49) and Marion City Park Board (1947-49). He was a trustee of Community Foundation (1943-49) and a member of Marion Safety Council Executive Committee (1943-46) . He was a member of the Governor's Committee on Wartime Savings in 1946 and a public member of Ohio Apprenticeship Council (1947-49). In 1944 and '45 he was a member of the 0. P. A. Community Service Panel and was chairman of the Home Front Pledge Campaign in 1944. He was speaker chairman of Marion County War Bond Committee (1944-45). He was a member of the Executive Committee of Marion County Salvage Program (1941-45) and of the Mayor's Emergency Fuel Committee in 1946. Mr. Mason's hobbies are fishing, golf and music. On Dec. 26, 1922, Mr. Mason married Mary Chapin, of Fremont. She graduated from Ohio State University in 1923 with a B. S. degree in education. Mrs. Mason is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Women's Club, and University Women's Club. Mr. and Mrs. Mason are the parents of two children: (1) Robert T., born Aug. 18, 1927, a student at Ohio State University. (2) Virginia M., born Aug. 24, 1932, a student at Harding High School. GEORGE LEWIS PUGH, President of Prospect Citizens Bank in Prospect, was born in Radnor Township, Delaware County, on a farm one-half mile west of Radnor, Jan. 24, 1897, son of John E. and Lizzie Ann (Williams) Pugh. His father was a farmer in Delaware County. His grandfather, George Pugh, a native of Wales, came to America at the age of fourteen and settled in Delaware County where he was a blacksmith until 1849, when he, in company with a group of "'49ers", walked to California from Ohio. The trip took all Summer and Mr. Pugh remained in California three years, returning to the East by boat. He then returned to Delaware where he owned a blacksmith shop. In 1860, he purchased a small tract of land on which he resided from 1869 until his death. This farm has been increased to 290 acres and is now owned by George Lewis Pugh. George Lewis Pugh attended schools in Radnor and graduated from Delaware High School in 1915. At an early age he began helping his father on the farm and when he was twenty-three, he took over the complete management of the farm after his father's death. Mr. Pugh has been associated with Prospect Citizens Bank for the past twenty-five years, as stockholder, director, and officer. He became president of the bank in 1946 after the death of R. W. Herbster who had been president about fifteen years. Mr. Pugh is active in the civic affairs of his community. He served as president of the board of education of Radnor Centralized School twelve years. During this time, the addition to the present school building was built. Mr. Pugh was instrumental in organizing the first calf club for high school boys in Delaware County. In August 1944, he helped organize the Delaware Soil Conservation District and served as chairman of the [30] board of supervisors three and one-half years. For ten years, Mr. Pugh served as a member of the board of trustees of Jane M. Case Hospital in Delaware. He helped organize Radnor Grange 1977 and has been an active member of its board of trustees twenty years. He has also been master of the organization and served five years as president of Columbus Production Credit Assn. He was director of Delaware Farmers' Exchange six years. He is a member of Radnor Congregational Church (clerk of the church past fifteen years); Prospect Lodge F. & A. M.; Delaware Chapter R. A. M.; Sidney Moore Council R. & S. M.; Prospect Chamber of Commerce; Prospect Lions Club; and Radnor I. O. O. F. On Dec. 20, 1920, Mr. Pugh married Ruby Dell Case who was born in Concord Township, Delaware County, Apr. 24, 1896. A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, she is a member of Radnor Congregational Church, Prospect Chapter O. E. S., and Delaware City Chapter of D. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh are the parents of one daughter, Mary Jeannette, born Nov. 24, 1923. She graduated from Otterbein College with a B. A. degree and is now attending Ohio State University where she is doing work toward her master degree. She also teaches in the public schools at Elyria. She is a member of Radnor Congregational Church and Elyria Chapter O. E. S. Mr. Pugh's interests are in looking after his farm and raising and feeding livestock. In 1943, he was chosen a Master Farmer by Delaware Chamber of Commerce. FRANK M. FOSTER, President of Houghton Sulky Co. in Marion, was born in Marion Sept. 1, 1889, the second child in the family of five children of William H.. and Etta (Postle) Foster. His father operated a livery, boarding, and sales stable in Marion. Mr. Foster attended Marion grade and high schools and Ohio Wesleyan University. He was a partner in Star and Foster Shoe Store before becoming associated with Houghton Sulky Co. in 1914. In 1941 he became president of the company which is the world's largest builder of turf vehicles. Mr. Foster has been prominent in trotting circles in Marion for the past twenty-five years. He has also been active in all civic affairs of the community. Mr. Foster is a member of: First Presbyterian Church (formerly trustee) ; Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council and Commandery of Masonry; Aladdin Temple Shrine; Marion Shrine Club; Marion Lodge 32 Elks; Rotary Club (past president); Phi Gamma Delta fraternity (past president) ; Marion Chamber of Commerce; Marion Fair Board; Marion Trotting Assn. (president) ; and Marion Country Club. On June 10, 1915, Mr. Foster married Helen Houghton who was born in Dalton, O., daughter of W. H. and Clara (Schultz) Houghton. Her father was the founder of Houghton Sulky Co. Mrs. Foster attended Wooster College and Dr. Sargent's School at Cambridge. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church and is active in church circles. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are the parents of three children: (1) William H., born Mar. 18, 1916, vice president of Houghton Sulky Co. He graduated from Harding High School and Ohio Wesleyan University. He was a captain in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II. (2) Eliza- [31] beth, "Betty", born June 10, 1918, who graduated from Harding High School and attended William and Mary College at Williamsburg, Va. She married David Bernard, manager of Bernard Realty Co. in Los Angeles, Calif. (3) Jean, born Aug. 29, 1921, who graduated from Harding High School and attended DePauw University and Parsons School of Interior Decorating. She married William R. Burd, of Los Angeles, a captain in the Army Air Corps during World War II and now vice president of an automotive supply company in Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Foster's hobbies are horses and outdoor sports. ORVIS EARL KENNEDY, President of Marion County Bank, was born April 1, 1873, at Meeker, the only son of John F. and Jane E. (Frame) Kennedy. His father, a native of Adams County, Pa., was a merchant in Meeker and Marion and owned land in Marion County. Mr. Kennedy attended grade school in Marion and graduated from Marion High School. He spent one year with D. A. Frank Bros., five years with the C. S. & H. (Pennsylvania) Railroad, and, in 1898, Mr. Kennedy entered Marion County Bank as clerk. He became president of the bank in January 1926. He is also a director of the bank. He is treasurer of McDaniel Motors Co. and a director of Jay H. Maish Co. He is a member of: First Presbyterian Church (was trustee two terms and finance secretary nine years); Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M.; Marion Chapter and Council of Masonry; Marion Branch of Indianapolis Historical Assn., and Marion Cemetery Assn. On June 17, 1903, Mr. Kennedy married Grace Maitland who was born in Urbana, daughter of Joseph M. and Arabella (Wharton) Maitland. Mrs. Kennedy graduated from Urbana High School and attended Urbana College. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church where she is active in church circles, and Captain William Hendricks Chapter of D. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are the parents of two children: (1) Helen (Mrs. Roscoe D. Riley), of Celina. She graduated from Harding High School and Wooster College. She has two children, Margaret and David. (2) John M., of Glenview, Ill. He graduated from Harding High School and University of Cincinnati. He married Elizabeth Colbert, of Atlanta, Ga. They have three daughters: Susan; and twins, Anne and Jane. Mr. Kennedy is interested in growing flowers, specializing in roses. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy reside at 697 Vernon Heights Blvd., in Marion. ANDREW BALDAUF, retired businessman of Marion, was born in Jay County, Ind., Feb. 14, 1874, ninth child in a family of twelve children. His father, Andrew Baldauf, Sr., left Wurttemburg, Germany, in 1855 in order to escape compulsory military training. He settled first in Philadelphia, later coming to Ohio. He served as a soldier in the Civil War, after which he moved to Jay County. Andrew Baldauf, Jr.'s mother, Ernestina (Karst) Baldauf, come from Fort Home Baden, Germany, and her crossing of the Atlantic took sixty-two days. She settled with her family in Philadelphia. Mr. Baldauf attended grade school in Madison Township, Jay County. He then worked with his father learning the carpentry trade. In 1892 he [ 32 ] came to Marion where he was associated in the carpentry business with his brother, John Baldauf (see Index). After two years, he opened a business as a contractor for moving and razing buildings. In 1914, in partnership with O. C. Schlientz, he opened Marion Granite Block Co., the name of which was changed, in 1919, to Baldauf and Schlientz, Inc. The business is now operated by C. L. Baldauf and Donald Schlientz, sons of the original owners. Mr. Baldauf is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and has served as elder and trustee. He is a member of the City Planning Board. His hobbies are gardening and fishing. On Nov. 19, 1898, Mr. Baldauf married Emma Sommer who was born in Jay County, Feb. 24, 1878, daughter of Thomas and Magdalena (Yaeger) Sommer. Her parents were natives of Germany who originally settled in Ohio. Her father served as a soldier in the Civil War. Mrs. Baldauf is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and Women's Missionary Society. Her hobbies are needlework and flowers. Mr. and Mrs. Baldauf are the parents of three sons: (1) Earl E., born Oct. 30, 1899, who is an engineer in the Tile Works at Anderson, Ind. He is a graduate of Capital and Ohio State universities and a veteran of World War I. He married Lilliam Danenberg and they have four children: (a) James Andrew, an Army veteran of World War II; (b) Ruth Louise, a student at Mt. Carmel Hospital; (c)Robert Earl, a lieutenant in the Army now stationed in Austria; and (d) Thomas John. (2) Cecil Lester (see Index). (3) Harold G., born Oct. 12, 1906. He graduated from Ohio State University and is a ceramics engineer with Ferro Enamel Co., in Cleveland. He married Ruth McClintock, of Anderson, Ind. FAYE STROTHER MOUSER, who has for years been most active in music circles and civic projects of city, state and national importance, was born in Paulding, the daughter of Clarence B. and Effie (Grummond) Strother. Her father was engaged in the mercantile and real estate businesses. Mrs. Mouser attended grade and high schools in Latty, Paulding County, and after her graduation from high school, she studied one year at Beaver College. She then attended Oberlin College two years, majoring in music. She also studied music in France. She married Dr. Harold K. Mouser, physician in Marion. Mrs. Mouser, who is listed in Who's Who in America and Women of Ohio, has contributed much to further the interests of music and musicians in Ohio. She has been a member of the board of Ohio Federation of Music Clubs since its formation. She was also the Federation's state radio chairman, radio programs being presented weekly over WLW in Cincinnati, WTAM in Cleveland and WBNS in Columbus. During World War II, Mrs. Mouser became chairman of music provided by the Federation for service men's hospitals in Ohio. She is still chairman at this time and music is now provided for the following veterans hospitals: Chillicothe, Dayton, Cleveland, Crile, and Brecksville Marine Hospital. She is on the Bureau of Club Artists. Mrs. Mouser was state chairman of music for the Federation of Women's Clubs. She is a past-president of the Ohio State Music Teachers Assn. and a member of the citizens committee of Ohio Library [ 33 ] Assn. She was president of the Women's Auxiliary to the Ohio State Medical Assn. (1947-1948), and is a member of First Presbyterian Church. In Marion, Mrs. Mouser was one of the organizers of Marion Lecture-Recital Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Hospital Board, Marion Garden Club and Women's Symphony Board. From 1930 to 1932, she was president of Marion County Federation of Women's Clubs. She is campaign chairman of Marion Community Concert Assn. She was president four years of Marion Civic Chorus and Marion Civic Orchestra, a symphony orchestra composed of sixty-five members. She established Marion County Cancer Society and Marion County Cancer Clinic. At a very early age, Mrs. Mouser started composing music and when she was fourteen, her music was first published. She has several compositions in the process of being published at the present time. She wrote, as a tribute to the state, Hail Ohio, a song which is adaptable to all people and which is now before the State Legislature for adoption. Her composition, The Open Door, the words to which were written by Grace Coolidge, widow of President Calvin Coolidge, was played and sung at the fifth annual Mothers' Day ceremonies held in Arlington National Cemetery in 1930. Mrs Mouser's activities in the fields of music and public service have established her as one of the leading women of Ohio. DON ALPHA HOWARD, President and General Manager of The Huber Manufacturing Co., was born Apr. 27, 1892, on a farm in Bennington Township, Morrow County, son of John Wesley and Margaret (Gardner) Howard. When Mr. Howard was five years of age, his family moved to Mt. Gilead where he attended grade and high schools, graduating in 1911. He attended Ohio State University in 1913 and then was employed by Mt. Gilead National Bank for thirteen years. In 1921, he started a traveling position with a Cleveland security firm, from which he resigned in 1924 to enter the employ of The Huber Manufacturing Co., as treasurer. He has had several promotions, becoming secretary-treasurer and a director of the company in 1929, vice president and treasurer in 1942, vice president and assistant general manager in December 1942, and vice president and general manager in January 1943. In January 1944 he was elected president and general manager. On Nov. 4, 1915, Mr. Howard married Gladys Whitney, of Mt. Gilead, who was born Feb. 29, 1892, daughter of Alvin and Rose (Miller) Whitney. They have two children: (1) Ruth Jean, of Marion, born in 1916 in Mt. Gilead. She is a graduate of Ohio State University. She married George A. Howser, a veteran of World War II, and they have two children, Jill and Jack. (2) Ralph Whitney, born in 1922 in Mt. Gilead. He served three years with the Army Air Corps during World War II, graduated from Ohio State University School of Law, and is now associated with The Huber Manufacturing Co. He married Joanne Jones and they have one child, Diane. Mr. Howard served as a member of Marion School Board five years and has been a director of Marion Chamber of Commerce, Marion Y. M. C. A., and Marion Country Club. He is a member of: First Presby- [34] terian Church (former trustee and elder) ; Marion Rotary Club (president 1931); and Mt. Gilead Blue Lodge (master 1918), Mt. Gilead Chapter, Marion Council, Scottish Rite 32nd̊ Valley of Columbus, and Aladdin Temple Shrine of Masonry. His hobbies are flower gardening and golf. Mrs. Howard is a member of First Presbyterian Church and Round Table Club (past president) . Mr. and Mrs. Howard reside at 423 Summit St. in Marion. AUGUST RHU, physician and surgeon in Marion since 1885, was born in Seneca County, Apr. 5, 1849, son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Helmuth) Rhu. Dr. Rhu studied medicine under Dr. Robert Leeper Sweney in Marion before entering Western Reserve School of Medicine. He graduated in 1885 and has practiced in Marion continuously since that date. He is one of the oldest practicioners in the state. He is a member of all bodies of Masonry, including 32nd̊. He is the oldest living past exalted ruler of Elks Lodge. He is a member of I. O. O. F., County and, State Medical associations, and College of Surgeons Assn. He was local surgeon for New York Central, C. & O. and Pennsylvania railroads for more than thirty years. On July 19, 1874, Dr. Rhu married Helen Swetser Sweney, of Marion, daughter of Dr. Robert Leeper Sweney and Elizabeth (Concklin) Sweney. Dr. Sweney was a captain in the Medical Corps during the Civil War. Mrs. Rhu died Mar. 27, 1909. Dr. Rhu has one son, Herman Swetser Rhu, born Nov. 17, 1876, a practicing physician and surgeon in Marion. He graduated from Western Reserve School of Medicine and served as a first lieutenant in the U. S. Army Medical Corps during World War I. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Masons, County and State Medical associations, and American Legion (charter). He married, on June 7, 1913, Lucy Amelia White, of Buffalo, N. Y. Children: (1) Herman Swetser Rhu, Jr., house surgeon at Syracuse Memorial Hospital in Syracuse, N. Y. He is a graduate of Denison University and Western Reserve School of Medicine. He served as a major in the U. S. Army Medical Corps during World War II. He has two sons, Roger and Larry. (2) Roger William, who died in 1925 at the age of nine. (3) Helen Louise, of Marion. She attended Denison University and Cincinnati Art School. JAY HERBERT VAUGHAN, owner and manager of the Vaughan Printing House, in Marion, was born June 1, 1884, son of James H. and Viola (Olds) Vaughan. His father founded the Vaughan Printing House in 1901 from Marion County Democrat, a weekly paper which he had owned since about 1895. The newspaper was originally known as Dollar Democrat and was founded by Ned Thatcher. Mr. Vaughan attended Marion grade and high schools and became associated with his father in the printing business about 1903. He became a partner in the company about 1908 and has been sole owner since his father's death in 1930. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M., Chapter, Council and Commandery of the [ 35 ] Masons, Aladdin Shrine, Kadgar Grotto, Elks, Kiwanis Club, and Marion Chamber of Commerce. On June 10, 1908, Mr. Vaughan married Mae Titus, of Marion, daughter of Samuel N. and Eleanor (Swinnerton) Titus. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan are the parents of five children: (1) Mary Eleanor, born Feb. 25, 1909, who graduated from Ohio State University and taught home economics in Marion Junior High School prior to her marriage to Dr. George L. Morr of Lakewood. They have two sons, Frederick George and Douglas Vaughan. (2) Jaynette, born Mar. 7, 1911, who attended Ohio State University and taught school in Marion prior to her marriage to George H. Maaske, patent attorney in Chicago. They have two children, David Vaughan and Eleanor. (3) Dorothy Ruth, born Apr. 27, 1913, who attended Ohio State University and married Paul E. Brobst who is associated with Johns Hopkins University research laboratories in Silver Springs, Md. They have three children, Dorothy Paulette, Fred Louis, and Robin Jay. (4) Robert James, born Mar. 12, 1917, a graduate of Harding High School who is now associated with his father in the printing business. He served with the U. S. Navy during World War II. He married Gladys Currey and they have two children, Catherine and Bruce. (5) Margaret, born Feb. 25, 1924, who attended Cleveland Art College and served in the WAVES during World War II. She attended Woodbury College in Los Angeles, Calif., until her marriage to Raymond G. Young, of Washington, D. C. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan homesteaded on the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana in 1910 and 1911, after which they returned to Marion. Mr. Vaughan's hobbies are sports, radio, travel and literature. EARL T. SMART, shoe merchant in Marion, was born in Racine Sept. 20, 1871. His father, Townsend Smart, was engaged in the mercantile business in Racine and was postmaster there. His mother, Regina (Hayman) Smart, was a native of Letart. Mr. Smart graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1898, and has been a shoe merchant since that date. In 1906, he came to Marion where he established Smart and Waddell Shoe Co. in partnership with his brother-in-law, H. R. Waddell (see Index). They now own and operate two stores. Mr. Smart is a member of Epworth Methodist Church where he is chairman of the board of trustees. He organized and, for many years, taught the Smart Sunday School Class which was named in his honor. He is chairman of the board of trustees of Marion County Children's Home, and a member of the board of the Marion Chapter, Order of Demolay for boys, of which he served as "Dad" for several years. He is a member of: Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council and Commandery of Masonry; Aladdin Temple Shrine; Marion Shrine Club; Phi Gamma Delta; Marion Country Club; Marion Chamber of Commerce; and Marion Branch of Citizens' Historical Assn. He served as president of Tri-state Retail Shoe Merchants Assn. in 1928. He was a member of Marion City Council four years and is a past chairman of the board. He served as safety director for the city of Marion two terms. For a number of years he was a member of the Board of Education. He is a director for Ohio Associated Telephone Co. of the General Telephone System. [36] On Oct. 15, 1898, Mr. Smart married Stella Elizabeth Waddell, who was born Dec. 4, 1876, in Richland Township, daughter of John E. and Margaret (Jacoby) Waddell. Her father was president of Marion National Bank in Marion. Mrs. Smart graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and taught school for a number of years in Marion High School, teaching the first trigonometry class in Marion city schools. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Marion Association of University Women, and Current Topics Club. Mr. and Mrs. Smart are the parents of three children: (1) John T., who is doing editorial work with the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He attended Ohio Wesleyan and Ohio State universities and graduated from Cleveland School of Law. He was admitted to the Bar in Columbus. (2) Miriam (Mrs. Herbert R. Mooney) who is associate professor of music at Ohio State University. She graduated from Western College for Women and attended Julliard School of Music in New York City. She received an M. A. degree at Vanderbilt University. She also studied piano in England. She has one daughter, Eleanor, a student at Upper Arlington School in Columbus. (3) Homer E., commercial manager with Ohio Bell Telephone Co. in Columbus. He is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University. He married Mildred Grove and they have three children: Joann, a senior at Upper Arlington High School; John; and James. Mr. Smart is interested in church and child welfare work. His favorite recreation is golf. BENJAMIN H. GAST, Cashier of Prospect Citizens Bank in Prospect,, was born in Prospect Feb. 27, 1890, son of Philip M. and Hattie C. (Jelley) Gast. His father was a farmer, merchant, and rural mail carrier in Prospect Township. His great-grandfather, Christian Gast, was founder of the village of Prospect. His great-great-grandfather, John Christian Gast, was a soldier during the American Revolution. Mr. Gast attended Prospect schools and graduated from Prospect High School. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University one year and studied a teachers training course at Ohio University. He taught school in Green Camp and Prospect townships four years. In 1912, Mr. Gast became associated with Prospect Bank, which was consolidated with Citizens Bank in 1925, into Prospect Citizens Bank. He became cashier in 1933. Mr. Gast served three terms on Marion County Board of Elections and is now serving his third term on Marion County Board of Education. He served one year in the U. S. Army during World War I, being in the A. E. F. and overseas for most of his duty. He is a member of: St. Paul's Lutheran Church (elder) ; American Legion (first commander) ; 40 et 8 (past chef de gare); Prospect Lodge (past master and present secretary), Marion Chapter (past high priest), Marion Council (past illustrious master), Marion Commandery (eminent commander, 1948-49), and Scioto Consistory (32nd̊) of Masonry; Durward Lodge Knights of Pythias (past chancellor) ; Lions Club; and, General Francis Marion Chapter S. A. R. He is chairman of the finance committee of Grand Lodge of Knights of Pythias of Ohio. [37] On June 25, 1919, Mr. Gast married Flossie E. Griffith who was born Aug. 31, 1894, in Radnor Township, Delaware County, daughter of Joel and Clara (Hedges) Griffith. Mrs. Gast is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Prospect Chapter O. E. S., All Arts Literary Club, Auxiliary to American Legion (past president), Durward Temple Pythian Sisters (past chief), and Captain William Hendrix Chapter D. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Gast are the parents of one son, John Arnold, born June 14, 1921, in Prospect. He graduated from Prospect High School, attended Miami University and Cleveland College, graduated from Ohio State University in 1947, and is now associated with the Insurance Co. of North America in Detroit. He served one year with the Naval Air Force during World War II. He married Marjorie A. McWherter, of Cleveland, a graduate of Ohio State University. Mr. Gast's hobbies are flower gardening and fishing. He owns 360 acres in Prospect Township and with his partner, Donald J. Foos, is engaged in raising purebred Aberdeen-Angus cattle, Shropshire sheep, and Hampshire swine. WILLIAM P. LA RUE was born May 10, 1856, in Ringgold County, Ia., son of Luther and Ann (Keech) LaRue. His parents had lived in Ohio prior to moving to Iowa in 1854 and they returned to Ohio by covered wagon in 1868 and settled as farmers in Marion County. Luther LaRue had been reared by his uncle, Major William LaRue, founder of LaRue, who laid out the town plat in 1851. William P. LaRue attended LaRue schools and Ada Normal School. He then taught in Marion County twenty years. On Feb. 23, 1897, he was ordained a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and through the years served as minister in Marion County churches on various occasions. In 1901 Mr. LaRue purchased the farm near LaRue where he now resides. He has been a member of LaRue Methodist Church sixty-four years. On Mar. 23, 1882, Mr. LaRue married Maggie M. Bain, daughter of Hon. John Bain who served in the Ohio Senate, and Eliza (Scribner) Bain. Mrs. LaRue died Jan. 30, 1946. Children: (1) Harley G., who died in 1909 at the age of twenty-seven. (2) Clarence H. LaRue, D. D., minister in First Methodist Church at Canton, the church which was attended by President William B. McKinley. Dr. LaRue has two daughters, Mabel and Eunice, the latter of whom is a missionary in China. 33) Alvin Bain LaRue (see Index). (4) Mable who died when a child. (5) Flora J. (Mrs. Sheldon Kramp) with whom William P. LaRue makes his home on the LaRue homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Kramp have three sons: Harley, a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II; Warren; and Bruce. Mr. LaRue has always been a student, being especially interested in agriculture, history, and theology. He enjoys good music and in earlier years sang and taught the old fashioned singing school. ED RUTH, retired farmer in Green Camp Township, was born Apr. 8, 1882, on the farm where he now resides, son of John G. and Amelia [38] (Baseler) Ruth. His father came from Germany in 1858 and settled in Green Camp Township. Mr. Ruth received his early education in the township school and was a farmer until his retirement in 1947. He has served on the Board of Education and Board of Township Trustees. He is central committeeman from Green Camp Township and a member of the Republican Executive Committee of Marion County. He has been connected, for the past fifteen years, with the Board of Directors of Green Camp Cooperative Elevator Co. and has been a member of the Board of Directors of Marion National City Bank since 1929. He is a member of Emanuel Evangelical and Reformed Church in Green Camp, and Scioto Lodge Knights of Pythias. His hobbies are music and reading. On Sept. 7, 1904, he married Mayme Imbody of Green Camp Township, daughter of John and Alice (Carey) Imbody. She is a member of Emanuel Evangelical and Reformed Church and Pythian Sisters. Her hobby is growing flowers. Mr. and Mrs. Ruth are the parents of one son, Milton S., born July 28, 1907, a farmer associated with his father. He married Mildred Seiter, daughter of Otto H. and Emma (Dutt) Seiter (see Index). They have three children, J. George, born Oct. 1, 1929, William S., born July 28, 1931, and Mary Eleanor, born Nov. 16, 1934. CATHERINE HUBER SCHROETER was born Dec. 25, 1868, in Marion on North Main Street in the house which is now the residence of musician and composer Edward Ellsworth Hipshire (see Index). She is the only daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Hammerle) Huber who came to Marion from Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, Ind. In 1863, Mr. Huber, a progressive inventor and businessman, founded Huber Manufacturing Co. in partnership with Lewis Gunn. They manufactured road machinery, steam engines, boilers, the revolving hay rake and other farm equipment which Mr. Huber had invented. Mr. Huber contributed not only to the economic progress of Marion, but to the cultural improvement of the city as well. He gave generously of his time, money, and advice in the formation of the Mechanic's Library Association, in 1886, which provided reading rooms and books for the employees of manufacturing plants of the city. This association formed the nucleus from which later developed the present Marion Public Library which, in 1907, was built with funds contributed by Andrew Carnegie. Mr. and Mrs. Huber donated the large bell for St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mrs. Schroeter graduated from St. Mary's High School. On Oct. 30, 1890, she married John A. Schroeter, purchasing agent for Huber Manufacturing Co. Mr. Schroeter died Dec. 4, 1940. There were five children born to this marriage: (1) Edward J., born Aug. 8, 1891. He was a graduate of Cornell University and president of Huber Manufacturing Co. at the time of his death, Jan. 1, 1943. He married Ireanea Edmondson. There were six children: (a) Edward, an Army veteran of World War II; (b) Ann, of Fort Totten, who married Major Joseph Hoctor; (c) Jack, of Dallas, Tex., a veteran of World War II who served two years with the Army in the Pacific. He married Patricia Morganroth; (d) Mary Jo, who married Lt. Donald Dowling; (e) Jane; [ 39 ] and (f) Kay. (2) Gertrude (Schroeter) Brady, a graduate of Convent of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, Ill. She died Oct. 28, 1946, leaving five children: (a) Mary, a nun at Notre Dame Convent in Cleveland; (b) Nancy; (c) Kitty; (d) Peter; and (e) James. (3) Robert Huber, of Cleveland, who married Mary Mulrow of Marion. They have two children, Barbara and Robert. (4) Josephine, of New York City, a graduate of St. Mary's-of-the-Woods at Terre Haute, Ind. She married R. E. Edmondson. They have three children: (a) Richard, a veteran of World War II who spent two years with the U. S. Army in Europe; (b) Robert; and, (c) Joan. (5) John C., of Washington, D. C. He attended Cornell University and graduated from Kelly Field of Aviation at San Antonio, Tex. Mrs. Schroeter is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Mary's Sewing Circle, and Tuesday Study Club (charter). She is interested in art and has painted a number of pictures for her home. She is also interested in her family, civic work, travel, and church work. Her hobbies are flowers, needlework and scrapbooks. She resides at 417 East Center Street in Marion. HOWARD F. GUTHERY, attorney-at-law in Marion, was born in Chicago July 30, 1899, son of Frederick E. and Mildred H. (Howard) Guthery. His mother was a native of Osage Mission, Kans. His father, a native of LaRue, was a lawyer in Marion from 1891 until his death in 1943. Mr. Guthery graduated from Marion High School in 1917. He received his A. B. degree from Yale College in 1922, and his LL. B. from Yale University School of Law in 1924. Following his admission to the Bar in January 1925, Mr. Guthery began a general practice of law in Marion in association with his father. On March 10, 1928, Mr. Guthery married Florence Josephine Uhler. She was born in Marion Feb. 20, 1904, the only child of Dr. Henry Light Uhler and Maud E. (Wyman) Uhler. Mrs. Guthery attended Ohio State University and Pennsylvania State College. Mr. and Mrs. Guthery are the parents of one child, Daniel Howard Guthery, born in Cleveland Aug. 20, 1940. The Guthery family has long been prominent in Marion County and information concerning the family may be found in the following: the Hon. William B. Neff, The Bench and Bar of Northern Ohio (Hist. Pub. Co., Cleveland, 1921) ; Portrait and Biographical Record of Marion and Hardin Counties, Ohio (Chapman Pub. Co., Chicago, 1895); and J. Wilbur Jacoby, History of Marion County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens (Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, 1907). Further information concerning the Uhler family may be found in Mr. Jacoby's book and in Citizens' Historical Association files. SAMUEL WESLEY ALLMENDINGER, retired farmer in Waldo Township, was born in Pleasant Township Dec. 6, 1871, son of John M. and Mary (Seiter) Allmendinger who were farmers. His grandfather, Gottlieb Allmendinger, came from Wurttemberg, Germany, about 1830 and settled in Marion County. [40] Samuel Wesley Allmendinger attended country schools and Ohio Northern University, graduating with a B. C. S. degree. He then taught in the country schools in Marion County twenty years. He served twelve years on the County Board of School Examiners, seventeen years on the County Board of Education, and several years on Waldo Board of Education. He spent six years as clerk of Waldo Township. He also was a farmer until his retirement a few years ago. He is a member of Prospect Street Methodist Church and is a teacher and for sixteen years was superintendent of the Sunday School in the Methodist Church in Waldo. He is a member of the Grange. On April 11, 1900, Mr. Allmendinger married Elizabeth Hecker who was born in Waldo Township, daughter of Rudolph and Margaret (Sulser) Hecker. She died Apr. 5, 1941. Three children were born to Mir. and Mrs. Allmendinger: (1) Marguerite, born Dec. 7, 1901, who married Harold Kuehner, a farmer in Waldo Township who also operates Mr. Allmendinger's farm. (2) Juanita, born Feb. 18, 1903. She married Dr. Kenneth Smith who practiced in Marion at one time and served in the Medical Corps of the U. S. Army during World War II. He is now on the industrial medical staff of Cadillac Co. in Detroit. There are two daughters, Barbara Elizabeth and Carol Ann. (3) Irving E., born Nov. 8, 1907, of Ashland, who is supervisor of a division of the Erie Railroad, with offices in Mansfield. He married Maxine Berry and they have two daughters, Nancy Jane and Mary Ann. Mr. Allmendinger enjoys reading and current events. He resides on State Route 23, one mile north of Waldo. CLINTON JOHN ALTMAIER, a practicing physician and surgeon in Marion, was born Dec. 14, 1882, in Columbus, son of Martin and Sophia (Stark) Altmaier. His father was a retail shoe merchant. Dr. Altmaier graduated from Columbus High School and Ohio Medical University (Ohio State University) in 1901 with a D. D. S. degree. He practiced dentistry in Columbus while attending Starling Medical College (Ohio State University) from which he graduated in 1905 with an M. D. degree. He served his interneship in Columbus Protestant Hospital and later practiced near Rudolph and in Columbus. He was appointed, by Governor James Middleton Cox, as a medical director of the Industrial Commission of Ohio. He came to Marion in 1915 to serve as surgeon for The Marion Steam Shovel Co. from which he resigned in 1944. Since 1927 Dr. Altmaier has had his private practice of medicine in Marion. During World War I he served as a lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the U. S. Army. Dr. Altmaier, who is listed in Who's Who in America, 1946-1947, was a trustee of Ohio State University from 1937 to 1944 and was chairman in 1944. He was chairman of the Democratic Central and Executive committees of Marion County from 1928 to 1942. He is a member of State Democratic Committee for the Eighth District; Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council, and Commandery of Masonry; American, Northwestern, and Ohio State Medical associations; Marion Academy of Medicine; Elks; Eagles; Moose; Marion Lodge Knights of Pythias; Marion Club; Marion [41] Country Club; Sigma Nu; Alpha Mu Pi Omega; American Legion; 40 et 8; I. O. O. F.; and, First Presbyterian Church. His favorite recreations are bridge and baseball. On Sept. 26, 1906, Dr. Altmaier married Ada May Henry who was born in Columbus, daughter of George B. and Emma (Winter) Henry. Children: (1) Clovis J. (see Index). (2) Jean Elizabeth who died in 1928. F. RAY GEER, President of Marion Federal Savings and Loan in Marion, was born in Marysville Aug. 31, 1875, son of Leonard and Sarah Ellen (Hume) Geer. Mr. Geer came to Marion with his parents in 1890 and attended Greenwood School. He was then associated with Nelson and Son, later C. Turner and Co. Grocery Store, for six years after which he was employed for a short time by Pendergast Co., now Marion Lumber Co. In 1898, Mr. Geer opened a hand laundry, known as the Model Laundry. This was the first business in Marion to operate a motor vehicle for delivery purposes. He operated this laundry until 1923 when it became consolidated with the present Anthony Laundry Co. of which he served as president and manager until 1945. At this time he turned the presidency of the company over to his son, Howard R. Geer. Mr. Geer has been in the laundry business for more than fifty years and is still associated with the company as vice president. He is also president of Marion Federal Savings and Loan. He is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church where he has served as a vestryman and where he is now on the finance committee for the new building project. He is a member of B. P. O. Elks No. 32 (fifty years) and was granted a life membership Mar. 25, 1948. He enjoys fishing, baseball, and other sports. On Apr. 30, 1903, Mr. Geer married Ida Lotze who was born in Marion Nov. 25, 1878, daughter of Charles and Amelia (Ushman) Lotze. Mrs. Geer cared for her mother, an invalid for more than eight years who died in 1947 at the age of ninety-six. Mrs. Geer graduated from high school in 1896 and attended business college. She is a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. She is interested in crocheting and needlework. Mr. and Mrs. Geer are the parents of one son, Howard (see Index) . J. HERBERT WOLESLAGEL, farmer in Prospect Township specializing in raising purebred Jersey cattle, was born in Sterling, Kans., Sept. 26, 1889, son of J. F. and Lydia (Royer) Woleslagel. His father was a farmer in Kansas. Mr. Woleslagel graduated from high school in Sterling, attended the University of Kansas, and became a partner with his father on a ranch. He came to Prospect Township in 1915 where he has been a farmer since that date. He assisted in organizing Marion County Farm Bureau and was chairman of the board for several years when it was first organized. In 1920, he helped organize Prospect Farmers Exchange and has been its secretary since its formation. He was a member of Prospect Township School Board during the time of the construction of the new high school. On Oct. 22, 1913, Mr. Woleslagel married Hylon Lydia Clime who was born in Grove City July 6, 1889, daughter of L. C. and Lydia [42] (Mohr) Clime. She is a member of Three Arts Club in Marion. Mr. and Mrs. Woleslagel are the parents of two children: (1) Truce C., born Mar. 24, 1915, who is associated with his father on the farm. (2) Lydia Hylon (Mrs. John Bell), of Union County. She has three children, John Edward, Bonnie Lydia, and Caroline Ann. Mr. and Mrs. Woleslagel reside on County Road 69, west of Prospect. O. C. ALSPACH, practicing veterinarian in Marion, was born Mar. 23, 1885, in Fairfield County, son of Albert and Mary (Mondhank) Alspach who were farmers of German lineage. Dr. Alspach graduated from Grand Rapids Veterinary College and started his practice in Marion in 1911. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Matinee Club, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and Ohio State Veterinary Medical Assn. (president 1933). His hobbies are baseball and football. Dr. Alspach married, on Sept. 29, 1912, Kathryn Haver, of Fairfield County, daughter of George and Myrtle (Culp) Haver. Her father was a school teacher and businessman. Mrs. Alspach is a member of First Presbyterian Church and Lydia Chapter O. E. S. Children: (1) Haver E., a certified public accountant in New York City, who was born Aug. 1, 1913. He is a graduate of Ohio State University and a veteran of World War II, having served as a lieutenant in the Navy. (2) Mary Maxine, of Washington, D. C., born June 4, 1916, who attended Ohio State University. She married Ellis Veatch, a graduate of Miami University who served as a Navy lieutenant in World War II and is now a government employee. (3) Jeanne Evelyn, born Mar. 6, 1919, who graduated from Business College in Columbus. She married Morris V. Cornell, a graduate of Grandville College who was a Navy lieutenant in World War II. He is now sales manager of Marion Power Shovel Co. (4) Barbara Jane, born Mar. 12, 1926, a student at Christian College at Columbia, Mo. JOHN F. LACEY, Manager of Commercial Steel Castings Co. in Marion, was born at Edison Dec. 29, 1898, son of James and Cecelia (Conrad) Lacey. Mr. Lacey graduated from Edison High School and attended Kent Normal School. He taught school for several years and came to Marion in 1922 in the employ of Commercial Steel Castings Co., of which he became manager in 1938. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. His hobbies are music and gardening. On Sept. 30, 1925, Mr. Lacey married Helen Zuck, of Marion, born Jan. 14, 1897, daughter of Frank and Magdalena (Hecker) Zuck. Mrs. Lacey graduated from Marion High School and attended Kent Normal School and Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She taught school for several years prior to her marriage, and has taught music to private students. She is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Lecture-Recital Club (past president), Town and Country Garden Club (past secretary), and Art Club. She has been Counselor for the Junior Lecture-Recital Club since 1944. Her hobby is gardening. [43] Mr. and Mrs. Lacey are the parents of two sons: (1) John Frederick, born Feb. 9, 1930, a graduate of Harding High School. He plays both piano and clarinet and was a member of Harding High School Band and Orchestra, the high school a capella Choir, and has been a member of Junior Lecture-Recital Club since 1944. He was on the high school football and track teams. (2) Stephen Zuck, born May 4, 1934, a student at Harding High School. He is studying the cello and is a member of Junior Lecture-Recital Club and Marion Philharmonic Society. He has been a member of the Harding High School orchestra since 1944. Mr. and Mrs. Lacey and sons have traveled extensively. CARL E. DANNER, President and General Manager of The Danner Buick Co., was born Dec. 20, 1890, in Marion County, son of John and Elizabeth (Wilson) Danner, descendents of colonial families who were active in the settlement and development of this county. Mr. Danner was educated in the county schools. He was active in the wholesale and retail grocery business in Marion until 1920 when he became sales manager of Marion Buick Co. In 1930, he formed his own corporation, The Danner Buick Co. He is a 32nd̊ Mason and a member of Marion Shrine Club, Epworth Methodist Church, Lodge 70 F. & A. M., Elks Lodge 32 (past exalted ruler), Marion Kiwanis Club (past president), Marion Country Club (past president), and he is active in several committees of Marion Chamber of Commerce. On Apr. 8, 1911, Mr. Danner married Grace Louise Goetting, daughter of Rinehart L. and Margaret Goetting, of Marion. Mrs. Danner is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, and Current Topic, House and Garden, and Marion Country clubs. Children: (1) Cleo (Mrs. Richard Brandt), of Marion. She has two children, Barry Richard and Barbara Ann. (2) Jack, Vice President of the Danner Buick Co. (see Index). (3) Carl, Jr., who was killed in the line of duty in an airplane accident, Feb. 5, 1942, while serving as a lieutenant in the U. S. Army Air Corps. (4) Stuart, who died Oct. 8, 1931. (5) Gloria (Mrs. J. C. Woods, Jr.) of Marion. She has one daughter, Carolyn Ann. CARL F. LA MARCHE, President and Treasurer of American Malleable Casting Co. in Marion, was born in Cleveland July 14, 1894. He came to Marion in 1915 with his parents, Charles Louis and Clara Louise (Catoir) LaMarche. His father assisted in organizing American Malleable Casting Co., which was successor to Marion Malleable Iron Co., and he operated the company until his retirement in 1920. Carl F. LaMarche attended the grade and high schools in Marion and graduated from Staunton Military Academy. In 1912, he became associated with his father in American Malleable Casting Co., being promoted through the various departments, finally serving as secretary of the firm. He became vice president and treasurer in 1918, and since 1932 he has served as president and treasurer. Vice president of the company is his brother, Daniel Luther LaMarche (see Index), and another brother, Robert James LaMarche (see Index), is secretary of the company. [ 44 ] Mr. LaMarche is a director of the following: The Huber Manufacturing Co.; Crawford Steel Foundry; Fahey Banking Co.; Harding Hotel Co.; Arro Expansion Bolt Co.; and American Malleable Casting Co. He is vice president and treasurer of Arro Expansion Bolt Co. He is a member of the following: National Association of Manufacturers; National, State, and Marion Chambers of Commerce; The Marion Club; Put-In-Bay Yacht Club of Toledo; Marion Country Club; Citizens Historical Association; Athletic Club in Columbus; American Foundrymen Assn.; Malleable Founders Society; and St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. His favorite recreation is yachting. On Aug. 7, 1916, Mr. LaMarche married Mary Faye Huber, who was born in Marion May 1, 1894, daughter of Frank A. and Nona (Fahey) Huber. Mrs. LaMarche graduated from Georgetown Visitation Convent in Washington, D. C. She is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. LaMarche are the parents of four children: Marian Faye; Charles Richard; Natalie Ann; and, Frances Carolyn. MADGE COOPER, Director of Women's Activities at Radio Station WMRN, was born in Fairbury, Ill., daughter of Fred G. and Lily (Howarth) Cooper. Her paternal great-great-grandfather, David Travis, was from New Hampshire and served as a soldier in the American Revolution. Her great-great-uncle, Col. William Travis, was commander of the Alamo. Miss Cooper graduated from LaRue High School and received her degree of B. S. from Ohio State University. She has also done graduate work in English and speech at Ohio State. She taught English and biology in the high schools at LaRue and Green Camp after which she spent about one year doing freelance writing before accepting her present position. She is a published writer, having a three-act play, End of the Circle, and numerous articles and short stories to her credit. Miss Cooper is a member of Central Christian Church, Association of University Women (president), Le Mercure, Altrusa Club, and she is radio chairman for the Federation of Women's Clubs and chairman for Ohio of Association of Women Broadcasters. She is interested in people, folk dancing, music and cooking. OLIVER E. HAMILTON, President of J. M. Hamilton and Sons Co. and co-owner of the company and of a five hundred acre farm with his brother, Alvin Merle Hamilton (see Index), was born in Marion County on the J. M. Hamilton farm Aug. 25, 1903, elder son of J. M. and Zymilla (Monnette) Hamilton. His father, a farmer on the Hamilton homestead north of Marion, opened the stone quarry in 1905 and operated it, first alone and then with his sons, until his death May 29, 1947. Oliver E. Hamilton's grandfather, Emanuel Hamilton, was born and died in a log house which was located on the present site of Oliver E.'s home. The farm has been owned by members of the Hamilton family since 1821, when it came into the ownership of Oliver E.'s great-great-grandfather. Oliver E. now has in his possession the original land patent which was issued by President James Monroe to George Crossen in 1821 and was immediately turned over to James Hamilton. The patent was filed June 11, 1836. [45] Oliver E. Hamilton graduated from Marion High School in 1919 and attended Ohio State University three years. He then became associated with his father in the stone quarry business. He is a member of: St. Paul's Episcopal Church (vestryman); Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council, and Commandery, and Scottish Rite Consistory Valley of Columbus of Masonry; Elks; and, Marion Country Club. On Oct. 12, 1930, Mr. Hamilton married Marjorie Madelon Robnolte who was born in Lima Apr. 25, 1907, the second child in the family of three children of Wilbur Burnell and Bessie V. (Percy) Robnolte, of English and Dutch lineage. Her father and her brother, Wilbur Burnell Robnolte, Jr., own Lima Blue Print Company in Lima. Mrs. Hamilton is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Lydia Chapter O. E. S., LeMercure Club, Town and Country Garden Club, and Marion Country Club. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are the parents of two daughters: (1) Judith Kay, born Jan. 30, 1935, a student at Vernon Heights Junior High School. (2) Jane Burnell, born Dec. 6, 1944. DE WITT TALMAGE MILLS, Superintendent of Marion County Schools, was born Jan. 13, 1897, in Orbinsonia, Pa., son of William Harrison and Susan Ellen (McCallister) Mills. Mr. Mills graduated from Orbinsonia High School, Otterbein College with an A. B. degree, and Bonebrake Theological Seminary. He then served in the U. S. Army during World War I for eighteen months. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he entered Ohio State University where he received his M. A. degree while teaching school in Pick-away County. He was then principal at New Bloomington Schools from 1928 until 1932, at which time he accepted his present position. He is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M., and Rotary Club. On Mar. 24, 1934, Mr. Mills married Martha Badertscher, of Bluffton. She graduated from Bluffton College and attended Ohio State University. Mrs. Mills had charge of the War Nursery in Marion for two years during World War II. In 1945, she opened a Kindergarten School in her home which she conducted until 1948. She now teaches first grade at Pleasant School. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Child Conservation League, University Women's Association, and Advance Club. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are the parents of one daughter, Millicent, born Feb. 4, 1939, a student in Pearl Street School. Mr. and Mrs. Mills' hobbies are woodworking, hunting, fishing, and out-door life. They are extremely interested in children. EDWARD JAMES RUZZO, Judge of the Probate Court for Marion County, was born in Passaic, N. J., Sept. 29, 1912. His parents, James and Florence Ruzzo, came to America from Italy and after a brief stay in Passaic came to Marion to make their home. Hon. Edward James Ruzzo attended Marion Schools and graduated from Harding High School in 1930. He received his B. A. degree in 1934 and his LL.B. degree in 1937, both from Ohio State University. He was [46] admitted to the bar in August 1937 and began the practice of law in Marion. In March 1941, he enlisted in the Army to serve during World War II. While in service, Judge Ruzzo was a special agent in the Security and Intelligence Corps, being stationed in San Francisco, Calif. After being honorably discharged Dec. 17, 1945, he returned to Marion to resume his practice of law. He served on the City Council from November 1946 to Aug. 4, 1947, at which time he was appointed by Gov. Herbert, Judge of the Probate Court for Marion County to fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge Oscar Gast. Judge Ruzzo is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Marion Lodge 70, Chapter, Council, Commandery and Scioto Consistory A. A. S. R. of Masonry, and Marion County, Ohio State and American Bar associations. He was the charter president of the Marion Lions Club. His recreational activities are golf, football, and the Lions Club. On Jan. 26, 1941, Judge Ruzzo married Kathryn Halbedel, of Upper Sandusky, daughter of C. F. and Amelia (Stephen) Halbedel. Mrs. Ruzzo is a member of First Presbyterian Church and Child Conservation League. Judge Ruzzo and Mrs. Ruzzo are the parents of two sons: Thomas E., born Aug. 18, 1942; and, Walter L., born Sept. 3, 1946. MARION L. McDANIEL, President and General Manager of The McDaniel Motor Company in Marion, was born May 14, 1891, near Rich-wood, Union County, son of John M. and Josephine (Thomas) McDaniel. His father, a native of Brown County, was a farmer and his mother was a native of Illinois. Mr. McDaniel has a complete genealogy of his maternal grandmother's family, dating from the settlement of Philadelphia and covering the years from 1682 to 1901. Mr. McDaniel attended grade schools in Union County. He graduated from Bliss Business College in Columbus and taught school three years. He then farmed three years, later becoming co-owner of a hardware store in Columbus. He came to Marion Jan. 27, 1916, and formed the Marion Overland Co. This business was housed in an old livery stable on the end of the lot on West Center Street where his present company is located. He has been in the automobile business continuously since 1916. He is a director of The Federal Horne Building & Loan and Merchants Retail Credit Bureau (incorporating member). He has been a member of First United Brethren Church since 1916 and of the Board of Trustees of the church since 1917. He is a member of Mt. Carmel Lodge, F. & A. M. and Marion Automobile Dealers Association. His hobbies are big game hunting and fishing. On Aug. 9, 1911, Mr. McDaniel married Irma G. Bumgarner, of Union County, daughter of Samuel J. and Margaret (McMillen) Bumgarner. She is a member of First United Brethren Church and Lydia Chapter O. E. S. Children: (1) Alma G. (Mrs. A. H. Schnaufer) of Marion, a graduate of Ohio State University. She has three sons, Albert A., William D., and George L. (2) Marion L., Jr., who is associated with The McDaniel Motor He is a graduate of Ohio State University and a veteran of World War II, having served as a pilot with the rank of lieutenant in the U. S. Army Air Corps. (3) Ann Yvonne. (4) John Wesley. [47] HOMER R. WADDELL, shoe merchant in Marion, was born in Marion County Apr. 3, 1883, the only son of John E. and Margaret (Jacoby) Waddell, natives of Marion County. His father was president of Marion National Bank. Mr. Waddell graduated from Marion High School in 1901 and Ohio Wesleyan University in 1905. With his brother-in-law, Earl T. Smart (see Index), he founded the firm of Smart and Waddell. The firm now owns and operates two retail shoe stores in Marion. He is a member of Epworth Methodist Church (trustee), Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M., Marion Chapter, Council, Commandery, and Scioto Consistory (32nd̊) of Masonry, Knights of Pythias, and Marion Branch of Citizens Historical Association. He is treasurer of the Y. M. C. A., president of Waddell Ladies Home Association, and director of Marion Federal Savings and Loan Assn. On Sept. 1, 1909, he married Fern Noll, of Marion, daughter of Layton and Celia (Diegle) Noll. Her maternal grandfather, Squire Diegle, was an attorney and justice-of-the-peace in Marion for many years. Mrs. Waddell is a member of Epworth Methodist Church, Round Table Club (charter), and Garden Club. Mr. and Mrs. Waddell are the parents of two sons: (1) Harold W., of Cleveland, a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, Class of 1932. He married Mary Jean Shultz, of Youngstown, and they have two sons, William and Roy. (2) John L., of Marion, who graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1933. He married Alice Hilty, of Columbus, and they have three children, Sally, Nancy, and Jack. Mr. Waddell enjoys golf, reading, and travel. His hobby is raising flowers. WILSON BOHANNAN TWAY, President and Treasurer of The Wilson Bohannan Company in Marion, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., Nov. 21, 1894, son of William E. and Stella (Bohannan) Tway. His father was a manufacturer and retailer of pianos. His grandfather, William Frederick Tway, who served in the Civil War, was a manufacturer of organs and pianos. The Tway and Bohannan histories date back to before the American Revolution. His great-great-grandfather, Major William Tway, served in the American Revolution. Mr. Tway attended grade schools in Brooklyn and graduated from high school in New Rochelle, N. Y. He was in the investment banking business in New York City four years. He then was in the hardware business for one year, after which he joined the Wilson Bohannan Company which had been established in 1860 in Brooklyn. In 1918, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps and served sixteen months, with about seven months of that time in Europe, during World War I. After being honorably discharged, he returned to his former position. In 1927, The Wilson Bohannan Company was moved to Marion. Since that date, Mr. Tway has been its president and treasurer. He is a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Marion Rotary Club and Marion Country Club. On Sept. 2, 1920, he married Elinor Dorothea Dickason of Kansas City, Mo.. She is a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Ma- [ 48] rion Country Club, and Women's Century Club. Mr. and Mrs. Tway are the parents of two children: (1) Dorothea, who was born in Brooklyn. She graduated from Harding High School and attended Ohio Wesleyan University. She married Elton Stewart Norris, of Cleveland, who served four years as captain with the U. S. Marine Corps during World War II. He is now secretary of The Wilson Bohannan Company. Mr. and Mrs. Norris have one daughter, Pamela Stewart Norris. (2) William Dickason Tway, a student at Vernon Heights Junior High School. Mr. and Mrs. Tway's hobbies are the theater, literature and baseball. Mr. Tway is a director of the Marion Baseball Club. SAMUEL FREDERICK WOLFINGER, retired farmer in Marion Township, was born Sept. 5, 1878, on the farm where he now resides north of Marion on the Marion Williamsport Road, the only son of Jacob and Sarah Ann (Blocksom) Wolfinger. Jacob, in 1859, when he was twenty-one years of age, went west to Oregon where he engaged in the gold mining business ten years. In 1869, he returned to his native Ohio with the earnings from the gold he had mined and purchased 188 acres of land in Marion Township. Samuel F. attended township and Marion City schools and has spent most of his life farming on the Wolfinger home farm. On June 22, 1910, Mr. Wolfinger married Harriet Sayler who was born April 14, 1880, in Rensselaer, Ind., daughter of Benjamin L. and Mary Frances (Lynch) Sayler. Her father served as a soldier in the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfinger are members of Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church, Progressive Grange and 7th Degree Grange. JOHN HENRY BARDON was born in Pitt Township, Wyandot County, Aug. 10, 1871. His father, Henry Bardon, came to America from Einseldum, Germany, in 1840 and, after a brief stay in Crawford County, settled in Wyandot County. His mother, Elizabeth (Hazelbacher) Bardon, came to America from Summisvald, Switzerland. Mr. Bardon attended Ohio Northern University and Wooster College. He taught school fifteen years and was superintendent of Morral schools before entering the banking business in Morral in which he remained twenty-eight years. He has owned and operated Morral Clay Co. for some time. Mr. Bardon has been active in the civic affairs of Morral and has served on the school board twenty-four years. He is a member of Morral Methodist Church, Marion Lodge 70 F. & A. M., and all York Rite bodies of Masony. He was a charter member of Morral Lodge of Knights of Pythias and is a fifty-year member of I. O. O. F. On Mar. 31, 1895, Mr. Bardon married Sarah E. Bretz of Little Sandusky, daughter of David and Jane A. (Coon) Bretz, early settlers of Marion and Wyandot counties. Mrs. Bardon attended Ohio Northern University and taught school ten years. She studied art under private teachers and has painted many pictures. She is a member of Morral Methodist Church, Wyandot Chapter O. E. S. at Marseilles (charter member and first Worthy Matron), Pythian Sisters, and W. S. C. S. Mr. and Mrs. Bardon have two daughters: (1) Helen (Bardon) Young,149] [49]